FREE
Change of pace
A chilly thrill
Snowy fun returns to Buchanan..... p.3
Week of January 21-27, 2016
Columnist connects Weezer, 'Star Wars'....p.6
Off The Water | The place to be entertained.
Volume 8, Number 3
What's cooking? St. Joe asks public to weigh in on best chili
www.offthewater.com
Page 2 • Week of January 21-27, 2016
Off The Water, Michiana
CUISINE SCENE
Best chili in St. Joe?
Cast your vote Jan. 29
S
T. JOSEPH, Mich. — Whether visitors like their chili mild or fiery hot, meat or in chili-inspired desserts or hot beverages, they will find more than a dozen ways to chase away the chill from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 29, in St. Joseph. During this January “It’s Finally Friday” event, merchants and restaurants will offer samples of their favorite chili recipes in hopes of earning the 2016 Chili Pepper Award that is determined by popular vote. “There is a suggested $2 per person or $5 for a family of four or more donation to register,” said Whitney Behnke, executive director of the sponsoring organization, St. Joseph Today. “A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen.” Registrants will get a map of chili stop locations and will be entered in a drawing for a $25 St. Joseph Today gift certificate good at more than 40 locations. The drawing will be Jan. 30. Tasters can also register and get a map on the day of the event at the Welcome Center, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Behnke said everyone that completes the chili tour and turns in their maps at the Welcome Center Jan. 29 will be entered to win in a drawing. The winner will receive a St. Joseph Prize Pack. Behnke added that several non-chili locations are also “must stops” that evening because of their special sales and family-friendly entertainment. For updates about the Chili Tour and future “It’s Finally Friday” events, visit stjoetoday.com, facebook.com/stjoetoday or call (269) 985-1111. St. Joseph Today is a membership-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to developing, producing and promoting events and businesses in St. Joseph, Mich. and its surrounding communities.
The following sites are this year’s chili stop locations: • 221 Main Restaurant • Bistro on the Boulevard • Bound for Freedom featuring chili by Cafe Mosaic • The Buck Burgers & Brew • Caffe Tosi featuring chili by The St. Joseph High School Frosted Chilis (of the 2015 LMC Chili Cook-Off) • FuzzyButz Pet Bakery • HarborTown Interiors featuring chili by Plank’s Tavern • Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches featuring chili by Zoup! • Kilwins • Krasl Art Center • Lazy Ballerina • Olive Cart • Perennial Accents • Purely Michigan featuring chili by The Buck Burgers and Brew • Schu’s Grill & Bar • South Bend Chocolate Cafe • St. Joseph Today featuring chili by Coach’s Bar & Grill • Revive Spa featuring chili by LakeHouse • Third Coast Surf Shop featuring chili by Schu’s • White Pine Winery
Please Drive Safe!
With all of the snow and extremely cold temperatures, the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department asks everyone to please Be Safe while driving! If you must be on the roads, give yourself extra time and drive slow. Follow us on Facebook for more Safety Tips!
Berrien County Sheriff’s Department
Crime Prevention Unit (269) 983-7141 • www.BCSheriff.org
Off The Water | The place to be entertained.
Produced and printed by Leader Publications 217 N. 4th Street, Niles, MI 49120 Off the Water is available throughout southwest Michigan and the greater South Bend, Indiana area. Michael Caldwell Publisher (269) 687-7700 michael.caldwell@leaderpub.com
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Off The Water, Michiana
Week of January 21-27, 2016 • Page 3
FOCUS
Chilly thrill returns to Buchanan
B
By TIM MOSIER
UCHANAN, Mich. — You’ve heard about it from a couple family members or friends, you’ve been curious, and this year you tell yourself you have to go see what all of the excitement is about. You park your car in downtown Buchanan and make the short walk to the ticket window to get your wristband. You pay your $5 and a volunteer hands you a tube. Then you turn to make your way to the hill and you see it, the 12-foot tall wooden ramp perched on top of the city’s main street. At that moment something is pulled out of you, something you might not have felt in a long time but now feel as strongly as you did when you were a child. The thrill. Buchanan’s annual Thrill on the Hill snow-tubing event is quickly becoming a regional January tradition. The 2016 version of the event looks to be even better than year’s past and marks the fifth year of the Front Street festivities. Like it has every year since its inaugural run in 2012, the event will take place the last weekend in January, this year on the 29th and 30th. Everything kicks off at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, when the hill is officially opened for the weekend.
