Event Calendar for Manistee and Mason counties — and sometimes beyond. Tell them you saw it in the Freshwater Reporter!
Email event items to us at any time for our online calendar. Our next printed calendar covers May 15-June 25 and the deadline is May 5. Email items to: editor@freshwater-reporter.com. If your event isn’t listed on our calendar, you didn’t email it to us!
ALWAYS check with the venue (call ahead!) before making plans to attend any of these events. Despite our best efforts, errors may occur.
PHOTO by Jason Jarrach, Unsplash
EVENT CALENDAR
Click on the links in GREEN to be taken to the hosting organization’s website or for ticket information.
ONGOING EVENTS (Scroll below for Daily Events)
April 1-30
MSU Science Festival, East Lansing
Celebrate the wonders of STEAM across Michigan. View the schedule: https://sciencefestival.msu.edu/Event/Schedule
April 12-May 10
Student Art Show, Frankfort
All-media artwork by area elementary through high-school students at Oliver Art Center, 132 Coast Guard Rd. Gallery hours are: Tues.-Sat., 10am-4pm, Sun. 12-4pm.
Thru May 31
Spring Art Show, Arcadia
In the Art Gallery at Pleasant Valley Community Center, 3586 Glovers Lake Rd (at 7th).
APRIL DAILY EVENTS
11
Diapers & Donuts, Ludington ***CAR SEAT INSPECTION***
3:30-5:30pm. Drive-through event where families with kids ages 3 and under are invited to receive diapers for the child(ren). Diapers sizes newborn to size 6 available. Car seat safety checks offered on site. West Shore Family Support, 603 E. Tinkham Ave.
Benzonia Academy Lecture Series: “Rosie the Riveter and the WWII Willow Run B-24 Bomber Plant,” Benzonia
4pm. $5 donation appreciated. Outfitted in iconic blue overalls, presenter Claire Kitchin Dahl, a teacher of American History since 1971, will share the incredible history of the Willow Run B-24 Bomber Plant and the teamwork of the mighty Detroit automotive industry, and the vital roles played by women. Their stories, preserved under the auspices of the Veterans’ History Project, add depth and detail to the national narrative, leaving attendees amazed, energized, and inspired. Claire is on the public relations committee of the Yankee Air Museum.
13
The Kenny Rogers Band presents Through the Years, Scottville
2pm & 7:30pm. $30-35. Featuring Don Gatlin & Edgar Struble. Center Stage Theater at West Shore Community College, 3000 N. Stiles Rd. Tickets: www.westshore.edu/performing-arts/
Claudia Schmidt in Concert, Manistee
7pm, $20. Hosted by Spirit of the Woods Music Association. Brown Township Hall, 8233 Coates Hwy.
13-14
Steelhead Fishing Clinic, Cadillac
8-10am, 10am-Noon. $30 includes lunch on Saturday. The Outdoor Skills Academy pro-staff will present various strategies and techniques for chasing Michigan’s “chrome torpedoes.” Feel free to bring your own gear, if possible, or if you’re new to steelheading, some equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Session times will be assigned on Saturday. The Saturday classroom portion of the clinic will be at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, 6087 E. M-115, (a recreation passport is required for entry to Mitchell State Park), then Sunday morning we will show you how to fish and what to look for on the beautiful Manistee River. To register, go to Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses and click on the “Purchase a license” button. Sign in and find the class under the Outdoor Skills Academy tab. For more info, contact Edward Shaw at 231-779-1321 or ShawE@Michigan.gov. Cancellations made any time after processing this reservation until the close of business two weeks prior to your scheduled arrival date will incur a 50% cancellation fee. If you cancel after the two-week deadline, no refund will be issued. Students are entitled to any of the materials purchased for the class after the two-week deadline, except materials that have a shelf life. To receive a refund, you must email ShawE@Michigan.gov with the following in the subject line: “Refund [class name].” A phone call or voice message will not be considered notification. You must email ShawE@Michigan.gov.
14
Soup Luncheon Fundraiser, Kaleva
11am-1pm. Soup sampling by donation. Sale of baked goods. Maple Grove Township Community Center, 9208 Kauko St. Fundraiser for Kaleva Heritage Days.
15
WSCC Wind Symphony & Drumline in concert, Scottville
7:30pm. Free. Manistee High School auditorium, 525 12th St.
18
Near & Farr Friends, Onekama
2:30pm. Free. Topic will be aging in place and available services. Onekama Township Hall, 5435 Main St.
