Revue Magazine, September 2018

WEST MICHIGAN’S ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE FOR 30 YEARS » SEPTEMBER 2018

FREE! LOCAL ARTISTS

MANSPLAINING

BY JOSHUA SOLAS JARED DEMEESTER CARRIE BURCH DAYNA WALTON DANIELLE TRUSS JORDAN GAZA TIFFANY ELMERGREEN ADESHOLA MAKINDE JORDAN WETHERBEE NICK NORTIER JEAN STEVENS

THE ARTS ISSUE

Complete 2018-2019 Season Preview

All that Glows beaut y event Thursday, September 20th | Bengtson Center You and your friends are invited to an evening that is fun & educational. All That Glows is the premier beauty, body and skin event of the season that you don’t want to miss!

RSVP by calling 616.588.8880 or visit bengtsoncenter.com/events

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AUG 25

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Deep Purple & Judas Priest Outdoor Event | 7PM Tickets start at $29 SEPT 14

Amy Schumer No Cell Phones Allowed Outdoor Event | 8PM Tickets start at $33 OCT

27 & 28

Fantasticon

Entertainment Hall Sat 12PM - 7PM & Sun 11AM - 6PM Tickets start at $5

2

Lady Antebellum & Darius Rucker Outdoor Event | 7PM Tickets start at $36 OCT 12

Little River Band & Air Supply Entertainment Hall | 8PM Tickets start at $35 NOV 17

truTV Impractical Jokers

Entertainment Hall | 6PM & 8:30PM Tickets start at $64

Get your tickets at Soaring Eagle Casino or Saganing Eagles Landing Casino Box Offices, ETIX.COM or call 1.800.514.ETIX. Stay Connected with Soaring Eagle: Performances held at Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

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Entertainment subject to cancellation. Management reserves all rights.

REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

3

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Always at the forefront of inspired dining, six.one.six announces a bold leap into French cuisine. Introducing Alessandro Guerrazzi-- our new chef de cuisine. Classically trained in Europe and a native of Italy, Chef Alessandro showcases a masterful, creative command of the fresh ingredients evident in each of his dishes. It is much more than a change of menu. It is a whole new philosophy on what is fresh, what is fabulous, as only six.one.six can make possible.

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REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

5

18+

* SEPTEMBER 5 THE MAGPIE SALUTE w/ Wayland

18+

SEPTEMBER 14 ENCHANTMENT UNDER THE SEA

SEPTEMBER 10 GARY CLARK JR.

SEPTEMBER 9 CHUPONCITO

SEPTEMBER 15 MASTODON

80s Homecoming

w/ Think No Think

w/ Dinosaur Jr., Netherlands

SEPTEMBER 16

QUEEN EXTRAVAGANZA Performing Queen's Greatest Hits

*

* SEPTEMBER 17 BLINK 182

SEPTEMBER 20 DR. JORDAN PETERSON

SEPTEMBER 18 MATT & KIM

w/ State Champs

12 Rules For Life Tour

Michael Christmas

OCTOBER 5 BUDDY GUY

w/ We Came As Romans, Bad Omens

OCTOBER 20 KALI UCHIS

NOVEMBER 10 THIEVERY CORPORATION w/ Julian Marley

NOVEMBER 16 AMANDA MIGUEL & DIEGO VERDAGUER

A Symphonic Celebration of Prince

w/ Lights

*

*

OCTOBER 10 4U

OCTOBER 25 YOUNG THE GIANT

OCTOBER 24 GOO GOO DOLLS

w/ Gabriel Garzon-Montano

OCTOBER 26 KEVIN GATES w/ Yung Bleu

OCTOBER 13 SOCIAL DISTORTION w/ Will Hoge, Pony Bradshaw

OCTOBER 28 BROTHERS OSBORNE

* NOVEMBER 17 ELVIS COSTELLO & THE IMPOSTERS

NOVEMBER 20 GENERATION AXE

Featuring Steve Vai, Zakk Wylde, Yngwie Malmsteen, Nuno Bettencourt and Tosin Abasi

DECEMBER 8 YULE BALL

featuring Harry & The Potters

* SEATED SHOW

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SEPTEMBER 28 SINBAD

* OCTOBER 6 LIL XAN

w/ Quinn Sullivan

w/ Detroit Cobras

w/ The Band Camino

*

SEPTEMBER 30 BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE

SEPTEMBER 22 MC50 KICK OUT THE JAMS

SEPTEMBER 21 BEN RECTOR

OCTOBER 19 CLUTCH w/ Sevendust, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown

NOVEMBER 3 GOOD CHARLOTTE w/ Sleeping With Sirens, Knuckle Puck

Relax at Rosa MAY 3 - SEPTEMBER 13 Free Lunchtime Entertainment Every Thursday | All Summer | 12:00 PM-1:30 PM | Rosa Parks Circle

Uprizin Steel Band May 3

Jesse Ray & the Carolina Catfish May 10

Molly May 17

Matt Gabriel May 24

Asamu Johnson & the Associates of the Blues May 31

Kevin Michael Jones June 7

May Erlewine (ft. Max Lockwood and Michael Shimmin) June 14

Conrad Shock & the Noise June 21

The Crane Wives June 28

Phillip- Michael Scales July 5

Watching for Foxes July 12

Avalon Cutts-Jones July 19

Desmond Jones July 26

Turbo Pup August 2

Cabildo August 9

Melophobix August 16

Last Gasp Collective August 23

Afro Zuma August 30

The Appleseed Collective September 6

Flexadecibel September 13

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REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER | 9 8/15/182018 3:44 PM

WHAT’S INSIDE

September 2018 | Volume 30, Issue 9

SCENE: 14 16 73 74

What’s Going on Biz Beat Boss Babe Expo Style Notes: I'll Have What She’s Wearing

SOUNDS: 18 20 22

18

On Tour: Matt & Kim On Tour: Local Natives Local Music: Audio Tree Music Festival

SIGHTS: 24

Comedy: Jo Koy

THE ARTS ISSUE 27 28 63 64 66 68 70

Introduction Artist Profiles Murals African American Art & Music Festival ArtPrize New Venues Pottery Lane

REVUE ARTS:

1A Visual arts, classical and jazz music,

theater, arts event previews and more.

(See the center of this issue)

DINING & DRINKING: 77 80 82

10 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

27

77

Dining: New Suburban Eateries Beer: Brut IPA Last Call: New Hotel Mertens

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For reservations visit wolfgangpuck.com

For reservations, please visit wolfgangpuck.com REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

11

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

T

wo years ago, we launched Revue Arts, a project that quickly turned from a leap of faith into a core part of our work. Since launching, we’ve covered more than 100 arts organizations in the region.

This has manifested in long-form stories about the arts scene, show previews, critical theater and music reviews, artist profiles and a comprehensive 20-page special section on the Gilmore Keyboard Festival. In a region that’s constantly growing and evolving, we have plenty more art-centric stories to tell in the years ahead.

As for this month, we’re putting in the spotlight local artists like Joshua Solas, our cover artist. We look for artists who are doing unique work, saying something important or making an impact on the community — if not all three. Some artists have managed to make a living from their creativity, while others are just getting started.

We picked their brains on the artistic process, West Michigan’s art culture and the source of their inspiration. You’ll also find a look at the murals of Grand Rapids, details on ArtPrize 10 (and beyond), the African American Art and Music Festival, and growing art centers in the region. Also, head to the middle of the magazine for our Season Previews, a handy guide to every cultural arts show, performance and exhibit we could find for the 2018-2019 season.

Beyond the arts, we have a look at the cuisinal hidden gems of suburbia, interviews with nationally touring bands, and a preview of Audiotree, one of West Michigan’s largest music festivals.

This issue’s a big one, and we’re proud of it, because nothing makes us happier than seeing West Michigan grow, change and celebrate its beautiful, diverse talent.

W E S T M I C H I G A N ’ S E N T E RTA I N M E N T G U I D E

EDITORIAL Publisher Brian Edwards Associate Publisher Rich Tupica / rich@revueholding.com Editor Joe Boomgaard / joe@revuewm.com Managing Editor Josh Veal / josh@revuewm.com Copy Editor Claire Boomgaard DESIGN Kristi Kortman / kristi@revuewm.com Kaylee Van Tuinen / kaylee@revuewm.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Missy Black Kelly Brown Dana Casadei Nick Macksood Jane Simons

Eric Mitts Jack Raymond Kayla Sosa Marla R. Miller

ADVERTISING / 616.608.6170 / sales@revuewm.com Kelli Belanger / kelli@revuewm.com DIGITAL EDITOR Josh Veal MINIONS Hanna Price, Michaela Stock

’Til next time,

FIND US ONLINE!

Josh Veal, Managing Editor

Website: revuewm.com Twitter: twitter.com/revuewm Facebook: facebook.com/revuewm Instagram: instagram.com/revuewm REVUE is published monthly by Revue Holding Company.

P.O. Box 1629, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-1629 Office: 616.608.6170 / Fax: 616.608.6182

UP COMING IS SUE S OCTOBER:

NOVEMBER:

Revue's annual look at local craft beer is a thorough guide to the local craft beer scene, with an extensive brewery guide, beer face-offs, trends and more.

When it comes to buying unique, special gifts for the ones you love, it's best to start early and keep it local. We’ll help you do just that with your holiday gift guide.

The Beer Issue

The Gift Guide

©2018, 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: Mansplaining

by Joshua Solas See more on page 27.

TO ADVERTISE: Call (616) 608-6170 or email sales@revuewm.com. Space reservation is the 15th of the month before publication.

12 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

13

WHAT’S GOING ON THIS MONTH | Compiled by Revue Staff

perform its new pop music alongside the songs of old that you scribbled all over your notebooks in school. The Grammynominated band is touring with its seventh album, M A N I A, released earlier this year.

Plus, the group is donating $1 from every ticket sold to charities throughout their hometown of Chicago.

9/4-8

5 Years of Food & Fun at the Downtown Market The Downtown Market 435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Sept. 4, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. downtownmarketgr.com

9/7-9

There’s nothing better than sweet deals, Wine and savory meals and caffeinated drinks all huddled together in one of Grand Rapids’ Harvest Festival Paw Paw best hotspots. Celebrate The Downtown Sept. 7-9 Market’s fifth birthday this month with wineandharvestfestival.com games, sweepstakes, discounts, happy hours and more. On Tuesday, you’ll find deals all based on the number five, Really, the Paw Paw Wine and Harvest such as “50 percent off” and “2 for $5.” Festival goes beyond just being a festival Wednesday has a $5 Happy Hour. On — it’s more of a three-day spree of events Friday, the first 100 people in the door of every variety covering the entire surrounding area. Grape Lake Kayak Race? get a $5 gift card. And on Saturday, the market’s birthday party runs all day! There They got that. Sprawling vineyard bike tour? Yup. Grape stomp? Might as well! will be outdoor games with a bar, activities for kids, magic shows, live music and more. The festival also has a parade, arts and crafts show, classic car show, carnival, fireworks, duck race, hole-in-one contest, vineyard events, live entertainment, AND a weekend-long tent with wine and beer Fall Out Boy wsg. tastings. Basically, you won’t run out of Machine Gun Kelly ways to have fun.

Van Andel Arena 130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids Sept. 6, 7 p.m., $30-$80 vanandelarena.com

9/6

9/8 WYCE Annual CD

DINING | SIGHTS | SOUNDS SCENE

Connect with your inner angst and hit up Van Andel Arena to see Fall Out Boy

and Record Sale

Eastown Community Association

Fall Out Boy at Van Andel Arena. COURTESY PHOTO 415 Ethel Ave., Grand Rapids Sept. 8, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. grcmc.org/wyce Stock up on your favorite tunes at WYCE’s annual CD and Record sale. Dust off old treasures and pick up the latest hits while supporting the WYCE radio station with your purchases. If you have any LPs, cassettes, 8-tracks or CDs you’d like to donate to the sale, email the station to schedule a drop-off or pick-up for your goods.

9/13 Boutiques of Grand

Rapids Fashion Show

Goei Center 818 Butterworth St. SW, Grand Rapids Sept. 13, 6-9 p.m., $15-$50 bit.ly/grboutiquefashion2018

Kittel & Co at the Irish Music Festival. COURTESY PHOTO

14 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

Fresh fall trends, stylish sneak peaks and all your favorite boutiques are rallying together in one chic spot for a fashion show this month. Local trendsetters like Feather and Birch, Ivy Castle, Marie La Mode and more are showcasing their latest collections at the event. After the show, you can

shop them all and grab a drink from their cash bar at the same time. Glorious!

9/13-16 Irish Music Festival

Muskegon Sept. 13-16 michiganirish.org

For lovers of Irish music, dance and cuisine, St. Patty’s Day just isn’t quite enough. The Irish Music Festival handles its celebration a little differently, with more of a focus on the country’s culture and legacy. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of beer to drink, Irish food to eat and lively Celtic music to dance to. It’s four days of fun, right on the water and open to all.

9/14

Champions of Magic

Kalamazoo State Theatre 404 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo Sept. 14, 6:30 p.m., $34.50 kazoostate.com

Five masters of illusion — all with very different origins — have come together

to form the Champions of Magic. Together, they have more than 20 million online views, multiple international awards and plenty of television appearances. Their show goes far beyond a few simple tricks — it’s full of props, stunts, lights, fire and much more, confounding audiences all over the world.

9/14-15

Salmon Festival

Grand Haven Sept. 14-15 ghsalmonfest.com

It’s time to head upstream to Grand Haven for a celebration of everyone’s favorite migrating fish: salmon. For many, this fest marks the beginning of fall and the cuisine that comes with it. If you want to get involved, there’s a fishing contest, a salmon cook-off contest and grape stomping. But if enjoying the fruits of others’ labor is more your style, hit up the Michigan wine/ beer tasting pavilion, the American Legion salmon boil or the fine art fair.

9/15 Bell’s Octoberfest

Bell’s Eccentric Cafe 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo Sept. 15, 11 a.m., free bellsbeer.com Despite the name, September means the beginning of Octoberfest, a glorious time for beer-lovers everywhere.

Bell’s Brewery is kicking off the lederhosen-filled season with live music, delicious German food and that classic titular brew, Octoberfest.

It’s malty, toasty and smooth, just the way the seasonal brew should be. Don’t miss your chance to eat some pretzels and sausage while tasting the freshest Octoberfest around. It’s free!

9/28-29

Willowsong Music Festival

Willowsong Farmstead 2039 South Nevins Rd., Sidney Sept. 28-29, $40 willowsongfestival.com Despite the massive weeping willow tree centered in the farm where the music festival takes place, there’s no weeping to be had at Willowsong Music Festival.

With two days of live music, harmonious community, arts and food, this music festival is unique in its mission to educate festival-goers on sustainable food production alongside its fun, positive artistic environment.

Champions of Magic at Kalamazoo State Theatre. COURTESY PHOTO

9/29 9/15 Taco & Tequila Fest End of Summer Food

Truck Festival

Kent District Library 4950 Breton Rd. SE, Grand Rapids Sept. 15, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. experiencegr.com Back and better than ever, this year’s Food Truck Festival is sure to put the perfect cap on summer before we turn our flip-flops in for boots and our street food in for indoor dining. A long list of food trucks — alongside beer and live music — will be present at the event, so make sure to plan ahead and stop at as many as you can. After all, hibernation is coming.

9/16 Mat Kearney wsg.

Atlas Genius

The Intersection 133 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Sept. 16, 6:30 p.m., $28.50 sectionlive.com

There are junctures in time when a brave innovator comes up with an idea so obviously successful, it’s hard to believe it never existed before that historic moment. The concept of an entire festival dedicated to tacos and tequila, outside of Cinco de Mayo, is one of those ideas. And what better place to consume the delicious duo than on the lush green lawn of a well-manicured ballpark? Enjoy tacos and tequilas from vendors all over the country, along with themed games, yard games, a mechanical bull, live music and more.

9/30 Kids ArtFest

Grand Rapids Children’s Museum 11 Sheldon Ave. NE, Grand Rapids Sept. 30, 12 p.m., $5 grcm.com Expose your kiddos to multiple artistic mediums like painting, drawing, jewellery design, sculpting and more at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum Kids ArtFest. The event will be popping all afternoon long, so you can stop by between your kids’ soccer games, piano classes and little Suzie’s birthday party to play in the paint. n

BEST BET

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME Go on a heartwarming adventure with 15-year-old mathematical genius Christopher, who decides to investigate a mystery after being accused of killing his neighbor’s dog. When this shy teenager unravels some secrets, he finds himself traveling to London, leaving behind his close teacher and familiar home life. A winner of five Tony awards, this family friendly show is not one you want to miss.

SCENE SOUNDS | SIGHTS | DINING

Singer-songwriter Mat Kearney, joined

by Atlas Genius, is stopping in Grand Rapids this month to showcase his latest album, Crazytalk, released this spring. Stylistically and sonically more progressive than his earlier anthology, Mat Kearney has packed in a punch with his soft rock/folk roots and is ready to take his new work on the road.

Homer Stryker Field 251 Mills St., Kalamazoo Sept. 29, 5-8 p.m., $30 kzootacoandtequilafest.com

| by Kayla Sosa The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Actors’ Theatre Grand Rapids Spectrum Theater 160 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids Sept. 13-29, $24 actorstheatregrandrapids.org, (616) 234-3946

REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

15

/// NEWS

WEST MICHIGAN

BIZ BEAT

A Roundup of Openings, Closings and other Local Business News

OPENED The long-awaited Bridge Street Market (405 Seward Ave. NW, Grand Rapids) has arrived.

Owned by Meijer, the new grocery store is part of a larger development that also contains apartments, parking, the new West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology office and more.

Hopland Brewstillery (977 Butternut Dr., Holland) opened as well, offering original beer and spirits, including Blue Waves, a blueberry brandy, and Boat Bouncer, a spiced rum. Hopland plans to add alcoholic kombucha, cold brew nitro coffee and more. A variety of wine is available as well, like the Night Kick, a blackberry cabernet. The modern, intimate taproom has 40 taps for beer and six flatscreen TVs. Tantrick Brewing Co. (633 Hooker Dr., Allegan) also opened with a solid selection of classic brews, like the Tilted Kolsch, Golden Mosaic Smash and Hopademic IPA. Musicians gather to perform, while local food trucks arrive occasionally to offer food for the laid-back taproom out in Allegan.

DINING | SIGHTS | SOUNDS SCENE

Rad Dads’ Tacos and Tequila Bar (470 W. Western Ave., Muskegon) joined the party, offering unique tacos like the Cracklin Me Up, with smoked pulled chicken, house verde sauce and chicken cracklins, or the Avocontrol, with tempura-battered avocado, cilantro-lime vin, roasted corn salsa and corn nuts.

The full bar is stocked with tequila, moonshine, beer and more.

16 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

Rad Dads’ Tacos and Tequila Bar. COURTESY PHOTOS

chines and TVs for sports. The casino also opened a new poker room and enclosed non-smoking gaming area.

CLOSED:

After a difficult, year-long process, Corner Bar Balinski’s (4255 Alpine Ave., Comstock Park) (31 N. Main St., Rockford) is finally back. The decided to close last month after about a year of community staple burned down last year and providing authentic Polish food to the community, was forced to rebuild. However, everything people from pierogis to golabki (stuffed cabbage), kielloved about the bar and restaurant has returned, basa and potato pancakes. In a Facebook post, including the chili dogs, affordable drinks, wall of the restaurant said the decision was difficult, but fame (for those who can eat 12 chili dogs in four was made so the owners could better focus on hours) and walk-up takeout window — even the family matters. n iconic neon sign is back in place.

—Compiled by Josh Veal Soaring Eagle Casino (6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd., Mt. Pleasant) opened ASCEND, a sports bar and nightclub with dining, live performances, slot ma-

If you have any closings, openings or other business news for REVUE, e-mail josh@revuewm.com.

REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

17

/// ON TOUR

Matt and Kim. PHOTO BY CALEB KUHL

PARTY (ALMOST) EVERYDAY DINING | SIGHTS | SOUNDS | SCENE

Matt and Kim return from injury with personal new LP, dance-ready tour | by Eric Mitts

M

ATT JOHNSON, ONE HALF OF THE BREAKOUT BROOKLYN

duo Matt and Kim, still vividly recalls playing in West Michigan during the band’s early punk-rock days.

The year was 2006. He and drummer Kim Schifino were touring in support of their self-titled debut, having formed the band fresh

18 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

out of college two years before. They had played a few rowdy house shows in our area, but when they took the “stage” at the beloved but now-long-defunct Rocketstar Café in Kalamazoo, they literally almost brought down the house.

“I remember we were playing in that coffee shop, and we were playing on the floor, and everyone’s jumping up and down and the floor started really creaking,”

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SCENE | SOUNDS | SIGHTS | DINING

years.’ But there was no taking it easy. She Johnson told Revue. “(So) the owner or just started right back up where she left off.” whoever had to go in the basement and The band is known for beaming at wedge like a two-by-four to make sure the each other, and their fans, with wide floor was supported.” smiles and banter than includes dance The pair has continued to channel breaks and numerous “inflatable objects,” that wild energy into every one of their and Johnson said they don’t want to lose live shows, cranking up the onstage antics any of that interactive kinetic energy and party atmosphere as they’ve expanded when they perform despite Schif ino’s their fanbase over the past decade. ongoing recovery.

A n absolute favor ite at massive Admitting that mortality comes up music festivals from Lollapalooza and more often on Almost Everyday than fans Coachella to Michigan’s own Electric would think it would on a Matt and Kim Forest a nd Mo Pop, t he g roup has album, Johnson explained how making the opened for everyone from Blink-182 to record fit right in with the Katy Perry. band’s internal recuperaThe duo aims to bring a party like none other, and tion, and their processing MATT AND KIM throw themselves into ev- 20 Monroe Live of the changing political world around them. ery performance — blood, 11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Sept. 18, 7 p.m, $25+ “There’s just no time sweat, tears and all.

20monroelive.com, (844) 678-5483 to be bummed,” he said.

Again, quite literally.

“I don’t want any of my W h i le on tou r i n life to be like that, and I Mex ico in suppor t of think seeing Kim, who’s such an upbeat their last LP, 2015’s New Glow, Schifino person, to see her down was like, ‘Wow, tore her ACL onstage, forcing the band to take the rest of 2017 off from touring. what even makes sense in this world?’”

Personal, poignant songs came out The longest break they had ever taken from the road since starting the band, of those questioning moments, with the duo — who are also a couple offstage — Schifino’s recovery directly influenced recording their first bonafide love song the new LP, Almost Everyday, released in Happy If You’re Happy. this past May. Sharing their love from the stage, “After Kim had the year she had to Johnson said they’ve always wanted to take off, because of her injury, and the spread the joy they feel playing music long recovery … to come back, it was like, ‘OK, good, we still get to do this!’ together — whether there’s five people in the audience or 5,000.

Because it was confusing for a while not “We’ve thought about if we ever being on the road,” Johnson said. “(But) added other members or something, it it gave me some perspective of what life would be weird, because it’s the two of us, would be like when I didn’t get to tour and then how we connect with everybody in a band anymore and have people else in the room,” he said. “A lot of times applauding the songs we wrote. It’s like people ask, ‘How do you guys put out so the best thing. While I never took it for much energy, there’s only two of you?’ granted, I’ve always appreciated everyone And I’m like, ‘No, there’s 1,002 people who came out, I think I did even more in this room.’ after it being taken away for a year.”

