Revue, January 2013

West Michigan’s Entertainment Guide for 25 years

Music / Culture art / dining Shatner

Also Inside: The Winter Issue

» January 2013

Always Free!

Revue Turns 25!

From Music Revue to Today

Jeff foxWorthy

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E X P E R I E N C E

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What’s Inside 25 years of Revue

January 2013 | Volume 25, Issue 1

20

SCENE: 13 Random Notes 14 Beer 16 de Polo’s Free Market 18 All Ages

SPECIAL FeatureS: 20 REVUE Turns 25 25 The Winter Issue

SOUNDS: 33 Sink’s Spins 34 On Tour: Flogging Molly

SIGHTS: 37 Visual Arts: Silent Flight 38 Performing Arts: Billy Elliot 40 Missy Black’s Style Notes 42 Comedy: Godfrey 44 Indie Film 46 Movie Previews Taste This: Radix Tavern

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DINING: 49 Restaurant Listings 52 Taste This

34 Flogging Molly

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SCHEDULE: 57 Daily Event Listings and Best Bets

Style Notes REVUEWM.COM | January 2013 |

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Letter from the Editor

H

W e s t M i c h i g a n ’ s E n terta i n me n t Gu i d e

appy anniversary to us! This year, Revue turns 25 and lately, it’s been a little crazy wrapping my head around that number.

Editorial Publisher Brian Edwards / brian@revuewm.com Managing Editor Lindsay Patton-Carson / lindsay@revuewm.com

To put things in perspective, I was four years old when Music Revue debuted (I totally dating myself, I know). By the time Revue celebrates its 25 years in October, I will have had my fifth anniversary at the publication. While that’s something to celebrate, I’m still a mere fraction of its history.

Design Creative Director/Design Kim Kibby / kim@revuewm.com Ad Design Kellie Zaplitny / kellie@revuewm.com

While researching for our special 25th anniversary section, I learned about a world that’s very different from the one I’m First issue of Music accustomed to. Of course our current creativity, humor and an Revue, 1988 incredibly witty team are big similarities to Revue’s past, but missing in the present is the ‘sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll’ attitude.

What I learned from my interviews was that most stories from the Music Revue days are unprintable and unspeakable. When I did finally pry a couple out, those words were confirmed.

Contributing Writers Missy Black Allison Parker Ben Darcie Emma Kat Richardson Steven de Polo Matt Simpson Siegel Alexandra Fluegel John Sinkevics Dwayne Hoover Josh Spanninga Audria Larsen Anya Zentmeyer Meaghan Minkus

Contributing photographers Missy Black, Ben Darcie, Steven de Polo Listings schedule@revuewm.com

So while we’ve toned down a bit with age, we’re still dedicated to letting West Michigan what’s going on in town. That will never change.

Here’s to the past 25 years and to (fingers crossed) 25 more.

Rock on.

Revue Minions Kyle Austin Diana Nowak Jennifer Cuffman Jessica Smith Stephanie Kang Cami Sorensen

Sales / 616.608.6170 / sales@revuewm.com Molly Rizor / molly@revuewm.com WEB EDITOR Jayson Bussa Find us online!

Website: revuewm.com Twitter: twitter.com/revuewm Facebook: facebook.com/revuewm

Lindsay Patton-Carson, Managing Editor / lindsay@revuewm.com

Advertising index Actors’ Theatre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Alma College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Amway Supper Club. . . . . . . . . 51 Arcadia Brewing Company . . . . 15 B.O.B.’s Brewing . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Bell’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 47 Billy’s Lounge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Bostwick Lake Inn. . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Brewery Vivant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Broadway GR (Flashdance). . . . 39 Calvin SAO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Cascade Optical . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Catholic Central. . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Celebration! Cinema. . . . . . . . . 46 Central City Taphouse. . . . . . . . 15

Cooper’s Glen Music Festival. . . 65 DeltaPlex Arena. . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Dr. Grins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Erb Thai. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Firekeepers Casino . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Fontana Chamber Arts . . . . . . . 65 Founders Brewing Company. . . 11 GRAM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 GR Brewing Company . . . . . . . . . 7 GR Civic Theatre. . . . . . . . . . . . 19 GR Public Library . . . . . . . . . . . 24 GR Public Museum . . . . . . . . . . 61 GR Symphony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Grand Woods Lounge. . . . . . . . . 67 Hope College. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

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The Intersection. . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Kzoo State Theatre. . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Keil Lasik. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Kitten Flower Tattoo. . . . . . . . . . 66 LaughFest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Monte’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Opera GR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 The Orbit Room. . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Palazzolo’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 The Pyramid Scheme. . . . . . . . . . 5 Radix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Reserve. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 River City Improv. . . . . . . . . . . . 66 San Chez Bistro. . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Saugatuck Brewing Company. . 17 Saugatuck Center for the Arts. . 19 Schmohz Brewing Company . . . 17

Schuler Books. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Seven Steps Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Sight Optical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Soaring Eagle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 St. Cecilia Music Center . . 52, 62 Stella’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Super Happy Funtime Burlesque. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 The Union. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 University Musical Society. . . . . 65 Van Andel Arena . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Vitale’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 West Side Beer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 The Yoga Studio. . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Revue is published monthly by Revue Holding Company.

65 Monroe Center, Ste. 5, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Office: 616.608.6170 / Fax: 616.608.6182 ©2013, Revue Holding Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part granted only by written permission of the publisher in accordance with our legal statement, fools.

On the cover: It’s our birthday, so we’ve interviewed colorful characters from Revue’s past.

Get the scoop on page 20.

REVUEWM.COM | January 2013 |

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Random Notes

Bad Religion

Blackberry Smoke

Local Music ///

On Tour ///

The long-haired, bandana-wearing fellows of Blackberry Smoke perform at The Intersection on Jan. 3. This blue collar crew’s music mixes outlaw country, arena rock and a little bit of soul to create its third full-length album, Whippoorwill. Tickets are $15 ... On Jan. 12, the Wheatland Music Organization presents

Theatre ///

Follow childhood friends and Chicago police partners, who are sent on a frightening and loyalty-testing journey after a routine domestic violence call turns into a series of tragic events in A Steady Rain. The play was written by Keith Huff and is put on by Actors’

Theatre. The performance runs Jan. 24–Feb. 2 at Spectrum Theatre. Tickets range $24–$26.

Charities ///

themed Grand Slam Juice Ball is Jan. 5 and features interactive games, ballpark-style cuisine and live musical entertainment. Proceeds go toward helping FitzGerald’s non-profit nutritional awareness organization, Kitchen Sage, as well as Kids’ Food Basket.

Art ///

You may have seen some stunning banners for Opera Grand Rapids hanging around. The illustrations, created by New Jersey-based artist Edel Rodriguez, have caught some eyes on the national level as well. Early in 2013, the images will be displayed at the Museum of American Illustration in New York City and will also be included in the 2013 Illustrators Annual Book, the leading directory of American and international illustration.

Beer ///

Opera Grand Rapids Art: Edel Rodriguez

Skate with the Grand Rapids Griffins hockey team at Rosa Parks Circle to raise money for the Griffins Youth Foundation during the 11th Annual Great Skate Winterfest on Jan. 12–13.

The Winterfest features a full day of events followed by a 24-hour skate marathon. The event is free, but donations are encouraged …

Local chef Tommy FitzGerald gives children the means to attain nutritional and culinary knowledge with his annual Juice Ball, hosted by the downtown JW Marriott. The baseball-

Beer City, USA could be welcoming Michigan’s third largest microbrewery into the downtown fold very soon. Although nothing is set in stone, New Holland Brewing Company has long been eyeing Grand Rapids as a possible location for expansion, and has recently ramped up efforts in an attempt to offer the experience and atmosphere of its 8th Street brewpub to beer geeks outside of Holland. n Random Notes is compiled by REVUE staff and minions including Kyle Austin, Jennifer Cuffman, Stephanie Kang, Lindsay Patton-Carson, Jessica Smith and Cami Sorensen.

For more music, art and entertainment news, “Like” us on our Facebook page, facebook.com/revuewm or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/revuewm.

REVUEWM.COM | January 2013 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

the 4th Annual Winter Wheat celebration of traditional music and dance at The Intersection.

Last year kept The Double Helix Music Bands like The Ragbirds and The Crane Wives Collective busy with the release of seven play in the front lounge and the showroom full-length albums, several EPs and a host of from 1 p.m.-1 a.m. Tickets are $10-$20. web-streamed singles. Now, the organization looks to the future with the opening of an expanded and upgraded studio in downtown National CD Releases /// Kalamazoo. Fully equipped for both analog Back in 2011, A$AP Rocky released his debut and digital audio production, the new studio mixtape, LiveLoveA$AP. Since then he’s continues Double Helix’s mission of helping toured with Drake, performed with Rihanna, local musicians, such as The Go-Rounds, Lasso and now he has his debut solo album and Benjamin Riley, pursue their artistic vision LongLiveA$AP dropping on Jan. 15 … It’s time … Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Brie Stoner for another Ra Ra Riot on Jan. 22 because the lends her vocals to Victoria’s Secret for a new energetic indie-pop band is releasing its third ad campaign that debuted during the lingerie full-length album, Beta Love … On Jan. 22, company’s annual fashion show. Stoner and iconic punk band Bad Religion drops its 16th Detroit musician Daniel studio album, True North …

Johnson created a cover On Jan 29, indie-rocking Important Dates version of “My Favorite twin sisters Tegan and Things” from the movie Sara, who are just wrapping Ad Space Reservation: Jan. 18 Sound of Music for the New up a tour with The Killers, Editorial Deadline: Jan. 4 York-based music agency are releasing their seventh Delivery: Jan. 29 Sound Foundation, which studio album Heartthrob represents Victoria’s Secret. ... LA-based group Local Stoner and Johnson, who record together unNatives, who produce dream-like melodies der the moniker Avila, also collaborated last with upbeat hints of pop, are dropping their year on a version of Cole Porter’s “Don’t Fence sophomore album Hummingbird on Jan 29 Me In” that was used in a nationally broadcast ... Other notable releases include Black Veil Nokia commercial created by Portland, Or.Brides (Jan. 8), Broadcast (Jan. 8), Camper based ad agency Weiden+Kennedy.

Van Beethoven (Jan. 22), Say Anything (Jan. 22) and J. Cole (Jan. 28).

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/// Beer

by Ben Darcie | ben@revuewm.com

Brewery Spotlight

Rockford Brewing Company

T

hree different Dews previously worked in clock repair, owning and operating his own business since pe o ple wante d the same 1996. A homebrewer of seven years, he ran thing in the same place: their for city council and was elected own brewery in mayor in 2008.

Rockford. Rather “I was being interviewed by than standing alone to achieve a local reporter and he asked, their visions, they joined forces ‘What does Rockford need that to open Rockford’s first microit doesn’t have?’” Dews said. brewery on Dec. 20. “‘A brewery’ was the first thing Co-owner and headbrewer out of my mouth ... When the Jeff Sheehan started brewing article went to print, Jeff saw it while attending Idaho State and reached out to me.”

University, and it led to a They began discussing brewing position at Portneuf their mutual desire to open a Valley Brewing Co. in nearby brewery, and the city manager Pocatello, Idaho. approached Dews and informed “[My Wife and I] deRockford Brewing him of yet another person pokcided it was time to get back Company ing around Rockford to open to Michigan,” Sheehan said. “I 12 E. Bridge St., Rockford a brewery, future third partner really wanted to stay in the beer rockfordbrewing.com, Seth Rivard. industry and thought that the (616) 951-4677 Rivard was working IT in only way I could do that would Whitehall for 13 years before be to open up a small brewery.” he began planning on opening his own brewA job opened at New Holland Brewing ery in 2007. He moved to Grand Rapids and Co., where he worked in packaging and then began looking around Rockford, consulting took over the role of pub brewer for three the city manager for advice. years. Talks about opening his own brewery “Each one of us brought something had begun during his first year brewing at different to the table, different strengths,” New Holland with the newly elected Rockford Rivard said. “Because of that we’ve been able Mayor Brian Dews, and he left the brewery to work things out and get over hurdles that to pursue the opening of Rockford Brewing we couldn’t have on our own.” in 2011.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Beer News Jan 12–18 is Kalamazoo Beer Week. Bar crawls, tap takeovers and beer events highlight this weeklong celebration of Michigan Beer. Visit kalamazoobeerweek.com for more information.

Pilsen Klub (Waldo’s Tavern) in Kalamazoo hosts Short’s Featured Beer Event on Jan. 19 from 8:30–10:30 p.m. The evening features Short’s drafts, specialty bottles and some vintage offerings.

Grand Rapids Brewing Company opened its doors at 1 Ionia St. in Downtown Grand Rapids. It joins Rockford Brewing Co., Mitten Brewing Co. (Grand Rapids) and Our Brewing Co. (Holland) as the most recent additions to the West Michigan brewery scene.

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Photos: Ben Darcie

The three of them drew up a business plan together and Rivard secured a building on the river in downtown Rockford, but it posed many renovation difficulties, and they decided to localize their improvement contracts to just Rockford.

“I do have to say that everything about this project has happened at its own pace, very organically,” Sheehan said.

The pub itself is warm and inviting, with a Michigan Curly Maple bar top and a giant window, where you can peek into the brewery.

The upstairs is full of large windows, allowing you to peer out over downtown Rockford in all four directions as you enjoy your brew.

They intend to open with around seven brews: Obrien’s Red Ale, Sheehan Stout, Hoplust IPA, Rogue River Brown, White

Pine Wheat, and a yet unnamed multigrain ale, brewed with barley, wheat, rye, and oats.

Standouts include the Hoplust IPA, which is loaded with hop flavor, and Belgian Multigrain, which is sweet-bodied and has a thicker mouthfeel, with a soft belgian funk.

Rockford Brewing plans on limited distribution, focusing specifically on Rockford and other targeted areas. The next time you find yourself in Rockford, head downtown and warm up with some new Michigan beer.

“I want us to be a destination,” Sheehan said. “Not just for beer, but for the whole experience. You walk in the door and you’re on vacation; enjoy the scenery, listen to music, and then you can go back to your life feeling refreshed.” n

Beer of the Month

New Holland Brewing Company: Dragon’s Milk

D

ragon’s Milk is the perfect beer to keep you warm in these winter months. At 10% ABV, this oak-aged strong ale will keep you going through the coldest of days.

This beer pours nearly black with rich ruby hues and a tan head.

The nose is full of oak, vanilla and alcohol, while the body boasts sweetness up front, supported by a full-bodied, vanilla-driven flavor profile that dips into roast, dark fruit and chocolate. Dragon’s Milk finishes smooth with hints of lingering alcohol and oak.

STANDARDS ON TAP Blondie / Crimson King / Full On IPA Also featuring an assortment of seasonal & specialty brews

THURSDAYS $1.00 BEERS

Drink Beer, Make Friends DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS 616.356.2000 - THEBOB.COM REVUEWM.COM | January 2013 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

UNIQUE HANDCRAFTED, SMALL BATCH BEERS MADE FROM THE FINEST & FRESHEST INGREDIENTS.

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Steven de polo’s

Free Market

New and exciting things happening in the businesses and nonprofits in West Michigan.

Maru Sushi

Freebies Organic Gypsy is a food truck based in St. Joseph. With the tagline “Hand-crafted and thoughtfully sourced,” owner Bridgett Blough is bringing healthy and tasty food to people across the state. In addition to the food truck, Bridget plans to bottle her own root beer and sell her own cider vinegar, roasted nuts and seeds, and fresh almond milk through purveyors of fine food.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Carrettino Italian Market & Wine (4301 Kalamazoo SE Grand Rapids) is the new name of John Russo’s Wine Warehouse & Deli in the charming Towne & Country Mall. Same Russo family charm, same quality Italianstyle wine, cheese, meats and treats. Stop by and your taste buds will thank you.

S

ushi heads have been raving about Maru Sushi (927 Cherry St. SE) in Cherry Hills. Owner Robert Song opened the architectural gem in the fall to complement his sister restaurant in Okemos, Mich.

When asked why he chose a location next to Brewery Vivant, Song said, “I don’t like downtowns. There’s never enough parking.

Too congested. Cherry Hills is perfect. It’s a walkable neighborhood full of people who appreciate quality.” Not only is the restaurant an architectural jewel, sparkling with sunlight, but you can see the quality on your plate. When this reporter visited in the company of noted gourmand Melissa Wray, we feasted on a Simply Green Sushi Roll and Tempura Shrimp Udon Soup. As long as you don’t order the explosive French press coffee, you will enjoy this classy joint with friends or that special someone.

Childhood dreams often fade. Childhood friends Chris Andrus and Max Trierweiler grew up playing baseball and then began brewing beer. They united those hobbies when they opened the Mitten Brewing Company (527 Leonard St NW). The brewery is located in a 125-year-old former firehouse on the Westside of Grand Rapids.

Old photos of Detroit Tigers greats hung on brick walls add charm. The nanobrewery (so-called because of the three-barrel set

When Bite bit the dust in the Water’s Building (161 Ottawa Ave. NW), tenants were happy when Grace Coffee opened a stand in the marble-clad lobby. Is it any surprise that the employees of the Acton Institute have been abundantly blessed by their coffee?

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Photo: Steven de Polo

Mitten Brewing Company Photo: Steven de Polo

up) features classic brews with some crazier concoctions. Brewmaster Robert Wanhatalo is proud of the peanut butter and chocolate Cracker Jack Porter. Hungry? Grab a slice of Da Meathook Pizza while watching the Tigers beat up on the American League.

Grand Rapids had a downtown dining dilemma. Fried frat chow or faux foreign cuisine? Thankfully, there’s a new game in town and it has two beards. The hirsute haven is Two Beards Deli (38 Commerce

Ave. SW). The deli was created by owner and chef Scott Schulz and manager Chris Summerfeldt, who both boast funky face fur. Get it? Just like their popular Cherry Deli and defunct 4th Street Deli, Two Beards features a dizzying menu of more than 100 sandwiches and soups, with breakfast to boot. Each item is named after a bearded movie star. Poppa Steve relished taking a steamy mouthful of juicy Rick Rubin.

The shop currently delivers only to the Pyramid Scheme, but it will gladly cater your party.

Gus’s Original Stone Oven Eats (3123 Leonard St.) is redefining fast casual in Grand Rapids.

The son of the Red Hot Inn’s original proprietor, Matthew Koukios opened the restaurant next door and named it after his father. “Our family has been selling chili dogs in Grand Rapids for 100 years,” Matthew said. The restaurant’s stone oven was shipped from Seattle and everything is baked in it, from the hearty sandwiches on homemade breads to the hand-tossed pizzas. The space feels like Chicago, warm yet functional with leather couches and a fireplace. Miss Carolita ordered the Bora Bora Hawaiian-style pizza on

a thin crust, which was fantastic. There is a full line coffee bar, ice cream by Moo-Ville Creamery and Sprecher Root Beer.

Coffee Rescue is a new and innovative way to connect people with one of the most popular beverages in the world. This former ambulance has been outfitted with everything needed to serve the finest cup of coffee in the Kalamazoo area.

The beans are locally roasted daily and the water is filtered through reverse osmosis. Owner Jay Woodhams started Coffee Rescue to provide a working retirement for his parents, Bill and Kathy Brock. With Barista Bill’s 30-year career in aerospace and love for coffee, you are sure to get a cup brewed to the highest standards. Jay’s sister Jamie drives the ambulance and works with customers. Look for Coffee Rescue wherever coffee lovers can be found. n

S A U G AT U C K B R E W I N G C O M PA N Y P R E S E N T S

Crafts &Courses

BEER SCHOOL 101

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH

LAST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

6:30PM $35 TICKETS

7:00PM $10 TICKETS

(in advance only)

(available at door only) ($8 for Pint Club members)

This special evening will feature five elegant courses paired with five special SBC beers.

SBC will be hosting a series of tasting events designed to further educate and develop the palate of you, the craft beer lover.

