Events of Note

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

PERFORMING ARTS THEATER Plays Almost, Maine — Nine loosely connected stories explore love and loss in a remote, mythical town in this play by John Cariana, livestreamed performances, 7:30 p.m. May 1, 5 & 6; 2 p.m. May 2, kazoocivic.com. Robin Hood and the Heroes of Sherwood Forest — A fresh adaptation of the well-known story combines characters and elements from several medieval texts and gives them a modern twist, livestreamed performances, 7:30 p.m. May 2, 2 p.m. May 15 & 16, kazoocivic.com. Water by the Spoonful — A moderator for an online addiction support group battles her own addiction while trying to keep her family together, May 20-23, Nelda K. Balch Playhouse, 129 Thompson St.; show times and ticket information at festivalplayhouse. kzoo.edu. I Am Grace — Face Off Theatre presents this play by local playwright Vickie G. Hampton about forgiveness and redemption as seen through the eyes of the Lloyd family, a Black family in the 1940s dealing with the aftermath of a violent event, 7:30 p.m. May 21 & 22, 2 p.m. May 23, Dormouse Theatre, 1030 Portage St., faceofftheatre.com. MUSIC Bands & Solo Artists State on the Street — Outdoor concert events at 5 p.m. Fridays, with music starting at 5:30: Blue Veins, May 7; Jazz & Creative Institute’s Student Large & Small Ensembles, May 14; Minny Niiche with special guest Charlie Mench, May 21; outside Kalamazoo State Theatre, 404 S. Burdick, kazoostate.com. Satsang — Montana-based quartet offers a soulful reggae-infused blend of music and poetry with a message of strength, growth and resilience, 8 p.m. May 13, Bell’s Eccentric Café; tickets at bellsbeer.com. Gun Lake Live Summer Series Kickoff — Lakefront concerts through the summer on Wednesday nights, with Brena kicking off the season, 5–10 p.m. May 26, Lakefront Pavillion, Bay Pointe Inn, 11456 Marsh Road, Shelbyville, 888-486-5253. Orchestra, Chamber, Jazz, Vocal & More A New Concerto for Piano — Composer and pianist Michael Brown premieres his Concerto No. 1 for Piano and Strings with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra in this virtual performance recording, accessible through May 31, kalamazoosymphony.com. Dudok Quartet — An ensemble playing Bartok and Brahms string quartets, available for viewing online through May 16, fontanamusic.org. Glenn Zaleski Trio — An acclaimed trio with an eclectic mix of jazz works and original compositions, livestreamed from the Wellspring Theater as part of The Gilmore’s Rising Stars series, 4-5 p.m. May 2, with viewing accessible for ticket holders through May 31, thegilmore.org. Avery Gagliano — The pianist plays Chopin in a program that includes the composer’s Mazurka, Op. 56, livestreamed from the Wellspring Theater as part of The Gilmore’s Rising Stars series, 4-5 p.m. May 16, with viewing accessible for ticket holders through June 15, thegilmore.org. 46th Stulberg International String Competition — An internationally recognized competition that promotes excellence in string instrument performances by gifted artists under 20 years old, presented online, with competition starting at noon May 22 and master classes starting at 12:30 p.m. May 23, stulberg.org. Peter and the Wolf — Ballet Arts Ensemble of Kalamazoo joins the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra for Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf in a virtual concert suitable for all ages, 7 p.m. May 28, kalamazoosymphony.com. DANCE Regional Alternative Dance Festival Recordings — View recordings of RAD festival performances through June 1, midwestradfest.org. VISUAL ARTS Kalamazoo Institute of Arts 314 S. Park St., 349-7775, kiarts.org Framing Moments — An exhibition highlighting how photographers create images that preserve moments, people and places, featuring photos from the mid-19th to the 21st century from the KIA’s permanent collection, through May 15. From Earth and Fire: Contemporary Japanese Ceramics from the Carol and Jeffrey Horvitz Collection — Some of the most cutting-edge works the Boston-based collectors have acquired in the past three years, through June 17. Unveiling American Genius — Abstract and