Rootead

RYDDE Auditions
2025-09-26 17:00 - 18:30, 2025-09-27 14:00 - 15:30 UTC | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Audition for RYDDE (Rootead Youth Drum & Dance Ensemble)
RYDDE is a non-competitive, pre-professional youth & dance company for middle and high school aged youth. They perform in the wider Kalamazoo area, training in the arts of the Black diaspora. RYDEE is open to ages 13-18.
RYDDE seasons align with the KPS school calendar, and the youth meet Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30-5:30 PM at Rootead’s Studio. Transportation is available for youth who live within the Greater Kalamazoo area.
Registration for auditions is required.

RYDDE Auditions will be September 25th-27th at Rootead’s Studio with a breakdown of the audition dates/times below:

Dancer Auditions: Thursday, September 25th, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Drummer & Dancer Auditions: Friday, September 26th, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Dancer Auditions: Saturday, September 27th, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

REGISTER HERE

Where: 505 East Kalamazoo Ave., Suite 3, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
When: Thursday, September 25th-Saturday, September 27th

Learn more about RYDDE here.

Village Playdate
2025-10-01 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-08 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-15 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-22 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Are you and your little(s) looking for a fun place to learn and play that focuses on inclusivity and community? Come join the village!
Village Playdates are weekly drop-ins with story time and activities to participate in at no cost.

Village Playdates will be every Wednesday from 10 AM – 11:30 AM at the Kalamazoo Baby Café at Rootead.

Diaper Giveaway @ Baby Café
2025-10-01 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-08 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-15 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-22 11:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-29 11:00 - 13:00 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Diaper Giveaway Every Wednesday!
Diaper giveaway will be every Wednesday from 11 AM -1 PM. Come to the Village Playdates and also get free diapers!
Newborn – 4t/ 5t Pull-ups ~ Limited supply, first come first serve!

Village Playdates are weekly drop-ins with story time and activities to participate in at no cost.
Village Playdates will be every Wednesday from 10 AM – 11:30 AM at the Kalamazoo Baby Café at Rootead.

Baby Café Open Hours
2025-10-02 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-09 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-16 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-23 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-10-30 10:00 - 12:00 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Announcing our new Kalamazoo Baby Café at Rootead!
Thursdays weekly from 10 AM – 12 PM
Our weekly Kalamazoo Baby Café at Rootead is a new initiative in our community, dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing space for chest- and breastfeeding individuals to access professional assistance free of charge, receive unwavering support, and gain access to invaluable resources essential for the success of their journeys. We understand the significance of supporting individuals and their infants during this crucial stage of life, and our mission is to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered and supported.
The Baby Café is a walk-in parent support group with lactation professionals present to provide support for baby feeding. This free service is available in partnership with Bronson Health Foundation and W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Date: Weekly on Thursdays
Time: 10am-12pm
Location: Rootead Enrichment Center, 505 East Kalamazoo Ave. Suite 0, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Cardio Kickboxing
2025-10-07 18:15 - 19:00, 2025-10-14 18:15 - 19:00 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Join us for Cardio Kickboxing!
Cardio Kickboxing is a high-energy class that blends cardiovascular exercise with strength training and mixed martial arts-inspired moves for a full-body workout. Designed for all fitness levels, this class improves endurance, builds strength, and boosts coordination in an empowering environment.
We will be offering Cardio Kickboxing Fall Session beginning Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 at 6:15PM. Registration is required.
This is a 6-week session class that requires pre-registration for the entire 6 weeks.
Dates are:

Tuesday, October 7
Tuesday, October 14
Tuesday, October 21
Tuesday, October 28
Tuesday, November4
Tuesday, November 11

$100/6 weeks. Scholarships are available but limited. This is an 18+ class. Bundle with our Hip-Hop Kettlebell Series for just $150 for both classes!
REGISTER HERE

What: Cardio Kickboxing Fall Session
When: Tuesdays at 6:15PM, beginning October 7, 2025
Where: Rootead Studio 505 E. Kalamazoo Ave. 49007
Wh0: All adults 18+ and all abilities are welcome
Facilitated by Rootead Staff

Hip Hop Kettlebell
2025-10-09 18:15 - 19:00, 2025-10-16 18:15 - 19:00, 2025-10-23 18:15 - 19:00, 2025-10-30 18:15 - 19:00 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Join us for Hip Hop Kettlebell!
Hip hop kettlebell offers a combination of strength and cardiovascular movement. This 6-week series cultivates an environment which uplifts, empowers and grounds you in community. Vibe to the sounds of hip hop music over the decades!
We will be offering Hip Hop Kettlebell Fall Session beginning Thursday, October 9th, 2025 at 6:15PM. Registration is required.
This is a 6-week session class that requires pre-registration for the entire 6 weeks. (The reason for this is to teach progression steps to prevent injury and provide the best experience for all participants, while also building community.)
Dates are:

Thursday, October 9
Thursday, October 16
Thursday, October 23
Thursday, October 30
Thursday, November 6
Thursday, November 13

$100/6 weeks. Scholarships are available but limited. This is an 18+ class. Bundle with our Cardio Kickboxing Series for just $150 for both classes!
REGISTER HERE

What: Hip Hop Kettlebell Fall Session
When: Thursdays at 6:15PM, beginning October 9, 2025
Where: Rootead Studio 505 E. Kalamazoo Ave. 49007
Wh0: All adults 18+ and all abilities are welcome
Facilitated by Rootead Staff

Open Mic Night
2025-10-09 19:30 - 21:00 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Join us for Open Mic Night!
Creating space for young adults through the healing art of spoken word. Join us every 2nd Thursday of the month from 7:30–9 PM for Open Mic Night! Whether you’re a seasoned poet, first-time performer, or just want to vibe with the community, all are welcome. Tea and water will be provided.