“We want to light the whole room. We The pair returned to the road this spring for a run of shows around the al- want people to see each other and us to see them. And maybe that all came from bum’s release. The shows were a welcome back in the day, at places like Rocketstar return to the frantically nonstop world where we’re all in a room together on the of live music — and the band’s riotously same floor. I don’t know. But I do think gleeful performances. feeling the energy between us and then “I was initially concerned because I was like, ‘Kim you need to take it a little projecting that out is what’s important.” n bit easy,” Johnson said. “‘The doctor said you’re not going to be fully healed for two

REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

19

/// ON TOUR "WE’RE EMBRACING SOME THINGS ABOUT LOCAL NATIVES — LIKE THE DRUMS AND BIG HARMONIES — THAT ARE CORE TO US, BUT WE DON’T ALWAYS PUT AT THE FOREFRONT." - TAYLOR RICE

Local Natives. COURTESY PHOTO

HOME AND AWAY

Local Natives breaks from work on new LP to top Audiotree lineup | by Eric Mitts

DINING | SIGHTS | SOUNDS | SCENE

W

HEN REVUE GOT AHOLD OF LOCAL NATIVES' Taylor

Rice, he was at home in Los Angeles, catching his breath after finding himself “caught in the vortex” of making the acclaimed indie band’s forthcoming new record.

It’s a change of pace for the band, which usually spends summers travelling nonstop on the festival circuit — drawing massive crowds at huge outings like Coachella and Lollapalooza — or jet setting to exotic locales all around the world in search of elusive inspiration.

This time around, the band decided to live up to its name by staying close to home. The members scaled back their touring schedule to just a small handful of special appearances (including headlining the Audiotree Music Festival in Kalamazoo on Sept. 22) and just focused on embracing being a band.

20 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

Known for the propulsive power of multi-part percussion and soul-lifting harmonies, Local Natives has earned nearuniversal accolades from the likes of Pitchfork, NPR, Rolling Stone and more.

Together for more than a decade and going on four LPs, this marks the first time the band will have recorded at home since making its self-funded debut, Gorilla Manor, back in 2009.

“The vibe of the record is very L.A.,” Rice said of the band’s upcoming fourth LP. “(It has) a little bit of a ’70s jam band feel to it, just a little bit, for us. And we’re embracing some things about Local Natives — like the drums and big harmonies — that are core to us, but we don’t always put at the forefront. Those things we just let fly on this record.”

Having spent the majority of this year working on the new record, Rice added that’s he excited to start playing some of

the new songs live, and hinted that the band might have time to rehearse a few before its show in West Michigan.

“In the studio, you’re creating this thing from your collective minds and sense of aesthetic, and you’re trying to capture so many things into a three-and-a-half or four or five minute song, and live, all of those considerations are gone,” Rice said of how audiences have helped shape the band’s unique path to success. “When we play in concert, the exchange and the communication between the band and the audience is the most important thing.

“There’s a song on our second record called Columbia, and it’s the emotional centerpiece of that record,” he added. “It’s a really emotional, cathartic song for the band, and we strip it way more down live.

(Vocalist/keyboardist) Kelcey (Ayer) and I will start the song with just a piano and a guitar, and the two of us singing for most

of the song. We took that song smaller because it seemed to reach farther. But often there are other songs where we need to play this faster, or we need to play this up much larger or bigger.”

As Local Natives’ reach has expanded, the band felt compelled to express its political passions, in 2016 bringing along the nonprofit organization HeadCount on tour to help register people to vote. The band also performed at several campaign events around the country, and Rice even found himself meeting former President Obama at an emotional White House Christmas dinner during the last month of his presidency in 2016.

“Most of our fans tend to be in a demographic that probably agrees with us,” Rice said. “But a lot of the country is really divided, and we do have fans that don’t agree with the political things that we were saying. And there’s not a lot of space for things that bring people who are really diametrically opposed together, and music is one of those things. So there’s pluses and minuses to it. But during the (2016) election and during the whole last album cycle, it was just opening the floodgates for us.

“That was the first time that we spoke out politically and publically. The writing is always very personal, and because it’s such a huge part of our lives, every album is political in that way. There is no exception to that.” n

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/// LOCAL MUSIC

Left: Post Animal. PHOTO BY POONEH GHANA Right: Diet Cig. COURTESY PHOTO

DEEP ROOTS, NEW GROWTH Audiotree Music Festival brings forest of fresh sounds to downtown Kalamazoo | by Eric Mitts

DINING | SIGHTS | SOUNDS | SCENE

N

OW IN ITS SIXTH YEAR, THE AUDIOTREE MUSIC FESTIVAL

continues to evolve, while firmly establishing itself as one of the marquee music events here in West Michigan.

Founded in 2013 by Kalamazoo area natives Michael Johnston and Adam Thurston, the multi-genre music festival has experimented with different lineups and layouts over its half-decade run. This year, the two-day event will return to Downtown Kalamazoo’s Arcadia Creek Festival Site for the third year in a row, and will feature the beguiling live performance of indie-folk icon Father John Misty and the multi-part harmonies of Los Angeles indierock favorite Local Natives as headlining acts.

More than 20 other bands also will perform throughout the weekend, between the festival’s mainstage and its brand-new second stage, co-curated with Western Michigan University’s campus radio station 89.1 WIDR-FM. “Every year, we always get dozens of submissions from local bands or smaller bands that are starting out, and we just don’t have enough slots on the mainstage in order to

22 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

make it happen,” said Audiotree co-founder production company based in Chicago that combines high-quality, in-studio audio and Adam Thurston. “So we thought this was the perfect opportunity to introduce that video production with a live streaming blog, second stage, and we partnered with WIDR and other management, promotion and recording services. for exactly that reason.”

Since then, Audiotree has expanded to Planned for a location on Edwards Street in the southeast corner of the park, become a premiere music discovery platform online, best known for Audiotree Live, its the WIDR stage will host several area acts live-streaming production like Kalamazoo’s own Jake company, as well as its Simmons, Lushh and Moss long-running in-studio live Jaw, as well as rising new artseries, watched by millions ists hand-picked by WIDR AUDIOTREE MUSIC FESTIVAL Feat. Father John Misty, Local Natives, of viewers worldwide each and Audiotree. The smaller Real Estate, and many more month via YouTube, Spotify stage will alternate with the and Apple Music. performances set for the fes- Arcadia Creek Festival Place, 145 E. Water St., Kalamazoo “ W hen we sta r ted tival’s mainstage, providing Sept. 22-23, $45-$135 Audiotree eight years ago, attendees with two full days audiotreemusicfestival.com our focus was on being an of nonstop live music. artist discovery platform, “Most importantly, it’s and we have these bands just giving more of those local bands and smaller bands an opportunity, that we see the promise of that might not have the money or the opportunity to get into a which is what Audiotree as a company is all professional studio and record a session, or about,” Thurston said.

After growing up together in West have a video showing their live performance.

So we’ve sort of built our company around Michigan, Thurston and Johnston started Audiotree together back in 2010 as a music that,” Thurston said.

Eager to engage with the community in West Michigan, Audiotree will welcome back several local vendors and food trucks this year, while also teaming up with area nonprofits and student organizations looking to share in the festival’s spirit of new discovery.

For the first year, the festival will also partner with Virtue Cider out of Fennville as one of its official beverage sponsors, giving even more local flavor to the event.

Looking back on a strong turn-out last year where organizers fended off fiercely hot temperatures with some of its biggest crowds to date, Thurston sounded excited and optimistic when talking about the possibilities for this year’s Audiotree and its future as a growing part of Downtown Kalamazoo’s cultural landscape.

“I think if done properly in that space (Arcadia Creek Festival Place), we could feasibly fit 4,000 people in there on a daily basis,” he said. “We’re just going to increase the experiential side of it and hopefully we can have it packed from fence to fence this year both on Saturday and Sunday.” n

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by Eric Mitts

COMEDY

STEPPING UP

With a hit Netflix special and sold-out arena shows, Jo Koy has done it all on his own terms

DINING |SIGHTS SOUNDS | SCENE

J

O KOY IS FAR FROM THE NORM ing the country, frequently getting booked when it comes to the comedy world. as the “other” ethnicity at various colleges’ Born Joseph Glenn Herbert, Koy multicultural comedy shows. has always had comedy in his blood. But Half-white and half-Filipino, Koy frehe’s had a long climb to the top, since quently jokes about the many stereotypes starting out in the entertainment industry at surrounding his ethnicity. His comedy just 14. Now 47 years old, with a smash hit blends carefully barbed observations with Netflix special to his name, he has sold out candid, scathing storytelling stemming from shows all over the world. So no one will blame his childhood growing up with his Filipino him if he looks back and laughs. mother, as well as his experiences now as a dad.

Talking with Revue early one morning, Despite razzing his mother’s parenting Koy remembered the years he spent slinging style onstage now, Koy still credits her with shoes at Nordstrom Rack during his younger getting him to where he is today, and delights days as a fresh-faced comic. in how much she loves sharing in his spotlight.

“I remember when I did The Tonight Show “I always say, (my mom) indirectly made (in 2005) and I didn’t know how broad its me famous, because she was always going to reach was,” he said. “This is back with Jay these Filipino community events,” Koy said.

Leno, and I remember going to work (at “Back then, you had to physically walk outside Nordstrom Rack) the next day, and I swear and find other Filipinos. We’d get together at to God, every other person saw me on The the Knights of Columbus Hall and everyone Tonight Show. And it was the same thing that would bring some sort of Filipino food and they would say to me, they would be like, ‘Oh the kids would go up there and entertain my god, you were so funny on The Tonight everyone.

Show!’ And I’d be like, ‘Thank you so much!’

“So that’s when I got bit. That’s how I got And then they’d be like, ‘Can I get this in the bug, man.” a size 8?’ It was so crushing, With years of sold-out man! Reality would just jump comedy clubs and steadily in so fast.” increasing numbers of TV JO KOY Not letting the retail rat appearances, including more BREAK THE MOLD TOUR race slow him down, Koy did than 100 appearances on the Kalamazoo State Theatre what any motivated comedi- 404 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo E! hit Chelsea Lately and two Sept. 23, 5 p.m., $38-48, $113 VIP an did in the pre-social media Comedy Central specials, kazoostate.com, (269) 345-6500 age. He went to Kinko’s.

Koy embraced the rising “I started in ’89, and in social media wave with his order to get the word out, hit podcast The Koy Pond. you had to go to Kinko’s and make flyers,” But it wasn’t enough for Koy, and when he said. “You had to make real, physical flyers Netflix announced its massive comedy slate and hand them out and put them on cars. So for 2017, he found his name absent from the I have that in me. When I came up in Vegas, list and decided to do something about it.

I always knew I had to do it myself.”

Producing his third comedy special himself, Sometimes even selling tickets door-to- he won over the streaming juggernaut with door for shows he often produced himself, how funny it was.

Koy steadily built a word of mouth following “When we shot that, Netflix wasn’t even in his hometown of Las Vegas. From open interested,” he said. “They weren’t like, ‘Go mics and casino gigs, he moved on to tour-

24 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

Jo Koy. COURTESY PHOTO shoot it and cut it up and we’ll give it a look.’

All of these platforms were already saying no to me, so it was a full-on 100 percent risk. But that’s what you’ve got to do, man. You’ve got to take that risk. You’ve got to show people who you are and stand up for yourself.”

The risk paid off big time. Jo Koy: Live In Seattle premiered on Netflix in March 2017 and became his biggest hit to date. He’s sold out countless shows since, and even had a day named after him in Hawaii last year: Jo Koy Day, on Nov. 24.

This year, he’s returning to the island state where he’s overwhelmingly popular to film his next Netflix special on Jo Koy Day. “It’s so surreal. I’ve always heard of people getting the key to the city and that was my day; that was my moment,” Koy said. “That taping for that special is not until November and (it) sold out in just a couple days. And not

just that show, we added three more. So four arenas shows in November, with something like 26,000 tickets sold.”

Before breaking sales records in Hawaii, Koy’s Break The Mold tour will stop here in West Michigan at the Kalamazoo State Theatre, where he said fans can expect a preview of the new material that will make up his next Netflix performance.

Still hustling, Koy is also currently working on a long-awaited animated series for TruTV titled The Functional Family, which is based on his family life.

But it’s his shoes that keep him moving.

Pun intended.

“Every time I go shoe shopping, it’s like I remember those days, and I just use that as motivation,” Koy said, remembering his time at Nordstrom Rack. “I’ve got to bust my ass or I could go back to selling shoes again.” n

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Petra Kuppers. Salamander, by The Olimpias,(detail), 2013-2016. Photo courtesy of the artist.

NOW THROUGH—JANUARY 6, 2019

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THE ARTS ISSUE Our annual Arts Issue explores “art” in every sense of the word — visual, musical, performance, and the idea of cultural arts as a whole. In the pages ahead, we highlight artists in the community who are making an impact on West Michigan while making a name for themselves, from painters to stitchers, photographers and beyond.

We also look at the explosion of murals around Grand Rapids, including a chat with one artist responsible for

much of the city’s work. Then there’s the returning African American Arts and Music Fest, which goes hand in hand with ArtPrize’s 10th anniversary.

You’ll also find our Season Previews, which offer a sweeping look at West Michigan’s arts events to come in the year ahead. If you’d like, you can pull this section out of the magazine and keep it around all year as a seasonlong guide to the excellent offerings in our community.

REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

27

THE ARTS ISSUE | PROFILE

CARRIE BURCH

CHANGING THE WORLD ONE, STITCH AT A TIME

BY KELLY BROWN

When you hear the word “embroidery,” you might not immediately think “artform,” but for Carrie Burch of Stitch Folks, embroidery is just as much a medium of art as painting or sculpture. An Ohio native, Burch is a graduate of Biola University in Los Angeles and a five-year resident of Grand Rapids. Her embroidery company, Stitch Folks, has been featured in Magnolia Journal and Better Homes and Gardens. The success of her online Etsy shop continues to grow month to month, bringing in dozens of new orders, each one as exciting as the last.

Carrie Burch. Courtesy Photo

28 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

What is your background and how did you decide to pursue art (specifically embroidery) full-time?

I moved to Grand Rapids five years ago and I have since worked in art education, interior design and styling, but I always end up coming back to embroidery. In 2013, I had an art degree under my belt and was working in the food service industry with no future plans. I would often think back to when my art professor told my graduating class that very few art majors continue making art after they graduate. I was determined that after the hard work I had put into my degree, I would not be part of that statistic.

How’d you avoid that?

One day, I found myself blindly walking up and down the aisles of a craft store and I ended up in the embroidery aisle. After designing and stitching a few projects for family and friends, I was encouraged to open my Etsy shop in 2014. I feel a bit of shock and excitement every time an order comes in.

How did you know that you could make Stitch Folks your career?

Stitch Folks existed as an evening hobby for quite some time. At some point, I realized that business was flowing in consistently and I could make the same amount of money doing embroidery as I was making in the food service industry. So, I quit my food service job, set up Stitch Folks in my living room, and committed to working full-time toward

my dream. For a while, I worked more hours while making less money, but I didn’t care — I was a million times happier.

How has your embroidery transitioned over the course of your career?

Over the past five years, my work has changed and evolved more than I ever dreamed. I started by making simple cross-stitch and progressed my skill into more realistic portraits. I have even created some politically charged work inspired by the Women’s March on D.C. and large, minimal outlines of hands inspired by the #MeToo movement. I am always trying to rethink my priorities, be true to my style, while also considering my bank account. My goal is that my shop will progress into a personal art practice, creating work that is gallery-ready, while being able to employ and mentor young people who also dream of a career as an artist.

How do you manage your life, outside of creating, without getting bogged down with everyday tasks?

This isn’t something I have mastered, but I have figured out a few things that help me personally. Since I often work from home, I create a quiet space separate from the rest of the house that is for art-making. I can leave my artwork out, come back to it later, and let the space exist as my ‘office.’ I also see art as a priority, not only because it pays my bills, but because I’ve seen what my soul feels like when I go too long without creating.

What was it like being featured in Magnolia Journal?

Stitch Folks’ feature in Magnolia Journal could not have come at a better time. I was experiencing a bit of a burnout after three years of embroidery and had been wondering if Stitch Folks had run its course. A Fixer Upper producer purchased a family portrait for the Gaines family after finding me on Instagram. I was very excited to create work for someone I respected. I was even more thrilled when Joanna Gaines loved it enough to feature it on Jo’s 2016 Holiday Gift Guide in Magnolia Journal. That little stamp of approval and increase in income gave me the encouragement and boost to keep moving forward.

Who are some artists you look up to?

Eliza Fernand’s politically driven quilt work continues to impress me. Matt and Kristin Fowler’s long time project, Nest House, used their skills in home and garden design to build community within their neighborhood. Dana Doll’s community, Treetops Collective, is a place that celebrates our new refugee neighbors in West Michigan and the creative gifts they bring. There is also a new art gallery on the west side of Grand Rapids called Muse, and a new creative workspace downtown called Little Space Studio that are both great. n Find Burch’s work at stitchfolks.net.

REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

29

THE ARTS ISSUE | PROFILE

JEAN STEVENS

Glimmer.

PAINTING THE EARTH

BY JANE SIMONS

A painting is never really done for Jean Stevens.

The Kalamazoo-based artist said she’ll sometimes take down a painting hanging on the wall of her Park Trades Center studio and add a few more brush strokes of color to it.

“I love starting, but finishing is more difficult for me because then the possibilities are gone,” Stevens said.

“I’m trying more and more to jump out while it’s still alive.

When you’re casting about with your brush and it’s not going anywhere, I know it’s done. “(But later), I see things I could do to them and I take them out of the frame and work on them. It happens a lot.”

While a student at Western Michigan University where she earned a master of fine arts in painting in 1997, Stevens worked in a variety of subject and media, but a vacation started her on a trajectory to become a wellknown painter of nature.

“I was looking out at the water from a boat and I started thinking about what I wanted to paint and I thought, ‘Why not this?’” she said. “Water, clouds, branches, there are all of these patterns in nature.”

Stevens said she tends to focus in on elements of nature that she finds meditative or hypnotic, or scenes where she finds a sense of wonder.

“I’m an environmentalist, and that is what really inspires and informs my artwork,” Stevens said. “Whether I’m in the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, the high desert in

Jean Stevens. Courtesy Photo

30 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

Vanishing Hawksbill.

New Mexico, the coral reefs in the Caribbean, or Michigan woods and lakes.”

Stevens said she paints “about the environment,” because it’s deeper than just painting something in nature that she finds beautiful. Her painting titled Vanishing Hawksbill is about more than being in the water with a sea turtle and watching it swim away.

“It was magical to me, but also sad, because they’re severely endangered, vanishing from the face of the earth — and I’m someone who feels that when they’re gone, the world will be a much poorer place,” Stevens said. “It’s the same with monarchs, orangutans and elephants, and all the other species who are disappearing every day along with their habitats. What people are doing to the planet is the biggest issue facing them, but they seem oblivious. We belong to the earth, not the other way around.”

While the untrained eye will likely not notice, Stevens mixes with just six colors in her paintings, something she taught herself. Her technique has continued to evolve. She moved to working with acrylic on canvas three years ago and started using painting knives one year later.

Her smaller paintings tend to present a larger view of what she perceives while her larger works offer a more up-close and personal view.

At any given time, she is working on four or five paintings.

She said she tries to be in her studio eight hours each day.

“Really paying attention and being focused takes a lot out of you,” Stevens said. “It’s a big challenge to be there with (a painting) and to not judge it.

“Right now, I’m feeling like the whole focus is being in the moment and learning to let go. I’m working on being

Between Worlds.

in the now and interpreting more loosely and trying for the feel of what it was like to be somewhere.”

Before retiring, Stevens had a full time job that provided her with a steady income to cover the cost of studio rental, supplies and exhibits. For her, that job was as a museum exhibition designer with the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and its predecessor, the Kalamazoo Public Museum. The job involved plenty of artistic tasks, as she would put together shows with framing, writing and graphics.

Perhaps more important than the steady income that her job provided was the freedom to paint for herself and focus on subjects that mattered to her.

“I still feel like there’s so much I can do to develop my painting,” Stevens said. “In the last 20 years, the subject matter that I’m interested in almost depends on it not being about me. I need to get myself out to see what I want to come out and not be so controlling.”

She calls her paintings accessible and has her share of collectors. Her work is also on display at businesses and organizations such as WMU, the Van Andel Institute, Kalsec and St. Thomas More Church in Kalamazoo. Lately, she said she’s been turning down requests for commissioned pieces because she has so many ideas of her own.

“The important relationship is what’s going on between you and the piece in the moment,” Stevens said. “It’s about trying more and more to be there and less about what fits in and who’s going to look at it. You and (the painting) reach some kind of agreement when it’s complete.” n Find Stevens' work at jeanstevensart.com.

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THE ARTS ISSUE | PROFILE

JARED DEMEESTER

FEEL-GOOD CREATIONS

BY MICHAELA STOCK

Jared Demeester. Courtesy Photo

Artist, musician and multi-business owner Jared DeMeester was born and raised in Grand Rapids. He works as a freelance designer under the moniker I Tried My Best and is a founder of Stovetop Coffee Roasters, which is opening a café on 944 E. Fulton St. this fall. Over the past few years, DeMeester has started eight companies, played in multiple bands and become an award-winning package designer for Stovetop.

But for DeMeester, this is all just the beginning.

What got you into art and music?

I started playing guitar when I was in fourth grade. When I was in fifth grade, I had the choice between bass and tuba for band. I was for some reason inclined to choose bass, which has absolutely formed my entire existence. There are strange decisions like that when you’re small, where you have no idea what that decision is going to affect.

Where did that particular decision lead you?

Sixteen-year-old Jared then thought he was going to go be a doctor by day and play jazz music on a riverboat by night in Boston. I went on to graduate with a chemistry and jazz double major from Hope College, and I was dead set on going to medical school. The thing that swayed my decision against this plan was Sweet Spot, a longboard wheel company Alex Bolen and I started in college. I literally could not have in my wildest dreams predicted then what I’m doing now.

Above: Mount Rushmore. Below: Stovetop Roasters Packaging.

Continued on Page 34.

REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

33

THE ARTS ISSUE | PROFILE

Continued From Page 33.

AJ FIN-NSEeYpt. 1

Aug. 30

ALEX EDELMAN

September 6-8

Sloth Thing Tee.

How did Stovetop Coffee Roasters begin?

I was in grad school for jazz music, and (my friend) Steve came to me and asked if I wanted to start a coffee roasting company. I bought a coffee roaster on a credit card and was like, ‘Let’s go!’

What’s your creative process when making a design for Stovetop?

JULIAN MCCULLOUGH September 13-15

Y MIKE SbTerAN2L0E-22

Septem

CHRIS BAR2N7-ES29

September

34 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

At The B.O.B. Grand Rapids, MI 616.356.2000 thebob.com #drgrins

I seriously just try my best, and I don’t mean that to sound kitschy. We taste the coffee, and I literally, with an ink pen, draw the first thing that comes to mind.

The goal is all about accessibility. I’m not going to say that I draw a narwhal because I taste that; I’m just a guy with a pen that likes drawing weird things, and I’m really grateful I have a canvas to do it on.

How has Grand Rapids influenced you creatively?

It’s really beautiful here, and beauty does cultivate beauty. There are so many talented people in such a small area, the concentration is significant. I make because I’m inspired by other makers. Being born and raised in Grand Rapids, I spent a good amount of time downtown because my mom and dad ran a small theater where the police department is now. I love being in Grand Rapids and having a lot of history here, because I see ‘little Jared’ and the things I experienced growing up.

I almost feel inspired by my past life here.

Being a part of a place where you have a really small piece of what has come of it is really cool and humbling.

