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What’s Inside
June 2015 | Volume 27, Issue 6
SCENE: 11 Random Notes 14 Eclectic 16 All Ages
SOUNDS:
34
19 Local Music: Cardboard Swords 20 How Grand Funk Outlived its Critics 22 Top Classical and Jazz Events 24 Anti-Flag 25 Concert Review: Marilyn Manson 26 Interview: The Indigo Girls 28 Neon Trees 29 Album Reviews 30 Goose Lake: 1970 32 Heartless Bastards
Summer Festivals: 34 Festival Listings and Best Bets 36 Beginner’s Guide to Local Festivals 39 Road Trip: Gathering of the Juggalos
SIGHTS:
66
Last Call
39
gathering of the juggalos
45 46 48 50 52
Visual Arts: Art Fairs and Festivals Style Notes Indie Film: Clips Beer and Film Tour Lit Life: Emily St. John Mandel Theatre: Kinky Boots
54 Comedy: Sext Farm’s Sextrospective
DINING & DRINKING:
46
Style Notes
57 Restaurant Listings 60 Beer: White Flame, Pike 51 66 Last Call: Terra GR
W est M ichiga n ’ s E n tertai n me n t G ui d e
Letter from the Editor Hello readers, You’ve snagged a copy of Revue’s annual Festival Issue, which highlights an obnoxious amount of summer festivals spanning the entire state, even some choice out-of-state events: i.e. Gathering of the Juggalos. Whoop! Whoop! So for those willing to jump into the festival fire this summer, prepare for the inevitable Porta Potty visit, blistering sun and an endless string of “beverage” tents. Check out the festival section for a fairly comprehensive rundown. Also in this issue is an interview I was able to do with Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls. That duo has truly come full circle. They started as an independent act on the coffee house circuit, spent many years on a major label, and now are back to being independent via their own label: IG Records. I commend any artist who decides to take on more work for the sake of having more control over their art. And, with the record industry being in a state of confusion, it’s probably not a bad time for artists to venture out and start doing it on their own. It’s not the old model anymore. You don’t need to buy a full page ad in Rolling Stone and have a life-sized cardboard display at Tower Records (RIP). Thanks to social media, bands can directly reach their fans for a fraction of the cost — or for free. So, while the big-time record execs frantically attempt to figure out how to monetize digital recordings, be sure to support the artists who refuse to sit around and wait for the suits to catch up with the times. Later,
Editorial Publisher Brian Edwards / brian@revuewm.com Associate Publisher Molly Rizor / molly@revuewm.com Editor Joe Boomgaard / joe@revuewm.com Managing Editor Rich Tupica / rich@revueholding.com Design Creative Director Kim Kibby / kim@revuewm.com Ad Design Rachel Harper, Kim Kibby Contributing Writers Kyle Austin Audria Larsen Missy Black Ben Mepham Brian J. Bowe Steve Miller Lawrence Cosentino Eric Mitts Steven de Polo Allison Parker Mark Deming Carly Plank Dwayne Hoover Allan I. Ross Lexi Kadlec Josh Spanninga Nolan Krebs Kerri VanderHoff Contributing Photographers Katy Batdorff, Nicole Rico Revue Minions Tayler Keefer, Kimberly Peloquin, Josh Veal Sales / 616.608.6170 Kelli Belanger / kbelanger@revuewm.com Molly Rizor / molly@revuewm.com Digital Editor Jayson Bussa / jayson@revuewm.com
Rich Tupica, Managing Editor
Find us online! Website: revuewm.com Twitter: twitter.com/revuewm Facebook: facebook.com/revuewm
Advertising index Amway Hotel Corporation . . . . . 17 B.O.B.’s Brewery. . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Barfly Ventures . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Bell’s Brewery and Eccentric Café. . . . . . . . . 2, 21 Bissell Blocktail Party. . . . . . . . 29 BMW Motorcycles. . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Boba Bliss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Brewery Vivant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Buttermilk Jamboree. . . . . . . . . 31 Cascade Optical . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Celebration! Cinema. . . . . . . . . 49 Central City Taphouse. . . . . . . . 12 CityFlats Hotel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
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Deltaplex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Dr. Grins Comedy Club. . . . . . . . 52 Erb Thai. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 FireKeepers Casino . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Foot Outfitters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Founders Brewery . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Founders Fest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Ganders Restaurant . . . . . . . . . 63 Grand Haven Art Festival. . . . . . 49 GR Public Library (GR Reads). . 51 Grand Woods Lounge. . . . . . . . . 67 Gravel Bottom Brewery . . . . . . . 61 Holiday Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff. . . . . 44
Lakeshore Museum Center . . . . Literacy Center of West MI. . . . . Momentum Competition . . . . . . Muskegon Museum of Art . . . . . Muskegon Rock Stock. . . . . . . . Neighborhood Ventures. . . . . . . New Belgium Brewing. . . . . . . . New Horizons Computer Learning Center. . . . . . . . . . . Old Dog Tavern. . . . . . . . . . . . . One Trick Pony. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Orbit Room. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Palazzolo’s Gelato . . . . . . . . . . . Pearl Street Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . Right Brain Brewery. . . . . . . . . . River City Improv. . . . . . . . . . . .
16 53 12 45 25 43 44 53 33 28 32 23 62 61 61
River City Saloon. . . . . . . . . . . . 31 San Chez Bistro. . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Saugatuck Brewing Company. . 62 Saugatuck Center for the Arts. . 49 Schuler Books. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Seven Steps Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. . 3 Terra GR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 The Intersection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 The Pyramid Scheme. . . . . . . . . . 5 The Score. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 The Union. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Uptown GR: Eat. Shop. Rock.. . . 42 Wharton Center (Summer Solstice Festival). . . . . . . . . . 10 Woody’s Press Box. . . . . . . . . . . 55
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 ©2015, Revue Holding Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part granted only by written permission of the publisher in accordance with our legal statement, fools.
On the cover: Summer Festival Guide, illustrated by Anthony Carpenter. Check out our festival section on page 34!
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Random Notes MUSIC ///
Ah, the ’90s, when grunge, techno, swing, hip-hop and Britpop coexisted peacefully on the same radio dial. But as all those music styles were just emerging, two holdovers from the ’70s, ska and punk, gave birth to a new genre: Ska punk. Less than Jake was one of the poster bands for the movement. The Pezloving Florida natives bring their trombones and surf guitar to The Intersection June 12. They’ll be joined by Reel Big Fish, whose biggest song was the ironic anthem “Sell Out.”
In the thin sliver of a Venn diagram at the intersection of rockabilly, punk rock, sci-fi, gratuitous sex and oddball humor is psychobilly. The Reverend Horton Heat has been called the “Godfather of Psychobilly” and on June 10 he brings his quirky, eponymous trio to the Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids. A scroll through the band’s song titles gives you a good idea of what we’re dealing with here: “Please Don’t Take the Baby to the Liquor Store,” “Big Red Rocket of Love” and, of course, “Psychobilly Freakout,” which MTV’s Butthead once described as “like country music after you’ve been playing Centipede for 24 hours.” Openers Nekromantix offer a horror spin on the genre, featuring a bass player with a coffin-shaped four-string.
Albums ///
Pepe Aguilar
With his smoky vocals, jangly guitar work and rugged lyrics, John Mellencamp has funneled the 20th century experience into song after rollicking hit song for nearly 40 years. He throws country, rock, folk and blues into the same box, shakes it up, and ties it all up with a red-white-and-blue ribbon. Ain’t that America? On June 9, the artist formerly known as Johnny Cougar slides into the DeVos Performance Hall as part of his summer Plain Spoken Tour.
Three years after his first record, Long.Live. A$AP, shot A$AP Rocky to stardom, the Harlem rapper is putting the finishing touches on his sophomore release. At.Long. Last.A$AP, which was executive produced by Juicy J and Danger Mouse, dropped May 25. It features the
Reverend Horton Heat singles “Multiply,” released last October, and “Everyday,” featuring vocals by Rod Stewart, Miguel and Mark Ronson. After Florence + the Machine explored the ethereal planes of larger-than-life fantasy and metaphor in previous albums, lead singer Florence Welch says the themes in the band’s third album, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful, are much more grounded. But that doesn’t mean it won’t still be epic. Producer Markus Draves (Bjork’s Homogenic) is behind the controls of this mélange of organic and electronic sensibilities. The album drops June 2.
MOVIES ///
Dope has been described as a Bizarro World mishmash of Napoleon Dynamite and Boyz N the Hood — the crossover appeal alone practically guarantees a solid turn at the box office. It’s about three inner-city geeks who bond over ’90s hip-hop culture and subsequently form their own band. The offbeat comedy/drama took Sundance by storm this year and has been getting insane buzz ever since. On June 19, it gets a wide release. It stars Zoe Kravitz (daughter of Lenny) and Academy Award-winner Forest Whitaker. Continued on next page 8
DAAC Show @ The Fed Galleries
E
ven the best of us in life get knocked down, but we get up again — ain’t nobody ever gonna keep us down. The Division Avenue Arts Collective has been getting back up again ever since a property owner, heavily under the influence of market forces, brought about the evacuation of the space on S. Division Street in 2013. The DAAC has roamed the streets of Grand Rapids ever since, settling down only briefly for benefit shows over the last two years in an effort to find a new home.
While not permanent, the DAAC has found a place to stay from June 17 through July 25 at The Fed Galleries of Kendall College of Art and Design. But the collective won’t just be sleeping on the school’s proverbial couch; already, local acts like Radiator Hospital and Jes Kramer are slated to kick off the opening reception, with a slew of shows, workshops, discussions and festivals filling out the following month, including the DIY-centric SASSFEST and Grand Rapids Zine Fest. It’s simultaneously a step towards rebirth and a reminder of what the DAAC has to offer: a place for people from all across West Michigan to come together in the name of art that makes a difference. —Josh Veal
REVUEWM.COM | June 2015 |
Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
Pepe Aguilar is one of Latino music’s highestselling artists, blending the Mexican music styles ranchera and mariachi with a more traditional pop rock to craft a unique sound that’s equally at home in a Southwestern cantina or an arena stadium. On June 27, Grand Rapids fans will get to experience the latter when Aguilar fills the Van Andel Arena with soul-scorching vocals.
Before he died in 1993, the inimitable Frank Zappa was putting the finishing touches on his 100th studio album, Dance Me This. Now, 22 years later, the late maestro’s final work is set to drop June 1 and the timing is fortuitous. Among the experimental flourishes on the album will be the use of Mongolian throat singers. We expected nothing less.
11
Random Notes American icon Brian Wilson comic about the crew of a gets a big-screen biopic in Love spaceship that wakes up on the & Mercy, out June 12. Both other side of the galaxy with no Paul Dano and John Cusack memories. share the role of Wilson, playing him in the ’60s and ’80s, Ever wonder what Downton respectively. The film depicts Abbey would look like if it was his meteoric rise to fame with injected with an unhealthy the Beach Boys, documents dose of Kardashian action? the nervous breakdown that The team behind Reno 911! knocked him out of the spot- Another Period on and Party Down turn their light for years, and follows his Comedy Central satiric eye on highbrow BBCtime spent under the control of style dramas in the Comedy controversial psychotherapist Eugene Landry Central series Another Period. David Koechner, (played by Paul Giamatti). And now you’ll Christina Hendricks and Brett Gelman join a finally be able to understand the Barenaked who’s who of absurdist meta-comedy, includLadies song, “Brian Wilson.” ing The State alums Thomas Lennon and Michael Ian Black. n
TV ///
These days, you’re just as likely to find a grandiose comic book (ahem, graphic novel) adaptation on the big screen as you are on the small screen — good thing you invested in that new 60” HDTV. So put your AC to good use and settle in for a good old-fashioned binge watching of the new Syfy series, Dark Matter. The show is based on the Dark Horse
Random Notes is compiled by Allan I. Ross.
July: The Music Issue Ad Reservation Deadline: June 15 Editorial Deadline: June 5 Delivery: July 1
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
WHAT IS YOUR BIG IDEA? WIN $50,000 TO MAKE IT HAPPEN BUSINESS PLANS ARE BEING ACCEPTED NOW THROUGH JULY 31, 2015 FOR MORE INFO VISIT:
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June 17 July 29 th th June 24 August 5 th th July 15 August 12 nd Free Admission & Parking! July 22 th
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Music Starts at 6:30PM
For more information and a complete list of artists, please visit www.DeltaPlex.com! REVUEWM.COM | June 2015 |
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/// Eclectic
June Eclectic Events Swoon over summertime with happenings for humans and pets alike. Gaze upon golden treasures, watch your pooch perform in agility challenges, or just sit back with a decadent drink and enjoy the soothing sonic majesty only a spinning vinyl record can yield. By Audria Larsen
Ultimate Air Dogs
Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Kalamazoo June 12–14 $5 vehicle /$10 weekend vehicle pass ukcdogs.com, (269) 343-9020
More than your typical dog show, Ultimate Air Dogs features exciting challenges for your furry friends. “These events showcase the United Kennel Club philosophy of the Total Dog, in which a dog should not only have the beauty necessary for the traditional show ring, but also the ability to perform the functions and duties for which its breed was originally created,” according to its website. Watch your pooch partake in exciting agility trials like “Fetch-It, Catch-It, and Chase-It,” all part
of Splash events which are held in specially designed pools. Dogs will compete for long distance catches, engage in dramatic leaps and timed trials to discover the fastest-swimming pup.
The Discovery of King Tut
Grand Rapids Public Museum Through January Monday, Wednesday, Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Tuesday: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday: Noon–5 p.m. $13–$18, FREE for children 2 and under grpm.org/kingtut, (616) 929-1700
King Tut and the world of the ancient Egyptians have inspired unflagging wonder and awe for decades. Described today as “one of the most enigmatic
figures in Egyptian history,” Tutankhamun’s name was erased from monuments following his death. He was essentially unknown until Howard Carter famously cracked open his tomb in 1922. This month, via The Discovery of King Tut at Grand Rapids Public Museum, you can step into the boy king’s sarcophagus as it appeared upon discovery, albeit with stunning reproductions, and gaze upon a sea of gold. “Featuring more than 1,000 scientifically produced recreations hand-crafted by Egyptian artisans,” the exhibit has been painstakingly created for historic accuracy. “This exhibition presents the excavation itself as it was at the very moment it was revealed to the public,” said Dale Robertson, the museum’s president and CEO.
Discovery of King Tut
Beach Survival Challenge Grand Haven State Park, Grand Haven June 20, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. beachsurvivalchallenge.org
The 12th annual Beach Survival Challenge pits willing participants against cutthroat beach activities. Up to 90 co-ed teams of four-to-six players, middle-school age through adults, will rage against sand and surf to see who will be victorious. Sand Soccer will challenge calf muscles and foot dexterity alike. Ultimate Frisbee will have competitors reaching to the sky and diving to the beach. Tug-of-War captures a childhood favorite and kicks it up a notch in the sun. Finally, the Beach Survival Obstacle course involves a dummy drag, cargo crawl, life ring launch, among other exciting contests. Pre-registration is required.
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
Vinyl Night
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Coppercraft Distillery, Holland Every Wednesday, 6:30–9 p.m. coppercraftdistillery.com, (616) 796-8274
Lushes and vinyl lovers alike will rejoice with Vinyl Night, a weekly Wednesday happening at Coppercraft Distillery. Each month features a different theme, where booze and music is paired up. Three full albums are played, while specially crafted cocktails are sipped to get you in the musical mood. Enjoy decadence culled from your proverbial backyard, as Coppercraft distills its spirits from locally sourced ingredients, including grains from local farmers. Vinyl Night’s organizers encourage you to listen to “music the way it was intended to be heard. With a drink.” n
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/// All Ages
Hodenpyl Woods Hiking Trail
Fun Under the Sun By Steven G. de Polo
Do-Dah Parade Downtown Kalamazoo June 6, 11 a.m., Free!
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
Get silly at the Do-Dah Parade in downtown Kalamazoo on June 6. First held in Kalamazoo in 1984 as a spin-off of Pasadena’s Do-Dah Parade, this is no ordinary sit-on-your-hands, wave a tiny flag parade. Go see everyday people dress up and get goofy, absurd, and downright hilarious trying to make the funniest parody. The 2015 parade puts an emphasis on crazy costumes and creative floats that poke fun at something or somebody. The Do-Dah Parade looks forward to years of silliness now that it’s found a home with the Kalamazoo Experiential Learning Center, which provides college students with events-based internship opportunities “The spirit of Do-Dah is fun, silly and unique,” says Deborah Droppers, founder and president of the
KELC. “It’s all about making good, light-hearted fun of ourselves.” The parade runs Lovell Street to Park Street, to Michigan Avenue, back to Portage Street and then stopping back at Lovell Street.
Holland Street Performers Series Thursdays, June 11–Aug. 27 6:30–8:30 p.m., Free!
Downtown Holland ups the urban ante with its Holland Street Performers Series. Kara de Alvare, marketing coordinator for the city, expects over 100 different artists and groups to perform on a rotating basis in approximately 35 different locations. You can expect to find musicians old and young alike, daring aerial acrobats, jaunty jugglers, surly caricature artists, bendy break dancers, clever magicians, silly stilt-walkers, not too-creepy mimes, elegant belly dancers, sad sack sideshow acts and many more. Crowd pleasers
Michigan’s Heritage Park
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Holland Street Performers Series include the Bangarang Circus, juggling clown Matt Emerick and Douglas Grew, aka Johnny Vaudeville. Located on the charming retail rows of 8th Street, College Avenue and River Avenue, the series provides an entertaining evening of amazing artistry that you might never have the chance to see again. Just don’t forget to tip the performers.
Running Rivers Paddle Board and Kayak Rentals 120 E Center St., Douglas running-rivers.info $15 an hour per single person kayak
Send dad down the river, literally, on Father’s Day. Running Rivers Paddle Board and Kayak Rentals in Douglas lets dads kayak for free on June 21 when accompanied by at least one child. Offering trips from one-to-eight hours on the Kalamazoo River, their most popular trip starts at the charming town of New Richmond at its restored historic swing bridge. You will then spend about three hours leisurely drifting downstream, returning to Wade’s Bayou in Douglas. Running Rivers uses recreational kayaks with stable, large cockpits. Kayakers often see bald eagles, foxes, deer and a variety of water birds
Photos: Steven G. de Polo
on the river. You can even bring your dog on your river adventure.
Hodenpyl Woods Hiking Trail
West of Reeds Lake Boulevard, behind Remington Park, East Grand Rapids
Pressed for time? The Hodenpyl Woods Trail offers nearly one mile of nature-hiking glory smack dab in the heart of East Grand Rapids. The wooded wetlands were donated to the Grand Rapids Boulevard and Garden Society by Anton Hodenpyl in 1912. The park features a meandering 0.9-mile rustic-plant identification trail laid out by a local Boy Scout Troop, with several boardwalk crossings and a somewhat floating bridge that argues for sturdy hiking boots. Bring your binoculars because during the springtime the woods provide exceptional opportunities to spot handsome examples of our feathered friends like the lesser scoup, yellow warbler or the wily redbreasted merganser. Among the trees you will see weeping willows, box elders and the “I’m all about the” basswood and black walnut. Flower fiends will look for the trout lily, mandrake, yellow flag iris and baneberry. n
Experience weaving in a wigwam village, meet a settler from the 1800s, and bake bread in a 1900s farmhouse.
