Events of Note

Please Note: Due to the Covid–19 virus, some of these events may have been cancelled after press time. Please check with the venue and organizations for up–to–date information.

PERFORMING ARTS

THEATER

Plays The Thanksgiving Play — A satire about teaching artists who scramble to create a pageant to celebrate both Thanksgiving Day and Native American Heritage Month, 7:30 p.m., Nov. 3–5, 2 p.m. Nov. 6, Williams Theatre, WMU, 387–6222, wmich.edu/theatre. Othello — William Shakespeare’s play about passion, jealousy and race, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3–5, 2 p.m. Nov. 6, Festival Playhouse, Light Fine Arts Building, Kalamazoo College, festivalplayhouse.kzoo.edu. Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic — A new perspective on a familiar adventure of three potential heroes trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be dangerous for children, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 & 18, 1 p.m. Nov. 12 & 19, 4 p.m. Nov. 12 & 19, 2 p.m. Nov. 13 & 20, Parish Theatre, 405 W. Lovell St., 343–1313, kazoocivic.com.

Our Voices — A theater program with high school students in collaboration with Black and Brown Theatre in Detroit, Nov. 11–13, Face Off Theatre Company, Dormouse Theatre, 1030 Portage St., faceofftheatre.com. Musicals

Disney’s Frozen Jr. — Musical expanding upon the emotional journey between Anna and Elsa, 7 p.m. Nov. 4–5, 2 p.m. Nov. 5–6, Center Stage Theatre, Comstock Community Auditorium, 2107 N. 26th St., kzoocst.com. Hairspray — The Broadway comedy about Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore setting out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 & 5, 2 p.m. Nov. 5, Miller Auditorium, WMU, millerauditorium.com. Pippin — A prince learns the true meaning of glory, love and war in a journey to be extraordinary, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11–12 & 17–19, 2 p.m. Nov. 13 & 20, Shaw Theatre, WMU, 387-6222, wmich.edu/theatre. A Swinging Christmas — The holiday music of Tony Bennett is featured in this show created and directed by David Grapes, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17–19, 25, 26, Dec. 1–3 & 8–10 and 2 p.m. Nov. 20, 27, Dec. 4 & 11, Farmers Alley Theatre, 221 Farmers Alley, 343–2727, farmersalleytheatre.com. A Christmas Carol: Being A Ghost Story of Christmas — An adaptation by Ted Kistler of the classic Dickens' story, 8 p.m. Nov. 18–19, 25, Dec. 2, 9–10, 15–17, 21–22, 2 p.m. Nov. 26, Dec. 3–4, 11 & 18, New Vic Theatre, 134 E. Vine St., 381-3328, thenewvictheatre.org. Other

Susanna’s Secret and Doctor Miracle — Presented by WMU Opera, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 & 12, Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU, wmich.edu/music/events. DANCE 18–20, Wellspring Theater, 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, wellspringdance.org. Winter Concert — Presented by Western Michigan University Department of Dance, noon, Nov. 18, Dalton Center, Multimedia Room, WMU, wmich.edu/dance/ events.

Ballet Arts Ensemble Fall Concert & Dinner — Accompanied by the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, 2 & 7 p.m. Nov. 19, Chenery Auditorium, 714 S. Westnedge Ave., BAETickets.org. MUSIC

Bands & Solo Artists

Joanne Shaw Taylor — Singer-songwriter playing the blues, 8 p.m. Nov. 2, State Theatre, 404 S. Burdick St., kazoostate.com.

Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Concerts — Black Joe Lewis & Cedric Burnside, Nov. 2; Zoso, Nov. 3; That Arena Rock Show, Nov. 12; all shows begin at 8 p.m., 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., 382–2332, bellsbeer.com. Billy Strings —The Grammy Award-winning bluegrass guitarist performs, 8 p.m. Nov. 3, Wings Event Center, 3600 Vanrick Drive, wingseventcenter.com/events. Cheap Trick — The 1970s rock band with Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5, State Theatre, kazoostate.com.

