January 2016, Revue Magazine by Serendipity Media

West Michigan’s Entertainment Guide for 28 Years » January 2016

Free! / Music / style / Dining / Beer

punch it up!

with CKO Kickboxing’s Shelby Reno

Are you ready to sweat, West Michigan?

It’s 2016! Where to get fit in the New Year

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From The Big Screen to the Broadway Stage. How the Academy Award-winning Indie film sensation was transformed into the 8-time Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. MILLER AUDITORIUM | (269) 387- 2300 | MILLERAUDITORIUM.COM

Once The Musical, Monday & Tuesday, Jan. 25 & 26 @ 7:30 p.m. Original Australian Company, Photos by Jeff Busby

In 2007, the charming, off-beat Irish film Once opened to glowing reviews and quickly developed a fervent following. The touching, lyrical musical tells the story of two down-on-their-luck musicians, an angst-ridden Dublin street singer/ songwriter who works as a vacuum repairman, and a Czech immigrant who sells flowers in order to support herself and her family. Girl (as she is known) initiates a friendship with Guy (as he is known), and in the course of a week they make music together, fall in love and part, but not before changing each other’s lives. The movie’s stars, Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, also wrote much of the score, and received an Oscar for their beautiful ballad, “Falling Slowly.” The film was turned into a Broadway musical and won eight 2012 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Direction of a Musical. Once is simultaneously graceful and gritty. The 12 adult members of the cast play at least one instrument and are onstage virtually throughout the show. “I didn’t want anyone onstage who we

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catches glimpses of the lives of the other didn’t get to know intimately,” says John Tiffan — characters. “We needed to be sure that there are Director. By individualizing each character, adds all these other love stories in the air. Each person Enda Walsh —Writer, “we built a community, is riffing off a love that’s been lost, that got away. and that became the heart of the piece. They’re That was the key: for the audience to feel part of an ensemble of misshapen people who sing and the experience, and also to look at tell the story. Watching them play the music and sing and the people on the stage and go, ... I felt like I was find their voice is very beautiful ‘They’re us.’” watching it with and very strong. But in addition The material has proved to be as to making it about community, everyone I’ve powerful onstage as it is on film. “I we also wanted the show to think what’s very moving about the ever loved ... be hugely communal. So how piece is how sometimes we meet do we do that? We allow the people who we don’t necessarily audience onstage.” stay with forever, but they give us the resources to Prior to the start of the show, the audience is move on to the next part of our life,” says Tiffany. welcome to come onstage and mingle with the “There’s something very truthful in that. People have said to me, ‘When I was sitting in the theatre cast, who are having a jam session. This bonding watching Once, I felt like I was watching it with ritual doesn’t merely break the fourth wall; it obliterates it. “We wanted the audience to everyone I’ve ever loved, whether or not they’re still in my life.’” own the experience,” says Walsh. As the show unfolds, the focus is, of course, on the relationship between Guy and Girl, but the audience also

11/9/15 9:05 AM

What’s Inside

January 2016 | Volume 28, Issue 1

SCENE: 13 Random Notes 14 What’s Going On This Month 16 Eclectic 18 All Ages

SOUNDS: 20 16 Bands To Watch In 2016 22 Touring: Todd Rundgren 24 Touring: Umphrey’s McGee 26 Songs We Like: WYCE’s 2015 Favorites 28 Album Reviews 30 Touring: Lamb of God

The Fit Issue

Salt of the earth

SPECIAL SECTION: 33 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 52

Fit Issue Unconventional Fitness Fashion Cover Story: Shelby Reno Profile Fitness Mix Health Food Stores Hot Yoga Trainer Profiles Marathon Runner Profile Gazelle Run Camp Fit Hotspots

SIGHTS:

Best songs of 2015 local Bands to watch

57 58 60 62

Theatre: ONCE at Miller Auditorium Style Notes Indie Film: Hitchcock/Truffaut Comedy: John Heffron

DINING & DRINKING: 65 72 74 76 78 82

Restaurant Guide Chef Q&A: Chef Gilles Beer: Cedar Springs Brewery Taste This: Salt of the Earth Beer Briefs Last Call: Sidebar

Letter from the Editor

our eyes are not playing tricks on you.

Beer and snacks aside, this FIT Issue is also

This is indeed a copy of Revue, your

stacked with a variety of unconventional fitness

favorite local Arts & Entertainment

options. From hot yoga to kick boxing, we’ve spot-

magazine. You’ve snagged our FIT Issue, a guide

lighted just a smattering of what West Michigan

to living healthy in West Michigan. Sure, this

has to offer. If you’re burned out on running on

might be a bit confusing considering most of the

your treadmill, or you’re simply ready to stop

time we’re raving about calorific beer and dining

Netflixing away your life, this could be the most

options. But stick with us on this one — there are

important magazine you pick up all year. Perhaps

some fun tips and tricks in here.

Wacko Jacko said it best when he sassily shouted,

Revue chatted with a long roster of local personal trainers, yoga instructors and other health

“Make that change, it’s gonna feel real good — shamone!” Words to live by.

buffs. We asked them many pertinent queries, like: “How do I lose my beer gut?” and “Is beer OK to work into my diet?” See, that’s not so bad, is it?

W est M ichig a n ’ s E n terta i n me n t G ui 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 Nick Madsood Missy Black Steve Miller Michael Coletta Eric Mitts Amanda Denomme Mayra Monroy Steven G. de Polo Nicole Rico Mark Deming Rei Robinson Audria Larsen Josh Spanninga Dwayne Hoover Contributing Photographer Katy Batdorff, Tim Priest

We also tackle important subjects like, “What Revue Minions Michael Coletta, Elma Talundzic, Jacqueline Bull, Kristen Guilbert

are the healthiest snacks I can munch on?” Enquiring minds want to know, so we dug in and reported the hard facts.

Rich Tupica, Managing Editor

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

REVUE WANTS YOUR OPINION

Take our 2016 Reader Survey! Please let us know how we’re doing and what you think we should be covering.

visit revuewm.com/survey 10 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

Find us online! Website: revuewm.com Twitter: twitter.com/revuewm Facebook: facebook.com/revuewm

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: Shelby Reno of CKO Kickboxing. Photo by Tim Priest, Nodal Point Ltd. See page 38.

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Random Notes

Torres

MUSIC ///

browse for a new novel to devour. Through the years, Schichtel has produced acts like Vox Vidorra, Beast in the Field, Black Monuments and Jimmie Stagger and has worked with international musicians like Eddie Angel, Larry Taylor and Tobin Sprout.

FESTIVALS ///

The Microbrew and Music Festival returns Feb. 13 in downtown Traverse City. Since 2009, the festival has combined dozens of craft brews with local eats and music from both local and national performers. This year’s brews are provided by Terra Firma Brewery, Founders Brewing Co., Brewery Vivant, Acoustic Mead, Dark Horse Brewing Co, Bells, North Peak, New Holland, Mountain Town Brewing, Hop Lot Brewing Co., Arcadia Ales and many others. Enjoy your brew in the new dining tent or next to a bonfire. There will also be fire and hula dancers. The event features music from Drew Hale, Calliope Musicals, Brotha James, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Billy Strings, Lowdown Brass Band, Whistle Stop Revue, DJ Johnnie Walker, Chardon Polka Band and Turbo Pup, among others. According to its website: “These events are proof that we can support one another and support the greater good, all while having a fantastic time.” Check out microbrewandmusic.com for more details.

FILM ///

Those who have fanned the flames of their undying love for Tarantino by watching the newly released The Hateful Eight can ride out that feeling by following it up with a Pulp Fiction “Quote Along” at Kalamazoo’s Alamo Drafthouse. On Jan. 14 at 7 p.m., movie-goers are encouraged to recite all of their favorite quotes along with the movie and if that wasn’t enough, The Drafthouse will supply cap guns to everyone in attendance, making this a shoot-along, as well. Attendees can also show up early to participate in a Jack Rabbit Slim’s Twist Competition. 18 and up. Visit drafthouse.com/kalamazoo or call (269) 532-7990 to grab tickets.

BOOKS ///

True Crime fanatics should check out True Crime: Murder in Grosse Pointe Park at the Grand Rapids Public Library on Jan. 27 at 7 p.m. Author and journalist (and Revue contributor) Steve Miller discusses his latest book: Murder in Grosse Pointe Park: Privilege, Adultery, and the Killing of Jane Bashara as well as the true-crime genre and its growing popularity. Miller’s new book details the death of Jane Bashara, who was murdered at the hands of a handymanturned-hitman hired by her husband. A book signing follows the presentation.

Heads up local foodies! This one’s for you. Schuler Books hosts Lost Restaurants of Grand Rapids on Jan. 14. Presented by Norma Lewis, a member of the Grand Rapids Historical Society, the event explores the history of some of Grand Rapids’ most beloved restaurants as well as Lewis’ new book. Hear stories about the old days, when a person could trade an animal pelt for food, or learn about Spooky, a German shepherd trained to serve beer to patrons. The event starts at 7 p.m.

THEATRE ///

From Jan. 14-17 you can check out The Mountaintop at Kalamazoo College. Presented by Black Arts & Cultural Center, the play is a fictional depiction of Martin Luther King’s last few hours on earth. Written by American playwright Katori Hall, this performance marks the first season for Face Off Theatre Company. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit kalamazooarts.org. n Random Notes was compiled by Allan I. Ross. For more music, beer and entertainment news (and free stuff!), find us on Facebook and Twitter and sign up for our weekly enewsletter at revuewm.com.

Coming Next Month: The Cheap Issue! Ad Reservation Deadline: Jan. 15 / Editorial Deadline: Jan. 5 REVUEWM.COM | January 2016 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Those missing early-’90s era PJ Harvey might want to check out Torres at the Pyramid Scheme Jan. 13. Torres, also known as Mackenzie Scott, has previously appeared on Sharon Van Etten’s 2014 album Are We There? as well as toured alongside Van Etten, Hamilton Leithauser and Okkervil River, finishing off 2015 as Garbage’s opening act. Also performing Jan. 13 are Palehound and June Earth. 7 pm, $12 advance, $14 at the door, all ages. Tickets are at pyramidschemebar.com. On Jan. 22 Stephen Kellogg stops at Seven Steps Up to play songs from his new album South, West, North, East. The album is comprised of four parts, each representing a different region of America. It was recorded in different areas of America with different co-producers and musicians taking the helm at each turn. The result is a collection of 20 songs showing how diverse the music of America is. Listeners can check out three quarters of the album West and North on Spotify. East goes up on Jan. 15 and the album will be up in its entirety on Feb. 12. Tickets range from $35-$45 and can be purchased at pindropconcerts.com. Combine two great pasttimes by listening to music in the library via Grand Rapids Public Library’s Music in the Stacks series. Tommy Schichtel of the Concussions, The B-Sides and FUZZRITES performs amid the books on Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. Check out his instrumental surf music and garage band/vocal pop while you

Stephen Kellog

/// best bets

Shane Mauss at Dr. Grins

Eddy The Chief Clearwater at Tip Top

Chris Bathgate at Founders Brewing

10 things to do this month Shane Mauss at Dr. Grins 20 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Jan. 7–9, $5–$15 thebob.com/drgrinscomedy

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Best known for winning “Best Stand-Up” at HBO’s Us Comedy Arts Festival in 2007, Shane Mauss is performs Jan. 7-9 at Dr. Grins. Mauss, 35, has made several TV appearances on everything from Conan, Jimmy Kimmel Live and Comedy Central Presents. For a sample of his bits, check out his special Mating Season, it’s streaming on Netflix. Also, his new album My Big Break is available on iTunes.

Clearwater, 80, has been a Chicago-blues fixture since the ‘50s. His scorching, signature riffs span blues, rock, rockabilly, gospel and country. According to DownBeat Magazine, “He lays down some gritty West Side shuffles and belly-grinding slow blues that highlight his raw chops, soulful vocals, and earthy, humorous lyrics.” This tour is in support of his new CD, Soul Funky.

Jeff Dunham at Van Andel Arena 130 West Fulton, Grand Rapids Jan. 14, 7:30 p.m., $49 vanandelarena.com, (616) 742-6600

Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater at Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill 760 Butterworth St. SW, Grand Rapids Jan. 9, 3 p.m. doors, 4 p.m. show, $20 (616) 272-3910 If you love the blues, but prefer the real deal, this is your ticket. Known for self-described “rock-a-blues” style, Eddy “The Chief ”

14 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

Arguably the most popular ventriloquistcomedian touring these days, Jeff Dunham, 53, has created several unique characters over the course of his career. Names like Walter the Grumpy Retiree, Achmed the Dead Terrorist and Redneck Bubba J. are names many bluecollar Comedy Central viewers are sure to recognize. Catch Dunham and his dummies when he stops at Van Andel Arena during his Perfectly Unbalanced Tour.

whartoncenter.com, (517) 353-1982

Master Class: Nils Neubert at Betty Van Andel Opera Center 1320 East Fulton St., Grand Rapids Jan. 15, 2 p.m. operagr.org, (616) 451-2741 Offering classes with prominent opera scholars, performers and directors, Opera Grand Rapids’ Master Class series is open to public. This month Tenor Nils Neubert — who performs in opera, oratorio and recital — makes a stop at the Betty Van Andel Opera Center. Neubert, a Juilliard School and Columbia University graduate, is a Hamburg, Germanynative now living in New York City with his wife, pianist Yuri Kim. Seating is limited and provided on a first-come basis at the door.

Valentijn Dhaenens: Bigmouth at Wharton Center 750 E. Shaw Ln., East Lansing Jan. 15, 8 p.m., $45

Graduating from the Conservatory of Antwerp with a master in the Dramatic Arts, Valentijn Dhaenens (aka Bigmouth) explores a selection of famous speeches and their power to influence the masses. He delves into speeches given by John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Socrates, Josef Goebbels, Muhammad Ali, Osama bin Laden and George W. Bush. Prolong your night by checking out Wharton’s free Insight Preview beforehand at 7:15 p.m., or the After Chat, a free question and answer session after the performance.

Chris Bathgate at Founders Brewing Co. 235 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Jan. 23, 9:30 p.m., $5, 21+ foundersbrewing.com, (616) 776-1195 American indie folk singer-songwriter/ musician Chris Bathgate performs Jan. 23 at Founders Brewing Co. Bathgate, a true troubadour, is a prominent figure in Michigan’s folk music scene and has released several albums on Ann Arbor’s own Quite Scientific Records. His upcoming EP, Old Factory, is slated for an early 2016 release. Fans of

JAN

OH WONDER

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

Blue ManGroup at DeVos Performance Hall

Stevens or Iron & Wine might want to check him out. Opening the show are Yellow Paper Planes and Bear Medicine.

Ira Glass at Miller Auditorium 2200 Auditorium Dr., Kalamazoo Jan. 24, 3 p.m., $25-$50 millerauditorium.com, (269) 387-2300 Fans of This American Life will get a chance to find out what it takes to create the show they love. On Jan. 24, Ira Glass makes an appearance at Miller Auditorium to talk about how the hour-long radio program is put together, including how stories are found and selected. Glass also recounts some funny and memorable moments that occurred while creating the segments.

355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo Jan 29, Doors: 8pm, Show: 9pm, $15 bellsbeer.com/eccentric-café, (269) 382-2332 Playing alongside BoneHawk and Reptilian, Small Brown Bike headlines its first Michigan show since 2011 on Jan. 29 at Bell’s Eccentric Café. The acclaimed post-hardcore band has released a handful of albums over the years via No Idea Records and Lookout! Records. The Marshall, Mich.-based band and has also toured with a roster of big names, including: Saves The Day, Hot Water Music, Sparta and Cursive, among others.

DAUGHTER

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

Blue Man Group at DeVos Performance Hall 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Feb. 2-3, 7:30 p.m., $35-$70 broadwaygrandrapids.com, (616) 235-6285 Presented by Broadway Grand Rapids, the Blue Man Group hits the stage Feb. 2-3 at DeVos Performance Hall. Since its genesis in 1991, the high-energy production has been seen by over 35 million people worldwide. The Crayola-blue group infuses comedy, theater, dance and rock into their performance, creating a multi-sensory, interactive experience.

MAR

BEN RECTOR

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

Richard Marx: An Acoustic Solo at Kalamazoo State Theatre 404 S. Burdick, Kalamazoo Feb. 5, 7 p.m., $22.50-$75 kazoostate.com, (269) 345-6500 Richard Marx is more than just your mother’s favorite late ‘80s crooner. He’s won Grammy Awards for both his singing and songwriting and topped the Billboard charts. This February he stops at the Kalamazoo State Theatre to acoustically perform all of his hits, like “Right Here Waiting” and “Should’ve Known Better” — only this time minus the mullet and acid-wash jeans. n

APR

THE MOUNTAIN GOATS with special guest | Covenant Fine Arts Center | 9pm | $20

Changing the conversation about popular culture.

www.calvin.edu/boxoﬃce

616.526.6282 REVUEWM.COM | January 2016 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Small Brown Bike at Bell’s Eccentric Café

MAR

/// Eclectic

Eclectic Fun in January Monday

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

Tuesday

Tall Boy Tuesday $3.5 domestic tall boys

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

$4 aPPeTiZers

Sun-Thurs, 9pm-1am

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

16 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

Get inspired with eclectic events this month. Transport yourself on a wild-dance journey, dominate the ice, learn about radical local women and get gnarly with a Snurfer. By Audria Larsen

West Michigan Fitness Speed Skating Club

Griff’s Ice House, 30 Coldbrook St. NE, Grand Rapids Tuesdays, 6–7:30 p.m. Free! wmsc.com, (616) 235-9940

The West Michigan Speed Skating Club offers a weekly meet up where you can try an Olympic sport and sweat it out on the ice. Short track speed skating is open to all ages, although you should probably be able to stand on your own two feet. For those new to the ice, experience is not required and certified coaches are on hand to offer instruction and ensure you are grouped with skates of similar ability. Skates are provided and the event is free, but you must contact the club prior to arrival to ensure properly sized equipment is available for you.

