December 2013, Revue Magazine

West Michigan’s Entertainment Guide for 25 years  December 2013

Holiday Gift Guide Local ideas for every character on your list

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What’s Inside

December 2013 | Volume 25, Issue 12

Holiday Gift Guide: 12 West Michigan Enthusiast 14 Fashionista 15 Film Buff 16 Internet Activist 18 Critic 20 Artist 21 Creepy Uncle 22 Thrifty 24 Cosplayer 25 Bookworm 26 Biker 28 ‘90s Child 30 Eccentric 32 Parent 34 Beer Geek 36 Foodie 38 Doomsday Prepper 39 Music Geek 40 Thespian

SOUNDS: 43 Sink’s Spins 44 On Tour: Diego Garcia

SIGHTS: 47 48 50 52

Holiday Gift Guide 11

Theatre: Mamma Mia Movie Previews Comedy: Dave Landau Literary Life: Mitch Albom

SCHEDULE: 55 Daily Event Listings and Best Bets

Letter from the Editor

L

W est M ichiga n ’ s E n tertai n me n t G uide

ast month, Chris Hardwick (who visited Grand Rapids in March for LaughFest) lost his father.

In a very honest and poignant way, the “Talking Dead” host announced his loss at the end of the Sunday night show, which follows AMC’s “The Walking Dead.”

Editorial Publisher Brian Edwards / brian@revuewm.com Managing Editor Lindsay Patton-Carson / lindsay@revuewm.com Design Creative Director Kim Kibby / kim@revuewm.com Design Kim Kibby, Kristi Kortman, Kellie Zaplitny

What stood out was what he said about the holiday season. He said, “The holidays are coming up. They can be a pain in the ass, but I just want to say, your family is important and you should take time to appreciate them in the midst of traveling and all the crap that happens.”

At this point, you’re thinking, “What does this have to do with REVUE?” Not much. But like many who saw his tribute, I think his words about the holidays are true. We don’t have to travel, we don’t have to spend time with our families. But we do, because they’re weird, dysfunctional and such an important part of our lives.

Even though our annual Gift Guide is silly and fun, I think there is something good in there as well. And that’s spending time with the weirdo in your life. Go treat them to a night out, whether it be a movie you could care less about or getting dressed up for a night at the ballet when you’d rather go pants-less.

Try ordering them their favorite drink and see how impressed they’ll be that you know it by heart.

And I’ll admit (oh, I’ll admit it loud and clear), the holidays stress me out to no end, but Hardwick is right.

And there’s nothing better than seeing the look on your loved one’s face when you really, really took time to think about them. So go out on a limb this year and really show your loved one that you care.

Happy holidays and rock on.

Contributing Writers Kyle Austin Jamie Linari Missy Black Allison Parker Ben Darcie Carly Plank Steven de Polo Emma Kat Richardson Joe Gasmann John Sinkevics Dwayne Hoover Josh Spanninga Alexandra Kadlec Kerri VanderHoff Audria Larsen

Illustrations Craig Horky Listings schedule@revuewm.com Revue Minions Lauren Allen, Barbara Jandernoa, Ae Hee Lee Kim, Nolan Krebs, Madeline McMahon, Shelby Pendowski

Sales / 616.608.6170 Molly Rizor / molly@revuewm.com Digital Editor Jayson Bussa / jayson@revuewm.com Find us online!

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

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 ©2013, Revue Holding Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part granted only by written permission of the publisher in accordance with our legal statement, fools.

Advertising index 8th St. Grille . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Amway Hotel Corporation. 10, 51 Arcadia Ales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Barfly Ventures . . . . . . . . . 17, 29 Bell’s Brewery . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 46 Billy’s Lounge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 BOB’s Brewery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Brewery Vivant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Broadway Grand Rapids. . . . . . . 4 Calvin College SAO . . . . . . . . . . 46 Cascade Optical . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Celebration! Cinema. . . . . . . . . 48 Dog Story Theater . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Downtown Market . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Dr. Grins // Gilmore Collection. . 50 Elite Health Plc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Erb Thai. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Firekeepers Casino . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Founders Brewing Company. . . 13 Fulton St. Farmers Market. . . . . 44 The Gilmore Collection. . . . . . . . 23 Grand Rapids Public Library. . . 33 Grand Rapids Symphony. . . . . . 44 Grand Woods Lounge. . . . . . . . . 63 Gravel Bottom Brewery . . . . . . . 35 Growco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

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The Intersection. . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Keil Lasik Vision Center. . . . . . . 41 Kent District Library. . . . . . . . . . 60 Martha’s Vineyard. . . . . . . . . . . 41 Millennium: Central City/Centre Street Taphouse. . . . . . . . . . 37 Millennium: The Union . . . . . . . 41 Opera Grand Rapids. . . . . . . . . 19 Palazzolo’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 The Pyramid Scheme. . . . . . . . . . 5 Reserve. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Right Brain Brewery. . . . . . . . . . 35 River City Improv. . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Saugatuck Brewing Company. . 37 Saugatuck Center for the Arts. . 49 Schmohz Brewery. . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Schuler Books. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 The Score. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Sight Optical Boutique . . . . . . . 19 Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. . 3 West Michigan Symphony. . . . . 54 West Side Beer / Budweiser. . . . 64

On the cover: Gift Guide personalities illustrated by Craig Horky.

See Gift Guide on page 11.

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special feature

Holiday Gift Guide

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f you’ve exhausted your holiday gift ideas, let us help. We’ve collected a slew of quirky characters that show up in everyone’s life

and paired them up with local gift ideas. Got a creepy uncle? There’s a great little cinema in Grand Rapids where you can send him. Don’t understand why your friend insists on dressing up outside of Halloween? It’s OK, we have some suggestions that will help you two connect. (It’s called cosplay, by the way.) Read on for more gift giving ideas.

I l l u s t r at e d b y C r a i g H o r k y

gift ideas for your favorite…

28 20 34 26 25 24 21 18 38 30

‘90s Child Artist Beer Geek Biker Bookworm Cosplayer Creepy Uncle Critic Doomsday Prepper Eccentric

14 15 36 16 39 32 40 22 12

Fashionista Film Buff Foodie Internet Activist Music Geek Parent Thespian Thrifty West Michigan Enthusiast

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west michigan enthusiast

The West Michigan Enthusiast lives by the motto “West is Best.” They troll the Internet for top 10 lists to be the first to post their hometown love on Facebook.

By Steven Depolo

It is not enough that the West Michigan Enthusiast enjoy the beautiful beaches, the freshly picked fruit and vegetables and mega churches.

She needs the attention of others to validate her enthusiasm for her home town. She sets of a Google Alert to search for mentions of “Grand Rapids,” «top» and «best» in any random newspaper, blog or Myspace page. When Grand Rapids is included in a listicle, she pounces.

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Voting for Grand Rapids Google Search: Grand Rapids, Best Cities

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

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Nothing is more West Michigan than getting your drink on in the LEED chic CityFlatsHotel in Holland. CitySen Lounge, located on the hotel’s first floor, will be serving Garnet Punch to tipplers in this formerly dry city. Designed by Carrie Zandbergen, CityFlats’ operations manager, Garnet Punch will be the cocktail of choice this holiday season. Reminiscent of a high-octane drink served at annual family gatherings of one of the hotel’s employees, Garnet Punch has the luscious colors and daring flavors of fresh cranberries and rosemary that are so prevalent during the holidays.

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Garnet Punch CityFlatsHotel 61 East 7th St., Holland cityflatshotel.com, (616) 796-2100

The Crane Wives are the “Next Big Thing” in the indie folk-rock world. The band represents the area well with their three-part vocal harmonies, eclectic instrumentation and passion for song craft.

Fans flock to the live shows that are known for their contagious energy as well as original music

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that ranges from beautiful ballads to danceable grooves. Catch the group on Dec 12 at Watermark 920 and Dec. 31 at The Intersection.

The Crane Wives thecranewives.com

After taking in the sights on the lakeshore, the West Michigan Enthusiast will stop for a firstclass meal at Everyday People Café. Formerly called the Douglas Dinette when co-owner Margaret Balmer worked there in the 1970s, Everyday People Café is one of the best restaurants in the region. Matt Balmer, Margaret’s son and current co-owner and chef, serves great food using fresh, locally farmed ingredients and offered at an affordable price. Try the 6 oz. Alaskan Skuna Bay Salmon with Hoffer Farm tomato-curry broth and market vegetable salad. Go on a Wednesday and get 30 percent off any bottle of wine.

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Everyday People Cafe 11 Center St., Douglas everydaypeoplecafe.com, (269) 857-4240

The West Michigan Enthusiast was most likely the first to know that Grand Rapids was once again voted Beer City, USA. Support her we’renumber-one attitude by taking her to see Michigan Beer Film, which celebrates our state’s craft beer growth.

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Rhino Media presents Michigan Beer Film Wealthy Theatre 1130 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids Dec. 5-6, doors at 7 p.m. $13-$15, grcmc.org, (616) 459-4788

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fashionista

The Fashionista’s favorite movie is Pretty in Pink. She’s got designer jeans that cost more than you make in a year. She spent the last four hours in hair and makeup and she’s not even on TV.

By M issy B lac k

The Fashionista’s holiday rule: one for you, one for me. Head to the Holiday Soiree at Lee & Birch on Dec. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. and start shopping in twos. The evening features live music, drinks and personal styling by two (I sense a theme here) of the store’s “It Girl” finalists. They’ll be showing off holiday party style selections plus debuting a new dress line called Fable — known for reasonable price points, statement silhouettes and playful patterns.

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Lee & Birch 21 Ionia Ave. NW, Grand Rapids leeandbirch.com, (616) 233-4001

To the Fashionista, every party requires a wardrobe consult. A tea party might mean lace, pearls, refined attire and polite gossip. Drink up and socialize at Saugatuck Tea Party Café, where there’s a light menu that pairs well with the teas — sort of like how oversized sweaters pair with skinny jeans. Grab some fashion mags and sip on some Amsterdam Licorice or Japanese Matcha.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

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Saugatuck Tea Party Café 321 Water St., Saugatuck saugatuckteapartycafe.com, (269) 455-5351

Lead singer Kari Lynch of The Kari Lynch band focuses on what she wears for every show.

“Obviously music is my first love, but I’ve always been super interested in fashion.” This songwriter has stage style galore resulting in girls asking about her clothing after shows. Her music style is “country rock with folky flare.”

Fashionistas can hear it and see it at Country Night at The B.O.B. Dec. 6, at The Intersection on Dec. 7 and at Stagecoach Barn in Richland on Dec. 28.

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The Kari Lynch Band karilynchband.com

The constant consumption of salads to fit in designer duds makes the Fashionista grumpy.

Once in a while a girl needs a hearty meal — something that sticks to her bones, and the Naughty Prime Rib Dip is it. Appropriately named, our girl might feel a little bad about all the calories, but the combination of shaved prime rib topped with carmelized onion jam, creamy horseradish sauce and brick cheese on toasted Ciabatta bread has lasting power and gets her through her marathon shopping and mani/ pedis.

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Salt & Pepper Savory Grill and Pub 11539 E Lakewood Blvd., Holland saltandpepperpub.com, (616) 355-5501

The Fashionista is in for some sensual fantasy with faux fur!

“This is a play that has a nice spin on who’s in charge. It’s a battle of the sexes,” says Director Michelle Urbane who talks of fashion as a way to play out fantasies as well.

Dubbed by the New York Times as “90 minutes of good, kinky fun” this smash Broadway hit is both an intellectual adventure and laugh-outloud study of the politics of sex and power — and really, isn’t that a lot of what fashion is rooted in?

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Venus in Fur Spectrum Theatre, Grand Rapids Dec. 12-14 & 19-21, 8 p.m. $22-$26 actorstheatregrandrapids.org, (616) 234-3946

film buff

When buying gifts for film buffs it’s all too easy to resort to buying the predictable bundles of DVD’s for Christmas morning. Sure, it’s quick and simple and sure to please, but come on, don’t be lazy.

B y J o s h Sp a n n i n g a

The Shocking Stor y of Helmuth Schmidt: Michigan’s Original Lonely Hearts Killer Grand Rapids Public Library, Main Branch Dec. 12, 7-8:30 p.m.

Free!, grpl.org, (616) 988-5400

If your film fanatic prefers a quiet night at the theatre to a wild night out at the bar, there’s still a good way for them

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to get their drink on. For $36 you can buy a CMC membership which, among many other perks, grants you access to Wealthy Theatre’s bar. For those interested in immersing themselves in Michigan beer culture, Wealthy Theatre will show Michigan Beer Film. Crack open a Founders Pale Ale and learn all about the finest beverages this great state has to offer.

Michigan Beer Movie Wealthy Theatre, Grand Rapids Dec. 5-6, 7 p.m. $13-$15 grcmc.org, (616) 459-4788

Local musician/photographer/aspiring filmmaker John Hanson is the creative force and songwriter behind local indie folk act Strawberry Heritage.

Hanson also has a lesser-known side project called Saltbreaker, an all-instrumental, sweeping ambient project. The

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song “Reptile Music (II)” was even featured in one of Hanson’s experimental short films featured on his Vimeo channel.

to be something on the menu that pairs perfectly with the feature presentation.

Strawberry Heritage and Saltbreaker strawberryheritage.bandcamp.com saltbreaker.bandcamp.com

Alamo Drafthouse Kalamazoo 180 Portage St., Kalamazoo drafthouse.c om/kalamazoo, (269) 532-7990

Rather than going out to see a movie after dinner, why not see a movie during dinner? The folks at the new Alamo Drafthouse Kalamazoo location loved the idea so much that they have enlisted inhouse chefs to whip up gourmet accompaniments to your favorite films, old and new. This isn’t your standard concession stand fare; chefs use only the freshest (oftentimes local) ingredients and deliver the food to your table as you watch a movie. Boasting a full menu with appetizers, entrees, pizzas, salads, sandwiches, craft brews and more, there’s guaranteed

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On Dec. 12, Celebration!

North and IMAX will screen Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker. The film includes footage from Peter Wright’s live production of the ballet, and follows the magical story of everyone’s favorite anthropomorphized nut-cracking hero as he guides the audience through the Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Treats, all to the tune of Tchaikovsky’s famous soundtrack.

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Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker Celebration! North and IMAX Dec 12, 7 p.m., $15 celebrationcinema.com, (616) 530-7469

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Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

True film buffs have a special place in their heart for classic noir.

Local author Tobin Buhk presents the true story of Helmuth Schmidt, a Michigan native (and killer) who stalked local matrimonial ads to find his victims. From secret graves and front yard lineups to jealous wives, Buhk unpacks every grisly detail of the case in a way that rivals the skills of the finest private eyes Hollywood has to offer.

