February & March 2016

February 2016

4-6	‘Move Over, Mrs. Markham’, Holland Civic Theater, 50 W.9th Street, Holland. A British Farce by Ray Cooney & John Chapman. 7:30pm. Call 616-396-2021 for ticket info.
4	Night for the Museums Dinner, Amicarelli Vineyard, 259 Broadway Street, South Haven. Proceeds from this monthly dinner help support local museums and cultural groups. 5-9pm. Call 269-637-5252 for details.
5	West Michigan Symphony, ‘Viva Italia!’, Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon.7:30pm. Rossini: Overture to The Italian Girl in Algiers - Mendelssohn: Italian Symphony - violinist Philippe Quint performs Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64.
5-7	12th Annual Magical Ice Carving Festival, downtown St. Joseph. Professional Ice carving and team competition, Friday night Opening Ceremony, ice skating, wine tasting, magic shows for the kids.
5-7	23rd Annual Ice Breaker Festival, downtown South Haven. Ice carving competition, curling and skating lessons, Knights of Columbus Fish Fry, Heat the Street S’more roasting, chili cook-off, wagon rides, sidewalk sale, kids’ arts and crafts, Texas Hold’Em, Mardi Gras Dinner, pancake breakfast and more. Call 269-637-5171 for info.
6	Coffee with the Birds, Hemlock Crossing-Nature Education Center, 8115 West Olive Road, West Olive. 9:30am-noon. Enjoy coffee and a pastry at the Nature Center while watching the birds at the Center feeders with fellow birders. Bring your favorite mug. Call 616-786-4847 for details.
6	Murder Mystery Weekend – MURDER at the Mardi Gras, Amanda's Bequest Bed & Breakfast, 5200 Anderson Road, Montague. 5-8pm. $30 per person for guests, $40 for non-guests. Participants will enjoy an early check-in, a Saturday evening meal, and a MURDER. You will be emailed your character and role prior to arrival. The mystery activities last from 5 pm until around 8 pm on Saturday. These are themed mysteries based on month. The February 6th mystery is “Murder at the Mardi Gras.” One of New Orleans elite is discovered strangled by beads at the Mardi Gras. Book online.
6	'A Broadway Valentine' - Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, Mendel Center, Lake Michigan College, 2755 East Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor. 6:30pm. Tickets: $20-$37. Broadway star Doug LaBrecque will headline this special Valentine concert.
6	18th Annual Super Bowl Spectacular Sportscard & Collectible Show, Doubletree Hotel, 650 E. 24th Street, Holland. 9am-3pm. Free admission. Dozens of tables selling sports cards, autographs, and more.
6	Dine and Glide, Muskegon State Park, 460 Scenic Drive, Muskegon. 10am-11am. Compete in speedskating, luge and cross-country skiing. Designed for beginners, but serious competitors are welcome. Great family fun. Prizes awarded. Call 877-879-5843 or visit the website to register.
6	Snowshoe Hike and Hot Dog Roast, Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Road, Benton Harbor. 3pm. Afternoon snowshoe hike ending at a bonfire where we will roast hot dogs and make s’mores! Snowshoe rental available. Fee: $5/person, $3/child. Please call to register at 269-927-4832.
6-7	Ed Subler Fishing Derby, Lakeside Eagles, 2355 W. Sherman Blvd, Muskegon. Sponsored by the Michigan Anglers Association’s Fishing Derby. Fishing begins at midnight, with a 3pm final weigh-in at the Lakeside Eagles. Prizes awarded.
6	Saturday Snowshoe Hike, Gillette Visitor Center, 6585 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon. 10:30am. Every Saturday in winter, Hoffmaster State Park hosts snowshoe outings for the entire family. Children 7 and up may participate in the hike if accompanied by an adult. Snowshoes may be reserved for $5 in advance. Call 231-798-3573 to pre-register. Meet at the Visitor Center.
