West Michigan’s Entertainment Guide for 25 years  August 2014
Music / Art / Culture / Dining / Free!
Camping, Glamping, and Getting Away
35596_SECR_AugustReview_Ad_APPROVED.indd 1
7/17/142014 3:34 PM REVUEWM.COM | August | 3
4 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
5
6 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
What’s Inside
August 2014 | Volume 26, Issue 8
SCENE: 11 12 14 16
Random Notes Free Market Eclectic All Ages
SPECIAL SECTION: 18 Camping, Glamping and Getting Away 19 Roughing It 20 Campgrounds 22 Glamping 101 24 Q&A with Cari Draft, EcoTrek Fitness 25 Bed and Breakfasts
18
SOUNDS: camping, glamping and Getting away
29 Local Music: Triumph Music Academy 30 On Tour: Les Claypool 32 On Tour: Lake Street Dive
SIGHTS: 35 Visual Arts: First Fridays 36 Theatre: Monty Python’s Spamalot 38 Comedy: SteveO 40 Style Notes 42 Lit Life: Melissa Plaut
DINING & DRINKING: 45 Restaurant Listings 46 Gluten Free Girl 48 Taste This: Farmers Markets 52 Beer: Cranker’s
24
Q&A with Cari Draft
48
SCHEDULE: farmers markets
57 Daily Event Listings and Best Bets
Letter from the Editor
W e s t M ic h i g an ’ s E n t ertainmen t Guide
I
n the past few years, I have really gotten into fitness and living a fit lifestyle. So it was really a great pleasure to talk to Cari Draft, owner and founder of EcoTrek Fitness. What makes EcoTrek unique is it offers outdoor fitness sessions that go on year-round. So, Polar Vortex be damned! While the rest of West Michigan is busy hibernating and Netflix binging, Cari and her crew are getting their heart rates going and playing in the snow. Well, that is unless the weather is lifethreatening. Cari is also a very compassionate person. She cares greatly about her clients’ well being. She also highlights the proper clothes to wear during a winter session so you don’t freeze your little fitness booty off. These types of clothes include thin, technical layers with moisture-wicking capabilities, gloves and a hat to cover your extremities. But it’s not winter right now, so let’s not waste all our breath talking about that, OK?? EcoTrek has locations in Holland, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Coopersville, Allendale and outside of West Michigan. EcoTrek fitness lets you enjoy the summer with sessions that incorporate stand-up paddleboards, kayaking and biking. But EcoTrek Fitness is just one of the ways you can enjoy the outdoors during the summer. One of about four billion, with West Michigan offering lakes, dunes, beaches, wine tours, beer gardens, campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, kayaking, hiking and, well, I could go on for much longer, but I only have so many words to work with here. So with the little bit of summer we have left, get outside and enjoy West Michigan. Seriously. Stop reading and go outside. Unless you are reading this outside. Then, good job.
Editorial Publisher Brian Edwards / brian@revuewm.com Managing Editor Lindsay Patton-Carson / lindsay@revuewm.com Design Creative Director Kim Kibby / kim@revuewm.com Design Kim Kibby, Kristi Kortman, Kellie Zaplitny Contributing Writers Kyle Austin Alexandra Kadlec Kelli Belanger Audria Larsen Missy Black Allison Parker Jayson Bussa Carly Plank Ben Darcie Emma Kat Richardson Steven de Polo Josh Spanninga Dwayne Hoover Kerri VanderHoff Contributing Photographers Ann Van Weaver, Phil Artz, Kim Kibby, Kristi Kortman Listings schedule@revuewm.com Revue Minions Peter Chhum, Alex Connolly, Austin Phillips, Jackie Smith, Carlie Soule Sales / 616.608.6170 Lauren Allen / lallen@mibiz.com Kelli Belanger / kbelanger@revuewm.com Molly Rizor / molly@revuewm.com
Rock on.
Digital Editor Jayson Bussa / jayson@revuewm.com
Lindsay Patton-Carson, Managing Editor / lindsay@revuewm.com
Advertising index Arcadia Ales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Barfly Ventures . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Bell’s Brewery . . . . . . . . . . 2, 32 Billy’s Lounge. . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 BMW Motorcycles. . . . . . . . . . 63 Brewery Vivant. . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Calvin SAO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Cascade Optical . . . . . . . . . . 15 Central City Taphouse. . . . . . 44 CityFlats Hotel. . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Craft House Gallery. . . . . . . . 17 Downtown Market . . . . . . . . . 47 Downtown Zeeland . . . . . . . . 17 Dr. Grins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
8 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
Dwelling Place. . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Erb Thai. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Fajita Republic . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Firekeepers Casino . . . . . . . . . . 9 Flanagan’s Irish Pub. . . . . . . 66 Foot Outfitters. . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Founders Brewing Co. . . . . . . 10 Fusion Shows. . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 The Gilmore Collection. . . . . . 39 GRand Jazz Fest. . . . . . . . . . . 62 Grand Rapids Art Museum . . 34 Grand Rapids Beer Tours. . . . 54 Grand Rapids Public Library. 41 Grand Woods Lounge. . . . . . . 67
Gravel Bottom Brewery . . . . . 54 Greater Lowell Chamber . . . . 64 Green Restaurant . . . . . . . . . 44 Hope College. . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 The Intersection. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 John Ball Zoo. . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 MI Irish Music Festival. . . . . . 30 New Horizons Computer. . . . . 62 Northwood University. . . . . . . 37 Outback Concerts . . . . . . . . . 30 Palazzolo’s Gelato . . . . . . . . . 25 The Pyramid Scheme. . . . . . . . . 5 The Rapid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 River City Improv. . . . . . . . . . 66 Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. . . . 65 Saugatuck Brewing Co.. . . . . 53
Find us online! Website: revuewm.com Twitter: twitter.com/revuewm Facebook: facebook.com/revuewm
Schmohz Brewery. . . . . . . . . . 53 Schuler Books. . . . . . . . . . . . 43 The Score. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Seven Steps Up. . . . . . . . . . . 31 Soaring Eagle Casino . . . . . . . . 3 SpeakEZ Lounge . . . . . . . . . . 55 St. Cecilia Music Center . . . . 63 Summer Beer Fest. . . . . . . . . 55 Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill . . . 33 The Union. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Wealthy Street Station. . . . . . 55 West Side Beer. . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Wharton Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
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 ©2014, 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: Our guide to camping, glamping and getting away (see page 18). Photo by Ann Van Weaver.
RON WHITE
CLIE
Fire
PRO
Aug
JOB
FK-2
NUTCRACKER
COL
4/c
SIZE
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
9.25
6 PM SHOW • TICKETS ON SALE NOW | 9 PM SHOW • SOLD OUT
BLE
n/a
SCOTT WEILAND AND THE WILDABOUTS
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
™
W ITH A L L TH E STA RS .
Tickets available at FireKeepers Box Office, online at FireKeepersCasinoHotel.com or by calling 877.FKC.8777.
Must be 21. Tickets based on availability. Schedule subject to change. Management reserves all rights. FK-21258_Aug_RevueMag_9.25x10.indd 1
7/15/14 10:26 AM REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 | 9
10 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
Random Notes
riers to ArtPrize engagement and draw a more diverse audience. The partnership hopes to do this through free Rapid rides throughout ArtPrize, bilingual marketing tools and Access ArtPrize Lounge, a wheelchair-accessible lounge for recharging and refreshment.
Beer ///
Cooper Grodin and Julia Udine in Phantom of the Opera, coming to Grand Rapids next May. Photo: Matthew Murphy
Dark Horse Brewing Company joins the ranks of Lauren Conrad and the Kardashians. OK, that might be stretching it a little, but the brewing company in Marshall has its own reality show that debuted on The History Channel July 29. Called “Dark Horse Nation,” the show isn’t just about how the beer is made, it’s about a brewer’s way of life. Specifically, focusing on the way of life for a group of life-long friends that decided to start up a brewery in 1997 and now have their beer distributed in 12 states. They won’t stop there, however. It’s their goal to have their beer become a household name and The History Channel is just the next step in the process.
Festivals ///
Theatre ///
National CD Releases /// Queen of the Summer Ariana Grande (sorry, Iggy, Miss Grande’s queen over here) has teased us with mega hits like “Problem” and Ariana Grande “Break Free” during the past few months. Now it’s finally time to see what this pop diva has in store for us. The young lady who gives Mariah a run for her money plans to release My Everything Aug. 25. ... Their name may sound controversial, but The New Pornographers are just a group of unassuming Canadians trying to make their way in the indie rock world. Maybe
you’ve heard of Neko Case, who yelled at Playboy on Twitter to not “Peggy Olson” her. Well, she’s in the band and she’s a gal worth knowing. Anyhoo, Neko Case on Aug. 25, the band will release its sixth album, Brill Bruisers. ... Utensil-monikered band Spoon will release its eighth full-length album, They Want My Soul on Aug. 5. This is the first album the band has released since 2010’s Transference. The Revue Minions didn’t know what Spoon was, so do with that what you will. ...Other notable releases: The Gaslight Anthem is set to release Get Hurt on Aug. 19; high guy Wiz Khalifa will release Blacc Hollywood Aug. 19; Ty Segall’s The Manipulatos will drop Aug. 26.
Art /// ArtPrize got a big boost from the Grand Rapids Community Foundation recently, in the form of $50,000. The grant represents an outreach initiative that will help to reduce bar-
Broadway Grand Rapids recently announced a mega-hit for its 2015-2016 season. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phanton of the Opera will make its Grand Rapids premiere at DeVos Performance Hall May 18-29, 2016. This follows the approval by the Kent County Convention/Arena Authority to upgrade DeVos Performance Hall with structural improvements in order to accommodate the show. The Phantom of the Opera also marks the first time Broadway Grand Rapids has hosted a show onstage for a two-week run. n Random Notes is compiled by Lindsay Patton-Carson. For more entertainment news, “Like” us on Facebook (facebook.com/revuewm) or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/revuewm.
Important Dates Ad Reservation Deadline: Aug. 15 Editorial Deadline: Aug. 5 Delivery: Sept. 1
REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
GRandJazzFest is back at Rosa Parks Circle for a third year and still offers some of the best in national, regional and local jazz. And guess what? It’s still free to attend. The festival takes place Aug. 16 and 17, starting at noon each day. Attendees are allowed to bring lawn chairs, blankets, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks while they listen to music by Rick Braun, Alexander Zonjic, the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra with Edye Evans Hyde, In the Tradition and even more. Headliner Rick Braun is widely known throughout the poprock circuit, working with huge acts such as REO Speedwagon, Rod Stewart, Sade, Tina Turner, Natalie Cole and Tom Petty. He’s also known for his solo accomplishments as well, being a staple in the jazz world and spending time atop Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Chart. ... Also getting jazzy this month is the Shoreline Jazz Festival in Muskegon. Happening Aug. 23 and 24, the festival will bring in Boney James, Kenny G and Alexander Zonjic, hot off GRandJazzFest. ... After skipping 2013’s festival, Cowpie Music
Fest makes a triumphant return this year, Aug. 8 and 9 at Shagbark Farm. The festival is primarily focused on Michigan performers and vendors, but also brings in national and regional acts as well. Some of this year’s lineup includes Big Dudee Roo, Jimmie Stagger, Afro Zuma, Legal Immigrants, Moxieville, Tony LaJoye Trio and more.
11
Steven de polo’s
Free Market New and exciting happenings in West Michigan businesses since 2007.
O
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
steria Rossa (16 Monroe Center NE) is downtown Grand Rapids’ newest dining option. Translated as “the red tavern,” the name reflects the fact that Chef Chris Perkey and co-managing partner Brittanie Bonham have created a casual, informal eatery that welcomes all. “We wanted to make it feel like we transplanted a traditional Italian family restaurant into the heart of our city,” Perkey said. With the motto, “Warmth of the Mitten, Soul of the Boot,” the restaurant offers small plates, wood-fired pizza and seasonal dishes. “Every dish has four or five ingredients, made simply, with nearly everything sourced locally or handmade in the kitchen,” Perkey said. Even the pasta is made in-house with little extra grooves to catch the sauce so it doesn’t end up on your pantaloons, my pets. One of the biggest sellers, the hand-tossed pizza, was the biggest challenge. The chefs worked hard to perfect the recipe and get the timing just right for the 800-degree ovens so that the crust is crisp with just the right amount of char. Diners will find a cozy bar for canoodling on one side of the restaurant and family style seating that encourages sharing on the other. Business has been so good, the owners have already had to expand the kitchen. Lakeshore hopheads are lining up to bend an elbow at Pigeon Hill Brewing Company (500 W. Western Ave.), which opened in downtown Muskegon. Named after a massive sand dune, the popular tourist attraction fell victim to industrial manufacturing. Just like Muskegon. Owners Joel Kamp (who handles accounting), Chad Doane (head brewer) and Michael Brower (lawyer and marketing) recreated the golden age of Muskegon in their charmingly designed taproom, which includes sunny windows, wood accents and varnished knick-knacks.
Pigeon Hill Brewing
12 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
Osteria Rossa They even display objects from the historic Muskegon Brewing Company, donated by Cole’s Quality Foods. You won’t find any novelty flavors at Pigeon Hill. The owners simply craft beers that honor the style, but stand out from the crowd. Crowd favorites include Walter Blonde Ale, Shifting Sands IPA, Renegade White Double IPA, Motorboatin’ Wheat and LMFAO (Let Me Fetch An Oatmeal) Stout. The one exception is the Oatmeal Cream Pie that you can have for only three Skee Bucks. If nicotine floats your boat, Uptown Vape Shoppe (950 Wealthy St. SE) will satisfy your vaping needs. Housed in a chic space off Diamond Street in Grand Rapids, the shop doesn’t manufacture so it can focus on selling e-cigarettes, cutting-edge mods and exclusive boutique e-liquids. Uptown Vape currently carries a majority of the finest West Coast liquids by Five Pawns, Space Jam Juice, Drake’s and Taste. You can also buy local by sampling luscious liquids by GR Vapes that offer a clean complexity. With a laid-back vibe, it’s a place to come in, hang out and vape with friends. Customers range from those coming in hoping to quit smoking to advanced users who build their own electrical coils and vape massive clouds. The shop’s friendly staff can help customers to craft their own liquid recipe based on flavor and nicotine level. They also educate about
the vaping industry and teach how to safely use the products.“East Hills is a perfect fit for a shop like ours. The people are amazing and very welcoming,” said Scott Jewell, who works at Uptown Vape. Colliers International | West Michigan (333 Bridge St. NW) recently moved onto the 12th floor of Bridgewater Place in downtown Grand Rapids. To celebrate, the real estate company threw an open house attended by local luminaries like MiBiz scribe Nick Manes, seen buttonholing the female staffers. “Moving into a building that we helped transform and reinvent is very exciting” said Director of Operations Jamie Stiles. Free Market got an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the ultra-modern space designed and constructed by Concept Design, Custer, Pioneer Construction and Via Design Inc. While stylish, the work environment also boasts a full suite of technological services like mobile printing and presentation display technologies intended to increase collaboration between colleagues and clients. Looking out the windows, clients and visitors can appreciate the budding revitalization of the Northwest side that Colliers helped make possible, including Habitat for Humanity of Kent County that is one of Colliers’ community partners. n
FREEBIES Congrats to New Holland Brewing Co.’s Fred Bueltmann (aka The Beervangelist), who is now the brewery’s vice president of brand and lifestyle. Not sure what that is, but look for him to share New Holland’s brand and culture here and abroad. We heard 138 acres of vacant land recently came to market that will transform the Hudsonville/ Jamestown area. With six of the 11 parcels zoned commercial, dreams of Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods Market dance in Free Market’s head. The 2014 Downtown Holland Ambassadors have been announced, so if you are troubled in Tuliptown, look for Allison DeYoung, Barb Reidberger, Donald Martin, Justen Bowden, Kelsey Wylie, Paul Van Kolken or Rachel Syens for kind assistance.
Silver Line. Experience the momentum.
Experience an innovative, new way of getting around. The Silver Line, Michigan’s first rapid transit system, is moving in a new direction. See how quickly we get there. Where The Rapid goes, community grows. Boarding begins August 25th. ridetherapid.org/silver-line REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
13
/// Eclectic
energy drink. This party is focusing on the ladies, encouraging DIY cut-offs with a “best dressed” contest that offers cash prizes and other incentives. Promotions encourage dudes to help judge the winners. As a fan of sartorial freedom, I applaud letting the limbs be free of constricting garments. But, I do hope the attending menfolk represent by wearing tiny tighties, too. Hey, Tom Selleck and Richard Simmons are known for it.
End of Summer Blues
Dunes Resort, Saugatuck-Douglas Aug. 21-24 dunesresort.com, (269) 857-1401
GR Makers Weekly Social, Aug. 13
August Eclectic Events Fear not, summer is still within our desperate grasp, dear Michiganders. You can squeeze every last drop of sweaty dancing and semi-indecent clothing choices from this cicadabuzzing month. Or, enjoy explosions in the name of history, science or pure tomfoolery. By Audria Larsen
Michigan Pirate Festival
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
Grand Haven Aug. 4-10, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Adults $5, children free michiganpiratefestival.com, (616) 842-5560
Ahoy, ye scurvy dogs! The Michigan Pirate Festival drops anchor in Grand Haven for the eighth year running and will invade the city for a full week, sending the meek out in search for cover and inducing the brave to take up arms. Hailing from across the state and around the country, pirate personas from historical reenactors to fantasy characters will be trolling the mighty Grand Haven shoreline and roaming the streets to offer up a dose of lovable crudeness. Families can enjoy a treasure hunt and score exciting booty, cavort around the pirate carnival,
14 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
The Dunes Resort is a West Michigan gem that knows how to party. As “one of the largest gay and lesbian resort complexes in the Midwest,” the Dunes has endless entertainment offerings and is wrapping up summer with a bang. The End of Summer Blues unofficially kicks off on Wednesday, Aug. 21, with a poolside cookout complete with Bingolicious bingo. The official action ramps up each night, beginning with karaoke on Thursday and moving to live shows throughout the weekend. Enjoy sass by the Men of Manwatch, cabaret shows, DJs and tea dances to keep the nights hot, even as September fast approaches. Book the whole weekend or just drop in for a night of poolside dancing.
GR Makers Weekly Social
participate in a costume contest and learn amazing facts about reallife swashbucklers. Plus, an array of entertainers like belly dancers, mermaids and sideshow folk will regale you with fantastical feats, not to mention the live battles from ship to shore, happening to open and close the show.
