The post Green Drinks- Sustainable Business on the Kalamazoo Mall: Eco-report cards, Best Practices and Resources appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.

What To Know Before Attending The Show

• All bags and purses must be under 8″ x 5″ x 2″ – Click for more details

EARLY SHOW – Doors: 6:00 PM | Show: 7:00 PM
LATE SHOW – Doors: 8:45 PM  | Show: 9:30 PM

Early Show Tickets

Late Show Tickets 

Award-winning comedian and host of the Nateland podcast, Nate Bargatze returns to the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre on Friday, April 28^th 2023 for TWO SHOWS with special guests Julian McCullough and Steve Rogers!

Hailing from Old Hickory, Tennessee, stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze is selling out shows across the world on his Raincheck Tour.

In July 2020, the comedian teamed up with All Things Comedy to release his weekly podcast, Nateland. The world is a crazy place and there’s plenty of podcasts out there tackling the tough issues. However, Nateland will tackle the meaningless issues that we face day to day to give listeners a much-needed mental break from fighting the good fight. New episodes release Wednesdays, with video available on Nate’s YouTube channel and audio available everywhere you get podcasts.

Nate followed in the showbiz footsteps of his dad, a former clown turned world class magician, who’s influence is seen on Nate’s 2015 debut special Full Time Magic and his debut album Yelled at By a Clown. Nate’s half-hour Netflix Special The Standups premiered on July 4^th, 2017. In March 2019, Nate’s first solo one-hour Netflix special, The Tennessee Kid premiered globally with rave reviews, and recently released his highly anticipated 2^nd special for the streaming platform, The Greatest Average American on March 18^th, 2021.

Bargatze’s comedy is both clean and relatable, evident in his ten appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He also appeared on Conan four times, was a recurring guest on @midnight, and had his own Comedy Central Presents in 2011. Off-screen, Nate was part of Jimmy Fallon’s Clean-Cut Comedy Tour, and has done live shows for the troops in Iraq and Kuwait five times.  In addition to touring the country as a headliner, Nate toured in arenas with Chris Rock on his 2017 Total Blackout Tour. He regularly performs at Bonnaroo, SXSW, Oddball Comedy Festival, Sasquatch, Clusterfest, and the JFL Montreal Comedy Festival, where he’s received critical acclaim multiple years in a row.

Nate was featured as one of Esquire’s “Best New Comedians” by Jim Gaffigan, one of Marc Maron’s “Comedians to Watch” in Rolling Stone, one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch” for 2015, and as #1 on Vulture’s ‘50 Comedians You Should Know’ in 2015. His debut one-hour special, Full Time Magic, premiered on Comedy Central that spring, followed by his debut album, Yelled at by a Clown, which reached #1 on the iTunes Comedy Charts and remained on Billboard’s Top Ten Comedy Charts for weeks.

General Ticket Information:
Seating is Reserved for this all-ages event. There’s an 8-ticket limit.

• $39.75-$69.75
• Student discount available in the box office

BUY TICKETS HERE
Buy Skip The Line Tickets HERE
RSVP On Facebook HERE

Skip the line Ticket Information:

Why wait in the elements when you can skip the line?! This is a separate ticket that will grant you expedited entry into the venue. Skip The Line entry is located near the main entrance of the building. Look for VIP / Skip The Line signage or ask a staff member. Present your Skip The Line pass along with your event ticket for expedited entry and to avoid the public lines. THIS IS NOT AN EVENT TICKET.

Security Information:
All patrons are subject to search, pat down, and wanding.  The following items are not allowed in the venue: guns, knives, lasers, tasers, mace, glass items, cameras, selfie sticks, outside food or beverage, no bags over the dimensions of 8 inches wide by 5 inches tall with a width of 2 inches,  and other items that may challenge public safety.  You can view our full list by visiting our frequently asked questions here

The post Nate Bargatze: The Be Funny Tour – TWO SHOWS! appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.

