MARCH 2023 | VOLUME 35, ISSUE 3
FEATURED
22 Cannabis Q&As
24 Managing the Munchies
26 The West Michigan Stoner's Bucket List
28 Cannabis Directory
SPOTLIGHT
30 Revue's Guide to Karaoke and Clubbing
32 Late Night Grub
NEWS
12 What's Going On
13 Biz Beat
MUSIC
14 JXDN: From TikTok to Tomorrow
15 Earth Radio: Deep Thoughts, Deep Roots, Deep Space
COMEDY
16 Pete Holmes: Comedy and Consciousness
DINING
18 Totally Turbular: Rad Bagels
DRINKING
20 Sip Coffee & Cocktails: An All-Day Café
ARTS
34 Opera Gets Lit
36 Cultivate: Building Community with Arts and Education
38 Arts Calendar
Cannabis is now just a part of everyday life in Michigan.
It’s so ubiquitous, so normalized, you could easily forget it’s still not considered legal federally, and there are roughly 50,000 people incarcerated for cannabis in the U.S.
While work still clearly needs to be done, we can also celebrate how far we’ve come. Cannabis events are picking up steam, unique businesses are popping up, the market is sorting out quality from quantity—we’re well on our way.
With this year’s annual Cannabis Issue, we asked a bunch of people in the industry what their favorite products are right now, the trends they’re excited for and what cannabis life hacks they have to offer. You’ll learn a lot just with these mini-Q&As alone.
Looking for things to do while high? Check out our stoner bucket list for beautiful outdoor experiences and unique indoor activities. Not sure how to deal with the munchies? We have advice
both on how to curb them and how to indulge with local eats.
Speaking of which, you’ll also find a guide to Late Night Grub in our nightlife spotlight this month, alongside a list of places to get out and sing or dance. Clubbing has changed quite a bit in West Michigan, but there’s still plenty of options for cutting a rug—and our karaoke scene is booming.
This issue also looks at new local spots like Sip Coffee + Cocktails in Alger Heights, Rad Bagels in the Downtown Market, and Cultivate GR, a new local arts center.
If you still haven’t tried cannabis, that’s okay, no judgment here—just know there’s a whole community of people out there ready to welcome you in with open arms. As we say in the biz, they’ll get you started “low and slow.”
’Til next time,
JOSH VEAL Managing Editor josh@serendipity-media.comDINING & DRINKING
SPOTLIGHT SECTION: Festival Guide
BOTW Nomination Round Opens!
A celebration of West Michigan's many restaurants, bars and other places to eat and drink – plus, the people who make it all possible.
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3/4
NOODLE FEST
Calder Plaza
March 4, 12-5 p.m.
3/12
MARIA SCHNEIDER ORCHESTRA
Chenery Auditorium
714 S. Westnedge, Kalamazoo
March 12, 4 p.m. thegilmore.org
Time for everyone’s favorite noodle festival! In partnership with the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Foundation, this World of Winter event offers 12 different bowls of noodles for just $6 each. Vote on your favorite bowl through donations to the foundation! It’s like a chili cookoff, but with tasteful noodles instead.
3/8
Grand Rapids
March 8-12
laughfestgr.org
With the state of today’s world, it’s good to set some time aside just for laughter. LaughFest brings some of the world’s funniest comedians to Grand Rapids, such as Tig Notaro, Pete Holmes, D.J. Demers, Daphnique Springs,and many moreIt’s only the best of the best, so you can walk into any show and leave with a healthy dose of the best medicine. Also check out the National Showcase, Best of the Midwest, Clean Comedy Showcase and more.
3/10
LARRY THE CABLE GUY
Soaring Eagle Casino
6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd, Mount Pleasant March 10, 8 p.m. soaringeaglecasino.com
It’s time to get ‘er done with Larry the Cable Guy, multi-platinum recording artist, Grammy nominee, Billboard award winner and one of the top comedians in the country. Whether you love the Blue Collar Comedy Tour or just enjoy hearing his voice as Mater, this is your chance to see him.
The Gilmore brings the greatest pianists in the world to West Michigan, and this is no exception. Composer and bandleader Maria Schneider’s Grammy-winning and Pulitzer Prize-finalist album Data Lords was described by the Pulitzers as “an enveloping musical landscape of light and shadow… reflecting the promise of a digital paradise contrasted by a concentration of power and the loss of privacy.” It was also named Jazz Album of the Year by the Jazz Journalists Association and NPR. She will present selections from Data Lords with her 18-member jazz collective.
DROPKICK MURPHYS
ST. PATRICK’S DAY TOUR
GLC Live at 20 Monroe
March 12, 7 p.m. glcliveat20monroe.com
The boys are back in town. After releasing their 12th studio album in 2022, This Machine Still Kills Fascists, Dropkick Murphys are ready to party and celebrate St. Paddy’s Day. You’ll want to show up for iconic songs like “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” and “The State of Massachusetts.”
3/13
WINERY DOGS
DeVos Performance Hall
303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids March 13, 7:30 p.m. devosperformancehall.com
American rock supergroup the Winery Dogs are coming to Grand Rapids. The American rock supergroup is comprised of band members; Richie Kotzen (Poison), Billy Sheehan (Steve Lai, David Lee Roth) and Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater). Following a sevenyear break from the studio, The Winery Dogs are back in full force with their aptly named third album III. As III handily proves with each successive listen, just like a fine wine given the right amount of time to ferment and to breathe, The Winery Dogs keep on getting better and better with age.
3/14
BIRDS AND BREWS
Creston Brewery
1504 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids March 14, 6 p.m. saugatuckbrewing.com
It’s the 2nd Live Birds of Prey & Beer Show with the Outdoor Discovery Center at Creston Brewery. Get up close and personal with the raptors of the Outdoor Discovery Center in the Golden Age event space. You’ll see and learn about 5-6 different Birds of Prey and “pair” each bird’s personality with the characteristics of one of Creston’s beers (5oz for each pairing). You will also receive a welcome pint on your way in, just to get you comfortable while you wait for the show to start.
COCKTAILS 101: AN INTRODUCTION TO BETTER DRINKS
Long Road Distillers
537 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids March 14, 6:30 p.m.
Where better to learn how to make cocktails than at a distillery? And Long Road is one of the best, known for their memorable drinks that innovate on the classics. In this class, you’ll cover the basics of distillation, the components of a proper cocktail, and basic techniques to make better drinks at home.
PAWS, CLAWS, AND CORKS
DeVos Place
303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids March 15 hswestmi.org
Put your paws in the air and party with pets at the annual Paws, Claws, and Corks gala hosted by the Humane Society of West Michigan. Savor food and beverage from West Michigan while bidding on topnotch auction items. All proceeds go towards the Humane Society’s mission to promote the humane treatment and responsible care of animals in the community.
EMO NITE
The Intersection
133 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids March 17, 9 p.m. sectionlive.com
Sometimes the best way to get happy is to just feel everything, then let it all out while screaming along to emo and pop-punk music with a bunch of other sad people. It’s like a juice cleanse, except it actually works! Fall Out Boy, American Football, Paramore, My Chemical Romance, Taking Back Sunday—they have it all.
IRISH ON IONIA
Downtown Grand Rapids
March 18, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. facebook.com/irishonionia
The all-day St. Patrick’s Day festival is back once again, and it’s turning 10 this year! Stretching on Ionia St. from Fulton to Oakes and on Weston from Ionia to Commerce, enjoy two entertainment stages, Irish bands, DJs, food trucks, heated tents, Irish & local beers, seasonal cocktails, bag pipes, Irish dance troops, and so much more!
OBERON DAY
Bell’s Eccentric Café
355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo March 20, 10 a.m. bellsbeer.com
Oberon Day is the official start of spring, to many Michiganders. It’s true in the literal sense, as the spring equinox is on March 20 this year, but also true on a spiritual level, as Oberon is the official local drink of warmer weather. This year, head to Bell’s Eccentric Café for a campthemed Oberon Day, featuring live music from May Erlewine alongside other outdoor fun.
3/28
THE PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE
DeVos Performance Hall
303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids March 28, 7:30 p.m. devosperformancehall.com
The Price Is Right Live is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to hear their names called and “Come On Down” to win. Prizes may include appliances, vacations and possibly a new car! Play classic games just like on television’s longest running and most popular game show, from Plinko to Cliffhangers to The Big Wheel, and even the fabulous Showcase.
3/31
PROTOMARTYR
The Pyramid Scheme 68 Commerce Dr. SW, Grand Rapids March 31, 7 p.m. pyramidschemebar.com
This Detroit post-punk, gothic rock band is riding high after releasing their fifth album in 2020, Ultimate Success Today. With heady lyrics and a powerful atmosphere “of universal reckoning,” Protomartyr is the band we need right now. See them live at Pyramid Scheme with Turn to Crime opening.
OPENED:
Michigan Nature Co. joined Sparta at 201 E. Division Street. This shop north of Grand Rapids “celebrates the raw nature and experiences of the Michigan outdoors” with all kinds of apparel, hats, candles, pillows and more. Everything is inspired by the great outdoors surrounding us right here in the Mitten State. If you don’t feel like driving, consider shopping on their website.