* vegetarian option * discount for pint club members

THE WONDERS OF BEER YEAST Jan. 31 ALL ABOUT HOPS! Feb. 28 WORLD BEER STYLES Mar. 28 THE FLAVORS OF BEER WITH FOOD (admission $15 - Pint Club members $12, this event only)

Apr. 25

2948 BLUE STAR HWY DOUGLAS, MI - (269) 857-7222 - WWW.SBREWING.COM

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule REVUEWM.COM | January 2013 |

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/// All Ages

UICA Youth Programs: Create a family time capsule at UICA, Jan. 5

Game On!

January has that NOW WHAT!? desperation to it. The holiday mania is over and there’s a depressing slow creep toward spring. Keep the kids busy dreaming, doing and basking in that New-Year feeling with some activities that get them creating, crafting and experiencing highs. The Grand Rapids Symphony and the Kalamazoo Valley Museum reach those heights with video games set to breathtaking music and the wonders and mysteries of science. And at the UICA, a family time capsule workshop is a great bonding experience and the perfect spot to stick some photos, random items and knickknacks. By Missy Black

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Pearl Cuff Workshop

Dreamspun, 574 Ada Dr. SE, Ada Jan. 5, 1:30–2:30 p.m. $2/per person dreamspunshop.com, (616) 856-5660

Bring some glam to a month that needs a little pizzazz. Part of Dreamspun’s Glam Series, the Pearl Cuff Workshop features a tutorial on how to make an item with all the supplies you need.

“Instead of running around town gathering all the supplies, we have it all ready for you. You just show up,” said Owner Korrie Ottenwess. A fun and fashionable way for girls to spend time with their mothers, this workshop is also a low cost way to create something special. Cuffs are, “super

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in style and a girly project that’s easy to make but really cute when worn.” Workshops are geared toward elementary-aged children. Basic craft skills such as making knots and using scissors are needed. Can’t make the Jan. 5 date? Look for workshop dates in the future including Rhinestone Barretts Jan. 12 followed by Chunky Pearls Jan. 19 and Pearl Combs Jan. 26. Pre-registration is required.

Make a Time Capsule

Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, 2 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids Jan. 5, 1–4 p.m. $2/members, $7/non-members uica.org, (616) 454-7000

If you cannot bear the thought of another Saturday afternoon cooped up in the house with the kids, here’s your ticket to something quirky and different. Bring in the New Year by commemorating the present and crafting up a family time capsule out of clay at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. Families can explore the idea of building a time capsule together and “brainstorm different words and images they want outside the capsule that’s meaningful to their family,” said Becca Guyette, director of educational programs. The event ties into the Utopia/Dystopia exhibition, where artists imagine the future. Kids will love the chance (any chance!) to get their hands dirty with clay. “It’s a medium that kids really respond to and being in the studio is a good experience too, having the family work together on a project.” The big question? When will you open it?

Weird Science

Kalamazoo Valley Museum, 230 N. Rose St., Kalamazoo Jan. 19, 1–4 p.m. Free! kalamazoomuseum.org, (269) 373-7990

A fun day of science awaits you at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Children can enjoy a combination of demonstrations relating to chemistry, biology and physics. This very hands-on event finds kids creating and exploring, making play dough and gak (a slime-type substance) and more. “Winter is always a great time to do science,” said Annette Hoppenworth, programs coordinator. “People are looking at ice and cold and there’s so much you

can do with that in science.” The museum also has a science gallery that’s divided into three sections: the human body, technology and energy.

“Parents get excited just as much as the kids. They remember doing experiments.” Take a moment and enjoy all the mysteries of science.

Grand Rapids Symphony: Play! A Video Game Symphony

DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m., $32-$90 grsymphony.org, (616) 454-9451

The Grand Rapids Symphony brings the dramatic and mystical music from video games and synchronizes it with beautiful digital montages on three high definition screens. “We found the gaming industry really values music and holds it to high quality and standards and has discovered certain names within the composing world,” said Jacalyn Wood with the Grand Rapids Symphony.

“It includes visuals, which is very important for today’s youth, to have that engagement.” Music from “Final Fantasy,” “Legend of Zelda,” “HALO” and “World of Warcraft,” combine interests of parents and children, while they take in an inventive and breathtaking performance. “These games are works of art, how they are animated and digitalized, and the music is a big part of that,” Wood said. The namedropping fun continues with “Sonic the Hedgehog,” “Super Mario Brothers” and “The Chronicles of Riddick.” n

REAL TO REEL: THE REVISIONARIES JANUARY 10 | 7PM

$5 MEMBERS / $7 NON-MEMBERS

An alarming, hilarious documentary revisits the ďƒžght over evolution in school textbooks.

Sponsored by: Clark Hill Entertainment Industry Team

AN INTRIGUING CONVERSATION: ELLSWORTH KELLY JANUARY 24 | 7PM

Explore the current exhibition with a gallery tour lead by Dana FriisHansen, Director & CEO of the Grand Rapids Art Museum

AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH JANIS IAN MARCH 9, 2013 | 8 PM

The iconic singer, songwriter and storyteller Janis Ian returns to the SCA for a one-night-only intimate and stunning performance. This show will sell out, purchase your tickets today!

FREE ADMISSION

Sponsored by: Hilliard Lyons of Holland, Travis & Sandra Randolph/ Symbiote + Good Goods

TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION 269.857.2399 OR WWW.SC4A.ORG REVUEWM.COM | January 2013 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

$35 EACH/ADVANCE TICKETS $37 EACH/DAY OF THE SHOW

Sponsored by: Bill Underdown/Hungry Village Tours, Shoreline Realtors (Exhibition open through February 28) Photo courtesy of Brian Kelly

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Special Feature

Revue Turns 25!

From Music Revue to Today

by Lindsay Patton Carson

I

n the ‘80s, hair bands reigned, radio had influence over the consumer, record stores were flourishing, a mixtape was a tape and the entertainment scene in West Michigan thrived. On any given night, there were dozens of venues that hosted live music. The problem? There were only a few ways to find out what was going on in town. Cigar-smoking satirist and entrepreneur Doug Fast noticed a niche that needed to be filled and in October 1988, he unveiled Music Revue’s first issue.

“We had to make sure [people] knew what was happening,” Fast said.

“We wanted to have everything that “If there was a was going on anywhere and write family tree of about it in a cutting-edge way. It the music and was a real edgy publication.”

With a dirty rock mag vibe, entertainment Music Revue quickly gained community recognition and support, espein this town, cially from the bars and record the roots of and guitar stores in town. The publication’s first advertiser was it would be Rainbow Music and at the time, Music Revue.”

Fast said there were approximately 70 record and guitar —Victoria Upton stores in the area, compared to the handful we have now.

The first issue read like a newspaper, instead of the tabloid style it is today. The front page had several stories and the whole magazine was black and white, something Victoria Upton helped change when she was put in place as art director soon after the first issue. The first thing she pushed for was adding in color to Music Revue.

“The potential to do everything was already there, I think I had a different vision than the guys were used to,” said Upton, who spent 10 years at Music Revue and now owns Women’s Lifestyle.

Fast owned Music Revue for 18 years and spawned syndications across the country by partnering with radio stations. The content was witty and gritty, especially in the magazine’s standout column, “Whining and Dining,” which was written by freelance writer, Marc Dettman.

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20 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2013

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Q&A with Doug Fast

Revue Founder & Publisher, 1988–2005 (a.k.a. El Presidenté, Dougaboo) “I had a whole bunch of great designers and writers over the years, and it was fun as hell. Basically, the idea was to have fun and cover the stuff that was cool.”

W

hat were you doing before you started Music Revue? I got a degree from Thomas Jefferson College [at Grand Valley State University] and my majors were communications and music. I had been traveling with my act, Fast & Missad. I did musical comedy, political satire kind of stuff. At the same time I was doing that, I was writing for a lot of publications.

How did what you were doing transition into publishing? I’d been on the road playing for about eight years. That was a weird life, but it was fun. I was getting kind of tired of traveling all over. This guy had this bad little magazine called West Michigan Music and he wanted me to buy it. … I looked at it and thought, “I might as well start my own.” So I did. It just seemed like fun.

I could still play music around here. And there was this need [for more music coverage].

Promoting, putting together and selling the first issue of anything is hard work. How did you get Music Revue the attention it needed?

I knew what it took wasn’t just being a very clever, witty writer. What it took was knowing the side that generated money.

Describe your editorial and creative team during those years? I had a whole bunch of great graphic designers and writers over the years, and it was fun as hell. Basically, the idea was to have fun and cover the stuff that was cool. You have

to remember, there was no Internet. There was no way to really know what was going on. Grand Rapids Press did a half-ass job; On the Town did way less than a half-ass job. So we had to make sure we knew what was happening.

What’s your craziest Music Revue story? Most of them aren’t printable for you.

They would have been printable under my ownership.

So there were definitely good times.

I don’t mean to say ‘sex and drugs and rock ‘n’ roll,’ but it was really sex and drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. But really, everyone who came through [Music Revue] were clear-minded, responsible and not that crazy.

What do you look for in a good editor?

Someone who knows how to use spellcheck.

Which editor stands out most to you? They all had strengths; they all had weaknesses, but mostly strengths. … As far as deadlines, Paul Jendrasiak, hands down, was best for deadlines.

As far as passion, Bruce Madden. Ev Strong was probably the most well-managed.

In 2005, you sold Music Revue to Bruce Law, who changed the name to Revue. Why did you leave? I ran it for 18 years and I was tired. … During that time, almost everybody – in terms of small publications – had gone out of business.

We never did. We made it work, certainly not at the level we’d like, but it seemed like it was time

Doug Fast

Founded Music Revue,

1988

to [sell it]. I looked at the numbers and said, “The numbers are looking good, this is the time.”

What’s gone on in your life since you left Revue? I invented this thing. And it happened shortly after I sold Revue. I had a real estate license for a while. … I bought and sold a bunch of buildings, but it wasn’t groovy. It was just money.

I [now] have this invention called the LakeMat. What do you think of Revue under current Publisher Brian Edwards? I really don’t have any criticism, because any criticism I have would be based on really old information. Your demographics have changed, so you’re changing with it. The Republican Party could take a tip. n

More Q&As!

»

Ink Slingers: Editors throughout the years

1988 1989

Tom Cornell

1992

Paul Jendrasiak

1994

Ev Strong

Tim Pratt

Cliff & Kim Frantz

Emilee Pike, Chad Houts

1996

1998

2000

Yvonne Glasgow

2003

Kimberley Wall

2005

Jen Pider

2007

Brian Edwards

2009

Lindsay Patton Carson

2011

REVUEWM.COM | January 2013 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Bruce Mark Newman Madden

21

Special Feature

Paul Jendrasiak

Writer/Photographer, 1990–94; Editor, 1994–96

How did you get involved at Music Revue?

It was May 1990 and I was fascinated by Music Revue.

I played guitar and realized I wasn’t going to become a musician for a career and I thought it would be cool to interview musicians. I called up Music Revue and talked to [editor] Bruce Madden and told him I could get an interview with Gene Simmons of KISS. Wow. That’s a big name. I didn’t have any experience, I didn’t have any contacts. I figured out who to talk to and I ended up getting an interview. It was one of the most intimidating experiences of my life [at the time].

So that was your first interview ever? Yes. I guess maybe the point of it is to go ahead and give something a shot. Maybe you’ll get something out of it, even if it seems like a difficult thing like getting Gene Simmons for an interview.

Who else did you interview? I went on to interview about 150 to 200 folks, anyone from Jon Bon Jovi to Ozzy Osbourne, folks in Black Sabbath, Def Leppard, Sarah McLachlan.

What did you enjoy most about Music Revue during that time? It was kind of like a mini, local version of Rolling Stone, so that was cool. To see that they were a big champion of local music and local “It was kind events and culture, that of like a mini, was attractive.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

local version of Rolling Stone, so that was cool.”

What have you been up to since leaving Music Revue? I got involved in doing a lot of stuff with the Internet. In ’96, the Internet became kind of a big thing and I got into doing search engine work.

I did that probably for six or eight years, then got into a software business (Spambully) and I’ve been doing that since 2003. Then I got back into doing photography maybe two or three years ago with GRNow … [and] doing interview stuff with Townsquare Sunday and Channel 95.7 and 105 The River.

Paul Jendrasaik hosts Sunday Morning Townsquare on Channel 97.5 FM and is a contributor at GRNow. He can be easily spotted around downtown Grand Rapids — he’s the one with the ascot.

Photo: Ryan H Vaughn

22 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2013

Victoria Upton When did you start as art director at Music Revue? Sometime in the ‘80s. Doug Fast asked me to work for his publishing company. I was involved in design at the time and I thought, ‘I could make this into a cool-looking magazine.’

What was the first thing you designed for the company? The back cover for Rainbow Music. It was black and white and I was like, ‘How can it be Rainbow Music and be black and white?’ Then I started to push for incorporating color into the magazine.

What’s your craziest story? Some group saw an ad that said “Threemendous” and thought it said, “Three Men Do Us,” and that created a huge outrage. People were burning bras and magazines in the street. … But a lot of the stories are unprintable.

Some of them are even the unspeakable.

“A lot of stories are unprintable.

Some of them are even unspeakable.”

It sounds like you really championed for color in the magazine. Black and white was a lot cheaper, and then it evolved into full color and the magazine got bigger and we actually got staples to hold it together. I was there for the evolution, and, I’ll take credit for it, making the evolution of what looked like a newsprint newsletter into actually a magazine.

Tim Pratt

Art Director, 198?–1998

You started Women’s LifeStyle in 1998 and are still the publisher. How did your time at Music Revue help you with what you do now? I learned publishing from being at Revue. It was all about face-to-face interaction, getting out and customer service. I also learned the power of print. You’re not going to remember a website from a radio ad because you can’t refer back to it. You can refer back to print.

Victoria Upton is publisher of Women’s LifeStyle Magazine. She’s also known as Vicki Vudu, WYCE’s radio DJ on Friday evenings. She rocks. Photo: Two Eagles Marcus

What do you remember most about Doug Fast? Doug was the kind of person that you love and hate him at the same time.

He let people do their thing. He let that creative spirit free.

Editor, 1998–2000

How did you get involved with Music Revue?

I had been working for the Grand Rapids Press as a music writer for some time. I believe I had done a few things for Revue, and then I was contacted by Doug Fast about coming on board.

lot — especially having to be in control of something.

What was your most interesting interview back then? I’ll have to look at old magazines to remember. … Kid Rock was hilarious. This was right before he was getting popular. I “I definitely interviewed him while he was on his tour bus and he was remember clearly intoxicated.

Do you have a background in journalism? I went to Michigan State University, being there got a degree in journalism, all night more Do you have a crazy story? worked for The State News and became managing editor I definitely remember being than once.” and feature editor there. I had there all night more than once. always been in journalism and it’s funny. I delivered papers for five years What’s your best Doug Fast story? before I even thought of being in journalism.

I don’t know if I have one in particular. He was a very over-the-top character. He liked to You currently live in San Francisco. smoke his big, fat cigars. He loves his cigars.

What do you do there? I’m a web content editor and writer, I work for ad agencies. I do What did you enjoy about your time at a lot of content work. I also do a storytelling Revue? I really liked being there. It was a event called Fireside Stories that I’ve been really cool way to end my tenure in Grand doing for three years now.

Rapids. It was the one time I could put my personal stamp on a publication.

How did Music Revue help with what you do now? It was preparing me for a

Tim Pratt lives in San Francisco and works in web editing and content development for various companies. He recently returned to Grand Rapids to co-DJ Reptile House Revisited. He does not take requests. Photo: Jonathan Ross

« Continued from page 20

I

Photo: Paul Jendrasiak

Minions: Fall semester 2012 minions promote Revue during ArtPrize. Pictured: Kyle Austin, Stephanie Kang, Cami Sorensen and Jessica Smith.

Revue Minions

[

]

min ∙ ion [min-yuh n] noun 1. A servile follower or subordinate of a person in power.

2. A favored or highly regarded person.

“Y

ou call them what?”

That’s the general response we get when we talk about our Revue Minions.

Take a closer look, and you’ll see the term ‘minion’ isn’t derogatory toward our hard-working group of interns. It’s actually pretty fitting, as our minions help us get done what we’d otherwise not be able to do on our own.

Revue got its first official minion (yours truly) in 2008 and the program opened up for college students, post grads and basically anyone who wanted publishing experience in winter 2009. Since then, Revue’s seen nearly 100 minions come and go. Some have found success in the publishing field (Kelli Gilmore is the managing editor of GEMS Girls’ Club, Elijah Brumback is a staff writer for MiBiz), some became staff (Renee Meadors helped with marketing in 2010) and many became freelance writers for the magazine (Meaghan Minkus, Josh Spanninga, Mitchell Terpstra, Joanna Pitmann, Allison Parker, Kyle Austin).

“Our aim was just to be high quality and different in this marketplace,” he said.

Today, as it celebrates its 25th anniversary, Revue keeps the ‘what’s going on’ mantra that it was founded on, but has evolved to fit the entertainment needs of the West Michigan community.

Edwards says Revue’s evolution will continue in 2013 with new features focused on long-form journalism and perhaps one or two of the spirited columns that ran in the Music Revue days.

“I think Doug Fast would be proud,” he said. n

REVUEWM.COM | January 2013 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

The change of ownership also meant a change of tone for the magazine. When Music Revue switched hands, Law changed “‘Whining and Dining’ was essential. When you picked up the name to Revue and cleaned up the more risqué content the magazine, that’s what you looked for. It was honest and with the help of his team. direct,” Upton said. “Restaurants hated it.”

“We had a bunch of topless bars in the magazine and I Columns like “Whining and Dining” highlighted the kind of irreverence Music Revue had. People remember the publica- thought it was stupid. I had enough women in my life already,” said Matt Lang, who worked in sales from ‘02–‘11 and worked tion for not only its snark and wit, but for its dedication to the with all three publishers. “My whole life was spent in West local and touring music scene.

Michigan and I knew how to reach people.

“If there was a family tree of the music and It was a nice community that needed a nice entertainment community in this town, the product.” roots of it would be Music Revue,” Upton said, Another change was the sex, drugs and citing magazines like Women’s Lifestyle and “Then 9/11 rock ‘n’ roll mentality of the Fast years.

Recoil, whose founders had Music Revue ties. happened and “The environment was pretty boring, the The roots spread quickly, too. At the interesting random people didn’t stop by,” height of Fast’s publishing empire, he cites the following said Two Eagles Marcus, former designer approximately 63 papers that came and went. year, the from ‘92–‘94 and ‘03–‘07, about the ownerSome were originals, such as the country advertising ship change. “[Law] was definitely more music publication, American Country, while structured and sales driven.” others were syndicated. Eventually, those business magazines were whittled down due to the became very, impending recession. n March 2008, REVUE “Then the recession was starting in 2000 very difficult. …

Holding Co. bought the publicaand started to really get going in 2001,” Fast tion from Law. In May that year, the said. “Then 9/11 happened and the follow- People were magazine went through a redesign ing year, the advertising business became very, just scared with former Music Revue art direcvery difficult. … People were just scared to to death of tor Kim Kibby (‘98–‘02) and her death of advertising.” advertising.” partner, Phil Artz.

In 2005, Fast sold the publication — after “There seemed to be a lot of excitement 18 years — to local radio sales guy Bruce Law, —Doug Fast about re-inventing the magazine, and it was citing he was tired after nearly two decades meaningful to do that work since it was part in publishing. of my history,” said Kibby, who at the time worked in marketing and design at St. Mary’s Health Care.

The excitement was short-lived, as the company burned through investor cash and dug itself a deep hole of debt. Local entrepreneur Brian Edwards was brought onboard as editor and publisher in January 2009.

“We were deep in debt, but we felt we had a pretty good platform to build on. During that first year, surviving was the hardest part,” Edwards said.

What Edwards saw was an opportunity to evolve the publication and build on its reputation, which at the time, had floundered since the Music Revue days.

“Revue had gotten very milquetoast,” he said. “We worked hard to put voice and tone in the magazine.”

Longtime writers noticed as well.

