The City County School Liaison Committee, comprising representatives from the city, county, and school districts, collaborates to address mutual concerns and improve the quality of life for Saginaw’s students and broader community. The release of the 2024 guide underscores the committee’s commitment to offering diverse, affordable, and accessible activities that foster personal growth and community engagement.

The 2024 Hot Times Summer Youth Activities Guide aims to offer a diverse range of recreational, enrichment, and academic activities that are both enjoyable and affordable, making them accessible to school-age students. It seeks to foster a healthy appreciation among students for their leisure time, encouraging them to engage in activities that are not only fun but also enriching. Additionally, the guide is designed to provide programs that equip students with skills and knowledge essential for their future success. It emphasizes the importance of cooperation with other agencies to create and promote positive activity options, effectively communicating these alternatives to students and their families. Ensuring a safe and healthy environment for students during the summer is a key priority, as is the goal of challenging today’s youth to help prepare them for leadership roles in the future.

Mayor Pro Tem Annie Boensch, who co-chairs the City County School Liaison Committee, highlighted the importance of the guide, stating, “This guide is an excellent resource showcasing the abundant learning and growth opportunities available this summer for area students. Our goal is to dispel the myth that Saginaw lacks productive activities for school-age children during the summer. We hope this guide encourages students and parents to make the most of the summer for incredible learning experiences.”

In addition to being available on the city’s official website, the 2024 Hot Times Summer Youth Activities Guide can also be found on the Saginaw Public School District’s website at spsd.net and the Saginaw County website at saginawcounty.com. For more information or inquiries, individuals can contact the Saginaw Public Schools at (989) 399-6500.

With this guide, the City County School Liaison Committee hopes to ensure a summer filled with growth, learning, and fun for all of Saginaw’s youth.

For Further Information:

• Visit: Hot Times Summer Youth Activities Guide
• Contact: Saginaw Public Schools at (989) 399-6500
• Explore additional resources at spsd.net and saginawcounty.com

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“Front Row Center: Icons of Rock, Blues, and Soul” takes audiences on a musical odyssey through the golden eras of rock, blues, and soul. The iconic photographs of Larry Hulst capture the freewheeling energy of live music and the enduring visual spectacle of rock’s greatest performers. From Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix to David Bowie and Lauryn Hill, “Front Row Center: Icons of Rock, Blues and Soul” brings together around 70 images of legendary musicians and singers across three genres and generations. The exhibition charts Hulst’s extraordinary path through the pulsing heart of the most exciting live music of the last century, showcasing a unique visual anthology of rock, blues, and soul music from 1970–1999. These images, which have been featured on album art and in “Rolling Stone” magazine spreads, convey Hulst’s lifelong passion for the magnetism, immediacy, and unpredictability of live music. With photos that also document the unforgettable voices of funk, punk, and beyond, “Front Row Center” grants viewers an all-access pass to some of the most memorable performances in popular music history.

Simultaneously, the museum will present “Color Play: The Art of Nanci LaBret Einstein,” a vibrant exploration of color, form, and creativity. Experience the art of Nanci LaBret Einstein in this immersive exhibition that highlights the many milieus and talents of the artist. In her intricately detailed freestanding and wall sculptures, Einstein works with recycled objects like beads, popsicle sticks, and other found objects. The exhibition also includes Einstein’s gestural drawings and layered photo collages that evoke emotion while exploring form, weight, color, light, and texture.

“We’re thrilled to present these two extraordinary exhibitions side by side,” said Ashley Ross, Associate Director of Collections and Impact. Ross continued, “Visitors will be transported by the musical genius of the rock, blues, and soul icons, and then inspired by the vibrant color and energy of Nanci LaBret Einstein’s art. It’s a combination that promises to be both enlightening and exhilarating.”

The “Front Row Center” and “Color Play” exhibitions will run concurrently from Friday, May 17 through August 31, 2024. A list of programs and events in conjunction with the new exhibitions can be found here: https://marshallfredericks.org/calendar/.

Exhibition Credits: “Front Row Center: Icons of Rock, Blues, and Soul” and “Color Play: The Art of Nanci LaBret Einstein” are supported in part by the Michigan Arts & Culture Council.

“Front Row Center: Icons of Rock, Blues, and Soul” is organized and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, D.C. International Arts & Artists (IA&A) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting cross-cultural understanding and exposure to the arts internationally. Since 1995, IA&A has fulfilled its mission by providing programs and services to artists, arts institutions, cultural organizations, and the public—reaching over 2 million people. Visit www.artsandartists.org for more information.

The Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum is located on the campus of Saginaw Valley State University, 7400 Bay Road, University Center, Michigan. Museum hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call (989) 964-7125 or visit the Museum’s website at www.marshallfredericks.org.