We welcome wonder... LakeshoreMuseumCenter Fire Barn Museum Scolnik House of the Depression Era
Hackley & Hume Historic Site Michigan’s Heritage Park in Whitehall
For directions & hours visit: www.lakeshoremuseum.org PH 231.722.0278
S:9.25”
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a perfect guys night out over beer and great
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Grand Rapids | 616.776.6426 | Inside the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel | ruthschris.com
REVUEWM.COM | June 2015 |
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Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene
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by Nolan Krebs
/// local music
local music news The 11th Annual Bell’s Beer Garden Opener happens June 4-6 in Kalamazoo. It features three nights of Greensky Bluegrass, plus three different, but equally amazing supporting acts: The Appleseed Collective, Billy Strings & Don Julin and the Joshua Davis Trio. Buttermilk Jamboree is back for its fifth year on June 12-14 at the Circle Pines Center in Delton. The festival has camping, food vendors and workshops, and music from Breathe Owl Breathe, The Accidentals, Alexis, The Muteflutes, Rick Chyme, Red Tail Ring, Jessie Ray & the Carolina Catfish and Seth & May, among others.
PHOTO: Beth Parks
On the Road
The Cardboard Swords Launch Tour
T
Ghost Bunnies, Human Skull, Camp Dad and Choke Chains play June 5 at Louie’s Trophy House Grill in Kalamazoo. Choke Chains features Thomas J. Potter of the notable Lansing/Detroit garagepunk duo Bantam Rooster. The following night No Bails, Day Creeper, MVP and Legendary Wings invade Louie’s. The legendary block party that is Founders Fest takes place June 20. Besides drinking gallons of delicious beer, festival-goers will get a chance to see sets from Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Nahko & Medicine for the People, Elephant Revival, Gringo Star, Billy Strings & Don Julin, Devin & the Dead Frets, Organissimo and FBC All-Stars. SP3, also known as The Scott Pellegrom Trio, releases its new album Supernaturalbang June 13 at Founder’s with support from fellow Grand Rapids-based Psychedelic Elephant Machine Gun and Plain Jane Glory. Up-and-coming indie rockers Hi-ker, outta Grand Rapids, open June 2 for UK-psych kings Temples at the Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids.
REVUEWM.COM | June 2015 |
Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
Made up of DeCoeur, Jeremy Dye, Sam Padalino and Luke he Midwest has been a cradle for some of Noland, the Cardboard Swords are supporting a pair of vinyl releases emo music’s most influential and hardworking bands. Even with an 18-stop tour to the East Coast and back. Being able to tour as some of the emo/math rock/hardcore-centric venues in more regularly has always been a goal, DeCoeur said, and the dudes the area came and went (i.e. The DAAC, Skeletones), the are looking forward to getting back on the road. sound has undeniably stuck. “[Touring] is a nomadic type of anything-goes environment One of the bands still carrying its torch is the Cardboard Swords. where you have one night in a city to make the most of it,” he said. “Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and the sur“Being in a city for one night only conjures up a dead poet-esque rounding areas are sort of the heartland for our kind of music,” said carpe diem mindset which is hard to maintain when you’re caught the band’s frontman Tyler DeCoeur. “West Michigan is a particular up in the mundane schedule of school and work.” hot spot for the Midwest punk and emo bands. The foursome will hit some new cities this sumBoth in the past and recently, with acts like Small “Sometimes you mer, including Pittsburgh, Buffalo and Minneapolis. Brown Bike, Bear vs. Shark, Cain Marko, Running Shoes, Oliver Houston, Bong Mountain and a slew show up to a random Regardless of the place, DeCoeur said being able to connect with an audience in any city is what makes of new bands in the DIY/DIT community.” city where a group playing music worthwhile. The Grand Rapids-based group is releasing of friends or sect “Sometimes you show up to a random city both a full-length vinyl LP and a split 7-inch rewhere a group of friends or sect of the scene in cord with Count Your Lucky Stars Records, a label of the scene in that that city has actually delved into your music and DeCoeur said he’s hoped to work with since he city has actually appreciate it. That’s the best feeling I’ve received as started playing music. delved into your a musician,” DeCoeur said. n “I’ve been following the label and crossing my fingers to work with them since I was 16 and first music and appreciate For tour dates and information on The Cardboard Swords’ booked the owner’s band,” he said. “They’ve put it. That’s the best new releases, visit thecardboardswords.bandcamp.com or out records from a lot of notable acts in our genre, feeling I’ve received facebook.com/thecardboardswords. including Empire! Empire! (I was a Lonely Estate), Foxing, Into It. Over It, Dowsing, Brave Bird, Joie as a musician.” De Vivre and Annabel.”
Local First of West Michigan throws its 12th Annual Street Party on June 6 in downtown Grand Rapids. Presented by Founders, the event features performances from The Accidentals, The Concussions, Heaters, Seth & May, The Lippies, Hannah Rose Graves, Molly Bouwsma-Schultz and Friends, and more. The event is free and open to the public.
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American Band Still Stands How Grand Funk Outlived its Critics by Brian J. Bowe
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n some ways Grand Funk Railroad has always been the Rodney Dangerfield of hard-driving rock ’n’ roll — they get no respect. From the very beginning, the Flint-bred band made a gargantuan noise. Their bombast was not unlike the MC5, but Grand Funk skipped the cosmic revolutionary stance in favor of a more working class, populist worldview. In the argot of the time they were a “people’s band.” But even at the height of the band’s popularity, in the first half of the 1970s, they took a beating from the critical establishment who mainly complained that they were too loud and lacked sophistication.
“All their songs sound exactly alike. It is not a matter of music, but of marketing an encompassing din to an audience that is apparently unwilling to be encompassed in anything cerebral,” wrote New York Times rock writer Mike Jahn in 1971. Drummer and singer Don Brewer recently said the group did its best to shake off the insults, which he said mainly came from the “rock ’n’ roll snob” elite on both coasts (and especially the writers at Rolling Stone). “It turned into kind of a vendetta,” Brewer said. “We were the band that critics loved to hate. We turned a blind eye to it and went about our business — and here we are, 45 years later, and all those critics are gone.” Grand Funk Railroad was founded in 1969 by Brewer, bassist Mel Schacher and singer/gui-
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Grand Funk Railroad, featuring original drummer/singer Don Brewer, performs Wednesday, June 3 at Meijer Gardens.
tarist Mark Farner. The members came out of regionally prominent acts like Terry Knight and the Pack and ? and the Mysterians, combining forces to create an ensemble that earned the label “power trio.” Their sound was a marriage of the dirty, noisy shop floor and crackling sounds of soul that came over the airwaves on stations like Flint’s WAMM. “That’s what we all listened to as kids,” Brewer said. “Then, when we came up and the whole rock thing was happening, all of these kids took that R&B influence that they’d grown up with and they converted it over to this rock flavor. And, of course, being from Detroit and Flint it had a very hard edge to it. It’s a blue collar thing, especially back then.” At early important gigs like 1969’s Atlanta International Pop Festival, Grand Funk wowed
audiences with that purely Michigan style of rock ’n’ roll that was loud and intense but retained an R&B sensibility at its core. They signed on with manager Terry Knight, a well-connected industry player and master of ginning up publicity. In fact, Brewer said there was a wide perception among the media at the time that Knight was a Svengali-type creating a Monkees-like group in Grand Funk, which contributed to some of the enmity from critics. Grand Funk was on a rocket ride to superstardom, playing an iconic sold-out show at Shea Stadium in 1971 and scoring its first Top 40 hit with “Closer to Home.” But in 1972 the band split with Knight in an orgy of legal action that represents one of the most epic battles in rock history. (It even made for a compelling episode of VH1’s Behind the Music).
Grand Funk Railroad wsg Matthew Curry
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids June 3, 7 p.m. $50 for members, $52 public meijergardens.org, (888) 957-1580
The post-Knight era brought a slicker sound and it was in this period that Grand Funk had its biggest run of chart success. They earned No. 1 hits with the iconic Todd Rundgren-produced “We’re an American Band” and a cover of the Carole King/Gerry Goffin party anthem “The Loco-Motion.” Singles “Some Kind of Wonderful,” “Bad Time,” “Shinin’ On” and “Walk Like a Man” also cracked the Top 40.
upcoming Monday, June 8
at
$13 adv / $15 day of
Shabazz Palaces
Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
wsg Eaters
Thursday, June 11
$25 adv / $30 day of
soul Asylum & Meat Puppets Outdoor show – Rain or Shine
Doors 7:30 pm — Show 8:30 pm
Friday, June 19
$7
Will Sessions
wsg Dezert Eez, DC Tuesday, June 23
The Baseball Project
Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
$15 adv / $17 day of Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
A throwback live shot of Grand Funk as a power trio. Left to right: bassist Mel Schacher, guitarist Mark Farner and drummer Don Brewer.
Friday, June 26
May Erlewine & the Moonlighters
Seated Show
“I think that we have become our own entity,” Brewer said. “It really has kind of turned into a unit of its own, and it’s got its own following.” While Grand Funk continues to write music — the show opener is a Carl composition called “Bottle Rocket” — don’t hold your breath waiting for a new album from the band. Brewer said the current financial realities of the music business are a powerful disincentive for recording. “Why waste your time recording something just for yourself? If nobody’s going to listen to it, or nobody’s going to give it a fair shot, or nobody cares — which is even worse — basically what you’re doing is recording for yourself,” Brewer said. Instead, they focus on live shows, maintaining a relatively heavy tour schedule. “I thank our lucky stars all the time that we can play live, and we can draw an audience,” Brewer said. “That’s what we do best, and that’s what we focus on. As an artist, there’s nothing better than having that oneon-one with an audience and getting that immediate response right there.” n
Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
Friday, July 3
$10 adv / $12 day of
AGO Showcase
Featuring Sango, Waldo, The SEVENth, Amos Rose, Joose, Mozaic, & Savon
Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
$35 adv / $40 day of
Saturday, July 11
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
Outdoor show – Rain or Shine Doors 7:30pm — Show 8:30pm
Thursday, July 16
Bonnie ''Prince"'' Billy
$20 adv / $25 day of Seated Show
wsg Faun Fables
Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
Saturday, August 1
Donna the Buffalo
$18 adv / $20 day of Doors 8pm — Show 9pm
Sunday, August 23
Lake Street Dive
$25 adv / $30 day of
Outdoor Show – Rain or Shine
wsg the Crane Wives
Doors 7pm — Show 8pm
REVUEWM.COM | June 2015 |
Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
The group disbanded in 1976 and returned briefly (sans Schacher) in the early 1980s. The original Grand Funk reunited in 1996 and the following year released a benefit live album for orphans from Bosnian war recorded at the Palace of Auburn Hills and featuring appearances by Paul Schaffer, Peter Frampton, Alto Reed and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. That led to several years of touring, but the band split with Farner in 1998. In 2000, Schacher and Brewer regrouped with ex-38. Special lead singer Max Carl, longtime Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick and keyboardist Tim Cashion, who has performed with Bob Seger and Robert Palmer. This version of the group has toured ever since and has now been together longer than the original trio. There are some people (this writer included) who remain skeptical of the legitimacy of any incarnation of Grand Funk sans Farner. The erstwhile singer’s politics are as strange as his hairstyle, but he brought a certain moral uprightness to the group that was refreshing. On the other hand, the current version of the band has been together so long, perhaps it is worthy of being considered in its own right.
$15
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‘NoAStairway to Heaven’: Summer Round Up of Jazz & Classical by Lawrence Cosentino For those looking for thunderous live music, but not necessarily by means of sizzling rock-guitar riffs and Tommy Lee-style drum solos, Revue’s new jazz/classical reporter Lawrence Cosentino offers up some alternate suggestions.
Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene
Classical Rocks: Most big-city orchestras and university-based classical programs take a diminuendo in the off season, but there is always a summer crescendo at the regional epicenter of summer classical music, the Interlochen Center for the Arts in the northwest lower Michigan, about 15 miles southwest of Traverse City. This year the schedule is dominated by a summer-long series of events celebrating the life and work of the late Aaron Copland, the most honored and famous of American composers and frequent visitor to Interlochen. Copland was a study in contrasts — an urban composer whose music came to embody America’s wide-open spaces. He was a prickly modernist who wrote music so popular it was endlessly imitated and even used for beef commercials. The Interlochen tribute will delve into Copland’s multi-dimensional work from several directions, with screenings of films he scored, including The Heiress and The Red Pony, documentaries about him, multimedia explorations of his life and work and a variety of concert events. Highlights of the series are a performance by the Martha Graham Dance Company (July 22) and a rare staging of Copland’s only opera, The Tender Land (July 31-Aug. 1). One of the world’s greatest string quartets, the Emerson String Quartet, joins the celebration with a program of music by Copland and friends at Corson Auditorium (July 23). Also at Interlochen, The World Youth Symphony play every Sunday from July 5-Aug. 9, with a revolving slate of conductors,
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including JoAnn Falletta, Carlos Izcarary, Cristian Macelaru, Jung-Ho Pak and Jeffrey S. Kimpton. interlochen.org Chamber Music North is a series of chamber concerts by nationally celebrated musicians at Traverse City’s Dennos Museum Center. The Euclid String Quartet performs this summer (June 14), with more to be announced. smnorth.org Petoskey’s BayView Music Festival, June 19Aug. 16, boasts over 50 events celebrating “the diversity of humankind,” with over 30 faculty artists and 100 collegiate musicians. The slate includes pops, chamber, choral, orchestral and hybrid concerts, culminating in a fully staged performance of Puccini’s La Boheme (Aug. 11, 13-15). The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra and a 100-voice choir offer a meaty slate of choral works by Mozart, including The Organ Mass (July 26). Tributes to the Beatles, Broadway, the swing era, 19th-century diva Jenny Lind and science fiction film scores are also on the docket. bayviewfestival.org
All That Jazz: Metro Detroit is unquestionably Michigan’s jazz capital, but the West Side of the state has a scene of its own, from regular club gigs and festivals to visiting jazz giants. This summer the biggest stars descend on Meijer Gardens for the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concert Series at the garden’s
Aaron Copland, pictured at Interlochen Center for the Arts in 1970 outdoor amphitheater. The series cuts a wide swath of styles, with several luminaries from the general galaxy of jazz. The crowd-pleasing fireball Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue (June 21), the retro atmospherics of Pink Martini (July 3), jazz diva supreme Diana Krall (Aug. 3), the Cuban masters of the Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club (Aug. 27), crooner supreme Harry Connick, Jr. (Aug. 2) and the world’s most revered singer, and honorary jazz master, Tony Bennett (Sept. 7). meijergardens.org Some of the same top stars will also hit Interlochen Music Festival this summer. Pink Martini (July 6), Harry Connick, Jr. (July 31) and Diana Krall (Aug. 1). Also slated to appear at Interlochen is the funky farmer of “Green Onions,” Booker T. Jones, (July 6). Jones is a songwriter, Hammond B-3 organ master, producer/arranger, lifetime Grammy
Award-winner and frontman for Booker T. & the M.G.s. Interlochen also hosts its Faculty Jazz Concert (July 1). This summer, Grand Rapids’ Jazz in the Park series moves from the John Ball Zoo to a new spot: downtown’s Ah-Nab-Awen Park. A full slate of 10 events begins with the West Ottawa High School Jazz Band (June 8) and hits full stride with Detroit’s Planet D Nonet (June 15). The remaining dates are the Steve Hilger Jazz Quintet (June 22), Mike Lutley’s West Coast Trio (June 29), Truth in Jazz Orchestra (July 6), Tumbao Bravo (July 13), Mary Rademacher (July 20), Steve Sandner Quintet (July 27), Jimmy Leach Quintet (Aug. 3), and Big Band Nouveau (Aug. 10). wmichjazz.org The Grand Rapids Jazz Festival (Aug. 1516), in Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand
Tony Bennett at Meijer Gardens
Rapids, boasts multiple headliners this year: Chicago saxophonist Steve Cole, a master blender of jazz, R&B, gospel, blues and pop, and The Producers, a soul-rock-jazz machine powered by guitarist Paul Brown, guitarist Nate Harasim and saxophonist Deonn Yates. Guitarist Bryan Lubeck and his seven-piece band blend contemporary, Latin and flamenco styles. Chicago bassist Michael Manson brings his own combo. grandjazzfest.org One of Traverse City’s jazz mainstays is soulful, polystylistic pianist Jeff Haas. Haas blends the energy of McCoy Tyner, the percussive songfulness of Ahmad Jamal and the reflective refractions of Andrew Hill with his own forthright, humanistic muse. He brings his regular trio, with bassist Jack Dryden and drummer
Randy Marsh, and several special guests to Chateau Chantal Winery in Traverse City for Jazz at Sunset every Thursday night from June 18 to Aug. 27. Special guests this summer include Claudia Schmidt, Bill & Laurie Sears, Jim Cooper, Chris Lawrence, Anthony Stanco, Marcus Elliot, Ray Kamalay, Paul Vornhagen and more. The shows are free, no reservation needed. chateauchantal.com Every Sunday night from 7-10 p.m., the stage at Speak EZ Lounge in Traverse City hosts a jazz jam it boasts as “the best standing gig between Chicago and New York.” Master drummer Randy “Randissimo” Marsh, who also plays a mean harmonica and sings when provoked, brings a rotating crew of top-jazz musicians from Michigan and beyond for this free show. speakezlounge.com
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Jazz music gets mashed up with craft beer on the first Sunday of every month when the mighty Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra plays Founders Brewing Company in downtown Grand Rapids. grjo.com. Another spot to keep tabs on is Mantague’s Book Nook & Java Shop in Montague. It sporadically hosts jazz musicians from around the state. On its roster is Ann Arbor pianist Ellen Rowe and her trio (July 3). thebooknookjavashop.com And that’s just a sample of what’s happening in our area. To check in on a weekly lineup of jazz gigs, follow the West Michigan Jazz Society on Facebook. n
Diana Krall at Meijer Gardens REVUEWM.COM | June 2015 |
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/// ON TOUR
American Horror Story
“We live in a world where people tell us about how shitty things are all the time. But we are optimists. We believe things don’t have to be this way and if enough people feel this way we can get them to change.”