“I appreciate that Brian put together a team that understood journalism, liked popular culture, were smart and were engaged in the city,” said Steven de Polo, a freelance writer since 2007.

Changes were incorporated that included special sections, more interviews and a bigger focus on local talent. He also brought back Kibby to step into her former art director role fulltime.

“I missed indie publishing and the non-corporate world,” she said. “I’m really able to put my fingerprint on the magazine and do weird things, and it’s not often a designer gets to do that. It doesn’t hurt that Revue’s purpose is to promote local talent and businesses. It’s a good match for me.”

The combination created a broader readership and more diverse entertainment coverage in the West Michigan area. Rather than look at what local publications were doing, Edwards and James Hetfield of Metallica, the opening night of “The Black the Revue team looked to big-city journalism and publications album” tour at Muskegon’s LC Walker Arena in 1991. like Time Out and Chicago magazine for inspiration and ideas.

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Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

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Special Feature

The Winter Issue

The weather outside is ‌ well, we actually can never really tell in this state. What you can count on, however, are diverse entertainment options, even if the weather is fickle. Get that winter coziness with or without snow by curling up in front of a fireplace at a local bookstore or coffee shop or grabbing dinner on a heated patio.

When that lake-effect snow does come in full force, hit up Cannonsburg, Crystal Mountain, Muskegon Winter Sports Complex or one of the ice festivals happening this season. So bundle up, get out of the house and enjoy yourself.

B y R e v u e S ta f f a n d M i n i o n s

REVUEWM.COM | January 2013 |

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The Winter Issue

Put Some ICEing on Your Winter

By Missy Black

After all the countless hours spent inside complaining about the cold, it’s time to man up and face it head on. Ice-cold temperatures and snow piles are good for sculptures, sports, sledding and gathering. Spike your warm drink and find the safety in numbers — outside, where everyone’s getting all tundra trendy.

MUSKEGON SNOWFEST Celebrating its 29th anniversary, Snowfest spices things up with the popular Battle of the Bowls chili and soup cook off. Slurping on hot liquids while braving the cold is key to survival.

Quench your thirst at the heated beverage tent on Western Avenue, which features local bands Orange October and Whoopee Kat. Enjoy activities such as a halftime game of Broomball during a Muskegon Lumberjacks hockey game, Kidsfest, and a Euchre tournament. What did mom always say? Move around and you’ll keep warm. You can do just that during the Snow Cornhole and Snow Volleyball Tournaments.

They take place at the same time along with the Battle of the Bowls on Saturday. Snowfest is, “a great way to feel like a kid even when you’re not a kid anymore,” said Public Relations Director Cece Riley, who knows firsthand how fun the Snow Cornhole can be. “I played in it last year. That is a blast.”

Downtown Muskegon Jan. 29-Feb. 2 muskegonsnowfest.org

ROCKFORD ICE FESTIVAL Rockford isn’t messing around.

Example? Free hot cocoa.

The masterminds behind this festival focus on live ice carving with loads of other cold weather distractions. Come see ice guru Randy Finch or play

26 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2013

nine holes of ice miniature golf or interactive ice games—last year included baseball and hockey fun—all ice style. Join in on a scavenger hunt for sculptures while enjoying the town’s offerings. “Some stores have fun with guessing the melt date or they put things inside sculptures for guessing. There’s lots of interaction with downtown merchants,” said Jeannie Gregory, executive director for the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.

Look for music and entertainment, contests and prizes and, if the weather cooperates, ice-skating. Reds on the River will have its own special live carving demonstrations and you can melt away hunger with a chili cook off in the pavilion. Notable additions this year include the marriage of the Rockford Sweetheart Splash into the festivities and the Ice Festival Ball on Friday that kicks off the event with dinner and dancing.

“There’s a lot of prep work before sculptors even work on the ice to get it as beautiful and clear as it is,” Gregory said.

Downtown Rockford Feb. 8, 9 & 10; Free! rockfordicefestival.com

GRAND HAVEN WINTERFEST

Winterfest

Expect a cameo appearance from Frosty the Snowman at Winterfest. “It’s the best thing happening on the lakeshore in the middle of winter,” said Kevin Galbavi, president of Winterfest. Featured entertainment includes eclectic sled races, snow angel contests, a euchre tournament, a snowboard and ski competition, a polar plunge and kids’ day (where gerbils and crafts combine) and so much more. This is four days of freaky and frigid fun. A popular event is the Winterfest Luau Extravaganza, located inside a heated tent more than 300 feet long.

“It will be over 80 degrees in there,” Galbavi said. “Last year we had coat check for 1,100 coats and we ran out of room.”

Grand Haven ; Jan. 24-27 Free (most events); winterfestmi.org

ICE SCULPTING COMPETITION Watch the chainsaws, chisels, torches and hand tools in motion while the ice flies at this annual event that partners with the National Ice Carving Association. This Collegiate Invitational Ice Sculpting event features a competition on Friday that is simpler and smaller, while gearing up for a freestyle competition on Saturday that’s more intricate and lasts for four hours. “It’s loud and exciting,” says Kara

de Alvare, interim marketing director for Downtown Holland. “The blocks of ice that they start with are 300 pounds, which I found to be incredible.” Heated sidewalks make trudging through slush and snow a thing of the past.

Visitors can eat at coffeehouses and restaurants and do some shopping while watching the carvers at work. “It’s an art form people aren’t familiar with. It’s fun to guess what the pieces are as they are taking shape.” This collegiate competition is like a practice for nationals that take place in Frankenmuth in January. One year, 8th Street Grille commissioned a giant hamburger piece to look like people were taking a bite out of it.

Downtown Holland Jan. 4-5; Free! downtownholland.com n

Sledding Hills

Rosewood Park (Charlie’s Dump) 1960 Rosewood St., Jenison

T

Wabasis Lake Park 11220 Springhill Dr., Greenville

By Kyle Austin and Cami Sorensen

ime may have given us the iPhone 5, GPS and blankets with sleeves, but it has yet to improve on the indelible combination of a thin piece of cheap plastic and a steep, snowy slope.

Whether you find yourself responsible for entertaining children or simply wish to reconnect with your own innerchild, the sledding hill is the perfect place to spend a day without spending a fortune. With a wealth of hills located at school, state and county parks throughout the mitten, Michiganders needn’t go far to find some momentum.

Ada Vista Elementary 7192 Bradfield St. SE, Ada Belknap Park 30 Coldbrook St. NE, Grand Rapids Bertha Brock Park 2311 West Bluewater Highway, Ionia Caledonia Lakeside Park 300 N. Lake St., Caledonia Cascade Township Park 3810 Thornapple River Dr., Cascade Echo Valley Winter Sports Park 3309 Woodhams Ave., Portage Johnson Park 2600 Wilson Ave. SW, Walker Kindleberger Park 400 Park Ave., Parchment Lake Harbor Park 3600 Lake Harbor Rd., Norton Shores Leila Arboretum 928 West Michigan Ave., Battle Creek Manhattan Park 400 Manhattan Rd.SE, East Grand Rapids Mary Waters Park (Belknap Hill) 1042 Lafayette Ave. NE, Grand Rapids Mulick Park 1761 Rosewood Ave. SE, Grand Rapids Muskegon Winter Sports Complex 462 N. Scenic Dr., Muskegon Pinery Park 1155 28th St. SW, Wyoming Provin Trails Park 2900 4 Mile Rd., Grand Rapids

Van Raalte Farm Park 1076 East 16th St., Holland

Woods Lake Elementary 3215 Oakland Dr., Kalamazoo

Sledding Safety We all have that one sledding story, and while it can be funny comparing scars or posting spills on YouTube, it’s far more satisfying when you and your loved ones return home in one piece. Remember, sledding hills are selfpoliced, so adhering to the proper etiquette ensures that a good time can be had by all. n Michigan Weather: ‘Nuff Said. Remember what state you live in. Depending on how Mother Nature treats us, you could be sledding in subzero grayness or in sunshine.

Oh, and if you think you’re too old for snow pants, you’re probably right. n Size Matters. Didn’t look that steep from the bottom, did it? There are a variety of sledding hills to choose from, so make sure to pick one that fits within your comfort zone. n Adults Weigh More Than Children. Always take care to scan your path before taking off. You don’t want to be the reason little Timmy develops a lifelong fear of inner tubes, do you? n You Are Not Sully Sullenberger. No safe trip down the hill is complete without a runway. If you find yourself in the river, on the road or crumpled at the base of a wall, we advise that you stick to snow angels.

Skiing & Snowboarding Resorts By Jessica Smith Cannonsburg Ski Resort 6800 Cannonsburg Road, Belmont cannonsburg.com, (616) 874-6711 All-day lift tickets: Adults 11 & older: weekday $28, weekend/holiday $35 Juniors 7 to 10: weekday $20, weekend/holiday $25 Kids 6 and under: FREE Caberfae Peaks 1 Caberfae Lane, Cadillac caberfaepeaks.com, (231) 862-3000 All-day lift tickets: Adults: weekend $44, weekday $34 Teens: weekend $39, weekday $29 Juniors: weekend $34, weekday $24 Seniors: weekend and weekday $24 Children eight and under: FREE

Boyne Mountain Resort 1 Mountain Road, Boyne Falls boyne.com/boynemountain, (231) 549-6000 All-day lift tickets Adults: $53-$77 Seniors and Teens: $48-$66 Juniors: $42-$56 Eight & under or 70 & over: FREE Rentals Adults Ski/Snowboard: $27-$40 Kids Ski/Snowboard: $18-$30 Bittersweet Ski Resort 600 River Road, Otsego skibittersweet.com, (269) 694-2032 All-day lift tickets: Adult: weekday $31, weekend $31-$39 Rentals: $22-$24

Pando Winter Sports Park 8076 Belding Road, Rockford pandopark.com, (616) 874-8343 All-day lift tickets: 11 and up: weekday $13, weekends $20 Six-10: weekday $11, weekend $17 Five & under: FREE with paid adult Rentals: Ski package: $18 Snowboards: $20 Crystal Mountain 12500 Crystal Mountain Drive, Thompsonville crystalmountain.com, (231)378-2000 All-day lift tickets: Adults: $50 - $69 / Rentals $30-$38 Seniors: $25-$34 Juniors: $40-$59 / Rentals $25-$32 Children eight and under: FREE Rentals: $12-$22

Skiing at Cannonsburg

Richmond Park 1101 Richmond St. NW, Grand Rapids

REVUEWM.COM | January 2013 |

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The Winter Issue

Heated Patios

By Jennifer Cuffman and Stephanie Kang

F

ood and drinks just taste better outside. But winter always seems to ruin this luxury by making it unbearably cold. Defy Mother Nature this winter by going to any of these four locations that harmonize our love for the outdoors with our love of reasonable levels of body heat.

Whether you want dinner or just a few drinks after work, Vitale’s will bring it all to you in the comfort of its Four Season Room, open year round. This nice little medium between the frigid outdoors and the enclosed indoors, Vitale’s Four Season Room is fully equipped with flat screen televisions and a new bar. You don’t have to sacrifice drinks and watching the game when you want to experience some weather.

Fire(place) Escapes

by Meaghan Minkus

I

f you’re not quite lucky enough to have a personal library complete with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a roaring hearth in the comfort of your own home (drool), here’s where you can replicate that experience.

If you’re actually kind of a pyrophobe:

Kalamazoo Public Library – Washington Square Branch kpl.gov, (269) 553-7970

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Grand Rapids Public Library – Main Library, Yankee Clipper Branch, West Side Branch; grpl.org, (616) 988-5400 Stretch out with your (covered) beverage at the Kalamazoo Public Library’s Washington Square branch, which has one fireplace on each side of the building, or one of three Grand Rapids Public Library branches. Library patrons can enjoy all the perks of hot drinks and free books, but without the fire hazard involved in the whole tons-of-books-in-one-building thing.

If you just really want a fire in a library:

Kent District Library – Caledonia Township Branch, Wyoming Branch; kdl.org, (616) 784-2007 Kent District Library has two branches with working, blazing fireplaces. Each branch has vending machines that offer coffee and other beverages, but patrons are welcome to bring their own covered drinks and light snacks.

If you want to support a great local business: Schuler Books & Music – All locations

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schulerbooks.com, (616) 942-2561 If you’re thinking about making an investment in a book and taking it home forever, it may have to pass the curl-up-in-frontof-the-fireplace test. Luckily, each of Schuler Books & Music’s locations boasts a fireplace and the in-house Chapbook Café for all of your coffee/latte/tea needs.

If you’d rather be in a bar:

Waldo’s Campus Tavern, Kalamazoo waldoscampustavern.com, (269) 349-8674 Locals may know Waldo’s for its proximity to Western’s campus and its weeknight specials, but readers take note: Waldo’s features a fireplace and reading area in the basement, as well as coffee if you ask nicely.

If you’re in a chai tea and tunes kind of mood: Mocha-N-Music, 5211 Cherry Ave Ste 170, Hudsonville mocha-n-music.com, (616) 669-9917

Mocha-N-Music may look unassuming from the outside, but the inside is surprisingly spacious, works well as a music venue and even has a gas fireplace with ample cozy couch space. In addition to steamers, lattes, mochas and other coffee shop fare, Mocha-N-Music has plenty of breakfast and lunch options on its menu. If you like to stay late after you get your reading done and hear some great local music, you’re in luck – this coffee joint’s calendar is almost always booked.

Vitale’s Sports Lounge

3868 West River Drive, Comstock Park You don’t have to travel to feel like you’re in the rustic Pacific Northwest. Grand Woods Lounge is that outdoorsy haven, with a year-round outdoor porch that has a fireplace to make those cold nights a little cozier. The spacious outdoor porch is equipped with two bars where you can order any number of imported, domestic or microbrew beer. Try any of Grand Woods’ mixed drinks as well. We recommend the Woodstini.

Grand Woods Lounge

77 Grandville Avenue SW, Grand Rapids grandwoodslounge.com, (616) 451-4300 Tavern on the Square doesn’t cringe in the winds of winter.

The restaurant screened its patio to shield you from the blustery cold so that you can enjoy the view of downtown while still relishing the heat of the fireplace. This patriotically themed restaurant provides porch-sitters all the amenities: a 40-inch-screen television, a full menu and a fireplace. And do not fret; the patio is only a matter of feet from the bar.

Tavern on the Square

100 Ionia Avenue, Grand Rapids tavernonthesq.com, (616) 456-7673 Although Saugatuck gets most of its publicity in the summer for its beaches and tourist attractions, Wally’s provides lively entertainment to visitors year-round. Frequent live music on its outdoor patio gives its visitors a luxurious atmosphere, even in the winter. The patio is screened and heated with access to a full menu, bar and television.

Wally’s

128 Hoffman Street, Saugatuck (269) 857-5641

Sleeping Bear Hot Chocolate

TOP 5: Winter Beverages

By Matt Simpson Siegel

Founders Imperial Stout

Cue Vader’s Imperial March and storm to downtown Grand Rapids for the inevitable return of Founders Imperial Stout. This 10.5% ABV silky smooth stout is brewed in 10 varieties of malted barley and remains complex and rich.

Available only from January until the end of February while it lasts, grab a cellartemperature pint of this brew and curl up with your favorite snack bowl for a winter treat. 235 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids; foundersbrewing.com, (616) 776-1195

Sport your tweeds, grab your New Yorker, drape your scarf accordingly and head over to Clara’s on the River to sit in comfort while pretending you’re an intellectual instead of some bum getting tanked on coffee drinks. Warm, sweet, caffeinated alcohol in moderation inside this former train station on a snowy afternoon might make the perfect coffee date or innerwinter alcoholic’s delusions blossom. The classic Café Toledo is comprised of Bailey’s Irish Cream and Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, chocolate, coffee, and whipped cream. After indulging in this simple, classy beverage, try the other nine variations. 44 McCamly St. N., Battle Creek; claras.com, (269) 963-0966

Nothing is worse than attempting to scrape the last scoop of coffee from an empty can on a wintry day with iced over roads. Instead, subscribe to The Regular Coffee Co. for a onemonth supply tube of good ol’ Regular Coffee.

An offshoot of Rowster New American Coffee, The Regular Coffee Co. has dumped all frills for one-and-a-half-pound tube of whole bean coffee for $20, which covers taxes, shipping, and handling. And, no, they don’t offer decaf.

632 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids; regularcoffee.com, (616) 682-7122

Sleeping Bear Hot Chocolate at Water Street Coffee Joint

The scenic block point where Water Street Coffee Joint perches in downtown Kalamazoo offers up one of the best spots to sit and sip a mug of hot chocolate. Ground dark chocolate is melted into milk with cinnamon and topped with whipped cream. You’ll quickly discover any cavities. 315 E. Water St., Kalamazoo; waterstreetcoffeejoint.com, (269) 373-2840

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Café Toledo at Clara’s on the River

Regular Coffee

Tea at Global Infusion

This colorful and eclectic Fair Trade marketplace offers handcrafted jewelry, décor, clothing and some of the best loose-leaf tea you can find in West Michigan. With more than 100 teas to choose from, you may saddle up and stay at the coffee and tea bar, sipping and steeping. 143 Diamond Ave. SE, Grand Rapids; globalinfusion.net, (616) 776-9720

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///

The Winter Issue

Winter Races

Be part of the largest winter adventure race in the nation as a sizeable field of two-person teams race to complete a series of Amazing Race-style challenges such as snowbiking, snowshoe running, and monster-tube writing.

By Jessica Smith and Kyle Austin

State Street Mile

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49 S. State St., Hart Feb. 16, 10 a.m.; $10 run/walk (231) 301-8449

aces may seem more appealing when you’re running with the sun hot on your face along scenic routes where the trees are in full bloom, but with the right gear you can glide through the snow and stay active year round.

So get off your couch, stretch your cramped body and get some cold crisp air pumping through those lungs.

Dash Down Division 5k

Participate in the First Annual State Street Mile Run or Walk during the Hart Winterfest Winter-Sports Weekend. All participants receive an authentic State Street Mile Winter hat. Stick around afterward for a free round of Snow-Putt Golf or a free session of crosscountry skiing at John Gurney Park.

GR Urban Adventure

2500 S. Division Ave SE, Grand Rapids Feb. 23, 9:30 a.m.

5k: $25, kids run free ($5 with T-shirt); childcare during 5k ($5 for two hours) (616) 588-7200 ext. 2006

Good Form Running

Dash through downtown in support of the Kroc Center’s recreation scholarship fund, which helps local children living at or below the poverty level. Kids can also join in the miniDASH fun run for free. The race includes chip timing, a moisture-wicking T-shirt and a Kroc Center day pass.

Every Wednesday, the GFR clinic breaks down the basics for learning the art of running.

During the session, video is taken, a four-point lesson is given, drills are put to practice and then the video is reviewed. GFR’s main goal

Striders, 4045 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville Wednesdays, 6 p.m. stridersrun.com, (616) 261-9706

Frosty Fun

By Kyle Austin and Jessica Smith

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

North American Snow Festival

The North American Snow Festival in Cadillac kicks off with a chili cook-off, leading into Friday’s events, which include a fun run, speed fishing and a Texas hold ’em tournament. On Saturday, festival-goers can stuff their faces at the hot dog eating contest, freeze their butts off in the polar plunge and watch as snowmobilers light the night in the parade of lights. On Sunday, entertain yourself with some ice fishing, lake sled races and skiing (with discounted lift tickets at Ski Caberfae Peaks Resort).

Downtown Cadillac; Jan. 31-Feb. 3; cadillacmichigan.com

Dog Sled Rides

Ride through historic backcountry slopes of Caberfae Peaks pulled by a pack of Wiggi’s Mountain-Side Huskies. Mush through three-and-a-half miles of the surrounding national forest through old skiing trails. Dog sled rides are offered every 30 minutes on select dates and each basket carries up to 350 pounds.

Ski Caberfae Peaks Resort, Cadillac; January through March Ride dates vary; $65 per sled; caberfaepeaks.com, (231) 862-3000

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Urban Herd Grand Rapids is to help you become a more efficient runner for a better running experience.

