Downtown Whitehall

Spring Work Bee

2008-05-19T12:30:00.000-07:00

Picture from Spring Work Bee in Downtown Whitehall on Friday May 2, 2008.

What's up Whitehall - Art Escape on Tap

2008-05-19T12:23:00.000-07:00

Great art is a in integral part of many downtowns. The arts lend themselves to historic downtown with their common language of design and aesthetics, and arts activities and events are great drivers of visitors to downtowns. The downtowns of Whitehall and Montague are blessed in this regard with an active artist community. One of the community's signature activities is coming up on May 9 and 10 with Art Escape, so we took a minute to catch up with the chair of the event, Mary Payne, of Payne’s Interior Design Studio.

DW: Before we get into the specifics of the event tell us a little how you feel the arts contribute to the sense of place in the White Lake area.
MP: Our little secret in this area is that we have an abundance of artistic talent all around us. The entire community embraces and the energy and creativity that is brought from these folks who are involved in not only the artistic creative processes, but music and performing arts as well.

DW: What’s on tap with the Art Escape?
MP: Art Escape is an event brings together the business community and the cultural community. The downtown shops will be brimming with local and area artists for you to see up close and personal. This event will run from 11 am – 5pm both Friday and Saturday.

This “Art Escape” weekend is designed with you in mind. It’s a unique opportunity to getaway and escape to the world of creativity and imagination. Many of the shops will have drawings for special prize pieces of art, pottery and collectibles. Better yet, grab a room at one of the hotels or bed and breakfast and enjoy lunch at a sandwich shop and dinner at one of the areas fine restaurants.

DW: What is special about this year's event?
MP: This is the biggest year ever. We will have over 30 businesses participating and showcasing artists from all over the state. Also some new businesses and restaurants will be introducing themselves to people in the community who might not otherwise venture downtown if it were not for the artists. There will be music, food and special drawings for prizes. The artists also are bringing a lot of excitement to the downtown areas with their talent and creativity.

DW: Well, thanks so much for your contribution to the community with the promotions of the arts. We know it is an important part of our community
MP: It is my pleasure to help the business community in any way possible. I believe that the passion and pulse of the community is based and driven by the creativity of those people, business owners and artists alike, who live in and around the area. It is that creativity that drives all of us to make a better place in our little corner of the world for everyone who frequents it.

On the Web

White Lake Chamber Website event listing

What's Up Downtown Whitehall - Hustle to the Howmet

2008-03-13T08:58:00.000-07:00

Events at the Playhouse have been coming fast and furious, and this week takes the cake. Be sure to head down to the theater and catch one of these great events.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 7:30 PM
The April Verch Band in Concert
A beguiling blend of folk, jazz, old-time, bluegrass and roots music woven together with precision, intensity, and soul, infusing fiddle playing and stepdancing. Her pure voice mixes with the detailed elegance of her fiddle phrasing ranging through material from bluegrass to Brazilian to Celtic, from a jaunty Canadian folksong to a poignant contemporary ballad. April is world-class fiddler, a champion Ottawa Valley stepdancer, an acclaimed composer, and a vocalist whose voice has been hailed as “absolutely captivating” by the Toronto Star. The April Verch Band features world-class musicians Marc Bru on percussion, Lincoln Meyers on guitar, and Cody Walters on upright-electric bass. Don’t miss April’s return to West Michigan.
Call 231-894-4048 for tickets or more information
Tickets $14.00

Thursday, March 13, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
Hemingway on Stage: The Stories of Ernest Hemingway
Presented by the White Lake Area Library, in conjunction with Reading along the Lakeshore and their selected book, “The Nick Adams Stories.” Brian Gordon Sinclair, is the author and solo performer of Hemingway On Stage. He is a graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada and holds a Master of Arts degree in Theatre from the University of Denver. A recipient of the Sir Tyrone Guthrie Award for acting at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Ontario, Mr. Sinclair has performed in Cuba, Denmark, Holland, Poland and the Moscow Art Theatre in Russia. This will be a performance not to be missed!
For ticket and further information call
The White Lake Community Library 231-894-9531
Free and open to the public