Anti-Flag dishes on its new album
| by Dwayne Hoover PHOTO: MEGAN THOMPSON
Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene
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f yo u hav e e v e r conte mplate d debilitati n g world iss u e s lik e war , gr e e d and corruption and thought, “We can do better that this” — you’re not alone. That’s what Anti-Flag has been preaching for more than two decades. The Pittsburgh-based punk-rock outfit has never been a band to shy away from the difficult political discussions. The band prefers to meet them head on with tenacity. Even the cover art on its latest album, American Spring, while attempting to portray a feeling of change and rebirth, sparked serious debates on the acceptability of its imagery and the perception of what it represents. “We looked at the flower and how the flower placed over top of people’s faces gave an image of violence to people when violence wasn’t really there,” explained drummer Pat
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Thetic. “We had a friend who came into the office and we showed him the picture of the Muslim woman with the [flower] over her face and he said, ‘Yeah, that’s interesting.’ Then we showed him the picture with the police and the soldier. He said, ‘Oh, you can’t do that.’ We wondered why you can do it with this person, but not that person.” The band’s makeshift study on how ingrained violence is in the American culture is just one of many sensitive subjects tackled on the American Spring LP. It also touches on income inequality, class war and drone strikes. Though, some dark, personal turmoil also inspired the disc. “Our bassist, ‘Chris #2,’ he and his wife divorced. It was a really ugly divorce,” Thetic said. “It was that, in conjunction with his sister being murdered five or six years ago. There was no justice for his sister because
the guy got off. Going through that experience, and then watching young black men gunned down in the street — there was also no justice for these people who were being killed by the police. That really came together at that time when we were writing songs for the new record.” Not only was personal tragedy coloring the tone of the music, but according to Thetic, so was the lack of societal improvement and promised political change. “We had an Obama Administration where we thought there was really going to be change,” he said. “Now we’re in this position where there are drone strikes all the time. Guantanamo Bay is still open. This is not what we bargained for.” Even with the ominous vibe this album carries, Anti-Flag still believes in “change.” The band recognizes the power of a collective voice backed by people who are will-
Anti-Flag wsg The Homeless Gospel Choir, After the Fall The Intersection, Grand Rapids June 26, 6:30 p.m. / $20, $17 advance sectionlive.com, (616) 451-8232
ing to take action. “We live in a world where people tell us about how shitty things are all the time,” Thetic said. “But we are optimists. We believe things don’t have to be this way and if enough people feel this way we can get them to change.”
On its last couple of records, the band had decided to get away from its previous practice of including a lot of additional information with the album, given how accessible information is in this digital age. But they decided to revisit this concept with American Spring, hoping to reach those who might otherwise not be exposed to these ideas. Included in the album’s liner notes are essays and a list of websites and organizations the band supports. It also contains write-ups by the band members, adding insight and context to their music. “Ultimately, a three-and-a-halfminute rock tune is not a very good place for political discourse,” Thetic said. “But it is a great place to inspire people to feel a certain way or to know that the feelings they have, other people have. That is an incentive or catalyst to get all of us to look deeper.” n
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MUSKEGON LAKESHORE
4
TH
OF JULY
CELEBRATION
Marilyn Manson: Orbit Room, May 13 | by Rich Tupica, Photos by Nicole Rico
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lakeshoreartfestival.org | muskegonrockstock.com
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hro u gho ut th e mid -to late ‘90s, the ethereal image of a long-haired and lanky Marilyn Manson squirming about on stage while shouting about sodomy engrossed rebellious teens — but more importantly it horrified worrywart parents. That’s a trick from the ol’ Alice Cooper playbook: Terrify old people and the kids will flock to it. Manson broke worldwide with 1994’s Trent Reznor-produced Portrait of an American Family LP – yup, that was 21 years ago. Those teens are now ripened Manson followers and they turned up in masses to his sold-out Orbit Room show. The show opened with a bombardment of fog, gloom and a ripping version of a new cut, “Deep Six.” The 46-year old Manson prowled about the stage, looking mysteriously parallel to Nosferatu. Perhaps Manson’s slightly doughier build has slowed his stage moves, but he still belted out the hard hits including his frantic classic, 1996’s “The Beautiful People” along with choice cuts from his new disc, The Pale Emperor LP. While Manson is beyond his late ‘90s zenith of stardom, the Anti-Christ Superstar didn’t fail his true West Michigan fans that squeezed into The Orbit Room to witness his Hell Not Hallelujah Tour. With the sinister swagger of a Hollywood vampire, Manson held the audience in the palm of his pale, white hand thanks to crowd pleasers like his career-solidifying cover of “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This).” And when he said he was happy to be in “Grand Mother F***ing Rapids,” it sounded like he truly meant it. If Manson continues in the path of his elder Alice Cooper (who is 67-years old) we’ll be seeing much more Manson. n
REVUEWM.COM | June 2015 |
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‘We’ve Come a Long Way’ Indigo Girls’ Emily Saliers Talks Motherhood, Marriage and Yelawolf by Rich Tupica
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n 1990, th e I n digo Gi rls won a Grammy Award for “Best Contemporary Folk Album” — at that same ceremony they also lost in the “Best New Artist” category to another duo: Milli Vanilli. Perhaps that’s an indicator of how the recording industry can work sometimes. Honest and true songwriting isn’t always rewarded. But the Indigo Girls, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, have retained their staunch following thanks to their never-waning brand of folk rock. Their new album One Lost Day is album number 14 for the Atlanta-based songsmiths. The LP hits stores June 2 and on June 17 the pair returns to Meijer Gardens with a full band. And after a long run on Epic Records, the Indigo Girls have seemingly detached themselves from that major-label hoopla. They went full circle and launched their own indie label, IG Records, while still touring the world, recording acclaimed albums, being mothers and remaining a major voice in the LGBT rights movement. Oh, and not surprisingly, they’re still here long after “Blame it on the Rain” was exposed as a sham. Take that, Grammy Awards. Saliers, 51, chatted with Revue about what’s inspiring her (Yelawolf!) and how she juggles motherhood and having a wife while touring the world.
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How has the recording process changed for the Indigo Girls since you started in 1985? Saliers: When we first got signed we just wanted to do what we’d been doing. We were sort of resistant to a lot of new ideas and change. As time went on we became more comfortable in the studio and in our skin, more directed in what we did and didn’t like. Fast forward to now and we’re completely open-minded about trying something new with a new producer, but the way we work together is very much the same. If Amy wrote the song she really has the last word on the direction of the song, how we arrange it or what we put on it. The same goes for my songs. We have that nice creative autonomy, but we also listen to each other.
Touring these days must be different, with a little one at home, right? It’s difficult because I miss my daughter Cleo and Amy misses her daughter. The homesickness is very intense. Sometimes the kids can come out — but they are little, little kids, so they need their routines and comforts and stuff. It makes it harder for my wife and Amy’s partner to organize our lives to have them well taken care of. So it’s logistically more challenging, but everything is worth it and we’re able to work it out.
Indigo Girls wsg The Good Graces June 17, 7 p.m., 6 p.m. gates open Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Public: $54 meijergardens.org
You married your wife Tristin Chipman in 2013. How is it dealing with the gay marriage laws?
Are you surprised gay marriage rights have come this far? It’s inconceivable that it’d happen in our lifetime — but I’m living the dream. I would definitely say things keep getting better. Each younger generation is more progressive. The fact that a major television show like Orange is the New Black has a Trans person is huge for Trans Awareness. Even with Bruce
Do you wait until you’re inspired to write songs these days?
I used to do it when I was inspired, but I don’t do that anymore. It’s like going to the office or going to work, really. But the creative process is largely the same. If I have a guitar in my hand I start playing with chord progressions. Then I start drawing from the well of words I’ve collected. The music is always easier than the words. I think that’s because as far as chord progressions, there’s only so much I can do, or would want to do, to carry a song. But with the words, it’s a mystery land.
Joni Mitchell has been a major influence on you. How did you get into her? From the very first time I heard her that was it. I was a teen when an older friend introduced me to her. Joni was like the pinnacle to me. She’s a renaissance musician, a brilliant
songwriter. She has a caustic wit, I love her way with words and the way she explores different musical styles. She’s the epitome of a great musician, songwriter and artist.
What are the issues you think people should be talking about? There are a lot of issues in the Queer community, like the terribly high suicide rate, homeless rate, addiction rate, things like that. They come from an oppressed group not having resources. Those are serious problems. We’ve come a long way but have so much more to work on. Obviously, in this country there are great racial divides and tensions with this whole issue of Ferguson and what’s been brought up with the relationship between the police and the community. All of those are very serious, systemic problems. But it’s a time when social media is able to bring a lot of things to light. It points out things we need to work on, but it can also overemphasize haters. You have to kind of sort through it all. You ignore the haters and take a look at the serious problems and see where you can become involved. I always have hopes there can be change for the better. n
Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
Before we were able to get married — we got married at City Hall in New York — it was really difficult because we didn’t know what the future held. I thought we might have to end up moving to Canada, which isn’t a bad thing because I love Canada, but my whole family is here and everything is set up here. Cleo was born here. Because marriage is a federal thing for citizens of other countries, when we got married I was able to sponsor her. Now she’s a resident with a Green Card. That law changed our lives in one day. It’s incredible. Now I have high hopes the Supreme Court will abandon the banning of gay marriage and Georgia will have to recognize my marriage legally. Then we’ll have the full protection under the law that we should have.
Jenner, hearing his story about his transition, we really have come a long way. There is always hatefulness you can dig up, but as far as Queer rights, we’ve come a long way.
What’s on your iPod? I’ve really become fastened on to this rapper named Yelawolf, so I am obsessed with him now. I ordered the T-shirt in the mail. I follow his Twitter and website and I’m going to try and go see him live. I can’t stop listening to it. He inspires me even though I’m not going to write a song about “Slumerica” or growing up in Alabama. But there is something about the way that record works that feels really good to me and makes me want to keep writing music.
Yelawolf
REVUEWM.COM | June 2015 |
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/// On Tour
great food
live music MUSIC EVERY THURSDAY & SATURDAY NIGHT
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NEW MENU! NOT YOUR AVERAGE BAR FOOD.
TUE-WED 11 -10 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 AM
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june SHOWS JUNE 4 David Molinari with Michael Van Houten JUNE 6 The Trace Duo JUNE 11 The Accidentals JUNE 18 Them Travelin’ Birds JUNE 25 TBD
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136 East Fulton, Grand rapids | 616.235.7669 | onetrick.BIZ
28 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2015
PHOTO: Mathew Hartman
Night Clubbing
Neon Trees’ Tour Gets Intimate | by Eric Mitts
R
Last year, after Glenn bravely confronted eaching heights of pop stardom they never expected, their shared church and its beliefs by coming the members of Neon Trees go back out as gay last year, Allen said he felt a sense of to their roots with the band’s latest relief for his bandmate and friend. “I was so glad he was finally able to be club tour. “An Intimate Night Out” will feature the open about himself and have the confidence new-wave rockers – known for such multi-plat- and feel like he had built up enough self-worth inum hits as “Everybody Talks,” “Animal” and to be who he always has been,” said Allen, who “Sleeping with a Friend” – playing club-sized is no longer Mormon. “A lot of people have speculated over the years, like, ‘Oh he’s gay.’ venues and connecting with fans face to face. “When we did a tour right after releasing And I can only imagine what that must feel Pop Psychology (Neon Trees’ latest album), we like. To deny something so big about who you had a lot of staging. It might have looked a are, or your personality, or your lifestyle – I just little more pop,” guitarist Chris Allen said. “I think that would be torture.” On another personal level, the band’s new think this taps into the more alternative side of single, “Songs I Can’t Listen us. It’ll focus a little less on the To,” taps into the relationship smoke and mirrors.” between music and heartache. After breaking out of “An Intimate “Tyler had gotten this idea Provo, Utah, where the band Night Out with Neon Trees” because (of a break up),” Allen first started playing coffee shops wsg Alex Winston, explained about the new track, in 2005, Neon Trees have graced Yes You Are recorded exclusively for this some of the biggest stages in the The Intersection, Grand Rapids tour. “This girl had been in his business, joining tours with the June 24, 7 p.m. life for years and they had all likes of The Killers, Maroon 5 $25 advance, $28 day of show these songs they’d really conand Duran Duran. sectionlive.com, nected on and that they’d jam “I never imagined that we (616) 451-8232 out to. So this was like a tribute would be as big as we are now,” to that relationship.” Allen said. “I didn’t think I’d get Looking forward to seeing fans up close with a band that’s as serious about music as they are. It’s pretty amazing I found three other and personal, Allen said the experiences Neon Trees have had with fans over the years have people that have that same drive.” Lifelong friends, Allen and lead vocalist meant the most to them. “Sometimes we’ll get people coming up Tyler Glenn had dreams of playing music while growing up in Southern California. to us and saying that we saved their life, and Raised Mormon, they relocated to Provo after we’ve given them new motivation to continue Glenn went on a mission trip to Nebraska and on with whatever their struggle might be,” he Allen enrolled in massage school. There they said. “I feel like music has definitely done that met bassist Branden Campbell and drummer for us. Music has gotten us out of those things. I think it’s just an inspiring art.” n Elaine Bradley.
/// album reviews
BISSELL
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Dwight Yoakam Second Hand Heart (Reprise)
I
n the 1980s, Dwight Yoakam was the man who was too country for Nashville, a die-hard loyalist of the Bakersfield honky-tonk sound whose twangy traditionalism put his more polished peers in Music City to shame. Fast-forward to 2015 and the current crop of Bro Country acts make Nash-Vegas pretenders like Kenny Rogers and Barbara Mandrell sound like the Carter Family, so by contrast Dwight still sounds like he’s playing real deal country music on what’s actually one of his most rock-oriented albums to date. Second Hand Heart is nearly as much rock ‘n’ roll as country, but its rough but sweet barroom music marks the spot where Beatle-esque power pop meets Buck Owens. Whether he’s slurring his way through the heartworn twang of “Off Your Mind,” jumping through the jangling guitars and harmonies of “In Another World,” or ripping through a rowdy remake of “Man of Constant
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Sorrow,” Yoakam sounds like he’s having a ball on Second Hand Heart, and this is even stronger than his 2012 comeback 3 Pears. Second Hand Heart confirms Yoakam is still one of the sharpest and most agile creative minds in country music, and for a guy who’s pushing 60, he sounds livelier and more rambunctious than the young guys singing about beer and trucks on “country” radio. —Mark Deming
Meet Sammie, Our 2015 Blockstar! Adopted 2009 Photo courtesy of Weenie Dog Photography
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Festival Fever In Your Very Own Home
The “BEST DOG-GONE Party in Town” is back! Join BISSELL Pet Foundation for a casual evening where you and your pooch can mingle, enjoy scrumptious “yappetizers,” and participate in our one-of-a-kind silent auction. Be a part of this 10th annual event to raise funds and provide support through BISSELL Pet Foundation to animal welfare organizations. TICKETS $100/person. Purchase your tickets in advance (before June 5) at www.bissellblocktailparty.com, and we’ll include two complimentary cocktails! QueStionS? Visit bissellblocktailparty.com or call 616.735.6666. Like us on Facebook facebook.com/bissellblocktailparty special thanks to:
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drawn from what was billed in 1972 as the “Black Woodstock,” and though there are plenty of also-rans mixed in with the stars, the outstanding performances by the Staples Singers, Carla Thomas, Isaac Hayes, and the Bar-Kays make it worth a listen. 1981’s Urgh! A Music War (A&M) was the result of a curious attempt to stage a global new-wave festival and put it on film; the album ended up getting wider distribution than the movie, but most of the acts sound energetic on stage, especially Devo, Gang of Four, the Fleshtones, XTC, and the Cramps. Calvin Johnson of Beat Happening and K Records put together an outstanding festival of under-the-radar indie music in 1991, and thankfully tapes were rolling during The International Pop Underground Convention (K Records). While many of the acts will be best known by your geeky record collector friends, there’s plenty of smart, bracing music on hand from Fugazi, the Melvins, L7, Scrawl, the Nation of Ulysses, the Fastbacks and Girl Trouble. (Oh, and the Courtney Love listed in the track listing is a band, not Mrs. Kurt Cobain.) —Mark Deming
presented by:
W
hile music festivals are a rich tradition in rock ‘n’ roll, albums documenting festivals are a bit spottier affair, though some are worthy of the events they preserved. Woodstock: Music from the Original Soundtrack and More (Atlantic) was the official aural document of the biggest hippie jamboree of all, but where there are a few blazing moments (Jimi Hendrix, the Who, Sly and the Family Stone), there’s just as much dross, and time hasn’t been kind to this. You can take pride in knowing one of the best rockfestival albums came from right here in the Mitten State. The Ann Arbor Blues & Jazz Festival 1972 was released on LP by Atlantic in the ‘70s and in 2014 it got a longoverdue CD reissue from Wounded Bird Records. Seeing Muddy Waters, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Howlin’ Wolf, Otis Rush, Freddie King, and Sun Ra in a lifetime would have been worth crowing about, and all those legends and more played the Ann Arbor fest in a single weekend, delivering stellar performances that were captured on tape. For fans of classic blues and jazz, this is a must. Wattstax: Music from the Festival and Film (Stax/ Concord) is an expanded three-CD edition of the album
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/// feature
Goose Lake: 1970
‘Humanity gone wild’ trumps your wimpy music festival by Steve Miller
I
n August 1970, Michigan hosted the mother of music festivals at Goose Lake in Leoni Township, a park 70 miles east of Kalamazoo. The three-day orgy of music, drugs and, inevitably, sex, makes today’s tightly controlled, corporate-run music festivals look like a day at the mall, which is really what they are, given the non-stop product pitches and sponsorships.
Bob Seger at Goose Lake
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
Photo: Tom Weschler
Goose Lake slide
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Photo: Lee Short, from the collection of UHF Music Royal Oak
Goose Lake was sponsored by drug dealers and headlined by bands that wore no ear plugs and put their amps on 11. It was also a helluva good time. “Musically, it was perfect, it couldn’t have been better to play there,” Mitch Ryder told a radio host at Detroit radio station WKNR the day after the bash. His band, Detroit, had played the night before. “There was this great PA system. You could hear a pin drop. And it had a revolving stage, so one band would finish and the next band would already be playing as the stage spun around. It was like playing on a merry-go-round.” It was also “one massive, drug-saturated mess,” Bruce A. Barton, then county prosecutor, told a local newspaper. “Humanity gone wild, if you will.” Goose Lake was Detroit’s answer to Woodstock and response to Altamont, a massive event hatched by Richard Songer, a wealthy Detroiter who had made big bucks in state contract construction. As part of his post-fortune investments, Songer, 35 at the time, bought 350 acres near Goose Lake. He wanted to build a park. He was convinced that his new property could be the perfect festival site. He took his fleet of 20 haulers and construction trucks and developed a village. Russ Gibb, best known as the brains and energy behind managing and booking the fabled Grande Ballroom in Detroit, helped book the acts.
For $15, comparable to about $91 today, you got three days of access to a bill that included national acts Mountain, the James Gang, the Faces, Jethro Tull and the Flying Burrito Brothers. Local bands included the Stooges, Brownsville Station and Bob Seger. Attendees were greeted with the usual offerings of the day once inside – open air drug markets, a large camping area and some concessions. In addition, there was a huge water slide, making Goose Lake a bit of an amusement park as well as a concert venue. “I lied to my folks saying I was going to camp in Saugatuck,” said Pete Trappen, who was 15 at the time. He went in a hippie van, took some mescaline and slept in a tent, like so many of the others, which numbered between 60,000 and 200,000, depending on who you want to believe. The media wrung its hands along with law enforcement about the public use of marijuana, but inside the grounds, a 400-person private security team hired by Gibb and his co-promoter Tom Wright kept things cool. “They had this thing set up so well,” said Bobby Riggs, drummer for the Frost, which played the first day. “There were plenty of shower facilities, good drinking water. The band trailers were set up behind the stage. There were booths set up to sell drugs, with signs out advertising what they had.”
