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WMU snares third most DownBeat awards in the world

WMU snares third most DownBeat awards in the world

by Mark Schwerin
from http://www.wmich.edu


KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University music students are stepping to a familiar beat, winning six awards from DownBeat magazine in its annual student music competition, third most of any institution worldwide and substantially more than any other school in Michigan.

WMU students took top honors in a wide range of categories, making the achievement especially gratifying, says Tom Knific, WMU professor of music and director of the Jazz Studies Program. The competition also is becoming more international in stature, which gives the WMU wins even more prestige.

Kalamazoo Public Library - From the Director

Kalamazoo Public Library - From the Director

From: http://www.kpl.gov

I have often written here about opportunities as well as limitations for ebook use through public libraries. Now I want to call your attention to two ebook features on our website.

First is a short video (1 minute 14 seconds) explaining publisher limitations on ebook availability through public libraries. Along with the video is an online petition to make your voice heard. I urge you to watch the video and sign the petition. You’ll find links on our home page and on our eBooks page.

2012 Annual Stulberg International String Competition May 19; Master Classes May 20

Twelve young musicians, selected from an applicant pool of 117 from around the globe, will be in Kalamazoo May 19 for the 37th Annual Stulberg International String Competition.

These twelve semifinalists, who are younger than 20 years old, perform two works: a piece of their choice and a solo composition by J.S. Bach for a panel of judges from the Julliard String Quartet. The semifinal performances take place at the Dalton Recital Hall, Western Michigan University from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. After the judges make their decisions, the six finalists will perform beginning at 8 p.m. Prizes range from $500 to $5,000 and include performances with regional orchestras. Admission to the semi-finals is free. Admission to the finals is $10 adults and $5 students. Tickets are available through the Stulberg office at (269)343-2776 and at the door.

National Travel and Tourism Week Celebration May 5 – 13

Tourism is a big deal to our economy, and Discover Kalamazoo is helping bring this point to light by celebrating the 29th Annual National Travel and Tourism Week.

“Travel and tourism is an important contributor to the economy right here in Kalamazoo and southwest Michigan,” said Greg Ayers, president of Discover Kalamazoo. “More than $400 million is spent annually by visitors who come to Kalamazoo County for a variety of reasons. The world-class attractions and numerous festivals and special events provide many opportunities for visitors to discover Kalamazoo.”

Arts Council Accepting Nominations for Community Arts Awards

Arts Council Accepting Nominations for Community Arts Awards

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2012 Community Arts Awards. Applications are available online at www.kalamazooarts.org. Nominations are due no later than  4:00 pm, June 29, 2012, and should be mailed or hand-delivered to the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, 359 South Kalamazoo Mall, Ste. 203, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Nomination information is confidential.

Since 1985, the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo has honored local arts supporters through the annual Community Arts Awards. In previous years, awards have been given for the Community Medal of Arts, the Theodore C. Cooper Award for Distinguished Volunteer Service, the Business Arts Award and the Young Artist Award. In 2011, the Arts Council has added three new award categories. They were the Patron Award, Epic Award and Arts Leadership Award.

The 2011 Community Arts Award recipients were:

Community Medal of Arts  

4th Annual Kalamazoo Improv Festival

4th Annual Kalamazoo Improv Festival

Crawlspace Theatre Productions is bringing Kalamazoo the best imaginable event to kick off the festival season. It's the Fourth Annual Kalamazoo Improv Festival.

This event features some of the finest comedic talent from Chicago - the improv center of the universe - along with Grand Rapids, Minneapolis, Denver, and Kalamazoo. Our small but formidable town will host favorite improvisers from past years along with some new faces.

Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell will be the guest of honor for Thursday night's VIP Show. Friday and Saturday nights will be jammed with incredible improv talent that will take your suggestions and create hilarious stories and characters on the spot. Local rock group Fishlips will be performing before each show to make sure the fun never stops.

Portage’s Flowers are Coming Soon

Portage’s Flowers are Coming Soon

A familiar sight in Portage each summer is the canoe at the corner of Old Westnedge and Westnedge Avenue, across from the Fire Station. But perhaps many aren't familiar with who plants this canoe and all of the flowers in Portage in and around Library Lane. The answer would be Kalamazoo in Bloom, a nonprofit formerly known as Kalamazoo County Flowerfest, who, for 28 years, has partnered with the City of Portage, City of Kalamazoo, and local growers to celebrate the history and traditions of the area's bedding industry.