Welcome Mat: Outdoor summer music series coming to Ford House
Outdoor concerts coming to Ford House
Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores will feature an Outdoor Summer Concert Series, starting in June. “Eleanor and Edsel Ford were well-known for their hospitality and support of the arts. We embody that spirit in welcoming such phenomenally talented artists with diverse musical styles and from varying cultural backgrounds,” said Ford House President and CEO Mark J. Heppner. “Whether you’re a fan of brass, prefer a throwback to the neon-infused 1980s, want to dance the night away to your favorite Motown hits, or relish in the symphonic delight of the acclaimed Michigan Philharmonic, each performance promises to be an extraordinary and unforgettable experience. We invite music lovers of all ages to join us for these special evenings under the stars at Ford House.” At 7 p.m. June 28, Detroit-based Gabriel Brass Band will kick off the series. Other highlights include the Killer Flamingos, the Dave Hamilton Band and more. Package tickets — $145 per individual for VIP seating and $75 per individual for general seating — can be purchased by Friends of Ford House only from April 16 through May 13. Tickets for individual concerts go on sale to Friends of Ford House on May 14, and will be available to the public May 28. Friends of Ford House tickets are $40 per individual for VIP seating and $20 per individual for General seating. Public tickets are $50 per individual for VIP seating and $25 per individual for General seating. The location is 1100 Lake Shore Road. For tickets, go to fordhouse.org/concerts.
It's Michigan Native Plant Month
The Garden Club of Michigan,a founding member club of the Garden Club of America (GCA), announced that Gov. Whitmer has officially proclaimed April 2024 “Michigan Native Plant Month” for the second consecutive year. The GCA has led this effort across all 50 states to increase awareness of the critical role native plants play in supporting a healthy environment, thriving wildlife and pollinator populations, reducing the use of pesticides and fertilizers, cleaning air and water, and more. Through a Native Plant Month proclamation, Michigan and its citizens can engage and make a difference right at home. To read the proclamation, go to https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/proclamations/2024/04/01/april-2024-native-plant-month. To learn more, visit https://www.gcamerica.org.
West Bloomfield Library Book Sale
Stock up for your spring and summer reading at the Friends of the West Bloomfield Township Public Library Spring Used Book Sale from April 26-28. Peruse a wide selection of titles for all ages, from children's board books to adult fiction and nonfiction and vintage attic treasures. Members of the Friends of the West Bloomfield Township Public Library can shop the pre-sale from 7-9 p.m. April 26 (you can join at the door). Regular hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m. April 27 and noon-3 p.m. April 28. Also on April 28, "Bag Day" will offer a bag of books for $5 (bags are provided). The sale takes place in the Meeting Room of the library at 4600 Walnut Lake Road. All proceeds benefit the library. Go to wblib.org.
Art in the Trees Earth Day Festival is new celebration
As guests explore the 70-acre Witherell Woods during the Earth Day Festival in Palmer Park from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on April 27, they can enjoy art installations and solo musicians. Many featured pieces at the inaugural Art in the Trees will be available to commission or purchase at the upcoming Palmer Park Art Fair. Some will be made with recycled trash or natural elements. “We recruited a dozen of the region’s best artists and gave them elbow room to go all out on sculptures and other art pieces,” said Mark Loeb, who organizes the Palmer Park Art Fair and the new Art in the Trees event. “They will surprise and delight you as you find them amid ancient trees.” Families can join the Aziza Fairy Forest Trash & Treasure Hunt to search for fairy doors created and placed in the woods by local children and People for Palmer Park. The free event takes place just west of Woodward Avenue between McNichols and Seven Mile. Check in and park for free at the Splash Park/Community House parking lot at 990 Merrill Plaisance. Guests are encouraged to sign up to participate in the all-day park cleanup at palmerparkearthday2024.eventbrite.com.
Primrose Show & Plant Sale
The Midwest Group of the American Primrose Society will host a Primrose Show & Plant Sale at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. April 27. This show opens with a talk by Susan Haddock called “Follow Me Down the Primrose Path.” A primula exhibit and a silent auction and plant sale will also be featured. Botanophilia, a nursery specializing in shade plants from Antigo, Wisconsin, will be selling a variety of primrose companion plants including perennials, shrubs and trees. The location is 1800 N. Dixboro Road. Admission is free ($10 donation is suggested). Advance registration is requested. For registration and other information, contact midwest.aps@gmail.com.
Spring Artisan Market at English Gardens
Explore springtime at English Gardens from 5:30-8 p.m. April 17 in Clinton Township. Stroll a curated artisan market with a selection of locally crafted goods while enjoying the beats of a live DJ and sweet treats from a birthday cupcake bar. There will also be delectable drinks and bites. Giveaways and spring shopping deals, with a special offer on gift cards this night only, are also in the mix. The address is 44850 Garfield Road. The cost for the event is $15. Visit englishgardens.com/events.
Friends of the Rochester Hills Public Library book sale
Visit the Friends of the Rochester Hills Public Library seasonal used book sale April 17-21. Held at 500 Olde Towne Road in downtown Rochester, the sale will feature a large selection of history books, especially World War II, in addition to religion and children's titles and more. There will also be DVDs, CDs, audio books, puzzles and games. Presale opportunities for Friends members will be 5:30-8 p.m. April 17. General public access will be 10 a.m.-8 p.m. April 18, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 19 and 20 and 1:30-4:30 p.m. April 21 (last day is Bag Day where all you can fit in a standard grocery bag goes for $5). Go to rhpl.org.
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