By Cristian Zacharias, Aquinas Reporter
Squirrel “chilling” at Fulton/Van And Arena (EB) bus stop to explore the Rapidian wonderland – Photo by Cristian Zacharias
Grand Rapids hosts its seventh iteration of the World of Winter Festival from Jan. 9 -March 1. The festival invites people to explore downtown and showcase local performers.
Gabriella Galore performing – Photo by Lizz Forsyth
Various forms of arts were displayed throughout Grand Rapids, with art installations, live performances, culinary arts and more. Events like the “Winter’s A DRAG!” show and the Ice Piano Performance not only contained their respective events but also supported food trucks from local businesses and art installations that created a blended experience for everyone.
Special guest Willow Pill performing – Photo by Lizz Forsyth
The drag show was a lively event on Jan. 31 from noon to 3 p.m., with people of all ages coming to Calder Plaza to support the Michigan Drag Brunch and two guests from Rupaul’s Drag Race. Gabriella Stratton Galore, the opening queen of the drag show, said, “Drag is for all ages.” This was evident, as some parents brought their children to see the show. Attendees were encouraged to show their appreciation towards the drag queens through $1 donations throughout their performances. There was also a “Drinks for a Cause” that supported the AYA Youth Collective through every purchased drink.
Art Installation “Polymery” made by Taylor Harrison on Gillett Bridge – Photo by Cristian Zacharas
Also in Calder Plaza was a 360 Photobooth constructed by Ice Brigade, who made the ice piano and performed Ice Breaker on Jan. 10. The Ice Breaker was a live carving of an ice sculpture at Rosa Parks Circles whose design was voted on by the masses.
The ice piano – Photo by Cristian Zacharias
The Ice Piano Performance, conducted on Feb. 5 from 6:30 – 8:30 a.m. at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, was a mixture of visual and lyrical arts, with the two performers Olivia Vargas and Charlie Millard not only playing the piano but also singing covers as well as originals. The two local artists powered through a chilling two hours next to the Grand River marred with technical difficulties. The technology briefly stalled during AQ Alum Vargas’ performance, and Millard improved a sing-along to “Everything You Know Melts Away Like Snow” by Daniel Norgren. The performance was also conducted underneath the art installation “Somnuis,” which changes the music and visuals it produces through the movements of people underneath it. While technicians were working on silencing Somnius, Millard went along with Somnius to play music that mixed well with the ambient noises.
Overall, the artists were applauded for their tenacity to perform in half-hour intervals in the cold. Millard was praised for his ability to play the piano with gloves on by Vargas, who braved the cold for the audience.
Millard performing on the ice piano – Photo by Cristian Zacharias
Vargas and Millard are also members of bands, with the former being a part of August and the latter working with The Go Rounds. August is an all-female band, who also recently released a new album dubbed, “For the Sake of a Man.” The Go Rounds is a band that has existed for 15 years, building fanbases in Michigan and Mexico City.
Vargas performing a cover of “Just the Two of Us” – Photo by Cristian Zacharias
There are still many more events for locals and guests alike to visit. “[People] should go to these events to learn about the community,” said AQ student Lizz Forsyth. Check out the World of Winter website to view the upcoming events around Grand Rapids.
The Saint 