Saturday, March 15, 2008, 7:30 p.m.
Truth in Jazz Orchestra in Concert
The playhouse is pleased to partner with and present West Michigan’s premier big band! Fronted by West Michigan's legendary drummer, Tim Froncek, this group of 16 of the area's top musicians plays charts from the classic era of the big bands of Ellington, Basie and Buddy Rich, up to today's best charts from the hottest writers. The band was organized by Dave Collee, Ed Spier, and Matt Lintula. It will also be a special “Jazz Night” at the Local Pub; join them for dinner before the show with catering by Steve Mayberry and music by “Down By One” after the show. Call the pub, 231-894-8269 for dinner reservations.
Call 231-894-4048 for tickets and more information
Tickets $10.00

On the Web

Howmet Playhouse

What's up Whitehall - Food Fight

2008-02-20T09:17:00.000-08:00

Since the closing of Scales in 2007, a hot topic downtown Whitehall has been the lack of dining options, though Sam’s Bistro, the Local Pub, and Pekadill’s have been doing their part to keep the town fed and watered. Developments over the winter seem to be pointing to an improved situation for the summer of 2008.

On February 5, US-31 BBQ opened at 604 E. Colby as a second location of the original US-31 BBQ located downtown Muskegon.

On opening day, George Buris, founder of US-31 BBQ, was on hand to direct new owner Scott Marecek on the finer points of serving up a BBQ sandwich, US-31 style. Marecek has been pleased with the response since he opened and pointed out that he knew he would get off to a good start with so many potential customers enquiring about when he would finally be open.

The restaurant is open 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday and serves BBQ style sandwiches with a variety of meats including beef, chicken, and pork.

While US-31 doesn’t have a liquor license, two other establishments are planning to be open by Memorial Day, both with permission to serve the adult beverages that Whitehall residents and visitors seem to be thirsty for. Mimi Kunz is on track with her plans to re-open Crosswinds Restaurant and to top it off, a newcomer to the White Lake restaurant scene, Emil Rousseau, has plans to open a restaurant called the Harbor View Grille in the old Morat Bakery. All it took was a look over White Lake and the White River watershed to convince Emil, currently the head of the GVSU Food Service in Allendale, that with a little TLC this would be a great location for an establishment featuring fine wines and good food.

So hold on to your hats (actually keep them on your heads as the cold continues) and get ready for spring and that fine feeling of strolling downtown Whitehall with a fine dining destination in mind. All of course adding to the shops, playhouse, lodging, marinas and parks already available downtown Whitehall.

On the Web

Harbor View Grille

What's up Downtown Whitehall - Welcome!

2008-01-24T09:03:00.000-08:00

In order to keep people informed and up to date on happenings in downtown Whitehall, the Blueprint Implementation Promotions committee is undertaking a monthly email newsletter, like the one you are currently reading. The goal is to keep the community aware of positive happenings downtown Whitehall, as well as of events taking place in the downtown area. If you are aware of a development, or an event, that would be worth highlighting in a story in this space, please let us know and we will arrange a "Q&A" style interview with the newsmaker.

For this edition, instead of a newsmaker story, we are making downtown Whitehall stakeholders aware of three educational meetings coming up. The first is a web marketing seminar, customized to help Downtown Whitehall businesses improve their web presences. The seminar will be held Wednesday February 6 at 8:00 a.m. at Whitehall City Hall. If you are intersted in attending please RSVP to Monica Holmes at (231) 724-3171 by February 5. Refreshments will be provided.

Second, Tuesday February 26 there will be a Downtown Building Rehabilitation Assistance Open House, also at Whitehall City Hall, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Representatives from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), along with City Staff and Muskegon Area First will be on hand to educate attendees about available grants for downtown building rehabilitation and design assistance.

MHSDA will share information about the Community Block Development Grant (CBDG), that qualifies upper-floor restoration for residential uses along with façade rehabilitation expenditures as eligible for grant funding. Hooker DeJong will share the scope of their downtown design project that they were recently awarded by the city’s Tax Increment Financing Authority (TIFA).

City Staff and Muskegon Area First will assist property owners with questions about the TIFA Façade Grant Program. Pizza and Pop will be available for attendees. Please contact Rich Houtteman, at 724.3181 for more information.

Finally, as we are in the process of attempting to reach more people with this newsletter please forward this email to friends and encourage them to subscribe by completing the form on the website.

Check it out on the web

Downtown Whitehall website

Window Decorating Contest

2007-11-26T08:25:00.001-08:00

The Window Decorating Contest is under way. Interior Design Interns with Baker College of Muskegon are working with local downtown business owners to decorate the windows for the holidays. Stop downtown and check out their progress!

