Muskegon County calendar of events February 20 - February 27 | Events

Jan 11, 2012 - Apr 27, 2012
Michigan Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center Hosts Michigan Birds Photo Contest
The Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon is holding a Michigan Birds photo contest. Submit a favorite photo from last year or take a trek through the woods, fields or wetlands this winter or spring and try your hand at capturing the beauty of a native Michigan bird. The deadline for submission is at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 27. Entries are limited to two photos per person and must be securely matted without a frame or glass, with a minimum size of 8 x 10 inches and maximum size of 11 x 16 inches. An entry fee of $3 per photo must accompany each submission.

Please include photographer's name, address, email, phone number, name of the bird and location where the photo was taken on the back. This contest is intended for amateurs only; the works of published photographers will not be considered. There'll be prizes for first, second and third place. Photos may be submitted by mail or delivered to: Gillette Nature Association, 6585 Lake Harbor Road, Muskegon, MI 49441. Winning photos will be on display at the Gillette Visitor Center through June 20. www.gillettenature.org

Jan 16, 2012 - Feb 24, 2012
Artwork by Mohamad Bazzi at MCC
This exhibit is part of the annual Muskegon Community College Global Awareness Festival with this year's regional focus on the Middle East. There'll be a free public reception, February 6th from 6:30pm-8:00pm, with a gallery talk by the artist at 7:00pm. Gallery hours are 9am-4pm, Monday through Friday with special weekend and evening hours during theater performances. Happening in the Overbrook Theater. Free admission. For more information call 231-777-0324. Located at 221 S. Quarterline Rd. www.muskegoncc.edu/arts

Jan 21, 2012 - Mar 3, 2012
Outdoor Ice Rink
There is a downtown Outdoor Ice Rink on the corner of Jefferson and Western - weather permitting ! There will be free skating on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm with skate rental provided. Please remember this is always weather permitting to skate outdoors. Indoors we have the LC Walker Arena and the Lakeshore Skate Center to enjoy the winter activities!

Feb 16, 2012 - Mar 4, 2012
Muskegon Civic Theatre presents "Lend Me a Tenor"
Muskegon Civic Theatre presents 12 performances of the Comedy "Lend Me a Tenor" in the Beardsley Theater starting Thursday, February 16 through Sunday, March 4, 2012. Thursday, Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 PM. Sunday matinees begin at 3:00 PM. Tickets are available through StarTickets 800-585-3737 or the Frauenthal Box Office. Box office hours through Labor Day: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 11 AM - 5 PM Closed Tuesdays and Fridays. Thursday/Sunday Adult $18.00 Senior/Student $16.00 Friday/Saturday Adult $19.00 Senior/Student $17.00 www.frauenthal.org

Feb 16, 2012 - May 6, 2012
1934: A NEW DEAL FOR ARTISTS
This nationally touring exhibition celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Public Works of Art Project by drawing on the Smithsonian American Art Museum's unparalleled collection of vibrant artworks created for the program. The paintings in this exhibition are a lasting visual record of America at a specific moment in time.
George Gurney, deputy chief curator, organized the exhibition with Ann Prentice Wagner, curatorial associate. Underwritten by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County and Grand Valley State University. www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Feb 23, 2012 - FDR, Live! at the Muskegon Museum of Art
John Hamant developed a portrayal of Franklin Delano Roosevelt for a special Colonial Williamsburg historical site program. He continued to perform as the 32nd president at the site over the next nine years, and now has the honor of bringing FDR to life for more diverse and distant audiences at the Muskegon Museum of Art. The opening reception will be at 5:30pm with a 7:00pm performance, Thursday, February 23rd. www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Feb 23, 2012 - Brown Bag Film Series: Wild Boys of the Road
This film celebrates the opening of 1934: A New Deal for Artists. Filmed in 1933, Wild Boys of the Road follows two California boys whose once comfortable lives have been ruined by the Depression. They leave home with the hope of finding work elsewhere. Free admission and free coffee and cookies. Bring your own lunch! www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Feb 23, 2012 - Fourth Show Added for "Dancing with the Local Stars"!
Within days of going on sale, 800 tickets were SOLD OUT for the Friday, February 24, 2012 and Saturday, February 25, 2012 evening performances of the Women's Division Chamber of Commerce production of "Dancing with the Local Stars"! With many patrons still desiring to attend, WDCC considered options. Due to the generosity of our dancing stars and pros, an additional show will be held on Thursday evening, February 23, 2012. Tickets also are available for the Saturday Matinee. Dancers will grace the stage for all four performances at the Muskegon Harbor Holiday Inn. All four identical performances will feature 12 local dignitaries and business leaders paired with local professional dancers in a dance competition with funds used to help replenish area food pantries. You also can donate to this worthy cause by putting your contribution in one of 50 community donation boxes that are displayed throughout the area. All proceeds will be given to local food pantries that have applied to WDCC to receive funds from these Dancing with the Local Stars performances. Tickets are available by calling Mary Kendall, WDCC "Dancing with the Local Stars" Chairperson, at (231) 798-4244 or kendall.mary@comcast.net. www.womensdivision.org

