Events of March 16, 17, and 18, 2018

March 16

The Jackson Symphony Orchestra presents its annual Irish Festival. This year’s Irish Festival brings another band from Ireland to The Wax stage to perform traditional Irish music. Skipper’s Alley is a 7-piece ensemble whose dynamic take on traditional Irish music has garnered wide critical praise. The Irish Festival presents a great band with room for dancing, along with a cash bar. Showtime is 8 PM. Tickets are $15 available in advance at jacksonsymphony.org or $20 at the door. Weatherwax Hall, 215 West Michigan Avenue, Jackson.

The Jackson Coffee Company presents live entertainment tonight from 7 PM to 10 PM. The Blue Water Ramblers are lead singers who take turns harmonizing with each other to create the Blue Water Rambler tapestry of sound. Banjo-Jim Foerch sings of the sailors, farmers, lumberjacks, politicians and workers. Bear Berends croons the love songs and delivers protest songs old and new. Jackson Coffee Company, corner of Mechanic and Cortland, Downtown Jackson.

Lumen Christi High School’s Drama department presents the theatrical musical production, “Guys and Dolls”. This is a fun musical about a group of good-hearted gamblers and the sincere Save-a-Soul mission members set in New York City in the 30’s. Performances are Friday at 7:30 PM, Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 3 PM. Lumen Christi Cafetorium, 3483 Spring Arbor Road, Jackson. Tickets available at the door or, to order, please call, 517-917-4302. Adults $10, Students (Kndg -12th Grade) and Seniors $7, and Children $5. Concessions available

The Michigan Gem & Mineral Society annual show at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, American One Event Center presents “It’s All About the Geodes” on March 16th, 17th, & 18th. Hours are Friday 10 AM to -7 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM. Admission: Adults $4, Seniors $2, Students $1, Kids 5 & Under free. Many activities for kids, over 20 dealers and demonstrators. Gems, minerals, fossils, beads, jewelry, raffle, exhibits, displays, lapidary supplies, door prize drawings, and 3 days of silent auctions.

Flea Market, Craft and Antique Show. This event is a fundraiser for the MISSION OF HOPE CANCER FUND a unique cancer charity providing direct financial assistance to cancer patients and their families while dealing with cancer treatment and recovery. We are one of the few cancer charities providing this type of assistance to cancer patients of all ages and for all cancers. Believe Center 745 Lansing Ave. Jackson. Tickets: $3 at the door. 12 N to 6 PM.

Columbia Performing Arts presents their spring musical, “Nice Work if You Can Get It”, A hilarious new musical comedy set in the Roaring 20’s of Prohibition, speak easys, and gin in the cellar! The best of Gershwin Brothers’ music, tap dancing, love story, and mistaken identities. Columbia Central High School, Friday and Saturday at 7 PM, Sunday at 2 PM.

St. Mary’s Fish Fry. Come on down to Star Hall for the “Best Fish Fry” in town. Bring your friends and family for a great meal and fellowship. During Lent St. Mary’s will be serving 3 Pieces of Hand Dipped Cod (Baked or Fried), Your Choice of Roasted Red Skins or Seasoned Fries, Prince Medley Vegetables, Homemade Coleslaw, Homemade Macaroni and Cheese, Your choice of a Dessert. Adults ~ $11, Children under 12 ~ $6.00. We hope you will join us. Star Hall is located in the basement of St. Mary’s Church (120 E. Wesley St). 4pm to 7pm.

March 17

The Michigan Theatre is hosting Relay for Life – Team Zebra as they present “Mystery Movie”. Come join Relay for Life Team Zebra for some family fun. Door Prizes, Silent Auction, and A Mystery Movie! Movie will be family friendly. Doors open at 12:30 P.M. Event starts at 1:00 P.M. Admission for adults is 5 dollars. Children 12 and under are Free.

Hanover-Horton Historical Society presents Maple Festival. Experience maple sugar production throughout the years in Michigan. Sap will be cooking in the Sugar Shack. There will be demonstrations of colonial American sugaring practices, and a display of Native American sugar making. Gather sap from the hanging buckets. Dress for the weather. Inside the community building will be a pancake breakfast and children’s crafts with maple themes and displays. A maple syrup cooking contest will be judged at noon followed by a pancake flipping demonstration. There will be baked goods, maple popcorn and other maple products available for purchase. Pancake breakfast begins at 7 AM, $6 per person. Heritage Park, Hanover. More details here.

The Grass Lake Chamber of Commerce presents the 2018 Grass Lake Business Spring Expo and Craft Show. 10 AM to 4 PM at Grass Lake High School, 11500 Warrior Trail, Grass Lake. Free admission. Family entertainment, food, drawings, giveaways, expo discounts. This annual event features dozens of Grass Lake area businesses and non-profits showcasing the Best of Grass Lake.

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Grand River Brewery, 7 AM to 11 PM. Traditional Irish Fare, Irish dancing and bagpipes. Live Celtic and Irish bands.

Con Con Cosplay Prep. Join us at the Jackson MakerSpace! Jackson District Library partners with the Jackson Makerspace to give ConCon Cosplayers a chance to work on their costumes for the big event! If you need to sew, saw, or seal a part of your outfit we have you covered. Join us on Saturday, March 17 from 12-4 p.m. Intended for all ages. This event is held at the Jackson Makerspace at 730 Tomlinson Road, Jackson.

Cabane A Sucre at Dahlem. Learn about the process behind making maple syrup with a guided tour of the Dahlem Center. A French-speaking member of the JDL staff will add information about maple syrup’s importance in French Canadian culture. Make your own Tire d’érable (Maple Taffy) in the snow. Join us on Saturday, March 17 from 10-11:30 a.m. Intended for all ages. This event is held at the Dahlem Center at 7117 S. Jackson Road.

March 18

The Michigan Theatre is hosting American 1 Credit Union’s presentation of “Mission Accomplished: Talons Out Honor Flight” Film starts 3:00 PM, Doors open at 2:30 PM Admission is FREE.

The Michigan Gem & Mineral Society annual show at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, American One Event Center presents “It’s All About the Geodes” on March 16th, 17th, & 18th. Hours are Friday 10 AM to -7 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM. Admission: Adults $4, Seniors $2, Students $1, Kids 5 & Under free. Many activities for kids, over 20 dealers and demonstrators. Gems, minerals, fossils, beads, jewelry, raffle, exhibits, displays, lapidary supplies, door prize drawings, and 3 days of silent auctions.

Kids ’N’ Stuff Childrens’s Museum presents Canvas Silent Art Auction, from 3 PM to 5 PM at Kids ’N’ Stuff, 301 South Superior Street, Albion. Artists of all ages have created 5×7 Canvas Art and will be featured in the Silent Auction. Albion Farmer’s Market favorite Green Eggs and Jam will have tasty treats and Albion College’s jazz group Salt and Pepper will be providing musical entertainment.

Event Submission for Today in the J