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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

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

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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Patio & Bar: 5:00pm | Live Music: 5:30pm

The post State on the Street Presented by Curaleaf WSG James Reeser & The Backseat Drivers appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.

Patio & Bar: 5:00pm | Live Music: 5:30pm

State on the Street is back for select Fridays this Summer!  Join us outside the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre for State on the Street Presented by Curaleaf featuring the music of Serita’s Black Rose and the artwork of Austin Rounds and the Crazy Craft Lady Friday, August 5!

We’ll have free live music outside our iconic Theatre, patio seating, drink specials, and more!  All of the events will be held on Fridays, with our patio and bar opening at 5PM and live music from 5:30-8:30PM!

Make sure to come hungry.  Gorilla Gourmet will be bringing their amazing food creations to the party!

Patio seating is first-come first-serve and will be limited.  Feel free to bring your own chairs.

A self-professed “Funkateer”, Serita Crowley of Serita’s Black Rose from Grand Rapids, Michigan brings a raucous mix of FUNK, ROCK, BLUES, NEO-SOUL, and AMERICANA.  Serita sings much of the timeless “feel good music” from the 60’s and 70’s that everyone loves.  Her fiery, blues- and soul-infused vocals will definitely get you moving!

Austin Rounds is a twenty-year-old artist who has used his art as an outlet and a way to express himself when the world around him may feel off kilter, beautiful, and even challenging. Being autistic has not always been easy, but it is a part of who Austin is, and only adds to his creativity.

Austin is currently finishing art projects as the sole illustrator for an upcoming book, Michigan Monsters and Macabre Series Two (scheduled to be published in October of 2022) by Wicked Harvest Books.

Austin continues to work on commissioned pieces of art, and enjoys working with a variety of styles and mediums. Austin has been participating in the Kalamazoo Art Hop since June of 2021, and has been the feature artist in many venues including the Kalamazoo State Theatre.

Austin has also been interviewed for Kalamazoo Lively Arts by PBS and is currently partnering with Kolenda Art Glass in Grand Rapids, creating limited-run stained glass pieces of art.

Jasmine LaBine, aka the Crazy Craft Lady,  attended WMU for both her undergraduate and graduate programs in Communication and quite literally never left. Shortly after graduating with her B.A., she married her college sweetheart, Adam (aka Crazy Craft Husband) and on the day of her Master’s graduation, they closed on their house in Kalamazoo. After grad school, she started teaching Communication courses at WMU and now teaches for both WMU and Albion College.

Having watched many people she loves experience depression and anxiety and battling both herself, Jasmine has been a vocal advocate for normalizing conversations about mental health. In college, she founded a local chapter of the Love is Louder movement, and national founder and actress Brittany Snow visited WMU in response. Jasmine is currently working with administrators at WMU to improve access to preventative mental health services for students. As crafting has always been one of her primary coping mechanisms, she thought that starting a business crafting would be a perfect way to build a platform to promote mental health and wellbeing.

Gorilla Gourmet is a food truck that knows just how to feed the hungriest in Kalamazoo. Because when hunger hits and your stomach starts growling like a wild animal, there’s only one way to tackle it before it takes over. And that’s with a big menu, filled with bigger portions to satisfy even the biggest appetites. This food truck has all time foodie favorites, featuring the best of the beast. But this beast knows that offering your regular old meals just wouldn’t cut it. So instead, Gorilla Gourmet invents all original twists on classics such as quesadillas, tacos, sandwiches, wraps and more. Take for example their Killer Tacos. Each is lovingly prepared with Michigan made corn tortillas, stuffed with their original recipe cole slaw and stuffed with cheese. The best part? Gorilla Gourmet is available to cater your next event. So the next time you find yourself beating your chest in hunger, don’t delay. Call up Gorilla Gourmet. They’ll treat your tastebuds to grub on a whole new level of delicious.

Here is the rest of our 2022 State on the Street lineup:

• August 19^th Rene Meave
• September 23^rd “Welcome Back Students” featuring DJ Mel V

We can’t wait to see you all at these free, outdoor events!

What To Expect:
– Free admission
– Drink specials available to purchase outside of KST
– Enjoy live music from from 5:30-8:30PM
– Visit the Curaleaf Table
– KST Box Office and Merch on site
– To-go drinks in Social District cups

RSVP On Facebook – www.facebook.com/pg/kazoostate/events/

More Information – www.kazoostate.com/event/SOS22-Seritas

Sign Up For Our Exclusive E-blast

Visit Curaleaf’s Website – https://curaleaf.com/

Serita’s Black Rose – https://www.facebook.com/seritasblackrose, seritasblackrose.com

Austin Rounds – https://www.facebook.com/austin.rounds.18, https://instagram.com/austinroundsgallery, https://austinroundsgallery.com

Crazy Craft Lady – facebook.com/shopcrazycraftladykzoo, Instagram: @shopcrazycraftlady, www.crazycraftlady.net

Gorilla Gourmet – https://www.facebook.com/gorillaeats

The post State on the Street Presented by Curaleaf WSG Serita’s Black Rose appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.

Patio & Bar: 5:00pm | Live Music: 5:30pm

State on the Street is back for select Fridays this Summer!  Join us outside the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre for State on the Street Presented by Curaleaf featuring René Meave Friday August 19!

We’ll have free live music outside our iconic Theatre, patio seating, drink specials, and more!  All of the events will be held on Fridays, with our patio and bar opening at 5PM and live music from 5:30-8:30PM!

Patio seating is first-come first-serve and will be limited.  Feel free to bring your own chairs.

