Celebration of the Arts begins Sept. 28, 2nd Annivesary of The REES

The REES will celebrate the second anniversary of its grand reopening with a full week of activities. With a boost from other entertainment venues, downtown businesses, and community restaurants, the events will kick off on Saturday, Sept. 28, and run through Saturday, Oct. 5.

The Celebration of the Arts will include live performances featuring music from the glory days of Frank and Elvis in Vegas, “Jimmy Buffett” island vibes, a tribute to James Taylor, and the South Bend Symphony-to-go string quintet.

The week will also include a special showing of the Wild Rose Moon Radio Hour, a documentary on the restoration of Ancilla Domini’s pipe organ; a classic Sunday Family Matinee; and finish with the downtown Chocolate Walk.

People may purchase tickets separately or select the discounted “Passport to All, which includes a “Culinary Arts Passport” to 16 dine-in restaurants. Participating restaurants include Beary’s Emporium, Brass Rail Bar & Grill, Christo’s Family Dining, The Coffee Lodge & Bakery, the French Press Coffee Co., Gather 2 Graze Charcuterie, Ivy Terra Plant Café, Puerto Vallarta on the Lake, Yellow River Taphouse, Maria’s Taqueria, Mila’s Mini Market, Opie’s Deli & Office, Pizza Hut, Scoops & Sweet Bubbles, and Yolanda’s Bar & Grille.

Advance sale tickets for each show and the “Passport to All” are available online at reestheatre.com and Na Rie Simple Treasures, located next door at 104 North Michigan Street in Plymouth.

The detailed schedule is:

Saturday, Sept. 28

“Experience Vegas” will start the celebration on Sept. 28. Gary Anthony as Frank and Doug Church as Elvis will bring the glory days of Vegas to the stage. The Marshall County Historical Museum will host a Sweet Hour from 5:30-7 p.m. with sweets from Le D’zert Café. The show will begin at 7:30.

Sunday, Sept. 29

“The Sound of Music” is the Family Matinee on Sept. 29. This 1965 classic stars Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. The movie will begin at 2 p.m. and is sponsored by Bowen Printing. Children 12 and younger are admitted free with a paid adult.

Tuesday, Oct. 1

This in-depth documentary delves into the meticulous process of installing the Opus 83 Taylor & Moody Pipe Organ in the Ancilla Domini Chapel. Back by popular demand, the movie will be shown at 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 1

Starting at 7:30 p.m., “The Wild Rose Moon Radio Hour” film will feature Andrew Bates and his bluegrass band, MatchSellers. The Radio Hour is presented monthly on PBS station WNIT (Channel 34) and public radio station WVPE.

Wednesday, Oct. 2

Don Middlebrook and The Pearl Divers will take everyone on a unique musical journey during their “A Night in the Islands.” The group offers “Jimmy Buffett” vibes, as well as Americana, country, and rock ‘n’ roll. The songs begin at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 3

The South Bend Symphony’s string quintet returns for a special “Wine & Symphony” happy hour from 5-7 p.m. This adults-only event will feature classical music matched with wine and noshes provided by Biddle Point/Forty-One North.

Friday, Oct. 4

“Sweet Baby James” returns by popular demand to The REES at 7:30 p.m. Before the concert, a special happy hour will be conducted from 5:30-7 p.m. at Heartland Arts Center. Bill Griese brings his unique blend of James Taylor songs and background stories to the Bob Pickell Performing Arts Stage.

Saturday, Oct. 5

The Chocolate Walk through downtown Plymouth will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., starting at the Marshall County Museum, where people can purchase their $15 passport tickets. Visitors can visit downtown merchants and The REES to sample the chocolate treats while shopping. This event has sold out in the past, so be sure to get your tickets early.