Summer Guide 2011

It’s the season of the sun — and the moon. A time for bluegrass — and Common Ground. A time for jazz, folk, vintage vehicles, free theater and a dash of Caribbean spice. Get ready for summer, Lansing-style. Your calendar is about to fill up quickly with music, art, comedy, barbecues, Shakespeare, beer and wine tastings, and fund-raisers.

JUNE

• 3

2011 Sounds of Summer Brenda Loomis and the Blue Coyote Band. Moonwalk and giant slide. Bring your own lawn chair and a picnic. FREE. 7-8:30 p.m. Lake Lansing Community Band Shell, 1621 Pike St., Haslett. (517) 676-2233.

• 4

Pumpstock American Roots Music Festival Produced by Pump House Concerts. Featuring Breaking Southern Ground, Jill Jack Band and Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys. $10 donation suggested. Noon-6 p.m. Bailey Park, 300 Bailey St., Lansing. (517) 927-2100.

• 4-5

Chelsea Painters Art Fair Artists will display and sell original fine art and cards in a variety of media. Live entertainment and free activities for children. Chelsea Community Hospital Grounds, 775 S. Main St., Chelsea. (800) 888-9487.

• 8-11

Summer Circle Theatre: "Gemini" Adult comedy. Story of a foul-mouthed working class neighborhood in Philadelphia in the 1970s. FREE. 8 p.m. MSU Campus, banks of the Red Cedar River. www.summercircle.org

• 10

2011 Sounds of Summer DeWitt Community Band. 7-8:30 p.m. (Please see details June 3).

Summer Concert Series Jen Sygit & Sam Corbin. Bring a lawn chair and blankets. FREE. 7-9 p.m. Fountain Square, East Lansing.

• 10-12

Gizzard Fest Classic car and truck show, antique tractor display, 3-on-3 basketball, 5k run-walk, carnival, arts, crafts and flea market, music and more. Downtown Potterville. (517) 927-7912. www.gizzardfest.com.

• 11

14th Annual Mayor’s Family Riverwalk Join Mayor Virg Bernero on 3-mile walk. First 1000 walkers get a t-shirt. FREE. 9 a.m. Potter Park Zoo, 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing. (517) 483-4042.

World Day at Hunter Park 2011 World Refugee Day and the Hunter Park Music Festival. Health walk, live entertainment, splash pad and more. FREE. Noon-8 p.m. Hunter Park, 1400 E. Kalamazoo St., Lansing. (517) 367-2468.

• 12

Music in the Park Live music by Donny & the Dorsals. Sponsored by Delta Township Parks & Recreation Department. FREE. 4-6 p.m. Sharp Park Ampitheater, 1401 Elmwood St., Lansing. (517) 323-8555.

• 14

Eastwood Summer Music Series Live music by Sea Cruisers. FREE. 6-8 p.m. Eastwood Towne Center, 3000 Preyde Blvd., Lansing. www.shopeastwoodtownecenter.com (517) 316- 9209.

• 15-18

Summer Circle Theatre: "Boom" Everything from the Big Bang to the Apocalypse is explored in this scientific comedy. FREE. 8 p.m. MSU Campus, banks of the Red Cedar River. www.summercircle.org

• 15-19

LCC Summer Stage Under the Stars: "The Ballade of Robyn Hood" A play with music by John C. Davis, music/lyrics by Richard Brentar. FREE. 8 p.m., 2 p.m./Sunday. Dart Auditorium, 500 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) 483-1564.

• 16-18

Yankee Doodle Days 4th of July Celebration for the City of Grand Ledge. Parade, Arts & Crafts, Fireworks, Beer Tent, Battle of the Bands, old/antique car show. Downtown Grand Ledge. (517) 627-2383.

Lansing Juneteenth Celebration Commemorating the end of slavery in the United States by celebrating the joys of liberty, educating the community about our heritage and by promoting positive cultural interaction. FREE. State Capitol and Joseph Park, Downtown Lansing. (517) 394-6900.

• 17

2011 Sounds of Summer Soulstice. 7-8:30 p.m. (Please see details June 3).

• 17-18

A Day In The Village Arts & crafts, sidewalk sales, specialty & food vendors. Outdoor concert Friday and inflatable rides, magic shows, dance and cheer exhibitions on Saturday. Downtown Stockbridge. (517) 851-7733.

Summer Solstice Jazz Festival Jazz-infused festival in the heart of downtown. Features local and national jazz performers. FREE. Downtown East Lansing. www.eljazzfest.com (517) 319-6927.

• 17-19

12th Annual Riverbank Traditional Indian Pow Wow Dancing, drumming, singing, arts & crafts, food and more. FREE. Adado Riverfront Park, Grand Ave. and Saginaw St., Lansing. (517) 393-7236.

• 18

Oldsmobile Homecoming Largest one-day Oldsmobile-only car show and swap meet in North America. Over 500 show cars and 100 vendors. Noon-Midnight. State of Michigan General Office Building Parking Lot, corner of Canal and Billwood Hwy., Lansing.

