Category Archives: Performing Arts

GRCC In the News, 3-11-15

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Cream of the ice cream crop

March 6, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Chris McKellar almost didn’t go to the Making It In Michigan Conference and Trade Show in Lansing last November. He was booked as an exhibitor at the National Ice Cream Retailers Association trade show in Kentucky on the same day.

… The Firehouse Guitars job also introduced him to good food. He attended musical instrument trade shows in Nashville and Anaheim and often dined at fine restaurants with reps from well-known guitar companies such as Fender and Taylor. Then began a personal quest to learn where great food comes from; he eventually enrolled at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College.

GRCC motiva a estudiantes latinos durante presentación de Conferencia Latina 2015

March 7, 2015; El Vocero

En el evento tras la presentación de la proyección de cine Underwater Dreams, los panelistas Luis Enrique Aranda, Cristian Alonso Arcega-Rojas y Lorenzo Alberto Santillan Barrera, expusieron a los estudiantes sobre sus vivencias luego de haber ganado competencias robóticas en la NASA y US Navy, y las dificultades que han enfrentado por residir como indocumentados nacidos en México.

Things to do on Sunday, March 15

March 10, 2015; MLive

… Mar. 15

Instrumental Ensembles Concerts: St. Cecilia Music Center, 24 Ransom Ave. NE, Grand Rapids. 2-4 pm. $5/adults, $3/students and seniors. www.grcc.edu/music/performance-calendar

GRCC In the News, 3-2-15

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The state of American well-being

Feb. 27, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Although a number of factors such as the rate of uninsured and life evaluation have improved across the country, Gallup-Healthway’s latest State of American Well-Being places Michigan among the bottom 10 states.

… Laura Kennett, assistant professor of exercise science at Grand Rapids Community College, said although she would like to see more detail regarding the design of the survey, she was not surprised by Michigan’s results.

“Unfortunately, Michigan has ranked low for awhile, and part of the reason it doesn’t surprise me is because the information we have around chronic disease in Michigan — what are called preventive health behaviors among Michigan adults — is lower than many other states,” said Kennett. “If people are not engaging in these preventive health measures, then obviously their health is not going to be well.”

Michigan: a state of impoverishment

Feb. 27, 2015; Grand Rapids Business Journal

Grand Rapids Business Journal reports in depth this week on Gallup-Healthway’s latest State of American Well-Being, a study that ranks Michigan in the bottom 10 among all states.

… Laura Kennett, assistant professor of exercise science at Grand Rapids Community College, is quoted in the Business Journal’s page one article: “People don’t realize there are more people in Michigan living at or below the poverty line than other states. Unfortunately, there is plenty of research, plenty of data that shows we can predict people’s health outcomes based on how much money they make and their education.”

Highlights for the month of March

Feb. 27, 2015; MLive

… 26. Wrapping up Grand Rapids Community College’s International Guitar Series is the acclaimed Canadian Guitar Quartet, which is set to perform at 7:30 p.m. The performance will be in the Recital Hall at GRCC’s Music Center, located on the corner of Ransom Avenue and Lyon Street.

FIU Panthers outfielder Brian Portelli caps weekend blitz

March 1, 2015; The Miami Herald

Whenever an FIU Panther hits a home run, he is greeted at the plate not with a high-five or a head-bump, but a standard handshake. The uniquely understated celebration seems to say “Nice to meet you, Gentleman Slugger.”

… Thomas plucked (Brian) Portelli out of baseball obscurity while working a winter camp in Detroit as a visiting instructor. Fat chance an unknown out of Division II Grand Rapids Community College would develop into a contributor, never mind a star. But Thomas took that chance anyway.

MSU Democrats travel to D.C. for retreat

Feb. 27, 2015; The State News (MSU’s student newspaper)

After a Republican sweep in the 2014 midterm elections, MSU College Democrats are reevaluating some strategies to increase membership.

… (Brianna) Shamsuddoha said MSU College Democrats had eight representatives at the retreat. Central Michigan University, Grand Rapids Community College and Northern Michigan University’s College Democrats chapters also sent delegates to the retreat.

GRCC student makes sure the show goes on

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GRCC student Ian Thompson’s generosity helped a St. Cecilia Music Center concert go on as scheduled. An article in the February 24 St. Cecilia newsletter shares the story:

From left, Ian Thompson, Amber Borrello and Christian McBride. (Photo courtesy of St. Cecilia Music Center.)

