Howmet Playhouse Fall Schedule
Over 6,500 patrons enjoyed the 2007 summer theatre festival performances, making a strong showing this summer. But the historic Howmet Playhouse continues into the fall with a variety of entertainment options. There was a great turn-out for the Filisco & Noden Live Blues Concert on Friday, September 14; 185 people listened to an eclectic mix of Delta Blues, "old-timey," & Tin Pan Alley musical selections. A first for the playhouse, beer & wine was sold during the concert by the new "White Lake Theatre Arts" organization. All the funds raised after expenses went to support the operations of the playhouse.
More events are scheduled through the end of the year:
Sunday, September 30, 2007, 3:00 p.m.
Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen in Concert
An exciting return to the playhouse; Quiet Faith Productions, West Michigan's premier promoter of the best in folk music bring this dynamic duo to White Lake. According to the Sing Out Magazine review of Steve and Cindy's latest album, Being There, "Steve and Cindy have hit on a combination that consistently produces high quality recordings and entertaining stage shows. Their voices and styles meld seamlessly with a gentleness and a maturity that is unmatched in the world of folk duos." Call 616.636.5759 or 616.604.1001 for tickets or more information.
Tickets $12.00 in advance, $14.00 at the door.
Sunday, October 7, 2007, 7:30 p.m.
“TWENTY TO LIFE: The Life and Times of John Sinclair”
A screening and performance by Flint native, music scholar, poet and counter-culture legend John Sinclair. “TWENTY TO LIFE” premiered in Italy in September and comes to the Howmet stage as a part of Sinclair’s Midwest tour. Directed by Steve Gebhardt ( “Ladies and Gentlemen, The Rolling Stones”) with appearances by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Allen Ginsberg, the MC5 and others, the film chronicles the real-life story of this legendary poet-provocateur whose exploits have reverberated throughout the international underground for 40 years. Widely recognized as one of America's leading authorities on blues and modern jazz, after the screening Sinclair will answer questions, then a concert will follow showcasing his poetry with live jazz with the Vincent Hayes Project.
Call 231-894-4048 for tickets, or go to www.johnsinclair.us
Tickets $10 & $15
Sunday, October 14, 2007, 3:00 p.m.
Archiglas Choral Ensemble (Outstanding Voice)
The Russian a cappella vocal ensemble “Archiglas”, directed by Dmitry Vorobjev, will present a free concert at the playhouse, the group's third performance in Whitehall since 2001. A free-will offering will be accepted to support the playhouse’s operations. The precision of the Archiglas vocal ensemble's a cappella work will use many combinations of their five voices that sing brilliantly with the force of a full choir. The afternoon presentation will consist of a mixture of Russian sacred music and folk songs including traditional costumes. Presented in conjunction with Lebanon Lutheran Church. Call 231-893-5745 for more information. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m.
Free will offering for the ensemble, no tickets sold.
Friday, October 26, 2007, 7:30 p.m.
Michael Smith in Concert
Called “Powerful and uncompromising… devilishly good” by the Boston Globe, Quiet Faith Productions brings this legendary singer-songwriter to the Howmet stage. His rich and often challenging songs have been recorded by more than 30 other performers, including people as diverse as Jimmy Buffet, Liam Clancy, Jerry Jeff Walker, Gordon Bok, the Four Freshmen and Spanky & Our Gang. Call 616.636.5759 or 616.604.1001 for tickets or more information.
Tickets $12.00 in advance, $14.00 at the door.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
An Evening with Diane Rehm
Montague’s Book Nook & Java Shop together with the Arts Council of White Lake are sponsoring a reception and presentation with one of NPR’s most popular radio hosts and interviewers. In 2006, The Washingtonian named Ms. Rehm one of Washington's "100 Most Powerful Women." This successful author and commentator is being brought to the playhouse for a special 5:30 p.m. reception and a 7:30 p.m. “Talk-back” Session, both of which to be held in the historic playhouse. All proceeds from the engagement will go towards the Blomdahp/Howmet Playhouse Fund. For tickets or more information call The Book Nook & Java Shop, 231-894-5333
Tickets:
Private Reception + priority seating to Evening with Diane Rehm $75.00;
Evening with Diane Rehm only, $35.00
Saturday, November 3, 2007, 7:30 p.m.