For children 5 years and younger there will be games and contests as well as a mini-hill, constructed near the bottom of the main hill. The hill is only
open from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday night and wristbands are $3 for the three hours. After a few hours of grooming, the ramp atop Front Street is
reopened for the adult midnight run from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Cost for the adult tubing is $5. Throughout the entire event tubes will be provided and bringing a
personal tube or sled is prohibited. Saturday there will be a full day of activities for people of all ages. The hill will be open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. but the cost of an all-day wrist band is still $3. Smoke Family Vision Center will be hosting a snowman building contest in its parking lot between Front and Rynearson St. It has been rumored that Frosty the Snowman, Rudolf the Rednose Reindeer and Pete the Penguin will all be in attendance on Saturday. For the second year, the Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce is offering horse-drawn carriage rides around the downtown area. Carriage rides will be from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday only, $5 per rider. There will be a large fire pit near the bottom of the hill for riders who want to take a break and warm up a little. According to Buchanan City Manager Bill Marx, this year the ramp will be placed higher atop the hill to lengthen the trip down for riders. The slide is approx. 800 feet from top to bottom this year, the longest it has ever been. Volunteer firefighters will be on site and will be tossing stress relief “snowballs,” some of which will be marked to redeem for prizes, from their fire ladder. Throughout the entire weekend a DJ will be playing music and holding dance contests for people of all ages.
TIME TO PLAN YOUR WINTER FUN IN DOWNTOWN ST. JOSEPH!
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Page 4 • Week of January 21-27, 2016
Off The Water, Michiana
SPOTLIGHT
Still rocking
Motley Crue frontman coming to Four Winds By SCOTT NOVAK scott.novak @leaderpub.com
N
EW BUFFALO, Mich. — Vince Neil, the lead singer for Motley Crue will bring his solo tour to the Silver Creek Event Center at Four Winds in New Buffalo Friday night. Neil and Motley Crue recently wrapped up their nine-year farewell tour and the front man is out on the road performing a mix of Crue tunes and songs from his solo work. “We do all the Motley stuff and some things they didn’t do live or haven’t done in a long time,” Neil said. “Of course there will be some of my solo stuff plus some really cool surprises. It is a big, cool, energetic rock show.” Neil, who performs such hits at “Girls, Girls, Girls,” “Kickstart My Heart” and “Home Sweet Home,” is set to release new music in 2016. Neil’s last solo album, “Tattoos & Tequila,” was released in 2010. He has released four solo albums to date. The other studio albums were 1993’s “Exposed” and 1995’s “Carved in Stone.”
He also released a live album in 2003 entitled “Live at the Wisky: One Night Only.” Neil said he is looking forward to recording new music now that he has wrapped up the Motley Crue tour. “It’s exciting to be recording new music and to be moving on,” he said. “I have already been working with the guys on some stuff.” He would not say if the new album would be similar to his last or if it would take a new direction. “You might just hear some of it at the show, you never know,” Neil said. “I don’t want to give that away.” Neil said that venues like the Silver Creek Event Center are special. “There is an energy and a vibe,” he said. “It takes me back to the early Motley days. It is great to connect with people.” Although known primarily for being the frontman for Motley Crue, Neil has also ventured into the business world, started his own foundation following the death of his daughter from cancer, and even the sports world.