New to Grand Haven, Unicorn Tavern opened their doors in February. According to Garry and Krystal Boyd, the idea goes back to their first date 27 years ago. This new restaurant and bar at 415 S. Beechtree St. focuses on Belgian eats and drinks, such as the Mitraillette, a traditional sandwich with ham, pomme frites, trappiste cheese sauce, hot pepper rings and Monk’s mustard on a ciabatta hoagie bun. Plus, beer and wine of all kinds.
Pochi’s Sweet Designs is a new, cute little spot at 44 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, founded by Latina entrepreneur Paola Carlson. Located in the former Menna’s Joint spot, the shop offers her “sweet designs,” meaning flowers, chocolate covered strawberries and other treats. But it’s also a Colombian café, offering traditional Colombian coffee alongside empanadas, arepas, patacones, salchipapas and more. Don’t know what any of those are? Go check it out!
Toastn’ Tea is a new spot at 2500 E. Beltline Ave., Grand Rapids, featuring a huge variety of boba drinks, whether you want milk tea, fruit tea, smoothies or “lava lattes.” They also have a ton of great food options, from a variety of Asian wings to banh mi, bulgogi nachos, fresh rolls, pho and more. There’s something for everyone here.
Tia Juana joined the Mexican cuisine vanguard in Grand Rapids, serving up both delicious and authentic food at 2289 E. Beltline Ave. NE, just a bit north of Celebration. Rave reviews are in already, praising the food as truly authentic and highly memorable. Try out a mulita, “often referred to as mini-quesadillas on steroids,” with steak, cilantro, onion and guacamole fried between two tortillas and cheese.
There’s a new cocktail bar in Kalamazoo. Head to 344 North Rose Street for Dabney & Co. Cocktail Bar and Lounge. This lounge is blazing the way forward while paying tribute to the many Black mixologists before them. Come on in for delicious drinks and a welcoming atmosphere, scored by soulful, funky, jazzy, disco, bluesy, R&B and hip-hop music.
Did you think Daddy Pete’s BBQ was gone? So did they! But the overwhelming support of the community after they announced their closure, combined with a short break to rest and reset, allowed the beloved barbecue joint to continue on. So head to 2921 Eastern Ave. for more ribs, brisket and plant-based fare.
Rising singer, songwriter, and social media personality Jxdn wants to redefine what it means to be famous.
Born Jaden Hossler in Dallas, Texas, and later attending high school in Tennessee, Jxdn first rose to prominence as a teenager on TikTok in 2019.
With millions of followers on the popular video sharing platform, he moved out to Los Angeles where he joined up with the Sway House, a collective of content creators who lived together in a mansion.
Quickly racking up even more success–with over nine million followers and counting–he transitioned into music, selfreleasing his first single, “Comatose,” in February 2020.
He almost immediately caught the attention of Blink 182 drummer and music icon Travis Barker, who signed him on as the first artist on his new DTA Records label.
Together they released the single “Angels & Demons,” in the summer of 2020, which went gold, earning Jxdn regular rotation on rock radio, and expanding his exposure around the world.
He credits seeing the late rapper Juice WRLD live in concert as the catalyst for his career in music, and equates that moment to a religious experience.
“If I never saw Juice, I don’t think I’d be here right now,” Jxdn said. “It’s the biggest honor. That was my first concert ever in my entire life, and I think it was with a purpose. That’s all I needed to show me what my dream and what my purpose was going to be, and what it was at that moment. I’m forever grateful to Juice WRLD and for music in general and what it does for people.”
Performing in front of a crowd of 30,000 at just his third live show ever at Lollapalooza in Chicago in 2021, Jxdn knew there was no turning back for him as there was nothing quite like live music. He’s
since gone on to tour all around the world, opening up for his friend and frequent collaborator Machine Gun Kelly and others.
“I used to perform based off response –the crowd’s response – and now I think I really perform for myself, which ultimately actually creates a better response for the audience,” Jxdn said about how he’s grown as a performer. “It makes it more intimate for them, more personal. I’m always focused on the crowd, but recently I’ve been honing in on my skills – my singing, my movements, just the overall show and how I can make it better every time.”
Connecting with his fans in a very personal way, Jxdn has used his songs to discuss his struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, especially on the song, “Pray.” He’s confronted those feelings frequently in his music as a way to process emotions that are otherwise too hard to put into words.
“The hardest song to perform emotionally is definitely ‘Tell Me About Tomorrow,’ given that I wrote that song about my friend who was still struggling while he was alive,” Jxdn said. “And now that he’s passed, it seems almost impossible to perform. I don’t think I’ve performed it yet, so this tour will be a first for that. But there’s a lot of songs that I haven’t released yet that I think are going to be so impactful, because they were so important for me – they were an actual form of therapy during one of the worst years of my life, so I’m really excited to see how those connect with audiences.”
Jxdn is currently out on his own headlining tour (coming to The Intersection March 8) in support of his full-length debut album, 2021’s “Tell Me About Tomorrow.” Since the release of that record, Jxdn said he thinks he’s taken another step forward as an artist, starting with the release of his latest single “Sober,” last November.
| by Eric Mitts“‘Sober’ was genuinely just the nail to the glass to break myself out of the box that I feel like I had put myself in,” Jxdn said. “I can’t say exactly where I’m headed, but I know I’m headed somewhere great and somewhere bigger than I am now. Ultimately, I hope that whatever type of music I make and whatever music I do make, it’s all centered around hope.”
Taking influence from everyone from The Strokes and The Killers, to Korn, Five Finger Death Punch, and even Justin Bieber, Jxdn wants to expand his sound as he works on his next album.
As for his start on social media, Jxdn says he has a love-hate relationship with the platforms that helped make him into an almost overnight sensation.
“I’m at the point where I’ve realized its purpose in life,” he said. “I think that it’s definitely changed and will continue to change. Do I think it’s good for people’s mental health? No. But that doesn’t mean I have to settle with that reality. I think that I have the power to influence enough to change what the apps and the Internet can mean as a whole, just like a lot of great people do. So ultimately, my journey with social media has been really crazy, but I’m not done yet, because I think it’s a great tool to reach an audience bigger than people I’ve ever reached before.” ■
JXDN I Hope This Never Ends Tour Wsg. Beauty School Dropout The Intersection, 133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW, Grand Rapids March 8, 7 p.m.
$29 advance, $35 day of show sectionlive.com, jxdnmusic.com
Doing things differently has defined Grand Rapids future-soul group Earth Radio right from the very beginning. First formed in 2017, the quartet – now made up of vocalist/pianist Hannah Laine, keyboardist Dutcher Snedeker, bassist/vocalist Justin Avdek and drummer/percussionist David Ward – has defied genres and easy categorization for over half a decade now.
They began as a spontaneous super-group of seasoned session players, solo artists, and longstanding members of the local music scene that Avdek assembled for a recording session in his parents’ basement that became their criticallyacclaimed 2018 self-titled debut album.
With a shared appreciation for neo-soul, rock, funk, progressive jazz, and more, the group earned accolades early and often, receiving the “Emerging Artist of the Year” and “Best Jazz Album” Award at WYCE’s annual Jammie Awards in 2018. They took home the “Best Jazz Album” title again in 2019 for their sophomore album Mother’s Breath, and have gotten chart-topping rotation from the local community radio station for their 2020 third album Reanimate as well.
“A lot of jazz heads love what we do, even though we’re not jazz,” Avdek said. “And you get a lot of older guys who love prog rock that love what we do too. But we’re playing soul music, and at times we’re poppy. So we love being able to fit anywhere. But sometimes when you can do that, sometimes it feels like you can’t fit anywhere. But that is a fun journey for us to figure out where we fit in, and where we want to fit in.”
Earth Radio has regularly performed at Michigan music festivals including Earthwork Harvest Gathering, Buttermilk Jamboree, last year’s brand-new Sounds of the Zoo, and dozens of others, where they’re known for getting crowds moving during their groove-laden late night sets.
So when the pandemic hit in 2020 it gave the busy band a chance to reflect as individuals again, as they worked through some lineup changes that included the departure of longtime drummer Madison George, and the full integration of Ward into the band as their new driving rhythmic force.
“David is absolutely guiding the band and the music right now,” Avdek said of Ward’s influence since joining Earth Radio in 2019. “I love playing with everybody who’s been in the band, but it just feels really great right now… I finally feel like we’ve reached our stride and now it seems kind of unstoppable all of a sudden.”
“It just seems that everybody naturally is going in a direction that I already really enjoy, which is like wanting more R&B, hip-hop tones out of the drums,” Ward added. “But it’s definitely still progressive, and it gets rocky and whatnot.”
Speaking with REVUE in between two nights of performances at the planetarium inside the Grand Rapids Public Museum as part of their popular Concerts Under The Stars series, Earth Radio appropriately premiered the release of their latest single, “Space,” as the lead-off track to their upcoming new EP, Mosaic Dreams (out March 18).
A longtime crowd favorite, “Space” showcases the band’s strong live energy, and their ethos as artists.
