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THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE TIBBITS FOR A SPECIAL SCREENING OF THE WIZARD OF OZ!

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L. Frank Baum, under the name Louis F. Baum, performed at Tibbits House for its opening night in 1882. The classic film “The Wizard of Oz,” based on his novel, will be show April 10 at Tibbits.

Coldwater – Iconic glittery red shoes, Judy Garland’s famous rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and the classic story down the yellow brick road will fill Tibbits’ big screen on April 10 at 4pm when the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz” is presented as part of the Community-Sponsored Programming.

Starring Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley and Margaret Hamilton, the film favorite is based on the 1900 American novel by L. Frank Baum. Rated PG, this movie is fun for the entire family. After a tornado rips through Kansas, Dorothy and her dog Toto are swept away to the magical and vibrant land of Oz. In order to find their way back home, they must embark on a journey to the Emerald City to see the Wizard of Oz. On their way there, they befriend a Scarecrow who longs for a brain, a Tin Man who desires a heart, and a Cowardly Lion who seeks courage. The group is hopeful that the ‘Great Oz’ will be able to fulfill their wishes. Not far behind them is the Wicked Witch of the West, who is out for revenge after Dorothy’s house fell on and killed her sister, the Wicked Witch of the East.

Sponsored by the Tibbits Opera House Endowment – Children’s Programming Fund, this screening is the fourth installment of Community-Sponsored Programming. For those who have always wanted to see a certain movie on the big screen or have their band play on the historic stage, Tibbits is still offering the opportunity for community members to plan and sponsor their own public performance at a fraction of the normal rental price.

The theatre doors, general admission seating, and concession sales for “The Wizard of Oz” begin at 3:30pm with donations at the door. Due to current restrictions, seating for all events is limited and masks are required upon entering and when moving about the theatre.

For more information or to purchase tickets for upcoming events, visit Tibbits.org, stop in at Tibbits business offices at 93 W. Chicago St., Coldwater, or call 517.278.6029. The historic Tibbits Opera House is located at 14 S. Hanchett St. in Coldwater, MI.

TIBBITS PRESENTS GOOD FRIDAY PRESENTATION OF “THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST”

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Coldwater – Observe Good Friday with a special screening of “The Passion of the Christ” at Tibbits Opera House April 2 at 6 pm sponsored by Tracy Kelley, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones.

This film depicts the final hours of Jesus Christ, starting from His prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane and ending with His crucifixion. Memories from His past focusing on His mother, and the Disciples as He delivers His teachings, contrast with the trials before Pontius Pilate and King Herod and the torture and ridicule Christ endures through the painful journey to Golgotha. Christ is ultimately crucified on the cross, dies, is buried, and resurrected. This film is rated R and depicts violence that may not be suitable for all viewers.

Sponsored by Tracy Kelley, Financial Adviser with Edward Jones, “The Passion of the Christ” is part of Tibbits’ Community-Sponsored Programming. For those who have always wanted to see a certain movie on the big screen or have their band play on the historic stage, Tibbits offers the opportunity for community members to plan and sponsor their own public performance at a fraction of the normal rental price.

The theatre doors, general admission seating, and concession sales for “The Passion of the Christ” begin at 5:30 pm with donations at the door. Due to current restrictions, seating for all events is limited and masks are required upon entering and when moving about the theatre.

For more information or to purchase tickets for upcoming events, visit Tibbits.org, stop in at Tibbits business offices at 93 W. Chicago St., Coldwater, or call 517.278.6029. The historic Tibbits Opera House is located at 14 S. Hanchett St. in Coldwater, MI.

CLASSIC 80s COMEDY “BETTER OFF DEAD” COMES TO TIBBITS’ BIG SCREEN!

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Coldwater – Audience members are encouraged to grab their acid-washed jeans, scrunchies, jelly bracelets, parachute pants and shoulder pads to dress the part when they attend Tibbits’ next community-planned programming, a screening of 80s comedy “Better Off Dead” March 14 at 2pm.

