Internationally Acclaimed Novelist
Dennis Lehane

Friday, May 7, 2010

Dowagiac Middle School Performing Arts Center

57028 Riverside Drive

7:30 p.m.

Tickets:

Upper Level, $20; Main Floor, $25

Dennis Lehane was born and raised in Dorchester, Massachusetts. He has written eight novels, A Drink Before the War; Darkness, Take My Hand; Sacred; Gone, Baby, Gone; Prayers for Rain; Mystic River; Shutter Island; and The Given Day. Many of these novels have been New York Times best-sellers. Mr. Lehane has become one of our most heralded mystery writers.

Mystic River was a finalist for the PEN/Winship Award, and won both the Anthony Award and the Barry Award for Best Novel, as well as the Massachusetts Book Award in Fiction given by the Massachusetts Center for the Book.

Two of his novels, Mystic River and Gone, Baby, Gone were made into Academy Award-nominated movies. Another novel, Shutter Island, was recently made into a movie directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Ben Kingsley. His latest novel, The Given Day, is currently in development for the big screen. Mr. Lehane also won awards for his work on the HBO series, The Wire.

Herman’s Hermits
starring Peter Noone

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Dowagiac Middle School Performing Arts Center

57028 Riverside Drive

7:30 p.m.

Tickets:

$25, $35

Peter Noone is a multi-talented entertainer, who has been delighting audiences nearly all his life.

At the age of fifteen, Mr. Noone achieved international fame as “Herman”, lead singer of the legendary Sixties pop band Herman’s Hermits. His classic hits included I’m Into Something Good, Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got A Lovely Daughter, I’m Henry VIII, I Am, Silhouettes, Can’t You Hear My Heartbeat, Just A Little Bit Better, Wonderful World, There’s A Kind of Hush, A Must To Avoid, Listen People, The End of the World, and Dandy.

Ultimately, Herman’s Hermits sold over sixty million recordings. In all, fourteen singles and seven albums went gold. The Hermits were twice named Cashbox’s “Entertainer of the Year.”

For four years, Noone served as the winsome host of VH1’s My Generation, the highest-ever-rated half hour retrospective of popular music. He also hosted the informative PBS Special The British Invasion Returns. More recently, Mr. Noone appeared as a guest advisor on the hit TV series, American Idol.

There is no doubt that Peter Noone’s extraordinary talent, disarming wit, and compelling stage presence will continue to delight fans of all ages, for a long, long time to come.

Culinary Arts with Chef “Big Daddy” Aaron McCargo Jr.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Dowagiac Middle School Performing Arts Center

57028 Riverside Drive

7:30 p.m.

Tickets:

Upper Seating, $25; Main Floor, $35; Premium seating and private reception with the artist, $60

Aaron McCargo, Jr. competed on and won season four of The Next Food Network Star in 2008, beating out thousands of culinary hopefuls for the ultimate dream job – his own Food Network show. Big Daddy's House premiered August 3, 2008 and ranked as the number one "In the Kitchen" weekend show during its initial six-episode run. Food Network renewed the show for a second season, which premiered January 4, 2009. Big Daddy's House averages a 25% African-American audience, helping to raise the overall racial diversity of the network's viewers.

On Big Daddy's House, Aaron shares his passion for big, bold flavors and fun, family cooking. From comfort foods to barbeque favorites to breakfast delights, Aaron whips up mouth-watering recipes inspired by many years of culinary experience and his fun-loving family while bringing a down-to-earth vibe and warm smile to the kitchen. Whether cooking with his children, relatives, friends, or even by himself, big food and big fun reign supreme.

A family man who adores all things flavorful, Aaron's passion for cooking was sparked at the age of four when he started baking cakes in his sister's Easy Bake Oven. Always an entrepreneur at heart, Aaron began making and selling cakes and cookies to his childhood friends. At the age of 13, Aaron was as a Junior Volunteer in the kitchen at Cooper Hospital University. He has since worked in nine New Jersey restaurants including casual and fine dining. In 2003, Aaron opened his own restaurant in Camden, N.J., called McCargo's Restaurant, which closed in 2006. Most recently, Aaron served as the Executive Chef of Catering at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. He attended Atlantic Cape Community College’s Academy of Culinary Arts.

