Revue, December 2012

revueWM.COM /// West Michigan’s Entertainment GuidE /// ALWAYS FREE!

Music / Movies / Theatre / Art / Dining

December 2012

Holiday Gift Guide Local ideas for every character on your list

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What’s Inside

December 2012 | Volume 24, Issue 12

17

Gift Guide

SCENE: 13 Random Notes

SPECIAL SECTION: 17 Holiday Gift Guide

SOUNDS: 53 Sink’s Spins 54 Local Music: The Legal Immigrants

SIGHTS: 57 Visual Arts: Generations in Textiles and Fibers 58 Theatre: Beauty and the Beast 60 Comedy: Michael Kosta 62 Indie Film 64 Movie Previews

Movie Previews

DINING:

64

67 Restaurant Listings

SCHEDULE:

36 The Legal Immigrants

43

73 Daily Event Listings and Best Bets

Comedian Michael Kosta REVUEWM.COM | December 2012 |

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Letter from the Editor

R

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

ecently, The New York Times praised Grand Rapids for its growth, specifically focusing on the new Downtown Market. But we don’t need to be validated by one of most well-respected publications in the nation, because we see the ridiculous amount of growth West Michigan has to offer every day.

Want proof? Check out our annual Gift Guide. Our dedicated reporters found something different to do for nearly two dozen personality types. And we’re not talking jumping on eBay to find that unique item; these gift ideas are all local and all awesome.

Basically, The New York Times discovered what we’ve always known. In the past year, we’ve seen more breweries and boutiques pop up than we can keep track of. We get top-notch entertainment with touring bands and theater productions, as well as local performers we’re lucky enough to see anytime we want. Most of all, we have a community that cares about what we’re consuming instead of how much we’re consuming.

So get out, grab your favorite quirky personality, and go experience all West Michigan has to offer this season.

Happy Festivus and rock on.

Editorial Publisher Brian Edwards / brian@revuewm.com Managing Editor Lindsay Patton-Carson / lindsay@revuewm.com Design Creative Director/Design Kim Kibby / kim@revuewm.com Ad Design Kellie Zaplitny / kellie@revuewm.com Contributing Writers Missy Black Allison Parker Ben Darcie Emma Kat Richardson Steven de Polo Matt Simpson Siegel Alexandra Fluegel John Sinkevics Dwayne Hoover Josh Spanninga Audria Larsen Kevin VanAntwerpen Nick Manes Anya Zentmeyer Meaghan Minkus

Illustrations Anthony Carpenter Listings schedule@revuewm.com Revue Minions Kyle Austin Diana Nowak Jennifer Cuffman Jessica Smith Stephanie Kang Cami Sorensen

Sales / 616.608.6170 / sales@revuewm.com Molly Rizor / molly@revuewm.com Find us online!

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

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

Revue is published monthly by Revue Holding Company.

65 Monroe Center, Ste. 5, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Office: 616.608.6170 / Fax: 616.608.6182

Advertising index Actors’ Theatre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Amway: Ruth’s Chris. . . . . . . . . 66 Arcadia Brewing Company . . . . 29 Audacious Hoops. . . . . . . . . . . . 51 B.O.B.’s Brews . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Bell’s Brewery . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 54 Billy’s Lounge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Brewery Vivant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Broadway GR. . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 59 Cascade Optical . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Catholic Central. . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Celebration! Cinema. . . . . . . . . 64 Central City Taphouse. . . . . . . . 29 Dog Story Theater . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Downtown Grand Rapids . . . . . 23 Dr. Grins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Erb Thai. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Firekeepers Casino . . . . . . . . . .

Founders Brewing Company. . .

Fulton St. Farmers Market. . . . .

GR Art Museum. . . . . . . . . . . . .

GR Ballet Company. . . . . . . . . .

GR Public Library . . . . . . . . . . .

GR Public Museum . . . . . . . . . .

GR Symphony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Grand Woods Lounge . . . . . . . .

Growco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hard Luck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Harmony Brewing Company . . .

Holiday Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

HopCat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hope College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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39 77 11 47 56 61 81 35 81 83 80 79 27 45 65 62

Horizen Hydroponics . . . . . . . . . 47 The Intersection. . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Jam Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Kalamazoo State Theatre. . . . . . . 7 KB Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Keil Lasik. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Kendall College. . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Kitten Flower Tattoo. . . . . . . . . . 80 LiveNation: TSO. . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Miller Auditorium. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Monte’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 New Holland Brewing. . . . . . . . 21 The Orbit Room. . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Palazzolo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 The Pyramid Scheme. . . . . . . . . . 5 Radix. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Red Jet Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

River City Improv. . . . . . . . . . . . 82 San Chez Café and Bistro. . . . . 69 Saugatuck Brewing. . . . . . . . . . 27 Saugatuck Center for the Arts. . 16 Schmohz Brewing Company . . . 29 Schuler Books. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Seven Steps Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Sight Optical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Soaring Eagle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 St. Cecilia Music Center . . . . . . 79 Stella’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 The Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 University Music Society. . . . . . 51 Vitale’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 West Michigan Symphony. . . . . 35 Wharton Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 West Side Beer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

©2012, 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: Revue’s Holiday Gift Guide personalities, illustrated by Anthony Carpenter.

The Gift Guide begins on page 17.

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Random Notes Local Music /// January begins St. Cecilia Music Center’s 2013 Local Spins Live Series, which continues SCMC’s tradition of creating opportunities for musical appreciation in West Michigan. The series features local folk musicians in a special “unplugged” performance. Show dates are Jan. 10, Feb. 21 and March 28, and feature local artists such as Ralston Bowles, Michelle Chenard, Michael Crittenden, Lux Land, Karisa Wilson, Lucus Wilson, Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys, The Crane Wives, Seth

Big Boi drops a new album, Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors, on Dec. 11.

Lucas Wilson at St. Cecilia’s Local Spins Live show on Jan. 10.

National CD Releases /// Is there anything that Bruno Mars can’t do? The Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, singer, guitar player and recent actor (remember when he killed it on “SNL”?) takes a break from putting his stamp on

smorgasbord. Tickets range from $42 to $48 … Don’t be a Scrooge this year and make sure to head out to the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre to see the Charles Dickens favorite, A Christmas Carol, running Dec. 1-16. …

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Next to Normal is far from your cookie-cutter musical. Focusing on a dysfunctional family struggling with bipolar disorder, depression and death, it’s a powerful story filled with twists and turns. Performances take place at the Actors’ Theatre Grand Rapids from Dec. 1-15. Tickets range from $24 to $26.

Performing Arts /// On Dec. 23, Shrek the Musical comes to Forest Hills Fine Arts Center. Laugh along as Shrek and Donkey head out on an adventure to save the princess in this twisted fairytale

Shrek The Musical

Libations /// After nearly a year of waiting, Grand Rapids will finally see the opening of the new Grand Rapids Brewing Company on Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. The original 28th Street brewery, which closed in June 2011, was bought by Mark

Sellers, who relocated to downtown Grand Rapids and turned into Michigan’s first all-organic brewery … Shanty Creek Resort turns 50 this month, and it’s commissioning the mad geniuses at Short’s Brewing Company to brew a special beer commemorating the milestone. Dubbed “Black Diamond” as a nod to the resort’s exceptional ski runs, the beer is a Schwartzbier: a chocolaty Germanstyle black lager similar to a porter or stout,

Continued on page 14 8

REVUEWM.COM | December 2012 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

and May and Fauxgrass Quartet … Kent District Library understands the importance of our local, independent artists, so KDL promotes it through the new Local Indie @ KDL initiative. Not only will donated, local works go up on the library shelves, they will be promoted by the library staff to give you live performances by awesome bands you can see anytime.

the hit singles of other artists to release his sophomore solo album, Unorthodox Jukebox, on Dec. 11. . . Outkast MC Big Boi releases his new album, Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors, on Dec. 11. This should excite more than just hip-hop fans, as the disc features guest spots from Sarah Barthel (of indie rock group Phantogram) and Swedish synth-pop act Little Dragons, as well as straight-up rhyme support from the likes of Kid Cudi, A$AP Rocky and Yelawolf . . . Tight pants everywhere will be dancing in the streets when party-starter Ke$ha drops her second full-length album, Warrior, on Dec. 4 . . .

Other notable releases include Memory Tapes (Dec. 4), Olly Murs (Dec. 4), Brandon Michael Williams and Seth Andrew Hecox (Dec. 4) and Scott Walker (Dec. 4).

13

Random Notes

best deals at local bars. All of the bars are categorized on the site using tags to find the exact kind of spot you’re looking for.

To stay updated, follow @BeerOClockGR on Twitter … It’s cold, we get it. But thankfully, you don’t have to go far to celebrate the holiday season because businesses in downtown Grand Rapids are teaming up for Get Your Joy On. This holiday promotion runs through December and offers many ways to treat yourself and others this season.

Weekend hotel packages are just one of the perks, while Get Your Joy On Thursdays offer 20 percent off one item at all participating businesses.

Charitable /// Night at Your Museum — Watch the exhibits come to life at Grand Rapids Public Museum Dec. 27. but with a lighter body. Head up to Ivan’s Mountainside Grill (at the base of Schuss Mountain) on Dec. 21 to get a taste … It’s obvious Michigan’s microbrew industry is constantly growing, but beer isn’t the only adult beverage flowing freely from the mitten.

A recent report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture revealed that grape acreage in the state has doubled since 2002, while the number of commercial wineries has ballooned from 32 to a staggering 101 in that same time. Chances are there’s an excellent winemaker very close to where you live.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Eclectic ///

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On Dec. 27, join the Grand Rapids Public Museum for its 7th Annual Night at Your Museum. At this event, kids and adults can watch characters from the museum’s exhibits come to life. Each guest gets a souvenir flashlight, security badge and dinner buffet upon the $20 admission fee … Jitterbug into 2013 at New Year’s Eve ‘50s Dance Party, an authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper’s “Winter Dance Party” tour show. Celebrate two hours of rampant entertainment and hit songs from the Fifties at DeVos Performance Hall. Tickets are $18 per person for the 7:30

p.m. show … Uptown’s four vibrant business districts are decking the halls for a night of festive holiday shopping during the Uptown Holiday Shop Hop. On Dec. 6, folks will frolic on Wealthy, Cherry, Lake, Diamond, and E. Fulton streets (with the help of buses) and there will also be an abundance of eating, singing, indulging, and fun-having from 4-10 p.m. … Buy, sell, and trade from a selection of more than 15,000 used and new LPs, 45s and CDs, music videos and memorabilia at the Kalamazoo Record & CD Collector’s Show on Dec. 2 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dealers from four states host 37 tables to peruse at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center, and include anything from 50-cent bargains to high-end collectibles.

Help those struggling with poverty and homelessness on Dec. 3 at Borgess Medical Center from 5-8 p.m. for the 13th Annual Underwear Open House. Guests are asked to bring new, unwrapped clothing such as underwear, socks, gloves, hats, scarves, sweatshirts, or anything warm for people of all sizes at the Ministry with Community Shelter. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served.

Comedy /// If laughter is the best medicine, Riverfront Hotel’s Landing Lounge has been prescribing West Michigan with Sunday Night Funnies for the past four years. Creator Brian B. has brought more than 330 comedians to perform at Sunday Night Funnies, which now includes two weekly stand-up comedy shows, a half-hour cable television show and involvement with the Gilda’s Laughfest. Nov. 18 marks the four year anniversary, so why not celebrate with a couple of free laughs? n

Business /// There’s a new social network out there for the bar stars and deal seekers. WM Connection is a smartphone app that links downloaders to all of the nightlife and dining deals in West Michigan, allowing users to chat and share pics. Other than being free, the coolest thing making this a musthave app is the list of all the happy hours in Grand Rapids. To download, search “wmconnection” in your app store … Another one-stop resource of all the happy hour deals and daily specials in town is Beer O’Clock, a website dedicated to helping Grand Rapids bar-goers find the

Random Notes is compiled by REVUE staff and minions including Kyle Austin, Jennifer Cuffman, Stephanie Kang, Lindsay Patton-Carson, Jessica Smith and Cami Sorensen.

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

Important Dates Ad Space Reservation: Dec. 14 Editorial Deadline: Dec. 4 Delivery: Dec. 27

REVUEWM.COM | December 2012 |

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SAUGATUCK CENTER FOR THE ARTS West Michigan’s premier year round performing art center!

Real to Reel:

CAROL CHANNING LARGER THAN LIFE December 13, 2012 7:00 pm

WINTER GREENMARKET

JOIN THE FUN! SCA members receive tick ticket ket pre-sales to hot concerts (like Lindsey Buckingham), discount Real to Reel tickets, and more!

December 1, 2012 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Deck your halls with fresh greens and wreaths from our Winter Greenmarket!

A host of vendors will be selling holiday goods in the SCA lobby. Stop in for fresh wreaths, evergreen swags, small live trees, poinsettias, home made baked goods and more!

Director Dori Berinstein, with co-writer Adam Zucker, capture the magic and vivacity of the 90-year-old icon – both onstage and off...past and present.

The story of legendary performer Carol Channing’s life is as colorful as the lipstick on her big, bright smile.

Real to Reel Sponsors: Clark Hill Entertainment Industry Team, Janie and Jim Flemming, Hidden Garden Cottages and Suites, Water Street Gallery

JUST ONE ANGEL December 7, 2012 8:00 pm $25 General Admission $20 SCA Members

THE PERFECT GIFT! SCA art pass gift certificates are on sale now. They can be redeemed all year round for Grammy winning performers, professional equity summer theatre, documentaries and much more!

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$7 General Admission $5 SCA & HAAC Members and Students

Irreverent singer, songwriter, entertainer Christine Lavin and folk-pop trio Uncle Bonsai celebrate all of winter’s holidays with a grain of salt and a lot of laughter in the holiday concert, Just One Angel.

2012 Mainstage Sponsors: Chemical Bank, Hilliard

Lyons of Holland, Korson Financial Services

INFORMATION TICKETS & LATEST SCHEDULE: please visit www.sc4a.org, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck, MI or call 296.857.2399

Holiday Gift Guide

G

et that special weirdo in your life something just as unique as them this holiday

season. Not sure where to start?

Check out our Gift Guide, where we pair up great West Michigan offerings with nearly two dozen personality types. Spend time with your special buddy by indulging in some of the best entertainment West Michigan has to offer. Read on for more.

I l l u s t r at e d b y Anthony Carpenter

gift ideas for your favorite‌ 42 Artist 43 Bar Star 26 Beer Snob

32 28 34 36 22 37 38 46 44 18

Bookworm Bro Buzzkill Eccentric Fashionista Film Buff Foodie Hippie Hoarder Intellectual

30 20 19 24 31 25 49 40 48 50

Man of Leisure Music Junkie Outdoorsy Parent Pop Culture Nerd Social Butterfly Sporty Survivalist Thespian Vintage

REVUEWM.COM | December 2012 |

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/// Gift

Guide

Intellectual

Intellectuals wear their smarty pants seven days a week. Favoring culture, obscure facts and hearty tomes of important literature, the intellectual in your life has mastered the deeper world found beyond LOLcats. B y A u d r i a L a r s e n

What would your Intellectual be without an IQ affirming, rollicking debate? The Center for Inquiry Michigan seeks to “foster a secular society based on science, reason, freedom of inquiry, and humanist values.” Take your hotshot intellectual out to one of the many CFI gatherings hosted monthly, all over the state, such as Skeptics in the Pub on Dec. 21 at Brewery Vivant.

event is free, so you won’t break the bank when you treat your intellectual to a night of big sound and hearty Michigan brews.

Do

Founders Brewing Company 235 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids foundersbrewing.com, (616) 776-1195

Wine and dine with your favorite erudite friend at Butch’s Dry Dock. Currently holding the Wine Spectator’s Best Award of Excellence, Butch’s offers fine cuisine crafted with drink pairings in mind. Get your lively political conversation going at lunchtime with sandwiches like The Democrat (turkey pastrami, Swiss, honey mustard, and house-made coleslaw grilled on rye for $6.99) and The Republican (oven roasted turkey, muenster cheese, Dijon mustard, and house-made coleslaw grilled on rye for $7.49). You can debate the price difference. Also, many seasonal items are offered, culled from local suppliers.

Skeptics in the Pub Brewery Vivant, Grand Rapids Dec. 21, 6 p.m. cfimichigan.org (616) 698-2342

Muse on the finer points of brewing techniques and beer flavors with your Intellectual at Odd Side Ales. This tiny-butdedicated brewery specializes in artisan brews and team trivia nights that let you show off your brainiac side. “We’ve got some heated battles down here. We have some clever people come down,” said Erik Frederiksen, bar manager. Go lowbrow with your drink of choice and try Morning Wood, a coffee stout with vanilla, oak, whiskey, chocolate and espresso flavors. While you’re at it, a mug club membership makes a great gift. $75 gets your special someone a personalized mug along with a year membership.

Or, really show your love with a lifetime membership for $225.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

drink

Odd Side Ales 41 Washington Ave. Suite 160, Grand Haven oddsideales.com, (616) 935-7326

The stereotypical Intellectual loves jazz.

And why not? It’s a perfect marriage between cool and wickedly smart. Ask any jazz-head about Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew and you’ll learn a thing or two. Twice a month (first and third Sundays), Founders Brewing Company hosts the Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, described as a “16 piece powerhouse.” The

listen

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eat

Butch’s Dry Dock 44 East Eight St, Holland butchs.net, (616) 396-8227

Intellectuals like nights in, too.

