revue magazine, april 2013

The

Cheap

IssueAlmost 100 things to do for $10 or less

West Michigan’s entertainMent guide for 25 years » april 2013

alWays free!Music / Movies / art / culture / dining

Also InsIde: JaMie lidell / suM 41 / clutch

Wicked / our BreWing co.

REVUEWM.COM | ApRil 2013 | 3

4 | REVUEWM.COM | ApRil 2013

SCENE:13 Random Notes16 Free Market18 Beer20 Eclectic

SPECIAL SECTION:23 The Cheap issue

SOUNDS:33 Sink’s Spins 34 On Tour: Sum 4136 On Tour: Jamie lidell 38 On Tour: Clutch

SIGHTS:41 Visual Arts: ACTion Art42 Theater: Wicked44 indie Film46 Movie previews48 Comedy: Mo Mandel 50 Style Notes52 lit life: loreen Niewenhuis

DINING:55 Restaurant listings56 Taste This

SCHEDULE:63 Daily Event listings and Best Bets48

COMEDiAN MO MANDEl

23iN ChEAp

WE TRUST

36 JAMiE liDEll

April 2013 | Volume 25, Issue 4WHAT’S INSIDE

The

Cheap

Issue

EditorialPublisher Brian Edwards / [email protected] Editor Lindsay Patton-Carson / [email protected]

dEsignCreative director Kim Kibby / [email protected] Kim Kibby, Kristi Kortman, Kellie Zaplitny

Contributing WritErsKyle Austin Nick ManesMissy Black Sarah NavisJayson Bussa Allison ParkerBen Darcie Emma Kat RichardsonSteven de Polo Matt Simpson SiegelAlexandra Fluegel John SinkevicsJoe Gasmann Josh SpanningaAudria Larsen Anya Zentmeyer Contributing PhotograPhErs Missy Black, Ben Darcie, Steven de Polo

listings [email protected]

rEvuE MinionsLauren Longo Carly PlankKari Norton Audrey SochorDiana Nowak salEs / 616.608.6170 / [email protected] Rizor / [email protected]

Find us onlinE! Website: revuewm.comtwitter: twitter.com/revuewm Facebook: facebook.com/revuewm

REvuE is published monthly by Revue Holding Company.65 Monroe Center, Ste. 5, Grand Rapids, MI 49503Office: 616.608.6170 / Fax: 616.608.6182

©2013, Revue Holding Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part granted only by written permission of the publisher in accordance with our legal statement, fools.

W E S T M i C h i g A N ’ S E N T E RTA i N M E N T g U i D E

8th Street grille . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57Amway hotel Corporation . . . . . 73Arena District (Cinco de Mayo) . 67Art.Downtown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Bell’s Brewery . . . . . . . . . . . .2, 38Billy’s lounge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32BOB’s Brewery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Brewery Vivant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Broadway grand Rapids . . . .7, 43Buttermilk Jamboree . . . . . . . . . 37Calvin College SAO . . . . . . . . . . 37Cascade Optical . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Celebration Cinema . . . . . . . . . . 46Civic Theatre (grand Rapids) . . 47Compass College of Cinematic Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Dog Story Theater . . . . . . . . . . . 20Dogwood Fine Arts Festival . . . . 21Downtown holland groovewalk . 62Dr. grins Comedy Club . . . . . . . . 48Erb Thai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61Firekeepers Casino . . . . . . . . . . 11Fontana Chamber Arts . . . . . . . 74Founders Brewing Company . . . 15The gilmore Collection . . . . . . . . 54grand Rapids Ballet . . . . . .40, 47grand Rapids Brewing Co . . . . . 51grand Rapids public library . . . 22grand Rapids public Museum . . 21grand Rapids Symphony . . . . . . 72grand Woods lounge . . . . . . . . . 75growco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69, 74

harmony Brewing . . . . . . . . . . . 19The intersection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Kalamazoo State Theatre . . . . . . 49Kalamazoo Valley Com. College . 34Keil lasik Vision Center . . . . . . . 69live Nation - Bob Dylan . . . . . . . . 6Martell’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Opera grand Rapids . . . . . . . . . . 4The Orbit Room . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35palazzolo’s gelato . . . . . . . . . . . 31pigeon Creek Shakespeare Co. . 70The pyramid Scheme . . . . . . . . . . 5Reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57River City improv . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Saugatuck Brewing Company . . 21Saugatuck Center for the Arts . . 22

Schmohz Brewery . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Schuler Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Seven Steps Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Sight Optical Boutique . . . . . . . 61Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort . . 3Stella’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Super happy Funtime . . . . . . . . 61University Musical Society . . . . . 34UV Vodka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71Vitale’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59WMEAC - Earth Day Event . . . . . 36West Michigan Symphony . . . . . 36West Side Beer . . . . . . . . . . . .8, 76Wharton Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70Yoga Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Wine loft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Advertising index

I love a good deal. I’d like to say I have a talent for the more-for-less aspect of life. I could probably just fill this entire letter with a numbered list of the recent material items I’ve nabbed around town –including original price, sale price and savings – but you don’t want

that. Instead, I’ll tell you about how awesome it is to live in West Michigan.

Seriously. We have so much quality entertainment that’s – oh my god! – affordable.

Every month, Avenue of the Arts hosts First Thursdays. It’s a monthly opportunity to get to know the local gallery and artist scene via openings and special events. And guess what? It’s free.

Another deal I love is Celebration! Cinema’s Woodland theater. Single tickets cost $3.99 all the time. Eight dollars for a date night? I’m sold. Plus, this location features some of the more indie-type films such as Beasts of the Southern Wild, that might be harder to find – which I love.

Of course, I’d be crazy if I didn’t mention one of the many loves of my life: Pizza. Harmony Brewing Company has $5 cheese pizzas on Tuesdays. Pizza and beer, holy hell, I’m all of a sudden starving.

These are just a few of the dozens (dare I say, hundreds?) of entertainment options you can find in West Michigan for less than $10. Frugal isn’t hard here, and it especially doesn’t mean chintzy.

Go out, enjoy all those deals and especially, enjoy West Michigan’s local entertainment perks.

Oh, and rock on.

Lindsay Patton-Carson, Managing Editor / [email protected]

Letter from the Editor

Our favorite entertainment deals for $10 or less. » Page 23

on thE CovEr:


locAl music ///Kalamazoo garage rockers Jake Simmons and the Little Ghosts celebrate the release of their new EP with a free show at Louie’s Trophy House (440 E North St., Kalamazoo) on April 12. The band’s first release, the 2010 EP Can’t Be Saved, showcased a stripped down, organic sound while the 2011 eponymous album moved into hard rock territory, so it’s anyone’s guess as to how the band has continued to develop their sound on the forthcoming EP Them and Them and Us … Music lovers have cause to celebrate as “Torch Song Tuesdays” are at Bar Divani (15 Ionia St. SW). Listen to live jazz performances featuring divas singing sentimental love songs every Tuesday from 7-10 p.m. Diners can also indulge in wine and flatbread specials. Any bottle of wine from their regular pour list is buy one get one for $2, while flatbreads are $5.99 … For students looking to be a part of GRandJazzFest, Steve Hilger and TrioJazz will hold “jam” session auditions for the festival’s 2013 lineup. Every second and fourth Thursday at 7 p.m. students pursuing any kind of jazz studies at a high school level or higher can attend

the informal sessions at Noto’s Old World Italian Dining (6600 28th St. S.E.). Hilger and members of TrioJazz will play back up and a drum kit, keyboard and amplifiers will be provided. There is no charge or sign up for the sessions, but students in high school should have a parent or guardian present. Students do not have to attend every session, just enough to give Hilger and TrioJazz a chance to get to know them … As Midwest natives and found-ers of the Grand Rapids ska punk scene, the veteran band Mustard Plug is not a surprising choice to headline the latest installment of the Muskegon “Inside the Mitten” concert series. Count yourselves lucky for the chance to see this endearing and energetic group live at the intimate Watermark 920 (920 Washington Ave., Muskegon) on April 19. The regional favorites will be joined by Skee-Town Stylee, a reggae and dubstep-influenced three piece from Muskegon. Doors open at 6 p.m., and tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.

nAtionAl cd releAses ///Rock tigress Hayley Williams and Paramore are back with a self-titled album out April

9, marking the first release following the departures of founding guitarist Josh Farro and drummer Zac Farro … French alt-rock band Phoenix release Bankrupt! on April 23. The group formed in 1999 but did not gain widespread listenership in the U.S. until 2009 with Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, which

earned them a Platinum record ... Turn-of-the-millennium sensation Rilo Kiley releases Rkives, a compilation of unreleased tracks and B-sides, on April 2. The indie rockers gained national recognition after their songs appeared on various television shows, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer to Grey’s Anatomy. After a nasty break up in 2007, Jenny Lewis and company insist that no reunion is planned, regardless of Blake Sennett’s cur-rent mood ... If “Sacrilege,” the first single, is any indication, the fourth album by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs is sure to thrill with the group’s distinctive sound that defines dance rock. The album drops on April 16 ... Other notable releases include The Flaming Lips (April 2), Iggy and the Stooges (April 30), Iron and Wine (April 16) and The Band Perry (April 2).

eclectic /// Calling all adrenaline junkies and fans of CBS’ “The Amazing Race”: Registration for the Grand Rapids Urban Adventure Race: Summer Edition is now open. The show-inspired race travels to Rockford on June 29, where adventurers will start and finish their race along the Rogue River. Two-person teams will face “Amazing Race”-like challenges as they search for pre-marked checkpoints along 30 or 45 miles of canoeing and biking and running trails. Hours of fun are not the only good things about this race: Michigan Adventure Racing LLC is partnering with 20 Liters, a nonprofit devoted to creating access to clean water for people worldwide. The cost is $65 per person, $130 per team. For more

rAndom notes

Continued on page 14 8

Jake Simmons and the Little Ghosts

Yeah Yeah Yeahs


SOUNDS | SighTS | DiNiNg | SChEDUlEScene

information or to register, visit the GR Urban Adventure Race website at grurbanadventure-race.com.

dining ///There’s no such thing as too much pizza. That’s why we’re excited about last month’s opening of CVLT PIZZA (10 Jefferson St. SE, Grand Rapids). Brainchild of Ryan Cappelletti, a member of the Bartertown co-op, the restaurant will source ingredients from area farms to produce the freshest pizza in town. As the name suggests, cult membership is a definite option. For $150 per year, mem-bers receive a free large pizza every month for

a year as well as a 10 percent discount on all purchases and a limited edition t-shirt.

community /// For 35 years, Grand Rapids-based The Yoga Studio has been instructing students in the practice of hatha yoga. Founder Carolyn Heines, along with other certified yoga veter-ans, celebrate the studio’s 35th anniversary on April 13 with a reception open to the public from 5-8 p.m. … As a new addition to the Hometown Heroes awards ceremony, Red Cross of West Michigan will host an after party of superhero proportions. On April 25 from 8:30-11 p.m., the Secchia Lobby of DeVos Place will transform into an extrava-ganza supporting the Red Cross. Costumes are optional, but you know you’ve always dreamed of dressing up as your favorite

superhero, if only for a night. With dueling pianos in the vicinity, why not go all in? Tickets are available at redcross.org/grandr-apids for $10 … Earth Day is April 20 and the West Michigan Environmental Action Council has plenty of ways to celebrate being green. As part of the WMEAC film series, the Grand Rapids Public Museum will screen The Last Mountain, which addresses the effects of strip-mining on the American landscape, on April 9 at 6 p.m. Following the film, a panel discussion will discuss water pollution

in Michigan. All GRPM screenings have a $5 suggested donation. The WMEAC then teams up with Founders Brewing Company for an early start to green celebrations with West Michigan Needs Water: Earth Day Celebration on April 16 at Frederik Meijer Gardens. The fifth annual event includes dinner, folk music, a silent auction and a presentation by Canadian author and activist Maude Barlow, a leading expert on water-related issues and co-founder of the Blue Planet Project. The event lasts from 7-10 p.m. and tickets are $60 per person or $100 for a couple. The WMEAC and the Grand Haven Area Jaycees continue West Michigan’s largest Earth Day event with The Third Annual Grand River Green Up, which has removed almost 20,000 pounds of waste from waterways to date. About 400 volun-teers of all ages are needed to help clean the Grand River and its tributaries on April 20. Additional sites for the Clean Up have been added this year in Spring Lake, Ferrysburg and Harbor Island. Check-in at the Harbor Island Fairgrounds begins at 9 a.m. Volunteers depart for clean-up sites and return at noon. Breakfast, lunch and a t-shirt will be provided.

Art ///The Grand Rapids Art Museum is a true trailblazer in the fields of design and energy efficiency since 2008 when it became the world’s first museum to earn LEED Gold certification. Continuing their trend setting

ways, GRAM recently collaborated with local design firm Conduit Studio to develop an iPad app highlighting the museum’s Jansma Print Collection, an array of Christian-themed works spanning five centuries by luminaries including Albrecht Dürer, Rembrandt van Rijn and Édouard Manet. The app, which has already been downloaded in 10 countries since the March 8 release, features historical information on each artist, their time period and their prints. The most recent addition, Domenico Tiepolo’s Flight into Egypt series, brings the collection to a grand total of 57 prints. An exhibition of the prints will run through Sept. 1 n

Random Notes is compiled by Revue staff and minions including Lauren Longo, Kari Norton, Lindsay Patton-Carson, Carly Plank and Audrey Sochor.

For more music, art and entertainment news, including breaking concert announcements and giveaways, “Like” us on Facebook (facebook.com/revuewm) or follow us on Twitter at twit-ter.com/revuewm.

rAndom notes

iMPortant datEs Ad Reservation Deadline: April 19

Editorial Deadline: April 5Delivery: April 30

2007 Southern california Wildfires: At the service center in Ramona, california, Red cross volunteer Lori Olsson gets a smile from this little boy. phOTO: TAliA FRENKEl/AMERiCAN RED CROSS

The Yoga Studio: Kat McKinney, chris Smith, carolyn Heines (founder), Deb Weiss-Gelmi, Sarah Weber. phOTO: JiM gEBBEN


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M atthew Russell of Wednesday Evening Cookies has a new gig that does not require dodg-ing cars on his bike. Matt just opened Bread Square (8

Jefferson Ave. SE) as part of the Bartertown Diner Collective that he is a part of. Bread Square is a vegan bakery that fills a quality food niche in downtown Grand Rapids. Matt has been baking for seven years and will bake bread, but specialize in desserts, with many gluten-free options for your tender stomachs, my pets. In addition to the bakery, you will be able to find his baked goods at Bartertown as well as many groceries, restaurants, coffee shops and boutiques in the area. “This all started as just a hobby, so it’s a good feeling to know that working honestly and with passion can eventually turn into something bigger,” Matt said. Looking ahead, Matt wants to use Bartertown and Bread Square as institutions of vegan learning and community interaction.

Fine furniture purveyor Windsor Cottage is adding a new location. Having thrived in its Cascade location (2899 Thornapple River Dr. SE) for a quarter century, Owner Rick Santamaria is looking forward to open-ing a second store at 923 Cherry St. in Grand Rapids. This ain’t no futon shop. The new 4,300-square-foot space will specialize in the resale of pristine-condition luxury-fine furniture and home accessories featuring manufacturers such as Kindel, Baker, John Widdicomb, Stickley, LaBarge and Herman Miller. “In my 15 years with this business, I do not recall anyone walking by our Cascade store and coming in. We have always been a destination spot,” Rick said. When considering a second location, foot traffic was high on Rick’s wish list. With hundreds of people patronizing the Green Well, Brewery Vivant, Maru Sushi and Grove daily, it

made perfect sense to locate Windsor Cottage in the half block triangle in East Hills. Just don’t tell shop-a-holic Miss Carolita.

Hungry? Head to Kalamazoo. The city’s omnipres-ent Millennium Restaurant Group has announced two new concepts: the Panini Express (125 S Kalamazoo Mall), which opened in March, and Centre Street Tap House (3251 W Centre Ave.) in Southeast Kalamazoo, opening in the fall. While the Panini Express will be located next to the Union Cabaret and Grille, it will have its own identity – a food truck that never moves (like my Miss Lourdie on a school day). You will find quick lunch service and a menu that changes daily with warm, grilled-to-order sandwiches and a fresh selection of soups and salads. “We love the concept of food trucks. It’s not what we usually do but this is our spin on it,” said Bob Lewis, who is a Millennium partner. The Centre Street Tap House, meanwhile, will be a place for the beer lovers of Portage and beyond. The new

4100-square-foot restaurant’s menu and atmosphere will be similar to downtown Kalamazoo’s Central City Tap House. Think gourmet burgers, hearty appetizers and an ever-changing line up of craft brews. Head south, beer lovers.

Now Free Market’s all-seeing eye casts its flinty gaze West as it considers the tiny big-small city of Holland. After two years of planning, New Holland Brewing Co. has begun a $1 million expansion of its brewery (66 E 8th St). Renovations will include an expanded kitchen, revamped bar area, more taps, additional cask taps, family bathrooms (WHO BRINGS THEIR FAMILY TO A BREWERY?) and a beer garden with seating, an outdoor bar and a music stage. “We are putting the same artful consideration into the details as we do our beer and spirits,” said Director of Chaos Dave White. The renovation will take place in stages, with the interior changes finishing up in the spring and the beer garden build finalizing by May 2013. n

Steven de polo’S

New and exciting things happening in the businesses and nonprofits in West Michigan.

FRee MARKeT

FrEEBiES More new Holland: The brewery welcomes Steve Berthel as head pub brewer. Berthel previously smashed mash at Kraftbrau in Kalamazoo and The Livery in Benton Harbor. Look for Bert’s signature Water Sign IPA.

Free Market asks: Why does Yester-dog’s Bill Lewis keep chattering about Mr. Fables? According to our sources, Bill owns the recipes for Mr. Fables, which was the diner of choice when bellbottoms reigned supreme. Anyone want to build a couple new restaurants for Bill? He’s got an olive sauce for you.

Look up! The exterior of downtown Grand Rapids’ McKay tower will get an early spring cleaning. The historic high-rise is undergoing some TLC, part of the building owners’ long-term renovation plans. The exterior repairs will last through late summer.

Yesterdog’s Bill Lewis + Mr. Fables = ?

Windsor Cottage

Panini Express


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tr e v o r D o u b l e st e i n anD Dane sexton have been friends for nearly 12 years. Sexton went to WMU for finance and has held a position with Morgan

Stanley for 13 years, while Doublestein went to Columbia for film and worked for his family’s construction business in Petoskey.

Doublestein enjoyed brewing for years and had an interest in opening his own place. He lacked the financial back-ground to go forward on his own, so he brought the idea up to Sexton, who came on board immediately.

“I read [the business plan], and I was sold from the time I saw it,” Sexton said.

The childhood friend-ship between Doublestein and Sexton morphed into a functional business relation-ship with Sexton handling the financial end and Doublestein taking charge of the brewery and day-to-day operations. For the brewery, the duo had scouted multiple locations, but kept coming back to Holland, where Our Brewing Company was born.

“The more time we spent down here and got to be part of this community, we said ‘we want to be a part of this,’” Doublestein said.

The location had popped up for sale during their scouting, and they took to it immediately. After some meticulous plan-ning, the lease was signed and the two moved forward with construction and renovation, turning what used to be an office building into a sleek new brewpub.

After months of renovation and getting the brewery up and running, Sexton and Doublestein decided to do a week of soft opening, just for friends and family, before opening to the public at the beginning of November 2012.

“We blew through the beer in a tenth of the time we thought; it was a huge success,” Sexton said. “And word started to get around that people liked our beer.”

The response was so large that the beer ran out in two nights’ time. As a result, the owners moved to restricted hours to compen-sate for the huge demand.

Rather than creating unique brands like most breweries do, Our Brewing Company decided to take the unique approach of maintaining styles for pour. Rather than hav-ing an “8th Street Pale” that gets brewed over and over, they maintain a “Pale Ale” tap that

pours different variations of that style, creating a unique sense of immediacy in their taproom.

“Our goal all along was to simply make fabulous beer,” Sexton said. “We set the bar high, and we want to keep it there.”

Our Brewing Company is also very involved with its customer base, listening to feedback and even employing a “beer suggestion box,” where one new brew is chosen every month and brewed. The win-ner gets to attend the brew

day, name the beer and get their own release party in the taproom.

Upon my visit, there were many offer-ings on tap: Toasted Coconut Porter, Black IPA, ‘Black to the Future’ Blackberry Wheat (beer of the month), Peachy Keen Cream Ale, Centennial Park Pale and an Andes Mint Stout to name a few. The brewery also features two gluten-free beers: an IPA and Saint Celiac’s Belgian Tripel.

The taproom is long and features lots of natural light, short and tall tables to accom-pany the bring-your-own-food policy, and a full bar with a post-prohibition feel. There are

also darts, shuffleboard and card games to keep you occupied while enjoying your brew.

Our Brewing Company has already in-vested in a new brew system to accommodate the demand and has plans for distribution in the future, along with a patio out front.

