Judy Garland Letter from Home - Dates and Happy Holidays!

                               November 2019

Hello Everyone:

Happy winter and Happy Holidays. This will be our final newsletter for 2019, so we wanted to update you on a few things, including next year’s Festivals!

MINNESOTA’S GIVE TO THE MAX DAY – NOVEMBER 14^th

The first even of importance in our schedule is NOVEMBER 14^th. It’s Minnesota’s Give to the Max Day. On this day, Non-Profit organizations can have their donations matched by others. Please consider this worthy cause and make your money grow. And, of course, this donation is tax deductible.

https://www.givemn.org/organization/Judy-Garland-Childrens-Museum

  

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY at the CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM

This year our annual children’s HO HO HO Christmas Party will take place on Saturday, December 7^th from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

For further information, please check the CDM website:  http://www.cdmkids.org/ and Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/thechildrensdiscoverymuseum/

THE 2020 CHILDREN’S WIZARD OF OZ FESTIVAL

Dates have been announced for our one day children’s Oz Festival. It will take place at the Judy Garland Children’s Museum on Saturday, June 6^th. Again, please check the web and Facebook for further information as the date gets closer.

The 2020 Judy Garland Festival

 Dates have been announced for the 2020 Judy Garland Festival, which will take place from Thursday, June 11^th thru Saturday, June 13^th. No other information is available at this time. Just mark your calendars!  More announcements will happen this spring. We look forward to seeing you!

JUDY GARLAND BIRTHPLACE HOUSE REPAIRS

As most of you know, fundraising for the house, which has serious repair needs has been in effect since last Spring.

We are happy to report that the roof leak issue has been taken care of with funds raised. In addition, Board Member Vicki Wilcox and her husband are donating the cost of replacing the two upstairs storm windows which would keep the house much warmer and protect the existing interior windows.

Board President Ray Nickel and John Kelsch have been working hard to find the right persons to do the work on the exterior walls and remaining windows. Most Grand Rapids contractors have a long line of work waiting for them and are not available for up to a year out. Meanwhile, we need the right persons and have to figure the cost, which will likely be up to $100,000.  A grant is being looked into for part of this money, but it would be a grant which we must match dollar for dollar.

Fundraising continues. While our GoFundMe Page continues, the best way to donate is directly as no fees will be taken out of your donation.  Thank you to all who have donated to this very worthy project. We will update you on progress in the spring. 

A FEW WORDS FROM JUDY!

While many fans have loads of material, recently we were happy to discover an interview Miss Garland gave back in the 1940s.  In it, she answers some questions which you may have had. So we thought we’d share a few of her comments. The interview was conducted by Jack Holland.

JH: You would prefer, for variety, to do some non-singing, straight dramatic roles?

Judy: Not at all. After all, dramatic roles do not mean that the parts have to be non-singing.

JH: You never like yourself on the screen and are very critical of your work.

Judy: I’m terribly critical, but sometimes I have liked myself. Not very often, but occasionally I like myself in my husband’s pictures—and I kind of liked “Easter Parade.”

JH: Your favorite picture was “Easter Parade?”

Judy: No, One of my favorites. My pet was “Meet Me In St. Louis.”

JH: You were very frightened when you had to do the first dance with Fred Astaire?

Judy: No. He put me completely at my ease. He is a gentleman and he is lots of fun to work with.

JH: You drive yourself too hard when you’re working?

Judy: Yes, I have a tendency to never let down during a picture. This is stimulating but can be very fatiguing.

….

JH: You’re an extremely nervous person?

Judy:  So I’ve heard. I have moments of relaxation. The tension I’m under when I work at times makes for nerves.

JH: You have a hot temper and fly off the handle easily?

Judy: Not easily. It takes me a long time—but when I do explode there is no stopping me.

…

JH: You are extravagant in many ways?

Judy: Not at all extravagant. In fact, I drive a 1941 Ford because it is so broken in, practically broken down, from my own particular style of driving!

JH: You’re inclined to trust people too much and therefore have been hurt?

