Something Intriguing
Event blends sound and science
Be prepared to be fascinated when scientists from Michigan State University’s Kellogg Biological Station join cellist and composer Jordan Hamiliton for an event called “Sounds of Science, Inspiring Connections.”
This event will feature scientists giving five-minute talks on the ideas that inspire them in ecology, evolution and microbiology, with Hamilton creating a musical response.
It’s scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 8 at Alley Cat, 266 E. Michigan Ave., Suite B. The free program is part of the MSU Science Festival’s Science After Dark series. For more information, visit kbs.msu.edu/events.
Something Cultural
Bazaar offers international sampler
Patrons can take a quick trip around the world at the International Bazaar 2026 at the Western Michigan University Student Center.
From 4–9 p.m. April 4, nearly 30 student organizations representing various international student groups at WMU will present live dance and music performances, traditional food, and activities representing their home countries. In addition, crafts and jewelry from various countries will be available for purchase.
Something Green
Farming skills on display
Get ready to indulge your back-to-the-land fantasies with two events in Scotts that will spotlight traditional farming skills and equipment.
Olde Tyme Plow Days, set for April 18–19 at Scotts Mill County Park, will allow spectators to see old-school farming techniques. Demonstrations will include vintage tractors plowing fields using traditional methods, antique tractors, steam engines, sawmills, a shingle mill, rope making, a spinning wheel and blacksmithing. In addition, the event will include a flea market, crafts, a kiddie train and a baked goods sale. The hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m. April 18 and 9 a.m.–3 p.m. April 19, and admission is $5 per vehicle. For more information, visit scottstractorshow.org.
Also on April 18 will be Tillers International’s Annual Plow Day: Tools, Teams & Traditions. This full-farm open house, at 10515 East OP Ave., runs from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. It will include demonstrations on plowing, harrowing, blacksmithing and woodworking and will feature handcrafted goods from local makers and artisans. For more information, visit tillersinternational.org.
Something Literary
Festival debuts in Vicksburg
Shelby Van Pelt, the bestselling author of the novel Remarkably Bright Creatures, will kick off the first-ever Pulp & Press Lit Arts Fest, set for April 24–25 at various locations in Vicksburg.
This two-day literary festival is hosted by the village of Vicksburg. Keynoter Van Pelt will speak at 7 p.m. April 24 at the Vicksburg Performing Arts Center. Tickets for her presentation are $22.30.
On April 25 another well-known writer, Shonda Buchanan, author of the memoir Black Indian, will lead a workshop and give a reading, followed by a book signing. Additional workshops on poetry, illustration, bookbinding and printing will also be held that day.
Other festival programs include an art exhibition, a writing and illustration workshop for children, and a Book Trail where visitors can meet and talk with more than 30 regional authors.
There is a cost to attend some of the events, but many are free. For times, locations and other details, visit tinyurl.com/pulp-press.
Something Culinary
Food symposium spotlights Southeast Asia
Chef, educator and serial entrepreneur Brian Chen, also known as Abang Brian of MasterChef Malaysia fame, will be the keynote speaker for the Kalamazoo Foodways Symposium April 10–11.
The free two-day symposium will explore the food culture of Southeast Asia, with cooking demonstrations, classes, hands-on activities and local vendors.
The symposium begins at 6 p.m. April 10 at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum with a seed exchange, followed by Chen’s keynote presentation at 7 p.m. Chen has nearly two decades of experience in food, media and education and is the author of seven cookbooks, some that have won Gourmand International Cookbook Awards.
On April 11, Chen will engage in cooking demonstrations and a panel discussion at Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s Marilyn J. Schlack Culinary and Allied Health Building, 418 E. Walnut St. Events that day will run from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