contemporary works from the KIA’s permanent collection emphasizing stories that African American, Latinx and other artists have told about our culture, art and history, ongoing. Richmond Center for Visual Arts Western Michigan University, 387-2436, wmich.edu/art Studio Life: Ken Freed’s Gift to the University Art Collection — This exhibition honoring Professor Emeritus Curtis Rhodes features a suite of 10 intaglio prints that Freed created when he was a graduate student at WMU and Rhodes was his mentor; Monroe-Brown Gallery, through May 2. Eyes on Ukraine — Works by five contemporary Ukrainian photographers, Monroe-Brown Gallery, through May 2. Recent Gifts — Selections from the University Art Collection, Netzorg and the Kerr Gallery, through May 2. Other Venues The Paintings of Anna Barnhart — An online exhibition of acrylic paintings by the Southwest Michigan artist, through May 31, nwsvirtualgallery.com. The Illustrated Accordion — An exhibition featuring books created in the accordion form, through June 18, Kalamazoo Book Arts Center, 326 W. Kalamazoo Ave., Suite 103A, kalbookarts.org. Westminster Art Festival — A celebration of art, Earth care and faith, with the theme “What Country Do Rains Come From?” Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1515 Helen St., Portage, May 1-June 30, westminsterartfestival.org. Art Hop — View art at various locations in downtown Kalamazoo, presented by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, 6-8 p.m. May 7, 3425059, kalamazooarts.org. LIBRARY & LITERARY EVENTS Kalamazoo Public Library 553-7800, kpl.gov The Central Library and all branches are open with reduced hours and limited curbside service; see website for details. Page Turners Book Club — Zoom discussion of Eat a Peach, by David Chang, 6:30 p.m. May 3; registration required. Meet the Author — Presentations by Lizzie Copeland, author of The Lost Family, 6 p.m. May 5, and Ty McCormick, author of Beyond the Sand and Sea, 6:30 p.m. May 20; registration required. Reading Race Book Group — Zoom discussion of Minor Feelings: An Asian American Reckoning, by Cathy Park Hong, 6:30 p.m. May 11; registration required. Classics Revisited Book Club — Zoom discussion of The Road, by Cormac McCarthy, 7 p.m. May 20; registration required. Urban Fiction Book Club — Zoom discussion of Sincerely, Me, by Charae Lewis, 6 p.m. May 25; registration required. For Colored Girls Book Club — Zoom discussion of For Colored Girls, by Ntozake Shange, 7 p.m. May 28; registration required. Parchment Community Library 401 S. Riverview Drive, 343-7747, parchmentlibrary.org The library is open 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Wednesday–Friday and 9 a.m. –1 p.m. Saturday. Curbside service is also available; see website for details. Mystery Book Club — Zoom discussion of mysteries featuring flowers, herbs, or gardens, 4 p.m. May 17; see parchmentlibrary.org/mystery-book-club for Zoom link. Renovating a KVP Mill Home — Local historian Steve Rossio discusses renovating his family’s home, one of the former homes of paper mill workers from the former Kalamazoo Valley Parchment Co.,

presented on Zoom, 7 p.m. May 18, registration requested. Portage District Library Temporary location: 5528 Portage Road, 329-4544, portagelibrary.info The library closed April 12 for construction and renovation and will reopen at a temporary location May 10. It is expected to remain there until April 2022. It will be open 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Friday and 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday; curbside service will be available 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Monday–Friday; see website for details. Seed Library Kickoff — Learn about the vegetable seeds, flower seeds, herbs and native plants the library is offering in its new seed library and about gardening programs to be offered throughout the summer, 7-8 p.m. May 19, via Zoom; to register, email jfleming@portagelibraryinfo. Richland Community Library 8951 Park St., 629-9085, richlandlibrary.org The library is open at 50 percent capacity, and appointments are no longer needed. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 1-7 p.m. Thurday and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. The H2O Show — Exhibit of 25 miniature prints by the Southwest Michigan Printmakers based on the theme of water, through July. Books with Friends Book Club — Zoom discussion of News of the World, by Paulette Jiles, 7 p.m. May 20; registration required. MUSEUMS Air Zoo 6151 Portage Road, Portage, 382-6555, airzoo.org The museum is open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday and noon–5 p.m. Sunday, but there is limited occupancy because of Covid-19. Amusement rides are not available. Online ticketing is encouraged. Mondays 9–11 a.m. are for vulnerable people. Women in Air & Space Exhibits — Featuring some of the earliest women in aviation, including Amelia Earhart, Harriet Quimby, Bessie Coleman and Katherine Wright, the Wright Brothers’ younger sister and the first female licensed pilot. Also, information on Air Zoo co-founder Suzanne Parish, who was one of the Women Airforce Service Pilots, and Three Oaks native Lois Phillips, a U.S. Marines corporal who used flight simulators to provide instrument training during World War II. We Did It: The Riveting Real Rosies of WWII — Learn about some of the women called to fill defense plant positions in the 1940s in this exhibit. Gilmore Car Museum 6865 Hickory Road, Hickory Corners, 671-5089, gilmorecarmuseum.org Wednesday Night Cruise-Ins — Collector cars, oldies music and food, 5–8 p.m. Wednesdays on good-weather nights, May–September; see the website for Covid-19 guidelines. David J. Beeke Memorial Ford & Mustang Show — Spotlighting Ford Mustangs, with special emphasis on ’80s and ‘90s Foxbody Mustangs, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the West Michigan Cancer Center, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. May 1; tickets available online. Boats at the Barns — Antique and classic boats and engines, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. May 8; tickets available online. Vintage Travel Trailer Rally —Display and camp overnight in your vintage (25 years or older) travel trailer or RV on the main show fields or camp overnight in a modern trailer or RV in a separate area on the museum grounds; trailers available for spectator viewing 9 a.m.–4 p.m. May 15; registration required for participants and tickets for spectators. Outdoor Corks and Crafts Wine and Beer Festival — Featuring wine and beer sampling, food and live music, May 15, during Vintage Travel Trailer Rally. Kalamazoo Valley Museum 230 N. Rose St., 373-7990, kalamazoomuseum.org The museum is open 10 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; registration required. Filling in the Gaps: The Art of Murphy Darden — Kalamazoo resident and nonagenarian Murphy Darden explores local history, civil rights, the enduring legacy of hate, and American’s forgotten Black cowboys, kvmexhibits.org/murphy-darden. Science on a Sphere — A new permanent exhibit developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows images of atmospheric storms, climate change and ocean temperatures on an animated globe, https://www.kalamazoomuseum. org/exhibits/science-on-sphere.htm. Beth Bradfish Sound Sculpture — Guests can manipulate wire-meshed screens and sounds for an auditory experience that blends arts and sciences. The Walker Brothers — A virtual exhibit about Ryan and Keith Walker, who were afflicted with the rare genetic disorder Hunter syndrome, and their lasting impact on family, friends, inclusive education and civil rights in Kalamazoo, kvmexhibits.org/2020/walkerbrothers. NATURE Kalamazoo Nature Center 7000 N. Westnedge Ave., 381-1574, naturecenter.org The Visitor Center remained closed at press time, but trails are open and programs continue with precautions. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary 12685 East C Ave., Augusta, 671-2510, birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu The trails are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. WednesdaySunday. At press time the Resource Center was closed, but public restrooms at the back of the auditorium building were open. Mother’s Day — Moms get in free, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. May 9.