Kait Rose — Americana music, 2–3 p.m. Nov. 13, Parchment Community Library, 401 S. Riverview Drive, 343-7747, parchmentlibrary.org. Loaves & Fishes Benefit Concert — Sponsored by K’zoo Folklife Organization, with performances by The Luke Lenhard Band, Dana Scott, Mall City Harmonizers, Out of Favor Boys, Schlitz Creek and Shirley Kime, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 19, Trinity Lutheran Church, 504 S. Westnedge Ave. An Unusual Evening with Aaron James Wright — The singer-songwriter performs original songs, from pop to rock to country, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 23, Crawlspace Theatre, 315 W. Michigan Ave., crawlspacecomedy.com. Greensky Bluegrass — Kalamazoo's nationally recognized bluegrass band returns, 8:30 p.m. Nov. 25 & 26, State Theatre, kazoostate.com. Orchestra, Chamber, Jazz, Vocal & More Western Winds — Woodwind instrumental group, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 1, Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU, 387–2300. Keith Hall Jazz Trio — Release of Hall’s album Made in Kalamazoo, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2, Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU, with pre-concert talk at 7 p.m., wmich.edu/music/ events.

Cory Mixdorf — Trombonist performs a guest recital, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3, Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU, wmich. edu/music/events. Tony Romano — Guitarist performs a guest recital, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3, Dalton Center Lecture Hall, WMU, wmich.edu/ music/events. Gold Company Sneak Preview — WMU’s vocal jazz ensembles Gold Company and Gold Company II perform, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4, Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU, wmich.edu/music/events. Saturdays with Stulberg — Online weekly recitals: 2020 Silver Medalist Yeyeong Jin, Nov. 5; 2016 Gold Medalist Daniel Hass, Nov. 12; 2013 Silver Medalist Ariel Horowitz, Nov. 19; all shows begin at 10:30 a.m., stulberg.org. Bruckner: An Epic Symphony — The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra performs Florence Price’s Ethiopia's Shadow in America and Anton Bruckner’s Symphony No. 4, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12, Miller Auditorium, WMU, kalamazoosymphony.com. University Symphony Orchestra — Conducted by Bruce Uchimura, 3 p.m. Nov. 13, Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU, wmich.edu/music/events. Danae Dörken — German-Greek pianist performs as part of the Gilmore Rising Stars Series, 4 p.m. Nov. 13, Wellspring Theater, 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, with virtual and in-person tickets available, 342–1166, thegilmore.org. Angeline Kiang — The 2022 Stulberg Bronze Medalist performs with the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra, 4 p.m. Nov. 13, Chenery Auditorium, 714 S. Westnedge Ave., 349–7557, stulberg.org. Tapestry — Vocal ensemble featuring medieval and traditional music presented by the Connecting Chords Music Festival, 4 p.m. Nov. 13, Portage Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 7028 Oakland Drive, www.mfsm.us. American Patchwork Quartet — Performing American folk songs highlighting America's immigrant roots, presented by the Connecting Chords Music Festival, 7 p.m. Nov. 16, Stetson Chapel, Kalamazoo College, mfsm.us. Jazz in the Crawlspace — International musician Dana Hall performs with a quartet of sax, piano and bass, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17, Crawlspace Theatre, 315 W. Michigan Ave., crawlspacecomedy.com. Annual Big Band Swing Concert — University Jazz Orchestra and University Jazz Lab Band, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18, Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU, wmich.edu/music/events. Jason Max Ferdinand Singers — A 28-member vocal ensemble, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19, First Congregational Church, 345 W. Michigan Ave., kalamazoobachfestival.org. University Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band — 3 p.m. Nov. 20, Miller Auditorium, WMU, wmich.edu/music/events. Alla Boara — Ensemble performing Italian folk music presented by the Connecting Chords Music Festival, 4 p.m. Nov. 20, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1747 W. Milham Ave., mfsm.us. Brian KM — A guest recital featuring horn and electronics, 6 p.m. Nov. 21, Dalton Center Lecture Hall, WMU, wmich. edu/music/events. Peter Steiner — Trombonist performs a guest recital, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21, Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU, wmich.edu/ music/events. University Percussion Ensemble — 7:30 p.m. Nov. 22, Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU, wmich.edu/music/ events.

Messiah Sing — The annual collaboration of the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music, First Congregational Church and the Kalamazoo Bach Festival, featuring a chamber orchestra of musicians and soloists and a chance to sing along or just listen, 4 p.m. Nov. 27, First Congregational Church, online viewing available, kalamazoobachfestival.org. Jazz Combo Student Showcase — 5 p.m. Nov. 28, Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU, wmich.edu/music/events. Student Recital — Featuring student composers, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29, Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU, wmich. edu/music/events. Meridian Arts Ensemble — A brass ensemble, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30, Dalton Center Recital Hall, WMU, with preconcert talk at 7 p.m., wmich.edu/music/events. COMEDY

One in Three — Through a sketch-comedy lens, Dormouse Theatre Troupe explores themes of reproductive and women’s rights, 7–9 p.m. Nov. 4 & 5, Dormouse Theatre, 1030 Portage Road, dormousetheatre.com.

