June 2014, Revue Magazine by Serendipity Media

West Michigan’s Entertainment Guide for 25 years

» June 2014

Free! / Music / Art / Culture / Dining / Beer

Thriller! Chiller!’s Big Move

Plus! Summer Festival Guide

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What’s Inside

June 2014 | Volume 26, Issue 6

SCENE: 11 12 14 16

Random Notes Eclectic Free Market All Ages

SPECIAL SECTION: 18 24 25 26 28 30

Summer Festivals Road Trips Festival Dos and Don’ts Q&A with Anthony and Shirley Griffin Festival Volunteering Summer Arts

SOUNDS:

33 34 36 38

summer festivals

Local Music: Shneal On Tour: King Buzzo On Tour: Diarrhea Planet On Tour: Eyehategod

SIGHTS: 41 42 44 46 48 50

Visual Art: Perspectives Theatre: Steam Heat Style Notes Comedy: Neil Hamburger Indie Film Lit Life: Kentwoodpalooza

DINING & DRINKING: 53 54 56 58

Hot dishes

Summer arts scene

Restaurant Listings Gluten Free Girl: The Union Taste This: Spicy Food and Summery Cocktails Beer: Unruly Brewing

SCHEDULE:

65 Daily Event Listings and Best Bets

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

Letter from the Editor

ummer, in my opinion, is the best time of year. That “Pure Michigan” stuff we’re always hearing about? It comes to life in the best ways possible. When the sun’s out and the weekend is full of beach days, cookouts, bike rides and sun bathing, the days go by way too fast. We go to our jobs and look out the window, just watching summer pass by because we only have a few months of this stuff and then it’s winter all over again.

Enjoy summer to its fullest by taking part in everything West Michigan has to offer. One of the things West Michigan does best — well, besides having a gorgeous lakeshore — is host dozens of festivals throughout the summer. I mean, you can’t really get more summer-y than a festival. Wandering around in the sun, eating, drinking and being entertained. Basically, your entire agenda at a festival is to move at your own pace and try not to get too sunburned. Of course, you have to be properly prepared if you’re going to tackle one of these festivals. If you plan on spending all day or an entire weekend at a festival, you need some survival gear. Don’t worry, though. We’ve got you covered with this year’s Festival Issue. In addition to listing a whole lot of local and regional festivals, we help you out with festival dos and don’ts, as well as survival gear (see survival guide on our website) and how to make the most out of festival road trips. Perfect for the festival n00b or a pro who might need a bit of a refresher. So let’s celebrate summer, because it took way too long to get here. 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 Alexandra Kadlec Kelli Belanger Audria Larsen Missy Black Allison Parker Jayson Bussa Emma Kat Richardson Ben Darcie Josh Spanninga Steven de Polo Kerri VanderHoff Dwayne Hoover Contributing Photographers Elizabeth Merriman, Wildflower Studios Listings schedule@revuewm.com Revue Minions Peter Chhum, Alex Connolly, Kyle Hauch, Erica Horoky, Andrea Kooiker, Austin Phillips, Sean Murphy, Colleen Schonfield, Jackie Smith, Carlie Soule Sales / 616.608.6170 Lauren Allen / lallen@mibiz.com Kelli Belanger / kbelanger@revuewm.com Molly Rizor / molly@revuewm.com Digital Editor 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 Arcadia Ales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Bell’s Brewery . . . . . . . . . . 2, 36 Billy’s Lounge. . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Bissell Blocktail Party. . . . . . 63 BMW Motorcycles. . . . . . . . . . 74 Brewery Vivant. . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Buttermilk Jamboree . . . . . . . 23 Cascade Optical . . . . . . . . . . 17 Central City Taphouse. . . . . . 52 CitySen Lounge. . . . . . . . . . . 62 Downtown Market . . . . . . . . . 55 Dr. Grins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Dwelling Place. . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Erb Thai. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Fajita Republic . . . . . . . . . . . 52

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Firekeepers Casino . . . . . . . . 13 Founders Brewing Company. . . 9 Founders Fest . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Frederik Meijer Gardens. . . . . . . 4 Fusion Shows. . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 The Gilmore Collection. . . . . . 49 GR Beer Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Grand Haven Art Fest. . . . . . . 12 GR Brewing Company. . . . . . 32 GR Public Library. . . . . . . . . . 47 GR Public Museum . . . . . . . . 40 Grand Woods Lounge. . . . . . . 75 Gravel Bottom Brewery . . . . . 59 Green Restaurant . . . . . . . . . 52 Growco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Intersection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Kent District Library. . . . . . . . 71 Lakeshore Art Fest. . . . . . . . . 38 Lowell Arts!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Neighborhood Ventures. . . . . 45 New Belgium Clips Beer and Film Tour. . . . . . . . . . . 23 Orbit Room. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Palazzolo’s Gelato . . . . . . . . . 25 The Pyramid Scheme. . . . . . . . . 5 River City Improv. . . . . . . . . . 45 Ruth’s Chris. . . . . . . . . . 10, 61 Saugatuck Brewing Co.. . . . . 59 Saugatuck Center for the Arts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Schmohz Brewery. . . . . . . . . . 60 Schuler Books. . . . . . . . . . . . 51 The Score. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Seven Steps Up. . . . . . . . . . . 34 Sight Optical Boutique . . . . . 45 Soaring Eagle Casino . . . . . . . . 3 South Haven Harbor Fest. . . . 74 SpeakEZ Lounge . . . . . . . . . . 62 Stella’s Lounge . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill . . . 39 Train Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 The Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Uptown Group . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 West Side Beer / Budweiser. . 76 Wharton Center. . . . . . . . . . . 27

On the cover: Anthony and Shirley Griffin of Thriller! Chiller! Film Festival (photo by Elizabeth Merriman). See interview on page 26.

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Random Notes to create a collaborative event to showcase local art, businesses and entertainment. The newly titled “The Market on First Fridays” event will include a variety of indoor galleries and shops displaying art, as well as sidewalk vendors and performances all taking place between Fulton and Cherry streets. This street market-style features local artwork along with handcrafted goods created by some of Grand Rapids’ most talented artisans.

BEER ///

Old Crow Medicine Show

On Tour ///

Old Crow Medicine Show visits Kalamazoo State Theatre on June 1. The American string band’s influences have been described as bluegrass, folk, alt-county, and a string sound fueled by rock energy. Recording since 1998, OCMS was discovered by famed bluegrass musician Doc Watson in 2000. With four studio albums already under the band’s belt, its newest album, Remedy, is planned to be released July 1. ... Red Elvises is set to perform at Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids on June 3. Starting off as a Russian group, playing what the members describe as “Siberian Surf Rock,” the band has since expanded to include sounds from different areas of the world. German-born Igor Yuzov heads up the band and has recruited musicians from many different countries throughout the years. With 11 studio albums recorded, one live album, a live concert DVD and a greatest hits compilation under its belt, the band members continue their dedication to produce content independently and the way they want.

National CD Releases ///

It’s been two years since Jack White’s solo debut, and this time around, he’s gone gritty

Jack White on Lazaretto, set to release on June 10. White has also announced a vinyl edition of the record that features hidden tracks (oooooooh). ... When Lana Del Rey released Ultraviolence’s first single, “West Coast,” we were seemingly introduced to a new type of sound from the queen of moody melodies. The key behind her gritty rock-tinged track is Dan Auerbach from The Black Keys as the album’s producer. If the track and Auerbach’s influence are any indication, Ultraviolence will provide Lana haters with a new sound to beef about. The album drops June 17. ... English singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran did not just bust his way

onto the American music scene. He broke down the door and is sitting in Dad’s favorite chair. Quite frankly, Dad is OK with it. After penning songs for numerous artists and a strong debut album, it’s time for his sophomore album, X, due out June 23 to solidify him as pop’s newest prince. ... On June 3, 50 Cent will make his return to relevancy, perhaps. Fif’s latest project, Animal Ambition, is his first project to be released since parting ways with Interscope Records due to a major label beef and signing an independent deal with Caroline/Capitol/UMG records. 50’s fifth studio album features guest appearances from Trey Songz, Jadakiss and Styles P to name a few.

ART ///

Art often imitates life. At this event, we mean literally. ArtisTTable is hosting a 24-Hour Figure Drawing Event on June 13 and 14 that brings together artists and models to curate artistic representations of the people of Grand Rapids. Directly following this grandiose figure drawing display on June 14, a reception is held to showcase the artists and models involved along with the pieces that were created. ... The once-singular events, The Market and First Fridays, are joining together

Saugatuck Brewing Company recently announced its collaboration with fellow Midwest brewers, Beverage Distributors of Cleveland and Treu House of Munch, Toledo. This means SBC is now featured at various craft bars and pubs in and around Cleveland. Continuing its Midwest expansion, SBC also penned an additional agreement with Bernick’s in Minnesota starting June 1.

TRAVEL ///

The Saugatuck-Douglas Convention & Visitors Bureau announced it’s a finalist in USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Travel Awards. It is one of 20 finalists in the “Best Summer Weekend Escape” category. In the wise words of Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor, “Pure Michigan” indeed. n Random Notes is compiled by REVUE staff and minions including Peter Chhum, Lindsay PattonCarson and Jacqueline Smith. For more entertainment news, “Like” us on Facebook (facebook.com/revuewm) or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/revuewm.

Important Dates

Ad Reservation Deadline: June 16 Editorial Deadline: June 5 Delivery: July 1

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/// Eclectic

June Eclectic Events Sweet summer! Dig through dirt to discover ancient treasures, rev your engines and beat out a rhythm like a wild banshee and mingle in style with some of the world’s most powerful creatures. By Audria Larsen

Fossils of the Michigan Basin

Lakeshore Museum Center, Muskegon Through Sept. 15 Monday-Friday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, noon-4:00 p.m. Free lakeshoremuseum.org, (231) 722-0278

Paleo Joe, aka Joseph J. Kchodl, developed and produced this hyper-local fossil exhibit, which is a “wonderful collection from the Michigan Basin,” according to John McGarry, CEO of the Lakeshore Museum Center. The series of ancient artifacts are “displayed in a manner that really explains their formation,” he said. Learn the geologic time scale of the fossils along with the relationship and timing of different earthly events that have shaped our Great Lakes. Attendees can walk through a hands-on rock station and even sift through dirt to discover actual fossils. McGarry also noted this exhibit connects neatly with their Michigan Through the Depths of Time experience, where you can explore our favorite resource and even enjoy walking through an all-encompassing glacier.

Vintage Motorcycle Show & Swap Meet Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners June 8, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. $10 Children 10 and under free gilmorecarmuseum.org, (269) 671-5089

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Check out fossils like this Phacops trilobite, one of Paleo Joe’s specimens on exhibit at Muskegon’s Lakeshore Museum through Sept. 15

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The Gilmore Car Museum is home to the largest annual cycle show in the Midwest. This month marks the classic bike bonanza’s 19th year. Marvel at thousands of motorcycles on display, featuring all makes 20 years or older. Enjoy a enormous swap meet and brush up on your badass bike history. If you arrive in style, you get to park in a special lot next to the show field to properly display your polished chrome and perfected swagger. This event starts promptly at 8 a.m. Who knew snarling bikers were early birds? J/K.

RendeZoo XXV: The Great Catsby

John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids June 13, 6:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. $150+ johnballzoosociety.org, (616) 336-4301

RendeZoo is John Ball Zoo’s annual gala fundraiser featuring lavish events and exciting themes. The year, The Great Catsby combines the mystique of big cats with the glamour of the Jazz Age. Attendees are encouraged to dress in formal dapper and flapper garb while they wine, dine and enjoy the Crawford Tigers of the Realm exhibit. General admission donor tickets gain entry to the exhibit, while upper tiers get to enjoy behind-the-scenes peeks and more.

The West Michigan Drum Circle Shore Acres Park, Laketown Township Second Tuesday of the month May - October 6:30-8 p.m. Free facebook.com/westmichigandrumcircle

The West Michigan Drum Circle is a welcoming community event for all ages and all levels of experience. The group meets monthly at Shore Acres Park, near the Saugatuck Dunes State Park, often assembling under the trees in front of the Felt Mansion. Participants are encouraged to bring their own drums, but plenty are available to borrow, featuring unique percussion instruments from around the globe. Many people join in to feel the communal power of falling into rhythm with others and discover untapped talent while they’re at it. In the event of rain, the group meets in the pavilion across from the soccer field. n

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Steven de polo’s

Free Market

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

fter taking a break to get married and do some traveling down south, way, way down south, Free Market is back to tell you about all the new and exciting businesses in West Michigan.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Flat Lander’s (855 Michigan St.) brings hillbilly chic to Grand Rapids. Named after what Yoopers call city-folk like us while eating their pasties, Flat Lander’s is not just a bar, it’s a barstillery. A first-ofits-kind distillery, bar and restaurant, barstillery is being trademarked so those scamps at Applebee’s don’t steal it. Flat Lander’s distills certified organic liquors using Michigan water, corn and wheat. Served out of bottles designed by co-owner Gregg Palazzolo, there’s vodka and gin distilled using the rare Bilberry and 13 bonicals, rum, three-yearold bourbon aged in virgin oak and white whiskey. The bar serves premium concoctions such as the AppleShine Moonshine mixed with Michigan apple cider, a Mayberry Manhattan made with house-made bitters and a Luxardo cherry and a Dirty Bird Martini poured with their organic vodka. The rough-hewn restaurant, also designed by Gregg, is intentionally small and intimate. The design kept the 100-year-old character of the former sawmill. The menu iancludes Devil’s eggs with Sriracha and Jalapeno caps, Hillbilly poutine, and the Flat burger with pulled pork and a fried egg. Known for always being on the verge of opening, Elk Brewing (700 Wealthy St., Grand Rapids) finally opened. It’s time to quaff a brew on Wealthy Street’s Gourmet Row. Co-owners Taylor Carroll and Eric Karns spent the last two years transforming a derelict fish fry popular with Free Market’s ex-wife into a state-of-the-art brewery. Eschewing the whims of bankers and meddling of investment funds, Taylor and Eric got help from small investors. With opening night packed to the gills, Free Market looks forward to squeezing in one night to rehydrate himself. You won’t find clever beer names or naughty logos yet, as brewmaster Eric massages his recipes. The taps are pouring an IPA, an ESB, a Scotch ale and a black IPA. Each has a high ABV, so bring a designated driver. With no kitchen, Elk Brewing lets you order from Jonny B’z Dogs and More, which delivers.

The dungeon-like Old Kent Bank branch on Diamond and Cherry Street in Grand Rapids has new windows and a new tenant, Metal Art

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testing her ice cream recipes at Mitten Brewing Company. The response to her extra

PHOTOs: Gregg Palazzolo

House-made bitters at Flat Lander’s Studio. With the Monroe Avenue building under renovation, co-owners and spouses Carol Wagen and Scott Carey were thrilled to move to East Hills. “When we had to move, we got everyone together and asked where we should go if we were coming from out of state. Everyone said Cherry Street.” Carol and Scott met in jewelery design class at Kendall College of Art and Design. Scott left to design jewelery and Carol went into advertising. They got married in 1989 and started Metal Art Studio in 1990. Over the past 25 years, they built a reputation for designing jewelry that reflects your individualism, your personality, your taste. It’s different from any jeweler in town. You will find designer pieces from around the world, high-craft jewelery by in-house designers and custom work for your dream piece. “We only work with designers that we know and respect. You can feel that relationship in their jewelery,” Carol said. While luxurious, not everything is high end at Metal Art Studio. You can find babysitter gifts and nanny gifts that, while affordable, will last a lifetime. “We are thrilled to be in East Hills, because it’s a destination. We don’t want to move again,” she said.

Metal Art Studio

Opening this month, Furniture City Creamery (958 Cherry St., Grand Rapids) brings a little something sweet to the southeast side of Grand Rapids. Replacing the mysterious peddler of over-priced housewares called the Conservatory, Furniture City will make handmade ice cream available to young and old alike. And by hand-made, Free Market means that owner Rachel Franko literally can make ice cream herself. MAGIC. Inspired by gourmet ice cream shops she visited out west, Rachel spent last summer

creamy, extra rich treats - closer to gelato than Dairy Queen fluff encouraged her to open her own shop. She upgraded the facade and gutted the interior, which will have a have a vintage feel. A chemical engineer by training, Rachel enjoys experimenting to get the perfect recipes for her ice cream. She will offer 14 flavors daily, 10 dairy and four vegan friendly. The carrot cake, red velvet cookie, salted caramel and coconut lime ice cream were the most popular last summer. When not serving customers, Rachel will be in the commercial kitchen keeping more than 30 flavors on rotation with new concoctions developed based on customer input. Got a hot tip about a new business? Send it to depolo@gmail. com.

Furniture City Creamery’s Mint Chocolate Chip

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/// All Ages

Saturday Slip N Slide on June 21 at Rosewood Park in Jenison. PHOTO: WILLOW PRINT AND DESIGN

Summer School Hey, that headline is just a bit of humor. Outdoor movies in the park and slip and slides are what the season is all about. The other two events have a little education rolled in. Parents are sneaky like that… By Missy Black

Movie in the Park: Disney’s Finding Nemo

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Upjohn Park 1018 Walter St., Kalamazoo June 27, 9 p.m. Free kalamazoocity.org, (269) 337-8191

Grab a chair or blanket and join family and friends under the stars for the Movie in the Park series at Upjohn Park. On June 27, the movie is Finding Nemo, featuring everyone’s favorite clownfish and his journey out in the sea. “There’s so much humor in Finding Nemo—even for adults,” said Denise Siegel, recreation manager for the City of Kalamazoo Department of Parks and Recreation. Games and activities such as a bean bag toss and soccer games will be on hand before the movie starts to warm up for the show. Popcorn will be available, as well as refreshments and the possibility of some food trucks for those in the snacking mood. “It’s been a rough winter and people have been cooped up,” Siegel said. “Having these films in the park encourages people to come out and enjoy the summer.” Future movies include The Lego Movie and Disney’s Frozen in August and The Hunger Games in September for the teen and college crowd.

Saturday Slip N Slide

Rosewood Park, aka Charlie’s Dump 1915 Rosewood St.., Jenison June 21, noon-5 p.m. $1/wristband lets you enjoy all activities and waterslides saturdayslipnslide.com, (616) 662-9664

It’s not a party until someone whips out the slip and slide. Imagine four waterslides (each slide is 40 feet wide and 150 feet long) with a piping system in place for a continual flow of water for slipping

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and splashing fun. This affordable, family friendly event not only offers sliding activities but also features bounce houses, dunk tanks, food and vendor booths with local businesses providing giveaways, services and treats for guests. Sign up for children’s workshops from Home Depot where staff is on hand to help kids with projects they can take home. If you’ve got small children, you can take them to the special toddler waterpark specifically for kids that may be afraid of the slides or are too small. “Kids are ecstatic,” said Event Coordinator Lori Hoorn. “Families look forward to this event and for some, this is the only vacation they can afford. It’s virtually free.” There’s even an entertainment stage with a band and a 5k fun run/walk that takes place at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds from the event benefit KIDS HOPE USA to help at-risk children in the community.

Cultural Art — Face Paint, Henna, Warriors and Princesses Cynthia Hagedorn Fine Arts Studio in The Homestead 8485 Homestead Dr., Zeeland June 27, 9 a.m.-noon $25/pack a lunch cynthiahagedorn.com, (616) 510-3599

This workshop explores the many different ways and reasons cultures assemble themselves. Boys and girls at the Cynthia Hagedorn Fine Arts Studio in The Homestead are treated to a session involving face paint, shields, clothing for battle, tiaras, jewelry and fashions for show. Geared for ages seven and up, this workshop teaches “the different ways of creating fashions to adorn their bodies for battle or for the ballroom,” said Cynthia Hagedorn, a local fine artist. Children will develop the idea of their own culture through discussions and costume and makeup play. Make a crown, create some jewelry or design warrior fashions—this is a great way to have fun but also educate during the summer when a lot of lessons get lost. “There are a wide range of reasons behind body painting and face painting.

What Floats Your Boat? at the Grand Rapids Art Museum June 6-8.

Warriors paint with red, bold colors or for a wedding there could be henna.”

What Floats Your Boat?

Grand Rapids Art Museum Monroe Center NW, Grand Rapids June 6-8, Fri., 5-8 p.m.; Sat., 1-6 p.m.; Sun., 1-4 p.m. Free admission during Festival of the Arts artmuseumgr.org, (616) 831-1000

During Festival of the Arts 2014, the Grand Rapids Art Museum wants kids to experiment with recycled and found materials to create their own boat. Children gather in Pocket Park located near Wege Plaza and test the waters with their unique creations. “It’s an opportunity to create something out of everyday objects—things you have at your house and use them in a new way,” said Katie Williams, studio program senior coordinator. “It’s a fun way to test the waters, like in a science experiment.” Recycled materials include pop bottles, dowels, skewers and materials that are earth friendly. Even string, embroidery floss and washi tape are utilized to brighten up boats “without making a huge impact on the environment.” This event is a great way to enjoy Festival, the start of summer, a love of water and kids get to take their boat home to continue playing. n

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Festivals

Founders Fest. Photo: Kari Vredevoogd

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

West Michigan’s Summer Festivals You know it’s summer when you start to see festivals pop up around town. The problem is figuring out which ones to attend. While we can’t help you figure out which ones you should head out to, we can help give you a rundown on what happens at each one. Read on for more.

