Entertainment

People’s Choice Awards: Regional Arts Exhibition, Film Competition

Regional Arts Exhibition Awards, Philatelic Awards, Grand Rapids Combined Theatre Scholarship Award

Diane I. Casey “Spirit of Festival” Award

Board a trolley and tour historic downtown Grand Rapids with a stop at Avenue of the Arts. For more info, click here: City History Tour.

Featuring the youth and energy of our West Michigan community, the students of William C. Abney Academy will perform in song and dance, demonstrating the importance of the arts, recycling and sharing.

Description coming soon

A high-energy blend of pop and rock and’ roll

Dynamic, positive pop kids’ group

Songwriter Abbey Andrew’s simple artistry uncovers the depths of the human soul

ABC Orchestra with Eric Hudson as music director

Come experience the new sound of rock

Fun dancing

Contemporary gospel music group with nine vocalists

Original tunes featuring a variety of music styles including folk, jazz and pop

Celtic/jam band

Funky Fairy Tales

Classical/Celtic guitar duo

A plugged-in acoustic mix of rockin’ Americana and folkwave

Acoustic folk/blues mix

Performing music from her 1st professional release due out in 2009

Cultural Mexican dancing

Igniting the stage with contemporary ballet

Soprano sings with her favorite piano accompanists – from Bach to Broadway

Big band, swing and jazz

Gospel

Funk, R&B, blues, rock, reggae and jam performed by some of the hottest musicians

Modern folk duo Nicholas James Thomasma and Liz Dieleman

Wildly entertaining, hip retro harmonic pop band

The entertaining, pristine harmonies of the Andrews Sisters

Alternative/rock/pop

Classical guitar

A variety of rock-based musical styles

Original rock with an edge

Tap, jazz, ballet and more performed by dancers of all ages

Afro-Brazilian music and dance powered by percussions and singing

This easy-to-follow traditional Latin dance movement class has a huge following. Get ready to move!

Traditional Celtic and maritime songs and ballads

Chinese marital arts

Solo accoustic blues artist, Chris Crown, presents a brief history of the blues

Original folk rock

Traditional and contemporary big band music

Improv – taking audience suggestions and creating fun and interesting stories

Corey’s school of Rock N Roll teaches youngsters how to play in a band

Indie rock band

An edgy original performance of acoustic driven rock with jazz flavor

Fingerstyle acoustic guitar

Mother and daughter singing and dancing duo

Playing traditional German folk music with that old town sound

Folk/acoustic, everyday songs

The Story of Abe Lincoln’s Childhood

6 & 12 string fingerstyle guitarist combines beautiful music with odd techniques

An anointed gospel group

Delightful and silly songs for kids

Gospel

Traditional Dixieland jazz

Classic country with comedy

Tiger, Dragon and Crane – develop the mind, body and spirit. Join Sensei Jon for an entertaining demonstration of the martial arts.

Edelweiss German Choir of Grand Rapids

Vocal jazz and blues

Embellish entertains like no other handbell ensemble – don’t miss the spectacle!

Harbop, mainstream original jazz music

An oldies dance band featuring songs from the 50s, 60s, 70s and Motown

Film by Kathryn Postema
An experimental animation created while rummaging through my apartment and my head.

Film by Devin Cameron
What would you do if you found a time machine? It’s not really about time travel. I mean, it Already Happened.
(Please Note: Mature Content)

Film by Deanna Morse
Porcupine Mountains State Park, an old growth forest in Northern Michigan.

Film by Ashley Bunge
Abby awakes the morning after a party to find out that she got into a fist fight with her best friend.
(Please Note: Mature Content)

Film by Kathryn Postema, Evan Rattenbury & Leah Vukovich
A classic tale of adventure…with cereal.

Film by Deanna Morse
Examining nature through the lens of time.

Film by David Regan
When the Prime Minister of Great Britain gets captured, three FBI agents are determined to get him back.

A historical government propaganda film.

Film by Brandon Belote
Experimental film that explores existential thought through an abstract aesthetic.

Film by Matthew Douglas Grzeszak
A man discovers that he’s been framed for the murder of a cop.
(Please Note: Mature Content)

Film by Thomas Hegewald
A documentary and tour of the restoration and preparation of a Heritage Hill home.

Film by Alex Holowicki
A romantic comedy about a delusional hipster that discovers real life is not like Hollywood cinema.
(Please Note: Mature Content)

Film by Bell & Howell
A historic documentary about how movies are made.

Film by Charles T. Kovalik
Three friends discuss the importance of dreams in waking life.
(Please Note: Mature Content)

Film by Gretchen Vinnedge, Deanna Morse, Andrew Schremser, Matthew Schremser, Riley Wilson, Mitchel Prahl
Stop motion paper cut out animation depicting imaginary events and hopes for world peace.

Film by Josh Harney
A documentary that presents a glimpse into the Tongo tribe in Zambia.

Film by John Coin
Three non-Jewish men struggle to find strength while imprisoned at Mauthausen concentration camp.