When reading War and Peace gets dull, there is always the boob tube. Give the gift of film with Federico Fellini’s 8 ½ (1963). Flashbacks and dream states are woven throughout this avant-garde cinema classic. The story explores discussion worthy themes and goes smoothly with a nice bottle of wine. You can nab a copy at Schuler Books & Music for $19.99 and grab choice vino at Martha’s Vineyard in Grand Rapids.

watch

Schuler Books and Music Various Grand Rapids locations schulerbooks.com Martha’s Vineyard 200 Union Ave. NE, Grand Rapids mvwines.com, (616) 459-0911

Outdoorsy

They can’t sit still for one second, and forget about trying to make them stay inside long enough to watch a movie. This is your Mother Nature-loving friend, who would rather be enjoying the great outdoors than cozying up on the couch. B y J e s s i c a Sm i t h

Beak out the winter gear and head to Pando Winter Sports Complex to get some snow action, whether it’s downhill skiing and snowboarding, cross country skiing or tubing. Bundle up and perfect your best Shaun White impressions. We won’t laugh if you wipe out. Lift tickets and tubing rates range $11-$20, cross country ranges $5-$10 and ski and snowboard rentals range $7-$20.

Do

Whether they’re trekking through the woods or hiking up hillsides, two-time Texaco Country Showdown state champs and national recording artist Kris Hitchcock and Small Town Son has enough twang to keep your outdoorsy friend motivated. This Michigan-based country band sings about life experiences as Kris turns life’s moments into Midwest rock anthems.

listen

Pando Winter Sports Park 8076 Belding Rd. NE, Rockford pandopark.com, (616) 874-8343

Kris Hitchcock and Small Town Son krishitchcockmusic.com

Get it while you can, because once it’s gone you’ll have to wait until next year for your chance to get it again. As part of its Holiday Stout Series, Dark Horse Brewing Company is releasing its Fore Smoked Stout in January, which is sure to delight your grizzly friend. The stout is brewed with smoked malt to create a great taste embodied with chocolate, roasted barley flavors and a smoky, almost barbecue-like aftertaste.

drink

Dark Horse Brewing Company 511 S. Kalamazoo Ave., Marshall darkhorsebrewery.com, (269) 781-9940

Coyote Café Bar and Grille 380 Douglas Ave., Holland (616) 396-2355

Grand Rapids Griffins at Van Andel Arena 130 Fulton St. West, Grand Rapids $14-$32 for dollar beers, dollar dogs night griffinshockey.com, (616) 742-6600

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Your nature lover has to face it, sometimes they’re going to have to go inside. But grabbing some hearty grub at The Coyote Café Bar and Grille can make it easier for them to cope. The bar is a great place to thaw out from the freezing Michigan weather and still enjoy an outdoor atmosphere in this cabin-themed setting. Even though they didn’t hunt it themselves, there’s no doubt they’ll appreciate eating Coyote’s “famous” fresh lake perch or prime rib, while surrounded by wildlife-filled walls.

eat

You can’t go wrong with a Grand Rapids Griffins hockey game. You might be inside, but the cool temps will play mind games with your outdoor guru.

On Friday nights, feel free to over indulge yourself with dollar beers and dogs because, well, they’re only a buck. After your night in at the Griffins game, take your outdoorsy buddy to their natural habitat and try to imitate those hockeyplayer moves at the Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink.

watch

Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink Monroe Avenue and Pearl Street, Downtown Grand Rapids Skate rental free with ID, ice time $1 per person

REVUEWM.COM | December 2012 |

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/// Gift

Guide

Music Junkie

Signs of addiction: Facebooking obscure YouTube videos, sharing indie-rock faves on Spotify, tweeting photos from live shows, trumpeting local up-and-coming bands, championing vinyl, living and breathing the beat.

By John Sinkevics

For true music connoisseurs, it’s all about vinyl. The retro trend continues in earnest, with hip acts issuing new releases first in flat and black (or wild colors). Indeed, Vertigo Music’s Herm Baker says vinyl now makes up 75 percent of store sales, with most buyers in their college years.

Flipping through the latest CDs is a bonus, though there’s nothing like the tactile pleasure of browsing rarities in record bins, especially when you’ve got a gift certificate in hand.

The Cottage Bar 18 La Grave Ave. SE, Grand Rapids cottagebar.biz, (616) 454-9088

Do

One Trick Pony Grill & Taproom 136 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids onetrick.biz, (616) 235-7669

A symptom of music addiction?

Reveling in eclectic charm. So what better fix than West Michigan’s Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, a fivesome of uber-talented musicians whose jam-band wizardry concocts a dance-happy stew of prog-rock, bluegrass, funk, reggae and more? Bestow your music junkie with The Broomhilda Suite EP (UV Hippo’s at work on a full-length album) and tickets to its New Year’s Eve show at Kalamazoo’s Bell’s Brewery.

listen

Vertigo Music 129 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids vertigomusiconline.com, (616) 742-5106 Corner Record Shop 1710 W. Mains St., Kalamazoo cornerrecordskzoo.com, (269) 381-0218

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Scarfing the latest microbrew doesn’t take much effort these days with Michigan-made marvels offered near and far. Consider something different in a unique West Side watering hole that caters to roots-music devotees. Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill proprietor Ted Smith says shots of Fireball cinnamon whisky are a favorite among folks soaking up live — local and national — rockabilly, Americana, honky-tonk country, blues and throwback rock ‘n’ roll. As for beer: Hamm’s or Rolling Rock, in keeping with the retro theme.

Ultraviolet Hippopotamus Bell’s Eccentric Café, Kalamazoo Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m.

Price TBD bellsbeer.com, (269) 382-2332

drink

Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill 760 Butterworth St. SW, Grand Rapids (616) 272-3910

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For live holiday music with an ear-splitting twist, it doesn’t get bigger or glitzier than symphonic rock’s Trans-Siberian Orchestra, which brings its new “The Lost Christmas Eve” production to Van Andel Arena Dec. 7. Other unique ways to get a music junkie in a festive mood: The Musical Box’s re-creation of Genesis’ classic “The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway” at The Orbit Room Dec. 14 or The Verve Pipe’s Christmas show at The Intersection Dec. 22. Waiting till Christmas to get that package unwrapped? Consider tickets to Mustard Plug’s high-octane holiday hoopla at The Intersection Dec. 30.

watch

Burgers may come and go, but the Cottage burger at Grand Rapids’ The Cottage Bar is forever. The city’s oldest establishment also has served as downtown’s defacto post-theater, post-show rendezvous spot for many moons, so you never know who you might bump into. To up the cuisine ante, Dan Verhil also owns next door’s One Trick Pony, which boasts live acoustic performances on Thursday, Saturday and the occasional Monday.

eat

New YeARS eve DeCeMBeR 31 9 PM KALAMAzOO STATe THeATRe

The Red Sea Pedestrians & The Corn Fed Girls present

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band & Abbey Road Live! kazoostate.com • rsp-cfg.com • theredseapedestrians.com • thecornfedgirls.com

Tickets available at the State Theatre Box Office and TicketMaster General Admission $23 Day of Show $25

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule REVUEWM.COM | December 2012 |

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/// Gift

Guide

Fashionista

This impressionable gal hangs with BFFs like Louis (Vuitton), Ralph (Lauren) and Giorgio (Armani). B y M i s s y B l a c k

The Fashionista never turns down a mimosa or the chance to shop. Every third Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., retail stores in Kalamazoo woo shoppers and the fashionable with the chance to sip, stroll and shop with Mimosa Mornings. “It’s a good chance to come downtown with girlfriends,” says i heart ipanema owner Nicole Angelo. Other participating shops include Bella Patina, Garden Gate Café, Loved Boutique, Sydney, Your Home, Cakes Boutique, Terrapin World Imports, Retro, Sticks & Stones and Tudor House Tea.

Do

i heart ipanema 115 W. Lovell, Kalamazoo (269) 382-4423

Ordering a beet margarita at Trillium Haven is a risk for sure, and nobody understands that more than the Fashionista. Taking chances on trendy clothing and hair color, this character goes out on a limb. The beet margarita, designed by the bar chefs, is a mash-up of tequila, Cointreau, lemon, lime and pickled beet juice. “Beets are a liver cleanser. It’s recycling, using stuff from the kitchen in the bar,” says owner Anja Mast. It’s the restaurant’s farm-to-table take on the classic margarita. “It’s different but refreshing … I’ve been working for the past 11 years for people to eat this stuff. Now, it’s trendy and popular.”

Trendy, popular — that’s the definition of our girl.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

drink

Trillium Haven 1429 Lake Drive, Grand Rapids trilliumhaven.com, (616) 301-0998

Though The Wealthy Orphans sound like a new clothing line from the Olsen twins, it’s actually a band based out of Grand Rapids “playing music forged in the heat of real life,” according to member Rick Beerhorst. Songs are filled with rusted fenders, slamming screen doors and pretty

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girls — enter the Fashionista. Passionate background music for online shopping or painting her toes, the Orphans give our designer dame more style cred, because being fashionable isn’t achieved with clothing alone — it’s a state of mind. wealthyorphans.com

Stiletto Sweets is a made-toorder cake and cupcake operation named after a woman’s love for shoes and fashion. The Stiletto Sweets experience can be described as “playful, sophisticated, sexy and polished,” said Noddea Skidmore, owner and cake stylist. From genderreveal cakes to Chanel-inspired sweets in pale pinks, blacks and grays topped with a string of pearls, Skidmore oozes charm and style with each application of sugar dust.

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Stiletto Sweets stilettosweets.com

The Fashionista can turn any event into a runway show. Beauty and the Beast is a classic musical love story, but also an eye-popping spectacle.

The pretty and plucky young Belle is easy on the eyes and the lavish sets and costumes are just what our style maven wants to see. “There are 580 costume pieces in the production, some from the original Broadway production,” says Meghan Distel, director of marketing and public relations. “81 wigs are used in the production, so there’s so much to look at and so much detail.”

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Beauty and the Beast DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids Dec. 26-30, show times at 1, 2, 6:30 7:30 p.m. $57-$67 broadwaygrandrapids.com, (616) 235-6285

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

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Parent

Parents are hardcore. They make a mean Easy Bake Oven cake and can whip up an A+ science project in less than five minutes.

Here’s to the bunch that functions on less sleep and can order time outs and take out in one breath. B y M i s s y B l a c k

Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Thank You, BEER! exhibition is just what parents need: time away and beer. “The language used, the artifacts on display, programming is directed at adults,” said Collections Curator Alex Forist. “We tried to make the exhibit friendly and approachable. It’s meant to be lighthearted and fun.” Learn about the ingredients and chemistry of brewing, cultural contributions of beer, the failure of prohibition and the role of beer in pop culture.

Extra programming includes Beer School, a series of Thursday evening classes with special speakers on beer-related topics, as well as Hoppy Hour Tastings every Tuesday.

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Thank You, Beer!

Grand Rapids Public Museum Through Dec. 30 $8 grmuseum.org, (616) 456-3977

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

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Parents love everything homemade and Public uses the from-scratch philosophy in everything. Public’s ginger ale is a mighty mix of fresh ginger-infused simple syrup combined with fresh limes, club soda and some lime zest for a thrilling drink that’s got a “fresh, light bite,” according to Owner Lucas Grill. Forget preservatives and high fructose corn syrup. At Public, they’re all about fresh ingredients. “We buy meat and we grind it in-house everyday. Everything on our menu is made from scratch and we felt the beverage program should mirror that.”

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Public 131 E. Main St., Zeeland publiczeeland.com, (616) 741-9772

Parents like sweet and approachable. The sounds of Karisa Wilson are both. The award-winning, singer songwriter writes and performs a blend of indie pop, jazz and blues.

Listen to her latest release, Stronger, or check out a show Dec. 28 at Odd Side Ales in Grand Haven.

And when little Sally asks for piano lessons you can have a good example in mind of how far music can take some gals.

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Karisa Wilson karisawilson.com

Much like an escaped fugitive, parents are always on the run.

Shuttling offspring to and from school and extracurricular activities means food on the go. Pick up some premium frozen yogurt treats at Sweet Yo’s. Indulge with yogurt flavors ranging from Bubble Gum and French Toast to Red Velvet Cake and Lemon Custard. Top that off with more than 50 fun toppings of fruit, cereal, sauce or candy crumbles.

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Sweet Yo’s 2180 Wealthy SE and 134 Monroe Center NW, Grand Rapids sweetyos.com

Every third Friday parents get a night off, thanks to the Furry Friday Films series at the Humane Society of West Michigan. Kids enjoy animal interactions, pizza, popcorn and an animal-themed movie all for $25 (with a $10 sibling discount). On Dec. 21, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. there’s a good time for all as children get a chance to meet other animal lovers, lounge in their pajamas and do something out of the ordinary on a Friday night.

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Humane Society of West Michigan 3077 Wilson Dr., Grand Rapids hswestmi.org, (616) 791-8066

Social Butterfly

The Social Butterfly always has an agenda. They accept every invite as a challenge. Like a butterfly flitting between flowers, the socialite goes from one thing (party, restaurant opening, lecture, wine sampling…) to the next. B y M i s s y B l a c k

The Social Butterfly will certainly see you at The Holiday Bar on Dec. 13. The Social Charity Club of Grand Rapids is on hand for schmoozing at its finest. Sipping the night away, our resident socialite will find this night perfect for the holidays. The event is “incredibly flexible,” and open any time between 5:30 and 9 p.m. “Social Butterflies tend to double book and struggle with a specific start and end time for an event and that might deter them from going,” said Board Member Chelsea Slocum. A $10 donation gets you a complimentary drink and quality mingling.

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The Holiday Bar 801 5th St. NW, Grand Rapids theholidaybargr.com, (616) 456-9058

A personality test disguised as a wine tasting, Vinely gatherings take the guesswork out of tastings, “making wine accessible to all in a comfortable, stress-free environment that simplifies the tasting process in a fun, unique and innovative way,” says Vinely CEO Bill Wittenberg. In-home parties allow guests to try different wines and rate them based on their personal tastes and preferences. Vinely staff will determine each taster’s wine “personality” by using exclusive Vinely methodology. In a nutshell: your mom had Tupperware parties and you have wine. Upgrade!

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The Crane Wives is a homegrown indiefolk outfit that sort of defies musical stereotypes. Live shows are said to swell with contagious energy and original music that ranges from whisper-quiet ballads to danceable grooves.

Oh, and the socialite always has plans for New Year’s Eve. This year, it’s a Crane Wives show at Founders featuring The Ragbirds and Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys.

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The small bites dessert section on The Wine Loft’s menu is where you get to choose three of the following: a Pumpkin Cream Cake Pop, Pomegranate Orange Cake Truffle, Rocky Rhode Island Bars or the Pistachio Kirsch Truffle.

Allergy issues? Not a problem! Try Marshmallow Cups and a Carrot Ginger Orange Minicupcake (both gluten, dairy, egg and nut free).

Read the wine list and you could be here all night. But hey, that’s how the socialite likes it: nibbles, wine and good conversation.

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The Wine Loft 161 East Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo millenniumrestaurants.com/loft, (269) 343-9227

With packed schedules, choosing what to do and where to go comes down to how you can experience as much as possible. Try The Nutcracker at Miller Auditorium — you get exposure to two local and talented organizations in one evening. The performance features the sights of the Grand Rapids Ballet Company and the sounds of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. “We are drawing from the talent we have in the community to fulfill people’s holiday traditions,” says Assistant Director of Marketing Bethany Gauthier. Dates are Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 9 at 3 p.m.

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Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

vinely.com

Miller Auditorium 2200 Auditorium Dr., Kalamazoo millerauditorium.com, (269) 387-2300

The Crane Wives thecranewives.com

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BEER SNOB

The Beer Snob always finds time for a beer. They search the shelves for anything they haven’t had before, and go out of their way for a superior pint. Coors? What’s that? B y B e n D a r c i e

Bell’s Brewing Company continues its Brew Demo Series on Dec. 19 at the General Store in Kalamazoo, giving aspiring homebrewers and beer enthusiasts the opportunity to watch the bottling of last month’s batch, as well as brew this month’s new holiday beer for January. “We encourage people to participate and ask questions,” said David Curtis, general manager of the General Store.

“Grab a beer from the bar and hang out.”

This month’s session starts at 6 p.m. and is a great opportunity for your Snob to have a hands-on experience with brewing.

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Bell’s General Store 355 East Kalamazoo Avenue, Kalamazoo bellsbeer.com, (269) 382-2332

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Our Brewing Company opened its doors in Holland at the end of October and is the perfect place to take your Beer Snob on a brewery visit. The pub is warm and rustic, and the beer varies from experimental to classic American standards, including a Toasted Coconut Porter, a Coffee Stout and Saint Celiac’s Gluten Free Belgian Tripel. “Our space is meant for people to feel like they belong,” Coowner and Assistant Brewer Trevor Doublestein said. “That’s why it’s called ‘Our’ Brewing Co., we want people to feel like it’s their brewery and our brewery.”

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Our Brewing Company 76 E. 8th Street, Holland ourbrewingcompany.com, (231) 838-0638

The Soil and the Sun is a Grand Rapidsbased experimental folk-rock outfit that is great to experience alongside your favorite brew. The music is immersive and deep, with

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bold harmonies and a percussive presence that will keep your jaw on the floor. Watch your Beer Snob’s glass mysteriously empty itself as they groove themselves into oblivion.

The Soil & the Sun thesoilandthesun.com

Kalamazoo’s Central City Taphouse offers two environments for your Beer Snob, a restaurant side and the pub side. Both have exceptional fare for your Snob, with the pub side offering modern twists on classic pub fare. The Taphouse also has an international tap tower, which is filled with rare droughts, and a national tower featuring the best beer from across the nation.

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Central City Taphouse 359 South Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo millenniumrestaurants.com/centralcity-tap-house, (269) 492-0100

Head over to Billy’s Lounge on Dec. 21 to catch Donald Kinsey bring some holiday blues to your Beer Snob’s season. Kinsey is most known for his place in The Wailers, Bob Marley’s band, and has also toured with legends such as Albert King, Peter Tosh and Roy Buchanan. As for beer, Billy’s features many Michigan brews for your Snob to choose from in bottles and on draft. The show is $5, and starts at 9:30 p.m.

