Events of April 19, 20, and 21, 2024

Friday, April 19

State Representative Kathy Schmaltz Office Hours.  State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz today invited residents to sit down and chat during her April office hours in Jackson and Washtenaw counties. Local office hours are an opportunity for community members to meet face-to-face with Schmaltz to share their thoughts, questions, or concerns. No appointments are necessary to attend.  Rep. Schmaltz will be available Friday, April 19, at the following times and locations:  1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the McIntyre Room at Carnegie Library, 244 W. Michigan Ave. in Jackson.  3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Chelsea City Council chambers, located inside the Chelsea Police Department at 311 South Main St. in Chelsea.   Anyone unable to attend who would like to share thoughts or concerns with Schmaltz may contact her office at (517) 373-1798 or email KathySchmaltz@house.mi.gov.

Grand River Farmers Market Indoor Season.  The Grand River Farmers Market crew has moved inside for their first winter market!  Found Church, 141 E Michigan Ave, Jackson. Open Fridays 10 AM to 3 PM.

Jackson County Art Show. Students from Jackson County Schools, Public, Christian and Charter, will be exhibiting student artwork from kindergarten through twelfth grade, at Jackson Crossing Mall through April 28, 2024. 

The Bold, Brave and Beautiful Cabaret.  Center Stage Jackson presents ’The Bold, Brave and Beautiful Cabaret’, all about the female singers/songwriters who inspire us.  Sandhill Crane Vineyards, 4724 Walz Rd., Jackson. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM, Sunday at 5:30 PM.  Final weekend! Seating a half hour before show time.  For ticket info visit Center Stage Jackson Facebook page or centerstagejackson.org

Brian and Steve Live at Grand River Brewery.  Come on down to Grand River Brewery to hear the music stylings of Brian and Steve Tucker playing from 6:00 to 9:00 P.M.  117 W. Louis Glick Highway, Downtown Jackson.  

The Vibe Live at Ironbark.  7 PM to 10 PM.  The Vibe is coming to Ironbark to play all the hits from the 50s, 60s, and 70s!  Ironbark Brewing Company, 2610 Kibby Road, Jackson.

Dude and the Flanman at Mancino’s.  7 PM to 10 PM.  Music from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond! Along with great food and a great wait staff!  3017 Wildwood Avenue, Jackson.

James Muto at 308 Brass Rail.  7 to 10 PM.  Enjoy great music as James Muto returns to the 308 Brass Rail.  308 W. Prospect Street, Jackson.

Erin Zindle and the Ragbirds.  8 PM.  Led by dynamic, multi-instrumentalist Erin Zindle, The Ragbirds create music that is equally danceable, intelligent and vulnerable. They incorporate indie-pop melodies, global-infused beats, rock guitar riffs and folk sensibilities into a high-energy live show which leaves every listener in a higher place than when it began.  Franke Center for the Arts, Marshall.  Info and tickets here.

Jackson College Summer Registration.  Summer session begins May 20! Completing a college credential can mean increased earnings and job opportunities for life. Build a brighter future for yourself and your family. Jackson offers affordable tuition and financial aid opportunities, excellent instruction, in-demand programs and personalized support. No matter the circumstances, students can fit college courses into their schedules; Jackson offers a variety of class lengths and sessions.  Details here.

Saturday, April 20

Queens Parish Vendor Event.  Queens Parish will hold it’s 2nd Annual Vendor Event on Saturday, April 20, 2024 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm.  Local vendors with one of a kind items as well as food, music and raffles will be offered!  Just in time for Mother’s Day, Graduations, Anniversaries, Birthdays!  Live music and food available for purchase.  Over 30 vendors including talented local artists and crafters.  Queen’s Gym, 811 S. Wisner Street, Jackson.

YMCA Storer Camps Healthy Kids Event.  Free!  YMCA Storer Camps presents the 2nd annual HEALTHY KIDS DAY on Saturday, April 20th from 1-4pm. This FREE event is open to kids of all ages (and adults, too!) with no registration required. Alongside camp activities such as arts & crafts, archery and pony rides, local businesses and organizations will be on hand to lead activities and join in on the fun. There will even be a food truck to enjoy!  6941 Stony Lake Rd, Jackson.  Complete details here.

American 1 Credit Union Community Shred Day.  1 PM to 4 PM.  American 1 Credit Union is having a free shred day for personal and small business shredding.  Bring your personal and confidential documents for shredding.  Free and open to the community!  Happy Earth Day from American 1 Credit Union!  Cascades Falls Park, Jackson.