Judy: Yes.

…

JH: You dislike publicity and have been annoyed by stories about you?

Judy: Yes. “Annoyed” is putting it mildly, however, I realize it is part of my work.

CLOSING THE YEAR OUT

The year 2019 marked the 50^th anniversary of Judy Garland’s passing. It seems amazing that she’s been gone that long because she is still everywhere. Along with musical tributes, this year has marked some very high profile movies and a stage musical about Judy.

“Judy” starring Rene Zellweger was a surprise as we did not expect much. Many people love it and those who knew less about Judy have been deeply moved by it.

The documentary “Sid and Judy,” which includes rare footage of Judy and, in some cases, actors reading Judy and Sid’s voices is also quite an amazing feat. Put out by Showtime, we hope at some point it will be released on DVD, though as you know there are less and less hard copy releases.

Finally, and not least, the musical show, “Chasing Rainbows” opened for a month at the Papermill Playhouse with some new cast, new sets, dances and costumes. 

The Judy Garland Museum helped provide photos for Tony Award winning costume designer Emily Cho, and photos of the Judy Garland Birthplace wallpaper, which was used in Judy’s Lancaster bedroom – a lovely set.

We can't say enough about this wonderful and deeply moving show. Congratulations to Tina Marie Casamento and all involved. Now the wait is on to hear when it's going to Broadway, which is where it belongs. It played to sold out houses in New Jersey and rave reviews!

***

Wishing you all a happy, healthy holiday season and New Year!

Judy Garland Letter from Home - SUMMER NEWS!

Hello Everyone:

The last time we wrote, we told you about the 2019 Judy Garland Festival. Since then some exciting news has come out way, and there are a few things we haven't told you yet!


"From Gershwin to Garland" on Local PBS Stations this Week!

Those who attended the Judy Garland Festival this year enjoyed the brilliant performance of pianist Richard Glazier and Ruth Ellison, loved the performances. As a result of requests to the Duluth PBS station, Richard Glazier's pre-recorded programs will be shown as follows:

PLEASE NOTE: There is a slight correction on this. The Channel is 8.2 WDSE Explore is our local PBS Station.


FROM BROADWAY to HOLLYWOOD 
FRIDAY, AUGUST 10th, from 9-10 p.m

FROM GERSHWIN TO GARLAND*
FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, at 10 p.m.

*Please note, this program is minus Joan Ellison, but contains some interesting footage and artifacts collected over the years.

The programs will be repeated again as follows:

FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2019
FROM GERSHWIN TO GARLAND will be shown at 9:00 p.m.,
FROM BROADWAY to HOLLYWOOD, at 11:00 pm.

If you are not in our area, you may call you local PBS station and request that they be shown. It is our understanding Richard Glazier's programs are in the PBS library!  Enjoy!


Minnesota State Fair

If you plan to attend the 2019 Minnesota State Fair be sure to be on the look out for Judy Garland - that is her picture. We're not sure exactly where of what they are doing but they requested photos she will be there somewhere!


Special Garland Costume Display at the 2019 Judy Garland Festival

Melissa with her Meet Me in St. Louis
Costume

This year the museum had a surprise when two of our visitors decided to bring along some very special artifacts. Melissa from Oklahoma and her mom brought two costumes they had purchased from the Debbie Reynolds auction. Fans were thrilled to see these lovely and unique Judy Garland costumes.

One it was the dress Judy wore under her coat while making the snowman. Apparently another scene was planned in this dress, but was cut from the script. The wool dress had a great deal of fine lace or tatting and is truly like a piece out of the 1900s in St. Louis.

The second outfit Melissa brought was an outfit Judy was set to wear in Annie Get Your Gun. She made costume tests in the outfit, but as most of you know, due to illness was unable to complete the film and the role was taken over by Betty Hutton.

Judy's Suit from Annie Get Your Gun
the design is made up of miniature beads
sewn on by hand! Unfortunately,
the display we had does not show the
full length of the skirt.