6	Muskegon Lake Polar Bear Plunge, Fricano’s Muskegon Lake, 1050 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. Participants who raise $75 for the Special Olympics will plunge into the freezing lake. The Plunge begins at 2pm. Prizes and free t-shirts.. Those who do not want to plunge can instead collect money to attend the after-party at Fricano’s.
6-7	Winter Fest followed by Bev’s Ball Roaring 20's Speakeasy, New Buffalo. Visit downtown New Buffalo from noon-5pm for ice-skating, free sleigh rides, ice sculpting. Saturday night ball held at the Journeyman Distillery, 109 Generations Drive, Three Oaks, starting at 6:30pm. Call 888-660-6222 for ticket information.
7	Michigan Winter Triathlon, Muskegon State Park, 460 Scenic Drive, Muskegon. 10am-11am. Compete in speedskating, luge and cross-country skiing. Designed for beginners, but serious competitors are welcome. Great family fun. Prizes awarded. Call 877-879-5843 or visit the website to register.
7	Saturday Snowshoe Hike, Gillette Visitor Center, 6585 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon. 10:30am. Every Saturday in winter, Hoffmaster State Park hosts snowshoe outings for the entire family. Children 7 and up may participate in the hike if accompanied by an adult. Snowshoes may be reserved for $5 in advance. Call 231-798-3573 to pre-register. Meet at the Visitor Center.
7	Hempy Keyboard Series with Christopher Harding, Saugatuck Center of the Arts, 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck. 2pm. Pianist Christopher Harding plays works by Robert Schumann and Claude Debussy. Tickets: $10 - free for students under 18. Call 269-857-2399.
9	Winter Birding, Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Road, Benton Harbor. 10am. Bring a sack lunch and get ready to travel with us for bird watching. Maybe Muskegon, or even Allegan State Park to catch sight of eagles. Dress for the weather. Call 269-927-4832 to register. $15.00 per person, $10.00 for members.
12	Rotary Winter Walk & Fun Run – Run for the Playground, Washington Avenue and Third, Grand Haven. Run or walk along downtown Grand Haven’s new snowmelt sidewalks. 6:30-7:30pm. Participants receive a free headlamp and shirt.
12-13	Maple Sugar Time, Historic VanRaalte Farm, 1076 16th Street, Holland. Sat: 11am-4pm; Sun: Noon-4pm. Get ready to help tap a maple tree and gather the sap. Demonstrations of how Native Americans made sugar. Ice cream topped with the farm’s maple syrup will be served in the barn. $1 per person entry fee. No registration required.
12-13	‘Move Over, Mrs. Markham’, Holland Civic Theater, 50 W.9th Street, Holland. A British Farce by Ray Cooney & John Chapman. 7:30pm. Call 616-396-2021 for ticket info.
13	Michigan Bats, Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Road, Benton Harbor. 2pm. Learn about nine species of Michigan bats, their importance, their ecology and what you can do to help them, and how to keep them out of your house. Build your own bat house to take home in the Sarett woodshop and . Fee—Bat presentation $3/person, $1/child, members free. Build a Bat House $35/person, $30/member. You must call to register for the bat house building 927-4832. Sign up for just the presentation or presentation and bat house building.
13	Saturday Snowshoe Hike, Gillette Visitor Center, 6585 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon. 10:30am. Every Saturday in winter, Hoffmaster State Park hosts snowshoe outings for the entire family. Children 7 and up may participate in the hike if accompanied by an adult. Snowshoes may be reserved for $5 in advance. Call 231-798-3573 to pre-register. Meet at the Visitor Center.
13	Free Family Fun Day, Mini Masterpieces Super Saturday, Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon. 10am - 3pm. -- 10:00 am & 1:00 pm Film: The Borrowers (75 mins.) A miniature family takes up residency in the walls of a house to save it from demolition. - 11:00 am – 2:00 pm: Make & Take: Make your own mini masterpiece. --11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Guided Tours of the Postcard Salon with an MMA docent.