Daisy Dukes of Hazzard
Wild Bull Saloon, Kalamazoo Aug. 28, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. wildbull.co, (269) 312-7246
We can thank the 1970s and the classic television show “Dukes of Hazzard” for the iconic character and namesake of everyone’s favorite short-shorts, Daisy Duke. While the world may be divided on the value of the often more pejoratively named “cootchie cutters” in their early heyday, tiny cut-off shorts were a unisex style. Equal booty revealing rights aside, Wild Bull Saloon is hosting a Daisy Dukes of Hazzard themed college party, presented by Monster
GR Makers, Grand Rapids Aug. 13, 8 p.m.-midnight Free! grmakers.com, (616) 475-4225
GR Makers is an open community lab incorporating elements of a machine shop, a workshop and a design studio with a focus on building a community. The industrious minds behind the group like to say “it’s a bit like a gym for your mind.” With an intention of connecting everyone from painters to machinists, and enabling not just tinkering but exploration within various crafts, the group hosts weekly socials, which are free to attend for members and non members alike. “It’s like a mini science fair,” said Mark Van Holstyn, president of GR Makers. The event gives people an opportunity to tour the facility and see what is possible, enjoy “lighting” talks where creators sound off on what they are up to (often encouraging input from others) and even collaborate on projects. “One of the things we want everyone to do that comes in is to keep an open mind,” said Van Holstyn. “Newcomers sometimes just want to learn about the space and the community.” While members get 24/7 access to the facilities, anyone can enjoy the social events or attend one of the many workshops offered on topics like 3-D printing, computer animation and even the science of tie-dye. n
REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
15
/// All Ages 3Will Oltman
at Holland Street Performer Series
said Kristopher Larson, president and CEO of Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority. Too lazy to gather a picnic basket of goods? There are vendors on-site, serving up delicacies such as pizza, ice cream, popcorn and more. Described as one giant picnic, groups and families can also partake in activities before the show including live music, a scavenger hunt and swing dancing as has happened at previous events.
Family Fun at the Farm
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids Fridays in August, 1–4 p.m. Free with admission meijergardens.org, (616) 957-1580
Getting Outdoorsy Everything done under a deep blue sky with a little sunshine and fresh air is better. Hands down. Take in a few events that keep you outside hiking, working (wink wink), strolling and watching. By Missy Black
Street Performer Series
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
Downtown Holland Thursdays in August, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Free! downtownholland.com, (616) 796-1210 Stroll through the outside street performer series and soak up the sweet sunshine while you see a mime and aerial acrobats, listen to classic quartets, watch dance crews and henna tattoo artists. With something for everyone, the Downtown Holland Street Performers Series offers up tons of entertainment all along one street. “Kids love to get a balloon animal,” says Marketing Coordinator Kara de Alvare. “Even Sally Star’s thumbprints that she makes into buttons excite them. Kids love anything interactive.” With 34 performance locations and a total of 94 artists and groups performing on a rotating basis, the event is a fun, festive atmosphere with almost 2,000 visitors. See Juggler Gerry Bose on Aug. 7 along with caricatures by Corey Ruffin. Aug. 14 features Miss Audacious and the Audacious Hoopers, as well as face painting and a mystic on hand. Maciek the Magician appears Aug. 21 alongside Kevin Kammeraad and the Cooperfly Puppet Troupe featuring Andres Salguero. Aug. 28 presents Bangarang Circus and
16 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
The Almost Amazing Marco — a man with the uncanny ability to predict what people will say or do. While the series is free to attend, performers will be busking for tips and tipping is highly encouraged.
inside or hang off their mobile creations. “So many good treasures are found on the ground from a stick to a stone — flip it over and look at patterns.” This class is recommended for ages 7 and up and parents will need to pack a lunch.
Folky-Fun
Movies in the Park — Double Feature: Jurassic Park and Voter’s Choice Movie
Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck Aug. 19, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. $35, sc4a.org, (269) 857-2399 Meet at Saugatuck Center for the Arts to hop on a bus and drive over and hike Saugatuck Dunes State Park out to Oval Beach for an art lesson in an eco-classroom. Collecting found objects, kids unpack near the beach and create a unique and folky hanging work of art. They do this by experimenting with their found treasures and linseed oil and pastels, fiber and yarn. “There will be history of sand dunes and the natural environment,” said Education and Exhibition Coordinator Whitney Valentine. Instructors Ms. Whitney and Ms. Megan bring along crucial pieces of the mobiletype craft encouraging kids to collect objects to put
Reminiscent of a 1930s family farm, Michigan’s Farm Garden features a farmhouse, barn, orchard and garden area and children can work together on a cooperative quilting project and doing “chore-challenges” such as gathering eggs, hanging laundry and pretending to paint the barn. “Children love painting the barn with water and big paint brushes and finding and gathering wooden eggs,” said Outdoor Education Manager Vickie Wilkinson. “We have 1930s-era games like jump ropes, hopscotch and even a found-instrument band.” The idea is to unplug and get outside in the fresh air and step back in time. Also enjoy farm-inspired stories, games and music. Of note: There is a themed weekend Aug. 9 and 10, from 1 to 4 p.m. where the farm is transformed into a county fair. Interact with animals such as horses, sheep, goats and rabbits. Sign up for fair-type games including sack races, bean-bag toss, hula hoops and hobby horse races. There’s also piemaking demonstrations with samples to follow. n
Downtown Grand Rapids, Ah-Nab-Awen Park Aug 22, 7 p.m./activities, film at dusk Free! downtowngr.org/mitp, (616) 719-4610 With the stars and skyline as your backdrop, an outside movie offers a little touch of summer magic. Bring your blankets, chairs, beer, wine (I’m sold right there) and snack and take in a movie at Ah-Nab-Awen Park in downtown Grand Rapids. Families and kids will be able to view not just Jurassic Park, but a Voter’s Choice Movie selection as well. “It’s an opportunity to enjoy many of the films we all love and know every line to in a communal park atmosphere and share an experience,”
Family Fun at the Farm, Frederik Meijer Gardens
Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
17
REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
/// Special Feature
Camping, Glamping, and getting away A
s summer winds down, now is your last chance to get away for a week, weekend or even a day trip if you can. Many will argue summer is the best time to be living in West Michigan, with the lakes, dunes and ample camping opportunities. Enjoy the last bit of summer with a camping trip. Or, if you don’t like getting too rustic, glam it up a little bit with a glamping trip. What’s “glamping,” you say? We give you the rundown, plus a list of some camping hot spots, bed and breakfast getaways and a guide to what you need to truly rough it in the outdoors. Read on for more. // by Revue Staff and Minions
18 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
Sights at the North Country Trail at Lake Superior Photos: Phil Artz/Kim Kibby
Roughing It in Michigan
/ By Alex Connolly
F
irst, you’re gonna need to prepare. A tent would be a good start, along with a sleeping bag, cookware, lawn chairs and a cooler. A first aid kit is never a bad idea, either. You’ll also want to bring a travel bag with some soap and toothpaste, plus a firestarter kit. Letting someone know where you’ll be is a good idea too, as is bringing a map marked with nearby ranger stations just in case trouble finds you. As for food, Forster has a few choice words on your food stocks. “Food can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, but remember: the larger the prep mess, the more hassle it is to clean up,” he said. “Even in areas without bears, other wildlife will be attracted to camp by dirty dishes and trash. That means raccoons, porcupines and skunks. Not always the best campmates.” Since you probably don’t have all of this stuff laying around, you’ll need to procure it. Luckily, there are a bunch of camping stores in the area that can help you out: The Outpost of Holland, Foot Outfitters (“A good pair of hiking boots that are waterproof, comfortable, broken in and have good ankle support are invaluable when venturing into the woods,” Wills said.), Bill and Paul’s Sporthaus and many more. But where should you take all of your shiny new gear? Well, as far as rustic camping goes, Lincoln Bridge State
City, it’s one of the oldest pine stands in the U.S. Looking for something really primeval? Look no further. In addition to these suggested areas, Wills and Forster have some favorites they’ve shared with us. For all you hikers out there, Wills prefers the Upper Peninsula. “The section of the North Country Trail that runs along Lake Superior is awesome,” he said. “You will find many rustic campsites along the way and plenty of blueberries if they are in season.” If hiking isn’t your bag, then Forster has a couple of other options you might be interested in. Forest Campground in Luther is “Pines Point National Forest pretty hardcore. You’ll have plenty of “The section of the Campground near Hesperia is a time to break in your new equipment North Country Trail favorite of mine, but I also like Tubbs while using the graciously provided Lake Island State Forest Campground pit toilets on the way to and from the that runs along Lake east of Big Rapids,” he said, adding he water pump. Superior is awesome. prefers state and national forests for For some beachfront action, check their bare-bones amenities. out the Ludington-Jack Pine Hike You will find many Once you’re ready to head out into In Sites. If you’ve ever wanted to rustic campsites the unforgiving wilderness, Wills has bathe in a lake, now is your chance. along the way and some advice for first-timers. Conveniently located just minutes “Make sure you are up to the away from the town of Ludington, in plenty of blueberries task and that you will not overextend case you don’t want to get too far from if they are in season.” yourself. Don’t rely on technology or civilization. mechanical things. Always let someone If you’re looking for a somewhat know where you will be hiking and less hardcore experience, you might your time frame. I always take a compass for backup.” want to look into Leelanau State Park. This campground Similarly, Forster offers up the most common mistake is much less cut off from the world. The beach is a stone’s when roughing it. throw away and the Grand Traverse Lighthouse is just down “Not being prepared. And it’s easy to do. Nothing is the road. more miserable than shivering all night in a tent because the Interlochen State Park is another fine option for a forecast you saw was wrong about a late-season ice storm. rough experience that offers some distractions from the smell If you are prepared for a handful of possibilities, your trip is of the pit toilets. Located on the shores of Green Lake (a more likely to be a positive memory than something you’d primo fishing spot) and twenty-odd minutes from Traverse rather forget.” n
Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
Civilization is pretty great — electricity, life expectancy over 30, and it seems like you’re never more than three hundred feet from a McDonald’s at any given time. Sometimes, though, you need to just get away from your comfortable and safe existence and experience something a little more… primal. Well, we’ve got you covered. Well, us, with some help from Jim Wills (webmaster for campinginmichigan.com) and Matt Forster (author of Best Tent Camping: Michigan) — two experts on this kind of stuff.
REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
19
Camping
Michigan’s Kick Ass Campgrounds / By staff and minions / Photos by Phil Artz and Kim Kibby
Symbol Key
Get away and take advantage of some of the natural gifts Michigan has given us. From lakes to hiking paths to dunes and forests, sometimes unplugging has its advantages.
Lodging
( Tent sites ! Rustic Tent Sites ~ Backpack Camping % Primitive Group Camps , RV/Camper sites Q Cabins
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
Amenities & Activities
B Modern Restrooms > Picnic Area ? Playground @ Swimming Beach N Fishing [ Boat Launch 1 Motorized Boats £ Paddle Boats ¾3 Kayaking/Canoeing r Hiking pt Biking/Mtn. Biking o Off-Road Vehicles ² Watching Wildlife Attractions Sand Dunes
f Lighthouse h Waterfall
20 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
Bowman Bridge Campground
Lake Michigan Recreation Area/Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area
52nd St., Baldwin (231) 745-4631 fs.usda.gov/activity/hmnf/ recreation/camping-cabins
Forest Rd. 5629, Free Soil (231) 723-2211 fs.usda.gov/activity/hmnf/ recreation/camping-cabins
Located on the Pere Marquette River, this campsite is a perfect spot for all canoers, anglers or anyone looking to get away. Explore nature on nearby hiking trails or enjoy s’mores by the fire.
!,%N[3r >
Hike 140-foot-high dunes, take a dip in Lake Michigan, hike or bike miles of scenic trails and experience untamed nature. The area offers a rustic experience in the Ludington Dunes, away from the crowds at the state park. Be advised that public nudity is strictly prohibited, so no skinny dipping!
Bray Creek State Forest Campground
!,@rp²> ?
Merriville Rd. & 40th St., Baldwin (231) 745-9465 michigandnr.com/parksandtrails
Leelanau State Park 15310 N. Lighthouse Point Rd., Northport (231) 386-5422 michigandnr.com/parksandtrails
This first-come-first-serve camp may not be big, but it definitely works with what it’s got. With great trout fishing right along the Baldwin River and beautiful hiking trails, there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
!N[£rto ² Highbank Lake Campground
Campsite at Pictured Rocks just the start of the fun. Note: RVs/ campers must be 20 ft. or less.
Roosevelt Dr., Baldwin (231) 745-4631 fs.usda.gov/activity/hmnf/ recreation/camping-cabins
!,@N3r
Check out the beautiful 20-acre Highbank Lake for a perfect, secluded vacation. Bass and bluegill fishing is
4167 M-137, Interlochen (231) 276-9511 michigandnr.com/parksandtrails
Interlochen State Park
Located between Green Lake and Duck Lake, the 187-acre state park offers a mix of rustic and more modern amenities. Boats and kayaks are available to rent.
!(%,B>? @ N [ £ ¾r
The 1,300-acre state park features 8.5 miles of hiking trails, many picnic areas, a rustic campground and the iconic Grand Traverse Lighthouse. On the beach, be on the lookout for Petoskey stones, as well as the endangered piping plover shorebirds.
!Q@r>²? f Lincoln Bridge State Forest Campground State Road and 10 Mile Rd., Luther (231) 745-9465 michigandnr.com/parksandtrails
Mosquito Falls, Pictured Rocks
Sleeping Bear Dunes and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
!%~,@¾r p>²h Pines Point National Forest Campground Located on the Pine River and Silver Creek, the campground offers nine rustic sites set amid the heavily wooded state forest. Don’t miss hiking or biking the 4-mile Silver Creek Pathway. If ATVs and dirt bikes are more your thing, the campground is also adjacent to the more than 20mile Lincoln Hills trail.
to its fullest. Try paddling the Little Manistee River or plying the waters for trout. Wind down at the end of the day by sitting by the fire and listening to the sounds of nature at the Old Grade.
!~rpo£²
P.H. Hoeft State Park
Old Grade Campground 5190 Forest Rd., Baldwin (231) 745-7152 fs.usda.gov/activity/hmnf/ recreation/camping-cabins With this area completely surrounded by national forest, there are plenty of chances to experience wildlife
!,Nr² 5001 US-23 North, Rogers City (989) 734-2543 michigandnr.com/parksandtrails Given all the lakefront beauty in West Michigan, it’s easy to forget about the other nearby Great Lake: Lake Huron. Hoeft State Park offers a true up north experience with accessibility to the attractions at the Straits of Mackinac and Rogers City, but without the
crowds. The 300-acre park offers numerous hiking and cycling trails, sandy beaches, nearby Ocqueoc Falls and more than 140 sites.
(%,QB@N rph Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore N8321 Sand Point Road, Munising (906) 387-2607 nps.gov/piro Backpack or use a kayak to head out to one of the many secluded backcountry sites along the rugged Lake Superior shoreline. The several drive-in campgrounds in the park do not sacrifice beauty for convenience
Forest Road 5647, Hesperia (231) 745-4631 fs.usda.gov/activity/hmnf/ recreation/camping-cabins Nothing is more relaxing than combining camping and canoeing along the White River. Enjoy a halfhour float around the peninsula to a secluded picnic area surround by towering white pines.
!%,@3¾N > Sand Lake Recreation Area Forest Road 5728, Irons (231) 723-0141 fs.usda.gov/activity/hmnf/ recreation/camping-cabins
Dispersed camping: The road less traveled
I
f you want to get away from campgrounds — and all signs of humanity — altogether and really rough it, try dispersed camping. You can set up camp almost anywhere on state land in Michigan. Some restrictions apply, such as staying further than 200 feet from bodies of water and one mile from designated state forest campgrounds, so get familiar with the rules before your trek. Dispersed camping is free, but you must fill out a camp registration card from the DNR and post it somewhere in your site. Get the full rules and camp registration card at michigan.gov/dnr (search for “dispersed camping”).
(,%B@[1 Nr Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore 9922 Front St., Empire (231) 326-4700 nps.gov/slbe The park offers a range of camping options for drive-in sites with electricity for small campers, as well as secluded backcountry spots nestled around the picuresque dunes. The adventurous types can catch a ferry in Leland and head out to the Manitou Islands for a true wilderness camping experience. One of the most beautiful spots in North America.
!%~,@r Tippy Dam Recreation Area 1500 Dilling Rd., Brethren (231) 848-4880 michigandnr.com/parksandtrails Located on the backwaters of Tippy Dam on the Manistee River, this state recreation area provides ample opportunity for canoeing and kayaking, plus it’s smack dab in the middle of some of the best trout and salmon fishing in the Midwest. You’re also within walking distance of the gorgeous views along the North Country Trail. Bonus: Come back in the winter for cross country skiing and snoeshoeing. n
!Qr[£N REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
The 43-site Sand Lake campground offers great sandy beaches as well as
ample hiking and fishing opportunities. Carry-in boats are allowed. After a long day of camping, refuel at the nearby Dublin General Store with some of their world-famous jerkies.
21
glamping
GLAMPING 101 / By Missy Black / Photo by Ann Van Weaver
Glamour+camping. It’s mimosas in the morning instead of orange juice. The glamping experience is like a park and party pad complete with all the cutesy comforts of home. Men, you’re in charge of tunes, flasks, the fire (adding sage repels mosquitoes) and focusing on being the classiest son of a bitch with a hitch. If, for any reason, you feel like you’re roughing it, you need to reapply your glam. 22 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
RETRO RENTALS takes vintage campers, restores and rents them so your glampscape is kitschy cozy. Rent one of the three vintage campers that have “a lot more character and flair than newer trailers,” said Owner Stephen Austin. “They are cool to look at and people like to see them. It’s trendy and appeals to the younger crowd.” Board The Motown Hotel, a ’55 Detroiter that’s petite and easier to tow and move around. No big rig is needed for hauling. Sleeping four to five campers, this charmer comes with the original ice box and is dressed up in a throwback teal color that scores major eye-candy points. The Silvery Moon is bright and shiny for people of similar mindsets. With one look at this ’54 Duro, it’s a sentimental journey in polished aluminum. Bonus feature: Makeup application and primping right on the side. Most trailers are equipped with retro Melmac dishware, old canister sets and vintage items reminiscent of the trailer’s era. “It’s basic stuff they can camp with,” Austin said, whose take on retro campers and glamping is “more of an experience with the old campers. You are outside a lot more sightseeing, enjoying nature and cooking. You get a lot of attention and get to meet new people.” Check out goretrorentals.com. KARLA’S PLACE in Holland might be glamping merchandise central. All the accoutrements including towels, key chains and books on designing a luxury campsite exist here. Indulge and get inspired by pillows, artwork and leave your lipstick stains on their glamping glasses and drinkware. “It’s an extension of our homes,” said Owner Karla Scheifele. “That’s why people are so into designing their porches and patios. The camper takes on your personality.”
