WHAT'S INSIDE
JOSH VEAL , Managing Editor | josh@serendipity-media.com
Happy Holidays, West Michigan!
Another year has already come and gone, once again, despite my many efforts to slow time down. It’s been a great one though, full of concerts (thank god they’re fully back), beach visits (I’m already looking forward to next summer), and local hangouts (karaoke, trivia, film screenings and more).
Next month, we’ll be kicking the year off with a bang, combining the January and February issues for an extra beefy issue covering things to do in 2025, along with sweet treats around town and our annual wedding guide. But right now, we’re focused on enjoying the holidays around West Michigan.
I’m not sure exactly why, but it feels like the holidays are getting extra attention in 2024. My guess is we just all need a little more love and togetherness right now. Fine by me! I can always go for more community.
Check out our Holiday Event Guide for a long list of concerts, musicals, artist markets, light shows, trolley tours, reindeer, Santa parades, and so much more to get you in the spirit this December. Maybe this is the year you finally experience Trans-Siberian Orchestra, or Mannheim Steamroller, or Pentatonix, all of whom are coming to West Michigan.
We also have some ideas for how to spend your winter break—especially helpful if you’re a parent with kids to keep occupied! And, if you’re still finishing up your shopping (I know I am), check out our Last-Minute Gift Guide for some ideas on where to get unique, handcrafted gifts for your loved ones (and your more… obligatory relationships).
Of course, we have stories on local music, arts and business as well, including a chat with Good Good Good, the new natural wine and flower shop that just joined Creston and is quickly building a solid community. Not sure what natural wine means? Read the article I wrote! Don’t know how to read? Just head on over there and start sipping!
You’ll also find our annual Top 5 Local Albums of the Year, highlighting a few of the best musicians in town. Plus, interviews with Kalamazoo-favorite Michigander, pop-punk band Action/Adventure, and comedian Charlie Berens. However you choose to spend this season, we won’t judge, but my suggestion is to get out there and soak up the holiday spirit with everyone else—it’s a truly special time where the very air feels different, and it sure flies by.
‘Til next time,
WHO'S WHO
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Managing Editor | Josh Veal, josh@serendipity-media.com
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25 THINGS TO DO IN 2025
Spotlight: Weddings & Sweet Treats
Space Deadline: 12/13/2024
Contributing Writers | Allison Kay Bannister, John Kissane, Eric Mitts, Michaela Stock, Zachary Avery
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TOP FIVE LOCAL ALBUMS
of 2024
|
by Eric Mitts
Each and every year, West Michigan launches yet another massively talented artist into undisputed stardom. Going back to the glory days of 90’s hit-makers The Verve Pipe and Mustard Plug, to the chart-topping success of Pop Evil, and most recently, Grammy-winner Billy Strings, our side of the state more than holds its own with an abundance of music demanding attention.
So when The Crane Wives finally got their moment, selling out their summer tour this year ahead of their beautiful new album – after becoming seemingly overnight viral sensations coming out of the pandemic – the surprise of it all felt less like a shock to those of us here who have followed and loved them for years, and more like a moment when all seems right in the world, even if the algorithms that dominate our lives were involved in the process.
Seeing an immensely talented band finally get their due beyond the Great Lakes, fills your heart, and hopefully, strengthens the soul of an everchanging music scene that, while overflowing with creative, original songwriters and performers, still has its share of struggles, too.
Just last month, the iconic Kalamazoo State Theatre abruptly announced that it would close indefinitely, with plans to pursue new ownership. Unique new venue spaces like The Starlight Room also closed their doors before even getting a real chance to shine, proving that every success comes hard-earned in the post-pandemic music business. Thankfully bright spots like the re-emergence of the Four Star Theatre, and the perseverance of Spring Lake’s Temple Lounge (formerly Seven Steps Up), show that there never really is an end to live music. Only a pause, to catch our breath, and get ready to sing and dance together again.
In hopes of continuing to chronicle just a small part of all the great music coming from our community, we at REVUE have compiled a short list of five of the very best albums, among many, that came out here this past year.
SCOOB
THE ARTIST
- The Trauma Project
A multimedia community effort from over 20 artists, this ArtPrizewinning combination of painting and music emphasized both the importance of art and opening up to collectively overcoming our shared and personal traumas. Dealing with the difficult subject from different perspectives, the project told hard truths, while still holding on to hope. It featured a staggering list of collabs from members of the Grand Rapids hiphop scene, young and old alike, and used music to tap into our common humanity, giving an even greater gravity to SCOOB’s powerful painted works. At a time when it’s hard to have real conversations, and even harder to be vulnerable, this masterpiece showed us that true strength comes from not being afraid to do both.
SPENCER LAJOYE – Shadow Puppets
The long and winding journey of queer indie-folk singersongwriter Spencer LaJoye shines through on every track of this incredible new album. Their first release since coming out as gender nonbinary, the record echoes the complicated past LaJoye has, having reached audiences as a successful Christian musician, and struggled with their own faith. An acclaimed singersongwriter, they lead with the captivating music, letting listeners in with their personal message, and pulling close with a voice that won’t let go. Look for LaJoye to win another WYCE Jammie Award, a decade after winning their first, and sparking a future that looks even brighter.
JORDAN HAMILTON – Project Freedom
There isn’t another artist quite like Jordan Hamilton. Forget West Michigan, there isn’t another performer quite like him in the world. Don’t take our word for it, The New York Times agrees, praising the vocalist/ cellist’s inimitable mix of hip-hop, jazz, and classical influences. Somehow both chill and confrontational, the indescribable vibe of Hamilton's new album makes it work as background groove and brain food. Years in the making, it explores true freedom to chase dreams, and the lessons learned along the way.
PATTY PERSHAYLA
– Sad Girl Apocalypse: bummer songs and ukulele adventures
With a doubt Patty PerShayla has become a rock ‘n’ roll badass. With her band The Mayhaps, she has let it rip, crushing classic rock style with modern energy. But those who remember her spellbinding solo debut Oracle Bones from a half decade ago, when she first started out here in Grand Rapids, will gladly welcome this surprise return to a stripped down sound. Now based in Nashville, and touring the country constantly, PerShayla has polished every aspect of her performance, but she doesn’t shy from any of the rawness on this batch of new songs. Don’t miss her when she premieres the record with a special homecoming show Dec. 5 at Midtown.
CAL IN RED – Low Low
There’s a reason why indierock icon James Mercer of The Shins guests on Grand Rapids indie-pop duo Cal In Red’s breezy, beautiful new album. He’s a huge fan. Effortlessly buoyant and blissfully effervescent, it’s escapism for easing away the tensions of the day. And brothers Connor and Kendall Wright like it that way, sharing vocals and harmonies in a way that only siblings can. Entrenched in the ‘90s and early 2000s – with touches of ‘80s synthesizers splashed throughout – this is a fun, calming way to forget about the present moment, if just for a while, and melt with the music. ■
MICHIGANDER: Holiday Homecoming, New Year Debut
| by Eric Mitts
There is no place like West Michigan for Jason Singer – founder/ songwriter/lead vocalist of indierock band Michigander.
Although the rising star has since relocated to Nashville in the pursuit of pushing his musical project to the next level, he expressed joy at the idea of returning to his home state for two special pre-holiday shows this month.
“We’ve been trying to do it for the last two or three years,” Singer said about setting up Michigander’s huge homecoming show at Elevation (inside The Intersection) Dec. 7, and an exclusive VIP gig at Tip Top Deluxe Dec. 6.
“We did a small show at Tip Top a couple years ago,” he said. “That was just really fun, and sweaty, and we thought it’d be cool to do both. It’ll be cool to just play a tiny show, and then play a big show. Like, the first-ever Michigander shows were in houses in Grand Rapids on the West side. And so now to go from playing for like eight people in a living room, to playing for close to a thousand people at Elevation, that’s pretty special. And I was even born in Grand Rapids, so it just kind of feels like home.”
Singer started the solo musical project that would become Michigander in Kalamazoo in 2014. Raised in Midland, he moved to West Michigan to chase his musical dreams. He broke through on
college radio, and online, with his first single, “Nineties,” released in 2016. He and his band then began to build a strong fan base by playing opening slots for other bands on tour, and made the jump to the festival circuit by joining the likes of Foster The People and alt-J at the Mo Pop Festival in Detroit in 2017, before playing to massive crowds at Lollapalooza in 2021, Electric Forest in 2022, and Austin City Limits in 2023.
