KENDALLVILLE — Entertainer Todd Herendeen as Neil Diamond will take stage in the newly named Strauss Theater for the Performing Arts at the Community Learning Center in a tribute concert Friday, June 21, at 7 p.m.
Herendeen and the FTD Band will present Neil Diamond songs and other classic oldies. Tickets are $30 per person.
The New Millennium Jazz Orchestra will perform Big Band jazz music in concert Thursday, June 13, at 6 p.m. Orchard Pointe Health Campus is the sponsor for a dessert reception. Tickets for the concert and dessert reception are $15 per person.
Tickets for the 2024-25 CLC Performing Arts Concert Series are now on sale at www.thecommunitylearningcenter.org. The season ticket is $100 per person, a savings of $40 for all four shows. Series performers include:
Jason Lyle Black: Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. Black is an award-winning piano entertainer known for his viral Disney videos and clever arrangements. His live shows, featuring nearly 100 songs and comedic stories, have captivated audiences worldwide. As a published arranger and composer, Black’s works, such as his bestselling Disney’s Medleys for Piano Solo, have earned him acclaim in the music industry.
Paul Thorn Band: Friday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. Thorn possesses a singing voice that is equal parts honey and gravel. Thorn has balanced blues, rock, gospel, country, and soul in a singular strain of Americana. This is the Paul Thorn Band’s second performance at the Community Learning Center.
“Britain’s Finest: The Complete Beatles Experience”: Feb. 15, 2025, at 7 p.m. “Britain’s Finest” is an experience unlike any other, a complete journey through the Beatles. In every performance audience members are struck by the incredible recreation of those oh-so-familiar songs the world has come to love, and mesmerized by the off-the-cuff humor and cheeky banter the lads bring to life.
Darrell Scott: April 19, 2025, at 7 p.m. Grammy-nominated Nashville songwriter, Darrell Scott, has chart topping songs in almost every genre, performed by Brad Paisley, Sam Bush, The Chicks and Zac Brown. Scott often leads songwriting workshops to help people tell their own truths with their stories, and is as busy as always writing, producing, performing, and just plain fully immersing himself in life.
Health & Wellness
“What to Expect When You’re Expecting” is the CLC’s first parenting class offered by Nurse Jackie and is based on the popular book. The class is Tuesday, June 18, at 5 p.m. with a fee of $15 per household, which includes a copy of the book. Topics include changes to a new family, choosing a healthcare provider, and preparation for office visits.
Healthy Cooking Demo-Fried Foods: Free class, Thursday, June 20, at 4 p.m. with registered dietitian nutritionist Caitlyn Bauer. She will prepare a healthier take on chicken drumsticks in the air fryer with a side of fresh rolls paired with homemade sauces.
Fine Arts
Fused Garden Birds, Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m.; $45 per person. Participants age 16 and older will create three garden bird stakes. They will cut fusible glass and decorate the birds before kiln firing. No prior experience is required.
Painting with Crushed Glass and Resin: Thursday, June 13 at 5:15 p.m.; $40 per person. Work with crushed glass, beads and resin to create art. This class is recommended for age 16 and older, but no experience is necessary. See the website for the choice of pieces to make.
Three-Day Stay-At-Home Quilting Retreat: Tuesday, June 18 to Thursday, June 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day; $65 per person. Beginner and experienced quilters will share their latest projects and work on a new one in class. The class fee includes all fabric for a pre-cut kit to make a 55-by-45-inch throw blanket.
Five-Day Beginner Sewing Camp: for age 9 and older, Monday, June 24 to Friday, June 28, from 9-11 a.m. each day; $60 per person. No experience is needed. Learn the parts of the sewing machine, how to thread bobbins, safety tips and how to iron. Participants will practice their skills to make an ornament, reusable gift bag, 9-patch pillow and pillowcase to take home.
The Pottery
2 Weeks-Kids Pottery Wheel Throwing: for ages 4 to 12, Thursdays, June 13 and June 20, at 10 a.m.; $50 per person. Lindsay will teach wheel throwing, with basic skills on the potter’s wheel in Week 1 and how to glaze in Week 2. Parents are welcome to assist.
June Sit + Spin: Thursday, June 27 at 7 p.m.; $35 per person. This fan favorite with Ryan Johnson is a fun, low-commitment class open to adults age 21 and older, where they can “Bring Your Own Bottle.”
Go to the CLC’s website, www.thecommunitylearningcenter.org for information and updates on programs and classes; @thecommunitylearningcenter for Facebook and Instagram; or call 544-3455.
