West Michigan’s Entertainment Guide for 28 Years » June 2016
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Music / Dining / beer / summer festivals
Coffin Problem
GR Band Drops Fuzzy, Atmospheric Debut LP
The Music Issue A Guide to the Local Music Scene
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UPCOMING TUNES THUR. JUNE 2 /// 7PM
kari lynch COUNTRY
FRI. JUNE 3 /// 8PM
the moonrays SURF ROCK THUR. JUNE 16 /// 7PM
JUNE, 9
6PM-12AM
7 : 0 0 P M : De smond jone s 9 : 0 0 P M : e v ery day j u n ior
JUNE, 10
5PM-12AM
6 : 0 0 p m : W h i stl e stop r e v u e 8 : 3 0 P M : rogu e r i v er boys
JUNE, 11
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3 : 0 0 P M : RO C K FOR D H ig h S c ho ol Ja z z Band 6 : 0 0 P M : Va l e n t iger 8 : 3 0 P M : Ro o s e v e lt dig g s
CI DER -
SERVING ON DRAFT 8 DRAF T BEERS
flatland grip ACOUSTIC DUO
FRI. JUNE 17 /// 8PM
angela perley & THE HOWLIN’ MOONS ROCK & ROLL THUR. JUNE 23 /// 7PM
elroy meltzer FOLK • ROCK FRI. JUNE 24 /// 8PM
scott pellegrom trio FUNK • JAZZ • ELECTRONIC THUR. JUNE 30 /// 7PM
- S ANGR I A
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What’s Inside
June 2016 | Volume 28, Issue 6
SCENE: 13 Random Notes 14 Best Bets: What’s Going on this Month 18 All Ages
SOUNDS: 21 Fitz & The Tantrums 22 Local Music News 24 WYCE Playlist
SPECIAL SECTION:
The Music issue
78
27
27 The Music Issue 28 10 local bands to check out 30 Coffin Problem 32 The Accidentals 34 Fenton Records 40 The Soil & The Sun 44 Muteflutes
Tacos!
46 The DAAC’s new location
SIGHTS: 49 Comedy: Kyle Dunnigan 50 Film: June Flick Forecast 52 Visual Art 54 Theatre 56 Style Notes 58 Summer Festival Guide
DINING & DRINKING: 69 Restaurant Guide
Theatre events
54
34
72 Beer: Summer Wheat Beer Taste-off 74 Table Talk: Jeff Duba & Matt Burdick 78 Grand Rapids Taco Crawl
Letter from the Editor
I
f you’re a vinyl record collector or a West Michigan-born child of the ’60s, this Music Issue of Revue might be a keeper. If you’re neither of those — stick with me.
We’ve got a lengthy (to put it mildly) feature on the local rock bands from the mid-‘60s. It’s also centered on Great Lakes Recording Studio, home of Fenton Records in Sparta. In the vanity label’s heyday (50 years ago) it generated stacks of wax that are now highly collectible and go for big bucks on eBay. Why? Not just because they’re old records. There are plenty of old, worthless records. It’s because that raw music created by local teens so many moons ago holds up. They are treasured artifacts of the earliest form of DIY punk rock made by high schoolers. Sure, this annual special issue of Revue typically focuses on current local bands and “what’s happening right now.” It’s that whole “new is news” journalism adage. I mean, who wants to read “old news”? And, after all, Revue is supposed to be all about “what’s going on this weekend.” Right?
Well, sure, that’s a good point. But forgetting our indigenous past and looking only to the future for muses isn’t always a good idea — especially when it comes to music. What if in the early 1960s Bob Dylan only looked to contemporary songwriters for inspiration and didn’t bother digging up those dusty, old folk records? The late Marcus Garvey may have said it best: “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.” See ‘Highs in the Mid-Sixties’ on page 34.
W est M ic h iga n ’ s E n tertai n me n t G uide
Editorial Publisher Brian Edwards / brian@revuewm.com Editor Joe Boomgaard / joe@revuewm.com Managing Editor Rich Tupica / rich@revueholding.com Associate Editor Josh Veal / josh@revuewm.com Design Creative Director Kim Kibby / kim@revuewm.com Ad Design Rachel Harper, Phil Artz Contributing Writers Missy Black Dana Casadei Steven G. de Polo Dwayne Hoover Nick Macksood Steve Miller
Eric Mitts Troy Reimink Nicole Rico Josh Spanninga John Weigand
Contributing Photographers Seth Thompson
Later,
Revue Minion Elma Talundzic Sales / 616.608.6170 / sales@revuewm.com Kelli Belanger / kelli@revuewm.com Digital Editor Kim Kibby / kim@revuewm.com
Rich Tupica, Managing Editor
Find us online!
Voting ends June 25!
Shout out your favorite local people, places and things to do.
Website: revuewm.com Twitter: twitter.com/revuewm Facebook: facebook.com/revuewm
Upcoming issues August: Best ofthe West Winners
Results from our first-ever reader poll to crown the best of West Michigan — music venues, restaurants, bars, shops and more.
Revue is published monthly by Revue Holding Company. 65 Monroe Center, Ste. 5, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Office: 616.608.6170 / Fax: 616.608.6182 ©2016, Revue Holding Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part granted only by written permission of the publisher in accordance with our legal statement, fools.
September: The Arts Issue
A complete season preview of West Michigan’s cultural arts scene, artist profiles and ArtPrize coverage.
October: The Beer Issue
A thorough guide to the local craft beer scene, with an extensive brewery guide, beer face-offs, trends, and more. To AdvertisE: Call (616) 608-6170 or email sales@revuewm.com.
revuewm.com/bestofthewest 10 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2016
Space reservation is the 15th of the month before publication.
On the cover: Grand Rapids band Coffin Problem, shot by Seth Thompson. Story on page 30.
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Random Notes MUSIC ///
Here at Revue, we were lucky enough to snag an office on Monroe Center, right in the heart of GR. This means powerful lunch vibes, staggering walkability, and a long line of people using our stairwell as a trash can on Jimmy John’s $1 Sub Day. It also means proximity to Rosa Parks Circle, the natural hub for art and music downtown. Relax at Rosa is a weekly event every Thursday with free blues, jazz and other chill tunes ringing through the streets from noon to 1:30 p.m. Step out of the office and savor an extended lunch break with all the other urbanites, thanks to Kari Lynch (June 2), Mystic Dub (June 16) and more. This might seem like a strange question, but … do you like getting turnt in historic mansions on balmy summer nights? The Felt Estate, 6597 138th Ave., Holland, is host to the Felt Summer Concert Series, Thursdays from June 16 to July 21. Here’s who’s playing this month at the fancy-pants manor: Delilah DeWylde & The Lost Boys (June 16), Motor City Women (June 23) and Kris Hitchcock (June 30).
Kari Lynch
BEER ///
FILM ///
Delilah DeWylde & The Lost Boys tasting notes and style — you might want to sit down with the wonderful people bringing that liquid to your lips. This summer, head to the rustic-yet-elegant Martell’s in Kalamazoo every Wednesday for a chance to sit down with “the people behind your favorite beverages,” an event dubbed Meet The Maker. The experts at Redstone Meadery, WeinBauer and New Belgium Brewing Co. arrive in June. More local breweries are lined up for the following months.
Showers are irrationally terrifying for exactly one reason: Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. As far as I know (having done no research whatsoever), this 1960 psycho-logical thriller was the first to pair a brutal-knife-stab murder with that particular daily routine. It turns out, though, there’s actually more to the movie! Luckily, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is bringing the whole thing to Kalamazoo for two big-screen, big-scare showings, June 6 and June 9. Bonus Fun Trivia Fact: The whole film was shot at a place called Revue Studios (no relation). I think we can all agree there’s one genre that just never garners the attention it deserves: Danish-dark-slapstick comedy. The latest entry in this long and storied tradition, Men & Chicken, is headed to UICA in Grand Rapids this month and stars the guy who plays Hannibal on NBC’s Hannibal and
BOOKS ///
For the first time in like, my entire life, epic fantasy novels other than Lord of the Rings are kind of in vogue thanks to Game of Thrones. Even MTV entered the fray this year with The Shannara Chronicles, a TV show based on Terry Brooks’ Shannara series. With the release of Brooks’ latest foray into the world of Shannara, The Sorcerer’s Daughter, he’ll be heading to Schuler Books & Music on June 2 to the store’s Lansing location in the Eastwood Towne Center plaza (2820 Towne Centre Blvd.). Stop by for a chance to get your book signed and hear what the author has to say. n Random Notes was compiled by Josh Veal. For more music, beer and entertainment news (and free stuff!), sign up for our weekly enewsletter at revuewm.com or find us on Facebook.
REVUEWM.COM | June 2016 |
Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
*Chanting while pounding fists on the table* “Founders Fest! Founders Fest!” It’s the essence, the epitome, the embodiment of all things West Michigan. Well, of two things anyway: Beer and music. The outdoor party starts June 18 at 3 p.m. and runs all day, swallowing Grandville Avenue whole with local food vendors, art and Super Happy Funtime. Plus, not one but two stages will be graced with the presence of funk and bluesy rock bands from around the country, including (but not limited to): The Motet, Lee Fields & The Expressions, July Talk and The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band. And even if that lineup doesn’t meet your taste, why pass up an opportunity to drink beer in the middle of the street? If your interests lie more in the realm of casually discussing craft booze — its history,
some other Danish guy. Together, the duo travels to the isle of Ork in search of their birth father, finding even more brothers (and taking beatings from stuffed animals) along the way. Check showtimes at uica.org.
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/// best bets
what’s Going on this month Thursday 6/2
story each, without notes, to a captive audience. Some stories are heartbreaking, while others are laugh-out-loud hilarious. Many manage to do both.
Royce Da 5'9"
The Intersection, 133 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids June 2, 7 p.m., $20 advance, $23 day of sectionlive.com, (616) 451-8232
friday 6/10
With 20 years of hip-hop under the belt, Royce has become known for his ghostwriting, freestyle battle skills, and a long-running collaboration with Eminem known as Bad Meets Evil. The Detroit rapper is headed to our side of the state in support of his new mixtape, Tabernacle: Trust the Shooter, featuring the single “Tabernacle,” which is making waves in the underground rap scene and on the Billboard charts.
River Rock Concert, Adado Riverfront Park, 300 N. Grand Ave., Lansing June 10, $15 adv., $25 at gate riverrockconcert.com
Friday 6/3 and Friday 6/17 Movies in the Park
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
Ah-Nab-Awen Park, 220 Front Ave. NW, Grand Rapids June 3 and June 17, 7 p.m., Free! downtowngr.com, (616) 719-4610 Hey y’all! It’s back. Voters have officially decided on the lineup for this year’s Movies in the Park series, which is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. June 3 is Wizard of Oz, the musical about a girl who leaves behind her horrible life in rural America, traveling to a far-off magical land and making some amazing friends along the way, and then deciding to go home for some reason. June 17 is Men in Black, a sci-fi comedy film truly representative of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones at the peak of their careers. The
Royce da 5'9"
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Verve Pipe Villains 20th Anniversary Concert
In 1996, East Lansing’s own The Verve Pipe released its Platinum-selling alt-rock record, “Villains.” The disc produced radio hits like “The Freshman,” “Photograph” and “Cup Of Tea.” In celebration of this landmark anniversary, the band will perform the two-decade old record in its entirety, for the first time ever, at the River Rock Concert. The outdoor show is Friday, June 10 at Adado Riverfront Park in Lansing. Warming up the stage is ’90s anti-folk-rocker Wally Pleasant. The legendary songwriter, who also got his start in East Lansing, will perform his acclaimed debut record, 1992’s Songs About Stuff LP, in its entirety.
Verve Pipe’s 20th Anniversary Show best part: Bring your own beer, snacks, blankets, or whatever.
saturday 6/4 Local First Street Party
Outside Bistro Bella Vista, 44 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids June 4, 3 p.m.–midnight, Free! For the 13th year, Local First is bringing together the city’s finest businesses with an all-day familyfriendly party. A wide variety of performers take the stage, from Lady Ace Boogie to The Crane Wives to the 61Syx Teknique Street Dance Academy. Founders will be pouring the drinks, while a fleet of food trucks offers barbecue, tacos, pizza and more. Plus, there are plenty of activities for the kids.
Twenty One Pilots
Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids June 4, 7 p.m., $25–45 vanandelarena.com, (616) 742-6600 The genre-bending Twenty One Pilots are bringing their EMØTIØNAL RØADSHØW world tour to Grand Rapids, one year after the release of the duo’s most recent album, Blurryface. Synth, drums and ukulele
Twenty One Pilots all come together behind singer Tyler Joseph’s unique vocals, often jumping from pop to reggae to Eminemesque hip hop in just one song.
Thursday 6/9 The Moth Mainstage
Wharton Center for Performing Arts, 750 E. Shaw Lane, East Lansing June 9, 7:30 p.m., $32 whartoncenter.com, (517) 353-1982 No other storytelling organization can even hold a candle to The Moth. That’s in part because a moth would fly directly into the candle’s flame and burn alive, but also because it’s just the best. People from around the world take the stage and tell one true
6/16-6/18 Grand Rapids Pride Festival Calder Plaza, Grand Rapids June 16–18, $20 for concert grpride.org, (616) 458-3511
For the 28th year, Grand Rapids is showing its pride and support for the LGBTQ community. The weekend kicks off Thursday with a discussion at the GRAM on creating safe spaces for youth in the marginalized community. Friday is a party at Rumors from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. But the real event takes place Saturday with the day-long street fair and the inaugural Pride Concert, starring Alex Newell of Glee and multi-platinum R&B-star Deborah Cox. With these headliners in tow, this should be the biggest Pride Fest in GR history.
Continued on page 16 ➤
The Monkees Wednesday, June 8
ConCert tiCkets are still available for these shows The Monkees................................ Jun 8 FeMi kuTi & The posiTive Force band and boMbino... Jul 20 lyle loveTT and his large band ................................ Jul 24 Jay leno....................................... Jul 28 War & los lonely boys ........ aug 10 seal .............................................. aug 26
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REVUEWM.COM | June 2016 |
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/// best bets
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Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
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Yonder Mountain String Band at Bell’s Eccentric Café
friday 6/17 Hazy Past
River City Saloon, 1152 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids June 17, 9 p.m., Free! rivercitysaloon.com, (616) 451-0044 Known for comprehensive tribute shows (the band covered The Rolling Stones’ amazing Exile On Main Street LP in its entirety), Hazy Past is all about the nostalgia. The band always tries to offer something new, focusing especially on classic rock’s deep cuts rather than the hits. And with over 100 songs in their toolbelt, it’s easy to make the setlist something new every time.
wednesday 6/22 Yonder Mountain String Band
Bell’s Eccentric Cafe, 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo June 22, 7 p.m., $25 advance, $30 day of bellsbeer.com, (269) 382-2332 Head outside to the luscious green pastures of Bell’s Beer Garden for the rustic Appalachian tunes of progressive-bluegrass group Yonder Mountain String Band. Defined by its unique improvisational approach to the genre, Yonder lives for live performances, purportedly honing their craft “in real time.” Rain or shine, the show is going on either way, so be sure to bring a pint-sized umbrella for your Oberon.
Thursday 6/23sunday 6/26
largest weekend of bright lights, camping, electronic music and other super legal activities. Tickets always sell out well ahead of time, but there’s a good chance that The String Cheese Incident, Bassnectar and Major Lazer will be headlining next year too if you missed your chance. Also, it’s a literal forest. You can probably just toss on a Sasquatch costume and walk in. n —Compiled by Josh Veal
ADVANCE WARNING: Summerland Tour
Wings Event Center, 3600 Vanrick Dr., Kalamazoo July 27, 7:30 p.m., $11–40 wingseventcenter.com, (269) 345-1125 Want to go back in time for an evening? It’s easy — just snag some tickets to this blockbuster concert. Sugar Ray, Everclear, Lit and Sponge all share one bill … what more do you need to know? It’s the ’90s alt-pop-rock nostalgia reunion of the year and it’s headed to Kalamazoo. Gen Xers will be delighted by the number of recognizable throwback hits. Check out the VIP Packages, too, for a chance to meet the bands.
Electric Forest
Double JJ Resort, 7100 South Water Rd., Rothbury June 23–26, $229.75 electricforestfestival.com This is one of those festivals that’s become as much a phenomenon as it is an event (see also: Burning Man, The Gathering of the Juggalos). Electric Forest has developed quite a reputation as the Midwest’s
Sugar Ray
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REVUEWM.COM | June 2016 |
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/// All Ages
Sonic Summer Makes a Great Gift!
FOOT OUTFITTERS
Make like the family von Trapp and enjoy the sound of music this June. Whether it’s pop punk, the screech of wheels on asphalt, some golden oldies, or a kiddie construction zone, ensure your family life is loud and proud. By Steven G. de Polo
1411 Robinson 1411 Robinson RoadRoad • 451-4732 Grand Rapids, MI facebook/foot outfitters (616) 451-4732 Footoutfitters.com Repairs Available “Remember When” Gift Certificates Available 3915497-01
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send us your events Did you know?
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
You can get a free listing on our online event calendar. Just visit our calendar, click “submit event” and enter the details.
revuewm.com/ calendar
18 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2016
Downtown Holland June 3, show at 5 p.m., cruise at 9 p.m. $10 show car registration, vintagecarclubholland.org
The Holland Vintage Car Club, formed in 1973, hosts its annual cruise and car show, showcasing the hottest of hotrods cruising down both sides of 8th street. Attendees can scope classic rides that have been dipped, stripped, chopped and lifted. The club works closely with the City of Holland to make this automobile heaven happen. “We’re excited about having the cruise again this year,” said club President Rick George. “Last year was tough because the streets downtown were closed for repair and we couldn’t cruise.” The 43rd annual car show will be held in the old Maycroft-Versendaal Lincoln-Mercury dealership, now managed by Hope College, on the east end of 8th Street. Music is provided by ballroom DJ Ed VerSchure. Goodie bags and dash plaques are provided to the first 150 show registrants.
scribed as a “boundless park” and is nestled alongside the Kik Pool, picnic shelters, rugby field and ball courts.
Harbor Springs Cycling Classic Birchwood Inn 7291 S. Lake Shore Dr., Harbor Springs June 4, 7:30 a.m.—9:30 p.m. Adults $30, children 6-12 $20, ages 5 and under FREE birchwoodinn.com/specialevents
This classic bicycle ride draws devoted cyclists from all over the state. Biking families can enjoy a leisurely ride along some of the most scenic roads in northern Michigan, with your choice of a 20-, 45- or 60-mile route. Each path takes you along scenic M-119, better known as the “Tunnel of Trees.” Along the way, there are refreshment
stops and rolling support-and-gear services. After your ride, enjoy a tasty lunch in the Birchwood Inn’s courtyard or spend the weekend there for a complete experience. The Weekend Package is $140 per person, double occupancy.
Kidstruction Zone Through September Grand Rapids Children’s Museum 11 Sheldon Ave. NE, Grand Rapids FREE with paid admission grcm.org
Put your kids to work in the Kidstruction Zone at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. They can grab their hard hat and tool belt and dig into the popular exhibit. It not only provides a play site for children to explore various construction-related trades, but also math and science concepts. Size, shape and volume are tested through scooping and pouring gravel and rocks. Problem-solving skills can be practiced through building a PVC maze or a brick tower. Throughout the exhibit, children strengthen both large and small muscles, hauling wheelbarrows of gravel up ramps and using the pouring chutes, hoppers and conveyor belts. “Kids of all ages are interested in construction sites,” explains Jake Bouck, GRCM exhibits manager. “Now there’s a kid-safe version they can play in and explore as much as they want.” Kidstruction Zone will be at the museum through September. n
Six Starz Skate Jam Upjohn Park 1000 Walter St., Kalamazoo June 4, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. FREE, kzooparks.org/events
California-based professional skateboarder Ruben Najera appears June 4 at Upjohn Park in Kalamazoo. Najera’s life has been a true rags-to-riches story — he’s a former homeless skater who found success through hard work, eventually earning paid sponsorships. He’s also set to be featured in the 2016 Skate God movie. At the event, Najera will give out pointers, put on a show and judge a trick competition. A DJ spins music throughout the event. As for the skate park itself, the Kalamazoo landmark has been de-
Pro skateboarder Ruben Najera to appear at Six Starz Skate Jam. PHOTO: Michael Der Photography
JUNE HIGHLIGHTS Cold Case Investigations Tuesday, June 7, 2016, 7:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE A cold case team is a viable option for a jurisdiction that is plagued by a significant number of unsolved murders, but comes with a high cost to an agency with budget restrictions and limited staff. Detective Sergeant Sally Wolter will explain case review and selection, as well as maintaining and sustaining a Cold Case Team.
Real Life Repossession Agent
10 BOOKS & 29 EVENTS
Thursday, June 9, 2016, 7:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE The real life of a repossession agent involves many hours of investigating and locating vehicles and many more hours on the road in a truck. Heidi Kiel, who works for Michigan Creditors Service, Inc., will share her experience of growing up in the repossession business, from riding around in the truck to learning the business side of working with clients and consumers.
Meditation 101 Thursday, June 30, 2016, 7:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE The practice of mindfulness has been shown to support increased physical, emotional, and mental health. Taught by April Hadley, co-founder of the Grand Rapids Center for Mindfulness, this class will include a brief introduction to meditation and mindfulness, along with a guided meditation practice.