Where to Go HUNGRY HORSE CAMPGROUND offers 90 acres to roam with a basketball court, pool, hiking trail and campfire rings. Glampers will love the Wi-Fi throughout the campground to stay connected and see how many likes they’re getting on outdoorsy selfies. Visit hungryhorsecampground.com for more information.
Glamping merch, and the book Glamping with Mary Jane are available at Karla’s Place in Holland.
Glamping Wish List Everything can be made more glamorous dahling — even camping outdoors. HOME GOODS means a doormat for your camper, scented candles and pretty lanterns for illumination and designer linens and dinnerware to set the (picnic) table. Vases for flowers and a garden gnome or two are a nice touch. We’re civilized folk you know…
THE PIMP CUP is of utmost importance. It’s bejeweled, monogrammed and usually a mason jar or some fabulous novelty sipping glass that will take you through the weekend’s alcoholic slush, infused with vodka and other potions. The person with the most foliage in their glass wins. Think crushed mint, lavender sprigs, fresh berries or a simple strawberry basil drink. ESSENTIAL OILS because the bugs need to go, but stinky bug spray is so predictable. Class it up (or play the hippie) with peppermint oil, said to keep mosquitoes and horse-flies away. Plus, you look absolutely regal applying it.
SWAG/BUNTING is a category made up of cotton flags of vintage fabric, burlap or the like, that add charm, sophistication and a hint of “I’m better than you” to your dwelling. This garland or drapery is the official glampstamp if you will… A DECORATIVE BLANKET is needed, as it gets cold at night. Don’t worry, it still maintains that magazinephoto-shoot allure. The desired look: a touch chilly in expensive wraps or shawls that shouldn’t even be allowed outdoors. HAIR ACCESSORIES are functional and fashionable, be it a head wrap, headband or fancy clips. You’ll want to keep flyaway hair out of your already-sweaty face, but make sure hair pieces look fussy and high end. MAGAZINES help you zone out from all the people you came with, and since your phone has no signal what else are you supposed to do? Oh, and they help distract from all that nature. n
SANDY PINES has nature trails, fitness trails and horseshoe pits calling your name. Try miniature golf, the ropes course or kick back and cool down at the splash pad after a trip to the ice cream parlor. Extreme glamping is here with a Christmas in August event where campers decorate trailers and golf carts and tour the park in its entire holiday overload. Check it out at sandypines.com. HIDDEN RIDGE RV RESORT gives you both the rustic environment you crave while enjoying deluxe amenities like a heated pool and spa, bath houses with private showers and cement-padded sites. Glampers love a theme and can have some fun with the Aug. 11-17 Redneck Fest. Get your information at sunrvresorts.com. LUDINGTON STATE PARK boasts 5,300 acres used for camping, hiking, fishing, biking and nature ogling. Discover hardwood forests, marshlands and nearly seven miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. The sand dunes with spectacular views give glampers a quiet spot to contemplate the evening’s dinner attire. See what else the park offers at visitludingtonstatepark. com. YOUNG STATE PARK on beautiful Lake Charlevoix spans more than 560 acres. Pop a squat among a mix of gently rolling terrain, lowlands and cedar swamp areas. The beach here was voted “best beach of the year” by The Petoskey News Review Graphic. Glampers always factor in beach time. PERE MARQUETTE CAMPGROUND is just 1.5 miles from the Pere Marquette River. This campground is surrounded by thousands of acres of national forest and has both modern and rustic sites. Canoe, kayak, raft, fish or mushroom hunt if the mood strikes. Glampers will appreciate the camp store, as it carries the basics along with sunglasses, hats and Pere Marquette apparel. Represent! Get the details at pmcampground.com. HIGGINS LAKE KOA invites you for the day, weekend or summer and features camping solutions for the camper who wants to “rough it” and those who want to feel like they’ve never left home. Glampers will dig the circular, tent-like yurt structures with distinct motifs such as Fisherman’s Wharf and Pirate’s Cove. YOGI BEAR’S JELLYSTONE PARK/SILVER LAKE is located close to Silver Lake and has quaint cabin rentals, tent sites and RV camping spots. Sand dunes are nearby as well as go carts, bumper boats and mini-golf next door. Glampers interested in people watching, a car show and sweet edibles (pickle on a stick!) can walk over to the Apple BBQ Cook Off Festival in mid-September.
REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
A THRONE is not your typical camping chair, it is the best in lounging luxury. Look for cup holders, padded armrests, a built-in canopy shade, a fold-down tray for snacks and heck, if you can’t find that, bring a fancy chair from home. You’re trying to create a high-functioning living space, not a make-do, rustic habitat.
OUTDOOR STRING LIGHTS say look at me—and that’s the first rule of glamping. Something colorfully loud (neon) or rare and retro. You’ll want to convey the message that you went to a lot of trouble, spent a lot of money and filled your free time with online eBay searches. See also: Chinese lantern or swag/bunting.
PIONEER PARK keeps visitors moving with a baseball diamond, volleyball field and basketball court. Get a workout in by taking the stairs to the beach. There’s also a tennis court, so glampers can glisten in the sun with their cute tennis outfits. More info at co.muskegon.mi.us/parks/pioneer.htm.
23
Q&A
“Everyone’s going, going, going and constantly connected to technology. Focusing more on nature connects you more to the Earth and it just feels healthier, too.”
Eco Exercise E
coTrek focuses on fitness outdoors. How did you get the idea for it? I had already been a personal trainer for several years and personal trainers have to keep up their continuing education credits. I had been through the youth fitness and senior fitness. I was going through the categories I had already done and at the very bottom of the list was an ‘outdoor action certificate.’ So I clicked on that and it ended up being this three-day workshop at the Nike headquarters in Oregon.
So, it all started because of a little box. All these trainers were doing running groups in the outdoors and I thought, “Michigan is so cool and we have all these opportunities; not just along Lake Michigan. Our trail system is awesome, our parks system is so cool, why not try to get people outdoors and use what we have right here?” I took a group of girlfriends out ... and it went really well that first time and kind of grew from there. You founded EcoTrek in 2006. How has it grown in the past eight years? The EcoTrek Fitness Bars, that’s really grown quite a bit. Once I got them into all the Meijer stores, people jumped right on board and liked them. They’re healthy, but they
24 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
Questions for Cari Draft, owner and founder of EcoTrek Fitness
also taste good. That has been my main focus lately, just building that brand. ... I also get contacted at least once a week by trainers who want EcoTrek in their town. So, we’re growing it that way, too. What do you think people enjoy about outdoor fitness? Everyone’s going, going, going and constantly connected to technology. Focusing more on nature connects you more to the Earth and it just feels healthier, too. When you go to the gym, people have their ear buds in and they’re zoning out and not communicating with other people. When you’re outdoors and you’re with someone, you’re basically forced to talk to them — or you can be in your own quietness. But it’s just good to come back to the earth. You do EcoTrek sessions year-round. What are benefits to participating in the winter? I don’t know if it’s been proven or not, but it really feels like your immune system is stronger when you get outside in the winter. Just being in that fresh air and not being in a stuffy atmosphere. ... And there’s something about it that makes you feel a little youthful when you’re
outside playing. When you’re stomping in rain puddles or stepping your boots into snow. What else do people get out of an EcoTrek session? The terrain is different each time and we have several locations within the series, so it’s not like we’re meeting in the same park or trail each time. We’ve divided it into flexibility, strength training and cardio, so it becomes a well-rounded workout. And the strength training is all body weight exercises and we bring along the resistance bands. The camaraderie is really cool as well. What kind of fitness level do you have to be to do EcoTrek? It’s for all fitness levels. Sometimes I meet people and they say, “I’m going to have to work out before I see you,” but that’s not the point. We’re all different fitness levels. It’s not like there are a bunch of Marathon Marys out there running the trails. We’ve got people fresh off the couch, too!” n Interview conducted, edited and condensed by Lindsay Patton-Carson. Photo: Amanda Pitts
Getting Away
Torch Lake Bed & Breakfast
S
Get Some R&R with B&Bs
ummer is the prime time to take a break from the bustle of the city and escape to the great outdoors. Nature isn’t for everyone, however. If you’re not the roughing it type, West Michigan offers bed and breakfast establishments with the all-important air conditioning and indoor plumbing, plus a little more.
Let your body de-stress at the Arcadia House Bed and Breakfast (17304 Northwood Highway, Arcadia) by enjoying the on-site massage service and outdoor garden hot tub. Prices range from $89 to $135 per night. Steady your sea legs at the Bayside Inn (618 Water St., Saugatuck); a renovated boathouse, where visitors can relax on their private sundeck and watch the boats float by on the harbor. Prices range from $95 to $310 per night. Take a step back in time at Hexagon House Bed and Breakfast (760 Sixth St., Pentwater), a historical, Victorian-style inn. Sit back and enjoy the spacious porches that oversee beautifully manicured lawns. Prices range from $129 to $249 per night, the whole house for $700 to $1050 per night, and the Inn Keeper’s Cottage for $1000 per week.
Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
Taking a twist on tradition, The Lamplighter Bed and Breakfast (602 East Ludington Ave., Ludington) offers its renowned breakfast by candlelight. Forget your alarm clocks, one of the luxuries offered by this B&B is the option waking up for breakfast when it’s convenient for you. Prices range from $135 per night to $180 per night. View an unforgettable sunset on Lake Michigan from atop the sand dunes at The Looking Glass Inn (1100 South Harbor Dr., Grand Haven). This three-story beach house offers views of the water from every room. Prices range from $160 to $225 per night. The Twin Oaks Inn (227 Griffith St., Saugatuck), is just a short walk away from all the excitement that Saugatuck offers. Take a stroll down the block to discover endless shops, art, food and entertainment. Prices range from $175 to $265 per night. Experience a little piece of paradise at The Torch Lake Bed and Breakfast (4417 Trillium Ridge Rd., Central Lake). Be amazed by the incredible view of Torch Lake, rated the third most beautiful lake in the world by National Geographic. Prices range from $290 to $300 per night. —Carlie Soule
REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
25
28 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
/// LOCAL MUSIC
Triumph Music Academy Offers Innovative Take on Music Lessons | by Jayson Bussa
G
o ahead and holster your witty comparisons to Jack Black and the movie School of Rock when you are around James Hughes — he’s heard them before. It’s a fair go-to joke, though, because Hughes and his fellow co-founders run Triumph Music Academy in Grand Rapids, which offers musicians of every experience level so much more than traditional, bland music lessons. “Our whole thing is bridging the gap between just taking lessons and playing with each other,” said Hughes, who started the school in 2011 along with friends and music school brethren Jeremy Verwys, Kyle Thompson and Matthew Gruppen. “We remove the element of simulation,” he added. “We teach them how to play together, how to put together sets, how to book gigs, how to collect ticket money, what to do with that ticket money. ... We just remove the academic feel to it.” This progressive take on lessons and theory has sparked significant growth for Triumph in just its few years in business. The school occupies space in two stories of a non-descript building, located at 949 Wealthy St. SE. Upstairs, the crew administers lessons for individual instruments while offering full band practices in a concrete bunker of a basement.
Finding the place for the first time can be a bit tricky, but this lack of visibility hasn’t hurt Triumph a bit. “We were the first to do year-round rock band classes and some other people are trying to jump on that bandwagon,” Hughes said. “Our artist development and things like that are kind of a game changer in town. So, I guess what we’re doing is working.” Armed with a staff of 11, Triumph offers instruction on everything from guitar, bass, banjo and ukulele to songwriting, recording and DJing. There is no cookie-cutter curriculum at Triumph, either. The staff gauges the needs and desires of each student and sets up a program accordingly. Do you dig Norwegian death metal? Hughes vows that his team could cook up a program based around it. As for recitals?
“That’s lame, dude,” Hughes said. “Go play a show! Go out there and do it.” Triumph does put its students on display, though, with annual showcases. These started in the live room at Guitar Center before moving to the music school at Grand Rapids Community College, and, most recently, Wealthy Theatre. From the outside looking in, the boom in popularity for Triumph might seem a bit surprising, especially in a day and age where musicians can jump online to download music or watch instructional videos on YouTube. According to Hughes, the effect is actually quite the opposite. “Things like YouTube and Rocksmith and all that have been good for us,” Hughes said. “It captures people’s interest. You can watch a video, but you can’t ask a video questions and you can only mimic so much.” n
MUSIC NEWS
Kalamazoo bluegrass outfit Greensky Bluegrass has a busy couple of months ahead of it. The band will play two headlining slots during Hoxeyville, which will be held in Wellston, Mich. on Aug. 15-17. This will be the band’s last
Michigan performance dates for the rest of the summer. In early September, the group will drop its new album, If Sorrows Swim, distributed nationally by Nashville-based Thirty Tigers.
Natural Disasters, Knives Are Quiet and more. Portions of the proceeds will go to help Eden Reforestation Projects, which helps reduce poverty and restore forests in Haiti, Ethiopia and Madagascar.
Fat Guy Fest descends on Kalamazoo for three straight nights, featuring bands of all different genres, hailing everywhere from West Michigan to France. The 21+ event will feature more than 40 bands and will take place on Aug. 8-10 at Shakespeare’s Lower Level, featuring such local acts as Bike Tuff, The Reptilian, ProConPro,
Let your freak flag fly at Digital Damnation, a new cybergoth industrial event in Grand Rapids featuring DJs, artists and all things damned. Mulligan’s Pub already hosted two installments and will continue holding the monthly event throughout the rest of 2014. The next one is slated for Aug. 9, with the theme of glow sticks, neon and blood.
REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
On the heels of releasing its most recent single, “Chicago,” Grand Rapids-based rock ‘n’ roll duo Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish will be holding an album release show on Aug. 8 at the Pyramid Scheme. Joined by The Sailor Kicks and Fathom 19, the show is going down on Aug. 8 with doors opening at 8:30 p.m. Pre-sale tickets cost $6.
29
/// ON TOUR
Les Claypool’s Version of Kumbaya | By Dwayne Hoover
L
es Claypool is certainly b est known for his role as lead vocalist and bassist for Primus. But Claypool is just as well known for his number of side projects and artistic endeavors, including the formation of supergroup Oysterhead, theme songs for “South Park” and “Robot Chicken,” a book, a movie and working alongside musicians from Tom Waits to Metallica. To say the guy is prolific might be a bit of an understatement. Claypool’s newest project, Duo De Twang, started off as a one-time gig for a bluegrass festival, but after a camping trip with his son, the idea just kind of stuck. “Well, we were just sitting around the campfire and [my son] had his banjo and I had my resonator bass and the dog was there,”
Claypool said. “It just clicked. Why not have a campfire on stage?” So that’s exactly what he did. Claypool enlisted the help of long-time friend and M.I.R.V. guitarist Brian Kehoe to take the stage with a literal campfire to sit around, tell stories and hammer out some old-school country renditions of everything from Primus songs like “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver” and “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver” to “Man in the Box” by Alice in Chains and even “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees. These backwoods, foot-stomping tracks and more make up the duo’s first album, Four Foot Shack, which was released in February. The record is about as raw as it gets, due to the fact that you can occasionally hear things like a refrigerator turn on or a dog bark in the background.
Claypool said the whole idea behind Duo De Twang is simplicity, like friends sitting around a campfire and sharing each other’s company, the same way it’s been done for centuries. “It’s very prevalent in gypsy cultures, gathering around the van and the campfire and exchanging music and ideas,” Claypool said. “It’s a lost tradition that’s been replaced by sitting around the electric campfire and watching ‘Survivor’ or something.” Exploring the simpler life, drinking, storytelling, laughing and of course, playing music, is what Claypool says it’s really all about.
“I keep referring to getting back to basics,” he said. “There’s not a lot of premeditation to this. It’s not like I was like, ‘Holy s**t, country music is popular right now. I have to do a twang record.’” n
Les Claypool’s Duo De Twang wsg Reformed Whores The Intersection, Grand Rapids Aug. 24, 7 p.m. $26 advance, $28 day of show sectionlive.com, (616) 451-8232
SEPT Music 12-14 Michigan
Irish Fe s t i v a l
Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene
www.michiganirish.org
30 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
Heritage Landing, Downtown Muskegon
FEATURING LIVE MUSIC BY
Gaelic Storm Dave Curley Band
Pogey La Bottine Souriante Pan Blackthorn ns Band he Frying MoxIE The olllam and Danny Bur Socks in t Seamus Kennedy
over 20 bands
Buy online EARLY and SAVE www.michiganirish.org Get In FREE Early Friday, 5 - 6 pm only
AUG 3 - $22
ERIC TAYLOR AUG 8 - $30
ERIC TAYLOR
GRIFFIN HOUSE
AUG 9 & 10 - $35
CRYSTAL BOWERSOX
(BOTH SHOWS SOLD OUT)
AUG 13 - $18
GRIFFIN HOUSE
RYAN HOMMEL'S OPTICAL SHOP AUG 16 - $18
ARI HEST
THE SEA THE SEA AUG 20 - $30
KIM RICHEY SEPT 12 - $25
BRENDAN JAMES KIM RICHEY
OCT 2 - $30
MATTHEW PERRYMAN JONES + ANDREW COMBS OCT 4 - $22
MICHAEL MCDERMOTT
ALL SEATS RESERVED. NO ADDITIONAL TICKET FEES. BAR AVAILABLE. MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED. 21+
SEVEN STEPS UP LIVE MUSIC & EVENT VENUE: 116 S JACKSON ST. SPRING LAKE, MI 49456 PINDROPCONCERTS.COM (231) 557-7687
REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
MICHAEL MCDERMOTT
31
/// On Tour
GREAT BEER DESERVES GREAT MUSIC.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Visit bellsbeer.com for show times and event details.
Ben Daniels Band wsg Phil Barry & Sarah Fuerst • $6 AUG 2 Hillary Reynolds Band • $6 AUG 7 New Sound Underground • Free AUG 8 Super Happy Funtime Burlesque* • $10 AUG 9 The YEAH Babies • $6 AUG 10 Academy of Rock • Noon-4pm, $5 suggested donation AUG 11 Square Dance Kalamazoo • 7pm, $5 w/Bowhunter and caller Pat Hoekje AUG 12 The Devil Makes Three* $15 advance, $18 day of AUG 14 North American Scum* • $10 AUG 15 Goran Ivanovic • $6 AUG 16 Combat Corduroy • $6 AUG 21 Scott Pellegrom & Super Natural Bang • $6 AUG 22 Mystic Dub wsg DJ Selector Jonathon • $6 AUG 23 Dumela Project • $6 AUG 25 Yoga in the Back Room • 5:30pm, $10 AUG 28 Movie in the Beer Garden • Dusk, Free AUG 29 Fruition* • $10 advance, $12 day of AUG 30 Lil’ Darlins Vaudeville* • $10 SUNDAYS Trivia every Sunday (except AUG 31) • 5pm *pre-sale tickets available at bellsbeer.com, frontgatetickets.com and Bell’s General Store.
