Jeffrey Zaslow Set to Appear at Winter Bridal Show

The Annual Winter Bridal Show of West Michigan is Jan. 20-21 at DeVos Place on Monroe Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids. All under one roof, a variety of exhibits will be on hand.

-Bridal Gowns and Tuxedos
-Linen & Chair Covers
-Candy / Dessert Buffets
-Reception Halls / Facilities
-Photography / Videography
-Floral Design / Decorators
-Catering
-Bridal Gift Registry
-Tanning & Spa
-Cooking Class /Newlywed
-DJ's and Live Music
-Cookware/ Kitchenware
-Photobooth
-Wedding Invitations/ Favors
-Limousine, Party Bus and Trolley
-Home Improvement & Décor
-Weight Loss & Healthcare
-Register to Win CASH and Prizes

Attendees will be engaged with a guest appearance by Jeffrey Zaslow, best selling Author. Meet, Greet and Book Signings, presenting "The Magic Room," a story about the love we wish for our daughters, featuring a Michigan Bridal Shop, managed by a fourth generation of daughters. Jeffrey Zaslow is the bestselling author of "The Girls From Ames", coauthor of "The Last Lecture" and "Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope", memoir of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

Highlighting three Runway Fashion Shows, Becker's Bridal will showcase unique and fashion forward designs by Maggie Sottero, Allure Bridals and Enzoani; also presenting truly couture gowns by Vintage Rose, designed in England and exclusive to Michigan to Becker's. Runway fashion shows are Friday at 7 pm and Saturday at noon and 2 pm.

A WOW display dessert table will be featured, in a unique classy and modern fashion. Candy and Dessert Tables are the newest hip thing at weddings!

Premiering at this event will be Donna Sawyer Culinary Cooking Classes. Basics with a WOW! Donna's vision for teaching young couples cooking basics will come to life; offering basic cooking classes for newlyweds and adding a new twist to bridal showers.

While attending the Bridal Show, brides and their wedding party may participate in a contest with an opportunity to win Cash Prizes ..."Brides Just Want to Have Fun" photo shoot. Your vote will be counted! Seasons of Love will also be showcased and a featured area.

Saving time and money is often a priority for the engaged couple, and the area's leading bridal businesses will be there offering day-of-show specials. Plan on placing your deposit and confirming your dream wedding as calendars fill up quickly. "We encourage engaged couples to print a checklist off at www.GRBrides.com and bring them to the show. And don't forget the Groom's List!" says Denise Kolesar, President of Kohler Expos. Both the bridal show and the website are loaded with user-friendly information. Your careful planning can make it timeless, romantic and magical, so your wedding day will be an event to remember.

The bridal show will be open to the public from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21. Admission is $6 at the door. Discount coupons are available online by visiting website www.kohlerexpo.com.

Convenient underground parking is available for a minimal charge at the Michigan Street or Lyon Street entrance to DeVos Place. More information is available on the website at www.kohlerexpo.com.

Lower Prices and Added Talent Highlight Changes To Fred Hammond Gospel Performance

Local artists Greg Peacock Featuring The LifeMusic Crew, “Sunday’s Best” contestant Chase Stancle and dancer Laassah Taylor are all jumping on the Fred Hammond line-up for his performance at DeVos Performance Hall on December 30 at 7PM. But patrons won’t have to pay more to see an upgraded lineup.

To top it off, patrons can now gain admittance for lower prices than initially announced. Ticket prices are now $25 and $40. Tickets will go up $5 on the day of show. Groups of 10 or more receive $3 off $40 tickets and $2 off $25 tickets per ticket. Tickets can be purchased at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices, Ticketmaster outlets including D&W stores and select Family Fare locations, ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 800-745-3000.

For three amazing decades, singer/songwriter/producer/musician Fred Hammond has been a Gospel music arbiter, consistently pushing the genre into to new melodic territory. The Detroit native ascended from bass-playing sideman for The Winans; to founding member of the trendsetting sextet Commissioned; to creating the further renowned ensemble Radical for Christ, to becoming a highly influential solo artist and producer in his own right.

From traditional gospel to funk, acoustic rock and even a cappella pieces, Fred Hammond’s new 15-song set pulls from a sprawling musical palette to mold his musical messages—something the Community Inclusion Group was looking forward to when collaborating with Marvin Sapp Ministries to bring Hammond over.