ALSO CHECK OUT THESE EVENTS! Wine Tasting with Chateau Chantal Tuesday, June 7, 2016, 7:00 pm Mangiamo! – 1033 Lake Dr SE
Protest Literature: Writing the Struggle of the Oppressed Wednesday, June 8, 2016, 7:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE
Tai Chi in the Park Wednesday, June 15, 2016, 6:30 pm Canal Street Park – 941 Monroe Ave NW
Raising Strong Black Men Panel Discussion: A Response to Between the World and Me Thursday, June 16, 2016, 7:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE
Frozen in Time: the Shipwreck John V. Moran
JUNE 1 – AUGUST 31, 2016 WWW.GRPL.ORG/GRREADS 616.988.5400 FUNDED BY:
MEDIA SPONSORS:
Monday, June 20, 2016, 7:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE
Michigan Wolves: History, Identification, and Management Tuesday, June 28, 2016, 7:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE For all GR Reads events, visit www.grpl.org/GRReads. REVUEWM.COM | June 2016 |
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SEVEN STEPS UP, LIVE MUSIC & EVENT VENUE: 116 S JACKSON ST., SPRING LAKE | PINDROPCONCERTS.COM | (616) 930-4755
FOR A FULL SCHEDULE, VISIT PINDROPCONCERTS.COM 20 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2016
/// On tour
Throwing a Fit
Fitz & the Tantrums sells out Meijer Gardens, performs at Keloorah Festival Fitz & The Tantrums
| by Eric Mitts
O
the first time, leaving the band uncertain of played their first show in Hollywood less its future. than a week after their first rehearsal. Ultimately, they embraced a “the sky’s They released their debut LP Pickin’ Up the limit” theory. The band turned to a The Pieces in 2010. Their retro sound quickly received widespread acclaim, and compari- handful of outside co-songwriters, and incorporated more styles into their sound, sons to the classic R&B sounds of Motown including hip-hop, trap, reggae and world and Stax Records, while their high-energy music. club shows and festival slots built up their “As much as we’re pushing forward I buzz across the country. think there’s some elements that really take But it was their sophomore LP, 2013’s us back to our first record,” Karnes said. More Than Just a Dream, that took Fitz & the Tantrums from fan-favorite to household “When I really listen to it there’s a lot of music on here that really just screams us to me.” name. Its hit singles “Out of My League” and Now eager to get back out on the road, “The Walker” topped the alternative charts, Fitz & the Tantrums plans to play and earned the band mainstream most of the new record live on attention, gold-certification, and their current summer tour, and major TV appearances. Fitz & the Karnes said they’re most excited It also kept them on the road Tantrums to see which songs will connect for two full years, playing gig Keloorah Festival with fans the most. after gig to their growing fan-base. Michigan International Speedway, 12626 U.S. “The subject matter of the “When we came home, and Hwy. 12, Brooklyn, Mich. tunes isn’t just party, party, party,” had like two-and-a-half months June 11, 8 p.m. he said. “A lot of the songs are with absolutely nothing, which (517) 592-6666, actually saying something very is really wonderful, it forced us mispeedway.com deep and very personal. It’s a to take stock and really rethink cathartic experience for our audiwhat’s going on,” Karnes said. Frederick Meijer Gardens ence. You can either just go there Away from their homes and and have a great time, or say you families for most of that period, 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE just broke up with someone, and it took them some time to reac- June 26, 7 p.m. (Limited tickets you need to shake that off and quaint themselves with reality available at press time) get yourself back together — our before finding inspiration to start Meijergardens.org, show is a place for you as well.” n the new record. Fitzpatrick also (616) 957-1580 struggled with writer’s block for
Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
n t h e ir n e w e st h it s o n g , F it z & t h e Ta n trums wa n ts t o make your hands clap. And your feet move. And, most importantly, your heart beat. The appropriately titled “HandClap” is more than just the lead-off single for the neosoul/new-wave band’s new self-titled album, due out June 10. It’s an 808-fueled, four-onthe-floor frenzy that serves as something of a testament to the band’s onstage connection with their fans. And, for fans looking to connect, the band’s June 26 show at Frederik Meijer Gardens has already sold out. Though, fret not, the band also performs June 11 at the Keloorah Festival at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich. “We always say the audience is the seventh member of the band,” said bassist Joe Karnes. “All of us come from many different musical backgrounds, but I know for myself, before I joined this band I always wanted to be in a band that creates a celebration.” Before Los Angeles’ Fitz & the Tantrums formed in 2008, Karnes had played in numerous bands for years. Centering around frontman Michael “Fitz” Fitzpatrick, the six-piece ensemble of longtime music vets
pHOTO: Joseph Cultice
REVUEWM.COM | June 2016 |
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/// local Music
Solid State Sounds happy hour $3 Glasses of Wine, $2 Well Drinks, $2 Domestic Bottles, $1 off Large Pitchers, $0.50 off Pints & Small Pitchers, 12 Draught beers available!
Monday
Happy Hour All Day Long!
Tuesday
Happy Hour 11 AM - 7 PM & Jam with Everett 8 PM - 12 AM
Wednesday
Happy Hour 11 AM - 7 PM
RECOMMENDED BY JOHN GONZALEZ FROM MLIVE! $3.75 Deluxe Olive Burger
thursday
Happy Hour 11 AM - 7 PM Karaoke with Patty B. 8 PM - 12 AM
friday
Happy Hour 11 AM - 7 PM Live Entertainment 9:30 PM 1:30 AM - No Cover Charge!
saturday
Happy Hour 11 AM - 7 PM Live Entertainment 9:30 PM 1:30 AM - No Cover Charge! 3 Hard Shell Tacos for $3.75
sunday
Happy Hour All Day Long! 3 Hard Shell Tacos for $3.75
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june BANDS 6/3 MR WHOOHA 6/4 TRIXY TANG 6/10 GOODWIN DRIVE 6/11 ROCKET 8 6/17 HAZY PAST 6/18 (SEE WEBSITE) 6/24 BAR CODE 6/25 PRETTY RAGE
Local Music News and Briefs | by Eric Mitts
S
ummer fun starts early this month with the Local First Street Party. Presented by Founders Brewing Co., the free, all-things-local event takes place June 4 outside of Bistro Bella Vita (44 Grandville Ave.) Absolutely stacked with local musical talent, it runs from 3 p.m. to midnight with performances by the Triumph Music Academy, Joshua Davis, The Mark Lavengood Bluegrass Bonanza, Lady Ace Boogie, Chris Bathgate, Tunde Olaniran and The Crane Wives. Kalamazoo roots-music veterans The Red Sea Pedestrians releases its new LP, See Through the Eyes of Osiris, June 25 at Bell’s Eccentric Café (355 E. Kalamazoo Ave.) The album is the instrument-swapping band’s fourth fulllength of genre-melding world music. The group’s last two LPs, 2010’s Adrift and 2011’s The Electromagnetic Escape, won back-to-back Jammy Awards for Best Roots Album. The band recorded the 11-song disc at La Luna Recording and Sound, a Kalamazoo studio operated by their own multi-instrumentalist, Ian Gorman. Grand Rapids band Silverstiles releases its debut LP, A Long Time to Be Gone, June 25 at the new location of The DAAC (333 Rumsey St. SW). The self-described “California-country meets rust belt-rock” group recorded at Goon Lagoon in Grand Rapids. Also performing at the June 25 show is Grand Rapids punkrockers Murder Party and one-man-band Stovepipe Stover.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! (616) 451-0044 RIVERCITYSALOON.COM 1152 LEONARD ST. NW, GRAND RAPIDS
22 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2016
Beast in the Field
Red Sea Pedestrians Western Michigan University student-run radio station 89.1 WIDR-FM sponsors WIDRAMA at Louie’s Back Room (629 Walbridge St.). The June 11 concert brings in Boston art-rockers Bent Knee and features Kalamazoo-based bands Less Is More and Jake Simmons & The Little Ghosts as openers. Also at Louie’s, legendary Midland-based heavy duo Beast in the Field plays one of their final four shows before disbanding. The pair hits Louie’s June 9 before playing their final show June 11 in Bay City.
The SEVENth
Rising hip-hop producer The SEVENth hosts a release party for his newest EP, Weekend Sin, June 10 at The Pyramid Scheme (68 Commerce Ave. SW). Opening the show are B Sykes, DJs Savon, Omega Supreme and Mr. Fables. Also at The Pyramid Scheme this month, Triple R Entertainment presents a June 30 tribute to rapper Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest, who died earlier this year. The tribute features music by DJ Providence, DJ ILL ONE, Lamar Supreme, Sincere + Peazy, 61Syx Teknique, B Sykes, DJ Choppy Blades and Bedrock.
Fresh from recording new music in the studio earlier this spring, Grand Rapids country favorites Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys performs as part of this year’s massive B-93 Birthday Bash on June 19 at the U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin. The five-piece fronted by farmer-turned-rocker Gunnar Nyblad hits the road all summer, including an opening slot for superstar Brad Paisley on July 31 at the DTE Energy Music Theater in Clarkston. The band also returns to West Michigan on July 14 for the Rebel Road Motorcycle Rally, benefitting the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon. Grand Rapids Americana outfit Nicholas James & the Bandwagon will release their new LP Tall, Tall Tales June 25 at Founders Taproom. n
sPeciALs & eveNTs MONDAys $1 chili Dogs and $1 Beers Free show with Desmond Jones
TuesDAys comedy Tuesday (No cover!)
upcoming
at
WeDNesDAys Open Mic Night hosted by sam Kenny (No cover!)
Live Music
Open Hours
MON-sAT 3PM–2AM (KiTcHeN OPeN ON sHOW NigHTs)
Happy Hour
MON–FRi 3–7PM $2 DOMesTics, $2 WeLLs, $3 cALLs, $1.50 ReTROs
760 BuTTeRWORTH sW gRAND RAPiDs, Mi 616.272.3910
6/3
Amy Lavere wsg Willa Rae & The Minor Arcana and isLA
6/4
The Muteflutes Album Release 3.0
6/9
James Harman
6/10
The Blueflowers
6/11
The Bullets
6/14
shawn James and the shapeshifters wsg Dead eye Zack
6/17
Local spins Non-stop Rock ‘n’ Roll show with The Legal immigrants, Devin and The Dead Frets and The Trash Hounds
6/23
Jesse Ray & The carolina catfish with Nick Arthur and The Habitat
6/24
cATL and The Roomsounds
6/25
Tip Top’s 5th Anniversary with White Rabbit!
6/30
The Rocketboys with Nick Arthur & The Habitat
Thurs, June 9
$8 adv / $10 day of
The Accidentals
wsg Megan Dooley
Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
Fri, June 10
$10
DC & the Lasp Gasp Collective
Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
Thurs, June 16
$8 adv / $10 day of
The Soil & the Sun
Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
Sat, June 18
$15
Marco Benevento
Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
Wed, June 22
Yonder Mountain String Band Outdoor Show – Rain or Shine
$25 adv / $30 day of Doors 7pm — Show 8pm
Fri, June 24
Super Happy Funtime Burlesque
$10
Doors 8:30 pm — Show 9:30 pm
Sat, June 25
The Red Sea Pedestrians Album Release
wsg Guitar Up! Surf Band
Fri, July 1
Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
$12 adv / $15 day of Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
Fri, July 29
Brett Dennen
Outdoor Show – Rain or Shine
Fri, Sept 2
Keller Williams
& More Than a Little
Outdoor Show – Rain or Shine
$20 adv / $25 day of Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
$25 adv / $30 day of Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
REVUEWM.COM | June 2016 |
Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
The Ragbirds
$10
23
/// playlist
Songs We Like, Vol. 10 by Pete Bruinsma, WYCE
The Lumineers — “Ophelia” Ho Hey! This great new folk album from the Lumineers is just as catchy as previous records but more serious.
This Heat — “A New Kind of Water” The latest rediscovery from the always-digging Light in the Attic Records takes us back to 1981’s London and the glorious beginning of post-rock and experimental music. The joyous droning is almost therapeutic.
Sturgill Simpson — “Brace for Impact (Live a Little)” More “funtry” than country, Sturgill effortlessly replaces Willie as the trippiest musician in the genre. This here is a nice little country psych-funk-jam session from his bold new concept album A Sailor’s Guide to Earth.
Waxahatchee — “La Loose” Songwriter Katie Crutchfield & Co. are back June 20 at the Pyramid Scheme with sharp, well-crafted ’90s pop nostalgia. Here’s an informal jangly tune nestled among
This playlist is a sonic collaboration among Revue, WYCE 88.1 FM and AMI Jukeboxes. Aside from hipping you to the latest stellar singles, you can listen to this monthly tracklist on AMI Jukeboxes, stream it on wyce.org — and read about it here every month. From Grand Rapids, to the world!
Black Pistol Fire — “Bad Blood”
more glorious and complicated numbers on her latest release Ivy Tripp.
This TexaCanadian group plays June 15 at the Intersection — a show not to be missed. In the garage-punk-blues tradition of the Black Keys and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, these guys are a surefire hit waiting to happen.
Aesop Rock — “Dorks” Aesop Rock is back June 4 for another probably-will-sellout Pyramid Scheme show. No matter how popular he gets, dude will always be underground. “Dorks” is just a starting point for his humorous catchy and informal style reminiscent of Kool Keith, Redman or Del the Funky Homosapien.
Sam Beam & Jesca Hoop — “Every Songbird Says” On Love Letter for Fire, Sam Beam of Iron & Wine fame comes together with another of WYCE’s favorites, Jesca Hoop, in an authentic collaboration of two truly eclectic songwriters. n
Theo Croker — “In Orbit” Theo is new-school, experimental and virtuosic while sideeyeing jazz tradition. This grandson of Doc Cheatham keeps jazz artistic, mathematical and sociable — a true modern renaissance musician.
Kevin Morby — “Dorothy” Morby’s songs contain the perfect build: He takes a moment to explore an emotion or a moment then turns it into a celebration. Come for the lyrics and heart, stay for the performance when WYCE presents Kevin Morby June 16 at the Pyramid Scheme.
Chris Cohen — “Torrey Pine” Deerhoof’s guitar player goes rogue with this foray into pop-electrica with equal parts Stereolab and Ariel Pinkstyle vibes.
Other Tracks: Radiohead — “Burn the Witch” Barns Courtney — “Fire” Michael Franti & Spearhead — “Crazy for You” Rich Robinson — “Music That Will Lift Me” The Avett Brothers — “Ain’t No Man” The Staves — “Outlaw” Highasakite — “Golden Ticket” Quantic ft. Alice Russell and U-Roy — “A Life Worth Living”
Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene
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24 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2016
T H E S TAT E O F O U R D O W N T O W N A F T E R PA R T Y F E AT U R I N G
A F R E E C E L E B R AT I O N O F C I T Y B U I L D I N G T H U R S D AY, J U N E 9 | T H E P Y R A M I D S C H E M E | 8 - 1 1 P M 8:00 PM-8:45 PM 9:00 PM-9:45 PM 10:00 PM-10:45 PM
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REVUEWM.COM | June 2016 |
25
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Special Feature
West Michigan is spoiled with a surplus of brilliant, relevant bands and solo artists — and a laundry list of amazing music venues to boot. This annual special section of Revue celebrates this thriving scene by spotlighting some emerging indie artists, as well as some scene vets who are busy dropping new LPs and playing gigs. A new addition to this section is a feature that looks back on West Michigan’s 1960s garage-band scene. The lengthy story recounts the history of these long-defunct teen bands who, while gigging every weekend, also recorded some now highly collectable slabs of wax.
REVUEWM.COM | June 2016 |
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Brother Adams / Photo: Anthony Norkus
JROB (with Lady Ace Boogie) / Photo: Hot Capicola Records
r a d a r e h t n o
Music Issue
10 West
ts ric Mit E y b / ummer s s i h t t eck ou h c o t Bands n a g i h Mic
F
rom new bands on the brink of stardom to mainstays long overdue for the local spotlight, West Michigan is packed with fantastic musicians who deserve more eyes and ears. We’ve rounded up just a few of them here, spanning the wide range of sounds and styles you’ll find all over the region. Take a listen!
1. Brother Adams Hometown: Holland Genre: Folk rock
Drifter
This relatively new group from the lakeshore has a deep respect for the roots of American music. They’ve also got the moxie to branch out in entirely new directions. Their impassioned blend of folk, country, blues and even grunge is impossible to pin down, yet it sounds like a good ol’ foot-stomping saloon wherever they play. Get ready for the band to break out when they open for Detroit garage-rock legends Electric Six at The Intersection on June 18.
2. JROB
Hometown: Grand Rapids Genre: Rap
One of the many massively talented emcees in West Michigan’s underappreciated hip-hop scene, JROB gives a strong voice to the voiceless. Earlier this year he formed The Great
28 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2016
King Median / Photo: Van Forsman
Ones, a socially-conscious duo, with Jammie Award-winner Lady Ace Boogie. Their lead track, “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” tackled the tough subjects of police violence and institutionalized racism with an unflinching sense of urgency. Look out for the limited-release of The Great Ones’ debut album on Hot Capicola Records, a GR-based label.
3. Southpaw
Hometown: Muskegon Genre: Pop-punk
The next generation in Muskegon’s longrunning pop-punk scene, this fresh trio just played the gig of a lifetime when they opened for A Day To Remember in front of a sold-out crowd at The Intersection last month. The show came right on the heels of the band’s new EP, Away Like Sheep, whose release party was held at Unruly Brewing Company. Already a highenergy favorite in their hometown, expect more noise and more fans from these guys.
Southpaw
Alexander Lynch
Lipstick Jodi / Photo: Nick Hosford
Ty Beat
4. Alexander Lynch
sought-after producer and DJ. Check him out at tybeatmusic.com.
when they open for California rockabilly veterans The Blasters.
This past winter, Alexander Lynch released his debut EP, Love Lives. Things have been heating up for the vocalist/songwriter/producer ever since. With the recent release of a striking video for the song “Missing Me,” Lynch has drawn a spotlight on his surprisingly soulful vocals, which are cast in an array of slow-motion synths courtesy of co-producer DENM (aka Ryan McCarthy of breakout Grand Rapids-based band Stepdad). Fans of acts as varied as The Weeknd and Passion Pit should take notice immediately.
7. That Freak Quincy
9. Drifter
Working its way into the emergent West Michigan jam scene for the past three years, this outfit has really come into its own. They’re now regular hosts at Papa Pete’s weekly Artist Nights in Kalamazoo and have completely taken over the stage at such popular venues as Bell’s Eccentric Café, Shakespeare’s Lower Level and The Union. Their improvisational style makes things different every night, so the only thing to know before heading to one of their “freak shows” is: Get ready to get down.
Although its new EP is titled Lost Hope, this up-and-coming band has helped prove that heavy music will never die in West Michigan. Influenced by their personal faith, and bands like Underoath and August Burns Red, the group has hammered out its live sound for the past three years. Last summer they stormed the stage at the Vans Warped Tour in Detroit. This summer, with a powerful new record behind them, who knows where they’ll go.
Hometown: Grand Rapids Genre: Electronic/Pop
Hometown: Grand Rapids Genre: Indie rock
Describing themselves as “the lesbian lovechild of St. Vincent and Yeah Yeah Yeahs,” this trio fronted by vocalist/guitarist Karli Morehouse rocks a fuzzy-guitar, female-fronted sound reminiscent of some of the best bands from the ’90s. In recent months, the group has opened several shows for several like-minded local poprock bands, such as American Wi-Fi, Deadlight Holiday and The Zannies, hitting every place they can in support of their own EP, Good Not
The Concussions Great. On June 17, the band makes its first-ever appearance at New Holland Brewing.
6. Ty Beat
Hometown: Grand Rapids Genre: Livetronica/Hip-hop
Ty Beat is the solo project of Grand Rapidsbased musician Tyler Bennett. A jazz-trained musician and longtime collaborator with Detroit-based hip-hop label Young Heavy Souls, Bennett has established his own sound with a unique mix of live drums and electronic cuts. He’s performed all across the Midwest with the likes of GRiZ and Odesza, and become a much
8. The Concussions Hometown: Grand Rapids Genre: Instrumental rock
One of West Michigan’s most mysterious bands and best kept secrets, The Concussions are bare-bones rock ‘n’ roll – no pun intended, as they’re known for donning matching skeleton costumes onstage. Longtime members of the local music scene, the band sounds like a black and white television channel-surfing from midnight monster movies to The Ed Sullivan Show. Catch them June 10 at Holland’s Park Theatre
Hometown: Grand Rapids Genre: Metalcore
10. King Median
Hometown: Kalamazoo Genre: Psychedelic/Baroque pop
Bringing back the brightest sounds of the psychedelic ’60s, this young five-piece breathes new life into a Beatles-esque style that’s currently being mined by major bands like MGMT and Tame Impala. Fresh, fun and summery, their harmony-driven music is perfect for an outdoor stage, so keep an eye out for them on festival bills in the not-too-distant future. In the meantime, listen to the band’s latest release, the Namaste EP, at kingmedian.bandcamp.com. n
REVUEWM.COM | June 2016 |
Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
5. Lipstick Jodi
Hometown: Kalamazoo Genre: Jam/Funk
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pHOTO: Seth Thompson
Digging Deep
Coffin Problem Release Colossal Self-Titled, Debut LP by Eric Mitts
T
he members of Grand Rapids’ Coffin Problem have one request for when you listen to their debut LP: Play it loud.