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internet activist

The Internet Activist is going to change the world. . . right after they finish lampooning the global power structure by posting memes of questionable origin to your news feed.

By Kyle Au sti n

Having tirelessly served humanity during a long day on the web, the Internet Activist loves to turn to the escapist pleasure of video games to ease the stress that comes with educating the masses one dubiously sourced blog post at a time. Grand Lan has your friend covered: They’ll enjoy a virtually unlimited option of lagfree games to choose from across all platforms, while you’ll savor the delicious irony of playing Call of Duty alongside someone who publicly rants about the evils of the military-industrial complex.

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Grand Lan Gaming Center 56 N. Division Ave., Grand Rapids grandlan.info, (616) 975-7911

When not posting on Facebook or engaging in heated political debates on the mLive comments section, your Internet Activist friend will resort to talking your ear off as a backup. Nothing makes hearing a painful disjointed explanation of the housing bubble more bearable than a hefty mug of beer, and the Hideout has more than enough beers on tap to keep your spirits as inflated as your friend’s sense of his own intelligence.

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Hideout Brewing Company 3113 Plaza Dr. NE, Grand Rapids hideoutbrewing.com, (616) 361-9658

Typically, the Internet Activist’s self-righteous opinions carry over into their music tastes as well. Good thing Delilah DeWylde and The Lost Boys play a brand of reverb-soaked rockabilly that is scientifically impossible to resist. One of the region’s hardest-working bands, Delilah and co. put on a show that will replace the condescending smirk on your friend’s face with a truly joyous smile.

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Delilah DeWylde and The Lost Boys Harbor Cinema, Muskegon Dec. 7, 8 p.m. delilahdewylde.com

If there’s something fishy about food, your Internet Activist friend knows about it, because they watch documentaries like kids watch Saturday morning cartoons: with their mouths wide open. That’s why you should take them out to eat at Fourth Coast Café. They serve only highquality fair trade coffee, and The Crow’s Nest diner inside serves up locally sourced, antibiotic and hormone-free ground beef, pulled pork and breakfast sausage straight from Lake Village Homestead Farms.

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Fourth Coast Café 816 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo fourthcoastcafe.com, (269) 383-0202

You already know that your Internet Activist friend doesn’t trust any “mainstream” media, so lure them away from reddit for a few hours with the promise of a truly independent film experience. Essentially an open mic for film, Open Project Night lets anyone and everyone bring their cinematic ideas to the silver screen. The audience votes for the film they like best and the winner gets free movie passes and the chance to screen their favorite movie at UICA’s theatre.

Unlike your friend’s sanctimonious rants about Obamacare, this is the kind of free speech we can all get behind.

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Open Projector Night Urban Institute for Contemporary Art 2 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids Dec. 18, 8 p.m. uica.org, (616) 454-7000

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critic

The Critic plays an important role in the life of a community. By thinking for everyone, the Critic suffers from the tone-deaf musicians and the vinegar swill and culinary claptrap so you don’t have to get up from your Xbox and experience life in real time.

By Steven Depolo

Built in 1909 for a Grand Rapids clothier, Meyer May House is Frank Lloyd Wright at the peak of his powers as he fully expressed the elegance and organic dynamism of his Prairie-style of architecture. Steelcase, the crown jewel of West Michigan manufacturing, acquired the Meyer May House in 1985. A team of scholars, engineers and preservationists undertook a two-year, multimillion dollar renovation of structure, including expert attention to hundreds of exterior and interior details. The house is open to the public Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sundays from 1-5 p.m.

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Meyer May House 450 Madison Ave. SE, Grand Rapids meyermayhouse.steelcase.com, (616) 246-4821

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

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In downtown Rockford, you will find understated luxury, culinary excellence and wondrous natural beauty steps from your table. Reds has a stunning wine cellar that could make a critic blush. Before tackling the 400-bottle monstrosity, consider signing up for Reds Wine School, which is held monthly 7 to 9 pm (January–April and October–December). Perfect for novices as well as wine experts, the class is well worth the $35 tuition.

Reds on the River Reds Wine School 8 E. Bridge St, Suite 100, Rockford reds-live.com, (616) 863-8181

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On Dec. 13, the Hildegard Singers will perform the hauntingly b eautiful music of Renaissance composer Saint Hildegard of Bingen.

The Sibyl of the Rhine (1098-1179) was a writer, composer, philosopher, Christian mystic, Benedictine abbess, visionary and polymath whose 69 musical compositions were concerned

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with the anatomy of female desire. Suck it, Lady Gaga. These serious vocalists have celebrated solo careers, but they have earned national acclaim for their collective work.

MAJIC Concert Series presents The Hildegard Singers Bethlehem Church 250 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m., Free! bethlehemchurchgr.org/majic-2, (616) 456-1741

Located in a charming Kentwood shopping mall, where you can pick up a CD of Vietnamese gangsta rap, Wei Wei Palace is the place to go for authentic Chinese seafood dishes and excellent Cantonese cuisine. A true critic will go with a group on Sundays for the dim sum, which consists of bite-sized portions of food traditionally served in steamer baskets. Trust Wei Wei Palace’s master chef to turn each morsel into a sweetly savory masterpiece.

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Wei Wei Palace 4242 S. Division Ave. #2, Kentwood weiweipalace.com, (616) 724-1818

West Michigan gets a little taste of New York when Broadway performers Teri Dale Hansen and Nat Chandler join the West Michigan Symphony for two nights of holiday swing.

Classics like “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” make up the set list and are performed by Hansen and Chandler, with guest conductor Clyde Mitchell.

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West Michigan Symphony Pops presents Swingin’ Holiday Celebration Frauenthal Theater, Muskegon Dec. 13-14, 7:30 p.m. $10-$50 westmichigansymphony.org, (231) 726-3231

THE ABDUCTION FROM THE SERAGLIO

BY MOZART 7:30PM, MARCH 7 & 8, 2014 EAST GRAND RAPIDS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

MADAMA BUTTERFLY

BY PUCCINI 7:30PM, MAY 9 & 10, 2014 DEVOS PERFORMANCE HALL

REVUEWM.COM | December 2013 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

TICKETS START AT $21 616.451.2741 EXT. 2 TICKETMASTER OPERAGR.COM

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Artist

Whether your list includes a reclusive Twombly quietly painting away somewhere remote, a gregarious Whistler making the rounds about town or a Grandma Moses, who might just find their artistic side later in life, there’s a little something here for the variety of artists in your world.

by K e r r i Va n d e r H o f f

Sign up for a workshop at Holland Area Arts Council and get creative in the social setting of this popular community arts center. Since moving into its current location in 1997, the Council has taught more than 15,500 participants in 1,800 classes. The website encourages us to “Be brave. Make art!” and includes a list of current class offerings from acrylic painting to photography and more.

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Holland Area Arts Council 150 East 8th St., Holland hollandarts.org (616) 396-3278

Let’s be real here, rare is the artist who can live without a little café culture in their routine, and the Drip Drop Drink is perfectly suited for the creative crowd. Owner Todd Johnson brings the art of hand-crafted, poured-over coffee to a “chill space” with eclectic, industrial décor.

And when morning turns to afternoon and it’s time to mellow out, step on over to the common area and get a beer at the adjacent Unruly Brewery located in the same historic building.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

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Drip Drop Drink 360 W. Western Ave., Muskegon downtownmuskegon.org/visit

Rezervoir Lounge is a place where artists like to hang when they don’t feel like hanging at the downtown see-and-be-seen spots. It proclaims “a dining experience that doesn’t end with dinner,” which by the way, serves late into the evening to accommodate those artists with an aversion to daylight. Food is made from scratch with local ingredients, more than 24 craft beers are on tap, and there are

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plenty of board games, pool tables and special events to keep things entertaining.

Rezervoir Lounge 1418 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids rezlounge.com (616) 451-0010

Pistolbrides formed in 2009, originally as a solo act and creative outlet before the band expanded and defined a new sound with melodic bass lines, diverse synth/key tones and classic back beats. A favorite with many local artists, the band has played at several studios/lofts and collectives, including Hugo Claudin’s Avenue for the Arts space Mexicains sans Frontieres. The band’s music is available online at iTunes, Amazon and other sites. Check out their website for upcoming gigs.

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The Pistolbrides pistolbrides.com

Speaking of reclusive artists, Calvin & Hobbes comic strip creator Bill Watterson has kept an extremely low profile since retiring the strip on New Year’s Eve in 1995. According to the official website, the documentary film Dear Mr. Watterson is not a quest to invade the artist’s privacy, but is an exploration to discover the value of his art and the human impact it had on so many readers in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and why it still means so much to people today. After making the rounds and winning awards on the festival circuit, the film arrives in Grand Rapids on Dec. 6.

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Dear Mr. Watterson Celebration! Cinema Opening Dec. 6 celebrationcinema.com

creepy uncle

The Creepy Uncle may be a little too touchy, racist and drunk, but he’s family and you love him — once a year.

By Joe Gasmann

While not allowed to publicly advertise the specific films playing at the Cina-Mini-One, they have much more than a Creepy Uncle would need playing at any given moment. For the price of an all-day-ticket, your CU can occupy one of their single-serving booths, or bring his sponsors along for a feature in one of their larger theaters.

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The Cini-Mini-One 1358 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids $14 for the day

A 300-foot jaunt down the road from the Cini-Mini, your CU can replace some lost fluids at the Rezervoir Lounge. The Rezervoir Lounge boasts 24 beers on tap, with a constant rotation of both local and national microbrews, as well as a full bar. In addition to the impressive drink catalog, Rezervoir features multiple corners to leer at patrons from. A specialty of theirs is not having creepers in the bar so make sure he wears his most inconspicuous Hawaiian shirt.

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It’s back to the non-judging confines of the Cini-Mini-One, where you can pick up a ready-to-eat meal fit for a king! The vending machines feature your typical vending fare and range in price between one dollar and one dollar.

With a full belly and cleared schedule, he’s ready to pick up where he left off.

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Why should your holiday celebration be the only thing your CU ruins with his drunken singing? The Lazy-T Motel doesn’t feature anything close to a karaoke night, but I was told by a man who I assume has a hook for a hand, and claimed to be the manager, that you could sing quietly in your room. And let me save you some time should you Google their name: The death was ruled accidental.

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The Lazy-T Motel 3370 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids $40 night with a $10 deposit. Hourly rates are the same

Don’t bother making an extra trip anywhere when there’s ear butter just beyond those thin, yellow-tinted walls and stained carpeting.

Your personal karaoke bar doubles as an all-access pass to the Lollapalooza of depression.

Who’s performing on the room 2b stage? Why, that’s the “Last Breath, Needle Still in Arm” concerto. By pressing his ear up to 4b, he’ll hear the sounds of a love he’ll never truly know… unless he has an extra $20.

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The People in the Room Next to You Your Room at The Lazy-T Motel 3370 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids $40 night with a $10 deposit. Hourly rates are the same

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Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Rezervoir Lounge 1418 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids rezlounge.com, (616) 451-0010

Cini-Mini-One Vending Machines 1358 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids The corner between the door and the last booth on the left $1 per item

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thrifty

That one friend or family member that will do anything to save a penny. From extreme coupon cutting to popping some tags at the local secondhand store, the thrifty senses a deal from any distance.

B y Sh e l b y P e n d o w s k i

Goodwill and Salvation Army are fine and dandy, but local consignment shops offer high-end fashion without the price tag or digging and hunting through multiple shops. Rock Paper Scissors Consignment Boutique offers unique clothing, accessories and treasure for a reasonable price. Find the perfect gift for the thrifter in your life or take them on an affordable shopping spree this holiday season. You never know what is waiting until you look.

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Rock Paper Scissors Consignment Boutique 145 Diamond Ave. SE, Grand Rapids rpsgr.com, (616) 805-6848

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Kalamazoo Beer Exchange offers a variety of local, international and domestic brews as well as cocktails and wines at fluctuating prices. Resembling the national stock market, drinkers get their money’s worth when the market crashes. The prices of drinks change every 15 minutes, which could keep the thrifter in your life entertained the entire night.

drink

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

A evening of free music should do the trick for that money saver in your life.

Rubblebucket, an alternative band from Brooklyn, NY, takes the stage at Founders for

listen

a free performance on Dec. 5. Drop a few bucks on a Dirty Bastard or a Pale Ale from that money you saved on cover.

Rubblebucket Founders Brewing Company 235 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Dec. 5, 9 p.m., Free! foundersbrewing.com, (616) 776-1195

Breakfast, it is the most important meal of the day and Wolfgang’s help with accomplishing the task of devouring breakfast with cheap prices. Come before 8:30 a.m. to get the early bird special of two pancakes and three slices of bacon for $2.49 or get a full order of cinnamon french toast anytime for $5.25. With these deals, you are able to retire the safety scissors, Band-Aid up the paper cuts and throw away the Sunday ads.

eat

Wolfgang’s 1530 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids mattwolfgang.com, (616) 454-5776

A completely free evening if you ignore gas prices, the City of Battle Creek lights up for the holiday season for the International Festival of Lights. With the city aglow and no price tag, it is sure to please anyone of the thrifty nature in your life.

watch

2013 International Festival of Lights Downtown Battle Creek Through Dec. 31 bcfestivals.com, (269) 420-4031

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cosplayer

To the Cosplayer, pop culture-based costumes are not just dress-up, they’re a way of life. While outsiders view San Diego Comic-Con, Dragon*Con and MegaCon as events for fanatics, the Cosplayer, thinks of them as religious experiences.

By Ae He Lee

When not attending the latest comic book convention, the Cosplayer turns to board games as the next best social event. West Michigan Tabletop Gamers (WMTG) beckons the Cosplayer to drop by Schuler Books for a time of Euro, RPG, war style or some other tabletop games. Ace or tyro, anyone is welcome to join and play in a friendly and stress-free manner, until someone refuses a trade or declares war on you, of course.

Do

West Michigan Tabletop Gamers Schuler Books 2660 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids Dec. 4, 18, 6:30 p.m. schulerbooks.com, (616) 942-2561

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

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Just because the place is called The Pyramid Scheme, it doesn’t mean conspiracy, but it might as well be. A neighborhood pub and music venue, the place features a divine array of pinball machines (Attack From Mars, Cirqus Voltaire, Medieval Madness, Star Trek The Next Generation, Star Wars, X-Men LE and more), an array of Michigan beers, including 10 from Short’s Brewing Company. Now imagine: The Magician, a London ale with hints of caramel, raisins, chocolate and roasted toffee in one hand, and a pinball machine in the other — it would just be too good to be legal.

drink

The Pyramid Scheme 68 Commerce SW, Grand Rapids pyramidschemebar.com, (616) 272-3758

The Outer Vibe’s five members are no cosplayers themselves, but they don’t skimp when it comes to colorful and resplendent stagewear and mega-dynamic live performances. This is a band that has independently composed a

listen

catchy combination of alternative rock and snazzy pop. And it might just be the perfect music to accompany your epic days of costume making.