October’s Featured Artist: Sherridan Harris, a.k.a. Sherdizzil
Sherdizzil is a Kalamazoo rapper, singer-songwriter, producer, and spoken word artist. Over the last several years, Sherridan Harris has solidified his place as a staple in the Southwest Michigan music and spoken-word scenes. As a regular presence at our Open Mics, we are honored to have Sherridan featured this October. (Click here to view artist’s Linktree)

🎤 Sign-up to perform at the door
🎟️ Suggested entry donation of $5

This event is for ages 18+.

Cardio Kickboxing
2025-10-21 18:15 - 19:00, 2025-10-28 18:15 - 19:00 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Join us for Cardio Kickboxing!
Cardio Kickboxing is a high-energy class that blends cardiovascular exercise with strength training and mixed martial arts-inspired moves for a full-body workout. Designed for all fitness levels, this class improves endurance, builds strength, and boosts coordination in an empowering environment.
We will be offering Cardio Kickboxing Fall Session beginning Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 at 6:15PM. Registration is required.
This is a 6-week session class that requires pre-registration for the entire 6 weeks.
Dates are:

Tuesday, October 7
Tuesday, October 14
Tuesday, October 21
Tuesday, October 28
Tuesday, November 4
Tuesday, November 11

$100/6 weeks. Scholarships are available but limited. This is an 18+ class. Bundle with our Hip-Hop Kettlebell Series for just $150 for both classes!
REGISTER HERE

What: Cardio Kickboxing Fall Session
When: Tuesdays at 6:15PM, beginning October 7, 2025
Where: Rootead Studio 505 E. Kalamazoo Ave. 49007
Wh0: All adults 18+ and all abilities are welcome
Facilitated by Rootead Staff

Blossom Babies Workshop: Childbirth Education - Part I
2025-10-23 17:30 - 19:30 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007
Announcing Blossom Babies Workshop at Rootead!
Blossom Babies are supportive, educational workshops that prepare expecting and new parents for childbirth and early parenthood.
Participants will gain essential knowledge, practical skills, and emotional support in a welcoming environment. Topics include labor and delivery preparation, coping techniques, postpartum wellness, recognizing and addressing mood changes, and successful breastfeeding strategies. Whether you’re preparing for your first baby or looking for a refresher, Blossom Babies offers expert guidance and compassionate care every step of the way.
The workshop includes a 4-course series:

Childbirth Education – Part I: Thursday, October 23rd @ 5:30-7:30 PM
Childbirth Education – Part II: Friday, October 24th @ 5:30-7:30 PM

Our childbirth education class is a comprehensive, evidence-based program designed to prepare expecting parents for labor, birth and early postpartum period. Taught by experienced and certified educators and doulas, the class emphasizes informed decision making, self-advocacy and culturally responsive care. Participants learn about the stages of labor, birth planning, medical interventions, newborn care, postpartum recovery and more. Classes are in person.

Perinatal & Postpartum Mood Disorder: Thursday, October 30th @ 5:30-7:30 PM

Breastfeeding Basics: Friday, November 7th @ 5:30-7:30 PM

Learn the essentials of breastfeeding in this supportive, evidence-based class designed for new and expecting parents. Led by a certified lactation educator, this course covers everything you need to know to feel confident and prepared for your breastfeeding journey.

REGISTER HERE

Cost:

Clients of our organization: Free of charge
Community members: $25 per class ($60 for the bundle)

Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM on dates listed
Location: Kalamazoo Baby Café at Rootead Enrichment Center, 505 East Kalamazoo Ave. Suite 0, Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Blossom Babies Workshop: Childbirth Education - Part II
2025-10-24 17:30 - 19:30 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007

Blossom Babies Workshop: Mood Disorder
2025-10-30 17:30 - 19:30 | Rootead, 505 E Kalamazoo Ave, Suite 3, Kalamazoo, 49007

African Masquerade Fundraiser Gala
2025-11-01 19:00 - 23:00 | The Epic Center, 359 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007, United States
SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR ANNUAL AFRICAN MASQUERADE FUNDRAISER GALA!

When: Saturday, November 1, 2025 // 7-11 PM
Where: The Epic Center
Guests are encouraged to wear masks and expressive attire as we honor the transformative energy of the masquerade tradition. The night also includes a silent auction with unique items generously donated by local businesses and community members.

For any questions about the event please feel free to call us at 269-720-9200 or email: marketing@rootead.org