Anyone who’s caught the band’s epic live shows will echo the same. The music is enormous — enveloping every available space surrounding it before encapsulating eardrums in layers of dense distortion. “It’s mostly slow. It’s big. It’s fuzzy and atmospheric,” vocalist/guitarist Sean Stearns said about the band’s new self-titled album on dizzybird records — the release show is July 23 at The Pyramid Scheme. “It’s wild and mild. I hope it’s an intense listen. I heard someone say that it sounds bigger than Texas.” Boxing their massive, high-volume music into an easily definable, digestible sound is a real challenge for Coffin Problem, ever since Stearns, 34, started the band as a bedroom project. But as the band has grown, the members have come to describe their music as dronerock, referencing genres like shoegaze and bummercore as touchstones for their colossal wall of guitars. Formerly a member of GR pysch-rockers Haunted Leather, Stearns began writing songs two years ago for what would become Coffin Problem’s debut LP. The band issued a stripped-down release on 1980 Records back in 2014. Afterwards he started assembling the band with some of his longtime friends in the GR music scene. “I met Sean while he was playing in Haunted Leather,” said Coffin Problem drummer Ben Weissenborn, 28. “He was the only other person I’d met in person that was a fan of Swans, so that gave us something very small to connect on initially. We
and silence can be more powerful than playing fast and hitting hard.” After getting together for its first practice last September, Coffin Problem put together a solid set of songs in just a month and a half, and played its first show at Founders last October. “No one had any idea what we sounded like, and [local psych-band] Heaters were nice enough to put us on the show,” Stearns said. “It was packed and the response was insane. I can’t even explain how it felt to be received so well.” Following that first gig alone, local label dizzybird records offered to put out Coffin Problem’s debut vinyl kept running into each other out at different bars and LP — which is now available for pre-order at dizzybirdeventually struck up a really solid friendship.” records.com and comes with an immediate download Along with guitarist Trevor Goldner, 36, and bassist of the album. Billy Bartholomew, 35, the members of Coffin Problem “That blew our minds,” Stearns said of the swift often play double-duty, as they’re all active in other offer from dizzybird co-owners Brian Hoekstra and area bands. Stearns plays with Shores and The Howlers, while Bartholomew also plays in shores and the Matt Nicole LaRae. “They’re good friends of ours and Churchill Band. Goldner moonlights in Heavier Than they’re doing great things. They support their bands Air Flying Machines, Expunk and Trophy. 100 percent and that’s so important.” “Coffin Problem is different for me Coffin Problem then recorded because it’s the first band I’ve been in its eight-song debut last November at Coffin Problem – where I’m the songwriter-singer,” Stearns Cold War Studio with Rick Johnson. Album Release Show said. “Because of that, it’s kind of an w/ Heaven’s Gateway Drugs, The band is currently already working amalgamation of the styles of the other Glassfield, Prudence on a follow-up. The Pyramid Scheme, 68 bands I’ve been in and the music I’m “I see it as the end of the first chapCommerce SW, Grand Rapids influenced by.” July 23, 8 p.m. ter of the band and the beginning of “Besides Coffin Problem, I play $8 advance, $10 day of show| the next,” Weissenborn said. “I feel like in Jade TV, Shane Tripp, Stepdad and 21 and older we have a strong sense of momentum pyramidschemebar.com, Mavericks and Monarchs,” Weissenborn (616) 272-3758 and I hope that we’re able to harness added. “Before that, I played in a band that and keep it going.” called Petals Rang the Bell. Of all the The band plans to do several weekbands I play in, Coffin Problem is the end tours, including runs out to Chicago, Madison, one where I feel like I have the most sonic space to experiment. I find myself focusing more on mood, Minneapolis, as well as heading down south and out atmosphere and dynamic, as opposed to trying to play east. n things that are more technical or impressive. Restraint REVUEWM.COM | June 2016 |
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/// Music Issue
Breaking Out
A Conversation with The Accidentals by Elma Talundzic
T
he thought of group assignments might bring ba c k ba d h i g h s c h o o l memories, but without them,
The Accidentals may not have come to be. Multi-instrumentalists Savannah “Sav” Buist and Katie Larson, both 20, grew up in Traverse City just down the street from each other. But it wasn’t until they were thrown together for an assignment in an orchestra class that the pair crossed paths. “We literally became the band that day,” said Buist, who writes songs on a variety of instruments, including the violin, viola, banjo, mandolin and upright bass. That eclectic sound has helped the indie folk-rock band become one of the state’s top emerging outfits. Billboard named the trio, which includes drummer Michael Dause, as
32 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2016
one of the “Top Seven Breakout Artists SXSW 2015.” Now, on June 1, the band is dropping its new Parking Lot EP, available to stream at moreaccidentals.com. “It’s called ‘Parking Lot’ because the chorus of that song is ‘get me out of this parking lot,’ Buist explained. “We feel like we’ve been sitting in this metaphorical parking lot for a long time and we’re finally breaking out and showing the world who we really are, who we’ve evolved to be and thanking them for helping us get there.” Here’s what else they had to say to Revue.
After you two formed in 2011, how did you land your first gig? Do you recall much about it? Buist: As a band, our first show was two weeks later at Horizon’s Books. We opened for my
family’s band. [At that time], I was also in another band playing violin and singing harmony. Larson: Both of us are really shy. We didn’t really know what stage presence was. We just sat on some stools, we had music stands and we were nervously glancing at each other and giggling while reading the lyrics off a page.
Who writes the music? Buist: We both write the lyrics. Our writing is kind of a personal process. Most of the time, we’ll get home from a long tour and just work out a bunch of songs on our own. Then we’ll go to the other person and we’ll add some sort of musical accompaniment. Ever since Michael joined the band, he’s helped with a little bit of arranging because it’s really different once a drummer joins your band. It adds
a whole new dimension to your songwriting and arrangement.
Is the band the only focus? Larson: Yes, we’ve been touring and recording since we graduated from high school in 2014. It’s been a solid two years — we’re pretty much owning our own business. We’re super hands-on learning the whole process. It’s a full-time job for sure.
You started your music career as teens and I understand that your parents are both musicians. Was that a big musical influence growing up? Buist: Yeah, our parents were pretty huge influences. Our fathers are both pianists and our
mothers are both singers. Katie’s father is the accompanying pianist for Interlochen Arts Academy. Her mom was also a classical singer. Larson: I spent a lot of time in middle school and high school watching students at the academy play music, which is very different from Savannah’s side. Her parents met in Nashville when they were both really young and they were just blowing up the scene. Her dad was a really high-demand studio musician. He plays saxophone, guitar and piano and he
offered a singer/songwriter program and it just spiraled into the perfect thing. Buist: I don’t think either of us expected this to happen. Around the time we started the band, right before it happened, I kind of hit this weird rock bottom of existential crisis in my life. I thought, “I have to go to college and know what I want to do with my life. All I’m doing right now is playing this little violin.” I had no idea what I was going to do with my life. I was freaking out about it and that’s the moment when Katie actually walked into the room. We both raised our hands [in class] and volunteered for the group and we were a band that night. Larson: A lot of things lined up to make it happen.
What are you both working on now?
played the Grand Ole Opry. Her mom was an R&B singer. Buist: All of my favorite music has been curated by listening in the car with my dad.
Have you always known that you wanted to make music a career?
The Accidentals EP Release Shows Founders Brewing Company, 235 Grandville Ave SW, Grand Rapids June 2, 9 p.m., FREE, 21+ foundersbrewing.com
Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
Larson: I would say no. As we said, both our parents work at Interlochen Arts Academy so I was always looking at Interlochen as an art school. I was interested but I didn’t really know what I would study. I didn’t really see myself going there to play classical cello, practicing five hours a day and then getting a job in a symphony. It didn’t quite seem to be the right thing for me.
Buist: We are mostly working on promoting the upcoming EP. We’ve released a couple of singles and we have a ton of release shows in June. It’s really exciting. We haven’t released new music in three years. We decided to self-produce it. We were the only ones in the studio who had the sense of direction that we wanted it to go in. We’re releasing music that’s 100-percent us this year. n
Bell’s Brewery 355 E Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo June 9, 9 p.m., $10, $8 adv., 21+ bellsbeer.com Full list of shows: moreaccidentals.com
When I met Savannah we started gigging and it felt really right. Then Interlochen
REVUEWM.COM | June 2016 |
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/// Music Issue
You don’t know these these folks, it’s a stock photo.
Fenton Records owner Dave Kalmbach.
Highs in the Mid-Sixties Revue Spotlights West Michigan ’60s Garage Bands and Fenton Records 45s
Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene
by Rich Tupica
W
hen The Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show in 1964, teens across the country raced to local music
shops, picked out guitars and hastily learned chords as their crewcuts grew into mop tops. High-school garage bands popped up across the map — all looking to recreate the energy of the burgeoning British Invasion. West Michigan was no exception. While the scene’s genesis, life and demise is quite similar to other cities, one distinguishing characteristic is where these local bands recorded: Great Lakes Studios in Sparta — home of Fenton Records, the now iconic garage-rock vanity label. Bands from all over West Michigan, Lansing and beyond traveled to Sparta to record. From there, the studio’s owner, Dave Kalmbach, would not only produce the audio, but then send the recordings off to be pressed onto 45s, often stamped with his Fenton Records label. Located in an airy movie theater with soaring ceilings, Fenton’s unique space created a genuine, natural reverb that current hipster bands attempt to recreate with computers and pedals. But 50 years ago, all local bands had to do was show up with a decent tune and plug in. From there, Kalmbach’s studio helped create the magic. “I loved that place,” recalled local radio personality Aris Hampers, who fronted his own ’60s garage band, The Soulbenders. “It was a big old theater that played scratchy, old films during the day and then rocked with garage music immersed in cigarette smoke at night. It was a place with a ton of natural reverb — guitar notes, drum crashes and organ riffs would reverberate around that huge room.”
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And that signature sound fetches a lot of dough on eBay these days. Some of the teen bands’ Fenton 45s sell for $20, others for $200 to $500, all the way up to $1,200 — depending primarily on the band. Vinyl-record collectors don’t shell out big bucks like that for mediocre tunes. It’s proof that something special happened in Sparta throughout the mid-1960s. Some incredibly talented bands crossed paths with Kalmbach and together they sonically documented a slice of Michigan’s finest, rawest teenage rock ‘n’ roll. While those youthful, primitive bands died off with the advent of progressive and hard rock, and Fenton fizzled out before the onset of the 1970s, today the label is seeing a surprising resurgence. Last year, the Fenton brand was relaunched in Sparta and has now re-opened as a space for locals to learn how to play and produce music. Organizer Gregory Peak calls this non-profit venture a “Cultural Community Center” that’s focused not only on music, but a wide array of art forms. More information can be found at fentonrecords.com. And while Kalmbach is not around to witness this unexpected rebirth, his vision lives on in the non-profit’s mission, as well as the records he and the bands left behind — the songs music-obsessed freaks refuse to forget. In celebration of the re-launch of the Fenton name, here’s a brief history of a select batch of West Michigan ’60s teen bands, all of whom passed through the hallowed doors of Great Lakes Studios in the mid-sixties — and are now actually in their mid-sixties. But thanks to the records, they’ll be forever young in the eyes of their fans.
The SoulBenders
The JuJus
Led by frontman and keyboardist Aris Hampers, The SoulBenders formed in 1967 and churned out a matchless cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Hey Joe” and a blistering take on Love’s “7 and 7 Is” that same year. Released on the Phantasm and Mala Records labels, “Hey Joe” was No. 1 on WLAV’s charts for six weeks and helped the band sell 3,000 copies in around three weeks’ time. Aside from dominating charts, The SoulBenders opened a big show for The Blue Magoos and were also notorious for winning a bulk of the Battle of the Bands events. But it wasn’t just covers that helped them gain local notoriety. While at the Great Lakes Recording Studio, the band also put originals down on tape — including poppy tracks like “Petals” and “I Can’t Believe in Love.” In the years following the band’s break up, Hampers fronted his band Phlegethon, which opened shows for The Stooges, MC5 and The Byrds, among others. At the onset of the 1970s, he also became a beloved local disc jockey and spent the following decades spinning tracks on both WLAV-FM and WBFX-FM.
The JuJus formed at Godwin High School after the members met up in the school’s jazz band. While its first gig was a Beatles cover set at a school assembly, the group would go on to record some stone-cold garage-rock classics — in their own folk-rock and British Invasion-influenced way. The original JuJus lineup was comprised of saxophonist Max
(Grand Rapids)
The Barons
The Renegades
The Barons, one of the first teen-garage bands to form in Grand Rapids, got together in 1963 and played its first gig that Halloween — a string of shows followed. Soon, there was no shortage of venues to play in West Michigan. Along with the burst of British-obsessed garage bands came a surge of newly-opened, all-ages teen-clubs willing to host these wellattended, dance-friendly concerts. Prior to this, all of the local music venues were 21-andover. And when The Barons was not honing its live set, which — like all teen bands from this era — consisted mainly of hot Top 40 covers, the band was working on original tunes, which would be peppered into each live show. With its early formation, the group’s “Try a Love With Me” b/w (backed with) “Don’t Come Back Here No More” single boasts a chirpier, pre-Beatles-teenybopper sound. The 1965 record was released on Jafes Records, a Fenton offshoot-imprint named after the band’s manager, Jim “Jafes” Kent. The Barons, which recorded in Kent’s home studio, comprised guitarists Dick Steimle, Dave Rutkowski, Bill McNamara (bass) and drummer Steve Carpenter, aka “Mandrill Fern.” A high point for the band was opening a show for the legendary Chubby Checker. After the guys parted ways, Steimle went on to play in The SoulBenders while Rutkowski joined up with The Pedestrians in 1967.
Another Grand Rapids band with a preBeatlemania start date is The Renegades — aka The Renegades IV and Renegades V. The group formed in 1963 and released its debut Fenton Records single in 1964: “Greensleeves” b/w “Autumn Night,” both instrumentals. The following year the band decided to add some vocals to the mix after taking some cues from local rock heroes The Kingtones. From there, the East High-based band released another single, this time on Dubonay Records — a Fenton offshoot. The A-side is a fiery take on “Wine, Wine, Wine,” a Nightcaps cover. The single is steeped in the energy of late-’50s rock and topped off with dubbed-in crowd screams. One last single appeared in 1966, “She’s Your Find” b/w “Raving Blue” via Cambridge Records. This obscure garagerock gem is the band’s most polished work on record. Vocalist Scott Vanderleest and guitarist Fitz Green collaborated on “She’s Your Find” and crafted a passionate pop hook. It’s a fine example of how a potent chorus can get stuck in your head for days. The track, of course, also included bassist Craig Menees, Dave Heth(keys) and drummer Rick Idema. Another incarnation included Brian Bracken on keys. While all of The Renegades’ singles made local charts (WERX and WLAV), the band parted ways soon after its swansong effort, “She’s Your Find,” faded from the airwaves.
(Grand Rapids)
(Grand Rapids)
The Pedestrians (Grand Rapids)
After forming in the spring of 1966, The Pedestrians quickly became a fixture at local teen clubs like The Place and Beach Bash in Grand Haven — sharing stages with the likes of the Lansing-based, Motown-signed Danny Hernandez & The Ones. The Pedestrians was also a regular at local high schools, gigging at Catholic Central and Union High School dances. The group included Tony Cooper (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Jay Kilpatrick (drums), Kim Weighous (lead guitar/vocals) and bassist Bill DeYoung. The band’s single “Think Twice” was a No.1 local smash in 1966 and even topped radio charts in parts of Florida and Alabama. Following the widespread buzz, the group road-tripped down south for shows and a television appearance. A visit to New York saw them performing on the Lloyd Thaxton Show, an appearance in support of a never-to-be released LP. After a deal with Atco Records went sour, the band fell apart and was totally dismantled by the end of the 1960s.
Jujus
Colley Jr., Bill Gorski (drummer) and lead guitarist Rod Shepard. After adding vocalist Ray Hummel III, the group headed to Sparta and cut one of its most sought after 45s, 1965’s “You Treat Me Bad,” on the Fenton Records imprint. The single was backed by the tremendously poppy “Hey, Little Girl.” Locally, “You Treat Me Bad” reached No. 2 on the October ’65 charts and earned the band a performance on WOOD TV’s American Bandstand-style show, McKay’s Place — hosted by the late Dick McKay. After the band had some turnover. In 1966 Ron Burke stepped in on vocals and the band released its primitive masterpiece, “Do You Understand Me.” Over the years, The JuJus’ tunes have appeared on countless CD and vinyl compilations, even landing spots on the legendary Back From the Grave and Pebbles collections.
REVUEWM.COM | June 2016 |
Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
The Barons
(Grand Rapids)
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The Legends (Holland) The sea of reverberated “ooh, ooh, oooh, oooohs!” paired with the relentless pulsation of a Farfisa organ on The Legends’ “I’ll Come Again” is textbook ’60s Garage Rock 101. Perhaps that’s why the 1967 Fenton single, backed with the soft ballad “I’m Just a Guy,” is considered one of the label’s classic releases. This lone release from the band was actually recorded in 1966, but a delayed release pushed it into the next year — right as the outfit was disbanding. Still, they had a good run. The band, which formed in 1964 at Holland High, consisted of Ray Vasquez (keys/vocals), Scott Hamberg (guitar), Andy Fierro (bass) and drummer John Bertalan. The group played local clubs like the Thunderbird Lounge in Muskegon, Noah’s Ark in Saugatuck, and The Edgar Allan Poe Club in Holland (fun fact: The Edgar Allan Poe Club was previously a funeral parlor). The Legends also backed Ray Hummel III of The JuJus on his 1967 solo outing, the “Fine Day” b/w “Gentle Rain” single on Fenton. The Legends emerged from its breakup in the early 1970s as a six-man group called The Black Sparrow, but it fizzled out into obscurity.
The Quests (East Grand Rapids)
1965. JuJus getting off at the Kent County airport
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The Quests’ “Shadow’s In the Night” is stacked with some mean fuzz guitar, sure, but it’s also dynamically complemented with soaring, Brian Wilson-inspired vocals. The flipside of the Fenton single is the frantic and galloping track, “I’m Tempted” — making it one of the best-rounded singles on the label. The band’s first 7-inch, 1966’s “Scream Loud,” hit No. 2 on WGRD and later became the title track of the impressive 2007 Fenton Records boxset, a three-LP collection called Scream Loud!!!: The Fenton Story. After the band split, guitarist Bob Fritzen and keyboardist Ron Sieracki formed another band, The Sound Investment. In 2007, the band issued a CD of their songs, ReQUESTed: Back to the Garage. The disc includes the singles and some previously unreleased tunes.
The Jades (Sparta) Luckily, after forming in 1964, The Jades didn’t have to travel too far to get to Sparta’s Great Lakes Recording Studio. The band formed at Sparta High School and cut two 45s on the Fenton label: “Confined
The Jades
Congregation” b/w “Please Come Back” in 1966 and 1967’s “Surface World” b/w “We Got Something Going.” The pop-fueled group included guitarists Rich Seigel and Phil Succop, Craig Clarke (bass), Floyd Johnson (keys) and drummers Don Preston, Bill Alexander and Roy Johnson. The band gigged across West Michigan, performing at high school post-games, Friday-night dances and countless teen clubs, including one massive battle-of-the-bands show at The Place (632 Plymouth Ave. N.E., Grand Rapids). The Jades also performed three nights a week, during the summers, at a club in Hess Lake before disbanding in 1968. As usual with teen bands, it was that pesky high-school graduation that dissolved the group. Last year, the band reunited for a fan Q&A in their hometown of Sparta.
The Mussies (South Haven) The climatic swagger of The Mussies’ “Louie Go Home,” an amped-up Paul Revere & the Raiders cover, is a prime example of garage-rock flawlessness. The 1967 Fenton single, backed with the unruly psych-tinged instrumental “12 O’clock, July,” was recorded at Chicago’s Chess Studios and featured Greg Erikson (vocals/bass), Paul Nabb (lead guitar), Tom Mann (rhythm guitar/ vocals), Brady Rusin (keys) and drummer Bill Johnson. Some of the band’s high points included opening big shows for The Buckinghams and Shadows of Knight. After the draft broke up The Mussies, some of the band went on to form The Smoke, releasing one self-issued single, 1968’s “Half Past the End.”
The Black Watch (Cedar Springs) The small town of Cedar Springs produced one of the softest teenage-love ballads to come out of the West Michigan scene: “I Wish I Had the Nerve” by The Black Watch. Paired with a more upbeat A-side, “Left Behind,” the Fenton Records band — like many from this era — only stuck around for one single and then vanished into adulthood. The group, originally known as The Nomads, comprised bassist Bob Rayce, Jon Grannis (lead guitar/ vocals), Glenn Stout (rhythm guitar/vocals), Brad Bassett (drums) and keyboardist Bill Shaw.
The Chentelles (Fennville) The first rock ‘n’ roll band to ever form out of Fennville High School, The Chentelles recorded one lone Fenton single, 1967’s punky party-starter: “Be My Queen.” This highly collectible slab of local wax (only 400 pressed) has fetched in the neighborhood of $1,200 on eBay. The band included William Dalton (keys/vocals), Dennis Smiertka (accordion/vocals), Bruce Smiertka (guitar), John Willerton (guitar), Mark Adams (bass) and drummer Gary Adkins. The original Chentelles drummer Barb Overhiser — a rare
female Fenton-band member — left early on, and didn’t play on the record. In its heyday, the group gigged at West Michigan teen clubs like The Warehouse, Noah’s Ark, The Morgue, and Holland’s Edgar Allan Poe teendance club. After the band dissolved, a couple of the Chentelles members formed The Embryonic Marshmallow, a band fronted by Pam Busscher.
The Sheffields (Holland) “Nothing I Can Do,” released in May 1965, is one of a string of West Michigan jangly melodic-garage nuggets penned by The Sheffields’ guitarist John Dunn. The band also consisted of bassist Dale Knoll, Ron Gibson (lead guitar), Rodney Mullett (drums) and lead singer Gary Teall. The Sheffields also recorded three other singles on both Fenton and Destination Records, including “My Lovin’ Days Are Through” (November 1965), “Do You Still Love Me” (May 1966), and the band’s final stab at a hit, “Fool Minus A Heart,” arriving in March 1967. In its prime, the band packed out popular local venues like the Holland Armory and The Factory. In 1986, about 20 years after the band’s breakup, they played a well-attended reunion gig at The Holland Civic Center — and haven’t played since.
The New Era (Hollland) Holland’s own The New Era recorded the obscure jangle-pop gem “We Ain’t Got Time” in 1967 while the band was still in tenth grade. This lone single, released on Great Lakes Records (a Fenton subsidiary), featured the equally enchanting f lipside “Won’t You Please Be My Friend,” a mellow Rickenbacker-driven, Byrds-esque tune. The band, which was known for its stupendous live cover of “Light My Fire,” comprised Dana Dunn (drums, vocal), John Williamson (lead guitar, vocal), Jay Bertalan (rhythm guitar, vocal) and bassist Steve Kunkel. Later, keyboardist Jeff Brown joined the group. Both sides of The New Era’s majestic folk-garage 45 was written by Dunn’s brother, John Dunn — of the fellow Holland-based band The Sheffields.
