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This was captured yesterday playing golf at Thornapple Pointe Golf Course
on the Thornapple River in Grand Rapids Michigan.
My friend, Paul, and I got in a quick 18 holes in the afternoon.
The golf course was pretty open which left me time to snap a few shots
of our local scenery. This little maple is putting on quite a show!
Westbrook Realty ~ Grand Rapids Real Estate
Copyright 2009 all rights reserved
Call 1-616-292-7263 or email me: terry@terrywestbrook.com
We took a few hours to browse the Art Prize venues yesterday, Thursday, Sept 24th, 2009 in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. We saw some fabulous pieces of artwork and we also some we just didn’t get. I am sure it is the same for everyone, as we all see the world through our own private filter.
We took a few photos to share with those who won’t get a chance to see this art extravaganza in person. Some of the artworks have to be seen in person to appreciate the scale and subtleties. some are in-your-face, some are really, really out there, and others are really just for fun.
We registered to vote, toured the Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts, the Blue Bridge, Cathedral Square, Rosa Parks Circle and the Waters Building. We had a wonderful lunch at the Grand Rapids Art Museum’s Terrace Restaurant overlooking Rosa Parks Circle. What a great spot to people watch and even had a few art prize entries stroll past.
We hope to get back to see a lot more artwork. With 159 venues and over 1200 artists, it is quite a task to see them all. Hope you enjoy our tour!
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Real Estate
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
Unless you have hiding under a rock, or chained to your computer, The
Art Prize is the BIG NEWS in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Art Prize was
announced earlier this year as a top prize of $250,000 for the top
art work selected by a public vote. Highly controversial, as those in
the art community doubt that the average person is qualified to
judge art work. It is sure to create a buzz around art and that is
the point.
The Art Prize exhibits opened yesterday and we went for our first
tour today. With 1262 artists entered in over 159 venues, it is no
small task to try to see them all. We took some time to tour the
large sculptures and the Waters Building today. The others will
have to wait until another day.
The voting will take place over a 2 week period, with just a thumbs up
vote to keep an entry in the running. The top 25, top 50, and top 100
are posted on the web site so we can all keep track of who is ahead.
Here are a few photos of the large installations at the Blue Bridge,
so you can get an idea of what Grand Rapids is up to:
The Nessie Project
Sarah Grant Table and Chairs
Our sources tell us the Nessie Project was supposed to go farther out
in the Grand River, so there would be more movement but the cranes
could not get it installed any farther from the shore.
The giant Table and Chairs is a very apt piece for Grand Rapids as we
were known as “Furniture City” in the first half of the 20th century.
Come on out and see the art work for yourself and don’t forget to
register to vote for your favorite pieces.
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Michigan
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
Photos by Bonnie Westbrook
That library card is worth a free pass to a state park this year in Michigan
until September 25. Check with your local library to see if they have signed
up for this free state park program. There are also free hammocks as long
as supply lasts.
I would love to take a good book to the beach and read for a few hours
with the waves lapping, and my hammock swaying in the breeze. In fact,
I have a new mystery thriller that probably need to be read in the open air,
a lot less scary. When my imagination and the plot thickens, I can look up
and see a serene scene to bring me back to reality.
Or you could just wander the beach and soak up the beautiful
Michigan scenery. Either way, it is a great offer !
Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids Real Estate
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful entertainment venue in our Forest Hills Area. The fabulous Fine Arts Centers Shows this winter season have something for everyone.
The entertainment this season starts out with a bang!
Saturday, October 17, 2009 – The Tap Dogs
The Tap Dogs are making waves with their unprecedented show that combines strength and the power of workmen with the precision and talent of tap dancing.
Friday November 6, 2009 – Poco, Firefall, and Pure Prairie League – 3 American folk/rock bands that continue the iconic sounds of the 70s, remaining true to its founding vision.
Thursday, December 3, 2009 – Kool & The Gang –The famous & successful band with the sound of jazz, R&B, funk and pop has produced a string of hits including “Jungle Boogie, Lady’s Night, Celebration, and Get Down on It.”
Wednesday, February 3, 2010 – Band of the Irish Guards/
Thursday, April 29, 2010 – Whose Live Anyway
Season Tickets on sale, August 10th – Oct 16th, 2009
Single tickets for Tap Dogs on sale Sept 14th, 2009
Single tickets for Poco, PPl, & Firefall on sale Oct 12, 2009
All remaining single tickets on sale Oct. 26, 2009 at FAC or any Ticketmaster outlet.
Special Event – Matt Giraud – Friday, January 29, 2010
American Idol’s Matt Giraud, Kalamazoo’s own who made it to the top 5 on
the hit show, American Idol. Ticketed Separate event
Taste of Downtown, Family Festival (w kids activities), & Fireworks
Labor Day weekend has a lot in store for families here in Grand Rapids.
Celebration on the Grand is hosting free outdoor concerts, Sept 10-12.
Free Performances by:
Thursday, September 10th, 2009 – Rosa Parks Circle
- Emerson Drive
- Union Guns
- Bill Kirchen of Commander Cody
- Love & Theft
Friday, September 11, 2009 – Rosa Parks Circle
- Spencer Mulder
- Hank Mowry
- R.B. & Company
- Esparza Blues Experience
- Lynn Thompson Band
- 9:30 Fireworks
- 10:00 PM Jimmie Stagger
Ah-Nab-Awen Park
- 5 pm Ralston Bowls
- 5:45-6:30 Nomad Willy
- 6:45 – 7:45 pm Glean Infusion (Jason Wheeler)
- 8:00-9:30 pm – Organissimo
Saturday September 12, 2009
Monroe Center – Grand Valley Corvette Club Car Show
Rosa Parks Circle
- Taste of Downtown
- School of Rock
- Left Hand Daisy
- Rockit King
- Midlife Crisis
- Concussions
- Edgar Winter
- KC & The Sunshine Band
Ah-Nab-Awen Park
3pm – Family Festival includes Face Painting,
Temporary Tattoos, Crafts Games
Dusk – Feature Film on an outdoor big screen ( weather permitting)
Wearing o’ the green would be appropriate for attending the
Great Lakes Irish Music Festival held at Fifth Third Ball Park,
this Saturday August 22, 2009 11:00 am – 9:20 pm.