“Almost everything we do has to do with reimagining our relationship with the planet and the universe,” Ward said. “From my newer perspective, it just seems like there’s a real Afrofuturist kind of subtext or undertone to a lot of Earth Radio music, which is really cool.”
A cooperative collage coming from the individual strengths of all four members of Earth Radio as songwriters, Mosaic Dreams came together slowly, with the band working on it from the fall of 2021 until December of last year. The EP was recorded at Third Coast Recording Co. in Grand Haven with Kevin Kozel, with additional production from Paul Klimson, who has done sound work with the likes of The Roots and Drake. It was mastered by Ian Gorman at La Luna Recording & Sound in Kalamazoo.
Earth Radio also already has its next EP ready for release later this spring. Written and recorded while the band were at a resort near Lake Champlain Valley in Vermont, the companion EP finds the group working together collaboratively on all the songs for the first time.
Coming in with the concept of, “If the Earth could speak,” the band tapped into nature, and the nature of being, while they worked on the new songs.
“With that concept in mind, we all channeled our own ideas, our thoughts, into what we are playing,” Laine said about the upcoming EP. “And that created this concentric approach to songwriting. It felt very divine to me. It felt like we were in this flow together that I haven’t experienced before. Like with all of our minds, in this one place. It just felt like a channel, like a flow. And I think that’s what really made this album special for me is you can feel that in the music.” ■
Superstar standup, podcast host, and creator of the critically-acclaimed hit HBO series “Crashing,” Pete Holmes has made his career out of getting knocked down, and getting back up again.
So when the pandemic stopped his last comedy tour, “Silly Silly Fun Boy,” completely in its tracks back in 2020, he welcomed the pause with grace and gratitude.
“There was a Daniel Tosh joke where he was like, ‘I don’t want to die; I want all of us to die,’ when he’s talking about the end of the world,” Holmes told Revue . “And what I took from that joke is I didn’t want to take a break from standup, I wanted all of us to take a break from standup, and that’s what I got.”
Up until then, he had remained ridiculously busy, burning through tour after tour, while hosting his weekly podcast, “You Made It Weird,” and riding high on the success of “Crashing.”
Less than a year before lockdown, Holmes had just published his first book, “Comedy Sex God,” in 2019 – a “part autobiography, part philosophical inquiry, part spiritual quest” –that came less than two months after HBO canceled “Crashing,” following its season three finale.
A mix of highs and lows, like many points in his life, the pandemic allowed Holmes to pause and focus on spending much needed quiet time at home with his family, without feeling like he was losing a step in the comedy game.
When lockdown lifted and things returned to “normal,” Holmes landed the lead in the CBS sitcom, “How We Roll,” based on the real life of Michigan pro-bowler Tom Smallwood, who rose to victory after getting laid off from his job in the automotive industry.
“It was one of my favorite show business experiences just because when I was a kid, being a success, like dreaming about being a comedian, meant you would have a multi-cam sitcom,” Holmes said
of working on the show. “And what I learned from the process is I always thought I wanted to do something that was hip, and I did; ‘Crashing’ was hip, but it turns out, I just love being with people, creating something, and it doesn’t have to be super cool to be really fun.”
CBS cancelled “How We Roll” last year after just one season, but Holmes took it in stride. Returning to the road with his new standup show, “Where Were We,” he feels like he’s continuing a conversation with his fans who have stuck with him for decades, or those who are discovering him for the first time.
“I’m 43, I remember what (standup) was like before the Internet,” he said. “But now because it’s possible to find your very specific stamp… it’s easier. You know, there’s podcasting, there’s clips online, and there’s specials, and you don’t have to catch them on HBO at 8 o’clock on some specific Friday. You can watch them whenever you want. And by virtue of the information being so accessible now comedians can get more and more specific, whatever their interests are.”
Self-described as a Christleaning “hooraytheist,” Holmes has used his comedy as part of his own spiritual journey. From growing up Evangelical and attending Christian college, to completely questioning his faith following the end of his first marriage, to taking magic mushrooms at Bonnaroo, Holmes finds humor in asking the big questions about reality and the meaning of life.
“My conversation tends to be more spiritual, or more existential, or maybe more metaphysical,” Holmes said, while also acknowledging the strangeness of performing at Fountain Street Church, as part of this year’s LaughFest, March 9.
“What I find spiritual or unitive about doing standup is that a bunch of individuals show up and they become an audience,” he said. “So they merge into one thing and then a good performer – and this is what I try to do –is merge with that merger, and there’s a second merging of the performer and the audience. And I think that’s a spiritual thing. We all came in separate and then we sort of spend time together, and I sometimes joke, it’s so interesting how quickly we become an ‘us.’”
Like he chronicled on “Crashing,” comedy and his fellow comedians have kept Holmes going. When he’s felt lost, or lost an opportunity, laughter has always helped him heal, and keep coming back for more.
“I always get super depressed when I see something in like a World Market, like a wooden sign that says ‘Laugh once a day,’ or something like that,” Holmes said. “And I’m like, ‘That is way too low.’ So it’s a good a reminder, but I think that’s just a good place to start. With the low times in my life, I’ve been carried through by friends, and what that means is by people that have come around and come into my life and reminded me to laugh.” ■
LAUGHFEST PRESENTS
PETE HOLMES: WHERE WERE WE Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids March 9, 7 p.m., $35-40 Laughfest.org, peteholmes.com
| by Zachary Avery
With several dining features, a second-story greenhouse, an expansive collection of groceries and over two dozen vendors specializing in various baked goods, beverages, seafood items and more, the now decade-old Grand Rapids Downtown Market has solidified itself as a popular, must-see attraction for local foodies and sustainable shoppers alike. Whether you’re a regular visitor or still planning your first trip, there’s a whole lot the market can offer you: Including one new treat called Rad Bagels.
This eatery boasts a full menu of delicious bagels, with some familiar recipes and others much more daring. Have you ever tried a curry spice flavored bagel? How about a black bean chipotle bagel? Gochujang-scallion?
“You’re not just coming in to get a bagel and some cream cheese,” said Julie Kibler, one half of the husband and wife business team that owns and operates Rad Bagels. “The aesthetic of the whole space and the flavors that are available that you can’t find anywhere else are impactful.”
Julie Kibler and her husband, Shelby, are the creative minds behind one of the Grand Rapids Downtown Market’s most beloved and established in-house businesses: Field & Fire. For the past 10 years, they’ve utilized the market’s space to woodfire and bake their wide selection of delicious breads, pastries, pizza and more, always intending to offer Grand Rapids something both nourishing and nutritious. Since 2016, they’ve also operated a successful café near Canal Park under the same name.
“We went into our business expecting that the impact we have with our lives on the people that we’re selling to is one where we help them live healthier lives,” Shelby said. “The bread that we make, we’ve always tried our utmost to make it healthy for people.”
Shelby Kibler has been baking bread now for decades, but his introduction to bagels has a much clearer start: His time working at Zingerman’s Bakehouse in Ann Arbor, MI. There, he was responsible for testing and experimenting with the famous bakery’s many tried and true recipes, oftentimes even implementing his own creations (including the same Kibler’s
Curry that appears on Rad Bagel’s menu today). More than a decade later, the Kiblers are back at bagels again, this time with a dedicated storefront space.
“Stretch your imagination and let’s see what we can come up with,” Julie said. “I didn’t want to have a plain bagel, although we do.”
Yes, they do. It’s called the “Boring AF,” possibly to discourage those less adventurous of bagel enthusiasts. Even so, Rad Bagel’s cafeteria-style atmosphere doesn’t fail to welcome in new customers and encourage a relaxed, colorful dining experience. And, similar to Field & Fire, an open-concept layout allows each customer to peek in and see the process of firing up their food.
The result is a delicious meal that you confidently know came from fresh, whole ingredients.
“One of the benefits is we get this locally grown organic wheat, rye, spelt, and corn,” Shelby said. “We’re milling all that inhouse, which allows us to have fresher flour and more wholesome flour. We stonemill it, and then we put it into the mixer within 24 hours, generally.”
What’s undoubtedly harder to spot or discern at Rad Bagels is its impermanence: The location will only be operating for a short while, possibly the next couple years or so. The reason being Shelby and Julie Kibler have long been eager for some much needed expansion within their own Field & Fire businesses, and a slight change in location for their flagship bakery is included in said expansion.
“In the years since 2016, we’ve outgrown both of our spaces,” Shelby said. “We’ve been feeling the pinch for so long about space that we started to paint a picture of what we were going to do about it.”
While temporarily under the name “Rad Bagels,” Shelby and Julie have continually worked on plans for major changes to their business operation, including a move of manufacturing from their original Downtown Market spot to another prospective facility. Then, the Field & Fire bakery would take over Rad Bagel’s wide-windowed, easily accessible streetside corner at the market.
“I feel like we’re bursting at the seams,
and this space is something we need desperately,” Shelby said. “Once that does happen, Field & Fire will exist directly across from Squibb, where Rad is, but the question I don’t have an answer for is, ‘will Rad exist at that time?’ I’m kind of hoping it will.”
