What’s Happening in the Great Lakes Bay Region?

Easy Street will play classic hits from 5:30-8 p.m. at The Pendulum Lounge at the Midland Center for the Arts. The lounge is noted for craft cocktails, small plates and hearty offerings. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

Creative Kids meets at 4:15 pm for Picasso’s Personality Pottery at the Creative 360 Bayliss Street Classrooms. $15 drop in per class.
Midland Chess Club meets at the East Ashman Galleries of Creative 360 from 7-9 pm.  All experience levels welcome – this event is free.

April 27-30
37th annual Freeland Walleye Tournament, featuring duck races, casino, car show, phish pong tournament, cornhole tournament and beer test with music and more, is scheduled. Information,  https://www.freelandwalleyefestival.com/

Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival is scheduled throughout the weekend with pancakes, maple syrup-inspired meals, parade, a car show, craft shows and more.

Friday, April 28
Alice Cooper at 8 p.m., Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant. Tickets, soaringeaglecasino.com 

Rise Summit 2023: Bridging the Generations is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Great Hall Banquet & Convention Center, 5121 Bay City Road, Midland. Hosted by Women in Leadership Great Lakes Bay, the event features Meagan Johnson, author, national speaker and humorist. Information, www.wilgreatlakesbay.org/event-4669588

LUX plays covers and originals from 5-7 pm. Just Folkin’ Witcha plays folk rock from 8-10 pm. Mi Element Grains and Grounds, 3124 Jefferson Ave, 989-486-9392.

Free exhibit opening for ARTchitecture Designing Midland, which looks at Midland history through the lens of the built environment that developed and morphed to fill the needs of an ever-evolving community. The reception is from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Midland Center. The exhibit remains open through May 28.

Opening night is set for 7 to 11:30 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Speedway, 4658 E. River Road, Mount Pleasant. Classes: Modified, Street Stock, Pro Stock, Rear Wheel Drive 4 Cylinder, Front Wheel Drive 4 Cylinder, Mini Wedge. Admission.

April 28-30
AAUW Used Book sale is set for Midland Mall. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, which is bag day. Proceeds fund college scholarships and other educational activities.

Midland Quilters Squared Guild presents its annual quilt show at the Midland Center for the Arts, with the theme “Forever in Blue Jeans.” Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5. There will be a bazaar, vendors and demonstrations. This year’s featured quilter is Lisa Fales. Fore more information, call 989-835-2300 or go to passthetiara.blogspot.com

As You Like it, Shakespeare’s tale of love, friendship and forgiveness is set for the Creative 360 Bayliss Street Stage.  The set features artwork done by our community. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.  Call for student discounts: 989-837-1885.

Saturday, April 29
Martin & Lewis Tribute at 7p.m. at State Theater, 913 Washington Ave. in Bay City. Tickets.

To support efforts of the National MS Society, Midland will be again hosting the 27th annual Walk MS event starting at 9 a.m. at Midland High School. To participate in this event, by walking or volunteering or making a donation, go to the WalkMS.org website or the event Facebook page: Walk MS – Midland. There are 1 mile and 3 mile walk routes plus food, live music, a silent auction, and fun. Proceeds enable the MS Society to empower people affected by MS to live their best lives as we work for a cure.

John Louis Good plays rockabilly from 5-7 pm. Bryan Rombalski and Three Worlds play
world fusion jazz from 8-10pm. Mi Element Grains and Grounds, 3124 Jefferson Ave, 989-486-
9392.

Midland County Emergency Food Pantry Network will distribute free food beginning at 10 a.m. at the Islamic Center of Midland, 1801 N. Stark Road. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and can be completed by texting EFPN to 866-474-3663. No identification or proof of income is required. Participants are asked to stay in vehicles. There will be enough food for 250 households.

April 29-30
2nd annual Home & Outdoor Living Expo, presented by Home Builders Association of Midland, is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Dow Diamond in Midland. More than 80 booths filled with industry experts. Concessions. Family Fun Day is set for noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are adults $5, seniors $4 and free for veterans & kids under 18. Parking is free.

The Rock’s 2023 Night at the Museum Lock In, for teens age 6th through 12th grades, is scheduled for 10 p.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday at Greater Midland Community Center, 2205 Jefferson Ave. The event includes a midnight meal of hot dogs, chips and a drink, swimming, bounce house, obstacle course and more. Cost is $20.

Sunday, April 30
D Jam Featuring Roland Wallace plays jazz and blues from 5-7pm. Mi Element Grains and Grounds, 3124 Jefferson Ave, 989-486-9392.

