Friday, May 18, 2018

Judy Garland Letter from Home - Festival Update & More

Hello Everyone:

We are now less than a month until Festival time, so we wanted to update you.
Happy Spring!


Festival Tickets On Sale Now

Tickets for the 2018 Wizard of Oz Festival are now available. The price of a complete package is $100.00. Individual programs range from $5.00 - $10.00. There are also two meals available on Thursday and Friday through the museum.

You may purchase tickets via the website: http://www.judygarlandmusuem.com   Just go to the top "Festival" tab, pull it down and tap 2018 Festival.

You may also purchase tickets over the phone or in person. Our phone number is: 218-327-9276.

See you there!

Judy Garland Talent Show Cancelled

Due to conditions beyond our control, we are sorry to announce that the Judy Garland Talent Show at the Reif Center on June 16th has been cancelled.



Looking for Two Little Girl Singers

We are looking for two little girls between the ages of 5 and 10 to perform as part of our special Wizard of Oz Festival opener!

This program involves the history of the Gumm family. There are a few songs to learn, which can be provided to you. Living in town is not a requirement. The music would be sent to the girls and coaching by phone is available.  They must be available Wednesday, June 13th for dress rehearsal and the afternoon of Thursday, June 14th for the performance. The girls would appear with one other girl, 11, who is also a good singer.

For further information, please e-mail: catsong2@netzero.net or call 218-259-4097


Summer Hours Have Begun!

Summer Hours for the Judy Garland Museum and Children's Discover Center began on May 16th!
The museums are now open seven (7) days a week, from 10 am - 5 pm.  Just be aware that during the week days, especially in May, we will have school groups coming in.


Liza Minnelli to Sell Her Career Collection, Including Items of Judy Garland

We wanted to share with you this very special article that includes a remarkable list of items owned by Judy's daughter, Liza, including things she is selling that belonged to her mother, Judy Garland. This is truly the end of an era.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/call-it-minnelli-mania-love-liza-auction-sneak-peak-1099468


More information coming soon!



Thursday, May 10, 2018

Judy Garland Letter from Home- UPDATED 2018 Festival Schedule!

                        NEWLY UPDATED

        FESTIVAL SCHEDULE!


                                               May 10, 2018

Hello Everyone:

For the past several weeks we have been fine-tuning our 2018 Wizard of Oz Festival events. We have also been listening to your questions and comments, so some times have been adjusted and some descriptions are more complete. In addition, a new event has been added for Judy Garland fans!

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO DOUBLE CHECK EVENT TIMES!

Thank you. We look forward to seeing you there!



THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2018

Festival Opener  - A Musical History Event in the Judy Garland House

Learn more about the history of the Gumm family in Grand Rapids and hear the songs they sang by a cast of adults and children. (Limited space. If sold out, may be repeated.)              

Date: June 14th
Time: 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Place: Judy Garland Museum
Price: $10.00


A “Rat Pack” Dinner

Come and enjoy a dinner that Judy, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and friends might have enjoyed at one of their summer BBQs: broasted chicken, coleslaw, mashed potatoes & gravy or waffle fries (Please specify) & garlic bread. Drinks provided. Must purchase tickets in advance.

Date: June 14th
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Place: Judy Garland Museum
Price: $13.00


Judy Garland’s Miracle Year, Part 1 - Judy, Frank and Dean

John Fricke introduces “Judy’s Miracle Year – 1962!” She tallied Oscar and Emmy nominations; her first Gold Record; and Grammy, Golden Globe, and SBI Awards. From being told in 1959 that she’d never work again, she soared to the greatest triumphs of her career!

The thirty-minute talk will be followed by a screening of the 1962 television special, The Judy Garland Show, with guests Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin -- on the big screen. This rare black-and-white copy of the show (as taped and telecast) includes the original commercials and neatly sidesteps image distortion caused by inept 1980s colorization.

 Date: June 14th
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Place: Judy Garland Museum
Price: $10.00


The Wizard of Oz, Young Performers Edition

The Wizard of Oz – a children’s production – will be presented by Young at Art, a youth theater company. Great fun for families. (Additional performances on Friday and Sunday.)

Date: June 14th
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Place: Ives Theatre, The Reif Center, 720 NW Conifer Drive, Grand Rapids
Price: $10.00





FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2015

Oz and Judy Jeopardy!

