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REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017 |
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K E TS FRIDAY TIC ABLE! STILL AVAIL W H ILE G E T TH E M ! T S TH E Y L A
The Michigan Brewers Guild 12th Annual Winter Beer Festival is an outdoor celebration of Michigan beer, featuring over 1000 BEERS from more than 120 BREWERIES. Dress for winter weather and let the hearty winter brews warm your soul. Friday tickets are $45 in advance; $50 at gate, if available. Tickets are limited; advanced purchase encouraged. No refunds. Saturday tickets are sold out. ADMISSION:
Tickets are available online only at mibeer.com. Includes 15 drink tokens, each good for one 3 oz. sample. Additional tokens available for purchase inside festival. Must be 21 and over. I.D. is required. For tickets, information and updates, visit MIBEER.COM. TICKETS:
MICHIGAN BREWERS GUILD BEER FESTIVALS The original Michigan beer festivals and the best beer festivals anywhere For the Brewers By the Brewers About the Brewers The Saturday session of the Winter Beer Festival is now sold out but Friday is a great day to experience the fun. We have adjusted the time to be 5 – 9 p.m, making it easier to get there after work. Limited attendance provides a more casual environment to explore and discuss the beer offerings. We invite you to join us as we celebrate Michigan breweries and their beer, and the 20th Anniversary of the Michigan Brewers Guild.
RDAY U T A S OUT SOLD
MIBEER.COM
#MIWBF17
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WHAT’S INSIDE
February 2017 | Volume 29, Issue 2
SCENE: 12 14
What’s Going on this Month Biz Beat
SOUNDS: 17 18 19 20
Grand Rapids’ Newest Music Venue On Tour: Cloud Nothings Alley Door Club WYCE Songs We Like: Staff Picks
SIGHTS:
17
20 MONROE LIVE: GRAND RAPIDS’ NEWEST MUSIC VENUE OPENS
GR BALLET COUPLE
15A
23 24 25 26
Style Notes Comedy: Stephen Lynch Indie Film: The Taker’s Crown Lit Life: How to Speak Midwestern
SPECIAL SECTION: LOVE & VICE 31 34 36 38 39
Valentine’s Gift Ideas Date Night Ideas Q&A: Kaci Muller, Damsel Floral Maximum ABV Beers Vinyl Addiction
DINING & DRINKING: 41 42 46 48
Restaurant Guide Breweries and Niche Food GR Beer Month and other Beer Events Table Talk: West Michigan Farmlink
SPECIAL SECTION: REVUE ARTS 1A
DINING AT BREWERIES
42
An exploration of West Michigan’s cultural arts scene and the people who drive it (See the center of this issue, after page 28)
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
I
n this issue of Revue, you’ll find plenty of ways to treat yourself or pamper your significant other — or maybe even meet “the one.” It all reminds me of a true personal story. Back in the dark ages when I was senior at Aquinas College, I received perhaps the scariest assignment of my life. On Valentine’s Day in 2003 during Professor Gary Eberle’s 400-level Shakespeare class, he instructed us on a Friday that if we really wanted to understand the Bard’s comedies, we needed to fall in love over the weekend. That came as a tall order for even this studious English major, not to mention the timing fell during production for what was then known as the Aquinas Times, the student newspaper for which I served as assistant editor. Fall in love — yeah, right. That’ll happen. (Editors are such cynics.) After class, as I worked in the makeshift newsroom tucked away in the basement of the Wege Center, I realized I’d need help over the weekend to meet our next deadline for the Times. So I emailed Claire, a fellow English major in the Shakespeare class who’d expressed an interest in writing and editing for the paper, to see if she had time to lend a hand. That Saturday morning, we met at the office, pored over copy and designed and proofed pages.
We made for quite the efficient team. Then sometime around noon, she got hungry and asked if I wanted to go upstairs to the cafeteria to have lunch with her. I froze. I got really nervous. You see, we had been classmates for four years. I knew her as an incredibly smart, funny and attractive young woman who really liked Elton John. But I suffered from an acute shyness when it came to dealing with the opposite sex and never took the risk. This time, however, something possessed me to bargain with her. I told her that I’d love to go to lunch, but then I tacked on a question: “Would you like to go on a date with me this week?” Her answer: Yes. From there, it just clicked between us. We fell head-over-heels for each other, got engaged later that year and married in 2005 in an intimate ceremony on the Aquinas campus. After all these years, we’re still going strong. And yes, we both aced Shakespeare class. Cheers,
Revue profiles fashionable locals and spotlights chic shopping hot spots and must-have items.
Joe Boomgaard, Editor
APRIL: The Food Issue Slowly but surely, West Michigan has eked out a reputation as a burgeoning foodie scene. In this issue, we explore the top locally owned destinations for five-course meals, cheap eats and everything in between.
TO ADVERTISE: Call (616) 608-6170 or email sales@revuewm.com. Space reservation is the 15th of the month before publication.
10 | REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017
EDITORIAL Publisher Brian Edwards Associate Publisher Rich Tupica / rich@revueholding.com Editor Joe Boomgaard / joe@revuewm.com Managing Editor Josh Veal / josh@revuewm.com Copy Editor Claire Boomgaard DESIGN Creative Director Kim Kibby / kim@revuewm.com Revue Arts Design Rachel Harper CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Audria Larsen Missy Black Kelly Brown Justine Burdette Dana Casadei Dwayne Hoover Nick Macksood Marla R. Miller
Eric Mitts Samara Napolitan Troy Reimink Nicole Rico Jane Simons Josh Spanninga Elma Talundzic Kayla Tucker
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Katy Batdorff, Isaac Aoki ADVERTISING / 616.608.6170 / sales@revuewm.com Kelli Belanger / kelli@revuewm.com Joe Langlois / joelanglois@revuewm.com DIGITAL EDITOR Kim Kibby / kim@revuewm.com
FIND US ONLINE!
UPCOMING IS SUE S MARCH: The Revue Style Guide
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
Website: revuewm.com Twitter: twitter.com/revuewm Facebook: facebook.com/revuewm Instagram: instagram.com/revuewm REVUE is published monthly by Revue Holding Company. 65 Monroe Center, Ste. 5, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Office: 616.608.6170 / Fax: 616.608.6182 ©2017, Revue Holding Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part granted only by written permission of the publisher in accordance with our legal statement, fools.
ON THE COVER(S): Nicholas Schultz and Laura McQueen Schultz of Grand Rapids Ballet (Photo by Isaac Aoki, story on page 15A) and David Ringler of Cedar Springs Brewing Co. (Photo by Katy Batdorff, story on page 42).
REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017 |
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/// BEST BETS
WHAT’S GOING ON THIS MONTH | Compiled by Nicole Rico and Revue staff
ONGOING
Foreign Policy Discussions
Aquinas College Performing Arts Center 1703 Robinson Rd. SE, Grand Rapids Mondays, 6-7:15 p.m. $10 members, $15 non-members worldmichigan.org, (616)776-1721 If you’re concerned about the state of politics, you might want to check out these discussions presented by the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan. This nonprofit, non-advocacy organization is educating local residents with the help of national experts on U.S. foreign policy and international issues one discussion at a time. Feb. 6 is all about Rx: Prescription for Latin America; Feb. 13 is Choke Points: The World’s Water, Food, and Energy Crises; Feb. 20 discusses Nuclear Proliferation. Nuclear Insecurity?; and Feb. 27 brings South China Sea: Clash of Strategies. For more information about the events and guest speakers, visit worldmichigan.org.
2/2
AJJ + Joyce Manor
SCHEDULE | DINING | SIGHTS | SOUNDS SCENE
The Pyramid Scheme 68 Commerce Ave., Grand Rapids 7 p.m., $20 pyramidschemebar.com, (616) 272-3758 AJJ and Joyce Manor are both powerhouses in the modern punk-rock scene, even if they take the genre in fairly different directions. AJJ, with its strong leanings toward folk, released The Bible 2 in fall of last year. Even at just 30 minutes long, the record is dense with memorable lyrics and lo-fi melodies. A few months later came Joyce Manor’s even shorter release, Cody, rife with catchy choruses and guitars reminiscent of golden-age ’90s emo. Mannequin Pussy also joins as a special guest.
2/4
Taj Weekes and Adowa Founders 235 Grandville Ave., Grand Rapids 9:30 p.m.
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$5, 21 and up foundersbrewing.com, (616) 776-2182 Taj Weekes and Adowa stop by Founders this month to bring their Caribbean grooves to the stage. Weekes — a self-described musician, poet and humanitarian — has released five acclaimed reggae albums, the latest being Love, Herb & Reggae. Also making an appearance is Grand Rapids’ beloved Vox Vidorra.
2/6 Michigin Release Party
Long Road Distillers 537 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids 4 p.m.-12 a.m. longroaddistillers.com Long Road Distillers will be releasing its (and maybe anyone’s) first-ever AllMichigan gin. The red winter wheat comes from Heffron Farms and the juniper was hand-picked by Long Road staff on Beaver Island. Throw in some Michigan hops and you’ve got yourself Michigin. Bottles of the homegrown libation obviously will be for sale, while gin cocktails and Michigin pours are half-off (yes, 50-percent) all night.
2/7 Dita Von Teese: The
Art of the Teese
7:30 p.m. $20, 18 and up 20 Monroe Live 11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
FRONTIER RUCKUS
20monroelive.com, (844) 678-5483 Dubbed a “burlesque superheroine” by Vanity Fair, Dita Von Teese has toured the world with her unique strip tease performances. This tour includes new costumes, new numbers, special guests, and an all-new male “Vontourage” to accompany Von Teese.
2/10
WYCE Jammies XVIII
The Intersection 133 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids 5:30-11:30 p.m., $5 sectionlive.com, (616) 451-8232
WYCE’s annual music awards party is back again, this year with 25 bands performing across two stages at The Intersection. Oldtimers like The Go Rounds and Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish join Jammies newcomers like Heaters and Emma Loo. Throughout the night, awards will be presented for various categories including Best New Artist and Song of the Year. An afterparty hosted by Seth Bernard follows.
DITA VON TEESE
The Verve Pipe
20 Monroe Live 11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids 7 p.m. $15-$35, All ages 20monroelive.com, 1-844-678-5483 The Verve Pipe has continued to bring textured tunes to fans ever since its genesis in East Lansing in the early ’90s. Songs like “The Freshmen” and “Photograph” quickly put them on the map as they climbed up the charts. Now, the band is prepping a new acoustic “Villains” LP. Opening the show is Papa Vegas.
2/17
Frontier Ruckus
Old Dog Tavern 402 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo 9 p.m., $12 olddogtavern.com, (269) 381-5677 Praised by everyone from Rolling Stone to Ryan Adams, Frontier Ruckus is a poetic
fixture in the Michigan folk-rock scene. The band is known for its lyrically layered and musically expansive sound. Check it out at Old Dog Tavern on Feb. 17 at the band’s CD release party for its fourth LP, Enter The Kingdom.
2/21 Geek Chic: The
Evolution of Comics
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids 6:30-9 p.m., $50 meijergardens.org, (616) 808-3600 A collaboration between Vault of Midnight and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park brings Charley Tucker, a selfproclaimed “ambassador for all things geeky,” to give an insider’s look into the world of comic books. Tucker has given talks like this before, including at the Grand Rapids Feminist Film Festival. She’ll discuss
how the world of comic books has grown into what is are today, taking over movie theaters, television and pop culture in general. Plus, there will be hors d’oeuvres and beverages for all.
2/24
Valentiger
Old Dog Tavern 402 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo FREE! 9 p.m. olddogtavern.com, (269) 381-5677
Valentiger’s latest album, Stray Animals, pairs pensive melodies with pop confections and cemented the band as a West Michigan favorite. Also performing, Samantha Cooper is a multi-instrumentalist songwriter and educator who honed her craft working alongside Maraj and Chris Bathgate, among others. Breathe Owl Breathe opens.
Chippendales 2017: Best. Night. Ever. Tour
20 Monroe Live 11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids 8 p.m. $20, 18 and up 20monroelive.com, 1-844-678-5483
In the midst of their Best. Night. Ever. Tour, the notorious Chippendales performs for 2 million people annually and regularly tours the globe. Check it out if you’re seeking your own Magic Mike experience.
2/25
Echoes of Pink Floyd
Bell’s Eccentric Cafe 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo 8 p.m., $25 bellsbeer.com, (269) 382-2332
Diehard Pink Floyd enthusiasts will want to check out Echoes of Pink Floyd playing at Bell’s Eccentric Café this month. The show includes a massive, colorful laser show and has been a staple for Pink Floyd fans for over a decade.
Mark Lavengood Bluegrass Bonanza
Seven Steps Up 116 S. Jackson St., Spring Lake 8:30 p.m., $18 pindropconcerts.com, (616) 678-3618
MARK LAVENGOOD
The bearded Mark Lavengood is unforgettable, a multi-instrumentalist performing with multiple bands across Grand Rapids. Catch Lavengood with his guitar, suspenders and signature big ol’ smile onstage at Seven Steps Up in this standing room-only show. It’s not just bluegrass — it’s a bluegrass bonanza, with enough charisma, energy and talent to fill the room.
2/26
DC, Aerosmith, Eric Clapton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Meatloaf, Queen, The Who, ZZ Top and many more. All of that builds up to a guitar duel at the end as a grand finale. It’s two-and-a-half hours, so not only do you know you’re getting your money’s worth, but you’re pretty much guaranteed to hear your favorite classic anthems.
Find more events in the Revue Arts section and at revuewm.com!
Seth Bernard
Salt of the Earth 114 E. Main St., Fennville 7 p.m., $15 saltoftheearthfennville.com, (269) 561-7258
Seth Bernard has been a notable folk troubadour since the early 2000s. This long-time Earthwork Music artist is touring in support of his album, Reconciliation and Beyond the Beyonda, an album that “captures the essence of life and the eternal flow of the circle in which all life resides,” according to musician Mark Lavengood.
2/27
The Classic Rock Show
DeVos Performance Hall 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids 8 p.m., $34.50-39.50 devosperformancehall.com, (616) 742-6500
The Classic Rock Show is bringing its new show — The Alphabet of Rock — to Grand Rapids, performing hits from AC/
2/28
Pierce the Veil
ADVANCE WARNINGS Jeezy
20 Monroe Live 11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids March 3, 7 p.m., $30-$50 20monroelive.com, (844) 678-5483 Atlanta-native Jeezy is hitting the stage at 20 Monroe Live this March, bringing his southern-rap sound to Grand Rapids’ newest venue. His latest album, 2016’s Trap or Die 3, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and produced the singles “Let Em Know” and “All There.”
Wilco
The Intersection 133 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids 6 p.m., $29.50-35 sectionlive.com, (616) 451-8232 Post-hardcore legends Pierce the Veil return to Grand Rapids not long after the release of Misadventures, the band’s fourth full-length. This record has all of the band’s signature moves, with frantic guitar riffs, an even combo of smooth singing and intense screaming, and a touch of Latin influence. Special guests include Falling In Reverse and Crown The Empire.
Kalamazoo State Theatre 404 S. Burdick, Kalamazoo March 14, 6 p.m., $50 kazoostate.com, (269) 345-6500 Touring in support of the new album, Schmilco, Wilco’s sound is a little quieter these days, especially in comparison to 2015’s surprise album, Star Wars. According to The Chicago Tribune, “As comforting as this album can sometimes sound on the surface, it’s also strange and unsettling.” Tickets are going fast — reserve them now at kazoostate.com.
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11, 9
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18, 9
28, 9 (269) 384-6756 125 .
. REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017 |
SCENE SOUNDS | SIGHTS | DINING | SCHEDULE
16, 8
13
/// NEWS
WEST MICHIGAN
Shake Shack as “proposed” tenants, developers often produce renderings with stores they’d like to attract, so it’s not necessarily indication of what is to come.
BIZ BEAT
GROWTH:
A Roundup of Openings, Closings and other Local Business News
OPENING:
Parliament Collective (136 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids) is celebrating a “Grand Reopening” on Feb. 3, 2017, just a few doors away from its previous location. The collective of three co-owners were working with a studio separate from the actual storefront before, but now it will all be in one place. Soho Sushi (58 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids) is open for business where XO Asian Cuisine once stood. XO closed last fall, shortly after being temporarily shut down for numerous health code violations. The new restaurant moved the sushi bar’s location but retained much of the interior. Menu-wise, Soho focuses on specialty sushi, but also offers Chinese and Thai entrees.
Check out the super affordable lunch specials if you work downtown. Anna’s House (4700 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo) is now open down in Kalamazoo, in what used to be Sophia’s House of Pancakes. Anna’s House is growing into a chain, now with five locations across West Michigan.
OTHER CHANGES:
Woodland Mall (3195 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids) has announced some big changes, with the 300,000-square-foot Sears closing, allowing new stores to move in. Also, the Apple store will be moving to a much larger space down the hall, according to two sources. While renderings show stores such as REI and
Essence Restaurant Group is opening a second Green Well Gastropub location at 8 E. Bridge St. in downtown Rockford. The space was previously occupied by Reds On the River, which moved to Thousand Oaks Golf Club last year, partially due to a lack of parking. Essence, on the other hand, is embracing the walkability of downtown Rockford, an executive told our sister publication, MiBiz. Essence also operates Grove and Bistro Bella Vita.
CLOSED:
Bagger Dave’s (241 Fulton St., Grand Rapids) closed in January, with seven years remaining on the lease agreement, after a record of poor sales. The property management company, Eenhoorn LLC, is now looking for a new tenant in what is considered a prime location, being downtown and near the river. —Compiled by Josh Veal If you have any closings, openings or other business news for REVUE, e-mail josh@revuewm.com.
Soho Sushi is now open in the former space of XO Asian Cuisine.
YOU > ®
The Flashing Red Lights The Network Systems Administrator Program Network errors are inevitable. The flashing red lights on your SCHEDULE | DINING | SIGHTS | SOUNDS SCENE
network devices tell you that traffic has STOPPED. For you that red light means GO. They make you take action to solve a problem, re-establish communication, and get the job done. You understand that the network is all important and that uptime is the only metric that really matters.
YOU >® You Think You Are
14 | REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017
Grand Rapids Kalamazoo 616.574.7500
Lansing 517.318.4005 CareerInIT.com
Flexible tuition funding options and job placement assistance are available. We accept corporate tuition assistance and training grants for those who qualify. Our classes are available on campus and online for your convenience.
REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017 |
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upcoming Taylor Hicks That 1 Guy 02.17.2017 9PM FRONTIER RUCKUS
Kyle Hollingsworth & The Nth Power Less is More & Nashon Holloway
$10 at Brown Paper Tickets $12 Day of Show
(269) 381-5677 | 402 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo
Knee Deep Shag Echoes of Pink Floyd doppelbock release party
great food
live music
february shows 2/2 Nicholas James 2/4 Steve Hilger Band
SCHEDULE | DINING | SIGHTS | SOUNDS | SCENE
2/9 Mary Rademacher
The Accidentals
2/11 Rawhide Johnson Band
2/16 The Moxie Strings
Electric Six Turkuaz
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2/18 Juke Joint Hand-Me-Downs
Sunday Brunch 11am-4pm
HOURS:
T U E - W E D 1 1 AM- 1 0 PM T H U R - F R I 1 1 AM- 1 1 PM S A T 5 PM- 1 1 PM & S U N 1 1 AM- 4 PM
2/23 Kathy Lamar 2/25 Troll for Trout
136 East Fulton, Grand rapids | 616.235.7669 | onetrick.BIZ
/// MUSIC VENUES
20 Monroe Live’s grand opening is Feb. 1 with Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue. Pictured here is the downtown Grand Rapids venue’s marquee, overlooking Fulton Street, and the space itself, with construction still in progress. PHOTOS: AMBER STOKOSA, LIVE NATION
20 YEARS LATER: 20 MONROE LIVE Grand Rapids’ new venue comes to life after two decades of planning
| by Troy Reimink
G
natural tour stop between rooms such as The Fillmore Detroit and the wide circuit of Chicago concert halls. The $16 million 20 Monroe Live will have a capacity of 2,580, adjustable for smaller shows. Grand Rapids has lacked a venue that bridges the gap between clubs like The Intersection (about 1,800 capacity) and the Orbit Room (1,700) and arenas like the DeltaPlex (6,200) and Van Andel (11,000). “A lot of the music I’ve wanted to listen to, I had to leave town,” Gilmore said. “We’ll have a mid-sized venue between DeVos Hall and the arena that can bring in some of the bigger names. One of our goals was: We don’t have to go to Kalamazoo to the State Theatre. We don’t have to go to Lansing.” Live Nation’s House of Blues Entertainment will operate 20 Monroe Live with the goal of attracting talent that would otherwise typically skip Grand Rapids between Detroit and Chicago tour stops. Heading up that effort is Josh Newman, a promoter and talent buyer with Live Nation in Detroit, who said a venue the size of 20 Monroe Live opens up a lot of possibilities for Grand Rapids’ concert market. “The artists and the agents and the managers know there’s an audience in West Michigan,” Newman said. “It’s just a matter of
there being a room for those acts. If you look at the initial acts that we put on sale, probably 75 percent of them don’t come to Grand Rapids unless that room is there.” That lineup includes artists spanning a variety of genres — Trombone Shorty, Umphrey’s McGee, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Shinedown, Young the Giant, Dropkick Murphys, The Head and the Heart, Jeezy, Peter Frampton, The Flaming Lips and Primus. Newman expects 20 Monroe Live to host up to 150 shows per year. Grand Rapids, he said, has grown steadily into a concert market capable of sustaining a major venue of this size, confirmed by strong early ticket sales. “This is not something that happened overnight,” Newman said. “It’s not that all of a sudden Grand Rapids became Beer City and now bands want to play here. It’s because of all the work that’s been put in by everybody to make it a viable market. It used to be that Grand Rapids was competing with Lexington, Ky. and Fort Wayne, Ind. to get shows. Now Grand Rapids is solidly competing with major markets like Cincinnati and Cleveland and Indianapolis. “I don’t have to beg people to come to Grand Rapids anymore.”
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SCENE | SOUNDS | SIGHTS | DINING | SCHEDULE
REG GILMORE BEGAN PASSING A KIDNEY STONE right as his dream was about to come true. The Grand Rapids businessman who owns the B.O.B. and the Gilmore Collection restaurant group was on his way to Detroit three years ago for a meeting with Live Nation, the giant national concert promotion company, about a possible partnership on the music venue he’d long hoped to build downtown. Shortly before he arrived, something unpleasant started happening. “I actually sat at the desk, bent over in horrible pain, and pointed at the papers and said, ‘This is what I want to do,’” Gilmore told Revue in January, as construction on 20 Monroe Live neared completion. Most people probably would have turned around or at least postponed the meeting to seek medical attention. But Gilmore had spent nearly two decades trying to realize his vision of a marquee music venue in the heart of Grand Rapids, and a mere kidney stone wasn’t going to derail him.
In 1996, Gilmore opened the B.O.B. — a multi-level restaurant and entertainment complex whose name stands for “big old building” — across Fulton Street from the then-brand-new Van Andel Arena. Immediately, he saw more potential in an area that (at the time) was of little interest to developers or out-of-town visitors. “Shortly after we opened here, I tried to reconfigure the building to see if we could make a larger space for entertainment, and it wasn’t feasible architecturally,” Gilmore said. “I started to conceptualize what we could do next door. It was a 20-year thought process.” He began the lengthy, complicated process of acquiring an adjacent city-owned parking lot and conceiving a workable plan for the expansion. The oft-delayed project, once nicknamed “Bobville,” has evolved since Gilmore first presented it publicly in 2008. The finished structure includes Venue Tower, a $22 million, 14-story Orion Construction venture with 88 apartments. One piece of the puzzle has remained constant through the years — it would include a state-of-the-art, medium-sized performance venue in a House of Blues-style format that would fill a long-vacant space in Grand Rapids’ cultural portfolio: A venue that would be a
17
/// ON TOUR
NOT FOR NOTHIN’
Cloud Nothings tour new record at Calvin College | by Eric Mitts
a van. Midway through, the band took a few weeks off to record a third LP, Here and Nowhere Else. It’s a blistering, breakneck record that captured the frantic frenzy of their S A COLLEGE DROPOUT, life on the road. THE IRONY OF PERFORMAll told, Cloud Nothings spent the better ING on a campus isn’t lost on part of four years touring, cranking through Cloud Nothings vocalist/guitarist amped-up gigs six nights a week — including Dylan Baldi. a raucous stop at the Pyramid Scheme back The 25-year-old musician in 2014 — before Baldi and company retreated only spent two months at Cleveland’s to their families in the “quiet, level-headed” Case Western Reserve University, where he confines of Cleveland. majored in music and audio recording tech“I don’t want to do that again necessarily, nology, before starting Cloud Nothings in his but it is nice to strike a balance between home parents’ basement at age 18. time and tour,” Baldi said. “I like travelling Music soon became his escape — both and I like hanging out with my friends in a from college and Cleveland — as the tracks van driving around the country. That’s fun. he created at home on Garageband generated But it’s also nice to feel like buzz via MySpace back in you have a home and a family 2009, when it was still capable again.” of breaking bands into the CLOUD NOTHINGS During the time back indie-rock blogosphere. wsg. Moon Bros home, Cloud Nothings also “When I was in college Calvin College Covenant Fine Arts took a much more relaxed apfor two months, the only Center Auditorium 3201 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids proach to a brand new album, thing I liked about it was Feb. 6, 8 p.m. Life Without Sound (released there were shows that would $20 public, $10 with Calvin ID, Jan. 27). happen,” Baldi told Revue all ages Finished in March 2016, in anticipation of his band’s sao.calvin.edu, (616) 526-6000 the album took shape over gig at Calvin College on Feb. almost two years, with the 6. “So I like to think that band lying low and working hopefully someone who’s in at a more conventional pace when it came college and having a bad time can be excited to songwriting. about these shows. Hopefully that helps them “It was great to have that time, actually, get through it.” because writing lyrics is frightening to me,” After releasing an essentially-solo effort Baldi said. “I’m confident I can play guitar titled Turning On in 2010, and a jangly, pop— I’m not going to hear a record and be like, punk self-titled LP in 2011, Baldi and his ‘Oh, I wish I played guitar differently on that bandmates — drummer Jayson Gerycz and album.’ But the lyrics are the thing where bassist/vocalist TJ Duke — took a stylistic left people will sing along at the show and I’m turn with the bleak and bombastic Attack on going to have to sing this stuff every single Memory in 2012. day. Recorded with legendary producer Steve “I really obsess that it’s not something Albini, the album’s sonic assault shattered stupid that I have to say at every show.” the band’s innocent online identity in just The album’s title, Life Without Sound, seconds and quickly became a critical favorite comes directly from a lyric to one of the worldwide. songs and alludes to one of its larger emoRelentless touring followed, with the tional themes. band embarking on a whirlwind trek inside
SCHEDULE | DINING | SIGHTS | SOUNDS | SCENE
A
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“This whole record is a little bit more about loss, but not so much in a bad way,” Baldi said. “Kind of realizing that it’s OK to have those things happen to you. It’s OK to lose. It’s just what happens to you. You lose stuff, and you gain things, and you just kind of keep going and keep doing what you’re doing.” The band will play as a four-piece for the first time since 2013 with the addition of longtime friend Chris Brown on lead guitar. “It’s almost like he’s always been in the band,” Baldi said. “We see him all the time, so it doesn’t feel different necessarily. Except, I forgot how much I liked the band when we
had two guitars as opposed to just the one. We toured for the last couple of years as just a three-piece out of necessity almost. Then once we added Chris in, it just sounded so much better.” While Baldi doesn’t plan on heading back to college just yet, the album does find the previously depressed songwriter eager to engage with the world in a new way as he heads forward into 2017. “It’s not necessarily a political record, I wouldn’t say,” he said. “The record is about recognizing the importance of thinking about that stuff … and not (being) stuck in your own little world.”
Cloud Nothings
PHOTO: JESSE LIROLA
hope college concert series
/// LOCAL MUSIC
presents
T WIN PEAKS
Park Theatre | 8pm fe b ruar y 17
The Crane Wives
PHOTO: LEAH RENEE
DOWN IN THE ALLEY
THE JAPANESE HOUSE
Park Theatre | 8pm fe b r u a r y 2 4
| by Marla Miller
C
is a chance to get together with old and new friends and chase the winter blues away.” Tables may be reserved, with admission included, for $55 for a four-top and $80 for an eight-top. Reserved tables are limited and sold on a first come basis.
THE ALLEY DOOR CLUB
Frauenthal Center 2nd and 4th Fridays, through April 7-10 p.m., $7 Doors open at 6 p.m. for happy hour and $1 off drinks frauenthal.org, (231) 727-8001
SCHEDULE
Feb. 10: Brena, a rock band from Grand Rapids, with Odd Side Ales Feb. 24: Janey B. & The House Rockers, soulful rockin’ blues, with New Holland Brewing March 10: The Carl Web Band, an eclectic blend of American music, with Vander Mill Cider March 24: The Crane Wives, homegrown Indie-folk that defies musical stereotypes, with Grand Armory Brewing Company April 14: Westside Soul Surfers, covering a range of tastes, genres and eras, with Pigeon Hill Brewery Apr. 28: Yard Sale Underwear, the self-proclaimed king of polyester, pop and soul, with Unruly Brewery
JOSH GARRELS/ JOHN MARK MCMILLAN
THE R EVELATOR S TOUR Dimnent Chapel | 7:30pm febr uar y 27
tickets @ hope.edu/concerts REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017 |
SCENE | SOUNDS | SIGHTS | DINING | SCHEDULE
REATED AS A SPEAKEASYSTYLE VE N U E TO H EAR live blues in dow ntow n Muskegon, The Alley Door Club even had an alley door entrance when it kicked off 11 years ago. During a time of year when there is not a lot to do in Muskegon and there aren’t many people around, Alley Door’s longevity is a testament to its success. The club added craft beer to the lineup last year and will celebrate another season with local and regional musicians and beer on tap from West Michigan breweries. For those who don’t like beer, there’s also a full bar. The bands play 7-10 p.m. and fans access the club through the Hilt Building doors off Western Avenue. Purchase tickets at the Box Office and ride the elevator to the third floor for a casual, low-key atmosphere with dancing and fun. The brainchild of Bill Bodell, former technical director at Frauenthal Center, the club was started as a way to showcase various bands and shake off winter as well as offer an alternative to the bar scene to a more mature crowd. This year’s lineup has bands for all ages and tastes and new music to experience. “It is exciting to be launching another year of The Alley Door Club at the Frauenthal Center,” said Ricki Levine, Frauenthal Center’s managing director. “It
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/// PLAYLIST
SONGS WE LIKE: WYCE 2016 STAFF PICKS
FEBRUARY FIRST-RUNS OPENING FEBRUARY 10 FIFTY SHADES DARKER L L L THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE L L L JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 OPENING FEBRUARY 17 A CURE FOR WELLNESS DECEMBER SPECIALTY FEBRUARY 1 THE PRINCESS BRIDE Movie Party FEBRUARY 6 Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart in SABRINA FEBRUARY 7 MOULIN ROUGE Movie Party FEBRUARY 11 & 16 MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO FEBRUARY 12 Cher and Nicolas Cage in MOONSTRUCK FEBRUARY 15 Keira Knightley in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
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FEBRUARY 19 Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? FEBRUARY 21 Stanley Kubrick's A CLOCKWORK ORANGE FEBRUARY 23 FRIED GREEN TOMATOES FEBRUARY 26 Afternoon Tea: THE YOUNG VICTORIA Visit drafthouse.com/kalamazoo for showtimes and tickets
DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE PLEASE CHECK DRAFTHOUSE.COM/KALAMAZOO FOR UPDATES
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by WYCE Staff
This is a sonic collaboration among Revue, WYCE and AMI Jukeboxes. Play this mix as a playlist on AMI Jukeboxes or stream it on wyce.org.
CASSIE Lee Fields & The Expressions — “Never Be Another You” Old soul mixed with new sounds results in a shower-singing tune. Lee proves his pipes the entire record and this one is a perfect example. Hiss Golden Messenger — “Highland Grace” Found as the finale of the album, MC Taylor melds Van Morrison repertoire and saxophone to melt me into a bowl of jelly. Temples — “Certainty” This UK psych band’s debut release was the first album I reviewed for the station and they’ve stuck to me since. With how tumultuous last year was and the election season drop date, this 2016 single was really what I was looking for. Liquidity and complexity in sound with a clear lyrical mantra: certainty.
most of his work after he turned 80, so here’s to setting the bar even higher.
QUINN David Bowie — “Lazarus” No brainer. Song of 2016. Says everything. Period. Charles Bradley — “Cumberland Blues” I was a big fan of “Day of The Dead,” the Grateful Dead tribute that The National put out with so many great artists. This track by one of the greats kills it. Ra Ra Riot — “Water” I have to admit I’m kind of sick of this song now, but if I looked back at the song I played the most and probably hummed the most in my head in 2016, this would win. I’m singing it right now, actually.
MATT Jesca Hoop — “The Lost Sky” This is the first single from the forthcoming album Memories Are Now. Her 2016 collab with Sam Beam (of Iron & Wine) was a pivotal moment in her career; looking forward to what’s next.
Cloud Nothings — “Modern Act” This first single from Life Without Sound is an early indication that the Cleveland indie rock band is due for a big year. They’re at Calvin College on Feb. 6 and visiting WYCE that day! Esperanza Spalding — “One” My “Song of the Year,” if you will. The virtuoso bassist, singer, songwriter has everything — groove, soul, chops, crystal-clear voice. She shows respect to traditional jazz and R&B lineage while charting her own course within fusion.
SHANE Matt Pond PA — “In Winter” Like hot cocoa by the fireplace. A little pop confection to make you feel all warm and fuzzy. Elayna Boynton — “Honey I Told You” An artist to watch in 2017. Michael Kiwanuka — “Love & Hate” (Danger Mouse Edit) A sweeping orchestral throwback reminiscent of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On?”
PETE Mitski — “Your Best American Girl” People thought I picked Puberty 2 as “Album of the Month” just to hear programmers have to say “puberty” a lot on the air. Look who’s laughing now! Mitski is an incredibly exciting newcomer with many years ahead of her. Charles Bradley — “Ain’t it a Sin” At age 68, one of the most genuine modern rock icons alive put out his third and possibly best album. He’s real — he’s been through it, and this is a perfect song for the era. Theo Croker — “It’s Gonna Be Alright” Croker is easily one of the most exciting jazz musicians of our era. With evidence of jazz royalty in his blood, his new album preserves the art by incorporating several eras including its roots. I was prepared for a let-down after his last release, but Croker’s grandfather put out
David Bowie
Charles Bradley
GET RE A DY TO SEE STA RS
BIG & RICH
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17
AARON LEWIS
LOVERBOY
THE SINNER TOUR FRIDAY, MARCH 31
FRIDAY, MARCH 10
Tickets available now at the FireKeepers Box Office, FireKeepersCasino.com or 877.FKC.8777.
GET RE ADY. GET SET. GET YOUR
ON
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Must be 21 or older. Tickets based on availability. Schedule subject to change.
REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017 |
21
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STYLE NOTES
by Missy Black
Club Red T
his February, harness the power of color with items that speak to the passion of the season. When you wear red, “it makes a lovely statement — a classic statement that never goes out of style,” said Deidre DeHaan, a licensed aesthetician and professional makeup artist from Leigh’s in Grand Rapids. Leigh’s offers beauty services and products, along with day-spa services, to help you look your best. From makeup application for special events to lessons and events, Leigh’s has plenty of beauty inspiration in all shades of red. The trend for spring is bold lips, so try Laura Mercier’s Smile shade for $28. “It makes you smile, isn’t overly bright and has a bit of shimmer adding volume to lips,” DeHaan said. Another option is Perfect Red from Trish McEvoy. “It’s a fabulous red and fabulous product that’s both a lip and cheek color in one, so it’s one less thing to put in your makeup bag,” DeHaan said. This color is a great middle-of-theroad pigment that’s not too warm and not too cool, retailing for $31. If you’re interested in a pro-tip, DeHaan recommends covering lips with a light layer of concealer or foundation prior to applying your lip color. This creates a clean, neutral palette for the hue to stand out and last longer.
Jade, Rockford.
Just try to go unnoticed in these red skinny jeans from Angry Rabbit. $78. Euphoria Boutique, Lowell.
It’s all about fun statement sockwear for men. The red and grey argyle option contributes 100 days of clean water for every purchase. You’ve got to love that! $12. boldSOCKS, Grand Rapids.
Play the temptress with this wrap dress in a sassy, primary color by Tua. $69. Lana’s Boutique, Kalamazoo.
REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017 |
SCENE | SOUNDS | SIGHTS DINING | SCHEDULE
All eyes are on you in the official date night top with a sultry neckline. $42.
