DOWNTOWN SEARCH
Mixer on the Mall Season 2009
Mixer on the Mall is an after work party on the North Kalamazoo Mall, hosted every Wednesday, June 10 through August 19.
The event is hosted by DKA Charities and is a fundraising event to support other DKA Charities events such as Great Winter Adventure, Safe Halloween, and holiday decorations as part of Santa’s Village. The fundraising goal this year is $15,000. This year, attendees will have the opportunity to help raise money by donating $1 at the door. Convenient entry punch-passes will be available for purchase for five dollars.
Mixer on the Mall is supported by FM 106.5 WVFM radio station of the Midwest Radio Group and they provide weekly updates, daily information regarding the band, give-away specials, and the weather. The event also features beverages sold separately and include Arcadia Brewing Company, Labatts, Lindeman’s, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, and Jones Soda products. Each week the event provides a special featured product that can be found downtown at some of the entertainment and restaurant locations. This featured product is unique and provides the opportunity to try something different and fun. The beverages are served by volunteer business groups (about 10 people needed) and if your business is interested in volunteering for a little team camaraderie and exposure, please call us.
The event highlights are:
Every Wednesday, June 10-August 19, 2009
Gates open at 5 p.m. and the event concludes with last call at 7:30 p.m.
Location: North Kalamazoo Mall by the Radisson
Beverages:
Beverages are sold by $1 tickets
Jones Soda and water $2
Alcoholic Beverages:
$3 for drafts
$4 for premium drafts
$4 wine and
Mike’s Hard Lemonade
Featured products
Band Updates and Weather:
FM 106.5
269.344.0795
Downtown Kalamazoo, Inc.
269.388.2830
The Event Company, event manager
2009 Entertainment Line-Up
6/10/09
World Class Noise - rhythm and blues band (Chicago, IL)
6/17/09
Soulz of Rhythm - Soul band with a Motown sound (Holland, MI)
6/24/09
Drop 35 - great cover band (Kalamazoo)
7/1/09
Joe Wang & the Test Pilots - acoustic to mellow (Kalamazoo)
7/8/09
Four Finger Five - jazz, soul, rock, and pop (Muskegon, MI)
7/15/09
World Blues Fusion (Melbourne, Australia)
7/22/09
Sweet Japonic – blues, roots, soul and reggae
7/29/09
De Hurricane - reggae band (Chicago, IL)
8/5/09
Arcadia - acoustic pop, reggae, jazz, and rock (Flint, MI)
8/12/09
TBA
8/19/09
LoFi Pioneer – true to soul with pop and funk (Chicago, IL)
BAND BIOS
World Class Noise
www.worldclassnoise.com
Saviors of Soul, for 15 years World Class Noise has been thrilling audiences all across the Midwest, bringing back to the masses, the music of the people, by the people, and for the people…to dance and come together one “soul†nation under God indivisible . This 9 piece soul band juggernaut is a hall marked and standard of the Chicago music scene. Together they provide a funky, ginger licking good BBQ[‘s soul power you will never get over…and will want to hear again and again.
Soulz of Rhythm
www.soulz ofrhythm.com
After being in a number of bands over the years, developing a repertoire of music and collaborating with many talented musicians, Diego decided he should create The Soulz of Rhythm and bring a healthy mix of Soul, R&B, Funk, Swing, and Rock ‘n Roll to Michigan’s music scene. There are many good bands and great songs out there, but Diego wanted to perform unique classics that strike an emotional chord with the audience. The Soulz’ songs include many classic R&B/Soul hits, but also 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, Rock ‘n Roll, Funk, and Swing. They love the horn lines in many of these songs, but when the song is purely Rock & Roll, the horn players will sing background vocals and add a little Rhythm of their own.
