Two Views Of Austin

Our favorite columnists visted Austin Texas and came back with these accounts.

Austin: The View From The Big Hill
By Kristi Buckham

A few days ago I boarded a plane to embark on a weekend adventure. Fastened securely in my seat, I left Kalamazoo a vibrant twenty-something ready to take on Texas. By the end of the trip I felt 100 years older, and must have looked it because a man at the airport offered me a wheelchair. I had just run the Austin Half Marathon.

I’ve never been coined an overly emotional person. When I was younger my family thought there was something wrong with me because I didn’t cry during the movie “Ghost” and “Old Yeller” was just a dog. Call it cold-heartedness or just the ability to separate fact from fiction at a young age. Either way, I’ve learned that throughout the years, nothing has made me feel more human than running. It’s my emotional kryptonite.

I learned I had a soft spot for running during my freshman year of college. I was cheering on my younger sister at a cross-country meet when the words of encouragement couldn’t get past the big lump in my throat. There’s something about the heart and determination required to run long distances that tugs at my own heartstrings.

The race in Austin was my first half marathon and my first truly emotional run. Having just recovered from a stomach virus and a few weeks of less than ideal training, I had no one to blame and no one to support but myself. But I felt great—channeling the energy from local bands and crowds along the course…until Mile 11.

Mile 11 started like a nice neighborhood stroll. I turned a bend and got a breathtaking view of the city of Austin—and the butt-kicking hill I would have to run to get there. At the base of the incline I looked furious, not only because I thought I read somewhere that the course was remarkably flat, but also because I had refused to allow myself to walk. Halfway up the hill my face softened and I began to whimper—the pain set in. Near the top the rest of me softened, my face contorted and I started to cry.

Maybe I cried because my legs and lungs felt like fire. Or maybe I cried because there was one man cheering on runners near the top of the hill. He leaned over the curb and shook his fist at me—he sternly told me that I could do this. He may as well have shown me a glowing piece of green kryptonite, because at that moment, atop a hill in Texas, I thought of my dad, my great encourager. I thought of Kalamazoo and the great legacy my family had built—and how my grandpa would be proud if I just persevered. I took a few deep breaths, wiped the tears away and picked up the pace.

In the heart of downtown Austin thousands of people lined the streets, cheering on the runners as they finished. I took off my headphones and absorbed their energy like the ultimate pat on the back. A woman shouted my name over a loud speaker as I crossed the finish and I punched the air in excitement. I overcame an array of obstacles, perhaps my biggest challenge being self-doubt.

My weekend adventure involved the Texas countryside, the electric Austin nightlife, a delicious hometown barbecue and a little jog up a big hill. I didn’t qualify for Boston, but I found true victory in Austin.




Austin: The View From the Side of the Road
By Blaine Lam

Unlike Kristi (see Austin: The View from the Top of the Hill), I was not filled with youthful angst, apprehension and anticipation when I headed for Austin. No mountains to climb, let alone hills to run. No real sense of adventure.

What I brought to Austin was not much more than that feeling you get when you know your work is going undone at home. But it was going to be fun to watch son Brett run his second marathon and also get a glimpse of Kristi and Alicia out there running the half.

A bum knee had dashed my hopes of taking on the half-marathon myself, so the consolation was cheering for Brett, Kristi and Alicia while visiting with Texas friends. So I packed up my laptop and iphone and set a goal “to learn a thing or two about community development.”

So, as a somewhat detached, dispassionate observer, I did what I often do when visiting other communities -- first and foremost, ask my favorite question: “What do they know that we don’t?"

Interestingly, we flew into nearby San Antonio, where I traveled 30 years ago to pose the same question, bringing back information about the Riverwalk before writing the Arcadia Creek Plan for downtown Kalamazoo.

Austin’s one hot town by almost any measure. Economic development and quality of life experts always rank it in the top American cities, and the glamor associated with the likes of Lance Armstrong and live music only helps the image.

The town has great restaurants, and to that we can swear. Amenities aside, though, I was looking for something transferable from a community development point of view. Well, it only took a visit to Lady Bird Lake on a Thursday afternoon to get the answer to my question.

