Poetry
ArtsBridge Brings Music + Art to You!
The mission of ArtsBridge is to celebrate the arts in our neighborhood and provide a space where the diversity in our community is bridged through the appreciation of music and art. In 2017, the 7th Season of ArtsBridge is underway! The programs continue to draw people together. Many members of the community began to support ArtsBridge in partnership donations as well as the church’s support.
ArtsBridge conveys the spirit of community, joy and hope these concerts bring to the community. Special thanks goes to Susan Burkholz, who has spearheaded the publicity for the events and does a lot of the nuts and bolts work behind the scenes.
NEXT EVENT: OCTOBER 20 @ 2:00 PM
ARTSBRIDGE POETRY READING
ArtsBridge, a celebration of the arts in our neighborhood, will present its Fall ArtsBridge Poetry Reading at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 20, 2019 at First Presbyterian Church, 475 Green Avenue on Morton Hill in Benton Harbor, MI. Poet lovers of all ages are invited to attend and share a favorite poem or a few poems they have written. Possible topics may include nature, feelings, love, personal philosophy, diversity, spirituality, and others.
Isabel Jackson, who is the event organizer, commented: “This (event) will take place in an intimate and non-intimidating setting. Attendees may read their own work or have someone else read it. Participation is highly encouraged. All present will have the option to simply listen.” Some of the past participants include George Barfield, Pearl Blaylock, Bill Brady, David Brady, Debra Davis, Sue Goens, Darlene Hawkins, Marnie Heyn, Jeanette Holton, Isabel Jackson, Rev. Laurie Hartzell, Julie Kortidis, Linda Lobik, Gary McCormick, Maggie Mendus, and Rev. Emeritus Doug Petersen. Students from St. Joseph High School and Lake Michigan College have attended and read their poems.
Pastor Laurie Hartzell says “There is God-given talent and art all around us. Our hope is to provide a space where their art can help bridge our diversity as we fellowship together and revel in each other’s creative gifts.” A reception will follow the program in Goff Hall. For details call (269) 925-7075 or find them online at firstpresbh.org or Facebook.
Admission is free, donations accepted. A reception will follow the program.
Rev. Laurie Hartzell, who is the minister at this church, commented about ArtsBridge: “In a community that is often known for its racial and socio-economic divisions, ArtsBridge provides a safe space where people can come together through the creative and performing arts. There is incredible talent throughout our community—what a joy to share in it together.”
Upcoming Events:
CHECK OUT THIS SPACE FOR NEW FALL & WINTER EVENTS SOON!
All programs start at 4 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church and are absolutely free.
Rev. Laurie Hartzell, who is the minister at this church, commented about ArtsBridge: “In a community that is often known for its racial and socio-economic divisions, ArtsBridge provides a safe space where people can come together through the creative and performing arts. There is incredible talent throughout our community—what a joy to share in it together.”
Past Events of this Season:
MARCH 24 @ 4:00 PM
SPECIAL JENNA MAMMINA & ROLF STURM CONCERT
ArtsBridge presents a special concert featuring pop/jazz vocalist and songwriter Jenna Mammina and guitarist Rolf Sturm on Sunday, March 24, 2019 4:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 475 Green Avenue on Morton Hill in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Delana Pringle will also display and sell her unique wearable creations. When people come together from various walks of life to celebrate and enjoy each other’s artistic talents and gifts, hope is born again.” A reception will follow the program in Goff Hall.
Jenna & Rolf have just released their second recording, entitled, “Begin To Dance”. It is the follow up to their 2015 debut release, “Spark”. “Begin To Dance” is filled with jazz standards, older pop songs, and a couple of originals.
Recognized as one of the leading women of jazz/pop crossover for three years in a row by Jazziz Magazine, she has had the honor of recording an original song “A Love that Lasts”, on the “Jazziz Women Vol. 4” CD, alongside tracks by Diana Krall and Norah Jones.
Her song “Contradictions” was included on the 2004 KKSF Aids Relief Sampler CD, featuring Joe Jackson and Brenda Russell. Other accolades bestowed upon Ms. Mammina
include Jazz Performer of the Year for the SF Weekly, a nomination for Best Jazz Album for her sophomore CD, Meant to Be, by the California Music Awards, and the Goldy Award for her tireless work with children through her nationally acclaimed program Scat for Cats. Jenna’s first album, Under the Influence, was one of the most widely praised debuts, earning a four-star review in Japan’s most prestigious jazz magazine, Swing Journal.