Drop 35
www.wiserproductions.com
If it's a party you want, then it's a party you'll get with Drop 35. Featuring a great male & female lead vocal duo, supported by 4 great back-up musicians, Drop 35 has continuously proven to be a highly sought after band for private events, as well as THE MOST POPULAR night club band in West Michigan. High energy and fun, or classy and tasteful, Drop 35 is delighted to work with you, regardless of the type of event that you have planned. From jazz standards to the top songs of today, Drop 35 is truly a variety band that can cover all styles of music and maintain the authenticity of all genres.
Joe Wang & the Test Pilots
Website: www.jwtp.com
It is a 4 piece band. Lead Guitar and lead vocals, Pete Poggione; Rhythm guitar and vocals, Tom Cross; Bass and vocals, Tony Nuismer; and drums, Mark Kalinowski. All of these guys are from this area and established musicians. This band is very versatile. They can play full on electric or acoustic for a more mellow approach to their own original songs as well as some very eclectic classic covers. Whether it be a full line-up of original tunes you are looking for or a full line-up of classics, they have it all.
Four Finger Five
www.fourfingerfive.com
Four Finger Five. Sounds like a bit of a misnomer for a band that has only three members (each with the standard number of digits), and that’s what makes it a fantastic moniker for a group that continually confounds any attempts at categorization. Incorporating a myriad of genres, including jazz, soul, rock, and pop, this trio from Muskegon, Michigan, has concocted a truly unique style, deftly taking the classic triumvirate of guitar, bass, and drums and building a sound that is at once innovative and creative, while feeling as familiar as a thrift store coat."We wanted a sound that is vintage, reminiscent of the ’60s and ’70s, but presenting it in our own way," says lead vocalist/guitarist Joe Sturgill
Harper
www.harper.biz
An amalgamation of blues, rock, funk, soul and world music, Australian singer/ songwriter "Harper"& his band “Midwest Kind†create a heady mix of roots/ jam music through his creative use of the harp, and the haunting drone of the didgeridoo. Borrowing from western and world music, this musical visionary develops a highly original take on the roots genre.
2009 is going to be Harper's biggest year yet with 30 + major festivals, many of which he will be headlining in five different countries. On his most recent UK tour Harper's live show was described as " strong, expressive, at times pain- ridden vocals were interspersed with some top class electronic harp playing and the unearthly and soul wrenching call of the didgeridoo" (Blues Matters, United Kingdom, 2008). Harper's killer tour schedule of 250+ shows per year has gained him a grassroots US and international following.
Sweet Japonic
www.sweetjaponicmusic.com
Sweet Japonic's sound has rapidly matured into an infectious blend of blues, roots, soul and reggae influenced rock music. Sweet Japonic has emerged as one of very few premiere bands in the West Michigan music scene. With deep roots in Grand Rapids , the band's substantial following is remarkably dedicated and diverse, and fans frequently sing along with the band. The 2006 sophomore album Two O'clock Sirens earned a WYCE Jammie award for Best Rock Album, adding to the band's previous Jammie for the '05 release Through the Eyes of Lucie Blue. Local success has lead to some unique opportunities, and Sweet Japonic is taking full advantage.
De Hurricane
www.myspace.com/thehurricaneband
Haling from the exotic isle of Dominica, Cleve “Hurricane†Jean Jacques has been a professional musician since he could remember. Hurricane’s musical career began at the tender age of fourteen, when he was performing as lead guitarist and vocalist for the Island’s leading band. Then Hurricane continued to develop in strength as a song writer, musical arranger, and entertainer. In 1986, he entered the arena of calypso and for the next fourteen years touched the hearts and lives of people all over the world. Hurricane has opened for or performed along side of Calypso King of the World Mighty Sparrow, Arrow, Ziggy Marley, Shaggy, Luciano, Morgan Heritage, Steel Pulse and more. Presently, Hurricane resides in Chicago, heading the Hurricane band and performing with some of the most talented professionals in the industry.
Arcadia
www.myspace.com/arcadiami
Arcadia exploits a fun, fresh, & upbeat experience throughout their wide range of melodic tunes ranging from acoustic pop, reggae, jazz, and rock. Their most common review is that the music is catchy, unique, and original. Arcadia is always a guarantee to get people dancing and singing along. If you want a band that can bring a crazy party jam, chill jazzy feel, or grooving instrumentation.