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by Revue Staff and Minions

Film Waterfront Film Festival South Haven 6/12-6/15 (269) 767-8765 / waterfrontfilm.org Films, Q&A events and entertainment seminars are the highlight of this long-running film festival, now in its 15th year of showcasing indie films from around the country. Traverse City Film Festival Traverse City 7/29-8/3 (231) 392-1134 / traversecityfilmfest.org One of the largest festivals in the Midwest, the Traverse City Film Festival is set to showcase a blend of both American independent and foreign films/documentaries. Festival-goers will be able to sit back and relax while enjoying classic movies projected on a large inflatable screen overlooking the Grand Traverse Bay. Thriller! Chiller! Film Festival Grand Rapids 10/22-10/25 thrillerchiller.com This international genre film festival recently announced some big news. The festival not only expands to four days in 2014, but moves downtown Grand Rapids from its previous home at Wealthy Theatre. Its new headquarters is the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) with additional downtown venues to be announced. The festival doesn’t just screen horror films, but also includes other underestimated genres like sci-fi, suspense and action. The goal of the festival is to prove that while these genre films can be fun and campy, they are also great art.

Art The Market presented by Avenue for the Arts Grand Rapids 6/6 and 8/1 (616) 456-9944 avenueforthearts.com/streetmarket Explore the unique creations of local Grand Rapids artists at The Market. Enjoy performances and other entertainment while wandering between artists.

West Michigan Chalk Art Festival Byron Center 6/20-6/21 (616) 878-6029 / wmcaf.com

Sand Sculpture Contest Grand Haven 6/21/2014 (616) 842-4910 grandhavenchamber.org/ sand-sculpture-contest Every year, Grand Haven residents and visitors enjoy building sand art at the Sand Sculpture Contest at Grand Haven City Beach. Participants are given two hours to build structures and teams are judged and awarded prizes. SOBO Arts Festival Boyne 6/27-6/28 (231) 582-0526 / soboartsfestival.com The SOBO Arts Festival attracts artists from all over the region, representing all fine arts, including musicians and writers. The festival’s mission is to celebrate the visual, performing, written and audible arts. Additionally, Boyne City has wonderful restaurants within walking distance of the park and all festival activities are free of charge to our patrons. Bizarre Bazaar Grand Rapids 6/28/2014 eastowngr.com Eastown brings back Biz Baz back bigger and better than ever before with unique food and art from local artisans Grand Haven Art Festival Grand Haven 6/28-6/29 (616) 842-4910 / visitgrandhaven.com The Grand Haven Art Festival transforms Washington Avenue into a high class, outdoor art gallery. Visitors come to the festival looking to purchase that perfect piece for their homes, cottages and offices. Lakeshore Art Festival Muskegon 7/4-7/5 (231) 724-3176 / lakeshoreartfestival.org The Lakeshore Art Festival features hundreds of artists and crafters, as well as music, food and fun all along Muskegon’s scenic shoreline. South Haven Art Fair South Haven 7/5-7/6 (269) 637-1041 / southhavenarts.org The 56th annual South Haven Art Fair features many different pieces of art, as well as a collection of food vendors. 2014 West Shore Art Fair Ludington 7/5-7/6 (616) 419-8385 ludingtonartscenter.org/fairs

The Ludington Center for the Arts is holding its 46th 2014 West Shore Art Fair at City Park. This year’s festival is expanding to feature more than 100 juried artists showcasing the categories of clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, painting, photography, sculpture and more. Krasl Art Fair St. Joseph 7/12-7/13 (269) 983-0271 / krasl.org Indulge in a little art culture along St. Joseph’s Lake Bluff Park. Artists from all around Michigan and the country exhibit and sell their best works. This juried fine art/fine craft fair will feature 216 artists, musical performances and food booths. Art on the Riverfront Grand Haven 8/16/2014 (616) 844-7306 / galleryuptown.net With dozens of pieces of all kinds of art big and small from more local artists than you can shake a stick at, Art on the Riverfront has plenty for any art lover to enjoy. Features about 40 artists along the Grand Haven riverfront from 10-5. Art Prize Grand Rapids 9/24-10/12 artprize.org For the sixth year in a row, art prize fills Grand Rapids. This three mile festival is one of the biggest art festivals in the world featuring artists from all over right in the heart of downtown.

Beer & Wine Hatter Day Street Party Holland 6/7/2014 (616) 355-6422 / newhollandbrew.com The annual Holland event offers plenty of food, several great bands, and of course, ample beer. Founders Fest Grand Rapids 6/21/2014 (616) 776-1195 / foundersbrewing.com A fixture of Grand Rapids summer events, Founders Fest offers plenty of music, beer and food. Live music includes Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, Lettuce (the band, not the vegetable), Break Science, The Budos Band, The Giving Tree Band, Fauxgrass, Valentiger and the FBC All Stars. Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival Bridgman 6/21/2014 (269) 925-6301 / swmichigan.org The 9th annual Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival is back this June with a huge selection of locally produced wines ripe for the sampling. Additionally, there’s a variety of local music acts to set the sampling mood.

Wine & Art Festival Traverse City 6/21/2014 (231) 421-1172 traversecitywinefestival.com The historic Traverse City Wine and Art Festival offers a huge variety of wine from 32 wineries. There will be 100 varieties of red, white and sparkling wines, as well as a wide selection of food from more than nine local restaurants. In addition to the food and wine, there will be performances from several local Michigan talents including The Crane Wives and Phil Denny. Waterfront Wine Festival Harbor Springs 6/28/2014 (231) 526-7999 harborspringschamber.com/ waterfront-wine-festival Visit downtown Harbor Springs for the Waterfront Wine Festival, which features an afternoon of wine tasting, live local music and more. Lansing Beer Fest Lansing 6/28/2014 lansingbeerfest.com “I’m a Beer Hound” and “Motor City Brew Tours” present the 2nd Annual Lansing Beer Fest. Come out and enjoy Reo Town while sampling a few of the 30 Michigan breweries and 100+ craft beers. Get your groove on with live music after a few of those samples settle. A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the REO Town Commercial Association. Suds on the Shore Beer Tasting Festival Ludington 8/16/2014 (231) 843-8593 / sudsontheshore.com Come for the beer, stay for even more beer at Suds on the Shore. Events include tastings, home brew demonstrations and live music to keep the spirits up (pun completely intended). Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival Paw Paw 9/5-9/7 (269) 655-1111 / wineandharvestfestival.com The Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival offers an abundance of events for people of all ages. For music lovers, the festival features four stages. Family activities such as carnival rides, free children’s activities, fireworks, the grape stomp and the St. Julian Parade are sure to keep any family happy. An array of sports competitions are also held, including a hole-in-one contest, a 5k walk/run, the Grape Escape Motorcycle Ride with the Blue Knights of Southwest Michigan, a Coca-Cola grape-stomping competition, a bicycle tour and the 2nd annual Grape Escape golf tournament. Winery tours are offered as well for wine enthusiasts, with tasting tents scattered throughout the festival area as well. Other events also include a car show, an arts and crafts show, the Turtle Derby, the Ultimate Air Dog competition and Animal Oasis.

19th Lemon Creek Winery Harvest Fest Berrien Springs 9/6/2014 (269) 471-1321 / lemoncreekwinery.com This year’s Lemon Creek Winery Harvest Festival will feature only the best wine selections from Lemon Creek Winery, plus live music and food fresh from the grill.

Music Americana/Folk Festival Kalamazoo 8/22-8/24 (269) 381-5677 / olddogtavern.com Kalamazoo’s Old Dog Tavern hosts its first annual Americana/Folk Festival that will feature musical performances from bands such as The Hired Hands and Who Hit John? The festival will have storytelling sessions, kid-friendly music, flag art and crafts and live interactive art demonstrations. Weko Beach Concert Series Weko Beach Campground Second and Fourth Sunday of June–August Fifth Sunday in June (269) 465-3406 / bridgman.org Featuring bands in genres ranging from bluegrass to hard rock, the Weko Beach Concert Series is a great evening activity for the whole family. B 93 Birthday Bash Lowell 6/7-6/8 (616) 459-1919 / b93.com Country’s biggest event in West Michigan includes Dierks Bentley and Justin Moore as this year’s headliners. Enjoy this twoday festival where you can camp, enjoy the music and check out the various vendors. Buttermilk Jamboree Circle Pines Center, Delton 6/13-6/15 (269) 623-5555 / buttermilkjamboree.org Buttermilk Jamboree is festival fun, but with a cause. A celebration of arts with a focus on social justice, cooperation and sustainability, the three-day event is for all ages. This year’s lineup includes local and national talent like Anne Weiss, Covert, Bill Grogan’s Goat, Drew Nelson, Rick Chyme, Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys, Ralston Bowls, Rachael Davis and more. Summer Solstice Jazz Festival East Lansing 6/20-6/21 (517) 319-6980 / eljazzfest.com The Summer Solstice Jazz Fest offers 30 hours of daylight and 14 hours of the best in jazz in the heart of downtown East Lansing. This free event features a highcaliber bevy of local, regional and national jazz performers. Spirit of the Woods Folk Festival Brethren 6/21/2014 (231) 477-5381

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Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Festival of the Arts Grand Rapids 6/6-6/8 (616) 459-1300 / festivalgr.org One of the longest-running festivals in the state will be celebrating its 45th anniversary this year with arts, entertainment, food and fun activities for the entire family. Be sure to come hungry as there will be dozens of food booths providing ethnic specialties, desserts, and more.

Artists will display their creativity and imagination while demonstrating the many varieties of chalk art. Children, families and businesses are invited to create their own pieces of art using chalk as well. You can participate as an artist or just walk to view and experience chalk art at your feet.

Blissfest Music Festival

Festivals spiritofthewoods.org/festival The folk festival has been around for 37 years and returns in 2014 with artists Wisaal, Rita Hosking, True Falsettos, Dan Gellert, DarlenYA and Talantis & Jans. Celadon Summer Concert Series NE Grand Rapids 6/26/2014 (231) 580-7611 facebook.com/celadonconcerts The Celadon Summer Concert Series is a free, family friendly event featuring tunes from local acts like the Muteflutes and Chain of Lakes, plus plenty of food available from Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen Electric Forest Rothbury 6/26-6/29 (888) 512-7469 / electricforestfestival.com A Michigan music festival rivaling the likes of Lollapalooza and other mainstays, Electric Forest is a three-day electronic music mecca. This year’s lineup includes Zedd, The Glitch Mob, and Tycho among many others. JuneGrass Festival Lowell 6/27-6/28 wmbma.org The 19th annual JuneGrass Festival will feature a large sampling of local bands over the course of its two-day duration. Common Ground Music Festival Lansing 7/8-7/13 (517) 267-1502 / commongroundfest.com Presented by Miller Lite, this festival is one of the biggest festivals in Lansing with headliners from artists spanning many different genres such as Juicy J, Say Anything and Justin Moore.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Kalamazoo Blues Fest Kalamazoo 7/10-7/12 (269) 381-6514 / kvba.org/blog The Kalamazoo Blues Fest brings in a lineup featuring both national and regional touring acts like Tweed Funk, Lionel Young, Coco Montoya and more. Blissfest Music Festival Bliss 7/11-7/13 (231) 348-7047 / blissfest.org A three-day folk music extravaganza spread over three days, this festival also features local vendors and food. Live music includes national, regional and local folk artists including The Accidentals, Abagail Stauffer Trio, The Appleseed Collective, Donna the Buffalo and much more. Pitchfork Music Festival Chicago 7/18-7/20 pitchforkmusicfestival.com Pitchfork is the ultimate festival for the indie music lover. Most notable for this year’s festival is the appearance of the elusive Neutral Milk Hotel on the lineup. Other

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lineup highlights include Beck, St. Vincent, Kendrick Lamar, Grimes, Danny Brown, Tune-Yards, Real Estate, and more. Island Festival Kalamazoo 7/19-7/21 islandfestkalamazoo.com Originating from humble beginnings as Reggae Night at Club Soda, the Kalamazoo Island Festival’s genesis was in club owner Wayne Deering and booking agent Paul Toth’s efforts to turn it into a full-fledged festival succeeded in 1996. Since then, Island Festival routinely draws in 15,000 people each year and is a consistent success. Dunesville Music Festival Lake Ann 7/25-7/27 facebook.com/DunesvilleMusicFestival New name, same ol’ fun. The Dunesville Music Festival returns this summer and features some of the region’s best bluegrass, folk and roots music. Lollapalooza Grant Park, Chicago 8/1-8/3 lollapalooza.com One of the must-attend events for music lovers features a reunited Outkast, as well as Eminem, Skrillex, Kings of Leon, Lorde, Calvin Harris, Foster the People and other headlining and up-and-coming artists. VIP Passes are still available but regular tickets are sold out. Sorry! Unity Christian Music Festival Muskegon 8/6-8/9 (231) 773-3361 / unitymusicfestival.com The Unity Christian Music Festival will host to a large number of Christian music artists including Britt Nicole, Jason Gray, All Things New and more. There will also be kids activities such as face painting and a

bounce house, as well as the Unity Christian Music Festival Talent Search. Cowpie Music Fest Caledonia 8/8-8/9 cowpiemusicfestival.com After skipping 2013, Cowpie makes a triumphant return in 2014. The festival brings in national acts, but remains focused on Michigan artists and vendors. This year’s lineup includes Wayland, Drew Nelson, The Crane Wives, The Concussions, Mustard Plug, The Soil & the Sun and dozens more. GRand Jazz Fest Grand Rapids 8/16-8/17 grandjazzfest.org Headlining this year’s event is Rick Braun, but he’s not all who is around this year. Listen to the smooth jazz sounds many different performers presented by DTE Energy. Shoreline Jazz Festival Muskegon 8/23-8/24 (231) 724-3100 / visitmuskegon.org Alexander Zonjic’s two-day Shoreline Jazz Festival features jazz greats such as Boney James and Kenny G, along with Alexander Zonjic himself. Wheatland Music Festival Remus 9/5-9/7 (989) 967-8879 / wheatlandmusic.org Celebrating its 41st year, Wheatland’s mission is to preserve and present traditional music and arts. This year, the festival brings in Grammy award-winning musician Rodney Crowell, as well as Pokey LaFarge, Sharon Shannon, Sarah Jarosz, The Steel Wheels and plenty of Michigan favorites.

Food National Asparagus Festival Hart 6/6-6/8 (231) 861-8110 nationalasparagusfestival.org Celebrate these green stalks with music, comedy, a banquet and more. Asparagus never sounded so exciting. Cereal Festival Battle Creek 6/13-6/14 (269) 420-4031 / bcfestivals.com This celebration of all things breakfast includes the “world’s longest breakfast table” and more cereal than you can shake a spoon at. National Cherry Festival Traverse City 7/5-7/12 (800) 968-3380 / cherryfestival.org Since 1926, the National Cherry Festival has been attracting nearly half a million attendees each time with its huge number of free events including music, games, food and many more. National Baby Food Festival Fremont 7/16-7/19 (231) 924-2270 / babyfoodfest.com When it comes to baby food, Fremont is king. Known as the Baby Food Capital of the World, this city is home to Gerber Products Company. You know, that company with the adorable Gerber baby? Highlights include baby-inspired activities such as a baby crawl, baby food eating contest, as well as music, food and family activities. Taste of Kalamazoo Kalamazoo 7/24-7/26

tasteofkalamazoo.com Come check out the 29th annual Taste of Kalamazoo and enjoy unique food from 30 local restaurants, each bringing dishes unique and different for all to enjoy. National Blueberry Festival South Haven 8/7-8/10 (269) 637-5171 / blueberryfestival.com The festival that celebrates all things blueberry hits its 51st year in South Haven. Live music, kid-friendly activities, runs and even a tractor pull have highlighted previous festivals, and this year will be no different. Restaurant Week GR Grand Rapids 8/13-8/24 (616) 459-8287 / experiencegr.com Experience the art of dining out during Restaurant Week GR. Try various food from dozens of participating local restaurants in Grand Rapids with special menus for the week. Grand Haven Salmon Festival Grand Haven 9/12-9/14 (616) 842-4499 / ghsalmonfest.com The Salmon Festival honors the annual salmon migration through the areas waterways, while also celebrating sustainability and natural resources.

Cultural Greek Festival Kalamazoo 6/5-6/7 (269) 345-1830 / kalamazoogreekfest.com Heading into its 38th year, the Kalamazoo Greek Festival features a plethora of traditional Greek food, music and art for the Greek and non-Greek alike to enjoy.

Irish Festival Kalamazoo 6/27-6/28 (269) 372-7332 / kalamazooirish.org Come enjoy some of the finest Irish and Celtic bands out there, as they take the stage playing a range of pub songs, lively jigs, as well as contemporary songs. There will be marketplace vendors, food vendors, and for the adults, Irish Cider on draft. Danish Festival Greenville 8/14-8/17 (231) 739-2028 / danishfestival.org Celebrate West Michigan’s Danish history, as well as the festival’s 50th anniversary. Michigan Irish Music Festival Muskegon 9/12-9/14 (231) 739-2028 / michiganirish.org Gaelic Storm returns as headliners for this year’s Irish Music Festival. Music isn’t the only thing Irish here. You can also indulge in Irish cuisine, shop Irish goods and learn about culture in an environment that’s way more exciting than your high school history course.

Vita and goes until midnight, with plenty of fun activities for everyone.

offers carnival rides, food, games, music and fireworks.

Spring Lake Heritage Festival Spring Lake 6/9-6/14 (616) 842-1393 / slheritagefestival.com It’s set to be a busy couple of days, as this festival has a load in store for festivalgoers. Events include a dog walk, family fun night, community picnic, ice cream social, flea market, car show, golf scramble and more.

Vicksburg Old Car Festival Vicksburg 6/13-6/14 (269) 649-1919 / vicksburgoldcarfestival.com Now in its 33rd year, the Vicksburg Old Car Festival features, yes, old and classic cars from anyone who wants to have theirs featured. Attendees are also treated to live music and an ice cream social.

Michigan Sugar Festival Sebewaing 6/11-6/15 (989) 412-6098 / sebewaingchamber.com This year’s 50th annual Michigan Sugar Festival will feature two weekends of garage sales, as well as wine and beer tasting, laser tag, music and arts & crafts.

Eclectic

Carnival of Chaos Stanton 6/12-6/14 thecarnivalofchaos.com This year’s event will feature and enormous 70 bands, eight electronic acts, body suspensions by Bradde Hamman, Kat The Midget Stripper, custom glass blowing, lingerie pillow fighting, wet T-shirt contests, erotic body painting, free camping and 100 percent BYOB to the whole venue. Tickets are just $15 and cover the whole weekend.

Local First Street Party Grand Rapids 6/7/2014 (616) 808-3788 localfirst.com/events/street-party The 11th annual Street Party (presented by Founders Brewing) will showcase all things local — music, food and especially beer. The party starts at 3 p.m. outside Bistro Bella

Rockford Start of Summer Festival Rockford 6/12-6/15 (616) 447-7625 therockfordnetwork.com/start-of-summer. php A summer tradition for more than 40 years, the Rockford “Start of Summer” Festival

(616) 842-0700 tri-citiesmuseum.org/default.html Tri-Cities Historical Museum invites reenactors and spectators to the award-winning Feast of the Strawberry Moon, an 18th century living history event along the banks of the Grand River. Period dress, encampment and entertainment help to take the visitor back to the fur trading period of the early 1800s. Enjoy authentic food, entertainment and even a military battle or two.

Rock The Block Grand Rapids 6/14/2014 lcgr.net/events.php LINC’s community neighborhood summer party includes food, music and games.

Taste of Muskegon Muskegon 6/14-6/15 (231) 722-3171 / visitmuskegon.org Taste of Muskegon celebrates the area’s best restaurants, bakeries and beverages along with providing family activities, a car show and tastings.

West Michigan Pride Festival Grand Rapids 6/14/2014 (616) 458-3511 / grlgbt.org/pride-2014 Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ community or an ally, this festival promotes equality and celebrates pride in a big way. The festival kicks off with the Pride Parade at noon. The parade will head right to the festival on Calder Plaza.

Berlin Fair Marne 6/16-6/21 (616) 677-1140 / berlinfair.org With a focus on youth and agriculture, this year’s Berlinfest will have rides, food and tons of live shows and activities in addition to agricultural-focused events.

Honoring Saganing Traditional Powwow Standish 6/14-6/15 (800) 884-6271 sagchip.org/pow-wow/saganing A respectful celebration of Native American culture, this all-ages event features traditional dancing and drumming, as well as contests and fireworks. Feast of the Strawberry Moon Grand Haven 6/14-6/15

Harborfest South Haven 6/19-6/22 (800) 764-2836 / southhavenharborfest.com Celebrate Southwest Michigan’s maritime history by enjoying a festival filled with an abundance of kids activities, a beer garden for the adults and a craft and food fair with free live music for the entire family to enjoy. Muskegon Heights Festival Muskegon Heights 6/19-6/21 (231) 578-2099 / visitmuskegon.org This community celebration features a carnival, food vendors, flea market, sports tournaments, live music, parade, 5k run and much more. The festival headliner is Wendell B, who will perform Saturday and Rowan Park.

