Fall 2014 Events

Thursday September 4

7:30 pm

Tickets:
$18 in advance
$20 at the door

The Claire Lynch Band

Claire Lynch, "one of the sweetest, purest, and best lead voices in the music business today," will be featured in concert, along with her stellar ensemble, The Claire Lynch Band.

Long recognized and praised as a creative force in acoustic music, Claire Lynch is a pioneer who continually pushes the boundaries of the bluegrass genre. She is the reigning Female Vocalist of the Year for the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) and a 2012 recipient of the United States Artists Walker Fellowship. Her career has been decorated with many other accolades including two GRAMMY nominations and three International Bluegrass Music Association Female Vocalist awards in 2013, 2010 and 1997.

As one observer writes, "Listening to Claire Lynch sing is not something to be undertaken casually. Her songs and stage presence demand the listener's rapt attention. She's an intensely soulful singer, whose distinctive voice resonates with power and strength, yet retains an engaging innocence and crystalline purity. She's also a songwriter of extraordinary ability who can bring listeners to their feet with her buoyant rhythms or to their knees with her sometimes almost unbearably poignant and insightful lyrics.” (Dave Higgs, WPLN Nashville, WAMU Washington DC)

Friday September 5

7:30 pm

Tickets:
$10 in advance
$15 at the door

Sanctified Grumblers Blues Concert

Chicago's Sanctified Grumblers, formed in the Spring of 2009 when Rick Sherry (Devil in a Woodpile) and Eric Noden started writing songs together. Using only acoustic instruments, they usually play as a trio with either Beau Sample (upright bass) or Mike Hogg (sousaphone). Sanctified Grumblers CD ?no lie? features special guests Jim Becker (Califone, Iron & Wine), Mike Reed (People, Places and Things) and Tom V. Ray (bass player for Neko Case & Jakob Dylan) The band has also performed behind delta blues legend Honeyboy Edwards and Chicago harmonica great Billy Boy Arnold.

"If their name doesn't grab you, their music most definitely will"

Killer Blues man, Steve Salter, will be on hand to talk about the Killer Blues Headstone Project.

Youth Theatre Workshop For Students K-6^th Grades
with the Missoula Children's Theatre Workshop

Take part in the week-long Misssoula Children's Workshop that will have you auditioning on Monday after school and performing Robin Hood on the Howmet Playhouse stage by Saturday. Read more …

A collaboration of the Nuveen Center and the White Lake Youth Theatre

Saturday October 11

7:30 pm

Tickets $15

Tickets will be available at City Hall and at the door

West Shore Chorus of Sweet Adelines with The Majestyx Quartet

The West Shore Chorus is a nonprofit, community service organization of Sweet Adelines International, comprised of women who like to sing acapella music, barbershop style. Members live in Fruitport, Grand Haven, Muskegon, North Muskegon, Norton Shores, Spring Lake, and Twin Lake. The chorus recently celebrated its 40^th year.

Their return to the Howmet Playhouse stage will feature Majestyx, the 2012 Michigan Champion Barbershop Quartet and 2 time International Representative from Michigan. Majestyx has a fast paced show featuring popular songs, love ballads, and gospel spiced with family friendly comedy narration between the songs.

Come to the show to enjoy an evening of laughter, surprises, and harmony.

Wednesday October 13

7:30 pm

Tickets:
Donations Accepted at the Door

The Howmet Playhouse Proudly Presents
I Want To Be An Astronaut

A Documentary Film by David Ruck

Blair Mason has wanted to be an astronaut since he was three years old. Now, at 17, that dream has become a vision for "moving humanity beyond Earth." But what does it take to be an astronaut? And, more importantly, what are we doing now as a nation to keep the dreams of young people like Blair within the realm of possibility? I Want to be an Astronaut examines the current state of America's space program: where we've been, where we are, and where we might be headed. The film is a powerful and emotional ride that explores the human side of space exploration, and the realities that need to be in place so that our nation has a program for the "Blair's" of the world to aspire to.

Sponsored in part by the Alcoa Foundation

Saturday, October 25

7:30pm

Tickets:
$10 adults
$5 students

The Crane Wives & The Carboys

The Crane Wives are a home grown indie-folk outfit from Grand Rapids. They utilize three-part vocal harmonies, eclectic instrumentation, and a passion for songcraft to create organic music that is both accessible and innovative. Each live show features contagious energy as well as original music that ranges from whisper quiet ballads to danceable grooves.

The Carboys' music is rooted in a deep passion for Michigan, craft beer, and an honest, good time. With influences ranging from Noah Gunderson, Bob Dylan, and the Band to Tom Waits, Wilco, and Uncle Tupelo, the band's distinct sound has been enjoyed regularly by audiences in many of West Michigan's best-known venues.

Saturday, November 1

7:30 pm

Tickets:
$10 adults
$5 students

Ben Bedford in Concert
with special guest Katie Beaman

Ben Bedford delivers intriguing sketches of America, its individuals, their victories and their struggles. Poignant, but never sentimental, Bedford’s portrait-like songs capture the vitality of his characters and draw the listener deep into the narratives. With three albums to his credit, Bedford’s songs tackle scenarios including homelessness, the plight of a Confederate soldier’s wife during the American Civil War, the aerial triumphs of Amelia Earhart, the life of Jack London, the murder of Emmett Till in 1955, John the Baptist, the poet Vachel Lindsay and even the 1973 standoff between members of The American Indian Movement and federal agents on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Often drawing upon history, Bedford’s songs have a strong sense of time and place. The songs are rich in sensory detail which allows the listener to hear, see and feel each narrative. "Ben Bedford has proven himself to be a truly inspired and talented storyteller … ." according to Arthur Wood (Maverick).

