Don’t miss events this week are all about music:  July 30-August 3, visit downtown Flint for lunch and enjoy some “Tunes at Noon”  and August 3-5 enjoy the annual “Flint Jazz Festival” happening at the Riverbank Park in downtown Flint.

*July 30-August 3: Visit downtown Flint for lunch and enjoy some “Tunes at Noon.”  Monday through Friday, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., have lunch at the University of Michigan Pavilion while listening to free live entertainment featuring a diverse blend of music by Michigan musicians. Purchase or bring a sack lunch. (810) 238-ARTS

*July 30-August 4: Fenton Winery & Brewery offers handcrafted wines and Micro-brewed beers, delicious food, beer and wine samplings and live entertainment Friday and Saturday nights. Open Monday-Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., on Friday from 3:00 p.m. to midnight and on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to midnight. (810) 373-4194 or visit www.fentonwinery.com

*July 30-August 4: Visit Cranberries Café, located in downtown Goodrich, for some great food, drinks and company. Also, enjoy live entertainment every Thursday evening from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Open for lunch Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and for dinner, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday and Friday and Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  (810) 636-3409 or visit www.cranberriescafe.com

*July 30-August 5: US-23 Drive-In Theater, located on Fenton Road, is open for the summer season featuring double first run films. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. and movies begin at dusk. (810) 238-0751 or visit www.us23driveintheater.com

*July 30-August 5: IMAX Trillium Theatre in Grand Blanc (NCG Cinemas): For IMAX show times and information on other movies call (810) 695-5000 or visit www.ncgmovies.com/grand-blanc.  “The Dark Knight Rises An IMAX Experience” – (Rated PG-13) Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures “The Dark Knight Rises” is the epic conclusion to filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s Batman Trilogy. Leading an all-star international cast, Christian Bale again plays the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman!

*July 30-August 5: FLINT CULTURAL CENTER CAMPUS:

SLOAN MUSEUM:  (810) 237-3450 (Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) Enjoy regional history, historic automobiles and hands-on science activities in the Science Discovery Center where children and adults can explore principles of chemistry and physics through exhibits and staff presentations. Stroll through Sloan’s Automotive Gallery and view major automotive exhibits featuring vehicles from the Sloan fleet of over 80 Flint-built automobiles.

• “Muscle Cars: The Hustle Behind the Muscle” – From a 1964 Pontiac GTO to a 1987 Buick GNX, this exhibit is sure to appeal to visitors of all ages. Since they cruised on the scene in the mid-sixties, these high-powered machines changed the face of the automotive industry forever. The engineering technologies and marketing techniques developed during their heyday still influence manufacturing today. Learn the stories that shaped each one of these American icons. Follow the inception and evolution of this modern phenomenon.
• “100 Years of Girl Scouting” – What was started by Juliette Gordon Low and 18 young girls on March 12, 1912 has grown into an American institution with over 3.2 million active members. In Girl Scouts, girls discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together and how to develop their full individual potential. Take a colorful journey through 100 years of Girl Scouting in America.
• “Flint and The American Dream” – Relive Flint’s dramatic history, as the birthplace of General Motors comes to life with over 600 artifacts and photographs, including rare antique automobiles, colorful neon signs, period clothing, household furnishings, commercial goods and much more. Encounter the ups and downs of General Motors, the birth of the UAW and what life was like in Flint during the 50s, 60s and 70s.

BUICK GALLERY & RESEARCH CENTER: (810) 237-3440 (Admission included with Sloan with same operating hours) The Gallery displays over 25 classical and concept locally built automobiles featuring five one-of-a-kind concept Cars – a 1954 Wildcat II, Centurion, Arrow, Phantom and an XP. Also on display is the Buick Bug, which has undergone an extensive renovation.

• “1956 Centurion” – Buick enthusiasts will recognize the “sweep-spear” chrome on the Centurion as being similar to the 1957 Buicks. They might even recognize the rear fins as being like those on the 1959 models. The rest of the car, however, is one-of-a-kind. The Centurion uses a freestanding speedometer with a fixed indicator and rotation dial. A television camera, mounted just above the tail cone, projects images from the rear mirror. Centurion’s “wings”, tail cone and canopy top reflect the influence that aircraft design had on many of GM’s designers.

