Events of August 18, 19 and 20, 2017

The Jackson Downtown Development Authority presents the Grand River Farmers Market, today and tomorrow from 8am to 2pm.  The market, featuring seasonal farmers and other vendors is at Grand River Marketplace, corner of Glick Highway and Mechanic Street in Downtown Jackson.

The Midtown Jackson Art Walk will have everything you could ever imagine: Drawings to win art, pottery, sculpture, jewelry, paintings, photography, music, metal, and there will be food trucks!  The Art Walk will take place today from 4-8PM. Spend an evening in Downtown Jackson walking, shopping and enjoying the art in businesses throughout downtown. With award winning artists and talented musicians, there will be a stop for everyone.  Presented by The Midtown Association of Jackson.  Sponsored by Gilbert Chocolates, Experience Jackson, Art 634 and the @Jackson Art Zone.

Regie Hamm Live! tonight at the Michigan Theatre. A hit songwriter, artist and producer, Regie Hamm has penned over 20 #1 hits, many of them in Christian music. He hit the Billboard Top 20 as an artist in 2003, and later went on to see his solo-written song “Time Of My Life” (sung by 2008 American Idol winner David Cook) stay at #1 for 4 months on the pop charts, making it the longest running number one pop song by a Nashville based songwriter in history – beating out Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” by one week. Oprah called it the “official theme song of the 2008 Summer Olympics,” and David Cook announced that with the song, Regie had hit a chord with people.  This concert is a benefit for the music program at the Lyle Torrant Center.  Doors open at 7pm, concert at 7:30pm.  Tickets start at $9.

The Fourth Wall presents William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer’s Night Dream” directed by Kory Trombley. Admission is only $5 and the atmosphere is light and airy as you enjoy this timeless play. Come out and enjoy “Will at the Wall” it will be WAY more fun than World Lit class was.  Showtimes are Friday. August 18 at 8 PM and Saturday, August 19 at 8 PM.

Vineyard Jam with the Jill Jack Band at Cherry Creek Winery.  Entertainment runs from 7pm to 10pm. Cherry Creek Winery, 15750 US Highway 12, Cement City.

Saturday

The Childrenz Challenge is an obstacle course designed for children ages 4-13 years old and combines strength, determination, stamina, but most importantly the ability to have fun! The Childrenz Challenge course is designed for accomplishment, not punishment. The children’s challenge is fitness and fun at the Childrenz Challenge.  There are two courses within the event, Ages 4-8 will compete on a 1 ½ mile course and ages 9-13 will compete on a 2-mile course.  The event will be held at Michigan International Speedway.  The purpose of Childrenz Challenge is to create a fun and entertaining event for children and their families, support our community and contribute to local charities. $50 Walk-up Registration (Walk up registration will be open at 1:20pm for heats from 2:40pm – 5:00pm).

The Michigan Lupus Foundation Jackson Walk to Cure Lupus will be held at Ella Sharp Park today from 1pm to 2pm. There will be live music, balloon launch, BBQ from West Point Lounge, Memorial Walk, raffle prizes and games for kids.  You may register just before the walk at Ella Sharp Park.

The Jackson County Conservation District (JCCD) will be holding a Scrap Tire Collection Event on Saturday, August 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Jackson County Fairgrounds.  Only passenger tires are accepted, no oversize truck or tractor tires.  There is no charge for this event.

The Recovery Out Loud Walk and Rally will be held from 10am to 1pm at at Home of New Vision, 407 W Michigan Ave, Jackson, Michigan 49201.  There will be live entertainment, speakers, free t-shirts, free food, fun & fellowship.
The aim of the walk/rally is to bring the strength of our community together, in order to end the stigma of addiction, to help our city become a healthy, drug free community.

Jackson School of the Arts is hosting an Open House, Saturday from 10am-12n. This is a great time to register for classes, get a tour, learn more about our programs, do a little art project, enjoy refreshments and maybe win a door prize! All are welcome. This event is free. Watch your child grow with the arts this year! We offer classes for ages 2 1/2 to adult. Register early to get your preferred class time. We are having a BIG SALE in the Best Little Dance Store. Dance classes start week of Aug. 28, Art & Kids Create starts week of Sept. 11, and theater starts Sept. 9.