The Austin Answer is this: “Public pathways promote recreation.” Simple concept, and not one we’re unfamiliar with in Kalamazoo County, but holy cow, this 10-foot wide hike and bike loop is something to behold, primarily because how popular it is. The lesson is that you almost can't do too much to help walkers, runners and bikers if you want people to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise.

Lady Bird Johnson, back in the early 70s, did more than provide token or tacit approval for this trail, which was ostensibly a beautification project-- inasmuch as road races were a rarity and jogging was hardly in fashion. She opened her own pocketbook and those of her friends.

The Texas weather -- 70s in February -- hasn’t hurt the popularity of the trail, nor does the popularity of running of running itself. But looking at what may have been thousands of people out on that 10-mile-long loop around Lady Bird Lake, one had to wonder where they would have been getting their exercise that afternoon if not on the trail.

As organizers of the Kalamazoo Klassic, this area’s first road race, the Kalamazoo Track Club donated proceeds from that even the first few years to the Kal-Haven Trail. Peeps, no doubt, to the City of Portage, for its work on the Bicentennial Trail, and a hearty “bravo” and “go get ‘em” to the people raising money for the Kalamazoo River Valley Trailway, which opened up between 10th Street to downtown last September.

Watching the Austin Marathon and Half-Marathon, there was little doubt in my mind where many of those 14,000 people got in shape for the event. Like Kristi, I choke up when I see people running.

But, unlike Kristi, I cried when Old Yeller died.

There's Progress In The Wind

Flanked by Congressman Fred Upton and representatives for Gov. Jennifer Granholm and U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow at the dedication and start-up of the newly erected wind turbine recently, DeHaven faced the inevitable question, “What’s next?”

DeHaven is the Vice President for Economic and Business Development at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, where the turbine is located. What’s next, he said, is a 26-week training
academy to create jobs in wind-energy industry.

DeHaven believes this training opportunity will bring people from all over the United States to Kalamazoo County. The KVCC Wind Turbine Academy will be certified by Bildungszentrum fur Erneuerebare Energien (BZEE) the leading trainer for wind-turbine technicians across Europe. In English, that translates to “Renewable Energy Education Center.” According to DeHaven, the community college will be the first institution of higher learning in the United States to obtain BZEE certification credentials.

Governor Granholm has set a goal for Michigan of getting 45 percent of its energy from renewable resources by 2020.

‘Wind power technology is about to explode,” said Jeff Patton, Chairman of KVCC’s Board of Trustees.

Entegrity, the wind systems company that sold the turbine to KVCC, announced that it will be basing most of its sales and manufacturing training in the Kalamazoo area through KVCC. Entegrity’s offices and plants, however, will remain in Colorado and Alberta, Canada.

While the celebration was supposed to conclude outdoors with the start-up of the turbine, light wind and heavy rain forced attendees to watch the 145-foot tall start up manually from the foyer of the building.

February Events 2009

February 1, 2009

Spared from the Storm: Masterworks from the New Orleans Museum of Art
Don’t miss more than 80 American and European art masterpieces that were spared from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. Artists include Mary Cassatt, Joseph Cornell, Edgar Degas, Wassily Kandinsky, Rene Magritte, Joan Miró, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Auguste Rodin, John Singer Sargent, Marie-Louise-Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun (the official painter to Marie Antoinette) and many more!

This exhibit is on display at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts until Sunday, February 8, 2009. Hours are Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday noon-5 p.m. $10 general admission, $8 seniors & students. $5 for KIA members. To learn more, visit http://www.kiarts.org.

Groundhog 101
Celebrate Groundhog Day early at the Kalamazoo Nature Center! This outdoor hike for ages includes fun and activities along the trail. Event starts at 2 p.m. and is free with regular KNC admission. For more information, visit http://www.NatureCenter.org.

Western Michigan University Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Bruce Uchimura at 3 p.m. in the Miller Auditorium. This event is free. For more information, visit http://www.wmich.edu/music.


February 2, 2009

From the Heart
Spread some joy by making Valentine's for residents of local nursing homes. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. a the Kalamazoo Public Library. http://www.kpl.gov

Family Story Time
Storytime for the whole family at the Kalamazoo Public Library at 10 a.m. http://www.kpl.gov

Open Mic Night
10 p.m. at Harvey's on the Mall!