Freestyle: The Art of the Snowboard at Muskegon Museum of Art through Jan. 10

origins, how it changed snow sports and the creative work of our hometown craftsman.

MOMIX Freestyle: The Art of the Snowboard

Miller Auditorium, 2200 Auditorium Dr., Kalamazoo Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m. $25-$45 millerauditorium.com, (269) 387-2300

This past Christmas marks the 50th anniversary of Sherm Poppen’s brainchild, the Snurfer. For those not in the know, he is the inventor of what is now the modern snowboard. The original board is housed at the Smithsonian Institution but the Muskegon Museum of Art is featuring over 30 Marhar Snowboards, which are manufactured in Michigan and to this day are fabricated by hand. The exhibit celebrates the Snurfer’s Muskegon

MOMIX returns to the Miller Auditorium offering a new, stunning dance production, ALCHEMY, where the audience is taken on a journey “into an enchanting, magical, ethereal, dream world: the World of the Unconscious.” The creator and director, Moses Pendleton, blends movement of the human body with visual imagery and music that mesmerizes audiences. Described as “full of aesthetic thrills, surprising metamorphosis, and the sexuality of nature,” MOMIX uses “nothing more than light, shadow, props, and the human body.” Pendleton claims he himself is an alchemist and, with performances like these, perhaps he is.

Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 W Webster Ave., Muskegon Through Jan. 10 muskegonartmuseum.org, (231) 720-2570

History Detectives: Sleuthing for Local History

Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library St. NE, Grand Rapids Jan. 23, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Free! grpl.org, (616) 988-5400

Learn more about our fair city at this day-long event that offers six programs exploring local history. Presented by area historians, a diverse array of topics are offered from The Intoxicating History of River City Brewing and Retail Icons: Shopping Downtown in 1950s Grand Rapids to Kindergarten and “Radical” Women in 1890s Grand Rapids and When “Everyone Knew Everyone:” Forming a Latino Community in Mid-Century West Michigan, to name a few. The event is free and boxed lunches are available for purchase. Email rsvp@grpl.org to purchase a lunch. n

Presents:

Grand Rapids Public Library

A Discussion about

TRUE CRIME with Murder in Grosse Pointe Park author STEVE MILLER Grand Rapids Public Library Main Library â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 111 Library St NE, Grand Rapids

Wednesday, Jan. 27, 7 p.m. FREE

grpl.org/events Michigan-based author and journalist Steve Miller will discuss his latest true-crime book Murder in Grosse Pointe Park: Privilege, Adultery, and the Killing of Jane Bashara. He will look at the genre of true crime, the Bashara case, how it was handled by the media and how the true crime genre is hugely popular on TV and in books but is also the ultimate guilty pleasure. A book signing will follow the presentation. About the Author: Steve Miller has over 20 years of experience in daily newspaper, Web and magazine reporting and writing. Miller has covered countless trials and murder cases, including serving time as a court and cops beat reporter at the Dallas Morning News and writing about numerous national crimes as a national reporter for the Washington Times, The Daily Beast, High Times, People magazine and U.S. News and World Report. He is also a 2012 Edgar nalist for his book, Girl, Wanted: The Chase for Sarah Pender.

616-988-5400 â&#x2013; grpl.org

Sponsored by:

/// All Ages

Family Activities in January Make that New Year’s resolution to get out, get moving and get healthy as a family in the Winter Wonderland that is our Michigan.

Happy Shoe Year

By Steven G. de Polo

Happy Shoe Year

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Ludington State Park 8800 W. M-116, Ludington Jan. 2, 9, 23 and Feb. 6, 6-8 p.m. FREE with Recreation Passport required for entry (231) 843-9261

Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites the family to cross-country ski, snowshoe or hike the lantern-lit trails at Happy Shoe Year, held at Ludington State Park. The hikes are part of America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative happening in all 50 states. Revisit the park’s sand dunes, shoreline vistas, ponds, marshlands and forests amidst wintertime quietude. The lighted trails begin at the park warming shelter where 40 pairs of snowshoes will be lent out. Park staff will be on hand to help visitors get started. Remember to dress in layers. Along the trail, a campfire will be available where trail-lovers can warm themselves and enjoy a hot beverage. That’s where you will find this writer.

Yoga Fever

18 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

The Bremen Town Musicians: Nothing is Worthless Lowell Performing Arts Center 11700 Vergennes, Lowell Jan.15 at 7 p.m., Jan. 16 at 2:30 p.m. $5, FREE for children 2 and under lowellartsmi.org

The LowellArts! Players Youth Theater presents the comedy The Bremen Town Musicians: Nothing is Worthless. It’s directed by Brent Alles and was written by playwright Ric Averill of the Lawrence Arts Center in Kansas. Featuring a dozen young actors,

the play spins a classic fairy tale with four farm animals (a donkey, dog, cat, and rooster) who are kicked out of their homes for being worthless. Instead of giving up, they put on a concert that scares off a robber and they live happily ever after. The same story turns into an urban fairy tale, where four homeless people play junkyard instruments. They prove their worth to city officials who look beyond the junkyard to see a sculpture park. Music, costumes and a love of art that brings people together — what’s not to like?

Yoga Fever 1154 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids $5 introductory classes from Jan. 18–31 yogafevergr.com, (616) 805-3603

Oh, my goodness it’s hot in here! Parents and their older children (18+) can get fit at Grand Rapids’ newest hot-yoga studio. Owner Shannon Austin opens Yoga Fever Jan. 15 in the Wealthy Business District and is offering $5 classes for the first two weeks. “We promise to provide a positive hot yoga experience from head to toe,” Austin said. The studio offers a balanced, alignment-based yoga practice where oldschool traditions are combined with contemporary hot vinyasa classes. You will detox, de-stress, tone-up, find inner peace and, of course, sweat. Look for beginner and lunch hour classes, sun-salutation flows,

slow flows and — you guessed it — hot-andsweaty flows. The studio boasts state-of-the-art heating, humidification and an energy recovery system with natural cork floors that are easy on the joints.

Southwest MI Family Wellness Expo Kalamazoo County Expo Center & Fairground 2900 Lake Street, Kalamazoo Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. FREE, VIP $10 (early entry and special drawings) (269) 383-8778

Get a jump start on the healthy new you at the Southwest MI Family Wellness Expo. This fivehour expo features a wide variety of experts in the areas of health, fitness, wellness and holistic and homeopathic approaches. Get ready to be pinched, poked, twisted and turned for the sake of physical and mental well-being. Organized by Jeff Weber of Gingerbeard Events, the show is for everyone from seniors and teens, to children and adults. It hosts speakers and demonstrations, plus showcases new and proven health care products. Medical, fitness and holistic professionals will personally answer your questions and concerns. The expo benefits Mended Little Hearts of West Michigan, which supports children born with congenital heart defects. n

I READ SO HARD

THEY KICKED ME OUT OF

MY GRANDMA’S BOOK CLUB,

THE JAMMIES XVII

AND I HAD TO JOIN A NEW ONE.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19 The Intersection 5:30 – 11:00 pm ALL AGES | $5 Suggested Donation

With Performances by Vox Vidorra Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers Lady Ace Boogie The Lippies Scott Pellegrom Trio Big Dudee Roo Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish Brother Adams Sailor Kicks Shane Tripp

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

#ReadSoHard BOOK CLUB

with WYCE Legacy Award winner Ralston Bowles

Tuesday, January 12 7:00 pm Graydon’s Crossing 1223 Plainfield NE Join us for the launch of our newest book club.

Many more to come!

phot0 by Katy Batdorff

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 616.988.5400 WWW.GRPL.ORG/READSOHARD REVUEWM.COM | January 2016 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

MADE POSSIBLE BY

/// LOCAL MUSIC

16 Local Artists To Watch in 2016 by Eric Mitts

ach passing year provides new life and new opportunities to reexamine yourself, your opinions and your community. So as we all contemplate what 2016 will bring, it’s a great time to look at some of West Michigan’s best and brightest bands set to make this year one to remember. Comprised of both established and emerging artists — but not all-encompassing — this list should serve as a conversation starter for shared musical discovery and a celebration of some of the incredible things coming out of West Michigan.

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Big Dudee Roo

With vocalist/bassist Max Lockwood having won the award for best folk/country song at this past year’s ArtPrize and with the release of Big Dudee Roo’s terrific new EP, Dudee Free, just last month, this long-running rock band stands ready to emerge as one of West Michigan’s breakout stars. Its powerful sound, strong social conscience and small-town sense of community — spanning from their days growing up together in Wayland — should push them onto even greater and more widespread acclaim. Listen here: bigdudeeroo.bandcamp.com

Big Dudee Roo

20 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

6 2

Darling Down

Last year these Battle Creek rockers made a splash online with a single-shot video for their version of Demi Lovato’s “Cool for the Summer.” They were also a hit onstage when they opened for Buckcherry and Saving Abel in Kalamazoo. This year, look for frontwoman Amanda Legault and company to heat things up even more with a new album in the works that’s poised to capture the tempered resiliency of their city’s longstanding hard-rock scene. Listen here: darlingdown.com

Watching for Foxes

Arguably the band with the most buzz in the already buzzy local folkrock scene, this five-piece has a lot in store for 2016. They’ll start by releasing their first full-length album, which they recorded last year with Ben Zito from GR’s own folk-rock favorites The Crane Wives. Then Watching for Foxes returns to the road where their dark indie-folk, filled with howling harmonies and lush instrumentation, will no doubt earn them even more eager eyes and ears. Listen here: watchingforfoxes.bandcamp.com

Valentiger

Mainstays of West Michigan’s music scene since 2008, poprock veterans Valentiger have a massive tour already lined up for this month. And like anyone who dares to venture out on the road in January, their passion and confidence will no doubt help them earn a larger audience. The band’s heartfelt hooks have kept them going, and with a history of penning new tunes while travelling, don’t be surprised if they come back in February better than ever. Listen here: valentigermusic.com

hi-ker

Following the success of their stellar 2014 EP, this synth-pop outfit’s musical journey found them transforming from a four-piece into a trio over the past year. Their futuristic sound shouldn’t go unrecognized by any fans of like-minded West Michigan stars like B0RNS and Stepdad as they continue to explore indie music’s electronic side with more experimental daring than any band this accessible ever does. Listen here: hi-ker.bandcamp.com

Michigander

Capping off the past year with a huge headlining show at Kalamazoo’s Shakespeare’s Lower Level, singer-songwriter Jason Singer has already come a long way in just two short years. A true lyricist with a voice that compels impassioned sing-alongs, Singer and his band are quickly reshaping the contemporary-folk scene in their fickle college town while proving that living-room troubadours can take over even the biggest stages as long as they’ve really got something to say. Listen here: Michigander.bandcamp.com

AOK

Honestly there’s nothing quite like electronic duo AOK in all of West Michigan. With big guitars, big beats, and a big voice, compliments of vocalist Angela B., the band holds nothing back when they perform, bringing to mind acts like Sleigh Bells, but blowing them away with sheer volume and sonic diversity. Offstage they’re currently signed with rising GR label Hot Capicola Records, so perhaps that connection will help spread the word even well beyond West Michigan. Listen here: officialaokmusic.com

11 8

The Lippies

B. Sykes

While West Michigan’s hiphop scene continues to go sadly underappreciated, there is one name that has come up over and over again as the top rising star in the game: B. Sykes. The young rapper’s mix of old-school instrumentals and chill grooves with deft lyrical flow and conversational style makes his rhymes immensely personal, yet still great for the dancefloor. If his 2015 release Young Black Jesus is any indication, you better believe he’s ready to own 2016. Listen here: soundcloud.com/belvederesykes

Another remarkable voice in Grand Rapids is vocalist Tonia Broucek of feminist punk band The Lippies. She is a rare, raw talent, especially in this socially-conservative city. Coming off largescale shows in Chicago and Detroit, the band’s high-energy, high-velocity sound seems to be breaking out of the local scene. Not bad for a band that formed in late 2014. Listen here: thelippies.bandcamp.com

Drink Their Blood

Th i s s e l f - d e s c r i b e d “beastcore” band from Kalamazoo is both ridiculously technical and terrifyingly brutal. Their close connection with fantastic local video production company Three Goats Moving Pictures (including their own outstanding clip for their song “Ghosts”) showcases their multifaceted talents. They killed it when they opened for Mushroomhead at The Intersection last fall and frontman Ben Boggs outright shreds when he busts out his saxophone. If you’re looking for a truly different sound, look no further. Listen here: drinktheirblood.bandcamp.com

One of the strangest success stories in local music last year came when a mash-up cover that Kalamazoo indie-folk duo Less Is More hit over 20 million plays on Spotify. That unexpected smash fell outside their usual wheelhouse, but the exposure helped as the vocally-rich group expanded from the duo of singer/songwriters Jane Finkel and Brian Spencer to include Kzoo drummer Michael Sord. Expect to hear a lot from them in the coming months. Listen here: lessismoreband.com

Nordlund and the Nomad Assembly

West Michigan’s country music scene’s crown jewel is this rollicking four-piece. Releasing their debut late last year, RJ Nordlund and his roughneck gang gave Grand Rapids a good swift kick in the pants with their fresh, outlaw-country sound. With chops to match, and plenty of big shows already slated, they’ll surely win over the “I hate country music” folks. Listen here: nordlund.bandcamp.com

Nordlund and the Nomad Assembly

Plain Jane Glory

The husband and wife duo of guitarist/percussionist/vocalist Michael Boxer and fiddler/vocalist Laura Boxer have been paying their dues in the Americana scene for a long time, individually and together. Hailing from Muskegon, they’ve built up a following all along the lakeshore now, filling coffeehouses and microbreweries with the heartfelt harmonies of their brand of Neofolk. Currently they’re planning to release their highly anticipated second album, Grace of Hours, sometime this year. Listen here: plainjaneglory.com

The Trash Hounds

When drummer Josh Worsham left rising blues-rock duo Jesse Ray & the Carolina Catfish last year, right as that band was hitting its stride, it came as a shock to many around them. But when he returned a couple months later with this new, hardhitting trio, he proved he wasn’t packing in his kit just yet. Instead, we’re lucky enough to have two great bands to follow this year as both Jesse Ray and Worsham continue to make great music. Listen here: facebook.com/thetrashhounds

The Trash Hounds REVUEWM.COM | January 2016 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Less Is More

B. Sykes

The Sailor Kicks

Very few bands in West Michigan are more fun than The Sailor Kicks. Honestly, how often does anyone see a ukulele in a ska band? Or are they an Americana band who happens to have a predilection for horns and skanking? Either way they welcome everyone and anyone to ride their awesome wave of surf guitar and other rad sounds every time they take the stage, clad in their trademark sunglasses and Hawaiian shirts. Listen here: sailorkicks.com

Flood The Desert

Reinvigorated with the release of their new album Redemption late last fall, this progressive band is one of a small remaining handful of holdouts from Grand Rapids’ once dominant heavy-metal scene. Their diverse excursions and experimental style deviate from any conventional headbanger’s ball — so don’t be surprised if they resurrect the best elements of their collective past and inspire a whole new movement of ax-wielding riff warriors in our area. Listen here: floodthedesert.bandcamp.com

The Sailor Kicks

/// On tour

Todd Rundgren: Disses Adele, Recalls Grand Funk

Classic Rock Legend Headlines Kalamazoo State Theatre | by Steve Miller

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

ive n h i s pe d i g re e — producer of platinum and revered maestro — Todd Rundgren’s opinion carries some weight and he’s fearless in expressing it. Let’s start with Adele, whom he calls “a victim singer.” “I think that judging from how people are responding to music of the last year, men are making a comeback,” Rundgren said. “Females have been dominating the charts recently and the quality hasn’t been too great. I like the idea of the male, the yin, coming back into ascendance. “I don’t have the same kind of feelings that a lot of people do about this new generation of victim singers like Adele and Sam Smith, where it just seems like they’re abused animals,” he added. “Everything they sing about is, ‘Oh, I’m so needy, I’m so hurt.’ I don’t think the world needs more of that. The world needs more of ‘I can’t feel my face.’” These are the things an icon can say. He can be a truth teller, because when Rundgren returns to West Michigan this month he brings with him a legacy and legend that has seen him cavort with legends across the rock ‘n’ roll spectrum. Meat Loaf, New York Dolls, Patti Smith and Badfinger are a few of the high points of his career as a producer. His first check for Meat Loaf’s Bat Out of Hell was for $750,000. Beyond that, you’ll hear his song, “Bang the Drum all Day,” all the time at sporting events. But most people have no idea it’s done by the same guy who tried without success

22 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

Todd Rundgren to wrestle a drunk Janis Joplin into a usable studio session and predicted long ago that someday listeners would have access to anything they wanted through a subscription service. Rundgren has been future gazing for decades with alarming accuracy. “In the years to come, you’re going to see a lot of devices bringing computer technology to television,” Rundgren told a room full of music biz suits in 1991. “Soon you’ll be able to go out and buy a TV with a computer built in, and by the end of the decade you won’t be able to buy a TV without a computer in it.”

Todd Rundgren

Kalamazoo State Theatre, Kalamazoo Jan. 29, 7 p.m. / $29.50-$69.50 kazoostate.com, (269) 345-6500

He was overly optimistic on the timing, but dead on with the technology. Rundgren’s smarts have earned him an adoring fanbase that have sold out his shows so far this tour and allowed him to make sweeping statements like those above with few repercussions.