Lo/fi Pioneer
Website: www.lofipioneer.com
Started from a 4-track tape recorder in the corner of studio apartment, Aryk Crowder began laying the groundwork for what would later become lo/fi pioneer. Drawing influences from R&B greats Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder, Crowder set out to cultivate a refreshing sound, free of electronics and true to soul – pioneering organic blends of pop and funk through lo fidelity means. lo/fi pioneer’s sound became complete with the 2006 introduction of Kevin Holt and Tyrone Mitchell, rounding out the trio on bass and drums, respectively. Shortly thereafter, the group hit the studio and recorded their inaugural 3-track demo. The music, impressive enough to book the group at landmark venues in their hometown of Chicago, including the Double Door, Wise Fools Pub and Elbo Room, remains true to the visions created in that original 200sq. foot apartment. With nods to legendary artists Sly & the Family Stone, Prince, James Brown, Al Green and Bill Withers, the sets are balanced with crowd pleasers and uplifting originals. With more than a handful of live shows under their belts, lo/fi pioneer is quickly turning little ripples into waves as they release their first 8-song EP.
New Downtown Development Project Announced
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Ken Nacci
Downtown Tomorrow Inc., Pres.
269-344-0795
James
Dally
MAVCON Properties, Pres.
269-381-0776
DOWNTOWN TOMORROW INC
ANNOUNCES PROPOSED
TRANSFORMATIVE DEVELOPMENT
PROJECT
June 9, 2009, Kalamazoo, Mich.: Downtown Tomorrow, Inc.(DTI), in partnership with several community entities, announces a major development project that could transform the 100 block of East Michigan Avenue, a series of premier commercial properties in the center of downtown Kalamazoo.
Kalamazoo MAVCON Properties is the private developer.
“This is a private agreement which required a high collaborative commitment from several partners,†said Downtown Tomorrow, Inc. President Ken Nacci. “There is still much work ahead in satisfying the conditions of the development agreement, but we are very confident in the success of this project coming to fruition, given the commitment of the private developer, MAVCON Properties, and the many community partners who have stepped up to the table to help make this a reality.â€
The approximately $10 million proposed re-development project includes buildings 105, 113, 119, 123/127 at East Michigan Avenue. It is a 30,000 square foot mixed-use project to provide ground level retail and 2nd & 3rd floor residential units.
“The redevelopment of these properties was identified as the number one Transformative Project in the 2009 Downtown Kalamazoo Comprehensive Plan: This is a crucial project for furthering downtown development. And we are very pleased to have found a developer whose vision meets those that were identified in our planning processâ€, said Nacci. “We are working diligently to move this project forward, but as is the case with all major complicated and multi-faceted development agreements, we are doing so with patience.â€
Celebrating its 12th anniversary, MAVCON Properties is a Kalamazoo based developer & general contractor located at 6800 W. Main St. with offices in Michigan, Alabama & Texas. Ranked #49 out of 100 top construction companies in the U.S. and #1 in Michigan by INC. Magazine, it has had development projects throughout the U.S. & Canada. MAVCON Properties was named Michigan 50 Company to Watch, has been named a 101 Best & Brightest Company to Work For and was ranked #813 out of 5000 fastest growing private companies in the U.S. by INC. Magazine.
Says MAVCON Properties President James Dally, “We are very pleased to be involved in the redevelopment of downtown, and look forward to a very bright future. “
Details on the project will be available after July 31, which marks the deadline for many elements of the pending development agreement. “Once the negotiations are finalized and agreements are met, then we can celebrate†says Nacci.
On Monday, June 15, 2009, the Downtown Development Authority will take action to approve a term sheet that describes and defines its role in this project the following details the proposed role of the Downtown Development Authority.