He spent some time in the early 1990s and eventually competed in the Indy Lights Series in 1992 with P.I.G. Racing. He ran four races and finished three of them. He retired from racing after suffering a crash. He also dabbled in the Arena Football League. Neil, along with long-time friends and business partners Bob Hewko and Mark Daniels, acquired the Jacksonville Sharks in 2014. He also owned the Las Vegas Outlaws. He has owned bars, vineyards, had his own brand of tequila and a gentleman’s club called “Vince Neil’s Girls, Girls, Girls in Las Vegas. There is also Vince Neil Ink and Eat, Drink and Party, also located in Las Vegas. “Las Vegas has been very good to me,” he said. “I am very thankful to the people who have loved the music and given me a chance in entertaining. I am a road singer. I love it.” A limited number of tickets for the 9 p.m. show Friday range from $65 to $80. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting fourwindscasino.com.
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SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER Friday, February 5, 2016, 7 p.m.
$44 $52 $56 $60
You should be dancing!
It’s one of the most beloved dance stories of all time in a spectacular new musical stage production. Based on the 1977 movie starring John Travolta, Saturday Night Fever is packed with legendary hits from the Bee Gees, including “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” “Jive Talking,” “You Should Be Dancing,” and “How Deep is Your Love,” in addition to several new songs written especially for this production.
“Hit song after hit song, bright lights, and dancing to blow you away.” - BBC
CLEARING OUT YOUR ATTIC? Call Classifieds to sell your stuff! 269-683-4804
Dress the part and enter the Disco Costume Contest at intermission!
FRIDAY NIGHT FEVER DISCO PARTY Immediately following the show until midnight
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21 and older only, please. Learn more at www.TheMendelCenter.com/fever
TheMendelCenter.com
Box Office (269) 927-1221 Box Office Hours: Mon. – Fri. 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. And one hour before show times. 2755 E. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 • Program subject to change. Prices do not include fees.
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Off The Water, Michiana
General Notices 106 WRONGLY DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS?
I can help. (269)473-2370
Business Oppor200 tunities Earn Extra Cash on the Weekends
delivering the Leader AREA ROUTES AVAILABLE As an independent contractor you determine the hours you work on Saturday and/or Sunday. You must have a valid drivers license and your own transportation. Contact Cindy at 269-687-7727 or cindy.klingerman@ leaderpub.com to learn more about this profitable opportunity
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BOX TRUCK DELIVERY DRIVER
needed. Chauffer License required, copy of good driving record, Benefits and Competitive wage. Send resume attention: lcrannie@hehrintl.com by January 29th
DRIVERS WANTED
Michiana Recycling & Disposal
is looking for residential drivers with a CDL A or B, good attendance and work ethic, ability to read maps & attention to safety. Benefits include BCBS Health, Dental & Life Insurance, uniforms, paid holidays and vacations, safety bonus and overtime pay. Our route drivers average over $54,000 per year, work less than 50 hours per week, and are home every night! Apply on line at MichianaRecyclingCareers.com
Kenneth Smith, Inc. Truck Drivers Pulling Dump Trailers Wanted
DRIVERS NEEDED:
Class A CDL and Dump trailer exp. preferred. Tristate area, Home nights and weekends, Fuel Savings Sharing Program, Safety Bonus, Health Benefits. Apply in person 2596 Detroit Road (M-60) in Niles, MI or call 269-684-5960 to request application www.kennethsmithinc.com
or at our office at 33541 Reum Rd, Niles, MI