From left, Ian Thompson, Amber Borrello and Christian McBride. (Photo courtesy of St. Cecilia Music Center.)

Volunteering during last week’s Christian McBride Trio concert Ian Thompson was simply hoping he would get a chance to meet the legendary bassist, maybe get an autograph …

Not in his wildest dreams did he think McBride would end up playing his bass during the concert!

It is minutes before The Christian McBride Trio is set to take the stage … and both basses obtained for the concert are not functioning! Backstage working on the instruments, Amber Borello from Guarneri House has a revelation.

Her bass playing friend, Ian, is volunteering for SCMC for the first time, and his instrument is at school nearby!

Quickly Ian is pulled away from pouring wine and asked to get his bass for the concert. It is now 12 minutes before the show is slated to start.

It is a mere negative 2º outside. Ian runs up Ransom Street hill to GRCC. With his bass on his shoulder, he runs back to SCMC, arriving at the stage door at 7:29pm!

Moments later he watched as the most recorded bassist in the world played his instrument before an enthusiastic crowd of more than 500 in Royce Auditorium.

All we can say is, “Thank You Ian!” This concert could not have happened without you!

And what a concert it was! Mlive media awarded The Christian McBride Trio 4 out-of 4 stars for an amazing performance!

 

 

GRCC In the News, 2-16-15

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GRCC hosting business career showcase on Feb. 17-18

Feb. 13, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Community College is hosting its annual Career Showcase next week, an event where students can explore job opportunities in several business fields.

Opera Grand Rapids’ Robert Lyall says farewell: A look back at 26 years as artistic director

Feb. 15, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Opera Grand Rapids opened its 30th anniversary season with more than 500 singers, dancers and extras, along with elephants, camels and horses, crossing the stage in a grand procession.

… While productions of Philip Glass’ “The Fall of the House of Usher” in Grand Rapids Community College’s Spectrum Theatre in 1998 and of Tchaikovsky’s “The Queen of Spades,” a joint production with Russian artists and a Russian stage director from the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, (Robert) Lyall is proud of the work he did with opera’s biggest hits.

BSU hosts one-man play featuring Muhibb Dyer

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poetThe Black Student Union invites everyone to experience From Kings to Thugs to Presidents, a high-energy, thought-provoking one-man play with Muhibb Dyer. He will discuss the epidemic of violence plaguing America’s inner cities and the power we have to change our world!

The presentation starts at 6 p.m. February 12 at GRCC’s Spectrum Theatre. A reception with light refreshments starts at 7:30 p.m.

 

GRCC In the News, 2-4-15

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Banquet Honors Giants in Grand Rapids African-American Community

Feb. 3, 2015; ahealthiermichigan.org (Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan newsletter)

Recognizing individuals and organizations who contribute to a better Grand Rapids is the aim of the Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) Giants Awards.

Heritage Theatre announces shows for 25th anniversary season

Feb. 3, 2015; MLive

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The season lineup for the Heritage Theatre Group’s 2015 season was announced at a gala over the weekend that also celebrated the theater’s 25th year anniversary.

… All performances are held at GRCC Spectrum Theatre, 160 Fountain St. NE, at 8 p.m. Tickets for all shows are $15 each until May 1, then $20 each on the Heritage Theatre Group website at heritagetheatregr.org.

GRCC In the News, 2-3-15

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Snyder touts career tech education in GR stop

Feb. 2, 2015; WOOD TV

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — There are thousands of well-paying jobs available in Michigan right now, according to Gov. Rick Snyder. The problem, he says, is not enough people with the skills to fill them.

… Dayna Frownfelder, a welding student in at the Grand Rapids Community College M-Tech program, wishes she had known about what was available beyond a four-year degree when she was a high school student preparing for the future.

‘The Poetry of Love’

Feb. 2, 2015; The Petoskey News

The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra series of Sunday recitals will present Libor Ondras and friends in a program titled The Poetry of Love at 4 p.m. on Sunday.

… Pianist Sheryl Lott is a frequent solo and collaborative performer, and is currently on the piano faculties of the Interlochen Arts Camp and Grand Rapids Community College. She has performed most recently on a tour of the British Isles with Big Rapids-based womens choir Voca Lyrica, and is working on a series of recitals and a CD with the Aries Trio. She collaborates in performance frequently with many members of the Grand Rapids Symphony and Grand Valley State University faculty and Libor Ondras. She has studied with Ralph Votapek, Ian Hobson, Albertine Votapek, and Joseph Evans, and received her DMA from Michigan State University in 2005.