It’s also permitted him an artistic freedom that rules every tour. He’s done elaborate stage productions, prog-rock deep dives, troubadourish sit downs, and more recently a series of shows in which the approach was different every night. His latest release is Runddans, an art rock project he hammered out with two Norwegian DJs. “The relationship with my fans is based on me being honest with them,” Rundgren said. “I hope they realize our relationship is not based on pandering, even though once in a while I will pander to them. I’m trying to remain inspired by the whole idea of music and I hope my audience remains inspired by the idea of music and what can be accomplished with it.” The interview with Revue is brief — 10 minutes is about as long as he likes to talk to the press when he’s touring. Rundgren’s voice sounds crunchy, like corn flakes caught on the tonsils, although you can tell he enjoys talking, punctuating his rasps with chuckles. So we close with a story about Michigan. He produced Grand Funk Railroad’s highest charting LPs, We’re an American Band and Shinin’ On, back in the ‘70s. Grand Funk drummer Don Brewer recalls Rundgren coming to Flint in early 1973 to get to know the guys. “… He stayed at my apartment, the Knollwood Apartments in Grand Blanc,” Brewer said. “We’d pull into a 7-Eleven to get some milk or something and he’d come in with me. I had the big Afro and he had the multi-colored hair. We’d walk into these places and jaws would just drop to the floor…” Rundgren remembers the meeting on a professional level. “I went to Michigan to meet with the band and listen to the material before I committed to doing the record,” Rundgren said. “I was impressed with how self aware they were. They knew where they were and what they had to do to get where they wanted to be. A lot of people thought they were a jam band before that. But they weren’t a bunch of stoners.” The earlier Grand Funk, under the tutelage of the late Terry Knight, suffered from poor production, Rundgren said. After American Band, the group became an FM-radio mainstay. Before that — not so much. “The fact is, Terry Knight was a terrible producer,” he said, referring to the man who managed and produced Grand Funk in its infancy. “A good manager. But a terrible producer.” n Steve Miller is the author of Detroit Rock City: The Uncensored History of Rock ‘n’ Roll in America’s Loudest City. He can be reached at avalanche50@ hotmail.com and he lives at Avalanche50.com

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/// On tour

Lighting Up

Umphrey’s McGee Amps Up its Stage Show in Kalamazoo | by Eric Mitts

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

band doesn’t acquire a cult following overnight. Longtime beloveds of the jam scene, Umphrey’s McGee have played nearly 2,000 shows in its 18-year existence. The diligent band has toured the world, played the first-ever Bonnaroo Music Festival, and even hosts its own Summer Camp Music Festival for more than 20,000 fans each year. Even with that impressive resumé, the band’s Jan. 30 show at Wings Event Center will be a landmark gig. This will be the first time the band has ever headlined an arena in Michigan and they aim to bring something that neither their new, nor old fans have ever seen before. “I think one of the things that it really allows us to do is up the production value and bring our full game and give the fans the biggest experience that they’ve been able to encounter,” Umphrey’s keyboardist Joel Cummins told Revue. The Chicago-based band has a long history here in West Michigan, going all the way back to its days as a South Bendbased college band in the late ’90s. The group came up playing epic gigs at “I think on any given Kalamazoo’s legendary night, we really Club Soda and later Bell’s pass the ball around. Eccentric Café, before expanding to larger venues Anybody at any given like the Kalamazoo State time can be the one Theatre and the Orbit Room. Last summer the who’s kind of leading guys played to a sold-out us. It’s nice to have crowd at Frederik Meijer that flexibility where Gardens. “Western Michigan has we have a band that’s always been a place that’s full of people who been really kind to us over the years,” Cummins said. are ready to lead.” Always pushing at the edges of music and technology, both audibly and visually, the larger performance space will essentially widen the canvas for longtime Umphrey’s lighting designer Jefferson Waful, who will utilize more expansive displays. The expanded production further enhances the improvisational nature of the band’s music, which ranges from funk and jazz to prog-rock, metal and dance — a truly eccentric concoction. “In a lot of ways, our music is not the easiest to digest for the casual listener,” Cummins added. “The lighting world helps

24 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

Umphrey’s McGee’s only Michigan tour stop will be at make sense of a lot of what we do. It helps visually emphasize some sort of change, rhythmic hit or things happening onstage. Wings Event Center, Jan. 30. It really adds to the experience of making it more of a full-on visceral concert experience.” The only Michigan stop on the band’s 2016 Winter Tour, [and now we can] give back to some guys who are really working the concert at Wings also features renowned jazz saxophonist hard on the scene.” Joshua Redman joining Umphrey’s onstage. In 2014, the band also had the chance to play at the iconic “He’s really like the unofficial seventh member of the Abbey Road Studios in London. Twelve hours after arriving, band,” Cummins said. “[He] gets what we’re doing and really the band emerged with its latest full-length release, The London enjoys the improvisational aspect of what we bring to the table. Session. A testament to the band’s insanely tight dynamic It really elevates our collective game as a band whenever we have — which is well-chronicled through their massive live sets availJosh out. It really forces us to be more dynamic able on their website umlive.net — the new LP and to bring things so he can really showcase his works as both a history and an introduction to chops.” Umphrey’s McGee w/ their entire career. Joshua Redman and TAUK Umphrey’s also hand-selected rising band “I think on any given night, we really pass the Wings Event Center, TAUK to open this tour after playing with them ball around,” he said. “Anybody at any given time Kalamazoo last year. can be the one who’s kind of leading us. It’s nice Jan. 30, 6:30 p.m. doors, “They’re really cool guys and hard-working to have that flexibility where we have a band that’s 7:30 p.m. show people,” Cummins said of TAUK. “It’s always nice full of people who are ready to lead. I think that’s $27.50–$32.50, to kind of return the favor after all the years where wingseventcenter.com, one of the things that will continue to push us (269)345-1125 we were supporting people like Dave Matthews or forward.” n Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, just to name a few,

tony lucca

tyler hilton

Jan 1 - $30

Join us Thursdays for

TONY LUCCA A PiN DrOP CONCerT

INDUSTRY NIGHT

JOIN US THURSDAYS FOR

Jan 2 - $22

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

AND

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Jan 8 - $30

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TYLer hiLTON

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Jan 21 - $24

$6 Craft Cocktails day 50% OFF FOOD for ourallfriends in the food industry

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

wiLLY POrTer Jan 22 - $35 stePhen KelloG

STePheN keLLOg Seven StepS up Live MuSic & event venue: 116 S JackSon St., Spring Lake, Mi 49456 pindropconcertS.coM | (616) 930-4755

for a full schedule, visit PindroPconcerts.com REVUEWM.COM | January 2016 |

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AND... $6 Craft Cocktails ALL DAY!

TONY LUCCA AN SrO ShOw

/// playlist

Songs We Like, Vol. 6 by WYCE Staff

Looking back on 2015, WYCE staff members offer their year-end Top 5 favorite songs.

Nicole LaRae, Community Relations Coordinator

AJ Paschka, General Manager

Matt Jarrells, Program Director

Father John Misty – “I Went To The Store One Day”

Shakey Graves – “Dearly Departed” ft. Esme Patterson

Jim Lauderdale – “Way Out is Fine”

This song is a treatise on Tillman’s love with his wife, Emma, that delves into their past, present, and future, bookended by the day they first met. The vinyl version includes two separate images of the handwritten lyrics to this song. It is so romantic, clever and simply gorgeous.

Although technically released in late 2014, this song burned up the Americana scene in 2015 with its startstop rhythms and beautiful harmonies.

Father John Misty

Courtney Barnett – “Pedestrian At Best” Barnett is one of the greatest songwriters of our time. The way she weaves together sarcasm and realism is incredible. The riffs on this tune are empowering while the lyrics are vulnerable and unsure. “Put me on a pedestal, and I’ll only disappoint you,” is my favorite line from any song this year — all of us bleeding-heart types can relate.

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Heaters – “Gum Drop” Grand Rapids’ own Heaters released its Holy Water Pool LP earlier this year with Brooklyn’s Beyond Beyond Is Beyond Records and they have no signs of slowing down. I love the entire record but this song makes me feel like I’m surfing in an acid soaked dream.

Cool Ghouls – “Creature That I Am” San Francisco’s Cool Ghouls know how to lay down a catchy psych-rock tune and this one has been called “especially Byrdsian.” With sitar-sounding guitars, a garden bucket drum slap and twangy harmonies, this tune will have you dancing with yourself. The 7-inch is available via dizzybird records.

Wilco – “Magnetized” “Music is the space between the notes” —Claude Debussy … Off of Wilco’s surprise album Star Wars, the final track “Magnetized” is full of vibrant pauses and small eruptions.

26 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

Lauderdale has a prodigious output of music ranging from country and bluegrass to stoner Americana. For the first time, though, his Memphis album taps his love of the horndrenched Stax sound.

Hot Chip – “Huarache Lights”

Punch Brothers – “My, Oh My” The finest acoustic music of our time is being made by Punch Brothers. With the 2015 masterpiece, Phosphorescent Blues, the haze of modernity crashes into the traditional form.

Shakey Graves

Hot Chip released Why Make Sense? this year and included this absolute car-stereo banger. Synths echo through delays, robotic voices chant and bass pulses over lead singer Alexis Taylor’s signature vocals.

T. Hardy Morris – “My Me”

The Go Rounds – “No Rival” The first song I heard from Don’t Go Not Changin’ signaled that we were about to be in for a treat. Understatement of the year.

City and Colour

Morris delivers melodic and distorted fuzz filled with compelling lyrics. This song will make you want to grow your hair out, flip some school desks over, then peel out in the high school parking lot.

Brandon Sykes – “Watchu Think” ft. E-Will, produced by Sir Manley Grand Rapids artist Brandon Sykes unleashed this blistering hip-hop track over bouncing jazz-chords, courtesy of producer Sir Manley. Bonus: E-Will makes use of every second of his guest appearance. Catchy and classic.

Houndmouth – “My Cousin Greg” Three-part harmonies float above heartland rock ‘n’ roll via this Louisville quartet. The song follows an intelligent but befuddled character’s travels from Florida to Los Angeles. The casual jangle brings memories of The Band’s natural chemistry.

City and Colour – “Wasted Love” I’m sure City and Colour vocalist Dallas Green has scores of wonderful tunes but 2015 was the year it hit home for me. Catch him at The Intersection in January.

The Decemberists – “A Beginning Song” My interpretation, which is probably wrong, is that this song is Colin Meloy’s ode to the power of meditation and its ability to unify life’s many distractions, blessings and responsibilities.

SPECIALS & EvENTS MONDAYS $1 Chili Dogs and $1 Beers Free Show with Desmond Jones at 9pm

TUESDAYS Comedy Tuesday

upcoming

No cover!

WEDNESDAYS Dennie Middleton Happy Hour,

5:30-8:30, Open Mic Night Hosted by Sam Kenny 9pm | No cover!

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All That Glitters NYE Party | 8pm Part Time Warriorz + Picasso Raptor + Claire Fisher | 8pm Nick Moss | 8pm Elvis/Bowie Birthday Bash feat. Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys + The Ghost Bunnies | 8pm Eddy “The Chief” Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater Clearwater | 3pm Happy Kid (Nada Surf cover band) + Bong Mountain | 8pm Against the Grain + Bison Machine + Bonehawk | $6 at the door, 21+, 2pm “Oh Girl” Sarah Jean Anderson Stand Up Comedy Show | 9pm Stovepipe Stover (Album Release) + Elroy Meltzer + TBA | 8pm

Fri, January 15

The Crane Wives

$10 adv / $12 day of

wsg The Accidentals

Doors 8pm — Show 9pm

Thurs, January 21

FREE

Jake Simmons & the Little Ghosts

Doors 8pm — Show 9pm

Fri, January 29

$15

Small Brown Bike

wsg BoneHawk, The Reptilian Doors 8pm — Show 9pm

Sat, January 30

$12

Protomartyr

Doors 8pm — Show 9pm

Fri, February 5

$10 adv / $12 day of

Cornmeal

Doors 8pm — Show 9pm

Sat, February 20

great food

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T U E - W E D 1 1 AM- 1 0 PM T H U R - F R I 1 1 AM- 1 1 PM S A T 5 PM- 1 1 PM & S U N 1 1 AM- 4 PM

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JANUARY shows 1/7 David Molinari 1/9 Natchez Trace 1/14 The Accidentals 1/16 Faux Grass 1/21 Juke Joint Hand Me Downs 1/23 Organissimo 1/28 Nick Thomasma 1/30 Kathy Lamar Quartet

136 East Fulton, Grand rapids | 616.235.7669 | onetrick.BIZ

wsg Earphorik, Marrow & Stone Doors 8pm — Show 9pm

Fri, February 26

Buckwheat Zydeco

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

Sat, February 27

Super Happy Funtime Doors 8:30 Burlesque

Thurs, March 3

Everyone Orchestra

$10 pm

— Show 9:30 pm

$15 Doors 8pm — Show 9pm

Sun, March 6

Electric Six

$12 adv / $14 day of Doors 8pm — Show 9pm

REVUEWM.COM | January 2016 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

$12 adv / $14 day of

/// album reviews Back Catalog:

Scream Loud!!! The Fenton Story WSG: Deafheaven and Power Trip

JAN 31

the moody psychedelic tone

pre-

Various Artists

(Way Back Records, Germany, 2007)

I FEB 9

FEB 14

T U O SOLD

APR 8

n the days before punk rock spread the word about DIY culture, and before Bandcamp and Soundcloud made it possible to put your music out there without even trying, folks who wanted to release a record on their own had to figure out the nuts and bolts by which a tune got turned into a piece of vinyl. In West Michigan, Dave Kalmbach was the guy who knew how to make that happen. Kalmbach was a talented audio engineer who built a recording studio into a movie theater in Sparta, where he recorded bands during the day or after the last show of the night. In the mid-60s, Kalmbach would record your band for a fee. For a bit more, he’d cut master lacquers of the final mix, and for the deluxe package, he’d have singles pressed and release the record on his own Fenton Records imprint. Dozens of teen bands from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Flint and even Traverse City made the hike to Kalmbach’s studio and returned a few weeks later to pick up 45s of their work bearing the Fenton logo. A 2007 compilation, Scream Loud!!! The Fenton Story, is a two-CD (or three-vinyl LP) set that skims the cream from this unique chapter in Michigan rock history. Featuring 61 songs from 32 Michigan bands, Scream Loud!!! tends to focus on the gentler and more jangly side of 60s garage rock — think Pebbles, not Back From The Grave. Still, there are a range of great tracks here, from

New Release:

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Ork Records: New York, New York Various Artists

(Numero Group, 2015)

APR 9 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.

28 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

erry Ork, like Dave Kalmbach at Fenton Records, helped document a music scene before musicians began consistently doing it themselves. Ork was a witness to the earliest days of the punk/new wave scene incubating at CBGB in New York City during the mid-70s, and he founded Ork Records to put the sound that didn’t yet have a name on vinyl. Ork was a visionary fan

of the Aardvarks’ “I Don’t Need You” and “I’m Higher Than I’m Down,” the Soulbenders’ frantic tear through Love’s “7 Plus 7 Is,” the fullbodied frat rock of the Renegades V’s “Wine, Wine, Wine,” the likably goofy R&B workout of the Assortment’s take on the Contours’ “First I Look At The Purse,” and the top-shelf jangle pop of “(Clouds Send Down) Tears From My Eyes” by the Plagues. What’s most remarkable about Scream Loud!!! is how consistently good this music is. These bands came to Kalmbach, not vice versa, and the result is a document of a time when Michigan was seemingly overflowing with good to great rock ‘n’ roll bands. Today, some of these original Fenton 45s are highly collectable among vinyl fanatics, at times selling for hundreds of dollars. Plans are afoot to reopen the Fenton studio as an affordable recording and rehearsal space for West Michigan musicians and, with any luck, 50 years from now there will be another set of tunes as eclectic, energetic and entertaining as those contained on Scream Loud!!! —Mark Deming

but a lousy businessman, but that didn’t stop Ork Records’ from recording seminal records by Television, Richard Hell, the Feelies, Alex Chilton and Lester Bangs (among many others) during its short history. Ork Records: New York, New York is a beautifully-packaged and annotated two-CD set that collects the label’s best and most important product, and this is a must for anyone with a taste for punk before there was punk. —Mark Deming

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/// On tour

Lamb of God Enters the Orbit Room | by Dwayne Hoover

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

o say that Lam b o f G o d h e lpe d us h e r i n th e n ew wave of American heavy metal in the early 2000s might understate the band’s significance in that movement. The Richmond, Va.-based band’s second album, New American Gospel, actually made Revolver Magazine’s list of the “69 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time,” and its follow-up records have done nothing short of establish the group as one of metal’s most important and influential players. In 2012, however, the band’s future faced some uncertainty when vocalist Randy Blythe was arrested upon his arrival in the Czech Republic, charged with manslaughter for the death of a fan he had pushed from the stage at a concert in 2010. But after five weeks in prison, a trial, acquittal and ultimately some healing, Lamb of God went back to work creating what would become their latest album, VII: Sturm und Drang. While it’s true that some of Blythe’s experiences found their Lamb of God also way to the lyrics of this album, it ventures into some new wasn’t destined to be, as he put it, Lamb of God territory, including the track his “prison album.” Instead, it’s what wsg Anthrax, Deafheaven, “Overlord,” which features Lamb of God has always delivered: Power Trip The Orbit Room, Grand clean vocals from Blythe and Honest, aggressive metal music that Rapids is a huge departure from the has evolved and dared to step outside Jan. 31, 6 p.m. band’s norm. There are also the box as the members grow. And $35 advance, $45 day guest appearances by Greg with VII: Sturm und Drang, they of show Puciato from The Dillinger deliver precisely that in just 10 songs. orbitroom.com; (616) Escape Plan on the album’s “Part of our charm is that we, 942-1328 closing track “Torches” and in some ways, can be very intense,” Chino Moreno of Deftones said bassist John Campbell. “I think on the song “Embers.” there’s a perfect dose, and that is “When we wrote that song [Embers], it what we were going for with the length of the had two endings, one that was just ridiculously record being 10 tracks. We definitely overwrite. heavy metal and one that was kind of ’90s alThere were all kinds of songs demoed that we ternative rock,” Campbell explained. “There had to cut that had just stopped at that stage was some discussion going around primarily of development and we focused on the ones between Josh [Wilbur, producer] and Mark we felt stronger about.”

