February 2016, Revue Magazine

The Cheap Issue

Music / Art / Dining / Beer

A frugal guide to the best deals in West Michigan

February 2016 / Free!

From GR to La

How Joshua Burge landed his ‘Revenant’ role

© 2014 Bell’s Brewery, Inc., Comstock, MI

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C E L E B R AT E L O V E I N A G A L L E R Y O F I C E S C U LT U R E S IN DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS

P u b l i c vo t i n g begins JANUARY 20 to select Downtown’s ce n te r p i e ce s culpture carved by Ice Guru Randy Finch.

FR I DAY , F E B R U A R Y 1 2

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14

12–7 p m

12–3pm

2–6pm

Unveiling of 30+ ice sculptures Downtown

Live carving of the 3,000 lb Voter’s Choice Ice Sculpture at Rosa Parks Circle (Free kids activities and ice skating)

ICE Cold Brewskies with a whiskey warmer at Downtown Market’s ValentICE Lounge (Happy Hour)

2–7pm

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What’s Inside

February 2016 | Volume 28, Issue 2

SCENE: 13 Random Notes 16 Best Bets: What to Do This Month 18 All Ages 20 Eclectic

SOUNDS: 23 24 26 28 30 32 34

The Cheap Issue

39

34 Joshua Burge

Touring: Black Tiger Sex Machine Touring: Marianas Trench Touring: Twiztid Touring: Breaking Benjamin Local: Mr. Paul WYCE Playlist: Songs We Like Joshua Burge

SPECIAL SECTION: 39 Cheap Issue 40 Things to Do For Free, $5, $10 42 Cheap Bastard Tips 44 Cheap Eats 48 Valentine’s Day on The Cheap 50 Thrift Interior Design Ideas 52 Best Bargain Bin Albums 56 Cheap Live Music 58 Local Thrift Store Gems 60 reBlue 62 Affordable Art Events

SIGHTS: 64 66 68 70

LaughFest Style Notes Lit Life: Grateful Dead Lit Life: Lost Restaurants of Grand Rapids

DINING & DRINKING:

Vegetarian dining

80

The Jammies

17

73 Restaurant Guide 78 Taste Off: New Beers in West MI 80 Taste This: Vegetarian Spots 82 Booze News 84 Table Talk: Torrence O’Haire 90 Last Call: Black Heron

Letter from the Editor

W

hen you picked up this issue of Revue, did you recognize the face on the cover?

That’s Joshua Burge, a Grand Rapids musician/actor who’s traveled many miles over the past year. He’s even spent ample time working alongside Leonardo DiCaprio during the filming of The Revenant, the Oscar-nominated film.

Not your typical local-yokel story, am I right?

Over the summer, Burge landed in Los Angeles and has been there pursuing acting roles ever since. He paid his dues in the Grand Rapids indie-film scene and now he’s been summoned to Hollywood. An atypical case of Michigan’s ceaseless brain drain, I guess.

If you’re from West Michigan, you may recognize him as the charismatic frontman of Chance Jones, the local glam-fueled rock‘n’roll band. Well, at least that’s how I first encountered Burge back in May 2007.

The show was at The Intersection, Chance Jones was not only warming up the stage for the oddball indie-rock icon Daniel Johnston — they were also acting as his backing band. Viewing the gig from the front row, Burge’s stage presence shined like a seasoned rock vet — even though it was one of the band’s first shows. And not only

was Chance Jones’ set electrifying, Burge’s vigor during Johnston’s set even stimulated a series of smiles out of the ordinarily stoic Johnston.

This was not lost on the crowd of Johnston fanatics, either. That evening The Intersection was lively, downright rowdy, for a Johnston concert, thanks to the spirited backing of Chance Jones.

Burge’s creative vision and magnetism was no doubt a catalyst for the memorable show. Go to YouTube and search: “Speeding Motorcycle” Daniel Johnston and Chance Jones and see for yourself.

So all of these years later — nine years to be exact — it’s no surprise Burge’s artistic DIY passion paid off in a big way. A lot of people try hard. Some people, like Burge, try harder. That’s how you get called up to the big leagues.

W e s t M i c h i g a n ’ s E n t e rta i n m e n t G u i d e

Editorial Publisher Brian Edwards / brian@revuewm.com Editor Joe Boomgaard / joe@revuewm.com Managing Editor Rich Tupica / rich@revueholding.com Associate Editor Jayson Bussa / jbussa@mibiz.com Design Creative Director Kim Kibby / kim@revuewm.com Ad Design Rachel Harper, Phil Artz Contributing Writers Andy Balaskovitz Missy Black Pete Bruinsma Steven G. de Polo Mark Deming Audria Larsen Dwayne Hoover Nick Macksood

Steve Miller Eric Mitts Mayra Monroy Nicole Rico Rei Robinson Josh Spanninga Marjorie Steele

Contributing Photographers Katy Batdorff, Brian Kelly Revue Minions Elma Talundzic, Jacqueline Bull

Rich Tupica, Managing Editor

Sales / 616.608.6170 / sales@revuewm.com Kelli Belanger / kelli@revuewm.com Digital Editor Jayson Bussa / jayson@revuewm.com

Find us online!

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

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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 ©2016, Revue Holding Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part granted only by written permission of the publisher in accordance with our legal statement, fools.

On the cover: Joshua Burge, photographed in LA by Brian Kelly.

See the interview on page 34.

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Random Notes

Chicago onstage at Miller Auditorium Feb. 29-March 1.

MUSIC ///

Julio Villalobos performs Feb. 11 at Grand Rapids Public Library’s Music in the Stacks series. Inspired by his experience as an immigrant in the United States, Villalobos creates “pop music with Latin-American folk roots.” Performing alongside Villalobos are Josh Dunigan (percussion), Julio “Jarocho” Viveros (guitar), and Nate Bliton (viola).

PHOX stops by Hope College on Feb. 19.

The six-piece Baraboo, Wisc.-based band plays alt-folk melded with indie pop. The

Gallant band released its self-titled LP in June 2014 and has opened for the Lumineers and Paolo Nutini. They’ve also been featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series. Tickets are $15, $5 for Hope College students. Stream some of their tunes at phoxband.com and grab tickets at hope.edu.

Fans of singer-songwriters may want to check out the Doers & Dreamers Tour when it stops by Seven Steps Up Feb. 24. The tour features Korby Lenker, Alex Wong and Megan Slankard. Lenker has toured with the likes of Willie Nelson, Keith Urban, Nickel Creek and Ray LaMontagne — and has appeared on BBC 2 and Seattle’s indie

tion has won six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards and a Grammy. It’s the longest running American musical in Broadway history and in 2002 it was made into an Academy Award-winning movie starring Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere. Check out millerauditorium. com for more details.

THEATER ///

Need to get the kids out of the house?

Wharton Center celebrates Beatrix Potter’s 150th birthday with Peter Rabbit Tales on Feb. 27. For $12 you can re-experience the story of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny through Enchantment Theatre Co.’s production featuring original music and puppets. Head out early and catch Wharton’s free interactive educational activities, which occur one hour prior to the show. Recommended for ages 3–9. Go to whartoncenter.com for tickets.

Chicago, the story about Roxie Hart and her quest for fame at all costs, comes to Miller Auditorium Feb. 29–March 1. The produc-

Coming Next Month: The Style Issue! Ad Reservation Deadline: Feb. 15 / Magazines on stands March 1.

ART ///

Grand Rapids Art Museum revisits some of its most popular DIY events with Drop-in Family Saturdays: Throw-backs! The series happens each Saturday in February from 1–4 p.m. The artsy schedule is diverse: Feb. 6 is Cities from the Sky, where you’ll learn to draw the city from a bird’s eye view. Feb. 13 you can use printmaking and illustration to create images of nature. Feb. 20 is all about still-lifes, and Feb. 27 is dedicated to creating cityscapes out of paper and iridescent markers.

Painting and classical music go hand in hand. Here’s your chance to partake in both.

Continued on page 14 ➤

REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Gallant brings his “future soul” sound to the Covenant Fine Arts Center in Grand Rapids on Feb. 17. Fusing contemporary styles with old-school songwriting, he’s been called “the voice that will redefine R&B” by NME and a “breakthrough artist” by Billboard. Fans of Sufjan Stevens will remember him for his cover of “Blue Bucket of Gold,” which he recorded with Stevens himself. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through calvin.edu.

rock station KEXP. Wong has had music featured on The Last Song and One Tree Hill.

Slankard is touring in support of her band’s fifth album Running on Machinery. Tickets are $20–$30. Visit pindropconcerts.com for more info.

PHOX performs at Hope College on Feb. 19.

13

Random Notes

FEB 9

FEB 14

T U O D L O S

APR 8

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

APR 9

MAY20 The Orbit Room | 2525 Lake Eastbrook S.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49546 • 616-942-1328 Tickets for all shows are available at the Orbit Room Box Office along with Veritgo Music, Shakedown Street in Grand Rapids, Flat Black and Circular in Lansing, The Corner Record Shop in Grandville and Green Light Music and Video in Kalamazoo with no additional fees.

14 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

Super Happy Funtime Burlesque: The Degredation of Joe the Cabdriver

On Feb. 16 the Grand Rapids Symphony hosts Paint to Music, an event at Kendall College of Art and Design where both new painters and experienced amateurs are invited to explore the Impressionist Period, while being guided by KCAD staff. Class members will use Debussy’s La Mer as inspiration for their own works. The class costs $99 and includes a pass to Debussy’s La Mer as performed by the Grand Rapids Symphony on Feb. 20. The symphony concert is at DeVos Perfomance Hall and features Brahms’ Symphony No. 3 and Peter Lieberson’s Neruda Songs. Visit grsymphony. org for more details.

(For those not taking the class, tickets to the symphony performance start at $18, with shows on Feb. 19 and 20.)

Burlesque ///

Combine Bettie Page with John Waters and you get something akin to Super Happy Funtime Burlesque. The show includes a talented live band, musical theater, comedy and, of course, burlesque. Self-described as a mix of GWAR, Benny Goodman and Saturday Night Live, the production boasts campy performances and line-crossing behavior.

Their latest production is “The Degredation of Joe the Cabdriver.” Catch it this month at The Pyramid Scheme on Feb. 19 ($10 GA/$25 VIP, 9 p.m. doors, 10 p.m. show), Holland’s Park Theatre on Feb. 26 ($10, 8 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. show), and Bell’s Eccentric Café on Feb. 27 ($10, doors at 8:30 p.m.). Check out bellsbeer.com/ eccentric-café to purchase tickets.

BEER ///

Michigan Brewers Guild’s 11th Annual Winter Beer Festival, happening Feb. 26-27, features more than 100 Michigan breweries and brewpubs, almost 1,000 craft beers, and showcases music from local bands and ice sculpture demonstrations. With that comes a selection of tasty food and fire pits to keep you warm. Each ticket gets you 15 tasting tokens which can be traded in for 3-ounce samples of beer. Tickets for Saturday are already sold out, but Friday passes are still available for $45 in advance or $50 at the gate — if they haven’t sold out by then.

POETRY ///

For those expressive souls longing to become the next Bukowski, take note of Long Road Distillers’ Mentally Distilled Poetry Slam.

The Feb. 28 contest marks the beginning of the monthly event, which was started to discover Grand Rapids’ best poets. Finalists become Grand Rapids’ very first slam poetry team and will be sent to national events to compete. There’s also a $100 grand prize.

These lyrical shindigs also feature musical performances from Vox Vidorra and Jesse Ray & the Carolina Catfish, among others.

Visit facebook.com/TMDPoetrySlam for more details. n Random Notes was compiled by Nicole Rico.

For more music, beer and entertainment news (and free stuff!), sign up for our weekly enewsletter at revuewm.com.

REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

15

/// best bets

Musiq Soulchild at Kzoo State Theatre

Bobby McFerrin at Wharton

what to do this month Bill Murray Takes Over Wealthy Theatre

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids. grcmc.org/theatre, (616) 459-4788 x130 Bill Murray is no stranger to Meanwhile Movie nights; his face has graced the screens of the Wealthy Theatre many times before. But for the month of February the universally-loved wisecracker dominates the screen with a select and dissimilar batch of his films.

On Feb. 2 the series begins with the timely Groundhog’s Day. That’s followed up with Ghostbusters on Feb. 9 and Lost in Translation on Feb. 16.

The series closes out the month with the lesserknown classic Where the Buffalo Roam on Feb. 23.

Bobby McFerrin at Wharton Center for Performing Arts

750 E. Shaw Ln., East Lansing Feb. 6, 8 p.m. $15-$75.50, whartoncenter.com, (517) 353-1982 As part of Bobby McFerrin’s Bobby Meets… series, the “Don’t Worry Be Happy” hit maker experiments with artists from a broad spectrum of genres. Previous collaborations were with a kecak ensemble, a Gamelan, traditional mask dancers, an opera star and brilliant musicians from around the globe.

16 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

Caspian at Pyramid Scheme 68 Commerce SW, Grand Rapids Feb. 8, 7 p.m., $15 advance., all ages pyramidschemebar.com, (616) 272-3758

For fans of instrumental post-rock, this may be the show to catch. Caspian released its fourth full-length LP, Dust & Disquiet, in September. The disc was produced, mixed and engineered by Matt Bayles of Minus the Bear.

Opening the show are Defeater and O’Brother.

Dave Landau at Dr. Grins Comedy Club 20 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Feb. 11-13, $5-$15 thebob.com, (616) 356.2000

Dave Landau has appeared on several high-profile shows, like Comedy Central’s Live At Gotham, NBC’s Last Comic Standing and the Bob & Tom radio show. Over the years he’s made a name for himself in the comedy world thanks to his signature deadpan delivery. Landau stops for a three-day run at the B.O.B. this month.

Dangerous Liaisons at Grand Rapids Ballet

341 Ellsworth SW, Grand Rapids Feb. 12-14 & 19-21 $44-$48, grballet.com, (616) 454-4771

Things are about to get intense with the world premiere of Dangerous Liaisons – featuring work by world-famous choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. The story is one of revenge between a scheming widow and her aristocratic lover. The story, originally an 18th century French novel, is a tale based on the French aristocracy.

Musiq Soulchild at Kalamazoo State Theatre 404 S. Burdick, Kalamazoo Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. $43-$100, kazoostate.com, (269) 345-6500

Taalib Johnson, aka Musiq Soulchild, visits the Kalamazoo State Theatre with opening act Keke Wyatt for his Lover’s Extravaganza Tour. Johnson, known for his funky blend of rock, jazz and hip-hop, debuted in 2000 with his platinum album, Aijuswanaseing (I Just Want to Sing), which included the hit singles “Just Friends” and “Love.”

Big Screen Cuisine: Like Water for Chocolate

UICA, 2 Fulton West, Grand Rapids & Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Feb. 14, 3 p.m., $75 per person uica.org/big-screen-cuisine, (616) 454 7000

Foodies and film buffs alike will want to check out Like Water for Chocolate, the newest installment of UICA’s

Shawn Colvin at St. Cecilia

Big Screen Cuisine series. Tickets are $75 and include a six-course chef dinner, drink pairings and a movie. The event starts at 3 p.m. at UICA’s movie theater and then continues at the Downtown Market at 5:30 p.m. for a dinner (and drinks) inspired by the movie.

Lil Wayne at Van Andel

130 West Fulton, Grand Rapids Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m. $29.50-$99, vanandelarena.com, (616) 742-6600 Sizzurp swiggin’ rapper Lil Wayne makes a stop at Van Andel on his Dedication Tour this February. The Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum selling rapper created the tour as a thank you to fans, hitting all the cities he’s rarely visited over the years. Opening is Rae Sremmurd.

Paula Poundstone at Wharton Center for Performing Arts 750 E. Shaw Ln., East Lansing Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m. $35.50, whartoncenter.com, (517) 353-1982

The legendary Paula Poundstone, known for her series of HBO comedy specials and appearances on the late night circuit, visits the Wharton Center on Feb. 18. The nationally-renowned comic is a regular panelist on NPR’s Wait, Wait...Don’t Tell Me and was listed among Comedy Central’s list of the “100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time.” The Boston Globe praised Poundstone for her “distinctive brand of wry, intelligent and witty comedy.”

Shawn Colvin at St. Cecilia Music Center 24 Ransom NE, Grand Rapids Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m. $40-$45, scmc-online.org, (616) 459-2224

Known for her 1997 Grammy-winning single “Sunny Came Home,” Shawn Colvin is stopping by the St. Cecilia Music Center as part of their Acoustic Café Folk Series. Colvin has recently released Uncovered, an

Best Bet: Local Music

Jammies XVII Returns to the Intersection

I

Here Come the Mummies

album of covers featuring tunes from Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder, among others.

Kacey Musgraves at Kalamazoo State Theatre 404 S. Burdick, Kalamazoo Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m. $30-$40, kazoostate.com, (269) 345-6500

Best known for her pop-country singles “Merry Go ‘Round,” “Blowin’ Smoke,” and “Mama’s Broken Heart,” Kacey Musgraves has accomplished a lot in her 27 years, including signing to Mercury Records and winning some Grammy Awards. Catch her Country & Western Rhinestone Revue Tour this month at the Kalamazoo State Theatre.

Here Come The Mummies at the Intersection

The Ambassador of Louisiana’s zydeco music scene, Buckwheat Zydeco is an American music legend who’s performed with the likes of Eric Clapton and U2. And according to The New York Times, “Stanley ‘Buckwheat’ Dural leads one of the best bands in America. A downhome and high-powered celebration…”

Symphony with Soul at GR Symphony

DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids Feb. 27, 8 p.m., $18-$90 grsymphony.org, (616) 454.9451 x 4 As part of their 15th annual celebration of AfricanAmerican musical expression, the Grand Rapids Symphony, featuring special guest Pianist Marcus Roberts, presents Symphony with Soul at DeVos Performance Hall on Feb. 27. Preceding the concert is a Celebration of Soul dinner and the Dr. MaLinda P. Sapp Legacy Awards. n

133 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Feb. 26, 7 p.m. $20 advance, $25 day of, all ages sectionlive.com, (616) 451-8232

Jammies XVII Performers:

Big Dudee Roo, Bigfoot Buffalo, The Bootstrap Boys, Brother Adams, Dave Hardin, Fable the Poet, Greg Nagy, Jesse Ray & the Carolina Catfish, Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers, Jukejoint Handmedowns, Lady Ace Boogie, The Lippies, Megan Dooley, Olivia Mainville & the Aquatic Troupe, Rick Chyme & Nixon, The Sailor Kicks, Scott Pellegrom Trio, Shane Tripp, The Soul Syndicate, Tunde Olaniran, Ty Beat, Vox Vidorra, The Waxies.

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Fans of Halloween and horrible Brendan Fraser movies may want to check out Here Come The Mummies, a funky R&B band from Nashville, Tenn. who perform fully under wraps in legit mummy garb. The band members, which go by aliases like Eddie Mummy and Mummy Cass, are signed to the equally punny Sphinxter Records.

f you’ve been behind on hitting up live music venues, there’s no better way to catch up with the local Jammies XVII music scene than the Jammies awards. The concert/ The Intersection 133 Grandville Ave SW, Grand ceremony, now in its 17th year, is WYCE’s local and Rapids regional music awards showcase. Note: Attendees are Feb. 19, 5:30-11 p.m. encouraged to come in their favorite pajamas. $5 suggested donation at The event, happening Feb. 19 at The Intersection, the door features a whirlwind of live performances, 24 in all. grcmc.org/wyce/local/jammies With that, 20 awards are given to the best local music released in the past year. Jammies, which span an array of genres, are selected by WYCE Programmers, critics and by community vote.

“Jammies XVII is about celebrating the talent that we have here and providing a fun and supportive environment to nurture the music scene,” said WYCE Station Manager AJ Paschka.

“Local Music is often the driving force of audience engagement programming for businesses, non-profits, and community organizations,” Paschka added. “It is critical to support and nurture the talent that exists in our community because this type of expression is inclusive and helps bridge the differences between our shared experiences as people.”

Which band or artist will take home the award for Album of the Year? Stop by the Jammies to find out. n —Reported by Revue Staff

Advance Warning:

Fall Out Boy at Van Andel Arena

Buckwheat Zydeco at Bell’s

355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m. $20 advance, $22 doors bellsbeer.com, (269) 382-2332

130 West Fulton, Grand Rapids March 8, 7 p.m., $29.50-$59.50 vanandelarena.com, (616) 742-6600

Fall Out Boy, the kings of mid-2000s melodic emo rock, hit Grand Rapids this March on its Wintour Is Coming tour. The string of shows is in support of the Island Records-signed band’s sixth studio album, American Beauty/American Psycho. The disc hit #1 on both the Billboard Top 200 and iTunes. Warming up the stage at Van Andel are AWOLNATION and PVRIS.

The Jammies at the Intersection REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

17

/// Eclectic

February Eclectic Events Monday

Live Comedy Night 1/2 off MI craft drafts & $4 mules 8PM - 1AM

Tuesday

Tall Boy Tuesday $3.5 domestic tall boys

What’s sweeter than a sweetheart in February? Free events.

Catch pretty “punk” paintings, enjoy snow frolics and get a fabulously dressed dose of flapper feminism. If you’re game, score a symphonic Pokémon experience, too — but that’ll cost ya.

