West Michigan’s Entertainment Guide for 27 years
» april 2015
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The Vice Issue: West Michigan’s Guide to the Naughty Side
Record Breaking
Vertigo Music’s Herm Baker masters the new vinyl renaissance
Also Inside: Mythbuster Adam Savage Jon Spencer Blues Explosion Chocolate Beers
© 2014 Bell’s Brewery, Inc., Comstock, MI
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What’s Inside
April 2015 | Volume 27, Issue 4
The
SCENE:
Vice Issue
West Michigan’s Guide to the Naughty Side
39
DisArt Festival
Beer + Chocolate
11 Random Notes 12 Eclectic 14 All Ages
SOUNDS: 17 Local Music: LadyFest GR 18 On Tour: Jon Spencer Blues Explosion 20 Vertigo Celebrates Record Store Day 22 On Tour: La Dispute 24 On Tour: Larry McCray
VICE SPECIAL SECTION:
27 52
28 Tattoos in the Workplace 30 7 Deadliest Sins 31 Delivery Options for Cultured Sloths 31 Most Expensive Shoe 32 Decadent Cocktails 33 What’s Your Vice? 34 Pot Page 36 Q&A: Jude Angelini
SIGHTS: 39 Visual Art: DisArt Festival 40 Q&A: Mythbuster Adam Savage 42 Theatre: Phantom of the Opera 44 Style Notes 46 Comedy: Funniest Person in GR 47 Indie Film
DINING & DRINKING: 50 Restaurant Guide 52 Beer: Chocolate Beers
SCHEDULE: 57 Daily Event Listings and Best Bets
(New!) ^
W est M i c h i gan ’ s E nterta i nment G u i de
Letter from the Editor Nice. You didn’t flip right by this in search of the raunchy movies on Netflix list or the page dedicated to dessert-flavored beers. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rich Tupica, Revue’s new managing editor. Yes, after many years of dedicated service, Lindsay Patton Carson has moved onward and upward and now it appears you’re stuck with me: an aging record nerd. While I’m new to the editor’s chair, I fully understand the high caliber of arts & entertainment West Michigan is stocked with. But I’m open to ideas. And I’m sure nobody knows this side of the state better than you. Feel free to write me with ideas on what Revue should be reporting on. Let me know about that intense, unknown local band you just stumbled upon — or that odd artist with a bizarre, parent-scaring portfolio. I want to tell their stories. Sure, you can recommend normal people, too. Restaurant and cool hangout suggestions are also welcome. Note: If you work or own said restaurant or hangout, you may want to contact Kelli Belanger in our advertising department: guaranteed ink, folks! Anyway, I’ll keep this short. I have to get back to adding asterisks into a bunch of “f****” that Joe Boomgaard left in his Q&A with Jude Angelini.
Later,
Editorial Publisher Brian Edwards / brian@revuewm.com Associate Publisher Molly Rizor / molly@revuewm.com Editor Joe Boomgaard / joe@revuewm.com Managing Editor Rich Tupica / rich@revueholding.com Design Creative Director Kim Kibby / kim@revuewm.com Ad Design Rachel Harper, Kim Kibby Contributing Writers Kyle Austin Steve Miller Missy Black Allison Parker Steven de Polo Carly Plank Dwayne Hoover Allan I. Ross Lexi Kadlec Josh Spanninga Nolan Krebs Kerri VanderHoff Audria Larsen Anya Zentmeyer Contributing Photographers Katy Batdorff Revue Minions Gabriella Patti, Abigale Racine, Josh Veal Sales / 616.608.6170 Kelli Belanger / kbelanger@revuewm.com Molly Rizor / molly@revuewm.com Digital Editor Jayson Bussa / jayson@revuewm.com
Find us online! Website: revuewm.com Twitter: twitter.com/revuewm Facebook: facebook.com/revuewm
Rich Tupica, Revue Managing Editor
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
Advertising index B.O.B’s Brewery. . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Bell’s Brewery . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 19 BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids. . . . . . . . . . . 26 Boba Bliss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Brewery Vivant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Broadway GR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Buttermilk Jamboree. . . . . . . . . 23 Cascade Optical . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Celebration! Cinema. . . . . . . . . 47 Central City Taphouse. . . . . . . . 55 CitySen Lounge. . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Dr. Grin’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Eastown Antiques. . . . . . . . . . . 43
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Erb Thai. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Fajita Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Firekeepers Casino . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Foot Outfitters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Founder’s Brewing Co.. . . . . . . . 13 Four Pianos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Grand Rapids Public Library. . . 43 Grand Rapids Symphony. . . . . . 43 Grand Woods Lounge. . . . . . . . . 63 Gravel Bottom Brewery . . . . . . . 55 Groovewalk, Downtown Holland.23 Hero Mud Run/JJED Enterprises.26 Holiday Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 HopCat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Joe Bonamassa/ J&R Adventures. . . . . . . . . . . 41 Kzoo State Theatre. . . . . . . . . . . 16 Kzoo Valley Community College.19 Literacy Center of West MI. . . . . 60 Muskegon Museum of Art . . . . . 38 New Horizons Computer Learning Center. . . . . . . . . . . 41 Northwood University. . . . . . . . . 15 Old Dog Tavern. . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 One Trick Pony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Palazzolo Gelato. . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Parkway Tropics. . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Pearl Street Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Pyramid Scheme. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Right Brain Brewery. . . . . . . . . . 53
River City Improv. . . . . . . . . . . . 60 River City Saloon. . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. . . . . . 56 Saugatuck Brewing Company. . 53 Saugatuck Center for Art. . . . . . 38 Schuler Books & Music. . . . . . . 51 Seven Steps Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. . 3 SpeakEZ Lounge . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 St. Cecilia Music Center . . 25, 60 Stella’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 The Intersection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 UICA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Vertigo Music. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 West Michigan Design Week . . . . 4 West Michigan Symphony. . . . . 24
©2015, 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: Herm Baker of Vertigo Music is preparing for Record Store Day. Read more on page 20. Photo: Katy Batdorff
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Random Notes
Art.Downtown.
ART ///
If you’re in the mood for something more site-specific, Alex Gabriel Bernstein: Carved in Glass opens April 2 and runs through June at the Muskegon Museum of Art. Bernstein incorporates metal into his glass art, which depicts natural processes of transformation, such as erosion and oxidation. He’s carrying on a family tradition with his work: His parents were also part of the American studio glass movement. Get the full details at muskegonartmuseum.org.
TV ///
The wait is over — on April 12, you can put your friend’s HBO Go password to work when Game of Thrones returns for its fifth season. Arya’s got a new haircut! Tyrion has a beard! Daenerys is down to one dragon! George R. R. Martin’s sweeping fantasy epic picks up where it left off, with a battle for control of the Iron Throne in full swing. Expect lots of nudity, bloodshed and characters both old and new to be summarily killed off. This Game of Thrones, after all.
MOVIES ///
Not even the death of star Paul Walker midway through filming Furious 7 (April 3) could stop this vrooming cars franchise in its tracks. The seventh installment in “The Fast and the Furious” series finally catches up to the events of Tokyo Drift, the third film that took place in the then-future. Jason Statham plays the new baddie, joining Dwayne “I Am Not the Rock” Johnson and Vin “Yes This Is My Real Voice” Diesel for more spinouts and ’splosions. Some scientists predict a technological singularity sometime this century where the lines between humans and machines irreversibly blur. In the sexy sci-fi drama Ex Machina (April 10) a young tech wiz tests these boundaries when he gets up close and personal with
beautiful A.I. android. Rise of the machines, indeed. Tina Fey will attempt to do for monkeys what Morgan Freeman did for emperor penguins when she narrates Disneynature’s new documentary Monkey Kingdom (April 17). Set in the ruins of an ancient abandoned temple, camera crews follow a troop of toque macaques as they make a living in the jungles of Sri Lanka. Unfriended brings the horror genre into the social media age. A group of friends are haunted by a Facebook-like account from one of their very deceased friends. Is it a g-g-g-ghost? Find out April 17.
COMEDY ///
Standup comedy is no laughing matter. Wait a minute — that’s exactly what it is. Dr. Grins inside The B.O.B. in downtown Grand Rapids hosts a pair of funnymen this month to give your abs a workout before bathing suit season hits. With his beer belly, full beard and deadpan delivery, Dan St. Germain may look like Zach Galifanakis, but he’s honed his own style of self-depricating observational humor. He’s appeared on Conan, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and has hosted his own half-hour
Comedy Channel special. He’ll be at Dr. Grins April 9–11. Then at the end of the month, the Ladies Man himself will grace Dr. Grins’ stage. Former Saturday Night Live comedian Tim Meadows will appear April 23–25. The Michigan native remains one of SNL’s longest running castmates. In his nine years on the show, he created indelible impersonations of O.J. Simpson, Tiger Woods and Oprah Winfrey (!). He’s also turned in strong supporting roles in Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story and Semi-Pro.
BEER ///
If you like your funny with a side of craft beer, The Great Brew Ha Ha is the perfect one-two punch of punchlines and pale ales on April 17 & 18 at DeltaPlex Arena. The $35 ticket gets you a 2015 Beer Master Mug, 10 beer samples and $5 off an event T-shirt. The regular $15 admission is good for a pint glass and five beer samples, and if you’re the designated driver — or if you like comedy, but not suds — you can still get in for $10. n Random Notes were compiled by Allan I. Ross. For more music, beer and entertainment news (and free stuff!), Find us on Facebook and Twitter and sign up for our weekly enewsletter at revuewm.com.
Coming Next Month: The Food Issue! Ad Reservation Deadline: April 17 / Editorial Deadline: April 5 REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
Serving as a sort of halfway to ArtPrize, Grand Rapids’ visual arts community will host Art. Downtown., a free event highlighting the city’s creative culture. Four hundred artists will showcase their sculptures, paintings and photography for a one-night celebration of things that make you go hmmm… . From 6–11 p.m. on Friday, April 10, art will stretch from the self-proclaimed Avenue for the Arts corridor in the city’s Heartside Neighborhood to Kendall College of Art and Design and DeVos Place. But where ArtPrize features live music and work from artists from around the world, Art. Downtown. keeps the focus hyper-local. Visit avenueforthearts.com for a full list of locations, as the event will be held in a variety of spots, including art museums, parking lots and private studios. The Grand Rapids Trolley will provide free transportation between locations.
Tim Meadows
11
Misfit (Shadow), David Lock, 2013
/// Eclectic
Art of the Lived Experiment is an exhibition of international contemporary Disability Arts showing in Grand Rapids, MI from April 10–July 31, 2015.
Afro-Caribbean Conga Class with Josh Dunigan
April Eclectic Events This month is all about satisfying the urges of spring. Go outside. Hike under the stars, discover your own drum beat, vibe on new jams and emote with creative storytelling. By Audria Larsen
Full Moon Hike
Kalamazoo Record & CD Show
Spring makes us all feel a tad primal. Reinvigorated after the thaw, life becomes blooming flowers and pulsing hormones. You could take that urge to frolic in the sunshine, or instead allow yourself to howl at the sky while enjoying a full moon hike at Hemlock Crossing. Participants can watch the sun set, look for woodcocks and listen for owls under the glow of the moon. It is recommended to bring a small outdoor chair. The event is free, but pre-registration is required.
Today, in lieu of hunting down coveted titles on vinyl LPs in dusty shops, you can scour the Internet. But there is nothing like digging into stacks of dusty albums to discover a hidden gem. The trend and nostalgia of listening to wax has helped this event become an institution in the West Michigan vinyl scene. Collectors can browse thousands of albums, sold by an evolving roster of vendors all under one roof. For true devotees, it would almost be like traveling to Mecca. In addition to vinyl and CDs, collector’s items, music supplies and memorabilia will be for sale from dealers and collectors alike.
Hemlock Crossing Park Nature Centre, West Olive April 3, 7:30–9 p.m. Free! miottawa.org, (616) 786-4847
April 10–24 disartfestival.org
2 Fulton W uica.org
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
Ira Glass: Three Acts, Two Dancers, One Radio Host 17 Pearl St. NW kcad.edu
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101 Monroe NW artmuseumgr.org
Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Wharton Center, East Lansing April 18, 8 p.m. $28–$48, whartoncenter.com, (517) 656-1982 Famed radio host Ira Glass of “This American Life” brings his beloved show to yet another medium. Originally (and currently) a radio program, Glass also hosts a televised version and is now touring a theatrical stage production. Three Acts, Two Dancers, One Radio Host is described as a “quirky multi-media show” that blends storytelling with emotive dancing set to augment the tales. A big hit at Carnegie Hall in New York City, the production is “just like a radio show, um, if you picture dancers during all the stories,” Glass explains. Dancers Monica Bills Barnes and Anna Bass bring individuality and humor to their routine, which sounds like a good combination with Glass’ unique style of verbiage.
Kalamazoo County Expo Center April 26, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free! rerunrecords.com, (734) 604-2540
Afro-Caribbean Conga Class
Ambrosia Theater (Bellydance Grand Rapids) April–May, Tuesdays, 7–8:15 p.m. $20/week, $75/month (616) 334-6549, ambrosiatheater.com Tumbao! Rumba Guaguanco! Bembe! Cumbia! These are just a few of the wide range of drumming styles you’ll learn at this weekly conga class taught by professional musician Josh Dunigan. “The class is designed for people who have little to no experience,” Dunigan said. “We’ll build new hand and rhythm techniques, work on ensemble pieces and play drums along with some hot Latin grooves.” Although it is beginner-friendly, there is plenty of room for advanced drummers to stretch their skills. “I bring all the drums, the students just have to bring their hands and willingness to play,” he said. n
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/// All Ages
Kalamazoo Indoor Flea & Farmers Market April 25, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. kalcounty.com/parks/expo/fleafarm.htm Pinball at the Zoo April 23–25 Thursday 2–10 p.m., Friday 1–10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Adults $15, kids $8 (269) 383-8761, pinballatthezoo.com
Breakdance Classes at 61Syx Academy
Bust a Move Not all children prefer to zone out in front of electronic devices all day. For the agile all-agers there are always some active options. This month West Michigan is host to everything from the high energy b-boy element of hip-hop to high-flying fun at a local skate park. It’s time to burn some calories — then unwind at a flea market or Disney production. By Steven G. de Polo
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
Breakdance Classes
61Syx Teknique Street Dance Academy 2751 Alpine Ave. NW, Grand Rapids $15 per class or $55 per month Kids classes ages 4–12 years old Adult classes ages 13+ (616) 826-8013, 61syx.com/street-dance-academy
If your kids are less Tony Hawk and more Grand Master Flash, sign them up for breakdancing classes at 61Syx Teknique Street Dance Academy in Grand Rapids. Owner Keegan “Seoul” Loye is a b-boy straight outta Cedar Springs, yo. Now living in Grand Rapids, he has been all over the country performing and competing as part of 61Syx Teknique. He started teaching in 2008 and bought the studio in 2011. Now with over 100 male and female students, he and his instructors help students find their own unique styles. “We not only teach students how to breakdance, we teach the history and culture of hip-hop,” Seoul said. Instead of recitals, the dancers participate
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in up to three student battles per year. They also have the opportunity to travel across the country to compete in Chicago, Nashville and Detroit. “Breakdancing is more popular than ever,” he said. “I wish I started breakdancing when I was 8 years old.”
Skateboarding and more at Camp H Skate Park 5240 West River Drive, Grand Rapids Friday Night Family Night 6–9 p.m. Open Skate Saturdays 12–4 p.m. and Sunday 12–3 p.m. Skateboarding Camp April 3–8
Camp H Skate Park is the new project for enfant terrible Richard Haralson. Known for his rowdy house parties and bawdy bar crawls, building a 4,000-square-foot indoor skate park was right up his alley. But it seems the bad boy has mellowed with age. “I built the skate park for myself and pros
who might come through Grand Rapids,” Haralson said. “I never thought it would become so popular with families.” His kids started skateboarding and they told their friends. Pretty soon, Friday Night Family Night became official. With a low-key DIY vibe, everyone is welcome, no experience necessary. Skateboarding, rollerblading and BMX are available. Parental permission and helmets are mandatory — one wrong crash and “there goes the yolk.” “It’s amazing to watch a kid who has never skateboarded before gain the confidence to do her first trick,” he said. Haralson builds new ramps monthly and is continuously moving everything, creating fresh looks. Look for the first Camp H Skateboarding Camp April 3–8 during spring break.
Flea Market and Pinball at the Zoo Kalamazoo County Expo Center 2900 Lake St., Kalamazoo
The Kalamazoo County Expo Center is the place to be for families the last weekend in April. Kids love nothing better than pawing through onceloved detritus under the baleful glare of fluorescent lights. Let them search for buried treasures April 25 at the Kalamazoo Indoor Flea & Farmers Market. Up to 30 vendors will be on hand with curious collectibles, decorative glassware, once-loved heirlooms, leather-bound books and antique furniture begging for a little TLC. There are also new dollar store items and honey and jam fresh from the farm. At the other end of the expo center, you will find Pinball at the Zoo from April 23–25. Buy a ticket for unlimited access to the pinball machines. There will also be video games, arcade collectibles and a pinball auction. Buy that pinball machine, or neon sign, for your home’s man cave! If you’re a pinball wizard, sign-up for the pinball tournament and show them your patented hip bump.
The Magical Music of Disney Concert
Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Mainstage 2755 East Napier Ave., Benton Harbor April 18, 7:30–10:30 p.m. $37, (269) 982-4030, smso.org
Find your inner princess, or prince, at the Magical Music of Disney Concert in Benton Harbor. Performed by the swell Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, this magical concert will bring back memories of fantasy, fun and fantastic music. Be amazed and entertained while music and animated images transport you to your favorite Disney moments such as The Little Mermaid and The Lion King. Look for the Disney Classics Overture, Tarzan Suite, Hercules Suite, and Mary Poppins Fantasy. Come early for the pre-concert conversation with the music makers. Stay late for the post-concert reception. n
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ADP Revue Full page Manu.indd 1
7/2/14 REVUEWM.COM | April 20153:02| PM 15
April 28
MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER
May 13 TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND
May 1
RALPHIE MAY
Coming Soon! Thursday, April 9 Straight No Chaser
Saturday, April 11
Primus & The Chocolate Factory wsg The Fungi Ensemble
Thursday, April 23
Neutral Milk Hotel (SOLD OUT) wsg Circulatory System
Tuesday, April 28
Mary Chapin Carpenter wsg Lúnasa
Friday, May 1 Ralphie May
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Wednesday, May 13 Tedeschi Trucks Band
Thursday, May 28
Rodney Carrington
Sunday, October 18 Rock My Soul wsg The Fairfield Four & The McCrary Sisters
Saturday, Nov. 14 Australia’s Thunder From Down Under A Girl’s Night Outback
Friday, December 4
Brian Regan, Live Comedy Tour
/// local music
Red Tail Ring
local music news FLUSHED: Alisa Stone, Lena Nieboer and Bridget Breneman
LadyFestGR brings female artists to center stage | by Nolan Krebs
W
Grand Rapids synth-poppers Alexis warm up the stage for Andrew W.K. at the Pyramid Scheme’s fourth birthday bash on April 24. Unfortunately, it’s sold out. In other P-scheme news, if you’re into West Michigan hip-hop, you can see at least eight amazing artists from the area in one show. Fable & The Gang with Dante Cope, A.B., Conway, MC Friendly, J Robb, DreSkeezus, Nortroniks and Pluto Monday perform on April 30. All People (New Orleans), Mold (Kalamazoo) and Odd Dates (Grand Rapids) are at Louie’s on April 11 for a whole bunch of post-rock fun. Salt of the Earth in Fennville has a pretty stellar month of Sunday shows lined up: Evie Ladin, Keith Terry and Red Tail Ring on April 5; Red Sea Pedestrians on April 12; Shari Kane & Dave Steel on April 19; and The Crane Wives wrapping up the month on April 26. Westside Soul Surfers, West MI’s big horn/funk/soul collective, are performing at the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts in Muskegon on April 10 and Howmet Playhouse April 25.
REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
While dudes are certainly encouraged to attend LadyFestGR ith LadyFestGR geari ng up for its events, the group follows a policy that requires all performers and fourth year, the time to celebrate female-badassery is presenters to self-identify as female. nigh. “It’s something that we as a group discuss regularly,” Kramer said. The annual springtime rite is both a tribute to “But the conclusion that we usually end up reaching is that, as long as women in the community as well as a chance for it is difficult for us to find bands entirely made up of female or trans female artists in the region to support a nonprofit of their collective performers, it’s still a problem of underrepresentation.” choosing. Kramer said the lack of local female bands and performers is Held Saturday, April 4, the event blends cool workshops, exhibievident after scoping out concert calendars at area music venues. tions and performances — and, as always, a whole bunch of killer “It’s too hard to go out on a given day of the music from lady bands. Over the years, LadyFestGR week and see more than maybe one woman on stage has been an outlet for local artists such as Lady Ace at a local venue,” she said. “The LadyfestGR comBoogie, The Doctors’ Wives and Nobody’s Darlin’, LadyFestGR 2015 April 4, 12 p.m.–1 a.m. mittee, many of whom have children, want there to in addition to national acts like Nite Jewel, The Blow, Pyramid Scheme, Studio Two be an event where young kids can go and see women Invincible and Jean Grae. Two Seven, and RE:VISION playing the drums, fixing bikes and breaking as many “I think that music is such an integral part of Grand Rapids (workshops at stereotypes as possible.” LadyFests all over the world because it’s a chance for various venues) All benefits from this year’s fest are going to Girls women to tell their stories loudly,” said Jes Kramer, a Performances $10, workshops Rock! Grand Rapids, a nonprofit dedicated to helpmember of the planning committee for LadyFestGR. free, all ages ing local women learn how to shred. The group hosts LadyFest started in Olympia, Wash. in 2000 and an annual camp for 8-16 year old girls where they since then, “the name and spirit have been transferred Entertainment Lineup: learn how to play an instrument, work together in a to different events all around the world,” Kramer Flushed, Rachel Gleason, Sarge band, perform on stage and record an original song. said. This year’s GR event features daytime perforTha Dame, Zirilli, RIO, Brianne Ross, Rebel Kind, Yolonda “The committee feels like the work they do is so mances throughout the Heartside Neighborhood Lavender, Casual Sweetheart, crucial in boosting the self-esteem and amplifying the and a stacked roster of night-time performances at Hannah Rose Graves, Veloras, voices of local girls, and we’re proud to have them as the Pyramid Scheme. SuperDre, Sarah Jean Anderson a beneficiary this year,” Kramer said. “We feature as many genres as we can because we variety show For the latest updates on this year’s events, or want to show people, especially younger attendees, to get involved, check out the LadyFestGR page on that they aren’t limited to one thing,” Kramer said. Full details at ladyfestgr.com Facebook or email ladyfestgr@gmail.com. n “I’m really excited to have GR natives FLUSHED playing this year.”
The Soil & The Sun play at the Pyramid Scheme with From Indian Lakes and Lemolo on April 3. TSATS and Lemolo are supporting From Indian Lakes on their national tour, which started March 25 in Seattle and ends May 3 in Fresno after a gigantic, cross-country circle. Safe travels!
17
/// On Tour
Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids Tuesday, April 21, 8 p.m., 21+ pyramidschemebar.com, (616) 272-3758
Jon Spencer Explodes at Pyramid Scheme
Seminal blues-punk outfit still packs a punch Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene
| by Steve Miller
I
took a punch to th e si de of the head at a Jon Spencer Blues Explosion show in fall 1993 at a beer joint in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. It was a glancing blow and a case of mistaken identity. Worse, I responded by turning and quickly hitting my assailant, who had a good six inches in height on me, in the throat. He crumbled to the floor. “Wow,” I thought. “I must be tough.” Then I looked at the fallen warrior. He was drunk and, worse, he had just one leg. Nothing but air below his left knee. And he was laughing. I joined others to help him up, we shook paws – the animals that we were – and went back to watching the Blues Explosion decimate the place. Beer flew, real fights with real blood broke out and glass shattered.
18 | REVUEWM.COM | April 2015
Any room with the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion playing is a tough room. Civilization takes a back seat. So imagine two decades-plus later to find that a talk with Russell Simins, the drummer from the JSBX, explores the Oscar Niemeyer architecture of Brasilia and the ramen joints of Fukuoka, Japan. “The thing about Brasilia, the moment you get there, you see the crazy things Niemeyer did,” Simins said in a 45-minute phoner in February. “He developed it, it was all planned. The cool thing is that it was modeled after an airplane. The main strip is a line with that stuff off to the side.” There’s something terrific about the aging of the rock ‘n’ roll creative set that has made it possible for the same people who pound
on things to make us happy to also use their experiences to edify and educate. The JSBX has been around since the early ’90s, developed from a NYC/Lower East Side scene that made some of the best noise of the end of the last century. The trio set itself aside immediately with brawling live shows and albums that were filled with two-minute, howling jams featuring trebly guitar and animal drums. The material was tempered here and there with trip-hop beats and samples, but their forte was loud blues/R&B-based songs unrestricted by the confines of those genres. Simins is one of those rare drummers with the outsized personality, someone who’s “there” is there. He’s clearly taken to the JSBX as an integral part of his life. He writes accounts
of the band’s tours on Facebook and digs the idea of getting in the van for 20 shows in a row this month. “We get bored if we don’t have a show, that’s what we’re out there for,” Simins said. “Sometimes it’s nice to have a day after a long run, but more than that and it slows you down. We get into a groove about 10 shows in and we don’t even think about it.” When the band started touring, there were no cell phones and the day sheet and a map were the only ways to find a venue. “Now, we just get the phone out and use the GPS and we know how long it will take to get there and what traffic will be like,” Simins said. Phone calls and business can be handled from the van as well, whereas just making a phone call had to be scheduled in the old days. “It’s a trade off because you have a phone and you lose a level of inaccessibility and privacy,” he said. “You’re always required to be on point and have to pay more attention because everything is more readily accessible.” Those advances have made the world a smaller place, of course. The JSBX has toured the world several times. When Anthony Bourdain, long a fan of the band, called them in the mid aughts in need of a theme song for his upcoming show, “No Reservations,” they were headed for Australia. “He contacted us through mutual friends and he wanted a cool punk rock song — this was before he was as famous as he is now,” Simins said. “We wrote the song in Australia very quickly, we didn’t have much time, and we recorded it there and sent it. He loved it.” The Bourdain connection is part of Simins’ love of food. He’s a known gourmand, hitting up both low- and high-end places on the road, from the Waffle Houses of the Deep South that offer hash browns a million different ways — “scattered, smothered and covered, I go for it all,” he said — to the aforementioned ramen in Fukuoka. “We eat everything as long as it’s got local flavor,” Simins said. “And it doesn’t have to be expensive or the most expensive or the cheapest as long as it’s got local to it.” There’s a new JSBX platter out, Freedom Tower – No Wave Dance Party 2015. Song titles include “Bellevue Baby,” “Dial Up Doll” and “Cooking for Television.” Like its predecessors, it’s a smack in the head. n
GREAT BEER DESERVES GREAT MUSIC.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College Artists’ Forum Presents
UPCOMING EVENTS
Visit bellsbeer.com for show times and event details.
© Bell's Brewery, Inc., Comstock, MI
355 E. Kalamazoo Ave. • Kalamazoo, MI • 269-382-2332 Must be 21 for concerts. • For questions, email entertainment@bellsbeer.com. Thank you for supporting live music at Bell’s Eccentric Café.
The
JIM LAUDERDALE BAND
APRIL 10, 2015 7:30 p.m. Dale B. Lake Auditorium Kalamazoo Valley Community College 6767 West O Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49009 Doors open at 6:45 p.m.
Tickets: $20
Available at KVCC Bookstores: TTC 269.488.4030 AWH 269.373.7951
www.kvcc.edu/artistsforum For additional ticket purchasing options call Dave Posther, 269.488.4476.
REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
Phoffman Trio w/ Anders Beck & Mike Devol* • $15 Slim Gypsy Baggage wsg Dumela Project • Free Zion Lion • $6 Square Dance Kalamazoo • $5 Axis: Sova wsg Forget the Times • Free Joel Mabus CD Release wsg Who Hit John? • $10 The Verve Pipe* • $18 advance, $20 day of DC wsg AB • Free Larry McCray* • $10 Charlie Hunter Trio* • $13 advance, $15 day of Homebrew Demo • 6pm, Free House of Boogie, All Vinyl Funk & Soul • Free Bell’s Space Prom • $10 Yoga in the Back Room • 12pm, $10 Ultimate Painting - Live Painting Competition • $10 Dar Williams* • $25 Mustard Plug wsg The Mushmen, The Hex Bombs* • $10 MAY 8 Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers* $10 advance, $12 day of MAY 9 Twin Peaks wsg White Reaper* $10 advance, $12 day of MAY 23 Bruce Hornsby & the Noisemakers* $30 advance, $35 day of MAY 30 Elephant Revival* • $15 JUN 8 Shabazz Palaces* • $13 advance, $15 day of JUN 11 Soul Asylum/Meat Puppets* $25 advance, $30 day of SUNDAYS Trivia every Sunday • 5-8pm *pre-sale tickets available at bellsbeer.com, frontgatetickets.com and Bell’s General Store.
APR 2 APR 3 APR 5 APR 6 APR 9 APR 10 APR 11 APR 16 APR 17 APR 18 APR 22 APR 24 APR 25 APR 26 APR 30 MAY 1 MAY 2
19
/// Music biz
He’s a Survivor Vertigo Music’s Herm Baker wins the fight by Rich Tupica / photo by Katy Batdorff
I
f the vinyl sales boom hadn’t pulled Vertigo Music out of dire straits amid the MP3 uprising, Vertigo Music store manager Herm Baker would’ve found another solution to keep the store afloat. Failure is not an option for this music-shop veteran. “This store has to work for me,” Baker said. “Nobody is hiring 55 year olds. Whatever the f*** it takes — I’m going to make sure we’re successful. I’m driven by the sheer need to survive.”
20 | REVUEWM.COM | April 2015
“The CD market margin has been killed by Amazon. You can buy a new CD off Amazon for $10, our cost is $11. Amazon doesn’t care. They just want to dominate. If they decide to do that with vinyl, then we’re all screwed.”
Herm’s shop Sales over the years:
Record Store Day Saturday, April 18 recordstoreday.com
Where to go on Record Store Day: Vertigo Music 129 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids (616) 742-5106 Rev Charles’ Dodds Records 20 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids (616) 856-9555 Corner Record Shop 3562 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville (616) 531-6578 Full Circle Records 212 College Ave., Holland (616) 392-9899 Green Light Music 4717 W Kl Ave., Kalamazoo (269) 372-8560 Phoenix Records and Boutique 330 Kalamazoo St., South Haven (269) 637-7332 Satellite Records 808 S Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo (269) 381-0218
REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
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“Prices of used vinyl have gone up,” Baker said. “A used Zeppelin Luckily, the vinyl renaissance, and hyped up international record will sell for $15, a brand new one costs $22 — that’s where the events like Record Store Day, have made survival much easier market is right now. The days of the $2 and $3 used records are long for Baker and Vertigo Music, a fixture in downtown Grand gone. Some titles still cost that much, but the good titles are closer to $10. Rapids. The shop, located at 129 S. Division Ave., is experiencNot surprisingly, the compact disc format is not a part of this tangible ing continual rapid financial growth thanks to the granddaddy revival. format: vinyl. “The CD market margin has been killed by Amazon,” Baker said. During this interview Baker was building new shelves to “You can buy a new CD off Amazon for $10, our cost is $11. Amazon accommodate the colossal amount of new vinyl he was orderdoesn’t care. They just want to dominate. If they decide to do that with ing for Record Store Day, which lands on Saturday, April 18 vinyl, then we’re all screwed. So far they haven’t done that, so we’re this year. After some shaky times it appears the Dark Age is actually cheaper than Amazon, most of the time.” over for record pushers — if they know what to stock: Baker So what caused this wax resurgence? Baker figures it was combindoes. He’s a true music fan and a damn good businessman. ing tangible with digital. “I think it was whoever invented putting the Baker, 55, first got turned on to music as a West Michigan download code inside the vinyl record sleeve,” he said. “That was a game teen digging for the latest prog-rock LPs by Genesis and Van changer. It was pure genius. The artwork on vinyl is much better than CDs der Graaf Generator. “But what really got me into vinyl were and they get the download.” the post-punk bands that happened right after the Sex Pistols, For the six employees at Vertigo Music, vinyl is much more than a like the Jam and XTC,” Baker recalled. “I’ve always loved those novelty or garnish to a download code, it pays their bills. “That’s what’s bands. My favorite period of music, what I really connected driving the store,” Baker said. “It’s 85 percent of our sales at this point. with, was the post-punk era of ’78 to ’83.” We’ve gone from a store that was in decline and nearly going out of In 1986 Baker took the next step in music fanaticism and business to now growing by 20 percent each year.” opened Vinyl Solution, his first storefront. The shop was a hub And, yes, Record Store Day is a welcomed monetary boost each for music fans and even scored a rare in-store appearance from year. The exclusive vinyl releases that accompany the annual one-day Morrissey in 1992; MTV News covered the event. celebration drive over 1,000 record nuts into the brick and mortar shop. “Vertigo is my second store, before that I had Vinyl Not a bad day. Solution,” he said. “We were a huge store, did $1.5 million But it’s not all fun and good tunes. Record Store Day for Baker means in sales, but we got wiped out by Best Buy and went through prudently ordering massive stacks of records in the weeks leading up to bankruptcy in 1999. So in 2000 my partners and I decided to the big day. “It’s a continual work in progress,” he said. “We’re getting open Vertigo Music and give it another go.” inventory in, a lot of the exclusive releases. We’ll be ready, but it’s long But shortly after Vertigo opened its doors, a new opponent hours up to that day.” arose, and it wasn’t a big-box chain store: It was the digital Baker said every year Record Store Day sales have grown by 10 to enemy. 15 percent, which means he can order more stock for customers to dig “Two years after we opened Vertigo they announced through. “This year we’ll probably bring in at least $15,000 to $20,000 iTunes,” Baker said. “Every year after that was a slow decline worth of the exclusives, just for that day. In addition to that I’ll bring in in sales. We were dropping 10 percent annually. We’d been selling vinyl $30,000 to $40,000 worth of new, good catalog vinyl.” all along, but never had a ton of them in here. Maybe we had 2,000 new Some of the releases Baker expects to sell-out quickly are the Phish and 2,000 used. Now we carry 20,000 new and 10,000 used.” and Grateful Dead box sets, along with the vinyl re-issue of Brand New’s Baker can pinpoint the exact moment he decided to reinvest in 12“Deja Entendu.” Third Man Records is re-issuing the inch LPs and 7-inch singles. It was after he observed White Stripes’ “Get Behind Me Satan” LP on colored peculiar shopping behavior from his youthful regulars. vinyl. If you’re looking to snag a copy, Baker said he “About seven years ago, around the start of Record “ordered a ton of those.” Store Day, I noticed a bunch of kids were looking at Record Store Day newbies should be prepared vinyl again,” Baker said. “The sense of urgency really for some commotion at Vertigo on this audiophile hit me. I thought, ‘We need to really get on top of holiday. “It’s organized chaos in here,” he said. “We this and be the store in West Michigan that has all Average sales of: New vinyl have bands, DJs, pizza and beverages. We make it a of the new vinyl.’ We’ve committed $200,000 toward 1992: 200 units per week big party and everything is on sale. Is it a great day? new vinyl. 2002: 100 units per week Yes. Is it a pain in the ass and exhausting? Absolutely. “You can make more money on new vinyl now,” It’s crazy.” Today: 800 units per week he said. “We’re buying directly from the record labels As for Baker, he works seven days a week, but he’s when it makes sense. That’s how you make some thrilled to still be at it after all these years. “No one money. We have very little payable, we’re in great Average sales of: New CDs is more grateful that vinyl has taken off than Herm shape financially.” 1992: 1,000 units per week Baker, I’ll tell you what,” he said. “I’m just so grateful The cash cow may be sealed vinyl, but Vertigo is 2002: 500 units per week we’re able to still be in business.” n always looking to buy quality used collections from Today: 100 units per week the public.
21
/// On Tour
Monday
1/2 off all MI craft drafts, 8pm-1am
Tuesday
Tall Boy Tuesday $3.5 domestic tall boys
Wednesday
Karaoke and 1/2 off bottles of wine 9pm-1am
Thursday
$2 domestic bottles 9pm-midnight
Friday & saTurday
Live entertainment
Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene
sunday
Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar $4 burger basket $6 PBR pitcher
$4 appeTizers
Sun-Thurs, 9pm-1am
The WesTbar on The besTside 801 5th St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (616) 456-9058 theholidaybargr.com Like us on Facebook!
22 | REVUEWM.COM | April 2015
PHOTO: Jon Stars
DIY Renaissance
La Dispute strips down for intimate DAAC benefit | by Josh Veal
R
o c k ba n ds w i th a n y [Grand Rapids] had this powerful, adaptive sort of depth tend to sprout resource and then it was no longer there. from unorthodox beginnings. The There are a lot of places that have picked up Ramones perfected its stage show the slack, small venues and houses that put at the gritty CBGB. The Velvet on shows, but as far as having an all-inclusive Underground preferred to get weird with Andy malleable creative space, we don’t have one.” Since La Dispute’s humble beginnings Warhol at The Factory. For La Dispute, a Grand Rapids-based 11 years ago in Grand Rapids, it’s gone from band that now tours the world, its genesis can playing small venues to consistently selling out be traced back to one particular DIY spot: the 1,000-plus-seat venues. Its Facebook page has Division Avenue Arts Collective (DAAC), a clocked in over 248,800 likes and the band’s now defunct volunteer-run venue and gallery third LP, “Rooms of the House,” received aconce located in the heart of Grand Rapids. claim from tastemakers like Pitchfork Media, The location closed in August of 2013 when which dubbed the band as “superlyrical postits space was sold by the building’s landlord. hardcore” and applauded vocalist Jordan But there’s hope it will re-open, and the band’s Dreyer’s “gut-wrenching narrative.” With a fan base and tour regimen stretchsuccess is now supporting the DAAC’s looming from the United States to the ing resurrection in a new location. faraway lands like Australia and La Dispute is performing an Russia, it’d be easy for a band to intimate “seated alternative perLA DISPUTE DAAC Benefit keep moving forward and never formance” in collaboration with Calvin College – look back. But the band never Calvin College’s Fine Arts Center CFAC Auditorium forgot where it cut its teeth: the on April 7. All proceeds go toward April 7; 8 p.m. DAAC. the relocation of the DAAC. $20 public; $5 for “We grew up playing there and “The DAAC had been in that Calvin Students going there,” Dreyer said. “It’s had space for years,” said Jordan Dreyer, calvin.edu a pretty profound impact on me La Dispute’s singer and lyricist. personally, and on our band, so it “They kind of got blindsided.
made sense for us to try to make an impact there.” The benefit show is surely not a typical rock show. Dreyer said the intention was to host a nontraditional, memorable evening for locals. “The challenge was trying to make it seem even more appealing than a typical Grand Rapids show,” Dreyer said. “We’re going to play quieter songs and new arrangements of other songs to make them more compatible with a sit-down environment. There will also be a Q&A after the show is done.” The stripped-back show is par for the course considering La Dispute’s artistic ethos. Dreyer said the band prefers to constantly evolve and step even further away from its hardcore branding. “Maybe, somewhere along the line, that was a reaction to being pigeonholed by other people,” Dreyer said. “But I think it’s just something that’s always been important to the five of us, to explore new avenues and do something that might be harder for us. “I think this [DAAC show] is an extension of that impulse,” he added. “Doing shows that are in non-traditional environments challenges peoples’ perception of who you are.” n
Downtown Holland f o t h g i n t s e g g i The b nd! a l l o H n i c i s u live m , 0 1 $ s d n a b t s i r Advance w $15 the day of!
www.groovewalk.com
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23
/// On Tour
Neil. Guitars. Stories.