The Outer Vibe Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompsonville Dec. 28-29, 8:00 P.M. theoutervibe.com, (216) 344-0743

If you want to know more about your Japanese cosplay ancestry, the best way to learn about a culture is through your palate.

Among many traditional dishes, Wild Chef Japanese Steakhouse, Grill & Bar presents a fresh-cut set of sashimi, tuna, and rolls in a love boat (literally a large wooden boat serving as a platter). But perhaps you are not a fan of raw.

Then try the hibachi — they will cook your food right in front of you in a showy spectacle of spouting fire.

eat

Wild Chef 2863 W. Shore Dr. Suite 112, Holland wildchefrestaurant.com, (616) 399-8398

A true fan knows what premieres Dec. 13. And the Cosplayer knows what must be done. Because if you are going to stand in line for hours to get a decent seat for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, you might as well turn the hall into a runway, right? Dress up as your favorite (and handsome) hobbit, wizard or elf.

watch

Celebration! Cinema North and IMAX Theatre 2121 Celebration Dr. NE, Grand Rapids celebrationcinema.com, (616) 365-2051

bookworm

The bookworm doesn’t care about what’s happening on “Game of Thrones” — they already know, more deeply and intimately than you could ever imagine, because of one simple fact: they read the book. And the book was way better.

By Kyle Au sti n

Redux Books 1349 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids reduxbooks.com, (616) 742-2665

It doesn’t matter that Shakespeare’s Pub was named for a rod and reel maker and not the famous playwright, the name alone should be enough to get the bookworm’s nose out of a book and into a

drink

beer for the first time since their brief Bukowski phase back in grad school. With 44 beers on tap, your bookworm will be getting their 50 Shades of Grey on in no time. Or 50 shades of green. It could go either way.

355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo Dec. 20, 9:30 p.m. bellsbeer.com, (269) 382-2332

The intertwining complexity of Soil and the Sun will remind the bookworm of her favorite novel. A lover of all genres, they will embrace the bands self-dubbed blend of “Experiential Spiritual Folk-Rock and New Mexican Space Music.”

For the bookworm, music like this is worth reading into.

Schuler Books in an obvious destination for the bookworm, but it also has the added benefit of the Chapbook Café, which serves up a diverse menu of homemade soups, sandwiches and quiches.

Your bookworm can dine in the warm and inviting café atmosphere and enjoy some caffeine while reading their heart out from the store’s expansive shelves. And unlike the freeloading grandpas who read an entire Johnny Unitas biography over one cup of coffee, the bookworm actually will buy the books, because they aren’t happy reading books that they can’t crease, contort and make their own.

The Soil and the Sun Bell’s Eccentric Cafe

Schuler’s Chapbook Café 2660 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids

Shakespeare’s Pub 241 E. Kalamazoo Ave. #100, Kalamazoo shakespearespub.com, (269) 488-7782

listen

3165 Alpine Ave., Walker schulerbooks.com/chapbook-café

eat

The bookworm is nostalgic about the stories they g rew up w ith . The Nutcracker, especially the classic annual rendition performed by the Grand Rapids Ballet, is one of those magical tales that are forever in the bookworm’s heart. With eight different showings, you’ll have more than enough opportunities to remind your friend why they fell in love with the magic of reading in the first place.

watch

Grand Rapids Ballet presents The Nutcracker DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids Dec. 13-22, show times at 2 and 7:30 p.m. $20-$54 grballet.com, (616) 454-4771

REVUEWM.COM | December 2013 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

A no-brainer, really: buy them some books! Redux is a specialty bookstore that carries everything from the latest bestsellers to rare, out-of-print and antiquarian books. Voracious as their literary appetite may be, it won’t take you long to find your bookworm something they haven’t read yet. Or better yet, bring them with you and watch them go crazier than the proverbial kid in a candy store. A really weirdsmelling candy store.

Do

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Biker

Your biker bud is a creature of intensity, wielding a fitnessorientated take on counter culture that makes them a loveable eccentric. The things that get ‘em in gear (oops) often mix practical utility with heady awesomeness.

By Nolan Krebs

Just cause there’s snow on the ground doesn’t mean people aren’t riding. Check out Michigan’s biggest Fat Bike snow race on Jan. 11, 2014 at the Cannonsbury Ski Area for all the excitement of a multi-lap bike race – but with a foot of snow on the ground and really fat bike tires. The event features a three-hour solo format or a two-person relay team. Register at bikereg.com.

Do

Farmer’s Fat Bike Race Cannonsburg Ski Area 6800 Cannonsburg Rd. NE, Belmont cannonsburg.com, (616) 874-6711

Head over to Harmony Brewing Co. in Eastown for a low-key spot to sip a beverage. Open seven days a week, the cozy digs and the smell from their wood stove have all the earthy vibrations to keep you comfortable. Their tap list includes the Black Squirrel Smokey Porter, Brownson Brown Ale, Grand Pumpkin Chai Ale, Capricorn Dark Chocolate Absinthe Stout, Grapefruit Moon IPA shandy and more.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

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drink

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

All that time ripping up the trails and streets has got your biker in tune with the great outdoors, so they probably would enjoy the acoustic-folk leanings of Grand Rapidsbased Antrim Dells. With instrumentation and melodies often described as haunting, they’re the perfect band for clearing your head. Check

listen

out their new album, Given Name, at antrimdells.bandcamp.com.

Antrim Dells antrimdells.bandcamp.com

The brewpub at Arcadia Brewing Co. serves up light dishes, as well tough-guy staples. Some of the more righteous menu highlights include:the Ploughmans Platter (Carlson Farm sausage, house smoked cheddar, hop mustard, house flat bread), the awesomely named Leeeeeroy Jenkins pizza (pesto, roma tomato, sausage, Gorgonzola) and the house-smoked barbeque beef brisket.

eat

Arcadia Brewing Company 103 Michigan Ave., Battle Creek arcadiaales.com, (269) 963-9690

Catch Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys laying down their made-in-Michigan Americana tunes at Rockford Brewing Company on Dec. 12. If your Biker hasn’t seen them live before, they are sure to dig the tight-knit harmonies and a whole lot of oldtimey goodness. As an added bonus, this venue is right off the White Pine Trails. So take your biker for a winter cruise and warm up with awesome music and excellent brews.

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Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys Rockford Brewing Company 12 E. Bridge St., Rockford Dec. 12, 8 p.m. rockfordbrewing.com, (616) 951-4677

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‘90s Child

The ‘90s Child just can’t seem to shake Uncle Jessie’s mullet, continually seeks wisdom from Wayne and Garth (we’re not worthy!) and is still mysteriously consuming Crystal Pepsi. Skip the high-tech gadgets for your ‘90s Child and instead wrap up a big, steaming mug of nostalgia.

By Jam i e Li nar i

If you’ve ever ridden in a car with your ‘90s Child pal, chances are you’ve heard them belt out an off-key “heeeeeey jealouseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...” at least three dozen times. Treat them to the real thing when Gin Blossoms visit Battle Creek’s Firekeepers Casino on Dec. 21. And after the show, you can hear them belt out “Found Out About You,” “Til I Hear It From You,” “Follow You Down,” “Allison Road” and, well, at this point, you may need earplugs.

Do

Gin Blossoms Firekeepers Casino, Battle Creek Dec. 21, doors at 8 p.m.

Tickets start at $10 firekeeperscasino.com, (877) FKC-8777

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

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Take a hint from The Dude and quench your thirst with his signature drink: The White Russian. This alcoholic milkshake gained acceptance after the tremendously quotable movie The Big Lebowski. It’s a pretty good bet every ‘90s Child will appreciate the gesture. Head over to On Deck Sport Bar and Grill in Battle Creek to sip and see how many movie lines you can correctly recite. Another Caucasian, Gary!

drink

On Deck Sports Bar 225 West Michigan Ave., Battle Creek ondecksportsbarandgrill.com, (269) 339-3483

Music in the ‘90s is summed up by one word: Alternative.

Nirvana, Oasis, Third Eye Blind, The Cranberries, Bush, Green Day, Stone Temple Pilots, we could go on. The Electric Red remembers these chart toppers fondly and has created a set list that covers alternative bands

listen

from 1992 to 1999. See the band perform at The Itty Bitty in Holland on Dec. 21 and Jack’s in Spring Lake on Dec. 27 and 28.

The Electric Red facebook.com/electricred

Pay homage to your favorite ‘90s ‘stached celebrity by eating a sandwich named in his honor. Two Beards Deli in downtown Grand Rapids offers more than 90 sandwiches, soups, salads and several tasty desserts for your ‘90s Child to marvel over. The Super Mario Brothers, Chuck Norris and the LeVar Burton are just a few badass icons whose facial hair have been immortalized in Two Beards’ tasty delicatessens.

Looks like Joey Tribbiani’s not the only one who can whip up a mean sandwich.

eat

Two Beards Deli 38 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids twobeardsdeli.com, (616) 719-3802

The ‘90s Child loves a good cult classic. Bring yours to reminisce with everyone’s favorite pizza-loving reptiles at this month’s Meanwhile Movie: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This movie series combines classic films and adult beverages for Grand Rapids’ only brew and view. Turtle Power!

watch

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Wealthy Theatre 1130 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids Dec. 3, doors open 7:15 p.m. $6, grcmc.org, (616) 459-4788

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Eccentric

Eccentric and eclectic personalities love the commingling of styles, and with a little holiday derring-do you can craft the perfect holiday gift package.

By Au dr ia Lar s e n

Adventurous souls tend to like a touch of mystery and illusion mixed into the everyday.

Instead of a predictable day of revelry, head over to the American Museum of Magic. Countless memorabilia like handbills, programs, posters and photos, plus treasures like Harry Houdini’s Overboard Box, are on display, as part of over half a million objects spanning three floors.

Do

American Museum of Magic 107 E. Michigan Ave., Marshall $3.50-$5 americanmuseumofmagic.com, (269) 781-7570

At Old Dog Tavern, you can enjoy a diverse range of live entertainment on any given night, along with an impressive menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, plus a blend of good ol’ brews and snazzy Prohibition-inspired cocktails whipped up by the house mixologist. Try the fancy, signature drink, I’ve Got a Gal, which features Journeyman, White Rye Whiskey, pineapple juice, fresh squeezed lime juice, simple syrup and the kicker, muddled habanero pepper.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

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drink

Old Dog Tavern 402 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo olddogtavern.com, (269) 381-5677

When selecting music for your eccentric squeeze, you can’t go wrong with a band that’s wildly distinctive. Mail Order Monsters is an 8-bit electro prog pop band based out of Grand Rapids with a sound entirely created from old Commodore 64 video game audio chips. “I think what makes us unique is our work is creating something new and fresh using the commodore as our sound source. It’s more about original composition than sounding retro or ‘chiptune.’

listen

We just love the sound of the Commodore audio chip and want to make new things with it,” said Rich Vogel, band founder.

Mail Order Monsters mailordermonsters64.com

Finger bowls, eating sans utensils and decadent-tasting vegan food… what could be more eclectic? Little Africa, featuring Ethiopian cuisine, is a shining diamond in an unassuming, but cozy spot nestled among antique shops. The rich, spiced tea pairs perfectly with giant platters of spongy injera bread heaped with a selection of the delicious offerings. Don’t bother selecting a single dish, opt for the sampler platter, which is meant for sharing, and enjoy just about every item from the menu like gomen, red lentils, alicha and other exotic choices that will leave you swooning.

eat

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

Sometimes you just need a night of theater replete with lush costuming, a classic tale and, wait for it, giant puppets. Take your eclectic beau out to Tales From the Arabian Nights. “Tales From the Arabian Nights is going to be a beautiful piece. I think audiences will enjoy being reintroduced into the Aladdin story. It’s… great for anyone interested in fairy tales,” said Bob Hoffman, public Relations manager.

watch

Tales From the Arabian Nights Wharton Center 750 W. Shaw Ln., East Lansing Jan. 12, 1:30 and 4 p.m. $12-$17.50 whartoncenter.com, (517) 353-1982

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Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Were you aware?

LADIES LITERARY CLUB 61 SHELDON BLVD SE

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Parent

The Parent is trailed by small, loud, energetic ragamuffins.

Throw some graham crackers in their general direction and watch chaos unfold. By the way, the stroller means MOVE!

By M issy B lac k

Illustrations in a child’s bedtime story shouldn’t be someone’s only brush with art. Keeping in theme, the parent might head to an exhibit filled with 31 artists and 120 drawings from the print drawers of some of the world’s best-known children’s book illustrators. If you drag the kids along, there are book displays and a reading nook. “There’s more of an art element to it for adults,” said Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator Phil Meade. An opening-day event is held with illustrator Matt Faulkner.

Do

Fantastic Rumpus: 50 Years of Children’s Book Illustration Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Dec. 14–Feb. 9 $5, kiarts.org, (269) 349-7775

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

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The parent requires a stiff drink—something to transport them to another place—away from the soccer fields or two-hour tantrums. The Hemingway Daiquiri does this. Made up of Clement Martinique Rum that only comes from Martinique Island and Maraschino Liqueur out of Italy, every sip feels like you’re going places. Add some fresh-squeezed lime juice and seasonal fruits like strawberry or watermelon and you get a taste of “clean but sweet notes,” according to bartender Rob Hanks, who provides a little history. Ernest Hemingway would go to a bar in Cuba where only a certain bartender was allowed to make his drink. Score for liquor that teaches a lesson.

drink

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

listen

The band’s bio reads “From Midwestern landscapes of Michigan, and the vinyl collec-

tion of parents› basements.” Valentiger knows where to spot the cool factor from mom and dad.

Both parents and kids can rock out to Oh, to Know! and not feel like the other is stepping on anybody’s music tastes. Take in a show on Dec. 19 at Rockford Brewing Company or raid your parents› own song stash.

Valentiger valentigermusic.com

Bringing a tradition of goodness since 1916, Crane’s has that wholesome, family friendly appeal and after a day of shopping in downtown Holland the ‹rents need to take a break someplace where the kids are amused, too. It’s all about bringing a homemade, country taste to you with items such as the famous City Cristo sandwich made with apple butter bread or the Open-Faced AppleBerry Sandwich. Slacker moms will appreciate the baked pies on-hand.

eat

Crane’s in the City 11 East 8th St., Holland cranesinthecity.com, (616) 796-2489

Get a front row seat to somebody else’s dysfunctional family for a change. The Addams Family Musical is a dark comedy featuring the zany characters of Morticia, Uncle Fester and that creepy little girl Wednesday. “Families are funny and have unique characters within them,” said Meggan George, manager of the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center, so this show will certainly speak to quirky family dynamics. This slaphappy production is held Jan. 26 at 3 p.m. with ticket prices ranging from $42 to $56.

watch

Forest Hills Fine Arts Center 600 Forest Hill Avenue SE, Grand Rapids fhfineartscenter.com, (616) 493-8965

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beer geek

The Beer Geek is a lover of the finer brew, turning to smaller production breweries and unique taps rather than settling for a fizzy yellow beer. They have more bottle openers on their keychain than keys, choose beer over wine at dinner, take to aging unique bottles in basements, closets and cellars, and are unafraid of battling freezing temperatures for a chance to taste our state’s offerings with thousands of others at beer festivals.