The Aardvarks (Muskegon) From the ashes of The Hitchhikers came another Muskegon-based band, The Aardvarks. The band was formed in late 1964 by lead vocalist/bassist Darryl Dingler and drummer Garey Walker and soon included John Carter (lead guitar) and guitarist Rick Spratt. The group’s sought-after
Aardvarks
psych-garage single “I’m Higher Than I’m Down,” released in May 1966 on the band’s Vark Records imprint, was recorded at the Great Lakes Recording Studio and features a peculiar bell ringing throughout the trippy tune. When the band wasn’t performing at local teen venues, like Muskegon’s Club Safari and the Thunderbird Lounge, they were back in Sparta recording tracks, including the “I Don’t Believe” b/w “I Don’t Need You” single, released in September 1966 on the Fenton label. In 1967, while on tour, the band performed on the national television show Swingin’ Time, sharing airtime and a dressing room with The
/// Music Issue Grateful Dead. In 1968, The Aardvarks called it quits after the Army and college called on its members.
The 9th Street Market (Muskegon) The 9th Street Market’s 1967 A-side “You’re Gone” was penned by fellow West Michigan garage-band fixture Dennis Dingler of The Aardvarks. The spacey-surf guitar line, opposite a cranked-up Farfisa organ, echoed The Marketts’ “Out of Limits” — and other surf-tinged mid-sixties tunes. “I’m a Baby,” the A-side of this Fenton record, is a moody-outsider anthem written by band members Erv Wagner and Rick Rademacher.
Peter & the Prophets (Grand Rapids) In April 1966, Peter & the Prophets’ polishedpop treasure “Don’t Need Your Lovin’” (b/w “Johnny of Dreams”) started scoring airplay on WLAV and soon reached No. 17 on WGRD. It also landed them a lip-synching spot on McKay’s Place. The East Grand Rapids-based high school band, which formed in 1965, included Pete Samuelson and John Kay on guitar and vocals, Mike Boylan playing lead guitar, Jeff Boylan on bass and Dan Kimball on drums. After the band called it quits, Kay and Samuelson joined another garage-pop group called The Everyday Things and cut one private-press single on its Briton label.
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The Pentagons (Muskegon)
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This long-lost band has the arguable title of being the first band to form in Muskegon after its 1960 genesis. The Pentagon’s single “Try and Find” was recorded at Great Lakes Studio and then released in August 1966. The menacinglypaced track featured an obnoxiously cranked saxophone alongside periodic stabs of reverblaced guitar blasts, adding a bit of ’50s-rock grit to a ’60s garage stomper. The B-side, “Before I Go,” shows the band’s ability to dial it back and deliver a mid-tempo love song — with no shortage of saxophone, of course.
The Chevrons (Grand Rapids) In 1965, The Chevrons — originally known as The Chevrons V — formed at East Christian High in Grand Rapids and was made up of Bob Goote (keyboards/lead vocals), Pat Strong (lead
Black Watch
guitar), Bob Vandenberg (guitar/vocals), Steve Vanderark (bass/vocals) and drummer Jerry Vanderwal. Its first single, “I Lost You Today” b/w “Niat Pac Lavram,” was released in 1966 on Nook Records. (Note: The revved-up B-side is “Captain Marvel” spelled in reverse). For a follow up, the band dropped the “V” from its name and headed to Great Lakes Recording Studio to record another 45. In early 1966, the Goote-penned tunes were released as a Fenton single: “Hey Little Teaser” b/w “What Everybody Wants.” The gleeful A-side climbed to No. 5 on local radio charts. A year later the group disbanded after their high school graduation. Goote then formed a new band, Counts of Coventry, and recorded “Somewhere (Someone Is Waiting),” another lost local hit on 4 Count Records.
The Poor Boys Pride (Grand Haven) Formed in 1966, The Poor Boys Pride were on their way up after landing a booking and promotion company. But, like all of these bands — it didn’t last long. The group consisted of Rick Clark (drums/vocals), Jim Crowell (guitar/ vocals), Ken Saum (guitar/vocal), Floyd Walker (bass/vocal) and Lowell Webster (keys/horn/ vocal). The Poor Boys Pride released its 1967 single, “Fall of a Town” b/w “The Place,” on their own Swade imprint. The B-side was, of course, a tribute to The Place, the notable local teen club. When the band was preparing for a three-week tour, two of its members were drafted into the Vietnam War. The band’s 1968 single “I’m Here” (backed with the Bo Diddleybeat-driven “But Yes Who Cares”) was one of the last Fenton Records singles to be pressed. In 2013, the band released a CD retrospective compiling its singles and previously unreleased tracks. n
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/// Music Issue
Stripped Down
Soil and the Sun Scale Back to Four-Piece Unit by Eric Mitts
F
o r G r a n d Rap i d s - ba s e d indie outfit The Soil & The Sun, the end of 2015 and the start of this year has been about deconstruction and rebuilding.
McGrath and his wife, keyboardist/vocalist Ashley McGrath, along with drummer Benjamin Baker-Jackson and guitarist Kellen Kerwin decided to begin anew as a four-piece. Currently, they all live together in a house in East Town along with Baker-Jackson’s wife and family. Meanwhile, keyboardist/vocalist Jacqueline Warren, violinist Joanna Perry and bassist Michael Newsted decided to part ways, with Warren having
Surrounding the release of their last LP, 2014’s Meridian, the then seven-piece ensemble hit the road harder than ever before. They played all started a new project called Major Murphy. “Being at home in Michigan for the past year across the country, hitting such festivals as SXSW has sort of created this environment where we’re in Austin and the CMJ Music Showcase in New really inside our heads, I think. Like an incubaYork, while bonding together like family in their tion period,” Alex McGrath converted tour bus. said. “There has been a lot When the band finally “Being at home in Michigan of reflection, reminiscing, came home nearly a year and for the past year has sort and self-introspection this a half later, they started asking of created this environment past year. I’m sure that has themselves some basic but spilled over into these new serious questions about their where we’re really inside songs we’re working on.” future and happiness. our heads, I think. Like an After nearly eight years “It hit that point where incubation period. There and three LPs together, the the band was pretty much has been a lot of reflection, group finally gave themtaking up all of our time,” reminiscing, and selfselves some time and space vocalist/guitarist/songwriter to figure out things. They Alex McGrath told REVUE. introspection this past stayed away from touring “Which, for some, is great. year. I’m sure that has for the better part of the past For others, it’s not so great. I
“I’ve realized that a four-piece can be just as powerful as a seven-piece — you just have to own it a bit more,” McGrath said. Lately, The Soil & The Sun has been “eating up everything Radiohead,” from the band’s latest LP to Thom Yorke’s solo album Tomorrow’s Modern Boxes and Johnny Greenwood’s orchestral work. Bands like Here We Go Magic and Bibio are also on heavy rotation at the house. Their tentative plan heading forward is to tour as much as possible this spring, summer and early fall, before working on a new record in the late fall and winter. “It feels like a new beginning in almost every way,” Alex McGrath said of The Soil & The Sun now. “We’ve been simultaneously reworking older material and writing a lot of new stuff lately. It’s all pretty different than what we’ve done in the past. Very new, very fresh. I’m really looking forward to getting these new songs out in front of people.” n
spilled over into these new
year, and allowed themselves don’t want to speak for the songs we’re working on.” to naturally settle into a new others, but I think we’re all sound that McGrath calls, just getting older and our lives are being pulled in different directions. The desire “tighter, darker, more spacious and deliberate.” The band plans to play five or six new songs on to have a personal life and pursue dreams outside their current tour, which is something they’ve never of the band doesn’t always lend itself very well to done before. As for their older songs, originally relentless touring and constant collaboration with filled with massive multi-part harmonies and lush six other people. ... I’m pretty proud of us for maklayers of orchestral sounds crashing together with ing it work for as long as we did.” The result of those life-searching conversations pedal-driven post-rock, the band plans to strip everything unnecessary away, and come at them led the large ensemble to strip things back to the from a more simplified, intentional angle. ground in order to keep growing.
The Soil & The Sun wsg. Keeps, Caleb Groh Founders Taproom 235 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids June 11, 9:30 p.m., $5, 21+ foundersbrewing.com, (616) 776-1195 Bell’s Eccentric Café 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave. June 16, 8 p.m. doors/9 p.m. show $8 advance, $10 day of show, 21 and older bellsbeer.com, (269) 382-2332
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Voting ends june 25! Vote for your favorite local people, places, businesses and more
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WE WANT YOU!
(to vote in Revue ’s first BEST OF THE WEST readers poll)
L
ast month, Revue launched our first-ever “best of” West Michign poll — the Best of the West contest. This online survey asks our readers to nominate and vote for their most-loved local businesses, people and things to do. If you haven’t voted yet, it’s simple: Just go online to revuewm.com/ bestofthewest and select your picks.
Vote for your favorite spots to eat, drink and shop, as well as top local musicians, artists and more. From “Best New Restaurant” and “Best Dive Bar” to “Best Book Store” and “Best Auto Repair,” the competition spans our entire community. The poll covers tried-and-true favorites such as “Best Burger,” and the results will be published along with fresh,
fun and irreverent staff picks, like “Best Facial Hair” and “Best Cheap Date.” And since Revue covers all of West Michigan — not just Grand Rapids — winning a Best of the West Award means wider-spread bragging rights for its winners. Are you the best in West Michigan? Spread the word via social media and ask for your people to vote for you. Do you support local businesses? Make your voice count and vote today. Winners will be announced August 1, so pick up Revue’s August issue to find out who is Best of the West.
Best of the West readers poll Nominate and vote online until June 25. revuewm.com/ bestofthewest
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/// Music Issue
Get Out of Dodge The Muteflutes Leave Town, Cut New LP by Eric Mitts
S
ometimes, you just need to get away. So if you thought The Muteflutes have been in hiding, you’d be right. Back in January, the Grand Rapids-based indie-folk group packed up their gear, got out of town and headed for one of the least-likely mid-winter destinations around: Minneapolis. Once there, they holed up together at The Hideaway Studio, and a week later emerged with their third LP, naturally titled: Hideaway Love. “It was really this tucking away and tucking in, and just getting into this music together,” singer/songwriter/ guitarist Micah McLaughlin said of the album’s title. “We sort of ran away from the city and tucked ourselves into the studio, and just made this music which is this deep expression of who we are as individuals and who we are as a band.” The group worked on the new album with New Jersey-based producer Darenn Vermaas. Originally from Grand Rapids, Vermaas contacted the band after seeing them on TV and asked if he could work with them. When they agreed, he came to Grand Rapids for several of their shows and practices over the past two years while the new songs slowly came to life. “It was almost like an alternative world,” McLaughlin said of recording at The Hideaway. “You leave your fam-
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all wanted that musical outlet still that we ily, leave your relationships, leave your job, had growing up.” leave your city, and go to this other place The Muteflutes Focusing on friendship and finding Hideaway Love Album and do this thing that you don’t ever do, Release Show an almost family-like connection, the which is be in the studio for 12 to 14 hours Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill group not only grew in size but in musical a day. So it was a bit surreal, but the process 760 Butterworth St. SW, dimension. They added texture and depth was really incredible. We started the week Grand Rapids to the singer-songwriter feel of their first and then seven days later you have an entire June 4, 8 p.m. (616) 272-3910 LP, 2011’s The Ballad of the Rebel Grape, and album done.” expanded even more with their second A performer and songwriter since LP, 2014’s American Dream, which won a his late teens, McLaughlin, 34, first met Jammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk album. Mutef lutes bassist Adam Thompson through an alTheir latest effort draws upon their relationships, ternative church called Lighthouse, where they began both within the band and their families, as well as a performing some of his songs. Wildey came on, joining greater sense of connection that they all feel. the band together with McLaughlin’s wife Erica, and for“I’ve never been a guy that writes lots of love songs,” mer drummer Chad Houseman. Later, when Houseman McLaughlin said. “And while there are some love songs and Erica McLaughlin left for other pursuits, the group on this album, there’s a theme of depth of spirituality called upon longtime friend Levi Gardner to play drums, that comes out in the music. … To me this album is the and he soon suggested they add pianist/vocalist Marie closest to what I think The Muteflutes’ sound is, and that Dornan, whom he’d met at Mars Hill Bible Church in goes all the way from pretty folky-pop to pretty hard Grandville. rock. We have a section in one song where it’s really not “I think that when we first got together it was for sort Americana — it’s not folk — it’s rock. And it has a spoken of a one-off show and something magical happened,” word rap in the middle of a song that’s so different from McLaughlin said. “At that time we had a lot of three-part anything we’ve ever done, and yet I still think that sound harmonies and stuff, and I think that sort of stuck. We were all at the stage of life where we were starting to is The Muteflutes.” n raise families and get married and all that, and yet we
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/// Music Issue
The DAAC’s New Digs DIY Space Resettles in GR’s Roosevelt Park Neighborhood by Eric Mitts
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fter going homeless for nearly three years, The Division Avenue Arts Collective finally found a new home earlier this spring thanks in part to Habitat for Humanity of Kent County and SiTE:LAB. The three groups have worked together to welcome The DAAC to its new, temporary location at 333 Rumsey St. SW, in Grand Rapids’ Roosevelt Park Neighborhood. The building is the former St. Joseph the Worker Church and is part of a future neighborhood revitalization project planned by Habitat for 2017. On April 9, The DAAC hosted an open-house at the Rumsey Street location as part of Art.Downtown 2016. The organization has a full schedule of concerts and other arts events slated through the end of this month into July – when SiTE:LAB will begin its art installation for ArtPrize 2016. “Habitat invited SiTE:LAB to make use of their properties during the project planning process for ArtPrize 2015 and 2016, and the group received special permission from ArtPrize to use the Rumsey St. buildings as a satellite venue, similar to the Meijer Gardens,” DAAC Board Member Mike Wolf said. “We are extremely grateful to Habitat for Humanity of Kent County for allowing our collective to use the space for the next couple months, and equal thanks goes to SiTE:LAB for acting as an advocate for us to share the space and helping us get the venue set up with bathroom fixtures, exit signs, fire extinguishers and keys.” From 2003 until 2013, The DAAC served Grand Rapids from its old location at 115 South Division. There, the volunteer-run, all-ages music venue, art gallery and DIY project incubator played an important role in the scene by
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showcasing a diverse range of arts. It became known for opening its doors to anyone interested in engaging with the creative community within a safe environment. Those under 21, in particular, flocked to the location, given the lack of all-ages venues in the area. The DAAC earned its reputation for hosting everything from hardcore punk shows to performance-art pieces, film screenings and zine readings. However, in July 2013, The DAAC was forced to vacate that location when the building was sold and the new owner decided to head in a different direction with the property. Even without a home base, the collective regrouped and set its sights on becoming a legitimate, sustainable nonprofit while finding a new home. Fundraising efforts, including a crowdfunding campaign on RocketHub, helped the artist-run group continue to engage with the community through events like the Lamplight Music Festival and last summer’s DAAC@The Fed at Kendall College of Art and Design’s galleries. “All the support via social media, through conversations with friends and acquaintances, and financial donations, has been a huge help and motivation to continue our search for a permanent venue,” Wolf said of the Do-It-Together (DIT) process that has led them to Rumsey Street. “We’ve had a lot of volunteer help with moving our stuff out of a friend’s garage who let us use it for the past three years,” DAAC Board Member Charity Klein Lytle added. “We also had help getting it set up at the Rumsey location and other volunteers have helped make the building accessible and safe.” All in all, The DAAC has 25 music events scheduled at the new space, with more to be announced online at
Saltbreaker performing at The DAAC’s new location on Rumsey Street, Grand Rapids.
thedaac.org. The Grand Rapids Symphony also plans to hold a Rumsey Street Bazaar and to use the building this month for concerts, art booths and a fashion show. “Our calendar filled up fast because of the music scene’s excitement, however the building was a staple of the community before the church moved to Wyoming, Michigan, and if we are allowed to resume operating in the fall, we’d want them to have first chance to schedule events,” Klein Lytle said. “We’ll use the time that SiTE:LAB is in the space to regroup as a board and figure out what our next steps will be.” In May The DAAC held an election to add six new board members who join Klein Lytle and Wolf in creating subcommittees focused on everything from volunteer coordination to community outreach, booking shows, workshops, marketing and other business needs. The group hosts open public meetings twice a month on the first and third Tuesdays at its Rumsey St. location through July. “It is really important for us to put all our energy into making the most of the space while we can,” Wolf said. “We have a responsibility to the arts and music community who have supported us through our transition. We have a responsibility to the Roosevelt Park neighborhood residents to be good neighbors and provide a welcoming space for the community to use.” n For more information, or to learn how to volunteer, visit thedaac.org.
REVUEWM.COM | June 2016 |
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Comedy
by Eric Mitts
At The B.O.B. Grand Rapids, MI 616.356.2000 www.thebob.com
Kyle Dunnigan pHOTO: Jenna Szabo
Mr. Lucky
Comedian Kyle Dunnigan Headlines at Pyramid Scheme
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Jun
ANDY HEN
June D9R-I1CKSON 1
SSARD U O R B ATTHEW 16-18
M June
BRANDON T. JACKSON June 23-25 REVUEWM.COM | June 2016 |
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first Emmy Award for co-writing the song “Girl, You Don’t Need omedian Kyle Dunnigan is the first to Makeup,” a satirical send-up of boy band hits like One Direction’s admit he’s a lucky guy. And he’s not talking about when “What Makes You Beautiful.” The Schumer sketch allowed Dunnigan he semi-famously dated Sarah Silverman from 2011 to 2013. to turn a personal passion into a hilarious hit. For him, timing has been his saving grace — being in the “I’ve always written music, but I’ve never really shared it with right place at the right time. anybody,” he said. “It’s one of the more therapeutic things for me. I “When I look back, so many things could have gone a play the piano almost every day.” different way for me where I’d be sitting in an office somewhere now. To write the song, Dunnigan admits he downloaded a few boy And they didn’t,” Dunnigan told Revue. “I know a lot of talented band jams, but he’s more of a Billy Joel fan himself. In fact, he and people who didn’t really get a break. So I’ve got to attribute that to Schumer danced onstage during Joel’s performance of “Uptown Girl” luck.” at Wrigley Field last summer. Dunnigan, 44, started out doing sketch comedy in New York after In addition to his award-winning work in the graduating from college. He soon realized there was writers’ room — and a brief appearance in last year’s no money in improv and decided to try his hand at hit movie Trainwreck — Dunnigan goes way back with standup. When he landed a performance on Late Night Har Har Presents: Schumer. The two comedians first met when she with Conan O’Brien, offers from agents began to pour Kyle Dunnigan opened for him at Bryn Mawr University years ago. in, leading to a move to Los Angeles in 1999. The Pyramid Scheme It was yet another chance that could be chalked up Since then, he has perhaps become best-known for 68 Commerce Ave. SW as luck. his character Craig Pullin, who appeared on Comedy June 1, 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show “The way she remembers it, I blew her off afterCentral’s Reno 911!, as well as his own YouTube chan$16, $14 adv., all ages ward, but I probably had to get up at 6 a.m. to fly nel. Clips like “Craig Versus Wild,” a spoof on the pyramidschemebar.com (616) 272-3758 across the country,” Dunnigan said. Even so, the two Discovery Channel’s Man Versus Wild,, have earned remained friends and when Schumer got the offer to him millions of hits and even job offers. However, do her own series, she reached out to him. over the years, Craig has become much more than Always multitasking, Dunnigan said he’s currently working on a just a character. project for audible.com with Sarah Silverman. He’s also working on a “I mean, not to be weird, but I do sort of think of him as a differscript for Comedy Central and a sketch-based project called Shit Kids. ent person,” Dunnigan said of Craig, who he’s been portraying since “It’s about these kids who are just terrible,” he said. “They’re just childhood. “He’s sort of like my shy, dumb self.” terrible and awful to their parents. It was really fun to shoot. I did it Most recently, Dunnigan has worked as a writer on Comedy with some friends of mine. We didn’t sleep much.” n Central’s Inside Amy Schumer for four seasons. Last year he won his
AL JACe K2S-O4N
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indie film
by Josh Spanninga
Flick Forecast Indie Films to Check Out This Month
OK, we get it. The sun’s out, the breeze is perfect, so why on Earth would you want to spend two hours trapped in a dark room watching a movie? Well, a film nerd’s thirst for that next great film is never fully quenched, regardless of the season. Plus, there’s bound to be some rainy days in there too, and what better way to spend them than checking out some of these local film events?
Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene
Children Learn the Cinematic Ropes at Animation Camp With area schools coming to a close this month for summer vacation, many local parents are wondering, “How am I going to keep my kids occupied?” One good solution for youthful film junkies is to take advantage of the various day camp film workshops at the Wealthy Theatre. Each summer, Gretchen Vinnedge, education director at the Grand Rapids Community Media Center (GRCMC), oversees these workshops which teach students how to create their very own short films. The GRCMC is kicking off the 2016 summer workshops with its Outside the Box animation camp. Students learn how to make stop-motion animation using paper cutouts, digital cameras and software, such as iStopMotion and Final Cut. They will also be asked to utilize creative story-building techniques to keep with the theme of the class, which is quite literally “thinking outside the box. “ “All of them are going to start with a box,” Vinnedge said. “[Students] can have something come out of the box, they can have something go into the box, they can go into the inside of the box. It’s up to their imaginations what happens with the box.”