Live in Concert: Kitty Donohoe, Benzonia
7pm. $20 ADV/$25 Door. A Connemara Concert production. At Grow Benzie, 5885 Frankfort Hwy. Donohoe is a singer-songwriter with a tremendous vocal range who has been named by Chicago’s WFMT radio host Rich Warren as one of the top 50 songwriters in the last 50 years. Whether accompanied by her guitar, keyboard or cittern, Donohoe, according to respected folk magazine Sing Out!, is “one of the rare singer-songwriters to sensuously weave words and melody into a strong and mesmerizing fabric.” Her 9/11 song “There Are No Words” won a Michigan EMMY. Tickets are available at Grow Benzie, East Shore Market (Beulah), The Bookstore or Corner Toy Store (Frankfort), and Oryana Food Co-op (Traverse City). For more info, call Seamus Shinners at 231-941-8667. kittydonohoe.com
“Marqueetown”, Frankfort
7pm. $10. New documentary starring dozens of real-life Michigan locations and characters, with a Traverse City-based cast and crew. Film showcases Marquette’s historic Nordic and Delft theaters. This showing at the Garden Theater, 301 Main St., is one stop on a multi-stop tour across the state to benefit 20 arthouses and arts venues where the film is shown. The film is the story of a Michigan resident’s crusade to restore the historic arthouse of his youth. This quest leads the filmmakers “to discover a hidden cinema empire in the Upper Peninsula.” Produced by Kathleen Glynn and Diana Milock. Tickets: gardentheater.org
19
Kickoff Dinner & Awards-Great Lakes Environmental Festival, Manistee
5pm, Happy Hour Meet & Greet. 6pm, Dinner. $40/person, $75/couple. Kick-off dinner for the festival, speakers and presentation of awards held at Blue Fish Kitchen + Bar, 312 River St. Reservations/payment and entrée choices due by April 5 at: glef.us/environmental-dinner.html
11th Annual Purse Auction Fundraiser, Interlochen
5pm: Doors open. 6pm: Auction begins. “Handbags, Chocolates and Totes. Oh, my!” auction. Held at the Fresh Wind Christian Community, 18201 Honor Highway. Proceeds go to Veterans Support, Jail Ministry, and Recovery Ministry.
Presentation by the Sole Survivor of the Railroad Serial Killer, Manistee
6pm. Free. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Attend an in-person presentation by survivor Holly Dunn at the Vogue Theatre, 383 River St., Manistee, sponsored by C.O.V.E. of Ludington. Holly Dunn and her boyfriend were attacked in 1997. Her boyfriend died of his injuries. Dunn was raped, stabbed and left for dead. As a survivor Dunn brings awareness, advocacy and hope to people trying to reclaim their lives after experiencing domestic or sexual violence. C.O.V.E. is Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters. www.callcove.com
The Masked Singer (Local) Fundraiser, Ludington
6-10pm. $60 before April 17. $75 Door, $100 VIP. 6pm Cocktails & Dinner. 7pm Show begins. Held at Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S. Harrison. Fundraiser for Sandcastles Children’s Museum will include local “celebrities” singing while in costume and judges guessing who they are. Attendees will also vote for their favorite contestant. Meet the stars after the show. All tickets include dinner, 1 drink, and a special treat. Cash bar and complimentary non-alcoholic drink choices available. Ludington Area Center for the Arts, Tickets: sandcastleschildrensmuseum.com or at the museum.
Serita’s Black Rose Duo in concert, Manistee
7:30pm. $25. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Tickets: ramsdelltheatre.org
20
Starts National Park Week with fee-free entry on this day. Note that the North Country Scenic Trail is now a recognized unit of the National Park Service.
Stuff the Bus Fundraiser, Ludington
10am-1pm. Fundraiser by the American Legion Auxiliary for Wilwin Lodge, a retreat lodge at Cygnet Cove which serves all veterans by providing a sanctuary for rest and recuperation for disabled combat vets, offering a place for reuniting and reconnecting families after military deployments, and providing therapeutic and recreational activities aiding the healing process for PTSD and traumatic brain injury patients. Bring paper towels, toilet paper, facial tissues in square boxes, paper plates, dryer sheets, kitchen towels (not white), large totes, garbage bags of all sizes, birdseed and flower seeds to the American Legion Post 76, back parking lot, 318 N. James St. You can bring items to the bus or volunteers will meet you and your car for your donated items.