By Audria Larsen

Wednesday

Karaoke and 1/2 off bottles of wine & 5pm-close

Thursday

$3 16 oz. Bud Light 9pm-midnight

Friday & saTurday

Live entertainment

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

sunday

NFL Ticket Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar $4 burger basket $6 PBR pitcher

Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions

DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids Feb. 5, 8 p.m. $32, grsymphony.org, (616) 454-9451 x 4

Winter Jamboree: Feb. 6 at Milham Park Golf Club, Kalamazoo

Grand Rapids Pops is going on a video game romp this month. Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions is taking the DeVos Performance Hall stage for a live, orchestral production featuring the familiar sounds of the popular game.

“Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions is a spectacular showcase of the memorable music that has been a hallmark of the Pokémon franchise for nearly 20 years,” said J.C. Smith, director of Consumer Marketing at The Pokémon Company International.

The new orchestral arrangements seamlessly sync up with video game visuals shown on the big screen, featuring imagery from “recent and classic” Pokémon games. Enjoy highlights from your favorite characters and bring your pals for this all-ages event.

forces to present you a bevy of wintertime snow sports. From snowshoeing and kayak sledding to ice bowling and sled dog rides, there are plenty of activities to keep you frolicking.

Most equipment is provided but you’ll need to bring your own sled to take advantage of the hills. If sporty isn’t your thing, you can compete in the snowman building contest and sit back and watch the fat-tire biking demo.

Winter Jamboree

Urban Punk, John Leben’s digital painting exhibit currently on display at the Holland Area Arts Council, features compelling and surreal imagery that blends fantasy with humor and offers commentary on the state of our political and natural environment.

The series shows “a world of inept leadership and absurd solutions to environmental problems,” Leben said. “Each painting tells the story of our constant efforts to make things better. Each one

$4 aPPeTiZers

Sun-Thurs, 9pm-1am

The WesTbar on The besTside 801 5th St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (616) 456-9058 theholidaybargr.com

18 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

Milham Park Golf Club, 4200 Lovers Ln., Kalamazoo Feb. 6, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Free! kzooparks.org, (269) 329-4522

A free jamboree?! Yes, indeed. The City of Portage Parks and Recreation, Kalamazoo Parks, Lee’s Adventure Sports and Pedal Bicycle joined

Urban Punk: Digital Paintings

by John Leben

Holland Area Arts Council, Holland Through Feb. 27 Mon., Tues., Thurs. 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Wed. 10 a.m.– 6 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Free! hollandarts.org, (616)396-3278

reflects our naive certainty that technology will solve our problems. Is there optimism in these paintings? You be the judge.” While the themes are dark, the works are visually pleasing with pops of color and frequent use of hot air balloons.

Up Cloche: Fashion, Feminism, Modernity MSU Museum, East Lansing Through Aug. 30 Weekdays 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday 1–5 p.m.

Free! museum.msu.edu, (517) 355-2370

The era of freewheeling flappers was momentous. Up Cloche: Fashion, Feminism, Modernity explores “how American women of the Jazz Age used fashion to become modern.” From bobbed hair and exposed knees to the cloche (“a bellshaped hat considered ‘clever’ and ‘smart’”), fashion defined new freedoms and outwardly expressed the feminist ideals of the time through clothing aesthetics.

These days it’s tough to imagine a deeper meaning behind sheer stockings, but in the 1920s, wearing such items made a distinct statement. Discover more at this free exhibit, showing through August. n

/// All Ages

Frugal Family Fun in February Raising a family is expensive. Braces, XBox and college tuition really adds up. But if you dig a little deeper you’ll find free and cheap things to do as a family that are fun, healthy and educational. By Steven G. de Polo

Family Snowshoeing at the Outdoor Discovery Center 4214 56th St., Holland Feb. 2, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. $5, 14+ outdoordiscovery.org, (616) 393-9453

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Go on a family snowshoeing adventure at Holland’s Outdoor Discovery Center. Like an outdoor children’s museum and science center, the ODC consists of a 150-acre nature preserve with almost five miles of trails that are open dawn to dusk.

Founded in 2000, the center believes that there is value in restoring, protecting and connecting natural environments. Ojibwa Snowshoes are available for rent from the ODC’s Founders Hall for $5 per pair for anyone age 14 years old and up.

Children must be at least eight years to rent the snowshoes, smaller feet often do not fit in the snowshoe bindings. A four-inch base of snow is required to use those fancy snowshoes. Guided hikes of the nature preserve happen from 11 a.m.–noon. Go out and strengthen your family’s connection to nature.

There are no maximum or minimum income requirements to participate in the playgroups, which are held once or twice a month. Specially trained parent educators provide information, resources and educational play activities to help your child learn and grow to their fullest potential.

Upcoming playgroups include: Feb. 4 Healthy Hearts, 10–11:30 a.m.

Greenridge Elementary, Comstock Park Denise Kreske: (616) 447-4904 Feb. 10 Hop, Skip, Jump and Roll, 10–11 a.m.

Central Elementary School, Grandville Laura Fasel: (616) 447-4901

Gymco’s Mini Movers program, every Tuesday.

The popular sports and activity facility is family friendly but you can imagine that tumbling teens and toddling infants don’t mix too well.

That’s why Gymco set aside every Tuesday from 9–10 a.m. for the little ones. It’s an unstructured hour of exploration and play where parents don’t have to worry about big kids in the space.

There’s a waiver for first-time guests to fill out, after that it’s a quick sign-in process and the hour belongs to you. Look for places to balance,

Feb. 16 On the Go, 10–11 a.m.

Kent City Elementary School, Kent Lora Jenema: (616) 447-4903 Feb. 19 Totalmente Dientes, 10–11 a.m.

Buchanan Elementary School, Grand Rapids Esther Gomez: (616) 447-4902

Mini Movers Program Bright Beginnings Early Childhood Playgroups 30 Play Groups in 20 School Districts Free! kentisd.org

Anyone in Kent County with a child from birth to kindergarten age can join Kent ISD’s Bright Beginnings early childhood playgroups. The free program organizes 30 playgroups each month at local elementary schools in 20 school districts across the county.

20 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

Gymco 2306 Camelot Ridge Ct. SE, Grand Rapids Tuesdays, 9–10 a.m.

Children pay their age, parents Free! gymco.com, (616) 956-0586

Gymco’s Mini Movers program is for parents, infants and toddlers 4 years old or younger. They may look fragile but letting kids move and explore their world is incredibly important. It affects their physical, cognitive and social development.

Two Buck Tuesday at Jumpin’ Jupiter Skate Center

Photo: Melissa Vannest

climb, and turn upside-down and roll. They also have storage space for shoes and coats.

Two Buck Tuesday Jumpin’ Jupiter Skate Center 1775 Evanston Ave., Muskegon 5:30–8 p.m. $2 admission, $4 skate rental, $2 Bounce Quest jumpinjupiter.net, (231) 773-5538

Roll on over to the Jumpin’ Jupiter Skate Center in Muskegon for thrifty family fun. Jumpin’ Jupiter is the largest skating facility along the Lakeshore. It features a nine-foot video screen, interstellar light show and the Milky Way Cafe for fun fried treats.

They have skates for little kids (Fisher Price) all the way up to a size 15 in skate rental.

Why roller skating? It’s been around for over 100 years — longer than grandpa. It’s a great way to socialize, it’s dancing at 5 mph and it’s healthy.

You can expect a memorable, clean, entertaining and fun roller skating experience at Jumpin’ Jupiter. Little ones can enjoy the 2,500-square-foot Bounce Quest play area.

There’s free skating with classic games like the hokey pokey and chicken dance to increase skill level. The sound system is rocking with everything from pop hits, R&B, country and alternative, to classic songs from back in the ’70s and ’80s.

Dig out that Lycra jumpsuit and get rolling. Don’t forget the disco ball. n

CELEBRATE AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE & HERITAGE

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MAIN LIBRARY 111 LIBRARY STREET NE 49503 Donate: 616.988.5399 or ww.grplfoundation.org.

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REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

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21

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/// On tour

“The show [at The Stache] was just so sweaty and grimy that I’m sure the next one in the main room will be complete madness.”

Sexy Time

Black Tiger Sex Machine sticks claws back into West Michigan | by Eric Mitts

S

eco n ds i n to talk i n g w i th Marc -An dre Chag n o n, aka Marx Menace, of the Montreal electro trio Black Tiger Sex Machine, it becomes obvious: 2015 was the most insane year of his life.

Of course, anyone who attended the band’s sold-out show at The Stache last fall — or its raging set during the closing night of last summer’s Electric Forest — already knows that.

“It was probably one of the best weekends of our lives,” Chagnon said of West Michigan’s own Electric Forest Festival. “The Midwest has always had good feedback for us, but after we played Electric Forest we really saw a huge jump in hype. And the Grand Rapids show at The Stache was so crazy, the energy was just so intense, we had to come back.”

This time, Black Tiger Sex Machine (BTSM) will boast an even more impressive stage production.

“The show [at The Stache] was just so sweaty and grimy that I’m sure the next one in the main room will be complete madness,” Chagnon said. “Grand Rapids will always have a very unique place in our hearts with Electric Forest and the

sold-out show that we did. It was like the first real sold-out show we’d ever done. It’s definitely going to be a special one.”

Chagnon started BTSM with fellow members Patrick Barry (aka Foxed Up) and Julien Maranda (aka Wolfcall) in 2012. Before that, in late 2011 they’d created their own label and management company, Kannibalen Records. The imprint showcases the rising Montreal EDM scene the group helped spearhead, alongside other breakout artists like Snails, Apashe and LeKtriQue. “We were all finishing either bachelor’s or master’s [degrees], or doing other stuff,” said Chagnon, who has a master’s in international business and began DJing six years ago. “Back then it was kind of about having fun and being DJs, but with a certain degree of professionalism, intensity and hard work.

I guess that would be the core values that led to Kannibalen.”

Thanks to the power of the Internet, the group has pursued both sides of the industry ever since, building their label and cred as sought-out producers and remixers online, while simultaneously killing it onstage with a live show that incorporates samples, live synths and digital drum work.

“We’ve been only touring for about 11 months in the United States because we’re Canadian artists and we were really waiting for a long time to get the proper agent,” Chagnon said. He said he considers 2015 to be Black Tiger Sex Machine’s real beginning.

“It just started generating and just kept building nonstop.”

Black Tiger Sex Machine Now known for their “BTSM Church Tour” hard-hitting sound, post-apocwsg. Apashe, Dabin alyptic visuals and signature The Intersection, 133 Grandville black helmets, BTSM has SW, Grand Rapids built up a team to help get Feb. 11, 8 p.m. doors, 16+ $15 advance, $20 day of show them to the next level. sectionlive.com, (616) 451-8232 “The guy who made the helmets [Gabriel Hebert] really believed in us and wanted to get involved more in the business,” Chagnon said. “So he brought in his industrial design skills to the team and he took over the whole merchandising and a bit of the stage production duties here at Kannibalen. It’s been cool growing. Sometimes it can be quite intense, but there is something rewarding about going from the business side to the artistic side and making the bridge between both.”

Most recently the group has focused on completing its first full-length release, which they plan to unleash online early this year in conjunction with their new BTSM Church Tour. n

REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

23

/// On tour

Coming to America

Marianas Trench ‘Hey You Guys!!’ Tour Stops at Orbit Room | by Eric Mitts

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

F

or some, Valentine’s Day is a time when lovers bask in each other’s undying devotion and blissful happiness.

For others, like bassist Mike Ayley of emo-pop outfit Marianas Trench, it’s just another strange and confusing holiday.

“Over the years I’ve become the most hopelessly romantic pessimist you’ll ever meet,” Ayley told Revue. “I’m a sucker for love, but have been jaded so many times.”

So even though the Canadian band will end its current U.S. headlining tour here in Grand Rapids on the day when everyone is looking for cupid’s arrow, don’t plan on them playing matchmaker anytime soon.

For starters, just listen to lead single, “One Love,” off the band’s latest LP, Astoria. A heart-wrenching ballad with blistering vocal work from lead singer/songwriter Josh Ramsay, the song bares the pain the frontman endured recently during the dissolving of his engagement just as his career had hit its highest note yet. The track could be the theme song for shattered soulmates.

While still emerging in the U.S., Marianas Trench has a storied history north of the border. Bearing their hearts on their sleeves — and tongues in cheeks — for more than a decade, the Vancouver-based band has amassed a huge fan base in their native country. Its last two records, 2009’s Masterpiece Theatre and 2011’s Ever After, both went platinum in Canada.

“I feel like with the last two albums we’ve continued to push the envelope,” Ayley said. “We’ve pushed to new limits with songwriting. We’ve expanded how far we can go with album themes and concepts. We’ve grown as singers and musicians and are playing and singing more challenging parts than we have at any point in the past.”

Known for their cinematic and sometimes comedic videos, the band has headlined arenas and frequently rubs elbows with the likes of Drake and Carly Rae Jepsen back home. And incidentally, Ramsay also co-wrote Jepsen’s biggest hit, the 2013 mega-smash “Call Me Maybe.”

In stark, satiric contrast, last year the group preceded Astoria (their first official U.S. release) with the EP, Something Old/Something New. On it, Ramsay skewered pop trends and clichés — alongside his own history of addiction and redemption — with the songs “Pop 101” and “Here’s to the Zeros.”

“I feel like trying to tread water is kind of pointless,” Ayley said. “You always want to see what you’re capable of if you push yourself. How many people won a gold medal at the Olympics after just settling to qualify to be there?”

24 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

Marianas Trench “We totally immerse ourselves in the atmosphere and vibe The band has played the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter of the era we’re trying to catch an echo of magic from,” Ayley Games and racked up dozens of awards of their own, but the said about the loose throwback concept of the LP. “The recordband continues to make a point of never losing their selfing gear was even time specific. The studio [mostly at Ramsay’s deprecating sense of humor in spite of their real success. apartment] had some of the best albums from the “Taking yourself so seriously is pointless,” ’80s all over the place. Each morning one of them Ayley said. “Obviously, when it comes to recordwould get spun for inspiration before work began. ing your album and putting in the work to be Marianas Trench It was a great recording experience for us. We will able to play it live, you work very hard and take it Hey You Guys!! Tour absolutely do something along those lines again seriously. [But] it’s so much fun to just relax and wsg. Secret Someones in the future.” enjoy the rest of the ride as much as possible. I The Orbit Room 2525 Lake Eastbrook S.E., Before then, the band remains focused on couldn’t imagine having to be super somber and Grand Rapids building their future following here in America. moody all the time. I’m a happy guy and I want Feb. 14, 7 p.m. doors, 16+ “You could really feel some crazy momentum to have fun.” $20 advance, $25 day building for us in the U.S.A,” Ayley said of the The band captures that contrast of happy of show band’s last headlining run here. “It’s something and sad on Astoria by harkening back to the easy orbitroom.com, (616) we’ve only scratched the surface of before — but escapism of the 1980s and the comforting fantasy 942-1328 now I feel like we’re on the brink.” n world of family adventure films like The Goonies and the decade’s pop hits.

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REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

25

/// On tour

Future Trippin’ with Twiztid | by Steve Miller

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

“G

ra n d R ap i ds i s the o n ly place i n America that celebrates VD,” blares Monoxide Child, one half of Detroit-based rap duo Twiztid. The rap/rock ensemble is playing the Intersection on Valentine’s Day and he’s using the occasion to play with words, which is his stock-in-trade.

Monoxide and his partner Jamie Madrox are doing a phoner on an icy January afternoon from the headquarters of Majik Ninja Entertainment, a 15,000-square-foot compound tucked behind a series of law offices, eateries and gas stations just off I-96 in Livonia.

The Twiztid saga reads like a steady ride toward the top floor. Started in the early ’90s as a trio called House of Krazees. Broke up but not before they caught the ear of local heroes Insane Clown Posse. After a name change to Twiztid they forged ahead as a duo and signed to ICP’s label, Psychopathic, for $3,000. It was a merge of cultures, with Twiztid mining a love of horror movies to complement ICP’s embrace of wrestling. They toured together and created an underground that should be the envy of any artist, each making uncompromising sounds that, while may not have sent them to Kanye-land in terms of mass popularity, gave ICP and Twiztid undeniable artistic merit. us because of our address. We got Nine albums, just as many to a point where we wanted to tours and 15 years later, Twiztid Twiztid’s Be My change our mindset and it was left the Psychopathic nest to do Bloody Valentine! time to take what we had learned things on their own. They left Twiztid w/ Boondox, The and do things on our own.” with the love of Juggalos, the R.O.C., G-Mo Skee, MBK, Besides, Madrox adds, “I enthusiastic fan base developed Insane E The Intersection, Grand liked Michael Jordan and I didn’t

by ICP. Rapids care that he left the Bulls.”

It was a bold move, as ICP Feb. 14, 7 p.m.

They have since created has sold an estimated 10 million All ages, $25, $20 adv. an enterprise based on the sucalbums in its 20-plus years and sectionlive.com cessful Psychopathic model of while many still recoil at the independence. Majik Ninja is an mere mention of the name, the indie label with a roster of artists, longevity of the band and the some of whom were once with Psychopathic. depth of its fan base gives it institutional name The warehouse and office space holds a recognition. radio studio where Twiztid hosts its Web-based “Initially people told us we were crazy to show, “Ashtrays & Action Figures,” a recordleave,” Monoxide said. “But from the inceping studio, and a warehouse full of Twiztid tion it was our dream to grow and do what gear and that of other acts on the Majik Ninja we wanted to do. The only people who ever roster. changed their perception of us were only into

26 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

Twiztid Twiztid dropped The Darkness on Majik Ninja in January 2015, their first full-length since departing Psychopathic, and have been touring it ever since.

The future? They think about it all the time. The video from The Darkness bonus track “A Place in the Woods” is a six-minute exercise in horror film production featuring veteran horror film actor Sid Haig.

Someday, they will make a horror movie, Madrox said, “but right now we’re working on crazy shorts and our acting skills and getting more familiar with the camera.”

They did some shows last year with a full band behind them, something that will probably happen again.

Monoxide said the execution was brutal, going from tape to live. The set moved faster than they were used to.

“It was perpetual, it didn’t stop, and we’re still learning about how to reign it in so we don’t want to kill our drummer,” he said.

And finally, there will be mad touring all the time. They want to go to Japan, they want to make more of the increasingly embraced vinyl — the limited edition 7-inch single “Back to Hell” released in December fetches $50 on eBay — and they promise to keep broadening their fan base.

Speaking of which, during an entire 30-minute conversation, the topic of Juggalos never comes up.

“For us, it’s like talking about your nationality,” Madrox said. “I happen to be Polish and Italian and I’m not telling people that.”

“Yeah,” adds Monoxide. “We take it that everyone knows we’re king Juggalos.” n

H O P E CO L L EG E G R E AT P E R F O R M A N C E S E R I E S

BANG

CAN a ALLON

stars

BIRTHDAY!

February 27 @ 7:30 pm | Concert Hall at the Jack H. Miller Center | $18/13/6

ANNIVERSARY! RETIREMENT! MARDI GRAS!

hope.edu/arts

for tickets call 616.395.7890

Join us Thursdays for

INDUSTRY NIGHT

JOIN US THURSDAYS FOR

50% off food for our friends in the food industry. *Please bring recent paystub*

AND

INDUSTRY NIGHT

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YOUR ROOM RENTAL FEE FOR A PRIVATE PARTY!

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616.678.3618

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Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

*NEW BOOKINGS ONLY. NOT VALID FOR WEDDINGS OR CORPORATE MEETINGS. EVENTS MUST BE HELD BETWEEN FEBRUARY 1 AND MARCH 31, 2016.

Seven Steps Up Live Music & Event Venue

(269) 381-5677 | olddogtavern.com | 402 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo

Live Music & Event Venue 116 S. Jackson Street Spring Lake, MI 49456 www.sevenstepsup.com

REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 | Seven Steps Up Ad 4.375w x 10h.indd 1

27

1/19/16 9:03 PM

/// On tour

FEB

17

GALLANT

with special guest | Covenant Fine Arts Center | 8pm | $10

MAR

9

Breaking Benjamin

DAUGHTER

with special guest | Covenant Fine Arts Center | 8pm | $23

PHOTO: Nicole Napier

Breaking the Silence Ben Burnley Rises from the Ashes with New Line-up | by Dwayne Hoover

MAR

23

THE LONE BELLOW

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

with special guest | Covenant Fine Arts Center | 8pm | $20

MAR

29

BEN RECTOR

with special guest | Covenant Fine Arts Center | 8pm | $30

APR 14 | The Mountain Goats APR 22 | Noah Gunderson

www.calvin.edu/boxoffice

28 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

616.526.6282

A

n abrupt end to touring in 2010 for alleged health reasons was the start of an implosion for the Pennsylvania-based rock band Breaking Benjamin.

What followed was a disagreement leading to a legal dispute and ultimately the group’s disbanding.

Despite the inner turmoil, founding member and frontman Ben Burnley assured fans it wasn’t the end. Several years of silence ensued but a new lineup was announced in 2014 and Breaking Benjamin began touring again. In June of 2015, a new album, Dark Before Dawn, was released, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 charts and lighting the way for the group’s successful return.

The band’s first tour of 2016 has them bringing its acoustic show across the U.S., including a stop at the Orbit Room in Grand Rapids.

“It’s stripped down, bare bones,” Burnley said. “There’s no way to mask what it is. A song, if you look at the dictionary definition, means something sung to. For me, the essence of a song is the chord structure and the vocals … It’s the vocal melody, the chorus and the

feeling the vocals bring that really sets a song apart. It really gives it its identity.”

