July 2013, Revue Magazine

West Michigan’s Entertainment Guide for 25 years

» July 2013

Music / Movies / Art / Culture / Beer / Free!

Tommy Schichtel Inside the mind of a vintage mad scientist

The Music Issue Local bands you need to hear now

Free Music Sampler!

See Page 38

»

REVUEWM.COM | July 2013 |

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2013 OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

JUL 3 UMPHREY’S McGEE

SOLD OUT AUG 1 THE BEACH BOYS

JUL 5 MONTGOMERY GENTRY

AUG 2 JOHN BUTLER TRIO

JUL 7 DAVID BYRNE & ST. VINCENT

AUG 3 GRIZZLY BEAR

SOLD OUT JUL 11 OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW

SOLD OUT AUG 5 GARRISON KEILLOR

JUL 15 MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD

AUG 8 RANDY NEWMAN

SOLD OUT JUL 17 HARRY CONNICK, JR.

SOLD OUT AUG 11 OWL CITY

SOLD OUT JUL 18 STEVE MILLER BAND

SOLD OUT JUL 21 GRACE POTTER & THE NOCTURNALS

JUL 25 CHRIS ISAAK

SOLD OUT JUL 29 STEVE MARTIN

AUG 15 BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY AUG 21 MICHAEL McDONALD

SOLD OUT AUG 24 LYLE LOVETT AND HIS LARGE BAND

AUG 28 SMOKEY ROBINSON

SEP 5 INDIGO GIRLS

CMYK: 0: 100: 81: 4

186 0 0 0 77 171 0 12 65 0 12 171 0 18 102 000

MeijerGardens.org It’s How You Know It’s Summer In West Michigan 4 | REVUEWM.COM | July 2013

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MIDDLE CLASS RUT

MEWITHOUTYOU

JULY 2ND at THE LOFT - LANSING

JULY 2ND at DISTRICT SQUARE - KZOO

AMERICAN FANGS - DECADES

YOUNGBLOOD HAWKE

ROCKY VOTOLATO - AUCTIONEER

DINNER AND A SUIT - DOGS IN WINTER

CARBON LEAF

THE USED

FASTBALL

JULY 21ST at THE LOFT - LANSING

JULY 22ND at THE LOFT - LANSING

JULY 15TH at THE LOFT - LANSING

LIFE REMAINING

(CD RELEASE PARTY) ENDEAVORS THE EXPENDABLES OF VIRTUE - SYCAMOUR - PATHS - GIFT GIVER - BROUGHT UP

JULY 6TH at THE LOFT - LANSING

CBJ

JULY 7TH at THE LOFT - LANSING

JULY 19TH at DISTRICT SQUARE - KZOO

THE LAST POP BAND - LIFE SIZE GHOST

GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV

WAKE OWL

LINDSAY LOU & THE FLATBELLYS

APPLESEED CAST

JULY 25TH at PYRAMID SCHEME

JULY 28TH at PYRAMID SCHEME

AUGUST 9TH at THE LOFT - LANSING

AUGUST 15TH at PYRAMID SCHEME

JEFFREY FOUCAULT

THE MITTENAUTS - ANTRIM DELLS

DOUG MAINS & THE CITY FOLK - EAST HARVEST

DES ARK - HEARTSCAPE LANDBREAK

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What’s Inside

July 2013 | Volume 25, Issue 7

SCENE: 13 16 18 20 21

Random Notes Beer Free Market All Ages Eclectic

SPECIAL SECTION: 23 24 27 28 31 32 34 36 38

23

The Music Issue Ten to Watch House Concerts Tommy Schichtel Q&A with Ralston Bowles Buzzworthy Bands Matt Ten Clay Musicians’ Day Jobs West Michigan Music Sampler

SOUNDS:

The Music Issue

56

Style Notes

41 Sink’s Spins 42 On Tour: Mastodon 44 On Tour: Koji

SIGHTS:

47 Visual Arts: The World of Zhang Huan 48 Theatre: Game Show 50 Comedy: Michael Che 52 Indie Film 53 Movie Previews 54 Lit Life: Cascade Writers Group 56 Style Notes

DINING:

59 Restaurant Listings 60 Taste This

16

Microbrews

SCHEDULE:

67 Daily Event Listings and Best Bets

Letter from the Editor

W est M ichigan ’ s E ntertainment G uide

T

o be honest, this is my favorite issue of the year. I love The Music Issue because every year there are new bands and new people doing awesome things on the local music scene. I get to spend a few weeks listening to bands I already like, in addition to discovering new bands and basically listen to, think about and write about music for a month.

This time around, I got to know Tommy Schichtel of The Concussions, The Fuzzrites and The B-Sides. He also owns Goon Lagoon, an analog-only, ‘60s time-warp studio based in Grand Rapids where he’s recorded bands such as Beasts in the Field, Boss Mustangs, Ghost Heart and more.

And this guy is cool as hell too. He experiments with sounds, calls working with analog recording equipment “sexy” and splits his professional time as an electrician. Oh, I also have to mention that he’s incredibly friendly.

In addition to our retro cover guy, we also feature the bands we think our readers should see live and listen to right now. They’re some of our current favorites and, what’s even better is that some of them offered to donate a new or unreleased track for us to share with our readers. This year, we’ve gathered 15 tracks for our West Michigan Music Sampler. It includes bands like Haunted Leather, Gunnar & the Grizzly Boys, Valentiger, Pistolbrides and more. To get your free music, visit our Bandcamp page at revue.bandcamp.com.

Rock on.

Editorial Publisher Brian Edwards / brian@revuewm.com Managing Editor Lindsay Patton-Carson / lindsay@revuewm.com Design Creative Director Kim Kibby / kim@revuewm.com Design Kim Kibby, Kristi Kortman, Kellie Zaplitny Contributing Writers Kyle Austin Nick Manes Missy Black Allison Parker Ben Darcie Carly Plank Steven de Polo Emma Kat Richardson Alexandra Fluegel Matt Simpson Siegel Dwayne Hoover John Sinkevics Audria Larsen Josh Spanninga

Contributing photographers Seth Thompson, Anthony Norkus, Elyse Wild Listings schedule@revuewm.com Revue Minions Elizabeth Badovinac Carly Plank Jordan Brasko T Stastny Avery Johnson Elyse Wild

Sales / 616.608.6170 Molly Rizor / molly@revuewm.com Jayson Bussa / jayson@revuewm.com Find us online!

Website: revuewm.com Twitter: twitter.com/revuewm Facebook: facebook.com/revuewm

Lindsay Patton-Carson, Managing Editor / lindsay@revuewm.com

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

Advertising index 8th St. Grille . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Erb Thai. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

The Intersection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Saugatuck Center for the Arts. . . . 51

Avenue for the Arts Market . . . . . . 14

Firekeepers Casino . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

John Ball Zoo Society. . . . . . . . . . . 14

Schmohz Brewery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Bell’s Brewery . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 44

Founders Brewing Co.. . . . . . . . . . 15

Kindleberger Festival of the Arts. . 51

The Score. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Billy’s Lounge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Frederik Meijer Gardens. . . . . . . . . . 4

Martell’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Schuler Books. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

BOB’s Brewery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Fusion Shows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Michigan Institute For Contemporary

Screaming Gnat Studios. . . . . . . . 74

Brewery Vivant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

The Gilmore Collection. . . . . . . . . . 58

Arts (Jazz Fest). . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Seven Steps Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Cascade Optical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Grand Haven Coast Guard

New Holland Brewing Company. . . 45

Sight Optical Boutique . . . . . . . . . 35

Festival. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Palazzolo’s Gelato . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. . . . 3

Central City Taphouse. . . . . . . . . . 17

Grand Rapids Art Museum . . . . . . 46

The Pyramid Scheme. . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Unity Fest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Circle Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Grand Rapids Public Library. . . . . 57

Reserve. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Vitale’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Dog Story Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Grand Rapids Symphony. . . . . . . . . 8

RibFest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

West Michigan Symphony. . . . . . . 37

Downtown Battle Creek. . . . . . . . . 72

Grand Woods Lounge. . . . . . . . . . . 75

River City Improv. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

West Side Beer / Budweiser. . . . . . 76

Dr. Grins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Growco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. . . . . . . . 71

Wings Stadium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Elite Health PLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Gun Lake Casino. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Saugatuck Brewing Company. . . . 19

The Yoga Studio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Celebration Cinema. . . . . . . . . . . . 53

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On the cover: Tommy Schichtel at his Goon Lagoon studio, shot by Seth Thompson.

The Music Issue Page 23

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Random Notes

The Telescopes

On Tour ///

Saints, The Telescopes are scheduled to land at Louie’s Trophy House on July 8 at 8 p.m.

Doors open at 7 p.m. ... Muskegon holds the first-ever Coast West Music Festival from July 1-6. For $99, you get to eat, drink and rock your ass off for six days with the likes of Cheap Trick, Buddy Guy, Blue Oyster Cult, Delilah DeWylde, The Polyphonic Spree and 33 more national and regional acts.

National CD Releases /// Celebrate Independence Day with Jay-Z when he drops his new record, Magna Carta Holy Grail, on July 4. Or, if you are a Samsung user, be one of the first million to download it for free with a customizable app 72 hours before the album’s official street release .... Believe it or not, millennial heartthrobs Backstreet Boys (yes!) are treating the world to a new album, In a World Like This, on July 30 ... RZA, GZA and the rest of Wu-Tang Clan celebrates its 20th anniversary this month by releasing A Better Tomorrow, the group’s first record since 2007. The Clan gave the world a little taste of the upcoming old-school style album when the leaked the track “Family Reunion”

hit on June 4... Other albums dropping this month include Editors (July 1), Ciara (July 5), Skylar Grey (July 9), Pet Shop Boys (July 15), Sara Bareilles (July 16), Pusha T (July 16), Sick Puppies (July 16), Mariah Carey (July 23) and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros (July 23).

Charity /// Support breast cancer prevention and research with power-duo West Michigan Woman magazine and Susan G. Komen West Michigan, which recently announced the First Annual Wine & Wig Event. Scheduled for Oct. 12 at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, the evening will include a classy gala, multiple food and wine pairings, a silent auction and, of course, a unique variety of wigs. All event proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen West Michigan, which funds the fight against breast cancer both locally and nationally through educational programs, breast cancer screening and the groundbreaking Komen Grants Program.

Starting Aug. 5, $100 tickets will be available at wineandwig.com. The event will run from 6 to 10 p.m.

Film ///

Join up with local directors and film aficionados at the Open Projector Showcase, held on July 12 from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts. Free for UICA members and only $4 for the average movie-goer, the event includes everything from short films to funny home videos, not to mention musical guest Selectronics and a cash bar.

Community /// Prepare to dance among the stars and take a dive into the Milky Way ... for real. Thanks in part to a $800,000 donation from The Wege Foundation, the Grand Rapids Public Museum recently announced major renovation plans for the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium. With a 1.2 million dollar total budget, the donation has certainly made a positive impact on the intended project of combining upgraded technology and design to create the ultimate space experience.

Continued on page 14 8

REVUEWM.COM | July 2013 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Frederik Meijer Gardens hosts an impressive arsenal of shows this month for its summer concert series. Just a piece of this month’s line-up includes progressive rock band Umphrey’s McGee (July 3, tickets $40) and two-time Grammy winner Chris Isaak (July 25, tickets $60) ... Relient K visits GR to pop-punk it out at The Intersection on July 17 following the July 2 release of the band’s new album Collapsible Lung. Tickets are $17 advance, $20 day of the show ... This month The Pyramid Scheme hosts JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound (July 11), Elzhi (July 17), Mac Demarco (July 18), Gregory Alan Isakov (July 25) and Bangups (July 27) ... From the depths of outer space (technically from England, but either one is essentially true) to Louie’s Trophy House come The Telescopes, a space rock band whose repertoire has traversed the universe of music, dabbling heavily in an array of electronic sound effects, white noise, droning guitars and intricate soundscapes since the late 1980s. Joined this time by LSD and the Search for God, The Vandelles and Kalamazoo’s own Crash City

Jay-Z

13

Random Notes

over to buy some local beer, experience the community of Holland and, of course, witness the opening of West Michigan’s newest craft brewery. The official opening will take place at noon at BLB’s location, 977 Butternut Dr., Suite 4. n

Random Notes is compiled by REVUE staff and minions including Liz Badovinac, T Stastny, Lindsay Patton-Carson and Elyse Wild.

GRAM on the Green

Big Lake Brewing

Beer ///

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

On July 5, the new will mix with the old when Big Lake Brewing opens in Holland. BLB’s owners, Greg Mackeller, Travis Prueter and Nic Winsemius began collaborating in 2009, and

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since then have worked nonstop to develop a brewery that specializes in traditional, oldstyle beers, as well as on-site wine production.

BLB also plans to help support other Holland businesses, like the conveniently nearby Thai

Palace and Peppino’s Pizza, by letting customers bring food into the brewery. Rather than providing food itself, BLB plans to focus on the brews, following the model of other highquality local and national breweries. Come on

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

Important Dates Ad Reservation Deadline: July 19 Editorial Deadline: July 5 Delivery: July 31

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/// Beer

by Ben Darcie

Brewery Spotlight:

saugatuck Brewing Company

S

augatuck Brewing was actually born across the street from its current location on the Blue Star Highway in 2005. The brewery was brought to fruition by founder and brewmaster Barry Johnson, who utilized a 3.5bbl brewhouse to bring his beer to the public in the old taproom, and from the start, the brewery had ambitious plans.

“It was part of the original plan to only be in that place for a limited period of time,” said Kerry O’Donohue, co-owner and VP of marketing. “Get the brand established, a little bit of local distribution, trying to get the name out; then expand to a bigger operation, and a bigger brewing system.”

In 2009, the new 25,000-square-foot facility opened its doors to the public and poured two taps out of a kegerator. The company maintained two taps for some time, but due to the demand grew the Lucky Stone Pub into the 16-tap brewery we know today.

“We remain true to classic styles, and, in the earlier days we didn’t get too far out of the box with experimental flavors,” O’Donohue said. “Over time, we didn’t leave or lose that, but we’ve expanded, added more

lines, and now we’re making some unique styles, mostly due to [brewer] Steve, as well.”

Nearly two years ago, brewer Steven Scheerhorn joined Saugatuck and assisted in the style expansion.

“Personally, my mission is to make the best quality beers I can,” Scheerhorn said.

“Trying to make new stuff and make different beers. You can’t have good beer unless you have good quality, and that’s what it’s about for me.”

Over the next few months, Saugatuck will release some special barrel-aged brews, including Big Swinging Richard, a Barleywine, Black Pearl Necklace, a barrel-aged stout utilizing the new Black Pearl malt, and a yetunnamed barrel aged Double IPA. The standard line from Saugatuck includes Oval Beach Blonde, ESB, Maggie’s Irish Ale, Bonfire Brown (which took best of show at World Expo of Beer this year), Boathouse Stout, and Neapolitan Milk Stout, a milk stout brewed with chocolate, vanilla beans, and strawberries. Other standards include Pier Cove Porter, Pathfinder Pale Ale and Singapore IPA. “A year or so ago we decided it was time to expand from our existing mainstay beers to

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Beer of the Month

Oddside Ales’ Citra Pale Ale

T

his summer brew is loaded with Citra hops, residing somewhere between a Pale and an IPA, perfect for a hot summer day.