What’s most important to you as an artist and a creative?

You can get better at anything if you practice it. Something that I value about the artist lifestyle is how much discipline it teaches you and how much of a better person it makes you. Your emotional well-being is so uplifted by your pursuit of artistry, but it also can be crushed if you’re placing significant expectation on what you plan to create, but you’re not actually committing the time or headspace to create it. Your inner life informs your art, and your output will inform your inner life.

What keeps you going as an artist?

It feels good to make things, at a very fundamental level. It feels good to make decisions; it feels good to make breakfast; it feels good to make art. I definitely think people are the reason that I make, and it energizes me in a really real way. It makes me excited. This is a super dramatic statement, but I think music and art literally bridge together and speak the impossible in some roundabout way. And I freaking love that. That’s why I do it. n Find DeMeester’s work at stovetoproasters.com.

Photo: Shelly Mosman

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THE ARTS ISSUE | PROFILE

JORDAN K. GAZA

MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD

BY JACK RAYMOND

Given a pen, illustrator Jordan K. Gaza can tap into a fundamental human dread. Her work is organic and whimsical, often with a dash of body horror.

Imagine Dr. Seuss having a bad mescaline trip in a field of Venus flytraps.

Her figures’ soft edges belie a terror that looms in the foreground, ready to penetrate if we let our guard down. She can draw a damn good looking piece of pizza too. A freelance artist in Grand Rapids, Gaza is a true talent who’s had art featured at the UICA, Glitter Milk Gallery and more. Keep your eyes peeled for a graphic novel down the pipeline, or any project from her for that matter. With a signature blend of comfort and unease, her work takes lodge in your mind, and you’ll want it to stay.

What have you worked on recently that you’re proud of?

I did a mural at the UICA this past spring for their Exit Space project, a rotating series of work inside the gallery space. I’d never done something on that scale before. It was nice. I got to be by myself eight hours a day painting and listening to podcasts. I also enjoy doing portraits of striking people I see around town, picking out details in people that they might not notice and translating that to a more simplified cartoon version. People like seeing themselves reflected in these exaggerated forms.

What can you tell us about your first forays into the world of narrative illustration?

I first got interested in making zines when I was 13 after discovering Esther Watson’s chapbook, Whatcha Mean, What’s a Zine? It was a good guide for how to construct and print your work when you’re self-publishing. I’d make these little one-pagers letting out my teenage angst, and I’d leave them around Jackson, Mich. for people to find. They had my email on the back and people would reach out to tell me how they related with my stories. As far as graphic illustration, a lot of it was self-trained, looking to other graphic novelists and deconstructing how they do it. With good illustration, all you need is a quick look-over and you can see the story. It doesn’t have to be revolutionary, often the personal is more affecting.

Continued on Page 38.

Above: Wolves of Suburbia. Below: Plain.

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THE ARTS ISSUE | PROFILE

Left: Arcadia Cover. Right: blacklocust.

Continued From Page 37.

Do you feel graphic storytelling is taken as seriously in the arts community?

In what other ways do you see graphic work as a tool for learning?

I think there are some on the fine arts side that view graphic illustration as selling out, or that it’s commoditized and not terribly serious. From their standpoint, they don’t see the hard work or process behind it. It’s hard as a creative professional to have that stigma put on myself by peers.

I really enjoy the possibilities of children’s literature. I made a book called Soft Warm Thing. A little girl, Push, and her grandmother live in the woods without leaving their insulated world. One day her grandmother falls ill, so Push ventures into the woods to find a cure. She has to keep the soft warm thing safe to keep the darkness at bay. It’s her strength inside that keeps the light alive.

People talk down to children a lot. It’s not necessary.

Do you see that tide turning?

I do. There’s a movement to start teaching graphic novels in a literary capacity, like Maus in history courses for example. With some cutting-edge works, I think it will take a while for the education system to catch up. With graphic illustration, there are two different types of storytelling. I can’t write to save my life, but visually I can get across emotions that sometimes words can’t. When you have image-building working together on multiple levels it can create a wholly new and profound experience.

How did you get your start as an artist?

In the turmoil of growing up, dealing with the fallout of a troubled home, it was comforting to draw. I remember when I was young how my grandfather and I would draw a map of a farm I’d want when I got older. I would fill the map with animals and he would draw the barn and houses. It was an escape. We’d do it all the time. I think my love of illustration all started there. n Find Gaza's work at jkgaza.wixsite.com/jordan-k-gaza-art.

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Jordan K. Gaza. Courtesy Photo

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THE ARTS ISSUE | PROFILE

TIFFANY ELMERGREEN TATTOO THERAPY

BY HANNA PRICE

Born and raised on the southeast side of Grand Rapids, tattoo artist Tiffany “Tiffy” Elmergreen knew she had a passion for art at an early age. She was always drawn to tattooing, but in high school, she saw it as a mere “pipe dream.” When the opportunity to do what she loved finally came, she went for it.

One of Elmergreen’s main motivations at the time was to be taught by a woman. That didn’t happen right away, but she took an apprenticeship, learned the ropes and found herself at Honest To Goodness Tattoos and Piercing, where she learned most of what she knows under shop owner Kaelyn Currow.

Once she had found her mentor, she was able to hone in on her specific style — American traditional, with a touch of the feminine and delicate. With her versatile style, she is able to stand out among other tattoo artists and keep her books full. Be prepared to wait if you want work done by Elmergreen, but the delay is well worth it.

What’s your favorite part about being an artist?

Who or what influences or inspires your art?

Art-wise, I get to do something I love on a daily basis and it pays the bills. I mean, that’s so rare for an art-related job.

You might chase after art your whole life and it just doesn’t work out; you either just get by or you’re not making any money. So the fact that I can pay my bills by doing something that I love is insane to me. I’m really grateful for that.

I do look at a lot of other tattooers. Instagram is awesome for that, but if I’m not in a good mindset, it can be really discouraging. I look to other tattooers probably more technique-wise, trying to figure out how to do stuff. Other inspiration would be nature in general. I have a million pictures on my phone of flowers and leaves, mostly plants. A little bit of fashion too — not as much in the design aspect, but colors and patterns. I’m really drawn to patterns. And just old artwork or architecture.

That is rare!

The other aspect, and something I was naive about, was what a people business it is. Before, I thought, ‘Oh, I get to draw all the time and mark people permanently with my own artwork.’ That’s all I thought it was, and it’s very much my connection with people and making an experience and setting an atmosphere. When I get tattooed, I remember that day and I remember everything that happened; the conversation, the food I ate and every little detail.

If you could describe your style in one word, what would it be?

One word?! I’d say … feminine, which could be in a bunch of different ways. I did not have a defined style when I started.

I definitely was interested in the traditional style and tried to draw that. But then, over the years, I do a lot of flowers and more delicate subject matter, yet still in a traditional way.

I use those black outlines and pretty solid color. My style has developed over the years and I’m still finding it, always.

Tiffany Elmergreen. Courtesy Photo

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How do you feel about tattoos having a ‘deeper meaning?’ Do you think it’s always necessary?

I don’t think it’s necessary. I feel that it’s usually a starting point for people, because if they’re marking their body forever, they want it to be meaningful. So, I think it’s definitely alright if you want to have every tattoo to have a meaning. I think for myself, once you start collecting and have so many, you’re like, ‘Yeah, that broccoli looks good there.’ A lot of it is just decorating your body and making something even more beautiful. Or, I feel like tattoos can be very therapeutic in helping you love certain parts of your body that you might not have loved before. Once I started tattooing my legs, I started wearing shorts and skirts more, and before I only wore pants. n

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SEASON PREVIEWS

A complete preview of West Michigan’s cultural arts events for 2018–2019

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[PREVIEWS]

visual ar t

COMPILED BY DANA CASADEI

hibition, themes of bees and beekeeping are central.

■■ Prints from the Permanent Collection, Sept. 4-Jan. 23 ■■ Mars: Astronomy and Culture, Sept. 4-Oct. 20 ■■ Jo-Ann Van Reeuwyk: Faculty Exhibition, Sept. 4-Oct. 20 ■■ Tia Wierenga and Elizabeth Brandt, Oct. 29-Dec.15 ■■ Was God Dead? Biblical Imagination in German Expressionist Prints, Jan. 7-Feb. 23 ■■ Elaine Tolsma Harlow: Solo Exhibition, Jan. 7-Feb. 23 ■■ Hague School Paintings, Jan. 28-July 31 ■■ Craig Goodworth and David Hooker, March 7-April 27 ■■ Senior BA and BFA Exhibition, May 3-18

BROAD ART MUSEUM 547 E. Circle Dr., East Lansing broadmuseum.msu.edu, (517) 884-4800 Terry Williams - Untitled. COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND ARTS PROJECT AUSTRALIA, MELBOURNE

At Frederick Meijer Gardens & Scupture Park.

CENTER ART GALLERY 1795 Knollcrest Circle, Grand Rapids calvin.edu/centerartgallery/studio, (616) 526-6271

This season, the art departments at Calvin College are uniting under one theme: “Create. Unite. Renew.” To kick it off three shows are opening in September, including Prints from the Permanent Collection, Mars: Astronomy and Culture, and Jo-Ann Van Reeuwyk’s Faculty Exhibition. Pieces in Van Reeuwyk’s exhibition were developed in response to Mars. There will be one other exhibit opening in the fall, featuring works by two West Michigan artists, Tia Wierenga and Elizabeth Brandt.

Much like September, there will be three shows opening the first month of 2019. Selections from the collection of Robert and Sandra Bowden — in partnership with the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship — are showcased in Was God Dead? There’s also a solo exhibition by mixed-media artist Elaine Tolsma Harlow. Her recent works are encaustic paintings, which mix hot beeswax with colored pigments.

In spring, Calvin has the works of Craig Goodworth and David Hooker. At this ex-

Opening in September is When the Land Speaks by Deborah Jack, a multimedia artist whose work explores the relationship between nature and memory, and personal and cultural histories embedded in the natural world. The Vault at the museum houses a selection of works from its permanent collection and is dedicated to featuring and displaying works chosen by MSU students who work at the museum each month. Also coming this fall are the sculptural works of Detroit-based artist Matthew Angelo Harrison.

■■ When the Land Speaks: Jonathas de Andrade, Through Sept. 2 ■■ The Vault: Andrew Kuo, Through Sept. 2 ■■ When the Land Speaks: Deborah Jack, Sept. 4-30 ■■ The Vault: C.J. Yao, Sept. 4-30 ■■ Scott Hocking, Through Sept. 30 ■■ Trevor Baird: Tweening. Through Sept. 30 ■■ Michel Parmentier, Through Oct. 7 ■■ Matthew Angelo Harrison, Oct. 13-Nov. 25 ■■ Literatura de Cordel, Through Nov. 4 ■■ Art Is Changing, Through Dec. 2 ■■ Charles Pollock: Modernism in the Making, Through Dec. 30 ■■ David Lamelas: Fiction of a Production, Through Jan. 6

FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULPTURE PARK 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids meijergardens.org, (888) 957-1580

First up is Process and Presence: Contemporary Disability Sculpture. The exhibit is organized jointly by DisArt — a Grand Rapids-based arts and culture organization promoting full participation of disabled people in the arts — and the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. The art is largely three-dimensional, such as sculpture, ceramics, performance, installation and video art. The exhibition emphasizes the relationship between disability and the fundamental human experiences of change and embodiment.

Also opening in September is the annual Chrysanthemums and More! Considered the largest exhibit of its kind, Chrysanthemums and More! highlights the titular flowers during this annual celebration of fall. It also includes loads of family-friendly activities.

Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World — another annual exhibit — will take place in November, just in time for the holidays. It brings together nearly 400,000 lights, strolling carolers, visits from Santa, rooftop reindeer and more than 40 international trees and displays, honoring holiday cultures from around the world. If this doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit, we don’t know what will.

The new year will feature a new exhibit, A National Treasure: Fred Meijer, His Collection and Legacy, running until the end of August.

This exhibit follows its namesake’s growth as a collector throughout the years, highlighting what is considered one of the most important collections of modern and contemporary sculpture in the world. It’s all timed to celebrate the centenary of Meijer’s birth and will have legacy gifts from the Meijer family by George Minne and El Anatsui publicly presented for the first time.

■■ Process and Presence: Contemporary Disability Sculpture, Sept. 14-Jan. 6 ■■ Chrysanthemums and More!, Sept. 21-Oct. 28 ■■ Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Nov. 20-Jan. 6 ■■ A National Treasure: Fred Meijer, His Collection and Legacy, Feb. 1-Aug. 25

GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM 101 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids artmuseumgr.org, (616) 831-1000

This year, the GRAM is exhibiting the works of 11 artists or artist pairs for ArtPrize.

Five of the works selected are by Michigan-based artists, while the others hail from all over the world, including Finland, Ghana and Venezuela.

Continued >

celebrate the unifying power of the world’s music!

october 5 – november 25 lineup includes:

tapestry two nights of shows

fifth house ensemble music banned by oppressive regimes

dio trio featuring singer dima Orsho

arsentiy kharitonov up-and-coming russian pianist

abraham jam three seasoned singer-songwriters

tlen huicani Mexican folklore ensemble

over 17 events presented by

c c m u si c fe st . co m

[PREVIEWS] Continued from page 3 Following that is Who Shot Sports: A Photographic History, 1843 to the Present, which has more than 200 images in color and black and white by more than 150 photographers taken across six continents, with photos dating back 175 years. The exhibit has everything from athletes in action to those on the sidelines — including the dedicated fans, hopefully some with face paint — and behindthe-scenes photos.

Dylan Miner: Water is Sacred // Trees are Relatives opens on Oct. 27 and features largescale cyanotype photographs (a printing process that produces a cyan-blue print) on fabric, portraying images of cloudy skies and water surfaces. The East Lansing-based artist and activist is debuting new work, focused on the natural environment of West Michigan and its history. His works investigate the important historical and current issues around three primary natural elements: wood, water and sky.

In 2019, the GRAM will open A Decade at the Center: Recent Gifts and Acquisitions and Maya Lin: Ecliptic and Beyond. The former closes the GRAM’s yearlong celebration of its first decade at 101 Monroe Center and will feature works acquired through gift and purchase, showcasing the museum’s collection.

Closing the season is an exhibit that was organized by the museum in collaboration with Lin’s studio. In 2001, Lin designed Ecliptic, known to the public as Rosa Parks Circle, which transformed it into a central gathering space that is now the heart of the city. Ecliptic and Beyond has large-scale sculptural works she has recently created that explore the environmental landscapes of bodies of water, created through the internationally acclaimed artist and architect’s meticulous use of charting, mapping and precise calculations.

■■ ArtPrize 10 at GRAM, Sept. 12-Oct. 14 ■■ Who Shot Sports: A Photographic History, 1843 to the Present, Oct. 27-Jan. 13 ■■ Dylan Miner: Water is Sacred // Trees are Relatives, Oct. 27-March 3 ■■ A Decade at the Center: Recent Gifts and Acquisitions, Jan. 26-April 28

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■■ Maya Lin: Ecliptic and Beyond, May 18-Sept. 1

LAFONTSEE GALLERIES 833 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, 410 W. Center St., Douglas lafontsee.us

LaFontsee Galleries’ summer season will end with Toast at the Douglas location. At the show’s opening will be a reception and live artist demonstrations from Elizabeth Brandt, Saul Gray-Hildenbrand, Linda LaFontsee and Kathy Mohl.

■■ Toast, Sept. 2-30 ■■ Fall Show, Nov. 30 ■■ Artist Demos & LG Boutique Local Jewelry Artist Trunk Show, Dec. 8 ■■ Winter Show, Feb. 15 ■■ Artist Demos, March 23 ■■ Spring Show, April 26

LOWELLARTS! 223 W. Main St., Lowell lowellartsmi.org, (616) 897-8545

Give & Let Go begins in September, presented in two parts. The first celebrates the 30-year collaboration between Ron and Miriam Pederson.

Over the years, Ron has created steel sculptures, which he welds and paints, with Miriam contributing poetry to accompany each piece.

The second part of the exhibit features the work of Aquinas College art professors alongside pieces from former and current students, all selected by the professors.

Art from more than 50 area artists comes together for the Annual Holiday Artists Market in November. All items are available for purchase, including pottery, paintings, photography, jewelry, textiles, glasswork, handbags, woodwork, metalwork, wreaths, basketry, ornaments, candles, soaps, and more. (This is a great spot to get some gift buying out of the way.)

Then, in January is LowellArts’ Who’s Who: Member’s Exhibition. Every year, LowellArts members are invited to contribute to

Lucha Libre, circa 2005. LOURDES GROBET On display at Grand Rapids Art Museum's Who Shot Sports: A Photographic History.

this exhibit. To mix it up a little, the name of each artist is hidden on the pieces and guests are invited to guess who did each one.

Last is the 33rd annual West Michigan Art Competition. Artwork in any visual medium can be submitted by artists 18 and older who reside in West Michigan. Cash awards totaling $2,500 will be given to those who come in first through fifth place.

■■ Give & Let Go, Sept.15-Oct. 20 ■■ Annual Holiday Artists Market, Nov. 6-Dec. 22 ■■ Who’s Who: Member’s Exhibition at LowellArts, Jan. 5-Feb. 10 ■■ West Michigan Art Competition, March 9-April 13

MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART 296 W. Webster. Ave., Muskegon muskegonartmuseum.org, (231) 720-2570

Running now through November is the state’s longest established regional art exhibition,

the 90th Michigan Regional Exhibition. The juried selection of 2-D and 3-D works celebrates Michigan artists, filling two galleries, with more than $6,000 in prizes awarded.

Works by lifelong Grand Rapids painter Armand Merizon, who died in 2010, will be displayed in Armand Merizon: His Life and Art. Remembered for his detailed landscapes and brilliantly colored abstractions, Merizon’s exhibition highlights his entire career through 20 paintings. Fun fact: In the middle of his career, he began to lose his sight, so he turned to painting in a more abstract style instead of giving it up. FantasMenagerie: The Sculpture of Nat Rosales showcases Rosales’ unique pieces, assembled from found cast objects and random machine parts.

■■ 90th Michigan Regional Exhibition, Through Nov. 7 ■■ Armand Merizon: His Life and Art, Sept. 20-Jan. 6 ■■ FantasMenagerie: The Sculpture of Nat Rosales, Oct. 18-Jan. 13 ■■ Art of Michael Peoples, Through Sept. 16

Continued >

Helping to Make the Arts

BLOSSOM in Kalamazoo since 1966

CULTIVATING CREATIVITY THROUGH ARTS PROGRAMMING, REGRANT PROGRAMS, EDUCATION & ADVOCACY.

For a calendar of creative events, visit kalamazooarts.org 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo

•

269.342.5059

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[PREVIEWS] Continued from page 4

URBAN INSTITUTE FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS 2 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids uica.org, (616) 454-7000

Art of Michael Peoples at Muskegon Museum of Art. COURTESY PHOTO

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The UICA is kicking off the season with two shows opening in September, Coming Home and ArtPrize Ten: UICA Outside. The former features work by artists who are from Michigan, currently based in Michigan, or who have spent a considerable amount of time in Michigan during the course of their careers. It’s a suite of solo exhibits celebrating Michigan’s role as a platform for inspiration and creative development by highlighting a diverse group of artists. This year has new works by Emily Najera, Pat Perry, Jason Quigno and Zachary Trebellas.

Opening on the same day is ArtPrize Ten: UICA Outside, which is taking the work outside with three public projects in three different neighborhoods. The neighborhoods each have large-scale works created by artists who reside in said community or have designed artwork with neighborhood input and a focus on representation and expression. These public works will activate quiet and overlooked neighborhoods, thus creating welcoming corridors and gathering places.

For one day in December, UICA will have its annual Holiday Artists Market, where guests can shop for family and friends with dozens of works by regional artists. The evening also includes live music, as well as local food and beverage vendors.

■■ Coming Home, Sept. 8-Jan. 25 ■■ ArtPrize Ten: UICA Outside, Sept. 8-Oct. 7 ■■ 30th Annual Holiday Artists Market, Dec. 1 ■■ About Face, Jan. 11-April 29

SAUGATUCK CENTER FOR THE ARTS 400 Culver St., Saugatuck sc4a.org, (269) 857-2399

This year, Saugatuck Center for the Arts has exhibits spanning photographs, collages, sculptures, multimedia art and more.

Opening in October, El Sueño Americano: The American Dream features the works of Tom Kiefer, with more than 100 photographs of items — some “everyday,” some deeply personal — along with actual items confiscated from women, men and children caught crossing the Arizona border. Kiefer hopes to elevate the human stories told by these objects, spurring introspection and

questions about the objects and the human lives from which they were separated.

In 2019, Absurd Imaginaries by Julie Liger-Belair and Jessica Calderwood draws upon surrealist motifs and folklore in playful, yet subversive explorations of gender, identity and fantasy. Liger-Belair’s collages pair Victorian-era portraits with hand-painted floral patterns, while Calderwood’s porcelain sculptures feature heel-clad figures overtaken by geometric masses of foliage or other clusters. Both artists explore the idea of simultaneously revealing and concealing the female figure.

In March, The Graphic Impulse is a multimedia installation by Sonnenzimmer, a Chicago-based duo of artists Nick Butcher and Nadine Nakanishi. The piece explores the contemporary impact of graphic expression. Known for experimentation, spirit and technological tinkering, Sonnenzimmer fuses historical print traditions like woodblock printing with nontraditional techniques like vacuum-forming, laser-cutting and sound installation.

■■ El Sueño Americano: The American Dream, Oct. 25-Dec. 22 ■■ Absurd Imaginaries, Jan. 11-March 1 ■■ The Graphic Impulse, March 7-May 24 n

Rotating Gallery Exhibitions • Fallasburg Arts Festival Community Theater • Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concert Series House Concerts • Art and Theater Classes 223 W Main Street, downtown Lowell LOWELLARTSMI.ORG

exhibits

concerts

LowellArts connects artists and audiences through the visual and performing arts.

theater

REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

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Years Celebrating Our 30th Anniversary Season!

Call Broadway Grand Rapids at 616.235.6285 to order today!

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broadwaygrandrapids.com

[PREVIEWS]

performing arts COMPILED BY DANA CASADEI

ACTORS’ THEATRE, GRAND RAPIDS 160 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids actorstheatregrandrapids.org, (616) 234-3946

The Actors’ Theatre’s 38th season begins with the story of 15-year-old Christopher, a bright young man who has just been accused of killing a neighbor’s dog in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. He then goes out to solve the crime himself, leading to the journey of a lifetime. Next up is At the Table, Michael Perlman’s story of six friends and their annual retreat outside the city, where no topic is off-limits. Then, taking place in rural West Virginia circa 1962 is the musical Burnt Part Boys, about brothers who journey to the coal mine that took their father’s life. In the spring is The Wolves, which takes an inside look at nine American girls as they navigate big questions and wage tiny battles told over the course of five soccer games. The 2017 Pulitzer Prize winner and multiple Tony Award nominee Sweat closes the season.