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Billy’s Lounge 1437 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids billyslounge.com, (616) 459-5757

BEER NUTS...

PEANUT BUTTER STOUT

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

DECEMBER’S SEASONAL CRAFT BEERS: Calgacus Scotch Ale Spooky Action Double IPA SpaceBoy Stout Try all of our craft beers on tap!

THE B.O.B. 20 Monroe Ave. • Grand Rapids 616.356.2000 • www.thebob.com

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BRO

Barney Stinson is their hero. Daily activities include copious amounts of beer, sports and partaking in anything designed to prove one’s manliness. B y J e n n i f e r C u f f m a n

Beer is a fundamental part of being a bro. The 2013 Winter Beer Festival is one event that a true Bro puts on his calendar in August — sandwiched between “drinking beer” and “drinking more beer.” Tickets for this Feb. 23 event at Fifth Third Ballpark go on sale Dec. 1. Last year’s tickets sold out in a matter of weeks, so act quickly.

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Winter Beer Festival Fifth Third Ballpark, Comstock Park Feb. 23 michiganbrewersguild.org

Pop Evil understands Bros: sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll. They rock hard and they know how to stick it to the man. This Grand Rapids-based band has lived the rock and roll lifestyle, having toured with Papa Roach and Judas Priest. The video for the single “Boss’s Daughter” on the band’s latest album, War of Angels, features guitarist Mick Mars of Mötley Crüe and Playboy Playmate Miss July 2011, Jessica Hinton.

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Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Pop Evil popevil.com

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Every now and then a Bro needs to take off the backwards baseball cap and experience a night on the town. For the most traditional, no-nonsense Bros, B.O.B.’s Brewery offers standard brews such as the Afterglow Amber and Nautical Dawn. But for Bros that are looking for a little more adventure, Brewmaster John Svaboda rotates a slew of specialty and seasonal beers.

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B.O.B.’s Brewery 20 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids thebob.com, (616) 356-2000

Bros love to show off hours logged at the gym, so Dec. 2 is the perfect time to put their strength to the test. First, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Climb Kalamazoo hosts Brew at the ‘Zoo, a bouldering competition open to the public.

Registration is $25 in advance or $30 at the door, while spectators get in free. Follow up your Bro’s bouldering feats with a 3 p.m. showing of Reel Rock 7 at Kalamazoo State Theater. Watch the greatest climbers in the world as they take on the biggest challenges in the sport of rock-climbing.

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Climb Kalamazoo 136 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo climbkalamazoo.com, (269) 385-9891 Kalamazoo State Theater 404 S. Burdick, Kalamazoo kazoostate.com, (269) 345-6500

When Bros go out to eat, they mean business. They want filling, flavorful food for not a lot of cash. The Gourmet Burger list at O’Toole’s Public House provides enough variety and heartiness to conquer any Bro’s hunger. We recommend the Hangover — a burger with bacon, egg, Swiss, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickles and House Bloody Mary Sauce.

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O’Toole’s Public House 448 Bridge Street, Grand Rapids otooles.gr.com, (616) 742-6095

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Man of Leisure

The Man of Leisure has it all. Money, taste and a pretty woman. Through the force of his intellect and rectitude, he no longer works. Existing, being himself, is work enough. He carefully plots his days as an endless succession of pleasurable sensory experiences with like-minded golden-haired peers. b y S t e v e n d e P o l o

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Great Escape Inns of Saugatuck has a twonight Christmas Candlelight Progressive Dinner. Friday evening, join other guests for socializing, sampling seasonal treats and traditional caroling. Saturday evening, take a candlelit tour of the charming Bayside Inn, Jolly Olde English-style Twin Oaks Inn and quaint Ivy Inn. Travel from inn to inn savoring holiday cuisine, such as Chicken Wellington, with festive entertainment.

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cocktail for the Man of Leisure. The Dark and Stormy is the signature cocktail of the century-old Kent Country Club, which offers 130 acres of rolling vistas pockmarked by blue-haired duffers. When this reporter asked for the recipe, the grizzled bartender looked over his shoulder while pulling out a massive bronze key. He carefully turned the lock on an ancient wormwood box. The lid creaked, dust swirled, and he pulled out his iPhone, tapped an app, and there it was: Gosling’s Black Seal Rum and ginger beer over ice. Add a lime and you’re back in Bermuda.

Christmas Candlelight Progressive Dinner Great Escape Inns of Saugatuck Dec. 7 and 8 grandescapeinns.com, (800) 647-6023

Kent Country Club 1600 College Ave., Grand Rapids kentcountryclub.com, (616) 363-6811

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Dark and stormy is a crummy way to start a novel. But it’s a fantastic

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It’s always something.

Whether having to pay taxes or not being able

to find the caviar in the yacht, it’s always something for the Man of Leisure. That’s also the title of an album by fan-favorite Mid-Life Crisis. The band’s name is a play on the members’ ages, all of whom are living out their musical dreams by playing soul-infused rock music.

Mid-Life Crisis mlcband.com

When one can eat whatever he wants, whenever he wants and wherever he feels like, it is refreshing to sample the mysterious morsels on the charcuterie menu at Reserve. A favorite is the Prosciutto Di Parma DOP. Lusciously fattened ham hocks have been massaged with fistfuls of salt by rosy-cheeked Italian virgins before taking a year-long nap amidst ancient chestnut trees. Pair a pile

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of paper-thin Prosciutto with soft goat cheese from Michigan and Italian Gorgonzola cheese for a memorable meal.

Reserve Wine and Food 201 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids reservegr.com, (616) 855-9463

The Man of Leisure loves nothing better than nubile, young bodies flitting about over his head. He will absolutely adore “Cirque de Noel” by the Grand Rapids Symphony. This exciting holiday production features veterans from Le Cirque — aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers, balancers and strongmen — performing to classical and seasonal holiday favorites. It will have the passion of Mannheim Steamroller without the sag.

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Grand Rapids Symphony Presents Fifth Third Cirque de Noel DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids Dec. 18-20, 7:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $32 devosperformancehall.com, (616) 742-6500

Pop Culture Nerd

The Pop Culture Nerd loves all things from the past and present, as long as it is ironic. Here’s a list of things to do with the mass media consumer in your life. B y N i c k M a n e s

DJ Jef L eppard basically screams pop culture. The dude drives a Ford Pinto all over town. He wears vintage sunglasses. He LOVES Eighties music. All this makes him the perfect DJ/ Host for the monthly Retro D’luxe dance party, held in the venue section of The Pyramid Scheme.

A trip to Retro D’luxe includes your favorite Eighties hits, and maybe some shirtless hipsters dancing to Springsteen.

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Retro D’luxe The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids Dec. 20, 9 p.m., $20 pyramidschemebar.com, (616) 272-3758

Aside from brewing beer and making delicious wood-fired pizzas, Harmony Brewing Company’s bartenders put together some handcrafted, pop-culture-infused cocktails. Among them is the “Dude Abides,” a White Russian made with Harmony’s house-made root beer, and is something Jeffrey Lebowski would drink a few of. Harmony also brews a Bronson Pinchot brown ale that’s occasionally on draft, and has featured a Liz Lemoned Sangria and Lil’ Sebastian IPA.

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Harmony Brewing Company 1551 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids harmonybeer.com, (616) 233-0063

It’s probably not a surprise that musicians are also into pop culture. The Extra Texture takes it to the next level, playing the occasional warehouse show infused with a laser installation and double projection screens. “We definitely like to have fun with music, and we like to experiment with different layers and tonal textures,” said Guitarist Justin Golinski. “Dynamics are surely a main focal point in the next steps we’re taking as a band.” While The Extra Texture is primarily taking the winter off to work on recording an album, Golinski says the band members are

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The Extra Texture Search Facebook: The Extra Texture

Short’s Brewery in Northern Michigan has certainly made a name for itself for its experimental beers. While the food does not get the same press, it certainly is no slouch. The fare may appear typical for a brewery — pizzas, sandwiches, salads, etc. — but it is expertly prepared and delicious. Also, nearly every dish is named after a song from experimental rock band, Ween. Examples include the Mutilated Lips Pizza, the Where’d the Cheese Go? Sandwich and the Roses Are Free appetizer.

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Shorts Brewing Company 121 N. Bridge St., Bellaire shortsbrewing.com, (231) 498-2300

It doesn’t get much more “pop culture” than watching a tribute band perform classic ‘70s hits made famous in this generation by a ‘90s film based on a b ook w ritten in the ‘8 0s .

However, attendees at the Orbit Room will have just that opportunity when The Musical Box, “the exclusive, authorized by Peter Gabriel, recreation of Genesis,” performs the band’s classic record, The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway.

American Psycho monolog ues are optional.

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Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

certainly open to playing shows, particularly local ones.

The Musical Box The Orbit Room, Grand Rapids Dec. 14, doors at 6:30 p.m. $23.50-$38.50, 16+ orbitroom.com, (616) 942-1328

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Bookworm

Dragging Bookworms into the real world can be a challenge when there’s a good book, a cozy armchair and a hot mug of tea to be had. Here’s how to convince the Bookworm to ditch the comfy sweatpants and re-acclimate to society. B y M e a gh a n M i n k u s

Here’s something to boost a Bookworm’s creative juices. In conjunction with the Grand Rapids Art Museum’s Real/Surreal exhibit, which juxtaposes reality and imagination, the GRAM is showing a series of surrealist films. December 8th’s offering is The Fall, in which an injured stuntman and a girl with a broken arm in a 1920’s Los Angeles hospital tell each other stories of five mythical heroes that start to seem all too real as the film progresses.

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Real/Surreal Film Series: The Fall Grand Rapids Art Museum Dec. 8, 2 p.m. artmuseumgr.org, (616) 831-1000

Ta k e y o u r a n t i s o c i a l Bookworm out for a dark, brooding drink — preferably one that’s been aged in a cellar for a few years. In addition to its freshly brewed beer, New Holland Brewing Company boasts its Library Brews, which are different beer picks that are kept in the brewery’s cellar library to slowly reach barrel-aged goodness. While some beers are as young as last year, the oldest is a 2005 Dragon’s Milk — the perfect match for the musing, writerly type.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

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New Holland Brewing Company 66 E 8th St, Holland newhollandbrew.com, (616) 355-6422

The Red Sea Pedestrians and the Corn Fed Girls will be spending New Year’s Eve playing Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Abbey Road in their entirety. While the evening starts out with original songs from each local group, the show continues into a night of Beatles magic that will have the Bookworm singing along.

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The Red Sea Pedestrians & Corn Fed Girls Kalamazoo State Theatre Dec. 31, 9 p.m. $23 in advance, $25 day of show kazoostate.com, (269) 345-6500

Since your Bookworm probably doesn’t have the money to traipse through the worlds of literary legends like Shakespeare, Austen and Dickens, dinner at Chequers may be the next best thing. “It’s just a quaint, out-of-the-way place with lots of nooks and crannies for a bookworm to sit and read and not be obvious,” says Dining Room Manager Georgeann Corbett. Corbett recommends the shepherd’s pie or the fish & chips, along with a Bass Ale or Guinness stout to wash it down.

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Chequers 220 Culver St, Saugatuck (269) 857-1868

Next to Normal earned writer Brian Yorkey the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and a nomination for the 2009 Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical, both of which he shared with composer Tom Kitt. The musical follows a suburban family desperately trying to appear normal. Sixteenyear-old Natalie struggles to escape from her older brother’s shadow, housewife Diana battles bipolar disorder and stops taking her medication, and husband Dan attempts to keep his family from spinning out of control.

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Next to Normal, presented by Actors’ Theatre Spectrum Theatre, Grand Rapids Through Dec. 15, 8 p.m. actorstheatregrandrapids.org, (616) 234-3946

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Buzzkill

It’s hard enough to shop for people, but when it comes to gifting the proverbial “wet blanket,” he or she won’t like the items, can’t use them or already has it (and tells you that with great disdain). B y M i s s y B l a c k

If the world’s going to end, the Buzzkill probably already “told ya so.”

UICA’s End of the World Party on Dec. 21 features a DJ, cocktails and appetizers, as well as the opening of Utopia/Dystopia. The exhibition features works portraying different views on the end of the world. Even auction items get playful, featuring “bucket list” experiences or “things you want to do before the end of the world,” says UICA’s Director of Development Kristine Palosaari.

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When “Killjoy” is out dining with the few friends he or she has, it’s always a struggle. When the table finally agrees on an appetizer that gets the majority vote — like the Garlic Dill Monkey Bread selection — it’s still not going to happen. The dejected personality picks the Crispy Brussels Sprouts. Talk about a letdown — but no! The sprouts are saturated in a ginger-blood orange glaze that is sweet, crunchy and surprisingly awesome.

That’s the last vegetable you’d ever decide on for a starter but the Buzzkill makes it work this time.

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End of the World Party Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, Grand Rapids Dec. 21, 8 p.m.

Call UICA for admission info uica.org, (616) 454-7000

Bostwick Lake Inn 8521 Belding Rd. NE, Rockford thegilmorecollection.com, (616) 874-7290

When the Buzzkill wants to head out for drinks, he means just some coffee, alone, in a corner of the cozy Chapbook Café inside Schuler Books & Music — and he’s got a stack of self-help books to ward off any potential social interaction.

With a mile-long list of beverages, the ultimate “downer” can hole up and drink the night away with an espresso, cappuccino, latte, chai, hot tea, smoothies or Italian or French sodas.

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Schuler Books & Music Various locations schulerbooks.com

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

With a band name like The Moody Coyotes, our “Debbie Downer” type is sure to be intrigued. The multiinstrumental acoustic band from Kalamazoo features guitar, bass, percussion, mandolin, banjo, harmonica — and just about anything else with strings and frets.

The band is described as eclectic Americana: moody, eclectic and howling coyotes. Is anyone else picking up what I’m putting down?

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The Moody Coyotes on Facebook

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Homeboys from way back in the day, our personality has to go see what this Grinch in the Hood production is all about. This parody on How the Grinch Stole Christmas features the Grinch in the ‘hood, heading to different houses with different religions and taking away everyone’s holiday. “It’s the Christmas show for people who are cranky about Christmas and who don’t want to watch It’s a Wonderful Life again,” says Carol Zombro, executive director of Fancy Pants Theater. “We really embrace buzzkills. We offer something for everyone, and during the holidays so many people are depressed.”

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Grinch in the Hood Fancy Pants Theater, Kalamazoo Dec. 13-16, 20-22 fancypantstheater.webs.com

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Eccentric

Eccentric personalities seek out colorful experiences and favor exotic things peppered with the familiar. Tastes range from the flair for the eccentric to finely curated obsessions. B y A u d r i a L a r s e n

The Holiday Balloon Fest in Battle Creek is a quirky event to take your best eccentric comrade during this season’s festivities. Enjoy more than 70 hot air balloons as they float through the crisp, wintry sky. Watch the competition and check out the educational booths to learn more about the science and passion behind balloonists.

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Holiday Balloon Fest Kellog Community College, Battle Creek Dec. 1-2 holidayballoonfest.com

The Black Owl Café is a snazzy new joint that replaced The Strutt in Kalamazoo. Take your favorite Eccentric out for a unique cup of joe, like the Maple Bacon Coffee from Kalamazoo Coffee Company. Open seven days a week, the café’s cozy atmosphere will warm the cockles of your heart. And you can grab a bite, too. Try a gourmet pizza or other light meal offerings while you sip and plot your next exciting adventure.

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Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

The Black Owl Café 414 Walbridge St., Kalamazoo (269) 459-1334

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Music is a must for the Eccentric in your life. Classically trained violinist Ritsu Katsumata flouts traditional genres with her own electric compositions, creating soundscapes that marry classical styles with post-modern and pop-rock vibes.

She infuses her music with multi-media experiences that envelop the senses and seeks to find similarities in the blended styles. “It’s all selfexpression,” Katsumata said. “All the music points to some sort of emotional experience.”

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Ritsu Katsumata ritsu.com

Who needs forks? The Eccentric in your life probably doesn’t.

Little Africa, aka Teshlou’s, specializes in Ethiopian cuisine that happens to be vegan. Omnivores will love the rich flavors and wide range of spices. Your meal is served atop injera, a spongy flatbread, on a large platter with hearty dollops of various delights like soy curry, lentils, tomato salad and much more. You simply tear sections of the bread to scoop up your meal. And the thick, spiced tea and mango smoothies are a must. Perfect for gatherings, a shared platter will leave you stuffed.

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Little Africa 956 Fulton St. E, Grand Rapids (616) 222-1169

Cult figures Edith Bouvier Beale and her daughter “Little” Edie Beale are the epitome of eccentric personalities. As the aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, respectively, the Beales went from society figures to recluses, dwelling in a derelict manse. Documentaries have been filmed about the pair, and now you can experience their story on the stage in Grey Gardens: The Musical. Set in 1941 and 1973, the theatrical production explores the Beales in all their unique glory.

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Grey Gardens: The Musical Parish Theater, Kalamazoo Jan. 18-Feb. 3, show times at 2, 7:30 and 8 p.m. $12-$23 kazoocivic.com, (269) 343-1313

FILM BUFF

Picking out a movie for a film buff is like picking out a foreign policy for the president: most people are just not qualified to do it. Think outside the screen, and take your special film buff on the town.

B y A n ya Z e n t m e y e r

The U ICA welcomes Jim Hubbard, producer of UNITED IN ANGER: A History of ACT UP. The feature-length documentar y chronicles the grassroots efforts of ACT UP (the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power) and uses archival footage and interviews borrowed from the ACT UP Oral History Project to bring personal struggle to the screen.