“This is a place you can always feel com-fortable,” Doublestein said. “It’s like being at home and tasting your friend’s homebrew.” n

our brEWing CoMPany76 East 8th Street, holland(616) 994-8417, ourbrewingcompany.com

/// Beer by Ben Darcie | [email protected]

Brewery Spotlight:our brEWing CoMPany

brewery vivant’s Zaison

Y ou know that the weather is turning soon when Brewery vivant releases Zaison, its imperial saison.

This beer pours hazy deep orange with an aroma full of bright citrus, malt and a hint of spice. This brew is medium bodied and full of sweet, bready malt tones and bursting with citrus, orange peel and grapefruit while maintaining a soft must with a twist of tart sour on the finish. At 9%ABv, it’s a wonderful start to spring.

bEEr oF thE Month

“We blew through the beer in a tenth of the time we thought. And word started to get around that people liked our beer.”

phOTOS: BEN DARCiE


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TAPPING PARTY - APRIL 5$2 Pints All Night • Live Music

Tigers Opening Day • Ball Park Food Contests & Prizes • Brewery Swag

ON TAPAPRIL 5!

The T

aste of Summer

20 Monroe Ave. • Grand Rapids 616.356.2000 • www.thebob.com



Gourmet Mushroom log WorkshopBlandford Nature Center, Grand Rapids April 13, 1-3 p.m.$30 members, $36 non-membersblandfordnaturecenter.org, (616)735-6240

“It’s better than bad, it’s good!” … The iconic cult favorites, “Ren and Stimpy” and “Twin Peaks,” taught us that logs are awesome. The knowl-edgeable folks over at Blandford Nature Center will teach you how to channel all the things a log does best into a gourmet mushroom-producing machine (and you were thinking divination device or child’s plaything). Get hands-on and learn how to inoculate your very own log with fancy mush-room goodness so you can grow shitakes and other varieties in your backyard. Logs are provided and you may share your log with another mycol-ogy enthusiast or foodie friend. The workshop is open to adults and teens. Don’t forget to RSVP.

Battle of the GlassblowersWest Michigan Glass Art Center, KalamazooApril 5, 5–10 p.m.April 6, noon–6 p.m.

FrEE! wmglass.org, (269) 552-9802

Watch as balls of fire are harnessed and trans-formed into delicate tchotchkes and useful items at the seventh annual Battle of the Glassblowers, hosted by The West Michigan Glass Art Center. fEach year, individuals and teams of glass blow-ers, all hailing from across Michigan, compete for glory, along with over $1,000 in cash and prizes. In the Hot Shop Battle Arena, on Friday, April 5, six teams sweat over hot flames to create the ultimate beverage set. On Saturday, April 6, indi-viduals compete to see who can make the fastest goblet, the fanciest goblet and a people’s choice mystery object. Over the course of both days, The Flame Shop Battle Arena will feature competitions to create the best bead, vessel, pendant and more. Attendance is free, can you take the heat?

Read My pins: the Madeleine Albright CollectionGerald R. Ford Museum, Grand RapidsThrough April 219 a.m.-5 p.m.$3-$7fordlibrarymuseum.gov, (616) 254-0400

Madeleine Albright was known to stick it to more than a few bigwigs in her day by wielding symbolic pins affixed to her lapel. “She would often wear pins to communicate a message … whether she was wanting to press negotiations with a world leader or convey a less serious mes-sage,” said Don Holloway, curator of the Gerald R. Ford Museum, where more than 200 pins are on display from the former Secretary of State’s private collection. “Beside each pin is its story, or it might be a group of pins representing a particular issue or attitude,” Holloway said. Learn interwoven tales of American history and foreign policy through ordinary jewelry, worn by Albright with cunning and humor, and see politics in a different light.

Chilly Blues FestivalSnug Harbor, Downtown Grand HavenApril 19-20$10-$12harborrestaurants.com, (616) 846-8400

Summer begins early in Grand Haven when warm food and the cool sounds of the blues usher in sunshine and cookouts at the 21st annual Chilly Blues Festival. Enjoy a pub crawl and roam across town, sipping and gulping your favorite brews at Snug Harbor, Kirby Grill, Odd Side Ales, Theatre Bar, Rosebud and Dee-lite bar. Saturday, cheer on your favorite chef at the chili cook-off on the heated deck of Snug Harbor. And jam out all weekend to Larry McCray, the Steve Hilger Band, Big Daddy Fox, Chris Wiser and Vincent Hayes, along with other blues acts. n

in April we celebrate transformation and revel in signposts of spring-time. This month, find life in seemingly inert logs, watch molten glass become intricate baubles, discover power derived from the clever use of broaches and usher in warm weather with spicy food and a hearty dose of the blues. By AudriA LArSEN

Gourmet Mushroom Log Workshop

/// eclectic

April Eclectic Events


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2948 BLUE STAR HWY DOUGLAS, MI - (269) 857-7222 - WWW.SBREWING.COM

ON TAP & IN SBC VARIETY 12-PACKS

THROUGHOUT MICHIGAN & CHICAGO

ON TAP & IN 4-PACKS THROUGHOUT

MICHIGAN & CHICAGO

AVAILABLE

APRIL

15TH

AVAILABLE

APRIL 1 ST


TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION 269.857.2399 OR WWW.SC4A.ORG

REAL TO REEL: AI WEIWEI: NEVER SORRY

APRIL 11 7PM $5/MEMBERS & STUDENTS

$7/NON-MEMBERS

The inside story of a dissident for the digital age who inspires global audiences and blurs the boundaries of art and politics.

Sponsored by: Clark Hill Entertainment Industry Team, Hidden Garden Cottages & Suites

CUDAMANI IN CONCERT: ENCHANTING SOUNDS OF BALI

APRIL 20 7PM $10/ADULTS

FREE/CHILDREN & STUDENTS

Escape to Bali through this immersive, intimate concert of highly creative music and dance that is vibrant and free-spirited.

Sponsored by: Brooks Family Fund, Sherwood Mignon DeLano Foundation, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Outstate Michigan

PATTY LARKIN:SONGS & STORIES

APRIL 27 8PM $30/TICKET

Billboard hails, “An absolutely stunning guitarist, easily on a par with Bonnie Raitt, Larkin matches her instrumental chops as a vocalist and songwriter.”

Sponsored by: Mike Bojko/Coldwell Banker, Macatawa Bank, Hilliard Lyons of Holland

Photo courtesy of Jorge Vismara


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The

Cheap

IssueWhen you find out there’s no cover charge or discover your favorite beer is half-

price, your whole day improves. As long as quality stays high, saving money just

plain feels good. Fortunately, West Michigan is excellent at helping you have a

good time with just a little (or no) cash. We’ve found enough cheap drinks, food,

plays, music — well, we’ve found enough cheap everything — to make full-price

a thing of the past. Expect quite a few of those improved days this month.

// By REvuE’s BRokE-Ass stAff And Minions

Enjoy cheap dining, live music, dates and more!


aRTsArt HopThe first Friday of every month downtown Kalamazoo boutiques, freelance designers and artists showcase and sell their pieces. The event itself is free and item prices depend on vendor.

Avenue for the ArtsAvenue for the Arts often hosts free events that showcase local artists and many of the live/work spaces on the South Division strip have daily open gallery hours with no admission costs. The newest Avenue event series, First Thursdays, is designed to give the community a monthly opportunity to explore these galleries, meet the artists who live and work in the spaces, and ac-cording to one of the series’ coordinators Amanda Carmer, “experience something incredible.” Initiated by two of the Avenue’s newest spaces, Gaspard Gallery and Craft House, First Thursdays will feature exhibi-tion openings and special events all along the Avenue the first Thursday of every month. “Many of the galleries and live/work spaces have already hopped on the bandwagon, and we’re hoping for even more participating venues as popularity of the event grows. The success of events like this are sure to transform downtown into a refined, cutting-edge commercial district and heartier neighborhood,” Carmer said.

Also coming up: Art.Downtown. on April 12, a free event with 300 participat-ing local artists and 30 destinations.

Grand Rapids Art MuseumIf you’re in search of a night of art, music, and conversation, The Grand Rapids Art Museum (101 Monroe Center NW, Grand Rapids) offers discounted admission from 5-9 p.m. for Friday Nights at GRAM. Admission is $5 for non-members and free for members. Each night features live music, cash bar, and a rotation of guest speakers and presentations from local art-ists and community members. Just down the road from the GRAM is a hotbed of art by the people for the people … Graphic

Design: Now in Production, through April 21, explores the art of visual communication and the ways de-sign influences everyday life. Stephen Frykholm: Herman Miller Picnic Posters, until May 12, fea-tures the posters designed for the annual company picnic that have

now become iconic. Finally, Jon McDonald: Slavery’s Chill, a series of paintings about the struggles of slavery and the journey to escape, will be displayed until April 14. Admission to the museum is $8. GR tag tourJust because Christie’s sells works of art for millions of dollars doesn’t mean you have to be a trust fund baby to get your visual fix. In fact, sometimes finding art is simply a matter of taking a stroll and taking in what surrounds you. If you’re wonder-ing where to look, the GR Tag Tour can help you out. A mobile app designed to help discover the public art installations found in downtown, it’s the perfect tool to help you become your own docent. Visit GRTagTour.com to find your first stop on the walking tour, aptly named Art Around the Corner, grab your smart phone, and start scanning those QR codes for details on each stop and historical snippets about many locations downtown. The tour also lets you upload photos and search nearby businesses in case you get hungry along the way. Maps are available on the site as well, if QR codes aren’t your thing. kalamazoo institute of ArtsHome to both travelling exhibitions and a permanent collection of American and European art from as early as the 16th century, Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (314 S. Park St.) offers days’ worth of artistic enjoyment. Admission is only $5 or $2 for

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students with ID. Current exhibitions include “Reflections: African American Life,” “Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams” and “The Arts of China and Japan,” among many more. Muskegon Art MuseumIn addition to seasonal exhibits, the Muskegon Art Museum (296 W. Webster Ave.) offers movie screenings, lectures and storytelling events for kids. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students, and free for chil-dren. Experience the “Meditations” exhibit showcasing the oil paintings of Hughie Lee-Smith, as well as a display of illustrations by nationally acclaimed Muskegon children’s author Laurie Keller. saugatuck Center for the ArtsAdmission to the gallery (400 Culver St.), featuring lakeshore watercolors by James Johnson until May 4, is always free.

urban institute for Contemporary ArtsExhibitions at UICA (2 W. Fulton, Grand Rapids) include “Limitless” and “Chroma.” Running until May 12, “Limitless” features artists who have all responded to the theme of limits. “Chroma,” on display beginning May 31, explores color (or the lack of color) as the main form of expression. Admission is $5.

MusICBell’s Brewing MusicBell’s Eccentric Cafe (355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo) features affordable music shows year-round. Join That 1 Guy for ex-perimental “earthshaking future funk” on April 5 at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.

Billy’s Lounge Weekly no-cover events at Billy’s (1437 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids) include BassBin Mondays, Open Mic Tuesdays, ‘90s Holla Back Thursdays and Revival ‘80s Sundays. For a $2-$5 cover, you can catch live music.

Grand Rapids Jazz orchestra The 16-piece Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra entertains the patrons of Founders Brewing Company (235 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids) with classics and original composi-tions for free every first and third Sunday of the month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Order up the Brassworks BLT for $5.75 and your favorite

pint, and you’ll be amused and satiated for less than $10.

Grand Rapids symphonyThe Grand Rapids Symphony lets students experience orchestral performances for only $5. Just sign up at the Student Passport table the night of the show to receive a membership card. Not all shows are eligible for the student discount, but Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6 on May 16 at DeVos Performance Hall (303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids) is included.

Guitar lesson at Grand River MusicGrand River offers free acoustic or electric guitar lesson in store (1533 Wealthy St.SE, Grand Rapids) or via Skype. Bass and man-dolin lessons are also offered. Schedule your first class online at grandrivermusic.com or over the phone at (616) 356-6161.

the intersectionLocal folk titans The Crane Wives bring their killer three-part harmonies to The Intersection (133 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids) on April 5. Tickets are $6 in advance and $8 on the day of show. On April 27, see the next best thing to Prince and Michael Jackson sharing a stage: “The Prince & Michael Experience,” a dance party and tribute to the two pop legends. San Francisco’s DJ Dave Paul hosts, and cover is $10. Another $10 event, Mega ‘80s, throws down on April 6 and 20.

Lemonjello’sThe popular Holland coffee shop (61 E. 9th St.) holds open mic nights and live music for less than $10 several times each month. Check out the schedule at lemonjellos.com.

Mulligan’s PubNo cover, cheap music and the self-pro-claimed “cheapest happy hour in town” is what you get at Mulligan’s (1518 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids). If you’re not an early bird, outrageous drink specials are available until close, including $1.50 pints of PBR, $5 pitchers of Miller Lite and ever-changing $2 specials on tap.

the Pyramid schemeSeveral April shows at the venue (68 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids) feature tickets for $10 or less. On April 12, Flashing Blue Lights celebrate its CD release along with Juxtapose and Jason Norman & the Red Lions for $6. The Besnard Lakes and Suuns perform April 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10. William Tyler performs April 23 at 9 p.m. Tickets are $8.

salt of the EarthEnjoy artisan breads and fresh, creative lo-cal dishes while taking in quality tunes. Salt of the Earth (114 E. Main St., Fennville) fea-tures several bands at 7 p.m. Upcoming $10 shows include slide guitarist Luke Winslow-King on April 3 and Appalachian folk duo Red Tail Ring on April 21. Reservations are recommended.

saugatuck Brewing CompanySee live music every Saturday night at Saugatuck Brewing (2948 Blue Star Hwy., Douglas). Grab one of their homemade sandwiches and enjoy the (free!) show.

seven steps upWhen not hosting private events or con-certs, the banquet center (116 S. Jackson St., Spring Lake) also hosts Strings and Things Open Mic Night the first and third Tuesday

of every month. The music starts at 7 p.m. and is free.

FILM Celebration! CinemaIf you were somehow born yesterday and don’t know yet, Celebration! Cinema Woodland (3195 28th St. SE) is probably one of the most reliable silver screens for less than $5. See end-of-run films, along with a few indie flicks peppered in at this theater. For current titles and screening times, check out celebrationcinema.com. Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Meijer theaterTo be fiscally effective and socially aware all at once, visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Meijer Theater (272 Pearl St. NW) on April 9, when the West Michigan Environmental Action Council Film Series will present The Last Mountain, a docu-mentary film investigating strip-mining and mountaintop removal. The $2 tickets also include access to a panel discussion following the film, which starts at 6:30 p.m. According to WMEAC, the film series is “a fun and accessible way to educate the West Michigan community on pressing environmental issues. The goal is to make these screenings more than just a movie, but an opportunity to engage audiences and inspire them toward sustainable actions.”

kalamazoo 10Movies at this theater (820 Maple Hill Dr.) range from $5.25-$7.75 for the latest releases.

The Pyramid Scheme



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kent theaterThanks to charitable donations from the community, Kent Theater (8 S. Main St. NE, Cedar Springs) upgraded to a digital projec-tor system and can continue showing recent films for just $3.

Little theatreWestern Michigan University’s Little Theatre showcases movies and documentaries not necessarily found in big chain theaters. April’s features include Amour, winner of the 2012 Cannes Film Festival and 2013 Oscar for Best Foreign Film. Tickets are $5.

Meanwhile Movies For $6 ($5 for CMC members), take in a clas-sic off the beaten path from the ‘70s, ‘80s, or ‘90s every Tuesday night at Wealthy Theatre (1130 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids). Doors open at 7:15 and movies begin at 8 p.m. If you’ve worked up a late night appetite by the end of the film, head down the street to Yesterdog for a $2-$2.50 hot dog or two (or three).

DINING8th street GrilleWith 28 taps of craft beer, 8th Street Grille (20 W 8th St., Holland) would be enticing even without the penny-saving specials, like the pot roast and mashed potatoes for $7.95 on Saturdays or the pulled-pork barbecue sandwich and fries for $6.95 on Wednesdays.

Crooked GooseHappy hour at the Crooked Goose (355 Wilson Ave. NW, Walker) is Monday-Friday from 3-6 p.m. and includes $2 drafts, $2 wells and half-off appetizers.

Central City tap House Central City’s (359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo) menu features sandwiches and burgers for less than $10. All Michigan beers are half-off on Saturday from noon-4 p.m.

the Corner BarThe Corner Bar (31 N. Main St., Rockford) has its “World Famous” chili dog basket for $6.99, which features chili dogs, fries and coleslaw.

dogs With styleAverage price of hotdog at Dogs with Style (410 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo) is $2.50.

El sombreroThe self-proclaimed “originator of the wet burrito,” El Sombrero (527 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids) does not mess around when

it comes to its burrito sauce. If you’re in the mood for Mexican, the entire El Sombrero menu is less than $10.

free Cooking ClassesLearn how to make Italian classics with free cooking classes at Amore Trattoria Italiana (5080 Alpine Ave. NW, Grand Rapids) on the second Saturday of most months.

Harmony Brewing Company Open just more than a year, Harmony Brewing Company (1551 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids) is quickly becoming known for their brews and even more so for their homemade, entirely fresh pizzas. Try a wood-fired cheese or pepperoni pizza for just $5-6 on Tuesdays, or $3 pints all day on Mondays.

Meatless Monday vegan Cooking demoA free cooking demo hosted by Kolene Allen and Jon Dunn from vegangr.com takes place at Uptown Kitchen (423 Norwood Ave. SE, Grand Rapids). The demonstration focuses on substitutions for dairy and meat products in common recipes. If interested, register for the April 22 event at grpl.org/event/meatless-monday. Menna’s JointIf you’ve never tried, or even heard of, a dub, you’re missing out. Similar to a grilled wrap, a dub is loaded with meats, cheeses, veg-gies, sauces, whatever you like, you name it. Even if you’re in the mood for breakfast, Menna’s Joint (3501 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo and 10897 48th Ave, Suite B100, Allendale)

has you covered with its variety of breakfast dubs to choose from. The best part is that the entire menu is less than $10, and they deliver if you are in reasonable distance.

the Pita HouseSplit a Mediterranean influenced specialty platter with a friend or loved one at The Pita House (1450 Wealthy SE, 3730 28th St., 4533 Ivanrest SW, Grand Rapids). Prices range from $7.99-$13.49. Rose’s ExpressSandwich meals at Rose’s (2224 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids) are less than $10, and include kettle chips.

saugatuck Brewing CompanyGreat specials are here (2948 Blue Star Hwy., Douglas) every weekday for less than $10. Our personal favorites include the Reubens for $6.95 on Wednesdays and half-pound burgers for $7.25 on Thursdays.

smashburgerA burger joint with a penchant for regional flavors, all Smashburger (4315 W. Main St. in Kalamazoo, 6333 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Suite 450 in Kentwood, 25 Michigan St. and 2650 E. Beltline SE in Grand Rapids) menu options are less than $10. Choose from classic favorites such as the Michigan olive burger or the cherry, barbecue, bacon and cheddar burger featuring cherry bar-becue sauce made from Michigan cherries. All burgers are “smashed fresh” and made to order. The restaurant also offers veggie burgers, a variety of salads and a-create-your-own-burger option.

the union Cabaret and Grille This grille (125 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo) offers a variety of appetizers, drinks and desserts for less than $10, not to mention daily food and drink specials, including $5 Burger Tuesdays. Show your college I.D. to get 15 percent off your bill. The Union also features free live music every Tuesday through Saturday.

yesterdogIf you’re new to Grand Rapids or were somehow stuck under an enormous rock for the past several decades, you probably missed that Yesterdog (1505 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids) has deliciously messy dogs for about $2 each. Forget napkins, they can’t save you from these beasts.

Harmony Brewing CompanyCheap flicks at Wealthy Theatre

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Xo Asian CuisineXO (58 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids) has half-off sushi rolls (excludes sushi entrees and chef special rolls) on Tuesday. Prices range $2-$7.50 per order.

frozen yogurt Warmer weather is just around the corner. Cool off with endless frozen yogurt flavor and topping combinations. New shops spring up, many locally owned and oper-ated, with ever-changing flavors. The best part? You pick how much you pay. Just make sure to go easy on the hot fudge and skittles, and this treat is definitely less than $10. Businesses include the Pump House (2090 Celebration Dr. NE, Grand Rapids), spoonlickers (1971 East Beltline NE and 1551 Wealthy in Grand Rapids; 400 Ada Dr. SE in Ada), Bloop (6333 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Gaines Township) and sweet yo’s (2180 Wealthy SE and 134 Monroe Center NW, Grand Rapids).

LIBaTIoNsBell’s Brewery toursFree tours of one of the oldest craft beer brewers in the U.S. (335 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo) are offered every Saturday and Sunday at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 p.m. with a 12:30 p.m. time also offered on Saturdays. Big Brew day Bell’s Eccentric Cafe (335 E. Kalamazoo Ave.) hosts Big Brew Day to celebrate homebrewing on May 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature live demonstra-tions and is free to attend.

Cheap Pint night at founders Brewing CompanyPints are half off every Monday after 7 p.m. at Founders (235 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids) Class 1 pints are $2.50, Class 2 are $3.50

the Grotto at CaponesRestaurant by day, bar by night (2636 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo). Get your fair share of Chicago deep dish or traditional pizza and enjoy any of the 24 different beers on tap while doing it. There is never a cover charge and all drink specials go until 1 a.m.