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.
32 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
Lake Street Dive Captures the Soul of Jazz | by Carly Plank
F
© Bell's Brewery, Inc., Comstock, MI
Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene
AUG 1
our jazz stude nts with “That was an early boost of confidence a shared love of ‘60s pop that was really necessary to get us over the united in 2004 , making a name hump,” Kearney said. “We felt like we were for themselves playing dive bars in just another college band at the time—we Boston and Cambridge. Ten years later, the played when we could.” members of Lake Street Dive are National Although Kearney’s song gave the band Public Radio darlings and late-night televi- an opportunity to record, all four members sion veterans who released their third studio are songwriters. In the studio, the band builds album, Bad Self Portraits, earlier this year. around basic chord and lyrical structures until The road from jazz to a unique blend of a song is completed. And because the band radio-friendly, soul-based pop came naturally consists of only standup bass, trumpet, drums as the band gained experience on the road. and vocals, creative arrangements add depth While attending the New to an already sturdy, oldEngland Conservatory of school sound. Music, the four members “We use a lot of backLake Street Dive Frederik Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids realized they grew up loving ground vocals to fill in the Aug. 28, 7 p.m. the same music. parts that would be taken $27 public/$25 members “In the days before we by a keyboard or another meijergardens.org, (616) 957-1580 could just plug our phones guitar in a different band,” into the car stereo, we used Kearney said. to burn CDs,” said Bassist Bridget Kearney. The group seamlessly transitioned into “We would pass around the computer and the realm of pop music, paying homage to we would each add three or four songs to a The Jackson 5 and Hall and Oates, among playlist. When we played the CD, we found other influences, on the 2012 EP Fun that there were different versions of the same Machine. But after nearly 10 years, Lake Street songs.” Dive is still a band on the rise. Another turning point for the band “It’s easy to be excited about numbers occurred when Kearney won the 2006 John on a screen, but it was exciting to see those Lennon songwriting contest, scoring funds numbers translate into tangible changes in for CD production and studio time. attendance at our shows,” Kearney said. n
Open Hours
MON-SAT 3PM-2AM KITCHEN 4:30PM-11PM
Happy Hour
MON-FRI 3-7PM $2 Domestics, $2 Wells $3 Calls, $1.50 Retros 760 BUTTERWORTH SW GRAND RAPIDS, MI 616.272.3910
OPEN VINYL PARTY MONDAYS, NO COVER, 8PM
COMEDY NIGHT 2ND AND 4TH TUESDAY, NO COVER, 8:30
OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH SAM KENNY WEDNESDAYS, NO COVER 9PM
AUGUST 1 1: Th The JJukejoint k j i Handmedowns and Nobody’s Darlin’ AUGUST 2: White Rabbit, Swineheats And Steller AUGUST 7: Rockabilly Rumble with Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys AUGUST 8: Rosie Flores wsg The Soul Syndicate AUGUST 9: Star Darts wsg Short Hair Domestics AUGUST 11: Joe Buck Yourself, Viva Le Vox and Dead Eye Zack AUGUST 15: Root Doctor
Hillbilly Casino
AUGUST 16: Hillbilly Casino wsg The Krank Daddies AUGUST 18: Candye Kane wsg The Soul Syndicate AUGUST 21: Davina and the Vagabonds wsg The Moonrays
Candye Kane
AUGUST 22: Truckstop Cobras Reunion
Davina & The Vagabonds
Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
AUGUST 23: Dirty Bourbon River Show wsg Sailor Kicks and Dead Eye Zack AUGUST 25: The Independents AUGUST 28: Flex.0, Murder Party, Anti-Logical, Cosmonaut AUGUST 29: The Four Lincolns wsg The Sleeves AUGUST 30: Deep Fried Pickle Project Dirty Bourbon River Show
REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
33
34 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
VISUAL ART
by Kerri VanderHoff
Linking Community through Art and Networking
Y
LINC ladies: Reyna Garcia, Gwendolyn Nathan, Sheri Adkins, and San Juana Guillermo. Photo: Hugo Claudin
Other Art Events Ox-Bow’s Open Studios Ox-Bow School of the Arts, 3435 Rupprecht Way, Saugatuck Aug. 1 & 15, 7:30-10 p.m. ox-bow.org, (269) 857-5811 Students, fellows and Professional Artists in Residence mount an exhibit of their work that comes from a variety of media including painting, drawing, ceramics, metals, papermaking, printmaking and glass. Open Studios also feature an artistic demonstration and past demos have included papermaking in the lagoon, glassblowing and casting, and collaborative demonstrations between studios like Print and Metals or Glass and Metals.
Art in the Park Centennial Park, Holland Aug. 2, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. hollandfriendsofart.com. (616) 396-3278 The annual fine arts and crafts fair, Art in the Park is the first Saturday of August in Holland. The event draws one of the largest influx of visitors to the city on a single day, second only to Tulip Time. About 300 fine artists and artisans from eight states will be on hand to display and sell their work. Approximately 15,000 art enthusiasts and shoppers will attend the event.
Double Take: Artists Respond to the Collection Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Aug. 23-Jan. 4, 2015 kiarts.org, (269) 349-7775 Artists have long been inspired by the work of other artists. Thirty artists in the Kalamazoo area have each selected a work from the KIA’s collection that inspires them. Responding to the original artists’ unique perspectives on color, form, meaning and content, these local artists created works in response. Artists’ statements will illuminate the visual connections between the works.
REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule
ou may have noticed, an d pe rhaps participated in, First Friday events held in cities across the country: Albany, Anchorage, Bellingham, Chicago, Denver, Kalamazoo, Scranton, Phoenix, Tallahassee and many more. On the first Friday of each month, galleries and artists’ studios open their doors and encourage the public to explore the diverse offerings. Many are clustered within walking distance of each other. Sometimes there’s a trolley making the hop between arts areas and downtown hotels. There’s strength in numbers with the concept, in two ways. First, banding together many smaller gallery and studio spaces to produce one event creates a larger social and retail opportunity, as well as a full evening out for tourists and locals. Second, with studios often located in outlying warehouse districts or historic-yet-economically emerging areas of a city, creating pedestrian traffic reassures visiArt by Eric Picardo at LINC First Friday. Photo: courtesy of Sandi Gunnett & Wojtek Dabrowski tors and encourages them to explore further. You might have also noticed a version partnerships and underwriting opportunities to help it grow, there are of First Fridays in several more cities across North America and seven a few events currently in place. They show promise for building a countries worldwide including Austin, Birmingham, Boston, Detroit, stronger presence in the international circle of First Friday events. It’s a Hong Kong, Jackson, London, Memphis, New Orleans, Rio de Janeiro, great marketing tactic, economic driver, and a value to the community. Normandy and others that have a different focus. These events place Stop by Avenue for the Arts along Division between Fulton and the emphasis on networking and business opportunities for AfricanWealthy 6 to 9 p.m. on the first Friday of American professionals. First Fridays United is a company founded the month (this month falls on Aug. 1) to to organize the existing chapters into one group to share information, First Fridays find artwork by local artists, handmade resources, community investment and sponsors. Ongoing each month goods, entertainment and food and drink In Grand Rapids, drawing on innovation and collaboration, there’s specials. Ten local shops, restaurants and a melding of the two, as different individuals and organizations work Avenue for the Arts galleries offer unique items and services, together to build a version of First Fridays that best reflects this city. Still Division between Fulton providing a fun immersion in the arts in the fledgling stages of its interconnectedness, and seeking additional and Wealthy, Grand Rapids culture along this downtown avenue. Aug. 1, 6–9 p.m. A little further south, at Madison and avenueforthearts.com Hall in the Southeast Corridor neighborhood, the LINC Gallery provides a First LINC Gallery Friday experience it describes as a “monthly 1167 Madison Ave. SE, groove for the professional.” On the first Grand Rapids Friday of each month, the gallery opens Aug. 1, 5:30–10 p.m. from 5:30 to 10 p.m. and offers art, drinks, lincrev.org, (616) 451food, jazz and spoken word in an environ9140 ment that encourages networking among residents of the neighborhood and beyond. Hugo Claudin, full time curator of the LINC gallery, part of the LINC Community Revitalization organization, is working with leaders at Avenue for the Arts and other gallery owners to help interconnect the First Friday events throughout the city. “We wanted to modernize the idea of a gallery space,” Claudin said. “Create experiences in real time; with relevance and accessibility to the community it serves.” n
35
By Allison Parker
theatre
Other Performing Arts Events Beehive
Mason Street Warehouse, Saugatuck Aug. 15-17, 19-20, 21-29, 30-31; show times at 2, 7 & 8 p.m. $26-$42 sc4a.org, (269) 857-2399 A tribute to the decade of mini skirts and hairspray, Beehive features 37 divalicious ‘60s hits. Tina Turner, Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin are just a few of the female powerhouses celebrated in this high-energy journey back in time. Nostalgic songs and 50 outrageous costumes chronicle the trends and social impact of one of America’s most memorable decades.
The Matchmaker
Hope Summer Repertory Theatre DeWitt Theatre, Holland Aug. 1, 5, 8; show time at 8 p.m. $12-$21 hope.edu/arts/hsrt, (616) 395-7890 Thornton Wilder’s classic old-school farce The Matchmaker is perhaps most familiar to modern audiences as the inspiration for Hello, Dolly! As its title implies, The Matchmaker centers around a woman’s elaborate schemes to set up singles. Things take an especially humorous turn, however, when the matchmaker falls for the very man who hires her to help him find a wife.
Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene
[title of a show]
Farmers Alley Theatre, Kalamazoo Aug. 1-3, show times at 2 & 8 p.m. $31-$33 farmersalleytheatre.com, (269) 343-2727 As cheeky and self-referential as a show can get, [title of a show] celebrates the joys and woes of playwriting and collaboration. The plot follows the struggles of two writers as they try to hastily assemble a last-minute entry for the New York Musical Theatre Festival. After wrestling with writer’s block, the team decides to write a musical about writing a musical. They also decide the title of their entry will be [title of a show], a decision inspired by the wording on the festival’s application form.
36 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
Spamalot Just Wants to Have Fun
I
don’t care if you’re the Queen of England, you have laughed at a fart joke. Let’s get real: adolescent humor tickles the funny bone of even the snobbiest snob on occasion. A little part of everyone is always irrepressibly drawn to free, unabashed silliness—humor that hits its mark because it’s just plain goofy. Nothing awakens the 12 year old within quite like Monty Python, and the Holy Grail spoof Monty Python’s Spamalot gets
this. Indeed, for Director Tom Kaechele, much of Spamalot’s appeal comes from the signature humor of the musical’s source material. “Monty Python had a way of using their particular brand of humor; it was just unique,” Kaechele said. “I can’t think of anything else that I have seen in the 30some years since I’ve been exposed to them. Their style of humor is what makes it so special. You surprise yourself by laughing at something that is just so incredibly silly.
Monty Python’s Spamalot
Circle Theatre, Grand Rapids Aug. 7-9, 13-16, 20-23; show times at 5 and 7:30 p.m. $13.50-27 circletheatre.org, (616) 456-6656
It sort of taps into that little child that is still there that just wants to have fun.” In homage to its iconic parent, Spamalot features most of the major plot points of Holy Grail, along with many of the film’s beloved characters and gags. The Knights still say “Ni,” and the French Taunter still “farts in your general direction.” Spamalot also expands upon the film, however, by adding lively musical numbers and plenty of self-conscious Broadway jokes. Impressive dance numbers and Vegas showgirls add to the scope and spectacle. These updates mean that while audiences switch off their brains, actors must face a daunting task. Cast members not only have to sing and dance, but also play multiple characters throughout the show. Some musical numbers even require actors to perform from backstage. “It would be interesting to have a documentary of seeing this show from backstage because of all the different things that have to happen to put it all together,” Kaechele said. “A lot of times, we’re even adding performers singing from offstage to get the full power of the show, and that’s a tough bit for the cast. ... You might be in the middle of a costume change, so while you’re doing the costume change, you’re singing.” Luckily for Circle Theatre, Spamalot is in good hands. Cast members include Grand Rapids Got Talent winner Rob Reminga, and Jeremiah Postma, who recently played Val Jean in Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s Les Mis. Audiences can also put their hands together for Noddea Skidmore, a Grand Rapids stage veteran who serves as the event producer for ArtPrize. “I’ve got a great, hardworking cast and my choreographer and my music director are both sensational,” Kaechele said. “It’s nice when you can go to work and enjoy your job even before you get there.” n
For those who believe in earning their future. If you’re looking to better yourself, the Northwood University Adult Degree Program is here for you in every way. With flexible hours, convenient locations, and online courses, we’ve designed a highly competitive business degree around the way you live. Don’t wait. Own Your Future.
800.622.9000
northwood.edu/adults
ADP Revue Full page Manu.indd 1
7/2/14 REVUEWM.COM | August 20143:02| PM 37
By Josh Spanninga
comedy
Steve-O:
At The B.O.B. Grand Rapids, MI 616.356.2000 www.thebob.com
Certified Clown and World Renowned “Jackass” SULLIVAN & SONS August 4
GREG MusOt R7-T9ON Aug
Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene
AugPuETE LEE st 1416
STEsVtE2O1-23
Augu
DEREK RICHARDS August 28-30
38 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
A
nyo n e fam i liar with th e “Jac kas s” e m p i r e kn ows the professionals involved have one philosophy: the more outrageous the stunt, the better. This is a mantra Steve-O swears by, and one that got him noticed by members of the “Jackass” crew while they still worked with the skateboarding magazine, Big Brother. “I did a big crazy stunt trying to get into their magazine, and I really burned myself pretty terribly,” Steve-O said. “I wound up in the hospital with second-degree burns on half of my face. My face healed just in the nick of time for me to go to clown college.” That’s right, clown college. Steve-O admits he has always sought attention from others, so any career that allowed him to get in front of audiences was an alluring prospect. After dropping out of the University of Miami, he sought a more unconventional means of education.
“My face healed just in the nick of time for me to go to clown college.” “My plan was to become a famous stuntman, and after a few years of being homeless and really not getting anywhere, and not gaining any traction toward my goal, I found out about clown college,” Steve-O said. “And I figured that if I were to graduate from Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Clown College it would help to further my goal of being a famous stuntman.” After graduating, Steve-O found a stint as a clown in a small circus, but he kept recording stunt videos on the side, eventually meeting up again with the “Jackass” crew, and the rest is history. What people may not know is Steve-O also has a career in stand-up comedy. Sure, he still performs stunts on and off stage (he
even has his own Youtube channel), but he’s just as comfortable performing with nothing but a microphone and an empty stage. Steve-O views this foray into stand-up not as a transition from stunt work, but as part of the evolution of his career. “The idea of all the stunts, and pretty much everything that I’ve done, has been to be funny,” he explains. “There’s been comedy underlying pretty much everything I’ve done in my career.”
After each set, Steve-O likes to mingle with the crowd, putting him in the unique position of hearing firsthand what audience members thought of his performance. He says people generally come in with low expectations for his stand-up, but he’s up for the challenge of proving he has what it takes to make people laugh. “Universally, the consensus is that they weren’t so sure about my stand-up, they came being not so sure about what the show would be and they were surprised and shocked at how hilarious and good my show is,” Steve-O said. He also assures “Jackass” fans that he includes plenty of anecdotes about the show and behind-the-scenes stories about his career. “My life has been as outrageous as can be.” Steve O said. “So I’m in a luxurious position of just having so much material to draw from.” n
Steve-O
Dr. Grins, Grand Rapids Aug. 21-23, show times at 5:30, 8, 9 and 10:30 pm. $10-$20 thebob.com, (616) 356-2000
O R N E M T A M P U S
OTHER BREWS ON TAP
Hop Sprocket • Bread Beer Saison Blondie • Full-On IPA Crimson King Amber & more! 20 Monroe Ave. • Grand Rapids 616.356.2000 • www.thebob.com REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
39
Missy Black’s
STYLe NOTeS
Lee & Birch
I
f the words free beauty school drop-in don’t make your heart aflutter, you’re dead inside. The Grand Rapids Public Library’s Summer Reads program promises a time of beauty to promote the book The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman. The local Michigan author’s book features a woman who, in order to receive her inheritance money from her mother (who happened to be the head of a large cosmetics company), must accomplish everything on a life aspirations list made when she was 14. Partnering with the Douglas J Aveda Institute, readers of the book and beauty buffs can register for a time slot and receive an evening of styling with makeup applications, mini-manicures and hair styling (curling or braiding of hair). The event is held Aug. 12, from 6 to 7 p.m. or stop in later at the 7 to 8 p.m. timeslot. Pre-register at grpl.org/register.
Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene
Duffield Lane
40 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
One of my good friends has this cute habit of saying people and things are “darling,” and that’s truly the only word to describe Duffield Lane, a new loungewear company based out of East Grand Rapids. I suppose simple, classic and versatile work too, as pieces are meant to take you from lounging in bed to the beach or brunch with your girlfriends. Born from a search for respectable and stylish loungewear, Designer and Owner Jamie Loeks Duffield set out to make what she couldn’t find. “I started with the concept of sleepwear and it evolved from there,” Duffield said of the line that now features beachwear and items to be worn outside the house. “I’m trying to create the in-between that’s also really flattering and really comfortable — high end — something you’d want to wear and won’t be embarrassed to be seen in.” The Duffield Lane style is defined by classic lines, super soft and stretchy fabric and classic, preppy and nautical elements with navy and white as main color themes and a pop of a pinkish coral hue thrown in for fun. “The clothing can be described as nautical. I was on the sailing team in college. I’m drawn to that nautical, preppy style and navy and white is the most classic color combo. It’s crisp and looks good on everybody.” Duffield Lane can be found at Leigh’s in Grand Rapids, Muriel’s in Holland and online at duffieldlane.com. Expect the fall line to be cleanly classic with black and camel-colored trim on items. Testimonial: I own the cheery Coral Dottie Tank that can be paired with pajama pants or with shorts for the beach. Nothing feels as good as knowing your clothes can do triple duty for numerous moments in your life and at every turn keep up with you in comfort and loads of style smarts.
