What’s Happening — April 19, 2022 | #datingscams | #lovescams | #facebookscams

Greater Midland Community Center is hosting a presentation on financial scams at 11 a.m. at the 50+ Center. Midland Police Officer Brennon Warren will discuss common scams, warning signs, financial safety and internet safety. This is a free event. A light snack will be provided. Reserve a spot by contacting Amanda Ewald at 989-832-7937 ext. 2270 or aewald@greatermidland.org.

Business After Hours is set for 5-7 p.m. at Midland Center for the Arts. The evening will feature jazz pianist Gerald Foster. Door prizes will include tickets to the Center’s presentation of the Broadway show, Anastasia, and a Broadway event during its 22-23 season.

Thursday, April 21

Earth Week: Story Hour is set for 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. Come spend an hour learning about nature! This special edition story hour will include Earth Day themed stories, crafts and other age-appropriate activities. Dress for the weather for this outdoor program. This event is free. www.chippewanaturecenter.org

Creative Kids After School Arts Extravaganza is set for 4:15-5:30 p.m. at Creative 360. Each week, there will be a different unique creative arts experience for children ages 5-10. Experiences will include visual arts, movement and music, theater, and writing with a fun, caring group of talented instructors and artists who are experts in their fields. Cost is $15.

Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival begins at 5 p.m. in Shepherd. The festival continues through Sunday, April 24. For a full schedule of events, visit www.shepherdmaplesyrupfest.org/

Earth Week: Backlight Trash Pick-Up is set for 8:30-9:30 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. This isn’t your typical trash pick-up! To help us find litter, we are waiting for the sun to set to use our UV flashlights to find strings and small pieces of plastic that glow under the light. Crank up the fun by wearing neon colors to illuminate yourself as well! Participants are welcome to bring their own UV light; CNC has loaners as well. Please dress for the weather and possible muddy conditions. This event is free. www.chippewanaturecenter.org

Friday, April 22

Earth Week: Stewards for the Trees is set for 5:30-7 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. Join CNC staff for a walk through the Howard Garrett Arboretum, learn what it takes to keep young trees alive and help care for the trees planted from past Earth Days. Meet at the Homestead Farm. This event is free. www.chippewanaturecenter.org

Earth Day Runway Show is set for 6:30-8 p.m. at Creative 360. The show will feature wearable art created by Artshop students and staff, both in-house and through Redbubble, and unique creations from our community. Items will be available for purchase and a “fashionable” silent auction will round out the evening. This event is free.

Men of Music is set to perform its spring concert at 7 p.m. at Midland Center for the Arts’ Little Theater. As always, the guys combine jokes and fun bits with their sensational sound in their spring program that is fun for the whole family. This year the concert theme will be “Go for the Gold!” Tickets start at $15.50 fand are available at midlandcenter.org or by calling the Ticket Office at 989-631-8250. Other performance times are 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 23.

Saturday, April 23

Meet the Makers is set for 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at Live Oak Coffeehouse. There will be 5-10 vendors every Saturday morning from December through April, picking right up when the Midland Area Farmers Market takes a break for the season. 

Record Store Day is set for 8 a.m. at Radio Wasteland Records in Midland. Stay tuned to Radio Wasteland Record’s Facebook page and YouTube channel for more information on exclusive releases and giveaways.

Yoga Coffee Hour is set for 9:15-11 a.m. at Mi Element Grains & Grounds. There will be 45 minutes of all-levels yoga practice and some friendly conversation between 10-11 a.m. Cost is $18 and includes one coffee, tea or beer (must be ages 21 and over for beer option) to enjoy during the event or take a voucher to enjoy your drink at a later date. Register at sarahnelsonyoga.com/classes. Bring your own mat and any yoga props you like to support your practice; a limited number of mats will be available to borrow.

The Chakra Series: Creating with the Chakras Exploration & Play is set for 1-4 p.m. at Creative 360. Each participant will have the opportunity to create a personalized totem reflecting their own relationship to their energetic centers and the environment on the first day. Part two of this course is on April 23. Cost for the two-day session is $50.

