Dogwood

“Unforgettable”.  This song not only immortalized Nat King Cole in the American Songbook, but it spoke to an entire generation of music lovers – at a time when, as the lead singer of The Drifters put it, “You could understand every word we were singing.” 
Today, song stylist Jymi Dill follows in that tradition by perfectly recreating the music of Nat King Cole.  During his tribute act, you can expect to be transported back to the Swing Era with tunes like “Mona Lisa”, “Route 66”, “Straighten Up and Fly Right”, “Nature Boy” and “L-O-V-E”.
Backed by a phenomenal trio of musicians, Jymi Dill will keep your feet swinging down Memory Lane – both his voice and his looks are a spot-on match for the original artist.  The tribute act has been performed all across the country to rave reviews and features two sets of Cole’s greatest hits.
Vocalist  Jymi Dill is a lifelong lover of music.  He’s been impressing  audiences with his voice, performance skills and vast knowledge of musical history for more than 20 years.  Jymi’s style has been influenced by Edwin Starr and Nancy Wilson.
Jymi will be accompanied by The Chris Copeland Trio.  The group is made up of three veteran jazz musicians from Michigan, keyboardist Steve Stargardt, bassist Jack Dryden, and drummer Chris Copeland.  Last year the group performed  a “Wow!” performance with jazz singer Vanessa Trouble at the Dogwood Center.
Take a step back in time and join Jymi Dill and the Chris Copeland Trio for “A Tribute to the Music of Nat King Cole” at the Dogwood Center!
Tickets: $15 adults, $5 children 18 and under.  Main Stage.  7:30 p.m. 
Tickets available at the Dogwood Box Office, NCCA-Artsplace in downtown Fremont, or online now by clicking here!  The Dogwood Center Box Office is open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and one hour prior to an event.  For information, phone 231.924.8885.

Chris Smither is a singer, songwriter and guitarist who has released 13 albums since the early ‘70s. His music draws deeply from the blues, American folk music, modern poets and humanist philosophers. Reviewers praise his dazzling guitar work, gravelly voice and sophisticated songwriting.

He may be best known for writing “Love You Like A Man” which Bonnie Raitt and Diana Krall have covered. Always a solo performer, Chris tours year round, performing nationally and internationally at clubs, theaters and festivals. Chris recently published a short story entitled, “Leroy Purcell,” to AMPLIFIED, a collection of stories by performing songwriters.    His newest CD, TIME STANDS STILL, is now in stores on Mighty Albert/Signature Sounds Records.

Tickets $15.  Main Stage.  7:30 p.m.  Click here to buy tickets now!
The Dogwood Center Box Office is open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and one hour prior to an event.  For information, phone 231.924.8885.

An Dro performs Celtic-based, Globally-infused, World-beat music.  Armed with an array of acoustic instruments, they explore musical traditions of the world and perform original music in styles both ancient and modern.
The group performs traditional acoustic music with a creative twist.  An Dro’s sound is built on a foundation of Celtic tunes, but while that may be the starting point, it’s not where the journey ends.  At an An Dro performance, you’ll hear traditional Irish melodies, medieval French songs, Breton ballads, Scandinavian refrains, Appalachian influences, Latin rhythms, and African drums, all injected with an improvisational flair that at times resembles jazz.
An Dro is made up of members Michele Venegas (formerly of the Celtic Band Fonn Mor), James Spalink (formerly of the Celtic Band Puck Faire), Fred Willson (formerly with the Celtic Band Amadaun) and Carolyn Koebel (currently with the art ensemble Blue Dalia).  They bring together a diversity of influences and considerable skill and perform on a wild array of acoustic instruments that include fiddle, guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, Celtic harp, hurdy-gurdy, and percussion instruments from around the world.
The band released their first recording project, The Turn, in May 2009.  The CD includes dynamic arrangements of dance music from several traditions along with Celtic songs and an original instumental work by James Spalink.  With solid performances and excellent production values the band is proud of their first collaboration.
Tickets $12.50.  Black Box. 7:30 p.m.  Tickets available at the Dogwood Box Office, at NCCA-Artsplace in downtown Fremont, or click here to buy now!
The Dogwood Center Box Office is open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and one hour prior to an event.  For information, phone 231.924.8885.

Join the Otsego Jazz Ensemble (OJE) for a special Valentine’s weekend concert and dance!  OJE is a full-size dance band that plays a wide variety of 30’s and 40’s music, including swing, foxtrots, ballads, rumbas, cha-chas, tangos, waltzes and jazz.  The band is comprised of 18 accomplished musicians and features vocals on a variety of songs.
Dance floor available.  Come on out and have a fun Valentine with your sweetheart!
Tickets:  $12.50.  7:30 p.m.  Black Box.
Click here to buy tickets now!
The Dogwood Center Box Office is open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and one hour prior to an event.  For information, phone 231.924.8885.

Tree of Life Drum and Dance will perform at the Dogwood Center on Saturday, January 22 at 7:30 p.m.!  The group is a percussion and dance troupe, showcasing traditional West African drumming and dancing and original compositions.  The audience will see intricately layered, high-powered drum figures, energetic dance choreographies, including djembes, dununs, balafons, krin, as well as shakers and vocals.
The drummers of Tree of Life contribute specific traditional, as well as original rhythms inspired from West Africa, Brazil, America and elsewhere, in a “serve the dancers” spirit.  The dancers of Tree of Life bring a wide range of dance expereince to the ensemble; from extensive African dance study – in America and in Africa, to hip-hop, modern, jazz, and competitive dance teams.  Tree of Life dancers are the physical expression of the music as much as the music is an audible expression of their dance.  From the attitude and style of each individual dancer, to the ever changing shape of the choreographies and formations, this is sure to be a powerful, sharp and captivating performance.
Tickets: $15 adults, $5 children 18 and under.  Main Stage.  7:30 p.m.  Tickets available at the Dogwood Box Office, NCCA-Artsplace in downtown Fremont, or click here to buy tickets!
The Dogwood Center Box Office is open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and one hour prior to an event.  For information, phone 231.924.8885.

