KALAMAZOO - ARTS/MUSIC
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts
The KIA, located in downtown Kalamazoo, is a non-profit art museum and school for the appreciation and creation of visual arts. Believing that the arts are for everyone, the KIA offers art classes, exhibits, lectures and events. Art classes are available for all ages while programs and events are offered free to the public.
Kalamazoo Junior Symphony
Established in 1939, the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony is comprised of students ages 10-18 representing 42 schools and 23 communities in the area. The KJS offers several concerts every year and is an outstanding way for young musicians to grow in their craft. The orchestra has traveled internationally to places such as Canada, Australia, Brazil and China to perform.
Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra
The mission of the KSO is, “to serve our community through outstanding musical listening and learning experiences.” Founded in 1921 by Mrs. Leta G. Snow, the KSO is the embodiment of great musicians under the guidance of well-known music director and conductor Raymond Harvey.
Kalamazoo Children’s Chorus
The KCC gives children the opportunity to grow and enrich their lives by learning the art of singing and being able to perform in a creative and accepting environment. In 1980, the KCC began as the only educational choral program in the Greater Kalamazoo area. Today the program is made up of five choirs and gives area children choral experiences they would not have been able to get elsewhere.
Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo
The ACGK is a non-profit resource for artists in the Greater Kalamazoo community. Due to their strong connection with the community, the ACGK is able to provide information and networking for artists, provide exhibit space for visual artists, promote collaborations, produce concerts, and much more.
Art Hop
Art Hop is a free event held on the first Friday of every month. Experience a lively event while strolling through downtown Kalamazoo. Visitors are able to view and purchase many different types of art produced by members of the community. The monthly event is meant for all levels of art appreciation, so come explore the next Art Hop downtown.
The Civic Theatre
Founded in 1929, The Civic has been Kalamazoo’s community theatre for nearly 90 years. With both adult and youth volunteers and staff, The Civic puts on productions for over 30,000 patrons every year. The Civic Theatre is open to the community for participation in a wide classes, volunteer, work backstage, and perform in their latest productions. The theatre produces shows of a large variety such as, “To Kill a Mockingbird” all the way to “Beauty and the Beast.”
Miller Auditorium
Built in 1968, Miller Auditorium is located on the campus of Western Michigan University, and is ranked among the top 10 facilities in the country along with being the 4th largest theatre in Michigan. Miller Auditorium is considered a cultural destination not only in Kalamazoo but in all of Southwest Michigan with high-quality productions. The Miller Auditorium is your local destination to see broadway plays such as Rent, Cinderella, Annie, and more.
The Kalamazoo State Theatre
Built in 1927, the Kalamazoo State Theatre maintains its traditional ornate architecture and decor. As a member of the League of Historic American Theatres, the State Theatre continues to host regional attractions and world-class performers and remains a staple of Downtown Kalamazoo.
The Barn Theatre
The Barn Theatre is Michigan’s oldest professional Equity summer stock theatre company and is located in Augusta in a renovated dairy barn. Many famous actors and actresses have gotten their start at the Barn Theatre, such as 13 going on 30 star Jennifer Gardner and Gilmore Girls actress Lauren Graham.
Farmers Alley Theatre
Farmers Alley Theatre is a professional nonprofit performance company that focuses on providing the best training and producing signature series and shows. Their goal as a performance company is to uphold the artistic integrity of the presented works while creating an entertaining production for the audience.
New Vic Theatre
This cabaret style theatre has been home to more than 325 productions since its opening in 1966. Productions take place almost primarily on the weekends with exception to the holidays, which are a huge hit with the residents of Southwest Michigan. Their original production of “A Christmas Carol” along with the annual Christmas Concerts are among the holiday favorites of the theater going community.
Park Trades Center
At over 100 years old, the building that makes up the Park Trades Center has served in a variety of capacities in its lifetime. For the past 30 years, it has served as the home to over 150 artist studios and creates some of the most innovative artwork in the area. The best time to visit these studios is during the first Friday of every month as Art Hop takes place.
Chenery Auditorium
This renovated landmark offers a variety of programs including music, lectures, festivals & theatrical performances. Each fall, the Chenery hosts its Fall Fest Gospel Series with featured groups of gospel singers eager to entertain.
Donald E. Overlander Bandshell
Behind the Portage fire and police headquarters sits the geometrically shaped bandshell. Artists use this bandshell to perform in front of crowds who are usually spread out on blankets or picnicking in the grass.
Hayloft Theatre
The Hayloft Theatre is located in Celery Flats. Throughout its life, it has been turned from a barn to a theatre, back to a barn, and then back to a theatre. After it was restored back to its original theatre glory, musicals, comedies, and other productions were performed here.
The Gilmore
The Gilmore is a way that the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation could honor the memory of the late businessman and philanthropist. The team created an international keyboard festival to encourage keyboard players and bring their music to the world. To celebrate, unique awards were created and are some of the most sought-after awards all over the world for keyboardists.
Irving S. Gilmore Theatre Complex
The theatre complex is comprised of three different theatres and multiple studios/classrooms and is located on Western Michigan University's campus. WMU calls the Gilmore Theatre Complex a, “versatile space, featuring a beautiful atrium lobby at the center that is used regularly by the department for events and cabaret performances.”
KALAMAZOO - ENTERTAINMENT
Celebration! Cinema - Crossroads
Celebration! Cinema is equipped with the latest theater upgrades, featuring an I-max section, restaurant quality food and drinks, and the ability to experience a movie while sitting in D-Box seats. D-Box gives movies a whole new feeling because as you are watching the movie you are physically moving in your seat to give your body a sense that it is experiencing what is actually happening.
Kalamazoo 10
Kalamazoo 10 is a Goodrich Quality Theater that is equipped with multidimensional sound along with digital and 3D projection. K10 is located on Maple Hill drive next to Target. Stop by to see the newest film while eating some buttery popcorn.
Kalamazoo County Expo Center
From dog shows to flea markets and educational fairs the Kalamazoo Expo Center hosts a multitude of events and exhibitions. Due to it being an expo center/fairground, there are 220 campsites available for those wishing to stay the night to experience the event or show.
KALAMAZOO - ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT