Entertainment

The entertainment is endless at festival. Enjoy everything from music, films, poetry, dances, theatre and more ­ all for free.

Event Time & Location

2009 Awards

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

2009 City History Tour

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.

2009 festival of the arts Opening Ceremonies

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

8th AVENUE

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

A+

Dynamic, positive pop kids’ group

Abbey Andrew

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

ABC Orchestra

ABC Orchestra with Eric Hudson as music director

Absinthe

Come experience the new sound of rock

Academy of Dance Arts

Fun dancing

Ada dance academy

Alive

Contemporary gospel music group with nine vocalists

Amy Young

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

An Dro

Celtic/jam band

Andrea Nightingale

Funky Fairy Tales

Archive

Classical/Celtic guitar duo

ARGANIK

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

Ars Nova and voice students of Margi Derks Peterson

ARTESIAN

Acoustic folk/blues mix

Ash Grove String Quartet

Ashley Grutter

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

Ballet Folklorico Gudalupano

Cultural Mexican dancing

balletmore dance ensemble

Igniting the stage with contemporary ballet

Barbara Witham McCargar, soprano

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

Beltline Big Band

Big band, swing and jazz

Bethel Pentecostal Choir

Gospel

BLACK ROSE AND THE DISCIPLES OF FUNK

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

Blue Feather

Modern folk duo Nicholas James Thomasma and Liz Dieleman

Blue Velvet

Wildly entertaining, hip retro harmonic pop band

Boogie Woogie Babies

The entertaining, pristine harmonies of the Andrews Sisters

Brena

Alternative/rock/pop

Brian Morris

Classical guitar

Brother Abraham

A variety of rock-based musical styles

Buffalo Cannon

Original rock with an edge

Caledonia Dance Center

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

capoeira mandinga michigan

Afro-Brazilian music and dance powered by percussions and singing

Cardio Salsa by Rich Benoit

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

Carol Johnson

Celtic Kilroy & Friend

Traditional Celtic and maritime songs and ballads

Chinese Martial Arts Center

Chinese marital arts

Chris Crown

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

Christy King

Original folk rock

Comstock Park Jazz Ensemble

Traditional and contemporary big band music

Conklin Ceili Band

Contents Under Pressure

Improv – taking audience suggestions and creating fun and interesting stories

Corey’s School of Rock N Roll

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

Courier

Indie rock band

Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble

Crisi and Band

An edgy original performance of acoustic driven rock with jazz flavor

Dale Osborn

Fingerstyle acoustic guitar

Dana and Taylor Groothuis

Mother and daughter singing and dancing duo

Dance Network Company

Dancing Plus

Dave Wells Strolling German Oompah Band

Playing traditional German folk music with that old town sound

David Mark Piell

Folk/acoustic, everyday songs

David Strong

The Story of Abe Lincoln’s Childhood

David Youngman

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

Deliverance

An anointed gospel group

Dilly Songs with Mr. Picklehead

Delightful and silly songs for kids

DIVINE DESIGN GOSPEL BAND

Gospel

Dixie Du Jour

Traditional Dixieland jazz

Dusty Chaps Band

Classic country with comedy

East West Karate Center

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

edelweiss choir

Edelweiss German Choir of Grand Rapids

Edye Hyde and Friends

Vocal jazz and blues

Embellish

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

Evidence Jazz Group

Harbop, mainstream original jazz music

Expressions Dance Academy Performance Team

Fabulous Eastones

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

Film Competition

The festival Film Competition is a juried exhibition open to students, amateurs and professionals alike.

More Info »

FILM: A Self Portrait

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

FILM: Already Happened


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: Ancient Woodland

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

FILM: Blackout

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: Breakfast Champion

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

FILM: Breathing Room

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

FILM: Deception

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

FILM: Duck and Cover

A historical government propaganda film.

FILM: Existence Imposing on Life

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

FILM: Framed

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

FILM: Grand Homes of Heritage Hill - The Connors House

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

FILM: Hopeless Romantic

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: How Motion Pictures Move and Talk