February 3, 2009

From the Heart
Spread some joy by making Valentine's for residents of local nursing homes. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. a the Kalamazoo Public Library. http://www.kpl.gov

ARTbreak: Man Among Men: Alberto Giacometti
Take a break to view a 1963 documentary featuring a rare interview with sculptor Alberto Giacometti. This event begins at 12:15 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. Visit http://www.kiarts.org for more information.

WMU - Bullock Series
The Verdehr Trio performs at 8:15 p.m. at the Dalton Center Recital Hall. Admission is $12, ($10 seniors, $5 students).
http://www.wmich.edu/music

Kevin Henry at Shakespeares Pub
Listen to Kevin Henry at Shakespeares from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Kevin is known for his blend of classic rock and Buffett songs he plays on his acoustic guitar. Followed by Open Mic Night!

The Brothers Kalamazov
Performing at Martini's Pizza from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m.

Open Mic Night
9:30 p.m. at Dino's Coffee Lounge!


February 4, 2009

From the Heart
Spread some joy by making Valentine's for residents of local nursing homes. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. a the Kalamazoo Public Library. http://www.kpl.gov

Jeff Meuller and Karaoke
5 - 9 p.m. at Shakespeares Pub, 241 E. Kalamazoo Ave. Followed by Karaoke at 10 p.m.!

Western Michigan University Jazz Orchestra & Jazz Lab Band
Featuring Directors Scott Cowan and Tom Knific at 8:15 p.m. at the Dalton Center Recital Hall. For more information on the free event, visit
http://www.wmich.edu/music

Wine Down Wednesdays
Enjoy live music and half off select glasses and bottles of wine in the Webster’s Lounge, located in the Radisson Plaza. 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://www.webstersrestaurant.com


February 5, 2009

City Of Kalamazoo Planning Commission Meeting
7 p.m. at City Hall, Commission Chambers. Come to the City of Kalamazoo Planning Commission Meeting and see what's happening in your city!

Music at the Museum: Louie
Noted children’s performer will play for an adult audience at 7:30 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Admission is $5.
http://www.kalamazoomuseum.org

Keith Hall
Playing on the Union's stage at 8 p.m.

WMU - Bullock Series
Featuring women composers. 8:15 p.m. at the Dalton Center Recital Hall. Admission is $12, ($10 seniors, $5 students).
http://www.wmich.edu/music


February 6, 2009

Owl Prowl
Explore the woods after dark in search of owl activity from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. The cost is free for KNC Members, Non-Members, $4/adult, $3/senior, $2/child. For more information, visit http://www.NatureCenter.org

Art Hop!
On the first Friday of every month, area galleries and businesses host art exhibits in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Hop around town from one exhibit to the next—meet local artists and make new friends! The Art Hop is from 5 – 7 p.m. and admission is free. Download a map and schedule at www.kalamazooarts.com or pick up one at the Epic Center.

Kalamazoo Wings vs. Port Huron
7:30 pm at Wings Stadium. Visit http://www.kwings.com for more information.

KSO Chamber Music Warms A Winter Evening
The Epic Theatre hosts the KSO's Burdick-Thorne String Quartet and Artists in Residence in an intimate setting at 8 p.m. Cost is $20 Adults, $8 Students. http://www.KalamazooSymphony.com

WMU School of Music
Playing on the Union's stage at 9 p.m.


February 7, 2009

Louie, Musician
Enjoy Louie's Tummy Guitars and Bubbles at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Admission is $3 per person.
http://www.kalamazoomuseum.org

Gold Company Celebrates Motown & Beyond 2 pm & 8 pm
Miller Auditorium hosts a WMU vocal group that provides fun for kids of all ages. Enjoy this tribute to Motown with some added comedy and choreography. Cost ranges from $12 - $24. Visit http://www.millerauditorium.com/ for more information.

Lost in Kazoo
A theatrical performance about the journey of a young man who journeys to discover his history, culture, and most importantly, himself. The show begins at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 315 W. Michigan Ave. Admission is free. http://www.KalamazooArts.com

Kalamazoo Wings vs. Bloomington
7:30 p.m. at Wings Stadium. Visit http://www.kwings.com for more information.