Week of January 21-27, 2016 • Page 5
PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANTS and CNAs
Care for the elderly in their homes. Experience preferred. (269)428-9100 www.rahswmi.com
GENERAL LABOR – 1st and 2nd shifts Including: Machine Operators Piece Rate Positions Forklift Drivers Send resume or apply in person: North American Forest Products PO Box 600 27263 May St. Edwardsburg, MI. 49112 Fax: 269-663-5302 Email: hr1006@nafpinc.com
HOME CARE AIDES (P/T) More details and application at www.casscoa.org
See our ad under business opportunities
MARKETING EXPERT
Leader Publications is looking for a dynamic salesperson. Print & online advertising sales experience is strongly preferred, as well as lead generation, strong closing techniques, excellent verbal & written communication skills, computer skills, creative capacity & a drive for success. Excellent pay, benefits & opportunity to advance. Must have valid license and dependable vehicle. Email resume and cover letter to:
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IMMEDIATE OPENINGS
Buchanan, Three Oaks, Galien General Labor Entry Level $8.75 - $10 Permanent, Fulltime Call 269-408-1980
SMCAS
or mail to: Leader Publications ATTN: Sherina Gonzalez 217 N. Fourth St. Niles, MI 49120
NOW HIRING MULTIPLE POSITIONS
Postle Extrusion, a growing aluminum extrusion company, has immediate openings for: • Packers • Maintenance Techs • Die Correctors • Production Supervisors Apply in person at 201 N. Edwards St. Cassopolis, MI or send resume to: hr@postledistributors.com
MATERIALS/PRODUCTION PLANNER
Please email resumes to: hr@tri-pac.us
To Place an Ad E-Mail Us At:
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Indoor Flea Market
We've expanded the store! More than 2,000 feet of new booth space available. We buy estates and single items. (269)262-4333
Auctions Postle Extrusion has an opening for a
FOR SALE IN NILES
Maintenance Tech
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P.D.K. Firearm Instruction Concealed Pistol License At: Edwardsburg Conservation Club Next class: Feb. 27 Contact Paul: 269-462-2584 or Kelly: 269-783-6570 pdkfirearms.com
Apartments
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Office Space for 427 Rent NILES MAIN ST.
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53788 CR 9 Elkhart, IN. Every Fri. at 5:00p.m. Now taking clean big & small consignment. Drop off merchandise Sat-Thurs Daily 10-5. Pick-up available. Someone here at all times. We auction all winter. Space available at Flea Market. For more details call David (574)522-1020 #AU01042788
Farm Equipment 633 & Supplies CASE TRACTOR
For Sale: 1968 Diesel 430 Case Tractor with front end loader and a three bottom mole board plow, 14" bottoms. Tractor has new rod bearings, piston rings and head gasket. Runs great. Has two relatively new front tires. Power steering, new block heater, two new batteries and recently rebuilt starter. Live PTO, three point hitch, remote hydraulics. Call (269)471-7177
Household Mer642 chandise BUNK BEDS
brand new with tags, top is single, bottom is full size bed, paid $1,200, will sell for $700. (269)362-3670
RIVER OAK APTS
is seeking an Operations Manager FT Salary with competitive MATERIALS/ pay and benefits. Requires PRODUCTION EMT-P license and current DL . PLANNER Send resumes to: A local consumer product Operations Manager, manufacturing company, PART TIME DRIVER 2100 W Chicago Rd, now hiring. See our LARGER to work early morning shift Niles, MI 49120 ad in today's newspaper. Mon. - Fri. Must have valid drivers license & insurance. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. or A consumer product manufacturing company more.Apply in person at in Southwest Michigan is searching for a Leader Publications 217 N. 4th St. Materials/Production Planner. Experience Niles, MI 49120
in manufacturing, materials purchasing, customer service and run MRP/ERP based on MAS 90 or SAPBI.