This beer pours a deep gold/orange with an off-white head that is bursting with bright citrus hop notes of grapefruit and orange. The body is balanced with a soft bread-y character along with some faint caramel, and is full of bright citrus hop tones and a decent hop bitterness.

It finishes slightly dry and pairs perfectly with toes in the sand.

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Photo: Ben Darcie

styles that are more oriented toward the craft beer enthusiasts,” O’Donohue said. “Higher gravity, different ingredients, different styles, something more out of the ordinary.”

From this decision, the Brewer’s Reserve Series was born. The Reserve Series includes Double Black Pale, Hop Scotch, a hoppy aggressive Scotch Ale, and Continuum IPA, a big double IPA that was continually hopped.

The fourth release, upon great consumer request, was Serrano Pepper Ale. “It’s great to brew something that I would drink and like, that most people here would enjoy, and then send it out so everyone in our markets get to enjoy it, too,” Steerhorn said.

There are some big changes in the future for Saugatuck Brewing, including a brewery expansion this fall, and bringing in a 40bbl

brewhouse next year. Saugatuck is also planning to release 16-ounce ‘tall boy’ cans this summer, expanding its barrel aging program, and bringing on a new distribution market. It is also planning a great showing at Summer Beer Festival in Ypsilanti this month.

“We try to provide a very fun, family friendly atmosphere. Come have a good time, have a beer, play darts and shuffleboard and hang out,” O’Donohue said. “It’s important for us to be a place you walk into and feel welcome.” n

saugatuck Brewing Company 2948 Blue Star Hwy., Douglas (269) 857-7222, saugatuckbrewing.com

Beer Events The Grand Rapids Beer Tasting Class continues at Harmony Brewing Company on Sundays from 4-6 p.m. Admission is $10 for the class and your first beer and the class features professional brewers and Grand Rapids-based homebrewers. July 7 features brown, porter and stout. July 14 highlights Michigan cider. July 21 is extreme beers and July 28 is infection and off flavors.

On July 26 and 27, the Michigan Brewers Guild hosts Summer Beer Festival in Ypsilanti, where beer geeks can sample more than 600 brews from more than 65 Michigan breweries. For more information, visit michiganbrewersguild. org.

The Taste of Kalamazoo runs July 25-27 and features music, cuisine from more than 30 restaurants and microbrew, wine and liquor tastings. For more information, visit tasteofkalamazoo.com.

CRIMSON KING

BLONDIE

A TASTE OF SUMMER

SEASONAL

STANDARDS ON TAP

Blondie / Crimson King / Full On IPA

Try all of our craft beers!

DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS 616.356.2000 - THEBOB.COM

WIT RABBIT ROBERT THE BARREL REVUEWM.COM | July 2013 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

JULY’S SEASONAL BEERS Smoked Wit Rabbit • Hoptropolis Wit IPA Pale Summer Lager Robert the Barrel Stout Barley Wine

FULL ON IPA

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Steven de polo’s

Free Market

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

T

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

ime to doll up the domicile, my pets. Head over to Impressions on Location (439 Butler St.) in Saugatuck. Open year round, the charming shop is full of new, re-purposed and shabby chic furniture, home furnishings, jewelry, gifts, handbags, clocks, wall hangings as well as miscellaneous odds and ends.

Think vintage meets modern. Owner Laurie Koster is the girl with a paintbrush and a dream, her mother is the detail-oriented brains behind the operation and dad is the guy with the tools and the talent.

The shop’s name is dedicated to her fiancé’s mother who passed away after starting a business with the name Impressions on Location. Awww. “My father builds some amazing, one-of-a-kind, unique furniture pieces that I refer to as functional art,” Laurie said. She and a group of local artists do the rest of the painting and re-purposing of each unique piece.

“I have always had a love for things unique, different and colorful,” she said. Laurie opened Impressions on Location in Saugatuck because the lakeside village has been close to home for her and home is where the heart is.

Ladies, dump the Zumba and do something that won’t make your man (or life partner) vomit. Pole dancing is the latest exercise sensation. Flirt Fitness Studio (5366 Plainfield Ave. NE at Northland Dr.) is the only place to hit the pole in Grand Rapids. “You will be amazed how quickly you will lose weight, tone your body, shrink your waistline, feel great and just have fun,” says Owner Amy Oostveen. The studio offers a safe haven for women to get their “sexy-back.” Amy is a certified pole fitness instructor with a background in dance, sports and competitive cheerleading. When she discovered pole dancing as exercise, she hesitated to give it a try. “After learning my first trick, I was hooked. It was so much fun,” she said. All classes are for regular women, of all sizes, shapes, ages and backgrounds. Students sign up for eight-week sessions, which adds up to 12 hours of feeling like a goddess. Each level includes 20 or more pole tricks taught along with a routine and several transitional moves. Growing by word of mouth, Flirt Fitness now offers Cardio Pole, Open Pole, Burlesque and Strength and Conditioning classes. Keep practicing and you can progress from a Level 1 Pole Kitten to Boss Level 8 with Poppa Steve.

Holland is hopping with exciting new lodging options. The Teerman Lofts (20 East 8th St.) is a boutique long-term stay hotel located on the second and third floors of Teerman’s, one of the oldest businesses in Holland and one of the last remaining single-location family owned department stores in the country. “We wanted to offer something a little nicer in downtown Holland for sales reps flying in from China and professors speaking at Hope College,” Jeff Teerman said. Each of the six luxury suites blends early 1900s architecture with modern amenities like fully outfitted kitchens with granite countertops, modern appliances and deepsoaking tubs. The fully furnished units range from 570 square feet to one at more than 1,000 square feet with two separate bedrooms. Teerman Lofts is perfect for business travelers associated with local manufacturers, parents and grandparents of Hope College students, and families on vacation who want to stay and play in comfort.

Impressions on Location

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Flirt Fitness

Photo: Tim Motley

Longtime fashion fave Pomp & Artistry (1451 Front St. NW, Grand Rapids) recently opened to the public as an appointment-only studio salon.

Co-owner Sarah Mattone is the stylist and design artist, while Davina Bryan is the cosmetology educator and makeup artist. They spent years in the bridal industry, creating flawless looks for brides throughout West Michigan. And they can tame your saucy mane, my tulip flower. Pomp & Artistry offers a full menu of salon services, conveniently located in downtown Grand Rapids. From bangs to blondes, lashes to lips, Sarah and Davina are ready to help you design your own beauty experience. n Send business news, gossip and malarkey to stevendepolo@revuewm.com.

Freebies Atomic Object is excited to offer BitCamp for future computer programmers. This free, day-long camp teaches junior high girls what it’s like to be a software developer. AO offered BitCamp in Detroit in March and plans a Grand Rapids camp before the end of the year.

The McKay Tower (146 Monroe Center NW) has graced downtown Grand Rapids’ skyline since 1915. The historic high rise got its swagger back when the former second-story bank lobby reopened as the McKay Ballroom. The marble-lined space offers 10,9000 square feet of rental space to accommodate 200 guests as well as a commercial kitchen. Book your Bieber-themed Bat Mitzvah now!

SAUGATUCK BREWING COMPANY PRESENTS 4-

AV A PA J ILA CK UL B S Y 1 LE & 5 ON TA P!

CONTINUUM IPA (continually hopped!)

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

BEACH PARTY AT SUMMER BEER FESTIVAL, YPSILANTI

JULY 26 & 27

THIS YEAR IN OUR OWN TENT!

VISIT OUR CREW FOR ■ FREE SBC SWAG ■ SPECIALTY TAPPINGS ■ LIMITED RELEASE BREWS ■ SPOTS TO SIT, HANG, RELAX & ENJOY 2948 BLUE STAR HWY DOUGLAS, MI - (269) 857-7222 - WWW.SBREWING.COM

REVUEWM.COM | July 2013 |

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/// All Ages

Pop(sicle) It Like It’s Hot

If you don’t tan and are sick of the pool scene, take a break and go Steampunk for a bit. Part of the summer reading challenge, this event is a lesson in Steampunk subculture, where you can test your knowledge, learn more and get creative.

“Steampunk takes elements of the Victorian era and the idea of mechanical things and combines them into new, different things,” said Marketing and Communications Manager Kristen KruegerCorrado. The Grand Rapids Public Library knows what gets teens excited and this hands-on mousetrap project is just the thing for “teens, preteens and kids that are very interested in working with their hands or crafts or arts or that like to think creatively.” Recommended for ages 11 to 18, teens will take a mousetrap and different objects and design them with unique mechanical movements or with Victorian structures so rather than catching a mouse you can use the reworked trap in your locker or on your fridge and clip messages and notes. This event takes an item intended for one use and makes it into something else — and that’s not only practical, but pretty darn cool. If you miss the July 11 date you can catch the same program on July 18, 24, 29 and 31.

Lowell Riverwalk Festival

A patriotic parade followed up by lessons in Steampunk, yarn bombing and picking up marbles with your toes can only mean one thing: the heat has gone to our brains. Cool events for our hot summer days, yeah, only REVUE knows how you like it — quirky, different with a side of Popsicles.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

By Missy Black

Hollyhock Lane 4th of July Parade

Ottawa Hills Neighborhood, corner of Calvin and Alexander Streets SE July 4, 8 a.m.

Free! (616) 452-2422

Families and kids around the neighborhood enter the most patriotic (and earth friendly) floats at the super-adorable Hollyhock Lane parade in the Ottawa Hills Neighborhood. The parade has hometown heroes such as police and fire trucks, motorcycles and a band made up of dancing neighbors. See decorated bikes and wagons and the streets lined with people. “I’ve been a part of it my entire life and I’m almost 45,” said Wendi

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Moore, committee member. One of the longest running backyard parades, this gathering features a special speaker, candy, balloons, flags and a spot for coffee, cookies and Popsicles. Neighborhood kids represent Uncle Sam and Miss Liberty and start the group singing of the national anthem after the parade. It’s all about dressing up in red, white and blue and watching floats and having a good time in the most charming of community settings.

So, you’re in, right?

Steampunk Mousetrap Message Clips

Grand Rapids Public Library (West Side Branch), 713 Bridge St. NW; July 11, 4–5 p.m.

Free! grpl.org, (616) 988-5414

Downtown Lowell July 11–13, Thurs. & Fri., 6–9 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.–into the night with fireworks at 10:15 p.m.

Free! ($1 for Kidz Zone area) riverwalkfestival.org, (616) 897-9161 Put some hours in at the Lowell Riverwalk Festival where many family friendly activities are happening, including an Arts & Crafts, Antiques & Re-found Treasures show, Riverwalk Cruise-in with classic cars, Kidz Zone, concerts and From the Heart Parade. “Who doesn’t love a parade?” said Liz Baker, executive director with the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce. From pontoon rides, kayak and canoe races, food booths, a used book sale, street entertainers and downtown shopping, there are plenty of things to see and do and keep

the kids entertained. Be a big money winner at the Duck Race, where plastic yellow ducks travel down the Grand River and the first duck collected in a downstream entrapment wins $1000 or be one of the five $100 winners. “It’s fun to watch,” Baker said, adding there’s a lot of anticipation.

New this year is a Yarn Bombing event sure to brighten moods, showcasing vibrant color along Main Street from Hudson to Monroe. Trees are decorated with yarn in hopes to “bring people out to celebrate summer,” said Kacey Cornwell, project director at LowellArts!, “Also, to get the public more involved with what LowellArts! is all about — to have arts in everyday life.” Children will especially love how trees come even more alive with crochet and knitting work wrapped around trunks and hung from branches. “We are just so jazzed about this,” Cornwell said of the Yarn Bombing that’s been happening in Europe, but now, for the first time in Lowell during the 19th year of the Riverwalk Festival.

Lunch and Learn: Splish Splash Water Fun in the Park

Celery Flats Historical Area, 7335 Garden Lane, Portage July 25, 11 a.m.–noon Free! (269)329-4522

Take a day to get wonderfully wet and play in the water at the Celery Flats Historical Area in Portage.

A variety of fun, wet outdoor activities are on hand including a sprinkler obstacle course and games that involve water. Try your hand at squirt guns and knock down cups. You can also choose how wet you want to get with games such as a bucket filled with water and marbles where you have to take your shoes off and pick up marbles with your toes. Kids are going to have a blast because “it’s a fun way to get wet,” said Allison Alexander, the Celery Flats cultural events coordinator. “We all want to get wet in the summer!” n

Even the trees will be festive at Lowell Riverwalk Festival.

/// Eclectic

this national event features live entertainment, like music from bands such as MINI KISS and Bust’d Hawg. Enjoy the crowning of Miss Bike Time, peruse wares from national and local vendors, get serious at the Blessing of the Bikes and watch the professionally judged bike shows. But more importantly, you can mount your chopper, hog, cruiser or crotch rocket and work the Steel Horse Alley, a motorcycle-only main street. Or you can smoke some serious rubber in the burnout pits.

Nosh food, haunt the beer tents and raise some hell worthy of a Hunter Thompson tale.

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition

Sietsema Orchards Cider Garden

LowellArts, Lowell July 9-Aug. 15 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (and regular gallery hours) Free! lowellartsmi.org, (616) 897-8545

July Eclectic Events Summer is in full swing and the eclectic offerings this month are delicious, raucous and perhaps inspiring. Enjoy local boozy cider in a lush garden, rev your formidable engines and pretend you’re the Hell’s Angels on a love kick, blast into mythical sci-fi landscapes and have a sexy getaway where you’ll conceive … home brew! By Audria Larsen

Cider Garden

Sietsema Orchards has become a hot spot for those who want to enjoy farm-to-table artisanal meals, fresh fruit and tasty spirits while relaxing in the outdoor Cider Garden, in full view of the lush apple and peach trees. This season, the special offerings feature an array of ciders, along with cheese and meat parings among other goodies.

“Throughout the summer it will change” said Andy Sietsema, owner. “[Currently] I have a smoked Gouda and a sharp white cheddar. I serve that right now with what I call our cider boil. It’s a sweet cider from fall, [reduced and served as a dip]. It goes good with French bread, offsetting the sharpness of the cheddar.” Often, Sietsema

Muskegon Bike Time 2013: Ultimate Steel Horse Nationals

Mainstreet, Downtown Muskegon July 18-21 Free! muskegonbiketime.com, (317) 236-6515

Muskegon Bike Time is a perfect way to describe the four-day event, which annually draws more than 90,000 people, roaring in on more than 35,000 bikes. Not just simply motorcycle mania,

Bed and Breakfast and Beer Making

Saugatuck Brewing Company and Sherwood Forest Bed and Breakfast, Douglas July 1 (and throughout the year), 4 p.m. $635-$715 sherwoodforestbandb.com, saugatuckbrewing. com; (800) 838-1246

All you romantic, beer-crazed lovers are in for a treat! Sherwood Forest Bed and Breakfast has teamed up with Saugatuck Brewing Company to create a dynamite combo. Enjoy a two-night stay at the cushy and quaint bed and breakfast while gaining access to Saugatuck Brewing’s on-site facilities where you will create your own beer. All essentials are provided and you’ll eventually take home upwards of 11 gallons of brew. The brew process takes three to four hours. Two weeks later you can merrily bound back to the facilities to bottle and taste your handiwork. Pretty fantastic, eh? n

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Sietsema Orchards, Ada Fridays & Saturdays through summer 3-7 p.m. sietsemaorchards.com, (616) 676-5584

works with the neighboring eatery, Saburba, to create unique dishes and hors d’oeuvre fitting for casual afternoons or comfortable evenings filled with rustic charm. And, “if you want to bring the kids, we have our famous doughnuts with ice cream or our sweet cider with ice cream and a caramel,” Sietsema said.