Included are major historical events like Seize Control of the FDA, Stop the Church, and Day of Desperation that brought the AIDS crisis into public focus.

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Grand Rapids electro-pop duo, Alexis, has been steadily gaining ground on the music scene with their unique blend of electronica and what members Matthew Forbush and Dan Hurst describe as “smoky lounge and jazz.” Recently, local filmmaker Ryan Lieske of Familiar Productions (perhaps best known for his direction on the zombie movie, Abed) worked with Alexis on a music video for the band’s upcoming single.

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Alexis musicofalexis.com

UNITED IN ANGER: A History of ACT UP UICA, Grand Rapids Dec. 5, 7 p.m. $5, free for members uica.org, (616) 454-7000

Wealthy Theatre 1130 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids grcmc.org/theatre, (616) 459-4788

Paisano’s Bar & Grill 16 North Main St., Three Rivers paisanosbarandgrill.com, (269) 278-8525

Celebration! Cinema plays host to a smattering of everyone’s favorite holiday cult classics this December.

Opening the first week of December: The holiday classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Will Ferrell as lovable Buddy in Elf. Maureen O’Hara and John Payne come back to life beginning Dec. 8 in Miracle on 34th Street, and the same day, film buffs can crack up with Chevy Chase in Christmas Vacation. On Dec. 15, Celebration! Cinema welcomes White Christmas and every family’s holiday tradition, A Christmas Story. Have fun, but don’t shoot your eye out.

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Celebration! Cinema celebrationcinema.com

REVUEWM.COM | December 2012 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Ever y Tuesday night at 8 p.m., the Meanwhile Bar and Wealthy Theatre team up and sit down for the Meanwhile Film Series. There’s popcorn for everyone, and CMC members have access to Wealthy’s bar, which includes Michigan beers, mixed drinks and wine. Catch cult films and other classics like, The Princess Bride (Dec. 4), The Big Lebowski (Dec. 11) and The Goonies (Dec. 18). Tickets are $6 for general admission and $5 for members.

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Just a stone’s throw away from the historic Riviera Theatre in Three Rivers, Mich., Paisano’s Bar & Grill is a great place to grab a bite to eat after you catch a movie. You might want to plan for a Thursday night, because not only does Paisano’s have live music, but Thursday nights also hook you up with 50 cents off all draft beers.

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Foodie

For Foodies, eating is an act that transcends traditional artistic appreciation. Give them an original experience that will take root in memories spread throughout every sense that cannot be replicated in any social media feed.

B y M a t t S i mp s o n S i e g e l

When the New York Times says an inn may be the ‘grandest place to stay,’ you shouldn’t doubt it. The Belvedere Inn is a Europeanstyle boutique hotel that boasts a Friday and Saturday special with a $100 credit toward a four-course supper for two. Between a three-week aged Chateaubriand and the Veal Sweetbreads Au Gratin, this Foodie dream destination could be the ultimate present. The Bed, Breakfast and Dinner special runs year ‘round, so RSVP soon and keep abreast of the blackout dates.

Eat anything that The Starving Artist Tory O’Haire could possibly feed you this holiday season. Available for lessons and cooking at your parties and events, O’Haire also has his hands busy this season with an emergency cooking hotline via The Starving Artist Facebook page, which helps anyone in need of recipes, ingredient sources, menu planning and more. O’Haire also runs The Full Moon Supper Club, an elite underground dining club that meets once a month. December features a Viennese Christmas-themed dinner.

Tickets may be purchased online.

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The Starving Artist and The Full Moon Supper Club West Michigan the-starving-artist.net, facebook.com/thestarvingartist, facebook.com/ fullmoonsupperclub

The Belvedere Inn 3656 63rd St., Saugatuck thebelvedereinn.com, (269) 857-5777

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Make a dinner party interesting with a “Who Done It?” murder mystery by Grand Rapids’ own The Murder Mystery Co. If you’d rather have the dead body cleanup detail fall to someone else, tickets for two are $60 with a full meal included at Brann’s Sizzling Steaks and Sports Grille. Join the Gold Circle for $15 more per ticket and be thrust into the front row of the performance.

Often riotous and always humorous, surprise your Foodie by not telling them beforehand.

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When the workweek exacts its brain-numbing toll, usually by hump day, it’s time for a drink.

Unfortunately, foodies cannot rely on cheap pitchers, as refined palates require more prestigious deliver y mechanisms. Take your foodie to The Tasting Room inside Webster’s Prime in Kalamazoo. Lounge in a cozy and sublime atmosphere, separate from the main dining room, with countless wines to sample. You could easily spend six months sampling only reds on this expansive list.

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The Tasting Room at Webster’s Prime 100 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo webstersrestaurant.com, (269) 343-4444

Kick it up with the bluegrass at One Trick Pony for a lazy meal with Fauxgrass. Snack on Tricky Chips (homemade chips baked with chicken, green onions,

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tomatoes, and smoked cheddar drowning in brown chicken gravy with a side of chipotle ketchup) or dig into Jerk Chicken Chili Pasta (with chili pepper fettuccine) as Fauxgrass’ banjo-banging beast of a tune, “Jericho,” tears you down.

Fauxgrass One Trick Pony, Grand Rapids Dec. 8, 8 p.m. onetrick.biz, (616) 235-7669

The Murder Mystery Co. Brann’s Sizzling Steaks and Sports Grille 401 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids Dec. 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 31; 7 p.m. $60 grimprov.com, (888) 643-2583

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Survivalist

With the Mayan calendar’s expiration date swiftly approaching, the end is nigh-er than it’s ever been. Fortunately, if you know a Survivalist, you’ll be set for whatever the end of the world entails: zombies, the Rapture or even a full-scale alien invasion. b y M e a gh a n M i n k u s

Go all Katniss Everdeen on unsuspecting prey by practicing your crossbow skills at Grand Valley Sporting Goods’ 20-lane archery range. For $6 (no time limit), bow-hunting enthusiasts can try out their new bows at the 20yard range or even join a league — if you’re into forming alliances, that is.

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Archery Range Grand Valley Sporting Goods 6387 Lake Michigan Dr., Allendale gvsportinggoods.com, (616) 895-6592

The Sand Bar is the perfect place to hide out, listen to some blues and rock n’ roll and wet your whistle with Miller Lite, Foster’s, Bell’s Two Hearted Ale and Leinenkugel Red on tap. With its small-town atmosphere, “It’d be a good place to listen to the blues until the end,” says Manager Pete Curtis. If the world survives Dec. 21, the Sand Bar hosts a New Year’s party featuring the Shirey Brother Band and no cover charge.

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Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

The Sand Bar Saloon 141 Butler Street, Saugatuck (269) 857-2676

When the power grids go down and Survivalists can’t listen to their favorite music, they’ll make their own.

Grand River Music offers acoustic instruments such as guitars, banjos and mandolins, as well as one free lesson to start you off. “It’s mainly a guitar shop, so we mostly teach guitar, but we can also teach banjo, ukulele, mandolin, bass … you name it,” said Owner Terry Poe. While GRM’s 100 lessons per week are mainly taught in the store’s studios, teachers are also able to travel and teach you in your home — perfect for when

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you want musical refreshment but don’t want to leave your cozy bunker.

Grand River Music 1533 Wealthy St, Grand Rapids grandrivermusic.com, (616) 356-6161

To stay on top in a post-apocalyptic world, Survivalists need to keep their trading smarts and reflexes sharp. After scarfing down a KBE Burger (a half-pound, signature four-beef blend) or some Smoked Apple Bacon Pork Chops in true kill-it-and-grill-it style, watch as 28 rotating draft beers constantly change price based on real-time sales just like the stock market. Be ready to predict and pounce on a market crash, when beer prices suddenly drop to all-time lows.

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Kalamazoo Beer Exchange 211 East Water St., Kalamazoo kalamazoobeerexchange.com, (269) 532-1188

The Survivalist will be stressed from planning for impending doom, so relax them a bit with some local laughs. River City Improv has conveniently scheduled some pre-apocalypse shows and provides comedic entertainment that keeps audiences on their toes. After watching skits, songs, improv games and random dance numbers, the Survivalist will come away with fond memories of the lighter side of the human race that will bolster them as they watch everything they’ve ever known crumble into ruins.

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River City Improv Ladies Literary Club, 61 Sheldon Blvd SE, Grand Rapids Performances Dec. 1 and 15 rivercityimprov.com, (616) 752-8570

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Artist

Behind the stoic countenance and blatant disregard for most societal conventions, the artist is just a field mouse scurrying across the Great Plains in search of something inspirational.

By Alexandra Fluegel

Catch a show or exhibition at multimedia alternative art venue Mexicains Sans Frontieres. Located in artist Hugo Claudin’s second-story live/ work space on South Division, the venue has been bringing in eclectic music from all over the world since 2006.

“It’s the kind of stuff you would see in the page of The Wire UK,” said Claudin. The venue is also home to Claudin’s work and often serves as a place for other local artists to show their stuff.

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Mexicains Sans Frontieres 120 S. Division Ave. #226 hugo-claudin.blogspot.com

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

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RockwellRepublic’s Espresso Martini has all the markers of a libation fit to ignite a spark of creativity. Created using Van Gogh double espresso vodka, vanilla Stoli, espresso liqueur, cream and espresso beans, this martini gives the artist that extra jolt of energy for a night in the studio.

Be sure to take your friend on a Thursday when all martinis are half off. Just because they may be a starving artist doesn’t mean they have to drink like one.

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Rockwell-Republic 45 S. Division, Grand Rapids rockwellsrepublic.com, (616) 551-3563

Brick Road Pizza has a reputation for crafting an artful pizza, no matter what the palate’s preferred medium may be. Vegan and vegetarian options? Countless. Gluten-free? You know it. The eatery not only offers artists the chance to create a vision in seitan pepperoni, it also boasts a

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wealth of bohemian entrées made with fresh, local ingredients and a great selection of Michigan craft brews.

Brick Road Pizza 1017 Wealthy Street, Grand Rapids brickroadpizza.com, (616) 719-2409

Dante Cope released his latest project, Atticus and Atilla, just in time for gift-giving season.

Lush with multilayered drums, driving saxophone riffs and gripping vocals, the album is the “start of a new view on how hip-hop music is made,” Cope said. The inspiration for the project came from a variety of sources, including Stevie Wonder, To Kill a Mockingbird and indie-rock band Noisettes, and applies longform recording techniques from the ‘60s and ‘70s to modern hip-hop. “In short, less words and more meaning,” Cope said.

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Dante Cope Billy’s Lounge, Grand Rapids Dec. 27, 9 p.m., $5 billyslounge.com, (616) 459-5757

Purveyors of art cinema have a place to get their fix every month, or twice if they’re feeling frisky. Cinema Sundays at the Muskegon Museum of Art screens famous films spanning the globe and dating back to the 1920s. The film club focuses on key works of cinema’s major directors and national cinema movements — from Hungary to Japan to Italy and Senegal. Local film scholar E.J. Hamacher is on hand to introduce each film and each screening is followed by an open discussion.

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Cinema Sundays Muskegon Museum of Art Free with museum admission, members free muskegonmuseumofart.org, (231) 720-2585

Bar Star

Whether he’s looking for regrettable, drunken coitus or simply to clang glasses of beer together with his friends while watching his favorite sports team lose, the bar star is attracted to all things social and booze-related. To him, it’s all a matter of simple math: Alcohol + People = Awesome. B y D w a y n e H o o v e r

On those rare occasions when you find yourself at home instead of out at your favorite watering hole, why not bring the bar to you? Saugatuck Brewing Company lets your Bar Star use the professional equipment on premise to create his own brew. Get expert advice on how to make your perfect brew and use that info as your next icebreaker. $250 gets you four hours of brewing and 11 gallons of beer (or 60 22-ounce bottles). For scheduling, call SBC at (269) 857-7222.

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Saugatuck Brewing Company 2948 Blue Star Highway, Douglas sbrewing.com, (269) 857-7222

If you’re eager for a night life spot that offers a bit more sophistication and class, look no further than The Gatsby in Kalamazoo. Throw on your preppiest outfit, get out and hit the dance floor, or just kick back and take advantage of the VIP seating and bottle service offered. The Gatsby boasts not only a posh location and atmosphere, but an extensive drink menu as well.

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The Gatsby Nightclub 310 2nd St., Kalamazoo thegatsby.co, (269) 290-1900

Papa Pete’s 502 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo papapete.net, (269) 388-2196

The five-piece punk-rock outfit The Hex Bombs proudly proclaims, “We Are Rock and Roll.” Sporting a sound that’s very much rooted in anthem punk, these guys have become a staple in the Kalamazoo music scene since 2006, bringing both a stable fan base and rolling party along for the ride. So grab some friends, raise your glass and get ready to sing along to the chorus.

The Hex Bombs thehexbombs.com

Mega ‘80s The Intersection, Grand Rapids Dec. 14 and 29, 8 p.m., $10, 21+ sectionlive.com, (616) 451-8232

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Party like it’s, well, the ‘80s. The Intersection hosts the nostalgic stylings of the Mega ‘80s twice in December, once on the 14th and again on the 29th, much to the delight of hair spray and shoulder pad enthusiasts alike. Strap on those stirrup pants, throw on your Members Only jacket and take in a show that fully embraces a decade that most of us won’t admit that we miss.

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REVUEWM.COM | December 2012 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Don’t blow your hard-earned cash on five-dollar pizzas consisting of processed cheese and cardboard crust.

Instead, head on down to Papa Pete’s for some of the homemade pie that is frequently cited as one of the best in Kalamazoo. Not in the mood for pizza? Order from Papa Pete’s sister restaurant, the Blue Dolphin, which boasts a selection of both American and Greek. Enjoy some grub before taking in live music or wooing the opposite sex on Latin Salsa Night.

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Hoarder

Gifts big or small are happily accepted by the Hoarder because the only thing better than a shaving kit is three shaving kits!!! B y M i s s y B l a c k

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Holiday shopping for friends and loved ones (and of course yourself) is easy when you head to the Uptown Holiday Shop Hop. Shop local, shop a lot and shop until you drop — major coin.

“People get out and are able to try different foods and see new stores,” said Amy Ruis from Art of the Table. If walking gets to be too much and bags are too full (they will be), shoppers and Hoarders can hop onto one of the six Dash buses for warmth and convenient transportation.

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Uptown Holiday Shop Hop Uptown Grand Rapids Neighborhood Dec. 6, 4-9 p.m. uptowngr.com

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The Hoarder heard the word rehab and signed up, but this has nothing to do with their stuff issues. Instead, the Rehab Brunch at Stella’s Lounge offers greasy, awesome food from noon to 1 a.m. and a $5 Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar from noon to 5 p.m. every Sunday. Fixins include Ugly Dog Bacon Vodka, citrus and habanero-infused tequila and tons of additions such as, “hot sauces, pickled beets, sausages, blue cheese stuffed olives, celery and tons more,” according to Assistant General Manager Lindsay Fussman.

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Stella’s Lounge 53 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids stellasgr.com, (616) 742-4444

It’s no surprise that the Hoarder wants to get a lot of food for his money, so off to Vitale’s it is. Stop into the Leonard Street location — considered a Grand Rapids institution — and try some Spitini.

It’s Mr. Vitale’s family recipe of stuffed sirloin steak served with spaghetti. The Hoarder can eat a ton of food or stay home and take part in the restaurant’s many take-out specials.

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Vitale’s 834 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids theoriginalvitales.com, (616) 458-8368

The Mushmen play ‘90s ska with new wave elements. With so much high school nostalgia, the Hoarder wants to scoop it all up and save it just like scraps pasted into a yearbook. “We’re playing the kinds of music everybody sold their collection of,” said frontman Scott Rouse. “We are out of date and out of style. We are probably something that should have been thrown away from other people’s perspectives.” Get a piece of The Mushmen Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum.

Also new from these guys is a 7-inch split

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with The Sailor Kicks from Grand Rapids. I smell a collector’s item here… kerosenemachinerecords.com/artist/ themushmen

Packrats and hoarders know how to make the most of their (lack of) space. Cramming it all in is their specialty.

Crawlspace Eviction packs in the laughs and is pegged as Kalamazoo’s hope for comedy. The improv and sketch comedy group hosts two shows Jan. 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. at Farmers Alley Theatre. Come out by the hoards to get a mix of sketch and improv comedy. “They can take a break from their psychosis to participate in ours,” says Director Dann Sytsma. “They can see people crazier than them.”

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Crawlspace Eviction Farmers Alley Theatre 221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo crawlspacetheatre.com, (269) 343-2727

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Hippie

It may be 2012, but hippie culture still hangs around like the thick scent of freshly burnt Nag Champa. Hippies dedicate themselves to sharing with others, be it tie-dye techniques, half-read copies of the Tao Te Ching or spare rice cakes, but you know that in their hearts they like to receive as much as the rest of us. B y K y l e A u s t i n

It’s hard to impress the rest of the hacky sack circle unless one is properly limbered up, and there’s no better way to do so than attending one of the Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse’s Sunday evening power Vinyasa community classes. “Vinyasa is vigorous, high-energy yoga,” said Owner Kerri Reinbold. “It’s what our studio is based on.” For only $5 per session, your pal can sweat out the toxins in Funky Buddha’s 95-degree hothouse studio.