KSO Chamber Music Warms A Winter Evening
The Epic Theatre hosts the KSO's Burdick-Thorne String Quartet and Artists in Residence in an intimate setting at 8 p.m. Cost is $20 Adults, $8 Students. http://www.KalamazooSymphony.com

WMU School of Music
Playing on the Union's stage at 9 p.m.


February 8, 2009

WMU Faculty Recital
8:15 p.m. at Dalton Center Recital Hall. Featuring Yu-Lien The on piano. Admission is free.
http://www.wmich.edu/music

Michigan Mammals
Take a hike at the Kalamazoo Nature Center from 2 - 3 p.m. to learn about mammals. This is event is free for KNC members; Non-members, $6/adults, $5/seniors, $4/children and students, 3 and under free. http://www.NatureCenter.org

The Gilmore 2008–09 Rising Stars Recital Series: Francesco Schlimé, piano
Begins at 7 p.m. at the Wellspring Theater in the Epic Center. Experience the work of Francesco Schlime, who has performed all over the world. He founded the New Bach Players and recorded the "Goldberg" Variations and the complete cycle of Bach's keyboard concertos. Visit
http://www.thegilmore.com for additional details and pricing information.


February 9, 2009

Family Story Time
Storytime for the whole family at the Kalamazoo Public Library at 10 a.m. http://www.kpl.gov

Open Mic Night
10 p.m. at Harvey's on the Mall!


February 10, 2009

Story Corner
Listen to a nature story at 10 a.m. at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Everyone can get involved with hand rhymes, sound effects, puppets, and maybe a visit from an animal! Program concludes with a walk outside. Cost is free for KNC members; Non-members, $6/adults, $5/seniors, $4/children and students, 3 and under free. http://www.NatureCenter.org

Connecting Women & Nature: Snowshoe Adventure
Embark on a snowshoeing adventure under a full moon from 6 - 8:30 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Snowshoeing is an excellent form of exercise--dress in layers and wear winter or hiking boots. KNC’s Connecting Women & Nature program was started in 2003 to bring women closer to nature through meaningful, fun experiences. Women age 14+, outdoor evening walk. Cost is $15 for KNC members and $20 for non-members. Subtract $5 from fees if you own your own snowshoes. http://www.NatureCenter.org

Flying Hunters of the Night
Learn about owl species found in Michigan at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary at 7 p.m. Program concludes with an optional night hike. Sanctuary members $3 Adults, $1 for children, non-members $5 Adults, $3 Children. http://www.kbs.msu.edu

Kevin Henry at Shakespeares Pub
Listen to Kevin Henry at Shakespeares from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Kevin is known for his blend of classic rock and Buffett songs he plays on his acoustic guitar. Followed by Open Mic Night!

The Brothers Kalamazov
Performing at Martini's Pizza from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m.

Open Mic Night
9:30 p.m. at Dino's Coffee Lounge!


February 11, 2009

High School Choral Festival
From 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the Light Fine Arts Building at Kalamazoo College. Twelve area high schools perform for two days, culminating in a mass choir performance. Admission is free. http://www.kzoo.edu/bach/

Jeff Meuller and Karaoke
5 - 9 p.m. at Shakespeares Pub, 241 E. Kalamazoo Ave. Followed by Karaoke at 10 p.m.!

Wine Down Wednesdays
Enjoy live music and half off select glasses and bottles of wine in the Webster’s Lounge, located in the Radisson Plaza. 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://www.webstersrestaurant.com


February 12, 2009

High School Choral Festival
From 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. in the Light Fine Arts Building at Kalamazoo College. Twelve area high schools perform for two days, culminating in a mass choir performance. Admission is free. http://www.kzoo.edu/bach/

Owl Prowl
Explore the woods after dark in search of owl activity frm 6-7:30 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. The cost is free for KNC Members, Non-Members, $4/adult, $3/senior, $2/child. For more information, visit http://www.NatureCenter.org

Senior Performance Series
8 p.m. at the Nelda K. Balch Playhouse at Kalamazoo College. Featuring student-directed plays. Admission only $1. http://www.kzoo.edu/theatre

Western Men's Ensemble
8:15 p.m. at WMU's Dalton Center Recital Hall. Featuring conductor Ken Prewitt. Admission for this event is free. http://www.wmich.edu/music