Don't miss the annual fun as fans compete for prizes while playing a very special edition of the classic TV game show. Once again, popular hosts Joe Malinovsky and Paul Herrick provide the answers - and, in response, the contestants have to provide the correct questions about The Wizard of Oz movie and its star!  

Date: June 15th
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Place: Judy Garland Museum
Price: $5.00


“Hidden Treasures at the Museum with John Kelsch”

Come and see some of the unique items related to Judy Garland that have never been seen by the public. During the last twenty-three years, the Judy Garland Museum has received some lovely and unusual items related to Judy and her family history. Hear the stories behind them, as only museum director John Kelsch can tell them! A unique experience.

Date:  June 15th
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Place: Judy Garland Museum
Price:  $10.00


“Judy’s Miracle Year, Part 2”

Hear the backstory of the making of I Could Go on Singing (prior to the evening’s screening); see the film’s premiere footage (and two songs) from The Ed Sullivan Show. Extensive research enables the presentation of new anecdotes, facts, and fun about Judy’s extraordinary performance. Presented by John Fricke.

Date:  June 15th
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Place: Judy Garland Museum
Price:  $10.00


A Community Picnic and Live Entertainment!

Join us for some entertainment and good food! Dreams Come True Dance Studio will be entertaining the crowds with some of the acts they are taking to Disney World this summer. Log Home Wood-Fired Pizza and Chad’s Meat Wagon will be cooking up some real delicacies. Vouchers will be given to those who purchase this event in advance to turn in for their meals at vendor stands. Bring a blanket or some chairs and set up to watch the classic Wizard of Oz film on the big screen beginning at 9:00 p.m. Those attending I Could Go on Singing should line-up early!

Date:  June 15th
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Place: Judy Garland Museum Garden
Price:  $15.00 dinner vouchers (or may buy individual items)



I Could Go On Singing

Judy’s final screen triumph, made in 1962, will be shown in Blu-Ray on a 12’ screen. Beautifully filmed in London, I Could Go on Singing is a semi-autobiographical drama-with-songs about international singing star, Jenny Bowman – professionally a legend, but personally adrift – who reaches out to the man she loved and lost (Dirk Bogarde), as well as to the young son who never knew her. Costarring Jack (The Odd Couple) Klugman and featuring fantastic scenes of Judy performing at the London Palladium.

Date:  June 15th
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Place: Judy Garland Museum
Price:  $10.00


The Wizard of Oz, Young Performers Edition

The Wizard of Oz – a children’s production – will be presented by Young at Art. Great fun for families. (Additional performances on Thursday and Sunday).

Date: June 15th
Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Place: Ives Theatre, The Reif Center, 720 NW Conifer Drive, Grand Rapids
Price: $10.00


Children’s Wizard of Oz Costume Contest

Dress as your favorite Oz character and join the contest just before the film screening.
Prizes awarded!

Date: June 15
Time: 8:30 p.m. – BEGINNING PROMPTLY!
Place: Evergreen Terrance Lawn, next to the Judy Garland Museum
Price: FREE!


“The Wizard of Oz,” (1939)

The classic 1939 film, starring Judy Garland, will be shown in the finest Blu-ray on a JUMBO Screen under the stars.  Screening begins at 8:30.

Date:  June 15th
Time:  Approximately 9:00 p.m. (1 hour & 52 minutes)                  
Place: Evergreen Terrace Lawn, next to the Judy Garland Museum
Price:  FREE        
                                     
SPONSORED BY     and   





SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2018


Dash for the Ruby Slippers 5K Run/Walk

Our second annual Dash for the Ruby Slippers 5K will be off and running!. First Place Winner receives a trophy, as does the "Best-Dressed Oz Costumed Runner.” Each pre-paid participant will receive a T-shirt!

Date:  June 16th
Time: 8:30 a.m. – Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.
Place: Judy Garland Museum Parking Lot
Price:  Early Bird - $25!   After MAY 19th - $35.  Children 4-12 - $15 
           Family (includes 2 T-shirts) - $70      
         Children under 4 -  Free – If want T-shirt - $10


Land of Oz Kids’ Activities  - Carriage Rides

A memorable event for kids of all ages: Carriage Rides, Scavenger Hunt, Art Exploration and Tornado Tubes!
Meet characters from The Wizard of Oz and take pictures with them!