LowellArts is hosting a Sci-Fi and Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition, which opens on July 9. The exhibit is curated by David Gianfredi, assistant professor and coordinator of the Medical Illustration Program at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University, and features a long list of artists culled from the alumni ranks of Kendall, along with current Illustration Design students. Both two dimensional and three dimensional works will be on display featuring fanciful subject matter that probes uncharted realms and beyond. The closing reception will be held on Aug. 15 from 6-7:30 p.m.

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Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Special Feature

The Music Issue Our picks for the best in local music

T

here are plenty of bands in West Michigan that would get Pitchfork’s approval. Maybe you knew this, maybe you didn’t, but it’s our self-appointed job to let you know. Behold The Music Issue, where we highlight the best local bands to see live and the ones generating

buzz right now. We also introduce you to Tommy Schichtel and Matt Ten Clay,

two musicians and producers that are behind much of the local music scene.

We’ll show you what rock stars do when they put their instruments down and give out free music to our readers as an added bonus. Read on for more.

by REVUE Staff and Minions

Photo: Seth Thompson

23

Music Issue

Ten to Watch Bands to see live

Pistolbrides

B

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

ands often spurn genre categorization like the plague, but this group holds true to the claim. Nautical guitars, electronica, lo fi and even Latin-rock influences are present on the band’s 2012 EP, Witchcraft, which is truly an otherworldly concoction. With a sound that is polished and powerful enough to fill arenas, Pistolbrides is a band on the brink of becoming a hit in a handful of genres.

Genre: Pop/rock Key tracks:

“Your Vulture Heart,” “Snake” Sounds like:

Yo La Tengo, The Zombies

Chain of Lakes

W

ith intimate melodies built around the moan of violins, guitars and voices, songwriter Kyle Rasche and company draw listeners into a world that feels like a warm log cabin in Northern Michigan. Edgier and more varied than most modern folk tunes, the songs on the eclectic Softer Sticks album offer a glimpse into the many personalities of the band. Listen closely, because many of the seemingly simple lyrics hold deeper sentiments of hope, love and coming of age.

Genre:

Alternative folk Key tracks:

“Heart of It,” “Cards” Sounds like:

The Head and the Heart, Fleet Foxes

Photo: anthony norkus

Lo Mobb

L

ook out for some lush hip hop “from the land where Grand hand to hands happen Rapid,” in the words of Lo Mobb, whose clever lyrics reveal a darker side of Grand Rapids that is more dramatic than advertising campaigns touting the riverfront as user friendly. Refreshingly, guitars and drums are distinguishable in the stripped-down production, allowing each rim shot and wailing guitar chord to come through.

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Gunnar & the Grizzly Boys Genre: Hip hop Key track:

“Hand to Hand,” “Too Cool” Sounds like:

Eminem

A

n apple farmer and his colleagues from the Michigan State agricultural program shot straight through the heart of country and have quickly worked their way to state and national recognition. Gunnar Nybald’s deep country drawl and the band’s chemistry onstage inject much-needed weight into a genre that has recently been mixing dangerously with lighter pop and rock. Country doesn’t get more authentic than a band fronted by an apple farmer who reportedly writes songs while riding a tractor through his fields.

Genre: Country Key tracks:

“Country My Whole Life,” “Could Be Me” Sounds like:

Eric Church, Jamey Johnson

by Carly Plank

caLLagHan

wsg erick Baker

July 13 - 8:30pm -$20

Blue Molly

T

his four-time Jammie award-winning band merges soul, blues, jazz, gospel and rock influences into an indulgent aural cocktail.

Blues woman Molly Bouwsma-Schultz’s phrasing recalls that of Bonnie Raitt, while her smooth vocal power draws comparisons to Aretha Franklin.

Although currently undergoing lineup changes, all previous musicians have showcased copious amounts of jazzy craftsmanship and professionalism, so the pressure is on to keep the recipe for authentic Grand Rapids soul intact.

Genre: Blues/

PeTer BradLey adams

soul

July 19 - 8:30pm -$25

Key tracks:

“2000 Miles,” “Crossing Over” Sounds like:

Tedeschi Trucks Band

Honor By augusT

July 27 - 9:00pm - $20

Sold out

Tony Lucca

wsg Honor By augusT

July 29 - 8:00pm

O

ver the course of a single song, Valentiger can skirt the edges of the indie folk revival and deliver hooks worthy of any pop or rock critic. The group’s production is low on frills and high on harmonies and danceable backbeats, recently providing the soundtrack for the Michigan independent film Finding Home. The band has the ability to move in many possible directions, but perhaps they are better off undecided. After all, “to know is knowing nothing at all.”

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Valentiger

Genre: Indie

rock Key tracks:

“Oh, To Know!”

“What Makes the Heart” Sounds like:

Bright Eyes, Benjamin Gibbard

Seven StepS up 116 S JackSon St, Spring Lake, Mi 49456 (616) 678-3618 - www.pindropconcertS.coM

REVUEWM.COM | July 2013 |

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Music Issue

Ten to Watch Bands to see live

Red Tail Ring

T

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

he Kalamazoo duo Michael Beauchamp and Laurel Premo is poised to take the indie folk world by storm with heartfelt, revivalist soundscapes. The two musicians represent a union between Michigan’s peninsulas, as well as a joining of past and present influences.

Premo, hailing from the Upper Peninsula, and Beauchamp, of Kalamazoo, first began playing together in Ann Arbor.

Haunting harmonies and inventive instrumentation make a run through the woods sound inviting.

Genre: Folk Key Tracks:

“The Heart’s Swift Foot” “Ohio Turnpike” Sounds like:

Haunted Leather

E

erie, pulsating tracks drenched in buzzing guitars and chanting vocals make for a heck of a trip. This band perpetuates the tradition of stoner rock we all know and love.

Genre:

Psychedelic rock Key tracks:

“You Shouldn’t Ask,” “Indian Road” Sounds like:

David Mayfield, The Civil Wars

Monster Magnet

Photo: anthony norkus

Ralston Bowles

A

fter five years of being out of the spotlight due to a cancer diagnosis, Ralston Bowles is back. He recently performed at Festival of the Arts and is planning more appearances this summer, which is good news for us. Known for his commitment to the community, Bowles is just as raw and real in his lyrics as he is in person, making his acoustic act more than just an act.

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Genre: Acoustic,

folk Key tracks:

“Velvet Elvis” with Charlie Sexton Sounds like:

Bob Dylan

Fauxgrass Quartet

W

hen this ensemble jams, the absence of electric guitar goes unnoticed. Often performing in themed costumes, Fauxgrass packs all of the space ‘round it with funky strumming that surpasses the confines of traditional bluegrass. In just two years, the band has established itself as one of the nation’s premier bluegrass bands. n

Genre:

Progressive bluegrass Key tracks:

“Jericho” Sounds like:

Greensky Bluegrass, Old Crow Medicine Show

Live

from your living room Brian Vander Ark performs at a house concert.

By Dwayne Hoover

N

ot every concert has to be the Super Bowl Halftime Show. For many, some of their most memorable music experiences happen in smaller venues, where it just feels like you’re actually part of the show. The setting is a bit more intimate, so you feel more involved. More invested.

Some have taken it one step further by opening up their living rooms, basements and backyards for a performance that draws you in even closer and puts a heavier focus on the music.

“The difference between playing a house concert and a bar is that every person at a house concert is respectful,” said Brian Vander Ark, singer-songwritrer and lead vocalist for The Verve Pipe. “They are there for a concert, not to get drunk, hit on people or play pool.

It’s an intimate atmosphere.”

To help ensure that intimate atmosphere, as one would guess, these shows aren’t just open to anyone.

“It’s private. Invite only,” Vander Ark said. “If the host invites only his family and friends, there’s a better chance you won’t have any issues with people only there for the party.”

Vander Ark has played a number of different house concerts, including several at the home of Marianne Fischer, who, along with her husband Jim, host the Red House Concert Series in Grand Haven. What was originally supposed to be a one-time event has turned into more than 20 shows at their home since 2007.

“The biggest difference between what we are doing and what people might expect to find at a bar, coffee house or other venue that has live music, is that the audience is listening,” Fischer said. “That one, simple thing makes all the difference for both the audience and the musicians. Just the act of listening allows for a give-and-take between the audience and the musician that doesn’t happen in other environments.”

Fischer has welcomed a variety of acts from local favorites The Crane Wives to national touring artists like Vander Ark and Willy Porter. This year she’ll also be hosting Grammy Award nominee Seth Glier.

“I get asked a lot about how we get these amazing musicians to play at our house,” Fischer said. “My answer is always, ‘I ask.’ Many of the musicians are people that I’ve seen play elsewhere that I simply ask if they play house concerts.”

For those who may be interested in hosting their own house show, community radio station WYCE offers that opportunity through an annual fundraiser.

“Each spring we offer the opportunity for our listeners to bid on one of a dozen house concerts,” said Matt Jarrells of WYCE. “The artists donate their time and talents in an effort to raise funds for [the station] ... and very often they are past winners or performers at WYCE Jammie Awards.”

In Kalamazoo’s densely student-populated Vine Neighborhood, there exists a loosely knit network of house venues that host a variety of both local and touring acts. Dubbed DITKalamazoo (Do It Together Kalamazoo), their focus, too, is on the music.

“The house show is both more casual and more intimate, as all that the house can really provide is live music, so that’s the primary reason people are there,” said Rory Svekric, one of the maintainers of the DITKalamazoo website and resident of one of the venues, Milhouse.

Not only does Svekric and other music fans enjoy hosting performances, but also helping out touring musicians who are passing through by offering them a place to perform.

“Any place that is hosting an out-of-town band is likely taking a donation,” Svekric said. “You will almost always see someone from the house wandering around with a jar, blender, helmet or cash box between sets, reminding people that gas costs a lot and people need to eat in order to play guitar.”

Each house has its own distinct vibe and musical taste, and can vary in size from a handful of people in a living room to almost 200 fans packed in a basement.

“Some places have a more party feel, while others are focused on the music specifically,” Svekric said.

“Some places are strictly punk, while others may focus on experimental electronica.”

And even though these shows don’t tend to be strict, invite-only events, they’re not just open to the general public, either.You sort of have to know somebody.

“Every venue promotes a bit differently, but I would say that overall it is a word of mouth affair,” Svekric said. “Generally, none of the houses post their addresses for legal reasons, so it does take a bit of being in the know to find a location sometimes.” n

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“I think everything has a soul, especially instruments. I pick up some of these new guitars and they sound great, but there’s nothing there.

It’s too clean, it’s too neat. There’s no mojo there. I’m not knocking any of the new stuff, I’m just stuck in this analog kind of world.”

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Music Issue

Tommy Schichtel’s

Time Warp

by Lindsay Patton-Carson / Photos by Seth Thompson

M

usician and producer Tommy Schichtel likes to think of himself as a mad scientist when he’s in the recording studio. He admits he can lose hours experimenting in his analogonly studio, Goon Lagoon, based in Grand Rapids’ North side.

“You get into that other world where you don’t know what time it is and you don’t know if you’re hungry,” he says of time spent in his studio.

Describing Schichtel as a mad scientist isn’t too far-fetched, especially when it comes to his work. One of his heavy influences is English producer and songwriter Joe Meek. An experimental musician himself, Meek would incorporate sounds like flushing toilets into his work to find the perfect sound combinations — something Schichtel likes to do when working on his own projects, because “bands don’t want to pay me $50 an hour to record toilets.”

“He’s possessed when he’s in front of that mixing board,” said John Serba, Schichtel’s friend of 10 years and an entertainment reporter at The Grand Rapids Press/MLive.”If you come and record at Goon Lagoon, you’re not going to sound like any band anywhere.”

Schichtel is different from most producers in that he refuses to record on popular software Pro Tools. It’s not because he’s a purist hipster snob, it’s because analog is what he knows and loves.

“I wouldn’t throw it out [using Pro Tools],” Schichtel said. “I would rather record than pooh-pooh it. And i know I sound elitist about the whole tape compared to computer thing, but this is really all I know.”

While growing up on Grand Rapids’ west side, Schichtel remembers a lot of vinyl and reel-to-reel audio tape music formats in his house. Particularly, he pinpoints his mother, Susan, vacuuming to The Beatles on vinyl during his childhood. Using analog equipment is not only nostalgic to him, but vivid and interactive as well.

“I think there’s something sexy about the tape and the smell of the old stuff and turning real knobs than using a mouse and clicking. It’s kind of like an artist painting as opposed to using an iPad,” he said.

Schichtel combines all his influences into his studio, which is filled with vintage gear, kitschy toy monsters, an impressive guitar wall and an Austin Powers-esque white couch that brings the studio together. The name Goon Lagoon was inspired by the Island of the Goons on “Popeye” and Goo Lagoon on “Spongebob.” It’s weird and goofy, but that’s the kind of guy he is.

“He’s a weirdo,” Serba said. “And that’s the ultimate compliment. He has an offbeat sense of humor to him.”

The equipment he uses is vintage — and not the made-in-2013 products you can buy at Urban Outfitters. They’re the real deal. Goon Lagoon is filled with amps, guitars, drum kits and more that date back to the 1960s or earlier. The guitar he uses is from 1959, while his amp is from 1956.

“I think everything has a soul, especially instruments,” he said. “I pick up some of these new guitars and they sound great, but there’s nothing there. It’s too clean, it’s too neat. There’s no mojo there. I’m not knocking any of the new stuff, I’m just stuck in this analog kind of world.”

The bands that record at Goon Lagoon appreciate the throwback appeal as well.

“The first time I was there it was like a dream come true,” said Mickey Catalina, guitarist for The Boss Mustangs. “There are not a lot of people around here who think like him.”

In 2009, Schichtel came to support his friend Derek Lancioni’s now-defunct two-person band celebration, Fes2val where he saw Midland-based Beasts in the Field perform. After the performance, Schichtel bought a T-shirt and said hello to the band, when the band members told him they were looking for an analog studio to record their next record. Since their meeting, Beasts in the Field recorded three of its five albums under the Goon Lagoon label, and the members do not have plans of changing — even when guitarist Jordan Pries made a whoopsie that would make any producer lose his s***.

“I think I’m the only person who blew up an amp twice during a recording session,” Pries said. “And he didn’t even charge me. He didn’t even care. He’s too nice. With his capabilities and rates, you can’t beat it.”