Goose Lake 1970 concert poster
Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
The Frost wasn’t on the flyer for the show, and in a 2011 interview, the late guitarist Dick Wagner told me he’d never played for 200,000 people before and “yes, there was a little bit of anxiety. But after the first note, it was great. You could have taken five bands off that bill, the local ones, and pulled 25,000 people on them alone.” Goose Lake was also the last show for the original Stooges, coming a month after the band’s forever-influential Funhouse LP. Bassist Dave Alexander was already on his last legs in the band due to his increasingly erratic behavior. When he froze up onstage in a drunken haze, it was the end of his Stooges days. “To the best of my recollection, I would say I fired him,” Iggy Pop says now. “On this particular show, he could not play one note on his bass. He just froze.” There was plenty of competition on the festival scene that weekend and Goose Lake competed with the Strawberry Fields Festival 230 miles up the 401 in Toronto. Some of the same groups at Goose Lake played Strawberry, including Mountain and 10 Years After, joining Alice Cooper, Procol Harum and Grand Funk Railroad. What wasn’t competition was the Ann Arbor Blues Festival, held the same Aug. 7-9 weekend, which was saddled with an estimated $30,000 loss despite having blues legends Son House and Howlin’ Wolf on the bill. In the wake of the festival, Michigan lawmakers vowed there would be no more rock festivals as long as there were drugs present, a major impossibility. Laws were moved to prohibit such events, and then-Gov. William Milliken left his own rock ‘n’ roll legacy on the state, proclaiming, “I do not oppose rock festivals, but I do oppose and will fight drug abuse such as took place at Goose Lake.” So far, that’s worked out pretty well, as there have been no known incidents of drug abuse at any rock concerts since. n
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/// On Tour
PHOTO: Courtney Chavanell
Restless Blues Heartless Bastards dish on new LP | by Eric Mitts
Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene
B
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o u n d for P e r u — an d u ntold adve ntu re s in the rainforest — Heartless Bastards’ frontwoman Erika Wennerstrom doesn’t have to explain why her blues-fueled rock ‘n’ roll band’s new album is titled Restless Ones. She lives it. “In a sense we’re all restless,” said Wennerstrom, while waiting for her plane to board. “I mean, who wants to be totally content? To some extent it’s like you’re constantly creating new goals or things you want to accomplish or achieve — even in your personal life. There’s this sense of wanting to always move forward.” After growing up on early influences like Joan Jett and Chrissie Hynde, and doing time tending bar in her native Ohio, Wennerstrom formed Heartless Bastards in 2003. Soon after, fellow Ohioan Patrick Carney of The Black Keys caught one of the band’s sets and passed their demo on to Fat Possum Records, who released the band’s first three albums: 2005’s Stairs and Elevators, 2006’s All This Time, and 2009’s The Mountain. The latter came after Wennerstrom parted ways with former boyfriend and longtime bassist Mike Lamping. She relocated to Austin where she reunited with drummer Dave Colvin and bassist Jesse Ebaugh, who had played on the band’s earliest demos. The band has since solidified with the addition of soundman-turned-guitarist Mark Nathan and
bonded through relentless touring in support of their last album, 2012’s Arrow. Last summer the band ventured to El Paso and recorded Restless Ones. At the board was Grammy Award-winning producer John Congleton. The LP, due out June 16 via Partisan Records, was produced at Sonic Ranch, a massive studio space located on a sprawling pecan farm bordering Mexico. “They had some bikes and I would bicycle to the Rio Grande,” Wennerstrom said. “I think the process of all living in the same place — (while) it could be frustrating at times — added this sort of ‘in the moment’ creative energy.” Restless Ones conversely centers itself on a philosophy Wennerstrom found in the book The Journey is the Destination by late photojournalist Dan Eldon. “Part of the album was me growing a sense of really stopping to smell the roses and appreciate where I’m at in my life,” she said. “Sort of learning how to not look too far ahead and try to be present and in the moment.” n
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33
Festivals
Festival Fever:
A Guide to Summer Fests in West Michigan and Beyond Each year around this time beer tents begin to pop up and the sound of live music fills city streets – yup, it’s festival season! Here’s a laundry list of events happening across West Michigan and beyond. This summer our area is host to plenty of music and beer shindigs but there are plenty of niche gatherings, too. From air shows and Native American festivals, to celebrating breakfast cereal with Tony the Tiger, there is no shortage of lively jubilees. by Josh Veal and REVUE Minions
Film
grandhavenchamber.org/ sand-sculpture-contest June 20. Creatures and castles emerge from the sand at Grand Haven for one day, every year. Residents and visitors alike are invited to join in as participants are given two hours to craft their creations.
Traverse City Film Festival
Traverse City traversecityfilmfest.org July 28–Aug. 2. One of the largest festivals in the Midwest, this fest showcases a blend of American indie and foreign films. Festival-goers are able to sit back and relax while enjoying classic movies projected on a large inflatable screen overlooking the Grand Traverse Bay.
Reeds Lake Arts Fest
Grand Rapids grandvalleyartists.com/reedslake June 20. Browse a large selection of artwork from Michigan artists in historic Gaslight Village with the 50th anniversary of this community festival.
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
Waterfront Film Festival
Grand Rapids waterfrontfilm.org Sept. 23–Oct. 11. This indie film fest is moving its waterfront from the lake to the river with a multi-venue film competition. Dubbed “ArtPrize OnScreen,” it takes place throughout ArtPrize.
Art The Market presented by Avenue for the Arts
Grand Rapids avenueforthearts.com/streetmarket
34 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2015
SOBO Arts Festival Waterfront Film Festival moves to Grand Rapids, Sept. 23–Oct. 1 June 5 and Aug. 7. Explore the unique creations of local Grand Rapids artists at The Market. Enjoy performances and other entertainment while wandering between venues.
Festival of the Arts
Grand Rapids festivalgr.org June 6–7. Grand Rapid’s definitive summer festival returns with art, music, film, beer, ethnic food.
West Michigan Chalk Art Festival
Byron Center wmcaf.com June 19–20. Creativity and imagination line the streets in the form of chalk art. Cash prizes are awarded for creativity and artistry. Any family, business or single person can join in as participant or spectator.
Sand Sculpture Contest Grand Haven
Boyne soboartsfestival.com June 26–27. The South Boyne Arts Festival, held downtown, attracts artists from all over the region to celebrate the visual, performing, written and audible fine arts.
Bizarre Bazaar
Eastown eastowngr.com June 27. Eastown brings back Biz Baz yet again with local artisans selling unique food and fine art throughout the streets.
Grand Haven Art Festival Grand Haven
visitgrandhaven.com June 27–28. Enjoy the lakeshore view while browsing the streetside and studios for unique, high-end art.
Lakeshore Art Festival
Muskegon lakeshoreartfestival.org July 3–4. Arts and crafts take the spotlight in Muskegon with music, food and family fun.
South Haven Art Fair
South Haven southhavenarts.org July 4–5. Over 130 artists fill the woods of Stanley Johnston Park for the 4th of July weekend. Art, music and food served up in typical festival fashion.
West Shore Art Fair
Ludington ludingtonartscenter.org/fairs July 4–5. Ludington’s park is taken over by clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, sculpture and all kinds of other media.
Krasl Art Fair
St. Joseph krasl.org July 10–12. Indulge in a little culture along St. Joseph’s Lake Bluff Park. More than 200 Michigan artists exhibit and
Music
sell their best work. There’s also musical performances and food booths.
Art on the Riverfront
Buttermilk Jamboree
Grand Haven galleryuptown.net Aug. 15. With dozens of pieces of art, big and small, from about 40 local artists along the Grand Haven riverfront.
ArtPrize
Grand Rapids artprize.org Sept. 23–Oct. 11. ArtPrize is one of the largest art festivals in the world, with nearly half a million visitors and over 1,500 entries every year. Explore Grand Rapids over the course of two weeks while voting on your favorite art everywhere you go.
Beer & Wine Hatter Day Street Party
Holland newhollandbrew.com June 12–13. This annual Holland event offers plenty of food, several great bands and ample beer.
Founders Fest
Grand Rapids foundersbrewing.com June 20. Founders Fest takes over the streets every year as thousands flock to the brewery for craft beer, food and a large variety of local music. This year’s bill includes: Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Nahko & Medicine for the People, Elephant Revival, Devin & the Dead Frets, Organissimo and more.
Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival
Bridgman lakemichiganwinefest.com June 20. Award-winning wine tasting and lively local music acts have kept this coastal festival running for 10 years now.
Wine & Art Festival
Waterfront Wine Festival
Harbor Springs harborspringschamber.com/ waterfront-wine-festival June 27. Downtown Harbor Springs is host to an afternoon of wine tasting, live local music and more.
Lansing Beer Fest
Lansing lansingbeerfest.com June 27. Sample from over 30 Michigan breweries throughout an afternoon in
The Flaming Lips perform at Common Ground Music Festival
downtown Lansing while local classic rock and indie acts provide the soundtrack.
Suds on the Shore Beer Tasting Festival
Ludington sudsontheshore.com Aug. 15. Come for the beer, stay for even more beer. Events include: Tastings, home brew demonstrations and live music.
Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival
Paw Paw wineandharvestfestival.com
Sept. 11–13. From carnival rides and grape stomping to wine-tasting and live music, Paw Paw is diverse. This three-day festival is known for its wild assortment of both adult- and family-oriented activities: car show, bike tour, a duck race and more.
19th Lemon Creek Winery Harvest Fest
Berrien Springs lemoncreekwinery.com Sept. 12. This year’s festival features only the best wine selections from Lemon Creek Winery, plus live music and food fresh from the grill.
Circle Pines Center, Delton buttermilkjamboree.org June 12–14. A fun fest, with a good cause. A celebration of arts with a focus on social justice, cooperation and sustainability. The three-day event is all ages. Performing are Breathe Owl Breathe, Jesse Ray & the Carolina Catfish, That One Guy, Brown Rice Family and more.
Celadon Summer Concert Series
B-93 Birthday Bash
Electric Forest
Lowell b93.com June 13–14. This bash brings big country names to West Michigan each year. Enjoy two days of drinking, camping and performances from stars like Sam Hunt and Jake Owen.
Summer Solstice Jazz Festival
East Lansing eljazzfest.com June 19–20. MSU’s massive campus comes alive with the sound of jazz (free jazz!) as performers from all across the nation come together to get East Lansing on its feet. Dance and drink all night with thousands of other jazz-lovers.
Spirit of the Woods Folk Festival
Brethren spiritofthewoods.org June 20. This folk festival has been around for 38 years and returns in 2015
Grand Rapids facebook.com/celadonconcerts June 25, July 23, Aug. 13. This series is a free, family-friendly event featuring tunes from local acts like the Muteflutes and Chain of Lakes. Food available from Licari’s Sicilian Pizza Kitchen.
Rothbury electricforestfestival.com June 25–28. A Michigan music festival rivaling the likes of Lollapalooza and other mainstays. It’s become a four-day electronic music mecca. This year’s lineup includes Bassnectar, Skrillex and The String Cheese Incident, among others.
JuneGrass Festival
Lowell wmbma.org June 26–27. Local performers have been plucking and strumming away at this festival for 20 years. Performers include True Blue, New Outlook and more.
Common Ground Music Festival
Lansing commongroundfest.com July 7–12. Common Ground lives up to its name once again. This multi-day, outdoor music festival spans genres and brings in a laundry list of major-label
Best Bet: Reggae Summer and reggae go together like
Reggae Music Awards and has won numerous Juno Awards. His song “Heart and Soul” has become his signature tune. Then on Saturday, Grammy-nominated Pato Banton will bring his message of peace, love and understanding to Mayor’s Riverfront Park. The British deejay is dedicated to countering the violence of society through nonviolence and dope beats. Some of his lyrics are based on ideals from the “The Urantia Book,” a 20th century tome on spirituality and world harmony. —Allan Ross
ice tea and lemonade. They’re both pretty awesome individually, but put them together and the synergy is pure magic. At the Kalamazoo Island Festival in August, international artists will cast a collective spell with their distinct takes on reggae for a free three-day ode to long days, warm temps — and social justice. This is Michigan’s largest reggae festival. Dubtonic Kru is the headliner Thursday and Friday. The group is not only one of Jamaica’s top bands, but the quartet has also toured extensively throughout the world. Their take on reggae is a little more R&B-leaning and includes experimental electronic sounds. This is reggae for the Digital Age. On Friday, Canadian reggae singer Lazo — a former member of the Wailers — takes the stage. The Dominican-born performer was named “Top Reggae Performer of the Year” by the Canadian
2015 Kalamazoo Island Festival Mayor’s Riverfront Park, Kalamazoo Aug. 27–29: 3 p.m.–12:30 a.m. Thursday; 11 a.m.–1:30 a.m. Friday-Saturday islandfestkalamazoo.com
Lazo REVUEWM.COM | June 2015 |
Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
Traverse City traversecitywinefestival.com June 20. Over 200 local wines pair well with fine art, gourmet food and live music. Acclaimed alt-rock band Guster performs.
with Steppin’ In It, which features Joshua Davis of NBC’s The Voice fame. Other acts are Glemie Beasley, Ruby John & The Johns and Stella!
35
Festivals
Beginner’s Guide to Local Festivals A Short List of West Michigan’s Festive Fixtures | By Dwayne Hoover
ART Festival of the Arts
Red Tail Ring at Buttermilk Jamboree
June 5-7, Grand Rapids, festivalgr.org It’s not possible to cover the entire gamut of the art scene and deliver that to half a million people without going big, so Festival of the Arts in downtown Grand Rapids does just that. In addition to the opportunity to explore and even purchase various types of visual artwork, Festival celebrates performing arts like music, dance and theatre. Enjoy everything from poetry and storytelling to a juried art exhibition and films. There’s also no shortage of activities for you to try your hand at learning or creating something new. With performances going on six separate stages, an overwhelming variety of exhibits to enjoy and more food choices than you can handle, you might want to make a weekend out of this one.
July 18, St. Joseph, smso.org Live music, good eats, and a gorgeous setting overlooking Lake Michigan on Silver Beach in St. Joseph are just a few of the reasons you’ll want to make Summerfest Music & Microbrews an entry on your summer festival itinerary. The big one, however, is beer. Summerfest brings in a selection from 18 of the area’s best microbreweries, an almost exclusively Michigan lineup, for your sampling or mug-chugging pleasure.
Grand Haven Art Festival
America On Tap
June 27-28, Grand Haven, grandhavenchamber.org Grand Haven Art Festival, held during the last weekend in June, features: paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, mixed media and digital art. The goal of this event is to provide people with “a unique opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind art, directly from the artist,” and you’ll definitely find that whether that’s in a thought-provoking photograph or a cool kinetic sculpture. A strong sense of community and a desire to directly support the endeavors of the artists themselves have made this event a success for over half a century. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking for a stylish conversation piece.
Lakeshore Art Festival
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
once a year they close up their taproom and take the party, including music and beer, to the street as a “thank you” to the citizens of Grand Rapids. As in years past, the 21-and-over event hosts a variety of national and local acts, including Elephant Revival, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Organissimo and Devin and the Dead Frets.
July 3-4, Muskegon, lakeshoreartfestival.org Imagine walking along the streets of downtown Muskegon, perusing the artistic offerings of more than 250 exhibitors, enjoying some quality grub and being entertained by a variety of street performers along the way. That’s the scene at the Lakeshore Art Festival, which draws over 50,000 people to this two-day event. Swing the kids by Children’s Lane for some activities while you’re there, throw some paint on the Community Canvas and be sure to stick around well into the evening for the Rockstock Music Festival and fireworks, which both accompany this Independence Day event (and the day before).
Summerfest Music & Microbrews
July 18, Grand Rapids, americaontap.com If you’re interested in broadening your horizons and checking out what craft brewers in other parts of the country are offering, you may not want to miss America On Tap at John Ball Park. This craft beer festival is making over 70 stops around the country in 2015, already having visited Kalamazoo in May, and will bring well over 100 varieties from over 50 different breweries from across America. But don’t worry, even if you’re a Michigan beer loyalist, there will be solid local representation.
FOOD Taste of Muskegon June 19-20, Muskegon, visitmuskegon.org Over 20 Muskegon food vendors converge on Hackley Park for its ninth installment of Taste of Muskegon this year. As one of Muskegon’s larger celebrations, you’ll not only find mouth-watering food items from ethnic specialties to baked goods, but you can also check out the Michigan Beer and Wine Taste Garden, head on over to Western Avenue for the Downtown Car Show or enjoy live music from Stolen Horses and Delilah DeWylde & the Lost Boys.
Taste of Kalamazoo
BEER Founders Fest 2015 June 20, Grand Rapids, foundersbrewing.com You can’t become one of the finest breweries on the planet without strong community support. Founders Brewing Co. understands this, which is why
Founders Fest
36 | REVUEWM.COM | June 2015
July 23-25, Kalamazoo, tasteofkalamazoo.com Pulled pork? Check. Sushi? Got it. Curry coconut lentils? Yep. Cheesecake on a stick? You bet. Michigan’s largest food festival marks its 30th year in 2015 and will proudly display over 30 of Kalamazoo’s finest eateries to thousands of attendees. But you can’t stuff your face all day without some tasty beer to wash it down or music to enjoy, so there will be plenty of both provided over the course of the three days, too.
acts. This year’s roster includes Snoop Dogg, Flaming Lips, Janes Addiction and more. There are also plenty of beer and food vendors.
Kalamazoo Blues Fest
Kalamazoo kvba.org July 9–11. Got the blues? This mainstay rounds up three days of blues from local and national bands every year. Shemekia Copeland and Southern Hospitality are among the performers.
Blissfest Music Festival
Taste of Saugatuck August 30, Saugatuck, saugatuck.com Proudly proclaiming itself “The Art Coast of Michigan,” Saugatuck has reason to brag. The city is often cited as one of the best small-town tourist destinations in the country and recently won USA Today’s “Best Coastal Small Town” award. Come see what all the fuss is about when local food artisans serve up some tasty cuisine in Saugatuck’s largest festival of the year.
MUSIC Buttermilk Jamboree June 12-14, Delton, buttermilkjamboree.org On the family friendlier side of things, at the Circle Pines Center in Delton, the Buttermilk Jamboree embraces not only traditional arts and music, but community and sustainability as well. Enjoy a weekend of rustic camping while taking part in one of the many artistic and musical workshops, sample food, beer, wine and mead from local vendors while listening to an eclectic assortment of local and regional musicians. As in years past, 2015 includes many West Michigan favorites in the lineup: Moxieville, Alexis, Funktion, Red Tail Ring, Deep Fried Pickle Project and The Crane Wives, to only name a few.