With thousands of miles and performances under her tri-coastal musical gypsy skirt, Jenna has claimed the San Francisco Bay Area as her home and sanctuary. She has performed with a vast array of legendary talent, such as Bobby McFerrin, June Millington, Rickie Lee Jones, Al Jarreau, Phish, David Sanborn, Ray Obiedo, Wil Ackerman, Liz Story, Tuck Andress, and Rosemary Clooney. Jenna has graced the stages of esteemed venues like Yoshi’s in Oakland, California, Town Hall in New York, The Green Mill in Chicago, and festivals such as Jazz Aspen, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage, Monterey San Francisco, Big Sur and Mount Hood, continuing to delight sold-out crowds throughout the United States and touring over 250 dates a year.
While touring, Jenna continues to teach children ages 3-104, through her workshops Scat for Cats™, Art of the Duo™, and her latest, So You Want To be a Rock and Roll Star at schools and universities throughout the country.
“Rolf Sturm is an astounding fingerstyle player effortlessly alternating between swinging jazz chords and beautifully executed single note lines. His improvisational abilities are both impressive and expressive.”, writes James Scott from his Minor 7th Webzine review of Rolf’s solo CD: “Balance”.
“..Sturm is a prodigious talent and is an unparalleled virtuoso of the nylon stringed guitar. “Balance” is highly recommended and should be required listening for all fans of contemporary music.”
Rolf’s guitar playing has also earned the praise of Joe Pass, Jim Hall, John Abercrombie, and Bill Frisell. He appears on over 60 CDs including recordings that feature Tony Trischka, Loudon Wainwright, Anthony Braxton, David Johansen, John Medeski, Billy Martin, Glen Velez, Maggie Roche, Jorma Kaukonen, Roswell Rudd, Dave Douglas, Ike Willis, Eddy Arnold, Catherine Russell, and members of the Grateful Dead. When not
recording and touring with Jenna , Rolf is also a member of the Roswell Rudd Quartet, NYC’s “Strike Anywhere Performance Ensemble” and the “Walter Thompson Orchestra.”
Rolf has toured the United States, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Sweden, Austria, Hungary, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Canada, and the UK, performing at dozens of jazz, jam band/rock, folk, and blues festivals (including the World Expo 2000 in Hanover, Germany, the JVC Jazz Festival, the Boston Folk Festival, the Syracuse Jazz Festival, Ripplefest, Music On The Mountain Festival, and the Toronto Jazz Festival.). He has
performed at Lincoln Center, and Town Hall in NYC, and at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. He has appeared on soundtracks for both film and television and his music has been featured on National Public Radio’s All Songs Considered. His solo guitar recording, “Balance”, was awarded 4 stars in DownBeat magazine.
Delana Pringle is a Benton Harbor, Michigan native and resided in this community all her life. For more than three years, she’s been a teacher’s aid at Mildred C. Academy. She is also the owner of Fearless Custom Designs by Delana. She has been sewing beautiful creations for almost two years. She makes skirts, bow ties for women, men and children, decorative head wraps, jewelry and other accessories. Every piece is a one of a
kind custom design. Delana says “I’m using the gifts that God has given me to make my customers feel their best. It is truly an awesome feeling to see each custom made item as a finished product.” She is inspired by the Victorian princess look, queens of Africa and all things elegant. She enjoys helping her customers look and feel beautiful. Delana’s creations are available by appointment.
FEBRUARY 3, 2019 – Super Sunday Poetry Slam @ 2:30 PM
ArtsBridge, a celebration of the arts in our neighborhood, will present its 11th annual Super Sunday Poetry Reading at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, February 3, 2019 at First Presbyterian Church, 475 Green Avenue on Morton Hill in Benton Harbor, MI. Poet lovers of all ages are invited to attend and share a favorite poem or a few poems they have written. Possible topics may include nature, feelings, love, personal philosophy, diversity, spirituality, and others.
Isabel Jackson, who is the event organizer, commented: “This (event) will take place in an intimate and non-intimidating setting. Attendees may read their own work or have someone else read it. Participation is highly encouraged. All present will have the option to simply listen.” Some of the past participants include George Barfield, Pearl Blaylock, Bill Brady, David Brady, Debra Davis, Sue Goens,
Darlene Hawkins, Marnie Heyn, Jeanette Holton, Isabel Jackson, Rev. Laurie Hartzell,
Julie Kortidis, Linda Lobik, Gary McCormick, Maggie Mendus, and Rev. Emeritus Doug Petersen. Students from St. Joseph High School and Lake Michigan College have attended and read their poems.
