The 2024 Season

FEBRUARY 23, 2024 4-5:30PM

FEBRUARY 24, 2024 10:30-12:00

Haiku

This poem form began in 17th century Japan. Haiku focuses on the transience and impermanence of existence. The three-line structure has 17 syllables-meant to be read aloud in one breath.

We will focus on the three-line 5/7/5 format as we have fun with words. I will encourage class-members to think about their favorite places or things. I hope participants will begin to capture natural beauty with their choices of words. We will begin with word games and cooperative writing. Reading and sharing will be part of class. Perhaps we’ll print a short pamphlet of Haiku. Then they’ll be published authors.

Presenter- Ramona DeGeorgio Venegas

Ramona DeGeorgio-Venegas enjoys words, learning, travel, hikes, rocks and storytelling. She loves to find new ideas, ways to appreciate nature, unique experiences sharing that joy. Her children teased her about always talking to strangers, “Mom, you don’t even know them,” they would admonish her in a grocery line. Now grown, it’s a source of pride with them.

There is a $5 donation for this class and no registration required.

The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts presents the first art exhibition in 2024: “Aesthetic Elements Woven Together”!

The artists are: CHARLES LARUE, CAROL MARSHALL & JULIE WESTMAAS. The exhibition runs from Fri, March 1through Sat, April 6th.

The artist’s reception is Fri March 1, from 5 to 7 pm in the Hardy Hall Gallery.

The gallery hours are Wed thru Sun, 12 to 3 pm.

March 2, 2024
10am-Noon

Basketry Essentials

$95 per student

Ages: Middle School and up.

Class limited to 10 students

Each class member will be guided in the creation of a unique, round art basket.  Students will learn base construction, spoke layout, twining, plain weave, triple weave, shaping and color patterns, rim finishing.

Students are asked to bring a plastic dish pan.
Instructor: Mark Videan has been a basket maker since the early 80’s.  Mark is a member of the Association of Michigan Basket Makers. His work has won many awards and been exhibited internationally.

MARCH 16, 2024
11:00am
FREE

ART AND ARCHITECTURE-EDEN UNLUATA

Our conversation will be centered around where and when do art and architectural practices flourish and what we might be able to say about our local region if we were to look back in history.

Instructor:

Eden Ünlüata – Foley is an interdisciplinary artist, educator, and designer based in Chicago. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design from Middle East Technical University (Turkey,) a MFA degree in Graphic Design from Bilkent University (Turkey,) and a MA degree from Department of Interdisciplinary Arts from Columbia College Chicago.

He is currently Full-time Faculty at West Shore Community College (WSCC) in Ludington, MI. Prior to WSCC he was an adjunct faculty member at Columbia College Chicago, Interactive Arts and Media Department.

Irish night is back!  starting the night off is local band “Black House Monks”  followed by Kennedy’s Kitchen.  Kennedy’s Kitchen, led by John Kennedy, plays a mix of all things Irish, based in the heart of South Bend, Indiana.

Performing songwriter Kit Holmes’ extraordinary musical gifts and transformational messages included in her award-winning songs have been opening hearts and minds around the country for more than 30 years. This lifelong musician and writer is a consummate storyteller and dynamic, engaging performer. She proudly stakes her claim as “a woman of a certain age” who’s been through some “stuff” and has lived to tell about it with a lot of humor, grace and authenticity.

Just in time for Women’s History Month, the Historic Ramsdell Theatre will host this amazing entertainer as she presents an evening of her masterfully-crafted original songs and the stories behind them. Kit covers a lot of ground with her genre-blending mix of pop, jazz, blues, Americana, folk and rock, all.
This may be billed as a Kit Holmes “solo” show (meaning, she doesn’t have a backing band), but don’t be fooled. Kit’s captivating voice and amazing chops on the baby grand will have you laughing, crying and dancing in the aisles – sometimes during the same song!
Kit is a resident of Manistee and a native Michigander and is thrilled to be a part of the 2024 artist lineup at the historic Ramsdell Theatre. If you’ve caught any of her performances at Manistee’s Old Kirke, local galleries or even online, you know you’re in for a treat!