Grand Rapids Urban Adventure Race: Winter Edition Feb. 9, 8:45 a.m.

Cannonsburg Ski Area 6800 Cannonsburg Rd NE, Belmont $57 per person/$114 per team (includes long-sleeve T-shirt); (616) 460-9331

3930 28th St SE, Grand Rapids (616) 940-9888

Meet at the Kentwood Gazelle Sports store every Monday to join an informal run for anyone interested in running. The event is free and open to all skill levels with the choice of running two, four or six miles.

GRD Pond Hockey Classic

Rose’s on Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids plays host to more than 60 teams for the GRD Pond Hockey Classic. Team size ranges from six to eight players and all must be at least 21 to participate. Rose’s on Reeds Lake, East Grand Rapids; Jan. 18-20; $375 per team; wgrd.com

Paintball Time at Crystal Mountain

Extreme paintballers and daring rookies (12 & up) alike can battle the elements and their opponents with 200 rounds of paintballs and pure adrenaline at the Winter Woods Paintball Course.

Shooters can also test their aim with 200 rounds at the paintball Target Time. Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville; Every Tuesday and Thursday, 4-5 p.m.; Saturday, 3-5 p.m.; Paintball Course $19; Target Time $10; crystalmountain.com, (231) 378-2000

Luge Run

Take a plunge down the 850-foot luge track, which was designed by three-time Olympian Frank Masley. This track provides an Olympic-like experience with the safety of beginning riders in mind. A one-day pass includes a learning session with coaches on hand to assist lugers. Muskegon Sports Complex; $40 per person; msports.org, (231) 744-9629

The luge at Muskegon Winter Sports Complex

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/// Sink’s Spins on Music CD Releases Kris Hitchcock and Small Town Son, Rewind

Four Finger Five: Taking a break

ON THE MUSICAL RADAR

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here are as many endings as beginnings on West Michigan’s music scene, sparked by the ups and downs of venues and clubs or the germinations and gyrations of local bands. Such is the case with Muskegon’s popular Four Finger Five, an uber-talented trio that for 10 years has generated an infectious mix of soul, rock, blues, pop and funk. As guitarist-singer Joe Sturgill put it, he and his bandmates — Steve Harris on drums and Mike Phillips on bass — became “weekend warriors” throughout the region, creating sparks onstage and in the studio (Exhibit A: 2011’s Soul in a Suitcase). Now, Four Finger Five will take an extended hiatus as individual members tackle solo ventures and work with other bands. The trio played its last show at Grand Rapids’ Founders Brewing in late November. “It is kind of a sad time, but also optimistic about future projects,” said Sturgill, who’s also president/recording engineer for Grand Haven’s Redwall North Studios. “I’m working on some tracks and not really sure how that is going to materialize, but more interested in the songwriting and producing at this point.

Mike and Steve are both working on other things as well.”

Sturgill has started playing solo shows, including an Inside the Mitten concert at Muskegon’s Watermark 920.

Grand Rapids Americana singer-songwriter and Red House Records recording artist Drew Nelson recently wrapped up a European tour that featured several intimate, but “very positive” U.K. shows and BBC appearances with West Michigan guitarist Jack Leaver. “This has been the best tour for press yet,” said Nelson, noting he raised his profile further in English print and broadcast media by opening shows for folk-rock musician Ian Matthews’ band, Matthews’ Southern Comfort. n

Drew Nelson and Jack Leaver

Kris Hitchcock and Small Town Son hosts a CD-release concert on Jan. 24 at The Intersection in Grand Rapids; $5 advance, $7 day of show.

An Dro, Storyteller With its world-musicstyled flair, An Dro – Fred Willson, Michele Venegas, Jim Spalink, Carolyn Koebel – has long stood out from the pack as one of Michigan preeminent, instrumental Celtic music ensembles. The band’s third album, recorded at River City Studios in Grand Rapids, further cements that reputation, with 11 mesmerizing tracks that alternately soothe and invigorate, much like a riveting tale told around a fire – hence the title, inspired by bouzouki player and bard Spalink’s “storyteller’s chair.” On the album’s best tracks, “Tourdion/An Dro” and “Duty-Free Reel,” percussionist Koebel’s genius rises to the forefront as the band An Dro-cize’s the haunting songs with Mideast textures and smart arrangements.

Music critic and entertainment writer John Sinkevics comments on the local and national music scene at localspins.com (Spins on Music), spotlighting artists at 10 a.m. Wednesdays on Local Spins Live at News Talk 1340 AM.

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Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

On the flip side, 2013 ushers in a new beginning: a firsttime contemporary folk series. The Spins on Music website will partner with St. Cecilia Music Center and Mackinaw Harvest Music in debuting Local Spins Live in St. Cecilia’s Royce Auditorium, starting with a Jan. 10 lineup of six Michigan singer-songwriters: Ralston Bowles, Michelle Chenard, Lucas Wilson, Lux Land, Michael Crittenden and Karisa Wilson. The Thursday-night series spotlights The Crane Wives and Delilah DeWylde & the Lost Boys on Feb. 21, and Seth Bernard and May Erlewine, with The Fauxgrass Quartet, on March 28 ($15, $10 students). The novel idea of putting regional artists in an unplugged setting on a historic stage Ralston Bowles known primarily for spotlighting internationally heralded classical and jazz acts arose during a chat with executive director Cathy Holbrook during St. Cecilia’s ArtPrize music showcase. Some acts that entered in the competition experienced the rare thrill of playing Royce Auditorium; headlining shows there should be even more special. “There’s a certain sense of spirituality I’ve felt inside Royce Auditorium,” says Crane Wives drummer Dan Rickabus. Holbrook figures it will expose a new — and younger — audience to St. Cecilia. If successful, it bodes well for future concerts featuring folk, jazz and blues artists. For details, go online to scmc-online.org.

Every once in a while, a country artist comes along that absolutely oozes “the next big thing.” West Michigan has seen a fair number of these talented souls, including singers like Frankie Ballard. Add Kalamazoo’s Kris Hitchcock and his awardwinning band, Small Town Son, to that list. The energetic group’s sophomore album, recorded in Nashville and being released later this month, has everything a mainstream country collection should have and more: clever, country rock (“Wild Honey,” “Taking a Chance”), twangy, rollicking barn-burners (“Haywired”) and tender ballads (“What Songs Are For,” “Don’t Tell Georgia”) enhanced by smart vocals and top-notch musicianship from fiddler Susan Belliel and guitarist Ian Szarafinski. Produced by Nashville’s Jimmy Dulin, this represents no small-town affair, but rather a big-city effort with prime-time potential.

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/// ON TOUR

by Dwayne Hoover

Shipping Off to Drunken Lullabies:

Flogging Molly or Dropkick Murphys?

PHOTO: DAN MONICK

St. Patty’s Coming to Town Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

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Another 2012 milestone was the release e o p le call it C e lti c of group’s live album, Live at the Greek Theatre, punk, but what Flogging Molly on vinyl – a music format the band treasures. brings to the stage really defies the “We’ve always pressed everything on idea of any sort of conventional vinyl from the get go. We’ve all been vinyl label. And while there was a time fans since we were kids,” Schmidt said. “On when this Los Angeles-based seven-piece a good system, it just sounds better. From an was being written off by many as “just a bar engineering or technical standpoint, it’s closer band,” incapable of any real mainstream to reproducing an acoustic waveform in space success, its commitment to the music has than a CD or digital file.” proven the naysayers wrong.

But it’s not just the Laughably wrong. sound of the record; it’s the In fact, in January of Flogging Molly wsg Skinny Lister experience.

2012, Flogging Molly’s multiand Dave Hause “I also think it changes instrumentalist, Bob Schmidt, The Orbit Room, Grand Rapids the nature of the beast,” was recognized by Fender for Jan. 24, 7 p.m.

Schmidt said. “It forces you his contributions to music $27.50 advance, $30 day of show into a one-on-one relationwith his very own signature 16+ orbitroom.com, (616) 942-1328 ship with the album. You model mandolin. can’t just jump around the “I don’t think of myself as album like you can on your any kind of virtuoso by a long iPod. Records still force you into a personal shot, but to have any accomplishment you’ve space interaction with music, and that’s a done recognized by a company like Fender good thing.” is definitely an ‘I am not worthy’ moment,” A personal space interaction is exactly Schmidt said. “It was definitely a very flatwhat Flogging Molly aims to bring on its 9th tering thing.”

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The ‘80s had The Pogues, we have Flogging Molly and Dropkick Murphys to fill the Celtic-punk genre. But the two bands often get confused.

Which came first?

Dropkick Murphys formed in 1996 and released its first studio album in 1998.

Flogging Molly formed in 1997 and released its first studio album in 2000.

Who’s the most Irish?

Where you’ve heard ‘em: Movies and TV shows you’ve heard Flogging Molly tunes n Mr. and Mrs. Smith n “The Shield” n P.S. I Love You n “Weeds” n Leap Year n “Bones” n “SGU Stargate Universe”

Annual Green 17 Tour, which will make its very first stop right here in Grand Rapids.

“Due to limits in the space time continuum, we can’t be everywhere on St. Patrick’s Day, so we bring St. Patrick’s Day to you,” Schmidt said. “We take the tone and energy of that one fun night that everybody gets to have and do that for the entire tour.” n

It depends. Flogging Molly has a founding member who was born in Ireland.

Other original members’ homes include Michigan and the United Kingdom.

Dropkick Murphys’ original members come from Massachusetts, which is known for its Irish population.

Best-known song.

Dropkick Murphys’ 2005 hit “I’m Shipping Up to Boston.” Flogging Molly’s 2002 Gold-certified “Drunken Lullabies.”

So, how do I tell the difference?

While both bands are categorized as Celtic punk and have lyrics about drinking and the working class, you can hear more traditional Celtic folk on Flogging Molly records, along with the band’s Johnny Cash influence. (Check out “Factory Girls,” the band’s track with folk icon Lucinda Williams.) Also, if the band is singing about Boston, it’s a Dropkick Murphys tune.

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Visual Art

by Alexandra Fluegel

Other Arts Events Go Figure – Opening Reception

LaFontsee Galleries, Grand Rapids Jan. 18, 5 p.m.

Free lafontsee.us, (616) 451-1000 LaFontsee Galleries presents works from local artists that explore the use, absence or suggestion of the figure. Len Cowgill, Rebecca Green, Saul GrayHildebrand, Mary Sebastian, Rachael Van Dyke and Paul Varga are just some of the artists who will be shown through Feb. 16.

Grand Rapids Art Museum Jan. 10, 7 p.m. $30 non-members, $25 members; space is limited artmuseumgr.org, (616) 831-2919 Create your own night at the museum.

The GRAM’s newest program gives you the chance to hang out after hours, enjoy a glass of wine and see where the evening takes you. Attendees can expect an immersion in art that blurs the line between dreams and reality while they create a work of art to take home and collaborate on a group project that will be exhibited at the GRAM. 21+ only, cash bar opens at 6:15 p.m.

DIY Survival

Urban Institute for Contemporary Art, Grand Rapids Jan. 10 7 p.m. $15 members, $20 non-members, preregistration required uica.org, (616) 454.7000 End of the world didn’t go as planned last month, le sigh. Fear not doomsdayers, there’s always the imminent threat of a zombie apocalypse, and the UICA is helping to ensure that you’re prepared with this latest Quirkshop. Craft your own survival kit and tools while sipping on your favorite brew. Event is BYOB, and you must be of legal drinking age to consume.

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treet art has been making headlines near and afar lately, from the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles’ groundbreaking exhibit to a few Gerald R. Ford stencils causing a rouse for Grand Rapids city officials. This month, three galleries team up to showcase work from one of street art’s most fertile grounds: Detroit.

Open Concept Gallery and the Con Art Crew is partnering with Detroit’s 323Gallery for Silent Flight, a one-night-only exhibition

that features the work of two Detroit natives of their work is easily seen in both physical contexts.” who have made the city their canvas.

MALT and TEAD’s individual works “Street art is not a trend but a major art movement,” said Katie Moore of Open are shown, though the artists have worked Concept Gallery, who is curating the exhibi- together on projects in the past. MALT’s owl tion. “What you saw happening in New York figures have been paired with TEAD’s indusduring the late ‘80s and early ‘90s is happen- trial landscapes for work that is striking and alive. Both artists are present to discuss their ing again but in a new way in Detroit.” work at the exhibition and will A team from Open create a site-specific mural that Concept Gallery visited Detroit silent fight will be donated to Clemente in summer 2012 and saw Con Artist Crew Gallery Skate Park. works created for the Detroit Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m.

Co-founders of Con Artist Beautification Project, which $4 Crew Magdalene Law and assembled street artists from all openconceptgallery.org Reuben Garcia previously held over the globe with a goal of conartistcrew.com an exhibition to raise money bringing vibrancy back to the for the park, and given street city. The project was presented by the spray paint company, Montana Cans, art’s close ties with skateboarding culture, street art crew and apparel company The thought it would make a great home to the Seventh Letter and grassroots organizations new piece.

“Instead of the piece being painted over Contra Projects and 1xRun, which is an online art gallery specializing in one-run-only again, we said, ‘Let’s donate it to a skatepark whose skaters are trying to revamp their surprints.

Moore said the team went to visit Jesse roundings,’” Law said.

MALT got into graffiti through friends Cory of 323East Gallery, which founded 1xRun, to discuss trends happening in that he skateboarded with in the early ‘90s, Detroit and ways Open Concept Gallery and Moore said he was delighted with the could help showcase the work in Grand prospect of being able to create a live work Rapids. Cory then introduced her to MALT that would live on in the skate park.

“You could work on a mural outside and TEAD, the two artists whose work is for a day, week, month, or whatever it takes featured in Silent Flight.

“We are inspired by the work ethic and and come back the next day to it completely creativity that goes into what they produce,” ruined,” MALT said.

“These artists’ pieces couldn’t be a betMoore said. “A lot of street art can lose its meaning when put in a gallery, but with ter match,” said Law of the mural’s future MALT and TEAD, the beauty and mastery home. “It also brings a positive message to the world that art belongs anywhere.” n

Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule

Creativity Uncorked: Step Into a Dream

Urban Canvases of Detroit

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by Allison Parker

Theatre

Other Performing Arts Events Flashdance

DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids Jan. 22-27; show times at 1, 2, 6:30, 7:30 and 8 p.m. $34.50 & up broadwaygrandrapids.com, (616) 235-6285 Based on the Academy Awardwinning film, Flashdance sets welder/ flashdancer Alex’s dream of attending dance school to unforgettably catchy beats and sizzling moves. Armed with fierce perseverance and a resolute spirit, the blue-color Cinderella conquers heartbreak and setbacks, while finding love and discovering her own strength.

Featuring hits like “Flashdance—What a Feeling,” “Maniac” and “Gloria,” as well as 16 new songs by Robbie Roth and Robert Cary, the modern-day fairytale pulses with vibrant energy and heart.

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Jan. 18-Feb. 3; show times at 2 and 7:30 p.m. $16-28 grct.org, (616) 222-6650 Premiering for the first time in Michigan, The Heart is a Lonely Hunter adapts Carson McCullers’ acclaimed novel for the stage to tell the tale of the deaf John Singer, whose best friend has just been committed to an asylum.

Four lonely outcasts – a black doctor, a rebellious teen, an alcoholic and a dinerowner – reflect Singer’s own isolation as their paths cross in unexpected ways.

Together, the characters explore the need for human contact and connection.

Compassion and understanding battle against alienation and inner demons in this compelling story set in the 1930s Depression.

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Ben Cook (Billy), Janet Dickinson (Mrs. Wilkinson) and Samantha Blaire Cutler (Debbie). Photo: Doug Blemker

Dance Triumphs in Wharton Center’s Billy Elliot

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he inspiring story of an unlikely miner music that develops the show … I call it a play with music. dream steals the stage at Wharton Center with The play pops out a lot because the music exemplifies the play Billy Elliot, winner of 10 Tony Awards. Based on the and what’s going on … There are also great comedic numbers 2000 film, the show focuses on aspiring ballet dancer … It’s a great mix.”

Billy, an eleven-year-old diamond in the rough. When In addition to providing spectacular sights and sounds, Billy Billy’s controversial passion becomes entangled in the Elliot also touches upon relevant issues in today’s society.

1984-1985 miners’ strike, the community must come to “First of all, the whole bullying theme is very relatable to terms with its prejudices and decide whether they will the story. Everyone thinks [Billy is] a poof—gay—and that’s support Billy’s talent. looked down upon as a horrible thing,” Titmas The show’s biggest ‘wow’ factor is the said. “That alone, as far as family and community Billy Elliot gorgeously executed choreography, which acceptance of a kid, is very poignant to today.

Wharton Center, East Lansing mixes hip hop, jazz, acrobatics, tap, folk dancAs far as economy, the community must come Jan. 15-20 ing and ballet. Particularly impressive is the together to support someone in need … so it’s $32-72; show times at 1, 2, tremendous talent demanded by the lead role. poignant in that respect.”

6:30, 7:30 and 8 p.m.

“There are a lot of different styles in the A mesmerizing emotional pull promises to be whartoncenter.com, show,” said Cullen R. Titmas, who plays a powerful feature of the show as waell.

(517) 353-1982 Billy’s brother, Tony. “The Billys have a “It’s not like any other musical. It appeals to huge burden on their shoulders because many age levels and intellectual levels,” Titmas they have to do tap, ballet and contemsaid. “There’s a unique realness—a real, dark gritporary … [T]hey have to be able to do it all and act tiness of the show and within that a kid following a dream … and emote at the same time, while being that young.”

What the directors really did well is take you on a roller coaster.

An accompanying score by Elton John takes special They take you to a happy moment and then drop you off a cliff care not to overshadow the dancers’ exquisite move… There are super great moments throughout that everyone ments. While “I Love to Boogie” and “Electricity” provide will enjoy.” n toe-tapping beats, many of the songs subtly highlight the dancing and enhance the story, rather than standing alone as big Broadway show tunes.

“You don’t listen and go, ‘Oh, that’s Elton Kylend John,’” Titmas said. “People love ‘Electricity,’ but Hetherington one of the criticisms of the show is that there (Billy) are no memorable songs. But the show Photo: Kyle Froman is unique — it uses a lot of traditional

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Missy Black’s

Hello Again Luxury Consignment and Samples

STYLe NOTeS It’s a new year of new stores and luxuries galore. If you aren’t suited up in fleece-lined tights and reek of Moonshine cologne, you just aren’t doing it right…

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

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repare to be surprised at Hello Again Luxury Consignment and Samples on 28th Street. The store’s philosophy forgoes merchandising by size and inventory and focuses on collections. “We force the customer to spend time and look through things. We initiate creativity,” Owner Patrick Killeen said. The “contemporary, friendly and intriguing” store offers both women’s and men’s clothing, but there’s considerably more luxury consignment for the man. (About time, right?) The breakdown is this: luxury consignment featuring higher-end boutique labels such as Prada, Cole Haan, True Religion and Ferragamo. The samples part means the store acquires salesman samples (in great shape and properly stored for show) or brand new inventory from other stores that overbought or have dropped a line from their selections. The Hello Again shopper has brandname awareness and sophistication according to Killeen, who mentions that besides clothing, you can find scarves, belts, wallets, shoes, luggage, socks, ties, gift items, items for the home, artwork and handmade jewelry. The alternative to full price comes with perks including gift-wrapping, free local delivery and a referral program to earn store credit. Check out brand new, lightly worn or vintage items. “Everything can preach Hello Again as a way to resurface or reemerge into the market.”

From posts about ripped denim, burger cupcakes and your inner hippie, blogger Kristin Reynolds lovingly packs her blog Everything’s Always Sunny with fashion, positive attitudes and a little holistic health. “I kind of just throw on whatever mood I’m feeling that day,” said Reynolds, whose organic

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Photo: Missy Black

Kristin Reynolds, Everything’s Always Sunny blogger

Moonshine, available at A.K. Rikk’s approach to blogging has her gleaning day-to-day inspiration, which can be found in her 5 Things postings consisting of simple pleasures that make her happy. And happy is where it’s at as the blog’s impetus comes from not just looking good, but feeling good about yourself. Reynolds went through a dramatic weight loss journey that she credits to not just exercise and eating right but about how she looked at herself and positive affirmations. So how does she like to look? You’ll catch her in a go-to look of leggings and an oversized sweater.