Muskegon Community College sports recap: Women’s basketball extends streak, men’s basketball in first place

Feb. 2, 2015; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI – After seeing its season-high, six-game winning streak snapped last week, the Muskegon Community College men’s basketball team bounced back with a decisive 87-78 victory over Lake Michigan College on Friday, Jan. 30.

… Following three games last week, the Jayhawks only have two this week – but they’re both on the road. MCC plays Wednesday, Feb. 4 against Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Friday, Feb. 6 against Grand Rapids Community College.

GRCC In the News, 1-14-15

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Agreement with GRCC Gives Students a Head Start on College

Jan. 13, 2015; schoolnewsnetwork.org (Kent Intermediate School District newsletter)

Cedar Springs Public Schools, MI — Kevin Galloway has every intention of going to college. So he figured, why not start now?

The Cedar Springs High School sophomore is one of 25 students enrolled in Cedar Springs Public Schools Middle College, a collaboration with Grand Rapids Community College.

Laps and Lessons: Coach Guides Students to Become Better Swimmers, People

Jan. 13, 2015; schoolnewsnetwork.org

East Grand Rapids Public Schools, MI — East Grand Rapids High School swim coach Milton “Butch” Briggs has helped many athletes swim their fastest laps and personal best races.

… Never a competitive swimmer, Briggs ran track at Grand Rapids Junior College (now Grand Rapids Community College). His coach, who Briggs said set a great example for him, helped him get a job coaching a summer swim league at Cascade Country Club.

Muskegon Community College sports recap: Men’s basketball returns to winning ways; wrestling struggling with lineup issues

Jan. 13, 2015; MLive

MUSKEGON, MI – Although the weather temporarily delayed the game, it couldn’t delay the Muskegon Community College men’s basketball team from returning to its winning ways.

The Jayhawks (12-3 overall, 2-1 MCCAA Western Conference) defeated Grand Rapids Community College (7-5, 1-1), 92-86, on Saturday, Jan. 10. The game originally was scheduled to be played Jan. 9, but weather pushed the schedule back a day.

Moore leads GOCC women past GRCC

Jan. 13, 2015; Three Rivers Commercial News

CENTREVILLE Captains are expected to lead their basketball team.

… (Courtney) Moore, a 5-foot-11 sophomore forward, scored 18 points and yanked down 21 rebounds in a 66-61 Western Conference win by Glen Oaks at home Monday over Grand Rapids Community College.

Northeast announces 2015 golf schedule

Jan. 13, 2015; WTVA (Tupelo, Miss.)

BOONEVILLE, Miss. (WTVA/NEMCC Athletics) – Northeast Mississippi Community Colleges golfers have the chance to experience some of the top courses across the Mid-South during the 2015 campaign.

… Northeast then takes a brief hiatus from its league slate to participate in the 14th annual Ron Marshall Spring Fling Tournament in Scottsboro, Ala., at the Goose Pond Colony Resort from March 12-14. The field includes nationally ranked Mississippi Gulf Coast and Grand Rapids (Mich.) Community College, which is receiving votes in the latest countrywide poll.

Things to do on Thursday, January 15

Jan. 13, 2015; MLive

… Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids Presents “One Night with Fanny Brice”: Spectrum Theater at GRCC, 160 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids. 8 pm. 616-234-3946

GRCC In the News, 12-16-14

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Business Journal names Newsmaker nominees

Dec. 11, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

The more, the merrier, right?

The Grand Rapids Business Journal has expanded its Newsmakers of the Year awards for 2014, adding several new categories that reflect continued economic expansion.

… Education

John Dunn, Western Michigan University

Steven Ender, Grand Rapids Community College

Richard Pappas, Davenport University

GRCC names provost

Dec. 15, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

The new provost at Grand Rapids Community College is an experienced administrator and educator.

Inside Track: His vision for the theater is to be part of the change

Dec. 12, 2014; Grand Rapids Business Journal

In November, Kyle Los joined Actors Theatre as managing director.

… (Fred) Sebulske, who was a faculty member with the Grand Rapids Community College theater department, founded Actors Theatre in 1980. He was a strong leader with a clear vision, and Actors thrived under his tutelage, but by his retirement, funding had become a challenge and remains so today.