February 13, 2009

Senior Performance Series
8 p.m. at the Nelda K. Balch Playhouse at Kalamazoo College. Featuring student-directed plays. Admission is $15 for adults; Seniors/Students $10. http://www.kzoo.edu/theatre


February 14, 2009

Music in Motion
Create a percussion and string instruments from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Admission is free. http://www.kalamazoomuseum.org

Meet the Velvelettes
Celebrate Motown's 50th Anniversary at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Exhibit highlights the southwest Michigan's "girl group," the Velvelettes and their journey within the Motown phenomenon. Admission is free and the exhibit runs until 09/27/2009.
http://www.kalamazoomuseum.org

Kalamazoo Wings vs. Port Huron, The Pink Ice Game!
Take your loved one's to the Borgess Pink Ice Game at Wings Stadium, 7:30 p.m. For details and pricing information, visit http://www.kwings.com

KSO Pops Presents Valentine Heart
The KSO and guest vocalist Kathy Wagner perform music of love - from Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet to Unchained Melody (from "Ghost") to The Way We Were. Program begins at 8 p.m. at Chenery Auditorium. Cost ranges $10 - $40. Visit http://www.KalamazooSymphony.com for more information.

Senior Performance Series
8 p.m. at the Nelda K. Balch Playhouse at Kalamazoo College. Featuring student-directed plays. Admission is $15 for adults; Seniors/Students $10. http://www.kzoo.edu/theatre


February 15, 2009

Senior Performance Series
2 p.m. at the Nelda K. Balch Playhouse at Kalamazoo College. Featuring student-directed plays. Admission is $15 for adults; Seniors/Students $10. http://www.kzoo.edu/theatre

Concerto Competition Finals
Concert begins at 5:30 p.m. at WMU's Dalton Center Recital Hall. Admission is free. http://www.wmich.edu/music

Kalamazoo Wings vs. Fort Wayne
Hockey game begins at 4 p.m. at Wings Stadium. For details and pricing information, visit http://www.kwings.com.


February 16, 2009

Family Story Time
Storytime for the whole family at the Kalamazoo Public Library at 10 a.m. http://www.kpl.gov

Open Mic Night
10 p.m. at Harvey's on the Mall!


February 17, 2009

Small Wonders: Animals in Winter
Children's activities at the Kalamazoo Nature Center from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Children must be age 5 or under and accompanied by an adult.
Cost is $2/child in addition to Regular KNC admission. No registration required. http://www.NatureCenter.org

Kevin Henry at Shakespeares Pub
Listen to Kevin Henry at Shakespeares from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Kevin is known for his blend of classic rock and Buffett songs he plays on his acoustic guitar. Followed by Open Mic Night!

The Brothers Kalamazov
Performing at Martini's Pizza from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m.

Open Mic Night
9:30 p.m. at Dino's Coffee Lounge!


February 18, 2009

Peter Mulvey in Concert
7 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Public Library. Rolling Stone calls Mulvey's lush, hushed voice "surrealistic beauty...gorgeous." The Boston Globe says heís ìa genre-defying traditionalist. This nationally known singer-songwriter thrills audiences and critics with his amazing guitar playing and lyrics. For more information, visit http://www.kpl.gov

Wine Down Wednesdays
Enjoy live music and half off select glasses and bottles of wine in the Webster’s Lounge, located in the Radisson Plaza. 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://www.webstersrestaurant.com

Jeff Meuller and Karaoke
5 - 9 p.m. at Shakespeares Pub, 241 E. Kalamazoo Ave. Followed by Karaoke at 10 p.m.!

Western Winds
Concert begins at 8:15 p.m. at WMU's Dalton Center Recital Hall. Featuring conductor Robert Spradling. Admission is free.
http://www.wmich.edu/music



February 19, 2009

Drop Zone for grades 5-8
4-5 p.m. at the Washington Square Library Branch, 1244 Portage Street. Drop by after school for some boredom-busting games, art projects, fun, and food! A chance for tweens in grades 5-8 to play, meet new people, and just chill out at the library.