By B e n Darc i e

O’Connors Homebrew Supply in Grand Rapids offers handson homebrew classes once a month, taught by some of the best homebrew minds in the city. There’s no better way for your Beer Geek to deepen their knowledge of beer than to get into making their own, and this is a great opportunity to start them on their journey.

Find them on Facebook for homebrew class information, other events and lectures.

Do

O’Connor’s Homebrew Supply 619 Lyon St. NE, Grand Rapids oconnorshomebrew.com, (616) 635-2088

HopCat East Lansing is the newest HopCat entity, and offers an extensive menu alongside 100 taps to choose from and an extensive bottle list. HopCat EL offers two floors of seating and will keep your Beer Geek drooling over the ever-changing tap list of international, national, regional and local selections.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

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drink

Hopcat East Lansing 300 Grove St., East Lansing hopcatel.com

Drench your Beer Geek in bonerattling blues for a whole day, featuring sets by Jimmie Stagger & the Hank Mowery Duo, Stan Budzinski & the 3rd Degree and the Big Boss Blues Band.

Nothing goes better with the blues than Billy’s fantastic selection of Michigan, regional and national craft brews.

listen

WMBS Winter Spectacular Billy’s Lounge 1437 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids

Dec. 8, 1 p.m., $5 billyslounge.com, (616) 459-5757

TerraGR offers a diverse menu that is very seasonally influenced. Embracing locally sourced ingredients, TerraGR offers unique and engaging plates that will please your Beer Geek to no end – alongside a fantastic selection of craft beer, wine and liquor. (The restaurant also resides down the street from Harmony Brewing Company, so you can treat your Geek to a whole night of beer and food, if you like.)

eat

Terra 1429 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids terragr.com, (616) 301-0998

Ultraviolet Hippopotamus (UV Hippo) comes to Bell’s Brewery two nights in a row for their New Year’s Bash. The band brings its explosive progressive improvisation to the stage alongside some of Michigan’s best brew, giving your Beer Geek a New Year’s Eve they are never going to forget.

watch

Ultraviolet Hippopotamus Bell’s Eccentric Cafe 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo Dec. 30-31 $30 for two-day pass, $15 Monday, $25 Tuesday bellsbeer.com, (269) 382-2332

DEDICATED, EXPERIENCED, BEER ENTHUSIASTS.

418 ADA DRIVE SE, ADA, MI 616.920.7398 GRAVELBOTTOM.COM

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

A hands-on brewery promoting craft beer with a variety of brews on tap, classes and a fully stocked supply shop.

TUESDAY 4PM - 11PM WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY 2PM - 11PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY 11AM - 12AM

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foodie

At night, the foodie dreams of tomorrow’s breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. The foodie never passes up an invitation to check out that new restaurant in town and always has an opinion on the latest gastronomic trend. The way to a foodie’s heart is, naturally, through the stomach.

B y A l e x a n d r a Kadl e c

Give the foodie in your life the opportunity to impress friends and family with some newly honed hosting chops acquired at the Downtown Market’s Bite-Size Holiday Entertaining class.

Taught by the manager of Old World Olive Co., the menu will include appetizers, desserts and cocktails incorporating a variety of olive oils and balsamic vinegars from the store. The class takes place Dec. 12, 6-8 p.m. and costs $55.

Do

Downtown Market 435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids downtownmarketgr.com, (616) 805-5308

Invite your best-known wine taster to the 22nd annual Nouveau Fest, hosted at Fenn Valley Vineyards. Modeled after the Beaujolais practice, the festival will present the Nouveau, a dry, fruity red released in its harvest year. After appraising a glass, feast on homemade pizza, attend a wine cellar tour and sample additional varieties at the tasting bar. The best part? The event, held on Dec. 7 (1-5 p.m.), won’t cost you a dime.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

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drink

Fenn Valley Vineyards 6130 122nd Ave., Fennville fennvalley.com, (269) 561-2396

A generous offering of Michigan pride is provided with local eats and entertainment at Salt of the Earth, an American restaurant delivering seasonal fare sourced from nearby farms. On Dec. 22, local bluegrass band Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys—which has been described “Americana with a powerful vocal style that recalls Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday”—will create a feelgood ambiance for enjoying bites of savory dishes like rosemary-seasoned country potatoes, balsamic-glazed fried brussels and crispy confit pork belly.

listen

Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys Salt of the Earth, Fennville Dec. 22, 7 p.m. $15 saltoftheearthfennville.com, (269) 561-7258

Housed in downtown Holland’s historic Baker Lofts building, Theodore’s is marked by a minimalist décor of exposed brick walls, a granite bar and ceiling spotlights—a sophisticated backdrop for enjoying the treasures on its seasonally updated menu of modern American cuisine.

Gather your foodie friends for holiday cheer over wine (the cellar list is lengthy), Michigan craft beers or handcrafted cocktails—the Cranberry Kiss and Frostini feel especially festive. Continue on to epicurean delights made for sharing, like smoked salmon parfait and creamy goat cheese fritters.

eat

Theodore’s 217 East 24th St., Holland theodoresholland.com, (616) 392-6883

Fine dining and theater make a fashionable pair for an evening out, as the folks behind Kalamazoo-based Millennium Group Restaurants know. Their Dinner & a Show nights offer a three-course menu at one of their establishments, followed by a local performance. This month, hit musical I Love a Piano, featuring works by Irving Berlin, runs on select nights at the Farmer’s Alley Theatre. The night begins at Martell’s, where a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert is served in a cozy, comfortable setting. Tickets are $30.

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Martell’s 3501 Greenleaf Blvd., Kalamazoo Farmer’s Alley Theatre 221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

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doomsday prepper

The Prepper spends every waking moment ensuring their deplorable lifestyle will continue on long after all of the normal humans have been wiped off the planet. What to get the person who has, literally, years worth of everything stacked ceiling high in their double-wide?

By Joe Gasmann

What could be better than sinking into lunacy by yourself? How about a fellowship of nutjobs who love guns, burgers and the false belief that the training they do serves an actual purpose! By the looks of their vintage website, they’ve got all sorts of batsh*t activities to attend year round.

Do

Michigan Militia michiganmilitia.com

termite mounds, tis the season to indulge! Head on over to 36th and Clyde Park because Steve DeYoung’s Big Top Market is serving up raw beef hearts for a very reasonable $2.99 a pound! Their hours are listed on their site and are subject to change should the world end.

Steve DeYoung›s Big Top Market 3630 Clyde Park Ave., Wyoming bigtopmarkets.com

Served steaming hot and about once every two hours (if you’re a healthy adult[1]), urine is the manna of Preppers. Serve it straight from the tap or in a decorative demijohn.

drink

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Your Own Urine Yourself Free!

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Keep your Prepper informed with a triple-shot of Beck, Limbaugh and Hannity, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily on Wood Radio 106.9 FM & 1300 AM. Take a few hours off for knife sharpening and grab yourself another serving of Beck at 9!

listen

Wood Radio woodradio.com

eat

Though gas is now a priceless commodity, the drive to the Port of Muskegon will be well worth it. Here is where our Prepper will watch the world fall silent and mock those who doubted his Lord would taketh away. The tranquil waters will give respite from the memories of having to deny his barren wife access to the shelter, as she could not assist in re-population. As a bonus, the port will be having a “Everyone Who Would Have Stopped You From Looting is Dead, So Everything is Free” sale on all freight that hasn›t been rendered impenetrable by the plague of radioactive mole-people.

watch

Nuclear Fallout Reflecting Off the Port of Muskegon Free There are no more phones or Internet, silly [1] Source: Living Well Expert, Dr. Jennifer Shu

Though the Prepper is content to eat most of his or her foods (his) out of cans and

music Geek

Spending money on concert tickets and new music may have severely altered your monthly budget. Album covers are the only type of art you care about and long drives are never boring because you can bond with your favorite artists. b y C a r ly P l a n k

Corner Record Shop 1710 W. Main St., Kalamazoo k zooc or nerrec ordshop .c om, (269) 381-0218 Vertigo Music 129 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids vertigomusiconline.com, (616) 742-5106

It is no secret that Founders’ tap room has been extravagantly remodeled, but the beer often outshines the talent that frequents the stage. The brewery is earning a name for itself not only as a music venue, but a post-concert hangout, with David Byrne stopping by last summer.

As far as local and regional talent, Founders often gets the pick of the litter, with Cymbals Eat Guitars, The Crane Wives and The Fuzzrites performing.

drink

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

At some venues, crowds drown out the music and mosh pits leave battle scars. At Seven Steps Up, civilized and focused listening is mandatory. One of a select few “listening rooms” throughout the nation, the venue features touring singer

listen

songwriters in the acoustic Pin Drop Concert series. With seating in a historic building limited to 110, a fully equipped bar and satisfied artists, what more could a music purist want for the holidays?

Pin Drop Concerts at Seven Steps Up 116 S. Jackson St., Spring Lake pindropconcerts.com, (616) 678-3618

Just like an old time rock and roll club, the atmosphere at Stella’s Lounge is dark and edgy. Retro arcade games and earsplitting music complete every ‘80s fanatic’s dreamscape. Unlike the notoriously unhealthy diets of rockers, however, the menu offers a wealth of vegan and vegetarian options alongside the burger GQ named the best in America. But super strong drinks will guarantee a less-thanpredictable night that may involve some form of karaoke, with or without the traditional equipment.

eat

Stella’s Lounge 53 Commerce Ave., Grand Rapids stellasgr.com, (616) SHAG-444

Classic songs may last for decades, but covers are a completely different art form. On New Year’s Eve, two Kalamazoo bands will converge at the State Theatre to play the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Abbey Road from front to back. Red Sea Pedestrians will bring an updated, worldly flair to the classics and Corn Fed Girls will give them a stripped down, Americana treatment. You may even walk away with a new favorite Beatles cover.

watch

Kalamazoo State Theatre 404 S. Burdick, Kalamazoo kazoostate.com, (269) 345-6500

REVUEWM.COM | December 2013 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Music junkies are audiophiles at heart, which is why vinyl’s popularity has seen an upsurge. Listening to your favorite tunes the way they were meant to be heard certainly makes for a more intimate experience than, say, on your computer. Take a few hours (or days) and indulge your inner music nerd completely.

From modern vinyl releases to obscure singles and retro memorabilia, the contents of local record stores will enchant any music enthusiast.

Do

39

/// Gift

Guide

thespian

Ardent lovers of show, Thespians idolize all things extravagant and grandiose that have just a hint of class. They are also avid appreciators of hardcore drama and a tale well told.

B y A l l i s o n Pa r k e r

There’s nothing drama llamas love more than a brutal onstage bloodbath. Unleash your inner musketeer with rapiers, daggers and more at the Academy of Combat and Movement Education’s stage combat classes. Students will receive training so that their “every gesture can potentially tell a story,” according to the Academy’s philosophy statement. Single session, one month and quarter-year classes are available.

What’s that you say? Not all theatregoers are vicious, blood-lusting animals? Touché.

Do

Stage Combat Class Dog Story Theater 7 Jefferson Ave. SE., Grand Rapids $20-25 per class, $75-80 per month, $200-225 per quarter, Mondays at 7 p.m. dogstorytheater.com, (616) 894-1252

Just half a block from Kalamazoo State Theatre and a mere sixminute drive from Miller Auditorium, Central City Tap House is a perfect stop for thirsty thespians. A robust selection of American and imported beers provide a refreshing guzzle with fellow theatergoers before a show. Declare your love for orchestral music with the local wheat ale, Violin Monster or go for something dramatic like the intense ESB import, Hobgoblin.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

40 | REVUEWM.COM | December 2013

drink

Central City Tap House 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo millenniumrestaurants.com, (269) 492-0100

Soprano sensation Teri Dale Hansen will be performing leading-lady showstoppers from West Side Story, Show Boat, Cats, Carousel and more at The Block. Boasting lead roles in multiple Broadway tours, Hansen is internationally recognized for her crossover abilities as a singing actress and as an interpreter of Kurt Weil.

Two of her numbers will give audiences a taste

listen

of up-and-coming talent by featuring students from Western Michigan Musical Theater Program.

Singer. Actress. Gingerbread.

West Michigan Symphony Orchestra The Block, Muskegon Dec. 15, 3 p.m., $28-50 westmichigansymphony.org, (231) 726-3231

Let’s be honest — theatergoing wouldn’t be nearly as much fun if it weren’t for the theaters themselves. Whether studded with glitzy marquees or vying for the title of World’s Tiniest Stage, a theater is always a hallowed space for the thespian. Located in the lobby of the historic Grand Theatre, The Grand allows theater worshipers to dine in one of their beloved sanctuaries while enjoying fine art and live music. A wide array of exotic seafood is also perfectly suited to the thespian’s colorful and passionate nature; the menu’s mantra is, “Eat oysters, love longer.”

eat

The Grand 22 Washington Ave., Grand Haven harborrestaurants.com/TheGrand, (616) 847-8944

Cirque Dreams has performed for more than 50 million people worldwide and received critical acclaim from The New York Times, The Associated Press, CNN and more. If you’re looking for a stage spectacle, it’s hard to do better than more than 30 soaring acrobats decked out in holiday regalia. Filliping gingerbread men, balancing snowmen and flying reindeer are just a few of the astonishing sites in store for lovers of daring feats and over-the-top glitz.

watch

Cirque Dreams Holidaze DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids Dec. 26-29, show times at 1, 2, 6:30, 7:30 & 8 p.m., $32-72 broadwaygrandrapids.com, (616) 235-6285

CLEAR VISION IS THE BEST GIFT OF ALL Michael L. Keil, D.O., FAOCO 2500 E. Beltline SE, Suite C Grand Rapids, MI info@keillasik.com (616) 365-5775

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

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/// Sink’s Spins on Music

LOCAL CD RELEASES

Breathe Owl Breathe Passage of Pegasus

Greensky Bluegrass will be performing at The Intersection’s New Year’s Eve event. PHOTO: J.VanBuhler

ON THE MUSICAL RADAR

D

DJ SuperDre

“If anyone had suggested to me five or six years ago that such a night would be successful in Grand Rapids, I probably would have laughed. However, it’s been an extremely successful night ... Between that and some of the other local events and the festivals, I think Grand Rapids is set up pretty well for some great things in the future.”