Pastor Laurie Hartzell says “There is God-given talent and art all around us. Our hope is to provide a space where their art can help bridge our diversity as we fellowship together and revel in each other’s creative gifts.” A reception will follow the program in Goff Hall. For details call (269) 925-7075 or find them online at firstpresbh.org or Facebook.
Admission is free, donations accepted. A reception will follow the program.
NOVEMBER 18, 2018 – Thanksgiving & Praise Concert – 4:00 PM
The program will feature guest organist Brenton Offenback, All God’s Children
Community Choir and an array of art work on display and for sale by artists primarily from First Presbyterian Church of Benton Harbor.
Brenton Offenback graduated from Andrews University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 2009 and with a Master’s degree in Organ Performance and Choral Conducting in 2014, studying under Dr. Kenneth Logan and Stephen Zork respectively.
As a child, Brenton pretended to play the organ on the backs of pew benches, always admiring the sound that came from those mysterious pipes. As a high school freshman, Brenton finally built up the courage to ask the church organist if he could play. With the promise of a free organ method book for playing four times, he obtained the book very quickly. And thus, started his long love and profession of the organ.
Since then, Brenton has played in numerous churches: the Chapel Hill Methodist Church, Sodus, MI; Forest Lake Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Apopka, FL; Knowels Chapel of Rollins College, Winter Park, FL; Zion United Church of Christ, Baroda, MI; Village Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Berrien Springs, MI; and now at the First Congregational Church of St. Joseph, MI.
All God’s Children Community Choir is a spirited group of talented and enthusiastic children and teens, ages 5 to 18, drawn from many different communities in Southwest Michigan. Led by a diverse team of directors, the Choir is now in its 17th year, inspiring audiences with its messages of brotherhood and sisterhood, unity, peace and respect for all people. Since the Choir’s initial performance at the Race Relations Council Awards Program in 2001, All God’s Children has performed on more than 150 occasions. These special events have included performances at Lake Michigan College and Andrews University to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; a special Habitat for Humanity performance for former President Jimmy Carter; concerts in Grand Rapids and Traverse City for state and national teachers’ conferences; joint appearances with the Chicago Children’s Choir in Michigan and Chicago; a Holiday Traditions concert with the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra and Metropolitan Opera Star Angela Brown; a featured performance at Navy Pier in Chicago on Martin Luther King Day; multiple ArtsBridge concerts; and performances with recording artists Tom Chapin, Josh White, Jr., Gemini, Peter Yarrow, and Pamela Chappell with whom All God’s Children recorded an award-winning CD.
Jordan Adams, from Hendersonville, North Carolina, has family ties that connect her to Southwest Michigan. Her father grew up in St. Joseph and she regularly visits her 97-year-old grandmother who still lives in the area. Jordan graduated from Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina in 2014 and has spent most of her time since graduating traveling and working as an English teacher in South Korea. Jordan enjoys many art mediums including pottery and fiber arts. She knits and weaves as she travels around the world for work and play. She loves to collect yarn from the different places she visits and then create wearable items and woven wall hangings to adorn your home. You can find out more about Jordan’s work on Etsy vagabondfiberarts.etsy.com and Instagram vagabondfiberarts. Arianne Baker has been an artist all her life. She studied art education at Eastern Michigan University with a concentration in jewelry and
metalsmithing. She and her mother Jackie operate a beaded jewelry business called Dragons Fly Beads. She has always been interested in the tactile aspect of art and has made portraits with fingerprints and even footprints. Currently, she does more art on a smaller scale with needlepointing.
David Baker is a lifelong artist and teacher. Now, mostly retired from academic life, he works full time making art. He often works with oil,
watercolor, or charcoal. Most of his imagery is found in nature; quiet moments, touched with a little poetry.
Jackie Baker started making jewelry in 1996 and hasn’t stopped. It was very relaxing at first for her to just play with the beads. When she accumulated too many, she started selling her creations. Jackie’s jewelry is one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Her daughter, Arianne, also makes most of the jewelry for Dragons Fly Beads.
Antwon Johnson began glassblowing as a Fired Up! student at Water Street Glassworks two years ago. He enjoys making different glass objects such as spun bowls, vases, cups, and paperweights. Antwon likes being creative and would like to make glassblowing his career. He is gaining a lot of good experience and plans to continue glassblowing for as long as he can.
Joan Judd’s painting journey started with lessons from Marilyn O’Bryant and Lorie Jespersen at the Krasl Art Center. She continues taking classes there. Her paintings have been displayed at both The Krasl and Box Factory for the Arts galleries. She also was part of the Chartreuse, a local artist co-op for six years. Currently, her paintings and cards are for sale at Aveline Gallery in Benton Harbor. Joan is a graduate of Albion College and also taught first and second grades in Michigan and Virginia. For twelve years, she was the director of the First Church of God Nursery School.
Veronica Smith has been an artist all her life. The mediums she uses are varied; including graphite pencil, colored pencil, pastel,
photography, and most recently picking up acrylics and watercolors. She mostly works digitally as a comic book colorist and illustrating;
striving to tell stories with her art.
Sunday – May 6 – Spring Concert & Exhibit
Featuring jazz guitarist Gene Butler, music students from The Citadel Dance & Music Center under the direction of Susan Dietrich-Reed, and wearable art from Sharon Wilkinson.
ArtsBridge presents a “Spring Concert and Exhibit” on Sunday, May 6, 2018, 4:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 475 Green Avenue on Morton Hill in Benton Harbor, Michigan. The program will feature music students from The Citadel Dance & Music Center under the direction of Susan Dietrich-Reed and jazz guitarist Gene Butler.
Wearable art by Sharon Wilkinson will also be on display and for sale. Pastor Laurie Hartzell says “There is God-given talent and art all around us. Our hope is to provide a space where their art can help bridge our diversity as we fellowship together and revel in each other’s creative gifts.” A reception will follow the program in Goff Hall. For
details call (269) 925-7075 or find them online at firstpresbh.org or Facebook.
Sunday – September 30 – Autumn Celebration Concert & Exhibit
ArtsBridge’s 8th season begins a program featuring gospel singer Jolita Burton followed by Ed Bagatini and his 11-piece jazz band The Revival of the Cool! Acrylic paintings by Nikki Gauthier will also be on display and for sale.
Jolita Burton is a native of the Black Pearl of Berrien County, the city she loves, Benton Harbor, Michigan. She has been a Gospel songstress in her community for many years. Her love for Jesus Christ is her inspiration to live the kind of life that invokes the presence of His glorious spirit, which she shares the gift she has been blessed
with. She has been a longtime member of Refreshing Fountains Church of God in Christ (COGIC) on Euclid Avenue in Benton Harbor. Her husband, Maurice Burton, is a retired State of Michigan trooper and is an elder and minister at Refreshing Fountain COGIC. She is also blessed with two children, Marcellus and Imyn, and three grandchildren.
The Revival of the Cool jazz band is comprised of some of the best jazz players in the area including Bump Enders and Mark Gamble (Trumpet) Dino Jackson (French Horn), Ruth Livengood, Joel Fletty, Brandon Yenchus, Ed Bagatini (Trombone) Rob Funk (Baritone Sax), Stephen Lundquist (Guitar), Jason Spiegel (Bass), and Jim Allen (Drums). Arrangements and original compositions are the work of Ed Bagatini. In rehearsal since
June of 2017, the library hosts 104 arrangements. Some of the music selections performed will include the Theme from Deception by Miles Davis, Stella by Starlight by Victor Young, Fly me to the Moon by Bart Howard plus several original compositions by Ed Bagatini such as Eggs & Ice Cream, Bella Donna and Awe Shucks.
Ed Bagatini was born, raised and schooled in Calumet Michigan where the circle of 4th’s was taught along with the three R’s. With maternal encouragement, he graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Music Ed. Degree. He then became a trombonist with 5th Army Headquarters Band. Mr. Bagatini has taught instrumental music in various schools in Southwestern Michigan He laid the foundations for the band programs at Lake
Michigan College and Lake Michigan Catholic Schools. Ed has had extensive experience in arranging music. He has arranged music for: The Navy School of Music, Dan Belloc, Kai Winding, Tommy Shepard, Bill Russo, Bill Porter, Mike Suter, Bobby Davidson, Western Michigan University, The Jazz Assemblage and The Nostalgics. He was the musical director of The Nostalgics Big Band, leads The Dynabones, and The Ed Bagatini Trio. He performs with The Ed Forrest Big Band, Carol And Kaye’s Dixieland Band and various church ensembles. Major influences upon his arranging are Gerry Mulligan and the late great friend Bill Evans. Presently, Ed and his wife, Adrienne, operate Bagatini’s Music Store in downtown St. Joseph.
Nikki Gauthier is the Communications, Programs and Events Coordinator for the Box Factory for the Arts in St. Joseph, Michigan. In her role at the Box Factory, Nikki helps to develop programs, which nurture the arts and creativity. She plans special Box Factory events such as concerts, open mic nights, gallery receptions, film nights and personal tours. Nikki loves being part of the team at the Box Factory and looks forward to continuing to build an organization, which fosters and celebrates artistic expression.
