Events

The Jackson Symphony Orchestra and Community Music School is pleased to present the 3rd annual Irish Festival, sponsored by Eric and Patti Poppe. This collaboration will feature several musical ensembles, including local professional musicians of the JSO, family-friendly activities, and other surprises! This two-day festival is designed as a regional music/arts festival that promotes Irish and Celtic culture and heritage while providing enjoyment, enrichment, and educational opportunities for families and residents of Jackson and neighboring counties. This event, now in its third year, will also serve as a Memorial Tribute to the late Mary Ann Donley Kessler, who, according to family members was “VERY Irish”. Mrs. Kessler was a former principal at East Jackson and a longtime and very active member of St. John’s Catholic Church. She was married to William Kessler, a retiree of Consumers Energy and a resident of Grass Lake Township. The couple raised 7 daughters, often referred to as the Kessler Girls. According to daughter Patti Poppe, who is a lead sponsor of the Jackson Irish Festival, this tribute to Irish culture and music is a very fitting way to pay tribute to her mother’s legacy. Current Community Music School director David Lamse is thrilled to present…

SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Spring Arbor University athletic department will be hosting the third annual Mr. Spring Arbor pageant on Sunday, Feb. 21.   Mr. Spring Arbor is a male pageant with contestants representing each of the SAU men's athletic teams. They will be competing in three different categories – talent, dress, Q&A – and will be judged by a panel of guest judges consisting of University faculty and staff.   The event is held each year to benefit various organizations. In 2015, Mr. Spring Arbor raised more than $2,000 for Northern Lights Ministries, an organization in Uganda founded by SAU graduate Kate Walugembe. One hundred percent of the proceeds went towards purchasing mattresses for children without one, as well as paying school fees for children without sponsors.   This year all proceeds and donations will go towards Rise Above, a non-profit ministry in Jackson, Michigan founded by SAU graduate Neil Fernandes (’14).   “This year we are choosing to partner with Rise Above,” said Shannon Balcer (Hudsonville, MI/Unity Christian), a senior on the women’s soccer team, and event planner. “We wanted to go local and support a place that is impacting the community around us.”   Rise Above…