Gates open at 11:00 am and the first entertainment hits the
stage at noon.
Of course there will be Irish food available for purchase, bangers
and beer, for starters, plus other delectable Irish delights.
The musical entertainment will be performed by international acts:
Quinn’s School of Irish Dance, Stephen’s Green, The Elders,
Brendan Nolan and the Screaming Orphans. Michigan’s Fenian’s
Players will once again take the stage to regale the crowd with
ballads and the spoken word.
There will also be Irish markets and workshops devoted to Irish music,
history and it’s language that will be available for participants. A
Children’s Area will be provided by the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
from 12:00pm-4pm for the wee ones entertainment.
An added attraction at Fifth Third Ballpark this year is Art in the Park,
an non-juried art fair running from noon until 6 pm, where you can buy
artwork to take home.
Admission for this one day event is $12 for adults, children 3-12 $1, and
those babes under 3 get free admission. Parking is $5 per car, $10 for
buses and RVs.
Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate – Westbrook Realty
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
St Cecilia Music Center presents their 2nd Annual Caribbean Festival
at The St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom NE Grand Rapids Michigan.
Most of the events are free of charge to the public.
The list of events is as follows:
Artists Reception – Thursday August 20, 6-9 pm
Featuring Caribbean Art and Food
Musical Performances by Pa’lo Hondo and Ozzie –Free to the public
Artists Exhibit Aug 20- Sept 30
Terryberry Gallery at St. Cecilia Music Center Mon – Fri 9am-5 pm
Performance Events – August 26, 27, 28 6-9 pm
Featuring Caribbean art, poetry, folk dance and food
Lecture – Wednesday August 26 6-9 pm
Los Munequitos: The Caribbean in the political art of cartoons, 1898
Grand Rapids Public Library – Free to the public
Dance & Poetry – Baile, prosa y poesia – Thursday August 27, 6-9 pm
Caribbean Food Tasting & Exhibit – Friday Aug 28, 6-9 pm
Fussion – Thurs, Sept 18, 6-8 pm Free to the public
Closing Ceremony – Awards, Dance and live music performance
Thursday Sept 18, 6-8 pm Tickets $ 10
For details, Call St. Cecilia Music Center 616-459-2224
Grand Rapids Ada Real Estate – Westbrook Realty
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
Photo of Beach scene by Bonnie Westbrook
It seems there are free summer concerts everywhere this summer.
I have seen banners flying in small towns and villages all over Michigan.
What a great way to get out and enjoy the local parks, people
and scenery. Not to be outdone, Ada Michigan is joining the free
music array this summer.
Ada Historical Society is jumping on the proverbial “bandwagon”
with their Music on the Lawn Series.
Last Friday, they featured the Nowhere Band, which bills itself as a
Beatles tribute band. Darn, we missed that but I plan on attending
some of the remaining concerts this summer.
All concerts are located at the Ada Historical Society
7144 Headley St Ada Michigan 49301 616-676-9346
Tuesday, August 18 – Java Jive – dance standards from ‘30s & ‘40s
Tuesday, August 25 –Ransom Street Band from Saint Cecelia’s Society playing swing music
Tuesday, Sept 1 – Crossroads Country Band plays country & bluegrass
Grand Rapids -Ada Real Estate – Westbrook Realty
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
Photo of Ada Historical Society Barns by Bonnie Westbrook
Judging, Classes, Entertainment = Family Fun
The Kent County Youth Fair is celebrating its 75th year at the Lowell
Fairgrounds. I have fond memories of the County Fair from my youth
and 4-H days. It is a lot more than cotton candy and carnival rides.
I really enjoy seeing all the animals and the exhibits that the kids work
so hard on all year. Many times you will see sheep, pigs, horses, chickens
on display that are pampered and well cared for. It is a chance to see
what is popular on the farm and what might be showing up next at the
Farmer’s Market or on your table.
Just the variety of animals can be overwhelming. The last time I went
to a fair, there must have been 50 different kinds of chickens.
Who knew? You kind of know this is true but seeing them in the
flesh and variety of feathers is something else again.
Each day brings its own special events, including free nightly
entertainment. Don’t miss the Cow Pie Bingo!
Tuesday August 11th – The Pub Runners 7:30 pm
Wednesday August 12th – The Jabs 7:00 pm
Thursday August 13th – Patchwork & Black Canyon
Bluegrass Band 6:30-9:30 pm
Friday August 14th – Country Karaoke 6:30-10:30 pm
Saturday August 15th – Blue Star Pilot & Guitar Hero 5:30-10:30 pm
Annual Rodeo (tickets req.) 7:00 pm
There are dozens of events I couldn’t mention here, like the Ice
Cream social, Bingo, Garden tractor pull, Livestock sale, Goat
milking contest, performing arts, & Draft horse pull to name a few.
Come on out to the Kent County Youth Fair in Lowell this week.
I think you might have a great time.
Grand Rapids Real Estate ~ Westbrook Realty
Copyright 2009 All rights reserved
Photos by Bonnie Westbrook
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