If you love Lee and Birch you should know they’ve moved. Follow them over to their new home in Grand Rapids’ Uptown neighborhood at 759 Wealthy Street. Nearby shops include Wealthy at Charles, Fusion Salon and the Jeffrey Richard Salon all right across the street. Now located in a historic building, the boutique that offers the latest fashions for women from top brands and designers better serves customers with free, convenient parking and an outdoor special events space. “We have a garage door that opens up so we can expand on nice days and roll some racks outside,” says owner Nikki Gillette. My advice to you: 1. Stop in and check out the new line of dresses from Veronica M, denim and cropped shorts among the new crisp, bright and airy store design. 2. Make sure you stand in front of the massive jewelry wall with rustic hooks for the pretty factor. 3. Remember to hit them up mid-August for sidewalk sale bounty. Bat your lashes with the best of them with help from Siren & Proper Lash Lounge and Brow Bar. It’s Cheeky Strut’s younger, smaller, sassier little cousin bestowing quality lashes and brow-shaping to the beauties that demand it. The highly trained staff can help you reduce your morning routine while increasing sexy simplicity and timeless beauty. “No matter your style or age, lashes and nice eyebrows that frame your face — well, that never goes out of style,” said Christina Lynn, owner and lash artist. Both she and co-owner Kaite Lyn Christoffersen help you play up your eyes to be “bold, daring and classic and timeless — to represent both sides of beauty.” From the Fresh set of lashes beginner style to the middle of the road Fox set (a very full, bold mascara look) to the intense Faux set that’s “thick, thick, thick,” there’s a lash extension set for everyone. “You work with a client’s eye shape and that’s where the artistry comes in.” Look them up on Facebook and call the salon at (616) 427-5394 for a new, seductive stare. n
REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
41
lit life
By Kyle Austin
The Tao of the Taxicab
Other Literary Events Grand Rapids Region Writers Group
Ucello’s – East Beltline, Grand Rapids Aug. 9, noon grandrapidsregionwritersgroup. blogspot.com
Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene
M
e li ssa Plaut re m e m b e rs th e f i rst ti m e sh e eve r wrote about driving a New York City taxicab. It was 5 a.m. one morning in 2005, and she’d just returned home from her shift. The stream-of-consciousness recounting of the night’s events that poured out of her was unlike anything she’d ever written, certainly unlike anything she’d ever written in her previous job, writing copy for one of the Big Apple’s innumerable advertising agencies. In that moment, a woman who could never quite figure out what to do with her life became one who would do anything to make sure she got the most out of it. “There’s a lot of pressure,” she said of life after college. “You have to pick one thing, you have to love it, and if you don’t, then that sucks for you. If you do change, it’s a mid-life crisis thing and you only get to change once.” the reality, but it still sort of gave people just Becoming a taxi driver, however, was a tiny peek into what does happen behind the Plaut’s way of resisting that engrained mind- wheel of a taxi while everybody else is asleep.” set. At first, she declared herself finished with Behind that wheel, Plaut bore witness to writing and resisted her friends’ insistence that a whole spectrum of humanity – the drunken, she mine her unusual and exciting experiences whispering phone calls of helpless romantics for material. at closing time, the stoic resignation of over“At that time, I was really valuing expe- worked businessmen, the trusting confessions rience over feeling productive, just sort of of particularly lonely passengers, and the ungathering my own experiences,” predictable wildness of the city she said. “I live in a very artistic at night that the average person community and all of my friends An Evening with rarely caught a glimpse of. Melissa Plaut are artist and writers and what This new world fascinated Grand Rapids Public Library – have you, so there’s that conPlaut, and in sending her obMain Branch stant pressure to feel like you’re servations and musings through Aug. 21, 7 p.m. producing, and I decided to just cyberspace, she managed to fasgrpl.org, (616) 988- 5400 let go of that.” cinate hordes of readers as well, She soon found her experiwith the popularity of “New York ences to be so fascinating and visceral that she Hack” growing exponentially by the day. By couldn’t contain them any longer. That first 2008, Plaut had enough material to entice a piece would mark the beginning of “New York publisher into giving her a book deal, and she Hack,” a blog Plaut started, anonymously at began the process of weaving her blog entries first, to give the world a unique window into into a narrative structure that became Hack: the daily grind of one of America’s most enig- How I Stopped Worrying About What to Do with matic professions. My Life and Started Driving a Yellow Cab. “It’s what got me interested in driving a The book enjoyed healthy success, but cab to begin with,” Plaut said. “What happens? instead of rushing straight into another, Plaut It’s such a mystery. What do these people see? took a consulting job in the taxi industry, where And my expectations were very different from she remains today, but not forever. Her greatest
42 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
The purpose of Grand Rapids Region Writers Group is to promote excellence in fiction, to help writers become published and establish careers in their writing field, and to provide continuing support for writers within the publishing industry. The group meets on the second Saturday of each month.
Author Signing – Dr. Jan Pol
Photo: Julia Gillard
Barnes and Noble – Grand Rapids Aug. 14, 7 p.m. thedrpol.com, (616) 940-0820 Meet Dr. Jan Pol, star of National Geographic’s hit show, “The Incredible Dr. Pol,” at this special signing event. From growing up in the Netherlands surrounded by animals to moving to Michigan to start his own practice, Dr. Pol has amassed a wealth of amazing stories about the unique bond between animal and man.
Into the Wind Dance and Poetry Performance
Michigan Alternative and Renewable Energy Center – Muskegon Aug. 22 and 23, 7 p.m. keithtaylorannarbor.com, (231) 722-4371
story, it seems, will always be the ever-evolving narrative of her life. “The way I think about it is, it’s a commitment for a year or two,” she said of her latest adventure. “That’s what anything can be. It’s not the rest of my life.” n
Michigan poet Keith Taylor joins the Ann Arbor Dance Works for a special presentation that will explore the potential transformation of Muskegon, Mich., from a once-thriving manufacturing community to one that is working to regain economic prosperity by exploring alternative energy industries.
SchulerBooks&Music 31 years as your local, independent bookstore! August 2014 Events 1 & 15
10am-2pm
2
9am
6 & 20 5:30pm
Peninsula Writers Group
Silent auction and open mic in the studio.
West Michigan Tabletop Gamers Learn to play new board games with the pros! All ages and skill levels welcome.
Talk and Booksigning with Kenan Trebincevic
11
Club Italia
18
Japanese Conversation Group
27
Cribbage Game Night
7pm 7pm 7pm
Tender baked curry chicken salad topped with mango sauce and sprinkled with raisins, cashews and scallions atop a bed of mixed field greens.
Open Play Scrabble
9
4 pm
CURRY CHICKEN SALAD
EATS R T K O O B P A H C L O CO
Introducing his new book The Bosnia List.
Our Italian conversation and culture group meets in the studio. Learn Japanese conversation and culture at our monthly event.
Learn to play cribbage - all ages and skill levels welcome!
August fragrance of the month
25% off
Any qualifying WoodWickÂŽ Campfire Marshmallow home fragrance product
SchulerBooks.com
2660 28th Street SE • (616) 942-2561 All events are subject to change. For a complete list of events visit www.SchulerBooks.com/event
Campfire Marshmallow May not be combined with any other offer.
REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
43
COMMUNITY
EVENTS AUG. 6
PROXIMO SPIRITS TEQUILA DINNER & TASTING
AUG. 13-24
GRAND RAPIDS RESTAURANT WEEK
CRAFTMEX
@
Visit our Facebook page for details.
“Stellar creations that distinguish Fajita Republic from typical Mexican franchise restaurants”
L BEER, NOW SERVING LOCA E! COCKTAILS, & WIN
- George Aquino, for MLive/ The Grand Rapids Press
E. BELTLINE & KNAPPS CORNER
Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene
2183 E. Beltline Ave. NE 616.272.3047
44 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
www.fajitarepubliccantina.com @craftmex
We also have Gourmet and Burge rs, San dwiches, e isin Cu ee -Fr ten Glu 2289 E Beltline Ave NE
Ste. B, - greenrestaura
ntg randrapid s.com -
(616) 447-8294
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. BarterTown Diner 6 Jefferson St. SE. 616-233-3219 VEGAN. This workerowned-and-operated restaurant offers a variety of tasty healthy dishes fresh and hand-picked right from local family farms. Want a certain recipe or cooking lessons? Events and programs are BarterTown’s way of getting the community involved. So don’t be surprised if one day there’s Greek and Mediterranean cuisine and the next it’s all about pizza. » SERVING: Breakfast (Saturday & Sunday), Lunch, Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Locally based vegan meals.
Big Bob’s Pizza 661 Croswell Dr. 616-233-0123 ITALIAN. Located in Gaslight Village in East Grand Rapids (across from Jersey
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.
The Bistro 11 Monroe Avenue NW (at Courtyard Marriott). 616-242-6000 AMERICAN. Serving American food bistro-style, whether it’s grab-and-go or guests dining in for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Bistro offers fresh seasonal options, serves Starbucks beverages and has a full-service bar. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Sandwiches. Bistro Bella Vita 44 Grandville Ave. SW. 616-222-4600 ITALIAN. One of Grand Rapids’ best dining experiences, featuring Mediterraneaninspired country cuisine, a swanky yet comfortable downtown atmopshere and personable service. BBV’s culinary team creates authentic, housemade recipes made with locally grown produce, fresh seafood and rotisserie roasted meats. Specialty gluten-free menu, and can prepare custom dishes for lactose intolerant, vegetarian, and vegan diets. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Mediterranean Country Cuisine and Martinis. Blue Water Grill 5180 Northland Dr. 616-363-5900 SEAFOOD. One of Grand Rapids’ most inspired restaurants in terms of overall ambiance, with Frank Lloyd Wright-style architecture, a stunningly massive fireplace, and some of the best water views in West Michigan. The food is similarly inspired, drawing from Italian, Mediterranean and classic American influences. All the traditional favorites are accounted for with a wide variety of wood-fired pizzas, seafood, steaks, chops, salads, and sandwiches. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Grass Fed Beef.
Bobarino’s 20 Monroe Ave. NW. 616-356-2000 ITALIAN. A melting pot of food, live entertainment and fun. Live music Tuesday through Saturday, including rock, jazz, retro, country, rockabilly and more. Large game room with video games, billiards and shuffleboard. Menu includes vast array of wood-fired pizzas, plus burgers, entrées and classic appetizers. Lunch buffet with pizza, pasta, and salad for $6.45. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Wood-fired pizzas. 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 Belgianstyle 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 Cork Wine & Grille 1600 Galbraith Ave SE. 616-949-0570 AMERICAN. If you’re a wino (it’s OK to admit it), Cork is your kind of joint. Fresh food plus the biggest wine list in the Grand Rapids area can only equal a successful night out. And don’t worry if you’re new to wine, the staff knows enough about it to help you pick the perfect accompaniment for your meal. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days GO THERE FOR: Adult Mac N’ Cheese The Corner Bar 31 N. Main St. 616-866-9866 AMERICAN. The downtown Rockford tavern serves a solid menu of burgers, burritos, salads and sandwiches, but it is best known for hot dogs — serving almost 1,000 per day. Its hot-dog-eating challenge has been conquered by more than a few, but it raises the question: Why would you want to consume Corner Bar dogs in a hurry rather than savor each bite? » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Hot dogs. 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. Cygnus 27 Cornucopia 187 Monroe Ave. NW. 616-776-6425 ECLECTIC. Enjoy 187 skyline Monroeas Ave. 616-774-2000 DELI. A refreshing the youNW. dine atop the Glass Tower. Indulge option for on-the-go, or casual, fare. deli in a variety of globally infusedlighter dishes at Enjoy this AAA options such asrestaurant. homemadeCasual soups,attire; salads, Four-Diamond no Panini jacket sandwiches and freshly brewed gourmet»coffee. SERVING: required. Private dining also available. SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Open 7 days.FOR: GO Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE THERE FOR: Sandwiches. Seasonal Sunday Brunch.
»
REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule
Bentham’s Riverfront Restaurant 187 Monroe Ave. NW. 616-774-2000 AMERICAN. Enjoy great breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert options while looking out at the Grand River. Bentham’s now offers a lunch buffet with choices of salads, breads, soups and roast beef and poultry carved to order — not to mention stir-fry stations with fresh vegetables, meats or seafood and unique sauces. Casual attire. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Open 7 days, closes at 2 p.m. GO THERE FOR: Lunch buffet.
Junction), Big Bob’s is a cozy restaurant that serves up specialty pizzas, pastas, burritos, sandwiches and salads. Sit out on the deck and enjoy Happy Hour from 4-6 p.m. and 9p.m.-close seven days a week. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza and beer (is there a better combination?).
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 revamped 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.
45
Dining Erb Thai 950 Wealthy St. SE #1A. (616) 356-2573 THAI. Food rooted in traditional Thai cuisine, but also made to accommodate health conscious and special diets. Not too strong, not too weak, like harmony and melody. Marketing representative Molly Rizor was a Thai virgin when she went and is now glad Erb Thai was her first experience. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 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, Fajita Republic uses farm-fresh vegetables, never-frozen meats and lime-squeezed margaritas. Fajita entrees are flamed table-side and the owners promise there are no microwaves used at Fajita Republic, 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 Flanagan’s Irish Pub 139 Pearl St., Grand Rapids. 616-454-7852. GASTROPUB. Sit back, relax and enjoy the casual atmosphere of this Irish gastropub. If you’re looking for a different kind of taste, try one of the house specialties: Flanagan’s Own Reuben, Flanagan’s Corned Beef Platter or the Shepherd’s Pie. Complement your meal with the variety of Michigan craft beer, as well as whiskey and wine. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays. GO THERE FOR: Flanagan’s Own Reuben. Fire Rock Grille 7111 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Caledonia Township 616-6569898 AMERICAN. If you’re looking for food with a twist, FireRock Grille could be your place. Sandwiches and burgers are some staples, but offerings are vast and utilize seasonal ingredients. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner. OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Customizable Steaks.
Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene
Founders Brewing Company 235 Grandville SW. 616-776-1195 BREWPUB. A beerlover’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. 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.
»
46 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
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. 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.
»
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 Grand Rapids Brewing Company’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. 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.
»
Green Restaurant 2289 E Beltline Ave. NE Ste. 8, Grand Rapids. 616447-8294 ORGANIC. The first of its kind, at least in this area, Green Restaurant uses nothing but all-natural and organic ingredients. This includes everything from fruit, vegetables, meat and cheese to juice, ice cream and more. It’s a restaurant where almost anyone with a unique diet could find something to eat within their specifications. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Monday GO THERE FOR: Sandwiches, soups, burgers, smoothies/juice blends. The Green Well 924 Cherry SE. 616-808-3566 Eclectic. REVUE’s “Free Market” columnist Steven de Polo writes, “Green Well is the
Chicken Marsala at Martell’s
PHOTO: KELLI BELLANGER
GLUTEN FREE GIRL: Martell’s
H
ead to Martell’s — tucked away inside Parkview Hills — for glutenfree dining options with an Italian flair. When my plate of chicken marsala arrived, it was not what I expected (hint: red). The meal, featuring pan-seared, all-natural chicken breast finished with a marsala reduction, also comes with a side of mashed potatoes and vegetable du jour. To create this delicious dish, the chef drenches the chicken in corn starch, then pan fries it with a balsamic reduction and finally, bakes it. The result is delightfully tender, yet crunchy on the outside, and savory but not too rich. Topped off with sautéed onions and mushrooms, this meal has a satisfying flavor. Enjoy your meal on Martell’s outdoor patio, which overlooks Willow Lake, and you might catch a glimpse of the surrounding wildlife. Check Martell’s website for Wednesday evening Meet the Maker events, where you can mingle with the minds behind your favorite alcoholic beverages. —Kelli Belanger
Item: Chicken Marsala; Price: $14.95 lunch, $16.95 dinner 3501 Greenleaf Blvd., Kalamazoo, thenewmartells.com, (269) 375-2105
best restaurant in GR.” The East Hills gastro-pub serves up an ever-changing menu featuring local ingredients, and a wide array of local craft brews and wines. The green refers also to the LEED© certified building and management’s commitment to a small carbon footprint. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Baked local goat cheese, Michigan maple whiskey chicken over risotto.
»
The Holiday Bar 801 5th St. NW, Grand Rapids. 616-456-9058 AMERICAN. For 107 years, The Holiday Bar has been serving its loyal customers great beer and food, with 12 specialty beers of tap and its homemade “Porter” Pulled Pork sandwiches. Fully stocked with pool tables and nine HD flat screens, this
»
dive is the perfect spot for cheap beer and good times. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Cheap beer.
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.
»
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.
»
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.
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 Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. 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 201 Monroe Ave. NW (616) 855-9463 ECLECTIC. With 102 wines available by the glass and more than 300 by the bottle, paired with an ever-changing food menu influenced
by West Michigan grown foods, Reserve promises diners a unique experience. Cocktails and craft beers add depth to the primarily wine-centered menu. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday GO THERE FOR: Wine and food pairings, charcuterie. Rinaldi Pizza and Sub Shop 966 E. Fulton St. 616-458-3737 ITALIAN. The tiny pizza shop at the corner of Fulton and Diamond is publisher Brian Edwards’ favorite spot to stop for a large slice after a late night at the office. “It’s got the four C’s of pizza going for it: chewy, cheesy, crusty and cheap — with a perfect balance of sauce and cheese,” Edwards says. Fold it over, New York-style, he recommends. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza.
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.
Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule
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. 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
REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
47
TASTE THIS
by Alexandra Kadlec
Local Farmers Markets When you haven’t been sunning yourself or up northing it this summer, you’ve most likely been enjoying your local farmers market. On your next day trip to a beach, park or city, branch out and discover some others nearby. While most markets are up and running for the majority of the year, now is the time to stock up on limited-time goodies like heirloom tomatoes, juicy blueberries and crunchy greens. But there’s more than just fresh produce at the five West Michigan farmers markets below. So hurry up and find out what’s unique about each one, while the season’s offerings are still in abundance.
Kalamazoo Farmers Market Where: 1204 Bank St., Kalamazoo When: May–November: Saturdays 7 a.m.–2 p.m.; June–October: Tuesdays and Thursdays 7 a.m.–2 p.m. Indulge in a Saturday morning breakfast at this market. While you’re strolling through the Kalamazoo Farmers Market, go for a fair trade coffee and sweet or savory crepe from Crepes By the Lakes, one of the market’s newest vendors. Featuring a large selection of fresh fruits and veggies, it’s also got chocolates, jams, tamales, salsas and more. Support the city’s arts scene at Handmade Kalamazoo, which features products by local artists and artisans.