Great Lakes Environmental Festival, Manistee
10am-6pm. Free. Events for Earth Day include presenters who are experts in their fields, an “expo” of businesses and organizations, vendors, demos, electric car display, info, student posters & films, forums & more. Manistee High School, 525 12th St. Children’s film, 10am, Vogue Theatre, 383 River St. Info: glef.us
AFFEW’s 34th Annual Earth Day Event, Ludington
10am-4:30pm. Free. Workshops, presentations, and exhibits designed to educate and inspire attendees at the United Methodist Church, 5810 E. Bryant Rd. Info: affew.org (A Few Friends for the Environment of the World)
Presentation by the Sole Survivor of the Railroad Serial Killer, Ludington
12pm. Free. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Attend an in-person presentation by survivor Holly Dunn at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 101 S. Harrison, sponsored by C.O.V.E. of Ludington. Holly Dunn and her boyfriend were attacked in 1997. Her boyfriend died of his injuries. Dunn was raped, stabbed and left for dead. As a survivor she brings awareness, advocacy and hope to people trying to reclaim their lives after experiencing domestic or sexual violence. C.O.V.E. is Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters. www.callcove.com
Metropolitan Opera Live/Encore in HD presents La Rondine (Puccini), Manistee
1pm. $15-$25. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Tickets: ramsdelltheatre.org
Love Out Loud Community Block Party, Ludington
4-6pm. Free activities, giveaways, hotdogs/tacos. Sponsored by Living Word Church. Rotary Park, 500 W. Ludington Ave.
22
Restaurant Week, Ludington
4/22-4/28. Meal deals at participating restaurants. $10 breakfast and lunch specials. Two for $35 dinner specials. Details to follow. Sponsored by Downtown Ludington.
23
WSCC Concert Choir Performance, Scottville
7:30pm. Free. Center Stage Theater at West Shore Community College, 3000 N. Stiles Rd.
26
Arbor Day. This year’s theme is “Creating a Greener Future.”
Pictionary Olympics, Manistee
7pm. Blue Fish Kitchen & Bar, 312 River St. Fun competition with local celebrity guests. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters. To register, go to: lvwmanisteecounty.org or email dandlalbee@gmail.com
Manistee Civic Players present the musical “Don’t Hug Me”, Manistee
Fri., 4/26 & Sat., 4/27 at 7:30pm. Sun, 4/28 at 2pm. Cost TBD. A love story with singing and stuff. “Don’t Hug Me” takes place in Bunyan Bay, Minnesota. Cantankerous bar owner Gunner Johnson wants to sell the business and move to Florida. Clara, his wife and former Winter Carnival Bunyan Queen, wants to stay. Bernice Lundstrom, the pretty waitress, wants to pursue a singing career. Her fiance, Kanute Gunderson, wants her to stay home. It’s a battle of wills, and when a fast-talking salesman, Aarvid Gisselsen, promises to bring romance into their lives through the “magic” of karaoke, mayhem ensues. Showing at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Tickets: ramsdelltheatre.org
27
Trout Opener Celebration, Wellston
7am-8pm. 30% off store deals begin 7am at Manistee River Lodge. 5-8pm, Party on the grounds with a casting contest on the pond, grilling, open cooler with drinks, raffles, fire pit and general hanging out. More details to follow. Located at 918 Seaman Rd. Find out more at: https://manisteeriverlodge.com/
Mom 2 Mom Sale, Ludington
8am-12pm. $2 entry fee (under age 12 free). Sale of gently used baby/kids’ items, spring & summer clothing, toys, books, & more. Cornerstone Baptist Church,121 Nelson Rd.
Flea & Craft Fair, Brethren
9am-3pm. Variety of crafts, bake sale, jewelry, Avon, concessions with soft drinks, sloppy joes, walking tacos and more. Held at Brethren High School, 4400 Highbridge Rd. Interested in becoming a vendor? Call or text Nikki Estes: 231-510-0376.
Lake Jump, Ludington
Registration at 10:30am, Lake Jump at 11am. Participants raise money for a new organization each year and jump into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan. Stearns Park, 950 W. Ludington Ave. Register here: Lake Jump
The Special Consensus in concert, Ludington
Doors 6pm, concert 7pm. $25 ADV, $30 Door. Grammy nominated bluegrass band. Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S. Harrison St.
28
Breakfast Buffet by Moose Lodge 1128 and WOTM Chapter, Manistee
8:30am-12 Noon. $10 per person. To-go pack: $1 extra. Scrambled eggs, western eggs, home fries, sausage links, sweet cream pancakes, potato pancakes, buttermilk French toast, sausage gravy and biscuits, fruit salad, cinnamon rolls, orange juice, milk & coffee.
Ecstatic Dance, Benzonia
10am-12pm. Dances are free. Donations welcomed. Mills Community House, 891 Michigan Ave. (US-31).
MAY DAILY EVENTS
2
Near & Farr Friends, Onekama
2:30pm. Free. Discussion of the 2022 Newberry award-winning book “Free Water” by Amina Luqman-Dawson, as part of Onekama Reads. Onekama Township Hall, 5435 Main St.