LONGWAY PLANETARIUM: (Laser Hotline (810) 237-3409 or (810) 237-3400) (Check show time dates and hours below)

• “Club 90’s Laser Show” – (Showing Monday & Tuesday, July 30 & 31, at 2:00 p.m.) Enjoy great ‘90s music set to an entertaining laser light show. Club ‘90s features brilliant laser animation. Check out the awesome sounds of Brittany Spears, NSYNC, Backstreet Boys and more. Get “The Party Started” as lasers, digital effects and vibrant colors come alive on the dome above. This laser show is recommended for ages 5 and older.
• “Laser Motown Laser Show” – (Showing Wednesday-Friday, August 1-3, at 2:00 p.m.)  Groove to some of the hippest sounds ever as Motown’s greatest hits come alive. With songs like “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”, “Brick House”, “Reflections” and “ABC-123”, young and old alike will enjoy this chart-topping laser light show. This laser show is recommended for ages 10 and older.
• “Rusty Rocket’s Last Blast” – (Showing Monday-Friday at 12:30 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.) All Rocket Rookies report to class! Lift off with Rusty Rocket and learn rocket basics, relive great moments in space exploration and discover how far it really is to the moon and planets. This sky show is recommended for ages 5 and older.
• “Off the Beaten Orbit” – (Showing Saturday, August 4, at 2:00 p.m.) Throughout our Solar System are many remarkable, fascinating worlds. Scattered among and beyond the planets are asteroids, comets, moons and dwarf planets. Explore the parts of the Solar System usually ignored and learn about these unusual objects in this original production. This sky show is recommended for ages 10 and older.  

THE FLINT INSTITUTE OF ARTS (FIA): (810) 234-1695 (Monday-Wednesday and Friday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) Visit the FIA and browse through their outstanding collections of American, European, Native American, African and Asian art including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and decorative arts featuring a complete set of 17^th century French tapestries.

• “Designs from the Past: Ancient Chinese Ceramic Vessels” – Enjoy this FIA collection of more than 100 Chinese ceramic vessels from the Neolithic period (6,500 – 1,700 BCE), many which were predecessors to the shapes of early Chinese bronze vessels. These ceramic vessels were frequently decorated with elaborate geometric and stylized patterns, often specific to a certain region of Neolithic China featuring a wide variety of spirals, lozenges, checkered patterns, net patterns, curved bands and saw-toothed bands that emphasized the form of the vessel.
• “The Golden Age of Painting, 1600-1800, from the Speed Art Museum, Louisville, KY”  Tremendous changes swept Europe during the two-hundred years in which the art in this exhibition was produced. Advances in the sciences transformed long held views on the way the universe worked and the place of humans within that universe. Technical aspects of art making were honed and codified, as art academies grew in number and power. These exciting times resulted in a golden age of European painting.
• “Abstract Expressionism: Then and Now” – This exhibition surveys the American art movement from its origins in the postwar period to the latest developments in the late twentieth century. Third-wave Abstract Expressionist painters, including Roy Lerner, Stanley Boxer and Joseph Drapell, built on the earlier movement, using paints that they invented through working with Golden Paints, developing new techniques and forms of expression.
• “Viola E. Bray: A Legacy of Giving” – The Year of the Bray (2011-2012) honors the 50^th anniversary of the Mrs. Viola E. Bray’s contribution of Renaissance and Baroque works, along with a unique gallery, to the people of Flint. This exhibit highlights the works that entered the Museum’s collections through the generosity of the Bray Charitable Trust.

*July 30-August 5: Shop Birch Run Premium Outletsand find incredible values on all the new season fashions with up to a 65% discount on every day savings. Shop at over 145 well-known brand name stores such as the Pottery Barn Outlet, COACH Factory and the Nike Factory Store. Visit the Outlet Mall, August 2–5, for their “Back-To-School and Fall Preview Sale.”  (989) 624-6226 or visit www.premiumoutlets.com

*July 30-August 5: The Machine Shop Concert Lounge, located on Dort Highway, presents weekly live Rock-N-Roll events. On Friday, August 3, the Machine Shop welcomes “Days of the New” with special guests “Red Stone Sould” and “Superlast.” Then on Saturday, August 4, “Blackberry Smoke” takes the stage with special guests “Tripp N Dixie” and “tba.” Doors open at 7:00 p.m. for all shows.  (810) 715-2650 or visit www.themachineshop.info

*July 30-August 5: Wild Spurs, part of the Jewel Entertainment Complex in Grand Blanc, features Friday entertainment with a DJ, dancing and Karaoke starting at 10:00 p.m. and live country music on Saturday. Also, come out and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Paddy McGee’s the ultimate Irish Pub. Great food and company!  (810) 694-5960

*July 31, August 2 & 4: The Flint Farmers’ Market, in downtown Flint, is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Shop for fresh fruit, produce, cheese, meats, Michigan wines, gourmet coffees, desserts, baked goods, flowers, vintage wares, unique crafts, fine arts and more.  (810) 232-1399

• While visiting the Market, be sure to stop by “d’vine Wines” for unique gadgets and a selection of Michigan wines and brews.  (810) 235-WINE.
• Also, visit the Market’s 2^nd floor for restaurant service, boutique shopping and a chance to stroll through the “Art at the Market Gallery.” The Gallery offers great gifts of art or just the opportunity to view and enjoy art from over 35 local artists. (810) 238-AATM