Katie Beaman is a Playhouse favorite and is returning to the stage for a fifth time. A fan of all genres of music, Katie finds herself most at home when she has a guitar in her hands and a tune on her lips. She has been playing and singing since she was nine. Her favorite musicians are The Beatles, Bob Dylan, James Taylor, and Mumford & Sons, and their influence is definitely apparent in the musical style of this Whitehall Native. She has been working on several original songs that are soulful and honest, reflecting the tone of the groups that inspire her most.

Thursday, November 13

7:30 pm

Tickets:
$7 for adults
$5 for students
at the Door

Pilot Error

Investigative reporter Nicola Wilson—played by award winning Michigan actress Kate Thomsen in her screen debut—is determined to find out why a jet headed from South America to Paris disappeared in the Atlantic, taking her close friend and 211 other passengers with it. How can a plane just disappear? As Nicola digs deeper and deeper into this mystery, she puts her job, friends and very livelihood on the the line. Even though she knows nothing about aviation, refuses to fly and doesn't speak French, Nicola quickly uncovers astonishing details about the missing flight. Was it preventable? Has it happened before? Could it happen again?

And was it PILOT ERROR?

Shot on location in the White Lake Area, Muskegon, and across west Michigan, Pilot Error features well known Howmet performers Thompson, Kim Harsch, Diane Van Wesep, Robert Chessman and Joe Carmolli.

View trailer …

Friday, December 5

7:00 pm

The evening event includes free popcorn, candy, and treats.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

A free family movie night presented by New Beginnings Church

Get into the holiday spirit with your family and friends by joining us for How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the classic Dr. Seuss tale. Inside a snowflake exists the magical land of Whoville. In Whoville, live the Whos, an almost mutated sort of munchkinlike people. All the Whos love Christmas, yet just outside of their beloved Whoville lives the Grinch. The Grinch is a nasty creature that hates Christmas, and plots to steal it away from the Whos which he equally abhors. Yet a small child, Cindy Lou Who, decides to try befriend the Grinch.

For more information, call the New Beginnings Church at (231) 894-9661 or the Playhouse at (231) 894-0119.

Saturday, December 6

Doors open 7:00 pm

Show at 8:00 pm

Tickets: $20
Available at City Hall or at the Door

Comedy Night Featuring Chilli Challis

Chilli Challis—a regular on the Bob and Tom show and a writer for the Tonight Show with Jay Leno—is coming to the the Howmet Playhouse for an evening of comedy. Challis will be joined by local stand-up comic Pete McCarthy. This evening of mirth is brought to you by the Friends of White Lake Fire. You won't want to miss this show!

Adult humor may be present

Sunday, December 7

3:00 pm

Tickets:
$10 for adults
$5 for students

Available at City Hall or at the Door

Tom Harryman's A Christmas Carol

The Howmet Playhouse stage will come alive with Christmas Spirit with a special performance of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol with Tom Harryman. This brilliant holiday story will be performed by MCC instructor and professional actor, Tom Harryman, who will adapt the story into a one-man performance bringing to life the colorful characters created by Dickens.

Great for the whole family

Sunday, December 14

7:00 pm

Tickets $10
at City Hall or at the Door

Bring in non-perishable food items for $1 off the ticket price.
All food donations will be given to the White Lake Food Pantry.

Max & Ruth and Friends Holiday Concert

West Michigan music legends Ruth & Max Bloomquist will return to the Howmet Playhouse for their fourth annual holiday concert. Playing a blend of your favorite Ruth & Max tunes and traditional folk Christmas music, this evening is sure to lift your holiday spirits! Joining Max & Ruth are local favorites, Karin and Eric Smith who will be singing original holiday songs as well as traditional favorites. Ruth and Max are veritable folk music legends in Michigan, captivating audiences with their songs, their harmonies and their folk-infused charm. They are well-known for their renditions of Christmas and holiday folk music, ensuring it to be a perfect evening to help you get in the holiday mood.

Saturday, December 20

7:30 pm

Tickets:
PRESALE $23
DOOR $28

Select beer sales will be made available by the Killer Blues Headstone Project

Echoes of Pink Floyd

Echoes of Pink Floyd, a Michigan based tribute band for over 10 years and now with a completely new line-up of professional musicians, will perform The Dark Side of OZ live along with a set of Pink Floyd favorites and deep cuts.

Pink Floyd's legendary album, Dark Side of the Moon, has been held among music fans as a true masterpiece for several decades. For nearly as long, a debate has raged among Pink Floyd fans over the synchronicity between Dark Side of the Moon and the classic film The Wizard of Oz. Was this Roger Waters' intention or simply coincidence? In either case, there is no denying the uncanny manner in which the music and the film unfold together—in such a way that the album can be played as an alternative soundtrack for the film. Come experience a rare live performance of this legendary phenomenon by Michigan's own Echoes of Pink Floyd, including their World-Class Laser-Light Show. You do not want to miss this concert, especially in such a unique setting!

Concert appropriate for all ages