John Cusack stars as Lane, a high school student whose girlfriend Beth dumps him for Roy, the new captain of the ski team. Crushed by his loss, Lane makes various half-hearted suicide attempts which all end in embarrassing failure. On top of all this, his father is harassing him and he is being stalked by a lunatic paperboy. Obsessed with winning Beth back, Lane challenges Roy to a deadly ski race down the most dangerous slope in California. Meanwhile, across the street, the beautiful French foreign exchange student Monique tries to avoid her house mother’s attempts to pair her off with her awkward son. Lane and Monique soon form a bound when Monique sees the value in Lane he is unable to see in himself. The film is rated PG-13.

Sponsored by the Fraley family, this screening is the second installment of a series of community planned and sponsored events. Rather than see the theatre continue to stay dark, Tibbits has opened the programming to the community for the next three months. For those who have always wanted to see a certain movie on the big screen, or have their band play on the historic stage, this is the opportunity for community members to plan and sponsor their own public performance at a fraction of the normal rental price. All events will be open to the public with donations to Tibbits accepted at the door. Tibbits will handle the basic marketing for the performance and their staff will run the show.

The theatre opens and general admission seating begins at 1:30 pm with donations at the door. Due to current restrictions, seating for all events is limited and masks are required upon entering and when moving about the theatre. Concessions and bar will be available based on current restrictions.

For more information or to purchase tickets for upcoming events, visit Tibbits.org, stop in at Tibbits business offices at 93 W. Chicago St., Coldwater, or call 517.278.6029. The historic Tibbits Opera House is located at 14 S. Hanchett St. in Coldwater, MI.

TIBBITS LIGHTS UP ITS BIG SCREEN WITH “TITANIC”

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Coldwater – After an extended period of darkness, the big screen at Tibbits Opera House will once again light up February 27 at 6 pm with the 1997 love story “Titanic” starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Surrounded by her granddaughter and several oceanic explorers, Rose DeWitt Bukater tells the story her journey to America aboard the Titanic on its maiden voyage in 1912. When Rose boards the departing vessel with her fiancé, she catches the eye of Jack, a young drifter and artist, who has just won two third class tickets on the same ship. As the journey across the Atlantic progresses the two become close and are caught between the divisions of social classes. Midway through their voyage, Jake and Rose face an even bigger obstacle when the ocean liner strikes a rogue iceberg. In addition to being pursued by Rose’s fiancé, who is determined to make Jake pay for taking Rose from him, the pair must try and survive, not only the sinking of the supposedly “unsinkable ship,” but the frigid waters of the north Atlantic. “Titanic” is rated PG-13.

Sponsored by Tracy Kelley, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones, this screening is the first of a series of community planned and sponsored events. Rather than see the theatre continue to stay dark, Tibbits has opened the programming to the community for the next three months. For those who have always wanted to see a certain movie on the big screen, or have their band play on the historic stage, this is the opportunity for community members to plan and sponsor their own public performance at a fraction of the normal rental price. All events will be open to the public with donations to Tibbits accepted at the door. Tibbits will handle the basic marketing for the performance and their staff will run the show.

Doors to the theatre open and general admission seating begins at 5:30 pm with donations at the door. Due to current restrictions, seating for all events is limited and masks are required upon entering and when moving about the theatre. Concessions and bar will be available based on current restrictions.

For more information or to purchase tickets for upcoming events, visit Tibbits.org, stop in at Tibbits business offices at 93 W. Chicago St. in Coldwater, or call 517.278.6029. The historic Tibbits Opera House is located at 14 S. Hanchett St. in Coldwater, MI.

Holocaust Survivor Lecture and Book Signing at Tibbits

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COLDWATER – In a collaborative effort between the Branch District Library and Tibbits Opera House, Holocaust survivor Irene Butter will share her story of hope at a lecture and book signing at Tibbits on March 28 at 2pm.

Irene Butter was born in Berlin and grew up as a Jewish child in Nazi-occupied Europe. A survivor of two concentration camps, she came to the US in 1945. Since the late 80s she has been teaching students about the Holocaust and the lessons she learned during those traumatic years. Her memoir, “Shores Beyond Shores,” details her journey.

