Events of November 1, 2, and 3, 2024

Friday, November 1

SOAR’s Healing Handbags FUNdraising Event.  5 PM to 8 PM.  We are so excited to be hosting our annual Healing Handbags FUNdraising event this year! Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. Our seating format this year is open seating, except for our corporate tables. We will have a dinner buffet offering herb-stuffed chicken or lasagna. In addition to handbags this year we will have gift baskets for the raffle as well. We are so grateful for you, your attendance and your support!  Cascades Manor, 1970 Kibby Road.  Tickets and more info here.

Jackson Storyfest.  The largest storytelling festival in Michigan returns to Jackson County for the 37th straight year…with a twist. In the past, Storyfest was organized and hosted at area schools. Now, community members of all ages are able to enjoy the event with their family and friends as famous storytellers visit JDL branch locations throughout Jackson County on November 1-2.

Storyfest Family Events:

November 1, 1 PM: Storytime | This special storytime for ages 0-6 at the Carnegie Library will feature teller Russell Davis.

November 2: Storytelling Sessions | Choose from 13 family-friendly sessions at branches across Jackson County. For a full list of performers and locations, click here.

November 4, 9:30 AM: Virtual Author Talk | Tune in for a virtual author talk with Eric Litwin, creator of Pete the Cat and author of Groovy Joe. To register, click here.

Storyfest Adults & Seniors Events:

November 1, 10 AM: Silver Tales | Join musical duo San & Emily at Vista Grande Villa to enjoy songs and stories for the young at heart

November 1, 5 PM: Veteran’s Session | Laura Pershin Raynor will present a unique veteran-themed story at the Springport VFW.

November 1, 7 PM: Storyfest Showcase | Enjoy an evening of storytelling with a showcase featuring tellers Larry Castleberry, Jeff Doyle, Adam Mellema and Robin Nott at the Ella Sharp Museum.

Learn more about Storyfest here.

Center Stage Jackson presents “Fun Home”. Center Stage Jackson is thrilled to produce this musical in the Ruth Day Theatre in Jackson College’s Potter Center November 1-3 and 8-10. Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 7pm and Sunday performances at 3pm. Doors open thirty minutes prior to the performance. “Fun Home” is a musical adapted by Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori from Alison Bechdel’s 2006 graphic memoir of the same name. The story chronicles Bechdel’s discovery of her own sexuality, her relationship with her closeted gay father, and her attempts to unlock the mysteries surrounding his life. It is told in a series of non-linear vignettes narrated by the adult Alison character. More than just a coming out or coming-of-age story, the musical has a depth of completeness that explores the relationship between children and their parents’ secret lives that ultimately exists in every family.  Ticket and event page here.

Stand Up Comedy.  Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Michigan presents Stand Up Comedy, featuring Billy Ray Bauer and Kevin Kramis.  Dinner at 6 PM, Comedy Show at 7 PM.  $40 includes dinner and show, $20 for show only.  Gene Davis & Sons, 3575 Francis Street, Jackson.  To reserve tickets, visit:  give.Classy.Org/JacksonComedy24  Questions?  Call Haley Herbert 810-304-1121.

Magic of Kobranis Christmas Magic Show.  5:00 PMFirst Congregational UCC of Jackson presents the 2nd Annual Magic of Kobranis Christmas Magic Show. Last year we helped 187 kids throughout Jackson County open something up for Christmas. Admission is by donation of funds, new or gently used toys, or kids winter clothing. Everything will go to children in need this Christmas. Audience Participation.  Doors open at 5:00 P.M. and Santa will be there between 5:00 till 6:15ish to get a free picture with Santa. Show starts at 7:00. Let’s all come together to make this year’s Christmas Magic show bigger and help more kids out this Christmas! Plus, a silent auction!  Michigan Theatre, Downtown Jackson.

Grand River Farmers Market Indoor Market.  The GRFM will be moving inside this Friday. Starting on 11/1 and running through April 25^th, the GRFM will have 31 vendors located at Found Church at 141 E. Michigan Ave., Downtown Jackson. FRIDAY ONLY 10 AM – 3 PM.

Marcus and Tiffany Live at Veritas.  6 PM to 9 PM.  Marcus and Tiffany are classically trained singers who have been married for over 20 years. In his longtime opera career, Marcus was honored to sing on stages around the world, and with some of the biggest names in the business; and Tiffany has largely focused her music degree and velvety pipes on jazz and musical theatre.   They will be performing their signature mix of genres and styles, including: classic rock, opera, 90s alternative, mellow 70s gold, country, big band favorites, and more! Requests always welcome.  Veritas, 151 West Michigan Avenue, Downtown Jackson.

Saturday, November 2

Jackson Toy Show.  9 AM to 3 PM.  With over 265 tables, this is the show you won’t want to miss!   Admission $5, kids 12 and under, free. (7:30 AM Early Bird Admission is $10).  American 1 Event Center, Keeley Park, Downtown Jackson. Event page here.

Jackson Storyfest.  The largest storytelling festival in Michigan returns to Jackson County for the 37th straight year…with a twist.In the past, Storyfest was organized and hosted at area schools. Now, community members of all ages are able to enjoy the event with their family and friends as famous storytellers visit JDL branch locations throughout Jackson County on November 1-2.

Family Events:

November 2: Storytelling Sessions | Choose from 13 family-friendly sessions at branches across Jackson County. For a full list of performers and locations, click here.