30 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

Lamb of God

[Morton, guitar] about who would be a good guest on this record and where might that spot be that they would be good at. It just seemed to fall into place that Chino’s voice would be perfect for what we were describing as the alternative ’90s rock ending. “The sad thing is that I was nowhere near the studio when it occurred,” he added. Even for Campbell specifically, this latest album was an exploration of new territory for him as he slid into more of a conventional style with his bass playing, which is something he’s not really used to doing. “I will not lie to anyone and tell them I know what I’m doing on stage,” Campbell said. “I’m completely self-taught. I describe my style as that of playing guitar riffs one note at a time on the bass. But on this record, I really focused more on the traditional role

of the bass, following along with the kick and being a little more laid back on it rather than attacking the riffs.” Campbell prefers life on the road to the drudgery of the studio, though, and is thrilled to be touring in 2016. The band unfortunately had to cancel its 2015 European tour in light of the Paris attacks, but they’ll be heading out at the middle of this month with Anthrax, Deafheaven and Power Trip, a lineup they’re really excited about “We wanted to get out and do a proper headlining run in the states,” Campbell said. “This is knocking out some of the spots in the states that need to get hit. So we’re going to get out there and have a good time, being lucky enough to do what we do.” n

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REVUEWM.COM | January 2016 |

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The fit Issue

Get fit in the New Year

For those with a laundry list of health-related New Year’s resolutions, you’re in luck. Revue’s Fit Issue is stacked with local tips and suggestions for burning that frustrating flab. From spotlighting intense yoga and kickboxing sessions, to guidelines on balancing cardio with weight training, this special section serves up a beginner’s guide to stepping away from Netflix and exercising those sluggish bones. Even if you’re a health nut, this FIT edition is a keeper. Revue chatted with topnotch trainers from across West Michigan and they dished a surplus of expert advice on how to look and feel amazing in 2016.

Made possible by New Belgium Brewing REVUEWM.COM | January 2016 |

Six Unconventional Ways to Burn Calories By Audria Larsen

Rachel Finan of Bangarang Circus. Photo: Seth Thompson

34 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

The Fit Issue | Gym alternatives

f New Year’s resolution guilt has fully set in, but the treadmill has become your own personal torture device, an avant-garde fitness regime might be your ticket to a fresh start. While you’re at it, skip the predictable gym, pass on the pomp of $100 yoga pants and kiss your free weights goodbye. Explore fresh, wild ways to move your body that will keep you on your toes, or hanging from them. Literally.

Circus & Aerial Arts

Stilettos and Steel Fitness 6400 W. St. Joe, Lansing stilettosandsteelfitness.com, (517) 802-8265

Capoeira

Your eccentric quest for thighs and buns of steel begins here. Pole fitness sassily whips you into shape while spinning all around, even upside down. While pole dancing may conjure up very specific imagery in your head, the art form is accessible to all body types and is taught in a welcoming, non-judgmental atmosphere. Learn beginner spins, floor work, transitions and even a mini routine at Stilettos and Steel Fitness’ four-week course. It costs $60 but the gained confidence is free.

Capoeira is a music-fueled Brazilian martial art form that incorporates dance and acrobatic movement, often performed as a game or simulated combat. With its historic roots, capoeira has evolved into a stunning style of movement using power-packed kicks, spins and flips. Not to mention hand balances and fluid maneuvers evocative of break dancing. There are many groups around the state, including West Michigan Capoeira.

Staying grounded is boring. With aerial circus you can get ripped beyond your wildest dreams while becoming airborne. Bangarang Circus offers a mélange of classes demonstrating a variety of skills. The course covers groundwork like partner acrobatics (think acro yoga), hula hoop dance and tumbling. For the high-flying types, learn the trapeze, aerial silks (fabrics), lyra (aerial hoop) and more. Newbies are welcome as well as sculpted athletes who want to jazz up their routine. $20 drop-ins are available.

Parkour & Freerunning For The Kidz Gymnastics 1391 Gezon pkwy, Wyoming forthekidz.com, (616)726-7979

Battle Creek & Kalamazoo westmichigancapoeira.com, (313) 282-0883

Sweating it out in an old-fashioned duel might be the oldest, most dramatic form of cardio. According to the West Michigan Fencing Academy, the sport is fast and athletic and features “two fencers performing an intense dance on a six-feet-by-40-feet strip.” Having a quick hand doesn’t hurt – the movements are so fast the touches are scored electrically. Sounds exhilarating, right? Classes offered feature three distinct weapon options: the foil, épée and sabre. Plus, if you’ve got blood lust on your mind, you might forget what a fabulous sweat session you’re having.

Water Dance Party Spring Lake Community Fitness & Aquatic Center 16140 148th Street, Spring Lake slcfac.com, (616) 847-5858 You don’t have to be hip to the grace of Esther Williams or the iconic Busby Berkeley films to know how cool water ballet, aka synchronized swimming, is. You also don’t have to be a Hollywood superstar to get a taste of aquatic dancing yourself. Spring Lake Community Fitness & Aquatic Center offers Water Dance Party, described as “the fusion of aquatic fitness with dance-based moves [that] will give you a movement base free from the boundaries of geography and gravity.” If you’re looking to free your body from the evil, daily clutches of geography and gravity, it’s time to suit up. n

Fencing West Michigan Fencing Academy 1111 Godfrey SW, Suites N250 & N260, Grand Rapids wmfa.org, (616) 245-5104

REVUEWM.COM | January 2016 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Pole Dance Fitness

Make the urban world your own personal gym. Parkour is born of military obstacle-course training and has been transformed into a unique, and distinctly badass, way to navigate the environment around you. Instead of simply walking from point A to point B, you might vault to your destination, flip over a ledge, run up a wall, hop a shrub and then clear a baby stroller. Gymnastic elements are typically involved, including strength training and perseverance. “I love parkour and freerunning as fitness because it’s founded on freedom of movement, the mind and the spirit,” said Dillon Vance, parkour enthusiast and teacher at For the Kidz. “There are no rules to follow – you just fully express yourself through whatever means you desire.” If you need pop-culture visuals, Google the famed Taylor Momsen Escapes Paparazzi Nike commercial – or that one hilarious opening sequence of The Office.

Bangarang Circus 6001 Coit Ave NE, Grand Rapids bangarangcircus.com, (616) 901-9717

The Fit Issue | style

Fashionably Fit How to be Active and Attractive by Missy Black

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Exercise makes you feel good and look great so why are you putting on those frumpy sweatpants? Hit the gym in style and boost confidence with our handpicked fitness fashion items. Perform beautifully! If you’ve ever made a mix tape, you know how much emotion goes into creating it. Put as much passion into your workout with these mixtape performance leggings from Zara Terez. Available at SheActive Boutique in Rockford, the quirky retro cassettetape designs are sure to inspire killer workout playlists for your morning run or some Zen ambient music for yoga sessions. There’s even a pair embellished with emojis. Both options are definitely out of the ordinary, adding a little humor to your workout routine. And confidence helps to fuel your inner fire. “If you look good and have nice clothing, you’re more likely to work out,” said owner Priscilla Hansma. The store carries everything from tanks, T-shirts, shorts, jackets, socks and accessories with an emphasis on U.S.A. and Canadian made products. If you seek leggings, this is the spot with prAna brand yoga pants with mesh panels or leggings in tie-dye patterns and some of the softest material ever. Hansma even makes quirky T-shirt skirts from vintage concert, university or novelty tees. Everyone knows the adrenalin rush of new kicks and the Nike Metcon 1 are pretty rad in modern black and white. These crossfit/cross-training shoes are “built so you can lift weights and jump and turn unlike running shoes made to go straight forward,” said Kelsey Boehme, digital brand director at Gazelle Sports. Foregoing the girly pinks and purples associated with women’s athletic shoes and apparel, both the men’s and women’s options feature a sleek, monochromatic style that matches almost anything you pair it with and has a

36 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

look that means business. Wear them for your boot camps for stability and for a supreme confidence boost. Is anyone else feeling that Matrix inspiration with the intense black? Reach beast mode in your workout with a tank that backs up the attitude. Based out of Grand Rapids, The Fitness Tee Co. primarily sells women’s tanks right now but there are options for men as well. Owner Scott Sandberg comes up with most of the cheeky phrases including “GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE GUNS” and “SQUATS BEFORE BEER.” It’s all inspiring a boost. “Everyone needs that constant positive attitude,” Sandberg said. “They see the tanks in the mirror at the gym and it’s an empowerment vehicle.” A lot of couples work out together so up the cute factor with matching his and hers tanks that say “BEAUTY and BEAST.” Harness the energy emanating from fun color pops and sassy slogans and stay completely dialed in to your fitness goals. Look for the tanks at thefitnessteeco.com, on Facebook and Etsy. Look the part and feel the support of a Shefit Sports Bra. This adjustable, high impact sports bra helps women of all shapes and sizes who struggle with excessive bounce, back or shoulder strain. “With patented technology, the more you cinch the strap, the more support you get,” said Creator Sara Moylan. “With the right support bra you feel more empowered and excited to go tackle something difficult.” Worn alone or under a shirt for a layered look, you’re able to focus on workouts free of worries that you’re slipping out or showing more than you intend to. The bra is aesthetically appealing in black, turquoise and pink. It also gives you that lift so you appear thinner and feel bolder. “When you feel better about yourself and look good you put more into that workout,” she said. Available at shefit.com, SheActive Boutique in Rockford and Gazelle Sports in Grand Rapids. n

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REVUEWM.COM | January 2016 |

The Fit Issue | Profile

how to become a

knockout A Conversation with CKO Kickboxing owner Shelby Reno

inding time for fitness is tough, especially while juggling parenthood and a career. Some put health on the backburner while others do the impossible: Get out of bed early. Fitness expert Shelby Reno, a steadfast early riser, has devoted her life to staying active, no matter the time constraints. Now that unflinching passion is expanding. While sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a trainer at various gyms for 20 years, her next venture sees her opening CKO Kickboxing at 820 Monroe Ave. NW in downtown Grand Rapids on Jan. 9. The fitness-kickboxing classes are open to all levels. Reno, 43, of Cascade, chatted with Revue about her new franchise venture and why sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s qualified to whip you into shape. By rich tupica / Photo by Tim Priest

38 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

TIPS!

Shelby Reno offers up some dietary advice. Spoiler alert: Gorging is not suggested.

GRABBING A BITE: “I try to never eat until I’m full, so that means several small meals a day. I eat whatever I want but keep this rule of thumb in play. It’s served me well over my life. Also, I generally try and keep my simple carbs and processed sugars in check, meaning they don’t rule over my daily diet.”

STAYING HYDRATED: “My number one commitment to myself is to stay hydrated. I drink about 120 ounces of liquid a day through a few means. I have a shake in the morning, something called “Rocket Fuel.” It’s a blend of hydrated fruits and vegetables added to water, a couple big cups of coffee and coconut water using hydrated coconut flakes. Each of the three beverages uses 25 ounces of water, so it’s easy to get to 120 in a day. It’s good for my skin and the nutrients are easy to digest — I don’t take vitamins in a traditional pill as a result.”

Your life is centered on staying fit, what was your introduction to that lifestyle? I’ve always been athletic. I grew up on a farm in rural Idaho, so my friends and family were always outside and pushing safety limits. I was MVP of my volleyball team my senior year of high school, lettered four years playing varsity tennis and was captain of the cheerleading squad. I ran long distance in college and then earned my first group fitness certification in 1997. I was instantly in love with teaching. I enjoy growing my network, working out in a group setting and motivating and inspiring people. You’re launching CKO Kickboxing this month, what can enrollees expect? CKO Kickboxing is a blend of Muay Thai-based kickboxing, an amazing combat-sport discipline with a history dating back to the 12th Century, and High Intensity Interval Training — HIIT. With the HIIT training technique you give all-out, 100 percent effort through quick, intense bursts of exercise, followed by short, sometimes active, recovery periods. We’ll offer both 30 and 60-minute classes utilizing the principles of HIIT to maximize results. For you folks

who get bored with workouts or who feel like you’ve plateaued, let’s talk. CKO Kickboxing is a franchise — where is the next closest location? There are nearly 70 CKO studios open from Brooklyn to Seattle. Our location will be the first in the Midwest. Is CKO a good option for losing weight? This type of training gets and keeps your heart rate up and burns more fat in less time than other exercise formats, up to 1,200 in a one-hour class. A high-intensity workout increases the body’s need for oxygen during the effort and creates an oxygen shortage, causing your body to ask for more oxygen during recovery. This after-burn effect is referred to as Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption — the key reason why intense exercise burns more fat and calories than regular aerobic and steady-state activity. It’s the perfect workout for time-crunched people who want real results quickly and in a healthy and sustained manner.

What are you up to when you’re not training? I compete in mountain bike gravel road racing. It’s such a blast. My HIIT training prepares me for race days, which are roughly 35 miles and quite hilly. I’m also a music freak and always have been, so if you dropped by my house any time of the day, you’ll find my small TV off and I’ll be listening to music. My girls, ages 4 and 6, wake up to music filling the house. I also love to travel. My most bizarre yet awesome experience was a trip to China for two weeks when I was six-months pregnant. What’s next for you? What challenges do you foresee? I plan to continue working in commercial real estate for X Ventures, a boutique firm based downtown, while running and growing CKO. My challenge right now is finding time to shower! n For all the details on CKO Kickboxing visit ckogr. com or call (616) 920-0335.

REVUEWM.COM | January 2016 |

The Fit Issue | tunes

The Perfect Workout Playlist by shelby Reno, CKO Kickboxing

Over the years, I’ve developed over 300 workoutspecific playlists. I strive to develop song lists that motivate participants to approach me after class and say, “I love your music! It made the class fly by.” This brings me infinite joy. Here’s how I do it. The process always includes a warm-up track in the front, followed by some cooldown and stretch tracks in the back. The center of

Disclosure “Latch” A solid dance beat paired with Disclosure contributor Sam Smith is a beautiful thing. The beat of this song provides for the perfect warm-up before the gloves go on. Zedd “Addicted to a Memory” This track has a 75-second build providing a nice segue for some high energy yet basic punches. I like good variation so participants stay engaged. The track sequence has such an indisputable purpose in endurance and interval training.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

machineheart “Watercolors” machineheart’s harmony DNA is “happy.” A good workout mix should have both upbeat and aggressive tracks. It helps define and separate the steps in our hour-long journey. SNAILS “STOMP” This Montreal-based producer and DJ knows how to expertly deliver heavy basslines and hip-hop rhythms, good for heavy-bag work. SNAILS “Funk With Me” (feat. Big Gigantic) Yes, I paired the two SNAILS tracks together because they have completely different tempos. I like this track for high-intensity interval work because of the beat. It’s hard not to put all your energy (and aggression, if applicable) when this instrumental hits its apex.

40 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

the mix is jam-packed with high-energy beats from a mix of genres and sounds. Just coming off an epic couple months of shows at local venues, I built the following playlist with artists who rolled through town and rocked The Intersection/Stache or The DeltaPlex. Find this playlist, CKO REVUE, by following Shelby Reno on Spotify.

Adventure Club “Unleash” “You’ve got to unleash!” is the mantra of this song. If you like high-impact workouts, CKO’s blend of programming infuses interval work inside the space like sprints, army crawls, burpees, high knees, and of course heavy bag work. The EDM genre is the best foundation for that type of workout, so plan to hear your fair share in the studio. Smallpools “Dreaming” (The Chainsmokers Remix) Of all the local shows I’ve seen in the past year, Smallpools is arguably my favorite. Taking place at The Stache, The Intersection’s front stage, Smallpools engaged the audience and seemed to be having the most fun of anyone in the room. Live, they owned it!

We Came As Romans “I Knew You Were Trouble” Nothing gets a group class going like a good remake. One that crosses genres – in this case pop to hard rock — usually starts conversations after class. Detroit-based WCAR gives Taylor Swift a run for her money on this one. Screamo! Guns N’ Roses “Rocket Queen” Slash featuring Myles Kennedy was stupid-good live at The Intersection. “Rocket Queen” is the last song on Appetite for Destruction, doesn’t register on their “Top Tracks” on Spotify, nor does it claim real estate on their Greatest Hits — but it is a tempo-changing masterpiece.

