My Idlewild! A Live Historical Musical Revue

Established in 1912 and located in Northwest Michigan’s Lake County, Idlewild is the largest Black Resort in the United States. On the US National Registration of historic places, Idlewild, also known as the Black Eden, has a fascinating story born out of the Jim Crow era.

“My Idlewild! A Live Historical Musical Revue,” with original songs by Gezelle Grier Myers chronicles the people, famous and locally famous, who made Idlewild a very special place. A live band and vocal artists in a juke-joint atmosphere will bring to life historical Idlewild performers like the Four Tops, Dinah Washington, Fats Waller, and Sarah Vaughan. Attendees will also enjoy a cash bar and other refreshments during this once-in-a-lifetime musical experience. (90 minutes)

This event took place on Saturday, August 26, 2023
7:00 PM (90 minutes)
Adult Program
The Holland Armory, 16 W. 9th St.


Picture of Idlewild Lake and song lyrics

This is an exhibition-related program:
Black Eden: Idlewild Past, Present, and Future on display July 28-October 23.
Click here to learn more about the exhibition and related programming. 

Explore More Holland Museum Programs and Events.


Media Sponsor:


Table Sponsor:

Hope Church of Holland Michigan Logo


Cultural Lens Program Premier Sponsors:

Corewell is the new name for Spectrum Health starting in 2023


This exhibit is supported in part by an award from:

The Holland Armory

The Holland Armory
16 W. 9th Street
Holland, Michigan 49423

Holland’s Original “Civic Center” is available to lease for functions and events. The Armory building contains an exhibition on Holland’s National Guard (1921–1998). The exhibit is open free of charge and by appointment only. To schedule a visit, please contact the Holland Museum by calling (616) 796-3329.

MUSEUM BUILDING RENTALS

For information about Museum building rentals, please contact David Hawley-Lowry at dhawley@hollandmuseum.org

Learn more