And then there’s the city’s proximity to the world-renowned EDM scene in Detroit.

“It definitely helps that we’re as close to Detroit as we are.” Popular Grand Rapids DJ Jason Veeder acknowledges that EDM acceptance “has grown exponentially” in West Michigan with increased EDM radio airplay and festivals such as City Lights and Electric Forest. But he contends the number of Grand Rapids venues actually offering op-

portunities for performances “has gone way, way down” in recent years.

“No matter how much we embrace EDM music, it’s going to be halted if there’s nowhere to play it.”

I

n recent years, New Year’s Eve bashes at clubs across West Michigan have become a competition for the most highly prized names in regional music.

And some venues have upped the ante yet again to toast the arrival of 2014. The past two New Year’s Eves, folk-rock’s The Crane Wives have fired up Founders Brewing Co., which boasts one of the liveliest and loudest parties around town (with Brooklyn’s The Pimps of Joytime on tap this year). The Crane Wives will head down the street to The Intersection to open for Greensky Bluegrass.

“New Year’s Eve is a cool evening to play because it comes pre-charged with emotion and eagerness to party,” says bassist Ben Zito.

“Greensky is bringing all of their awesome, supercharged fans.”

At Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre, Michigan’s star-studded Starlight Six — Seth Bernard, May Erlewine, Dominic John, Rachael Davis, Joshua Davis, Michael Shimmin and special guest, Mike Lynch — has made its annual rock-and-soul New Year’s

Eve concert a beloved tradition. And expect some bonus action: The “Exile on Wealthy Street” show will feature “a long set of handpicked Rolling Stones” songs. Meanwhile, Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo goes one night better: It boasts New Year’s Eve on steroids by making things a two-day affair. Grand Rapids’ Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, West Michigan’s hard-touring jam band, will set up shop at Bell’s two nights in a row, Dec. 30 and 31. And that’s worth popping another bottle of bubbly. n Music critic and entertainment writer John Sinkevics comments on the local and national music scene at LocalSpins.com, spotlighting artists at 10 a.m.

Wednesdays on Local Spins Live at News Talk 1340 AM.

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

J Slim Tim has seen West Michigan’s electronic dance music scene light up in recent years.

“There are some really big things changing around the city and around the state. More and more people are becoming open to the music,” said Slim Tim, aka Tim Boelman, who grew up outside of London, England, and moved to the U.S. about 13 years ago to play soccer at Cornerstone University.

EDM is a hot commodity, with twentysomething audiences selling out venues coast to coast and hitting the dance floor at Monte’s, Tavern on the Square, Billy’s and Grand Woods Lounge, to name a few. EDM’s burgeoning popularity also can be attributed to the growing “festival scene and the fact that mainstream music started to embrace it a lot more,” said DJ SuperDre, aka Andrea Wallace.

“Festivals have pushed many different types of music in the indie scene to a different level. It offers a lot of exposure at once.”

That includes events such as City Lights Music Festival, taking place every July in downtown Grand Rapids. SuperDre, who’s splitting her time between Los Angeles and West Michigan these days, has hosted BassBin electronic music nights at Billy’s for more than three-and-a-half years.

Mystical. There may be no better word to describe the 10-track voyage that is Passage of Pegasus. It’s certainly a term that’s long characterized the approach of Michigan’s atmospheric Breathe Owl Breathe. A decade into this musical project born in East Jordan, the pioneering trio — Micah Middaugh, Trevor Hobbs and Andréa Moreno-Beals — continues to evade categorization as it delves into ever more complex, lush, harmony-rich and image-laden dreamscapes that owe as much to frontier-pushing artists such as Lou Reed and John Cale as they do to contemporaries like indiefolk’s Bon Iver. Produced by The Fruit Bats’ Eric D. Johnson, the follow-up to 2010’s Magic Central stands as an intricate work of art worthy of intense, repeated scrutiny (with help of album covers that are individually numbered pieces of Middaugh’s visual art, pressed with handset type and copper-block images).

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/// ON TOUR

When Love Songs and Punk Rock Collide | By Carly Plank

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

D NOW-DECEMBER

Tues, Weds, Fri & Sat 8am - 3pm

Christmas trees, wreaths, trimmings & more!

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JANUARY-APRIL Saturday 10am - 1pm

www.fultonstreetmarket.org

i ego Garcia’s music c o u ld b e calle d easy li ste n i n g if not for the infusion of flavors his heritage and experiences have brought to his writing. The songwriter’s latest album, Paradise, encompasses themes of love, reconciliation and self-discovery to the beat of Garcia’s acoustic guitar. But Garcia’s influences are wide ranging, including punk pioneer Iggy Pop. Although both The Stooges and Garcia are from Michigan, Garcia weaves a wild western tale of meeting a Stooges member years ago.

“This rehearsal studio in Los Angeles has the smoking section in the parking lot and I was sitting next to this guy in a leather jacket, he had sunglasses on, and he looked like someone that had been around forever, with leathery skin,” Garcia said. “And I knew that The Stooges were getting ready for a show in L.A. I don’t think it was Iggy, but it was one of the Asheton brothers, and I said I’m a huge fan.”

Garcia was heavily influenced by The Stooges, as well as the MC5, but his journey to becoming a songwriter was an organic process, and his musical tastes differed somewhat from his role models and his peers.

“My buddies were really into Led Zeppelin, and I was kind of freaked out by that, so at 15, I just started writing little love songs,” Garcia said.

Diego Garcia wsg Jenn Grant Ladies Literary Club, Grand Rapids Dec. 5, 8 p.m. $10 public, $5 with Calvin ID calvin.edu/sao, (616)526-6064

Those love songs carried him all the way to the release of his debut album Laura in 2011, named for his wife. Currently, Garcia finds inspiration from everyday experiences.

“I write from a very personal place,” he said. “I grab a melody out of the air while I’m holding the guitar. Sometimes the melody comes translated into words, and it’s sort of like meditation.”

Graceful guitar passages are surely influenced by Garcia’s Argentinean heritage, which has crept into his music, especially on more recent songs.

“Spanish was spoken in the house and I’m bilingual, but I have been embracing the more Latin roots of my parents.”

While Garcia’s writing style draws from powerful emotions, he hopes his live performances will offer a different perspective to listeners and relate to audiences on an individual level.

“The live show is an escape from your day to day, where I just let go and recharge, and I think it’s a mutual thing.” n

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DEC

5

DIEGO GARCIA

with Jenn Grant | Ladies Literary Club | 8pm | $10

JAN

24

THE LONE BELLOW

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

with special guest | Covenant Fine Arts Center | 8pm | $15

JAN

29

THE BRILLIANCE Ladies Literary Club | 8pm | $10

Changing the conversation about popular culture.

www.calvin.edu/boxoďŹƒce

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616.526.6282

by Allison Parker

theatre

Other Performing Arts Events Ghost the Musical Wharton Center, East Lansing Dec. 10-15, show times at 1, 2, 6:30, 7:30 & 8 p.m. $32-72 whartoncenter.com, (517) 353-1982

Oh, Mamma!

S

Mamma Mia! Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo Dec. 10-11, 7:30 p.m. $35-63 millerauditorium.com, (269) 387-2300

Mark A. Harmon, who plays Harry in the musical. “You just feel like a rock star.”

In spite of its frenzied silliness, the musical still remains intelligent and carefully crafted. When playwright Catherine Johnson created the musical’s original book, she began with ABBA’s music.

Rather than cramming songs into a storyline, Johnson allowed the songs to drive the plot. Johnson also veered away from predictable song usage.

“What I find interesting is how the story is woven around the music,” Harmon said. “The musical will use a song in unexpected ways. It will do a twist to it. It’s very clever how it has woven the songs together.”

Although bursting at the seams with cheerfully ridiculous moments, the musical is rooted in the emotional truth of real-world situations. While exploring ABBA’s sound, Johnson noted some

songs contained a youthful vibe, while others reflected the emotions of more mature person. Johnson therefore decided to feature a mother and daughter as the show’s emotional core. For many audiences, this relationship anchors the play in reality and resonates on a personal level. “[Mamma Mia! is] about family,” Harmon said. “Family connections and relationships between a mother and a daughter, so a lot of people relate to that.

It’s also about friendships and the stress of a wedding, which a lot of people have been through.”

In comparison to the 2008 blockbuster, the musical’s story is very much the same with a few minor changes in song choice. The live performance, however, offers a more immersive experience along with a top-notch Broadway cast.

“Of course you can do more in a movie than you can onstage, but there’s nothing like seeing [Mamma Mia!] live— the energy is amazing,” Harmon said.

“These kids can dance. They’re always dancing, both onstage and offstage. …

Come out and see the show. You’re guaranteed a good time, and you’ll have the songs stuck in your head for weeks.” n

The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays Beardsley Theater, Muskegon Dec. 1, 5-8; show times at 3 & 7:30 p.m. $17-19 muskegoncivictheatre.org, (231) 722-3852 A delightful mix of chilling danger and snappy humor, The Game’s Afoot tells the story of actor William Gillette, who plays Sherlock Holmes onstage. When one of Gillette’s party guests is brutally murdered during a weekend holiday party, Gillette must suddenly become the famed detective in real life. It’s up to him to crack the case and protect his friends from certain death.

The Nutcracker Grand Rapids Ballet DeVos Performance Hall Dec. 13-15, 20-22; show times at 2 and 7:30 p.m. $20-54 grballet.com, (616) 454-4771 The holidays just wouldn’t be the same without it. Grand Rapids Ballet and the Grand Rapids Symphony team up once again to present Tchaikovsky’s stunning masterpiece. Dancing snowflakes, spinning sweets and waltzing wildflowers continue to awaken child-like wonder in audiences young and old. Get reservations for Clara’s Nutcracker Party before the Dec. 15 matinee for story time and a photo op with the characters.

Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule

u p p o s e yo u r e x s u d d e n ly s h ows u p at yo u r d o o r.

Suppose there’s a good chance this ex could be your child’s father. Now suppose it’s not just one possible baby daddy at your door, but three. Oh—one more minor detail here—suppose these men arrive just in time for your daughter’s wedding.

Getting its groove on at Miller Auditorium this month, Mamma Mia! is a boisterous, campy tribute to dysfunctional families, intertwined with ABBA’s greatest hits. Since its debut in 1999, the Broadway sensation has earned more than $2 billion worldwide.

First and foremost, Mamma Mia! is all about cutting loose, getting your crazy on and having a good time. Dancers waddle onstage in enormous diving flippers while middle-aged men strut about in ‘70s jumpsuits. Audiences frequently scream the encore songs along with the cast and even oldsters aren’t afraid to bust some moves in the aisles.

“I can’t really tell you much ... but at the very end of the show there’s a little surprise and the audience goes crazy,” said

Adapted from the hit romantic fantasy film, this new Broadway musical presents a haunting portrayal of life after death. When Sam’s untimely demise transforms him into an invisible phantom, he’ll stop at nothing to protect his girlfriend Molly from his murderer. With the help of a supernatural medium, Sam desperately struggles to reach the love of his life from beyond the grave. A passionate original score along with the mesmerizing hit “Unchained Melody” provides a rich musical backdrop for this anguished tale of everlasting love.

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Evangeline Lilly in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Movie///pREVIEWS

by Ae Hee Lee

Opening DECEMBER 13

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), Gandalf (Ian McKellan) and 13 dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) continue their quest to reclaim the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. Not only do the Orcs persist in chasing after them, but the One Ring starts to put its lustrous moves on the hobbit. Fortunately, the elves (yes, the dreamy Legolas is back) enter the scene. Unfortunately, the Dragon, Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch) does so too.

Opening DECEMBER 20

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

Saving Mr. Banks

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The word “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” wouldn’t be enough to describe the amount of effort it took for Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) to obtain the rights for Mary Poppins from writer P.L. Travers (Emma Thompson). The story starts when money becomes an issue for Travers, and she reluctantly goes to L.A. to hear the plans for the adaptation — though not without being snarky about it. Disney will have to pull out his magic dust and heart-felt memories of his childhood to understand Travers’ hesitation and help her let the magical nanny fly away from her book.

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues The ‘70s are long gone, but San Diego’s top-rated anchorman Ron Burgundy (Will

Ferrell) is not ready to become past news.

The pursuit of glory continues along with his trusty friends, awkward Brick Tamland (Steve Carell), smoldering Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd) and cowboy-hat-sporting Champ Kind (David Koechner), and a brand new job at New York’s first 24-hour news channel.

Opening DECEMBER 25

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty No one knows how to enjoy a good cup of epic reverie as Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) does. But when his job, along with that of his romantic interest and co-worker (Kristen Wiig) are threatened, Mitty decides to live life outside the pages of his imagination by traveling the globe and making it all real — which he discovers to be more extraordinary than fantasy.

47 Ronin Halfbreed and exile Kai (Keanu Reeves) is called back by a group of Ronin led

by Kuranosuke Oishi (Hiroyuki Sanada) to aid them in their vengeance on warlord Kira (Tadanobu Asano).

Only problem is that there are 47 of them, while their enemy’s army is infinite and own supernatural powers. Then again, numbers have never been an issue for the fearless who possess extra-sweet Japanese sword skills. n

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by Josh Spanninga

COMEDY

Dave Landau

The King of Michigan Comedy

C

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

omedian Dave Landau may have h o us e s i n both L.A. and Detroit, but it’s clear the latter is the house that he considers to be home. Sure, L.A. can be glamorous and all, but who can resist the allure of Michigan?

“My wife is here, her job is here, and I really just like Michigan more than L.A., more than anywhere else,” Landau said.

Michigan also happens to be where Landau got his start in comedy where at 19 years, fresh out of high school, he joined Detroit’s Second City. While Landau insists his interest in comedy dates much further back than this (he cites childhood memories of his dad waking him up on weekends to watch “Saturday Night Live”), he feels that Second City’s improv lessons and writing exercises were an essential tool for his development as a comedian.

“It teaches you to think instantaneously funny, you know?” Landau said. “Especially if you have a heckler or something like that, you’re kind of trained for it through improv.”

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Eventually Landau decided to branch out from the Second City ensemble cast, and at the suggestions of friends and colleagues, he tried doing stand-up on his own.

Of course, for comedians just beginning their careers, open mic nights and sporadic gigs don’t quite pay the bills. This led to Landau’s brief foray into the world of retail.

“I sold luggage at an upscale luggage store in the middle of a really bad part of Detroit,” Landau said. “We had to close by like 5 o’clock to make sure nobody got shot.”