Wild 1-Mile & Kids’ Fest 100-yard dash for kids 5 and under and a 1-mile run for kids 12 and under. Play games, win prizes, and check out cool activities. Potter Park Zoo, 1310 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing. www.potterparkzoo.org

• 20-26

Williamston Red Cedar Jubilee Truck pull, Demolition Derby, Car Show, Grand Parade, Boy Scout Breakfast, Steak and Beverage Tent. Lawn Mower Racers, tractor pulls, arts & crafts, duck drop. Downtown Williamston. (517) 655-3831.

• 21

Eastwood Summer Music Series Live music by Cheap Dates. 6-8 p.m. (Please see details June 14).

• 22-25

Summer Circle Theatre: "The Fantasticks" Musical story of two families who build a wall to keep their children apart. FREE. 8 p.m. MSU Campus, banks of the Red Cedar River. www.summercircle.org

• 24

Festival of the Moon Food, music from national bands and hand-crafted beers supplied by Bell’s Brewery. 6-11 p.m. Old Town, Lansing. www.iloveoldtown.com.

2011 Sounds of Summer Capitol City Chordsmen. 7-8:30 p.m. (Please see details June 3).

Summer Concert Series Flamenco Empanao. 7-9 p.m. (Please see details June 10).

• 24-26

Michigan Challenge Balloonfest Skydiving jumps, dog shows, music, carnival, family entertainment, activities and more. Downtown Howell. (517) 546-3920. www.michiganchallenge.com.

Old Town Scrapfest Teams of artists collect up to 500 pounds of scrap metal and have two weeks to reuse, repurpose and redesign. Old Town, Lansing. (517) 485-4283. www. oldtownscrapfest.com

• 25

Festival of the Sun Wines paired with tapas, cold brews and local entertainment. 2-11 p.m. Old Town, Lansing. www. iloveoldtown.com.

Delta Rocks! Family Festival Features clowns, live animals, children’s craft booths, inflatable attractions, pony rides, games, face painting, super slingshot, trackless train rides, petting zoo, and more. FREE. Noon-6 p.m. Sharp Park, 1401 Elmwood Road, Lansing. (517) 323-8555.

• 26

Grand Ledge 8th Annual Garden Tour Garden tour showcasing area gardens, including the Grand Ledge Opera House commons and the GL Historical Museum’s kitchen herb garden. FREE. Various gardens throughout Grand Ledge. (517) 622-3373.

• 28

Eastwood Summer Music Series Live music by The Nomads. 6-8 p.m. (Please see details June 14).

• 29-July 3

LCC Summer Stage Under the Stars: "Keep on the Sunnyside" The songs and story of the original Carter Family by Douglas Pote, featuring Jen Sygit. FREE. 8 p.m., 2 p.m./Sunday. Dart Auditorium, 500 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) 483-1564.

• 1

2011 Sounds of Summer Meridian Community Band. 7-8:30 p.m. (Please see details June 3).

• 3

Music in the Park Live music by Updraft. FREE. 4-6 p.m. (Please see details June 12).

• 5

Eastwood Summer Music Series Live music by The Niche. 6-8 p.m. (Please see details June 14).

• 6

LCC Faculty Jazz Quartet Featuring Dennis Therrian, Jon Gewirtz, Ed Fedewa and Mike Daniels. 7 p.m. Dart Auditorium, 500 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) 483-1564.

• 8

2011 Sounds of Summer Sea Cruisers. 7-8:30 p.m. (Please see details June 3).

Summer Concert Series Claudia Schmidt. 7-9 p.m. (Please see details June 10).

• 11-17

Common Ground Music Festival Music performers, food vendors and activities for kids. Schedule includes Melissa Etheridge, Rick Springfield, Trey Songz, The Charlie Daniels Band and more. Adado Riverfront Park, Grand Ave. and Saginaw St., Lansing. (517) 267-1502. www.commongroundfest.com

• 12

Eastwood Summer Music Series Live music by Harpbeat Solo. 6-8 p.m. (Please see details June 14).

• 14-Aug. 7

Michigan Shakespeare Festival Romantic comedy, French farce. 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson. (517) 998-3673. www.michiganshakespearefestival.com.

• 15

2011 Sounds of Summer Lansing Concert Band. 7-8:30 p.m. (Please see details June 3).

Summer Concert Series Cloud Magic. 7-9 p.m. (Please see details June 10).

• 15-17

Jackson Hot Air Jubilee Arts & craft show, car show, Kid’s Kingdom, wild animal show, static aircraft displays, aerial demos, live entertainment, food and more. Ella Sharp Park, Jackson. (517) 782-1515, www.hotairjubilee.com.

• 19

Eastwood Summer Music Series Live music by Root Doctor. 6-8 p.m. (Please see details June 14).

• 27-28

LCC Summer Stage Under the Stars: "Metamorphoses" Mary Zimmerman’s adaptation of the myths of Ovid. Directed by Deborah Keller. FREE. 8 p.m., 2 p.m./ Sunday. Dart Auditorium, 500 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) 483-1564.