Fulton Street Farmers Market Where: 1147 E Fulton St., Grand Rapids When: January-April: Saturdays 10 a.m.–1 p.m.; May–December: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Originally established in 1922, the Fulton Street Farmers Market (then known as the “East Side Market”) has gone through several transformations since its founding. What you’ll find today is a thriving scene with 38 vendors offering everything from honey and eggs to flavored pastas and artisan breads. Cooking up a weekend dinner for friends? Pick up some quality meats from S & S Lamb LLC — it has lamb, beef, pork, chicken, duck and rabbit.
Ada Village Farmers Market Where: Ada Community Reformed Church, 7239 Thornapple River Dr., Ada When: June–October: Tuesdays 11 a.m.–4 p.m. At the Ada Farmers Market, more than 35 vendors present an abundance of treats including fudge, specialty cheeses and even skin care products. Local goes beyond groceries here to include musical entertainment, too. Check out the market’s website for updates on this summer’s lineup of tunes, includ-
Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene
Foodie Events
48 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
Grand Rapids has become known for its vibrant and ever-growing restaurant scene. The fifth annual Grand Rapids Restaurant Week gives locals and visitors a fun (and somewhat frugal) way to enjoy favorites and sample some new spots. From Aug. 13–24, more than 60 participating restaurants — including Reserve Wine & Food, Bistro Bella Vita and Rockwell Republic — will feature three-course menus for $28. This year’s theme is “Perfect Pairings.” Come find out which wines, beer, spirits and coffees are the ideal complement to a variety of dishes. At the end of this month, indulge your foodie tendencies in numerous ways at the annual Taste of Traverse City Festival. Taking place on Aug. 30 from 12–4 p.m., this event features cooking demonstrations, culinary merchandise, tastings from local restaurants and more. Get your tickets at tasteoftraversecity.com. A specialty attraction this year is a dinner featuring former White House Executive Chef Walter Scheib, held at the Grand Traverse Resort and Space. Featuring four courses inspired by the favorite dishes of past presidents, the dinner will take place Aug. 30 from 6:30–9 p.m.
The Muskegon Farmers Market has located to a newly built venue on the corner of West Western Avenue and Terrace Street in downtown Muskegon. PHOTO: KRISTI KORTMAN ing folk, bluegrass, jazz, blues and more. You’ll also find a kid-friendly environment at the market. Bring the little ones for some face painting and other fun activities.
Holland Farmers Market Where: 150 W 8th St., Holland When: Mid-May to mid-December: Wednesdays and Saturdays 8 a.m.–3 p.m. If you’re interested in honing your culinary skills, check out the Holland Farmers Market’s on-going Chef Series, happening every Saturday at 10 a.m., through Sept. 13. On Aug. 23, Austin Gresham from Butch’s Dry Dock will show you how to prepare a three-course meal — made with all local ingredients from the market. In addition to goods provided by nearly 70 vendors, there’s also a food court at the market with a variety of eats, from tacos and pad thai to hot dogs and fresh-squeezed lemonade.
Muskegon Farmers Market Where: 242 W. Western Ave., Muskegon When: April 30–Dec. 31: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 6 a.m.–3 p.m. The Muskegon Farmers Market recently moved locations and is no less diverse as the others. At the end of your visit, your bag might be filled with anything from flowers and looseleaf teas to pies and scented candles. At the former location, there’s a flea market (700 Yuba St.) for collector-types on a treasure hunt. Come check out work by fine arts and craft vendors (Wednesdays 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Oct. 29 ). n
Dining 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.
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.
Rose’s On Reeds Lake 550 Lakeside Dr. SE. 616-458-1122 ECLECTIC. The East Grand Rapids landmark is one of those places that has a different feel in each season. In the summertime, it’s a great spot to hang on the decks and have cocktails and light appetizers; when the snow is falling, it’s a warm and cozy spot for a hearty meal and big glass of wine. The menu draws from a multitude of influences including Mediterranean, Italian, and Casual American. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Root Chips.
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. Speak EZ Lounge offers 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
Rush Creek Bistro 624 Port Sheldon St. SW, Grandville 616-457-1100 AMERICAN. Rush Creek Bistro prides itself on having something for everyone. Although the atmosphere is casual, Rush Creek offers a variety of quality options that won’t leave you unsatisfied. From pizza to steak, you’ll find what you’re looking for at a fair price. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The wet burrito. 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.
The Score 5301 Northland Dr. NE. 616-301-0600 SPORTS BAR. Multi-faceted restaurant and sports bar has a lot to offer, including expansive menu with discount options, happy hour specials, countless big screen TVs broadcasting big games and UFC matches, outdoor beach volleyball and live music in the summer … the list goes on. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Sports bar atmosphere.
Tavern on the Square 100 Ionia Ave. SW. 616-456-7673 ECLECTIC. The refashioned former Irish pub still has that neighborhood feel, and offers up a unique menu with salads, antipasto, appetizers, a pub burger, and an array of unique “Yankee Tapas” like Fish Tacos, Loaded Carnival Fries and the ultimate West Side tapas: Pierogies. A hodgepodge to be sure, but fun. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: PBJ Tuna. 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 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. 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. Wealthy Street Station 1157 Wealthy St SE. 616-451-0238. Eclectic. An unconventional mix of Polish, Mexican and American fare make up the pickings at this unassuming-looking eatery. The
Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule
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.
Stella’s Lounge 53 Commerce Ave. 616-356-2700 TAVERN. The Chicagostyle whiskey bar has more than 200 varieties of distilled spirits, old-school video games, a superexcellent jukebox stocked with rock and punk classics, and a menu filled with vegetarian and vegan bar food — and stuffed burgers. Did we mention you can sip cans of PBR and other classic beers out of a mason jar? REVUE’s British ex-pat David Smith calls Stella’s his favorite bar in the world. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Vegetarian and vegan bar food.
stay. dine. Holland + Grand Rapids / cityflatshotel.com REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
49
50 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
Dining portions are ample and the prices are low, but the amount of seating is limited. Fight for your table or opt for take out. Whatever suits you best. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sunday. Go there for: The Station Burger.
FEATURED RESTAURANTS The Acorn Grille at Thousand Oaks
Lindo Mexico Restaurant
thousandoaksgolf.com
lindomexicorestaurant.com
Applebee’s
McFadden’s Restaurant & Saloon
applebees.com
Bobarino’s at The B.O.B.
mcfaddensgrandrapids.com
meltingpot.com
Brewery Vivant
Mitten Brewing Co.
breweryvivant.com
mittenbrewing.com
Buffalo Wild Wings
One Trick Pony
buffalowildwings.com
onetrick.biz
CitySen Lounge
Reds on the River
cityflatshotel.com
redsontheriver.net
Cork Wine & Grille
Reserve Wine & Food
corkwineandgrille.com
reservegr.com
Cottage Bar & Restaurant
RiverHouse Ada
Fajita Republic Cantina fajitarepubliccantina.com
FireRock Grille firerockgrille.com
Grand Rapids Brewing Co.
riverhouseada.com
Rush Creek Bistro rushcreekbistro.com
Shiraz Grille Restaurant shirazgrille.com
SpeakEZ Lounge speakezlounge.com
Spinnaker
Green Restaurant
hiltongrandrapids.com/ spinnaker
HopCat hopcat.com
Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen licarispizzakitchen.com
Stella’s Lounge stellasgr.com
Terra GR terragr.com
Lakeshore 8th Street Grille 20 W. 8th St., Holland. 616-392-5888 AMERICAN. This eclectic grille located in the heart of Holland offers a mix of draft and bottled craft beers and a variety of pub classics and new, American beer-inspired dishes. Happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, which includes half-off appetizers and $1 off drafts. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: 28 taps of craft beer, hometown atmosphere. 84 East 84 East 8th St., Holland. 616-396-8484 ITALIAN. While we categorize it as “Italian,” that’s a bit limiting for this downtown Holland spot, which specializes in creating inventive pasta dishes. Housed in an old industrial building, 84 East is a favorite splurge spot among REVUE’s Hope College minions. 84 East also serves up designer pizzas and a few non-pasta house specialties like Pork Marsala and Mahi Mahi. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sunday GO THERE FOR: Baked Spaghetti Pie, Tuxedo Chicken Pasta. 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. CityVu Bistro is a distinctive rooftop dining experience in downtown Holland. Fryers and frozen foods are out; 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 desserts. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Gorgonzola Pork Chop, Greek Salad with Grandma Gigi’s Dressing (Edwards). 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. 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
REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule
grbrewingcompany.com
greenrestaurantgrandrapids.com
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.
The Melting Pot
thegilmorecollection.com
cottagebar.biz
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.
Courses 336 W. Clay Ave., Muskegon. 231-777-6610 ECLECTIC. Courses is one-part restaurant, one-part classroom, and a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Staffed and operated by students from The Culinary Institute of Michigan, Courses is open to the public and offers full kitchen, dining, bar, and beverage services. Featuring casual, contemporary bistro styling, the restaurant seats 72 guests and the intimate bar area seats six. The menu changes with the curriculum to draw on a broad range of cultures, cuisines, culinary styles and skills. » SERVING: Lunch OPEN ON: Closed Sundays GO THERE FOR: An intimate dining experience.
51
/// Local Brews
by Ben Darcie
Brewery Spotlight: Brew of the Month
Oddside Ales Simcoe Sensation Session IPA – 4.5% ABV
Simcoe Sensation Session IPA offers all the flavor of a great IPA without the huge ABV to get you through your day. This beer pours clear gold with a bright off-white head that smells of bright hops and some sweet floral tones. The body is light with a prominent hop bitterness alongside a mellow backbone, so the hops shine, even though the ABV is so low.
Beer News & Events
Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene
Aug. 1-9 is the Ypsilanti/Ann Arbor Beer Week. The festivities include plenty of tap takeovers, beer dinners and events galore. Go to visitypsinow. com/yabw for more information.
The Traverse City Summer Microbrew & Music Festival takes place Aug. 22 and 23. Stop by one of the 40+ vendors and sample more than 200 beers, meads, wines and ciders alongside two full days of music. Visit microbrewandmusic.com for more information. Celebrate Suds on the Shore in Ludington on Aug. 16. Enjoy Michigan beer and wine on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. Stop by sudsontheshore.com for more information.
52 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
CRANKER’S CONEY ISLAND
A
f t e r t h e s u cc e s s of the original Cranker’s Coney I s l a n d i n Big Rapids, Jim Crank Sr. pursued a second location in Mt. Pleasant. He called on his son, Jim Crank Jr., to return to Big Rapids from Massachusetts, where he was playing hockey for Umass, to take up the family business. He did, and the success of Cranker’s soon brought a third location on 68th Street in Grand Rapids. Beer didn’t enter the Cranker’s story until the economy took a hit and restaurants all over the U.S. were losing customers and business. “We decided that we wanted to build revenue internally, and we thought the best way to do that was through a brewing license,” Jim Jr. said. “We wanted to do a small 3bbl system, and make a few beers to go along with the full liquor license.” When the liquor license fell through, they decided to upscale their brewing plans from 3bbls to 15bbls and aim for distribution. The brewer was the final piece, and Crank had designed a unique challenge for applicants. “We had 17 applicants, all professionals except for one, and asked them to bring in one beer for five styles,” Jim Jr. said. “We brought in people from all over the industry [to judge them], looked at the final numbers, and the one homebrewer, Adam Mills, took first or second in every category, from every judge.” Crank said no other applicant rivaled his consistently high marks, and they quickly sat down with Mills and asked him if he was willing to do ‘whatever it took’ to learn to make his beer on their industrial 15bbl system. “We talked beer, food and family,” Mills said. “The next thing you know, that was the last year I was a teacher.” There were only minor guidelines for the beer. One was that the beer had to pair well with food. After all, they were primarily a restaurant since 2004, and the food would soon be only half of the experience. “It was practically a blank slate when I started,” Mills said. “Jim wanted an amber or a red of some sort, for the Ferris Bulldogs – beyond that, it was a blank slate, and remains so today, which is quite honestly one of the most appealing things about the position.
They trust me enough to guide the beer vision, which is every brewer’s dream.” Mills calls himself a “style brewer” who focuses on producing stylistically accurate beer and explains it was his time at Cranker’s that has encouraged his growth as a brewer. “When I started, I wanted to make beer just the way it should be,” Mills said. “I think I’m a bit more realistic now. I’m growing into massaging the outer edge of the styles.” Cranker’s has three beers on the market in six pack bottles: Professor IPA, a fantastically dry and hoppy flavored American IPA, Bulldog Irish Red, and a very well-balanced 5th Voyage Coconut Porter. Other beers on at the time of my visit included Black Wing Stout with vanilla beans, Sustainer Rye Belgian Dubbel, an 8% ABV Wheatwine, their
Lager Rings
Michigan Honey Ambrosia Kolsch, and a new session IPA. Production has already increased by more than 50 percent since the start of this year, and the future is looking up. “You don’t just want to have one or two beers that are good, you want that diversity, the whole showing being impressive,” Mills said. “[One of our beers] may not be their style, but it was clean and balanced. That’s my constant pursuit.” n 454 68th St SW, Grand Rapids (616) 827-1919, facebook.com/CrankersGrandRapids Hours: Mon.–Thu.: 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Fri.–Sat.: 8 a.m.–11 p.m. Sun.: 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
NEW 12 BOTTLE SURVIVAL KIT! Available throughout Michigan
Live Music ic 8/2: RY PETERMANN BAND 8/7: PIECE OF WORK 8/9: JACK LEAVER 8/14: RICH BURKHOLDER
8/16: BRIAN FEDEWA 8/21: TOBY BRESNAHAN 8/23: FREMONT JOHN 8/28 TIM VALEZ 8/30 LEW RUSS
2948 BLUE STAR HWY DOUGLAS, MI - (269) 857-7222 - WWW.SBREWING.COM
Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
53
Dining 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. 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.
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. 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.
pastries. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh Local Foods.
Bravo! 5402 Portage Rd., Kalamazoo 269-344-7700 ITALIAN. Much-lauded 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 Tuscaninspired 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.
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.
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.
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 (Sundaysdinner only) GO THERE FOR: Quiet casual ambiance.
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
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
learn it. brew it. drink it.
Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene
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.
54 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
418 ADA DRIVE SE, ADA GRAVELBOTTOM.COM 616.920.7398 TUES-THUR 2PM-11PM FRI & SAT 11AM-12AM
Deli & Grill
- The -
Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule
STATION BURGER
You’re going to need another napkin.
1157 WEALTHY ST. SE (616) 451-0238
MON-WED. 11AM-9PM THURS-SAT 11AM- 10PM
REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
55
56 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
The Schedule Get Scheduled! E-mail your info to schedule@revuewm.com or add your events into our calendar at revuewm.com.