Mojo’s Piano dueling Bar and RestaurantMojo’s (180 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids), features live piano shows

Wednesday-Saturday. Cover is $3 after 9 p.m. and drink specials include $1-$3 drinks on Wednesday and half-off martinis, $3 calls, $4 bombs and Red Bull vodkas on Thursdays. MontesGet in free with your college ID every Tuesday night for College Night Power Hour at Montes (438 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids). Drink specials included $2 you-call-its from 9-10 p.m. and 11 p.m.-midnight and $1 you-call-its from 10-11 p.m.

old dog tavern Old Dog Tavern (402 W Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo) has the three Ps — popcorn, ping pong and pool — for free. Happy hour is Monday-Friday from 4-6 p.m. with $2.50 drafts and $1.50 domestic bottles. Live mu-sic performances are featured Friday and Saturday nights.

Rockwell/RepublicRockwell/Republic (45 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids) has $5 happy hour with sushi rolls and share plates Monday- Friday from 3-6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from noon-5 p.m. Weekends include the $5 Bloody Mary bar. Late night specials (9 p.m.-midnight) include half-off signature cocktails on Tuesday, half-off cocktails and shots on Wednesday and half-off signature martinis on Thursday. Pitchers of sangria are $10 Wednesday starting at 4 p.m.

olde Peninsula Brewpub and RestaurantFor $10, take a tour of this Kalamazoo brew-ery (200 E. Michigan Ave.) and taste every beer on tap. Reserve your tour by calling (269) 343-2739. Happy hour specials from 3-6 p.m. and from 10-close include $3 specialty pints, 22 oz. select liquor drinks for $4.22, and $1 off dips, onion rings and hummus appetizers.

ybarThursday nights have $3 you-call-its and martini specials at Ybar (2804 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo).

hooKah Blaze Hookah Lounge Blaze (2728 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo) has more than 30 flavors to choose from and also serves food, coffee and smoothies. Attend one of its open mic poetry nights and read something you’ve written or just hang out with friends and soak up the atmosphere.

Eastown Hookah Lounge Eastown Hookah Lounge (1522 Wealthy St. SE) is open until 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and offers a $10 hookah that can

rich dad date, poor dad date / by Joe Gasmann

Cheap Dates

Budget: FreeLive near Morley, Mich. or willing to drive? You and your date curious about the thrilling world of Battletech (The Board Game of Armored Combat!!!)? You’re in luck! Aaron from Craigslist is looking for other adventurous scamps to join him for an evening of heavy metal mayhem. He has everything you need to play, says it’s cool to bring a date, and swears he’s not dangerous. So, search “Battletech Players” in the Activity Partners section of Craigslist and have the time of your lives!

Budget: $5This is pretty much the same as the free date, but you can now afford to stop at Meijer for some gamer food. For $3.50, you can grab a 40-count bag of Totino’s Pizza Rolls. It’s good to stay hydrated whilst gaming, and specially marked bags offer a free two-liter of Sundrop or Sunkist (my personal favorite “Sun” beverage). Spend the rest of your cash on a bulk candy dessert. Be sure to eat as much as you can, straight out of the bins, before filling your bag.

Budget: $10Even with a bottle of drugstore cough medicine ringing up at just more than $5, you’re well under your bud-get of $10 and well on your way to a killer time! After splitting the sweet nectar (60/40), you can spend a few hours playing “Bad Journalist.” The goal of “Bad Journalist” is to ask a random person if Traders Joe’s and Whole Foods are coming to town, then regurgitate the lies on your blog. The rest of the money can be spent on a cab ride. Use the backseat time to get to second base.

Budget: $20Now we’re talking! First stop: The Bottle House. Located on the corner of Division and Melville, this back-alley bottle shop sells many things, but its bargain-basement pricing on fine wines is what sets it apart from other stores. For a very reasonable $3.69 a bottle (“the big ones” according to the shop-keep) MD 20/20 is the perfect candied drink to kick-start your date’s heart. Score! The Bottle House’s Google review notes that it’s also a “great place to get Doritos,” so this could also be your meal destination.



serve up to three people, as well as open mic poetry.

Grand valley Hookah Lounge Flavors are less than $10 at GV Hookah Lounge (10745 48th Ave., Allendale). Every Wednesday and Saturday at 9 p.m. marks karaoke night. Laugh with friends and show off your inner rock star.

FITNessAda Bike shop Group RidesUntil the snow melts, bring your own bike and trainer to 597 Ada Dr. SE for free indoor spin classes every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Both locations (Ada Drive and 1311 Fulton St. SE.) host a free group ride during the week when the weather allows.

Bike trailsFor some free fun and exercise, check out the many bike trails in West Michigan. For a longer ride, the White Pine Trail offers more than 93 fully paved miles of scenery through swamps, forests and towns. If 93 miles is about 90 miles too long for you, don’t worry. There are plenty of places to pull over for a hot dog or some ice cream along the way. Other great routes include Reeds Lake Trail, Millennium Park Trails and Musketawa Trail.

free yoga at LululemonLocated in East Grand Rapids (2213 Wealthy St. SE), this retailer offers a free Serenity Saturday hatha-vinyasa yoga class each week at noon with an instructor from a local yoga studio. the funky Buddha yoga Hothouse Community yoga ClassDrop-in rates for this Sunday power vinyasa yoga class are only $5 at the Eastown loca-tion (1331 Lake Dr. SE). The class is offered from 7:30-8:30 p.m. and from 9-10 p.m. Be sure to arrive early to secure a space for your mat.

Grand Rapids Running Club RacesGrand Rapids Running Club offers several events each month for only $4 ($2 for mem-bers). Two- and four-mile prediction runs take place on April 6 at John Ball Park at 8:30 a.m. (registration at 8 a.m.).

Group Runs at stridersStriders in Eastown (1551 Wealthy St. SE) offers three-to-six-mile group runs for free at 6 p.m. every Monday and Wednesday, while the Grandville (4045 Chicago Dr. SW) location hosts a group run at 6 p.m. each Tuesday.

ice skating at Wings stadiumGeneral admission is $5 per person, skate rental is $3 at Wings (3600 Vanrick Dr., Kalamazoo). Open skate hours are 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; Sunday 2-3:45 p.m.

Rock ClimbingThe Grand Valley State University Climbing Center (1 Campus Dr., Allendale) is free with a valid GVSU student I.D. but is also open to the public and costs $10 for a day pass.

the salvation Army kroc CenterGet a day pass for $7 and enjoy access to the aquatic center and pool/hot tub, two court gymnasium, cardio fitness machines, strength training machines, free weights, indoor track, climbing wall and game room (2500 S. Division Ave. SW, Grand Rapids).

WERQ Hip Hop dance ClassOne of the hottest new fitness classes in the U.S. is taking place at a gym near you. Dance to pop, rock and hip hop music taught by certified professionals, all while getting your workout on. Studio Dance (2925 28th St. SE, Kentwood) has classes every Wednesday from 7:45-8:30 p.m. Knapp Street Church (4025 Knapp St. NE, Grand Rapids) has them every Tuesday from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Snap Fitness (2056 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids) of-fers them every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. For more locations and times check out werqfitness.com.

Zumba fitness ClassesTake advantage of shaking your hips at a $6 Zumba class offered at Dog Story Theater (7 Jefferson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids) every Tuesday from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

NaTuReBlandford nature CenterYour free admission to Blanford (1715 Hillburn Ave. SW, Grand Rapids) includes access to 143 acres of forest and wildlife, plus the wildlife education center, in addi-tion to four miles of maintained trails. Rosy Mound natural AreaThis preserved natural dune system features scenic views of Lake Michigan year round and more than 1,000 feet of stairs and paths along the dunes near Grand Haven, as well as educational signs about wildlife within the ecosystem. Climb to the top of the dune

for a marvelous view of the lake, or traverse the trail system through the forest to the beach below. W.k. kellogg Bird sanctuary Paved trails running alongside Wintergreen Lake offer visitors views of native waterfowl and continue on through gamebird areas and bird of prey enclosures. Picnic areas at W.K. Kellogg (12685 E C Ave., Hickory Corners) provide a natural setting for dining with friends and loved ones. Adult admis-sion is $4

spoRTsWest Michigan White CapsApril 4 marks the season opener against the Dayton Dragons at Fifth Third Ballpark (4500 West River Dr. NE, Comstock Park). Lawn seats are only $6 for the 6:30 p.m. game. The game falls on college night, so enjoy two hot dogs, a beer, a soda or a pret-zel for just $2 and if you’ve got a college ID reserved seats are only $5.

MuseuMs Air Zoo Offering year-round fun, the Air Zoo (6151 Portage Rd., Portage) has more than 50 rare and historic aircrafts as well as exhibits and educational activities. It also has a 3-D theater and flight-inspired amusement park type rides. General admission is $10.

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frederik Meijer Gardens and sculpture ParkIt’s that time of year: the butterflies are blooming (until April 30 anyway). There’s more going on at the Gardens (1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids) than hatching chrysalises, like the Bernar Venet sculpture exhibit now through October, the Hanneke Beaumont exhibit until April 28, and the carnivorous plant house now through forever. That’s right, plants that eat things with their teeth (kind of). All for $9 with a student ID.

Gerald R. ford MuseumThis home-grown museum (303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids) offers many permanent exhibits, including a slice of the Berlin Wall, a tribute to Betty Ford and an Oval Office replica, as well as occasional traveling ex-hibits. Visit the permanent 1976 Bicentennial exhibit for a trip back to the world of disco, punk and pet rocks, as well as Ford ‘76 campaign items. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for students with ID.

Gilmore Car MuseumOne of the top five car museums in the U.S., Gilmore Car Museum (6865 Hickory Rd., Hickory Corners) houses 300 cars and mo-torcycles from the 1890s to the 1960s. $10 admission for adults, $9 for AAA members and groups. Grand Rapids Children’s MuseumOne word: bubbles. Among other fun exhib-its (like the Imagination Playground and the Open Wide pretend dentist’s office) children can hop inside a giant bubble of their own making. Admission is $7.50 for anyone over one year at the museum (11 Sheldon Ave. NE, Grand Rapids). Between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. every Thursday is family night, with admission lowered to just $1.50.

Grand Rapids Public MuseumTroll the streets of Grand Rapids circa 1890 or explore the natural habitats of Michigan at the Public Museum (272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids). Admission is $8, and don’t forget to take a ride on the carousel for an extra dollar before you leave.

Holland MuseumExplore Holland’s Dutch heritage as well as local maritime history and an illustrated timeline of the development of the City of Holland at this museum (31 W. 10th St.). Admission is $7 ($4 for students).

John Ball ZooNow through May 10, admission at John Ball Zoo (1300 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids) is only $5. Between May 11 and Sept. 15 entry is $8.50.

Muskegon Community College PlanetariumFree showings of “Stars: The Powerhouses of the Universe” on April 1-11 and “Oasis in Space” April 16-25. Show times at the plan-etarium (221 S Quarterline Rd., Muskegon Township) are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. (MCC campus, room 135)

tri-Cities Historical MuseumThe Grand Haven Museum (200 Washington Ave.) highlights the communities of Grand Haven, Spring Lake and Ferrysburg. Admission is free and current exhibits in-clude Ice Age Imperials, Fur Trading, and Michigan Logging. uss silversides submarine MuseumExhibits highlight USS Silversides, World War II, the Pearl Harbor attack, submarines, the Cold War, marine technology and Great Lakes shipping. The museum (1346 Bluff St., Muskegon) is currently showing a documen-tary about US involvement and submarine service during WWII. Admission is $6.

LITeRaRYArgos Book shopPeruse the stacks for used books less than $10 at Argos (1405 Robinson Rd. SE, Grand Rapids), including hundreds of fiction and nonfiction titles.

Book BugBrowse Book Bug (3019 Oakland Dr., Kalamazoo), a cozy independent bookstore, and see what deals you can find on a wide variety of bestsellers and indie releases, as well as music and movies. Redux BooksAnother Eastown used book store, Redux (1349 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids) specializes in hard-to-find and out-of-print books.

story CafeThe recently opened Story Cafe (444 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids) features baked goods from Holland’s deBoer Bakery and choco-late from Confections with Conviction in Kalamazoo. In addition to excellent sweet treats, soups, sandwiches and espresso, the

DeaL: Prevent a fashion faux pas for $15 with the Minimergency Kit for Her. Fix anything with 17 beauty and personal care essentials that fit into a palm-sized pouch. The women’s kit is a darling little deal with backups such as a mending kit, double-sided tape, stain remover, deodorant tow-elettes, earring backs and more. “I’m never organized enough to do that on my own. Buy it and toss in your purse,” says Jenny VanVeen, owner of frances Jaye in Holland. Guys get one too for $13.

sTeaL: You can always find jeans under $20 at 360° in Kalamazoo. The store also has an impressive collection of bags from status brands such as Coach, Kate Spade and Burberry from $40 up to $100. The steal of the moment is an adorable and appropriate for spring, J.Crew khaki trench coat for $26.95. Here, the beauty of shopping consignment means, “You can spend the same amount at the mall but you get three times the stuff,” Owner Amy Baird said.

FoR ReaL?!: The “LBD” in LBd Exchange in Rockford stands for “little black dress,” and the store always has a selection on hand. You get a boutique experi-ence sans high prices with superior service. Customers appreciate that “girlfriend to help them out,” said Assistant Store Manager Lisa Abbott. Believe it or not, the store has a wedding dress “worn to a wedding as a guest, never by a bride.” The traditional-style dress with gorgeous beadwork, lace and spaghetti straps retailed for $1,000 but is a bargain at $399.99. —Missy Black

LBD Exchange PhoTo: S. NiedzWiecki

Cheap Threads



speeD paINTeR MaRTINa haaN Herrick District Library 300 South River Ave., Holland April 2, 2-5 p.m. fREE!

herrickdl.org, (616) 355-3100

Spring Break programming is here with a visit from speed painter Martina Haan. Her theme is Eric Carle’s The Very hungry caterpillar. “We try to be cutting edge,” said Youth Services Manager Molly Rios. “We have to keep it fresh with kids. We have to be the public place where everybody wants to go. We have to be relevant.” At no cost and for those small ones interested in art, this event featur-ing a beloved author’s work is all about transformation and children “won’t know what to expect until they see the finished

product.” This live painting demonstra-tion is a huge something for nothing (and speedy too). Also slated for the spring break slump is a Pete the Cat character visit on April 4 at 10 a.m.

GReeNaThoN eaRTh DaY FesTIVaL Celery Flats 7335 Garden Lane, Portage April 27, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. fREE!

portagemi.gov, (269) 329-4512

Just bring your enthusiasm for being green as your ticket of admission to the Greenathon Earth Day Festival at Celery Flats. The event includes live music, games, activities and exhibits for children that provides education about environmental ideas to use at home and opportunities to volunteer for “green” causes. Kids are able to meet other in-dividuals who are committed to a clean environment and all of this costs a big, whopping nothing. “Younger children really love getting their free tree,” says Sujay Dewan, chairperson of the Portage Youth Advisory Committee. “This event allows the youth to grasp the concepts of being green in the community.” Another big hit with the kids is Portage mascot, Mr. Crispy, a large animated piece of celery that entertains. A little education goes a long way and this celebration shows how

being green can be useful and fun for all ages. The City of Portage Youth Advisory Committee, appointed by the city council of Portage, sponsors the event. The com-mittee is made up of youths serving a one-year term, representing the voices of youths in the community and exposing them to local government.

spRING BReaK FuN: GeoDes Grand Rapids Public Library Van Belkum Branch, Grand Rapids 1563 Plainfield NE April 5, 2 p.m. fREE! grpl.org, (616) 988-5410

Rough and tumble boys get permission to break something at the Grand Rapids Public Library. Join geologist Steve Tchozeski of Great Lakes GeoScience to learn about the mysteries of ge-odes. “Geodes are fascinating,” said Communications Manager Kristen Krueger-Corrado. “They look like a rock and you crack them open and there are beautiful crystals inside.” Participants will select a geode, break it open, explore inside and take it home with them. “You learn how they’re formed and how to find a geode when you’re on a walk.” This hands-on activity is a fun way to educate children about environmental science. Dates are also available April 2 at 2 p.m.

at the West Side Branch, April 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Madison Square Branch and another timeslot for April 5 is at 10:30 a.m. at the Ottawa Hills Branch. For kids 12 and under.

FRee spRING MoVIes: paRaNoRMaN Grand Haven 9 17220 Hayes Street, Grand Haven April 20 & 21, 9 & 10 a.m. fREE! gqti.com, (616) 844-7469

Pop in a movie and you can get some peace and quiet. Parents, am I right, or am I right? Round up your brood and take them to the Grand Haven 9 so the littles can catch a good show (while you secretly pin on Pinterest or sort through e-mails on your phone). This free movie service is provided “To get families to come in that might not be able to afford a movie,” said Manager Dusten VanZyll. “We want families to come in and enjoy a good adventure.” ParaNorman is an adorable, animated zombie comedy that even par-ents can appreciate. Other movie features include hotel Transylvania on April 6 and 7, Pirates! Band of Misfits on April 13 and 14 and The Lorax on April 27 and 28. Tickets are first come, first serve so get them while you can because everyone loves movie time. n

The following events require zero dollars. So keep that wallet right in your jeans or purse. OK, you might incur some parking fees at the library or drop cash for popcorn at the movies, but for the most part, our free April event round up provides a group of activities sans cover charge. It feels good to say you took the kids out, had fun and still have as much moolah as when you left the house. It feels good to be free — with your children, your emotions and your time. This month’s lesson is in: zilch! By Missy BLACk

Free Family FunThe

Cheap

IssueGreenathon

Earth Day Festival


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cafe holds a free creative writing group on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and “Storytelling and Singing” Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

eCLeCTICJapanese tea CeremonyOn April 2 at noon, ARTbreak at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (314 S. Park St.) features sculptor and ceramicist Paul Flickinger, who worked in Japan and studied traditional customs. Flickinger will discuss the Japanese Tea Ceremony, includ-ing the ceremonial preparation involved and the presentation of “matcha” green tea. Admission to ARTbreak weekly events are free and includes coffee.

tulip time festivalFrom May 4-11, experience all things Dutch in downtown Holland with one of the largest flower festivals in the United States. Watch traditional Dutch dances or wander through the arts and crafts fair or carnival. Perrigo Volksparade (May 8), Johnson Controls Kinderparade (May 9) and The GMB Muziekparade 2013 (May 11) parades will also take place as part of the festival, all starting at 2 p.m. and tickets are $5 for bleacher seats. Other events for $10 or less include Move to the Muziek at Park Theatre on May 5 at 2 p.m. and May 11 at 10 a.m. and Rock Camp Final Concert at Park Theatre on May 10 at 6 p.m.

CoMeDYCzar’s 505The first Thursday of every month at Czar’s 505 (505 Pleasant St., St. Joseph) is comedy night with a $5 cover. This month features comedians Michael Lais and Andy Beningo, followed by live music at the open mic night after the show.

dog story theaterThe All-Star Comedy’s Great Lakes Tour stops at Dog Story Theater (7 Jefferson Ave. SE, Grand Rapids) on April 8 with shows at 7 and 9 p.m. for $10. The event features Josh Lawson, Zoltan Kaszas, Bijan Mostafavi and Michigan’s own Brandon Young, a graduate of Central Michigan University.

dr. GrinsThis month, every show at Dr. Grin’s is $10 (and only $5 for Thursday night shows). Comedians include Mo Mandel on April 4-6, who can regularly be seen on “Chelsea Lately” and his own half-hour special on Comedy Central. Josh Blue, winner of Last Comic Standing and known for us-ing laughter to break down stereotypes, performs April 25-27. Other performers include Roy Wood Jr and Keith Alberstadt, who have appeared on David Letterman and Craig Ferguson’s talk shows.

River City improvRiver City Improv can be found at the Ladies Literary Club (61 Sheldon Blvd. SE, Grand Rapids) on April 6 and 20 at 7:33 p.m. for $10. Come prepared to contribute to the show, as their acts often require audience participation and mix improv comedy with skits, games and dance to create an en-tertainment experience that changes every time you see it.

shakespeare’s PubEvery Thursday at 9 p.m., Shakespeare’s Pub (241 E. Kalamazoo Ave. #100, Kalamazoo) hosts a free Open Mic Night featuring Southwest Michigan’s best ama-teur comedians.

sunday night funniesThe Sunday Night Funnies at Riverfront Hotel’s Landing Lounge (270 Ann St. NW, Grand Rapids) is a live, stand-up comedy show that features comedians from around the nation ready to hone their craft. Shows take place every Sunday at 8:30 p.m. and admission is free. For those who can’t get enough laughs, additional shows on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. in the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel (310 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids) can satisfy their hunger for humor. n

91 for <$10, Continued from page 29



W eekly blues and jazz jams have come and gone in Grand Rapids over the years, but anytime local legend Jimmie Stagger gets involved, it’s a sure

bet audiences will listen and a who’s who roster of West Michigan blues icons will drop by. Stagger, honored by WYCE-FM with a 2013 Legacy Award, recently kicked off a Sunday night blues jam at HopCat after owner Mark Sellers asked him to give it a try. “I’m excited about it,” said Stagger, who hosts the sessions with a three-piece band; select musi-cians rotate in for a few songs at a time. It represents a return to Sunday jams at HopCat, which hosted drummer Randy Marsh’s jazz for more than year before those sessions moved to SpeakEZ Lounge. n

In 2011, the dreams and musical potential of new club/concert venue The Pyramid Scheme were huge. Many hoped it would become a sought-after destination for

local bands, as well as national touring acts. As the club cel-ebrates its two-year anniversary this month, many say that’s precisely what happened. Staff and management “really take care to make sure the bands, local or touring, are treated with respect,” says Jaymes Pyne of Grand Rapids noise rock band Heavier Than Air Flying Machines, which returns to

The Pyramid Scheme April 9. “I can only imagine that most touring bands are leaving Grand Rapids and telling others about how great it is to play here, and that’s enormously important for the local music scene. Almost any small-to mid-size venue in the city is a bar first and a venue second. But when you walk into the back room of The Pyramid Scheme, it’s clear where their priorities are.”