Neil Jacobs, 12-string guitar Sat, Apr 12, 7:30 pm Doors and bar open at 6:30 pm
$25 Neil Jacobs, 12-string guitarist, returns to The Block and continues the musical journey inspired from his world travels and improbable life experiences. He shares amazing stories and performs breathtaking compositions that push the limits of this traditional folk instrument with Gypsy, Celtic, Balkan and Classical influences.
360 W Western Ave, 2nd Floor Muskegon, MI 49440 For tickets and program: westmichigansymphony.org facebook.com/AtTheBlock 231.726.3231
Born this Way
Larry McCray reflects on growing up with the blues | by Dwayne Hoover
G Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene
great food
live music MUSIC EVERY THURSDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT
HOURS:
&
—COMING SOON—
NEW MENU! NOT YOUR AVERAGE BAR FOOD.
T U E - W E D 1 1 AM- 1 0 PM T H U R - F R I 1 1 AM- 1 1 PM S A T 5 PM- 1 1 PM & S U N 1 1 AM- 4 PM
APRIL SHOWS APRIL 2 Fred Knapp Trio APRIL 4 Lazy Blue Tunas APRIL 9 E Minor APRIL 11 Organissimo APRIL 16 Juke Joint Handmedowns APRIL 18 An Dro APRIL 23 The Weatherheads APRIL 25 The Trace Duo
136 East Fulton, Grand rapids | 616.235.7669 | onetrick.BIZ
24 | REVUEWM.COM | April 2015
rowi ng up i n south e rn Arkan sas, Larry McCray has been steeped in music since day one. His grandparents were musicians, as were his parents — eventually, he and his nine siblings followed in their elders’ melodic footsteps. But even with this early exposure to music, the blues guitarist/singer said there definitely was not any rabble-rousing rock ‘n’ roll vibes emanating throughout the McCray household. The music he cut his teeth on was traditional, raw blues and powerful sacred gospel music. “I grew up in a very pro-religious home, so access to (rock ‘n’ roll) wasn’t really allowed,” said McCray, 54. “Being raised in a conservative environment like that, that kind of music was thought to be a bad influence.” It wasn’t until his family uprooted to Michigan that McCray got a real taste of the more rocking side of blues. His oldest sister Clara exposed him to renowned artists like the three Kings (Albert, B.B. and Freddie) and Albert Collins. His taste began to broaden as he soaked in the new, edgier sounds. McCray recalls playing catch up in the realm of rock. “My favorite story I like to tell, and that most people don’t believe, is that I didn’t know Jimi Hendrix was black until I was like 19 or 20,” he said. “When I was 15 or 16 and I was good enough to play in front of people,
people would always say, ‘Play some Hendrix!’ But I didn’t know who he was.” Today, McCray is an award-winning bluesman, a staple in the genre. He’s had the opportunity to play with some of the very artists that helped shape his sound, and most recently, even collaborated with some of them on his latest album, The Gibson Sessions. Unlike his early years down south, this record is stacked with rock ‘n’ roll flavor. The disc was released in December and features cover tunes of some of his favorite rockers. McCray revamped Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Needle and the Spoon,” Bob Seger’s “Night Moves” and Marshall Tucker Band’s “Can’t You See.” The star-studded LP features Dickey Betts, David Hidalgo of Los Lobos and Derek Trucks and Jimmy Herring of The Allman Brothers Band. “It was time,” McCray said of the lineup. “I had never called in any favors before, but I had known those guys for a long time, and I thought this was the perfect project to work with them on.” n
Larry McCray wsg Crime Funk Bell’s Eccentric Café, Kalamazoo April 17, 9 p.m. $10; 21+ bellsbeer.com, (269) 382-2332
RHIANNON GIDDENS
St. Cecilia Music Center PRESENTS
MUSIC. DEFINED.
Founding member of the Grammy-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops! “A significant talent whose voice and distinctive approach communicate the simmering emotion at the core of the songs.” - The Wall Street Journal With Special Guest Folk Rock Artist Bhi Bhiman
APRIL 9 - $22
DON CAMPBELL APRIL 10 - $25
THE ACOUSTIC CAFÉ SERIES FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015
LIZ LONGLEY APRIL 11 - $8
ALICE PEACOCK
DELILAH DEWYLDE & THE LOST BOYS APRIL 17 - $25
JONATHAN BIRD + SALLY BARRIS
TICKETS ONLY $30
APRIL 24 & 25 - $25
POST-CONCERT CASH BAR
SETH GLIER – CD RELEASE CONCERTS
SO Special. SO SCMC. scmc-online.org 616.459.2224
MARY FAHL (FORMERLY OF THE OCTOBER PROJECT)
MAY 1 - $30
ALICE PEACOCK MAY 9 - $30
MARY FAHL (FORMERLY OF THE OCTOBER PROJECT)
MAY 15 - $35
KYLE COOK
(OF MATCHBOX TWENTY)
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MAY 17 - $22
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REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
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FOR A FULL SCHEDULE, VISIT
25
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Special Feature
The
Vice Issue
A
young and uninhibited Mick Jagger once sassily shouted “you can’t always get what you want!” But if you have low self-control and a dirty wad of cash, it sure as hell makes it easier to obtain the goods, am I right? So, as usual, Revue’s annual VICE Issue is here to be the devil on your shoulder. Nudging you to indulge in ill behaviors, like vegging out on 1,200 calories of take-out at 2 a.m. while watching filth on Netflix. We’ve all been there. It’s a sad scene. When you’re partying hard, high sodium ain’t a thang. It’s just that excessive rock‘n’roll lifestyle you’ve spiraled into. Revue’s artsy side propels us to also delve into the imaginative realm of human vices, such as the burning compulsion to ink our bodies with distinct imagery, no matter what the workplace norms are. On the journalistic tip, our staff was tasked with sampling artistically crafted chocolate-flavored beers so we could justly recount our scientific investigation to you, the reader! Yes, it’s super-sleuth assignments over here at Revue headquarters, but we insist on reporting the hard news. The Vice Issue also features a chat with Michigan-native Jude Angelini, which Editor Joe Boomgaard describes as a “modern-day mix of poet/writer Charles Bukowski and comedian Bill Hicks.” Parental Advisory: Angelini does reference his itch for ecstasy and ketamine. Read the issue, but don’t try this at home.
REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
27
/// Vice Issue
Three locals tell their stories about having body mods in the professional world
Eye of the Beholder by Anya Zentmeyer
W
ay back in 1964, “Twilight Zone” host Rod Serling warned, “Being like everybody is the same as being nobody.” It appears that younger people are taking that advice to heart. As new generations embrace their own ideas of self-expression, tattoos and piercings have become an increasingly relevant part of the identity equation. That’s evident in recent Pew Research Center statistics that show 38 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds have at least one tattoo and nearly half of those millennials have been inked between two and five
28 | REVUEWM.COM | April 2015
times. Additionally, 23 percent have a non-earlobe piercing, a figure approximately six times the amount in the 30-plus demographic. As millennials and their predecessors continue to push tattoos and body piercings into the mainstream, it begs the question: How necessary are workplace restrictions on these visible forms of identity? Here are the stories of three West Michigan residents who must balance self-expression while living and working in what’s still a conservative environment.
No Regrets
A Professional Outlook
Leah Bader had always planned for a career in the medical field with the ultimate goal of becoming a forensic psychologist. But the 25-year-old Grand Rapids native and 2007 Grand Valley State University graduate never dreamed of the lengths she has to go to keep her self expression covered up as part of her job as an urgent care registrar at an area hospital. Bader has a number of tattoos, almost all of them with “a good story behind them.” Of her ink, one of her favorites is a large scene-scape of characters and imagery from Tim Burton’s A Nightmare Before Christmas, which begins on one side as a quarter sleeve and stretches across to the adjoining chest piece. Her company’s human resource policy prohibits visible tattoos, abnormal hair color and non-religious, nontraditional piercings when working with patients. Since Jack Skellington’s bony hand sometimes still peaks out from behind her dress code-mandated black blazer, Bader has to accessorize to keep it fully concealed. “Unfortunately, because of how far my chest piece comes, I have to wear a scarf whether it is winter or summer because most shirts don’t conceal all of the way across where it is,” said Bader, who has three bachelor’s degrees in biomedical sciences, bio-psychology and psychology. Her supervisor offered an explanation on the conservative dress code policy. In short, she said the company didn’t feel its older patients “understand or appreciate” tattoos, nor does the organization think tattoos are part of a professional look. But after two years of working there with elderly patients, Bader said she doesn’t get what all of the fuss is about. “I don’t think they realize how many people in the older generations have (tattoos) and understand them, or if not, how easily they’re adapting to the new generations,” she said. “Granted, a lot of older people don’t condone it, but they know younger people do it and that it’s becoming more of a norm.” She says it’s frustrating to feel limited in her ability to freely express herself, but she also understands it comes with the territory. “I’m not an artist, but to be able to carry someone else’s art in my own way — with my own feelings behind it — is something I take a lot of pride in,” she said. “I don’t ever see them being a problem. I think I’ve been able to find a nice balance between my ability to have that artistic expression of how I feel, while still achieving and being as successful as I can in my own professional life.”
For Cosme Cantanon — Cisco to his friends — a long relationship with tattoos started when he got a small tribal symbol on his shoulder shortly after turning 18. These days, you can’t see it very well as it’s obscured under a dense, colorful half-sleeve. However, he has no trouble remembering when he got it. “I was 18 and my dad kicked me out of the house for a few days. I was like, ‘Alright, here we go,’” he said with a smile. Now, at age 38, Castanon has accrued a tattoo sleeve on his other arm, too. He is tattooed on his forearms, ribs, legs and feet. Even the sides of his nose are adorned with discreet white-inked spirals. He doesn’t regret any of his tattoos — not the tribal mask on his back, and especially not his twin daughters’ footprints that he’s got on the top of each foot. However, Castanon has been considering a gig at a particularly swanky downtown Grand Rapids’ restaurant and worries whether he can pull off a buttoned-up look. “A friend of mine is the sous chef and he really wanted me in there because of my knowledge in the industry,” said Castanon, who boasts 16 years of bartending and restaurant management experience. The job would be a remarkable addition to his already stacked resume, but Castanon doesn’t know if he would fit in the more formal environment. “I’m juggling with whether I can really put forth that effort and do it on a professional scale and still feel like me, still feel good,” he said. “I’m so used to having my sleeves rolled up and still looking clean-cut, but still showing me, not just being a robot or a sheep.” Currently, he’s finding plenty of work between jobs at Mulligan’s Pub, The B.O.B. and Grand Rapids Brewing Co. For the most part, his tattoos and piercings — which include his ears, septum and labret — have never acted as a barrier to leaving a good impression on potential employers or customers, he said, noting that he lets his strong sense of self guide those interactions and ignores any judgments passed on him at first glance. “I’ve always felt kind of out of place,” Castanon said. “Being that I went to a predominately white high school and was the only Hispanic, I dealt a lot with feeling out of place. With racism and all that, I’ve always felt looked at. From then, I learned so strongly just to be myself, and this is me. “Luckily, I’ve been in the industry long enough to meet a lot of great people and create good networks and I think it finally got to the point where I was accepted for me. They saw the professionalism beyond my cover.”
Jason Wheeler understands a thing or two about what happens when self expression and career collide. But as the public relations coordinator at Grand Rapidsbased Orion Construction, Wheeler, 34, has found ways to fulfill his passion for ink with being a professional. His body art is more than a passing phase, he said, noting that it tells his story. He describes the decision to begin a traditional tribal tattoo as a “fully conscious, engaged process.” “We talk a lot about family and the things that are important to you in your life, the places you’ve been,” Wheeler said. “It’s just one, long tattoo I’ve been working on for about five years now.” Aside from his PR gig, Wheeler also teaches music lessons on the side, so the collision of body art and business is a familiar, but welcome challenge. “It does help me to stay conscious of the fact I need to take myself seriously in business stations because I need other people not to judge me based on those things,” he said. “Anybody who has a unique view of the world is bound to shape things within their lives, including their bodies, in a unique way. But if you want to be in the world of business you do have to be conscious of the fact you sort of represent the un-normal.” He says walking that line is part of the reality, but maybe not quite as tricky as it once was in West Michigan. “I think you see more unique individuals walking around in the city and hopefully owning more businesses and being part of the professional world,” he said. “It’s not that it’s a movement or anything like that, but it’s another reminder that we need to be more conscious of what we’re producing and the kind of people we are to each other, not so much just about what we look like.” n
What does your tattoo say about you? People often use tattoos to tell their story. But at least for milliennials, having tattoos can also predict other characteristics. According to Pew Research statistics, if you’re a millennial with a tattoo:
You’re more likely to have skipped higher education. About half (47 percent) of those under 30 reporting
at least one tattoo have no college education. That compares with 30 percent of college-educated millennials who have one or more tattoos.
You’re more likely to be a Democrat. Forty-three percent of millennials who identify themselves as liberals have a tattoo, versus 32 percent of conservatives. Of adults under age 30 who identify as Democrats (or independents leaning toward democratic), 44 percent have at least one tattoo, whereas 31 percent of Republicans (or independents leaning toward republican) have at least one tattoo.
REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
Keeping it Concealed
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Greed
Four Winds Casino, New Buffalo, Dowagiac, Hartford — We all have fantasies of striking it rich without actually having to work for it. And while some of us hover around gas station counters scratching our dignity away one ticket at a time, others prefer the glamour and excitement casinos have to offer. Four Winds is the perfect destination to satiate your appetite for get-rich-quickness, being consistently ranked as one of the top casinos in Michigan. Just a few of the reasons it’s the boss: It has a colossal gaming floor, its progressive slot machines link to others around the country and generate enormous jackpots, and there are freaking three of them right here in West Michigan. Photo: Dwaye Hoover
7 Deadly Sins Let’s be honest: We all have a little sinful itch that needs scratching every now and again. But you don’t need to be named Dante or traverse the nine circles of Hell to experience the seven deadly sins firsthand. Fortunately for you, West Michigan has you covered. By Dwayne Hoover
Lust
Sloth
The Grocery Guy, Grand Rapids — Leaving the house is overrated. We can keep up with all of our friends on social media, stream movies to our televisions without having to go rent a physical disc and scream profanities at children from the comfort of our gaming headsets. Thanks to Tinder it’s even possible to score an STI without stepping foot in a crowded bar. Unfortunately, we still need to visit the grocery store occasionally to grab our frozen dinners and toilet paper … wait, what’s that? The Grocery Guy in Grand Rapids will deliver our groceries to us? Sweet. Back to the couch.
Wrath
Excalibur Paintball, Battle Creek — Tucked in the middle of absolutely nowhere is over 40 acres of fields, forest and man-made structures ripe for unleashing your inner-Rambo. Excalibur Paintball offers the largest and most engaging outdoor paintball venue in the area, with plenty of drop-in and “Big Game” dates. There’s also complete rental packages allowing you to rain down painful, welted death upon friends and complete strangers alike, presumably while laughing maniacally.
Envy
Déjà Vu/Little Darlings, Kalamazoo — Proudly showcasing “1000s of Beautiful Girls and 3 Ugly Ones,” Déjà Vu has the benefit of name recognition thanks to its multiple locations across the country. How this benefits you, the gawking, drooling patron, is with events like its annual Melon Fest competition where the best showgirls from across the state travel to various venues and compete for the coveted title of Melon Queen. And what could be better than a gentlemen’s club that can draw sexy women from all over Michigan? How about its attached sister club, Little Darlings, it offers even more girls, plus booze.
Cirilla’s, Portage — Whether 50 Shades of Grey has recently opened your eyes or you’re a seasoned veteran of streaming depraved, freaky porn sites, you’re probably feeling left out of this mounting kinky trend. Luckily, Cirilla’s in Portage offers curious folks like you a wide selection of toys and bedroom accessories that you’ll probably be too self-conscious to actually buy and use. But if you can muster up the courage, your next lights-off, under-the-covers rendezvous could be stocked with wacky coital shenanigans usually reserved for people more exciting than yourself.
Gluttony
Pride
DiPiazza’s Pizzeria, Grand Rapids — DiPiazza’s Pizzeria in Grand Rapids has just what you need to induce a sweaty, gut-rupturing food coma in their “Big Di’s Mega Challenge” pizzaeating contest. The rules are simple: You and a friend try your damnedest to shove a 30-inch, two-topping pizza into your faceholes in 30 minutes or less without blowing chunks. A typical Big Di’s Pizza weighs in somewhere between 12-14 pounds, so this is a fairly hefty task, which is why they offer a $450 cash prize to anybody who can stomach it. Even if you fail, you get to keep the T-shirt that’s included with the entry fee.
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The Gatsby Nightclub, Kalamazoo — Touting itself as posh, sexy and sophisticated, The Gatsby in downtown Kalamazoo’s Entertainment District is the ideal locale to quell that desire to feel more important than you actually are. It’s a nightclub offering more than just music, drinks and dancing. The Gatsby also boasts bottle service, VIP areas, private dining options, and an atmosphere enhanced with beautiful people and self-importance. Go on, indulge a little. Feed your ego’s hunger for feelings of exclusivity and vainglory. n
Wolf of Wall Street
Delivery Options for the Cultured Sloth By Josh Spanninga
7 Sinful Picks on Netflix By Josh Spanninga
Looking to explore the depraved side of your brain vicariously, sans judgment or real-life repercussions? Fret not readers: Revue has scoured the annals of Netflix to find you seven sinful streams. 1. Trainspotting – This classic 1996 dark comedy stars Ewan McGregor as Mark Renton, a desultory 20-something junkie aimlessly navigating the underbelly of Edinburgh, Scotland. The indie flick shows Renton and friends covering each of the seven deadly sins, and also plunges the protagonist headfirst into the grimiest commode ever. 2. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas – Hunter S. Thompson was notorious for his drug-addled, pleasure-seeking lifestyle, and this 1998 film includes all the gritty details of his unending search for the next big thrill. 3. The Wolf of Wall Street – How much immorality can an ethically corrupted man fit into his life when money is not an issue? Exactly 179-minutes worth. This lengthy 2013 flick features perhaps the only sloppy Quaalude-fueled fight scene.