February 20, 2009

Kalamazoo Wings vs. Muskegon
Hockey game starts at 7:30 p.m. at Wings Stadium. For details and pricing information, visit http://www.kwings.com

"Go Google Yourself, or A Slap in the Facebook"
Crawlspace Eviction performs live improv and sketch comedy at Whole Art Theater, 246 N. Kalamazoo Mall. Show starts at 8 p.m. Cost is
$10; $7 students. http://www.crawlspaceeviction.com

Wellspring's Dance Forum Featuring Tammy Metz Starr
8 p.m. at the Wellspring Theater at the Epic Center. The 25th Annual Dance Forum presents featured guest artist Tammy Metz Starr of Ohio. Witness experimental work by emerging and established choreographers from across the region. $15 Adults, $10 with Student ID, Free for children ages 5 and younger. http://www.wellspringdance.org


February 21, 2009

Small Wonders: Animals in Winter
9:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Learn about nature with your child--no registration required. Children must be age 5 or under and accompanied by an adult. Cost is $2/child in addition to Regular KNC admission. http://www.NatureCenter.org

Debut: Young Artists of Kalamazoo County
Tues. - Sat. 10 am - 5 pm, Sun. 12 -5 pm until 3/22/09.
Come to the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts to seethousands of works of art created by local artists in Kindergarten through 8th grade in one of the KIA's most popular exhibitions. Includes work from public, private, parochial and charter schools throughout Kalamazoo County. Admission is free. http://www.kiarts.org

International Year of Astronomy Event: Great Observatories Images Unveiling
Join the Kalamazoo Nature Center in celebrating the display of two large scale images of the spiral galaxy Messier 101. The Kalamazoo Nature Center was chosen by NASA for this special unveiling. The Kalamazoo Astronomical Society has partnered in hosting this event, and will offer lots of information, including the viewing session schedule for 2009. During the event: witness the unveiling, learn about galaxies with speaker Richard Bell, make a model of the Hubble Telescope, learn about our solar system, and enjoy snacks! This event is free, and runs from 1 - 3 p.m. http://www.NatureCenter.org

Beware the Spoken Word
Show starts at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 315 W. Michigan Ave. A sudden medical problem causes older adults to no longer have the ability to speak, leaving all conversations to young adults and children. Just what will they talk about? Admission is free! http://www.KalamazooArts.com

"Go Google Yourself, or A Slap in the Facebook"
Crawlspace Eviction performs live improv and sketch comedy at Whole Art Theater, 246 N. Kalamazoo Mall. Show starts at 8 p.m. Cost is
$10; $7 students. http://www.crawlspaceeviction.com

Wellspring's Dance Forum Featuring Tammy Metz Starr
8 p.m. at the Wellspring Theater at the Epic Center. The 25th Annual Dance Forum presents featured guest artist Tammy Metz Starr of Ohio. Witness experimental work by emerging and established choreographers from across the region. $15 Adults, $10 with Student ID, Free for children ages 5 and younger. http://www.wellspringdance.org


February 22, 2009

Michigan Mammals
Take a hike at the Kalamazoo Nature Center from 2 - 3 p.m. to learn about mammals. This is event is free for KNC members; Non-members, $6/adults, $5/seniors, $4/children and students, 3 and under free. http://www.NatureCenter.org

Wellspring's Dance Forum Featuring Tammy Metz Starr
2 p.m. at the Wellspring Theater at the Epic Center. The 25th Annual Dance Forum presents featured guest artist Tammy Metz Starr of Ohio. Witness experimental work by emerging and established choreographers from across the region. $15 Adults, $10 with Student ID, Free for children ages 5 and younger. http://www.wellspringdance.org

Western Michigan University Symphonic Band
Concert begins at 3 p.m. at Miller Auditorium. Featuring conductor Robert Spradling. Admission is free. http://www.wmich.edu/music

Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra Concert
Featuring Concerto Competition Winner Braden De Weese and Alumni Orchestra directed by Dr. Robert Ritsema. Event begins at 4 p.m. at Chenery Auditorium. Cost: Adult $10, Senior $7, Student $5. For more information, visit http://www.kjso.org

Cantus Femina & Collegiate Singers
Concert begins at 5 p.m. at WMU's Dalton Center Recital Hall. Featuring Dee Gauthier, Conductor and James K. Bass, Conductor. Admission is free. http://www.wmich.edu/music

Kalamazoo Wings vs. Bloomington
Hockey game begins at 4 p.m. at Wings Stadium. For details and pricing information, visit http://www.kwings.com.