Date:  June 16th
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Place: Under the Tents - Outside the Judy Garland Museum
Price:  FREE

      SPONSORED BY      



Historic Judy Garland Festival & House Film Clips

Recently, the Museum transferred old news footage and found some treasures from the last twenty-five years. Come and see: the Judy Garland Birthplace being moved to its present locations, plus interviews with Munchkins, John Kelsch, Lorna Luft and others from decades ago! A unique retrospective that fans will love!

Date:  June 16th
Time: 11:00 a.m. – Noon
Place: Judy Garland Museum
Price:  $10.00


Ask Anything about The Wizard of Oz with John Fricke

Perfect for the whole family!  Historian/documentarian John Fricke discusses the most frequently-asked questions about the world’s best-known, best-loved film – and addresses any wonders you might have! (Also: a brief reminder of the wonderful anti-bullying themes in The Wizard of Oz.)

John Fricke is regarded as the preeminent Judy Garland and MGM Wizard of Oz historian and has written seven books on these topics. He is the recipient of Emmy Awards as co-producer of the PBS American Masters and A&E Biography Garland documentaries, and a Grammy Award nominee for his liner notes on the Capitol CD, Judy Garland: 25th Anniversary Retrospective. John has appeared as a programmer and co-host on the Turner Classic Movies network and at their Los Angeles Film Festival. In addition, he’s been interviewed on The Today Show (four times), CNN, Entertainment Tonight, The Joan Rivers Show, National Public Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio. He’s a long-time regular at the Judy Garland/Wizard of Oz Festival, and we are happy to welcome him back this year.


Date:  June 16th
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Place: Judy Garland Museum
Price: FREE!


A Musical Event in the Judy Garland Birthplace

A variety of singers will pay tribute to Judy Garland and celebrate her legacy. Stuart Boehr will accompany on piano.

 Date:  June 16th
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Place: Judy Garland Museum
Price:  $10.00


Judy Garland Talent Contest at the Reif  - CANCELLED

Young people, ages six thru eighteen, will compete. We welcome singers, dancers, musicians, actors, magicians and comedians. Winners will receive:

Date: Saturday, June 16th
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Place: Ives Theatre, The Reif Performing Arts Center
Price: $10.00
                             CO-SPONSORED BY THE REIF CENTER  




Judy Garland Fan Event – “Hooray for Hollywood”

Fan-hosted banquet dinner honoring the legendary star. This elegant evening will start off with cocktail hour at 6 p.m. and a sit-down dinner at 7 p.m. Two talks will be given by long-time fans and Festival attendees.

- Joe Malinovsky will take us back in time as he relives the highlights of many past Judy Garland Festivals with a multi-media presentation. Joe, a Minnesota resident, has been attending the Festival since the 1970s.

- Andrew Jurss, an avid collector of Judy Garland memorabilia and other things, will give a talk on “Finding Judy.” Jurss will show a few items from his personal collection and talk about the adventures he’s had collecting them. Andrew, a resident of Wisconsin, is the president of the Depression Glass Society of Wisconsin.

*Since this is a fan-hosted event, we ask that you pay at the door. Please make your reservation with Andrew Jurss – andyjurss@icloud.com or call: 262-344-1268 (Reservations must be made by June 5th.)

For those who are attending the Judy Garland Talent Show, please feel free to join the event after the dinner for fellowship, spirits and good music. The banquet room will be open until midnight.

Date:  Saturday, June 16
Time: 6:00 p.m.- Midnight
Place: Timberlake Lodge Hotel & Event Center
Cost: $35.00 – includes the meal.  Fans joining after the dinner are free. Cash Bar provided.*

** Please note, this is a "fan-hosted" event, not hosted by the Judy Garland Museum.

Sunday, June 17, 2018

The Wizard of Oz, Young Performers Edition

The Wizard of Oz – a children’s production – will be presented by Young at Art, a youth theater company. Great fun for families. (Also presented on Thursday and Friday).

Date: June 17th
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Place: Ives Theatre, The Reif Center, 720 NW Conifer Drive, Grand Rapids
Price: $10.00


PLEASE NOTE:  ALL EVENTS and INFORMATION MAY BE CHANGED WITHOUT NOTICE