friday
8.01
Avenue for the Arts First Friday Gallery Hop Barn Theatre Move Over Mrs. Markham Bell’s Ben Daniels Band with Phil Barry and Sarah Fuerst Billy’s Blue Soul Express Blue Water Grill Tom Northrup Cannonsburg Ski Area Picnic Pops Clara’s on the River Edye Evans Trio Czar’s 505 Yard Squad with Zion & Rick Rych DeWitt Center The Matchmaker Dockers Mike Boxer & Fiddleface Dog Story Theater Two Gentlemen of Verona Downtown Holland Gallery Walk Dr. Grins Josh Sneed
Farmers Alley Theatre [Title of Show] Flanagan’s Irish Pub DJ Zerry Foundry Hall New Town Cryers Frederik Meijer Gardens John Butler Trio, Bernar Venet, David Nash Grand Haven State Park Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival GRAM MI Artist Series, Michigan Modern GR Civic Theatre Disney’s Camp Rock the Musical, The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe Great Lakes Commonwealth of Letters Reading with Matthew Gavin Frank Gun Lake Casino Risque Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland Joe’s Bar and Grill Drop 35 Joe’s Wooden Nickel SoundIsRed Landing
KIA The Arts of Japan and China, Louis Comfort Tiffany, West MI Area Show Kirby Grill Union Guns Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo Little River Casino Peter Frampton, Global Village LowellArts! F.A.R.M. MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes Mulligan’s Pub The Red Plastic Buddha, Zen Star Beat Cult, LaCroix Winget Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool, Color and Whimsy New Holland Brewing Skee-Town Stylee Nibi Lounge Larry Lowis The Pyramid Scheme The City Is Mine: Grand Rapids Live River City Saloon The Juno Blacklist Rockford Brewing The Moonrays
Saugatuck Center for the Arts Death Trap, The Lake Effect Shakespeare’s Lower Level Big Man Little Band Tip Top Deluxe The Jukejoint Handmedowns and Nobody’s Darlin’ UICA Nicholas Symanski, Mid-Century Alchemy, COMMIX, A Coffee in Berlin, Sundance Select Shorts, Bring Your Own Beamer Grand Rapids The Union Big Boss Blues Whiskey River Saloon Brena
saturday
8.02
The B.O.B J Ryan Berends Barn Theatre Move Over Mrs. Markham Barnes and Noble Author Signing with Matthew Gavin Frank Bell’s The Hillary Reynolds Band Billy’s The Mainstays Blue Water Grill Gabrial James Craftsman Chop Co. Vince Miller Czar’s 505 Kris Hitchcock and Small Town Son DeVos Performance Hall Keith Sweat DeWitt Center The Sound of Music Dockers Starfarm Dog Story Theater Two Gentlemen of Verona Downtown Holland Gallery Walk Dr. Grins Josh Sneed Farmers Alley Theatre [Title of Show]
Flanagan’s Irish Pub Funkle Jesse Four Winds Casino Heart Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash Grand Haven State Park Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival GRAM Michigan Modern GR Civic Theatre Disney’s Camp Rock the Musical, The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe GR Public Library Why I Write Fantasy: A. Lee Martinez Gun Lake Casino Risque H.O.M.E. at The B.O.B. We Know Jackson Followed By DJ Jimmy Coe Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland Kabaret Mueller & Kokales KIA The Arts of Japan and China, Louis Comfort Tiffany, West MI Area Show Kirby Grill Union Guns Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection Little River Casino Global Village LowellArts! F.A.R.M. MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes Mulligan’s Pub Vandalay The Cactuses, Brutes Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool, Color and Whimsy Nibi Lounge Larry Lowis The Pyramid Scheme Bumpy Rockford Brewing Rick Chyme
Quinn and Tuites Irish Pub Skin Jacket wsg Small Town Harlot Dirt Chili, BlackGate Saugatuck Brewing Ry Petermann Band Spectrum Theatre Blithe Spirit The Union KeJuan Carter UICA Nicholas Symanski, MidCentury Alchemy, COMMIX, A Coffee in Berlin, Sundance Select Shorts
sunday
8.03
Barn Theatre Move Over Mrs. Markham Billy’s Revival 80’s Night Dockers Global Village Dog Story Theater Two Gentlemen of Verona Farmers Alley Theatre [Title of Show] Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash Grand Haven State Park Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival GRAM Michigan Modern GR Civic Theatre Disney’s Camp Rock the Musical, The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe Gun Lake Casino Everett Domeier Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland Holly’s Back Door #TheSexyComedyTour
Best Bet: Rock
REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule
Halestorm
Amid a sea of sweaty dude bros and popping Halestorm jugular veins, it’s more than a little refreshing wsg Theory of a to encounter a ballsy female fronting an aggro-rock Deadman muscle band. The front-woman in question here Fifth Third Ballpark, is Elizabeth “Lzzy” Hale, and along with her band Comstock Park Halestorm, she’s been spending the past decade-plus Aug. 28, 7 p.m. carving out some pretty badass territory for herself. $20-$49 Accompanied by younger brother Arejay, Hale and bluecapentertainment. her crew, the wittily monikered Halestorm, stomped com, (616) 784-4131 loudly onto the world stage in 2009 with an eponymous debut album, and have been busy raking in accolades ever since. Now on tour in support of its third full-length studio album, The Heartbreaker, Halestorm is continuing to blast gale-force winds directly into the eager eardrums of its enormous fan base, with Hale herself leading the charge as a more of a tour-de-force atmospheric colossus than a sexy evening news weather girl ingenue. Personally, we hope it never stops Hale-ing on our heads, if this is the result. Reported by Emma Kat Richardson
57
Schedule KIA Tiffany Jewels, The Arts of Japan and China, Louis Comfort Tiffany, West MI Area Show Kirby Grill Rich Burkholder Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection Landing Lounge Riverfront Hotel Sunday Night Funnies LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool, Color and Whimsy Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet The Pyramid Scheme Free Pinball Night Seven Steps Up Eric Taylor SpeakEZ Lounge Jazz Jamm Spectators Funkie Jessie UICA Nicholas Symanski, MidCentury Alchemy, COMMIX, A Coffee in Berlin, Sundance Select Shorts
monday
Rodrigo y Gabriela
Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene
Best Bet: Indie Now, here’s a combination as peculiar as salt and pepper on top of chocolate ice cream: jazz, metal and world music fusion. But one particular ingredient serves to spice up this delectable array of oddly paired musical genres, and that’s the sweet sounds of an acoustic Spanish guitar. Even better than one guitar is two, because, unlike two scoops of salt, a double dose of ax-action only serves to intensify this already enticing, if unusual, mixture of exotic flavorings. Enter Rodrigo y Gabriela, who, for nearly two decades, have been bringing just such an innovative musical dish to fans the world over. Perhaps best known for contributing to the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Puss in Boots movie soundtracks, the terrific twanging twosome is also responsible for the 2012 album, Area 52, which incorporated Rodrigo y no less than a 13-piece Gabriela Cuban orchestra. Like those Aug. 13, 6:30 p.m. adventurous-eater foodies Frederik Meijer everybody has in their Gardens, Grand social circle, this duo will Rapids try anything once — almost $50 for members, $52 for public always with mouthwatering meijergardens.org, results. Reported by Emma (888) 957-1580 Kat Richardson
58 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
8.04
Brewery Vivant Long Live the Bees DeWitt Center The Sound of Music Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash GRAM MI Artist Series Gun Lake Casino Messin’ Around Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland John Ball Park Jazz at the Zoo Kabaret Douglas James Kzoo County Expo Center Kzoo County Fair Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection Loutit District Library MI Pirate Festival Master Arts Theatre Film CampMaking a Movie 2014 MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn O’Conner’s Home Brew Supply GR Beer Tasting Class Rockford Brewing Open Mic Night Saugatuck Center for the Arts Death Trap, The Lake Effect
tuesday
8.05
Barn Theatre Hair Coopersville Del Shannon Days DeWitt Center The Matchmaker
Dr. Grins Sullivan & Sons Comedy Tour Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash, Tuesday Evening Music Club GRAM MI Artist Series, Michigan Modern GR Public Library Dunuya Drum and Dance Gun Lake Casino Big Boss Blues Hart MI Womyn’s Music Festival Kabaret Mark Kahny KIA ARTbreak: Tiffany & Co., The Arts of Japan and China, Louis Comfort Tiffany, West MI Area Show Kzoo County Expo Center Kzoo County Fair Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection Loutit District Library MI Pirate Festival LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Master Arts Theatre Film CampMaking a Movie 2014 MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, 86th Regional Exhibition Nibi Lounge Tom Northrup Saugatuck Center for the Arts Death Trap, The Lake Effect Stella’s Lounge The Cocktail Party Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: Dirty Harry UICA Nicholas Symanski, MidCentury Alchemy, COMMIX, A Coffee in Berlin, Sundance Select Shorts
wednesday
8.06
Barn Theatre Hair Blue Water Grill Nate Holley Craftsman Chop Co. Tom Northrup DeWitt Center Hot Mikado Frederik Meijer Gardens Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, Bernar Venet, David Nash GRAM MI Artist Series, Michigan Modern GR Public Library Dunuya Drum and Dance Gun Lake Casino No Band Date Hart MI Womyn’s Music Festival Heritage Landing Unity Christian Music Festival Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland Kabaret Rich Burkholder KIA The Arts of Japan and China, Louis Comfort Tiffany, West MI Area Show
Kzoo County Expo Center Kzoo County Fair Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection Lemonjello’s Open Mic Night Loutit District Library MI Pirate Festival LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Martell’s Meet the Maker Master Arts Theatre Film CampMaking a Movie 2014 MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, 86th Regional Exhibition Nibi Lounge Larry Lowis Saugatuck Center for the Arts Death Trap, The Lake Effect UICA Nicholas Symanski, MidCentury Alchemy, COMMIX, A Coffee in Berlin, Sundance Select Shorts The Union Jazz Mix Night
thursday
8.07
Barn Theatre Hair Bell’s New Sound Underground Blue Water Grill Tony Reynolds Circle Theatre Monty Python’s Spamalot DeWitt Center The Sound of Music District Square Chase Rice Dr. Grins Greg Morton Founders Brewing Co. The Main Squeeze Frederik Meijer Gardens Five for Fighting with Twilight Symphony Orchestra, Bernar Venet, David Nash GRAM MI Artist Series, Michigan Modern GR Public Library Reading the Great Lakes, Living Abroad Hart MI Womyn’s Music Festival Heritage Landing Unity Christian Music Festival Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland Howmet Playhouse Leading Ladies The Intersection Eric Johnson, Nothing More wsg Sleepwave Kabaret Everett Domeier Kent County Fair Kent County Youth Fair Kirby Grill Rich Burkholder KIA The Arts of Japan and China, Louis Comfort Tiffany, West MI Area Show Knickerbocker Theatre Knickerbocker Film Series: Big Fish Kzoo County Expo Center Kzoo County Fair
Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Loutit District Library MI Pirate Festival Master Arts Theatre Film CampMaking a Movie 2014 MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes Mulligan’s Pub The Cardboard Swords and Typesetter Muskegon Heritage Museum Raggedy Ann Celebration Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, 86th Regional Exhibition Nibi Lounge Vince Miller The Pyramid Scheme Swag Iz Dead: Music Meets Fashion Riverwalk Plaza Steam Powered Bluegrass Band, The Luke Lenhart Bluegrass Band Rockford Brewing Jake Prince Trio Saugatuck Brewing Pieces of Work Saugatuck Center for the Arts Death Trap, The Lake Effect: Contemporary Art at Ox-Bow Soaring Eagle Casino American Idol Live! Tip Top Deluxe Rockabilly Rumble with Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys UICA Nicholas Symanski, MidCentury Alchemy, COMMIX, A Coffee in Berlin, Sundance Select Shorts
friday
8.08
Ah-Nab-Awen Park Movies in the Park: Top Gun Art of the Table In-Store Beer Tasting The B.O.B Brena The Barn Theatre Hair Bell’s Super Happy Funtime Burlesque Billy’s The Law Blue Water Grill Mark Proulx Circle Theatre Monty Python’s Spamalot DeWitt Center The Matchmaker Dockers Mike Boxer & Fiddleface Dog Story Theater Into the Woods Dr. Grins Greg Morton Flanagan’s Irish Pub DJ Zerry Four Winds Casino Howie Day wsg Kris Angelis Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash GRAM MI Artist Series, Michigan Modern GR Brewing Co. Music for the Masses Gun Lake Casino Drop 35
Hart MI Womyn’s Music Festival Heritage Landing Unity Christian Music Festival Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland Howmet Playhouse Leading Ladies The Intersection OMG Music Festival Kabaret Kari Lynch Kent County Fair Kent County Youth Fair KIA The Arts of Japan and China, Louis Comfort Tiffany, West MI Area Show Kirby Grill Wingman Kzoo County Expo Center Kzoo County Fair Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Loutit District Library MI Pirate Festival Master Arts Theatre Film CampMaking a Movie 2014 MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes Mulligan’s Pub Heaters and Flesh Panthers Muskegon Heritage Museum Raggedy Ann Celebration Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, 86th Regional Exhibition Nibi Lounge Rene Meave Saugatuck Center for the Arts Death Trap, The Lake Effect
The Pyramid Scheme Jesse Ray and The Carolina Catfish, The Sailor Kicks, Fathom 19 Rockford Brewing Potato Moon Seven Steps Up Griffin House Shagbark Farm Cowpie Music Festival Shakespeare’s Lower Level Fat Guy Fest Tip Top Deluxe Rosie Flores wsg The Soul Syndicate UICA Nicholas Symanski, MidCentury Alchemy, COMMIX, Sundance Select Shorts, Mood Indigo The Union Ben Daniels Band Whiskey River Saloon Steve Rivers
saturday
8.09
The B.O.B Whiskey Charmers The Barn Theatre Hair Bell’s The Yeah Babies Blue Water Grill Nate Holley Centerstage Theater, Coopersville High School The Del Shannon Show Circle Theatre Monty Python’s Spamalot DeWitt Center Hot Mikado Dockers OTC Dog Story Theater Into the Woods Dr. Grins Greg Morton Flanagan’s Irish Pub DJ Zerry Founders Brewing Co. The Soil and the Sun Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash
GRAM MI Artist Series, Michigan Modern GR Brewing Co. Music for the Masses Gun Lake Casino GlamHammer Hart MI Womyn’s Music Festival H.O.M.E. at The B.O.B. Hey Marco Heritage Landing Unity Christian Music Festival Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland Howmet Playhouse Leading Ladies The Intersection B93.7 Presents the Lacs, Anthony Gomes with Frank Bang and the Secret Stash Jack’s Lounge The Factory Kent County Fair Kent County Youth Fair KIA The Arts of Japan and China, Louis Comfort Tiffany, West MI Area Show Kirby Grill First Row Kzoo County Expo Center Kzoo County Fair Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection Lakeshore Museum Center ‘Made in Muskegon’ Toys Lemonjello’s Andrew Nelson Rusty, Kelsy Vining, Kasondra Rose Perform Little River Casino Resort Billy Ocean Loutit District Library MI Pirate Festival LowellArts! F.A.R.M. McCamly Park International Summerfest and Black Arts Festival
MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes Mulligan’s Pub Acid Casualty Muskegon Heritage Museum Raggedy Ann Celebration Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, 86th Regional Exhibition Nibi Lounge Gabrial James The Pyramid Scheme The DJ Bruce Bailey HotMix Series: Detroit Spins Grand Rapids ñ Episode I Saugatuck Brewing Jack Leaver Seven Steps Up Crystal Bowersox Shakespeare’s Lower Level Fat Guy Fest Shagbark Farm Cowpie Music Festival Tip Top Deluxe The Star Darts wsg Short Hair Domestics UICA Nicholas Symanski, Mid-Century Alchemy, COMMIX, Sundance Select Shorts, Mood Indigo Whiskey River Saloon Kari Lynch Band
sunday
8.10
Billy’s Revival ‘80s Night Dockers Kris Hitchcock & The Small Town Son Dog Story Theater Into the Woods Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash
GRAM MI Artist Series, Michigan Modern Gun Lake Casino John Sanger Hart MI Womyn’s Music Festival Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland The Intersection Eyes Set to Kill, Release Symphony, Close to Home Perform KIA The Arts of Japan and China, Louis Comfort Tiffany, West MI Area Show Kirby Grill Rich Burkholder Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection Marshall Fair Grounds Calhoun County Fair Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, 86th Regional Exhibition Seven Steps Up Crystal Bowersox Shakespeare’s Lower Level Fat Guy Fest Spectators 13th Hour UICA Nicholas Symanski, Mid-Century Alchemy, COMMIX, Sundance Select Shorts, Mood Indigo Van Andel Arena Katy Perry
monday
8.11
Aquinas College Piano Man: The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John
Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash Gun Lake Casino Shelagh Brown Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland John Ball Park Jazz at the Zoo Kabaret Tom Northrup Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection Lubber’s Family Farm 2nd Annual Farm to Table Dinner Marshall Fair Grounds Calhoun County Fair MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes O’Conner’s Home Brew Supply GR Beer Tasting Class Week 2 Rockford Brewing Open Mic Night Saugatuck Center for the Arts The Lake Effect
tuesday
8.12
Ada Historical Society Pioneer Camp Barn Theatre Hair Bell’s The Devil Makes Three Frederik Meijer Gardens Tuesday Evening Music Club, Bernar Venet, David Nash GRAM MI Artist Series, Michigan Modern
Best Bet: Singer Songwriter
Crystal Bowersox REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule
As a Michigander, native or otherwise, you might be often tempted to wonder what Ohio has done for us lately. OK, sure, it has produced a handful of presidents and astronauts, but that was then, man. I’m all about the here and now. Well, rest assured, you feisty Mitten dweller, that our friendly neighbor to the immediate south has been working its oddly shaped keister off to bring us one of the most exciting singersongwriters since Chrissie Hynde first busted out of Akron. We’re talking here about Crystal Bowersox – runner-up contestant on the ninth season of “American Idol” and celebrated recording artist, widely acknowledged in her own right as a budding talent on the contemporary pop music stage. With the release of her 2013 album, All That for This, Bowersox effectively Crystal Bowersox stood up and said, “Here I am, world. Recognize me for Seven Steps Up, the powerhouse pop vocalist that I am, modest Ohioan Spring Lake roots be damned.” Coming up later in the year, she’ll even Aug. 9, 10; 8 p.m. be portraying Patsy Cline in the Broadway production of $35-$105 Always, Patsy Cline. So, what has Ohio done for me lately? pindropconcerts.com, You’d be crazy not to notice how it has Bowersox-ed us all. (231) 557-7687 Reported by Emma Kat Richardson
59
Schedule
Katy Perry
Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene
Best Bet: Pop We all remember back when Katy Perry was experiencing her first same-sex kiss, couldn’t wait to tell the world with a giggle, a flourish of blushing, hair twirling and that she’d actually liked it. Well, that bashful, boundary-pushing, rule-breaking girl has long since transformed into a self-assured, self-possessed sexy and confident woman. I mean, have you heard her roar? Have you? Probably you have, but it’s hard to recall the specifics, since you immediately went deaf from the sheer magnitude of her lioness’s snarl. After dropping Prism on the planet in October 2013, the colorful pop songstress officially graduated from bubblegum to full-fledged powerhouse diva, demanding and earning her own place among the Gagas and Minajs of the constant radio rotation circuit. So what’s next? Perry for Katy Perry wsg Prez? Move over, Rick Kacey Musgraves – this is one pretty Perry Van Andel Arena, who’s as likely to forget Grand Rapids any key debate points Aug. 10, 7 p.m. as we are to forget about $29.50-$103 her. Reported by Emma Kat vanandelarena.com, Richardson (616) 742-6600
60 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
Gun Lake Casino Blue Soul Express Kabaret Nick Foresman KIA ARTbreak, The Arts of Japan and China, Louis Comfort Tiffany, West MI Area Show Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Marshall Fair Grounds Calhoun County Fair MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes Mulligan’s Pub Trapdoor Social Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, 86th Regional Exhibition Nibi Lounge Mark Andrasko The Pyramid Scheme Nashville Pussy & Fifth on the Floor Saugatuck Center for the Arts The Lake Effect Shore Acres Park West MI Drum Circle Stella’s Lounge The Cocktail Party UICA Nicholas Symanski, Mid-Century Alchemy, COMMIX, Sundance Select Shorts, Mood Indigo The Union Who Hit John? Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: Clueless Women’s City Club The New Revival Jazz Band
wednesday
8.13
Ada Historical Society Pioneer Camp Barn Theatre Hair Blue Water Grill Tom Northrup Circle Theatre Monty Python’s Spamalot Frederik Meijer Gardens Rodrigo y Gabriela, Bernar Venet, David Nash Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Restaurant Week GRAM MI Artist Series, Michigan Modern Gun Lake Casino Rumble Fish Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland The Intersection One More Time A Tribute to Daft Punk Jack’s Lounge Yellow Brick Road Dueling Pianos Kabaret Gabrial James KIA The Arts of Japan and China, Louis Comfort Tiffany, West MI Area Show
Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Marshall Fair Grounds Calhoun County Fair Martell’s Meet the Maker MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, 86th Regional Exhibition Nibi Lounge Larry Lowis Saugatuck Center for the Arts The Lake Effect UICA Nicholas Symanski, Mid-Century Alchemy, COMMIX, Sundance Select Shorts, Mood Indigo The Union Jazz Mix Night Unruly Brewing Turn2Blue
thursday
8.14
Art of the Table In-Store Wine Tasting Barn Theatre Hair Bell’s North American Scum Blue Water Grill Don Bidell Celebration! Cinema North RiffTrax Live: Godzilla Circle Theatre Monty Python’s Spamalot Dog Story Theater Into the Woods Dr. Grins Pete Lee Founders Brewing Co. Lindsay Lou and the Flat Bellies, Red Tail Ring Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Restaurant Week GRAM MI Artist Series, Michigan Modern Greenville Danish Festival Gun Lake Casino Stone Thrown Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland Howmet Playhouse Leading Ladies Kabaret Ron Devon KIA Curator Talk about Tiffany, The Arts of Japan and China, Louis Comfort Tiffany, West MI Area Show Kirby Grill Jake Stevens Knickerbocker Theatre Hook Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection LowellArts! F.A.R.M.