Pyne’s brother/bandmate Jeremy said the club with a showroom capacity of 425 fills a void as a mid-size venue

– attracting independent touring musicians which allows “lo-cal bands to jump onto those shows and open their music to people that have never had the opportunity to listen.” Of course, as with any business in the music trade, it hasn’t al-ways been a smooth ride, although it’s turned a profit. “The first two years have been a roller-coaster of ups and downs,” said Tami VandenBerg. “We have had some hugely suc-cessful shows and we have had quite a few shows that have been poorly attended. My biggest surprise has been just how challenging and complicated it is to run a successful music venue. It is a constant balancing act. But overall, Grand Rapids has been very, very good to us.” To commemorate its two-year anniversary, The Pyramid Scheme hosts the return of hip-hop’s Dead Prez on April 27.

/// sink’s spins on music

Deadwood StoneAshesEven when the volume gets cranked up in rafter-rattling, heavy metal fashion, it’s still all about the songs and

hooks. That’s what sets Deadwood Stone apart, evidenced by the Grand Rapids hard-rock band’s first full-length studio CD, recorded over two years with David James at Double D Productions. It also helps to have blistering guitars, a full-throated lead singer and a thunderous rhythm section when navigating the soft-to-loud dynamics in this 10-track release from the four-year-old band. Singer Chris Phillips, guitarist Dave Droski, bassist Fred Droski and drummer Nate Bishop put passion into their product, which is likely why they’ve been tabbed to open for a host of national acts.

Deadwood Stone hosts a CD-release show at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 30, at The Intersection, with Uncommon Road, Bled Life, Society Kills and Gunship Radio ($5 ad-vance, $7 day of show).

elisabeth Pixley-FinkBloodrootBalancing the sweet with the poignant, melan-choly with atmospheric, Kalamazoo’s Elisabeth

Pixley-Fink has crafted a spellbindingly eclectic and lush Earthwork Music release propelled by grief at the death of a close friend and, as she puts it, “faith in life’s persistence.” With a vibe ranging from Regina Spektor to Feist to Tori Amos, the classically trained Pixley-Fink – who plays keyboards, guitar, “sycamore logs, jar and spoon” – calls on Ian Gorman and the Red Sea Pedestrians, Macpodz, Seth Bernard, Carolyn Koebel, Andru Bemis and others to help create the rich sounds on Bloodroot (recorded in a Kalamazoo home studio and Ann Arbor’s Backseat Productions, co-produced by Patrick Carroll). It’s a touching, triumphant solo debut, aided by a Kalamazoo Arts Council grant that also financed a music video for her compelling song, “Red Clover.”

Elisabeth Pixley-Fink stages a CD-release concert, with special guest Luke Winslow-King, at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 7, at the Division Avenue Arts Collective, 115 S. Division Ave. ($7).

loCal Cd rElEasEs

Music critic and entertainment writer John Sinkevics comments on the local and national music scene at localspins.com (Spins on Music), spotlighting artists at 10 a.m. Wednesdays on Local Spins Live at News Talk 1340 AM.

Jeff and tami vandenberg of the Pyramid scheme

on thE MusiCal radar

Jimmie stagger phOTO: JOhN SiNKEViCS

dead Prez


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/// on tour

SuM 41: Infected for 10 Years

| by Dwayne Hoover

Si n c e 1996, s u m 41 has been unleashing its impenitent punk stylings on the masses, in-cluding its highly successful debut album, All Killer, No Filler, which

went platinum in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K.

But regardless of chart success, the band’s focus has always been on live perfor-mances. When the guys were looking at an end of 2012 tour in the U.S., they really wanted to do something that connected with fans. So, they actually reached out to them to see what they wanted, and as a result, planned the Does This Look Infected? Tour to celebrate the 10th anniversary of that album.

“From talking to a lot of fans online and at shows, we kind of knew Does This Look Infected? was pretty much the fan favorite album out of all our albums,” said Bassist Jason “Cone” McCaslin. “When you put on an anniversary-type tour you never know if anyone will show up or if anyone still cares about the album from 10 years ago.”

They did.“A lot of people showed up,” McCaslin

said. “We sold out a bunch of shows and I think everyone had a good time.”

Now the band is on the Dead Silence Tour with Billy Talent through mid-April. But given the success of its last stint through the U.S., the guys are planning another brief visit to this side of the border in the middle of its Canadian tour.

“Billy Talent are going to go home for Easter weekend,” McCaslin said. “There were some cities we missed on our U.S. tour, so it was a good time to dip into the States and play a few of them.”

But what’s next for Sum 41? More tour-ing? A new album, perhaps?

“We are doing this Canadian tour right now and then possibly coming off the road to concentrate on writing a new album,” McCaslin said. “No songs have been written yet, but it’s in the backs of our minds that we want to get something new going soon … Safe to say, there won’t be anything out this year though. It’s only mutterings at this point.” n

suM 41 wsg hollerado, hunter valentineThe intersection, grand RapidsApril 1, 7 p.m.$20 advance, $23 day of show, All agessectionlive.com, (616) 451-8232


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Step into Jamie Lidell’s Post-Modern Soul

| by Sarah Navis, additional reporting by Lindsay Patton-Carson

“neon” is the waY Jamie liDell describes his music. Like the descriptor implies, Lidell’s mu-sic is bright, vibrant and eclectic.

But before he gets too out there, he reels his listeners back in with his voice, creating a fu-sion he refers to as “post-modern soul.”

He creates this mix by mod-ernizing his music influences such as Quincy Jones, Ray Charles and Marvin Gaye with electronic elements.

“Begin with the desire to cre-ate something unique and original

… injecting your personality into your music,” Lidell said, adding that he exercises his creativity by tapping into his inner Picasso.

In February, Lidell released his latest full-length album, Jamie Lidell, which he says brings back the disco vibe with a re-turn to the days of dance music. The album was recorded and mixed in the studio at his Nashville home, where the English-born Lidell moved two years ago after living in New York. According to Lidell, the finished product has no real theme, as he just wanted to make a collection of songs that sound good together.

“I needed space to create, stretch out and think,” Lidell said about his eclectic track list.

Currently, Lidell is on tour to promote the new release, a job he views with both love and distain.

“[You] wake up in another city, eat break-fast, do interviews, go to the venue for sound checks, get out there for the performance and then back to the bus to air out the wet clothes.”

But to Lidell, his crew and his music are what make the task worthwhile.

“I hate the cramped bus, but love the camaraderie,” he said. “I have a great bunch of people that I tour with.”

During the show, fans can ex-pect a “warm electric vibe,” which includes a light show with a stun-ning unity of sound and vision.

“I am the singer in the show, but was involved intimately during the process of syncing the lighting and audio for this tour,” Lidell said.

Before the performance, however, you might find Lidell in The Pyramid Scheme’s bathroom doing vocal warm ups. A seemingly strange place for preparation, Lidell says he pre-fers the solitude to collect his thoughts before going out on stage into the lights and music that can simply be summed up as “neon.” n

JaMiE lidEll wsg Empress of and ludwig Persik The pyramid Scheme, grand RapidsApril 7, doors at 7 p.m. $15, 18+pyramidschemebar.com, (616) 272-3758

phOTO: liNDSAY ROME


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/// on tour

For more than 20 Years, Clutch has been bringing its own unique brand of hard rock to the mainstream. Fusing elements of blues,

metal and even punk, the guys know not only the importance of staying true to their own music, but also that of recognizing the influ-ences that have shaped them.

“A lot of stuff out there lacks an acknowl-edgment of the roots of the music, where the music came from,” said Drummer Jean-Paul Gaster. “But the more you know about the history of the music, the better you under-stand it.”

And being kind of a jam band at heart, the members share those very influences with the fans that come to see them live.

“It’s usually just segues between songs,” Gaster said of the band’s occasional improvi-sational moments. “I mean, we have a general idea when we’re supposed to start and when the next one is supposed to go. There are at least a couple of moments during a show where we make that concert a real, liv-ing musical experience.”

But make no mistake, Clutch is still a full-on, hard rock band, and that was precisely the focus of the group’s tenth and newest studio album, Earth Rocker.

“There was a call out there for straight-up rock and roll records,” Gaster said. “It’s a lot like Clutch records in

the past, but the difference with this one is that it was a focused kind of album.”

The focus was to capture the energy and momentum of an actual Clutch concert, an idea driven by the album’s producer, Machine.

“He wanted us to put together a typical set list, songs we would play every night,” Gaster said. “The idea of how a show flows

was very important to how we sequenced the record.”

Now, having returned from Europe just prior to the release of Earth Rocker, the band plans to hit the road hard in support of the new album.

“We really have a slew of things coming up,” Gaster said. “We’re going to tour a

lot on this album. Really, we’re just excited to get out there and be a great rock band.” n

ClutCh wsg orange goblin, lionize, scorpion ChildThe Orbit Room, grand RapidsApril 13, 6:30 p.m.$20 in advance, $25 day of show, 16+ orbitroom.com, (616) 942-1328

clutch Answers the call for Straight-up Rock ‘n’ Roll | by Dwayne Hoover

“A lot of stuff out there lacks an acknowledgment of the roots of the music, where the music came from. But the more you know about the history of the music, the better you understand it.”


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The abilities of art are enDless. It can teach, inspire, challenge, and in the case of local organization Artists Creating Together (ACT), it can heal. ACT has been bringing art to children, youth and adults with disabilities since 1986 and is the largest organization of its kind in Michigan. This

month, it’s hosting “ACTion Art,” an ex-hibition showcasing the work from adults with disabilities from around the state.

“The focus of the program is to give these artists the experience of profession-ally showing their work and sharing their art work with the larger community,” said Becky Baker, program coordinator at ACT. In addition to exhibiting their work, participating artists have the opportunity to win an ArtPrize Sponsorship Award. Three artists will be selected by a jury to enter their work in this year’s ArtPrize competition, something ACT also did last year.

“Helping to break down some of the barriers to participation in ArtPrize is still something that we would like to offer through this program, but we don’t want that to be its primary focus,” Baker said.

This year’s exhibition will focus more on giving the artists the opportunity to connect with other creative types and members of the community.

“These artists who participate have such incredible talent, but so many of them never get this kind of exposure or know how to go about selling their artwork or displaying it in a community venue. We would like to give these artists that experience, working alongside them and guiding them in that process,” Baker said.

On Wednesday, April 17, ACT will host an Art and Coffee night, which will be devoted to spurring discussion and forging connections between attending artists.

“This will be a time for participating artists and guests to gather over coffee and cookies and dialogue about art, their experiences as artists, and more,” Baker said.

In addition to hosting unique exhibits like “ACTion Art,” the organization formerly known as VSA also works with individuals with disabilities through school programs, workshops and residencies, hospital projects and a variety of community events.

The work featured in the exhibition was solicited through an Open Call for Work and features more than 20 artists in a variety of media.

An artist reception will be held Friday, April 12 from 5-7 p.m., and the winners of the ArtPrize Sponsorship Awards will be announced. n

by Alexandra Fluegel visuAl Art

DiSABLinG DiSABiLiTieS WiTH ART

aCtion artArtists Creating Together1140 Monroe Ave. NW,grand RapidsApril 8-19, Free!artistscreatingtogether.org(616) 885-5866

art.Downtown.Avenue for the Arts, Grand RapidsApril 12, 6-11p.m., Free!avenueforthearts.com, (616) 855-0435

One of the most exciting art events of the year returns this month with more than 300 participating artists and 30 destinations. Three trolleys circle the downtown district, ready to transport you to galleries, restaurants and shops throughout the night. Local artists are on hand to discuss their work, showcase their spaces and show the community what makes the Avenue one of the most treasured areas in town.

Real to Reel: Ai Weiwei: Never SorrySaugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., SaugatuckApril 11, 7 p.m. $5 SCA members/Students$7 general admissionsc4a.org, (269) 857-2399

Saugatuck Center for the Arts will show the 2012 documentary about Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei. Directed by American filmmaker Alyson Klayman, the film follows Weiwei’s clashes with the Chinese government and his use of art and social media as means of expression and dissidence.

art Talks presented by Open Concept galleryUniversity Club, 10th Floor, Fifth Third Bank building,Grand RapidsApril 30, 5:30 p.m. Cocktail Hour, 6:15 p.m. Dinner, 7:15 p.m. Lecture$25 for Dinner and Lecture; $9 Suggest Donation for Lecture OnlyRSVP to [email protected]

Open Concept Gallery recently began a new lecture series focusing on vari-ous issues within the contemporary art world. This month’s event features guest speaker Nathan Kemler, Collections Manager from the Grand valley State university Art Gallery. Kemler will speak about GvSu’s various collections and discuss what goes into selecting and acquiring art from an institutional per-spective. A three-course dinner will be offered before Kemler’s lecture for those who purchase tickets; however, guests are invited to attend the lecture only.

Other Arts Events

Michael is a self-taught artist and has been painting for nearly 20 years. He has completed more than 500 portraits of pets, children and houses. COURTESY phOTO


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theAtre

There’s no hero more unlikelY than the Wicked Witch of the West, who is arguably one of the most epic villains ever. This iconic baddie arrives at the Miller Auditorium to tell her TRUE story in the smash hit musical Wicked, Broadway’s highest-grossing show for an

unprecedented eight consecutive years. Winner of 35 major awards including three Tony

Awards, Wicked tells of the story of outcast Elphaba, whose green skin and unusual talents transform her into an ob-ject of fear and loathing for Oz’s inhabitants. The play’s sensitive exploration of physical abnormality, prejudice and victimiza-tion has been a major rallying point for audi-ences of all ages.

“It’s so relevant,” said Gina Ferrall, who plays Madame Morrible in the show. “Anti-bullying is the message of the show—there are so many positive mes-sages. It’s the story of an untold friendship and of the labels put on you. It’s about not judging a book by its cover … that’s what has made the show so incredibly popular—we all relate. We all go through what [Elphaba] goes through.”

Despite its strong moral undercurrent, Wicked is nei-ther stiff nor preachy, breaking up the tension of its heavier moments with quick humor from its quirky characters. Quips of Ozian slang, sly references to the original Oz film, and outrageously hilarious blonde jokes give the frivolous Ozians their own loveable charm.

“All the minor characters have very intricate details. Every little character adds so much,” Ferrall said.

Oz’s goofy ostentation is emphasized still further by a stunning array of flashy, outrageous costumes, boasting exquisitely imaginative design.

“The costumes are beautiful,” Ferrall said. “One of my beaded gowns is done by the same house in London that did Kate Middleton’s gown.”

Breathtaking sets transport audiences to a world of fantasy and spectacle as well. A gigantic metal dragon hisses and writhes above the stage, while an intricate mesh of steampunk gears frame glitzy settings such as the Emerald City.

“I love when they go to the Emerald City! You see it and go ‘Aaah!’ because it is just so magical,” Ferrall said. “All the technical aspects are so incredibly magnificent. The crew is top notch at what they do.”

Wicked’s true showstopper, however, is Elphaba’s triumphant song “Defying Gravity,” an enormous fan favorite that has become the show’s anthem. ‘Empowerment’ becomes the word of the moment as Elphaba casts off her limitations and rises in the air in a spell-binding dazzle of smoke and light.

“I love standing in the wings and watching ‘Defying Gravity.’ I can’t get over it. It’s just unbelievable,” Ferrall said.

For live audiences, the show offers not only a sumptuous eye feast, but also the bonus opportunity of seeing a one-of-a kind performance.

“No night is alike because it’s live ... audiences stand up and scream at the end of each show. What actress doesn’t love that? It’s an incred-ible night.” n

Miller Offers a Wicked Good Show Kiss Me KateGilmore Theatre, KalamazooApril 11-20; show times at 8 and 2 p.m.$5-20wmich.edu/theatre, (269) 387-6222

Tension mounts and sparks fly when a director decides to cast himself opposite both his ex-wife and his new flame in a production of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Confusion, hilar-ity and romance ensue as the former couple finds themselves paralleling the Bard’s infamous warring pair in surpris-ing ways. Chaos only escalates when two uproarious gangsters stumble into the picture, adding further complica-tions to the play within a play.

MovemediaGrand Rapids BalletApril 12-13, 26-27, 7:30 p.m.$25 ($40 for two-program pack)grballet.com, (616) 454-4771

For a special two-part program, the Grand Rapids Ballet brings you all the grace and elegance of classical ballet with a special bonus twist. The unique series gives traditional dance a modern cutting edge by integrating experimen-tal elements of digital technology and media to showcase the human body in fresh and imaginative ways. Innovative sets, props, costumes and lighting merge together to highlight original work from Artist-in-Residence Brian Enos and other local artists.

Catch Me If You Can Wharton Center, East LansingApril 16-21; show times at 1, 2, 6:30, 7:30 and 8 p.m.$32-72whartoncenter.com, (517) 353-1982

Based on an astonishing true story and Steven Spielberg’s hit film, Catch Me If You Can goes to show that a little bit of charisma can go a long way. using only charm, ingenuity and a pinch of luck, gutsy teenager Frank Abangale Jr. successfully cons his way into millions of dollars. But can the suave swindler stay one step ahead of the relentless FBI agent hot on his heels? Flashy scenery, leggy stewardesses and catchy tunes add to the spectacle of this cheeky cat-and-mouse game.

Other Performing Arts Events

by Allison Parker

The great and powerful Oz in Wicked. phOTO: JOAN MARCUS

WickedMiller Auditorium, KalamazooApril 24-May 5; show times at 1, 2, 6:30, 7:30 and 8 p.m.$45-160millerauditorium.com, (269) 387-2300

“i love when they go to the emerald city! You see it and go ‘Aaah!’ because it is just so magical.”


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in your baCK yard If there’s one thing the people of Grand Rapids love, it’s a festival that feeds the cre-ative soul. This month, moviegoers can stop by Art.Downtown on April 12 along South Division’s Avenue for the Arts, where they’ll find film sprinkled throughout work from more than 300 local artists in more than 30 locations around the city.

Rochester Hills native and current Grand Valley State University student film artist N.J. Philips will screen a film called Cleanse. After losing two friends to suicide, Philips said she channeled her grief into the film, which fol-lows three figures that practice self-inflicted harm.

“She describes her work in four key words: experimental, painful, lyrical and self-infliction,” said Annie DeYoung, publicity intern for Art.Downtown.

Kendall College of Art and Design classes will also make an appearance at Art.Downtown, using projects to display film projects on the side of the buildings.

Grab a map for the Art.Downtown venues to find the locations sporting the film badge

— a hip little video camera graphic — that will help filmgoers identify what venues are show-casing films and film-related artwork.

Keep up with last-minute announcements online at artdowntown.com.

on thE horiZon Back in December of 2011, a couple Wisconsin scientists generated the 10th strain of the H5NI bird flu virus (the human-to-human revision of the less harmful and bird-only virus phenomena prior). The details of the highly contagious virus were published in a science journal in spring of 2012, essentially providing mad scientists everywhere with an outline for recreating a strain of bird flu that could wipe out millions of people.

Michigan filmmaker Zac Page used the controversy to develop his upcoming psycho-logical thriller, Burst Theory, which follows a group of researchers working on a vaccine for Bird Flu on a remote island — the kind where no one can hear you scream. The characters

start to suspect their giant brains are being used by health profiteers to weaponzie the virus.

Page made the film with the intent to pull audiences into a relatable narrative — dealing with the most basic of ethical questions. With corruption and manipulation rampant on the island, researchers aren’t sure whether they’re letting paranoia get the best of them, or if by developing this life-saving vaccine, they’ll end up killing millions more than they’re trying to save.

“The big question is what do you do — do you stop it? What kind of moral choice do you make when you’re not sure if you’re actually pursing the truth?” said Page, who both wrote and directed the film, alongside producer Joe Anthony.

From the locations they used to the cast and crew behind it, Burst Theory is completely Michigan-made, and is currently in post-production with a tentative spring release date.

Find out more about the film online at bursttheory.com or look for the “Burst Theory” on Facebook.