A Folk Music Spring Concert is set for 7 p.m. at Creative 360. Midland’s Jolie Wing will join Lee Anne Whitman and Anne Wakenhut of Mingling Strings. The family-friendly concert will feature a blend of storytelling and music, a mix of familiar songs as well as originals. Each bring with them incredible finesse in their instrumentation and an ease, humor, and lightness in their demeanor. Cost is a suggested donation of $10 per person.

A Black and White Ball is set for 7-11 p.m. at the Great Hall Banquet & Convention Center in Midland. This event celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Labor of Love MidMichigan. Come out dancing and enjoy lovely Hors d’oeuvres and desserts all the while helping a local organization raise money to impact lives in MidMichigan. Labor of Love MidMichigan is a volunteer birth doula organization, allowing women in our community to not have to be alone during childbirth. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at www.lolmm.org/black-and-white-ball. This event is for people ages 21 and up.

Sunday, April 24

An Earth Action Expo is set for 12-4 p.m. at Dow High School. Guests can learn more about e-bikes, examine insects, build model wind turbines, learn about native plants, do hands-on activities and science experiments, fuel up at the food trucks and more. There will be over 40 exhibitors and dozens of illustrated poems authored by local kids and teens titled, “The Buzz About Bugs.” This event is free.

Midland Reads Poetry is set for 2-4 p.m. at Creative 360. This spoken word program will feature community members sharing the poetry – either written by themselves or another – that is meaningful to them. Those who would like to read may contact Larry Levy at lawrenceivanlevy@gmail.com before March 18. Refreshments provided. Please let us know you are coming. This event is free, though donations to Creative 360’s programming are always welcome.

Songwriters in the Round is set for 2-4 p.m. at MI Element Grains and Grounds, 3124 Jefferson Ave. in Midland.This family friendly event, sponsored by Dstreet Music Foundation, Garber Chevrolet and MI Element Grains and Grounds, is about songwriters and the stories behind their songs. This event presents Andy Reed, Mike Ward, and Bob Hausler. Cost is free.

Monday, April 25

Shelterhouse is holding a premier spring fundraiser, Shelterhouse Midland Restaurant Week, throughout Midland County. It begins on Monday, April 25 and will continue through Saturday, May 7. The program is a culinary event to empower survivors of domestic and sexual violence, cultivate healthy relationships, and infuse economic empowerment throughout our community while enjoying delicious cuisine. Local restaurants, cafes, and bars will be offering diners a little something special while also helping to raise funds for, and awareness about, Shelterhouse. If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence or has experienced sexual assault, help is here: 877-216-6383. For more information on the program, visit www.midlandrestaurantweek.com.

Improv 101 is set for 7-8:30 p.m. at Creative 360. The group will explore improv through games and exercises with the emphasis on having fun and challenging ourselves in a safe and nurturing environment. No acting or other experience required. Late-starters welcome. Cost is $20.

Tuesday, April 26

Nature Play is set for 10-11 a.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. Whether we’re making pies in the mud kitchen, pretending to be animals, lounging in hammocks or creating nature art, this hour of play is sure to engage everyone! Caregivers must remain with children during this program and are encouraged to actively play alongside the children in their care. This program will be facilitated by a CNC staff member. Please meet in The Woods Nature Play Area near Arbury Trail. This is a free event. www.chippewanaturecenter.org

Pasta for a Purpose is set for 5-8 p.m. at Dow High School. This fundraiser for the Dow High Sports Booster Club will include a silent auction and a pasta dinner. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. 

Paint Your Pet Picasso Style is set for 7-9:30 p.m. at Creative 360. Join Creative 360 Executive Director Laura Vosejpka for an evening of color, fun, and cubism. Participants do not need to be artistic. Bring an image of your dog, cat, hamster or horse and prepare to paint. All materials provided including a 16 x 20 canvas. All ages welcome. Preregistration required by April 25. Cost is $35.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band is set to perform at 7:30 p.m. at Midland Center for the Arts. Twenty-five years into his recording career Kenny Wayne Shepherd continues to create genre-defining blues-infused rock n’ roll. Shepherd has built an enviable resume as an accomplished recording artist, a riveting live performer and one of the most talented and distinctive guitarists of his generation. Tickets start at $44 and are available online at midlandcenter.org or by calling the Ticket Office at 989-631-8250.