Shelby sees it as one of two ways: Either the Rad Bagel menu will be seamlessly integrated into Field & Fire’s variety of offerings once they’ve taken over the space, or the fresh-faced restaurant will simply make way for the move-in and fade away to time. Whichever route they take, Shelby is certain that the bold moves he and his team took while developing Rad Bagels and its menu will undoubtedly influence their creative endeavors going forward.
“Even when we do move Field & Fire into the Rad Bagels space, those are things that we’ll carry with us for the rest of our lives,” Shelby said. “Having had a chance to experiment with weird flavors and bagels and bagel sandwiches is positive for us, although Rad Bagels might not exist.”
Like any other pop-up shop, Rad Bagels’ presence is temporary. Will its ‘80s aesthetic and unexpected flavors carve a space for itself in Field & Fire’s future? Or, like many a fad, will its presence come and go? Time soon will tell. Come and get it ‘fore it’s gone. ■
At the end of 2022, Sip Coffee & Cocktails joined the Alger Heights neighborhood, right next to Urban Jonny’s Salon.
Co-owner Jonathan Farman had been running the salon for years alongside business partner Jon Frantz (hence the name) when he noticed a local niche to be filled: A coffee shop. Now, Sip is open and offering both coffee and cocktails, alongside alcohol-free drinks and bites to eat.
The hybrid café and bar is bright and inviting, serving up every coffee drink you could hope for, coffee cocktails, mimosas, bloody mary, beers, wines and more. They also have non-alcoholic cocktail options like the Pina NA-lada and the Bloody Maria.
We chatted with Farman about what Sip is up to in Alger Heights.
My past is a blend of nonprofit, consulting, and I’ve been a licensed hair stylist for 15 years. My business partner Jon Frantz and I own Urban Jonny’s Salon next door to Sip. Urban Jonny’s is 5 years in business. Not having an office for many years, I’d frequent coffee shops and always enjoy the sense of community that a coffee shop can bring to a neighborhood. After our neighbors kept mentioning their desire for a coffee shop in Alger, we thought it would be a
great opportunity to open up a cafe. When we started crunching the numbers, I noticed that coffee shops are usually closed in the evenings. Adding cocktails was the only way our business plan made sense to us for this endeavor.
Most of our ingredients are made fresh and from scratch. We have housemade syrups in our coffee and cocktails, and fresh triple sec in my new favorite N/A margarita - the Spicy Agave NArgarita. We just released a cocktail and N/A cocktail portion to our daytime menu. In 2023, not everybody has a traditional 9-5, MondayFriday work schedule with evenings or weekends free to enjoy cocktails at Sip. We love that folks can get coffee, spirit-free cocktails, and fully loaded cocktails any time we’re open. We always encourage responsible drinking, but no one will judge you at 10 a.m. on a Wednesday if you have one of our juicy, housemade Vanilla Bean Paloma in front of you.
During the day, we have locally baked scones from Wealthy Street Bakery and bagels from Bagel Kitchen. We have some savory bagel breakfast sandwiches and are working on a
morning flatbread for this spring. During the evening, we have flatbreads that offer plenty to share with a friend or date, and some tempting warm dips that come with flatbread. My favorite is either our Spicy Feta Dip with a sweet honey drizzle or the BBQ Chicken Flatbread with pickled onions. I can’t decide, because both are great! You can also find some sweet desserts and Affogato too.
ANYTHING EXCITING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE COFFEE SIDE OF THINGS?
Bold and Gritty has been an incredible mainstay for espresso drinks and fresh brews during the day. We are really stoked about the B&G Espresso Martini we just added to our evening menu! Enjoying Bold and Gritty in a martini is perfection in a stemless martini glass.
WHAT IS SIP HOPING TO OFFER TO THE ALGER HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD?
A place to relax. A place to chat. And mostly a place to sip tasty beverages. Sip is walking distance to the Alger and Garfield community, and we can’t wait for the patio coming this summer! We’ve started talking about the layout and will be ready to open up our hospitality outdoors. ■
We talked with people in the local cannabis industry—from budtenders to managers and the C-suite—about their favorite products, the trends they’re excited about, and their cannabis lifehacks.
ERIN
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCT YOU CARRY?
My favorite product that NOXX carries right now is Animal Face from Seed Junky. It’s a rare Sativa Hybrid that makes me giggly and chatty but still able to focus on creative projects. As a seasoned smoker, I can say that I’ve never smoked anything else like it.
WHAT’S A NEW PRODUCT YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT?
The new products I’m most excited about are the 1906 Drops. Other edibles have never really worked for me, so these fast-acting drops are perfect for me.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCT YOU CARRY?
My favorite product in the store is our Han Solo Burger, flower from Galenas growers. It’s a powerful and unique indica dominant hybrid strain sure to take you on an unforgettable journey. With a hefty THC content of 30% and 4.3% terpenes, this strain will provide a strong, euphoric high that will leave you feeling silly and relaxed at the same time. The unique terpene profile includes Limonene (rinds of lemons, limes and oranges), Myrcene (hops, lemongrass, mangos), and Caryophyllene (hops, cloves, black pepper), creating a truly unique and exotic flavor.
ABOUT?
Grassy Knoll is very excited about cannabis-infused beverages. These drinks come in non-alcoholic varieties and can provide a unique way to enjoy a beverage with friends without consuming alcohol. People like cannabis-infused beverages for many reasons, including the convenience of being able to consume cannabis in a drinkable form, as well as the ability to customize the potency and flavor of the beverage.
The Grassy Knoll Dispensary is proud to be working with Muskegon Pride for their events this summer, we are also committed to helping local animal rescues. We provide donations and free CBD samples for the animals, and have recently purchased the five acres of land next to us, providing a safe, natural space for people to bring their pets and consume cannabis. We are also looking forward to partnering with other small business owners to offer cannabis education courses for those who would like to learn about the various benefits of cannabis.
LINDSEY MACAULEY | Team Member, COOKIES
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCT YOU CARRY?
The Breeze Astro Hippie All-in-One vape is my favorite product currently. The effects of the Breeze pens are always reliable, but I love this strain particularly for its flavor. You know how you can taste the rainbow with Skittles? You can also taste the rainbow with this Breeze!
WHAT’S A NEW PRODUCT YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT?
A new product I am excited about is the Cali Blaze tarantula pre-rolls. I have always been a fan of Cali Blaze for its affordable and quality products, and I love tarantulas (just not the bug)!
DO YOU HAVE A CANNABIS LIFE HACK?
My cannabis life hack for those who like smoking indoors is to use a Smokebuddy filter. Exhaling through the Smokebuddy really helps contain the smell and prevent the rest of your home from smelling like ash.
WHAT MAKES COOKIES STAND OUT?
Our dispensary is different because of our staff. Our hiring team spends hours combing through applications and resumes to ensure we are bringing in the best applicants to our team, and because of this, the team we have really shines. Most of our Google reviews are related to the excellent service customers receive from our budtenders!
We recently rolled out Funky Extracts Hot Cheese Curls and they have been a hit! These spicy Snackz are unique in the Michigan market. As cannabis increasingly becomes more mainstream, shoppers are enjoying products they are familiar with, that are cannabis-infused. Stay tuned for more Funky Snackz to be on the shelves soon.
WHAT’S A NEW PRODUCT YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT?
We just launched our new Donuts, made fresh from our farm in Pinconning. This incorporates .7G grams of cold cure, single source Hash Rosin and 2 grams of premium indoor flower. We’re also excited about sought-after High End Hash Rosin concentrates that are in development.
DO YOU HAVE A CANNABIS LIFE HACK?
While many use cannabis for recreational purposes, one of the most significant benefits of this plant are medicinal. I’m always amazed how products from topicals to edibles to flower can help with sleep, pain relief and more. When I feel a headache approaching, I rub some of our Michigan Organic Rub topical cream with essential oils on my temples and back of my neck – and in a few minutes, I start feeling relief.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCT YOU CARRY?
Pharmhouse Flower - Lemon Royale: It’s this fantastic uplifting strain that gives that little rush of energy in smaller doses over a long period of time. It keeps you super mellow, chill, and relaxed while still motivating you through any task you’re trying to tackle.
WHAT’S A NEW PRODUCT YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT?
I am incredibly excited about CBN and RSO products in general. As someone who has always struggled with insomnia and other health issues, both of those products have changed my life for the better. The first night I had a full night of sleep I woke excited to for bedtime later that day. I’m always so excited to see anyone else who struggles with similar health issues find CBN/RSO as their resolution.
DO YOU HAVE A CANNABIS LIFE HACK?
I would say ‘meal-prepping’ your joints is totally necessary if you’re a regular smoker. Often times many people don’t have the time or energy to stop everything to roll a joint. Often times when you’re out and about living your life you don’t carry all their rolling supplies everywhere you go. Solution: Buy a cigarette case or a small wallet sized box. You want to make sure it’s a container that holds it shape, a lighter, and possibly smell proof. Roll all your joints in advance for the week and you’ll have them ready to go whenever you need them!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCT YOU CARRY?