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by Dwayne Hoover
COMEDY
On the Road Again: Stephen Lynch
SCHEDULE | DINING | SIGHTS SOUNDS | SCENE
O
Lynch had a quiet few years since the N A R A N D O M release and subsequent touring of his last W E DN E SDAY I N release, Lion, an album he described as a labor DE CE M BE R , I decided to of love. It not only changed the way he wrote meander down to Louie’s Trophy and the way he approached songwriting in House Grill to participate in general, but also resulted in a collection of Open Mic Night, not having songs that he genuinely liked and was proud done so for months. After orof. But it was exhausting too. dering the first of my standard Bell’s Two “(I) put a shitload of work into that one, Hearted Ale pre-game beers, I sat down with then we toured on that thing for (about twohost Megan Dooley to chit-chat for a bit and and-a-half years) and it culminated with the catch up on life. But before too long, she let recording of the special (Hello, Kalamazoo) me in on this particular night’s little secret. that I did,” Lynch said. “So when it was done, “You picked a good night to come out,” I was like, ‘Oh my god, now I have to do this she said. “Stephen Lynch is going to be here.” all over again.’ It was a daunting and bleak Wait, what? future I saw in front of me, because I had I talked with Lynch, and it turns out that nothing. I had no ideas. for some time, he and his wife had been living “I had a lot of music, but I didn’t feel in both New York and Kalamazoo, splitting particularly funny.” their time between the two cities. But about It took a while before Lynch could get four-and-a-half years ago, they found themback in the groove, but once he did, it went selves less-than-thrilled about going back to relatively quickly. He hammered out eight or New York and wondering, “Why don’t we just nine songs over the course live where we want to live?” of just a few months. With So they sold their house out some new material under his east, bought a place in The STEPHEN LYNCH belt, he decided it was time Zoo and have been full-time Wealthy Theatre to bring on the funny. residents ever since. 1130 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids February 13, 7:00 p.m., $30.50 “It’s been like three years Accordingly, Lynch had grcmc.org/theatre, (616) 459-4788 since I toured and I didn’t met local favorite Megan want to go on the road just Dooley and was familiar playing the old shit,” he said. with the open-mic night “It’s not a greatest hits tour — it should be she hosted at Louie’s. He reached out to her some of the new and some of the old.” when he had some new songs and asked if she Lynch doesn’t follow musical convention could quietly fit him on the bill in order to when it comes to releasing a new record, then test them out. So she penciled him in at 9:40 touring to support it. Instead, given the comep.m. under the pseudonym Chazz McGruff. dic nature of his material, he likes to first take “I wanted to try out some material that’s his new songs on the road to see how they are just been sitting up in my office and torture received by live audiences. Then he can tweak chamber for the last couple of years hiding, them as the tour progresses. and I had never played any of these songs for “I go out and I do a couple legs of a tour any living, breathing human beings,” Lynch and I try out all this new stuff,” he said. “I said. fix it as I go when I see what works and what He then decided that debuting these doesn’t work. Then when I get home, I go pieces at a musical open mic would allow for record it. By that time, people have already less pressure and more of a surprise than a heard it, but I get the best versions of every comedy open mic. song.” “I wanted sort of the expectation of no While he has both plans and enough expectation, just being a guy who’s just going material for a new, full-length album, Lynch to play a couple tunes, like everybody was admits that he never truly knows how things that night,” he said. will play out.
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“I may have to whittle it down to an EP. You never know,” he said, laughing. “I think it’s good stuff. I’ll find out. Reality could punch me in the face the very first night of this tour, but, you know, it makes me laugh, so f*** it.”
Comedian-musician Stephen Lynch PHOTO: DALE MAY
INDIE FILM
by Josh Spanninga
Film stills from The Taker’s Crown, which is scheduled to debut this April.
Michigan Filmmaker’s Fantasy Becomes Reality with The Taker’s Crown
F
“While I was doing that I was like, ‘Wow. I can’t believe I miss it this much,’” Swanson said. “It kind of just got me back into it from there.” This year, Swanson plans to introduce audiences to his very own Tolkien-esque world in the form of his new full-length film, The Taker’s Crown. The Taker’s Crown follows King Wiglaf as he searches the land of Everwyn for the titular relic before it falls into the hands of the evil Titan thief Tome. Along the way, he assembles a team of heroes to help him in his endeavor to recover the crown and save the world. “This universe I’m creating that surrounds The Taker’s Crown has kind of been my personal passion for the past four years now,” Swanson said. “Everyday, I just spend hours thinking about this universe and how I can develop it.” Initially, The Taker’s Crown was intended to be a web series, but as Swanson consulted with friends and members of the local film community, he found everyone encouraging him to release it as a full-length film.
“I’m really looking forward to people seeing just how much of a variety of locations we really have in Michigan at our disposal,” Swanson said. WhiteShore Films is currently finishing up post-production on The Taker’s Crown, with hopes for an April premiere date. Shortly thereafter, the company plans to submit the film to the festival circuit, followed by distribution. Swanson says it’s an exciting time for him and the rest of the WhiteShore crew, who is eager to see what waits ahead. “When I started WhiteShore Films, I was just on fire for filmmaking,” Swanson said. “I immediately had these really big goals and visions for where I wanted to bring WhiteShore Films. We’re getting really close to being to those goals that I’ve held onto for years.”
Other Michigan-Made Films to Watch Out For If you just can’t get enough of locally-made films, here are a couple of other suggestions to check out: First up is the short drama film Two for the Show. Produced by Lansing-based Rebel Pictures, this film follows one man as he returns to his hometown to visit his dying father. While home, he attends his high school reunion, which leads to a one-night stand that could change his life. Two for the Show has already won six awards on the festival circuit and is currently available to rent or buy on Vimeo. If thrillers are more your thing, look no further than Vigilant Entertainment’s Scapegoat, in which a group of strangers wakes up in the woods and realizes they’re all being hunted. The members must work quickly to figure out what brought them there and how to survive. Scapegoat has a projected release for summer 2017.
REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017 |
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A N TA S Y H A S A LWAY S BEEN NEAR AND DEAR TO JOSIAH S WA N S O N ’ S H E A R T. I n f a c t , t h e d i r e c t o r, producer and founder of the Muskegon-based WhiteShore Films lists The Lord of the Rings as one of his biggest inspirations for becoming a filmmaker. “I used to read any book that had anything to do with mythology or anything in the fantasy/sci-f i context,” Swanson said. “That really helped to expand my imagination.“ For most of his life, Swanson utilized his imagination to create stories and films at home. Then, he went in 2009 on a brief hiatus, opting instead to focus solely on writing in an attempt to be pragmatic in his aspirations. Still, Swanson couldn’t help but miss his days behind the camera. So he jumped at the chance when a friend asked him in 2011 to help out with a short film of his own, with Swanson taking care of the camerawork.
“I realized they were right and I had a feature-length script, so I might as well shoot it as a feature film,” Swanson said. In order to create the film, Swanson enlisted the help of his WhiteShore Films production team, as well as a crew assembled from all over Michigan. The cast for the film, hailing from Detroit, were naturals in their respective roles since day one, according to Swanson. “All these actors have completely blown my mind with how well they’ve done in their roles,” Swanson said. “They’ve surpassed all my expectations with where I felt this movie was going to go.” That’s not all the state of Michigan had to offer — in order to create the diverse landscape of Everwyn, Swanson had to look no further than the borders of the Mitten State.
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LIT LIFE
by Troy Reimink
The Michigan Accent: Not A Myth
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“One reason I wrote this is I wanted O N T R A RY TO W H AT to demonstrate that the Midwest is not the MIDW E ST ER NERS OF bland standard and that Midwest accents are TEN THINK, we do speak as distinctive as anywhere else in the counwith an accent. And it’s a funny try,” McClelland said. one at that, depending whom He defines the Midwest as a vast area you ask. of the United States “west of Exit 41 on It’s achieved by “talking as the New York State Thruway, east of the though your lower jaw has fallen off and you Missouri River and north of have to form words with the rest of the Ohio River,” divided into your face,” according to Edward three dialect regions. Michigan’s McClelland. Lower Peninsula belongs to the So the author explains in Inland North region, which his new book, “How To Speak stretches west from Upstate New Midwestern,” which is both a culYork and includes Chicago and tural history of and field guide to Milwaukee. the varieties of speech throughout middle (real?) America. McClelland
CELEBRATE
SCHEDULE | DINING | SIGHTS SOUNDS | SCENE
the new year with L A S I K
Use your 2016 FLEX & HSA $0 down & interest free financing available Call to schedule a FREE Lasik exam! p. 616.365.5775
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26 | REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017
Within each zone is a glossary’s worth of regional and city-specific speech idiosyncrasies. Almost nobody outside Michigan, for instance, knows what a “party store” or a “coney dog” is, much less a “Michigan left” turn. Michiganders put an apostrophe plus “s” on proper nouns where it doesn’t belong, i.e. “Meijer’s” or “Kroger’s.” We’re unique in our use of “eh” and “yup.” Few other Americans — with the possible exception of Buffalo, N.Y. residents — will know the term “Canadian ballet” refers to a strip club. Midwesterners do have some historical justification for thinking our speech is accentless. Around the early 20th century, when the Midwest was an economic and industrial powerhouse, more and more public figures emerged from the area to normalize the dialect — including seven presidents from Ohio alone. Television’s expansion as a mass medium coincided with the Midwest’s post-World War II peak, so broadcasters were trained to speak in flat middle-American. “The Midwest was the center of the country,” McClelland said. “Half the people in North America lived within 500 miles of Cleveland. It was considered the way to appeal to the greatest number of Americans.” In recent decades, the Midwestern accent has receded from its standardized position to become as regionally identifiable as anything from New Jersey or Boston or Texas — and equally subject to mockery in pop culture. “Fargo” and the “Bill Swerski’s Super Fans” sketches from “Saturday Night Live” are well-known examples. Another “SNL” sketch from the 1990s about a phone sex line called 1-600-LANSING — where the girls really lean into the Rs and short As — is harder to find, but even more funny. Several factors contribute to the old Midwestern accent’s decline from prominence, including a strange phenomenon called the Northern Cities Vowel Shift, in which vowel sounds play a complicated game of musical chairs. Education and mobility
also have exposed Midwesterners to other accents and cultures, causing them to selfconsciously moderate their own speech. But more than anything else, McClelland said the accent has waned with the Midwest’s cultural, political and economic influence. “Deindustrialization had something to do with accent leveling,” McClelland said. This book, then, has struck an unexpected chord following the presidential election, when the media have struggled to explain how the traditional Democratic strongholds of Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin tilted the race to Donald Trump. “It’s sort of been adopted as an anthropological text by coastal and foreign journalists who want to understand the Midwest,” said McClelland, a Lansing native. McClelland will speak at 7 p.m., Feb. 16 at the Grand Rapids Public Library. His presentation, “Yes, There Is a Michigan Accent,” will include a reading, Q&A session and audio-clips of speech from famous Midwesterners such as Michael Moore, Iggy Pop and Gov. Rick Snyder.
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REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017 |
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(18+)
FEBRUARY 1
trombone shorty
w/ Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers
FEBRUARY 2
umphrey's McGee w/ Spafford
FEBRUARY 3
FEBRUARY 4
w/ Laith Al-Saadi
w/ Wayland, Greta Van Fleet
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Shinedown
(18+)
FEBRUARY 9
FEBRUARY 10
Dirty Heads
The verve pipe
w/ The Outer Vibe, Stylee Dub
FEBRUARY 12
w/ Papa Vegas
Michael Carbonaro
FEBRUARY 24
FEBRUARY 25
FEBRUARY 7
Dita von Teese "The Art of the Teese"
FEBRUARY 8
The Cadillac Three w/ Erik Dylan
(18+)
FEBRUARY 15 The Naked Magicians
FEBRUARY 17
FEBRUARY 18
Back to the '80s
Young The Giant
FEBRUARY 28
MARCH 11 w/ Belly, Project Pat
Featuring Sixteen Candles
w/ Lewis Del Mar
(18+)
FEBRUARY 23
Dropkick Murphys
Chippendales
MARCH 25
MARCH 28
w/ The Interrupters, Blood Or Whiskey
Slightly Stoopid
Jay & Silent Bob Get old
APRIL 19
real Friends
The Flaming Lips
APRIL 27
w/ Tiny Moving Parts, Have Mercy, Broadside and Nothing, Nowhere
FEBRUARY 27
pop Evil
The Head & The Heart w/ Whitney
Genesis Revisited with Classic Hackett
APRIL 2
APRIL 6
Killswitch Engage & Anthrax
w/ Red Sun Rising, Badflower
Peter Frampton
dan + Shay
Steve Hackett:
MAY 20 primus
11 OTTAWA AVE NW • DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS • 20MONROELIVE.COM
28 | REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017
APRIL 7
The Devil Wears Prada
Juicy J
APRIL 17
Modern Baseball
w/ Kevin Devine & the Goddamn Band, Sorority Noise, The Obsessives
FEBRUARY 2017
CELEBRATING WITH DIVERSITY UICA rings in 40th birthday with two massive multimedia exhibitions all about representation, equity and being unique. SEE PAGE 4A. STORY BY JUSTINE BURDETTE. COURTESY PHOTO OF SOUNDSUIT BY NICK CAVE.
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CLASSICALLY MODERN ESME strings up today’s pop and rock
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IT TAKES TWO TO PAS DE DEUX GR Ballet dancers found love onstage
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SOCK IT TO ME ‘Hand to God’ handles death with puppets
=ǤQn 7ǤQQ
Saturday, February 11th | Frauenthal Theater Doors at 6 p.m. | Show at 7 p.m. Tickets: $20 General Admission, $12 with student ID
425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon, MI 49440
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[BEST BETS] detroit you, check out “Detroit” by Lisa D’Amour at Grand Valley State University. The show is a part of the university’s Performance Studio Series, which gives students the chance couples in a suburb whose newly formed relationship goes out of control with “comic consequences.” The play contains adult content.
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DETROIT Louis Armstrong Theatre 1 N. Campus Dr., Allendale Feb. 17-19, $6 startickets.com, 616-331-2300
peter pan The classic children’s fairytale “Peter Pan” by Grand Rapids Ballet Junior Company has all the fun and exciting elements of the story, like pixie dust, pirates and mermaids.
the danish string quartet -
As winter lingers, the Danish String Quartet makes its Kalamazoo
cess, and battle with Captain Hook and his pirates. The Grand Rapids
debut this month to add a little “hygge” to your routine. Comprised of
Ballet School’s Junior Company, featuring dancers ages 10 to 19 and
three Danes and one Norwegian cellist, the quartet describes itself as
choreography by Artistic Director Attila Mosolygo, brings this production to life in the historic Frauenthal Theater.
golden age of young string quartets, this hirsute group stands out with their roguish interpretations of classical standards and gorgeous arrangements of Nordic folk songs. The concert program showcases the
Plus, the one-hour performance has no intermission so it will keep
best of all worlds, beginning with a new commission, ending with Bee-
everyone entertained.
thoven, and featuring traditional Scandinavian melodies in between.
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PETER PAN Grand Rapids Ballet Junior Company Frauenthal Center Feb. 4, 7 p.m., $6 frauenthal.org, (800) 585-3737
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THE DANISH STRING QUARTET Dalton Center Recital Hall, Western Michigan University Van De Giessen Rd., Kalamazoo Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m., $25-35 fontanamusic.org, (269) 382-7774
REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017 |
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[VISUAL ARTS]
(left) Hair Portrait by Nakeya Brown, (right) Design for a Stained Glass Window by Kehinde Wiley.
Celebrating With Diversity UICA commemorates 40th birthday with two major exhibits BY JUSTINE BURDETTE
Supermarket stationary aisles are rife with cards cheekily announcing 40th birthdays as the harbinger of old age, the demise of youth, and the decline of usefulness. Meanwhile, the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA) is choosing instead to celebrate its 40th birthday as a milestone of achievement, with two massive exhibits celebrating diversity and representation. “We knew we wanted to celebrate the work that people and organizations and locations that came before the current italso didn’t want to spend our birthday year being exclusively nostalgic. We wanted to use this as a time to look forward, to think about who we have been, who we still are, and who we are becoming.” THEM: Art from the Pizzuti Collection. Originating at the Pizzuti Collection in
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hibit of 42 international artists who tackle issues of politics, religion and racism through more than 50 contemporary works of art covering a wide range of media, including painting, sculpture, photography and video. said, both in terms of who is able to view collections and whose work is actualmuseum, it is on a constant search for
new material. This challenge is also a strength — the museum can be timely in what it shows and can feature emerging and mid-career artists. portant to have people tell their identity stories and not be pushed to the marfairs across the globe. Drawing on their experiences, the artists in the collection have created beautiful works of art that are meant to prompt dialogue about identity and a shared humanity that has “We get to work with contemporary artists, who are almost always still living.
ed to artists with roots in Africa and the Caribbean, which reveals a focus on the persistent legacy of colonialism. Galleries devoted to Chinese artists include works that address individual voices in a vast society. Artists from the Middle East confor equality, while American artists address continuing racism and bigotry.”
US IS THEM: ART FROM THE PIZZUTI COLLECTION Through May 14
HERE + NOW
their stories in their words with their images. … That’s not something everyone gets to do.” to visitors: “The exhibition is organized geographically, with a section dedicat-
Through March 31 2 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids $5 for adults, free for children 5 and under
CELEBRATE AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE & HERITAGE
TASTE OF SOUL
Untitled 1996 by Kara Walker.
Complementing the nearly 4-month
Here + Now is a rotating collection of solo exhibitions, performances and community events by African American visual artists, spoken word artists, curators and performance artists. This includes newly created shows and a guest-curated group exhibition, as well as community
noted writer and activist Rebecca Solnit: “The ability to tell your own story in words or images is already a victory, already a revolt.” ent views are not only valid but worthy feels charged with the responsibility of being that stage. are really looking to build audience equity and artist equity.”
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 19, 2017 1:00 – 4:30 PM
LISTEN
Glenda Williams Sound Proof Kathy Lamar Young Men 4 Christ (YM4C)
LEARN
Ordinary Black Folks Looking Back, Facing Forward: African American Inventors in Focus
BROADWAY’S DEFINITIVE TONY ® -WINNING MASTERPIECE
“DIVINELY, DANGEROUSLY DECADENT.” Andrea Goss and the 2016 national touring cast of Roundabout Theatre Company’s CABARET. Photo by Joan Marcus
BEN BRANTLEY
CREATE EAT
FREE FAMILY EVENT!
14) is a suite of small exhibitions called Here + Now. Again, the exhibit is made up of identity-driven work that shines ences and adds further fuel to the conversation about the human condition
events and educational programs.
Beautifully Wrapped Activities for Kids Big Ed’s BBQ Daddy Pete’s BBQ Gursha Ethiopian Restaurant Malamiah Juice Bar
616.988.5400 WWW.GRPL.ORG/TASTEOFSOUL
FEBRUARY 21-26 | MSU’s WHARTON CENTER | TICKETS ON SALE NOW! WHARTONCENTER.COM 1-800-WHARTON East Lansing engagement is welcomed by Farm Bureau Insurance Company.
CABARETMUSICAL.COM
MAIN LIBRARY 111 LIBRARY STREET NE 49503 Donate: 616.988.5399 or www.grplfoundation.org.
REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017 |
5A
[VISUAL ARTS]
Young and Whimsical David Shannon’s illustrations travel to the Muskegon Museum of Art BY MARLA R. MILLER Zot Fights Blender by David Shannon.