Touring nearly nonstop, Michigander released four EPs – 2018’s Midland , 2019’s Where Do We Go From Here, 2022’s Everything Will Be Ok Eventually, and 2023’s It Will Never Be The Same. With radio charting singles including “Let Down,” “Misery,” and others racking up millions of streams, the band’s continued to climb.
That is until Singer himself suffered a tragic fall, breaking his leg during the music video shoot for the song “Superglue” in the California wilderness in 2022.
That injury set back plans to start an annual holiday show in West Michigan, as he recovered and took time away from touring.
“I’m hoping this will be a yearly thing in Grand Rapids,” Singer said. “West Michigan is where Michigander started, and I will end up there again one day. I love West Michigan so much… We don’t play there as much as I’d like to. And I think this is the best way for us to do it. And I’m just excited to see where it goes
in the following years.”
A milestone moment for the band, the holiday shows will also serve as a prelude to the long-awaited full-length debut album from Michigander, due out Feb. 7. 2025.
“It’s kind of crazy because I’ve been at it for like 10 years, and I finally feel ready to put out a record,” Singer said of the upcoming self-titled album. “It feels like I’ve worked my whole life towards this moment, to have a whole record out, and I’m biased, but it feels like it’s a perfect set of 12 songs. I wrote 40 to 50 songs for the record, and I narrowed it down to 12. So I’m really happy with how it is going, and where it’s at, and I’m really excited for people to hear the whole thing.”
This past summer Michigander released the album’s lead single, “Giving Up,” which cracked the Top Ten on the Billboard Adult Alternative chart. It was followed up this fall by the moving new single, “Emotional,” which Singer wrote with producer Jeremey Lutito, who produced the whole album.
“It’s a combination of all my influences, and emotions, and sounds that I’ve experienced up until this point,” Singer said, describing the new album. “I wasn’t sure what it was going to sound like at first... But I feel like the 12 songs that ended up on the record are the 12 best. And I feel it’s just my best work, entirely, so that feels really cool.”
Earlier this year Singer overcame a sudden and debilitating anxiety attack that sent him to the hospital. Entering therapy, and receiving medication, he has now become an open advocate for mental health awareness.
“It’s been a new thing for me to navigate, which is interesting,” he said. “I feel it’s important to be vocal about it because I’m sure other people are probably experiencing it and not knowing what it is. And that was my whole thing, too. Not really realizing how to cope with those kinds of things. So I really felt like
it was important to talk about it.”
With the release of the debut album set for Feb. 7, Singer said Michigander plans to get back out on the road more next year, and release even more new music. And although it might not be until next December before he can return to West Michigan, he’s never far from home.
“I think I’m my truest self now in my work,” he said. “And I feel like my truest self is a reflection of my upbringing, and my formative years. And so I think that is where Michigan shines through. And it’s cool to just go places, and meet other people from Michigan. It’s kind of like a special bond. I really feel that way.” ■
MICHIGANDER
Wsg. Oliver Hazard, Trauna Elevation (Inside The Intersection), 133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Dec. 7, 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show, All Ages $23 Advance, $61 (includes admission to Dec. 6 VIP show at Tip Top Deluxe, 760 Butterworth St. SW) Sectionlive.com, michiganderband.com
Lights, Camera, ACTION/ADVENTURE
Blake Evaristo is breathing new life into pop-punk with Action/ Adventure, a Chicago-based fivepiece band.
From going viral online to diversifying the punk scene, Evaristo is doing more than just contributing to the genre–he’s shaping it. Evaristo chatted with Revue from the back of his tour van, which will be making a stop at The Pyramid Scheme on December 6th in support of Tiny Moving Parts.
How and when did you first fall in love with music?
I have a sister who’s seven years older than me. She was very much into the pop punk realm of that era, we’re talking the 2000s when Fall out Boy was getting huge, and you had bands like The Starting Line and Newfoundland Glory. I’d always sneak into her room and listen to those CDs.
After taking piano and guitar lessons as a kid, when did you decide to start performing?
At one point I started a band in high school with a bunch of friends. I think it was my sophomore or junior year, when we threw a show in the local bowling alley, and a whole bunch of people came and sang along and knew the words. I always tell myself I’ve been trying to chase that high ever since, because that’s when I was like, ‘I want to do this forever.’
How did you meet the other musicians in Action/Adventure once your first band parted ways?
I stumbled upon this Craigslist ad which was labeled ‘20-somethings looking for singer.’ I sent over my resume kind of like, ‘Hey, here’s all the bands I’ve been in, and here’s like the shows I’ve done, and here’s some music, tracks, and everything.’ Adrian, the drummer, who ran the ad, responded with one word, which was ‘Tight.’ So I drove about 45 minutes to meet up with the guys and practice, and here we are ten years later.
Your song “Barricades” went viral online, which led to some major supporting slots on tour, as well as your record deal with Pure Noise Records. What was that overnight success like?
“Barricades” was on TikTok, and within a day it got over a million views and definitely changed the course of our story. It got us all this attention from new people, labels. I kind of have to hand it to that platform. It’s definitely changed the way the industry has grown and we’re appreciative of that success, but we also struggle with it as well.
In what way?
As a creator and musician nowadays, it’s easy to get caught up in the algorithm. I feel like a lot of bands are curating content and
making music to suit those algorithms that are ultimately unpredictable, and it’s not always
I think we’re in a better place realizing that, or at least what I say onstage to people is, don’t let the algorithm dictate your worth. I think that’s important especially now in this industry of quick hits and short form content.
Branching off your internet success, you also started a video series with the hashtag #PopPunkInColor. Can you tell me more about this movement?
Growing up in this punk scene for us, there weren’t many minorities or people of color in there. It was a weird feeling where you felt a little alienated or tokenized. It’s crazy because, when we go on tour and we share our stories, we have so many other people say ‘Wow, it’s so cool that you guys exist. I wish I knew you guys in high school.’ It just kind of brings a real sense of community into the punk scene.
Punk has definitely come a long way, and there’s a lot more representation and diversity now, but I’m pushing that narrative that’s like, ‘Hey, if you feel different, you’re not alone.’
Pop-punk as a genre is having a resurgence in mainstream culture. With bands from the 2000s performing again at throwback festivals like When We Were Young,
how have you celebrated the nostalgia of this genre while still progressing in the current scene?
There’s a lot of positives, and there’s a lot of weird uncharted territories. On one hand, it’s super cool that a lot of these bands that we love are coming back and we’re getting a chance to share the stage with some of them. But on the flip side, I hope a lot of these returning fans also find the time to discover new bands. Because we’re still very much a new band, even though we’ve been around for a while. Rising tides raise all ships, and that’s what we’re hoping for.
What’s your dream for Action/ Adventure?
The dream really is to go on a headliner and be able to sell out 300 to 500 capacity venues with everyone singing back. Obviously sky’s the limit, we definitely would love to play the biggest rooms ever, but when you’re in that dingy punk venue with the crowd right in front of you, that’s what I see on the horizon for us. I’m really hoping for that. ■
TINY MOVING PARTS + ACTION/ ADVENTURE + GREYWIND
The Pyramid Scheme
68 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Dec. 6, 7 p.m. pyramidschemebar.com
CHARLIE BERENS: Good Old Fashioned Comedy
| by Eric Mitts
When Revue got ahold of Wisconsin comedian and viral video sensation Charlie Berens, we were lucky he took our call.
Ya see, the Lions had just beat the Packers, at Lambeau, and don’tcha know, he was awfully sore about it.
Just kidding, but the fellow Midwesterner did joke about how the Upper Peninsula really does belong to Wisconsin, and how happy he is to find others from our neck of the woods while he’s touring all over the country.
“I think it’s indicative of the fact that people in the Midwest, they travel,” he said, only half-joking about how many Detroit fans made the trek to Green Bay last month. “You’re either from the Midwest or, you know people in the Midwest. You know what I mean? So a lot of people are familiar with it, and I don’t have to change up too much from my show in order for people to understand what I’m talking about.”
For those who don’t know Berens, the standup comedian, New York Times Best Selling author, Emmy-winning journalist, musician, and podcaster first broke out in 2017 with the Manitowoc Minute, his comedic online news show. Based on a character that leans heavily on his Wisconsin upbringing, the bit became an overnight hit, leading him to create even more popular Midwest-focused sketch comedy videos. He’s since amassed over 9 million followers across all his various platforms.
“It felt great because I posted videos for a long time and they hadn’t done well,” Berens said of the sudden success of the “Manitowoc Minute.” “That was one of the first ones that took off organically, where it was just getting shared, and shared, and shared. It was something you couldn’t control. It was like a wildfire with that video. And so I then did another, and another, and it felt great. It felt like everything I had been trying to do.