Feb 23, 2012 - Wind and Jazz Ensembles
Come to Muskegon Community College's Overbrook Theater and enjoy a concert with the Jazz & Wind Ensembles, happening Thursday, February 23rd at 7pm. Admission is FREE. For more information call 231 777-0324. www.muskegoncc.edu/arts

Feb 23, 2012 - 13th Annual Love in Action Banquet
The Urban League of Greater Muskegon will present the 13th Annual Love in Action banquet on February 23, 2012 at 6:00pm at Muskegon Community College Collegiate Hall. This event, celebrating Black History, is an opportunity to present well deserved awards to members and supporters of Muskegon's African-American community. Nominations of deserving persons can be made at the website or by calling (231) 777-0569 by February 10. The cost for attending the event is $22/person or $120 for a table of six, prior to Feb. 10. Reservations accepted until Feb. 21. www.muskegonccc.edu/lia

Feb 24, 2012 - Muskegon Lumberjacks Ice Hockey Home Game
The Lumberjacks take on the Indiana Ice tonight at 7:15pm. The L.C. Walker Arena is located at 955 Fourth Street. Friday food and drink specials are $1 hotdogs and $1 beer. For ticket information, e-mail info@MuskegonLumberjacks.com or call 231-724-5225. www.muskegonlumberjacks.com

Feb 24, 2012 - Alley Door Club Presents The West Side Soul Surfers !
Back by popular demand- 7:00 pm - 10:00pm The Alley Door Club features The West Side Soul Surfers ! Doors open at 6 PM for Happy Hour. Valid ID required. The Alley Door Club is located on the 3rd floor of the Hilt Building. Created as a venue for easy listening jazz and blues musicians, this laid back event was expanded to include dance bands. Tickets are $6 and are available at the Frauenthal Box Office 231-727 8001 or StarTickets 800-585-3737. www.frauenthal.org

Feb 24, 2012 - Inside the MItten Cocert II: 5iveit wsg Homeless Poet
920 is pleased to announce our second Inside the MItten concert featuring 5iveit wsg Homeless Poet. New this show: Fatty Lumpkins Sandwich Shack will set up a sandwich bar during the event. Fatty sanwiches are available for purchase during the show. Doors open at 6pm. Tickets: ON SALE NOW ONLINE:
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/221033 A limited amount of reserved tables are available. $50 for a table of six. You may reserve a table by contacting Sarah Rooks at sarahr@watermarkcenter.com General admission: $10 tickets. This is an all ages show! Get your tickets ahead of time the first Inside the MItten show was a sell out. www.watermarkcenter.com

Feb 24, 2012 - Live Music at the Book Nook & Java Shop
There's always something fun happening at the Book Nook & Java Shop, located in beautiful Downtown Montague. Friday, February 24th from 6-8pm it's music with Two Bit Shy. Call 231-894-5333 for more information, or better yet, check out their website! The Book Nook & Java Shop is located at 8726 Ferry St.
and is open from 7am-6pm Monday & Tuesday, 7am-9pm Wednesday through Saturday, and 9am-4pm on Sunday! www.thebooknookjavashop.com

Feb 24, 2012 - Feb 25, 2012
Dancing with the Local Stars
The Women`s Division Chamber of Commerce announces the participants for this highly popular charity event! Proceeds from the event are used to support local food pantries. The local dignitaries and business leaders are…..Lana Carson, owner of Omni Fitness Club, with Fred Hoffman. Jen Cross, owner of Continuity, with Dave Kennedy. Dr. Eyke M.D. with Francine Sagan-Kilcrease. Alvaro Rodriguez, chef at Pints & Quarts with Mary Switzer. Dr. Hunt D.D.S. with Brenda Sprader. Bari Johnson, community volunteer and owner with John King. Sheryl Kuzner, community volunteer and Account Manager with Patrick Johnson. Dr. Lakatos D.D.S. with Tom Gumina. Tracy Lorenz, Free Lance Writer with Shannon Connell. Steve Novak with Lisa Jirikovic. Stacy Shepherd, Miss Michigan 2001 with Corey Christoffersen and Steve Warmington, Mayor of Muskegon with Diana Braun. Get your tickets at 231-798-4244 or kendall.mary@comcast.net www.womensdivision.org