David Shannon’s work has appeared in publications like The New York Times, Time and Rolling Stone, but he found a true calling by going back to his childhood roots.
book about a curious boy and the constant correcting of his well-meaning mother. Every page included pictures of Shannon doing things he was told not to do with the words, “No, David!” — the only
words Shannon knew how to spell. Many years later, after his mother discovered the book and sent it to him, he developed those early drawings into the semi-autobiographical book, titled No, David! and became one of his most popular
COURTESY PHOTO
children’s books, elevating his career, inspiring a series, and even contribut(Shannon) Goes to the Museum. The exhibit is on display Feb. 9-April 16 at Muskegon Museum of Art, having lustrated Literature in Abilene, Texas. catapulted him to a top-tier illustrator, which is interesting because it’s such a basic book,” said Debbie Lillick, execuThe exhibit features more than 70 works of art, including some personal mementos and sketches, but focuses on
Patricia Barker, Artistic Director
MOVEMEDIA WORLD PREMIERES MARCH 10-12 | PETER MARTIN WEGE THEATRE
“Kids love his books,” Lillick said. “His books are super popular.” His art appeals to a wide range of ages, and this exhibit shows both children and adults that childhood pursuits can lead to successful careers. Many of his books are featured in the exhibit, along with titles he illustrated like Hiawatha and the Peacemaker and How I Became A Pirate. few sketches to show kids how a book really comes to light,” said Catherine Mott, the MMA’s curator of education. Mott was a guest reader in a Muskegon classroom and came across the Spanish version of one of Shannon’s books, A Bad Case of Stripes, in Spanish. Many of the themes in Shannon’s books have an anti-peer pressure message
and encourage children to embrace their uniqueness. “What a great way for us to connect to our community and for them to come to the museum and see those things as artwork,” Mott said. “To make that connection for kids is always really powerful.” Born in Washington, D.C., Shannon grew up in Spokane, Wash. and decided in high school he wanted to have litical illustrations at the Art Center of College Design in Pasadena, Calif., and moved to New York City in 1983 to work for various magazines and newspapers. That opened the door to book illustrations, where Shannon found his niche bringing children’s stories to life with vibrant, whimsical pictures. Shannon, 57, has garnered international acclaim and won numerous awards as a picture-book creator since 1993, when he wrote and published his How Georgie Radbourn Saved Baseball. Many of his children’s books draw on personal experiences and real-life characters, such as his dog in Good Boy, Fergus!, his daughter in Duck on a Bike Jangles: A BIG Fish Story. He works with acrylic paints and has there were all these great stories out -
DAVID (SHANNON) GOES TO THE MUSEUM
grballet.com 616.454.4771
6A | REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017
Muskegon Museum of Art Feb. 9-April 16 Opening reception 5:30 p.m. Feb. 9 muskegonartmuseum.org, (231) 720-2570
#wherethehellisSpringLake WE HOST GRAMMY® WINNERS. LEGENDS. EMERGING ARTISTS. SINGERSONGWRITERS. FULL BANDS. ROCK. ROOTSAMERICANA. FOLK. BLUEGRASS. Artists and fans say we’re one of the best live music venues in the country. We have a full bar available with craft & domestic beers, fine wines & premium spirits.
Box office 616.930.4755 or visit PinDropConcerts.com
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Seven Steps Up
Live Music & Event Venue 116 S. Jackson Street Spring Lake, MI 49456 www.sevenstepsup.com
Live Music & Event Venue
REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017 |
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[VISUAL ARTS]
PREVIEW
orative glass. The exhibit includes pieces from private and institutional collections, including selections from the Public Museum, embroidered samplers from Ann Kelly, and rocks and minerals from self-described “rock hound” Roger King, whose collection spans over 60 years.
It might be freezing outside but that just means more time to spend inside at one of the many art exhibits across West Michigan. BY DANA CASADEI
BLACK WAVES: THE TATTOO ART OF LEO ZULUETA Feb. 5-Aug. 27
GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM 101 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids artmuseumgr.org, (616) 831-1000
KALAMAZOO INSTITUTE OF ARTS 314 S. Park St., Kalamazoo kiarts.org, (269) 349-7775
PRINTS AND PROCESSES Through June 25 FINDERS KEEPERS: WEST MICHIGAN COLLECTS Feb. 5-April 30 People have been collecting items for centuries. At Finders Keepers, that love and passion for collecting will be on dis-
WADADA LEO SMITH: ANKHRASMATION, THE LANGUAGE SCORES Through March 5 POETRY OF CONTENT: FIVE CONTEMPORARY REPRESENTATIONAL ARTISTS Through Feb. 19 LUMINESCENCE: SALVAGE TO SEASCAPE Through March 19
(Top) Bicycle Basket with Flowers in Porcelain and (Above) He Xie by Ai Wei Wei. COURTESY PHOTOS
OUT OF THE FIRE Through March 12
MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon muskegonartmuseum.org, (231) 720-2570 THE PREACHER AND HIS CONGREGATION Through March 5 EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH Through Feb. 12 HOW TO RETURN: CONTEMPORARY CHINESE PHOTOGRAPHY Through Feb. 12 Organized by M97 Gallery in Shanghai, China — in cooperation with the Dennos Museum Center in Traverse City, Mich. — How to Return takes a look at the use of photography in China as a medium of artistic expression, which is fairly new there. The works of seven contemporary Chinese photographers will be on display as each captures their response to the modernization of China and its flourishing market economy through their camera lens.
SAUGATUCK CENTER FOR THE ARTS 400 Culver St., Saugatuck sc4a.org, (269) 857-2399 TEXTILE PLAY: THE MAGNIFICENT EYE OF ALEXANDER GIRARD Through March 24 Alexander Girard, who is considered one of the most meaningful textile designers and interior architects of the 20th century. The
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exhibit displays textiles, furniture and books from Herman Miller’s archives and private collections, and stories about the designer’s process and his love for a strong color and CORRIDOR SERIES - REACTIONS: WORKS BY AUDREY FERRIS Through March 24 Works by Grand Rapids painter Audrey Ferris will be on display this month in her Corridor series. The base layer of each painting in this series was done quickly, furiously and with emotion. Then Ferris
are inspired by nature and responses to daily life, created with an eagerness to evoke a response from viewers.
FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULPTURE PARK 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
AI WEIWEI AT MEIJER GARDENS: NATURAL STATE Through Aug. 20 Ai Weiwei makes his upper Midwest deternationally renowned artist and activist, which stands at 22-feet-tall and is made of 99 unique iron pieces cast from individual tree elements from southern China, was acquired and installed in 2015 in celebration of
ESME: A String Group for the Age of Musical Omnivores BY SAMARA NAPOLITAN
In an age of effortless access to music of all kinds, exploring the commonalities between seemingly disparate music styles is one way to make sense of it all. Violinist Gene Hahn and cellist deconstructing the stigmas associatacoustic string group, ESME.
[MUSIC]
ESME (eclectic string music ensemble) combines classical training with pop sensibilities through interactive live performances and enrichment programming at local schools. From Justin Bieber to Led Zeppelin and Mendelssohn, ESME makes music of all genres engaging to audiences of every age and predilection through creative mashups and arrangements. The group recently released a conglomeration of pop earworms, rock studio recording, a self-titled album. “The fundamentals of music always come with the same reward,” Hahn said. and draw on them to stretch expectations of how classical music can sound.” See ESME page 10A
ESME turns modern pop and rock songs into string arrangements with a classical twist. COURTESY PHOTO
REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017 |
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[MUSIC] ESME from page 9A
after the duo discovered a mutual penchant for dabbling in pop arrangements. After some experimentation, they created a playlist to perform at open mic nights. Today, the compo-
sitions are derived from audience regeal, Hahn and Crosmer search for the “eureka moment,” or common musical element between the two pieces. That could be a similar melody for a bar, as in the mashup of Ravel’s “Bolero” and Katy Perry’s “Dark Horse.” sic you’re used to listening to,” Crosmer said. “There’s always something you can connect to.”
ESME’s approach finds the balance between the highbrow and lowbrow — recognizing that many listeners today have diverse tastes and are constantly exposed to new types of music. Hahn believes that bringing different genres together is an effective tool to teach musical elements and train ears in ways that are not taught in traditional music classrooms. Most of all, it’s a way to motivate students to be creative.
SchulerBooks Music 34 years as your local, independent bookstore! FEBRUARY 2017
MONDAYS & SATURDAYS 11AM
THURSDAYS 10AM
34
Pre-school Story Time
A member of the Schuler Books Children’s bookselling staff will read a variety of new, favorite and best picture books.
Open Play Scrabble Scrabble club meets in the community area at the rear of the store. All ages and all skill levels welcome.
Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association Presents A Really Strange and Mysterious Star THURS 02/16 7PM
SAT 02/18 10AM
Featured speaker Garry Beckstrom, a retired director of the Delta College Planetarium in Bay City, and current president of Saginaw Bay Area’s Sunset Astronomical Society, will present on why, of all of the wondrous mysteries of the universe, our star has baffled astronomers more than any other. Currently, there are efforts that are finally beginning to unravel its unusual behavior. Come and hear a celestial mystery story.
Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association Presents Astronomy As A Hobby Series Resources for Stargazing with Jim Foerch & Greg Comegys - Guide books, online resources, telescopes with accessories, and practical observing tips. 11:30-NOON: Telescope Tune-up Clinic follows each session and can be attended separately. Bring in your telescope for personalized inspection, alignment and expert advice for effective use.
WEDS 02/22 7PM
Cribbage Game Night in the Community Area Join Dave Aiken, editor of Cribbage World Magazine, on the last Wednesday of every month as he hosts a game night dedicated to the game of cribbage! All ages and skill levels welcome.
Visit www.SchulerBooks.com for a complete list of events. All events are subject to change. 2660 28th Street SE 616.942.2561 10A | REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017
“Playing only one genre is not something young people can relate to notes for classical music — it’s a great way to teach phrasing, groove, harmony and more.” Bryan Kolk, who was the Caledonia High School orchestra director and started performing, overheard ESME’s Bolero/Dark Horse mashup and invited the duo to play for his students. ESME crafted arrangements for the school orchestra students to learn and prepare. On the day of the performance, ESME visited the school to perform the solo parts together with the students. This model catalyzed numerous other school collaborations and clinics around West Michigan, including with East Grand Rapids High School, Grandville Middle School, Forest Hills Northern Middle School and Grand Rapids Christian High School. ESME is looking forward to returning to Grand Rapids Christian for a clinic later this month, as well as to the group's first gig outside of West Michigan at Troy High School, where Kolk is now orchestra director. According to Hahn and Crosmer, the students become more engaged and enthusiastic when familiar songs are introduced to their usual orchestra routine. On the other end of the ESME’s music. “People who lean more toward the traditional audience are usually pleasantly surprised at how much they enAs they continue to pursue new compositions, ESME hopes to exof the group — merging traditional chamber repertoire with newer forms of music and sparking a homegrown chamber music scene in Grand Rapids. Hahn would like to work with the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) to expand and integrate ESME’s education model in more schools across the state. The ensemble is also keeping one foot in the Grand Rapids entertainment industry, creating TV-show medleys for trivia nights and performing at movie premieres, as they did at Celebration! Cinema this past year for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. “We want to see how far we can step into those arenas where you sic group,” Hahn said.
Menopause The Musical comedically tackles that bittersweet time of life from the perCOURTESY PHOTO
Breaking the Cycle Menopause The Musical humorously explores titular life stage BY JANE SIMONS
Linda Boston said she remembers when discussions about menopause used to happen in whispered tones. member in Menopause The Musical. “But, like many issues like sexual preference or racial intolerance, when you bring it to light, it makes it easier to deal with. When we can talk about it, we can all deal with it.” The musical will be performed at 2 p.m. on Feb. 25 at Miller Auditorium on the campus of Western Michigan University. Based on the work of writer Jeanie Linders, it debuted on a Florida stage in 2001. The setting is a department store, where four women with seemingly nothing in common meet by chance in the lingerie department. The encounter turns into a wide-ranging, hu-
mood swings, chocolate binges and other menopausal woes. Boston plays the role of Professional Housewife, Earth Mother and Soap Star. Their conversations are set to music and songs using lyrics that parody er era, with notable numbers Stayin’ Awake and . Her observations of powerful women in her family and those she worked with through the years provided her with examples she used to shape her character. “About 60 percent of her is all me,” Boston said. “The main thing is allowing an arc to happen in the character
SIR ANDRÁS SCHIFF One of the world’s legendary pianists presents an all-Schubert concert SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 8 PM CHENERY AUDITORIUM, KALAMAZOO SPONSORED BY ROBERT AND MARIANNE DENES
The show’s Kalamazoo stop is a homecoming of sorts for Boston, who From there, she moved around the state troit where she remained for 20 years. Boston said her work in radio transcended into elements of singing and acting. See MENOPAUSE page 12A
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Menopause The Musical comes to Miller Auditorium on Feb. 25. COURTESY PHOTO
CLOUD NOTHINGS
FEB
6
w/ Moon Bros.
Covenant Fine Arts Center| 8pm | $20
MENOPAUSE from page 11A The “aha” moment — when Boston decided she wanted to be an actor — came during her time at a St. Joseph radio station. the station in St. Joe made a comment to wouldn’t make it in commercial work beBeing told what she couldn’t do strengthened Boston’s resolve to do it anyway.
MAR
MAR
30
31
DAVID BAZAN w/ Filmmaker
Brandon Vedder
Covenant Fine Arts Center | 8pm
JULIEN BAKER Covenant Fine Arts Center| 8pm
Festival Pass: $125 | Student: $50
Register at calvin.edu/go/ffm
EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY w/ Special Guest
APR
27
Covenant Fine Arts Center| 8pm | $30 616.526.6282
/calvincollegesao @calvinsao
12A | REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017
people were delivering the words, lines and product names,” Boston said. “Commercials were like little movies in my imagination.” After many performances around the east side of the state, she eventually happened across Menopause.
dane. Every audience is very happy to see it.” to include people who have seen it multiple times. Bethany Gauthier, Miller Auditorium’s marketing specialist, said this will be the show’s third run at Miller and she fully expects repeat audience members. “That’s why we bring it back. People ask us when we’re coming back,” cause it’s about something a lot of people experience and this show is and be entertained and be able to deal with the lighter side of something that can be unpleasant.” Although women make up the maton said men appreciate it because they
male family members go through. “Being part of this show made me realize that there are women who are thrust into menopause, not by choice but as a result of medically-related issues such as chemotherapy as a result of breast cancer,” she said. “Women are in it and they see themselves in each and every character. But men laugh the loudest.” Since it premiered, the musical has been seen by more than 11 million people, which includes a woman in Florida who has seen the shows 20 times and a woman from Massachusetts who has seen it 27 times, always accompanied “When shows have longevity like this, there must be a reason why,” Boston said. “The reviews validate its popularity. You could be the biggest prude or loosest goose out there and you will with the show, which included performances at the Gem Theatre in Detroit. She then took a hiatus from acting to produce a CD called Permission: The Power of Being and spend some time working in Michigan with special-needs teachers and students. Four years ago, she reached out to G4 Productions, which was doing Menopause “We often do meet and greets after the show. We are a touchable cast and being able to reach out like this is of the greatest shows ever created.”
MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL
Miller Auditorium 2200 Auditorium Dr., Kalamazoo Feb. 25, 2 p.m., $42 millerauditorium.com, (269) 387-2300
[classical MUSIC]
PREVIEW No matter what time of day it is, there’s bound to be some classical music playing in West Michigan this month, whether it be a show for the early birds to enjoy or your more typical night on the town. There’s even some shows during the afternoon! Get to it. BY DANA CASADEI THE GILMORE 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall Ste. 101, Kalamazoo thegilmore.org, (269) 342-1166
SEONG-JIN CHO
Feb. 19, 4 p.m., $25 Seong-Jin Cho, who is from South Korea, came to the world’s attention last October tional Piano Competition in Warsaw. Three years prior, at only 17 years old, he came in third place at the Tchaikovsky competition. ries at The Gilmore, one of his many stops this season. His performance will include works by Alban Berg, Schubert and Chopin.
GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY 300 Ottawa Ave. NW Ste. 100, Grand Rapids grsymphony.org, (616) 454-9451
MOZART, MAHLER & MARCELO
Feb. 3-4, 8 p.m., $18+ GRS Music Director Marcelo Lehninger will lead the symphony as they play works by two of the most renowned and wellknown composers ever. The symphony is performing Mozart’s “Piano Concerto zart’s pet sterling (a bird). The symphony also performs Mahler’s “Symphony No. 5,” whose Adagietto was written as a love letter to his wife.
SYMPHONY WITH SOUL WITH LALAH HATHAWAY
SATURDAY MATINEE: CLASSICAL MUSIC GOES TO THE MOVIES
Feb. 25, 1 p.m. Blue Lake Public Radio’s Foley Schulern will share his love of cinema and classical music with guests at this show. The afternoon goes through a selection of iconic scenes and explores how their musical partners were essential to advancing the contributing a synergy that enhances both
KALAMAZOO SYMPHONYORCHESTRA 359 Kalamazoo Mall Ste. 100, Kalamazoo kalamazoosymphony.com, (269) 349-7759
WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 360 W. Western Ave., Muskegon westmichigansymphony.org, (231) 726-3231
BEETHOVEN TRIPLE
Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m., $20+ WMS principal musicians Jennifer Walvoord, Alicia Gregorian Sawyers and Kelly Karamanov will perform Beethoven’s Triple Concerto. Fun fact: This is the only concerto Beethoven ever completed for more than one solo instrument. The trio’s performance, with conductor Scott Speck,
HOPE COLLEGE GREAT PERFORMANCE SERIES Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts 221 Columbia Ave., Holland hope.edu/arts, (616) 395-7222
DAVE DOUGLAS QUINTET
Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m., $20 Dave Douglas, a legendary trumpet player in the making, premiered his quintet in 2012 with the recording of “Be Still,” which was a recording. The New York Times called the piece “gorgeous and contemplative,” and AllAboutJazz.com said the quintet soared.
MOZART’S MAGNIFICENT VOYAGE Feb. 19, 3 p.m., $5
cent Voyage will introduce guests to the extraordinary life of Mozart through the eyes of his young son Karl. The performance follows Karl and his magic traveling trunk as he travels back in time to discover his dad’s childhood, where they share The program will feature symphonic music, dance and interactive drama.
UNIVERSITY MUSICAL SOCIETY 881 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor ums.org, (734) 764-2538
THE BAROQUE COFFEE CONCERT
M-PRIZE WINNER! CALIDORE STRING QUARTET
Feb. 24, 8 p.m., $26+
Feb. 19, 4 p.m., $24
will also include Mikhail Glinka’s Overture Ruslan and Ludmilla and Dvorák’s New World Symphony.
Feb. 3, 8 p.m., $12+
BRUCKNER ORCHESTER LINZ
THE BAROQUE CONCERT: RESPIGHI, HANDEL & FIREWORKS
JELLY AND GEORGE: AARON DIEHL & CÉCILE MCLORIN SALVANT
MAHLER 6
Feb. 18, 8 p.m., $18+ This celebration of African American musical expression bridges together cultures through the shared language of music. Grammy-award winning vocalist Lalah Hathaway is this year’s guest artist. Feb. 24, 10 a.m., $16
Seong-Jin Cho. COURTESY PHOTO
Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m., $14+
ESTONIAN PHILHARMONIC CHAMBER CHOIR Feb. 3., 8 p.m., $35+
Feb. 5, 4 p.m., $24+
BUDAPEST FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA Feb. 10, 8 p.m., $18+
REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017 |
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Cathleen Huling, Artistic Director
Spring Concert 2017
Celebrating
A mixed-repertory concert featuring Rodeo (excerpts) It’s All About . . . (based on Kirk Newman sculptures) The Dinner Party This Ballet Arts Ensemble performance is co-presented with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra
Saturday, March 18, 2017 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Chenery Auditorium 714 S. Westnedge Avenue, Kalamazoo
[THEATer]
The Actor Doth Protest Too Much
I Hate Hamlet takes Muskegon Civic Theatre’s stage BY MARLA R. MILLER
The cast and crew in Muskegon Civic Theatre’s production of I Hate Hamlet laughed out loud
Tickets on sale at Miller Auditorium (269.387.2300) or online at <balletartsensemble.org>.