Those vintage influences also carry over to Schichtel’s three bands: The Concussions, The Fuzzrites and The B-Sides.

Schichtel (who goes by the stage name Dick Chiclet) is the mind behind all three bands, which explains the similar surf-guitar, garage-rock sound they all share. They do have their differences, however. The Concussions is instrumental, and the band’s members frequently play with skeleton masks. The idea stemmed from the band’s Halloween show that included black lights and turned out so well that the members wanted to incorporate it in their shows as much as possible — but not all the time.

“You lose five pounds every time you play in (the masks). And it’s hard to hear,” Schichtel said. “It’s like having your head in a toilet bowl every time you play with them on. They’re not conducive to good guitar playing.”

Continued >

29

Continued from page 29 > On the other hand, Schichtel describes The Fuzzrites and The B-Sides as almost the same band, with The B-Sides sounding a little bit more grown-up and The Fuzzrites sounding more playful.

“Everyone I play with in the bands are beautiful people. They’re just really good human beings,” he said.

Band members are as close to home as his brother Christopher Schichtel, who performs with Tommy in all three bands.

“Christopher’s got the easy job,” Schichtel said. “He just shows up with the tambourine and sings our songs. But he looks the most handsome, so he has to stand up front.”

For The B-Sides, Schichtel enlisted Pete Curry, bassist for Los Straightjackets, whom he met on a cruise 10 years ago.

“We have similar tastes in music, and I really like the guy,” Curry said about recording at Goon Lagoon. “Plus, whenever I’m in Grand Rapids, I get invited to his mother’s house for a meal.”

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Originally meant to be a recording band due to Curry’s California residency, The B-Sides are instead seeing how the new album (released June 2013) fares, and the members will make decisions on whether to tour or not based on demand.

And while he enjoys performing with his three bands, it’s in the studio where Schichtel says he can get lost in hours of work.

“Playing live is a lot like sex. It’s instantly gratifying, but once it’s over, it’s like, ‘Let’s get a beer.’ ... In the studio, it’s never like that.”

In addition to Goon Lagoon, Schichtel also owns his own electrical company. The two endeavors create a balance in Schichtel’s life that allows him creative integrity and financial stability. He could do the rock-and-roll thing full time, but there’s more to Tommy Schichtel than being a vintage rock and roller.

“I grew up working on stuff ... so there’s always that grounding source,” Schichtel said. “So, as much as I’d like to give people that impression that I’m a rock star, there’s so much more that I love to do.” n

The Godfather (But Not THAT One)

W

hat are you working on this summer?

In July we’re kicking off Tuesday Evening Music Club at Frederik Meijer Gardens.

That’s a great weekly program that gives local musicians an awesome audience and stage to perform. How did you get involved?

Shawn Colvin was supposed to perform, but she got delayed and there was no way she was going to make the show. They said the show had been canceled and everyone would get their money back ... I went out to get my equipment and everyone applauded, so I played a few songs. It wasn’t my show, but people were there and they were ready to hear something. And they booked me back and they asked me to do this every week in the summer.

“I wanted to make this town the place where everyone else wanted to come to. “ —Ralston Bowles

Were you the first artist to perform?

When they asked me to do it, I kind of talked myself out of it, I said I have friends that can do it. I sort of curated the first series.

Though you’re very involved in Grand Rapids, it’s not your hometown. You grew up in Gary, Indiana, right?

Me and Michael Jackson. We grew up right around the same time. He was doing some stuff with his family at the time with fairs and stuff. They hadn’t even broken into the big time.

Did you know of The Jackson 5 at the time?

A little bit. There was still quite a bit of segregational things when i was a kid, but I would still go downtown. Gary was still not boarded up. It was the pre-’60s, so it was very bustling.

You moved to Grand Rapids when you were 16. What brought you here?

There was a friend of mine I went to boarding school with who was from here and when I came here, I fell in love with it. It was kind of small town without being too small ... Downtown was still a shell [though]. A lot of hookers and broken glass.

What kept you here?

I wanted to make this town the place where everyone else wanted to come to.

Around 2008 you were diagnosed with cancer. How are you doing now?

I think I’m doing well. I try not to focus on it too much. I don’t want it to be the identity, but it’s [also] a significant place in my life and it opened my eyes to a lot of things on the health care horizon.

It must have been hard to slow down and be less involved in the community.

It was hard. This has been the busiest I’ve been, this past June. It’s been hard getting back that confidence level or even feeling like I’ve got the energy to do it. Gradually, there have been people helping me feel like I’ve been able to do it.

Questions for musician

Ralston Bowles

Your audience knows you as the Godfather of West Michigan Music. Do you embrace the title?

Not if it means this hard-ass guy that extracts from people favors or else I’m gonna break their knees. I mean, that’s not the kind of guy I am. (Does an impression from The Godfather.) If it’s more from the standpoint of the godfather terminology where a parental group will say, “We really like what you’re doing and would like you to come in and be a part of our family, to help nurture our child and be the person our child turns to,” then maybe, but Marlon Brando comes to mind.

OK, let’s say it’s the nurturing definition.

I would probably embrace that one more because I like the idea of embracing and nurturing people. n

Q&A conducted, condensed and edited by Lindsay Patton-Carson. Photo: Dianne Carroll Burdick.

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Willamena

Roosevelt Diggs

y h t r o w z z u B

Music Issue

k ly Plan r a C y b / w now o n k d l u shou o y s d Ban

Willamena

Genre: Alternative rock Key tracks: “The Things That I Forgot,” ‘When Love Rescued Me” Sounds like: Counting Crows, The Killers

The B-Sides

The group’s latest single recently scored a 180 rating on Triple A radio, so maybe you should start paying attention, as much of the nation already has. Founded in 1996 in Kalamazoo, the hardest working band in Michigan is finally attracting big names, including producers who have worked with the likes of Dave Matthews and U2. To the tune of lead guitarist Chad Hendrickson’s rootsy guitar riffs, vocalist Lukas Ross injects an almost self-effacing honesty into coming-of-age lyrics.

Unforgettable hooks represent one of many strengths of a band whose versatility shines live and in the studio.

Flashing Blue Lights

Genre: Alternative rock Key tracks: “One Way Trip,” “These Heights of Sterling” Sounds like: My Morning Jacket, Oasis, The Wallflowers

Strawberry Heritage

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Nineties pop culture nerds who recall the greatness squandered by the feuding brothers Gallagher of Oasis will be happy to know Grand Rapids has its own band of brothers,

and they’re on good terms. Jason and Tim Roy and company have been churning out laid back rockers with tinges of country and Brit pop since 2009. For those looking for a little more drama, there will always be the Gallaghers.

Roosevelt Diggs

Genre: Americana Key track: “Paul Bunyan” Sounds like: Avett Brothers, Frontier Ruckus

This band thrives on the energy of a live showcase for legendary talks of folklore heroes and adventures. Also, nothing quite legitimizes a foot-stomping Americana band like the presence of an upright bass.

The B-Sides

Genre: Garage pop Key tracks: “Let Her Go,” “Everyday” Sounds like: The Hollies, Badfinger

Formed with the goal of recreating timeless sounds reminiscent of the often underrated b-sides of pop singles, Tommy Schichtel’s latest project brings to light infectious retro-pop.

Diehards of ‘70s and ‘80s garage rock will find much to appreciate in The B-Sides, a band to turn to in the case of modern melancholia.

The Campanellis

The Legal Immigrants

Punksuhate / Photo: Anthony Norkus

Cabildo / Photo: David McGowan

Romance for Ransom

Genre: Pop rock Key tracks: “Recover,” “Trigger” Sounds like: Mayday Parade, Westland

Melissa Dylan’s power pop vocals have no equal in the region, and the same goes for her band’s wall of sound that recalls early Blink-182 and other bands that inspired modern pop. With a recognizable ability to craft songs that build to breaking points followed by monumental lyrical hooks and musical releases, Romance for Ransom is certainly a Michigan pop original.

Strawberry Heritage

Genre: Alternative folk Key tracks: “Grow Back New,” “Work Harder” Sounds like: Breathe Owl Breathe, The Soil and the Sun

Songwriter John Hanson specializes in soaring pseudo-folk balladry and catchy lyrics that require contemplation and self-reflection.

Uplifting harmonies and guitar strums successfully suspend time for the listener.

Photo: Brittany Sue Cox and Caitlin Cossey

Free Music downloads

The Legal Immigrants

Genre: Power pop Key Tracks: “Tessa,” “Say You Don’t” Sounds like: Bowling for Soup, Fountains of Wayne

Genre: Alternative rock Key tracks: “Out of Control,” “Swimming in the Sun” Sounds like: Jack White, The Kooks

There are certain songs that keep repeating in your head ever since you heard them decades ago. The Campanellis have that type of staying power and self-assured pop swagger.

At their best in a live setting, these Grand Rapids rock ‘n’ rollers inject American attitude into a sound heavily influenced by British rock.

The group’s showmanship and charisma are showcased up close and personal with scorching cover songs and original material.

Punksuhate

Genre: Progressive hip hop Key track: “Fall Back,” “Full Circle” Sounds like: will.i.am, Notorious B.I.G.

This rap and hip hop duo knows how to entertain. The group combines lyrics hearkening back to the freestyle feel of 2Pac and Biggie with smooth, contemporary vocals.

Live shows involve many genres and instruments, including saxophones and acoustic guitars.

Cabildo

Genre: Latin folk rock Key tracks: “Vengo del Pueblo” Sounds like: Carlos Vives

For 10 solid years, Cabildo has provided West Michigan with flavorful and celebratory tunes colored by strong horns and guitars. The band incorporates influences from reggae to ska to create danceable beats perfect for summer street festivals. n

Get tracks from many of these bands! See page 38 for details.

REVUEWM.COM | July 2013 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Romance for Ransom

The Campanellis

33

Music Issue

The Man Behind the Rock and Roll Curtain

By Nick Manes

Photos: Jonathan Brandt

W

hile it may not be by design, Matt Ten Clay’s workspace is fitting.

Ten Clay, 32, owns, operates and sometimes lives out his recording studio, Amber Lit Audio.

Located in the industrial southwest side of Grand Rapids, the main engineering room looks out on the Grand River and the infamous “Punk Rock Island.” The small sandbar, only accessible by climbing down a makeshift ladder from the rust-covered train bridge, the island has been home to some drifters and misfits. And probably some musicians, too.

The setting makes sense, given Ten Clay’s history as not only a recording engineer and producer, but a musician as well, having spent years playing guitar in vaunted Grand Rapids band, The Wildfire, in addition to his own side project, Matt Ten Clay and The Howlers. Both acts embody the roots-rock, Johnny Cash-esque scene-scape one gets from looking out Ten Clay’s window.

While Ten Clay continues to play in The Wildfire — in April the band did a nearly two-week tour through The Netherlands, which he said showed him how much better musicians in Europe are treated, compared to the states — he has reached a point where he sees a greater future in producing and engineering than he does in just playing music.

“I like traveling, that’s for sure. But I think (engineering) is a little more rewarding financially,” Ten Clay said. “I feel like I can grow a little more. And I enjoy communicating with bands.”

That communication is something Lazy Genius guitarist Jonny Bruha appreciates about his time working with Ten Clay. Ten Clay has recorded a number of projects that Bruha has worked on, including a couple of unreleased songs from the now-finished band The Fainting Generals and two records from Bruha’s current band, The Real Lazy Genius. Bruha said Ten Clay is currently in the midst of doing the band’s third full-length record, set to be released in December.

“He’s extremely patient. For the first album, we didn’t have all the songs done and he actually helped us hash those a little bit quicker, sort of just by listening and giving his response,” Bruha said. “Having worked with other people in recording, (patience) can be the biggest flaw.

He’s not trying to keep you there to make money. But at the same time, he’s not acting impatient that you’re going over your time limit.”

The bands that Ten Clay has helped to get their music produced, mixed and/or engineered reads like a laundry list of Grand Rapids talent. From Nathan Kalish and the Wildfire to Pistolbrides to The Dead Alives to North Lincoln, —Jonny Bruha Ten Clay’s resume is long. In many ways, he is the thread that ties the Grand Rapids music scene together.

“He’s not trying to keep you there to make money. But at the same time, he’s not acting impatient that you’re going over your time limit.”

34 | REVUEWM.COM | July 2013

Matt Ten Clay performs a speedy setup for full band live tracking with Ribbons of Song.

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

“(The local music scene) feels pretty friendly and it feels like people are getting along well and supporting each other,” Ten Clay said. “I was thinking about how technology is changing the last few years. It used to be really hard to find shows or fliers. People used to get mad because they would miss shows. Nowadays it’s to the point where people get too many virtual invites ... But I think its a good thing overall.”

“He’s definitely right in the middle of things,” Bruha said of Ten Clay’s ties to the local community. “I know for one thing, he’s not afraid to try something different. I think what he really wants is to get as much stuff out there as possible, but at the same time he probably learns more than any of the bands.”

While Ten Clay largely produces music in the vein of rock and roll and its various sub-categories, he has been branching out into new genres as of late. Brooklyn, NY via Grand Rapids hip hop/electronic producer, Brilliant, My Boy utilized Ten Clay’s skills to master his November 2012 release, Blissed Out. “I’m super weird about who I work with musically, so when it came time for mastering, I needed somebody that I already knew and trusted,” Brilliant, My Boy said. “(Ten Clay) hasn’t had much experience with electronic music, but was super excited to get into the project. With not much more direction than “make it loud and sexy,” I got the masters back exactly when he said I would and they were perfect. That to me is what makes a dope engineer. Hungry for challenges, ready to learn and understands that it is a collaborative process. It also helps that he is the nicest f*****g guy on the planet.” n REVUEWM.COM | July 2013 |

35

Music Issue

MUSICIANS’ DAY JOBS

We followed six musicians to their day jobs and found out what they do when they’re offstage.

PHOTOS & INTERVIEWS: Elyse Wild

Erin Lenau

T

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

okyo Morose frontwoman and co-founder of Hollywood Makeout Erin Lenau spends part of the year teaching at an elementary school.

The best part? Not just having summers off, but getting to use her knack for music and creativity with her students. “I love it … I can be a musician and a teacher, they go so well together.”

John Hanson

A

core member of Strawberry Heritage, Hanson works as a freelance photographer.

Before he got into the photography racket, he says his worst job ever was working maintenance at an airport in Traverse City in the middle of winter, from 4 to 8 a.m., five days a week. “My plans are really to work more with motion picture … I would like to be a director of photography.”

36 | REVUEWM.COM | July 2013

band: Tokyo Morose, six hours day job: School teacher, 40 hours

BAND: Strawberry Heritage, 20-30 hours DAY JOB: Photographer specializing in medium format photography, 20-30 hours

Ben Scott-Brandt

S

cott-Brandt has been playing music in his band Ribbons of Song for six years and dressing hair at Salon RE for two and half, all while raising a second grader. “If my future includes doing music full time, it will be a long way down the road.”