on a double lot in Union Pier just feet from LAKE MICHIGAN Call Mike Stover (269) 470-2995
Collectibles 602 THE MARKET PLACE
2428 S. 11th St., Niles
Instruction & Training LEADER PUBLICATIONS ROUTES AVAILABLE
Houses for Sale 500 3 BEDROOM REHAB
Manufactured 502 Homes FOR SALE $35,000
1996 PATRIOT "VICTORIAN" 28 X 52
New roof 2014, new 95% professional office space. Eff Furnace and Central AC 1800 square feet, four in 2015. 4-car carport, 3 private offices and lots of bedrooms, fireplace, garden parking. $800 a month plus tub and walk-in shower in utilities and grounds. Can master bedroom, guest include both for $1,250. bathroom tub and shower. Contact (269)591-5167. All appliances stay, fridge, 721 E. Main St., across from gas range, dishwasher, high eff washer and dryer, Post Office. garbage disposal. NADA Rent-Lease, Misc. 442 appraisal was $48,500, this is a steal at $35,000 call WAREHOUSE/ (269)262-4449 or cell (269)235-0523 for FLEX SPACE showing. 1265 SF PLUS OFFICE 24 E. WILDFLOWER 2607 SOUTH 11TH (933) Silverbrook Manufactured NILES. MI Home Community 1.5 NORTH IN. LINE Main Street, Niles (269)687-9583
Bargain Buys 668 QUALITY FURNITURE
Visit the Plaza Resale Store for quality used furniture and home decor. We also BUY ESTATES and excess home furnishings when moving and down sizing. Plaza Resale Store 2607 S. 11th St. Niles, MI 574-383-8859
Wanted to Buy 672 CASH PAID FOR
Personal Property Estates, Antiques, Furniture, Appliances, Garage, Barn. (269)445-2220 M-60 Variety - Cassopolis
Home Improve700 ment HOME REPAIRS & REMODELING
Over 30 years of experience, tile work, kitchens, bathrooms, decks & porches, windows & doors, window wrapping, siding, fascia & soffit. Call Randy (269)7823139 (269)208-9838
Page 6 • Week of January 21-27, 2016
10 HALF CLASS
Off The Water, Michiana
‘Star Wars,’ Weezer share similar fates
U
ntil recently, the only relation between Weezer and “Star Wars” I would have drawn was that I have spent most of my life as a fan of both. Indeed, what else could be compared between these beloved sources of entertainment, perhaps beyond the dark tone of each brand’s second release? Weezer is a power pop rock band helmed by Rivers Cuomo since its formation in the early 1990s and “Star Wars” is a beloved science fiction film franchise whose influence is encountered everywhere, from toy shelves to clothes racks to my weekday lunch bag. Beyond the décor of the adolescent bedrooms, commonality between these two subjects seems less than obvious.
However, after multiple viewings of the latest “Star Wars” film, “The Force Awakens,” and a year of listening to Weezer’s 2014 album, “Everything Will Be Alright In The End,” the similarities have been revealed. Contentious debate among fans of either topic has become as much a part of each as the works themselves. Fans of both “Star Wars” and Weezer are among the most devoted and can be found everywhere, split into tribes of “classic” versus “contemporary.” It can be dangerous to broach either topic in public, as these tribes wear no identifiable markers and debate between members of each can engulf any area. I recall a particularly naive moment last year
COLUMNIST
Justin Flagel when, in attempt to avoid awkward political discussion at The Brass Eye in Niles, I turned to Dave behind the bar and said “I started to rewatch the ‘Star Wars’ movies.” The political discussion I evaded would have been peaceful compared to the debate that ensued, with
every person in the bar sharing loud and unshakeable opinions on “the sins of the “Star Wars” prequels” or the “stubbornness of fans of the originals.” For those who have somehow avoided arguments between fans of the original “Star Wars” Trilogy and fans of the late
1990s prequels, I will briefly outline the quarrel. In the late 1970s, George Lucas released the first “Star Wars” film to much praise. The acclaim from both critics and audiences went far beyond expectations and multiple generations of fans were born.