Historically, Burnley has taken on virtually all of the responsibility for songwriting, mostly due to necessity and not a desire to carry that burden alone. He said he would’ve been happy to have his mates contribute.

“I would generate the majority of songs in their entirety,” he said. “If I didn’t do it, it wouldn’t get done. I would never turn down an amazing song, to be a part of it or sing on it or whatever the case may be.”

Now armed with a new, handpicked lineup and renewed purpose, Burnley is eager to start down a new path.

“With the new members, I’ve heard some very amazing things,” he said. “I’m extremely excited about working with this band from the ground up, moving forward and not having beyond the lion’s share [of responsibility]. I’ve been doing that for so long. I’m ready to try a different way.” n

Breaking Benjamin “Unplugged” w/ Starset The Orbit Room, Grand Rapids Feb. 9, 7 p.m. $40, $35 adv. orbitroom.com, (616) 942-1328

SPECIALS & EVENTS MONDAyS $1 Chili Dogs and $1 Beers Free Show with Desmond Jones

TuESDAyS Comedy Tuesday

upcoming

at

No cover!

WEDNESDAyS Dennie Middleton Happy Hour,

5:30-8:30, Open Mic Night Hosted by Sam Kenny No cover!

THuRSDAyS #WhatchuSaay Thursday Hosted by DJ Dean Martian | 9pm

Open Hours

MON-SAT 3PM-2AM KITCHEN 3PM-11PM

Happy Hour

MON-FRI 3-7PM $2 DOMESTICS, $2 WELLS, $3 CALLS, $1.50 RETROS

760 BuTTERWORTH SW GRAND RAPIDS, MI 616.272.3910

2/5 2/6 2/7 2/9 2/12 2/13 2/14 2/19 2/20 2/23

2/26 2/27 3/4 3/5

Tommy Gun, Elroy Meltzer and TBA Gina Sicilia Adam Lee, The Waxies and WT Newton Davina and the Vagabonds The JetBeats wsg From Big Sur West Michigan Blues Society presents Pork Chop Willie Major Murphy, The Landmarks, JOE and Samantha Andrade Lacroix Winget, Hailey & The Black Trash, Liance and TBA Drunken Barndance, The Bootstrap Boys and Elroy Meltzer Guttermouth wsg The Cryptics and Murder Party Chris Antonik The Drunken Cuddle wsg TBA Joseph Huber Curio wsg The Lazy Hands

Fri, February 5

Cornmeal

$10 adv / $12 day of Doors 8pm — Show 9pm

Fri, February 12

$12 adv / $15 day of

wsg Fiona Dickinson

Doors 8pm — Show 9pm

MNOE & Lauren Deming

Sat, February 13

FREE

Young Heavy Souls Winter Throwdown

Doors 8pm — Show 9pm

Sat, February 20 $12 adv / $14 day of

Andy Frasco & the U.N.

wsg Earphorik, Marrow & Stone

Fri, February 26

Buckwheat Zydeco

Doors 8pm — Show 9pm

$20 adv / $22 day of Doors 7:30 pm — Show 8:30 pm

Sat, February 27

great food

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2/4 Drew Nelson 2/6 David Molinari with Creolization 2/11 Moxie Strings 2/13 Natchez Trace 2/18 Seritas Black Rose 2/20 Lazy Blue Tunas (Farewell Show) 2/25 Kathy Lamar Trio 2/27 Mid-Life Crisis

Thurs, March 3

Everyone Orchestra

wsg Mungion

pm

— Show 9:30 pm

$15 Doors 8pm — Show 9pm

Sun, March 6

$12 adv / $15 day of

wsg Parlour Tricks, Slumlord Radio

Doors 8pm — Show 9pm

Electric Six

Thurs, March 10

Rangda

$12 adv / $15 day of Doors 8pm — Show 9pm

Thurs, April 7

Lucero

wsg John Moreland

$22 adv / $25 day of Doors 8pm — Show 9pm

136 East Fulton, Grand rapids | 616.235.7669 | onetrick.BIZ REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

TUE-WED: 11 AM -10 PM THUR-FRI 11 AM -11 PM SAT 5 PM -11 PM SUN 11 AM -4 PM

FEBRUARY shows

Super Happy Funtime Burlesque Doors 8:30

$10

29

/// local music

Move over, Mr. Rogers Kalamazoo’s Mr. Paul Brings Kid-Friendly Album

| by Jayson Bussa

O

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Paul Bauer of The Mainstays, aka “Mr. Paul” of Small Sounds, a program to encourage children’s musical exploration

St. Cecilia Music Center

The album is geared toward kids ranging in ages from n the weekend, he’s Paul Bauer, three to eight, but Bauer said that older kids often find the animalistic drummer for Kalamazoo-based performances entertaining, as well. funk/soul outfit The Mainstays. To a whole While the songs might feature child-specific lyrics, the different throng of fans, he goes by the name work isn’t void of strong musicianship, performed mostly by Mr. Paul.

Mr. Paul is the brains behind Small Sounds, Bauer with the help of guest musicians, who recorded with independent recording engineer Angelo Kim of Kalamazoo. a program that encourages musical exploration “I honestly just wrote music that I like amongst young children but also an and not that only kids would like,” Bauer entity that has expanded into a one-man explained. “I wrote whatever I thought was band of sorts to record and perform kidcool — obviously the kids were in mind, too. friendly tunes.

“There is an EDM track, sort of like a “It’s a pretty major role shift for me — heavier dubstep song. And [early-released I’m not used to that,” said Bauer, who has track] ‘Hey, Alligator!’ is more of a Lynyrd experience playing in local bands that Skynyrd-type song,” he added. range from hard rock to salsa. “With The Bauer said that 500 copies of Good Mainstays, I play drums and I’m not reMorning, Sun! would be donated to ally a voice at all with the public. With underprivileged students throughout the this, it’s the opposite. I’m running the Kalamazoo Public Schools system. He show and keeping everyone entertained. also said that, were it not for the grant by “It feels pretty natural, though,” he the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, it added. “I don’t think I could do it as well SMALL SOUNDS PERFORMS GOOD would have taken him a lot more time and with adults as I can with kids. What it MORNING, SUN! personal resources to finally bring the work really boils down to with either group Kzoo Baby & Family Expo to fruition. is allowing them to see someone who is Radisson Plaza 100 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo Meanwhile, Bauer continues to partner having a genuinely good time. It’s not Feb. 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. with local pre-schools under the Small contrived or anything.” kzoofamilyexpo.com, (269) 929-2375 Sounds banner, introducing the young Barney and Lamb Chop can take a ones to music via his program. His motivaback seat, because Bauer is set to release tion for it all? his first kid-friendly album under the “I just always grew up around a lot of Small Sounds name. The album, made kids,” he said. “My mom had a daycare. I was a pre-school possible through a grant by the Arts Council of Greater teacher. …Kids have been a big part of my life in addition Kalamazoo, is called Good Morning, Sun! A formal unveiling to music. I don’t know, it just seemed to happen quite natuof the work is set for Feb. 7 at the Kzoo Baby & Family Expo rally.” n at the Radisson Plaza in downtown Kalamazoo.

MUSIC LIVES HERE

PRESENTS

SHAWN COLVIN Four-time Grammy Award winner, Colvin’s honest folk style is infused with humor and sensuality.

30 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

ACOUSTIC CAFÉ SERIES FEBRUARY 18, 2016

POST-CONCERT CASH BAR scmc-online.org 616.459.2224

REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

31

/// playlist

Songs We Like, Vol. 7: Cheap Issue edition

The Meters — “Stretch Your Rubberband”

The Meters defined the New Orleans-inspired funk and soul sound that made the ’70s and ’80s awe-inspiring. This song might be a little bit of a stretch, but it seems to fit.

Digable Planets — “Nickel Bags”

Just a three-minute nug of a song that sets up the whole idea.

by Pete Bruinsma, WYCE Music Director

Patty Smith — “Free Money” This special Cheap Issue-themed playlist is a collaboration between WYCE, AMI Jukeboxes and Revue West Michigan. You can hear this mix as a playlist on AMI Jukeboxes and stream it on wyce.org — from Grand Rapids to the world!

Black Joe Louis & the Honeybears — “I’m Broke”

We lead with the best possible song ever for the “Cheap Issue” — eight out of 10 WYCE programmers agree. We would have also accepted Aloe Blacc’s “I Need a Dollar.”

Penny & the Quarters — “You and Me”

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Amidst all this talk about money, this latent classic says “all we need is love” in the heart-grabbing language of 1970s

32 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

From her debut album Horses, this is one of the best songs about money ever sung. The lyrics came to her at 3 a.m. walking along St. Mark’s Place.

soul. The never-discovered act laid tape on this one in the early ’70s. Ryan Gosling discovered the posthumous release and the song made its way into Blue Valentine.

Charlie Hunter — “Gentlemen, I Neglected to Inform You You Will Not Be Getting Paid”

It’s a sad fact that musicians just have to be cheap sometimes. Here’s a nonverbal tribute to all of us out there who will do anything to perpetuate the art, even when it means getting stiffed. Here’s to the next one!

Reed Turner — “I Got Love”

Reed is part of a growing group of up-and-coming young musicians who are redefining American roots and rock music. This 2016 song is inspired through scoping some “Chess and King records stuff,” saying “I figure that really good music either makes you dance or makes you think and I’d asked people to do enough thinking.”

Matt the Electrician — “Keep It There” Wise, cheap words from the Austin, Texas musician, “Got three dollars burnin’ in my pocket…I got to keep it there.”

Valerie June — “Workin’ Woman Blues”

Shout out to women who are working their asses off and not getting paid much.

David Bowie — “Dollar Days”

All music mixes in the foreseeable future must either have a David Bowie song or Bowie tribute song and here we have a cut from his 2016 release. Perhaps the best musician in history to balance art and pop, he left us with a masterpiece.

Pulp — “Common People” (Full Length Version)

We finish the list with Rolling Stone’s “#1 Brit Pop Song” of all time. Vocalist Jarvis Cocker wrote this one about a wealthy girl from Greece who desired to live like the common people. We ran the full-length version so you get more bang for your buck in the AMI Jukebox.

Others: Cody ChesnuTT — “Where Is All the Money Going” Emmylou Harris — “Hard Bargain” The Motet — “Cheap Shit” Radiohead — “Dollars & Cents” Jason Isbell — “Something More than Free” n

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Lover’s Extravaganza: Musiq Soulchild wsg: Keke Wyatt 02.13.2016

Home Free 02.14.2016

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33

Q&A

A

California Dreaming Joshua Burge on His ‘Revenant’ Role and Grand Rapids Roots

By rich tupica Photo by Brian Kelly

A

At the five-minute mark of the Oscar-nominated film The Revenant, actor Joshua Burge comes into frame wielding a rifle while trudging through deep woods alongside a sea of other frontiersmen.

While it wasn’t the Grand Rapids native’s first acting gig, it’s surely his entrance into mainstream Hollywood. Prior to landing the role of Stubby Bill in the $135-million Western revenge film, Burge cut his teeth in a string of acclaimed West Michigan-made indie films alongside director/writer Joel Potrykus — and fronting his local rock band, Chance Jones.

Burge, 35, chatted with Revue from his Highland Park apartment in Los Angeles. Here’s what he had to say about working alongside writer/director Alejandro G. Iñárritu and the film’s megastars, Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hardy.

Where were you when you first heard you’d landed a role in The Revenant?

It was a Monday night around 8 p.m. or so, late July 2014, so the weather was nice. I was walking into Donkey Taqueria on Wealthy. I was going there with my girlfriend to have dinner. We walked in, sat down, maybe ordered drinks and some chips and guacamole.

We were getting ready to order some tacos and I got the call in the middle of that. I went outside to take the call and they said, ‘You got the part. Pack your bags and get ready because you’re coming to shoot this movie.’ I walk back inside and my girlfriend said I was ghost white. I lost my appetite. I couldn’t order dinner.

really easy for me to be there. I don’t remember feeling uncomfortable.

There’s a pic of you and Leonardo on a red carpet floating around on the Internet.

Where was that snapped?

That was on the red carpet before The Revenant premiere. I was saying hello to Leo and shaking his hand.

He kind of did a double take when he realized it was me. He’d never seen me clean-shaven before. I was clean-cut and my hair was combed, I had my glasses on. He was like, ‘Oh, my gosh! I didn’t recognize you!’

Then he hugged me. We cracked a couple jokes and headed into the theater — that’s when they snapped that photo.

The film looks astonishing, but it looks like it was a difficult shoot.

We were doing some pretty physically taxing things up in those altitudes. There were times where I got lightheaded. It was tough. The crew — what they went through — I don’t even have words for it. I was in awe with everybody, what they were building and creating — moving locations and the amount of work that went into it. I had no idea. I was just shaking my head. It was awesome in the true sense of the word.

I was in awe constantly.

Where did you stay during the filming?

It depended on the location. It moved around a lot.

The main one I stayed at was in downtown Calgary.

To shoot, we’d drive out anywhere from one to two hours into the mountains outside of Calgary. That was a big part of it, just being in the mountains — it was beautiful out there. For the first scene, we had kind of a different lay of the land. We were still in the woods but they wanted a river. The mountains were more of a backdrop for that first sequence. But after that, we were up high. We were definitely in the hills.

How long was the filming process for The Revenant?

The whole process was about seven months, from September to April. The first week was all costume and makeup. Then we did three weeks of boot camp Continued on next page

»

Who were the first Revenant castmates you met when you arrived for production?

One was a Londoner named Paul Anderson [who plays “Anderson”]. The other was a Norwegian named Kristoffer Joner [who plays “Murphy”]. They were both just really nice, cool guys. I thought, ‘Hey, this is going to be all right.’ I didn’t know what to expect. It was my first big thing. Everybody else was a vet. They knew the ins and outs of everything. I didn’t know if everyone would be jaded and hard at this level, but everyone — immediately — was so nice, welcoming and warm.

Working with Leonardo DiCaprio must have been pretty surreal. How was he?

It’s one of those things where you don’t know what to expect. What do I know about Leo that I didn’t see on television or read in magazines? He’s the biggest movie star in the world, so what am I imagining about the biggest movie star in the world? How do they act?

Are they treated differently? I had all of these notions going into it that I tried not to have, but you have concepts of what these people might be like. He destroyed all of those concepts for me. He was funny, down to earth — very welcoming and generous. He made it

The Revenant writer/director Alejandro G. Iñárritu on set with the film’s lead star, Leonardo DiCaprio.

Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox

REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

35

Joshua Burge (continued from previous page)

where we learned how to ride horses and load flintlock rifles.

The Revenant is nominated for 12 Oscars.

Do you plan to attend the Academy Awards ceremony on Feb. 28?

I don’t know, but I don’t think so. I want to watch them somewhere and celebrate. It’d be cool, I guess, to see the spectacle but I’m not sure I’ll actually attend.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

You’re living in Los Angeles now. When did you arrive out there?

I got out here right after the 4th of July. Originally, I was only going to be out here for a month or two but things started picking up a little momentum. So I thought, ‘Well, I don’t want to go home now and kill all of this momentum.’ One thing led to another, then I got busy with the fall premiere so I thought, ‘Well, I might as well not go home now.’ So I stayed through that. Then I hear, ‘After the first of the year you’re going to be really busy with pilot season — you might want to stay for that.’

I’ve been warned I’ll be slammed from now until April.

By the middle of February, I could be getting three to four a day. I just keep kicking the stone down the road, you know?

Do you have a typical daily grind in Los Angeles?

I have a management team and they stay in contact with me about any possible jobs or meetings coming up.

I’ve met with executives from every studio, every network. For the first two months there was a lot of that. Then it turned into being just auditions after that. It’s just not routine. I could be going out for dinner at 8 o’clock at night and then get an email saying, ‘You’ve got an audition at 10 in the morning.’

That’s what’s exhilarating about it. I’m out here kind of indefinitely. I mean, I’ve still got a house in GR. I still live there — all of my stuff is there. I have very few possessions here in L.A. In my head, I don’t see moving to L.A. as a permanent thing. It’s just where I have to be right now.

“I went outside to take the call and they said, ‘You got the part.

Pack your bags and get ready because you’re coming to shoot this movie.’ I walk back inside and my girlfriend said I was ghost white.”

—Joshua Burge, on finding out he landed a role in The Revenant

Did you have any formal acting training?

No. Originally, I went to school at Grand Valley to become a filmmaker. I was there 1998 through 2000. I didn’t finish, but during that time I got the songwriting bug so I got into music a lot. I did that for the next eight years or so. At one point, I had a band called Chance Jones; I was the frontman.

36 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

How did you switch from rock ‘n’ roll to acting?

I liked to perform a great deal, to entertain the crowds. A buddy of mine (Joel Potrykus) was about to make a short film and said, ‘You know, if you’re all right on stage doing this, you’d probably be all right in front of a camera. How would you like to make this movie with me?’

We shot the first one, Coyote, back in 2009, and then we made a couple more pictures together — Ape (2012) and Buzzard (2014). Things snowballed — now here I am.

When did you start to take acting a bit more seriously?

Ape is when I went and bought every acting book by Stella Adler, Lee Strasberg and Stanislavsky. I started reading as much as I could about acting.

I was YouTubing online classes, studying it as quick as I could. In that movie, you can actually watch me go from bad to better. It’s very evident. There are scenes where I’m starting to get it.

Did you look to any Hollywood actors for inspiration?

I’m a big fan of the New Hollywood and the American cinema of the 1970s. When all of those guys were doing their thing in the ’70s — like Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Jack Nicholson, Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman

Joshua Burge in Los Angeles last November, ahead of The Revenant’s release. Photo: Brian Kelly

— that was the pinnacle of what acting is. I look to those guys quite a great deal.

What did the media buzz from Buzzard do for you and Joel Potrykus?

Things really changed after Buzzard. We had our world premiere at SXSW. We hadn’t even made it to the fest yet and Buzzard was already being named as one of the ‘Top 10 Films to Catch at SXSW.’ We were like, ‘What is going on here? This is crazy — we’re not even at the festival yet. How is this even happening?’ Then right after that, it was announced we’d be able to join New Directors/New Films in New York and we screened at Lincoln Center at MOMA. The New York Times wrote about it. It was huge for us.

What happened after Buzzard?

The Buzzard reviews put me on the radar of a casting agency out here in Los Angeles. (In early 2014), I got a phone call to audition, to do a tape for a film called The Revenant. So Joel Potrykus and I made the audition tape and sent it off to (director) Alejandro (González Iñárritu).

We just had one night to do the tape, cut it together and send it off. It was shot in my dining room.

So what happens after you send off the Revenant audition tape?

I was on a short list, so I just kept hearing back. It was like, ‘You’re down to the final 100’ or whatever. Every day I was expecting a call saying, ‘Well, they’ve decided

Previous films starring Joshua Burge, directed by Joel Potrykus

“We were doing some pretty physically taxing things up in those altitudes. There were times where I got lightheaded. It was tough ... I was in awe with everybody, what they were building and creating — moving locations and the amount of work that went into it.” —Joshua Burge, on filming The Revenant

who this character (Stubby Bill) was and who these kids were that were out on the frontier. I read the lines, took a little notation from Alejandro. He had me do a little improv. He had me laugh. Then he said ‘OK, great.

Thanks for coming.’ The next week they called me with the good news.

Alejandro. It was a bit more intensive because Alejandro was there. I went in there with no representation, no head shots, no 2010/II 2012 2014 resume. I was not in a union of any kind. I walk in and there are actors everywhere. I thought, ‘Oh man. Geez … at least I didn’t to go another direction.’ I didn’t change my life because have to pay for the plane ticket.’ It was one of those, ‘Oh the odds were so insurmountable to ever be a part of well — whatever’ feelings. something like this. I didn’t even want to read the book and get amped up about it. I didn’t have the part yet What did Alejandro Iñárritu have to say at and I didn’t want to make it such a big part of my life your audition? that I’d be disappointed if it didn’t happen.

He was there with like a dozen people around him. He gets up, shakes my hand and says, ‘Please have a seat.’

How did you end up doing the live audition He asked where I studied acting. I explained to him for The Revenant? that I didn’t. I told him I was in a rock ‘n’ roll band — I It finally came to the point where they asked me if I was a performer in that fashion. He kind of got a kick could fly to Calgary to do a live audition and meet with out of that. After talking for a few minutes he explained

Ape

Buzzard

What’s next for you?

I shot a film in October — it’s called 20th Century Women. I got to work with Greta Gerwig and the director is Mike Mills. It was an amazing experience. It will come out in 2016. It’s just a really short scene. There’s a really old adage, ‘I’ll believe I’m in the movie when I see myself on the screen.’ It’s because so much goes into filmmaking. You cut for pasting and rhythm — all of these things. So you never really know. n

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REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

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Special Feature

Welcome to Revue’s CHEAP Issue!

A frugal gu id to the best e deals in We s Michigan t

This section is packed with super sweet deals from local hotspots across West Michigan — but wait, there’s more!

Aside from tracking down things like the best happy hours and must-visit thrift stores, the Revue staff also compiled a list of affordable arts-related events and Valentine’s Day options. Heck, we’ve even mapped out a plan to stylishly furnish each room of your pad on a shoestring budget.