■■ The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Sept. 13-15, 20-22, 27-29 ■■ At the Table, Nov. 8-10, 15-17 ■■ Burnt Part Boys, Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 7-9 ■■ The Wolves, April 18-20, 25-27 ■■ Sweat, May 16-18, 23-25 Special Series: ■■ Behind the Curtain 2018, May 10 ■■ Living on the Edge, TBA

BROADWAY GRAND RAPIDS 122 Lyon St. NW, Grand Rapids broadwaygrandrapids.com, (616) 235-6285

Get taken away to Neverland in Broadway Grand Rapids’ first show of the new season, Finding Neverland, which follows the relationship between playwright J. M. Barrie and the family that inspired Peter Pan. In November, audiences can hear the story of the legendary Four Seasons in Jersey Boys. After the holiday break, School of Rock arrives, based on the hit Jack Black film of the same name, with music

by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Then there’s the Emilio and Gloria Estefan musical, On Your Feet!, followed by the tale of two mismatched Mormon missionaries in the hilarious The Book of Mormon. Closing out the season are the Sara Bareilles musical Waitress and Anastasia, which follows a young woman as she sets out to discover the mystery of her past.

■■ Finding Neverland, Oct. 9-14

■■ Jersey Boys, Nov. 30-Dec. 2 ■■ School of Rock, Jan. 8-13 ■■ On Your Feet!, Feb. 19-24 ■■ The Book of Mormon, March 19-24 ■■ Waitress, April 30-May 5 ■■ Anastasia, June 25-30

CALVIN THEATRE COMPANY 3201 Burton SE, Grand Rapids calvin.edu/academic/cas/ctc, (616) 526-6282

First up is Precious Bane, adapted for the stage by Meryl Friedman. Set in the rural 18th century, the story focuses on Prudence Sarn, who becomes marked as a witch. Her brother, Gideon, convinces her no one will love her and intendures her to his property.

Then, a traveling weaver shows up and Prue’s life gets much more interesting. Rebecca Gilman’s powerful play, Spinning into Butter, is up next and takes place at Belmont College, a small New England school rocked by acts of racism. Last is the Tony Award-winning musical Hairspray.

■■ Precious Bane, Nov. 2-10 ■■ Spinning into Butter, Jan. 31-Feb. 2 ■■ Hairspray, April 5-13

FARMERS ALLEY THEATRE KALAMAZOO 221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo farmersalleytheatre.com, (269) 343-2727

As usual, Farmers Alley Theatre’s latest season has some singing, some dancing and lots of emotion. Starting in September is Beyond the Rainbow, a musical tribute to one of the greats, Judy Garland. Then there’s A Doll’s House, Part Two, a standalone sequel that takes place years after Henrik Ibsen’s original masterwork. The theater continues its holiday cabaret tradition with The Marvelous Wonderettes: Dream On in December, before the 2005 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner for best play, Doubt, A Parable, takes the stage in February. Last come the musicals Fun Home, about one woman’s deep dive into her past in order to tell the story of her father, and Avenue Q, a comedy full of foul-mouthed puppets.

■■ Beyond The Rainbow: The Judy Garland Musical, Sept. 28-Oct. 14 ■■ A Doll’s House, Part Two, Nov. 2-18 ■■ The Marvelous Wonderettes: Dream On, Dec. 7-30 ■■ Doubt, A Parable, Feb. 8-24

Broadway Grand Rapids: Waitress. COURTESY PHOTO

■■ The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, March 15-31 ■■ Fun Home, June 7-23 ■■ Avenue Q, July 19-Aug. 4

FESTIVAL PLAYHOUSE, KALAMAZOO COLLEGE 1200 Academy St., Kalamazoo reason.kzoo.edu/theatre, (269) 337-7333

Kalamazoo College’s 55th season begins with the Senior Performance Series. Following that is It Can’t Happen Here, a play about freedom of the press in the face of a tyrannical government, written in 1936. The season continues in the winter with the 9th Annual Theatre Kalamazoo New Play Festival, and Student Body, Frank Winters’ play about students’ responses to an assault on their college campus.

Shakespeare's Twelfth Night is the season’s last production.

■■ Senior Performance Series, Oct. 18-21 ■■ It Can't Happen Here, Nov. 1-4 ■■ The 9th Annual Theatre Kalamazoo New Play Festival, Winter ■■ Senior Performance Series, Feb. 14-17 ■■ Student Body, Feb. 21-24 ■■ Twelfth Night, May 16-19

John Cariani’s Almost, Maine is comprised of nine short plays exploring love and loss. In November, WMU Theatre will mark the return of New York City-based drag queen and WMU alum Sutton Lee Seymour in The Lady in Question. The Charles Busch play follows Gertrude Garnet, a world-renowned concert pianist visiting Bavaria in 1940, who goes on an epic adventure with an American college professor trying to save his mom from the Nazis. Ending the season is the musical Guys and Dolls, in which a gambler attempts to woo a Salvation Army worker for a bet. This season also includes Shakespeare in Love, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, the annual showcase Next Stop, Broadway!, and Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding.

■■ Almost, Maine, Sept. 21-Oct. 7 ■■ Shakespeare in Love, Oct. 6-14 ■■ Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Oct. 26-Nov. 4 ■■ The Lady in Question, Nov. 9-18 ■■ Next Stop, Broadway!, Nov. 29-Dec. 1 ■■ The Wolves, Jan. 25-Feb. 10 ■■ The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Feb. 8-17 ■■ The Dancing Granny, March 8-17 ■■ Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, March 22-April 7 ■■ Guys and Dolls, April 5-14

GILMORE THEATRE/ WMU THEATRE 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo wmich.edu/theatre, (269) 387-3227

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[PREVIEWS] Continued from page 9 ■■ Mars: Astronomy and Culture, Aug. 24-Oct. 31 ■■ An Italian Journey: Tesla Quartet Performs Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence, Sept. 17 ■■ William Deresiewicz, Ph.D.: What is Art in the 21st Century?, Oct. 1 ■■ An Evening of Poetry and Conversation with Ada Limón and Carl Phillips, Oct. 18 ■■ Kariamu and Company: Traditions — A Celebration of African Dance, Nov. 12 ■■ Celebrating Holiday Splendor: Craig Jessop Conducts The Many Moods of Christmas, Dec. 3

GVSU THEATRE 290 Lake Superior Hall gvsu.edu/theatre, (616) 331-2300

Grand Rapids Ballet Company: Alice in Wonderland. PHOTO BY ERIC BOUWENS

GRAND RAPIDS BALLET COMPANY 341 Ellsworth Ave. SW, Grand Rapids grballet.com, (616) 454-4771

Five shows comprise the 2018-2019 season for the Grand Rapids Ballet Company. The season’s opener, Wild Sweet Love, has four works in one performance, featuring Allegro Brilliante by George Balanchine and music by Tchaikovsky. The evening also includes the first piece created specifically for the Grand Rapids Ballet by new Artistic Director James Sofranko. As the season goes on, you’ll find modern dance in Movemedia alongside classics like The Nutcracker and Alice in Wonderland.

■■ Wild Sweet Love, Oct. 18-21 ■■ The Nutcracker, Dec. 14-23 ■■ Movemedia: Handmade, Feb. 8-10 ■■ Extremely Close, April 12-14 ■■ Alice in Wonderland, May 3-11

GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE 30 N. Division Ave., Grand Rapids grct.org, (616) 222-6650

Truvy’s beauty parlor is full of amazing hairdos and even better gossip in Robert Harling’s Steel Magnolias. Taking place in small-town Louisiana, the play focuses on a group of women who bond at the parlor following the marriage and motherhood of one of the customer's daughters. Next up is Number The Stars, written from the perspective of a child, taking viewers on the journey of a Jewish family’s flight to safety during the Holocaust.

The new year brings with it a bunch of musicals, like Mamma Mia!, James And The Giant

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Peach, Newsies and All Shook Up. For those not into singing and dancing, there’s the murder mystery And Then There Were None, in which 10 strangers arrive on an island and are all marked for murder. Alice in Wonderland ends the season.

■■ Steel Magnolias, Sept. 7-23 ■■ Number The Stars, Oct. 12-21 ■■ The Little Mermaid, Nov. 16-Dec. 16 ■■ And Then There Were None, Jan. 11-27 ■■ Mamma Mia!, Feb. 22-March 17 ■■ James And The Giant Peach, April 26-May 5 ■■ Newsies, May 31-June 23 ■■ All Shook Up, July 26-Aug. 4 ■■ Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, July 27-Aug. 3

GVSU FALL ARTS gvsu.edu/fallarts, (616) 331-2183

This year, the Fall Arts Celebration has a wide variety of offerings, including an art exhibit, Mars: Astronomy and Culture, bringing together photographs, drawings, movie posters, book covers, and video projections of the red planet. The annual event also has a performance by the Tesla Quartet, who will play Tchaikovsky’s musical triumph; a lecture by William Deresiewicz, expanding on the viral essay he wrote for The Atlantic; an evening of poetry with Ada Limón and Carl Phillips; a celebration of African dance choreographed

by Kariamu Welsh; and a concert that will showcase 18 of the most traditional carols and music from composers such as Handel, Bizet, and Bach.

This season, GVSU Theatre is celebrating its 47th season in new facilities, the Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts. William Shakespeare’s King Lear is up first — as part of the 25th Shakespeare Silver Coronation anniversary — and follows the title character as he descends into madness.

Next up is Monica Flory’s adaptation of The Jungle Book, centering on Mowgli, a boy who is raised with wolves but then learns he’s actually a human. The season also has Wonderful Town, the Leonard Bernstein musical about two sisters who arrive in New York in the 1930s; Yasmina Reza’s tour-de-force God of Carnage; and a series of special events.

■■ King Lear, Sept. 28-Oct. 7 ■■ Jungle Book, Nov. 9-18 ■■ Masquerade: A Baroque Extravaganza, Nov. 9-11 ■■ If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Jan. 17-20 ■■ Actor's Nightmare, Jan. 17-20 ■■ God of Carnage, Feb. 21-24 ■■ Wonderful Town, Feb. 8-17 ■■ The Imaginary Invalid, March 28-April 7

HOLLAND CIVIC THEATER 50 W. 9th St., Holland hollandcivictheatre.org, (616) 396-2021

Get ready to relive any time of your life when you were awkward thanks to The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, which begins performances in October and stars several super awkward youngsters as they compete in the regional spelling bee (this is actually a musical comedy, just to be clear). The holiday season will bring the production of the musical A Christmas Story, centering on nine-year-old Ralphie Parker, who just really wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Other shows for the season include the mystery Night Watch and James and the Giant Peach.

■■ The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Oct. 4-20 ■■ A Christmas Story, Nov. 23-Dec. 8 ■■ Night Watch, Jan. 24-Feb. 9 ■■ Footlight Festival, Feb. 21-March 2

■■ The Sunshine Boys, Tulip Time Shows, April 25-May 18 ■■ James and the Giant Peach, July 11-20 ■■ The Mouse That Roared, Aug. 8-17

JEWISH THEATRE GRAND RAPIDS 160 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids jtgr.org, (616) 234-3595

Continuing their tradition of presenting quality theater productions with Jewish themes, Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids will put on three shows this year. The season begins with Tom Dudzick’s Miracle On South Division Street, a play about Ruth Nowak, who discovers a family secret and decides to write a play about it.

Before it goes to New York though, she wants her family’s blessing, and calls a meeting at her mother’s house. Naturally, it gets intense.

March will feature the dark comedy Bad Jews, with Church and State coming in June.

■■ Miracle On South Division Street, Oct. 10-21 ■■ Bad Jews, Feb. 28-March 10 ■■ Church and State, June 13-23

KALAMAZOO'S CIVIC THEATRE 329 S. Park St., Kalamazoo kazoocivic.com, (269) 343-1313

For its 90th season, the Kalamazoo Civic is putting on 15 productions, seven of which are Southwest Michigan premieres. There are big, showy musicals, such as the season’s first show, Hello Dolly!, last performed on the Civic’s stage in 1973. Other musicals this season include Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, with the flying car and all; Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical, about the title character’s life from Midwestern childhood to legendary Hollywood star; the captivating legend of romance Once On This Island; and War Paint, which closed on Broadway last fall and focuses on the rivalry between cosmetic industry titans Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubenstein. There are also a load of comedies this season, like The Compleat Wrks Of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged), and some dramas, such as The Father.

■■ Hello Dolly!, Sept. 21-Oct. 7 ■■ Love, Loss, and What I Wore, Oct. 5-14 ■■ In Song: 1928-2018, Oct. 26-28 ■■ The Miraculous Journey Of Edward Tulane, Nov. 9-17 ■■ Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Nov. 23-Dec. 9 ■■ Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical, Jan. 11-27 ■■ The Compleat Wrks Of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged), Jan. 25-Feb. 9 ■■ The Father, Feb. 8-17 ■■ Once On This Island, Feb, 22-March 10 ■■ Madagascar JR, March 8-15 ■■ Ripcord, March 22-31

Continued >

Create art.

Design a career.

Spark your world.

800.676.2787 kcad.edu

Branden Redmond (BFA Printmaking)

REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

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[PREVIEWS]

MILLER AUDITORIUM

■■ Russian National Ballet: Sleeping Beauty, Jan. 20 ■■ The Phantom of the Opera, Feb. 6-17 ■■ DIAVOLO, Feb. 27 ■■ The Chieftains, March 1 ■■ Beautiful, March 19-24 ■■ RAIN – A Tribute to the Beatles: The Best of Abbey Road, April 5

2200 Auditorium Dr., Kalamazoo millerauditorium.com, (269) 387-2300

MUSKEGON CIVIC THEATRE

Continued from page 10 ■■ Psycho Beach Party, April 5-14 ■■ Harvey, April 19-28 ■■ War Paint, May 3-19 ■■ Pippi Longstocking, May 17-25

As in previous seasons, the Miller Auditorium’s lineup features a wide variety, such as this year’s first production, iLuminate, bringing viewers a story told through different dance styles, all using the power of light. This season also includes performances from Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, multiple ballets and four Broadway musicals.

■■ iLuminate, Sept. 29 ■■ Under the Streetlamp, Sept. 30 ■■ The Choir of Man, Oct. 17 ■■ The Henry Ford's Innovation Nation—Live!, Oct. 20 ■■ Monty Python's Spamalot, Nov. 9-11 ■■ Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, Nov. 28 ■■ Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker, Dec. 5 ■■ Cirque Dreams Holidaze, Dec. 21-23 ■■ American Girl Live, Jan. 5 ■■ Rock of Ages, Jan. 16

425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon muskegoncivictheatre.org, (231) 722-3852

Disenchanted! follows Snow White and her group of disenchanted princesses in this musical, giving a new take on the princesses we think we know, showing audiences what actually happened after they got their “happily ever after.” Keeping in line with animated films turned into musicals is Aladdin Jr. and Shrek, both of which are coming to the Muskegon Civic this season. In between the musicals will be Becky's New Car, The Old Settler and Women of Lockerbie.

■■ Disenchanted!, Sept. 14-29 ■■ Aladdin Jr., Oct. 20-21 ■■ Becky's New Car, Nov. 16-Dec. 2 ■■ The Old Settler, Jan. 18-26 ■■ Women of Lockerbie, Feb. 15-March 2 ■■ Shrek, May 2-5

Wharton Center for Performing Arts: Jessica Lang Dance. COURTESY PHOTO

OPERA GRAND RAPIDS 1320 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids operagr.org, (616) 451-2741

The Magic Flute begins the season with the final beloved masterpiece of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The opera will be performed in English and in the style of “singspiel,” which includes both singing and spoken dialogue.

The 1791 opera tells the story of the Queen of the Night, who persuades Prince Tamino to rescue her daughter from captivity under the high priest Sarastro. Then, based on Dumas’ The Lady with the Camellias, La Traviata is playing in June, telling the heartbreaking true story of Parisian courtesan Marie Duplessis.

■■ The Magic Flute, Oct. 26-27 ■■ La Traviata, June 14-15

QUEER THEATRE KALAMAZOO

by Tom Dudzick How a street corner Virgin shapes—and then totally reshapes —the lives of a Polish Catholic family.

Oct 10 - 21, 2018

by Joshua Harmon Who is holy and who is just holier-than-thou? A dark comedy that tackles the divide between cultural identity and orthodoxy.

Feb 28 - March 10, 2019

2018-2019 Season

Jewish Theatre of Grand Rapids productions are held at Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain St. NE, on the campus of GRCC.

by Jason Odell If you’re a Republican running for election in Virginia, the Bible and the 2nd Amendment are sacrosanct. Or not.

June 13 - 23, 2019 visit jtgr.org for more info 14A

| REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

Shows are on Thur. & Sat. at 8 p.m. & Sun. at 3 p.m.

(No performances on Fridays.)

Miracle on South Division Street will also have e Jewish Wed. 8 p.m. have to b u don’te Jewish Theatre o Y performances. to Lov

315 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo qtkalamazoo.com, (269) 929-6781

There are six shows on the list for QTK’s latest season, including two festivals, the Theatre Kalamazoo New Play Festival and the Shorts Play Festival. First is the full version of Shawntai Brown’s eLLe, which was previewed at the 2018 Shorts Play Festival. The season also includes a reading of Angel of the People Mover, a story told through the lens of a black trans woman and her mother; PS Lorio’s Of MASQUERADE and RHYMES; and Step Three, which examines faith and sobriety.

■■ eLLe, Nov. 8-11 ■■ Angel of the People Mover, Jan. 17-20 ■■ Theatre Kalamazoo New Play Festival, Feb. 8-9 ■■ Of MASQUERADE and RHYMES, April 4-7 ■■ Step Three, June 6-9 ■■ QTK Shorts Play Festival, June 20-23

VAN SINGEL FINE ARTS CENTER 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW, Byron Center vsfac.com, (616) 878-6800

Glenn Bulthuis — one of the Van Singel Fine Arts Center’s favorite guests — is kicking off the theater’s 20th anniversary season with a Swing Night. Then, considered the ultimate tribute show, Piano Man will showcase the

works of legendary musicians Sir Elton John and Billy Joel in October. Next up is Church Basement Ladies: Rise Up, O Men, a musical comedy following the men of East Cornucopia Lutheran Church.

■■ Swing Night, Oct. 6 ■■ Piano Men, Nov. 29 ■■ Church Basement Ladies, March 26 ■■ Cool Jazz, April 26

WHARTON CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS 750 E. Shaw Ln., East Lansing whartoncenter.com, (517) 353-1982

The beginning of the Wharton Center’s season will rock, literally, with the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical School of Rock. Other Broadway touring productions coming to the Wharton Stage include the Phantom of the Opera sequel Love Never Dies; Broadway classic Fiddler on the Roof; the new Broadway musical Anastasia; Miss Saigon, by the creators of Les Misérables; and a little Broadway show you just might have heard of, Hamilton.

■■ School of Rock, Sept. 18-23 ■■ One Good Day, Sept. 22-23 ■■ Love Never Dies, Oct. 9-14 ■■ The Miller Plays, Oct. 12-21 ■■ Momix, Oct. 21 ■■ Men On Boats, Nov. 9-18 ■■ Broadway’s Next H!T Musical, Nov. 16 ■■ Fiddler on the Roof, Dec. 4-9 ■■ Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; and Ada Twist, Scientist, Dec. 8-9 ■■ Anastasia, Jan. 15-20 ■■ Jessica Lang Dance, Jan. 24 ■■ The Magic School Bus, Jan. 26 ■■ The One and Only Ivan, Feb. 2 ■■ Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, Feb. 15-24 ■■ Promethea in Prison, Feb. 27 ■■ Miss Saigon, March 12-17 ■■ A Wrinkle in Time, March 15-24 ■■ I and You, March 22 ■■ The Other Mozart, March 27 ■■ The Bacchae, April 12-21 ■■ Junie B. Jones, April 27-28 ■■ Hamilton, May 14-June 2 n

Sept 21-23

McCARTNEY AND MORE John Pizzarelli Guitar/Vocals

Oct 5-6

SCHEERAZADE

ell eR eve re

Sept 14-15

Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Piano

Ga bri

BEETHOVEN’S 7TH

Ph oto ©

Karen Gomyo, Violin

Oct 20

Nov 29

Mar 8-10

in concert IN CONCERT LIVE TO FILM

PRESENTATION LICENSED BY

PRESENTATION LICENSED BY

© Disney

Dec 6-9

© 1990 20th Century Fox

© Disney

Dec 19-20 AL BANK

OLD NATION

WOLVERINE WORLDWIDE

Cirque de NOËL

Holiday Pops F E AT U R I N G JUSTIN HOPKINS Ba ri to n e Photos © Terry Johnston

Feb 16

Photo © Colin Brennan

ORDER TICKETS AT 616.454.9451 x 4 OR GRSymphony.org REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

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[PREVIEWS]

music

COMPILED BY REVUE STAFF

BATTLE CREEK SYMPHONY The Music Center 450 North Ave., Battle Creek yourmusiccenter.org, (269) 963-1911

Featuring world-class artists, local and international stars and beautiful renditions for well over 100 years, the Battle Creek Symphony is one of the oldest orchestras in Michigan. Back for another season of spectacular shows, you won’t want to miss the magical interpretations of Fantasia or jump into the Wonderful World of John Williams, the man who composed music for Jaws, Jurassic Park and Star Wars, just to name a few.

■■ From Russia to Ravel, Oct. 6 ■■ Wonderful World of John Williams, Nov. 10 ■■ Celtic Christmas, Dec. 8 ■■ Beethoven, May 4 ■■ Fantasia, March 2

FONTANA CHAMBER ARTS 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall Ste. 200, Kalamazoo fontanamusic.org, (269) 382-7774

With the goal of bringing together and enriching the community through music, Fontana Chamber Arts has a range of contemporary, jazz and classical acts for its 2018-2019 season.

Branford Marsalis is a saxophonist, composer and bandleader, but more than that, he’s “arguably the most respected living U.S. jazz instrumentalist” according to the Las Vegas Sun. Similarly, Time called Cyrus Chestnut “the best jazz pianist of his generation” thanks in part to his ability to mix styles.

Meanwhile, Kate Lindsey is a rising star mezzo-soprano joining forces with jazz pianist Baptiste Trotignon as they journey through three European languages, spanning classical music, opera jazz and Broadway in one night.

Multiple quartets are joining, including the Juilliard String Quartet, which was founded in 1946 and carries on the tradition after all this time. The New York Philharmonic is a classic, cohesive and balanced string quartet, while the Spring Quartet is a jazz supergroup of sorts, bringing a larger-thanlife show to the stage with just sax, piano, drums and bass.

■■ An Evening with Branford Marsalis, Oct. 6 ■■ Kate Lindsey and Baptiste Trotignon, Nov. 3 ■■ Cyrus Chestnut & Friends, Dec. 8 ■■ Curtis on Tour, Feb. 22 ■■ Juilliard String Quartet, March 16

■■ Camerata RCO, April 18 ■■ The Spring Quartet, May 4 ■■ New York Philharmonic Quartet, May 11 ■■ Crybaby Concerts, Oct. 27

THE GILMORE 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall Ste. 101, Kalamazoo thegilmore.org, (269) 342-1166

The Gilmore is proud to present some of the best pianists from around the world this 20182019 season. On off-years from the Gilmore Keyboard Festival, the organization highlights both acclaimed master pianists and rising stars, who often go on to play the festival.

Fo r i n s t a n c e, G a b r i e l a M o n te ro’s unique improvisational gifts have won her a devoted following around the world.

The New York Times described her playing as“crackling rhythmic brio, subtle shadings, steely power in climactic moments … and unsentimental expressivity.”

Also, with a career that now spans more than 40 years, pianist Murray Perahia is definitely a legend in the piano world, and one of the greatest pianists of our time. The native New Yorker — who began playing at four and attended Mannes College — has received two Grammy Awards and several Gramophone Awards. His worldwide recognition as a musician of rare musical sensitivity is showcased in his extensive discography and seen at his performances all over the world.