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The finished projects will then be featured on GRTV and displayed on the GRCMC Facebook page. Of course, family members will have an exclusive first look at the finished films. “We will have a screening in the evening after the camp where students can invite their parents and friends,” Vinnedge said. Students are also given a copy of their film to put online or submit to Mosaic Mobile, the latest iteration of the local Mosaic Film Festival. In any case, Vinnedge said she is excited to see what students come up with this time around. “Animation is this wonderful media where you can do just about anything you imagine,” she said. “So we’re real curious to see what they’ll do with it.” Outside the Box Animation Camp Grand Rapids Community Media Center 1110 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids grcmc.org/theatre, (616) 459-4788
The Lobster Screens at UICA The UICA has never been one to shy away from screening bizarre cinema. Hell, their very existence depends on showing thought-provoking, unique, underground alternatives to mainstream motion pictures. It should come
The Lobster screens this month at UICA.
as no surprise then that they’ll be screening Director Yorgos Lanthimos’s latest film, The Lobster, June 3-16. Set in a dystopian near-future, The Lobster follows David, a down-on-his-luck everyman whose wife has just left him for another man. To make matters worse, David lives in a society where being single is a punishable offense. He’s quickly taken to the Hotel, where singles are given 45 days to find a romantic partner. If a person is unable to find love within this timeframe they are transformed into an animal of their choosing and then released into the wild. Sound weird enough for you yet? Part sci-fi, part romance and entirely original, The Lobster stars Colin Farrell as David, Rachel Weisz as the Short Sighted Woman, John C. Reilly as the Lisping Man and Ben Whishaw as the Limping Man. The star-studded oddball picture has wowed audiences on the festival circuit with its surreal dark comedy, snagging the Jury Prize at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. Furthermore, its satirical critique of 21st Century dating pressures has earned the film rave reviews from publications such as Variety and The Playlist.
The Lobster UICA, 2 West Fulton St., Grand Rapids uica.org/movies, (616) 454-7000
Documentary Delves Into Impact of Stereotypes Been in the mood for a good documentary lately? The Saugatuck Center for the Arts has been running its Real to Reel program for some time now, airing recent, culturally relevant documentaries each month. For June’s iteration of the event, it brings David Thorpe’s 2014 documentary Do I Sound Gay? to the screen. Do I Sound Gay? delves into the science and cultural impact behind stereotypes surrounding “gay sounding” vocal patterns. It features interviews with writers David Sedaris and Dan Savage, as well as linguist Ron Smyth. Real to Reel: Do I Sound Gay? Saugatuck Center for the Arts 400 Culver St., Saugatuck sc4a.org, (269) 857-2399 n
GR Live
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Live Radio Show Thursdays at 12noon H.O.M.E. at The B.O.B.
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Visual Arts
by Nicole Rico
A Shortlist of Art Events Exhibits and Happenings from GRAM to KIA
Transformation by Mahbubur Rahman
Ken Stevens: Life in Photography
Muskegon Museum of Art 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon Through July 24 Adults: $8, Students 18 & older: $5 with school I.D., 17 & under: Free muskegonartmuseum.org, (231) 720-2570
Ken Stephens (1963-2014) spent 28 years producing photos for The Muskegon Chronicle and MLive. Check out Ken Stevens: Life in Photography to see how his photographs “brought drama and emotion to a visual record of the day’s news, sharing moments that have become part of Muskegon’s history.”
The Artist as Activist: Tayeba Begum Lipi and Mahbubur Rahman
Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene
MSU Broad Art Museum 547 E. Circle Dr., East Lansing Through Aug. 7, FREE broadmuseum.msu.edu, (517) 884-4800
Bangladesh’s foremost contemporary artists Tayeba Begum Lipi and Mahbubur Rahman share this exhibit of reflective and antagonistic art. Their work questions the values, conventions and expectations that are abundant in everyday life. The result is effective both universally and personally. Worth the drive to East Lansing.
Festival of the Arts Regional Exhibition 2016
UICA, 2 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids June 1–26
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Free for June 3-5; Other dates — Members: Free; Adults: $5: Children 5 and under: Free uica.org, (616) 454-7000
The annual Festival of the Arts Regional Exhibition features paintings, jewelry, photographs and sculptures. The pieces are created by artists hailing from Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Muskegon, Newaygo, Montcalm and Ottawa counties. The whole family can enjoy food, performances and activities at this year’s event. Admission is free June 3-5. For more information, visit festivalgr.org.
CIRCUS!
Lowell Arts, 149 South Hudson St., Lowell Through Aug. 13 lowellartsmi.org, (616) 897-8545
LowellArts! exhibits circus-themed artwork now through Aug. 13. This juried collection aims to be filled with curiosity, wonder and astounding magic. Also, there’s a Meet-theArtists Reception in the LowellArts! King Gallery from 2-4 p.m. on June 5. The event is free and light refreshments will be provided. All ages are welcome.
Maureen Nollette: Honorable Ordinaries
Grand Rapids Art Museum 101 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids Through Aug. 14 Adults: $8, Seniors/Students: $7, Youth (ages 6-17): $5, Children 5 and under: Free artmuseumgr.org, (616) 831-1000
Exploring the use of pattern and repetition, Maureen Nollette uses household materials to mimic both textiles and the often-used geometric grid in modern art. Through this process, Nollette addresses the perceived differences between the two and questions why one has been historically dismissed as “women’s work.” On June 2, you can catch Nollette at the GRAM for a Gallery Talk from 7-8 p.m. Visit artmuseumgr.org for more details.
The Land of Here and Now: Five Years of Artists at Shared Space Studio
Kendall College of Art and Design The Fed Galleries, 17 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids June 8–July 23 kcad.edu, (800) 676-2787
Set in rural West Michigan, Shared Space Studio has been providing a creative environment for visiting artists and artists-in-residence since 2011. This exhibit displays the work of 27 artists from the U.S. and Canada and what they’ve created in collaboration with the local community of Pentwater. The artwork ranges from music, zines, choreography, design, illustration, animation and photography, among others. Some of the featured artists include Rose Beerhorst, Eliza Fernand, Evan English and Elijah Jensen-Lindsey, to name only a few. The free opening reception happens June 9 from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Barbara Takenaga: Waiting in the Sky II Kalamazoo Institute of Arts 314 S. Park St., Kalamazoo June 18–Sept. 18 kiarts.org, (269) 349-7775
Abstract painter Barbara Takenaga creates work reminiscent of the cosmos. Her paintings give a nod to the Big Bang, with their rippling movements of dots and dense, saturated colors. Catch her speak at the KIA reception on June 30 at 6:30 p.m. Also at the reception will be Chul Hyun Ahn, whose own exhibit, Reaching Into Infinity, opens July 2.
Eternal Beauty: Egg Tempera Paintings by Fred Wessel Kalamazoo Institute of Arts 314 S. Park St., Kalamazoo June 25–Oct. 2 kiarts.org, (269) 349-7775
The process of mixing pigment with egg yolk and water is one that goes back to the first century. The process lives on today through artists like Fred Wessel, who’s been applying layers of egg tempera to wood to create “images of great detail and luminescence.” Stop by Eternal Beauty at the KIA to see his work in person. And if you’d like to learn the process yourself, Wessel will be offering an egg tempera workshop from July 17-21 at Kirk Newman Art School. n
Relax at Rosa MAY 5 - SEPTEMBER 15
Free Lunchtime Entertainment Every Thursday from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM at Rosa Parks Circle.
CABILDO May 5
BOOGIEWOOGIEKID June 23
TO BE ANNOUNCED August 4
BOY FROM SCHOOL May 12
ALEX MENDENALL June 30
KATHY LAMAR August 11
ESME May 19
SERITA’S BLACK ROSE July 7
BOOT STRAP BOYS August 18
ARS NOVA May 26
AN DRO July 14
KENT COUNTY STRING BAND August 25
KARI LYNCH June 2
COMPLICATED ANIMALS July 21
TO BE ANNOUNCED September 1
MEGAN DOOLEY BAND June 9
ASAMU JOHNSON & THE ASSOCIATES OF THE BLUES July 28
TO BE ANNOUNCED September 8
MYSTIC DUB June 16
**WEATHER DEPENDENT**
d o w t o w n g r. o r g
Please visit our facebook page for a list of band performances and food options organized by the Grand Rapids Food Truck Association.
LA FURIA DEL RITMO September 15
by Dana Casadei
Theatre
June Theatre Preview With summer in full swing, the air-conditioned confines of a local theatre house makes for an artsy escape from the humid heat. Check out some productions happening this month and be sure to mark your calendar.
Perfect Wedding
Circle Theatre, 1607 Robinson Rd. SE, Grand Rapids June 2-12, $25 circletheatre.org, (616) 456-6656 Have you ever had one of those mornings where you wake up and don’t remember the night before? (We’ve all been there – don’t lie.) Well, the groom in Perfect Wedding is having one of those kinds of mornings…on his wedding day. He wakes up in his bridal suite with a mystery woman next to him who he doesn’t remember meeting. Shenanigans and chaos ensue.
to get ownership of the first legit gambling operation on the East Coast in the last stand of the old Mafia. Anyone else feel like going to the casino?
Caroline, Or Change
Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 Division Ave. N June 3-19, $18-$35 grct.org, (616) 222-6650 Follow Caroline Thibodeaux, a divorced mother of four and a middle-aged AfricanAmerican maid, as she works for a Jewish family in 1963 Louisiana. Caroline, who is resistant to change and conflict, finds herself in the middle of not only family drama but a country going through some major changes.
Boardwalk Blues
Dog Story Theater, 7 Jefferson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids June 3-5, $16 dogstorytheater.com
Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene
It’s 1978 in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the old ways of the Mafia are crumbling and gambling has recently been legalized. Follow Steven Harker as he goes toe-to-toe with the whole Philly Mob and Nicky Bruno
The Student Prince
Opera Grand Rapids, 1320 Fulton St. E, Grand Rapids June 9, 10, and 12, $28-$42 operagr.org, (616) 451-2741 The only operetta on the list follows a prince who is destined to marry a princess (naturally) but finds himself falling in love with a barmaid on his university campus. So what’s he going to do? Drink, probably — the story is set in a Heidelberg biergarten in Beer City, USA — but also, you know, find love.
A Man of No Importance
Farmers Alley Theatre, 221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo June 10-19, $30-$35 farmersalleytheatre.com, (269) 343-2727
Book of Mormon
Photo: Joan Marcus
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Farmers Alley Theatre has been shining its light on lesser-known works with its June show for years, and this season they continue that trend. Set in 1964 Dublin comes the musical about Alfie Byrne, a bus driver with a secret he can only share with one person, his imagined confidante Oscar Wilde.
Caroline or Change at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre hope.edu/hsrt
The Book of Mormon
Wharton Center, 750 E Shaw Ln., East Lansing June 14-19, $38+ whartoncenter.com, (517) 353-1982 Say “Hello!” to Elder Kevin Price and Elder Arnold Cunningham in this satirical musical about two Mormon missionaries as they attempt to spread the gospel in a remote Ugandan village. The multi Tony-Award winning show was written by the two guys who created South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and an EGOT winner, Robert Lopez. While the musical is one of the most offensive to hit the stage, it’s also one of the funniest.
Hairspray
Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, 141 E 12th St., Holland June 17-Aug. 13, $30
Hairspray, the John Waters-penned classic, tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with a big heart and even bigger hair in 1962. Tracy has one passion, dancing to rock ‘n’ roll, and when she wins a spot on a local TV dance program she becomes a teen sensation. But she’ll do more than just dance: She’ll launch a campaign to integrate the show.
Million Dollar Quartet
Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck June 24-July 10, $25-$46 sc4a.org, (269) 857-2399 Put musical legends Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins in one room and you have the story of one of the greatest jam sessions, well, ever. The jukebox musical dramatizes the actual Million
Dollar Quartet recording session of Dec. 4, 1956 that brought the four legends together at Sun Record Studios in Memphis. Hopefully, no one steps on Elvis’ “Blue Suede Shoes.”
Oedipus
Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, 141 E 12th St., Holland June 24-Aug. 10, $30 hope.edu/hsrt The classic tragedy follows Oedipus as he arrives in Thebes, a town under the curse of a Sphinx who will not free the city until someone solves her riddle. Oedipus solves it and becomes King, but not before unintentionally fulfilling a demented, violent prophecy. n
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Style Notes
by Missy Black
Queen Bee Inc.
Two local women encapsulate the strong, boss-lady side of business
S
Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene
weaty Wisdom offers yoga-inspired print goods made with equal doses of love and sass. Founder Chris Emmer’s love of typography resulted in products with phrases and ideas that come to her during yoga sessions. Sentiments take a leap from her mind to physical objects such as mugs, yoga bags, art prints and a new travel mug. Mugs, both dishwasher and microwave safe, are a way to “sneak in a nice thought that has the potential to lift people up,” Emmer said. “[The messages are] something I’ve been feeling more intensely lately in regard to government and this incredible movement of women taking pride in the fact that we can be bosses, mothers, yogis and athletes.” Emmer thinks Beyoncé says it best in her song “Run the World (Girls)”: “We’re smart enough to make these millions/strong enough to bear the children/then get back to business.” sweatywisdom.com Mug, $15.99. Bag, $10.99. Art print, $6.99 .
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he Amiga Shop is an online marketplace where other women can share their goods and spread female power. The idea came from a week-long surfing retreat in Nicaragua where shop owner Abbey Moore felt a “confident, positive and encouraging” vibe from the other women. The shop is all about beachy, natural and organic-lifestyle items. “I’m from Grand Haven and grew up next to Lake Michigan,” Moore said. “There’s something about the water and waves — it’s my comfort zone.” The shop’s signature T-shirt, the Amiga shirt, is live-in comfortable with a vintage appeal that fits right in next to items such as clothing, housewares, jewelry and accessories. theamigashop.com Amiga Shop t-shirt, $30. Round beach towel, $70.
Left: Abbey Moore of the Amiga Shop. Photo: Chelsea Seekell
Above: Goods from Sweaty Wisdom.
6740 CASCADE ROAD 6 1 6 . 9 4 2 . 9 8 8 6 www.cascade-optical.com PHOTO: ROB CONENS FRAME: ANNE ET VALENTIN D-LIGHT MODEL: KEVIN PLICHTA
Festivals
Festival Express
A Guide to Michigan’s Summer Shindigs If you’re itching for live music, beer tents, Porta-Potties and sunburns, Revue has got you covered. Here’s a guide to festivals happening in West Michigan and beyond. From music and film-focused to food-centric and more eclectically-themed bashes — here’s your guide to getting outside this summer. by eric Mitts
Art Art on the Mall
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
Kalamazoo (269) 342-5059 kalamazooarts.org/page/ artonthemall June 3–4. Over 75 local artists have their works on-hand for this juried show that includes everything from fine art and jewelry to pottery and garden art.
First Friday featuring The Market presented by Avenue for the Arts Grand Rapids (616) 456-9944 avenueforthearts.com/ streetmarket June 3 and August 5. Running along South Division Avenue between Fulton and Cherry Streets, The Market overflows with vendors, artists and performers lining the sidewalks. The free event showcases local businesses and artisans,
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while encouraging community engagement.
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair Kalamazoo (269) 349-7775 / kiarts.org June 3–4. As the annual start to summer in Kalamazoo, the Fair will celebrate its 65th anniversary with the work of nearly 200 artists and a beer garden filling Bronson Park.
Festival of the Arts Grand Rapids (616) 459-1300 festivalgr.org June 3–5. Grand Rapids’ biggest celebration of local art, music, beer and food is one of the longest-running festivals in the state. Completely free to the public, it features six music stages, plus theater, poetry, dance and much more.
West Michigan Chalk Art Festival Byron Center (616) 878-6029 / wmcaf.com June 16 –18. T u r n i ng t he streets themselves into art,
Grand Haven Art Festival
this fest encourages everyone to get creative. In addition to handing out cash prizes to winners based on popular vote and judges’ critique, the free event also hosts a children’s competition.
Grand Haven (616) 842-4910 grandhavenchamber.org/ grand-haven-art-festival/ June 25–26. Transforming Washington Avenue into a chic outdoor gallery, this art festival connects artists and visitors near the Lake Michigan shore.
Reeds Lake Arts Fest Grand Rapids grandvalleyartists.com/ reedslake June 18. Organized by the Grand Valley Artists — one of the oldest art groups in the Midwest — this festival hosts a large selection of artwork from Michigan artists in the historic Gaslight Village.
Lakeshore Art Festival Muskegon (231) 724-3176 lakeshoreartfestival.org July 1–2. More than 50,000 people come to downtown Muskegon during this annual event featuring a free Community Canvas, as well as other arts, crafts, food, and family fun.
SOBO Arts Festival Boyne (231) 582-0526 soboartsfestival.com Ju n e 2 4 – 2 5 . T h e S o u t h Boyne Arts Festival aims to encompass all arts and create a completely interactive experience. From folk art to flash mobs, artists and attendees alike are asked to take part at several different. stations. Also look for this year’s new
Lakeshore Art Festival addition: the 1st Annual SOBO Chalk Out.
Bizarre Bazaar Grand Rapids eastownba@gmail.com eastowngr.com
June 25. A celebration of the unique culture of Eastown, Biz Baz runs along Wealthy Street with local artists and artisans selling their distinct creations. Original food choices, live music, and art happenings will also fill the event’s Hub Lot.
South Haven Art Fair South Haven (269) 637-1041 southhavenarts.org July 2–3. Set in the beautifully wooded Stanley Johnston Park, this juried art fair brings in artists from all over the country,
ArtPrize
Founders Fest
as well as right here in West Michigan. Local food vendors will also be on-site for the community-centered, familyfriendly event.
line into castles, dragons, famous landmarks and more. You could also dig in yourself and compete for one of several prizes.
West Shore Art Fair
Art on the Riverfront
Ludington (616) 419-8385 ludingtonartscouncil.org/fairs/ wsaf/wsaf_home July 2–3. Over 100 artists fill Ludington’s Rotary Park with work from all types of media including photograpy, glass, fiber, sculpture, and more. The show also hosts art demonstrations, performances, food stations, and children’s art activities.
Grand Haven (616) 844-7306 galleryuptown.net Aug. 20. Located on t he boardwalk of Grand Haven’s municipal marina, this show displays works from regional artists right alongside the water.
Black Arts Festival
Sand Sculpture Contest Grand Haven (616) 842-4910 grandhavenchamber.org/ sand-sculpture-contest Aug. 13. Art really can be a day at the beach. Watch as participants shape the shore-
Grand Rapids artprize.org Sept. 21–Oct. 9. One of the biggest ar t events in the world, with nearly half a million visitors and over 1,500 entries every year, ArtPrize has revolution ized a r t in West Michigan. The fall event awards $720,000 in grants and prizes, while welcoming artists and art lovers from around the globe to our community.
Beer & Wine Hatter Days Street Party Holland (616) 355-6422 newhollandbrew.com
Oddside Funk Fest Grand Haven (616) 935-7326 oddsideales.com June 11. A celebration for one of the fastest growing breweries in Michigan, this all-day dance party will welcome The Mainstays (featuring members of Kalamazoo band Funktion) as well as host a silent disco.
Founders Fest Grand Rapids (616) 776-1195 foundersbrewing.com Ju ne 18 . Fou nder s Fe s t overflows with thousands of beer lovers packing the street on Grandville Avenue right in front of the popular brewery. With live music on two stages, this year’s lineup includes: T he Motet, Lee F ields & the Expressions, July Talk, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, The Main Squeeze, The Go Rounds, and more.
Lansing Beer Fest Lansing lansingbeerfest.com June 18. Offering over 100 craft beers from 25 Michigan Breweries, this festival in Lansing’s REO Town boasts a big selection. Also look out for
the nearby “mobile food court” made up of local food trucks.
Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival Bridgman (269) 925-6301 lakemichiganwinefest.com June 18. This coastal festival on Weko Beach brings awardwinning wines and live music right to the Lake Michigan shore.
Traverse City Wine & Art Festival Traverse City (231) 421-1172 traversecitywinefestival.com June 25. Over 100 wines from around the region are paired with local food from area chefs. The fest will also feature live music and fine art, including Grand Rapids artist Stephanie Schlatter’s Project 24: a year-long series honoring 24 Leelanau wineries through landscape paintings.
Waterfront Wine Festival Harbor Springs (231) 526-7999 harborspringschamber.com June 25. Downtown Harbor Springs hosts wines from around Michigan and the world alongside samples of the area’s best gourmet dining.
America On Tap Grand Rapids Grand Rapids (203) 900-5566
americaontap.com July 16. A nationwide traveling fest featuring over 200 craft beers from across the country with live music and food vendors. Michigan microbrew purists should come celebrate as many area staples will be representing.
Suds on the Shore Beer & Wine Festival Ludington (231) 843-8593 sudsontheshore.com Aug. 16. A place for craft beer and wine connoisseurs to mingle and share flavors, this event benefits the United Way of Mason County.
Microbrew & Music Festival Traverse City (231) 943-2929 microbrewandmusic.com Aug. 26 –27. As its name suggests, this is the perfect combination of local craft beer and music. This year’s lineup includes Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, The Revivalists, and Traverse City’s own rising stars, The Accidentals.
Burning Foot Beer Festival Muskegon burningfoot.beer Aug. 27. Want a great summer pairing? How does an ice-cold craft beer in your hand with some warm sand between your toes sound? Organized by the Lakeshore Brewers
Guild this one-day fest at Pere Marquette Park celebrates some of our area’s best brews, and some of Lake Michigan’s best views, all while raising money for charity.
Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival Paw Paw (269) 655-1111 wineandharvestfestival.com Sept. 9–11. With the Paw Paw area now being called the Napa Valley of the Midwest, it all centers on the wine, but this three-day fest really has something for everyone. From grape stomping to fireworks, classic cars to carnival rides, and so much more, everyone in the family can find something to enjoy here.
20th Lemon Creek Winery Harvest Fest Berrien Springs (269) 471-1321 lemoncreekwinery.com Sept. 10. Celebrati ng 20 years, Lemon Creek Winery will welcome fall with wine tasting, hay rides, live music and a farmer’s market.
Music Relax at Rosa Grand Rapids (616) 719-4610 downtowngr.org
REVUEWM.COM | June 2016 |
Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
Kalamazoo (269) 349-1035 blackartskalamazoo.org July 11–17. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Black Arts Festival returns with a goal of empowering the community. Organized by the Black Arts & Cultural Center, the fest will host a full week of events at several different locations around Kalamazoo, before concluding for its last two full days at LaCrone Park.