TRUE Community Credit Union’s Go Green Event.  12 PM to 2 PM.  TRUE Community Credit Union is excited to host our Go Green for eStatements event! There will be a special appearance by MSU basketball player, Jackson native, and TRUE CCU member Carson Cooper and we’ll have special giveaways for attendees too!  The first 200 guests will receive an autographed poster from Carson.  Attendees can register to win an autographed basketball, a Carson Cooper #15 MSU jersey, and more!  Guests can also shoot hoops with Carson and pick up some TRUE CCU giveaway swag!  TRUE Community Credit Union Parnall Road Branch located at 1309 W Parnall Road, Jackson.

Hammond Hardware Outdoor Power Equipment Demo Days.  9 AM to 2 PM.  Join us for a day of Milwaukee outdoor Power Equipment Demos & Deals on your favorite Power Equipment. With available rebates of up to 11% in addition to already low sale prices. We are scheduled to have a Milwaukee Rep on hand for questions & some giveaways. We have secured 3 excellent prize packages for some lucky customers who stop by and check out the gear. Demos on chainsaws, pruners, hedge trimmers & more. JUNK YARD DOG Food truck on site – so stop by, check out the demos & deals and have some yummy food and maybe even win a prize too..!!!  Hammond Hardware, 1800 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, Jackson.

17th Annual Fairy Festival.  10 AM to 5 PM.  Jackson School of the Arts.  We welcome you to a very special weekend filled with activities, crafts, and snacks inspired by child-like imagination. Boys and girls always find the Festival full of wonderment and their grown-up companions can’t help but rediscover the child inside themselves as well! Walk through the Fairy Kingdom, Mermaid Cove and explore the dark mountain. Meet a Fairy Princess and travel to Neverland with Captain Hook on his ship. Don’t forget to dress up!  Please visit our site here for full details.

JSO Music on Tap Featuring Josh Henderson.  Josh Henderson brings together other contemporary Jazz titans – Rick Martinez, composer/guitarist Brendon Randall-Myers, Saxophonist Caroline Davis, and vocalist Sylver Wallace, to weave the soundtrack for his original performance project, One More Night. One More Night puts music in motion by weaving Jazz, Classical, and Rock styles with modern dance and theatrical elements, all based on an important bit of Mid-West History, “The Day the Music Died”. Come enjoy their music at Weatherwax Hall at the Jackson Symphony Orchestra building in downtown Jackson, Michigan. It is a casual environment with a cash bar and various tables to sit at with friends. Doors open to the building at 7p.m., Concert begins at 8p.m.  Ticket Price: Before the Saturday of, $20.  Day of event $25.  Seating is first come, first served.  Wheelchair accessible.  Weatherwax Hall, 215 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson.  Event page and tickets here.

Ballet Chelsea presents “Cinderella”.  Saturday at 7 pm and Sunday at 2 pm.  Chelsea High School Auditorium, 740 N Freer Rd, Chelsea.  Join Ballet Chelsea for our premiere production of Cinderella. With new Artistic Director Michelle Quenon at the helm, this timeless classic promises to captivate audiences of all ages. Join Cinderella on her enchanting journey filled with breathtaking music, exquisite dancing, and, of course, lots of magic! This production will showcase the exceptional talent of Ballet Chelsea’s dedicated students and professional artists. Information and tickets here.

American Red Cross Sound the Alarm Event.  9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Jackson Fire Department, 518 N Jackson St, Jackson.  Smoke alarms save lives!  Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of death from home fires in half. That’s why we’re rallying volunteers, fire departments and partners to Sound the Alarm. Together, we’re installing FREE smoke alarms in your community. We will be installing free smoke alarms in neighborhoods throughout the Jackson area Saturday, April 20 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. To sign up for a free smoke alarm,  or to volunteer at an event near you, visit RedCross.org/SoundTheAlarmMichigan.

Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers.  8:30 PM.  Doors open at 7:30 PM.  Sponsored by Delta Tau Delta.  The Bohm Theatre, 201 S. Superior Street, Downtown Albion.  Tickets and more information here.