Andrei Ionita - Grand Rapids Symphony Tchaikovsky Festival. COURTESY PHOTO

300 Ottawa Ave. NW Ste. 100, Grand Rapids grsymphony.org, (616) 454-9451

peter Byron Stripling. Then, Pops celebrates the holidays with shows like The Snowman, based on the award-winning children’s book, Holiday Pops and Cirque de Noel. This series also includes full-length films scored by the orchestra, such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Nightmare Before Christmas, Home Alone and Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire.

Of course, the GR Symphony also loves its classical music, with 10 shows spanning centuries of quintessential work. Beethoven’s 7th Symphony premiered at a benefit concert for wounded soldiers, conducted by the master composer himself. Violinist Karen Gomyo joins this show as a soloist for Samuel Barber’s stunning Violin Concerto. Then, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade instrumentally tells the tale of the storyteller in Arabian Nights. Legendary French pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet joins to perform Khachaturian’s Piano Concerto, a crowd-pleasing piece that pits soloist versus orchestra.

Later in the season, the symphony celebrates Bach, Leonard Bernstein, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff and more, including Mahler’s Symphony No. 3, which was named the “10th greatest symphony of all time” by professional conductors for BBC Music Magazine.

Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung, born in Grand Rapids, joins as vocal soloist.

The chamber series takes the orchestra to a more intimate setting, performing in the historic St. Cecilia Music Center, with aptly named shows like The Baroque Concert, The Classical Concert: Viennese Masters and The Romantic Concert, all preceded by smaller “coffee concerts” in the morning.

Once again, the Grand Rapids Symphony’s 2018-2019 season lineup is brimming with variety, featuring a great mix of classical music, modern pops, holiday fixtures, movie scores, chamber music and more.

For one, GR Pops takes the symphony beyond classical music, delving into the iconic songs of musical legends like Paul McCartney and Frank Sinatra, as well as a tribute to ragtime, blues and jazz with trum-

Classical ■■ Beethoven’s 7th, Sept. 14-15 ■■ Scheherazade, Oct. 5-6 ■■ Bernstein’s 100th, Nov. 2-3 ■■ Mozart Mass in C Minor, Nov. 16-17 ■■ Rhythm of the Dance, Jan. 18-19 ■■ Tchaikovsky Festival, Feb. 8-9 ■■ David Lockington Conducts Elgar, March 1-2

Piano Masters Series: ■■ Gabriela Montero, Nov. 15 ■■ Murray Perahia, May 5 Rising Stars Series: ■■ Luca Buratto, Sept. 16 ■■ Zoltán Fejérvári, Nov. 4 ■■ Nikita Mndoyants, Jan. 13 ■■ Zhang Zuo, Feb. 10 ■■ Daniel Hsu, March 17 ■■ Katie Liu, April 28

GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY

■■ Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich, March 15-16 ■■ Mahler’s Symphony No. 3, April 12-13 ■■ Chopin and Brahms: Mother’s Day with Maestro, May 17-18 GR Pops ■■ McCartney and More, Sept. 21-23 ■■ Sinatra and Beyond, Nov. 9-11 ■■ The Snowman, Nov. 17 ■■ Wolverine Worldwide Holiday Pops, Dec. 6-9 ■■ Old National Bank Cirque de Noël, Dec. 19-20 ■■ Hansel & Gretel, Jan. 19 ■■ Ragtime, Blues and All That Jazz with Byron Stripling, Jan. 25-27 ■■ The Conductor’s Spellbook, March 2 ■■ Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, March 8-10 ■■ Ferdinand and the Bull, March 30 ■■ Sci-fi and Superheroes, May 10-12 Chamber ■■ The Baroque Concert: Bach and Beyond, Oct. 12 ■■ The Classical Concert: Viennese Masters, Jan. 11 ■■ The Romantic Concert: Bella Italia!, Feb. 22 ■■ The 20/21st Century Concert: Celebrating Women, May 3 Specials ■■ Grand Rapids Symphony at ArtPrize, Sept. 28-29 ■■ The Nightmare Before Christmas, Oct. 20 ■■ Home Alone, Nov. 29 ■■ Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire, Feb. 1-2 ■■ Symphony with Soul, Feb. 16 ■■ Grand Rapids Bach Festival, March 17-23

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HOLLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 96 W. 15th St. Ste. 201, Holland hollandsymphony.org, (616) 796-7680

Holland Symphony explores the classics for most of the season, starting with Classics Up-Close, which uses the intimate space of First United Methodist Church to put the audience as near to the music as possible.

Then, Rach On! highlights Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with Young-Hyun Cho on piano in a larger venue at Hope College’s Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts.

The classics continue with Pulling Out the Stops, a show featuring organist and Hope professor Huw Lewis. For the uninitiated, a “stop” is the part of an organ that allows wind to travel to certain pipes, strongly affecting the sound accompanying each key press.

Later, the season also includes a holiday concert, a family concert and more classics.

■■ Classics Up-Close, Sept. 8 ■■ Classics I: Rach On!, Sept. 29 ■■ Classics II: Pulling Out the Stops, Oct. 27 ■■ Holiday Concert: Sounds of the Season, Dec. 8 ■■ Family Concert: HSO & H2O, March 24 ■■ Classics III: Triple Threat, April 27

HOPE COLLEGE GREAT PERFORMANCE SERIES 141 E. 12th St., Holland hope.edu/gps, (616) 395-7860

Hope College’s Great Performance Series outlines its mission right in the name: bring great (amazing, even) performers to the Holland community, providing the lakeside community with internationally renowned music, dance and theater.

As far as the music goes, The Queen’s Six kicks off the season with a huge repertoire that reaches from upbeat jazz and pop music to austere early chant, haunting folk songs and florid Renaissance polyphony.

Established in 2008, the 450th anniversary

of Queen Elizabeth I’s accession, the six are all lay clerks of St. George’s Chapel, which lies within Windsor Castle’s walls.

Later, the 5 Browns will arrive with five grand pianos in tow. The quintet of siblings all attended Juilliard School simultaneously and have been performing together ever since, earning features on Oprah, The Tonight Show and Good Morning America. As The New York Post said, “When these kids do Rachmaninoff, they’ll make you forget about Marshall amps.”

Then, the unique Russian Renaissance closes the season with a wide variety of music played on classic Russian folk instruments, such as the balalaika, domra and button accordion. You’ll hear songs new and familiar to you, performed on instruments you’ve likely never heard. Last year, the group garnered the largest prize for chamber music in the world, winning the $100,000 grand prize at the 2017 M-Prize Competition at the University of Michigan.

■■ The Queen’s Six, Oct. 18 ■■ Turtle Island Quartet with Cyrus Chestnut, Nov. 9 ■■ The 5 Browns, Jan. 18 ■■ Russian Renaissance, March 30

KALAMAZOO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 359 Kalamazoo Mall Ste. 100, Kalamazoo kalamazoosymphony.com, (269) 349- 7759

The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra’s season knows no bounds, featuring world-renowned soloists, long-loved classical pieces and popular contemporary music like Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Women Rock and The Phantom of the Orchestra.

Join the symphony’s new conductor, Julian Kuerti, for classics like Ravel and Berlioz, with Di Wu on piano, or Tchaiokovksy’s 5th, with Charlotte Markx on violin. Take in the classics with a beer or wine in hand at Classics Uncorked and Classics on Tap. And explore something different with Pablo Sainz Villegas playing guitar for Elmer Bernstein’s lovely Guitar Concerto, followed by Schubert’s 5th in the same evening.

Hope College - Russian Renaissance. COURTESY PHOTO

If you’re looking for something more modern, see Paul Shaffer, longtime sidekick and bandleader to David Letterman. He performs symphonic renditions of pop, R&B and jazz, interspersed with fascinating stories and memories from his eventful life. Or check out Women Rock, which celebrates the music of Carole King, Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin and many more.

■■ Ravel & Berlioz, Sept. 14 ■■ Beethoven Lives Upstairs, Sept. 30 ■■ Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Oct. 11-12 ■■ Schubert’s 5th, Oct. 27 ■■ Paul Shaffer in Symphony, Nov. 3 ■■ Sibelius & Dvořák, Nov. 17 ■■ Varèse Sarabande 40th Gala, Dec. 1 ■■ Sounds of the Season, Dec. 15 ■■ Classics on Tap, Jan. 18 + May 10 ■■ Classics Uncorked, Jan. 19 + May 11 ■■ Tchaikovsky’s 5th, Jan. 26 ■■ The Phantom of the Orchestra, Feb. 10 ■■ Mahler’s 5th, March 9 ■■ Jaws in Concert, March 30 ■■ Women Rock, April 12 ■■ Bartok & Stravinsky, May 17

ST. CECILIA MUSIC CENTER 24 Ransom Ave. NE, Grand Rapids scmc-online.org, (616) 459-2224

St. Cecilia Music Center spans the spectrum with impressive chamber, jazz and folk shows all year.

The Trout Quintet performs diverse gems from the 19th century, from Beethoven’s variations on a melody from Mozart to Schubert’s Quintet in A major D. 667, a.k.a. the “Trout Quintet,” from which the group takes its name.

Then, Russian Mastery traverses the historical landscape of Russia with music from composers like Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev. Finally, From Mendelssohn brings a group of artists together for an evening of amazing music from the German composer and music inspired by him, such as Schumann’s Fairy Tales and Brahms’ Sonata in E-flat major.

St. Cecilia’s jazz series has trumpet great Arturo Sandoval, protege of Dizzy Gillespie, who has won 10 Grammy awards. The Kenny Barron Quintet has more than a few Grammy

Continued >

: SEASON FINALE: FESTIVAL SEASON OPENING FRIDAY • SEPT 28 • 7:30 PM TCHAIKOVSKY & BRAHMS Frauenthal Theater • 425 W Western Ave • Muskegon FRIDAY • MAY 18 • 7:30 PM Frauenthal Theater • 425 W Western Ave • Muskegon Scott Speck conductor

west michigan symphony SCOTT SPECK | MUSIC DIRECTOR

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Vadim Gluzman & organ jazz Organissimo, Angela Yoffe Saturday, Oct 6, 7:30 pm classical Doors chamber open at 7pm Saturday, Mayis19, Organissimo a jazz7:30 organpm trio with a unique sound which

Scott Speck conductor open atjazz, 7pm blues, funk, soul and Latin music—and they The whole orchestra is the soloist in this sparkling musical jamboree Doorscombines Vadim Gluzman violin have serious Will Jim Alfredson on the Hammond B3; opening the 2018-19 season. The music is lush, powerful, celebratoryFollowing his Fridaychops.

Larris Barris onevening guitar; performance and Randy Marsh on drums. and grand. Prepare to be lifted right out of your seat! with the WMS, Gluzman is joined by his Brahms spouse,theblockwestmichigan.org Tel Aviv-based pianist Angela • 231.726.3231 Violin Concerto in D major featuring Vadim Gluzman, violin Bernstein Overture to Candide Yoffe, for an intimate evening of classical $25-$35 • Student tickets $10 Strauss Der Rosenkavalier Suite chamber music.

Tchaikovsky Berlioz Roman Carnival Symphony no.4 inFestivals F minor Respighi Roman westmichigansymphony.org • 231.726.3231 $22-$54 • Student tickets $10

theblockwestmichigan.org • 231.726.3231 $25-$35 • Student tickets $10

360 W. Western Ave 2nd Floor Muskegon, MI

Continued from page 18 awards as well, including Best Jazz Album in 1992 and Best Jazz Instrumental Album in 2017.

The pianist has been dubbed a “jazz master,” mesmerizing audiences the world over.

Meanwhile, Joey DeFrancesco is known as one of the greatest Hammond organ players on the planet, performing alongside drums, guitar and saxophone. The final jazz show brings together the phenomenal talent of jazz singer Veronica Swift and the Benny Green Trio.

The folk series features all kinds of talent, including the young Pokey LaFarge, a talented multi-instrumentalist who seems plucked from a different time. His suits and music are both timeless, incorporating elements of early jazz, ragtime, country blues, Western swing and more. Leo Kottke is another highlight, a legend who captivates the audience with his lightning-fast guitar playing. His style traverses blues, jazz and folk, with fingerpicked, syncopated melodies throughout.

Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center ■■ The Trout Quintet, Nov. 15 ■■ Russian Mastery, March 14 ■■ From Mendelssohn, April 25 Spectacular Jazz ■■ Arturo Sandoval, Oct. 11 ■■ Kenny Barron Quintet, Nov. 1 ■■ Joey DeFrancesco, Feb. 7 ■■ Veronica Swift & Benny Green Trio, March 7

Folk Acoustic Cafe ■■ Pokey LaFarge, Oct. 4 ■■ The Lone Bellow, Nov. 29 ■■ Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Feb. 9 ■■ Milk Carton Kids, Feb. 28 ■■ Leo Kottke, April 18

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY 360 W. Western Ave. Ste. 200, Muskegon westmichigansymphony.org, (231) 726-3231

Music Director Scott Speck is keeping West Michigan Symphony’s season interesting as always, kicking off with a show that celebrates “lush, powerful, celebratory and grand” classical music, such as Bernstein’s Overture to Candide and Berlioz’ Roman Carnival.

Then, the Scheherazade Showcase changes it up with marimba and tuba in the spotlight, each performing a concerto of their own before moving into the titular piece, which gives the entire symphony a chance to shine.

After the holiday show, pianist Alessio Bax joins to perform the elegant Mozart’s Piano Concerto no.21 alongside Vivaldi’s joyous and sunny Gloria, performed with the Chamber Choir of Grand Rapids.

The pops season brings Broadway’s Golden Age to the stage, along with songs from Disney’s classic movies. Then it’s back to classical with guitarist Sharon Isbin joining for Beethoven’s 7th and Vivaldi’s Guitar Concerto. The season closes out with Slavic Fire, bringing in pianist Natasha Paremski for

Chopin’s ultra-Romantic Piano Concerto no.2 and Shostakovich’s Symphony no.5.

■■ Festival Season Opening, Sept. 28 ■■ Scheherazade Showcase, Nov. 2 ■■ Home for the Holidays, Dec. 14 ■■ Choral Fantasy, Feb. 1 ■■ Classic Broadway, March 15 ■■ Disney in Concert: Around the World, April 26 ■■ Sharon Isbin & Beethoven’s 7th, May 10 ■■ Slavic Fire, June 7 n

West Michigan Symphony - Alessio Bax. COURTESY PHOTO

FREE ADMISSION to all members of the community!

Dinosaurs & Natural History www.stulberg.org 269.343.2776

2018-19 SEASON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7, 3 PM 2018 Finalist Nathan Le, cello WMU Symphony Orchestra, Miller Auditorium SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 4 PM 2018 Bronze Medalist Maya Anjali Buchanan, violin Kalamazoo Junior Symphony, Chenery Auditorium SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 3 PM 2017 Gold Medalist William McGregor, double bass Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, Goucher College, Kraushaar Auditorium

Hiding inside Battle Creek’s pristine Leila Arboretum, sits the 80 year old historic landmark that is Kingman Museum.

Come join us and explore Michigan habitats, get an up close look at how the human body works, see exotic animals and insects of the world, investigate dinosaurs, navigate through outer space, and learn about our own planet: Earth!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 8 PM 2018 Gold Medalist Charlotte Marckx, violin Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Miller Auditorium FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 10 AM AND 8 PM 2017 Gold Medalist William McGregor, double bass Grand Rapids Symphony, St. Cecilia Music Center THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 7 PM BRAVO! Jolliffe Theatre, Epic Center SATURDAY & SUNDAY, MAY 18 – 19 44th Stulberg Competition & Master Classes Judges Paul Coletti, Emilio Colón, Jennifer Frautschi, Dalton Center, WMU

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CONTACT US!

kingmanmuseum.org 269.965.5117

Science & Technology Space World Cultures & MORE, including over 20 planetarium shows!

2018-2019

2018-2019 SEASON OFFERINGS Season Ticket (Includes 5 Concerts) Save 17% off the single ticket price!

Classics I Classics I

Family Concert Family Concert

Concert Hall at the Jack H. Miller Center, Hope College Hope College SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2018 – 7:30pm SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2018 – 7:30pm Smetana: Ma Vlast (My Fatherland) Smetana: Ma Vlast (My Fatherland) Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No.2 Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No.2 in C minor, Op.18 in C minor, Op.18 Young-Hyun Cho, piano Young-Hyun Cho, piano

DeWitt (generalAuditorium, seating) Zeeland East High School (general SUNDAY,seating) MARCH 24, 2019 – 3:30pm SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2019 – 3:30pm 2:30pm, Children’s pre-concert fun 2:30pm, Children’s pre-concert fun Norbert Mueller Concerto Competition Winner 2019 Norbert Mueller Concerto Competition Winner 2019 Mendelssohn: Hebrides Overture Mendelssohn: “Fingal’s Cave”,Hebrides Op.26 Overture “Fingal’s Cave”, Op.26 Debussy: Nuages (Clouds) from Nocturnes Debussy: Nuages (Clouds) from Nocturnes Handel: Water Music Suite No.2 Handel: Water Music Suite No.2 in D major (Hornpipe) in D major (Hornpipe) Ravel: “Une Barque sur l’ocean” from Miroirs Ravel: “Une Barque sur l’ocean” from Miroirs Beethoven: “Thunderstorm” mvt.4 Beethoven: “Thunderstorm” mvt.4 from Symphony No.6 from Symphony No.6 Smetana: Moldau from Ma Vlast Smetana: Moldau from Ma Vlast

RACH ON! RACH ON! Concert Hall at the Jack H. Miller Center, Johannes Müller Stosch, Music Director & Conductor

Classics II Classics II

PULLING PULLING OUT OUT THE STOPS THE STOPS Concert Hall at the Jack H. Miller Center,

Concert Hall at the Jack H. Miller Center, Hope College Hope College SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2018 – 7:30pm SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2018 – 7:30pm Mendelssohn: Hebrides Overture Mendelssohn: “Fingal’s Cave”,Hebrides Op.26 Overture “Fingal’s Cave”, Op.26 Rheinberger: Organ Concerto No.2, Op.177 Rheinberger: Organ Concerto No.2, Op.177 Jongen: Symphonie Concertante, Op.81 Jongen: Symphonie Concertante, Op.81 Huw Lewis, Organ Huw Lewis, Organ

Holiday Concert

HOLIDAY CONCERT THE SOUNDS Dimnent Chapel, Hope College (general seating) SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2018 – 3:30 & 7:30pm OF THE SEASON

Dimnent Chapel, Hope College (general seating) Diane Penning, soprano SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2018 & 7:30pm Diane Penning will join the 8, HSO for–a3:30 festive concert

HSO & 2O HSO &H H2O DeWitt Auditorium, Zeeland East High School

Classics III Classics III

TRIPLE THREAT TRIPLE THREAT Concert Hall at the Jack H. Miller Center,

Concert Hall at the Jack H. Miller Center, Hope College Hope College SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019 – 7:30pm SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2019 – 7:30pm Mozart: Overture from Abduction Mozart: Overture from Abduction from Seraglio, K.384 from Seraglio, K.384 Beethoven: Triple Concerto in C major, Op.56 Beethoven: Triple Concerto in C major, Op.56 Andrew Le, piano; Jennifer Walvoord, violin Andrew Le, piano;cello Jennifer Walvoord, violin & Alicia Eppinga, & Alicia Eppinga, cello Tchaikovsky: Symphony No.6 in B minor Tchaikovsky: Symphony No.6 in B minor

featuring seasonal light classics, traditional carols Diane Penning, soprano and holiday pops.

Diane Penning will join the HSO for a festive concert featuring seasonal light classics, traditional carols and holiday pops.

ORDER ORDER TODAY! TODAY!

www.hollandsymphony.org

Adult Season Tickets: $90.00 Adult Season Tickets: $90.00 Student Season Tickets: $25.00 Student Season Tickets: $25.00 First-Time Subscriber: 50% off First-Time Subscriber: 50% off

4 ways 4 ways to to order: order: ONLINE: www.hollandsymphony.org

ONLINE: www.hollandsymphony.org MAIL: Holland Symphony Orchestra, PO Box 2685, MAIL: Holland Symphony Orchestra, PO Box 2685, Holland, MI 49422-2685 Holland, 49422-2685 PHONE: MI 616-796-6780 PHONE: 616-796-6780 IN PERSON: Midtown Center, Suite 201, IN Center,MI Suite 201, 96 PERSON: West 15th Midtown Street, Holland 49423 96 West 15th Street, Holland MI 49423

ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS HOLLAND SYMPHONY YOUTH ORCHESTRAS 1. Holland Area Youth Orchestra, high school auditioned, meets Monday evenings from 6:00 to 8:30pm.

2. Holland Area Concert Strings, NEW GROUP! Fills the need for intermediate string players. Meets Monday evenings from 6:15 to 8:15pm.

3. Holland Area Junior Strings, middle school non-auditioned, meets Monday afternoons from 4:30 to 6:00pm.

NEW HORIZONS STRING ORCHESTRA program is geared exclusively to musicians who would like to play their instruments but may not have played them in many years.

New Horizons meets Tuesday evenings from 5:00 to 6:30pm.

MUSIC IN ME A music class for our littlest musicians!

Ages 6 months to 5 years old. Meets Thursday mornings from 9:30 to 10:15am.

REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

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[PREVIEWS]

museu ms

COMPILED BY MICHAELA STOCK

Beat the crowds to ArtPrize this month by stopping at Preview Week. You’ll be able to see all the art displayed during the festival while keeping your personal space bubble intact.

Also in September, catch Lisa McCubbin’s chat about her l atest book, Betty Ford: First Lady, Women's Advocate, Survivor and Trailblazer. Make sure to secure your spot to attend the event with a reservation, and enjoy an evening of discussion centered on the humor, faith and spirit of Betty Ford.

Then, stop by the museum in November and listen to Elaine Weiss speak about her book, The Woman's Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote. Learn about the great female figures that led the battle to grant women voting rights and discuss the courage of those who fought for the civil rights that prompted waves of activism throughout the 20th century.

■■ A ● rtPrize Preview Week, Sept. 12-18 ■■ L ● isa McCubbin, Sept. 13 ■■ E ● laine Weiss, Nov. 15

GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC MUSEUM 272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids grmuseum.org

This fall, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is honoring the life of Ralph W. Hauenstein, a leader in the West Michigan community.

Hauenstein was a journalist, member of the military and philanthropist, establishing various local buildings, such as the Grace Hauenstein Library at Aquinas College.

Also, running through most of this month, Be the Astronaut allows visitors to do just that, commanding a personal spaceship with a massive 70-inch monitor. The exhibit also explores piloting a lander and surface rover, and features roaming robots that will interact with visitors.

In October, Expedition: Dinosaur arrives, exploring the fascinating world of

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■■ Ralph W. Hauenstein: A Life of Leadership, Through Jan. 2019 ■■ Be the Astronaut, Through Sept. 16 ■■ Expedition: Dinosaur, Oct. 14 ■■ TOYS!, Oct. 27

HOLLAND MUSEUM 31 W. 10th St., Holland hollandmuseum.org

Foster your child’s entrepreneurial spirit at the Holland Museum’s brand new Spark!Lab, a STEAM-based learning space that uses a hands-on approach to learning the invention process. Spark!Lab was developed at the Smithsonian Museum, and the Holland Museum’s “lab” is one of nine across the U.S. The museum’s newest exhibit, opening on Sept. 21, is all about Mars and the red planet’s impact on culture from ancient times to now. This multimedia exhibit features photographs, videos, movie posters, book covers and more. It’s sure to be out of this world.

This fall, the Holland Museum is brimming with events. For October, celebrate Halloween by learning the meaning behind its traditions. In November, mark your calendars to celebrate the landing of NASA’s InSight rocket on Mars. Then, deck the halls in December at an ornament-decorating workshop. Check out the Holland Museum’s website for plenty more events.