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

FILM: Ice Water

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

FILM: Imagining Olympics 2008


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: Lufutuko

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

FILM: Mauthausen

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

FILM: More Than 100 Miles


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: No More Sidelines

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

FILM: Perceptions of Pixels: Through the Eyes of Violence

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

FILM: Seasons

Official Site


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

FILM: Static

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

FILM: Students Celebrate the Chinese New Year

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

FILM: Testing the Undertow

Film by Jennifer Proctor
Experimental film

FILM: That’s Him

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

FILM: The Lare Williams & New Direction

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

FILM: The Yesterdog Documentary

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

FILM: Thumbelina

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

FILM: Times Before Snow

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

FILM: To Sit in the Sun

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

FILM: Vito Power

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

Five Minutes Tardy

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

Four For Smoking

Pop-rock with faux-metal moments

Francesca Amari - CabaretAmari

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

Frontline Community Church Band

Glen Danles

Chief Purveyor of FunkyCountryFolksyBluesyRock

Gloria Cangelosi

Stories to Make You Laugh

Grace Wolbrink

Toga Party! Mt. Olympian Style

Frightfully Delightful

Grand Finale

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

Grand Rapids & District Pipe Band

Grand Rapids Accordion Ensemble

Variety of accordion music

Grand Rapids Ballet Company Junior Trainees

Classical Ballet, performing a piece entitled Color Splash

Grand Rapids Ballet Company Senior Trainees

Classical ballet

Grand Rapids Chorus Sweet Adelines

Music, harmony and choreography for your musical entertainment

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s Tales of Molly Molloy

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.

Grand Rapids Community College Guitar Ensemble

Classical guitar ensemble

Grand Rapids Community College Suzuki Strings

Performing selections from the Suzuki method repertoire

Grand Rapids Dance Project

Contemporary and classical dance

Grand Rapids Musicians’ League Youth Choirs

A sampling of choral music

Grand Rapids Songwriters Alliance

100% original songs from aspiring West Michigan songwriters

Grand Rapids Symphonic Band

Highlights from the 2008-09 season and more

Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra

Grand Rapids Touring Choir

Choral repertoire from Renaissance polyphony to American Gospel

Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and Classical Orchestra

Classical music

Great Lakes Chorus

Singing some of your favorites featuring the Championship Quartet Wildcard

Greg and Kathy Proulx

Contemporary folk

Gretchen Weaver

Animal Galactic Tales

Grown Folks

The most original hip hop in the state

Hark Up Band and Choir

Sing-a-long and enjoy gospel favorites and more

Hark Up Horns of Power

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

Harmony Dance Source

Dancers saluting America from NY to CA

Hearts In Step Christian Dance Academy

Dancing by the Outreach Ensemble and Special Needs class

Hey Marco!

R&B/soul/pop

IMANI

Unique worship experience of gospel-jazz

Indacoda Blue

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

Indoor Classical

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

Inspirations Dance Studio

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

Integrity School of Dance Arts

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

Jack Hamilton

Singer songwriter

Jacob Clyde & Swamp Root Medicine

Blues and blue wave/roots rock

James Dunn

Solo original jazz guitar music

James W. Hillary, Classical Guitar

Performing Tarrega, Sanz, Frescabaldi and more

Java Jive

Performing your favorite songs in an upbeat swinging style

Jean Schmuker

Animal Stories for the Young Ones

Jeremy Hoekstra

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

Jo Gage

Joan’s Garage

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

JOBOT

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

John Ladegast

Stories for All Ages

Stories For All Ages

Joyful Sounds Music Studio

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.

Kelloggsville Jazz Ensemble

A mix of old and new swing and Latin tunes

Ken Bierschbach

Pop/folk singer songwriter

Ken Stead

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

Kent Philharmonic Orchestra

Symphonic pop music

Kentwood Community Church

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

Kevan Grinwis

Dynamic, high energy, intense, spiritual worship

Kevin Kamerraad

Poetry, Puppetry, Music and More!

Kimberly Kay & the TOL Davidic Dancers

Beautiful Messianic song and dance

krystal kleer

La Famiglia

Ladies and The Tramps

Daughter, father and friends perform original music

Larry Triezenberg

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

Lay of the Cid

Experimental, progressive, rawk

Lazy Blue Tuna

LeahJoy

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

Left Hand Daisy

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

Lefty Malone

“The Gangsters of Rock”

Light Classics - Voice Students of Barbara Witham McCargar

Lime Green Shirt

Sophisticated electronic dance music

LittleEdge

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

Living Light Dance Company

25-year old dance company

Lonesome Jane

Alternative/country/folk

LVNMUZIQ

Urban folk with an edgy classical twist

ma non troppo

Classical Woodwind Trio performing styles ranging from Renaissance to jazz

Manolete

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

Mark Swanson

Acoustic songs on a handmade guitar

Mary Dean and Friends

Mary Rademacher and the Tom Hagen Quartet

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

Master Arts Street Theatre

Story drama with audience participation

Merrilie Benthin

Grimm or Not so Grimm II (European Folktales)

Grimm or Not so Grimm I (European Folktales)

Michael Fuller-Todd Gibson Project

Performing songs from Ambient Images

Michatucky

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

Mid-Life Crisis

High energy classic and original rock

Mike Dean, Classical Harmonica

Classical music on unaccompanied chromatic harmonica

Mike Tatu

Local singer songwriter

Mind’s Eye

Modern jazz with an edge

Mobia Post

Original alternative rock

Monroe Community Church Worship Team

Rocking out for Jesus

MR Whooha

Muffin People

Join In Tales

Mustang Band

Popular country

My Car, Your Car

Myrna P. Granderson

Spooky Stories

Stories Twisting Drama

NATCHEZ TRACE

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

Nature Lane

Folk, Irish and traditional mix of lively and entertaining music

Neil Jacobs

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

Neon Graffiti

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

New Community Celebration Choir

A time of celebration and worship

Northview High School Jazz Ensemble

Big band jazz

One Against

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

Open Land

Open Mic

Come Tell a Tale

Otis Blueswell Jr.