My favorite product we carry, as of now, is the WYLD CBN Elderberry Gummies. Right off the bat, WYLD does a great job of sourcing quality ingredients for their gummies and it shows in the flavor. The biggest reason I like them, though, is the CBN:THC combination. I believe CBN to be a very underrated cannabinoid. I find more often than not, with our increasing screen usage, people have trouble getting sleepy and staying asleep. They call CBN the “sleep cannabinoid” and it does just that, puts you to sleep. When patients ask for powerful nighttime relief, I suggest these gummies, and people are always coming back for more.
WHAT’S A NEW TREND YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT?
The solventless wave is coming. Already, stores are starting to selling solventless gummies and cartridges. I believe this is the trend of the future. The solventless concentrates industry is growing as consumers become more educated on topics such as processes involved in distillate production and material remediation. Solventless is the cleanest option on the market.
DO YOU HAVE A CANNABIS LIFE HACK?
If you are looking for a better flower experience, try using hemp wick! It is a cheap, healthy way to combust plant material without butane ruining your health or flavor profile. Another great reason to use a hemp wick is that it burns at a lower temperature, degrading fewer terpenes and preserving flavor. However, I would not limit hemp wick usage to bongs or bowls; joints and blunts also get a flavor boost when lit with hemp wick.
Assistant Store Manager, Skymint
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCT YOU CARRY?
Definitely the Jolly 200mg Sours. They taste amazing and the high is quality. You avoid the smoke and still float!
WHAT’S A NEW PRODUCT YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT?
For me, it’s the 2g SKYMINT Reserve Blunts with the glass tip. The glass tip has been around, but pair it with the Cake Mix strain and you’re in for a real treat. Would highly recommend.
DO YOU HAVE A CANNABIS LIFE HACK?
Studies show that eating mango while consuming cannabis can enhance the sedative and psychedelic effects of your high.
DIANA AGUILA | Creative Director, JARS
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCT YOU CARRY?
Just recently, I discovered 24K Punch Live Rosin by Glorious. The strain is an indica-dominant hybrid that combines Kosher Kush with sativa Tangie to create something quite unique. Although I normally prefer sativa-dominant strains, this indica hybrid is foolproof in the happiness department. It’s become my go-to social strain.
WHAT’S A NEW PRODUCT YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT?
I’m super excited about the launch of my coworkers’ new brand, Edible Gem. Launching exclusively at JARS in March, AKA Women’s History Month, Edible Gem is the product of a powerful female duo from Michigan, Mandy Garmo and Michelle Gabriel. With six fruit flavors to choose from, each fast-acting ‘gemmie’ is handcrafted with 20 MG of THC to add sparkle to any occasion!
DO YOU HAVE A CANNABIS LIFE HACK?
In case of emergency, stash your weed in different bags and or compartments. Having some pot handy is an obvious weed life hack but perhaps stashing it is better. It may seem silly now to stash weed that you aren’t going to smoke, but believe me when I say stashing it will save you a lot of hassle in the future when you run out. Thank me later.
WHAT SETS JARS APART?
From the way each dispensary is setup, to the products we carry, and our unbeatable price points - JARS serves its people. Customer service and accessibility to all are at the forefront of our business. We like to serve our customers and we do it well. ■
So, you’ve got the munchies! Now what?
| by Josh VealTo begin with, you might be wondering what exactly the munchies are. In the most basic terms, it’s when you suddenly get a very strong craving for food after smoking, even if you were previously full. It feels like a second stomach has opened up inside your body, and suddenly everything tastes good.
Scientifically speaking, it likely has to do with THC interacting with ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite. Other studies suggest it’s more to do with the enhanced smell and taste that come with THC, leading to stronger cravings. Either way, it’s certainly a common phenomenon.
If you’re prepared for it, the munchies can be a true delight, a chance to enjoy snacks on another level. If you’re not ready, however, you might find yourself putting together some mindboggling food combinations that result in gastrointestinal regret. Or, if you’re like me, you might find yourself going to town on snacks nearly every night. Either way, we’re here to help, with suggestions for what to eat when you do have the munchies, as well as how to curb them.
Establish a meal schedule. This is good advice for anyone, but the better you are about eating regularly every day, the less likely you are to have random moments of hunger. If you skipped a meal, those munchies are going to hit a lot harder, which you don’t want happening regularly.
Keep yourself busy. If you’re sitting on the couch high, doing nothing but scrolling your phone or watching old episodes of Hey Arnold, the snack craving has a much higher chance of dominating your brain. Keep yourself busy with hobbies (games, painting, crossword, etc.) or conversation!
Choose a different strain. Certain strains will give you the munchies
every time, while high-CBD and high-THCV strains like Durban Poison or Ringo’s Gift help suppress the munchies by leaning on other cannabinoids besides plain ol’ THC. Ask your budtender for guidance!
Switch the snacks. My ultimate munchies hack isn’t to empty the house of food, but to fill it with healthy options. Believe it or not, THC doesn’t only enhance Pizza Rolls! It also makes hummus better, and carrots, and guacamole, and kale chips, and kim chi, and just about everything else you can imagine.
Exercise first. Yes, working out will increase your appetite, but if your real concern here is just that you’re getting sedentary and falling
into unhealthy habits, exercise will certainly help with that. Working out will always help you be more aware of your body.
Get minty. Not too many of us crave snacks after brushing our teeth or chewing gum. Simply get some mint in your mouth and you won’t want a big bite of pizza anymore.
Wait it out. If you go to bed sober and hungry, you’ll likely wake up very hungry. Not so with the munchies, which fade over time. Go to bed with the munchies, and you’ll wake up feeling normal and on your typical meal schedule. Eat a big meal before bed, however, and you’ll certainly feel it in the morning.
Have the munchies and want to take advantage of it? Ignore everything we said before. Here are some ideas for local munch-worthy eats:
809 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids
Grand Coney is open 24/7, which means you can get a bunch of hot dogs, deep fried pickles, mac and cheese bites, and so much more—whenever you want! Get a designated driver to bring you in or order for delivery with Doordash.
ONE STOP CONEY
154 Fulton St., Grand Rapids
While not open late, if you’re planning to wake and bake or have an afternoon sesh, plan on One Stop for big eats like a spicy grilled cheese, a Korean corndog, and chili cheese fries.
527 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids
It’s hard to choose just one meal when you’re high, so head to The Mitten Brewing Co. instead for a pizza flight and get six different slices to enjoy.
43 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
Churro waffles, ramen waffles, waffles and fried chicken—Social Misfits has a creative menu full of the kinds of concoctions you’d whip up in the kitchen at 11 p.m., except they do it much better (no offense).
816 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazooo
Crow’s Nest is one of those places that has something from everyone, from the tried and true classics to unique comfort food like The Skippy, a grilled cheese with Havarti, provolone, goat cheese, sauteed onion, and honey drizzle.
215 Washington Ave., Grand Haven
The name tells you exactly what to expect: extremely indulgent milkshakes and waffle cones. Consider the Day Dreamer, made with strawberry drizzle, powdered donuts, cotton candy, whipped cream, vanilla frosting and a “unicorn bark rim.” ■
When you’re a cannabis connoisseur, it’s easy to find yourself stuck to the couch, watching strange YouTube videos. That gets old fast, so it’s important to get out there and enjoy the world around us, allowing cannabis to enhance those experiences. Personally, I like to plan my activity and the product I’ll have on hand (whether it’s edibles, joints or just a vape pen) ahead of time.
So grab your friends and your weed of choice and head on out for a day to remember. Here’s our stoner bucket list:
Veen Observatory
This one takes a bit of planning, but on select Saturdays with clear nights (the next date is April 29), the James C. Veen Observatory is open to the public for viewing the starry sky. Use the observatory’s telescopes or bring your own!
801 Fairview Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
This spot on a hill is a Rapidian favorite for kicking back, relaxing and watching the sunset over the city. The perfect place to enjoy nature and the skyline at once, especially while high.
Grand Rapids Public Museum
The public museum’s planetarium has all kinds of shows that are perfect for when you’ve got a good buzz going, from Under Starlit Skies to Big Astronomy, but the real highlight here is the 37-minute Queen Light Show. Get lost in dazzling visual effects throughout 10 of the band’s top hits. While you’re there, tour the rest of the museum!
John Ball Zoo
Granted, you have to be able to handle
crowds while high to make this experience worth it, but you’ll gain a whole new appreciation for how weird, funny and beautiful animals are. Not to mention the primates, which are fascinatingly human.
Butterflies Are Blooming to enjoy around 7,000 tropical butterflies fluttering about—made even better with a light high, of course.
In May, you can head to Holland for a very unique cultural experience you won’t find anywhere else except the Netherlands: Nearly 50,000 tulip flowers in bloom. Blaze up and get lost in the beauty of nature, stopping and smelling the tulips.
Henderson Castle
This piece of history was built in 1895 and has been open to the public since 2011, offering tons of fun events like murder mystery dinners and princess tea parties. Your best bet though is just to join for a walking history tour and enjoy the beautiful architecture and botany of the castle both inside and out. And yes, it just might be haunted!