After a yearlong hiatus, the Grand Rapids Film Festival is back, and packing more punch than ever as it absorbs the Michigan Film Festival to bring films and film events to area moviegoers throughout several locations in downtown Grand Rapids from May 15-19.

What’s that you say, West Michigan? May isn’t the same month as April? Though I do often forget what day it is, the name of the

current president and where I left my car keys, just stay with me for a second.

Though the new-and-improved festival won’t actually be in full swing until mid-May, it will spend April building the infrastructure and looking for quality volunteers to help make it happen.

From ticket sales to high-level volunteer coordination positions, Festival Director Jennifer Shaneberger said they need volunteers across the board.

“We’re coming back strong with a bit of the best of both worlds,” Shaneberger said.

“The Michigan Film Festival was really known for its community initiative, really involving locals and focusing on local arts, Michigan-made films and having a strong educational component. The Grand Rapids Film Festival’s focus has always been wonderful independent films.”

This year, the GRFF will host a free educational production workshop at Kendall College of Art and Design throughout the entire week, as well as two different panel events housed in the same place. KCAD is one of three festival “hubs,” Shaneberger said, also including $5 indie film screenings at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts and Grand Valley State University’s Loosemore Auditorium, which plays a fitting host for the festival’s student submissions.

To fill out the volunteer submission form online, or keep up with GRFF latest news, visit grandrapidsfilmfestival.com. n

Filmby Anya Zentmeyer

With the eternally overcast, emotional rollercoaster of winter officially behind us, this month refreshes Vitamin D-deficient filmgoers with actual sunshine. Michigan-made films are alive and well, and there’s nothing Governor Snyder can do about it.

Joseph scott anthony stars in psychological thriller Burst Theory, the debut feature film

by writer/director Zac Page.


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PLEASE rECyCLE THIS mAGAzINE

LADIES LITERARY CLUB61 SHELDON BLVD SE

APRIL 6APRIL 20MAY 4MAY 18ALL SHOWS 7:33 PMRIVERCITYIMPROV.COM

visit REvuEWM.CoM and click on ‘fREE stuff!’ for a chance to win movie passes from Celebration! Cinema, concert and theatre tickets and more.

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movie///previeWsby Diana nowak

Evil Dead

oPEning aPril 5

Evil Dead With the blessing of producers Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell, director Fede Alvarez reworks the original 1981 cult classic. Mia, struggling to overcome an addiction to alco-hol, heads to a remote cabin with her brother and group of friends. Without alcohol or technology to pass the time, everyone decides to battle boredom by searching through the dilapidated house. After stumbling upon a Book of the Dead, an ancient evil is unleashed upon the cabin’s occupants and forces each one of them to fight for their survival.

oPEning aPril 12

42 The heroic efforts of baseball legend Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers’ general manager who signed him are chronicled in this heartwarming biopic. When Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) agrees to work for the Dodgers’ GM (Harrison Ford), both the public and the team voice their disapproval. With pure talent and tremendous restraint, Robinson eventually teaches his team an im-portant lesson while earning unanimous support from a country plagued with turmoil.

Scary Movie 5 In the fifth installment of the Scary Movie franchise — sans all Wayans brothers — a new mash-up of recent horror films are parodied. When a young couple (Ashley Tisdale, Simon Rex) begins experienc-ing strange occurrences in their suburban home, they

install home-surveillance cameras and enlist the help of several experts. Just when they think they’ve figured out what might be caus-ing these supernatural happenings, the plot shifts to another notorious horror flick.

oPEning aPril 19

Oblivion Dismissing the constant warnings of his partner, former Marine Commander Jack Harper’s curiosity continues to grow as he obeys his orders to destroy the last remnants of an abandoned planet. After an unexpected turn of events begin triggering distant memo-ries, Harper is captured by Malcolm Beech’s (Morgan Freeman) underground insurgency. When Harper finally learns the truth about his home planet, he must then choose either a life of exile or a place among the ranks of Beech’s rebellion.

oPEning aPril 26

Pain and Gain Based on a series of 1999 articles featured in Miami New Times, director Michael Bay

retells the true story made public by investigative journalist Pete Collins. After wealthy businessman (Tony Shalhoub) escapes a tortur-ous kidnapping by a group of bodybuilders at his gym (Dwayne Johnson, Mark Wahlberg), he hires detec-tive Ed Du Bois (Ed Harris) to catch the steroid-addicted criminals when it appears no one else can. n


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MO MANDELApril 4-6

ROY WOOD JR.April 11-13

KEITH ALBERSTADTApril 18-20

At The B.O.B.Grand Rapids, MI

616.356.2000www.thebob.com

JOSH SNEEDMay 2-4

JOSH BLUEApril 25-27

Mo manDel recentlY solD three differ-ent sitcoms, is working on a movie script and is wowing audiences across the country with his crude, unpredictable humor. He’s managed to do all of this by the ripe age of 30. His secret? He finds time every day to sit down and

write new material. This approach to his trade isn’t surprising given his past — he

graduated from college with a degree in creative writing. “I was always interested in writing,” Mandel said. “I used to write

novels and stuff in college, and then eventually got kind of sick of nobody reading them, so I figured ‘I’m going start writing things that I can yell at an audience, and they’re too drunk and captive to not listen

to what I’m saying.’”It turned out to be a great decision.

In 2007 he was the $10,000 winner of Comedy Central’s “Open Mic Fight,” and he used that money to move to Los Angeles and support himself as he turned comedy into a full-time job.

“The most annoying thing is, you can sit around for hours trying to write

jokes and nothing comes,” Mandel said. “And then while you’re playing basketball you’ll think of something hilarious.”

There’s a good chance audiences have seen Mandel’s comedy on numerous television shows such as “Chelsea Lately” and “The Late Show with Craig Ferguson.” In November 2011, he released an album simply titled, The M-Word.

“Somebody once described my stand-up album as like one of those boards in the detective’s office where there’s all the different clues and you’re trying to figure out what the whole connection to it is, but it’s all interesting in its own right.”

And that’s exactly what audiences can expect from his live per-formances at Dr. Grins. Mandel has spent hours writing the jokes that fit into the set which he assures will be “high-energy, pushing the boundaries and relatable.”

Aside from his stand-up routine and writing schedule, Mandel also pursued acting. He landed minor roles in “Modern Family” and “Happy Endings,” as well as a starring role in the NBC sitcom “Free Agents.”

Mandel credits these television roles with giving him more exposure to the world.

“As a comedian there’s no better way to gain an audience than to get on television,” he said.

Of course, there are other perks to acting as a character other than yourself.

“It’s probably the only way I’ll ever get to do something cool, you know, like be a hero in any regard,” Mandel said. “Stand-up comedy doesn’t really give you any chances to fight aliens.”

And when asked whether or not he’s interested in taking on movie roles, the answer is obvious.

“Of course! I mean, that’s like asking me if I want to try out Beyoncé’s vagina.” n

comedyby Josh Spanninga

Mo MandEl Dr. grins, grand RapidsApril 4-6, show times at 8, 9 and 10:30 p.m.$5-$10thebob.com, (616) 356-2000

Mo Mandel Writes His Way to the Top

“i figured ‘i’m going start writing things that i can yell at an audience, and they’re too drunk and captive to not listen to what i’m saying.’”


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Please join us to

CELEBRATE OUR 35TH

ANNIVERSARYSATURDAY, APRIL 13, 5-8PM

Refreshments Served�

the yogastudio

Serving the community since 1979 616.776.0836 • 955 Cherry SE

www.gryoga.com

NEW SERIES OF CLASSES BEGINS APRIL 29

KAT MCKINNEY & CAROLYN HEINES,

co-owners of the Yoga Studio

Serendipity Hair deSiGn presents the 3rd annual spring Hair and FaSHion runWay event. This New York-runway-style show is held April 19 at Thousand Oaks Golf Club and benefits The Multiple Sclerosis Program at the Saint Mary’s Hauenstein Neuroscience Center. “We want to do something that our clients can enjoy. We can share a big night together and support a great cause close to our heart,” said Event Director Alyssa

Locke, who describes the event as “electric, epic and worthwhile.” Expect a silent auction, giveaways, food and a cash bar, among apparel from LBD Exchange and Elizabeth Halsey Boutique. Clothing designs by Kirk Johnson of bVAINcouture II are custom made according to the theme of the show and the finale comes from Alyssa Locke with hand-sewn and refurbished avante garde creations. The bottom line is hair and makeup are extreme and if you’re a die-hard fashion show groupie you’ve got one more for that list. More details are available at serendipityhairdesign.com.

Shoe girls are confident girls, according to Gina VanGessel and Rosa Piccione. They are transforming Lia Rose in Grand Rapids into Head over HeeLS, your new favorite shoe boutique. Seeing a need downtown, the women envision the shop to be a perfect match for the clothing at Gina’s Boutique, so look for a variety of flats, heels, sandals and boots. From casual to dress, shoes are from small boutique lines, and the girls anticipate at least 50 different styles, along with jewelry, purses, hats and scarves (hey, one

good accessory deserves another and another…). Full transformation is scheduled for the first week of April so stop in to see what all the fuss is about. As both women explain,

shoes are like putting a bow on a package. It’s the finishing touch.

Quick tHriFt is your source for fabulous vintage items. Owner Lisa Kae Ruff, who has a taste for “that old style,” finds them and sells them on Facebook and Instagram, and it’s a first-come-first-served deal (items will post and whomever comments first

gets it). Think melamine, quilts, knick-knacks, pillows, milk glass and vintage bar items. The rules are that it must be cool, thrift and one-of-a-kind. Ruff describes her treasures as sort of an “Antiques Roadshow” gone wild. “I realized Etsy was missing

the social media aspect. I’m trying to mix the two and create a sense of urgency — yet it’s not an auction, not eBay,” Ruff said. Follow this source for home fashions with “vintage flair” to style your home with Ruff’s recipe of

history, nostalgia and pops of color. Holla at your girl at [email protected]

SiGHt opticaL BoutiQue in Grand Rapids wants to school you on selecting frames. Matching up the customer’s face shape, skin tone and style preferences with the shop’s large selection sounds like a

tall order. “One of the things we most frequently hear from people walking in the door is that nothing looks good on them,” said Owner Michael McConnell. “We have to laugh because once we walk them through the process, they are amazed at how much they are actually capable of wearing.”

Try this on for size: Oval shapes have balanced proportions with the chin being slightly narrower than the forehead and high cheekbones. Jackpot! Most frame shapes work but consider square, rectangular and geometric shapes to add angles to your soft curves. Heart shapes feature a broad forehead and wide cheekbones narrowing into a small chin. Bottom-heavy frames work well adding width to the lower face. Round faces — where the length and width are in similar proportions (with full cheeks and few angles) — can benefit from geometric frames to sharpen facial features, or try rectangular and horizontal styles to make the face appear longer, thinner. Square faces that are angular with a strong jaw line, broad forehead and square chin look best when paired with oval and round shapes.

Then, there’s skin tone. If you’re fair, stay away from bright colors that might draw attention to skin paleness and seek out neutral hues. Medium skin can experiment with rich, bold colors such as purple, blue, green and red. Darker shades should stick with lighter tone frames that stand out from the face.

“While there are always exceptions to every rule, and rules sometimes overlap, some basics do apply when selecting the right pair of glasses,” McConnell said. With expertise like that, you can slip on styles with confidence. Cat-eye frames anyone? n

MiSSy BlACK’S

STYLe nOTeS

Serendipity Hair Design

Sight Optical’s glasses for an oval shaped face.

WANT list: new shoes, vintage style for the home and an optical boutique that loves my face.

Head Over Heels


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Some people going through a miD-life crisis buy a Corvette or join a gym. Loreen Niewenhuis hiked the perimeter of Lake Michigan. In 2009, the author and native Michigander planned a 1,019-mile, 64-day excur-sion to forge a more intimate connection with a place she

had loved from childhood. The proposition was intimidating, but Niewenhuis knew she had to try.

“Lake Michigan has always been my favorite place, so I thought I would get to know it completely, step by step,” she said. “It was so big that I thought I might fail, but I wanted something on that scale, because I knew that if I did complete it, it would change me.”

Niewenhuis broke the trip up into 10 segments, each taking rough-ly five to seven days to hike, researching the geology and history of each area in preparation and recording her research and experiences in a

blog complete with photos and videos. At the trip’s end, she combined her deeper understanding of the intricacies of Lake Michigan with a moving story of personal growth in A 1000-Mile Walk on the Beach.

“Writing non-fiction for me is actually a lot easier than fiction,” she said. “You know the story because you’re living it. The longer hikes took me out of my day-to-day life, and they became my life. The challenge comes from having to take the reader along with you.”

That Niewenhuis rose to the challenge, producing a bestseller that was both informative and personable, is unsurprising when considering how she came to be a writer. After taking a break from her medical research career to be a stay-at-home mom, she began writing to stay mentally sharp, but her hobby quickly blossomed into a passion. Earning an MFA in creative writing in 2007, she began to publish dynamic short fiction, earning a finalist nod for the Flannery O’Connor Award with her 2009 short story collection Scar Tissue.

For her latest project, A 1000-Mile Great Lakes Walk, Niewenhuis hiked 1,004 miles in month-long segments over 76 days, covering different areas of each of the five Great Lakes and focusing more on

the way they work together as an ecological unit. Her speaking engage-ments feature an interactive and informative presentation including photos and videos, maps of the different regions she explored and

fascinating hydrological, ecological and geological insights. Ideally, Niewenhuis aims to promote public awareness of the immense complexity and importance of these natural wonders.

“I think people take the Great Lakes for granted,” she said. “People think that because the lakes are so large, we can’t really have an influence, so we just kind of ignore them. We need a long-term plan to care for and conserve these lakes if we’re going to make a difference.”

A 1000-Mile Great Lakes Walk will be available everywhere June 1, but select independent bookstores will have the book on April 10, including Kazoo Books (Kalamazoo), The Nature Connection (Kalamazoo), Forever Books (St. Joseph) and Black River Books (South Haven). n

by Kyle Austin

Loreen Niewenhuis Brings the Great Lakes to Life

lit liFe

grEat laKEs ExPErt lorEEn niEWEnhuisportage District libraryApril 23, 7 p.m.portagelibrary.info, (269) 329-4544

“Lake Michigan has always been my favorite place, so i thought i would get to know it completely, step by step. it was so big that i thought i might fail, but i wanted something on that scale, because i knew that if i did complete it, it would change me.”

Song of the Owashtanong Release eventGrand Rapids Public LibraryApril 5, 7 p.m.grpl.org, (616) 988-5400

When David Cope was named Poet Laureate of Grand Rapids, one of his goals was to assemble the first-ever anthology of Grand Rapids poetry. After an extensive editorial process, his vision will be realized with Song of the Owashtanong, a collection that features 16 of the city’s finest poetic voices. A special event in honor of the achievement will feature readings and an opportunity to meet the poets and purchase signed copies of the anthology.

Cry of Freedom: World PremiereSchuler Books, 28th StreetApril 12, 7 p.m.schulerbooks.com, (616) 942-2561

April is National Poetry Month, and Schuler Books is helping to celebrate with a special release event for Cry of Freedom, a multi-media collaboration between the award-winning poetry of Linda Nemec Foster and the compo-sitions of acclaimed musician Laszlo Slomovits. Inspired by Nemec Foster’s chapbook, Ten Songs from Bulgaria, Slomovits composed music around the poems, using them as lyrics. Don’t miss this chance to see the beauty of language and song intertwined in a memorable performance.

Jack Ridl Visiting Writers Series – ed HirschKnickerbocker Theatre, Downtown HollandApril 18, 7 p.m.hope.edu, (616) 395-7403

Hope College concludes its 2013 visiting Writers Series with a reading by poet Ed Hirsch. A Guggenheim and McArthur fellow, as well as a Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets, Hirsch has authored numerous collec-tions of poetry that have earned him a mountain of awards and critical acclaim. With no shortage of impressive material to draw from, Hirsch’s reading will be a strong and fitting conclusion to what has been another successful installment of the Hope series, which began in 1982.

Other Literary Events


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grand raPids

Angel’s Thai café136 Monroe center nW. 616-454-9801 THAi. This downtown restaurant makes your order fresh, fast, and hot. You can order your entree with your choice of meat and spice level, or create your own. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Thai Steak and Yum Talay.

BarterTown Diner6 Jefferson St. Se. 616-233-3219 VeGAn. This worker-owned-and-operated restaurant offers a variety of tasty healthy dishes fresh and hand-picked right from local family farms. Want a certain recipe or cooking lessons? Events and programs are BarterTown’s way of getting the community involved. So don’t be surprised if one day there’s greek and Mediterranean cuisine and the next it’s all about pizza. » SERVING: Breakfast (Saturday & Sunday), Lunch, Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Locally based vegan meals.

Bentham’s Riverfront Restaurant 187 Monroe Ave. nW. 616-774-2000 AMeRicAn. Enjoy great breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert options while looking out at the grand River. Bentham’s now offers a lunch buffet with choices of salads, breads, soups and roast beef and poultry carved to order — not to mention stir-fry stations with fresh vegetables, meats or seafood and unique sauces. Casual attire. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Open 7 days, closes at 2 p.m. GO THERE FOR: Lunch buffet.

Big Bob’s Pizza661 croswell Dr. 616-233-0123 iTALiAn. located in gaslight Village in East grand Rapids (across from Jersey Junction), Big Bob’s is a cozy restaurant that serves up specialty pizzas, pastas, burritos, sandwiches and salads. Sit out on the deck and enjoy happy hour from 4-6 p.m. and 9p.m.-close seven days a week. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: pizza and beer (is there a better combination?).

Big O café80 Ottawa nW. 616-451-1887 iTALiAn. The downtown (and downstairs) restaurant has a reliable menu featuring pizza, pasta, and sandwiches that are italian and Cuban influenced. A great spot for lunch or a quick glass of wine and plate of pasta before a downtown event. » SERVING: Lunch

Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Dead Head Vegetarian Pizza, Cuban dinners on Friday nights.

The Bistro 11 Monroe Avenue nW (at Courtyard Marriott). 616-242-6000 AMeRicAn. Serving American food bistro-style, whether it’s grab-and-go or guests dining in for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Bistro offers fresh seasonal options, serves Starbucks beverages and has a full-service bar. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Sandwiches.

Bistro Bella Vita44 Grandville Ave. SW. 616-222-4600 iTALiAn. One of grand Rapids’ best dining experiences, featuring Mediterranean-inspired country cuisine, a swanky yet comfortable downtown atmopshere and personable service. BBV’s culinary team creates authentic, housemade recipes made with locally grown produce, fresh seafood and rotisserie roasted meats. Specialty gluten-free menu, and can prepare custom dishes for lactose intolerant, vegetarian, and vegan diets. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Mediterranean Country Cuisine and Martinis.

Blue Water Grill5180 northland Dr. 616-363-5900 SeAFOOD. One of grand Rapids’ most inspired restaurants in terms of overall ambi-ance, with Frank lloyd Wright-style architecture, a stunningly massive fireplace, and some of the best water views in West Michigan. The food is similarly inspired, drawing from italian, Mediterranean and classic American influences. All the traditional favorites are accounted for with a wide variety of wood-fired pizzas, seafood, steaks, chops, salads, and sandwiches. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Grass Fed Beef.

Bobarino’s20 Monroe Ave. nW. 616-356-2000 iTALiAn. A melting pot of food, live entertainment and fun. live music Tuesday through Saturday, including rock, jazz, retro, country, rockabilly and more. large game room with video games, billiards and shuffleboard. Menu includes vast array of wood-fired pizzas, plus burgers, entrées and classic appetizers. lunch buffet with pizza, pasta, and salad for $6.45. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Wood-fired pizzas.

Bombay cuisine1420 Lake Dr. Se 616-456-7055 inDiAn. Offering savory and subtly spiced dishes from northern india, Bombay

Cuisine is a hot spot for those who like to add a little flavor to their lives. With a lunch buffet served every weekday, this restaurant provides its eaters with an array of traditional indian cuisine. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Naan, Butter Chicken.

Brandywine1345 Lake Dr./2844 east Beltline ne 616-774-8641/616-363-1723 AMeRicAn. Both locations do brisk business at breakfast, especially on Sundays, but also offer a solid lunch and dinner menu featuring sandwiches, pasta, Mexican favorites and the legendary beehive potatoes. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Breakfast.

Bulls Head Tavern188 Monroe nW. 616-454-3580 AMeRicAn. Downtown eatery is a great spot for business lunch or casual pre-show dinner, with a wide-ranging menu that includes salads, burgers, pasta, seafood and steaks. Specialties include the ostrich burger, sashimi tuna and smoked gouda chicken pasta. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday. GO THERE FOR: The Ostrich Burger.

charley’s crab63 Market SW. 616-459-2500 SeAFOOD. A staple on the fine-dining scene in grand Rapids. Fresh seafood, a world-class Sunday brunch and a comfortable, upscale atmosphere for drinks and dining. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The Sunday brunch buffet.

cherie inn969 cherry Se. 616-458-0588 BReAKFAST. The East hills restaurant is one of the area’s most-loved breakfast and lunch spots. A neighborhood staple for more than 60 years, the eatery offers a cozy, café-style setting complete with French flags, weathered brick walls, pressed tin ceiling, and intimate tables. Breakfast is the true star, with a variety of regular dishes like eggs Florentine and blueberry pancakes, as well as specials like red-flannel hash and almond joy pancakes. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: T W Th F Sa Sn. GO THERE FOR: Eggs Florentine.