■■ M ● ars: Astronomy and Culture, Sept.

21-Dec. 29 ■■ H ● allowe’en Haunts, Oct. 19 ■■ M ● ars “Insight” Landing Party, Nov. 26 ■■ D ● eck The Halls, Dec. 5 ■■ S ● park!Lab, Open now

Top to bottom: Grand Rapids Public Museum: Expedition Dinosaur.

Holland Museum: Mars: Astronomy and Culture. COURTESY PHOTOS

2019

SEPTEMBER 6 - 22

303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids fordlibrarymuseum.gov

dinosaurs, from their daily lives to anatomy and evolution. You’ll find likelike animatronic dinosaurs alongside mechanical and electronic learning stations.

Then, arriving in October is TOYS!, an interactive, multi-generation exhibition of toys and games that will spark nostalgia for Baby Boomers and Millennials alike, while also being fun for children.

Check the museum’s website regularly for new exhibitions throughout the season.

ON THE TOWN

GERALD R. FORD PRESIDENTIAL MUSEUM

SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT SEPTEMBER 9

“...A JOYOUS PRODUCTION THAT’LL MAKE YOU WANT TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THE CITY, AND MUSICAL THEATER, ALL OVER AGAIN”

VISIT CIRCLETHEATRE.ORG FOR OUR EXCITING NEWS!

-NBC NEW YORK

CIRCLETHEATRE.ORG/ONTHETOWN

616 456 6656

REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

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ON SALE NOW

Sept. 29 @ 8 p.m.

Sept. 30 @ 3 p.m.

For more information visit us online at millerauditorium.com or call (269) 387-2300 | (800) 228-9858 Sept. Revue Ad.indd 1

Welcomed by 8/14/18 4:03 PM

THE ARTS ISSUE | PROFILE

JORDAN WETHERBEE

CREATING, HUSTLING, DREAMING

BY MICHAELA STOCK For Jordan Wetherbee, design is about dreaming. Wetherbee taught himself art in his late teens while touring the country as a musician and is now a full-time designer and business owner in his hometown of Grand Rapids. When he’s not crafting work for bands like Rend Collective, Switchfoot and Lifehouse, he’s branding companies such as Civil House Coffee and The Michigan Box, as well as co-running his own business, Spacebar.

Jordan Wetherbee. Photo by Jonathan James Photography

Continued on Page 45.

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W E A R E Y O U R H O M E AWAY F R O M H O M E

A place for conversation, ideas, new friends, old friends and everything in between. Come in and find your seat, we think you’re going to love it here.

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Week 1 – Lords of Catan

Week 3 – Klask

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3pm - 6pm Tuesday through Friday $2 Off all full pours & happy hour food specials

44 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

C I T Y B U I LT B RE W I NG .C OM @ C I T Y B U I LT

THE ARTS ISSUE | PROFILE Continued From Page 43.

Tell me about your artistic past.

I didn’t grow up as the artist kid. I grew up as the music nerd, playing guitar endlessly alone in my bedroom wishing I was a rock star. I more got into visual art as a pastime while travelling and doing music. Music led me to visual art, which I quickly realized I loved way more and was way better at naturally. I was 19 when that first started.

What types of work do you do?

The two main things I work on are bands and brands. I love working with musicians, and I really like working with companies that are just getting started by creating visual identities. For me, it’s about dreaming up crazy ideas that communicate a message. Let’s run around the Back Forty (Saloon) with our shirts off — let’s do stupid stuff like light shit on fire. Let’s do whatever, try weird things and do creative, crazy stuff to build something that says something.

What are your goals when working with a client?

My end goal with every client is that I would create something that is beyond what they could have asked me for but so accurately fits what they need. I ran into a client

yesterday at Lyon Street Café that I hadn’t seen in five years — I was so excited to see him. He told me once, and it’s stuck with me now for almost six years probably, ‘You took the words that I said and created something beyond what I could have expressed, but it so perfectly works.’ Ever since he told me that, I was like, ‘Yes! That’s what I want to do with everyone!’ It’s more than just creating cool art.

What’s it like to be a freelance artist in Grand Rapids?

How do you structure your days?

Well, I started off working out of coffee shops, and that can only last for so long. For me, I needed more structure than to unpack all my stuff, set up, work a couple hours, pack all my stuff up, and go. So, another freelancer and I started a creative co-working space downtown called Spacebar.

That’s helped me create structure, and it’s helped me create a work-life/personal-life balance. Long term, I want to keep doing this. I don’t want to work for a company, and I don’t want to be a part of an agency. If in 10 years I want to still be doing this, I have to set myself up now to have a healthy and balanced lifestyle that benefits and doesn’t suffer from being freelance.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced while being a full-time artist?

One of the biggest challenges is that I can’t become stagnant or slothful in the slightest. The moment I stop hustling, I go down. The ebbs and flows of freelance life are that sometimes your inbox dries up, and sometimes it’s overly busy. Finding how to navigate the highs and lows — where some months you’re just slammed and other months it’s crickets — that’s not always enjoyable. I’m OK with that. I can roll with the punches, but that can be a struggle.

How about your biggest successes?

I would say that my biggest success in the freelance life is I wake up every day excited to do the work that I do.

I’m passionate about the people I work with and designs I get to create. Success to me doesn’t mean a whole lot of money, working with high-status people, or all these accomplishments. Success to me is being fulfilled and loving every day with the work that I do, whatever it is that I’m doing, and that I’m making a difference, and I’m loving it. And I really do with this. It’s amazing. n Find Wetherbee’s designs at wetherbeecreative.co.

Create art. Design a career.

Spark your world.

800.676.2787 kcad.edu Celebrating 90 Years

REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

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THE ARTS ISSUE | PROFILE

JOSHUA SOLAS

CROSSING BOUNDARIES AND INFLUENCING MINDS

BY KELLY BROWN

Originally from Bull Bay, Jamaica, Joshua Solas moved to Grand Rapids to pursue an education at Kendall College of Art and Design and stayed for the opportunities and artistic community. His work uses a variety of mediums to tell stories and talk about today’s issues. After graduating, Solas launched his own art brand, SolasInk, and continues to create logos, murals and paintings while traveling the world.

Joshua Solas. Photo by Leandro Lara

Exit / Jim Screechie.

46 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

Mansplaining.

How did you get started with art and mixing traditional with non-traditional mediums?

As a child, I always had a love for art and creating things. I was constantly drawing, breaking down and making new things out of them. By high school, art was all I could see myself creating.

In my quest to visualize the essence of things rather than merely attempt to capture physical likeness, I became fascinated with minimalism and simple iconography. In a way, my compositions are very design heavy, but the actual content itself is layered and informed by artistic concepts.

How does design and technology play into your artistic process?

I see new technologies as mediums and means of sharing arts. For example, I rely heavily on my Instagram to share art. The piece I did for ArtPrize 9 was in two parts. After viewing the physical space, I encouraged people to go to my Instagram to see what was said on one of the walls before I crossed it out. Part of my senior show at Kendall was an iPhone on a selfie stick.

For Johnny The Life of an Apple, which was installed at Madcap Coffee, I wanted to create a timeline of Johnny’s life. I chose not to do any paintings but rather use photo and video to tell the story. Alongside the visuals, I created a playlist that tied the story together, which is available on Apple Music and Spotify (Johnny’s iPod).

You tend to push the boundaries by crossing art forms.

What’s the goal there?

I’m always trying to figure out different types of art and adopting them to my practice. When it comes to concep-

Johnny The Life of an Apple.

You're Joking Right?

tualizing a piece, the first thing that usually comes to mind is what medium I want to use. I don’t think there should be a boundary on what method one uses to create. I love painting and drawing, but not everything is meant to be a painting or a drawing. Sometimes, it’s best as a photo or a video or maybe a giant projection of a head in the middle of a room with laser beams aimed at it.

realized that artists have an amazing superpower — we tell people what to think about. However long someone is engaged in your piece, you’re influencing their perception of the world in that time. I see being an artist as no different from being a reporter or journalist. The artwork is simply a summary of findings. My work, while it touches on social issues, deals with a lot of conflict within myself.

What led you to dip into photography recently?

Which West Michigan artists do you look up to?

Photography was something I always found interesting but I never found my voice until recently. A lot of it had to do with the fact that I started working with Carbon Stories, which is primarily focused on telling people’s and businesses’ stories through photo and video content. Now, I have a whole Instagram page dedicated to that journey and I can see growth. Also, thanks to Chris Fredricks over at Grow Up Awesome, I was introduced to screen printing as well. That became a part of my practice too.

Esan Sommersell, Sofia Ramirez Hernandez and LeAndra LeSeur.

Why do you think it’s important to have a diversity of artists in West Michigan?

Diversity means a better, well-rounded art community.

Uncle Iroh from Avatar: The Last Airbender once said, ‘It is important to draw wisdom from different places. If you take it from only one place, it becomes rigid and stale.’ We all have something to learn from each other.

How do you incorporate social justice themes into your work?

For a while, there was an unwavering guilt that I was afforded this amazing platform to share ideas and I wasn’t satisfied with merely creating work for its own sake. I

Where has your work been featured? Where do you want it to be featured?

I’ve been privileged to show work at a few First Friday events at Smokin J’s, Light Gallery and Spiral Gallery. I joined Cultura Collective for ArtPrize 9 at Rumsey Street. I had an installation in the Fed Galleries at Kendall and also did a show at Madcap Coffee. My most recent mural, Exit / Jim Screechie, is over at Carbon Stories. A single cover and lyric video animation I did for Jamaican artist Protoje was featured in an article on billboard.com and I have some photography of Jamaican artist Tessellated featured in an article on redbull.com.

In Jamaica, I’ve been lucky to show work through the Institute of Jamaica, The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission and New Weave. I also have an entry in Artprize 10 that will be shown at MuseGR this year.

Having the first piece of fine art on the moon would be sick, just because. n Find Solas' work at instagram.com/solasink_.

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Fall Arts

GR A ND VA LLEY STATE U NI V ERSIT Y PR ESENTS THE 16TH A N NU A L

Celebration Enriching the Arts and Humanities in West Michigan

Grand Valley’s Fall Arts Celebration features distinguished artists, writers, poets, musicians, and dancers of our time.

Please join us this fall for inspiring entertainment that is the hallmark of our signature events.

ART

Mars: Astronomy and Culture EXHIBITION RECEPTION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 5–7 P.M. ART GALLERY THOMAS J. AND MARCIA J. HAAS CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS ALLENDALE CAMPUS EXHIBITION DATES: AUGUST 24–OCTOBER 31 This exhibition was curated by Pasadena Arts Council for the Williamson Gallery, Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, California. It is a project of the Pasadena Arts Council’s EMERGE Fiscal Sponsorship Program.

MUSIC

LECTURE

William Deresiewicz, Ph.D.: What is Art in the 21st Century?

MONDAY, OCTOBER 1, 7:30 P.M. L.V. EBERHARD CENTER SECOND FLOOR ROBERT C. PEW GRAND RAPIDS CAMPUS

POETRY

An Evening of Poetry and Conversation with Ada Limón and Carl Phillips THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 7:30 P.M. L.V. EBERHARD CENTER SECOND FLOOR ROBERT C. PEW GRAND RAPIDS CAMPUS

An Italian Journey: Tesla Quartet Performs Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 7:30 P.M. COOK-DEWITT CENTER ALLENDALE CAMPUS

DANCE

Kariamu and Company: Traditions – A Celebration of African Dance MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 7:30 P.M. LOUIS ARMSTRONG THEATRE THOMAS J. AND MARCIA J. HAAS CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS ALLENDALE CAMPUS

HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

Celebrating Holiday Splendor: Craig Jessop Conducts The Many Moods of Christmas MONDAY, DECEMBER 3, 7:30 P.M. FOUNTAIN STREET CHURCH 24 FOUNTAIN STREET NE GRAND RAPIDS, MI

For event details and to view a complete list of sponsors, visit gvsu.edu/fallarts or call (616) 331-2185.

MEDIA SPONSOR:

48 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

THE ARTS ISSUE | PROFILE

DAYNA WALTON THE UNDERGRADUATE CARVING A NAME FOR HERSELF

BY KELLY BROWN Dayna Walton hasn’t even graduated from Kendall College yet and she’s already leading workshops at local art hub Lions and Rabbits. She has more than 8,000 Instagram followers and her work is being sold online as Solstice Handmade. Between textile work, printmaking, illustration and graphic design, Walton is already making a name for herself in the West Michigan art and maker scene.

Dayna Walton. Courtesy Photo

How did you get started at Kendall and what work are you currently doing outside of art school?

I grew up in Hudsonville and started taking classes at Kendall while in high school. That early exposure to professional arts let me know that this was for sure something I always wanted to do. I’ve always been driven by making things. In the beginning, it was all about the challenge of creating something that someone hadn’t seen before. Now, the need to make still drives me but it’s more about making to learn and teach others. I graduate from Kendall in the spring with a BFA in printmaking. I feel right on the brink of the safety of being a student, and the unsteadiness of life after school. Currently, I work at Lions and Rabbits, assisting with curating and planning classes and events.

Continued on Page 50.

Above: pollinators. Below: Secret Garden Tee.

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THE ARTS ISSUE | PROFILE

Continued From Page 49.

How did you fall in love with printmaking?

I hadn’t any idea what printmaking was until my freshman summer at Kendall when I signed up for an Intro to Print class. I was hoping to learn how to screenprint as an alternative to hand painting T-shirts, which was my full-time Etsy venture at the time.

We didn’t even touch etching (in the class), but I became completely enamored with the process of it.

What did you love about the process?

I loved that no mark was ever permanent — you could iterate an idea until you felt it reached its full potential. Something clicked for me. I couldn’t walk away from it. I also adore the tradition of it. There’s something satisfying about using simple chemistry and mindful planning to repeat the same processes that have been used for centuries.

With printmaking comes the ability to make multiples, which allows me to make work that is affordable and accessible to most.

Where do you find inspiration?

Outside! There’s nothing more humbling than discovering something new to you that was there all along. Ideas work the same way.

They’re hiding in plain sight just waiting to be strung together. Taking time to observe, visiting somewhere that feels less than comfortable can really get creativity flowing.

Other times, it’s simpler, like Googling ’60s bedsheet patterns until the perfect color scheme is unearthed.

Why do you believe it’s important to have a diversity of artists, like yourself, in West Michigan?

Having a diversity of arts in West Michigan helps to keep traditional crafts and trade skills alive. It’s crazy to me that resources and techniques that used to be common knowledge — things like sewing, weaving, woodworking, natural dyeing and wellness — are dying out. We have conveniences in our lives today that separate us from tradition. I think extending this awareness could help the art scene grow in Grand Rapids.

Does that stretch beyond art?

There’s a quote by Rebe cc a B urgess , ‘Somehow we, the human animal, have removed ourselves so completely from the land that we no longer recognize ourselves as a part and partner in its process.’ I feel it’s important as makers to be aware of the resources that we have and as consumers to be mindful of where things we consume come from.

On that same note, what’s your opinion on the art scene in Grand Rapids?

In my experience, the art scene in Grand Rapids is close-knit and supportive, but I hope to see it grow more integrated in other parts of the community. It sometimes feels like there’s a whole lot of great work being made but nobody is watching. I plan to remain in Grand Rapids for a few years after graduation. There are still a lot of great connections here to be made. I love a lot of the artists here, like Hannah Berry (owner of Lions and Rabbits), a role model of creating the life you want for yourself while maintaining a marriage and family.

Who is one of your biggest inspirations in printmaking?

phantom-limb severed.

The way the printmaker Gwen Frostic used the attention of her artwork to make something good really makes me excited about art as a career. Even after her passing, her woodblocks are still printed as celebrations of the natural world and (her shop) continues to employ people to print them. They also use that to fund art programs that keep traditions like printmaking breathing. What a dream! n Find Walton’s art at solsticehandmade.com.

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50 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

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52 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

THE ARTS ISSUE | PROFILE

DANIELLE TRUSS

SEWING SEEDS ONSTAGE

BY KAYLA SOSA

Danielle Truss. Courtesy Photo

Danielle Truss is an all-around artist from England, living in Grand Rapids. Most recently, she’s working at the Grand Rapids Ballet Company as a costume designer.

Continued on Page 54.

Above: Ballet Hispanico - Linea Recta. Courtesy of Paula Lobo and Ballet Hispanico Below: BalletX - Bonzi. Courtesy of Bill Hebert, Alexander Iziliaev and BalletX

REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

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THE ARTS ISSUE | PROFILE

Ballet Hispanico - Linea Recta. Courtesy of Paula Lobo and Ballet Hispanico Continued From Page 53.

How did you start getting interested in costume design?

I’ve always loved working with fabric. I grew up in the U.K., so at my school, they had a textiles course available and I decided to take it. It was like the first time I ever really enjoyed doing something and it was just feeling fabrics and playing around with them and learning. So I went to school and studied fashion and clothing textiles, and then eventually tailoring.

And when I moved to the U.S., I moved to Grand Rapids, and there really aren’t that many opportunities for people who work in my field here, but one day there was an advertisement for a job at the Grand Rapids Ballet. I was like, ‘It’s not really what I want to do, but I don’t really have any other options here.’ So I just applied for it and I ended up getting in. It was the first time I felt like I fit in that world.

they’re truly comfortable in what they’re wearing and they feel good and beautiful, then it really accentuates the piece and makes them dance their best. There are all of these nuances that I didn’t really realize when I first started doing it that would add to it and make me better at what I do.

What does your daily work life look like right now?

Almost four years ago, I got the job at the ballet. Since then, I’ve been getting jobs sporadically around North America doing different ballet pieces and traveling, which is like a dream. I always wanted a job where I get flown out to places and get to work.

I get to meet so many people that work in my field. It’s weird, because costume people are like just a big family. It’s a mutual respect instantly that I don’t think in many other trades you’d get, because everyone’s so competitive.

What fit well with this job?

I met the woman that I primarily work with there; she’s a choreographer. The way it works in ballet is choreographers kind of determine the mood — they’re like directors, so they determine the whole mood of everything. With her, it’s a real collaboration, because we go back and forth and decide what works and all of the other stuff that’s really boring about ballet, like functionality. It really adds an extra challenge for me. You also have this bond that you grow with the dancers as well, because if

54 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

How do you feel about the competition in the fashion industry?

It’s kind of why I didn’t really want to do fashion (specifically) in the end, because people are … super competitive, where it stops enabling you at being good at what you do. With costume design, there are no egos and there’s no competition. It’s just pure admiration and you just want everyone to do their best because you love what you’re doing.

What was it like going to school in England to study textiles and fashion?

My school was one of the only schools in London that actually still did a textiles course. And when I first started doing it, my mom was really against it. She’s a feminist; she raised us to be a feminist. In my family, there are a lot of people who are seamstresses and tailors, and I think she saw it as me taking a step back. She wanted me to be a little bit more intellectual with what I chose, because I think she thought I was going to end up doing what everyone in my family does, which is factory work. But I was really motivated, so she got behind it.

What goals do you have for the future as an artist?

I definitely don’t have a five-year plan at all, but for me, eventually it would be really nice to be completely freelance … just work for myself completely and have it be full, to the point where I’m turning down work — that would be really great. To be able to work in the U.K., as well. That’s something that would make me really proud, is to make a name for myself where I was born.

And there’s such a huge ballet and theater world there that I would really love to get sucked into. I think that for me would be my biggest goal. n To see more of Truss’ work, visit her website at danielleltruss.com.

REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

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THE ARTS ISSUE | PROFILE

ADESHOLA MAKINDE

A THOUGHTFUL EYE IN THE HEART OF THE MOSH PIT

BY JACK RAYMOND When it comes to enjoying a concert, keep the iPhone in your pocket and leave the photos to the pros. A great photographer captures the essence of an artist and those moments within the sweat and reverberation while watching from the floor. Count Adeshola Makinde among the best of those with a lens. Visceral, kinetic and undeniably dope, his photos are a bridge to connecting with these larger-than-life icons. Sometimes a peek behind the veil, always fully immersive, he has a knack for coaxing the X-factor out of his subjects.

Adeshola Makinde. Courtesy Photo

Continued on Page 58.

From left to right: D'Angelo, John Legend, and Thundercat.

56 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

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Yuka Oba in George Balanchine’s Allegro Brilliante, photo by Isaac Aoki; top right: Trey McIntyre’s Wild Sweet Love, photo by Peter Mueller courtesy Cincinnati Ballet; lower right: Penny Saunders’ Ghost Light, photo by Dan Wayne courtesy OwenCox Dance Group

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THE ARTS ISSUE | PROFILE

Continued From Page 56.

Photographer, designer, DJ. You have a lot of job titles. What kinds of projects are you working on right now?

Right now, I’m focusing my attention on music photography, trying to shoot as many shows as I can and to stay as intentional as possible. Recently, I’ve shot Wiz Khalifa, A$AP Ferg, Big Sean. Coming up, I’ve got Pusha T, the Drake and Migos tour, and hopefully a few others too. I’m also doing a photo show at Madcap (Coffee) in September featuring art prints from my 2016 book Figuring It Out alongside the work I’ve shot since. Definitely staying busy.

How do you find yourself developing momentum as an artist?

So much of being successful nowadays is putting yourself out there. You have to be relentless in wanting to put out work.

Seventy-five percent of the job is emailing, hearing ‘no,’ and pushing through while believing in your dream. I want to be like peak Lil’ Wayne from ’06-’10, consistently putting out quality work that people enjoy.

How do you find a balance between positive and negative in our current political culture?

It’s tough. I try to be an optimist in most

Your portraits of Big Sean stick out to me as natural, candid and illuminating.

What’s it like working with an artist with so much clout?

I’ve been shooting his Midwest shows consistently for the past few years, but it was fun this time to have a different level of access and direction. I got to stage that Astro Boy shot and I’m really happy with how it turned out. He’s down-to-earth and ego-free. It’s cool to work alongside another Midwest artist, someone who has to prove themselves more than someone on the East or West coasts. He has to hustle 10 times harder and I can relate to that.

Which do you prefer, the action shots you catch as a crowd member or the creative control you have with a behind-thescenes shoot?

The ultimate goal is to get to the point where I’m working with the musician, shooting the tour, day-to-day stuff, but it’s also fun to have three songs to shoot in the pit, find your way into the crowd and be amongst it all. The adrenaline there is awesome and when you get the shot you want, it’s great, because you had to work so much harder for it.

What inspires you?

Kanye’s Glow in the Dark book is a big inspiration for me. It shows everything from him bowling to playing Connect Four with Beyonce backstage. It humanizes these icons in a really cool format and sadly a lot of this type of stuff isn’t being documented. I’m inspired by people who chase their dream, have a vision and don’t compromise on it — people like Frank Ocean.

It takes a lot of guts as a creative to put your foot down and see things through your way.

things I do, but I think black artists start from a more negative point of perception.

For me, the best way to go about it is to lead by example, whether that be through my work or by using my voice to bring attention to issues when I can. Trying to make clothes that center around ideas of police brutality is hard because the general population that buys these shirts is middle-class white America. Will people wear this stuff, or will it be too weird for them? As I continue to create, I’m learning what works and what doesn’t.

Do you worry that a Grand Rapids audience could have difficulty connecting to your art?

I saw Sarah Lewis (assistant professor of art, architecture and African and AfricanAmerican studies at Harvard University) speak about justice and black imagemakers. I had the chance to ask about any advice she has for those trying to make socially conscious work in today’s climate.