Convention/Arena Authority Operations Committee member and CAA Community Inclusion Group Chairperson, Darius Quinn states that the “group's number one priority this year is to increase the number of top level events and attractions for communities of color to enjoy within our facilities (Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place Convention Center and the DeVos Performance Hall). Working in conjunction with Marvin Sapp Ministries, helps us to get closer to meeting this goal by bringing to Grand Rapids one of the all time greatest gospel singers in Fred Hammond."

The Professional Men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Iota Pi Chapter, will be having for the first time in Downtown Grand Rapids, a NEW YEAR EXTRAVAGANZA!!!!!!!....at DeVos Place 12/31/11.


Come join us as we celebrate “A New Year and New You” and bring in the New Year with the Men of Omega Psi Phi. We are doing it like it’s never been done before…..with Ballroom Lessons to whomever purchases a ticket and would want to learn Traditional or Urban Ballroom, Chicago Step, Modern Hustles, or Bop between the hours of 7PM to 9PM with special guests “Dance By Design”. At 9:00PM please come and enjoy Smoove and Sultry sounds played by WYGR’s very own DJ Z.

We want to give you the entire experience, so while dancing into the New Year, if you get a little hungry, please go and help yourself to the All-You-Can-Eat Buffets and Dessert Bars that will be available to EVERYONE!


To thank you all for coming out and helping us bring in the New Year, we will supply you and your special someone with a Complimentary Glass of Champagne to Toast in the New Year at 12:00AM!!!! But wait, it’s not over yet because DJ Z will continue to make sure that the party does not stop just because 2012 is here. He’s going to kick it up a notch and take us all HIGHER up until the clock strikes 2:00AM.

This will be the FIRST in Grand Rapids on this scale and you won’t want to miss it! So come out and get involved with the fun and we will be expecting to see your smiling face in 2012!!!!!

We also want to help you capture your time spent with us while we bring in the New Year with Professional Photographers and A Videographer that will be on-site for your convenience. So come in your best dress or suit or outfit and let us make it memorable for you!


Tickets are available at the DeVos Place box office, Tickemaster outlets, ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Million Dollar Quartet Coming to DeVos Performance Hall in January

The national tour of Million Dollar Quartet, the international smash hit musical inspired by the true story of four rock 'n' roll icons will make its Grand Rapids premiere January 17-22, 2012 at DeVos Performance Hall as part of the Fifth Third Bank Broadway Grand Rapids Series. Tickets are now on sale at ticketmaster.com

On December 4, 1956, an auspicious twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley together. The place was Sun Records' storefront studio in Memphis. The man who made it happen was Sam Phillips, the man who discovered them all. The four young musicians united for the only time in their careers for an impromptu recording that has come to be known as one of the greatest rock 'n' roll jam sessions of all time.

Million Dollar Quartet brings that legendary night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations featuring an eclectic score of rock, gospel, R&B and country hits.

The New York Times praises Million Dollar Quartet by saying, "A hit parade of favorites, providing the audience with blast after blast of sweet nostalgia." Echoing accolades come from the Associated Press as they describe the production as "Musical Fireworks! Million Dollar Quartet gets the cheering audience to its feet!"

It won a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical and received a Tony Award nomination for Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical. The show received an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical, a Drama Desk nomination for Outstanding Musical Revue and three Drama League nominations including Distinguished Production of a Musical and Distinguished Performance.

Million Dollar Quartet is affordably priced from $27.50 and will perform 8 shows at DeVos Performance Hall from January 17-22, 2012. The performance schedule is Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 PM, Friday at 8:00 PM, Saturday at 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM, and Sunday at 1:00 PM and 6:30 PM. Tickets are available at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices, all Ticketmaster locations, ticketmaster.com or via phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Gospel Superstar Fred Hammond to Grace DeVos Performance Hall

For three amazing decades, singer/songwriter/producer/musician Fred Hammond has been a Gospel music arbiter, consistently pushing the genre into new melodic territory. The Detroit native ascended from bass-playing sideman for The Winans; to founding member of the trendsetting sextet Commissioned; to creating the further renowned ensemble Radical for Christ,l to becoming a highly influential solo artist and producer in his own right. Now, Fred Hammond will bring all his talents to DeVos Performance Hall on Friday, December 30 at 7PM.