The corner Bar31 n. Main St. 616-866-9866 AMeRicAn. The downtown Rockford tavern serves a solid menu of burgers, burritos, salads and sandwiches, but it is best known for hot dogs — serving almost 1,000 per day. its hot-dog-eating challenge has been conquered by more than a few, but it raises the question: Why would you want to consume Corner Bar dogs in a hurry rather than savor each bite? » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Hot dogs.

cornucopia 187 Monroe Ave. nW. 616-774-2000 DeLi. A refreshing option for on-the-go, or casual, lighter fare. Enjoy deli options such as homemade soups, salads, panini sandwiches and freshly brewed gourmet coffee. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Sandwiches.

cygnus 27 187 Monroe Ave. nW. 616-776-6425 ecLecTic. Enjoy the skyline as you dine atop the glass Tower. indulge in a variety of globally infused dishes at this AAA Four-Diamond restaurant. Casual attire; no jacket required. private dining also available. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Seasonal Sunday Brunch.

erb Thai 950 Wealthy St. Se #1A. (616) 356-2573 THAi. Food rooted in traditional Thai cuisine, but also made to accommodate health conscious and special diets. Not too strong, not too weak, like harmony and melody. Marketing representative Molly Rizor was a Thai virgin when she went and is now glad Erb Thai was her first experience. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays. GO THERE FOR: Peanut Curry Noodles.

Founders Brewing company235 Grandville SW. 616-776-1195 BReWPuB. A beer-lover’s paradise with a national reputation for flavorful, award-winning beers. likewise, the brewpub’s menu consists mainly of flavorful handcrafted deli sandwiches that can stand up and complement the beers (or vice versa). » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Award-winning beer, handcrafted sandwiches.

Garden court Lounge 187 Monroe Ave. nW. 616-774-2000 LOunGe. An excellent choice for a quick drink with friends or when you desire relaxing with your favorite drink. The garden Court lounge offers a fine array of beer, wine, cocktails and liqueurs. » SERVING: Drinks OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Specialty cocktails.

Gilly’s20 Monroe nW. 616-356-2000 SeAFOOD. gilly’s may not be the biggest name on the seafood block, but it takes

diningrEvuE’s dining listings are compiled by staff and minions. this is not intended to be

a comprehensive list of restaurants in the region; for our full list, visit revuewm.com/

restaurants. our magazine listings will constantly change and grow in scope based on

openings and closings, editorial space, budgets, deadlines, acts of god, congressional

hearings and, of course, visits and meals at restaurants throughout the region. the

listings are not intended to be reviews of West Michigan restaurants, although we will

inject some opinions into the listings based on experiences or the personal preferences

of staff. our intention is to expand and sharpen the content every month to make it the

region’s most user-friendly and accurate dining guide. to submit or correct information

in a dining listing, please send an e-mail to [email protected].

Restaurant listings arranged by region


SCENE | SOUNDS | SighTS SChEDUlE DininG

Restaurant of the Month:

RuSTicA236 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo(269) 492-0247, rusticakzoo.com

co-owner Bill Weier’s quote “give me some crusty bread, simple food, good friends and a bottle of wine ... now that is a meal!” does not give Rustica a fair description. This small, cozy Kalamazoo Mall wine bar features a

primo selection of 30 wines by the glass, more than 180 bottles to choose from and a solid offering of European cuisine created with Michigan ingredients. Chef Chris Kidd and Assistant Chef Scott Shattuck, both graduates of the Culinary Institute of America of Hyde Park, NY, present house-cured meats, handmade stocks, soups, cheeses and desserts alongside sumptuous scratch-made European entrees which can nearly guarantee you may grace the gates of gastrointestinal paradise.

Start with a charcuterie plate with grilled bread or Prince Edward Island mussels in white wine and garlic with chili flakes. For a modestly large dish pasta-wise, a parmesan and potato gnocchi with duck ragout and cornichon is something you can’t find anywhere else.

Entrées of pan-roasted chicken in roasted garlic jus, sea scal-lops and shrimp in a cilantro vinaigrette with a crispy polenta, frisee and apple and cranberry relish exist, as do the baked market-fresh fish with olives, capers and leaks under a lemon herb butter and the grilled pork chops with a white bean puree and house mustard. However, aiming for something utterly ethereal (and formerly on top of my bucket list) is the Pot-au-Feu. This is braised

lamb leg and braised pork belly at its finest; house-made sausage and bone marrow with grilled cabbage and brioche will slump you back into your chair, gasping prayers to the gods of food. If you have managed room for dessert, try the bread pudding, with gelato from Palazzolo’s, dripping with a brandy-caramel sauce. Leave ample time for digestion and conversation and your choice of after dinner cordials, teas or coffees (provided by Water Street Coffee Joint).

For parties of five or more, it is strongly suggested you make reservations Sunday through Thursday before 6:30 p.m. n

by Matt Simpson SiegeltAste this

cheAp eAts:Half-Off Students at Old Burdick’s No, you may not order a student for half-off (for that, see Craigslist). Instead, reach for your college I.D. and assert you’ll be eating from the student menu for half-off on Sundays and Wednesdays at any of the three Old Burdick’s locations. For some reason, the student menu includes salads; don’t bother when there’s bacon-wrapped shrimp in the macaroni and bleu cheese (upon request). Sandwiches include the Reuben-esque pretzel roll drip-ping with Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing and sauerkraut with braised corned beef tucked inside. For those craving a bar burger, there are about a dozen with suitable vegetarian options, served with sea salt fries, which can be swapped for sweet potato or truffle white cheddar. 100 W. Michigan Ave. (inside the Radisson), Kalamazoo; (269) 343-0032, oldburdicks.com

dining events:

The Mystery Plate at The Green Well

Sundays at The Green Well Gastro Pub present a unique dining experi-ence—a mystery meal. Shrouded in secrecy but guaranteed taste-tested and certified delicious by the chefs and staff, this $15 feature could be the most succulent supper you’ve ever enjoyed, perhaps something that revitalizes your Philistine palette, or maybe it’ll be like a homemade meal your mother’s sexier younger sister made special just for you. (Did I mention she was adopted and not technically your aunt?) This blind date meal isn’t without the usual comforts of The Green Well; take comfort in their familiar wine menu and drink specials with $2 ‘kind’ cans, $1 ‘schwag’ cans and $1 off drafts. 924 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids; (616) 808-3566, thegreenwell.com

second place to no one in regards to quality, freshness and inspiration. A vast array of exotic fish is line-caught, flown in and prepared fresh daily. Every facet of gilly’s speaks to impeccable attention to detail. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday. GO THERE FOR: Fresh seafood at a great price.

GP Sports 187 Monroe Ave. nW. 616-776-6495 SPORTS BAR. Three large screens, more than 30 hD flat screens, pool tables, video games, outdoor patio seating, pizza, signature burgers and more. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays. GO THERE FOR: Score Big Burgers.

G.R.P.D. (Grand Rapids Pizza and Delivery)340 State St. Se. 616-454-9204 iTALiAn. The current gR location opened in 2004 as the first established pizzeria in the heritage hill district. A common meeting spot for local folks, business professionals and college students, a place where one could gather for a quick meal or a reflective lunch. it offers both hand-tossed pizza and Chicago-style stuffed pizza, as well as pasta, sandwiches, salads, and wings. Online ordering, too. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza.

Grand Rapids Brewing company1 ionia Ave SW. 616-458-7000 BReWPuB. good for the environment and your palate, gRBC is Michigan’s first certified organic brewery and features a menu stocked with locally grown ingredients. With a diverse selection of beers on tap inspired by historical grand Rapids figures and a hearty array of burgers, melts and hand-cranked sausages, this place represents the best of the grand Rapids Brewing Company’s 120-year legacy. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Organic beer and locally sourced food.

Grand Woods Lounge77 Grandville Ave SW. 616-451-4300 AMeRicAn. The restaurant’s interior exudes a warm, casual ambiance reminiscent of the great eateries of the pacific Northwest; the outdoor porch features two outdoor bars and a fire-place. Menu stocked with affordable appetizers great for sharing, plus salads, sandwiches, and entrées. lots of domestics and microbrews, plus an array of martinis including the “Woodstini,” a tasty mix of Stoli Orange Vodka, mandarin oranges and raspberries. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Cocktails.

Graydon’s crossing1223 Plainfield ne. 616-726-8260 TAVeRn. An authentic take on the English pub, with a huge selection of beers on tap and a menu that includes classic English dishes like Fish & Chips, Shepherd’s pie and irish Stew, as well as indian specialties like Tandoori Chicken and Tikka Masala. A great casual atmosphere for drinking and dining. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Beer and authentic pub food.

The Green Well924 cherry Se. 616-808-3566 ecLecTic. REVUE’s “Free Market” columnist Steven de polo writes, “green Well is the best restaurant in gR.” The East hills gastro-pub serves up an ever-changing menu featuring local

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ingredients, and a wide array of local craft brews and wines. The green refers also to the lEED© certified building and management’s commitment to a small carbon footprint. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Baked local goat cheese, Michigan maple whiskey chicken over risotto.

The Holiday Bar801 5th St. nW, Grand Rapids. 616-456-9058 AMeRicAn. For 107 years, The holiday Bar has been serving its loyal customers great beer and food, with 12 specialty beers of tap and its homemade “porter” pulled pork sandwiches. Fully stocked with pool tables and nine hD flat screens, this dive is the perfect spot for cheap beer and good times.. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Cheap beer.

Harmony Brewing company1551 Lake Dr. Se (616) 233-0063 BReWPuB. The newest addition to the grand Rapids brewpub scene features five craft-brewed beers in addition to signature root beer for the kiddos. harmony’s real specialty, however, is a take-out combo that features one of its gourmet wood-fire pizzas and a growler of beer. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza and brews.

Hopcat25 ionia SW. 616-451-4677 TAVeRn. Rated the 3rd best beer bar on the planet by Beer Advcoate, hopCat’s spin on its food is thus: “it’s the food your Mom would feed you, if your Mom loved beer.” That’s specifically true for hopCat’s beerbar cheese, cheese ale soup and porter braised beef, but mom would also love the hippie wrap (it’s vegetarian), the crack fries (not real crack), and Killer Mac and Cheese. Because what mom doesn’t like mac and cheese? » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Widest variety of beers, crack fries.

J Bar20 Monroe nW. 616-356-2000 STeAKS. grass-fed beef selections and an ample variety of seafood, chops and house specialties. Extensive wine cellar and tastefully upscale ambiance that’s comfortable rather than stuffy. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday. GO THERE FOR: Choice-cut prime rib, 10-oz. Filet, 14-oz. Top Sirloin.

JD Reardon’s Bar & Grill940 Monroe Ave nW. (616) 454-8590 AMeRicAn. Neighborhood pub offers 15 Michigan beers on tap and more bottled, along with a full menu of handmade appetizers, pizzas, salads, sandwiches and 16 half-pound burgers. Nightly drink specials and karaoke on Tuesday night. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Burgers.

Lumber Baron Bar 187 Monroe Ave. nW. (616) 774-2000 LOunGe. Settle into the warmth and charm of this historic bar — complete with a fireplace, leather club chairs and a large selection of premium drinks and appetizers. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays and Mondays GO THERE FOR: Scotch or Brandy after a Symphony concert.

Maggie’s Kitchen636 Bridge St. nW. 616-458-8583 MeXicAn. The storefront restaurant on gR’s west side has quietly built a reputation as one of the best places in town for authentic Mexican food, especially its tacos and breakfast items like huevos

a la Mexicana (scrambled eggs with onions and jalapenos). » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: T W Th F Sa Sn. GO THERE FOR: Tex-Mex.

Marie catrib’s1001 Lake Dr. 616-454-4020 ecLecTic. The East hills eatery has one of the most hard-to-categorize menus in West Michigan, but this line from its website begins to do it justice: “a twist of lebanese, a hint of Yooper and yen for unique pastries.” Everything is made from scratch with local ingredients, and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. get there early for lunch, as there is almost always a wait. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Salads, soups and sandwiches.

Mixology 235 Louis St. nW. 616-242-1448 LOunGe. Casual, upscale service and atmosphere allows guests to relax and enjoy the city views. This type of service allows guests to complete business tasks while still enjoying the accessibility to great food and libations. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Specialty cocktails.

O’Toole’s448 Bridge St. 616-742-6095 PuB. This West side pub is equipped with delicious and outrageously topped burgers, as well as an extensive beer selection, and arguably, the best happy hour specials in town. if food is not your passion, this is a prime place to kick off your Sunday Funday with its $3 Absolut Bloody Mary bar. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Gourmet burgers, Absolut Bloody Mary bar.

Olive’s Restaurant2162 Wealthy St. Se. 616-451-8611 ecLecTic. gaslight Village mainstay for Easties looking to have a cocktail and casual dinner. The menu is surprisingly broad, with innova-tive starters (e.g., Napoli fritters, paella cakes) and diverse entrées like Southern meatloaf, braised short ribs and mobu tofu. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: A broad selection.

The Pita House1450 Wealthy Se, 3730 28th Street, 4533 ivanrest SW (Grandville). 616-454-1171 MeDiTeRRAneAn. gyros so big you can club someone with them, the smoothest hummus in town and other Mediterranean fare, including kibbe, kafta and falafel. Additional locations on 28th Street and Kalamazoo SE. Sandwiches are made to order with fresh vegetables and ingredients. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh pita wraps.

Radix Tavern1420 Lake Dr. Se 616-458-5583 SOuTHeRn. Radix Tavern provides its diners with delicious Southern-styled food made from traditional Michigan ingredients. Using local, seasonal and sustainable products whenever possible, Radix Tavern is sure to delight its visitors with home-styled cooking, selection of beers and wines and vegetarian and vegan options. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays GO THERE FOR: Michigan beers on tap.

Red Jet cafe1431 Plainfield Ave. ne. 616-719-5500 ecLecTic. The funky restaurant in Creston’s old library is the kind of place you’d find in Chicago’s hip neighborhoods, offering non-sequitur menu items that somehow seem to work. Seriously, how many other places in town can you find that serve high-end

organic coffees, crepes, wood-fired pizzas and artisan baked goods. is it a bistro? is it a coffeehouse? Does it matter? » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Crepes.Reds on The River8 e. Bridge St. 616-863-8181 AMeRicAn. This highly acclaimed restaurant in the Rockford area promises no processed foods. Red’s sports a cylindrical fireplace and is known for its incredible views and outdoor dining. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays. GO THERE FOR: Steak and Wine.

Reserve201 Monroe Ave. nW (616) 855-9463 ecLecTic. With 102 wines available by the glass and more than 300 by the bottle, paired with an ever-changing food menu influenced by West Michigan grown foods, Reserve promises diners a unique experience. Cocktails and craft beers add depth to the primarily wine-centered menu. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday GO THERE FOR: Wine and food pairings, charcuterie.

Rinaldi Pizza and Sub Shop966 e. Fulton St. 616-458-3737 iTALiAn. The tiny pizza shop at the corner of Fulton and Diamond is publisher Brian Edwards’ favorite spot to stop for a large slice after a late night at the office. “it’s got the four C’s of pizza going for it: chewy, cheesy, crusty and cheap — with a perfect balance of sauce and cheese,” Edwards says. Fold it over, New York-style, he recommends. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza.

Rockwell-Republic45 S. Division Ave. 616-551-3563 ecLecTic. Menu offerings range from sushi to burgers and everything in between. The cocktail menu runs the gamut from classics like the Manhattan to more modern variations and the beer and wine menus are nothing to sneeze at either. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Specialty cocktails, broad menu, lively atmosphere.

Rose’s On Reeds Lake550 Lakeside Dr. Se. 616-458-1122 ecLecTic. The East grand Rapids landmark is one of those places that has a different feel in each season. in the summertime, it’s a great spot to hang on the decks and have cocktails and light ap-petizers; when the snow is falling, it’s a warm and cozy spot for a hearty meal and big glass of wine. The menu draws from a multitude of influences including Mediterranean, italian, and Casual American. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Root Chips.

Ruth’s chris Steak House 187 Monroe Avenue nW. 616-776-6426 STeAKHOuSe. Serving only the best steaks, Ruth’s Chris hand-selects its steaks from the top two percent of the country’s beef, which is then broiled to perfection at 1800 degrees. Enjoy the freshest seafood, classic sides and homemade desserts that satisfy any craving. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays. GO THERE FOR: Steak.

San chez a Tapas Bistro38 West Fulton St. 616-774-8272 ecLecTic.Using available local products, San Chez a Tapas Bistro is a social setting where people can remember the one rule of kindergarten: sharing. Featuring small, delicious dishes, San Chez a Tapas Bistro can satiate your desire for variety. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Tapas.

San chez cafe38 West Fulton St. 616-774-8272 ecLecTic. This comfy venue allows customers to “walk on sunshine” with its windowed-out structure. A hidden secret for breakfast in downtown grand Rapids, San Chez Cafe promises a great start to any day. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Sandwiches.

Six.One.Six. 235 Louis St. nW. 616-242-1448 ecLecTic. Market-inspired menus, sweeping views and progressive rhythms combine to create a memorable dining experience. The dishes tempt taste buds and is the perfect spot for foodies. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days GO THERE FOR: Variety and being seen.

Stella’s Lounge53 commerce Ave. 616-356-2700 TAVeRn. The Chicago-style whiskey bar has more than 200 varieties of distilled spirits, old-school video games, a superexcellent jukebox stocked with rock and punk classics, and a menu filled with vegetarian and vegan bar food — and stuffed burgers. Did we mention you can sip cans of pBR, Blatz and other classic beers, as well as sangria, out of a mason jar? REVUE’s British ex-pat David Smith calls Stella’s his favorite bar in the world. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Vegetarian and vegan bar food.

The Score5301 northland Dr. ne. 616-301-0600 SPORTS BAR. Multi-faceted restaurant and sports bar has a lot to offer, including expansive menu with discount options, happy hour specials, countless big screen and projection TVs broadcasting big games and pay-per-view UFC matches, outdoor beach vol-leyball and live music in the summertime … the list goes on. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Sports bar atmosphere.

Tavern on the Square100 ionia Ave. SW. 616-456-7673 ecLecTic. The re-fash-ioned former irish pub still has that neighborhood feel, and offers up a unique menu with salads, antipasto, appetizers, a pub burger, and an array of unique “Yankee Tapas” like Fish Tacos, loaded Carnival Fries and the ultimate West Side tapas: pierogies. A hodgepodge to be sure, but fun. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: PBJ Tuna.

Vitale’s RestaurantsVarious Grand Rapids locations. vitalespizza.com iTALiAn. The Vitale family has served West Michigan for more than 40 years. Each of the five locations in the greater grand Rapids area offer traditional italian family recipes and award-winning pizza, but provide their own unique dining experience. Whether you go there to watch the big game, enjoy a brew or dine on authentic italian dishes, these locations have something for everyone. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days GO THERE FOR: Pizza and Italian dishes.

The Winchester648 Wealthy St. Se. 616-451-4969 ecLecTic. Upscale Wealthy Street bar and restaurant feels like it was plucked from Chicago’s Bucktown or logan Square neighborhoods. A


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comfortable spot to drink or dine, with an always evolving menu featuring shared plates, salads and inventive sand-wiches. The Cuban Reuben, originally created as something of a joke, remains a (very tasty) staple item. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: DIY Bloody Mary Bar Special, Yucca Fries.

Wolfgang’s Restaurant1530 Wealthy St. Se. 616-454-5776 BReAKFAST. The bustling Eastown breakfast spot is home to some of the heartiest breakfast dishes and funniest menu descriptions. Courteous staff never fails to offer a cup of coffee to go after we’ve finished breakfast. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Breakfast all day.

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8th Street Grille20 W. 8th St., Holland. 616-392-5888 AMeRicAn. This eclectic grille located in the heart of holland offers a mix of draft and bottled craft beers and a variety of pub classics and new, American beer-inspired dishes. Enjoy happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, which includes delicious half-off appetizers and $1 off drafts. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: 28 taps of craft beer, hometown atmosphere.

84 east 84 east 8th St., Holland. 616-396-8484 iTALiAn. While we categorize it as “italian,” that’s a bit limiting for this downtown holland spot, which specializes in creating inven-tive pasta dishes. housed in an old industrial building, 84 East is a favorite splurge spot among REVUE’s hope College minions. 84 East also serves up designer pizzas and a few non-pasta house specialties like pork Marsala and Mahi Mahi. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sunday GO THERE FOR: Baked Spaghetti Pie, Tuxedo Chicken Pasta.

Bil-Mar Restaurant1223 S. Harbor St., Holland. 616-842-5920 AMeRicAn. A destination restaurant for locals and tourists for more than 60 years. Dazzling sunsets and an All-American menu featuring fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Lake perch, lobster strudel, prime rib.