Born and raised in Camden, N.J., Aaron regularly speaks to youth at community schools and events illustrating that they too can succeed despite the odds. Honoring him for his success and service, Camden Mayor Gwendolyn Faison presented Aaron with the keys to the city in 2008 and designated September 25 as Aaron McCargo, Jr. Day.

Aaron comes from a large family (he has three brothers and two sisters) whose constant support has helped him achieve his goals. In his spare time, Aaron enjoys Bible study, tennis, buffalo wings, watching sports, and traveling. Married with three children, Aaron lives with his family in New Jersey.

Check out a few of Aaron's recipes here.

Chicago Tap Theatre

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Dale A. Lyons Building Theatre

Southwestern Michigan College

58900 Cherry Grove Road

7:30 p.m.

Tickets:

Adults, $12; Students and Seniors, $10

Welcome to the world of tap opera.

Welcome to a hip and quirky form of storytelling they develops characters and story plots conveyed through non-stop tap routines, along with some fantastical costumes and some pretty darn good acting.

Chicago Tap Theatre’s mission is to preserve America's indigenous dance form, to promote dance through story-based shows and innovative presentations, to educate the community and make tap dance accessible to a broad spectrum of people.

Dance Master Class
with Mark Yonally

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Dale A. Lyons Building

Southwestern Michigan College

58900 Cherry Grove Road

Noon - 1:00 p.m.

Tickets:

$10

Mark Yonally is currently the Artistic Director of Chicago Tap Theatre, one of the most critically well-regarded companies in Chicago. Mark has developed a national and international reputation as a performer, with solo performances in Chicago, Kansas City, Albuquerque, Amsterdam and Paris. He has been blessed to have Sarah Petronio, Dianne Walker, Bill Evans and Billy Siegenfeld as mentors. As a company member of the Bill Evans Dance Company and Especially Tap Chicago (ETC), Mark performed at such prestigious festivals as the St. Louis Tap Festival, the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, the Gus Giordano Jazz Dance World Congress and at the Royal Opera House in Helsinki, Finland. Furthermore, Mark has gained the plaudits of major dance critics for his innovative approach to tap choreography.

His works have been commissioned and performed by the Bill Evans Dance Company, ETC and Hope College, among others. Mark also maintains a longstanding professional relationship with Valérie Lussac, Artistic Director of Tapage of Toulouse, France. Mark is a noted educator and has taught at festivals throughout the U.S. and has served on the faculty at Oklahoma City University and Hope College. He is sought after for his multidisciplinary approach to tap teaching, which includes history, basic music theory and an emphasis on jazz music, and has taught in France, Germany, Switzerland and the United States.

Mark is also a published author, with pieces appearing in Dance Spirit, Dance Teacher and Dance Magazine.

Storyteller Doug Elliott

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Dale A. Lyons Building Theatre

Southwestern Michigan College

58900 Cherry Grove Road

7:30 p.m.

Tickets:

$6

Doug Elliott's passion for the natural world developed in early childhood roaming the woods and waters around his home. His dad used to say, “That boy knows what's under every rock between here and town.”

Doug Elliott has performed and presented programs at festivals, museums, botanical gardens, nature centers and schools from Canada to the Caribbean. He has been a featured storyteller at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough TN. Elliott’s lectures and workshops have been hosted by the American Museum of Natural History in New York, the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto and the Smithsonian Institution. Elliott has led ranger training sessions for the National Park Service.

Elliott is an author, has recorded a number of award-winning story and song albums, and was the host and creator of Herbs, Teas, and Remedies with Doug Elliott on PBS's Farmers’ Almanac TV.

Doug still roams the woods today. He has traveled from the Canadian North to the Central American jungles studying plant and animal life and seeking out the traditional wisdom of people with intimate connections to the natural world. And, he still looks under rocks. These days he uncovers more than just a few strange critters; he brings to light the human connection to this vibrant world of which we are a part.

Storyteller Master Class

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Dogwood Festival Headquarters

207 Commercial Street

7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Tickets:

SOLD OUT

Visual Arts with
Sculptor Tuck Langland

Monday, May 10, 2010

Sculpture Dedication

Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital

420 West High Street

12:00 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public.

