Free (or nearly so) Activities for June

So you’re on a budget. Whether your interests are artistic, theatrical, musical, cultural, historical or you’re just seeking something fun to do – check out this list of free and low cost activities to get you out of the house. . .

Interested in Art?

Flowers in Art: Selections from the Collection of the Kalamazoo Art Institute Time: Tue. - Sat. 10 am - 5 pm; Sun. 12 - 5 pm.  They can be objects of beauty, a reference to the natural world, a symbol of rebirth, or even a reminder of our mortality. Flowers have a long tradition in the history of art and make an appearance-as the focus or as a component-in more than 400 works in the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts collection. Their color, form, texture and even scent continue to inspire artists of all cultures. In selections on view in the lower level this summer, flowers are featured as a centerpiece, adornment, decorative motif or contextual element. Cost: Free

ARTbreak : Gustav Klimt: June 8, 2010, noon at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.  Join Beverly David as she highlights the life and work of the highly original and often controversial artist, Gustav Klimt. Famous for his evocative female figures and richly patterned surfaces, Klimt's paintings fascinate viewers today much as they did in turn of the century Vienna. Bring your lunch-- coffee and cookies provided. Cost: Free

On Paper: The Lincoln Center / List Art Collection:  June 12 - August 15, 2010, Tue. - Sat. 10 am - 5 pm; Sun. 12 - 5 pm at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.  Andy Warhol, Helen Frankenthaler, Jacob Lawrence, Robert Rauschenberg, and Larry Rivers are a few of the major American artists who have produced prints for The Lincoln Center/List Art Collection. This unique survey of American art during the second half of the 20th century and into the present day celebrates the program's 50th year. Minimalism, Pop Art, Color Field, and Abstract Expressionism are among the art movements represented in this outstanding collection of prints. The exhibition is organized and circulated by the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, New York. Cost: Free

ARTbreak: Robert Rauschenberg: Inventive Genius: June 15, 2010, noon at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts.  Actor Dennis Hopper narrates this look at artist Robert Rauschenberg, a pioneer who paved the way for the Pop Art movement when he combined sculpture and painting in the 1950s. The film includes vintage footage of Rauschenberg along with lively commentary by the artist himself. ARTbreak is a free, weekly series of talks and programs about art, artists and exhibitions. Bring your lunch-- coffee and cookies provided. Sponsored by The Fountains at Bronson Place. Cost: Free

Interested in Theatre?

Parade June 11 - 27, 2010 at the Farmers Alley Theatre.  The tragic, true story of the trial and lynching of a man wrongly accused of murder is brought to emotional and theatrical life by acclaimed playwright Alfred Uhry, (Driving Miss Daisy) and Jason Robert Brown, one of Broadway's most promising young composers, (Songs For A New World). In 1913, Leo Frank, a Brooklyn-born Jew living in Georgia, is put on trial for the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan, a factory worker under his employ. Already guilty in the eyes of everyone around him, a sensationalist publisher and a janitor's false testimony seal Leo's fate. His only defenders are a governor with a conscience and, eventually, his assimilated Southern wife who finds the strength and love to become his greatest champion.

Hurricane Season: The Hidden Messages in Water: June 16 - 17, 2010, Time TBA at the Fire Historical Arts and Cultural Collective, 1209 Portage Rd, Kalamazoo MI.  Renowned poetry duo, Climbing PoeTree will perform their multimedia show connecting issues that surfaced in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to the "unnatural disasters" disenfranchised communities experience nationwide and worldwide on a daily basis. Includes the acclaimed workshop S.T.I.C.H.E.D. which tackles race, gender and class.

Interested in History?

The Brooklyn Bridge:  June 13, 2010, 2pm at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.  This award-winning film by Ken Burns recaptures the drama, struggles, and personal tragedies behind the greatest of all achievements of America's industrial age, THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE. Largest bridge of the era, its construction entailed enormous problems and ingenious solutions. Witness the human heroics behind the bridge that seized America's imagination in the 1880s. Discover the enduring charm and beauty of a granite-and-steel masterpiece. Cost: Free

Thomas Hart Benton:  June 20, 2010, 2pm at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.  One of America's best-known, least-understood painters was Thomas Hart Benton. Ken Burns traces the pioneering artist's turbulent career in this bittersweet portrait, highlighting the fierce controversy over his work. The film combines rare archival material, commentary by those close to the artist, and a stunning selection of Benton's superb paintings and murals to create a moving profile of the 20th-century genius. Cost: Free

Interested in Motorcycles or Vintage Cars?

Pre-Show Vintage Motorcycle Ride:  June 12, 2010 at 9am at the Gilmore Car Museum.  Ride is open to all bikes built before 1989. Register 9 am -10 am at the Museum then travel approximately 70 paved miles through scenic Barry County. Lunch stop at half way point (purchase on your own). Show your bike on Sunday at the Gilmore Car Museum’s 14th Annual Vintage Motorcycle Show and receive an additional 5 points toward your score. Cost: Free

15th Annual Vintage Motorcycle Show:  June 13, 2010, 8 am - 4 pm at the Gilmore Car Museum.  The Midwest’s largest and fastest growing Vintage Motorcycle show features hundreds of motorcycles 20 years old and older (open to all makes) and a huge swap meet. Spectators arriving on motorcycles park their rides in a special lot next to show field – making one gigantic bike show! Held Rain or Shine. Cost: $9 General Admission, under 11 free

Interested in Music?