Project Description:
This project entails the renovation of four historic buildings in downtown Kalamazoo. Each building consists of four stories consisting of three floors above grade and one story below. The facilities are located at 105-129 East Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, Michigan. The project retains exiting tenants, creates 8,000 sq. ft of retail at ground level and 20 (twenty) residential units on the second and third floors. These buildings are at the crossroads of downtown Kalamazoo, and provide an opportunity to create a flywheel of development and revitalization in this critical central corridor of downtown Kalamazoo.
The work would entail the complete selective dismantlement of all windows, facades, interior finishes, MEP systems, etc., retaining only the core structures and masonry support walls. The front facades along Michigan Avenue will be retained with their architectural detail. The buildings will then be structurally reinforced and new systems applied entailing new roofs, glazing, interior build out, elevator, stairwells, etc. An addition will be constructed along the back to provide cross corridors, stairwells, and aid in the necessary matching of floor elevations.
Timeline:
Closing on the sale of property and all other matters (unless waived) is September 30, 2009. Project must start by November 30, 2009 and completed by February 1, 2011.
Partners: Available upon request.
Oversight:
All city requirements including design review and site plan review are in place. Additionally, DTI has included in their Development Agreement additional requirements related to significant milestones for completion of the project.
Role of the D’s
DTI: $1,500,000 in seller financing
DDA: Grants totaling $1,228,000 as follows:
Facade grants:
$768,000
Public Improvements:
$460,000
Payout:
$250,000 at closing, balance of $978,000 paid annually at $48,900 for twenty years. Revenues to come from project TIF generation plus annual total TIF collections.
Parking Lot #9 Improvements totaling $805,000
Payout: $250,000 in 2011 from banked annual City CIP funding of $265,000. Balance of $555,000 to be paid annually at $27,750 from allocated TIF CIP dollars for twenty years. Most likely, this arrangement will take the form of the developer doing the improvements on behalf of the DDA and entering into some form of contractual agreement similar to the north Kalamazoo Mall and the Miller Canfield project.
Amend DDA/City Parking Sub-Lease: The Parking Sub-Lease is the legal document that distributes parking system revenue and TIF revenue to the various parking bond issues. This document is amended whenever there are major changes to the parking system. It was never amended when the Kalamazoo Mall ramp was built. This and an opportunity to revise past payment schedules on pre-1994 debt allow the DDA to contribute greater sums of TIF to the project.
Waiving Right of First Refusal: The DDA has a RoFR on all parking system properties. A small portion of Parking Lot #9 needs to be sold to the developer. The DDA will need to waive it’s RoFR.
100 Mile Farmers Market
Beginning May 6, and every subsequent Wednesday throughout the warmer weather months, the People's Food Co-op will offer an outdoor farmers market. Named the 100-MILE FARMERS' MARKET, it references the local region from which fresh produce, plants and cut flowers will be provided by our local growers.
The market will be located in the parking lot adjacent to People's Co-Op on the corner of Burdick and Cedar Streets. Hours of operation will be 3-7pm.
For more information visit www.peoplesfoodcoop.org or call Rosie at 269-492-6468.
THE PROMISE OF DOWNTOWN: 2009 Downtown Kalamazoo Comprehensive Plan
FOR KEY RELATED DOCUMENTS CLICK:
2009 State of the Downtown (Power Point)
2009 State of the Downtown Script (Word Document) .
2009 Downtown Comprehensive Plan
2009 Downtown Comprehensive Plan Illustrative Summary
Downtown Kalamazoo Incorporated presented the Promise of Downtown: 2009 DOWNTOWN KALAMAZOO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN to a record attendance at its annual State of the Downtown Address Monday, February 16, where over 350 community members gathered and another 100 tuned in via WKZO's web cam to be among the first to learn about the organization's long range plans for downtown development. As the name suggests, the plan looks to brand downtown as a center of education, offering continued learning experiences from "Pre-K to Grey", in alignment with The Kalamazoo Promise.
While establishing a foundation of focus in .