November 4, 9:30 AM: Virtual Author Talk | Tune in for a virtual author talk with Eric Litwin, creator of Pete the Cat and author of Groovy Joe. To register, click here.

Learn more about Storyfest here.

Punchlines for Paws.  6 – 10 pm.  Presented by the Cascades Humane Society at Jackson College Snyder Dining Commons. Featuring Comedy by John Heffron. Michigan’s own stand-up comedian who has appeared on The Tonight Show, The Late Late Show, HBO, FX, VH1, and he won NBC’s Last Comic Standing. He has taped two Comedy Central specials and has an hour-long special called Middle Class Funny on Netflix.  Tickets here.

Center Stage Jackson presents “Fun Home”. Center Stage Jackson is thrilled to produce this musical in the Ruth Day Theatre in Jackson College’s Potter Center November 1-3 and 8-10. Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 7pm and Sunday performances at 3pm. Doors open thirty minutes prior to the performance. “Fun Home” is a musical adapted by Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori from Alison Bechdel’s 2006 graphic memoir of the same name. The story chronicles Bechdel’s discovery of her own sexuality, her relationship with her closeted gay father, and her attempts to unlock the mysteries surrounding his life. It is told in a series of non-linear vignettes narrated by the adult Alison character. More than just a coming out or coming-of-age story, the musical has a depth of completeness that explores the relationship between children and their parents’ secret lives that ultimately exists in every family.  Ticket and event page here.

Flawless Farms presents Beyond Documentary…About Autism.  6:30 PM.  Documentary Beyond shares the story Tamara Mark, a once rising Broadway/Hollywood star, to a full-time single mother of two nonverbal autistic adults, fighting for her dream to build a community for those alike to live better and safer. Flawless Farms presents the film at Jackson Michigan movie theater to continue spreading awareness and acceptance of support that is still needed in Jackson County for individuals with Autism and their families. Please join us for the film and a silent auction, which will include an array of donated items from the community. Ticket proceeds will go to Flawless Farms and their mission!  Michigan Theatre, Downtown Jackson.

Try Hockey for Free.  9 AM to 10 AM.  The Jackson Area Hockey Association invites you to Try Hockey for Free.  No experience or equipment needed!  Optimist Ice Arena, Jackson.

Julia Child: A Recipe for Life. New Exhibit at Ella Sharp Museum.  Julia Child: A Recipe for Life, explores the key ingredients in Julia’s personal journey, which became part of America’s culinary revolution, through a series of immersive experiences. Julia’s insatiable curiosity and tenacious spirit drove her to endlessly try, test, and teach how to make delicious food. Learning empowered Julia and she in turn empowered others, profoundly transforming American cuisine and food culture.  Julia Child: A Recipe for Life is a traveling exhibition produced and toured by Flying Fish, developed in collaboration with Napa Valley Museum, supported by The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, the Schlesinger Library, Harvard Radcliffe Institute, and generously sponsored by Oceania Cruises.  Tuesday – Friday: 10 am – 5 pm, Saturday: 11:30am – 4pm, Sunday – Monday: Closed.  Admission includes Museum Galleries and Hurst Planetarium Shows.  Check here for updates.

Sunday, November 3

Center Stage Jackson presents “Fun Home”. Center Stage Jackson is thrilled to produce this musical in the Ruth Day Theatre in Jackson College’s Potter Center November 1-3 and 8-10. Friday and Saturday performances will begin at 7pm and Sunday performances at 3pm. Doors open thirty minutes prior to the performance. “Fun Home” is a musical adapted by Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori from Alison Bechdel’s 2006 graphic memoir of the same name. The story chronicles Bechdel’s discovery of her own sexuality, her relationship with her closeted gay father, and her attempts to unlock the mysteries surrounding his life. It is told in a series of non-linear vignettes narrated by the adult Alison character. More than just a coming out or coming-of-age story, the musical has a depth of completeness that explores the relationship between children and their parents’ secret lives that ultimately exists in every family.  Ticket and event page here.

Food Deserts. The Universalist Unitarian Church of East Liberty announces its November 3 service topic:  Foo Deserts. Sunday services are at 11am at the church, located at 2231 Jefferson Road in the Clarklake/Liberty Township area, ½ mile west of US-127. In this Thanksgiving month, Jacob Inosencio, Executive Director/Founder of Grow Jackson will talk about the work of this organization and its role in the food delivery system locally. Food deserts and the role of poverty in determining the availability of nutritious food will be touched on. Jacob is the founder and executive director of Grow Jackson, a nonprofit organization that operates community gardens and uses fresh food and urban agriculture to educate, empower, and provide fresh food access to neighbors in Jackson. Jacob started this initiative three years ago, after graduating from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science.

Sandhill Crane Field Trip.  3:30 PM to 7 PM.  Join Detroit Bird Alliance and Jackson Audubon Society at 3:30 p.m. for a short walk through a restored native prairie which not only are full of flowers but sometimes some birding surprises like LeConte’s Sparrow, then join us at 5pm on the hill to watch up to 2,000 Sandhill Cranes fly in to the marsh to roost for the night. Even if you cannot walk you can stay to watch from the hill where there are benches (handicappers can drive right to the site) as up to 2000 Sandhill Cranes fly in to roost in the marsh for the night as they have been doing since the last ice age. Dress warmly, as it can be cold. A blanket or lawn chair to sit on would come in handy. Go to the intersection of Seymour Rd & Fairlane Dr, Grass Lake, MI 49240, and the sanctuary is across the street.  Event page here.