Zed’s Dead “Collapse 2.0” (feat. Memorecks) What’s not OK with this remix is it’s not long enough: Only 3:19. But I’ll live. Redemption comes in two hard-hitting points in the song providing perfect 45-second high-energy interval opportunities, a trainer’s dream. Dillon Francis “Pull It” I gravitate to a lot of dub-step beats for both interval work and strike combos. If you’re not a fan of the genre, think of the bag as Dillon Francis and kick his ironic, jokester ass. He seems like a cool guy, so go easy on him. Ataris “So Long Astoria” I got to meet the band’s front man Kris Roe, who is an amazing photographer to boot. Kudos to artists like The Ataris who continue to tour clubs and pull off strong performances. Phoebe Ryan “Mine” Phoebe had a sultry yet sweet, nonchalant presence on stage. Her voice is lovely. This catchy song is ideal for a workout wind-down. Fortunate Youth “FY” A reggae sound, a la Sublime, finishes off our workout. Most of this track is spent stretching muscles and taking stock in how sweaty you got during your workout. You feel energized and accomplished. Replenish with water and a fist bump with the trainer on your way out. n

Experience your music for the first time.

classicstereo.us

6275 28th St SE Grand Rapids, MI 616-301-3388

The Fit Issue | healthy food

Just Eat It A Guide to Local Health Food Stores by Josh Spanninga

healthy lifestyle calls for a healthy diet. Easier said than done, am I right? Big chain stores may stock a plethora of products, but many of them are processed, treated with chemicals or dosed with pesticides. Yummy! Many items are labeled as “healthy alternatives,” but flashy labels and buzzwords aren’t always reliable. Thankfully West Michigan has plenty of local health-food store options to choose from. Here are just a few.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Harvest Health Foods harvesthealthfoods.com

6807 Cascade Rd, Grand Rapids, (616) 975-7555 1944 Eastern Ave, Grand Rapids, (616) 245-6268 4150 32nd Ave, Hudsonville, (616) 896-6630 Henry Diedering, founder of Harvest Health, opened the store in 1952, after having recently emigrated from the Netherlands. Unlike the United States, grocers in the Netherlands carried mostly unprocessed, natural food items in their stores and pre-packaged foods were a rare sight. Diedering introduced this

42 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

Harvest Health

concept to his community when he opened his first store on Eastern Ave. Two more locations have since opened and the stores’ focus remains on offering an abundance of unprocessed, organic and allergen-free foods to customers.

lakeshore seasonal organic items, snacks for on-the-go and smoothies, and all sorts of other delicious, yet healthy, options.

Apple Valley Natural Foods avnf.com

Health Hutt

700 Washington St., Grand Haven, (616) 846-3026 3112 Henry St., Muskegon, (231) 739-2307 1519 East River Rd. North, Muskegon, (231) 744-0852 With three locations throughout Muskegon and Grand Haven, Health Hutt provides the

ness has since expanded to various locations throughout Michigan and Illinois. Oh, and if you’re having trouble finding a location near you, don’t fret — they do mail orders! No excuses.

6070 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Kentwood, (616) 554-3205 3013 West Shore Drive, Suite 70, Holland, (616) 399-8004 An exclusively vegetarian natural foods store, Apple Valley Natural Foods began as a small college food store in the basement of Emmanuel Missionary College. The busi-

Nature’s Market

1013 Washington Ave #4, Holland naturesmarketholland.com, (616) 394-5250 Originally opened in Douglas, Mich. in 1987, Nature’s Market has since found residence in Holland. Featuring an assortment of items including local produce, organic bulk foods, vitamins, protein powders and more, Nature’s Market also has a full recipe book

on its website where you can conveniently search for recipes based on the ingredients. Its website also offers e-coupons and online reference guides for living and eating healthy.

People’s Food Co-Op of Kalamazoo

507 Harrison St, Kalamazoo peoplesfoodco-op.org, (269) 342-5686 The People’s Food Co-Op of Kalamazoo is a co-op owned by well over 2,000 members of the community. To become an owner interested parties simply make a $250 investment into the store, which can be split up into payments. Members enjoy the benefits of discounted items, voting privileges and other perks. Even if you’re not a member you’re welcome to stop in and shop. It carries everything from fresh produce and baked goods to health supplements and organic pet food. Plus they have a deli on the premises serving a rotating menu consisting of breakfast burritos, hot sandwiches, soups,

pot pies and more. Also, the co-op’s bulk food section makes it easy to stock up.

Natural Health Center 4610 West Main, Kalamazoo naturalhealthfoodcenter.com, (269) 342-9459

With a full-service store offering a variety of local and organic products, and plenty of options for allergen-free and vegan diets, you’d probably expect to pay a pretty penny. If you become a member of the Natural Health Center’s Buyer’s Club, you can pay a one-time fee and receive 20-30 percent off all items in the store. Or, if you’re simply interested in learning more about living healthy, the center also has an onsite classroom used for workshops, cooking lessons, meetings and other wellness-inspired events.

Nourish Organic Market

634 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids nourishorganicmarket.com, (616) 454-3663

Nourish Organic Market may not boast as much square footage as other health food stores included on this list, but it still packs quite a healthy punch. They manage to squeeze more locally sourced nutrition into their small storefront than you’d think possible. All of their products are either USDA Certified Organic or grown by local organic farmers. No GMO’s are included in their products, all meat and dairy comes from local animals (no factory-farmed items here) and all imported products are Fair Trade Certified.

Sawall Health Foods 2965 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo sawallhf.com, 269-343-3619

Not only does Sawall Health Foods carry an abundance of natural foods and wellness products that other health food stores offer, they also carry an assortment of beers and wine and have pre-made sandwiches and other items available in its Grab&Go deli.

Also, check out the store’s website, complete with its own Wellness Library, a full alphabetized online reference guide to health and wellness terms and products.

Doorganics

353 Fuller Ave NE #200, Grand Rapids doorganicsgr.com, 888-387-1187 Don’t have time to grocery shop once or twice a week? Doorganics gathers all your items for you and deliver the goods right to your front door. It works like this: Simply sign up on its website, choose what size bin you’d like (small, medium or large), choose what package you’d like (fruits, or a fruits and vegetables mix), and sign up for weekly or bi-weekly deliveries. Prices range from $29$49 per order and include enough food for multiple meals and snacking. n

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The Fit Issue | Yoga

Twisted Yoga, Grand Rapids

Hot In Here

Yoga Turns Up the Temp

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

by Mayra Monroy

oga is often depicted as a slow, soothing workout – a stress reliever. But when it comes to achieving weight-loss and toned muscles, the yoga movement has proven itself as a viable exercise regimen. One way to guarantee an intense sweat session: Hot yoga. Turning up the heat and humidity not only improves your breathing, strength and internal peace – but you’re also burning hundreds of calories and shedding off those holiday pounds. Hot yoga shares similarities to traditional yoga in terms of poses, breathing, and stretches, but the heat and humidity are what really make it stand out. Brandon Kietzman, owner and director of Bikram Yoga in Grand Rapids and

44 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

Traverse City, said hot yoga has been around for years, even existing in other countries generations before Bikram Yoga opened its doors. “We have seen, with regular practice, that millions of students have [benefited] worldwide for the last 50 years,” Kietzman said. The benefits of hot yoga are vast. According to Kietzman, some of these perks range from detoxification, weight loss, improving balance, alignment and flexibility, among others. A typical hot yoga session at Bikram is a toasty 105 degrees with 50 percent humidity, creating the ideal environment for sweating. No need to be ashamed or embarrassed of sweat here. The heat also loosens up your muscles, giving you an opportunity to gain flexibility and a deep

stretch. Each session burns anywhere from 800 to 1,200 calories for a newcomer and over 2,000 calories for a seasoned veteran. Ginya Sasson, owner and director of Twisted Yoga off the East Beltline, said people steer away from hot yoga due to the fitness fallacies. She said some fear passing out from the heat, getting injured. “For a lot of people, there’s that misconception that [hot] yoga isn’t a workout,” Sasson said. “People come in here and think they’re going to lie down for an hour. There’s a ton of physical activity.” At Twisted Yoga, a 95-degree temperature and 45-percent humidity is to be expected at the hour long classes – some taught by Sasson, a five-year veteran of yoga, and by her team of certified instructors. “Everyone is there for themselves, focusing on themselves,” Sasson said. “Nobody should be worried about the person beside them. Beginners walk in here every day. People walk out in love with it. It’s very addictive. There’s something about the sweat that is very addictive.” Kietzman, who specializes in hot yoga at his Bikram Yoga locations, said to keep an open mind. “All yoga is good yoga and to be selfinformed one should explore different types of yoga from a live teacher who has the proper training and experience,” Kietzman said. “The student must allow their body to tell them which yoga makes their body feel the best results.”

“In order to assess this, one must try more than one or two sessions in a week for a couple weeks to get the feel for the physical after effects of the particular yoga session,” Kietzman added. “Yoga needs to be challenging to you on every level to derive the most benefits. Once you experiment and find what style gives the best physical results, stick with it.” n

More Yoga Hot Spots The Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse 1331 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids, (616) 459-9642 The Funky Buddha offers a challenging, flowing practice that produces extraordinary results while being accessible to all levels and abilities. Their studio is custom built to maintain summer-like temperatures all year long.

Yoga Fever 1154 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, (616) 805-3603 Fever combines old school traditions with contemporary hot-vinyasa classes. Yoga Fever is alignment based without compromising the sweaty, fun-flow factor.

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The Fit Issue | fitness trainers

Living Fit In West Michigan Just Getting Started? Here’s Some Expert Advice By Missy Black

TIFFANY DUFFIELD

Cari Draft

Matt Johnson

Specializing in weight loss and body transformations, Tiffany Duffield, 37, is the Gym Manager at Snap Fitness in Greenville and has lost over 200 pounds. “It may be good for people to know that even trainers have to work at it.”

The Founder of EcoTrek Fitness, Cari Draft, 50, specializes in unique outdoor group workouts in all four seasons that are great for beginners. She resides in Spring Lake and trains in Grand Haven where her clients have fun climbing dunes. She has EcoTrek trainers in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and Holland. Lean more at ecotrekfitness.com

You can find Matt Johnson at Blue Star Community Gym in Saugatuck and also in-home as MJ’s Personal Training. Johnson, 40, specializes in sport specific training, focusing on muscles that work around certain sports. The Holland native covers overall training with clients ranging from teens to the elderly. Find more information at bluestargym.wordpress.com.

Where is a good place to jog in West Michigan? Anywhere that’s lighted and that you feel safe. In the wintertime, we put on our Yaktrax. It’s a traction device that goes on your athletic shoes to give you that grip.

What advice would you give a newbie when they first hit the gym? Don’t be intimidated. Find out what’s good to do and what’s bad to do. Newbies look around and see incorrect exercises and you can build bad habits quickly.

What advice would you give a newbie when they first hit the gym? Pace yourself. People go too hard too fast and get sore and don’t want to do it. What’s the most common mistake newbies make at home? Diet foods are horrible. If it says diet it’s basically full of chemicals and artificial flavors. It’s all about balancing whole foods. Lean Cuisines aren’t where it’s at.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

People are snackers. If you’re going to snack, what are some healthy options? Almonds, berries, carrots, freeze dried fruits, kale chips. Plantain chips are natural and good dipped in hummus. You’re huge into biking. What do you love about it? What does it do for you? Nothing compares to riding a bike. It makes you feel like a kid again. I needed to find a form of cardio I enjoyed to be successful in my weight loss. The bonus is that the calorie burn is amazing and I get to ride with my husband who has been racing since he was 10. You’ve got quite a weight loss story to tell. How does that effect your communication with clients? As Americans you see a ton of people that are just digging their graves with a fork and spoon. When I realized I could control it and get myself heathy I wanted to help people. People listen more and see I’m still doing it every single day. They’re more apt to believe me and look up to me. Photo: Courtesy of The Greenville Daily News

46 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

Do you follow a certain diet? I like several small meals throughout the day. I don’t like to do the three, big square meals a day. I tell my clients to be constant snackers on healthy things: Frozen green grapes, raw vegetables or a handful of almonds. Is it OK to eat junk food every now and then? In my mind once you start eating healthy, you’re not going to want to eat that junk food. Even this past Thanksgiving I was asked if I wanted whip cream on my pie and it didn’t sound good to me — too sugary. How do you get rid of a beer belly? Exercise! But I love that people are doing the beer flights for a little taste of each kind and not drinking gigantic pints of heavy, full-calorie beers. Go for the sampler, go moderate. What are some tips to stay motivated? Have an accountability partner, friend or family member—or even your dog to take for a walk. Have someone in the same position as you. It’s hard to do it by yourself if you don’t have some support system in place or if you don’t have a gym membership.

What advice do you have for those thinking they’re “too busy” to exercise? I wake up every morning at 4:30 a.m. to get my workout in. There’s always time for fitness or you make a lot more time for the hospital bills and trying to recover from life’s battles. Is it a good idea to count calories? I’m not a calorie counter but I tell people to follow a healthy diet and a colorful diet. Try eating fist size portions of protein and carbs and colorful veggies. I also eat anything that walks on two legs or swims to get your protein. Also, whole grains. Is beer ok to work into your diet? I have a stein at New Holland Brewery every Wednesday. Most people’s appetites increase when they’re intoxicated. People will eat wings and drink too much. Keep the gut away by not overindulging. What’s on your workout playlist? I like R&B, dance and hip hop. It’s good to find what you like most and play that. You can put in some earbuds and in between sets I can chat with you about form.

f you’re not the gym type but have been looking to change your lifestyle, you’re probably realized there’s no shortcut to a fit bod. But to help nudge you along, Revue tracked down some experienced personal trainers and fitness experts and asked them how to get off the couch and stay motivated.

SAM PARKER

TABITHA GOLDSMITH

TOM TRAYNOR

Sam Parker, 33, is a Grandville native and owner of CrossFit Grand Rapids, which specializes in personal training, Olympic style weight lifting, sports performance, to only name a few. Check it all out at crossfitgrandrapids.com

The owner of Fit with Tab, Tabitha Goldsmith, 33, offers in person and online health coaching, local boot-camp classes and fitness programs for individuals with Down syndrome. Check out more at fitwithtab.com.

Tom Traynor, 56, specializes in 30-minute workouts at Traynor World Class Workout in Ada. The newly expanded gym is 4,000 square feet of supervised personal training.

How should someone new to the gym get started? Start slow. Set some realistic goals and a timetable, like ten pounds in two months. Put a time frame on it.

You’re a mother of four, how do you fit in exercise? What are some tips? Everybody has a crazy schedule. Start with small, realistic goals, like ten minutes per day. If you do that for a week or two you’ll build confidence. From there you’re creating successful patterns and habits.

How should one balance weight training and cardio? I’m a firm believer in equal parts. They don’t have to be separated. This is where CrossFit comes in. You can do them at the same time. That’s what CrossFit is built upon, pairing cardio exercise with weightlifting exercise, like jumping rope and deadlifts. Do you follow a certain diet? The Zone diet. It’s counting your macronutrients and calories, making sure you’re in the proper zones.

What’s a good way to lose the belly fat? Watch how much processed carbs you take in (bread and pasta). Replace breads with sweet potatoes and other veggies. Do you have a preference for workout songs? We like to have fun at CrossFit Grand Rapids. I’d say ‘80s music, like Toto’s “Africa.” We had Rick Astley on today.

What are your favorite jogging spots? I love to run and started a program called Rapid Runners with the Down syndrome Association of West Michigan. I train a group of young adults to compete in 5K races. We train around Reed’s Lake and I also enjoy the walking trails through Lowell. How can someone sneak pizza into their diet? The more you deprive yourself of what you truly want that’s all you can focus on. Work the junk food into your daily and weekly plans. If you want to have pizza Friday night, have it. Just plan for that and get your workout in and eat mindfully to make sure you’re balancing the calories.

What’s the best kind of snacks? Cheats can be from good sources: A bunch of cashews rather than Oreos. The processed food thing is rat poison. Have a small piece of something you want to enjoy just don’t eat the whole burrito. Have two cheats a week that usually revolve around social calendars. How important is staying hydrated? The root of a bad workout comes from lack of sleep, lack of hydration and lack of food fuel. Hydration is a big issue. Try a little organic lemon juice in bottled water. What would you tell someone who doubts hiring a trainer? Without that base you’re out there floundering and doing “Monkey See, Monkey Do” workouts. The pros hire coaches. I guarantee you that Lindsey Vonn has a coach. What’s the easiest thing to get active and stay healthy? Going for a walk is good. You can do that right out of your door and at lunch. Walking is good but walking is not the workout. From there we can springboard into other activities. n

What’s more important: Weight training and cardio? Both are vital, but I’m a strong believer in strength training. The bulk of my clients are women and we don’t make enough time for strength training.

REVUEWM.COM | January 2016 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

How should one approach junk food? You have to be realistic. It’s going to happen at parties or during the holidays. You have to allow yourself to have those cheat meals. Nobody wants to be a robot and eat the same things for the rest of their lives. I’ve got three kids. I can’t eat perfect.

Is counting calories a practical method to weight loss? It depends on the individual and what their goals are. Be aware of what you’re putting in your body. Start a food journal with pen to paper or an app to help you log what you’re eating.

What is the most common mistake newbies make? Not designing a balanced workout. People tend to gravitate to what they’re good at and not working on areas they need to strengthen. You want to build a balanced body that will take you to the second half of your life.