What To Know Before Attending The Show

• All bags and purses must be under 8″ x 5″ x 2″ – Click for more details

Doors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pm

Buy Tickets HERE

GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, and guitarist Tab Benoit returns to the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre with special guest JD Simo February 23, 2023!

About Tab Benoit: Tab Benoit is a GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, and guitarist who has built a remarkable 30+ year career on the foundation of his gritty and soulful Delta swamp blues and acquiring a devoted legion of fans along the way, as well as 5 Blues Music Awards, including BB King Entertainer of the Year (twice) and an induction into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Tab has recorded and/or performed with Junior Wells, George Porter Jr, Dr. John, Willie Nelson, Big Chief Monk, Billy Joe Shaver, James Cotton, Kim Wilson, Ivan Neville, and Alvin Youngblood to name a few.

–

About JD Simo: JD Simo is an American guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer, solo artist and former member of the rock band SIMO. He has worked with the likes of Jack White, Tommy Emmanuel, Luther Dickinson, Dave Cobb, Blackberry Smoke, and has served as a member of Grateful Dead founder Phil Lesh’ “Phil & Friends.” His most unique, original and rawest effort yet, Mind Control, was released in November 2021.

General Ticket Information:
Seating is Reserved for this all-ages event. There’s an 8-ticket limit.

• $29-$59
• Student discount available in the box office

BUY TICKETS HERE
Buy Skip The Line Tickets HERE
RSVP On Facebook HERE

Skip The Line Ticket Information:

Why wait in the elements when you can skip the line?! This is a separate ticket that will grant you expedited entry into the venue. Skip The Line entry is located near the main entrance of the building. Look for VIP / Skip The Line signage or ask a staff member. Present your Skip The Line pass along with your event ticket for expedited entry and to avoid the public lines. THIS IS NOT AN EVENT TICKET.

Security Information:
All patrons are subject to search, pat down, and wanding.  The following items are not allowed in the venue: guns, knives, lasers, tasers, mace, glass items, cameras, selfie sticks, outside food or beverage, no bags over the dimensions of 8 inches wide by 5 inches tall with a width of 2 inches,  and other items that may challenge public safety.  You can view our full list by visiting our frequently asked questions here

The post Tab Benoit WSG JD Simo appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.

Due to inclement weather, this event has been canceled.

Patio: 12PM | Tyler Roy: 12PM | Run 4 Cover: 2:30PM | FlyLiteGemini: 5PM

Join us for the 60th annual Kalamazoo Holiday Parade in downtown Kalamazoo!

The parade kicks off at 11 am with a full day of after-parade activities planned!

We will have a live music stage featuring bands and our bar will be open! Think “State on the Street” – Winter Edition! Bring your coats and join us outside the theatre for this FREE event!

Lineup

• Tyler Roy: 12-2PM ET
• Run 4 Cover: 2:30-4:30PM ET
• FlyLiteGemini: 5PM-7PM

See the Parade Guide below for full details of events in Downtown Kalamazoo

The post CANCELED Maple Hill Holiday Parade 60th Anniversary – After Party Stop! appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.

What To Know Before Attending The Show

• All bags and purses must be under 8″ x 5″ x 2″ – Click for more details

Doors: 6:00pm | Show: 7:00pm

Buy Tickets HERE

Pencils up! The TikTok sensation turned must-see live show, Bored Teachers Comedy Tour stops by the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre April 13, 2023!

More than ever, teachers need an outlet to talk and laugh about what is happening in the classroom. Boasting over 4.5 million followers across social platforms and more than 2 million monthly views on their content, Bored Teachers is bringing much-needed relief and community to educators worldwide. Put that red pen down, throw on your comfiest teacher sweater, call your education besties, and come burn off that school year stress with laughter.

General Ticket Information:
Seating is Reserved for this all-ages event. There’s an 8-ticket limit.