Tamarac is celebrating their third anniversary with Zonya Foco!  Purchase your ticket and come hear author, energizer, and creator of DIET FREE on December 16!
Tickets:  Tamarac Citizen – $8, Community Members – $10.  Main Stage.  7:00 p.m.
The Dogwood Center Box Office is open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and one hour prior to an event.  For information, phone 231.924.8885.

The Verve Pipe is performing at the Dogwood Center on April 16!  Popular American rock band The Verve Pipe will perform two concerts at the Dogwood Center, one show targeted for a younger family audience at 3:00 p.m. and one intended for adults at 7:30 p.m.
Well-known for their hits “The Freshman”, “Hero”, “Happiness Is” and “Never Let You Down”, the Verve Pipe is credited with sales of three million albums worldwide and a reputation for spectacular live performances.
Verve Pipe has had success on radio, TV and film, have sold-out concert dates throughout the US, Canada, Europe and Australia, have had features in Spin and Rolling Stone and videos on MTV and VH1.  The band has made numerous television appearances, including “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “Late Night with David Letterman”.
After being approached to submit a song for a compilation album called “Calling All Kids,” the band found that the creative sessions yielded far more than just the one track. This led to an idea of a complete album of family friendly songs, and the CD was born. Also note, the groundwork of these same sessions has also set in motion a new rock CD to follow the family album as well. Stay tuned for lots of new material from The Verve Pipe!  Check out http://www.thevervepipe.com/family/ to listen to this kid and family friendly set of great songs!  It is definitely the Verve Pipe….just sillier!
Afternoon Family Concert Tickets: $10 adults, $5 children 18 and under.  3:00 p.m.  Click here to buy tickets to the afternoon family concert!
Evening Concert Tickets: $17.50.  7:30 p.m. Main Stage.  Tickets on sale now!  Click here to buy tickets to the evening Verve Pipe concert!
The Dogwood Center Box Office is open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and one hour prior to an event.  For information, phone 231.924.8885.

Fremont High School Theater will perform “Ladies in Retirement” on February 17, 18, and 19 at 7:30 p.m. each evening.
“Ladies in Retirement”, by Edward Percy and Reginald Denham, has been called the perfect example fo the psychological melodram and is a tale of suspense.
In an isolated rural home lives retired chorus girl Leonora Fisk and her companion Ellen Creed.  All is well until Ellen’s simple sisters come for a visit that drives Miss Fisk to the brink of despair.  When Leonora demand of  Ellen that the sisters return to Londaon, Ellen is faced with the wrenching choice between her comfortable life and her promise to always care for her dependent sisters.  Complicating matters is the sudden appearance of Ellen’s light-fingered nephew Albert. 
Tickets on sale at the Dogwood Box Office now!  Advanced tickets:  Adults – $10, Students – $5.  Evening of performance:  Adults – $12, Students – $5.  Main Stage.  7:30 p.m.  Click here to buy your tickets on-line!  Tickets available at the Dogwood Box Office, NCCA-Artsplace dowtown Fremont, or on-line!
  The Dogwood Center Box Office is open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and one hour prior to an event.  For information, phone 231.924.8885.

The popular annual NCCA West Michigan Luthier Concert returns to the Dogwood Center on Saturday, February 5 at 7:30 p.m. 
This performance is sold out.
The Newaygo County Council for the Arts is bringing you another unforgettable exhibit and performance!  Starting Friday, January 14 there will be photographs of handmade instruments that are made by local luthiers, craftsmen who make and repair stringed instruments.  The photographs, taken by Faune Benson Schuitema,  include ukuleles, cello, bouzouki, violins, and electric bass, electric guitars and acoustic guitars and are on display in the Dogwood Center Lobby Gallery through February 28.
The concert on Saturday, February 5 will showcase the talents and workmanship of so many fine luthiers with a live performance by some of the best musicians in West Michigan.  NCCA is proud to welcome Steve Albert, the host of Michigan Saturday Night on Blue Lake Public Radio, as the MC for the concert.  This is sure to be an exciting musical event that everyone will enjoy!
Black Box.  7:30 p.m.  Sold out.
The Dogwood Center Box Office is open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and one hour prior to an event.  For information, phone 231.924.8885.

The Grand Rapids Symphony returns to the Dogwood Center on Wednesday, April 20 for a sure to be incredible performance!  Join us and you will experience a world-class orchestra performing for you live at the Dogwood!
Recognized as one of America’s leading regional orchestras, the Grand Rapids Symphony celebrates its 81st anniversary this year, a tribute to an enduring partnership with the West Michigan community that has embraced it since the orchestra’s founding in 1930.
Program sponsors for the performance are Fremont Area Community Foundation and Nestle Nutrition/Gerber Products.
The Grand Rapids Symphony, with John Varineau, conductor, will present:
Verdi               Overture to La Forza del Destino
Ale Miller     Remix in D
Brahms          Variations of a Theme of Haydn, Op. 56a
Dvorak            Selections from Legends, Op. 59
Tchaikovsky    Romeo and Juliet overture – fantasy
The program also includes Newaygo County youth artwork as the background for one of the musical selections.  The performance in 2010 was sold out, so be sure to get your tickets now!  Check out more information on the Grand Rapids Symphony at www.grsymphony.org.
7:30 p.m.  Main Stage. This performance is sold out.
The Dogwood Center Box Office is open Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and one hour prior to an event.  For information, phone 231.924.8885.