Love and Arts Weekend

This Saturday celebrate love and love of the arts in Lowell.  LowellArts and Flat River Gallery and Framing are hosting a Love and Arts event.  Take a look at some art, eat some chocolate, and listen to a jazz concert all in celebration of love.

Grand Valley Artists – In View
The current pieces in the LowellArts gallery will be coming to an end.  Saturday is the last day to take a look at art done by members of Grand Valley Artists.  A closing reception will take place from 3-4:30pm on Saturday.  Stop by and see these pieces before they are gone.  The gallery, located at 223 W. Main, is open 10-5 on Saturday.  

Flat River Gallery and Framing Artist Reception
On Saturday, Flat River Gallery and Framing will invite visitors to view art, listen to music performed by Roger MacNaughton, and sample chocolate while drinking a fancy beverage.  The gallery is open regular hours, 10-5, but the special event will take place between 1-3pm.  

The gallery’s featured artist for February and March is Monica Stegeman and her work will be on display along with regular gallery contributors.  Paintings, pottery, jewelry, scarves, handmade baskets, soaps, and lotions can also be found for purchase in the shop.  Art can be found in a variety of places in numerous mediums.  

Jazz Concert to End the Evening
End your Saturday at LowellArts for a concert.  Edye Hyde, together with her husband Mike, will celebrate love as they perform from 7-9pm.  Edye’s vocals will be accompanied by Mike’s musical talent as they share their jazz talent with the audience.  

The Hydes have been performing together for about 40 years.  Both call Grand Rapids their home since they were children.  Edye has performed around the world and is involved with the Grand Rapids Symphony Lollipops as a narrator during performances geared toward children.  Edye’s love for jazz shows through her knowledge, compassion, and performances.  She has acted, but calls her voice her most powerful instrument.  

When the Hydes were asked by LowellArts to be part of the House Concert series, they were eager to be included.  “Arts should be available for everyone.” says Edye Hyde.  She commends Lowell for its offerings in the community.  She also says Lowell is known for bringing musical acts to the community, which started decades ago with performances on the showboat.  

Hyde believes music is an art form for everyone.  It’s a platform for expression and has no language barriers.  Throw jazz into the mix and she says the genre gives individuals a form of self-expression.  This freedom has made jazz relevant throughout the decades.  With beginnings in blues, jazz comes from sources which change.  It’s also a type of music someone typically picks up with ease to truly understand its background, style, and portrayal in the musical world.  

Edye’s Facebook page will keep fans up to date on performance locations.  Tickets for the concert are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.  To purchase general admission tickets in advance, through Eventbrite.  Doors open 30 minutes prior to the start of the show.  If you can’t make it to Saturday’s concert visit the House Concerts information page to see information regarding upcoming concerts.  

Enjoy a Meal
Flat River Grill will be offering happy hour drink and appetizer discounts before and after the concert and 10% off all non-discounted purchases.  Larkin’s Restaurant will also offer concert goers 10% off their bill before or after the performance.  Show your ticket at either location to receive their offered specials.

Feel the Love
In addition to Love and Arts, Red Barn Market will be hosting a Valentine Make and Take event from 10am-12pm.  Chocolate dipped marshmallow pops ($5 for every 10) and a Valentine’s sundae ($3 per child) can be made.  Pre-registration is requested by calling 616-987-3182 so supplies can be planned for in advance.  

Next Saturday, February 17, take a stroll through downtown Lowell.  During Chocolate Stroll Through Lowell, several businesses will be offering chocolate.  And one person who completes the chocolate circuit will win a gift basket through a drawing.  

Love is in the air!  What will you be doing to celebrate love in your life this February?

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*