Some things were just created to go together: peanut butter and jelly, fish and chips, Kanye and Kim. But the one quintessential pairing that’s stood the test of time is the inevitable marriage of Sloth and Gluttony. Celebrating — and capitalizing — off this unrivaled match is the booming West Michigan food delivery biz. Here are some local spots that take delivery seriously and burn the midnight oil. Pizza: If you’re a night owl, it can be difficult to find places that deliver when those midnight hunger pangs kick in. Fear not, pizza lovers! Located in West GR, Vito’s Pizza has delivery available until 4 a.m. Or you can always try Toppers Pizza on Wealthy Street. It’s open until 3 a.m. and the menu features a slew of unconventional specialty pizzas (i.e. tater tot pizza) that will make you think you’ve died and gone to carb heaven. Mediterranean: A go-to is Raad’s Mediterranean Grill on Cherry Street. They have an extensive menu filled with traditional Mediterranean cuisine, and an impressive selection of vegan options for the hip and conscious gorger. Fresh Deli Sandwiches: With locations in Holland and Grand Haven, the Electric Cadillac deli has got you covered. Using only fresh ingredients and featuring one of the longest sandwich names we’ve ever seen (a delicious little morsel called “A Cow, a Pig and a Mango Walk into a Bar”), this is an unsung hero to check out. Chinese food: Kalamazoo’s own Spice N Rice not only delivers delicious offerings to your doorstep, but from Thursday through Saturday, they’re also open until 4 a.m. — for those needing a post-bar gluttonous feast.
Raad’s Mediterranean Grill Anything you want: In the face of the ever-present grub-time dilemma, “They don’t deliver!” a number of third-party food delivery services have cropped up. They will go out and pick up your food for you at a number of places, allowing you to burn fewer calories and maintain your sloth status. Mr. Delivery has teamed up with local restaurants in Kalamazoo and for $4-$6, will hand deliver your food to your door. Special Delivery provides the same service for Grand Rapids, with comparable prices. Visit mrdelivery.com or gogetmyfood.com for more information.
4. Nymphomaniac (Vol. I and II) – The title pretty much says it all. Also check out the director Lars von Trier’s other artful, yet socially deplorable film, “Antichrist.”
6. Filth – How many vices can you fit into your life when you’re a corrupt cop faced with minimal repercussions for your behavior? A lot. Like Trainspotting, this 2013 British crime-comedy drama is based on an Irvine Welsh novel. 7. The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat – This innocuously titled 1974 animated feature finds Fritz making the most of his nine lives by lighting up a joint and embarking on an odyssey filled with sex, drugs and whatever else strikes his fancy.
HAUTE & HABIT FORMING
The most expensive shoe in grand rapids Garden party, poolside or out for dinner, this eco- Beyond the $565 price tag, this luxury piece profriendly wedge sandal from Stella McCartney is vides you the high of owning an exclusive shoe the shoe that says upper crust, out-of-the-office with name recognition, sass and the opportunity and loving life. The earthy, cork- to express yourself through height, buckles, straps wrapped heel and colorful faux and an equally pricey pedicure. Self-diagnosed python material of blues, “shoeaholic” Rebecca Wierda, co-owner and presioranges and yellows dent of Leigh’s, puts it this way: “It’s all about fun. can be styled with a I can guarantee you that a woman does not have white summer dress. this shoe in her closet already.” —Missy Black
REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
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5. Tromeo and Juliet – Troma Entertainment has made a career of exploring moral depravity in creative and interesting new ways, including this gleefully perverted take on Shakespeare’s popular tale circa 1996.
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Decadent Drinks by Alexandra Kadlec
Sometimes, you want to go all out. And with these boozy concoctions, your version of going all out doesn’t have to go beyond a cocktail glass. Sweet, heavy on the liquor, pricy enough to make it something special, we’ve got you covered with options spread across West Michigan. Enjoy, and don’t blame us for the hangover.
Boatwerks Fruit Punch
Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant (216 Van Raalte Ave, Holland) If you’re looking for a fun and fruity concoction with a variety of boozes, look no further. This punch has Smirnoff vodka in orange, raspberry and blueberry, peach Schnapps, pineapple juice, orange juice and a splash of cranberry juice. $8
Hazy Campfire
Rockwell Republic (45 S Division Ave, Grand Rapids) Looking forward to summer? Look no further for a treat that will conjure up sunny season scenarios while warming your belly. It’s basically an adult version of a s’more: crème de cacao with whipped marshmallow, cream, chocolate sauce and graham cracker crumbs. $8
Chocolate Covered Raspberries
Red’s on the River (8 East Bridge Street #100, Rockford) This cloying cocktail promises a sugar high that won’t have you missing dessert at the end of the night. Godiva milk chocolate liqueur meets Godiva chocolate raspberry vodka, poured over ice with raspberries. It sounds romantic, and isn’t romance an indulgent act? $9
Tito’s Moscow Mule Tito’s Moscow Mule at Bar Divani
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Bar Divani (15 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids) Who doesn’t feel a bit luxurious having their booze in a shiny copper mug — made just for this vintage drink that’s rising (again) in popularity. Bar Divani’s
version of the Moscow Mule features Tito’s vodka and Regatta Ginger Beer garnished with lime. Enjoy the simultaneous pleasures of its crisp-and-cool taste and fancy vessel together. $9
Peach Cobbler
Olive’s (2162 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids) Another one for the sweet-tooth drinkers, here’s a glass filled with all kinds of sugary goodness: cake vodka, Peach Schnapps, cream, cinnamon, sugar and nutmeg. Save it for a special occasion (if you can wait that long). Because nothing says “celebrate” like cake-flavored booze. $10
Corpse Reviver #2
Butch’s Dry Dock (44 East Eighth Street, Holland) How often do you see absinthe, the fabled and strangely alluring spirit, on a drink menu? Surely not often enough. Enjoy this uncommon flavor: anise mixed with medicinal and culinary herbs, in a blend with house gin, cointreau, lillet blanc and lemon. $11
Lady Macbeth
Food Dance (401 East Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo) If you consider yourself a wine connoisseur, it’s time to branch out by enjoying your drink of choice in this distinctive cocktail. It’s got sauvignon blanc, Botanist gin, St. Germain, muddled red grapes and lemon juice for a taste that’s fanciful and serious at the same time. $12 n
What’s Your Vice? Locals dish what they dig most
Everyone has habits they can’t resist. It’s what Devo sang about in its classic 1978 tune, “Uncontrollable Urge.” So Revue decided to explore the innocent, yet beguiling vices of a few of West Michigan’s movers and shakers. From reeling in that cherished trout and swigging hard liquor to thrift-store hopping and perusing upmarket cheese selections, Revue got a multifarious batch of responses on what these locals do to let loose.
By Kyle Austin
George K. Heartwell
Grand Rapids Mayor
Sometimes you just have to blow off steam. Mayor George K. Heartwell prefers to discreetly tip-toe out the door, in the wee hours for some private time. Ever hear James Carr’s classic cheatin’ R&B ballad “Dark End of the Street”? It’s kinda like that. “I often sneak out of my house while it is still dark and my sleeping wife doesn’t suspect I’m gone,” Heartwell said. “I have a rendezvous planned with my secret love. When I arrive at the dark and private place, I assemble my fly rod and delicately drop a #16 Hendrickson just above my beloved… trout.”
Chris Sain Jr. Co-founder, Grand C.I.T.Y. Sports
While she’s gearing up for Grand Rapids’ upcoming mayoral race, you won’t hear “Eye of the Tiger” or “We are the Champions” blasting from Rosalynn Bliss’ earbuds. It’s local folk-rockers The Muteflutes’ song “How You Gonna Keep ‘Em,” off of the band’s “Ballad of the Rebel Grape” disc. “I seek this song out as a reminder each individual can find truth on their own and they need opportunities, collectively, to make positive change,” she said. “I think my iPhone and Siri have memorized my voice saying ‘play ‘How You Gonna Keep ‘Em’’ more than any other command.”
Chris Sain Jr. is an author and inspirational speaker who motivates others to stay on track. But when his treasured Twinkies were pulled off shelves in 2012, he almost went off the rails himself. “As a self-proclaimed Twinkie Lover, this was one of the worst days of my life. But then July 2013 rolls around and suddenly, out of nowhere, Twinkies made the sweetest comeback in the history of ever,” he said. When they were back in stores, Sain was ready. “I was first in line to buy as many boxes as I could,” he said. “Later that month, on my 30th birthday, I had a ‘Dirty-Thirty Twinkie Party.’”
Molly Bouwsma Schultz Lead singer, Vox Vidorra
Luis E. Avila Attorney, Varnum LLP
Not all rock stars live on the edge like Keith Richards in his heyday. Emerging indie-soul vocalist Molly Bouwsma Schultz of Vox Vidorra has a different form of addiction: searching for dusty, but stylish, relics that work on and off the stage. “I love to look for funky affordable dresses, scarves and jewelry,” she said. “Old vinyl records, furniture, art and things for other people are always on my thrifting radar, too. Growing up, my mom and I did that together often and I learned the value of reusing something and finding that stylish diamond in the rough.”
As a lawyer who focuses on labor, employment and immigration issues, Luis E. Avila works to protect the rights of others. So, when he wants to indulge, his amorous instinct is to spoil his wife by sparing no expense. “My vice? Frequenting local restaurants and bars with my wife,” he said. “I’m looking at you Reserve and Aperitivo at the Downtown Market. They not only feature quality cheese and charcuterie options, but also an extensive wine and scotch selection.” Can’t say we’d overrule that.
Tami VandenBerg Co-owner, Meanwhile Bar and The Pyramid Scheme Some of Tami’s vices aren’t too startling, given her profession. “My key vices include food and booze. Mawby’s Brut, Patron, Traverse City Whiskey, there’s so much deliciousness,” she said. “As for food, its blue-cheese fritters from SanChez, vegetable pate from Chez Olga and Risotto Fritters from Amore Trattoria.” But then there are the guilty pleasures: “I’ve been known to binge-watch ‘Law & Order SVU,’” she added, “super embarrassing.”
Jeff Blashill Head Coach, Grand Rapids Griffins When he’s not busy keeping the Griffins one of the best teams in the American Hockey League and grooming future Detroit Red Wings, Coach Blashill is a regular husband and a father. But after the kids go to bed, a little me-time is in order. “I love to sit down and enjoy a little Ben & Jerry’s Mint Chocolate Cookie ice cream and a Founders All Day IPA,” he said. “Mostly, I choose moderation, but every once in a while I’ll indulge.”
REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
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Rosalynn Bliss Grand Rapids City Commissioner
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It’s 4:20 in West Michigan A journey for elevated minds By Nolan Krebs
L
ove it or hate it, humans have toked marijuana since the third millennium B.C., making it one of humankind’s oldest, most-beloved vices. Legendary bong-clearers like Willie Nelson have been fighting the good fight for eons, and pot is progressively gaining social acceptance across the country. Despite recent local efforts to quash its obtainability, the psychoactive plant is a West Michigan fixture. While society is learning to love the Bubble Kush, let’s not perpetuate the lazy stoner stereotype. Get out there and experience some local hot spots after you partake. Make a difference in the world — wait … what were we talking about?
Best Munchies Spice and Rice (525 Burrows Rd., Kalamazoo) boasts a whole lotta choices for Asian cuisine that won’t break the bank. Plus, they’re open until 2:30 a.m. Monday through Wednesday (Sunday, too) and until 4 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Perfect for those long red-eye nights. Birch Lodge (732 Michigan St., Grand Rapids) has a free taco bar on Sundays, as well as build-your-own Bloody Mary capabilities. Enough said. New Holland Brewery (66 East 8th St., Holland) has an amazing vegetarian option: the Avocado Tree Hugger. Olive tapenade gives it a salty and delicious edge. Perfect for the hippie sect of smokers.
Best Things To Do Bolster your creative spirit and wander through the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (314 South Park Street, Kalamazoo). It has public tours at 2 p.m. every Sunday and some Thursday nights, with a different topic each week.
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
Go catch a flick at the UICA (2 West Fulton St., Grand Rapids). Its 195-seat theater beats streaming Netflix at home, and both “Girlhood” and “Kumiko: The Treasure Hunter” are playing this month. Leave your personal smoke box and go into the wild. A personal favorite is the Rosy Mound Natural Area (13925 Lakeshore Dr., Grand Haven). It’s about a 10-minute walk to the beach and the views of Lake Michigan are stellar.
Best Music Stuff Jazz musicians were the founding fathers of getting high and jamming in hazy clubs. They’d often pass up a stiff drink for a fat doob. Keep the spirit alive and check out jazz guitarist Charlie Hunter featuring Curtis Fowlkes and Bobby Previte. The show is April 18 at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe (355 East Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo). Stoner metal personified is a band called Weedeater. Lucky for you, these North Carolina boys play the Pyramid Scheme on April 10. Bring some ear protection and get melted. Spinning vinyl LPs and twisting fatties go hand-in-hand. The Full Circle (212 College Ave., Holland) is a “classic hole-in-the-wall music store.” Browse their new and used section for a record to zone out to. n
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DecriminalizeGR update
I
n 2012, voters in Grand Rapids approved a charter amendment that made possessing small quantities of pot a civil infraction, as opposed to a more troubling misdemeanor charge. Following the ruling, in an effort to be unkind to his buds, Kent County Prosecutor William Forsyth filed a lawsuit against both the amendment and city of Grand Rapids. A Kent County Circuit Court judge rejected the appeal, whereupon Forsyth appealed again. The second appeal was rejected in January when the state Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the voter-approved law. However, attorneys with the Kent County Prosecutors office have said they expect the case to go to the state Supreme Court. Yeesh — mellow out, man.
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DAnk BEERS on tap REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
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You chronicle your life and experiences with many vices in “Hyena.” Do you have a favorite vice? If I could do ecstasy and ketamine all the time and not have any residual effects on my body, I would do it. I stopped doing molly and all that shit just because I literally ran out of happy juices. It just stopped working on me. It’s the same with ketamine, as a matter of fact. I had to quit ketamine because the psychedelic effects just went away. … It has a dissociative effect that I found quite — (sigh) — I loved it. … If you look at it, the stuff I did the most was painkillers and dissociatives. So what does that say about me? I’m just trying to kill the pain and leave my f***ing head for a little bit.
‘Drugs plus talent equals awesome’ Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
A Q&A with Jude Angelini
W
ith his captivating autobiographical debut, Michigan-native Jude Angelini comes across as a modern-day mix of poet/writer Charles Bukowski and comedian Bill Hicks. Angelini spares no sordid detail in “Hyena,” a quick, addicting read that chronicles his formative years in Pontiac and coming of age as “Rude Jude” on “The Jenny Jones Show,” all of which culminates in his current gig as the co-host of “The All Out Show” on SiriusXM’s Shade 45. Whether it’s drugs, kinky sex or overeating, Angelini describes himself as a “functioning addict,” one who seeks out various vices to “fill a hole that’s never filled, no matter what you do,” all while balancing a tireless drive to be successful. His undying goal: To prove to
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people that he could pull himself out of a broken home in a broken city and make something of himself. After initially self-publishing “Hyena” in 2013 and hooking up with Simon & Schuster’s Gallery Books last year, Angelini saw his work get picked in February by the executive producers of “Entourage” for an upcoming HBO comedy project. He says the slow build behind the project taught him the value of persistence. “One thing I’ve learned in my whole process — and this isn’t about drugs, it’s about life — is f***ing work your ass off every day,” he said. “This is a long grind and nobody owes you shit. You just have to go out there and get it.” Angelini spoke with Revue about his vices and balancing them with his career ambitions.
Why do you want to leave your head? I don’t know, man. I think the same stuff that drives me to succeed, kills me too. I think a lot of people can relate to this. With my book, a few years ago, it started off as just a blog and an idea, and then I worked at it every single day. There was a certain tenacity — and craziness, almost. So, using it for positive, you can get shit accomplished. But using it for what one might view as negative, it’s like, I never get enough p****, I never f*** enough, I never do enough drugs, I never have enough shoes or I never own enough watches or own enough albums. It drives me to excess, I guess. In “Hyena,” you discussed your mom finding your ketamine and confronting you over whether you were shooting up. You consoled her with the line, ‘I’d probably have the same vices, happy childhood or not.’ What did you mean? I wanted to tell one story that illustrated a lifestyle. … I did have a f***ed up childhood. I did grow up in an environment where I didn’t feel safe, where I felt conflicted and I felt torn between my parents — which is common for a lot of divorced kids and kids that come from semi-violent homes. I think she felt bad about that, and I was just trying to tell her that I probably would have been f***ed up regardless. What’s your vice of choice these days? I’ve been on GHB like crazy. With GHB, no one likes it because it’s a date rape drug. It kinda got looped in there with roofies. But it’s way more chill than roofies. It’s kinda like being drunk with a body buzz. Why not just drink booze? Drinking just doesn’t work for me. If I could just sit down and have a beer with you, man, that’d be really ideal. But it just doesn’t work.
“I’ve gone long periods of not doing shit. I quit ketamine and my record collection quadrupled. It’s not like I fixed myself. I just took that energy and put it somewhere else.” Or even smoke a joint – that shit just doesn’t work. So I end up doing what outsiders view as crazy, but to me is just being pragmatic about my high, the high-to-hangover ratio. From reading “Hyena,” it sounded like your vices changed over time. Are you on a journey from one to the next? I don’t think I’m ever going to be fixed, and I’ve come to terms with that. … The reality is, I’m just not that happy, and I probably won’t be. … My baseline might be a little more down than the next guy. And if I can deal with that, then I can adjust for life. Do vices help you get through the daily grind, or do vices spice up life? It helps me blow off steam. I’ve gone long periods of not doing shit. I quit ketamine and my record collection quadrupled. It’s not like I fixed myself. I just took that energy and put it somewhere else.
It’s like you can go all in, or you can quit altogether, but striking a balance is a struggle. Is there such thing as moderation for you? It’s easy to be like, ‘I’m not doing this.’ You turn that part of your brain off. But if you say, ‘I’m only gonna eat a little piece of cake’ — I’ve got to eat the whole f***ing cake. I’ve got to eat the whole f***ing cake, get sick, throw up and eat more cake. What inspired you to write “Hyena?” I wrote the book so I could be treated nicer. … My goal was to get paid to be myself. I don’t even plan on being a writer. I just wanted to show people I could. … My goal was I wanted that key to open up doors to new opportunities because I felt like I had been pigeonholed a bit. Given the news of the HBO deal, those doors to new opportunities are starting to open, right?
Jude Angelini co-hosts “The All Out Show” on SiriusXM’s Shade 45. He is also the author of “Hyena.”