Kalamazoo Improv Festival — Ten comedy teams from the Midwest compete, Nov. 10–12, Crawlspace Theatre, 315 W. Michigan Ave., crawlspacecomedy.com. Whose Live Anyway?— An improv comedy team from the show Whose Line is It Anyway?, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13, State Theatre, 404 S. Burdick St., kazoostate.com. VISUAL ARTS

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts 314 S. Park St., 349-7775, kiarts.org Exhibitions

Unmasking Masculinity for the 21st Century — How artists use tradition, contemporary practice and performance to explore the construction of masculinity in North America, through Dec. 29. Unveiling American Genius — Abstract and contemporary works from the KIA’s permanent collection, emphasizing stories that African American, Latino and other artists have told, through December. Captive Beauties: Depictions of Women in Late Imperial China — How artists have depicted the lives and duties of these women, Oct. 25–Jan. 15. What Is Going on in This Picture? — Explores Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) to analyze artworks, stories, billboards, and more, through April 1. Events

Kirk Newman Art School Holiday Art Sale — Featuring works by students and faculty, 5–8 p.m. Nov. 17, members only; 5–8 p.m. Nov. 18, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Nov. 19, open to the public. Kalamazoo Art League Lecture Series — Tuliza Fleming, interim chief curator of visual arts at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, will speak, 10 a.m. Nov. 19. Richmond Center for Visual Arts Western Michigan University, 387-2436, wmich.edu/art We've Only Just Begun: Celebrating a Century of Collecting Art at Western Michigan University — More than 80 works from the WMU Art Collection, through Nov. 19. Other Venues

Art Hop — This month’s Art Hop theme is The Next Generation of Artistic Talent, 5–8 p.m. Nov. 4, downtown Kalamazoo, 342–5059, kalamazooarts.org. Paul Robbert — Works on display by the late printmaker and co-founder of the Kalamazoo Book Arts Center, Nov. 11–23, with reception from 5:30–7 p.m. Nov. 11, kalbookarts.org. Ben Blount: Present Perfect— A display of his work and passion for print and design, through Nov. 23, Kalamazoo Book Arts Center, 326 W. Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 103A, 373–4938, kalbookarts.org. LIBRARY & LITERARY EVENTS

Comstock Township Library 6130 King Highway, 345-0136, comstocklibrary.org Scrabble Tournament — A tournament with prizes, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Nov. 5; registration required. Tea 101 — Polly Kragt from Chocolatea will speak about all things tea, 6–7:30 p.m. Nov. 9; registration required. Adult Book Club — 1:30–2:30 p.m. Nov. 10. Holiday Portrait Session — Families can register for a 15-minute time slot with a professional photographer, 4–5:45 p.m. Nov. 18 & 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Nov. 19; registration required. Family Game Cafe — Learn and play role-playing and board games, 6–7:30 p.m. Nov. 21. Adult Book Club — Discussion of Darius the Great is Not Okay, by Adib Khorram, 5:30–7 p.m. Nov. 30; registration required. Kalamazoo Public Library 553-7800, kpl.gov NaNoWriMo Writing Kits — A writing workshop for all ages using prompts, , 4–5 p.m. Nov. 1, Oshtemo Branch, 7265 W. Main St., with additional meetings through the month of November.

KPL Mobile Library: Family Literacy Day — Harvest Fest, 4:30–6:30 p.m. Nov. 2, Kalamazoo Literacy Council, 420 E. Alcott St.

45th Annual Mary Calletto Rife Youth Literature Seminar — Online event featuring authors Kyle Lukoff, Ruth Forman and Ruta Sepetys, 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Nov. 4; registration required. Page Turners Book Club — Discussion of Fuzz, by Mary Roach, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Nov. 7, Oshtemo Branch; registration required. Reading Race Group — Discussion of Firekeeper’s Daughter, by Angeline Boulley, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 8, Central Library, 315 S. Rose St. 20th Annual Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee — Teams compete to raise funds for Ready to Read, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Nov. 9, WMU’s Fetzer Center, 2251 Business Court; sign up in advance on the library’s website to compete or be a sponsor. KPL Mobile Library — 10–11:30 a.m. Nov. 11 and 3–4:30 p.m. Nov. 22, Texas Township Hall, 7110 West Q Ave. Music and Memories — Music therapist Caitlyn Bodine plays songs and discusses the social and emotional wellness of older adults, especially those experiencing dementia and memory loss, 11 a.m.–noon Nov. 14, Oshtemo Branch.

