May 03 Sunday
Richard Goode, piano
GRAMMY® Award-winning pianist Richard Goode is internationally renowned for his interpretations of Classical and Romantic music. His 10-disc recording of Beethoven’s complete piano sonatas remains a benchmark in the industry. Goode returns to The Gilmore to perform two cornerstones of the repertoire: Beethoven’s monumental Diabelli Variations and Schubert’s heartrending Sonata in B-flat Major, his final composition for solo piano. Either of these works on their own would comprise a worthwhile recital program; the chance to hear both in one evening is not to be missed!
Pre-Concert Talk with Andrew Koehler | 6:30 PM | Lecture Hall
ProgramL.v. BEETHOVENThirty-Three Variations on a Waltz by Diabelli, Op. 120F. SCHUBERTSonata in B-flat Major, D. 960
It’s the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence … if only the founding fathers agree to it! This musical follows John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson as they attempt to convince members of Congress to sign the Declaration of Independence. With humor and a stirring score, the Tony® Award-winning musical presents the frustrations and triumphs of our founding fathers. Presented in partnership with the Midland County Historical Society, and in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States. 1776 brings a fresh look at the people, and the compromises that defined a revolution.
Directed by Susie PolitoMusic and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards / Book by Peter Stone
May 04 Monday
Landmark: Less Cancer Hike and Bike America 2026Walk, ride and roam anywhere/anytime. Enter your photos of local landmarks and favorite adventure places to win prizes!June 6th – July 6thThe annual event serves as our primary fundraiser, helping fuel our critical cancer prevention initiatives.Register for FREE today at: https://www.lesscancer.org/
Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” was one of the most influential works of the American Revolution. The first edition was published on January 10, 1776, with an initial print run of just 1,000 copies; but within weeks demand soared. The students of Andy Murphy’s POLISCI 495 course co-curated the exhibition “Revolutionary Paine” to document the whirlwind caused by its publication. On view at the Clements January 16-May 8, weekdays from 12-4 pm.
Join us on May the Fourth for an unforgettable musical journey through the cosmos! Celebrate Star Wars Day with a spectacular candlelit and starlit performance that honors the iconic music of the Star Wars saga alongside other beloved space-themed compositions. Experience thrilling arrangements of John Williams’ legendary scores, as well as the majestic beauty of Holst’s The Planets, the adventurous themes of Star Trek, The Jetsons, Lost in Space, Interstellar, and more. Composer and pianist R. MacKenzie Lewis & Friends will take you on a stellar adventure, blending classical and contemporary pieces with unique interpretations that breathe new life into these timeless favorites. The warm glow of candlelight and stars will create an intimate atmosphere, enhancing the magic of this otherworldly experience. Whether you’re a Jedi, a Trekkie, or simply a fan of the wonders of the universe, this concert promises to ignite your imagination and transport you through space and time. Don your favorite sci-fi attire and prepare for lift-off!
R. Mackenzie Lewis, pianist/arranger/bandleaderJan Sullins, violinJamie Gallupe, celloAlex Toth, flute/clarinet/bass clarinet/alto saxophoneHarry McComb, flute/clarinet/tenor saxophoneSam Sidorowicz, French hornJoe Fee, bass
A cash wine/beer bar will be available for KCH Founders Club Members**KCH Founders Club membership comes with annual donations of $300 (daily passes are also available for $5)
May 05 Tuesday
This exhibition honors the commitment of our members from SE Michigan and beyond, whose support plays a vital role in bringing our mission to life. We welcome the public to discover the unique artistic voices and styles of over 100 member artists.
Join Cranbrook Academy of Art at deSalle Auditorium for the 2026 Swanson Lecture, delivered by community designer and educator Joseph Kunkel, a citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Nation. Kunkel is focused on sustainable development practices for Indigenous communities.
Kunkel’s lecture, "Land Back – Design Forward", reframes the Land Back movement beyond questions of ownership, property, or acknowledgment. For Indigenous peoples, connection to land has always been defined through relationships—relationships of stewardship, responsibility, and reciprocity that have guided communities for millennia. Yet contemporary systems shaping our built environment have rarely recognized these ways of relating to land. Through examples, his lecture will explore architecture, planning, and design approaches that begin to unravel these deeper relationships, moving beyond development toward practices that support cultural continuity, ecological stewardship, and community resilience.