• $35-$55. VIP add-on available.
• Student discount available in the box office

BUY TICKETS HERE
Buy Skip The Line Tickets HERE
RSVP On Facebook HERE

Skip the line Ticket Information:

Why wait in the elements when you can skip the line?! This is a separate ticket that will grant you expedited entry into the venue. Skip The Line entry is located near the main entrance of the building. Look for VIP / Skip The Line signage or ask a staff member. Present your Skip The Line pass along with your event ticket for expedited entry and to avoid the public lines. THIS IS NOT AN EVENT TICKET.

Security Information:
All patrons are subject to search, pat down, and wanding.  The following items are not allowed in the venue: guns, knives, lasers, tasers, mace, glass items, cameras, selfie sticks, outside food or beverage, no bags over the dimensions of 8 inches wide by 5 inches tall with a width of 2 inches,  and other items that may challenge public safety.  You can view our full list by visiting our frequently asked questions here

The post Bored Teachers- We Can’t Make This Stuff Up Comedy Tour appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.

What To Know Before Attending The Show

• All bags and purses must be under 8″ x 5″ x 2″ – Click for more details

Doors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pm

Buy Tickets HERE

A new holiday tradition begins at the Kalamazoo State Theatre!  Join the pumpkin king and all his friends for a screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas at historic Kalamazoo State Theatre Saturday, December 10^th!

Come early and create your own special ornament with help from Colors and Cocktails!  Come dressed as your favorite Halloween Town character and you could win a prize in our costume contest!  Take part in the pre-show trivia for even more chances to win!  Plus, as always, we’ll have a signature drink to help celebrate the occasion.

We are proud to be partnering with MRC artWorks for this event.  One dollar for every ticket sold will be donated to MRC artWorks.

About MRC artWorks: MRC artWorks — a program of MRC Industries, Inc. — is an art gallery, studio and retail store located on the Kalamazoo Mall in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo. MRC artWorks offers unique and affordable art created by individuals with disabilities, providing an outlet to achieve creative self-expression in a way that promotes personal growth, dignity, and self-confidence. We strive to enrich the community with the diversity of art by participating in local Art Hops and promoting our artists’ work through a variety of venues. All artists receive a commission on the sale of their work, which not only serves as their source of income, but also enhances and reinforces their self-esteem and self-worth. MRC artWorks provides a safe, positive, and creative environment that focuses on the individual’s abilities rather than their disabilities

IMDB Storyline:
Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloween Town, is bored with doing the same thing every year for Halloween. One day he stumbles into Christmas Town, and is so taken with the idea of Christmas that he tries to get the resident bats, ghouls, and goblins of Halloween Town to help him put on Christmas instead of Halloween — but alas, they can’t get it quite right.

Ticket Information:

All seating is general admission. This event is recommended for a mature audience age 13+. There’s an 8 ticket limit.

• $16 General Admission available only 11/26-12/9
• $11 12 and under
• $11 Students available in the box office only until 12/3
• $21 Day of Show
• $1 for every ticket sold is donated to MRC artWorks

Ticket Information:

All seating is general admission. This event is recommended for a mature audience age 13+. There’s an 8 ticket limit.

• $12.50 Advanced Ticket available only 8/1-11/25
• $15 General Admission available only 11/26-12/9
• $10 12 and under
• $10 Students available in the box office only until 12/3
• $20 Day of Show

BUY TICKETS HERE
Buy Skip The Line Tickets HERE
RSVP On Facebook HERE

Skip the line Ticket Information:

Why wait in the elements when you can skip the line?! This is a separate ticket that will grant you expedited entry into the venue. Skip The Line entry is located near the main entrance of the building. Look for VIP / Skip The Line signage or ask a staff member. Present your Skip The Line pass along with your event ticket for expedited entry and to avoid the public lines. THIS IS NOT AN EVENT TICKET.