*July 31-August 5: Visit The Flint Children’s Museum, during the month of August, for some fun and fitness during “Ready, Set, Go!” On Friday, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., celebrate “National Watermelon Day” with some delicious watermelon eating and a seed spitting contest. On Saturday, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., children can attend “Clown School” and be transformed into a clown, walk the tight rope and much more. The Museum is open Tuesday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Museum is recommended for ages 2 to 10.   (810) 767-5437 or www.flintchildrensmuseum.org

*August 1-5: Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad welcomes all to the 19^th Century. There is so much to do in the Village and so many people to talk with. The cider maker is pressing apples while the miller grinds grains into flour at the water-powered grist mill. The blacksmith is hammering hot iron into horseshoes and fireplace tools. Each villager has an important role – from barber to broom maker, doctor to seamstress, homemaker to cleric. Be sure to hop on board the Huckleberry Railroad and enjoy a 40-minute ride through woods, meadows and along the shore of beautiful Mott Lake. Get closer to Mott Lake during a scenic 45-minute cruise on the Genesee Belle, a replica of the paddlewheel riverboats that were popular during Mark Twain’s time.

• On Saturday and Sunday, visit the Village as they dedicate the weekend to trains and train lovers during “Railfans.” Celebrate the famous Huckleberry Railroad with tours, demonstrations and model trains galore, plus special photo runs and shop tours that are only held on this all-train weekend. The Village is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (800) 648-PARK or visit www.geneseecountyparks.org

*August 1 & 5: The Grand Blanc City Farmers’ Market, located at the Grand Blvd cul-de-sac by Physicians Park, is open for business on Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, organic foods, local specialties, crafts and more. On Sunday, bring the children to the Market for some playtime in the “Kids’ Corner.”  (810) 694-1118 or visit www.cityofgrandblanc.com

*August 2: Applewood Estates is hosting a “Bring Your Lunch and Learn” from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bring a sack lunch and soak up the beauty of a summer day on the grounds of Applewood! Also, participate in outdoor learning activities. (810) 233-0170

*August 2-4: Buckham Gallery is open showcasing “Primal Notations” an exhibition featuring the work of local artists Ian Hagarty and Kenneth Hakala, which ends Friday, August 3. The Gallery is open Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  (810) 239-6233

*August 2-4: The Whaley Historic House Museum is open for public guided tours. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Whaley House is filled with hundreds of family and period artifacts that tell the story of the Whaley’s and Victorian Era Flint. Open for tours on Thursday and Friday at 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. and on Saturday at 10:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Please call ahead for all other tour times. Tours last about an hour and include the 1^st and 2^nd floors of the home.
(810) 471-4714 or visit www.whaleyhouse.com

*August 3: The New McCree Theatre presents “Sing Pastor, Sing” – Lifting the Lord in Song featuring six of Flint’s finest Singing Pastors. This event will take place at the House of Prayer MBC, located at 1851 E. Carpenter Road in Flint, starting at 7:00 p.m.
(810) 787-2200 or visit www.thenewmccreetheatre.com

*August 3 & 4: The Historic Holly Hotel Comedy Club presents professional stand-up comedy featuring Davin Rosenblatt with special guest Joe Curriein. Shows start at 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.  (248) 634-5208 or visit www.hollyhotel.com

*August 3-5: The annual “Flint Jazz Festival” is happening at the Riverbank Park in downtown Flint. Relax while listening to local Flint Jazz musicians, as well as regional and national headliners including Lao Tizer with Chieli Minucci and Karen Briggs. Food vendors, local non-profit organizations and art and craft vendors add to the magic and color of this event. Hours are Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 2:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  www.geneseefun.com

*August 4: Flushing’s 4^th annual “Taste of the Trail.” From 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., stroll along the Flushing River View Trail and sample the fantastic fare of Flushing’s local restaurants including Fandangle’s, Joe’s Garage, City Shop Café, Sorrento’s Food & Spirits and more. Also enjoy nature activities, a bounce slide, putting green, live entertainment and much more.  (810) 659-4141 or visit www.flushingcity.com

*August 5: For-Mar Nature Preserve presents “Mother Nature Story Corner” from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Through puppetry, stories and themed activities children will learn the wonders of Mother Nature. The event is recommended for families, of all ages. (810) 789-8567

*August 5: Flint Handmade is hosting a “Craft Supply Swap” at the Lunch Studio, in downtown Flint, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Bring your old craft supplies and swap them with supplies from other crafters such as fabric, yarn, beads, buttons, ribbon, paper, etc.  www.flinthandmade.com