ArtPrize
June 11. Boasting “we’re all a little mad here,” this one-day party has everything from daredevil circus performers to a beer & cheese smackdown. Oh, and five specialty IPAs along with live music going all day and night.
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Through Sept. 15. Eat to the beat with this free Thursday afternoon lunch series. Local musicians will take the stage at Rosa Parks Circle for short midday sets all summer, including Kari Lynch, An Dro, and others.
Buttermilk Jamboree Delton (269) 623-5555 buttermilkjamboree.org June 10–12. A great showcase of regional musicians, Buttermilk benefits the Circle P i nes Center, a nonprofit working towards peace, social justice and environmental cooperation. This year’s lineup includes local favorites The Crane Wives, Vox Vidorra, Ralston Bowles and Serita’s Black Rose.
Keloorah Brooklyn (517) 592-3848 keloorah.com June 10 –11, Aug. 26 –27. Born as a pre-party campout for the NASCAR events held at Michigan International S p eedway each s u m mer, Keloorah offers two weekends of music. The June dates skew alternative with Grouplove, Third Eye Blind, Elle King and others performing, while the August bill features country stars Kip Moore and Chase Rice.
Branch Out Campout Bangor facebook.com/ branchoutcampout June 10–11. A fusion of art and music, this two-day outdoor dance party will feature black light body-painting and art installations, with music from Unlimited Aspect, SoDown, Desmond Jones, and others.
The Stage at Kindleberger Summer Concert Series Parchment (269) 303-2793 kindleberger.org June 12–Aug. 28 . T h i s free Sunday concert series highlights Michigan artists including Ann Arbor folk outfit Dragon Wagon and Kalamazoo artists Who Hit John? and Megan Dooley.
Carnival of Chaos presents Rock Fest Stanton thecarnivalofchaos.com June 16–18. A gathering of rock, metal and EDM fans, this annual music and camping event also includes body suspension, pillow fights, burlesque shows, and more.
Summer Solstice Jazz Festival East Lansing (517) 319-6980 eljazzfest.com
Beach House at Pitchfork Music Festival
June 17–18. Celebrating 20 years, this festival aims to appreciate all styles of jazz. There’s everything from middle school ensembles to nationallyacclaimed avant-garde artists taking the stage and drawing thousands of jazz-lovers to the campus of MSU.
brings some of the biggest names in country music to West Michigan. This year’s lineup includes headliners Ch ris Young and Granger Smith, as well as Battle Creek native Frankie Ballard and Grand Rapids band Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys.
Hoodilidoo
Electric Forest
Grand Junction (929) 268-1700 hoodilidoo.com June 17–19. Free spirits and chill vibes coalesce at the Willow Ranch for this jamcentric affair. Bands this year include Kalamazoo’s That Freak Quincy, The Electric Jug Band and others.
Rothbury (888) 512-7469 electricforestfestival.com June 23–26. Heralded across the country as a festival experience unlike any other, this massively popular event sold out quickly earlier this year. The four-day mecca for electronic music fans features the likes of Bassnectar and Major Lazer, as well as Kalamazoo’s Greensky Bluegrass, among many others.
Spirit of the Woods Folk Festival Brethren (231) 477-5381 spiritofthewoods.org/festival June 18. Escape to the woods with the soothing sounds of folk music from all around the world. This year’s lineup features Damaru, an ensemble from India, as well as rising Grand Rapids artists Olivia Ma i nv i l le & T he Aq uat ic Troupe, and more.
Celadon Summer Concert Series Celadon (231) 580-7611 facebook.com/celadonconcerts June 23, July 21 and Aug. 18. This series is a free, familyfriendly event featuring tunes from local acts like Big Dudee Roo and Steve Higler Band.
B-93 Birthday Bash
JuneGrass Festival
Lowell (616) 459-1919 b93.com June 18–19. Sponsored by popular radio station B-93.7 FM, th is two - day festiva l
Lowell westmichiganbluegrass@ gmail.com wmbma.org June 24–25. Local and regional artists have been plucking and strumming at this festival for over 20 years. Rising Tennessee bluegrass band Flatt Lonesome will headline.
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
Common Ground Music Festival
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Lansing (517) 267-1502 commongroundfest.com July 5–10. One of the most diverse festivals in the state, Lansing’s Common Ground brings several major-label acts to the stage over four days. This year’s lineup includes country superstar Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Jason DeRulo, A$AP Rocky, and altrock acts AWOLNATION and Milky Chance.
Kalamazoo Blues Fest Kalamazoo (269) 381-6514 kalamazoobluesfestival.com
July 7–9. G ot t he blues? This long-running Southwest Michigan staple has got you covered with three days of guitar licks and good eats.
GRAM on the Green Grand Rapids (616) 831-2100 artmuseumgr.org Ju l y 7– A u g . 11 . A f r e e Thursday night music series spotlighting the best in local music, ta k i ng place r ight outside the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Performers this year include Vox Viddora, The Crane Wives, SuperDre and Grupo Aye.
Blissfest Music Festival Harbor Springs (231) 348-7047 blissfest.org July 8–10. Blissfest is a gathering of roots music, art and culture. It features national festival favorites like Keller Williams, as well as Grand Rapids’ own Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys, Delilah DeWylde & The Lost Boys, among many other Michigan bands.
D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops Belmont (616) 454-9451 grsymphony.org July 14–29, Aug. 2 & 4. Held at Cannonsburg Ski Area on Thursdays and Fridays, this concert series by the Grand Rapids Symphony kicks off w ith its popular classical fireworks show, and features tributes to the music of Queen and The Beach Boys. It concludes with a special night honoring the late David Bowie (8/2) and a one-night-only performance with R&B legends Boyz II Men (8/4).
Pitchfork Music Festival Chicago info@pitchforkmusicfestival. com pitchforkmusicfestival.com July 15–17. Indie-music fans flock to Chicago for this annual pinnacle of critically-acclaimed artists. This year, Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson tops a diverse bill that also includes Ca rly Rae Jepson, Su fja n Stevens, Miguel and Beach House.
Faster Horses Festival Brooklyn info@fasterhorsesfestival.com fasterhorsesfestival.com July 15–17. A wildly popular camping and country music fest, this year’s lineup includes megstars Lady Antebellum, Alan Jackson and Eric Church, as well as Michigan native Jana Kramer.
Dunesville Bluegrass, Folk & Roots Music Festival Lake Ann info@dunesvillemusicfestival. com dunesvillemusicfestival.com July 22–24. Largely a platform for helping cultivate new and emerging artists in the greater West Michigan roots music scene, this still-new fest will welcome its fourth year with Watch i ng For Foxes, T he Change, The Gasoline Gypsies and more.
Mo Pop Festival Detroit info@mopopfestival.com mopopfestival.com July 23–24. Returning to West Riverfront Park in Detroit, this emerging music fest will celebrate its fourth year with headliners G-Eazy, M83 and HAIM.
Lollapalooza Grant Park, Chicago info@lollapalooza.com lollapalooza.com July 28–31. Attracting a massive crowd of 100,000 every year, it doesn’t get bigger than Lollapalooza. The iconic festival has expanded to four days this year, with big names like Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, LCD Soundsystem, J. Cole, Lana Del Rey, and Future topping the bill. General admission tickets sold out in under an hour earlier this year, but VIP passes and travel packages are still available.
Unity Christian Music Festival Muskegon (231) 773-3361 unitymusicfestival.com Aug. 10–13. Unity is known for bringing the A-list of Christian music to West Michigan for a weekend of jamming, dancing and worship. This year’s lineup includes Newsboys, For
PRESENTED BY THE CITY OF EAST LANSING, MSU COLLEGE OF MUSIC & WHARTON CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
DOWNTOWN EAST LANSING
ELJAZZFEST.COM
THE SOUL OF JAZZ IN THE HEART OF EAST LANSING
featuring THE BEST IN local, regional and national music, an interactive children’s area and a traditional New Orleans-style second line parade
REVUEWM.COM | June 2016 |
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King & Country, Switchfoot and RED.
Cowpie Music Fest Caledonia (616) 293-2675 cowpiemusicfestival.com Aug. 12–13. No pun here. This fest takes over a real cow farm with onsite camping, family events and loads of Michigan bands taking the stage, including Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Fauxgrass, and the Mark Lavengood Bluegrass Bonanza.
Hoxeyville Music Festival Wellston hoxeyville.com Aug. 19–21. Sprawling across 100 acres of farmland surrounded by Manistee National Forest, this naturally tranquil fest in Northern Michigan boasts some of the best from Michigan’s roots music scene, i nclud i ng t wo s e t s f rom Greensky Bluegrass, Traverse City phenom Billy Strings, and The Joshua Davis Quartet.
GRand Jazz Fest Grand Rapids grandjazzfest.org Aug. 20–21. The only free weekend-long jazz fest in West Michigan. GRand fills downtown Grand Rapids with big band, Latin, contemporary and straight up jazz from its centralized location at Rosa Parks Circle.
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
Audiotree Music Festival Kalamazoo audiotreemusicfestival.com Aug. 20. Branching out as it’s grown, this fast-growing alternative music festival returns for its fourth year. Look out for the lineup announcement coming this summer.
Walk The Beat Grand Haven (616) 291-4215 walkthebeat.org Aug. 20. Downtown Grand Haven turns into one large, allday concert with over 70 local bands playing at 35 different locations. Best Band winners will receive a promotional package valued at $10,000 and Best Song winners receive $2,500 cash.
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Shoreline Jazz Festival Muskegon (231) 724-3100 shorelinejazzfestival.com Aug. 26 –28. Smoot h ja zz meets lake breezes at the Shoreline Jazz Festival, hosted by acclaimed flutist Alexander Zonjic at Muskegon’s Heritage Landing.
Wheatland Music Festival Remus (989) 967-8879 wheatlandmusic.org S e p t . 9 –11 . For o v e r 4 0 years the Wheatland Music Organization has continued to honor traditional arts and music with this annual summer festival. The nonprofit also organizes a series of music and cultural events throughout the year.
Cultural Dionysos Greek Festival Kalamazoo (269) 345-1830 kalamazoogreekfest.com June 2–4. Opa! This familyfr iend ly fi x t u re k ick s off summer in Kalamazoo every year with authentic Athenian c u i s i ne a nd s pi r it s. L ive
entertainment includes bellydancing, traditional Greek music, and contemporary rock bands.
Island Festival Kalamazoo contact@islandfestkalamazoo. com islandfestkalamazoo.com June 16 –18 . T he l a rges t reggae festival in Michigan returns this June with classic Caribbean tastes and fresh grooves. Each year it brings thousands of people together for three days of peace, love and no worries.
Irish Festival Kalamazoo (269) 372-7332 kalamazooirish.org June 17–18. Now in its 16th year, Irish Fest will take over Kalamazoo’s Old Dog Tavern for the first time, featuring live Celtic music, step dancers, and more on both indoor and outdoor stages.
Michigan Irish Music Festival Muskegon (231) 683-2065 michiganirish.org Sept. 15–18. Everyone and everything is a little bit Irish here. Indulge in Irish cuisine, shop Irish goods and learn about the culture. Performers include: Scythian, Seamus Kennedy, Moxie Strings and more.
Yassou! Greek Cultural Festival Grand Rapids (616) 454-6563 grgreekfest.com Aug. 26–28. Rejoice in all things Greek, from
food and wine to music and dancing at this event held outside the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.
Food National Asparagus Festival Hart (231) 861-8110 nationalasparagusfestival.org June 10–12. Want a reason to eat more vegetables? Come out to Oceana County and see why they celebrate this delectable seasonal crop with food, music, arts, crafts and even a beauty pageant.
Grand Haven Salmon Festival experiencegr.com Aug. 10–21. Try a new taste with special deals at area restaurants during this weeklong celebration of the art of fine dining.
Cereal Festival Battle Creek (269) 420-4031 bcfestivals.com June 10–11. Eat at the “world’s largest breakfast table,” meet Tony The Tiger and other lifesize Kellogg’s mascots, or taste new flavors from Cereal City USA. It’s the best way to start your day — and your summer.
Taste of Muskegon Muskegon (231) 722-3171 tasteofmuskegon.org June 17–18. A l l t he bes t food and family fun will fill Muskegon’s Hackley Park. Also look out for the Powerboat Showcase making waves on the waters of Lake Michigan during the party.
National Cherry Festival Traverse City (800) 968-3380 cherryfestival.org July 2–9. Half a million people visit every year to experience the air show, parades, races, concerts and a whole slew of cherry-centric games and activities.
National Baby Food Festival Fremont (231) 924-2270 babyfoodfestival.com July 20–23. Known as the Baby Food Capital of the World, this city is home to Gerber Products Company.
Grand Haven Salmon Festival Isla Welch, Gerber Baby 2016 H igh l ight s i nclude ba byinspired activities such as a baby crawl, baby food eating contest, as well as music, food and family activities.
National Blueberry Festival South Haven (269) 637-5171 blueberryfestival.com Aug. 11–14. Blueberry pies, live music, kid-friendly activities, and an epic tractor pull. Sounds like a pretty sweet way to spend a summer weekend.
Kalamazoo Ribfest Kalamazoo (269) 344-0111 kalamazooribfest.com Aug. 4–6. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this showcase of some of the best ribs and barbecue sauces from local and national BBQ masters has brought in big name musical acts En Vog ue and Vince Neil to headline its evening concerts.
Restaurant Week GR Grand Rapids (616) 459-8287
Grand Haven (616) 842-4499 ghsalmonfest.com Sept. 16–18. This event honors the annual salmon migration t h rough loca l water ways w it h a gou r met cook- off, wine tasting, fishing contests, nature-themed kids’ crafts, and more.
Film
Movies in the Park Grand Rapids (616) 719-4610 downtowngr.org June 3–Aug. 19. Taking place every other Friday, this summer series brings free films to a giant outdoor screen at AhNab-Awen Park on the banks of the Grand River.
Japanese Animation Film and Art Expo Grand Rapids info@jafax.org jafax.org June 24–26. Billed as JAFAX 2 .0: R e b o o t ! , t h i s y e a r ’s relaunch will feature guest artists from the fantastical worlds of anime, manga, and more.
JULY 1 & 2
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INTERACTIVE CHILDREN’S LANE
ve Rivers l guest Ste ia c e p s h it vis w y Babies guest Craz 1: Joshua Da l ia c e p s h n 2 wit : Led Zeppeli
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FIREWORKS
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Traverse City Film Festival
Rockford Start of Summer Festival
Traverse City (231) 392-1134 traversecityfilmfest.org July 26–31. Co-founded by Academy Awa rd-w i n n i ng f i l m m a ker a nd M ich iga n native Michael Moore, this film festival brings more than 200 movies from around the world to Northern Michigan every summer. It also hosts free showings of classic films on a giant inflatable screen overlooking the scenic Grand Traverse Bay.
Rockford (616) 447-7625 therockfordnetwork.com/ start-of-summer.php June 9–12. An annual event for more than 40 years, this festival features a weekend of carnival rides, food, games, music, fireworks and more.
Eclectic Local First Street Party Grand Rapids (616) 808-3788 localfirst.com/events/ street-party June 4. Presented by Founders Brewing Co. this one’s all about keeping it local. From the food to the music to the beer, it’s all Michigan, with The Voice finalist Joshua Davis headlining. The party starts at 3 p.m. outside Bistro Bella Vita and goes until midnight.
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Grand Rapids (231) 845-0324 macker.com June 4–5. The tournament originally launched in Lowell in 1974. Since then, it has expanded to more than 75 cities, including Grand Rapids, Muskegon and Ludington. Celebrate the tournament’s history and catch some 3-on-3 competitions.
Kalamazoo Pride Kalamazoo (269) 349-4234 kglrc.org/pride June 10–11. Promoting diversity, understanding and equality, Pride is the Kalamazoo Gay and Lesbian Resource Center’s a n nua l s u m mer event . It features live music, DJs, drag performers, specialty brews and more.
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Vicksburg Old Car Festival Vicksburg (269) 649-1919 vicksburg-michigan.com June 10–11. This historic festival features hundreds of classic cars lent by residents looking to show off their vintage pride. Attendees are also treated to live music and an ice cream social.
GRIDLIFE Midwest South Haven gridlife.com/midwest June 10–12. A hybrid evolution of electronic music fest, ca r s how a nd f u l l - blow n motorsports competition, this three-day event takes it all to the limit. Watch drift track and other racers duel by day, then rage all night with high-profile DJs like Paper Diamond, Savoy and Herobust.
Feast of the Strawberry Moon Grand Haven 6/11/2016-6/12/2016 (616) 842-0700 tri-citiesmuseum.org June 11–12. Try out 18th century living 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 military battles.
Spring Lake Heritage Festival Spring Lake (616) 842-1393 slheritagefestival.com June 13–18. Celebrate the historical heritage of Spring Lake with a dog walk, family fun night and community picnic. This festival is also host to an ice cream social, flea market, car show, golf scramble and more.
Freedom Cruise Grand Rapids (616) 887-7210 freedomcruise.net June 14–18. This five-day celebration raises funds for Grand Rapids veterans with a variety of happenings. The event features an honor ride, golf classic, some muscle cars and live music from the 97 WLAV-FM Blues and Cruise Series at the Deltaplex.
Greater Grand Rapids Pride Festival Grand Rapids (616) 458-3511 grlgbt.org/pride Ju ne 17–19. C elebrat i ng the LGBTQ community, this year’s Pride kicks off with its 2nd Annual White Party on Friday night and continues all weekend with the 1st Annual Grand Rapids Pride Concert on the Calder. Watch for full lineup details coming soon.
Honoring Saganing Traditional Powwow Standish (800) 884-6271 sagchip.org/pow-wow/ saganing June 18–19. A celebration of Native American culture, this all-ages event features traditional dancing and drumming, as well as contests and fireworks.
Harborfest South Haven (800) 764-2836 southhavenharborfest.com June 16–19. Celebrate historically nautical Southwest Michigan at a maritime festival hosting a beer garden for the adults, a craft and food fair for the entire family, and plenty of children’s activities.
Muskegon Heights Festival Muskegon Heights (231) 578-2099 visitmuskegon.org June 16–18. This just-for-fun community celebration features a carnival, food vendors, a flea market, sports tournaments, live music, a parade, a 5k run and more.
Wizard of Oz Festival Ionia (616) 527-1420
Red Barns Spectacular
facebook.com/ wizardofozfestionia June 17–18. Ionia transforms into the magical land of Oz yet again, complete with full Technicolor. Meet Dorothy and the crew while browsing the yellow brick road for local art, antiques and movie memorabilia.
Park features all-Michigan musicians, including Seth & May, Rachael Davis, Fauxgrass and others. In between bands, speakers from environmental groups will discuss and raise awareness on water quality issues affecting our area. Totally eco-friendly, you can even paddle your kayak there!
Beach Survival Challenge
Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival
Grand Haven (231) 206-1185 beachsurvivalchallenge.org June 18. This event is a day filled with music, food, fun and the sun. Events include beach soccer, ultimate frisbee, tug of war and an obstacle course on the beach.
Montcalm County 4-H Fair Greenville 616-754-7884 montcalmcountyfairgrounds. com June 25–July 2. With a large number of events, such as an antique tractor pull, unique motor sports demolition derby and a livestock auction, Montcalm County offers visitors a healthy selection of rural events.
Grand River Water Festival Grand Rapids (616) 802-7502 grandriverwaterfestival.org June 26. This free one-day event at Comstock Riverside
Battle Creek (269) 962-0592 bcballoons.com June 29–July 4. Dozens of hot air balloons from around the world join forces with hypersonic jets, food, fair rides and other family fun.
Berlin Fair Marne (616) 677-1140 berlinfair.org July 4–9. With a focus on youth and agricultural-focused events, this year’s Berlinfest will also have rides, food, a carnival, live shows and more.
Kindleberger Summer Festival of the Performing Arts Parchment (269) 303-2793 kindleberger.org July 6–10. Framed around the annual family musical and youth play, this fest features
car shows, a 5k, a parade, food vendors and more.
Riverwalk Fest Lowell (616) 897-9161 riverwalkfestival.org July 7–9. This year’s event s ta nd s by t r ied a nd t r ue festival activities: arts, crafts, motorcycles, kayaks, duck race, fireworks and more.
Muskegon County Youth Fair Fruitport 231.724.4739 muskegonfairgrounds.com July 24–30. This fair offers an array of different contests for animals such as horses, rabbits, goats and more. Baked goods contests, a talent show and different fair games will also take place.
Ottawa County Fair Holland (616) 399-4904 ottawacountyfair.com July 25–30. Visit Ottawa and take in some of the craziest motorspor ts a rou nd w it h two-wheel trucks, demolition derbies and flaming buggies.
Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Grand Haven (616) 846-5940 coastguardfest.org July 29–Aug. 7. Honoring the men and women of the United States Coast Guard, this festi-
REVUEWM.COM | June 2016 |
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ALL FUN NO WORRIES.
Kalamazoo Island Fest
JUNE 16-18
MAYOR’S RIVERFRONT PARK
Festivals
val celebrates with ship tours, live music, food, a carnival and street dancing throughout Grand Haven.
Michigan Pirate Festival Grand Haven (616) 842-5560 facebook.com/ michiganpiratefestival Aug. 3 –9. A r r matey, get thee to Grand Haven for the Ninth Annual Pirate Festival. The largest event of its kind in the state, th is a l l-ages swashbuckling soiree puts visitors face-to-face with buccaneers, mermaids, minstrels, merchants, and even hidden treasure.
Red Barns Spectacular
www.islandfestkzoo.com
Al-Van Humane Society
EVENTS! 73303 8th Ave., South Haven, MI, 49090 : 269.637.5062
JUNE
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
4
PAINT YOUR PET! Join us for an afternoon along the lake for a wine and canvas event to support Al-Van Humane Society. 2-5 pm at 456 Monroe Blvd, South Haven MI $60, includes painting materials, wine & hors d’oeuvres. To save your spot: al-van.org/paintyourpet.htm or call us at 269-637-5062 !