13	Annual Snow Jam Festival, Spring Lake Central Park, Spring Lake. Live music, ice skating, sledding, hockey, dart tournament, food and beverages, and more. 4-9pm.
14	‘Move Over, Mrs. Markham’, Holland Civic Theater, 50 W.9th Street, Holland. A British Farce by Ray Cooney & John Chapman. 2pm. Call 616-396-2021 for ticket info.
17-21	71st Annual Grand Rapids Boat Show, DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. Michigan’s longest running boat show. Pontoons, deck boats, the latest power boats, ski boats, canoes, kayaks, runabouts and more. Adults: $10, Children 6-14: $4, Children: 5 & Under: Free. Buy tickets online or get a $2 off coupon to use at the box office. 616-742-6500
18-20	‘Move Over, Mrs. Markham’, Holland Civic Theater, 50 W.9th Street, Holland. A British Farce by Ray Cooney & John Chapman. 7:30pm. Call 616-396-2021 for ticket info.
19-20	Maple Sugar Time, Historic VanRaalte Farm, 1076 16th Street, Holland. Sat: 11am-4pm; Sun: Noon-4pm. Get ready to help tap a maple tree and gather the sap. Demonstrations of how Native Americans made sugar. Ice cream topped with the farm’s maple syrup will be served in the barn. $1 per person entry fee. No registration required.
20	Winter Birding Field Trip, Hemlock Crossing-Nature Education Center, 8115 West Olive Road, West Olive. 10am - 5pm. Free, but registration is required. Participants will receive meeting location in advance. Call 616-786-4847.
20	Meijer State Games Luge Race, Muskegon State Park, 460 Scenic Drive, Muskegon. The race is open to athletes of any skill level, ages 8 and up. Come out Friday, Feb, 19 from 6:00 to 8:30pm. The competition will be held from 4:00 to 7:30pm, Saturday Feb. 20 with an after glow BBQ immediately following. The $40 entry fee includes luge admission for practice and competition, a Meijer State Games t-shirt and BBQ. Call 877-879-5843 or visit the website to register.
20	Girls Afternoon Out, Fenn Valley Winery, 6130 122nd Avenue, Fennville. Join Chef Christine Ferris as she demonstrates ‘Scones and Muffins’. 11am-1pm. $35 per person, includes lunch, wine, tax and tip. Reservations required. 269-561-2396.
20	Saturday Snowshoe Hike, Gillette Visitor Center, 6585 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon. 10:30am. Every Saturday in winter, Hoffmaster State Park hosts snowshoe outings for the entire family. Children 7 and up may participate in the hike if accompanied by an adult. Snowshoes may be reserved for $5 in advance. Call 231-798-3573 to pre-register. Meet at the Visitor Center.
21	Hempy Keyboard Series with John Mortensen, Saugatuck Center of the Arts, 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck. 2pm. Pianist John Mortensen. Tickets: $10 - free for students under 18. Call 269-857-2399.
26	Maple Palooza, Historic VanRaalte Farm, 1076 16th Street, Holland. Sat: 11am-3pm. A celebration of everything maple and the coming of spring. Two bands playing Irish and bluegrass music all day. Maple beer, maple barbeque, maple syrup, maple sugar candies, maple baked goods and maple crafts for kids. Ice cream topped with the farm’s maple syrup will be served in the barn. Free admission.
26	Saturday Snowshoe Hike, Gillette Visitor Center, 6585 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon. 10:30am. Every Saturday in winter, Hoffmaster State Park hosts snowshoe outings for the entire family. Children 7 and up may participate in the hike if accompanied by an adult. Snowshoes may be reserved for $5 in advance. Call 231-798-3573 to pre-register. Meet at the Visitor Center.
27	Owl Prowl, Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Road, Benton Harbor. 7pm. Enjoy a short program on owls inside before heading outside for owl calling. Screech, great horned and barred owls are all possible. Wear warm clothes and bring a small flashlight. Call 269-927-4832 to register.