Shane Grehan

G

rizzly Boys and parking nice rides as a valet for the JW Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids. “This allows be flexibility with the band … I can hit the road when something comes up. We are weekend warriors right now, but I would love to be full time.”

band: Ribbons of Song, nine hours day job: Hair stylist at Salon RE, 40 hours

band: Gunnar & the Grizzly Boys, 30 hours day job: Valet at JW Marriott, 32-40 hours

Emilee Pertersmark

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etersmark puts in 40 hours a week updating playlists and contacting labels and distributors to ensure that the jukeboxes at AMI Entertainment are full of the latest and greatest tunes. “I love this job … I feel like I have a vested interest in the music industry.”

band: The Crane Wives, 15-20 hours a week day job: Music content coordinator for AMI Entertainment, 40 hours a week

Nicholas James Thomasma

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homasma has been putting 40 hours a week into music for the past eight years, while holding down two part time jobs pouring beer at Founders and selling organic goods at Harvest Health. “I get a discount on beer and a discount on groceries; they are both good part time jobs. I already work on music 40 hours a week … this is really the best scenario for me.”

band: Nicholas James and The Bandwagon, 40 hours day job: Bartender at Founders and clerk at Harvest Health, 28 hours total

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule REVUEWM.COM | July 2013 |

37

s d a o l n ow D ic s u M e e Fr

Music Sampler We love music. We love it more when it’s free, and we especially love these 15 local artists that offered up new or unreleased tracks to make up our third West Michigan Music Sampler. Genres range from garage rock to folk to country to keep even the most particular music snob happy.

04

Get the following tracks at revue.bandcamp.com.

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01 38 | REVUEWM.COM | July 2013

02

03

06

01

Blue Molly “2000 Miles”

02

Chain of Lakes “Your Day”

03

Flashing Blue Lights “Across the Room”

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Gunnar and the Grizzly Boys “Could Be Me”

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Haunted Leather “Midnight Women”

06

Legal Immigrants “Moaning Song”

07

Pistolbrides “Holy Truth”

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Punksuhate “Okay”

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Red Tail Ring “Queen of the West and Other Stories”

10

Roosevelt Diggs “Paul Bunyan”

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Strawberry Heritage “Grow Back New”

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The B-Sides “For Your Call”

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The Campanellis “Die Young”

14

Valentiger “What Makes the Heart”

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08

13

09

14

15 Willamena

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“Edge”

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39

JULY

Wednesday

Thursday

3

Nathan Holley Live

$2 Cover Free with College ID

4

P.E.M.G

Nathan Holley Live

Nathan Holley Live

T.B.A.

Nathan Holley Live

$2 Cover Free with College ID

$2 Cover Free with Nathan Holley Live College ID

DRINK SPECIALS

SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

$5

25

Rick Chyme / Ryan K Wilson / Aziz Hasper Molly Bouwsma-Schultz / Edye Evans Hyde

27

$5

1

$10

Danger Damsels

The Decades

Classic USO show

2

Blue Molly

WEEKLY EVENTS

$5

T.B.A.

SUN REVIVAL 80’s Dance Night w/ DJ Hustlah MON BassBin Electronic Night NO Cover TUE Preservation Lounge Easy evening of Jazz 7-11pm WED Campus Karaoke $2 Cover, Free with College ID THU Holla Back 90’s Night NO Cover

www.facebook.com/billys.lounge 40 | REVUEWM.COM | July 2013

1/2 off with military ID

3

$5

$5

$7

Nixon / Punksuhate / Dj Boogieman

26

$5

$1.50 PBRs & Old Styles, $1.00 Strohs & High Lifes (9pm-close) Happy Hour till Midnight ($1.50 well drinks, $2 domestic beers) $10 bottles of select wines (7-11pm) $2 You Call Its (9pm-11pm) $1 off all pints, $2 off all Pitchers ( 9:00pm - Midnight) “Fire Sale Fridays” $2 Hand Selected Microbrews (all day) “Samuel Saturdays” $3 Pints / $9 Pitchers (7pm-close)

$5

Hip Pocket

T.B.A.

T.B.A.

13

19 Rick Chyme 5iveit LP Release Party 20

$5

31

Suport Presents:

$5

18

T.B.A.

$5 Briskstreet Bonus

Rocket 8

T.B.A.

6

12

$5

24

no cover

80’s 90’s Dj

11

17

$2 Cover Free with College ID

“Sindependence Day”

Umphrey’s McGee Afterparty

Saturday

5

$5

10

$2 Cover Free with College ID

Friday

/// Sink’s Spins on Music

ON THE MUSICAL RADAR described as “a pretty eclectic mix of musical genres,” is slated for fall release.

B

Ultraviolet Hippopotamus

U

“Honestly, at this point in our musical careers we only get to play in our hometown three to five times a year,” said Russell James, guitarist and singer. “So it’s a big deal for us to be home for a holiday and play a free event for a community that has supported us and allowed us to grow and do what we love to do.”

The five-piece band’s appearance comes as it completes work on a new studio album (the full-length follow-up to 2011’s Square Pegs Round Holes), recorded at Grand Haven’s Redwall North Studios and Grand Rapids’ new River City Studios. “Working at both places was an incredible experience,” says James, raving about the “stress-free and creative” climate created by engineers Roy Wallace, Joe Sturgill and Bill Chrysler. The 10-track album,

Pat Carroll

Glow in the Dark Starting with the lonely drone of a violin, Pat Carroll’s journey through Glow in the Dark is unlike any other venture by any other folk-rock artist. Born with cystic fibrosis and undergoing a double lung transplant at age 20, the Traverse City native and Kalamazoo-based multi-instrumentalist, sound engineer and social worker spent six years on this heart-rending and wondrously rich collection of tunes.

With the brutal honesty, Carroll delivers a masterpiece of human frailty on his Earthwork Music debut, with cleverly

arranged horns, muscular acoustic and electric guitars, and desperately beautiful vocals. (As of this writing, Carroll was back at the Cleveland Clinic, awaiting a second double lung transplant.) Carroll describes it poignantly on his title track: “When your life leaves not even a spark, all you can do is glow in the dark.” This is his glow.

Hank Mowery Account to Me

Every once in a great while, a recording comes along that shakes up a genre, begs to be trumpeted to the world, and perks up the ears of normally aloof, dispas-

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

sionate music critics. Account to Me is just such an album, a lovingly crafted, sonically ingenious tribute to legendary blues harmonica player Gary Primich, a friend and musical inspiration to Grand Rapids’ own Hank Mowery. A singer and harp virtuoso, Primich (who was raised in Indiana) left the world way too soon, dying of acute heroin intoxication at 49 in 2007. He also left behind a treasure trove of heartfelt music and some unfinished songs that Mowery – with the permission of Primich’s family – completed as part of this brilliant collection of Primich originals, favorite blues covers and Mowery originals. The vintage, analog touch of Grand Rapids’ Goon Lagoon studio gives the project an authentic, retro sheen that perfectly showcases Mowery’s singing and tasteful harmonica explorations, not to mention the masterful musicianship of his Hawktones bandmates and guest guitarist Jimmie Stagger.

REVUEWM.COM | July 2013 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Local CD Releases

ltraviolet Hippopotamus is a behemoth of the road, a formidable force on the national progressive jam band scene. The instrumentally adroit Grand Rapids rock band, with its lively mix of funk, jazz, electronica, reggae and bluegrass, travels coast to coast, playing 150 to 200 shows a year. This month, UV Hippo will regale hometown fans with an unprecedented Fourth of July show in downtown Grand Rapids. The jam band headlines this year’s lineup of free entertainment at Ah-Nab-Awen Park, playing an extended set just before the Amway Fourth of July Family Fireworks display over the Grand River. (Blue Molly and Kris Hitchcock & Small Town Son also are on the bill.)

PHOTO: Abby Fox

illy’s Lounge isn’t generally associated with Grand Rapids’ jazz scene. But that might change now that the Eastown club has launched a Tuesday jazz night spearheaded by award-winning pianist Steve Talaga, complete with a more sophisticated ambiance of white tablecloths and bottle wine specials.

Talaga leads a trio of players during the free, every-other-week jams, with others invited to sit in. A DJ spins “the finest recorded jazz” on Tuesdays.

Bar manager Jeff Avink concedes that while “jazz has been tough to keep alive on a regular basis” at venues around town, he insists some regular Steve Talaga patrons are seeking “something nice and easy” that appeals to older audiences. “I had a night that was floundering and I thought that there is no better time than this to try and program jazz back into Billy’s music history,” he said. For his part, Talaga believes jazz has a place in Eastown. “Billy’s is in one of the hippest neighborhoods in Grand Rapids. Eastown is always up for the unconventional, non-mainstream, artsy in life, and I think jazz fits right in with that.” n

41

/// On Tour

Mastodon Giants Amongst Metalheads | by Josh Spanninga

M

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

asto d o n i s i n eve ry doing Mastodon it seemed like it started to way a g a rg a n t ua n come out in the lyrics and everything.” presence in the metal world, so For this particular subject matter, no genre is more fitting than Mastodon’s mixture of it’s only fitting the band’s name is that of a mammoth. Even the crushing, blaring metal and sweeping, melodic band’s lyrical content consistently follows a progressive rock. It was a sound that came theme of epic, mystical creatures, from the natural to Dailor. His mother was in a cover Moby Dick-inspired great whale on their band, and since birth he had been exposed to album Leviathan to the Cysquatch (a one- Judas Priest and other juggernauts. eyed, clairvoyant Sasquatch) “I have lots of pictures of me as a seven year old on Blood Mountain.

Mastodon wsg with long blond hair and a “I’ve always been fascinated with monsters and mythologi- Machine Head Screaming for Vengeance tThe Intersection, Grand Rapids shirt on and fake leather pants,” cal creatures,” Brann Dailor, July 11, 7 p.m. drummer and lyricist said. “I he said. $23 advanced, $27.50 day of saw Clash of the Titans when I Dailor began playing show, all ages was a kid and thought that was drums along to Scorpions and sectionlive.com, (616) 451-8232 Judas Priest albums at four awesome. As soon as we started

42 | REVUEWM.COM | July 2013

years old, but it wasn’t until years later when he met up with Mastodon’s full lineup that he found the perfect group of people to perform with. The lineup has remained unchanged since late 2000, and they show no signs of altering the group in any way.

“We realize that we really can’t do it without the four of us,” he said. “That’s what makes it special.”

After 13 years and five full-length studio albums, the band shows no sign of slowing down. The guys are currently working on their newest as-of-yet untitled album, a record they’re very secretive about, though Dailor

admits, “It’s a lot heavier than I imagined it was going to be.”

Aside from working on their new album, they’ll be touring extensively, something they’ve been doing nearly non-stop since their formation. While they won’t be playing any tracks off the new album at live shows anytime soon, their Grand Rapids stop at the Intersection should still prove intense.

“That’s how this music should be received, it’s a live experience,” Dailor said. “The album is merely a promotional item for the big rock show.” n

REVUEWM.COM | July 2013 |

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/// on tour

Koji Brings Grand Rapids Recording Experience Full Circle | by Jordan Brasko

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

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44 | REVUEWM.COM | July 2013

h e n P e n n s y lva n i a b a s e d s i n g e r / s o n gwr ite r Ko j i was looking for a place to write his first full-length album, he chose Grand Rapids. But why travel all the way to Grand Rapids to create such an important milestone of his career?

Koji’s intimate ties with the Grand Rapids music scene started with his collaboration with local post-hardcore band La Dispute on the band’s 2011 split Never Come Undone, which was written in its entirety in GR. After several EP releases and a spot on Alternative Press’ “100 Bands You Need to Know,” Koji released his debut full-length record Crooked In My Mind this past April, a result of Grand Rapids inspiration and collaboration.

“We started writing most of the album in Grand Rapids; Brad from La Dispute even played drums on the record,” said Koji. “So I’m most excited because of the full-circle aspect of ending the tour from where I started the record originally.”

Now Koji is adding a full band to his set along with joining co-headliners, Turnover, in a nationwide tour this summer. They conclude the tour with a stop at The Pyramid Scheme in July.

“For this tour, I’m very excited to play the new songs from Crooked In My Mind, and being able to play them with a full band,” Koji

said. “From an autobiographical standpoint, these songs express where I’ve been and where I’m at now. So I’m excited to share them with my fans, while also being able to share the experience.”

Pop-punk co-headliners, Turnover, also released their first full-length record in April, titled Magnolia. Each band will be able to show off new material throughout the summer tour.

“It’s definitely good to have material out that we didn’t write when we were 17, and not having to play the exact same songs at each show,” Danny Dempsey, Turnover’s bassist said.

That Virginia based band will add a contrasting, heavier sound to Koji’s post-punk set.

At each show, Koji aims to be a part of an environment of creative ideas and inspiration, but what Koji is most excited about is sharing the experience with new and old fans.

“It’s going be really cool to mix the old songs with the new ones, because it reshapes the experience of every show,” Koji said. n

Koji, Turnover, Ivy League, Have Mercy The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids July 23, 7 p.m.; All ages $10 advance, $12 day of show pyramidschemebar.com, (616) 272-3758

JULY

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

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Visual Art

The Art of Place

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Other Art Events The Book Illustrations of Dov Talpaz and Adam Dahlstrom

Holland Area Arts Council, 150 E. 8th Street Through Aug. 17 Mon., Tue. & Thurs.: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Wed. & Fri.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sat: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. hollandarts.org Experience the art of collaboration through the exhibition of more than 30 illustrations by two friends. The project began while the two men were working together in New York City at Tribeca Hardware. The drawings depict scenes from collective favorite literature including Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck, The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkein, and Dune by Frank Herbert.

The Market

Avenue for the Arts Division Avenue – between Fulton and Cherry, Grand Rapids July 13, 12–8 p.m. Free! avenueforthearts.com The annual street market brings tons of local artists, musicians and artisans into the heart of the city to showcase their wares. Gallery spaces along the avenue will have open studios, allowing visitors to see what they have cooking, and the sidewalks will be filled with unique work and items from local artists and vendors. Live music and entertainment will also be featured periodically throughout the day.

Summer Corridor Series: Chris Cox Opening Reception

Saugatuck Center for the Arts July 11, 6–8 p.m. Free! sc4a.org, (269) 857-2399

One of the talented founders of Gaspard Gallery, Chris Cox, is the focus of this solo show featuring his most recent body of work Spiritual Lake. The photographs juxtapose figural subjects with the stunning surroundings of Michigan Lakes and shorelines. The work is candid and striking, and according to Cox, is characterized by the relationship between the photographer, the subject, and the space that they dwell. The Summer Corridor Series is a new program that offers young, up-and-coming artists the opportunity to show their work in a professional setting.

REVUEWM.COM | July 2013 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule

re de ri k M e i j e r Garde ns and Sculpture Park transforms into Chinese Contemporary artist Zhang Huan’s world throughout the end of summer, featuring a diverse body of work that contrasts and blends two sides of the globe.

“Looking East, Facing West: The World of Zhang Huan” is now on display at the Gardens and will run through Aug. 25. The retrospective explores the work of Huan both thematically and artistically through his sculptures, photography and installations, and is the first of its kind in the American Midwest.

“Zhang Huan is among the most important voices in contemporary art today,” said Joseph Becherer, vice president and chief curator. “From his vantage point working in China and the United States, he offers inLooking East, sights and inspiration for the Facing West: The global cultural community.”