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Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse 1331 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids yogahothouse. com, (616) 459-9642

Hippies are always looking out for their mother — Mother Earth, that is. When it’s time to unwind after a long, hard day of not working for “the man,” they yearn for a beer that leaves behind the smallest carbon footprint possible. Enter: Brewery Vivant, the nation’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified microbrewery. Every time a tab is popped on one of Vivant’s eco-friendly aluminum cans, a hippie gets his dreadlocks.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

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Brewery Vivant 925 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids breweryvivant.com, (616) 719-1604

In the ’60s, communes seemed to hold the secret to responsible, healthy living. Then the Manson Family came along and ruined it for

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everyone. Thankfully, Bartertown Diner can still give the hippie on your list a taste of communal eating with a full menu of vegetarian, vegan and raw food dishes. “A lot of people assume that [vegan food] is bland, but here we have experienced chefs and fresh, local ingredients,” said Bartertown employee Onya Jackson. “It makes a huge difference.”

Bartertown Diner 6 Jefferson St., Grand Rapids bartertowngr.com, (616) 233-3219

No local musicians embody the true ideals of hippiedom more than Seth Bernard and May Erlewine, Michigan’s first couple of folk. The de facto face of Earthworks Music, Seth and May play a mix of folk, blues, rock and Americana that celebrates community. Treating the hippie in your life to a night of music that entertains and inspires won’t be difficult, as the pair regularly plays shows in West Michigan.

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Seth Bernard and May Erlewine sethandmay.com

Pop culture’s Age of Aquarius may technically be over, but don’t tell your hippie friend.

Instead, take them to see Hair, which comes to Miller Auditorium Feb. 26. The classic counterculture musical is filled with enough nudity, political protest, drugs and rock n roll to make any 21st century hippie believe that they’re right in the middle of the time period they’re always telling you they should have been born in.

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Miller Auditorium 2200 Auditorium Drive, Kalamazoo Feb. 26-27, 7:30 p.m.

Tickets range $25-$55 millerauditorium.com, (269) 387-2300

M EL IS S A FE R R IC K DECEMBER 8

8:00PM - TICKETS $30

DECEM BERSO NGS

DECEMBER 9 6:00PM - TICKETS $30

NOW-CHRISTMAS (BEST SELECTION BEFORE 1PM)

AUGUST H O N O R DEBCEYMBER 15 8:00PM - TICKETS $20

JANUARY-APRIL SATURDAY 10AM - 1PM

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

www.fultonstreetmarket.org

REVUEWM.COM | December 2012 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

FRIDAY & SATURDAY 8AM - 3PM

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Thespian

The Thespian is an artsy dreamer who longs to be swept up into imaginary worlds of impressive sights, sounds and stories.

Thespians are also quite fond of drama — especially when they are the center of it. B y A l l i s o n P a r k e r

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre welcomes actors, singers and dancers of all experience levels to bring nine main stage show s to West Michiganders per season. More than 800 volunteers each year lend their skills as carpenters, technicians, costume sewers, stagehands and more. “We are a community theater, so pretty much anything here is a volunteer opportunity,” said Mary Jo DeNolf, director of volunteers and operations. “You not only help out at the theatre, but also support the arts.” Here’s the perfect chance to scratch a theater itch while becoming what DeNolf calls “part of the Civic Theatre family.”

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Grand Rapids Civic Theatre 30 N. Division Ave., Grand Rapids grct.org, (616) 222-6650

Shakespeare’s Pub offers live music and specialty drinks. The building’s previous occupant, Shakespeare’s Rod and Reel, inspired the fish hook and ink pot logo that playfully commemorates both the previous business and good old Will Shakespeare himself .

Bardolators represent!

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Shakespeare’s Pub 241 East Kalamazoo Avenue, Kalamazoo, shakespearespub.com, (269) 488-7782

Big, audacious and unapologetic toward its haters, the opera offers everything thespians love, from intriguing plots to striking scenery.

Luckily, Opera Grand Rapids still has two more performances left this season: Mozart’s darkly sensual Don Giovanni and Giuseppe Verdi’s tragic classic La Traviata. Pre-

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performance talks and English subtitles erase language barriers, allowing audiences to easily soak in sweeping sights and soaring sounds.

Don Giovanni DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids Feb. 8-9, 7:30 p.m., Tickets start at $21 La Traviata DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids May 3-4, 7:30 p.m., Tickets start at $21 operagr.com, (616) 451-2741

When standard fare just doesn’t have enough pizzazz to resonate with your creative vibe, head to Theatre Bar for great drinks and tasty seafood. Enjoy the sushi and oyster bar, and feel your artistic energy revive when you order a helping of lizard tongues, or as less imaginative folks call them, potato skins. For a similarly snazzy drink option, try the chocolaty Starry Night or the fruity Times Square.

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Theatre Bar 23 Washington Ave., Grand Haven harborrestaurants.com, (616) 844-5055

For us drama llamas, the bolder the better, and nothing says “in your face” quite like life-size horse puppets charging thunderously across the stage. Whether taking first steps on wobbly foal legs or rearing with a shrill whinny and proud toss of the head, these equines are breathtaking examples of exquisite artistry.

Based on the novel that inspired last year’s Academy-Award nominated film, War Horse recounts a boy’s extraordinary journey to recover his four-legged friend who was sold to the cavalry in World War I.

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War Horse Wharton Center, East Lansing Dec. 5-9, show times at 1, 1:30, 2, 6:30, 7:30 and 8 p.m. $32-$72, whartoncenter.com, (517) 353-1982

Sporty

Chugging sports drinks, knowing every player’s stats and life story and making you feel guilty about your own sedentary lifestyle are just a few of the Sporty’s natural talents. Here are some hints to help you keep up with them this holiday season. B y C a m i S o r e n s e n

The sporty is in better shape than you, and their daily Facebook workout updates prove it. If a combination of holiday spirit and a last-ditch attempt at actually keeping a New Year’s resolution compels you to finally accept offers to run a race with your sporty pal, suggest the Hot Chocolate 5k in Kalamazoo. The race is untimed and intended to be non-competitive, but there’s no guaranteeing Sporty won’t excessively celebrate the fact that they finished before you hit the two-mile marker. The good news is that while they bask in their runner’s high, you can revel in the free hot chocolate waiting for you at the finish line.

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Hot Chocolate 5k Linden Grove Middle School 4241 Arboretum Parkway, Kalamazoo Dec. 15, 9:30 a.m. $25 pre-race, $30 day of girlsontherunkazoo.org/events

Mitten Brewing Company 527 Leonard Street NW, Grand Rapids mittenbrewing.com, (616) 608-5612

A broad variety of music appeals to the sporty, and that’s just what they’ll get from Great Scott!, a Grand Rapids-based cover band. A set list that includes well-known sports anthems such as “Baby Got Back,” “Sweet Caroline” and

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Great Scott! greatscottlive.com

The sports enthusiast may have superstitious anxieties when it comes to moving from their “lucky spot” on the couch when their favorite team is playing. To calm those nerves, convince them to put down their Gatorade, head to Spectators Sports Grill & Bar and pick up beer and eats, featuring classic pub fare, as well as entrées such as prime rib and Lake Perch. The 26 TVs inside will have them wondering why they didn’t think of it sooner. Keep your head on a swivel, Sporty.

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Spectators Sports Grill & Bar 6432 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck spectatorsrestaurant.com, (269) 857-5001

Bring the sportsperson in your life to a Muskegon Lumberjacks game for a night of shoulder-checking, jersey-ripping, hotdog-and-beer-devouring bliss.

The sporty loves to be the hipster of the athletic world, allowing them to be able to say that they witnessed an athlete play before they were famous. With 192 alumni in the NHL, the United States Hockey League (USHL) provides the Lumberjacks with the opportunity to be the next big thing, and your sports-obsessed friend wants to be there to witness it.

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Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Beer, pizza and baseball — a Sporty’s dream team — is found at The Mitten Brewing Company. Owners and childhood friends Max Trierweiler and Chris Andrus introduce baseballthemed brews such as Peanuts and Crackerjack and Eighty-Four to pair with homemade, gourmet pizzas. Throughout baseball season, all five TVs will be tuned in to Tigers games, and during the offseason, catch a football or basketball game while you wait for April to roll around again.

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“Living la Vida Loca” is sure to keep the sporty singing and dancing.

Muskegon Lumberjacks LC Walker Arena 470 W. Western Ave., Muskegon insidemuskegonlumberjacks.com (231) 726-3879

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VINTAGE

These personalities take “old school” to the extreme. They’ve seen every John Hughes movie, have a closet filled with thrift-store finds and own more records and eight-tracks than digital downloads. B y S t e ph a n i e K a n g

Vintagers don’t have to give up those dolphin shorts and tube socks of roller disco yesteryear.

At Kentwood Fun Spot, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back into the 1970s with its fully stocked arcade and roller rink. Kentwood Fun Spot offers family centered or adult-only skating schedules, as well as roller skating lessons or private parties, so be prepared to get your groove (or skate) on at this hot spot.

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Kentwood Fun Spot 14 52nd St., Kentwood kentwoodfunspot.com, (616) 534-8106

All true Vintagers dig old architecture. That’s why they choose Jamesport Brewing Company as the drinking destination of choice. The late Victorian storefront was built in 1890 and housed a wide variety of trades throughout the years, including a saloon, butcher shop and antique store, just to name a few. So while you kick back, relax and sip on microbrews with your vintage-loving friend, make sure to take some time to embrace your inner historian at this center of Ludington history.

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drink

Jamesport Brewing Company 410 S. James St., Ludington jamesportbrewingcompany. com, (231) 845-2522

If you like to reminisce on the days of shoulder pads and Devo hats, then Starfarm is, like, totally what you need to satisfy your ‘80s fix. With this ‘80s-only cover band performing all of the best throwbacks, the Vintager will walk like an Egyptian and safety dance the night away. Starfarm performs at

listen

several venues all across West Michigan this month, including Billy’s Lounge in Grand Rapids on Dec. 28.

Starfarm starfarmband.com

At Real Food Café, you’ll feel like you’ve gone back to a time of sock hops and soda shops.

Resembling a classic 1950s diner, Real Food is full of charm and delicious food and is the go-to restaurant for Vintagers in the mood for some hearty, all-American breakfast or lunch. Real Food Café is cash-only, so make sure to come prepared with a pocket of cash and an empty stomach.

eat

Real Food Café 2419 Eastern Ave. SE, Grand Rapids (616) 241-4080 5430 Northland Drive NE, Grand Rapids (616) 361-1808

Long before auto-tuning and Heidi Montag’s singing career (can you believe that actually happened?), there was a voice above all the rest—The Voice. We’re talking about the good ol’ crooner himself, Frank Sinatra. My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra pays homage to the man that brought us the Rat Pack and hits like “New York, New York” and “Come Fly with Me.” Running Dec. 1 through Dec. 23, this show satisfies the Vintager in need of some jazzy, sentimental tunes. Tickets are $35.

watch

My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra Farmers Alley Theatre, Kalamazoo Dec. 1-23, show times at 2, 7:30 and 8 p.m. $33-$35 farmersalleytheatre.com, (269) 343-2727

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REVUEWM.COM | December 2012 |

DECEMBER Wednesday

Thursday

28 no cover

Nathan Holley Live

29 Fauxgrass Quartet Karisa Wilson

Nathan Holley Live

no cover

Nathan Holley Live

Nathan Holley Live

26 Nathan Holley Live

DRINK SPECIALS

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

no cover

Westside Soul Surfers

13

Murali Coryell

20

$1.50 PBRs & Old Styles, $1.00 Strohs & High Lifes (9pm-close) Happy Hour till Midnight ($1.50 well drinks, $2 domestic beers) Happy Hour till Midnight ($1.50 well drinks, $2 domestic beers) “Schell’s and Wells” $2 Schell ‘s Bottles / $2 Well drinks ($3 talls) $1 off all pints, $2 off all Pitchers ( 9:00pm - Midnight) “Fire Sale Fridays” $2 Hand Selected Microbrews (all day) “Sierra Saturdays” $3 Pints / $9 Pitchers (7pm-close)

$5

Hip Pocket

21

$5

Suport Presents: 27 First Annual Briskstreet Reunion $5 Suport / Raldawg (Chicago) 61Syx Teknique

15

$5

T.B.A.

Convotronics

$5

14

$5

Terrence Parker Dj Psycho

8

$5

18+

19 no cover

7

$5

12

$5 Sango / Seventh Super Dre

Starfarm

Ladies Free Till 11

1

$5

6

Mad Snipes Assorted Anonymous HD/IZZHE/Red Palnet

Saturday

30

$5

5

no cover

Friday

22

$5

$5

Quadraphonic Genetics

Donald Kinsey

28

29

$5

Starfarm

$5

GR Soul Club

We Are Open Xmas Eve! with Bassbin NO COVER NYE Bassbin $10 Cover with Party Favors, Champagne Etc www.facebook.com/billys.lounge

52 | REVUEWM.COM | December 2012

/// Sink’s Spins on Music

ON THE MUSICAL RADAR

T

ime for rockin’ around the Christmas tree. As one of Grand Rapids’ most heralded rock ‘n’ roll success stories, it’s no surprise that The Verve Pipe also boasts one of West Michigan’s most successful holiday traditions: the band’s Christmas show at The Intersection. TVP performs Dec. 22 for its seventh annual Yuletide celebration, though frontman Brian Vander Ark concedes the band doesn’t really do anything special and even avoids playing “silly” holiday songs. It’s just a rollicking dose of nostalgia.

“People love to come home to GR and do what they did when they still lived here,” Vander Ark said.

The Ragbirds — New Year’s Eve show at Founders And they won’t want to miss this one. Vander Ark hints this “could very well be the last” TVP Christmas show, but it’s not the only holiday bash at The to a roots music smorgasbord. Lindsay Lou Rilko says holiIntersection. Mustard Plug returns to the club for its annual day shows like these are special because they promise “an Christmas break spectacular on Dec. 30. explosion of happiness and general fun-having” for fans and performers. The band also plays a Christmas show at Of course, New Year’s Eve brings out the crème de la crème Fennville’s Salt of the Earth on Dec. 16 and an “all-star” of West Michigan’s music scene, with nightclubs across the Mayan-end-of-the-world bash with Jen Sygit, Rachael region hosting NYE hoopla. Founders Brewing Co. trots Davis and others at Kalamazoo’s Bell’s Brewery on Dec. out an impressive lineup, with The Ragbirds, The Crane 21. Unlike TVP, the Flatbellys add a few holiday songs to Wives and Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys treating party-goers sets at this time of year.

In the Works take its time and “record as we go” on its sophomore effort, according to guitarist Troy Reimink.

Meanwhile, Mt. Pleasant metal duo Beast in the Field has completed a new record that’s “beyond cool and loud,” said Schichtel, who hints there are even some surf textures on the album, tentatively titled The Sacred Above, The Sacred Below.

In the retro-recording department, Grand Rapids’ Goon Lagoon studio — with engineer/producer Tommy Schichtel’s vintage gear — is once again working its magic with experimental rock’s Ghost Heart, which earned widespread kudos for its 2011 debut, The Tunnel. The Grand Rapids foursome started laying down new tracks in September and plans to

Wealthy Orphans Throwing Glory If Grand Rapids lays claim to a rootsy Renaissance man, Rick Beerhorst may be it: visual artist, musician, philosopher, community activist, environmentalist, innovator, a member of “the artist version of a circus family.” Accordingly, his transition from singer-songwriter to full-band guy with Wealthy Orphans produced artfully constructed odes to life’s struggles, aging, failed dreams, and, as he puts it, “pushing through to the other side of hardship.”

Recorded at Grand Rapids’ Hoi Polloi with mastering in New York by guitar legend and Les Paul’s son, Gene, the band — Beerhorst, accordionist Michael Schaeffer, bassist Adam Thompson and drummer DJ Viernes — exudes a melancholy, Eastern European folk-rock milieu, driven by Beerhorst’s expressive vocals on the particularly potent “Dangerous Places” and “Broken Dreams.” As such, this one-time solo artist shows he can be an effective band frontman, too.

Simien the Whale Simien the Whale As Simien the Whale, Zachary Guy and Tory Peterson have long embraced a collaborative approach, bringing in players as needed to spice up their variegated music, á la the Gorillaz. But on their most ambitious “break-beat rock” project yet, they outdo themselves brilliantly with a self-titled collection recorded over the course of a year at Mackinaw Harvest Music. The 10-track album — displaying hints of Arcade Fire, Animal Collective, Crowded House, shoegaze — cleverly unwinds pop hooks amid what Guy terms “tonal exploration,” enhanced by different drummers and producers. Toss in its rhythmically soulful underpinnings and this could be one of the catchiest local albums you’ll hear this year. Seriously.

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

REVUEWM.COM | December 2012 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Ghost Heart: In the studio

Matt Ten Clay’s Amber Lit Studio is churning out recording projects, with Tokyo Morose (Sequence of Steps) Tony LaJoye Trio (Thrive), Haunted Leather (Red Road) and Jake Stilson (Stilson Schmilson) recently releasing new albums.

Ten Clay also is working with Julio Gomez, Cabildo and Soundmeetsound, a young experimental Grand Rapids rock band he touts as “extremely talented.” Punk rock’s Antilogical (aka Dustin Anderson, Ryan Cunningham and Ryan Schubert) is cranking out a five-song EP for Silver Maple Kill Records at Cunningham’s Mercury Studios, which also is where Grand Rapids prog-metal band Flood the Desert recorded its Stolen Prophets album. The multitasking Anderson, by the way, hopes to start recording Vol. 3 of the Cedar Rock Basement Program collective this winter.

CD Releases

53

/// Local Music

The Legal Immigrants Rock ‘n’ Roll in its Purest Form | by Jayson Bussa

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

J

54 | REVUEWM.COM | December 2012

o e B o c kh e i m had a major musical epiphany in the ninth grade as he rode the bus to school.

“I don’t really know how I got to the ninth grade without knowing who Led Zeppelin was, but the bus driver was a rocker and she had a Led Zeppelin IV tape and I still remember ‘Black Dog’ coming on and my whole world changed,” Bockheim said.