Yeah, it is happening. People are hitting me up. It’s crazy. People I respect — decisionmakers, finally, who are saying, ‘Oh, that’s a good piece.’ It’s an awesome feeling, man. With these new opportunities, do you have to check yourself when you go to pick up that next vice? Ideally, I want what everyone else wants: I want a girl, I want a f***ing family. Apparently, I’m just not that good at doing it. Things can change. Who knows, maybe I’ll find some girl that I like a lot and just get addicted to her. I don’t know. But am I not going to do drugs? I don’t think so. Why not? I’ve got to tell you man: Drugs plus talent equals awesome a lot of f***ing times, dude. Look at the Isley Brothers shit, and then look at that shit once the ’70s hit and you could tell they started doing crazy drugs. Same with the Beatles, all that shit, man — f***in’ Coltrane. I’m not saying any f***ing dipshit can like shoot some heroin up and make an awesome album, (but) it knocks your head into a place that’s extremely hard to get to. All it takes is some f***ing substance. No, I don’t see myself giving that up.
“Hyena” by Jude Angelini
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, Gallery Books (September 2014); $16
Angelini can be heard daily on “The All Out Show” from 4–8 p.m. on SiriusXM Shade 45. He also co-hosts the Foreally Show podcast — available on iTunes and Soundcloud — with childhood friend Ross Rowe (a.k.a. Senim Silla of the Michigan rap group Binary Star). Angelini is active on Twitter @rude_ jude and Instagram @onemorejude.
You still get up every day, go to work and do a radio show for four hours. What’s your secret to success? I do my work sober. I’m sober at work. I think in 10 years, I’ve probably missed three or four days because of drugs. Sometimes that’s on accident, and sometimes it’s planned. … Know your weaknesses. There’s certain drugs I’ll never do because I know my personality and how destructive they may be to me.
Interview conducted and condensed by Joe Boomgaard.
REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
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The Detroit area certainly played a role in your life and in “Hyena.” Do you ever feel like an ambassador for the region via your position with a national audience? I feel like I have a responsibility to Michigan, but the sad thing is I feel like it’s never good enough for Michigan people. … It took me having to leave Michigan to be able to succeed. I was doing work on a television show for years and I never even got a write up in Michigan until I dropped the book. I didn’t even get a write up doing this radio show for 10 years. … I’m finally getting some love back, but it’s been a long time coming, I’ll tell you that much. n
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VISUAL ART
by Kerri VanderHoff
Changing disability perceptions through art DisArt Festival debuts
A
REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
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David Lock (British, 1970), Misfit: Shadow, 2012, Watercolor on Arches paper, 25 1/2 x 33 inches, Collection of the artist
rti sts have a way o f p r e s e nti n g a p hys i cal f o rm fro m co n c e pts that are abstract an d theoretical. Paint, pencil, clay and other materials take on new meaning when guided by a creative mind. It provides a bridge for us all to use a tangible object to help connect and share deeper ideas about a subject. Now add a layer to that and consider the conversation around art that involves disability. The first annual DisArt Festival aims to change perceptions about disability, one work of art at a time. It debuts in Grand Rapids this month. “Too often, the non-disabled community is uncomfortable interacting with people who have disabilities,” said DisArt Director Chris Smit, a professor at Calvin College. Smit was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and has been in a wheelchair since he was a child. “The only way to make community happen is to push past feelings of discomfort and instead aim our energies directly at finding similarities with one another. DisArt Festival provides many opportunities to do that.” The festival presents a variety of art forms including film, fashion and performance, as well as the centerpiece DisArt festival director, exhibition “Art of the Lived Experiment (ALE).” This is the Prof. Chris Smit U.S. premiere for the exhibition, originally curated for the Liverpool, England-based disability arts organization DaDa Fest. The DisArt festival also presents a series of talks and other activities that aim to inform the public and inspire conversations about the human experience of disability and the production of art. “Art of the Lived Experiment” features the work of more than 35 internationally renowned artists and will span several venues in Grand Rapids. In addition, seven new works by North American artists have been commissioned to be included in the show. ALE Art of the Lived is co-curated by Amanda Cachia and Aaron Williamson, Experiment and organized by the Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts Urban Institute for (UICA). It will be displayed at UICA, Kendall College of Contemporary Arts Kendall College of Art & Design Art & Design (KCAD), and the Grand Rapids Art Museum Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM). April 10–July 31, 2015 The contemporary works featured in ALE address disartfestival.org; uica.org; change, adjustment and social perceptions regarding diskcad.edu; ability. The exhibition explores technological advancements, artmuseumgr.org social stigmatization and the day-to-day experience of people living with disabilities. An introductory area, dubbed the “Ignition Room,” at the UICA features an eclectic range of historical artifacts presenting early themes on the subject of disability. Items include an acoustic chair from the 19th century, which amplified sounds to aid in hearing, alchemical diagrams by Isaac Newton and more. Other organizations involved in the DisArt festival, a collaborative effort over two years in the making, include Disability Advocates of Kent County, ArtPrize, Arts in Motion and Fashion Has Heart. n
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by Rich Tupica
Q&A
Storyteller MythBuster reflects on ‘80s Sci-Fi and his own undefinable career How do you puzzle a MythBuster? Ask him what he does. Adam Savage, 47, the extroverted half of the hit Discovery Channel show MythBusters, has methodically debunked countless legends since the show’s 2003 debut. Beyond television, his lengthy resume is a mixt matrix of trade professions: acting, animating, big-budget set designing — and that’s skipping some technical vocations. So it’s plausible to say Savage has the techy stuff figured out, but adding a concrete label to his own livelihood is something he’s only recently demystified.
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The MythBusters’ tour stops in West Michigan this month — how do you like the road? I know this is the last stage tour for co-host Jamie Hyneman. Savage: I personally love it. We’ve been touring a couple times a year. I find it creatively invigorating. On a day-to-day level, MythBusters is not a very glamourous job. We do pretty much all of the work ourselves and get dirty and cranky, but can also have a lot of fun. Out on stage, I personally feel like I’m getting a college education in performance. The show is not a static object. It changes from night to night. That interaction with the audience is a completely different kind of creative endeavor than making a television show, and I love it. Getting on stage is sort of an extension of your early acting career. It was the first serious thing I wanted to do for a living as a teenager. When I was about 15 I asked my dad, who was in advertising, if he could help me out — I actually got the first commercial I went out for. I played Mr. Whipple’s stock boy in a Charmin commercial.
the entire thing. I have become aware over the past couple of years that, to a degree, even making things is an engagement in storytelling. I am so addicted to stories, whether they’re in movies, books, television, or even spoken word. I think “storyteller” would encompass all of the aspects of what I do.
So in high school were you heavily into Sci-Fi movies and culture? Yeah. It’s perhaps best exemplified by telling you my nickname in high school was Inspector Gadget. I was born in the late ‘60s, so the early ‘80s when Alien, Blade Runner, Raiders of the Lost Ark and Battle Star Galatica were happening, those were my most formative years, between 11 and 17 years old. It was just an amazing MythBusters’ age to grow up in because every summer there would be 15 “Jamie & Adam incredible movies to go see. Working on Star Wars was the first UNLEASHED!” tour pre-teen job I wanted. I was reading about all the craftspeople April 16: DeVos Performance that made the spaceships, the sets, and invented new ways of Hall, Grand Rapids, 7:30 p.m. April 17: James W. Miller Aufilmmaking to tell those stories. I wanted to work with them. ditorium, Kalamazoo, 8 p.m. mythbusterstour.com
You were also in Billy Joel’s “You’re Only Human (Second Wind)” music video in 1985, right? Yeah, I spent three days filming with Billy in and around the five boroughs of Manhattan. It was a dream come true, I grew up on Billy Joel’s music. The video itself is terrible. I mean, really awful. It exemplifies what was so crappy about all of those videos in the ‘80s, but it was a huge amount of fun. After all of the odd jobs you’ve picked up — how would you label what you do? Wow, that’s a really good and difficult question. I’m kind of blown away. First and foremost, I’m a maker of things. But that doesn’t seem to encompass
40 | REVUEWM.COM | April 2015
Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman of Mythbusters
Working on Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, and having your model work in the film, must’ve been a dream come true for you, huh? Getting to work at Lucas’ Industrial Light & Magic for five years was like dying and going to heaven. When I was 19, I was hanging out with my best friend in New York and he said to me, “Adam, your problem is you have a lot of talent, but you don’t have ambition.” He said, “When you find your ambition, you won’t be sitting here talking to me, you’ll be saying, ‘I can’t do that by Tuesday, Mr. Lucas.’” That was 1986. Cut to the year 2000. I was working on the third floor of the ranch on Episode II at Lucas Films. I was part of a meeting with Lucas and his producer Rick McCallum and I actually got to say, “I can’t do that by Tuesday, Mr. Lucas.” n
What’s on Adam’s iPod? I am listening to a lot of the Decemberists. I have recently become aware of the Milk Carton Kids — they did all of the music for the film Inside Llewyn Davis; their music has been killing me. Then I listen to a lot of different female singers. I listen to people like Aimee Mann, Imogen Heap. But I also like some good pop like Sara Bareilles. I’m all over the place. My sons, who are very serious musicians, joke that I have the musical taste of a 14-year-old girl.
JOE BONAMASSA APRIL 14
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2/20/2015 9:31:41 AM REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
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With multiple individuals or departments involved, work can be distributed more evenly and efficiently to those who have the time and expertise. Collaboration tools, such as SharePoint, Lync, Office 365 and Windows 8.1 have been designed to support businesses who aim to become more collaborative workplaces. However, in order to fully reap the benefits of these collaborative tools, proper training is crucial.
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By Allison Parker
Theatre
Other Performing Arts Events MythBusters Jamie & Adam Unleashed!
Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo April 17, 8 p.m. $47-$150 millerauditorium.com, (269) 387-2300
The Discovery Channel’s top mysterysolving duo is coming to Kalamazoo to bust open some urban legends and wow their geeky, devoted followers. Select audience members are invited onstage to partake in Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage’s wacky shenanigans and signature experimental schemes. Additional bonuses for “Busters” buffs include behind-the-scenes stories and an in-show photo op.
Dancing Pros: Live
DeVos Performance Hall Broadway Grand Rapids April 17, 8 p.m. $27.50-$62.50 broadwaygrandrapids.com, (616) 235-6285
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Dance enthusiasts and reality TV junkies, this show is for you! Dancing with the Stars veterans Edyta Sliwinska and Chelsie Hightower join a cast of celebrities and pros in an exhilarating competition determined by your votes. Use your electronic voting remote to weigh in on exciting performances of the Cha Cha, Waltz, Tango, Samba, Jitterbug and Swing. Also enjoy live vocals from “American Idol” or “The Voice” singers that will propel the couples to victory.
Hot Club of Cowtown
Saugatuck Center for the Arts April 17, 8 p.m. $36 sc4a.org, (269) 857-2399
A sexy western blend of jazz and gypsy feels, the trio Hot Club of Cowtown kicks off Saugatuck Center for the Arts’ Spring Concert Series. Veterans of venues such as Lincoln Center and the Country Music Hall of Fame, Hot Club has also hit the small screen on “Rachael Ray” and “Grand Ole Opry Live.” This year, the group has earned two 2015 Ameripolitan Music Awards nominations: one for Western Swing Group and one for Western Swing Female.
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Chris Mann as The Phantom and Katie Travis as Christine Daaé.
Photo: Matthew Murphy
A Less Ghostly Phantom
F
ro m its th u n d e ro us opening chords to its plummeting chandelier, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera doesn’t run short on spectacle. Dazzling stage effects, sensuous costumes and an imposing score have made this the longest-running Broadway musical. While the show’s artistic elements are a major draw, Phantom has also enthralled theatregoers with its rich, twisted storyline that keeps its doors wide open to interpretation. Throughout the plot, tensions between clarity and insanity, reality and imagination, and physicality and the supernatural are enthralling mysteries explored by different productions. For Cameron Mackintosh’s North American Phantom tour, the show remains artistically sumptuous but offers a telling in which characters are anchored more in the physical world than the ghostly. “It’s the same story and it’s the same music that we know and love, but it is sort of a more realistic approach at this story
that can sometimes be where the Phantom is this Svengali and Christine is sort of hypnotized by him,” said Bay City-native Katie Travis, who plays Christine. “People are going through some shit and trying to decide what to do with that and what direction to go with their life. … I think the goal is to sort of simplify it down so that it’s about it being relatable, versus being a spectacle entirely.” In accordance with the production’s emphasis on realism, a new scenic design by Paul Brown tweaks the overall look in the interest of verisimilitude, though some of the original show’s imagery remains intact. Mist and candles abound and a giant chandelier is still a focal point. Some new imaginative features include a massive half-drum that revolves, opens and shifts to form spaces and rooms in creative ways. The fresh touches create an opulent, but more realistic setting than previous Phantom stages. “(The scenic design is) pretty awesome,” Travis said. “It’s really colorful, which is cool
and it’s just very intricate, actually. You can’t see even everything, but in the dressing room, there’s bobby pins on the table and playing cards on the table and stuff that we never really use, but it’s there to attach this sort of realistic feel.” By creating Phantom sets and characters that are closer to day-to-day life, the show has potential to make strong connections to audiences’ lives, Travis said. “I think the biggest thing I hope people get from this is the idea that life is full of decisions and challenges,” she said, “and ultimately what’s most important is compassion and love.” n
Phantom of the Opera
Wharton Center, East Lansing April 1-5, 7-12; show times at 1, 2, 6:30, 7:30 & 8 p.m. $32-$74 whartoncenter.com, (517) 353-1982
A MUSICAL INTERLUDE IN THE LIBRARY
April 24
8 pm | Van Andel Arena
Epic Storytelling... Immersive Sound... Visual Adrenaline... Action. Passion. Imagination.
presented by The Daniel & Pamella DeVos Foundation
Action. Passion. Imagination.
featuring selections from Swan an marCh | ToSCa | The Carmina Burana | Superm opera The of m nTo pha The | 9 BeeThoven’S Symphony no. and more! 85th Season Sponsor: The Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation
GHOST HEART
Wednesday, April 15 7:00 pm Main Library
Tickets start at $24.50 | Students $7.50
Proceeds benefit the Grand Rapids Symphony.
LiveArtsGR.org
SALTBREAKER
Thursday, May 14 7:00 pm Main Library
REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
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THESE CONCERTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 111 LIBRARY ST NE 616.988.5400 WWW.GRPL.ORG
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Style Notes
by Missy Black
SPRING BREAK FINDS
Find Your Look:
Prepare for Spring Break with sunny-weather basics and accessories that perfect your beach babe look.
Protection: Safeguard your skin with a product that’s natural and smells like banana cream pie! The Keeki Pure & Simple sunscreen, available in SPF 15, 30 and 45 ($14.99-$16.99), protects without any harsh chemicals and features tons of organic ingredients.
Pretty fabric head wraps with wire are a quick style fix. $12.95. Available at the Oh Abigail booth at Painted Farmgirl in Hudsonville.
“You get that beachy fragrance and it’s hydrating because of all the healthy oils,” says owner Natalie Novak Bauss. Visit keekipureandsimple.com.
The kimono craze is legit. Available in navy and red with fun pom trim on the sleeves, this breezy piece can be layered over a T-shirt or used as a beach cover up. $39. Available at Dear
The sleek rose gold slide-on Cleo sandal from iPanema features an adjustable strap for a customized fit. $30. Find it at jb and me in Holland and Grand Rapids.
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Prudence in Grand Rapids.
DIY TIME:
Nothing says warm weather like jean cut offs. Ripped, ragged and tank top- and bikini-ready, this quintessential summer staple is like a second skin. Save money and make your own at home using sandpaper to distress them or give them a worn-in look with bleaching techniques. You can even add lace or crochet embellishments for a little bohemian vibe.
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Let the sun shine on your metallic body tattoo. Temporary and kitschy, you can wear just one or pair a few together. $12/ set. Available at jb and me in Holland and Grand Rapids.
6740 CASCADE ROAD 6 1 6 . 9 4 2 . 9 8 8 6 www.cascade-optical.com
HyperOpt i k 1134 Wealthy Street 6 1 6 . 3 0 1 . 1 9 1 1 www.hyper-optik.com PHOTO: ROB CONENS FRAME: CAROLINE ABRAM MODEL: LINDSAY WILLIAMS
REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
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by Anya Zentmeyer
comedy At The B.O.B. Grand Rapids, MI 616.356.2000 www.thebob.com
Tough Competition:
Funniest Person in Grand Rapids competition underway ‘If you’re funny, you’re going to move on.’ BARRY ROTHBART April 2-4
DAN SpTr. ilGE9R-M11 AIN A
BRET E
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April
RNST
16-18
WS O D A E TIMpMril 23-25 A
CY AMUNDSON
Apr. 30 - May 2
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I
t takes a lot of work to make an audience of strangers “Funniest Person” host burst into laughter. Like the time stand-up Stu McCallister legend Paul Mooney compared Barbara Bush to the guy on the Quaker Oats box. That’s funny. But it takes time for newbie comics to get to that Mooney-level and perfect a solid, natural delivery. Keeping your ego in check is essential, especially in competitions among your peers. Stu McCallister has hosted the Funniest Person in Grand Rapids competition for eight years now. At this point, he’s always frank with the newcomers taking the stage for the first time. “I’m completely honest. I say, ‘You’re not going to win,’” McCallister said. “So many people have this thing where they come in like, ‘I’m gonna f*ckin’ win,’ and I tell them, ‘There are 90 people in this contest. One person wins. You’re not going to be that person.’” McCallister said few comics involved in the Funniest Person in Grand Rapids contest are career comedians. The handful of competitors who are regular stand-up performers have It’s a bit unscientific, McCallister admits, typically only been at it for four or five years, but it’s the most convenient and cost-effective but think it’s a great way for funny people to method. stretch their legs in front of a live audience “The applause thing scares (comedians) and take stand-up for a spin. away,” he says, “but I keep telling everyone,‘If While it started with 90-some original you’re funny, you’re going to move on. It’s contestants in the 13-week event, prelimigoing to happen.’” nary rounds wrapped up last For the final round, audimonth. Now, it’s down to 10 ences are given ballots and comedians. The chosen few asked to vote for first, second Funniest Person will perform in each of the reand third place: worth three, in Grand Rapids maining two semi-finals, eight two and one points, respectively. Dr. Grin’s, at the B.O.B. advancing on to the final round Those points are averaged out to Semifinals: April 8 & 15, on April 29. The winner takes 9 p.m. determine who wins Funniest Finals: April 29, 9 p.m. home $1,500. Person in Grand Rapids. He says thebob.com/drgrinscomedy Judging for the 10 prelimithe point system helps prevent nary and two semi-final rounds those who made it to semi-finals is based on audience applause because they brought the loudand cheering. The level of crowd noise is deest, largest entourage from advancing to the termined by McCallister and two other judges final round. at the end of the performances. “It evens everything out because, if you’re bad, the only people voting for you at all are
“I’m completely honest. I say, ‘You’re not going to win.’”
your friends,” McCallister said. “The woman who won the first year was from Lansing, she didn’t bring anybody and she wasn’t first place on anyone’s vote, but she was second or third on almost every vote so she won. Her humor had a mass appeal.” Though misleadingly titled, Funniest Person in Grand Rapids is not restricted to homegrown comedians. Adam Degi, who currently holds the title, hails from Detroit. “I’ve never felt like, ‘Yeah, that person didn’t deserve it, they only won because they brought the most people,’” McCallister said. “Everyone who has won has always been a person who didn’t bring a whole lot of people. They won because they’re funny.” His advice? Be relatable, be genuine, plan your jokes and appreciate the opportunity. “Forget that it’s a contest,” McCallister said.“You’re getting eight minutes at a comedy club in front of people who have paid to come see you.” n
indie film
By Josh Spanninga
FOR FOUNDERS FOR EXTENDED SEQUENCES OF HOPS, BOLD FLAVOR, AND INTENSE AROMA
film
A group of women challenge gender social norms in this depiction of an all-female mariachi band in Flor de Toloache, screening at Lunafest.