Grand Haven Harbor Fest

Beach Survival Challenge Grand Haven 6/21/2014 (231) 206-1185 facebook.com/pages/ Beach-Survival-Challenge

Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament Ludington 6/21-6/22 (231) 845-0324 / macker.com The Macker tournament originally began in Lowell in 1974. Since then, it has expanded to more than 75 cities. Celebrate the tournament’s history and see a little 3-on-3 competition while you’re at it. Reeds Lake Arts Fest Grand Rapids 6/21/2014 grandvalleyartists.com/reedslake Come view a large selection of different artwork by Michigan artists and artisans. Montcalm County 4-H Fair Greenville 6/22-6/28 616-754-7884 montcalmcountyfairgrounds.com With a number of grandstand events, such as an antique tractor pull, unique motor sports demolition derby, a livestock auction and more, visitors have a selection of events to choose from. Also taking place will be a carnival, a dog show, animal shows, and a tractor driving contest. Freedom Cruise Grand Rapids 6/25-6/29 (616) 887-7210 / freedomcruise.net Five days full of cars and motorcycles, along with fun and entertainment. Musical guests include ODR, Fled Five, Madison Rising, Jason Eller, The Hype, Outer Vibe, and more. Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival Battle Creek 7/2-7/6 (269) 962-0592 / bcballoons.com With hot air balloons, aircraft, food and other activities, this air show is a perfect event for the whole family. Lowell Showboat Sizzling Summer Concert Series Lowell Weekly concert throughout the summer from 7-9 p.m. on Thursdays (616) 897-9161 facebook.com/pages/ Lowell-Showboat-Sizzlin-Summer-Concerts Enjoy Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts for free every Thursday, June through August. Bleacher seating is also available along with room for your own comfy folding chair. Concessions available on site. Horse Shows by the Bay Traverse City 7/2-7/6, 7/9-7/13, 7/16-7/20, 7/23-7/27 (231) 267-3700 / horseshowsbythebay.com

REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Wizard of Oz Festival Ionia 6/20-6/21 (616) 527-1420 mfea.org/event/ionia-wizard-of-oz-festival As a tribute to the 75th anniversary of the Wizard of Oz and the Summer in the City Celebration, downtown Ionia will be transformed into the yellow brick road. From fine arts and crafts to antiques, vendors will be offering their finest wares, including collectible Wizard of Oz memorabilia. The movie that started it all will be shown on both Friday and Saturday. Tickets are priced as they were 75 years ago - just 25 cents per person.

A day filled with music, food, fun and sun. Events include beach soccer, ultimate Frisbee, tug-o-war, and the ultimate beach survival obstacle course.

Festivals Taking place over four consecutive weeks, the Horse Shows by the Bay Equestrian Festival features thousands of top competitors and dozens of different races and events, all taking place near Traverse City’s beautiful Grand Bays.

including livestock and agricultural shows, entertainment acts such as tractor pulls, dueling pianos.

Celebration on the Grand Grand Rapids 7/4-7/5 (616) 730-2191 / celebrationonthegrand.org One of the most popular festivals taking place in Grand Rapids, Celebration on the Grand is a three-day smorgasbord of music, food and fun activities for the whole family. Kindleberger Summer Festival Parchment 7/9-7/14 (269) 303-2793 / kindleberger.org The Kindleberger Summer Festival week includes the annual family music production and youth play outdoor theatre and closing the week down will be a Beatles tribute band. Additionally, a car show, arts and crafts day, 5k community race, 3k stroller stroll and the kids fun run are just a few of the wide-range of activities offered to families. Picnic Pops Belmont 7/10-8/1 (616) 454-9451, Ext. 4 / grsymphony.org The four-week outdoor concert series is a top entertainment choice for 25,000 concertgoers each year. Held at Cannonsburg Ski Area on Thursdays and Fridays.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Riverwalk Fest Lowell 7/10-7/12 (616) 897-9161 / riverwalkfestival.org This three-day event includes many activities for you and your family to enjoy. Thursday, Friday and Saturday concerts, arts & crafts and re-found treasures show, From the Heart Parade and Rumble the Riverwalk (motorcycles), Riverwalk Cruisein (classic cars), Motorcycle Run, Kidz Zone, kayak and canoe race, food booths, used book sale, downtown shopping, street entertainers, $1500 State Farm Duck Race, Laurels of Kent fireworks and even more than that (if you can believe it). Barry County Fair Hastings 7/14-7/19 (269) 945-2224 / barryexpocenter.com The Barry County Fair offers an array of different animal shows, harness racing, an antique tractor pull, unique motor sports and more. Town and Country Days Sparta 7/16-7/20 (616) 291-2875 / spartafair.com Town and Country days offers a community pig roast, historic horse drawn carriage rides, carnival rides, a basketball tournament, a petting zoo, a sky lantern event and much more.

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Byron Days Festival Ionia Free Fair Ionia 7/17-7/26 (616) 527-1310 / ioniafreefair.com The Ionia Free Fair is named such because of the large selection of free activities offered. Attractions include, but are not limited to, a circus, a high flying trapeze act, a wild animal exhibit and the E!Park Stage, where free musical acts perform. The fair is also hosting its 9th annual four-day competition of the Ionia Idol. A kids day is planned for the younger ones as well. Muskegon Bike Time Muskegon 7/17-7/20 muskegonbiketime.com Muskegon Bike Time is home to Steel Horse Alley. Steel Horse Alley is 10 blocks on Western Avenue in downtown Muskegon dedicated to “motorcycles only” one weekend per year. Huge crowds gather to admire the unique motorcycles parked along the street and/or cruise the strip. They also visit the official Budweiser beverage tents with free live entertainment and contests, sample the food offerings, and check out the many motorcycle vendors. Ottawa County Fair Holland 7/21-7/26 (616) 399-4904 / ottawacountyfair.com The Ottawa County Fair is offering an exciting time with unique motor sports, “harness racing,” and a truck and tractor pull. Also, a mobile zoo, a flower show, bingo, 4-H show/ auctions and more will be offered. Muskegon County Youth Fair Fruitport 7/21-7/26 231.724.4739 / muskegonfairgrounds.com The Muskegon County Youth Fair offers an array of different contests for animals such as horses, rabbits, goats and more. Baked goods judging, a talent show, and different fair games will also take place. Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Grand Haven 7/25-8/3 (616) 846-5940 / coastguardfest.org A celebration of everything Coast Guard, this festival honors the men and women

who have served or are currently serving in the United States Coast Guard. Celebrate their service with live music, food, ship tours, a carnival and street dancing. Byron Days Festival Byron Center 7/25-7/27 (616) 878-0108 business.byroncenterchamber.org The annual Byron Days Festival takes place the last weekend of July. Each year, the festival offers a weekend of family fun, which includes food, entertainment, a parade, a softball tournament and the Chemical Bank 5k race/walk. Red Barns Spectacular Hickory Corners 8/2/2014 (269) 377-7756 / gilmorecarmuseum.org Returning for its 34th year, the Red Barns Spectacular is one of West Michigan’s biggest car shows, with a huge variety of special cars and parts for your viewing and (perhaps) buying pleasure. Established in 1980, it’s one of the oldest car shows in West Michigan and one of the largest. This year’s festival brings more than 1100 cars along with antique campers, wooden boats, and special displays catered by the Kalamazoo Air Zoo. The museum is also open, which includes 300 classic cars. This years show features cars pre-1989 and will also feature an antique car lot for selling. Kalamazoo County Fair Kalamazoo 8/4-8/9 (269) 349-9791 / kalamazoocountyfair.com Offering a huge roster of different events, the Kalamazoo County Fair truly has something for everyone - from 4-H animal shows to magician performances to motocross and tractor pulls. With tickets as cheap as $1.25 per person, you’d be hard pressed to find a better deal elsewhere. Kent County Youth Fair Kent 8/4-8/9 (616) 897-6050 / kcfg.org Offering food, beverages, and a wide array of fun activities for the kids like live animals and games, the Kent County Youth Fair offers everyone something fun to do

Michigan Pirate Festival Grand Haven 8/4-8/10 michiganpiratefestival.com The Michigan Pirate Festival began with a small group of pirates and re-enactors who wanted to share a vision of what “might have been” during the Golden Age of Piracy. The Pirates have since joined forces with the Loutit District Library in Grand Haven to promote historical education, reading, and community involvement in an exciting and adventure filled way that has become the backbone of the festival. Western Michigan Fair Ludington 8/5-8/9 (231) 843-8563 masoncountyfairgrounds.com WMFA is excited about all that is taking place in 2014 at the Mason County Fairgrounds. WMFA has partnered with TJ Schmidt and Company, which provides quality shows and creates a wonderful traveling theme park atmosphere with first class rides, games, and food services. Del Shannon Days Coopersville 8/5-8/9 (616) 947-2055 / delshannoncarshow.org This event honors legendary singer Del Shannon, who grew up in Coopersville. The big event is the car show, which rounds out the five-day event on Friday and Saturday. See more than 400 types of unique cars from every decade on display on Main Street. Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival Oceana County 8/5-8/10 (231) 757-4766 / michfest.com Celebrate everything female with this festival full of diverse performances, informative workshops, daily film festivals, crafts and more. International Summerfest and Black Arts Festival Battle Creek 8/9/2014 (269) 420-4031 / bcfestivals.com This event is an ethnic food festival with family friendly entertainment. Relax and try some new food while listening to live music. Calhoun County Fair Marshall 8/10-8/16 (269) 781-8161 / calhouncountyfair.org Boasting the longest-running county fair in the state, the Calhoun County Fair is a week-long fun-fest filled with a number of awesome events like tractor pulls, races, derbys and motocross — perfect for any gearhead. Clown Band and Corn Roast Ludington

8/12/2014 (231) 843-4808 / pureludington.com The Scotsville Clown Band is back for this summer concert, which also features the titular roasted corn in addition to other tasty treats. Michigan Fiber Festival Allegan 8/16-8/17 (269) 948-2497 / michiganfiberfestival.info As one of the Midwest’s largest fiber festivals, the Michigan Fiber Festival hopes to “promote the interests of individuals and businesses related to natural fibers,” as explained by the company. The festival will host an array of shows, competitions, workshops, animals, shopping and more. Arts and Drafts Festival Norton Shores 8/16/2014 (231) 799-6802 / shoresartsanddrafts.com The Arts and Drafts Festival is back at it again, featuring crafts, walks, and live music from Dutch Henry and others. 28th Street Metro Cruise Grand Rapids 8/22-8/23 28thstreetmetrocruise.com Car lovers are brought together to celebrate this long-standing tradition. All types of vehicles are included in the event: hot rods, low riders, muscle cars, performance cars, classics, antiques, even motorcycles. The 28th Street Metro Cruise hosts “Choose your favorite pin-up girl,” Metro Cruise Live, a community event to benefit area schools, tasty food and much more. Allegan County Fair Allegan 9/5-9/13 (269) 673-6501 / allegancountyfair.com Don’t say nothing ever happens in Allegan. The Allegan County Fair is THE event to attend as summer winds down. This year’s concert lineup includes country favorites Lady Antebellum, Hunter Hayes, Florida Georgia Line and Kid Rock. Eastown Street Fair Grand Rapids 9/13/2014 eastowngr.com/index.php The 41st installment of the classic GR festival, the Eastown Street Fair is packed with dozens of bands, tons of great food, and a dizzying array of local artisans and artists selling quality local goods. Annual Down Home Days Courthouse Show Mason 9/20/2014 (517) 676-1046 masontoday.com/events/spring-fling Browse through the arts, crafts and community booths along with street-side entertainment. n

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

Festivals

Successful Road Tripping

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

| by lindsay patton-carson

For many, summer festivals are a road trip occasion. You pile in someone’s car, have little to no leg room (you don’t care, though, because the destination is WORTH IT) and belt out songs at the top of your lungs. As long as you’re in good company, the details don’t really matter. But it’s the details, however, that help make a road trip less than a trip and more of an adventure. Here is what you need for a successful road trip:

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Music

Probably the most important part of a successful road trip. Some concertgoers say you should not listen to the band you’re going to see leading up to the show. But we say, do whatever you want. If you’re going to see Kanye West and his music gets you fired up, listen to it. Make an entire playlist with just bands on the festival’s lineup. It gets you more amped up to see them live, plus there won’t be any fighting over the music, since you’re all going to see those bands.

Snacks

A road trip is not complete without car snacks. Load up on trail mix, Gatorade, Goldfish crackers, dried fruit, candy, whatever you’re

digging on the road. Assign each person to bring a snack with enough to go around for everyone. Cost effective and simple. Plus, you’ll get some nice snack diversity going.

Games

Have some classic road games on hand or make up your own. The Alphabet Game can get boring after a while, so spice it up with a little Would You Rather, where you’ll get a chance to find out some things you never knew (and maybe never wanted to know) about your fellow passengers. Other games in the Would-You-Rather vein include Never Have I Ever and the classic Truth or Dare. Or, maybe Truth or Truth in this instance. There aren’t a lot of dares available when you’re crammed in a vehicle.

Festival Planning

You’re stuck and in close quarters, so you might as well get your festival plan together. Decide on which bands you want to see, a meet-up location and include some downtime for your music marathon.

Detour

Take some time to stretch your legs. Find a spot along the way to stop and see a cheesy tourist trap or eat at a new restaurant. This makes for a good refresher, plus interesting photos if you go the tourist trap route.

Festivals: dos & don’ts | by lindsay patton-carson

Do stay hydrated.

Festivals are in the summer and summer is hot. It should be common sense to stay hydrated, but when you’re busy watching The Black Keys and having a religious experience from it, you can easily forget. Many festivals offer watering stations and allow you to bring in unopened water bottles and CamelBaks. Use this to your advantage! The cost of festival-issued water bottles can get pricey, so check the festival’s FAQs page to see if you can work around buying water.

Do wear sunscreen.

Festivals are all-day, outdoor events, so the sun will beat down on your precious, exposed skin for hours on end. Protect it and slather on the sunscreen before you head out the door (or out of your tent, depending on which festival you go to). A multi-day festival can be completely ruined by an easily preventable sunburn.

Don’t sacrifice function for fashion.

Those Toms wedges may be ‘totes adorbz,’ but don’t forget: you’ll be walking around on them all day. Instead, find a pair of shoes that are comfortable and walk around in them the week leading up to the festival to break them in. Many festivals feature sprawled-out stages, meaning you’ll be doing a lot of walking. And trust us, people are much more interested to see St. Vincent than they are your shoes.

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Do have a meeting place.

Part of the fun of festivals is sharing the experience with your music-minded friends. But all those festival selfies and Vines you’re taking eat up your phone battery. If your phone bites the dust, designate a meeting place and times throughout the day where your group can meet up and decide where to go next.

Don’t appropriate cultures in the name of festival fashion.

You may think the native headdress you found at Urban Outfitters is super cute!!!!!! but it’s actually a little racist. Sorry, a lot racist. Why? Because it’s taking a spiritual or culturally important symbol out of the culture, thus stereotyping that culture. Some recent cultural appropriation offenders include Avril Lavigne’s “Hello Kitty” video, Miley Cyrus’ “twerking” and basically everything Vanessa Hudgens wears at Coachella. Actually, to be safe, look at everything Vanessa Hudgens wears at Coachella and do the opposite. Easy.

Do see as many bands as you possibly can. This is pretty self explanatory.

REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

Festivals

Chiller Couple Questions for Anthony and Shirley Griffin of Thriller! Chiller! Film Festival

ou recently announced big changes for Thriller! Chiller! in 2014. You added an extra day and are moving downtown to the UICA. What helped you make that decision? Anthony: Well, the demand from last year’s festival. ... We like to touch base with our audience and see what they enjoyed and a lot of them wanted to see it larger. With downtown and the interest in it and everything going on, we took the chance.

those movies, but they liked The Avengers, well, we play those types of movies, too. How did you two meet? Shirley: We met in college. We both went to Western and worked at the student newspaper. I was the Arts and Entertainment editor and he wrote the movie reviews. Thriller! Chiller! debuted 2006. How did you get it started? Anthony: Chris (Randall, Thriller! Chiller!’s cofounder) and I had started a group called the Grand Rapids Screenwriters Guild about a year earlier. ... We were talking about the state of film in general and the incentives of that time. He had made a movie earlier, but because it was a horror movie, it wasn’t getting a lot of play. I was just disappointed in general that there wasn’t enough focus on genre movies. And Chris was talking about programming really cool movies at a local theatre chain. So of course we’re laughing on the phone and then said, ‘We should just do our own festival then.’

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

So you took the festival from Wealthy Theatre to downtown Grand Rapids? Anthony: We’ve moved it all downtown. We love Wealthy, it was a fantastic situation for us, they’ve done a wonderful job, but it was time for us to do something different. Shirley: We talked about it and considered it for probably a year. We’re very cautious about it. We wanted to expand, but we also wanted to make sure that our customer experience stayed the same. How did you get the UICA on board? Shirley: We were thinking about them and they were thinking about us. It just was a good time. They were looking to expand the work they do with local filmmakers and we were looking to expand our festival. Anthony: When that kind of opportunity presents itself and you meet someone who is into you and you’re into them and you want to do something together, why not take that opportunity to do something for the larger crowd overall. What was it about the UICA? Did it offer more space or a longer time period for the festival? Shirley: I think being downtown was the main thing. We want to be part of the downtown experience. So providing more entertainment options for people when the festival lets out each night? Anthony: Exactly. We signed on with The Pyramid Scheme, so we’ll have a day there. And then there are a couple venues we’ve talked to. We haven’t done anything formal, but we’re still working on a lot of that. Our goal is

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You brought in Shirley in 2010. How did Shirley help the festival? Anthony: It wasn’t that we didn’t have a focus, but she calls it ‘random acts of marketing.’ She gives us more structure and strategy.

to change it from a central-location festival to a walking festival with the UICA as the headquarters. What’s your biggest speed bump with the festival? Anthony: Our biggest speed bump is convincing people that we’re more than just horror movies. We’re sci-fi, action and suspense movies. So if someone says they don’t like

Who is Thriller! Chiller!’s audience? Anthony: You get the arthouse crowd and you get the grindhouse crowd. They’re not that far apart. If you’re a fan of movies and you love movies, you can appreciate the art form in any way. When Chris and I started out with it, we wanted people to understand that going to genre movies wasn’t a throwaway experience. It could be more meaningful in a way. Shirley: For us, we play more independent movies, so they’re your favorite movies you haven’t found yet. n The Thriller! Chiller! Film Festival will take place at the UICA and other downtown Grand Rapids venues Oct. 22–25. See thrillerchiller.com for more info. Interview conducted, condensed and edited by Lindsay Patton-Carson. Photo by Elizabeth Merriman.

REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

Festivals

Get Your Festival Fix by Volunteering | by Erica Horoky

So you’re sitting out the music festivals this year because although your heart is telling you yes, your wallet is crying no. Music festivals are expensive, so you’re not the only one staying home. You don’t have to be, though. For the thrifty and hard working, there’s a pretty easy way to go

to festivals for free: by volunteering. We’ve compiled a list of regional music festivals that offer volunteer opportunitiesunfortunately, most of the positions are filled by June, so use this guide to make sure you aren’t missing out again next year. Almost every music festival needs volunteers, and if you apply early, you’ll probably be brought on board.

Pitchfork Music Festival

Chicago July 18-20 Our Chicago neighbors host this three-day summer festival in Union Park, featuring more than 40 bands, highlighting the best in new and emerging music, as well as classics. This year’s headliners include Beck, Neutral Milk Hotel and Kendrick Lamar.

How to volunteer: Pitchfork works through many nonprofit groups to staff the festival. Your best bet is to get in touch with volunteer coordinators of Chicago-based non-profits to find out if they’re looking for volunteers and if you’re accepted, you’ll be notified by Pitchfork.

Lollapalooza

Chicago August 1-3 Grant Park hosts this festival, one of the largest in the nation. Headlining acts this year include chart-toppers Eminem, Outkast, Kings Of Leon, Arctic Monkeys and Skrillex.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

How to volunteer Read the FAQ and then fill out the application through workexchangeteam. com/electricforest. You’ll need to sign a waiver and provide a refundable down payment of $285, but by putting in around 18 hours of work you’ll be free to enjoy the festival.

Movement Detroit

Detroit May 24-26 Hart Plaza comes to life with this three-day celebration of Detroit’s electronic music legacy. More than 100 artists make up the lineup, featuring bands such as Skream, Bonobo, Baauer and Action Bronson.

How to volunteer Fill out the simple form and give your available hours through movement. us/contact/volunteer.

Common Grounds Music Festival

Volunteer applications open up midMay, so keep an eye on them being added to the FAQ under “Volunteer Information.” In the meantime, you can contact volunteer@lollapalooza. com with questions. The FAQ can be found at lollapalooza.com/faqs

Lansing July 8-13 Adado Riverfront Park is home to this all-inclusive festival with genres varying from hip-hop, pop, alternative rock and country. 35 bands are set to perform, headlined by Big Sean, 311, Fits and the Tantrums and Earth, Wind & Fire.

Electric Forest

How to volunteer:

How to volunteeR

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Zedd, Cut Copy, Tycho, and Flying Lotus.

Rothbury June 26-29 Double JJ Resort gets trippy with this four-day electronic music festival featuring around 100 artists, including

Fill out the volunteer application online through commongroundfest. com/information/getinvolved. The volunteer pool fills up quickly, so apply early. If the volunteer pool is full, you can apply to be wait-listed.

