Tour the Tower

If you’ve spent any amount of time on GVSU’s Allendale campus, it’s likely you’ve heard the ringing of the Cook Carillon Tower’s bells. After having walked around the massive musical structure countless times on their weekly commute to and from class, students will now have the opportunity to tour the erection and learn about its inner workings, which consists of 48 bronze bells created in the Netherlands. Tomorrow, from 1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m., Julianne Vanden Wyngaard, Grand Valley university carillonneur, will lead tours of the tower and provide demonstrations of the carillon. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the tower being a central piece on the Allendale Campus. Visitors will gain an understanding of not only the Cook Carillon Tower’s history, but also the history of the instrument in other countries and this country, specifically in Michigan with its collection of 14 carillons. For more about the tour, contact GVSU’s Department of Music and Dance at (616) 331-3484.

The Come Up

Once again, The Come UP – a regional hip-hop open mic event – will return to West Michigan. This year, they bring with them The Black Opera – a relatively young up-and-coming crew with roots in Nigeria, Uganda, Madagascar, France and the United States. The Dec. 13 show is hosted by Cheddar Cheez at The Pyramid Scheme and kicks off at 8:30 p.m. The show is open to guests 21 years and older. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 the day of. The Black Opera is self-described as rap’s first performing arts group, and works to use an ever-changing lineup of costumes to hide their true identities from the audience. The crew has been touring heavily in support of their most recent release, “The Great Year.” Other acts include Obie Lyoha, Grand Rapids-based lyricist J Rob GLC and DJ Nesto. If you wish to perform at the open mic, registration runs from 8:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. For more about the evening, visit pyramidschemebar.com/event/the-come-up-feat-the-black-opera.