Electric Forest
Petoskey blissfest.org July 10–12. Blissfest is a gathering of music, art and culture from all across the globe. Folk and world music form the backbone of this blissful lineup, but more unique genres like bluegrass-hip-hop make an appearance as well.
Pitchfork Music Festival
Chicago pitchforkmusicfestival.com July 17–20. An ultimate event for the indie-music lover. This year brings Wilco, Sleater-Kinney, Chance the Rapper, Future Islands, Ariel Pink and more. Could be worth the drive.
Lollapalooza
Grant Park, Chicago lollapalooza.com July 31–Aug. 2. A must-attend event for music lovers. This year features Paul McCartney, Florence + the Machine, Sam Smith, Flying Lotus, Kid Cudi and more. Platinum Passes and Travel Packages were still available at press time but regular and VIP tickets are sold out.
Island Festival
Kalamazoo Blues Festival
Unity Christian Music Festival
July 9-11, Kalamazoo, kvba.org Back in 1994, The Kalamazoo Valley Blues Association was organized purely for the purpose of putting on the Kalamazoo Blues Festival. Now, some 20 years later, the KVBA has broadened its scope and aims to “promote, educate, and preserve the rich history of blues music.” But the Blues Fest is still its major endeavor, bringing some of the best local, regional and national blues artists to Arcadia Festival Creek Place for three days of soulful music. n
Skrillex at Electric Forest
Kalamazoo islandfestkalamazoo.com Aug. 27–29. Now in its 20th year, this is the largest reggae festival in Michigan. Thousands of people come each year for three days of Caribbean jams and jerk chicken. Performers include Zion Lion, Pato Banton & the Now Generation, Irie Trinity, Indika, Lion Heights and more.
GRand Jazz Fest
Grand Rapids grandjazzfest.org Aug. 15–16. Jazz echoes through the streets of Grand Rapids for two days as acts from all over perform in central Rosa Parks Circle.
Shoreline Jazz Festival
Muskegon shorelinejazzfestival.com Aug. 22–23. Only the smoothest of jazz finds itself at the Shoreline Jazz Festival, hosted by acclaimed flutist Alexander Zonjic. The roster includes the legendary Kenny G.
Wheatland Music Festival
Remus wheatlandmusic.org Sept. 11–13. With a mission to pass on the arts from generation to generation, Wheatland’s brought traditional music, dancers and arts to the area for over four decades. This year showcases Lindsay Lou & the Flatbelly’s, Dervish, The McCrary Sisters and more.
Greek Festival
Kalamazoo kalamazoogreekfest.com June 4–6. Heading into its 39th year, this fixture features a plethora of traditional Greek food, music and art for the Greek and non-Greek alike to enjoy.
Irish Festival
Kalamazoo kalamazooirish.org June 26–27. Kalamazoo’s weekend of magical Irish culture. Get ready for some classic jigs and hearty Irish cuisine. Perfromers include Tallymore, Kitchen, The Moxie Strings and more.
Yassou Greek Cultural Festival
Grand Rapids grgreekfest.com Aug. 28–30. Greek culture is celebrated with freshly prepared foods, pastries, live music and dancing.Perfomers include The Levendes and more.
Michigan Irish Music Festival
Muskegon michiganirish.org Sept. 17–20. Music isn’t the only thing Irish here. You can also indulge in Irish cuisine, shop Irish goods and learn about the culture. Performers include: Seamus Kennedy, Blackthorn and more.
Muskegon unitymusicfestival.com Aug. 5–8. 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 line-up includes Kutless, Third Day and Crowder.
Food
Cowpie Music Fest
Caledonia cowpiemusicfestival.com Aug. 7–8. This cow-tastic local festival returns for another year of music, featuring Jimmie Stagger, The Macpodz, The Legal Immigrants, Afro Zuma, The Mainstays, Big Dudee Roo, and many more.
Cultural
National Asparagus Festival
Flying Lotus at Lollapalooza
Hart nationalasparagusfestival.org June 12–14. Celebrate these fragrant green stalks with music, a beauty pageant,
REVUEWM.COM | June 2015 |
Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule
June 25-28, Rothbury, electricforestfestival.com Grab your glow sticks, body paint and hula hoops, but leave your inhibitions at home before embarking on your quest to Electric Forest in Rothbury. Be prepared for an all-out assault on your senses, both visually and musically, as this festival attempts to blend music and art in a seamless yet stunning way. The lineup is a who’s who of some of the best jam bands and electronic music artists around. The roster includes: The String Cheese Incident, Bassnectar, Skrillex, Big Gigantic, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Yonder Mountain String Band and dozens more.
Lady Antebellum performs Sept. 17 at the Allegan County Fair.
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Festivals banquet, comedy and more. Who knew asparagus could be so exciting?
Cereal Festival
Battle Creek bcfestivals.com June 12–13. This celebration of all things breakfast includes the “world’s longest breakfast table,” big fluffy Kellogg’s mascots and more cereal than you can shake a spoon at.
National Cherry Festival
Traverse City cherryfestival.org July 4–11. Weird Al Yankovic and Joan Jett headline this year’s massive weeklong festival in the cherry capital of America. 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 babyfoodfest.com July 15–18. When it comes to baby food, Fremont is king. Known as the Baby Food Capital of the World, this city is home to Gerber Products Company. Highlights include baby-inspired activities such as a baby crawl and a baby food eating contest, plus music, food and family activities.
Taste of Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo tasteofkalamazoo.com July 23–25. Get yourself a taste of over 30 Kalamazoo restaurants, 15 local bands and plenty of craft beer as this festival enters its third decade of showcasing all kinds of local talent. Bands include Knee Deep Shag, Los Bandits, Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seeker and E-603.
National Blueberry Festival
South Haven blueberryfestival.com Aug. 6–9. The festival that celebrates all things blueberry and some things that aren’t, hits its 52nd year in South Haven. Blueberry pies, live music, kid-friendly activities, marathons and an epic tractor pull.
Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
Restaurant Week GR
Grand Rapids experiencegr.com Aug. 12–23. Experience the art of dining out during Restaurant Week GR. Enjoy special deals on a wide range of food from local restaurants.
Grand Haven Salmon Festival
Grand Haven ghsalmonfest.com Sept. 12–14. Salute your salmon! This event honors the annual salmon migration through local waterways, while also celebrating sustainability and natural resources.
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Catch Tony the Tiger at The Annual Cereal Festival in Battle Creek, which runs June 12-13.
Eclectic Local First Street Party
Grand Rapids localfirst.com/events/street-party June 6. The 12th annual Street Party, presented by Founders Brewing, showcases all things local. Its draws: music, food and especially beer. The party starts at 3 p.m. outside Bistro Bella Vita and goes until midnight.
Spring Lake Heritage Festival
Spring Lake slheritagefestival.com June 15–20. Celebrate the historical heritage of Spring Lake with a dog walk, family-fun night and community picnic. It’s also host to an ice cream social, flea market, car show, golf scramble and more.
Rockford Start of Summer Festival
Rockford therockfordnetwork.com/start-ofsummer.php June 11–14. An annual event for more than 40 years, this festival features a weekend of carnival rides, food, games, music, fireworks and more.
Vicksburg Old Car Festival
Vicksburg vicksburg-michigan.com June 12–13. 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.
Greater Grand Rapids Pride Festival
Grand Rapids Freedom Cruise, June 24–28.
Grand Rapids grlgbt.org/pride June 20. This festival promotes equality while celebrating LGBT pride in a big way. The festival includes appearances from Alex Newell, Hector Fonseca, Eryn Woods, Lady Ace Boogie and Shawn Ferguson.
Honoring Saganing Traditional Powwow
Harborfest
South Haven southhavenharborfest.com June 18–21. 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
Standish sagchip.org/pow-wow/saganing June 20–21. A celebration of Native American culture, this all-ages event features traditional dancing and drumming, as well as contests and fireworks.
Muskegon Heights visitmuskegon.org June 18–20. 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.
Feast of the Strawberry Moon
Wizard of Oz Festival
Grand Haven tri-citiesmuseum.org June 13–14. 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 furtrading period of the early 1800s. Enjoy authentic food, entertainment and even military battles.
Ionia mfea.org/event/ ionia-wizard-of-oz-festival June 19–20. Ionia transforms to 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. Tickets are priced as they were 75 years ago - just 25 cents per person.
Taste of Muskegon
Beach Survival Challenge
Muskegon visitmuskegon.org June 19–20. Celebrates the area’s best restaurants, bakeries, beverages and family activities. Discover your new favorite Muskegon dining experience while scoping the car show or relaxing in the park.
Berlin Fair
Marne berlinfair.org June 8–13. With a focus on youth and agricultural-focused events, this year’s Berlinfest will also have rides, food, a carnival, live shows and more.
Montcalm County 4-H Fair
Greenville montcalmcountyfairgrounds.com June 21–27. With a 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.
Freedom Cruise
Grand Rapids freedomcruise.net June 24–28. 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 likes of Madison Rising.
Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival
Battle Creek bcballoons.com July 1–5. Dozens of hot air balloons from around the world join forces with hypersonic jets and a 1000-foot wall of fire. It’s five days of extreme, yet family-friendly, entertainment.
Grand Haven beachsurvivalchallenge.org June 20. 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.
Celebration on the Grand
Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
Kindleberger Summer Festival
Ludington macker.com June 20–21. The tournament originally launched in Lowell in 1974. Since then, it has expanded to more than 75 cities. Celebrate the tournament’s history and catch some 3-on-3 competitions.
Grand Rapids celebrationonthegrand.org July 4–5. This is a two-day smorgasbord of music, food and fun activities for the whole family.
Parchment kindleberger.org July 8–13. Framed around the annual family musical and youth play, the fest features car shows, a 5k, a Beatles tribute band and more.
Pictured above are just a few of the thousands of Juggalos who traveled to Legend Valley in Ohio for the 2014 Gathering of the Juggalos. Since its genesis in 2000, the growing annual concert attracts Psychopathic Records fans from across the map with its long roster of underground and mainstream performers. Other attractions include freaky side shows, wrestling events and Juggalette “dance” competitions.
ROAD TRIP:
is available and the Juggalos are as friendly as puppies. And they will offer you weed and booze. Feel free. Headliners announced at press time include Twiztid, Puddle of Mudd, Flosstradamus and a host of bands from Psychopathic Records, the label operated by Insane Clown Posse, which also operates the Gathering. Cruising on ICP’s latest LPs, The Marvelous Missing Link (Lost) was released April 28 and The Marvelous Missing Link (Found) is set for a July drop. No surprise here: ICP is By Steve Miller / Photos by Nicole Rico playing the Gathering. There are also comedians, second stages, wrestling matches, pre-dawn DJ parties, contests and sideshows From the latest RS Gathering preview: “The lineup ou should know that Rolling Stone cites that make an old-school carnival look pathetic. Think skin might be top-heavy, but the people couldn’t be friendlier the Gathering of the Juggalos as one of suspension and body modification that would make Jim and the side attractions remain the season’s most unique …” Summer 2015’s “Must See Music Festivals.” Rose proud. Disparaged for decades by music critNow that’s an about face from the ‘90s. Are Patrons also dig into walkways full of ics and culture vultures alike as lowbrow or Juggalos cool these days? vendors selling smoking supplies, tattoo and worse, Juggalos have confused onlookers The following is a snippet from Rolling Stone’s two-star piercing services and adult novelties. Gathering of while habitually being able to have a good review of 1999’s The Amazing Jeckel Brothers from Juggalo the Juggalos There will be no booths, banners or stages July 22–26 time all the time. heavyweights Insane Clown Posse. Here is what they said: from American Express, Samsung, or Sephora, Legend Valley, 7585 And that’s not an easy task today, es“More domineering than downtrodden, Shaggy [2 Dope] all of which were among the corporate sponKindle Rd., Thornville, pecially when the FBI and any number of and [Violent] J are, by contrast, bullies who brag in big, nasty sors of Coachella in April. Nor will Miller Lite, Ohio local law enforcement jurisdictions consider wrestler voices about killing cats and stuffing them in mailesurance, AT&T, IFC, Mazda, McDonalds or juggalogathering.com Juggalos to be part of a street gang. boxes — a cool activity if you’re young or psychotic enough Pepsi be part of the Gathering, as they were All of the drama takes a rest for four days to be consuming vindictive vigilante fantasies dressed as at South by Southwest earlier this year. every summer when the Gathering is held, a well-organized rock & roll. Don’t believe the tripe.” “We learned a long time ago that we have to do this all,” free-for-all of summertime indulgence. In light of that literary mean muggin’, the props for the says Rob Bruce aka Jumpsteady, a honcho at Psychopathic The 16th annual Gathering runs from July 22–26 at Gathering from the ultimate establishment music mag is the Records. “If we were to put the Gathering in someone else’s Legend Valley, a 120-acre site just outside of Columbus, next step toward the mainstreaming, and understanding, hands, it wouldn’t be what Juggalos or we want. We have no Ohio. The cops are laid back, the parking is easy, camping of the Juggalos. Red Bull stage. It’s truly underground in the purest sense.” n
Family Gathering: ICP’s Freak Fest Returns
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Festivals Carnival of Chaos presents Rock Fest
Stanton facebook.com/ thecarnivalofchaosfestival July 9–11. A weekend of chaos that includes body suspension and burlesque shows among performances from 60 rock/ metal bands and 30 DJs. Music lineup TBD at press time. $25 in advance or $30 at the gate; includes free camping.
Grand Rapids Symphony Picnic Pops
Belmont grsymphony.org July 9–31. The four-week outdoor concert series draws 25,000 attendees each year. Held at Cannonsburg Ski Area on Thursdays and Fridays.
Riverwalk Fest
Lowell riverwalkfestival.org July 9–11. This year’s event stands by tried and true festival activities: arts, crafts, motorcycles, kayaks, duck race, fireworks and more.
Barry County Fair
Hastings barryexpocenter.com July 20–26. Barry’s big event presents an array of different animal shows, harness racing, an antique tractor pull, unique motor sports and more.
Town and Country Days
Sparta spartafair.com July 15–19. Sparta’s Town and Country Days boasts a pig roast, horse drawn carriage rides, a basketball tournament, carnival rides, petting zoo and a sky lantern release.
Ionia Free Fair
ioniafreefair.com July 16–25. The free-est fair in West Michigan returns with a circus, a high flying trapeze act, a wild animal exhibit and concerts. The fair also hosts its annual four-day competition, Ionia Idol. A kids day is planned for the little ones, as well.
Muskegon Bike Time
Muskegon muskegonbiketime.com July 16–19. The 10 blocks of Western Avenue in downtown Muskegon become motorcycle-exclusive for the weekend. Aside from stunt shows and free entertainment, nearly 75,000 hogs roll about town.
Ottawa County Fair
Holland (616) 399-4904, ottawacountyfair.com July 27–Aug. 1. Visit Ottawa and take in some of the craziest motorsports around, with two-wheel trucks, demolition derbies and flaming buggies.
Muskegon County Youth Fair
Fruitport muskegonfairgrounds.com July 20–25. 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.
Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival
Grand Haven coastguardfest.org July 24–Aug. 2. Honoring the men and women of the United States Coast Guard, this festival celebrates with ship tours, live music, food, a carnival and street dancing throughout Grand Haven.
Red Barns Spectacular
Arts and Drafts Festival
Hickory Corners gilmorecarmuseum.org Aug. 1. This massive auto spectacular hosts well over 1,000 vehicles. From classic hotrods to antique campers and wooden boats, it’s a truly diverse show.
Norton Shores shoresartsanddrafts.com Aug. 15. 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.
Del Shannon Days
Coopersville delshannoncarshow.org Aug. 3–8. This event honors legendary rock singer Del Shannon, who grew up in Coopersville and scored a hit with “Runaway.” The big event is the car show, which rounds out the five-day event.
Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival
Oceana County michfest.com Aug. 3–10. Gather in the woods to celebrate everything female. The fest is host to a roster of diverse performances, informative workshops, daily films, crafts and more.
Clown Band and Corn Roast
Ludington pureludington.com Aug. 4. The Scotsville Clown Band is back for this summer concert that also serves up roasted corn and other tasty treats.
Michigan Pirate Festival
Grand Haven michiganpiratefestival.com Aug. 9–15. This event is not limited to just piracy, it also relives the Revolutionary War period, the Renaissance era, and other historical and fictional times.
Kalamazoo County Fair Kalamazoo kalamazoocountyfair.com
Calhoun County Fair
Coopersville’s Del Shannon Days runs Aug. 3-8. Aug. 10–15. Magicians, carnival rides and hundreds of animals fill the Kalamazoo Expo center with baby animals. Super cute baby animals.
Kent County Youth Fair
Kent County Fairgrounds, Lowell kcyf.org Aug. 10–15. This event offers free carnival rides for book-reading kids, racing pigs, an illusionist and heaps of educational entertainment.
Western Michigan Fair
Ludington masoncountyfairgrounds.com Aug. 11–15. Small animals, big rodeos and medium-sized supercross set up shop in Ludington for a few days, along with other fair activities.
Michigan Fiber Festival
Allegan michiganfiberfestival.info Aug. 15–16. This is one of the Midwest’s largest fiber festivals and hosts an array of shows, competitions, workshops, animals, shopping and more.
Marshall calhouncountyfair.org Aug. 16–22. 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.
28th Street Metro Cruise
Grand Rapids 28thstreetmetrocruise.com Aug. 21–22. All types of vehicles are included in the cruise: hot rods, low riders, muscle cars, performance cars, classics, antiques, even motorcycles.
Allegan County Fair
Allegan allegancountyfair.com Sept. 11–19. This has been the city’s biggest attaraction since 1852. Stop out and check out the biggest names in country music, including Lady Antebellum and Brantley Gilbert.
