The latest from Southwest Michigan.
Kalamazoo Grad Named to Forbes ‘30 Under 30′ List, Wants to Reinvest at Home
Tinashe Chaponda was named to the Forbes “30 under 30″ list for his work at Sosani Studios, an influencer marketing company he founded in 2020. Now he’s using his influence to raise money for 30 scholarships for Kalamazoo-area high school and college students.
Kalamazoo Gears up for Annual New Year’s Fest Celebration
Held in Bronson Park in downtown Kalamazoo, New Year’s Fest is an all-ages performing arts festival to ring in the new year. Featuring bands, comedians, magicians, ventriloquists and more, party goers may enjoy over 70 shows throughout the night.
Gilmore Car Museum Dazzles with Classic Cars, Holiday Lights, and Festive Attractions
Catch the return of the “Winter Wonderland Holiday Experience” at the Gilmore Car Museum! The third-annual event features dozens of dynamic lighting displays, holiday music, rides in classic cars, and holiday-themed food and drinks across the 90-acre campus.
62nd Annual Maple Hill Holiday Parade in Downtown Kalamazoo on November 23
Join 20,000 of your closest neighbors and friends in downtown Kalamazoo on Saturday, November 23 to celebrate 62 years of holiday festivities! Ignite your holiday spirit and kick off the holiday season with a community parade and activities like no other.
LMC Pop/Rock Concert is Free November 20 at Mendel Center
Lake Michigan College Visual & Performing Arts Department presents the Pop/Rock and Jazz Band Concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 20. And, there’s a unique twist–the concert, brings the audience into the experience through sitting on stage with the performers.
WMU School of Medicine Partners with Corewell Health Lakeland for New Educational Opportunity
Western Michigan University School of Medicine and Corewell Health Lakeland Graduate Medical Education have announced a new partnership that gives medical students the opportunity to complete their core and advance clinical rotations with experienced physicians at three hospitals in Southwest Michigan.
A 125-Year-Old Landmark in Cass County Restored to its Former Glory
After two decades of vacancy, the iconic Cass County Administration building has been painstakingly restored just in time for its 125th anniversary through the incredible work by construction firm ELITE Companies, architect Intersect Studio, and owner’s representative PlazaCorp Realty Advisors, Inc.
‘Halloween Boo Bash’ at Silver Beach Center October 12
A Halloween Party with a carousel, the Sanderson Sister witches, a magician, and other eerie-ristable activities? Yes, please! Make plans now to attend the Third Annual Halloween Boo Bash at Silver Beach Center in St. Joseph on Oct. 12 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Southwest Michigan Welcomes its First Black-owned Venture Capital Firm with $50M
Southwest Michigan’s first Black-owned venture capital firm made its debut with a $50 million capital commitment. It’s called Kalamazoo Forward Ventures and is made up of seven successful and community-driven men, all from Michigan.
Ground Breaks on Olive Garden at Battle Creek’s Lakeview Square Mall
HOT ROD Drag Week Returns to West Michigan, Celebrating 20 Years
The race to determine the title of “Fastest Street Car in America” is returning to West Michigan. As part of the race’s 20th anniversary, it’s returning to two of the tracks it visited in its very first year, with one being in Martin, Michigan on Wednesday, September 18.
$65M Hard Rock Hotel project rolls forward in Kalamazoo, but behind schedule
Hard Rock Hotels has announced plans for development of a new hotel at the historic Gibson guitar and mandolin manufacturing site at 225 Parsons St., which is the founding location of Gibson Mandolin-Guitar Mfg. Co. in 1917.REVERB by Hard Rock Kalamazoo would be a destination location for visitors and is set to be completed in the fall of 2023.