So dig in, find some deals on tasty food and drinks, along with some classy home furnishings. Save some of that hard earned dough.

Each penny counts and it’s never too late to start squirreling away for retirement. If needed, skip ahead to our Cheap Bastard column for ace insight on frugal living.

But you don’t have to take the Cheap Bastard’s word for it: “Beware of little expenses — a small leak will sink a great ship.”

—Benjamin Franklin

REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

39

e Th ap e Ch sue Is

The Cheapskate Trifecta:

Free, $5, $10 Things to Do For Nothing, Or Next to It

By Dwayne Hoover

I

f you’re the type of person who insists on plunging into West Michigan’s cultural offerings and night life, but are also a ruthless penny pincher, there’s a multitude of options to accommodate your tight budget.

Here are a few options that don’t surpass $10. For those who prefer to leave the billfold at home, we’ve even divulged an array of FREE options.

Now get out there and have fun, you cheapskate!

40 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

Grand Rapids

FREE

General admission on Tuesdays is flat-out free at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, as it is on Thursdays from 5–9 p.m. Go enjoy a wide variety of exhibits including Michigan Made, a celebration of Michigan artists from the 1800s until now; Global Cities, a collection of city-themed, ceiling-suspended, hand-blown glass sculptures; Sally England’s decorative knots exhibit — and much more. All for free. 101 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids.

$5

Dr. Grins Comedy Club at The B.O.B. is a staple in the stand-up comedy circuit and on Thursday nights you can take in a performance by some of the scene’s best performers for a fiver. February’s schedule includes Rob Little, “Best up and Coming Comedian” according to the Detroit Free Press, Dave Landau as seen on Comedy Central and Last Comic Standing, and Carl Labove who has seen performances on The Tonight Show, HBO and Showtime. 20 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids.

$10

Unfortunately, 2016 has not been a great year for our beloved musicians and performers. We lost one of the greatest creative minds of our time, David Bowie, to a battle with cancer. Bowie Night, a celebration of the late icon, happens Feb. 5 at The Pyramid Scheme. It includes trivia, a costume contest, raffle, silent auction, karaoke and live bands performing some of Bowie’s hits. Proceeds will benefit Girls Rock Grand Rapids, an organization dedicated to empowering girls and women through music. 68 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids.

Bowie Night at the Pyramid Scheme

Kalamazoo

FREE

The Kalamazoo Valley Museum boasts a cool selection of free opportunities this month. Feb. 5 is dedicated to storytelling and Feb. 6 hosts a new Goose Bumps: The Science of Fear exhibit as well as an America’s Got Talent semi-finalist, Kalamazoobased dancer Benjamin Yonattan. On Valentine’s Day the museum hosts a narrative on bi-racial marriages in Kalamazoo. 230 N Rose St., Kalamazoo.

$5

The Red Room at The Lamplighter Inn is making a resurgence and for less than five bucks you can check out their Wednesday Blues Jam or Thursday Night Jam. They’re also booking regular shows again, often with a $5 cover, so keep your eyes peeled on this resurrected Kalamazoo venue. 5301 Comstock Ave., Kalamazoo.

$10

For only $6 — and an additional $3 to rent skates — you can enjoy a couple of hours on the ice during the Public Skate time at Wings Event Center. Afternoon times are available Tuesday through Friday, Sunday and Saturday night, too. This is a fantastic date idea, depending on your coordination and willingness to look clumsy.

3600 Vanrick Drive, Kalamazoo.

5

$

PITCHER OF PBR

Old Dog Tavern. Must present this coupon. Expires 2/29/16.

402 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo | 269.381.5677 | olddogtavern.com

small towns

FREE

Maude’s Taphouse in Otsego has many different beers to choose from. For a small town bar, the selection is unreal. Fortunately, they also welcome a lot of local musical talent as well and often cover-free. February will see Gabrial James, Schlitz Creek Bluegrass Band, Shelagh Brown, Dan Agne and Joe Ferguson hit the stage. 117 E Allegan St., Otsego.

$5

$10

Take a trip to downtown Allegan and visit the historic Old Regent Theatre.

Established in 1919, this quaint old-school movie theater retains its small town charm with modern technology and first-run releases. At only $4 per ticket, you and your date can enjoy the latest showing and maybe even splurge on a popcorn — all at a “nostalgic” price. 211 Trowbridge St., Allegan. n

Inside Holiday Inn 310 Pearl St. NW (616) 235-1342 www.pearlstreetgrillgr.com

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE B R E A K FA S T & L U N C H M E N U S *Excludes appetizers, soups and salads Expires 2/29/16 | Revue Magazine

REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

A quick hop across the street from Maude’s, Suzie’s Dogs offers a quick bite on a budget. Sporting a variety of hot dog styles from chili to Chicago at less than $3 a piece and sides at around $2, Suzie’s is a great place to stretch your Lincoln-faced bill and fill your stomach with American cuisine. 132 E Allegan St., Otsego.

41

The cheap issue

The Cheap Bastard’s Night on the Town A Guide to West Michigan’s Deals and Specials

By Josh Spanninga, aka The Cheap Bastard / Photos by Katy Batdorff

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

It’s safe to say Grand Rapids has cemented its place as a growing, up-and-coming city. Of course with big-city culture comes big-city prices.

Sure, it’s satisfying to splurge on gourmet $15 burgers or $6 tacos — it’s also easy to let it break the bank. Never fear: The Cheap Bastard is here to save you some dough. Being cheap doesn’t mean you can’t have fun or get your fill on first-class food, drinks and entertainment.

Sit back, relax and let this penny-pinching pro show you how to finagle your way into some tasty local deals.

The Cheap Bastard refuses to PAY for a book. Instead he lurks the “Personal Finance” section at the Grand Rapids Public Library. “Borrowing” is in his price range.

42 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

Getting Ready If you’re heading out for a night on the town, make sure you look good. If you need a quick makeover, the Douglas J Aveda Institute (138 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids) has you covered. This high-end beauty school offers everything from haircuts and beard trims to facials and mani-pedis. The best part is since it’s a learning environment all services are a fraction of the cost of other salons (where else can you get a full haircut and blowout/finish for $28?). Tipping is strictly forbidden. Now that you’re all dolled up, it’s time to get started early.

a $3 shot and pop special. Also keep an eye on the calendar for one of their famous $1 oyster nights.

By now you’re socially lubricated and it’s time to get some food in your belly. Head over to HopCat (25 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids) for its half-off burger special (2-6 p.m., Monday-Thursday). Mondays at Hopcat also offers half-off wings from 6 p.m. until close.

Sushi lovers take note of XO Asian Cuisine’s half-off sushi special, available all day every Tuesday at its 58 Monroe Center location. If Tuesday doesn’t work, Osaka Steak House (4977 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids) has the same deal on Wednesdays.

Happy Hours and Specials

Now it’s time for some dessert. Head over to Sara’s Sweets Bakery (2211 E Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids) for BOGO cupcakes every Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Monarch Club (646 Stocking Ave. NW, Grand Rapids) is host to a happy hour that pleases the thirstiest of patrons. MondayFriday, from 3-6 p.m., it offers $3.50 craft and Euro pints as well as $1 off domestics and $1.50 retro beers. While the Monarch skips happy hour each Sunday, they offer something even better — Sloppy Sundays! Dig into a free taco bar and order up $3 Bloody Mary’s and $2 PBR pints. Just down the street is the Blue Dog Tavern (638 Stocking Ave. NW, Grand Rapids), its happy hour runs 4-7 p.m. and includes $2 16-oz. cans of PBR, $3 well drinks and $1 off chili.

Beyond nightly specials, there’s always the option of buying a Groupon to one of your favorite eateries. Or, better yet, if you happen to be a Verizon Wireless customer you can use points earned from using Verizon’s services to get deals like BOGO dinners at local restaurants and discounted tickets to local events and shopping specials. Some Verizon rewards program participators include the James Street Inn (255 James St., Holland), That 70’s Dough pizzeria (1720 Sternberg Rd., Muskegon) and Curry Kitchen (961 Fulton St. E, Grand Rapids).

If you’re hankering for something a little swankier, head around the corner to Long Road Distillers (537 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids) for happy hour. Monday-Friday until 6 p.m. it offers $2 off cocktails, $3 shots and

Bring the Kids Got the rug-rats tagging along? Fortunately a whole slew of local restaurants offer dis-

The Cheap Bastard flips through his favorite weekly publication, the Family Dollar ad insert, at the Blue Dog Tavern.

On this excursion he passed up the Michigan craft beer selection for some ice cold Miller Light. “It tastes the same anyway,” he told the bartender.

to hook you up for free. The GRPL’s Check It Out program offers free passes to all of the aforementioned events and many others. As long as you have a GRPL library card, you and up to five other friends can get a free pass to a local hockey game, opera or museum of your choice. Circulating memberships are available on a first come, first served basis and availabilities and terms for certain events may change. For more details on the Check It Out program, visit grpl.org/checkitout.

counted or free dining for kids. For instance, the 8th Street Grille (20 W 8th St., Holland) lets kids eat free on Wednesday nights with the purchase of one adult entrée. Main Street Pub has the same deal SundayWednesday at its Kalamazoo, Wyoming and Allendale locations.

Arts & Culture

Now that dinner is taken care of, it’s time to take in some arts and entertainment. There’s something in West Michigan for everyone, from ballet and symphonies to sporting events, museums and botanical gardens.

While most of these come with a price tag, the Grand Rapids Public Library has found a way

For the thrifty art buff, the Grand Rapids Art Museum (101 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids) is the place to be each Tuesday from 10-5 p.m. and Thursday from 5-9 p.m. Perk: Free admission.

What better way to end a night on the town than with cheap beer and pizza? Head over to one of the five local Uccello’s restaurants for half-priced appetizers and drafts from 10 p.m.-1:30 a.m. and $3.99 personal pizzas from 11 p.m.-1:30 a.m.

Night Cap Amidst a FREE game of pinball at the Pyramid Scheme on the first Sunday of the month, the Cheap Bastard visibly grieves over the gas money he spent venturing across town. “Pfft, $2 a gallon? Thanks, Obama …” he muttered.

Now that our night is winding down to a close, let’s stop back at a local bar for a night cap. The Pyramid Scheme (68 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids) has plenty of nightly specials — you can’t beat their half-priced Short’s drafts on Tuesday night. Also, if you hit up this live-music mecca on the first Sunday of the month you can play dozens of pinball machines for FREE.

Sparingly yours, The Cheap Bastard

REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

If you prefer dinner and a movie, be sure to visit one of the many local restaurants that partake in the UICA’s Dinner and a Movie deal – Grand Rapids Brewing Company (1 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids), Stella’s Lounge (53 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids) and Aperitivo (435 Ionia SW, Grand Rapids), to name only a few. By showing the same-day receipt from dinner, moviegoers automatically get discounted tickets ($2 for UICA members, $5 non-members).

Frugal wine aficionados should take note of the Holiday Bar’s Wednesday special: Halfoff bottles of wine. Pour it up! But if wine isn’t hitting the spot, it’s time for some beer.

Monday nights Our Brewing Company (76 E 8th St., Holland) offers three beers for $3, as well as the opportunity to take a shot at their giant Jenga board. If you want to close out your night with some live music, head over to Eastown and visit Mulligan’s Pub (1518 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids) for a cover-free show and affordable drinks.

43

The cheap issue

Cheap Eats Three Dining Deals to Devour

By Nick Macksood Tripa, lengua and al pastor tacos at Taqueria San Jose. Photo: Katy Batdorff

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

W

hen I reveal that I’m a food writer, inevitably, I hear the same things.

“That would be fun.” Yes, it is. “How do you find a good restaurant?” Well, the answer is simple.

Choose a restaurant (really, any one will do), sit down and order food, then determine whether or not you’d come back. I promise, there are no secrets here.

Occasionally, I bump into something worth writing about. Well, that’s the simple answer. And, sometimes, these worthwhile eateries are not only tasty, but reasonably priced.

Here are three of those spots worth hitting up when you’re on a budget, but not willing to compromise on excellence. Some are classics. Some are off the beaten path.

All are worth visiting and are a few of my favorite haunts.

44 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

Pho Soc Trang 4242 S Division Ave., Kentwood (616) 531-0755 Pho Soc Trang is yet another unassuming little building off Division. It sits behind Wei Wei Palace (another place worth checking out) under a yellow marquee with the words “BEEF NOODLE SOUP” crowded in between Vietnamese characters. Inside there are a lot of concentrated people slurping down enormous, hot bowls of pho.

Oh, and I couldn’t find anything on the menu more than $8.

Now if you haven’t had pho, you should. Put this down and go to Pho Soc right now. I mean, “beef noodle soup” is a translation that does not do it justice. The list of spices, herbs and ingredients that go into this dish would make Homer’s catalogue of ships palatable. My recommendation is to order it up with rare flank steak,

but you can’t go wrong with any option. You’ve never tasted anything like this. Your Western taste buds can thank me later.

Taqueria San José 1338 S Division Ave., Grand Rapids (616) 284-2297 This old drive in off Division looks, well, unimposing and gracias Dios for that. The unpretentious little spot churns out some of the best tacos, burritos, tortas and quesadillas that you’ve ever had. Bonus: Almost everything is under $5, but the tacos are the real star here. Done the right way (fried corn tortillas, white onion and cilantro), the goat or pork tacos are divine. But you should buck up and order the tripe or the tongue.

Vito’s Pizza 658 Fulton W, Grand Rapids vitospizza.net, (616) 451-8277 I am a sucker for a good slice of pizza.

I go weak in the knees when I see a little pizza parlor with the old checker tile and those cafeteria-grade table booths that seat four – or a boozy six. I’m somewhat of an addict. I’ve stopped for slices all over the country but nowhere does it for me like Vito’s does. It’s just something about the grease to cheese ratio or the perfect amount of chew to the crust. It’s the sauce: Not too thick, just the right amount of sweetness to the tomatoes.

I’m not sure where the magic comes from, but whatever it is they do behind the counter at Vito’s I hope they keep it up. They have my unwavering loyalty for West Side pizza – and it’s only $2.50 for a slice. n

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The cheap issue

Wealthy Theatre 1130 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids grcmc.org, (616) 459-4788 Yesterdogs start at $2.40/dog; Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie Tickets start at $6

Skaters at Rosa Parks Circle. Photo: erin klema

Can’t Buy Me Love Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Economical Valentine’s Date Ideas

by Mayra Monroy

P

erhaps it was a turbulent holiday season or maybe you’re just strapped for cash. Either way, prepping for any date, especially Valentine’s Day, can be a stressful task in itself. Those extravagant dates can empty your wallet. Take our advice: Don’t order a pizza and stay in. Treat your date to some of Grand Rapids’ finest locations without breaking the bank.

48 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

Ice Skating at Rosa Parks Circle 155 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids grcity.us, (616) 456-3696 $2 for adult tickets; ice skate rental free with admission It seems like the weather lately is either bone-chillingly cold or unseasonably warm.

Still, winter is indeed here. Why not take your Valentine for some cheap (but romantic) ice skating downtown Grand Rapids?

Located in front of the Grand Rapids Art Museum, the local outdoor ice rink is ideal for beginners and pros alike. Nothing is more romantic than bundling up in your most suave gear and falling on the ice with your bae.

Admission to the rink is $2 for adults ($1 for those ages 17 and younger) and ice skates are free to rent. Ice skating at Rosa Parks Circle puts you smack dab in the middle of the city, with tons of bars, restaurants and city life to explore after showing off your moves on the ice.

Open skate hours are Monday and Tuesday 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.; and Sunday noon to 8:45 p.m. The rink will remain open through March 6, weather permitting.

Dinner and a movie on Wealthy Street Yesterdog 1505 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids yesterdog.com, (616) 262-3090

When your date destinations are all in one area, it’s convenient for travel, time and your wallet. Wealthy Street in East Grand Rapids is home to several treasures, including hot dog hotspot, Yesterdog. The popular ‘dog joint brings together culture and food with its old school atmosphere and delicious hot dogs. The hot dogs are piled high with cheese, veggies and more. There are even vegetarian options for those who want the experience but not the meat. The dogs start at $2.40. Forewarning, Yesterdog only accepts cash, so make sure to stop at an ATM on your way in so you don’t look like a chump.

After chowing down at Yesterdog, take a stroll down Wealthy Street and you’ll find Wealthy Theatre, Grand Rapids’ Community Media Center. The historic theatre was once home to live stage shows and now shows classic films, hosts local events and more.

Wealthy Theatre hosts the Meanwhile Movie series every Tuesday. Tickets for nonmembers are $6, $5 if you sign up for a membership (starting at $12).

Specials at the B.O.B. 20 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids thebob.com, (616) 356-2000 Each venue varies in prices and specials.

Located at the epicenter of downtown nightlife, the B.O.B. is home to a variety of venues, giving forth endless evenings of entertainment, brews and live shows. Almost every level of the B.O.B. has different specials to give you a bang for your buck.

On the lower level, B.O.B.’s Brewery provides in-house brews starting at $4 a pint.

On the main level, check out the House of Music & Entertainment (H.O.M.E.) for live music and drink specials. Wednesdays are two-for-one entrees and free parking with jazz and blues live music. For you wine lovers, H.O.M.E. also has half-off glasses of wine.

On the second floor, Bobarino’s is home to delicious food, with a $6.99 lunch buffet Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Happy Hour is also from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with drink specials starting at $3 and half off appetizers.

If you’re willing to dish a bit more out for your date, catch a comedian every weekend at Dr. Grin’s Comedy Club, located on the third floor. Tickets are $10 but the 21-and-over venue does require a two drink minimum of its patrons. Have no fear though, as drinks range in price, including specials. n

$2 OFF

One regular adult admission to "Move Over, Mrs. Markham"

Must present this coupon.

Salt of the Earth is ready to treat you and your sweetheart to an amazing dining experience all Valentine's Day weekend!

Now taking reservations for any sized party Friday 2/12 through Sunday 2/14.

Holland Civic Theatre Presents

Move Over, Mrs. Markham

A British farce by Ray Cooney & John Chapman

Chef Matthew Pietsch will be presenting some new seasonal dishes, and we are featuring a special house concert Sunday evening with the Ashley Daneman Band from New York City.

Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. 114 E Main, Fennville 269-561-7258 saltoftheearthfennville.com

Feb. 4-6, 12-13, 18-20 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m.

TICKETS AVAILABLE! HollandCivicTheatre.org | 50 West 9th St. | 616.396.2021

Celebration of the Arts February 12-24, 2016

A juried spiritual art show. Check out all the special events, gallery walks, and performances online.

Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra with Edye Evans Hyde, vocalist

Sunday, February 14 — 3:00 pm The Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra will join with jazz vocalist, Edye Evans Hyde for this free concert.

Sunday, February 21 — 3:00 pm A brass quintet whose members include faculty members and graduate students in the MSU College of Music. Free.

First United Methodist Church 227 Fulton St E

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

www.thecelebrationofthearts.com REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Beaumont Brass Quintet

49

The cheap issue

Eastown Antiques

New 2 You

Bluedoor Antiques and Elements

Comprenew

Thrift Store Scores

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

A Beginner’s Guide to Second-Hand Decorating

Congrats! You’re moving into a new space or maybe just modernizing the interior design of your current crib. Either way, it’s time to get shopping.

Whether you’ve just parted ways with your longtime roomie (who adorned your pad with empty pizza boxes and beer cans) or have just finally decided to retire that tattered Bob Marley poster in the living room, it’s never too late to step into a sleek, mature look.

Having adult digs is possible, even on a second-hand budget.

Aside from saving, decorating your new pad with thrift-store scores is a great way to make your home uniquely yours.

Here’s a shortlist of local second-hand stores to get you started, room by room. And be sure not to rush the hunting process. It’ll eventually come together, one distinctive piece at a time.

50 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

Furniture Bluedoor Antiques and Elements 946 Fulton St. E, Grand Rapids bluedoorgr.com, (616) 456-7888 Behind the signature eye-catching door of Bluedoor Antiques and Elements on Fulton Street lies a treasure trove of matchless furniture finds. Giving off an old French European vibe, the two-story antique shop is filled with reclaimed, recycled and re-purposed furnishing selections for every room in your home.

Walking in, you are immediately met with the shop’s not-so-classic takes on vintage. If you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your home and don’t mind spending a little bit more on quality antique pieces, Bluedoor Antiques might be worth a visit. The store gives you options for the living room, dining room, bedroom and more. Although it’s known for its furniture, Bluedoor also stocks an impressive lighting collection: European chandeliers, sconces, school lights and more. The store, which is speckled with fantastic art pieces, also boasts an assorted selection of home décor – you may discover an antique mirror with a rad gold frame or an old world map that’ll be the cherry-on-top of pulling your home together.

East Fulton Art and Antiques 959 Fulton St. E, Grand Rapids (616) 774-3320 Just a quick walk across the street from Bluedoor and you’ll find yourself at East Fulton Art and Antiques. Another gem. If

/ by Elma Talundzic

you’re looking to score dining sets this is the place to be. In addition, it stocks a great selection of bedroom furniture, living room furniture, end tables and chairs.

Housewares

Electronics

The old saying may go, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” but you won’t find any trash here. New 2 You is an upscale thrift store with quality items at reasonable prices. The store has a decently sized housewares section, including a collection of kitchen dishes, appliances, linens and more. New 2 You General Manager Karen Witte works with the stores committed volunteers and donors to offer the high-quality, affordable finds and keeps new products arriving at the store daily.