Eastown Streetfair
Grand Rapids eastowngr.com Sept. 12. The 42nd installment of this fest is packed with bands. Past performers have included local bands such as Jesse Ray & the Carolina Catfish, Bermudas, Rick Chyme and Sext Farm. Side perks: tons of food and an array of artisans and artists selling local goods. n
Best Bet: Pride Festival Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene
Greater Grand Rapids Pride is West Michigan’s premiere annual LGBT event, at-
and the Intersection in the early ‘00s and was soon playing support gigs at major electric music events. He’ll spin for the fest, joined by Hector Fonseca, who was recently tracting up to 20,000 revelers from around the state and named the best DJ/producer by an industry publication. throughout the Midwest. Of course, the spirit of inclusion Mix Gwen Stefani’s hiccuppy vocal ensures it’s open to folks from all ages and style with Pink’s punk sensibilities and you backgrounds. And what’s a festival without Greater Grand Rapids come close to approximating Eryn Woods. the entertainment? Pride 2015 With her shocking fuchsia Mohawk and 300 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand “Glee” star Alex Newell is one of the Rapids devil-may-care rock outs like “Gangstas, evening’s headliners. Newell shot to starSaturday, June 20 Geeks and Freaks” and “This My Shh,” dom on the groundbreaking show as Wade FREE! grlgbt.org/pride she’s going to be hard to miss. “Unique” Adams, a transgender teen who The festival also features a beer tent channeled all her passion and pain into her music. The character was a standout in a sea of standouts filled with Michigan craft brews (of course) and a host of tangent parties, events and community engagement — and became a vociferous voice for LGBT rights. “Intelligent dance music” DJ Shawn Ferguson (aka, DJ groups. —Allan Ross TrainRek) got his start at Grand Rapids hot spots Rumors
Alex Newell
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Origin of the Arts How the Festival of the Arts was born in 1970
F
e stival of th e Arts has art competitions and sales, live music, poetry, dancing, theater, films, food vendors and more over a vicinity of 10 city blocks. All performances, exhibitions, and activities are free. But how did it all begin? The festival’s genesis can be traced back to the late Alexander Calder, originator of the kinetic art form dubbed “the mobile” — a delicately balanced sculpture with suspended components that move with air currents. The counterpart to the mobile is the stabile — typically monumental steel structures that sit solidly on the ground, seemingly unconcerned with the element of movement. Yet this is not the case. Walk around a stabile and it takes on a Inspired by La Grande Vitesse, or simply the new appearance from each angle. Stabiles Calder as it has become known, the first threeare intended to activate motion in the viewer. Festival of day Festival of the Arts was held in 1970 with Calder produced a stabile for the city the Arts Downtown Grand Rapids a Festival Sun logo created by Calder himself of Grand Rapids at a time when it needed June 5–7 as a gift to Grand Rapids. Now in its 46th year, activation. By the late 1960s downtown was festivalgr.org pulling in around half a million festival-goers seeing a decline. The community instituted a annually, the Festival of the Arts is an anticistring of building and beautification projects pated fixture – and one of the longest running including Calder’s work, installed theatrically festivals in the state. in Calder Plaza. The sculpture was the first public art work Moreover, according to the Library of Congress, it is funded by the Art in Public Places program of the National the largest all-volunteer festival in the country with nearly Endowment for the Arts. Giant red with swooping nega20,000 community volunteers running the show. tive spaces like ventricles, La Grande Vitesse (meaning: “the Festival of the Arts happens June 5-7 in downtown great swiftness,” a play on the name Grand Rapids and the Grand Rapids. More info at festivalgr.org. n river it surrounds) has since become a symbol of the city’s commitment to the arts.
by Ben Mepham
Other Summer Art Events 64th Annual Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair Bronson Park, Kalamazoo June 5, 3–8 p.m. and June 6, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Free! kiarts.org Featuring close to 200 jury-selected, national artists working in 12 different media categories, the KIA Fair draws crowds of around 40,000 people. Enjoy several overlapping activities including a Beer Garden and Greek Fest, both with food, music and dancing. There is also an Art Hop to more than 60 local restaurants and retailers hosting artists and works.
White Lake Area Father’s Day Arts & Crafts Festival Goodrich Park, Whitehall June 20, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and June 21, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free! whitelake.org This festival features jewelry, ceramics, paintings, prints, stained glass and more. For those looking to hear some tunes, there is live music all weekend. If you’ll also be in search of munchies, on hand is classic festival food, fresh-squeezed lemonade, root beer floats, sundaes and even crêpes. Tickets can be purchased for the large inflatables — for the children only, of course!
Lakeshore Art Festival Historic Downtown Muskegon July 3–4, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free! Children’s Lane tickets $2–$5 lakeshoreartfestival.org This festival features the work of around 250 national artists and crafters plus street performers, an artisan food market, music and various kid-friendly activities including a rock wall and bungee trampoline. Festival-goers can collaborate on large-scale paintings and create their own postcard-sized works, helped by on-site artists.
46th Annual Art in the Park Centennial Park, Holland Aug. 1, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Free! hollandfriendsofart.com With 300 artists from eight states and visitor attendance reaching approximately 15,000 people, the juried Art in the Park event is second only to Tulip Time when it comes to bringing festival-goers to Holland. Bonus: numerous food vendors.
Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule REVUEWM.COM | June 2015 |
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Style Notes
by Missy Black
Smells like T Spirit A simple T-shirt is an easy way to show your hometown loyalty. Here are a couple local options to rep where you’re from.
Adrian Butler Shirts
M
Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene
en’s fashion advice with beer references thrown in? Why not. It certainly works for Adrian Butler, or AB for short. Just listen to the way the DJ, hip-hop artist and local style entrepreneur explains his trendy alphabet T-shirt following that also includes hoodies, tanks and women’s off-the-shoulder sweatshirts and T-shirts. Special pieces in limited quantities may be outside the normal scope of product but the black and white T-shirt will always happen. “We follow the Founders strategy,” says Butler. “All Day IPA and Pale Ale are always offered but KBS will drop and everybody goes crazy — or at least that’s the thought process.” It’s all an off-shoot of the music. The basic black alphabet T-shirt started out as a poster for a show without incorporating Butler’s image or name. “It’s cool if you know that I’m behind the T-shirt and if you don’t, it’s just awesome as a T-shirt design in general.” Super versatile, the apparel is affordable and can be worked into whatever look you’re going for. DENYM in Grand Rapids carries exclusive color schemes of the shirts. They are also available at everythingab.com.
Wear this tagless GR616 Skull T-shirt with your most destroyed denim and signature sneakers. Available in a V-neck version for the ladies. $24. gr616.com
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Adrian Butler’s signature alphabet shirt, also available in women’s styles and hoodies. Photo: Leigh Ann Cobb Photography
Show your pride with the Kalamazoo T-shirt that’s silky soft with a vintage look and feel. This one is also available in a V-neck version for the ladies. $25. Cakes Boutique in Kalamazoo and handmadekalamazoo.com.
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H y p erOptik 1134 Wealthy Street 6 1 6 . 3 0 1 . 1 9 1 1 www.hyper-optik.com PHOTO: ROB CONENS FRAME: THEO MILLE+32 MODEL: JOANNE RILEY
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indie film
by Josh Spanninga
New Belgium Clips Beer and Film Tour Returns to Grand Rapids
Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene
S
ome familiar faces will be rolling back into town Thursday, June 11. The New Belgium Clips Beer and Film tour returns to Ah-Nab-Awen Park for its third year in a row. At the event New Belgium will be offering some of their best sellers, as well as hardto-find items like its dry-hopped sour ale and a peach ginger beer. The brewery will also be raffling off a brand new New Belgium Fat Tire bike. For those unfamiliar with the free-admission touring event, here’s the nutshell: New Belgium travels from city to city, setting up tents and a blow-up screen outdoors. What ensues is a night filled with beer, camaraderie, bikes — and, of course, short films. The event begins at 8 p.m. at Ah-Nab-Awen park. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs (no seating is provided), stake a plot out at the park, sample beer, check out some food New Belgium CLIPS beer trucks and hang out until sundown when the hour-long block of short films start. & film tour A FUNdraiser for Greater Grand Rapids The films explore Bicycle Coalition themes like beer, advenAh-Nab-Awen Park, Grand Rapids ture, advocacy/activism June 11, film at 10 p.m. Free! and fun — all handpicked newbelgium.com/clips from a slew of submissions from all over the world. On a nationwide level, New Belgium Clips has raised over $520,000 — via beer sales at the events — since its genesis for similar projects around the country. All proceeds from beer sales go to a local charity organization specific to the city the fest happens to be in. For its Grand Rapids stop, New Belgium teamed up with the Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition (GGRBC), a nonprofit organization devoted to making Grand Rapids bicycle-friendly while encouraging residents to ditch the car keys and get cycling. As an added bonus, the GGRBC will be at the event offering valet bike parking services to those choosing to arrive on two wheels. “Grand Rapids was really fortunate to be one of only 20 cities selected for this tour,” said GGRBC Executive Director Tom Tilma. “In every city New Belgium looks for a charity partner, preferably a local cycling advocacy organization. When we heard they were coming out to Grand Rapids we reached out to them immediately. We’ve had a great partnership over the past two years.” In the first year alone, New Belgium Clips donated over $13,000 via the event. It then helped fund GGRBC’s Room to Ride campaign, a project that since its inception has managed to add over 60 miles of bike lanes throughout Grand Rapids and neighboring areas. But the work is not over yet. “It’s very rewarding to work on a more sustainable transportation system at my day job,” Tilma said. “It’s really a dream job for me.” n
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For more information, visit newbelgium.com/clips.
Coming Soon:
American Holocaust 2000
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n an age filled with smartphones, online shopping and dead celebrities making holographic appearances at music festivals (R.I.P. 2 Pac), it’s difficult to imagine a world without computers. It’s difficult, not impossible. In their debut feature-length film American Holocaust 2000, local filmmakers Monte Davis Jr. and Jeff Hussellman have imagined such a world. The movie takes place in an alternate reality where the Y2K fiasco actually happened and the results aren’t pretty. A militarized group called the Y2K Council has taken over and nearly all of the U.S. has been turned into a wasteland teeming with merciless masked creeps. In short, it has all the ingredients necessary for badass B-movie magic. Davis and Hussellman originally got the idea for American Holocaust 2000 from a short student film their friend Chris Gil produced. “We liked the story and always wanted to see how it would play out as a feature-length film,” Davis said. “We got the okay from Chris and then away we went with writing the script.” With a limited budget and a cast and crew made up mostly of close friends, Davis and Hussellman shot the movie over the winter, primarily in Grand Rapids. The resulting feature film is filled with fake blood, weird masks and guns. It’s set to a dark, yet catchy, retro-synth soundtrack. Davis and Hussellman hope to premier the movie locally by the end of the summer and will be testing it out on the festival circuit. “It’s something we have never done before and this film is something that we are both very proud of,” Davis said.
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Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule
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by Kyle Austin
LIT LIFE
Let’s (Not) Dance How Emily St. John Mandel Landed on Writing
Other Literary Events GR Reads: Summer Reading All Grown Up
Grand Rapids Public Library – all branches June 1–Aug. 31 grpl.org/grreads, (616) 988-5400 You read that correctly — GR Reads is the only summer reading program in West Michigan designed specifically for adults. Make this one a summer to remember by diving into 10 great titles, handpicked by GRPL experts and sure to give you more than a few things to think about on a sunny day at Lake Michigan or a quiet evening by a campfire.
Get Cooking with Lebanese Chef Maureen Abood Schuler Books and Music June 10, 7 p.m. schulerbooks.com, (616) 942-2561
As a Lebanese-American who grew up in Michigan, Maureen Abood was inspired by the flavors of her childhood to launch her award-winning blog, Rose Water & Orange Blossoms. Now, in her new cookbook, she revisits the recipes she was reared on, exploring her heritage through food and chronicling her innovative takes on traditional cuisine. This event celebrates the release of her new book. If you attend you may learn some new tricks to spice up your own kitchen, and life, along the way.
Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene
Ghost Stories for Grown Ups Blandford Nature Center June 15, 9 p.m. blandfordnaturecenter.org, (616) 735-6240
If you like to get your pulse pounding, but just aren’t into the visual gore of horror flicks, head to Blandford Nature Center for an evening of old-school scares, presented by the Grand Rapids Public Library. Bring your favorite seat, leave the kiddos at home, and be gripped by terrorizing tales from storytellers John Steven Crowley, Gloria Cangelosi and Bob Sadowski. Must be 18 or older to participate. Sign up at grpl.org/register.
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F
or a long time, Station Eleven author Emily St. John Mandel only told stories through the language of her body in motion. But one day, while studying contemporary dance at the School of Toronto Dance Theatre, the narrative stopped making sense. “There was a point where I realized that dance wasn’t fun anymore,” St. John Mandel recalled. “It was more a burden than a joy.” After she turned 21, St. John Mandel decided a change was in order. While many people spend that year of their lives wearing blackouts like a badge of honor, St. John Mandel sought to remember the kind of creative expression that initially enticed her as a young child: writing. “I was homeschooled as a kid and I had to write something every day,” she said. “I wasn’t a child prodigy or anything. I just got in the habit of writing these short stories and poems about cats and daffodils.” Standing at a personal crossroads, it occurred to St. John Mandel that Station Eleven Author writing had the capacity to fulfill what Emily St. John Mandel dance no longer could. After four years Schuler Books and Music of work, she broke into the world of June 17, 7 p.m. fiction with Last Night in Montreal, her schulerbooks.com, (616) 942-2561 critically acclaimed debut novel. But while the book won the attention of the critics, it was also an indication to St. John Mandel that she’d found that rare place where passion and purpose meet. Emily St. John Mandel “[The novel] was the only form I was interested in,” she said. “I love the idea of immersing myself in a grand project and I love the technical challenge of sustaining the tension and character development over three post-apocalyptic fiction, its power lies in its ability to force us to look hundred pages.” critically at the present through the lens of a dystopian future. Following her equally well received second and third novels — The “I wanted to write about the modern world as an apparatus, with all Singer’s Gun and The Lola Quarter — St. John Mandel’s latest effort, the of these incredible technologies that surround us,” she said. “I thought National Book Award finalist novel Station Eleven, is further proof she’s a good way to write about the modern world would be to write about more than capable of rising to that its absence.” challenge. Set in post-apocalyptic When she’s not writing novels, North America, the book follows St. John Mandel moonlights on the a troupe of Shakespearean actors other side of the literary divide. She who roam the wasteland in search also analyzes the work of other writof survivor settlements to entertain. ers as a contributor to popular online The Grand Rapids Public Library is hostThough civilization has crumbled literary magazine The Millions and ing two GR Reads events tied to Station around them, the group is nonetheThe Guardian. Some might see these Eleven. One is Shakespeare in the Park less bonded by an intangible sense roles of author and critic as mutuon Saturday, July 11, at the Riverside Park of purpose in this jarring and odd ally exclusive, but St. John Mandel Bandshell, the rain location is the Grand new reality. said she believes reviewing other Rapids Civic Theatre. Start time is 7 p.m. St. John Mandel says that in works of fiction makes her a better The other is Behind the Scenes at many ways, she sees the novel as novelist — it enables her to examine Gerald R. Ford International Airport, a study of what it means to devote her own work on a deeper level. happening June 18 (2 p.m.), July 16 yourself to your art without any “People often cross over these (2 p.m.) and July 28 (11 a.m.). Get a promise of fame or fortune — an days,” she said. “It’s interesting one-hour “exclusive insider’s tour” of interesting parallel to her own decithe way those lines have been the airport and the stories behind it. sion to forgo a career in dance for blurred.” n one in writing. And like all good
Station Eleven – GR Reads events
JUNE HIGHLIGHTS TRANSGENDER: DEFINED AND UPDATED Thursday, June 18, 7:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE
10 BOOKS & 33 EVENTS
Join Reverend Julie Nemecek, Ph.D. for a discussion on what transgender is, the scientific research on the causes of transgender, the medical consensus on treatment for transgender people, and recent legal efforts on transgender civil rights.
GHOSTS OF GRAND RAPIDS WALKING TOUR Monday, June 22, 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm Meet on the Front Steps of the Main Library – 111 Library St NE Come nose around the creepier corners of haunted Grand Rapids. Mingle with the spooky inhabitants of the Ashton Building, AT&T Building, San Chez Restaurant and St. Cecilia Music Center. Meet the guests who never quite checked out of the Amway Grand. For ages 18 and up. Registration is required at grpl.org/register.
ALSO CHECK OUT THESE EVENTS
JUNE 1 – AUGUST 31, 2015 SUMMER READING ALL GROWN UP
Ghost Stories for Grown Ups (Registration required) Monday, June 15, 9:00 pm Blandford Nature Center – 1715 Hillburn Ave NW Vintage Views Along Scenic M-22 including Sleeping Bear Dunes Wednesday, June 17, 7:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE Gospel Music: A Changing Beat, a Constant Message Wednesday, June 24, 7:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library Street NE Tree Talk Thursday, June 25, 7:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE Rookie Renovator Class – Cabinet Installation Saturday, June 27, 10:00 am Home Repair Services – 1100 S. Division GR Reads: The Movies – Harold and Maude Tuesday, June 30, 8:00 pm Wealthy Theatre – 1130 Wealthy SE
WWW.GRPL.ORG/GRREADS 616.988.5400 FUNDED BY:
MEDIA SPONSORS: REVUEWM.COM | June 2015 |
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by Allison Parker
Theatre At The B.O.B. Grand Rapids, MI 616.356.2000 www.thebob.com
CLAUDE STUART June 4-6
Six-time Tony Award-winner Kinky Boots runs June 2-7 at Broadway Grand Rapids. PHOTO: Matthew Murphy
ON AL JAeCK11S-13 Jun
MARK Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene
JuneNORMAN 18-20 D
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Absolutely Fabulous Kinky Boots is ‘Changing Lives’
K
i n ky Boots s e e ms to have it all. It’s got Broadway dazzle with a modern edge, joyous drag queens and outrageous footwear — it also champions a message of hope and acceptance. The production, a six-time Tony Award winner, centers on protagonist Charlie Price as he inherits a floundering shoe factory after his father’s death. The cause seems hopeless until Charlie runs into drag queen Lola and her glamorous backup troupe, the Angels. The queens introduce Charlie to the niche market of drag boots and create a fabulous new line. Through its costumes, character and storyline, Kinky Boots aims to connect to a current societal tension and to offer encouragement to those seeking to belong. “What’s resonating is the fact that we’re coming into a time in this country where people finally get to be just who they want to be,” said Hernando Umana, an “Angel” in the show. “That message is so clear in the show and it’s so important for people to hear. It’s really changing people’s minds and empower-
“We’ve had (people) come to the stage door and come out of the closet to us. They’ve said that this show is helping them do that.” ing those who don’t need their minds changed but they just need the encouragement to be okay. “We’ve had (people) come to the stage door and come out of the closet to us,” he added. “They’ve said that this show is helping them do that. So yeah, it’s just changing lives every day. It’s really incredible.” Much of the fun and glamour of the musical comes from the drag queens themselves, who function primarily as gleeful symbols of inclusion and individual freedom. “(The Angels are) the fun, welcoming queens and we just kind of spread that throughout the whole show — it’s nothing
but fun for us onstage,” Umana said. “We’re six completely different characters — and we are characters. We get to just be that with zero judgment, just love.” To give each queen her own unique sparkle, costume designer Gregg Barnes created an extravagant Tony-nominated wardrobe featuring intricate beading and opulent glitz. However, the boots are the most stunning attire in the musical. “The shoes are amazing. Our finale boots are just the best thing you’ve ever seen. My heel is just completely rhinestoned out. They really live up to the hype of what the whole show is. You know, you wait the whole show to see the kinky boots and they surpass any expectation. They’re stunning,” Umana said. n
Kinky Boots
Broadway Grand Rapids at DeVos Performance Hall June 2–7 / $30–75 broadwaygrandrapids.com, (616) 235-6285
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To register for a tutor orientation, call 616-459-5151 or visit www.literacycenterwm.org
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Learn more on June 2 or 11
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by Rich Tupica
Comedy
Sext You Up
RECOIL’s Cliff Frantz Turns up to 11 with Spinal Tap Tribute Band
I
n 2001 writer/musician Cliff Frantz launched RECOIL — one year later the New York Times called it “the Onion of the Midwest.” The seed of the satire magazine, now online only, was planted in 1984, with the release of This Is Spinal Tap. Frantz was instantly captivated by the depth of the wit. It set the path of his life. Now he’s living the rock‘n’satire dream, while giving a nod to his forefathers, via his Spinal Tap tribute band: Sext Farm. When the band’s not gigging in West Michigan, it’s also shooting its video web series, also dubbed Sext Farm. Frantz chatted with Revue about how it got started and what’s next for the band and comedic series.
Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene
What prompted you to fire up Sext Farm? When I quit playing guitar for a living and sold my road gear to start printing Recoil in 2001, I swore that the only way I’d ever get back on stage again with a guitar in my hands was if I was playing the role of Nigel Tufnel in a Spinal Tap tribute band. Leading a Tap tribute had been in the back of my head since I was a teenager, studying the comedy of David Letterman, Saturday Night Live and Monty Python, while also learning how to play rock guitar. That’s when This Is Spinal Tap came out — my first exposure to proper satire. Studying that movie influenced me so much that I went on to become a satirist after making a six-year run at the music business during my twenties. Spinal Tap showed me the lengths to which professionals were willing to go to tell a joke. It taught me that even if mass audiences don’t “get” a joke, the right people will get it — and that’s what’s most important.
laughter about how funny it all is, the entire concept of what we’re doing.
When did it officially get underway? We started rehearsing in March of 2014 to perform a nine-song set of songs from the movie including “Rock ‘n’ Roll Creation,” “Heavy Duty,” and “Flower People (Listen to the).” We’ve performed and filmed four shows so far, most recently headlining Jake’s Music Festival’s 11th Anniversary show in April at the Wealthy Theatre.
There is the video aspect of Sext Farm. How would you describe the web series? The 11-part YouTube series was originally intended as a full-length movie. It was supposed
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to be a cross between This Is Spinal Tap and the Sundance-winning documentary American Movie. Each six-minute webisode mixes our band’s live performance of songs like “Hell Hole” and “Stonehenge” with sketch comedy and real-life video to recount — in mockumentary fashion — the process of abandoning the print industry to pursue fantastic visions of rock stardom that continually fail to materialize. Sext Farm’s YouTube series is an effort to introduce the satire of Spinal Tap to a new generation of fans too young to know what Spinal Tap is and too busy staring at their cell phones for anyone to explain it to them.
The web series isn’t 100-percent scripted, how would you describe it?
Are all of your bandmates big Spinal Tap fans? Each member of Sext Farm is a diehard Spinal Tap fan and everyone in Sext Farm knew what they were signing up for and did it anyway. We all see the humor in creating a spoof about a spoof. There are smiles all around during rehearsals because the music sounds so good. When we finish a song we all buckle over in
Sext Farm is: Tim Bober, Ryan Cunningham, Cliff Frantz, Benjamin Hunter, and Scott Hickok.
Cliff Frantz performing as Nigel Tufnel in Sext Farm’s web series.
We originally set out to film Sext Farm in the same manner as This Is Spinal Tap — with no script and only a loose idea of plotline. The production of Sext Farm is similar to Borat in that the outcomes of what I call “guided improv” scenarios drive the narrative. In that way, there’s no way of knowing for sure what’s going to happen in future episodes of Sext Farm because the events are yet to occur. We don’t have a million-dollar budget to shoot for an
entire month under controlled conditions, so our filming is very guerrilla-style.
Where did Sext Farm get its name? As revealed in Episode 7, “Wham! Against the Machine,” we originally named the band “Sex Farm” — in reference to Spinal Tap’s hit single from the movie. But there was a typo in the email to our young graphic designer, so our finished logo ended up reading “Sext Farm.” We couldn’t afford a redesign. The confusion over our band logo is a modern spin on Spinal Tap’s miscommunication regarding the size of their Stonehenge scenery. That’s one example of how we’re modernizing the spirit of Spinal Tap for a younger generation of audience through Sext Farm. I also use a Guitar Hero controller instead of a violin to strum during the guitar solo.
What’s up for season two of the web series? We have a number of bank-breaking ideas for a season two, including the introduction of Grand Rapids’ PotatoeBabies as a rival band, sort of like the role of The Time in Purple Rain. n
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Restaurant listings arranged by region
Grand Rapids Angel’s Thai Café 136 Monroe Center NW. 616-454-9801 THAI. This downtown restaurant makes your order fresh, fast, and hot. You can order your entree with your choice of meat and spice level, or create your own. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Thai Steak and Yum Talay. Bar Divani 15 Ionia Ave. SW. 616-774-WINE. ECLECTIC. Bar Divani offers a sophisticated environment, with the chefs use local ingredients in their creations. Taste the homegrown flavor in the Prosciutto Flatbread, the Linguine Alfredo or the Plum Salmon. By pairing with Dancing Goats Creamery, Otto’s Chicken, S&S Lamb, Ingraberg Farms, Mrs. Dog’s and Madcap, Bar Divani serves extraordinary tastes. But, what would a night out be without a few drinks? The bar serves more than 300 types of liquor, 300 wines and 50 beers to compliment each handcrafted meal. » SERVING: Dinner after 4 p.m. OPEN ON: Everyday but Sunday. GO THERE FOR: Local Cuisine. Bentham’s Riverfront Restaurant 187 Monroe Ave. NW. 616-774-2000 AMERICAN. Enjoy great breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert options while looking out at the Grand River. Casual attire. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Open 7 days, closes at 2 p.m. GO THERE FOR: Lunch buffet.
The Bistro 11 Monroe Avenue NW (at Courtyard Marriott). 616-2426000 AMERICAN. Serving American food bistro-style, whether it’s grab-and-go or guests dining in for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Bistro offers fresh seasonal options, serves Starbucks beverages and has a full-service bar. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Sandwiches. 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
Blue Water Grill 5180 Northland Dr. 616-363-5900 SEAFOOD. One of Grand Rapids’ most inspired restaurants in terms of overall ambiance, with Frank Lloyd Wright-style architecture, a massive fireplace, and some of the best water views in West Michigan. The food is similarly inspired, drawing from Italian, Mediterranean and classic American influences. All the traditional favorites are accounted for with a wide variety of wood-fired pizzas, seafood, steaks, chops, salads, and sandwiches. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Grass Fed Beef. The B.O.B. 20 Monroe Ave. NW. (616) 356-2000 ECLECTIC. If you’re not sure what kind of dining you want, you can just head into The B.O.B., where you can choose from one of its several venues. Go into Gilly’s, where you can dine on seafood or B.O.B.’s Brewery, the restaurant’s in-house brewery. You can dress down for some pizza at Bobarino’s or dress it up for a steak at Judson’s Steakhouse. For after dinner, take in a show at Dr. Grins or enjoy live music at H.O.M.E. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Beer and numerous dining options. Bombay Cuisine 1420 Lake Dr. SE 616-456-7055 INDIAN. Offering savory and subtly spiced dishes from northern India, Bombay Cuisine is a hot spot for those who like to add a little flavor to their lives. With a lunch buffet served every weekday, this restaurant provides its eaters with an array of traditional Indian cuisine. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Naan, Butter Chicken. Brewery Vivant 925 Cherry St. SE. 616-719-1604 BREWPUB. Housed in a former funeral chapel, Brewery Vivant crafts Belgian-style ales with a focus on barrel aging. The brewpub also brings Belgian tradition when it comes to food, featuring French and Belgian-style meals to pair perfectly with the beer. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The Burger Chapbook Café 2660 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids. 616-942-0595. CAFE. Take a break from browsing the shelves at Schuler Books with a homemade selection of soups, sandwiches and quiches. Soups are prepared in-house daily and served with fresh baked bread
to accompany a small-but-elegant sandwich menu. Try a quiche or traditional Italian Panini grilled on fresh ciabatta bread, or for a quick bite, grab a bagel or scone from the dessert case. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days GO THERE FOR: Homemade soups and sandwiches CitySen Lounge 83 Monroe Center St. NW. 616-608-1720 AMERICAN. CitySen Lounge, located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, is a bar with a big-city feel, offering exciting options for lunch, dinner and breakfast on the weekends. The focus is on fresh ingredients and a full bar with local brews, wine and creative cocktails. » SERVING: Weekend Breakfast Lunch Dinner 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. Cornucopia 187 Monroe Ave. NW. 616-774-2000 DELI. A refreshing option for on-the-go, or casual, lighter fare. Enjoy deli options such as homemade soups, salads, Panini sandwiches and freshly brewed gourmet coffee. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Sandwiches. Cygnus 27 187 Monroe Ave. NW. 616-776-6425 ECLECTIC. Enjoy the skyline as you dine atop the Glass Tower. Indulge in a variety of globally infused dishes at this AAA FourDiamond restaurant. Casual attire; no jacket required. Private dining also available. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Seasonal Sunday Brunch.
Erb Thai 950 Wealthy St. SE #1A. (616) 356-2573. Additional locations at 4160 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Suite B, and 820 Michigan St. NE. THAI. Food rooted in traditional Thai cuisine, but also made to accommodate health conscious and special diets. Not too strong, not too weak, like harmony and melody. Marketing representative Molly Rizor was a Thai virgin when she went and is now glad Erb Thai was her first experience. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Peanut Curry Noodles. Founders Brewing Company 235 Grandville SW. 616-776-1195 BREWPUB. A beer-lover’s paradise with a national reputation for flavorful, award-winning beers. Likewise, the brewpub’s menu consists mainly of 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. Garden Court Lounge 187 Monroe Ave. NW. 616-774-2000 LOUNGE. An excellent choice for a quick drink with friends or when you desire relaxing with your favorite drink. The Garden Court Lounge offers a fine array of beer, wine, cocktails and liqueurs. » SERVING: Drinks OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Specialty cocktails. Gilly’s 20 Monroe NW. 616-356-2000 SEAFOOD. Gilly’s may not be the biggest name on the seafood block, but it takes second place to no one in regards to quality, freshness and inspiration. A vast array of exotic fish is line-caught, flown in and prepared fresh daily. Every facet of Gilly’s speaks to impeccable attention to detail. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday. GO THERE FOR: Fresh seafood at a great price.
REVUEWM.COM | June 2015 |
Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule
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.
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.
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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GP Sports 187 Monroe Ave. NW 616-776-6495 SPORTS BAR. Catch the big game on one of 30 televisions, including a big screen for optimal game viewing. This colorful and casual restaurant not only caters to sports fans, but also features top-notch burgers, pizzas and specialty drinks. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Score Big Burgers. Graydon’s Crossing 1223 Plainfield NE. 616-726-8260 TAVERN. An authentic take on the English Pub, with a huge selection of beers on tap and a menu that includes classic English dishes like Fish & Chips, Shepherd’s Pie and Irish Stew, as well as Indian specialties like Tandoori Chicken and Tikka Masala. A great casual atmosphere for drinking and dining. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Beer and authentic pub food. G.R.P.D. (Grand Rapids Pizza and Delivery) 340 State St. SE. 616-454-9204 ITALIAN. The current location opened in 2004 as the first established pizzeria in Heritage Hill A common meeting spot for local folks, business professionals and college students, a place where one could gather for a quick meal or a reflective lunch. It offers both hand-tossed pizza and Chicago-style stuffed pizza, as well as pasta, sandwiches, salads, and wings. Online ordering, too. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza. Grand Rapids Brewing Company 1 Ionia Ave SW. 616-458-7000 BREWPUB. Good for the environment and your palate, GRBC is Michigan’s first certified organic brewery and features a menu stocked with
locally grown ingredients. With a diverse selection of beers on tap inspired by historical Grand Rapids figures and a hearty array of burgers, melts and hand-cranked sausages, this place represents the best of the brewery’s 120-year legacy. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Organic beer and locally sourced food.
take-out combo that features one of its 10” gourmet wood-fired pizzas and a growler of beer for $20, as well as a $5 cheese and $6 pepperoni pizza deal every Tuesday. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza and brews. HopCat 25 Ionia SW. 616-451-4677 TAVERN. Rated the 3rd best beer bar on the planet by Beer Advcoate, HopCat’s spin on its food is thus: “It’s the food your Mom would feed you, if your Mom loved beer.” That’s specifically true for HopCat’s beerbar cheese, cheese ale soup and porter braised beef, but mom would also love the Hippie wrap (it’s vegetarian), the crack fries (not real crack), and Killer Mac and Cheese. Because what mom doesn’t like mac and cheese? » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Widest variety of beers, crack fries.
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.
Lumber Baron Bar 187 Monroe Ave. NW. (616) 774-2000 LOUNGE. Settle into the warmth and charm of this historic bar — complete with a fireplace, leather club chairs and a large selection of premium drinks and appetizers. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays and Mondays GO THERE FOR: Scotch or Brandy after a Symphony concert.
The Holiday Bar 801 5th St. NW. (616) 456-9058 AMERICAN. Tucked smack dab in the “Heart of the Westside, The Holiday Bar boasts a classic 40-foot Horseshoe bar, along with cheap eats and drinks, both served until 2 a.m., with specials happening daily. The Holiday Bar has a full menu that features pub fare like chicken strips, pierogis, battered homestyle mushrooms and more. It’s a great place to watch the game, listen to music or just hang out with friends. » SERVING Lunch Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Cheap eats and drinks.
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.
Harmony Brewing Company 1551 Lake Dr. SE (616) 233-0063 BREWPUB. Harmony features 12 craft-brewed beers in addition to signature root beer for the kiddos. Named one of the top-five brewpub menus in West Michigan by yours truly, Harmony’s ultimate deal is a
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. Olive’s Restaurant 2162 Wealthy St. SE. 616-451-8611 ECLECTIC. Gaslight Village mainstay for Easties looking to have a cocktail and casual dinner. The menu is surprisingly broad, with innovative starters (e.g., Napoli fritters, Paella cakes) and diverse entrées like Southern meatloaf, braised short ribs and mobu tofu. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: A broad selection. One Trick Pony 136 E. Fulton. 616-235-7669 AMERICAN. One Trick Pony unveiled a new menu in April with the tagline “Fresh, Local Fare with a Beat.” The restaurant is a part of FarmLink and supports local growers and remains focused on sustainability. Connected to the Cottage Bar, the menu spans pizza, salads, homemade soups, smoked prime rib and more. Pair the food with live music, which OTP features weekly. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Eclectic pizzas. Pearl Street Grill 310 Pearl St NW. 616-235-1342 AMERICAN. Dine in a relaxing environment where kids eat free and the chef uses local ven-
Second location coming soon!
616-356-2573
Galangal
Thai Lemon Bail
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Vegan friendly & gluten-free options available!
Thai Sweet Basil
Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene
Lemongrass
Ginger Thai Holy Basil
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Gluten Free
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k ceboo
FREE
950 Wealthy St. SE Suite 1A, Grand Rapids, MI • (T) 616-356-2573 • (F) 616-356-2574 Mon.-Thurs. 11am-9pm Fri.-Sat. 11am-10pm • Sun. 12am-9pm • www.erbthaigr.com Major Credit Cards are Accepted • Catering is available
SchulerBooks&Music 32 years as your local, independent bookstore!
Made in Germany • Tradition seit 1774
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June 2015 Events
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Spring Styles
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CELEBRATE NATIONAL DONUT DAY WITH CHILDREN’S AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR LAURIE KELLER & ARNIE THE DOUGHNUT COSTUMED CHARACTER!
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SUMMER READING CLUB KICK-OFF
2pm
FOOT OUTFITTERS
10-2pm
Repairs Available
6-8pm
1411 Robinson Road • 451-4732
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FREE WORKSHOP: TOLTEC HEART PATH
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SCHULER BOOKS AND ART OF THE TABLE PRESENT LEBANESE CHEF MAUREEN ABOOD
www.footoutfitters.com 1411 Robinson Road Grand Rapids, MI
4820154-01
7pm
JOIN MICHIGAN CHEF ABOOD FOR A COOKING DEMO AND TASTING AS SHE CELEBRATES HER DEBUT COOKBOOK, WHICH WAS NAMED IN PUBLISHERS WEEKLY’S TOP 10 COOKBOOKS.
Repairs available (616) 451-4732 footoutfitters.com
dors and suppliers. Conveniently located in downtown Grand Rapids, Pearl Street Grill offers nightly happy hour specials that include signature cocktails and Michigan beer, as well as a $10 burger and beer special, $5 pizzas and more. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Late night specials. The Pita House 1450 Wealthy SE, 3730 28th Street, 4533 Ivanrest SW (Grandville). 616-454-1171 MEDITERRANEAN. Gyros so big you can club someone with them, the smoothest hummus in town and other Mediterranean fare, including kibbe, kafta and falafel. Additional locations on 28th Street and Kalamazoo SE. Sandwiches are made to order with fresh vegetables and ingredients. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh pita wraps.
Reds on the River 8 E Bridge St #100, Rockford. 616-863-8181 AMERICAN. Relaxed ambiance, great food and a view of the river equate to an enjoyable time out. With quality food and fresh ingredients you’re sure to find a meal that tickles your fancy. Staff is trained to help you should you encounter unfamiliar territory. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days GO THERE FOR: Red’s Steak Burger
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7pm
TALK & SIGNING WITH GREAT MICHIGAN READ AUTHOR EMILY ST. JOHN MANDEL
JOIN EMILY ST. JOHN MANDEL, WHOSE BESTSELLING BOOK STATION ELEVEN WAS HONORED AS A 2015 MICHIGAN NOTABLE BOOK, AND WAS NAMED THE 2015-16 GREAT MICHIGAN!
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7pm
BEYOND SHERLOCK: A LOOK AT CLASSIC DETECTIVE FICTION MEET GARY HOPPENSTAND, MSU PROFESSOR OF AMERICAN STUDIES AND A RECOGNIZED EXPERT IN POPULAR CULTURE STUDIES, AS HE PRESENTS A TALK ABOUT CLASSIC DETECTIVE FICTION.
Visit www.SchulerBooks.com for a complete list of events. All events are subject to change.
2660 28th Street SE • (616) 942-2561 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. »
At Gezon Auditorium, CAlvin ColleGe
June 20 July 18 AuGust 15 shows At 7:33 pm riverCityimprov.Com REVUEWM.COM | June 2015 |
Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule
Red Jet Cafe 1431 Plainfield Ave. NE. 616-719-5500 ECLECTIC. The funky restaurant in Creston’s old library is the kind of place you’d find in Chicago’s hip neighborhoods, offering non-sequitur menu items that somehow seem to work. Seriously, how many other places in town can you find that serve high-end organic coffees, crepes, wood-fired pizzas and artisan baked goods. Is it a bistro? Is it a coffeehouse? Does it matter? » SERVING: Breakfast (weekends) Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days; 11 a.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. weekends. GO THERE FOR: Crepes.
JOIN US FOR A BOOK DISCUSSION LED BY TOLTEC TEACHER AND MENTOR TODD ADAMS ON THE TOLTEC TEACHINGS.