Alice Peacock in Concert
This Chicago singer & songwriter will perform a solo concert featuring many tunes from her newest release, “Who I Am.” Ruth Almer at Folking.com called Peacock’s CD, “an eclectic profusion of American folk, soul, blues, soft rock and also a distinct classical sound… Alice Peacock is a talent only going up… ” An accomplished singer-songwriter-guitarist plays music for all ages with a pure vocal sound that eschews grandstanding for phrasing and musicality. Lahri Bond of Dirty Linen Magazine says, “She has an amazing fifth for writing songs that have both depth and a pop hook that rivals those of 60s-era songwriters such as Carole King and Burt Bacharach.” For tickets call 231-894-4048.
Tickets $10.00
Friday and Saturday, November 9 & 10, 2007
Tellabration – A Tale of Two Cities – Storytelling Festival
Since 2005 Tellabration has brought the best in professional storytellers to the White Lake area. This year’s festival will begin on Friday night with a community-wide party next to the Howmet Playhouse and on Saturday feature a series of workshop/demonstrations by some of Midwest’s best storytellers. The festival will culminate in Saturday matinee (1:00 p.m.) and evening (7:30 p.m.) performances on the historic playhouse stage. A wonderful event for young and old, families and friends, this third annual event will feature storytellers, puppeteers, musicians and drum circles. For tickets or more information call The Finch Nest 231-893-5323
Tickets $ 10.00 – 14.00
Saturday, November 17, 2007, beginning at noon(Tentative, TBA)
White Lake Holiday Christmas Walk Movies
In conjunction with the Annual White Lake Christmas Walk, the Howmet Playhouse will again become a motion picture theatre. Since 1916 the playhouse was used for “flickers” (silent films) and for many years of it’s existence was Whitehall’s only movie theater. Still in the planning, a mixture of family films, cartoons & short subjects will be shown throughout the day. Tickets will be available at the door, price to be announced.
Saturday and Sunday, December 1 & 2, 2007, 7:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.(Tentative, TBA)
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” adapted by Tom Harryman
Charles Dickens’ ghostly story of the covetous old sinner Ebenezer Scrooge and his nocturnal encounter with the true spirit of Christmas - performed by actor and playhouse manager Tom Harryman will haunt the playhouse for one weekend only. The Muskegon Chronicle said of his performance, “It is a measure of this professional actor and MCC theater instructors’ talent that he can deliver such a well-known story and make an audience laugh out loud, then quietly cry. Harryman will reprise his solo performance of the timeless holiday classic. Call 231-894-4048 for tickets.
Tickets $14.00 adult, $10.00 students
Saturday, December 8, 2007, 7:30 p.m.
John Gorka in Concert
Quiet Faith Productions brings Red House Records recording artist John Gorka for a solo concert, one night only at the playhouse. His songs have been recorded by such artists as Mary Chapin Carpenter, Mary Black and Maura O’Connell and he is honored to be a part of the folk tradition — energetic acoustic music that is an expression of everyday life. His rich baritone voice and unique songcraft weave together in a way that captivates audiences. A frequent player at the Ark in Ann Arbor, Gorka’s most recent release is “Writing in the Margins.” Call 616.636.5759 or 616.604.1001 for tickets or more information.
Tickets $12.00 in advance, $14.00 at the door.
Window Decorating Contest
CALLING ALL TIFA DISTRICT BUSINESS OWNERS
Join other business within the TIFA district as they decorate their window displays for the 2007 holidays by students from Baker College's School of Design.
When: October - December 2007
Who: All business within the City of Whitehall TIFA District
What: Every business will be assigned to an intern to design their windows over the fall and winter holidays. Items used for decoration will be paid at the expense of the business owner. Each window will be judged by secret shoppers over the course of the holidays. Winners will be announced in local newspaters with a write-up about the contest. A prize will be issued to the winner.
Details to be posted soon!
Labor Day Community Bridge Walk
This year 175 people turned out for The Annual Labor Day Community Bridge Walk. The event is set as a part of the statewide Active Michigan Summer initiative organized by the Governor's Council. It is sponsored and hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, City of Montague and City of Whitehall to encourage residents and even visitors to get active and come out to participate in a 'virtual' bridge walk. This is a great way to 'show - off' the beloved bike trail and bridge with community leaders, officials, neighbors and friends.
Healthy refreshments were served and provided by Farm Bureau at the Chamber. Walkers were encouraged to venture on as far as they please or turn back to the point of origin. The annual walk is a great community event that not only promotes the community, but it also brings attention to the importance of physical activity.
The Tannery tower falls
On August 21, 2007 the last of the tannery was demolished. The picture on the right shows the tannery just as it begins to fall. The tower was being demolished to make way for condos.
For more details on the tannery project or other recent news about Downtown Whitehall:
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