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Sizzling Summer Arts

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

| by Allison Parker

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Interference Pool: Annica Cuppetelli and Cristobal Mendoza at Muskegon Museum of Art

hough traditional art seasons are wrapping up, the blazing heat has failed to dry up all opportunities for West Michigan artsyfartsy fun. Summer theatres are drawing back their curtains, while year-round venues are lining up a diverse array of events and exhibitions sure to offer visitors more than just air conditioning. One of West Michigan’s most noteworthy summer theaters, Mason Street Warehouse, allows actors of various experience levels to collaborate together on original productions and older theatre gems. “I wanted to bring really high quality professional theatre to the lakeshore, and I wanted to combine local artists with professionals from New York and Chicago and LA to have them come and experience what it’s like to work with people who actually do this for a living,” said Mason Street Warehouse Artistic Director Kurt Stamm. “Our seasons are relatively short, but they’re also relatively unique.” This season, Mason Street’s lineup includes the Bob Fosse inspired musical revue Steam Heat (June 27-July 13), the comedic-thriller Death Trap (July 25-Aug. 10) and the ‘60s extravaganza Beehive (Aug. 15-31). Offering a similar mixture of lighthearted hilarity and spine-chilling suspense, Circle Theatre is an additional noteworthy summer theatre hot spot. The season includes the ridiculous farce Don’t Dress for Dinner (June 25-21), the gangster comedy One Man, Two Guvnors (July 10-26) and the smash hit Monty Python’s Spamalot (Aug. 7-23). For a more family friendly Circle Theatre experience, round up your kiddies and head off to see A Sleeping Beauty Somewhere in Time (June 5-29). The timeless fairytale is part of Circle Theatre’s Magic Circle tradition, an effort to involve youngsters in community theatre. Other children’s theatre offerings this summer include Disney’s Camp Rock the Musical (July 25- Aug. 3) and The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe (July 25-Aug. 3) at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. No, the

Comfort Tiffany’s Quest of Beauty

automobile and furniture manufactures changed the look of the American garage and home. Also from now until Aug. 17, the GRAM also features Tim Powers: Below the Surface as part of its Michigan Artist Series. The exhibit consists of a giant installation that showcases more than 400 pillow forms, as well as other experimental sculptures. Over at Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, a special Louis Comfort Tiffany attraction is generating buzz through three linked exhibits (now through Aug. 24). Tiffany Jewels displays exotic, Middle-Eastern infused jewelry, while Tiffany Glass: Painting with Color and Light showcases three glass windows, 16 lamps and 75 pieces of flat glass. The final exhibit, Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Quest of Beauty, is a collection of various Tiffany art forms that show off the scope and versatility of Tiffany’s artistic talent. The KIA will also hold its annual West Michigan Area Show (now through Aug. 16) featuring more than 500 works in all media from local artists. Meanwhile, at Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, Con Artist Crew Present: COMMIX (June 6-Aug. 17) will plunge visitors into two floors of immersive street art. Vibrant colors and funky nature motifs celebrate and explore themes of collaboration, entrepreneurship and regional identity. At Muskegon Museum of Art, Interference Pool: Annica Cuppetelli and Cristobal Mendoza (now through Aug. 3) integrates digital images, light, shape and visitor interLego Planetarium action. Islands of stretched fiber will run the length of the gallery, while overhead

lights and projections will create pools and shapes. As viewers walk though the exhibition, computers capture their movement so that their motion will create new patterns and shadows. Summer at Muskegon Museum of Art also means the arrival of the museum’s juried 86th Regional Exhibition (now through Aug. 20), one of the first regional art shows in Michigan. Hundreds of art pieces from both professionals and amateurs will vie for purchase awards and cash prizes. On a more sobering note, Holland Museum’s Art and Propaganda in NaziOccupied Holland (now through Oct. 4) provides a grim look at Hollanders’ history. Images of Nazi propaganda, concentration camp horror and wartime devastation will remind visitors of our dark past. For a more cheerful exhibit, children and manchildren alike can check out Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Dream It, Build It (now through Aug. 31). Burj Khalifa, the Gateway Arch, the Empire State Building and the Van Andel Museum Center itself are just a few of the gigantic Lego models in this brick lovers’ paradise. Don’t worry about keeping your hands off, kiddos and AFOLs! There are designated areas throughout the exhibit for visitors to build their own masterpieces. n

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

excuse about missing the show because you’re in Narnia won’t work here. If evil snow queens aren’t your thing (don’t listen, Elsa), Hope Summer Repertory Theatre offers additional promising favmily options like The Sound of Music (June 13-Aug. 7), Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (TBA) and The Doll People (TBA). “We’re pretty excited about everything we’re doing over the summer,” said Company Manager Reagan Chesnut. “Hope Summer Repertory has been around for 43 years, and it’s a tradition in Holland. It’s something that people look forward to when their kids are home from school. We have children’s plays that go on during the day, which are very, very popular.” More adult-geared performances at HSRT this season include A Raisin in the Sun (June 18-July 1), Hot Mikado (July 11-Aug. 9) and The Matchmaker (July 18-Aug. 8). This diverse lineup is bolstered by an impressive company of more than 100 professionals and newcomers taking up summer residence in Holland. Although not offering any plays this summer, Calvin College still leaves its mark on the theatre scene by continuing its River City Improv shows (June 21, July 19, Aug. 16). Audience interaction, split decisions and a selection of planned songs and skits provide fast-paced, witty entertainment for sluggish summer months. Theatre is also on hiatus at Grand Rapids Community College, but that won’t stop the affiliated Actors’ Theatre from bringing to life the musical Grey Gardens (June 5-14). The show explores the complex relationship between Jacqueline Kennedy’s aunt and cousin as they fall from the status of elite aristocrats to crazy cat ladies. Meanwhile, Farmers Alley Theatre celebrates both the traditional and experimental theatre scenes with the Broadway classic, Cabaret (June 6-29) and the more recent play [title of show] (July 18-Aug. 3). Quirky and offbeat, the latter is a musical about writing a musical about writing a musical. Heads up, all you meta-lovers and profound, artsy peeps. Lovers of the highbrow may also enjoy two plays from one of the most famous and respected playwrights of all time, William Shakespeare. Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company, Michigan’s only year-round touring theatre troupe devoted to the Bard, will perform Coriolanus (JuneJuly) and Two Gentlemen of Verona (August-September). The latter will be PCSC’s first workshop production and will provide an opportunity for theatre newcomers to gain training in Shakespearian text, voice and movement. A further treat for the intellectuals in our midst is C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce (June 19-22) at Master Arts Theatre. An epic journey from hell to heaven, the play is laced with both quick humor and provocative insight. In addition to theatre, visual gallery art is also flourishing this summer. Grand Rapids Art Museum tips its hat to Michigan’s contributions to design with Michigan Modern: Design That Shaped America. Running from now until Aug. 24, the exhibit pays special tribute to the ways in which Michigan

REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

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/// local Music

Shneal Helps Grow the Kalamazoo Hip Hop Scene | by Jayson Bussa

hneal isn’t just a rap- albums, it acts as somewhat of a framed narper in the local Kalamazoo rative. It is a very diverse project that touches hip-hop scene — he’s also an on everything from political issues, personal loss, triumph, heartbreak and much more.” ambassador for the genre. Shneal will be joined by plenty of compaThe 24-year-old artist puts arguably as much sweat into ny for the big night, headlined by Ohio-based growing the scene as he does his rapper Bill Joe Skillz, who is signed to Spit/ Spat Records based out of personal endeavors, and it has Muskegon. In fact, Shneal paid him back with an already SHNEAL ALBUM RELEASE won’t be the only artist to fruitful résumé. celebrate a new release, as The latest on his résumé SHOW Also featuring Bill Joe Skillz, Drama local hip-hop brethren, is Shneal’s sixth album, The AKA Treason (Album release), Prime Drama AK A Treason, Prequel. The album dropped in Suspects, Sick Daze and more commemorates the release mid-May, but Shneal will put Papa Pete’s, Kalamazoo of his double-disc album, it on display at June 27’s of- June 27; 8:30 p.m. Rebel Muzik. ficial album release party held $10, 18+ papapete.net, (269) 388-2196 Shneal and Drama at Papa Pete’s in Kalamazoo. have combined to form “All of the projects tell Konspiracy Rekords, a vana continuous story and, although The Prequel references many new ity label to release their own music on, but things in my life, it also refers to many things one that comes with big plans. “Right now, it’s just me and Drama, but in the previous projects and prior,” Shneal said. “When combined with the other five as we grow, I think we’ll get into producing

albums for other artists, too,” Shneal said. “A lot of people already have their own deal going. For his latest album, Shneal tapped Kalamazoo locals Synergy Productions to produce one half of the record while he handled the other. Shneal admits the maturation of his sound shows through on The Prequel, where he more effectively chops his flow and even dabbles with a little singing. “I was actually pretty pleased with the half that I produced,” said Shneal, who leaned on DX The Flex in Battle Creek to master the album. “I’m still learning, but I was definitely able to do exactly what I was feeling.” Shneal isn’t absorbed in his own projects, though. He hustles to push hip-hop shows in the Kalamazoo area to further the scene, especially those put on by friend and artist J Cutlass. Shneal is one of the more active members along with guys like Drama, Skitzo and a newer crop of artists like Sick Daze, Prime

Suspects and Mickey Tao, who will all be in action on June 27. “There is just a lot of love in Kalamazoo,” Shneal said. “I’ve been entrenched in the Kalamazoo scene for a while now and I don’t feel like it ever went away.” n

MUSIC NEWS

Greensky Bluegrass REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

The Intersection is bringing all the action inside its walls to the great outdoors on June 27 for a Rock The Lot concert featuring Battle Creek/Kalamazoo native Frankie Ballard. The national country artist, famous for tunes like “Helluva Life,” will take to the Intersection’s makeshift outdoor stage. Tickets for the first 100 people are $11.93. Everyone else pays $16.93 in advance. Kalamazoo loves it some Greensky Bluegrass, and it shows. The homegrown act will be taking the stage at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe for three nights — June 5, 6 and 7. The June 6 and 7 performances were already sold out in mid-May. The band is preparing to release its latest album on Sept. 9 titled If Sorrows Swim. Speaking of Kalamazoo, one of its very own is releasing an album on June 14. Treading Bleu will celebrate its latest release with a show at Shakespeare’s Pub, also featuring the Overly Polite Tornadoes (members of glowfriends) and Dave Johnson.

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ERNIE HALTER

King Buzzo Rules the Stage on His Acoustic Solo Tour

JULY 10 - $40

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GARETH ASHER & THE EARTHLINGS AUG 3 - $22

ERIC TAYLOR AUG 8 - $30

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uzz Osborne (aka King “I’ve done a lot of work with the B u z z o ) i s a n art i st Melvins. We’ve done hundreds wh o has certainly earned his royal moniker. For 30 years he’s and hundreds of recordings. been the frontman and principal It was just time for me to songwriter for legendary sludgerock outfit the Melvins, a band famous for do something different.” its unpredictability genre-defying sound and heavy riffs. What’s more, Osborne has embarked on his first truly solo project, King “I’ve stripped it down to the bare bones,” Buzzo, this year. Osborne said. “That record is a real acoustic “I’ve done a lot of work with the Melvins. record.” We’ve done hundreds and hundreds of recordThe title of the album is a tongue-in-cheek ings,” Osborne said. “It was just time for me nod to the late great Woody Guthrie, an artist to do something different.” Osborne feels all too many musicians try to While Osborne assures fans his solo imitate when releasing acoustic solo albums. project in no way means the Melvins is Osborne was dedicated to making sure he slowing down (in fact, the band has a new didn’t fall into the same trap. album due out this fall), he has embraced the “I viewed it with the same attitude that project enough to release a limited-edition I view general rock music that I write, which 10-inch record and his newest is that I really don’t want to full-length, This Machine Kills tread on too much material Artists, out June 3 on Ipecac that’s already been done.” King Buzzo Records. In addition to the album, Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids “Before the 10-inch Osborne went on a solo miniJune 30, 8:30 p.m. ever came out, I realized I $14 advanced, $17 day of show tour in February and March, should do a whole album, so pyramidschemebar.com, (616) only pausing briefly before I recorded the whole album 272-3758 hitting the road again for his in January and February,” current nationwide tour. Osborne said. “I have been blessed that This Machine Kills Artists is certainly a bit I have been able to play with a vast array of of a departure from the music of the Melvins, fabulous musicians who have only made me Osborne still manages to convey the heaviness look better,” Osborne said. “So with this, I’m of his usual musical stylings, only with much up there all by myself with nothing to hide less equipment. behind, and I’m up for the challenge.” n

REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

/// ON TOUR

Dude... Diarrhea Planet Literally, Seriously, Literally Cannot Stop Touring | by Dwayne Hoover

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

36 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2014

n on e of th e most popular plays of all time, Juliet Capulet asked, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Though it is doubtful if Juliet were around today, she would have asked that same question about Nashville punk rock outfit Diarrhea Planet. The formation of the band, and the choosing of its name, was really an affront to the musical atmosphere at Belmont University, where Diarrhea Planet’s members went to school. They found out very quickly that the culture there was drastically different from what they were expecting. “Everything the school does is centered around the commercial music industry,” said Jordan Smith, one of the group’s guitarists. “Most of the music coming out of Belmont was like being brewed to make Top 10 Billboard hits. It was all about pop country, Christian pop, stuff like that.” So they paved their own way, adopting a scatological moniker that would not be easily forgotten, as well as a heavy, distorted sound. In fact, the band’s current lineup boasts four guitars, something that that the group is now not only accustomed to, but spoiled by. “Whenever I do anything that doesn’t have four guitars it just feels weird,” Smith said. “It doesn’t have enough power or have enough parts.” This big sound comes alive, surprisingly neatly, on their 2013 release I’m Rich Beyond Your Wildest Dreams. They’ve been on tour

“Whenever I do anything that doesn’t have four guitars it just feels weird. It doesn’t have enough power or have enough parts.” pretty consistently in support of that record, including some intense shows during this year’s SXSW festival. “SXSW is our favorite week. All of our shows were really packed and really high energy,” Smith said. “We did a T-shirt contest where you had to stage dive at our shows, and one of our biggest sets got cut short because it was too rowdy.” And they just keep right on touring, even calling their spring and summer shenanigans the Dude... Diarrhea Planet Literally, Seriously, Literally Cannot Stop Touring Tour. “Our plan is just to tour pretty heavily into fall and just keep writing. We want to get in the studio in January and work on LP number three. ... Pretty much just gearing up to do a lot of touring and keep bringing in new material.” n

Diarrhea Planet Shakespeare’s Pub, Kalamazoo June 20, 9 p.m. / $5 / 21+ shakespearespub.com, (269) 488-7782

REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

/// ON TOUR

Eyehategod Proves Metal Endures All Things | by Josh Spanninga

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

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an inspiration for keeping the band’s ferocity t’s n o secret that th e best metal bands are apt to get intact. “Metal is a little bit more technical, but rowdy both on and off stage, but in the punk rock, it’s all about the feeling, it’s all ‘90s, New Orleans-based sludge metal about the passion, the emotion and the agoutfit Eyehategod put other bands to gression,” Williams said. shame. Notorious for its violent live Eyehategod’s self-titled album, released shows, which often involved broken glass, on May 27, is a testament to the fact its blood and sweat, the band nearly got kicked members still have the same intensity from out of a studio when vocalist Mike Williams their youthful days and show no sign of slashed his hand while trying to record the slowing down. The record sound of glass breaking. also contains the final reThe band proceeded to Eyehategod wsg Ringworm cordings of their original write messages on the floor and Enabler drummer, Joey Lacaze, with the blood, something The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids the studio manager was not who died last year, causJune 14, 8 p.m. happy with. ing many fans to question $18 advanced, $22 day of show whether Eyehategod “He got there the next pyramidschemebargr, (616)272-3758 would call it quits. The morning, the guy running event was devastating, but the studio, and called our record label,” Williams said. “He told them for Williams and the rest of the band, the next course of action was obvious. that we were insane and they needed to get “We didn’t sit around and have a meetus out of there as soon as possible.” ing or anything like ‘Oh, what do y’all want While the band members now refrain from smashing bottles onstage, they strive to do?’ That didn’t happen,” Williams said. “We just automatically knew we were going to maintain the same intensity they’ve had to keep going.” throughout their 26-year career. Williams With the recent addition of native New points to his early interest in punk rock as Orleans drummer Aaron Hill, Eyehategod is on the road again, and the band is as focused and persistent as ever. “We’re all in other bands, and we take the other bands seriously when we’re in that mode, but I don’t know. ... Eyehategod is just something that we love,” Williams said. “It’s brought us a lot of misery and it’s brought us a lot of happiness at the same time. It’s just part of our lives.” n

“Metal is a little bit more technical, but punk rock, it’s all about the feeling, it’s all about the passion, the emotion and the aggression.”

Open Hours

MON-SAT 3PM-2AM SUN 12PM-2AM KITCHEN 5:30PM-11PM

Happy Hour

MON-FRI 3-7PM $2 Domestics, $2 Wells $3 Calls, $1.50 Retros 760 BUTTERWORTH SW GRAND RAPIDS, MI 616.272.3910

Live Music

OPEN VINYL PARTY

SUNDAY, JUNE 1: Dennis and Danny’s Birthday Bash!

MONDAYS, NO COVER, 8PM

1st Show: Tonia Bug, Dead Eye Zack, Nate Maynard

COMEDY NIGHT

2nd Show: Murder Party, Bitters, Antilogical

2ND AND 4TH TUESDAY, NO COVER, 8:30

3rd Show: Lectralux, Filthy Injectors, Cosmonaut

OPEN MIC NIGHT

TUESDAY, JUNE 3: The Red Elvises

WITH SAM KENNY WEDNESDAY, NO COVER 9PM

Flowers and Karisa Wilson

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4: The Smoking THURSDAY, JUNE 5: Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys FRIDAY, JUNE 6: Benefit for “The Informist” SATURDAY, JUNE 7: Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish, The Bitters, Dave Vacant and The Shorthair Domestics

The Hobo Nephews

THURSDAY, JUNE 12: Gas House

Gorillas

FRIDAY, JUNE 13: Hellbound Glory, Rebecca Rego and the Trainmen and Dave Vacant

THURSDAY, JUNE 19: Pinata Protest wsg. The Moonrays Fred Eaglesmith

FRIDAY, JUNE 20: The Lazy Hands and Otis Blueswell Jr. SATURDAY, JUNE 21: The Juno

Blacklist

FRIDAY, JUNE 27: The Rhythm Aces

Pinata Protest

SUNDAY, JUNE 29: Fred Eaglesmith Traveling Steam Show

REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18: The Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank

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VISUAL ART

by Kerri VanderHoff

Prisoner Creative Arts Project: Perspective

any of us strive to be more compassionate, sympathetic human beings, yet true understanding and empathy can be elusive; walking a mile in someone else’s shoes is easier said than done. Now add to that the preconceived notions and social barriers that historically accompany certain groups of people, such as prisoners, and the shoes become even more difficult to walk in. How can those who have never served a prison sentence find the ability to truly and positively relate to those who have? How can those incarcerated and recently released find a place of acceptance and affirmation in society along the way? These answers are discovered through art and creative expression, according to The University of Michigan’s Prisoner Creative Arts Project (PCAP), 70x7 Life Recovery, and Holland Area Arts Council. These three organizations are collaborating to present the exhibition “Perspective” – a point of view, offering an aesthetic path that people from very different groups can explore together. The exhibition consists of more than 30 works from the PCAP Linkage Project, which affirms the creativity of adults returning from incarceration, along with works from the Holland, Michigan-based 70x7 Life Recovery’s ART Makes Change class and hand-painted tiles from artists currently at Brooks Correctional Facility in Muskegon. The tiles will be available for purchase during the exhibition. “This is an exciting project for our organization to take part in presenting. We believe in

assisting people who wish to rebuild “Perspective” – a their lives and find new forms of selfpoint of view expression,” said Carrie Childerston, Holland Area Arts Council development director of 70x7 Life Through June 16 Free! Recovery. “This exhibition will engage hollandarts.org, (616) people to see beyond the stereotypes 396-3278 that we as a society determine on each other and open our minds to consider the possibility of change and potential in all people.” According to Childerston, the exhibition tells the story of how beauty and artistic expression are important to all people in their desire to know and be known. The collaborative goal is to bring awareness to the barriers that exist for men and women returning to society following prison and open up communication between members of our community. The artists’ stories will be included along with insight into the inspiration for the works of art, providing a compelling look at how perspectives are shaped. “The Holland Area Arts Council is proud to be bringing ‘Perspective’ to our galleries,” said Lorma Williams Freestone, executive director. “Part of our mission is to highlight the transformational power of the arts. Through this excellent program, UM Prisoner Creative Arts Project (and) 70x7 Life Recovery help shine a light on the redemptive power of creativity, and the importance of making a place for the arts in all of our lives.” n

“This exhibition will engage people to see beyond the stereotypes that we as a society determine on each other and open our minds to consider the possibility of change and potential in all people.”

Festival of the Arts

Downtown Grand Rapids June 6–8 Free! festivalgr.org Festival of the Arts, or just ‘festival’ as it has endearingly become known, is a community celebration in downtown Grand Rapids featuring arts, entertainment, food and fun activities for the entire family. This year marks

its 45th year, making it one of the longestrunning festivals in the state. The Regional Arts Exhibition can be found once again in the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art.

Let Them Eat Cake

Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School Grand Rapids Rezervoir Lounge, Grand Rapids June 8, 5–8 p.m. / $10 drsketchysgr@gmail.com Where life drawing meets cabaret! Celebrate Dr. Sktechy’s five-year GR anniversary with

an extravagant party featuring complimentary champagne, decadent cakes, contests, prizes and live figure modeling by Vivacious Miss Audacious, clad as Marie Antoinette.

F.A.R.M.