World of Zhang The Shanghai-based artHuan ist was born in central China Frederik Meijer Gardens, and studied oil painting at Grand Rapids Beijing’s Central Academy Through Aug. 25 of Fine Arts, where he was $4-$12, children 2 and first exposed to western under free forms of contemporary art, meijergardens.org, (616) 957-1580 including conceptual and performance art. In 1998, he moved to New York, where he continued the performance work that gained him acclaim in the United States.

Huan’s performance work focused on themes of isolation and East/West dichotomy, inspired and influenced by his time in New York. In 2006, he returned to China to reconnect with his heritage and has since Zhang Huan. Long Island Buddha, 2010-11. Copper, 67.68 x 89.37 x been creating work that explores Chinese history and 69.68 inches. ©Zhang Huan Studio. Photo courtesy of Pace Gallery. spiritual tranquility.

“Meijer Gardens is thrilled to present an exhibition Huan’s earlier works more directly addressed politically charged so distinctly composed of such diverse media that focuses merited themes, and it was during this time that he discovered that his own attention on the master,” Becherer said. body could be used as a form of expression. Another featured piece The exhibition’s focus is a number of sculptural works, includtitled “Family Tree” features photographs of Huan’s face becoming ing “Long Island Buddha,” a steel and copper piece Meijer Gardens covered in calligraphy, which Becherer said begins as an homage recently acquired as part of its permanent collection. The sculptures to calligraphy, but eventually Huan becomes anonymous. A large are inspired by historical models and antique fragments of Buddhanumber of the works touch on the importance of Buddhism in the related imagery. artist’s life, including a number of his revolutionary ash paintings, Also included in the exhibition are photographic installations composed of discarded incense ash from temple sites in and around documenting a variety of Huan’s performance pieces, as well as a Shanghai.

DVD showing his performance titled, “To Raise the Water Level in a The exhibition is one of the artist’s first major shows in the Fishpond,” which features 40 laborers entering a pond and changing United States and will include a number of special events, including its levels, a nod to the importance of workers in society. a walk through the exhibition led by Becherer on Aug. 6. n

by Alexandra Fluegel

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by Allison Parker

Theatre

Game Craziness at Mason Street Warehouse

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Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

“We will try to get an interesting mix,” u st i n t i m e f o r t h e Artistic Director Kurt Stamm said. “If summer slump, Mason Street someone seems like a good character, we will Warehouse introduces a cool breeze of bring them up on stage. It’s like a reality show. originality to Michigan’s theatre scene.

Reality shows are so popular because they find Set within the fictional filming of a “The Price is Right”/”Jeopardy” mash- ridiculous people and bring them up on stage.”

At another level, Game Show also appeals up, Game Show invites audience members to the basic love of competition onstage to fight for prizes in an and play that is hardwired into impromptu battle of wits. When American thinking. commercial breaks arrive, a hilari- Game Show “[Games] are a piece of our ous scripted storyline steals the Mason Street Warehouse, culture that people love — they scene, depicting the backstage Saugatuck engage the brain in a way that antics of the TV show’s creators.

July 26-28, 30-31, Aug. makes you pay attention, but While Game Show features 1-4, 6-11; show times at you don’t have to stress. Game Broadway veterans and an impro- 2, 7 and 8 p.m.; $29-$42 shows are one of America’s guilty visation expert, it also showcases masonstreetwarehouse. pleasures. The game craze in our the unprofessional talents of the org, (269) 857-4898 country has never calmed down,” audience. Selected contestants Stamm said. get to show off both their trivia While the audience participation aspect is savvy and their diverse, quirky personalities in Game Show’s most immediately obvious draw, a competition in which only the questions are Stamm stresses that the scripted portion has scripted. Audience members therefore witness not only outrageous scenarios, but also experi- much to offer audiences as well. Commercial ence the mesmerizing pull of rooting for one break sections make up a substantial storyline of their own.

GAME

SHOW

bursting at the seams with over-the-top characters and clever surprises.

Although craziness runs rampant, scenes are marked by sophisticated intelligence as well.

“I’ve always been sensitive to the fact that I don’t want to trot out mindless dribble. I want [plays] to be smart,” Stamm said. “[Game Show] is not just some benign piece of fluff — it has a great message, it’s very funny, it’s well-written and the cast is great. What really impressed me about the play was that the writ-

ing portion was so smart. There’s an amazing plot twist that no one will see coming.”

Although Game Show is not yet wellknown among audiences, Stamm hopes that its relative anonymity will be an even further incentive for audiences to give the play a shot.

“No one in the area has done it. It’s fresh, fun and exciting. I hope to push and train the audience to show that just because you don’t know a play doesn’t mean you shouldn’t see it. With a show, if you don’t know the title, that’s all the more reason to want to see it.” n

Other Performing Arts Events The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) Spectrum Theater, Grand Rapids July 11-13, 18-20, 8 p.m.; $10-20 heritagetheatregr.org, (616) 234-3946

The Heritage Theatre Group condenses all 37 of the Bard’s plays into 97 minutes of hilarity. Goofy and fast-paced, the show features improvisation and audience participation for a dynamic and farcical celebration of the famous playwright. Shakespeare’s histories take the stage as a football game, while Othello is transformed into a rap song. Other highlights include Titus Andronicus as a cooking show and a 42-second reenactment of Hamlet performed backwards.

48 | REVUEWM.COM | July 2013

The Marvelous Wonderettes: Gaps & Gowns

Circle Theatre, Grand Rapids July 11-13, 17-21, 24-27; show times at 5 and 7:30 p.m.; $27 circletheatre.org, (616) 456-6656 It’s songleader squad The Wonderettes’ senior year in this upbeat sequel to the Off-Broadway hit. Beloved characters return, secret romances blossom and Missy and Mr. Lee’s much-anticipated wedding finally arrives. The future of each girl is finally revealed in the second act when the play jumps forward 10 years. A bubbly, optimistic celebration of friendship and girl power, the show features over two dozen ‘50s and ‘60s hits.

The Light in the Piazza

Hope Summer Repertory Theatre DeWitt Theatre, Holland July 19, 20, 24, 27, 29, Aug. 1, 6, 9; 8 p.m. $10-20; hope.edu/hsrt, (616) 395-7890 Winner of six Tony-Awards, The Light in the Piazza blends neoclassical music and opera for one of the most lavish and heavily orchestrated Broadway scores. Haunting melodies and unexpected harmonies unfold a breathtaking love story that borrows from Italian language and tradition. The story centers around the tumultuous romance between an unstable Southern belle and the young Italian she meets on holiday. When the girl’s aunt Margaret learns of the infatuation, secret guilt and hidden longings rise to the surface.

THE ARTS ISSUE

DEADLINES Space Reservation - August 1 Editorial - August 1 Camera Ready Ads - August 21

SALES INQUIRIES Molly Rizor (616) 780-4527 molly@revuewm

EDITORIAL PITCHES Lindsay Patton-Carson (616) 608-6170 lindsaypatton@revuewm.com

Our annual season sampler of all things art in West Michigan — including season previews for the region’s cultural arts groups, profiles of local artists and performers, ArtPrize coverage, and more. A variety of advertising packages are available. Look for it on newsstands September 1!

REVUEWM.COM | July 2013 |

49

by Josh Spanninga

Comedy At The B.O.B. Grand Rapids, MI 616.356.2000 www.thebob.com

MARC POOLOS July 5 & 6

CLAUDE S11T-U13ART July

MICHA

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

July EL CHE 18-20

TO7N L A D N RYAuly 25-2 J

HAL SPARKS August 1-3

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New York Native Michael Che Makes the Comedy Rounds

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h e n it c o m e s to te lli ng jokes, Michael Che feels honesty is the best policy. “[My stand-up] is honest in a way that I really believe these things are funny,” Che said. “I’m not saying it because it’s an easy way to make you laugh, I’m saying it because this really kept me up at night.”

The stories Che tells during his routine might not necessarily be true per se, but in his performance he always remains true to himself. This is also evident in his decisionmaking process for picking up new projects.

“I want it to be the right project, and not something that’s just available that’s paying me something,” Che said. “I want it to be something that I think I could do well, something that I find funny.”

Like many comics, Che made people laugh at a very young age. In 2009 he decided to take this skill to the stage and see if he could make money.

“Every medium [of performance] is like a different language, and some people take different things easier,” Che said. “And stand-up is the most fluent thing for me.”

It doesn’t hurt that he lives in New York City, a place with a well-established and

“…[Y]ou get so sick of jokes after you’ve told them for a year that you’re like, ‘I have got to work on something new because I am going to kill myself if I don’t.’” celebrated comedy scene. Che even credits performing at different clubs in New York as preparing him for the diversity he experiences while touring.

“There’s so much tourism in New York that it’s almost like playing the road in certain clubs,” he said.

At this point in his career, Che is no stranger to the road. He has toured all over the world and sometimes performs multiple times per day. This non-stop performing sometimes leads to Che feeling burnt out, but there are also positives to this relentless schedule.

“It helps with the creative process, because you get so sick of jokes after you’ve told them for a year that you’re like, ‘I have got to work on something new because I am going to kill myself if I don’t.’”

Aside from his stand-up career, Che has also been a guest writer for “Saturday Night Live,” a project he would be more than happy to do again.

“For a show to be on and secure for that long, and to be a part of it, and to see the stars that it’s turned out decade after decade, feels very special,” Che said.

As for other new projects? Che is currently working on a podcast, and is gearing up to record a stand-up special, amongst other things.

“They’re not necessarily things that are going to make me a millionaire overnight,” Che said. “I’m not doing Rush Hour 4 or nothing, but it’s exciting for me to play with different mediums, and I think it’s going to make me a stronger performer.” n

Michael Che Dr. Grins, Grand Rapids July 18-20, show times at 8, 9 and 10:30 p.m. $5-$10 thebob.com, (616) 356-2000

K I N DL E B E R G E R 32ND

SUMMER FESTIVAL

OF THE PERFORMING ARTS

July 10-12 at 7 PM July 13-14 at 5 PM

July 10-12 at 5:30 PM July 13-14 at 3:30 PM

SATURDAY, JULY 13

FE STIVAL DAY 7 AM 8 AM 8:30 AM 9 AM - 2 PM 9 AM - 3 PM 9 AM - 3 PM 9 AM - 3 PM 10 AM 10 AM - 2 PM 11 AM - 2 PM 7 PM - 9 PM

Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast Free Half Mile Kids Run 5k Race / Fitness Walk And 3K Stroller Roll Farmer’s Market Arts and Craft Show Friends of the Library Book Sale Garden Club Plant Sale Festival Parade Kindleberger Classic Car Show Children’s Area Activities Street Dance

MONDAY, JULY 15 - 6:30PM

M AT T K I NG

(Elvis Tribute)

CALLING ALL FILMMAKERS

SAUGATUCK SHORTS FILM COMPETITION SUBMISSIONS ACCEPTED

MAY 1 - AUGUST 31

Calling All Filmmakers! YOU could win $1,000 by entering a 5-minute lm in our rst-ever juried competition by August 31!

Visit sc4a.org for more details.

MASON STREET WAREHOUSE PROFESSIONAL THEATRE PRESENTS

XANADU

JUNE 21 – JULY 14

TUES – SAT 8 PM; SUN. 7 PM (FINAL SUN. @ 2 PM) $29 - $42

The feel-good love story of the summer! This musical has it all: meddling family, a high-energy score, and of course, rollerskates - don’t miss it!

REGIONAL PREMIERE!

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Sundays at 6:30 PM at Kindleberger Park, Parchment, MI

July 21 Aug. 4 Aug. 11 Aug. 18 Aug. 25

SHOUT! (The Beatles Tribute) Whispers of the North (Gordon Lightfoot Tribute) Old Friends (Simon & Garfunkel Tribute) Keith Scott Blues 33rd Street Band AllenAsTim & the Dance Hall Rockers (Tim McGraw Tribute) Michigan Hiryu Daiko - The Flying Dragon Drummers All events at The Stage are FREE!

VISIT KINDLEBERGER.ORG

GAME SHOW

JULY 26 – AUGUST 11 TUES – SAT 8 PM; SUN. 7 PM (FINAL SUN. @ 2 PM) $29 - $42

A hilarious comedy that will keep you guessing until the end - you’ll go home laughing, and you may even go home with a fabulous prize!

TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION 269.857.2399 OR WWW.SC4A.ORG REVUEWM.COM | July 2013 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule

June 23 June 30

51

by Josh Spanninga

Local film

Well, it’s the time of year when theater screens are filled with enough giant robots, guns, flashy cars and explosions to make Michael Bay drool. Yup, summer blockbuster season is in full swing. But if mindless violence isn’t your thing and you find yourself needing a break from all the CGI sensory overload, it can be difficult to track down alternatives to the ubiquitous blockbuster. Luckily we’ve a compiled a list to add a little variety to your summer viewing.

A New Approach to Summer Camp

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

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aah, summer camp, where kids from all over convene in the unforgiving forest to sing campfire songs and perform boot camp-like exercises while being eaten alive by plagues of mosquitoes, all in the name of team spirit.

This summer, Wealthy Theatre is reinventing summer camp with its program Girl Power Camp, a program that proves being a girl is kick-ass. The program starts with a screening of the movie Wonder Women! The Untold Stories of American Super Heroines, a documentary that explores the tenuous relationship between femininity and the superhero genre.

The film focuses on the evolution of Wonder Woman, investigating her origins, her role in the superhero genre and the impact and influences she’s had on multiple generations of fans. Feminist Gloria Steinem, graphic novel author Trina Robbins and the original TV Wonder Woman Lynda Carter are just a few of the experts featured in the documentary.

Gretchen Vinnedge, one of the instructors of the program, cites the film as the main inspiration for the camp.

“We were talking about the documentary, and we thought it would be great to have girls design super heroines with super powers inspired by traits or characteristics usually associated with women,” says Vinnedge.

After watching Wonder Women! campers animate their own super heroines in short films, which are screened at Wealthy Theater’s Mosaic Film Experience in November.

The course also examines the themes of the documentary, such as lack of strong female characters in pop culture, and the misrepresentation of femininity.

“The lack of female representation has always been a problem,” Vinnedge said. “We saw the documentary and felt it was a good one to share with teens to get them thinking about this problem and what they might do to change it.”

The camp is open for high schoolers, and while the program is designed for girls, Vinnedge wants it to be clear that boys are invited to participate as well.

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Ontario Oddity

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or those of you who are internet savvy and have a few spare dollars burning a hole in your pocket, check out the Kiss Kiss Bank Bank fundraising page for Anne Horel’s webseries Greetings from Michigannehorel.

Horel is a Canadian multimedia artist who specializes in creating glitchy collage gifs and performing bizarre, catchy synth pop. Her web series will consist of six episodes and music videos, all following a trippy storyline.

“It is the story of the character Anne Horel, a French cyber superstar who arrives in Michigan to start her American career,” Horel said. “She will endure lots of trials to pursue her dreams of stardom. So it’s kind of like a Faustian Beat Generation 2.0 served with an electronic sauce.”