The Fit Issue | profile

She’s Going the Distance

Local Teacher, Mom, Wife … Marathoner: ‘I want to run far.’ By Steve Miller

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

anuary is the month of fake fitness. Any gym regular knows that you skip the first week of the month to allow the tourists and weakwilled to have their time to play out resolution fantasies. Then, like magic, they go back to the couch and sports and the always delicious spinach dip. This whole scenario is lost on the devoted runners among us. Even in the dead of winter, we see them cruising along the icy byways in their dayglo vests and spandex. Michigan has a vibrant running community and the dreary freeze that engulfs the state for four to five months a year is no deterrent. West Michigan does what it can — there is the Grand Rapids Runners Club that does some small events in the winter, and the Fourth Annual Winter Blast Half Marathon put on by Kalamazoo Area Runners and the city of Portage on Feb. 28. A runner around here can find a race almost any weekend in the winter, including shorter contests like the 5K Portland Winter Run on Jan. 16. Jonesing runners who need more miles and can’t break off to warmer climates can hit the Yankee Springs Winter Challenge on Jan. 2 in Middleville, which offers a 50-mile race. As the weather gets better, West Michigan runners hit the big marathons. The Boston Marathon kicks off the season. Last year, more than 100 runners from the Grand Rapids area finished that classic race. A good chunk of the 212 Michigan runners that finished the New York Marathon in Nov. came from West Michigan. Most all of them have stories. Why do they do it? Maggie Wilkinson finished in three hours 45 minutes, averaging 8:37 a mile. She’s the mother of four, a high school math teacher from Middleville, the wife of Sam, a triathlete and 3rd grade teacher. Wilkinson, 44 years old, has run local marathons in Grand Rapids, Traverse City and South Bend but she’s also finished in the majors, including Boston, Chicago and most recently the New York Marathon. We got her to stop for a second to talk with us about her life in running.

48 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

Maggie Wilkinson, #25658, running the NYC Marathon.

What creates a runner? I grew up an athlete, I went to Thornapple Kellogg High School and I was always doing something. I played volleyball, basketball and softball. I thought running was silly, but after I graduated from high school I was going to Grand Rapids Community College and Greg Meyer was the crosscountry coach. He’s the last American to win the Boston Marathon until last year, so that was a pretty big deal. I was a softball player and he asked me to run for him, so I did and I just kept running. What’s your training like? I do about 20 miles a week unless I’m training for a marathon. When I’m training, my weekly is in the 30s, then sneak up on a 20-mile run four weeks before the race. Some of the others, the longer ones, might be 15s. If I’m not training, I get in one speed day and one long run on the weekends, which is four to seven miles. Running is so easy. I can just step out the door and run. I don’t have to go to the gym, I don’t have to drive anywhere. That’s real handy. What about when it’s 10 below and 20 inches of snow?

It’s fun to run in the winter. When you get done you feel so good about what you accomplished. It does get cold and I try to run into the wind on my way out so I have the wind at my back on the way back. I usually wear a couple layers, but you don’t need much once you have your body heat. What’s been your hardest run? The Sunburst in South Bend was really hard. It was in June and the humidity was 80 percent and very warm out. I was exhausted halfway through. It was really this mental strain that I was fighting. But it was good for me. What do you do next, after you’ve hit the best and biggest marathons — Boston, New York, Chicago? I’d like to do the Marine Corp Marathon in Washington, D.C., but first I’m going to take a year off. We try to make the runs into destination trips. I also run some smaller races, so I’ll do that. We do the River Bank Run and I’ll do some half marathons this year. I don’t want to run anything shorter than that unless it’s a fundraiser. If I’m going to pay money, I want to run far. n

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The Fit Issue | running

Join the Club

Gazelle Sports Brings Runners Together During Winter Run Camp by Lauren Belle

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hen the alarm vexingly sounds at 6:30 a.m. on a Saturday morning, the natural instinct is to remain in the warm cocoon of blankets. But as the alarm pierces the silence, members of the Gazelle Sports’ Run Camp skip the snooze. They know what they have to do: Get up, do a few quick stretches, grab a quick bite and head out the door. Their tribe is waiting. That tribe consists of more than 200 seasoned runners who are wild enough to run through rain, sleet, snow and whatever else Michigan concocts. No matter how many layers of garments these racers have to put on — they’re in it together. The joggers meet under the watchful eye of Chris Spyke, the Long Distance Training Program Coordinator at Gazelle Sports Grand Rapids. Spyke is a self-professed running nerd who fondly remembers his first session with the Gazelle Sports Grand Rapids Priority Health Run Camp. “When I joined the program I was pleasantly surprised at the people, which is why I come back,” Spyke said. “I love to run but I love the people that I’ve met through it more. “ The program is a partnership between Gazelle Sports and Priority Health and is a 16-week winter run camp geared toward training runners for a half marathon (13.1 miles) and/ or 25k (15.5 miles). The group trains specifically for the womenonly Gazelle Girl Half Marathon on April 17 and the Fifth Third River Bank Run 25k on May 14, but runners can train for any race of their choosing or simply run for fun. Making the transition from a 5k or 10k to a half marathon can be intimidating, but Spyke encourages runners to attend Info Night on Jan. 6 and also to join other participants at Gazelle’s Run up to Run Camp, a test run held on Jan. 9. “We always let you come out and run with us once for free,” Spyke said. “Talk to the other people in the group because they probably had the same nerves at one point. It’s really the community that gets you through.” Throughout the training program, the group meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. in East Grand Rapids and every Saturday at 8 a.m. at one of four rotating locations throughout Grand Rapids. Wednesday night runs focus on speed and building faster runners. Expect hills, tempo runs and speed workouts. On Saturdays, the focus shifts to stamina. The runs are longer with the goal of helping runners gradually become comfortable with longer distances. Spyke recommends runners be able to run three to five miles comfortably before joining the group. He can then help

50 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

Gazelle Run Camp

runners choose between two training models offered during winter run camp, “compete” or “complete.” “The ‘complete’ model is essentially that,” Spyke said. “Someone who is looking to run a new distance or just finish a race comfortably. The ‘compete’ model is a little more rigorous — someone shooting for a personal record or to improve their training.” Runners are broken up into pace groups — there are six in all — and follow the direction of not only Spyke, but various team leaders associated with their group. “Team leaders are probably the most crucial aspect to our training program,” he said. “They create the positive, supportive atmosphere. When you’re having a tough run, which is bound to happen, they are there to help you get through it and make sure you don’t get lost. It would be chaos without our team leaders.” Gazelle Sports Grand Rapids Community Outreach and Assistant Store Manager, Cara Zerbel, is proud of what makes the program stand out from others.

“There are other training groups in the area that do a great job,” Zerbel said. “But where we’re different is our program leaders and our team leaders understand what it’s like to be that person coming in the door for the first time. “And it doesn’t matter whether someone crosses in front of you or behind you,” Zerbel added. “We’re all cheering for each other.” n

Gazelle Sports Grand Rapids — Priority Health Run Camp Gazelle Sports, Grand Rapids Info Night: Jan. 6, 7 p.m. Run up to Run Camp: Jan. 9, 8 a.m. Training: Jan. 16-May 7 $100, gazellesports.com, (616) 940-9888 *Long Distance Training Programs are offered at all Gazelle Sports locations, in addition to 5k/10k Training Programs

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The Fit Issue | Outdoors

FRIDAY NIGHT HIGHLIGHTS JANUARY–JUNE JANUARY 8

FRETBOARD FESTIVAL Play-In Contest

FEBRUARY 5

STORYTELLING FESTIVAL Kick-Off Event The Storytellers’ Musical Stories 5:30 p.m. Ralph Stocker, Sand Painting Stories 7 p.m. Calligraphy by Pen Dragons

Calligraphy Guild

APRIL 1

Mortals 2 (vintage rock, blues, original music) From Fractals to Forms

by Frankie Heynig (Watercolor, oil and acrylic paintings)

MAY 6

MARCH 4

Jared Knox Band (country) Feathership of the Wing

FRETBOARD FESTIVAL Kick-Off Concert The Crane Wives (indie-folk-rock-pop)

by LeeLee Joy (Jewelry)

JUNE 3

Who Hit John? (American roots music) 7 p.m.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Laser Light Shows in the Planetarium Art Hop Fridays at 8 p.m. Led Zeppelin January 8 - May 6 A variety of live entertainment, visual art, and a laser light show are available for adult audiences each month. Unless otherwise stated, visual experiences begin at 5 p.m. and musical performances at 6 p.m. and are free of charge. Light shows begin at 8 p.m. and are $3.

kalamazoomuseum.org 269.373.7990 The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is governed by its Board of Trustees

52 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

Get Outdoors and Out of Town by Mike Coletta

Snowshoeing BROMHEAD RD., TRAVERSE CITY MICHIGANTRAILMAPS.COM (231) 922-5280 Snowshoeing is already hard enough. The last thing you need when you are working up a sweat, trudging through snow, is the sound of snowmobilers getting to their drinks faster. With a no-motor policy and a gamut of breathtaking scenery, you’ll find a satisfying calm while burning calories at Sand Lakes Quiet Area.

Skiing/ Snowboarding 12500 CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN DR., THOMPSONVILLE CRYSTALMOUNTAIN.COM (855) 955-5146

Whether you are new to the slopes or carving your name out of the side of a mountain every weekend, there is no better place to ski or snowboard in the Lower Peninsula than Crystal Mountain.

Speed skating 1100 WINTER PARK LANE, PETOSKEY PETOSKEY.US (231) 347-1252 The very thought of speedskating can be pretty intimidating. The Winter Sports Park in Petoskey is perhaps the best place in Michigan to ease you into this demanding activity, offering both long and short tracks as well as an entire club of enthusiasts willing to show beginners how to get off on the right skate. n

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Revue spotlights chic shopping hot spots, musthave items, and fashionable locals.

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REVUEWM.COM | January 2016 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

March: The Style Guide

S p e c i a l p r o m ot i o n

New Belgium Takes You on a ‘Mountain Adventure’ Crystal Mountain Scavenger Hunt Offers Fun for the Entire Family, Raises Funds for The Spoke Folks

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

his month New Belgium Brewing Company invites you and your family to hit the slopes at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Mich. to sport fun costumes while scouring the snowy hills for clues. “The Mountain Adventure event is Saturday, Jan. 23 at Crystal Mountain,” said New Belgium’s Asher Attick. “It’s family-friendly and involves skiing or snowboarding the mountain for the day while searching for clues. The beer does not flow until after the event is over to allow for all ages.” New Belgium’s Shawn Hines said the family-friendly element was an important factor for this event. “All of the clues are on runs that are accessible by most all skiers,” Hines said. “The other way we create the family space is to only award points for gathering clues, there are no points for coming in first.” And just what are these clues you’ll be searching for? “There are 20 clues ranging from trivia clues to word finds,” Hines said. “Some are geared towards the ski hill and some are specifically written around the nonprofit as well as a few tied to New Belgium.” The adventure is comprised of teams ranging from one to four people and the cost is $10 per person plus the lift ticket. Even though the event begins at 12:30 p.m., teams can register at any point from10 a.m. to 3 p.m. After registering, all teams are given one clue sheet and turned loose to gather clues from the mountain. Costumes are highly encouraged and extra points are given to teams that are not afraid to wave their freak flags a bit. “Any and all fun and whimsical costumes are welcome — family friendly being key.” Attick said. While the Mountain Adventure is all about having a great time, it’s also for a good cause.

54 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

The entire event is a fundraiser for The Spoke Folks, a bike co-op in Grand Rapids. “The Spoke Folks have been a great partner of New Belgium for over two years,” Attick said. “As always, New Belgium aims to support our partners and local communities through events such as the Mountain Adventure.”

Post Party

The festivities end with an awards ceremony, a chance to win a custom pair of Rocky Mountain Underground skis and, for the 21-and-over crowd, some great beer. “Each participant over 21 is also welcome to two post-event beers — as replenishment for the calories burned throughout the day,” Hines said. Aside from prizes, New Belgium will also have some new brews on hand. “We’ll have a post party with special tappings of new brands like Citradelic,” Attick said. “The top three teams win prizes, like beanies, stainless growlers and hydro flasks.” “There will also be a raffle for everything from lift tickets to a custom pair of New Belgium skis made by our wonderful friends at Rocky Mountain Underground,” Hines added. While there are some tasty beers to sip and stellar giveaways at the after party, it’s also a chance to celebrate what everyone has accomplished. “The focus is to highlight the teams and their contributions to a local nonprofit all while spending a few hours with some pretty amazing people,” Hines said. “The post-party is a chance for everyone to come together and celebrate a great day on the snow at a fantastic ski hill over a few pints of our finest brews.” Visit newbelgium.com/events for more on the Mountain Adventure Series as well as a chance for a team of up to four people to win a comp entry for the adventure.

Mountain Adventure

Crystal Mountain, 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr., Thompsonville, Mich. Saturday, Jan. 23, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

The Itinerary Early Registration / Check In: 10 a.m. Adventure Begins!: 12:30 p.m. Turn in Your Clue Sheet: 4:30 p.m. Beer, Awards & After Party: 5 p.m. newbelgium.com/events

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e. info@keillasik.com

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Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

“MORE THAN A BROADWAY SHOW.

RAYMOND LUKE JR. PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS. ALL OTHER PHOTOS BY ANDREW ECCLES.

Keil Lasik Vision Center I Grand Rapids, MI

A celebration of music that transformed America!” — CBS Sunday Morning

MARCH 15-20 | MSU’s WHARTON CENTER | ON SALE NOW! WHARTONCENTER.COM • 1-800-WHARTON

56 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

East Lansing engagement welcomed by Auto-Owners Insurance; The Christman Company; Delta Dental of Michigan; Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C.; and Jackson National Life Insurance Company. ®

MOTOWN IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF UMG RECORDINGS, INC

FEBRUARY 2-3

AT DEVOS PERFORMANCE HALL visit BROADWAYGRANDRAPIDS.COM or

1-800-745-3000 • TICKETMASTER.COM Grand Rapids engagement is welcomed by Adtegrity.

By Amanda Denomme

Theatre

My Complex Romance

Tony Winner Once Tugs at Heartstrings ONCE is the epitome of a true complex romance, as a Dublin street musician, debating on giving up his singing dreams, meets a beautiful young woman who takes strong interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights, but their unlikely connection turns out to be much deeper and more complicated than expected. ONCE, winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and winner of the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, hits Miller Auditorium this January. Yasmine Lee, associate movement director of ONCE, works with the actors firsthand as a member of the creative team. Revue chatted with Lee about collaborating behind the scenes.

What are the dance numbers like in ONCE and do you have a favorite?

How do you and the creative team go about envisioning the dances for the show before they actually take the stage? The choreography on this production is Steven Hoggett’s. He’s the real deal. His work is inventive, impressionistic and deeply connected to the music and text of the play. I was fortunate to have participated in the creative process as Steven’s associate

What is the most challenging part as an associate movement director? I love my job and I love a good challenge, so that means the challenging bits are the bits I love. The lines are a bit blurred between creative departments on this show. Many productions feel like story pauses for a big dance number or beautiful song. Not so in ONCE. The acting, movement and music are interrelated and deeply connected. This means I’ve got to keep my eye on the entire show. It’s a lot, but I think the real challenge for the actors is developing the skill of playing instruments while dancing and storytelling. They have to do each exceptionally

well and then marry them. I coach our actors through this process, which can be tough. What can the audience expect from ONCE? That’s a simple but tough question because ONCE is unique. I hope the audience feels a tug at their heart. The music is gorgeous. In terms of story, the themes are universal and relatable — you know, eschewing fear to pursue your dreams and allowing yourself to be guided by love. There is excellent, old school stagecraft and usually there is not a dry eye in the audience by the final scene. It’s just gorgeous.�

ONCE

Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo Jan. 25-26 (800) 228-9858 or (269) 387-2300 millerauditorium.com

REVUEWM.COM | January 2016 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule

In the dance and music numbers, our actors do so well that sometimes the audience members think that the music was pre-recorded, but nope, they’ve seriously got the skills. Honestly, there’s not one number I like the best, but I think “Gold” is most impressive. All of the actors are on their feet, playing music while dancing and conveying the dramatic essence of the scene. There is even a cello player dancing while playing. I also love the movement in “Sleeping.” It’s very simple and pedestrian, but tender and gorgeous. It really pulls the heartstrings.

when ONCE was developed in 2011. Currently, my job now involves re-staging Steven’s original work but also re-imagining and shaping it for the bodies that are in the room. I help our actors find an authentic, truthful way into the work. I also shift shapes and details to accentuate their personal qualities and character choices.

Style Notes

by Missy Black

style CRUSH:

Amy Carroll

A Grand Rapids lifestyle photographer with enviable style

er blonde locks are a little ice princess/earth angel and it totally works for her. In her closet you’ll find lots of creams and blacks and edgy pieces like an abstract horse print kimono. Amy Carroll’s style is “Boho minimalism with a splash of vintage” and while she just made that up, we’re totally emulating it. She even makes her own signature scent with oils — a geranium blend. Carroll is hardcore local and also corners the market on dreamy images (check out acarrollphotography.com). Is she for real? She is and here’s how to steal her style.

Jewelry should be minimalistic. Procure dainty gold rings and tiny necklaces. Layer these pieces from the Katie Dean line (pictured above). $49 (top), $39 (bottom). Pink Lemonade Boutique in Grand Rapids.

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

Wear more dresses in the winter. Amy loves them “a little flowy and a little bit Boho.” Try on this glamourous pleated and bejeweled dress and twirl baby. $128. Frances Jaye in Holland. Color lasts longer with Oribe’s Bright Blonde Shampoo for Beautiful Color. This shampoo corrects brassiness and yellow tones in blonde hair. $44. Brindle & Blonde in Grand Rapids. Be a fan of natural products. A little of the lavender and cocoa dry shampoo goes a long way (and smells great too). $14. Have Company in Grand Rapids.

The stylish Amy Carroll. PHOTO: Jeff Newcomer

58 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

Consider boots an investment piece. Lavender cocoa dry Our girl is big into booties right shampoo at Have now and this leather option with Company suede fringe is fun and flirty. $139. For The Love of Shoes in Saugatuck.

