Musical performance in Holland to highlight 'Black Eden of Michigan'
HOLLAND — A musical performance in Holland will highlight a historic Michigan community that became a popular resort for African-Americans.
The Holland Museum is presenting “My Idlewild! A Live Historical Musical Revue.” This marks the first time the production has been performed in Holland, according to a news release.
"My Idlewild! A Live Historical Musical Revue” takes place from 7-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at the Holland Armory, 16 W. Ninth St., in Holland. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite for $25 or at the door for $35.
A limited number of VIP Reserved Sponsor Tables are available by contacting Joseph McClusky by phone at 616-796-3322 or by email at joseph@hollandmuseum.org. A cash bar will be available.
The Holland Museum opened its newest exhibit, “Black Eden: Idlewild Past, Present and Future,” in July. It showcases the history of Idlewild, an unincorporated Michigan community founded in 1912 as a haven for African-Americans.
More: Holland Museum announces upcoming exhibit on Idlewild
The exhibit is co-curated by CJ Kingdom-Grier, a descendent of one of the first Black landowners and philanthropists Rober and Margaret Riffe. Kingdom-Grier was born and raised in Idlewild.
"My Idlewild! A Live Historical Musical Revue” chronicles the people who made Idlewild “a very special place,” according to the release. There will be a live band and vocal artists who will bring historical Idlewild performers to life, including the Four Tops, Dinah Washington, Fats Waller and Sarah Vaughan.
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Original songs by Gezelle Grier Myers that tell the story of Idlewild will be featured throughout the performance, according to the release.
The museum exhibit will remain on display until Oct. 23. More information is available online at hollandmuseum.org.
— Contact reporter Evan Sasiela at esasiela@sentinel-standard.com. Follow him on Twitter @SalsaEvan.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Musical revue about Michigan's Idlewild happening at Holland Armory