Howmet Playhouse Fall Schedule

2007-09-24T06:51:00.000-07:00

Over 6,500 patrons enjoyed the 2007 summer theatre festival performances, making a strong showing this summer. But the historic Howmet Playhouse continues into the fall with a variety of entertainment options. There was a great turn-out for the Filisco & Noden Live Blues Concert on Friday, September 14; 185 people listened to an eclectic mix of Delta Blues, "old-timey," & Tin Pan Alley musical selections. A first for the playhouse, beer & wine was sold during the concert by the new "White Lake Theatre Arts" organization. All the funds raised after expenses went to support the operations of the playhouse.

More events are scheduled through the end of the year:

Sunday, September 30, 2007, 3:00 p.m.
Steve Gillette & Cindy Mangsen in Concert
An exciting return to the playhouse; Quiet Faith Productions, West Michigan's premier promoter of the best in folk music bring this dynamic duo to White Lake. According to the Sing Out Magazine review of Steve and Cindy's latest album, Being There, "Steve and Cindy have hit on a combination that consistently produces high quality recordings and entertaining stage shows. Their voices and styles meld seamlessly with a gentleness and a maturity that is unmatched in the world of folk duos." Call 616.636.5759 or 616.604.1001 for tickets or more information.
Tickets $12.00 in advance, $14.00 at the door.

Sunday, October 7, 2007, 7:30 p.m.
“TWENTY TO LIFE: The Life and Times of John Sinclair”
A screening and performance by Flint native, music scholar, poet and counter-culture legend John Sinclair. “TWENTY TO LIFE” premiered in Italy in September and comes to the Howmet stage as a part of Sinclair’s Midwest tour. Directed by Steve Gebhardt ( “Ladies and Gentlemen, The Rolling Stones”) with appearances by John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Allen Ginsberg, the MC5 and others, the film chronicles the real-life story of this legendary poet-provocateur whose exploits have reverberated throughout the international underground for 40 years. Widely recognized as one of America's leading authorities on blues and modern jazz, after the screening Sinclair will answer questions, then a concert will follow showcasing his poetry with live jazz with the Vincent Hayes Project.
Call 231-894-4048 for tickets, or go to www.johnsinclair.us
Tickets $10 & $15

Sunday, October 14, 2007, 3:00 p.m.
Archiglas Choral Ensemble (Outstanding Voice)
The Russian a cappella vocal ensemble “Archiglas”, directed by Dmitry Vorobjev, will present a free concert at the playhouse, the group's third performance in Whitehall since 2001. A free-will offering will be accepted to support the playhouse’s operations. The precision of the Archiglas vocal ensemble's a cappella work will use many combinations of their five voices that sing brilliantly with the force of a full choir. The afternoon presentation will consist of a mixture of Russian sacred music and folk songs including traditional costumes. Presented in conjunction with Lebanon Lutheran Church. Call 231-893-5745 for more information. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m.

Free will offering for the ensemble, no tickets sold.

Friday, October 26, 2007, 7:30 p.m.
Michael Smith in Concert
Called “Powerful and uncompromising… devilishly good” by the Boston Globe, Quiet Faith Productions brings this legendary singer-songwriter to the Howmet stage. His rich and often challenging songs have been recorded by more than 30 other performers, including people as diverse as Jimmy Buffet, Liam Clancy, Jerry Jeff Walker, Gordon Bok, the Four Freshmen and Spanky & Our Gang. Call 616.636.5759 or 616.604.1001 for tickets or more information.
Tickets $12.00 in advance, $14.00 at the door.

Saturday, October 27, 2007
An Evening with Diane Rehm
Montague’s Book Nook & Java Shop together with the Arts Council of White Lake are sponsoring a reception and presentation with one of NPR’s most popular radio hosts and interviewers. In 2006, The Washingtonian named Ms. Rehm one of Washington's "100 Most Powerful Women." This successful author and commentator is being brought to the playhouse for a special 5:30 p.m. reception and a 7:30 p.m. “Talk-back” Session, both of which to be held in the historic playhouse. All proceeds from the engagement will go towards the Blomdahp/Howmet Playhouse Fund. For tickets or more information call The Book Nook & Java Shop, 231-894-5333

Tickets:

Private Reception + priority seating to Evening with Diane Rehm $75.00;