A History of the Oshtemo Branch Library — Learn about the nearly 60-year history of the first of the library branches in Kalamazoo, 6–7:30 p.m. Nov. 15, Oshtemo Branch.

Classics Revisited — Discussion of Democracy in America, Volume 1, by Alexis de Tocqueville, 2:30 p.m. Nov. 17, Central Library and online via Zoom. Urban Fiction Book Club — Discussion of Jilted, by Niko Michelle, 6 p.m. Nov. 29, Alma Powell Branch, 1000 W. Paterson St.

Parchment Community Library 401 S. Riverview Drive, 343-7747, parchmentlibrary.org Parchment Book Group — Discussion of Jacob T. Marley, by R. William Bennett, 6 p.m. Nov. 14. Ryan Steck – Talk by the author of the Matthew Redd thriller series, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 15. Book Sale — 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Nov. 19, with early-bird admission at 8 a.m., $2. Portage District Library 300 Library Lane, 329-4544, portagelibrary.info Muffins and the Market — Librarian Warren Fritz discusses recent market trends, 9 a.m. Nov. 3 & 17. Star Wars and the Decline of Democracy — A discussion comparing the Star Wars movie series to current events and history, 7 p.m. Nov. 8. International Mystery Book Discussion — Discussion of The Missing American, by Kwei Quartey, 7 p.m. Nov. 10. Documentary and Donuts — Viewing of the film Young Lakota, 10 a.m.–noon Nov. 11. Saturday Sound Immersion — Wind Willow Consortium members play instruments for relaxation and a well-being experience, 10 a.m. Nov. 12; registration required. Plots and Pages: A Local Writers Group — Author Mark Love discusses the craft of writing, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 14. Open for Discussion — Discussion of The Maid, by Nita Prose, 10:30 a.m. Nov. 15. Cookies and Conversation: Heartwarming Reads Book Club — Discussion of The Guncle, by Steven Rowley, 2 p.m. Nov. 16.

Michigan Author Talk — George D. Jepson, author of Crash Boat, will speak, 7 p.m. Nov. 16. Get Real Nonfiction Book Discussion — Discussion of American Cheese: An Indulgent Odyssey Through the Artisan Cheese World, by Joe Berkowitz, 10:30 a.m. Nov. 21.

Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society — Open to anyone interested in genealogy, 5 p.m. Nov. 21. Book Tasting — Bring your lunch and sip tea or coffee while exploring audiobooks, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Nov. 23. Richland Community Library 8951 Park St., 629-9085, richlandlibrary.org Bridge Club — Noon–3 p.m. Tuesdays. Books and Crafts — Floral garland inspired by the Language of Flowers, by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, 10:30 a.m. Nov. 2; registration required. Memoir: Poetry & Prose — Talk by writers Elizabeth Kerlikowske and Jennifer Clark, 7 p.m. Nov. 3. Classics Film Club — Discussion of To Kill a Mockingbird, 7 p.m. Nov. 9. Richland Area Writers' Group — Open to new members, 10 a.m.–noon Nov. 12 & 26, in person and via Zoom. Richland Genealogy Group — Roundtable discussion group, 10 a.m.–noon Nov. 17, in person and via Zoom. Books with Friends Book Club — Discussion of The Lincoln Highway, by Amor Towles, 7 p.m. Nov. 17, 10:30 a.m. Nov. 18.

Other Venues

Poets in Print — Lauren Camp and Su Cho read from their works, Nov. 12, online via Zoom, 373-4938, kalbookarts.org. MUSEUMS

Kalamazoo Valley Museum 230 N. Rose St., 373-7990, kalamazoomuseum.org A HeLa Story: Mother of Modern Medicine — An exhibit telling the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose unique cells led to medical breakthroughs, through Feb. 27. Wonder Media: Ask the Questions! — This interactive exhibition tests visitors’ literacy skills and shows how to discern misinformation and disinformation in the media, through 2023. NATURE

Kalamazoo Nature Center 7000 N. Westnedge Ave., 381-1574, naturecenter.org Conservation Education Series — Discussion on how to create a bird-friendly home, 11 a.m. Nov. 5; registration required.