28	New Faces & Sounds - Free @ 3 Concert Series, First Reformed Church of Holland, 630 State Street, Holland. J. Adam Briggs, saxophone; Genevieve Beaulieu, bassoon; Sarah Bast, piano. 616-392-8085. 3pm. Free admission.

March 2016

1	David Baskeyfield - Free Organ Concert, Center for the Arts Concert Hall, 221 Columbia Ave., Holland. 7:30pm.
3	Night for the Museums Dinner, Taste, 402 Phoenix Street, South Haven. Proceeds from this monthly dinner help support local museums and cultural groups. 5-9pm. Call 269-637-0010 for details.
4	Lise de la Salle Piano Concert, Center for the Arts Concert Hall, 221 Columbia Ave., Holland. 7:30pm. Adults $10, Seniors $7, Students $5
4	West Michigan Symphony, ‘Beethoven and Blue Jeans’, Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon.7:30pm. Christopher Theofanidis: Dreamtime Ancestors - Beethoven: Symphony no.1, pianist Conrad Tao performs Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto no.1, Op. 23, in B-flat minor.
4-6	Girlfriends Weekend, downtown Holland. A weekend for you and your best girlfriends. Shopping, makeovers, dining. Advance registration required. Visit www.girlfriendsweekends.org to register and view a complete schedule of events, or call 616-796-1210.
5	Coffee with the Birds, Hemlock Crossing-Nature Education Center, 8115 West Olive Road, West Olive. 9:30am-noon. Enjoy coffee and a pastry at the Nature Center while watching the birds at the Center feeders with fellow birders. Bring your favorite mug. Call 616-786-4847
8	Hempy Keyboard Series with Conley Johnson, Saugatuck Center of the Arts, 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck. 2pm. Conley Johnson plays classical piano. Tickets: $10 - free for students under 18. Call 269-857-2399.
8	65th Annual Dutch Costume Resale, Holland Civic Center, 150 W. Eighth Street, Holland. 5-8pm. New and used Dutch costumes for both adults and children. This popular annual event is organized by the Holland Newcomers Club. Call 616-298-8427.
11	Paul Vodiziano and David Martin, Guitar Concert, Center for the Arts Concert Hall, 221 Columbia Ave., Holland. 7:30pm. $10 Adults, $7 Seniors, $5 Students 18 & under.
11	The Outside Track - Scots, Irish, and Cape Breton Fusion of Songs, Tunes and Stepdance, Howmet Playhouse, 304 South Mears Avenue, Whitehall. 7:30pm. Tickets: $17 Adults, $12 Students. Traditional music, classic ballads and contemporary songwriting. The Outside Track is Ailie Robertson on clarsach (BBC Radio Scotland Young Trad finalist 2007), Norah Rendell on vocals and flute (Canadian Trad Singer of the Year nominee 2008), Fiona Black on accordion (FAME academy bursary recipient 2007), Alan Jordan on guitar, and Sarah-Jane Summers on fiddles (standard and hardanger).
11-20	Coastline Children’s Film Festival, Various venues in Berrien County. Alongside the screening of features, shorts and documentaries, festival participants have the opportunity to learn about the history of the medium, as well as the craft of filmmaking, through hands-on workshops and filmmaker presentations. Call Leslie Sullivan at 269-757-1491 for details.
12	Murder Mystery Weekend – A Feast To Die For, Amanda's Bequest Bed & Breakfast, 5200 Anderson Road, Montague. 5-8pm. $30 per person for guests, $40 for non-guests. Participants will enjoy an early check-in, a Saturday evening meal, and a MURDER. You will be emailed your character and role prior to arrival. The mystery activities last from 5 pm until around 8 pm on Saturday. These are themed mysteries based on month. The March 12th mystery is “A Feast To Die For.” One of New Orleans elite is discovered strangled by beads at the Mardi Gras. Book online.
11-12	St. Patrick's Party, Fricano Event Center, 1050 W Western Avenue, Muskegon. 5:30-11pm. Tickets: $6 at the door. Live music featuring Crossbow. Ardan Irish Dancers, McGovern's Corned Beef, Silent Auction and more.