“And now I’m working a lot on my stand up, because that’s where I started,” he added. “And that’s what I love doing as well. It’s just nice being able to go from stand up to the videos, because some concepts are better for stand ups, some are better for video. So if something’s not quite working as a standup bit, it’s a video. Or it might be a podcast or something. So it’s just finding the right avenue for the thing. And I’m thankful I’ve got different tools in the toolbox.”
Before breaking through as a comedian, Berens had studied broadcast journalism, and worked in TV news, where he found out that his Wisconsin accent was quite noticeable to others. Growing up, he didn’t think anything of it, but instead of believing that his voice was a weakness, he leaned in, creating the onstage character that he would perform in the Manitowoc Minute while performing at the Comedy Store in L.A.
“I remember being excited that night, but also a little deflated because it was only 50 people,” Berens said of the birth of the character. “And those people didn’t know my name. I was only doing a short set, like eight minutes. I knew I had something, but how do I get more people to see it? So I made the first ‘Manitowoc Minute’ video.”
Now Berens finds that his standup inspires his videos, and vice versa. He really enjoys getting the opportunity to do both, even if he prefers the in-person connection he gets with audiences when he’s up on stage.
“Sometimes there’s more to say that you can’t say in a video,” Berens said. “Sometimes it starts as a one off. Like I did a sketch called ‘Playground Now versus Playground Then,’ and that started off as a conversation I had on a hike with my opener, and my cousin. And then on stage somebody had a baby, and then somebody said something, and it led to me riffing this bit about how playgrounds sucks these days because they’re not dangerous anymore. And I cut it into a stand up bit, but I was like, ‘You know, I kind of didn’t get this delivery right. And I think it would be fun if I actually personified this character.’ So I never even released it as a standup bit. I just wrote the thing I wanted to write with a little bit more time.”
Berens remains incredibly busy. In addition to touring, and creating videos, he wrote “The Midwest Survival Guide,” which ABC is currently developing into a half-hour comedy. He also topped the Billboard Bluegrass chart in 2020 after he teamed up with his friends Horseshoes & Hand Grenades for the music and comedy album, “Unthawed.” They released a second album, “Dive Bar Dinner,” last year.
A huge fan of dive bars, Berens hosts the “Belly Up” Podcast with his pal Myles the You Betcha Guy, where every Thursday they take live callers while at small town bars across the country. He also interviews other comedians and celebrities about their connections to the Midwest on his popular Cripscast podcast.
Not a stranger to fixing himself a good old fashioned, Berens launched his own brandy, Berens Old Fashioned Brandy, produced by Dancing Goat distillery, and available all over Wisconsin.
Returning to his home state for the holidays, Berens said he will visit with his large family of 12 siblings, where he admits he is often the butt of a lot of jokes.
“We do this thing called gimmicks, where every Christmas we pick one person, and then on Christmas Eve, you give them a present,” he said. “But no one cares about the present. What we care about is the roast. You then roast that person. So I get to listen to like 14 different roasts of my siblings, and in-laws and stuff. It’s more like 20 people at this point, so that’s a good time. We just love to laugh, and not take each other too seriously.”
Berens said heading into the New Year he plans to shoot a new standup special, following up on his first special, “Midwest Goodbye,” released last year, as well as some scripted content, and just “keep ‘er movin’.” ■
CHARLIE BERENS: A GOOD OLD FASHIONED TOUR
GLC Live at 20 Monroe, 11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Dec. 7, TWO SHOWS 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. (limited tickets available), $48+ Charlieberens.com, glcliveat20monroe.com
YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO WHAT’S GREAT IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
A DIFFERENT KIND OF THERAPY
| by Allison Kay Bannister
I’d heard of the concept of forest bathing before and thought I had a pretty good handle on the why of it, but when one of my recreation group members asked me just what we would be doing at the Guided Shinrin-yoku: Rest and Restore in Nature event I suggested for us, I struggled a bit to describe it. I guess this really is one of those things you have to have done before to fully understand and articulate. I imagined it to be a slow, thoughtful hike, but it was really quite different than that—and much more interesting and engaging.
Hosted by Katie Venechuk, Founder of In Your Element Wellness, this particular event we attended was held in the evening at Blandford Nature Center. It had been on-and-off raining and sprinkling much of the day, and I’ll admit I was a bit dubious
about how enjoyable it would be out in the dark, in the woods, in the wet air, under increasingly cooling temperatures. But, I reminded myself that if we only go out and enjoy life under the most pleasant conditions, we are missing a great deal of it. Katie reinforced that idea in sharing with us the Henry David Thoreau quote from Walden: “Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.” And, that’s exactly what we did.
After sufficiently equipping ourselves with red-filtered flashlights, cushioned sit-upons, blankets, and rain ponchos (all provided for us), we began our descent into the trees. A short, quiet hike later, along a trail partially lit by luminarias, we arrived at the sanctuary
she’d set up for us. We all took our seats on the ground inside the circle, many of us happy we’d brought all the extras.
Once settled, Katie began our experience by explaining the meaning of Shinrin-yoku, translated from Japanese as “forest bath” or “taking in the forest atmosphere.” More than just being outdoors, forest bathing takes a deeper dive into the natural world, exploring our connection to it through all of our senses—even taste, as we’d get to later.
What came next was a series of invitations. First, we relaxed into our individual spaces with some deep breathing exercises and a brief meditation practice, not unsimilar to mindfulness meditation. From there, we were encouraged to touch the earth surrounding us.
We then ventured into the woods on our own, with our flashlights, to see, touch, hear, and smell: the sky and the nearly full moon, bark peeling from trees, moss and lichen, bits of green life cropping up from under the thick covering of wet leaves, a handful of confused insects fluttering around, our own breath in the flashlight beams, sounds of planes flying over and cars in the distance, the plop of an occasional raindrop, and a mixture of subtle aromas. Some also saw a deer and several encountered a spotted slug creeping along a tree trunk, reminding us of our mission to slow down.
There were moments throughout to share with others what we’d discovered and the opportunity to take one last wander before returning to the circle where Katie was preparing a roasted dandelion root tea. We enjoyed the warm elixir and snacked on dates, cookies, and homemade chocolate candy made with hackberries that Katie had foraged.
And, just like that, it was time to exit our refuge from the noise and the busyness and the weight of our world. It was refreshing and calming at the same time, making it easy to see why there is science-backed evidence showing how spending time in nature positively affects our physical and emotional wellbeing. Especially when we’ve properly prepared for the conditions!
I was thankful for Katie’s message ahead of time advising us to dress warmer than we’d think we needed to. It was a mild 49 degrees, yet I was wearing jeans, a longsleeved shirt, fleece jacket, winter coat, hat,
heavy socks, and lined boots, and I felt just right—if not somehow slightly chilled at times. If you’re planning on attending one of these events, and I hope you are, keep that in mind. It made all the difference!
The best way to find out what’s next on the calendar is to follow In Your Element Wellness on social media, at facebook.com/ iyewellness or instagram.com/iyewellness. There is an abundance of info on her website as well, including some of the research behind forest bathing benefits.
Coming in January will be the “Shinrinyoku: Winter After Dark” series at Blandford, with more details coming soon. Katie also teaches a “Foraging & Wild Tending” class and is launching a Winter Wellness Club for 2025, with the goal of helping herself and others overcome winter dread and cultivate a more positive relationship with the season. Find all of her offerings at iyewellness.com. ■
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It's Only Natural GOOD GOOD GOOD WINE & FLOWERS
| by Josh Veal
What’s better than good? Good Good Good. This new natural wine and flower shop opened doors in Creston recently after roughly two years of preparation. One day, driving past the building that sat vacant on the corner of Plainfield and Sweet Street, Jon Benedict and Kyle Warren noticed it was for sale and decided on the spot to make an offer. Why not?
Then they called Kyle’s wife, Sam Keuning-Warren, and gave the news. She was on board, given that the couple had hoped for years to open some sort of business together.
“Originally, it was going to be a flower farm. Then we floated the idea of rehabbing an old motel, doing all kinds of things,” Sam said during a lovely afternoon at Good Good Good, sun beaming in through the skylights and large front windows. “But then, seeing this space, it just immediately was like, ‘Oh, this should be a wine and flower shop.’”
Between Kyle managing the wine bar Post Off for years (where they both met Jon) and Sam cultivating floral expertise at Posh Petals, it made sense to combine these passions and explore them in their own way.
Both the wine and flowers here have a big focus on “natural,” which has a similar meaning in each case. The flowers are seasonal, largely sourced from local growers, with no dyes. In the winter, to keep with the seasonality, there’s a shift toward dried arrangements and wintergreens.