Wednesday, April 27

A Spring Wildflower Walk is set for 6-7:30 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. Spring wildflowers bloom quickly on the forest floor before tree leaves open. Take a woodland walk with a CNC naturalist to find and identify these colorful beauties. Learn to recognize the diversity of shapes, patterns and unique pollination strategies.This event is free. www.chippewanaturecenter.org

Sound Community Music Series is set for 7-9 p.m. at Live Oak Coffeehouse. This live music series features classical and jazz musicians from the mid-Michigan area.The first hour of each event is an opportunity for students, amateurs, and professionals to share musical performances. The second hour spotlights professional musicians as they perform a full-length concert. The featured artists of the evening gratefully accept financial support from the audience in the form of donations.

Thursday, April 28

The Freeland Walleye Festival is set for April 28-May 1. Events and features include a beer tent, bingo, a carnival, fireworks, a parade, poker tournament, rummage sales, and a fishing tournament, among other activities. New this year are duck races and a youth corn hole tournament. For more information and a full schedule, visit www.freelandwalleyefestival.com/

Creative Kids After School Arts Extravaganza is set for 4:15-5:30 p.m. at Creative 360. Each week, there will be a different unique creative arts experience for children ages 5-10. Experiences will include visual arts, movement and music, theater, and writing with a fun, caring group of talented instructors and artists who are experts in their fields. Cost is $15.

The Pendulum Lounge is open 4:30-8 p.m. at Midland Center for the Arts. Jacob Wisenbach will be performing live music. Guests can enjoy craft cocktails, small plates and hearty offerings. Tickets are not required to attend the Pendulum Lounge, seating is available on a first-come first-served basis.

Friday, April 29

Midland Quilter’s Squared’s quilt show is set for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Midland Center for the Arts. There will be door favors, a bazaar, and featured quilters, Judy Piper and Laura Greenfelder. Admission is $5. The quilt show will continue 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1.

An art exhibition opening for Midland Artists Guild 38th Annual Juried Exhibition is set for 7 pm. at Creative 360. This exhibition features a diverse collection of the work of MAG members showcasing creative explorations in many mediums including; painting, sculpture, photography and fiber art. Awards will be announced during the opening reception. This event is free to the public. The exhibit will be on display through June 19. 

Saturday, April 30

Meet the Makers is set for 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m. at Live Oak Coffeehouse. There will be 5-10 vendors every Saturday morning from December through April, picking right up when the Midland Area Farmers Market takes a break for the season. 

Walk MS: Midland is set for 9 a.m. at Midland High School. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with the walk starting at 10 a.m. The event benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Both 1- and 3-mile routes are available and volunteers are needed. Visit WalkMS.org and search for the Midland, Michigan Walk for more details.

A Home and Outdoor Living Expo is set for 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at Dow Diamond. During the event, which is hosted by Home Builders Association, guests can visit with exhibitors and explore all types of home projects. After strolling through the main concourse, visitors can check out local vendors on the suite level. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and free for veterans and kids under 18. Parking is free.

Mastadons, Mammoths and Opossums, Oh My! An Ice Age Exploration is set for 1-2:30 p.m. at Chippewa Nature Center. Through hands-on activities, children will discover living and extinct Ice Age mammals that have called Michigan home. The group will explore the trails for clues to help us learn how mastodons, mammoths and opossums adapted to the harsh Ice Age environment. This event is free. www.chippewanaturecenter.org

Chili & Blues Concert Series featuring Brett Mitchell is set for 7 p.m. at Creative 360. Brett Mitchell was born and raised in Midland. Now living in Northern Michigan, he has established himself as an in-demand musician all over the state. With appealing original albums and a never-ending repertoire of beloved covers, this intimate solo show is sure to be an evening to remember. Cost is $18 pre-pay, $23 at the door. Audience members can bring their own beverage.

Howard’s Friend Bike Ride is hosting an annual bicycle ride up to 60 miles to honor the wishes of Howard Schoenherr, known by many as “Putter.” Registration and Breakfast at 7:30-8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Rides begin at 8:30 a.m. Lunch is after at the Clare Depot. Donated funds help support the Friends of the Pere Marquette Rail Trail. For more information, visit howardsfriendbikeride.com. 

