As of 10:30 a.m. February 5, the NCCA West Michigan Luthier Concert is Sold Out!!  Thank you!

This year the NCCA - Artsplace West Michigan Luthier Concert includes performers Ralston Bowles, Bill Degenarro, Robert Sayers, The 13th Hour, Dan Yother, Isaac Smith, and Donald Benson.  Instrument luthiers include Degennaro, Sayers, Mark Swanson, Elon Howe, Yother, Lew Fowler, and Benson. 

WGVU radio host Shelly Irwin conducted an interview with Ralston Bowles, Mark Swanson, and Faune Benson, concert coordinator and exhibit photographer.   Go to  WGVU radio 95.3 FM website to listen to an archive of the interview or click http://www.wgvu.org/wgvunews/index.cfm?id=tmsarc&list=yes

NCCA is also proud to welcome Steve Albert, the host of Michigan Saturday Night on Blue Lake Public Radio, as the emcee for the concert!

During Feburary the photography exhibit “West Michigan Luthiers” by Faune Benson will be on display in the Dogwood Lobby Gallery.  The beautiful photographs are of handmade instruments that were made by local luthiers, the talented craftsmen who make and repair stringed instruments.  The photographs include ukuleles, cello, bouzouki (octave mandolin), violins, and electric bass, electric guitars and acoustic guitars.

Black Box. 7:30 p.m.  Sold Out!

Fremont High School Theater invites you to join them for “The Distaff Side” written by John Van Druten.  “The Distaff Side” is an engaging story that will offer some light hearted moments as well as those that will challenge the audience to consider their views of marriage and happiness.

Three generations of women confront the issues that come with life and living while attempting to find personal satisfaction in 1933 England.  The cast is a seasoned crew led by seniors Emily Zahrt and Tonya Pell as Mrs. Venables and Eve;  senior Sarah Smith as Venables’ devoted companion Mrs. Spicer, and senior Cassondra Murphy as Nellie. 

Juniors Connor Caplis and Beth Wilcox play Alex and Liz while seniors Matt Cummings and Trevor Bacon portray Alex’s director boyfreind Toby Chegwidden and her brother Roland while Zach Francis makes a cameo turn as Liz’s ex, gillie.

Six additional actors round out the cast under the stage management of junior Kaylah Berndt.  Tim Bitson and Briana Jones offer technical support and the production is managed by senior Anna Deur.

7:30 p.m. Main Stage.  Tickets available from the Dogwood Box Office beginning Monday, January 25.  Adults $10 in advance, $12 evening of performance; students $5.

An evening not to be missed!  Soulful blues with West Michigan’s own Jimmie Stagger, Kathy Lamar, and pianist Bob VanStee.  They are sure to provide a vibrant and energetic show!

Jimmie Stagger has a big rich voice and makes you feel his pain and share his joy through his music.  His growing list of accomplishments includes receiving the “Jammie” award for “The Triumphant Return of Slim Jim” as the Best Local Blues CD from Grand Rapids WYCE public radio in 2002.  As a community leader, Stagger contributes much of his time honoring his commitment to support several charities in the West Michigan area.

LaMar has displayed her vocal talents from Vegas to Shang-hi for the past 20 years.  As a background vocalist, she has performed with Gladys Knight, The Four Tops, and Lola Falana.

Her style ranges from Billy Holiday, Nancy Wilson, Anita Baker, Tina Turner, Sade and Ella Fitzgerald with her sultry Jazz, R/B, and Blues sound.  Kathy sings with Ronald McNeir, of the legendary Motown group the Four Tops, on his CD “Ronnie Mac & Company”. 

With a smoky evocative voice, she has mesmerized audiences and captured the hearts of Jazz and R/B lovers around the globe.  She was born and raised in Grand Rapids and is back in Michigan for a short time only!

Accomplished accompianist Bob Van Stee started playing piano by ear at the age of 7.  Some of the bands he has worked with are The New World Singers during the 1960’s, Kenny Gordon & the Sound Gathering and Checkers Morton during the 1970’s,   Turning Point in the 1980’s, and Madhouse in the 1990’s.  For the last year he has been a part of the piano vocal duo with Tony Reynolds, who is the vocalist with The Tom Jones Band.

Tickets $10. 7:30 p.m. Black Box.

The Dogwood Center Box Office is open Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and one hour prior to an event.  For information, phone 231.924.8885.

Nominated in 2009 for a Detroit Music Award for Outstanding Country Recording and having just signed a production deal with fame Nashville producers Ed Seay and Russ Zavitson, David Shelby is a hot up and coming country performer! 

David sings, writes, and performs his material with a lot of heart and total conviction.  His songs reflect his love for Nashville, the history of country music, and his gritty “Rock On!” sensibilities.  He explains, “I want my music to reflect where I come from.  I grew up on equal parts Country, Motown, and Rock.”

Writing from the heart and performing energy packed shows with his band, is quickly becoming his trademark.

The David Shelby Band includes:  Steve Byrnes, Brian White, Nick Byrnes, Bernie Palo, Mitch Sheirr, James Morris.

Check out  http://www.myspace.com/davidshelbymusic

Tickets $15.  Main Stage.  7:30 p.m.

The Dogwood Center Box Office is open Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and one hour prior to an event.  For information, phone 231.924.8885.