Marshall Fair Grounds Calhoun County Fair MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes Mulligan’s Pub Red Legs Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, 86th Regional Exhibition, Nancy Crow, Brown Bag Film: Camille Claudel Nibi Lounge Gabrial James Riverwalk Plaza K. Jones and the Benzie Playboys Rockford Brewing Roosevelt Diggs Saugatuck Brewing Rich Burkholder Saugatuck Center for the Arts The Lake Effect Shakespeare’s Lower Level Grammar UICA Nicholas Symanski, MidCentury Alchemy, COMMIX, Mood Indigo, Hellion Walker Community Park Boogie Woogie Babies
friday
8.15
Barn Theatre Hair Bell’s Goran Ivanovic Billy’s Asamu Johnson Blue Water Grill Everett Domeier Circle Theatre Monty Python’s Spamalot Dockers Whoopee Kat Dog Story Theater Into the Woods Dr. Grins Pete Lee Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash Four Winds Casino Santana Friendship Park Drop 35 Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Restaurant Week GRAM GRAM Selects ArtPrize 2013: Encore GR Brewing Co. Music for the Masses Greenville Danish Festival Gun Lake Casino 80s Enough Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland Howmet Playhouse Leading Ladies Jack’s Lounge Jack Leaver KIA The Arts of Japan and China, Louis Comfort Tiffany, West MI Area Show Kirby Grill JGJ Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection
Little River Casino Resort Showdown LowellArts! F.A.R.M. M 89 Sports Bar Stone Thrown Marshall Fair Grounds Calhoun County Fair MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes Mulligan’s Pub Beast in the Field, Truburn and Knives Are Quiet Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, 86th Regional Exhibition, Nancy Crow Nibi Lounge Larry Lowis The Open Space Paella in the Park River City Saloon John Sanger The Riviera Theatre Super Happy Funtime Burlesque Saugatuck Center for the Arts The Lake Effect Stagecoach Park Riverbank Music Series Tip Top Deluxe Root Doctor UICA Nicholas Symanski, MidCentury Alchemy, COMMIX, Mood Indigo, Hellion Whiskey River Saloon Trapped on MARS
saturday
8.16
Allegan County MI Fiber Festival The B.O.B Melissa Dylan The Barn Theatre Hair Bell’s Combat Corduroy feat. Branden Mann Berlin Raceway Berlin Summer Music Festival with Mike Posner and Kellie Pickler Billy’s Psychedelic Elephant Machine Gun Blue Water Grill Gabrial James Circle Theatre Monty Python’s Spamalot Craftsman Chop Co. Vince Miller Dog Story Theater Into the Woods Dr. Grins Pete Lee Founders Brewing Co. Dead Gaze wsg Heavy Times Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash Grand Haven Art on the Riverfront Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Restaurant Week GRAM MI Artist Series, Michigan Modern Greenville Danish Festival Gun Lake Casino 80s Enough Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland Howmet Playhouse Leading Ladies
REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
61
Schedule
Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene
Kabaret Rich Burkholder KIA The Arts of Japan and China, Louis Comfort Tiffany, West MI Area Show Kirby Grill JGJ Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection Little River Casino Resort Showdown LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Ludington Suds on the Shore Beer Tasting Festival M 89 Sports Bar Stone Thrown Marshall Fair Grounds Calhoun County Fair MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, 86th Regional Exhibition, Nancy Crow Nibi Lounge Larry Lowis Norton Shores Arts and Drafts Festival The Open Space TC Waterman The Pyramid Scheme The Mahones & The Tosspints River City Saloon Trixy Tang Rockford Brewing The Sharrows
62 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
Rosa Parks Circle GrandJazz Fest Saugatuck Brewing Brian Fedewa Spectators We Know Jackson St. Patrick St. Anthony Parish Groove Solution Tip Top Deluxe Hillbilly Casino wsg The Krank Daddies UICA Nicholas Symanski, MidCentury Alchemy, COMMIX, Mood Indigo, Hellion The Union Stereo Garden Whiskey River Saloon Rochelle and the Spoilers Wild Bull Saloon Spazmatics
sunday
8.17
Billy’s Revival ‘80s Night Dog Story Theater Into the Woods Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Restaurant Week GRAM MI Artist Series, Michigan Modern Greenville Danish Festival
Gun Lake Casino Asamu Johnson and The Associates of The Blues Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland The Intersection The Once in a Lifetime Tour KIA The Arts of Japan and China, Louis Comfort Tiffany, West MI Area Show Kindleberger Park MI Hiryu DaikoFlying Dragon Drummers Kirby Grill Rich Burkholder Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection Landing Lounge Riverfront Hotel Sunday Night Funnies Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, 86th Regional Exhibition, Nancy Crow Rosa Parks Circle GrandJazz Fest The Pyramid Scheme Coliseum Child Bite & Pink Avalanche Spectators Blue Soul Express UICA Nicholas Symanski, MidCentury Alchemy, COMMIX, Mood Indigo, Hellion
monday
8.18
Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Restaurant Week Gun Lake Casino JGJ Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland Kabaret Brandon Ward Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection Ludington Suds on the Shore Beer Tasting Festival MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes O’Conner’s Home Brew Supply GR Beer Tasting Class Week 3 Rockford Brewing Open Mic Night Saugatuck Center for the Arts The Lake Effect Tip Top Deluxe Candye Kane UICA Nicholas Symanski, Mood Indigo, Hellion
tuesday
8.19
Barn Theatre Hello Dolly! Celebration! Cinema North RiffTrax Live: Godzilla Frederik Meijer Gardens Tuesday Evening Music Club, Bernar Venet Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Restaurant Week GRAM MI Artist Series, Michigan Modern Gun Lake Casino Main Street Dueling Pianos Kabaret Mark Andrasko KIA The Arts of Japan and China, Louis Comfort Tiffany Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, 86th Regional Exhibition, Nancy Crow Nibi Lounge Tom Northrup Papa Pete’s Band of Lovers
The Pyramid Scheme Propagandhi War on Women & RVIVR Saugatuck Center for the Arts The Lake Effect Stella’s Lounge The Cocktail Party The Union Big Man Little Band
wednesday
8.20
Barn Theatre Hello Dolly! Blue Water Grill Jack Leaver Circle Theatre Monty Python’s Spamalot Frederik Meijer Gardens G. Love and Special Sauce & Keb’ Mo’ Band, Bernar Venet Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Restaurant Week GRAM Michigan Modern GR Public Library Journey into the “Hermit Kingdom” Gun Lake Casino First Row Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland Kabaret Drew Behringer
Kent District Library: Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch Indiefest KIA The Arts of Japan and China, Louis Comfort Tiffany Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection Martell’s Meet the Maker MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, 86th Regional Exhibition, Nancy Crow Nibi Lounge Larry Lowis Ottawa County Fairgrounds Kari Lynch Ramsdell Theatre Jeff Daniels with the Ben Daniels Band Saugatuck Center for the Arts The Lake Effect Seven Steps Up Kim Richey Soaring Eagle Casino Alice in Chains wsg Buckcherry The Union Jazz Mix Night UICA Nicholas Symanski, Mood Indigo, Hellion Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: Fight Club
thursday
8.21
Art of the Table In-Store Wine Tasting Barn Theatre Hello Dolly! Bell’s Scott Pellegrom & Super Natural Bang Blue Water Grill Tony Reynolds Circle Theatre Monty Python’s Spamalot DeVos Performance Hall Kevin James Dog Story Theater tempOdessey The Felt Estate Mansion Zion Lion Founders Brewing Co. Dave Arcari wsg The Toss Pints White Trash Blues Revival Frederik Meijer Gardens The Moody Blues, Bernar Venet Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Restaurant Week GRAM Michigan Modern GR Public Library Life as an NYC Cab Driver: An Evening with Melissa Plaut Gun Lake Casino Electric Red Revue AUG 2014 FINAL NEW:Layout 1 7/17/14
Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland Howmet Playhouse Hospitality Suite Kabaret Nidal KIA Gallery Talk, Light Up the Night, The Arts of Japan and China, Louis Comfort Tiffany Kirby Grill Rich Burkholder Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, Nancy Crow Nibi Lounge Mark Andrasko Riverwalk Plaza Nicholas James and the Bandwagon Rockford Brewing Channing & Quinn Saugatuck Brewing Toby Bresnahan Saugatuck Center for the Arts The Lake Effect Shakespeare’s Lower Level Comedy Open Mic Tip Top Deluxe Davina and The Vagabonds wsg The Moonrays UICA Nicholas Symanski, Mood Indigo,PM HellionPage 1 2:00
Wild Mike’s Douglas James
friday
8.22
Ah-Nab-Awen Park Movies in the Park Double Feature Art of the Table In-Store Beer Tasting Barn Theatre Hello Dolly! Bell’s Mystic Dub Billy’s Rick Chyme Blue Water Grill Tom Northrup Circle Theatre Monty Python’s Spamalot Dockers Lew Russ Dog Story Theater tempOdessey Dr. Grins SteveO Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Restaurant Week GRAM Michigan Modern GR Brewing Co. Music for the Masses Gun Lake Casino Blammo
Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Yassou! Greek Festival Howmet Playhouse Hospitality Suite The Intersection Rubblebucket wsg The Class Acts Jack’s Lounge Wingman, John Sanger Kabaret Tony Reynolds KIA The Arts of Japan and China, Louis Comfort Tiffany Kirby Grill Sprague Brothers Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection Little River Casino Resort Neal McCoy, The Rock Show MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, Nancy Crow Nibi Lounge Larry Lowis The Pyramid Scheme Cotton Jones Lasso & Sun Circles River City Saloon Decades The Riviera Theatre Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line Rockford Brewing IndigoSun
Saugatuck Center for the Arts The Lake Effect Shakespeare’s Lower Level What the Folk? Stagecoach Park Riverbank Music Series UICA Nicholas Symanski, Life After Beth, Hellion The Union Kris Lager Band The Village at Grand Traverse Commons 2014 Traverse City Summer Microbrew and Music Festival Whiskey River Saloon Whiskey Trip
saturday
8.23
The Barn Theatre Hello Dolly! Bell’s Dumela Project Billy’s The Hip Pocket Blue Water Grill Jack Leaver Calder Plaza It’s Glow Time 5k Circle Theatre Monty Python’s Spamalot Craftsman Chop Co. Tom Northrup Dockers The Shiznit
SO Surprising. JA ZZ
Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule
ST. CECILIA MUSIC CENTER presents
OUR BIGGEST NIGHT | GREAT ARTIST GALA 2014
Chick Corea September 18
and The Vigil
scmc-online.org 616.459.2224 REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
63
Schedule
Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene
Dog Story Theater tempOdessey Dr. Grins SteveO FireKeepers Casino Hotel Ron White Founders Brewing Co. Fauxgrass Foundry Hall ‘TRUST’ wsg David Youngman Frederik Meijer Gardens Dahlia Show, Bernar Venet Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Restaurant Week GRAM MI Artist Series, Michigan Modern GR Brewing Co. Music for the Masses Gun Lake Casino Blammo Heritage Landing Shoreline Jazz Festival Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Yassou! Greek Festival Howmet Playhouse Hospitality Suite Jack’s Lounge Wingman KIA The Arts of Japan and China, Louis Comfort Tiffany Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection
64 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
Little River Casino Resort The Rock Show Mangia Mangia Nicole New & Cliff Monear MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, Nancy Crow Nibi Lounge Vince Miller The Round Barn 22nd Annual Harvest Party Saugatuck Brewing Fremont John Sietsema Orchards Hard Cider 5k Soaring Eagle Casino Bill Cosby SpeakEZ Lounge Delilah DeWylde & The Lost Boys The Village at Grand Traverse Commons Traverse City Summer Microbrew and Music Festival Tip Top Deluxe Dirty Bourbon River Show The Sailor Kicks & Dead Eye Zack UICA Nicholas Symanski, Life After Beth, Hellion Whiskey River Saloon The Bronk Bros.
sunday
8.24
Billy’s Revival ‘80s Night Dockers Don Middlebrook Dog Story Theater tempOdessey Dr. Grins SteveO Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Restaurant Week GRAM Michigan Modern Gun Lake Casino Everett Domeier Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland, Vintage Boat Show Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church Yassou! Greek Festival The Intersection Les Claypool’s Duo De Twang wsg Reformed Whores; Green River Ordinance wsg Caroline Glaser KIA The Arts of Japan and China, Louis Comfort Tiffany Kirby Grill Rich Burkholder Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo
LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, Nancy Crow The Round Barn 22nd Annual Harvest Party Spectators BandShe UICA Nicholas Symanski, Life After Beth, Hellion
monday
8.25
Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet Holland Museum Art and Propoganda in Nazi Occupied Holland Gun Lake Casino Electrixx Kabaret Vince Miller Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes The Pyramid Scheme Bledsoe’s Birthday Bonanza
Rockford Brewing Open Mic Night
tuesday
8.26
Barn Theatre Hello Dolly! Frederik Meijer Gardens Tuesday Evening Music Club, Bernar Venet GRAM GRAM Selects ArtPrize 2013: Encore Griffin’s Grill and Pub Chris Delgado Gun Lake Casino Great Scott The Intersection T-Pain Kabaret Dennie Middleton KIA The Arts of Japan and China, Double Take Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, Nancy Crow Nibi Lounge Tom Northrup UICA Nicholas Symanski, Life After Beth, Hellion The Union Duo Moxieville
wednesday
8.27
Barn Theatre Hello Dolly! Blue Water Grill Travis Atkinson Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet GRAM GRAM Selects ArtPrize 2013: Encore Gun Lake Casino Out of Favor Boys Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland The Intersection The Trews, Red Legs Perform Jack’s Lounge Yellow Brick Road Dueling Pianos Kabaret Doug Fast KIA The Arts of Japan and China, Double Take Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection Martell’s Meet the Maker MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, Nancy Crow
Find Revue online For breaking local entertainment news! facebook.com/REVUEWM Twitter: @RevueWM Win tickets, get early warnings about shows, and more!
S:9.25”
a juicy steak dinner can turn a
S:10”
private
party get-together into a
you’ll never forget.
Grand Rapids | 616.776.6426 | Inside the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel | ruthschris.com
REVUEWM.COM | August 2014 |
200 Varick St. New York, NY 10014 : Phone 212-805-7500
65
Schedule Nibi Lounge Larry Lowis The Pyramid Scheme Kishi Bashi & Dave Menzo Soaring Eagle Casino Florida Georgia Line wsg Tyler Farr UICA Nicholas Symanski, Life After Beth, Hellion The Union Jazz Mix Night
thursday
8.28
Barn Theatre Hello Dolly! Bell’s Movie in the Beer Garden Blue Water Grill Rich Burkholder Dog Story Theater tempOdessey Founders Brewing Co. Mail Order Monsters wsg Mavericks and Monarchs Noisewave Frederik Meijer Gardens Lake Street Drive, Bernar Venet GRAM GRAM Selects ArtPrize 2013: Encore Gun Lake Casino Tony Reynolds Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland Kabaret Kevin Villo
KIA The Arts of Japan and China, Double Take Kirby Grill Travis Atkinson Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, Nancy Crow, Brown Bag Film: Surviving Picasso Nibi Lounge Gabrial James The Pyramid Scheme Diarrhea Planet Rockford Brewing Ben Daniels Band Saugatuck Brewing Tim Valez UICA Nicholas Symanski, Life After Beth, Hellion The Union Ashley Daneman Group Walker Community Park The Lazy Blue Tunas
friday
8.29
Barn Theatre Hello Dolly!
Blue Water Grill Everett Domeier The Dock at Bayview Blue Effect Dockers Mike Boxer & Fiddleface Dog Story Theater tempOdessey Four Winds Casino The Doobie Brothers Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet GRAM GRAM Selects ArtPrize 2013: Encore Gun Lake Casino Jedi Mind Trip Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland Jack’s Lounge Travis Atkinson, Drop 35 Joe’s Bar and Grill Wingman Kabaret Kathy Ford KIA The Arts of Japan and China, Double Take Kirby Grill Oregon Dreamchild Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes Mulligan’s Pub Zephaniah Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, Nancy Crow Nibi Lounge Larry Lowis River City Saloon Trilogy
Rockford Brewing Scott Pellegrom Trio Soaring Eagle Casino Fall Out Boy wsg New Politics Tip Top Deluxe Four Lincolns Traverse City Restaurants Taste of Traverse City Festival UICA Nicholas Symanski, Life After Beth, Hellion Whiskey River Saloon Eric Jerome Brodberg
saturday
8.30
Barn Theatre Hello Dolly! Billy’s Vox Vidorra Blue Water Grill Nick Foresman The Curragh Gasta Dockers Jedi Mind Trip Dog Story Theater tempOdessey Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet GRAM GRAM Selects ArtPrize 2013: Encore Gun Lake Casino Platinum
Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland The Intersection (Hed) PE & Dope with Sunflower Dead Pass of Aggression and Isolationtheory Jack’s Lounge Drop 35 Joe’s Bar and Grill Wingman Kabaret Larry Lowis KIA The Arts of Japan and China, Double Take Kirby Grill Oregon Dreamchild Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo LaFontsee Gallery Slightly Obsessive Collection MercuryHead Gallery Richard Brinn, Landscapes Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, Nancy Crow Nibi Lounge Larry Lowis River City Saloon Whiplash Alley Traverse City Restaurants Taste of Traverse City Festival UICA Nicholas Symanski, Life After Beth, Hellion Whiskey River Saloon Cryn Wolf
sunday
8.31
Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet GRAM GRAM Selects ArtPrize 2013: Encore Gun Lake Casino Platinum Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland Joe’s Bar and Grill Drop 35 KIA The Arts of Japan and China, Double Take Kirby Grill Rich Burkholder Kzoo Valley Museum The Robot Zoo Muskegon Museum of Art Color and Whimsy, Nancy Crow Three Rivers Harmony Fest Traverse City Restaurants Taste of Traverse City Festival UICA Nicholas Symanski, Life After Beth, Hellion) n
For more events and info, check out our calendar at revueWm.com.
CALVIN COLLEGE GEZON AUDITORIUM
Coming Next Month:
Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene
The Arts Issue Our annual sampler of all things art in West Michigan — including season previews for cultural arts groups, profiles of local art professionals, ArtPrize coverage, and more. A variety of advertising packages are available. Look for it on newsstands September 1!
66 | REVUEWM.COM | August 2014
Made in Germany • Tradition seit 1774
89
$
95
AUG 16
LADIES LITERARY CLUB
SEP 20 OCT 18
ALL SHOWS 7:33 PM RIVERCITYIMPROV.COM
1411 Robinson Road Grand Rapids, MI (616) 451-4732 Repairs Available
Summer Sandals
GastropubStyle Food and Beverage Lunch and Dinner Specials Late Night Entertainment Flanagansgr.com 139 Pearl Street