Grand Rapids, MI.  (May 5, 2021)   

Mark your calendars!  Studio C is happy to announce the return of summertime outdoor programming in June, to take place in the piazza of Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids.  Events include movies, music and lots of motion, hosted by Celebration Cinema, Listening Room, Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse and GR Sport & Social Club.

“This is more than a 2020 reprise,” says Quinn Matthews, manager of Listening Room and piazza events.  “This was always the vision!  There will be events and activities taking place multiple times a day, most days of the week.”  Studio Park’s piazza was designed for activation, with a state of the art sound system, digital screen and direct service of food & beverage from 123 Tavern’s outdoor bar.  “Last year pushed things along and brought focus to outdoor events,” says Quinn.  “Thankfully, this space was ready.  We have some strange yet sweet memories of opportunities it provided to gather during a hard year.”

Listening Lawn

Listening Lawn concerts will return beginning June 3rd, with the electronica bands Pink Sky and Earth Radio, presented by Lady Ace Boogie, featuring live instrumentation and visual projections.  Summer 2021 shows will take place once a week. They include performers ranging from the rock n’ roll of Jack Droppers to Michigan indie folk favorites, The Accidentals, and the blues and jazz of Luke Winslow King.  Capacity and travel restrictions have eased  a bit for this summer, enabling more musicians to come from across Michigan and other nearby states.  Reserve your tickets early at listeningroomgr.com.

Sunset Cinema

In its second year presenting outdoor movies, Sunset Cinema will embrace the reprise, showcasing a series of fan favorite movie sequels. Weekly showtimes launch on Wednesday, June 2nd,  featuring the second Harry Potter film, The Chamber of Secrets,  The Naked Gun 2 ½ and Pitch Perfect 2.  Tickets are available on the Celebration Cinema website.

Fitness

Need a little movement in your day? Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse is offering daily outdoor classes in the Studio Park piazza. Classes are FREE for members and just $10 for guests.  Community members can find details and register at yogahothouse.com. “Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse is excited to partner with Studio Park to offer downtown outdoor classes again this summer!” says Larissa Link, Program Director. “We will keep you safely distanced, and no mask is required when you are on your mat.  Students love classes in this great space.”

GR Sport and Social Club is hosting Backyard Bonanza, with a mix of classic yard games including Cornhole, Ladder Ball, Bocce Ball and more!  Games are played on Monday and Tuesday nights.  Late summer registration is still open through June 23; teams and individuals can sign up at grssc.com.

And more...

All of the above and more, including Last Gasp Collective, a Drag Show, River City Improv and numerous other public events are in the plans for this summer season.  “We’ve worked really hard to make Studio Park an easy place to meet up, connect with friends and explore the city,” says Quinn Matthews.  “Parking is easy, and we’ll almost always have music, movies or something else worth your interest going on, both indoors and out.”  Updated information can be found on the events calendar at studioparkgr.com.