A self-professed “Funkateer”, and WYCE Jammie Award winning singer, Serita Crowley of Serita’s Black Rose from Grand Rapids, Michigan brings a raucous mix of FUNK, ROCK, BLUES, NEO-SOUL, and AMERICAN. Serita, along with her partner Jon Hayes are at its core, performing together for nearly two decades. As an acoustic duo, they play much of the timeless “feel good music” from the 60s and 70’s along with their own original music. Their self-titled EP release in 2012 has won several awards including WYCE’s Jammie Award for “Best Short Form Album”. The Acoustic Duo has also been the supporting act for the legendary Smokey Robinson of Motown, and Kansas. Serita’s fiery, blues- and soul-infused vocals come straight from the heart, and it will surly reach yours!

April 6, 2024
11:00am
$75.00 

Relief Printmaking Workshop with Mark Videan

Each students will learn how to design a print, transfer their drawing to a printing block, carve, ink and print their design.  Students are encouraged to bring a metal or wooden spoon to class.

Instructor: Mark Videan is a retired custom-design jeweler and goldsmith.  He studied art at MSU.  He works in basketry, relief printing, wood carving, books and photography.  He and his wife publish and edit the Freshwater Reporter Newspaper.

Judy Harrison along with professional, high-energy performers from ReBooted, will
bring you on a beautiful and emotional walk through the rise and success of one of
America’s iconic music legends-Patsy Cline.  This dynamic show will sweep you away,
as they honor the legend and her incredible repertoire.  The stories of her life are
weaved seamlessly with her songs and highlighted with choreography, impeccable
harmonies and the classic voice and character of Judy Harrison as Patsy.  No matter
your age, whether you are new to the music of Patsy Cline, or a lifetime fan, this show
will entertain and capture your heart.

Scriptless in Seattle brings the excitement of live, unscripted performances to your city.
With a style reminiscent of the beloved show “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” they offer a unique blend of hilarious sketches, improvised musicals, game shows, film noir, and so much more. No two shows are ever the same, ensuring an evening filled with surprises, laughter, and memorable moments.

In early-2019 a group of three comedy performers were on deck for a small talent show
fundraiser in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Just a few minutes before taking the stage, the
emcees approached them asking what they wanted to be called. After discussing briefly
and tossing around a few joke suggestions, the three settled on a movie pun, tipping
their hat to Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. Not five minutes later, the emcees introduced for the first time anywhere, Scriptless in Seattle.

Today, years later, Scriptless in Seattle brings the excitement of live, unscripted
performances to your Clarksville. With a style reminiscent of the beloved show “Whose Line Is It Anyway,” they offer a unique blend of hilarious sketches, improvised musicals, game shows, film noir, and so much more. Get ready to witness family-friendly comedy magic unfold before your eyes! No two shows are ever the same, ensuring an evening filled with surprises, laughter, and memorable moments.

Greggie and The Jets is an Elton John tribute band, based out of Central Florida,
touring the country. Their live shows recreate the music, the energy, and the feeling of
being at a classic era Elton John concert. We bring you, note for note, all the elements
of the Elton John albums from the singles you love to the deep cut tracks, live and in
person.

The Manistee Community Band and Chamber Choir is a 100-person music ensemble
featuring a concert band and full choir.  Both groups are active in the Manistee area
during the summers.  The Band and Choir is in their 5th year and features several
concerts with members from Manistee, Benzie, Mason counties and beyond during the
season.

Why Guitar Summit? This isn’t just a concert; it’s a celebration of the rich tapestry of
guitar music, embracing diverse genres and pushing the boundaries of what this iconic
instrument can achieve. Whether you’re a seasoned guitar enthusiast or a casual
music lover, Guitar Summit guarantees an unforgettable night of unparalleled talent and sonic exploration. Guitar Summit is a showcase of exceptional guitar talent, bringing together four virtuoso guitarists to create a night of diverse and electrifying musical performances. This event is a celebration of the guitar’s versatility and the artists who push the boundaries of what this iconic instrument can achieve.