Kalamazoo has a long and intriguing history. And while you might not gather that, from visiting, a few hours spent exploring the Kalamazoo Valley Museum will rectify that. Best of all, admission is free!

Although Kalamazoo, Michigan is known as a craft beer town, it is also becoming known as a craft coffee town, to our great delight. We are lucky enough to have a slew of excellent coffee shops, creating artisanal, craft coffee drinks - think no chains (except one local), third wave coffee and small batch roasters. We have so many great options that it is hard to choose where to go! Don’t worry - we’ve got you covered.

There are very few moments of joy in this musical, but you leave the theatre wanting more, after seeing such beauty onstage.

Such is the power of the musical, Les Misérables. Playing this week at Western Michigan' University's Miller Auditorium as part of the Zhang Financial Broadway series, this is one show you won't want to miss.

Here's what to pay attention to (besides the story, and the singing):

You need to see Beautiful–The Carole King Musical. Why? Whether you think you know Carole King’s songs or not, you’ll be surprised at how many of her songs are familiar ones you love. This musical focuses on this singer-songwriter’s career, and her journey through the hardships of life, ups and downs, and the changing scene of songwriting. Her journey (still unfolding!) can be seen through the beautiful, powerful, thoughtful songs she wrote.

There she sat, at a VERY popular Free Comic Book Day at Fanfare Comics, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Though her table was swamped, we still edged in to ask about her book, which has a gorgeous cover and an intriguing title. Enter author Stacey Filak (and her book) into our lives, and hearts. 

I got the great chance to interview the extremely talented Quentin Oliver Lee, who phenomenally plays the Phantom in our favorite rendition of The Phantom Of The Opera, currently playing at Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and touring both in the US and worldwide. 

Beyond the Rainbow, naturally, is a song-based glimpse into Judy Garland’s life - her turmoil, struggles, loves, and addictions. It is thoughtful, clever, and, at times, even comical. To say that this is the most unique, insightful musical would be spot on. There is truly nothing like it.