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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

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Celebrate radical healing with TRHT Kalamazoo on National Day of Racial Healing Tuesday, Jan. 17 from 6 to 9:15pm at the Kalamazoo State Theatre hosted by Von.

Panelists for the evening include Valarie Cunningham, Kyle Odom, Kama Mitchell, Demarra West, and Alessandra Santos Pye. You can learn more about each speaker below.

The evening will also feature music, including performances by Ed Genesis, Ballet Folklorico De Mi Tierra, and the Kalamazoo Chinese Academy.

Soul Artistry, El Concilio, Rootead, YWCA, NAACP, Kalamazoo Promise, O’Jamm, and more will also be on hand.

About Valarie Cunningham

Valarie Cunningham is the founder and CEO of The Synergy Health Center (SHC) for the past 19 years. The Synergy Health Center, a non-profit organization whose mission is to transform lives through mental health, behavioral health and substance abuse and support services with particular attention to African Americans. The Synergy Health Center has two locations including Kalamazoo, Portage and Three Rivers, Michigan. In 2019, the first inaugural Breaking the Stigma: African Mental Health Symposium was launched in Kalamazoo County, impacting over 250 individuals including residents, professional, clergy and more. In 2020, SHC partnered with WMU and hosted the Breaking the Stigma: African American Mental Health Symposium virtually with over 171 in attendance. This passion for African Mental Health has opened many doors to advocate, educate and empower Black and Brown communities.  As a need for the continual conversations around Black Mental Health, a monthly forum entitled Let’s Talk: Black Mental Health was launched. As of late, she will be working to break systemic barriers as it relates to Adolescent Mental Health for Black and brown adolescents of color by training them to be Mind Health Ambassadors in their school, community and youth lead organizations. She continues to speak and train on the topics of breaking stigmas, racial trauma, and healing, at colleges, churches, business and internationally about mental health and its impact. This is done through ValarieSimone, LLC her consulting firm focused on Mastering Mind and Heart Matters.

About Kyle Odom
Kyle is a Reiki energy practitioner, quantum frequency healing, and aura analysis

She combines all her gifts for energy cleansing, chakra balancing and energy healing for the mind, body and soul.  She channels high vibration spiritual guides and angels to give messages from loved ones that have passed to the other side.

Kyle provides her clients with an experience through healing music, and shamanic instruments.

Kyle has been on this mission of helping people for over the last 20 years.  It is my passion to support individuals with their personal journeys through a variety of healing modalities: Reiki, Quantum Frequency and tapping into Spirit to receive direction.

“I want to share my gifts to enrich others through tapping into Spirit who knows all, sees all

About Kama Mitchell

Kama Tai Mitchell is a yogi, certified birth and death doula, African diasporic dancer, and cultural healing arts innovator. She has a core belief that living an embodied life is the root of all healing. Kama is the founder and Executive Director of Rootead Enrichment Center in Kalamazoo, MI. A center focused on reducing epigenetic stress/trauma, destigmatizing mental health, and disrupting intergenerational poverty and disease through generative offerings and collaborations, while intentionally centering the lived experience of BIPOC/LGBTQIA+ folx. An initiate of Himalayan Tantric Hatha Yoga, a racial healing circle/wisdom keeper, and a newer student of traditional West African Ifa, griot musicology, and ancestral lineage healing; she now incorporates these learnings into her yogic lifestyle. She identifies as queer, radical, abolitionist, and a grand lover of life in all its cultures and forms.

About Alssandra Santos Pye

Alessandra Santos Pye is a psychotherapist, facilitator and artist. Her clinical approach and facilitation offerings center relational dynamics rooted in restorative justice, trauma informed care, and the expressive arts. Born in São Paulo, Brazil, original territory of the Tupi Guarani, her identity is multifaceted by Indigenous, West African, and European ancestry. Alessandra is the Founder and Creative Director of the Chrysalis Institute, whose mission is to expand the spectrum of opportunities available to emerging BI&POC artists by supporting self-exploration, self-care, and contemplative practices. She serves the Retreat Center Collaboration (RCC) as a listening circle facilitator for BI&POC individuals working in the retreat center industry. A graduate of the Center for Psychedelic Studies and Research at the California Institute of Integral Sciences, she currently serves Naropa University as a cohort leader for the Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy certificate program, and is also a cohort leader for the inaugural Psychedelic Facilitator Program at the Alma Institute. She is a member of the American Psychedelic Practitioners Association and is deeply passionate about psychedelic preparation, ceremonial practices, and psychedelic integration care. Alessandra feels at home in group & retreat environments and values crafting experiences that are both engaging and restorative.