Meanwhile, the wine also has no additives or dyes, and its flavor is far less tightly controlled. That means the “same” grapes will taste different every year, sometimes resulting in delicious success, other times resulting in a batch not worth serving. This is compared to the big wine brands that will do whatever it takes, including animal
THE NAME
additives and dyes, to make sure every bottle tastes and looks the same.
“Imagine wine made the way it has been made for thousands of years,” Jon said. “You take the grapes, you crush the grapes, you press the grapes, you ferment the juice, and then you pour that out and drink it. There’s minimal intervention when you farm or make the wine. It’s just a pure expression of the grape, the region, and the wine maker keeping it as hands-off as possible. We only work with small producers that Kyle carefully curates through his extensive research.”
Extensive is right—it’s clear from just one trip to Good Good Good that Kyle has a seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of natural wine and the people who make it, thanks to personal relationships.
“If you’re passionate about something, you meet people who are passionate about it, and then relationships form,” Kyle said. “Anytime a new wine lands in Michigan, it’s like, I have to find out who this person is.”
You may feel you know nothing about wine, and that’s okay, because the Good folks are more than happy to educate you with as little pretension as possible. In fact, even if you do consider yourself a wine aficionado, you’re best off approaching each bottle here with an open mind and a blank slate of expectations.
“I feel like that’s the fun of it, is people come in and they’re like, ‘I don’t know anything. Tell me about this.’ And we try to do that as unpretentiously as humanly possible,” Sam said.
It helps that every natural wine has a story. The trio has even worked directly with local growers to make wine. For instance, CA’ MUSU is a “horsepowered farm and winery”
It's supposed to be fun and easy and light. The main thing is, in certain languages, the more you repeat a word, the more emphasis it has on it. So, in English, we just say, “Oh, it’s really good.” But in Dutch, if something’s tasty, it’s lekker. If it’s really tasty, it’s lekker lekker. If it’s the tastiest thing you’ve ever had, it’s lekker lekker lekker. Plus, there’s three of us. So it’s kind of punny, but intentional. It’s more than good. It’s very good.
Kyle Warren
in Hart, making fantastic wine with low tech and no intervention, run by a delightful Italian couple, Domenico and Alise. They all came together to pick some grapes and hang out earlier this year.
“They play only Christmas music through harvest season,” Kyle said. “So, we’re blasting Christmas music, picking chardonnay, and sorting through it. If you’re making natural or organic wine, you have to make sure every grape is good. We’re filling up a big bucket, and the bucket gets full while we’re still sorting, and Domenico is like, ‘I gotta crush those grapes right now!’ He takes his clothes off, goes down to his skivvies, jumps in there and starts mashing them.
“So, we’re chucking grapes at him, while Bing Crosby is singing, and he’s in his underwear jumping around.”
This one story of many goes to show that it doesn’t have to be a pretentious product or experience. In fact, the Good Good Good trio want to do everything they can to make it accessible for everyone and bridge the gap.
To that end, they’re also planning tons of community events coming up, already throwing a banger of a Halloween party as well as karaoke and flower workshops. Looking ahead, they’re thinking about speed dating, glass takeovers with specific winemakers/importers, and event space rentals—not to mention doing the flowers for more weddings.
Mostly, they’re excited to be part of the Creston community, and vice versa. When asked what they’ve been hearing from people, Jon said, “‘Thank you so much for doing this.’ The neighbors in the area all know what this building used to look like, the condition it was in.”
“My most positive takeaway,” Kyle said, “is just how willing people are to go on a journey with us.” ■
GOOD GOOD GOOD
1590 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids goodwineandflowers.com
EXPERIENCE THE HOLIDAYS
THE HOLIDAYS Experience
| by Revue Staff
The holidays have arrived in West Michigan and there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate.
Whether you’re looking for a local artist market to buy unique gifts for loved ones; concerts putting Christmas music and other holiday hits in the spotlight; spectacular annual shows that are local traditions; meals to enjoy together; brilliant holiday light displays; or just about anything else, we’ve got you covered.
However you love to experience the holidays, here are our top picks.
Holiday
EVENTS
CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE
DeVos Performance Hall
Dec. 3
Devosperformancehall.com
Holidaze conveys the magic of the season with a Broadwaystyle production infused with contemporary circus arts. As lights dim and the music swells, a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life, featuring a world-renowned cast of performers accompanied by an ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, breath-catching acrobatics, and much more. An original music score includes new twists on seasonal favorites such as “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “Carol of the Bells.”
UNIVERSITY OF WEST MICHIGAN HEALTH HOLIDAY POPS
DeVos Performance Hall
Dec. 5-8 grsymphony.org
Join for this long-standing annual holiday tradition that’s a massive artistic collaboration, with Bob Bernhardt conducting the Grand Rapids Symphony, Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, Grand Rapids Youth Chorus, Embellish Handbell Ensemble, and frequent GRS soloist Mela Dailey! Hear a full evening of your seasonal favorites, including “Joy to the World,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” John Williams’ selections from the movie Home Alone, a “Christmas Sing-Along,” and the “Hallelujah” Chorus from The Messiah. Plus—a surprise visit all the way from the North Pole!
ROCKFORD’S 80TH ANNUAL SANTA PARADE
Downtown Rockford
Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Welcome Santa to town for the holiday! Parade starts at 11 a.m. at Lewis & Main Street. They will go South on Main, turn on Courtland, and continue down Monroe Street. It’s free to attend and dog-friendly. Santa will be in the Rotary Pavilion following the parade to visit with children until 2 p.m.!
GRAND
RAPIDS SANTA PARADE
Downtown Grand Rapids
Dec. 7, 5 p.m.
grsantaparade.com
Santa will be traveling from the North Pole to join us for this special event with more than 50 parade entries that will light up the streets of GR for families from all over West Michigan. Santa will be exiting his sleigh at Rosa Park Ice Rink at approximately 6:30 pm and joining the City of Grand Rapids for the annual tree lighting ceremony at 6:45 pm. Plus, free cookies, coffee and hot chocolate!
TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA
- THE LOST CHRISTMAS EVE TOUR
Van Andel Arena
Dec. 8, 3 & 7:30 p.m.
vanandelarena.com
With more than 10 million albums sold, TSO has inspired generations of fans to rediscover the multidimensional art form of the rock opera, especially through their annual holiday blowout in Grand Rapids. On the road, they have become one of the world’s top acts, with Billboard magazine naming TSO as one of the top touring artists of the past decade.
PENTATONIX: EVERGREEN CHRISTMAS TOUR
Van Andel Arena
Dec. 11, 7 p.m.
vanandelarena.com
Pentatonix may be the most famous a capella group on Earth, and that didn’t happen by accident. Rising to fame in 2011 with The Sing-Off, most of the group has been together ever since, becoming especially well-known for their Christmas music, with 6 holiday albums out so far, and surely more to come. Come see them harmonize, scat, riff, beatbox and more, creating modern renditions of holiday classics.
MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER
Miller Auditorium
Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m.
millerauditorium.com
Chip Davis, founder and creator of Mannheim Steamroller, will celebrate over 35 years of his annual Christmas concert tour, making it the longest running concert tour in the entertainment industry. A Grammy Award winner, Mannheim Steamroller has sold more than 41 million albums, with over 31.5 million in the Christmas genre, ever since he revolutionized the making and marketing of holiday music in 1984.
CRESTKINDLMARKT
Coit Avenue
Dec. 12, 4-8 p.m.
facebook.com/crestongr
Join the first ever Crestkindlmarkt during this year’s Lights On Creston, a yearly event along Plainfield that includes magical trolley rides to all of your favorite shops. At the market, enjoy a variety of delicious food, festive drinks, and much more!
HOLIDAY 2024 EXPO
Holland Civic Center
Dec. 13-14
hollandciviccenter.com
Over 120 artists, makers and small businesses will be sharing their wares for all your holiday shopping at this juried expo. They will have face painting, Santa and princesses for photo ops, interactive activities throughout the day, food trucks, a bar and concessions, and more! Wrap up your holiday gift shopping season by supporting your small businesses and artisans while shopping local.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze, Mannheim Steamroller.
PHOTOS
/// EXPERIENCE THE HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAY CLASSICS ORGAN CONCERT
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Dec. 13-14
grpm.org
The GRPM is concluding its 2024 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ Concert Series with themed Holiday Classics organ concerts performed by iconic and Detroit Red Wings organist, Lance Luce. Deck the halls this season with cheerful holiday songs on the GRPM’s 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ and classics such as Jingle Bells, Silent Night, The First Noel, and more.