Hickory Corners (269) 377-7756 gilmorecarmuseum.org Aug. 6. This massive auto spectacular hosts well over 1,000 vehicles. From classic hotrods to antique campers and wooden boats, its a truly diverse show.
West Michigan Renaissance Festival Grand Rapids (616) 207-9380 westmichiganrenfest.com Aug. 6–7. Travel back in time to the era of Queen Elizabeth through crafts, food, clothing and more. This all-ages event aims to educate and promotes a variety of on-site vendors and period-based entertainment.
Kalamazoo County Fair Kalamazoo
Brought to you by Tello.
JUNE
26
PAWS ON PARADE FURRY 5K
Del Shannon Days Coopersville (616) 947-2055 delshannoncarshow.org Aug. 12–13. This event honors legendary rock singer Del Shannon, who grew up in Coopersville and scored a chart-topping hit in 1961 with “Runaway.” The big event is the car show, which rounds out the five-day event.
International Summerfest Battle Creek (269) 420-4031 bcfestivals.com Aug. 13. This event is an ethnic food festival with familyfriendly entertainment. Relax and try some new food while listening to live music.
Calhoun County Fair Marshall (269) 781-8161 calhouncountyfair.org Aug. 13–20. Boasting the longest-running county fair in the state, the Calhoun County Fair is a week-long fest filled with a number of gearhead events like tractor pulls, races, derbys and motocross.
Michigan Fiber Festival Allegan (269) 948-2497 michiganfiberfestival.info Aug. 20–21. This is one of the Midwest’s largest fiber festivals and hosts an array
of shows, competitions, workshops, animals, shopping and more.
Arts and Drafts Festival Norton Shores (231) 799-6802 shoresartsanddrafts.com Aug. 20. This fest is host to the Arts & Dash 5K Run, arts and crafts section, children’s activity area and a beverage tent with live music.
Hastings Summerfest Hastings hastingssummerfest.com Au g . 2 6 – 2 8 . F u n i n t h e s u n get s act ive w it h t he Backwoods Triathlon, roller hockey tournament, soap box derby and other outdoor events toasting to the end of summer.
28th Street Metro Cruise Grand Rapids 28thstreetmetrocruise.com Aug. 26 –27. A l l t y pes of vehicles are included in the cruise: hot rods, low riders, muscle cars, performance cars, classics, antiques, even motorcycles.
Allegan County Fair Allegan (269) 673-6501 allegancountyfair.com Sept. 9–17. This has been the city’s biggest attraction since 1852. It broke attendance records last fall, and has plans for an even bigger lineup this year.
Tribute on the Grand Grand Rapids foundersbrewing.com Sept. 10. A new addition to the festival season, this one-day event, sponsored by Founders Brewing, will feature special beers, a beer tent and a beer dinner, as well as local, regional and tribute bands.
Eastown Streetfair Grand Rapids eastownba@gmail.com eastowngr.com/index.php Sept. 10. For over 40 years this event has played host to countless local bands, as well as tons of food and an array of artisans and artists selling local goods. n
5K run or walk, one mile stroll or “Home” Run virtual 5K Pets welcome! Event in South Haven, MI For race info: facebook.com/avhsfurry5k To register: www.runsignup.com/furry5K, or call us at 269-637-5062! Proceeds support Al-Van Humane Society, a no-kill animal shelter.
66 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2016
(269) 349-9791 kalamazoocountyfair.com Aug. 8–13. Magicians, carnival rides and hundreds of animals fill the Kalamazoo Expo center.
Battle Creek Field of Flight
Free Outdoor Summer Concert Series
Thursdays at 7pm in front of the Lowell Showboat Riverwalk Plaza, downtown Lowell
Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concert Line-up June 16—Off The Ledge
Funk , Folk , Blues, Alternative Rock , Jazz
June 23—Steppin’ In It American Roots
June 30—Big Band Nouveau Big Band and Jazz
July 7—Joe Hertler and the
Rainbow Seekers
Post-Motown Folk Rock
Presented By LowellArts and Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce
July 14—Soul Syndicate
60s and 70s Soul and R&B
July 21—Rachel B Soul and Motown
July 28—The Accidentals
Alternative Acoustic Indie Folkish Rock
Aug 4—Hannah Rose and the GravesTones Blues, Funk , Rock n Roll with Soul
Aug 18—Roosevelt Diggs Americana
July 8 (Friday)—Kari Lynch Band Aug 25—Adams Family with Friends Country, Folk , Rock
Folk , Doo-wop, Classic Rock
June 3, 9pm
Hired Hands Signature ”Gandered” Tots
JUNE 4, 9pm
Nashon Holloway june 7, 8pm
bello Spark June 11, 9pm
Sweet Diezel Jenkins june 17+18, 9pm
Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
Keith Hall Summer Drum Intensive A new restaurant for Southeast Grand Rapids. At Ganders, we’re passionate about Michigan.
616-957-1111
28th Street SE at Patterson Ave. doubletreegrandrapids.com/ganders
MICHIGAN GROWN MICHIGAN MADE MICHIGAN BREWED Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
(269) 384-6756 125 S. Kalamazoo Mall millenniumrestaurants.com REVUEWM.COM | June 2016 |
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upcoming Thurs, June 9
at
$8 adv / $10 day of
The Accidentals
wsg Megan Dooley
Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
Fri, June 10
$10
DC & the Lasp Gasp Collective
Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
Thurs, June 16
$8 adv / $10 day of
The Soil & the Sun
Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
Sat, June 18
$15
Marco Benevento
Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
Wed, June 22
Yonder Mountain String Band Outdoor Show – Rain or Shine
$25 adv / $30 day of Doors 7pm — Show 8pm
Fri, June 24
Super Happy Funtime Burlesque
$10
Doors 8:30 pm — Show 9:30 pm
Sat, June 25
The Red Sea Pedestrians Album Release
wsg Guitar Up! Surf Band
Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene
Fri, July 1
The Ragbirds
$10 Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
$12 adv / $15 day of Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
Fri, July 29
Brett Dennen
Outdoor Show – Rain or Shine
Fri, Sept 2
Keller Williams
& More Than a Little
Outdoor Show – Rain or Shine
68 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2016
$20 adv / $25 day of Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
All DAY!
$
2 DRAFTS $3 WELLS $ 4 WINE $1 Tacos from 6-8PM
Summer Block Party Concert Series Shows start at 7PM - $3 cover with $1 donated to the GR Home for Veterans
6/15 Twisted Tarantulas 6/22 Brena 6/29 In The Red
7/6 Stolen Horses 7/13 Slick Willy 7/20 Silent Bark 7/27 Big Boss Blues
$25 adv / $30 day of Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
www.garagebargr.com | 616-454-0321 | 819 Ottawa NW
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. Big O Café 80 Ottawa NW. 616-451-1887 ITALIAN. The downtown (and downstairs) restaurant has a reliable menu featuring pizza, pasta, and sandwiches that are Italian and Cuban influenced. A great spot for lunch or a quick glass of wine and plate of pasta before a downtown event. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Dead Head Vegetarian Pizza, Cuban dinners on Friday nights. Bistro Bella Vita 44 Grandville Ave. SW. 616-222-4600 ITALIAN. One of Grand Rapids’ best dining experiences, featuring Mediterraneaninspired country cuisine, a swanky yet comfortable downtown atmopshere and personable service. BBV’s culinary team creates authentic, housemade recipes made with locally grown produce, fresh seafood and rotisserie roasted meats. Specialty gluten-free menu, and can prepare custom dishes for lactose intolerant, vegetarian, and vegan diets. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Mediterranean Country Cuisine and Martinis.
Bombay Cuisine 1420 Lake Dr. SE 616-456-7055 INDIAN. Offering savory and subtly spiced dishes from northern India, Bombay Cuisine is a hot spot for those who like to add a little flavor to their lives. With a lunch buffet served every weekday, this restaurant provides its eaters with an array of traditional Indian cuisine. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Naan, Butter Chicken. Brewery Vivant 925 Cherry St. SE. 616-719-1604 BREWPUB. Housed in a former funeral chapel, Brewery Vivant crafts Belgian-style
Chapbook Café 2660 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids. 616-942-0595. CAFE. Take a break from browsing the shelves at Schuler Books with a homemade selection of soups, sandwiches and quiches. Soups are prepared in-house daily and served with fresh baked bread to accompany a small-but-elegant sandwich menu. Try a quiche or traditional Italian Panini grilled on fresh ciabatta bread, or for a quick bite, grab a bagel or scone from the dessert case. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days GO THERE FOR: Homemade soups and sandwiches CitySen Lounge 83 Monroe Center St. NW. 616-608-1720 AMERICAN. CitySen Lounge, located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, is a bar with a big-city feel, offering exciting options for lunch, dinner and breakfast on the weekends. The focus is on fresh ingredients and a full bar with local brews, wine and creative cocktails. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner (Breakfast on weekends). OPEN: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Daily happy hour The Corner Bar 31 N. Main St., Rockford 616-866-9866 AMERICAN. The downtown Rockford tavern serves a solid menu of burgers, burritos, salads and sandwiches, but it is best known for hot dogs — serving almost 1,000 per day. Its hot-dog-eating challenge has been conquered by more than a few, but it raises the question: Why would you want to consume Corner Bar dogs in a hurry rather than savor each bite? » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Hot dogs. The Cottage Bar 18 Lagrave Ave. SE. 616-454-9088 AMERICAN. The Cottage Bar is the oldest operating restaurant and bar in downtown Grand Rapids. Come in for the Cottage Burger, smothered with green olives, bacon, lettuce, tomato, hickory mayonnaise and Swiss and American cheeses. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays GO THERE FOR: The Cottage Burger. Divani 15 Ionia Ave. SW. 616-774-WINE. ECLECTIC. Divani offers a sophisticated environment, with chefs using Michigan-made ingredients in their creations, such as Dancing Goat Creamery, Otto’s Chicken, S&S Lamb, Ingraberg Farms, Mrs. Dog’s and Madcap. For the thirsty, the bar serves more than 300 types of liquor, 300 wines and 50 beers to complement each
handcrafted meal. » SERVING: Dinner after 4 p.m. OPEN ON: Everyday but Sunday. GO THERE FOR: Wine and Local Cuisine. Erb Thai 950 Wealthy St. SE #1A. (616) 356-2573. Additional locations at 4160 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Suite B, and 820 Michigan St. NE. THAI. Food rooted in traditional Thai cuisine, but also made to accommodate health conscious and special diets. Not too strong, not too weak, like harmony and melody. Marketing representative Molly Rizor was a Thai virgin when she went and is now glad Erb Thai was her first experience. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Peanut Curry Noodles. Founders Brewing Company 235 Grandville SW. 616-776-1195 BREWPUB. A beer-lover’s paradise with a national reputation for flavorful, award-winning beers. Likewise, the brewpub’s menu consists mainly of flavorful handcrafted deli sandwiches that can stand up and complement the beers (or vice versa). » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Award-winning beer, handcrafted sandwiches. Ganders 4747 28th St. SE. 616-957-0100. AMERICAN. Ganders by Hilton Doubletree presents modern American menu options dedicated to locally grown ingredients representing the best farms, markets and food artisans of West Michigan. The restaurant also features a number of local craft beers on tap and by the bottle. The restaurant works directly with local breweries to create multi-course beer tasting menus featuring beer incorporated into every course. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh, locally grown ingredients and Michigan-made beer. Garage Bar & Grill 819 Ottawa Ave. NW. 616-454-0321 AMERICAN. This bar and grill serves up real food with fresh ingredients. Known for its all day happy hour with a $2 draft, $3 well drink and $4 glass of wine. Also look for the freshly-ground 7 oz. Garage Burger, served with hand-cut fries. The casual bar’s diverse menu ranges from soups and wedge salads to brisket sandwiches and hand-battered onion rings. A long list of icecold craft beers tops off the experience, with block parties on Wednesday throughout the summer. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Burgers, Chicken Tenders, Live Music. Graydon’s Crossing 1223 Plainfield NE. 616-726-8260 TAVERN. An authentic take on the English Pub, with a huge selection of beers on tap and a menu that includes classic English dishes like Fish & Chips,
Shepherd’s Pie and Irish Stew, as well as Indian specialties like Tandoori Chicken and Tikka Masala. A great casual atmosphere for drinking and dining. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Beer and authentic pub food. G.R.P.D. (Grand Rapids Pizza and Delivery) 340 State St. SE. 616-454-9204 ITALIAN. The current location opened in 2004 as the first established pizzeria in Heritage Hill A common meeting spot for local folks, business professionals and college students, a place where one could gather for a quick meal or a reflective lunch. It offers both hand-tossed pizza and Chicago-style stuffed pizza, as well as pasta, sandwiches, salads, and wings. Online ordering, too. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza. Grand Rapids Brewing Company 1 Ionia Ave SW. 616-458-7000 BREWPUB. Good for the environment and your palate, GRBC is Michigan’s first certified organic brewery and features a menu stocked with locally grown ingredients. With a diverse selection of beers on tap inspired by historical Grand Rapids figures and a hearty array of shareables, burgers/sandwiches, and entrees, this place represents the best of the brewery’s 120-year legacy. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Organic beer and locally sourced food. Grand Woods Lounge 77 Grandville Ave SW. 616-451-4300 AMERICAN. The restaurant’s interior exudes a warm, casual ambiance reminiscent of the great eateries of the Pacific Northwest; the outdoor porch features two outdoor bars and a fireplace. Menu stocked with affordable appetizers great for sharing, plus salads, sandwiches, and entrées. Lots of domestics and microbrews, plus an array of martinis including the “Woodstini,” a tasty mix of Stoli Orange Vodka, mandarin oranges and raspberries. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Cocktails. Harmony Brewing Company 1551 Lake Dr. SE (616) 233-0063 BREWPUB. Harmony features 12 craft-brewed beers in addition to signature root beer for the kiddos. Named one of the top-five brewpub menus in West Michigan by yours truly, Harmony offers 10" rustic wood-fired pizzas and great soups and sandwiches. Check out their new location, Harmony Hall, at 401 Stocking Ave. NW. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza and brews. The Holiday Bar 801 5th St. NW. (616) 456-9058 AMERICAN. Tucked smack dab in the “Heart of the Westside,” The Holiday Bar boasts a classic 40-foot Horseshoe bar, along with cheap eats and drinks, both served until 2 a.m., with specials happening daily. The Holiday Bar has a full menu that features pub fare like chicken strips,
REVUEWM.COM | June 2016 |
Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule
The B.O.B. 20 Monroe Ave. NW. (616) 356-2000 ECLECTIC. If you’re not sure what kind of dining you want, you can just head into The B.O.B., where you can choose from one of its several venues. Go into Gilly’s, where you can dine on seafood or B.O.B.’s Brewery, the restaurant’s in-house brewery. You can dress down for some pizza at Bobarino’s or dress it up for a steak at Judson’s Steakhouse. For after dinner, take in a show at Dr. Grins or enjoy live music at H.O.M.E. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Beer and numerous dining options.
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
REVUE’s dining listings are compiled by staff and minions. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of restaurants in the region. For an expanded list, be on the lookout for new and improved dining changes on our website, revuewm.com. The listings are not intended to be reviews of West Michigan restaurants, although we will inject some opinions into the listings based on staff experiences and personal preferences. To submit or to correct information in a dining listing, e-mail editor@ revuewm.com.
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Dining
pierogis, battered homestyle mushrooms and more. It’s a great place to watch the game, listen to music or just hang out with friends. » SERVING Lunch Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Cheap eats and drinks. HopCat 25 Ionia SW. 616-451-4677 TAVERN. Rated the 3rd best beer bar on the planet by Beer Advcoate, HopCat’s spin on its food is thus: “It’s the food your Mom would feed you, if your Mom loved beer.” That’s specifically true for HopCat’s beerbar cheese, cheese ale soup and porter braised beef, but mom would also love the Hippie wrap (it’s vegetarian), the crack fries (not real crack), and Killer Mac and Cheese. Because what mom doesn’t like mac and cheese? » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Widest variety of beers, crack fries. Marie Catrib’s 1001 Lake Dr. 616-454-4020 ECLECTIC. The East Hills eatery makes everything from scratch with local ingredients, and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Get there early for lunch, as there is almost always a wait. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Salads, soups and sandwiches.
Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene
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.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Late night specials.
O’Toole’s 448 Bridge St. 616-742-6095 PUB. This West Side pub offers delicious and outrageously topped burgers, as well as an extensive beer selection, and arguably, the best happy hour specials in town. If food is not your passion, this is a prime place to kick off your Sunday Funday with its $3 Absolut Bloody Mary bar. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Gourmet burgers, Bloody Mary bar.
The Pita House 1450 Wealthy SE, 3730 28th Street, 4533 Ivanrest SW (Grandville). 616-454-1171 MEDITERRANEAN. Gyros so big you can club someone with them, the smoothest hummus in town and other Mediterranean fare, including kibbe, kafta and falafel. Additional locations on 28th Street and Kalamazoo SE. Sandwiches are made to order with fresh vegetables and ingredients. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh pita wraps.
One Trick Pony 136 E. Fulton. 616-235-7669 AMERICAN. One Trick Pony unveiled a new menu last April with the tagline “Fresh, Local Fare with a Beat.” The restaurant is a part of FarmLink and supports local growers and remains focused on sustainability. Connected to the Cottage Bar, the menu spans pizza, salads, homemade soups, smoked prime rib and more. Pair the food with live music, which OTP features weekly. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Eclectic pizzas. Pearl Street Grill 310 Pearl St NW. 616-235-1342 AMERICAN. Dine in a relaxing environment where kids eat free and the chef uses local vendors and suppliers. Conveniently located in downtown Grand Rapids, Pearl Street Grill offers nightly happy hour specials that include signature cocktails and Michigan beer, as well as a $10 burger and beer special, $5 pizzas and more. » SERVING:
DINE OUT(side) this summer!
Reserve Wine & Food 201 Monroe Ave. NW (616) 855-9463 ECLECTIC. With 102 wines available by the glass and more than 300 by the bottle, paired with an ever-changing food menu influenced by West Michigan grown foods, Reserve promises diners a unique experience. Cocktails and craft beers add depth to the primarily wine-centered menu. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday GO THERE FOR: Wine and food pairings, charcuterie, happy hour. River City Saloon 1152 Leonard St. NW. 616-451-0044 AMERICAN. Combine your tastes of live music and filling food at River City Saloon. The restaurant and bar has Mexican options, burgers, salads and more. On the weekends, indulge in any of these menu items or a couple drinks while listening to some local music
by bands like Hey Marco, OTC, Litt Up, Drop 35 and more. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Wednesday olive burger special Rockwell-Republic 45 S. Division Ave. 616-551-3563 ECLECTIC. Menu offerings range from sushi to burgers and everything in between. The craft cocktail menu runs the gamut from classics like the Manhattan to more modern concoctions and the beer and wine menus are nicely curated. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Specialty cocktails, broad menu, lively atmosphere. San Chez Bistro 38 West Fulton St. 616-774-8272 SPANISH/ECLECTIC. San Chez is both a café and a Tapas Bistro, now both housed in the same room. This is a social setting where people can remember the one rule of kindergarten: sharing. Featuring small, delicious dishes, San Chez can satiate your desire for variety. It’s also a hidden secret for breakfast in downtown Grand Rapids, offering a great start to any day. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Tapas, Breakfast, Sandwiches The Score 5301 Northland Dr. NE. 616-301-0600 SPORTS BAR. The Score is the perfect combination for beer and sports lovers. More than 70 TVs carry all major sports packages and there are 128 beers on tap. During the summer months, enjoy live
San Chez has been serving meals that people love to share since 1992, and we’re bringing back 24 of the best-of-the-best dishes to enjoy again. Follow us on Facebook to see our two throwback features every month — for a limited time only!
Eat, drink and relax on the patio at CitySe ˉ n Lounge. Enjoy delicious food and crafted cocktails in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids!
Located at 38 W. Fulton St. (2 blocks East of Van Andel Arena) 83 Monroe Center St NW / Downtown GR / cityflatshotel.com / 616.608.1720
70 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2016
sanchezbistro.com • 616.774.8272
EAT.
SHOP.
ROCK.
Open for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: 7 days a week
Note Worthy Dining.
Join us during Eat. Shop. Rock. with great eats, drinks, and entertainment. Erb Thai will sell good eats under $5.
COME AND SUPPORT!
PROCEEDS WILL BE
DONATED
CHILDREN'S
WORKSHOP $3 CRAB CHEESE
$1 SPRING ROLLS
$2 FRIED RICE AND MORE... JUNE 16 6PM - 9PM
Downtown Grand Rapids
10% OFF Inside Holiday Inn 310 Pearl St. NW (616) 235-1342 www.pearlstreetgrillgr.com
with this coupon
Excludes alcohol. Cannot be used on holidays. Expires 6/30/16. Revue Magazine.
950 Wealthy ST SE Suite 1A Grand Rapids, MI 49506 Phone: 616-356-2573 ErbThaiGR
ErbThaiGR
Erbthaigr.com
REVUEWM.COM | June 2016 |
Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule
WEALTHY MARKET PARKING LOT
71
by Joe Boomgaard, Revue Beer Czar
Beer
Will king Oberon keep its crown? Summer wheat beers taste-off
O Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene
beron from Bell’s Brewery served as a gateway for many drinkers entering the world of craft beer. It’s an approachable wheat ale that’s become synonymous with summer and warm weather, even though it gets released in March around West Michigan. The Revue beertasting team gets why it’s so popular, even if we’re not the biggest fans of the beer — or the style, for that matter. But we wondered how the iconic Oberon would hold up to some of the other offerings from West Michigan breweries that loosely fit into the same style profile. So we put on our flip flops and rounded up eight potential rivals for a blind tasting to see which could be crowned the king of summer wheat beers. Here’s what we determined.
