Haitian Night

Who wouldn’t want a taste of the tropics during Michigan’s dark and gloomy winter days? Embrace and indulge in GVSU’s cultural diversity by stopping by the Niemeyer Multi-Purpose Room on Sunday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. for an authentic Haitian dinner catered along with Haitian music. Not only does the event serve as a LIB 100 event, but more importantly serves as a fundraiser for “Students for Haiti.” Tickets can be purchased at the 20/20 desk or at the door. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for guests. For more information, visit http://www.gvsu.edu/events/haitian-night/ or contact Allison Garland at
[email protected].

I Love Lucy Live

Catch the last live show of everybody’s favorite ‘50s classic “I Love Lucy” tonight at the DeVos Performance Hall at 7:30 p.m. The heart of the show will feature two “I Love Lucy” episodes, both featuring typical Lucy shenanigans. The show’s favorite foursome- Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel will be presented on stage and in color for the very first time. Above all, this one-of-a-kind theatrical experience aims to showcase the beloved television program in a live, colorful and humor-filled way to blow away diehard fans. Audience members of all ages will find this stage production entertaining, bringing to light the glory days of the 1950s. To purchase tickets starting from $25, visit http://www.broadwaygrandrapids.com/shows/1415/i-love-lucy/

The Jammie Awards

The annual WYCE Jammie Awards will celebrate its 16
^th year on Friday, showcasing what West Michigan’s music scene is truly all about. The event will be presented by Bell’s Brewery, and will feature performances from more than 20 acts on two stages. Among the bands will be The Verve Pipe, Billy Strings & Don Julin, Mustard Plug and more. Musical performances and awards will take place throughout the five-and-a-half-hour night, and those who attend in their pajamas or donate $10 to WYCE will receive a free album from WYCE’s collection. As if those five hours weren’t nearly enough, there will be an after party starting at 11:30 p.m. hosted by Seth Bernard. The show begins at 5:30 p.m. at The Intersection. For an entire list of performers, visit http://www.grcmc.org/wyce/node/6262/jammies-xvi

Opera Grand Rapids Presents: Noah’s Flood

Come enjoy this charming celebratory blend of youth, community and opera by attending Noah’s Flood. Benjamin Britten’s music drama presents the biblical story of Noah who builds an Ark to save himself and others from the great flood sent by God. Opera Grand Rapids and soloists of the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra will be joined alongside local youth arts organizations. The cast of professional soloists and vocal students from numerous area schools will help bring the story to life. Audience members will be invited to participate and sing along. The Fountain Street Church will host the show. For a list of show times and dates, visit http://www.operagr.org/tickets/noahs-flood/

Dr. Grins: Michael Kosta

Get a good laugh in this weekend by watching internationally-recognized comedian Michael Kosta who will be gracing the stage of Dr. Grins inside The B.O.B. Kosta earned his reputation through regular appearances on such shows as
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Chelsea Lately, and Conan and also starred in his own half hour special, Comedy Central Presents: Michael Kosta. Evolving since, Kosta has most recently co-hosted alongside Regis Philbin on Fox Sport 1’s, Crowd Goes Wild. As an accomplished stand-up comedian, actor, host and former professional tennis player, Kosta’s comedy is not only relatable, but also intriguing. For a full list of show times and ticket prices, visit http://www.thebob.com/drgrinscomedy/stand-up-comedy.php

Exhibit: Eye Contact- African American Portraits

The Grand Rapids Public Library will be hosting an art exhibit that showcases the work of Joshua Johnson, the first person of color to make a living as a painter in the United States. The exhibit will be showcased until Feb. 28, and will feature a small collection of artwork from West Michigan artists of color. The artists have used Johnson’s portraits as a method of conveying their history. According to the GRPL, “the subjects of these artists represent a cross section of society, of occupations and of time periods.” For more information, visit http://www.grpl.org/event/exhibit-eye-contact-african-american-portraits/

Valent-ICE

The temperatures won’t be the only chill factor at Rosa Parks Circle this weekend. The Valent-ICE winter festival will be transforming Grand Rapids into an icy wonderland this weekend, bringing together artists throughout the community who will put their ice-carving skills to the test. Clearly using Michigan’s notorious ice, snow and frigid temperatures to their advantage, the festival will showcase a variety of ice sculptures, including a 3,000 lb. block of ice that will sculpted to voters’ desires. On Friday, visitors can catch a first glimpse of the ice sculptures throughout the streets of Downtown. At night, be sure to bring your neon jackets and hair scrunchies, as the Rose Parks Circle will transform into an 80’s wonderland. There will be free hot chocolate and a costume contest with prizes. Lastly, Valentine’s Day will host the big ice sculpture reveal where a photographer will be available to grab a shot of you and your valentine in front of the 3,000 lb. carving.

Badfish — A Tribute to Sublime

As winter soon comes to an end, we can’t help but be anxious for those warm, sunny summer days. Bringing the sounds of the tropics with them to Michigan, the band Badfish – A Tribute to Sublime will be gracing the stage at the Intersection on Sunday. The four-piece band categorizes themselves into three musical genres: rock, reggae and ska. These sounds combined will certainly make you think twice whether or not you’re still in Michigan. The band aims to replicate the style of Sublime, drawing together the group’s essence, energetic and eclectic musicality. Badfish will be sharing the stage with special guests Devin and The Dead Frets, Desmond Jones and Three Cents Short. The show is open for all ages and doors will be open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.