Sunday, May 1

A Home and Outdoor Living Expo is set for 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Dow Diamond. During the event, which is hosted by Home Builders Association, guests can visit with exhibitors and explore all types of home projects. After strolling through the main concourse, visitors can check out local vendors on the suite level. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and free for veterans and kids under 18. Parking is free.

Monday, May 2 

Blast from the Past is set to perform 6-8 p.m. at Greater Midland Community Center. Free dancing will take place the first Monday of the month through May 2021. For more information, contact Amanda Ewald at aewald@greatermidland.org or 989-832-7937 ext. 2270.

Thursday, May 5

The SpongeBob Musical is set for 7:30 p.m. at Midland Center for the Arts’ Little Theatre. Be among the first audiences outside of Broadway to see this hilarious musical spectacle! The stakes are higher than ever in this brand new dynamic musical, as SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world. Showtimes continue through May 13. Tickets are available online at midlandcenter.org or by calling the Ticket Office at 989-631-8250.

Friday, May 6

The AAUW Book Sale is set for 9 a.m.-8 p.m. at Midland Mall. Books are sorted into categories including suspense, romance, westerns, fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, collectibles and children’s books. Proceeds fund college scholarships and other educational activities. The book sale will continue 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, April 7 and 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday.

Cocktails & Canvas: Mother’s Day is set for 6-8:30 p.m. at Creative 360. This is special Cocktails & Canvas event celebrating mothers. Everyone will paint their version of the painting Exuberance on a 16 x 20 canvas with step by step instructions. Bring a mom, come and paint this as a gift, or just bring yourself, everyone is welcome! Mothers will receive a beautiful flower and tasty treats. Preregistration is required. Cost is $35,

Saturday, May 7

The first day of the Midland Area Farmers Market is set for 7 a.m.-1 p.m. at Dow Diamond’s east parking lot. Visit area vendors selling fresh goods and food. Entry is free and open to the public.

A Pancake Breakfast and Fly-In is set for 7-11 a.m. at Midland Jack Barstow Airport. Visitors can come and see aircraft on display from EAA Chapter 1093 while enjoying all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausage, eggs and homemade doughnuts. Kids will enjoy the pedal airplanes as well as activities at the Kid’s Table. Cost is $7 for adults and $3 for kids ages 3-12. Proceeds will go toward supporting EAA Chapter 1093 and its mission to share the spirit of aviation with the local community.

May the Music Be With You: Mental Health Awareness Music Festival is set for 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Ryder’s Bar and Grill. This event is a charity music festival raising awareness about mental health as well as suicide awareness and prevention. There will be live music, vendors, raffles, and more! This is a Star Wars-themed event; feel free to wear your best Jedi cosplay, costume or merch.

Thursday, May 12

The city-wide garage sale begins for the spring season. The informal event will take place from May 12-15, with the goal of coordinating sales throughout the area so patrons can make a day or weekend of it. It has been a tradition for decades, spearheaded by the Midland Daily News, which sells advertisements for those hosting sales. For more information on how to prepare for hosting a sale in the city of Midland, visit ourmidland.com and search “citywide garage sales.”

Friday, May 13

An Evening of Tom Lehrer is set for 7-8:30 p.m. at Creative 360. David King, Carol Rumba and Jim Hohmeyer for an evening of satire, song and science. Tom Lehrer, the 1960’s era mathematician turned songwriter, is probably most famous for the “The Elements” sung to the tune of “The Major-Generals’ Song,” but he was also a prolific writer of original melodies and penned such topical, satiric gems as “New Math” and “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park.” Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door. Audience members can bring their own beverage.

Saturday, May 14

A Father Daughter Masquerade Ball is set for 6:30-9 p.m. at the Ashman Loft. Enjoy a magical evening with dancing, photos, selfie station, prizes, o’deuvres, drinks, treat station, raffle drawings, giving back, and each girl will create a beautiful keepsake necklace with their date to take home. Bring a new pair of socks size NB – adult large. All items collected will be gifted to the Adoption Option of Midland, supporting local foster children. Tickets are $25 per couple, $10 for each additional child. Reserve a spot by emailing LS bluemanitou19@gmail.com