Security Information:
All patrons are subject to search, pat down, and wanding.  The following items are not allowed in the venue: guns, knives, lasers, tasers, mace, glass items, cameras, selfie sticks, outside food or beverage, no bags over the dimensions of 8 inches wide by 5 inches tall with a width of 2 inches,  and other items that may challenge public safety.  You can view our full list by visiting our frequently asked questions here

The post The Nightmare Before Christmas 1993 (PG) appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.

What To Know Before Attending The Show

• All bags and purses must be under 8″ x 5″ x 2″ – Click for more details

VIP Pre-Party: 6:15-7:45PM | Doors: 8:00pm | Show: 9:00pm

Buy Tickets HERE

Let’s do the time warp again!  The Rocky Horror Picture Show enhanced movie experience is back at the Kalamazoo State Theatre Saturday, October 15, 2022. This 1975 musical horror comedy film will come to life with a live shadow cast (that’s actors acting in front of the screen during the film) performed by the WMU Department of Theatre!

Come as a spectator or give yourself over to absolute pleasure by upgrading to the full VIP experience! Join Brad, Janet, Frank N. Furter, Riff Raff, Magenta, Colombia, and Eddie in the Kalamazoo State Theatre “Castle”!

Playing continuously since it’s release in 1975, Rocky Horror is the longest running movie in history.  Starring Tim Curry as the kinky yet endearing “transsexual from Transylvania” Dr. Frank N. Furter, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick as his hapless guests Brad and Janet, Meat Loaf as motorcycle-riding rough trade and author Richard O’Brien as the hunchbacked butler Riff Raff. It’s harmless musical fun—a delightful spoof of Hollywood horror movies and Old Dark House melodramas. The Rocky Horror Picture Show was the first—and is still the best—interactive movie experience!

Ticket Information:
This event is recommended for a mature audience age 16+.

All new this year:  Buy the Super Star Movie Pass and get all four (4) of our holiday movies for just $40 (an $80 value)!  Includes Rocky Horror Picture Show, Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.  Hurry, only 100 passes available! Must be 16+ to purchase.

• $25 General Admission available only 10/1-10/15
• $10 Prop Bags

VIP Ticket Information

• $45 – includes early entry into the venue, VIP pre-party with the shadow cast, an interactive prop bag, priority seat selection, one complimentary drink, tasty vittles, and opportunity to compete in our costume contest
  • VIP pre-party is 6:15pm-7:45pm on the stage
  • Space is limited

BUY TICKETS HERE
Buy Prop Bag HERE
Buy Skip The Line Tickets HERE
Buy Movie Pass HERE
RSVP On Facebook HERE

**PLEASE NOTE: This event is not a musical. This event will feature the 1975 film with a shadow cast performing (i.e. lipsync/dancing/acting) on stage/in the pit along with the movie below the screen.

Skip the line Ticket Information:

Why wait in the elements when you can skip the line?! This is a separate ticket that will grant you expedited entry into the venue. Skip The Line entry is located near the main entrance of the building. Look for VIP / Skip The Line signage or ask a staff member. Present your Skip The Line pass along with your event ticket for expedited entry and to avoid the public lines. THIS IS NOT AN EVENT TICKET.

Security Information:
All patrons are subject to search, pat down, and wanding.  The following items are not allowed in the venue: guns, knives, lasers, tasers, mace, glass items, cameras, selfie sticks, outside food or beverage, no bags over the dimensions of 8 inches wide by 5 inches tall with a width of 2 inches,  and other items that may challenge public safety.  You can view our full list by visiting our frequently asked questions here

The post Rocky Horror Picture Show 1975 (R) Enhanced by WMU Musical Theatre Students appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.

What To Know Before Attending The Show

• All bags and purses must be under 8″ x 5″ x 2″ – Click for more details

Doors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pm

Buy Tickets HERE

Your favorite witches are back!  Join us for the annual showing of Hocus Pocus at the Kalamazoo State Theatre, Friday, October 28^th!