The Judy Garland Birthplace Restoration Fundraiser

As most of you know, since May we have been raising funds to repair and restore the Judy Garland Birthplace, which has suffered the effects of aging, weather, and the many tourists who visit every year. As of this date, the Museum has raised approximately $1,800 in funds through GoFundMe and direct donations in the museum. In addition, we are awaiting the amount of money which will be donated from Festival tickets.

The leak in the roof over the kitchen will be repaired shortly. We are also going to be repairing a portion of the foundation. An estimate of $150 per windows was given to us, plus labor costs.  At present, it appears there are further issues with the siding of the home. We are looking into perhaps receiving a partial donation of labor as it's estimated this part of the repair could cost of more than the estimated $100,000.

We would like to ask that those interested in donating to the house account send or give money directly to the Judy Garland Museum. This way no percentage of the money donated will have a fee on it.  You may donate by credit card over the phone (218) 327-9276,
or by mail with credit card or check:  Judy Garland Museum, P.O. Box 724, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
You may also visit our website and donate via Paypal - though there is a fee:  www.judygarlandmuseum.com

PLEASE specify "Judy Garland House Fund"

Thank you very much for your help.

*** Just in case this is the best way, here is our GoFundMe, which we will update shortly. https://www.gofundme.com/f/zqfgx-a-cause-i-care-about-needs-help?fbclid=IwAR2riGNsbm_nJL27fUT5N7ZnnbwJypPND3xFOhX71DLRIeRXuzlJqNdWm3A



Staff Member, Nancy O'Toole, Completes Pokegama Swim

Nine years ago, teacher Nancy O'Toole set out to see if she could compete a very big goal - to swim the entire circumference of Lake Pokegama. Nancy is part of our Children's Discovery Staff. Having retired from teaching, she took over education for our visiting school groups and helps to plan various children's exhibits. She also loves to swim!

For those not from Minnesota, Lake Pokegama completely freezes in the winter and is often pelted with winds and rain in the summer. As she stated to the Grand Rapids Herald Review, there are very few days per year you can swim. So each year she set off with her husband in a boat and swam a few days. Then they would photograph the spot she left off and return to that spot the following year.

Lake Pokegama with its ins and outs is about 27 miles around. This August, Nancy complete her goal. For her final lap, she swam from the bridge to Zobas and was greeted by a big crowd of well-wishes with flowers, posters and horns. Awarded with a hand-made Mermaid Award and chocolate turtles, Nancy gave an interview to the press. Next on her list - she and her husband,  think they might try paddle boarding around the lake!


Goings on About Town

Front of the new Rapids Brewing
Co. The New Grand would be to
the right of it.

As we mentioned before the Judy Garland Festival in June, the new brew pub situated in the Old Rialto Theatre was about to open. It did open this last week for the weekend of Tall Timber Days. It should be open again this weekend and then full-time.

The Rialto was the theatre which opened in 1931, the day after Judy's father's theatre, The New Grand - right next door - closed. The Rialto was the theatre where Judy appeared onstage during her 1938 visit to

The back of the new pub. To the left, you can see the
back of the former New Grand Theatre. People have
often confused the two buildings. In fact, Judy herself did,
saying that when she came to Grand Rapids in 1938,
she was on the stage of her father's theatre.

Grand Rapids.

Unfortunately not much of the interior remains. A mural of Marilyn Monroe was installed in the 1950s and according to what we have heard, is now in the brewing area. The stage - originally thought to be preserved for live performances, is not there. Between the brewing area and the pizza ovens a lot of rearranging took place.

Persons have asked if the theatre exterior would be restored, but as you will see it has been changed entirely. While it's fresh and new, it doesn't really go with the surrounding historic buildings.

As an added note, we understand that construction on the new hotel on the site of the old Sawmill will begin soon. The planned restaurant has pulled out, so that will be built later when decisions will be made as to what it will be.