1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
This is one of the world’s greatest sculpture parks, and the acres of botanical gardens both indoors and out don’t hurt either. Head in soon for the
The bright, practically neon visuals of Great Lakes Glow Golf pop out among the black floors and ceilings, creating a truly trippy mini-golf experience, followed up by a fun little arcade. It’s the perfect balance of actually doing something, but without too much of a challenge, and amazingly fun when high.
In April, the West Michigan Whitecaps will return to play ball. Take yourself out to the ball game and enjoy LMCU Ballparks creative food offerings, along with the camaraderie of sports fans. You don’t even need to know how baseball works—just enjoy the experience!
Michigan is filled to the gills with amazing bodies of water, from Lake Michigan to the many inland rivers offering beautiful tubing and kayaking experiences. Get outdoors, smoke some herb and fall in love with the natural beauty of Pure Michigan. ■
CANNABIS PROVISIONING CENTERS
3FIFTEEN CANNABIS
2900 Division Ave. S, Grand Rapids | (616) 259-8542
3423 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids | (616) 734-6331
2245 Columbia Ave. W, Battle Creek | (269) 589-6726 1525 Michigan Ave. W, Battle Creek | (269) 719-2360
AMSTERDAM PREMIUM CANNABIS
11280 E. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek amsterdambc.com
ASCEND CANNABIS
6010 B Dr. N, Battle Creek
2741 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids
1336 Scribner Ave. NW, Grand Rapids letsascend.com
BETTER PROVISIONING COMPANY
5303 Portage Rd., Portage
BREEZE RECREATIONAL CANNABIS
1770 E. Columbia Ave., Battle Creek breeze.us
CANNA 43
33760 Co Rd 653, Gobles canna43.com
CANNAMAZOO
2233 N. Burdick St., Kalamazoo
CANNAVIBES EMPORIUM
1135 W. Dickman Rd., Battle Creek mycannavibes.com
CLOUD CANNABIS
2190 Whitehall Rd., Muskegon
521 E. Mosel Ave., Kalamazoo 206 N. Main St. NE, Cedar Springs cloudcannabis.com
CURALEAF
1986 South Sprinkle Rd, Kalamazoo curaleaf.com
DOJA
4203 E. Centre Ave., Portage dojanow.com
EXCLUSIVE CANNABIS
2350 29th St. SE, Grand Rapids 937 Foster Ave., Kalamazoo 4515 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon exclusivemi.com
FLURESH
1213 Phillips Ave SW, Grand Rapids (616) 208-9934 fluresh.com
At Fluresh, we create thoughtfully curated, expertly cultivated and uniquely designed cannabis products tailored to support each person’s dynamic needs. We make it simple to navigate your choices, and easy to control your experience because when it comes to cannabis, it’s all about you.
GAGE
48 Main St., Battle Creek 3075 Peregrine Dr. NE, Grand Rapids 3825 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo
2712 Portage St., Kalamazoo gagecannabis.com
GREAT LAKES PROVISION CENTER 811 Maple St., Big Rapids
GREEN EDEN
7215 S. Westnedge Ave. Way, Portage
GREEN KOI
435 Bluestar Highway, Douglas | (269) 206-3305 greenkoi.com
HERBANA
2705 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo
HIGH PROFILE
2321 44th St. SE, Grand Rapids
1148 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids 823 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo 4037 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo
1265 E. Laketon Ave., Muskegon highprofilecannabis.com
HIGHLY CANNACO
293 E. Columbia Ave., Battle Creek highlycannaco.com
HOUSE OF DANK
3150 E. Mall Dr. Se, Grand Rapids shophod.com
INDIGROW
639 W. Clay Ave., Muskegon indigrow.com
JARS GRAND RAPIDS
1815 Alpine Ave. NW, Grand Rapids (616) 805-9900 jarscannabis.com
JARS is committed to providing the best quality cannabis, with the widest variety of options at prices people can afford. Our progressive approach to product, design, staff and community is helping change the conversation in a positive, open way that any adult can connect with and feel good about.
JOYOLOGY
2399 W. Main St., Lowell joyology.com
KAI CANNABIS
3737 Apple Ave., Muskegon getkai.com
LAKE EFFECT
8314 Portage Rd., Portage lakeeffected.com
LEVELS CANNABIS
1840 6th St., Muskegon enjoylevels.com
LIV CANNABIS
3769 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids livcannabis.com
LUME 16 N. Main St. NE, Cedar Springs
4162 Eastern Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
3406 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo
1425 W. Main St., Lowell lume.com
MEDS CAFÉ
1965 W. Main St., Lowell
14111 White Creek Ave. NE, Cedar Springs medscafe.com
MICHIGANJA
230 N Charles St., White Cloud | (231) 793-6045 40 N Main St. NE, Cedar Springs | (616) 263-9822 mymichiganja.com
MINT CANNABIS
730 East Cork St., Kalamazoo mintdeals.com
NATURE’S RELEAF
666 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids naturesreleaf.com
NEW STANDARD
1922 Park St., Muskegon
12261 Cleveland St., Nunica
6406 Blue Star Memorial Hwy, Saugatuck
1125 S Beacon Blvd., Grand Haven 29 E Lake St., Sand Lake anewstandard.com
NIRVANA CENTER
401 N. Sage St., Kalamazoo ccbydesign.com
NOBO
1401 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon nobogoods.com
NOXX
2440 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids 1234 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids noxx.com
OLSWELL CANNABIS CO.
1940 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids olswell.com
PHARMHOUSE WELLNESS
831 Wealthy St. SW, Grand Rapids pharmhousewellness.com
PINCANNA
123 E South St., Kalamazoo (855) 929-2266 pincanna.com
With a finger on the pulse of the cannabis industry, Pincanna’s vast selection of products are proudly handcrafted from our award-winning, Michigangrown cannabis, produced at our state-of-the-art facility. We’re based here, we’re invested here, we’re growing here.
PREMIER BOTANICS
1450 W. Main St., Lowell prembotanics.com
PURE OPTIONS
1965 Holton Rd., Muskegon pureoptions.com
QUALITY ROOTS
1028 E. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek getqualityroots.com
RAIR
1871 Peck St., Muskegon 2264 W. Main St., Lowell rairco.com
REDBUD ROOTS
237 W. Laketon Ave., Muskegon redbudroots.com
SKYMINT
2900 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids 3630 Gull Rd., Kalamazoo
2345 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon 11999 Cleveland St., Nunica skymint.com
SOZO MUSKEGON
580 W. Hackley Ave., Muskegon sozolife.com
STICKY BATTLE CREEK 625 North Ave., Battle Creek stickybc.com
SYMPONIA FARMS
1140 Harmonia Rd., Battle Creek symponiafarms.com
THE GREEN DOOR CANNABIS
500 Linn St., Allegan thegreendoorcannabis.com
THE REEF MUSKEGON 525 W. Norton Ave., Muskegon Heights findthereef.com
THE REFINERY
3650 Alvan Rd., Kalamazoo refinemi.com
TRUE LEAF PROVISIONING CENTER
265 Crandall Pkwy, Lawrence trueleafdispo.com
WHITE FLOWER CANNABIS
39530 W. Red Arrow Hwy, Paw Paw whiteflowercannabis.com
CBD/HEMP
ENTOURAGE EFFECT CBD 432 N. Park St. NE, Grand Rapids
GREEN WELLNESS 9175 Cherry Valley Ave SE, Caledonia greenwellnesslife.com
HEALTHY LIVING
2052 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids
MI BLISS CBD 2405 Porter St. SW, Wyoming michiganbliss.com
PREMIER HEMP CO. 500 W. Crosstown Pkwy, Kalamazoo premierhempcompany.com
ROCKFORD HEMP COMPANY
69 S. Division, Grand Rapids
By far West Michigan’s most popular gay bar and dance club, Rumors is lit just about every single night. Things really pop off with Thirsty Thursdays (halfoff alcohol), Fab Fridays and Sizzlin Saturdays, with dancing typically starting at 10 p.m. Plus, they have karaoke on Monday AND Wednesday.
BILLY’S LOUNGE
1437 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
Billy’s is beloved by many due to its wide variety of events throughout the week. On Sundays, come through for multiple DJs; Mondays are for electronic music; Wednesdays are Latin night; and live music on Friday and Saturday. It’s a dance party all week!
77 Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Grand Rapids
If you’ve ever waited in line to get into a show at The Intersection, you’ve probably also seen the line leading out of Grand Woods Lounge. Every Friday, live musicians bring the jams, and on Saturday, a DJ is spinning current hits until 2 a.m. The Woods feels a bit more upscale, but plenty welcoming.
THE BACKFORTY SALOON
48 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
If you’re a fan of country music and line dancing, this is the place for you. Come to BackForty to get your boot scoot on, shuffle, shimmy and slide the night away. Don’t know the moves? You’ll learn ‘em! And trust us, no one’s watching you anyway.
THE HOLIDAY BAR
801 5th St. NW, Grand Rapids
Come get your dance on every Friday and Saturday night with DJs spinning top hits every weekend. Dance your butt off inside, then step onto the outdoor bier garden to cool off and grab a bite to eat. Then, it’s back for more dancing! They also have karaoke on Thursdays.