Special ticket rates for groups of 20 or more are available.
script, and they’re betting theatergoers will too. The comedy takes the stage in mid-February, so it’s a great way to escape cabin fever with a show that doesn’t require much deep thinking.
THERE’S SOMETHING NEW INSIDE (AND OUTSIDE) REVUE: REVUE Arts - a new monthly publication! We've beefed up our coverage of West Michigan’s cultural arts scene to highlight local organizations and artists. Each month, the REVUE Arts section will not only be included in REVUE West Michigan, but an extra 5,000 copies of REVUE Arts will also be printed as a standalone magazine and distributed across the region.
FOR EDITORIAL QUESTIONS AND PITCHES, contact Managing Editor Josh Veal at josh@revuewm.com FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES, contact Associate Publisher Rich Tupica at sales@revuewm.com
14A | REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017
relax and you don’t have to keep track tertained,” said actor Brian Reeds, cast as Andrew Rally, the character who hates Hamlet. With his career in limbo, Rally, a successful television actor, relocates from a role he doesn’t really want: The opportunity to play Hamlet in Central Park. ic apartment formerly occupied by the late, great actor John Barrymore. When Rally’s theatrical agent visits him, she recalls her brief romance with Barrymore many years ago in the same apartment. The drunken ghost of the famous larger-than-life actor, full of ego and Shakespearean theatrics, then appears. The comedy unfolds as Rally’s girlfriend, his agent and Barrymore’s ghost press him to play the part, while his hotshot television producer friend from Los Angeles poo-poos the theater and tries to lure him back with a lucrative role in a new TV sitcom. The laughs ensue as Rally wrestles with his conscience, Barrymore, his sword, and the fact he fails as Hamlet in Central Park. loud. That’s a clue that there’s something to it,” said Director Jim Query. “Paul
has six very distinct characters and their contrast and chemistry between each Of course, a good comedy needs some relationship snafus and sexual tension. Rally’s new New York City girlfriend playing Hamlet, but clinging to her virginity. “My character pokes fun of himself a lot,” Reeds said. “He’s not too full of himself and has troubles most normal theater people do. He also has a girlfriend waiting for the perfectly wongoes along with that.” Barrymore’s ghost also has a vested so he can go back to where he came from. The contrast between the two main characters leads to a few mishaps and power struggles as they duel over women, success and the apartment. Dr. Rem Sprague, Mercy Health Partas a hobby and signed on for the role of Barrymore. Despite the comedic thread, the play is also about relationships and other life lessons. “He comes back to coach young Hamlet, teaching him about love and life in general, and the theater and arts,” he said. “Andrew is a television actor and For Barrymore, that’s true acting. He sold himself out and he doesn’t want to see Andrew sell himself out too.”
I HATE HAMLET
Frauenthal Center 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon 7:30 p.m., $20-$22 Feb. 17-19, 23-26 and March 2-4 muskegoncivictheatre.org (800) 585-3737
BY KAYLA TUCKER
Two Grand Rapids Ballet dancers have found love and passion together on the very same stage. Nicholas Schultz, 32, and Laura McQueen Schultz, 34, met when they were kids in the junior ballet program at Grand Rapids Ballet. “There’s only so many boys, so she was going to know who we are,” Nick said. The couple performed in the Nutcracker together in 1996 when they were kids, but the romance didn’t start until after Laura graduated college, moved across the country and made her way back to GR Ballet. They had been friends for some time and just fell into the relationship naturally, they said. Since then, both dancers have traveled across the country to perform, while also working with the Grand Rapids Ballet the entire time. For the last four years, Nick and Laura ran Young People’s Ballet, a company in Flint. “On the weekends that we weren’t performing, we would drive over there and work with our girls and put on three programs a year,” Nick said. Now that the couple has a daughter, Nick still serves on the board. The duo has now been with the professional company in Grand Rapids for 15 years, with both working full-time. They started dating three years in and got married four years after that, now with a one-year-old daughter, Arya. “We’re a very rare couple,” Nick said. “We are together all the time,” Laura said, rooms.” “And that’s how we want it,” Nick said. “Since we started dating, we spend the majority of all of our time together and that works for us.” Laura said some couples ask them how they do it and she just tells them it’s all she’s ever known. “We are lucky to be a couple that also
the dance world,” Nick said. Nick and Laura are now both lead dancers in the upcoming show Black and White: Swan Lake, a GR Ballet performance that puts a contemporary spin on the classic. Nick and Laura perform the main pas de deux, a dance duet, together in the show. “We can rely on that white swan pas de deux being all about trust,” Nick said. “And giving in to the other person,” Laura added. her not necessarily at the beginning wanting to go,” Nick said. Eventually, Laura “gives in” to Nick, culminating in a kiss. Dancing as a pair, Nick and Laura said they don’t have to worry too much about being in character. “What makes it nice is you don’t have to act,” Nick said. “You pull on more from your real life and the real connection I have with her. I can look at her and see the moments that are the best moments and if it’s supposed to not be (that), I can see the moments that are really tough between us.” Because of this connection, the creator of Black and White, Mario Radacosky, also produced Romeo and Juliet a few years ago dance well together. Nick and Laura said their relationship has been so successful not only because they are very much alike, but because they work hard at their relationship. started dating that was: ‘Never go to bed angry,’ Nick said. “Relationships take work, just like what we do in our profession. You can’t coast.” “And you don’t always have to see eye-toeye,” Laura said. “But you have to be ok with whenever Nick has to leave for long periods of time — especially since they’re together so often. “We are best friends,” Laura said. “It’s really weird.”
Nicholas Schultz and Laura McQueen Schultz. PHOTO BY
REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017 |
15A
[THEATer]
Puppet Therapy
“Hand to God” deals with grief through humor BY KAYLA TUCKER
With “Hand to God,” Actor’s Theatre Grand Rapids will tackle arguably the greatest pain imaginable with a strange blend of dark humor and serious emotions. “Hand to God” focuses on the grief-stricken Jason and his puppet, Tyrone.
The show, created by Robert Askins, lost his father. Jason and his mother cope with For example, Jason’s mother starts a puppet ministry in the basement of a soon, Jason’s puppet, Tyrone, seems to have a mind of its own. Jason,” said Aaron Eding, who plays
COURTESY PHOTO
Pastor Grey in the show. “He encourages Jason to do bad things and also sations. He's pretty crass, rude character. People aren’t sure if the puppet really is possessed or if this is Jason letting out his grief and frustrations in Eding said he relates to the show in a very personal way, as he lost his father about a year ago. His mother also passed away when he was in eighth grade.
emotion can cause you to do things that you ordinarily wouldn’t,” Eding said. During and after Eding’s mother’s battle with cancer, his anger went to a new a friend that he realized how much the Now, in his role as Pastor Greg, Eding has the chance to play that same role of the friend to Jason. Eding said it’s important to have those people in your life to help you out during the grieving process. When Eding lost his father, he had the Actors’ Theatre show “Grace” to distract him and the cast to support him.
think it’s important to have those people around you who love you.” Eding encourages people in the grieving process to not isolate themselves, but choose the “healthy outlet of another person.” Eding hopes those in the audience for “Hand to God” learn more about how audience members to think about the role that grief plays in somebody’s life, because each of the characters is missing something and grieving that void in a very messy sort of show, but in the way of emotion.” Director Michelle Urbane said the show demonstrates how we can easily get trapped in our own grief. oncile that within ourselves and be able to show our vulnerability and be honest with ourselves and those around us,” Urbane said. “But there is humor there, Urbane said some people have read the script and said it’s “out there.”
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“It’s a show that hopefully will get audience members to think about the role that grief plays in somebody’s life ... It winds up being a very messy sort of show, but in the way of emotion.” - AARON EDING ACTOR
going, ‘Wow, that was a rollercoaster of emotions,’” Urbane said, adding that sometimes grieving people try to pin blame on anything and everyone help and we can lean on our loved ones. That’s totally ok.”
HAND TO GOD
Spectrum Theater 160 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids Feb. 16-25, 8 p.m., $22-28 actorstheatregrandrapids.org (616) 234-3998
Concerned About “Fake News?” Here’s what we’re doing about it. The World Affairs Council brings in experts who have the real scoop: diplomats; policy makers and practitioners; think tank specialists; and others…
Come to a discussion... Monday, Feb. 6:
“Rx: Prescription for Global Health” Jason Beaubien, NPR Correspondent
Discussions continue through Apr. 3
Monday, Feb. 13:
“Choke Points: Global Water, Food, and Energy Crises” Keith Schneider, Circle of Blue Liz Kirkwood FLOW (For Love of Water)
Monday, Feb. 20:
Monday, Feb. 27:
(former), National Security Council
United States Army
“Nuclear Proliferation: New Worries” Jack Segal, Director for Nonproliferation
“South China Sea: Clash of Strategies” John Adams, Brigadier General (retired)
Monday, Mar. 13:
Monday, Mar. 20:
US Ambassador to Afghanistan (former)
Washington, DC
Monday, Mar. 27:
Monday, Apr. 3:
Professor of European Union Politics Purdue University
Washington Institute for Near East Policy Washington, DC
“Afghanistan: Fight… or Run?” Amb. Ronald E. Neumann
“The EU: An Uncertain Future” Dr. John McCormick
“Is it all Politics?: Trade and US Jobs” Jeremy R. Haft, Georgetown University
”Shifts in the Sand: US-Saudi Relations” Simon Henderson
Monday Evenings 6-7:15pm Aquinas College Performing Arts Center Only $10 admission per discussion. No reservation needed. Free convenient parking. Open to all! The World Affairs Council has been around since the beginning of time (OK, 1949) doing what we’ve always done: educating about American foreign policy and global issues. We’re non-partisan, non-advocacy. Nothing fake about us! worldmichigan.org. REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017 |
17A
[theater]
PREVIEW This month presents a whole slew of productions — including two that you probably had to read in an English class — along with a festival or two. Take a look at what’s coming this month and get to a theater! BY DANA CASADEI KALAMAZOO’S CIVIC THEATRE 329 S. Park St., Kalamazoo kazoocivic.com, (269) 343-1313
WMU THEATRE 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo wmich.edu/theatre, (269) 387-3227
WOMEN OF LOCKERBIE
SIDE SHOW
Through Feb. 12, $20
Through Feb. 12, $25
WATER BY THE SPOONFUL
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
Feb. 10-19, $20 Winner of the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Water by the Spoonful follows Elliot, who and how to live a “normal” civilian life. The story runs parallel with four individuals who
FACE OFF THEATRE COMPANY 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 202, Kalamazoo (269) 359-0908
DETROIT ’67
Feb. 17-March 4, $25
MILLER AUDITORIUM 2200 Auditorium Drive, Kalamazoo millerauditorium.com, (269) 387-2300
ANNIE
Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m., $47-$72
for recovering drug addicts.
Annie. PHOTO BY JOAN MARCUS
Feb. 9-12, $20 Written by Detroit native Dominique Morisseau, Detroit ‘67 takes viewers back to Detroit during the beginning of the Motown era. Siblings Chelle and Lank are turning their basement into an after-hours woman comes into their lives, causing the selves caught in the middle of the infamous ’67 riots.
FESTIVAL PLAYHOUSE, KALAMAZOO COLLEGE 1200 Academy St., Kalamazoo reason.kzoo.edu/theatre, (269) 337-7333
A RAISIN IN THE SUN
Feb. 23-26, $15 The Pulitzer Prize-winning drama by Lorraine Hansberry takes place in the South Side of Chicago during 1959 and follows a few weeks in the lives of an African American family, the Youngers. Mr. Younger has his $10,000 life insurance policy, but they it. What follows is the aftermath of those black woman to be produced on Broadway.
FARMERS ALLEY THEATRE 221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo farmersalleytheatre.com, (269) 343-2727
Feb.18–Mar.4 2017
Beardsley Theater
COMING
SOON!
Feb. 3-19, $30+
takes place in New Jersey, which is currently being overrun by deadly industrial waste. Enter the Toxic Avenger, who isn’t your typical superhero but is determined
w w w. m u s k e g o n c i v i c t h e a t r e . o r g I Hate Hamlet is presented through special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.
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MARCH OF THE FALSETTOS
Feb. 9-12, $15 The sequel to William Finn’s 1979 musical, wants and how to have a “happily ever after.” lover, Whizzer, and is determined to have a tight-knit family that involves his son, Jason. There will be drama with a capital D.
GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE 30 N. Division Ave., Grand Rapids grct.org, (616) 222-6650
RAGTIME THE MUSICAL
Feb. 24-March 19, $18- $37
DOG STORY THEATER dogstorytheater.com
LAKE EFFECT FRINGE FESTIVAL
Feb. 1-March 4, times and costs vary will take place throughout February. Events during the festival range from Dog Story’s popular Comedy Outlet Mondays to the Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company’s production of Titus Andronicus, his bloodiest tragedy, done this time with an all-female cast. The festival also will have new plays like Love & Semiotics, while Grand Rapids playwright Christopher van Der Ark will present a staged reading of his newest play.
BARE BACKSTAGE PRODUCTIONS Locations vary barebackstage.com
THE TOXIC AVENGER MUSICAL same name, The Toxic Avenger tells the story of America’s most gruesome and
Corporate PARTner
QUEER THEATRE KALAMAZOO 1249 Portage Rd., Kalamazoo qtkalamazoo.com, (269) 929-6781
Urinetown, you’ll want to check this out.
The new Kalamazoo-based touring company will make its debut this month with Shades of Shakespeare. The production features 10 of Shakespeare’s steamiest love scenes, all performed by four actors. decide which actor plays which role every night, combining improv comedy with classic Shakespeare. Productions will take place at the Kalamazoo State Theatre, the Acorn Theatre and Louie’s Trophy House Grill in Kalamazoo.
Q&A: christopher bruce Director of Learning and Creativity, GRAM INTERVIEW CONDUCTED AND CONDENSED BY JOSH VEAL.
Since beginning as an intern in 2010, Christopher Bruce has moved through every education position the Grand experience gives him an interesting perspective for his new role as director of learning and creativity, as he’s seen what works, what doesn’t and why they tried it all. new Prints and Processes and Finders Keepers: West Michigan Collects exhibitions — Revue sat down with Bruce to discuss what the museum has in store for 2017. Can you tell me about what your new role means for the organization?
Previously, we had a Learning and Audience Engagement department. sitioned to Learning and Creativity, which is to focus on our new mission. On Jan. 1, we launched a new mission: Connecting people through art, creativity and design. We’ve always focused on education here at the museum, so learning is not going to go anywhere in that process.
With the new mission, we’re also focusing on people. We’ve always wanted to engage the widest audience we possibly could, but with this, we’re committing to that right at the forefront and making it apparent to everyone who walks through our doors that you have value here.
How do you anticipate the new mission playing out? When we launched the mission, we
plan, GRAM Vision 2021. That plan is really going to allow us to push toward our vision of turning West Michigan into the most creative community in the world. As part of that, we’re looking at what creativity and design point of connection with these very gible and relatable.
So it’s about bringing more of the community in?
Yes. Regardless of what sub-communities you may identify with, we want everyone to know the GRAM is here for them.
Is that going to be done through how you choose new exhibitions or through new programs? comes here, through the programs we
Christopher Bruce, director of learning and creativity, GRAM. COURTESY PHOTO
very question. We’re approaching me in this position and the transition overall as an overall opportunity to look forward, try new things and take some that regardless of who you are or when you come to this institution, there will be some sort of interactive experience for you to engage in authentically.
Are those experiences not available now? programs, but they’re limited to between 1-4 p.m. on Saturdays. We want something happening all the time, some hands-on interactive exploration.
institution, collecting is at the very heart and soul of this building. That is an idea that transcends industries and backgrounds. At some point in our history, we’ve all been compelled to collect something. … But then we’re also bringing in Andy Warhol’s collection later — it’s this high-class, world-famous artist, compared to a a risk. We don’t know how people are going to react.
The new presidential administration has talked about cutting the National Endowment for the Arts in any way?
“If you can find a group of people, we can find a way to engage them.” - CHRISTOPHER BRUCE DIRECTOR OF LEARNING & CREATIVITY, GRAM
create to connect that art to the individual guests — everything we do is going to connect people in one way or another. That’s the point of this mission, to focus GRAM to make sure we are doing what we’re supposed to be doyou can see within our walls. We have programs for everyone; for the elderly, adults, birthday parties, groups of kids.
Do you have any goals or aspirations for your position?
What are you most excited for in 2017?
-
it sounds like a cliche, but what’s really interesting about 2017 is the extreme variety of exhibitions and programs we have coming. We’re trying things we’ve never done before, such as Finders Keepers, an exhibition of collections that are not from art museums and not for the most part clas-
with the GRAM, being an art museum?
We do have some programs that are funded by the NEA. We have a program called Language Artists that teaches literacy to third grade isted for going on seven years now, and three of those years have been funded by the NEA. The program will not go away if the endowment goes away though. There are plenty of others who are willing to help us out and that program has merit that is very easy to convey.
When it comes to the GRAM, what keeps you up at night?
Honestly, things are going really well. the most excited about what GRAM is doing and the direction we’re taking some big, bold ideas, and we have a tendency when we have an idea to make it happen.
REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017 |
19A
“SPARKLING, FRESH AND LIVELY.” - Los Angeles Times
FEBRUARY 21-26 | at DeVos Performance Hall | TICKETS ON SALE NOW! BROADWAYGRANDRAPIDS.COM or 1-800-745-3000 • TICKETMASTER.COM visit
Grand Rapids engagement is welcomed by Dykema; Fox Motors; Godwin Plumbing/American Standard; Hylant; Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital and Mercy Health Saint Mary’s.
20A | REVUEWM.COM | FEBRUARY 2017
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GUIDE TO LOVE & VICE
I Can Love You Like That Valentine’s Gift Ideas BY MISSY BLACK Make manhattans together
There’s a lot of ways to love, and everyone does it different. Inspired by the popular book The Five Love Languages, we put a local spin on author Gary Chapman’s five ways to express and experience love. I mean, it’s hard enough to find someone — let’s make keeping them around as easy as possible.
RECEIVING GIFTS: If love for your significant other means there’s a bow on top, visit Art of the Table in Grand Rapids. Not only does the store provide free gift wrapping for any occasion, it offers themed gift packs for Valentine’s Day. In the past, this has included cutting boards, wine and chocolate. Owner Amy Ruis has an intoxicating suggestion: “Make Manhattans and drink them together. It’s romantic and it’s a warm, wintery drink to sip by the fire.” Pair them with caramels and make sure to grab premium bourbon, quality cherries and good, sweet Vermouth. The store can help you out with those ingredients and while perfect for gifting, it’s a great treat to have on hand for guests. “I’m a gift-giver. It warms the heart that somebody thought of you when you weren’t together,” Ruis said.
QUALITY TIME: For some people, heartfelt time spent doing something meaningful is the key. Once a month, Little Lucy’s Café in Grand Rapids brings people together with its food workshops and classes. On Feb. 18, you and your significant other can celebrate Mardi Gras by learning how to make paczki and king cakes.