Slide Lecture, Gallery Exhibit and Reception

Dale A. Lyons Building Theatre

Southwestern Michigan College

58900 Cherry Grove Road

7:30 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public.

Prolific and award winning sculptor, Tuck Langland is well known for his fluid and graceful sculptures. His works can be seen in public gardens, parks, colleges, museums, private and corporate collections on five continents.

Langland is a retired professor of art at Indiana University, South Bend. He currently teaches workshops at the Loveland Fine Arts Academy in Colorado and the Scottsdale Artists School in Arizona and is a member and fellow of the National Sculpture Society.

Dowagiac dentist Dr. Chuck Burling and his wife Kathy are the donors of the newly created bronze sculpture “On with Life.” This inspirational female figure will be installed at the entrance of the new emergency department at the Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital. The sculpture personifies the determination and indomitable spirit of those faced with life’s adversities.

“On with Life” joins Langland’s “Dance of Creation” and “Resting Dancer,” among others, in Dowagiac’s outstanding collection of outdoor sculptures.

Comedian Jason Cooper

Friday, May 14, 2010

Beckwith Theatre

100 New York Avenue

7:30 p.m.

Tickets:

$12

With his quick wit and commanding stage presence Jason takes his audiences on a rollercoaster ride of laughs from the word go. Incorporating a barrage of past and present 'pop culture' references, zany stories, and off the wall 'one liners', you can’t help but laugh at this goofy, crazy, and original talent.

Jason's show pulls no punches and he refuses to sugar coat anything. He tells it the way it is, the way it was, & the way it should be! His ability to improv with the audiences makes every show a unique experience. You never know what he'll say next!

Cooper is also an accomplished comedy writer, with several of his jokes printed in both Prevention and Maxim magazines. Strap on your seatbelts ... You're hitting the comedy expressway with Jason Cooper!

His TV and radio credits include Comedy Central, Bob & Tom Radio Show, Sirius & XM Satellite Radio, and ESPN College Game Day. Cooper has also been the opening act on tour for Smokey Robinson, The Righteous Brothers, Three Dog Night, The Doobie Brothers, The Beach Boys, Foreigner, Kenny G, Paul Anka, Chicago, Michael Buble, Pink Floyd Laser Light Show, Weird Al, Ron White, Carrot Top, and Jim Gaffigan.

The Dogwood Tea: “Did You Know”

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Dale A. Lyons Building

Southwestern Michigan College

58900 Cherry Grove Road

1:00 p.m.

Tickets:

$18

Myths and legends uncovered—secrets revealed—at the museum. An entertaining and interactive experience served up with tea and light refreshments.

Youth Fine Arts Night

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Dowagiac Union High School

701 West Prairie Ronde Street

Exhibits open at 6:00 p.m.

This event is free and open to the public.

This celebration of youthful talent showcases student artwork, and hearts will beat to the music of choirs, choruses, and bands. Especially rousing are the jazz band and the marching band. Topping off Youth Night is the presentation of the Dogwood Festival’s student scholarship for summer courses in the arts.

Toast ‘n’ Jam for Kids
featuring Lake Effect Winds

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Beckwith Theatre

100 New York Avenue

2:00 p.m.

Tickets are free but limited. Reservations suggested.

A creative introduction to great music, this event is designed especially for children ages 3 to 12. Toast ‘n’ Jam presents Lake Effect Winds, a woodwind quintet from the St. Joseph, Michigan area. Enjoy this “hands on,” interactive approach to classical music with your children.

“Up Front Art Walk”

May 3-17, 2010

The Dogwood Fine Arts Festival is proud to be a part of the second annual "Up Front Art Walk." Works from area artists will be on display 24/7 in downtown Dowagiac merchant windows.

Artists from across Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana will be featured during this two-week display. Original artworks in oil, watercolor, stone, metal, glass, mixed medium, photography and others will be on display. All works are available for purchase from this juried show. Never has the term "window shopping" taken on a new meaning!

Stroll the downtown streets of the Grand Old City and enjoy the show at your leisure. Download a PDF of the Art Walk's featured artists.