One of the first women to earn a Ph.D in economics from Duke University, Butter has a long list of achievements including co-founding the Raoul Wallenberg Medal & Lecture series at the University of Michigan, and as one of the founders of Zeitouna, an Arab/Jewish Women’s Dialogue group in Ann Arbor. She has been recognized with The Genesis Award in 2011 as Distinguished Humanitarian; the Federal Inter-Agency Award in 2011 for Educational Outreach and Service; and the People of Distinction Humanitarian Award in 2013.

Though she spent many decades not talking about her experience in the Holocaust, when her daughter was in high school, she was asked to share her story, and she did. A few years later she was invited to participate in a panel about Anne Frank.

In a collaborative effort between the Branch District Library and Tibbits Opera House, Holocaust survivor Irene Butter will share her story of hope at a lecture and book signing at Tibbits Opera House on March 28 at 2pm. Butter’s book “Shores Beyond Shores” is part of Branch District Library’s “One Book One County” program.

“Since Anne was no longer with us to share her story, I realized the importance of my responsibility in speaking of what we had endured. With a larger and more public audience, I fully found my voice. I started visiting more and more schools and was moved by how much the audiences, especially students, appreciated my story,” Butter said.

Butter says, “I didn’t ask to go through the Holocaust, but I was saved through the miracles of luck and the love and determination of my Pappi. I owe it to him and everybody who suffered to talk about what I learned because suffering never ends, so our work must continue.” 

Andrew Solomon, national book award winning author, called Butter’s book “a triumph of clarity and concision, written with a passionate intent to inform and with not a shred of self-pity.” He continued, “It is by turns profound and intimate, and bears witness to the resilience of a family who drew strength from one another even through the darkness of the Holocaust. It is a shockingly honest and hopeful book.”

Doors for this free lecture and book signing at Tibbits will open at 1pm, with the lecture beginning at 2pm. Concessions will be available for purchase. Tibbits Opera House, located at located at 14 S. Hanchett St. in Coldwater, MI. More information is available at Tibbits.org.

Butter’s book “Shores Beyond Shores” is part of Branch District Library’s “One Book One County” program, which has additional book discussion dates between March 14 and March 25 at all branch locations. For more information on the discussion location, dates, and times, visit branchdistrictlibrary.org.

Community Thank You Jazz Concert, Tibbits 137th Birthday Party Set

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COLDWATER – Tibbits will be swinging during a thank you concert for the community with the jazz music of the Mardra & Reggie Thomas Ensemble, which will also celebrate Tibbits’ 137th birthday at the Tibbits Opera House on September 21, 2019 at 7pm.

The ensemble will be performing for the 19th Annual Smith Memorial Concert. The event is also a celebration of the 137th birthday of the Historic Tibbits Opera House. A reception following the concert will include a dedication of its Historic Designation. Birthday gifts (donations) and proceeds for the concert will go to the Tibbits Opera House Endowment, a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to support ongoing maintenance and programming of the Tibbits Opera House through a permanently endowed fund.

This year’s concert will feature the Mardra & Reggie Thomas Ensemble. Vocalist/actress Mardra was recently nominated for Chicago’s Black Theater Alliance’s 2018 Lena Horne Award: Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in the Evanston, IL production of “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill.” Her sultry voice is well suited to showcase Holiday’s sculptured phrasing that stamped a signature style on jazz singing. Reggie can be seen fronting his own groups (Mardra/Reggie Thomas Ensemble; OGD) on both piano and Hammond organ and performing with other artists including Will Matthews, Ann Hampton Callaway and the Carl Allen/Rodney Whitaker Project. The ensemble is rounded out with bass, guitar and drums, giving the warmth and welcome of “solid swing.”

The Ruth, Robert, Douglas, and Dean Smith Memorial Concert was originally organized by Diane Smith Pridgeon and her sister Susanne Smith Wise to celebrate the lives of Pridgeon’s father and two brothers, Robert, Douglas and Dean Smith. Pridgeon explains, “At the 25th year after their passing, my mother and I thought we would like to do something to give back to our community.” After Ruth’s passing, the sisters continued the tradition, adding their mother to the list of the lives they celebrate.

Each year a non-profit benefits from the proceeds of the concert, and the Tibbits Opera House Endowment has been chosen as the beneficiary this year. The Endowment provides Tibbits with the annual funds to handle operating costs and continue to provide programming to the community through the arts.