HOLIDAY OWL BLANKETS & BREWS
Blandford Nature Center
Dec. 14, 3-5 p.m. blandfordnaturecenter.org
Come out and make a beautiful no-sew owl blanket this holiday season, while enjoying a local brew. Blandford will supply everything needed to make a blanket, no skills required. Wildlife Staff will be showing educational owls up close while participants cut strips and tie knots to make their blanket, all with one drink included. Other holiday events include Dried Flower Wreaths workshop on Dec. 11 and Holiday Enrichment with Animals on Dec. 21.
HOME ALONE IN CONCERT
Grand Rapids Symphony
Dec. 18-19 grsymphony.org
A true holiday favorite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams’ charming and delightful score performed live to picture. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who’s accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heartwarming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family!
MI DRAG BRUNCH: BRUNCHMAS
Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown Dec. 22 midragbrunch.com
Since 2018, MI Drag Brunch has been giving high energy performances in some of the hottest brunch destinations around, and turning up a party with thousands of new and old drag fans alike. Celebrate the holidays with Brunchmas— each ticket includes a meal, welcome drink and 2-hour performance. Plus, this year, you get your choice of sitting in the lavish Portico downstairs or the rooftop Knoop!
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN HEALTH-WEST
HOLIDAY
POPS
DeVos Performance Hall
Dec. 21-23 grsymphony.org
Join us for this long-standing holiday tradition with Bob Bernhardt, the Grand Rapids Symphony, the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, the Grand Rapids Youth Chorus, Embellish Handbell Ensemble, and frequent GRS soloist Shayna Steele! Hear your seasonal favorites including “Joy to the World,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” John Williams’ selections from Home Alone, a “Christmas Sing-Along,” and the “Hallelujah” Chorus from The Messiah.
GRAND MENORAH LIGHTING
Calder Plaza
Dec. 29, 5 p.m. chabadwestmichigan.com
Come celebrate Chanukah together as a community with the lighting of the giant menorah in Calder Plaza. Plus, watch a master ice carver sculpt a beautiful ice menorah, a grand fire juggling show, an epic chocolate Gelt Drop, lively Chanukah music, sufganiot (donuts), hot delicious latkes, crafts and more. Plus, there will be a daily lighting each evening, starting on Dec. 25 and running through Jan. 1.
Markets
ANNUAL UPTOWN SHOP HOP
Uptown Grand Rapids
Dec. 5, 3-9 p.m.
facebook.com/uptowngr
Join the 27th annual Uptown Shop Hop, as the district of five thriving neighborhoods comes alive with extra special holiday experiences. FREE Jolly Trolley rides will transport you through Uptown as you holiday shop, eat, drink, and make memories! Merriment includes free trolly rides between districts, streetside entertainment, and surprises guests and goods all night long. Shop Hop is a great way to knock out that shopping list with memorable gifts that will support the livelihoods of local and independent makers and businesses, right here at home.
TINSELS, TREATS AND TROLLEYS
Ada Village Dec. 6, 5:30-9 p.m.
Tinsel, Treats & Trolleys is the Ada Business Association’s signature holiday event featuring the Ada Bridge Lighting, Santa’s Village, trolley rides through town, a Candy Cane Forest, DJ dance party, live reindeer, sled dogs, a Festival Of Trees, and more!
ADVENTURE POINT HOLIDAY MARKET
3213 Walker Ave NW, Grand Rapids
Dec. 6-7 adventurepoint.org
Get in the spirit with a variety of vendors and crafters to get your holiday shopping done! Sip on a hot chocolate and bring your kids to the activity center on Saturday to make fun crafts and decorate cookies. You can top off your experience with a picture with Santa or Rudolph by a professional photographer and backdrop.
33RD ANNUAL HOLIDAY ARTISTS MARKET
Kendall College of Art & Design
Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
kcad.ferris.edu
The Holiday Artists Market returns to Kendall! Hosted by The Spark at KCAD, this year’s market will showcase more than 50 local artists, designers, and makers, including a number of current KCAD students and alumni.
Uptown Shop Hop, Home Alone
MI Drag Brunch: Brunchmas. PHOTO BY SCOTTY KIRBY
OH HELLO CO.’S HOLIDAY MARKET
Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
facebook.com/ohhellogr
Join for a fun-filled day of local shopping and festive cheer at Oh, Hello Co. Paper & Gifts in downtown Grand Rapids. What to expect: Local vendor pop-up shops featuring unique, handmade gifts and goods; free gift wrapping to help you wrap up your holiday shopping; complimentary snacks & beverages to enjoy while you browse.
OUTDOOR
HOLIDAY MARKET
Saugatuck Center for the Arts
Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
sc4a.org
Come to this market for nearly 40 local Friendors (that’s what they call a vendor who’s also a friend) in SC4A’s Outdoor Plaza & Pavilion featuring high-end crafts, home decor, wearables, jewelry, paper goods, artisan baked goods, greens, and much more. While you shop, enjoy one of the specialty holiday beverages from the bar and just try not to sing along to your favorite holiday numbers being played overhead.
GRAND HAVEN HOLIDAY ARTIST TRAIL
Across Grand Haven
Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
All around Grand Haven, stores and studios are opening their doors to holiday shoppers. More than 50 artists working in wood, textiles, jewelry, ceramics, paperwork, painting, printmaking, and more are bringing work in a wide range of prices. Trail maps with artists’ locations are available at participating venues (watch for the blue cones). After shopping, visitors are encouraged to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the city’s Jingle Bell Parade, which starts at 6 pm.
Fun
CHRISTKINDL MARKET
Holday Lights Trolley, Blandford Nature Center's Holiday Owl Blankets & Brews. COURTESY PHOTOS
Grand Rapids Downtown Market Through Dec. 23 downtownmarketgr.com
This year, the Grand Rapids Downtown Market is hosting its second Christkindl Market, and it’s twice as big as before. Heavily inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, the event features an illuminated winter wonderland with holiday retailers and experiences including more than 60 outdoor vendor booths with handmade gifts, German Style beverage hall, heated Alpenglobes, live entertainment, curling experiences, holiday lights, caroling, Santa, children’s activities, and much more. Head to the market’s website for more details on specific events throughout the season!
CHRISTMAS LITE SHOW DRIVE THRU
LMCU Ballpark Daily christmasliteshow.com
West Michigan’s largest, animated drive-through light show is back for “Another Year of Magic!” This season marks their 27th year of entertaining people of all ages, and they’re excited to see you. Enjoy nearly two miles of Christmas magic with over a million lights, animated displays, lighted tunnels, and more—all from the comfort of your car. Or, remove any barriers by taking the hayride-style Memory Lane Train, which seats up to 24 adults.
ENLIGHTEN
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Through Jan. 4
meijergardens.org
In addition to its annual Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition with dozens of festive displays, Frederik Meijer Gardens is launching its 30th anniversary year with ENLIGHTEN, an immersive outdoor light spectacle. In collaboration with Lightswitch and Upstaging, renowned for acclaimed productions Illumination at The Morton Arboretum and shows for artists including Hans Zimmer and Paul McCartney, ENLIGHTEN promises a holiday experience on par with the world’s most iconic light displays.
LET IT SNOW!
Grand Rapids Public Museum Planetarium Through Jan. 5
grpm.org
“Let it Snow” is a festive light show for the holidays, featuring a variety of classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee, and includes a stunning finale by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The soundtrack is visually enhanced with thematic animation, immersive special effects, and full-dome scenery.
BYOB HOLIDAY LIGHTS TROLLEY
Grand Rapids
Multiple dates holidaylightstrolley.com
This Christmas party on wheels is coming back to Grand Rapids! You’ll meet at a festive neighborhood bar for check-in, to meet your tour guide, and grab a quick snack as prep for a gawker ride through GR’s yuletide lights. Bring your own beverages for the vintage trolley ride.
HOLIDAY MOVIES ON SCREEN
Wealthy Theatre
grcmc.org
The holidays are all about coming together, and one great way to do that is to head to Wealthy Theatre for a classic holiday movie played up on the big screen. December 17 National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and December 22 is White Christmas. And on December 21 is not a movie, but rather the Amaze & Amuse Christmas Spectacular, with comedy magician Trino and the young ventriloquist Brynn Cummings.
MEET LIVE REINDEER!