Saginaw Silver Screen: Forrest Gump 2 will be shown at Temple Theater, 201 N. Washington, Saginaw. Tickets are $10. Doors open at 2 p.m.

Join fellow readers at Chippewa Nature Center for a book club chat and naturalist led hike. March’s book is What a Robin Knows: How Birds Reveal the Secrets of the Natural World by Jon Young. Meets from 1-3:p.m. at the Visitor Center. This program is designed for ages 15+, under 18 w/adult.

Tuesday, May 2
American rapper, singer, songwriter Lecrae is set for 7 p.m. The Dow Event Center, 303 Johnston St., Saginaw. Tickets, doweventcenter.com

Thursday, May 4
Casting Crowns is set for 7 p.m. The Dow Event Center, 303 Johnston St., Saginaw. Tickets, doweventcenter.com

First Nations Mi’kmaq performer Morgan Toney, a 22-year-old fiddler and singer from Wagmatcook, Nova Scotia , who was an instant sensation at the Celtic Colours Festival 2020. He will perform at 7:30 in the Auditorium of the Midland Center for the Arts. Tickets.

Cold Cuts will play from 5:30-8 p.m. at The Pendulum Lounge at the Midland Center for the Arts. The lounge is noted for craft cocktails, small plates and hearty offerings. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

Preserving MI Harvest. MSU Extension will offer a series of free food preservation classes online at 1 and 6 p.m. The topic on May 4 will be Mushrooms: Foraging and Preserving. To register visit: https://events.anr.msu.edu/PreservingMIHarvest23/

Friday, May 5
Chicago at 8 p.m., Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant. Tickets, soaringeaglecasino.com

Band Roulette returns to State Theater in Bay City with a spinoff: performing a classic album in its entirety start to finish. The crew will tackle Van Halen’s debut album featuring the classics Runnin’ With The Devil, Eruption, You Really Got Me, Jamie’s Cryin’, and many more. Proceeds to benefit music education in the Great Lakes Bay region. Showtime is 7 p.m. Tickets.

May 5-6
The Men of Music are back at it again for their annual spring show scheduled for 7 p.m. May 5 and 2 and 7 p.m. May 6 at the Midland Center for the Arts. As always, the guys combine jokes and fun bits with their sensational sound. Tickets.

Saturday, May 6
Bobby Pulido with Gary Hobbs at 8 p.m., Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant. Tickets, soaringeaglecasino.com

Self-Guided Saturdays is set for 11 to 1 p.m. at Dow Gardens. Step into the world of Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow on a tour The Pines, a National Historic Landmark. The home is filled with treasures, collected by the Dow family, and trained docents will share the stories that make these artifacts come to life. You’ll visit the music room with its casket-style music box. View Herbert’s favorite chair next to a traditional inglenook fireplace. You’ll see books read by the Dow children and clothing worn by Grace A. Dow, herself. Limited space, reservations recommended. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes prior to the tour. Adults $5 plus admission. Children $3 plus admission. Children younger than 5 free.

Laporte Cemetery Tour, hosted by Midland County Historical Center, is set for 1 to 2:40 p.m. at the cemetery, just south of Midland at Smiths Crossing Road. Tours start every 20 minutes. Listen to stories from Civil War veterans (portrayed by local actor.) Tickets are free for Museum members and $8 for the public. 

Midland Area Farmers Market meets from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday and Wednesday, beginning May 6 through October, in the East Lot of Dow Diamond.

Family Fun Fair, hosted by the Bay Arts & Culture Commission, is set for 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Delta College Planetarium. Learn what summer events representing art, music, theatre, reading, science, wellness, history and more will be offered. Tables will fill the Planetarium’s Grand Atrium lobby with activities for all ages. Registration information and take-home literature for each organization will be available. Admission is free. The Delta College Planetarium is located at 100 Center Avenue in downtown Bay City. 

Mother’s Day Craft Show is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Freeland Marketplace, 10952 W. Freeland Road. Admission is free.
Monday, May 8

The Wild Ones Mid-Mitten Chapter will learn about the Midland Conservation District at at meeting set for 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Tomlinson Barn Education Center,  at 814 E. Olson Road in Midland. For more information call 989-600-9201. The public is welcome. Admission is free.
 
Wednesday, May 10
Lunch & Learn: Pain-free Garden Work is set for noon in the 50+Center at Greater Midland Community Center. The program is free. Reservations are requested one week in advance by calling 989-832-7937.