Nikki’s work at the Box Factory is a natural fit, as she has always had a passion for the arts in its many forms. She developed her own artistic talents as a musician early in life, but only recently discovered an affinity for painting when her dad gave her art supplies for Christmas. Since then, Nikki has been creating acrylic paintings featuring mainly floral and beach scenes. You can find Nikki’s works entitled “Introspective Life” on Etsy, Facebook, Instagram (@introspectivelifegirl), and at local artisan markets. Nikki is also the mother of two children, Geoff (17) and Hope (9).
Pastor Laurie Hartzell says “There is God-given talent and art all around us. Our hope is to provide a space where their art can help bridge our diversity as we fellowship together and revel in each other’s creative gifts.” A reception will follow the program in Goff Hall. For details call (269) 925-7075 or find them online at firstpresbh.org or Facebook.
See the schedule below and a special night with David Baker at the Box Factory on September 19!
Admission is free, donations accepted. A reception will follow the program.
Sunday – March 11 – Choral Concert & Exhibit
Featuring the SMC Select Voices directed by David Carew and colorful artwork by Brian Cooley.
ArtsBridge presents a Choral Concert and Exhibit on Sunday, March 11 4:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 475 Green Avenue on Morton Hill in Benton Harbor, Michigan. This program features SMC Select Voices conducted by David Carew, with guest tenor, Andrew Fisher. Colorful art work by Brian Cooley will also be on display and for sale. Admission is free and donations accepted. For more details visit www.FirstPresBH.org or find on Facebook.
Sunday – February 4, 2018 – 10th Poetry Reading – AT 2:00 P.M.!
ArtsBridge will present its 10th Poetry Reading at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 4, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church, 475 Green Avenue on Morton Hill in Benton Harbor, MI. Poetry lovers of all ages are invited to attend and read a poem they wrote or simply listen. Possible topics may include nature, feelings ranging from love to loss, diversity, spirituality, and more.
Isabel Jackson, who is the event organizer, commented: “This (event) will take place in an intimate and non-intimidating setting. Attendees may read their own work or have someone else read it. Participation is highly encouraged. All present will have the option to simply listen.”
Sunday – November 19 – Thanksgiving & Praise Concert & Exhibit
ArtsBridge presents Thanksgiving and Praise Concert and Exhibit on Sunday, November 19 4:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 475 Green Avenue on Morton Hill in Benton Harbor, Michigan. This program features organist, Perry Heppler, All God’s Children Community Choir and David Smykal’s reclaimed wood art. Admission is free and donations accepted.
Sunday – October 15 – 9th Annual Poetry Reading
ArtsBridge will present its 9th Poetry Reading at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, October 15, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church, 475 Green Avenue on Morton Hill in Benton Harbor, MI. Poetry lovers of all ages are invited to attend and read a poem they wrote or simply listen. Possible topics may include nature, feelings ranging from love to loss, diversity, spirituality, and more.
Sunday – September 24 – Three Pianists Concert & Exhibit
ArtsBridge presents Three Pianists Concert and Exhibit on Sunday, September 24 4:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 475 Green Avenue on Morton Hill in Benton Harbor, Michigan. This program features pianists Joshua Goines, Susan Burkholz, and David Brock plus ceramic artist Jerry Sirk. Admission is free and donations accepted. For more details visit FirstPresBH.org/ArtsBridge.
2016-17 season
Sunday – April 23 – Spring Concert and Exhibit
featuring SMC Chamber Group led by David Carew, The Hampton Men (Corey Sr., Corey Jr. & Cameron), plus photo and oil artwork by Bill Rothwell
Sunday – March 26 – Collage Concert & Exhibit
featuring vocalist Andrew Fisher with pianist Gabriel Smith, students from The Citadel Dance & Music Center, stone sculptures by Sara Shambarger and painted wood by George Barfield
Sunday – February 5 – Poetry Slam
featuring written and performed poetry by participants
Sunday – December 18 – Sights & Sounds of Christmas
featuring North American Brass Company, the community All God’s Children Choir and watercolor artist David Baker
Sunday – November 13 – Organ & Piano Concert and Exhibit
featuring organist Jim Kraus, pianist David Brock and painter Evan Robinson
Sunday – October 23 @ 4 pm – Three Pianists Concert and Exhibit
featuring Masashi Sekioka, Susan Burkholz, Jean Prosper and Water Street GlassWorks Fired Up! teens’ glass art
First Presbyterian Church of Benton Harbor, Michigan 
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