of West Michigan. Today, St. Cecilia Music Center is known by audiences and artists alike as one of the fi nest establishments to hear and see world-renowned musicians. The building at the corner of Ransom and Fulton Streets was built in 1894 and has been in continuous operation as a music center since that time. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to a vibrant concert series including top-name jazz artists, chamber musicians from the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and touring folk musicians. wide range of performances year-round, featuring both their talented students and industry professionals. Select events scheduled for 2016 include The Eccentricities of a Nightingale (April 15 & 16), Composers in Context: Arts Academy Orchestra (April 22), and Rent (May 13 & 14). Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Kalamazoo The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra provides soul-prodding musical experiences and educational programming that stimulates audiences from the inside out. Founded in 1921, the KSO is the third largest professional orchestra in Michigan, and is recognized throughout the country as a regional orchestra of excellence. A few highlights of the current season include Classics Uncorked at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (April 15th), Elgar & Stravinsky (April 23rd), and Disney in Concert-Alice in Wonderland where the KSO will provide a live soundtrack to accompany a showing of the 2010 fi lm starring Johnny Depp (April 2nd). Additionally, catch the KSO out and about when they perform Classics on Tap on site at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe throughout the year. is dedicated to providing itself as a highly intensive educational base for the training of young Kalamazoo actors by providing lessons, workshops, and seminars in the areas of voice, acting, dance, and speech. 2016 performances include Other Desert Cities (February 5-21), A Man of No Importance (June 10-19), and Monty Python’s Spamalot (July 15-31). Franke Center for the Arts, Marshall The Joyce and Lucy Franke Center for the Arts is located in the heart of Marshall’s National Historic Landmark District. The Center provides space for dramatic arts and art exhibits. More than 8,000 people attend events at the Franke Center each year, where a wide variety of entertainment is available. Along with their Children’s Theatre programs, the Franke Center is home to the Marshall Civic Players, who will be presenting Shrek the Musical (March 11-20), Boeing Boeing (May 6-15), and Into the Woods (July 14-17) during the 2016 season. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids The annual Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens continues to bring the fi nest national and international musicians to West Michigan, thrilling music lovers across all genres and all generations. The Summer Concert Series runs from June through September and features beautiful terraced lawn seating and food, beverage, and merchandise concessions— surrounded by spectacular views of gardens and sculpture. Major artists such as Harry Connick Jr., Bonnie Raitt, Lyle Lovett and many others enjoy playing in this intimate summer venue. Saugatuck Center for the Arts, Saugatuck The Saugatuck Center for the Arts is home to Mason Street Warehouse, which is a professional, nonprofi t theatre company. Mason Street Warehouse brings a handful of performances to the area each summer. Saugatuck Center for the Arts is also home to an art gallery with rotating exhibits (free admission) and regular community events. 2016 performances include Million Dollar Quartet (June 24-July 10), Murder for Two (July 22-Aug.7), and Trailer Park the Musical (Aug. 12-28). Courtney Sheff er, West Michigan Tourist Association Interlochen Center for the Arts, Interlochen A world-renowned educational center off ering a summer arts camp, fi ne arts boarding high school, pre-K to 8th grade day school, arts classes and programs for adults, two public radio stations and year-round performances, Interlochen Center for the Arts is a fi ne arts lover’s dream destination. Situated on a 1,200-acre wooded campus 16 miles southwest of Traverse City, Interlochen boasts a 56 Farmers Alley Theatre, Kalamazoo The Farmers Alley Theatre is a professional, ensemble-based, non-profi t performance company dedicated to producing popular and new work in the Downtown Kalamazoo area in a unique and intimate setting. Farmers Alley Theatre aims to foster artistic and economic growth in the central city through a signature drama series, children’s theatre performed by adults, and a cabaret music series. Additionally, Farmers Alley Theatre
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