WYCE's Community Closeup (*conversations concerning issues of importance in West Michigan)

WYCE Independent Community Radio
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Non-Profit
  • Updated Biweekly

WYCE's Community Closeup is a weekly public affairs program featuring community leaders and nonprofit organizations. WYCE is West Michigan's only independent, commercial-free, community radio station serving the greater Grand Rapids metro. WYCE programs an eclectic blend of folk, rhythm & blues, hip-hop, rock, jazz, and world music to the West Michigan community and beyond. Listener-sponsored, volunteer-powered. WYCE is a proud service of the Grand Rapids Community Media Center. We exist because of listener support. Please support us to keep the music playing: http://www.wyce.org

  1. 8h ago

    Together We Glow: Inside the 2026 Grand Rapids Pride Festival (06-06-26)

    In this episode, host Phil Tower sits down with Jazz McKinney (they/them), Executive Director of the Grand Rapids Pride Center, to look ahead to one of the city's most vibrant and impactful summer traditions: the 2026 Grand Rapids Pride Festival. Dates & Times: Saturday, June 20 (12:00 PM – 10:00 PM) Sunday, June 21 (12:00 PM – 8:00 PM) Location: Calder Plaza, Downtown Grand Rapids Theme: "Together We Glow" Admission: General admission is free (donations are highly appreciated). 38 Years of Pride: How the vision for the Pride Festival has evolved since its inception in 1988 into one of the city's largest events. Festival Footprint & Guidelines: What to expect at Calder Plaza this weekend, including city guidelines designed to keep the space streamlined for community safety and joy (service/therapy animals only; no external signs or banners inside). More Than a Party: The critical connection between attending Pride Fest and funding the Grand Rapids Pride Center, as the festival serves as their largest annual fundraiser. Year-Round Support: How festival donations directly fuel vital community programs, including the Therapy Assistance Program (TAP), the Health Equity Program, and an array of peer social and support groups (Youth, BIPOC, Timeless Pride Connections, and Trans/Nonbinary groups). The Grand Rapids Pride Center is the longest-running LGBTQ+ resource center in Michigan. To learn more about their services, year-round programming, or how to support their mission, visit their website or stop by the center.

    15 min

  2. May 29

    Art, Nature, and Connection: A Conversation with Charles Burke, President/CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

    In this episode of Community Closeup, our weekly public affairs program produced in partnership with the Grand Rapids Community Media Center, host Phil Tower sits down with Charles Burke, President & CEO of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Recently celebrating his third anniversary with the organization, Charles discusses how Meijer Gardens has solidified its reputation as an internationally acclaimed cultural landmark, including being recognized as the Best Sculpture Park in the United States by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for three consecutive years. Drawing from his March 2026 column, "What the World Needs Now: How Art, Culture, and Nature Can Help Heal Communities in Difficult Times," Charles shares his insights on why a deeper human connection is essential in divided times. Tune in as we also discuss: Healing Through Art & Nature: How spaces like Meijer Gardens foster the conditions for empathy, resilience, and restoration. Summer Highlights: A look ahead at the highly anticipated Summer Concert series (including Wilco) and the major Chihuly at Meijer Gardens exhibition. Links: Learn more about upcoming events and exhibits: meijergardens.org Read Charles Burke's full column: ExpertFile Spotlight

    15 min

  3. May 22

    What’s Happening This Summer at John Ball Zoo (05-23-26)

    In this episode, WYCE’s Janet Zahn welcomes Mariah Malone, Communications coordinator with John Ball Zoo, to talk about upcoming summer events, highlights, and ways you can support their wildlife conservation mission. In this episode, we discuss: The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival: Returning with this year's theme, Realms of Wonder, featuring three new enchanting realms. Running Wednesdays through Sundays (expanding to Tuesdays starting May 19) through June 14. (Note: Tickets are unavailable on June 12).RendeZoo: The Ripple Effect (June 12, 7:00 PM): The zoo’s annual 21+ fundraiser featuring live entertainment, food, craft cocktails, and immersive experiences.World Ocean Day: Special events planned at the zoo on June 25.Member Nights (Beginning June 30, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Exclusive after-hours perks for zoo members, including live performances from magicians, jugglers, and hula hoopers, plus open attractions, animal activities, food, and alcoholic beverages. To get tickets, check out annual and monthly membership options, or plan your next visit, go to jbzoo.org.