Behind the Scenes of Animal Care — How the KNC keeps its animal ambassadors healthy and content, 10–11:30 a.m. Nov. 19; registration required. Returning and Reskilling Series — Learn how to use a variety of natural materials to build shelters to provide protection through the night, 2–3 p.m. Nov. 19, DeLano Greenhouse, 555 West E Ave.; registration required. Coffee, Donuts and Conservation Talks with Rufous — Learn about problems birds face day-to-day and get to know the KNC’s Eastern screech owl, Rufous, 10–11 a.m. Nov. 26; registration required. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary 12685 East C Ave., Augusta, 671-2510, birdsanctuary@ kbs.msu.edu

Fall Migration Celebration — Celebrate the fall waterfowl migration, with experts on hand to ask questions and identify waterfowl, live birds of prey presentation, crafts, games and more, 1–4 p.m. Nov. 6. Birds and Coffee Chat Online — Grab your morning beverage and learn about swans, 10 a.m. Nov. 9; registration required. Guided Bird Hike — Join sanctuary staff for a guided morning birding hike on the grounds, 9–10:30 a.m. Nov. 19.

Other Venues

Kalamazoo Astronomical Society General Meeting and Speaker — Larry Molnar will speak on The Backstory of Contact Binary Stars, 7–9:10 p.m. Nov. 4, Kalamazoo Area Math & Science Center, 600 W. Vine St., Room 400; register for in-person or online viewing at kasonline.org. Slithering with Snakes — Meet and greet ambassador snakes and discuss the importance of amphibians in the ecosystem, 10 a.m. Nov. 5, Schrier Park, portagemi.gov. Ranger Hike: Fall Colors — Take in the autumn colors of trees and learn how trees prepare for winter, 2 p.m. Nov. 6, Portage Creek Bicentennial Park, portagemi.gov. Kalamazoo Astronomical Society Online Viewing — Enjoy the wonder of the universe through the “eyes” of the KAS Remote Telescope, located in southeastern Arizona, 8:30–10:30 p.m. Nov. 19, cloud date Nov. 26; register online at kasonline.org. MISCELLANEOUS

Kalamazoo Farmers Market — Featuring over 100 businesses weekly, 7 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturdays, through Nov. 19, 1204 Bank St., pfcmarkets.com. Harvest Market — Over 100 booths with unique vendors from across Michigan, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Nov. 5, Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 2900 Lake St., 903–5820. Kalamazoo Numismatic Club Annual Fall Coin Show — Buy, sell and trade coins, paper money and memorabilia, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Nov. 5, Kalamazoo County Expo Center, North Room, 491-0962. Kalamazoo Reptile & Exotic Pet Expo — Buy, sell or trade a variety of reptiles, amphibians, small mammals and other exotic pets, plus supplies & food, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Nov. 5, Kalamazoo County Expo Center, kalamazooreptileexpo.com. West Michigan Harvest Cluster Dog Show — More than 140 AKC recognized breeds compete in this event, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Nov. 10, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Nov. 11–14, Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 616–600–1578. Australia’s Thunder from Down Under — Male dancers perform, 8 p.m. Nov. 11, State Theatre, 404 S. Burdick St., kazoostate.com.

Kalamazoo Beer Cup: Bourbon-Barrel-Aged Stouts — A craft-style beer competition for Kalamazoo-area breweries, with blind tasting by the public, 6:30–8 p.m. Nov. 17, Kalamazoo Beer Exchange, 211 E. Water St.., westmichiganbeertours.com/tour. WMU Turkey Trot 5K — 5K run and walk, 8:30–11:30 a.m. Nov. 19, beginning at Student Recreation Center, WMU, trisignup.com; virtual option available. Fine Arts Sale and Holiday Bazaar — Featuring local artists and vendors and baked goods, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Nov. 19, People's Church, 1758 N. 10th St., peopleschurch.net. Holiday Craft Show — 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Nov. 19, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Nov. 20, Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 903–5820. Kalamazoo Holiday Parade — Marching bands, holidaythemed floats and giant balloons, 11 a.m. Nov. 19, downtown Kalamazoo, kalamazooholidayparade.org. Tree Lighting Ceremony — Festivities planned for 5–7 p.m., with lighting at approximately 6 p.m. Nov. 25, Bronson Park, kzooparks.org. Holiday Walk and Market — Handcrafted gifts sold by local artists and artisans, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Nov. 25, 26, Dec. 3, 10 & 17, Kellogg Manor House, 3700 E. Gull Lake Drive, Hickory Corners, 269–671–2160. Kalamazoo Antique Toy Show — Antique, vintage and collectible toys, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Nov. 26, Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 366–1314.

