The Head and the Heart play at 20 Monroe Live

Indie folk band The Head and the Heart came to Grand Rapids Sept. 11 at 20 Monroe Live. The band, which formed in 2009, is on their fourth album. Through the fall, the band will be continuing their “Living Mirage” tour across the United States and Canada. Hippo Campus opened for earlier dates of the tour.

“Living Mirage” is the band’s most recent album, released May 2019. The album includes songs’ “Honeybee” and “Missed Connection”.    

Wizards welcomed at the zoo

For two weekends this September, The John Ball Zoo invited all “Wizards, Witches and Muggles” to Wizarding Weekends. Over the weekends of Sept. 7-8 and 14-15, the John Ball Zoo was magically transformed.

The John Ball Zoo encouraged visitors to show of their robes, wands, and wizarding gear to participate in wearing costumes to the event. Wizarding Weekends is an interactive family friendly experience which included crafts, games, entertainment and food. The event will be themed out with references from Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter.  

Opera season kicks off

Opera Grand Rapids will be hosting the 2019-2020 Season Kick Off Sept. 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. to celebrate the upcoming season. Cuban food and a cash bar will be provided by Danzón Cubano. The Season Kickoff will take place Betty Van Andel Opera Center

Along with live performances from local singers, the night will include live art demonstrations and an auction from Picardo, a Caribbean visual and performing artist based in Grand Rapids. Admission is $20.

The season will include Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado, opening Nov. 1, and Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot, opening May 1.

Riding through a city of art

Observe Project 1 art while cycling through the city with the event Pedal Project 1. On Sept. 21, cyclists and art appreciators alike can participate in a free guided bicycle tour. The tour will stop through the three locations where Project 1 pieces are located, including Martin Luther King Park, Downtown and Tanglefoot. At MLK Park, the African American Art & Music Celebration will take place.  

Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by stretching and yoga and at 10 a.m., the bicycle tour will take off. Project 1 invites people of all ages to participate in the ride.