Evening with Diane Rehm only, $35.00

Saturday, November 3, 2007, 7:30 p.m.
Alice Peacock in Concert
This Chicago singer & songwriter will perform a solo concert featuring many tunes from her newest release, “Who I Am.” Ruth Almer at Folking.com called Peacock’s CD, “an eclectic profusion of American folk, soul, blues, soft rock and also a distinct classical sound… Alice Peacock is a talent only going up… ” An accomplished singer-songwriter-guitarist plays music for all ages with a pure vocal sound that eschews grandstanding for phrasing and musicality. Lahri Bond of Dirty Linen Magazine says, “She has an amazing fifth for writing songs that have both depth and a pop hook that rivals those of 60s-era songwriters such as Carole King and Burt Bacharach.” For tickets call 231-894-4048.
Tickets $10.00

Friday and Saturday, November 9 & 10, 2007
Tellabration – A Tale of Two Cities – Storytelling Festival
Since 2005 Tellabration has brought the best in professional storytellers to the White Lake area. This year’s festival will begin on Friday night with a community-wide party next to the Howmet Playhouse and on Saturday feature a series of workshop/demonstrations by some of Midwest’s best storytellers. The festival will culminate in Saturday matinee (1:00 p.m.) and evening (7:30 p.m.) performances on the historic playhouse stage. A wonderful event for young and old, families and friends, this third annual event will feature storytellers, puppeteers, musicians and drum circles. For tickets or more information call The Finch Nest 231-893-5323
Tickets $ 10.00 – 14.00

Saturday, November 17, 2007, beginning at noon(Tentative, TBA)
White Lake Holiday Christmas Walk Movies
In conjunction with the Annual White Lake Christmas Walk, the Howmet Playhouse will again become a motion picture theatre. Since 1916 the playhouse was used for “flickers” (silent films) and for many years of it’s existence was Whitehall’s only movie theater. Still in the planning, a mixture of family films, cartoons & short subjects will be shown throughout the day. Tickets will be available at the door, price to be announced.

Saturday and Sunday, December 1 & 2, 2007, 7:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m.(Tentative, TBA)
Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” adapted by Tom Harryman
Charles Dickens’ ghostly story of the covetous old sinner Ebenezer Scrooge and his nocturnal encounter with the true spirit of Christmas - performed by actor and playhouse manager Tom Harryman will haunt the playhouse for one weekend only. The Muskegon Chronicle said of his performance, “It is a measure of this professional actor and MCC theater instructors’ talent that he can deliver such a well-known story and make an audience laugh out loud, then quietly cry. Harryman will reprise his solo performance of the timeless holiday classic. Call 231-894-4048 for tickets.
Tickets $14.00 adult, $10.00 students

Saturday, December 8, 2007, 7:30 p.m.
John Gorka in Concert
Quiet Faith Productions brings Red House Records recording artist John Gorka for a solo concert, one night only at the playhouse. His songs have been recorded by such artists as Mary Chapin Carpenter, Mary Black and Maura O’Connell and he is honored to be a part of the folk tradition — energetic acoustic music that is an expression of everyday life. His rich baritone voice and unique songcraft weave together in a way that captivates audiences. A frequent player at the Ark in Ann Arbor, Gorka’s most recent release is “Writing in the Margins.” Call 616.636.5759 or 616.604.1001 for tickets or more information.
Tickets $12.00 in advance, $14.00 at the door.

Window Decorating Contest

2007-09-12T12:49:00.000-07:00

CALLING ALL TIFA DISTRICT BUSINESS OWNERS

Join other business within the TIFA district as they decorate their window displays for the 2007 holidays by students from Baker College's School of Design.

When: October - December 2007

Who: All business within the City of Whitehall TIFA District

What: Every business will be assigned to an intern to design their windows over the fall and winter holidays. Items used for decoration will be paid at the expense of the business owner. Each window will be judged by secret shoppers over the course of the holidays. Winners will be announced in local newspaters with a write-up about the contest. A prize will be issued to the winner.

Details to be posted soon!

Labor Day Community Bridge Walk

2007-09-11T11:05:00.000-07:00

This year 175 people turned out for The Annual Labor Day Community Bridge Walk. The event is set as a part of the statewide Active Michigan Summer initiative organized by the Governor's Council. It is sponsored and hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, City of Montague and City of Whitehall to encourage residents and even visitors to get active and come out to participate in a 'virtual' bridge walk. This is a great way to 'show - off' the beloved bike trail and bridge with community leaders, officials, neighbors and friends.

Healthy refreshments were served and provided by Farm Bureau at the Chamber. Walkers were encouraged to venture on as far as they please or turn back to the point of origin. The annual walk is a great community event that not only promotes the community, but it also brings attention to the importance of physical activity.