About Ballet Folklorico De Mi Tierra

Ballet Folklorico De MI Tierra, is a dance group formed by El Concilio in 2018. With the idea of having a space for youth to explore their heritage and represent the Latino community in Kalamazoo and surrounding South-West Michigan area. The group also functions as a social group that helps with strengthening their goal-directed behavior as well as their self-management skills. With the support of parents and the commitment of youth, the youth have been able to share in many special events throughout the years with songs like the El Son De La Negra and Arriba Pichataro.

About Kalamazoo Chinese Academy

The KCA Performing Arts project includes three performing groups: Chinese folk dance, lion dance, as well as Chinese YoYo. KCA Performing Arts aims to expand opportunities for artists of all ages, skill levels, backgrounds, and identities through their performing arts program. In addition to establishing Chinese culture as integral part of the Kalamazoo community through performing arts, the expansion and diversification of their programs will showcase the uniqueness of Chinese art and culture to a wider audience without them having to travel to China. KCA Performing Arts strives to provide performing arts programs to promote access, in a safe and welcoming environment, to Kalamazoo County students underserved in the arts through the transformative power of the arts.

About Orchestra Jammbo’laya (O.Jamm)

Orchestra Jammbo’laya is a community project comprised of a diverse group of young musicians, local artists and teachers. Collectively, the musicians envision what music elements from the African Diaspora sound like through western instruments. The group can be heard playing a wide range of music composers including Chiquinha Gonzaga, Big Momma Thorton, Prince, Koffee, and original comportions from O.Jamm musicians. As the project develops, it aims to serve as a model for establishing diversity, representation, exploration, and community among the music education process for players and audience members alike.

Community healing circles will be available the day before on Jan. 16. Host venues to be announced

Parking:

Kalamazoo State Theatre’s main parking lot is located just south of the theatre at the intersection of South Burdick & Cedar St. This is an automated gate and accepts card only.

For additional parking options, please view downtown Kalamazoo’s parking map.  You can find tips for downtown parking, and within it is a link to a map and key.

Directions:

From the North (US-131 South, from Grand Rapids) Take US-131 and keep left on the fork to continue to 131 BUS S (Business South), follow signs for Exit 41/BUS/131/Downtown/Kalamazoo. Continue on Westnedge and turn left onto W. Michigan Ave., turn right onto the S. Kalamazoo mall. The State Theatre will be on your right, 404 S Burdick St.

From the South (US-131 North, Three Rivers, Indiana) Take US-131 N. to Exit 31 A to merge onto 1-94 E towards Detroit. Take exit 76 from Westnedge Ave. S. the turn left onto S. Westnedge. Take a right on Cedar St. until you get to Burdick and the State Theatre will be on your left, 404 S Burdick St.

From the East (I-94 West, from Detroit) Take I-94 W. and take Exit 81 for I-94 BUS towards Downtown/Kalamazoo. Turn left on King Highway to stay on I-94 BL W(Business Loop). Turn left onto E. Walnut St. Turn right onto S. Burdick St, the State Theatre will be on your left, 404 S. Burdick St.

From the West (I-94 East, from Chicago) Friendly reminder: you may be traveling from Central to Eastern/Standard time. Kalamazoo is one hour ahead Chicago. Take I-94 East to Exit 76 for S. Westnedge Ave. Take a left and continue north on S. Westnedge Ave. S. where it becomes Park St at the top of the hill. Continue downhill on Park St and take a slight right onto W Crosstown Parkway, take a slight left onto S. Burdick St. Continue on S. Burdick St and the State Theatre will be on you left.

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Chalk the Block: 3-5pm | Patio/Bar: 5pm | Live Entertainment: 5:30pm

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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

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Zoom Link

Event: 5:30PM

Join us for an online community workshop focusing on the future of the Kalamazoo State Theatre!  Our consultants Theatre Projects are leading a business planning effort focused on future improvements and programming changes at our historic venue.  Your feedback is important to us through this process.

Everyone who participates in this online workshop will be entered for a chance to win a $25 KST gift card and a voucher for 2 to take our “Backstage and Beyond” venue tour.

The workshop is expected to run 60 to 90 minutes and will focus on your feedback and input to a set of prompts and questions.   This is your time to take the stage and dream with us about the future.