3-5
Manistee Civic Players present the musical “Don’t Hug Me”, Manistee
Fri., 5/3 & Sat., 5/4 at 7:30pm. Sunday, 5/5, at 2pm. Cost TBD. A love story with singin’ and stuff. “Don’t Hug Me” takes place in Bunyan Bay, Minnesota. Cantankerous bar owner Gunner Johnson wants to sell the business and move to Florida. Clara, his wife and former Winter Carnival Bunyan Queen, wants to stay. Bernice Lundstrom, the pretty waitress, wants to pursue a singing career. Her fiance, Kanute Gunderson, wants her to stay home. It’s a battle of wills, and when a fast-talking salesman, Aarvid Gisselsen, promises to bring romance into their lives through the “magic” of karaoke, all heck breaks loose!Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Tickets: ramsdelltheatre.org
4
Small Boat, Big Fish Tournament, Manistee
6:30am-12 Noon. $50 per boat entry fee. This is a big fish tournament in Lake Michigan for boats sized from 14’-23’ in length from the port of Manistee. Guaranteed $1,000 1st place prize. One person on the boat MUST be a member of the MCSFA. Register online @ www.mcsfa.org or in person at the captains’ meeting from 6-6:30pm Friday, May 3rd @ Insta Launch Campground and Marina, 20 Park Avenue, in Manistee
5
Live concert with the Earthwork Music Collective, Ludington
4pm. $30 ADV, $35 Door. At Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S. Harrison. Earthwork Music is a collective steward of community, collaboration and creativity. Featuring musicians/singer-songwriters: Elisabeth Pixley-Fink, Ben Traverse, Amber Hasan, Nicholas James Thomasma, Dede Alder, Chris Good, Sari Brown, Josh Holcomb, Samantha Cooper, Ralston Bowles, Sarah Cohen, Vince Russo, Audra Kubat, Mark Lavengood, Joe Reilly, Gregory Stovetop, The Antivillains, Mike Savina, Jordan Hamilton, Graham Parsons and Seth Bernard. Tickets at www.ludingtonartscenter.org or in LACA’s art shop during normal business hours. In addition to the sale of sodas and snacks, LACA will also have a cash bar.
6-12
Frankfort-Elberta Restaurant Week
$25-$35 Lunch and Dinner specials. Find participating restaurants and Info at: frankfortelbertarestaurantweek.com.
Other non-dining activities happening, too.
7
Power in our Partnerships, Interlochen
8:30am-3:30pm. At the Mallory-Towsley Center for Arts Leadership at Interlochen Center for the Arts. About Connections, Capacity, Communications and Champions. Sponsored by the Northwest Michigan Arts & Culture Network. For more info, go to: nwmiarts.org
10
Blue and Gold Gala by the Onekama Athletic Boosters, Onekama
6pm. $60 per person. A night of FUNdraising. Dress up in your blue and gold for a celebration at Portage Point Resort in Onekama. Dance, enjoy delicious food, and mingle with other guests. Tickets HERE
11
Rats ‘n Rods Car Show, Manistee
8:30am-3pm. Manistee Senior Center, 260 St. Mary Pkwy. Info: 231.723.9696.
Metropolitan Opera Live/Encore in HD presents Madama Butterfly (Puccini), Manistee
1pm. $15-$25. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Tickets: ramsdelltheatre.org
Celebrating Meat Loaf with The Neverland Express & Caleb Johnson, Manistee
8-10:30pm, $20-50. Little River Casino Resort, 2700 Orchard Hwy. Tickets: lrcr.com
18
Annual Gala at the Ramsdell, Manistee
5pm. $125 per ticket. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is the theme. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, sweet and savory bites and an array of decadent desserts. This year, all drinks are covered in the price of the ticket. Entertainment will be provided throughout the evening, featuring pianist Carrie Selbee and a special performance from the Old Town Playhouse Young Company. A live auction will take place at dessert time. Tickets available HERE. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is located at 101 Maple St.
19
Pancake Breakfast, Kaleva
9-11am. At Kaleva Lions Club, 14361 W. Nine Mile Rd. Fundraiser for Kaleva Heritage Days.
25
Live music: Adam Joynt Band, Cadillac
7-11pm. Coyote Crossing Music Series, 8593 S. 13 Rd. Tickets: https://app.showslinger.com/e/Adam-Joynt-Band
26
Wild Mushroom Clinic, Cadillac
10am. $55 includes lunch. Learn how to identify various Michigan wild mushrooms, as well as proper handling techniques for transport, cleaning, consumption (including some sampling) and home preservation. Hosted by the Dept. of Natural Resources and offered by enthusiasts Jill and Aaron Grenchikat the Carl T. Johnson Center, 6087 E. M-115. A recreation passport is required for entry to the park (Mitchell State Park). To register for class, go to https://www.mdnr-elicense.com/and click on “Licenses.” Sign in and find the class listed in the Outdoor Skills Academy tab. For more information contact Edward Shaw at 231-779-1321 or ShawE@Michigan.gov. Cancellations must be made two weeks in advance of the class to receive a refund. Use Shaw’s email address and type “Refund Mushroom Clinic” in the subject line.