It may not have been the most glamorous job, but it was a constant source of income that helped pay the bills, which Landau found comfort in. So much so that even when he was found himself getting spots on Comedy Central he still kept his luggage job.

“I kept my day job until I was really sure I could make it without it,” he said.

Eventually he devoted himself to comedy full time, making appearances on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” and “The Bob and Tom Show.” He also landed acting roles in a handful of independent films, and

Dave Landau Dr. Grins, Grand Rapids Dec. 12-14, show times at 8, 9 and 10:30 p.m. $5-$10 thebob.com/drgrins, (616) 356-2000

has recently written, produced and starred in his first feature-length film, currently in the post-production stage. This latest project, simply titled The King, is a semiautobiographical account of a high schooler using their newly acquired driver’s license to travel to Detroit to get booze.

“It’s sort of like Superbad meets Judgement Night,” Landau said. “But it’s completely original because it’s based on a true story.”

For now, Landau has returned to standup, spending a good portion of his current tour at clubs throughout Michigan. During his free time he hangs out at home near Detroit because he just can’t get enough of Michigan. And frankly, who can blame him?

“I just feel that as far as the creative process goes and being where I’m most comfortable, I like being home in Michigan.” n

chill out

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ilovet hejw.com | 616.242.1475

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by Kyle Austin

LIT LIFE

Once More, With Feeling Mitch Albom Brings His Brand of Storytelling to Grand Rapids

A

t th e 1992 Barce lona Olym pics, a British runner with a hamstring injury, collapsed only to be pulled to his feet and helped around the finish line by another man who had jumped onto the track from the stands. Most people didn’t see it, because the race was only a preliminary heat, but Mitch Albom saw a story, and ran to the stadium tunnel to find it.

“I found out that it was [the runner’s father],” Albom said. “He told me this wonderful story about how he had taught his son to run as a child by putting the kid’s feet on top of his, almost just as he had done that day. It wasn’t about anybody famous, and it wasn’t about a big win or a gold medal, but I it was a story about a father and a son, and I knew everybody could relate to that.”

Telling stories that engage people: it seems like a logical mission for any writer, and a simple one at that, yet no other writer working today does it quite like Albom. His acute perception of human emotion, which permeates everything he produces – journalism, novels, radio and television appearances, scripts, plays – has earned him and his work a place in the hearts of millions.

But despite all of the success, awards and accolades, Albom is still very much the same kind, genuine and patient observer who went from one New York publisher to another more than 15 years ago, trying to get a manuscript he’d titled Tuesdays with Morrie off the ground so that he could raise

enough money to help pay his dying Mitch Albom professor’s medical bills.

Schuler Books, 28th St. “When Tuesdays with Morrie Dec. 15, 4:30 p.m. became a success, it looked like I schulerbooks.com, was going to be able to write more (616) 942-2561 books, and there was that moment when I thought, ‘Gee, I don’t have to stay in Detroit,’ but I just sensed that thinking like that would be trouble,” Albom said. “I got lucky because [the deal with Doubleday] was only for one book. If I’d been on contract, you can bet that publishers would have been telling me, ‘We gotta get another one out! Give us Wednesdays with Morrie or Thursdays with Morrie,’ and I would have been obligated.”

Instead, Albom waited six years before publishing his next book, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, just to make sure that he was writing for the right reasons and speaking from the heart. It’s this kind of humble dedication to his craft and to himself that sets Albom apart from so many other creative people who have let the pressures of fame and success destroy their humanity. It’s also why Albom’s latest novel, The First Phone Call from Heaven, is yet another example of rich, compelling writing that stays true to the core ethos of storytelling.

“I take all of it with a grain of salt,” Albom said of his success. “I always think that if my stories hit with people, it’s because it’s about them, not because I’m a great writer. If I can find the common denominator human emotion in the story, then I think it’ll be of interest to people.”

For Albom, that common denominator is often hope, and though some have criticized the author for overusing that emotion, he isn’t bothered, because at the end of the day, he’s just telling the story that he sees.

“From the beginning of storytelling, hope has been a kernel of every character and every story that’s gone on – it’s the triumph of good over evil,” Albom said. “I’ll never be embarrassed to write things that are characterized as hopeful.

If that’s the worst thing they can say about me then I’m doing way better than I thought.” n

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Other Literary Events Spilled Ink

Playback Improv

Grand Rapids Public Library, All Branches Dec. 5-Feb. 28 grpl.org

Story Cafe, Grand Rapids Dec. 7, 7 p.m. storycafetoday.wordpress.com, (616) 635-2257

It’s the most wonderful time of the year . . . to join a book club. Billed as “The book club for the rest of us,” Spilled Ink gives anyone within range of a Grand Rapids Public Library branch the opportunity to connect with other readers in an attempt to discuss, ponder, probe, and enjoy a wide variety of literary offerings.

Playback Improv in action at Story Cafe in Grand Rapids. COURTESY PHOTO

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At Playback Improv, anyone can share their story, provided that it’s true and adaptable for the stage. Led by conductor Marcia Angel, The Story Cafe Playback Team plays back every story told through improvisation. See your story come alive through this unique community event.

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Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

The Schedule

Wichers Auditorium Luminescence and 12th Street Harmony Concert

tuesday

12.03

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

sunday

12.01

The 411 Club Shawn Holt and the Teardrops Calder Plaza The Ugly Sweater Run Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts-Beardsley The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions around the World, Shattered GRAM The Strauss Sonata, America Near and Far, Cyril Lixenberg, Joey Ruiter, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting GR Civic Theatre The Sound of Music

Grand Rapids Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power Holland Civic Theatre The Only Christmas Pageant in Town KIA 2013 Kirk Newman Art School Faculty Review, BOO! Images of the Macabre, Copley to Kentridge, Mountains and Waters Kzoo Civic Theatre Peter Pan Kzoo State Theatre Matisyahu Master Arts Theatre It’s A Wonderful Life Miller Auditorium Jim Brickman The Magic of Christmas Old Dog Tavern Seventh Son Peter Martin Wege Theatre Amahl and the Night Visitors Salt of the Earth AnDro St. Cecilia Music Center CARE Ballet

UICA Mary Ann Aitken, Pulso , Zero+

monday

12.02

Billy’s Lounge BassBin Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions around the World, Shattered GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power GVSU Art Gallery The Emerging Allegory The Livery NTAA Open Stage Master Arts Theatre It’s A Wonderful Life Saugatuck Center for the Arts Art ‘a Loan

Bar Divani Mary Rademacher Billy’s Lounge The Line-Up Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions around the World, Shattered GRAM America Near and Far, Cyril Lixenberg, Joey Ruiter, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power GVSU Art Gallery The Emerging Allegory KIA 2013 Kirk Newman Art School Faculty Review, ARTbreak, BOO! Images of the Macabre, Mountains and Waters Loosemore Auditorium My Year in Vietnam Louie’s Trophy House Grill Open Mic Comedy Master Arts Theatre It’s A Wonderful Life Nibi Lounge Vince Miller Old Dog Tavern Open Mic Night The Riviera Theatre A Touch of Sin Rocky’s Bar & Grill Open Mic with Sam Kenny

Saugatuck Center for the Arts Art ‘a Loan Schuler Books 28th Street Shir Shalom Chorus UICA Mary Ann Aitken, Pulso, Zero+ Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

wednesday

12.04

The 411 Club Open Mic with Adam Poling Billy’s Lounge Campus Karaoke The Curragh Jake Stevens Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions around the World, Shattered GRAM America Near and Far, Cyril Lixenberg, Joey Ruiter, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting GR Civic Theatre The Sound of Music GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power GVSU Art Gallery The Emerging Allegory Gun Lake Casino Kris Hitchcock and Small Town Son The Intersection MiMosa with special guests Kastle Thriftworks KIA 2013 Kirk Newman Art School Faculty Review, BOO! Images of the

Macabre, Mountains and Waters: Landscape Paintings from China Kzoo Public Library Ken Morgan Jazz Unit Kirkhof Center Hypnotist Tom DeLuca Lemonjello’s Open Mic Night Louie’s Trophy House Grill Open Mic Night Master Arts Theatre It’s A Wonderful Life Nibi Lounge Larry Lowis The Riviera Theatre A Touch of Sin Saugatuck Center for the Arts Art ‘a Loan Schuler Books 28th Street West Michigan Tabletop Gamers Teazers Bar Open Mic with Jason Eller UICA Mary Ann Aitken, Pulso , Zero+

thursday

12.05

Aquinas College Performing Arts Center Book of Days The B.O.B Drew Behringer & The Politician Bell’s Eccentric Cafe The David Mayfield Parade wsg Phoffman Trio Billy’s Lounge ‘90s Holla Back Blue Water Grill Nick Foresman

The Ugly Sweater Run

Best Bet: Race

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule

Ah, the holidays. That miraculous The Ugly Sweater Run time of year when the alcohol flows freely, Calder Plaza, Grand everybody poops tinsel for two weeks, and Rapids the whole magical season is all wrapped up Dec. 1, 11 a.m. in one big, scratchy, hideous sweater. Being $50 registration for that the ugly holiday sweater has become as individuals, $45 per much a seasonal staple as decking the halls person for teams of 4+ or drunken fist-fights between relatives, it theuglysweaterrun.com makes sense that whole events should start being coordinated around wearing wool design disasters. Enter the multi-city Ugly Sweater Run, which, now in its third year, is making its Michigan debut at Calder Plaza in Grand Rapids.

A charity event that raises funds for Toys For Tots, the three-mile run is particularly distinguished by its free Sam Adams samples, an unlimited supply of hot chocolate, and of course, the plethora of nauseating trainNeil DeGrasse Tyson wreck snowmen/kitten/Santa fashion abominations likely to be seen coming from miles away. Runners to your marks – these googly eyed knit reindeer need to fly! Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

REVUEWM.COM | December 2013 |

55

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Schedule DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Symphony Presents Nestlé Gerber Holiday Pops Dr. Grins Chad Daniels Eastland Bowl Scott Herriman Founders Brewing Co. Rubblebucket Frauenthal Center The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays, Mona Shores Singing Christmas Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Holiday Gala, Shattered, Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World Gallery Uptown The Gifts of Art GRAM America Near and Far, Cyril Lixenberg, Joey Ruiter, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting GR Civic Theatre The Sound of Music GR Public Library Reading the Great Lakes GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power GVSU Art Gallery The Emerging Allegory Gun Lake Casino Crossroads The Intersection Trivium & DevilDriver with special guests After The Burial Thy Will Be Done Kzoo Civic Theatre Peter Pan KIA 2013 Kirk Newman Art School Faculty Review, BOO! Images of the Macabre, Mountains and Waters Ladies Literary Club Diego Garcia wsg Jenn Grant LaFontsee Galleries Holiday Shop Hop Louie’s Trophy House Grill Insane Poetry Scum and Skitzo Master Arts Theatre It’s A Wonderful Life Nibi Lounge Vince Miller One Trick Pony 13th Hour The Pyramid Scheme Archery, Paucity, Yum The Riviera Theatre A Touch of Sin Rockford Brewing Company Brothers Still Saugatuck Center for the Arts Art ‘a Loan, Real to Reel Tip Top Deluxe Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys UICA Mary Ann Aitken, Zero+ Whiskey River Saloon Stand-Up Comedy Williams Theatre Late Night Broadway with Lillias White

friday

12.06

The 411 Club Nate VandenBos, Gator Boys Aquinas College Performing Arts Center Book of Days The B.O.B Oregon Dreamchild

Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Good Gravy wsg Rootstand Billy’s Lounge Scott Pellegrom Trio Blackhawk Bar and Grill Kelly Broadway & Terry Lower Blue Water Grill Don Bidell Cancun Connection Bar & Grill Jaded 8 Czar’s 505 Jamaica Me Crazy DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Symphony Presents Nestlé Gerber Holiday Pops The Dock at Bayview Tony Fields & Doug Decker Dr. Grins Chad Daniels Farmers Alley Theatre I Love a Piano Four Winds Casino The Super-Suits Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays, Mona Shores Singing Christmas Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions around the World, Shattered GRAM America Near and Far, Cyril Lixenberg, Joey Ruiter, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting GR Civic Theatre The Sound of Music GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power GVSU Art Gallery The Emerging Allegory Grand Woods Lounge Deadwood Stone Gun Lake Casino Ani H2O Restaurant Jon Janssen The Intersection Antiserum, TWRK Richard Oxygenn & Willy Wompa; Granger Smith, Earl Dibbles Jr. & Union Guns Kzoo Civic Theatre Peter Pan Kzoo County Expo Center K-9 Fanciers Dog Show KIA 2013 Kirk Newman Art School Faculty Review, BOO! Images of the Macabre, Copley to Kentridge, Mountains and Waters Kirby Grill Hat Trick Knickerbocker Theatre The Nutcracker Ballet Lakeshore Tavern The Turnips Louie’s Trophy House Grill Mike Hard Show No Bails Glass Clue Los Banditos Master Arts Theatre It’s A Wonderful Life Mulligan’s Pub Three Cents Short New Holland Brewing Company The JetBeats Nibi Lounge Tom Northrup Old Dog Tavern Briar Rabbit Treading Blue LVNMUZIQ Papa Pete’s KZOO Music Scene Presents: Joe Marcinek Band The Pyramid Scheme Apostles, Love Fossil (Dual Album Release), Mean Mother, Chinook

56 | REVUEWM.COM | December 2013

The Red Barn Christmas: ON THE AIR River City Saloon Foolish Pleazure The Riviera Theatre A Touch of Sin Rockford Brewing Company The Moonrays Rocky’s Bar & Grill Control with DJ Colin Clive Saugatuck Center for the Arts Art ‘a Loan Shakespeare’s Lower Level Country Night: Brian Randall Band Tip Top Deluxe Dear Elvis, The Veloras, Murder Party UICA 25th Annual Holiday Artists’ Market, Charles Bradley: Soul of America, Mary Ann Aitken, Zero+ West Wall Gallery Les Nabis: French Profits of Modern Art Whiskey River Saloon Six Guns Band Williams Theatre Late Night Broadway with Lillias White

saturday

12.07

The 411 Club Zion Lion Aquinas College Performing Arts Center Book of Days The B.O.B Groove Solution Barnes and Noble Rivertown Johnathan Rand Book Signing Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Susan Harrison Band Holiday Spectacular Billy’s Lounge Glamhammer Brownstone Cafe The Ground Up Open Mic Series Craftsman Chop Co. Vince Miller The Curragh Aidan O’Toole Czar’s 505 Country Night: Brian Randall Band DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Symphony Presents Nestlé Gerber Holiday Pops Dr. Grins Chad Daniels Farmers Alley Theatre I Love a Piano Felt Mansion Chicago Chic Fashion Show Fenn Valley Nouveau Fest Founders Brewing Co. The Main Squeeze Foundry Hall Heather Styka Four Winds Casino Michael Bolton Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays, Mona Shores Singing Christmas Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions around the World, Shattered GRAM America Near and Far, Cyril Lixenberg, Joey Ruiter, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting GR Civic Theatre The Sound of Music

GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power GVSU Art Gallery The Emerging Allegory The Intersection Thomas Rhett, Adam Sanders & Kari Lynch Band John Ball Zoo Christmas for the Animals Kzoo Civic Theatre Peter Pan Kzoo County Expo Center K-9 Fanciers Dog Show KIA 2013 Kirk Newman Art School Faculty Review, BOO! Images of the Macabre, Mountains and Waters, Holiday Art Sale Kirby Grill Hat Trick Knickerbocker Theatre The Nutcracker Ballet Lemonjello’s Maybe Next Time The Time for Martyrs Vanishers Little River Casino Resort Jo Dee Messina Louie’s Trophy House Grill Split Soul Sista Mista Arson Party Master Arts Theatre It’s A Wonderful Life

Mulligan’s Pub Long Box wsg. Spit for Athena New Holland Brewing Company The JetBeats Nibi Lounge Gabrial James Old Dog Tavern Duffield Caron Project One Trick Pony The Trace The Pyramid Scheme The People’s Temple with Heavy Times, Haunted Leather The Red Barn Christmas: ON THE AIR River City Saloon Foolish Pleazure The Riviera Theatre Michigan Battle League Rocky’s Bar & Grill SinSickWorld, Small Town Harlot, Dangerously Charming, Alley View Schuler Books 28th Street Grand Rapids Ballet Nutcracker Storytime Tip Top Deluxe John Kite UICA 25th Annual Holiday Artists’ Market, Charles Bradley: Soul of America, Mary Ann Aitken, Zero+

W.K. Kellogg Auditorium Brass Band of Battle Creek Wall Street Gallery Playing with Fire Wellspring Theatre Love to Dance Whiskey River Saloon Six Guns Band Williams Theatre Late Night Broadway with Lillias White

sunday

12.08

Aquinas College Performing Arts Center Book of Days Billy’s Lounge WMBS Benefit Show, Revival 80s Dance Night The Block West Michigan Symphony Children’s Choir DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Symphony Presents Nestlé Gerber Holiday Pops Farmers Alley Theatre I Love a Piano

Best Bet:

Pop

Karmin Sure, the members of pop duo Karmin are Karmin younger and more successful than some of us here at Firekeepers Casino, Revue HQ, but it’s hard to begrudge anyone who can Battle Creek cover Chris Brown so convincingly. (Not to mention, Dec. 28, 9 p.m. make his music seem like it might be worth listening to.) $20-$40 Besides, as graduates of the prestigious Berklee College firekeeperscasino.com, of Music in Boston, we’d only expect the best from (877) FKC-8777 Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan, and so far, the popster youngsters haven’t disappointed. With three EPs and a forthcoming studio album under its belt, Karmin is poised on the verge of something really spectacular. Next year’s roster likely includes more viral video super mega hits, rap covers galore, and maybe even an MTV moon man or two.

(Though who knows these days, with twerking and wrecking ball-ing that’s going on over there.) Karmin – keep your eyes on them, and your ears even more attuned.

Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts The Game’s Afoot or Holmes for the Holidays Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Shattered Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum Holiday Open House GRAM America Near and Far, Cyril Lixenberg, Joey Ruiter, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting GR Civic Theatre The Sound of Music GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power Kzoo Civic Theatre Peter Pan Kzoo County Expo Center K-9 Fanciers Dog Show KIA 2013 Kirk Newman Art School Faculty Review, BOO! Images of the Macabre, Mountains and Waters Loutit District Library Platinum Quartet Master Arts Theatre It’s A Wonderful Life Old Dog Tavern Old Time Jam The Pyramid Scheme Charles Bradley and his Extraordinaires Salt of the Earth Hoots and Hellmouth UICA Charles Bradley: Soul of America, Mary Ann Aitken, Zero+

monday

12.09

tuesday

12.10

Bar Divani Blue Molly Bouwsma and Ryan K. Wilson Billy’s Lounge The Line-Up City Flats Hotel West Michigan Jazz Society Holiday Party Fenian’s Irish Pub The Dublin City Ramblers

wednesday

12.11

The 411 Club Open Mic with Adam Poling 7 Monks Taproom Ugly Sweater Party Billy’s Lounge Campus Karaoke The Curragh Nate Holley Farmers Alley Theatre I Love a Piano Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Shattered Grand Rapids Art Museum America Near and Far, Joey Ruiter, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting GR Civic Theatre The Sound of Music GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power Gun Lake Casino Great Scott KIA Art League Lecture, BOO! Images of the Macabre, Mountains and Waters Kzoo Public Library GLAMA Acoustic Slow Jam Louie’s Trophy House Grill Open Mic Night Master Arts Theatre It’s A Wonderful Life Miller Auditorium Mamma Mia! The Pyramid Scheme Gringo Star, Lake Timber, The Starlight Girls The Riviera Theatre A Touch of Sin Teazers Bar Open Mic with Jason Eller UICA Charles Bradley: Soul of America, Mary Ann Aitken, Zero+

thursday

12.12

The B.O.B Jake Stevens Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Cornmeal Billy’s Lounge ‘90s Holla Back Blue Water Grill Tony Reynolds Dr. Grins Dave Landau Eastland Bowl Scott Herriman Farmers Alley Theatre I Love a Piano Founders Brewing Co. Jamaican Queens Foundry Hall The Claudettes Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions around the World, Shattered GRAM America Near and Far:, Joey Ruiter, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting GR Civic Theatre The Sound of Music GR Public Library Helmuth Schmidt: Michigan’s Original Lonely Hearts Killer GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power Gun Lake Casino Brena The Intersection The Impact Band, Filmloom Kelsey Rottiers & The Rising Tide KIA BOO! Images of the Macabre, Mountains and Waters Kzoo Civic Theatre Peter Pan Little River Casino Sweet J Band Master Arts Theatre It’s A Wonderful Life Miller Auditorium Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour Mulligan’s Pub The Boss Mustangs Nibi Lounge Vince Miller The Riviera Theatre A Touch of Sin Rockford Brewing Company Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys Spectrum Theater Venus In Fur Tip Top Deluxe Nikki Hill wsg The JetBeats UICA Charles Bradley: Soul of America, Mary Ann Aitken, Zero+

friday

12.13

The 411 Club Tim Schweiger and the Middlemen Beach Patrol The B.O.B Mix Pack Bell’s Eccentric Cafe 13th Annual Eccentric Day Bennucci’s Chicago Oven & Grill BluesTime Band Bethlehem Lutheran Church Hildegard Singers MAJIC Concert Billy’s Lounge Suport Blue Water Grill Jeff Schroeder Cancun Connection Stealing Hearts

DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Dr. Grins Dave Landau Farmers Alley Theatre I Love a Piano Four Winds Casino 80’s Proof Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts West Michigan Symphony Presents Swingin’ Holiday Celebration Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions around the World, Shattered GRAM America Near and Far, Joey Ruiter, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting GR Civic The Sound of Music GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power Grand Woods Lounge Brena Gun Lake Casino Azz Izz H2O Restaurant Drop 35 The Intersection Mega 80s KIA BOO! Images of the Macabre, Mountains and Waters Kzoo Civic Theatre Peter Pan Kirby Grill Three’s a Crowd Knickerbocker Theatre The Promise Ballet Lakeshore Tavern Mystic Dub Louie’s Trophy House Grill Sleepeater The Red Handed Master Arts Theatre It’s A Wonderful Life Mulligan’s Pub Everyone & The Empty Cups New Holland Brewing Company Delilah DeWylde & The Lost Boys Nibi Lounge Tom Northrup Old Dog Tavern Gator Boys, Claudettes The Pyramid Scheme Mr. Gnome, We are Hex, Cartography The Riviera Theatre A Touch of Sin, An Evening with Kennedy’s Kitchen Rockford Brewing Co. The Turnips Rocky’s Bar & Grill The Moonrays Saugatuck Center for the Arts Yellow: The Works of Harry Brorby Seven Steps Up Decembersongs Spectrum Theater Venus In Fur Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Root Doctor CD Release Party UICA Charles Bradley: Soul of America, Mary Ann Aitken, Medora, Zero+ Whiskey River Saloon Tetrad Band

K-Ci & JoJo

Best Bet: R&B Sing it with me now: ALLLLLLLL MY LIFE! I’VE PRAYED FOR A REUNION LIKE THIS! OK, maybe there’s a bit of hyperbolic lyricism at play here, but c’mon – when was the last time anyone truly got to belt out a little classic K-Ci & JoJo without getting pity stares from the bewildered gas station attendant? If you had to think about it, it’s been too damn long. Happily, there’s an easy remedy to this eternal conundrum, and it comes in a neat little package encased in a tight set of ‘90s R&B abs. Joined onstage by Ginuwine (who still wants to ride that pony? Me, me, me, me, me!) and Johnny Gill, the duo that provided the soundtrack to every eighth grade dance in the history of post-Clinton era public education is bringing a holiday treat to anyone not too hungover on spiked-nog to attend. And I thank god that I, that I finally found this event.

Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

saturday

12.14

The 411 Club WIDR FM Holiday Show The B.O.B. CP2 Barnes and Noble Rivertown Author Richard Smith

K-Ci & JoJo, Ginuwine & Johnny Gill Soaring Eagle Casino, Mount Pleasant Dec. 27, 8 p.m. $18-$39 soaringeaglecasino.com, (888) 7EAGLE7

REVUEWM.COM | December 2013 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule

Billy’s Lounge BassBin Fountain Street Church GVSU Fall Arts Holiday Celebration: ‘A Very English Christmas: Music of the Season from the British Isles’ Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet at Meijer Gardens, Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Shattered GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power Master Arts Theatre It’s A Wonderful Life Salt of the Earth Hoots and Hellmouth Tip Top Deluxe Burlesque-A-Pades

Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions around the World, Shattered GRAM America Near and Far, Cyril Lixenberg, Joey Ruiter, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power Gun Lake Casino Funkle Jesse The Intersection MellowHigh KIA ARTbreak, BOO! Images of the Macabre, Mountains and Waters Master Arts Theatre It’s A Wonderful Life Miller Auditorium Mamma Mia! Nibi Lounge Larry Lowis Old Dog Tavern Open Mic Night The Riviera Theatre A Touch of Sin Rocky’s Bar & Grill Open Mic with Sam Kenny UICA Mary Ann Aitken, Zero+ Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: Goonies

57

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Schedule Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Orpheum Bell & Jonas Friddle Billy’s Lounge Battle of the Bands, Hip Pocket Blue Water Grill Jim Wood Brownstone Cafe The Ground Up Open Mic Series Cancun Connection Bar & Grill Stealing Hearts The Curragh Toby Bresnahan DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Dr. Grins Dave Landau Farmers Alley Theatre I Love a Piano Founders Brewing Co. The Ditchrunners Four Winds Casino Shock Roxy Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts West Michigan Symphony Presents Swingin’ Holiday Celebration Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Shattered GRAM America Near and Far, Joey Ruiter, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting GR Civic Theatre The Sound of Music GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power Gun Lake Casino The Cones The Intersection BARE with Boxheavy Stay At Home Dabs, The Dan Band KIA BOO! Images of the Macabre, Mountains and Waters Kzoo Civic Theatre Peter Pan Kzoo State Theatre Frankie Ballard Kirby Grill First Row Knickerbocker Theatre The Promise Ballet Ladies Literary Club River City Improv Louie’s Trophy House Grill Brown Company The Gary Book-Burners Jap Herron Master Arts Theatre It’s A Wonderful Life Moynihan Gallery Tuesdays with Todd & Brad Reed: A Michigan Tribute New Holland Brewing Company Delilah DeWylde & The Lost Boys Nibi Lounge Larry Lowis Old Dog Tavern Duffield Caron Project Santacon The Dyes The Hemingers One Trick Pony Kathy Lamar The Pyramid Scheme The Soil & the Sun, Cobalt Mexican Wolves, Filmloom River City Saloon OTC Rivertown Sports Grand Raggidy Roller Girls Beer Brawl

Rocky’s Bar & Grill Chasing the Sky, JuxTApose, Dale Wicks, Rachel Gleason Soaring Eagle Casino Kenny G Spectrum Theater Venus In Fur Tip Top Deluxe Ron Keely Band and The Avenues UICA Charles Bradley: Soul of America, Mary Ann Aitken, Zero+ Whiskey River Saloon Tetrad Band

sunday

12.15

The 411 Club KVBA Sunday Blues Series Aquinas College Performing Arts Center Christmas Collage Concert The B.O.B Thrift Store Trivia Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Tuba Christmas in the Back Room!

Billy’s Lounge Revival 80s Dance Night The Block Singer. Actress.

Gingerbread.

DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Farmers Alley Theatre I Love a Piano Founders Brewing Co. The Rad Trads Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions around the World, Shattered: Contemporary Sculpture in Glass GRAM America Near and Far: Photographs from the Collection 1870-1930, Joey Ruiter: Objects in Motion, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting 1820–1950 GR Civic Theatre The Sound of Music GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power: A Global Phenomenon Howmet Playhouse Christmas with Ruth & Max and Friends Kzoo Civic Theatre Peter Pan Kzoo Expo Center Kalamazoo Record & CD Show KIA BOO! Images of the Macabre, Mountains and Waters: Landscape Paintings from China Old Dog Tavern MLAWD River City Saloon OTC The Riviera Theatre The Sleeping Beauty Tchaikovsky Salt of the Earth Schrock Bros Schuler Books 28th Street Mitch Albom Seven Steps Up Barnaby Bright St. Cecilia Music Center Grand Band and Grand String Orchestra University Club Clara’s Nutcracker Party

58 | REVUEWM.COM | December 2013

UICA Charles Bradley: Soul of America, Mary Ann Aitken, Medora, Zero+ Van Andel Arena Trans-Siberian Orchestra

monday

12.16

Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Square Dance Kalamazoo! Celery City Sodbuster, Caller Mike Clark Billy’s Lounge BassBin Forest Hills Fine Arts Center The Fab Four Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions around the World, Shattered GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power: A Global Phenomenon The Pyramid Scheme Church Of Misery, Knife Ritual Saugatuck Center for the Arts Yellow: The Works of Harry Brorby

wednesday

12.18

The 411 Club Open Mic with Adam Poling Billy’s Lounge Campus Karaoke The Curragh DJ Dan Van Hekken DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Symphony Presents Fifth Third Cirque de Noël Farmers Alley Theatre I Love a Piano Foundry Hall Song Swap Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday

Traditions Around the World, Shattered GRAM America Near and Far, Joey Ruiter, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power Gun Lake Casino The Cones KIA BOO! Images of the Macabre, Mountains and Waters: Landscape Paintings from China Louie’s Trophy House Grill Open Mic Night The Pyramid Scheme Cheap Girls, Jeff Rosenstock (of Bomb The Music Industry) with The Sidekicks, The FaultLine Saugatuck Center for the Arts Yellow: The Works of Harry Brorby

Schuler Books 28th Street West Michigan Tabletop Gamers Teazers Bar Open mic with Jason Eller The Union Jazz Night UICA Charles Bradley: Soul of America, Mary Ann Aitken, Medora, Zero+, Open Project Night

thursday

12.19

The B.O.B Take Two Billy’s Lounge 90’s Holla Back Blue Water Grill Nick Foresman

Matisyahu

tuesday

12.17

Bar Divani Edye Evans Hyde, Mark Kahny Billy’s Lounge The Line-Up DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Symphony Presents Fifth Third Cirque de Noël Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Shattered Grand Rapids Art Museum America Near and Far, Joey Ruiter, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power Gun Lake Casino Zane’s Way KIA ARTbreak : Vermeer, BOO! Images of the Macabre, Mountains and Waters Nibi Lounge Larry Lowis Old Dog Tavern Open Mic Night Rocky’s Bar & Grill Open Mic with Sam Kenny Saugatuck Center for the Arts Yellow: The Works of Harry Brorby UICA Charles Bradley: Soul of America, Mary Ann Aitken, Medora, Zero+ Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: Gremlins

Best Bet: Hip Hop You guys! Did you know that Matisyahu is now beard- Matisyahu less? And no longer a practicing Chassidic? (Maybe, if we’re Kalamazoo to believe his ambiguous, non-yarmulke wearing antics). But State Theatre, also, beardless! I mean, WTF is that even? But seriously, Kalamazoo all facial hair-related freak outs aside, the most important Dec. 1, 8 p.m. thing here is that everyone’s favorite Hebrew hip-hop star is $32.50 still making music, and making it better than ever, at that. kazoostate.com, Last year saw the release of his fourth studio album, Spark (269) 345-6500 Seeker, with two additional efforts – a live album and an EP – following up earlier this year. A relentless touring machine, Matisyahu has also maintained a rigorous stage presence and continues to wow fans on the regular, even if the mainstream novelty of his act may have faded just a bit with time. Come check out the everlasting Hebrew reggae hammer at Kalamazoo State Theatre on Sunday. It’s not the Sabbath, so feel free to cut as loose as a certain recently shorn rapping mensch. Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

REVUEWM.COM | December 2013 |

59

Schedule Nibi Lounge Gabrial James The Pyramid Scheme Detroit C.Y.D.I. with ConvoTronics, Zeelooperz Rockford Brewing Company Valentiger Saugatuck Center for the Arts Yellow: The Works of Harry Brorby Soaring Eagle Casino A Dickens of a Killing Spectrum Theater Venus In Fur UICA Charles Bradley: Soul of America, Mary Ann Aitkem,1, Medora, Zero+ Whiskey River Saloon River Rogues Jazz Band

friday

12.20

The 411 Club The Dread Return The B.O.B Brena Billy’s Lounge Dynamo Blue Water Grill Don Bidell Cancun Connection Bar & Grill Refurbished DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Symphony Presents Fifth Third Cirque de Noël Dr. Grins Rob Little Eastland Bowl Scott Herriman Farmers Alley Theatre I Love a Piano Founders Brewing Co. Yarn Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts Grand Rapids Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Shattered GRAM America Near and Far, Joey Ruiter, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power: A Global Phenomenon Gun Lake Casino Stone Thrown The Intersection Tyler Farr, Chris Lane Band, Brian Lorente KIA BOO! Images of the Macabre, Mountains and Waters, Get the Picture! Gallery Talk Kent District Library: Spencer Township Mush!

Mulligan’s Pub Red Legs

60 | REVUEWM.COM | December 2013

Dr. Grins Rob Little Farmers Alley Theatre I Love a Piano Fenian’s Irish Pub Sean Nos Irish Singing & Music Session Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Shattered: Contemporary Sculpture in Glass GRAM America Near and Far: Photographs from the Collection 1870-1930, Joey Ruiter: Objects in Motion, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting 1820–1950 GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power: A Global Phenomenon Gun Lake Casino Bosco-Gee Blues Band H2O Restaurant Jon Janssen The Intersection Pop Evil with special guests Young Guns Era 9 Jack’s Lounge Holiday Inn The Cones KIA BOO! Images of the Macabre, Mountains and Waters: Landscape Paintings from China Kirby Grill Azz Izz

Knickerbocker Theatre The Promise Ballet Lakeshore Tavern Dragon Wagon Louie’s Trophy House Grill Boring People Chantymen M 89 Sports Bar Drop 35 New Holland Brewing Company The Muteflutes Nibi Lounge Larry Lowis Old Dog Tavern Hired Hands Ugly Sweater Party One Trick Pony The Lazy Blue Tunas The Pyramid Scheme Rootstand, Nicholas James & The Bandwagon River City Saloon Litt Up Rocky’s Bar & Grill Control with DJ Colin Clive Rupert’s Brewhouse Doctor Death Crush, Superflux, The Savage Oms, The Sunset Riders Saugatuck Center for the Arts Yellow: The Works of Harry Brorby Spectrum Theater Venus In Fur Tibbits Opera House Sister’s Christmas Catechism UICA Elf, Mary Ann Aitken, Zero+ Watermark 920 Dixon’s Violin Whiskey River Saloon WTF Band

saturday

12.21

The 411 Club Star Destroyer The B.O.B Brena Billy’s Lounge Quadraphonic Blue Water Grill Mark Proulx Brownstone Cafe The Ground Up Open Mic Series Cancun Connection Bar & Grill Refurbished DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Dog Story Theater Leap of Faith Cabaret Downtown Grand Rapids GRBarcrawl’s Annual Santa Crawl Dr. Grins Rob Little Farmers Alley Theatre I Love a Piano FireKeepers Casino Hotel Gin Blossoms Founders Brewing Co. The Wildfire Four Winds Casino Word To Your Mother Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday

Traditions Around the World, Shattered GRAM America Near and Far, Joey Ruiter, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power Gun Lake Casino Ear Candy The Intersection Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, JJ Lawhorn KIA BOO! Images of the Macabre, Mountains and Waters Kzoo County Expo Center Reptile & Exotic Animal Show Kzoo Public Library Ancient Weapons and Weaponry Kent Distric Library: Plainfield Township Mush!

Kent District Library: Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Mush!

Kirby Grill Sprague Brothers Knickerbocker Theatre The Promise Ballet The Livery Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys Louie’s Trophy House Grill Lune New Holland Brewing Company The Muteflutes Old Dog Tavern Lumberjack Party Duffield Caron Project BenJammin

and Analisa Kalamazoo River Monsters Kentucky Knife Fight One Trick Pony The Lazy Blue Tunas River City Saloon Litt Up Rocky’s Bar & Grill Winter Solstice wsg Wizard Castle Knives Are Quiet Drink Their Blood Beast in the Field Seven Steps Up Michael Pearsall Spectrum Theater Venus In Fur Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Elf, Mary Ann Aitken, Zero+ W.K. Kellogg Auditorium Sister’s Christmas Catechism Whiskey River Saloon WTF Band

sunday

12.22

Billy’s Lounge Revival DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Ballet Presents The Nutcracker Farmers Alley Theatre I Love a Piano Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Shattered GRAM America Near and Far, Joey Ruiter, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power KIA BOO! Images of the Macabre, Mountains and Waters Old Dog Tavern Crossroads Salt of the Earth Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys UICA Elf, Mary Ann Aitken, Zero+

monday

12.23

tuesday

12.24

Billy’s Lounge The Line-Up Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Shattered

wednesday

12.25

Merry Chrimbus!!

thursday

12.26

The B.O.B Karisa Wilson Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Roster McCabe Billy’s Lounge 90’s Holla Back Blue Water Grill Matt Plessner DeVos Performance Hall Broadway Grand Rapids Presents Cirque Dreams Holidaze Dr. Grins Bill Bushart Eastland Bowl Scott Herriman Farmers Alley Theatre I Love a Piano Founders Brewing Co. Nicholas James and the Bandwagon Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Shattered GRAM America Near and Far, Joey Ruiter, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power Gun Lake Casino Sweet J Band The Intersection The Verve Pipe KIA BOO! Images of the Macabre, Mountains and Waters Little River Casino Resort Showdown Nibi Lounge Gabrial James The Pyramid Scheme Retro D’Luxe Saugatuck Center for the Arts Yellow: The Works of Harry Brorby UICA Mary Ann Aitken, Zero+

Whiskey River Saloon River Rogues Jazz Band

friday

12.27

The B.O.B Three’s a Crowd Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Out Of Favor Boys Billy’s Lounge GR Soul Club Blue Water Grill John Sanger Cancun Connection Bar & Grill Yard Sale Underwear DeVos Performance Hall Broadway Grand Rapids Presents Cirque Dreams Holidaze Dr. Grins Bill Bushart Farmers Alley Theatre I Love a Piano Four Winds Casino Red Hot Vodoo Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Shattered GRAM America Near and Far, Joey Ruiter, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power Gun Lake Casino Jedi Mind Trip H2O Restaurant Guy Voss The Intersection Mega ‘80s Kalamazoo Institute of Arts BOO! Images of the Macabre, Mountains and Waters Kent District Library: EngelhardtLowell Branch It’s Magic with Tom Plunkard Kirby Grill Jaded 8 Lakeshore Tavern The Northern Skies The Landing Decades Louie’s Trophy House Grill Big Yak Ed Genesis New Holland Brewing Company The Lincoln County Process Nibi Lounge Larry Lowis Old Dog Tavern Singer Songwriter Night with Joe Chamberlain The Pyramid Scheme Weeknight River City Saloon Classic Fix Rocky’s Bar & Grill The Moonrays Saugatuck Center for the Arts Yellow: The Works of Harry Brorby Soaring Eagle Casino K-Ci & Jo-Jo Ginuwine & Johnny Gill Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Rio and the Rockabilly Revival, Cash O’Riley and the Downright Daddies Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Mary Ann Aitken, Zero+ Whiskey River Saloon Guinness Brothers Band

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule

Billy’s Lounge BassBin Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Shattered GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power Saugatuck Center for the Arts Yellow: The Works of Harry Brorby

GRAM America Near and Far, Joey Ruiter, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power Gun Lake Casino The Skeletones KIA BOO! Images of the Macabre, Mountains and Waters Nibi Lounge Tom Northrup Saugatuck Center for the Arts Yellow: The Works of Harry Brorby Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Mary Ann Aitken, Zero+

REVUEWM.COM | December 2013 |

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Schedule saturday

12.28

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

The 411 Club Sexy Toxins Slow Drag International The B.O.B Three’s a Crowd Bell’s Eccentric Cafe The Scott Pellegrom Trio Billy’s Lounge The Line-Up Blue Water Grill Jack Leaver Cancun Connection Bar & Grill Yard Sale Underwear DeVos Performance Hall Broadway Grand Rapids Presents Cirque Dreams Holidaze Dr. Grins Bill Bushart Farmers Alley Theatre I Love a Piano FireKeepers Casino Hotel Karmin Founders Brewing Co. A Triple Record Release Party Four Winds Casino The Rock Show Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Shattered GRAM America Near and Far, Joey Ruiter, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting

GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power Gun Lake Casino Coldville The Intersection Foxy Shazam, Devin and The Dead Frets, The Legal Immigrants Kalamazoo Institute of Arts BOO! Images of the Macabre, Mountains and Waters Kirby Grill Jaded 8 Ladies Literary Club River City Improv Little River Casino Resort Bronk Brothers Louie’s Trophy House Grill Vega Drift Lifted Decades Mulligan’s Pub Edge From Falling New Holland Brewing Company The Lincoln County Process Old Dog Tavern Duffield Caron Project, Boom Boom Booms!

One Trick Pony Blue Molly The Pyramid Scheme Super Happy Funtime Burlesque River City Saloon Classic Fix Rocky’s Bar & Grill The Straight Arrows Bello Spark Soaring Eagle Casino Night Ranger & Cheap Trick Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill The Lazy Hands wsg The Devil in the Details

62 | REVUEWM.COM | December 2013

UICA Mary Ann Aitken, Zero+ Village-Inn GR Drop 35 Whiskey River Saloon Guinness Brothers Band

sunday

12.29

Billy’s Lounge Revival DeVos Performance Hall Broadway Grand Rapids Presents Cirque Dreams Holidaze Farmers Alley Theatre I Love a Piano Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Shattered GRAM America Near and Far, Joey Ruiter, Masterpieces of American Landscape Painting GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power: A Global Phenomenon Kzoo Institute of Arts BOO! Images of the Macabre, Mountains and Waters Louie’s Trophy House Grill The Hemingers Minus the World

Salt of the Earth: Rustic American Eatery & Bakery Slim Gypsy Baggage Soaring Eagle Casino Throwback Country Show UICA Mary Ann Aitken, Zero+

monday

12.30

Bell’s Eccentric Cafe UV Hippo Billy’s Lounge BassBin Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Shattered GR Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power Gun Lake Casino North Country Flyers The Intersection Led Zeppelin 2 Kent District Library: Walker branch Mush!

Saugatuck Center for the Arts Yellow: The Works of Harry Brorby Soaring Eagle Casino Mike Epps

tuesday

12.31

The B.O.B NYE Party Billy’s Lounge The Line-Up Blue Water Grill Don Bidell Cancun Connection Bar & Grill Yard Sale Underwear Clique Lanes NYE Family Party DeVos Performance Hall Grand Rapids Symphony Presents A Swingin’ NYE Fenian’s Irish Pub Irish New Year’s Celebration Four Winds Casino Kenny Loggins Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Shattered Grand Rapids Public Museum Dinosaurs Unearthed, Grandmother Power Gun Lake Casino The Rock Show The Intersection Greensky Bluegrass wsg The Crane Wives Kzoo Institute of Arts BOO! Images of the Macabre, Mountains and Waters

Kzoo State Theatre Red Sea Pedestrians & Corn Fed Girls Perform Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band Kirby Grill Azz Izz Louie’s Trophy House Grill New Year’s Eve Double Phelix Dance Party Nibi Lounge Gabrial James The Point NYE Party The Pyramid Scheme Bottom 40 NYE Rocky’s Bar & Grill NYE with Lake Timper Yum Pistolbrides and Long Box Salt of the Earth Americana NYE with The Hired Hands Saugatuck Brewing Co. NYE Saugatuck Center for the Arts Yellow: The Works of Harry Brorby Soaring Eagle Casino NYE Bash Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill NYE with The Twisted Tarantulas and Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys UICA Mary Ann Aitken, Zero+ n

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