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Over 100 parade entrants, including restaurants, civic associations, youth groups, marching bands and low rider vehicles, are expected to participate in this year’s parade, making the Saginaw Cinco de Mayo Parade the largest Hispanic parade in the state of Michigan. The event commemorates the famous May 5, 1852 Battle at Puebla in Mexico in which a small army of Mexicans led by Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza defeated much larger French invading forces sent by Napoleon III.

This year La Unión Cívica Mexicana celebrates its 79th anniversary since its incorporation as a non-profit civic organization in 1945 and is represented by their queen Gabrielle Diaz. Parade Grand Marshall is Mary and Lupe Silvas, long-time members of the Unión Cívica who have volunteered their time to advance the cause of the non-profit civic organization.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. with its staging area by Garber Courts on Fordney across from the YMCA beginning on Court Street. It will head north on N. Michigan Avenue to SASA.

The festival at Jolt Credit Union Event Park, 300 Johnson Street, starts at noon and will run through 5 p.m. The public is invited to sample tasty Mexican food from some of Saginaw’s culinary restaurants and food vendors while enjoying the live music and folkloric dancers. Nearly a dozen food trucks will be in attendance, primarily serving Mexican cuisine. Entrance fee is $5.00 per person 10 and over, free 10 years and under. 

Latin Grammy artists Elida Reyna y Avante will headline the festival, along with performances by Grupo Illusion of Pontiac, MI and La Furia del Ritmo from Grand Rapids, MI. Also performing are the Ballet Folklorico of Detroit, bringing exciting dance routines with authentic Mexican dresses. Activities for the children include Inflatables for the kids.

The celebration continues from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. with the Cinco De Mayo Concert at The Vault, 110 Florence St., Saginaw, MI with performances by Elida Reyna y Avante and Grupo Illusion. Tickets are $40 per person and on sale at T&T Authentic Mexican Cuisine and $45 at the door. 

For more information, visit La Unión Cívica Mexicana’s website.

Event Sponsors of the 45 annual Cinco de Mayo Parade and Festival are: Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, Jolt Credit Union and Garber Automotive. Also sponsoring are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan, T & T Authentic Mexican Restaurant, Nexteer Automotive, Financial Plus Credit Union, Caravan Facilities Management and Consumers Energy.

Media sponsors include WSGW 100.5 FM and 790 AM and Mi Gente Magazine and Midwest Tejano Radio.

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Barrera, a first-generation student at Columbia University in New York City, was born in Saginaw and raised here until she was 10, when her family moved to Grand Rapids. She brings her deeply personal perspective to the film, which tells the story of a Latino family in the Midwest. Focusing on three brothers — her father and uncles — whose coming of age was marked by violence, poverty and incarceration, the documentary offers an intimate exploration of love amid adversity.

Directed, written, filmed and edited by Barrera, and supported by the Oakland, California-based organization Still I Rise Films, “Still Here” has received widespread acclaim, including recognition at prestigious film festivals such as DOC NYC, Urbanworld and the Cleveland International Film Festival, all of which are Academy Award-qualifying festivals. Barrera has garnered numerous awards and accolades, including the Gold Award in Film from the National YoungArts Foundation.

“We are thrilled to host the public screening of ‘Still Here’ at Saginaw Valley State University” said Roberto Garcia, director of SVSU’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. “This film offers a compelling perspective on important social issues, and we believe it will resonate deeply with our community. We invite everyone, especially aspiring filmmakers and those impacted by incarceration, to join us for this special event.”

Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session featuring the writer(s), director and subjects of the film, including Mariah Barrera, Robert Barrera, Ramon Barrera and Michael Barrera. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the creators and protagonists of this powerful documentary, gaining insights into their experiences and the filmmaking process. A reception will close out the evening, providing an opportunity for further discussion and reflection.

For more information on the screening, contact SVSU’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs at (989) 964-7090 or msa@svsu.edu.

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SVSU’s Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum is seeking outdoor sculptures and public art installations for the 2024 Great Lakes Bay Public Art Passport Exhibition, from June through August.

Public Art Passport is a centralized online hub  that serves residents and tourists through temporary art exhibitions. The web portal is www.publicartpassport.com.

“To complement the summer exhibition, Public Art Passport will also highlight art programs, festivals, and events across the Great Lakes Bay Region,” adds Megan McAdow, museum director. “Public Art Passport will be a one-stop shop for residents and tourists alike to find all things public arts and culture for the region.”

Entries are being accepted now through March 30. Submissions will be reviewed and accepted by the Public Art Passport committee. After the committee reviews the entries, artists will be notified by April if they are a finalist and their final acceptance status by April 15.

Selected artists will receive stipends of $3,000. Exact site locations will be determined in conjunction with the artwork selection process. In addition to the stipend, artwork and artist information will be included in media promotions for the summer exhibition. Artwork will be promoted alongside all Public Art Passport programs and events and selected submissions will be added to the website.

Interested artists can submit their entries and view additional eligibility guidelines online at www.publicartpassport.com/callforartists.  For further questions about Public Art Passport, contact Associate Director of Collections & Impact Ashley Ross at amross13@svsu.edu.