Upcoming  Judy Garland Events

With autumn just around the corner we'd like to mention the following events related to Judy:

September 26 - October 27, 2019 - "CHASING RAINBOWS" starring Ruby Rakos as Judy.  PLAYHOUSE in Millburn, New Jersey.
PAPERMILL

Michelle Russell for the Judy Garland Museum
meeting Ruby Rakos

Don't miss this wonderful show, which just might be going to Broadway (we hope!) Tickets go on sale, August 19th.   https://papermill.org/show/chasing-rainbows/

A group of fans attended the Old Log Theatre concert reading this month and were totally amazed by the script, music, presentation of Judy's young life and the talented Ruby Rakos. If you want to see a show that presents young Judy with depth and truly honors her talent and rise to stardom, this is it!

                                   ****




In addition, while we don't have details, we understand there is a tribute to Judy in the works for New York City with John Fricke hosting. We don't have the details yet, but will add them here as soon as we learn more.


This is certainly the year of Judy and though we have not seen these and cannot recommend some of the following - this is more of what's coming out:

September - Judy, a new film starring Rene Zwellwiger.

October - Showtime - Sid and Judy - a documentary - through the memories of Sid Luft.


Museum Gift Shop

When looking for special items, please don't forget the Judy Garland Museum Gift Shop.  In the last year we have have purchased special Judy related souvenirs, have received donations and cleared extras from our collection. If you are looking for something special, we may have it.

Collectible plates
Records
Sheet Music
Magazines - including Life, Look, Fan magazines
Books
Christmas Tree ornaments
and more....

Some things are shown on our site, but not all, so call the museum if you are in search of something.   http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com/gift-shop/memorabilia-books-toys
http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com/gift-shop/collectible-plates
(218) 327-9276*

*Right now, we are open 7 days a week. Starting October 1st we will only be open Fridays and Saturdays.

***

More information keeps coming in, but we want to get this out, so we can only say, enjoy the rest of your summer and we will update as the news comes in!

Judy in July

Judy Garland Letter from Home - Festival Report & News!

Happy summer!

The Judy Garland Festival was a great success with many visitors and happy times for people from Maine to California and not a few in-between: Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona and more. 

So we’ll get right to our report as well as developments on the Judy Garland Birthplace and Garden.

In this Issue

- Judy Garden Birthplace Repair Fundraiser

- Judy Garland Museum Garden

- A New House and Garden Committee

- Garland Festival Success!

- Chasing Rainbows News

- Gift Shop Surprises

Judy Garland Birthplace Repair and Restoration

As most of you know, the Judy Garland Birthplace is in serious need of repair. Fundraising efforts began this spring on GoFundMe. At present, we have raised over $1,000 on this site and an additional several hundred through direct donations at the Judy Garland Museum and during the Youth Wizard of Oz play at the Reif.  Following the Festival, organizer Paul Herrick and Judy’s fans agreed to donate the several thousand raised during the Festival to the House fund as well.

Meanwhile, a great deal more is needed, so fundraising continues.

https://www.gofundme.com/zqfgx-a-cause-i-care-about-needs-help?fbclid=IwAR0O2TWfMRGeLRPXv8zqXKopTBN2tfx73YC5Nx4TqX3fw9ncpUOzwAA3l4k

Judy Garland Museum Garden

For many years now, the garden next to the Judy Garland Birthplace has been owned by the Evergreen Nursing Home. When the Nursing Home was recently sold, it did not include the garden. This June we received news that the owner now wishes to sell the garden. Although it may not be a site conducive for a business, this is not a good thing.

Fundraising efforts have begun to buy the Garden from the owner and keep it as a permanent public garden with the Wizard of Oz theme – a beautiful, restful place for visitors and a fun place for kids. The Judy Garland Birthplace lot ends only ten feet from the house and the beautiful garden effects the views from the historic home. Greenery and flowers in spring and summer, autumn leaves in fall and a forestry snow in winter. Visiting the garden is FREE and open to the public. It is a benefit to the entire community and visitors to Grand Rapids. Different options are still being looked at. To learn more, please visit our GoFundMe page.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/save-the-judy-garland-birthplace-garden-from-sale?fbclid=IwAR35EUeBRVhKlH3bVvd1rEAHS0mOxyOigEpNYDcuA0-CYU8oLOpwa3fGD7M

Judy Garland Birthplace and Garden Committee

Due to all the work needed to coordinate a Committee for the purpose of coming up with fundraising ideas, promoting the fundraising efforts and organizing estimates by contractors, etc. is being formed. Our Board of Directors has put Michelle Russell in charge of this effort and we are presently looking for committee members. We local people with ideas and connections. Out of town persons may also be able to be involved in the fundraising and idea efforts.