Naturally, when it came time to form his own project, Bockheim decided he was going to play rock ‘n’ roll in its purest form.

This mentality shows through crystal clear in the music of Grand Rapids’ The Legal Immigrants, which features Bockheim on rhythm guitar and vocals in addition to ex-Rattle Candy guitarist Ian Dodge (lead guitar), Jeff Armstrong (bass) and Tony Lubenow (drums).

The group, which has operated with the current line-up for about a year and a half, will release its self-titled full-length album on Dec. 22 at The Pyramid Scheme with Streetwalking Cheetahs, Chicago Drive and Gunnar from Gunnar and the Grizzly Boys.

Even the band’s recording method is straight up rock ‘n’ roll.

“At the house I used to live in, I had a neighbor across the street,” Bockheim said.

“I’m a pretty neighborly guy and I struck up a conversation with him. He was a single guy,

a retired GM employee. He had no wife and no kids. He had a ’69 Corvette and fishing boat. Every day, literally all he did was go to the YMCA to work out in the morning, come home and drink Busch Light.”

It was a perfect match for The Legal Immigrants. The band’s new bud supplied the room, the guys brought in the recording gear and went to work.

“He even fed us the whole way,” Bockheim said. “It was like a full service studio.”

Bockheim and Co. had the luxury of tackling the project at their own pace, throwing on an improvised number as a final track, just for fun.

“I’m sure we did some things wrong, but we learned a lot,” Bockheim said. “The next batch will always sound better. Some of these tracks we recorded three or four times.

We didn’t put anything on the record that we weren’t comfortable with.” n

The Legal Immigrants album release show

wsg. Streetwalking Cheetahs, Chicago Drive and Gunnar The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids Dec. 22, 8 p.m., $10 pyramidschemebar.com, (616) 272-3758

REVUEWM.COM | December 2012 |

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56 | REVUEWM.COM | December 2012

Visual Art

by Alexandra Fluegel

Leaders and the New School

3

0 o f th e to p texti le an d fi - they thought would be the next generation, the torch b e r artists and 20 of their picks for the bearers, people that would extend what the legends next generation will be featured in Muskegon have already done and eventually become legends Museum of Art’s upcoming Innovators and themselves.”

Legends: Generations in Textiles and Fibers The exhibition explores the creative potential of show running Dec. 13 through March 17, 2013. The the wide array of diverse materials and techniques bepairing of established artists and their ing used in fiber and textile art today. torch bearers seeks to explore the ongo“There are many artists doing ing transformation of fiber arts from things that no one would ever think Innovators and the functional and decorative to the of as textile and fiber-related, and then Legends innovative and experimental. there are people using traditional techMuskegon Museum of Art Grand Rapids-based teacher niques to make work that is anything Dec. 13 through March 17, 2013 and fiber artist Geary Jones curated but traditional,” Jones said. $5-$7, 17 and under and the show, which features the likes of The artwork addresses issues members free Hungarian artist Gyöngy Laky, 90-yearsuch as narrative, identity, ecology, muskegonmuseumofart.org, old Katherine Westphal and man-of-the recycling and political thought, and (231) 720-2570 moment Nick Cave, famous for his demonstrates beauty and visual richbrightly colored Soundsuits. ness achieved through color, pattern, “A lot of these artists have changed texture and form. the scope of both fibers and art in general,” Jones said.

“People are going to be blown away by the He explained although fiber art movement dates variety of work as well as the different amount of back nearly 1,000 years, it has only been taken as a seri- cross-referencing.” ous art form for the last 60 years or so. Jones selected Many new works will debut in the inaugural show, artists he says have cut the boundaries between art and which will then travel to the Schweinfurth Memorial craft and have been major fixtures in the evolution of Art Center in Auburn, N.Y., the Art Museum at the the movement.

University of Kentucky and Colorado State University.

The seeds for the show were sown in 2008 when “A lot of the artists did work specifically for this Jones had the idea to create an exhibition for West exhibit. No one has seen the work before. They not Michigan with a scope fit for the likes of art hubs like only wanted to surprise themselves, but also the audiNew York and Chicago. ence,” Jones said.

“I wanted to do a textile show put together by a The opening reception on Dec. 13 kicks off the textile artist,” Jones said. exhibition’s run and will feature a panel discussion After he began soliciting artists for the show, Jones by top fiber artists, led by the former director of said they immediately jumped on board to assist in Cranbrook Art Academy, Gerhardt Knodel. Reception finding other participants. is free and open to the public, call (231) 720-2598 to “All of the artists had an interactive role,” he said. make reservations if you plan to attend. n “The idea was to get the veterans to recommend artists

Artwork by Nick Cave. Not that Nick Cave.

Urban Lights

Utopia/Dystopia Reception

Year of the Artist

The annual shopping event features a multitude of local artists showcasing their finest handmade wares for one day only. Scarves, mittens, jewelry, ceramics and original art are just a few things shoppers can expect to find inside the shops and galleries along Division Avenue, which will be open extended hours. Gifts for every budget will be available, and everything purchased will help support local artists and businesses.

The Mayans predicted Dec. 21, 2012 to be the end of the world, so this reception may be the last thing you ever do. Utopia/Dystopia imagines the future geo-political landscape with optimism and utopian hope or cynicism and dystopian fear. The works explore the mass produced images that perpetuate a cultural landscape racked with apprehension and fear.

After opening its doors in early 2012, Con Artist Gallery has brought in a variety of shows that highlight artists with a gritty, illustrative edge. To celebrate the successes of 2012 and to usher in 2013 as the “year of the artist,” the gallery is hosting a New Year’s Eve bash filled with new work and old favorites with a special focus on audio/visual combinations. First 25 people in the door receive $5 off the $10 admission price.

South Division between Fulton and Wealthy, Grand Rapids Dec. 8, noon–9 p.m.

(616) 855-0435

Urban Institute for Contemporary Art, Grand Rapids Dec. 21, 6–8 p.m.

Free! uica.org, (616) 454.7000

Con Artist Gallery, Grand Rapids Dec. 31, 8 p.m. $5-$10 conartistcrew.com, (734) 646.6186

REVUEWM.COM | December 2012 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule

Other Art Events

57

by Allison Parker

Theatre

Other Performing Arts Events | by Allison Parker

Balls of Holly 2 (More Balls!)

Dog Story Theater Dec. 13-15, 20-22; show times at 7 and 9 p.m. $10, groups of 20+ call for discount dogstorytheater.com, (616) 894-1252

The theater that brings you Pop Scholars year round adds a Christmas-y spin to their improv offerings this season, not with boughs of holly but with Balls of Holly, a performance as playful and as eager to mix things up as its name implies. Music, sketches and unscripted comedy galore deliver Holiday cheer in a show bound to be a hit with your family and friends.

Grand Rapids to Witness a Tale as Old as Time

The Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical Kalamazoo Civic Theatre Dec. 1-2, 7-9; show times at 2 and 8 p.m.

Tickets $12-23 kazoocivic.com, (269) 343-1313

Quirky nuns are always fun, but Nunsense takes the joke to a new level as a group of loveable sisters turn their convent basement into a TV studio in the hopes of filming their own Christmas special. Chaos and comical mishaps of all varieties ensue, as the nuns sing and dance their way through their own renditions of favorite holiday numbers, even taking on The Nutcracker. Other crack-up moments include a spoof of Village People’s “In the Navy,” renamed “In the Convent,” and a humorous twist on “All I Want for Christmas.”

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

The Nutcracker

DeVos Performance Hall Dec. 14-16, 21-23; show times at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets $20-54 grballet.com, (616) 454-4771 Relive a brilliant holiday classic as the Grand Rapids Ballet Company and the Grand Rapids Symphony team up to dazzle audiences anew with Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Magical scenery, exquisite choreography and music that captures the magic of Christmas like no other return to delight both young and old. Audiences can enter this special world themselves with the Sugar Plum Parades following each matinee performance. This exciting opportunity allows you to step onstage, meet the cast and get a perfect picture for your Christmas card.

58 | REVUEWM.COM | December 2012

B

roadway Grand Rapids invites you to ‘be their guests’ and relive the dazzling spectacle of Disney’s hit musical, Beauty and the Beast.

The classic “tale as old as time” features Grand Rapids’ own Brian Martin, who plays a townsperson and a variety of enchanted objects, including a salt and pepper shaker, a knife and a gargoyle.

“I am in the ensemble, so I do a lot of different things through out the show. I’m also the understudy for Lumiere,” Martin said.

While Martin has performed at other Grand Rapids venues, this particular performance is a childhood dream come true.

“I started when I was just seven years old — that’s when I was bit by the theater bug,” he said. “DeVos Hall — that’s where I would go to see Broadway shows, so to be actually performing at DeVos is so exciting. To come out and give 2,000 people everything I have is just so much fun.”

The onstage performance also adds an extra captivating dimension to the animated film’s beloved story.

“There’s something so special beauty and the beast about live theater and people acDeVos Performance Hall, tually performing,” Martin said.

Grand Rapids “It’s perfect for everyone of all Dec. 26-30; show times at 1,2, ages. We have kids who are fully 6:30 and invested and believe in everything 7:30 p.m. $32-$67 we are doing and adults who broadwaygrandrapids.com understand more, like the humor (616) 235-6285 between Lumiere and Babette.”

An additional bonus of the stage production is several songs not found in the original film version. Alan Menken and the late lyricist Howard Ashman, who scored the film, pooled their creative energies with Tim Rice to bring audiences tunes such as “Home,” and “Human Again.”

“One of my favorites is ‘Human Again,’” Martin said.

“Ashman actually wrote the song when he was dying, so it’s very special.”

Another highlight for Martin is the salt-and-pepper shaker ménage circle with the magic carpet during “Be Our Guest.”

“We wear top hats and all gold — it’s just so much fun,” he said. “The costumes are so cool and the enchanted objects are all so elegant. [The outfits] really transform the characters. After the show, it takes people a second to recognize who we are because the designers are so good at transforming us.”

On top of musical masterpieces and outlandish outfits, the show’s emotional draw adds still further appeal. “ Everybody can connect to the characters because at some point in life, you feel you are the odd one out. It’s about not judging a book by its cover… It’s something everyone can connect to.” n

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59

by Josh Spanninga

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

BILL BELLAMY

Nov. 29 - Dec. 1

GREG WARREN December 6-8

MICHAEL KOSTA

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

December 13-15

DAVE LANDAU

December 20-22

MOSHE KASHER Dec. 27-29 & 31

THEGILMORECOLLECTION.COM

60 | REVUEWM.COM | December 2012

Michael Kosta Comes Home to Michigan

M

i chae l Ko sta may c u rre ntly re s i d e i n L.A., but Michigan will always hold a special place in his heart.

He grew up in Ann Arbor, served as the assistant men’s Tennis coach at University of Michigan and flaunts his Michigan Emmy on the cover of his live comedy album, Champion. He even got Michigan love at Grand Rapids’ first Laughfest: Kosta won $10,000 in a stand-up comedy competition at Dr. Grins.

Before Kosta made a name for himself in the comedy world he played professional tennis, won four Big Ten championships and published a book, 101 Tips for Winning More Tennis Matches. While he was the assistant coach at University of Michigan he would perform at comedy clubs on the side, often for only twenty or Michael Kosta thirty dollars a night. Eventually, when he Dr. Grins, Grand Rapids had to turn down an invitation to perform Dec. 13-15, show times at 8, at a comedy festival in Washington D.C. 9 10:30 p.m. because of his coaching schedule, he real$10-$15 ized he had to make a choice. thebob.com, (616) 356-2000 “I kind of just had this thought in my head, ‘You know, I think I’d rather be pursuing comedy.’ Even though it wasn’t something that was going to make me money, it was just something that I felt more passion toward than coaching tennis.”

It was time for him to say goodbye to his tennis career and hello to the world of comedy.

Once he made his move, Kosta quickly made a name for himself in the comedy circuit by performing at clubs and festivals. While he built up his reputation as a comedian he acquired gigs as a TV host as well. His first hosting job was for the Fox Sports Detroit show CCHA: All Access, which he recalls as being a bit surreal.

“It was kind of like, ‘Oh my God, what am I doing? How am I in Alaska hosting a hockey show on television?’”

It was for this particular show that Kosta won his aforementioned Emmy, and it also opened the door to other TV appearances. He went on to guest host “Attack of the Show,” provided commentary for Tru TV’s “World’s Dumbest” series, and hosts “Sports. Kosta. Basement.” for Funny or Die. “I love hosting,” Kosta said. “I want to be a comedic host, that’s always driven me more than being a comedic actor ... It’s not scripted, you get to use your personality, you get to interview people and try to make them be the star of that moment and I find it really challenging.”

Luckily for us, Kosta’s main job is still performing stand-up, and Michigan continues to be a frequent stop, as he says, “Michigan is my home.”

“It’s by far the state that I play the most. I always look forward to coming back, and every time I do come back I always have great fans that are there.” n

Other Comedy Events Moshe Kasher

Dr. Grins, Grand Rapids Dec. 27-31, show times at 8, 9 and 10:30 p.m. $10-$15 thebob.com, (616) 356-2000 Moshe Kasher is a well-groomed comedian and author of the 2012 memoir Kasher in the Rye: The True Tale of a White Boy from Oakland Who Became a Photo: Frankie Norstad Drug Addict, Criminal, Mental Patient, and Then Turned 16.

He also recently released his hour-long comedy special Moshe Kasher: Live in Oakland exclusively on Netflix. Kasher brings his irreverent, selfdeprecating, black sense of humor to Dr. Grins at the end of the month.

REVUEWM.COM | December 2012 |

61

by Anya Zentmeyer

film

december film festivities It’s getting cold out there, West Michigan, and it’s only going to get colder. So while everyone else’s noses, fingers and toes freeze into icicles out in the unpredictable Michigan tundra, let us help you film lovers seek sanctuary someplace where you can bask in the warm glow of the silver screen.

with love from wealthy

G

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

et in the holiday spirit of giving and get your special someone a Community Media Center membership gift card. A basic membership runs $12 a pop and gets you ticket discounts on various events throughout the year, voting privileges on the Grand Rapids Community Media Center board and (saving the best for last) bar privileges at Wealthy Theatre events. Looking for something a little flashier? $36 could buy your filmloving loved one an all-access membership pass at Wealthy, which gives them all of the liberties as the basic pass, plus the ability to take CMC classes and reserve spaces for the events. Got a family? At $48, a family membership is the same thing as an all-access membership; only it allows members to list two adults and their dependents living in the same household.

“I’d say the $12 membership is great for music and movie lovers who might just want to come to Wealthy Theatre on a regular basis, while the $36 level is great for filmmakers who want to use CMC equipment or take classes,” said Jes Kramer, office manager for Wealthy Theatre.

Want to help give Wealthy Theatre a facelift for the holidays? Good timing. This year, Wealthy is 100 years young, and it’s using the big birthday to launch a Centennial Capital Campaign, which helps the theater go green by reducing its carbon footprint, enhancing existing technologies and climbing on board with everyone’s favorite ‘s’ word: sustainability.

Individuals can make donations online, and if you’re charming enough, ask your employer for a corporate match.

keep your eyes peeled

L

ook for local filmmaker Joshua Courtade around Grand Rapids this month as he uses various locations around the city for an upcoming film called Black Paper.

The indie drama follows Ginny, a woman who, following her husband’s death, starts demonstrating hallucinatory symptoms similar to that of her late husband, Max. The film is shot entirely in black and white, and is described as in the vein of

Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman’s work.

Black Paper started shooting in November and is tentatively scheduled for release on the festival circuit in mid-2013.

The film used fundraising website IndieGoGo to kick-start its cash flow, but campaigns expired and funds are still short, so donors can still contribute by contacting the producer. Go to chucksboy.com for more information.

watch, drink, and be merry

C

harley VanPortfliet of Grand River Pictures kicks off his seventh annual film festival at the Pyramid Scheme on Dec. 16.

The festival began in 2006 at the Hideout Brewing Company, with about 25-30 people tucked away in a side room. The crowd grew, and VanPortfliet expanded the screenings downstairs to accommodate, until last year, when he moved the whole thing to the Pyramid Scheme.

“It ends up to be a party that just happens to be showing films,” VanPortfliet said. “It’s always been relaxed. It got more structure as the years have gone on; it’s gotten more professional, it’s got a bigger audience.”

This year’s event showcases between 10-15 (mostly Michigan-made) short films, including Daniel Falicki’s Falling Horse, Ben

THE HOPE COLLEGE CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS

Balloon cop Wilke’s comedy, Balloon Cop and Courtland Tell’s Cadence.

Year after year, VanPortfliet said, he almost considers calling it the last year, but pushes ahead due to influence of popular demand.

“I don’t know if this will be the last one or not, but I’m going to see how it goes,” he said “I keep saying it is and then by the end of the summer people are like, ‘All right, are you getting ready to do it again?’”

He said when the people are invested in the film festival, it makes him feel that much more invested in making it happen. This year, he has sponsors — Laura Borealis Productions and Synergy Photographic, among a few others.

“I hope people will come up and talk to me and give me feedback,” VanPortfleit said.

“I love talking to not only just the filmmakers, but just the people that come a lot. Definitely approach me, give me your thoughts on how I could make it better.”

The festival didn’t start charging filmgoers until 2009, but even though it costs $5 to get in these days, VanPortfliet said that the cover charge doesn’t go into his pocket, but breaks even for the costs to put on the event. n

THE HOPE COLLEGE CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS

CLOUD NOTHINGS special performance by the pistolbrides

PARK THEATRE

DECEMBER 7, 2012

TICKETS: $5 STUDENTS $12 PUBLIC

DOORS OPEN AT 7:30 PM

62 | REVUEWM.COM | December 2012

CLOUD NOTHINGS special performance by the pistolbrides DECEMBER 7 2012 DOORS OPEN AT 7:30 PM

PARK THEATRE TICKETS: $5 STUDENTS $15 PUBLIC

ES 2 OS /1 CL /15 12

presents

The Pulitzer Prize-Winning Musical

book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey, music by Tom Kitt

“A brave, breathtaking musical!”