- Residential
- Retail
- Students
- Transportation
- Jobs
- Arts Culture
The Promise of Downtown outlines traditional planning efforts that include future Land Use Plans and prioritizes seven key transformative projects. The plan also emphasizes less traditional planning elements that include emerging trends such as senior housing opportunities, addressing homelessness and looks to establish downtown Kalamazoo as a center of excellence, city for children, and other initiatives. Key documents relevant to this plan, in summary or in its complete proposal are available above on line. Hard copies, while available for a small fee, are available but discouraged.
The Promise of Downtown, 2009 DOWNTOWN KALAMAZOO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN is the result of over 12 months of planning process managed by DKI staff and a Project Planning Team that includes planning consultants LSL Consultants, TSI Consultants, and Parking Solutions and the Comp Plan Team made up of DKI Committee Chairs and City staff members. Over 500 community members participated in a number of forums and focus groups that helped to identify the priories and equally important, identified vision elements that capture what the community envisions this downtown to be: ACCESSIBLE, PROSPEROUS, DIVERSE, GREEN, VIBRANT, and PROGRESSIVE.
The Promise of Downtown is still in draft form. Ideas for specific projects and initiatives are welcomed. Please contact our office via telephone at 269.344.0795 or send us an email to dki.org with "COMP PLAN INPUT" in the heading. The timeline for final public hearings and endorsements of the plan is as follows:
DDA BOARD MONDAY, 4.20.09
3:00 pm, City Hall
PLANNING COMMISSION.
THURSDAY, 5.07.09
7:00 pm, City Hall
CITY COMMISSION
MONDAY, 5.18.09
7:00 pm, City Hall
City Commission.
BLUE SKIES: Calling all musicians, performers, actors, acrobats, and even magicians.
BLUE SKIES: Calling all musicians, performers, actors, acrobats, and even magicians.
One of the great things about an urban center, big or small, is that it lends itself to so many outdoor performance space opportunities. Picture this: a little jazz band playing under one of the trees on the Kalamazoo Mall, a painter capturing the skyline on Michigan Avenue, and perhaps (this is all at once, now) a garage-starter band playing over in another area. Heck, the coolest thing would be to have a performance happening on every corner, nook and cranny througout the downtown. Well, we are certainly not there yet, but we are inviting local (and maybe-not-so-local) talent to consider opening up their violin and guitar cases, easels or bag of tricks up when the spirit moves you and when there are BLUE SKIES*. The idea is to create an environment where performers take to the outdoors to entertain. If you or someone you know can carry a tune, play an instrument, juggle, strike a band, pretty much the sky is the limit (pun intended.) We’d love to have you use downtown as your stage. All talent levels are welcome. There is a registration process. No fees. We just need to be able to keep track of who is out playing where. Then of course, there are some basic rules about times of day, and appropriateness of lyrics, and these kind of issues that consider the sensitivities of playing to the public. The details are explained in the application. But honestly, it is all pretty basic. We just want to make it easy for people to share their talents with downtown users. Whether it is in the morning, during the lunch hour, or weekend, we’re thinking that there is a time you would like to sing your heart out, bang on the bongos or strum that banjo. Groups are welcomed, of course. Download your application today and let us get you signed up! Look for information on perks and specials for registered performers.
*Clarification on the BLUE SKIES reference: Given that we arre subject to the many moods of Michigan weather, the skies don’t necessarily have to be cloudless to take to the sidewalks; so long as the weather is not threatening, performers are welcome to set up shop downtown. Call us for more information. 344-0795.
Adore the Decor and More Opens its Doors
Decorate your home with one of a kind upstyled painted furniture by Michigan Artists. Adore the Decor and More offers shabby, chic, and vintage inspired accents for the home, specialty gifts, hand-made jewelry, and custom wedding decor for your reception and much more for you to adore. Visit Adore the Decor and More on the north end of the Kalamazoo Mall.Hours of Operation:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12-5pm
Wednesday: 12-5pm
Thursday: 12-5pm
Friday: 12-5pm
Saturday: 12-5pm
Sunday: Closed
Adore the Decor and More
248 N. Kalamazoo Mall
(269) 343-4122