The C/d Project An annual dance collaboration between Lansing Community College and Happendance. Directed by Missy Bischoff Lilje. FREE. 8 p.m., 2 p.m./Sunday. Dart Auditorium, 500 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. (517) 483-1564.

• 22

2011 Sounds of Summer Delta Rhythm Kings. 7-8:30 p.m. (Please see details June 3).

Summer Concert Series Shout Sister Shout. 7-9 p.m. (Please see details June 10).

• 26

Eastwood Summer Music Series Live music by Life Support. 6-8 p.m. (Please see details June 14).

• 29

2011 Sounds of Summer Party of Seven. 7-8:30 p.m. (Please see details June 3).

Summer Concert Series Kathleen Bolthouse Band. 7-9 p.m. (Please see details June 10).

• 29-August 7

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Parades, musical entertainment, carnival, Coast Guard community picnic, National Memorial Service, children’s activities, scholarship competition, car show and more. Grand Haven. (616) 846-5940.

• 30

19th Annual Car Capital Celebration R. E Olds Transportation Museum’s fundraising event also helps celebrate the spirit of Lansing’s early history. Reigstration $10. Adado Riverfront Park, Grand Ave. and Saginaw St., Lansing. (517) 372-0529. www. reoldsmuseum.org

• 1-6

Ingham County Fair Involves families from Lansing to Stockbridge, works closely with the 4-H Clubs to give young people the opportunity to display skills and earn recognition for their work. Fairgrounds in Mason. (517) 676-2428.

• 2

Eastwood Summer Music Series Live music by Too Smooth for Notes. 6-8 p.m. (Please see details June 14).

• 5

2011 Sounds of Summer Living Soul. 7-8:30 p.m. (Please see details June 3).

Summer Concert Series Fat Boy and Jive Turkey. 7-9 p.m. (Please see details June 10).

• 5-6

Lansing JazzFest Ethnic food, beer, wine and beverages, art, clothing and crafts are available from open-air vendors, and art galleries open their doors during festival hours. FREE. Old Town, Lansing. (517) 371-4600.

• 6

38th Annual Island Art Fair 130 artists and craftsmen, festival food is available and musicians stroll the Island. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Island Park, Downtown Grand Ledge. (517) 627-9843.

Bikes and Bands 2011 Live music, BMX bicycle races, contests, exhibitions & food. Noon-7 p.m. Gier Park BMX Track, 2809 N. East St., Lansing. (517) 618-4218. www. cabmx.com

• 9

Eastwood Summer Music Series Live music by Delta Rhythm Kings. 6-8 p.m. (Please see details June 14).

• 12

2011 Sounds of Summer Belfast Gin with Glen Erin Pipe Band. 7-8:30 p.m. (Please see details June 3).

• 12-14

Great Lakes Folk Festival Performances ranging from blues to bluegrass, Latino, polka, Cajun, Celtic and more diverse cultural expressions and traditions. Donation. Downtown East Lansing, MSU Campus. (517) 432-4533.

• 13

Capital City African American Parade and Heritage Festival Enjoy ethnic foods, craft exhibits, games and more. Followed by a family heritage festival at Ferris Park. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. FREE. Downtown Lansing. (517) 755-6895.

• 16

Eastwood Summer Music Series Live music by Don Middlebrook. 6-8 p.m. (Please see details June 14).

• 18-20

Renegade Theatre Festival Theatrical presentations and readings from various performing arts groups around Lansing. Old Town, Lansing. www.renegadetheatrefestival.org

• 19

2011 Sounds of Summer Flatbelly. 7-8:30 p.m. (Please see details June 3).

• 19-20

DeWitt Ox Roast Rides and concessions for all ages will bring back the feel of the old time fairs. Downtown DeWitt. (517) 669-8156.

• 19-21

Howell Melon Festival Michigan Micro-Brew tent with live entertainment, diesel train rides, melon ice cream, sidewalk sales, carnival rides and more. Downtown Howell, (517) 545- 4240, www.howellmelonfestival.com.

• 20

Michigan Tree Climbing Championship Hosted by the Michigan Chapter of the ISA, Sponsored by the Arboriculture Society of Michigan. FREE. Potter Park (Near Potter Park Zoo), 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing. (517) 337-4999. www. asm-isa.org.

• 23

Music in the Park Live music by The Brodberg Band. FREE. 4-6 p.m. (Please see details June 12).

• 26

2011 Sounds of Summer Jeff Baldori with Mike Skory. 7-8:30 p.m. (Please see details June 3).

• 27

Dam Festival Celebrates the founding of this Island River City in 1835. Guided bus tours of historic dam sites, car shows, children activities, and craft show. BBQ rib dinner. Downtown Eaton Rapids. (517) 663-3288.

Lansing Community College Caribbean Festival Reggae, soca, calypso, steel pan, Afro-Cuban, Latin, Brazilian jazz and salsa merengue rhythms. Music, entertainment, dancing, food and children’s activities. Lansing Community College, Lansing. (517) 483-1285.