Flowerland of Kentwood, Dec. 1
Walker Winterfest, Dec. 5
Reindeer Ranch in Kalamazoo, Through Jan. 4 ■
Break Out
of the Winter Break Routine
| by Allison Kay Bannister
After the last school bell of the year rings on Friday, December 20, many families will be turning their attention from homework and extracurricular activities to the more relaxed pace of winter break, which, for most, runs until classes resume on January 6. Sure, lazing around in matching jammies may sound pretty appealing, but, presumably, there is only so much leisure to be had before cabin fever kicks in. When it’s time to get out of the house, what’s there to do? Plenty! Here’s a rundown.
WANDER FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULPTURE PARK
1000 E Beltline Ave NE meijergardens.org
Through January 4, with some holiday exceptions, is ENLIGHTEN, a light show experience combining spectacular installations with enchanting music, interactive elements, and the beauty of nature—all along a one-mile path. Food and beverages are available, and purchase of timed tickets is recommended. After enjoying ENLIGHTEN, be sure to check out the University of Michigan Health–West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition. The Gardens also offers Winter Break Camps for different youth age groups on select dates.
EXPLORE THE GRAND RAPIDS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
11 Sheldon Ave NE grcm.org
There’s always lots to do at this active space, but the “Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit” is a definite must. Kids will play while they learn, walking through the pages of some of Carle’s popular books. It runs through January 5. Also going on for many dates in December, through the 23rd, is Giftworks at the Wonder Workshop. There’s a new project to make every day that can be giftwrapped and shared.
BASK IN THE CHRISTMAS LITE SHOW
LMCU Ballpark christmasliteshow.com
TAKE IN A GRIFFINS GAME
Van Andel Arena griffinshockey.com
Grab a seat around the rink! Three games are happening at home during break: December 20 at 7:00 p.m. vs. Milwaukee Admirals (with $2 domestic beers and $2 hotdogs); December 22 at 4:00 p.m. vs. Texas Stars (with a Gridiron Griffins jersey auction); and December 31 at 6:00 p.m. vs. Cleveland Monsters (with 27th annual New Year’s Eve Celebration with post-game fireworks).
SEE A PERFORMANCE OF THE NUTCRACKER
DeVos Performance Hall grballet.com
GR Ballet is celebrating their 10th anniversary production of The Nutcracker, with six dates in December. During break, these are December 20 at 7:30 p.m.; December 21 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and December 22 at 2 p.m. Reserve tickets early and don’t miss this quintessential holiday tradition!
Drive through or ride the Memory Lane Train to see more than two million lights, plus numerous animated displays and lighted tunnels. Both are open through January 4, including holidays, and there’s a savings if you buy your tickets online. Want to see St. Nick? Add on a Santa Experience ticket, through December 23.
PLAY AT MUSKEGON
ADVENTURE PARK
462 N Scenic Dr, Muskegon msports.org
Bundle up and get some fresh air at this large sports complex near the lakeshore. As long as weather permits, visitors can ice skate, snow shoe, cross-country ski, sled, or even luge on an Olympian-built track. Buy a day pass or get extra perks with a season pass. Luge tickets are extra and must be reserved in advance. If there’s no snow or ice, you can still “hike the lights” on their trails. Head to their website to see conditions before you go. They’re open every day in December and January.
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park's ENLIGHTEN. PHOTO BY LIGHTSWITCH
LMCU Ballpark Christmas Lite Show, Grand Rapids Children's Museum, Coopersville and Marne Railway Santa Train. COURTESY PHOTOS
DISCOVER DINOSAUR BONES
430 W Clay Ave, Muskegon lakeshoremuseum.org
Roam through the prehistoric world at Muskegon Museum of History & Science. Guided by expert paleontologist Paleo Joe, this exhibit runs through December 30. Paleo Joe will also be at the museum for a special Fossil Prep Day event, December 21 from, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
RIDE THE SANTA TRAIN
306 Main St, Coopersville mitrain.net
Take a 90-minute excursion with the Coopersville and Marne Railway, complete with a Santa meet-and-greet and photo ops. It’s open weekends only, so during break that’s December 21 and 22. There’s also a Caroling Train at 5:00 p.m. on the 22nd. Advance tickets are strongly recommended, as trains typically sell out.
BURN OFF EXTRA ENERGY AT HORIZON KIDS COMPLEX
6462 Center Industrial Dr, Jenison horizonkidscomplex.com
School Vacation Open Gym is available 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on December 23, 27, and 30, plus January 3. Kids kindergarten age and older can climb ropes, hop on trampolines, tumble on mats, jump in the foam pit, or just run wild. To participate, a parent or legal guardian must sign a waiver.
WATCH AND LISTEN TO LET IT SNOW
Grand Rapids Public Museum grpm.org
This festive light show, with themed animation, special effects, and fulldome scenery, is paired with classic holiday music for a visual and aural treat. Held at Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium, it runs every day at 4:00 p.m. from December 21 through January 5. Planetarium shows are $4 with general admission to the Grand Rapids Public Museum or $5 on their own. Also check out GRPM’s Snowflake Break Camps for grades 1-3 and 4-6 on specified dates from December 23-January 3. ■
LAST-MINUTE
| by Revue Staff
I
Gift Guide
f you still have a few (or many (or all)) of your holiday gifts to buy, don’t worry, it’s not too late! Especially if you shop local, where you don’t have to wait around for shipping to hopefully deliver your package on time and in good condition. If you want to secure your gift worry-free, while helping support the community around you and picking up unique gifts you can’t find anywhere else, we suggest shopping local. Here are just a few of our ideas for you last-minute shoppers out there. While each store may not have exactly these items in stock by the time you visit, this will give you an idea of what to expect when you head in!
CAT EYEGLASS HOLDER
Lucia’s World Emporium | 421 Water St., Saugatuck
Keep eyeglasses, sunglasses or readers safe and easy to locate on this hand carved cheeky cat. Handcrafted from ethically sourced Indian rosewood, this unique kitty would make a fun gift for the cat lover in your life.
JELLYCATS
Schuler Books | 2660 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids
Looking to make your space feel more festive? Try out some festive holiday themed Jellycats! These stuffies are soft, adorable, and sure to put a smile on your face. Christmas trees, candy canes, gingerbread man, and more are available to make your home cozy!
MIDNIGHT MINT DARK CHOCOLATE BAR
Ascend Cannabis | letsascend.com
The Midnight Mint chocolate bar contains a soothing combination of 5MG THC and 2MG CBN per piece for a great night’s sleep that will leave you feeling both rested and refreshed. It features rich dark chocolate with a fresh, crisp mint flavor sprinkled with cacao nibs. Mmmmzzzz.
AERIAL: GRAND RAPIDS FROM ABOVE
Periwinkle Fog | 125 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
This coffee table book is dedicated exclusively to gorgeous aerial photos of Grand Rapids, taken by local photographer, director, and drone pilot Brian Kelly!
YULETIDE CHEER BOX
Koeze | 1971 East Beltline, Grand Rapids
Colossal cashews, assorted Dutch chocolate crunch cookies, honey roasted peanuts, and a variety of chocolate/caramel/pecan turtles—this tempting collection of Koeze treats is made for sharing.
LEATHER FANNY PACK
Gemini Handmade | 963 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids
Gemini Handmade is a local shop that specializes in real leather goods, and they’ve gone back to a classic with these top-shelf fanny packs, which perfectly blend style and function.
SOMEONE IN KALAMAZOO LOVES ME BANDANA
Spirit of Kalamazoo | 154 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo
Bandanas are versatile—you can buy them for a person, a dog, or a person with a dog! These bandanas, available in pink or blue, show off your local pride in a stylish way.
KRAMPUS PERFUME
Fox Naturals | 619 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
Inspired by the fabled horned creature of holiday lore. An entrancing, woodsy, and slightly metallic arcane elixir. Notes of cherry, cedarwood, labdanum, balsam, patchouli and rose.
CARDINALS WATER LANTERN
Apothecary Gift Shop | 35 W. 8th St., Holland
Snowglobes are great, but what if you don’t want to keep shaking it? Check out this water lantern, which keeps the snow-like glitter swirling around a serene scene of cardinals resting on a branch of holly.
GIFT CARDS
We don’t believe gift cards are impersonal—knowing someone’s favorite restaurant or shop means a lot! Restaurants, breweries, escape rooms, they all have gift cards. Consider somewhere like Maru, perfect for special occasions. ■
CRAVING SOMETHING DELICIOUS?
Check out our menu at Crepes by the Lakes! From savory to sweet, we have something for everyone. Come and discover your new favorite crepe today. www.crepesbythelakes.com
VISIT US AT THE CHRISTKINDL MARKT AT THE DOWNTOWN MARKET!