If you, or anyone you know might be someone who would like to be involved, please contact Michelle Russell – catsong2@netzero.net or call/text 218-259-4097.

Our goal is to get the most serious problems completed this year by fall. It has been suggested that we could have a volunteer crew scrape and sand the house. The paint job on the home will involve at least several thousand dollars.

It is also possible that there may be contractors out there who would like to do some volunteer work for the Judy Garland Birthplace, either completely or in part. We are a non-for-profit and so donations of any kind are tax deductible.

If persons wish to donate directly rather than on GoFundMe, they may call us during business hours to charge:  218-327-9275 or

Go to our website:  http://www.judygarlandmuseum.com and donate via PayPal – PLEASE SPECIFY HOUSE or GARDEN

Persons may also mail us a check to the Judy Garland Museum P.O. Box 724, Grand Rapids, MN 55744, again please specify HOUSE or GARDEN

We look forward to having a better report for you within the next month.

Please check our Facebook for updates.  

https://www.facebook.com/pg/judygarlandmuseum/posts/?ref=page_internal

Judy Garland Festival 2019

2019 marks the 80^th anniversary of the classic film, “The Wizard of Oz.” It also marks the 50^th Anniversary

of Judy Garland’s passing. Because of that, fans from across the country were anxious to celebrate her life, congregating in larger numbers than were seen in recent years at her far-northern birthplace home-town, Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Thursday

The Festival opened with a bang-up event with Judy at her very finest – The Jack Parr Show from December 1962 – a one hour plus of “sock-o entertainment” as they used to say. John Fricke opened this event with an explanation of where Judy was at this time – only two years from serious illness when she was told she might not live and that she would never work again.

Since that time, she had recorded a voice-over with new songs for the cartoon, “Gay Puree,” (also starring Robert Goulet), and had performed the triumph of her life at Carnegie Hall, releasing a recording of that which brought her a Gold Record and the first Grammy for the live performance by a female artist. In addition she’d lost a great deal of weight and looked fantastic.

Although many people have seen clips of this show, to see the entire show in context on a 10 foot screen was another matter. Her humility, sweetness, humor and amazing performances told an audience who had for the most part never seen her live, what the Garland phenomena was all about. In the end, she and Robert Goulet sing “Mewsette” together in a performance that is show biz perfection. It was a great opening for a Festival that continued from there.

That evening pianist Josh Gallagher, took us through Judy’s performance life by the decade, performing unique jazz renditions of Judy Garland songs. The performance was one that could bring tears, smiles and make you want to dance and Josh Gallagher was rewarded at the conclusion with a standing ovation. By the way, Mr. Gallagher, who has attended and performed at our Festivals for many years will soon be accompanying Wayne Newton in Wisconsin.

Friday

The following day brought a mix of many wonderful events. The morning opened with Judy Jeopardy presented by Paul Herrick and Joe Malinovsky, always great fun for those who partake. The event was filmed by Committee Films, who are working on a documentary about the Ruby Slippers.

Later that day, John Fricke took us to Judy at the Movies with a special program originally prepared for Turner Classic Movies Film Festival. This program, with film clips from 1929 to 1963 and wonderful comments by people who worked with her, brought the audience even closer to Judy Garland. Later in the afternoon, Mr. Fricke gave a talk on Judy entitled: Powerful, Sincere, Fragile, Triumphant, Joyous, Iconic, Legendary.