Comprenew 1454 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids comprenew.org, (616) 243-5310 453 Division Ave. S, Grand Rapids (616) 451-4480 5157 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids (616) 226-6638 11379 E Lakewood Blvd., Holland (616) 355-4229 Scrounging for used electronics can prove to be a little bit tricky, but Comprenew makes that search a bit easier. Holding the highest level of certifications in the United States for electronic recycling and data security, the electronic thrift store offers a wide variety of technology and manufacturers including: Sony, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Toshiba and Apple.

And its selection is all over the place.

Its affordable electronic finds include desktop computers, laptops, printers, flat screen TV’s, DVD players, stereos and projectors (for snazzy home movie theaters).

Every location has a Digital Digg’s section, offering electronics that have not been fully tested and are sold as-is, without a warranty. The stores do have pre-purchase testing areas for these gadgets.

New 2 You 2929 29th St. SE, Grand Rapids (616) 942-2929

Home Decor Eastown Antiques 1515 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids facebook.com/Eastown.Antiques (616) 776-1076 It’s easy to spend a couple of hours exploring the shelves at Eastown Antiques. It’s been open for more than 10 years, has two floors of antiques and more than 45 dealers. Browsing the sundry store, you’ll see a large, gold wall mirror fit for Versailles, colorful vases to hold spring flowers, even a vintage rocking horse. This place is also filled with a unique collection of both living room and bedroom furniture, but it’s the little details that’ll draw you in. n

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The cheap issue

album reviews: ‘The edition

The 12 Best Bargain Bin CDs

BY MARK DEMING

How things change. When the compact disc was first introduced to American music fans in the 1980s, we were all told that sure, they cost more, but they were better than LPs and would offer us perfect sound forever!

Thirty years later, we all know that was hooey. CDs scratch, skip, rot, and break just like LPs, except you can’t put a quarter on top of the CD player to make it stop jumping, and they lack the warmth and presence (and cool looking sleeves) of vinyl.

However, now that vinyl has made its big comeback, it’s also become the high priced premium audio format. The happy irony is that plenty of folks are now paying top dollar for new pressings of classic albums available on CD at bargain prices.

Being this is Revue’s Cheap Issue, let’s celebrate the current state of the back catalog CD, starting with this list of a dozen inarguably great bargain-bin albums you can pick up at several chain bookstores and big box emporiums for just five or six dollars a pop. Your locallyowned indie record shop usually has a pile of these titles, as well.

If the bottom is going to fall out of the CD market, you may as well take advantage of it, and these 12 albums are great places to start.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Best of the Bargain Bin: Dusty Springfield: Dusty in Memphis (Rhino, 1969).

Dusty Springfield was the Adele of the 1960s, a not quite ordinary British gal who had both the voice and the instincts to sound like a real-deal soul diva. If all that survived from Springfield’s career was the version of “Son of a Preacher Man” that appears on this album, she’d still be a legend.

Marvin Gaye: What’s Going On (Motown, 1971). Berry Gordy may have created the most productive assembly line in music history, but Marvin Gaye was the first Motown star to successfully buck the system in favor of his own vision. What’s Going On was a powerful, personal, and deeply insightful album that confirmed Gaye was one of the most distinctive creative voices to emerge from soul music.

52 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

Public Enemy: It Takes A Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back (Sony, 1988). A hip-hop landmark, this exercise in articulate fury still sounds dense and explosive, like a string of firecrackers that never stops popping. Chuck D earned his stripes as one of hip-hop’s boldest and most articulate MCs here, and before he became a punch line, Flavor Flav’s streetwise treble was the ideal balance to Chuck’s bass.

Ramones: Ramones (Rhino/Sire, 1976). Punk rock as a musical genre starts here. The Ramones’ minimalist roar and goofy sick-joke lyrics established the first template for punk, and while lots of bands played faster and louder, no one was as funny and satisfying as the faux brothers from Queens. Continued on page 54

»

Celebrate

Valentine’s Day with treats at

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950 Wealthy ST SE Suite 1A Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-356-2573

February 12th-14th, 2016 One FREE Choice of Dessert or Spring Roll per customer, with entree purchase.

Disclaimer: Must cut out & bring in this coupon to redeem.

May not combine with any offers, discounts, coupons.

One per customer. Redeemable at these locations only.

ErbThaiGR

Erbthai.com

4160 Lake Michigan DR NW Suite B Grand Rapids, MI 49534 616-724-4102

February 13th, 2016 One FREE Choice of Dessert or Spring Roll per customer, with entree purchase.

Disclaimer: Must cut out & bring in this coupon to redeem.

May not combine with any offers, discounts, coupons.

One per customer. Redeemable at these locations only.

REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

53

FEBRUARY 13 - $30

ALBERT LEE ALBERT LEE

FEBRUARY 24 - $20

KORBY LENKER, ALEX WONG & MEGAN SLANKARD FEBRUARY 27 - $18 KORBY LENKER, ALEX WONG & MEGAN SLANKARD

JENN GRINELS

« Bargain Bin, continued from page 52

JENN GRINELS

SEVEN STEPS UP, LIVE MUSIC & EVENT VENUE: 116 S JACKSON ST., SPRING LAKE | PINDROPCONCERTS.COM | (616) 930-4755 FOR A FULL SCHEDULE, VISIT PINDROPCONCERTS.COM

Sonic Youth: Goo (Geffen, 1990). Sonic Youth’s major label debut arrived as they had matured from an interesting but unfocused art band into a discordant but inspired rock band.

Along with Sister and Daydream Nation, this represents their best and most compelling work.

The Sex Pistols: Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols (Warner Bros., 1977). Punk rock as public scandal starts here. Almost 40 years after it was released, this album hasn’t lost its power to rouse, thanks to Johnny Rotten’s gloriously strident vocals, the roaring elemental guitar of Steve Jones, and Paul Cook’s bruising drumming.

Neil Young: Tonight’s The Night (Reprise, 1975). A woozy and ominous meditation on drugs and death, Tonight’s The Night was written and recorded in the wake of the death of two of Young’s close friends who dabbled with heroin. One of Young’s finest albums, this is the sound of a long, long look into the abyss with a noisy guitar for company.

New York Dolls: New York Dolls (Mercury, 1972). Too sloppy for the glam crowd, too early for punk, and too weird for the arena audience, the New York Dolls were ahead of their time in ways that only made trouble for them. All they had going for them was they were a brilliantly sloppy and heartfelt band. Their debut has barely dated a bit since its release, despite all that so many acts borrowed from it.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

The Velvet Underground: The Velvet Underground & Nico (Universal, 1967).

Pretty much anything that happened to the left of rock & roll’s center can be traced back to the VU’s debut in some way, and this music introduced two of rock’s most enduring iconoclasts, Lou Reed and John Cale.

54 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

Blue Cheer: Vincebus Eruptum (Mercury, 1968).

Louder than a freight train and just as subtle, Blue Cheer are often cited as the first heavy metal band. While the metal part is arguable, they were heavy like nobody’s business, and their sloppy wallop, captured with artless brilliance on this, their debut album, was also a important precursor to grunge and stoner rock.

The Cars: The Cars (Elektra, 1978). The Cars’ self-titled debut was their greatest moment, and also the best fake new wave album ever. If these pop tunes sometimes strain to seem eccentric, that never keeps them from connecting, and many of these songs became radio staples for all the right reasons.

Prince: 1999 (Warner Bros., 1982). Prince’s first double album gave him room to stretch out on the ideas that had burst forth on Dirty Mind and Controversy. If Purple Rain was where Prince fully conquered the pop charts, on “Little Red Corvette” and the title tune he made it clear he had the smarts and the chops to be a lot more than just another cult figure. n

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REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

55

n

The cheap issue

keep on rockin’ in the free world A Shortlist of Free Live Music Events

by NICOLETTE CHAMBERY

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

First Sunday of each month, 5:30-7:30 p.m., all ages The Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra has become a Sunday afternoon fixture at Founders Brewing Company thanks to the talented orchestra and world-class jazz cats Phil Woods and Randy Brecker.

Visit grjo.com.

Broccoli Samurai Feb. 14, 8 p.m., 21+ This drum and bass-influenced band charms audiences throughout the Midwest and beyond with their progressive jam-band/electronica arrangements.

Their ever-increasing fan base, including their hometown loyalists in Cleveland, continues to grow as crowds experience their colorful blend of EDM, rock and soul. Visit brocsam.com.

The Grand Rapids Art Museum hosts a variety of classical music sets during the fall and winter months, ranging from string ensembles to marimba players. Over the backdrop of beautiful art, the public is invited to hear the diverse sounds of some of Grand Rapid’s finest classical musicians. Free for GRAM members.

Calliope Musicals Feb. 18, 9:30 p.m., 21+ This Austin-based band showcases their expansive scope of sound with their folk-meets-psychedelic-rock sonic landscapes. And their use of props, such as confetti and candles, will surely astonish attendees.

Visit calliopemusicals.com.

Dirty Bourbon River Show The Motet at Founders

John Shea Trio at Rockwell Republic

56 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra

Feb. 11, 9:30 p.m., 21+ This Chicago-based band boasts a wispy, ethereal indie-rock sound. The band is currently touring to promote its latest vinyl LP/CD, Chico, released in November via Yes Club Records. Visit santahmusic. com.

101 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids Sundays through March 20, 2-3 p.m., all ages. FREE for members. Public: $8, $5 ages 6-17. artmuseumgr.org, (616) 831-1000

For jazz buffs in Grand Rapids looking to take in a live show and maybe a cocktail or two, Rockwell Republic hosts the John Shea Trio. Comprised by the talents of pianist John Shea, upright bassist Warren Jones and singer/drummer Fred Knapp, the seasoned group has been performing together for over 10 years, playing standards that hearken back to bebop and the West Coast jazz scene of the ’40s and ’50s.

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

Santah

Sunday Classic Concert Series at Grand Rapids Art Museum

45 S Division Ave., Grand Rapids Mondays, 8:30-11 p.m., 21+ rockwellsrepublic.com, (616) 551-3563

Free Events at Founders Taproom

Dave Hardin at SpeakEZ Lounge

600 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Feb. 3, 8 p.m., all ages speakezlounge.com, (616) 458-2689 Dave Hardin has been playing music for 34 years, channeling the sounds of Neil Young and Eric Taylor to create his own moving and unpretentious Americana sound. Last fall, Hardin’s band toured up and down the East Coast to promote his latest album, Magnolia. Visit davehardinmusic.com to hear some of the tracks.

Ty Beat at Billy’s Lounge

1437 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids March 18, 9 p.m., 21+ billyslounge.com, (616) 459-5757 Ty Beat has been writing electronic, jazz-oriented music since 2010, echoing Daft Punk, Miles Davis and Paul Simon.

His use of keyboards and midi controllers help create his signature sound, which is accented with live drums. Visit tybeatmusic.com.

Feb. 25, 9:30 p.m., 21+ The Dirty Bourbon River Show can impress simply by their commitment to music – they’ve released nine albums and played 750 shows in six years.

Eccentric to be sure, the Dirty Bourbon River Show ensemble delivers high-energy performances and a worldly concoction of roots music, folk, jazz, Latin, Caribbean, rock, blues, gospel, zydeco – and every genre in between. Visit dirtybourbonrivershow.com.

The Motet Feb. 28, 8 p.m., 21+ Hailing from Denver, the Motet is a funk, Afrobeat and jazz-inspired group led by drummer, Dave Watts.

The band’s following continues to expand, playing high-profile gigs like the Electric Forest and High Sierra Music Festival. The band’s earnestness and improvisational format is sure to captivate even the most stoic hipster crowds. Visit themotet.com.

who says cheap food ain't good?

(PROBABLY A MARKETING GUY WHO SELLS OVERPRICED FARM-TO-TABLE FOOD.) Just because it’s farm-to-table doesn’t mean it has to be expensive. Bartertown offers a range of “economically priced” (ie, CHEAP) items every day, including our $5 Early Bird Vegan Special and our world-famous 2-Buck Tacos.

We make everything from scratch using produce from local farmers and we carry a variety of locally prepared beverages including coffee, kombucha and soda. Eat well.

616.490.4911 • BARTERTOWNGR.COM • 6 JEFFERSON AVE. SE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49503 BREAKFAST/LUNCH HOURS Wednesday - Sunday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. DINNER HOURS Wednesday - Saturday: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

DELIVERY HOURS Wednesday - Friday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. • Visit our Facebook page for daily specials

SUPER BOGO DINNER DEAL! Come check us out for some vegan and plant-based tastiness in early February, and we’ll give you a buy one/get one deal on all entrees and beverages.

We won’t make it complicated, but there are some rules: Offer good during dinner service only (4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Wednesday thru Saturday) during the period of Feb. 1 to Feb. 13. This is not a 50%-off discount. You must buy an even number of entrees and beverages (we struggle with division involving odd numbers. Prime numbers, too.) We’ll charge you for the more expensive entree/beverage and discount the cheaper one. Even with that, it’s still a killer deal. If I were you, I’d order the two most expensive things on the menu because we’ll have to give you one of them free. The BOGO deal is not available on appetizers, but you can still just order one and share it, which is kind of like a buy one/share one/split the cost (BOSOSTC?) Those are the rules. COME EAT AT BARTERTOWN!

REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

57

The cheap issue

F

or the budget minded, or the impossibly hip who prefer to hunt for treasure in lieu of the instant gratification of online shopping, West Michigan has fabulous frugal finds.

Whether you jam on vintage shops offering curated gems, enjoy the charm of a fine antique store, or prefer chic scores strictly available in higher-end resale and consignment shops — here’s where to start.

Grand Rapids An unexpected haven for treasure hunting, GR has a long list of thrifting options. Two local mainstays happen to be neighbors. Captain Bizarro’s Treasure World (442 Leonard St. NW) features a number of different vendors and blends a funky antique shop vibe with vintage dresses and wacky rent-able costumes and props. GR Vintage Thrift (450 Leonard St. NW, formerly Flashback) is the super cool spot where you finally nab the leather jacket you’ve been lusting after along with a pair of old platform vinyl boots. The fabulously curated IC Hair & Vintage aka Imagination Creations (337 Diamond Ave. NE) features all the cowboy boots you could handle, jewelry, handpicked vintage garments and a stylish hair salon.

Flashlight Alley (1507 Wealthy St. SE), tucked in the heart of Eastown, offers an array of retro tchotchkes, garments and local art. For newer clothing, handbags and brand name finds, Urban Exchange (926 Fulton St. E) will have you leaving with your arms full of lovely items. Conscious Collective (445 Bridge St. NW) stocks newer items on consignment.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Kalamazoo While there are the usual names like Salvation Army in the area, for household goods head to Retro (1301 S Westnedge Ave.) where you can score “unique, clean and high quality mid-century furniture and accessories.” They also offer estate sale services.

Lansing Lambs Gate Antiques (1219 Turner St.) offers “a true antique shopping experience.” This cute and colorful shop features ephemera and unique goods spanning all categories of thrifting heaven. Reimagined furniture, up-cycled art pieces, home decor and retro finds can be had at Vintage Junkies (1829 S Washington Ave.). Purchase handmade jewelry created from thrifted pieces or scoop up some and create your own.

Holland Calling themselves the “number one consignment store in Michigan,” The Hive (716 Chicago Drive Holland) features over 22,000 square feet of clothing for adults and children along

58 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

Local musician Emma Loo at Captain Bizarro’s.

Photo: Robert Roblin, Exit Photography

Treasure Hunt: West Michigan Thrift Gems

By Audria Larsen with sporting goods and “adds over 1,000 near new products a day.” Ditto Upscale Resale (571 E. 8th St., Holland) offers an array of gently used products but “resembles a department store in atmosphere and selection.”

Grand Haven Need a sparkly animal print clutch or a rhinestone encrusted set of pumps? Head to Purple Rose Boutique (232 Jackson St.) which offers nearly new women’s clothing at thrift store prices. Maybe you just gotta have a chic scarf or stylish outfit.

Lots of fashionable finds are to be had at this fancy shop with fun décor and lots of eye catching wares.

Marshall Marshall Michigan is home to a handful of fantastic thrift opportunities. Pop over to Jill’s Addiction (339 S Grand St.) which features antique and vintage goodies, furniture and household goods. As a bonus, fabulous broaches and dresses are offered at a steal. Colorful vibes abound with holiday themed booths at Amazing Grace Antiques (106 W Michigan Ave.), along with your typical whimsical and fun

antique finds, they specialize in costume jewelry and eclectic accessories. One more must in the area is the hip Vint Edge (5036 Dixie Hwy., Waterford Twp.) which sells vintage and modern items. You can grab up everything from unique accessories to1950s through1980s clothing at low price points.

Saugatuck Described as the “most unique store in Saugatuck,” Swell Times (421 Water St.) has a retro facade and offers tons of movie and television memorabilia like posters, action figures and more. New home goods like candles and cell phone cases are available as well. Also near the lakeshore, the Saugatuck Antique Pavilion (2948 Blue Star Hwy., formerly the Blue Star Antique Mall) is a destination for any thrift and antique aficionado. With over 48,000 square feet of goods and professionally managed, you can find just about anything seven days a week. The single level pavilion features175 dealers on site for your browsing pleasure. Plus, Saugatuck Brewing Company is connected to the same building so you can shop around for brews in between moments of shopping victory. n

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59

The cheap issue

Chic on the Cheap reBlue Compiles the Best of Goodwill’s Threads

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

By Missy Black

B

eing stylish yet frugal is a fine line to walk — especially in stilettos. Likely, you want one stop shopping where digging is minimal and selection is top-notch — like your rich friend’s closet. If you can’t swing that, here’s the next best thing: reBlue, located at 1423 Lake Dr. SE in Eastown.

“We take the best of the best from our Goodwill stores and put it in one location,” said Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Jill Wallace. “The cool thing is nobody’s going to have anything like it. Items are one of a kind, somewhat eclectic. We’re looking for not just name brands but what’s in style.

Offering both women’s and a small selection of men’s clothing as well as accessories, the swank boutique store is a goldmine of women’s dresses, denim and older finds that aren’t technically vintage

but more on-trend pieces from the past with strong retro vibes. You’ll find a great selection of jewelry and coats as well as kitschy offerings that include vinyl records, home goods and unique items, like metal lunch boxes and rare handbags.

The hit-or-miss atmosphere means you’ll find brand names like Tory Burch one day and a collection of concert and music-inspired t-shirts the next. Donations come from the public along with creations from a circle of upcycling Kendall College students. The staff is well acquainted with the client base so they can anticipate your every fashion move.

When it comes to selecting clothing, Wallace has solid advice. “Veer toward jeans and sweaters when you’re looking to update your wardrobe and have that higher end look without paying a lot,” she said.

This is a cinch since denim is usually around $25 and under with shoes reflecting the same price point (considering brands and condition). With savings easily 50-percent off retail pricing (or more) you can afford statement pieces while remaining a thrifty high roller.

Can we talk thrill of the hunt? It’s electrifying to score items you know cost more but there’s also the high of finding a rare scarf or that perfect, already worn-in jean jacket that seems to have been recently ripped off the uber-cool set.

“A lot of our shoppers look with an open mind,” Wallace said. “It’s exciting for them to peruse through almost everything and put an outfit together or mix and match with something they have at home.”

Writer’s Note: Check out the store’s Instagram account reBlueGR and view new arrivals, hip vignettes, store updates and the store’s mannequin that’s dressing better than you are. n

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Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

61

The cheap issue

affordable arts Culture at a Cut-Rate

Ripple Effect: From Industry to Environment in the Kalamazoo River Basin

By Nicole rico

If you’ve got a burning desire to take in a museum and admire expensive pieces of art, but are still trying to pay off those shockingly high overage charges on your cell phone bill, here’s a shortlist of artsy West Michigan hotspots that won’t wipe you out.

Ripple Effect: From Industry to Environment in the Kalamazoo River Basin

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Fed Galleries at KCAD 17 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids Through Feb. 20, FREE kcad.edu/galleries

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts 314 S. Park St., Kalamazoo Feb. 9, FREE kiarts.org, (269) 349-7775 The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts hosts several events this month in honor of Black History Month. ARTbreak, which happens

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Urban Institute for Contemporary Art 2 Fulton West, Grand Rapids Through March 20 $5, Members: FREE uica.org, (616) 454-7000 As part of their Coming Home series, UICA spotlights Lydia Boda’s sculptural work through March 20. A BFA graduate from Kendall College, Boda specializes in Functional Sculpture, constructing work that’s “rooted in memory and ritual.” Using her own strict rules for creation, she uses paper, wood, metal, clay and found objects to form meticulous installations.

Art + Chocolate: Seeing Red

Featuring work by Sarah Lindley and Steve Nelson, Ripple Effect takes place inside the abandoned Plainwell Paper Mill alongside the Kalamazoo River. The site showcases Lindley’s colossal 20-foot by 35-foot intertwining, three-dimensional structure that references the Kalamazoo Watershed.

According to Lindley it also reflects “the push-play power dy na m ics bet ween industry, surrounding communities and environments.” Also on display are Nelson’s large-format photographs of abandoned industrial sites.