All tickets are $47.50 in advance and $55 the day of show. Tickets go on sale Monday, November 21 at 10AM and can be purchased at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices, ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets or charged by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Unforgettable songs such as "Blessed"; "Now Weapon"; "King of Glory"; "Celebrate (He Lives)"; "Let the Praise Begin" and more have lifted the spirits of millions both cross-culturally and cross-generationally. His 1998 release Pages of Life: Chapters 1 & 2 is a double platinum seller and his award wins over the years have recognized his excellence in all areas upfront (Best Male Vocalist, Best Album and Best Song) as well as behind the scenes (for songwriting and producing). He is a multiple Stellar and Dove Award winner and his last CD, Love Unstoppable (2009), was a smash hit.

From traditional gospel to funk, acoustic rock and even a Capella pieces, Fred Hammond's new 15-song set pulls from a sprawling musical palette to mold his musical messages - something the Community Inclusion Group was looking forward to when collaborating with Marvin Sapp Ministries to bring Hammond over.

Convention/Arena Authority Operations Committee member and CAA Community Inclusion Group Chairperson, Darius Quinn states that the "group's number one priority this year is to increase the number of top level events and attractions for communities of color to enjoy within our facilities (Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place Convention Center and the DeVos Performance Hall). Working in conjunction with Marvin Sapp Ministries helps us to get closer to meeting this goal by bringing to Grand Rapids one of the all time greatest gospel singers in Fred Hammond."

Music's World Citizen Yanni Playing for West Michigan's Citizens

Yanni, music's true world citizen and most popular contemporary composer, announced today the first leg of a major tour of North America beginning in April of 2012. Coming back to West Michigan, Yanni will be playing at DeVos Performance Hall on Monday, May 7th at 8PM. Tickets are $39.50, $49.50, $59.50, $79.50, $99.50 and go on sale Friday, November 18th at 10AM. Tickets can be purchased at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices, ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets and charged by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

This year saw Yanni, one of the music industry's most beloved artists, selling out major concert venues around the world including Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia. With his world-class orchestra, he performed music from his latest album "Truth of Touch", now platinum in the Middle East, as well as classic concert favorites.

In October, Yanni was embraced and honored by the country of China when the government invited Yanni to adopt a panda during his time in Chengdu. Traditionally such privilege is reserved for countries rather than personalities. He affectionately named her "Santorini" in honor of the word's embedded Greek meaning, "Peace", for Greece's most beautiful island and after one of Yanni's most well known compositions.

On December 16th and 17th, Yanni will perform and film two shows at Castillo San Felipe Del Morro, a recognized UNESCO Heritage Site, in Puerto Rico. The show will air exclusively in the United States on PBS and debut March 3, 2012. The CD/DVD combo will be available exclusively through PBS pledge drives and a worldwide release in the Spring of 2012. As Yanni tours across the globe, his heartfelt and compelling music continues to touch both old and new fans.

In a separate announcement, Yanni has just debuted "Yanni - All Access" on the artist's official website, www.yanni.com. It is an exclusive behind the scenes view with highlights from Yanni's concert dates, cultural attractions, and the musician's message for premium fan club members.

Author Jeffrey Zaslow - Selects Kohler Expos for Book Tour Appearances!

We are honored that Jeffrey Zaslow, author and Wall Street Journal columnist, has chosen Kohler Women's Expos and Bridal Shows as part of his book tour for "The Magic Room" being released January 19; featuring a Michigan bridal shop, operated by four generations of women.

His book "GABBY: A Story of Courage and Hope," the memoir of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and astronaut Mark Kelly, will be released this Tuesday.

Jeffrey Zaslow also co-authored "The Last Lecture" with Randy Pausch and authored "The Girls from Ames, a New York Times bestseller.

Jeffrey Zaslow is one of the featured speakers, with meet and greets, at all 2012 Kohler Expos events. Stay tuned!

Kohler Expos Inc. 2012 Events:

Winter Bridal Show - January 20-21, 2012
Mid-Michigan Women's Expo - February 3-5, 2012
West Michigan Women's Expo - March 9-11, 2012
Spring Bridal Show - March 9-11, 2012