Kalamazoo’s got jazz, and Crawlspace has ‘that New York energy times ten’
A New York–level jazz firestorm lit up a Kalamazoo church, proving world-class swing doesn’t need a Manhattan zip code.
Mark Wedel's Latest Articles
One paddle at a time: Kalamazoo rallies to rescue democracy
At Kalamazoo’s Democracy Fest, community members were urged to move beyond protest and pick up a paddle — taking local action to defend democracy together.
City of Kalamazoo unveils possibilities for housing development in Edison neighborhood
The City of Kalamazoo has put together conceptual plans that would encourage143 to 200 homes on the nearly 15-acre lot that was once home to the former Health and Human Services building. Soon, the Edison Neighborhood will be weighing in on the idea.
Heavy music, humid nights: Kalamazoo’s RunOff brings the noise — and the heart
In a sweltering Kalamazoo garage known as The RunOff, a tight-knit DIY music community gathers for a night of blistering metal, haunting sax solos, and family-style chaos — raising the volume, and funds, in equal measure.
As a Homeless Navigator works to help the unhoused, he says, ‘I just try to be a good person’
As Brandon Mion works with those facing housing insecurity or who are already homeless he doesn't often bring up his story, but he will if he needs to tell a youth in crisis, "Hey, I've been there. You've got to fight through it because you can get through it."
Brush the Block: Blank walls to become love letters to Kalamazoo
This September, Kalamazoo’s first Mural Festival will turn six downtown walls into vibrant public art celebrating the city’s creativity and community. Organized by the Arts Council, the event includes live music, artist talks, and free trolley tours.
The kids are alright — but the Geezers are having more fun
At Shakespeare's Pub in Kalamazoo, the “Geezer Happy Hour” packs the dance floor with seniors rocking out to Duke and the Loose Cannons, a band rooted in the city’s countercultural past. With vintage jams and early bedtimes, rebellion never sounded so good.
Helping vets in Kalamazoo who were ‘smoked by life’
In 2024, 32,882 veterans experienced homelessness in the United States, and 68 of those were in Kalamazoo County, though local officials say they are sure that number has since increased. Many unhoused veterans don’t know there are benefits and programs that can help. Here’s how to get connected.
Fists, friends, and fighting spirit: The legacy of Kalamazoo’s Boxing Academy
At the Institute of Public Scholarship’s “Remembering the Block” talk on the Kalamazoo Boxing Academy, stories of bruises, brotherhood, and Black pride reminded listeners that real strength is learned both in and outside the ring. And Carlean Gill revisits the glory days of Idlewild.
Final Chapter: Kalamazoo remembers Dean Hauck and the legacy of Michigan News
Kalamazoo bids farewell to Dean Hauck, the spirited soul behind Michigan News Agency, whose store was a haven for readers, writers, and community voices since 1947. Her legacy lives on in every page turned, every story shared, and memories of the unmistakable scent of print.