MOJO’S DUELING PIANO BAR & RESTAURANT
180 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
While Mojo’s big highlight is the dueling piano bar, which certainly can lead to some great dancing, head upstairs to the second floor for a classic club experience on Fridays and Saturdays.
It’s time to spend a night on the town.
West Michigan has dozens of great spots to sing and dance late into the night. Granted, the club scene in Grand Rapids used to be a lot bigger, with hotspots like Raggs to Riches, Tap’s Sports Bar, Eve Nightclub and more shutting down over the years—not to mention the recent Ambiance GR, which closed in less than a year. That said, we still have opportunities to dance, even if the focus has shifted to events like Adult Prom, Emo Nite, the Little Black Dress Party, etc. And if you want to sing in front of a drunken crowd, West Michigan may have more options than ever before. So, knowing we can’t possibly cover every place for karaoke and clubbing in the area, here’s our guide to a few favorites for spending a night on the town:
K-ROK
169 Louis Campau Promenade NW, Grand Rapids
Thurs-Sat, by reservation
For a more private karaoke experience, you have to check out K-ROK in downtown Grand Rapids. Rent one of the private singing rooms for up to 12 people and you can get food and drinks delivered right to you while you sing the night away with your friends. No strangers to worry about judging you here!
Z’S BAR AND RESTAURANT
168 Louis Campau Promenade NW, Grand Rapids
Tues-Thurs, 10 p.m.
Not done singing yet? Head to Z’s just a few steps away from K-ROK for a more typical karaoke stage, perfect for weekday singing sprees.
FULTON STREET PUB & GRILL
801 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids
Thurs-Sat, 9 p.m.
This is a real favorite for karaoke, as a filled house cheers you on. Whether you’re a talented diva or a total amateur, you can sing whatever you like here and everyone will be happy. Three nights a week, they offer karaoke alongside pool tables and gaming machines.
EASTOWN SPORTS BAR
1520 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
Fri-Sat, 10 p.m.
If your ideal karaoke vibe is dim lighting and not many people paying attention to you, Eastown is usually a good bet. Just head upstairs on the weekends and grab a mic. ■
MAIN STREET PUB
Tuesday, 8:30 p.m.
RIVER CITY SALOON
Thursday, 9 p.m.
CHEERS GOOD TIME SALOON
Friday and Saturday, 9 p.m.
STELLA’S LOUNGE
Sunday, 9 p.m.
TWISTED BULL SALOON
Monday-Thursday, 9:30 p.m.
PLAY STATION PUB
Wednesday-Saturday, 9 p.m.
Times have changed, and there may be less late-night options than ever in West Michigan.
Thanks to a certain pandemic, businesses everywhere had to adjust hours and change their approach in a way that’s difficult to simply switch back—that is, if they managed to stay open in the first place. We mourn the losses over the years of places like Jonny Bz and Bartertown.
On the flipside, we also have restaurants that came through stronger than ever, and eateries that joined the scene recently. While we hope for even more options in the future, there’s a nice spread of late night grub to choose from next time you’re looking for a bite after a concert, movie, play, or bar.
BIRCH LODGE
732 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids
If you’re out on the town and need one last bar to hit with late night food, head to Birch Lodge, which has a large menu of very reasonably priced options, from nachos to sliders to wet burritos—and they’re open until 2 a.m.
2730 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo
Menna’s Joint may not have lasted through the pandemic, but they did understand one thing: Wraps can be delicious too. Two Fellas Grill understands this as well, and they’re serving up a huge menu of girlled chicken wraps, chicken tender wraps, breakfast wraps, tots and even salad. And they’re open until 3 a.m. on weekdays, 4 a.m. on weekends.
526 Stocking Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
Music, cocktails, bites—Turnstiles has it all. Stop on in anytime before 10 p.m. for the full menu of burgers, “mac daddies,” and bar bites. And on weekends, they’re serving up a late night menu until midnight.
BARRIO TACOS
37 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
New to downtown Grand Rapids, Barrio is offering build your own tacos with a huge combination of options. Hard shells, corn tortillas, flour tortillas, over a dozen proteins, a wide variety of salsas, the list could go on. And on weekends, they’re open until 1 a.m.
FRATELLI’S PIZZA
435 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids
Fratelli’s now has two spots right next to each other on Bridge street. One is a little takeout spot with pizza by the slice, and the other is a full-service restaurant. They’re open until midnight most days, and until 2 a.m. on weekends, making this the perfect choice for a late night bite.
STELLA’S LOUNGE
53 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
Stella’s is a cool, retro arcade bar serving up food and drinks late into the night. Head here after a Pyramid Scheme concert for some of their famous stuffed burgers, chronic fries and more. They’re open until midnight most days and 1 a.m. on weekends.
NEW YORK FRIED CHICKEN
743 Division Ave., Grand Rapids
This fried chicken hotspot is a local’s favorite, and it doesn’t hurt that they’re open late every day. Want some chicken wings and fries at 2 a.m. on a weeknight? Check out New York Fried Chicken.
Z’S BAR
168 Louis Campau Promenade, Grand Rapids
Another downtown option, Z’s is open until 2 a.m. every single day except Sunday. This big bar has plenty of seating and quite a few options on the menu, featuring classic pub favorites like spinach dip, Buffalo chicken rolls, fish tacos and burgers.
KALAMAZOO BEER EXCHANGE
211 E. Water St., Kalamazoo
We’ve talked quite a bit about how fun Kalamazoo Beer Exchange’s ever-fluctuating prices (based on Wall Street) can be, but they also have great food, served late. From pastrami reubens to risotto, they’re open until 1 a.m. on weekends. ■
Last words tend to go unrecorded and, in time, forgotten. Those that long outlive their speakers often surprise through their wit or profundity, and Opera Grand Rapids understands this.
For wit, we have what are said to have been Oscar Wilde’s last words (“Either that wallpaper goes, or I do”); for profundity, Emily Dickinson’s (“I must go in, the fog is rising”).
Whether they truly were those authors’ last words is in some sense immaterial; they capture something important about both: in Wilde’s case, an ironic frivolity in the face of what we think of as the mortally serious, and in Dickinson’s, an elliptical and visionary bravery.
Jane Austen, who died at 41 years old of what might have been Addison’s disease, is said to have responded, when asked what could be brought to her, “Nothing but death.” Punchy, confident, and memorable; that certainly sounds like her. More than 200 years later, her image remains remarkably sharp. Austen has inspired movies, TV shows, conferences, quilts, and—coming at
last to the point—events, including Opera Grand Rapids’ second annual Opera Is Lit event, which takes place March 23.
Camellia Adams (Cammi when her feet are up), musicologist and member of the Grand Rapids Scottish Society, knew the power literature could have when set to music, having done programming for the society’s Robert Burns supper.
At a 2020 birthday celebration for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who, being dead, couldn’t attend, Adams approached Opera Grand Rapids’ director Emilee Syrewicze. “Wouldn’t that make a fantastic program,” she asked, “an evening of work by English poets and composers set to music?” Syrewicze’s face lit up, and she asked Adams to e-mail her with her ideas.
The pandemic delayed the first event, which finally took place in the Sweet House, in March of 2022. Adams had researched five centuries, the 16th into the 21st. She emceed the event, providing details about the composers and poets, sprinkling history in between readings by local volunteers. The readers weren’t professionals; instead,
they were the kind of people you know and love: middle school students, a retired social worker, professors, an insurance guy. The event was laidback, entertaining, engaging; in other words, deliberately unstuffy. “It was just delightful,” Adams said.
Jon Lovegrove, a tenor soloist who often performs with Opera Grand Rapids, echoes that characterization of the evening as laidback and approachable. Bariton Kohl Wesiman agreed, saying it was “so funny and full of personality.” Singer Avalon CuttsJones said that, for all that the music was wonderful, it served the authors; “the music was the star,” she wrote.
After the success of the first event, it became clear that Opera Is Lit should become a series. Rather than training its spotlight on several writers, this second event, which takes place March 23rd, will devote itself to one: Jane Austen.
Austen was born in 1775, a year not unfamiliar to history students; she died in 1817, nearly forty-five years before the Civil War would take place. Austen was English, of course, but would not have been unaware
of the revolutions in America and France, and she lived contemporaneously to the less bloody musical revolutions of Mozart, Haydn, and Beethoven.
Austen loved music: folk music, parlor music, French composers like Ignaz Pleyel. Her family had eighteen volumes of sheet music. At the time, sheet music was very expensive; if you were lucky enough to have a piece, you’d share it with family and friends, who would copy it onto manuscript paper.
The Austen’s collection was divided into four categories: Scottish and Irish folk tunes; classical composers; arias; and piano music. Austen loved playing piano, creating a soundtrack for dances.
At the event, Adams will lead a program focusing on three areas: music from Austen’s personal portfolio, music from the Georgian and Regency areas, and music used in film and stage adaptations. She will narrate a story about Austen’s life, weaving in quotations from Austen’s novels and letters to her beloved sister Cassandra (these read by two local teenagers, one Adam’s daughter, a ninth grader).