Old-time folk-blues

Our Rock

Christian rock band

Over The Top Academy Of Dance

Pacific Island Dancers

Polynesian cultural dancing and drums

PAUCITY

Exciting and powerful instrumental music

Paul Emery

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

Peace on Mars

Poetry

Official Site

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.

Quadraphonic

Radioland

Original folkrock and radio hits

Ralston Bowles

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

repaschke Trio

Improvisation on jazz standards from Bill Evans to T. Monk

Resurrection Life Church Music Ministry

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

Rhythm Dance Center

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

Rick Hopkins

Indie contemporary rock

Righteous

A high energy and entertaining band

River City Improv

The Calvin Alumni Improv Team

River City Jazz Ensemble

A high society dance band

River Rogues Jazz Band

Jazz from New Orleans to Grand Rapids

Roberta Talbot-Rossi

Don’t You Wish..? (magical tales)

Beyond the Apple Tree Stories

Rockford School of Dance

Tap, jazz, hip hop and musical theater

RUXY MUZIK EVOLUTION BAND

S.S. Tale Spinner

Story Boat Tales

S.S. Tale Spinner

Story Boat Tales

S.S.Tale Spinner

Story Boat Tales

Saint Nobody

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

Scatterdome

Melodic, psychedelic crop circle rock

Schubert Male Chorus of Grand Rapids

A variety of contemporary, spiritual and patriotic songs

Senior Steppers

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

Shag Wagon Deluxe

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

Shawmut Hills Shares

Tales from Young Writers

Shir Shalom Chorus

Signal Trip

Modern orignal rock and roll with classic roots

SilentBark

Eclectic indie rock and roll

Simien the Whale

Indie/break-beat rock

Sizzlin’ Swingers

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

Sookie Jones Band

Rockin’ the town with classic rock

Special Blend

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

Special Touch

Gospel ministries

Spectacular Band

Steve Anzivino Acoustic Band

Traditional jazz and blues

Stickerblister

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

Sun Gun

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

Tai Chi Praying Mantis Kung Fu Studio

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

Taproot

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

The 13th Hour

Classic rock with an acoustic side

The Adams Family

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

The Backstrokes

Indie alternative rock with classic rock and blues influences

The Barrys

Praising God with a mix of folk, rock and blues

The Broadcast Union

Two friends, reunited by music, perform acoustic pop

The Djangotones

Gypsy jazz in the style of Django Reindhart

The Endtimes Orchestra

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

The Envy League

Energetic and entertaining, indie rock at its finest

The Fainting Generals

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

The Five Leaf Clover Band

Family band playing traditional irish music

The Flowbs

Indie powerpop with a height advantage

The Good Libations

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

The Lollipops

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

The Lynn Thompson Band

A high-energy, funky dance band

The Mayne Studio

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

The Mercury Crash

Lushish dream rock

The Mines

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

the mode

Original pop rock band

The Moving Company

The New Spiritual Reflections

The Party’s Over

Awe-inspiring original rock for your listening enjoyment

The Proulx Brothers

Kingston Trio folk music

The Rockit King

Legendary Michigan rock and roll

The Steve Hilger Band

Original house-rockin’ electric blues

The Sultana Dancers

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

The Truckstop Cobras

Truck-a-billy

The Vander Zandens

Original rural Christian rock

The Voices of Freedom

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

The Weatherheads

Americana roots music – simply crafted and heartwarming

The Willeys

Original eclectic folkwave

Theophilus

An acoustic approach to Christian contemporary music

Three-Eyed Fish

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

Tim Perry & Jeff Oxford

Metaphors be with you

Todd Wilke, Pianist

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

Tokyo Morose

Folk band with electro-acoustic chamber pop tendencies

Torontosaurus Rex

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

Trinity ftL

Christian rock

Twofivesix

Rock

Upstage Crew

Throwback blues that are sure to please every blues fan

Valentiger

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

Wazobia

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

West Michigan Gay Men’s Chorus

West Michigan Lutheran Chorale

Classical church music and American Christian music

West Michigan Youth Ballet

Joplin Ballet

Wildwood Folk

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

winterwhale

Cute folk

www.PotatoeBabies.com

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

June 5-6-7 | Grand Rapids, Michigan | Visitor Guide & Schedule