Film by Thomas Scheidel
A documentary that follows cyclists from West Michigan as they train for and participate in century rides in Asheville, NC and Death Valley, CA.

Film by Evan Witkowski
A non-profit organization in West Michigan gets disabled children together to play sports and make friends.

Film by Michael Elzinga
A documentary addressing the issue of violent video games.

Film by Philip Carrel
A man loses his wife and must cope with the loss.

Film by Ben Strack
A young man attempts to contact ghosts after the death of his sister.
(Please Note: Mature Content)

Film by Suzanne Zack
First through third grade students from GRPS North Park Montessori celebrate the Chinese New Year.

Film by Jennifer Proctor
Experimental film

Film by Sean Stearns
Experimental memoirs of my college career
(Please Note: Mature Content)

Film by Patty Williams
A personal look inside the life of Lare Williams and New Direction Bluegrass Band.

Film by Aaron Carriere/Creo Productions
A documentary uncovering the mysteries of Yesterdog.

Film by Natsuki Kato
Animation based on a the fairy tale story, Thumbelina.

Film by Maxwell Rutecki
On his 81st birthday, Howard struggles with his son’s impending death from terminal cancer.
(Please Note: Mature Content)

Film by Raheeq Alzaidan
A man with an illness is buried alive by his mindless sisters and villagers.

Film by Ryan Thompson
An action-comedy in the spirit of an 80s or 90s summer blockbuster.
(Please Note: Mature Content)

Rock band performing music from the ’60s on, melting faces accordingly

Pop-rock with faux-metal moments

A New York style cabaret show featuring standard jazz and pop favorites

Chief Purveyor of FunkyCountryFolksyBluesyRock

Stories to Make You Laugh

Toga Party! Mt. Olympian Style

Frightfully Delightful

A group of diverse musicians formed into a powerful element of soul, R&B and funk

Variety of accordion music

Classical Ballet, performing a piece entitled Color Splash

Classical ballet

Music, harmony and choreography for your musical entertainment

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s Traveling Troupe will be performing “Tales of Molly Molloy” on the Meijer Majestic Stage. The show is approximately 50 minutes long and will conclude with a talk-back for the audience. Appropriate for ages 4 through adult.

Classical guitar ensemble

Performing selections from the Suzuki method repertoire

Contemporary and classical dance

A sampling of choral music

100% original songs from aspiring West Michigan songwriters

Highlights from the 2008-09 season and more

Choral repertoire from Renaissance polyphony to American Gospel

Classical music

Singing some of your favorites featuring the Championship Quartet Wildcard

Contemporary folk

Animal Galactic Tales

The most original hip hop in the state

Sing-a-long and enjoy gospel favorites and more

A high energy, fresh big band presentation of your gospel favorites and more

Dancers saluting America from NY to CA

Dancing by the Outreach Ensemble and Special Needs class

R&B/soul/pop

Unique worship experience of gospel-jazz

Unique mix of original rock, blues and folk with pop and reggae mixed in

Fully appreciate the sounds of classical music inside where it’s quiet. Please see schedule for details.

Ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, tap, tumbling and competitive dance

Recital 2009 – tap, ballet, jazz, lyrical and hip hop

Singer songwriter

Blues and blue wave/roots rock

Solo original jazz guitar music

Performing Tarrega, Sanz, Frescabaldi and more

Performing your favorite songs in an upbeat swinging style

Animal Stories for the Young Ones

Folk/rock music – songs from Jeremy’s newest CD: Awake and Waiting

Mix of jazz, blues and in-between; music of Monk, Miles, Clapton, Allman Bros. and more

JOBOT a.k.a Joseph Botwinski GOD.love.FAMILY.peace.FRIENDSHIP.faith.WORK.hope

Stories for All Ages

Stories For All Ages

New this year, you won’t want to miss Michele Venegas from Joyful Sounds Music Studio. Bring your children to learn the joy of making music together as a family.

A mix of old and new swing and Latin tunes

Pop/folk singer songwriter

Ken’s music, combined with a voice of depth, makes his shows unforgettable

Symphonic pop music

Experience high energy gospel as well as heartfelt intimacy with this 80-voice worship choir

Dynamic, high energy, intense, spiritual worship

Poetry, Puppetry, Music and More!

Beautiful Messianic song and dance

Daughter, father and friends perform original music

Traditional country, folk and blues songs and instrumentals with fingerstyle guitar

Experimental, progressive, rawk

A girl and her guitar: local singer-songwriter performs originals and covers

A mix of alternative and pop served on the rocks with a twist of lime

“The Gangsters of Rock”

Sophisticated electronic dance music

Nine year old electric guitarist playing a mix of classic rock and U2 songs

25-year old dance company

Alternative/country/folk

Urban folk with an edgy classical twist

Classical Woodwind Trio performing styles ranging from Renaissance to jazz

A spectacle of Latin indie rock that’s similar to Radiohead/Postal Service

Acoustic songs on a handmade guitar

Swing and sway with this versatile, energetic group bringing you great jazz, pop and broadway standards of yesterday and today

Story drama with audience participation

Grimm or Not so Grimm II (European Folktales)