Personal and professional difficulties encountered by Lucas leading to the 1983 release of the third film, “Return Of The Jedi,” put the prospect of future films on hold for a decade. Fandom grew as the franchise expanded into every marketable item imaginable and audiences tirelessly examined the existing canon. In 1993, Lucas finally announced he would be returning to “Star Wars” by releasing prequels to the original films. The first prequel, “The Phantom Menace,” was one of the most anticipated movies of all time. Reaction to it and the following prequels, however, split audiences into two camps. Many of those who had grown up on the original trilogy were disappointed in the quality
CLASSIFIEDs Snow Removal 745 SNOW PLOWING
residential 24 hour service, great rate. Firewood $150/cord, delivery available. (269)782-3072 or 591-2691
Misc. Services 747 Quality Clock Repair Front Street Framery 801 E. Front St. Buchanan House Calls, Free Estimates (269)409-1031
Auto. Service927 Repair SCARLETT AUTO BODY REPAIR INC. 24 HOUR TOWING SERVICE Roll back service (269)461-4197
Autos for Sale 945 2010 HYUNDAI ELANTRA Stock# 1251 28k! Nice low mileage No credit checks & ZERO % interest!!! Only $650.00 Down $275.00 Monthly! Call Scarletts! (269)461-4197
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1987 and 1988 Dodge Dakotas, 6 cylinders, reg cab, long bed, 2-wheel drives, run decent. $1,400 obo each. 2015 Kymco Honda 4-wheeler, 70cc, brand new $2,500 - selling for $1,000. Less than 10 hours. Call (574)350-5120
FOR SALE
2005 Saturn Vue AWD one owner $4995 02 Chevy Tracker, one owner $2995 03 Chevy Cavalier Sport $3295 2002 Ford Mustang GT Extras $6995
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elderly care Kare Services Compassionate Home Care Services
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Call Classifieds to get started today! 269-683-2100 or visit our office at 217 North 4th St. Niles, MI 49120
Off The Water, Michiana
of the movies and the handling of their beloved characters. A newer generation, though, came to “The Phantom Menace” with no expectations and were fascinated by the depiction of space battles and adventure. “Star Wars” became one of the most hostile topics in movie history. A very similar conflict has long existed among Weezer fans. The band released two albums in quick succession in the 1990s, “The Blue Album” and “Pinkerton.” Both albums were placed in high regard by music fans, with “Pinkerton” gaining a near-mythic reputation in late-night Internet discussions. The band, due to various internal changes, would release nothing new for six years. As with “Star
Wars,” the downtime was spent building an anticipation no artist would envy. In 2001, when the band released “The Green Album,” new fans rejoiced in the quirky pop hooks and unusual melodies while most old fans lamented the short songs and change in sound. “The Force Awakens” has received well-deserved praise from nearly every person who has watched it, from the strongest of “Star Wars” fans to those without an interest in science fiction. It is a solid, stand-alone movie full of incredible effects, entertaining adventure, and lovable characters. Furthermore, both “classic” and “prequel” fans have found common ground in a new “Star Wars” that brings the most
Week of January 21-27, 2016 • Page 7
loved elements of each into one title, with a promising future for more. Director JJ Abrams and those involved in the production approached it with a delicate hand, successfully honoring the franchise’s past while creating a new path every fan can walk down together. Weezer’s “Everything Will Be Alright In The End” brought a similar approach in a musical form. Portions of the album are a direct response to the complaints of classic fans and all of it was a deliberate effort to reconnect with the sound of the ‘90s. Tearing guitar riffs were combined with the pop sounds of the band’s more recent releases to bridge the gap, giving fans new and old something to love. The album made a number of best album lists for the year and remains one of the more solid releases of the band’s entire catalog. Where battles of Pinkerton versus “The Green Album” once occurred, shared joy of new music to come now exists. On the “Star Wars” themed season finale of “The Breakdown With Dylan Roberts & Justin Flagel,” I stated that, thanks to “The Force Awakens,”
“the ‘Star Wars’ wars are over.” We can safely assume the same for the battle of Weezer lovers. It is a good time to be a fan.
Justin Flagel is the founder of the web magazine and podcast Anywhere the Needle Drops, where he and others showcase their interest in music, pop
culture, creativity and life. Follow their work at anywheretheneedledrops.com. Feedback can be directed to contact@anywheretheneedledrops.com.