René was born and raised in Weslaco, Texas. He came to Michigan as a migrant farm-worker. He is a founding member of the Tex-Mex musical group Los Bandits de Michigan. He is a song writer/entertainer who has been recognized by the American Song Festival and BMI Song Festival. Rene currently has signed songs with Sony ATV and Next Number One Publishing both out of Nashville, Tennessee.

In 1999, the Governor and the Hispanic Caucus the State of Michigan recognized René and Guillermo of Los Bandits de Michigan with a special tribute for their outstanding contribution of Tex-Mex music in Michigan. In 2005 a documentary on the band entitled, “MORE THAN A TEX-MEX BAND”, was released. In 2012 Rene’ received the Cesar Chavez Distinguish Aguila Award and the Michigan Heritage as well as the State of Michigan Tribute Award, for “outstanding contribution to Michigan’s heritage…” Presented by the Michigan Traditional Arts program of the Michigan State University Museum and The State of Michigan Special Tribute Heritage Award.

René was instrumental in the discovery of Warner Bros recording artist Frankie Ballard and helped him obtain a national recording contract. He is a current member of Nashville Songwriters Association International, (NSAI) and a founding member of the Chilipeppers Songwriting Club.

Past solo recordings include “Chasing Dreams Again, A Man In Love, and Jenny’s Gone, Riding Mustangs”. Rene’ is currently working on a CD entitled “Coldwater”, due for released in the Fall of 2022. Rene is the proud father of three daughters all born and raised in Michigan and a Grandson born in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Here is the rest of our 2022 State on the Street lineup:

• August 19^th René Meave
• September 23^rd “Welcome Back Students” featuring DJ Mel V

We can’t wait to see you all at these free, outdoor events!

What To Expect:
– Free admission
– Throwback drink specials available to purchase outside of KST
– Enjoy live music from from 5:30-8:30PM
– Visit the Curaleaf Table
– KST Box Office and Merch on site
– To-go drinks in Social District cups

RSVP On Facebook – www.facebook.com/pg/kazoostate/events/

Sign Up For Our Exclusive E-blast

Visit Curaleaf’s Website – https://curaleaf.com/

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Patio & Bar: 5:00pm | Live Music: 5:30pm

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Patio & Bar: 5:00pm | Live Music: 5:30pm

State on the Street is back for select Fridays this Summer!  Join us outside the historic Kalamazoo State Theatre for State on the Street Presented by Curaleaf featuring DJ MEL V Friday September 23 as we welcome back K-College, KVCC and WMU students!

We’ll have free live music outside our iconic Theatre, patio seating, drink specials, and more!  All of the events will be held on Fridays, with our patio and bar opening at 5PM and live music from 5:30-8:30PM!

Patio seating is first-come first-serve and will be limited.  Feel free to bring your own chairs.

Mel-V, a Guatemalan born/American DJ and Producer from Kalamazoo, is never afraid of taking a chance to make his set unique. He’s sure to set any dancefloor ablaze with his versatility- at times combining Latin rhythms he grew up listening to with the best Hip Hop, Top-40, EDM, House and more.

Growing up in Guatemala ingrained him with a passion and appreciation for Salsa, Merengue, and (Spanish) Reggae music, which helped set the foundation for his expansive knowledge of Latin music from all parts of the world. Upon migrating to the U.S. in the early 90s, his introduction to music from artists such as Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, 2Pac, NAS, etc., would lead to his love for Hip Hop and would eventually spark his interest in DJing.

His beginning in the art of DJing began as a Freshman at Western Michigan University in the fall of 2001, rocking out house parties blending Latin, Top-40 and Hip Hop music. He began DJing other events that would prepare him and help shape his own unique style with energy and skill, and would eventually land him gigs at the well-known nightlife hot spots around town, as well as all over West Michigan.

In 2009, he achieved his certification as a Certified Specialist in Music Production from Berklee College of Music.

With 15+ years behind the decks, he has shown time and time again his talent in mixing seemingly between a variety of genres while not only entertaining and making crowds dance all over West Michigan, but as well as on a few past occasions, rocking out at some of the nation’s liveliest nightlife spots that have included The Betsy Hotel Miami, Karu & Y Miami, ENIGMA The Lounge Chicago, and The Annex Detroit.

Aside from Talib Kweli and Keith Murray, he has also DJ’d for Camp Lo, Elzhi and opened for De La Soul’s, DJ Maseo, Pete Rock, Pharoahe Monch, DJ Tony Touch, Slum Village and Verse Simmonds. Mel-V is the official DJ for locally and nationally known Hip Hop group and Wu-Tang affiliates, Dezert Eez.

Here is the rest of our 2022 State on the Street lineup:

• September 23^rd “Welcome Back Students” featuring DJ Mel V

We can’t wait to see you all at these free, outdoor events!

What To Expect:
– Free admission
– Throwback drink specials available to purchase outside of KST
– Enjoy live music from from 5:30-8:30PM
– Visit the Curaleaf Table
– KST Box Office and Merch on site
– To-go drinks in Social District cups

RSVP On Facebook – www.facebook.com/pg/kazoostate/events/

Sign Up For Our Exclusive E-blast

Visit Curaleaf’s Website – https://curaleaf.com/

The post State on the Street Presented by Curaleaf WSG DJ Mel V appeared first on Kalamazoo State Theatre.

Patio & Bar: 5:00pm | Live Music: 5:30pm

The post State on the Street Presented by Curaleaf WSG The Insiders: A Tribute to Tom Petty 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

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