Classes consist of around 20 people and can range from $25 to $35. This event includes an adult beverage and you get to take your goodies home. “It’s like team building,” said co-owner Larry Zeiser. “It’s wintertime in Michigan — get out of the house and do something together. It’s fun to learn something new.”
WORDS OF AFFIRMATION: For those who savor affection, you could compose a sappy poem or spill your guts out in a card that reads: You Are My Favorite Ginger. If you choose the latter, Arthur’s Plaid Pants cranks out cards that speak to the cutesy, lighthearted and pop-culture side of your love. Maybe the late musician Prince can say it better in a card that reads: I Just Want Your Extra Time and Your…Kiss. Owner and illustrator Jen Husted-Goss started making the cards to fill the gap in what existed in the card realm, including cards for same-sex couples. All of her creations, once filled with your sentiments and declarations, “take more effort than a text or an email,” she said. You can find these cards at Rebel, The Made in Michigan Store and West Elm in Grand Rapids and at Bailey & James in Rockford, as well as arthursplaidpants.com. Continued on next page
»
Take a cooking class
Send a message from Prince
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GUIDE TO LOVE AND VICE
« Continued from previous page ACTS OF SERVICE:
SCHEDULE | DINING | SIGHTS | SOUNDS SCENE
Whether it’s making a small car repair or shoveling snow from the sidewalk, when you offer love and care through your actions and service, it can be a huge turn-on. Simply put, actions speak louder than words, so it’s always good to clean the house for your main squeeze. Harvest Health in the Grand Rapids, Cascade and Hudsonville area carries natural cleaners and higher-quality brands that eliminate toxins hazardous to your health. Choose from lines like Dr. Bronner’s, Seventh Generation, The Honest Company and Shark Tank’s Better Life. “You can actually eat those cleaning products,” said Harvest Health Director of Marketing Silvia Atsma. The store even carries essential oils to create your own homemade cleaning solutions. “Anything citrusy is a natural uplift and always makes you
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happy. Lavender is calming,” she said. By using healthier cleaning products, you’re saying that you care about someone’s health. When it comes to acts of service, Atsma said, “We have to live a life of greater value than ourselves. It’s easy to write a check, but it’s harder to give your time and service.”
PHYSICAL TOUCH: If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you stick to foot rubs and mea- indulging in the Reds’ Classic Everyday Massage or the Sweet Feet deep touch ger 10-minute neck massages with your therapy, working primarily on the feet. significant other. If you want to up the ante, reach out to a professional mas- “It releases stress and puts you into a good mood and it’s great for runners,” seuse to show your sweetheart what you Pierog said. Another great option is the really wish for them when it comes to a Hot Stone Therapy that she said is “nice healing touch. At Reds Salon in Grand during the wintertime and cold weather” Haven, owner Sue Pierog recommends
and can be customized with your favorite essential oil. Ladies, look into the Reds Guy treatment featuring a hot towel facial and soothing face, neck and shoulder massage followed by a haircut. “It’s very popular,” Pierog said. “You’re relaxed and leave feeling a lot of energy.”
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GUIDE TO LOVE AND VICE
DATE NIGHT
Where to Take Bae for Valentine’s Day If you’ve got little hearts fluttering over your head and you can’t stop thinking about your main squeeze, you’re smitten. Love is in the air, so you might as well celebrate the fact you’ve been hit with cupid’s arrow. One side effect, though: Being so stricken can make you forgetful. If you still haven’t planned something for the big day, we’ve got you covered. Here’s just a few date night possibilities. / by Elma Talundzic
Grab one of the signature drinks at Cygnus’ cocktail lounge and watch as the city lights twinkle in the background. On V-Day, the restaurant is offering a special threecourse meal for $45 per person. Make a reservation before spots fill up.
DATE WITH A SOUNDTRACK Pokey LaFarge: The Acoustic Café Folk Series
BEER DATE Intro To Beer Tasting
SCHEDULE | DINING | SIGHTS | SOUNDS SCENE
Brite Eyes Brewing Co. 1156 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo Feb. 1, 7-8 p.m. briteeyesbrewingco.com, (269) 220-5001 Kick off this extra romantic month with an introduction to beer tasting at Brite Eyes Brewing Co. The owner of Tempo Vino Winery, Alex Mantakounis, will guide participants through a variety of different types of beer. Mantakounis is a wine expert, certified beer judge and accomplished home brewer. Raise a glass to your love and learn to experience different flavors, textures and notes. Registration is required.
4th Annual Founders Firkin Freezeout
Founders Brewing Co. 235 Grandville Ave. SE, Grand Rapids Feb. 11, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., free entry foundersbrewing.com, (616) 776-2182
Cozy up like lovebirds with your valentine at the 4th Annual Founders Firkin Freezeout. The event is outdoor and for all ages. Taking place in Founders’ hospitable Beer Garden, the event features more than
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40 expertly-crafted firkins. Along with the plethora of unique beers, there will be special food offerings. Show up, grab a beer and watch some live ice carving for entertainment.
FANCY DATE Valentine’s Dinner
W.K. Kellogg Manor House 3700 E. Gull Lake Dr., Hickory Corners Feb. 2, 6:30-9:30 p.m., $56 conference.kbs.msu.edu, (269) 671-2400 W hen it comes to celebrating a day of love, you can’t go wrong with dinner and some sweet serenading music. The oh-soromantic W.K. Kellogg Manor House will be holding a four-course dinner with music by local jazz artist Terry Lower and vocalist Edye Evans Hyde. Registration is required.
Cygnus 27
187 Monroe Ave., Grand Rapids amwaygrand.com, (616) 776-6425 Have dinner with a breathtaking view at Cygnus 27. Set 27 stories up in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, the restaurant offers its diners a Latin-inspired menu.
St. Cecilia Music Center 24 Ransom Ave. NE, Grand Rapids Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m., $30/$35 scmc-online.org, (616) 459-2224
Get dolled up and dapper and treat yourself to a night of music at St. Cecilia Music Center. Pokey LaFarge takes the stage in the Acoustic Café Series at St. Cecilia. Winner of the Independent Music Award for Best Americana Album in 2010 and 2011, LaFarge incorporates elements of early jazz, ragtime, country blues, Western swing and more that’ll keep your foot tapping from start to finish.
Concerts Under the Stars Grand Rapids Public Museum 272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m. members $10, nonmembers $12 grpm.org, (616) 929-1700
Do you see stars every time you look at your extra special someone? Celebrate Valentine’s day with an out-of-this-world date. Enjoy a romantic evening relaxing under the stars at the Chaffee Planetarium while listening to some f unk y tunes, experiencing the stellar beauty of the cosmos while listening to music by Janga. Refreshments, beer and other beverages will be available for purchase.
KITCHEN DATE Valentine’s Couples Cooking and Wine
Downtown Market 435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Feb. 14, 6-8:30 p.m., $150/couple, 21+ downtownmarketgr.com, (616) 805-5308 Fi ne-t u ne you r cu l i na r y sk i l ls w it h your honey this Valentine’s Day at the Downtown Market. If you and your sweetie are wine lovers, then raise a glass and sign up to learn how to cook with the romantic beverage. This couples cooking class will focus on the art of cooking with wine. Explore how wine adds new depth and flavor to your cuisine and impress your date with your chef skills. The menu includes classic creamy cheese fondue, white wine tomato mussels, coq au vin with herb rice and double-chocolate profiteroles. Registration is required.
ARTSY DATE Creativity Uncorked: Design Your Own Tattoos
Grand Rapids Art Museum 101 Monroe Center NW, Grand Rapids Feb. 14, 6:45-9 p.m., $40 artmuseumgr.org, (616) 831-1000 Get creative and unleash your inner tattoo artist while sipping on a glass of wine at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Learn about the triba l designs of Michigan tattoo artist Leo Zulueta, followed by creating and printing your own wearable temporary tattoos. Display your temporary works of art on yourself or create a tattoo design to give to your significant other in place of a Valentine’s Day card. You will also learn about modern and traditional tattooing methods and experiment with
Design your own tattoos at Creativity Uncorked at the GRAM
henna. Registration is required and space is limited.
Spoken Word Poetry Workshop feat. Marcel Price of The Diatribe
UICA 2 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m., members $20, public $25 uica.org, (616) 454-7000 Stretch your poetic muscles and woo your date with beautiful poetry. Join UICA for an evening of spoken word poetry and performances by local spoken word artists that have been inspired by the contemporary works on display. After the performances, make sure to bring your own original poetry to share and participate in a writing workshop led by members of the spoken word collective,The Diatribe. Registration is required.
Traxxas Monster Truck Destruction Tour
Wings Event Center 3600 Vanrick Dr., Kalamazoo Feb. 17-18, 6 p.m., $20-$30 monstertruckdestructiontour.com, (269) 345-1125 If you and your hot date aren’t in the mood for lovey-dovey mushiness and fancy dinners, maybe an evening at the Traxxas Monster Truck Destruction Tour is for you. Watch as these off-roaders go
CHEAP DATE D’arts Donuts
1444 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids (616) 419-4187, dartsdonuts.com You “doughnut” have to break the bank to have a memorable Valentine’s Day. Plan a romantic morning, enjoy a warm cup of coffee and grab some sweets with your sweetie at D’arts Donuts. The shop has five generations of families crafting unique homemade doughnuts that you will fall head-over-heels for. You can keep that sugar rush going all day too — if there are plenty of doughnuts left over, drop by in the last hour the store is open for a chance at half-off doughnuts.
SCENE SOUNDS | SIGHTS | DINING | SCHEDULE
ANTI-MUSH DATE
head-to-head and tackle a tough obstacle course. Get the chance to ride onboard one of the monster trucks during the Pit Party and intermission. Arrive early and meet the drivers, get autographs and take photos with the drivers and their monsters.
Jonny B’z
701 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids jonnybz.com, (616) 551-1108
While Jonny B’z may have moved across the street and thrown some cocktails on the menu, its burgers, hot dogs and fries are still affordable as ever. It’s easy to fill up for $7 or less, but feel free to go hog wild on a half-pound of smoked brisket if you have the mind to (still only $10). Don’t forget to ask for “fancy sauce” — it’s not on the menu, but this secret concoction will definitely spice up your date night.
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GUIDE TO LOVE AND VICE
When Love Blossoms BY MISSY BLACK
Kaci Muller is the owner, creative director and lead designer at Damsel Floral, a shop that offers organically-inspired garden florals. Flowers are her art — using colors and textures to express emotion, Muller is in the business of helping people celebrate. From full-event floral design to individually-ordered custom pieces for Valentine’s Day, she’s a florist who believes that if you’re giving flowers, you’re committed to bringing something special to the table. “I try to get to the heart of why you want to send it,” Muller said. “What is the personality of the person receiving them? I try and bring that out in flowers.” We asked Muller to explain her approach with a few floral prompts.
I discovered flowers as my passion when… I started in the wedding planning world and flowers are a big part of that. With flowers, I was bringing the design aesthetic full circle. When I think of flowers, I try to integrate things that speak to the location and seasons — flowers come from all over the world. That’s the reality of it. The best part of giving flowers to the people you love… They’re not very
SCHEDULE | DINING | SIGHTS | SOUNDS SCENE
practical, are they? Maybe it’s because they are perishable. So it’s telling someone they are special and giving them something that’s artful and meaningful. It’s a living product.
Valentine’s arrangement by Damsel Floral. PHOTO: PAIGE GABERT
something wrapped in birch bark might be more airy and less compact. A personality piece can use an heirloom if it holds water and doesn’t damage the flowers. A tin can could work!
My favorite elements to work with… Nothing is off the table. You can use vegetables, grass, begonias (from a planter box), etc. I started using poinsettias that you see around the holidays and not in a floral arrangement. I like to make people look twice at something. Because I’m using unusual ingredients, I have to communicate with my clients that the flowers might not last seven days, maybe only four.
In a second life, I’d come back as… A dahlia. They are so beautiful
Things I steer clear of… Every florist thinks “baby’s breath.”
and showy and come in every color, even tones of blush and a coffee color. There’s one called the cafe au lait dahlia. It’s the queen bee of flowers. It’s not going to live for seven days, but who cares? It’s gorgeous.
Hydrangeas have their place, but if you use that same product over and over again, you get bored. I try to stay away from things that I see a lot of. That’s not fun.
My take on flower containers and vases… Containers are half the piece, half the story of the arrangement. The right vessel really accentuates what you love about that flower. If you love the outdoors,
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My suggestion for flowers for a deeply romantic couple… Flowers that are hyperfeminine tend to work well, things that smell really pretty. Again, it depends on the person. Do they like orchids, peonies, tulips? Sometimes more is not more. Let’s say you have a budget — high-end flowers in a unique vessel will tell the story without needing to jam it full.
Kaci Muller PHOTO: LISA HAMMOND
For the rest of my life, the one lone floral arrangement on my table would be… A big mix of peonies and poppies.
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GUIDE TO LOVE AND VICE
Make mine a double BY JOE BOOMGAARD, REVUE BEER CZAR
S
ome days just call for getting drunk, and fast. When you want to tie one on and get a nice buzz going, there’s no reason to screw around drinking session IPAs. Rather, go for the biggest, baddest, boldest craft beers available. Typically, that means heavy imperial stouts — often of the bourbon barrel-aged variety — or crazy double or triple India Pale Ales. Below is a roundup of five of the highest ABV craft beers from West Michigan breweries.
Dragon’s Milk Reserve Triple Mashed New Holland Brewing Co. 17% ABV This imperial stout aged in New Holland Artisan Spirits oak barrels drops a malt bomb on your palate. It features a “compelling whiskey character,” plus some toasted notes from the oak barrel. At 17 percent ABV, it’s a real whopper. In the immortal words of Dave Chappelle (as Samuel L. Jackson), “IT’LL GET YOU DRUNK!”
No Rules Vietnamese Porter Perrin Brewing Co. 15% ABV Here’s the deal, Donny. You take an imperial porter, load it up with coconut and turbinado sugar, and then age it in bourbon barrels for a few months. Drink too much of this and you’ll be OVER THE LINE for sure, Smokey. You’d best call for a ride, or else the 5-0 will mark your license zero. This is not ’Nam. There are rules. (OK, enough with the Big Lebowski references.)
KBS Founders Brewing Co. 12.4% ABV Two years ago, the O.G. of bourbon barrel-aged stouts got an ABV increase from a paltry 11.2 percent to a robust 12.4 percent. Founders releases the beer in March during KBS Week, which is part of the new Beer Month GR this year. Also new this year, Founders is releasing two formats of the chocolate and coffee-heavy KBS: the typical 12-ounce bottles, as well as 750-mL bombers as part of its “Barrel Aged Series.” You could share the big bottle with a friend (or three) or just keep it all to yourself. We won’t judge.
Double Crooked Tree
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Dark Horse Brewing Co. 12% ABV
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Regular Crooked Tree is a favorite IPA among the Revue editorial staffers, but DCT holds a dear spot in our hearts as well. Imagine Crooked Tree, only concentrated, thick and resinous. Store one away in the cellar and taste the caramel and malt flavors emerge from their slumber as the beer takes on more of a barleywine characteristic. It’s a DGAF imperial IPA from a company that gives no f***s. Cheers to that.
Expedition Stout Bell’s Brewery Inc. 10.5% ABV Take a trip on the malt train all the way to Comrade Putin’s homeland with this Russian Imperial Stout. It’s one of Bell’s best widely-available big beers — one you can find on most store shelves when it’s in season. Expedition has notes of chocolate and dark fruits matched with an intense bitterness for a stout. It’s another one to store away and take on a journey after a year or two in the cellar.
GUIDE TO LOVE AND VICE
Vinyl Addiction BY KELLY BROWN
I
ing the business, you know, the love of the thing diminishes somewhat. I would say I don’t consider myself a vinyl addict anymore. But I’ve got a couple guys who work here who are.” But don’t go placing stereotypes on this vice. No, vinyl collecting is no longer limited to the 60-year-old shut-in trying to relive his ’70s youth. Today, you’ll find stores lined wall-to-wall with the tight jean wearing, 20-something, Pitchfork reader ready to expand their collection. That’s not to say that collecting or becoming “addicted” to vinyl is all about ego. Love of the thing itself always drives an addiction. “I think it’s a mixture of both,” Baker said. “I’m sure there’s a certain percentage of people that try to enhance their worth by archiving and collecting certain types of collections. To what percentage, I have no idea. But it’s probably a balance of the two.” Whether it’s love or vice, it’s better to be collecting than downloading. Here’s just a couple West Michigan shops where you can do so locally:
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f you’ve ever walked into a record shop, browsed through the bins, and found the final album to complete your favorite band’s collection, you know the addictive thrill of vinyl hunting. Just this year, music site Consequence of Sound published an article, “Vinyl On Track to Become Billion Dollar Industry in 2017.” It’s the visceral feeling of picking up a record, reading through the lyrics, pulling out the disc and checking for quality that brings collectors back week after week. Flipping through the stacks, searching for that LP you know will sound perfect with your living room acoustics on a rainy day — it never gets old. For those who do more than purchase the occasional record, collecting vinyl can turn into its own form of addiction. Unlike the shiny, dare we say, “tackiness” of CDs and cassettes, vinyl is drenched in tradition. From the cover art to the inserts to the color, shape and smell of the record itself, vinyl is an art form — a beautiful, lustful, art form. “There are sensory things you get with vinyl,” said Herm Baker of Vertigo Music in downtown Grand Rapids. “You don’t get that with anything else.” Baker, longtime business owner of the beloved Vertigo Music located on Division Avenue, was once a vinyl addict himself. “I was addicted to vinyl as a man in my 20s and 30s,” Baker said. “Since own-
Vertigo Music – 129 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids Third Coast Vinyl – 1115 3rd St., Muskegon Satellite Records – 808 S. Westnedge, Kalamazoo
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Restaurant listings arranged by region
GRAND RAPIDS Angel’s Thai Café 136 Monroe Center NW. 616-454-9801 THAI. This downtown restaurant makes your order fresh, fast, and hot. You can order your entree with your choice of meat and spice level, or create your own. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Thai Steak and Yum Talay. Big O Café 80 Ottawa NW. 616-451-1887 ITALIAN. The downtown (and downstairs) restaurant has a reliable menu featuring pizza, pasta, and sandwiches that are Italian and Cuban influenced. A great spot for lunch or a quick glass of wine and plate of pasta before a downtown event. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Dead Head Vegetarian Pizza, Cuban dinners on Friday nights. Bistro Bella Vita 44 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.
Bombay Cuisine 1420 Lake Dr. SE 616-456-7055 INDIAN. Offering savory and subtly spiced dishes from northern India, Bombay Cuisine is a hot spot for those who like to add a little flavor to their lives. With a lunch buffet served every weekday, this restaurant provides its eaters with an array of traditional Indian cuisine. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Naan, Butter Chicken.