The project’s fundraiser page bills the project as a “whirlwind of surreal adventures” complete with spirit guides and

Wonder Women! The Untold Stories of American Super Heroines showing at Girl Power Camp at Wealthy Theatre.

everything. Each episode of the series will emulate popular genres, from horror to sci-fi and sitcom.

Horel is tackling this project with fellow artist Anne Lauroz and Michigan native Brian J. Bowe. Horel and Lauroz have collaborated before, and this particular project holds a special place in their hearts.

“Anne and I have been developing a collage aesthetic which is impregnated with American iconography,” Horel said. “Going to Michigan for this project is sort of an iconographic pilgrimage to the heart of American culture, exploring Michigan myths and legends.”

The trio have until the end of July to raise five thousand Euros, or roughly six thousand U.S. dollars to fund the web series, so for the love of film, pop culture and everything magical, dig out your credit cards and visit kisskissbankbank.com/ en/projects/greetings-from-michigannehorel.

GRPL Isn’t Just About Books

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any view summer as the perfect time to sit on the beach and read a good book, but what if you sunburn easily, or are burnt out from a school year of doing nothing but reading? Grand Rapids Public Library has a solution in the form of GR Reads: The Movies. Throughout the summer, GRPL will be teaming up with local theaters and venues to screen an intriguing selection of educational movies that proves informative can also be exciting. Check out the full list of events and locations at grpl.org. n

Pacific Rim

Movie///pREVIEWS

By Avery Johnson

Opening july 3

The Lone Ranger

This Disney film revives the Old West original series with a new perspective. Tonto (Johnny Depp), a Native American warrior, tells untold tales and crazy adventures that led John Reid (Armie Hammer) to become the Lone Ranger after spending his life as a law-abiding man. The unlikely pair must come together to battle corruption and learn to bend the rules in order to make Reid into the masked hero that he is destined to become.

Despicable Me 2

Opening july 12

Opening july 26

The Wolverine

X-Men’s Wolverine returns after the success of Marvel’s prequel: X-Men: The Last Stand.

Logan has recently lost the woman he loved and is forced to come to terms with his immortality as a result of his mutations. In the midst of this, he must travel to Japan to face a mysterious adversary from his past. While there, he encounters samurai, old enemies as well as allies, and his own limits.

Opening july 19 Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule

After being transformed from a villain into a hero with the help of three adopted girls (Miranda Cosgrove, Dana Gaier and Elsie Kate Fisher), Gru (Steve Carell) returns with his heart turned to mush.

He has been recruited by the Anti-Villain League to combat a new villain, Eduardo (Benjamin Bratt) because of his knowledge and experience as a criminal. With the help of his minions, Dr. Nefario (Russell Brand), and his three girls, Gru must help the AntiVillain League to save the world, but will the temptation to go back to his evil ways be too strong?

that takes place in the near future. When creatures called the Kaiju begin rising from the ocean and start a war that could deplete humanity’s resources, humans enlist Jaegers, massive robots controlled by pilots. Two unlikely heroes, a former pilot (Charlie Hunnam) and a trainee (Rinko Kikuchi), must battle the creatures and stand as mankind’s last hope.

Red 2

Based on the comic book of the same name, Red 2 brings back the team of retired agents to help the CIA once more. It features Bruce Willis, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Mary-Louise Parker, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren among other A-listers. Agent Frank Moses must unite his old team again to track down a portable nuclear device that has gone missing. n

Pacific Rim

Earth is under attack in this science fiction/ action film directed by Guillermo Del Toro

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53

by Kyle Austin

lit life

Other Literary Events Book Signing with Kirk Cousins

Barnes and Noble, Holland July 12, 7 p.m. barnesandnoble.com, (616) 994-6015 You may remember Kirk Cousins for his remarkable play and leadership as a captain of the Michigan State University football team, but the current Washington Redskin also has a way with words. His new book, Game Changer, is written as a letter to his 15-year-old self and is full of great wisdom for young and old alike.

Come hear Cousins speak at this free event, and while you’re there, pick up a signed copy of the book.

Bookbug Presents: Where’s Waldo Kalamazoo City of Kalamazoo Throughout July bookbugkalamazoo.com, (269) 385-2847

Waldo figures will be well hidden in various Kalamazoo businesses around town, and the first 100 Waldo seekers to find them all are eligible for some very cool prizes, including a deluxe six-volume set of hardcover Where’s Waldo? books.

There is no charge to participate, and it’s a great way to have fun while supporting local businesses.

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

Talking to Rock Stars: Music Journalism Grand Rapids Public Library July 15, 7 p.m. grpl.org, (616) 988-5400

Music journalism may be the coolest form of literature on the planet, yet most of us only get to talk to rock stars in our dreams. Luckily, the Grand Rapids Public Library is giving you a chance to hear the inside scoop on what it’s like to have conversations with famous musicians.

Come hear local professionals Brian J. Bowe, Bill Holdship, John Sinkevics and REVUE’s own Lindsay Patton-Carson talk about how the profession has changed and what it’s like to be a music journalist in the 21st century.

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The Cascade Writers Group Harnesses the Power of Community

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any b u d d i n g auth o rs have the miscon- ing their own writing and a willingness to participate in the group ception that in order to be great, they need a cramped dynamic.

“We try to look at each writer’s goals for their own writing and basement apartment in New York City, a typewriter and a bottle of good whiskey. Lisa McNeilley started the provide feedback based on that,” McNeilley said. “Writers change as Cascade Writers Group seven years ago to dispel such they get more experience, so we try to remain flexible.”

This year, McNeilley and her fellow CWG board members used myths by giving area writers a chance to utilize another, often underthe success of their workshops as a vehicle for a larger project that aims appreciated resource: group feedback.

“We think of writers as working in isolation, but if you look at the to give talented writers around the country the exposure they deserve. acknowledgments of any published book, you’ll see the names of the As an official entry in the fifth installment of the immensely popular people [the author] consulted before they put their work out there,” ArtPrize competition, Imagine This! An ArtPrize Anthology, intends she said. “Workshopping changes the way you see your own work and to remind people of the artistic merit of writing.

“The written word is the fundamental building helps you to revise much more effectively.” block of our civilization, yet with the advent of Since its inception, the group has swelled in numbers to the point where prospective members technology it’s become a sort of background voice,” Cascade Writers Group are wait-listed until a spot is available. During said CWG board member John Guertin. “We forget Kent District Library, Cascade Branch there’s usually a brain somewhere behind it all.” sessions, which occur on the second and fourth July 9 and July 23, 7 p.m.

An open call yielded more than 200 submisTuesday of each month, every member is given a facebook.com/CascadeWritersGroup, sions, but only 20 will make it into the anthology, chance to read his or her work aloud to the group.

(616) 784-2007) “If you’re apprehensive about receiving feedwhich will be available at ArtPrize hubs, the ArtPrize e-store and various supporting businesses such as back, direct it yourself,” McNeilley said. “Go to the group and say, ‘I’m trying to work on my introduction, or my Schuler Books and the GRAM. The book will also feature images character development, or my dialogue.’ You get what you want and of notable artworks from ArtPrize history. Outside of a successful you’ll be more comfortable.”

Kickstarter campaign, the project was made possible by invaluable conAll genres and styles of writing are considered and writers of all tributions of time and money from the board members themselves. n skill levels are welcomed, provided they show a dedication to improv-

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Missy Black’s

STYLe NOTeS We call it. Head wraps aren’t just for the yacht.

Y

Autonomic Clothing

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

Photo: Steven David Branon

ou should know that the Autonomic Clothing (ATNM/C) line drops its new summer look that’s far from cookie cutter and mass-produced — which is the way owner Sean Zubrickas likes it. He’s always had a thing for fashion, drawing and designing. His craving for t-shirt making has him pushing for a little more art behind today’s threads.

“A lot of the design is inspired by actual art — not clip art,” said Zubrickas, who describes his clothing as “very fun with an edgier side,” like with his “Let’s Run Away” off-the-shoulder shirt that’s thin, soft and perfect year round. Throw on the “Live, Love” tank for a quick cover up at the beach or slip into the moody “High Class” tank featuring a red-lipped and red nail polished smoking female.

Boys can suit up in the vintage “Cross” tank that’s a little rocker inspired. The tops fit the boutique market niche for the ladies and the gents will acquire more of a sense of style thanks to the

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duds that have some “West Coast feel and New York fashion — a mix between that.” None of it is too girly or too edgy. Call it the Goldilocks theory but there’s the right fit, comfort and inspiration for everyone, and at around $25 they are reasonably priced. “I don’t want to just be a t-shirt company. I want it to be a full brand,” said Zubrickas, who’s hoping to branch out into hoodies, jeans, bags and hats. Browse and buy at atnmc.com.

Let your beauty go to your head this summer with Pixel & Hank head wraps in cheery madras, strawberry and nautical patterns.

Choose from wide wraps or teeny braided hairpieces to keep flyaway hair out of your face so you exude cool — and actually feel that way too. In other words, practicality comes into play to keep hair held back in patterned headbands made with vintage fabric. “It’s a really easy thing to do. If you’re going to the beach, you don’ t need to get done up — just put on a head wrap,” said Daisy Rizzo, the sole creator behind the Pixel & Hank Etsy shop named after her two rescued Schnauzer Poodles. The shop caters to the unique bride and the stylish girl who isn’t super fussy but can accessorize like a boss.

Have your own fabric idea in mind? Custom work is available. Rizzo feels the wraps are for that kind of “unkempt hair” and explains that wraps aren’t pre-tied but can be tied any way you like (she’s even got a post on her blog to show you ways to do it up right). Show cute how it’s done with Pixel & Hank head pretties that have you boat ready in nautical embellishments of red, white and blue and polka dots or the strawberry motif that perks up a simple sundress. Word to

Summery head wraps from Pixel & Hank.

Photo: Amy Carroll

the wise: “Just because the wraps are easy and casual doesn’t mean they have to be.” This summer, steal this look and make it your own.

It’s all in how you wear it.

Allie Merrick of My Wine Words is the princess of wine pairing.

She’s paired wine with shoes and has a few things to say about pairing wine with summer duds to give you a peek into this season’s best sipping wear. Should you indulge in red wine Merrick suggests “a red tank top and denim capris” that would pair well with the 2 Lads 2011 Cabernet Franc Merlot. This wine is “dressed in bright red fruit flavor and accessorized with dark chocolate notes” for a fashionable flavor that’s sultry for your hot summer nights. If you’re more of a white wine drinker, think about opening a bottle of Blustone Vineyards 2011 Gewurztraminer. Your complementary ensemble would be something “in pastel shades of pink and peach as the wine is adorned with original pink bubble gum white peach aromatics. A flowing skirt would mirror the manner in which the wine flows across the palate.”

If you’re still at a loss for what to wear with your wine, take heart as an aperitif (an alcoholic beverage usually served before a meal to stimulate the appetite), such as a bottle of rosé, is the perfect light and lovely flavor suitable for a colorful and lively sundress to stimulate the senses. Oh, and accessorize with a pocket-sized wine cork. Nothing says festive like the girl who can dispense the wine. n

Circle Theatre Tickets: $27

616.456.6656 1607 Robinson Road SE Grand Rapids / MI / 49506

REVUEWM.COM | July 2013 |

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Dining Restaurant listings arranged by region

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.

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BarterTown Diner 6 Jefferson St. SE. 616-233-3219 VEGAN. This workerowned-and-operated restaurant offers a variety of tasty healthy dishes fresh and hand-picked right from local family farms. Want a certain recipe or cooking lessons?

Events and programs are BarterTown’s way of getting the community involved. So don’t be surprised if one day there’s Greek and Mediterranean cuisine and the next it’s all about pizza. SERVING: Breakfast (Saturday & Sunday), Lunch, Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Locally based vegan meals.

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

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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

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openings and closings, editorial space, budgets, deadlines, acts of God, congressional hearings and, of course, visits and meals at restaurants throughout the region. The listings are not intended to be reviews of West Michigan restaurants, although we will inject some opinions into the listings based on experiences or the personal preferences of staff. Our intention is to expand and sharpen the content every month to make it the region’s most user-friendly and accurate dining guide. To submit or correct information

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.

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The Bistro 11 Monroe Avenue NW (at Courtyard Marriott).

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

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Bistro Bella Vita 44 Grandville Ave. SW. 616-222-4600 ITALIAN. One of Grand Rapids’ best dining experiences, featuring Mediterraneaninspired 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.

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Blue Water Grill 5180 Northland Dr. 616-363-5900 SEAFOOD. One of Grand Rapids’ most inspired restaurants in terms of overall ambiance, with Frank Lloyd Wright-style architecture, a stunningly massive fireplace, and some of the best water views in West Michigan. The food is similarly inspired, drawing from Italian, Mediterranean and classic American influences. All the traditional favorites are accounted for with a wide variety of wood-fired pizzas, seafood, steaks, chops, salads, and sandwiches. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Grass Fed Beef.

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Bobarino’s 20 Monroe Ave. NW. 616-356-2000 ITALIAN. A melting pot of food, live entertainment and fun. Live music Tuesday through Saturday, including rock, jazz, retro, country, rockabilly and more. Large game room with video games, billiards and shuffleboard. Menu includes vast array of wood-fired pizzas, plus burgers, entrées and classic appetizers. Lunch buffet with pizza, pasta, and salad for $6.45. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Wood-fired pizzas.

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Bombay Cuisine 1420 Lake Dr. SE 616-456-7055 INDIAN. Offering savory and subtly spiced dishes from northern India, Bombay

Brandywine 1345 Lake Dr./2844 East Beltline NE 616-774-8641/616363-1723 AMERICAN. Both locations do brisk business at breakfast, especially on Sundays, but also offer a solid lunch and dinner menu featuring sandwiches, pasta, Mexican favorites and the legendary beehive potatoes. SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Breakfast.

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Brewery Vivant 925 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids. 616-719-1604 BREWPUB. Brewery Vivant offers a variety of drinks and pub specialties in the Belgian style. It has a flair for sustainability inspired by the breweries of Southern Belgium and Northern France.

The menu is mainly appetizers with assorted burgers and desserts, but there is a wide variety of lesser known alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. SERVING: Lunch, Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Cheese and Belgian beer.

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pancakes. SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: T W Th F Sa Sn. GO THERE FOR: Eggs Florentine.

The Corner Bar 31 N. Main St. 616-866-9866 AMERICAN. The downtown Rockford tavern serves a solid menu of burgers, burritos, salads and sandwiches, but it is best known for hot dogs — serving almost 1,000 per day. Its hot-dog-eating challenge has been conquered by more than a few, but it raises the question: Why would you want to consume Corner Bar dogs in a hurry rather than savor each bite? SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Hot dogs.

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Cornucopia 187 Monroe Ave. NW. 616-774-2000 DELI. A refreshing option for on-the-go, or casual, lighter fare. Enjoy deli options such as homemade soups, salads, Panini sandwiches and freshly brewed gourmet coffee.

SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Sandwiches.

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Bulls Head Tavern 188 Monroe NW. 616-454-3580 AMERICAN. Downtown eatery is a great spot for business lunch or casual pre-show dinner, with a wide-ranging menu that includes salads, burgers, pasta, seafood and steaks. Specialties include the ostrich burger, sashimi tuna and smoked Gouda chicken pasta.