WED-SUN | NOVEMBER 15-DECEMBER 23
Wed-Thu: 11AM-7PM | Fri: 11AM-9PM Sat: 10AM-9PM | Sun: 10AM-7PM
| by John Kissane
Grand Rapids Symphony's Annual Holiday Show
For ten years, Bob Bernhardt has been conducting Grand Rapids Symphony’s Holiday Pops. It’s a big, spectacular show, full to bursting with music and musicians both.
Onstage at DeVos Performance Hall December 3-8 will be the symphony; the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus; the Grand Rapids Youth Chorus; Embellish Handbell Ensemble; soprano Mela Dailey; and Santa Claus himself, whose magical sack has room enough for jokes.
Santa will forgive us for starting with Ms. Dailey. The Grammy Award-winner with a miraculous range—“She can sing anything,” Bernhardt said—she studied both piano and vocals in her youth. Her mother asked that she pick one passion, preferably piano. When Dailey entered an all-region choir competition, her mother told her she could keep singing— as long as she won. She did. In 2003, she debuted at Carnegie Hall, and has since toured with Alan Jackson, won significant competitions and awards, released albums, sung on soundtracks, and, why not, hosted a radio show.
For the holiday show, she’ll be singing David Foster’s “The Prayer” along “My Favorite Things,” “O Holy Night,” “What Child Is This,” and “My Favorite Things,” that last a Sound of Music song that’s become associated over the years with Christmas.
“I try to work with her whenever I can,” Bernhardt said. “She’s a remarkable person and one of my favorite singers in the world. Whatever it is, she just goes for it.” He pointed out that she’s recently been touring with Andrea Bocelli, singing with him on classics like “Con Te Partiro,” but that she also can deliver a fabulous version of the Ghostbusters theme song. “Her voice is such a glorious instrument.”
Also included in the evening will be— and this is not an exhaustive list—“Joy To the World,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah, and selections from John Williams’ score to Home Alone. Referring to the latter, Bernhardt said that, “Those songs are the Sara Lee of Christmas music: ain’t nobody don’t like ‘em. When you come up with good holiday material, people embrace it. They bring it into their homes. Most people are very open to wonderful new music.”
And not just to wonderful new music, but, in particular, wonderful Christmas music. Asked why Christmas has inspired so much lasting music, as opposed to, say, Arbor Day, Bernhardt pointed toward its commercial success. “If it’s good, it sells. Look at that Mariah Carey song [“All I Want For Christmas Is You”]. It became an instant classic. Christmas music is about comfort and celebration.” The great songs are embraced, composers write more.
The evening will feature more than just Christmas music, however. “A Winter Miracle” combines “O Hannukah” with Vivaldi’s “Winter,” creating something driving, evocative, and deeply beautiful. By doing so, it honors a faith and tradition fundamental to members of our community and, not for nothing, to Christmas itself.
All told, over twenty songs will be performed. None of them are long; each exits the stage before overstaying its welcome. Some are part of the permanent Holiday Pops repertoire, and some aren’t, but all are familiar. “We’re playing the musical equivalent of comfort food,” Bernhardt said. The comment is reflective of his belief that these aren’t meant to challenge but to offer joy and peace.
While the number of performers onstage is significant, the conductor anticipates smooth sailing. “It’s just joyful,” he said, “especially when everyone’s signing and playing. This isn’t opera. With opera, a piece of furniture going awry can ruin your night. But we’re all rowing in the same direction.” If past performances are any indication, transitions will be seamless, and the individual groups will be distinct while remaining clearly part of a whole: individual flowers in a well-designed garden.
Over the years, he’s gotten feedback regarding the holiday shows, nearly all of it positive. There was the one year
they left out the sleigh ride (yes, there’s a sleigh ride). “We were informed,” he said, dryly. But by and large, the response has been tremendously positive. “They’ll tell us that it’s so wonderful that we have the handbells,” he said. “Or they’ll thank us for supporting the children’s chorus. And they’ll make sure to ask that Santa comes again. Santa brings a lot of cheer. And comedy.” He told The Rapidian one of Santa’s jokes, but we won’t spoil it for you. What comes through most clearly in conversation with Bernhardt is his unfeigned delight. He, the symphony, and everyone else onstage take their responsibilities seriously while never taking themselves seriously. The result is an accessible, enjoyable, funny, and often beautiful evening of music, replete with a sleigh ride and standup from a grizzled old veteran of the north. Everything you want, in other words, and you don’t even have to wait for Christmas to get it. ■
UNIVERSITY OF WEST MICHIGAN HEALTH-WEST HOLIDAY POPS
DeVos Performance Hall Dec. 5-8 grsymphony.org
NOT YOUR MOTHER'S NUTCRACKER
| by John Kissane
Since its premiere in December 1892, The Nutcracker has become a holiday staple, as closely associated with Christmas as are poinsettias, silver tinsel, and mistletoe. Who could forget the clockwork movements of the doll, or the battle with the Mouse King, or the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy? Or, for that matter, the directionally-challenged stripper who winds up at a wild holiday party?
What’s that? You don’t remember the stripper? Then you must not be familiar with Cracked Nuts. Let’s start with the basics: put on by Deos Ballet, it’s onstage December 6th and 7th at the Cultural Center at St. Nicholas. And it’s adults-only (my sixteen-year-old niece, forbidden the purchase of a fake ID, was foiled).
In this version of the classic story, Clara’s an office manager at Stahlbaum Incorporated (Stahlbaum was Clara’s last name in the original version). She’s carefully planned the perfect Christmas party for the team. But the best-laid plans of mice king and men so often go astray. It’s not that no one shows up; HR, accounting,
That could spell trouble, but resourceful Sugar has an idea: a dance-off. Oh boy, you can imagine the HR folks thinking. This is going to be interesting.
“This isn’t your mother’s Nutcracker,” said Tess Sinke, artistic director of Deos. In many ways, it’s intended to feel like the opposite of the cultural image of ballet: it’s funny, accessible, and bawdy—although not too bawdy. Sinke compares it to a PG13 film, pointing out that there’s no nudity or obscenity, and that, during previous performances, no one’s walked out. Not even her parents. “No one’s shocked or dismayed,” she said. “We wanted to hit the right mix for West Michigan.”
Deos Ballet was formed in 2018 as a summer-only professional company, providing paid work to dancers laid off for the season by other companies. Three years ago, it became a year-round professional company, providing employment for six dancers, an impressive feat in an age in which making a living as a dancer can be very challenging.
Had Deos attempted to be another white tutu ballet company, it might have found that there wasn’t a need for one. Instead, it
focused on more contemporary storytelling, looking to engage audience members through compelling, relatable performances, often centering women’s perspectives. In October of this year, they performed Jane Eyre, retelling that much-loved story through narration, music, and dance.
Audience members looking for a classic, family-friendly staging of The Nutcracker have many to choose from, including Grand Rapids Ballet’s annual production. Deos is aiming at a different audience, one generally younger and newer to exploring the arts. And it’s working: last year, Cracked Nuts sold out both nights. That only happens if people are expecting to have a great time. That may not be the only driver; some people want to contribute to the sustainment of an art form, while others are supportive of a local organization that pays dancers fairly, including health care. Still, if someone takes the time to find a babysitter and go out for the evening, it’s because she knows she’ll enjoy herself.
Comedy’s a serious business, and comedic ballets are no exception. The dancers work with an acting coach, learning how to convey emotion and characterization while
maintaining the rigors of classical ballet. “Our dancers’ acting abilities are above and beyond,” Sinke said. It helps that the story’s funny. Sinke described the creation of the story as a series of what ifs: what if this happens, then this? And what if this guy’s really into someone from HR?
It also helps that everyone’s dancing to wonderful music (the show uses Tchaikovsky’s original score), providing notes and beats to anchor the physical comedy. It’s music that nearly everyone knows, but that they’ve never seen used like this.
In creating work that even people unfamiliar with ballet can love, Sinke is hoping to erase some of the elitism associated with ballet. They’ve managed to keep prices reasonable, although the price for Cracked Nuts is a little higher than their average show; then again, it comes with a drink ticket. Audience members may leave with a new or renewed appreciation for the difficult and beautiful art of ballet; perhaps some of them will purchase tickets to Deos’s upcoming Rite of Spring (“The ballet that started a riot”). Regardless,
Deos Ballet, Dancers Leah Haggard, Brianna Renfrew & Isabelle Ramey. PHOTOS BY DAVE BURGESS
STRINGS, PIPES & CRAIC: Traditional Irish Music in GR
| by Zachary Avery
Looking to mix live music with refreshing handcrafted beverages, but not interested in the usual bar open-mic scene? How about looking for an excuse to dust off your old fiddle or flute from high school? In that case, Pux Cider off Fuller and Michigan has just the solution: Drop-In Traditional Irish Music Sessions.