12	St. Patrick’s Day Parade, downtown Holland. Noon. Parade begins at the Civic Center and marches up 8th Street to College Avenue.
12	St. Patrick’s Day Parade - Erin Go Bark! - People and Their Pets, downtown Saugatuck. 2pm. Line up at 1:30pm at the parking lot next to the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver. The march goes up Butler Street. Prizes awarded to the best dressed pet.
12	St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Muskegon. 11am. Parade begins at 4th Street and marches up Clay Avenue to Jefferson Street. Irish Floats, Bands, Families, Organizations and Business entries.
12	St. Patrick’s Day Lighted Parade, downtown Coloma. 8pm. Parade begins at the Civic Center and marches up 8th Street to College Avenue. After the parade, please stop by the Book Sale at the Coloma Public Library from 10am-2pm.
12	Special Irish Dinner, Belvedere Inn & Restaurant, 3656 63rd Street, Saugatuck. Two seatings at 6pm and 8pm. Dinner will be prepared by Galway, Ireland born and raised chef Shaun Glynn. Call 269-857-5777 or visit www.thebelvedereinn.com for more information.
12	Irish Breakfast Buffet, Saugatuck Brewing Company, 2948 Blue Star Highway, Douglas. 8:30-10:30am. Advance tickets required, call 269--857-7222. Tickets: $17 Adults, $8 Children - first pint or mimosa included. Live music.
12	Winemaker’s Dinner, Fenn Valley Winery, 6130 122nd Avenue, Fennville. The winery pairs a Fenn Valley wine with each course. A cellar tour starts things off, followed by a sparkling wine with cheese. Reservations are required. 269-561-2396.
19	Art of Beer Festival, Mendel Center, Lake Michigan College, 2755 East Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor. Sample craft beers brought by brewers from across the country. Live music, food. 5-9pm. Tickets are $35 in advance, or $40 at the door. Must be 21 years of age to attend. Designated driver tickets are $20. Each festival ticket buys tastes of twelve beers and a Festival beer pint glass.
19	The Barber of Seville, Mendel Center, Lake Michigan College, 2755 East Napier Avenue, Benton Harbor. 8pm. Tickets: $25-$30. The Comic Opera Guild presents an English version of Rossini's The Barber of Seville.
19-20	Maple Sugar Time, Historic VanRaalte Farm, 1076 16th Street, Holland. Sat: 11am-4pm; Sun: Noon-4pm. Get ready to help tap a maple tree and gather the sap. Demonstrations of how Native Americans made sugar. Ice cream topped with the farm’s maple syrup will be served in the barn. $1 per person entry fee. No registration required.
20	Folias Chamber Ensemble - Free @ 3 Concert Series, First Reformed Church of Holland, 630 State Street, Holland. Carmen Maret, flute - Andrew Bergeron, guitar - Marissa Peak, bassoon. 616-392-8085. 3pm. Free admission.
26	Maple Palooza, DeGraaf Nature Center, 600 Graafschap Road, Holland. Sat: 11am-3pm. A celebration of everything maple and the coming of spring. Two bands playing Irish and bluegrass music all day. Maple beer, maple barbeque, maple syrup, maple sugar candies, maple baked goods and maple crafts for kids. Ice cream topped with the farm’s maple syrup will be served in the barn. Free admission.
26	Casablanca (1942) - Free Family Movie Night, Howmet Playhouse, 304 South Mears Avenue, Whitehall. 7:30pm. See this classic film on the big screen. Popcorn and soda are free, too.
27	Easter Egg Hunt and Hat Parade, Center Street in downtown Douglas. 1 pm. Call 269-857-1438 for more information.
31	Hope College Chapel Choir Free Concert, Center for the Arts Concert Hall, 221 Columbia Ave., Holland. 7:30pm.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Lake Effect Living photographs are the work and property of Sharon Pisacreta.