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Page 8 • Week of January 21-27, 2016
Off The Water, Michiana
SPOTLIGHT
STOMP!
International percussion sensation comes to The Mendel Center Mainstage
B
ENTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. — See what all the noise is about when “Stomp” comes to The Mendel Center Mainstage at Lake Michigan College Sunday February 28, at 4 p.m. From its beginnings as a street performance in the UK, “Stomp” has grown into an international sensation over the past 20 years, having performed in more than 50 countries and in front of more than 24 million people. Created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, “Stomp” continues its phenomenal run with four global productions: the ongoing sell-out production at New York’s Orpheum Theatre, a permanent London company, and North American and European tours. Throughout its life, the show has continued to change by creating new material. This year, it will incorporate two new pieces. It is safe to say you will never again look at supermarket carts or plumbing fixtures the same way… or paint cans, or kitchen sinks or… “Stomp,” an overwhelming success marked by rave reviews, numerous awards, and sell-out engagements, is the winner of an Olivier Award for Best Choreography (London’s Tony Award), a New York Obie Award, a Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatre Experience, and a Special Citation from Best Plays. In addition to the stage shows, “Stomp” has been an overwhelming success marked by rave reviews, numerous awards, an Academy Award nomination,
four Emmy nominations and one Emmy Award for their acclaimed HBO special Stomp Out Loud, noteworthy TV appearances including The London 2012 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony, The Academy Awards (produced by Quincy Jones), Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and a series of award-winning international commercials. The performers “make a rhythm out of anything we can get our hands on that makes a sound,” says co-founder/director Luke Cresswell. A unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy, “Stomp” has created its own inimitable, contemporary form of rhythmic expres-
sion: both household and industrial objects find new life as musical instruments in the hands of an idiosyncratic band of body percussionists. It is a journey through sound, a celebration of the everyday and a comic interplay of characters wordlessly communicating through dance and drum. Synchronized stiff-bristle brooms become a sweeping orchestra, eight Zippo lighters flip open and close to create a fiery fugue; wooden poles thump and clack in a rhythmic explosion. “Stomp” uses everything but conventional percussion instruments - dustbins, tea chests, radiator hoses, boots, hub caps to fill the stage with a compelling
and unique act that is often imitated but never duplicated. Critics and audiences have raved: “‘Stomp’ is as crisp and exuberant as if it had opened yesterday,” says The New York Times. The San Francisco Chronicle declares “‘Stomp’ has a beat that just won’t quit!” The Los Angeles Times exclaims: “Electrifying! Triumphs in the infinite variety of the human experience.” “A phenomenal show! Bashing, crashing, smashing, swishing, banging and kicking – a joyous invention!” says the Chicago Tribune. Tickets for “Stomp” at The Mendel Center Mainstage start at $35 and are available at www.
TheMendelCenter.com, and through The Mendel Center Box Office at (269) 927-1221, weekdays 2 to 6 p.m. Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more. For information about group rates, pre-show party options, and other special arrangements contact the box office. A cash bar in the front lobby opens one hour before show time. Special Mendel Center drink cups are available for purchase, which allow patrons to enjoy their beverages inside the theater. Ticket prices listed do not include fees. Program subject to change. The 1,517-seat Mendel Center Mainstage Theatre offers state-of-the-art acoustics and comfortable seating in elegant surroundings. Other amenities include free parking, handicap accessibility with usher-assisted advance seating opportunities, and an array of special services including valet parking, catering and bar service for private pre- and post-show events, booster seats for children, hearing-assist devices, non-spill cups for beverages inside the theatre, and recently added premium seats in the Stage Side section. The Mendel Center is 30 minutes from Niles and 40 minutes from Kalamazoo and South Bend. It is located on the Lake Michigan College campus at 2755 E. Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor, Michigan. The Mendel Center is one mile east of I-94 (Exit 30) and one mile west of the US 31 Bypass (exit 24).