Mixer on the Mall:  June 9 and 16, 2010, 5 - 7:30 pm on the Kalamazoo Mall.  It's an after-work party that features fantastic, unique, and up-and-coming musicians along with great beverages; and the opportunity to network and meet new people. Cost: $1

Deep Fried Pickle Project: June 15, 2010, 11: am at the Celery Flats Amphitheatre.  The Deep Fried Pickle Project are school teachers by day & a delectable musical treat by night. They pride themselves on making JUGaBilly HOKUM music. Founded in 2000 as a jug band, ‘DFPP’ now mixes other American roots forms into the breading batter as well. In addition to receiving the John Lennon Songwriting Contest Finalist Award for 2003, the band was featured in an episode of ‘Postcards From Buster’, a spin-off of “Arthur” on PBS Kids, which has millions of viewers worldwide. Cost: Free

The Science Project (Jazz Band) June 18, 2010, 7pm at the Celery Flats Amphitheatre.  The Science Project, multiple Down Beat Magazine award winners, perform an alchemy of jazz, world music, & fusion. All students of the internationally acclaimed WMU Jazz Studies program, the members have distinguished themselves at festivals & performances nationwide, including, Jazz at Lincoln Center in NYC, The Notre Dame Jazz Festival, Elmhurst Jazz Festival & the Detroit International Jazz Festival. The Science Project is Randy Gist, sax; Gene Knific, piano; Jordan Richards, bass; Evan Hyde, drums. Rain site: Hayloft Theatre. Cost: $5 per person.

"The Sinatra Sound" - A Frank Sinatra Tribute: June 20, 2010 6:30pm at the Stage at Kindleberger Park, Parchment.  Frank Sinatra tunes performed by Tribute artist, Tommy Swartz. Lawn seating, bring lawn chair or blanket. Rain site Parchment Middle School Cost: Free

Concerts in Bronson Park:  Every Sunday 4 - 5:30 pm The series offers a mix of old favorites and new sounds featuring performances by local musical groups. Rain site: First Baptist Church Cost: Free

Mixer on the Mall: June 9, 2010, 5 - 7:30 pm at the Kalamazoo Mall.  An after-work party that features fantastic, unique, and up-and-coming musicians along with great beverages; and the opportunity to network and meet new people. Cost: $1

B-93 Birthday Bash: June 19 - 20, 2010 at the 131 Motorsports Park. Listener response was overwhelming to bring it back for an 18th year. Known as one of the Midwest’s premiere free Country Music festivals. Cost: $39 VIP Pass, Otherwise Free

Interested in Just Plain Fun?

Out of This World: Extraordinary Costumes from Film and Television: Mon. - Thu. 9 am - 5 pm, Fri. 9 am - 10 pm, Sat. 9 at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.  Famous original costumes are featured from some of the most popular science fiction and fantasy films and television shows of all time. Indiana Jones's leather jacket and whip, Darth Vader's cape and helmet, and the Wicked Witch of the West's hat are a few of the cultural icons that explore the role of costume in defining characters. Cost: Free

Kids Summer Kick-Off/Movie Night:  June 11, 2010, 7pm at the Celery Flats Historical Area. Beginning in the Hayloft Theatre a story time & movie appropriate for the early bed timers (age appropriate for 2-6). At 8:45 pm enjoy Splashtacular Magic & Fun with magician Jeff Wawrzaszek in the Amphitheatre. Be sure to bring bug spray, blankets to sit on and enjoy watching "Alvin and the Chipmunk the Squeakquel" as this year’s outdoor movie beginning around 9:40 pm Concessions are available for purchase. Cost: Free

Island Festival: June 17 - 19, 2010, 11 am - 1:30 am at the Arcadia Creek Festival Place.  Local and regional vendors and artists provide arts, crafts, music and dance, while local vendors provide food and beverages all of which are presented in an Island, Caribbean theme and featured throughout the event. Demonstrations by vendors and music workshops are part of the afternoon activities. Activities begin each day at 11am and continue until close. Offerings and activities are designed to attract a diverse audience including families from the surrounding region.

K9 Pet Expo 2010:  June 18 - 20, 2010 Time: Fri. 12 - 8 pm; Sat. & Sun. 9 am - 3 pm at the Expo Center.  Presented by Brownes Family of Pits. This K9 Pet event will showcase animal shelters, veterinarians, groomers, doggie day cares, pet supply store, and food vendors. Dress up your K9 for the dog costume contest on Saturday. Cost: Free

Rose Show: June 19 from 10am to 2pm in the Kiva Auditorium at Friendship Village, 1400 rake Road.  Locally grown rose blooms on display.  Cost:  Free