“It’s flattering on everyone.” She likes the ensemble with a big chunky scarf and boots, but throws

in the golden rule when it comes to proportions: “Loose on top, tight on bottom or vice versa.” She’s studying bioenergetic synchronization technique and thinks, “visualizing is so important.” It’s about feeling good inside and out. Goodbye, clouds. Hello, sunny outlook.

LUXURY ALERT! Word on the street is fleece-lined tights are hot. Muskegon’s Lee & Birch’s General Manager Rochelle Johnson owns a pair and she tells us pretty much every employee does too. Get yours in black or charcoal gray. “They’re versatile and can be paired with a dress or a long sweater and boots to look super casual.” Hit up Lee & Birch’s two locations in Grand Rapids and Muskegon for the Plush brand fleece-lined leggings and tights in full foot or footless options.

The Breton Village Shopping Center just got schooled in accessories. The new store Bag, Bangle & Bling is a jewelry and accessory lover’s idea of a good time. From scarves, handbags, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, watches and hair accessories, this store is for the girl that follows fashion. “We have different themes,” Owner Rebecca Wierda said. “We have earthy and tribal and a more

classic area, color and then we have the rock and roll leather and bling looks.” The store is stocked from shopping excursions in New York, Dallas and Chicago and items aren’t bought in multiples, but singles for an only-you-own-it look. Wierda believes every woman should have those perfect pieces in their closet that you can have fun playing with every day. Stop in for warm-weather gear such as mittens, hats, texting gloves and knit hats with ear bud holders. Oh, and a little owl ring that has a poof of fur on it. “It’s so crazy adorable.”

Fleece-lined leggings, available at Lee & Birch

Look for a big sale in January, possibly leading into February at A.K. Rikk’s. Some of the best clothing and hard-to-find brands in Grand Rapids are going to be on sale.

Missing out on this sale means missing out on fabulous clothing at scandalous prices. While there, sniff out a cheeky product that’s getting a lot of attention: Moonshine, a gentleman’s cologne. The elusive fragrance is only sold in five locations and after showing up in Southern Living, it’s become a hot commodity. “It has a very clean, musky pine sent to it,” said Matt Sova, resident fashion muse. “Very woodsy.” Ooh, mama likes… n

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by Josh Spanninga

Comedy At The B.O.B. Grand Rapids, MI 616.356.2000 www.thebob.com

ROCKY LAPORTE January 3 - 5

CARL LABOVE

January 10 - 12

GODFREY

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

January 17 - 19

KYLE DUNNIGAN January 24 - 26

DAN CUMMINS Jan. 31 - Feb. 2

THEGILMORECOLLECTION.COM

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Godfrey: From Warm-Up Comedian To Shaq’s Right-Hand Man

A

t the beginning of his comedy career, Godfrey C. Danchimah, Jr. felt his name was a bit of a mouthful for open mic nights around town. So, for the sake of simplification (and memorability), he decided to shorten it.

Thus was born the comedian known as Godfrey.

In 1995, after a few years of building up his comedy chops at local Chicago comedy clubs, Godfrey took on a job as warm-up comedian for the show “Cosby,” which was no small task for a young performer. godFrey His responsibilities included performing Dr. Grins, Grand Rapids in front of the studio (as well as for Bill Jan 17-19, show times at Cosby himself sometimes) as a warm-up 5:30, 8, 9 and 10:30 p.m. before the show was taped. $10-$15 “I had to work hard in front of thebob.com, (616) 356-2000 [Cosby], because, you know, you want to work hard in front of him,” Godfrey said.

For an entire season he performed his stand-up material, modifying his routine to fit the more family oriented nature of the show.

Godfrey also soaked in all the information he could about how television works.

“It helped me to know what it was like to be on the inside as far as how they work a sitcom and how they rehearse. I really got educated on that.”

After his gig for “Cosby” ended, Godfrey went on to perform in front of the cameras as the spokesman for 7 Up during the “Make 7 Up Yours” campaign, and segued into bigger projects and films such as Zoolander and Soul Plane. For a comedian still making a name for himself, getting such projects took a lot of preparation and auditioning.

“You’re well off when you’re really famous because they just put you in stuff. That’s what I’m waiting for, to get really famous.”

“I had to work hard in front of [Cosby] ... you want to work hard in front of him.”

Nonetheless, he has steadily found work in TV and film throughout his career and managed to maintain a devoted following in the comedy club circuit. He also found camaraderie among his peers, which recently helped him to secure a recurring guest role on the Emmy Award-winning series “Louie.”

“Louis C.K. [‘Louie’ star and creator], I’ve known for a long time, and I think his show is amazing. To be on his show for both first and second seasons is a privilege.”

January through February of 2013, Godfrey will have a new project airing on Tru TV called “Shaq Upload.”

“It’s like ‘Tosh.0,’ but it’s me and Shaq and another comedian, Gary Owen, and we’re the co-hosts, and we just make fun of videos and do sketches.”

He also plans on continuing with his rigorous tour schedule, which is a chance to further refine his craft.

“I think that getting better in comedy is taking more chances and being willing to not stay stuck in a rut. Everyone gets stuck in a rut. But some comedians do the same stuff and don’t really try to grow, and I always try to do something new and take chances.” n

by Anya Zentmeyer

film

Post-Apocalyptic Pastimes Congratulations! You have not only survived the apocalypse and outwitted the Mayans, but you’ve also stumbled upon a treasure trove of films with culture, fresh starts and yes, even puppies. Allow me to explain, West Michigan.

Les Troyens — Photo: Marty Sohl/Metropolitan Opera

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

ON THE SCREEN

The legendary Metropolitan Opera House comes alive with Celebration! Cinema’s MET Opera: Live in HD. As an entity, this Emmy Award-winning series features 12 performances and screens at select Celebration! Cinema locations.

On Jan. 5, check out Hector Berlioz’s five-act French Opera Les Troyens (The Trojans) in the Met’s 2003 performance, conducted by Fabio Luisi and starring Deborah Voigt, Susan Graham, Marcello Giordani and Dwayne Croft. For a real tearjerker, MET Opera: Live in HD brings the tragic second installation of Gaetano Donizetti’s Tudor trilogy, Maria Stuarda to audiences on Jan. 19.

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Jeremy Kress, director of marketing and promotions at Celebration! Cinema, said The Met: Live in HD was developed as a way to reach not only existing audiences, but also introduce new audiences to the often inaccessible-feeling world of Opera through new technology.

“We have found that non-Opera fans have also really enjoyed this experience,” Kress said. “The productions are chosen

by The Met to represent a variety of styles and the full range of the Met repertoire and artists. They all feature great storytelling, great singing and extraordinary production values.”

Kress said the theater sold around 3,500 tickets for the 2011-2012 series season, and expects to sell close to 4,000 this time around.

“Many people tell us that it is a perfect, low-risk way to introduce a reluctant Opera-goer to the art form,” he said.

F or more information, tickets and show times, visit celebrationcinema.com/met.

WALKING DEAD(MEN)

West Michigan native Ken Johnson is not new to the Grand Rapids film scene, but is gaining momentum with his production company, Deadmen Ink.

Maria Stuarda — Photo: Brigitte Lacombe/Metropolitan Opera

Johnson attended Compass College of Cinematic Arts, and said he has had aspirations of leading a film company for a while now.

“Once I was finished with Compass, it just seemed natural to get working on it,” he said. “Now that I’m thrown into the real world, I’m doing everything I can do to not only survive, but bring other survivors to my side.”

Though Deadmen Ink is not currently financially selfsufficient, it’s on its way, and recently wrapped up a short film called The Twilite Zone, a self-described “maiden voyage” for the company that is being entered into film festivals around the country.

The Deadmen team is still in the process of recruiting new members. Right now, local filmmaker Liz Merriman is working as the company’s unit production manager and Johnson is in talks about collaboration with Rotomation Pictures’ Daniel Falicki on an upcoming series.

“We just want to compose our group full of people who will bleed for their art,” he said. “In a world like this, sometimes when it comes to keeping the creative side alive, it comes down to an aspect of survival. So in a way, we relate our company to the fact that we are building a survival team for the cinematic apocalypse.”

Though membership may be few, Deadmen Ink is certainly rooted in strength, borrowing its mission statement from the show “Deadmen Wonderland” – both the logic behind the company’s name and, Johnson said, a large influence on some of his work.

“It stands for how in an industry that is as cutthroat and archaic as it is, we are a group that wants to unite our talents to survive,” he said.

Johnson said that ultimately, his dream is for Deadmen Ink to be for West Michigan what Roger Corman was for Los Angeles.

“Whether or not you find his films to be good, Corman gave filmmakers [jobs] who normally wouldn’t get opportunities in film, but still had the skills to be on projects that challenged their abilities and allowed them to meet others and share from their talents,” he said.

WARM FUZZIES

Drop your kids off at the Humane Society of West Michigan’s Furry Friday Films for a critter-themed flick, popcorn and reallife adorable little animals.

The event is for kids, grades K-5, so don’t get too excited when I quote HSWM’s Humane Education Coordinator Jennifer Self-Aulgur on this one.

“We spend time with shelter animals like bunnies, guinea pigs, cats and dogs,” Self-Aulgur said. “We spend about 45 minutes with the animals. Sometimes the animals join us for part of the movie and snuggle with the kids.”

That is what I’m talking about, West Michigan.

Parents who want to live vicariously through their kids can do so by sending an RSVP to Self-Aulgur until up to 4 p.m. on event day. It’s $25 for the first child and $15 for every additional one.

To sign your little critter up, call (616) 791-8066 or e-mail jaulgur@hswestmi.org. n

REVUEWM.COM | January 2013 |

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Gangster Squad

Movie///pREVIEWS

by Diana Nowak

Opening January 4

Texas Chainsaw 3-D As if the true story of Ed Gein (the murderer who inspired the Leatherface franchise) wasn’t horrifying enough, moviegoers can now step into John Luessenhop’s newest reboot with their trusty 3-D glasses.

Travel alongside a new set of unsuspecting teenagers (Trey Songz, Alexandra Daddario) as they road trip to the ominous Sawyer family farmhouse and pick up where the 1974 otriginal film left off.

Opening January 11

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

Gangster Squad

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In the wake of the 2012 Aurora shooting, director Ruben Fleischer (30 Minutes or Less) postponed this 1940s crime drama about the battle between the LAPD and East Coast Mafia due to the gratuitous gun use. The final showdown between infamous mob king Mickey Cohen (Sean Penn) and California detectives (Josh Brolin, Anthony Mackie) is flawlessly chronicled, while the heated love story between Grace Faraday (Emma Stone) and Sgt. Jerry Wooters (Ryan Gosling) blossoms on screen.

Zero Dark Thirty Director Kathryn Bigelow and writer Mark Boal (The Hurt Locker) reunite to tell the critically acclaimed, yet already controversial story

of the CIA agents and Navy SEAL team that successfully assassinated Osama Bin Laden.

Instead of focusing on the president and politics, Bigelow emphasizes the willingness of the military operatives to put their lives at risk to complete their mission.

Opening January 18

Mama The struggles of a young couple (Jessica Chastain, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) trying to give their abandoned nieces a new life are realistically depicted, while questions begin to arise surrounding the disappearance of the girls’ birth mother. Whether or not she actually left the daughters is revealed in a shocking culmination to this suspenseful new horror film from Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth).

Opening January 25

Movie 43 Actress-turned-director Elizabeth Banks and at least one Farrelly brother (There’s Something About Mary, Dumb and Dumber) are to blame for this outrageous new ensemble comedy that intertwines (and tangles) numerous short stories, acted out by potentially the longest all-star cast list in movie history. Expect to see award-winning actors (Kate Winslet, Richard Gere) either swearing, fighting or fornicating with famous funnymen (Johnny Knoxville, Jason Sudeikis) in order to shock and offend audiences. n

Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule

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Dining Restaurant listings arranged by region

Angel’s Thai Café 136 Monroe Center NW. 616-454-9801 THAI. This downtown restaurant makes your order fresh, fast, and hot. You can order your entree with your choice of meat and spice level, or create your own. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Thai Steak and Yum Talay.

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BarterTown Diner 6 Jefferson St. SE. 616-233-3219 VEGAN. This workerowned-and-operated restaurant offers a variety of tasty healthy dishes fresh and hand-picked right from local family farms. Want a certain recipe or cooking lessons?

Events and programs are BarterTown’s way of getting the community involved. So don’t be surprised if one day there’s Greek and Mediterranean cuisine and the next it’s all about pizza. SERVING: Breakfast (Saturday & Sunday), Lunch, Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Locally based vegan meals.

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Bentham’s Riverfront Restaurant 187 Monroe Ave. NW. 616-774-2000 AMERICAN. Enjoy great breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert options while looking out at the Grand River. Bentham’s now offers a lunch buffet with choices of salads, breads, soups and roast beef and poultry carved to order — not to mention stir-fry stations with fresh vegetables, meats or seafood and unique sauces. Casual attire. SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Open 7 days, closes at 2 p.m. GO THERE FOR: Lunch buffet.

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Big O Café 80 Ottawa NW. 616-451-1887 ITALIAN. The downtown (and downstairs) restaurant has a reliable menu featuring pizza, pasta, and sandwiches that are Italian and Cuban influenced. A great spot for lunch or a quick glass of wine and plate of pasta before a downtown event. SERVING: Lunch

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openings and closings, editorial space, budgets, deadlines, acts of God, congressional hearings and, of course, visits and meals at restaurants throughout the region. The listings are not intended to be reviews of West Michigan restaurants, although we will inject some opinions into the listings based on experiences or the personal preferences of staff. Our intention is to expand and sharpen the content every month to make it the region’s most user-friendly and accurate dining guide. To submit or correct information

Cuisine is a hot spot for those who like to add a little flavor to their lives. With a lunch buffet served every weekday, this restaurant provides its eaters with an array of traditional Indian cuisine. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Naan, Butter Chicken.

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The Bistro 11 Monroe Avenue NW (at Courtyard Marriott).

616-242-6000 AMERICAN. Serving American food bistro-style, whether it’s grab-and-go or guests dining in for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Bistro offers fresh seasonal options, serves Starbucks beverages and has a full-service bar. SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Sandwiches.

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Bistro Bella Vita 44 Grandville Ave. SW. 616-222-4600 ITALIAN. One of Grand Rapids’ best dining experiences, featuring Mediterraneaninspired country cuisine, a swanky yet comfortable downtown atmopshere and personable service. BBV’s culinary team creates authentic, housemade recipes made with locally grown produce, fresh seafood and rotisserie roasted meats.

Specialty gluten-free menu, and can prepare custom dishes for lactose intolerant, vegetarian, and vegan diets.

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Mediterranean Country Cuisine and Martinis.

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Blue Water Grill 5180 Northland Dr. 616-363-5900 SEAFOOD. One of Grand Rapids’ most inspired restaurants in terms of overall ambiance, with Frank Lloyd Wright-style architecture, a stunningly massive fireplace, and some of the best water views in West Michigan. The food is similarly inspired, drawing from Italian, Mediterranean and classic American influences. All the traditional favorites are accounted for with a wide variety of wood-fired pizzas, seafood, steaks, chops, salads, and sandwiches. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Grass Fed Beef.

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Bobarino’s 20 Monroe Ave. NW. 616-356-2000 ITALIAN. A melting pot of food, live entertainment and fun. Live music Tuesday through Saturday, including rock, jazz, retro, country, rockabilly and more. Large game room with video games, billiards and shuffleboard. Menu includes vast array of wood-fired pizzas, plus burgers, entrées and classic appetizers. Lunch buffet with pizza, pasta, and salad for $6.45. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Wood-fired pizzas.

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Bombay Cuisine 1420 Lake Dr. SE 616-456-7055 INDIAN. Offering savory and subtly spiced dishes from northern India, Bombay

Brandywine 1345 Lake Dr./2844 East Beltline NE 616-774-8641/616363-1723 AMERICAN. Both locations do brisk business at breakfast, especially on Sundays, but also offer a solid lunch and dinner menu featuring sandwiches, pasta, Mexican favorites and the legendary beehive potatoes. SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Breakfast.

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Bulls Head Tavern 188 Monroe NW. 616-454-3580 AMERICAN. Downtown eatery is a great spot for business lunch or casual pre-show dinner, with a wide-ranging menu that includes salads, burgers, pasta, seafood and steaks. Specialties include the ostrich burger, sashimi tuna and smoked Gouda chicken pasta.

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday. GO THERE FOR: The Ostrich Burger.

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Charley’s Crab 63 Market SW. 616-459-2500 SEAFOOD. A staple on the finedining scene in Grand Rapids. Fresh seafood, a world-class Sunday brunch and a comfortable, upscale atmosphere for drinks and dining. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The Sunday brunch buffet.

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Cherie Inn 969 Cherry SE. 616-458-0588 BREAKFAST. The East Hills restaurant is one of the area’s most-loved breakfast and lunch spots. A neighborhood staple for more than 60 years, the eatery offers a cozy, café-style setting complete with French flags, weathered brick walls, pressed tin ceiling, and intimate tables. Breakfast is the true star, with a variety of regular dishes like eggs Florentine and blueberry pancakes, as well as specials like red-flannel hash and almond joy pancakes. SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: T W Th F Sa Sn. GO THERE FOR: Eggs Florentine.

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The Corner Bar 31 N. Main St. 616-866-9866 AMERICAN. The downtown Rockford tavern serves a solid menu of burgers, burritos, salads and sandwiches, but it is best known for hot dogs — serving almost 1,000 per day. Its hot-dog-eating challenge has been conquered by more than a few, but it raises the question: Why would you want to consume Corner Bar dogs in a hurry rather than savor each bite? SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Hot dogs.

Cornucopia 187 Monroe Ave. NW. 616-774-2000 DELI. A refreshing option for on-the-go, or casual, lighter fare. Enjoy deli options such as homemade soups, salads, Panini sandwiches and freshly brewed gourmet coffee.

SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Sandwiches.

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Cygnus 27 187 Monroe Ave. NW. 616-776-6425 ECLECTIC. Enjoy the skyline as you dine atop the Glass Tower. Indulge in a variety of globally infused dishes at this AAA Four-Diamond restaurant. Casual attire; no jacket required. Private dining also available. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Seasonal Sunday Brunch.

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GP Sports 187 Monroe Ave. NW. 616-776-6495 SPORTS BAR. Three large screens, more than 30 HD flat screens, pool tables, video games, outdoor patio seating, pizza, signature burgers and more. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays. GO THERE FOR: Score Big Burgers.

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Garden Court Lounge 187 Monroe Ave. NW. 616-774-2000 LOUNGE. An excellent choice for a quick drink with friends or when you desire relaxing with your favorite drink. The Garden Court Lounge offers a fine array of beer, wine, cocktails and liqueurs. SERVING: Drinks OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Specialty cocktails.

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Erb Thai 950 Wealthy St. SE #1A. (616) 356-2573 THAI. Food rooted in traditional Thai cuisine, but also made to accommodate health conscious and special diets. Not too strong, not too weak, like harmony and melody.

Marketing representative Molly Rizor was a Thai virgin when she went and is now glad Erb Thai was her first experience. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays. GO THERE FOR: Peanut Curry Noodles.

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Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule

Big Bob’s Pizza 661 Croswell Dr. 616-233-0123 ITALIAN. Located in Gaslight Village in East Grand Rapids (across from Jersey Junction), Big Bob’s is a cozy restaurant that serves up specialty pizzas, pastas, burritos, sandwiches and salads.

Sit out on the deck and enjoy Happy Hour from 4-6 p.m. and 9p.m.-close seven days a week. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza and beer (is there a better combination?).

restaurants. Our magazine listings will constantly change and grow in scope based on

in a dining listing, please send an e-mail to editor@revuewm.com.

Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Dead Head Vegetarian Pizza, Cuban dinners on Friday nights.

Grand Rapids

REVUE’S dining listings are compiled by staff and minions. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of restaurants in the region; for our full list, visit revuewm.com/

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Dining Founders Brewing Company 235 Grandville SW. 616-776-1195 BREWPUB. A beer-lover’s paradise with a national reputation for flavorful, awardwinning beers. Likewise, the brewpub’s menu consists mainly of flavorful handcrafted deli sandwiches that can stand up and complement the beers (or vice versa). SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Award-winning beer, handcrafted sandwiches.

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Gilly’s 20 Monroe NW. 616-356-2000 SEAFOOD. Gilly’s may not be the biggest name on the seafood block, but it takes second place to no one in regards to quality, freshness and inspiration. A vast array of exotic fish is line-caught, flown in and prepared fresh daily. Every facet of Gilly’s speaks to impeccable attention to detail. SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday. GO THERE FOR: Fresh seafood at a great price.

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G.R.P.D. (Grand Rapids Pizza and Delivery) 340 State St. SE. 616-454-9204 ITALIAN. The current GR location opened in 2004 as the first established pizzeria in the Heritage Hill district. A common meeting spot for local folks, business professionals and college students, a place where one could gather for a quick meal or a reflective lunch.

It offers both hand-tossed pizza and Chicago-style stuffed pizza, as well as pasta, sandwiches, salads, and wings.

Online ordering, too. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza.

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Grand Woods Lounge 77 Grandville Ave SW. 616-451-4300 AMERICAN. The restaurant’s interior exudes a warm, casual ambiance reminiscent of the great eateries of the Pacific Northwest; the outdoor porch features two outdoor bars and a fireplace.

Menu stocked with affordable appetizers great for sharing, plus salads, sandwiches, and entrées. Lots of domestics and microbrews, plus an array of martinis including the “Woodstini,” a tasty mix of Stoli Orange Vodka, mandarin oranges and raspberries. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Cocktails.

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Harmony Brewing Company 1551 Lake Dr. SE (616) 233-0063 BREWPUB. The newest addition to the Grand Rapids brewpub scene features five craft-brewed beers in addition to signature root beer for the kiddos. Harmony’s real specialty, however, is a take-out combo that features one of its gourmet wood-fire pizzas and a growler of beer. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza and brews.

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HopCat 25 Ionia SW. 616-451-4677 TAVERN. Rated the 3rd best beer bar on the planet by Beer Advcoate, HopCat’s spin on its food is thus: “It’s the food your Mom would feed you, if your Mom loved beer.” That’s specifically true for HopCat’s beerbar cheese, cheese ale soup and porter braised beef, but mom would also love the Hippie wrap (it’s vegetarian), the crack fries (not real crack), and Killer Mac and Cheese. Because what mom doesn’t like mac and cheese? SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Widest variety of beers, crack fries.

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J Bar 20 Monroe NW. 616-356-2000 STEAKS. Grass-fed beef selections and an ample variety of seafood, chops and house specialties. Extensive wine cellar and tastefully upscale ambiance that’s comfortable rather than stuffy.

SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday. GO THERE FOR: Choice-cut prime rib, 10-oz. Filet, 14-oz. Top Sirloin.

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JD Reardon’s Bar & Grill 940 Monroe Ave NW. (616) 454-8590 AMERICAN. Neighborhood pub offers 15 Michigan beers on tap and more bottled, along with a full menu of handmade appetizers, pizzas, salads, sandwiches and 16 half-pound burgers.

Nightly drink specials and karaoke on Tuesday night.

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Burgers.

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Graydon’s Crossing 1223 Plainfield NE. 616-726-8260 TAVERN. An authentic take on the English Pub, with a huge selection of beers on tap and a menu that includes classic English dishes like Fish & Chips, Shepherd’s Pie and Irish Stew, as well as Indian specialties like Tandoori Chicken and Tikka Masala. A great casual atmosphere for drinking and dining. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Beer and authentic pub food.

Lumber Baron Bar 187 Monroe Ave. NW. (616) 774-2000 LOUNGE. Settle into the warmth and charm of this historic bar — complete with a fireplace, leather club chairs and a large selection of premium drinks and appetizers.

SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays and Mondays GO THERE FOR: Scotch or Brandy after a Symphony concert.

The Green Well 924 Cherry SE. 616-808-3566 Eclectic. REVUE’s “Free Market” columnist Steven de Polo writes, “Green Well is the best restaurant in GR.” The East Hills gastro-pub serves up an ever-changing menu featuring local ingredients, and a wide array of local craft brews and wines. The green refers also to the LEED© certified building and management’s commitment to a small carbon footprint. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Baked local goat cheese, Michigan maple whiskey chicken over risotto.

Maggie’s Kitchen 636 Bridge St. NW. 616-458-8583 MEXICAN. The storefront restaurant on GR’s west side has quietly built a reputation as one of the best places in town for authentic Mexican food, especially its tacos and breakfast items like huevos a la Mexicana (scrambled eggs with onions and jalapenos).

SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: T W Th F Sa Sn. GO THERE FOR: Tex-Mex.

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Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Cheap beer.

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The Holiday Bar 801 5th St. NW, Grand Rapids. 616-456-9058 AMERICAN. For 107 years, The Holiday Bar has been serving its loyal customers great beer and food, with 12 specialty beers of tap and its homemade “Porter” Pulled Pork sandwiches.

Fully stocked with pool tables and nine HD flat screens, this dive is the perfect spot for cheap beer and good times..

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Marie Catrib’s 1001 Lake Dr. 616-454-4020 ECLECTIC. The East Hills eatery has one of the most hard-to-categorize menus in West Michigan, but this line from its website begins to do it justice: “a twist of Lebanese, a hint of Yooper and yen for unique pastries.” Everything is made from scratch with local ingredients, and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Get there early for lunch, as there is almost always

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a wait. SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Salads, soups and sandwiches.

Mixology 235 Louis St. NW. 616-242-1448 LOUNGE. Casual, upscale service and atmosphere allows guests to relax and enjoy the city views. This type of service allows guests to complete business tasks while still enjoying the accessibility to great food and libations.

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Specialty cocktails.

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O’Toole’s 448 Bridge St. 616-742-6095 PUB. This West side pub is equipped with delicious and outrageously topped burgers, as well as an extensive beer selection, and arguably, the best happy hour specials in town. If food is not your passion, this is a prime place to kick off your Sunday Funday with its $3 Absolut Bloody Mary bar.

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Gourmet burgers, Absolut Bloody Mary bar.

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Olive’s Restaurant 2162 Wealthy St. SE. 616-451-8611 ECLECTIC. Gaslight Village mainstay for Easties looking to have a cocktail and casual dinner. The menu is surprisingly broad, with innovative starters (e.g., Napoli fritters, Paella cakes) and diverse entrées like Southern meatloaf, braised short ribs and mobu tofu. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: A broad selection.

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The Pita House 1450 Wealthy SE, 3730 28th Street, 4533 Ivanrest SW (Grandville). 616-454-1171 MEDITERRANEAN. Gyros so big you can club someone with them, the smoothest hummus in town and other Mediterranean fare, including kibbe, kafta and falafel. Additional locations on 28th Street and Kalamazoo SE. Sandwiches are made to order with fresh vegetables and ingredients. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh pita wraps.

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Radix Tavern 1420 Lake Dr. SE 616-458-5583 SOUTHERN. Radix Tavern provides its diners with delicious Southern-styled food made from traditional Michigan ingredients. Using local, seasonal and sustainable products whenever possible, Radix Tavern is sure to delight its visitors with home-styled cooking, selection of beers and wines and vegetarian and vegan options. SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays GO THERE FOR: Michigan beers on tap.

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Red Jet Cafe 1431 Plainfield Ave. NE. 616-719-5500 ECLECTIC. The funky restaurant in Creston’s old library is the kind of place you’d find in Chicago’s hip neighborhoods, offering non-sequitur menu items that somehow seem to work. Seriously, how many other places in town can you find that serve high-end organic coffees, crepes, wood-fired pizzas and artisan baked goods. Is it a bistro? Is it a coffeehouse? Does it matter?

SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days.

GO THERE FOR: Crepes.

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Reds on The River 8 E. Bridge St. 616-863-8181 AMERICAN. This highly acclaimed restaurant in the Rockford area promises no processed foods. Red’s sports a cylindrical fireplace and is known for its incredible views and outdoor dining. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays.

GO THERE FOR: Steak and Wine.

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Reserve 201 Monroe Ave. NW (616) 855-9463 ECLECTIC. With 102 wines available by the glass and more than 300 by the bottle, paired with an ever-changing food menu influenced

by West Michigan grown foods, Reserve promises diners a unique experience. Cocktails and craft beers add depth to the primarily wine-centered menu. SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday GO THERE FOR: Wine and food pairings, charcuterie.

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Rockwell-Republic 45 S. Division Ave. 616-551-3563 ECLECTIC. Menu offerings range from sushi to burgers and everything in between.

The cocktail menu runs the gamut from classics like the Manhattan to more modern variations and the beer and wine menus are nothing to sneeze at either. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Specialty cocktails, broad menu, lively atmosphere.

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Rose’s On Reeds Lake 550 Lakeside Dr. SE. 616-458-1122 ECLECTIC. The East Grand Rapids landmark is one of those places that has a different feel in each season. In the summertime, it’s a great spot to hang on the decks and have cocktails and light appetizers; when the snow is falling, it’s a warm and cozy spot for a hearty meal and big glass of wine. The menu draws from a multitude of influences including Mediterranean, Italian, and Casual American. SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Root Chips.

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Ruth’s Chris Steak House 187 Monroe Avenue NW. 616-776-6426 STEAKHOUSE. Serving only the best steaks, Ruth’s Chris hand-selects its steaks from the top two percent of the country’s beef, which is then broiled to perfection at 1800 degrees. Enjoy the freshest seafood, classic sides and homemade desserts that satisfy any craving.

SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays. GO THERE FOR: Steak.

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San Chez a Tapas Bistro 38 West Fulton St. 616-774-8272 ECLECTIC. Using available local products, San Chez a Tapas Bistro is a social setting where people can remember the one rule of kindergarten: sharing. Featuring small, delicious dishes, San Chez a Tapas Bistro can satiate your desire for variety. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Tapas.

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San Chez Cafe 38 West Fulton St. 616-774-8272 ECLECTIC. This comfy venue allows customers to “walk on sunshine” with its windowed-out structure. A hidden secret for breakfast in downtown Grand Rapids, San Chez Cafe promises a great start to any day.

SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Sandwiches.

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More listings at revuewm.com/restaurants.

a premier dining rewards program

SUPPER CLUB

PULL UP A CHAIR AND JOIN US .

We are pleased to introduce our exclusive Supper Club program, providing guests with extraordinary rewards every time they dine.

Memberships may be purchased at any of the participating Amway Grand Plaza, JW Marriott, and Downtown Courtyard by Marriott restaurant locations, online at amwaygrand.com/sc, or by calling 616.776.6980.

• Buy one dinner entrée at six.one.six or Cygnus 27 and receive one complimentary dinner entrée • 20% off entire guest check at Lumber Baron Bar, Garden Court Lounge, GP Sports, or Cornucopia located inside the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel or The Bistro located in the Downtown Courtyard by Marriott • Earn a $20 gift card from the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel for each new Supper Club member that you refer • And so much more!

REVUEWM.COM | January 2013 |

51

Taste This

by Matt Simpson Siegel

Cheap Drinks:

Half-Off Bottles on Tuesdays at The Wine Loft Drunken Duck Tacos

Y

ou can’t go wrong with half off the price on a bottle of vino at The Wine Loft every Tuesday. Sit inside and lounge about this decadent downtown Kalamazoo spot with one of the best weekly wine offerings in West Michigan. The selection of reds and whites will have you warming up and smiling before the first cork is popped and an appetizer is selected. 161 E. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo; (269) 343-9227, milleniumrestaurants.com/loft

Foodie Events:

Culinary Classroom: Cajun, featuring Jorge Sanchez

Bloody Mary Mix-Off at Spring Lake Heritage Festival

Hone your southern cooking skills with San Chez, A Tapas Bistro Creator Jorge Sanchez. Family Fare Supermarkets presents a Culinary Classroom event where Sanchez shares his knowledge of Creole and Cajun cuisine. This handson cooking class and wine pairing (must be 21+) with Sanchez imparts tips on the proper blackening technique and features a wide array of dishes including catfish, crab cakes, jambalaya and a tantalizing Creole Coffee Ice Cream Punch. RSVP online in advance, as space is limited. D&W Fresh Market, Grandville; Jan. 18, 6 p.m., $40, 21+; dwfm.spartanstores.com, (888) 296-5850

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

Vote for the best Bloody Mary at the 7th Annual Bloody Mary Mix Off at Old Boy’s Brew House during the Spring Lake Heritage Festival on Jan. 19.

Area bartenders will feature their spin on the early day drink of choice. Also wear your best pajamas to vie for the Best Pajamas Award. $2 drink tickets, $10 to judge. Old Boy’s Brewhouse, Spring Lake; Jan. 19, 12-5 p.m.; slheritagefestival.com, (616) 850-9950

On Our Restaurant Radar:

leg of duck under a cover of corn, onion and cilantro, seeping with black-eyed pea salsa and jalapeno-lime sour cream. Although the Louisiana Mussels aren’t local, you won’t care after the first bite of Andouille sausage, mussels with red and green pepper and a swash of creole tomato broth grace your palate.

Stave off the cold and linger in the warmth with larger dishes, such as Leek’s Quebecoisarm-to-table Radix Tavern serves up inspired Barbecue Poutine of Beef or the comfort southern-style cuisine with local ingredients food staple, The Meaty Mac. The former features courtesy of Chef Jayson Leek, a Kansas brisket, sirloin and white cheddar atop tavern transplant and former sous chef of Judson’s fries, smothered in gravy. The latter is a robust Steakhouse and Gilly’s. Since Radix opened in corkscrew pasta ‘n’ cheese plate, which includes September inside the former Queen’s Pub in the same tender beef brisket of the poutine Eastown, Leek has created a strong, along with pulled pork, barbecued slow-cooked menu. The restaurant chicken, bacon and sausage in creamy Radix Tavern itself features local works of art for Great Lakes cheddar cheese sauce. If 1420 Lake Dr., purchase, with 100 percent of the you’d prefer a sandwich, the pickled Grand Rapids proceeds going to the artists. watermelon and cucumbers of the radixtavern.com, It’s easy to become lost in the Barbecue Pulled Pork will have you (616) 458-5583 smaller dishes at Radix. Small plate licking instead of wiping the mustard highlights include the Louisiana from your lips.

Mussels, Drunken Duck Tacos and Keep an eye on the seasonal Honey-Roasted Cauliflower Crowns, which featured dishes for unique specialties using such are bunched with barbecued cashews, arugula, local necessities as pork belly, winter vegetables fire-roasted peppers and served with a side of and Michigan beer. A host of vegan options exhouse-made honey-mustard sauce. Local fa- ist, along with a fully stocked bar. For the truly vorite Drunken Duck Tacos feature a seasonal Southern, just douse it all in the homemade hot Michigan-beer braised and shredded thigh and sauce for 50 cent per two-ounce portion.

Radix Tavern

F

Not a jazz club.

This is jazz nirvana.

Your ticket includes a post-concert reception with the artists!

“Each player is a virtuoso in his own right.”

- University of Chicago review

52 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2013

Dave Holland Quintet January 24, 2013 | 7:30 PM

Showcasing the world’s most

Amazing Artists

JA ZZ

St. Cecilia Music Center

The award-winning bassist, band leader and master of tone and rhythm.

nyc2gr.org 616.459.2224 St. Cecilia Music Center

get even happier.

201 Monroe avenue nW doWntoWn grand rapids reservegr.coM

616 855 Wine

kids cooking classes!

JANUARY 14, 24, 28 & FEBRUARY 4

Vitale’s of Hudsonville 5779 Balsam Dr. Hudsonville, MI 49426-1102 (616) 662-2244 Vitale’s of Grand Rapids vitaleshudsonville.com 834 Leonard St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Vitale’s of Comstock Park (616) 458-8368 Vitale’s of Zeeland theoriginalvitales.com 59 West Washington Ave. 3868 West River Dr. Comstock Park, MI 49321 Zeeland, MI 49464 (616) 772-5900 (616) 784-6044 vitalessportsbar.com vitaleszeeland.com Vitale’s of Ada 400 Ada Dr. Suite A Ada, MI 49503 (616) 676-5403 vitalesada.com

LEARN KNIFE SAFETY, MAKE BREAD OR PLAYDOUGH, DECORATE CAKES & COOKIES! $15 per child - ages 5 & up (price includes dinner for child) (parents will receive 20% off dine-in) *5-8 must be accompanied by guardian

38 Fulton Street W, Grand Rapids, MI • sanchezbistro.com • (616) 774-8272

REVUEWM.COM | January 2013 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule

Locally owned, serving West Michigan our homemade recipes and fresh ingredients for over 40 years.

In addition to our regular 4 to 6 PM Happy Hour, join us for a little late night deliciousness. Our late night Happy Hour is from 9 to 11 PM, Monday through Saturday, for the entire month of January. Enjoy $5 wine and cocktails, along with great specials on our cheese and charcuterie!

53

Dining

Six.One.Six. 235 Louis St. NW. 616-242-1448 ECLECTIC. Marketinspired menus, sweeping views and progressive rhythms combine to create a memorable dining experience. The dishes tempt taste buds and is the perfect spot for foodies. SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days GO THERE FOR: Variety and being seen.

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Stella’s Lounge 53 Commerce Ave. 616-356-2700 TAVERN. The Chicagostyle whiskey bar has more than 200 varieties of distilled spirits, old-school video games, a superexcellent jukebox stocked with rock and punk classics, and a menu filled with vegetarian and vegan bar food — and stuffed burgers. Did we mention you can sip cans of PBR, Blatz and other classic beers, as well as sangria, out of a mason jar? REVUE’s British ex-pat David Smith calls Stella’s his favorite bar in the world. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days.

GO THERE FOR: Vegetarian and vegan bar food.

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The Score 5301 Northland Dr. NE. 616-301-0600 SPORTS BAR. Multifaceted restaurant and sports bar has a lot to offer, including expansive menu with discount options, happy hour specials, countless big screen and projection TVs broadcasting big games and pay-per-view UFC matches, outdoor beach volleyball and live music in the summertime … the list goes on. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Sports Bar Atmosphere.

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Tavern on the Square 100 Ionia Ave. SW. 616-456-7673 ECLECTIC. The re-fashioned former Irish pub still has that neighborhood feel, and offers up a unique menu with salads, antipasto, appetizers, a pub burger, and an array of unique “Yankee Tapas” like Fish Tacos, Loaded Carnival Fries and the ultimate West Side tapas: Pierogies. A hodgepodge to be sure, but fun.

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: PBJ Tuna.

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Vitale’s Restaurants Various Grand Rapids locations. vitalespizza.com ITALIAN. The Vitale family has served West Michigan for more than 40 years. Each of the five locations in the Greater Grand Rapids area offer traditional Italian family recipes and award-winning pizza, but provide their own unique dining experience. Whether you go there to watch the big game, enjoy a brew or dine on authentic Italian dishes, these locations have something for everyone.

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days GO THERE FOR: Pizza and Italian dishes.

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

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Lakeshore

what it is — a chop house and grill. Atmosphere is warm with Tuscan tones, atmospheric lighting, classically cool music and leather booths. The menu focuses on steaks and chops and makes no apologies. The steaks are prime USDA choice, the seafood selection immaculate, and the wine and beverage list is top shelf. Relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days.

GO THERE FOR: Nightlife.

84 East 84 East 8th St., Holland. 616-396-8484 ITALIAN. While we categorize it as “Italian,” that’s a bit limiting for this downtown Holland spot, which specializes in creating inventive pasta dishes. Housed in an old industrial building, 84 East is a favorite splurge spot among REVUE’s Hope College minions. 84 East also serves up designer pizzas and a few non-pasta house specialties like Pork Marsala and Mahi Mahi. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sunday GO THERE FOR: Baked Spaghetti Pie, Tuxedo Chicken Pasta.