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269-349-7779

Summer Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 am - 5:30 pm, Saturday 9 am - 12:30 pm or by appointment

Birds and Coffee Chat Online — Grab your morning beverage and learn about a new bird species in Southwest Michigan, 10 a.m. May 12; registration required. Other Venues Binder Park Zoo — Opens May 1 for the season; for hours and Covid-19 guidelines visit binderparkzoo.org. Audubon Society of Kalamazoo — Weekly bird walks at Kal-Haven Trail, meet at the caboose on 10th Street for a 2.5-mile walk to the marsh at 8th Street, 8 a.m. Tuesdays, kalamazooaudubon.org. Garlic Mustard Pull — Learn to identify, remove and dispose of this invasive plant, 9 a.m.–noon May 2, 8, 16 & 30, Lexington Green Park, 4750 Pittsford St., portagemi.gov. When Worlds Collide: Galaxy Collisions and Their Aftermath — Eric F. Bell, professor of astronomy at the University of Michigan, discusses recent, historical and potential galaxy collisions, presented by the Kalamazoo Astronomical Society, 7–9:15 p.m. May 7, via Zoom; register at kasonline.org. MISCELLANEOUS Kalamazoo Farmers Market – Featuring fresh produce, meats and artisan wares in a new, temporary location, 7 a.m.–2 p.m., Saturdays, beginning May 1 (additional days starting in June), Mayors’ Riverfront Park, 251 Mills St., pfcmarkets.com. Geo Mystery Tours — Geocaching experience with a different mystery revealed each month, May 1, various Portage park locations; registration required at portagemi.gov. Mom to Mom Sale — Shop for gently used maternity wear and children’s items, including clothing, toys, books and furniture, 8 a.m.–1 p.m. May 1, Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 2900 Lake St., 269-903-5820. Kalamazoo Music Instrument Swap — Buy, sell, network and share, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. May 2, Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 269-383-8778. Southwest Michigan Bridal Show — Vendors and resources for planning a wedding or special event, 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. May 2, Wings Event Center, 3600 Vanrick Drive, swmichiganbridalshow.com. Friday at the Flats — Local food trucks and vendors, 4–8 p.m. May 7, Celery Flats Pavilion, 7335 Garden Lane, portagemi.gov. "Fresh on Q" Farmers Market –8 a.m.–noon. Saturdays, starting May 8, 7110 West Q Ave., texastownship.org/community/farmers-market. Autos & Eats on the Alley — Outdoor event for car enthusiasts, with music and food for purchase, 5–9 p.m. May 8, Bates Alley, 200 E. Michigan Ave., downtownkalamazoo.org. Smart Cycling — Learn to ride your bike safely, with information on maintenance, riding in traffic and more, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. May 9, Portage City Hall, 7900 S. Westnedge Ave.; registration required at portagemi.gov. Portage Farmers Market —10 a.m.–2 p.m. Sundays, starting May 9, Portage City Hall, portagemi.gov/643/ Farmers-Market. Home-Made Marshmallows & Hot Cocoa Bombs — Cooking class for beginning and intermediatelevel cooks, 6 p.m. May 12, Stuart Manor, 7340 Garden Lane; registration required at portagemi.gov. Virtual Baking Show — Join Chef Cory Barrett and Kalamazoo Valley Community College President L. Marshall Washington in this cooking demonstration to raise funds for student scholarships, 7 p.m. May 13, kvcc.edu/foundation. Open Roads Adult Open Bike Shop — Bring your bike to tune it up and make repairs, with tools and guidance provided, 3–6 p.m. May 14, Open Roads Bike Program, 1523 Riverview Drive, Suite B, openroadsbike.org. Kalamazoo Antique Toy Show — Antique and collectible toys for sale, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. May 15, Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 269-383-8778. Lanterns on the Lake — Light up the lake with a lantern honoring a loved one or float words of hope and encouragement, 8–9:30 p.m. May 15, Ramona Park, 8600 S. Sprinkle Road; registration required at portagemi.gov. Kalamazoo Reptile & Exotic Pet Expo — Buy, sell or trade a variety of reptiles, amphibians and small mammals, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. May 22, Kalamazoo County Expo Center, kalamazooreptileexpo.com. Bike-opoly — Test your bike safety knowledge with a game-board-style interactive trail you can bike on, 1–4 p.m. May 22, Celery Flats, 7335 Garden Lane, portagemi.gov. Paddlesports Sampler — Learn about and experience a variety of watercraft, from kayaks and canoes to stand-up paddleboards, 6 p.m. May 25 (also June 8 and 22), Ramona Park; registration required at portagemi.gov. WMed Live: A Decade of Celebration — A livestreamed, virtual gala celebrating the WMU Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine’s first 10 years and the retirement of founding dean Hal B. Jenson, 3:30 p.m. May 27, med.wmich.edu/wmedlive 2021. Adult Pickleball Clinic — A course for beginners, 5:30 p.m. May 27, Ramona Park; registration required at portagemi.gov. Movies in the Park — Watch The Goonies from your car, 9 p.m. May 28, Ramona Park; registration required at portagemi.gov. A Makers Tour: Walking Tour of a Downtown Kalamazoo Winery, Distillery and Brewery — Meet some of the colorful personalities and flavors behind downtown Kalamazoo’s craft beverages, with samples, guided tastings or tours, glassware and a goody bag, noon–4 p.m. May 29, beginning at Shakespeare’s Pub, 241 E. Kalamazoo Ave.; registration and ticket information at discoverkalamazoo.com.