LUNAFEST Comes to Grand Rapids Kent County Girls on the Run (KCGOTR) have teamed up with the Grand Rapids Art Museum to bring the LUNAFEST film festival to Grand Rapids on Friday, April 23. The prestigious traveling film festival showcases woman-made films exploring current women’s issues. KCGOTR Executive Director Lori Burgess thought it was a perfect pairing. “If you were to boil down Girls on the Run to one thing, our goal is to empower the girls,” Burgess said. “That idea of empowerment is what LUNAFEST is about. Tickets are $40 and include access to a reception complete with hors d’oeuvres and other refreshments. Following the reception, eight short films will be screened. “What [audiences] can expect is diversity in content and style,” Burgess said. “Some are humorous, some are more poignant, and some are just plain inspiring.” Fifteen percent of the profits from the event benefit the breast cancer research fund; the rest will help fund KCGOTR’s future community projects and programs. For more information, visit kcgotr.org/lunafest.
UICA to Screen Kumiko: The Treasure Hunter
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#BREWEDFOR REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
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True film buffs obsess over films. They analyze the minuscule details while secretly daydreaming about entering that cinematic world. For the main character in David Zellner’s new film Kumiko: The Treasure Hunter, the film at hand is Fargo and she takes the obsession to a whole new level. The movie follows the titular character Kumiko as she discovers an old VHS copy of Fargo and becomes convinced it’s an enigmatic treasure map for a hefty case of money buried in North Dakota. The cinematically striking, critically acclaimed film screens April 3-16 at the Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts. “When I was screening Kumiko, it was so good that I literally had to hit pause more than once just to take a deep breath, sit back and take everything in,” said Nick Hartman, UICA’s film coordinator. “No joke, the film is so good that I had to take breaks from it because I felt so overwhelmed.” For more information, visit uica.org/movies. n
a film series
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48 | REVUEWM.COM | April 2015
4160 Lake Michigan DR NW | Suite B Grand Rapids, MI 49534 616-724-4102
AVAILABLE ONLY AT THESE LOCATIONS
950 Wealthy ST SE | Suite 1A Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-356-2573
4160 Lake Michigan DR NW | Suite B Grand Rapids, MI 49534 616-724-4102
Restaurant listings arranged by region
Grand Rapids 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. Bar Divani 15 Ionia Ave. SW. 616-774-WINE. ECLECTIC. Bar Divani offers a sophisticated environment, with the chefs use local ingredients in their creations. Taste the homegrown flavor in the Prosciutto Flatbread, the Linguine Alfredo or the Plum Salmon. By pairing with Dancing Goats Creamery, Otto’s Chicken, S&S Lamb, Ingraberg Farms, Mrs. Dog’s and Madcap, Bar Divani serves extraordinary tastes. But, what would a night out be without a few drinks? The bar serves more than 300 types of liquor, 300 wines and 50 beers to compliment each handcrafted meal. » SERVING: Dinner after 4 p.m. OPEN ON: Everyday but Sunday. GO THERE FOR: Local Cuisine. 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. Casual attire. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Open 7 days, closes at 2 p.m. GO THERE FOR: Lunch buffet.
The Bistro 11 Monroe Avenue NW (at Courtyard Marriott). 616-2426000 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. 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
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 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. The B.O.B. 20 Monroe Ave. NW. (616) 356-2000 ECLECTIC. If you’re not sure what kind of dining you want, you can just head into The B.O.B., where you can choose from one of its several venues. Go into Gilly’s, where you can dine on seafood or B.O.B.’s Brewery, the restaurant’s in-house brewery. You can dress down for some pizza at Bobarino’s or dress it up for a steak at Judson’s Steakhouse. For after dinner, take in a show at Dr. Grins or enjoy live music at H.O.M.E. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Beer and numerous dining options. Bombay Cuisine 1420 Lake Dr. SE 616-456-7055 INDIAN. Offering savory and subtly spiced dishes from northern India, Bombay 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. Brewery Vivant 925 Cherry St. SE. 616-719-1604 BREWPUB. Housed in a former funeral chapel, Brewery Vivant crafts Belgian-style ales with a focus on barrel aging. The brewpub also brings Belgian tradition when it comes to food, featuring French and Belgian-style meals to pair perfectly with the beer. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The Burger 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. Chapbook Café 2660 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids. 616-942-0595. CAFE. Take a break from browsing the shelves at Schuler Books with a homemade selection of soups, sandwiches and quiches. Soups are prepared in-house daily and served with fresh baked bread to accompany a small-but-elegant sandwich menu. Try a quiche or traditional Italian Panini grilled on fresh ciabatta bread, or for a quick bite, grab a bagel or scone from the dessert case. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days GO THERE FOR: Homemade soups and sandwiches CitySen Lounge 83 Monroe Center St. NW. 616-608-1720 AMERICAN. CitySen Lounge, located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, is a bar with a big-city feel, offering exciting options for lunch, dinner and breakfast on the weekends. The focus is on fresh ingredients and a full bar with local brews, wine and creative cocktails. » SERVING: Weekend Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Daily happy hour The Corner Bar 31 N. Main St., Rockford 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. The Cottage Bar 18 Lagrave Ave. SE. 616-454-9088 AMERICAN. The Cottage Bar is the oldest operating restaurant and bar in downtown Grand Rapids. Come in for the Cottage Burger, smothered with green olives, bacon, lettuce, tomato, hickory mayonnaise and Swiss and American cheeses. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays GO THERE FOR: The Cottage Burger. 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.
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 FourDiamond restaurant. Casual attire; no jacket required. Private dining also available. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Seasonal Sunday Brunch.
Erb Thai 950 Wealthy St. SE #1A. (616) 356-2573. Additional locations at 4160 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Suite B, and 820 Michigan St. NE. 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: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Peanut Curry Noodles.
Fajita Republic Cantina 2183 E. Beltline Ave. 616-272-3047 MEXICAN. A fresh twist on Mexican-inspired cuisine. Farm-fresh vegetables, never-frozen meats and lime-squeezed margaritas. Fajita entrees are flamed table-side and the owners promise there are no microwaves allowed, ensuring that all meals are made fresh. Additionally, there are 101 tequila varieties, as well as Mexican craft beers, wine and specialty drinks. » SERVING Lunch Dinner. OPEN: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fajitas, Tequila Founders Brewing Company 235 Grandville SW. 616-776-1195 BREWPUB. A beer-lover’s paradise with a national reputation for flavorful, award-winning 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. 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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Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule
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 Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Dead Head Vegetarian Pizza, Cuban dinners on Friday nights.
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.
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 an expanded list, be on the lookout for new and improved dining changes on our website, revuewm.com. The listings are not intended to be reviews of West Michigan restaurants, although we will inject some opinions into the listings based on staff experiences and personal preferences. To submit or to correct information in a dining listing, e-mail editor@ revuewm.com.
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Dining 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.
Harmony Brewing Company 1551 Lake Dr. SE (616) 233-0063 BREWPUB. Harmony features 12 craft-brewed beers in addition to signature root beer for the kiddos. Named one of the top-five brewpub menus in West Michigan by yours truly, Harmony’s ultimate deal is a take-out combo that features one of its 10” gourmet wood-fired pizzas and a growler of beer for $20, as well as a $5 cheese and $6 pepperoni pizza deal every Tuesday. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza and brews.
GP Sports 187 Monroe Ave. NW 616-776-6495 SPORTS BAR. Catch the big game on one of 30 televisions, including a big screen for optimal game viewing. This colorful and casual restaurant not only caters to sports fans, but also features top-notch burgers, pizzas and specialty drinks. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Score Big Burgers.
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.
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. 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 Rapids Brewing Company 1 Ionia Ave SW. 616-458-7000 BREWPUB. Good for the environment and your palate, GRBC is Michigan’s first certified organic brewery and features a menu stocked with locally grown ingredients. With a diverse selection of beers on tap inspired by historical Grand Rapids figures and a hearty array of burgers, melts and hand-cranked sausages, this place represents the best of the brewery’s 120-year legacy. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Organic beer and locally sourced food. 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. The Holiday Bar 801 5th St. NW. (616) 456-9058 AMERICAN. Tucked smack dab in the “Heart of the Westside, The Holiday Bar boasts a classic 40-foot Horseshoe bar, along with cheap eats and drinks, both served until 2 a.m., with specials happening daily. The Holiday Bar has a full menu that features pub fare like chicken strips, pierogis, battered homestyle mushrooms and more. It’s a great place to watch the game, listen to music or just hang out with friends. » SERVING Lunch Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Cheap eats and drinks.
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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. Marie Catrib’s 1001 Lake Dr. 616-454-4020 ECLECTIC. The East Hills eatery makes everything from scratch with local ingredients, and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Get there early for lunch, as there is almost always 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. 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. 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. One Trick Pony 136 E. Fulton. 616-235-7669 AMERICAN. Connected to The Cottage Bar, One Trick Pony offers an eclectic American menu that ranges from salads, fish, pizza, homemade soups and more. Pair the food with live music, which OTP features weekly.
» SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Eclectic pizzas. Pearl Street Grill 310 Pearl St NW. 616-235-1342 AMERICAN. Dine in a relaxing environment where kids eat free and the chef uses local vendors and suppliers. Conveniently located in downtown Grand Rapids, Pearl Street Grill offers nightly happy hour specials that include signature cocktails and Michigan beer, as well as a $10 burger and beer special, $5 pizzas and more. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Late night specials. 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. 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 (weekends) Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days; 11 a.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. weekends. GO THERE FOR: Crepes. Reds on the River 8 E Bridge St #100, Rockford. 616-863-8181 AMERICAN. Relaxed ambiance, great food and a view of the river equate to an enjoyable time out. With quality food and fresh ingredients you’re sure to find a meal that tickles your fancy. Staff is trained to help you should you encounter unfamiliar territory. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days GO THERE FOR: Red’s Steak Burger Reserve Wine & Food 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: Lunch, Dinner OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday GO THERE FOR: Wine and food pairings, charcuterie, happy hour. River City Saloon 1152 Leonard St. NW. 616-451-0044 AMERICAN. Combine your tastes of live music and filling food at River City Saloon. The restaurant and bar has Mexican options, burgers, salads and more. On the weekends, indulge in any of these menu items or a couple drinks while listening to some local music by bands like Hey Marco, OTC, Litt Up, Drop 35 and more. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Wednesday olive burger special 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.
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 2% 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. 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. 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. The Score 5301 Northland Dr. NE. 616-301-0600 SPORTS BAR. The Score is the perfect combination for beer and sports lovers. More than 70 TVs carry all major sports packages and there are 128 beers on tap. During the summer months, enjoy live entertainment seven days a week, outdoor dining (complete with real palm trees) and volleyball tournaments. The menu ranges from burgers to pizzas and wings tossed in one of The Score’s 16 sauces. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner .OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Lots of beer options. 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. Speak EZ Lounge 600 Monroe Ave. NW. 616-458-3125 ECLECTIC. While this lounge may be modeled after the year 1933, its food is not. There’s a variety of food for all to enjoy whether you’re omnivore, vegan or gluten free. Come in for a bite of Rustic Sage Risotto that goes perfectly with one of the lounges signature drinks. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: The diverse menu Stella’s Lounge 53 Commerce Ave. 616-356-2700 TAVERN. The Chicago-style 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 and other classic beers out of a mason jar? » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Vegetarian and vegan bar food. Terra GR 1429 Lake Dr. 616-301-0998 AMERICAN. Terra boasts fresh, healthy ingredients in all of its menu items. The restaurant doesn’t feature one menu, either. It offers a Saturday and Sunday brunch menu, as well as menus for lunch, dinner, dessert, beverages, wine, happy hour and kids. The food is inspired by the seasons and ingredients come
SchulerBooks&Music 32 years as your local, independent bookstore!
Made in Germany • Tradition seit 1774
99
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April Events
8995 95
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Spring Styles FOOT OUTFITTERS
1411 Robinson Road • 451-4732 Repairs Available
www.footoutfitters.com 1411 Robinson Road Grand Rapids, MI
6
7pm
CAFFEINATED PRESS COMMUNITY WELCOME AND BOOKSIGNING FOR THEIR DEBUT SHORT STORY ANTHOLOGY, BREWED AWAKENINGS
SPRING BREAK CHILDREN’S TREASURE HUNT EVENT & 2pm BOOKSIGNING WITH AUTHOR MATTHEW BAKER FOR HIS DEBUT ADVENTURE BOOK, IF YOU FIND THIS!
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4820154-01
Repairs available (616) 451-4732 footoutfitters.com
Find us online!
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SPRING CONCERT SERIES! ERIC NASSAU & FRIENDS
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SPRING CONCERT SERIES! GILLEN & TURK
7pm
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AUTHOR TALK & BOOKSIGNING WITH NYT-BESTSELLING AUTHOR GARTH STEIN FOR HIS NOVEL A SUDDEN LIGHT
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OPERA TALK: OPERA GRAND RAPIDS’ MAESTRO ROBERT LYALL - TOSCA
7pm
4pm
PAJAMA STORYTIME AND BOOKSIGNING WITH AUTHOR/ 7pm ILLUSTRATOR KENNETH KRAEGEL FOR HIS NEW CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK, THE SONG OF DELPHINE
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SchulerBooks.com
2660 28th Street SE • (616) 942-2561 Grand Rapids, MI 49512
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Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
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/// Beer
by Joe Boomgaard, Revue Beer Czar
Double your vices, double your fun
B
ack in the ’90s, a shitty alternative band named Marcy Playground wrote a shitty song called “Sex and Candy” that shitty rock stations were more than happy to overplay for parent-hating youths. Those were some dark days. But setting aside the subjective judgments about the band’s songwriting abilities, the song did present listeners with an interesting thought: sex AND candy. Not just one and then the other, but BOTH at the same time. Imagine the young minds running wild with the possibility of enjoying two vices at once. That brings us to our beer taste-off for April’s Vice issue of Revue. We got to thinking: What other vice could one combine with craft beer (insomuch as craft beer is a vice)? Chocolate, of course. Sure, you could drink a beer and eat some chocolate, but many craft brewers have both vices covered with an all-in-one product. Mama, this surely is not a dream; it’s wonderful reality. We assembled 10 chocolate-based beers for a blind taste test, conducted by the following judges: n Jayson Bussa, a raging chocoholic and digital editor of Revue n David Edsenga, Grand Rapids attorney and craft beer aficionado n Nick Manes, staff writer at MiBiz and an avid vapist n Tim Mroz, a homebrewer and communications exec for a local nonprofit Here’s what they had to say.
The beers Big Lushious
Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids, Mich. — 7.8% ABV Exactly what you’d expect from a welldone stout brewed with chocolate and raspberries. It has a dark appearance with good lacing and a khaki head. The nose has a huge hit of raspberries, which is also present in the flavor. The beer doesn’t go overboard on the chocolate, but it’s still an awesome beer. As one reviewer described it: “Unique, over-the-top — Kanye-esque.” Score: 86
Choklat
Southern Tier Brewing Co., Lakewood, N.Y. — 10.0% ABV This stout brewed with chocolate was thick and dark with a spicy nose and a big body. One reviewer went so far as to note its “sexy, dark smell that balanced the chocolate with a slightly spicy finish.” Another summed it up: “An excellent beer with an incredible nose. It’s about as solid as they come.” Score: 84.75
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The Chocolate Manifesto
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Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery, Barrie, Ontario, Canada 10.0% ABV How much chocolate can one beer have? This one featured three different kinds. It had nice, thick lacing. This is a stick-to-the-glass kind of beer. There’s a sweet smell of milk chocolate with an awesome flavor, but a slightly chemical aftertaste. It’s definitely King Chocolate, but probably not a beer you’d want to drink all night. Another judge named it “Dolph Lundgren.” Score: 82.25
Organic Chocolate Stout
Samuel Smith’s Brewery, Yorkshire, U.K. — 5.0% ABV This beer was more on the lighter side of dark beers and slightly thin,
but it’s heavy on the chocolate up front. “The nose is what makes this beer,” one reviewer noted. It also has a pleasant, somewhat dry finish. The beer’s chocolate flavor and seemingly low alcohol and light body led another reviewer to describe it as “Iggy Azalea” — whatever that means. Score: 75
Chocolate Stout
Rogue Ales, Newport, Ore. 6.0% ABV When sampling this beer made with imported chocolate, chocolate malt and rolled oats, the reviewers noted a welcome hoppy bitterness. Even though it’s on the plain side of beers — particularly when sampled after two heavyweights — it was noted for its drinkability. Score: 71.75
Cocoa Molé
New Belgium Brewing Co., Fort Collins, Colo. — 9.0% ABV As a chocolate porter spiced with ancho, guajillo and chipotle peppers, this beer was a bit of an outlier compared to the others. Reviewers immediately picked up the spicy, pepper aroma. The peppers kicked in for the finish, but there were also hints of chocolate and cinnamon. One reviewer, who seems to have a penchant for naming beers after pop stars, called it “Ricky Martin.” Score: 70.25
Chocolade Koffie Stout
Odd Side Ales, Grand Haven, Mich. 6.0% ABV It’s a dark beer with a slight head and no carbonation.
Coffee presents itself in the nose, and that carries over to the flavor where it’s mixed with some chocolate. However, reviewers noted there was an off flavor from the yeast on the finish. As a stout made with coffee, it leans more on the java flavors than the chocolate. Score: 68.5
Kay-Lips-O Chocolate Milk Stout
Boatyard Brewing Co., Kalamazoo, Mich. 4.8% ABV This stout poured with a great head and featured dark lacing. There was an earthy, hoppy aroma to this beer, and the taste was very similar. It’s a light, hopped-up stout with not much chocolate to speak of. As one reviewer noted, “It’s most complex on the palate, but not well assembled.” Score: 65.25
Milkshake Stout
Rochester Mills Beer Co., Rochester, Mich. 6.0% ABV Flat with no head. The smell was decent with some coffee and chocolate, but it was let down by the watery body and the artificial flavors. Reviewers described it thusly: “Nothing to write home about,” and “middle of the road, like a Jonas Brother.” Score: 59.5
Chocolate Dopplebock
Lucky Girl Brewing Co., Grand Junction, Mich. — 8.7% ABV As a lager brewed with cocoa, this was another outlier in the test. While the aroma featured some chocolate, the flavor did not. It was also amber in color, and the judges clearly favored their chocolate beers darker. Score: 55
Keep Beer Curious. le Availab18! April
release party
Saturday, April 18th
Live music, a pig roast & lots of Pig Porter on tap & 22 oz bottles! 225 E. 16th Street, Traverse City, MI rightbrainbrewery.com
FRIDAY, APRIL 10 20 MONROE AVE NW | GRAND RAPIDS 616.356.2000 | THEBOBSBREWERY.COM
REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
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On Tap Starting
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Dining straight from one of Michigan’s many farms. » SERVING: Brunch Lunch Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh foods with ingredients from regional growers.
desserts. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Gorgonzola Pork Chop, Greek Salad with Grandma Gigi’s Dressing (Edwards).
Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill 760 Butterworth St. SW. 616-272-3910 AMERICANA. You might walk into Tip Top for the cheap happy hour specials or one of the many rockabilly acts. But get comfortable with one of the venue’s signature menu items. Get classic with a sandwich or burger, but we recommend immersing yourself fully in GR’s west side and ordering Tip Top’s Polish Plate. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Dinner, drinks and a show.
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.
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. Wolfgang’s Restaurant 1530 Wealthy St. SE. 616-454-5776 BREAKFAST. The bustling Eastown breakfast spot is home to some of the 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.
Lakeshore 8th Street Grille 20 W. 8th St., Holland. 616-392-5888 AMERICAN. This eclectic grille offers a mix of draft and bottled craft beers and a variety of pub classics and new, American beer-inspired dishes. Happy hour includes half-off appetizers and $1 off drafts. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: 28 taps of craft beer.
Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene
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. CityVu Bistro 61 E 7th Street, Holland. 616-796-2114 AMERICAN. A distinctive rooftop dining experience in downtown Holland with fresh gourmet flatbreads and an array of seasonal entrees are in. The contemporary-yet-casual atmosphere, full bar and unique menus make it the ideal spot for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: flatbreads 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
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Hops at 84 East 84 East 8th St., Holland. 616-396-8484 TAVERN. A beautiful taproom sporting reclaimed wood and copper. With 60 beer taps, two English beer machines, eight wine taps and an extensive spirits menu, Hops has a special beverage for everyone. The menu includes brick-oven pizza, burgers and sandwiches, chicken wings and a rotating special of the day. There are also gluten-free options, including their famous pizza. Several large-screen TVs adorn the restaurant if you’re in the mood to watch the big game. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Craft beer and brick-oven pizza. Kirby House 2 Washington, Grand Haven. 616-846-3299 AMERICAN. The Grill Room doesn’t pretend to be anything other than 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. 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. 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. Phil’s Bar & Grille 215 Butler St., Saugatuck. 269-857-1555 AMERICAN. This cozy (some would say “small”) bar and grille in downtown Saugatuck is one of those unassuming spots you might easily overlook, though locals in Saugatuck will tell you about their love affair with Phil’s. Eclectic menu is all over the place, but in a good way, and the staff is super-friendly. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Portabella Mushroom Fries. Piper Restaurant 2225 South Shore Drive, Holland. 616-335-5866 AMERICAN. Upscale-but-casual spot located on Lake Macatawa, offering great views from virtually every table. Menu includes tastefully prepared items like Almond Crusted Walleye and Grilled Pork Loin, as well as wood-fired pizzas. Reservations are welcomed. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Almond Crusted Walleye.
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.
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.
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.
Food Dance 401 E. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo. 269-382-1888 AMERICAN. Food Dance is committed to building a thriving and sustainable local food system, supporting artisans who practice craft food processes. It’s about the connection with people and places the food comes from. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, private dining space, catering and delivery, while an on-site market offers humanely raised meats, artisan cheeses, fresh bread and pastries. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh Local Foods.
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.
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. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Handcrafted ales and barbecue.
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. Old Dog Tavern 402 East Kalamazoo Avenue, Kalamazoo. 269-381-5677 AMERICAN. The food at Old Dog Tavern is just about as eclectic as the live entertainment the establishment offers all week long. Of course, there are the trusted and true burgers and pizzas, but Old Dog also offers U.P.-approved pastys, an open face sandwich, curried pumpkin hummus and a brownie sundae inspired by Atwater Brewing’s Vanilla Java Porter. The menu has so much on it that it might even bring some harmony between picky and adventurous eaters. » SERVING: Brunch Lunch Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The eclectic menu options.
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.
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.
Bravo! 5402 Portage Rd., Kalamazoo 269-344-7700 ITALIAN. Muchlauded restaurant has earned its stripes over 23 years as one of the region’s best dining experiences, including a 3-star rating in the 2010 Forbes 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.
Martell’s 3501 Greenleaf Blvd., Kalamazoo. 269-375-2105 AMERICAN. Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood that overlooks Willow Lake, Martell’s offers casual ambiance and an expansive menu with steaks, prime rib and other comfort food entrées like Italian style meatloaf and pork shank. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days (Sundays-dinner only) GO THERE FOR: Quiet casual ambiance.
Central City Taphouse 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall. (269) 492-0100 TAPHOUSE. If Central City doesn’t have the kind of beer you want on tap, you’ll probably find it with the 75+ bottles. OH, you say you’re not a beer drinker? Well, Central City offers 20 wine ‘taps’ and a full bar. If you’re not the drinking type, that’s cool too. There are a number of food options to pick from, including a raw menu, a pizza menu and the all-day menu, which features burgers, soups and entrees. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Diverse beverage selection.
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
To submit or to correct information in a dining listing, e-mail editor@ revuewm.com.
Spring into the City DA I LY H A P P Y H O U R F R O M 4 - 7 P M
Bold and delicious Spring Menus arriving mid-April!
Join us for our Mother’s Day Brunch.
Call 616-235-7611 for reservations. Room is limited.
Downtown Grand Rapids Inside Holiday Inn 310 Pearl St. NW (616) 235-1342 higrdt.com/pearlstreetgrill
83 Monroe Center St NW / Downtown GR / cityflatshotel.com / 616.608.1720
learn it. brew it. drink it. Gravel Bottom where a Home Brewer recipe is always on tap, and fresh home brewing supplies are waiting to be brewed. Come enjoy a rotating selection of craft brews, pick up tips from the brewers and design your own beer.
Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule
418 ADA DRIVE SE, ADA GRAVELBOTTOM.COM 616.920.7398 TUES-THUR 2PM-11PM FRI & SAT 11AM-12AM
REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
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The Schedule Get Scheduled! E-mail your info to schedule@revuewm.com or add your events into our calendar at revuewm.com.
wednesday
4.01
Billy’s Lounge Paint Nite Celebration! Cinema North Founders Film Series: This Is Spinal Tap DeltaPlex Arena Grand Rapids Drive vs. Sioux Falls Skyforce Foundry Hall Song Swap Gipper’s Bar & Restaraunt Party Sing Along With Bimini Lite Grand Rapids Public Library EatPlayGrow, Small Business Class: Using Facebook to Promote Your Business Old Dog Tavern DJ Z&B Red Rooster Tavern Oat Bran Boys
thursday
4.02
friday
4.03
Bell’s Brewery Slim Gypsy Baggage wsg. Dumela Project Billy’s Lounge Denise Davis & The Motor City Sensations
The Livery The Whistle Stop Revue The Melting Pot Ballads Blues and Broadway! The Music Factory DeverauX The Pyramid Scheme From Indian Lakes, The Soil & The Sun, Lemolo Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Briscoe County Vultures The Truckstop Cobras, Willamena, The Lazy Hands Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Kumiko: The Treasure Hunter Wild Bull Saloon Drop 35
saturday
4.04
Bell’s Brewery Zion Lion Berlin Raceway Horsepower 5K Bobarino’s at the B.O.B. Dueling Pianos with Dennie Middleton and Friends Champs Bar & Grill Alden Nash Band Czar’s 505 Brian Randall Band
sunday
4.05
Grand Rapids Art Museum Drop-in Family Sundays Mulligan’s Pub The Lippies, Devious Ones Old Dog Tavern The Go Rounds (11 a.m. Resurrection Brunch); Son Blues Jam (6 p.m.) Papa Pete’s Knights of Mayhem Salt of the Earth: Rustic American Eatery & Bakery Evie Ladin & Keith Terry wsg Red Tail Ring SpeakEZ Lounge Randissmo’s Sunday Jazz Jam
monday
4.06
O’Toole’s Open Mic Night Schuler Books 28th Street Caffeinated Press presents Brewed Awakenings Various locations in Grand Rapids and Holland West Michigan Design Week
tuesday
4.07
Ambrosia Theater (BellyDance GR) Tuesday Night Conga Class Calvin College La Dispute Elk Brewing Open Mic with Valentiger
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts ARTBreak presents Boyhood of Lincoln: A Nation Heals with John Stempien SpeakEZ Lounge MartiniMOTH Live Storytelling The Park Theatre Open Mic at Park Theatre Various locations in Grand Rapids and Holland West Michigan Design Week
wednesday
4.08
Aperitivo Aperitivo Food & Beverage Trivia Celebration! Cinema North Founders Film Series: Caddyshack Gipper’s Bar & Restaraunt Party Sing Along With Bimini Lite Red Rooster Tavern Oat Bran Boys The Intersection Dopapod wsg. Desmond Jones The Pyramid Scheme Tigers Jaw, Lemuria, Somos Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Kumiko: The Treasure Hunter Various locations in Grand Rapids and Holland West Michigan Design Week
thursday
4.09
Bell’s Brewery Axis: Sova wsg. Forget The Times
Best Bet: Jazz When Organissimo formed 15 years ago,
Organissimo the jazz trio’s goal was to make one of music’s April 11, 8 p.m., FREE more challenging genres more accessible to the One Trick Pony, Grand casual music listener. They were also dedicated to Rapids pushing the boundaries of what direction jazz was onetrick.biz, (616) headed. It was a tall order, but universal acclaim 234-PONY and a rabid fan base is solid proof that it’s been a successful mission so far. Organissimo’s sound blends elements of funk, gospel, blues, prog rock, and Latin rhythms, playing with sudden tempo changes to keep listeners constantly on guard. The group’s album This Is The Place made a huge splash, winning Best Jazz Album and Album of the Year at the 2006 Jammie Awards. Its praises were sung from coast-to-coast, including Jim Wilke’s “Jazz After Hours” program in Seattle. NPR also featured the CD as a part of its Open-Mic series.
Organissimo REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule
Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Phoffman Trio Czar’s 505 Mike Bobbitt & DJ Dangler Dog Story Theater Julius Caesar Dr. Grins Comedy Club Barry Rothbart Founders Brewery The Go Rounds Wilder Maker Miller Auditorium WMU Theatre presents Dinner Theatre: Tony & Tina’s Wedding Old Dog Tavern Light It Up Bluegrass One Trick Pony Fred Knapp Trio Rockford Brewing Company South of Wealthy Soaring Eagle Casino Murder Mystery Dinner: Dressed To Kill The Livery Magician Stuart MacDonald
Bobarino’s at the B.O.B. Dueling Pianos with Dennie Middleton and Friends Czar’s 505 The Ark Band DeltaPlex Arena Grand Rapids Drive vs. Erie Bayhawks Dog Story Theater Julius Caesar Dr. Grins Comedy Club Barry Rothbart Foundry Hall Tunebugs Gallery Uptown April Whimsy Opening Reception Grand Woods Lounge Funkle Jesse H.O.M.E. at The BOB Thirsty Peach Mulligan’s Pub Them Teeth, Cosmonaut, Knives Are Quiet Old Dog Tavern Ben Daniels Band River City Saloon In The Red Rockford Brewing Company The Moonrays Shakespeare’s Lower Level Cris Kauffman Tribute Show with Pleasant Drive, Item 9 Band, Combat Corduroy The Intersection Good Friday To Rock presents Deadwood Stone, Kill All Control, Bled Life, Dirt Chili, Edge From Falling, Pink Droyd
DeltaPlex Arena Knockout Promotions #35 Dog Story Theater Julius Caesar Dr. Grins Comedy Club Barry Rothbart FireKeepers Casino Hotel REO Speedwagon First Baptist Church All Ears Theatre presents Ananse’s Return Founders Brewery Organissimo H.O.M.E. at The BOB Round Brown Suitcase Howmet Playhouse An Evening with The Phoffman Trio with Anders Beck and Mike Devol Ladies Literary Club River City Improv Little River Casino Resort Dustin Lynch Mulligan’s Pub Four Lincolns Odds Elite Bullpig Old Dog Tavern Whistle Stop Revue One Trick Pony Lazy Blue Tunas River City Saloon In The Red Saugatuck Brewing Double Nickel String Band Shakespeare’s Lower Level Mine Enemies Fall Soaring Eagle Casino Grand Funk Railroad and The Guess Who The Curragh Jeff Ward The Intersection Lindsay Lowend The Livery Chris Forsyth & The Solar Motel Band The Pyramid Scheme LadyFestGR 2015 The Union Stereo Garden Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Kumiko: The Treasure Hunter Wild Bull Saloon Rusty’s Big Ass Band
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Schedule Dr. Grins Comedy Club Dan St. Germain Holland Museum Museum After Dark: Prohibition Kalamazoo State Theatre Straight No Chaser presents The Happy Hour Tour Miller Auditorium WMU Theatre presents Dinner Theatre: Tony & Tina’s Wedding Old Dog Tavern Jason Singer One Trick Pony E Minor Rockford Brewing Company Justin Stover Seven Steps Up Don Campbell Shakespeare’s Lower Level Paint Pub Kzoo presents Spring Ahead SpeakEZ Lounge Science On Tap! The Fed Galleries at KCAD Grand Rapids Film Festival
The Intersection Tribal Seeds, The Movement, Leilani Wolfgramm The Pyramid Scheme Mr. Gnome Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Kumiko: The Treasure Hunter Various locations in Grand Rapids and Holland West Michigan Design Week
friday
4.10
B.O.B.s Brewery Hopsun release Bell’s Brewery Joel Mabus Bobarino’s at the B.O.B. Dueling Pianos with Dennie Middleton and Friends
Crescendo Academy of Music Crescendo Fiddlers: Fiddle Club Czar’s 505 Pfreakshow Dale B. Lake Auditorium (KVCC) The Jim Lauderdale Band Dog Story Theater Julius Caesar Downtown Grand Rapids/Heartside Art.Downtown. presented by Avenue for the Arts Dr. Grins Comedy Club Dan St. Germain Farmers Alley Theatre The Glass Menagerie Foundry Hall Tunebugs Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts Alley Door Club 2015 presents West Side Soul Surfers Grand Rapids Art Museum Art of the Lived Experiment; Art.Downtown
The Verve Pipe
Grand Woods Lounge Drop 35 H.O.M.E. at The BOB Azz Izz Mulligan’s Pub Bong Mountain, Dead Hands Old Dog Tavern Hired Hands River City Saloon Nick Caster Music Rockford Brewing Company Honeydew Squeeze Schuler Books 28th Street Children’s Treasure Hunt & Booksigning Schuler Books 28th Street Spring Concert Series presents Eric Nassau & Friends Seven Steps Up Liz Longley The Fed Galleries at KCAD Grand Rapids Film Festival The Intersection Curren$y; Lionize, The Delta Saints, Meghann Wright & The Green Gallows (The Stache) The Livery Trout Steak Revival The Melting Pot Ballads Blues and Broadway The Music Factory Soil & Beyond Threshold wsg: Susan Aquila, Novena Vendetta, American Nightmare and PleThorA The Parish Theatre Richard III The Pyramid Scheme Weedeater, King Parrot, Child Bite, Kill It Again Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Root Doctor featuring Freddie Cunningham Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Fim: Kumiko: The Treasure Hunter Various locations in Grand Rapids and Holland West Michigan Design Week Whiskey River Saloon Trixy Tang Wild Bull Saloon Brian Randall
saturday
Best Bet: Rock
Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene
It’s been 18 years since the smash ballad “The Freshman” propelled East Lansing rockers the Verve Pipe to the top of the modern rock chart. Despite a slew of other hits — including “Photograph,” “Hero” and “Never Let You Down” — and worldwide album sales of more than 1 million, the band took a 13-year recording hiatus, not including two kids’ albums. The members kept busy though, continuing to perform together as well as with solo and side projects. And this month, lead singer/guitarist Brian Vander Ark brings Verve Pipe back to Kalamazoo for a show at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe in support of “Overboard,” its first adult-centric studio album since 2001’s “Underneath.” Verve Pipe Verve Pipe was formed in 1992 by Vander Ark and longBell’s Eccentric Café (at Bell’s Brewery), time drummer Donny Brown. It underwent a series of lineup Kalamazoo changes over the years while broadening its sound. The new April 11, 8 p.m., album features 10 new songs, including the melodic “Crash $20/$18 adv. Landing” and the poignant, folk-infused title track, lyrically bellsbeer.com, (269) set in the Upper Peninsula. The album was self-produced and 382-2332 reflects the maturity of two decades of growth and evolution.