6740 CASCADE ROAD 6 1 6 . 9 4 2 . 9 8 8 6 www.cascade-optical.com PHOTO: ROB CONENS FRAME: IC BERLIN MIRRORED MOUNTAIN MODEL: KEVIN P. RIGG

REVUEWM.COM | January 2016 |

indie film

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

h i le it’s b e e n 35 years s i n c e h i s death, Alfred Hitchcock is still the critics’ darling. If you browse any “greatest films in cinema history” list you’re bound to find Psycho and Vertigo peppered alongside others. Another influential filmmaker, Francois Truffaut, can be found on the same lists. His film The 400 Blows ended up becoming a defining film for the French New Wave and his advocating of the auteur theory helped revolutionize film theory. In 1962, both filmmakers walled themselves up together for a week of conversations and interviews, resulting in the book Hitchcock/Truffaut. This book would inspire a whole new generation of filmmakers, including Kent Jones, director of the new documentary Hitchcock/Truffaut. The documentary, which brings the book of the same name to life, features archived audio and photographs from Hitchcock and Truffaut’s weeklong conversation on the art of cinema. It also features interviews with successful filmmakers such as David Fincher, Martin Scorsese and Richard Linklater, all explaining the impact both directors had on them. A seminal film for anyone who’s a fan of cinema history, Hitchcock/Truffaut screens

60 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

by Josh Spanninga

Jan. 15-28 at the UICA in downtown Grand Rapids. For a list of show times, visit uica.org/ movies.

Kalamazoo Public Library’s Teen Filmmaker Festival Turns 13 It’s that special time of year again when people all over the world start tackling their lists of New Year’s resolutions. Maybe the goal is to lose 20 pounds or to skydive, or maybe even to win an award at a film competition. Okay, so that last goal may sound a little lofty, but if you happen to be a Michigan resident between the ages of 12-19 itching to enter a film competition, you may be in luck. The Kalamazoo Public Library is currently accepting entries for its 2016 Teen Filmmakers Festival. This year, the festival itself turns 13 and Andrea Vernola, Lead Librarian for Teen Services at KPL, said it’s grown quite a bit since its inception in 2002. “Our first year we had a handful of people on site at our Central Library and in 2015 we had 500 at Chenery Auditorium. So it’s really grown quite a bit,” Vernola said. “When we first started, submissions were limited to local Kalamazoo teens but we now get submissions from across the state, including the UP.”

There’s a good reason so many people have an interest in the event – not only are the awards for each category enticing (past awards included items from theater gift cards all the way to Apple laptops), but some of their past winners have even gone on to work in Hollywood and advertising. All films must be under 10 minutes and created by teens ages 12 through 19 who currently reside in Michigan. Adult talent may appear in the film but cannot help with the actual production of the movie. Oh, and sorry guys, but no blooper reels. Vernola explained that such a broad set of rules helps to ensure diversity in programming. “We see a little bit of everything,” Vernola said. “The movies run the gamut from comedy, drama, science fiction, romance and horror — sometimes all in the same film.” Prizes will be awarded for eight different categories, including best cinematic merit, best short film and, of course, a grand prize for the best overall film. In addition, audiences will have a chance to vote for their favorite film to win the People’s Choice Award. All films must be submitted to the Teen Services Desk at the central library no later than Jan. 30 to be considered for the festival. “Once the deadline ends, representatives from all of the sponsoring agencies — us at the

library, Public Media Network, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and Campaign Pictures — get together and watch all of the movies backto-back,” Vernola said. “Each film is given a weighted score and the top films are selected for viewing at the festival. The films are selected based on a wide range of criteria, including (but not limited to) technical skill, story, cinematography and sound.” In addition, a panel of judges made up of local industry professionals and film experts scores each entry. Don’t have the equipment to make a film? No worries — the Kalamazoo Public Library has you covered. Services at the library include access to the HUB, a computer lab filled with video, audio and photo editing software and equipment. “The increase in technology and availability of cheap technology means that films look much better and are more polished than they were 13 years ago,” Vernola pointed out. All of the students’ hard work and editing will pay off on Feb. 20 when chosen entries will be screened for free at Chenery Auditorium, with an awards presentation following. For more information on the 13th Annual Teen Filmmakers Fest, visit kpl.gov/ teens. n

Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule

REVUEWM.COM | January 2016 |

by Eric Mitts

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

MIKE GREEN

Dec 31 & Jan

SHANEaMryAU7-S9S Janu

COLLIN

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

Janu MOUL ary TON 14-16

E JEFaFryDY21-23

Janu

JOHN HEFFRON

January 28-30

62 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

Smitten With the Mitten John Heffron Heads Home

Like the saying goes: You can take a comedian out of Michigan, but you can’t take Michigan out of a comedian. Fifteen years after moving from the Great Lakes State to sunny Southern California, stand-up veteran John Heffron has a deep-seated appreciation for his childhood home and its unique seasonal challenges. “I enjoy coming back to Michigan because I know Michigan people grew up the same way I did,” Heffron said. “There’s something about growing up in a cold climate that makes you a better person because we’re all just happy we didn’t die last winter.”

orn and raised in the metro Detroit area, Heffron said he still has a lot of family in Michigan. He often finds himself back here around the holidays, right when the worst of the bitter cold settles in. “It is amazing how quickly my blood thinned since I moved out of Michigan,” he said. “I’m definitely a wuss when it comes to dealing with cold. I own one winter jacket now and I only bust that out when I know I’m coming to Michigan.” Despite the differences in temperature, Heffron remains a Michigander at heart, and prefers the warmth of the people here to the cool nonchalance of his fellow L.A. residents. “I still refuse to relate to L.A. and I refuse to root for any Los Angeles sports teams of any kind,” Heffron said. “I still wear flannel and every piece of my clothing has a Detroit ‘D’ on it.”

Heffron’s days in comedy go back to his time at Eastern Michigan University where he began performing onstage at 18. He soon became a favorite on the college comedy circuit and after successfully touring the country a few times he tried to make his way in Hollywood. Later he returned to Michigan when he landed a gig as a radio sidekick to celebrity personality Danny Bonaduce. Their morning talk show on Detroit station Q-95.5 exposed his style of humor to a wider audience. “It gave me confidence because our show was pretty popular in Detroit. I was a pseudo-mini celebrity,” Heffron said. “When I went back to Los Angeles I had a little cash in my pocket and a little bit more of an ego, which helped.” Heffron’s bigger break came in 2004 when he won the second season of the NBC reality series Last Comic Standing. The show brought his Midwestern mix of middle-age reminiscing and quickwitted commentary to the masses. Since then, Heffron has become a road favorite, headlining comedy clubs from coast to coast for more than a decade. He also got married and became a parent, which has only given him more material to bring up onstage. In the spirit of fatherly wisdom, he released an advice book titled I Come To You From the Future in 2014. “I feel as lost now at my age as I did when I was 18 but that’s the fun of it,� I think,” he said. “The people who have their lives all mapped out are the ones that have miserable lives.” n

John Heffron w/ Todd McComas Dr. Grins Comedy Club, Grand Rapids Jan. 28-30 Thurs.: 9 p.m., Fri./Sat. 8 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. thebob.com/drgrinscomedy, (616) 356-2000

ChiC Gamine

From the creative mind of artistic producer

“Broadway’s Next H!T Musical is hilarious!” – New York Times

DEKE SHARON ( Pitch Perfect, The Sing-Off ) comes the all-new live concert event that takes a cappella to a whole new level!

Thursday, Jan. 21 | 7:30 pm Winner of a Juno Award for Roots Album of the Year, Chic Gamine enchants with Motown souls, French pop spirits and rock-and-roll hearts. Variety Series Sponsor:

Media Sponsor:

Friday, Jan. 29 | 8 pm All improvised and all funny, the hysterical Broadway’s Next H!T Musical is an unscripted theatrical awards show. Vote for your favorite song and watch it become a musical!

Peter rabbit tales Saturday, Feb. 27 1:30 & 4 pm

Celebrate Beatrix Potter’s 150th birthday year with Enchantment Theatre Co.’s Peter RabbitTM Tales! by Granger, Michigan Council for TUES., JANUARY 26 AT 7:30PM Arts and Cultural Affairs, the National Act One Family Series is sponsored

Endowment for the Arts, and Jackson National Life Insurance Company.

Generously sponsored by Brogan, Reed, Van Gorder & Associates/Ohio National Financial Services; Demmer

Variety Series Sponsor

Media Sponsor

Media Sponsor:

WED., FEBRUARY 17 AT 7:30PM

Get ready for the glitz and glamour of the red carpet and enjoy some of the best-loved movie music scores of all time! Join the “the Orchestra Bensemble o B Byknown M cas Fe rr i n : of the Stars” and thrill to live music from favorites including James Bond 007, Chicago, Titanic, The Sting, Mission: Impossible, and much more along with special guest Saturday, Feb. 6 |vocalists! 8 pm Take a musical journey through Hollywood, and the music thatto“made” Bobby McFerrin comes to East Lansing celebratethe andmovies! draw inspiration from

BoBBy Meets Michigan!

the creativity and diversity of Michigan artists. Together they’ll perform, improvise and make a glorious night of music. Variety Series Sponsor:

Media Sponsor Media Sponsor:

Corporation; and Governmental Consultant Services.

WHARTO N CE NTE R .CO M • 1 - 8 0 0 -WHARTO N REVUEWM.COM | January 2016 |

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MICROBREW & mUSIC FESTIVAL FEBRUARY 13 2016 | downtown traverse city, MICHIGAN

CRAFT BREWS

WINE, CIDER, AND MEAD

Acoustic Mead | BONOBO WINERY | Left Foot Charley | St. Ambrose | Starcut Ciders

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microbrewandmusic.com 64 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

Restaurant listings arranged by region

Grand Rapids Angel’s Thai Café 136 Monroe Center NW. 616-454-9801 THAI. This downtown restaurant makes your order fresh, fast, and hot. You can order your entree with your choice of meat and spice level, or create your own. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Thai Steak and Yum Talay. Bar Divani 15 Ionia Ave. SW. 616-774-WINE. ECLECTIC. Bar Divani offers a sophisticated environment, with the chefs use local ingredients in their creations. Taste the homegrown flavor in the Prosciutto Flatbread, the Linguine Alfredo or the Plum Salmon. By pairing with Dancing Goats Creamery, Otto’s Chicken, S&S Lamb, Ingraberg Farms, Mrs. Dog’s and Madcap, Bar Divani serves extraordinary tastes. But, what would a night out be without a few drinks? The bar serves more than 300 types of liquor, 300 wines and 50 beers to compliment each handcrafted meal. » SERVING: Dinner after 4 p.m. OPEN ON: Everyday but Sunday. GO THERE FOR: Local Cuisine. 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.

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.

The B.O.B. 20 Monroe Ave. NW. (616) 356-2000 ECLECTIC. If you’re not sure what kind of dining you want, you can just head into The B.O.B., where you can choose from one of its several venues. Go into Gilly’s, where you can dine on seafood or B.O.B.’s Brewery, the restaurant’s in-house brewery. You can dress down for some pizza at Bobarino’s or dress it up for a steak at Judson’s Steakhouse. For after dinner, take in a show at Dr. Grins or enjoy live music at H.O.M.E. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Beer and numerous dining options. Bombay Cuisine 1420 Lake Dr. SE 616-456-7055 INDIAN. Offering savory and subtly spiced dishes from northern India, Bombay Cuisine is a hot spot for those who like to add a little flavor to their lives. With a lunch buffet served every weekday, this restaurant provides its eaters with an array of traditional Indian cuisine. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Naan, Butter Chicken. Brewery Vivant 925 Cherry St. SE. 616-719-1604 BREWPUB. Housed in a former funeral chapel, Brewery Vivant crafts Belgian-style ales with a focus on barrel aging. The brewpub also brings Belgian tradition when it comes to food, featuring French and Belgian-style meals to pair perfectly with the beer. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The Burger Chapbook Café 2660 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids. 616-942-0595. CAFE. Take a break from browsing the shelves at Schuler Books with a homemade selection of soups, sandwiches and quiches. Soups are prepared in-house daily and served with fresh baked bread to accompany a small-but-elegant sandwich menu. Try a quiche or traditional Italian Panini grilled on fresh ciabatta bread, or for a quick bite, grab a bagel or scone from the dessert case. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days GO THERE FOR: Homemade soups and sandwiches

CitySen Lounge 83 Monroe Center St. NW. 616-608-1720 AMERICAN. CitySen Lounge, located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, is a bar with a big-city feel, offering exciting options for lunch, dinner and breakfast on the weekends. The focus is on fresh ingredients and a full bar with local brews, wine and creative cocktails. » SERVING: 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. 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 fla-

vorful 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.

REVUEWM.COM | January 2016 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule

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.

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.

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.

Dining Grand Rapids Brewing Company 1 Ionia Ave SW. 616-458-7000 BREWPUB. Good for the environment and your palate, GRBC is Michigan’s first certified organic brewery and features a menu stocked with locally grown ingredients. With a diverse selection of beers on tap inspired by historical Grand Rapids figures and a hearty array of burgers, melts and hand-cranked sausages, this place represents the best of the brewery’s 120-year legacy. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Organic beer and locally sourced food. Grand Woods Lounge 77 Grandville Ave SW. 616-451-4300 AMERICAN. The restaurant’s interior exudes a warm, casual ambiance reminiscent of the great eateries of the Pacific Northwest; the outdoor porch features two outdoor bars and a fireplace. Menu stocked with affordable appetizers great for sharing, plus salads, sandwiches, and entrées. Lots of domestics and microbrews, plus an array of martinis including the “Woodstini,” a tasty mix of Stoli Orange Vodka, mandarin oranges and raspberries. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Cocktails. The Holiday Bar 801 5th St. NW. (616) 456-9058 AMERICAN. Tucked smack dab in the “Heart of the Westside, The Holiday Bar boasts a classic 40-foot Horseshoe bar, along with cheap eats and drinks, both served until 2 a.m., with specials happening daily. The Holiday Bar has a full menu that features pub fare like chicken strips, pierogis, battered homestyle mushrooms and more. It’s a great place to watch the game, listen to music or just hang out with friends. » SERVING Lunch Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Cheap eats and drinks.

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

Harmony Brewing Company 1551 Lake Dr. SE (616) 233-0063 BREWPUB. Harmony features 12 craft-brewed beers in addition to signature root beer for the kiddos. Named one of the top-five brewpub menus in West Michigan by yours truly, Harmony’s ultimate deal is a take-out combo that features one of its 10” gourmet wood-fired pizzas and a growler of beer for $20, as well as a $5 cheese and $6 pepperoni pizza deal every Tuesday. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza and brews.

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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. 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 in 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.

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Dining The cocktail menu runs the gamut from classics like the Manhattan to more modern variations and the beer and wine menus are nothing to sneeze at either. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Specialty cocktails, broad menu, lively atmosphere. Ruth’s Chris Steak House 187 Monroe Avenue NW. 616-776-6426 STEAKHOUSE. Serving only the best steaks, Ruth’s Chris hand-selects its steaks from the top 2% of the country’s beef, which is then broiled to perfection at 1800 degrees. Enjoy the freshest seafood, classic sides and homemade desserts that satisfy any craving. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays. GO THERE FOR: Steak.

San Chez Bistro 38 West Fulton St. 616-774-8272 ECLECTIC. Using local products, San Chez is both a café and a Tapas Bistro, and is 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 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. 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.

SchulerBooks&Music 33 years as your local, independent bookstore!

JANUARY 2016 EVENTS

7pm

NORMA LEWIS PRESENTS LOST RESTAURANTS OF GRAND RAPIDS

MEET AUTHOR NORMA LEWIS -- A MEMBER OF THE GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY, THE GRAND RAPIDS WOMEN’S HISTORY COUNCIL AND THE TRI-CITIES HISTORICAL MUSEUM IN GRAND HAVEN -- AS SHE PRESENTS HER NEWEST BOOK, LOST RESTAURANTS OF GRAND RAPIDS.

GR AMATEUR ASTRONOMICAL ASSOCIATION

WIDOW’S LUNCHEON: KRISTEN MEEKHOF PRESENTS A WIDOW’S GUIDE TO HEALING

NYT-BESTSELLING HISTORICAL FICTION AUTHOR MELANIE BENJAMIN PRESENTS THE SWANS OF 5TH AVENUE

noon2pm

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

7pm

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CLUB ITALIA

7pm

JOIN US FOR AN INTRODUCTION TO THE BRIGHT STARS AND CONSTELLATIONS OF THE WINTER SKY AND GET TIPS ON HOW TO OBSERVE SKY FEATURES AMONG THEM.

A WIDOW’S GUIDE TO HEALING SHOWS GRIEVING WIDOWS WHAT TO EXPECT AND HOW TO DEAL WITH THE CHALLENGES OF LOSING A LIFE PARTNER. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. TICKETS ARE $25, WHICH INCLUDES A BOXED LUNCH OF YOUR CHOICE AND A COPY OF A WIDOW’S GUIDE TO HEALING. TO REGISTER, PLEASE VISIT OR CALL THE 28TH ST. STORE AT 616.942.2561.

BENJAMIN PRESENTS THE SWANS OF FIFTH AVENUE, A TRIUMPHANT NEW NOVEL ABOUT NEW YORK’S “SWANS” OF THE 1950S—AND THE SCANDALOUS, HEADLINE-MAKING, AND ENTHRALLING FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN LITERARY LEGEND TRUMAN CAPOTE AND PEERLESS SOCIALITE BABE PALEY.

Visit www.SchulerBooks.com for a complete list of events. All events are subject to change.

2660 28th Street SE • (616) 942-2561

REVUEWM.COM | January 2016 |

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.

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The Winchester 648 Wealthy St. SE. 616-451-4969 ECLECTIC. Upscale Wealthy Street bar and restaurant feels like it was plucked from Chicago’s Bucktown or Logan Square neighborhoods. A comfortable spot to drink or dine, with an always evolving menu featuring shared plates, salads and inventive sandwiches. The Cuban Reuben, originally created as something of a joke, remains a (very tasty) staple item. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner

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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 hand-

cut steaks. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Lake perch, lobster strudel, prime rib. CityVu Bistro 61 E 7th Street, Holland. 616-796-2114 AMERICAN. A distinctive rooftop dining experience in downtown Holland with fresh gourmet flatbreads and an array of seasonal entrees. The contemporary-yet-casual atmosphere, full bar and unique menus make it the ideal spot for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: flatbreads Everyday People Cafe 11 Center St., Douglas. 269-857-4240 AMERICAN. REVUE Publisher Brian Edwards calls Everyday People Café his favorite restaurant along the lakeshore. The atmosphere is casual and upbeat, the staff knows its stuff about wine and food, and the seasonal menu is filled with meticulously prepared, eclectic comfort food like Butternut Squash Risotto, Braised Lamb Shank and Ahi Tuna. A great wine list and tremendous desserts. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Gorgonzola Pork Chop, Greek Salad with Grandma Gigi’s Dressing (Edwards). Fricano’s Pizza Tavern 1400 Fulton Ave., Grand Haven. 616-842-8640 ITALIAN. Claims to be the first pizzeria in Michigan, but customers care less about its longevity than the amazingly crispy thin crust

and simple ingredients atop its much-lauded pies. Four other locations around West MI, including Comstock Park, Muskegon, Holland and Kalamazoo. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza. 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.

Celebration of the Arts February 12-24, 2016

Open for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: 7 days a week

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

Note Worthy Dining.

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Sunday, February 21 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 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

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REVUEWM.COM | January 2016 |

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Beaumont Brass Quintet

Meet the chef

In the Kitchen with Chef Gilles GRCC’s world-renowned pastry chef on keeping up with cooking fads, social media, the Food Network and gluten-free diets by Andy Balaskovitz / Photos by Michael McCluskey

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omeone was about to get chewed out by Chef Gilles Renusson when they returned to class on Monday. Late on a Friday afternoon in November, the world-renowned pastry chef at Grand Rapids Community College noticed a dirty baking sheet on a nearby desk in his kitchen lab, apparently left behind by a student earlier that day. It was quiet here, presumably after what is a reportedly hectic environment. After 45-plus years of cooking, baking and teaching, few things get under the 61-yearold’s skin like cutting corners. He’s no slouch, as they say. “What really makes me mad is laziness, a lack of accountability — I talk about it often,” says Chef Gilles, as he’s known by students, colleagues and GRCC custodial staff at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education. Then he points across the room, as if remembering that he noticed the dirty “Some of the attraction of tray earlier. “When they come, they’re getting teaching is to share the chewed,” he said in a thick French accent. knowledge; it is great to “You cannot cut corners.” Like most of Chef Gille’s wisdom, his see a student do well. But kitchen teachings could have a wider applicaI talk to them a lot about tion to any profession or generally being a human. Be nice, be courteous. Lend a help- networking, because ing hand. Don’t be lazy. Be a team player. you don’t know what Take accountability for your mistakes. the future will bring.” All of this, according to Renusson, is what makes a kitchen run smoothly.

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Coming to GR As a 14-year-old kid in France, Renusson said — with perhaps a shade of facetiousness — that he “had no choice” when it came to choosing a chef’s path. “As a kid, I wasn’t too bright in school. When the report card came, dad said, ‘You’re going to boarding school.’” Armed with the skills and knowledge that have made him known globally as a pastry chef and mentor/coach to some of the country’s most talented up-and-coming professionals, many wonder why Renusson has settled in a mid-size, Midwestern city. It wasn’t by design. In the mid-80s, Renusson left the Ritz Carlton hotel in Chicago when he was hired as executive pastry chef at the Amway Grand hotel in Grand Rapids. His wife, also, had family in Lansing.

“I was really impressed with the Amway. Beautiful kitchen, great staff,” he said. Renusson misses some things from working in the industry, namely building and working with a team. “It’s a people business. If a person is not a team player, it won’t work. You have to make the effort to lend a helping hand,” he said. “It can’t be forced.” But after eight years at the Amway, when his neighbor offered him the opportunity to teach full time at GRCC, he took it. “I never intended to stay in Grand Rapids as long as I did,” Renusson said in a GRCC promotional video from last year. For the past 20 years, Renusson has also done consulting work allowing him to travel the world. He does research and development for some of the largest food companies in the country, like ConAgra and Kellogg. In 1994, he founded the U.S. Pastry Alliance to elevate the profession and has coached the U.S. team several times at the World Pastry Cup in France. Over time, Renusson has built a reputation on his artistry in the kitchen.

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With such a breadth of experience, Renusson is still challenged by staying on top of the evolving trends in cooking. Particularly, “Scientists moving into the kitchen,” pushing the boundaries with molecular gastronomy. He said it’s brought more “certainty and logic” to the traditional techniques of pastry chefs. “I may not agree with them, I know they’re ephemeral,” he said of some of the changes. “But some stick.” Indeed, plenty has changed since Renusson set out on a cooking career back in France. For one, there weren’t 24-hour TV networks with celebrity chefs sporting spiked, frosted tips scarfing food on camera for a living. Does he watch the shows? “No,” he said flatly. “It’s not reality TV. It’s all staged. Is it good for the industry? It has brought a lot of people to the kitchen.” He finds little value in social media as well — the premise seems to run counter to everything Renusson teaches his students. “Some of the attraction of teaching is to share the knowledge, it is great to see a student do well. But I talk to them a lot about networking, because you don’t know what the future will bring,” he said. (A 2011 story in the Grand Rapids Press said “there’s no such thing as being a former friend of Gilles,” in how he values relationships.) “I don’t think you can just call on someone and ask for something,” he added. “The way people communicate on the Internet now, there is no courtesy. It’s: ‘Hi, I need this.’ Too many people spend so much time on social media and it’s just very superficial.” So what’s next for Chef Gilles? He mentions something about retirement, but quickly pivots to plug his son’s new gluten-free bake shop. Wait, what is this gluten-free phenomenon, anyway? “It’s real interesting, but also worrisome,” he said. “All these food allergies weren’t so prevalent 10 years ago. Where did they all come from? There are lots of theories, but I don’t know.” Back to “retirement.” Helping out at his son’s shop? Pursuing something on his own? “I was close to having my own business before, though that was never really my priority,” he said. “My goal was to always do the best that I could.” n

/// Beer

by Joe Boomgaard, Revue Beer Czar

Schmeckt gut! Cedar Springs Brewing Co.

95 N. Main St., Cedar Springs, (616) 696-2337, csbrew.com

e truly live i n th e and has leveraged that training to bring a true g o l d e n e r a f o r taste of Bavaria to West Michigan. craft beer. His approach with the Küsterer line of With more than 4,100 beers is to stay true to traditional German craft breweries around the styles of pilsner, weissbier, bock and dunkel country — north of 200 of — American styles are branded under the Cedar them in Michigan alone — it can be difficult for Springs Brewing Co. name — and introduce the even the most ardent beer aficionados to keep old world standbys to a generation of drinkers them all straight. who’ve never really been exposed to them unless If you’re a craft brewery owner, the chal- they’ve traveled to Germany. lenge becomes even more difficult: How can Part of that also includes education about I differentiate my beers from the many other what a true German beer should taste like. (Pro options consumers have? tip: They’re not supposed to come with an orThese days, it appears many brewers take ange wedge, or be served in a boot-shaped glass.) the one-upmanship approach. The thinking “Weissbier is so misunderstood,” said seems to be: Ringler, the so-called “Director of Happiness” “If the brewery down the block is putting out a at CSBC. “People think weissbier is for sum100-IBU double IPA with agave nectar, then I’m go- mer and that it’s highly carbonated, and that’s ing to brew a 666-IBU tredecuple IPA with unicorn bullshit. They’re fresh, soft and drinkable and tears and special unobtainium infusion.” they should feel silky on the tongue. And it’s not just brewers trying to out-hop “These are all classic styles for a reason: each other with the boldest IPAs. The newest They’re nuanced and flavorful, but they’re also sword fights boil down to drinkable. They’re somewhat whose stouts are aged in older complex, but you can also sit bourbon barrels, for how long, and drink them and not think under what conditions and about it,” added Ringler. whether or not the barrels As a destination brewery themselves can trace their people need to drive to, lineage back to THE Elijah CSBC’s offerings are also Craig. approachable, with most Don’t look like a dummkopf Just f***ing stop, people. clocking in at less than 6 the next time you’re in a It’s beer. You’re supposed percent ABV. There’s no pints German-style biergarten. to drink it, not worship it like here, only half-liters. some long-forgotten idol When Revue visited the Schmeckt gut! = Tastes or trade it like some sort of brewery, we sampled the good! Beercoin cryptocurrency like Küsterer Heller Weissbier, Prost! = Cheers! the nerds who “hunt whalez” Bohemian Pilsner, the Cedar Ein bier, bitte. = A beer, and post about it on special Springs 1871 CPA (a pale please. Facebook groups. ale made with all Michigan Danke. = Thank you. That’s why it’s refreshing ingredients) and Yinzers Bitte. = You’re welcome. to see a craft brewery doing Roundabout IPA (a one-off something different by being collaborative brew with authentic. Pittsburgh’s Roundabout In the case of Cedar Springs Brewing Co., Brewery). All were crisp, accessible and 95 N. Main St., Cedar Springs, founder Dave enjoyable. Ringler apprenticed at German breweries in the Once the brewery is able to catch up to 1990s after graduating from Kalamazoo College demand from the grand opening, Ringler said he hopes to be able to offer 16 different beers on

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Germanto-English translator

74 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

tap. The plan is to start distributing kegs as soon as possible and eventually move into canning in the first half of the year. The brewery offers its own European-style dry ciders, Vino131 wines and homemade Old Cedar Creek Sodas. It also has a small distillers license and plans to made vodka and other clear liquors on-site, Ringler said. CSBC matches its German beers with a Bavarian menu, including pretzels, jägerschnitzel, leberkäse, spätzle and a rotisserie half chicken. Additionally, the kitchen makes an American menu, complete with salads, wraps, sandwiches and burgers — including the aptly named “Monstrosity Burger,” which includes a sloppy joe, brisket, pulled pork, bacon, three types of cheese, two whole chicken wings, fried egg, crispy onions and tomato, and is served with a half-pound of fries. With roll-up doors on two sides, the open beer hall features a mix of tables and communal bench seating, as well as a members-only table

and the Küsterer room, which is adorned with panels from the now-demolished Schnitzelbank restaurant in Grand Rapids. The facility, which is located along the White Pine Trail, also features an outdoor beer garden. While Ringler acknowledges that not everyone will take to the traditional German beers, he’s hopeful that he can turn on a whole new group of people to the style that first inspired him to get into craft beer back in the 1990s. Just as importantly, he also wants to be a part of the gateway to people visiting and learning more about the Cedar Springs community. “Once we looked at Cedar Springs, there was no place else I’d rather go,” he said. “We get to be on the ground-floor of an industry that’s growing and healthy, and we’re only 15 minutes away from Grand Rapids. … We work with local farms — we’re local and sustainable. When people come here, we want them to see we’re the center of the community.” n

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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 | January 2016 |

Taste This

Salt of the Earth Serves Up Local, Tasty Dishes

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h i l e t h e t e r m garnished with capers, raisins and blue-cheese “ m e at a n d p o - vinaigrette. Next up: Confit of pork belly, tat o e s ” d o e s n ’ t comfortably lying on a bed of buttered leeks exactly elicit expectations and pickled onion. of a culinary adventure, Then came a butternut purée carbonara: Fennville’s Salt of the A soft-boiled egg resting atop the entangleEarth does its part to prove otherwise. ment of house-made bucatini. Finally, a If you aren’t familiar with Salt of the grilled hanger steak cooked to perfection, Earth, it is a Midwestern, ingredient-focused served with a butternut purée, a return of the establishment that sources all of its food blue cheese vinaigrette, and — yes — roastedwithin about a 50-mile radius of its doors. green cauliflower. Sure, Midwestern food is not very Dessert was an oatmeal micro-cake with exciting — nobody is opening up that little pumpkin, caramel apple and a brown butter Midwestern bistro in TriBeCa. But at Salt, sauce. proprietors Steve Darpel and Mark Schrock In full disclosure, I blacked out after one allow Chef Pietsch and his kitchen to turn bite of the pork belly. Not to outshine the the concept of traditionally heavy, eat-for- roasted vegetable plate — it was tastefully sustenance, local fare on its done with the blue cheese — head. but the pork belly was the Salt of the Earth “Not just local food — it breakout star. 114 East Main St., Fennville has to be good, too,” Pietsch It’s one of those dishes saltoftheearthfennville.com, (269) 561-7258 corrects me. that makes you stop and It’s easy to poke fun at consider the ramifications. the local yokels or the farmDo I tread on? Out of to-table movement. But keep in mind it’s not Midwestern politeness, I carried on and tried easy to serve green lettuce in February or find the rich, creamy carbonara and the delicate, fresh tomatoes year round. tender slices of beef, both of which met, if Chef Pietsch and his team stay current not surpassed, the quality of the pork belly. by holding frequent menu meetings. It’s Turns out, this meal boasted an all-star cast. where they discuss trends, like how 2015 was This is food carefully, considerately the “year of the cauliflower,” and my dinner thought out by a staff of experts. The team was littered with it. is restlessly creative and artfully modest. Salt I got a roasted vegetable plate of green of the Earth is a restaurant that’s redefining cauliflower, parsnips and Brussels sprouts Farm Food in our own backyard. n

76 | REVUEWM.COM | January 2016

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Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo 616.574.7500 Lansing 517.318.4005 nhls.com

Beer Briefs

New brews from Atwater Detroit’s Atwater Brewery is launching three new beers, and along with them, a new branding scheme. The company tapped Detroit artist Tony Roko for the new designs, which will debut this month on the new Going Steady IPA (grapefruit session IPA), Corktown Rye IPA and Tunnel Ram (imperial bock). The new designs will also be featured on some of Atwater’s existing offerings, including Dirty Blonde and Whango. Kalamazoo Beer Week returns Jan. 16-23 with dozens of beer-related events across the city. Details were still being finalized as this issue went to press, but check kalamazoobeerweek.com for more info. The second annual Pure Ludington BRRRewFest will be held from 1-6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 30 at the downtown Ludington Community Garden. The event will feature beers from more than 30 Michigan brewers, as well as live music. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door and include a 5oz. sampling glass plus six drink tokens. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Ludington State Park. Visit pureludington.com/beer for more information. Saugatuck Brewing Co. has a couple of promising new beers that will hit shelves this month. For starters, the long-time pub-only Maggie’s Irish Ale will finally see its way into bottles. The 5.4 percent ABV, Ludington BRRRewFest traditional Irish-style red ale made with Michigan honey has been available only on draft up to this point, but its popularity convinced the brewery to broaden its distribution in six-packs of bottles. Secondly, Saugatuck Brewing plans to release a totally new beer, Blueberry Maple Stout, starting mid-month. The brewery originally brewed the stout in conjunction with a special holiday project for a Canadian distributor, and knew right away it could have a hit on its hands. Described as “pancakes in a glass,” the sweet stout is brewed with lactose and clocks in at 6 percent ABV. Mmm, pancakes! —Reported by Joe Boomgaard

Michigan Beer Label of the Month Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

Dark Horse Brewing Co. — Super Juice

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raft breweries are engaged in an all-out war on drinkers’ palates to see if they can out-hop one another with the biggest and baddest IPAs. The bearded wizards at Marshall-based Dark Horse Brewing Co. appear to have thrown down the gauntlet with Super Juice, a quadruple IPA clocking in at 15 percent ABV. The label is as trippy as one would expect with a crazy, bug-eyed tree riding a beer bottle motorcycle and shooting a pistol. PEW PEW!!! Color us curious — and slightly intimidated. — Joe Boomgaard, Revue Beer Czar

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Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule

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Dining

So Much Love, So Many Details

New Holland Brewing Company 66 E. 8th St., Holland. 616-355-6422 BREWPUB. One of West MI’s premier microbreweries serves up better than average pub grub, including the Tarheel barbecue Pulled Pork, Grilled Portobello and The Treehugger, which is billed as “a vegetarian sandwich utopia.” » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Mad Hatter IPA, Dragon’s Milk. Phil’s Bar & Grille 215 Butler St., Saugatuck. 269-857-1555 AMERICAN. This cozy (some would say “small”) bar and grille in downtown Saugatuck is one of those unassuming spots you might easily overlook, though locals in Saugatuck will tell you about their love affair with Phil’s. Eclectic menu is all over the place, but in a good way, and the staff is super-friendly. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Portabella Mushroom Fries.

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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

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

Arcadia Brewing Co. 103 Michigan Ave., Battle Creek. 269-963-9520 BREWPUB. You’ll find some of the usual suspects on the Battle Creek brewpub’s menu, including wood-fired pizzas and some of the best barbecue in the region. But you’ll also find some delightful surprises — Osso Bucco in a brewpub?! — on the menu, courtesy of award-winning Chef Sean Kelly. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Handcrafted ales and barbecue. Bell’s Eccentric Cafe 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave. 269-382-2332 BREWPUB. 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

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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 Avenue, 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.

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