Finally, that night fans and locals as well enjoyed an amazing evening of music entitled “From Gershwin to

Joan Ellison and Richard Glazier
at the Reif Center

Garland.” Pianist Richard Glazier, who travels the world performing ,was welcomed back after many years along with vocalist Joan Ellison, who has her own Judy Garland  Show. Joan is also working with the Judy Garland Heirs Trust to find and restore many of Judy’s lost orchestrations.

The Mary Ives Theatre at the Reif was nearly full as Richard Glazier not only played piano brilliantly, but told stories about the music and his own life- what had drawn him to the music of George Gershwin and Judy Garland. In a program made specifically for the Judy Garland Festival and Grand Rapids, Mr. Glazier showed us filmed interviews with persons who had worked in Judy’s films or knew her, including Mickey Rooney and Daniel Selznick, (son of David O. Selznick and grandson of MGM studio head, Louis B. Mayer). It was a beautiful event.

Saturday

The final day of the Festival included a wonderful talk by John Fricke – Judy in Concert - with many selections from her television series. The Gumm Family Grand Rapids Bus Tour, which was completely sold out followed. This also was filmed by Committee Films. For those who could get a bus tour ticket or preferred, the very first episode of the Judy Garland Show, which boasted guest Mickey Rooney was shown. Quite a number of people attended this showing.

Later that afternoon there “Singing in Judy’s House.” This event was attended by an amazing 45 people. Josh Gallagher took over the duty of pianist. He began with some wonderful songs that we all know and love and then the requests started. Professional singer Jack Richter got up and sang “Where or When” which got everyone wanting to sing. Later another wonderful singer, Melissa Christopherson, performed Judy’s great hit, “The Man that Got Away.” This event with all its joy, laughter, amazing piano work by Josh Gallagher and wonderful singing by the audience was filmed by Committee Films as well.

That evening the Grand Finale Banquet took place at the Timberlake Lodge. The food was absolutely delicious, the decorations lovely and many expressions of gratitude for how Judy affected lives were made. And finally, it was just nice to share with fellow-fans.

Everyone had such a good time, there was much talk about next year. No announcements have been made as yet.

Chasing Rainbows Reading in Minnesota

Chasing Rainbows is a musical play about young Judy Garland from the time she left Grand Rapids until she receives her ruby slippers on the set of The Wizard of Oz. This show has received many incarnations beginning with its opening in North Carolina a few years back to a second playing of it at the Goodspeed Light Opera in Connecticut about a year ago. Now, in advance of it's Papermill Playhouse New Jersey opening there will be a reading with its star in Excelsior, Minnesota!

There has been much talk of the show going to Broadway – not an easy accomplishment these days with extra huge costs. Meanwhile this year, Judy’s daughters Liza and Lorna gave their approval to the show. Here from John Fricke, who worked on verifying the facts during its original conception is the latest!

https://www.swnewsmedia.com/lakeshore_weekly/news/entertainment/old-log-theatre-celebrates -judy-garland-with-concert-reading-of/article_9045bfd8-8263-5efd-a3f3-94bab054404c.html?fb clid=IwAR0hxY0Dn4emeBpT4PFCIk2_AhRGsM7TE5clYYcLv3SYiGTFrREZOCnpn_A

Gift Shop Treasures & Souvenirs

Just an extra note regarding our gift shop. Just before the Festival we further organized our collection and found that we had many duplicate Life Magazines and other items that fans might love to collect on Judy.

As always we have a wide selection of books, DVDs, LP Records, CDs, dolls and collectible plates among other things. We cannot put all these things on our website so if you are looking for something in particular, please call us. We ship.

Added to this, we also carry Minnesota and Grand Rapids Souvenirs.

Happy Fourth of July!

Judy Garland Letter from Home - Festival - June 19-22, 2019

Hello Everyone:

The Judy Garland Festival begins in just three days. For those planning to attend - June 20-22, 2019, we look forward to seeing you and we have a few notes! 