Blue House Bistro220 W. 8th Street, Holland. 616-355-1994 AMeRicAn. Chef-owned boutique bistro located in downtown holland, with an extensive menu featuring small plates, sandwiches, soups, salads, pizza, desserts, dine-in, take-out, delivery catering, beer and wine to-go. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN: Tu–Sun. GO THERE FOR: Seafood gumbo, Saturday and Sunday brunch.

cityVu Bistro61 east 7th Street, Holland. 616-796-2114 AMeRicAn. located atop CityFlats hotel in downtown holland, CityVu Bistro offers unique breakfast creations, an array of flat-bread dinners, and small plates. Full bar with extensive wine list and great views of holland. hours of operation change with the seasons. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Flatbreads.

everyday People cafe11 center St., Douglas. 269-857-4240 AMeRicAn. REVUE publisher Brian Edwards calls Everyday people Café his favorite restaurant along the lakeshore. The atmosphere is casual and upbeat, the staff knows its stuff about wine and food, and the seasonal menu is filled with meticulously pre-pared, eclectic comfort food like Butternut Squash Risotto, Braised lamb Shank and Ahi Tuna. A great wine list and tremendous desserts. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Gorgonzola Pork Chop, Greek Salad with Grandma Gigi’s Dressing (Edwards).

Fricano’s Pizza Tavern1400 Fulton Ave., Grand Haven. 616-842-8640 iTALiAn. Claims to be the first pizzeria in Michigan, but customers care less about its longevity than the amazingly crispy thin crust and simple ingredients atop its much-lauded pies. Four other locations around West Mi, including Comstock park, Muskegon, holland and Kalamazoo. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza.

Kirby House2 Washington, Grand Haven. 616-846-3299 AMeRicAn. The grill Room doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is — a chop house and grill. Atmosphere is warm with Tuscan tones, atmospheric lighting, classically cool music and leather booths. The menu focuses on steaks and chops and makes no apologies. The steaks are prime USDA choice, the seafood selection immaculate, and the wine and beverage list is top shelf. Relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Nightlife.

Mia & Grace1133 3rd St., Muskegon. 231-725-9500 AMeRicAn. Calls itself a bakery and bistro, but that’s too limiting to describe the creativity of Mia & grace’s menu. The farm-to-table eatery in downtown Muskegon is casual and comfortable and serves lots of one-of-a-kind items like the pork Belly Reuben or the Duck pB&J (duck confit, carmelized onions, cashew-peanut butter, green pepper jelly, anadama bread). » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday. GO THERE FOR: Salads, Soups, Creme Brulee.

new Holland Brewing company66 e. 8th St., Holland. 616-355-6422 BReWPuB. One of West Mi’s premier microbreweries serves up better than average pub grub, including the Tarheel barbecue pulled pork, grilled portobello and The Treehugger, which is billed as “a vegetar-ian sandwich utopia.” » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Mad Hatter IPA, Dragon’s Milk.

Phil’s Bar & Grille215 Butler St., Saugatuck. 269-857-1555 AMeRicAn. This cozy (some would say “small”) bar and grille in downtown Saugatuck is one of those unassuming spots you might easily overlook, though locals in Saugatuck will tell you about their love affair with phil’s. Eclectic menu is all over the place, but in a good way, and the staff is super-friendly. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Portabella Mushroom Fries.

Salt of the earth114 east Main St., Fennville. 269-561-7258 AMeRicAn. Salt of the Earth is a farm-to-table-inspired restaurant, bar, and bakery located in the heart of SW Michigan farm country in Fennville. Focuses on fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients whenever possible. Also serves up live music on weekends.

» SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: House made rustic cuisine.

Saugatuck Brewing company2948 Blue Star Highway. 269-857-7222 BReWPuB. Enjoy a traditional irish-style pub that features quality beer, wine, food and service. Try one of 12 unique brews that are served in the pub and bottled and distributed throughout the Midwest. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Beer in a family friendly pub environment.

Vitale’s of Zeeland59 W. Washington St. (616) 772-5900 iTALiAn. This family owned restaurant specializes in italian dining, but also has a full menu including Mexican and American specialties. Family friendly atmosphere with newly remodeled dining, and an expanded sports bar with big screen TVs. happy hour specials, live music every Saturday and has been voted Best pizza seven years in a row by the Grand Rapids Press. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THeRe FOR: Pizza.

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Arcadia Brewing co. 103 Michigan Ave., Battle creek. 269-963-9520 BReWPuB. You’ll find some of the usual suspects on the Battle Creek brewpub’s menu, including wood-fired pizzas and some of the best barbecue in the region. But you’ll also find some delightful surprises — Osso Bucco in a brewpub?! — on the menu, courtesy of award-winning Chef Sean Kelly. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Handcrafted ales and barbecue.

Bell’s eccentric cafe355 e. Kalamazoo Ave. 269-382-2332 BReWPuB. Eccentric Café’s regular menu of appetizers, sandwiches, sides and salads — plus the daily soups and specials — exists for a simple and important purpose: to complement the Kalamazoo microbrewery’s award-winning beers. Eat up while you drink up. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The Beer.

Bravo!5402 Portage Rd., Kalamazoo 269-344-7700 iTALiAn. Much-lauded restaurant has earned its stripes over past 23 years as one of the region’s best dining experiences, including a 3-star rating in the 2010 Forbes Travel Guide (formerly the Mobil Travel guide). The Tuscan-inspired cuisine is spectacular, the atmosphere comfortable and intimate, and the service first-rate. Also brews its own beer in small batches for pairings with menu offerings. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. (Closed Sat. lunch) GO THERE FOR: A great dining experience.

Fieldstone Grille3970 W. centre St., Portage. 269-321-8480 AMeRicAn. lodge-retreat atmosphere overlooking the Moors golf Club natural wetlands. The “field-to-plate” menu features burg-ers, pizzas, steaks and some eclectic items like quail. Try the FSg chips, a combination of potato, beet and sweet potato chips. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Blue Burger, Almond Crusted Walleye, FSG Chips.

Food Dance401 e. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo. 269-382-1888 AMeRicAn. An eclectic American menu that reflects ownership’s fixation on “finding honest-to-goodness fruits, vegetables, meat and eggs that come from the farm, not the factory.” lots of unique choices, for breakfast (gingerbread pancakes), lunch (crab cake sandwich) and dinner (beer roasted chicken). » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh Local Foods.

Old Burdicks Bar & Grill100 W. Michigan Ave. (269) 226-3192 AMeRicAn. Old Burdick’s Bar & grill features tasty sandwiches, burgers, salads and entrees, as well as a great selection of cock-tails, wines and beers. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner. OPEN: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The Old Burdick Burger.

Olde Peninsula200 e. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo 269-343-2739 BReWPuB. Downtown brewpub serves up the expected (e.g., steaks, ribs), the authentic (e.g., london Broil) and some pleasant surprises (e.g., extensive vegetarian offerings, italian food). Offers a range of beers brewed on the premises and served on tap, plus a full bar. Check out the seasonal porters on tap right now, including the Vanilla porter (5.5% ABV) and Stout Chocula (5.25% ABV). » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Beer-B-Que Ribs, London Broil.

Martell’s 3501 Greenleaf Blvd., Kalamazoo. 269-375-2105 AMeRicAn. Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood that overlooks Willow lake, Martell’s offers casual ambiance and an expansive menu with steaks, prime rib and other comfort food entrées like italian style meatloaf and pork shank. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days (Sundays-dinner only) GO THERE FOR: Quiet casual ambiance.

union cabaret & Grille125 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo. 269-384-6756 AMeRicAn. A partnership with Western Michigan University, Union features eclectic food and cocktails, plus live jazz music performed by WMU faculty and students. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sunday. GO THERE FOR: Portabella Fries, Bloody Maries with infused vodkas. n

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For our full list of restaurants, visit revuewm.com/

restaurants.

To submit or correct information in a dining

listing, please send an e-mail to editor@

revuewm.com.


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4.01Billy’s BassBincook-DeWitt center, GVSu Allendale campus gVSU Trombone Ensemblecoopersville Farm Museum Bingo Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Read My pins: The Madeleine Albright CollectionGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesThe intersection Sum 41 wsg hollerado and hunter ValentineKzoo institute of Arts The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayKnickerbocker Theatre Knickerbocker Film Series: AmourThe Livery NTAA Open StageMercuryHead Gallery Kathleen KalinowskiSaugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonuicA limit(less)

tuEsday

4.02Billy’s Billy’s Open Mic NightDimnent Memorial chapel great performance Series: Emerson String QuartetGerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Read My pins: The Madeleine Albright CollectionGRAM graphic Design: Now in production, Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries

of Masterpieces, Jon McDonald: Slavery’s ChillGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesKzoo institute of Arts The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Reflections: African American life from the Myrna Colley-lee Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and Clay, ARTbreak : paul Flickinger: Japanese Tea Ceremony, Spring Break Art CampKnickerbocker Theatre Knickerbocker Film Series: AmourLemonjello’s Open Mic NightMercuryHead Gallery Kathleen KalinowskiPeter Martin Wege Theatre grand Rapids Ballet Junior Company

presents Spring Break for Kids: Carnival of the Animals Saugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonuicA limit(less)Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: Back to the Future

WEdnEsday

4.03Billy’s Karaoke at Billy’sDog Story Theater hedwig and the Angry inchGerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Read My pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection

GRAM graphic Design: Now in production, Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries of Masterpieces, Jon McDonald: Slavery’s ChillGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesKzoo institute of Arts The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, Spring Break Art Camp, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayKnickerbocker Theatre Knickerbocker Film Series: AmourLadies Literary club Zammuto wsg SnowblinkLemonjello’s lemonjello’s Open Mic NightMercuryHead Gallery Kathleen KalinowskiMulligan’s Pub lost CovesMuskegon Museum of Art hughie lee-Smith: Meditations, laurie Keller Story Teller: illustrations for Snory FellersPeter Martin Wege Theatre grand Rapids Ballet Junior Company presents Spring Break for Kids: Carnival of the Animals Salt of the earth luke Winslow-King

Saugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonTip Top Deluxe Bar and Grill Wayne hancock wsg Ando EhlersuicA limit(less)Van Andel Arena Kid Rock: Rebel Soul Tour wsg Buckcherry and hellbound glory

thursday

4.04Art of the Table in-Store Wine TastingBarnes and noble, Woodland Mall grand Rapids Writers’ ExchangeBell’s eccentric cafe Movement Detroit Official pre-party Featuring Matt ClarkeBilly’s 90s holla Backcelebration! cinema Grand Rapids north & iMAX grand Rapids latin American Film Festival presents “Abel”Dog Story Theater hedwig and the Angry inchDr. Grins Mo MandelFounders Brewing co. Nicki Bluhm & The gramblers with Rayland Baxter, Desert NoisesGaspard Gallery “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff Kraus

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Read My pins: The Madeleine Albright CollectionGRAM graphic Design: Now in production, Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries of Masterpieces, Jon McDonald: Slavery’s ChillGrand Rapids Public Library Reading the great lakesGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesHideout Brewing co. Team TriviaThe intersection ZOSO: The Ultimate led Zeppelin Experience; Ana popovicKzoo institute of Arts The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, Spring Break Art Camp, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayKnickerbocker Theatre Knickerbocker Film Series: AmourMercuryHead Gallery Kathleen KalinowskiMuskegon Museum of Art hughie lee-Smith: Meditations, laurie Keller Story Teller: illustrations for Snory Fellers, The Alchemy of Experimental photography with Victoria Veenstra

the schedulegEt sChEdulEd! E-mail your info to [email protected] add your events into our calendar at revuewm.com.

Best Bet: IndieasK onE out oF any 10 hiPstErs Mulling around these days (aren’t they just everywhere, like crab grass? Or nitrogen?) and you could probably find more than a few witnesses willing to testify that seeing Andrew Bird live is like a religious experience. It makes sense, then, that the multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist wunderkind would find a comfortable place with the Festival of Faith and Music, a Calvin College-sponsored extravaganza featuring the finest and fiercest in the spiritual entertainment realm. While Bird’s name isn’t necessarily the first that might come up in a mental list of faith-oriented musicians — don’t know about you guys, but Creed Creed Creed Evanescence goes my own brain — the depth and layering of his work certainly speaks to what you might come to expect from a complex encounter with the otherworldly. Fresh on the heels of 2012’s release, Hands of Glory, Bird is here, his whistling style is queer (as in, unusual), and he’s ready to blow your brains out in the most gentle, awesome way possible. Get used to it. Better yet, get pumped up about it. Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

Want to see Andrew Bird? Visit revuewm.com to enter to win tickets.

an EvEning With andrEW birdCovenant Fine Arts Center, Grand RapidsFriday, April 12, 7:30 p.m., $38calvin.edu, (616) 526-6282

andrew Bird


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Peter Martin Wege Theatre grand Rapids Ballet Junior Company presents Spring Break for Kids: Carnival of the Animals The Pyramid Scheme The protomenRockford Brewing company Sweet Japonic Saugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonuicA limit(less)Wealthy Theatre Front Studio YOgA for Body Mind and Soul

Friday

4.05The 411 club WiDRAMABell’s eccentric cafe That 1 guyBilly’s Deborah Kay and the BluebloodsBlackhawk Bar and Grill Drop 35Dog Story Theater hedwig and the Angry inchDr. Grins Mo MandelGaspard Gallery “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Read My pins: The Madeleine Albright CollectionGRAM graphic Design: Now in production, Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries of Masterpieces, Jon McDonald: Slavery’s ChillGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesThe intersection The Crane Wives wsg Antrim Dells and lindsay lou & the FlatbellysKzoo institute of Arts The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, Spring Break Art Camp, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayKnickerbocker Theatre Knickerbocker Film Series: AmourLemonjello’s Deep greens & Blues, Chain of lakes, Acoustic VagabondiThe Livery D. Anson BrodyLondon Grill, Kzoo Brook Farm String BandLouis Armstrong Theatre, GVSu Allendale campus gVSU Theatre presents ‘The good person of Setzuan’

MercuryHead Gallery Kathleen Kalinowski Miller Auditorium Celtic WomanMuskegon Museum of Art hughie lee-Smith: Meditations, laurie Keller Story Teller: illustrations for Snory FellersThe Pyramid Scheme A benefit for T.E.A.M.Saugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonTip Top Deluxe Cash O’ Riley and the Downtown DaddiesuicA limit(less), On The Road Wealthy Theatre grand Rapids latin American Film Festival

saturday

4.06The 411 club Deals gone Bad wsg The Mushmen and The Real FantasticsBell’s eccentric cafe Bitch pleaseBlackhawk Bar and Grill Stone ThrownBud and Stanley’s Pub & Grub Karaoke celebration! cinema Shanandoahchristian Life center The Five headsczar’s 505 Kari lynch BandDog Story Theater hedwig and the Angry inchDr. Grins Mo MandelFour Winds casino Resort B.B. KingGaspard Gallery “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Read My pins: The Madeleine Albright CollectionGRAM graphic Design: Now in production, Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries

of Masterpieces, Jon McDonald: Slavery’s ChillGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesThe Holiday Bar DJ Matt BThe intersection Mega ‘80s Kzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayKellogg Arena life in Color - The Worlds largest paint partyKnickerbocker Theatre Knickerbocker Film Series: AmourLincoln Lanes pit BowlLittle River casino and Resort Charlie prideThe Livery gun Metal BlackLouis Armstrong Theatre, GVSu Allendale campus gVSU Theatre presents ‘The good person of Setzuan’MercuryHead Gallery Kathleen KalinowskiMuskegon community college Art Building photography Workshop with Victoria VeenstraMuskegon Museum of Art hughie lee-Smith: Meditations, laurie Keller Story Teller: illustrations for Snory FellersThe Pyramid Scheme Floor + ThronesSaugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonSeven Steps up Michael pearsallTip Top Deluxe Bar and Grill Twistin’ Tarantulas and The ChupaCobras!uicA limit(less), On The Road Water Street Gallery, Douglas Making Faces in ArtWealthy Theatre grand Rapids latin American Film Festival

Wings Stadium Spring into Wings Arts and Crafts Show

sunday

4.07Billy’s Revival 80s Dance NightGaspard Gallery, Grand Rapids “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Read My pins: The Madeleine Albright CollectionGRAM graphic Design: Now in production, Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries of Masterpieces, Jon McDonald: Slavery’s ChillGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayKretschmer Recital Hall, Aquinas college Basically Bach: Chamber Choir ConcertThe Livery Yoga on TapLouis Armstrong Theatre, GVSu Allendale campus gVSU Theatre presents ‘The good person of Setzuan’Muskegon Museum of Art hughie lee-Smith: Meditations, laurie Keller Story Teller: illustrations for Snory FellersThe Pyramid Scheme Jamie lidell, Empress Of, ludwig persikSalt of the earth Madcat Midnight Blues JourneySaugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonuicA limit(less), On The Road Water Street Gallery, Douglas Making Faces in Art

Monday

4.08coopersville Farm Museum Bingo Dog Story Theater All Star Comedy’s great lakes TourGaspard Gallery, Grand Rapids “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff Kraus

sChEdulE

WhilE JaMEs FranCo May bE KnoWn for pub-licizing the whole modern-Renaissance-man thing, Henry Rollins did it while Franco was learning cursive. Though he’ll always be affectionately known as Black Flag’s frontman, Rollins did his own thing (or more appropriately, “things”) when he left the band in 1986. He started his own record label and publishing com-pany, got into spoken-word performances, led Rollins Band, hosted television and radio shows, wrote some books, did some acting (more recently and notoriously as a white supremacist on “Sons of Anarchy”) and … well, we could go on forever, but you get the point. He’s punk rock’s Renaissance man who lives the ‘try anything once’ mentality and will likely (actually, we’d put money on this) work up until his last breath. This month, he brings his Long March tour to Grand Rapids, having previously brought it to Kalamazoo in 2012. Guess he liked West Michigan — or he just refuses to stop. Ever. Reported by Lindsay Patton-Carson

Best Bet: Eclectic

henry rollins

hEnry rollins: thE long MarCh The Orbit Room, Grand RapidsApril 12, 6:30 p.m. $22.50 advance, $27 day of show orbitroom.com, (616) 942-1328

Fu ManChu: 4.10 at the Pyramid scheme


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Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Read My pins: The Madeleine Albright CollectionGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayMercuryHead Gallery Kathleen Kalinowski The Pyramid Scheme Today is the Day, KEN Mode, Fight AmpSaugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonuicA limit(less), On The Road

tuEsday

4.09Billy’s Billy’s Open Mic NightGaspard Gallery, Grand Rapids “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Read My pins: The Madeleine Albright CollectionGRAM graphic Design: Now in production, Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries of Masterpieces, Jon McDonald: Slavery’s ChillGrand Rapids Public Museum WMEAC Film Series: The

last Mountain, Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayMercuryHead Gallery Kathleen Kalinowski Miller Auditorium Neon Trees with Karmin and Twenty One pilotsMuskegon Museum of Art Expressions 2013: 31st Annual Muskegon County Student Art ExhibitionThe Pyramid Scheme Deerhoof, people get Ready, heavier Than Air Flying MachinesSaugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonuicA limit(less), On The Road Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: Back to the Future part 2

WEdnEsday

4.10Bell’s eccentric cafe home Brewing and Bottling DemonstrationBilly’s Karaoke Gaspard Gallery “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Read My pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection

GRAM graphic Design: Now in production, Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries of Masterpieces, Jon McDonald: Slavery’s ChillGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayMercuryHead Gallery Kathleen Kalinowski on exhibitMuskegon Museum of Art hughie lee-Smith: Meditations, laurie Keller Story Teller: illustrations for Snory Fellers, Expressions 2013: 31st Annual Muskegon County Student Art ExhibitionThe Pyramid Scheme Fu ManchuSaugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonuicA limit(less), On The Road

thursday

4.11Art of the Table in-Store Wine TastingBarnes and noble, Woodland Mall grand Rapids Writers’ ExchangeBell’s eccentric cafe The Soil and the Sun

Billy’s 90s holla Backcalvin college covenant Fine Arts center The Welcome Wagon wsg Andrew Rose gregoryDr. Grins Roy Wood Jr.Founders Brewing co. Terrapin Flyer with Melvin Seals, Tom Constanten, Mark KaranGaspard Gallery “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Read My pins: The Madeleine Albright CollectionGRAM graphic Design: Now in production, Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries of Masterpieces, Jon McDonald: Slavery’s ChillGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesGrand Valley State university, Allendale campus Festival of First BooksHideout Brewing co. Team TriviaThe intersection hatebreed wsg Every Time i Die, Terror, Job for a Cowboy, and This is hellKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayMercuryHead Gallery Kathleen Kalinowski Muskegon Museum of Art hughie lee-Smith: Meditations, laurie

Keller Story Teller: illustrations for Snory Fellers, Brown Bag Film: glassworkingThe Pyramid Scheme Jamaican Queens wsgs. ghost heart, Our Brother The NativeRockford Brewing company Bottom line BandSaugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James Johnson, Real to Reel: Ai Weiwei Never SorryShaw Theater, Kzoo WMU University Theatre presents Kiss Me KateSt. cecilia Music center SCMC Chamber Music Society of lincoln Center ConcertuicA limit(less), On The Road Wealthy Theatre Front Studio Yoga for Body Mind and Soul

