Arts and Culture

Dr. Andrew Spencer, professor of percussion at the CMU School of Music, is Judy Wagley’s guest. We will learn about why percussionists must be very versatile, and also listen to a variety of music performed by the CMU Percussion Ensemble. You won’t want to miss a beat—Fire Up Chips!

Witch Hazel gorgeously written and illustrated by Molly Idle, a Caldicott Medal Honoree, is a beautiful story about a grandmother named Hazel and a granddaughter named Hilda. Hilda wants to hear family stories. In this case, stories are told by grandma’s magical broom as it puts forth curling white lines and twinkling stars. This is an intergenerational picture book and a triumph of storytelling for children 5-8 years of age and up (Little, Brown and Company) 2022.

The Worst Teddy EVER written and illustrated by Marcelo Verdad follows a little boy by the name of Noa who is disgusted with his Teddy because he is always sleeping rather than playing with him. Noa does not know that Teddy stays up all night protecting him from all who try to disturb his sleep including a little ghost, the Boogeyman, the tooth fairy, and the Tickle Monster! This delightful picture book is beautifully designed for children 4-8 years of age and is available in both English and Spanish editions (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2022).

The Gaylord Community Orchestra, under the direction of Jim Van Eizenga, will present “Musical Storytelling,” 7:30 p.m. October 22 at Gornick Auditorium at Gaylord High School.

Magnolia Flower adapted by Ibram X. Kendi and illustrated by Loveis Wise is a picture book for readers 5-8 years of age based on a short story written by Zora Neale Hurston. The wise River tells the story of “Long Ago” when people of dark skin were held in bondage by people with pale skin. Bentley, one of those with dark skin, fled in the night to freedom. He married Swift Deer, and they had a daughter named Magnolia Flower. The illustration of the flowering of the Magnolia Flower tree celebrates the end of bondage. Magnolia Flower and her love, however, must flee when her father refuses to accept him. (Amistad Books/ an imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books) 2022.

Keith T. Slack grew up in the Eight Mile and Wyoming neighborhood near Detroit's historic Birwood Wall.

Friends written and beautifully illustrated by Daniela Sosa is a timely book for youngsters 4-8 years of age who are now back in the classroom and are looking for friends for the new school year. As the cover suggests, friends come in all colors and have all sorts of interests. This happy book shows children making friends as they skate, draw, climb trees, learn how to whistle, laugh, and enjoy each other----except when there is an argument that needs to be untangled. ( A Paula Wiseman Book/ Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers).

This month on Central Stage, Sue Gamble welcomes Alexandra Mascolo-David, Professor of piano at the CMU School of Music. She is joined by Rubia Santos, her partner in the “Belle Donne Piano Duo.”

The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited is now open at the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

Farmhouse is a charming book about the history of an abandoned 19th Century farmhouse that writer-illustrator Sophie Blackall came upon in New York State. It is also the story of the family of 12 children who grew up in this farmhouse. Blackall allows the “found objects” and “old things” to act as visual storytellers. The illustrations are fascinating and will charm all including children 4-8 years of age (Little Brown and Company).