Feb 25, 2012 - Brothers Grimm Party and Kids Open Mic Night the the Book Nook & Java Shop
There's always something fun happening at the Book Nook & Java Shop, located in beautiful Downtown Montague. Saturday, February 25th from 6-8pm it's a "Brothers Grimm Party" and Kids Open Mic Night. Bring a poem, reading or song to share. Call 231-894-5333 for more information, or better yet, check out their website! The Book Nook & Java Shop is located at 8726 Ferry St. and is open from 7am-6pm Monday & Tuesday, 7am-9pm Wednesday through Saturday, and 9am-4pm on Sunday! www.thebooknookjavashop.com

Feb 25, 2012 - Hot Chili for a "Cool City" III
The chili tasting is a celebration with several local Chili-Masters! Steve Mayberry of Mayberry BBQ will serve up an alligator chili along with chili favorites from Pub One Eleven and Pekadill's. Chili trimmings & desserts by Jean Corsi of the Corner House of Gifts. Double JJ Steakhouse is also participating in the event. Held at Pub One Eleven, 111 W. Colby Street, Whitehall, MI. Cost: Adults $8.00 & Children 12 & Under $3.00. FUNdraiser to benefit downtown Whitehall beautification! This is from 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm or until the chili is gone! For more information, call the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at 231-893-4585 or 800-879 9702. www.whitelake.org

Feb 25, 2012 - "The Met: Live in HD" Series
Enjoy operas live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York at Muskegon's Cinema Carousel Theater, located at 4289 Grand Haven Rd. Saturday, February 25th, it's "Ernani" by Verdi at 12:55pm . Call the theater for further information at 231-798-2608. www.celebrationcinema.com/location/CinemaCarousel Feb 25, 2012 - Winter Snowshoe Hikes Hoffmaster State Park, 6585 Lake Harbor Road is hosting snowshoe outings for families this winter. The hikes are suitable for children 7 years old on up accompanied by an adult. They begin at 11:00 am. Snowshoe hikes are an excellent way to get exercise in the out-of-doors and enjoy the peace and solitude of winter in the park. Snowshoes for these programs may be reserved from the Gillette Nature Association for a $5 fee per pair. There must be 6" of snow or more for a successful snowshoeing. Snowshoes must be reserved in advance and paid for when your hike reservation is made. Reservations call 231-798-3573 www.gillettenature.org

Feb 25, 2012 - Muskegon Lumberjacks Home Ice Hockey Game
The Lumberjacks take on the Indiana Ice tonight. The puck drops at 7:15pm. The L.C. Walker Arena is located at 955 Fourth Street. Tonights theme is "Give Blood / Play Hockey". This year the menu offers chicken fingers, french fries and how about some deep - fried mac and cheese! Little Caesars by the slice or the whole pie is always a favorite with crazy bread of course! For ticket information, e-mail info@MuskegonLumberjacks.com or call 231-724-5225. www.muskegonlumberjacks.com

Feb 25, 2012 - Feb 26, 2012
Public Ice Skating
The ice is down at the LC Walker Arena! Grab your skates and join us for public skating on the weekends. Public skating begins - Great family fun and exercise! Hours are 12:30-2:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays in downtown Muskegon. 955 Fourth Street. Admission is $4.00 to skate and skate rental is available for $4.00. Bring your neighbors, bring your friends! Great for birthday parties! www.lcwalkerarena.com

Feb 26, 2012 - Live Music at the Book Nook & Java Shop
There's always something fun happening at the Book Nook & Java Shop, located in beautiful Downtown Montague. Sunday, February 26th from 10am-noon it's music with Jeff Bortell on vocals and guitar. Call 231 894-5333 for more information, or better yet, check out their website! The Book Nook & Java Shop is located at 8726 Ferry St. and is open from 7am-6pm Monday & Tuesday, 7am-9pm Wednesday through Saturday, and 9am-4pm on Sunday! www.thebooknookjavashop.com