She said, ‘I always tell my students to show something about the black experience that you don’t think is prevalent or known by other races.’ It made me view the work I do differently. I have this idea for a project that centers around black men and their hair, and while there are people who aren’t black that won’t get it, I think there’s value to sharing these experiences and that plenty will understand. My mantra since I’ve gotten started is, if you want to see something different, make it happen. That’s what I’m trying to do while I’m here. n Find Makinde's work at adesholamakinde.com.

Above: Big Sean. Below: Lil' Wayne.

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REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

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THE ARTS ISSUE | PROFILE

NICK NORTIER WALLS OF NATURE

BY MARLA R. MILLER

Working under the name Old Growth, Nick Nortier’s colorful murals cover brewery walls and building exteriors around Grand Rapids and beyond.

You might know him as the artist behind the ship made of leaves on North Division, or from his collaboration with Joe Parsaca on the tunnel underneath Gillette Bridge in Ah-Nab-Awen Park. But his style and ambitions have evolved since then.

The Grand Rapids native’s latest project spreads good vibes through flowers, leaves and “Peace and Love” on Creston Brewery’s patio wall, and he’s working on another mural on the side of Creston Market.

His more recent projects include labels, T-shirt design and a mural for Brewery Vivant; a wall mural for Elk Brewing in Comstock Park; and a gallery installation for Saugatuck Center for the Arts.

Nortier prefers creating murals, but he also paints, cuts vinyl, writes and performs poetry, and more.

When did you fall in love with art?

When I was in fourth grade, I used to go to my friend Mark’s house every day after school. We would collect cans and return them to Fulton Heights Foods (now Family Fare) and then walk to Argo’s to buy comics. Then we’d go back to his house and draw from them.

One of my favorite moments is when I tried to draw Wolverine but couldn’t draw the hands, so I asked Mark if he could help. He ended up just completely redrawing the entire thing — it was hilarious.

Why do you work under the name Old Growth?

What's the significance in that?

I use the name Old Growth, as in an old-growth forest, because I like to think of the serenity of a patch of woods that’s been there for a long time and the peace and beauty that comes from that. It’s something I try to convey in my work, sometimes more successfully than others.

Elk Brewing mural. Photo by Jim Gibbins Creston Brewery Mural.

60 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

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Creston Brewery mural. Photo by Josh Solas

How/when did you decide it was something you want to do as a career?

After spending way too much time on and off at Grand Rapids Community College.

I had no clue what I wanted to do until I eventually signed up for (a drawing class).

Even though it’s all still-lifes and things like that, it felt like the right direction. I went to Kendall after taking all the classes I could at GRCC. I decided I wanted to do this as a career when I realized I had no clue what I would do otherwise.

What have you done recently that you’re proud of?

My most recent piece is a mural on the patio at Creston Brewery. I completely fell in love with the project, even though I had to sit on a skateboard the entire time. I’m also really happy with the wall I painted at Elk Brewing in Comstock Park. That piece was sort of a turning point for me, because it marked a huge shift in my work away from a cartoon-like style and more toward a stylized realism sort of thing.

What’s your process like?

My process starts with concept sketching until I find something that I like. Then I take that and refine it to the point where I’m happy with it. Ideas can come from all sorts of different places — there’s neat stuff everywhere if you pay attention.

Would you say your art has any consistent themes?

The consistent theme in my work is nature, but the longer this country is a political disaster, the more political my work is becoming.

Who/what are your influences?

My influences in art are the people that consistently make art and are doing what they love. Honestly, I look up to and admire people that are living their truth and doing so to the fullest extent. This applies to artists, musicians, poets, teachers, activists, community organizers, entrepreneurs, whatever you’re into. The people that inspire me are the people that follow their passion.

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I have a number of dream projects but here are three: First, paint the tall highway pylons to make it look like trees are holding up the highways. This would be especially interesting for the ones in the river. The second is to paint murals on the sides of city garbage trucks. If you ever stop and look at them, they’re basically big movable canvases just waiting for some paint. My third dream project would be to paint the roof of the Ford Museum like two slices of pizza. It’s a triangle-shaped building, and who doesn’t love pizza? n

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What advice would you give a young artist?

Follow your heart. It’s the most important thing that you can do. That thing that interests you, that idea you’ve been wanting to try, do it. When you have that feeling inside, you have to follow it, because that’s where the soul comes from.

Find Nortier's work at oldgrowthcreative.com.

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This publication is supported by a grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services/Bureau of Community Based Services, Office of Recovery Oriented Systems of Care, through Lakeshore Regional Entity. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of MDHHS/OROSC or LRE.

THE ARTS ISSUE | FEATURE

Left: Ouizi's mural at the Grand Rapids Ballet. Courtesy photo Right: Alan Compo's mural on the Pearl Street Bridge. Photo courtesy of UICA

ART ALL THE TIME

HOW (AND WHY) THE UICA HAS MADE MURALS PART OF ITS MISSION

BY MICHAELA STOCK

A

typical day in the life of Miranda Krajniak involves an Uber through the stop-and-go traffic on Monroe Center Street, asking her driver what they think of the bright, yet stormy mural of an angelic, silver woman outside the window. After giving their full opinion, the driver learns exactly who their passenger is: the executive director of the Urban Institute of Contemporary Art, and she has been on the forefront of most of Grand Rapids’ major street art installations over the past five years.

“I always ask my driver what they think about the murals (we pass),” Krajniak said. “These are people who are seeing things all the time, and they don't know who I am. They're not going to try to hold back.”

The feedback Krajniak receives on the UICA’s urban instillations is almost all positive, and it’s often described as a beautiful burst of color in Grand Rapids’ grey weather.

“Putting public artwork up can really change the tone of this city,” Krajniak said.

Beyond beauty, the benefits of murals for the Grand Rapids community are numerous. When implemented collaboratively within the neighborhoods and businesses in the artwork’s area, urban art enhances the community’s sense of unity, creates conversation around town and transforms a bland building into an inviting, vibrant space.

Murals not only become a part of Grand Rapids residents’ daily lives, but also intertwine with some of people’s most memorable moments.

“As soon as you put (the art) up, people start to create their own relationship with the work that maybe you didn't see coming,” Krajniak said. “I think one of the strangest things about putting up murals in some of these areas is how many people will shoot their weddings in front of it.”

Krajniak recalls seeing brides and grooms posing for photos in front of the art on North Division as well as behind

the Grand Rapids Ballet Company, two of the UICA’s major mural installation locations.

Since the UICA recognizes the powerful effect public artwork has on Grand Rapids, the gallery has an ongoing project dedicated to large- and small-scale mural installations around the city called the Exit Space Project, headed up by PERSON. This project is the main motivator behind all of the UICA’s mural installments, including UICA Outside, the institute’s annual ArtPrize entry that commissions an artist to paint a mural during the festival. The Exit Space Project also has placed nearly 20 murals around Grand Rapids over the past seven years.

Implementing a mural through the Exit Space Project requires more than paint and brushes, though. Public art depends on an intense amount of collaboration between both the residents and businesses in the piece’s area.

During a project’s planning process, the UICA collects criticism from those who will see the art every day.

“We don't want to just drop a mural on a bunch of people who don't want it,” Krajniak said. “I think the key to everything we do when we're working with the public is that we're working with people.”

Though it would be easier to bypass outside opinions and install art based on the UICA’s aesthetic and locational choices, Krajniak and the rest of the UICA team highlight that the murals “aren’t about us.” It usually takes about a year to decide on designs and employ the artists for a piece, “but to do this the right way is to do things the hard way,” Krajniak said.

The Grand Rapids community isn’t all the UICA works hard to take care of while coordinating its street art projects.

The institute’s employed artists receive payment for both the planning sketches and actual installation of a mural, as well as safety insurance during their time working on

a wall. Krajniak emphasises that “no one works for free at UICA,” and compensation is essential for the Exit Space Project’s continuation.

Despite a mural’s lengthy and expensive installment process, the organization believes seeing the positive effects of public artwork in Grand Rapids is worth the effort. To Krajniak and the UICA, murals are about “putting contemporary art in front of people, where they are.”

Public art is a bonding element for urban residents, and the artwork is essential to enhancing the city’s vibrancy.

Krajniak’s daily conversations with her Uber drivers are just one example of how intentionally placing beauty on buildings can enliven the city of Grand Rapids, whether the work is seen once in a while or during a daily work commute.

“We believe in art all the time,” Krajniak said. n

Ellen Rutt's mural on Division. Photo by Justine Montigny

REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

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THE ARTS ISSUE | FEATURE

DIVERSE CITY RETURNING FESTIVAL CELEBRATES AFRICAN AMERICAN LEGACY

BY KAYLA SOSA

Courtesy Photos

T

his month, the African American Art and Music Festival is teaming up with ArtPrize to bring art, performances and great food to downtown Grand Rapids.

Lisa Knight, chairman of the board, is in her fourth year planning this annual event. It was created many years ago, but when its chairman at the time passed away, so did the event. However, a few years ago, the city partnered with Don Everett and many other artists to reignite the festival.

“There were a number of people in the arts community that wanted to bring this back,” Knight said. “So the city of Grand Rapids helped us work with ArtPrize to bring this in, because we saw this as being an integral part of ArtPrize; to have a specific focus on African American art and history, especially here in Grand Rapids.”

African American Art & Music Festival Calder Plaza 351 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Sep. 21-22 facebook.com/GRAAAMC

64 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

The free event will take place on Friday and Saturday (Sept. 21-22) at the Calder Plaza, which will have ArtPrize pieces on display, food trucks and a wide variety of art vendors.

“That consists of different leaders throughout the community as well as some of the African American artists that have been entered into ArtPrize to be able to show off some of their work,” Knight said.

“And then we open up with a drumming ceremony, the black national anthem, and then a variety of musical acts and performers — which could be dance, it could be spoken word, it could be rap, it could be anything.”

Friday night also will feature a live DJ and a movie. On Saturday, stop by the festival to check out a three-on-three basketball tournament and an outside roller rink.

Additionally, there will be zumba, health offerings, kids’ crafts and games, and everything will wrap up with a live concert by Lakeside. Last year, more than 3,000 people attended the Saturday night concert.

Future goals for the nonprofit festival include year-round events for the community.

“It’s just an opportunity to bring people together, to enjoy some of the things that we don’t see as much in downtown,” Knight said. “There’s not a lot of diversity. We have all these clubs and restaurants and busi-

nesses popping up all over the place that may have live music, but there’s still not a lot of diversity in that.”

Knight said that this is a great time to allow people to engage with cultural art from all minority groups. “(We want to) show the diversity across cultural boundaries in this community,” Knight said. “It’s not just African American.

We also support Hispanic artists, Japanese — it doesn’t matter. We embrace everyone.”

Embracing everyone also means giving every person access to this kind of event.

“People can’t necessarily afford all the time to go to the museum, and then they’re not really represented in the museums,” Knight said. “I think it’s important that we be able to celebrate this and celebrate it together without boundaries.”

It’s also meaningful to Knight and her board members to show the younger generation their history and culture and its impact.

“Our young people need to be able to experience historical culture from the past to the present, and what better way to do that than through families sharing those things they learned from the past, sharing those different cultural traditions,” Knight said. “It’s looking at the different paintings and wondering where they came from, the

“(AFRICAN AMERICANS) WERE ALWAYS OUT THERE, SHOWING THEIR GIFTS AND THEIR TALENTS AND THEIR SKILLS. BUT THEY WERE NEVER RECOGNIZED FOR WHAT THEY HAD.” history of their forefathers and the importance of art in African American culture.

“African Americans were always onstage.

They were always performing. They were always out there, showing their gifts and their talents and their skills. But they were never recognized for what they had. So it’s a great opportunity to show those gifts and for our young people to understand where they came from.” n

Stacked line-up. Stacked tap list.

A perfect combination.

For our full event schedule and further venue details, visit bellsbeer.com/events

KALAMAZOO, MI

REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

65

THE ARTS ISSUE | FEATURE

10 YEARS, NEW FRONTIERS HOW ARTPRIZE IS EVOLVING A WEST MICHIGAN TRADITION

BY MICHAELA STOCK

ArtPrize is celebrating its 10th birthday by collecting stories from its past and planning changes for its future. Kevin Buist, ArtPrize’s artistic director, talked with Revue about what we can expect for this year’s festival as well as what’s new for ArtPrize, such as the fest’s bi-annual switch and the new Project 1.

What’s new for ArtPrize this year?

What's new this year, and what's new every year, of course, is all of the artwork that's coming. There's a lot of amazing stuff in venues all over downtown, as well as outdoors in parks, and the river and all sorts of stuff.

Are there any festival changes?

We're taking a new approach to Rosa Parks Circle this year, and we're calling it the Visitor Pavilion. Rosa Parks Circle will be covered by this really cool giant tent and will be protected from rain and hot sun, if we have that.

There will be a ton of programing happening on the Rosa Parks Circle stage all throughout the 19 days of ArtPrize.

What kind of programing?

We're doing a lot of our major events there, like the Jury Shortlist event, where the category jurors reveal and discuss their picks, as well as other panel discussions, lectures and things like that. It will all culminate on October 5, the final Friday of the event, with the ArtPrize Awards, which will happen on the Rosa Parks Circle stage underneath that tent.

It will also have a couple of shipping containers that will be activated in various ways, including hands-on education programing and visitor services.

Information, maps and figuring out how to register to vote — all sorts of stuff will be right there.

From Top to Bottom: Safety Orange Swimmers. A+J Art+Design Two-way Protocols. Zane Miller Everything Is happening. Justin Langlois and Hiba Abdallah

66 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

website is set up to collect and share different people’s stories about ArtPrize. There are featured stories by artists, venues, volunteers, people who host artists from out of town and all sorts of people who have participated in ArtPrize in one way or another.

What’s happening to celebrate the milestone at the fest?

There's a lot going on. A lot of past winners, both jury grand-prize winners and public vote grand-prize winners, are returning in various capacities. Ran Ortner, who is the public vote winner from the very first ArtPrize, is returning this year to be a part of our jury committee, which is a committee of three art experts who select the winner of the jury grand prize. He'll also be giving a lecture about his work and what's been happening in the last decade since his big win at ArtPrize in 2009.

Why the switch to bi-annual hosting for ArtPrize?

We're switching to a bi-annual format to make way for this new format of exhibition that we're going to be working on, and the first iteration of that in 2019 is called Project 1. We'll be doing a large, temporary public art commission in between each bi-annual ArtPrize.

On even years, there will be an ArtPrize competition, and on odd years there will be the next iteration of this Project series.

What should we expect for Project 1?

The idea with Project 1 is to alternate the competition model with a commission model. What that means is, we're taking around the same amount of resources that we give away in artists prizes on a normal competition year and instead repurposing that into commissions that we can give to a very small group of artists — artists who are operating at a really high level, of inHow have you been preparing for ArtPrize’s 10-year ternational acclaim, who are doing really phenomenal anniversary? work. We can invest in that and start working with them Throughout the summer, as a way of celebrating the on a longer time scale, and bring them into dialogue 10-year anniversary, we’ve been doing something we're with the community in new ways that the ArtPrize calling a stories campaign, and there's a dedicated format doesn't allow. website to that, which is stories.artprize.org. We're goWe're super excited about it. Project 1 is giving us ing to keep that going now and through the event. The a chance to really dream big. n

GRCC PLAYERS The GRCC’s award-winning theater faculty offer 18 courses that cover performance, auditioning, dance, theater design and technology, and theater appreciation.

“The connection I made with the artists in the Grand Rapids theater community, and the opportunities I was given to build my resume, have shot me forward in my career.”

Everything from printing & frames to brushes & paints!

Downtown

– MEEKA POSTMAN

Competitive Pricing

30 W 8th St, Holland | 616-396-6518 | frisdowntown.com

THE FRANKE CENTER PERFOrMING SEPT. 29 7:30 PM SEPT. 20 ToDAY: 8PM TERRENCE CAREY

SARAH DELL’AMICO

JULIA MORALES

OLIVIA NIELSEN

CHUCK NORMENT

GRIFFIN WENZLER

MOLLY TODD MADISON

MAY ERLEWINE STAGE MANAGER: SAM MACNERLAND DIRECTOR:

TRIO &

MUSIC DIRECTOR:

STUART MOTT

RED TAIL RING

BLUES SERIES

AMERICAN ROOTS NIGHT

OCT. 20 8PM

Dec 6-8, 2018

grcc.edu/theater

Jan 10-12, 2019 The Absolute Brightness of Leonard Pelkey

by James Lecesne

NOV. 17 8PM SAVOY BROWN

Box Office: 269.781.0001 FrankeCenterfortheArts.org

–Meeka Postman

The GRCC’s award-winning theater faculty offer 18 courses Good Kids auditioning, dance, theater design that cover performance,

by Naomi Iizuka and technology, and theater appreciation.

CHICAGO BLUES NIGHT

COMDEY NIGHT

THE BEST OF The Second City

“The connec�ons I made with ar�sts in the Grand Rapids theater community, and the opportuni�es I was given to build my resume, have shot me forward in my career.”

March 28-30, 2019 Wilderness

by Seth Bockley and Anne Hamburger

Detroit ‘67

All productions take place at GRCC’s Spectrum Theater, 160 Fountain Street NE. Curtain for all shows is 8pm.

214 East Mansion Street Marshall, Michigan

Call (616) 234-3946 or visit www.grcc.edu/theater for more information REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

67

THE ARTS ISSUE | FEATURE

Left: Holland Civic Center. Photo Courtesy of Holland, MI. Right: The Howmet Playhouse, 1956. Courtesy Photo.

LIVENING THE LAKESHORE

CULTURAL VENUES DEBUTING NEW FACILITIES, AMENITIES THIS YEAR

BY MARLA R. MILLER

W

hen patrons visit the renovated Howmet Playhouse in Whitehall, not only can they expect new seats, carpets and restrooms, but they’ll see features of the building’s historic character unveiled.

The 102-year-old theater is expected to reopen late this fall after a year of renovations that include a variety of mechanical and theatrical upgrades, a 6,000-square-foot addition that expands the lobby, and efforts to restore the look of the 1916 façade.

Although the exterior was built to be utilitarian with a stucco finish, workers salvaged what they could and uncovered a few hidden gems, like the original doors that had been painted and two transom windows covered by drywall.

“The whole ceiling has been taken out in the theater, and you can see the original wooden beams, which are just beautiful,” said Beth Beaman, managing director for the Howmet.

A community campaign raised $3.7 million in pledges and donations to renovate the playhouse, which is best known for hosting a popular Summer Theatre Festival.

That series, running through Aug. 18, moved to Whitehall High School for the summer while work is wrapping up on the playhouse. Other year-round programming includes concerts, civic activities, meetings and conferences.

The renovations were necessary to help alleviate flooding problems, accommodate year-round programming, improve safety issues and become code compliant.

The playhouse hasn’t had a facelift since 1973 when seats and carpet were replaced and a small lobby added. The carpet came from the Holiday Inn in Spring Lake.

“The fact we didn’t have handicap-accessible bathrooms and we had flooding problems in the basement, we would have had to close if we didn’t do something,” Beaman said.

Besides the new glass-enclosed lobby, other features include a new box office, concession area and restrooms;

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backstage dressing rooms, restrooms and handicap access to the stage; and a green room/rehearsal space for classes and community gatherings.

“It’s a nice big addition that’s going to make it so much nicer for us,” she said.

The playhouse also needed new theatrical equipment, including lights, rigging, drapes and sound system, and new HVAC, electrical and plumbing systems. A new paved parking lot is being added to address safety issues and provide more onsite parking.

City officials hired architect Ed Francis as the lead architect on the project. He previously helped with renovations at the Frauenthal Center in Muskegon and Fox Theater in Detroit.

For more information, visit howmetplayhouse.org.

HOLLAND CIVIC CENTER The newly renovated Holland Civic Center hosts basketball games, concerts, theater performances and more.

The $14.1 million building renovation is part of a larger redevelopment plan to connect downtown Holland to Lake Macatawa and enhance both indoor and outdoor activities. Community members can tour the multi-use arena, new lobby and winter market addition on Sept. 28 during a grand opening celebration.

For 60 years, the Civic Center at 150 W. 8th St. has been a popular venue for a wide variety of events in the Holland area. The city rents it for large and small gatherings and annual events, such as the circus, graduations, trade shows, adult/youth recreation programs, and a variety of performing arts.

The Civic Center opened in 1954 and had never been updated or renovated, said Matt VanDyken, project manager.

It’s adjacent to the 8th Street Marketplace, also the site of the Holland Farmers Market, which received $2.5 million in exterior enhancements as part of the overall project.

In July 2017, the city embarked on an extensive renovation plan that has closed the center for the past year.

Outside enhancements include a reconfigured parking lot and wheelchair ramps at every entrance for easier pedestrian access, green space for outdoor programming, and a walking path that extends around the parking lot.

“We’re adding significant square footage and a winter market,” VanDyken said. “The winter market will actually be indoors with glass doors that raise and lower. All the entrances to the building are snow-melted, as well as the streets and sidewalks leading to it.”

Inside, the main entryway features a new large lobby with a fireplace, flexible seating that can be moved depending on programming and windows that look into the gym. The Civic Center’s main feature is the arena-style gymnasium, updated with telescoping bleachers, a new HVAC system, acoustical, stage rigging, lighting and sound, and other code improvements.

The “great hall” can be set up for a wedding reception, corporate event, concert or comedian. Upstairs, there is a large flexible space to hold smaller events for up to 160 people, VanDyken said. Portable walls in several areas of the building can be moved as needed.

“It was designed so that everyone could have a place there; we want to make sure everyone feels welcome there,” he said.

City officials worked with Edgewater Resources to oversee the redevelopment, along with a team of architects, engineers, planners, and landscape architects.

“Through a careful balance of recreation, cultural programming, and Farmer’s Market activity, the site will serve as a catalyst for the activation of the west end of 8th Street,” according to the city’s website.

For more information, visit cityofholland.com/civiccenter. n

Champions of Magic September 14

Morris Day And The Time September 21

Comedian Anthony Jeselnik October 12 Dave Koz And Friends September 8

G UPCOMIN SHOWS!

An Evening With Dawes September 9 Champions Of Magic September 14 Morris Day And The Time Wsg The Soul Experience September 21

Sada Baby, Icewear Vezzo Peezy & Fmb Dz September 22

Greensky Bluegrass November 23 & 24 Chase Rice October 13

Comedian Jo Koy September 23

The Fab Four The Ultimate Beatles Tribute October 19

The Willis Clan Wsg The Moxie Strings October 5

Rocky Horror Picture Show October 20

Puddles Pity Party October 6

Kansas The Point Of Know Return October 26

Comedian Anthony Jeselnik October 12

Buy tickets online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-745-3000. Tickets are also available in-person-only at the Kalamazoo State Theatre box office.

Hocus Pocus Beetlejuice October 27

Arlo Guthrie Alice’s Restaurant Tour November 2 Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band November 3 Jake Shimabukuro November 8

David Crosby & Friends November 25 John Berry December 9 MLK Community Celebration January 21

Australia’s Thunder From Down Under November 14

Tusk The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute February 1

The Music Of Cream November 17

Jim Brickman February 9

Greensky Bluegrass November 23 & 24

Costume Prom February 14

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THE ARTS ISSUE | FEATURE

Free access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, and more!

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Visit www.grpl.org/download to create an account.

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70 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

MOLDING MINDS

POTTERY LANE OFFERS AN ESCAPE FROM THE STRESS OF LIFE

BY DANA CASADEI

A

fter spending her day job staring at a screen for hours on end, Kelly Kermode found herself needing a release, so she returned to an old love: pottery.