Come swing with the Mardra & Reggie Thomas Jazz Ensemble in a one-of-a-kind celebration of our community. Tickets for this performance are $20 including fees with student rate of $10. For tickets or more information, go online to Tibbits.org, to the Tibbits offices on 93 W. Chicago St. in Coldwater 9-5 Mon. through Fri., or by phone at 517.278.6029. All events are at the historic Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett Street, Coldwater, MI.

The Mardra & Reggie Thomas Jazz Ensemble is this year’s performer for the Smith Memorial Concert, on stage at Tibbits Opera House on September 21, 2019 at 7pm. The evening will also celebrate the 137th birthday of Tibbits with a reception following the concert that includes a dedication of its Historic Designation.

A Month of Cross-Cultural Programming at Tibbits

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A number of special programs celebrating our community’s diverse cultures fill Tibbits this month coinciding with an exhibit in the theatre’s galleries.

On Saturday, April 8, Tibbits will host three Islamic scholars for a 2pm presentation, “Conversations about Islam.” The event is free and open to the public and gives non-Muslims a chance to ask candid questions about Islam and the Quran.

Aira of Coldwater sponsors the educational lecture; President, Salwa Alsuraimi says, “The event gives area residents a chance to ask anything and everything about the teachings of the Quran and receive answers directly from a group of well-respected scholars who have devoted their lives to its study.”

Alsuraimi continues encouraging cultural conversations on April 13, through a public presentation on Yemeni-American culture. Alsuraimi has given a dozen presentations over the pat few months to City employees, the Branch Intermediate School District, Dr. Christopher’s staff and the response has been extremely positive. The event starts at noon and is free and open to the public. Business people, health care workers and educators who want to improve their ability to interact and engage with Yemeni-Americans are strongly encouraged to attend.

A reception and special tours of the Yemeni-American exhibit will take place on Wednesday, April 5, at 7pm. The event is sponsored by the Branch County Democrats. The general public is invited to partake in refreshments and tours free of charge that night.

Tibbits presents, “We are Coldwater: A Multi-Cultural Event,” on April 21. Starting at 6pm, the auditorium will come alive with sights and sounds from around the world. An energetic performance of acclaimed percussion group, Biakuye is followed by accomplished Arab musician Victor Ghannam and several other performances. Samples of colorful cuisine from our Yemeni, Polish, Hispanic, and Chinese community members will be served in the downstairs galleries.

The month of activities culminates with a children’s program, “Creative Kiddos: A Multi-Cultural Celebration,” on Saturday, April 22 from 11am to 2pm. Kids grade K-5 participate in a hands-on exploration of cultural art forms from around the world through a series of interactive stations featuring costumes, music, dance, craft-making and much more.

Pre-registration for the April 21 and April 22 events is encouraged but not required. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 517-278-6029, online at www.Tibbits.org, or at the door starting one hour before event times.  The Friday night event is $10 for individuals and just $15 for couples and families. The Saturday event is $5 per family.

These programs are funded in part by a Michigan Humanities Council Heritage Grant. The state-wide grant program supports projects that help the people of Michigan understand cultural differences by sharing local stories of race, cultural history and personal identity.  Funding for the April 21 event also comes from the Branch County Community Foundation and Altrusa International of Branch County.

Measure for Measure at Tibbits

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The all male chorus Measure for Measure will be taking the Tibbits stage, Saturday, September 17, as this year’s musical guest for the 16th Annual Smith Memorial Benefit Concert.

Conducted by the President of the Michigan School Vocal Music Association, Steven Lorenz, with piano accompaniment by the pianist for the Ann Arbor Korean Assembly of God, Seohyun You, this year’s guest will be the Ann Arbor based men’s choir Measure for Measure. Founded in 1988 by University of Michigan Glee Club Alumni, Measure for Measure has performed throughout the United States, Canada and Europe in addition to performing charity concerts for such organizations as Hope Clinic, Dawn Farm and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in their past 28 seasons.

M4M group-2015

The Kitchener Record of Ontario says, “ . . . the big, full sound of Measure for Measure and the precision of their canonic entries left no doubt that this is a choir to be reckoned with. . . modern voicing’s, tight tone clusters, a perfect a cappella section and a rhapsodic accompaniment, with razor-edge intonation and interpretation – it was a flawless performance.”