February 23, 2009

Family Story Time
Storytime for the whole family at the Kalamazoo Public Library at 10 a.m. http://www.kpl.gov

Western Michigan University Symphony Orchestra
Student Chamber Ensembles perform at 8:15 p.m. at WMU's Dalton Center Recital Hall. Admission is free. http://www.wmich.edu/music

Open Mic Night
10 p.m. at Harvey's on the Mall!


February 24, 2009

Western Michigan University Concert Band
Featuring conductor David W. Montgomery at 8:15 p.m. at Miller Auditorium. Admission is free.


Kevin Henry at Shakespeares Pub
Listen to Kevin Henry at Shakespeares from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Kevin is known for his blend of classic rock and Buffett songs he plays on his acoustic guitar. Followed by Open Mic Night!

The Brothers Kalamazov
Performing at Martini's Pizza from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m.

Open Mic Night
9:30 p.m. at Dino's Coffee Lounge!


February 25, 2009

Wine Down Wednesdays
Enjoy live music and half off select glasses and bottles of wine in the Webster’s Lounge, located in the Radisson Plaza. 5 p.m. - 11 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit http://www.webstersrestaurant.com

Jeff Meuller and Karaoke
5 - 9 p.m. at Shakespeares Pub, 241 E. Kalamazoo Ave. Followed by Karaoke at 10 p.m.!

Kalamazoo Wings vs. Port Huron
Hockey game begins at 10:30 a.m. at Wings Stadium. It's Education Day! For pricing and details, visit http://www.kwings.com.


February 26, 2009

Octet
Playing on the Union's stage at 8 p.m.


February 27, 2009

Kalamazoo Wings vs. Muskegon
Hockey games starts at 7:30 p.m. at Wings Stadium. For pricing information and details, visit http://www.kwings.com.

KSO - Marimba Magic 8 p.m. at Miller Auditorium. Makoto Nakura, a wizard on the marimba, returns to Kalamazoo to perform Pierre Jalbert's Marimba Concerto. Wagner's Tannhauser: Overture and Venusberg Music opens the concert and Schumann's Rhenish Symphony rounds out the program. Cost ranges from $19 - $49. Visit http://www.KalamazooSymphony.com for more information.

WMU School of Music
Playing on the Union's stage at 9 p.m.


February 28, 2009

Debut: 2009 West Michigan Area Show
Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun. 12 - 5 p.m. until 4/26/2009 at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. One of the area's largest juried shows,this annual exhibition presents examples of the best art produced in a 14-county region of West Michigan. This year's guest juror is photographer Larry Fink, whose work has appeared in The New York Times, Art in America, Vogue, Rolling Stone and The New Yorker. Admission is free.
http://www.kiarts.org

Maple Sugar Tours
Tours are at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Nature Center. Learn how sap collected from sugar maple trees is converted to sweet, delicious maple syrup! Tour begins with a 30 minute video inside, followed by a 45-minute hike to the sugar shack. This event is free with Regular KNC admission. http://www.NatureCenter.org

Snowshoe Walks
At 1 & 3 p.m. at the Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery. Weather permitting, enjoy a snowshoe walk along nature trails. Preregistration is required for those borrowing snowshoes from the visitor center. Admission is free. To pre-register, call 269-668-2876 or visit http://www.michigan.gov/dnr

Super Science Saturdays: Simple Machines
Learn how simple machines make our lives easier while interacting and having fun at the Air Zoo! Events start at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. For details and pricing information, visit http://www.airzoo.org

Kalamazoo Wings vs. Fort Wayne
Hockey game starts at 7:30 p.m. at Wings Stadium. For pricing information and details, visit http://www.kwings.com.

Bonnie Raitt
Nine-time Grammy winner Bonnie Raitt performs at the State Theater with special guest Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound. Show starts at 8 p.m. Cost is $65. http://www.kazoostate.com

Bob Marley Birthday Bash Tour 2009
Show featuring Zion Lion and DJ Assane starts at 8p.m. at the Stage Coach Barn in Richland. Featuring Caribbean food and crafts. Admission is $5. For more information, visit http://www.blackhawkgrill.com/barn

WMU School of Music
Playing on the Union's stage at 9 p.m.