David Paul Britton will play pop hits, classics, Motown and more from 5:30-8 p.m. at The Pendulum Lounge at the Midland Center for the Arts. The lounge is noted for craft cocktails, small plates and hearty offerings. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 11
Comedy Night with Mark Chalifoux is set for 8 p.m. at the Midland Center for the Arts.

Saturday, May 13
Elvis Tribute Artist Jake Slater with special guest Nicole King singing Jewel hits in concert at 7 p.m. at State Theater, 913 Washington Ave. in Bay City. 

Youth Eagles Flights are scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon, weather permitting, at Jack Barstow Municipal Airport in Midland. YE is a program that provides free airplane flights for youth aged 8-17. These flights typically last about 10-20 minutes in length. Registration is required. Hosted by Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1093. Register at youngeaglesday.org

Brunch History Series will present Midland’s Newsroom: Legacy of the Press in Midland County and will feature Midland Daily News Managing Editor Dan Chalk in an 11 a.m. program at the Midland Center for the Arts. From the 1858 founding of the Midland Sentinel by Nathan T. Core to the modern day Daily News, the newsroom has been covering community events for 165 years. Doors open at 10 a.m. A plated brunch (tickets sold separately, order by May 9) begins at 10:30 a.m. The lecture only is free for Museum members and $7 for the public.

Taking Fate in Our Hands, presented by the Midland Symphony Orchestra, will feature Michigan native and popular soloist George Goad. The orchestra will play a piece by Carlos Simon, Fate Now Conquers inspired by Beethoven’s journal entry of that phrase from the Iliad. The concert will conclude with the monumental and heroic Fifth Symphony of Beethoven. The concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the Midland Center for the Arts. Tickets.

Bay City Record Convention is set from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Amvet Post 22, 520 N. Pine Road, Essexville, across from Meijer. General admission is $1. Early bird admission is $10.

Higher Standards Automotive 3rd annual Car Show is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2626 N. Eastman Road in Midland. Events, food truck, music and trophies.
  
Friday, May 19
Country’s Tyler Braden is set for 7 p.m. The Dow Event Center, 303 Johnston St., Saginaw. Tickets, doweventcenter.com

Saturday, May 20
Ken Jeong at 8 p.m., Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant. Tickets, soaringeaglecasino.com

Foster Fest 2023, a free festival featuring the live music of Austin French and local talent, is scheduled for 1 to 6 p.m. in Auburn Park in Auburn. Admission is free but donations accepted to help raise awareness for the fostering community. Presented by Foster Families Navigation and Resource Center.

Fred Avery Wild Game Dinner  is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Sanford American Legion Post 443. Tickets are $50.

May 20-21
Dean/Black School of Performing Arts has scheduled its student spring recital for 2 p.m. in the auditorium of the Midland Center for the Arts.

Sunday, May 21
Breathe Hope, a benefit concert for twin brothers Mike & Scott McMath, is set for 2 p.m. at Wenonah Park in Bay City. Tri-City music lovers may recognize them as Empty Canvas, the popular musical duo who also create a painting during their live performances. Both Mike and Scott have been diagnosed with a terminal lung disease. The benefit concert will feature appearances by Jedi Mind Trip, The Rockshow, Stone Street Revival, Empty Canvas, The Robertson Brothers, The Sinclairs, and an encore performance of The Paul McCartney Show featured in Wenonah Park’s 2022 concert series. Admission is free, with a donation appreciated. 

Monday, May 22
A Senior Pancake Breakfast is set for 11 a.m. at Greater Midland Community Center. Cost is $3 for members, $5 for non-members; pay in cash only on the day of the event. Register a spot at least a week in advance. Breakfast will be canceled if Midland Public Schools closes due to weather. For more information, contact Amanda Ewald at aewald@greatermidland.org or 989-832-7937 ext. 2270.

Tuesday, May 23
Axiom Church, 1264 E. Isabella Road, Midland, will host a basic hygiene products give-away from 5 to 7 p.m. at the church. It is part of Axiom Community Wellness Project

Friday, May 26
Godsmack at 8 p.m., Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant. Tickets, soaringeaglecasino.com

Saturday, May 27
Jelly Roll and Willie Nelson & Family at 8 p.m., Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant. Tickets, soaringeaglecasino.com

Sunday, May 28
Saginaw Silver Screen: Jaws will be shown at Temple Theater, 201 N. Washington, Saginaw. Tickets are $10. Doors open at 2 p.m.

June 1-4
The Sparrow, a play about a small town girl who returns home 10 years later after a tragic accident claimed the lives of her entire class, is scheduled for the Little Theatre at Midland Center for the Arts. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and at 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets