June 2013 Revue Magazine by Serendipity Media

West Michigan’s Entertainment Guide for 25 years

Music / Movies / Art / Culture / beer

s ide: e n I o s p Al Shar d r a le Edw midab e r o F nd Joy y B lo l l a g in Le y Irw e l l e Sh uns Fun R

» June 2013

Always Free!

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

4 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

6 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

8 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

What’s Inside

June 2013 | Volume 25, Issue 6

SCENE: 13 16 18 20 22 23 24 26

Random Notes Q&A with Shelley Irwin Beer Fun Runs All Ages Eclectic Free Market Weed Life

SPECIAL SECTION: 28 29 31 32 34

The Festival Issue Festival Guide Electronic Music Festivals Folk Festivals Festival Fashion

SOUNDS:

The Festival Issue

Festival Fashion

45 Sink’s Spins 46 Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros 48 The Joy Formidable

SIGHTS: 51 52 54 56 57 58 60

Visual Arts: Festival of the Arts Theatre: Legally Blonde Comedy: Nate Bargatze Indie Film Movie Previews Literary Life Style Notes

DINING:

63 Restaurant Listings 64 Taste This: Everyday People Café

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

SCHEDULE:

71 Daily Event Listings and Best Bets

Letter from the Editor

W est M ic h iga n ’ s E n tertai n me n t G uide

H MY GOD, it’s finally summer. Seriously. I know it took the same amount of time it always does for summer to get here, but this year just seemed so. much. longer. Dear Lord, so long.

That’s why, now that the weather is finally warm and that pesky white fluff is a thing of the past (but still in our future, but let’s not think about that right now), we have to enjoy as much of it while we can. Festival season helps us do just that, with dozens of themes that fit anyone’s interests. And with many being free or affordable, they’re possibly the best way to get the most out of summer. Another way summer is getting a little more fun is with the recent 5K fun-run popularity. Former REVUE Minion Carly Plank finds out what the big deal is with runs like The Color Run and why people flock to them. We also list a bunch of runs we think our readers would like to try out as well. Oh, and here’s something new that we’re doing. We’re talking about WEED! Yeah, ya heard me. The wacky tobaccy. Turns out, the stuff grown nowadays is pret-ty strong. Much stronger than what our parents were smoking back when music was awesome and love was free. REVUE Pot Correspondent Nick Manes finds out why the pot is so damn potent and gives us all the details. Rock on.

Editorial Publisher Brian Edwards / brian@revuewm.com Managing Editor Lindsay Patton-Carson / lindsay@revuewm.com Design Creative Director Kim Kibby / kim@revuewm.com Design Kim Kibby, Kristi Kortman, Kellie Zaplitny Contributing Writers Kyle Austin Allison Parker Missy Black Carly Plank Ben Darcie Emma Kat Richardson Steven de Polo Matt Simpson Siegel Alexandra Fluegel John Sinkevics Dwayne Hoover Josh Spanninga Audria Larsen Anya Zentmeyer Nick Manes ILLUStRATIONS Anthony Carpenter, Craig Horky Listings schedule@revuewm.com Revue Minions Elizabeth Badovinac Carly Plank Jordan Brasko Audrey Sochor Avery Johnson T Stastny Lauren Longo Elyse Wild Kari Norton Sales / 616.608.6170 Molly Rizor / molly@revuewm.com Jayson Bussa / jayson@revuewm.com

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

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

Advertising index 8th St. Grille . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Amway Hotel Corporation . . . . . . . 67 Avenue for the Arts Market . . . . . . 27 Bell’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 48 Billy’s Lounge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Bissell Blocktail Party. . . . . . . . . . 37 BOB’s Brewery // Gilmore. . . . . . . . 19 Brewery Vivant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Broadway Grand Rapids. . . . . . . . 53 Buttermilk Jamboree. . . . . . . . . . . 47 Cascade Optical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Celebration Cinema. . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Central City Taphouse. . . . . . . . . . 17 Circle Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Civic Theatre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Contractual Security Services &

Investigation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Dog Story Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Dr. Grins // Gilmore Collection. . . . 54 Elite Health Plc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Erb Thai. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Firekeepers Casino . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Founders Brewery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Four Winds Casino. . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Frederik Meijer Gardens. . . . . . . . . . 4 Fulton St. Farmers Market. . . . . . . 78 Fusion Shows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 The Gilmore Collection. . . . . . . . . . 62 Grand Rapids Art Museum . . . . . . 50 Grand Rapids Brewing Co. . . . . . . 43 Grand Rapids Downtown Alliance. 17 Grand Rapids Public Museum. 17, 75

Grand Rapids Public Library. . . . . 61 Grand Woods Lounge. . . . . . . . . . . 79 Growco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Gun Lake Casino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 The Intersection. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 49 Island Fest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Kalamazoo Irish Fest. . . . . . . . . . . 41 Kent District Library. . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Kentwood Summer Concert Series. 75 Lakeshore Art Festival. . . . . . . . . . 39 Lansing Summer Solstice Jazz Fest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Martell’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Ox-Bow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Palazzolo’s Gelato . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Pigeon Creek Shakespeare . . . . . . 41

The Pyramid Scheme. . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Reserve. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 River City Improv. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Saugatuck Brewing Company. . . . 19 Saugatuck Center for the Arts. . . . 55 Schmohz Brewery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Schuler Books. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 The Score. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Seven Steps Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Sight Optical Boutique . . . . . . . . . 41 Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. . . . 3 Stella’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Super Happy Funtime Burlesque. . 78 UV Vodka. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Vitale’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 West Side Beer / Budweiser. . . . . 8,80

On the cover: entertAinMent west MichigAn’s

» June 2013

AlwAys Free! Music / Movies

/ Art / culture

/ beer

Illustration by Anthony Carpenter.

See The Festival Issue on page 28 e: InsId pe Also rd shAr e bl edwA rMidA de Fo Joy lly blon in legA ley irw shel ns ru Fun

10 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

yeArs guide For 25

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

12 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

Random Notes

Community ///

Bissell Blocktail Party

Local Music ///

Kalamazoo-based alternative rock group Willamena is a breath of fresh air in modern rock. Blending rumbling guitars with effortless lyrical hooks and hometown imagery, the band celebrates the release of its CD, Lost in the Shadows, at The Stache at The Intersection (133 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids) on June 14. Tickets are $6 in advance or $8 the day of the 8 p.m. show ... Gunnar and the Grizzly Boys, the most fearless country rockers in the Midwest, have been steadily gaining radio airplay across the nation since their 2010 debut Homegrown. The current and former Michigan State students take the stage at The Intersection on June 21. Tickets are

$8-10 ... Kalamazoo’s Greensky Bluegrass opens the season at Bell’s Beer Garden (355 E. Kalamazoo Ave.) on June 7 and 8, bringing more than a decade of touring experience back home. The group will be joined by nationally acclaimed Americana outfit the Ryan Montbleau Band. Tickets are $20 per night or $35 for a two-day pass ... The Celadon Summer Concert Series kicks off on June 13 with performances by Fauxgrass and WaZoBia. Held at the Celadon New Town amphitheater, located just behind Celebration! Cinema North, the free series will also feature performances by Lucas Wilson with Joe Hertler on July 25 and Dragon Wagon with The Turnips on Aug. 15.

An intriguing combination of mellow hip hop from Why? and songwriting reminiscent of PJ Harvey from Sarah Jaffe converges on The Pyramid Scheme on June 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $13 in advance or $15 at the doors.

National CD Releases ///

The prince of darkness returns when metal royalty Black Sabbath releases 13, the band’s 19th album and first since 1995, on June 11 ... Jimmy Eat World, the hit-makers that brought you “The Middle” in 2001, are back on track with their seventh album Damage, due out on June 11. The title track was released as a part of an EP on record store day ... Matthew Morrison, perhaps better known as Mr. Shue from “Glee,” releases his sophomore effort Where it All Began, on June 4. Produced by the legendary Phil Ramone, the album of Broadway standards will be promoted with a live performance on PBS on June 1 ... Queens of the Stone Age use a little help from their friends on ...Like Clockwork, the alt rock group’s sixth album featuring collaborations with artists as diverse as Elton John and Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor. The album drops on June 4 ... Other notable releases include Mavis Staples (June 25), Megadeth (June 4), Primal Scream (June 18) and Tech N9ne (June 25).

G r a nd R a p i d s - b a s e d b a k e r y T he Cakabakery opened its first retail location last month at 1436 Wealthy. The distinct storefront resembles a windmill and was built in the 1930s to serve as a neighborhood flower shop. Owned and operated by Jason Kakabaker since 2010, The Cakabakery specializes in unique desserts crafted from local raw ingredients, and was previously run out of Kakabaker’s home on made-to-order basis. The Wealthy location allows customers to stop in for sweet goodness to go, and will also serve as a classroom where lessons on cake building, decorating and styling will be offered. The bakery also celebrated its national television appearance on The Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” last month, bringing some national attention to this Grand Rapidsbased business ... This summer’s Bissell Blocktail Party invites not only you to this exclusive animal-lover event, but also your pooch. The party is set for June 12 at Mangiamo! and features local food, music and doggie treats, as well as an auction full of items any animal lover would eye. All funds raised at the event will go to benefit multiple animal welfare organizations from around Grand Rapids. Each welfare organization is dedicated to reducing the number Continued on page 14 8

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Black Sabbath

On Tour ///

Night owls unite at JP’s Coffee and Espresso Bar (57 E. 8th St., Holland), which will celebrate its 20th Anniversary by implementing fresh ideas, including a new performance series called “JP’s After Dark,” which begins on June 14 with a show featuring classic rock guitarist and vocalist Jon Oostering from 8 to 10 p.m. Only 40 tickets are available for each event, making for intimate and memorable evenings. The kickoff show will be specially priced at $4, which includes free coffee. Tickets can be purchased at the door or pre-ordered at jpsafterdark.eventbrite.com. The series will welcome local performers every four to six weeks ... On June 6, Howmet Playhouse (304 S. Mears Ave., Whitehall) hosts Taste of White Lake, a Benefit for the Howmet Playhouse. Food offerings from 18 different vendors range from pizza joints to pubs and music is performed by The Gladhatter Jazz Quartet. Tickets are available for $15 advance or $20 at the gate for the event, which takes place from 5-8 p.m. at the playhouse ...

Random Notes

of homeless animals on the streets, including finding loving families for unloved animals. Tickets are on sale now at BissellBlocktailParty.com.

Literary ///

It seems like everyone is writing a novel these days. For a more manageable goal, consider the short story: up to 6,000 words meticulously crafted to convey a theme or moral of the author’s choosing. Freedom is the name of the game in fiction, and Great Lakes Commonwealth of Letters, a brand new literary non-profit based in Grand Rapids, is offering writers a chance to create. The Commonwealth is currently hosting its inaugural fiction contest, which ends June 30. Entrants have the chance to be published in Northern Michigan University’s literary journal Passages North. Visit glcl.submittable.com/submit to get involved.

Art ///

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Popular summer event GRAM on the Green returns to Rosa Parks Circle on July

14 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

GRAM on the Green 12. Each Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., guests will be able to enjoy local music and a cash bar while having the opportunity to get in touch with their inner artist at drawing and sketching stations. A collaboration between The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM), Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation and the Downtown Alliance, this year’s activities also include games like giant-sized chess and jenga, as well as the chance to break it down and participate in ballroom dancing or Werq dance fitness. Oh, and the best

part? It’s all free. Throughout the evening, general admission to the museum is only $5, with extended hours until 9 p.m. This year’s musical lineup ranges from high energy Celtic fusion to R&B, and includes performances from The Crane Wives, The John Gist Band and Orquesta Tradición.n Random Notes is compiled by REVUE staff and minions including Jordan Brasko, Lindsay Patton-Carson, Carly Plank and Elyse Wild.

For more music, art and entertainment news, including breaking concert announcements and giveaways, “Like” us on Facebook (facebook.com/revuewm) or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/revuewm.

Important Dates Ad Reservation Deadline: June 17 Editorial Deadline: June 5 Delivery: June 25

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

/// Q&A

Iron Woman

Questions for Shelley Irwin, host of the WGVU Morning Show

ou’re the radio host for WGVU Morning Show. How would you describe the show to someone unfamiliar with it? I describe it as a news magazine from 9–11 a.m. that features local, regional and national voices sharing stories and news. It’s conversational, it’s current and it meets WGVU’s mission of entertaining, educating and informing. What kind of guests do you bring on your show? I look for good talkers, I look for those who have a story to tell. I am a voice to get the message out ... I’m not the first to break news, but I want to make sure we bring in national voices. What’s been your favorite interview this year? Al Gore. How did you score Gore? He had a book coming out. My style of interview is not where it’s going to be in a political fashion. I talked to him like I talk to any other author. I’m going to talk about the contents of the book, how he did his research, and I may have asked him if he invented the Internet.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

What were you doing before you were hired at WGVU? I was changing careers on the other side of the state. I was working with WJR and before that I was a physical therapist for 15 years. Wow. How did you get into physical therapy? I was interested in the heath profession, athletics and I liked to help people, so I practiced physical therapy, and lived in Savannah Georgia, Raleigh-Durham North Carolina ... Life was good in Raleigh-Durham. I had a private practice, had a boyfriend and all of a sudden, he broke up with me and I was very sad. I had to get out of there, so I moved back to the Midwest in Rochester, Mich. Was that when you decided to pursue radio? I said, “I’m 38 years old. What do I want to do with the rest of my life?” Turns out, I was interested in radio and television, so I went to Specs Howard School of Broadcasting for eight months and got my degree. Do you miss anything about being a physical therapist? I miss helping others in a one-on-one way.

16 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

What brought you to Grand Rapids? I heard that WGVU needed a producer and fill-in host, so I moved here in 2001. What were your thoughts about moving? My thoughts were the career and “I cannot wait to be on-air.” Fitness is a big part of your life. When did you get serious? I was a typical tomboy in school ... Basketball was my first love. I was high school honorable mention all state, so I was big deal. I thought about playing for college, but I was also very studious and I knew my grades would suffer, so my energies went into that instead of playing ball. Now you’re competing with running and triathlons. When did you start racing competitively? I was always fit, but not the energy that has taken off now. When I was down in North Carolina, I did my first 5 and

10Ks. That was purely recreational; I did it for the t-shirt and I don’t think I even checked my time. My lifestyle back then was physical therapy, community theater and boyfriend. When I moved back to the Midwest, that’s when I needed a new goal, so I did the Detroit Marathon.

How many races do you compete in a year? I would say at least 30 races a year. What’s next for you? A full Ironman [triathlon]. I’m going to put that in print, so now you have to do it. You’re not going to do it, are you? n Interview conducted, condensed and edited by Lindsay PattonCarson. Courtesy photo.

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

/// Beer

Beer of the Month

Saugatuck Brewing Company’s Bonfire Brown

n the heat of the summer, a lot of people turn to lighter brews, but when the cooler night time rolls around and you find yourself around a bonfire, darker ales can also be equally refreshing. For your summer nights, grab Saugatuck Brewing Company’s Bonfire Brown, which just won Best of Show at the 2013 World Expo of Beer in Frankenmuth for brown ale. This brew pours deep red/brown with a dense tan head with an aroma full of biscuit, roast, chocolate, caramel and a hint of smoke. The flavor is very balanced and full of roasted malt, chocolate and biscuit with a moderate smoke presence, a light but bitter hop presence and a semi-creamy mouthfeel.

Beer News

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

New Holland Hatter Days 2013 Street Party celebrates the release of the full Hatter Family on June 8. On June 21, Detroit Summer Beer Fest celebrates Detroit Craft Beer Month. The festival features more than 60 breweries from around the world. Visit detroitsummerbeerfest.com for more information on breweries and tickets. On June 22, Founders Fest 2013 takes over Grandville Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids and features Founders beer, live music all day (including G. Love & Special Sauce, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, and Man Man), and local food. For more information and tickets, see foundersbrewing.com. Bell’s recently announced Upper Hand Brewery, a new division to open in Escanaba in late 2014.

18 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

by Ben Darcie

Brewery Spotlight:

The People’s Cider Co.

n a city nationally recogn i z e d for its b e e r, a new producer has popped up in Grand Rapids — not armed with malt and hops, but rather, apples. The People’s Cider Co. has begun distribution out of its new facility in Grand Rapids, marking the city’s first cidery. Owner/Winemaker Jason Lummen’s father-in-law was an avid homebrewer and cider maker, which inspired him to put his lifelong love with cider to action. “I went to England and Ireland, and they have a huge cider culture there,” Lummen said. “I came home and there wasn’t any craft cider that fit my tastes.” More than 10 years ago, Lummen decided to make the The People’s Cider Co. kind of cider that he wanted to Bourbon Barrel aged Batch #1 is drink. He acquired 15 bushels available at Harmony Brewing, of apples, and with the help HopCat, and Georgio’s Pizza. of Lubbers Farm, pressed his thepeoplescider.com first batch of cider. He was so intent on cider making that he purchased a 50 gallon fermenter to use in his Heartside apartment. One fermenter soon became four and he would bring cider to social engagements, to much praise. “It was encouraging,” Lummen said. “And it finally got to the point where it was time to [open a cidery], and that’s where we are now, operating within my means.” And the name? It was derived from Howard Zinn’s “The People’s History of the United States.” “Zinn has a great quote where he says ‘I grew up class conscious,’ and so did I,” Lummen said. “When you grow up class conscious you look at the world differently.” The People’s Cider Co. focuses on using all local product, which is a very important aspect of the business, according to Lummen. “We’re this huge beer city, but cider is really our local product. I can get the apples 13 miles from here, press them, and make wine in town.”

Owner and winemaker Jason Lummen. Photos: Ben Darcie In light of the apple crop shortage this last harvest season, many cider producers turned to out-of-state sources to continue production, but not The People’s. “This is your local apple. This is what your climate tastes like, this is what Grand Rapids tastes like,” Lummen said. Armed with a mini-fleet of fermenters and Heaven Hill bourbon barrels, People’s Cider focuses on drier cider across the board, while still retaining a brightness from the semi-juiciness of the apples and carbonation. “Batch #1” is a bourbon barrel aged cider, with a comfortable barrel presence that doesn’t overpower the light, crisp flavor profile of this cider. You can find The People’s Cider on tap around Grand Rapids while it’s available at Harmony Brewing Company, Georgio’s and HopCat, with more locations in the works. Lummen plans on releasing new ciders, including a higher ABV cider fermented on an ale yeast strain, releasing some meads (including a dry-hopped variety), and eventually opening a tasting room. “The biggest thing is gearing up for next season,” Lummen said. “We’re going to self-distribute for now, and prepare our infrastructure for, hopefully, a great apple harvest next year.” n

S A U G AT U C K B R E W I N G C O M PA N Y P R E S E N T S

CONGRATULATIONS SBC, 2 YEARS IN A ROW! WORLD EXPO OF BEER - FRANKENMUTH, MI

BEST IN SHOW 2012

BEST IN SHOW 2013

2948 BLUE STAR HWY DOUGLAS, MI - (269) 857-7222 - WWW.SBREWING.COM

CRIMSON KING

BLONDIE

A TASTE OF SUMMER

SEASONAL

STANDARDS ON TAP

Blondie / Crimson King / Full On IPA

Try all of our craft beers! DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS 616.356.2000 - THEBOB.COM

WIT RABBIT ROBERT THE BARREL REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

JUNE’S SEASONAL BEERS Spooky Action 2.5 IPA Smoked Wit Rabbit Dry Hopped Pilsner

FULL ON IPA

/// fitness

Fun Runs

West Michigan 5ks reunite fun with running, become more popular than ever

The Color Run

/ by Carly Plank

he notion that 5K races are gaining popul arit y across the nation may seem a bit unbelievable. Many non runners can attest to the exhaustion of simply watching a race, much less willingly enduring what appears to be the pinnacle of human suffering. The leaders of the race float across the finish line bolstered by endorphins, adrenaline, and whatever other secret ingredients constitute the vital cocktail known as the runner’s high. As more participants filter through the finishing chute, some appear as confident as the frontrunners, while others slouch, hobble, and practically will their bodies across the finish line using mental strength alone. So what kind of three-point-one-mile run is worth sweating your face off and vomiting up that morning bagel? Luckily for veterans and first-timers, West Michigan is home to an expanding number of 5K races that make fun top priority. “There has been a major increase in the requests to put on 5K races just this year alone,” said Todd Tofferi, Grand Rapids city coordinator. “We have had no less than 15 new 5K races proposed for just 2013.” Tofferi’s office collaborates with race organizers to develop routes and choose dates that minimize impacts on surrounding businesses. The office also works with Traffic Safety and the Grand Rapids Fire Department to ensure that any necessary roads are closed during races.

20 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

Grand Rapids is a prime location for running events, offering parks, riverfront views and an active population. “5Ks are becoming popular because of peoples’ desire to stay healthy and participate in something competitive,” Tofferi said. Gathering motivation to get out the door and exercise is often challenging, but a recent trend in themed events, including the new Glow in the Park 5K and the wildly popular Color Run™, make taking the first steps toward competing five kilometers seem more than inviting. The Color Run™ plasters runners with colors thrown by volunteers at each kilometer of the race, culminating with a finish line color throw and a one-of-a-kind souvenir race shirt. The national series of races has grown from more than 50 events and 600,000 participants in 2012 to more than 100 events and an estimated million runners in 2013. The Grand Rapids event, which is already sold out, is expected to draw more than 10,000 participants. “Part of the reason for the popularity [of the event] is the novelty, and the other part is catering to people from different physical backgrounds,” said Jessica Nixon, national public relations specialist forThe Color Run™. “Sixty percent of our runners have never run a 5K before. The Color Run™ lacks the intimidation factor that other organized physical events have.” Another event that breaks down fitness barriers is Glow in the Park. Coordinated by Richard Swor, professional triathlete and owner of Trivium Racing, the event takes place in Grand Rapids’ Millennium Park. Runners will light up the night with glow necklaces while volunteers shower them in glowing water,

foam and powder. According to Swor, Millennium Park is a perfect fit for organizers and runners. “Our needs are extremely unique,” he said. “We need a dark park that still has power and access to a large enough population to support the run. The lighting at Millennium Park is minimal, and the paths are new and smooth.” Although the allure of a noncompetitive atmosphere is sure to draw beginners, fun runs are as likely to attract more experienced racers looking to shake up their racing schedules. Instead of racing classic 5Ks or other distances strictly for time, more runners are looking to stop stressing and return to the freedom and sense of camaraderie that brought them to the sport in the first place. “Any racers who want to celebrate the sport of running will do these [novelty events],” Swor said. “A lot of people doing these events may be doing more events than they normally would, to add variety.” But novelty events are not the sole reason for the upsurge in 5K popularity in recent years. According to Swor, the 5K is simply a “gateway run.” Beginners who have completed a 5K will be hungry to prove themselves at other distances. Runners looking for a good time aside from the numbers on the clock should take advantage of the variety of events West Michigan has to offer because, regardless of the current craze for fun runs, such distinctive offerings may not be readily available for long, according to Swor. “Novelty events won’t be long lasting, because people will want to move on in the sport and challenge themselves to do more.”

WEST MICHIGAN 5Ks FREE (or close to it) Zombie Dash Aug. 10, 8:45 p.m. Free with online registration thezombiedash.com Run through Spring Valley Park in Kalamazoo while dodging zombies.Every runner who keeps both “life strips” until the end of the race will have a minute taken off of their time.

Grand Rapids Running Club $2 members, $4 non members grandrapidsrunningclub.org The group hosts cross country events at Richmond Park (July 9) and Johnson Park (Aug. 27) at 7 p.m. Registration begins at 6:30 p.m.

FOOD Brian Diemer Americam 5K June 8, 9 a.m. $25 / diemerrun.com Challenge yourself to defeat an Olympic bronze medalist on a flat and fast course in Cutlerville. Everyone who beats Diemer will earn a free doughnut at the finish.

Ludington Lakestride June 8, 8:10 a.m. $35 / ludingtonlakestride.com The course starts and finishes near the beach at Stearns Park and takes runners along shaded roads cooled by the lake breeze.

MESSY Saturday Slip N Slide June 15, 11 a.m. $20 / saturdayslipnslide.com The race zig zags through Jenison neighborhoods before ending at a giant slip n’ slide at Rosewood Park.

The Color Run Aug. 3, sold out thecolorrun.com/grandrapids Runners are splattered with color every kilometer, but the grand finale occurs at the finish line in an eruption of color as runners throw color packets simultaneously.

Grand Rapids Mud Run Aug. 24, 7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $45 / grandrapidsmudrun.com

With mud pits, cargo nets, walls and sludgy hills, participants have multiple reasons to either run scared or display superhuman tenacity.

facebook.com/classicrock5k Take a time machine back to the summer of love at this year’s ‘60s-themed race in downtown Grand Rapids.

Old Fart’s Festival of Races

QUIRKY Glow in the Park July 6, 7-11 p.m. $40 / glowintheparkrun.com Everything, including the water, will glow as participants race to the beats of a live DJ in Grand Rapids’ Millenium Park.

Championship Enduro Series 5K Fun Run July 14, 8 a.m. $25 before July 7, $30 after July 7 championshipenduro.com Get inspired by the fast track at Grattan Raceway in Belding to run to a personal record. When else will you get a chance to run in the middle of a road usually occupied by speeding cars?

WLAV Classic Rock 5K July 14, 6 p.m. $40 before July 11, $45 after July 11

Aug. 17, 8 a.m. $15 before Aug. 1, $20 after fallasburghalf.8k.com Giant whoopie cushions are awarded to the top 30 finishers and downgraded accordingly.

DOG FRIENDLY Zeeland Zoom June 25, 7 p.m. $20 before June 14, $25 after zeeldeals.blogspot.com After a stressful day at work, run carefree through the streets of Zeeland in the evening with your best friend.

Shaggy Pines Doggy Dash July 27, 8:15 a.m. $20 / reedslakerun.com Part of the Reeds Lake Run festivities, this 5K welcomes canines. n

Reeds Lake Run June 29, 8 a.m. $25 / reedslakerun.com This lakeside event is a mainstay in East Grand Rapids, but the best-kept secret is the abundance of free, quality picnic food available to participants at John Collins Park after.

Cookie 5K Run & Walk

SCENIC Coast Guard Run July 27, 7:30 a.m. $30 / coastguardfest.org After racing along the shore of Lake Michigan, spend the day soaking up the Grand Haven sun and replenishing your calories at the Coast Guard Festival.

Glow in the Park

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

July 27, 8 a.m. $20 / teamorphans.com/5k Enjoy the scenery at Robinette’s Apple Orchard while racing to support adoption grants. Oh yeah, and there are free homemade cookies at the finish line.

/// All Ages

Chalk Festival

Kids’ Food Basket Family Gala

Aquinas College 1607 Robinson Rd. SE, Grand Rapids June 8, 4:30-8 p.m. $75 individual adults, $25 kids between ages 5 and 12 kidsfoodbasket.org, (616) 235-4532

R E M SUM OFF! BLAST Summer playtime is in session. It’s time to loosen collars, kick up your heels and play — pure and simple. Time to eat too many pop sickles and hit the bed with messy hair. Serious summer fun is here. By Missy Black

This magical, outdoor, one-of-a-kind family friendly event at Aquinas College has one mission in mind: to create awareness of childhood hunger. Join Kids’ Food Basket for food, festivities and entertainment that are perfect for the whole family and for a good cause. Local vendors such as Bistro Bella Vita, Louis Benton, Twisted Rooster, Amore Trattoria Italiana and Bonefish Grill are on hand in this whimsical event that also features an auction and time for kids to color bags for sack lunches. Having fun and doing good can go hand in hand and this is a great way to make an impact and teach your child about being an active part of the community. “Children have so much empathy. They see issues as something they’d never want to happen to them and want to make a difference,” said Executive Director Bridget Clark Whitney. Families can have fun and view this as an opportunity to learn more about the art of philanthropy and giving back.

West Michigan Chalk Art Festival

84th Street, Byron Center June 14 & 15, Fri., 12-9 p.m.; Sat., 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Free! wmcaf.com, (616) 878-6029 This two-day festival has downtown Byron Center covered in chalk. On Saturday, from 11 a.m. to

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Kalamazoo Mud Run

Kalamazoo Community Church, 2435 North 26th St., Kalamazoo June 8, 11 a.m. $12-$15/per child (one parent or guardian to run with each child for free) kalamazoomudrun.com Mud it up at the Kalamazoo Community Church for a mud run with the kids in mind. Recommended for ages 6 to 12, this shorter version of the adult course is one mile and will include around five kid-friendly obstacles sure to transform your child into a wet, muddy monster. “Kids love the fact that this gives them permission to get dirty and play in the mud,” says Volunteer Jean Henderson, who said children had so much fun last year, they asked to run the loop twice. This family friendly sporting event hopes to raise money to buy a drill for clean water wells in Uganda. “The whole theme is get dirty for clean water,”

22 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

Mud Run Henderson said. The event will also give money to the mobile food initiative Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes. The entire family can plan and train for the mud run while enjoying the nice summer weather with a good cause in mind. “It’s a great thing to have a goal — especially if your child has never been in a run before.” Side note: bring an extra set of clothes.

Mehndi Workshop

3 p.m. there’s a KidsChalk Event for youths age 11 and younger with chalk provided. “They can come and do their best job and get a certificate and participate,” said Audrey Nevins Weiss, Byron Township supervisor and board member of the Community Wellness Foundation. Nevins Weiss describes the event as colorful, friendly and inviting. Children and parents will love viewing 3-D chalk creations in this activity where “you can be outside and enjoy a good community feeling.”

Mehndi with henna artist Juliea Paige Cynthia Hagedorn Private Fine Art Studio 627 E. Central, Zeeland June 27, 3-4:30 p.m. $22 per student per session cynthiahagedorn.com

Think outside of the box and sign the kids up for something a little different at Cynthia Hagedorn’s Private Fine Art Studio in Zeeland. This Mehndi workshop showcases the art of body painting with henna and kids and teens ages 8 to 18 can experience the art form that happens in a wide variety of cultures and countries for different reasons, such as rites of passage and in times of celebration. This hands-on event teaches the history, techniques and application of the process and experience to those who may be unfamiliar. “It’s an experience and we have a real artist coming in,” Hagedorn said. “This is not a kit. It’s an instructor that knows the value, history and information.” Participants learn different designs, applications and the artist applies henna to them as well. “Participating in something different means opening your mind to other mediums of art.” Get mom and dad in on the fun with the Adult Mehndi Party following at 5 p.m. n

/// Eclectic

June Eclectic Events June is always filled with the promise of summer and there are many eclectic ways to soak it up. Enjoy the mother of all outdoor markets, where only the cool stuff is for sale, get wild with science and fiction, twist your limbs akimbo in lush forest, and bliss out with a weekend of world beat and reggae. By Audria Larsen

Funky Junk Vintage Flea

Grand Rapids June 8, July 13, Aug. 10 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free!

funkyjunkflea.com, (616) 516-2224

Yoga in the Woods

Blandford Nature Center, Grand Rapids Mondays, through June 24

Get limber while going back to nature this summer at Blandford Nature Center. Join yogini Audrey Chapman as she leads you through a series of mixed level asanas suitable for students from a variety of yoga backgrounds. Class is held on the Woodland Overlook, a wooden deck that gives a verdant view of the woods just south of the Interpretive Center. From the Overlook, “when you’re looking up at the sky, there are really tall canopies and sunlight is trickling through,” Chapman said. “Blandford is probably my favorite place in Grand Rapids. I’m so honored and thrilled [to teach at the nature center]. It’s very wonderful.” But if it happens to be hot, rainy or buggy, Chapman says indoor space is available. And for the well hydrated, modern bathrooms are nearby. It is requested that you bring you own mat, but a few extras are provided just in case.

MythBusters: Behind the Myths Tour

Wharton Center, East Lansing June 22, show times at 3 and 8 p.m. $25-$55, VIP $150 whartoncenter.com, (517) 432-2000

MythBusters is back at the Wharton Center after a sellout show last year and is described as a “mind-blowing and mind-twisting approach to science.” The stage show, based on a hit television program featured on the Discovery Channel, incorporates live experiments and audience participation in gleeful romp, led by Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage, who seek to debunk everyday myths. Get an inside scoop of behind-the-scenes stories and go head-to-head with the hosts over fact and fiction. Bets are the bearded men will outwit and out-think the average Joe. If you want to glad-hand after the show, VIP tickets will ensure you a meet and greet with Hyneman and Savage who happen to hail from legitimate science backgrounds (which explains why they are smarter than you).

18th Annual Kalamazoo Island Festival Arcadia Creek Festival Place, Kalamazoo June 20, 11:30 a.m.-midnight; June 22, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 a.m. Free! -$9 islandfestkalamazoo.com

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

The Funky Junk Flea is the only outdoor market in Grand Rapids solely dedicated to vintage wares. With the tagline, “put a little funk in your junk,” the market promises great finds for the second year in a row. Cecily Near, founder and woman behind the Vintage Life Expo held at DeVos Place, describes the event as “fun with a relaxing atmosphere,” in addition to the three huge antique shops (a fourth is on the way). With free admission and $20 booth fees, the vibe is great finds at a low price. Lots of items are “kitschy and cool and funky and weird,” Near said. “We have photographers come down and buy stuff for props. It’s a great place if you’re looking for some good wall pieces for up-cycling projects or furniture.” Booth spaces are still available. And as Near notes, “all the vendors are local so the money stays local.”

5:45-7 p.m. $72, $60 for members blandfordnaturecenter.org, (616) 735-6240

MythBusters: Behind the Myths Tour

Each year Kalamazoo becomes a reggae paradise with the annual Island Festival. Essentially a celebration of sumptuous food, jammin’ music and sun-drenched dancing, the event is the largest festival of its kind in Michigan, drawing an average of more than 15,000 fans. Featured musical acts such as DubTonic Kru, Warrior King, the Cliftones and reggae legend Mykal Rose (Black Uhuru) work the crowd from sunup to sundown. Nosh adult beverages, peruse the wares of merchant vendors, participate in drum circles and reap the fruits of a myriad of cook offs while soaking up the heat. n

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

Steven de polo’s

Free Market

New and exciting things happening in the businesses and nonprofits in West Michigan.

space boasts hardwood floors and a Victorian-style $100,000 bar back. The restaurant is upscale, but still has a family friendly vibe. There are great dryaged steaks, as well as Bird’s Eye Waffles to snack on. Ask for the Arcanum & Vestium Cocktail. “Our ingredients are quality, locally sourced and prepared by our in-house chef,” Robert said. The fun will spill out into the parking lot. Look for concerts by regional touring acts with seating for 3,500. There will also be basketball tournaments and Green Jacket parties for the swell set.

Aperitivo

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

ree Market was excited to learn about the opening of Aperitivo in the burgeoning Downtown Market (24 S. Division Ave.) in Grand Rapids. Art of the Table honcho Amy Ruis has teamed up with cheese monger and chef Kate Leeder to create foodie heaven in hobo town. Aperitivo will be a retail cheese shop, a wine and small bites tasting bar and a wine and beer purveyor. The highlight of the shop’s sparkling 1,200-square-foot space will be 20 linear feet of display cases. These cases, longer than 26 blocks of Velveeta Cheese, will be chock full of gourmet cheeses, succulent charcuterie, velvety pâté and other related items available for sample and sold by the pound. Amy and Kate were happy to choose the Downtown Market for their latest endeavor. “It will be a great addition to the food culture that has been budding through locally focused groups, restaurants and specialty food stores over the past many years,” Amy said. Still hungry? Head south to On Deck Sports Bar and Grill (225 W. Michigan Ave.), which fills the gourmet sports bar niche for Battle Creek. Co-owned by Robert Buckhannon and fiancée Kelly DeMoss, On Deck is described as “Ruth’s Chris with flat TVs.” Located in a century-old building, the handsome

24 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

Raad’s Mediterranean Grill (962 Cherry St. SE) is bringing a little taste of the Middle East to the East Hills section of Grand Rapids. The inventors behind Raad’s Mediterranean recipes are Ashraf Raad, a chemist and scientist who used to work for Amway as a Quality Assurance Scientist and his lovely wife Linda Akkari who is a lawyer. The original Raad’s opened a decade ago in Cascade, but about half of the customers were from East Grand Rapids and Heritage Hill, so it made sense to open another store on Cherry Street. On opening day, this reporter took Miss L.B. Divine Clark to taste the delicacies. With the chef charmingly interrogating us through the kitchen window, we sampled the house salad, a mixture of sautéed wheat and lentils with grilled veggies and a pomegranate dressing. Stunning. We moved on to the chicken kabob platter with rice and hummus. Everything was colorful and fresh. Raad’s is pretty rad.

Saugatuck Tea Party Café

Raad’s Mediterranean Grill

Nervous and stressed? (YESSSS!!!) Recharge at the Saugatuck Tea Party Café (321 Water St.). Gina Demos and daughter Christina opened the tearoom to share their love of tea and foster a relaxed gathering place for Saugatuck. “I have always wanted to open a tea room for everyone to enjoy, from young students to seniors,” Gina said. “With a blend of different types of tea drinks, we offer something for everyone.” The talented tea-sters serve up fresh brewed and iced international teas, lattes, tea infused chocolate drinks and Bubble Tea Smoothies in an amazing array of flavor combinations. There are light pastries from Holland baker, Posies & Pastries, and for patrons who simply must have their java, there is a single variety of smooth coffee. “I like coffee and I like tea, but I love my Sanka ‘cause it loves me!” n Send business news, gossip and malarkey to stevendepolo@revuewm.com.

Freebies Saugatuck Brewing Company’s (2948 Blue Star Hwy.) Lucky Stone Pub is in good hands. The brewery recently hired Mike Brink as kitchen manager/chef and Nathan Akershoek as head chef. Nathan has won the Saugatuck Chili Cook Off five times. Mike has worked as an executive chef for 13 years. Sounds like it’s time for the blushing Miss Carolita to give the Lucky Stone Pub another try. Free Market fave Lush Gourmet Foods is expanding into almonds. The original Lush Nut, Bisera Urdarevik, is roasting her almonds in Coconut Lavender, Coconut Orange Peel and Dark Cocoa Chili flavors. You know I like them crispy, my pets.

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

/// Weed Life

Not Your Parents’ Weed by Nick Manes / illustration by Craig Horky

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Anyone who has been following the rise of the craft beer scene knows that drinking a Bell’s Two Hearted IPA is nothing like drinking a Miller Lite. The flavors are more pronounced and the potency is much stronger. Now, it appears that marijuana is going down the same road.

26 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

Ask anyone who has smoked marijuana lately and they’ll tell you it’s more potent. Like, meltyour-face strong. “The biggest reason (marijuana is getting more potent) is that they’re breeding that into it,” said Chris Paholak, a clinical coordinator with Advantage Health and Holistic, based out of Mount Pleasant. “It’s the difference between what’s natural, what’s recreational and what’s considered medicinal.” Paholak told REVUE that in the ‘60s and ‘70s, much of the weed brought into the United States was from southeast Asia and Mexico. The THC levels were between four and seven percent. He said when the federal government started growing pot in the late-‘70s, those levels got to about 11 percent. “Today you’re looking at between 16 and 25 percent, (which is) astronomically high,” he said. “There are strains though, that if grown properly and grown with the right nutrients,

the right amount of lighting ... you can get up around 25 percent.” Jonathan Bassett, a lab technician at Cannalytics, a marijuana testing facility in Lansing, said 25 percent would be about the highest strain imaginable. He characterized most of the weed he has been testing to be around 13 to 25 percent, and that mass-distributed (non-medical grade) pot from about a decade ago was considerably lower. “People just didn’t take as good of care of it,” Bassett said. As the potency of pot gets higher and its effects become more pronounced, Paholak said people in his field pay attention to more than just THC levels when testing and studying what different strains will do to a person when smoked or ingested. “You can have cannabis that’s got 11 percent THC and it gives you more of a narcotic effect than cannabis with 20 percent THC

because of all the other cannabinoids in it,” Paholak said. “There are a lot of other cannabinoids that play into the overall effects.” Paholak mainly pointed to cannabinols (CBNs) and cannabidiols (CBDs), which are other parts of the plant that create the overall feeling one gets when using marijuana. “THC basically gives you that high, euphoric feeling. You may hear somebody say, ‘Hey, I’m really high ... or I’m really stoned or sedated,’ well that’s more from CBN or CBD than THC,” Paholak said. Much has been said lately that the weed may be TOO strong. Gavin McInnes, one of the cofounders of Vice magazine, wrote a piece in April for Taki’s magazine called “Has Pot Become a Hard Drug?” McInnes writes about his time while high on a strain called “Master Kush,” which he compares to doing heroin or MDMA. At the end, he said it made him reconsider his stance on legalization. The piece went on to be slammed by veteran drug war reporter and Reason magazine contributor Mike Riggs. “(He) chose the equivalent of buttchugging two shots of Bacardi 151, and then turned that bad decision into a disjointed screed against legalization, when really it’s just a cautionary tale about over-doing it,” Riggs wrote.

Paholak told REVUE that in his work he has been hearing some talk that the pot may be too strong, not that people necessarily want it to be less potent. He explained that many of the more intense strains include higher CBD concentrations, which tend to have more medical uses, but does not create the feeling of euphoria that users desire. “I have seen a trend of people wanting less THC, more CBD,” Paholak said. “Other people want the opposite though. A lot of people that are on narcotics, they want to be able to function and be in an alert state. THC is in some ways like caffeine. It acts as a stimulant and gives you a little energy.” Both Paholak and Bassett stress education about the strains of marijuana being consumed as vital for anyone using it. “We encourage testing (the strains of pot) and to engage yourself to make sure your medicine is safe for everybody,” Bassett said. While Bassett said that there have been cases of people getting sick from bad strains or improper use, they are few and far between. “Right now it’s basically up to individuals to be guinea pigs and kind of give people an idea how this stuff works,” Paholak said. “I don’t have a whole lot of concerns (though), because it’s not going to kill you.” n

“Right now it’s basically up to individuals to be guinea pigs and kind of give people an idea how this stuff works. I don’t have a whole lot of concerns (though), because it’s not going to kill you.”

THc Potency:

4-7%

~11%

1625%

‘60s and ‘70s

Late ’70s

Today

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Then and Now

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

he All t you vals festi andle can h mmer, u this s hat to plus w ar! we

When the weather’s warm, everything is just better. The food, the company, the entertainment. Exemplify it all with one of Michigan’s multiple festivals happening this summer. Whether you have cash to spend or you’re on a budget, there’s an entertainment option for everyone. Read on to find your kind of festival. by Revue Staff and Minions / illustration by Anthony Carpenter

Eclectic Local First Street Party June 1. Food vendors and local goods abound in front of Bistro Bella Vita. The best local music provides a background to a celebration of all things Grand Rapids. Stepdad, The Crane Wives and The Concussions are among the bands performing and food will be provided by Egg Roll Queens, Louis Benton, Spoonlickers, Twisted Rooster and several other local restaurants. » Downtown Grand Rapids / localfirst.com

Woofstock Fest June 1. Animal lovers will be pleased to know they don’t have to leave their pet at home for this festival. Enjoy music and entertainment, plus a day of bonding with your furry friend. » Arcadia Creek Festival Site / $5 (kids 12 and under and dogs get in free) / woofstockdogfestival.com

Vicksburg Old Car Festival June 7-8. A ‘50s drive-in and a Friday night cruise precede the Saturday auto show and juried craft show with the added bonus of live entertainment from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. » 104 S. Main, Vicksburg / vicksburgoldcarfestival.com

Weko Beach Concert Series Second and fourth Sunday of June, July and August. Concerts take place at 7 p.m. two Sundays each month throughout the summer at Weko Beach Campground on the shores of Lake Michigan. Highlights for this year’s lineup include country folk rock group Everyday People and variety band Top Secret. » Weko Beach Campground, Bridgman / bridgman.org

Spring Lake Heritage Festival June 11-15. Celebrate Spring Lake’s Civil War heritage with a living history walk around town before taking in fireworks over the water. Plenty of food and beverage options include a barbecue chicken wing contest, free ice cream and popcorn, a $4 pancake breakfast and a beer tent that has not raised prices in seven years. » Downtown Spring Lake / slheritagefestval.com

Saugatuck Venetian Festival July 28-28

Rock the Block Culture Fest June 15. A community fair celebrating health and wellness with entertainment, food, horse rides and more. » Madison Square, Grand Rapids

West Michigan Pride Festival June 15-16. The 25th annual festival is part of a series of national events that have been taking place since 1972 aiming to promote gender equality and the free expression of sexuality. The event also includes live music, food and beverages. The Grand Rapids Parade of Pride is held on June 16, right after the festival. » Calder Plaza, Grand Rapids / westmipride.org

Harborfest June 20-23. South Haven’s weekend festival offers renaissance flair with something for everyone, including craft shows, a pancake breakfast and live music. Those with a competitive edge can take part in the ancient Chinese sport of Dragonboating, all supplies included. » southhavenharborfest.com

Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival July 3-7. Experience an abundance of hot air balloons, whether it be

Photo: Ted Swoboda

them coming, going or performing a show. This festival also has a variety of vendors, rides, shows and music to keep the whole family entertained. » Battle Creek / $5-15 depending on day and time / bcballoons.com

Kindleberger Festival of the Performng Arts July 10-15. This eclectic, family friendly week-long event features musicals, a car show, arts and crafts, food, a 5k and more. » Kindleberger Park, Parchment / kindleberger. org/festival.php

Berlin Fair July 15-20. Highlighting youth and agriculture, this festival’s mission is to educate, entertain and create community involvement by allowing people to showcase their agricultural and craft products. Carnival rides and live entertainment are also a big part of the festival. » 2008 Berlin Fair Dr., Marne / berlinfair.org

Calhoun County Fair August 11–17

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival July 26-Aug. 4. Possibly one of the biggest festivals to hit the lakeshore, the Coast Guard Fest celebrates the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard with a downtown carnival, free hot dog lunch, ship tours, a car show and live entertainment. Fitness fanatics can take part in a 5K race or a 33 to 100-mile bike tour. » coastguardfest.org,(616) 846-5940

Saugatuck Venetian Festival July 26-28. This spirited festival has a costume contest, themed boat parade and a motorcycle poker run. You also can’t forget about the live enter tainment, fireworks and much more. » Corner of Culver and Griffith / saugatuckvenetianfestival.com

Coopersville Summerfest

July 18-20. Every year, Fremont offers a reason to get excited about baby food. The street festival features live music at night and a carnival atmosphere by day, including a baby food eating contest for adults. » 7 E. Main St., Fremont / babyfoodfest.com

Aug. 5-10. A week full of festivities dedicated to celebrating the community and keeping the heritage alive. The festival kicks off with a pageant on Monday night, followed by a week full of events, including a jam night, box car derby, tractor competition and more. » coopersville.com/summerfest

Ionia Free Fair

Kalamazoo County Fair

July 18-27. The fair offers a variety of events, including Ionia Idol, rides, agricultural learning experiences, MONSTER TRUCKS and much more. » Ride wristbands $14 before

Aug. 5-10. Family friendly activities abound among 4-H showings, food, and vendors. » Kalamazoo Expo Center / kalcounty.com/parks/ fair/index.htm

Clown Band Concert and Corn Roast Aug. 6. Enjoy fresh-roasted sweet corn, bratwursts and hot dogs while listening to the Pentwater Civic Band and Scottville Clown Band perform at this annual concert. » Ludington / historicwhitepinevillage.org

Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival Aug. 6-11. The name says it all. This festival is all about feminism and being a free woman. Within six days, you could experience music from a variety of different performers and wander through 650 acres of woodland. » $65-$600 / michfest.com

165th Annual Calhoun County Fair Aug. 11-17. Michigan’s oldest fair, Calhoun offers rides, exhibits and an array of events. This year’s Grand Stand Entertainment includes a mud run, semi-tractor pull and a demolition derby. » Marshall / calhouncountyfair.org

Continued on page 30 »

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

National Baby Food Festival

July 17 and $22 starting July 18 / ioniafreefair.com

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

Michigan Fiber Festival Aug. 16-18. This festival doesn’t help promote a healthy digestive system. No, no. no. It celebrates natural fibers, businesses that work with them and art and craftsmanship. Festival-goers can also enjoy food, animals and live entertainment. » Allegan County Fairgrounds / $3 Friday, $5 Saturday and Sunday, $8 weekend pass / michiganfiberfestival.info

Festivals

Music B 93 Birthday Bash June 8-9. B-93.7’s annual blockbuster country festival lineup includes country stars Hunter Hayes, Gary Allan, Uncle Kracker, Randy Houser, Tyler Farr and Rachel Farley. » US 131 Motorsports Park, Martin / $30 parking fee / b93.com

Spirit of the Woods Folk Festival June 15. Immerse yourself in folk with performances by Red Sea Pedestrians, The Crane Wives, Kennedy’s Kitchen, The Nephews and Billy Strings & Don Julin. » Dickson Township Park, Brethren / spiritofthewoods.org

Island Festival June 20-22. The 18th incarnation of Michigan’s go-to reggae festival features DubTonic Kru’s fusion of dubstep and reggae, as well as Mykal Rose. » Downtown Kalamazoo / islandfestkalamazoo.com

Summer Solstice Jazz Festival

year in a row. » Rosa Parks Circle, Grand Rapids / grandjazzfest.org

June 21-22. Enjoy two days of local, regional and national jazz talent. The event is family friendly and features activities for kids in addition to the food and high-caliber jazz artists. » Downtown Lansing / Free! / eljazzfest.com

Rock the Rapids Aug. 20-22. After making downtown Grand Rapids its home, Rock the Rapids moves back to Fifth Third Ballpark for days-straight entertainment featuring local and national acts. » Fifth Third Ballpark, Comstock Park / rocktherapids.org

Electric Forest June 27-30. One of Michigan’s biggest music festivals, Electric Forest brings in some of the nation’s biggest names for three days of music, dancing and camping. This year’s lineup includes Pretty Lights, Passion Pit, Above & Beyond, Grimes, and more. » Rothbury/electricforestfestival.com

JuneGrass Festival June 28-29. Instrumental bluegrass band The Boxcars, along with local favorites Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys and several other top regional bluegrass bands take over the Kent County Fairgrounds for the 18th annual festival. » Kent County Youth Fairgrounds, Lowell / $26

Wheatland Music Festival

Ramona Luettke —

G. Love & Special Sauce — Founders Fest, June 22

advance/$31.5 weekend or Friday $13.75, Saturday $23

Blissfest is family friendly and features music from all over the world, including bluegrass, zydeco, blues, Celtic, Latin and more. » Festival Farm, Harbor Springs / $19.50$116.50 / blissfest.org

Summer Solstice, June 21–22

Coast West Music Festival July 1-6. The legendary Gregg Allman, soul crooner Allen Stone and Grammy winner LeAnn Rimes are just a few of the headliners, as well Here Come the Mummies and Polyphonic Spree. » Heritage Landing, Muskegon / $35-$45 / coastwestfestival.com

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Common Ground Music Festival July 8-14. Alternative pop, rock and country acts take the spotlight along the Grand River. Nineties favorites Barenaked Ladies rub shoulders with current folk sensation The Avett Brothers and country quartet Little Big Town. Northern Michigan’s Frontier Ruckus will also perform. » Adado Riverfront Park, Lansing / $89.50 for festival pass or $24.50-$32.50 for day passes / commongroundfest.com, (517) 267-1502

Kalamazoo Blues Fest July 11-13. This festival has been going strong for 20 years, bringing in local and national blues acts to entertain over a three-day period. Performers in 2013 include Crossroads, Janiva Magness, JP Soars & The Red Hots and more. » Arcadia Festival Site / kvba.org

The Avett Brothers—

Common Ground Music Festival, July 18–14

30 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

Blissfest Traditional Music Festival July 12-14. Celebrate a combination of community, culture and roots music during this festival weekend.

City Lights Music Festival July 19-20. Experience the world of local electronica and art in the shadows of “La Grande Vitesse.” Performers include Kill Paris, George Acosta, StarKillers and more. » Calder Plaza, Grand Rapids / Two-day pass $25; day pass $20; V.I.P.: $35, $55 / new.citylightsmusicfestival.com

R&B/Funk Festival July 19-20. In its second year, this festival features national, regional and local R&B and funk acts, along with food and spirits. This year’s lineup features headliners The Dazz Band and The Floaters. » Arcadia Creek Festival Site, Kalamazoo / $20 / vicspremierentertainment. com

Cowpie Music Festival Aug. 9-10. This superlocal festival celebrates home-grown music, food and beer. » Shagbark Farm, Alaska / cowpiemusicfestival.com

GRandJazzFest Aug. 17-18. This free festival celebrates jazz music with local and national performers. This year, Chicago guitarist Nick Colionne headlines and Phil Denny returns for a second

Sept. 6-9. This year, Wheatland celebrates its 40th anniversary with legendary banjo player Bela Fleck headlining with Abigail Washburn, as well as Big Sandy and His FlyRite Boys and more. » Wheatland Festival Grounds, Remus / wheatlandmusic.org

Earthwork Harvest Gathering Sept. 20-22. This family friendly festival celebrates music, sustainability and artisan culture with vendors that serve food from more than 40 local farms and local artists. » Earthwork Farm, Lake City / earthworkharvestgathering.com

Food Cereal Festival June 7-8. Guests can grab a seat at the world’s longest breakfast table and watch the parade. Celebrate your favorite cereals and take photos with Tony the Tiger and Toucan Sam. » Downtown Battle Creek / bcfestivals.com

National Cherry Festival June 29-July 6. This Traverse City festival has grown to massive proportions and includes every possible form of festival entertainment. The Meijer Festival of Races hosts 15K and 5K runs, food sponsors ensure neverending concessions. In addition to all that, Styx, Montgomery Gentry and Foreigner take the stage. » Traverse City Festival Open Space Park / cherryfestival.org

Continued on page 33 »

Kill Paris to perform at City Lights Festival.

A-Trak performs at Electric Forest.

Electronic Music Fests

Bass Drops All Over Michigan This Summer / By Nick Manes

hop music and we put out dance music and kind of everything in between. I think that musically, this sort of DJ perspective unites all these things.” One thing that appears to set Fool’s Gold apart in a still beleaguered music industry is that it has diversified itself to be more than just a record label. Fool’s Gold has made itself more of a go-to brand for the alt-hipster lifestyle, having an extensive clothing line and throwing block parties around New York and Los Angeles. “One of the unique things about having a record label in 2013 is that you can’t just release music,” Catchdubs said. “On a purely practical sense it’s not just what makes the most money. (Fool’s Gold) is something that stands for things that are cool and interesting, and come from the world of music, but aren’t necessarily only based around music.” This appears to be the focus that is driving Fool’s Gold’s growth as it goes beyond the borders of hipster meccas like Brooklyn and West Hollywood, and pushes it’s way into the forests of northwestern Michigan. “It’s just a passion to put out cool, creative content, whether it’s music or merchandise or throwing big parties,” said Ben Jacobs, general manager of Fool’s Gold Records. Jacobs and Catchdubs are both proud of the fact that the majority of the Fool’s Gold family will be at their Clubhouse stage for Electric Forest. Catchdubs himself will be there, along with A-Trak, Danny Brown, Ryan Hemsworth, Just Blaze, Tommy Trash, and a list that goes on. Joining Fool’s Gold in curating a stage this June is Movement, the world-renowned electronic festival held each Memorial Day weekend at Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit

(often considered the birthplace of techno music). Movement’s production team hopes to bring artists from many spectrums of electronic music to create their own unique party. Dana Boyette, special projects manager with Paxahau (the organizers of Movement) hopes that having a stage at Electric Forest will lend some credibility to the music for new listeners. “(Movement’s stage) will showcase some historical aspects of the genre we are a part,” Boyette said. “(Last year) we brought some Detroit flavor to the Wagon Wheel (one of Electric Forest’s stages). If you’re unable to make the trip to Electric Forest or pay for the four-day camping festival, there is a pretty solid option in the middle of downtown Grand Rapids. On July 19 and 20, City Lights Music Festival will hold its annual electronic music event at Calder Plaza. What started as a one-night, free event has evolved into a large-scale, multi-day festival. “The free nights saw great response and we switched to two nights (in 2012),” said Tim Sinen, public relations director with City Lights. Sinen told REVUE that this year’s event will feature increased collaboration with the city, as well as with Kendall College of Art and Design in an effort to make art more of a focus. The festival also features some familiar names like Super Dre, DJ Kenneth Thomas and Detroit Techno Militia. Sinen said he is particularly excited for acts StarKillers and Kill Paris. “It’s just going to be an awesome time ... without the price of a huge festival,” Sinen said. n

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

he days of having to drive ridiculous distances to camp, party and hear your favorite music are largely over. Now there appears to be a killer music festival somewhere in the country every weekend in the summer. One genre that has experienced the most significant growth amongst the festival circuit is electronic music. Right in West Michigan’s backyard is the acclaimed Electric Forest Music Festival. Originally started as the Rothbury Festival in 2008 and having a second year in 2009, the event and campground (the Double JJ Ranch, north of Muskegon) went into bankruptcy, forcing the festival to take 2010 off. Thus, Electric Forest rose from the ashes like a mighty phoenix (not the French electropop band). In 2011 the festival came back to the Double JJ with a split emphasis on jam bands and electronic. In the last two years DJs and producers such as Skrillex, Bassnectar and Girl Talk have all played sets. For 2013 it appears that Electric Forest is taking the electro scene to a new level. Beyond headliners that include acts like Pretty Lights, Grimes and Benny Bennassi — all major names in electro music — the festival is also bringing back its curated stages. Fool’s Gold Records, the Brooklyn indie label home to artists like Danny Brown, A-Trak and Party Supplies brings its signature Clubhouse stage to the Forest. “Fool’s Gold will always be a DJ-centric label,” said Nick Catchdubs, a noted DJ/producer and co-founder of the label. “Even when we’re releasing a weird Japanese girl garage band there’s a funkiness to it and a soulfulness to it ... We put out hip

Festivals

Three Chords and the Truth:

The Enduring Spirit of Michigan Folk Festivals / By Kyle Austin

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

eth Bernard attended his first folk festival at four years old, which explains his why he’s a leading figure of the booming Michigan roots music scene. Coming from a musical family, Bernard spent a large part of his youth soaking up the spirit of traditional arts. “The music and the community we have now was very much inspired by the collaborative and cooperative principles that those festivals were founded on,” he said. Artists like Bernard, May Erlewine, Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys, Fauxgrass Quartet and Greensky Bluegrass are among the popular acts in West Michigan’s live music scene, and their success stems in part from the way both established and emerging Michigan folk festivals work to preserve of roots music community culture. Folk festivals are typically smaller in size and feature primarily acoustic instruments, creating an intimate atmosphere. Wheatland, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this fall, began humbly in the early ‘70s as a way for music enthusiasts to connect and raise money for the Mount Pleasant Food Co-Op. The inaugural Wheatland, held in 1974, was orchestrated by a group of less than a dozen people and drew a crowd of 700 that watched as musicians performed on flatbed trailers. Now, the festival draws more than 10,000 attendees to a much larger festival site. “We don’t spend a lot of time making sure everybody’s doing what they’re supposed to do,” said Marilyn Hummel, secretary of Wheatland Music Organization’s Board of Directors since 1976. “It just happens because we believe so strongly in the benefit of what we do.” Blissfest, the state’s other premier roots music festival, has a strikingly similar backstory. Beginning in 1981, it was a simple gathering of folk musicians and traditional arts enthusiasts. It soon grew to a multi-stage weekend event that mirrors Wheatland’s dedication to community, variety and quality. Over the years, both festivals have expanded their lineups to include a more diverse array of folk music from around the world. “We go from blues to Cajun to folk to everything,” Hummel said. “If [people] don’t like a particular kind of music, they can always go to a different stage and find something they do like.” For older festivals, the key to sustainability lies in communal organization and dedication to preserving the legacy of traditional arts. They rely heavily on volunteers, as well as lean on and support local farmers, businesses, artists, arts instructors and community organizations to bring more to the festival experience than just music.

32 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

In addition to the ‘big two,’ the state is a veritable gold mine of folk festivals. Some, like the Nor’East’r Music and Art Festival in Oscoda County, are relatively new on the scene, but are building on the model of community set forth by their predecessors, showing growth every year. Other festivals, like Farmfest in Johannesberg and Spirit of the Woods Folk Fest in Brethren, have been around for a while, but chose to remain smaller. Bernard sees the issue of growth as a potentially tricky one for folk festivals, but recognizes its necessity in keeping traditional arts alive. His own Earthwork Harvest Gathering is nearing 12 years old, but has grown in that time from a group of friends jamming on a front porch to a gathering of more than 2,000 people and 90 musicians. “It’s a compromise you want to make to bring a really nice experience to a larger group of people,” he said. “As these festivals grow there are other, smaller festivals and

gatherings that come up, so folks that are interested in a more intimate experience are given options to find those types of things as the years go on.” Being family friendly is also a top priority for these events, as is providing exposure and business to local food vendors and artists and giving festival patrons a wide variety of activities to enjoy outside of the music such as craft-making, instrument workshops, jam sessions and group dances. All of these efforts combine to make your festival experience akin to a family reunion. At the heart of it all is the roots music that preserves cultural and community heritage and moves people with its powerful simplicity. “Some of the aspects of living in these modern times just don’t feel natural to us,” Bernard said. “Everything’s sped up and we feel anxious. Folk and roots music get us back in touch with some of the more comfortable elements of being human, and people like that.” n Red Sea Pedestrians: Performing at Buttermilk Jamboree and Spirit of the Woods Folk Fest.

Beer + Wine

« Festival Guide, continued from page 30 Taste of Kalamazoo July 25-27. Not your average festival food, Taste offers food from around the world, wine bars and a huge variety of beers. » Arcadia Creek Festival Place / tasteofkalamazoo.com

National Blueberry Festival

Yassou Greek Cultural Festival

The Market presented by Avenue for the Arts

Aug. 23-25. Celebrate Greek Orthodox culture and traditions with authentic Greek food, dance and music. » Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Grand Rapids / grgreekfest.com

June 8 and July 13, 12-8 p.m. The Market will take place twice with longer hours, more entertainment, more vendors and sidewalk sales. Browse the local vendors’ unique handmade goods and pick up gifts or maybe even something for yourself. » Between Weston and Williams on S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids / avenueforthearts. com

Aug. 8-11. Get a taste of everything blueberry, from pies to pancakes and plants. Plus music, a parade and cook off. » South Haven / blueberryfestival.com

Grand Haven Art Festival

Restaurant Week GR Aug. 14-24. Focusing on the “farmto-fork” concept, restaurants in Eastown and downtown Grand Rapids offer complete meals at $25 per person. » experiencegr.com/ events

Grand Haven Salmon Festival Sept. 13-15. Celebrate the annual salmon migration and enjoy live jazz, wine tasting and fall harvest beer. » Downtown Grand Haven / visitgrandhaven.com

Cultural Greek Festival

Sept. 13-15. Experience all things Irish with a Celtic kitchen, market and, of course, music, which includes performers such as Slide, Damien Dempsey, Scythian and more. » Heritage Landing, Muskegon / $10-$40 / michiganirish.org

Art Festival of the Arts June 7-9. Hopefully weather will surprise Grand Rapidians and cooperate for three days in early June to allow for full enjoyment of art, food booths and kids activities downtown. » Downtown Grand Rapids / festivalgr.org

June 28-29. Celebrating all things Celtic, this festival allows for full immersion in Irish culture. Sample food from Kalamazoo pubs, visit the Irish Tea room in the Heritage Village, and bask in Irish music by Ladies of Longford and Steel City Rovers, among others. » $8 adults; $4 students; free 13 and under / kalamazooirish.org

Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival

June 15. Taste local wines from Lake Michigan’s shore. » Weko Beach, Bridgman / $10-$15 / lakemichiganshorewinetrail.com

Founders Fest Bizarre Bazaar June 23. The Eastown Community Association and the Eastown Business Association host the largest Bizarre Bazaar yet. Local artisans will sell their work street-side, where visitors also listen to live music. » Wealthy Street, Eastown / eastowngr.com

Krasl Art Fair

ArtPrize Sept. 18-Oct. 6. The world’s biggest art prize fills the city with art for the fifth year in a row. » Downtown Grand Rapids / artprize.org

Film Waterfront Film Festival Greek food! — Kzoo Greek Festival, June 6–8; Yassou Greek Festival, Aug. 23–25

Hatter Day Street Party June 8. New Holland’s annual party that features live music, Daredevil Circus, food specials and of course, beer. » New Holland Brewing Company, Holland / newhollandbrew.com

July 13-14. More than 200 artists from around the country gather to showcase their work and celebrate the 52nd anniversary of this nationally recognized fair. » St. Joseph / krasl.org

Kalamazoo Irish Festival

Founders fest, June 22

June 13-16. Although this beloved film fest is moving away from Saugatuck, where it has been hosted since its inception in 1999, high quality films, seminars and

June 22, 3 p.m. Thousands will pack the streets outside Founders Brewery on June 22 from 3-11 p.m. to drink beer and listen to a variety of tunes ranging from hip-hop, blues, rock to funk. » Grand Rapids / foundersbrewing.com

Wine & Art Festival June 22. Wines from the Grand Traverse region mingle with local art and music. » Grand Traverse Commons, Traverse City / $35 / traversecitywinefestival.com

Suds on the Shore Beer and Wine Festival Aug. 17. Sample a fine assortment of Michigan craft beverages in a souvenir glass, which is included in the ticket price. » Ludington / $25 advance; $30 at the gate / sudsontheshore.com

Lemon Creek Winery Harvest Fest Sept. 7. Celebrate Michigan-made wine with Lemon Creek Winery’s annual festival, with wine tastings, food and live music. » Berrien Springs / lemoncreekwinery.com

Hoptoberfest Sept. 15-16. HopCat is hosting its annual celebration of local beer to the back-beat of local funk and soul bands. A beer brunch is free to the first 2000 attendees. » Downtown Grand Rapids / $10–$15 / hoptoberfestgr.com

Q&A sessions with cast and crew remain intact. » South Haven / waterfrontfilm.org, (269) 767-8765

Traverse City Film Festival July 30-Aug. 4. One of the largest film festivals in the Midwest, TC

Film Festival emphasizes documentaries, foreign and independent films and quality films that haven’t gotten enough attention. Free panels are offered daily with writers, directors and actors. » traversecityfilmfest.org n

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

June 6-8. Every year, Theo and Stacy’s Restaurant offers up a unique opportunity to take in traditional Greek cuisine and entertainment in a family friendly atmosphere. All food is made from scratch by Stacy. » Arcadia Creek Festival Place, Kalamazoo / 11 a.m.-4 p.m. free; $5-10 4 p.m.-1 a.m. / kalamazoogreekfest. com

Michigan Irish Music Festival

June 29-30. Stroll the streets of the lakeshore while admiring art in studios and outdoors. » Downtown Grand Haven / grandhavenchamber.org

Festivals

Festival Fashion By Lindsay Patton-Carson / Illustrations by Anthony Carpenter

Lollapalooza

Grant Park, Chicago / Aug. 2-4 / lollapalooza.com This festival-goer tries hard to make it look like they put minimal effort into their outfit. But we know your secret, and it’s buried in your mom-jeans-filled closet.

Hair: Hitler Youth haircut.

Accessories: Neon Wayfarers. Fake acceptable, bonus points for real Ray Bans. Also, ironic facial hair.

Shirt: Tank top or deep V-neck. Color spectrum: neon or Earth tones.

Pants: Cut-off shorts. No other option.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Shoes: See: Women. Classic Vans also acceptable.

Women: Shirt: Cropped top. Extra points if bra is exposed and is colorful. Pants: Must not be worn below belly button. Vintage Levi’s cut-off mom jeans a must, but printed shorts are also OK. Accessories*: Across-the-shoulder purse, at least three necklaces, cat-eye sunglasses. The more dramatic, the better. Shoes: TOMS. Only TOMS. No fakes, please. Hair: A bun you spent an hour to make look the perfect amount of messy. Feathers optional but not necessary. *You will be tempted to dress in Native American appropriation. Don’t. Just please, for all humanity’s sake, don’t do it.

34 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

Festivals

Festival Fashion

Buttermilk Jamboree Circle Pines Center, Delton / June 14-16 / buttermilkjamboree.org At this community-centric, family friendly festival, fashion takes a backseat to the music. But that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean you still canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be fabulous.*

Hair: Wrangle it all with a pretty hat or headband.

Shirt: Printed sundress or peasant blouse.

Accessories: Patchwork boho bag, floppy hat, beaded jewelry.

Pants: Colorful shorts are OK, but if you really want to make it work, stick to a long, flowy skirt with tie dye or patterns.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Shoes: Gladiator sandals.

Men: Shirt: Light tunic, well-worn Phish shirt or button-up flannel. Pants: Linen pants or shorts. Shoes: Chacos sandals. Accessories: Throw on some hemp bracelets and a necklace. Stick to primarily beads and a Tree of Life charm. Be wary of shells. Hair: Keep it natural. Bring a bandana just in case you need it controlled. *Bonus points for organic and trade-free clothing.

36 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

Festivals

Festival Fashion

B93 Birthday Bash US 131 Motorsports Park, Martin / June 8-9 / b93.com Life is simple when you have a beer in your hand, some cowboy boots on and Hunter Hayes crooning in the background. The key to this festival’s fashion: don’t try too hard and just go with it.

Accessories: Cowboy hats should come with admission, but since the Birthday Bash is free, you have to bring your own. Extra points if you make it out of empty Bud Light boxes.

Hair: As long as it can fit under your cowboy hat, you’re good.

Shirt: White tank top or a Lynyrd Skynyrd tee.

Pants: Jeans are a cowboy’s staple. If those are too hot (it is summer after all), trade in for the less-authentic camouflage cargo shorts.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Shoes: Cowboy boots. Yes, even with camouflage cargos.

Women: Shirt: A “vintage” band t-shirt you bought from Meijer. Kick it up a notch and add your own fringe. Pants: Daisy Dukes. Accessories: Find a plain cowgirl hat and bedazzle the s**t out of it. Shoes: Cowgirl boots. If you have anything left over from bedazzling your hat, use it on the boots. Hair: See: Men.

38 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

Festivals

Festival Fashion

Electric Forest Double JJ Ranch, Rothbury / June 27-30 / electricforestfestival.com Clothes may be optional for certain attendees, but you dear reader, you know fashion is just as big as the music.

Hair: Braids, feathers, color streaks, headbands, dreadlocks you started last week. Long hair is preferable.

Shirt: Bikini tops are a must. Throw a crocheted shirt over for extra drama.

Accessories: Feathers, hula hoops, glow sticks and body paint. Wear them all at once.

Pants: Pants? Please. Flowy skirts or short shorts only.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Shoes: We know; barefoot is beautiful. At least throw on some flip flops.

Men: Shirt: You’re kidding, right? Pants: If it’s good enough for the beach, it’s good enough for the forest. Accessories: Bandanas and glow sticks. Hair: Embrace the just-go-with-it vibe and let your hair run wild.

40 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

Festivals

Festival Fashion

Frederik Meijer Gardens Grand Rapids / Summer Concert Series through August / meijergardens.org The concert series for the sophisticated tastes, Meijer Gardens offers its attendees a relaxing atmosphere with the bonus of packing a picnic dinner to accompany the outdoor concert.

Hair: Keep cool with neatly pinned hair. Classy and casual.

Shirt: Sundress or flowy blouse.

Accessories: Kate Spade purse and sunglasses (Coach is also acceptable), appropriate-height lawn chair, blanket, boxed water, fruit from the farmers market.

Pants: Colorful capri pants.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Shoes: Strappy sandals from Naturalizer.

Men: Shirt: Tommy Bahama shows just enough casual-cool while still demanding respect. Pants: Dockers shorts. We recommend navy. Wear khaki only if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re prepared for potential grass stains. Accessories: Appropriate-height lawn chair, blanket, transitions lenses, boxed water, chicken salad with free-range, local chicken. Shoes: Sperry Top-Siders. Hair: Clean cut.

42 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

44 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

/// Sink’s Spins on Music

ON THE MUSICAL RADAR L

Who Hit John?

by Sheryl Crow, Harry Connick Jr., Michael Franti & Spearhead, Grizzly Bear, John Butler Trio, The Beach Boys, Owl City, Michael McDonald, Smokey Robinson, Montgomery Gentry and Old Crow Medicine Show, with much-anticipated return concerts by Steve Martin, Gov’t Mule, Peter Frampton, Wynton Marsalis, Umphrey’s McGee, Grace Potter and more. Granted, the average price for a Meijer Gardens show continues to creep upward ($58.46 for non-member tickets), but one-third of the concerts still boast ticket prices of $45 or less. See the full lineup and ticket details online at meijergardens.org.

mbracing sun-splashed musical performances also was the theme of last year’s outdoor Buttermilk Jamboree. Organizers of the third annual musical celebration taking place June 14-16 at Circle Pines Center in Delton (about halfway between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo) have high hopes the outdoor festival will continue to grow: It drew more than 1,000 people last year, with bigger crowds expected for 2013 due to the addition of a national headliner, rock/world music band Rusted Root from Pittsburgh. “We wanted to bring in bigger names this time to draw a little more attention,” Center Director Tom VanHammen said of the jamboree that will feature more than 30 diverse regional acts, including Drew Nelson, Root Doctor, The Crane Wives, Funktion, Blue

Sheryl Crow to perform at Meijer Gardens

Whistle on the Rail The old-timey train that chugs out of this station makes some curiously infectious stops, with rollicking New Orleans horns, back-porch rootsiness, Tom Waits-style storytelling and even a Latin-flavored detour. This eclectic five-piece Kalamazoo string band has churned out its finest album yet at La Luna Recording & Sound (Ian Gorman is the mastering engineer), with harmony- and fiddle-hued tales of riverboat gamblers, crooked trails, June bugs, digging graves and crying “when you’re daddy’s gone.”

Pop Evil

Onyx Change can be good and necessary, even if it doesn’t always feel that way while the upheaval takes place. West Michigan hard rock mainstay Pop Evil knows that pain and growth with a recent shakeup in its lineup. To the credit of singer Leigh Kakaty and crew, Onyx, the band’s latest 12-track project — recorded in Chicago — erupts from the opening track with a melodic, grabhold-by-the-throat-and-don’t-let-go ferocity that’s at once familiar yet refreshingly edgy — and destined for active rock radio airplay.

Rusted Root to headline Buttermilk Jamboree

Molly, Red Tail Ring and Grupo Aye. “Part of what we wanted to do was bring people together from different cultures … creating cultural connections. We’re trying to invite artists from all different genres so they attract all different types of crowds.” A family friendly event, the jamboree also boasts on-site camping, a beer tent and workshops. Get the lowdown at buttermilkjamboree.org. n Music critic and entertainment writer John Sinkevics comments on the local and national music scene at localspins.com (Spins on Music), spotlighting artists at 10 a.m. Wednesdays on Local Spins Live at News Talk 1340 AM.

Chain of Lakes

Softer Sticks Creating an astral mood and captivating milieu are paramount for this indie-folk ensemble led by Grand Rapids’ Kyle Rasche (liner notes list seven West Michigan musicians, including Mat Churchill, Jeffrey Neimeier, Paul Geoghan), wrapping melancholy beauty around smartly arranged songs. Recalling shades of Simon & Garfunkel, The Decemberists, The Jayhawks and The Head & The Heart, “Follow,” “Your Day,” “Cool Down” and “The Heart of It” build to gorgeous crescendos with layered power.

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Local CD Releases

ive music i n th e great outdoors. There’s nothing quite like it, as Michigan’s ultra-vibrant summer festival and amphitheater concert scene has demonstrated again and again. And a decade into its run as Grand Rapids’ premier outdoor venue, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has again upped the ante in terms of sheer numbers and breadth of genres represented: a record 29 concerts this summer, with high-profile names in rock, blues, pop, jazz, reggae, folk, soul, country, swing and bluegrass in the jampacked lineup, which kicks off June 3 with the ageless B.B. King. As impressive as that roster might be, it’s the garden-powered atmosphere that sets the 1,900-capacity venue apart. Take it from Mark Smith, who’s attended at least a half-dozen concerts at the amphitheater every year since it opened in 2003. “It’s such an attractive place and a comfortable way to see a concert. This gives you an opportunity to essentially replicate hanging around in your backyard and enjoying top-notch talent at the same time,” said Smith, an attorney who’s also a volunteer programmer at WYCE-FM (88.1). “It has lent some magical moments. When John Hiatt was there singing ‘Lipstick Sunset’ when the sun was literally turning ruby red and casting shadows over that big horse (sculpture), it was the perfect juxtaposition of sight and sound and feeling. It was stunning.” Perhaps just as stunning this year: a series that will deliver first-time venue performances

/// On Tour

Eclectic Edward Sharpe Gets More Eclectic on New Projects | by Dwayne Hoover

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

46 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

dward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros is often pegged as a hippie band. It’s true that love is a unifying theme to a lot of the group’s music, including its hit single “Home.” But the band’s message doesn’t fit inside a box that neatly. It is a message that is delivered via a 10-member collective, and each has their own unique musical education and experiences. “Everyone’s different backgrounds is what —Nora Kirkpatrick, accordionist makes it interesting,” said Nora Kirkpatrick, accordionist. “Someone will bring in a song cacophony of sound. There’s a lot more to they’ve written or even a little nugget, then listen to.” everyone else just kind of fills it out.” According to Kirkpatrick, expect the new Even with a double-digit roster and a variety of instruments, the group is always looking record to be released July 23. “We’re just mastering it [now],” she said. for that perfect sound to capture emotion. While recording the upcoming album, the “It’ll be out in July. That’s the plan. We’re just getting it all together.” band members experimented The group also branched with sounds created by tap Edward Sharpe and out into other art forms. To shoes or water dripping into the Magnetic Zeros date, they released three parts a bowl. Kalamazoo State Theatre of SALVO!, a 12-part musi“It’s just whatever the song June 24, 8 p.m., $30 cal that chronicles fictional needs,” Kirkpatrick said. “You kazoostate.com, (269) 345-6500 character Edward Sharpe’s life. can find those things a lot in Earlier this year, the documennature, perhaps, as opposed to musical instruments. It’s about the environ- tary Big Easy Express, which follows the band ment and the mood of the song. Whatever on tour with Mumford & Sons and Old Crow Medicine Show, won the Grammy Award for the song needs, we’ll find it.” The new album actually features a slightly Best Long Form Music Video. Kirkpatrick herself stepped into the acting different approach compared to previous world, appearing in five episodes of The Office’s records. final season as love interest to Dwight Schrute “The last two albums we recorded a lot of (Rainn Wilson). the songs all at once and split them up into “It was amazing,” Kirkpatrick said. “Rainn their distinct vibes. It was more acoustic and is so cool and interesting and smart and wonfolky,” Kirkpatrick said. “This one’s more a derful. It couldn’t have been better.” n

“Someone will bring in a song they’ve written or even a little nugget, then everyone else just kind of fills it out. …Whatever the song needs, we’ll find it.”

ST EP HE N KE LL OG G WS G MIL OW

JUNE 1

8:00PM

BIRDS OF CHICAGO 8:00PM

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

JUNE 15

KIM RICHEY JUNE 28

8:00PM

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

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

/// on tour

The Joy Formidable Strengthens its Bones | by Dwayne Hoover

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

olff’s Law is anatomist it has been fun to integrate the new material Julius Wolff’s theory into the set.” that states bones adapt to the Touring is not just an enjoyable experiamount of pressure put on them. ence for the band’s members, however. They Meaning that over time, as the amount of also understand how important touring is to stress on a bone increases so does the bone’s their fans. strength. “I think we’re really conscious of our fan It’s also the name of The Joy Formidable’s base, kind of a very honest appreciation,” latest album, and a perfect metaphor for what Bryan said. “I think that’s why we try to keep the band’s members were going through at touring. Yeah, we’re sleep deprived, but it’s the time. also a hell of a lot of fun. It’s a lifestyle that “It’s about healing the relationships,” said definitely keeps you alive.” Ritzy Bryan, vocalist and guitarist. “I became “I find it a big turn off when bands quite estranged from people complain about being on in my family, going through the road,” Bryan said. “You the grieving process of losing can’t treat it like a job. It’s The Joy Formidable people ... It’s about finding not a job. It’s a great way of with Silversun Pickups a need to look inside a little life. There’s a real truth and The Intersection, Grand Rapids first, and then change the fu- June 12, 7 p.m. honesty about it, getting out $25, All ages ture. Sometimes we need to there and playing live withsectionlive.com, (616) 451-8232 reconnect and question and out all the bulls**t that tries challenge the roads we take.” to creep in.” Currently, the band is on During the incesant tourtour into September, but not just in support of ing, The Joy Formidable will make a stop at the new album. The trio also happens to just The Intersection to support Silversun Pickups. really like touring. “We’ve got a great relationship with them, “We’re a band that enjoys staying on the kind of a mutual respect,” Bryan said. “We’re road whether we have a new album out or delighted that we can meet up again and share not,” Bryan said. “All the traditional cycles ... some stages. They’re a great band and really we don’t like to look at things like that. But great people.” n

48 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

50 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

Visual Art

by Alexandra Fluegel

Celebrate Grand Rapids Art

h o u s a n d s g at h e r e d o n This year, the event boasts six stages with line-ups that are filled with performances from local groups, Vandenberg Plaza to commemobands and organizations. rate the dedication of La Grand Vitesse by The annual regional art show is held inside the Alexander Calder, one of the first “Art in UICA, which Schwarz-Duty said is an exciting aspect Public Places” installations in the nation, of this year’s event. in 1969. In the years that have followed, the area “It gives us the opportunity to extend the exhibibecame known as Calder Plaza, and an annual event tion, and it also gives people a reason to check out has been luring crowds into downtown, reviving the the UICA.” excitement surrounding public art. The juried show, which is often fertile ground for This month marks the 44th year of Festival of the artists to sell work or be seen by gallery representaArts, or simply “Festival,” making it one of the lontives, will run from May 31 through gest running festivals in Michigan. Aug. 18 and will be free to the public The three-day event celebrates the Festival of the Arts during Festival weekend. area’s long history of supporting art Downtown Grand Rapids Other area artists will have work and artists, and serves as an unoffiJune 7-9 Free! on display and be on-hand to talk cial start to summer kicked off with festivalgr.org about their creations. In addition food, music and culture. to the opportunities to see work by It began as a fundraiser for the local artists, everyone at Festival has city’s arts organizations in 1970 plenty of chances to create their own. by the Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids, an A printmaking station allows Festival-goers the organization founded as a support resource in 1967. chance to create their own souvenirs using classic Much like the groups it helped to support, silk-screening techniques, and the Swing’n Art station Festival grew over the years and organizers decided is always a popular stop, giving people the chance to to make it a non-profit organization in 2002. put art in motion. In addition to assisting in the funding and proSchwarz-Duty said one of the most important moting of area organizations, Festival also gives the things about Festival is that it’s truly an event for the community an opportunity to perform and engage community by the community. the arts. “It’s run completely by volunteers,” she said. “We try and encourage everyone to not only “We try and keep it as noncommercial as possible. support the arts but to join the arts,” said Eileen Festival wouldn’t be possible without volunteers Scwarz-Duty, longtime volunteer and festival publicand we have opportunities for all talents and time ity co-chair. “It’s all about local first. Everyone who commitments.” n performs or exhibits has to be a resident of Kent County or the surrounding counties.”

Festival 2013 poster created by local artist Abigail Bradley

Other Art Events

Moss, soil, wood and water are a few of the elements Ashley Lieber uses to create indoor explorations of the natural world. Lieber, an ecological artist and educator, earned her MFA from the University of Michigan, and now transforms artistic inspiration into environmental masterpieces. Hosted by Rowster Coffee, “Spring” features site-specific installations inspired by Michigan’s shortest season. Lieber’s most recent series, “Moss for Meditation” debuted in Chicago to high praise, and this exhibition — curated by Kaitlyn Zylstra — follows suit.

Creativity Uncorked: Improv Chop Shop

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair 2

Grand Rapids Art Museum June 13, 7-9:30 p.m., doors open at 6:15 p.m. $25 members, $30 non-members, 21+ artmuseumgr.org, (616) 831-2919

The official start of summer takes place this month, as well as the unofficial kickoff of the festival and art fair season. During the first full weekend of June, the city of Kalamazoo will host its 62nd annual celebration of art and entertainment in downtown’s Bronson Park. The community tradition draws thousands of visitors into the area to check out the work from more than 180 artists, watch performers on two stages, and imbibe some of Michigan’s finest brews in the Bell’s Beer Garden.

Experience your own ‘night at the museum’ inspired by The Improvisational Quilts of Susana Allen Hunter,the colorful exhibition of the late artist’s work. After the doors of the museum close to public for the night, participants are invited to gather, have a glass of wine and explore the themes of design, inventiveness, form vs function and originality that Allen wove into each quilt. Upon arrival, you will receive a bag full of ‘ingredients’ to use to create your own iPad sleeve, apron or tote bag. No experience is necessary.

Bronson Park June 7, 3-8 p.m; June 8, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. kiarts.org, (269) 349-7775

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule

Spring: New Work by Ashley Lieber

Rowster Coffee, Grand Rapids May 1–July 15 (616) 780-7777

by Allison Parker

Theatre

Other Performing Arts Events Wait Until Dark

Circle Theatre, Grand Rapids June 6-8, 12-16, 19-22; show times at 5 and 7:30 p.m. $25-27 circletheatre.org, (616) 456-6656 Blind housewife Susy’s world plunges into darkness when three strangers convince her of her husband’s role in a recent murder. All is not as it seems, and before long, the young woman realizes she is ensnared in an intricate web of deceit — one which she will be lucky to get out of alive. Her husband is merely pawn in a deadly game to retrieve an elusive, heroin-stuffed doll. Using her own guile and wit, Susy must foil the con men’s elaborate schemes and separate truth from charade.

Oy! A Comedy with Chutzpah

Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids Spectrum Theater, Grand Rapids June 13, 15, 16, 20, 22, 23; show time at 8 p.m. $18-20; students $5 jtgr.org, (616) 234-3946 Featuring 13 snippets of Jewish comedy, Oy! delights audiences of all backgrounds and pokes fun at shared experiences. A sharp script from respected playwright Rich Orloff infuses the show not only with humor and creativity, but also with fresh flashes of insight. Absurd vignettes explore the untold stories of Adam and Eve, the aphrodisiacal properties of non-kosher food, the meaning of Yiddish terms and more.

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

Xanadu

Mason Street Warehouse, Saugatuck June 21-23, 25-30, July 2-7, 9-14; show times at 2, 7 and 8 p.m. $29-42 masonstreetwarehouse.org, (269) 857-2399 An outrageous spoof of the cult film Xanadu, this show mixes ‘80s camp with Greek legend. When sidewalk artist Sonny Malone contemplates suicide, the young Muse Kira descends from Mt. Olympus to intervene. Rocking an Australia accent and legwarmers, Kira falls for Sonny while motivating him to achieve his dream of creating the first-ever roller disco.

52 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

Grand Rapids Civic Goes Blonde

big personality is coming to the Grand Rapids Civic, and she’s bold, beautiful and blond — very blond. Devoted slave to everything pretty, pricey and pink, Legally Blonde’s Elle Woods is a celebratory spoof of all things young and girly. Accessorized by catchy pop tunes, bubblegum-colored sets and a divalicious Chihuahua, Elle couldn’t be happier with her life as a sorority queen bee. When Elle’s boyfriend dumps her for a ‘more serious’ girlfriend, however, Elle Legally Blonde – enrolls at Harvard Law ready to prove the Musical there’s more to her than the designer Grand Rapids Civic bag she carries. Theatre “It really is a story about June 1-2, 5-9, 12-16; diversity,” Director Bruce Tinker show times at 2 and said. “It’s as much about diversity 7:30 p.m. of individuals as diversity of $16-34, grct.org, (616) perception and not defining 222-6650 individuals by visual information. Elle is a bright, sharp person; although visual information tells you otherwise. The story does a great job taking us back to the fact that it’s not just the people who wear glasses and knee highs who are serious. Everyone is serious. We should be open and accept people because of their mind and heart, not because of what’s immediately visible.” For actress Breighanna Minnema, who plays Elle, the character is also noteworthy for her determination and self-belief. “Elle really is a role model,” Minnema said. “She’s not only super stylish and beautiful, but she works hard and is really confident in herself … She is constantly put down by other people, but all along she believes in herself and never loses herself.” The heroine’s plucky spirit and optimism is boosted throughout the play by an upbeat soundtrack, which further illuminates Elle’s character and charges scenes with energy and youthfulness.

Breighanna as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde – the Musical.

“The live music has tremendous impact. It’s a terrific score and it tells a lot about the story and what the characters are really feeling and thinking,” Tinker said. “It allows characters like Elle to bust out and have fun.” The arguable fan favorite is the sassy “Bend and Snap,” in which Elle shows a washed-up divorcee a move supposedly 99.99 percent effective on straight men. In addition to displaying Elle’s goofy good-heartedness, the song becomes an anthem for feminine wiles and sheer girlish exuberance. “Definitely one of my favorite scenes is when Elle and her sorority friends teach the ‘Bend and Snap.’ It’s really fun—we bring the cast in and just groove out,” Minnema said. “The music in the background is so great and everyone feels really fun and really sexy, and it’s a fun time for the audience too.” Whether belting out showstoppers, dishing pertinent fashion advice or proving her own resolve, Elle Woods makes Legally Blonde both irresistibly entertaining and socially relevant. “[The show is] about believing in others and yourself, not judging a book by its cover and seeing there is more underneath someone than maybe their blond hair … It will be funny and pink and loud and wonderful,” Minnema said. n

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

by Josh Spanninga

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

Nate Bargatze:

Patriot, Comedian and Son of a Clown KEVIN BOZEMAN May 30-June 1

TOM SeEG6U-8RA Jun

NATE B

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

June ARGATZ 13-15 E

ST N R E T E BR 20-22 June

ost children grow up with parents whose professions are paradoxically mysterious and boring, with job titles such as “senior project engineer” or “regional manager.” Nate Bargatze’s dad, however, was in an entirely different league. He was, quite literally, a clown… at least until he switched careers to world-renowned magician. None of this, however, ever phased Bargatze. “It was such a normal thing,” says Bargatze. “I just grew up around it.” From an early age, Bargatze would appear in some of his dad’s performances, and was always exposed to the idea of entertainment as a career. “It was never a driving force,” Bargatze said. “It was never like, ‘I think I’m going to do that.’ It was just being around it, I think it just kind of seeps in.” Eventually he would leave his hometown of Old Hickory Tennessee to study improv at Second City in Chicago. What he ended up learning was that he didn’t want to do improv. “I wanted to be funny on my own,” Bargatze said. “I didn’t want to be taken in different directions by somebody.”

It was at this point that he decided to put forth all his effort to pursue a career in stand-up comedy. In the short time he’s spent out in the field, he’s had his own Comedy Central half-hour special, appeared on multiple late night shows and won first-place prizes at multiple festivals, including the New York Comedy Festival. He’s also found quite a devoted audience in American soldiers serving abroad. Bargatze has performed overseas multiple times at different army bases around the globe, and will continue to perform military gigs as long as they’ll ask him. “Not everybody can just go to Baghdad,” he said. “It’s a crazy experience to go see that.” While he’s spent most of his energy perfecting his stand-up routine and touring, he’s also ventured into other territory, such as writing sketches and jokes for Spike TV’s Video Game Awards. “It was nice because it almost felt like I was back to a normal schedule,” Bargatze said of the experience. “It was like 10 to 5, and you go in and we would just write sketches or jokes for the people to say.” Writing during the day and performing stand-up at night proved to be mentally exhausting for Bargatze, and while he would be interested in writing scripts for his very own sitcom someday (it’s one of his dreams), don’t expect a book anytime soon. “It would be the first time mumbling would ever be in a book,” he said. So for now, Bargatze is focusing on his standup career, garnering acclaim from notable figures such as Marc Maron and Jim Gaffigan. Even though he opted out of wearing a red nose and oversized shoes, one thing’s for sure — he always delivers the laughs. n

“I wanted to be funny on my own. I didn’t want to be taken in different directions by somebody.”

Nate Bargatze Dr. Grins, Grand Rapids June 13-15, showtimes at 8, 9 and 10:30 p.m. Prices TBA thebob.com, (616) 356-2000

COREY HOLCOMB June 27-29

54 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

by Anya Zentmeyer

film

appy summer, West Michigan. If the sun gets to be too much, there’s always a cool, dark theater awaiting you.

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

HOW THE WATERFRONT FILM FESTIVAL GOT ITS GROOVE BACK With 70 dramatic features and documentaries on the 2013 roster, this year’s Waterfront Film Festival may have a new home, but still has the same heart. After 14 years sticking by its Saugatuck roots, financial constraints and a deliberate change of scenery prompted organizers of the non-profit event to change, with plans to move to new West Michigan-area locations each year from here on out. A $50,000 sponsorship pledge and fundraising efforts offered by South Haven landed that city the gig. The smattering of local talent – PR professionals with ties to the Chicago market, local business organizations and volunteer groups, shuttle service, office space and other in-kind donations offered up their time and money, sealed the deal. “The decision was crucial for the event to evolve and survive in these challenging economic times that have taken their toll on nearly every non-profit organization,” said Hopwood DePree, co-founder of the festival, in a statement released in September. Drawing in around 16,000 film-goers for the past few years, Media Coordinator Patrick Revere said South Haven has the kind of expanded facilities to accommodate what organizers expect to be an “all-time high” for event participation. In April, WFF snagged a $15,000 grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and Screen Actors Guild Magazine’s SAGIndie hailed WFF as one of the top five film festivals in the world, rubbing shoulders with Sundance and Cannes. Twenty programmers nationwide field, watch and forward film submissions to a semi-final pool of senior programmers and trusted industry professionals, who deliberate and agree on what films make the final cut. Revere calls Waterfront the “laid-back Sundance,” and we’re going to say he’s right; because what’s more laid back than an opening night BEACH PARTY KICK-OFF?!

56 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

Waterfront Film Fest

Complete with food, drinks, live entertainment and an after-dark screening that sounds spookier on paper than it actually is in real life, the first night of this festival could be getting close to being off the chain. “I am constantly amazed -- never surprised, but always amazed -- at the quality of films selected for the festival,” Revere said. “From start to finish it’s always a worthy grouping.” For ticket information or to see this year’s lineup, visit waterfrontfilm.com.

SOMETHING FUNNY ABOUT CAMP This month, Grand Rapids’ Compass College of Cinematic Arts hosts its weeklong film and acting day camps June 24-28 for ages 13-18. Stephanie Bergman, admissions and marketing coordinator for Compass, said during the first half of the week, film camp students take classes in screenwriting, camera and lighting techniques, editing and sound,

storyboarding, distribution and marketing, directing and producing while developing scripts based on short synopses provided by camp organizers. Meanwhile, acting campers take classes that arm them with techniques for film and television, monologues, role-playing and tips on how to do well in casting calls or auditions. The second half of the week brings both camps together – casting campers from the acting camp in the film campers’ projects, scouting locations on campus, rehearsing, and shooting and editing projects. Throughout the week, the film campers’ brains are expanded by CCCA ‘s Writing & Directing Instructor Joshua Courtade, alongside Los Angeles Filmmaker Christopher Lowe. Alumnae Danae Postma assists local actor and producer Joseph Scott Anthony in leading CCCA’s acting camp, though Bergman said the camp wouldn’t be possible without the entire CCCA staff. “Our other instructors are available for consultation and equipment check-out, the staff helps with crafty and building needs, current students stop in to encourage the

camp participants,” she said. “It really is a community effort.” Bergman said without many camp options for the fledgling artists among us, what CCCA is trying to do is give students an affordable opportunity to grow not only into their craft, but also into themselves. “Past camp students have said that the camps really opened their eyes to what filmmaking and acting is all about, what roles they most enjoy and whether or not this is a vocation they would like to pursue as a future career,” she said. “It also provides students with a great opportunity to hone their skills and learn new ones. If they are trying to build portfolios, they’ll walk away with two new films to add in to their arsenal. They’ll get to practice with lots of great equipment and learn how to use it correctly. They also build a network of fellow filmmakers and actors. Some of our former camp students are still making movies together today.” Contact Bergman at stephanie.b@compass.edu, or visit compass.edu/program/ summer-camps for more information. n

This is the End

Movie///pREVIEWS By Elizabeth Badovinac, Jordan Brasko and T. Stastny Opening june 12

This is the End

So, you’re hanging with your celebrity pals at James Franco’s house. Just another star-studded night, right? Wrong. The apocalypse happens and nobody is safe, even in cushy gated communities. In this comedy, Franco, Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill and pals band together to face said apocalypse. Despite being afraid of what lurks outside, they are eventually forced to roam the wasteland in search of food and supplies.

Opening june 14

Man of Steel

Opening june 21

World War Z

Max Brooks redefined the zombie genre when he wrote The Zombie Survival Guide and World War Z. The latter gets the Holly-

The Bling Ring

Director Sofia Coppola brings to the screen the true story of a group of teenagers (Emma Watson, Katie Chang, Israel Broussard) that aspire to a live a life of wealth, glamor and nonstop partying. Mesmerized by fame and fortune, they rob several celebrities’ homes to get the life they want. As the pressure begins to mount, their ability to keep their secret it tested and the consequences could potentially change their lives forever.

Opening june 28

Much Ado about Nothing

Snowballing off the ridiculous success of The Avengers, Joss Whedon’s name has gone from ‘that guy who made that one Western sci-fi’ to in-demand filmmaker. In his latest, Much Ado About Nothing (which spent a year on the indie film fest circuit), Whedon resurrects Shakespeare’s beloved comedy. The movie, shot in black and white, follows the evolving relationship between the witty Benedick and Beatrice in contrast to the passive, suspicious union of Claudio and Hero. Expect to see serial Whedon collaborators like Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof, Fran Kranz, Nathan Fillion and Tom Lenk. n

Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule

It’s hardly a secret that Clark Kent is Superman. (Seriously, Clark. Glasses? Give it up already.) Sent to Earth from the planet Krypton, he is taken in by a farmer and his wife, who quickly discover this orphan child is more than human. After keeping his superhuman strength and powers a secret and questioning why he is so different, Kent decides to set out on a quest to discover where he came from and why he was brought to Earth.

wood treatment courtesy of Brad Pitt, who rightly casts himself as ruggedly handsome hero Gerry Lane. Good looks don’t get our United Nations-employee protagonist too far when a worldwide zombie outbreak forces him to choose between his family and the fate of the world.

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

by Kyle Austin

Lit Life

Other Literary Events Book Signing with Edward McClelland

Schuler Books, 28th Street June 5, 7 p.m. schulerbooks.com, (616) 942-2561

After getting his start in journalism at the Lansing State Journal, Edward McClelland went on to write some stellar non-fiction, winning a 2008 Great Lakes Book Award along the way. His latest release, Nothin’ But Blue Skies: The Heyday, Hard Times, and Hope of America’s Heartland, is a captivating mix of pure reporting and humanizing storytelling that captures the spirit of the Rust Belt and its inhabitants.

Author Talk with Matt Bell

Bookbug, Kalamazoo June 20, 7 p.m. bookbugkalamazoo.com, (269) 385-2847

Bookbug independent bookstore gives local readers a chance to meet and mingle with Matt Bell, one of Michigan’s brightest rising literary talents, at a free event that celebrates the release of Bell’s debut novel, In the House Upon the Dirt Between the Lake and the Woods. Having received significant critical acclaim for his earlier essays and short story collections, Bell is certainly a local author to take notice of.

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

Spoken Word Poetry Open Mic

Dr. Grins in the B.O.B. Tuesdays, 8:30 p.m. thebob.com, (616) 356-2000 Azizi Jasper, the local poet and activist who brought spoken word poetry to Eastown with recurring Wednesday night events at The Hookah Lounge, now brings this unique fusion of free poetic verse and storytelling to the B.O.B. This weekly event aims for a similar laid-back, spiritual vibe, and language lovers of all walks of life are invited to share in the good time. Admission is $5 for 21 and up, and $10 for minors aged 18-20.

58 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

Mark Binelli Chips Away at Detroit’s Doomsday Facade

n the midst of the recent global economic recession, artists from all over the world descended on Detroit to tell the same tale of unemployment rates, rampant home foreclosures, abandoned neighborhoods and crumbling skyscrapers. Such coverage besmirched the city’s reputation to the point where it became an umbrella metaphor for everything that was wrong with America. For journalist and Detroit native Mark Binelli, destruction was only part of the story. Author Talk with “I felt like a lot of these Mark Binelli [journalists] were just coming Grand Rapids Public Library in for a day or two and doing June 20, 7 p.m. a somewhat superficial job,” grpl.org/grreads, Binelli said. “Really, there (616) 988-5400 [would] be no way to not do that unless you really knew the place, so I thought, ‘I’m from here, I should give it a shot.’ If you write for a newspaper or a magazine, you’re basically only there to write about human misery.” After moving away in 1993, Binelli decided to move back to the city after being sent by Rolling Stone to cover the Auto Show in 2009. He originally intended to use Detroit as the backdrop for a novel, but ultimately decided on a journalistic approach because “the truth felt so much weirder than anything I could make up.” For the next three years, he thoroughly researched the one component of Detroit’s story that always seemed to be missing from the countless images of ruin and rubble: people. “700,000 people still live [in the city] and they have full lives,” Binelli said. “There’s a whole range of human emotion going on there. It was important to me to talk to as wide a range of people as possible.” The product of his research, Detroit City is the Place to Be, stands as one of the most unbiased and authentic portrayals of the city to be written yet. Alongside interviews with city officials, business leaders and members of the auto industry, the book highlights conversations with everyday men and women trying to carry on and forge ahead despite the corrosion around them. Binelli describes his most interesting encounters as “pure serendipity” and admits that getting Detroiters to trust him was a formidable challenge.

PHOTO: Corine Vermeulen

“I felt like a lot of these [journalists] were just coming in for a day or two and doing a somewhat superficial job.”

“It’s hardwired in you after awhile in Detroit to not trust journalists,” he said. “But then they’d just keep seeing me around, and they’d be like ‘Oh, it’s you again? You’re still here? You weren’t just saying that?’ I eventually just wore them down.” Coupled with a running history of the city’s epic rise and fall, the depth of Binelli’s human interactions gives his book an air of cautious optimism. Through acute examination of the ways Detroit is trying to rebuild itself through smallscale economics and community cooperation, the book dares to suggest that a city that has already literally risen from ashes once can do so again. As a part of the Grand Rapids Public Library’s GR Reads program, Binelli will give a free public presentation that is designed to help readers further connect with the book, as well as stimulate discussion about the current state of affairs in Detroit and what the city’s future holds. n

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

Missy Black’s

STYLe NOTeS

lot of peplum going into the warmer months. (My opinion: You can’t stop a good thing). The store’s accessories include jewelry, scarves, handbags and belts. Swing by so you can love on all the “mint color and peplum” that Hunt is crushing on.

Grab your sunnies and head to the rooftop...

ecause two locations are better than one, jewelry maven Prudence Kauffman has opened a second Dear Prudence location in the MoDiv incubator stores on the corner of Monroe and Division in Grand Rapids. Kauffman says the best thing about the spot is “energy is crazy through the roof right now. There’s a constant flow and we’re in the middle of this huge awakening downtown.” Pop into the itty-bitty biz spot for custom sterling pieces, monogram necklaces, phone covers and custom fingerprint necklaces. Visit the Dear Prudence Facebook page or dearprudence.com for more deets.

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

Dear Prudence is not the only new roomie in the MoDiv bunks. Humanity Boutique, a women’s clothing and accessories boutique, takes inspiration from around the globe to bring downtown dwellers a fashion-forward look. Celebrity shoppers might be Blake Lively, according to owner Courtney Hunt because “she fits our style perfectly.” Summertime at the boutique will be brimming with casual dresses and dressier options for weddings and bachelorette parties, and Hunt predicts a

60 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

The Rooftop Culture series (brought you Rooftop Couture) caters to the fashionable and thirsty crowd with Rooftop Cocktail: A Celebration of West Michigan Art, Cocktails & Fashion. Everything is looking up June 14 at UICA as bartenders from popular venues such as Bar Divani, Pyramid Scheme and Louie’s Rocket Lounge mix drinks on the rooftop terrace, competing for the best “Rooftop Cocktail.” Below, local designers and boutiques display and sell their summer collections so shopping and sipping is the new sport. Look for style selections from Sydney’s Boutique, Iconoclasp, Humanity Boutique and The Mitten State to be on hand. “It’s every woman’s dream — having a cocktail in one hand and shopping with the other,” says Crystal Hilliard, organizer and promoter, who describes the event as innovative, fun and flirty with the cocktails being “the talk of the town.” Pose for pictures, air kiss amongst the models and enjoy music with Celebrity DJ SuperDre and A.B.! Whip out that dress you’ve been saving for a special occasion, because it’s now here and it’s serving signature cocktails with the GR skyline as your backdrop. Casually glance at rooftopcocktail.com as if you don’t care — but you do!

Jewelry from Humanity Boutique, a new addition to MoDiv

The men’s fashion scene gets a boost with the new Lee & Birch Men’s store in Grand Haven. Located right next door to the sister location on Washington Street, the shop is the place where boys can shop everything from denim, zip-up jackets, hoodies, blazers and dressy or casual tops. The store caters to the “style conscious guy that’s still rugged and still West Michigan, but a guy that wants to step it up in areas of personal style — trendy, but not too over the top,” says Communications Coordinator Blair Badge. Seeing a need for more

Rooftop Cocktail, June 14 on UICA’s terrace men’s fashion resources, the store hopes to be the perfect middleof-the-road option with men coming in and feeling comfortable shopping while still holding true to their masculinity. See what all the fuss is about at the Grand Opening event June 15, where swag bags and whiskey and wine tasting will have shoppers poppin’ tags and fillin’ bags. The grand opening event includes both stores so girls can go their way and guys can go theirs (provided they have adequate instruction on what to purchase). Keep watch on the Facebook page for more details. n

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

A ROLLING CYCLING PARTY TO BENEFIT MSU SKIN CANCER RESEARCH 12 Mile Ride • 40 Mile Ride • 80 Mile Ride A full day of cycling & family-friendly events with live music, food, MI microbrews, wine & more. You don’t have to ride to enjoy the party!

For event info & registration visit www.msugranfondo.com 2 FOR 1 ENTRÉES AT THE B.O.B.

When you register for Gran Fondo by June 15th.

Have what it takes to be a Gran Fondo top fundraiser? FIRST PRIZE Pinarello FP Quattro SRAM Force Rival bike, provided by Advantage Benefits Group. SECOND PRIZE Five night getaway to Gilmore Collection’s Redstone Inn located in Colorado, airfare provided.

FIFTH PRIZE Herman Miller Aeron Chair

B THE

FOURTH PRIZE Zipp 404 racing wheels courtesy of SRAM.

.O.

RA PID S

THIRD PRIZE Technogym indoor bike courtesy of MVP Sports Clubs.

ND RA DOW G N TO WN

Michigan beer sampling from 16+ breweries live music • street food More info at thebob.com

62 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

Dining Restaurant listings arranged by region

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

BarterTown Diner 6 Jefferson St. SE. 616-233-3219 VEGAN. This workerowned-and-operated restaurant offers a variety of tasty healthy dishes fresh and hand-picked right from local family farms. Want a certain recipe or cooking lessons? Events and programs are BarterTown’s way of getting the community involved. So don’t be surprised if one day there’s Greek and Mediterranean cuisine and the next it’s all about pizza. SERVING: Breakfast (Saturday & Sunday), Lunch, Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Locally based vegan meals.

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

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

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

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

The Bistro 11 Monroe Avenue NW (at Courtyard Marriott). 616-242-6000 AMERICAN. Serving American food bistro-style, whether it’s grab-and-go or guests dining in for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Bistro offers fresh seasonal options, serves Starbucks beverages and has a full-service bar. SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Sandwiches.

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

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

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

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

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

Bulls Head Tavern 188 Monroe NW. 616-454-3580 AMERICAN. Downtown eatery is a great spot for business lunch or casual pre-show dinner, with a wide-ranging menu that includes salads, burgers, pasta, seafood and steaks. Specialties include the ostrich burger, sashimi tuna and smoked Gouda chicken pasta. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday. GO THERE FOR: The Ostrich Burger.

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

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

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

Cornucopia 187 Monroe Ave. NW. 616-774-2000 DELI. A refreshing option for on-the-go, or casual, lighter fare. Enjoy deli options such as homemade soups, salads, Panini sandwiches and freshly brewed gourmet coffee. SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Sandwiches.

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

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

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

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

Gilly’s 20 Monroe NW. 616-356-2000 SEAFOOD. Gilly’s may not be the biggest name on the seafood block, but it takes

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule

Big Bob’s Pizza 661 Croswell Dr. 616-233-0123 ITALIAN. Located in Gaslight Village in East Grand Rapids (across from Jersey Junction), Big Bob’s is a cozy restaurant that serves up specialty pizzas, pastas, burritos, sandwiches and salads. Sit out on the deck and enjoy Happy Hour from 4-6 p.m. and 9p.m.-close seven days a week. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza and beer (is there a better combination?).

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

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

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

Grand Rapids

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

Taste This

Dining second place to no one in regards to quality, freshness and inspiration. A vast array of exotic fish is line-caught, flown in and prepared fresh daily. Every facet of Gilly’s speaks to impeccable attention to detail. SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday. GO THERE FOR: Fresh seafood at a great price.

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

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

Grand Rapids Brewing Company 1 Ionia Ave SW. 616-458-7000 BREWPUB. Good for the environment and your palate, GRBC is Michigan’s first certified organic brewery and features a menu stocked with locally grown ingredients. With a diverse selection of beers on tap inspired by historical Grand Rapids figures and a hearty array of burgers, melts and handcranked sausages, this place represents the best of the Grand Rapids Brewing Company’s 120-year legacy. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Organic beer and locally sourced food.

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

Restaurant of the Month:

EVERYDAY PEOPLE CAFé

t’s hard to make it past the appetizers at Everyday People Cafe in Douglas. The menu kicks off with braised local pork belly in a bed of arugula in apple-quince chutney and jiaozi pot stickers full of shrimp, pork and ginger, steeped in a black vinegar and soy sauce. There’s even a meat/sausage plate selection featuring metwurst, housesmoked serrano, and prosciutto. The drunken shrimp sambuca features everyone’s favorite Italian anise-flavored liqueur seeping into shrimp and shallots with garlic, sun-dried tomato, basil and cream in a puff pastry. For the traditional summer seafood romantic, the mussels monoldo’s Prince Edward Island mollusks are kicked up by the melding of the white wine sauce and the Dijon mustard, in turn accented basil and garlic. Although roasted beet and goat cheese may sound slightly primitive and undesirable to some, the organic goat cheese from Dancing Goat Creamery stands out in a walnut vinaigrette. I’ll be honest, I almost couldn’t pass the hors d’oeuvres here. Luckily, I have some scribbled notes on napkin with stains of what seem to be the house butter pickles and one of the 80 or so wines: For less than $10, try the sumptuous pho made from local beef sirloin shaved thin, homemade rice noodles, shrimp miso broth with cilantro, mint, scallion, bean sprouts, peanuts, and a jalapeno-Korean style kimchee. The Gorgonzola pork chop is 12 ounces of sweet meat roasted with a caramelized onion marmalade.

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

The Green Well 924 Cherry SE. 616-808-3566 Eclectic. REVUE’s “Free Market” columnist Steven de Polo writes, “Green Well is the best restaurant in GR.” The East Hills gastropub serves up an ever-changing menu featuring local

64 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

Braised Valley View Farms pork belly over red lentils with a frisee salad and Grassfields poached egg. If you want to go inside for some great dining and air conditioning, you’ll enjoy the relaxed, casual atmosphere at Everyday People Cafe. Every Thursday through Sunday features live music from 6:30 to 10 p.m. n 11 Center St., Douglas; (269) 857-4240, everydaypeoplecafe.com

Eating at the 44th Annual Festival of the Arts

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.

by Matt Simpson Siegel

NEW EATS:

CVLT PIZZA

ormer Bartertownie Ryan Cappeletti’s new joint venture offers the best of vegan and vegetarian pizzas unlike anywhere else. Take for example the black bean and egg pizza topped with spinach and walnuts with feta and goat cheeses. For something out of the truly ordinary, tackle the double-decker vegan breakfast pizza comprised of fried potatoes dripping in beer cheese, spinach and vegan mozzarella sandwiched beneath tempeh chorizo and tofu scramble, cashew cream cheese and spinach. Build your own or pick from the everchanging daily specials pending available ingredients from Mud Lake Farms, Ham Family Farms, Green Wagon Farms, Lubbers Farm, Uptown Farm, Reformation Growers and Groundswell. 10 Jefferson St. SE, Grand Rapids; (616) 490-4911, cultpizza.com

thoroughly enjoy strolling with out-of-town friends amongst the food booths of Festival. I indulge in devilishly tempting those with dietary restrictions, whether for religious, ethical, or other purposes; although chewing, gnawing and drooling makes a poor argument. You won’t find a better sampling of different cultural cuisines elsewhere: Szechuan chicken skewers from the Chinese Association of Western Michigan, falafel sandwich from the Islamic Mosque & Religious Institute, or cream cheese wontons from the Buddhist Association of Michigan. Of course, if you happen to be overly picky, treat yourself to a massive elephant ear (don’t forget a wet nap). Whatever your familiar favorite is, be sure not to miss something from the 30-some booths. Downtown Grand Rapids, June 7-9

EVERYTHING’s comING up Rosés. June is prime time for rosés and we have quite the selection! Ask Peter, our sommelier, for recommendations. The patio is open, the wine is flowing, and summer is here to stay! Start the afternoon off right with a glass of rosé during lunch. We’re open Monday through Friday at 11:30 AM! 201 Monroe Avenue nW doWntoWn grAnd rApids reservegr.coM

616 855 Wine

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

Dining ingredients, and a wide array of local craft brews and wines. The green refers also to the LEED© certified building and management’s commitment to a small carbon footprint. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Baked local goat cheese, Michigan maple whiskey chicken over risotto.

The Holiday Bar 801 5th St. NW, Grand Rapids. 616-456-9058 AMERICAN. For 107 years, The Holiday Bar has been serving its loyal customers great beer and food, with 12 specialty beers of tap and its homemade “Porter” Pulled Pork sandwiches. Fully stocked with pool tables and nine HD flat screens, this dive is the perfect spot for cheap beer and good times.. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Cheap beer.

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

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.

J Bar 20 Monroe NW. 616-356-2000 STEAKS. Grass-fed beef selections and an ample variety of seafood, chops and house specialties. Extensive wine cellar and tastefully upscale ambiance that’s comfortable rather than stuffy. SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday. GO THERE FOR: Choice-cut prime rib, 10-oz. Filet, 14-oz. Top Sirloin.

JD Reardon’s Bar & Grill 940 Monroe Ave NW. (616) 454-8590 AMERICAN. Neighborhood pub offers 15 Michigan beers on tap and more bottled, along with a full menu of handmade appetizers, pizzas, salads, sandwiches and 16 half-pound burgers. Nightly drink specials and karaoke on Tuesday night. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Burgers.

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

a la Mexicana (scrambled eggs with onions and jalapenos).

» SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: T W Th F Sa

Sn. GO THERE FOR: Tex-Mex.

Marie Catrib’s 1001 Lake Dr. 616-454-4020 ECLECTIC. The East Hills eatery has one of the most hard-to-categorize menus in West Michigan, but this line from its website begins to do it justice: “a twist of Lebanese, a hint of Yooper and yen for unique pastries.” Everything is made from scratch with local ingredients, and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Get there early for lunch, as there is almost always a wait. SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Salads, soups and sandwiches.

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

O’Toole’s 448 Bridge St. 616-742-6095 PUB. This West side pub is equipped with delicious and outrageously topped burgers, as well as an extensive beer selection, and arguably, the best happy hour specials in town. If food is not your passion, this is a prime place to kick off your Sunday Funday with its $3 Absolut Bloody Mary bar. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Gourmet burgers, Absolut Bloody Mary bar.

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

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.

Lumber Baron Bar 187 Monroe Ave. NW. (616) 774-2000 LOUNGE. Settle into the warmth and charm of this historic bar — complete with a fireplace, leather club chairs and a large selection of premium drinks and appetizers. SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays and Mondays GO THERE FOR: Scotch or Brandy after a Symphony concert.

Red Jet Cafe 1431 Plainfield Ave. NE. 616-719-5500 ECLECTIC. The funky restaurant in Creston’s old library is the kind of place you’d find in Chicago’s hip neighborhoods, offering non-sequitur menu items that somehow seem to work. Seriously, how many other places in town can you find that serve high-end organic coffees, crepes, wood-fired pizzas and artisan baked goods. Is it a bistro? Is it a coffeehouse? Does it matter? SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Crepes.

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

Reds on The River 8 E. Bridge St. 616-863-8181 AMERICAN. This highly acclaimed restaurant in the Rockford area promises no processed foods. Red’s sports a cylindrical fireplace and is known for its incredible views and outdoor

66 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

dining. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays. GO THERE FOR: Steak and Wine. Reserve 201 Monroe Ave. NW (616) 855-9463 ECLECTIC. With 102 wines available by the glass and more than 300 by the bottle, paired with an ever-changing food menu influenced by West Michigan grown foods, Reserve promises diners a unique experience. Cocktails and craft beers add depth to the primarily wine-centered menu. SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday GO THERE FOR: Wine and food pairings, charcuterie.

Rinaldi Pizza and Sub Shop 966 E. Fulton St. 616-458-3737 ITALIAN. The tiny pizza shop at the corner of Fulton and Diamond is publisher Brian Edwards’ favorite spot to stop for a large slice after a late night at the office. “It’s got the four C’s of pizza going for it: chewy, cheesy, crusty and cheap — with a perfect balance of sauce and cheese,” Edwards says. Fold it over, New Yorkstyle, he recommends. SERVING: Lunch, Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza.

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

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

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

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

San Chez Cafe 38 West Fulton St. 616-774-8272 ECLECTIC. This comfy venue allows customers to “walk on sunshine” with its windowed-out structure. A hidden secret for breakfast in downtown Grand Rapids, San Chez Cafe promises a great start to any day. SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Sandwiches.

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

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

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

Tavern on the Square 100 Ionia Ave. SW. 616-456-7673 ECLECTIC. The re-fashioned former Irish pub still has that neighborhood feel, and offers up a unique menu with salads, antipasto, appetizers, a pub burger, and an array of unique “Yankee Tapas” like Fish Tacos, Loaded Carnival Fries and the ultimate West Side tapas: Pierogies. A hodgepodge to be sure, but fun. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: PBJ Tuna.

Vitale’s Restaurants Various Grand Rapids locations. vitalespizza.com ITALIAN. The Vitale family has served West Michigan for more than 40 years. Each of the five locations in the Greater Grand Rapids area offer traditional Italian family recipes and award-winning pizza, but provide their own unique dining experience. Whether you go there to watch the big game, enjoy a brew or dine on authentic Italian dishes, these locations have something for everyone. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days GO THERE FOR: Pizza and Italian dishes.

The Winchester 648 Wealthy St. SE. 616-451-4969 ECLECTIC. Upscale Wealthy Street bar and restaurant feels like it was plucked from Chicago’s Bucktown or Logan Square neighborhoods. A comfortable spot to drink or dine, with an always evolving menu featuring shared plates, salads and inventive sandwiches. The Cuban Reuben, originally created as something of a joke, remains a (very tasty) staple item. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: DIY Bloody Mary Bar Special, Yucca Fries.

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

Dining 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

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

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

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

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

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

68 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

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.

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.

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

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.

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek

8th Street Grille 20 W. 8th St., Holland. 616-392-5888 AMERICAN. This eclectic grille located in the heart of Holland offers a mix of draft and bottled craft beers and a variety of pub classics and new, American beer-inspired dishes. Enjoy happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, which includes delicious half-off appetizers and $1 off drafts. SERVING: Lunch, Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: 28 taps of craft beer, hometown atmosphere.

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

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).

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

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

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

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

Saugatuck Brewing Company 2948 Blue Star Highway. 269-857-7222 BREWPUB. Enjoy a traditional Irish-style pub that features quality beer,

factory.” Lots of unique choices, for breakfast (gingerbread pancakes), lunch (crab cake sandwich) and dinner (beer roasted chicken). SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh Local Foods.

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.

Olde Peninsula 200 E. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo 269-343-2739 BREWPUB. Downtown brewpub serves up the expected (e.g., steaks, ribs), the authentic (e.g., London Broil) and some pleasant surprises (e.g., extensive vegetarian offerings, Italian food). Offers a range of beers brewed on the premises and served on tap, plus a full bar. Check out the seasonal porters on tap right now, including the Vanilla Porter (5.5% ABV) and Stout Chocula (5.25% ABV). SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Beer-B-Que Ribs, London Broil.

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

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

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

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

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

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., Kalamazoo. 269-382-1888 AMERICAN. An eclectic American menu that reflects ownership’s fixation on “finding honest-to-goodness fruits, vegetables, meat and eggs that come from the farm, not the

For our full list of restaurants, visit revuewm.com/ restaurants. To submit or correct information in a dining listing, please send an e-mail to editor@ revuewm.com.

Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

70 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

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

saturday

6.01

The B.O.B. Drop 35 Billy’s Lounge We Be Jammin Binder Park Zoo Corks for Conservation Black River Tavern Big Boss Blues Curragh Irish Pub Aidan O’Toole The Delta Plex Chili Cook Off and Classic Car Show DeVos Performance Hall Bill Maher Dockers Fish House and Lounge Groove Solution Downtown Grand Rapids 10th Annual Local First Street Party Dr. Grins Kevin Bozeman Fifth Third Ballpark WGVU Real Oldies Concert First Baptist Church The Bickersons Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan

GRAM Heather McGill: Oblique Angle GR Civic Theatre Legally Blonde The Musical Harbor Island Fairgrounds Grand River GreenUp The Holiday Bar DJ Schippers The Intersection (The Stache) Drake White KIA Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams, KIA Garage Sale, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection LaFontsee Galleries, Douglas Reveal/Conceal Lake Bluff Park Regatta Craft Fair The Livery Official Bier Garden Opening & Beer Release Mangiamo! Live Jazz with Jake Reichbardt Mocha-N-Music Ukulele Club Open Jam The New Vic Theatre I Get a Kick Out of You...An evening with Cole Porter The Pyramid Scheme DecriminalizeGR Benefit Show River City Saloon Litt UP

Saugatuck Brewing Brewery Tours Seven Steps Up Stephen Kellogg wsg Milow Spectrum Theatre Actors’ Theatre Presents Looking for Normal St. Adalbert Park & Fifth Street Hall Kielbasa Idol 2013 Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Tex Railer’s Doomtown, Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys with The True Falsettos UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

sunday

6.02

Billy’s Revival 80’s Dance Night Dockers Fish House and Lounge Shiznit Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan GR Civic Theatre Legally Blonde The Musical

KIA Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection The New Vic Theatre I Get a Kick Out of You...An evening with Cole Porter The Pyramid Scheme American Opera with Jake Down, Loch Ness & Other Monsters Saugatuck Center for the Arts Michigan Artist Competition The Venue (Portage) DJ Video Dance Party Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Marshall Crenshaw and The Bottle Rockets UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

monday

6.03

Arcadia Brewing Company Guzzle One Down For Your Town Billy’s Lounge BassBin Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park B.B. King, Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan GR Civic Theatre Legally Blonde The Musical The Holiday Bar Retro talent show with Ben Soper John Ball Park West Michigan Jazz Society - Jazz at the Zoo Knickerbocker Theater Film Series: Triumph of the Wall The New Vic Theatre I Get a Kick Out of You... An evening with Cole Porter The Pyramid Scheme Seth Bernard, May Erlewine and Hawks

& Owls: A Benefit Concert for Bruce and Becca Lin UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition Yankee Clipper Branch TSU: Flash Mob, Dance Party

tuesday

6.04

Billy’s Lounge Billy’s Open Mic Night Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan GR Civic Theatre Legally Blonde The Musical Herrick District Library Mystery Book Group The Holiday Bar DJ Matt B. KIA Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams, The Arts of China and Japan: Selections from the Collection Kellogg House, Battle Creek Yoga in the Park Knickerbocker Theater Film Series: Triumph of the Wall The New Vic Theatre I Get a Kick Out of You...An evening with Cole Porter The Red Barn Red Barn Fantasy Film: Time Bandits Rosa Parks Circle Swing Dancing Salt of the Earth Andy Young Hammered Dulcimer UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: Blood Simple

wednesday

6.05

Billy’s Lounge Campus Karaoke Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan GR Civic Theatre Legally Blonde The Musical GR Public Library (Main Library) TSU: Flash Mob, Dance Party Great Lakes Commonwealth of Letters Reading & Signing with Joan Donaldson KIA Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection Knickerbocker Theater Film Series: Triumph of the Wall The New Vic Theatre I Get a Kick Out of You...An evening with Cole Porter UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

thursday

6.06

Billy’s Lounge The 90’s Holla Back! Crush We Know Jack Downtown Holland Street Performers Series Dr. Grins Tom Segura Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan

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

Rush has been doing what it does for as long as anyone old enough to possess a driver’s license can remember, and then some. Consistent, stellar, outstanding — it makes sense that the Canadian prog-rock superstars would christen their latest tour the “Clockwork Angels Tour,” because really, what other gang of dad-rock legends run so reliably and blessedly? Going strong since the mid-’70s, the masterminds behind “Tom Sawyer” (which is probably now lodged in your head for the Rush next 16-and-a-half years) and way too many other hit Van Andel Arena, singles and albums to list here are kicking it well into Grand Rapids their twilight years, and indeed betray no clear signs June 30, 7:30 p.m. of prepping for throwing in the proverbial towel. Trust $38.50, $58.50, me, the only place that towel is getting tossed is the $78.50, $113.50 laundry bin after mopping up the band sweat from vanandelarena.com, another stupendously awesome live show. Reported by (616) 742-6600 Emma Kat Richardson

Rush REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

Schedule GR Civic Theatre Legally Blonde The Musical GR Public Library Reading the Great Lakes Howmet Playhouse Taste of White Lake KIA Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection Kent District Library Wyoming Branch Joel Tacey’s Underground Comedy Show Kingman Museum Hidden Treasures Exhibition Knickerbocker Theater Film Series: Triumph of the Wall The New Vic Theatre I Get a Kick Out of You...An evening with Cole Porter Papa Pete’s Latin Salsa Night The Pyramid Scheme Kylesa, Blood Ceremony, White Hills, Lazer/Wulf Riverfront Park Three Rivers Band Saugatuck Center for the Arts Real to Reel: Brooklyn Castle Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Rockabilly Rumble with Delilah De Wylde and the Lost Boys UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

friday

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

6.07

The 411 Club Widrama Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Bell’s Beer Garden Opener! Greensky Bluegrass wsg Ryan Montbleau Band Billy’ Lounge Genetics Cancun Connection Bar and Grill Big Cadillac Coral Gables Viva Las Vegas Weekend Czar’s 505 Inner Visions, Kris Hitchcock & Small Town Son Devos Performance Hall Daniel Tosh Dockers Fish House and Lounge Electrixx Downtown Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts Downtown Holland “Remember When” Cruise & Car Show Dr. Grins Tom Segura Fancy Pants Theater The Third Ever Fancy Pants Gay-la! Farmers Alley Theater Next to Normal Foundry Hall Summerfest Bash Four Winds Casino Styx

72 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan GRAM Friday Nights at the GRAM GR Civic Theatre Legally Blonde The Musical Hackley Park Westside Jazz Trio The Holiday Bar The John DeGennaro band With The Project KIA Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Knickerbocker Theater Film Series: Triumph of the Wall Master Arts Theatre Every Little Nook and Cranny The New Vic Theatre I Get a Kick Out of You...An evening with Cole Porter Planet Rock Wayland Potawatomi Zoo Grape Escape The Pyramid Scheme Torche, Ken Mode, Lo-Pan River City Saloon Glam Hammer Round Barn Winery Grape Escape Wine Tasting UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition Webster’s Prime in the Radison Big Boss Blues

saturday

6.08

Battle Creek Kalamazoo River Battle Creek Metropolitan Area Mustache Society Raft Race Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Bell’s Beer Garden Opener! Greensky Bluegrass wsg Ryan Montbleau Band Billy’s Lounge Genetics performs the music of Oysterhead Cancun Connection Bar and Grill Big Cadillac

DeVos Place Zumbathon! 2013 The DAAC Michigan Meltdown - 10 Bands! Dockers Fish House and Lounge OTC Downtown Douglas Art and All That Jazz Downtown Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts; The Market presented by Avenue for the Arts Downtown Kalamazoo Do-Dah Parade is Dead Dr. Grins Tom Segura Fancy Pants Theater The Third Ever Fancy Pants Gay-la!, Dick the Musical Farmers Alley Theater Next to Normal Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan GR Civic Theatre Legally Blonde The Musical The Holiday Bar DJ Matt B The Intersection Mega ‘80s KIA Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, 62nd Annual Arts Fair Knickerbocker Theater Film Series: Triumph of the Wall LaFontsee Galleries, Douglas Wide View Little River Casino Kenny Loggins The Livery I Am Band and Slim Gypsy Baggage Master Arts Theatre Every Little Nook and Cranny Mill Race Park, Battle Creek Outdoor Movie Muskegon Museum of Art 101st Anniversary Gala New Holland Brewing Hatter Day Street Party New Holland Brewing Production Brewhouse A Tour Gone Mad: a Hatter Family Specialty Tour

The New Vic Theatre I Get a Kick Out of You...An evening with Cole Porter Old Dog Tavern Fly Paper Tour Kickoff Papa Pete’s Latin Salsa Night Planet Rock Benefit Show and Poker Run for the 303rd Military Police The Pyramid Scheme Baroness, Coliseum The Red Barn The Adams Family Concert River City Saloon Glam Hammer Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Jim Shaneberger CD Release Pary UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

sunday

6.09

Billy’s Lounge Revival ‘80s Dance Night Dockers Fish House and Lounge Don Middlebrook Downtown Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts Fancy Pants Theater The Third Ever Fancy Pants Gay-la!, Dick the Musical Felt Mansion Self-Guided Tours through Felt Mansion Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Smokey Robinson, Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan GR Civic Theatre Legally Blonde The Musical KIA Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams, The Arts of China and Japan: Selections from the Collection The New Vic Theatre I Get a Kick Out of You...An evening with Cole Porter Planet Rock Drowning Pool Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Peter Karp & Sue Foley UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition The Venue (Portage) Drop 35

monday

6.10 The Hood Internet: June 22, Pyramid Scheme

The 411 Club The Delphines, Winter Bear, Doctor Death Crush Billy’s Lounge BassBin Fancy Pants Theater The Third Ever Fancy Pants Gay-la!, Dick the Musical

Farmers Alley Theater Next to Normal Fountain Street Church “Wretches & Jabberers” Movie and Discussion Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan GR Civic Theatre Legally Blonde The Musical The Holiday Bar Retro talent show with Ben Soper John Ball Park West Michigan Jazz Society - Jazz at the Zoo Kent District Library Rockford Branch Joel Tacey’s Underground Comedy Show The New Vic Theatre I Get a Kick Out of You...An evening with Cole Porter The Pyramid Scheme We Were Promised Jetpacks, Twin Peaks, Decades UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

tuesday

6.11

Billy’s Lounge Open Mic Night DeVos Performance Hall Billy Elliot the Musical Fancy Pants Theater The Third Ever Fancy Pants Gay-la!, Dick the Musical Farmers Alley Theater Next to Normal Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan Garden Club Park Huntington Rogue River Blues Series GR Civic Theatre Legally Blonde The Musical The Holiday Bar DJ Matt B. Huntington Rogue River Blues Series Hank Mowery & the Hawktones KIA Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams, ARTbreak: Up Close and Personal with West Michigan Artists The New Vic Theatre I Get a Kick Out of You...An evening with Cole Porter The Pyramid Scheme Ra Ra Riot WSG Healing Power The Red Barn Red Barn Fantasy Film: 7th Voyage of Sinbad Rogue River Rogue River BluesHank Mowery & Hawktones Rosa Parks Circle Swing Dancing

Shores Acres Park West Michigan Drum Circle Spring Lake Spring Lake Heritage Festival Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Comedy Night UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: Raising Arizona

wednesday

6.12

Bell’s Eccentric Cafe MarchFourth Marching Band Billy’s Lounge Campus Karaoke DeVos Performance Hall Billy Elliot the Musical Fancy Pants Theater Dick! The Musical Farmers Alley Theater Next to Normal Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan GR Civic Theatre Legally Blonde The Musical The Intersection Silversun Pickups wsg The Joy Formidable KIA Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams Kent District Library Gaines Township Branch Joel Tacey’s Underground Comedy Show Mangiamo! Bissell Blocktail Party The New Vic Theatre I Get a Kick Out of You...An evening with Cole Porter The Pyramid Scheme Why?, Sarah Jaffe Spring Lake Spring Lake Heritage Festival UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

thursday

6.13

Betty Van Andel Opera Center A Night with the Opera Starring the Phantom and His Phriends Billy’s Lounge The 90’s Holla Back Crush Scott Bell Trio DeVos Performance Hall Billy Elliot the Musical Downtown Holland Street Performers Series Dr. Grins Nate Bargatze

Fancy Pants Theater The Third Ever Fancy Pants Gayla!, Dick The Musical Farmers Alley Theater Next to Normal Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Gov’t Mule, Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan GR Civic Theatre Legally Blonde The Musical Harmony Brewing Company Sounds of Soul: “The Curator” Spins Motown KIA Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams Kent District Library Caledonia Township Branch Music on the Deck The New Vic Theatre I Get a Kick Out of You...An evening with Cole Porter Papa Pete’s Latin Salsa Night Riverwalk Plaza - Lowell Steve Hilger Band South Haven Waterfront Film Festival Spectrum Theatre Grand Rapids Jewish Theare Presents OY! A Comedy with Chutzpah Spring Lake Spring Lake Heritage Festival Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Jane Rose and the Deadend Boys with John Kite and the Club Cats UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

friday

6.14

Best Bets: Comedy Basically, all you need to know about Bill Maher is that he’s just the best. Literally. He is your BEST BET. I would probably form a religion around him if it weren’t for … well, you can probably already surmise the flaw in this logic without my offering a sarcastic explanation. As the long-time host of HBO’s “Real Time With Bill Maher” and mastermind and star behind the documentary sensation Religulous, Maher has consistently taken his own special niche of angry topical humor, delivered with more than a whiff of trademark Maher-brand exasperation, and created a comedy juggernaut that has endured for decades and survived — no, thrived on — constant controversy. You can rest assured that he always has something offensive to say, but you can be equally assured that he always has something smart and thought-provoking to say, too. Ditto hilarious. In fact, make that especially hilarious. Maher, you da man. Reported by Emma Kat Richardson DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids; June 1, 8 p.m.; $35.50, $49.50, $75.50, $99.50; devosperformancehall.com, (616) 742-6500

Bill Maher Boy howdy, are you ever in for the ride of your life if you venture out into the ticket line for a Daniel Tosh show. Love him or hate him, I guarantee you won’t be bored by him — and that’s a solid assertion, in our little topsy turvy world of revolving door, viral video talent. (Or perhaps “talent,” as it were.) As head controller-master on Comedy Central’s megahit “Tosh.0,” this rude crude comedy dude has most recently courted controversy for threatening a heckling audience member with gang rape — a charge that was later blogged about, and which Tosh has dismissed as a joke gone awry. Still, pushing aside cringe factors for a bit, there’s no denying Tosh’s popularity and unique ability to command fan appreciation. If nothing else, he can certainly be praised for his media savvy. And there’s something to be said for keeping your name up in the lights, and Tosh is practically his own walking, talking spotlight. Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

saturday

6.15

Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Big Boss Blues Billys Lounge Hip Pocket Calder Plaza West Mi Pride Fest Cancun Connection Bar and Grill Refurbushed Coloma Blues and BBQ Marci Linn Blues Band DeVos Performance Hall Billy Elliot the Musical Dockers Fish House and Lounge YSU Farmers Alley Theater Next to Normal FireKeeper Casino Jewel Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan Gaslight Village Reeds Lake Clothesline Art Fair GR Civic Theatre Legally Blonde The Musical GR Riverfront Hotel Grand Rapids Record & CD Show The Holiday Bar DJ Schippers KIA Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams Master Arts Theatre Every Little Nook and Cranny Mulligan’s Pub Mavericks And Monarchs

Daniel Tosh

DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids; June 7, 7 p.m.; $59.50, $75; devosperformancehall.com, (616) 742-6500

Without a doubt, Jerry Seinfeld is one of those comedians whose tireless work ethic and clear-cut commitment to quality comedy have made him a ubiquitous presence in the pop culture sphere. Indeed, the abdicated king of prime time has been ruling the roost from circa 1980-something to, well, who knows when the Seinfeld gravy train will finally pull in for its final station stop? Could be 10 years from now. Could be 20. Could happen longer after the phrase “yadda yadda yadda” has fallen far from the popular lexicon and everyone is instead speaking a combination of Mandarin and English. (We’ve all seen “Firefly”; this is obviously coming.) After enjoying widespread mainstream success, it’s always a treat to watch a truly gifted comedian make the return-to-roots pilgrimage and deliver to the people what they’ve always wanted in the first place: everything from raucous laughter all the way up the gamut to side-splitting guffaw. C’mon — you’re already on a last name-basis with Seinfeld. Time to join him in a last laugh acquaintanceship, too. Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

Jerry Seinfeld

Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo; June 20, 7 p.m.; $48, $63, $79; millerauditorium.com, (800) 228-9858

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule

Billy’s Lounge Asamu Johnson Cancun Connection Bar and Grill Refurbushed DeVos Performance Hall Billy Elliot the Musical Dockers Fish House and Lounge Blue Molly Fancy Pants Theater The Third Ever Fancy Pants Gayla!, Dick The Musical Farmers Alley Theater Next to Normal Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan GRAM Friday Nights at the GRAM GR Civic Theatre Legally Blonde The Musical Hackley Park House Rockers The Holiday Bar Fancy Thermos The Intersection Willamena wsg Bello Spark

John Ball Zoo RendeZoo XXIVRock and Roar KIA Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams Kollen Park, Holland Huntington Bank Friday Night Concert Series Lemonjello’s The Fever Haze Master Arts Theatre Every Little Nook and Cranny The New Vic Theatre I Get a Kick Out of You...An evening with Cole Porter The Pyramid Scheme Against the Grain, Ozenza, Swingin Dicks, Knife Ritual, Chugger The Red Barn Anastasia Krupnik River City Saloon Trilogy Saugatuck Center for the Arts SCA Community Market South Haven Waterfront Film Festival Spring Lake Spring Lake Heritage Festival Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill The JetBeats and The Real Fantastics UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

Schedule The New Vic Theatre I Get a Kick Out of You...An evening with Cole Porter Papa Pete’s Latin Salsa Night The Red Barn Anastasia Krupnik River City Saloon Shovel Saugatuck Center for the Arts Summer Solstice Affair South Haven Waterfront Film Festival Spectrum Theatre Grand Rapids Jewish Theatre Presents OY! A Comedy with Chutzpah Spring Lake Spring Lake Heritage Festival UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition Weko Beach Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival

sunday

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

6.16

Billy’s Lounge Revival 80’s Dance Night Calder Plaza West Mi Pride Fest DeVos Performance Hall Billy Elliot the Musical Dockers Fish House and Lounge Classic Fix Farmers Alley Theater Next to Normal Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Sheryl Crow, Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan GR Civic Theatre Legally Blonde The Musical The Intersection Killswitch Engage wsg As I Lay Dying, Miss May I, Affiance KIA Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams Lemon Creek Winery 29th Annual Father’s Day Festival & Corvette Car Show The Livery Black Lillies Planet Rock Jackyl The Red Barn Anastasia Krupnik South Haven Waterfront Film Festival Spring Lake Spring Lake Heritage Festival UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

monday

6.17

The 411 Club Wymyn’s Pryson, No Bails Billy’s Lounge BassBin

74 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Frampton’s Guitar Circus, Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan The Holiday Bar Retro Talent Show with Ben Soper John Ball Park West Michigan Jazz Society - Jazz at the Zoo The Pyramid Scheme Lord Huron UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition Van Andel Arena WWE RAW Live

tuesday

6.18

Billy’s Lounge Billy’s Open Mic Night Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan Garden Club Park Huntington Rogue River Blues Series The Holiday Bar DJ Matt B. Huntington Rogue River Blues Series Rusty Wright Band KIA Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams, ARTbreak: Up Close and Personal with West Michigan Artists The Red Barn Red Barn Fantasy Film: Clash of the Titans, Forbidden Planet Rosa Parks Circle Swing Dancing

Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: Miller’s Crossing

wednesday

6.19

The 411 Club “Cinema Fantastique” Cult Film Nights Billy’s Lounge Campus Karaoke Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan KIA Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams Kent District Library Kentwood Branch Amphitheater City of Kentwood Summer Concert Series Presents Lindsay Lou and The Flatbellies UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

thursday

6.20

Bell’s Brewery D. Bess Billy’s Lounge The 90’s Holla Back!

The DAAC Michael Malis Trio Downtown Holland Street Performers Series Downtown Kalamazoo Island Fest Dr. Grins Bret Ernst Lowell Fairgrounds Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts Fancy Pants Theater Dick the Musical Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan Grand Rapids Public Library (Main Library) Author Visit: Mark Binelli Talks Detroit City KIA Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams, Get the Picture! Gallery Talk Kent District Library, Byron Township Branch Joel Tacey’s Underground Comedy Show Miller Auditorium Jerry Seinfeld Riverfront Park South Haven Harbor Fest Riverwalk Plaza - Lowell Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys Spectrum Theatre Grand Rapids Jewish Theatre Presents OY! A Comedy with Chutzpah UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

Best Bet: Indie Any modern sub-culture group described as “baroque pop” has to be a class act, if not a classical act (look at that, a Bach joke!). Without exception, Ra Ra Riot brings heaps of class like you wouldn’t believe. With a distinguished resume that includes appearances at SXSW and praise from Spin magazine, the indie outfit has quickly established itself as one to watch, and, more importantly, one to listen to. Ra Ra Riot wsg Keeping busy since 2006, the band has Healing Power released no less than three full-length The Pyramid Scheme, albums, four EPs and a large bevy of Grand Rapids singles — all striking a particular chord June 11, 8 p.m. with thinking fans of smart pop senpyramidschemebar. sibilities. Indeed, the group seems so com, (616) 272-3758 unstoppable that not even the tragic and mysterious drowning death of its original drummer, John Ryan Pike, managed to derail Ra Ra Riot’s locomotive-like momentum. Do yourself a massive favor and saunter over to the Pyramid Scheme to let the riot rage deliciously in your heart, if only just for an evening. Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

friday

6.21

Ah-Nab-Awen Park, Grand Rapids Grand Rapids Clips, Beer, and Film Tour The B.O.B. Hey Marco Billy’s Lounge Vincent Hayes DeWitt Theatre All Shook Up Dockers Fish House and Lounge Drop 35 Downtown Kalamazoo Island Fest Dr. Grins Bret Ernst Fancy Pants Theater Dick the Musical Four Winds Casino Bill Engvall Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Los Lobos & Los Lonely Boys, Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan GRAM Friday Nights at the GRAM The Holiday Bar Jason Eller The Intersection Gunnar and the Grizzly Boys; Hank Mowery & The Hawktones, The B-Sides (dual CD-release show), wsg Pete Curry KIA Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams Kollen Park, Holland Huntington Bank Friday Night Concert Series Old Town Commercial Association Festival of the Moon The Red Barn Anastasia Krupnik River City Saloon Cover Story

Riverfront Park South Haven Harbor Fest Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Theatre Presents Xanadu Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Adam Lee & the Dead Horse Sound Company, The Gold Hope Duo, Looka! Looka! Looka! & Dead Eye Zack Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition Van Andel Arena Bachata & Salsa Dance Festival featuring Toby Love

saturday

6.22

Bell’s Brewery Corn Fed Girls Billy’s Lounge Glamhammer Cancun Connection Bar and Grill Yard Sale Underwear Celebration! Cinema North GR Reads: The Movies- IMAX Space Station Chickaming Country Club Crossroads Blues Band The DAAC Thirty Steps to Forward “Hinterland” CD Release Party Dockers Fish House and Lounge Brett Mitchell and the Giant Ghost Downtown Kalamazoo Island Fest Dr. Grins Bret Ernst Fancy Pants Theater Dick the Musical

Ra Ra Riot

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule

Find Revue online For breaking local entertainment news! facebook.com/REVUEWM Twitter: @RevueWM Win tickets, get early warnings about shows, and more! REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

Schedule Founders Brewing Company, Grand Rapids Founders Fest 2013: A Celebration of Beer and Music Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan Grand Rapids Public Library GR Reads: Summer Reading All Grown Up The Holiday Bar DJ Schippers The Intersection Streetlight Manifesto wsg Rodeo Ruby Love KIA Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle Little River Casino Thunder at the River Planet Rock Traverser Portage Taste of Portage: a 50th Anniversary Celebration The Red Barn Anastasia Krupnik River City Saloon Cover Story Riverfront Park South Haven Harbor Fest Saugatuck Center for the Arts Hungry Village Tours, Mason Street Warehouse Theatre Presents Xanadu Spectrum Theatre Grand Rapids Jewish Theatre Presents OY! A Comedy with Chutzpah Teazers Singer Songrockers Friday Nights Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill ChupaCobras UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

sunday

6.23 Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Billy’s Revival 80’s Dance Night

76 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

Dockers Fish House and Lounge Don Middlebrook Eastown Bizarre Bazaar Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan KIA Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle Kindleberger Park Shout! Beatles Tribute Band Lemonjello’s Hampshire Little River Casino Thunder at the River Riverfront Parkfront Park South Haven Harbor Fest Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Theatre Presents Xanadu Teazers Fallen The Red Barn Anastasia Krupnik UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

monday

6.24

Billy’s Lounge BassBin Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Pink Martini, Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan Grand Rapids Public Library (Main Library) Ocean Underworld, Urban Photo Safari John Ball Park West Michigan Jazz Society - Jazz at the Zoo Kalamazoo State Theatre Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros Kent District Library Krause Memorial Branch Author Visit: Scott Bitely

The Holiday Bar Retro talent show with Ben Soper UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

tuesday

6.25

Billy’s Billy’s Open Mic Night Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan Garden Club Park Huntington Rogue River Blues Series GRs Public Library (Main Library) Green Buildings of Grand Rapids The Holiday Bar DJ Matt B. HuntingtonRogue River Blues Series Harper and Midwest Kind John Collins Park Plaza The Koul Band KIA Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle, ARTbreak: Up Close and Personal with West Michigan Artists The Pyramid Scheme ZZ Ward Rosa Parks Circle Swing Dancing Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Theatre Presents Xanadu Tip Top Deluxe Comedy Night UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: Barton Fink

wednesday

6.26

Billy’s Lounge Campus Karaoke

Brandi Carlile

Best Bet: Folk Some fun facts about Brandi Carlile: She has The Neverending Story tattoos on her shoulders, she was a backup singer for an Elvis impersonator, her latest album is named after Bear Creek studio. Lastly, homegirl can belt a tune. Her albums don’t do her justice either. She is one artist that can’t be harnessed within a recording studio, because given the right venue, acoustics and herbal tea, Carlile takes an average set list and turns it into something close to a religious experience. With her voice as her weapon, sometimes the Brandi Carlile best moments are sans-instruments, with Carlile belting Frederik Meijer Gardens it out into the hushed amphitheater and proving that yes, June 27, 7 p.m. sometimes less is more (regardless what those annoying Member $43, nonAT&T TV commercials keep trying to tell us). So come member $45 to Frederik Meijer Gardens this month and prepare to meijergardens.org, be one of the few-hundred new converts to the Church (616) 957-1580 of Carlile. Reported by Lindsay Patton-Carson

REVUEWM.COM | June 2013 |

Schedule Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan GR Public Library (Main Library) Dinosaur Encounters The Intersection Aaron Lewis KIA Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle Kent District Library Kentwood Branch Amphitheater City of Kentwood Concert Series Presents Northern Skies The Pyramid Scheme Hey Marseilles Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Theatre Presents Xanadu UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

thursday

6.27 CALVIN’S GEZON AUDITORIUM 3201 BURTON ST SE

JUNE 22 JULY 20 AUGUST 17

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

ALL SHOWS 7:33 PM RIVERCITYIMPROV.COM

EVENING MARKET Wednesdays 4:00pm - 7:30pm

COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS

Wednesday evenings 6:00pm in market building !

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 8:00am - 3:00pm • www.fultonstreetmarket.org

78 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2013

Billy’s Lounge The 90’s Holla Back! Downtown Holland Street Performers Series Dr. Grins Corey Holcomb Four Winds Casino Collective Soul Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Brandi Carlile, Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan KIA Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle, Art League depARTure: Art Institute of Chicago Kent District Library Plainfield Township Branch Joel Tacey’s Underground Comedy Show Lowell Fairgrounds Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts Riverfront Park South Shore Concert Band Riverwalk Plaza - Lowell Harper and Midwest Kind Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Theatre Presents Xanadu UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

friday

6.28

Billy’s Grand Rapids Soul Club Blackhawk Bar & Grill Blackhawk Jazz & Blues Concert Series

Cancun Connection Bar and Grill 8th and Amsterdam Dockers Fish House and Lounge Leah Olsen Downtown Kzoo Kzoo Irish Fest Dr. Grins Corey Holcomb Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park The World of Zhang Huan Gerald R. Ford Library and Museum Growing Up Grand GRAM Friday Nights at the GRAM Hackley Park Groove Solution The Holiday Bar Goodwin Drive with Christopher Shideler The Intersection Frank Bang and the Secret Stash KIA Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle Kent County Fairgrounds June Grass 2013 Kollen Park, Holland Huntington Bank Friday Night Concert Series The Livery Deadstring Brothers Mangiamo’s Lawn Olympics The Red Barn A Night at the Copacabana River City Saloon Tricks Saugatuck Center for the Arts SCA Community Market, Mason Street Warehouse Theatre presents Xanadu UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

saturday

6.29

The B.O.B. Gran Fondo - Gears for Beers Billy’ Lounge Nixon, A.B., & Punksuhate Cancun Connection Bar and Grill 8th and Amsterdam Dockers Fish House and Lounge Emily Joyce Douglas and Saugatuck’s Fine Arts Galleries Taste of Art Tour Downtown Kzoo Kzoo Irish Fest Dr. Grins Corey Holcomb Fire Keepers Casino Marshall Tucker Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park The World of Zhang Huan The Holiday Bar DJ Turk KIA Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle Kent County Fairgrounds June Grass 2013

Little River Casino The Time Jumpers feat. Vince Gill Mangiamo’s Lawn Olympics Mulligan’s Murder Party! Park Township Airport Euro Hangar Car Show The Red Barn The Eschelon’s Farewell Tour River City Saloon Tricks Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Theatre presents Xanadu Teazers Singer Songrockers Friday Nights UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

sunday

6.30

Billy’s Revival 80’s Dance Night Dockers Fish House and Lounge Root Doctor Downtown Kzoo Kzoo Irish Fest Foundry Hall Thirty Steps to Forward “Hinterland” CD Release Frederik Meijer Gardens The World of Zhang Huan Great Lakes Commonwealth of Letters Short Story Workshop with Michael Delp The Intersection (The Stache) The Mowgli’s KIA Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle Kindleberger Park Gordon Lightfoot Tribute Mangiamo’s Lawn Olympics Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Theatre Presents Xanadu Teazers Coldville UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition Van Andel Arena Rush: Clockwork Angels Tour n

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