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Arborist Services of Kalamazoo ......................6

Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo ..................18

Ballet Arts Ensemble...............................40

Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes .....................4

The Cheese Lady ..................................35

Connecting Chords Music Festival...................33

Cornerstone Technologies ..........................36

Dave’s Glass ......................................29

DeMent and Marquardt, PLC.........................5

Farmers Alley Theatre..............................43

Fence & Garden...................................21

First National Bank .................................6

Gerald R Ford International Airport..................15

Halls Closets & More ..............................35

Heritage Community of Kalamazoo – Revel Creek ......3

Kalamazoo Bach Festival ...........................27

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport .........44

Kalamazoo Civic Theatre ...........................35

Kalamazoo Community Foundation ..................2

Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra ....................36

Kalamazoo Valley Community College Foundation......4

Lewis Reed & Allen, PC.............................43

LVM Capital Management ...........................9

Milestone Senior Services ..........................43

The Park Club .....................................20

Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services . . . . . . . . . . .41

Portage Printing ..................................40

Public Media Network .............................14

Ray Financial Group ............................... 11

Shkodé Chophouse ................................27

Trust Shield Insurance Group ........................4

Tujax Tavern & Brewpub ...........................27

Vandenberg Furniture..............................21

Willis Law ........................................19

Brad Wong (continued from page 42)

if you wanted to then try a band instrument, you could do that. My brother was a year older, and he was playing saxophone. I remember going to a school assembly and seeing him in the band playing "Jingle Bells," which I thought was the greatest thing I ever heard. I didn't find out until later that they weren't even playing an arrangement. They were all just playing the melody. But, to me, part of it was my brother, and part of it was hearing live instruments.

When it became my turn to select an instrument, of course I wanted to do saxophone, because that's what he did. And he said, “No, we already have a saxophone at home. Why don't you do clarinet?”

When I said I wanted the clarinet, they screened me to make sure my mouth and hands and everything would work for that. And it just turns out that it fit. It just was natural to me. The teacher would send notes home to my parents saying, “Brad is doing great. He should take private lessons.”

I played my first solo in sixth grade for a community meeting, and I was hooked. I knew that music was what I wanted to do. Even though we didn’t have a strong music program in our schools, they did sponsor students to go to Interlochen Center for the Arts for various summer camps. I went to the two-week program, which led to me going to the eight-week program. That led me to doing my last two years of high school at the Interlochen Arts Academy, and that led me to the University of Michigan as a clarinet major. How did you end up in Kalamazoo?

I finished my bachelor’s degree and was looking for a graduate program. One of U of M’s two clarinet teachers had passed away, and they hired David Shifrin to replace her. I remember his audition. He started playing a baroque transcription because there are not original baroque pieces for the clarinet. His total approach to the clarinet was so different than 99 percent of the people out there. It was gorgeous, so I stayed to work with him and finished in a year.

I moved to Detroit and was playing in an orchestra that acted as the resident orchestra for the Michigan Opera Theater. I joined a wind quintet, and we went on a tour of Italy and did a year residency in the Dominican Republic. In 1983, I got a job as a professor of music at WMU, which felt like the next step for me. Coming to Kalamazoo, I had no idea how long I would stay. It didn’t take long for me to discover that it was the perfect school of music for me to be affiliated with. It just had the right feel. What plans do you have for Fontana?

David (Baldwin) had so many international connections that he could bring in world-class artists, which was amazing for Kalamazoo. I don’t have those connections, but what I felt like I could bring was to engage more in the community.

Beyond just presenting world-class chamber music, what can we do to enrich the community beyond that?

It's been my mission to get back to Fontana's roots of presenting local performers more in the community. I don't want to diminish the level of concerts that Fontana is currently presenting, but I am looking for opportunities to hire local musicians to get them to play for Art Hop or in senior facilities and schools and things like that.

There's also a group of arts organizations that want to bring back the Bravo competition, where local students play for jurors and can then be selected to play in a concert. The competition ended because of the pandemic, and my hope is that it could be a good outreach initiative that can live at Fontana, so stay tuned.

— Interview by Marie Lee, edited for length and clarity

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