February Events

If you’re feeling hemmed in by the snow, listless due to the lack of vitamin D, or just a bit stir crazy – there are plenty of things to do in Kalamazoo to recharge your battery – and many of them are FREE or nearly free!!! Give yourself time to enjoy yourself either before or after with a night at the Stuart Avenue Inn - complete with hearty, heart-healthy, vegan, vegetarian, or cholesterol laden breakfast of your choice.

"The Art of Warner Bros. Cartoons" through 2/21 Tue. - Sat. 10 am - 5 pm; Sun. 12 - 5 pm at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts. A comprehensive overview of a legendary Hollywood animation studio, the rambunctious birthplace of characters who have become part of American folklore such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner. Free

Add the smooth jazz of the Keith Hall Trio on Friday 2/18, some Bell’s Beer, wine and Panera Bread treats for Art And All That Jazz from 5-7pm in the galleries. Free for KIA members, $3 for non-members.

"Murder at the Howard Johnson's" through 3/13/2010 Fri. & Sat. 8:30 pm at the New Vic Theatre. All is fair in Love? Even murder? That's the question posed by this light and funny comedy. The play holds the distinction of being the largest selling non-musical production at The New Vic. Color is delicious, delightful and bubbly. Tickets are $23 269-381-3328

Don Juan in Chicago through 2/27/2010 Fri. & Sat. 8pm at the Epic Theatre. The play opens in Seville, Spain in 1599 and concludes in modern day Chicago. Don Juan is a 30-year-old virgin searching for the meaning of life. His servant Leporello urges him to lead a normal carnal life, but Don Juan declares, "Life's too short to waste on sex." Afraid that he won't have time for his high-minded pursuits, he conjures up the Devil and cuts a deal. $22 Adults, $18 Seniors, $14 for students with a valid ID.

As You Like It 2/18 through 2/26/2010 Thu., Fri. & Sat. 8 pm, Sun. 2/21 - 2pm at The University Theatre, Gilmore Theatre Complex. Love in all its guises and the wit and beauty of Shakespeare’s language provide this romantic comedy with a sense of whimsy and delight. $20, $15 Seniors, $5 Students

The Cripple of Inishmaan 2/18 through 2/21 Thu. 7:30 pm, Fri & Sat. 8 pm, Sun. 2 pm at the Nelda K. Balch Playhouse, Kalamazoo College. "Cripple Billy" is a young man who longs to leave his small town and travel to America on the promise of "playing an authentic Irishman" in a Hollywood film. Uproariously funny, yet touching play. Adults $15, Seniors/Students $10

1964 "The Tribute" on 2/20/2010 at 8 pm State Theatre. "1964" The Tribute takes their audiences on a musical journey to an era in rock history that will live in all of our hearts forever. Hailed by critics and fans alike as the most authentic and endearing Beatles tribute in the world. $29

Disney's Beauty and the Beast 2/23/2010 through 2/25/2010 7 pm Miller Auditorium This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including "Be Our Guest" and the beloved title song. $28 - $55 7th Annual Teen Filmmaker Festival 2/26/2010 7 - 9 pm Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Lights! Camera! Action! West Michigan's only Teen Filmmaker Festival is back! View the finalists of this year's competition, hear the celebrity judges' award picks, and vote for your favorite. Free

Wellspring's Midwest Regional Alternative Dance Festival 2/26/2010 through 2/28/2010 at the Wellspring Theater in the Epic Center, presenting regional modern dance artists at the leading edge of innovation and exploration. Join us for three days of thrilling performances you won’t want to miss!

Juilliard String Quartet 2/26/2010 at 8 pm at the Dalton Center Recital Hall The venerable Juilliard String Quartet has been changing and evolving ever since it was founded in 1946, and in the process it has become an American institution. Fontana welcomes the Juilliard String Quartet with newly appointed first violinist, Nicholas Eanet.

Stulberg International String Competition 2/27/2010, Semifinals: 9am - 12 & 1 - 4 pm - Finals: 8 pm at the Dorothy U. Dalton Center, WMU Come hear performances by gifted international string instrument players. Doors open between each performance allowing entrance and egress. Free