The Kids ’N’ Stuff Children’s Museum is pleased to welcome magician Jonathon LaChance to its Night of Magic and Muggles event August 19, thanks to a partnership with the American Museum of Magic in Marshall!  Jonathon LaChance is one Michigan’s funniest magicians currently amazing audiences across the country. Among his performing credits, Jonathan has performed nationally on the NBC Today Show, headlined theaters and resorts, and was the winner of the Magic Close-up Classic.  A Night of Magic and Muggles is Kids ‘N’ Stuff’s very first adults-only event. The Harry Potter themed event will be 6-9 pm Saturday, August 19. Tickets are on sale now for $25 each at the door and at www.kidsnstuff.org/programs or by phone at (517) 629-8023. Participants are encouraged to come in costume and compete in one of our costume competitions!Each participant will receive 25 galleons (that’s wizard money, for all you non-magic folk) to spend on food, magical activities, and participation in contests for fabulous prizes! Come hungry, because food will be provided by none other than Whiskful Thinking!   Kids ‘N’ Stuff Children’s Museum is located at 301 S. Superior Street in Albion, MI. During the Superior Street/M-99 construction, the museum is accessible through the back entrance.

The Area Lutheran Churches Join forces to serve residents of Jackson with a school supply giveaway. On Saturday, two Jackson Lutheran churches are joining forces to serve neighbors, specifically those residents of Jackson who may struggle with back-to-school expenses.  From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., 100+ families are expected to walk through Trinity Lutheran Church at 122 W Wesley and receive school supplies, hygiene items, new and gently used clothing, shoes, haircuts, and a nutritious meal. Supervised children’s activities are also planned.  Financial and material contributions for this outreach have been generously donated from area businesses, members of both congregations, and Action Team Grants from Thrivent Financial®. and Faith Community Nursing of Jackson County.

The Jackson College Foundation invites you to join us for a memorable evening at Jackson College’s Eighth Annual Starry, Starry Night Gala – Our Time to Shine! Don your finest cocktail wear and experience one of the most exciting evenings at Jackson College!  The celebration will begin as guests sample decedent cuisine throughout our newly renovated Bert Walker Hall, enjoy a virtual campus tour, peruse a variety of exceptional silent auction items, witness the creation of a painting done live by renowned artist Doug Jones, and delight in the sounds of live local entertainment by River Jazz, featuring Jim Stewart.  To make reservations or for more information, please call 517.787.0244.  Tickets are $100 per person.

The Cascades Rotary Bandshell Summer Concert Series presents Jump Start featuring Tim Farrell.  Tim and his band will charm you with their classic rock and ballad tunes.. Concert is free and starts at 7pm at the Rotary Bandshell, Cascades Falls.

Community Action Agency presents a FREE Homebuyer Education Workshop from 9AM-3PM, at 1214 Greenwood, Jackson.  YOU WILL LEARN:  Is Buying a House Right for Me?,  Benefits of Homeownership, How Much can I Afford?, What Credit Score do I Need? and more.  For more information and to register, contact: Sheila, at PH# (517)768-2837, or severts@caajlh.org.

Sunday

Kids ’N’ Stuff Childrens Museum in Albion is presenting a Very Harry (Potter) Day following our Night of Magic and Muggles. Fun for the whole family, included in your regular admission to the museum (members are free).  The magical mayhem includes: Potions and Charms Class (at 2:00pm only), Coloring house ties, Wand-Making, Letter Aging, A Potteriffic Scavenger Hunt.  Vendors will also be on site with magical merchandise available for purchase.

Walker Tavern Farmers Market is one of the largest open air markets in Southeast Michigan. There are over 50 vendors that can be found on most Sundays. There are local seasonal produce and handmade crafts at this farmers market, there are even some special Sunday events. A Recreation passport is required for State Park entry.  Hours are 10am to 12 noon.  Walker Tavern is located at M-50 and U.S. 12 in Brooklyn.

Today in the J is sponsored by Experience Jackson.