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Rosenthal began working with Billy Joel in 1993 and has joined Joel on numerous tours since then, including the “Face 2 Face” tours with Elton John. For the past 10 years, Rosenthal has been an integral part of Joel’s record-breaking Madison Square Garden residency.

With a distinguished career spanning four decades, Rosenthal has achieved broad-based success as a musical director, keyboardist, synthesizer programmer, producer, composer, orchestrator and touring professional. In addition to Joel, he has collaborated with Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, Enrique Iglesias, Robert Palmer, Richie Blackmore and Rainbow, Cyndi Lauper, Alicia Keys and many others.

Rosenthal is a graduate of Berklee College of Music. He has won numerous gold and platinum album awards and has been nominated for Grammy Awards three times.

“Stories from the Road” is made possible by the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Visiting Artists and Scholars Endowment at SVSU, which was established to enrich our regional cultural and intellectual opportunities.

This event is free and open to the public; however, for planning purposes, registration is requested.

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“It is an honor to host and recognize members of our community that are making history each day,” says senior pastor Rev. Blake Strozier. “Justice Bolden serves as an example to many in our community that you can truly be whatever you set your mind to do. I hope that my daughters will be able to use her as motivation whenever they feel doubtful of their future.”

In 2022, Justice Bolden ran for one of two seats on the bench, but came in third behind incumbents Richard Bernstein and Brian Zahra. Shortly after the election, Whitmer selected Bolden to replace sitting justice Bridget Mary McCormack, who retired.

In addition to welcoming Justice Bolden this Sunday, Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church has planned a month-long Black history program that is open to the public. For more information on the church’s festivities, call 989-753-5282 or visit their Facebook page.

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“His masterful sculptures celebrated Black identity,” an announcement states, “portraying the beauty, dignity and humanity of African American subjects at a time when their representation was scarce in the art world. Barthé’s works challenged social norms and stereotypes, offering a profound counter-narrative.”

More than 20 of the artist’s bronze creations depict dancers, workers, religious figures, and heroes like singer Josephine Baker and actor Paul Robeson.

An opening reception at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1, will help launch Black History Month at SVSU. Reservations are open through Jan. 24. Call (964) 964-7125 or visit marshallfredericks.org.

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Honorees include:

Canika Owen-Robinson, who works nearby in the South Side as director of the revived Neighborhood House community center, now The Neighb. She serves on the executive board of the local NAACP and has coordinated ACT-SO since the turn of the millennium, also leading at the state level. She’s also a youth mentor and volunteer for the Phi Delta Kappa Xinos and Kudos Cotillion Ball.

Nyesha Clark-Young, arts chairwoman for the Saginaw African Cultural Festival, who has created an African Village focal point at Morley School Park. She volunteers at The Neighb to organize a senior citizens art class, and her elder pupils have created murals both for the festival and at South Water and Federal streets for SVRC marketplace. 

Terry and Valerie-Banks Reed in 2018 opened Community Tire on East Genesee near the old fairgrounds, painted in gold and black to reflect their 1986 alma mater, Saginaw High School. They are known not only for giving good deals and credit to customers in need but also for their outreach, most recently a holiday coat drive.

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“It Must Be Christmas at AMusBE” will offer the public an early glimpse inside Saginaw’s newest cultural landmark. Volunteers are currently working to transform the historic manor into a “winter wonderland.” In addition to special Christmas and Kwanzaa exhibits, local organizations have sponsored and decorated holiday trees throughout the museum. 

“Our exhibits will illustrate Christmas and gift-giving during the times of slavery and the Reconstruction,” Kevin Jones, AMusBE’s founder, said. “We’re also sharing more about the history of Kwanzaa and how it has been historically celebrated.” 

The festivities planned for Dec. 15-17 and Dec. 22-23 will include performances by local entertainers as well as carol karaoke with holiday classics. Families can take photographs with Santa and their elves, and participate in a silent auction fundraiser benefiting the museum. Prizes will include locally donated art, concert tickets, and a guided “Blactiquing” experience with Jones. 

Museum’s Public Hours for It Must Be Christmas at AMusBE: 
Dec 15, 2023: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. 
Dec 16, 2023: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. 
Dec 17, 2023: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. 
Dec 22, 2023: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. 
Dec 23, 2023: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

While there is no charge to attend, AMusBE suggests a donation of $25 per family. However, donations in any amount will be graciously accepted, and no one will be turned away. Proceeds will be invested in further improvements to the property, including a new parking lot. 

“We want our guests to have a festive time while learning more about Black experiences, especially during Christmas,” Jones said. “Guests will get a flavor of what the museum will offer when we open on Juneteenth, pending necessary repairs and renovations.”

AMusBE plans to formally open its doors on Juneteenth of 2024. The museum is located at 1243 S. Jefferson Avenue in Saginaw. For more information about AMusBE visit https://www.amusbe.com.

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