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/// Beer
by Joe Boomgaard, Revue Beer Czar
White Flame, Pike 51 put Hudsonville on the map
Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene
O
When Revue recently visited Pike 51, the tap list also featured n c e th e b e e r b e ga n flowi n g i n an Oud Bruin, a funky, sour-style brown ale, the fourth sour in the Hudsonville, people started to take notice. company’s history. It’s a style that Williams, who got his start at While it had the dubious distinction of being HopCat, and assistant brewer Manda Geiger, formerly of Michigan Michigan’s last dry city, a title it held until 2007, the Beer Cellar and The Hideout, have started to experiment with by Ottawa County town now boasts two growing microusing wild yeasts and special barrels. Look for another sour pour breweries that come highly regarded by the region’s craft beer at the Anniversary Party. cognoscenti. Also this month, look for a double IPA collaboration beer Today, both White Flame Brewing Co. and Pike 51 Brewing with Fermenta — a statewide women’s brewing collective — and Co. are expanding to better meet the growing demand for their Holland-based Our Brewing Co. that features all Hop Head Farms liquid from thirsty patrons at their tap rooms. They also hope to hops, Geiger said. broaden their distribution throughout West Michigan now that Moving forward, Pike 51 remains focused on they have more production capacity. getting the word out about its beers and wines — the “Our expansion is all to add volume,” said Jeff Pike 51 3rd company first launched as a Hudsonville Winery Williams, head brewer at Pike 51, 3768 Chicago Anniversary Party six years ago. Drive, which is doubling its production capacity. What: Bottle release of Heavy “We just want to help people realize that The growth comes as Pike 51 celebrates its third Soul, a bourbon barrel-aged we’re just fifteen or twenty minutes from downanniversary with a party on Saturday, June 13. The imperial milk porter, as well as town Grand Rapids — and we have free parking,” no-cover event will feature a range of specialty beers and one-off beers on tap and Williams said. “We think people will be pleasantly — including the release of Heavy Soul, a bourbon specialty wines. Food specials also available. Live music all day. surprised when they get here.” barrel-aged imperial porter — as well as food and When: Saturday, June 13. That’s a sentiment shared by Bill White, owner live music. No tickets or cover. Tokens of nearby White Flame Brewing at 5234 36th Ave. In its three years, Pike 51 has focused on taking available in the bar. a balanced approach that results in equally balanced “If you work hard and play hard, this is your Where: 3768 Chicago Drive, beers, Williams said. spot,” White said of his growing tap room and Hudsonville “There’s nothing too over-the-top,” he said. the overall Hudsonville beer scene. “We just try More info: pike51.com, (616) 662-4589 “We try to cover the board with a variety of flato put our best foot forward and make the best vors, so everyone should be able to find something beers we can.” they’re interested in.” White Flame is in the middle of a two-pronged Mainstays include The Kush IPA, a dank and hoppy American expansion to add a deli-style kitchen and more seats in the taproom, version of the style; Hopnosis, a 7% ABV extra pale ale that has a as well as grow into its expanded 10-barrel system. The project nicely balanced flavor and a lasting finish; and Sabotage, a hearty should wrap up by August. With the additional capacity, the milk stout brewed with Rowster Ethiopian coffee. Select brews are company also hopes to start doing more distribution of its beers, also offered to-go in 22-ounce bottles. particularly along the lakeshore.
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TOP: Panoramic view of White Flame Brewing Co. ABOVE: Pike 51 brewers Jeff Williams and Manda Geiger. PHOTOS: Joe Boomgaard
The company is known for its IPAs, which outsell other styles by a two-to-one ratio, said Head Brewer Andy Steenbergen. Out of 13 taps, nine are usually dedicated to IPAs. Mainstays include White Shoes, an easy-drinking pale ale with a biscuity malt bill; Ugly Stick, a creamy and roasty oatmeal stout on nitro; Super G IPA, which features floral hop notes and a pleasant, lasting finish; Double Tap, an Amarillo dry-hopped session IPA; and Hooterville Wheat IPA, a beer that balances its hop bill with some witbier characteristics. Specials on tap when Revue visited included the Hudsonvillian Triple IPA, a delectably hopped-up, yet quaffable IPA, as well as Black Sheep, a malty bourbon barrel-aged black IPA. Steenbergen likes to experiment, having pioneered a windmill cookie brown ale last year. White Flame is also known for its signature anniversary beer, Black Flame, a bottled bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout made with maple syrup. The company hopes eventually to bottle one specialty beer each month, “but we’re not there yet,” White said. To-go customers are still in luck: White Flame sells beer in Crowlers, 32-ounce cans that it fills with beer and seals behind the bar. For his part, White hopes the added space and food menu and the additional beer will continue to help White Flame find new fans. “I’m amazed the number of people who live here and don’t know we’re here,” White said. “We just continue to put our best foot forward.” Steenbergen added: “It all comes down to what’s in the glass.” n
Keep Beer Curious. 16 oz Cans available now!
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20 Monroe Ave NW | Grand Rapids 616.356.2000 | thebobsbrewery.com
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Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule
GIVE IN TO THE DARK SIDE
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Open for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: 7 days a week.
Note Worthy Dining.
Downtown Grand Rapids Inside Holiday Inn 310 Pearl St. NW (616) 235-1342 pearlstreetgrillgr.com
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 cocktail menu runs the gamut from classics like the Manhattan to more modern variations and the beer and wine menus are nothing to sneeze at either. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Specialty cocktails, broad menu, lively atmosphere. Ruth’s Chris Steak House 187 Monroe Avenue NW. 616-776-6426 STEAKHOUSE. Serving only the best steaks, Ruth’s Chris hand-selects its steaks from the top 2% of the country’s beef, which is then broiled to perfection at 1800 degrees. Enjoy the freshest seafood, classic sides and homemade desserts that satisfy any craving. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays. GO THERE FOR: Steak. San Chez Bistro 38 West Fulton St. 616-774-8272 ECLECTIC. Using local products, San Chez is both a café and a Tapas Bistro, and is now both housed in the same room. This is a social setting where people can remember the one rule of kindergarten: sharing. Featuring small, delicious dishes, San Chez can satiate your desire for variety. It’s also a hidden secret for breakfast in downtown Grand Rapids, offering a great start to any day. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Tapas, Breakfast, Sandwiches The Score 5301 Northland Dr. NE. 616-301-0600 SPORTS BAR. The perfect combination for beer and sports lovers. More than 70 TVs carry major sports packages and there are 128 beers on tap. During summer, enjoy live entertainment every day, outdoor dining (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.
Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene
Six.One.Six. 235 Louis St. NW. 616-242-1448 ECLECTIC. Marketinspired menus, sweeping views and progressive rhythms combine to create a memorable dining experience. The dishes tempt taste buds and is the perfect spot for foodies. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days GO THERE FOR: Variety and being seen.
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Speak EZ Lounge 600 Monroe Ave. NW. 616-458-3125 ECLECTIC. While this lounge may be modeled after the year 1933, its food is not. There’s a variety of food for all to enjoy whether you’re omnivore, vegan or gluten free. Come in for a bite of Rustic Sage Risotto that goes perfectly with one of the lounges signature drinks. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: The diverse menu Stella’s Lounge 53 Commerce Ave. 616-356-2700 TAVERN. The Chicago-style whiskey bar has more than 200 varieties of distilled spirits, old-school video games, a superexcellent jukebox stocked with rock and punk classics, and a menu filled with vegetarian and vegan bar food — and stuffed burgers. Did we mention you can sip cans of PBR and other classic beers out of a mason jar? » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Vegetarian and vegan bar food.
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. Upscale Wealthy Street bar and restaurant feels like it was plucked from Chicago’s Bucktown or Logan Square neighborhoods. A comfortable spot to drink or dine, with an always evolving menu featuring shared plates, salads and inventive sandwiches. The Cuban Reuben, originally created as something of a joke, remains a (very tasty) staple item. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: DIY Bloody Mary Bar Special, Yucca Fries. Wolfgang’s Restaurant 1530 Wealthy St. SE. 616-454-5776 BREAKFAST. The bustling Eastown breakfast spot is home to some of the heartiest breakfast dishes and funniest menu descriptions. Courteous staff never fails to offer a cup of coffee to go after we’ve finished breakfast. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Breakfast all day.
Lakeshore 8th Street Grille 20 W. 8th St., Holland. 616-392-5888 AMERICAN. This eclectic grille offers a mix of draft and bottled craft beers and a variety of pub classics and new, American beer-inspired dishes. Happy hour includes half-off appetizers and $1 off drafts. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: 28 taps of craft beer. Bil-Mar Restaurant 1223 S. Harbor St., Holland. 616-842-5920 AMERICAN. A destination restaurant for more than 60 years. Dazzling sunsets and an all-American menu featuring fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Lake perch, lobster strudel, prime rib. CityVu Bistro 61 E 7th Street, Holland. 616-796-2114 AMERICAN. A distinctive rooftop dining experience in downtown Holland with fresh gourmet flatbreads and an array of seasonal entrees are in. The contemporary-yet-casual atmosphere, full bar and unique menus make it the ideal spot for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: flatbreads Everyday People Cafe 11 Center St., Douglas. 269-857-4240 AMERICAN. REVUE Publisher Brian Edwards calls Everyday People Café his favorite restaurant along the lakeshore. The atmosphere is casual and upbeat, the staff knows its stuff about wine and food, and the seasonal menu is filled with meticulously prepared, eclectic comfort food like Butternut Squash Risotto, Braised Lamb Shank and Ahi Tuna. A great wine list and tremendous desserts. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Gorgonzola Pork Chop, Greek Salad with Grandma Gigi’s Dressing (Edwards).
Fricano’s Pizza Tavern 1400 Fulton Ave., Grand Haven. 616-842-8640 ITALIAN. Claims to be the first pizzeria in Michigan, but customers care less about its longevity than the amazingly crispy thin crust and simple ingredients atop its much-lauded pies. Four other locations around West MI, including Comstock Park, Muskegon, Holland and Kalamazoo. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza. Kirby House 2 Washington, Grand Haven. 616-846-3299 AMERICAN. The Grill Room doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is — a chop house and grill. Atmosphere is warm with Tuscan tones, atmospheric lighting, classically cool music and leather booths. The menu focuses on steaks and chops and makes no apologies. The steaks are prime USDA choice, the seafood selection immaculate, and the wine and beverage list is top shelf. Relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Nightlife. Mia & Grace 1133 3rd St., Muskegon. 231-725-9500 AMERICAN. Calls itself a bakery and bistro, but that’s too limiting to describe the creativity of Mia & Grace’s menu. The farm-to-table eatery in downtown Muskegon is casual and comfortable and serves lots of one-of-a-kind items like the Pork Belly Reuben or the Duck PB&J (duck confit, carmelized onions, cashew-peanut butter, green pepper jelly, anadama bread). » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday. GO THERE FOR: Salads, Soups, Creme Brulee. New Holland Brewing Company 66 E. 8th St., Holland. 616-355-6422 BREWPUB. One of West MI’s premier microbreweries serves up better than average pub grub, including the Tarheel barbecue Pulled Pork, Grilled
Portobello and The Treehugger, which is billed as “a vegetarian sandwich utopia.” » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Mad Hatter IPA, Dragon’s Milk. Phil’s Bar & Grille 215 Butler St., Saugatuck. 269-857-1555 AMERICAN. This cozy (some would say “small”) bar and grille in downtown Saugatuck is one of those unassuming spots you might easily overlook, though locals in Saugatuck will tell you about their love affair with Phil’s. Eclectic menu is all over the place, but in a good way, and the staff is super-friendly. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Portabella Mushroom Fries. Piper Restaurant 2225 South Shore Drive, Holland. 616-335-5866 AMERICAN. Upscale-but-casual spot located on Lake Macatawa, offering great views from virtually every table. Menu includes tastefully prepared items like Almond Crusted Walleye and Grilled Pork Loin, as well as wood-fired pizzas. Reservations are welcomed. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Almond Crusted Walleye. Salt of the Earth 114 East Main St., Fennville. 269-561-7258 AMERICAN. Salt of the Earth is a farm-to-table-inspired restaurant, bar, and bakery located in the heart of SW Michigan farm country in Fennville. Focuses on fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients whenever possible. Also serves up live music on weekends. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: House made rustic cuisine.
Saugatuck Brewing Company 2948 Blue Star Highway. 269-857-7222 BREWPUB. Enjoy a traditional Irish-style pub that features quality beer, wine, food and service. Try one of 12 unique brews that are served in the pub and bottled and distributed throughout the Midwest. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Beer in a family friendly pub environment. Vitale’s of Zeeland 59 W. Washington St. (616) 772-5900 ITALIAN. This family owned restaurant specializes in Italian dining, but also has a full menu including Mexican and American specialties. Family friendly atmosphere with newly remodeled dining, and an expanded sports bar with big screen TVs. Happy hour specials, live music every Saturday and has been voted Best Pizza seven years in a row by the Grand Rapids Press. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza.
Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Arcadia Brewing Co. 103 Michigan Ave., Battle Creek. 269-963-9520 BREWPUB. You’ll find some of the usual suspects on the Battle Creek brewpub’s menu, including wood-fired pizzas and some of the best barbecue in the region. But you’ll also find some delightful surprises — Osso Bucco in a brewpub?! — on the menu, courtesy of award-winning Chef Sean Kelly. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Handcrafted ales and barbecue.
Bell’s Eccentric Cafe 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave. 269-382-2332 BREWPUB. Eccentric Café’s regular menu of appetizers, sandwiches, sides and salads — plus the daily soups and specials — exists for a simple and important purpose: to complement the Kalamazoo microbrewery’s award-winning beers. Eat up while you drink up. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The Beer. Bravo! 5402 Portage Rd., Kalamazoo 269-344-7700 ITALIAN. Much-lauded restaurant has earned its stripes over 23 years as one of the region’s best dining experiences, including a 3-star rating in the 2010 Forbes Travel Guide. The Tuscaninspired cuisine is spectacular, the atmosphere comfortable and intimate, and the service first-rate. Also brews its own beer in small batches for pairings with menu offerings. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. (Closed Sat. lunch) GO THERE FOR: A great dining experience. 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
A new look, a new menu, a new restaurant For GranD rapiDS
REVUEWM.COM | June 2015 |
Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule
Located inside the DoubleTree Hotel 616.957.1111 • 4747 28th Street SE
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Dining
*Breakfast *Lunch *Tapas 38 W Fulton Grand Rapids, MI (616)774-8272! www.sanchezbistro.com
Take a break
FROM FAST FOOD WITH BREAKFAST AND LUNCH BY SAN CHEZ BISTRO
Made with the finest local ingredients, and prepared to order fresh seven days a week.
Sun.–Thurs.: 8 a.m.–10 p.m. Fri. & Sat.: 8 a.m.–11 p.m.
Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene
38 Fulton Street W, Grand Rapids • sanchezbistro.com • (616) 774-8272
Club natural wetlands. The “field-to-plate” menu features burgers, pizzas, steaks and some eclectic items like quail. Try the FSG chips, a combination of potato, beet and sweet potato chips. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Blue Burger, Almond Crusted Walleye, FSG Chips. Food Dance 401 E. Michigan Ave. 269-382-1888 AMERICAN. Food Dance is committed to building a thriving and sustainable local food system, supporting artisans who practice craft food processes. It’s about the connection with people and places the food comes from. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, private dining space, catering and delivery, while an on-site market offers humanely raised meats, artisan cheeses, fresh bread and pastries. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh Local Foods. Old Burdicks Bar & Grill 100 W. Michigan Ave. (269) 226-3192 AMERICAN. Old Burdick’s Bar & Grill features tasty sandwiches, burgers, salads and entrees, as well as a great selection of cocktails, wines and beers. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner. OPEN: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The Old Burdick Burger. Old Dog Tavern 402 East Kalamazoo Avenue, Kalamazoo. 269-381-5677 AMERICAN. The food at Old Dog Tavern is just about as eclectic as the entertainment offered. The menu has so much on it that it might even bring some harmony between picky and adventurous eaters. » SERVING: Brunch Lunch Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The eclectic menu options.
Olde Peninsula 200 E. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo 269-343-2739 BREWPUB. Downtown brewpub serves up the expected (e.g., steaks, ribs), the authentic (e.g., London Broil) and some pleasant surprises (e.g., extensive vegetarian offerings, Italian food). Offers a range of beers brewed on the premises and served on tap, plus a full bar. Check out the seasonal porters on tap right now, including the Vanilla Porter (5.5% ABV) and Stout Chocula (5.25% ABV). » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Beer-B-Que Ribs, London Broil. 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. Union Cabaret & Grille 125 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo. 269-384-6756 AMERICAN. A partnership with Western Michigan University, Union features eclectic food and cocktails, plus live jazz music performed by WMU faculty and students. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sunday. GO THERE FOR: Portabella Fries, Bloody Maries with infused vodkas. n
To submit or to correct information in a dining listing, e-mail editor@ revuewm.com.
COMING
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FATHER’S DAY | JUNE 21ST 616.301.0998 • terragr.com Insta: TerraGRrestaurant • facebook.com/terragr 1429 Lake Drive Southeast • Grand Rapids
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SOON 4160 Lake Michigan DR NW | Suite B Grand Rapids, MI 49534 616-724-4102
This mont h on Revue wm.Com
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REVUEWM.COM | June 2015 |
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Last Call by Rei Robinson
The Beet Margarita Terra GR, Eastown
I sidled up at the bar, perched on a stool and the barkeep arrived at my station. “Well, you look beat,” she said. “I’ve just landed, is all,” I said as I rubbed my dome and winced. She grinned, “I’ve just the thing for you.” Shortly thereafter, she repaired with a sanguine cocktail in a glass with a half-salted rim. I sipped at the thing and was filled with a rush of citrus, countered by a soothing earthiness. It was the Beet Margarita at Terra. And it set me, as I sat, right back on my feet. It’s a perfect balance of root and fruit, with stark warmth on the back end. Truly, a drink to fall for. I believe it was Tom Robbins who wrote, “The beet is the melancholy vegetable, the one most willing to suffer. It is the ancient ancestor of the autumn moon, bearded, buried, all but fossilized. Let’s see what happens if we add tequila.” But then again, I have been drinking.
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how to make it • Salt half the rim of a glass and pour in 1 ½ oz. of Sauza Blue Tequila. • Add ½ oz. of Clockwork Orange Liqueur. • Mix with 1 oz. of Terra’s house-made pickled beet juice. • Then comes ½ oz. each of hand-pressed lemon and lime juice. • For a radically spicy version of the drink, ask for Terra’s jalapeno-infused tequila or half-cock it, if you’re fond of keeping your socks on. • Garnish with a floating slice of lime.
Photo: Katy batdorff
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ROOK B E L D D I M DON S ENTERTAIN 5PM TO 8PM DJ MATT B SE O L C O T M 8P
Happy Hour in the woods $4 - Woodstinis and Wine $3 - Wells and Drafts Mon – Fri 2pm – 6pm
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5th– Borrowed Time 12th – Drop 35 19th – DJ Kung 26th – Avon Bomb www.grandwoodslounge.com REVUEWM.COM | June 2015 |
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