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4.11
Bell’s Brewery The Verve Pipe Billy’s Lounge Starfarm Bobarino’s at the B.O.B. Dueling Pianos with Dennie Middleton and Friends Czar’s 505 Alive Rock City Dog Story Theater Julius Caesar Dr. Grins Comedy Club Dan St. Germain Farmers Alley Theatre The Glass Menagerie Fenn Valley New Release Winemaker’s Dinner Founders Brewery Trout Steak Revival H.O.M.E. at The BOB Jedi Mind Trip Kalamazoo State Theatre Primus & The Chocolate Factory Old Dog Tavern Marci Linn Band One Trick Pony Organissimo River City Saloon Pretty Rage Rockford Brewing Company E Minor
Saugatuck Brewing Moxieville Seven Steps Up Delilah DeWylde & The Lost Boys Shakespeare’s Lower Level Comedy Showcase with Bob Fredricks The Curragh Reviving the Era The Fed Galleries at KCAD Grand Rapids Film Festival The Intersection Houndmouth, Parker Millsap; Ryan Caberea & Secondhand Serenade (The Stache) The Livery Steel City Rovers The Music Factory ManUnkind The Orbit Room Black Label Society, Wino The Parish Theatre Richard III The Pyramid Scheme Maritime, North Atlantic Drift The Union Rumblefish Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Vice Tricks Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Kumiko: The Treasure Hunter Various locations in Grand Rapids and Holland West Michigan Design Week W.K. Kellogg Auditorium Battle Creek Symphony presents Bohemian Fantasy Wealthy Theatre Jake’s Music Festival Whiskey River Saloon Trixy Tang Wild Bull Saloon Real Fanstastics
sunday
4.12
The Block (Muskegon) Neil Jacobs Dog Story Theater Julius Caesar Farmers Alley Theatre The Glass Menagerie Grand Rapids Art Museum Drop-in Family Sundays Mulligan’s Pub Murder Party, Aggro or Die, OC45 Old Dog Tavern Gator Boys Blues Band Salt of the Earth: Rustic American Eatery & Bakery Red Sea Pedestrians SpeakEZ Lounge Randissmo’s Sunday Jazz Jam The Fed Galleries at KCAD Grand Rapids Film Festival The Intersection Yellowcard, Finch, One Ok Rock; Carmack (The Stache) Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Kumiko: The Treasure Hunter
monday
4.13
O’Toole’s Open Mic Night The Fed Galleries at KCAD Grand Rapids Film Festival
The Intersection Testament, Exodus, Shattered Sun
tuesday
4.14
Ambrosia Theater (BellyDance GR) Tuesday Night Conga Class Aquinas College Spoken Word Poet: Sarah Kay Celebration Cinema North Exhibition OnScreen: Vincent Van Gogh DeVos Performance Hall Joe Bonamassa Elk Brewing Open Mic with Valentiger Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum America’s First Ladie: An Enduring Legacy Kalamazoo Institute of Arts ARTBreak presents Story of Women and Art Kent District Library: Cascade Township branch Civil Wary Diary Presentation Shakespeare’s Lower Level OC45, Bike Tuff, Drugs In The Carpet The Park Theatre Open Mic at Park Theatre Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Kumiko: The Treasure Hunter
wednesday
4.15
Billy’s Lounge Paint Nite Celebration! Cinema North Founders Film Series - Grumpy Old Men Gipper’s Bar & Restaraunt Party Sing Along With Bimini Lite Grand Rapids Public Library Music in the Stacks: Ghost Heart Kent County District Library Grandville Branch KDL Caffeinated: Coffee Brewing and Tasting Red Rooster Tavern Oat Bran Boys The Intersection The Color Morale, Slaves, Vanna, Favorite Weapon, Seraphim The Pyramid Scheme The Hudson Branch, Hannah Rose Graves, Andrew Martin Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Kumiko: The Treasure Hunter
thursday
4.16
Bell’s Brewery DC feat. DJ Concious & AB
Edward Burtynsky: Water at Grand Rapids Art Museum
DeVos Performance Hall Mythbusters: Jamie and Adam Unleashed! Dr. Grins Comedy Club Bret Ernst Farmers Alley Theatre The Glass Menagerie Founders Brewery The Bright Light, Social Hour, Talk In Tongues Grand Rapids Ballet Company MOVEMEDIA II Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids Death of a Salesman Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Art League DepARTure: Art & Dining in South Bend; Redefining the Multiple; Second Sight/Insight II Master Arts Theatre The Beverly Hillbillies
Bobarino’s at the B.O.B. Dueling Pianos with Dennie Middleton and Friends Czar’s 505 Whistle Pigs DeltaPlex Arena & Conference Center The Brew Ha Ha DeVos Performance Hall Broadway Grand Rapids Presents ‘Dancing Pros: Live’ Dr. Grins Comedy Club Bret Ernst Farmers Alley Theatre The Glass Menagerie Foundry Hall Tunebugs Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts The Hit Men featuring former stars of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and more Frauenthal Center for the
St. Cecilia Music Center The Baroque Concert The Intersection Bass Roots presents Mo Bass For Yo Face with Meaux Green, Ranga, Lady Reign; Whitey Morgan The Livery Shari Kane & Dave Steele The Melting Pot Ballads Blues and Broadway The Music Factory Eve to Adam & I-Exist wsg Coldville The Parish Theatre Richard III The Pyramid Scheme DJ Grandmaster Flash, DJ Psycho, DJ J-Beez Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill The Blueflowers, British, Racing Green Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Giuseppe Makes A Movie Wealthy Theatre Pop Scholars: Improv Comedy Whiskey River Saloon Hoosier Highway
saturday
4.18
DJ Grandmaster FLash at The Pyramid Scheme April 17
friday
4.17
Bell’s Brewery Larry McCray Billy’s Lounge WGVU’s Local Blues Matters
Performing Arts The Hit Men Grand Rapids Ballet Company MOVEMEDIA II Grand Woods Lounge Borrowed Time H.O.M.E. at The BOB Funkle Jesse Howmet Playhouse The Mosaic Singers of the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit Master Arts Theatre The Beverly Hillbillies Miller Auditorium Mythbusters: Jamie & Adam UNLEASHED Mulligan’s Pub Third Coast, No Bails, North Park Noto’s Old World Italian Dining 2015 Spring Charity Wine Fest Old Dog Tavern Fly Paper Papa Pete’s Pizza Flops Ego, Stikyfut River City Saloon Drop 35 Rockford Brewing Company That Freak Quincy Saugatuck Center for the Arts Hot Club of Cowtown Schuler Books 28th Street Spring Concert Series presents Gillen & Turk Seven Steps Up Jonathan Bird, Sally Barris Shakespeare’s Lower Level Lucius Fox Drink Their Blood Fossil Eyes
And other ongoing events
DisArt Festival
Holland Museum
An international disability arts festival that celebrates, investigates and honors creativity, disability and identity.
A Hundred Flowers: Phillip A. Harrington, Photography from the People’s Republic of China, 1956-1957 Through June 15
Various venues in Grand Rapids, including Kendall College, UICA, GRAM April 10–25
Frederik Meijer Gardens Butterflies are Blooming Through April 30 Splendors of Shiga: Treasures from Japan Through August 16 Bernar Venet sculptures Through October 31
Grand Rapids Art Museum Edward Burtynsky: Water Through April 26 Michigan Artist Series: David Greenwood (sculptures) Through May 17
Grand Rapids Public Museum Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship Through July 5
GVSU Galleries China: The Life of the Civilian (Blue Wall Gallery, Allendale Campus), Through April 25 Les Nabis: French Prophets of Modern Art (Eberhard Center West Gallery, Grand Rapids Campus) Through July 31
Kalamazoo Institute of Art Redefining the Multiple Through April 26 Second Sight/Insight II Through May 10
LowellArts! West Michigan Regional Competition Through April 10
Muskegon Museum of Art Expressions 2015: 33rd Annual Muskegon County Student Art Exhibition Through April 23 Art of the Brick (large scale LEGO® sculptures by Nathan Sawaya) Through May 3 Alex Bernstein: Mirroring Nature (cast glass sculptures) April 2–June 21
UICA Power Objects: The Future Has a Primitive Heart Through May 15 Art of the Lived Experiment (part of DisArt Festival) April 10–July 31
REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule
Old Dog Tavern Nashon Holloway One Trick Pony Jukejoint Handmedowns Parish Theatre Richard III Parkway Tropics 60th Anniversary Party Rockford Brewing Company The ElectroCats The Intersection GRiZ, Exmag, Muzzy, Bearr, Artifakts The Pyramid Scheme Ultimate Painting The Union The Hired Hands Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Paul Cebar Tomorrow Sound Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Kumiko: The Treasure Hunter Van Andel Arena Theresa Caputo Live! Wealthy Theatre Josh Gracin in concert
Bell’s Brewery Charlie Hunter Trio Billy’s Lounge WGVU’s Local Blues Matters Bobarino’s at the B.O.B. Dueling Pianos with Dennie Middleton and Friends Calvin College Documentary: Gaming in Color Clique Coffee Bar KDL Caffeinated: Clique Coffee Bar Espresso Tasting Czar’s 505 Pale Green Stars DeltaPlex Arena & Conference Center The Brew Ha Ha DeVos Performance Hall C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce Dr. Grins Comedy Club Bret Ernst Farmers Alley Theatre The Glass Menagerie Fenn Valley New Release Wine & Food Pairings First Baptist Church All Ears Theatre presents The Odyssey of Runyon Jones Founders Brewery 14th Annual Black Party Grand Rapids Public Library Music for Life! H.O.M.E. at The BOB Global Village Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids Death of a Salesman Ladies Literary Club River City Improv Master Arts Theatre The Beverly Hillbillies Miller Auditorium Air Supply Mulligan’s Pub Capital Fleet, West & Run, South Paw Old Dog Tavern The Reactors One Trick Pony AnDro Papa Pete’s Pizza BobeBlaze
Art Exhibits
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Schedule Peter Martin Wege Theatre Brilliante Right Brain Brewery Mangalista Pig Porter release party River City Saloon Drop 35 Shakespeare’s Lower Level Pro Con Pro Album Release w/ Lost Years The Intersection Mega 80s The Livery Funk Fest 2015 The Music Factory Hed PE & Alien Ant Farm wsg. First Decree, Broken Like Me, Nova Blast and The Seagulls The Parish Theatre Richard III The Pyramid Scheme Drawing Monsters, Hollywood Makeout, Har Di Har, The Love Hate The Riviera Theatre Title Town Showing Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Amy LaVere, The Ghost Wolves Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Giuseppe Makes A Movie Vertigo Music Record Store Day Warren Center Jack Williams Wealthy Theater Annex Plot Matters Scriptwriting Class Whiskey River Saloon Hoosier Highway Wings Stadium Avett Brothers
Wings Stadium Kalamazoo Derby Darlins vs. Chicago Outfit A/B
The Intersection Affiance, Along Came A Spider, Blackgate
sunday
monday
4.19
Betty Van Andel Opera Center Collegiate Vocal Competition Final Round Concert Farmers Alley Theatre The Glass Menagerie Fenn Valley New Release Wine & Food Pairings Grand Rapids Art Museum Drop-in Family Sundays Grand Rapids Ballet Company MOVEMEDIA II Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids Death of a Salesman Mulligan’s Pub Ned From Hell Desiring Dead Flesh Old Dog Tavern Cats In The Hat Parish Theatre Richard III Salt of the Earth Shari Kane & Dave Steel SpeakEZ Lounge Randissmo’s Sunday Jazz Jam
Eat. Drink. Be Merry! Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene
4.22
4.20
Bobarino’s at the B.O.B. Monday Night Jazz Series: Tony Reynolds Trio HopCat Super Dank: Featuring Six Chronic IPAs O’Toole’s Open Mic Night Shakespeare’s Lower Level The Werks, That Freak Quincy The Pyramid Scheme Shakey Graves, David Ramirez
tuesday
4.21
Ambrosia Theater (BellyDance GR) Tuesday Night Conga Class Elk Brewing Open mic with Valentiger Miller Auditorium DIAVOLO: Architecture in Motion
St. Cecilia Music Center PRESENTS
only
35
$
Wine Tasting & Auction A Benefit for St. Cecilia Music Center
MAY 1 An evening of great wine AND amazing food – all from Martha’s Vineyard. Live music. Not to be missed!
SO Special. SO SCMC.
60 | REVUEWM.COM | April 2015
wednesday
scmc-online.org 616.459.2224
Lewis Black DeVos Performance Hall April 24 The Park Theatre Open mic at Park Theatre The Pyramid Scheme The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Big Sandy And His Fly-Rite Boys
Celebration! Cinema North Founders Film Series - Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Forest Hills Fine Arts Center 100 Years of Broadway Gipper’s Bar & Restaraunt Party Sing Along With Bimini Lite Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Freckle Face Strawberry Red Rooster Tavern Oat Bran Boys Schuler Books 28th Street Author Talk & Booksigning with Garth Stein The Intersection Vaski (The Stache) The Pyramid Scheme Jucifer
thursday
4.23
Dr. Grins Comedy Club Tim Meadows Farmers Alley Theatre The Glass Menagerie
Founders Brewery Ami Saraiya & The Outcome Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts The Mouse That ROARED Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Freckle Face Strawberry Grand Rapids Public Library Solar Power 101 Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids Death of a Salesman Kalamazoo State Theatre Neutral Milk Hotel Master Arts Theatre The Beverly Hillbillies Old Dog Tavern Abigail Stauffer One Trick Pony The Weatherheads St. Cecilia Music Center The Chamber Music Society presents Passionate Expressions The Intersection Todd Rundgren; Troyboi, Al Neon, Dean Martian, Maci Delaghetto, Detroit French (The Stache) The Livery Appleseed Collective, Deep Fried Pickle Project Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Kris Lager Band, The Mainstays Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Giuseppe Makes A Movie
At lAdies literAry club
April 4 April 18 MAy 2 MAy 16 All shows 7:33 pM rivercityiMprov.coM
Best Bet: Folk
Mondays
CRAFT PINTS All dAy $3.50 dRAFTS $1.50 domeSTICS $3 oFF PIzzAS
Drew Nelson Folk singer/songwriter Drew Nelson has toured North America and Europe performing solo and opening for big names like Melissa Etheridge and Edwin McCain. On April 17 he plays a free, all-ages show at Watermark 920 as part of the venue’s spring concert series, Watermark Live, which showcases Michigan-based talent. Nelson’s 2009 album “Dusty Road to Beulah Land” landed raves from fans and critics while topping the Drew Nelson folk-radio charts. It also caught the attention of the wsg Christopher C. Grammy-winning indie label Red House Records, which Cordle and Justin Avdek became his new home. & Scott Sheldon One of the openers is Muskegon native singer/ Part of the Watermark Live songwriter Christopher C. Cordle, who is also one of Spring Concert Series the event’s co-organizers. The event is free, but it’s douWatermark 920, Muskegon bling as a charity drive, collecting jars of peanut butter April 17, 6 p.m., FREE (or small monetary donation) to benefit the Kids Food watermarkcenter.com, (231) 727-0805 Basket in Muskegon. There will also be a full-service bar featuring Michigan beer and wine.
Tuesdays $2 WellS $5 BBQ PoRk oPeN mIC
Wednesdays
lAdIeS NIghT STARTINg AT 6Pm lATe NIghT hAPPy houR STARTINg AT 10Pm dJ dANCe PARTy 9Pm
Thursdays
$1.50 ReTRo BeeRS $5 NAChoS 10Pm FRee lIve muSIC 9Pm
Fridays
BumP ANd WASh $5
friday
4.24
The Melting Pot Ballads Blues and Broadway The Music Factory King of the Forest The Parish Theatre Richard III The Pyramid Scheme Andrew W.K. (solo show), Alexis Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill The Appleseed Collective, Stone Clover, The Waxies Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Giuseppe Makes A Movie Van Andel Arena Grand Rapids Symphony: LiveArts
saturday
4.25
Bell’s Brewery Bell’s Space Prom Billy’s Lounge Hip Pocket Bobarino’s at the B.O.B. Dueling Pianos with Dennie Middleton and Friends
saTurdays
Bloody mARy BAR ANd BRuNCh 10Am duFFIeld CARoN PRoJeCT eveRy SATuRdAy 5-8Pm FRee! $3 CAPTAIN moRgAN $5 glASS oF WINe
sundays
Bloody mARy BAR ANd BRuNCh 10Am Weekly BlueS JAm 6Pm FRee 402 e kAlAmAzoo Ave kAlAmAzoo, mI 49007 (269) 381-5677 REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule
Bell’s Brewery House of Boogie Bobarino’s at the B.O.B. Dueling Pianos with Dennie Middleton and Friends Czar’s 505 Libido Funk Circus DeVos Performance Hall Lewis Black presents The Rant Is Due: Part Deux Dr. Grins Comedy Club Tim Meadows Farmers Alley Theatre The Glass Menagerie Foundry Hall Tunebugs Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts The Mouse That ROARED, Yard Sale Underwear Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day
Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Freckle Face Strawberry Grand Rapids Public Library Genealogy Lock-In Grand Rapids Symphony LiveArts Grand Woods Lounge Brena H.O.M.E. at The BOB Stereovegas Little River Casino Resort Trace Adkins Master Arts Theatre The Beverly Hillbillies Mulligan’s Pub Darin Zarzecki, Jake Down, Andy and the Pandy’s Old Dog Tavern Rootstand Parish Theatre A Piece Of My Heart Riverstop Saloon Alden Nash Band Seven Steps Up Seth Glier CD Release Shakespeare’s Lower Level Metallica Tribute: ONE St. Cecilia Music Center Rhiannon Giddens The Curragh Deep Greens & Blues The Livery Bruce Katz Band
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Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene
Schedule
62 | REVUEWM.COM | April 2015
Celebration Cinema North MET Opera LIVE: Cavalleria Rusticana/ Pagliacci Czar’s 505 Electric Jug Band DeltaPlex Arena Spring Time Craft & Vendor Show (day); Los Temerarios (night) Downtown Holland GrooveWalk Dr. Grins Comedy Club Tim Meadows Farmers Alley Theatre The Glass Menagerie Fenn Valley New Release Wine & Food Pairings Founders Brewery Vox Vidorra CD release wsg Maraj Foundry Hall Brandy Zdan Fountain Street Church 4 Pianos: A Piano Extravaganza Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts The Mouse That ROARED Getaway Saloon Jared Knox & The Hagerbombs Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Freckle Face Strawberry H.O.M.E. at The BOB The Rock Show Howmet Playhouse Westside Soul Surfers Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids Death of a Salesman Master Arts Theatre The Beverly Hillbillies Old Dog Tavern Hoodang One Trick Pony The Trace Duo Parish Theatre A Piece Of My Heart Riverstop Saloon Alden Nash Band Seven Steps Up Seth Glier CD Release Soaring Eagle Casino Steve Martin and Martin Short In A Very Stupid Conversation The Block Dooby Dooby Moosic The Intersection Mega 80s The Music Factory Screaming for Silence CD Release The Parish Theatre Richard III The Pyramid Scheme HUM, Cloakroom, Sweet Cobra The Union Rusty’s Ba Band Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Joseph Huber Mikey Classic & His Lonesome Spur Dead Eye Zack Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Giuseppe Makes A Movie
sunday
4.26
Downtown Grand Rapids Museums Free For All Farmers Alley Theatre The Glass Menagerie Fenn Valley New Release Wine & Food Pairings
Grand Rapids Art Museum Drop-in Family Sundays Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids Death of a Salesman Mulligan’s Pub The Brides, Little Brother, Dirty Sarsaparilla Old Dog Tavern Graham Parsons and Mike Savina Parish Theatre A Piece Of My Heart Salt of the Earth The Crane Wives Schuler Books 28th Street Opera Talk with Grand Rapids’ Maestro Robert Lyall SpeakEZ Lounge Randissmo’s Sunday Jazz Jam The Pyramid Scheme Beast In The Field, Against The Grain, Ozenza, Them Teeth
monday
4.27
Calvin College Grand Rapids Ballet presents MOVEMEDIA Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day; Freckle Face Strawberry O’Toole’s Open Mic Night River City Saloon Litt Up The Intersection Trampled By Turtles, Web of Sunsets; Aer, Jez Dior, Packy (The Stache)
tuesday
4.28
Ambrosia Theater (BellyDance GR) Tuesday Night Conga Class Elk Brewing Open Mic with Valentiger Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day; Freckle Face Strawberry Kalamazoo Institute of Arts ARTBreak presents The Missing Gargoyle with Lois Richmond and Denise Lisiecki Kalamazoo State Theatre Mary Chapin Carpenter Miller Auditorium America’s Got Downton River City Saloon Litt Up The Park Theatre Open Mic at Park Theatre
Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Giuseppe Makes A Movie
wednesday
4.29
Aquinas College 13th Annual Outstanding AQ Woman Awards Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Ultimate Painting Celebration! Cinema North Founders Film Series: The Shawshank Redemption Gipper’s Bar & Restaraunt Party Sing Along With Bimini Lite Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day; Freckle Face Strawberry Red Rooster Tavern Oat Bran Boys Schuler Books 28th Street Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Presentation The Pyramid Scheme Solstafir, Ancient Wisdom Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Giuseppe Makes A Movie
thursday
4.30
Bell’s Brewery Ultimate Painting DeVos Performance Hall Night With The Opera Dr. Grins Comedy Club Cy Amundson Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts Muskegon Civic Theatre presents Peter Pan: The Musical Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day; Freckle Face Strawberry Master Arts Theatre The Beverly Hillbillies Stella’s Lounge Stella’s 5 Year Anniversary The Intersection Hot Buttered Rum The Pyramid Scheme Fable & The Gang feat. Dante Cope, A.B., Conway Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Margo and the Pricetags Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Giuseppe Makes A Movie; Power Objects: The Future Has A Primitive Heart n
More online! Get more details and search by city at revuewm.com/calendar.
y t r a P Patio
k k c a c b a w o b r h t w B o s t r 0 t 9 h a t M J s D y s a m a d j s s r u b h m t o e b s o l 5 C $ m–
w w w . g r a n d w o o d s l o u
Happy Hour in the woods $4 - Woodstinis and Wine $3 - Wells and Drafts Mon – Fri 2pm – 6pm
--
--
8p
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE come early!
cover starts at 9:00pm
April April April April
3rd – Funkle Jesse 10th – Drop 35 17th – Borrowed Time 24th – Brena
www.grandwoodslounge.com REVUEWM.COM | April 2015 |
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