ARTbreak: Art in the 21st Century, El Anatsui & Yinka Shonibare MBE

Coming Home: Lydia Boda, UICA Fresh Pick

Grand Rapid Art Museum 101 Monroe Center St. NW Feb. 13, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., 1 pm.-2 p.m., and 3 p.m.-4 p.m. $8 members, $10 non-members artmuseumgr.org, (616) 831-1000

Coming Home: Lydia Boda, UICA Fresh Pick

Feb. 9, features work by two internationally acclaimed West African artists. Shonibare, from Nigeria, explores the topics of colonialism, globalization and cultural identity through his work. And Anatsui, from Ghana, uses simple materials and transforms them into intricate pieces.

Check out this guided tour that explores the “color of love” and how it’s utilized in art to produce different emotions and responses within the viewer. Bonus: At the end of the tour, participants receive a chocolate bar.

Contact Andrea Morgan at amorgan@artmuseumr.org for more information, or register online at artpluschocolate.kintera.org.

For those wistful folks who cling to the thought of yesteryear, but are still children at heart, this Toy Stories exhibit is the one to see. Tom and Merrill Taylor have been building their antique collection of old-fashioned signs and advertisements since the 1970s.

Stop by the Holland Museum to see the pair’s diverse collection of not only signs, but vintage toys and memorabilia.

I, Too, Am America: The Art of Bryan Collier Muskegon Museum of Art 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon Through April 17 $5-$8, Children 17 and under: FREE muskegonartmuseum.org, (231) 720-2570 The MMA’s Finding Common Ground, an African American art program series, spotlights Bryan Collier, a renowned artist whose illustrations were published in Langston Hughes’ 2012 book I, Too, Am America.

Collier has received many accolades for his work, including the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, the Caldecott Medal and the Jane Addams’ Children’s Book Award.

If you enjoyed the exhibition, stop by the museum on March 10 at 7 p.m. when Collier makes an appearance to talk about his life and career. n

Toy Stories: The Toy Collection of Tom & Merrill Taylor Holland Museum 31 West 10th St., Holland Through Feb. 27 $4-$7, Children under 6: FREE hollandmuseum.org, (616) 796-3329

I, Too, Am America: The Art of Bryan Collier

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comedy

Laugh It Up! 10 Can’t-Miss Moments of LaughFest 2016

by Eric Mitts

N

ow in its fifth year of laughing for the health of it, LaughFest returns to Grand Rapids March 10-20. The annual event benefits Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a free, supportive community for families and others coping with cancer, grief and emotional health.

This year’s lineup features over 200 events ranging from free family-fun activities to adults-only performances by some of the hottest comics in the country. This year’s headliners include NBC Late Night host and former Saturday Night Live cast member Seth Meyers, My Life on the D-List star and Grammy-winning stand-up comedian Kathy Griffin, and writer/comedian Marlon Wayans, among many others.

While you’re likely familiar with the aforementioned celebs, here’s our rundown of 10 other can’t-miss LaughFest events.

Tickets are on sale now at laughfestgr.org.

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

LaughFest headliners include Marlon Wayans, Kathy Griffin and Seth Meyers.

64 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

Anjelah Johnson

Fountain Street Church March 11, 8 p.m.

From Internet sensation to Mad TV cast member to top-tier standup, Anjelah Johnson has shattered the ceiling on what a Latina comedian can do. She’s beloved by fans for her clean humor, as well as her now-legendary nail salon routine and popular Bon Qui Qui character. Her latest special,

Not Fancy, premiered last fall on Netflix.

Ron Funches

The Pyramid Scheme March 11 & 12, 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.

Sweet and sensitive, Ron Funches is an unabashed nerd/gentle giant.

He’s made his career in comedy on the unlikeliest of comedic

attributes: Kindness. Just don’t think he’s soft and fluffy all the time. Take his turn as a gangster in the movie Get Hard, alongside Kevin Hart and Will Ferrell, for example. Currently, you can catch him on the live NBC sitcom Undateable, where he co-stars alongside fellow LaughFest 2016 performer Chris D’Elia.

Bridgett Everett

Wealthy Theatre March 12, 8 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.

The breakout star to watch for at this year’s LaughFest is Bridget Everett. Her unique mix of comedy and cabaret can be seen in her first-ever Comedy Central special, Bridget Everett: Gynecological Wonder, and heard on her album Pound It! with

River City Improv

her band The Tender Moments (featuring Ad-Rock of the Beastie Boys). Already a scene-stealer on Inside Amy Schumer and HBO’s Girls, don’t miss Everett when she joins Maria Bamford on the upcoming Netflix series Lady Dynamite later this year.

Jim Norton

Funderwear Run

GRCC Ford Fieldhouse March 13, 10 a.m.

Register at laughfestgr.org/ funderwear-run One of the most interactive events at LaughFest and a longtime fan favorite, the third-annual Funderwear Run invites those who dare to don their funniest undergarments and get out for a brisk 5K run. Note: This is mid-March in Michigan, so appropriate running attire is highly suggested. Though you may want to leave the FitBit at home — this morning jog is all about the laughs, not laps.

The Grawlix

Drew Lynch

Wealthy Theatre March 17, 7 p.m.

After being inflicted with a stutter following a severe softball injury, Lynch discovered how to laugh all over again when he found his own unique voice as a stand-up comedian. Presented in conjunction with DisArt, Grand Rapids’ own Disability Arts Festival, this America’s Got Talent star will inspire and delight anyone who’s found the humor in the hardest of times.

Dr. Grins March 16, 7 p.m.

Packed with fresh talent from all-around the Midwest, this showcase will pit eight new comics against each other in a comedy royale. Up for grabs: a $2,500 cash prize. Catch a rising star before they break big so you can brag to your friends. Or just laugh and have a few beers at the best place for comedy in Grand Rapids all year round.

ROB LITyTL4E-6

Februar Clayton-Holland, Ben Roy and Andrew Orvedahl tackle fame and friendship, onstage and off, in their pursuit of creating what they call “The World’s Best” comedy show. Also look for the premiere of their new series Those Who Can’t, a show that follows three inept schoolteachers, debuting Feb. 11 on truTV.

DAV

FebruEarLAyNDAU 11-13

Roy Wood Jr. David Cross:

Best of the Midwest competition

The Pyramid Scheme March 18 & 19, 7 & 9:30 p.m.

Recommended for fans of alternative comedy outfits like Kids In The Hall and Upright Citizens Brigade, this comedy trio out of Denver made a name for itself with a monthly stage show and mockumentary web series on Funnyordie.com. Together, Adam

Fountain Street Church March 18, 8 p.m.

Revered as one of the top comics of all time by both Comedy Central and Rolling Stone, David Cross redefined sketch comedy in the mid-’90s with his friend Bob Odenkirk on the legendary HBO series Mr. Show before going on to co-star as Tobias Funke on the cult-classic series Arrested Development. Since then he’s brought his scathing social commentary to the stage, screen, and page. Last year, he reteamed with Odenkirk for the Netflix series With Bob and David, and earlier this year he returned to television with the third season of his IFC series The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret.

Wealthy Theatre March 19, 8 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.

Crossing racial and cultural lines, Alabaman comedian Roy Wood Jr. has opened for everyone from D.L. Hughley to Bill Engvall. A finalist on Last Comic Standing, and now a correspondent for The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Wood developed his emphatic style by making priceless prank calls, in addition to logging mile after mile on the road. Check out his one-of-a-kind commentary when he returns to GR as part of this year’s festival. n

VE 0 O B A L L CAR y 18-2

Februar

GREG VACCARIELLO February 25-27

REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule

Fountain Street Church March 12, 8 p.m.

The raunchiest of all the featured comedians at this year’s LaughFest, veteran comic Jim Norton has an acid tongue. His humor has found the perfect home on Sirius XM Radio, where he is free to say whatever he wants on the Opie with Jim Norton show. Naturally, the title to his 2012 stand-up special, Please Be Offended, should turn away any person with delicate sensibilities.

But for those with a thick skin and a foul mouth of their own, Norton’s New Jersey-raised, razor-sharp wit cuts right to the funny bone. Look for his other specials, American Degenerate and Contextually Inadequate — now streaming on Hulu.

Ladies Literary Club March 12 & March 19, 7:33 p.m.

Only one of several local comedians featured as part of this year’s LaughFest, River City Improv brings the audience in on the laughs with skits, songs and more — all based on your suggestions.

Performing regularly at Calvin College, the 12-person ensemble keeps things completely clean and positive, but will always keep you guessing about what they’ll do next.

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

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Style Notes

by Missy Black

Decadent Date Night

E

nter into a serious romantic relationship with this vegan leather dress from B.B. Dakota. “The fit is amazing—a little sexy but still classic,” said Gina Van Timmeren, owner of Gina’s Boutique. With an eye-catching cut, this LBD is a jazzier, fun option for winter but can actually be worn year round. Paired with a cardigan and tights you could even rock this look at work. The sleeveless design can accommodate other layers for warmth or toughen the look up further with a vintage jean jacket or a trendy, crop sweater. “They’re in and I’m trying to show women in the store how to throw a crop sweater on over a dress like this.” $89. Available at Gina’s Boutique, 40 Monroe Center St. NW #104, Grand Rapids.

Smart buy alert! Two for the price of one, these pearl and sparkly sphere earrings can be switched from front to back for when you want more classic appeal or the chance to shine. $12. jb and me, 1964 Breton Rd. SE, Grand Rapids and 36 W 8th St., Holland.

Go for a signature scent with Trish McEvoy Sexy 9 Blackberry & Vanilla Musk. The seductive, spicy yet sweet perfume combines juicy blackberry buds, rich vanilla and sensuous velvet musk with the earthiness of patchouli and sandalwood. $98.50. Leigh’s, 1942 Breton Rd. SE, Grand Rapids.

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

Start with a cocktail to drink then add a cocktail ring to dress up those hands. This multifaceted jewel-wire wrapped ring will catch the light and is a great conversation starter. It adds elegance to any outfit without breaking the bank. $8. Lee & Birch, 759 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids and 128 Washington Ave, Grand Haven.

66 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

You’re memorable and so is your clutch. How can you top this white ombre fringe and chain clutch featuring a long and handy chain strap and topped with a jewel? You can’t.

Fill that sucker with lipstick, powder and the hearts of those who desire you. $48. Humanity Boutique, 40 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids.

HyperOptik 1134 Wealthy Street 6 1 6 . 3 0 1 . 1 9 1 1 www.hyper-optik.com

PHOTO: ROB CONENS FRAME: DITA STATESMAN MODEL: DR. RANDAL MAURICE JELKS

REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

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by Andy Balaskovitz

LIT LIFE

Cup of Dead

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

Rock photographer Jay Blakesberg captures the Grateful Dead’s 2015 farewell shows with new coffee table book

T

hirt y-eight y e a rs a f t e r f i r s t se e i ng t h e Gr at e f u l De a d p e rform in his home state of New Jersey, Jay Blakesberg was hired to capture the band’s 50th anniversary and farewell shows in California and Chicago this past summer.

“This was definitely a peak moment for me, without a doubt,” says Blakesberg, who parlayed an early interest in concert photography into a prolific career shooting greats like Tom Waits, Johnny Cash, Carlos Santana, Radiohead, Elvis Costello, Neil Young and, of course, Jerry Garcia and the Dead.

In December, he released a book of photographs, Fare Thee Well: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Grateful Dead. It documents

68 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

the band’s five farewell shows in Santa Clara and Chicago.

“I was a 15-year-old kid who first saw the Dead in 1977 and 38 years later, I was the guy standing on stage photographing and documenting them,” Blakesberg, who tallied about 250 Dead shows in his life, tells Revue.

“It’s a pretty remarkable career arc, for one.”

“Remarkable” is also a fair enough description of the planning, preparation, anticipation, anxiety, performance and conclusion to last summer’s Fare Thee Well shows, arguably the concert event of the year.

Blakesberg said he was approached right around a year ago, in December 2014, to photograph the two shows in Santa Clara (June 27-28) and three at Soldier Field in Chicago (July 3-5).

He fell in with the band professionally in the late 1980s after working with Dead guitarist Bob Weir on one of his solo ventures.

Blakesberg had been getting work published in Rolling Stone and his early career as a professional, credentialed photographer began to grow.

Blakesberg, who also producers film content for bands and festivals, has always approached photography as a “technologybased art.”

“Early on, it was a different time in terms of shooting photos. You couldn’t shoot and look at the back of the camera,” he says. “You

needed real skills — creative and technical skills.”

His advice to aspiring photographers today? “Think differently,” a mantra either deliberately or coincidentally taken from the ethos of the Grateful Dead.

“As an artist, it’s got to be interesting to you and fulfill you creatively and at the same time solve the problem for whoever assigned you to take that photo,” he says.

For the Fare Thee Well book, Blakesberg said he spent “a lot of time” editing to give the finished photos a “unique look and feel.”

Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule

grand slam,” he says. “I still feel that way. I Blakesberg can be seen in YouTube don’t think there’s anything I missed.” videos of the shows snaking around the Despite the anxiety among fans leading stage at various points, capturing each of the up to the shows — over ticket prices, venues members: Weir (complete with shorts and and the lack of more (specifically East Coast) Birkenstocks), bassist Phil Lesh, drummers dates — Blakesberg’s book captures the pure Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann, Phish joy of not just the band, guitarist Trey Anastasio and but also the massive crowds Jeff Chimenti and Bruce that came from across the Hornsby on keys. globe to celebrate the Dead.

You see the chemistry “I was a 15-year-old “This book serves to between Anastasio and kid who first saw the nurture and activate our Weir as they trail off toDead in 1977 and 38 f inely tuned senses and gether on winding jams, bring the Fare Thee Well celas well as the cronyism of years later, I was the ebration back to life,” Bill Hart and K reutzmann, guy standing on stage Walton, a former NBA baswho shared space behind ketball player and “proud hulking drum set-ups. photographing and and loyal Deadhead,” writes Blakesberg also had a documenting them.” in the book’s foreword. technician and extra phoWhile the “Core Four” tographer working for him —Photographer Jay Blakesberg on crowd shots — includ(who estimates attending members — Weir, Lesh, Har t and K reut zmann ing the first night in Santa about 250 Dead shows) — continued performing Clara where there appeared shows this year in varying to be a staged rainbow over capacities and likely will in Levi’s Stadium.

2016, the finality of July 5 at Soldier Field The crew also had to work quickly, means looking for new chapters, Blakesberg Blakesberg said, making sure photos were out included. on the Associated Press wire that same night.

“For me, it was a very peak moment in Following the shows, Blakesberg went my career,” he says. “I gotta figure out my to work “immediately” on putting the book next act now.” n together, which is his 11th coffee table book.

“Within a few weeks (of the shows), I was really able to grasp it all and say I hit a home run with my photos and the promoters hit a

REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

69

by Nick Macksood

LIT LIFE

Going Back In Time

‘Lost Restaurants of Grand Rapids’ Stirs the Past

W

h e n I fi rst arrive d i n Gran d Rapi ds, one of the first tidbits of pop culture history shared with me was that the writers of the movie American Pie had come from East Grand Rapids. Well, very good.

But how many do you suppose know the first ever recorded flight in Kent County took place from the roof of Nick Fink’s bar in Comstock Park? Or that Grandville Avenue was created by a wayward cow that took the long route back to the barn?

I’m not making any of this up. These stories, among others, have been recently brought to light thanks to the efforts of Norma Lewis and her latest book Lost Restaurants of Grand Rapids, released late 2015.

Lost Restaurants of Grand Rapids

by Norma Lewis

Lewis, who has lived in Western Michigan for the better part of the last 20 years, set out to explore the history of Grand Rapids’ restaurant scene to uncover some of the city’s favorite forgotten stories. Her research in the public archives and time spent listening to the stories of Grand Rapids’ ancestor’s erstwhile restaurants weaves quite the colorful tapestry.

Anyone who has ever spent time working in a restaurant could tell you about the characters that come in and out of its doors day after day. And it may be the likes of Bourdain and friends who have convinced America that the back of house is, in fact, a band of pirates cooking your dinner. But as it turns out, Lost Restaurants documents how the truly strange have always been a part of restaurant culture — and Grand Rapids is no exception.

Chew on this.

How would you like to be working the register when a man approaches you and tells you that your name is Leslie King and that he is your real father? Well, it happened at Bill’s Restaurant, formerly on Hall St., where former president Gerald Ford used to throw on an apron after school.

What about a German Shepard bringing your craft beer to the table? At Lithuanian immigrant John Sebaitis’ old tavern on the west side of town, Sebaitis trained his dog Spooky to serve brews with the help of a harness he invented. Talk about one-of-a-kind service.

Lost Restaurants is, however, more than a smattering of interesting anecdotes. It captures a history of Grand Rapids that needs to be told in order to know and respect the city’s historic and culinary roots.

Within the pages of Lost Restaurants, Lewis takes familiar Grand Rapids names like Russo, Brann or Bentham and reintroduces us to them, tells us their stories and encourages us to get up and create memories of our own. n

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71

German Tradition.

Crafted in Michigan.

German Tradition.

Crafted in Michigan.

Brauhaus & Restaurant Brewery, Biergarten, Winery, Cidery & Distillery*

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72 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

Restaurant listings arranged by region

Big O Café 80 Ottawa NW. 616-451-1887 ITALIAN. The downtown (and downstairs) restaurant has a reliable menu featuring pizza, pasta, and sandwiches that are Italian and Cuban influenced.

A great spot for lunch or a quick glass of wine and plate of pasta before a downtown event. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Dead Head Vegetarian Pizza, Cuban dinners on Friday nights.

Bombay Cuisine 1420 Lake Dr. SE 616-456-7055 INDIAN. Offering savory and subtly spiced dishes from northern India, Bombay Cuisine is a hot spot for those who like to add a little flavor to their lives. With a lunch buffet served every weekday, this restaurant provides its eaters with an array of traditional Indian cuisine. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Naan, Butter Chicken.

The Bistro 11 Monroe Avenue NW (at Courtyard Marriott). 616-2426000 AMERICAN. Serving American food bistro-style, whether it’s grab-and-go or guests dining in for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Bistro offers fresh seasonal options, serves Starbucks beverages and has a full-service bar. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Sandwiches.

Brewery Vivant 925 Cherry St. SE. 616-719-1604 BREWPUB. Housed in a former funeral chapel, Brewery Vivant crafts Belgian-style ales with a focus on barrel aging. The brewpub also brings Belgian tradition when it comes to food, featuring French and Belgian-style meals to pair perfectly with the beer. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The Burger

Bistro Bella Vita 44 Grandville Ave. SW. 616-222-4600 ITALIAN. One of Grand Rapids’ best dining experiences, featuring Mediterraneaninspired country cuisine, a swanky yet comfortable downtown atmopshere and personable service. BBV’s culinary team creates authentic, housemade recipes made with locally grown produce, fresh seafood and rotisserie roasted meats. Specialty gluten-free menu, and can prepare custom dishes for lactose intolerant, vegetarian, and vegan diets. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Mediterranean Country Cuisine and Martinis.

Chapbook Café 2660 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids. 616-942-0595. CAFE. Take a break from browsing the shelves at Schuler Books with a homemade selection of soups, sandwiches and quiches. Soups are prepared in-house daily and served with fresh baked bread to accompany a small-but-elegant sandwich menu. Try a quiche or traditional Italian Panini grilled on fresh ciabatta bread, or for a quick bite, grab a bagel or scone from the dessert case. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days GO THERE FOR: Homemade soups and sandwiches

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

The B.O.B.

CitySen Lounge 83 Monroe Center St. NW. 616-608-1720 AMERICAN. CitySen Lounge, located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, is a bar with a big-city feel, offering exciting options for lunch, dinner and breakfast on the weekends.

The focus is on fresh ingredients and a full bar with local brews, wine and creative cocktails. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner (Breakfast on weekends). OPEN: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Daily happy hour The Corner Bar 31 N. Main St., Rockford 616-866-9866 AMERICAN. The downtown Rockford tavern serves a solid menu of burgers,

burritos, salads and sandwiches, but it is best known for hot dogs — serving almost 1,000 per day. Its hot-dog-eating challenge has been conquered by more than a few, but it raises the question: Why would you want to consume Corner Bar dogs in a hurry rather than savor each bite? » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Hot dogs.

The Cottage Bar 18 Lagrave Ave. SE. 616-454-9088 AMERICAN. The Cottage Bar is the oldest operating restaurant and bar in downtown Grand Rapids. Come in for the Cottage Burger, smothered with green olives, bacon, lettuce, tomato, hickory mayonnaise and Swiss and American cheeses. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays GO THERE FOR: The Cottage Burger.

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

Divani 15 Ionia Ave. SW. 616-774-WINE. ECLECTIC. Divani offers a sophisticated environment, with chefs using Michigan-made ingredients in their creations, such as Dancing Goat Creamery, Otto’s Chicken, S&S Lamb, Ingraberg Farms, Mrs. Dog’s and Madcap. For the thirsty, the bar serves more than 300 types of liquor, 300 wines and 50 beers to complement each handcrafted meal. » SERVING: Dinner after 4 p.m. OPEN ON: Everyday but Sunday. GO THERE FOR: Wine and Local Cuisine.

Erb Thai 950 Wealthy St. SE #1A. (616) 356-2573. Additional locations at 4160 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Suite B, and 820 Michigan St. NE. THAI. Food rooted in traditional Thai cuisine, but also made to accommodate health conscious and special diets. Not too strong, not too weak, like harmony and melody. Marketing representative Molly Rizor was a Thai virgin when she went and is now glad Erb Thai was her first experience. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Peanut Curry Noodles.