McCourtie Park Earth Day Celebration.  10 AM to 2 PM.  Live Music with Strum Rock School.  Rathskeller Earth Day Art Exhibit,  Enjoy selected Earth Day themed art,  Nature walks with Leaf and Feather Farms: Explore plants and animals at McCourtie Park with a naturalist-led walk.  Flower planting station and tree-giveaway with Jackson County Master Gardener Association.  Plant pansies to take home.  Free Red Pine or White Pine tree saplings. Lost Nation Beekeepers Association, Grand River Union Disc Golf Club, Scavenger hunt, earth-friendly crafts, and games!  Light refreshments available (free, donations welcome)  Popcorn, fruit, chips, water.  10426 S Jackson Rd, Cement City.

Spring to Clean Leoni.  12 PM.  Melted will be hosting a fundraiser for For The Boys-CO Awareness!  We are partnering with Spring to Clean Leoni and will be set up on Saturday, April 20th from 11am-2pm at Leoni Park in Michigan Center! All our profits will go towards this amazing non profit.  Welcoming all Leoni residents, friends and family to help in this clean up effort.

“Hello, Dolly!” Auditions.  Hello, aspiring actors and actresses!  Center Stage Jackson is excited to announce auditions for our upcoming production of the classic musical, “Hello, Dolly!”. This is your chance to be a part of a show that has captivated audiences for decades with its memorable characters and unforgettable songs.  Audition Location: First Presbyterian Church, 743 W Michigan Avenue, Jackson.  Remaining Audition Date:  April 20th 2:00pm to 4:00pm.  Preparation Details:  Please prepare a short song, 8 – 16 measures. (Pianist/bluetooth speaker will be available). All auditions will include cold script reads. Dance auditions will be included but no dance preparation required.Performance Dates are June 21st, 22nd, 23rd and28th, 29th, 30th.  For any further queries, please contact the Producer Talon Baldwin at talonazonavin@gmail.com

Earth Day Celebration in the Park.  1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.  Sparks Park (Cascades) – near urban fishing pond. Join the Jackson Conservation District for the 2024 Earth Day in the Park celebration! Vendors will provide children’s activities, kayaking (weather pending), face-painting, tree seedling and plant giveaways, live animals and more!!

The Jason Bishop Show.  7:30 PM.  Tecumseh Center for the Arts.  As America’s Hottest Illusionist, Jason Bishop might have a person passing through his body one moment or make goldfish appear from nowhere the next. Bishop is an international award-winning illusionist who was the youngest person to win the Magician’s Alliance of Eastern States Stage Award and one of the youngest people to compete in the Society of American Magicians World-Class competition. The show is surprisingly funny and truly magical. Bishop cuts through the usual hype and focuses on entertaining audiences with one remarkable illusion after another.  Tecumseh Center for the Arts,  400 N. Maumee Street, Tecumseh.  Information and tickets here.

Blessing of the Bikes. 12 PM to 4 PM.  Blessing at 3:45 PM.  Food, vendors, prizes, music.  Commonwealth Commerce Center, Downtown Jackson.  Trophies for oldest biker, largest club turnout, furthest traveled and more.  Suggested donation is $10 per bike.

Sunday, April 21

2024 Annual Jackson College Women’s Volleyball Prospect Camp.  11 AM to 1 PM.  Victor Cuiss Fieldhouse, Jackson College Central Campus.  Are you a high school volleyball player thinking about playing in college? If you graduate in 2024 or ’25, this camp is for you!  Meet and scrimmage with current JC Jet players and work through volleyball drills.  $25 fee.  Please wear proper gym attire, bring knee pads, and a water bottle if desired. Register here.

Choral Masterworks Concert.  4 PM.  The Jackson MI Chorale presents the Choral Masterworks Concert:  Requiem for the Living by Dan Forrest.  Performances by the Children’s Choir and the Jackson Chorale 2024 Scholarship winners.  Tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under.  First United Methodist Church, 275 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson.  Tickets available here.

Jackson Michigan Plant Exchange Downtown Jackson Cleanup.  1 PM to 4 PM.  The downtown clean up event in honor of Earth Day. Meet at Horace Blackman park to get garbage bags, gloves (donated by PC Solutions) and cardboard boxes for any broken glass. And then spread out from there to clean up our downtown! Bags will be tied up and left where they are filled for collecting at the end. A1 Waste Removal has kindly agreed to help with the event in person and with their equipment and they will take away the trash we collect free of charge.  This is a collaboration effort with City Council person Shalanda Hunt, Sarah Stetler, Together We Can Make a Difference and Save our Youth!  Event page here.