Join our host Lori Moore (who we suspect may be related to the Sanderson sisters) for an extra special celebration of the Halloween classic. It’s more than a movie…it’s an event!  Come dressed as your favorite Sanderson sister or other movie favorite and you could win a prize from Rocket Fizz in our pre-show costume contest!  Take part in the pre-show trivia for even more chances to win!

The SPCA will be on hand with a purrrrrfect clowder of adoptable kitties.  A black cat may even cross your path!  Come have a witchin’ time at Kalamazoo State Theatre on October 28^th!

Hocus Pocus Storyline: Academy Award nominee Bette Midler stars with Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy as three wild witches who return from seventeenth-century Salem for a night of zany fun and comic chaos. After they’re conjured up by unsuspecting pranksters, the tricky trio sets out to cast a spell on the town and reclaim their youth. But first they must outwit three feisty kids determined to foil their scheme.

Ticket Information:
All seating is general admission for this all ages event. There is an 8 ticket limit. Give us a call to inquire about group tickets and seating.

• $15 General Admission available only 10/14-10/27
• $10 12 and under
• $10 Students available in the box office only until 10/21
• $20 Day of Show

BUY TICKETS HERE
Buy Skip The Line Tickets HERE
RSVP On Facebook HERE

Skip the line Ticket Information:

Why wait in the elements when you can skip the line?! This is a separate ticket that will grant you expedited entry into the venue. Skip The Line entry is located near the main entrance of the building. Look for VIP / Skip The Line signage or ask a staff member. Present your Skip The Line pass along with your event ticket for expedited entry and to avoid the public lines. THIS IS NOT AN EVENT TICKET.

Security Information:
All patrons are subject to search, pat down, and wanding.  The following items are not allowed in the venue: guns, knives, lasers, tasers, mace, glass items, cameras, selfie sticks, outside food or beverage, no bags over the dimensions of 8 inches wide by 5 inches tall with a width of 2 inches,  and other items that may challenge public safety.  You can view our full list by visiting our frequently asked questions here

The post Hocus Pocus 1993 (PG) appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.

What To Know Before Attending The Show

• All bags and purses must be under 8″ x 5″ x 2″ – Click for more details

Doors: 7:00pm | Show: 8:00pm

Buy Tickets HERE

We are excited to welcome legendary saxophonist and jazz composer Kamasi Washington to the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre Thursday, September 1, 2022!

Kamasi Washington is a multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer born and raised in Los Angeles. His three bodies of work to date—The Epic; Harmony of Difference, an EP originally commissioned for the 2017 Whitney Biennial; and Heaven and Earth, are among the most acclaimed of the past decade.

Washington has released two films: As Told To G/D Thyself, a short film companion to Heaven and Earth which debuted at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival; and the concert film Kamasi Washington Live at The Apollo Theater in partnership with Amazon Music. In 2020, Washington scored Becoming—Netflix’s documentary profiling First Lady Michelle Obama—and was nominated for Grammy and Emmy awards for his contributions.

In February 2022, Washington released to critical acclaim a brand new single titled The Garden Path with a world premiere live performance on The Tonight Show. Washington has toured the world over, and collaborated and shared stages with Kendrick Lamar, Florence + the Machine, Herbie Hancock and many more.

Jessica ‘Jess’ Ivey is a vocalist, songwriter, teaching artist, and vocal producer from Detroit Michigan. Jess’ vocal style an expressive blend of Lianne la Havas, Alex Isley, and Jazmine Sullivan. She has been performing live shows and recording music with independent band and label Last Gasp Collective for nearly 5 years. Jess released her debut solo album “First Time” in February of 2020. For more information visit singgjess.com.

General Ticket Information:
All seating is reserved for this all-ages event. There’s an 8-ticket limit.