Divani 15 Ionia Ave. SW. 616-774-WINE. ECLECTIC. Divani offers a sophisticated environment, with chefs using Michiganmade ingredients in their creations, such as Dancing Goat Creamery, Otto’s Chicken, S&S Lamb, Ingraberg Farms, Mrs. Dog’s and Madcap. For the thirsty, the bar serves more than 300 types of liquor, 300 wines and 50 beers to complement each handcrafted meal. » SERVING: Dinner after 4 p.m. OPEN ON: Everyday but Sunday. GO THERE FOR: Wine and Local Cuisine.
Chapbook Café 2660 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids. 616-942-0595. CAFE. Take a break from browsing the shelves at Schuler Books with a homemade selection of soups, sandwiches and quiches. Soups are prepared in-house daily and served with fresh baked bread to accompany a small-but-elegant sandwich menu. Try a quiche or traditional Italian Panini grilled on fresh ciabatta bread, or for a quick bite, grab a bagel or scone from the dessert case. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days GO THERE FOR: Homemade soups and sandwiches
Erb Thai 950 Wealthy St. SE #1A. (616) 356-2573. Additional locations at 4160 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Suite B, and 820 Michigan St. NE. THAI. Food rooted in traditional Thai cuisine, but also made to accommodate health conscious and special diets. Not too strong, not too weak, like harmony and melody. Marketing representative Molly Rizor was a Thai virgin when she went and is now glad Erb Thai was her first experience. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Peanut Curry Noodles.
CitySen Lounge 83 Monroe Center St. NW. 616-608-1720 AMERICAN. CitySen Lounge, located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, is a bar with a big-city feel, offering exciting options for lunch, dinner and breakfast on the weekends. The focus is on fresh ingredients and a full bar with local brews, wine and creative cocktails. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner (Breakfast on weekends). OPEN: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Daily happy hour
Founders Brewing Company 235 Grandville SW. 616-776-1195 BREWPUB. A beer-lover’s paradise with a national reputation for flavorful, awardwinning 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.
The Corner Bar 31 N. Main St., Rockford 616-866-9866 AMERICAN. The downtown Rockford tavern serves a solid menu of burgers, burritos, salads and sandwiches, but it is best known for hot dogs — serving almost 1,000 per day. Its hot-dog-eating challenge has been conquered by more than a few, but it raises the question: Why would you want to consume Corner Bar dogs in a hurry rather than savor each bite? » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Hot dogs.
Ganders 4747 28th St. SE. 616-957-0100. AMERICAN. Ganders by Hilton Doubletree presents modern American menu options dedicated to locally grown ingredients representing the best farms, markets and food artisans of West Michigan. The restaurant also features a number of local craft beers on tap and by the bottle. The restaurant works directly with local breweries to create multi-course beer tasting menus featuring beer incorporated into every course. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh, locally grown ingredients and Michigan-made beer.
The Cottage Bar 18 Lagrave Ave. SE. 616-454-9088 AMERICAN. The Cottage Bar is the oldest operating restaurant and bar in downtown Grand Rapids. Come in for the Cottage Burger, smothered with green olives, bacon, lettuce, tomato, hickory mayonnaise and Swiss and American cheeses. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays GO THERE FOR: The Cottage Burger.
Garage Bar & Grill 819 Ottawa Ave. NW. 616-454-0321 AMERICAN. This bar and grill serves up real food with fresh ingredients. Known for its all day happy hour with a $2 draft, $3 well drink and $4 glass of wine. Also look for the freshly-ground 7 oz. Garage Burger, served with hand-cut fries. The casual bar’s diverse menu ranges from soups and wedge salads to brisket sandwiches and hand-battered onion rings. A long
list of ice-cold craft beers tops off the experience, with block parties on Wednesday throughout the summer. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Burgers, Chicken Tenders, Live Music. Gilly’s 20 Monroe NW. 616-356-2000 SEAFOOD. Gilly’s may not be the biggest name on the seafood block, but it takes second place to no one in regards to quality, freshness and inspiration. A vast array of exotic fish is line-caught, flown in and prepared fresh daily. Every facet of Gilly’s speaks to impeccable attention to detail. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday. GO THERE FOR: Fresh seafood at a great price. Graydon’s Crossing 1223 Plainfield NE. 616-726-8260 TAVERN. An authentic take on the English Pub, with a huge selection of beers on tap and a menu that includes classic English dishes like Fish & Chips, Shepherd’s Pie and Irish Stew, as well as Indian specialties like Tandoori Chicken and Tikka Masala. A great casual atmosphere for drinking and dining. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Beer and authentic pub food. G.R.P.D. (Grand Rapids Pizza and Delivery) 340 State St. SE. 616-454-9204 ITALIAN. The current location opened in 2004 as the first established pizzeria in Heritage Hill A common meeting spot for local folks, business professionals and college students, a place where one could gather for a quick meal or a reflective lunch. It offers both hand-tossed pizza and Chicago-style stuffed pizza, as well as pasta, sandwiches, salads, and wings. Online ordering, too. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza. Grand Rapids Brewing Company 1 Ionia Ave SW. 616-458-7000 BREWPUB. GRBC 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 shareables (try the Kale Popcorn), burgers/sandwiches, and entrees, this place represents the best of the brewery’s 120-year legacy. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Beer, happy hour specials and locally sourced food. Grand Woods Lounge 77 Grandville Ave. SW. 616-451-4300 AMERICAN. The restaurant’s interior exudes a warm, casual ambiance reminiscent of the great eateries of the Pacific Northwest; the outdoor porch features two outdoor bars and a fireplace. Menu stocked with affordable appetizers great for sharing,
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The B.O.B. 20 Monroe Ave. NW. (616) 356-2000 ECLECTIC. If you’re not sure what kind of dining you want, you can just head into The B.O.B., where you can choose from one of its several venues. Go into Gilly’s, where you can dine on seafood or B.O.B.’s Brewery, the restaurant’s in-house brewery. You can dress down for some pizza at Bobarino’s or dress it up for a steak at Judson’s Steakhouse. For after dinner, take in a show at Dr. Grins or enjoy live music at H.O.M.E. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Beer and numerous dining options.
Brewery Vivant 925 Cherry St. SE. 616-719-1604 FRENCH/BELGIAN. Housed in a refurbished funeral chapel, this brewery won Best Ambiance in Revue’s Best of the West with its stained glass windows and European beer hall setup. Along with farmhouse style beers, the LEED-certified BV is known for its French-Belgian cuisine, from duck nachos to roasted bone marrow. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The Burger (2nd place Best of the West).
REVUE’s dining listings are compiled by staff and minions. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of restaurants in the region. For an expanded list, be on the lookout for new and improved dining changes on our website, revuewm.com. The listings are not intended to be reviews of West Michigan restaurants, although we will inject some opinions into the listings based on staff experiences and personal preferences. To submit or to correct information in a dining listing, e-mail editor@ revuewm.com.
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BEER
LIQUID LUNCH?
Breweries embrace niche food to broaden their appeal
BY JOE BOOMGAARD, REVUE BEER CZAR
W
hether they like it or not, craft breweries need to pair good food with their beers if they want to attract a diverse clientele. That’s especially true for breweries outside of urban environments, where they need to draw from surrounding areas and become a destination for customers. Ask a craft brewery owner these days and they’ll say that while they may lure people in with libations, they often earn repeat customers by pairing the liquid with interesting and well-executed food offerings. It explains why companies like Cedar Springs Brewing and Creston Brewery have opted to open with niche food offerings — and why Rockford Brewing added a full kitchen and specialty menu last fall. Revue decided to visit those three breweries to sample their beers and food and see how well that pairing is working.
ROCKFORD BREWING CO.
1504 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids crestonbrewery.com, (616) 805-4523
12 E. Bridge St., Rockford rockfordbrewing.com, (616) 951-4677
In a way, Creston is the odd choice of this group because it’s essentially a local brewery and pub named for its home base: Grand Rapids’ Creston neighborhood. But aside from killer beers from brewer Scott Schultz, Creston also sports a menu steeped in Latin American street food. We’re talking about a slew of empanadas, plus beef barbacoa, jackfruit and mojo chicken (served as tacos, a burrito, a bowl or a quesadilla) for the lunch menu. The dinner menu includes enchiladas, posole, skirt steak, brick chicken and more, as well as weekly specials. When Revue spoke with co-founder Vincent Lambert a couple of months back, he said the partners focused on offering a strong menu. “Intentionally, when we started this, we wanted to have this be a real nice lunch place, and we don’t want it to be real expensive,” he said at the time. “All of our menu items are $6, $7 or $8 — there’s nothing on the menu more than $9, actually. It’s all made from scratch.” Entrees they’ve added since range from $11-16. Favorites during our lunchtime stop included the Roasted Sweet Potato bowl, made with blue cheese, bacon and guacamole, as well as the beef barbacoa, served either in burrito form or as a quesadilla. Pair any of them with The Bloody Fifth — hands down, one of the best beers in West Michigan right now — or take your pick from the taplist. You can’t go wrong.
You had us at Korean comfort food, and then you paired that with an eclectic worldwide bar food menu. We’ll take 666 of everything. For nearly the first four years, Rockford Brewing made a name for itself strictly as a brewery. Co-founder and head brewer Jeff Sheehan said adding the kitchen has been an adjustment for the company, but it’s allowed them to add a new level of seasonality to the business and showcase what’s available from local farms. It’s a natural progression from RBC’s Permaculture series, which highlights timely ingredients in various beer styles, using everything from maple sap in spring to squash in fall. “We responded to demand, and it’s been a positive experience,” Sheehan said. “Farm-to-table means something to a lot of different people. A lot of chefs use it to generate a demand, but that’s unrealistic for a lot of local farms. We turn that around and ask farmers, ‘What can you grow really well?’” For Aaron Trapp, a sort of jack of all trades at RBC, the move to offering food added another layer of connection to the brewery because of his family’s 100-acre Trapp’s Berry Farm, which is located about 10 miles away. “I’ll come in before a shift with a bin full of produce for the kitchen and people really respond to seeing the ingredients,” Trapp said. “It’s been a pleasant surprise. … We have a good sense of timing and seasonality.” Favorites during our recent visits have included the Korean BBQ Lettuce Wraps, Sloth Queen Noodle Bowl and more traditional entrees like the RBC Butter Burger and Rogue River Brown Braised Beef Pasty. (Holy wah!) Continued on next page
»
TOP: Creston Brewery’s Shallot-Feta stuffed Risotto Fritters on a bed of black garlic aioli and garnished with pickled red onion and Ingraberg Farms Pea Tendrils ABOVE: Rockford Brewing Co.’s Roasted Chicken with Lemon
< DAVID RINGLER OF CEDAR SPRINGS BREWING CO. PHOTO: KATY BATDORFF
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CRESTON BREWERY
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« Continued from previous page CEDAR SPRINGS BREWING CO. 95 N. Main St., Cedar Springs csbrew.com, (616) 696-BEER In founding Cedar Springs Brewing Co., “Director of Happiness” David Ringler took tradition very seriously. As he developed the brewery’s Küsterer brand of beers, he used as his benchmarks the traditional beers he consumed when he worked at a brewery in Upper Bavaria. Likewise, he took a similar traditional approach when he developed Cedar Springs Brewing Co.’s Bavarian menu. “I wanted to serve food that I learned (about) living out there,” he said. Because even the old-school German restaurants around West Michigan served highly Americanized dishes, Ringler and Chef Shaun Wooden had a “fresh start” in introducing traditional Bavarian classics, including Leberkäse, Kase Spätzle and Jagerschnitzel.
Ringler and Wooden developed the initial recipes, but refined many of them after a culinary exploration of Germany last year to “taste the dishes in their habitat.” That trip led to a revision of the menu, the third since CSBC opened in November 2015. The number of Bavarian dishes has doubled since then. According to Wooden, the results speak for themselves, particularly when German natives stop into the brewery. “To hear people say that this dish is just like (they) had in Germany, that’s very rewarding,” he said. CSBC offers the Bavarian menu alongside “American smokehouse” fare like sandwiches, burgers and fried chicken. (Pro tip: Get the Brussels sprouts.) Ringler has noticed that people tend to eat exclusively from the German menu or the American menu, but lately, the German menu is “where the growth is.” “We’re definitely the oddball in being ethnic and traditional,” he said. At Revue, we are fans of the Bavarian Brauhaus Breze (a pretzel the size of yo’ face), the Paprikaschnitzel (a pork cutlet smothered in a sweet bell pepper and cream sauce), and whatever Chef Shaun has as his Schnitzel des Tages (of the day). As they say, Schmeckt Gut!
CEDAR SPRINGS BREWING CO.
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PHOTO: KATY BATDORFF
ON TAP NOW FOR A LIMITED TIME! Brewer John's kettle sour winter gose brewed with cranberry, blood orange and pomegranate, giving this light beer a blush hue, mildly tart flavor and hints of citrus and berry.
THE B.O.B. • 20 MONROE AVE GRAND RAPIDS • 616.356.2000 THEBOBSBREWERY.COM
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DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS
FEBRUARY 15 - MARCH 15, 2017
Details at BeerMonthGR.com Stay in a boutique hotel as unique as its city. CityFlatsHotel Grand Rapids. cityflatshotel.com / 616.608.1720
83 Monroe Center St in Downtown GR
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Cool Brews. Hot Eats. Restaurant Specials Winter Beer Festival U Tap Takeovers Brewsader® Beer Passport Rewards And Much More!
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by Kelly Brown
BEER At The B.O.B. Grand Rapids, MI 616.356.2000 www.thebob.com
Something New is Brewing Experience Grand Rapids launches first-ever Beer Month
PAT MaCrGyA2N-N4 Febru
DAVE
FebruaLrAyNDAU 9-11
CARL LABOVE
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February 16-18
Beer enthusiasts at the Michigan Brewers Guild 2016 Winter Beer Festival
When you live in a city where beer is king, it feels like every month is “beer month.” But this February, Experience Grand Rapids launches an entire month dedicated to savoring the craft that makes our city great. The monthlong celebration runs from Feb. 15 through March 15 and features a handful of events for the novice and beer connoisseur alike.
COLD BREWS, HOT EATS
OWEN BENJAMIN February 23-25
#drgrins
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This yearly festival is nothing new to the city of Grand Rapids, but it’s become the featured event of Beer Month GR. Dedicated to the 60-plus breweries throughout the surrounding Grand Rapids area, Cool Brews Hot Eats marries together two things that make our city special: excellent food and refreshing brews. Experience the best of both worlds with an assortment of beer and food pairings throughout breweries across West Michigan.
Offered for the entire month, there’s more than enough time to experience all this event offers. For a list of participating restaurants, check out experiencegr.com.
12TH ANNUAL WINTER BEER FESTIVAL – FEB. 24-25
This year, the legendaryWinter Beer Festival at Fifth Third Ballpark will feature more than 100 Michigan breweries and approximately 1,000 different types of craft beers. Guests receive 15 three-ounce tasting tokens with ticket purchase. Note that some specialty beers require two tokens. Guests enjoy live music from a variety of local bands, ice sculpture demonstrations and fire pits to help you warm up. A selection of food from across the region will be available for purchase as well. Is that enough for you? For more information, visit mibeer.com.
BEER CITY HOTEL PACKAGES
No need to worry about long drives back home or cramming everything into a day trip with a hotel downtown. Many of the hotels throughout West Michigan will fea-
PHOTOS: KIM KIBBY
ture special packages that combine our city’s rich brewing traditions with a comfortable night’s stay. Packages include options such as Bed and Brew at the Hampton Inn & Suites in downtown Grand Rapids – including a Grand Rapids ale trail map, one “Beer City USA” six pack koozie cooler, two “Beer City USA” logoed pint glasses and two aluminum “Beer City USA” bottle openers. You’ll be up to your ears in Beer City swag.
KBS WEEK, BREWSADER PASSPORTS AND MORE
One of Founders’ biggest weeks of the year, KBS Week, will fall within the range of Beer Month GR. Other opportunities to celebrate this month include the ongoing Beer City Ale Trail — print out a map and follow the trail to some of the best breweries in West Michigan. Or, ready to become a Brewsader? Grab yourself a passport, available at the breweries listed on the Experience GR website, and collect passport stamps from eight of the 32 breweries listed to receive an exclusive Brewsader T-shirt.
BEER BRIEFS Situated just 7.7 miles apart along the White Pine Trail, Rockford Brewing Co. and Cedar Springs Brewing Co. decided to collaborate on a winter cycling event called Snow Bikes & Brews Arctic Cruise. Bring your fat tire and ride the route starting at CSBC, 95 N. Main St., at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 4. The group leaves for RBC at 12:30 p.m. Draft pours are $1 off at each brewery. More importantly, the event is free and open to all ages and skill levels. Don’t forget your long johns!
Springfield-based Territorial Brewing Co., 256 N. Helmer Rd., is planning a special release each week in the month of February at its Battle Creek-area brewery and taphouse. All of the limited edition beers are sold in resealable 750-mL bottles and cost $22 each, except for the last one, which costs $26. Here’s the lineup: • Feb. 2: Holy Ole, a sour barrel-aged Brettanomyces Danish pilsner • Feb. 9: Hapanpukki, a sour barrel-aged Sahti, an ancient Finnish-style ale brewed without hops • Feb. 16: Grousefather, a sour barrel-aged vanilla rauchbier (a smoky style) • Feb. 23: Armer Ritter, a weizen “trippelbock” barrel-aged with Michigan maple syrup In other news, Revue will be taking a weekly roadtrip to Territorial every Thursday in February.
Muskegon’s Unruly Brewing Co., 360 W. Western Ave., has been ratcheting up its music offerings in recent months. For February, the downtown brewery has a handful of shows planned, including JGJ Band (Feb. 3, 8:30 p.m.); It’s a Secret with Amoura and Drowned Out (Feb. 4, 9:30 p.m.); Mike Boxer and Rusty Walters (Feb. 10, 8 p.m.); Melophobix with Speak Easy (Feb. 11, 8:30 p.m.); Pop Fiction (Feb. 17 8:30 p.m.); Kari Lynch and her band (Feb. 18, 8 p.m.); Youth In Revolt, Out Came the Wolves, and Picturesque (Feb. 23, $10 at the door); Tweeg and the Bounders, Cosmonaut, and Rip Van Ripper (Feb. 24, 8:30 p.m.); and Chordis Bell (Feb. 25, 9:30 p.m.). All shows are free admission unless otherwise noted. Featuring Collaborative brews with:
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With Winter Beer Fest at Fifth Third Ballpark fast approaching, two local breweries are planning special events. Grand Rapids-based Brewery Vivant, 925 Cherry St. SE, plans to bring back its Brewers Big Breakfast, which runs from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24 to give festival-goers a chance to load up on food for the big day. Rockford Brewing Co., 12 E. Bridge St. NE, also wants to help you pre-game for the festival by opening for brunch at 10 a.m. on Saturday. They’re also offering a Hangover Brunch starting at 11 a.m. on Sunday. The special runs through 4 p.m. both days and includes a choice of: • Southern Fried Chicken Wings and Waffles, featuring sausage gravy, pickled chiles, watercress, savory herb waffles and Michigan maple syrup • The Full Monte Cristo Sandwich, which has ham, aged gruyere, apple and cranberry chutney on Nantucket Brioche french toast • Salmon Lox and Spinach Bagel, with dill and caper cream cheese, shaved red onion, spinach, tomato on toasted Nantucket everything bagel • Brewer’s Breakfast Skillet, which features over-easy eggs, beer-braised Sobie breakfast sausages, and potato-poblano hash with a grilled baguette Luckily, proof of a hangover is not needed to participate. rightbrainbrewery.com Right Brain Brewery * 225 E. 16th Street, Traverse City, MI 49684
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DINING Q&A
Table Talk:
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Jerry Adams, West Michigan Farmlink This month I sat down with Jerry Adams, who co-founded West Michigan Farmlink with Paul Quinn, to talk about what the hell farm-to-table actually means on a practical level. You can check out what’s in season and even order food for yourself from the website, wmfarmlink.com.
