Special Places

The weather forecast this weekend calls for plenty of sunshine and numerous options to explore the outdoors in and around East Lansing. ELi's Jonathan Townley pinpoints places and events to consider as you plan your activities.

Dane Porter's “Lemon Grass" sculpture now graces the entrance of Valley Court Park. ELi's Brad Minor reports on the first project to be completed using donated funds from the city's Percent for Art program.

Chris Wardell previews the annual summertime get-together at the Orchard Street Pump House that offers a cool respite, some good music and a little bit of clowning around.

The Michigan State University Department of Theatre’s Summer Circle has delighted audiences for the past six decades. ELi reporter Jonathan Townley describes why this venue remains a special destination for performers and theatergoers alike.

ELi's Sarah Spohn brings us a story on open mic nights at Blue Owl, and how the coffee shop owners hope to build a platform for community creativity.

ELi's Amalia Medina brings us a preview of the Broad Museum exhibition, “The Edge of Things: Dissident Art Under Repressive Regimes,” and tells us how its curator found art to be her primary vehicle for storytelling.

If you're looking to clean up or clean out, shop for locally grown food, or simply want to have some outdoor time this weekend, ELi's Jessy Gregg has seven ideas.

Kathi Terry grew up in East Lansing, and remembers downtown grocery stores, working at local businesses and skating down main roads in an ice storm. "Things have changed a lot," she tells ELi's Ann Kammerer, "but for the most part, you still get that same East Lansing feeling."

“My kids were so excited about the whole process...[m]y oldest kept a tally of everyone who came—including four dogs. She counted babies, people we didn’t know, and even people passing by who stopped, grabbed a paint brush and contributed.” Ann Kammerer reports.

It's been two years since the public had access to the FRIB at MSU, and this weekend it again welcomes visitors for tours that include the National Superconducting Cycoltron Lab. This ELi report brought to you by Noa Karszai, participant in ELi's Summer Youth Journalism Program.

The Northern Tail Dog Park is re-opening on Friday, June 15 after a lengthy closure. ELi's Ann Nichols tells you what to expect.

Burcham-Henge is back. ELi's Aron Sousa reports.

"I was honored to receive the Crystal Award, but it's really all about our library," says Bristor. "Our library is truly the heart of this community." Ann Kammerer has the story.

How and why do Dudley "Smitty" Smith and Kristin McCool bring nationally acclaimed musicians to play at a house on Orchard Street in East Lansing, and who are they bringing us this week? ELi's Chris Wardell has the story.

Improvements are coming to White Park and Bailey Park. But where might we see budget cuts affecting Parks & Rec in East Lansing? ELi's Jessy Gregg brings news from the latest Parks & Rec Advisory Commission meeting.