Lowell Arts, Lowell June 4–Aug. 17 Free! lowellartsmi.org

a contemporary context for exploring the changing role of the modern farm in America. It features traditional depictions of farm life, as well as more experimental works. The exhibition is meant to be thought-provoking and represent a variety of viewpoints exploring transitions and the evolution of farming. Meet the artists at the closing reception from 2-4 p.m. on Aug. 17.

F.A.R.M. is a juried exhibition on the topic of farming and agriculture. Embracing the area’s rural roots, the F.A.R.M. exhibition creates

REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule

Other Art Events

PICTURED: Shady Place by Jama Tice, mixed media.

by Allison Parker

theatre

Mason Street Warehouse Cranks up the Heat

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

ummer is on its way, w h i c h mea n s i t ’ s o n ly a matter o f ti me before your steering wheel is scorching your fingers and your patio is barbequing your toes. The interior of your SUV won’t be the only thing too hot to handle this summer, however, with the sizzling premiere of Mason Street Warehouse’s Steam Heat. A tribute to legendary Broadway director and choreographer Bob Fosse, the production features hits from favorites like Chicago, Cabaret, Sweet Charity and more. An ambitious project for a small theatre, Steam Heat blazes under the expert watch of its creator, director and choreographer Kurt Stamm. After serving as the artistic director of the Tony Award-winning Fosse, Stamm was eager to bring something similar to the regional theatre scene. “The Broadway version [of Fosse] showcased [Fosse’s] work as a choreographer,” Stamm said. “But you know, as I was going back and looking at the shows that he actually did work on, the musicals themselves were really quite spectacular. Not just his contributions to them, but a lot of musicals were really groundbreaking at the time. … So I thought, gosh, wouldn’t it be great to share a body of work from a musical standpoint as well and really showcase the shows and some of the songs from the shows...” While Steam Heat may not be able to feature Fosse’s work on as grand a scale as Fosse did, it does nevertheless showcase the Broadway legend’s distinct choreographic style. Ironically, Fosse created his ultra-sexy moves by drawing from his self-perceived physical shortcomings. The choreographer’s hair loss, short stature and lack of classic ballet training inspired a signature style typified by the presence of hats, hunched shoulders and jerky motions. Stamm believes this unusual and distinct movement will be a show highlight for audiences.

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Other Performing Arts Events What the Time Traveler Will Tell Us Holland Civic Theatre June 12-14, 7 p.m. $8-$10 hollandcivictheatre.org, (616) 396-2021

For avant-garde lovers, What the Time Traveler Will Tell Us offers a refreshing break from traditional theatre. Structured as both an explanation and a working demonstration of time travel, the play focuses on a man who travels between universes on a doomed mission to defeat death. Other characters include a woman who suddenly realizes an event did not occur and an old man about whom the audience themselves might be mistaken.

Don’t Dress for Dinner

Circle Theatre, Grand Rapids June 5-7, 11-15, 18-21; show times at 5 & 7:30 p.m. $12.50-$25 circletheatre.org, (616), 456-6656 From the playwright who brought us BoeingBoeing comes Don’t Dress for Dinner, a farcical adventure jam-packed with delightful mischief and misunderstandings. When Bernard plans a romantic weekend with his mistress, he believes the presence of guy pal Robert will be the perfect alibi to keep his wife in the dark. Little does Bernard know that Robert and wifey are actually having an affair of their own and have every intention of staying in town. Lies tangle together and chaos abounds as the couples attempt to cover their tracks and keep their secrets safe. “From a style standpoint, Fosse’s style is incredibly unique and identifiable,” Stamm said. “It’s also extremely difficult to execute. He sort of went against most of the laws of choreographic nature when it came to creating things—really destroying the body, making things extremely angular. … He invented a style that became so uniquely recognizable, and that’s what I think is gonna be cool and special.” Combine Fosse’s edgy dance moves with his musicals’ provocative themes, and the result is a scintillating, provocative experience for theatregoers. “[Steam Heat] is going to feel so contemporary and so incredibly sexy,”

Steam Heat

The Book of Mormon

Mason Street Warehouse, Saugatuck $26-$42 June 27-29, July 1-2, 4-6, 8-13; show times at 2, 7 & 8 p.m. sc4a.org, (269) 857-2399

Wharton Center, East Lansing June 10-15, show times at 1, 2, 6:30, 7:30 & 8 p.m. $38-150 whartoncenter.com, (517) 353-1982

Stamm said. “I think the situations that [Fosse] dealt with and the themes that he dealt with are very, very timeless. They apply to what’s going on in the world today, they apply to what’s happening in our relationships and our lives, to situations that we are dealing with, and also so much of it is just amazing entertainment, too.” n

Written and composed by the minds behind South Park and Avenue Q, The Book of Mormon boasts 9 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The satirical show features two naïve Mormons who travel to a remote Ugandan village to spread their faith. Unable to relate to a people devastated by war, famine, poverty and AIDS, the missionaries soon discover that sharing The Book of Mormon will be more difficult than they had anticipated.

June 12 5-9pm Ju

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EAT. SHOP. ROCK. JUNE 5, 12, 19 & 26 REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

Missy Black’s

STYLe NOTeS

Ally’s Boutique

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

rue story. Lamenting over the perfect bookcase kept me up at night. That is until I ordered a bookcase from Via Logistics and saved myself the time and gas money and had the item delivered to my home and assembled — all for a very reasonable price. The company provides the greater West Michigan area access to affordable, efficient delivery of IKEA products, so there’s no need to travel to the Canton or Chicago store or overpay in shipping charges. Enjoy instant gratification as deliveries are usually the next day after the shopping trip. “I bring back a little bit of everything. I order a number of sofas,” said Owner James Eldersveld, also mentioning furniture, children’s items, bedding, rugs and popular kitchen items such as towels, glasses, dinnerware and silverware. The business is a result of that excitement IKEA products incite. “I do recall every time I would go there would be some excitement around the trip. A family member or friend mentioned they wished they could go or get something for them.” Well-designed, stylish products can be yours even quicker and the charge is a percentage of the total order with assembly charges depending on the item. Pick up your goods in Grand Rapids or have them delivered to your home. “I like interior design and decorating and making a space look nice and comfortable.” Need a home décor upgrade? You need Via Logistics at viaikea.com

DENYM

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Don’t just buy a pair of jeans — invest in some you’ll love. That’s advice from DENYM, a premium denim shopping experience, featuring the latest in men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, located 443 Bridge St. NW in Grand Rapids, across from Monte’s and O’Tooles. “Denim is at the core of everyone’s wardrobe,” said Steve Harney, who is affiliated with the store along with his wife, owner and operator Katie Harney. “We call it the fabric of everyday life.” The cornerstone of your wardrobe is paired with everyday essentials such as chic tops, T-shirts, button-up shirts and fitted shirts. Accessories include outerwear such as zip-up hoodies, belts, wallets, sunglasses and bags. Expect personal attention to help outfit you with the best style, selection and fit among designer denim in a cool and stylish environment. Whether heading out for the weekend or just grabbing dinner, DENYM seems to fit every walk of life. Call the store at (616) 245-6644. The fashion obsessed and book lovers. These are my people. I’m thinking both groups should check out the Grand Rapids Public Librar y’s Summer Reads program for the book Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell Jr. The book chronicles the true story of reclusive heiress, Huguette Clark, who disappeared from the public in the 1920s. The book details Clark’s devastation over a lost collection of rare and stunning vintage jewelry worth millions (we’re talking tons of pearl and diamond-encrusted items and loads of Cartier). A vintage jewelry talk and appraisal with

Chuck Schoenknecht and Ward Paul ties into the book and discusses different kinds of vintage jewelry and as time permits, takes a look at jewelry from guests. “If you’re interested and have pieces you don’t know about, a good place to start is at the library with books and materials,” said GRPL Marketing and Communications Manger Kristen Krueger-Corrado, who mentions those resources will be on-hand for the event. “Most of us can’t wrap our heads around having so much Cartier jewelry, but you might have a hidden treasure you don’t know about. It’s a mini Antiques Roadshow on vintage jewelry.” Bring some jewelry, be social and talk about the book with fellow guests on June 28 at the Main Library in Grand Rapids from 10 a.m. until noon. Talking style points with Ally Bakrow, the owner of the new store Ally’s Boutique, is like talking to a girl who gets it in terms of fashion and what looks good on women. Her personal style is more sophisticated, classic lines with a twist. She likes updated, but stays away from trends. When talk turns to how women are intimidated to shop, Bakrow dispenses wardrobe tips, advising that she finds each customer’s individual style. “It’s important to have a style rather than wear all different types of things. You get more bang for your buck and your pieces come together.” The boutique prides itself on service and is known for its very large selection of dresses. “I personally love dresses — feminine, fun and flirty dresses and there’s a comfort factor there. They’re easy,” Bakrow said. Look for exciting, exclusive lines of merchandise that you can’t find anyplace else in Grand Rapids, such as handbags from Michigan designer Jenna Kator. There’s even a selection of men’s items with great fitting shirts sporting decorative cuffs. The boutique offers accessories and lots of color this spring. Ally’s Boutique is located on the East Beltline in front of Waterworks Car Wash. Ring them up at (616) 717-0004. n

Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule

JUNE 21 JULY 19 AUGUST 16 CALVIN COLLEGE GEZON AUDITORIUM 3201 BURTON ST SE ALL SHOWS 7:33 PM RIVERCITYIMPROV.COM REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

by Josh Spanninga

comedy

Class Act Neil Hamburger Brings His Refined Comedy to Grand Rapids

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

t would be an understatement to say Neil Hamburger is unlike any other comedian on the circuit today. From his claims of performing 400-plus shows per year to hoarding mixed drinks onstage while delivering obscenity-laced lectures to inattentive audience members, Hamburger has effectively carved out his own strange niche in the comedy world. He attributes much of this success to a strong sense of professionalism and a good wardrobe. “I feel that show business, you do have to treat it like a business, and of course the people that are paying you would like to see some-

46 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2014

body onstage that doesn’t turn their Neil Hamburger stomach because they’re in torn blue wsg Alvarius B jeans with their underwear showing,” The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Hamburger said. “So we do invest very Rapids heavily in good-quality, entertainmentJune 18, 9 p.m. / $15, 21+ type costumes such as tuxedos and pyramidschemebar.com, (616) vests and things like that.” 272-3758 It’s exactly this professional attitude that led to Hamburger’s success, which includes appearances on the “Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!” and Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny to collaborations with various punk rockers such as The Hard-Ons. He has also released quite a prodigious collection of comedy albums on CD, cassette and his most popular medium, vinyl. While Hamburger has pretty much cornered the market of vinyl comedy albums in recent years, he’s open to other methods of production as well. “We’re happy to work in any format that the kids who actually buy this crap are interested in,” he said. Both his recorded material and live sets have made waves in the alternative comedy scene and Hamburger has been referred to by reviewers as an anti-comedian persona. However, he rejects these labels and likens such claims to illicit rumors plastered on bathroom walls. “I can’t agree or disagree with whatever some weirdo says out of one side of his mouth as he’s grabbing somebody’s you-know-what at the urinal next to him,” Hamburger said. Grand Rapids audiences will have the chance to make up their own minds about the comedian’s set when he returns to The Pyramid Scheme on June 18, a venue that holds a special place in his heart. “Now, The Pyramid Scheme, they’ve got good ventilation, it’s a nice temperature in there always,” Hamburger said. “If the weather’s hot, you’ll find it’s very cool inside, and if it’s cold, you’ll find it’s warm inside. So that’s the type of venue that we would like to perform in. That’s a class joint there, some of them are not.” For uninitiated audiences planning on coming to the show, Hamburger has some sound advice to prepare them for his set – mainly, to stay away from greasy foods and chain restaurants. “If you’re going to come to the show, get some carrots,” Hamburger said. “Get some apples. Get some walnuts. Something like that, so you don’t find yourself nauseated from the deep-fryer oil that would be in some of those other things.” n

PHOTO: Robyn Von Swank

REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

indie film

by Josh Spanninga

South Haven Gears up for the Waterfront Film Festival Let’s face it: everyone loves summer. There’s the new-found freedom from academic obligations, plenty of chances to soak up that vitamin D and of course, miles of immaculate beachfront on the West Michigan coast. For hardcore film fans though, it can be a tenuous time. Do you go to the beach and soak up some rays or sit in a dark theatre to experience the latest blockbuster? Do you use your vacation time on a relaxing camping trip, or for a wallet-emptying roadtrip across the U.S. to a purportedly prestigious film festival? We have good news for all West Michigan film aficionados — you can get the best of both worlds.

I Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

t’s no secret that South Haven is one of Michigan’s summer hotspots, and it has the perfect way to usher in its most popular season — the Waterfront Film Festival, running June 12-15. While the festival technically takes place the weekend before summer officially begins, there are still lots of beaches and boardwalks, as well as movies being shown at multiple locations. “The Michigan Theater is a beautiful, historic theater, which we were really interested in, and it has multiple screens and a lot of seating,” said Patrick Revere, media coordinator for WFF. “The other places that were available were just easily converted and made for very nice venues as well.” Originally held in Saugatuck, organizers decided to move to South Haven in 2013 to adapt to a growing audience, and to make the festival more accessible to travelers. It was a major success, though they did have their share of trials and tribulations. “Last year on the opening day, we had the added hurdle of a windstorm the night before and it knocked out power to the whole area, so we had to have generators brought in from the other side of the state,” Revere said. “It was quite an

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endeavor, but we were able to pull it off. We’re hoping things go a little more smoothly this year.” Granted there aren’t any major storms on opening day, this year’s festival will kick off with a beach party on Thursday and will feature live music from Tony Ferrari, as well as a 50-foot inflatable movie screen outside. On Friday, it’s going to be time to get down to business — movies will be shown all across town, so it’s best to have a schedule worked out for optimum viewing pleasure. While the festival is particularly well-known for its documentaries (past years’ films include Black Fish, Man on Wire and March of the Penguins, to name a few), it also boasts an impressive selection of feature-length narrative films, each one preceded by a short, proving this is one fest that truly does run the film fanatic gamut. “We really try to pick a wide variety of genres within films, so that there’s a little bit to choose from for our wide audience,” Revere said. “You know, family friendly all the way to late-night slasher films.” 2014’s lineup is especially impressive. There are, of course, plenty of documentaries covering a vast array of topics, from

The Waterfront Film Festival is kicking off this year with a beach party, featuring live music from Tony Ferrari. PHOTO: ANDREA DIERMEIER Whitey, a film about the conviction of organized crime figure James “Whitey” Bulger, to Love Child, a film about the first fatality attributed to Internet addiction. Narrative films abound as well. The Sublime and the Beautiful follows a married couple’s struggling relationship after the sudden death of their children, and the less serious I Put a Hit On You, a comedy about what happens when you accidentally hire a hitman to kill your ex-boyfriend. And this is only a small taste of the films showing. It takes a lot of work to curate a group of cinematic offerings as diverse as this, but WFF has a dedicated staff devoted to doing what they love most — seeking out, watching and critiquing movies. “We have a nationwide programming committee that works on this pretty much year round,” Revere said. “They look at about 500 movies, and then we end up paring it down and showing about 90 movies total.” If that’s not enough, WFF also has multiple film panels with directors and industry professionals. One thing the they won’t have, however, is any juried prizes. That’s because organizers purposefully create a competition-free environment to enable audiences to just sit back, enjoy the movies and make their own decisions. Besides, with so many good movies all in one place, how could you go wrong? “From my perspective of watching these films, the programmers do such a good job that I’ve never been disappointed,” Revere said. “They do such a good job of picking high-quality films that it would be a nightmare to try and give awards.” For a complete list of films, events, ticket prices and showtimes visit waterfrontfilm.org. n

REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

by Kyle Austin

LIT LIFE

Kentwoodpalooza: Helping Communities to Discover More at the Library

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

efore he was hired as Kent District Library’s Kentwood branch teen librarian, Greg Lewis saw something big at KDL’s Grandville branch. It was an event that featured live music from local teen bands. Once he took on his position as teen librarian, Lewis was inspired to take that teen-band concept further. Three years later, Kentwoodpalooza was born. Now in its fourth year, the free event treats patrons and nonpatrons alike to a daylong celebration of food, family and creative arts while also leading new audiences to see their local library as a hub of community, discovery and learning. If you’re not a library regular, Kentwoodpalooza is the perfect time to find out why you should be. “This event is a way to celebrate the marvelous talent of the young people in our area, but it’s also a way to reach out to the community and let them know that the library is offering them more than they might expect,” Lewis said. Thanks to grant support from the Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA), this year’s Kentwoodpalooza will be the biggest yet, with something for young children, Kentwoodpalooza teens, families and everyone Kent District Library – Kentwood Branch in-between. The atmospheric June 12, 2-8 p.m. folk rock of local upstarts Big kdl.org, (616) 784-2007 Dudee Roo and the playful children’s songs of Jibber Jabber (aka The Cranewives’ Dan Rickibus and friends) will compliment jams from talented teen bands from around the region. As the music plays, area National Art Honor Society students will be painting a huge mural next to the stage in KDL Kentwood’s beautiful outdoor amphitheater. Inside, the winners of KDL’s annual Word-Wise Teen Poetry Contest share their work, and all of the entries from the KDL Teen Film Festival, held during the winter, are screened. There will also be a host of interactive workshops, including poetry and prose writing, online publishing, songwriting, painting and guitar playing. “The MCACA chose to support us because we’re engaging people with arts in their community,” Lewis said. “We want people who have incorporated art into their lives to share their experiences and their knowledge with others who are looking to do the same.” With Kentwoodpalooza coinciding with the end of the K-12 school year, Lewis also sees the event as a catalyst for increased participation in KDL’s Summer Reading Program. Enrollment numbers have been increasing steadily each year, as has attendance for the event, which means more and more people are finding out just how incredible of a resource KDL really is.

50 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2014

“Even before I was an employee here I’ve always argued that the library is dollar for dollar the best return on our tax investment,” Lewis said. The numbers back him up. Each of the approximately 148,000 households in KDL’s jurisdiction receive an average of $1000 worth of service for a $70 investment via property taxes through free access to the internet, the latest in fiction, non-fiction and reference books, DVDs, newspapers, the state’s largest collection of e-books and an unparalleled lineup of all-ages programming. “The library is a safe, welcoming environment where people can explore and experience different things,” Lewis said. “That’s a big part of how we learn and grow as individuals.” n

Other Literary Events GR Reads Presents: An Evening with Lucy Knisley

Grand Rapids Public Library — Main Branch June 17, 7 p.m. grpl.org, (616) 988-5400 As a part if its summer-long GR Reads initiative, the Grand Rapids Public Library welcomes graphic novelist Lucy Knisley for a special presentation. Come hear her talk about the art of writing a graphic novel and her crazy experiences living in Paris for six weeks with her mom.

GR Reads Presents: An Evening with Lori Nelson Spielman

Grand Rapids Public Library — Main Branch June 26, 7 p.m. grpl.org, (616) 988-5400 The other GR Reads visiting author for June, Michigander Lori Nelson Spielman, will give a presentation on the inspiration for her debut novel, The Life List. As a teacher accustomed to giving homework, Nelson Spielman will give each audience member his or her own ‘life list’ to complete.

Put Up or Shut Up Open Mic Series

The Mix, 2804 West Michigan, Kalamazoo Tuesdays, 9 p.m.-12 a.m. facebook.com/ PutUpOrShutUpOpenMic Led by Mitch “PoetLikePoe” Burns and Marcel “Fabel” Price of local spoken-word collective The Diatribe, Put Up or Shut Up brings the same raw energy of Stella’s Lounge’s now-infamous Drunken Retort to Kalamazoo. Showcase your spokenword chops in this anything goes open mic event.

REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

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Restaurant listings arranged by region

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

Big Bob’s Pizza 661 Croswell Dr. 616-233-0123 ITALIAN. Located in Gaslight Village in East Grand Rapids (across from Jersey

Big O Café 80 Ottawa NW. 616-451-1887 ITALIAN. The downtown (and downstairs) restaurant has a reliable menu featuring pizza, pasta, and sandwiches that are Italian and Cuban influenced. A great spot for lunch or a quick glass of wine and plate of pasta before a downtown event. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Dead Head Vegetarian Pizza, Cuban dinners on Friday nights.

