Terry’s Picks: January 2016
West Michigan Christian News writer Terry DeBoer surveys the landscape for the area's faith-based arts and entertainment events over the coming month. Here are his three highlights for January. *William Close and the Earth Harp Collective – The music artist plays an instrument of his own creation called an "Earth Harp" at 12:30 p.m. Tues. Jan. 19 in the Covenant Fine Art Center of Calvin College as part of its January Series. The body of the harp rests on the stage, but its strings stretch over the audience and connect in the rear of the auditorium. The musical effect is cathedral-like as nearly every space ripples with sound. The presentation is free and will be webcast at more than 45 sites, including in Grand Rapids, Holland, Muskegon and Grand Haven; and the audio is streamed live online. For more info visit online.
*The Oh Hellos – The alternative folk-rock group performs at 8 p.m. Thurs. Jan 28 in Dimnent Chapel at Hope College, Holland. The band's most recent album, "Dear Wormwood," was inspired in part by the C.S. Lewis novel "The Screwtape Letters." It serves as a "volume two" follow-up to their earlier album, "Through the Deep, Dark Valley," which also carries Biblical themes. The ensemble was founded by a brother-sister duo: Texas natives Tyler and Maggie Heath. The opening act is Liza Anne. Tickets are $20 general public, with discounts for Hope students. (Fee for online purchase). For info call 616-395-7800.
*"Ultimate Date Night" – Speakers (and married couple) Jay and Laura Laffoon lead an evening of fun and "edu-tainment" in a session built to help spouses connect at 7 p.m. Fri. Jan. 29 at Rush Creek Bible Church, 2334 76th St. in Byron Center. They repeat the event the following night at 7 p.m. at Bella Vista Church, 5100 Belding Rd., Rockford. The Laffoons served for many years on staff for Youth For Christ and currently have a marriage and family ministry at a church in Mt. Pleasant, Mich. Tickets are $25-$30 per couple, and are available online or 800-965-9324. For additional online info.