Twenty-five years after losing her husband and two sons in a tragic accident, Ruth Smith along with her daughter Diane Smith- Pridgeon, decided they wanted to do something to give back to the community who had been so supportive in their family’s time of need. Remembering the impact music education had on their family, Ruth and Diane decided a concert would be the best way to do this, while also being a fitting tribute to their loved ones. In the past Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life, The Presbyterian Health Clinic, Hospice of Branch County and Tibbits are just a few of the organizations that have benefited from this event. After her passing, Ruth’s family added her name to the list of those the family wanted to honor.

“Branch County is a rural area; a place where people know each other and care. To continue the legacy our family instilled in us of faith, family, friends, we share this concert for all of Branch County to affirm the same. It’s a celebration of life, love and God’s gift of music.” expressed Pridgeon.

The Measure for Measure performance will start at 7pm at Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett Street, Coldwater MI 49036. Tickets will be $25.00 for adults, $10.00 for students and are available online at Tibbits.org. You may also purchase tickets at the Tibbits Administrative Offices located at 93 W. Chicago Street, Coldwater MI, 49036, open 9am to 5pm on weekdays. For more information call 517-278-6029 or visit Tibbits.org.

Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic – Smith Memorial Benefit Concert

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Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic
The Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic will perform at Tibbits September 20 as part of the Smith Memorial concert benefiting the Branch District Library.

The 14th Annual Smith Memorial Benefit Concert announces the performance, Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic at Tibbits Opera House at 7 pm Saturday, September 20, 2014.

Since 1994 this extraordinary group of high school talent has exhilarated audiences from every generation. They celebrate songs and dances from the tradition of American folk, bluegrass, jazz, western swing and Celtic music. The repertoire, which increases every year, includes many pieces both traditional and contemporary arranged by both students and an eclectic and talented artistic team headed by Artistic Director, Jimmy Whitman.

The concert organized by Diane Smith Pridgeon and her sister Susanne Smith Wise honors the memories of their family Ruth, Robert, Douglas and Dean Smith. The benefit concert began as a way to celebrate the lives of Robert, Douglas and Dean Smith. Pridgeon explains “At the 25th year after their passing, my mother and I thought we would like to do something to give back to our community.” After Ruth’s passing the sisters continued the tradition, adding their mother to the list of the lives they celebrate.

On behalf or herself and her sister Pridgeon says, “Branch County is a rural area; a place where people know each other and care. To continue the legacy our family instilled in us of faith, family, friends, we share this concert for all of Branch County to affirm the same. It’s a celebration of life, love and God’s gift of music.”

The Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic concert is offered without charge but donations are accepted with proceeds going to a community nonprofit. Each year the sisters choose the organization to be the recipient. Past beneficiaries have included Tibbits, Habitat for Humanity, the Presbyterian Health Clinic, Branch County 4-H Foundation and many others. This year’s beneficiary will be the Branch District Library and their youth programming.

Pridgeon says she discovered the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic last summer at a music-in-the-park event she attended with her daughter who had moved to Saline. “I was impressed that they performed throughout the summer,” said Pridgeon. “This is an extracurricular activity for the students; this is not for school credit. I was impressed with that level of talent and commitment these performers showed.”

Saline Orchestra Teacher Bob Phillips started the group 20 years ago with one simple idea: introduce an alternative style of music education to public school students. With great success Phillips created a strong and vibrant fiddle organization that broke through the fiddle music scene. After 9 years Bob’s departure sparked two high school fiddle groups in Saline and thus Saline Fiddlers and Fiddlers ReStrung were born. After 10 years both groups decided it was time to combine and recreate the legacy of Bob Phillips and the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic was reborn.

SFP creates an atmosphere of creativity and excitement that shines through every song, from singing popular old-time and modern favorites to Americana clog dancing choreographed by Sheila Graziano. Each student brings his or her own unique personality to every performance. Audiences are always anticipating the next surprise by this young ensemble. The group performs across Michigan, the country and even the world as they tour and play over 80 shows a year.

Cutline: The Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic will perform at Tibbits September 20 as part of the Smith Memorial concert benefiting the Branch District Library.

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