What is traditional Irish music, and what does it sound like? Longtime Grand Rapids Irish Traditional Session group member, Dave Dimuzio, explains that this history of musical tunes (”tunes,” not “songs”) is first and foremost a melody-based tradition, one often meant to be played with a band of accompanying dancers. Unlike variations of “oldtime” music, which traditional Irish music is regularly mistaken for, there are no breaks in the melody to feature particular instruments, and certainly no solos of any kind. Instead, the instrumentalists play in-one, altogether on the same line. However, there are always chances for deviation.
“There is some room for improvisation in these traditional tunes, to the extent that you’re adding ornamentation and staying within the structure of the melody,” said Zach Zeneberg, another session member. “There is a lot of variation there in how individual tunes are played.”
Zeneberg had been the one to connect Dimuzio and the rest of the Grand Rapids group, which have been making the trek out to Conklin Pub already for some decades, with Chris Schaefer and the rest of the Pux Cider team. He had been looking for a local sessions group much like the one he once played for in Ann Arbor, at a well-known sessions spot called Conor O’Neill’s Irish Pub. First hearing Irish music at a young age and continuing now into his 30’s, Zeneberg is glad to have developed what was once only his hobby into a new lifelong practice.
“The whistle and the flute, in Irish traditional music in particular, are the one thing I feel I’ve come to a place where I can make good music with it,” Zeneberg said.
Dimuzio, who plays the fiddle, began playing Irish music more seriously, much like Zeneberg, somewhere around his mid-twenties. Now, having traveled to Ireland and back, and with more than a few decades of experience under his belt, Dimuzio has spearheaded a dedicated group of 15 to 30 musicians who meet several times a month to share space with each other and play tunes that are hundreds of years old.
“What we do is ask people, going around the circle, what they’d like to play,” Dimuzio said. “We could change, go back the other way and have leadership who picks the tunes, but I would find that a little less inclusive.”
That traditional style is pervasive throughout most of the Irish music sessions you might come across, which vary widely by geography and expectation of skill. For Dimuzio and Zeneberg’s group, they prefer a more comfortable approach, where volunteers may bring an instrument and play along to the tunes they do know. Or, folks can sight-read along to something they may not.
“Someone who is starting should not be worried about memorizing a tune,” Dimuzio said. “Bring your sheet music, bring a tablet.”
Interested in seeing how much of a “drop-in” atmosphere these Irish music sessions might actually be, I decided to visit the group one Sunday afternoon, dusting off my passed-down violin.
On the day, I arrived early along with the rest of my fellow musicians. The group skews older, but not by much. The younger players, including myself, occupied each corner of the naturally-lit room, offering sounds from completely different musical families.
By my count, while taking a break with a “Noble Pursuit” spiked slushie in hand, there were three Irish whistles, three fiddles, two guitars, one bass, four bodhráns, three different mandolins, one bouzouki, and probably a dozen other instruments either set aside on stands or tucked away in nearby travel cases, ready to be played at a moment’s notice. Jason, a young man who sat beside me and another fiddler, Kathy, informed me he’d normally bring in his Appalachian banjo, but instead, today, brought his 10-string mandolin.
On particularly fast songs, he’d confidently set the mandolin down and pick up his bodhrán, a one-skinned drum that sits on your knee and is hit with the palm of your hand. Kathy, who very generously lent me her tablet to read sheet music off from, was sure to encourage me on the more difficult tunes, even at one point dramatically shrugging to me at the bar to show she’s not always clear on what’s meant to be played either. After all that practice, she’d been stumped, too.
At the start of the session and, frankly, my conversation with Dimuzio and Zeneberg, that was still my big unanswered question: How can it all possibly work? When twenty or so near-strangers gather in one spot and play together, impromptu tune after impromptu tune and oftentimes completely by memory, how could they possibly sound...together? I asked this question to the group, some time after we had begun and I’d requested the one tune I practiced: “Midnight On The Water.”
“This is folk music, it doesn’t have to be exactly the same,” Kathy said. “As long as it doesn’t clash.”
It may have been only my first time joining them, and especially after some five odd years since playing my instrument seriously, but I don’t think I saw many ways a person might clash there. With friendly faces, good drinks, and pleasant sounding music, the GR Irish Sessions group fosters a community space for everyone—yourself included. Just bring along your fiddle! ■
DECEMBER ARTSCalendar
Arts exhibitions and performances have returned in full swing to West Michigan. This season, there’s absolutely no shortage of concerts, symphonies, plays, musicals, ballet, visual arts and beyond. We have big Broadway shows, intimate and progressive plays, live performances with symphonies, dancers taking to the stage, and powerful art exhibitions. Here’s our annual guide to arts events for the month.
AVENUE FOR THE ARTS avenueforthearts.co
3RD THURSDAYS, Dec. 19
CENTRAL PARK PLAYERS
421 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven centralparkplayers.org
MIRACLE ON 34TH ST., Dec. 6-14
DEOS CONTEMPORARY BALLET
1595 Galbraith Ave. SE, Grand Rapids deosballet.com
CRACKED NUTS: NOT YOUR MOTHER’S NUTCRACKER, Dec. 24
FACE OFF THEATRE
359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo faceofftheatre.com
CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY, Dec. 6-15
FARMERS ALLEY THEATRE KALAMAZOO
221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo farmersalleytheatre.com
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: SEASON’S GREEDINGS, Nov. 21-Dec. 8
FOREST HILLS FINE ARTS CENTER
600 Forest Hill Ave. SE, Grand Rapids fhfineartscenter.com
HOLIDAY IN THE AIR, Dec. 18
FRAUENTHAL CENTER
425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon frauenthal.org
THE NUTCRACKER, Dec. 14
FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS
1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids meijergardens.org
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN HEALTH-WEST: CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY TRADITIONS, Through Jan. 5
GILMORE THEATRE/WMU THEATRE
1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo wmich.edu/theatre
NEXT STOP, BROADWAY!, Dec. 5-7
GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM
101 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids artmuseumgr.org
LEE ALEXANDER MCQUEEN & ANN RAY: RENDEZ-VOUS, Through Jan. 12
GRAND RAPIDS BALLET
341 Ellsworth Ave. SW, Grand Rapids grballet.com
THE NUTCRACKER, Dec. 13-22
GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE
30 N. Division Ave., Grand Rapids grct.org
CATS, Through Dec. 15
GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY
300 Ottawa Ave. NW Ste. 100, Grand Rapids grsymphony.org
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN HEALTH
-WEST HOLIDAY POPS, Dec. 5-8
HOME ALONE IN CONCERT, Dec. 18-19
HOLLAND CHORALE hollandchorale.org
CHRISTMAS WITH THE CHORALE, Dec. 15
HOLLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
96 W. 15th St. Ste. 201, Holland hollandsymphony.org
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, Dec. 14
KALAMAZOO CIVIC THEATRE
329 S. Park St., Kalamazoo kazoocivic.com
RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA, Nov. 29-Dec. 22
KALAMAZOO INSTITUTE OF ARTS
314 South Park St., Kalamazoo kiarts.org
POWERFUL FORCES: LEGENDS, RITUALS, AND WARRIORS IN EAST ASIAN ART, Through Jan. 19
KALAMAZOO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
359 Kalamazoo Mall Ste. 100, Kalamazoo kalamazoosymphony.com
GET IN THE SPIRIT! A HOLLY, JOLLY CONCERT, Dec. 7
NUTCRACKER SUITES & TREATS, Dec. 18
LOWELLARTS
223 W. Main St., Lowell lowellartsmi.org
ARTIST MARKET, Through Jan. 11
MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART
296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon muskegonartmuseum.org
CHICAGO COLLECTS: JEWELRY IN PERSPECTIVE, Through Jan. 5
FESTIVAL OF TREES, Through Dec. 29
NEW VIC THEATRE
134 E. Vine St., Kalamazoo thenewvictheatre.org
A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Through Dec. 22
SAUGATUCK CENTER FOR THE ARTS 400 Culver St., Saugatuck sc4a.org
WE HOPE YOU FAIL BETTER., Through May 16
ST. CECILIA MUSIC CENTER 24 Ransom Ave. NE, Grand Rapids scmc-online.org
DEL MCCOURY BAND, Dec. 5
WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY
360 W. Western Ave. Ste. 200, Muskegon westmichigansymphony.org
CLICK CLACK HO HO HO, Dec. 7
BRYAN ENG TRIO - JAZZY CHRISTMAS, Dec. 14
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, Dec. 20
