HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — For those unable to get into the big-show attractions during the Tulip Time Festival, local arts and culture performances offer diverse distractions, including a few new activities:
Love Those 60’s – Holland Windmill Chorus spins barbershop harmonies around popular tunes from the 1960s, mixing it up with its own “step-out” quartets, and special appearances by the Lakeshore Community Chorus and “Frontier.” 7-8:30 p.m., Sat., May 4, Beechwood Church; $23 per person.
Holland Civic Theatre presents –The Sunshine Boys by Neil Simon. Al and Willie, as “Lewis and Clark” were top-billed vaudevillians for over forty years. Now they are not even speaking. A grudging reunion brings the two back together, along with a flood of memories, miseries and laughs. 7-9 p.m., Sat., May 4; 2-4 p.m., Sun., May 5; 7-9 p.m., Tue., May 7; 7-9 p.m., Sat., May 11; Holland Civic Theatre; $23 per person.
Tulip Time Quilt Show – Enjoy a unique display of more than 100 exquisite handmade bed quilts, wall hangings, and art quilts, as well as the 2019 Raffle Quilt and Viewers’ Choice competition. Open all week. Consult website for exact times. Holland Area Arts Council; $6 per person.
Modern Delft Art Party – Create a beautiful modern Delft keepsake with instruction by local artist and previous Tulip Time poster winning artist, Carolyn Stich. Cash bar; 21+ event; 7-9 p.m., Sat., May 4 and Sun., May 5, Yacht Basin Conference Center; $40 per person.
Floral Arranging Class – Eastern Floral’s master designers teach the art of floral arranging as participants create their own masterpieces. Eastern Floral; 2 p.m., Mon., May 6; and 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tue., May 7; $35 per person.
The Gifts of Nature – Holland Chorale celebrates the Earth’s gifts — Blooms, Birds and Beasts! Includes selections from Dvorak’s “Songs of Nature” and Morten Lauridsen’s “Chansons Des Roses.” 7-8:30 p.m. Mon., May 6; Saugatuck Center for the Arts; $23 per person.
Dutch Organ Concert – from the Oude Kerk to Playing it Cool! Concert organist Rhonda Sider Edgington will take listeners on a tour of Dutch organ music through the ages, starting with Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck to living Dutch composers such as Bert Matter and Ad Wammes, whose “Play it Cool!” was written in 2012. 7-8 p.m., Sun., May 5; Hope Church; $15 per person.
Ah!Men Lunch Show – Enjoy a delightful lunch coupled with an all-new one-hour show featuring Jazz, Gospel, Show Tunes and American standards.11 a.m., Tue., May 7 – Fri., May 10, The Commons of Evergreen; $28 per person.
Dazzle! A Tulip Time Talent Showcase – Fresh talent from four area high schools bursts onto the stage to present this vibrant medley. Enjoy a variety of soloists, show choirs, and orchestral performances, all in one show! 8-10 p.m., Tue., May 7, Central Wesleyan Church; $15 per person.
River City Improv – We had so much fun last year, we had to bring them back. It’s all about laughter as River City Improv returns to Tulip Time for this unique, fun and witty experience.8 p.m. Sat., May 11, Knickerbocker Theatre; $15 per person. B-BOP, The Big Band of Praise, one of southwest Michigan’s premier big swing bands. This concert is set during the Moederdag Market at Holland Civic Center, 1-3 p.m. Sun., May 12, performance. Free.
There’s still a lot of planning going on at Tulip Time. Watch for more program announcements on the festival markets, art parties, culinary events and other fun ways to celebrate Tulip Time! Join the dance as we “paint the town orange” at Tulip Time’s 90 th Anniversary celebration May 4-12, 2019.
Detailed program and event information for Tulip Time 2019 is available on www.tuliptime.com. Tickets for all shows go on sale Nov. 8, 2018, and can be purchased online at www.tuliptime.com, in person at the Tulip Time Festival Box Office located at 42 West Eighth Street, Holland, Michigan, or by phone