Mia & Grace 1133 3rd St., Muskegon. 231-725-9500 AMERICAN. Calls itself a bakery and bistro, but that’s too limiting to describe the creativity of Mia & Grace’s menu. The farm-to-table eatery in downtown Muskegon is casual and comfortable and serves lots of one-of-a-kind items like the Pork Belly Reuben or the Duck PB&J (duck confit, carmelized onions, cashew-peanut butter, green pepper jelly, anadama bread).

SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday.

GO THERE FOR: Salads, Soups, Creme Brulee.

Bil-Mar Restaurant 1223 S. Harbor St., Holland. 616-842-5920 AMERICAN. A destination restaurant for locals and tourists for more than 60 years. Dazzling sunsets and an All-American menu featuring fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Lake perch, lobster strudel, prime rib.

New Holland Brewing Company 66 E. 8th St., Holland. 616-355-6422 BREWPUB. One of West MI’s premier microbreweries serves up better than average pub grub, including the Tarheel barbecue Pulled Pork, Grilled Portobello and The Treehugger, which is billed as “a vegetarian sandwich utopia.” SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Mad Hatter IPA, Dragon’s Milk.

Blue House Bistro 220 W. 8th Street, Holland. 616-355-1994 AMERICAN. Chef-owned boutique bistro located in downtown Holland, with an extensive menu featuring small plates, sandwiches, soups, salads, pizza, desserts, dine-in, take-out, delivery catering, beer and wine to-go. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN: Tu–Sun. GO THERE FOR: Seafood gumbo, Saturday and Sunday brunch.

Salt of the Earth 114 East Main St., Fennville. 269-561-7258 AMERICAN. Salt of the Earth is a farm-to-table-inspired restaurant, bar, and bakery located in the heart of SW Michigan farm country in Fennville. Focuses on fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients whenever possible. Also serves up live music on weekends.

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: House made rustic cuisine.

CityVu Bistro 61 East 7th Street, Holland. 616-796-2114 AMERICAN. Located atop CityFlats Hotel in downtown Holland, CityVu Bistro offers unique breakfast creations, an array of flatbread dinners, and small plates. Full bar with extensive wine list and great views of Holland. Hours of operation change with the seasons. SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Flatbreads.

Saugatuck Brewing Company 2948 Blue Star Highway. 269-857-7222 BREWPUB. Enjoy a traditional Irish-style pub that features quality beer, wine, food and service. Try one of 12 unique brews that are served in the pub and bottled and distributed throughout the Midwest. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days.

GO THERE FOR: Beer in a family friendly pub environment.

Everyday People Cafe 11 Center St., Douglas. 269-857-4240 AMERICAN. REVUE Publisher Brian Edwards calls Everyday People Café his favorite restaurant along the lakeshore. The atmosphere is casual and upbeat, the staff knows its stuff about wine and food, and the seasonal menu is filled with meticulously prepared, eclectic comfort food like Butternut Squash Risotto, Braised Lamb Shank and Ahi Tuna. A great wine list and tremendous desserts. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Gorgonzola Pork Chop, Greek Salad with Grandma Gigi’s Dressing (Edwards).

Vitale’s of Zeeland 59 W. Washington St. (616) 772-5900 ITALIAN. This family owned restaurant specializes in Italian dining, but also has a full menu including Mexican and American specialties. Family friendly atmosphere with newly remodeled dining, and an expanded sports bar with big screen TVs. Happy hour specials, live music every Saturday and has been voted Best Pizza seven years in a row by the Grand Rapids Press. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza.

heartiest breakfast dishes and funniest menu descriptions.

Courteous staff never fails to offer a cup of coffee to go after we’ve finished breakfast. SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Breakfast all day.

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The Winchester 648 Wealthy St. SE. 616-451-4969 ECLECTIC. Upscale Wealthy Street bar and restaurant feels like it was plucked from Chicago’s Bucktown or Logan Square neighborhoods.

A comfortable spot to drink or dine, with an always evolving menu featuring shared plates, salads and inventive sandwiches. The Cuban Reuben, originally created as something of a joke, remains a (very tasty) staple item. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: DIY Bloody Mary Bar Special, Yucca Fries.

Fricano’s Pizza Tavern 1400 Fulton Ave., Grand Haven. 616-842-8640 ITALIAN. Claims to be the first pizzeria in Michigan, but customers care less about its longevity than the amazingly crispy thin crust and simple ingredients atop its much-lauded pies. Four other locations around West MI, including Comstock Park, Muskegon, Holland and Kalamazoo. SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza.

Wolfgang’s Restaurant 1530 Wealthy St. SE. 616-454-5776 BREAKFAST. The bustling Eastown breakfast spot is home to some of the

Kirby House 2 Washington, Grand Haven. 616-846-3299 AMERICAN. The Grill Room doesn’t pretend to be anything other than

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54 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2013

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SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Handcrafted ales and barbecue.

Bell’s Eccentric Cafe 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave. 269-382-2332 BREWPUB. Eccentric Café’s regular menu of appetizers, sandwiches, sides and salads — plus the daily soups and specials — exists for a simple and important purpose: to complement the Kalamazoo microbrewery’s award-winning beers. Eat up while you drink up. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The Beer.

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Bravo!

5402 Portage Rd., Kalamazoo 269-344-7700 ITALIAN. Much-lauded restaurant has earned its stripes over past 23 years as one of the region’s best dining experiences, including a 3-star rating in the 2010 Forbes Travel Guide (formerly the Mobil Travel Guide). The Tuscan-inspired cuisine is spectacular, the atmosphere comfortable and intimate, and the service first-rate. Also brews its own beer in small batches for pairings with menu offerings.

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. (Closed Sat. lunch) GO THERE FOR: A great dining experience.

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Fieldstone Grille 3970 W. Centre St., Portage. 269-321-8480 AMERICAN. Lodge-retreat atmosphere overlooking the Moors Golf Club natural wetlands. The “field-to-plate” menu features burgers, pizzas, steaks and some eclectic items like quail. Try the FSG chips, a combination of potato, beet and sweet potato chips. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Blue Burger, Almond Crusted Walleye, FSG Chips.

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Food Dance 401 E. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo. 269-382-1888 AMERICAN. An eclectic American menu that reflects ownership’s fixation on “finding honest-to-goodness fruits, vegetables, meat and eggs that come from the farm, not the factory.” Lots of unique choices, for breakfast (gingerbread pancakes), lunch (crab cake sandwich) and dinner (beer roasted chicken). SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh Local Foods.

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Old Burdicks Bar & Grill 100 W. Michigan Ave. (269) 226-3192 AMERICAN. Old Burdick’s Bar & Grill features tasty sandwiches, burgers, salads and entrees, as well as a great selection of cocktails, wines and beers. SERVING: Lunch Dinner. OPEN: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The Old Burdick Burger.

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Olde Peninsula 200 E. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo 269-343-2739 BREWPUB. Downtown brewpub serves up the expected (e.g., steaks, ribs), the authentic (e.g., London Broil) and some pleasant surprises (e.g., extensive vegetarian offerings, Italian food).

Offers a range of beers brewed on the premises and served on tap, plus a full bar. Check out the seasonal porters on tap right now, including the Vanilla Porter (5.5% ABV) and Stout Chocula (5.25% ABV). SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days.

GO THERE FOR: Beer-B-Que Ribs, London Broil.

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Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Arcadia Brewing Co. 103 Michigan Ave., Battle Creek. 269-963-9520 BREWPUB. You’ll find some of the usual suspects on the Battle Creek brewpub’s menu, including wood-fired pizzas and some of the best barbecue in the region. But you’ll also find some delightful surprises — Osso Bucco in a brewpub?! — on the menu, courtesy of award-winning Chef Sean Kelly.

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Union Cabaret & Grille 125 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo. 269-384-6756 AMERICAN. A partnership with Western Michigan University, Union features eclectic food and cocktails, plus live jazz music performed by WMU faculty and students. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sunday. GO THERE FOR: Portabella Fries, Bloody Maries with infused vodkas. n

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Thai Sweet Basil Galangal Thai Lemon Bail Lemongrass Ginger Thai Holy Basil

grass Ginger Thai Holy

g

f

Gluten Free

Healthy lunch portions served all day!

Vegan Friendly & gluten-free options available!

616-356-2573

k ceboo

FREE

950 Wealthy St. SE Suite 1A, Grand Rapids, MI • (T) 616-356-2573 • (F) 616-356-2574 Mon.-Thurs. 11am-9pm Fri.-Sat. 11am-10pm • Sun. 12am-9pm • www.erbthaigr.com Major Credit Cards are Accepted • Catering is available

1/2 OFF WINE BOTTLES & COCKTAILS MONDAY & TUESDAY! (WITH FOOD PURCHASE VALID THROUGH JAN. 2013)

Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule

RADIX IS THE LATIN TERM FOR ‘ROOT’ AND THAT’S WH WHAT WE DO; WE COOK FROM OUR ROOTS. WE WOULD NEVER SERVE SE ANYTHING WE WOULDN’T EAT AND WE ARE VERY PICKY EATERS. HAPPY HOUR 44-6 6P P.M., M GREAT MI TAP SELECTION SELECTION, FUL FULL BAR AND WINE LIST. OPEN FOR DINNER MONDAY - SATURDAY - 1420 LAKE DR. SE - EASTOWN - (616) 458-5583 - RADIXTAVERN.COM

REVUEWM.COM | January 2013 |

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56 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2013

The Schedule Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: The New Permanent Collection One Trick Pony Acoustic Stew with Brant Satala Potter’s Log Cabin The Log Jam Pyramid Scheme Maurice Clark’s Album Release Gathering featuring Vaughn G, Fatima Washington, Paucity, Jean P., The Koh Kohs St. Cecilia Music Center GR Symphony Orchestra Rising Stars

The DAAC Inflatable Best Friend, Astro Bats, The Doctor’s Wives, The Soft Act, Night Hawk Dr. Grins Rocky Laporte Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double GRAM Friday Nights at the GRAM, Artist Talk: Robert McCann, Real/ Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Lemonjello’s Coffee Lemonjello’s Coffee 10th Birthday Bash!

Mocha n Music Dale Evenhouse Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: The New Permanent Collection Pyramid Scheme The Chinese People River City Saloon Cover Story Rocky’s Bar Control with DJ Colin Clive St. Cecilia Music Center GR Symphony Orchestra Rising Stars West Side Inn FREQ.OUT DJ Sizl and Scoops HOUDINI

friday

saturday

Get Scheduled! E-mail your info to schedule@revuewm.com or add your events into our calendar at revuewm.com.

Tuesday

1.01 happy new year!

wednesday

1.02

Billy’s Nate Holley Black Forest Brew Haus Beer Appreciation Society: Stouts Edition Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit

Loutit District Library LEGO Maniacs Club Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: The New Permanent Collection Rocky’s Bar Baconpalooza

thursday

1.03

The B.O.B. Dom Mclilmack Davis Crazy Horse Saloon Crazy Horse Comedy Night Dr. Grins Rocky Laporte Founders Brewing Company The Main Squeeze, Nate Holley Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting GR Public Library Main Branch Reading the Great Lakes

1.04

ABilly’s That Freak Quincy Cannonsburg So-Gnar “Shred Circuit” Rail Jam Czar’s 505 Jamaica Me Crazy

1.05

Belvedere Restaurant Wine Pairing Dinner Coral Gables in Saugatuck Coral Gables Comedy Club

DeVos Place 2013 GR Antique Market & Old House Expo Dr. Grins Rocky Laporte Founders Brewing An Evening with The Double Phelix Music Collective Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection The Muze In The Red One Trick Pony We Know Jack Park Theatre War Machine as KISS Pyramid Scheme Breathe Owl Breathe, Strawberry Heritage River City Saloon Cover Story Shakespeare’s Lower Level Blues Night featuring Boscoe Gee with Martila Sanders, Big Trouble

sunday

1.06

The 411 Club KVBA January Fundraiser featuring Big Boss Band and Out of Favor Boys Billy’s Revival ‘80s Dance Night DeVos Place 2013 GR Antique Market & Old House Expo

Founders Brewing Company GR Jazz Orchestra Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double: The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection Riverfront Hotel Landing Lounge Sunday Night Funnies Salt of the Earth Dave Hardin Band

monday

1.07

Billy’s BassBin Czar’s 505 Country Night: Brian Randall Band Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection Red Wall Gallery, GVSU Allendale Campus Mukono to Kampala: Life in Uganda by Ken VanderWal Riverfront Hotel Landing Lounge Sunday Night Funnies Rocky’s Bar Bingo

Best Bet: Rock

Grace Potter REVUEWM.COM | January 2013 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule

With its most recent effort, The Grace potter and the Lion The Beast The Beat, indie darlings Grace nocturnals Potter and the Nocturnals have taken the Kalamazoo State Theatre, notion of a masterful concept album and Kalamazoo really made it rumble. And, if you’ll forgive Jan.13, 7:30 p.m. / $25-$37.50 the gratuitous abuse of lion-related puns, kazoostate.com, (269) 345-6500 you might even say this musical snarl arrives rather unexpectedly, given the quartet’s gently purring origins. Formed in Vermont – a locale more recognized for ice cream-oriented hippie-ishness than beastly-bite – Grace Potter & The Nocturnals has proved itself an outfit capable of early-‘70s-style pop prowess, having released three technically accomplished albums under the direction of the young-butmelodically sophisticated Potter. However, with the fire-powered The Lion The Beast The Beat, fans and newbs alike should prepare for a more grown up, lioness growl from a songsmith ready to roar. Head on down to the Kalamazoo State Theatre and see what life inside Potter’s lush jungle landscape is really made of.

Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

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Schedule tuesday

1.08

Billy’s Open Mic Night GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting, Edward Hopper: Reality and Imagination Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: The New Permanent Collection Red Wall Gallery, GVSU Allendale Campus Mukono to Kampala: Life in Uganda by Ken VanderWal Riviera Theatre Karr Mattingly Duo featuring Composer Dr. Joseph Michaels Rocky’s Bar Acoustic Open Mic Host By Sam Kenny Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure

wednesday

1.09

Billy’s Nate Holley Live Cook DeWit Center, GVSU Allendale Campus Guest Artist Series: Ava Ordman, trombone GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection Red Wall Gallery, GVSU Allendale Campus Mukono to Kampala: Life in Uganda by Ken VanderWal Rocky’s Bar Baconpalooza

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

thursday

1.10

The B.O.B. Dom Mclilmack Davis Bell’s Brewery Organissimo Crazy Horse Saloon Crazy Horse Comedy Night Dr. Grins Carl LaBove Forest Hills Fine Arts Center Dianne Caroll Burdick Exhibit Founders Brewing Company Lincoln County Process Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts A Night with Cece Winans and Friends GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting

58 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2013

Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Kzoo Institute of Arts Up Close: Picasso’s Suite Vollard Loutit District Library Author Donna Budzenski Muskegon Museum of Art Brown Bag Films - Portraiture in Federal Ameica, ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection @ Muskegon Museum of Art One Trick Pony Acoustic Stew with Nik Thomasma Potter’s Log Cabin The Log Jam Pyramid Scheme MEGA 90s feat.

DJ Composition, DJ Snax, AB & Auto-Pilot, SuperDre, The Dj’s ENCORE Red Wall Gallery, GVSU Allendale Campus Mukono to Kampala: Life in Uganda by Ken VanderWal Rocky’s Bar The Moonrays Schuler Books 28th Street Location Local Author and Pop Culture Expert Bill Romanowski Shakespeare’s Lower Level Comedy Open Mic Night St. Cecilia Music Center Local Spins Live I Wealthy Theatre Mars Hill Movie: Beasts of the Southern Wild Wealthy Theatre Front Studio Improv Dance with Dinah

friday

1.11

Billy’s Starfarm DeVos Performance Hall GR Symphony Presents Symphonie Fantastique DeVos Place GR Bridal Show The DAAC Lasso, Bergerac, and others Dr. Grins Carl LaBove FireKeepers Casino Aretha Franklin Four Winds Casino The Four Tops Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts West Side Soul Surfers GRAM Friday Nights at GRAM, Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College’s De Pree Gallery Proof: An Exhibition in Printmaking Master Arts Theater Ben Christensen in Dinner for Two Mocha n Music Dale Evenhouse Mulligan’s Pub Buildlings and Between Brains

Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection Pyramid Scheme La Dispute, Pity Sex, Shores Red Wall Gallery, GVSU Allendale Campus Mukono to Kampala: Life in Uganda by Ken VanderWal River City Saloon Decades Rocky’s Bar Control with DJ Colin Clive Shakespeare’s Lower Level Diselboy the Destroyer St. Cecilia Music Center Concert Band Tip Top Deluxe Chuck Whiting & His Rowdy Friends wsg Stover Wealthy Theatre International Folk Dancing

saturday

1.12

All Ears Theatre The Green Hornet Coral Gables in Saugatuck Coral Gables Comedy Club DeVos Performance Hall GR Symphony Presents Symphonie Fantastique DeVos Place GR Bridal Show Dr. Grins Carl LaBove Founders Brewing Company The Dave Hardin Band GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College’s De Pree Gallery Proof: An Exhibition in Printmaking Kzoo State Theater Winter Funk Fest featuring Zapp Band Master Arts Theater Ben Christensen in Dinner for Two Miller Auditorium Bill Cosby Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection The Muze Trilogy The Orbit Room Toughman Professional Boxing Park Theatre Kashmir as Led Zeppelin Pyramid Scheme The Life & Times, Bars Of Gold, Child Bite, Frank Booth River City Saloon Decades Rocky’s Bar Head and Kyle Brown Shakespeare’s Lower Level Kzoo Beer Week Kickoff featuring Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers St. Cecilia Music Center Philharmonic, Sinfonia and Concert Orchestra

Tip Top Deluxe The Real Fantastics & The Sailor Kicks West Side Inn Know Lyfe, Lakeland, and We The People

sunday

1.13

Art Center of Battle Creek Art and Memories of World War II Billy’s Revival 80’s Dance Night Cannonsburg US Air Bag Demo Weekend Downtown Sparta Snowshoe Workshop Frederik Meijer Gardens Sculpture Park Body Double: The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture GRAM Real/Surreal (Last day of show!), Robert McCann: New History Painting Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College’s De Pree Gallery Proof: An Exhibition in Printmaking Kzoo Institute of Arts Up Close: Picasso’s Suite Vollard, Public Tour, Artbreak: Running Fence Kzoo State Theater Grace Potter & The Nocturnals wsg Langhorne Slim Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection, Cinema Sundays Salt of the Earth Joshua Davis Band Shakespeare’s Lower Level Beer Week Day Two: Arcadia Ales UICA 2013 Chiaroscuro International Film Series Wealthy Theatre Front Studio Dance in the Annex: Intermediate/ Advanced Contemporary Tech with Anne-Rene Petrarca

monday

1.14

Billy’s BassBin GVSU Art Gallery Mystery, Magic, and Mayhem: Wonders from the American Museum of Magic Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College’s De Pree Gallery Proof: An Exhibition in Printmaking Rocky’s Bar Bingo Shakespeare’s Lower Level Paw Paw and Right Brain Brewing Collaboration

Aretha Franklin

Best Bet: Soul Sure, America might technically be a monarchy-hating democracy, but c’mon, we all know there’s a queen in charge, and has been for quite some time. And I’m not talking about Michelle Obama here (although, in the absence of Liz I, I would probably give her my vote for Badass Highness.) Of course, the queen in reference here reigns fair and justly over the soul: soul music, our souls, hell, probably soul food, too. Naturally, you’re already well familiar with Aretha Franklin’s storied and well-examined legacy: the darling of the fledging Motown music scene, one tough, big-piped broad who demanded and commandeered a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T, etc. But have you been directly exposed to those legendary pipes in person? Just trust us; this is one line of fire you’ll Aretha Franklin want to put your- Firekeepers Casino Hotel, self in the path of. Battle Creek Sock it to us, again Jan. 11, 9 p.m. / $60-$70 and again, baby. firekeeperscasino.com, Reported by Emma (877) 352-8777 Kat Richardson

REVUEWM.COM | January 2013 |

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Schedule tuesday

1.15

Billy’s Open Mic Night GVSU Art Gallery Mystery, Magic, and Mayhem: Wonders from the American Museum of Magic Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College’s De Pree Gallery Proof: An Exhibition in Printmaking Rocky’s Bar Acoustic Open Mic Host By Sam Kenny Shakespeare’s Lower Level Kzoo Beer Week: Arbor Brewing and The Ugly Mug Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movies: Beetlejuice

wednesday

1.16

Billy’s Nate Holley Live GVSU Art Gallery Mystery, Magic, and Mayhem: Wonders from the American Museum of Magic Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College’s De Pree Gallery Proof: An Exhibition in Printmaking

Kzoo Institute of Arts Book Discussion: I Shock Myself: The Autobiography of Beatrice Wood Louis Armstrong Theatre, GVSU Allendale Campus Arts at Noon: GR Symphony Rocky’s Bar Baconpalooza Schuler Books 28th Street Location Author Talk and Booksigning with Jennifer Chiaverini Shakespeare’s Lower Level Kzoo Beer Week: Founders Brewing Teazers Bar and Grille Karaoke UICA Wheelhouse Talks: Kerri Reinbold

thursday

1.17

The B.O.B. Dom Mclilmack Davis Bell’s Brewery, Inc. Big Organ Trio Crazy Horse Saloon Crazy Horse Comedy Night Dr. Grins Godfrey Forest Hills Fine Arts Center Dianne Carroll Burdick Artist Reception Founders Brewing Company The Coop, Glean Infusion Frauenthal Center Muskegon Civic Theatre presents Leaving Iowa

GVSU Art Gallery, Allendale Campus Mystery, Magic, and Mayhem: Wonders from the American Museum of Magic Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College’s De Pree Gallery Proof: An Exhibition in Printmaking Kzoo Institute of Arts Up Close: Picasso’s Suite Vollard Mulligan’s Pub The Boss Mustangs and 45 Spider Musekgon Museum of Art Muskegon Museum of Art Open Tours Potter’s Log Cabin The Log Jam Pyramid Scheme Mad Snipes, Punksuhate, Assorted Anonymous, MC Friendly, Mikey Smooth, A Clay Shakespeare’s Lower Level Minute to Win It Party featuring Bell’s Brewing Company

friday

1.18

The Deltaplex Brew Ha Ha DeVos Performance Hall GR Symphony Presents Broadway Rocks!