Readings by teenagers? It’s appropriate; after all, Austen herself never got old. And her novels are largely populated by young people, people ranging in age from 13 to 22--people consumed by lust, romance, and betrayal, passions that for many are strongest then.
Asked why Austen continues to fascinate us, Adams points to her cleverness, her wit, and her ability to poke at society without becoming abrasive. Indeed, in life Austen was known as The Poker; she would sit by the fireside, where a poker would normally rest, and observe the people around her, until, finally comfortable, she’d get up and converse with them, lightly poking.
The truth is that Austen hasn’t said her last words yet; she’s still speaking. On March 23rd, attendees will have the opportunity to hear her do so, accompanied by fine music and unpretentious storytelling. Sounds like the hottest ticket in town. ■
Ballroom
83 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids March 23, 7 p.m. operagr.org
Before Cultivate was a space, it was merely an idea. One that had been budding in the mind of its Director and Founder, Mallory Shotwell, for about eight years. An artist her whole life, her experience as a public and Montessori school teacher shaped her work and practice well beyond making art. She came to understand different learning styles and different intelligences, and how creating pieces with several points of engagement informed how people move in a space, interact within a space, and play and touch and listen. It was a particular endeavor of hers—an exhibition about the many forms of love— that catapulted her art career, giving her the opportunity to take a position at a contemporary art gallery in Madison, Wisconsin.
The dual roles as educator and curator put the more complex pieces of arts administration together for her, and that’s when things began to get off the ground. “I started thinking about how to facilitate the understanding of the value of art itself through education,” Shotwell says. “I started to build this little dream in my head, and when I moved back to Grand Rapids, I began to develop an audience and make connections with others in the art scene.”
And that’s the end of Mallory’s story as an individual; that’s how she wants it, because from the point that Cultivate became a real entity, it truly became a collective of “we”.
What is Cultivate? In its physical form, it’s a new contemporary art gallery, art education program, and artist resource center located on the Wealthy Corridor. But what the 40-person leadership and faculty team wants people to know is
that Cultivate is an action verb.
“We chose that word on purpose because we want to cultivate community and creativity and growth and connection, and that means that we actively honor people wherever they are and whatever they’re doing in relation to art,” Shotwell says. “If someone doesn’t consider themselves an artist, we invite them to come and try.”
To better grasp what Cultivate is trying to achieve is to know what’s happening behind that glass lined, natural-woodaccented façade at the corner of Wealthy and James. For starters, it’s classes. More than 100 a year, including several in partnership with East Grand Rapids Parks & Rec. From preschool and elementary children to teens to adults, everyone is welcomed and all skill levels are encouraged. Sculpture, painting, photography, drawing and illustration, art basics, fiber arts, mixed media— even several courses on comic book creation for youths—are some of the subjects available.
Cultivate is also a gallery space that will host six exhibitions a year from local, regional, and national artists. And, having the classes take place amid the artwork on display is all part of it. “We refer to it as a living space because the exhibitions are always changing,” Shotwell says. “But, also, during the classes, we’re able to move around the art and get really close to it, which provides a level of connection to the work and the artists, fostering an organic sense of exploration and experimentation.”
Finally, Cultivate is a resource for artists who are developing their practice or have goals for their careers. It offers an introduction to a world of
artists who are having success, as well as mentorship, support, and networking. From covering relevant topics on the blog— including tips for writing an artist bio, building a professional art career, getting commissions, and more—to hosting free, open studio time for adults and families, they’re delivering on their principles, purpose, and promise.
“When we say that education and community are at the heart of everything we do, it really is in every department,” Shotwell says. “We’re connecting different artists and organizations, working with people, and building an understanding of how art is everywhere that we are.”
Comprised of professional artists, established curators, certified and trained teachers, and industry experts, the expansive Cultivate team is also supported by a robust pool of volunteers. Onboarding events for new volunteers occur every other month, and during the in-between months, there are volunteer gettogethers designed for mingling, learning, and immersing in the world of art.
“At Cultivate, we actively teach the art on the walls, we actively teach art and the language of design, and we actively teach how artists can grow in their careers with their own goals in mind,” Shotwell says. “Whether it’s trying a class, volunteering, or seeing a gallery show, we like to create as many points of engagement as possible.”
You can find Cultivate located at 620 Wealthy St SE. Learn about current classes, volunteer opportunities, events, and more at cultivategrandrapids.org. ■
In 2023, arts organizations are largely back on their feet and offering full seasons of art, conversations, fun and community involvement. The season ahead has an incredible lineups of concerts, symphonies, dance performances, art exhibitions, musicals, plays and more. This month, you can visit the ballet for a classic tale of love and loss, the symphony for an incredible piano concerto, and the theater for a certain beloved musical with a controversial film adaptation. Check it out.
CENTRAL PARK PLAYERS
421 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven | centralparkplayers.org
FOUR PLACES, Mar. 3-11
FARMERS ALLEY
THEATRE KALAMAZOO
221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo | farmersalleytheatre.com
BECOMING DR. RUTH, Mar. 10-19
FONTANA CHAMBER ARTS
359 Kalamazoo Mall Ste. 200, Kalamazoo | fontanamusic.org
IMMANUEL WILKINS QUARTET, Mar. 24
FRAUENTHAL CENTER
425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon | frauenthal.org DETROIT ’67, Mar. 9-11
GILMORE THEATRE/ WMU THEATRE
1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo | wmich.edu/theatre ON THE TOWN, Mar. 17-26
GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM
101 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids | artmuseumgr.org
PRESENCE: THE PHOTOGRAPHY COLLECTION OF JUDY GLICKMAN LAUDER, Through Apr. 29
RETHINKING MONUMENTS: AMERICAN SCULPTURE IN ITS TIME, Through Apr. 8
SALVADOR DALI: THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL, Through Mar. 11
GRAND RAPIDS BALLET
341 Ellsworth Ave. SW, Grand Rapids | grballet.com JUMPSTART 2023, Mar. 24-26
GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE
30 N. Division Ave., Grand Rapids | grct.org PUFFS, Mar. 2-12
TEN FOR ALL, Mar. 17-19
GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY
300 Ottawa Ave. NW Ste. 100, Grand Rapids | grsymphony.org
CIRQUE MUSICA: GERSHWIN’S RHAPSODY, Mar. 3-4 ANDREW VON OEYEN, Mar. 5 RAVEL’S DAPHNIS ET CHLOÉ, Mar. 10-11
MOZART’S REQUIEM + JOYCE YANG, Mar. 24-25
HOLLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
96 W. 15th St. Ste. 201, Holland | hollandsymphony.org DANCE INTO SPRING, Mar. 19
KALAMAZOO CIVIC THEATRE
329 S. Park St., Kalamazoo | kazoocivic.com
THE RAINBOW FISH MUSICAL, Mar. 3-12 MORNING’S AT SEVEN, Mar. 17-26
KALAMAZOO INSTITUTE OF ARTS
314 South Park St., Kalamazoo | kiarts.org
UNMASKING MASCULINITY FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
– THE REMIX, Through Mar. 12
ART, MUSIC & FEMINISM IN THE 1950S, Through Mar. 7 EXPRESSIONS IN PAPER AND CLAY, Through May 14
KALAMAZOO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
359 Kalamazoo Mall Ste. 100, Kalamazoo | kalamazoosymphony.com
AN ALL-AMERICAN CELEBRATION, Mar. 18
MILLER AUDITORIUM
2200 Auditorium Dr, Kalamazoo | millerauditorium.com
JAGGED LITTLE PILL, Mar. 10-12
MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART
296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon | muskegonartmuseum.org
GOLDEN LEGACY: 80 YEARS OF ORIGINAL ARTWORK FROM GOLDEN BOOKS, Through Apr. 30 DAVID LUBBERS: THE MYSTERIOUS LANDSCAPE, Through May 14
THE RISE OF PRINT: REMBRANDT & COMPANY, Through Mar. 19
SAUGATUCK CENTER FOR THE ARTS
400 Culver St., Saugatuck | sc4a.org
THE JOURNAL PROJECT, Through May 12
ART OUT LOUD FESTIVAL, Mar. 24-25
ST. CECILIA MUSIC CENTER
24 Ransom Ave. NE, Grand Rapids | scmc-online.org EMMET COHEN TRIO, Mar. 9
DELIGHT & DRAMA, Mar. 23
THE GILMORE
359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo | thegilmore.org
MARIA SCHNEIDER ORCHESTRA, Mar. 12
JEAN-YVES THIBAUDET, Mar. 30
WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY
360 W. Western Ave. Ste. 200, Muskegon | westmichigansymphony.org
MOZART AND HAYDN, Mar. 3
CHAPLIN’S SMILE, Mar. 24
WELLSPRING/CORI TERRY & DANCERS
359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo | wellspringdance.org REGIONAL ALTERNATIVE DANCE FESTIVAL, Mar. 3-5
WHARTON CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
750 E. Shaw Ln., East Lansing | whartoncenter.com BEETLEJUICE, Mar. 14-19
