In its sixth installment, GRAM on the Green is coming back to the downtown area on Thursday nights July 10- August 14. This free event is held on the museum terrace at the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) and Rosa Parks Circle right in front of it. GRAM is also teaming up with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. and Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation to offer free zumba classes in Rosa Parks Circle from 5:30-6:15 p.m.
On the Wege Plaza, there will be easels and sketching materials provided by the GRAM for the event's attendees. Guests can also play with giant Jenga and chess boards. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., a free musical concert will be on the terrace, with local Michigan artists performing. See the sidebar for full list of performers.
There are two big changes to this annual event. First, the event is being moved to Thursday nights to coordinate with the Meijer Free Thursday Nights. In years past guests would have had to pay to get into the museum to see the exhibits during GRAM on the Green, but with this change, there is an added level of entertainment as families can explore the art museum’s galleries for free in addition to all the other activities being offered. Second, there will be food trucks at the event. There will also be a cash bar available on the Museum Terrace.
“We just want to bring the community together,” says Leslie Haviland of the GRAM. "[We want to] let people know the museum is here and anybody can come."
The Moxie Strings with Fritz McGirr, a high energy celtic fusion group, will be playing for a second year at the art museum summer event.
“We always look forward to playing for Grand Rapids crowds,” says Diana Ladio of Moxie Strings. After playing last year, they emailed the museum almost immediately after their first show to ask to come back again the next year. This year, they will be there promoting their new album "Running in Squares" on August 14 at GRAM on the Green.
“It’s just fun to see people out there swaying their heads and tapping their toes. We are excited to be a part of it,” says Ladio. Ladio also is excited for the Moxie Strings to play a venue that allows all age groups to attend.
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