Dog Story Theater Pop Scholars Dr. Grins Godfrey

Frauenthal Center Muskegon Civic Theatre presents Leaving Iowa GRAM Friday Nights at GRAM GR Civic Theatre The Heart is a Lonely Hunter GVSU Art Gallery, Allendale Campus Mystery, Magic, and Mayhem: Wonders from the American Museum of Magic Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College’s De Pree Gallery Proof: An Exhibition in Printmaking LaFontsee Gallery Go Figure Master Arts Theatre Contents Under Pressure Mocha n Music Dale Evenhouse The Orbit Room All Time Low, Yellowcard and Fireworks Parish Theater Grey Gardens: The Musical Park Theatre Glow in the Park Pyramid Scheme Bangarang Circus River City Saloon GlamHammer Riviera Theatre Simon & Garfunkel Retrospective by AJ Swearingen & Jonathan Beedle Rocky’s Bar Control with DJ Colin Clive Shakespeare’s Lower Level Kzoo Beer Week: Dark Horse Brewing Tip Top Deluxe James Reeser & The Backseat Drivers

Van Andel Arena AMSOIL Arenacross West Side Inn FREQ. OUT DJ Rocky and Lick Attack

saturday

1.19

Billy’s Hip Pocket Coral Gables Coral Gables Comedy Club The Deltaplex Brew Ha Ha DeVos Performance Hall GR Symphony Presents Broadway Rocks!

Dog Story Theater Pop Scholars Dr. Grins Godfrey Fenn Valley Vineyards & Wine Cellar Chili Cook-Off Founders Brewing Company Back Forty, Covert Frauenthal Center Muskegon Civic Theatre presents Leaving Iowa GR Civic Theatre The Heart is a Lonely Hunter GR Public Library Main Branch History Detectives Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College’s De Pree Gallery Proof: An Exhibition in Printmaking

Kzoo Institute of Arts Artist Workshop Richard Bresnahan LaFontsee Gallery Go Figure Little River Casino Roots and Boots Tour Master Arts Theatre Contents Under Pressure The Muze Rock Shop Old Boys Brewhouse Bloody Mary Mix Off Parish Theater Grey Gardens: The Musical Park Theatre Aneurysm as Nirvana with Kid A as Radiohead Pyramid Scheme Fusion Shows Present: Welcome to GR featuring The Dockside Fever, Hurry Home, Carielle, West and Run, Adversary, Records, Small Town Victory River City Saloon GlamHammer Riviera Theatre Tim McGraw Tribute: AllenAsTim and the Dance Hall Rockers Rocky’s Bar Gabrial James, Cole Hansen, A.C. Smith, Kyle MC Shakespeare’s Lower Level Twista Van Andel Arena AMSOIL Arenacross Wealthy Theatre Grand River Folk Arts Society presents: Kelly Joe Phelps in concert West Side Inn Cain Marko, Paucity and Running Shoes

sunday

Les Miserables

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Best Bet: Theatre Perk up your ear Les Miserables drums and get ready Miller Auditorium, to have your world so Kalamazoo thoroughly rocked you’ll Jan. 29-Feb. 3, show times be speaking French fluently at 2, 7:30 and 8 p.m. for a week. (But the catch is $25-$70 you’ll only be able to utter millerauditorium.com, Franco phrases pertaining to (800) 228-9858 overthrowing the moneygrubbing establishment and/or being a prostitute.)

Yes, after launching what is sure to be an Oscar-sweeping film version, the long-running phenomenon known as Les Miserables is bringing its resounding cry for equality to Miller Auditorium. You don’t even have to be a cardcarrying Les Mis cult member (like yours truly) to appreciate the show’s epic majesty and breathtaking storyline. Just pop on your beret, show up in line, and be prepared to fall fast and furiously in love. Oui oui? Oui s’il vous plaît!

(Babelfish it.) Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

60 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2013

1.20

Billy’s Revival 80’s Dance Night DeVos Performance Hall GR Symphony Presents Broadway Rocks!

DeVos Place GR Camper, Travel, and RV Show Founders Brewing Company GR Jazz Orchestra Foundry Hall Arnet Rogers Frauenthal Center Muskegon Civic Theatre presents Leaving Iowa GR Civic Theatre The Heart is a Lonely Hunter Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College’s De Pree Gallery Proof: An Exhibition in Printmaking Kzoo Institute of Arts Artist Workshop Richard Bresnahan Kellogg Arena Wiser Productions Bridal Show Papa Pete’s Emancipator Pyramid Scheme Free Energy Salt of the Earth Potato Moon Van Andel Arena AMSOIL Arenacross

CD RELEASE PARTY! SET H GLI ER JANUARY 13 6:00PM - TICKETS $22

GRIFFIN HOUSE JANUARY 18

8:00PM - TICKETS $30

LINDSA Y LOU & THE FLATBE LLYS $18 JANUARY 26 8:00PM - TICKETS

SEVEN STEPS UP: 116 S Jackson Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456 (616) 678-3618 - www.pindropconcerts.com

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule REVUEWM.COM | January 2013 |

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Schedule monday

1.21

Billy’s BassBin GR Public Library Main Branch Celebrate the Dream GVSU Art Gallery, Allendale Campus Mystery, Magic, and Mayhem: Wonders from the American Museum of Magic Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College’s De Pree Gallery Proof: An Exhibition in Printmaking LaFontsee Gallery Go Figure Rocky’s Bar Bingo

tuesday

1.22

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Billy’s Open Mic Night DeVos Performance Hall Broadway GR Presents Flashdance the Musical GVSU Art Gallery, Allendale Campus Mystery, Magic, and Mayhem: Wonders from the American Museum of Magic Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College’s De Pree Gallery Proof: An Exhibition in Printmaking Rocky’s Bar Acoustic Open Mic Host By Sam Kenny Schuler Books 28th Street Location Author Talk and Booksigning with Anne Byrn Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: Batman

wednesday

1.23

Billy’s Nate Holley Live DeVos Performance Hall Broadway GR Presents Flashdance the Musical GVSU Art Gallery Wonders from the American Museum of Magic Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College’s De Pree Gallery Proof: An Exhibition in Printmaking Rocky’s Bar Baconpalooza

1.24

The B.O.B. Dom Mclilmack Davis Crazy Horse Saloon Crazy Horse Comedy Night DeVos Performance Hall Broadway GR Presents Flashdance the Musical Founders Brewing Company An Evening with May Erlewine and Friends Frauenthal Center Muskegon Civic Theatre presents Leaving Iowa

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum Don Faber The Boy Governor: Stevens T. Mason and the Birth of Michigan Politics GR Civic Theatre The Heart is a Lonely Hunter GVSU Art Gallery Mystery, Magic, and Mayhem: Wonders from the American Museum of Magic Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College’s De Pree Gallery Proof: An Exhibition in Printmaking Muskegon Museum of Art Brown Bag Films - Thomas Cole and the American Landscape

The Orbit Room The 9th Annual Flogging Molly Green 17 Tour with Skinny Lister and Dave Hause Parish Theater Grey Gardens the Musical Potter’s Log Cabin The Log Jam Rocky’s Bar The Moonrays Shakespeare’s Lower Level Comedy Open Mic Night Shaw Theatre, Kzoo Caroline, or Change Spectrum Theatre Actors’ Theatre Presents A Steady Rain St. Cecilia Music Center Dave Holland

Wealthy Theatre Front Studio Improv Dance with Dinah

friday

1.25

DeVos Performance Hall Broadway GR Presents Flashdance the Musical DeVos Place Winter Bridal Show of West Michigan The DAAC SycAmor, Caesar, Seraphim & More

Best Bet: Eclectic He’s a spoken-word artist, pals with Shatner’s World: Henry Rollins and Spock and enemies with We Just Live In It Twitter star George Takei. He also played one Wharton Center, of the most iconic roles in television history. East Lansing I’m talking about James Tiberius Kirk. No, not Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m. your pseudo “OMG, I’m totally a giant nerd $38-$153 because I loooved Star Trek, guys!” crush, Chris whartoncenter.com, Pine. We’re talking the real, original, Kobayashi (517) 432-2000 Maru-defeating, USS Enterprise-leading wunderkind William Shatner portrayed in the ‘60s.

Post “Star Trek,” Shatner continued his small-screen success as the titular character in “T.J. Hooker” and as Denny Crane in his awardwinning role on “Boston Legal.” But neither of those compare to his 1978 Science Fiction Film Awards “Rocket Man” performance. (Other than “Star Trek,” of course.) In February 2012, Shatner created his oneman show, Shatner’s World: We Just Live In It, which he performed on Broadway. Now he’s taking it on the road, going city to city with a mix of humor, storytelling and musicality only William Shatner can pull off. Reported by Lindsay Patton-Carson

$15 ticket includes post-concert reception

NEW Contemporary Folk Music Series

62 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2013

thursday

William Shatner

Fresh folk.

Your favorite local artists in a classic setting!

January 10, 2013 | 7:30 PM

Contemporary Folk Music Series

Local Spins Live

An acoustic evening with your favorite singer/songwriters.

Ralston Bowles Michelle Chenard

Michael Crittenden Lux Land

Karisa Wilson Lucas Wilson

F LK

scmc-online.org 616.459.2224 St. Cecilia Music Center

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63

Schedule Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts Big Daddy Fox, Muskegon Civic Theatre presents Leaving Iowa GRAM Friday Nights at GRAM GR Civic Theatre The Heart is a Lonely Hunter GR Public Library Main Branch Genealogy GVSU Art Gallery Mystery, Magic, and Mayhem: Wonders from the American Museum of Magic

Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College’s De Pree Gallery Proof: An Exhibition in Printmaking Kellogg Arena PBR : Professional Bull Riders Mocha n Music Dale Evenhouse Parish Theater Grey Gardens: The Musical Park Theatre The Crane Wives Pyramid Scheme GR Soul Club River City Saloon Classic Fix

saturday

THIS YEAR, RESOLVE TO IMPROVE YOUR VISION.

1.26

Michael L. Keil, D.O., FAOCO 2500 E. Beltline SE, Suite C Grand Rapids, MI info@keillasik.com (616) 365-5775

Bill Cosby

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Best Bet: Comedy

Find us on Facebook and Twitter!

Revue on Facebook: facebook.com/REVUEWM On Twitter: @RevueWM

Win tickets, get early warnings about shows, other breaking entertainment news, and more!

64 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2013

Rocky’s Control with DJ Colin Clive Shakespeare’s Lower Level Combat Corduroy Shaw Theatre, Kzoo Caroline, or Change Spectrum Theatre Actors’ Theatre Presents A Steady Rain St. Cecilia Music Center GR Unveiled Tip Top Deluxe The Hawktones wsg Patrick Recob

Let’s take a moment to think about what life would be like without Bill Cosby. Instead of year-round Cosby sweater parties, we’d only have once-yearly ugly Christmas sweater parties.

Jell-O wouldn’t be nearly as fun, and “razzle frazzle” would just be a bunch of gibber- bill cosby ish … Oh wait, it is. Miller Auditorium, But the point isn’t to Kalamazoo discuss the intricacies Jan. 12, 8 p.m. / $37.50-$65 of “razzle frazzle,” it’s millerauditorium.com, to reflect on what an (269) 387-2300 impact Mr. Cosby has made on our culture. Whether it’s Fat Albert’s hearty “Hey, hey, hey,” the lovable Huxtable clan or his stint as “Kids Say the Darndest Things” host, Cosby has left his footprint in every decade since the ‘70s. Now that he’s in his 70s, he’s gone back to his stand-up roots, touring and participating in festivals across the nation. If you didn’t get a chance to catch him headline last year’s Gilda’s LaughFest in Grand Rapids, he’s stopping by Miller Auditorium this year. Don’t make the same mistake twice. Reported by Lindsay Patton-Carson

All Ears Theatre Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle Billy’s West Side Soul Surfers DeVos Performance Hall Broadway GR: Flashdance the Musical DeVos Place Winter Bridal Show of West Michigan The DAAC Knuckle Puck, Midwest Skies, Small Town Victory, and Autumns Fall FireKeepers Casino Larry the Cable Guy Founders Brewing Company Alexis, Phantasmagoria, Tunde Olaniran, AB! Frauenthal Center Muskegon Civic Theatre presents Leaving Iowa Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Orchid Show GR Civic Theatre The Heart is a Lonely Hunter GR Public Library, Main Homes for the Holidays: Owl Nest Boxes GR Public Museum DTE Energy Ethnic Heritage Festival Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College’s De Pree Gallery Proof: An Exhibition in Printmaking Kellogg Arena PBR: Professional Bull Riders The Muze Stealin’ Hearts Papa Pete’s Bob Marley Birthday Bash Tour Parish Theater Grey Gardens Pyramid Scheme Flatfoot 56, Nobody’s Favorites, The Mushmen River City Saloon Classic Fix Rockford Fine Arts Auditorium Cameron Blake and Band Rocky’s Bar The Project, Uto Seven Steps Up Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellies Shakespeare’s Lower Level WNWN 98.5 Winterfest Shaw Theatre, Kzoo Caroline, or Change

Rudresh Mahanthappa Quartet saturday, february 9 · 7:30 & 9:30 pm · wellspring theater, epic center Tokyo String Quartet — DON’T MISS THEIR FAREWELL PERFORMANCE! saturday, february 23 · 8 pm · Dalton center recital hall, wmU

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule

A Soldier’s Tale in collaboration with the wmU school of mUsic friday, march 15 & saturday, march 16 · 8 pm Dalton center multimedia room, wmU Tia Fuller Quartet saturday, april 20 · 8 pm · Dalton center recital hall, wmU A Quiet Revolution friday, april 26 · 7:30 pm · wellspring theater, epic center Anonymous 4 in collaboration with the wmU meDieval institUte friday, may 10 · 8 pm · stetson chapel, kalamazoo college

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REVUEWM.COM | January 2013 |

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Schedule Spectrum Theatre Actors’ Theatre Presents A Steady Rain Tip Top Deluxe The True Falsettos and The Luke Gitchel Band West Side Inn Bury The Silence, Biffy The Beatslayer, The Red Handed

sunday

1.27 1501 Lake Dr., Grand Rapids, MI

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the yoga

studio

Serving the community since 1979

FREE CLASSES JANUARY 2-5 NEW SERIES BEGINS JANUARY 7 JESSICA HACKER

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Artist, Yoga Studio student

66 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2013

616.776.0836 • 955 CHERRY SE • WWW.GRYOGA.COM

LADIES LITERARY CLUB 61 SHELDON BLVD SE

JANUARY 5 JANUARY 19 FEBRUARY 2 FEBRUARY 16 ALL SHOWS 7:33 PM RIVERCITYIMPROV.COM

Billy’s Revival ‘80s Dance Night DeVos Performance Hall Broadway GR Presents Flashdance the Musical Founders Discfunktional Sundays Frauenthal Center Muskegon Civic Theatre presents Leaving Iowa GR Civic Theatre The Heart is a Lonely Hunter Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College’s De Pree Gallery Proof: An Exhibition in Printmaking The Livery Irish Music Session Parish Theater Grey Gardens Pyramid Scheme Ramona Falls Salt of the Earth Who Hit John?

Shaw Theatre Caroline, or Change UICA 2013 Chiaroscuro International Film Series Van Andel Arena The Harlem Globetrotters

monday

1.28

Aquinas College Labyrinth Walk Billy’s BassBin Frederik Meijer Gardens Animal Adventures: Surviving in the Wild GVSU Art Gallery Wonders from the American Museum of Magic

Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College’s De Pree Gallery Proof: An Exhibition in Printmaking Rocky’s Bar Bingo

tuesday

1.29

Aquinas College Open Chartes Labyrinth Walk Billy’s Open Mic Night DeVos Performance Hall GR Symphony Presents Play! A Video Game Symphony GVSU Art Gallery Mystery, Magic, and Mayhem: Wonders from the American Museum of Magic Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College’s De Pree Gallery Proof: An Exhibition in Printmaking Kzoo Institute of Arts ARTbreak : The Art of Chinese Paper Cutting with Jamie Lesman Miller Auditorium Les Miserables Rocky’s Bar Acoustic Open Mic Host By Sam Kenny Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: Sleepy Hollow

wednesday

1.30

Aquinas College Open Chartes Labyrinth Walk Billy’s Nate Holley Live GVSU Art Gallery Wonders from the American Museum of Magic Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit

Hope College’s De Pree Gallery Proof: An Exhibition in Printmaking Miller Auditorium Les Miserables Pyramid Scheme The Fauxgrass Quartet, Airborne Or Aquatic?, Big Dudee Roo Rocky’s Bar Baconpalooza

thursday

1.31

The B.O.B. Dom Mclilmack Davis Bell’s Brewery An Evening with Keller Williams Dog Story Theater LEFF University Wits Present Florist Friar and I Went Looking...

Dr. Grins Kyle Dunnigan Founders Brewing Brown Bird, Joe Fletcher, Just Married GR Civic Theatre The Heart is a Lonely Hunter GVSU Art Gallery Mystery, Magic, and Mayhem: Wonders from the American Museum of Magic Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College’s De Pree Gallery Proof: An Exhibition in Printmaking Miller Auditorium Les Miserables Muskegon Museum of Art Postcard Salon Exhibition & Sale Pyramid Scheme Retro D’Luxe Saugatuck Brewing Company Beer Tasting School: Beer Yeast Shaw Theatre, Caroline, or Change Spectrum Theatre Actors’ Theatre Presents A Steady Rain n

For more events and info, check out our calendar at revueWm.com.