-The Washington Post

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! (616) 234-3946

www.atgr.org/next-to-normal

REFRAMED

FOR 2013 NON-CREDIT CLASSES FOR YOUTH & ADULTS

SIGN UP FOR CLASSES IN: Painting • Drawing • Computers

ONLINE

REGISTRATION

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SIGN UP FOR CLASSES: www.kcad.edu/ youth-and-adults

NEW! AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES FOR YOUTH WINTER CLASSES BEGIN JANUARY 7TH

For More Info Or To Register Call: Call: 616.451.2787 ext. 3012 17 Fountain St. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503

CALL US TODAY! Michæl L. Keil, D.O., FAOCO 2500 E. Beltline SE, Suite C Grand Rapids, MI info@keillasik.com (616) 365-5775 REVUEWM.COM | December 2012 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule

Interiors • Photography • Fashion • Metals • Ceramics • And More!

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF SIGHT!

63

Django Unchained

Movie///pREVIEWS

by Diana Nowak Opening Dec. 14

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey After accepting Gandalf the Grey’s quest, a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins sets out on a journey to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor that was overtaken by the dragon Smaug. Thirteen dwarves and the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield, accompany Bilbo to the Lonely Mountain while protecting him throughout the goblin tunnels. It is here that Bilbo procures Gollum’s “precious” gold ring that is destined to one day change Middle-Earth forever.

Opening Dec. 21

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

Cirque Du Soleil: Worlds Away 3-D

64 | REVUEWM.COM | December 2012

Visionary filmmaker James Cameron teams up with Andrew Adamson (Shrek, Narnia) to entertain audiences of all ages with this threedimensional movie that incorporates French circus acts, dance and magic. Journey through surreal worlds and meet imaginary creatures as you follow a separated young couple that is determined to meet in the middle of this fantasy.

Opening Dec. 25

Django Unchained

Quentin Tarantino’s Spaghetti Western-style film tells the story of Django (Jamie Foxx), a slave-turned bounty hunter in search of his wife, Broomhilda (Kerry Washington). His

mentor and fellow reward-seeker Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) promises to tell Django the whereabouts of his wife in return for the capture of the murderous Brittle Brothers. The trail leads them to the infamous “Candyland” plantation run

by Calvin Candie (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his trusted house slave, Stephen (Samuel L. Jackson). Schultz and Django must break Broomhilda out of the barbaric Mississippi slave trade before Candie figures out their true intentions.

Hitchcock

Avant-garde filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock (Anthony Hopkins) creates controversy as he begins shooting his famous 1960 movie, Psycho. His wife, Alma Reville (Helen Mirren), sticks by her husband’s side despite the backlash from skeptical friends and critics who are offended by the film’s inappropriate content.

Go behind the scenes of Hitchcock’s most influential film that created stars like Janet Leigh (Scarlett Johansson), strengthened his marriage and gave inspiration to moviemakers for years to come.

Les Misérables

A high-profile cast (Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried) brings the world’s longest-running musical from the stage to the big screen. Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, director Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech) follows paroled prisoner Jean Valjean while interweaving captivating stories of broken dreams, love and redemption against the backdrop of nineteenth century France during the Revolution. n

REVUEWM.COM | December 2012 |

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Dining Restaurant listings arranged by region

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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REVUEWM.COM | December 2012 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule

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

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

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

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

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

Grand Rapids

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

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

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

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

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

Nightly drink specials and karaoke on Tuesday night.

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

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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.

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

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

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Marie Catrib’s 1001 Lake Dr. 616-454-4020 ECLECTIC. The East Hills eatery has one of the most hard-to-categorize menus in West Michigan, but this line from its website begins to do it justice: “a twist of Lebanese, a hint of Yooper and yen for

Visit revuewm.com/restaurants for our full list.

To submit or correct information, e-mail editor@revuewm.com.

68 | REVUEWM.COM | December 2012

unique pastries.” Everything is made from scratch with local ingredients, and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Get there early for lunch, as there is almost always a wait. SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Salads, soups and sandwiches.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GO THERE FOR: Crepes.

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Reds on The River 8 E. Bridge St. 616-863-8181 AMERICAN. This highly acclaimed restaurant in the Rockford area promises no processed foods. Red’s sports a cylindrical

fireplace and is known for its incredible views and outdoor dining. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays.

GO THERE FOR: Steak and Wine.

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

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

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Rockwell-Republic 45 S. Division Ave. 616-551-3563 ECLECTIC. Menu offerings range from sushi to burgers and everything in between, Rockwell-Republic has something for everyone. The cocktail menu runs the gamut from classics like the Manhattan to more modern variations and the beer and wine menus are nothing to sneeze at either. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Specialty cocktails, broad menu, lively atmosphere.

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

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

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

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San Chez a Tapas Bistro 38 West Fulton St. 616-774-8272 ECLECTIC. Celebrating its 20th year in Grand Rapids and using available local products, San Chez a Tapas Bistro is a social setting where people can remember the one rule of kindergarten: sharing. Featuring small, delicious dishes, San Chez a Tapas Bistro can satiate your desire for variety. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Tapas.

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

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

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REVUEWM.COM | December 2012 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule

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Dining

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

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

GO THERE FOR: Vegetarian and vegan bar food.

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

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

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

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

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

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

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Lakeshore

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

GO THERE FOR: Nightlife.

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

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

SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday.

GO THERE FOR: Salads, Soups, Creme Brulee.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

heartiest breakfast dishes and funniest menu descriptions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Bravo!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule

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

saturday

12.01

Art Center of Battle Creek What Battle Creek Collects Holiday Exhibit, Holly Mart Annual Holiday Sale Barnes and Noble, Rivertown Crossing Mall Author Signing with Michigan Author J. Gabriel Gates Billy’s Lounge Sango, 7th, Super Dre Blandford Nature Center Painting with Evergreens Coral Gables Stand Up Comedy The DAAC DAAC Short Film Festival DeltaPlex Arena Gun & Knife Show DeVos Place Gymnastics on the Grand Eighth Street Market Place Holiday Kerstmarkt

Farmers Alley Theater My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra Felt Estate It’s All About the Dress Fashion Show Fenn Valley Vineyards & Wine Cellar Nouveau Fest Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Roof Top Reindeer, Body Double: The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting, Real/Surreal Film Series: Edward Hopper Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit HSB Building Grand Rapids Toy and Comic Expo John Ball Zoo Breakfast with Santa, Christmas for the Animals Lemonjello’s Coffee Dooga Fruit

Performing Arts Center, GVSU Allendale Campus GVSU Dance Concert Master Arts Theatre The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection, Festival of Trees Noto’s World Tommy Hagan Trio featuring Rick Reuther Odd Side Ales Delilah Dewylde & the Lost Boys Performing Arts Center, Aquinas College AQ Theatre Presents: Reckless Planet Rock Isolation Theory The Pyramid Scheme The Coup, Japanther, LOMOBB, Punksuhate River City Saloon Sookie Jones Saugatuck Brewing Company Venitia Sekema Saugatuck Center for the Arts Winter Greenmarket

Spectrum Theatre Actors’ Theatre of Grand Rapids Presents Next to Normal UICA Family Saturday: Ornament Workshop, 24th Annual Holiday Artists’ Market Wealthy Theatre Grand River Folk Arts Society Presents: Andi and I in Concert West Michigan University’s Williams Theatre Late Night Broadway White House of Saugatuck El Kabong

sunday

12.02

TArt Center of Battle Creek What Battle Creek Collects Holiday Exhibit, Holly Mart Annual Holiday Sale DeltaPlex Arena & Conference Center Gun & Knife Show Farmers Alley Theater My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double: The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum Holiday Open House GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting

Best Bet: Hip Hop

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre A Christmas Carol Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Miller Auditorium Handel’s Messiah Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection, Festival of Trees, Deck the Halls Design Workshop Noto’s World Tommy Hagan Trio featuring Rick Reuther Performing Arts Center, Aquinas College AQ Theatre Presents: Reckless The Pyramid Scheme Free Pinball Night Riverfront Hotel’s Landing Lounge Sunday Night Funnies Salt of the Earth Red Sea Pedestrians St. Cecilia Music Center GRCC Music Department Instrumental and Vocal Departments’ Holiday Concert

monday

12.03

Arcadia Ales Guzzle One Down for the Town Area 51, GVSU Allendale Campus Global Film Series: Nostalgia de la luz Art Center of Battle Creek What Battle Creek Collects Holiday

Exhibit, Holly Mart Annual Holiday Sale Fountain Street Church GVSU Fall Arts Celebration Holiday Gift: ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’ Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double: The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College, Dimnet Chapel Tom Harrell Quartet Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection @ Muskegon Museum of Art Noto’s World Tommy Hagan Trio featuring Rick Reuther Orbit Room Lamb of God wsg In Flames, Hellyeah, and Sylosis

tuesday

12.04

Art Center of Battle Creek Holly Mart Annual Holiday Sale, What Battle Creek Collects Holiday Exhibit Coopersville Farm Museum Jam Night First Park Congregational Church, Grand Rapids Select Women’s Ensemble and University Singers Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions

The Coup

For Boots Riley, The Coup’s MC and creative director, there’s more at stake than making toes tap. Sure, the band engages audiences with its signature off-kilter sound (an oddly captivating blend of hip-hop, funk, soul, R&B, punk and rock), but his lyrics emit strong messages of social activism. And while he’s been criticized for perpetuating what some perceive as unpatriotic, antiAmerican sentiment, Riley remains adamant that his music promotes human improvement and progress, not hatred and destruction. The Coup’s latest release, Sorry to Bother You, reflects the scope of both Riley’s talent and his musical influences, and also functions as a soundtrack to an upcoming film of the same name. Written by Riley and reportedly featuring the dark wit of comedians David Cross and Patton Oswalt, The Coup wsg the film is based on Riley’s experiences working as a telemarketer Japanther, LOMOBB, prior to his music career. Until the film hits theatres, the best way Punksuhate to hear The Coup’s new album is to catch it live, where you’ll see The Pyramid Scheme, a band putting every available ounce of energy and feeling into its Grand Rapids Dec. 1, 8 p.m., $13 performance. With art-punk rockers Japanther and lo-fi hip-hop acts pyramidschemebar.com, LOMOBB and Punksuhate filling out the bill, you’ll leave physically (616) 272-3758 spent, mentally stimulated and better for it. Reported by Kyle Austin

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Schedule Around the World, Santa Visits, The Original Dickens Carolers, Body Double: The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture Gallery Uptown Small Wonders Grand Rapids Art Museum Real/ Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College, Dimnet Chapel Hope College Wind Ensemble Concert Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: The Princess Bride

wednesday

12.05

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Art Center of Battle Creek Holly Mart Annual Holiday Sale, What Battle Creek Collects Holiday Exhibit Bobarinos Big Boss Blues Band Foundry Hall Song Swap Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double: The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture Gallery Uptown Small Wonders GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting Grand Rapids Brewing Co. Grand Opening Grand Rapids Children’s Museum Wacky Wednesday!

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre A Christmas Carol Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit

Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection The Pyramid Scheme Like Moths To Flames with The Plot In You, Ice Nine Kills, Horizons, Assassins, Amoura Shakespeare’s Lower Level Open Mic Night with Adam Danis UICA Jim Hubbard United in Anger

thursday

12.06

Art Center of Battle Creek Holly Mart Annual Holiday Sale, What Battle Creek Collects Holiday Exhibit Barnes and Noble, Lansing Mall Author Signing with Jonathan Rand Blandford Nature Center Adult Only Silent Night Hike DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Symphony Presents Nestle Gerber Holiday Pops East Hills, Easdtown, Wealthy Street and East Fulton Neighborhoods Uptown Shop Hop 2012 Farmers Alley Theater My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra Foundry Hall Technosphere Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double: The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture Gallery Uptown Small Wonders Gazelle Sports Kalamazoo Run Through the Lights Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum Holiday Celebration GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting

Cloud NOthings wsg Pistolbrides Dec. 7 at Hope College

74 | REVUEWM.COM | December 2012

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum Family Night Grand Rapids Civic Theatre A Christmas Carol GRPL Main Library Reading the Great Lakes Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Mocha-n-Music Dan and Rose Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection Shakespeare’s Lower Level WNWN Homegrown Concert Series with John Maison Spectrum Theatre Next to Normal Wealthy Theatre Mars Hill Presents: A Separation

friday

12.07

Art Center of Battle Creek Holly Mart Annual Holiday Sale, What Battle Creek Collects Holiday Exhibit Barnes and Noble, Muskegon Author Signing with Johnathan Rand Billy’s Lounge West Side Soul Surfers DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Symphony Presents Nestle Gerber Holiday Pops Dog Story Theater Pop Scholars Downtown Coopersville 32nd Annual Nighttime Christmas Parade Downtown St. Joseph Light Up the Bluff Downtown St. Joseph Live Mannequins Eighth Street Market Place Holiday Kerstmarkt Flanagan’s Irish Pub Rick Burkholder Foundry Hall Caravan of Thieves Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts A Christmas Carol Presented by the West Michigan Symphony Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double: The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture Gallery Uptown Small Wonders GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting Grand Rapids Civic Theatre A Christmas Carol GVSU Eberhard Center Presentation, Lunch and Book Signing with Jon Meacham

Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Hope College, Park Theatre Cloud Nothings, Pistolbrides Lakeshore Tavern Max Allen Band Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection Papa Pete’s Arpetrio Performing Arts Center, GVSU Allendale Campus Theatre at Grand Valley presents PS Series River City Saloon Electik Toyz Saugatuck Center for the Arts Just One Angel Shakespeare’s Lower Level Bizarre of D-12 Spectrum Theatre Next to Normal Van Andel Arena Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas White House of Saugatuck Eddy & The Breakers

saturday

12.08

The 411 Club Andrew ‘Junior Boy’ Jones Art Center of Battle Creek Holly Mart Annual Holiday Sale, What Battle Creek Collects Holiday Exhibit Barnes and Noble, Rivertown Crossing Mall Author Signing with Michigan Author Johnathan Rand Billy’s Lounge Murali Coryell Blandford Nature Center Vermi-Composting Central Wesleyan Church Main Lobby Christmas Plunge Coopersville & Marne Railway The Santa Train Excursion Coral Gables Stand Up Comedy Curragh Irish Pub Toby Bresnahan The DAAC Barb Williams Opening Reception, Advance Base DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Symphony Presents Nestle Gerber Holiday Pops Dog Story Theater Pop Scholars Eighth Street Market Place Holiday Kerstmarkt Felt Estate Winterfest Flanagan’s Irish Pub Sprague Bros Four Winds Casino Resort Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Wild N’ Swingin’ Holiday Party Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double: The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture Gallery Uptown Small Wonders

Tracy Morgan

Best Bet: Comedy

You guys really have no idea how tempting it is to write “Tracy Jordan” here instead of “Tracy Morgan.” Or maybe you do. After all, this is 2012: birth control is still legal and “30 Rock” is only the biggest, most lauded TV show in the entire history of TV shows. (And boy, do I ever hate hyperbole.)

With 4.6 million viewers continuously turning to Liz Lemon and Co. for a weekly dose of inane hilarity, Morgan is more ubiquitous and popular Tracy Morgan than ever. Sure, there’s Soaring Eagle Casino, been a homophobic Mount Pleasant tweet rant here and Dec. 29, 8 p.m. $22, $30, $42, $48 there (at least he hasn’t soaringeaglecasino.com, tried to defend Chris (888) 726-9633 Brown with the caps lock button stuck), but what we’ll mainly remember is the comedy, Trace.