RSVP by emailing info@kazoostate.com with the Subject Line: RSVP Online Community Workshop and include your name and zip code in the body of your email in order to be entered into the giveaway.

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What To Know Before Attending The Show

• Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is required for entry. Click here for more information.
• All bags and purses must be under 8″ x 5″ x 2″ – Click for more details

Event: 5:30PM

Join us for an in-person community workshop focusing on the future of the Kalamazoo State Theatre! Our consultants, Theatre Projects, are leading a business planning effort focused on future improvements and programming changes at our historic venue. Your feedback is important to us through this process.

The workshop is expected to run 60 to 90 minutes and will focus on your feedback and input to a set of prompts and questions. This is your time to take the stage and dream with us about the future.

Space is limited. The first 40 people to sign up are guaranteed a seat and will receive 1 drink ticket during the workshop and 1 ticket to Moulin Rouge at the Kalamazoo State Theatre later in the evening.

Email us at info@kazoostate.com or direct message us on social media to reserve your space today!  Walk ups will be accepted based on availability.

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

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TRHT Kalamazoo will be celebrating the 6th annual National Day of Racial Healing. Join our live stream from The Kalamazoo State Theatre on January 18, 2022 at 5:00 PM. This year’s theme is Our Joy Matters: Healing Across Generations. The celebration will be feature community voices and local youth artists. Celebrate the experiences, wisdom, and joy of people across generations who strive to create communities where people are welcome and valued without exception.

Meet the Artists

Sierra Ward

Sierra is a first-year student at Western Michigan University. She is majoring in public health with a minor in Holistic Health and Communications. Sierra was the state finalist for the Poetry Out Loud competition in Michigan. Sierra earned both the Girl Scout Gold and Silver Awards; the two highest honors that a Girl Scout can earn. Sierra was a winner of Youth Service awards from the City of Kalamazoo and the NAACP.  Sierra uses her love for poetry and music to inspire her community!

Social Media:

IG: Si_itsthereal

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See all the ways you can tune in below!
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YouTube
You can watch the livestream on the TRHT Kalamazoo YouTube page. Link to page → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwVIb2XPqJ2tS5R4IqI0oQg
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Facebook Live
You can watch the livestream on TRHT Kalamazoo’s Facebook page. At the start time of the event go to facebook.com/TRHTKalamazoo/ and then go to videos. The livestream will come up there.

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Doors: 5:00pm | Event: 5:30-6:30pm

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday, January 20th at the Kalamazoo State Theatre. This family friendly event is free and open to the public.

Doors open at 5 p.m. and the program starts at 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided

This program will feature unforgettable performances by Rootead and Kandace “DC” Lavender. Special guest speaker, Rev. Lenzy E. Bell, Pastor of The First United Baptist Church, will also deliver a moving presentation reminding all of Dr. King’s legacy.  Artwork from the Kalamazoo Social Justice Art Contest will also be on display.

For more information on this event or if you have questions, contact Mikka Dryer, community health, equity and inclusion supervisor at Bronson Healthcare, at (269) 341-8323 or dryermi@bronsonhg.org.

Ticket Information:
This event is FREE and open to the public

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, and other items that may challenge public safety.  You can view our full list by visiting our frequently asked questions here.

Purses and bags are welcome, but due to security measures, will be searched. Guests are encouraged to bring only what is necessary to expedite entry.

The post MLK Community Celebration Free and Open to the Public appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.

FREE Art Hop Event Information:

Join us in celebrating the start of our fall season during Art Hop, a free and fun-filled evening of art exhibits in and around Kalamazoo, on Friday September 6^th from 5pm – 9pm! Come down and enjoy a summer evening under the Kalamazoo State Theatre stars, see what we have in store for this upcoming season, enjoy live and local music, browse art exhibits from the community, and much more! Bring the whole family down for this all ages, free event featuring:

• Art exhibits including paintings, woodwork, photographs, and more
• Live and local music from Crescendo Academy
• Music education, a hands on instrument experience with Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra’s Petting Zoo
• Photo station
• Tickets and merchandise for sale
• Giveaways
• Full bar and concessions will be open
• Entertainment for the whole family

Discounted Room Rates At Radisson HERE!

Looking for a place to stay just blocks from The State Theatre?  The Radisson is your place and we offer you a discounted rate of $159 plus taxes.  Make it a night or a weekend getaway in Downtown Kalamazoo!

RSVP On Facebook HERE

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

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