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 Cuisine is a hot spot for those who like to add a little flavor to their lives. With a lunch buffet served every weekday, this restaurant provides its eaters with an array of traditional Indian cuisine. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Naan, Butter Chicken. Brewery Vivant 925 Cherry St. SE. 616-719-1604 BREWPUB. Housed in a former funeral chapel, Brewery Vivant crafts Belgianstyle ales with a focus on barrel aging. The brewpub also brings Belgian tradition when it comes to food, featuring French and Belgian-style meals to pair perfectly with the beer. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The Burger 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. Chapbook Café 2660 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids. 616-942-0595. CAFE. Take a break from browsing the shelves at Schuler Books with a homemade selection of soups, sandwiches and quiches. Soups are prepared in-house daily and served with fresh baked bread to accompany a small-but-elegant sandwich menu. Try a quiche or traditional Italian Panini grilled on fresh ciabatta bread, or for a quick bite, grab a bagel or scone from the dessert case. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days GO THERE FOR: Homemade soups and sandwiches

CitySen Lounge 83 Monroe Center St. NW. 616-608-1720 AMERICAN. CitySen Lounge, located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, is a bar with a big-city feel, offering exciting options for lunch, dinner and breakfast on the weekends. The focus is on fresh ingredients and a full bar with local brews, wine and creative cocktails. » SERVING: Weekend Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Daily happy hour Cork Wine & Grille 1600 Galbraith Ave SE. 616-949-0570 AMERICAN. If you’re a wino (it’s OK to admit it), Cork is your kind of joint. Fresh food plus the biggest wine list in the Grand Rapids area can only equal a successful night out. And don’t worry if you’re new to wine, the staff knows enough about it to help you pick the perfect accompaniment for your meal. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days GO THERE FOR: Adult Mac N’ Cheese 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. The Cottage Bar 18 Lagrave Ave. SE. 616-454-9088 AMERICAN. The Cottage Bar is the oldest operating restaurant and bar in downtown Grand Rapids. Come in for the Cottage Burger, smothered with green olives, bacon, lettuce, tomato, hickory mayonnaise and Swiss and American cheeses. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays GO THERE FOR: The Cottage Burger. Cygnus 27 Cornucopia 187 Monroe Ave. NW. 616-776-6425 ECLECTIC. Enjoy 187 skyline Monroeas Ave. 616-774-2000 DELI. A refreshing the youNW. dine atop the Glass Tower. Indulge option for on-the-go, or casual, fare. deli in a variety of globally infusedlighter dishes at Enjoy this AAA options such asrestaurant. homemadeCasual soups,attire; salads, Four-Diamond no Panini jacket sandwiches and freshly brewed gourmet»coffee. SERVING: required. Private dining also available. SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Open 7 days.FOR: GO Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE THERE FOR: Sandwiches. Seasonal Sunday Brunch.

REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule

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.

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?).

REVUE’s dining listings are compiled by staff and minions. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of restaurants in the region. For an expanded list, be on the lookout for new and improved dining changes on our revamped website, revuewm. com. The listings are not intended to be reviews of West Michigan restaurants, although we will inject some opinions into the listings based on staff experiences and personal preferences. To submit or to correct information in a dining listing, e-mail editor@revuewm.com.

Dining Fire Rock Grille 7111 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Caledonia Township 616-6569898 AMERICAN. If you’re looking for food with a twist, FireRock Grille could be your place. Sandwiches and burgers are some staples, but offerings are vast and utilize seasonal ingredients. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner. OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Customizable Steaks. Founders Brewing Company 235 Grandville SW. 616-776-1195 BREWPUB. A beerlover’s paradise with a national reputation for flavorful, award-winning beers. Likewise, the brewpub’s menu consists mainly of flavorful handcrafted deli sandwiches that can stand up and complement the beers (or vice versa). »SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Award-winning beer, handcrafted sandwiches.

Black-Eyed Pea Sauté at The Union. PHOTO: Kelli Belanger

Gluten Free Girl: The Union Cabaret & Grille

he Union Cabaret & Grille features no shortage

of impeccable Southern flare. Chefs who got their start in places like New Orleans and Kansas City have put together a menu that features showstoppers like St. Louis-style ribs and Gumbo. Also available are six different barbeque sauces, all gluten free. The Black-Eyed Pea Sauté – one of the most well-presented meals I’ve had in some time – is an artful mixture of earthy greens and veggies. Gluten free and vegan, this dish comprises a sauté of black-eyed peas, smoked tofu, vegetables and spices served with braised greens. Add the sweet potato mash as your second side option and you’ve got quite a flavorful combination. Other gluten free sides include dry fried okra, cornbread muffins and the fresh veggie of the day. Be sure to check out The Union’s online calendar to pair your dinner with a rousing evening of Southern-style jazz. —Kelli Belanger

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

125 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, millenniumrestaurantgroup.com, (269) 384-6756 Item: Black-Eyed Pea Sauté, Price: $9.95

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 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. Catch the big game on one of GP Sports’ 30 televisions, including a big screen for optimal game viewing. This colorful and casual restaurant not only caters to sports fans, but also features top-notch burgers, pizzas and specialty drinks. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. 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.

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.

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Fajita Republic Cantina 2183 E. Beltline Ave. 616-272-3047 MEXICAN. A fresh twist on Mexican-inspired cuisine, Fajita Republic uses farm-fresh vegetables, never-frozen meats and lime-squeezed margaritas. Fajita entrees are flamed table-side and the owners promise there are no microwaves used at Fajita Republic, ensuring that all meals are made fresh. Additionally, there are 101 tequila varieties, as well as Mexican craft beers, wine and specialty drinks. » SERVING Lunch Dinner. OPEN: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fajitas, Tequila

Grand Rapids Brewing Company 1 Ionia Ave SW. 616-458-7000 BREWPUB. Good for the environment and your palate, GRBC is Michigan’s first certified organic brewery and features a menu stocked with locally grown ingredients. With a diverse selection of beers on tap inspired by historical Grand Rapids figures and a hearty array of burgers, melts and hand-cranked sausages, this place represents the best of the 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.

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.

Green Restaurant 2289 E Beltline Ave. NE Ste. 8, Grand Rapids. 616447-8294 ORGANIC. The first of its kind, at least in this area, Green Restaurant uses nothing but all-natural and organic ingredients. This includes everything from fruit, vegetables, meat and cheese to juice, ice cream and more. It’s a restaurant where almost anyone with a unique diet could find something to eat within their specifications. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Monday GO THERE FOR: Sandwiches, soups, burgers, smoothies/juice blends. The Green Well 924 Cherry SE. 616-808-3566 Eclectic. REVUE’s “Free Market” columnist Steven de Polo writes, “Green Well is the best restaurant in GR.” The East Hills gastro-pub serves up an ever-changing menu featuring local ingredients, and a wide array of local craft brews and wines. The green refers also to the LEED© certified building and management’s commitment to a small carbon footprint. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Baked local goat cheese, Michigan maple whiskey chicken over risotto.

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

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.

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.

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. 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. Reds on the River 8 E Bridge St #100, Rockford. 616-863-8181 AMERICAN. Relaxed ambiance, great food and a view of the river equate to an enjoyable time out. With quality food and fresh ingredients you’re sure to find a meal that tickles your fancy. Staff is trained to help you should you encounter unfamiliar territory. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days GO THERE FOR: Red’s Steak Burger

Reserve 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

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. Marie Catrib’s 1001 Lake Dr. 616-454-4020 ECLECTIC. The East Hills eatery makes everything from scratch with local ingredients, and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Get there early for lunch, as there is almost always a wait. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Salads, soups and sandwiches. Mixology 235 Louis St. NW. 616-242-1448 LOUNGE. Casual, upscale service and atmosphere allows guests to relax and enjoy the city views. This type of service allows guests to complete business tasks while still enjoying the accessibility to great food and libations. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Specialty cocktails. O’Toole’s 448 Bridge St. 616-742-6095 PUB. This West side pub 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.

Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule

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. One Trick Pony 136 E. Fulton. 616-235-7669 AMERICAN. Connected to The Cottage Bar, One Trick Pony offers an eclectic American menu that ranges from salads, fish, pizza, homemade soups and more. Pair the food with live music, which OTP features weekly. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Eclectic pizzas. The Pita House

OUTDOOR FARMER’S MARKET OPEN TUES & SAT 9A-2P, THURS 4P-7P

REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

Taste This

by Alexandra Kadlec

Turn Up the Heat: Spicy Picks for Summer

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

Gambas Asada al Fuego at San Chez Bistro.

It’s an optimistic time of year. The days are noticeably longer and temperatures are getting warmer. Not that you need to rely on the weather to heat things up — a spicy bite or sip can do the trick just as well. Maybe you’re a novice who’s adventurous enough to step out of your comfort zone and kick things up a notch. Or you fall on the other end of the spectrum, an unabashed spice fiend who just can’t get enough of the hot stuff. No matter what your level of spice tolerance is, we’re giving you a variety of satisfying options that will warm your belly and add some pizzazz to your plate (or glass). And because requesting just the right amount is often the hardest call to make, we’ve doled out a bit of advice on that, too.

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Gambas Asadas Al Fuego

San Chez Bistro, 38 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids Here’s a dish that’s light on spice (more zing than ‘dang!’) and, we’re guessing, delicious no matter what your culinary tastes might be. A skillet of spicy fire-roasted shrimp doused in banana mustard cream is accompanied by fluffy white rice that’s perfect for soaking it all up. If you’re in the mood for another spicy shareable, order the Medjool Rellenas Picantes. These stuffed dates become spectacular with the addition of lamb, chorizo, bacon, beef and spicy harissa sauce.

BLiS Blast! Hot Wings

tequila, cointreau, pickled beet juice and hand-pressed lemon and lime juice for a distinctly handcrafted flavor. The bartender might inquire if you want it spicy; ask for a splash and you’ll avoid overpowering all of the other good flavors in this drink. If you decide to stay for a snack or meal, consider requesting some of Terra’s homemade hot sauce as a topper (to most anything). Not for the faint of heart.

Peanut Noodle Curry

Old Dog Tavern, 402 E Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo Another cocktail that cranks up the ‘interesting’ factor, especially with a tagline of sweet ‘n’ spicy, just like the gals in Kalamazoo. Muddled habanero pepper gets tossed in with Journeyman, White Rye Whiskey, pineapple juice, fresh-squeezed lime juice and simple syrup. Yep, this is a drink that’s got a whole lot going on.

Food Dance, 401 E. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo Classic comfort food suddenly feels a bit upscale — and on fire. Locally focused eatery Food Dance serves up farm chicken with Gorgonzola remoulade and BliS Blast! hot pepper sauce, made up of a ‘secret’ blend of chipotle, arbol and cayenne chilies, along with some unique barrel-aged flavors. You know this is the good stuff.

Angel’s Thai Café, 136 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids There are lots of options to choose from at Angel’s Thai Café, and anything can be made to your level of spicy taste (from a scale of 1–10). We recommend the Peanut Noodle Curry, a dish that’s typically sweet and mild. Ramping up this combo of broccoli, bean sprouts, bell peppers and green beans — all stir fried in a peanut curry sauce — adds some edge to it. (Just don’t ask for higher than 8.)

(Spicy) Beet Margarita

Blis Blast! Hot Wings at Food Dance.

Photo: Eric Lee

Terra, 1429 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids Quite possibly Terra’s most beloved and out-of-the-ordinary cocktail, the Beet Margarita blends together Sauza Blanco

I’ve Got a Gal

Spicy Bark

Grocer’ s Daughter Chocolate at the Downtown Market, 435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Spice doesn’t have to be segregated from sweets. A 70 percent dark chocolate bar gets a new personality with ancho chili, aleppo pepper and guajillo chili. As if

Dining

that weren’t enough, this treat is covered in guajillo chili powder, cocoa nibs and smoked sea salt. Equally scrumptious as dessert or an afternoon snack.

sec, and sour mix for a taste that’s both refreshing and just a bit rowdy. The perfect ending to a Lake Michigan beach day.

Summery Cocktails

City Flats Hotel, 24 E 8th St, Holland If the word ‘sangria’ conjures up the cheap punch-y version known to college house parties, this one’s bound to impress. It’s got White Zinfandel, Peach Schnapps, strawberry puree, Sprite, and fresh fruit. For round two, try the Pineapple Mango Sangria, another great choice with Pinot Grigio, Pineapple Van Gogh Vodka, mango puree, ginger ale, and fresh fruit.

We all have our favorites when it comes to booze, and, we get it, frou-frou cocktails may not be at the top of your list. But you can get away with ordering them in the summer, so hey, why not get into the seasonal spirit? We think it’s a good time to lighten up your drink with some refreshingly fun flavors. You’ll feel like you’re on vacation, even if you’re just out on the town. Here’s a list of specialty cocktails that will put you in a sunny mood — and they might even inspire you to create your own summery concoctions at home.

Coconut Lime Mojito

Rockwells Republic, 45 S Division Ave, Grand Rapids Get a taste of the tropics with this unique take on a classic warm-weather drink. It’s got Bacardi Limon, Malibu, lime drop, and fresh mint. Drop in on a Wednesday and enjoy this (or any other) mojito for just $5. 9pm-midnight only.

Wild Dog Lemonade

The Wild Dog Grille, 24 Center St, Douglas It’s not summer without lemonade. Childhood nostalgia suddenly feels all grown-up with this libation. Lemon-lime soda is joined by Jack Daniels, triple

Strawberry Peach Sangria

Republic Margarita

Fajita Republic Cantina, 2183 East Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids Here’s your classic with just a bit more zest — house reposado tequila and orange liquer shaken with a house-made limeade. If you’re up for something a little different to wash down your order of chips and guacamole, try the Beer-garita instead. It’s listed as a “house margarita with an upside down Coronita.” You just might be upside down after a few!

Mint Julep

Food Dance, 401 E Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo Just because you’re not at the Kentucky Derby doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy its traditional drink of choice. This cocktail has the only three ingredients you’ll need: bourbon, sugar, and fresh mint. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the longest days of the year. n

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 York-style, 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. Rush Creek Bistro 624 Port Sheldon St. SW, Grandville 616-457-1100 AMERICAN. Rush Creek Bistro prides itself on having something for everyone. Although the atmosphere is casual, Rush Creek offers a variety of quality options that won’t leave you unsatisfied. From pizza to steak, you’ll find what you’re looking for at a fair price. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The wet burrito. Ruth’s Chris Steak House 187 Monroe Avenue NW. 616-776-6426 STEAKHOUSE. Serving only the best steaks, Ruth’s Chris hand-selects its steaks from the top 2% of the country’s beef, which is then broiled to perfection at 1800 degrees. Enjoy the freshest seafood, classic sides and homemade desserts that satisfy any craving. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays. GO THERE FOR: Steak.

San Chez 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.

I’ve got a Gal (created by Angie Jackson, pictured) at Old Dog Tavern. Photo: Fran Dwight

The Score 5301 Northland Dr. NE. 616-301-0600 SPORTS BAR. Multi-faceted restaurant and sports bar has a lot to offer, including expansive menu with discount options, happy hour specials, countless big screen TVs broadcasting big games and UFC matches, outdoor beach volleyball and live

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. Speak EZ Lounge 600 Monroe Ave. NW. 616-458-3125 ECLECTIC. While this lounge may be modeled after the year 1933, its food is not. Speak EZ Lounge offers a variety of food for all to enjoy whether you’re omnivore, vegan or gluten free. Come in for a bite of Rustic Sage Risotto that goes perfectly with one of the lounges signature drinks. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: The diverse menu 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 and other classic beers 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. Tavern on the Square 100 Ionia Ave. SW. 616-456-7673 ECLECTIC. The refashioned 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. Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill 760 Butterworth St. SW. 616-272-3910 AMERICANA. You might walk into Tip Top for the cheap happy hour specials or one of the many rockabilly acts. But get comfortable with one of the venue’s signature menu items. Get classic with a sandwich or burger, but we recommend immersing yourself fully in GR’s west side and ordering Tip Top’s Polish Plate. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Dinner, drinks and a show. The Winchester 648 Wealthy St. SE. 616-451-4969 ECLECTIC. 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 2014 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule

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.

music in the summer … the list goes on. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Sports bar atmosphere.

/// Local Brews

by Ben Darcie

Brew of the Month

Griffin Claw El Rojo Amber This amber ale presents an orchestration of dynamic flavors without ever losing its balance. The beer pours a deep amber/ copper with an off-white head that smells of sweet malt, some nuttiness and dried fruit. The body is full of middle-malt complexity, dipping into amber tones alongside a lightly bitter hop backbone that rolls right into the finish.

Beer News & Events

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

The American Homebrewer’s Association National Homebrewer’s Conference happens in Grand Rapids June 12-14. The AHA brings thousands of avid homebrewers to Grand Rapids for a half week of seminars and events. Visit ahaconference. org for more information. Lansing Beer Fest takes place June 28 and features more than 50 Michigan craft beers, food trucks, live music, vendors and more. Visit lansingbeerfest.com for more information. Elk Brewing (700 Wealthy St., Grand Rapids) opened in early May, with 5 beers on tap and seating for 80 people. The brewery is also planning a beer garden, which will double the amount of seating. Food is available from next door neighbor Jonny B’z.

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Photo: Wildflower Studios

Brewery Spotlight:

IPA. Other beers on at the time of my visit included Peach Molly, a barrel-aged Belgian golden aged on ginger and fresh peaches, Lunch Break IPA, a session IPA, Accellerator Stout, Ryeot Pale Ale brewed with rye and another West Coast IPA called Grunter. “Nothing we do is crazy experimental,” Hoffman said. “The beers are recognizable to property to suit their needs. With this stroke of a new craft beer drinker and adventurous for generosity, Unruly found a home. someone looking for something different.” “Generally, most of the beers I make are Customer demand has been taxing on the more on the flavorful side,” Hoffman said. brewery’s small system, and they already have “Our American ales are all stylistically a little plans to upgrade the current system to handle higher alcohol, a little more hops in our stouts, 5bbls at a time. along with roast. We’re definitely trying to cre“It’s April, and we’re on our 105th batch ate different flavors.” already,” Hoffman said. “We went for several They completed installing the 3.5bbl bremonths brewing six times a week – only after I whouse (117.25 gallons) and Hoffman quickly asked other people [in the industry] how often took to brewing in anticipation of opening. The they were brewing did I realize staff had been hired, the beer how full steam ahead we were was ready and so was the thirsty 360 W Western Ave., Muskegon rocking.” public. Unruly Brewing officially (231) 288-1068 , unrulybrewAside from the minor opened on November 27, 2013. ing.com brewhouse expansion and the “We knew there was a deHours: Tues.-Thurs. 3-10 p.m., already-startling growth within mand for craft beer, but we never Fri.-Sat. noon-midnight, Sun. the building itself, Unruly is pictured the positive response noon-7 p.m. turning its sights to the outfrom the community we got,” doors, opening a new outdoor Hoffman said. “Lines around the beer garden this month. block waiting to get in here – the first couple “We’re going to continue to invest in more weeks we were open [we were] just pouring beer equipment and more people, and continue to as fast as we could, which was cool. As far as grow organically,” Hoffman said. “Just keep on how that’s continued, we’ve far, far passed what plugging away and getting our beer in front of we thought we were going to do.” people.” Unruly has six taps and a few maintsays Unruly has entered limited distribution that include the 1890 Pre-Prohibition Cream and looks forward to being on tap at local craft Ale, an American stout named Foundry Stout and a West Coast-style IPA called Rebel Rouser beer bars. n

Unruly Brewing

e ff Jacobson spe n ds h i s days as an attorney, but one who harbored a secret desire: to open a brewery. However, it wasn’t a task to be accomplished on his own. He had been doing some trademarking work for his soon-to-be business partner, Mark Gongalski, to whom he expressed his interest to open a brewery. They joined forces but were missing a crucial piece, the brewer. As fate would have it, Gongalski’s neighbor, Eric Hoffman, was an avid homebrewer, brewing around four times a week out of his home. Gongalski quickly picked up Hoffman as Unruly’s head brewer. Investor Mike Brown then joined the partnership and with all pieces in place, the next challenge was waiting for them: location. “From day one, it was going to be Muskegon,” Hoffman said. “That’s where we’re all from. ... I saw so many people from Muskegon who were happy to drive to Oddside, to Founders twice a week – willing to make the trip for good beer. We knew the market was here.” Many potential sites proved troublesome, presenting renovation difficulties. It was property owner Gary Prost who changed the tide, offering to renovate the space in his downtown

learn it. brew it. drink it. Gravel Bottom where a Home Brewer recipe is always on tap, and fresh home brewing supplies are waiting to be brewed. Come enjoy a rotating selection of craft brews, pick up tips from the brewers and design your own beer.

Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule

418 ADA DRIVE SE, ADA GRAVELBOTTOM.COM 616.920.7398 TUES-THUR 2PM-11PM FRI & SAT 11AM-12AM

REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

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 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. Happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, which includes half-off appetizers and $1 off drafts. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: 28 taps of craft beer, hometown atmosphere. 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.

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

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.

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CityVu Bistro 61 E 7th Street, Holland. 616-796-2114 AMERICAN. CityVu Bistro is a distinctive rooftop dining experience in downtown Holland. Fryers and frozen foods are out; fresh gourmet flatbreads and an array of seasonal entrees are in. The contemporary-yet-casual atmosphere, full bar and unique menus make it the ideal spot for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: flatbreads

Courses 336 W. Clay Ave., Muskegon. 231-777-6610 ECLECTIC. Courses is one-part restaurant, one-part classroom, and a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Staffed and operated by students from The Culinary Institute of Michigan, Courses is open to the public and offers full kitchen, dining, bar, and beverage services. Featuring casual, contemporary bistro styling, the restaurant seats 72 guests and the intimate bar area seats six. The menu changes with the curriculum to draw on a broad range of cultures, cuisines, culinary styles and skills. » SERVING: Lunch

OPEN ON: Closed Sundays GO THERE FOR: An intimate dining experience. Everyday People Cafe 11 Center St., Douglas. 269-857-4240 AMERICAN. REVUE Publisher Brian Edwards calls Everyday People Café his favorite restaurant along the lakeshore. The atmosphere is casual and upbeat, the staff knows its stuff about wine and food, and the seasonal menu is filled with meticulously prepared, eclectic comfort food like Butternut Squash Risotto, Braised Lamb Shank and Ahi Tuna. A great wine list and tremendous desserts. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Gorgonzola Pork Chop, Greek Salad with Grandma Gigi’s Dressing (Edwards). Fricano’s Pizza Tavern 1400 Fulton Ave., Grand Haven. 616-842-8640 ITALIAN. Claims to be the first pizzeria in Michigan, but customers care less about its longevity than the amazingly crispy thin crust and simple ingredients atop its much-lauded pies. Four other locations around West MI, including Comstock Park, Muskegon, Holland and Kalamazoo. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza. 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. 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.

REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

Dining Piper Restaurant 2225 South Shore Drive, Holland. 616-335-5866 AMERICAN. Upscale-but-casual spot located on Lake Macatawa, offering great views from virtually every table. Menu includes tastefully prepared items like Almond Crusted Walleye and Grilled Pork Loin, as well as wood-fired pizzas. Reservations are welcomed. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Almond Crusted Walleye. Salt of the Earth 114 East Main St., Fennville. 269-561-7258 AMERICAN. Salt of the Earth is a farm-to-table-inspired restaurant, bar, and bakery located in the heart of SW Michigan farm country in Fennville. Focuses on fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients whenever possible. Also serves up live music on weekends. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: House made rustic cuisine. Saugatuck Brewing Company 2948 Blue Star Highway. 269-857-7222 BREWPUB. Enjoy a traditional Irish-style pub that features quality beer, wine, food and service. Try one of 12 unique brews that are served in the pub and bottled and distributed throughout the Midwest. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Beer in a family friendly pub environment.

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

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

D O W N TO W N

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.

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

G R A N D

R A P I D S

616.608.1720 / www.cityflatshotel.com

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Bravo! 5402 Portage Rd., Kalamazoo 269-344-7700 ITALIAN. Much-lauded restaurant has earned its stripes over 23 years as one of the region’s best dining experiences, including a 3-star rating in the 2010 Forbes Travel Guide. The Tuscaninspired 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Vegan friendly & gluten-free options available!

Second location coming soon!

616-356-2573

Thai Sweet Basil

Galangal

Thai Lemon Bail

Lemongrass

Ginger Thai Holy Basil

Gluten Free

k ceboo

FREE

950 Wealthy St. SE Suite 1A, Grand Rapids, MI • (T) 616-356-2573 • (F) 616-356-2574 Mon.-Thurs. 11am-9pm Fri.-Sat. 11am-10pm • Sun. 12am-9pm • www.erbthaigr.com Major Credit Cards are Accepted • Catering is available

Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

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

sunday

6.01

Barn Theatre The Great Big Bar Show Billy’s Lounge Revival: 80’s Night Foundry Hall Mike Compton wsg Pine Lunch Frederik Meijer Gardens Santana, Bernar Venet, David Nash GRAM GRAM Selects ArtPrize 2013: Encore, Michigan Artist Series, Michigan Modern Design GR Public Museum Dream It Build It The Intersection Black Star Riders KIA Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany Kzoo Expo Center Circus Pages Kzoo State Theatre Old Crow Medicine Show Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition: All-Michigan Edition, Interference Pool

Old Dog Tavern Seventh Son Blues Jam Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Festival Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski, The Double Weko Beach Campground Weko Beach Concert Series

monday

6.02

Billy’s Lounge Bassbin Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit Kent District Library: EngelhardtLowell Branch Foraging: Wild Plants for Food and Medicine

Knickerbocker Theatre The Face of Love KzooPublic Library - Oshtemo Branch A Midsummer Night’s Dream Rockford Brewing Company Open Mic night with Swingtooth Saugatuck Center for the Arts Material Girls: Quilts by Judith Jarzembowski and Rugs by Judy Bowman Anthrop

tuesday

6.03

Barn Theatre The Great Big Bar Show Billy’s Lounge Deep Down Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash GRAM GRAM Selects ArtPrize 2013: Encore, Michigan Modern Design GR Public Museum Dream It Build It

Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit Kent District Library - East Grand Rapids Branch Floral Bouquet Creations KIA ARTbreak: Navigating Grief & Loss through Art Therapy, Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany Knickerbocker Theatre The Face of Love Koning Micro-Cinema CYC Book Release Party Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool Old Dog Tavern Tom Duffield, Open Mic with Branden Mann Salt of the Earth The Appleseed Collective Saugatuck Center for the Arts Material Girls: Quilts by Judith Jarzembowski and Rugs by Judy Bowman Anthrop Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Red Elvises Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski, The Double Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: American Psycho

wednesday

6.04

Barn Theatre The Great Big Bar Show Billy’s Lounge Campus Karaoke

The Curragh The Sanger Brothers Perform Foundry Hall Song Swap Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash GRAM Michigan Modern Design GR Civic Theatre 9 to 5 The Musical GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit The Intersection Unearth Kent District Library - Grandville Branch Designing a New Kitchen Garden KIA Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany Knickerbocker Theatre The Face of Love LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Mulligan’s Pub The Snails & The Cemetery Circus Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool New Holland Brewing Company New Holland Beer Run The Pyramid Scheme Gringo Star, The Harlequins, Heaters Saugatuck Center for the Arts Material Girls: Quilts by Judith Jarzembowski and Rugs by Judy Bowman Anthrop The Union Cabaret & Grille Jazz Mix Night UICA Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski, The Double

thursday

6.05

Arcadia Creek Festival Site Kalamazoo Greek Festival Barn Theatre The Great Big Bar Show Billy’s Lounge The 90’s Holla Back! Circle Theatre Don’t Dress For Dinner Czar’s 505 Comedy Night featuring Mike Moses and Mike Green Dee Light Grand Haven Hatter Days Dr. Grins Godfrey Founders Henhouse Prowlers Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash GRAM Michigan Modern Design GR Civic Theatre 9 to 5 The Musical GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Hart, Mich. National Asparagus Festival Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit Howmet Playhouse Taste of White Lake - A Fundraiser for Howmet Playhouse KIA Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany Kirby Grill Rich Burkholder Knickerbocker Theatre The Face of Love The Livery Mike Struwin LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Mulligan’s Pub The Hat Madder Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool

Best Bet: Rock

CAKE

PHOTO: TIM JACKSON

REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule

Let’s be honest here: all any of us really wants is a band with a short skirt and a long CAKE jacket. Or, at least, a band who will sing about Frederik Meijer Gardens, these clothing items, because we’ve long been Grand Rapids led to believe that such a combo is dead sexy. June 12, 7 p.m. Particularly on a lady who happens to be chang- $50 for members, $52 ing her name from Kitty to Karen. Well, anyway, for public you see where we’re going with this. And if you meijergardens.org, don’t, woe be on to you and your CAKE-free (616) 957-1580 upbringing. Since 1991, when you had to actually send a fax if you wanted to communicate a sideways smiley face, the band every diabetic loves to hate or hates to love has been churning out a series of quirky, delicious pop hits. With this sheet of CAKE, every slice is a corner piece, and no section ever skimps on frosting. Basically, why wouldn’t you drag your bakery-loving butt out to this show? Go the distance, man. Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

Schedule Outdoor Discovery Center Soar Into Summer Rockford Brewing Company Big Dudee Roo Saugatuck Brewing The Trace Saugatuck Center for the Arts Material Girls: Quilts by Judith Jarzembowski and Rugs by Judy Bowman Anthrop Spectrum Theatre Actors’ Theatre Presents Grey Gardens The Musical The Union Cabaret & Grille WMU School of Music (Jazz Mix) UICA Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski, The Double Wealthy Theatre Constance and the Perpetual Motion Machine: Rough House Theatre

friday

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

6.06

Arcadia Creek Festival Site Kalamazoo Greek Festival Avenue for the Arts First Friday Gallery Hop The B.O.B Brewery Acoustic Series: Nate Kalish and The Last Callers, Global Village Barn Theatre The Great Big Bar Show Billy’s Lounge Hannah Rose and the Gravestones Cancun Connection Bar & Grill The Shiznit Circle Theatre Don’t Dress For Dinner The Curragh The Moxie Strings Czar’s 505 Indika DeVos Performance Hall Bill O’Reilly & Dennis Miller ‘Bolder & Fresher Tour’ Downtown Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts Downtown Holland ‘Remember When’ Cruise & Car Show Dr. Grins Godfrey Farmers Alley Theatre Cabaret Foundry Hall Ivan Akansiima, Tunebugs Frauenthal Theatre Music City Hitmakers Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash GRAM Michigan Modern Design, What Floats Your Boat? GR Civic Theatre 9 to 5 The Musical GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Hart, Mich. National Asparagus Festival

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Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit KIA ArtsFair, Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany Kirby Grill Three’s a Crowd Knickerbocker Theatre The Face of Love LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Mulligan’s Pub Invisible Mansion Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool, A Night on the Riviera: Muskegon Museum of Art 102nd Anniversary Gala Old Dog Tavern Art Hop with Amelia Hanson Real Fantastics Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet The Pyramid Scheme Lyrics Born Rockford Brewing Company The Moonrays Saugatuck Center for the Arts Material Girls: Quilts by Judith Jarzembowski and Rugs by Judy Bowman Anthrop Seven Steps Up Jetty Rae with The Accidentals Shakespeare’s Lower Level Country Night Spectrum Theatre Actors’ Theatre Presents Grey Gardens The Musical The Union Cabaret & Grille Cliff Erickson UICA Con Artist Crew Present: COMMIX, Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Locke, Mid-Century Alchemy, The Double

saturday

6.07

Arcadia Creek Festival Site Kalamazoo Greek Festival The B.O.B Brewery Acoustic Series: Dustin Mason, The Mainstays Barn Theatre The Great Big Bar Show Barnes and Noble Rivertown Author signing and talk Barbara Rylko-Bauer Billy’s Lounge Battle of the Bands Bistro Bella Vita Local First Street Party Cancun Connection Bar & Grill The Shiznit Circle Theatre Don’t Dress For Dinner The Curragh Aidan O’Toole Czar’s 505 Megan Rae Band District Square Spazmatics Double JJ Resort Summer Series Rodeo

Downtown Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts Dr. Grins Godfrey Farmers Alley Theatre Cabaret Founders Brewery ConvoTronics Foundry Hall Brad Cole Frauenthal Theatre Music City Hitmakers Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash GRAM Michigan Modern Design, What Floats Your Boat? GR Civic Theatre 9 to 5 The Musical GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Hart, Mich. National Asparagus Festival Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit KIA ArtsFair, Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany Knickerbocker Theatre The Face of Love Kzoo Expo Center Indian Artifact Show ‘Native American,’ Michigan Horse Drawn Vehicles Association, Super Summer Flea & Antique Market Kzoo Public Library Bag-of-Books Sale Little River Casino Resort The Mavericks The Livery The Smoking Flowers LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Mangia Mangia Herbie Russ Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool New Holland Brewing Company Hatter Days Old Dog Tavern Duffield Caron Project Big Mont and the Next Generation The Park Theatre Maybe Next Time Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet The Pyramid Scheme Adventures, Good Day Good Sir, Somos, Runaway Brother, Odd Dates Saugatuck Brewing The Accidentals Shakespeare’s Lower Level South County Band Spectrum Theatre Actors’ Theatre Presents Grey Gardens The Musical The Union Cabaret & Grille Cliff Erickson Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish The Bitters Dave Vacant and the Troubled Troubadors and Short Hair Domestics UICA Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski,

Blitzen Trapper

PHOTO: ROBBIE AUGSPURGER

Best Bet: Indie With this year being the 20-year anniversary Blitzen Trapper wsg of Kurt Cobain’s suicide, a renewed interest in all The Parkington Sisters, things Sub Pop records has seemed all but inevitable. Nathan Kalish and the Lucky for modern Sub-Poppers Blitzen Trapper, who, in Lastcallers just a shade over a decade as a performing outfit, have The Pyramid Scheme, found themselves sharing more than just a record label Grand Rapids in common with Nirvana and its legendary ilk. Often deJune 11, 8:30 p.m., $15 scribed as experimental, with an angling toward more of (616) 272-3758 a country twang than a snarling punk riff, the Blitz boys pyramidschemebar.com don’t find musical DNA in common with the grunge era. They are, however, native Portlanders, and thus bear an acute understanding of the pivotal role the Pacific Northwest has long played in the shaping of American musical culture. With seven incredibly well-received albums to its credit, Blitzen Trapper has also, of course, achieved a kind of longevity not previously enjoyed by its label-mate predecessors. Let’s hope this Blitzkrieg continues to bop on for the foreseeable future. Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

The Double, Locke, Mid-Century Alchemy, Con Artist Crew Present: COMMIX US 131 Motorsports Park B 93 Birthday Bash Wealthy Theatre 2014 BelieveDance Benefit Concert

sunday

6.08

Arcadia Creek Festival Site Kalamazoo Greek Festival Barn Theatre The Great Big Bar Show

Billy’s Lounge Revival: 80’s Night Camp Blodgett Peter Mulvey DeVos Performance Hall Anthony Hamilton Downtown Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts Farmers Alley Theatre Cabaret Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash

GRAM Michigan Modern Design, What Floats Your Boat? GR Civic Theatre 9 to 5 The Musical GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Hart, Mich. National Asparagus Festival KIA Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany Kirby Grill Rich Burkholder Acoustic Kzoo Expo Center Michigan Horse Drawn Vehicles Association Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool Old Dog Tavern Indie Rocks Fundraiser Old Time Jam Gator Boys Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet UICA Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski, The Double, Locke, Mid-Century Alchemy, Con Artist Crew Present: COMMIX US 131 Motorsports Park B 93 Birthday Bash Weko Beach Campground Weko Beach Concert Series

monday

6.09

tuesday

6.10

Barn Theatre Shakespeare in Hollywood Billy’s Lounge Deep Down DeVos Performance Hall An Evening with Bob Weir and RatDog Foundry Hall Music Lessons

wednesday

6.11

Barn Theatre Shakespeare in Hollywood Billy’s Lounge Campus Karaoke Circle Theatre Don’t Dress For Dinner The Curragh Rich Burkholder Frederik Meijer Gardens Jason Isbell with James McMurtry, Bernar Venet, David Nash GRAM Michigan Modern Design Grand Rapids Civic Theatre 9 to 5 The Musical GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit KIA Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Mangiamo! Bissell Blocktail Party Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool Old Dog Tavern Sentimental Journey

Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet The Pyramid Scheme Blitzen Trapper, The Parkington Sisters, Nathan Kalish and The Lastcallers The Union Cabaret & Grille Jazz Mix Night UICA Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski, The Double, Locke, Mid-Century Alchemy, Con Artist Crew Present: COMMIX

thursday

6.12

Barn Theatre Shakespeare in Hollywood Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Girls with Guitars: Featuring The Accidentals Katie Lee Blake Elliott E Minor Miriam Pico & Olivia Mainville Billy’s Lounge The 90’s Holla Back! Circle Theatre Don’t Dress For Dinner Czar’s 505 Karaoke Night DeVos Place American Homebrewer’s Association Conference Downtown Rockford Rockford Start of Summer Festival Dr. Grins Stewart Huff Farmers Alley Theatre Cabaret Founders Brewing Co. Pistolbrides Frederik Meijer Gardens Cake, Bernar Venet, David Nash, Plant Pals GRAM Michigan Modern Design, Lecture: Boating into Mid-Century, GRAMStudio Workshop: Summer Studio Splash GR Civic Theatre 9 to 5 The Musical GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit Holland Museum Date Night- The Netherlands Information Bureau and its role in the US during WWII Howmet Playhouse A Four Letter Word (that changes the world) The Intersection Minus The Bear Kent District Library: Kentwood (Richard L. Root) branch Kentwoodpalooza Kent District Library: Plainfield Twp. Branch John Ball Traveling Zoo KIA Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany Kirby Grill Travis Atkinson Acoustic

The Livery Mike Struwin in the Beer Garden LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool, Brown Bag Film: Frida New Holland Brewing Company Bonnaroo Broo’ers Festival Old Dog Tavern Fauxgrass Papa Pete’s Spence Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet The Pyramid Scheme Modern Baseball, Tiny Moving Parts, The Hotelier, Sorority Noise Riverwalk Plaza Vincent Hayes Rockford Brewing Company Roosevelt Diggs Junior Wheeler Jason Valentine Saugatuck Brewing Toby Bresnahan Seven Steps Up Honor By August South Haven Waterfront Film Festival Spectrum Theatre Actors’ Theatre Presents Grey Gardens The Musical The Union Cabaret & Grille WMU School of Music (Jazz Mix) UICA Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski, The Double, Locke, Mid-Century Alchemy, Con Artist Crew Present: COMMIX

friday

6.13

The B.O.B Oregon Dreamchild Barn Theatre Shakespeare in Hollywood Battle Creek Cereal Festival and the World’s Largest Breakfast Table Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Toddzilla Billy’s Lounge Cabildo Cancun Connection Bar & Grill Big Cadillac Circle Pines Center Buttermilk Jamboree Circle Theatre Don’t Dress For Dinner DeltaPlex Arena Put Cancer on the Ropes Downtown Rockford Rockford Start of Summer Festival Downtown South Haven Waterfront Film Festival Dr. Grins Stewart Huff Farmers Alley Theatre Cabaret Foundry Hall Tunebugs Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash GRAM Michigan Modern Design GR Civic Theatre 9 to 5 The Musical

Tegan and Sara

Best Bet: Pop Oh, Tegan and Sara. Where would our ears, minds and hearts be without you? Call me crazy, but I’d almost rather be sleeping with the fishes than living in a T&S-free world. And hey, maybe I’d become a ghost and the girls could totally get to walk with me, right? Going strong since the late ‘90s, our favorite pair of indie-darling Canadian twin sisters (I know, it’s so hard to choose a favorite) Tegan and Sara are continuing to rock Frederik Meijer out well into the 21st Gardens, Grand century. With the release Rapids of the sisters’ most recent June 28, 7 p.m. effort, Heartthrob, and a Member $41, cross-continent string of public $43 live tour dates, it’s not meijergardens.org, hard to see why Tegan (616) 957-1580 and Sara have remained so respected and relevant, even as other folksy, Lilith Fair-ian contemporaries have faded into the ether. Do yourself a massive favor and head out to the Meijer Gardens for a late June twin-treat. T&S are here at your service, so expect only the best of what complimentary guitar licks and tender indie pop hooks have to offer. Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule

Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Square Dance Kalamazoo Billy’s Lounge Bassbin (Electronic Dance) Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit John Ball Park West Michigan Jazz Society presents Jazz at the Zoo Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet The Score Michigan Pint Monday

Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash GRAM Michigan Modern Design GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit Kent District Library: Wyoming Branch Bust that Myth! KIA ARTbreak: Some Pictures Need Words by Alan Cohen, Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool Old Dog Tavern Tom Duffield, Open Mic with Branden Mann Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet Salt of the Earth Fennville Tuesdays in the Park- Billy Strings and Don Julin San Chez Bistro Fish on the Grill Speak EZ Lounge MartiniMOTH Live Storytelling UICA Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski, The Double, Locke, Mid-Century Alchemy, Con Artist Crew Present: COMMIX Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: American Beauty

Schedule GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit Howmet Playhouse A Four Letter Word (that changes the world) The Intersection Mega ‘80s John Ball Zoo Rendezoo XXV: The Great Catsby Kzoo Civic Theatre The Sunshine Boys Kzoo Expo Center Ultimate Air Dogs & Dog Show KIA Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany Kirby Grill Union Guns Rockin’ Country & Classic Rock The Livery The Crane Wives LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Mulligan’s Pub Flamingo Nosebleeds Squints and Murder Party Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool Old Dog Tavern Hired Hands CD Release Party Whistle Stop Revue Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet Rockford Brewing Company The Whiskey Charmers Seven Steps Up Honor By August Spectrum Theatre Actors’ Theatre Presents Grey Gardens The Musical Park Theatre The Freak Quincy UICA Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski,

Locke, Ida, Mid-Century Alchemy, Con Artist Crew Present: COMMIX Vicksburg Vicksburg Old Car Festival Wealthy Theatre Restless Generation, International Folk Dancing The Well Being 24-Hour Figure Drawing Event

saturday

6.14

The B.O.B Brewery Acoustic Series: J Ryan Berends Barn Theatre Shakespeare in Hollywood Berlin Raceway Berlin Raceway Father’s Day Celebration Billy’s Lounge That Beatles Thing Calder Plaza West Michigan Pride Festival Cancun Connection Bar & Grill Big Cadillac Cellar Brewing Company The Whistle Stop Revue Circle Pines Center Buttermilk Jamboree Circle Theatre Don’t Dress For Dinner Corner of Madison and Hall Rock The Block Double JJ Resort Summer Series Rodeo

Downtown Battle Creek Cereal Festival Downtown Rockford Rockford Start of Summer Festival Downtown South Haven Waterfront Film Festival Dr. Grins Stewart Huff Farmers Alley Theatre Cabaret FireKeepers Casino Hotel Buddy Guy Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash, Rose Show GRAM Michigan Modern Design GR Civic Theatre 9 to 5 The Musical GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Hackley Park Taste of Muskegon Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit Howmet Playhouse A Four Letter Word (that changes the world) The Intersection Zoso – The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience KIA Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany Kirby Grill Union Guns Rockin’ Country & Classic Rock Kzoo Civic Theatre The Sunshine Boys Kzoo Expo Center Ultimate Air Dogs & Dog Show Kzoo State Theatre R&B Comedy Explosion II: Featuring Lyfe Jennings Larkins Theater Choo Biggz Concert & Album Release Party

The Livery I Am Band LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Mulligan’s Pub Another October Midwest Skies We Say Sunrise Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool Old Dog Tavern Americana Folk Festival Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet Powwow Grounds Honoring Saganing Traditional Powwow The Pyramid Scheme Eyehategod, Ringworn, Enabler The Riviera Theatre Sleightly Ridiculous! The Magic Show Rockford Brewing Company Hannah Rose & The Gravetones and Chordis Bell The Round Barn Wine and Wags Party Saugatuck Brewing Brian Fedewa Shakespeare’s Lower Level Treading Bleu Album Release Show Spectrum Theatre Actors’ Theatre Presents Grey Gardens The Musical The Union Cabaret & Grille Crime Funk Tri-Cities Historical Museum Feast of the Strawberry Moon UICA Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski, Locke, Ida, Mid-Century Alchemy, Con Artist Crew Present: COMMIX Van Andel Arena WWE Live Wealthy Theatre What is Philanthropy? Screening