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

Ganders 4747 28th St. SE. 616-957-0100. AMERICAN. Ganders by Hilton Doubletree presents modern American menu options dedicated to locally grown ingredients representing the best farms, markets and food artisans of West Michigan. The restaurant also features a number of local craft beers on tap and by the bottle. The restaurant works directly with local breweries to create multi-course beer tasting menus featuring beer incorporated into every course. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh, locally grown ingredients and Michigan-made beer.

Garage Bar & Grill 819 Ottawa Ave. NW. 616-454-0321 SPORTS BAR. This bar and grill serves up real food with fresh ingredients. Known for its cold daily specials, and its famous Garage Burger and hand-cut fries, this casual bar’s diverse menu ranges from soups and wedge salads to brisket sandwiches and fish tacos. A long list of ice-cold bottled and craft beers top off the experience. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Burgers, Chicken Tenders, Craft Beer.

GP Sports 187 Monroe Ave. NW 616-776-6495 SPORTS BAR. Catch the big game on one of 30 televisions, including a big screen for optimal game viewing. This colorful and casual restaurant not only caters to sports fans, but also features top-notch burgers, pizzas and specialty drinks. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Score Big Burgers.

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

G.R.P.D. (Grand Rapids Pizza and Delivery) 340 State St. SE. 616-454-9204 ITALIAN. The current location opened in 2004 as the first established pizzeria in Heritage Hill A common meeting spot for local folks, business professionals and college students, a place where one could gather for a quick meal or a reflective lunch. It offers both hand-tossed pizza and Chicago-style stuffed pizza, as well as pasta, sandwiches, salads, and wings. Online ordering, too. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza.

Grand Rapids Brewing Company 1 Ionia Ave SW. 616-458-7000 BREWPUB. Good for the environment and your palate, GRBC is Michigan’s first certified organic brewery and features a menu stocked with

REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule

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

20 Monroe Ave. NW. (616) 356-2000 ECLECTIC. If you’re not sure what kind of dining you want, you can just head into The B.O.B., where you can choose from one of its several venues. Go into Gilly’s, where you can dine on seafood or B.O.B.’s Brewery, the restaurant’s in-house brewery. You can dress down for some pizza at Bobarino’s or dress it up for a steak at Judson’s Steakhouse. For after dinner, take in a show at Dr. Grins or enjoy live music at H.O.M.E. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Beer and numerous dining options.

Grand Rapids

REVUE’s dining listings are compiled by staff and minions. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of restaurants in the region. For an expanded list, be on the lookout for new and improved dining changes on our website, revuewm.com.

The listings are not intended to be reviews of West Michigan restaurants, although we will inject some opinions into the listings based on staff experiences and personal preferences. To submit or to correct information in a dining listing, e-mail editor@ revuewm.com.

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8 Rotating Taps. One Month. TWO Locations.

Shortest Month. Short’s Beer.

Mon. Feb. 1st - Mon. Feb. 29th

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Dining locally grown ingredients. With a diverse selection of beers on tap inspired by historical Grand Rapids figures and a hearty array of shareables, burgers/sandwiches, and entrees, this place represents the best of the brewery’s 120-year legacy. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Organic beer and locally sourced food.

Grand Woods Lounge 77 Grandville Ave SW. 616-451-4300 AMERICAN. The restaurant’s interior exudes a warm, casual ambiance reminiscent of the great eateries of the Pacific Northwest; the outdoor porch features two outdoor bars and a fireplace. Menu stocked with affordable appetizers great for sharing, plus salads, sandwiches, and entrées. Lots of domestics and microbrews, plus an array of martinis including the “Woodstini,” a tasty mix of Stoli Orange Vodka, mandarin oranges and raspberries. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Cocktails.

Harmony Brewing Company 1551 Lake Dr. SE (616) 233-0063 BREWPUB. Harmony features 12 craft-brewed beers in addition to signature root beer for the kiddos. Named one of the top-five brewpub menus in West Michigan by yours truly, Harmony offers 10” rustic wood-fired pizzas and great soups and sandwiches. Check out their new location, Harmony Hall, at 401 Stocking Ave. NW. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza and brews.

The Holiday Bar 801 5th St. NW. (616) 456-9058 AMERICAN. Tucked smack dab in the “Heart of the Westside,” The Holiday Bar boasts a classic 40-foot Horseshoe bar, along with cheap eats and drinks, both served until 2 a.m., with specials happening daily.

The Holiday Bar has a full menu that features pub fare like chicken strips, pierogis, battered homestyle mushrooms and more. It’s a great place to watch the game, listen to music or just hang out with friends. » SERVING Lunch Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Cheap eats and drinks.

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

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

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Marie Catrib’s 1001 Lake Dr. 616-454-4020 ECLECTIC. The East Hills eatery makes everything from scratch with local ingredients, and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Get there early for lunch, as there is almost always a wait. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Salads, soups and sandwiches.

Mixology 235 Louis St. NW. 616-242-1448 LOUNGE. Casual, upscale service and atmosphere allows guests to relax and enjoy the city views. This type of service allows guests to complete business tasks while still enjoying the accessibility to great food and libations. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Specialty cocktails.

O’Toole’s 448 Bridge St. 616-742-6095 PUB. This West Side pub offers delicious and outrageously topped burgers, as well as an extensive beer selection, and arguably, the best happy hour

specials in town. If food is not your passion, this is a prime place to kick off your Sunday Funday with its $3 Absolut Bloody Mary bar. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Gourmet burgers, Bloody Mary bar.

One Trick Pony 136 E. Fulton. 616-235-7669 AMERICAN. One Trick Pony unveiled a new menu last April with the tagline “Fresh, Local Fare with a Beat.” The restaurant is a part of FarmLink and supports local growers and remains focused on sustainability.

Connected to the Cottage Bar, the menu spans pizza, salads, homemade soups, smoked prime rib and more. Pair the food with live music, which OTP features weekly. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Eclectic pizzas.

Pearl Street Grill 310 Pearl St NW. 616-235-1342 AMERICAN. Dine in a relaxing environment where kids eat free and the chef uses local vendors and suppliers. Conveniently located in downtown Grand Rapids, Pearl Street Grill offers nightly happy hour specials that include signature cocktails and Michigan beer, as well as a $10 burger and beer special, $5 pizzas and more. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days.

GO THERE FOR: Late night specials.

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

GO THERE FOR: Fresh pita wraps.

Reds on the River 8 E Bridge St. #100, Rockford. 616-863-8181 AMERICAN. Relaxed ambiance, great food and a view of the river equate to an enjoyable time out. With quality food and fresh ingredients you’re sure to find a meal that tickles your fancy.

Staff is trained to help you should you encounter unfamiliar territory. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days GO THERE FOR: Red’s Steak Burger Reserve Wine & Food 201 Monroe Ave. NW (616) 855-9463 ECLECTIC. With 102 wines available by the glass and more than 300 by the bottle, paired with an ever-changing food menu influenced

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

River City Saloon 1152 Leonard St. NW. 616-451-0044 AMERICAN. Combine your tastes of live music and filling food at River City Saloon.

The restaurant and bar has Mexican options, burgers, salads and more. On the weekends, indulge in any of these menu items or a couple drinks while listening to some local music by bands like Hey Marco, OTC, Litt Up, Drop 35 and more. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Wednesday olive burger special Rockwell-Republic 45 S. Division Ave. 616-551-3563 ECLECTIC. Menu offerings range from sushi to burgers and everything in between. The craft cocktail menu runs the gamut from classics like the Manhattan to more modern concoctions and the beer and wine menus are nicely curated. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner

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Dining OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Specialty cocktails, broad menu, lively atmosphere.

happy hour $3 Glasses of Wine, $2 Well Drinks, $2 Domestic Bottles, $1 off Large Pitchers, $0.50 off Pints & Small Pitchers, 12 Draught beers available!

Monday

Happy Hour All Day Long!

Tuesday

Ruth’s Chris Steak House 187 Monroe Avenue NW. 616-776-6426 STEAKHOUSE. Serving only the best steaks, Ruth’s Chris hand-selects its steaks from the top 2% of the country’s beef, which is then broiled to perfection at 1800 degrees. Enjoy the freshest seafood, classic sides and homemade desserts that satisfy any craving. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays.

GO THERE FOR: Steak.

San Chez Bistro 38 West Fulton St. 616-774-8272 SPANISH/ECLECTIC. San

FEBRUARY 2016 EVENTS

Wednesday

Happy Hour 11 AM - 7 PM

thursday

4

7pm

Karaoke with Patty B. 8 PM - 12 AM

friday

Happy Hour 11 AM - 7 PM Live Entertainment 9:30 PM 1:30 AM - No Cover Charge!

saturday

Happy Hour 11 AM - 7 PM Live Entertainment 9:30 PM 1:30 AM - No Cover Charge!

3 Hard Shell Tacos for $2.75

sunday

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7pm

9

REVISITING NOT WITHOUT MY DAUGHTER WITH MAHTOB MAHMOODY *TICKETED EVENT

TWO DECADES AGO, MILLIONS OF READERS WORLDWIDE THRILLED TO THE STORY TOLD IN THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER NOT WITHOUT MY DAUGHTER THAT TOLD OF AN AMERICAN MOTHER AND HER SIX-YEAR-OLD CHILD’S DARING ESCAPE FROM AN ABUSIVE AND TYRANNICAL IRANIAN HUSBAND AND FATHER. NOW THE DAUGHTER RETURNS TO TELL THE WHOLE STORY, NOT ONLY OF THAT IMPRISONMENT AND ESCAPE BUT OF LIFE AFTER FLEEING TEHRAN.

CLUB ITALIA

JOIN HOST RINA SALA-BAKER IN THE STUDIO FOR A DISCUSSION OF ITALIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE.

UNSTOPPABLE WOMEN NETWORKING

WE INVITE YOU TO RENEW YOUR ENERGY FOR YOUR PURPOSEBASED BUSINESS WITH A NETWORK OF UNSTOPPABLE WOMEN. OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT THAT OFFERS SIMPLE TOOLS FOR MOTIVATION AND INSPIRATION. MEETUP.COM/WOMENNETWORKING/

Happy Hour 12 PM - 7 PM

9am

FEBRUARY BANDS

15

JAPANESE LANGUAGE & CULTURE GROUP

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GRAND RAPIDS AMATEUR ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION MEETS

3 Hard Shell Tacos for $2.75 until 7 PM 50 Cent Tacos After 7 PM!!!

DJ Beandip feat. Sean from f Brena, 8 PM - 12 AM

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

Stella’s Lounge 53 Commerce Ave. 616-356-2700 TAVERN. The Chicago-style whiskey bar has more than 200 varieties of distilled spirits, old-school video games, and a menu filled with vegetarian and vegan bar food — and stuffed burgers. Did we mention you can sip cans of PBR and other classic beers out of a mason jar? » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Whiskey, vegetarian and vegan bar food.

33 years as your local, independent bookstore!

Jam with Everett 8 PM - 12 AM

Happy Hour 11 AM - 7 PM

Six.One.Six. 235 Louis St. NW. 616-242-1448 ECLECTIC. Market-inspired menus, sweeping views and progressive rhythms combine to create a memorable dining experience. The dishes tempt taste buds and is the perfect spot for foodies. » SERVING:

Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days GO THERE FOR: Variety and being seen.

SchulerBooks&Music

Happy Hour 11 AM - 7 PM &

RECOMMENDED BY JOHN GONZALEZ FROM MLIVE! $3.50 Deluxe Olive Burger

Chez is both a café and a Tapas Bistro, now both housed in the same room. This is a social setting where people can remember the one rule of kindergarten: sharing. Featuring small, delicious dishes, San Chez can satiate your desire for variety. It’s also a hidden secret for breakfast in downtown Grand Rapids, offering a great start to any day. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Tapas, Breakfast, Sandwiches

2/5 ROUND BROWN SUITCASE 2/6 ROMANCE FOR RANSOM 2/12 HIGHWAY 22 2/13 GOODWIN DRIVE 2/19 & 2/20 DROP 35 2/26 ACES & EIGHTS 2/27 190 PROOF

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! (616) 451-0044 RIVERCITYSALOON.COM 1152 LEONARD ST. NW, GRAND RAPIDS

76 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

7pm

7pm

JOIN MAYUMI BALFOUR OF SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL AS SHE LEADS A MONTHLY DISCUSSION FOCUSING ON DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF JAPANESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE.

ALL MEMBERS AND GUESTS WELCOME. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Visit www.SchulerBooks.com for a complete list of events.

All events are subject to change.

2660 28th Street SE • (616) 942-2561

Winter Getaway with CityFlatsHotel Treat yourself to a staycation!

Enjoy 10% off the current daily rate as well as a complimentary share plate in our restaurant.

Call and mention code: Winter16 to stay and save!

Some restrictions and blackout dates apply.

Rate available for stays between 1/1/16 and 2/29/16.

Holland / Grand Rapids / CityFlatsHotel.com

So Much Love, So Many Details

Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule

LET OUR WEDDING EXPERT, ALYSSA, HELP YOU WITH: Wedding Receptions • Rehearsal Dinners • Bridal Showers • Room Blocks for Out-of-Town Guests

616-957-0100 | doubletreegrandrapids.com | 4747 28th St SE, Grand Rapids

REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

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Beer

Michigan Craft Beer Tasting Notes:

The What’s (Sorta) New Edition | by Joe Boomgaard

E

 Strutter Bitter Old Fecker Rustic Ales LLC

 Azacca IPA Founders Brewing Co.

(Chelsea, Mich.)

(Grand Rapids, Mich.)

Description: India pale ale brewed with chamomile, rose petals, juniper, and honey and aged in bourbon barrels. 10.2% ABV

Description: Named for the Haitian god of agriculture, the Azacca hop boasts intense, tropical fruit notes.

Azacca IPA includes a touch of caramel malt to provide a sweet backbone to the citrus, mango and orchard fruit notes. 7.0% ABV

Since Bitter Old Fecker is now distributed in West Michigan, we decided to revisit Strutter, a beer that we first sampled on a SE Michigan beer tour more than a year ago. It was all we remembered it to be.

Set aside expectations for a hop-bomb double IPA. This hazy, thick, complex sipper has layers that celebrate the nuanced flavors of every ingredient. Perfect for sharing with three or four of your closest friends.

This new seasonal offering from Founders will be available from January through March this year. As an IPA, Azacca hits all the right notes. It’s very tropical, mon, with a hint of orange peel on the nose, strong tropical hop flavors and a surprisingly strong bitter finish. Nicely carbonated to provide great, fruity burps.

Score: 99.3 (Yes, really)

Score: 93

veryone loves to find a new favorite craft beer.

In this tasting session of new beers that just hit distribution in West Michigan, we’ve found two options we’d happily recommend you seek out — and a host of others worth trying as well.

Reviewers included:

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

■■ Joe Boomgaard, Revue editor/beer czar and known dropper of F-bombs.

■■ Nick Manes, reporter for sister publication MiBiz and enthusiastic lunch vibes creator.

■■ Josh Veal, former Revue intern who, according to his Twitter header photo, is “gorgeous inside.”

Saugatuck Brewing Co.

Here’s what we found.

Editor’s Note: This was not conducted as a blind sampling. Bottles were procured from Riverside Liquors at 5432 Northland Dr. NE in Grand Rapids and Cap & Cork at 3924 West River Dr. NE in Comstock Park.

78 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

Blueberry Maple Stout (Saugatuck, Mich.)

Description: A sweet milk stout with all the malt characteristics you love but with a bold, unique twist — this beer tastes like a glass full of blueberry pancakes smothered in maple syrup. 6.0% ABV

 = Highly Recommended

Scores are on a 100-point scale.

The label doesn’t lie. Blueberry Maple Stout tastes like you’re drinking blueberry pancakes drenched with maple syrup, along with a pleasant chocolate and espresso roastiness. While it borders on novelty status (and is sure to be popular among the Basics on Facebook — like, OMG!), this new year-round offering succeeds in not tasting artificial. Beer: It’s what’s for breakfast.

Score: 83

No Problems Perrin Brewing Co.

(Comstock Park, Mich.)

Description: Our “Session IPA” bursts open with aromatics of fresh citrus fruits, ripened melon and a distinctive floral bouquet. Weaved carefully under the hop bitterness lies a light, semi-sweet malt body that finishes in a crisp and clean fashion. 4.5% ABV Thus completes Perrin’s trinity of IPAs: More Problems (DIPA), 98 Problems (IPA) and this new offering: No Problems, a crushable session IPA. As a session beer, it passes muster with citrusy hops and a biscuity malt backbone. No Problems has some stiff competition in the session space, but it’s a worthy competitor. You’ll have “no problems” drinking it.

Score: 83

Ski Patrol Brewery Vivant

Live Wire ROAK Brewing

(Grand Rapids, Mich.)

(Royal Oak, Mich.)

Description: This crushable slopes-inspired beer complements our winters with a hazy golden pour and a warming spice on the nose. The cardamom sets this wit apart from the traditional coriander variety. It also plays well with the orange peel, creating a soft warmth so necessary when dangling from the chairlift. 6.1% ABV

Description: Live Wire is our American IPA. It is a juicy beer with classic hoppy bitterness and a little malt sweetness to round out the flavor and finish.

7.5% ABV

Yes, this has been BV’s January beer for a while now, but Revue’s Beer Czar saw it on the shelf and thought, “Why not?” Disclaimer: Not everyone will like the cardamom in this hazy Belgian-inspired wit beer, and that’s OK. The blend of spice and citrus from the orange peel gives this a pleasant zesty quality.

Here’s an IPA that offers earthy and fruity hop aromas compared to the spate of dank products of late. There’s a nice hop-dominated aroma and taste, but the beer lacks the complexity (and body) to get you too excited.

Definitely worth a try.

Score: 76.7

ON TAP NOW!

Stop by to try all of our craft beers on tap The B.O.B. / 20 Monroe Ave NW / Downtown GR 616.356.2000 / www.thebobsbrewery.com / #BOBsBrewery

Score: 77.3

Detroit Dwarf

Pike 51 Brewing Co.

(Williamston, Mich.)

(Hudsonville, Mich.)

Description: Inspired by the legendary “Nain Rouge” (French for Red Dwarf), our signature beer is full in flavor while remaining very balanced and crisp.

5.9% ABV

Description: American IPA 6.2% ABV

Reviewers were split on this grain-heavy German-style Altbier. It smells and tastes like the brewing process, and seemed akin to a dark lager with very little hops present. Slightly malty, with an unexpected aftertaste.

Score: 69.7

Kush has been available on draft for a while, and Pike 51 just recently started packaging it in bombers. Some of us loved this dank IPA on draft, but it didn’t seem like the same beer here, and that’s a bummer. We suspect a capping issue on this bottle, so we’ll give it a pass for now. Look for a do-over in an upcoming issue. (In the meantime, visit Pike 51 and try their kick-ass sours.)

Score: N/A

GREAT FOOD. GREAT BEER. CASUAL DINING.

BREAKFAST ANY TIME.

CRANKER’S RESTAURANT & BREWERY 454 68th St SW, Grand Rapids 616-827-1919

CRANKER’S BREWERY 213 S State St, Big Rapids 231-796-1919

CRANKER’S RESTAURANT & BREWERY 1207 E Pickard Rd, Mount Pleasant 989-779-1919

CRANKERSBREWERY.COM REVUEWM.COM | February 2016 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule

Old Nation Brewing Co.

The Kush IPA

79

Taste This

by Marjorie Steele

Veggie Regimen

An All-Day Guide to Eating Vegetarian in GR For beginners in the West Michigan veggie game, finding tasty vegetarian and vegan dishes can be problematic. Where should you start?

Here are just a few local spots offering more than a house salad. Revue has you covered on breakfast, lunch and dinner, too.

Breakfast:

Bartertown Diner, Breakfast Scramble

Downtown Grand Rapids’ token plant-basedfood, employee-owned and operated restaurant is eating off the land by relying on local and in-season supplies. They’re also now serving breakfast five days and the Breakfast Scramble is a must.

When I hear “scramble,” I can’t help but think of Skip’s Scramble, which as Arrested Development fans know, one should NEVER order because it comprises “something from every dish in the menu.” But Bartertown’s isn’t a giant mashup of things you should never put together. It’s a collection of delicious (vegan) things, all neatly

cozied up next to each other. I ordered it with the tempeh bacon, scrambled tofu, French toast and steamed kale.

First, we need to talk about the tempeh bacon. It’s tender, savory, delicious and vaguely reminiscent of bacon — but delightful and minus the grease.

The scrambled tofu was also delicious, and much more like eggs than the tempeh bacon.

The kale, I’m not going to lie, while steamed and seasoned perfectly, kind of intimidated me. There was a lot of it and it felt like it was judging me most of the meal.

But the star of this scramble was the French toast: Two slices of sweet, gooey awesomeness. Bartertown’s Scramble is one you should ALWAYS order. ➤ 6 Jefferson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, bartertowngr.com

Lunch:

Parsley Mediterranean Grille, Carrot Juice

Ok, I know what you’re thinking: “Carrot juice?

Seriously?” But zip it for a second — it’s actually brilliant. Juicing delivers nutrients directly to your bloodstream and you’d be surprised at how filling a 16 oz. cup of straight carrot juice with lemon can be. I used to work in an office on Monroe Center and I lost a lot of baby weight by juicing my lunches at Parsley’s.