Friday

4.12The 411 club Crossroads Blues BandAvenue of the Arts Art.Downtown.Barnes and noble, Woodland Mall Story Time at Barnes and NobleBell’s eccentric cafe Super happy Funtime Burlesque ShowBethlehem Lutheran church MAJiC Concert: We Are the ink MonkeyBilly’s Blue Mollycalvin college, covenant Fine Arts center An Evening with Andrew Bird

Dr. Grins Roy Wood Jr.Gaspard Gallery “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Read My pins: The Madeleine Albright CollectionGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesGRAM graphic Design: Now in production, Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries of Masterpieces, Jon McDonald: Slavery’s ChillThe Holiday Bar The legal immigrants The intersection Sleeping with Sirens wsg Conditions, Dangerkids, lions lionsKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayLemonjello’s Analecta, paucity, the Westbound, Adversary, AlaskaLondon Grill, Kzoo David lloydMercuryHead Gallery Kathleen Kalinowski Mulligan’s Pub The hat Madder wsg The pinkerton RaidMuskegon Museum of Art hughie lee-Smith: Meditations, laurie Keller Story Teller: illustrations for Snory FellersThe Orbit Room henry Rollins - The long March

dead Prez

Best Bet: Hip Hop

hEy, you guys! guEss What’s haPPEning on April 27? No, it’s not the last day to turn your taxes in — and if you thought it was, well, you’re screwed. Something much better, much more monumental is taking place: It’s the second birthday of The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids’ favorite new gathering joint for great tunes, great drinks and killer scheme dancing. (What is scheme dancing? All you need to know is scheme dancing > actual scheming.) Joining the venue in celebration of the big occasion is none other than Dead Prez; hip-hop activists who routinely spit fierce rhymes about veganism, militant socialism and Pan-Africanism. Fun, right?! What better way to ring in the Pyramid’s bday than with ferocious anti-capitalist sentiment and hammering beats that demand more than a sliver of fist-pumping frenzy? I, for one, hope that the administrative types replace out the ‘a’ on the Pyramid’s outside sign with an anarchy symbol. Regardless of spelling or symbolizing, happy birthday, you fabulous folks! Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

dEad PrEZ wsg Mama soul, Punksuhate (Powerfully united), lo MobbThe Pyramid Scheme, Grand RapidsApril 27, 8 p.m., $20, 18+pyramidschemebar.com, (616) 272-3758


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sChEdulEPeter Martin Wege Theatre grand Rapids Ballet presents MovemediaThe Pyramid Scheme Flashing Blue lights (Album Release)Saugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonShaw Theater, Kzoo WMU University Theatre presents Kiss Me KateTerryberry Gallery Westside Stories iiiTip Top Deluxe Bar and Grill The Madeira, The FUZZrites, hot loveuicA limit(less)

saturday

4.13The 411 club The honey pot, Doctor Death Crush, Full Frontal Cortez, lark’s Tongue and EZBilly’s hip pocket Blackhawk Bar and Grilll Murphy’s lawBud and Stanley’s Pub & Grub Karaoke cafe connection Death in Them Thar hillscalvin college, covenant Fine Arts center Josh garrels with Mason Jar Musiccelebration! cinema American graffitiDr. Grins Roy Wood Jr.Founders Brewing co. Sister Sparrow & The Dirty BirdsGaspard Gallery “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Read My pins: The Madeleine Albright CollectionGRAM graphic Design: Now in production, Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries of Masterpieces, Jon McDonald: Slavery’s ChillGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesThe intersection Donna the Buffalo wsg Big Dudee Roo and The TurnipsKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayKzoo State Theater Bob & Tom Comedy Tour

MercuryHead Gallery Kathleen KalinowskiMuskegon Museum of Art hughie lee-Smith: Meditations, Madagascar, laurie Keller Story Teller: illustrations for Snory FellersThe Orbit Room Clutch wsg Orange goblin, lionize and Scorpion ChildPeter Martin Wege Theatre grand Rapids Ballet presents MovemediaThe Pyramid Scheme Super happy Funtime Burlesque Spring Tour Kickoff ShowSaugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonShaw Theater, Kzoo WMU University Theatre presents Kiss Me KateuicA limit(less)Water Street Gallery Making Faces in ArtWealthy Theatre Front Studio louise MosrisWings Stadium Killamazoo Roller Derby

sunday

4.14Bell’s eccentric cafe Sunday Beer BrunchBilly’s Revival ‘80s Dance NightGaspard Gallery, Grand Rapids “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Read My pins: The Madeleine Albright CollectionGRAM graphic Design: Now in production, Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries of Masterpieces, Jon McDonald: Slavery’s ChillGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayMuskegon Museum of Art hughie lee-Smith: Meditations, Cinema Sunday Film: Baron Munchausen, laurie Keller Story Teller: illustrations for Snory FellersThe Pyramid Scheme Turquoise JeepSalt of the earth Buddy greene

Saugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonuicA limit(less)Water Street Gallery, Douglas Making Faces in Art

Monday

4.15coopersville Farm Museum Bingo Gaspard Gallery, Grand Rapids “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Read My pins: The Madeleine Albright CollectionGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayMercuryHead Gallery Kathleen KalinowskiSaugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonuicA limit(less)

tuEsday

4.16Billy’s Billy’s Open Mic NightFrederik Meijer Gardens WMEAC Earth Day Celebration 2013Gaspard Gallery, Grand Rapids “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Read My pins: The Madeleine Albright CollectionGRAM graphic Design: Now in production, Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries of MasterpiecesGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesThe intersection Red wsg We As human, Southbound, and FearingKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and Clay

Kretschmer Recital Hall, Aquinas college Aquinas College Spring Jazz NightMercuryHead Gallery Kathleen KalinowskiThe Pyramid Scheme Jamnesty for human Rights Featuring luke Wilson, Dragon Wagon, Northern Skies, BennettSaugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonuicA limit(less)

WEdnEsday

4.17Bell’s eccentric cafe Bell’s Brews and ViewsBilly’s KaraokeGaspard Gallery, Grand Rapids “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Read My pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection

GRAM graphic Design: Now in production, Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries of MasterpiecesGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesThe intersection One More Time: A Tribute to Daft punkKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna

having Just noW rEaChEd its 10th year in existence, Calvin College’s biennial Festival of Faith and Music has really outdone itself this year in terms of lineup, sponsorship, workshops, and lineup. Oh, did we mention the lineup really kicks a whole lotta faith-based booty, too? Try this one on for size: keynote speakers Chuck Klosterman (he of Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs fame), noted religion columnist Cathleen Falsani, and hip-hop theologian (yup, that’s a thing) Daniel White Hodge are ready to kick off the festival-wide conversation about faith, music and culture, while musicians like Andrew Bird, The Welcome Wagon and Andrew Rose Gregory have geared up to provide the musical component to this 72-hour dissection of what makes spirituality musical and music spiritual. The weather is warming up and tickets are going quick; don’t be the last music manic to arrive at the festival’s faith feast table. Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

We have tickets to see Welcome Wagon, Andrew Bird and Josh Garrels. Want ‘em? Visit revuewm.com and enter to win.

Best Bet: Festival

Chuck Klosterman

FEstival oF Faith and MusiCCalvin College, Grand RapidsApril 11-13, $35-$125calvin.edu/admin/sao/festival, (616) 526-7587


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Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayMercuryHead Gallery Kathleen Kalinowski Muskegon Museum of Art hughie lee-Smith: Meditations, laurie Keller Story Teller: illustrations for Snory FellersThe Pyramid Scheme Fushion Shows present: T MillsSaugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonuicA limit(less)

thursday

4.18Aquinas college Performing Arts center Aquinas College Theater presents: hotel CassiopaeiaArt of the Table in-Store Wine TastingBarnes and noble, Woodland Mall grand Rapids Writers’ ExchangeBell’s eccentric cafe Amy laVereBilly’s 90s holla BackDr. Grins Keith Alberstadt

Founders Brewing co. The Bernie Worrell OrchestraGaspard Gallery, Grand Rapids “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Read My pins: The Madeleine Albright CollectionGRAM graphic Design: Now in production, Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries of MasterpiecesGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesHideout Brewing co. Team TriviaKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayKzoo State Theater Rodney CarringtonMaster Arts Theatre The great DivorceMercuryHead Gallery Kathleen Kalinowski Muskegon Museum of Art hughie lee-Smith: Meditations, laurie

Keller Story Teller: illustrations for Snory FellersThe Pyramid Scheme Mona lisa presents Sophistafunk wsg Chordis Bell, AOKRockford Brewing company Roosevelt DiggsSaugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James Johnson, intriguing Conversation: Experience Bali with Cudamani uicA limit(less)Wellspring Theater pUll

Friday

4.19The 411 club Bryan Michael Fischer BandAquinas college Performing Arts center Aquinas College Theater presents: hotel CassiopaeiaBell’s eccentric cafe Brother Joscephus and the love RevolutionBilly’s WgVU local Blues Matter BenefitBlackhawk Bar and Grilll The Cheap DatesDr. Grins Keith Alberstadt

Four Winds casino Resort Robert irvineGaspard Gallery “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Read My pins: The Madeleine Albright CollectionGRAM graphic Design: Now in production, Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries of MasterpiecesGrand Rapids civic Theatre Anne of green gablesGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesGriswold Auditorium Baker Allegan Studios presents A piano ExtravaganzaThe Holiday Bar goodwin Drive wsg The Black RoseThe intersection Minnesota wsg Ternidup and Mr. SegrinKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and Clay

LaFontsee Galleries Justin Kellner - SoloLemonjello’s Doug Mains & the City Folk, Bennett, Chris Dupont, Daniel & the lionLondon Grill, Kzoo Whiskey Before BreakfastMaster Arts Theatre The great DivorceMercuryHead Gallery Kathleen Kalinowski Muskegon Museum of Art hughie lee-Smith: Meditations, laurie Keller Story Teller: illustrations for Snory FellersThe Pyramid Scheme The Besnard lakes, Suuns, BrontosaurusSaint Mary’s Serendipity hair and Fashion Event benefitting The MS program Saugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonSeven Steps up The Stray BirdsTip Top Deluxe Bar and Grill Marc and the Wild OnesuicA limit(less)Wellspring Theater pUll

saturday

4.20The 411 club Terror! Terror...Oh My! Record Release partyAquinas college Performing Arts center Aquinas College Theater presents: hotel CassiopaeiaBell’s eccentric cafe Who hit John? feat. Appleseed CollectiveBud and Stanley’s Pub & Grub Karaoke at Bud and Stanley’scelebration! cinema Modern TimesDr. Grins Keith AlberstadtFenn Valley Vineyard and Wine cellars Food and Wine pairing WeekendsFirst Baptist church i love AdventureFounders Brewing co. Black party 2013: A Celebration of Black Beers with Oracle, love FossilGaspard Gallery “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Read My pins: The Madeleine Albright CollectionGRAM graphic Design: Now in production, Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries of Masterpieces

Grand Rapids civic Theatre Anne of green gablesGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesHarbor island Fairgrounds Third Annual grand River green UpThe intersection Mega ‘80s at The intersectionKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayLaFontsee Galleries Justin KellnerLemonjello’s Mark Rose, Jon Walker, Steve Oceans, Ryan MurrayLittle River casino and Resort Dionne WarwickLouis Armstrong Theatre, GVSu Allendale campus Symphony OrchestraMaster Arts Theatre The great DivorceMercuryHead Gallery Kathleen Kalinowski Muskegon Museum of Art hughie lee-Smith: Meditations, laurie Keller Story Teller: illustrations for Snory FellersPeter Martin Wege Theatre grand Rapids Ballet presents Spring gala: An Evening in Verona The Pyramid Scheme The pyramid Scheme Art Series presents: good Kitty Bad Kitty; DJ psychoSaugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James Johnson, Arts Midwest World Fest: Cudamani of indonesia live performance Soaring eagle Cheech and ChonguicA limit(less)Vertigo Music Record Store DayWater Street Gallery, Douglas Making Faces in ArtWellspring Theater pUllWings Stadium Bob Dylan

sunday

4.21Billy’s Revival ‘80s Dance NightGaspard Gallery “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGRAM graphic Design: Now in production, Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries of Masterpieces

sChEdulE

Best Bet: LiteraryaFtEr MorE than 20 yEars in the public spotlight as a renowned essayist, humorist and all-around lovable weirdo, David Sedaris remains to this day a commanding force who can outsell the Rolling Stones (or close to it) while wielding sharp turns of phrase like a machete. To describe him as a bestselling author is, in fact, to under-represent the colossus of a career that Sedaris has constructed for himself. Attaching Sedaris’s name to any grouping of paper is a guaranteed way to rake in that other kind of paper, as mega-hits like Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day and When You Are Engulfed in Flames will read-ily attest to. With a new collection of essays, Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls, set for release on April 23, Sedaris has probably reached that point in his public persona where he could call his next book Reading the Bible While Sighing Dramatically and everyone would flock to tear it off the shelves. (And not in that book burn-y kind of way.) If you only see one act this April, forget the Stones; make it Sedaris. Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

david sEdarisDeVos Performance Hall, Grand RapidsApril 14, 7 p.m., $32.50-$55devosperformancehall.com, (616) 742-6500

David Sedaris


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Grand Rapids civic Theatre Anne of green gablesGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesThe intersection hrvrd wsg Daylight, The Waterclocks, Bowery, The Storied lifeKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayKretschmer Recital Hall, Aquinas college instrumental Small Ensemble ConcertLaFontsee Galleries Justin Kellner - SoloMuskegon Museum of Art hughie lee-Smith: Meditations, laurie Keller Story Teller: illustrations for Snory FellersThe Pyramid Scheme The Devil Makes Three, Jonny FritzSalt of the earth Red Tail RingSaugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonuicA limit(less)Water Street Gallery, Douglas Making Faces in ArtWellspring Theater pUll

Monday

4.22coopersville Farm Museum BiNgO!Gaspard Gallery “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGrand Rapids civic Theatre Anne of green gablesGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayLaFontsee Galleries Justin Kellner - SoloMercuryHead Gallery Kathleen KalinowskiSaugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonuicA limit(less)

tuEsday

4.23Billy’s Billy’s Open Mic NightGaspard Gallery, Grand Rapids “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGRAM Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries of MasterpiecesGrand Rapids civic Theatre Anne of green gablesGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesThe intersection Carter hulsey wsg Caleb Denison, Jimmy Deeghan, poor Boy Romance, The Dockside FeverKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayLaFontsee Galleries Justin Kellner - SoloMercuryHead Gallery Kathleen Kalinowski The Pyramid Scheme William TylerSaugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonuicA limit(less)

WEdnEsday

4.24Billy’s Karaoke at Billy’sGaspard Gallery, Grand Rapids “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGRAM Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries of MasterpiecesGrand Rapids civic Theatre Anne of green gablesGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesThe intersection Machine gun KellyKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and Clay

LaFontsee Galleries Justin Kellner - SoloMercuryHead Gallery Kathleen KalinowskiMiller Auditorium WickedMuskegon Museum of Art hughie lee-Smith: Meditations, laurie Keller Story Teller: illustrations for Snory FellersSaugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonuicA limit(less)

thursday

4.25Art of the Table in-Store Wine TastingBarnes and noble, Woodland Mall grand Rapids Writers’ ExchangeBell’s eccentric cafe Seth Bernard & The Family BusinessBilly’s 90s holla BackDr. Grins Josh BlueGaspard Gallery “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGRAM Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries of MasterpiecesGrand Rapids civic Theatre Anne of green gablesGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesHideout Brewing co. Team TriviaThe intersection Crowder wsg Stetson and CiaKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayLaFontsee Galleries Justin Kellner - SoloMaster Arts Theatre The great DivorceMercuryHead Gallery Kathleen KalinowskMiller Auditorium WickedMuskegon Museum of Art hughie lee-Smith: Meditations, laurie Keller Story Teller: illustrations for Snory Fellers, Brown Bag Film: pate de Verre with Shin-ichi and Kimiake higuchiThe Pyramid Scheme Retro D’luxe presents: Reaganomics Reunion featuring DJ Silvahalo

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Rockford Brewing company Delilah Dewylde & The lost BoysSagatuck Brewing company Beer School 101Saugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonuicA limit(less)Van Andel Arena Kenny Chesney: No Shoes Nation Tour wsg Eli Young Band and Kacey Musgraves

Friday

4.26The Annex Piano Bar Tom Northrup

Bell’s eccentric cafe 3rd Annual Bell’s prom feat. Step in it wsg. Rachel Davis BandBilly’s grand Rapids Soul Clubcurragh irish Pub ian gouldDr. Grins Josh BlueForest Hills Fine Arts center habitat for humanity 30th anniversary benefit concertGaspard Gallery “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGRAM Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries of MasterpiecesGrand Rapids civic Theatre Anne of green gables

Grand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesThe Holiday Bar Romance for RansomThe intersection Future Rock wsg luke the KnifeKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayKzoo State Theater Eddie griffinLaFontsee Galleries Justin Kellner - SoloLondon Grill, Kzoo David lloyd

WE rEMEMbEr hoW dangErous and edgy it felt to be a Naughty By Nature fan back when we had bedtimes (not a curfew, a bedtime) and cable television began and ended with Nickelodeon. Forget “SNL” — “All That” was where it was at, and Naughty By Nature was one of those regularly featured hip-hop groups — along with other faves like TLC and Immature — that allowed you to foster the fantasy that you, too, belonged in the realm of low-slung pants. Now the boys are back, and Treach, Kay Gee and Vin Rock are ready to bring that familiar feeling of beats and badass-ery to Shakespeare’s Pub for the legions of faithful ‘90s nostalgia warriors out there. The only way this could get any better would be to have Kel Mitchell announce their onstage arrival. (C’mon Kel, what else you got going on these days, anyway?) Yup you guys, this is really happening. I hope you’re still down with O.P.P. I am. But you know me. Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

Best Bet: Hip Hop

naughty by nature

naughty by naturEShakespeare’s Pub, KalamazooApril 4, 8 p.m.$20 in advance, $25 at the door, 21+shakespearespub.com, (269) 488-7782

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sChEdulEMaster Arts Theatre The great DivorceMercuryHead Gallery Kathleen KalinowskiMiller Auditorium WickedMuskegon Museum of Art hughie lee-Smith: Meditations, laurie Keller Story Teller: illustrations for Snory FellersPeter Martin Wege Theatre grand Rapids Ballet presents Movemedia The Pyramid Scheme Flashclash, honey WildSaugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonSeven Steps up Amy Speace wsg The Sea the SeaSt. cecilia Music center Eat, Drink, and Be MerryuicA limit(less)

saturday

4.27Billy’s Revival 80s Dance NightGaspard Gallery “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGRAM Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries of MasterpiecesGrand Rapids civic Theatre Anne of green gablesGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayKentwood Branch Library Bosnian Cultural CelebrationLaFontsee Galleries Justin Kellner

The Livery irish MusicMeijer Theater Van Andel Museum center Around The WorldMiller Auditorium WickedMuskegon Museum of Art hughie lee-Smith: Meditations, laurie Keller Story Teller: illustrations for Snory FellersPyramid Scheme Dead prez, Mama Sol, punksuhate (powerfully United), lo MobbSalt of the earth The Twangtown paramoursSaugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonThe Venue (Portage) Sierra ShameuicA limit(less)

sunday

4.28Art of the Table in-Store Wine TastingBilly’s The 90s holla BackDr. Grins Derek RichardsFounders Brewing company Dirty Bourbon River ShowFrederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Butterflies are Blooming, Connected and Disconnected: The Sculpture of hanneke BeaumontGerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Read My pins: The Madeleine Albright CollectionGR Public Museum Titanic: The Artifact ExhibitionGRAM graphic Design: Now in production, Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, Jon McDonald: Slavery’s ChillKzoo institute of Arts Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClaySpectrum Theater [title of show]St. cecilia Music center local Spins live iii

Monday

4.29Gaspard Gallery, Grand Rapids “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGRAM Stephen Frykholm: herman Miller picnic posters, The Jansma Collection at grand Rapids Art Museum: Five Centuries of MasterpiecesGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayLaFontsee Galleries Justin Kellner - SoloMercuryHead Gallery Kathleen KalinowskMiller Auditorium WickedSaugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonuicA limit(less)

tuEsday

4.30Billy’s Billy’s Open Mic NightGaspard Gallery “Conditions” exhibit by Jeff KrausGrand Rapids Public Museum Titanic: The Artifacts Exhibition, great lakes Shipwrecks: Storms and StoriesKzoo institute of Arts African American life from the Myrna Colley lee Collection, The Artists of Japan and China: Selections from the Collection, Stoked: Five Artists of Fire and ClayLaFontsee Galleries Justin Kellner - SoloMercuryHead Gallery Kathleen Kalinowski on exhibitMiller Auditorium WickedSaugatuck center for the Arts On location: lakeshore Watercolors by James JohnsonuicA limit(less) n

For more events, check out our calendar at ReVueWM.cOM.

sEth & May: local spins live iii at st. Cecilia Music Center, 3.28


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130507a_10x11.25.pgs 04.06.2010 14:46 PowerTrap .003

revue magazine, april 2013

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