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by Nick Macksood
What’s the Farmlink origin story? Farmlink started out 15 years ago as the West Michigan Co-Op. But one day (my wife) Amy and I were at the Fulton Street Farmers Market: It was the last day of sales for the year and I said, ‘Where are these people going next week? Where are the farmers unloading their product next week?’ I just saw a lot of ways in which the internet could be a more efficient farmers market and clean up a lot of loose ends. How so? Well for one, the farmers have to lease the space, harvest and move all their stuff a day in advance, hire a couple cute kids to stand at the table, and hope it doesn’t rain. Because then they’re taking it on the chin for the week and their sales are a reflection of the weather, an element they’re already dealing with in raising the crops anyway. How do you deal with that? So what we did was provide a forum for the farmers to list what they have fresh and available at any given week of the year. They set the prices … and that’s that. You can check our website, see what’s around this week and let it rip. You’ve somehow managed to save the social aspect of the farmer’s market, even though it’s online. And that’s intentional, because for chefs to use this product to its potential, it’s better to know the farmer who’s offering it to them. We used to make everyone pick up their order so that transaction was happening, but now in dealing with restaurants who order a lot on a regular basis, we needed also to step into the delivery market. The shift to localism has been pestered with buzzwords for a while now — how does Farmlink go beyond all that? A lot of these buzzwords and catchphrases that you’ll find in the media can and will be overdone by those looking to cash in, but words like transparency or seasonality are actually built into the Farmlink model. Built in how? For example, we’re not buying a pallet of potatoes and throwing them into our own plastic bags and shelving them until they sell out. If you buy a sack of potatoes from us, it’s coming from
the farm in a bag, with your name on it and the name of where it came from. Why does it matter, knowing where it came from? That all came from a moment I had years ago, when I saw a notice that was a beef recall from the eastern part of the country. It turns out there’s one plant in Iowa that processes all of the cattle that goes out to the Eastern seaboard. You can go to these big box stores and buy a sleeve of premade hamburgers and the country of origin doesn’t say United States. There could be 10 different countries on that label. All of which means you have no idea where any of this stuff is coming from or if it’s been properly taken care of. As far as seasonality goes, I think most would be surprised at how diverse Michigan is. Just in the last 20 years, look at technology on the farm. Even in Michigan, we’re talking about tomatoes year-round. I mean, you can trick a dog, but it’s easier to trick a plant. It’s all just a light issue. But it’s amazing, these farmers are getting better at growing stuff every year too, so that end of the business is blossoming. I swear I’ve got better lettuce than anybody right now, in the middle of January. And it’ll last in your cooler for a month because it was harvested this morning. What’s the best way to convince someone to buy local despite the price bump? Going back to that social aspect, I like to invite an interested chef to come down on a Tuesday morning and just look at the product, because you really can just see the difference. And I’ve gotten to the point where I can go to Salt of the Earth, The Sovengard or Osteria Rossa and taste the difference too. That’s impressive. And the other thing is, we’re all living here. We’re not going anywhere. Farmers aren’t going anywhere. We might as well buy a product that you know is going to be fresher than the big guys’. Why not? Plus, the farmers are only getting better at what they do, and that’s in part because of the relationships and the feedback they receive from us at FarmLink and from the chefs who are using their product every day. We’ll just keep doing what we’re doing and get better at it every day. Sooner or later, buying local will just be a no-brainer.
DINING
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.
and the chef uses local vendors and suppliers. Conveniently located in downtown Grand Rapids, Pearl Street Grill serves sesasonal comfort food and offers nightly happy hour specials. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Late night specials.
Harmony Brewing Company 1551 Lake Dr. SE (616) 233-0063 BREWPUB. Harmony features 12 craft-brewed beers in addition to signature root beer for the kiddos. Named one of the top-five brewpub menus in West Michigan by yours truly, Harmony offers 10” rustic wood-fired pizzas and great soups and sandwiches. Check out their new location, Harmony Hall, at 401 Stocking Ave. NW. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza and brews.
The Pita House 1450 Wealthy SE, 3730 28th Street, 4533 Ivanrest SW (Grandville). 616-454-1171 MEDITERRANEAN. Gyros so big you can club someone with them, the smoothest hummus in town and other Mediterranean fare, including kibbe, kafta and falafel. Additional locations on 28th Street and Kalamazoo SE. Sandwiches are made to order with fresh vegetables and ingredients. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh pita wraps.
The Holiday Bar 801 5th St. NW. (616) 456-9058 AMERICAN. Tucked smack dab in the “Heart of the Westside,” The Holiday Bar boasts a classic 40-foot Horseshoe bar, along with cheap eats and drinks, both served until 2 a.m., with specials happening daily. The Holiday Bar has a full menu that features pub fare like chicken strips, pierogis, battered homestyle mushrooms and more. It’s a great place to watch the game, listen to music or just hang out with friends. » SERVING Lunch Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Cheap eats and drinks.
Reserve Wine & Food 201 Monroe Ave. NW (616) 855-9463 ECLECTIC. With 102 wines available by the glass and more than 300 by the bottle, paired with an ever-changing food menu influenced by West Michigan grown foods, Reserve promises diners a unique experience. Cocktails and craft beers add depth to the primarily wine-centered menu. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday GO THERE FOR: Wine and food pairings, charcuterie, happy hour.
HopCat 25 Ionia SW. 616-451-4677 TAVERN. Named “Best Brewpub in the USA” by RateBeer.com, 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 cheese ale soup, BBQ Pulled Pork, crack fries (not real crack), Killer Mac & Cheese and other dishes meant to pair well with beer. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Massive beer list, crack fries. Marie Catrib’s 1001 Lake Dr. 616-454-4020 ECLECTIC. The East Hills eatery makes everything from scratch with local ingredients, and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Get there early for lunch, as there is almost always a wait. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Salads, soups and sandwiches.
One Trick Pony 136 E. Fulton. 616-235-7669 AMERICAN. One Trick Pony unveiled a new menu last April with the tagline “Fresh, Local Fare with a Beat.” The restaurant is a part of FarmLink and supports local growers and remains focused on sustainability. Connected to the Cottage Bar, the menu spans pizza, salads, homemade soups, smoked prime rib and more. Pair the food with live music, which OTP features weekly. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Eclectic pizzas. Pearl Street Grill 310 Pearl St NW. 616-235-1342 AMERICAN. Dine in a relaxing environment where kids eat free (hotel guests only)
Rockwell-Republic 45 S. Division Ave. 616-551-3563 ECLECTIC. Menu offerings range from sushi to burgers and everything in between. The craft cocktail menu runs the gamut from classics like the Manhattan to more modern concoctions and the beer and wine menus are nicely curated. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Specialty cocktails, broad menu, lively atmosphere.
– 30+ Beers On Tap – Full-Service Restaurant – Live Music & Special Events – free Tours DOWNTOWN & COMSTOCK BREWERIES
– general store & homebrew supplies
San Chez Bistro 38 West Fulton St. 616-774-8272 SPANISH/ECLECTIC. San Chez is both a café and a Tapas Bistro, now both housed in the same room. This is a social setting where people can remember the one rule of kindergarten: sharing. Featuring small, delicious dishes, San Chez can satiate your desire for variety. It’s also a hidden secret for breakfast in downtown Grand Rapids, offering a great start to any day. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Tapas, Breakfast, Sandwiches Stella’s Lounge 53 Commerce Ave. 616-356-2700 TAVERN. The Chicagostyle whiskey bar has more than 200 varieties of distilled spirits, old-school video games, and a menu filled with vegetarian and vegan bar food — and stuffed burgers. Did we mention you can sip cans of PBR and other classic beers out of a mason jar? » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Whiskey, vegetarian and vegan bar food. Terra GR 1429 Lake Dr. 616-301-0998 AMERICAN. Terra boasts fresh, healthy ingredients in every dish. The restaurant
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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.
River City Saloon 1152 Leonard St. NW. 616-451-0044 AMERICAN. Combine your tastes of live music and filling food at River City Saloon. The restaurant and bar has Mexican options, burgers, salads and more. On the weekends, indulge in any of these menu items or a couple drinks while listening to some local music by bands like Hey Marco, OTC, Litt Up, Drop 35 and more. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Wednesday olive burger special
Experience Where it all started
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doesn’t feature one menu, either. It offers a Saturday and Sunday brunch menu, as well as menus for lunch, dinner, dessert, beverages, wine, happy hour and kids. The food is inspired by the seasons and ingredients come straight from one of Michigan’s many farms. » SERVING: Brunch Lunch Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh foods with ingredients from regional growers.
Wheelhouse Kitchen & Cocktails 67 Ottawa Ave. SW, Grand Rapids. 616-226-3319 AMERICAN. Nestled into the ground floor of Grand Rapids’ new Arena Place tower, this casual/fine dining bistro is all about refined, locally-sourced versions of classic dishes in a modern, yet intimate, atmosphere. With an 85-seat porch, Wheelhouse wants to provide a true community experience. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner. OPEN ON: 7 days (Sat.–Sun. dinner only). GO THERE FOR: Tartines, outdoor dining. The Winchester 648 Wealthy St. SE. 616-451-4969 ECLECTIC. This upscale bar and restaurant feels like it was plucked from Chicago’s Bucktown or Logan Square neighborhoods. A comfortable spot to drink or dine, with an always evolving menu featuring shared plates, salads and inventive sandwiches and specials. When available, some produce items are harvested from their garden across the street. » SERVING: Brunch Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: DIY Bloody Mary Bar Special, Yucca Fries.
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Wolfgang’s Restaurant 1530 Wealthy St. SE. 616-454-5776 BREAKFAST. The bustling Eastown breakfast spot is home to some of the heartiest breakfast dishes and funniest menu descriptions. Courteous staff never fails to offer a cup of coffee to go after we’ve finished breakfast. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Breakfast all day.
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years as one of the region’s best dining experiences, including a 3-star rating in the 2010 Forbes 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. Central City Taphouse 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall. (269) 492-0100 TAPHOUSE. If Central City doesn’t have the kind of beer you want on tap, you’ll probably find it with the 75+ bottles. OH, you say you’re not a beer drinker? Well, Central City offers 20 wine ‘taps’ and a full bar. If you’re not the drinking type, that’s cool too. There are a number of food options to pick from, including a raw menu, a pizza menu and the all-day menu, which features burgers, soups and entrees. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Diverse beverage selection. Fieldstone Grille 3970 W. Centre S t ., Por t age. 269-321-8480 AMERICAN. Lodge-retreat atmosphere overlooking the Moors Golf Club natural wetlands. The “field-to-plate” menu features burgers, pizzas, steaks and some eclectic items like quail. Try the FSG chips, a combination of potato, beet and sweet potato chips. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Blue Burger, Almond Crusted Walleye, FSG Chips.
KALAMAZOO/BATTLE CREEK
Food Dance 401 E. Michigan Ave. 269-382-1888 AMERICAN. Food Dance is committed to building a thriving and sustainable local food system, supporting artisans who practice craft food processes. It’s about the connection with people and places the food comes from. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, private dining space, catering and delivery, while an on-site market offers humanely raised meats, artisan cheeses, fresh bread and pastries. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh Local Foods.
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.
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.
Bell’s Eccentric Cafe 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave. 269-382-2332 BREWPUB. The Eccentric Café features eclectic fare sourced from sustainable local ingredients, inspired by and designed to complement Bell’s award-winning beers. On tap, you’ll find 30-40 different beers, many exclusive to the Café and brewed right next door at the original brewery. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The Beer
Old Burdicks Bar & Grill 100 W. Michigan Ave. (269) 226-3192 AMERICAN. Old Burdick’s Bar & Grill features tasty sandwiches, burgers, salads and entrees, as well as a great selection of cocktails, wines and beers. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner. OPEN: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The Old Burdick Burger.
Bravo! 5402 Portage Rd., Kalamazoo 269-344-7700 ITALIAN. Much-lauded restaurant has earned its stripes over 23
Old Dog Tavern 402 East Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo. 269-3815677 AMERICAN. The food at Old Dog Tavern is just about as eclectic as the entertainment offered. The menu has so much on it that it might even bring some
GRAND RAPIDS • GRANDVILLE HOLLAND harmony between picky and adventurous eaters. » SERVING: Brunch Lunch Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The eclectic menu options. Olde Peninsula 200 E. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo 269-343-2739 BREWPUB. Downtown brewpub serves up the expected (e.g., steaks, ribs), the authentic (e.g., London Broil) and some pleasant surprises (e.g., extensive vegetarian offerings, Italian food). Offers a range of beers brewed on the premises and served on tap, plus a full bar. Check out the seasonal porters on tap right now, including the Vanilla Porter (5.5% ABV) and Stout Chocula (5.25% ABV). » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Beer-B-Que Ribs, London Broil.
Union Cabaret & Grille 125 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo. 269-384-6756 AMERICAN. A partnership with WMU, 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.
LAKESHORE 8th Street Grille 20 W. 8th St., Holland. 616-392-5888 AMERICAN. This eclectic grille offers a mix of draft and bottled craft beers and a variety of pub classics and new, American beerinspired dishes. Happy hour includes half-off appetizers and $1 off drafts. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: 28 taps of craft beer.
Bil-Mar Restaurant 1223 S. Harbor St., Holland. 616-842-5920 AMERICAN. A destination restaurant for more than 60 years. Dazzling sunsets and an all-American menu featuring fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Lake perch, lobster strudel, prime rib.
KALAMAZOO
866.672.6627 • ANNASHOUSEUS.COM
Everyday People Cafe 11 Center St., Douglas. 269-857-4240 AMERICAN. REVUE Publisher Brian Edwards calls Everyday People Café his favorite restaurant along the lakeshore. The atmosphere is casual and upbeat, the staff knows its stuff about wine and food, and the seasonal menu is filled with meticulously prepared, eclectic comfort food like Butternut Squash Risotto, Braised Lamb Shank and Ahi Tuna. A great wine list and tremendous desserts. » SERVING: Brunch (Weekends) Lunch Dinner OPEN: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Gorgonzola Pork Chop, Greek Salad with Grandma Gigi’s Dressing (Edwards).
Fricano’s Pizza Tavern 1400 Fulton Ave., Grand Haven. 616-842-8640 ITALIAN. Claims to be the first pizzeria in Michigan, but customers care less about its longevity than the amazingly crispy thin crust and simple ingredients atop its much-lauded pies. Four other locations around West MI, including Comstock Park, Muskegon, Holland and Kalamazoo. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza. Hops at 84 East 84 East 8th St., Holland. 616-396-8484 TAVERN. A beautiful taproom sporting reclaimed wood and copper. With 60 beer taps, two English beer machines, eight wine taps and an extensive spirits menu, Hops has a special beverage for everyone. The menu includes brick-oven pizza, burgers and sandwiches, chicken wings and a rotating special of the day. There are also gluten-free options, including their famous pizza. Several large-screen TVs adorn the restaurant if you’re in the mood to watch the big game. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Craft beer and brick-oven pizza.
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WALK
CityVu Bistro 61 E 7th Street, Holland. 616-796-2114 AMERICAN. A distinctive rooftop dining experience in downtown Holland with fresh gourmet flatbreads and an array of seasonal entrees. The contemporary-yet-casual atmosphere, full bar and unique menus make it the ideal spot for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: flatbreads
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WEST MICHIGAN COUPONS AND DEALS
Kirby House 2 Washington, Grand Haven. 616-846-3299 AMERICAN. Formerly a historic hotel, The Kirby House retains its oldworld charm while providing all the pleasantries of new world fare, with a diverse but primarily American-influenced menu. Check out the new island bar with 5 HDTVs and walk to Lake Michigan right after. The Kirby House also hosts The Grill Room and a pizzeria (complete with pool tables) called K2. The lower level has also been renovated to include a wine cellar and a premier nightclub, Dark. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Nightlife. New Holland Brewing Company 66 E. 8th St., Holland. 616-355-6422 BREWPUB. One of West MI’s premier microbreweries serves up better than average pub grub, including savory sandwiches chock full of Michigan ingredients, plus a seasonal entree menu. Also try their artisan spirits. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Mad Hatter IPA, Dragon’s Milk. Phil’s Bar & Grille 215 Butler St., Saugatuck. 269-857-1555 AMERICAN. This cozy (some would say “small”) bar and grille in downtown Saugatuck is one of those unassuming spots you might easily overlook, though locals in Saugatuck will tell you about their love affair with Phil’s. Eclectic menu is all over the place, but in a good way, and the staff is
super-friendly. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Portabella Mushroom Fries. Salt of the Earth 114 East Main St., Fennville. 269-561-7258 AMERICAN. Salt of the Earth is a farm-to-table-inspired restaurant, bar, and bakery located in the heart of SW Michigan farm country in Fennville. Focuses on fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients whenever possible. Also serves up live music on weekends. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: House made rustic cuisine. Saugatuck Brewing Company 2948 Blue Star Highway. 269-857-7222 BREWPUB. Enjoy a traditional Irish-style pub that features quality beer, wine, food and service. Try one of 12 unique brews that are served in the pub and bottled and distributed throughout the Midwest. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Beer in a family friendly pub environment.
To submit or to correct information in a dining listing, e-mail editor@revuewm.com.
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Did you know?
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You can get a free listing on our online event calendar. Just visit our calendar, click “submit event” and enter the details.
revuewm.com/calendar
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Last Call by Nick Macksood / photo by Katy Batdorff
THE BARREL
Gray Skies Distillery Between the BLiS barrel-aged maple syrup and the cherrywood-smoked barley in the single-malt whiskey, you can practically taste the timber in this variation on an Old Fashioned. Even on its own, Gray Skies’ premier whiskey is a neat sipper — unanticipated notes of chocolate supplement the smoked Peanut Butter Toast Malt from Michigan’s own Pilot Malt House. That’s why this craft cocktail from Grand Rapids’ newest distillery keeps it simple, putting its spirit in the spotlight.
Recipe: 2.5 oz. Gray Skies Single Malt Whiskey 1/3 oz. BLiS Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup 4-5 dashes barrel aged bitters 1 twist lemon, 1 cherry, for garnish Stir whiskey, maple syrup and bitters with ice, then strain into a chilled rocks glass with one large cocktail cube. Garnish with a lemon twist and a (preferably Traverse City) cherry.
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VALENTINES IN THE WOODS FEB 10 & 11 VALENTINES FEATURES LIVE ENTERTAINMENT CALL FOR RESERVATIONS
GE CAMPFIRE THURSDAYS COLLE 8pM-close 8pM-close
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Monday-Friday Monday-Friday 2-6pM 2-6pM $3 Select Drafts
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