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

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

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

By: WYCE Independent Community Radio
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About this listen

 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.orgWYCE Independent Community Radio Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Behind the scenes with George Bayaard, Executive Director of The Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives(11-01-25)

    Behind the scenes with George Bayaard, Executive Director of The Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives(11-01-25)
    Oct 31 2025

    In this week's episode, we welcome George Bayaard, Executive Director, with The Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives.

    The Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives’ mission is to collect and retell the rich, colorful stories that compose the historic African American tapestry of living in Grand Rapids.

    George Bayaard joined us on the program to speak about the big move for GRAAMA to a new location full of immense potential for the organization.

    The Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives (GRAAMA)is moving to 41 Sheldon Avenue SE in downtown Grand Rapids, which will serve as the organization's permanent home.

    Their new 30,000-square-foot space will be a major upgrade from the museum's former 2,000-square-foot building on Monroe Center.

    Bayaard encouraged community members to get involved by contributing to the project or serving as a volunteer.


    ONLINE: Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives
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    15 mins
  • Exploring a world of resources at your local Grand Raids Public Library(10-25-25)

    Exploring a world of resources at your local Grand Raids Public Library(10-25-25)
    Oct 24 2025

    In this episode, we speak with Katie Zychowski, Director of Marketing & Communications with the Grand Rapids Public Library.

    Katie joined us to speak on a variety of topics, including how easy it is to sign up and get a Grand Rapids Public Library card.

    This can be done year-round at any branch in the city.

    On an ongoing basis, your Grand Rapids Public Library is a wonderful resource for people who need help with their computer, laptop, or smartphone.

    Even general questions about email, the Internet, or the library's digital resources are available during drop-in sessions at your public library branch.


    Upcoming GRPL events include:

    Saturday, November 01, 10:00 am–12:00 pm-- Kids can build and code their own robots using LEGO’s Spike Prime sets.

    Monday, November 10: An Indigenous Fashion Presentation with Bead and Powwow Supply, 6:00 pm–7:00 pm at the Yankee Clipper Branch on Leonard NE.

    Tuesday, November 11: A Beadwork Workshop with Bead and Powwow Supply, 6:00 pm–7:00 pm, at the Yankee Clipper Branch.

    Thursday, December 18: Tails & Tales | Read to Therapy Dogs, 6 pm-Madison Square Branch. Kids are invited to practice reading to a licensed therapy dog from West Michigan Therapy Dogs Ruff Readers!

    Online: Grand Rapids Public Library
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    16 mins
  • Previewing The Grand Rapids Ballet's Spectacular 2025-2026 Season(10-18-25)

    Previewing The Grand Rapids Ballet's Spectacular 2025-2026 Season(10-18-25)
    Oct 17 2025

    In this episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower speaks with Mary Jennings, Executive Director with The Grand Rapids Ballet, and James Sofranko, the Artistic Director with the Grand Rapids Ballet.

    Mary and James joined us on the program for a preview of the 2025–2026 season.

    The season kicks off with the world premiere production of “Sherlock"--October 24-26, 2025, at Peter Martin Wege Theatre. Next up is the timeless holiday classic, “The Nutcracker", December 12-14 & 19-21 at DeVos Performance Hall, and three other dynamic productions throughout the remainder of the Ballet’s 2025-2026 season.

    Tickets for all shows, as well as more information, are available at grballet.com

    Online: The Grand Rapids Ballet
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    16 mins
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