From his role as a breakout performer on “Saturday Night Live,” to his Jordan alter ego to his admirable stand-up work, Morgan has always been an attentionstealing presence and someone you’d feel drawn to if you were at the same balcony party together. Come see his stand-up if, for no other reason, you want to be in front of a charismatic, versatile performer for an evening. Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

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Schedule Grand Rapids Art Museum Real/ Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting, Real/Surreal Film Series: The Fall Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Miller Auditorium The Nutcracker Mocha-n-Music Luke Lenhart Family and Friends Bluegrass Band Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection Performing Arts Center, GVSU Allendale Campus PS Series Planet Rock BC Lead the Fallen Quinn and Tuite’s Irish Pub Brigid’s Cross River City Saloon Electik Toyz Rivertown Sports 5th Annual Beer Brawl Saugatuck Brewing Company The Trace Seven Steps Up Event Center Melissa Ferrick wsg Anne Heaton Shakespeare’s Lower Level Crazy ‘80s Party wsg Starfarm Spectrum Theatre Next to Normal St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Coldwater Sounds of the Season Tri-Cities Historical Museum Theatre-In-The Round White House of Saugatuck Eddy & The Breakers

sunday

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

12.09

Art Center of Battle Creek Holly Mart Annual Holiday Sale, What Battle Creek Collects Holiday Exhibit Billy’s Lounge West Michigan Blues Society Concert Event The DAAC Barb Williams Exhibit DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Symphony Presents Nestle Gerber Holiday Pops Fountain Street Church Grand Rapids Symphony Interfaith Concert of Song & Word Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double: The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture Gallery Uptown Small Wonders GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting Grand Rapids Civic Theatre A Christmas Carol Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit

Kellogg Arena Border Wars X-Mas Duals Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection Performing Arts Center, GVSU Allendale Campus PS Series Planet Rock Pop Evil, Xit18, Shallow Side, The Audacity Riverfront Hotel’s Landing Lounge Sunday Night Funnies Salt of the Earth Brant Satala and Josh Rose in Concert Seven Steps Up Event Center Decembersongs - An Acoustic Holiday Celebration St. Cecilia Music Center Grand Band and Grand String Orchestra Tip Top Deluxe AG and Maia Sharp Van Andel Arena Griffins Game Wege Pavilion Fall Classical Concert Series

monday

12.10

Art Center of Battle Creek Holly Mart Annual Holiday Sale, What Battle Creek Collects Holiday Exhibit The DAAC Barb Williams Exhibit Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double: The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture Gallery Uptown Small Wonders Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection

tuesday

12.11

Art Center of Battle Creek Holly Mart Annual Holiday Sale, What Battle Creek Collects Holiday Exhibit The DAAC Barb Williams Exhibit Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, The Original Dickens Carolers, Body Double: The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture Gallery Uptown Small Wonders GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting

76 | REVUEWM.COM | December 2012

Grand Rapids Public Library’s Main Library Detroit Breakdown: Madness in Old Detroit Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Mocha-n-Music Mark Kaniff Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: The Big Lebowski

Frankie Ballard

wednesday

12.12

Art Center of Battle Creek Holly Mart Annual Holiday Sale, What Battle Creek Collects Holiday Exhibit Barnes and Noble, Muskegon Author Signing with Richard P. Smith The DAAC Barb Williams Exhibit Fountain Street Church Soul Food Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double: The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture Gallery Uptown Small Wonders GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting Grand Rapids Civic Theatre A Christmas Carol Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit KDL Library: Grandville Branch Battle of the Books Kick-Off Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection The Pyramid Scheme World Hoop Day Shakespeare’s Lower Level Comedy Open Mic Night Teazers Bar and Grille Karaoke

thursday

12.13

Art Center of Battle Creek Holly Mart Annual Holiday Sale, What Battle Creek Collects Holiday Exhibit The B.O.B. Brena Billy’s Lounge Terrance Parker with DJ Psycho The DAAC Barb Williams Exhibit Dog Story Theater Balls of Holly 2 (More Balls!)

Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions

Best Bet: Country Although Michigan native country rocker

Frankie Ballard’s types have been kind of striking out on the dignity front Country Christmas lately (see: Nugent, Ted, who by this time is either preKalamazoo State Theatre, sumably in jail or dead), we still have Frankie Ballard.

Kalamazoo An earnest-faced, swiftly rising star of the country scene, Dec. 14, 8 p.m., $18 kazoostate.com, (269) Ballard is a Battle Creek down-homeboy who shows 345-6500 quite a bit of promise, and could wind up being a real wave-maker in the leather boot-wearing crowd. He’s already appeared at the Grand Ole Opry and opened for Kenny Chesney, Uncle Kracker and Taylor Swift, so you’ve gotta believe there’s something substantial there, even if you’re not the honky-tonk type. So if you feel like the Christmas standards have grown a tad stale (I mean, they’ve only been playing Christmas music since Labor Day), and could use a little twang, bring your two-stepping shoes down to Kalamazoo State Theatre for the shot of whiskey your mental egg nog has been missing. Reported

By Emma Kat Richardson

Around the World, Body Double: The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture Gallery Uptown Small Wonders GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting Grand Rapids Civic Theatre A Christmas Carol Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection The Pyramid Scheme I Fight Dragons, The Protomen, MC Lars, Sky Fox

Saugatuck Center for the Arts Real to Reel: Carol Channing Larger Than Life Spectrum Theatre Next to Normal Tip Top Deluxe Joanne Shaw Taylor

friday

12.14

Art Center of Battle Creek Holly Mart Annual Holiday Sale, What Battle Creek Collects Holiday Exhibit

Barnes and Noble, Rivertown Crossing Mall Author Signing with Michigan Author Richard Smith Bethlehem Lutheran Church Embellish Handbells/MAJIC Concert The DAAC Barb Williams Exhibit DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Dog Story Theater Balls of Holly 2 (More Balls!)

Flanagan’s Irish Pub Travis Atkinson Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions

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Schedule Around the World, Body Double: The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture Gallery Uptown Small Wonders GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting Grand Rapids Civic Theatre A Christmas Carol Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Lakeshore Tavern Mystic Dub Mocha-n-Music T.K. Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection

The Orbit Room The Musical Box Planet Rock Another Lost Year, Screaming for Silence, Janus River City Saloon OTC Shakespeare’s Lower Level Salsa Friday Spectrum Theatre Next to Normal Tip Top Deluxe Bar and Grill Kent County String Band Wealthy Theatre International Folk Dancing White House of Saugatuck Rock Shop

saturday

12.15

Art Center of Battle Creek Holly Mart Annual Holiday Sale, What Battle Creek Collects Holiday Exhibit Barnes and Noble, Rivertown Crossing Mall Author Signing with Canton, Michigan, Teen Author Taylor Joseph Billy’s Lounge Hip Pocket

Trans Siberian Orchestra

Best Bet: Rock Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

One major problem with the holiday season (amongst many obvious others,

Trans Siberian Orchestra Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids

numerous as busted bulbs on the tree) is its Dec. 7, show times at 4 and 8:30 decided dearth of rock operas. When you rep.m., $42, $52, $62, $72 vanandelarena.com, (616) 742ally think about it, doesn’t it seem just a bit 6600 ludicrous that no one has really bothered to craft a limited range of songs, more irritating than a car alarm at 3 a.m., into a masterwork of artistic richness? Well, if anybody were to tackle a project of this magnitude, it would be Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

Since TSO has always been the punky older sister of Manheim Steamroller, who better than they to launch “The Lost Christmas Eve,” your new favorite album of sweeping, gothically orchestral, holiday anthems? In typical grandiose fashion, TSO debuts the live adaptation of the multi-platinum selling rock opera in more than 60 North American cities, and Grand Rapids is fortunate enough to be one of them. Don’t be the Scrooge who pinches your entertainment fund pennies or the Grinch who scalps tickets. Just come out, rock out, and move in holiday merriment. Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

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Blandford Nature Center Pioneer Holidays Coopersville & Marne Railway The Santa Train Excursion Coral Gables Stand Up Comedy The DAAC Barb Williams Exhibit, Wisaal CD Release with Dale Wicks/Marcella Herington & Karisa Wilson DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Dog Story Theater Balls of Holly 2 (More Balls!)

Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts The Leffring Sisters Christmas Concert Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double: The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture Gallery Uptown Small Wonders GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Lemonjello’s Maybe Next Time Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection Planet Rock Wayland, Arson Radio, Scrapyard, The Darwin Project, Devin and the Dead Frets The Pyramid Scheme Mike Hard (God Bullies), Ozenza, Mad Snipes, DGR/DWN River City Saloon OTC Saugatuck Brewing Company The Last Call Band Seven Steps Up Event Center Honor By August wsg Todd Carey & JD Eicher.

Shakespeare’s Lower Level Santacon Comedy and Top Heavy, The Jonze Spectrum Theatre Next to Normal Van Andel Arena Gaither Christmas Homecoming Wealthy Theatre Grand River Folk Arts Society Presents: Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys White House of Saugatuck Rock Shop

sunday

12.16

Art Center of Battle Creek Holly Mart Annual Holiday Sale, What Battle Creek Collects Holiday Exhibit The DAAC Barb Williams Exhibit

DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double: The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture Gallery Uptown Small Wonders GRAM Real/Sureral, Robert McCann: New History Painting Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Civic Theatre Presents: A Christmas Carol Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection The Pyramid Scheme 7th Annual Grand River Pictures Film Festival Riverfront Hotel’s Landing Lounge Sunday Night Funnies Riverside Park The Whoville 5K Run/Walk Salt of the Earth Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys South Haven Center for the Arts Land of the Rising Sun Wege Pavilion Fall Classical Concert Series

monday

12.17

Art Center of Battle Creek Holly Mart Annual Holiday Sale, What Battle Creek Collects Holiday Exhibit The DAAC Barb Williams Exhibit Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double: The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture Gallery Uptown Small Wonders Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection

tuesday

12.18

Art Center of Battle Creek Holly Mart Annual Holiday Sale, What Battle Creek Collects Holiday Exhibit The DAAC Expire, Detain, All Wave, Losing Sight, Barb Williams Exhibit DeVos Performance Hall GR Symphony Presents Cirque de Noel

Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double: The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture Gallery Uptown Small Wonders GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Mocha-n-Music The Silvertones Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: The Goonies

wednesday

12.19

Art Center of Battle Creek Holly Mart Annual Holiday Sale, What Battle Creek Collects Holiday Exhibit The DAAC Barb Williams Exhibit DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Symphony Presents Fifth Third Cirque de Noel Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double: The Figure in Contemporary Sculpture Gallery Uptown Small Wonders GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Mocha-n-Music Theresa O. Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection Salt of the Earth Seth and May Shakespeare’s Lower Level Open Mic Night with Adam Danis

thursday

12.20

Art Center of Battle Creek Holly Mart Annual Holiday Sale, What Battle Creek Collects Exhibit Billy’s Lounge Convotronics The DAAC Barb Williams Exhibit DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Symphony Presents Fifth Third Cirque de Noel Dog Story Theater Balls of Holly 2 (More Balls!)

Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double Gallery Uptown Small Wonders

Fresh folk.

Your favorite local artists in a classic setting!

January 10, 2013

An acoustic evening with your favorite singer/songwriters.

Ralston Bowles Michelle Chenard Michael Crittenden

Lux Land Karisa Wilson Lucas Wilson

February 21, 2013

$15 ticket includes post-concert reception

Featuring two ArtPrize music award winners in a semi-acoustic performance.

The Crane Wives AND Delilah DeWylde & the Lost Boys

March 28, 2013

Featuring “The Royal Couple of Michigan Folk� and progressive bluegrass.

Seth Bernard & May Erlewine AND Fauxgrass Quartet

NEW Contemporary Folk Music Series

Contemporary Folk Music Series

Local Spins Live

F LK

scmc-online.org 616.459.2224 St. Cecilia Music Center

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule REVUEWM.COM | December 2012 |

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Schedule GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Mocha-n-Music Miss Vicki’s Piano Studio Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: The New Permanent Collection Planet Rock Taproot, 12 Stones, DoryDrive, Prospect Hill, Gone for Days, Digital Summer, 3 Pill Morning, Trust No One The Pyramid Scheme Retro D’Luxe December Shakespeare’s Lower Level Jon Tim, Valentiger

friday

12.21

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Art Center of Battle Creek Holly Mart Annual Holiday Sale, What Battle Creek Collects Holiday Exhibit The B.O.B. Brena Billy’s Lounge Donald Kinsey

DeVos Performance Hall GR Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Dog Story Theater Balls of Holly 2 (More Balls!)

Downtown Battle Creek 2nd Annual Light the Night Flanagan’s Irish Pub Rich Burkholder Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double Gallery Uptown Small Wonders GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting Grand Rapids Public Museum Wurlitzer Organ Concert Performed

By John Lauter Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Lakeshore Tavern Dave Zagar Trio Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: the New Permanent Collection The Pyramid Scheme Super Happy Funtime Burlesque Shakespeare’s Lower Level End of the World Party featuring Mathgames wsg ME3MIND

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WE HAVE A LOCAL WAREHOUSE AND PAINSTAKINGLY MAINTAIN OUR INVENTORY. EVERYTHING IS IN STOCK! OVERNIGHT SHIPPING TO ANYONE IN MICHIGAN AT NO EXTRA COST! (most orders over $250 ship free!)

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80 | REVUEWM.COM | December 2012

UICA End of the World Party, Opening Reception for Utopia/ Dystopia White House of Saugatuck Random Play

saturday

12.22

Art Center of Battle Creek What Battle Creek Collects Holiday Exhibit The B.O.B. Brena Billy’s Quadraphonic wsg Genetics Coral Gables Stand Up Comedy DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Dog Story Theater Balls of Holly 2 (More Balls!)

Flanagan’s Irish Pub Oregon Dreamchild Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double Gallery Uptown Small Wonders GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann:

New History Painting, Real/Surreal Film Series: Un Chien Andalou Grand Rapids Public Museum Wurlitzer Organ Concert Performed

By John Lauter Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: the New Permanent Collection The Pyramid Scheme The Legal Immigrants, Streetwalking Cheetahs, Chicago Drive, Gunnar Saugatuck Brewing Company Jen Sygit and Sam Corbin Shakespeare’s Lower Level Thank God the World Didn’t End Celebration Featuring Pleasant Drive and Iggy Shevak White House of Saugatuck Random Play

Sunday

12.23

DeVos Performance Hall GR Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

Forest Hills Fine Arts Center Shrek the Musical Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double Gallery Uptown Small Wonders GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: Introducing the New Permanent Collection Riverfront Hotel’s Landing Lounge Sunday Night Funnies Salt of the Earth Schrock Bros

monday

12.24 Merry Christmas!

tuesday

12.25 Merry Christmas!

wednesday

12.26

The DAAC Rad Dad Zine Reading DeVos Performance Hall Broadway GR: Beauty And The Beast Foundry Hall Open Mic Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double Gallery Uptown Small Wonders GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: the New Permanent Collection

COMPLETE HYDROPONICS SYSTEMS AND SUPPLIES IN STOCK AT BOTH OF OUR LOCATIONS. OUR LIGHT SYSTEMS AND BULBS ARE ALWAYS MARKED AT 25% OFF! SAVE 15% ON EVERYTHING ELSE IN THE STORE WITH YOUR STATE ISSUED CARD! WE HAVE THE BEST GROW-LIGHT SELECTION OF REFLECTORS AND BALLASTS AT THE LOWEST PRICES! HELPING OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS BUILD PRODUCTIVE GROW-ROOMS AND INCREASE THEIR YIELD FOR ALMOST 15 YEARS.

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DETROIT BREAKDOWN – MADNESS IN OLD DETROIT

Tuesday, December 11 7:00 pm Main Library D. E. Johnson, author of The Detroit Electric Scheme and Motor City Shakedown, will discuss his new book, Detroit Breakdown. In this latest book, Will Anderson and Elizabeth Hume are called to the vast Eloise Insane Asylum outside of Detroit, where Elizabeth’s cousin Paul is a patient, and now a murder suspect.

Johnson will talk about Wayne County’s infamous Eloise Hospital, an insane asylum that once held 10,000 patients at a time, along with some of the historical curiosities he found while researching his latest book.

A book signing will follow the presentation.

Winter Wonderland Puppet Concert Puppets, poetry, music & Kevin Kammeraad Saturday, December 8 3:00 pm Yankee Clipper Branch

SPILLED INK – THE BOOK CLUB FOR THE REST OF US

Through February 28, 2013 All library locations www.grpl.org/SpilledInk Sign up, read ten books, and win prizes! A great way for grown-ups to beat the winter blues.

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 616.988.5400 WWW.GRPL.ORG

Many of these programs are sponsored by the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation. Consider a gift today.

REVUEWM.COM | December 2012 |

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Schedule Shakespeare’s Lower Level Open Mic Night with Adam Danis

thursday

12.27

The B.O.B. Brena Blandford Nature Center Winter Break Special: Winter Survival DeVos Performance Hall Broadway GR: Beauty & The Beast Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double Gallery Uptown Small Wonders GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting GR Public Museum Night at Your Museum Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit KDL Library: Grandville Branch Let-It-Snow Holiday Show with Joel Tacey Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: the New Permanent Collection Shakespeare’s Lower Level Comedy Open Mic Night

friday

12.28

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Billy’s Lounge Starfarm DeVos Performance Hall Broadway GR: Beauty & The Beast Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double Gallery Uptown Small Wonders GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting

82 | REVUEWM.COM | December 2012

LADIES LITERARY CLUB 61 SHELDON BLVD SE

DECEMBER 1 DECEMBER 15 JANUARY 5 JANUARY 19 ALL SHOWS 7:33 PM RIVERCITYIMPROV.COM

Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Lakeshore Tavern Mad Adam Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: the New Permanent Collection River City Saloon Tetrad Shakespeare’s Archnemesis

saturday

12.29

Billy’s Lounge GR Soul Club Coral Gables Stand Up Comedy Curragh Junior & The Igniters DeVos Performance Hall Broadway GR: Beauty & The Beast Frederik Meijer Gardens Sculpture Park Body Double, Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World Gallery Uptown Small Wonders GRAM Real/Surreal, Robert McCann: New History Painting Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: the New Permanent Collection The Pyramid Scheme Kid Brother Collective, The Fencemen, Empty Orchestra, Shores River City Saloon Tetrad

sunday

12.30

DeVos Performance Hall Broadway GR: Beauty & The Beast Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Body Double Gallery Uptown Small Wonders

GR Art Museum Robert McCann: New History Painting Holland Museum Wichers Gallery 75th Anniversary Exhibit Livery Free Irish Music Session Muskegon Museum of Art ReMix: the New Permanent Collection Riverfront Hotel’s Landing Lounge Sunday Night Funnies

monday

12.31

Billy’s Lounge BassBin: NYE Bash DeVos Performance Hall GR Symphony NYE ‘50s Dance Party Double JJ Ranch New Year’s Eve Family Water Park Party Founders NYE Party featuring The Crane Wives, The Ragbirds, Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys Kzoo State Theatre Red Sea Pedestrians, The Corn Fed Girls Lakeshore Tavern 3 Way Street Planet Rock 8 Foot Grimiss, The Audacity The Pyramid Scheme Bottom 40 New Year’s Eve Rosa Parks Circle Anthony LaMont Salt of the Earth New Year’s Eve with the Hired Hands Saugatuck Brewing Company New Year’s Eve in the Pub Shakespeare’s Lower Level NYE Comedy with Costaki Economopoulos Wealthy Theatre Starlight Six New Year’s Eve Show White House of Saugatuck Jimmy Pop n

For more events and info, visit revueWm.com.