The Tannery tower falls

2007-09-07T11:30:00.001-07:00

On August 21, 2007 the last of the tannery was demolished. The picture on the right shows the tannery just as it begins to fall. The tower was being demolished to make way for condos.

For more details on the tannery project or other recent news about Downtown Whitehall:
Recent News

Tannery Groundbreaking

2007-07-17T10:44:00.001-07:00

City officials and developers officially broke ground on Friday the 13, 2007 on the former Whitehall Leather Co. tannery. The ground breaking ceremony included a preview of the upcoming demolition job with a portion of the building being pulled down.

For more details check out these recent articles:
Portion of tannery falls at 'groundbreaking'
Ceremony to celebrate reuse of tannery site

Riverview Market attracts a crowd

2007-07-09T12:12:00.000-07:00

Downtown Whitehall's newest attraction, the Riverview Market continues to attract new vendors and customers. Last weekend 22 of the 24 vendor spaces were taken and a large number of customers enjoyed a beautiful day of strolling through the goods for sale overlooking the White River.

Goodrich Park Improvements

2007-06-19T08:05:00.000-07:00

Wow check out all the improvements happening at Goodrich Park. Currently the city is in the progress of installing a 30 foot by 64 foot pavilion, and a handicap accessible play sturcture has already been added. To learn more about the project check out these recent news articles:

Work to begin on Goodrich Park
Whitehall invests $160K to upgrade city park

White Lake Area Arts & Crafts Festival

2007-06-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was the 29th Annual White Lake Area Arts & Crafts Festival. Hundreds of people visited Funnell Field for the annual event. More than 150 talented and creative artists participated.

Playhouse set to open

2007-06-05T13:28:00.001-07:00

Box Office will open for Summer Theater festival ticket sales June 25. Pre-sales available by calling 894-4048, or by stopping by the Whitehall City Hall.

Dear Friends, Patrons and Benefactors of the Howmet Playhouse:

2007-04-18T09:04:00.000-07:00

A lot has happened since we closed the last show of the 2006 season with a very successful run of The Moon Is Blue. The fine arts camp has given the playhouse to the City of Whitehall and the city has been busy, working to see the Playhouse activities continued and even expanded!

They have hired Tom Harryman as a year-round manager. Some of you may remember Tom as the director of The Moon Is Blue and his previous activities at the Frauenthal Center in Muskegon. Tom and I have worked together to plan another great summer season at the Playhouse.

But we need your help! Housing that was available next door at the Lewis House can no longer be used to house actors. We are also looking for a volunteer crew to help with ushering and a variety of other tasks. We are interested in any suggestions you might have.

I was certainly moved by the reaction of the community and the city when the potential of losing the Playhouse programming came to light. The city has established a variety of ways you can support our fundraising efforts:

Donate to the City of Whitehall: Donation Form (pdf)
City of Whitehall/Howmet Playhouse Operations

Or

Donate to the Community Foundation for Muskegon County:
The Blomdahl/Howmet Playhouse Fund - Or - The Playhouse Capital Fund

When I first came to the area I asked Edna Blomdahl if she would help me compile the initial mailing list for our season. She invited her old friend Harriet Burman over and we sat at Edna’s kitchen table and put together the list. Between them they knew everyone in the White Lake area. The people who were on that list are still many of the Playhouse faithful!

I certainly appreciate Blue Lake’s stewardship, but in the long run, this may be the best thing that has happened to our Playhouse. This season’s success will certainly be crucial to our future operations. I hope I can count on your continued support for our activities.

If you would like to contact us via email, please write to kevinwurz@aol.com or Tom at playhousemanager@cityofwhitehall.org, or call Tom, 231-894-4048. We’ll be happy to answer any questions on fundraising or volunteering. We will have a website up and running soon and we hope you will enjoy this great season we have planned.

Thanks again for your loyalty through the last 12 years. Open this brochure and you’ll see the great productions we have planned for 2007!

Sincerely,
Kevin R. Wurz
Summer Theatre Director – Howmet Playhouse

The Howmet Theaters First Concert

2007-04-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

The Howmet Playhouse opened its doors for the first time since being aquired by the city of Whitehall. More than 240 people showed up for its first concert.

To read more about the concert with "Fonn Mor" please check out the article: Music mix sets tone for great evening with Fonn Mor.

Spring Construction Starts

2007-04-13T07:49:00.000-07:00

Downtown Whitehall will lose some of its clutter this spring as Phase II of a downtown improvements project gets completed, meaning the burying of overhead wires running through the district.