    12 min

  4. May 15

    Building Community in Creston with the ⁠Creston Neighborhood Association (05-16-26)

    On this week's episode, WYCE's Janet Zahn speaks with Alex Karatkiewicz (Executive Director) and Kelly McCabe (Program Coordinator) from the Creston Neighborhood Association (CNA) to explore the vibrant history and future of Grand Rapids’ largest neighborhood. Since 1979, the CNA has empowered residents to shape their community by preserving local strengths and driving necessary change. In this episode, we discuss the association’s positive impact on the Creston neighborhood, including: Community Landmarks: Supporting the local library and the creation of Catherine’s Health Center.Sustainability & Innovation: The development of an urban orchard at Aberdeen Park and the implementation of Grand Rapids' first bioretention islands.Revitalization: Partnering with business owners and artists to breathe new life into the district through public art and economic support.Learn More: Creston Neighborhood Association

    14 min

  5. May 8

    How Blandford Nature Center Engages West Michigan in Nature with CEO Stacy Stout (05-09-26)

    In this week’s edition of Community Closeup, WYCE’s Janet Zahn sits down with Stacy Stout, the President & CEO of Blandford Nature Center⁠ , to explore how this West Michigan staple is connecting people to the natural world. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Blandford Nature Center is more than just a park—it’s an active outdoor environmental lab dedicated to sustainability and education. Stacy shares the organization’s mission to engage and empower the community through its three distinct campuses: the main Nature Center, The Blandford Farm, and The Highlands. From seasonal camps and wildlife programs to the popular biannual Nature Makers Markets, discover the diverse ways you can enjoy, explore, and learn in nature. Whether you are looking for volunteer opportunities or a private rental space, this episode highlights how Blandford serves as a vital link between our past and a healthy, natural future. Learn more at: Blandford Nature Center⁠

    15 min

  6. May 4

    Previewing Buses By The Beach 2026 with with Buses By The Beach & The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors

    In this episode, we welcome Derek Reed, Vice President with Buses By The Beach, and Jeremy Czubko, Ambassador with the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors.  Derek and Jeremy gave us a preview of the 2026 Bus Benefit. For over 20 years, this West Michigan community of VW enthusiasts has turned a love for vintage camping into a powerful mission, raising vital funds for the Grand Rapids-based Phoenix Society. They also reminded us that you don't need to have a VW bus to attend and enjoy the Bus Benefit! The Bus Benefit (May 22–24) happens at Smiling Acres in Trufant, MI, and features a diverse lineup of live music—including The American Hotel System, Roosevelt Diggs, and Nicholas James and the Bandwagon—plus family activities and open mic jams. This Memorial Day tradition supports life-changing mentoring and support programs for burn survivors. Links:   Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors Buses By The Beach

    13 min

  7. Apr 24

    Previewing "Textured Dreams," WMCAT’s 2026 Student Fashion Showcase (04-25-26)

    On this week's episode, we welcome John Cox, fashion design teaching artist with WMCAT. WMCAT is the West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology. John joined us on the program to talk about WMCAT’s upcoming presentation of "Textured Dreams," WMCAT’s Student Fashion Showcase, happening May 7 at the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM). The fashion show features works by WMCAT teen artists that they designed and manufactured through the WMCAT Fashion Studio. “Textured Dreams," WMCAT’s Student Fashion Showcase, is open to the public, and they'd love to see you there! Online: WMCAT

    15 min

  8. Apr 17

    How the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan is empowering older adults to live independently and with dignity. (04-18-26)

    In this episode of WYCE's Community Closeup, host Janet Zahn welcomes Taryn Dole and Liz Barnett with the Area Agency on Aging West Michigan. The mission of the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan is to support older adults, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers to live independently and with dignity.  AAAWM is The Source for Seniors in nine West Michigan counties: Allegan, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, and Osceola counties.  Online: Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan

    15 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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6 Ratings

About

WYCE's Community Closeup is a weekly public affairs program featuring community leaders and nonprofit organizations. WYCE is West Michigan's only independent, commercial-free, community radio station serving the greater Grand Rapids metro. WYCE programs an eclectic blend of folk, rhythm & blues, hip-hop, rock, jazz, and world music to the West Michigan community and beyond. Listener-sponsored, volunteer-powered. WYCE is a proud service of the Grand Rapids Community Media Center. We exist because of listener support. Please support us to keep the music playing: http://www.wyce.org

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