Grimm or Not so Grimm I (European Folktales)

Performing songs from Ambient Images

A mix of classic country, classic rock and a little bit of punk

High energy classic and original rock

Classical music on unaccompanied chromatic harmonica

Local singer songwriter

Modern jazz with an edge

Original alternative rock

Rocking out for Jesus

Join In Tales

Popular country

Spooky Stories

Stories Twisting Drama

Acoustic classic rock and big harmony, performing since the 70s

Folk, Irish and traditional mix of lively and entertaining music

Masterful gypsy, classical, world and fingerstyle acoustic 12-string guitar

Original rock and roll with a smattering of funk, blues and pop

A time of celebration and worship

Big band jazz

A great show of hard rock quartet with classic roots and a heart for the truth

Come Tell a Tale

Old-time folk-blues

Christian rock band

Polynesian cultural dancing and drums

Exciting and powerful instrumental music

Acoustic folk blues and witty originals – you’ll smile, you’ll sigh and you’ll tap your toe

Winning entries of the Dyer-Ives Poetry Competition will be read at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. The UICA is located at 41 Sheldon SE.

Original folkrock and radio hits

Since 1979, Real Songs, Real Stories, told Really Well. No, Really!

Improvisation on jazz standards from Bill Evans to T. Monk

High energy praise & worship featuring Res Life Worship Team & Ken Reynolds

Big city rhythms tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, pointe and lyrical dance

Indie contemporary rock

A high energy and entertaining band

The Calvin Alumni Improv Team

A high society dance band

Jazz from New Orleans to Grand Rapids

Don’t You Wish..? (magical tales)

Beyond the Apple Tree Stories

Tap, jazz, hip hop and musical theater

Story Boat Tales

Story Boat Tales

Story Boat Tales

This up-and-coming band plays rock with hints of funk and alternative music

Melodic, psychedelic crop circle rock

A variety of contemporary, spiritual and patriotic songs

Energetic senior jazz/tap dance group performing songs through the decades

Energetic group featuring funk/blues/retro-rock for the masses

Tales from Young Writers

Modern orignal rock and roll with classic roots

Eclectic indie rock and roll

Indie/break-beat rock

Learn the very popular Country Western line dancing at the beginner level. Offering fun for all ages, this event fills up fast.

Rockin’ the town with classic rock

Bring your dancing shoes and enjoy this new performing arts group featuring an eclectic mix of folk music and dance.

A special blend of retro folk, country, gospel and more

Gospel ministries

Traditional jazz and blues

Melodic, hard rockin’ original music with influences from the 80s, 90s and now

Original, high-energy, modern, alternative rock ala Queens of the Stone Age

Master Lee will introduce you to Chi Kung exercises, relaxation techniques, Tai Chi forms and a very exciting weapons demonstration.

Early country, blues and jazz – the roots of America’s music

Classic rock with an acoustic side

Acoustic sounds and smooth vocal stylings of the 50s & 60s era

Indie alternative rock with classic rock and blues influences

Praising God with a mix of folk, rock and blues

Two friends, reunited by music, perform acoustic pop

Gypsy jazz in the style of Django Reindhart

The Endtimes Orchestra is devoted to keeping alive the works of Bonzo Dog Band

Energetic and entertaining, indie rock at its finest

Original vintage rock with surf/glam/jazz/indie roots (Snappy dressers, too)

Family band playing traditional irish music

Indie powerpop with a height advantage

Regulars at festival since 1992, this group performs 50s and 60s favorites acapella

Legg Altos in jaw-drop dresses playing blues, jazz and classic standards

A high-energy, funky dance band

Middle Eastern Style Belly Dance Companies Troupe Al-Vashti and Delkash Dancers, Sarah Mayne & Naimah

Lushish dream rock

Epic, indie, synth-infused pop/rock and roll

Original pop rock band

Awe-inspiring original rock for your listening enjoyment

Kingston Trio folk music

Legendary Michigan rock and roll

Original house-rockin’ electric blues

Middle Eastern dance performed by The Sultana Dancers from Footworks Dance Co.

Truck-a-billy

Original rural Christian rock

8-part, acappella patriotic vocals arranged by Derric Johnson at Disney’s Epcot

Americana roots music – simply crafted and heartwarming

Original eclectic folkwave

An acoustic approach to Christian contemporary music

Experience the depths of wonderment with the exciting sounds of Three-Eyed Fish

Metaphors be with you

Piano solo masterworks by the great classic, romantic and contemporary composers

Folk band with electro-acoustic chamber pop tendencies

A local three-piece indie rock band known for their energetic live shows

Christian rock

Rock

Throwback blues that are sure to please every blues fan

Airy rock and roll, harmony rich folk-rock and subdued alternative country

Fun, rhythmic African dance moves and drumming – participation is encouraged!

Classical church music and American Christian music

Joplin Ballet

An eclectic mix of folk, Celtic, original and rock music with a touch of humor

Cute folk

Music and cake from Rev Charles Preston Smith, Alana Eve and Mick Nasty