Just outside of Fremont proper, off of West 48th street (which really is a continuation of West Main street in downtown Fremont) is a beautiful, easily accessible facility named Dogwood Center for Performing Arts. “We have something for everyone throughout the year,” stated Marianne Boerigter, Dogwood Executive Director. Dogwood Center has an eclectic variety of music concerts, plays, story tellers, comedians, dance, and a speaker series through Calvin College that takes place weekdays in the month of January, among many other things. And because of its connection with the NCCA Artsplace in Fremont, theDogwood lobbyhas a scheduled gallery that displays beautiful artwork.
My husband and I got tickets (purchased from Dogwood’s Website) for the Mark Lavengood Band: Bluegrass Bonanza. This concert was held in the “Black Box”, an intimate venue to the side of the main stage with a nightclub feel. The walls are literally black cloth, so projections of lights can fit with the music while creating a clear, strong sound that’s not too loud.
I chose to dress up a bit because we don’t get out on dates much. But t-shirts and jeans were the norm. We got to sit anywhere we wanted at the twelve or so tables that each sat about eight people. This really was nice for us because we ended up meeting some very friendly people who could tell us more about previous events at the Dogwood as well as around the area. Before the bands’ arrival, my husband walked over to get us some adult beverages to have during the concert. Events at the Dogwood many times have a concessions bar and some events are even catered.
When the Mark Lavengood Band took the stage, they weren’t exaggerating about being a bonanza. The seven piece band filled every inch of the stage. Mark, at the helm, shared original and cover music that got everyone clapping and tapping. The musicians played off each other like they were playing tag you’re it! My head followed from Mark’s fingers as they danced around on the dolbra (my first time hearing one), then to Dutcher on the keyboard, over to Brad on the fiddle, on to Jason on the mandolin, next to Justin on the guitar, and finally to the other Justin on the bass. Nathan, the drummer, kept the beat lively throughout with a few solos sprinkled in. It was a whirlwind of bluegrass music. We definitely left the concert feeling energized with just enough twang to our step.
So, if you’re new to the area and don’t feel like driving to the big city for great shows or you’re vacationing in the area and would like a special date night out, check out Dogwood Events Calendar for reasonably priced tickets to quality acts: http://dogwoodcenter.com/ Also, contact the main office if you are interested in being a part of the center for performing arts through volunteering.
See this link for a 360o virtual visit to Dogwood Center!
By Katie Clark
Never Underestimate a Woman With a Chainsaw
Growing up, my grandparents were farmers, and my grandpa and uncle were really into steam engines , restoring one and building one from scratch. They would go to steam engine shows and by chance at one of them, they met a group of lumberjacks doing a show. They...
Labor Day Weekend Logging Festival
The Logging Festival in Newaygo has been a part of Labor Day weekend for more than 60 years. I have been trying to research the changes throughout the years and have learned that while some of the weekend’s events and activities have changed, the common theme of...
8 Stops For a Unique Gift
Like it or not, the holiday shopping season is here! I’m probably more guilty than most of having a certain distinct box showing up on my porch on a regular basis, but this year is more important than ever to support small businesses. I’ve put...
Deer Hunter’s Must-Do in Newaygo County
The trees are bare, the air is crisp and the calendar has just flipped to November… In Northern Michigan, that means deer hunters are headed to the woods! If you haven’t tried your luck in the deer woods of Newaygo County, we recommend checking it out. With...
Fall Colors: A Bird’s Eye View
Flying amidst the clouds, high above Newaygo County, Doug Harmon captured Newaygo County's fall beauty perfectly. It's the season, jump in your car and head North! Newaygo County is here to greet you. Grab a bite, even stay the night! Come explore the rivers,...
Fall Means Apple Cider Slushies
The cider slushies are the best-tasting brain freeze I have ever had, and I look forward to it every year.
Christmas Season Festivities
I grew up in Newaygo country. My memories of the area are rich odes to the senses. There’s the feeling of the cold river running over my feet in the summer, sunlight on my face as it blinked through the rustling tree branches along the bank. There was the taste of...
Church’s Tree Farm
Finding the right tree!Snow fell, and we said goodbye to fall as if it were a thing that never existed. There were never leaves of red, yellow, or orange decorating the skyline. There were no greying trees of exposed branches and bark. There is only this place, this...
Get Your Art On!
This not so summery weather seemed to call for something fun inside today. Newaygo County, known for its outdoor activities, has plenty of hidden treasures for these occasions. However, this morning, I was really in for a special treat as I ventured into an...
Fresh From the Farm
Agriculture has long been a staple of the NewayGo County economy. One reason why Gerber Baby Food put the area on the map was because of its relationship with local farmers. You’ll see the same focus on agriculture and locally produced fruits and vegetables at...