Forest Hills Fine Arts Center is Feeling The Rhythm | Arts & Culture

Welcome to our ninth season of entertainment here at the FAC! This year’s theme, “Feel The Rhythm,” captures the true essence of this season’s shows. With a line-up that includes musical chops and roots in a variety of genres, while providing world-class entertainment for stage, we know you will be dancing in your seats all season long.

In addition to our fantastic six-show line up we are pleased to have a special event, The Concert To Restore Michigan, which will not only benefit arts education and the Fine Arts Center, but will support Kid’s Food Basket as well. As a season subscriber, you will have the opportunity to get tickets to see some of the area’s best talent before they go on sale to the public. And, in our second year of the Community Partners program, we are pleased to introduce three organizations to you throughout this season that are devoted to children, families, and the Arts.  

While we think providing one-of-a-kind events and entertainment is important, we always have our mission in mind: enhancing the artistic growth and enjoyment of area youth, families and community members, while providing opportunities for students of Forest Hills Public Schools to experience the Arts. We are meeting that mission with over 92% of our annual usage dedicated to our students and staff,  our one-of-a-kind Artist-In-Residence/Exhibit Program, community classes in all areas of the arts, and all of the fantastic programs throughout the year that visit our Center.

As we approach our 10th anniversary season, we reflect on the incredible support we have received since opening our doors in 2004. Our West Michigan community has been generous with time and talent and support, and we are extremely fortunate to have a wide-base of support from patrons, staff, volunteers, students, families, businesses, and donors, who continue to demonstrate what a giving community we live in.

It’s going to be an incredible season and a wonderful ninth year of operations and we are looking forward to sharing it with you! For more information about the season, exhibits, student or community programs, please visit us at www.fhfineartscenter.com

2012-2013 SEASON INFORMATION
Season ticket go on sale to the public on Monday, July 30, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. and can be purchased by calling 616-493-8966, stopping in to the Fine Arts Center box office (600 Forest Hill Avenue), or going to fhfineartscenter.com to download the season order form and fax it to 616-493-8969. Season ticket sales end Saturday, September 29, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. Box Office Hours Of Operation: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (closed 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.)

An Evening with Blondie
Friday, September 28, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Someone forgot to tell Blondie that New Wave bands weren’t supposed to have hit records. Blondie broke the Top 40 barrier with the Number One hit “Heart of Glass” in 1979. Blondie seemed more accessible than some of their radical colleagues because they drew upon Sixties subgenres - girl-group pop and garage rock - that had a still-familiar ring. At the same time, they spiked their songs with New Wave freshness, vibrancy and attitude. In so doing, Blondie helped usher in a changing of the guard. One of the most popular bands of the New Wave era, Blondie hit the scene with visually arresting frontwoman Debbie Harry. Blondie’s striking visual image was bolstered by hooky, retro-chic pop tunes and canny art-rock leanings.

The Music of Queen – A Rock & Symphonic Spectacular
Sunday, October 21, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
When the musical We Will Rock You opened at London’s Dominion Theatre in 2002 it was an instant smash– allowing die-hard Queen fans the chance to hear these wonderful songs live and introducing brand new audiences to the music of one of Britain’s greatest bands ever. For The Music of Queen, conductor, musician, and arranger Richard Sidwell, put together two hours worth of Queen music for a rock band and symphony orchestra, utilizing some of the greatest performers in the UK, all of whom have played leading roles in musicals in London’s West End (including We Will Rock You); a band/rhythm section of some of the finest session players in the industry; and a symphony orchestra, resulting in something truly original and stunning. The reaction from audiences was the same – incredible! To hear these songs played live by superb performers and musicians is amazing; to add a symphony orchestra, creates a show which can be summed up in one word – epic. You will not see this show anywhere else in West Michigan, so please don’t miss it!

Stomp
Sunday, November 18, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
From its beginnings as a street performance in the UK, STOMP has grown into an international sensation over the past thirteen years, having performed in over 350 cities in 36 countries worldwide.  Stiff-bristle brooms become a sweeping orchestra; Zippo lighters flip open and closed to create a fiery fugue; wooden poles thump and clack in a rhythmic explosion. STOMP uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – trashcans, tea chests, plastic bags, plungers, boots, and hubcaps – to fill the stage with compelling and infectious rhythms. Critics and audiences have raved: “STOMP is as crisp and exuberant as if it had opened yesterday,” says The New York Times.

Shrek The Musical
Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
SHREK THE MUSICAL tells the story of a swamp-dwelling ogre who goes on a life-changing adventure to reclaim the deed to his land. Joined by a wise-cracking donkey, this unlikely hero fights a fearsome dragon, rescues a feisty princess and learns that real friendship and true love aren’t only found in fairy tales. SHREK THE MUSICAL, based on the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks film that started it all, brings the hilarious story of everyone’s favorite ogre to life on stage. Featuring a terrific score of 19 all-new songs, big laughs, great dancing and breathtaking scenery, SHREK THE MUSICAL is part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all irreverent fun for everyone!

Los Lobos
Friday, February 8, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
Los Lobos were one of America's most distinctive and original bands of the '80s. They may have had a hit with "La Bamba" in 1987, yet that cover barely scratches the surface of their talents. Los Lobos are eclectic in the best sense of the word. While they draw equally from rock, Tex-Mex, country, folk, R&B, blues, and traditional Spanish and Mexican music, their music never sounds forced or self-conscious. Instead, all of their influences become one graceful, gritty sound. From their very first recordings, their rich musicality was apparent; on nearly every subsequent record, they have found ways to redefine and expand their sound, without ever straying from the musical traditions that form the heart and soul of the band.

Bobby McFerrin: Spirit You All
Friday, April 19, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
Bobby McFerrin celebrates the transcendence of the American spirit with joyful new takes on familiar tunes. Ten-time Grammy Award winner Bobby McFerrin will always be the guy who sang Don’t Worry, Be Happy, but his “greatest gift to audiences may be transforming a concert hall into a playground, a village center, a joyous space (The LA Times).”  What Bobby McFerrin does is not an act; it’s spontaneous invention. Bobby’s legendary solo vocal performances have dazzled audiences all over the world and sent them home singing. Join Bobby and his band for an evening of virtuosic musicianship, community spirit, and pure fun.

The Concert To Restore Michigan
Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15 / reserved seating
Season Subscribers can purchase tickets early to this event starting on July 16, 2012
Join us for an evening to celebrate our incredible local music scene, while benefiting Kid's Food Basket and the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center and Arts Education. Mid-Life Crisis, Troll For Trout, Brian Vander Ark, and other special guests will blow you away with their music, their energy, and their genuine love for West Michigan, in an effort to restore Michigan one neighborhood at a time.