Whiskey River Saloon Billy Sloan

sunday

6.15

Barn Theatre Shakespeare in Hollywood Billy’s Lounge Revival: 80’s Night Brewery Vivant Smoke Week Circle Pines Center Buttermilk Jamboree Circle Theatre Don’t Dress For Dinner Downtown Rockford Rockford Start of Summer Festival Downtown South Haven Waterfront Film Festival Dr. Grins Stewart Huff Farmers Alley Theatre Cabaret Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash GRAM Michigan Modern Design Grand Rapids Civic Theatre 9 to 5 The Musical GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Hackley Park Taste of Muskegon KIA Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany Kirby Grill Rich Burkholder Kzoo Expo Center Ultimate Air Dogs & Dog Show Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool

Old Dog Tavern Sentimental Journey Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet Powwow Grounds Honoring Saganing Traditional Powwow Seven Steps Up Andrew Belle Tri- City Museums Feast of the Strawberry Moon Harbor Island UICA Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski, Locke, Ida, Mid-Century Alchemy, Con Artist Crew Present: COMMIX Weko Beach Campground Weko Beach Concert Series

monday

6.16

Berlin Fairgrounds Berlin Fair Billy’s Lounge Bassbin Brewery Vivant Smoke Week DeltaPlex Arena Freedom Cruise Car & Bike Expo Frederik Meijer Gardens Architecture and Design, Bernar Venet, Clay Every Day, David Nash GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit John Ball Park West Michigan Jazz Society presents Jazz at the Zoo

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Best Bet: Film

Clips Beer & Film Tour

68 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2014

Now this is a truly inspired, winning trio of summer evening items: beer, movies and charity. I repeat: Beer. Movies. Charity. Helping people, while getting your drink on. And your watch on. And your critical analysis of indie short films thinking cap (read: beer helmet) on. Yes sir, this fifth annual Clips Beer & Film Tour is shaping up to be one hell of a high-class, boozy, cinematic Clips Beer & Film Tour park presentation. Now, the specifics: admisAh-Nab-Awen Park, sion is free, but all specialized beers — courtesy Grand Rapids of event organizer New Belgium — and food June 27, 8:30 p.m. items are available for purchase, with 100 perFree cent of the profits going to the direct benefit newbelgium.com/events/ of a local-recipient charity group. And as the clips-beer-and-film only Michigan stop on this 21-city tour, the beneficiary here is the Room to Ride org: a nonprofit aimed at establishing 100 miles of bike lanes in the greater GR area. Hardly a bad thing. Get comfy, West Michiganders — you’re going to be in for at least one summer evening devoted to nothing but the good stuff. Reported by Emma Kat Richardson PHOTO: JOSHUA DUGGAN

WEST MICHIGAN’S ONLY

BEACH • BEER • BAND • BAR! JUNE ENTERTAINMENT AT THE SCORE! STARTING AT 6PM NIGHTLY

JUNE 1: ROCK SHOP JUNE 2: TAKE 2 JUNE 3: JIMMIE STAGGER JUNE 4: DAVID CISCO JUNE 5: 3’S A CROWD JUNE 6: LIVIN’ THE DREAM JUNE 7: RIVER CITY STEW JUNE 8: DEEP GREENS & BLUES JUNE 9: 13TH HOUR BAND JUNE 10: HAZY PAST JUNE 11: THE OUTER VIBE JUNE 12: SPACEBALL RICOCHET JUNE 13: MYSTIC DUB DUO & BUDDY TWIST JUNE 14: 3’S A CROWD JUNE 15: MYSTIC DUB

JUNE 16: GREAT SCOTT JUNE 17: STUMBLE HEAD JUNE 18: RIVER CITY STEW JUNE 19: BRENA JUNE 20: RICH BURKHOLDER DUO & OREGON CHILD JUNE 21: SWEET J BAND JUNE 22: LAZY BLU TUNAS JUNE 23: TETRAD BAND JUNE 24: BUDDY TWIST JUNE 25: LIVIN’ THE DREAM JUNE 26: 13TH HOUR BAND JUNE 27: MATT YOUND DUO & TRILOGY JUNE 28: HAZY PAST JUNE 29: MYSTIC DUB JUNE 30: OREGON DREAMCHILD

616.301.0600 • THESCORE-RESTAURANT.COM • 5301 NORTHLAND DRIVE, GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49525 REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

Schedule Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet Rockford Brewing Company Open Mic Night with Swingtooth

tuesday

6.17

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Barn Theatre Shakespeare in Hollywood Berlin Fairgrounds Berlinfest Brewery Vivant Smoke Week Frederik Meijer Gardens Architecture and Design, Bernar Venet, Clay Every Day, David Nash GRAM Michigan Modern Design GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit Kent District Library: Caledonia Township Branch Phil & JD Kent District Library: Cascade Township branch Trail Hiking 101 Kent District Library: Spencer Township Native American Dancers

70 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2014

KIA ARTbreak: Up Close and Personal with West Michigan Artists, Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool Old Dog Tavern Tom Duffield, Open Mic with Branden Mann Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet Salt of the Earth Neil Jacobs UICA Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski, Locke, Ida, Mid-Century Alchemy, Con Artist Crew Present: COMMIX Van Andel Arena Bruno Mars Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: American Pie

wednesday

6.18

Barn Theatre Shakespeare in Hollywood

Berlin Fairgrounds Berlinfest Brewery Vivant Smoke Week Circle Theatre Don’t Dress For Dinner Frederik Meijer Gardens John Legend, Architecture and Design, Bernar Venet, Clay Every Day, David Nash GRAM Michigan Modern Design GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit The Intersection Alejandro Escovedo Kent District Library: Cascade Township branch Foraging: Wild Plants for Food and Medicine KIA Book Discussion: The Goldfinch, Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool The Park Theatre Jars of Clay Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet

The Pyramid Scheme Neil Hamburger, Alvarius B Seven Steps Up Ari Hest Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Hobo Newphews of Uncle Frank UICA Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski, Locke, Ida, Mid-Century Alchemy, Con Artist Crew Present: COMMIX The Union Cabaret & Grille Jazz Mix Night

thursday

6.19

Arcadia Creek Festival Site Kalamazoo Island Festival Barn Theatre Shakespeare in Hollywood Berlin Fairgrounds Berlinfest Billy’s Lounge The 90’s Holla Back! Brewery Vivant Smoke Week Circle Theatre Don’t Dress For Dinner Dr. Grins Michael Malone Farmers Alley Theatre Cabaret

Founders Brewing Co. The Ragbirds Foundry Hall Harbor Fest Frederik Meijer Gardens Tedschi Trucks Band, Architecture and Design, Bernar Venet, Clay Every Day, David Nash GRAM Michigan Modern Design GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit The Intersection My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult Kent County District Library Grandville Branch Native American Dancers KIA Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Get the Picture! Gallery Talk: Richard Diebenkorn’s Sleeping Woman Kirby Grill Rich Burkholder Kzoo Civic Theatre The Sunshine Boys The Livery Mike Struwin in the Beer Garden LowellArts! F.A.R.M.

Master Arts Theatre The Great Divorce Mulligan’s Pub Verskotzi Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool Old Dog Tavern Ben Daniels Band Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet Riverwalk Plaza Jukejoint Handmedowns Rockford Brewing Company Dede and the Dreamers Rowan City Park Muskegon Heights Festival San Chez Bistro Cocktail Creation Class - Summertime Brews Saugatuck Brewing The Weatherheads Shakespeare’s Lower Level The Features Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Pinata Protest wsg The Moonrays UICA The Past is a Grotesque Animal, Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski, Locke, Ida, Mid-Century Alchemy, Con Artist Crew Present: COMMIX

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule

REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

Schedule The Union Cabaret & Grille Gene Knific Trio

friday

6.20

Arcadia Creek Festival Site Kalamazoo Island Festival The B.O.B Drop 35 Barn Theatre Shakespeare in Hollywood Bell’s Eccentric Cafe The Black Diamond Experience ‘Hello Again’ Berlin Fairgrounds Berlinfest Billy’s Lounge Vincent Hayes Brewery Vivant Smoke Week

Byron Center Avenue West Michigan Chalk Art Festival Circle Theatre Don’t Dress For Dinner The Curragh Ian Gould Performs Downtown Ionia Wizard of Oz Festival Dr. Grins Michael Malone Farmers Alley Theatre Cabaret Foundry Hall Harbor Fest, Tunebugs Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash Grand Haven City Beach Sand Sculpture Contest GRAM Creativity Uncorked: TEXTILES TO GO, GRAM Selects ArtPrize 2013, Michigan Modern

GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit Ionia Summer Solstice Jazz Festival KIA Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany Kirby Grill DeHurricaine Kzoo Civic Theatre The Sunshine Boys Kzoo Public Library Meet Kevin Coval LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Mulligan’s Pub Verskotzi Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool

Old Dog Tavern Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet Rockford Brewing Company E Minior Rowan City Park Muskegon Heights Festival Shakespeare’s Lower Level Diarrhea Planet UICA Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski, Ida, Mid-Century Alchemy, Con Artist Crew Present: COMMIX The Union Cabaret & Grille The Keith Hall Summer Drum Intensive Wealthy Theatre Fortune Feimster Whiskey River Saloon Tetrad

saturday

6.21

Five Iron Frenzy

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Best Bet: Ska As a recent Kickstarter success story, the lads and Five Iron Frenzy one lady of Fire Iron Frenzy have shattered records and fan District Square, expectations with an unprecedented flood of fundraising from Kalamazoo enthusiasts hungry for a comeback. With almost seven times June 14, 8 p.m. their initial fundraising goal met, the pressure was decidedly on $20-$23 for FIF to deliver a thing of exquisite taste, and 2013’s Engine districtsquare.com, of a Million Plots did not fail to disappoint, any more than its (269) 312-7246 supporters failed to disappoint the wishes of its creators. As the original godfathers of Christian ska (or, as we like to call it, Plaid Pants for Jesus), FIF left fans reeling after disbanding in 2003, which has made the opportunity to catch the band live and in the throes of big, brassy action all the more an appealing treat. Though they’ve had some ups and downs — founding member Scott Kerr famously quit over a personal disillusionment with Christianity — the band has continued to persevere, if only in memory during its off years. They have, dare we say, managed to rise again for the good of all humankind. Rock on, guys (and girl). Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

72 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2014

Arcadia Creek Festival Site Kalamazoo Island Festival Barn Theatre Shakespeare in Hollywood Bell’s Eccentric Cafe The Hexbombs Berlin Fairgrounds Berlinfest Billy’s Lounge Hip Pocket Brewery Vivant Smoke Week Byron Center Avenue West Michigan Chalk Art Festival Circle Theatre Don’t Dress For Dinner Double JJ Resort Summer Series Rodeo Dr. Grins Michael Malone Farmers Alley Theatre Cabaret Fenn Valley Wine Festival Founders Brewing Co. Founders Fest 2014 Foundry Hall Harbor Fest Frederik Meijer Gardens NEEDTOBREATHE, Bernar Venet, David Nash Grand Haven Beach Survival Challenge GRAM Michigan Modern Design, Mid-Century Modern Architecture Tour GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit Howmet Playhouse An Evening with Bob Milne The Intersection Logic with QuESt and Castro KIA Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany Kirby Grill The Factory

Kzoo Civic Theatre The Sunshine Boys Kzoo Expo Center Kalamazoo Reptile & Exotic Animal Show, Killamazoo Derby Darlins vs. Cincinnati Rollergirls Latitude 42 Brewery Tour and Tasting Little River Casino Resort Grand Funk Radio The Livery Bethesda LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool Old Dog Tavern Duffield Caron Project, Marci Linn Band Portage District Library How to Home Brew Beer, Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet The Pyramid Scheme The Original Back To The 90s Party Rowan City Park Muskegon Heights Festival Saugatuck Brewing The Big Boss Blues Band Saugatuck Center for the Arts Celebrating the Arts Benefit Shakespeare’s Lower Level Holy Wave Stearns Outer Drive & Lakeshore Drive Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament UICA Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski, Ida, Mid-Century Alchemy, Con Artist Crew Present: COMMIX Wealthy Theatre May Erlewine Where We Are Release Show Weko Beach Campground ‘Toast The Coast’ Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival

sunday

6.22

Barn Theatre Shakespeare in Hollywood Billy’s Lounge Revival: 80’s Night Farmers Alley Theatre Cabaret Foundry Hall Harbor Fest Frauenthal Theatre Ralphie May Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash GRAM Michigan Modern Design GR Public Museum Dream It Build It The Intersection Skinny Lister KIA Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany Kirby Grill Rich Burkholder Kzoo Civic Theatre The Sunshine Boys

Kzoo Expo Center Kalamazoo Record & CD Show Montcalm County Fairgrounds Montcalm County 4-H Fair Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool Old Dog Tavern Crossroads Blues Jam Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet The Pyramid Scheme Reverend Horton Heat, The Creepshow Stearns Outer Drive & Lakeshore Drive Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament UICA Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski, Ida, Mid-Century Alchemy, Con Artist Crew Present: COMMIX Weko Beach Campground Weko Beach Concert Series

monday

6.23

CityFlatsHotel Cook In Style Frederik Meijer Gardens O.A.R. & Phillip Phillips, Bernar Venet, David Nash, Camp Kaleidoscope GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit John Ball Park West Michigan Jazz Society presents Jazz at the Zoo Kent Distric Library: Plainfield Township Branch Foraging: Wild Plants for Food and Medicine Kzoo Public Library Bubbleman Miller Auditorium USAf Band: Airmen of Note Performance Montcalm County Fairgrounds Montcalm County 4-H Fair Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet

tuesday

6.24

Barn Theatre The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Big E Beer Run Billy’s Lounge Deep Down Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash, Camp Kaleidoscope GRAM Michigan Modern Design GR Public Museum Dream It Build It

Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit Kent District Library: Alpine Township Branch Nuts & Bolts: Jewelry from Hardware KIA ARTbreak: Up Close and Personal with West Michigan Artists, Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Montcalm County Fairgrounds Montcalm County 4-H Fair Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool Old Dog Tavern Tom Duffield, Open Mic with Branden Mann Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet Salt of the Earth Fennville Tuesdays in the Park- Under the Sun Speak EZ Lounge Nerd Nite UICA Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski, Ida, Mid-Century Alchemy, Con Artist Crew Present: COMMIX Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: American Movie

wednesday

6.25

UICA Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski, Ida, Mid-Century Alchemy, Con Artist Crew Present: COMMIX Village Motorsports Freedom Cruise

thursday

Ah-Nab-Awen Park Clips Beer and Film Tour Arcadia Creek Festival Place Irish Festival The B.O.B Brewery Acoustic Series: Melissa Dylan, Sweet J Band Barn Theatre The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Star Farm Billy’s Lounge GR Soul Club Boyne SOBO Arts Festival Cancun Connection Bar & Grill Refurbushed Dr. Grins Julian McCullough Farmers Alley Theatre Cabaret Foundry Hall Tunebugs Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash, Camp Kaleidoscope GRAM Michigan Modern Design GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit The Intersection Frankie Ballard – Rock The Lot Kent County Fairgrounds JuneGrass Festival KIA Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany Kirby Grill Rock Shop Little River Casino Resort Robert Cray & Mavis Staples The Livery Deep Fried Pickle Project LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Montcalm County Fairgrounds Montcalm County 4-H Fair Mulligan’s Pub Holly Hunt Knife Ritual and Broth Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet The Pyramid Scheme Rodrigo Amarante, Monica da Silva Rothbury Electric Forest Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Presents Steam Heat Shakespeare’s Lower Level Knives Are Quiet

6.26

Barn Theatre The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Celadon New Town Muteflutes and Ribbons of Song Dr. Grins Julian McCullough Farmers Alley Theatre Cabaret Fenian’s Irish Pub Solas Frederik Meijer Gardens Ben Harper & Charlie Musselwhite, Bernar Venet, Camp Kaleidoscope, David Nash GRAM Michigan Modern Design GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit Kent District Library: Cascade Township branch Magic with Tom Plunkard KIA Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Tiffany Lecture by John Loring Kirby Grill Travis Atkinson Little River Casino Alice Cooper The Livery Mike Struwin LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Montcalm County Fairgrounds Montcalm County 4-H Fair Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool, Brown Bag Film: Girl with the Pearl Earring Old Dog Tavern Steve Pesch Papa Pete’s Ghost Sector wsg Zombie Apocalypse NOW! Bottle Kids Evil Deauxerz Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet The Pyramid Scheme Airborne or Aquatic?, The Go Rounds, Big Dudee Roo Riverwalk Plaza Skankadank Rockford Brewing Company The Weatherheads Rothbury Electric Forest Saugatuck Brewing Schrock Trio Shakespeare’s Lower Level Comedy Open Mic Night

friday

6.27

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule

Barn Theatre The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Billy’s Lounge Campus Karaoke Brewery Vivant Escoffier Day The Curragh Nate Holley Performs Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash, Camp Kaleidoscope Grand Rapids Art Museum Michigan Modern Design GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit Kent County District Library Grandville Branch The Science of the Paranormal: Where the Werewolf Got Its Bite KIA Art League depARTure: Capital Art in Lansing, Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany LowellArts! F.A.R.M. Montcalm County Fairgrounds Montcalm County 4-H Fair Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool Old Dog Tavern Sentimental Journey

Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet UICA Open Projector Night No. 8, Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski, Ida, Mid-Century Alchemy, Con Artist Crew Present: COMMIX The Union Cabaret & Grille Jazz Mix Night Village Motorsports Freedom Cruise

REVUEWM.COM | June 2014 |

Schedule UICA Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski, , Mid-Century Alchemy, Con Artist Crew Present: COMMIX The Union Cabaret & Grille The Keith Hall Summer Drum Intensive Village Motorsports Freedom Cruise Wealthy Theatre Rehearsals for Tanztheater Michigan Whiskey River Saloon Douglas James

saturday

6.28

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

The B.O.B Gran Fondo, The Rock Show Barn Theatre The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Airborne or Aquatic wsg Big Dudee Roo Billy’s Lounge Daredevil Circus Cancun Connection Bar & Grill Refurbushed The Curragh Jeff Ward DeltaPlex Arena Freedom Rocks Concert

74 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2014

Double JJ Resort Summer Series Rodeo Downtown Grand Haven Grand Haven Art Festival Downtown Grand Rapids Gran Fondo Downtown Harbor Springs Waterfront Wine Festival Dr. Grins Julian McCullough Eastown Neighborhood Bizzare Bazzar Farmers Alley Theatre Cabaret Founders Brewing Co. Mark Lavengood’s Bluegrass Bonanza Foundry Hall Red Tail Ring Frauenthal Theatre ‘A Mother’s Cry Against Violence’ Frederik Meijer Gardens Tegan and Sara, Bernar Venet, David Nash Grand Rapids Art Museum Michigan Modern Design GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit Kent County Fairgrounds JuneGrass Festival KIA Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany

Kzoo Expo Center Kalamazoo 4-H Open Horse Show Kirby Grill Rock Shop LaFontsee Galleries Douglas Unusual Suspects, Art Tour Lansing Beer Fest Lansing Beer Fest The Livery The Ragbirds Montcalm County Fairgrounds Montcalm County 4-H Fair Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool The Park Theatre Summer Comedy Slam Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet The Pyramid Scheme NAKED RAYGUN + Daggerdown Rothbury Electric Forest Saugatuck Brewing Jack Lewis and John Gist Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Presents Steam Heat Seven Steps Up Cheryl Wheeler UICA Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski, , Mid-Century Alchemy, Con Artist Crew Present: COMMIX

Village Motorsports Freedom Cruise Whiskey River Saloon South County Band

sunday

6.29

Barn Theatre The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Billy’s Lounge Revival: ‘80s Night Camp Blodgett Mark Lavengood Bluegrass Bonanza Cook Carillon Plaza Julianne Vanden Wyngaard Downtown Grand Haven Grand Haven Art Festival Farmers Alley Theatre Cabaret Foundry Hall Josh White Jr. Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash GRAM Michigan Modern Design GR Public Museum Dream It Build It KIA Cultural Encounters, Louis Comfort Tiffany Kzoo Expo Center Kalamazoo 4-H Open Horse Show

Kirby Grill Rich Burkholder Acoustic Muskegon Museum of Art 86th Regional Exhibition, Interference Pool Old Dog Tavern Fly Paper Tour Kickoff Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet Rothbury Electric Forest Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Presents Steam Heat Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Fred Eaglesmith UICA Festival 2014 Regional Arts Exhibition, Nicholas Szymanski, , Mid-Century Alchemy, Con Artist Crew Present: COMMIX Village Motorsports Freedom Cruise Weko Beach Campground Weko Beach Concert Series

monday

6.30

Billy’s Lounge Bassbin

Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, David Nash GR Public Museum Dream It Build It Holland Area Arts Council 1+1=3 Collaboration to Create Form: Art Exhibit John Ball Park West Michigan Jazz Society Presents Jazz at the Zoo Kent District Library: Wyoming Branch Foraging: Wild Plants for Food and Medicine Kzoo Public Library Cirque Amongus Portage District Library Solo Gallery: Kelli Sweet The Pyramid Scheme King Buzzo n

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