Meanwhile, during the next few days, please check our Facebook for updates.  https://www.facebook.com/pg/judygarlandmuseum/posts/?ref=page_internal

In this Issue:

- Accommodations

- Gumms’ Grand Rapids

- The Judy Garland Show Alternate Program

- From Gershwin to Garland at the Reif

- John Fricke Celebrates Judy

- Grand Finale Banquet

- The Gift Shop

Accommodations

A few days ago we were informed that there is a convention in town this weekend, so hotel rooms are extremely difficult to find if at all.  Hopefully, you have already made arrangements, but if not, perhaps one of the resorts in the area has availability. In addition, a few rooms may be available in Deer River and Hill City. Our advisers recommend the Deer River motel over the Hill City one.

Word has reached us of ONE room - if we don't find anyone to take it will let it go by FIVE PM Tuesday, June 18. Please call the Judy Garland Museum if in need of accommodations during the Festival.

The Gumms’ Grand Rapids Bus Tour and

The Judy Garland Show

As you may have heard, The Gumms’ Grand Rapids Bus Tour sold out quickly. There is a cancellation list you may join. 

In addition, to make sure there is something else going on, we will be showing, Episode 1 of the Judy Garland Show on which Mickey Rooney co-starred. The show starts at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22^nd in the Art Room of the Museum. We are starting half an hour after the tour, just in case someone is waiting to see if they got a seat on the bus.  The show is FREE with Museum admission – either ticket or membership.

From Gershwin to Garland

Don’t forget you can purchase your tickets from the Reif the day of the concert. We are fortunate to have two such wonderful performers - Richard Glazier and Joan Ellison, so don’t miss this show!

John Fricke Celebrates Judy

Each year, festival attendees look forward to John Fricke’s wonderful presentations on Judy. This year, as

we look back on the 50 years that Judy Garland has been gone, these events will be even more meaningful.

Grand Finale   Banquet

Tickets to the banquet are selling well. The dinner will be a buffet which includes chicken, salmon and steak! Because so many tickets were sold, we were given a larger room. However, we MUST give a final number for the dinner on Thursday morning, which means you MUST buy your ticket no later than Wednesday, June 19^th at close of business.  So if you are interested, buy your tickets NOW!

New Exhibit Parts
We've had a number of beautiful donations in the last months. When visiting the Museum, please look again at our hall Wizard of Oz Collection there are some new neat things there.  In addition,we plan to exhibit some pen and ink drawings of Judy, donated by an artist in Portugal!

Gift Shop Full of Unique Items

We can’t show everything that we sell in our gift shop, but presently it's filled with many amazing collectibles and vintage items, including magazines, recordings and sheet music. Look around. What was not there today may be there tomorrow. We are working on it.

Fundraising for the Judy Garland House

Fundraising continues and we want to thank all who have so generously contributed. We have now reached $1,000+. After the Festival, work will begin, as we continue to raise funds. Again, many, many thanks to all who have contributed!

Schedule for the Judy Garland Festival

Thursday, June 20th 

3:00-4:00pm – With a Laugh, Smile & Song: Judy & Jack Paar

                          Introduction by John Fricke          

7:00pm – 8:15pm – Judy in Jazz: Josh Gallagher at the Piano        

Friday, June 21^st

10:30-Noon – Judy Jeopardy Game

1:00-2:45pm – Judy in the Movies by John Fricke

3:30–4:45pm – Powerful, Sincere, Fragile, Triumphant, Joyous, Iconic,

                        Legendary – by John Fricke

7:30-9:00pm – From Gershwin to Garland, Pianist Richard Glazier & Vocalist

                      Joan Ellison – at THE REIF CENTER

Saturday, June 22^nd

10:30–11:45am – Judy in Concert, by John Fricke

1:00-2:30pm – The Gumm Family’s Grand Rapids Bus Tour

1:30-2:30pm – The Judy Garland Show with Mickey Rooney

3:00-4:00pm – Singing in Judy’s House with Richard Glazier on piano

5:00-9:00pm – Grand Finale Banquet & Judy Reminiscences – at the Timberlake Lodge

 See you soon!