Highly Recommended Kamikaze Kaleidoscope
Dark Horse Brewing Co., Marshall This new 5-percent ABV “friendly summer wit” ale is brewed with peels from lemons and oranges to give it fruity and citrusy flavors. However, the beer leans more toward nuance and balance than anything over-the-top. You also get some nice fruity esters similar to a Belgian style, a testament to the yeast used to brew the beer. When poured, it looks like cloudy orange juice, and the body also delivers
72 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2016
thanks to the use of wheat. It’s a refreshing summer wit that even beer nerds would enjoy. Score: 88
Kamikaze Kaleidoscope from Dark Horse
Oberon
Bell’s Brewery Inc., Galesburg Yes, the gateway craft beer that helped make Bell’s a common name held up to the blind tasting, finishing a close second. Oberon is admittedly not a beer that any of the reviewers seek out with any frequency for a variety of reasons, but it scored well for its body and obviously refined, balanced flavors. There’s enough citrus and hops to make it interesting and it’s balanced enough (although somewhat high in ABV at 5.8 percent) to be crushable on a summer day. Score: 84.25
Sunspot
Also Tasted
This hefeweizen pours darker than the others in this test. It had a distinct aroma with esters of banana and clove and a hint of spice. The yeasty notes carry over into the flavors, albeit with a slightly vegetal finish.
Grapefruit Wheat
Greenbush Brewing Co., Sawyer
Score: 70
Whango
Atwater Brewery, Detroit
Recommended Hat Trick
The aroma was all tropical gummy bears, and lots of them. Some tasters liked it, but others loathed it. This mango witbier leads with fruity flavors that come across as slightly unnatural. Score: 66.75
Gonzo’s Bigg Dogg Brewing Co., Kalamazoo This beer pours a hazy orange/yellow with a thick white cap. The aromas are that of a German-style hefeweizen with some fruits and esters of banana and clove with a slightly thin body. A couple of panelists detected a slightly sour note at the front end that balanced with the taste of fruity orange zest. It’s a 6-percent ABV summer sipper. Score: 79.75
Nicie
Odd Side Ales, Grand Haven While there was some citrus in the nose, the flavor was rather bland and subdued with a weird finish one panelist described as chewing on a grapefruit peel. Score: 56.75
Whitsun
Arcadia Brewing Co., Kalamazoo/Battle Creek It looked the part, but the flavors did not sit well with the reviewers, a couple of whom noted it had an oddly bitter and sour aroma. Perhaps that came from the coriander, which people seem to either love or hate.
Short’s Brewing Co., Bellaire
Score: 36.5
This pale American wheat ale promised hints of peppercorn, but it delivered on that flavor by the barrelful. As such, it overpowered other orange and citrus notes in this beer. Most of the panel couldn’t imagine peppercorn being a refreshing flavor, but fans of pepper or spice beers might disagree.
Starburst Wheat
Score: 64.5
Score: 34.25 n
Saugatuck Brewing Co., Douglas When poured, this looked sudsy and foamy with the color of honey. The aromas suggested a hoppy character with citrus notes, but the flavor took on an old bubblegum character.
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German Tradition Crafted in Michigan.
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table talk
by Nick Macksood
Jeff Duba & Matt Burdick Talk Heritage Meat In an era when people want to know more about the origin of their food, many are starting to pay closer attention to how those tasty animals were treated before they became sustenance. At the forefront of that movement is heritage meats. Grand Rapids’ very own Duba & Co. is one of two (two!) purveyors of heritage meat in the United States. This month, I rode along with owner Jeff Duba to visit Matt Burdick at Idle River Farms in Burlington, Mich. to talk about the ins-and-outs of heritage animals and the rapidly growing interest behind them. So how does Duba & Co. fit into the heritage mix? Duba: Really, Duba & Co. is just a farmer’s market. I only facilitate the transaction — the farmers are the ones who do all the work. So lately, we’ve gone through a sort of rebranding of the company where we can put the people who raise these animals front and center. My job is getting the word out and making heritage meats more widely available to the home consumer.
What exactly are heritage meats?
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Duba: Heritage meats involve the use of not only rare breeds of livestock but also more traditional methods of raising livestock. The most stringent standards belong to heritage beef, but common among all types of livestock are rules like: No growth hormones, no routine use of antibiotics, humane slaughter, pasture-raised or permanent access to the outdoors and natural mating.
where they went, but they were thought to have been extinct. Much later on, they were rediscovered in East Texas and were slowly brought back into circulation. Burdick: They got popular back in the ’70s and ’80s and then died down a little. Lots of butchers I’ve taken my hogs to will tell me they used to see a lot of Red Wattles back then.
What inspired you to learn to raise heritage animals? Burdick: My family is Christian, so we talk about stewardship. My faith tells me we have dominion over these animals but we interpret that to mean stewardship. It’s not that we’re in control
Burdick: So when we’re talking about heritage meats, Jeff and I are talking about two different things. He’s thinking about the meat — I’m thinking about the animal. I want something that doesn’t taste like it was raised on a million gallons of hog manure. Hogs like to lie in the mud and roll in the water. And because of that, and the breed of hogs we raise and their genes, the meat doesn’t taste like it was raised in confinement.
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of them, it’s that we have a responsibility to take care of them humanely and that they have a good life. Now, I believe that’s true of all livestock, but the other aspect is that we raise heritage animals so that their breed can continue. Let’s face it, the only reason this breed is around today is because they taste good. They would be extinct otherwise — their Duba & Co. demand on the market is what dubaandcompany.com (719) 445-9780 keeps them around.
Idle River Farms Duba: For me, I guess it’s seeing idleriverfarms.com others realize that there’s a better (269) 719-9355 way to do this. Lots of people give up eating meat for philosophical or environmental reasons. We’ve had vegans who convert back to eating meat because they try the product and they can see who’s behind it. They can meet Matt and Crystal and they can support the sustainable process behind these animals. The flavor is a bonus, really.
Let’s get down to brass tacks. I’ve heard pigs are funny animals. They’ve got their own personalities and quirks, right? Burdick: They’re very funny animals and smart. They’re some of the smartest farm animals around. Though, they’re always pushing on the fence, looking for holes and digging their way out. Not too long ago, my wife said, ‘I think that the hogs are out because I hear grunting outside the window.’ I opened up the door and there was a hog standing on the porch! n
Idle River raises Red Wattle hogs, which have a mysterious story, don’t they? Duba: Yes. They’re believed to have originated on the island of New Caledonia, in the Pacific, and somehow wound up in New Orleans in the 18th and 19th century where the French appreciated them. Then they just went missing. Nobody knows
Jeff Duba
Matt Burdick
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Dining entertainment seven days a week, outdoor dining (complete with real palm trees) and volleyball tournaments. The menu ranges from burgers to pizzas and wings tossed in one of The Score’s 16 sauces. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner .OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Lots of beer options.
Terra GR 1429 Lake Dr. 616-301-0998 AMERICAN. Terra boasts fresh, healthy ingredients in every dish. The restaurant doesn’t feature one menu, either. It offers a Saturday and Sunday brunch menu, as well as menus for lunch, dinner, dessert, beverages, wine,
happy hour and kids. The food is inspired by the seasons and ingredients come straight from one of Michigan’s many farms. » SERVING: Brunch Lunch Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh foods with ingredients from regional growers. The Winchester 648 Wealthy St. SE. 616-451-4969 ECLECTIC. This upscale bar and restaurant feels like it was plucked from Chicago’s Bucktown or Logan Square neighborhoods. A comfortable spot to drink or dine, with an always evolving menu featuring shared plates, salads and inventive sandwiches and specials. When available, some produce items are harvested from their garden across the street. » SERVING: Brunch Lunch Dinner
SchulerBooks&Music 33 years as your local, independent bookstore! JUNE 2016
THURSDAYS 10:00am
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Six.One.Six. 235 Louis St. NW. 616-242-1448 ECLECTIC. Market-inspired menus, sweeping views and progressive rhythms combine to create a memorable dining experience. The dishes tempt taste buds and is the perfect spot for foodies. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days GO THERE FOR: Variety and being seen.
Stella’s Lounge 53 Commerce Ave. 616-356-2700 TAVERN. The Chicago-style whiskey bar has more than 200 varieties of distilled spirits, old-school video games, and a menu filled with vegetarian and vegan bar food — and stuffed burgers. Did we mention you can sip cans of PBR and other classic beers out of a mason jar? » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Whiskey, vegetarian and vegan bar food.
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Open Play Scrabble
All ages and skill levels welcome.
WED
A Night of Music and Poetry
MON
Japanese Language & Culture Group
TUES
Popular Michigan Memoirist Bob Tarte
TUES
Unstoppable Women Networking
06/01 7:00pm 06/06 7:00pm 06/07 7:00pm 06/14 9:00am
Join us as musician Laszlo Slomovitz and poet Jennifer Burd present Receiving the Shore, a collaboration bringing together poetry and music. Join Mayumi Balfour of Sister Cities International as she leads a monthly discussion focusing on different aspects of Japanese language and culture. Tarte presents Feather Brained: My Bumbling Quest to Become a Birder and Find a Rare Bird on My Own. We invite you to renew your energy for your purpose-based business with a network of Unstoppable Women. www.meetup.com/Womennetworking
WED
Local Author Night
THURS
Talk & Reception for GR Author Micheala Lynn
TUES
GR Author Robert Kroese
WED
Cribbage Game Night in the Community Area!
06/15 7:00pm 06/16 7:00pm
06/28 7:00pm
06/29 7:00pm
Chapbook
Authors speaking will include Christa Blackman (Tales from the Art Director’s Desk); Sylvia Cooper (A Writer’s Vine); and Kristin Monda (Saving Aiden). We are pleased to welcome Micheala Lynn, the author of Jagged Little Scar, back to the store for the release of her sophomore novel Joie de Vivre. Join us for a talk and signing with Robert Kroese, the author of over 11 science fiction and fantasy novels. He’s currently celebrating the release of The Big Sheep.
All ages and skill levels welcome.
Visit www.SchulerBooks.com for a complete list of events. All events are subject to change. 2660 28th Street SE 616.942.2561
Michig Postca
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Taste This
Vote for us as Best Winery! at revuewm.com/bestofthewest
Lemon Creek is an estate vineyard and winery producing 25 different award winning wines annually
Wine Tasting Daily! VISIT ONE OF OUR 2 LOCATIONS! Berrien Springs Winery Vineyard 533 E. Lemon Creek Rd. Berrien Springs, MI | 269.471.1321 Grand Haven Tasting Room 327 N. Beacon Blvd. Grand Haven, MI | 616.844.1709
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lemoncreekwinery.com
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by Nick Macksood
TACO TOUR Revue Hits the Streets of GR on a Taco Crawl
I
f you want to start a heated food fight, tell a group of people where to find the best tacos in town. Friends become enemies. For reasons unknown, tacos and burritos seem to be America’s most divisive foods and everyone has his or her own favorite spot. With that in mind, what better way to decide who is king than a taco crawl through the streets of Grand Rapids? There are more taquerias in the city than there are varieties of hot sauce in the aisles of any supermercado on Division – it’s a beautiful thing. So keep in mind that my choices may not be your choices. You can add some of your favorites to the tour, but don’t subtract. Hit every spot down Division. Zigzag from the West Side to Uptown. Include old favorites, or zap your taste buds with something new. Just like a taco, make it your own. In the meantime, here’s a quick route for those in doubt.
Tacos El Veracruz
2151 Division Ave., Grand Rapids
Don’t turn around! Yes, the sign says “Laundromat,” but deep inside are some serious tacos. Fear not — head down past the whirring machines for a selection of tacos, quesadillas, tamales and pupusas. And there’s coffee for 25 cents. If you can best that, your tacos are on me. Taco of choice: Pork cabeza.
Maggie’s Kitchen
636 Bridge St., Grand Rapids Maggie’s is an OG player in the ever-growing stable of West Side spots in GR. They’ve been killing it sun-up to sun-down since 1983, which means you could start your crawl here in the morning with some breakfast tacos. A full menu of burritos, tortas, tostadas and classic Styrofoam-plate specials offers an extensive selection to mix and match. Whatever you choose, I dare you to put that Yucateca XXXtra Chile Habanero sauce on there. Taco of choice: Skirt steak with onions, cilantro — add avocado.
Luna
64 Ionia Ave., Grand Rapids lunagr.com Here we are: The home stretch. Luna is the beginning of the more luxurious part of the journey: Dim lighting, nightlife vine and some exceptional tacos. Make it to Luna between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. and you’ll find yourself in the midst of happy hour with deals on both drinks and food. Luna also boasts a full, alluring menu that my wandering eyes found extremely tempting, but my taco-filled belly could not stomach. Maybe next time. Taco of choice: Wild caught corvina, slaw and salsa diabla. Spicy.
Donkey Taqueria
665 Wealthy St., Grand Rapids donkeygr.com Don’t fret — the crawl’s not over yet. And you’ve got so much top-shelf tequila to try, your night is really just getting started. Make sure to keep yourself hydrated and eat two tacos between each glass of Blue Nectar (thanks Audrey — and sorry about that glass!). When I made my visit, there was much hand wringing and deliberation over which Donkey taco would be dubbed “King.” Never could our party come to an agreement. Be like us: Sample them all just to be sure. Taco of choice: TIE between roasted pork shoulder, grilled pineapple, onions and cilantro; pork confit, lime-marinated cabbage, carrot, queso fresco and cilantro. n
Taco de Árabes and Taco de Ceviche at Donkey Taqueria
SATURDAY JUNE 18, 2016 3 PM - 11 PM AGES 21+
founders brewing co. grand rapids, mi
THE MOTET LEE FIELDS & THE EXPRESSIONS
THE REVEREND PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND PEOPLE'S BLUES OF RICHMOND
THE MAIN SQUEEZE THE FBC ALL-STARS
DOS SANTOS ANTI-BEAT ORQUESTA THE GO ROUNDS FEATURING A VARIETY OF LOCAL FOOD VENDORS AND ARTISTS
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Dining
OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: DIY Bloody Mary Bar Special, Yucca Fries. Wolfgang’s Restaurant 1530 Wealthy St. SE. 616-454-5776 BREAKFAST. The bustling Eastown breakfast spot is home to some of the heartiest breakfast dishes and funniest menu descriptions. Courteous staff never fails to offer a cup of coffee to go after we’ve finished breakfast. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Breakfast all day.
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. The Eccentric Café features eclectic fare sourced from sustainable
local ingredients, inspired by and designed to complement Bell’s award-winning beers. On tap, you’ll find 30-40 different beers, many exclusive to the Café and brewed right next door at the original brewery. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The Beer Bravo! 5402 Portage Rd., Kalamazoo 269-344-7700 ITALIAN. Muchlauded restaurant has earned its stripes over 23 years as one of the region’s best dining experiences, including a 3-star rating in the 2010 Forbes Travel Guide. The Tuscan-inspired cuisine is spectacular, the atmosphere comfortable and intimate, and the service first-rate. Also brews its own beer in small batches for pairings with menu offerings. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. (Closed Sat. lunch) GO THERE FOR: A great dining experience. Central City Taphouse 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall. (269) 492-0100 TAPHOUSE. If Central City doesn’t have the kind of beer you want on tap, you’ll probably find it with the 75+ bottles. OH, you say you’re not a beer drinker? Well, Central City offers 20 wine ‘taps’ and a full bar. If you’re not the drinking type, that’s cool too. There are a number of food options to pick from, including a raw menu, a pizza menu and the all-day menu, which features burgers, soups and entrees. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Diverse beverage selection.
Fieldstone Grille 3970 W. Centre St., Portage. 269-321-8480 AMERICAN. Lodge-retreat atmosphere overlooking the Moors Golf Club natural wetlands. The “field-to-plate” menu features burgers, pizzas, steaks and some eclectic items like quail. Try the FSG chips, a combination of potato, beet and sweet potato chips. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Blue Burger, Almond Crusted Walleye, FSG Chips.
Old Dog Tavern 402 East Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo. 269-381-5677 AMERICAN. The food at Old Dog Tavern is just about as eclectic as the entertainment offered. The menu has so much on it that it might even bring some harmony between picky and adventurous eaters. » SERVING: Brunch Lunch Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The eclectic menu options.
Food Dance 401 E. Michigan Ave. 269-382-1888 AMERICAN. Food Dance is committed to building a thriving and sustainable local food system, supporting artisans who practice craft food processes. It’s about the connection with people and places the food comes from. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, private dining space, catering and delivery, while an on-site market offers humanely raised meats, artisan cheeses, fresh bread and pastries. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh Local Foods.
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.
Martell’s 3501 Greenleaf Blvd., Kalamazoo. 269-375-2105 AMERICAN. Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood that overlooks Willow Lake, Martell’s offers casual ambiance and an expansive menu with steaks, prime rib and other comfort food entrées like Italian style meatloaf and pork shank. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days (Sundays-dinner only) GO THERE FOR: Quiet casual ambiance.
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live music
Lakeshore 8th Street Grille 20 W. 8th St., Holland. 616-392-5888 AMERICAN. This eclectic grille offers a mix of draft and bottled craft beers and a variety of pub classics and new, American beer-inspired dishes. Happy hour includes half-off appetizers and $1 off drafts. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: 28 taps of craft beer.
&
NOT YOUR AVERAGE BAR FOOD.
Sunday Brunch 11am-4pm DISTILLED AND BOTTLED IN GRAND RAPIDS.
RECOGNIZED INTERNATIONALLY.
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HOURS:
LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS
T U E - W E D 1 1 AM- 1 0 PM T H U R - F R I 1 1 AM- 1 1 PM S A T 5 PM- 1 1 PM & S U N 1 1 AM- 4 PM
JUNE shows 6/2 Rawhide Johnson Band 6/4 The Willys 6/9 Mark Kahny Trio 6/11 Drew Nelson 6/16 Brant Satala 6/23 Olivia Mainville 6/30 Genna Giacobassi
136 East Fulton, Grand rapids | 616.235.7669 | onetrick.BIZ
Discover A REFRESHING ALCOHOL SPRITZ
GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT...DON’T DRINK UNTIL YOU ARE 21.® PREMIUM MALT BEVERAGE WITH NATURAL FLAVORS AND CERTIFIED COLORS. ©2016 Palm Breeze Beverage Co., Chicago, IL.
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Dining
Bil-Mar Restaurant 1223 S. Harbor St., Holland. 616-842-5920 AMERICAN. A destination restaurant for more than 60 years. Dazzling sunsets and an all-American menu featuring fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Lake perch, lobster strudel, prime rib.
Now On Tap! STOP IN AND TRY ALL OF OUR SPECIALTY BREWS
20 MONROE AVE NW GRAND RAPIDS | 616.356.2000 THEBOBSBREWERY.COM
CityVu Bistro 61 E 7th Street, Holland. 616-796-2114 AMERICAN. A distinctive rooftop dining experience in downtown Holland with fresh gourmet flatbreads and an array of seasonal entrees. The contemporary-yet-casual atmosphere, full bar and unique menus make it the ideal spot for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: flatbreads
Fricano’s Pizza Tavern 1400 Fulton Ave., Grand Haven. 616-842-8640 ITALIAN. Claims to be the first pizzeria in Michigan, but customers care less about its longevity than the amazingly crispy thin crust and simple ingredients atop its much-lauded pies. Four other locations around West MI, including Comstock Park, Muskegon, Holland and Kalamazoo. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza.
Grand Valley Artists presents the 51st
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Reeds Lake Art Festival 2016
BREAKFAST ANY TIME. CRANKER’S BREWERY 213 S State St, Big Rapids 231-796-1919
CRANKER’S RESTAURANT & BREWERY 1207 E Pickard Rd, Mount Pleasant 989-779-1919
CRANKERSBREWERY.COM
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Kirby House 2 Washington, Grand Haven. 616-846-3299 AMERICAN. The Grill Room doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is — a chop house and grill. Atmosphere is warm with Tuscan tones, atmospheric lighting, classically cool music and leather booths. The menu focuses on steaks and chops and makes no apologies. The steaks are prime USDA choice, the seafood selection immaculate, and the wine and beverage list is top shelf. Relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Nightlife. New Holland Brewing Company 66 E. 8th St., Holland. 616-355-6422 BREWPUB. One of West MI’s premier microbreweries serves up better than average pub grub, including savory sandwiches chock full of Michigan ingredients, plus a seasonal entree menu. Also try their artisan spirits. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Mad Hatter IPA, Dragon’s Milk. Phil’s Bar & Grille 215 Butler St., Saugatuck. 269-857-1555 AMERICAN. This cozy (some would say “small”) bar and grille in downtown Saugatuck is one of those unassuming spots you might easily overlook, though locals in Saugatuck will tell you about their love affair with Phil’s. Eclectic menu is all over the place, but in a good way, and the staff is super-friendly. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Portabella Mushroom Fries. Salt of the Earth 114 East Main St., Fennville. 269-561-7258 AMERICAN. Salt of the Earth is a farm-to-table-inspired restaurant, bar, and bakery located in the heart of SW Michigan farm country in Fennville. Focuses on fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients whenever possible. Also serves up live music on weekends. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: House made rustic cuisine.
GREAT FOOD. GREAT BEER. CASUAL DINING.
CRANKER’S RESTAURANT & BREWERY 454 68th St SW, Grand Rapids 616-827-1919
Hops at 84 East 84 East 8th St., Holland. 616-396-8484 TAVERN. A beautiful taproom sporting reclaimed wood and copper. With 60 beer taps, two English beer machines, eight wine taps and an extensive spirits menu, Hops has a special beverage for everyone. The menu includes brick-oven pizza, burgers and sandwiches, chicken wings and a rotating special of the day. There are also gluten-free options, including their famous pizza. Several large-screen TVs adorn the restaurant if you’re in the mood to watch the big game. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Craft beer and brick-oven pizza.
Gaslight Village Wealthy St. & Lakeside Dr. East Grand Rapids Saturday, June 18 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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.
To submit or to correct information in a dining listing, e-mail editor@revuewm.com.
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