The little known secret is that Parsley’s is the only eatery downtown where you can buy fresh juiced veggies. It’s not a juice bar, but their limited selection of juice pairs beautifully with its light, fresh take on Mediterranean fare. Also, you can reward yourself for cutting calories by helping yourself to their bar, which now serves local microbrews. ➤ 80 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, parsleymg.com

Dinner:

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

Marie Catrib’s, Sweet Potato & Lentil Burger

Bartertown Diner’s Breakfast Scramble with French Toast and Home Fries

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Marie Catrib’s enjoys a rabid following among Grand Rapids’ neighborhoods — especially with vegetarian and vegan diners. Its menu is known for vegan-friendly fare, although they also have a good selection for carnivores. It would be a shame to be carnivorous at Marie’s, though, because they do vegetarian so very well.

It’s hard to go wrong on Marie’s menu, but the Sweet Potato and Lentil Burger is a standout.

I’m not usually much for burgers or sandwiches, but the soft, warm oaty bun, tomato chutney and aioli are a seductive combination. The patty, while certainly not as sturdy as a beef patty, was more flavorful, and — the best part — was just as filling as the real thing.

If sweet potatoes are not your thing, there’s always The Larry David or The Porto. The portion sizes are perfectly filling, but not too much and sandwiches come with a house-made kosher pickle spear. ➤ 1001 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, mariecatribs.com n

More Vegetarian and Veganfriendly options Furniture City Creamery takes a pass on winter hibernation Ice cream aficionados often get the winter-time blues. But fret not, Furniture City Creamery, 958 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids, doesn’t shut down during the icy months — and yes, they have plenty of vegan options. Offering small-batch ice cream in original flavors, made from local ingredients, Furniture City serves up ice cream pies, hot chocolate kits, ice cream making classes and private parties.

Luna brings local Latin flair Luna, 64 Ionia St. SW, Grand Rapids, takes a local spin on Latin cuisine with a simple but heartfelt menu, at the center of which are, you guessed it: Tacos! Best paired with their housemade margarita flight.

The Urban Mushroom blooms at the winter market The Fulton Street Farmer’s Market (1145 Fulton St. E, Grand Rapids) is open throughout the winter. This means we can count on a steady supply of local artisan mushroom varieties from The Urban Mushroom, which sets up shop each Saturday. But don’t wait too long to grab the key ingredient to your vegetarian dish — this vendor frequently sells out.

Interested in eating vegan more often?

Find a comprehensive guide to local vegan eateries at vegangr.com.

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81

Beer & Booze

MOAR beer, booze, cider on the way in West Michigan

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The growth of the West Michigan craft beverage industry just keeps on going. Here is a list of inplanning or expanding breweries, distilleries and cideries from across the region.

1. 18th Amendment Spirits Co., 350 W. Western Ave., Muskegon 2. Atwater Brewing Co., 201 Michigan St. NW, Grand Rapids 3. Blue Sky Brewing LLC, 6262 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids 4. Brewery 4 Two 4 LLC, 321 Douglas Ave., Holland 5. City Built Brewing, 820 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids 6. Creston Brewery Co., 1504 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids 7. DirtBag Brewing Co., 420 South State St., Gobles 8. ELK Brewing Co. (second location), 400 Dodge St., Comstock Park 9. Grand Haven Brew House/HawkPeak Brewing, 100/102 Washington, Grand Haven 10. Gray Skies Distilling, 700 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids 11. Green Door Distilling Co. LLC, 429 E. North St., Kalamazoo 12. Greyline Brewing, 1727 Alpine Ave., Grand Rapids 13. Haymarket Brewing Co., 9301 Red Arrow Highway, Bridgman 14. High Five Co-Op Brewery Inc., location to be announced, Grand Rapids 15. Jayda Gale Distillery, 152 S. Main St., Wayland 16. Kalamazoo Distilling, 180 N. Edwards St., Kalamazoo 17. Ludington Bay Brewing Co., 515 S. James St., Ludington 18. New Holland Brewing Co., Bridge Street and Broadway Avenue, Grand Rapids 19. North Pier Brewing Co., 670 North Shore Drive, Benton Harbor 20. Red Belly Brewing Co., unknown address, Kentwood 21. Red Tail Brewing, 141 W. Upton Ave., Reed City 22. Silver Harbor Brewing Co., 721 Pleasant St., Saint Joseph 23. Speciation Artisan Ales, Location TBD, Grand Rapids area 24. Steele Street Brewing, 300 South Steele St., Ionia (Opened Jan. 9) 25. Sunshine Meadery, 501 Ottawa St., Lowell 26. The Open Road Brewing Co., 128 S. Main St., Wayland 27. Transient Artisan Ales, 4229 Lake St., Bridgman 28. Vander Mill Ciders (Grand Rapids location), 505 Ball Ave. NE, Grand Rapids 29. Watermark Brewing Co., 5781 Saint Joseph Ave, Stevensville — Compiled by Revue from news reports and social media.

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Booze News n The People’s Cider Co. plans to open a tasting room at 539 Leonard St. NW on the west side of Grand Rapids. Owner Jason Lummen hopes to start pouring cider at the new location in May. He expects to offer seven ciders on tap — including one guest tap — and would be open to guests bringing in outside food. Production will continue at People’s Cider’s current facility at 600 Maryland Ave. NE near Oak Industrial Park in northeast Grand Rapids, Lummen said. Upon the opening of the new location, patrons will be able to sample the “holy trinity” of craft beverages from three independent companies (People’s Cider, Long Road Distillers and The Mitten Brewing Co.) at consecutive addresses on West Leonard Street. n Grand Rapids-based ELK Brewing Co. is building a second brewery and taproom in Comstock Park, owner Eric Karns told Revue sister publication MiBiz. The new 3,000-square-foot location on Dodge Street, just off West River Drive near the entrance to Fifth Third Ballpark, will feature a 15-barrel brewhouse (compared to its current three-barrel system), which will allow ELK to expand distribution and get into bottling. ELK Brewing North will have a much stronger focus on food than its Eastown location, and plans call for the 100-seat pub to have a 120-seat seasonal patio. Karns targets the new location to open this summer. n Citing production constraints for its prized barrel-aged beers like KBS and Backwoods Bastard, Founders Brewing Co. will add a second brewery in Grand Rapids as part of an investment totaling up to $20 million. The additional facility, located at 900 Hynes St. SW, will focus on “barrel-aged, experimental, high-gravity, and specialty beers that we’ve become known for,” the company said. Founders has no plans to open a taproom at the new brewery. n Fans of Dragon’s Milk from New Holland Brewing Co. take note: The company plans quarterly releases of special “Reserve” versions of the bourbon barrel-aged stout for 2016. The first, Dragon’s Milk Vanilla Chai, dropped in late January. The next release will feature a Coffee and Chocolate edition. Information on future special Reserve editions will be released in the coming months, according to the brewery.

Short’s Batch 5000 n To celebrate the 5,000th batch of beer produced and packaged at its Elk Rapids facility, Short’s Brewing Co. released a specialedition triple IPA dubbed “Batch 5000,” which will hit stores about the same time this edition of Revue went to press. The “very-limited” release of Batch 5000 also marks the launch of a new production line for Short’s that will fill 22-ounce bottles. Look for more bomber-bottle releases in the coming months. n Brewery Vivant is launching a wood-aged wild and sour beer program. The new series, which kicked off with the release of Barrel Weiss to celebrate the company’s fifth anniversary in December, will be bottled in 500-milliliter glass bottles. Initial plans call for three to four styles to be released on a quarterly basis, as well as special limited edition one-off varieties “as time, space and wildness allows,” said Kate Avery, Brewery Vivant’s abbess of beer and director of sales and marketing. And, for all those looking forward to a day of drinking at day two of the Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Fest in Grand Rapids: Brewery Vivant is again offering its Brewer’s Big Breakfast, starting at 8 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 27 at the pub at 925 Cherry St. in Grand Rapids. All are welcome. No reservation needed.

—Reported by Joe Boomgaard

Michigan Booze Release of the Month Long Road Distillers — The Wayfarer’s Whisky Series

W

hen it laid down several varieties of whisky six months ago, Long Road Distillers decided to use smaller-than-normal wooden barrels as they experimented with different recipes, said co-founder Kyle VanStrien. The result: The spirits took on the barrel characteristics more quickly, leading LRD to plan a limited release of two young rye whiskies in early March. The release includes a single-barrel cask-strength version that clocks in at 124 proof that came out of the first barrel the company made. It’s distilled from Heffron Farms rye and Pilot Malt House malted barley. As well, LRD plans a rye whisky blend from several small barrels made with the same mash that will be around 92 proof. VanStrien tells Revue that Long Road has several recipes in total with various mash bills, so look for more offerings in the Wayfarer’s Whisky Series in the coming months.

—Reported by Joe Boomgaard

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Dining Q&A

by Nick Macksood

Are you self-taught or did you go to culinary school?

My culinary education is about half from my family and half trial-by-fire from working in restaurants. I’ve always had that personality where I’ll say I know how to do something and then really quickly learn how to do it.

From my family I just got such a passion for understanding how to cook. Ever since I could read, I would leave the library with 15 cookbooks.

Even if it just started with looking at pictures, it was that familiarization.

So now I’m the culinary encyclopedia where I could give you anything at the drop of a hat.

Who were you reading?

Julia Child is my homegirl. French cuisine is my background. I love the idea of the self-made chef in the sense that all it really takes is a love of good food and the desire to get better at it. But I always laugh because I’ve had friends and colleagues who went to culinary school and got top marks at fantastic, international culinary schools and I can cook circles around them. They can do food like you do science — they can give you correct temperatures on everything. I will fully admit that their knife skills are better than mine, but all of my food tastes better than theirs.

Torrence O’Haire, president of the Grand Rapids Bartender’s Guild

Table Talk:

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Torrence O’Haire Table Talk is a column where I sit down with the men and women of the food industry and talk shop: The sweet and sour, the salt and bitter. This month I met with the multi-faceted Torrence O’Haire at the Downtown Market.

Let’s see if I can nail down O’Haire. He’s the culinary coordinator at the Downtown Market, runs Grand Rapids’ only underground restaurant: The Full Moon Supper Club, heads the TheStarvingArtistGR.com. Oh, and he’s also the founder and president of the Grand Rapids Bartender’s Guild.

Here’s what he said to Revue about his time in the kitchen.

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Is food an art or a science?

It’s absolutely both. It makes it trite to think of it as either or. You can know all of the science but if your food has no soul to it? It doesn’t matter how technical your food is, if people don’t want to eat it, then what are you really doing? Similarly, if all you’re doing is conceptualizing things and you have no ability to reproduce things or manifest your ideas, you’re lost as well.

So what would you like to see more of in Grand Rapids?

Cocktails. We need a better drinking culture across the board in Grand Rapids. A lot of that is based on this social mentality where people don’t like to be challenged. They don’t like to try new things.

But it seems like the trend is to appreciate the artisanship that goes into great food and drink. Do you think the food scene here is moving forward?

Grand Rapids is headed in the right direction. I think it’s in its teenage years, where it likes a lot of ideas but doesn’t know what they mean. And there are some that are doing incredibly well, which is great.

How would you describe the local industry?

We’ve bred a service industry and not a hospitality industry. My definition of that is: Client has money. Business has something the client wants. So business does whatever it takes to get the client’s money. It becomes completely transactional. It becomes that Yelp experience.

“Julia Child is my homegirl. … I love the idea of the self-made chef in the sense that all it really takes is a love of good food and the desire to get better at it.”

What’s the upside to a hospitality state of mind?

In the hospitality industry, it becomes much more based on trusting the host’s ability to take care of you. One of my favorite quotes of all time is from Riat Severin, “To be a host is to be in charge of your guests’ happiness the entire time they are under your roof.” I’m not interested in what you want. You are here because you know that I’m going to take care of you. Therefore the onus is on me to take care of you in an obscenely well way. The restaurant becomes so much more about the relationship and the communication.

That sounds like what you’re trying to achieve with the Full Moon Supper Club.

Sure. Well, [November] was actually our five-year anniversary. Basically, we do these social dinners on the last Sunday of every month. Nothing’s done for profit, it’s all just a social experiment where everybody chips in to cover the cost of the evening and it turns into a dinner party of strangers.

You meet new people and everybody sits around the dinner table eating and drinking. n

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Dining

Terra GR 1429 Lake Dr. 616-301-0998 AMERICAN. Terra boasts fresh, healthy ingredients in every dish. The restaurant doesn’t feature one menu, either. It offers a Saturday and Sunday brunch menu, as well as menus for lunch, dinner, dessert, beverages, wine, happy hour and kids. The food is inspired by the seasons and ingredients come straight from one of Michigan’s many farms. » SERVING: Brunch Lunch Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh foods with ingredients from regional growers.

Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill 760 Butterworth St. SW. 616-272-3910 AMERICANA. You might walk into Tip Top for the cheap happy hour specials or one of the many rockabilly acts. But get comfortable with one of the venue’s signature menu items. Get classic with a sandwich or burger, but we recommend immersing yourself fully in GR’s West Side and ordering Tip Top’s Polish Plate. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Dinner, drinks and a show.

The Winchester 648 Wealthy St. SE. 616-451-4969 ECLECTIC. This upscale bar and restaurant feels like it was plucked from Chicago’s Bucktown or Logan Square neighborhoods. A comfortable spot to drink or dine, with an always evolving menu featuring shared plates, salads and inventive sandwiches and specials.

When available, some produce items are harvested from their garden across the street. » SERVING: Brunch Lunch Dinner

OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: DIY Bloody Mary Bar Special, Yucca Fries.

Wolfgang’s Restaurant 1530 Wealthy St. SE. 616-454-5776 BREAKFAST. The bustling Eastown breakfast spot is home to some of the heartiest breakfast dishes and funniest menu descriptions. Courteous staff never fails to offer a cup of coffee to go after we’ve finished breakfast. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Open 7 days.

GO THERE FOR: Breakfast all day.

Lakeshore 8th Street Grille 20 W. 8th St., Holland. 616-392-5888 AMERICAN. This eclectic grille offers a mix of draft and bottled craft beers and a variety of pub classics and new, American beer-inspired dishes. Happy hour includes half-off appetizers and $1 off drafts. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: 28 taps of craft beer.

Bil-Mar Restaurant 1223 S. Harbor St., Holland. 616-842-5920 AMERICAN. A destination restaurant for more than 60 years. Dazzling sunsets

and an all-American menu featuring fresh seafood and handcut steaks. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Lake perch, lobster strudel, prime rib.

CityVu Bistro 61 E 7th Street, Holland. 616-796-2114 AMERICAN. A distinctive rooftop dining experience in downtown Holland with fresh gourmet flatbreads and an array of seasonal entrees. The contemporary-yet-casual atmosphere, full bar and unique menus make it the ideal spot for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: flatbreads Fricano’s Pizza Tavern 1400 Fulton Ave., Grand Haven. 616-842-8640 ITALIAN. Claims to be the first pizzeria in Michigan, but customers care less about its longevity than the amazingly crispy thin crust and simple ingredients atop its much-lauded pies. Four other locations around West MI, including Comstock Park, Muskegon, Holland and Kalamazoo. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days.

GO THERE FOR: Pizza.

Hops at 84 East 84 East 8th St., Holland. 616-396-8484 TAVERN. A beautiful taproom sporting reclaimed wood and copper. With 60 beer taps, two English beer machines, eight wine taps and an extensive spirits menu, Hops has a special beverage for everyone.

The menu includes brick-oven pizza, burgers and sandwiches, chicken wings and a rotating special of the day. There are also gluten-free options, including their famous pizza. Several large-screen TVs adorn the restaurant if you’re in the mood to watch the big game. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Craft beer and brick-oven pizza.

Kirby House 2 Washington, Grand Haven. 616-846-3299 AMERICAN. The Grill Room doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is — a chop house and grill. Atmosphere is warm with Tuscan tones, atmospheric lighting, classically cool music and leather booths. The menu focuses on steaks and chops and makes no apologies. The steaks are prime USDA choice, the seafood selection immaculate, and the wine and beverage list is top shelf. Relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Nightlife.

New Holland Brewing Company 66 E. 8th St., Holland. 616-355-6422 BREWPUB. One of West MI’s premier microbreweries serves up better than average pub grub, including savory sandwiches chock full of Michigan ingredients, plus a seasonal entree menu. Also try their artisan spirits. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Mad Hatter IPA, Dragon’s Milk.

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Dining

Phil’s Bar & Grille 215 Butler St., Saugatuck. 269-857-1555 AMERICAN. This cozy (some would say “small”) bar and grille in downtown Saugatuck is one of those unassuming spots you might easily overlook, though locals in Saugatuck will tell you about their love affair with Phil’s. Eclectic menu is all over the place, but in a good way, and the staff is super-friendly. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Portabella Mushroom Fries.

Salt of the Earth 114 East Main St., Fennville. 269-561-7258 AMERICAN. Salt of the Earth is a farm-to-table-inspired restaurant, bar, and bakery located in the heart of SW Michigan farm country in Fennville. Focuses on fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients whenever possible. Also serves up live music on weekends. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: House made rustic cuisine.

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

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek

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Arcadia Brewing Co. 103 Michigan Ave., Battle Creek. 269-963-9520 BREWPUB. You’ll find some of the usual suspects on the Battle Creek brewpub’s menu, including wood-fired pizzas and some of the best barbecue in the region. But you’ll also find some delightful surprises — Osso Bucco in a brewpub?! — on the menu, courtesy of award-winning Chef Sean Kelly. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Handcrafted ales and barbecue.

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Bell’s Eccentric Cafe 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave. 269-382-2332 BREWPUB. The Eccentric Café features eclectic fare sourced from sustainable local ingredients, inspired by and designed to complement Bell’s award-winning beers. On tap, you’ll find 30-40 different beers, many exclusive to the Café and brewed right next door at the original brewery. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The Beer Bravo!

5402 Portage Rd., Kalamazoo 269-344-7700 ITALIAN. Muchlauded restaurant has earned its stripes over 23 years as one of the region’s best dining experiences, including a 3-star rating in the 2010 Forbes Travel Guide. The Tuscan-inspired cuisine is spectacular, the atmosphere comfortable and intimate, and the service first-rate. Also brews its own beer in small batches for pairings with menu offerings. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. (Closed Sat. lunch) GO THERE FOR: A great dining experience.

Central City Taphouse 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall. (269) 492-0100 TAPHOUSE. If Central City doesn’t have the kind of beer you want on tap, you’ll probably find it with the 75+ bottles. OH, you say you’re not

a beer drinker? Well, Central City offers 20 wine ‘taps’ and a full bar. If you’re not the drinking type, that’s cool too. There are a number of food options to pick from, including a raw menu, a pizza menu and the all-day menu, which features burgers, soups and entrees. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Diverse beverage selection.

Fieldstone Grille 3970 W. Centre St., Portage. 269-321-8480 AMERICAN. Lodge-retreat atmosphere overlooking the Moors Golf Club natural wetlands. The “field-to-plate” menu features burgers, pizzas, steaks and some eclectic items like quail.

Try the FSG chips, a combination of potato, beet and sweet potato chips. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Blue Burger, Almond Crusted Walleye, FSG Chips.

Food Dance 401 E. Michigan Ave. 269-382-1888 AMERICAN. Food Dance is committed to building a thriving and sustainable local food system, supporting artisans who practice craft food processes. It’s about the connection with people and places the food comes from. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, private dining space, catering and delivery, while an on-site market offers humanely raised meats, artisan cheeses, fresh bread and pastries. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh Local Foods.

Martell’s 3501 Greenleaf Blvd., Kalamazoo. 269-375-2105 AMERICAN. Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood that overlooks Willow Lake, Martell’s offers casual ambiance and an expansive menu with steaks, prime rib and other comfort food entrées like Italian style meatloaf and pork shank. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days (Sundays-dinner only) GO THERE FOR: Quiet casual ambiance.

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

Old Dog Tavern 402 East Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo. 269-381-5677 AMERICAN. The food at Old Dog Tavern is just about as eclectic as the entertainment offered. The menu has so much on it that it might even bring some harmony between picky and adventurous eaters. » SERVING: Brunch Lunch Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The eclectic menu options.

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

To submit or to correct information in a dining listing, e-mail editor@revuewm.com.

Upcoming issues March The Style Issue Revue spotlights chic shopping hot spots, must-have items, and profiles fashionable locals, designers and stylists.

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Downtown Grand Rapids

89

Last Call

by Rei Robinson / photo by Katy Batdorff

THE Jungle Bird

How to make it:

The Black Heron on the West Side of Grand Rapids makes The Jungle Bird with a tincture of the sunset shone warm about the verdant lime wedge.

Shake that mother. Serve with a lime zest and garnish with the wedge.

Black Heron Kitchen & Bar, 428 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids

In this cocktail, the Campari and pineapple burst onto one’s palate like a phantom grapefruit lemonade inception. This Bird alights upon the tongue.

1 ½ oz. aged rum 1 ½ oz. fresh lime juice 1 ½ oz. simple syrup ½ oz. Campari 1 oz. pineapple juice

I believe it was Henrik Ibsen who wrote, “A forest bird never wants a cage. And I never want to see the bottom of this glass, y’got me?”

But then again, I have been drinking.

90 | REVUEWM.COM | February 2016

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