• $35-$55

BUY TICKETS HERE
Buy Skip The Line Tickets HERE
RSVP On Facebook HERE
Visit the artist’s website HERE

Skip the line Ticket Information:

Why wait in the elements when you can skip the line?! This is a separate ticket that will grant you expedited entry into the venue. Skip The Line entry is located near the main entrance of the building. Look for VIP / Skip The Line signage or ask a staff member. Present your Skip The Line pass along with your event ticket for expedited entry and to avoid the public lines. THIS IS NOT AN EVENT TICKET.

Security Information:
All patrons are subject to search, pat down, and wanding.  The following items are not allowed in the venue: guns, knives, lasers, tasers, mace, glass items, cameras, selfie sticks, outside food or beverage, no bags over the dimensions of 8 inches wide by 5 inches tall with a width of 2 inches,  and other items that may challenge public safety.  You can view our full list by visiting our frequently asked questions here

The post Kamasi Washington WSG Jessica Ivey appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.

What To Know Before Attending The Show

• This is a FREE event! 
• Outdoor patio with bar and Youz Guys Dogz
• Live music from Bill Cessna Trio
• Visual Artist Tyree Broadway

Patio Opens: 5:00pm

“Throughout the year we present concerts and programs that put the spotlight on events that foster a spirit of community and inclusiveness. We are proud to present many of these events in partnership with community organizations and other key supporters.” – Gilmore Piano Festival

About Bill Cessna Trio

Bill Cessna (piano) leads his own trio through the Midwest. As a Jazz pianist/multi-instrumentalist with a mission to create and present musical experiences that preserve and celebrate Black American Music and the genius of jazz music and improvisation, he began his studies for jazz piano on scholarship at Columbia College Chicago in 2009. During his undergraduate time, he has the opportunities to study under Peter Saxe, Dennis Luxion, Donald Neale, and Sebastian Huydts. He also had the opportunity to perform alongside acclaimed musicians such as Christina McBride, Benny Golson, Wycliffe Gordon, Jeremy Pelt, Davis Douglas and more. After graduating in 2013, Bill quickly became an in-demand sideman in Chicago’s vibrant music scene. Currently, Bill is attending WMU on scholarship pursuing a graduate degree in jazz piano. He maintains a busy teaching and performing schedule in both the Chicago and Detroit areas.

Denis Shebukhov (bass) was born in Vyatskie Polyany, Russia on March 28, 1976. His first introduction to live music was through his father’s singing. At the age of 8 he started his music education at the local music school. His first instrument was a bayan (Russian form of accordion), but very soon he switched to the tuba. In 1993, he was accepted to Kirov College of Music where he studied tuba and electric bass. Soon after moving to Kirov, Denis got his first gig playing bass with the dance theatre Dimka. After winning a regional brass competition in Vladimir he was asked to continue his education in Glinka Conservatory in Nizhny Novgorod.

Drummer, composer, and educator Ethan Bouwsma (drums) has become one of the most in-demand drummers in the West Michigan music scene. Currently residing in Kalamazoo, MI, he has established himself as a versatile musician, playing with artists of varying genres all over the state. In addition to being involved with numerous jazz ensembles as a sideman, he also leads his own original-music jazz project, is the current drummer for Grand Rapids-based R&B/funk band The Hip Pocket, and is a member of Fake Baseball, an eclectic art-pop band based in Kalamazoo. As a drummer, Ethan has been influenced by the sensibilities of musicians like Elvin Jones, Brian Blade, and Billy Hart.

About Tyree Broadway

As a child, Tyree Broadway would roam his childhood home and touch all the bumps and ridges on the artwork his parents had. He didn’t know this could damage the work, but as a child, nonetheless, he was drawn to the texture. He wants kids to enjoy and be drawn to his work as well. Therefore, he incorporates many of the same things he was and is attracted to in his art. Texture and wildlife have a prominent role in what he creates.

Presented in partnership with the Kalamazoo State Theatre, this free outdoor event is featured on the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo’s ArtHop.

RSVP On Facebook HERE
Visit The Artist’s Website HERE

The post Gilmore Piano Festival: Bill Cessna Trio appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.