“What I found was if I could sit down and get my hands in some clay, it brought some balance and centered me, steadied me a little bit,” she said.

Kermode hopes to do the same for others with the recent opening of her pottery studio, Pottery Lane, in downtown Grand Rapids.

The 4 ,000 -square -foot studio features 12 studio wheels, and several spaces for groups and classes, including a glaze and kiln room with more than 20 homemade studio glazes.

Kermode said the growth has been steady since her June opening. The shop is now able to offer classes during the day and night, and is currently booking special events with community partners.

Pottery Lane also is hosting one-night workshops during ArtPrize. Each night will be dedicated to a different project, and shipping the final project to guests’ homes is included in the fee.

“We’re trying to serve our community the best way possible,” Kermode said.

That also means making the studio accessible to anyone, no matter their age or skill level. Pottery Lane offers beginning-level classes for those who have never touched clay before and is building in more programming for those already in the pottery community. Kermode said the students currently range all the way from age four to 74.

Kermode — who got into pottery when she was 12, thanks to her great-aunt Aggie — hopes her studio will not only

allow people to express themselves creatively but also give them a chance to get some mental space from their daily lives.

“We know right now that from young kids to adults, mental health is becoming an increasingly persistent topic,” Kermode said. “We hope that by offering a place where people can find a relaxing, creative space, a place to create and disconnect, that we might actually help solve some of those issues with the overburdening stresses of our lives.”

Fo r t h e f utu re of Pot te r y L a n e, Kermode envisions it as a place to come and have a little fun, get your hands dirty, and get into that mental space she mentioned.

“We hope that Grand Rapids wraps its arms around us and says, ‘Yup, we want you here,’” she said. “We hope to be here to stay.” n Pottery Lane 401 Hall St. SW #128b, Grand Rapids potterylanegr.com, (616) 481-3809

Kelly Kermode. Courtesy photo

AUTUMN at the KIA

Global Glass: A Survey of Form & Function through October 14

Merton D. Simpson, Untitled, 1963, oil on linen canvas. Collection of the KIA, Elisabeth Claire Lahti Fund purchase

Inka Essenhigh, Stars and Flowers (The Nursery), 2015, oil on canvas.

Courtesy Baldwin Gallery, Colorado

Czeslaw Zuber, Tetev, 1986, glass block, cut, enameled, and etched.

Courtesy Alfred Berkowitz Gallery, University of Michigan-Dearborn

Exhibitions

Inka Essenhigh: A Fine Line opens September 15

Enjoy some YOU time in the art school Explore more than 100 art classes for all ages and skill levels.

Fall term for adults begins Wednesday, September 5, in nine mediums. Saturday youth classes begin September 8 in clay, painting, and photography.

Look for 1-2 day workshops like Hot Date Night in glass or Printmaking Cards. Tuition includes free museum admission & studio time throughout the term, and adult students can sell artwork in our annual Holiday Art Sale.

The Way Forward: New Acquisitions at the KIA through December 2

Programs to explore, enjoy, and create ART ◆ Free Tuesday noon ARTbreak ◆ Monthly free Art Hop ◆ Art Detectives for kids ◆ Book discussions each month ◆ Unreeled Film Series ◆ Get the Picture art lectures ◆ Monthly free Teen Night ◆ Sunday gallery tours

ART IS FOR EVERYONE!

KALAMAZOO INSTITUTE OF ARTS 435 W. South Street kiarts.org 269/349-7775 Free parking & entrances on South and Lovell streets Admission $5 / Children & members free REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

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a tribute to elton john and billy joel starring Craig A Meyer & Donnie Kehr with the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra

SP ECIAL ENGAGEM E NT

Saturday, September 29, 7:30 pm Two P ia nos – One Unforgettab le N igh t

BEST TATTOO ARTIST GARETH HAWKINS

BEST TATTOO SHOP

CSBREW.COM

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DINING | SIGHTS | SOUNDS SCENE

What do you get when you combine the music of Elton John and Billy Joel on one stage? A night of Grammy Award-winning, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducing MAGIC! Broadway veterans Craig A Meyer and Donnie Kehr bring these amazing Piano Men to life in an unbelievable concert featuring the legendary songs of Billy Joel and Elton John.

The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestro Robin Fountain, will weave an orchestral score to highlight the vocal and piano talents of these incredible performers. Get swept away in this dynamic, interactive concert celebrating two giants of pop music!

German Tradition

Crafted in Michigan

It’s Oktoberfest Season!

Festival Celebration October 5th-6th

BEER TENT & LIVE MUSIC Order tickets at TheMendelCenter.com Box Office (269) 927-8700, option 1 Box Office Hours: Mon. – Fri. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and one hour before show times The Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College 2755 E. Napier Ave., Benton Harbor, MI

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WEDNESDAY LIVE MUSIC SUNDAY BRUNCH & BLOODIES 95 North Main, Cedar Springs, Michigan {616}696-BEER

by Missy Black

ECLECTIC

Wind + James. COURTESY PHOTOS

GATHERING THE GIRL GANG Boss Babe Expo celebrates women and local businesses with a party

modern feminist. There are surprises too, with a visit from color wall and an area with huge shipping containers ready to transform into bandshells, seating areas for food service and a electronics company Norman Camera. pink shuffleboard court.

“Most people don’t know the owners Kelly and Shannon Clark hopes this area will be the site of a barre lesson from that run the business,” said Clark, mentioning the women Kalamazoo Barre. The physical fitness center will be offering behind the scenes. Businesses like Norman Camera changed barre demonstrations while other attractions, the way she looked at vendor participation. including Traveling Tutus Inc., host a pointe “When you walk into the store, you only shoe paint party where hundreds of pointe see men, but two very strong women are the WIND + JAMES shoes can be used as canvas and decorated, backbone of this business,” Clark said. “So 555 E. Eliza St., Schoolcraft with proceeds benefiting the organization. we might have a man on hand at the camera The expo also is partnering with Excel station where people can test out their pho- Sept. 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., free windandjames.com Dance Centre, leading a dance routine to tography skills.” inspire young girls to work together, get along It’s the perfect example of the women-first and do away with bullying. movement taking a different approach. But “Dance is inspiring and it’s a great way to get the young don’t think you have to own a business to get involved. kids in and excited,” Clark said.

“Through the planning of this event, originally our focus Speakers will be on hand with a message for the comwas women who started their own business,” said Clark who, munity of women to work together, grow their businesses and after meeting and talking to people, has changed course. “It’s made us think moms are boss babes too. We had a group of make connections while motivating the younger generation, nurses who don’t own anything and work for a hospital asking passing on wisdom and advice.

“Boss babes support each other and build each other up,” what they can do to participate.”

Guests are treated to 10,000 square feet of stark white Clark said. “They don’t compare themselves to others, or miss this event!” n modern event space with pops of color everywhere. There’s even a courtyard to stroll filled with artificial turf, a popular

SCENE SOUNDS | SIGHTS | DINING

W

HAT STARTED AS A CHEEKY INSTAGRAM photo has turned into a large casting call for all badass babes. If you’re not on board, kindly move out of the way.

Windy Clark sounds a little breathless over the phone. She’s in complete girl mode and it’s got her all up in her feelings.

She’s the owner and creator of Wind + James, a modern event space in Schoolcraft whose next big event, the free Boss Babe Expo, has a strong following born from a small, unassuming photo posted on social media. The enormous response and interest led to the theme for her first vendor event that puts females first.

“This is an opportunity for women entrepreneurs to connect and get to know each other,” said Clark. “When they walk in, it’s going to be a girl’s day out party here.”

Guests of the event can expect women-focused crafters, bakers and artists alongside wellness, fitness and fashion experts.

Female faces include Amy Amy Bo Bamy, a lettering artist and design director at Maestro, the gals of Bliss Salon, and Pink Lemonade Boutique — a store the Wind + James crew “loves and feels encompasses everything we are striving for with this event.” Another boss babe business, Skylar Yoo, is selling its brand of bold and empowering graphic tees made for the

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STYLE NOTES

by Missy Black

I’ll Have What She’s Wearing IF IT LOOKS GOOD ON KHERINGTON MCFARLAND, IT CAN LOOK GOOD ON YOU TOO. SEPTEMBER’S style child shows you how to work it as we head into fall.

Whatever Kherington McFarland (a.k.a. Currently Kherington) is wearing, it appears it was made just for her. The personal stylist and social media strategist owns her statement piece choices and lives that look. We’re all just peasants watching her grand fashion show stroll by. Her ensembles are spirited, moody and riveting to the rest of us who wonder how she does it.

Our girl is super approachable and ready to show you how to stretch your wardrobe using summer pieces that still work for the cooler temps ahead. McFarland breaks down a few easy ways to create a look that welcomes fall while utilizing the best of our summer favorites. Here’s how you can steal her look and transition into the next season like a pro.

TASSEL EARRINGS & A SUMMER DRESS “One of the most buzzworthy summer trends of 2018 was the tassel earring,” McFarland said. Transition this popular accessory into the next season by pairing it with your favorite summer dress. For fall styling, throw on an oversized blazer and ankle boots for a shot of edge.

WHITE & A BLOCK HEEL

DINING | SIGHTS | SOUNDS SCENE

Layer up your look with a bomber jacket and chambray top. “Swap out your white shorts for white denim this fall — and yes, you can wear white all year long,” McFarland said. Pastels and white for fall keep your look fresh while you transition into the new season.

“Don’t put away those open-toe block heels either. They are fair game until snowfall.”

GINGHAM PRINT & DISTRESSED DETAILS Style summer’s favored print this season with distressed denim and all the edgy details. A leather jacket and wide brim hat instantly elevates any look. Mix prints with a fun ankle boot. “Remember, leopard is neutral and plays well with fall style,” McFarland said.

Want more fashion truths? Head to currentlykherington.com or on Instagram at currentlykherington and learn more about this girl’s style star power. n

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALEXIS BRIANNE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Try our new menu!

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DINING SIGHTS | SOUNDS | SCENE

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C I T Y F L AT S H O T E L . C O M

28th Street SE at Patterson Ave. facebook.com/GandersGR

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

by Nick Macksood

ECLECTIC

Left: Irie Kitchen. PHOTO BY STACY FROM POP KITCHEN Right: Sonder Eatery. PHOTO BY SHAWN GUSTAF

SUBURBAN SATISFACTION Fantastic eateries on the outer edge

like Hudsonville — a dry town as recently as 2007 — or in Kentwood, which may have one of the more diverse populations in the greater Grand Rapids area.

These restaurants are not your parents’ drive-ins. Many of these spots are increasingly representative of their communities as they become more diverse. And what a relief!

Celebrate these days when you can break up school shopping with curried goat or Korean BBQ instead of something out of the The Joy of Cooking.

Continued on Page 78.

REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

SCENE | SOUNDS | SIGHTS DINING

J

ell-O salads, 44-oz. drinks, Wish Bone Italian dressing, John Cheever — these seemingly disparate items conjure up nothing if not our preconceived image of the suburbs, in all its milquetoast glory.

But those are the suburbs of the past! Now, every little town has its own brewery. And in West Michigan, those breweries are hauling some good (excellent, even) eats out to the ’burbs with them. As downtown real estate gets pricier and tighter, look for more options to pop up in towns

77

Continued From Page 77.

CASCADE

EMONAE KOREAN BBQ 6246 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids

Emonae requires, truly, maybe six or eight visits before you can really experience everything. It’s all here, and if Korean food has been on your list of cuisines to try (and it should be), then you ought to trek on down 28th Street and get in line.

The best route to take for your first visit is the Korean BBQ. Essentially, it’s your own personal tabletop grill, where you choose your meats and vegetables, cook them to your liking, and devour them with as many sweet and savory accoutrements as you wish. It smells like heaven, and it won’t leave your clothes until you wash them.

But Emonae also features traditional style Korean recipes that are worth forsaking the always-tempting BBQ. Repeat after me: galbi, bulgogi, bibimbap. You want these foods. You want all of these foods. Look ’em up and tell me you don’t.

JENISON

BANGKOK TASTE 674 Baldwin St., Jenison

Bangkok Taste (not to be confused with the restaurant of the same name in Grand Rapids) is one of those establishments that will never — and should never — go away, because it has such a devoted following. Chances are, you’re coming in here because you live near the neighborhood or somebody has recommended it to you. In my case, it simply has defeated all other Thai food in town! It can’t be replicated, so it has now become a destination of sorts — in Jenison, if you can believe it.

It’s Thai food like you’ve always seen, for the most part, but haven’t tasted. The food, whatever you get, consistently arrives as if it were from a family kitchen to the dining room table. You can taste the heritage of family recipes for generations, as long as you can handle the spice, that is. Not all Thai food is spicy, of course, but they do not mess around here.

There’s even a warning at the bottom of the menu.

rito you’ve ever encountered, except that the Cali version is loaded with french fries.

And Stan Diego has both of them! That’s in addition to all kinds of mouthwatering tacos, tortas and tamales. It’s just too bad they weren’t around in my Allendale days. Head there for $2 PBR and $3 tequila shots on Thursday. Vamos!

HUDSONVILLE

SONDER EATERY 3380 Chicago Dr., Hudsonville

Sonder Eatery has a “supper” menu, which is very Hudsonville, and yet Sonder also has a menu that looks like it’s straight out of Brooklyn. Mushroom gnocchi? Five-spiced duck? Roasted bone marrow or a flat-iron steak with black garlic steak sauce?

This is so not Hudsonville, or at least not the Hudsonville of the past.

Even better, Sonder works with West Michigan farms and companies to put together their menu. You can and should check them all out on their website, as you’ve probably heard of a few of them: Groundswell Farm, Ferris Coffee, Marland Winery, Moraine Park Farms, Regal Bison. Wait, bison in Caledonia? I need to get out more.

Bonus fact: Sonder recently made news for saving the day by catering an entire wedding in 90 minutes after the previous caterers didn’t show. Not all heroes wear capes.

LICARI’S SICILIAN PIZZA KITCHEN 3627 Baldwin St., Hudsonville

Licari’s is in Hudsonville now! The Italian joint has long been a reliable neighborhood spot in the northeast corner of Grand Rapids, but now here’s a location with even more reliable parking. You’ll find the same great pizza named Michigan’s Best by John Gonzalez and Amy Sherman, but I compel you to get a daily risotto if it sounds like it suits you — they’re spot-on. Wednesdays bring half-off bottles of wine, which is always a fine selection of Sicilian and Mediterranean vino. And whatever your opinion of the beer, never forget how unique it is to see Peroni on draft — what are they, bringing it over by boat?

STANDALE

STAN DIEGO BAJA TACO KITCHEN 355 Wilson Ave. NW, Walker

Above: Licari's Sicilian Pizza Kitchen. PHOTO BY ERICA TOWNSLEY Below: Stan Diego Baja Taco Kitchen. PHOTO BY ANDREW JOWETT

78 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

There’s really nothing like Standale. It’s kind of a community all its own, a town in the middle of Walker, yet technically “down the road” from Grand Rapids. In any case, Stan Diego fits, partially because there are no other San Diego-style taco joints around.

What exactly makes food “San Diego-style,” you may ask. Two examples: the fish taco and the California Burrito.

Fish tacos first took hold in San Diego at Rubio’s, now a California institution up and down the coast, and they always featured a regional, battered and fried fish served up with some kind of crema and slaw.

The California Burrito — not to be confused with San Francisco’s Mission Burrito — is much the same as any bur-

KENTWOOD

IRIE KITCHEN 6630 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids

Right off M-6 near Cutlerville, Irie is a Caribbean street food restaurant adamant about serving up organic, non-GMO foods. Its menu is heavily Jamaican influenced, sparse and extremely healthy! The jerk chicken is a classic, and you can get a whole one — yes, a whole chicken — for less than $16. I don’t know what you pay for your organic, non-GMO chickens, but it doesn’t come marinated and baked as perfectly as this. If you feel like stepping a little out of bounds, go for the curry garbanzo beans and the sorrel (a tangy, acidic herb) drink. Can’t find that anywhere else! n

great food

live music

&

September SHOWS

NOT YOUR AVERAGE BAR FOOD.

Sunday Brunch 11am-4pm

HOURS:

LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS

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

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

breakfast

THE HOLY GRAIL OF IPA

ALL THE FLAVOR— NONE OF THE BITTERNESS

THE B.O.B. • 20 MONROE AVE GRAND RAPIDS • 616.356.2000 THEBOBSBREWERY.COM

SAVING GRAND RAPIDS FROM AN ORDINARY

82 HOURS OF HAPPY HOUR!

$2.25 DOMESTICS | $3 CRAFT PINTS | $3 WELL DRINKS KARAOKE ON THE WEEKENDS SUNDAY BRUNCH $2 MIMOSAS UNTIL 2 P.M. Visit Us During Happy Hour: Sun, Mon, Tues: 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.

Wed & Thurs: 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. • Fri: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Sat: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

616-459-8824 • jgardellastavern.com • 11 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

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by Joe Boomgaard

BEER

BRUT IPA: THE REAL CHAMPAGNE OF BEERS Bubbly new style showcases hops without the bitterness

W

ITH A NEWLY CREATED IPA VARIATION, CRAFT BREWERS ARE OFFERING A novel way to showcase hops in a style that falls on the opposite end of the spectrum from the much-hyped New England IPAs.

DINING SIGHTS | SOUNDS | SCENE

While NEIPAs often feature a hazy OJ appearance and a juicelike sweetness, Brut IPAs pour very pale, effervescent and uber dry.

Their construction also lets more of the hop aromatics stand out compared to NEIPA, said Jason Spaulding, co-founder of Brewery Vivant.

The Grand Rapids farmhouse brewery is among the first in Michigan to brew and package a Brut IPA. Its Champion Brut clocks in at 7-percent ABV and features Amarillo and Citra hops.

After a small pub-only release last month, the beer will hit store shelves in four-packs of 16-ounce cans starting the week of Sept. 3.

“Champion Brut is a further exploration of how hops react with different brewing methods,” Spaulding told Revue. “It’s super-dry and it shows off how the yeasts and the enzymes interplay with late-addition hopping.”

Tasted back to back with Brewery Vivant’s Dawn of Vim NEIPA, Champion Brut lacked the syrupy mouthfeel and sweetness, but exuded seemingly more tropical hop aromas, which carried over into its flavors. While slightly thinner, Champion also seemed easier on the palate. And just like with champagne, Champion Brut’s effervescence offers a very refreshing drinking experience.

More bubbly? Yes, please!

Spaulding credits the NEIPA style for breaking down some of the stereotypes surrounding hoppy beers, which for so long embraced aggressive piney bitterness as a virtue. NEIPA proved hoppy beers could be approachable — if not desirable — when they’re more palate-friendly.

“Hazy Northeast IPAs brought more people into craft beer; they redefined what an IPA is,” Spaulding said. “With Brut IPAs,

80 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

we can hit people that still love hops, but who maybe don’t approve of the hazy appearance and the sweetness.”

In some ways, the Brut IPA is the ying to the NEIPA yang, and their differences come down to brewing science.

NEIPAs are loaded with oats and other grains in the malt bill to create their silky mouthfeel, which is a remnant of the fermentation process. The brewer’s yeast fails to consume all those

sugars and convert them into alcohol. As a result, the remaining sugars help beef up the mouthfeel in a NEIPA, contribute to their haze — along with copious amounts of dry-hopping — and help explain why they’re often sweet juice bombs.

On the other hand, Brut IPAs feature a light or neutral grain bill — often with adjuncts like rice, as is the case with Champion Brut — to achieve their pale color. To create the signature dryness, brewers add a common brewing enzyme to help break down as much as possible of the sugar that remains after the primary fermentation stage, allowing the yeast to consume it. (Champion Brut has zero residual sugar, although other breweries label beers as Brut IPAs when they have up to 1 percent of the sugar remaining.)

Like NEIPAs, Brut IPAs are aggressively dry-hopped to produce hop aromatics and avoid bitterness. But because of their use of neutral grains and their thin mouthfeel, Brut IPAs serve first and foremost to showcase hop characteristics.

According to Spaulding at Brewery Vivant, the new style also offers another example of the blurring of lines between beer and wine, and allows brewers and drinkers new ways to explore hops.

“The way these worlds interact is fun,” he said, noting the brewers challenged themselves with Champion Brut to produce a beer that had no residual sugar. “And it’s fun to see what stands out with different hops.”

The version of Champion Brut that will hit stores this month is the second batch Brewery Vivant has produced, Spaulding said, adding that each iteration will allow for new experimentation, befitting the brewery’s farmhouse tradition.

“We first brewed this on our pilot system and then scaled it up for this release, and I’m sure we’ll continue to tweak it a little bit more,” he said. “We always lead with innovation. Beers like this fit for a brewery of our size. Because we do like to experiment, it just keeps it fun … and people want to try new stuff. We can do whatever we want in that farmhouse tradition, and still be true to ourselves.” n

PETE BRUINSMA

Realtor/Broker/Owner at Grand River Realty

As a licensed broker and 14-year agent, Pete brings a high level of experience and education to each transaction. He handles everything personally from start to finish, which gives his clients an unmatched level of service.

grandriverrealty.com | (616)-389-0881

Best Realtor

NOW ON DRAFT AND IN CANS!

GRAND ARMORY BREWING .COM

17 S. 2ND ST., GRAND HAVEN, MI | 616.414.7822 REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

81

LAST CALL

BY NICK MACKSOOD PHOTO BY KATY BATDORFF

THE TREATY OF FEZ

NEW HOTEL MERTENS Patrons of New Hotel Mertens may notice that the French restaurant’s cocktail menu is original to the erstwhile hotel in the 1940s. It’s a classic, pre-prohibition era menu gracefully updated with both modern and internationally renowned spirits.

However, you won't see Treaty of Fez on the menu downstairs. You’ll find this drink, among others, at Merten’s new rooftop bar, Haute. The space deserves no description, or rather, no description deserves the space — you simply need to see it for yourself.

But the Treaty of Fez, like its counterparts at the lower bar, is understated. Not too flashy, the colors and the flavors in harmony with one another. It’s an easy drink: the refreshing mint tea cuts the bite from the Bulleit, while the spice and the warmth of the ginger and cinnamon enhance the bourbon’s flavor.

DINING SIGHTS | SOUNDS | SCENE

INGREDIENTS: 2 oz. Bulleit Bourbon 4 oz. Moroccan mint tea 1 oz. cinnamon-ginger syrup Club soda, to finish Pour bourbon, mint tea and syrup into an iced shaker. Mix well, then strain into a highball glass. Finish with ice and a splash of club soda. Garnish with mint leaves and candied ginger, if you like.

82 | REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018

WEE KEND

COLLEGE NIGHT

THURSDAYS 6pm to Close

9/1 - Kritter Krick

9/7 - DJ Gregg Knott 9/8- KBS

9/14 - Jaded

9/15 - DJ Slim Tim

9/21 - DJ DANIMAL

7.95

9/22 - dj KungD

aily Specials 9/28 - DJ DANIMAL

$

9/29 - DJ Slim Tim

$

2

5

$ RODEO BURGERS DRAFTS DJ ENTERTAINMENT 9PM NO COVER!

S U N D AY S

TAILGATE GAMES NFL REDZONE $5 MONSTER BLOODY MARY

$3 DRAFTS

$5 WING AND TENDER BASKETS

$3 MIMOSAS

PORCH RECESS 2PM-6PM MON-FRI

$2 Beef Tacos $5 Burger & Chips $3 Well Drinks & Select Drafts $4 Woodstinis & House Wine REVUEWM.COM | SEPTEMBER 2018 |

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