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday. GO THERE FOR: The Ostrich Burger.

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Charley’s Crab 63 Market SW. 616-459-2500 SEAFOOD. A staple on the finedining scene in Grand Rapids. Fresh seafood, a world-class Sunday brunch and a comfortable, upscale atmosphere for drinks and dining. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The Sunday brunch buffet.

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Cherie Inn 969 Cherry SE. 616-458-0588 BREAKFAST. The East Hills restaurant is one of the area’s most-loved breakfast and lunch spots. A neighborhood staple for more than 60 years, the eatery offers a cozy, café-style setting complete with French flags, weathered brick walls, pressed tin ceiling, and intimate tables. Breakfast is the true star, with a variety of regular dishes like eggs Florentine and blueberry pancakes, as well as specials like red-flannel hash and almond joy

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

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Erb Thai 950 Wealthy St. SE #1A. (616) 356-2573 THAI. Food rooted in traditional Thai cuisine, but also made to accommodate health conscious and special diets. Not too strong, not too weak, like harmony and melody.

Marketing representative Molly Rizor was a Thai virgin when she went and is now glad Erb Thai was her first experience. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Peanut Curry Noodles.

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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.

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REVUEWM.COM | July 2013 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule

Big Bob’s Pizza 661 Croswell Dr. 616-233-0123 ITALIAN. Located in Gaslight Village in East Grand Rapids (across from Jersey Junction), Big Bob’s is a cozy restaurant that serves up specialty pizzas, pastas, burritos, sandwiches and salads.

Sit out on the deck and enjoy Happy Hour from 4-6 p.m. and 9p.m.-close seven days a week. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza and beer (is there a better combination?).

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

in a dining listing, please send an e-mail to editor@revuewm.com.

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

Grand Rapids

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 our full list, visit revuewm.com/

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Taste This

Dining

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

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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.

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

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G.R.P.D. (Grand Rapids Pizza and Delivery) 340 State St. SE. 616-454-9204 ITALIAN. The current GR location opened in 2004 as the first established pizzeria in the Heritage Hill district. A common meeting spot for local folks, business professionals and college students, a place where one could gather for a quick meal or a reflective lunch. It offers both hand-tossed pizza and Chicago-style stuffed pizza, as well as pasta, sandwiches, salads, and wings. Online ordering, too.

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza.

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Grand Rapids Brewing Company 1 Ionia Ave SW. 616-458-7000 BREWPUB. Good for the environment and your palate, GRBC is Michigan’s first certified organic brewery and features a menu stocked with locally grown ingredients. With a diverse selection of beers on tap inspired by historical Grand Rapids figures and a hearty array of burgers, melts and handcranked sausages, this place represents the best of the Grand Rapids Brewing Company’s 120-year legacy.

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Organic beer and locally sourced food.

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

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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, 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.

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Graydon’s Crossing 1223 Plainfield NE. 616-726-8260 TAVERN. An authentic take on the English Pub, with a huge selection of beers

60 | REVUEWM.COM | July 2013

by Matt Simpson Siegel and Jordan Brasko

Summer Sushi:

JU SUSHI & LOUNGE

D

amn, it’s hot. How about some chilled sushi in a posh atmosphere to keep your hunger pangs at bay as you abstain from your next gallon of sweet tea? Instead, indulge in the Tokyo Iced Tea or the Ju Caramel Apple. The latter is an apple, cherry and orchid ornamented martini of Van Gogh Caramel Vodka, Grey Goose Vodka, Apple Pucker and sparkling sake chilled in a caramelswirled glass, while the former is a simple, sweet infusion of raspberry iced tea, Zen Green Tea and Stoli Raspberry. For those with ulterior motives, check out the 20-plus sakes available for bombing.

Now that the shock of cold air has dried your brow and your thirst briefly quenched, you can focus on the menu. The Tako (octopus) is tender and the Toro (blue-fin tuna belly) quite tasty, but there are two literally flaming specialty sushi rolls of awesome (also literal) that will make summer black tar parking lots look and feel frigid — the Playboy and Fire Mountain.

The Playboy Roll, although pricey (half-off on Tuesdays, thankfully) is a spicy tuna, tempura shrimp, and cream cheese roll garnished with more tempura shrimp and served in a splendid singed sauce. The Fire Mountain Roll is a sight on fire, the spicy salmon, tempura shrimp, crab salad, albacore tuna and avocado almost seems like an afterthought until the roll drips its sauces onto

your tongue and seeps down your throat — you’ll freeze from the ecstasy. If you’d like to really kick up the fire, try the Volcano Roll 2 (not the sissy California Roll-based Volcano 1) with shrimp, salmon, and crab in a fire sauce. Ju Sushi offers a two-for-$9 and three-for-$12 lunch special seven days a week from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., followed by happy hour from 3–6 p.m., 40-percent-off bottles of wine on Thursdays and live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings. n 1144 E. Paris Ave. SE, Grand Rapids; (616) 575-5858, jusushi.com

Cheap Eats:

Burger Bar Happy Hour at Dee-Lite

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top in at Dee-Lite Bar & Grill Monday through Thursday for a not-so-average happy hour from 5–7 p.m. This Grand Haven grill features a burger happy hour with a retro feel. Dee-Lite’s newly installed Burger Bar features local, fresh and hand-pressed burgers on a flattop grill. Pick any style of retro beer (Blatz, Black Label, Old Style or Schlitz) to go with your burger for only $6. Cooking and grilling since 1937, Dee-Lite’s experience in popping taste buds plus this crazy classic deal will make you want this special to last just one hour longer. Monday-Thursday, 5–7 p.m., 24 Washington Ave., Grand Haven; (616) 844-5055, harborrestaurants.com/deelite

Ju Sushi offers flaming sushi rolls, including the Playboy and the Fire Mountain. PHOTO: Elvin Quinones

Taste of Grand Rapids

T

aste of Grand Rapids returns this summer at Fifth Third Ballpark, where the field will be covered with food tents featuring Grand Rapids’ best and tastiest local grub. Dance and jiggle your full bellies to live music that plays throughout the day, or you could enter the barbecue competition that could win you $500. Although entry to the event is free, you won’t have any luck getting some tastes without coughing up a little cash. Come on an empty stomach, because you’ll be leaving with a full one. $1 and up, July 19–20, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; 4500 W River Dr. NE, Comstock Park

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Dining 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.

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The Green Well 924 Cherry SE. 616-808-3566 Eclectic. REVUE’s “Free Market” columnist Steven de Polo writes, “Green Well is the best restaurant in GR.” The East Hills gastro-pub serves up an ever-changing menu featuring local ingredients, and a wide array of local craft brews and wines. The green refers also to the LEED© certified building and management’s commitment to a small carbon footprint. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Baked local goat cheese, Michigan maple whiskey chicken over risotto.

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The Holiday Bar 801 5th St. NW, Grand Rapids. 616-456-9058 AMERICAN. For 107 years, The Holiday Bar has been serving its loyal customers great beer and food, with 12 specialty beers of tap and its homemade “Porter” Pulled Pork sandwiches.

Fully stocked with pool tables and nine HD flat screens, this dive is the perfect spot for cheap beer and good times..

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Cheap beer.

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Harmony Brewing Company 1551 Lake Dr. SE (616) 233-0063 BREWPUB. The newest addition to the Grand Rapids brewpub scene features five craft-brewed beers in addition to signature root beer for the kiddos. Harmony’s real specialty, however, is a take-out combo that features one of its gourmet wood-fire pizzas and a growler of beer. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza and brews.

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HopCat 25 Ionia SW. 616-451-4677 TAVERN. Rated the 3rd best beer bar on the planet by Beer Advcoate, HopCat’s spin on its food is thus: “It’s the food your Mom would feed you, if your Mom loved beer.” That’s specifically true for HopCat’s beerbar cheese, cheese ale soup and porter braised beef, but mom would also love the Hippie wrap (it’s vegetarian), the crack fries (not real crack), and Killer Mac and Cheese. Because what mom doesn’t like mac and cheese? SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Widest variety of beers, crack fries.

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J Bar 20 Monroe NW. 616-356-2000 STEAKS. Grass-fed beef selections and an ample variety of seafood, chops and house specialties. Extensive wine cellar and tastefully upscale ambiance that’s comfortable rather than stuffy.

SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday. GO THERE FOR: Choice-cut prime rib, 10-oz. Filet, 14-oz. Top Sirloin.

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

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JD Reardon’s Bar & Grill 940 Monroe Ave NW. (616) 454-8590 AMERICAN. Neighborhood pub offers 15 Michigan beers on tap and more bottled, along with a full menu of handmade appetizers, pizzas, salads, sandwiches and 16 half-pound burgers.

Nightly drink specials and karaoke on Tuesday night.

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Burgers.

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Lumber Baron Bar 187 Monroe Ave. NW. (616) 774-2000 LOUNGE. Settle into the warmth and charm of this historic bar — complete with a fireplace, leather club chairs and a large selection of premium drinks and appetizers.

SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays and Mondays GO THERE FOR: Scotch or Brandy after a Symphony concert.

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Maggie’s Kitchen 636 Bridge St. NW. 616-458-8583 MEXICAN. The storefront restaurant on GR’s west side has quietly built a reputation as one of the best places in town for authentic Mexican food, especially its tacos and breakfast items like huevos a la Mexicana (scrambled eggs with onions and jalapenos).

SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: T W Th F Sa Sn. GO THERE FOR: Tex-Mex.

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Marie Catrib’s 1001 Lake Dr. 616-454-4020 ECLECTIC. The East Hills eatery has one of the most hard-to-categorize menus in West Michigan, but this line from its website begins to do it justice: “a twist of Lebanese, a hint of Yooper and yen for unique pastries.” Everything is made from scratch with local ingredients, and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Get there early for lunch, as there is almost always a wait. SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Salads, soups and sandwiches.

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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.

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O’Toole’s 448 Bridge St. 616-742-6095 PUB. This West side pub is equipped with delicious and outrageously topped burgers, as well as an extensive beer selection, and arguably, the best happy hour specials in town. If food is not your passion, this is a prime place to kick off your Sunday Funday with its $3 Absolut Bloody Mary bar. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Gourmet burgers, Absolut Bloody Mary bar.

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Olive’s Restaurant 2162 Wealthy St. SE. 616-451-8611 ECLECTIC. Gaslight Village mainstay for Easties looking to have a cocktail and casual dinner. The menu is surprisingly broad, with innovative starters (e.g., Napoli fritters, Paella cakes) and diverse entrées like Southern meatloaf, braised short ribs and mobu tofu. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: A broad selection.

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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.

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

To submit or correct information in a dining listing, please send an e-mail to editor@revuewm.com.

Red Jet Cafe 1431 Plainfield Ave. NE. 616-719-5500 ECLECTIC. The funky restaurant in Creston’s old library is the kind of place you’d find in Chicago’s hip neighborhoods, offering non-sequitur menu items that somehow seem to work. Seriously, how many other places in town can you find that serve high-end organic coffees, crepes, wood-fired pizzas and artisan baked goods. Is it a bistro? Is it a coffeehouse? Does it matter?

SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days.

GO THERE FOR: Crepes.

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Reds on The River 8 E. Bridge St. 616-863-8181 AMERICAN. This highly acclaimed restaurant in the Rockford area promises no processed foods. Red’s sports a cylindrical fireplace and is known for its incredible views and outdoor dining.

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays. GO THERE FOR: Steak and Wine.

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Reserve 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: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday GO THERE FOR: Wine and food pairings, charcuterie.

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Rinaldi Pizza and Sub Shop 966 E. Fulton St. 616-458-3737 ITALIAN. The tiny pizza shop at the corner of Fulton and Diamond is publisher Brian Edwards’ favorite spot to stop for a large slice after a late night at the office. “It’s got the four C’s of pizza going for it: chewy, cheesy, crusty and cheap — with a perfect balance of sauce and cheese,” Edwards says. Fold it over, New Yorkstyle, he recommends. SERVING: Lunch, Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza.

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Rockwell-Republic 45 S. Division Ave. 616-551-3563 ECLECTIC. Menu offerings range from sushi to burgers and everything in between.

The cocktail menu runs the gamut from classics like the Manhattan to more modern variations and the beer and wine menus are nothing to sneeze at either. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Specialty cocktails, broad menu, lively atmosphere.

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Rose’s On Reeds Lake 550 Lakeside Dr. SE. 616-458-1122 ECLECTIC. The East Grand Rapids landmark is one of those places that has a different feel in each season. In the summertime, it’s a great spot to hang on the decks and have cocktails and light appetizers; when the snow is falling, it’s a warm and cozy spot for a hearty meal and big glass of wine. The menu draws from a multitude of influences including Mediterranean, Italian, and Casual American. SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Root Chips.

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Ruth’s Chris Steak House 187 Monroe Avenue NW. 616-776-6426 STEAKHOUSE. Serving only the best steaks, Ruth’s Chris hand-selects its steaks from the top 2% of the country’s beef, which is then broiled to perfection at 1800 degrees. Enjoy the freshest seafood, classic sides and homemade desserts that satisfy any craving. SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays. GO THERE FOR: Steak.

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San Chez a Tapas Bistro 38 West Fulton St. 616-774-8272 ECLECTIC. Using available local products, San Chez a Tapas Bistro is a social setting where people can remember the one rule of kindergarten: sharing. Featuring small, delicious dishes, San Chez a Tapas Bistro can satiate your desire for variety. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Tapas.

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San Chez Cafe 38 West Fulton St. 616-774-8272 ECLECTIC. This comfy venue allows customers to “walk on sunshine” with its windowed-out structure. A hidden secret for breakfast in downtown Grand Rapids, San Chez Cafe promises a great start to any day. SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Open 7 Days. GO THERE FOR: Sandwiches.

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

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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, a superexcellent jukebox stocked with rock and punk classics, and a menu filled with vegetarian and vegan bar food — and stuffed burgers. Did we mention you can sip cans of PBR, Blatz and other classic beers, as well as sangria, out of a mason jar? REVUE’s British ex-pat David Smith calls Stella’s his favorite bar in the world.

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Vegetarian and vegan bar food.

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The Score 5301 Northland Dr. NE. 616-301-0600 SPORTS BAR. Multifaceted restaurant and sports bar has a lot to offer, including expansive menu with discount options, happy hour specials, countless big screen and projection TVs broadcasting big games and pay-per-view UFC matches, outdoor beach volleyball and live music in the summertime … the list goes on.

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Sports bar atmosphere.

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wine, dine & sunshine.

Bust out those sunglasses and kick back with a glass of rosÊ on our lovely patio! It’s the perfect setting to enjoy a satisfying lunch, happy hour with friends, or a cozy dinner for two.

201 Monroe Avenue nW doWntoWn grAnd rApids

reservegr.coM

616 855 Wine

Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule REVUEWM.COM | July 2013 |

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Dining Tavern on the Square 100 Ionia Ave. SW. 616-456-7673 ECLECTIC. The re-fashioned former Irish pub still has that neighborhood feel, and offers up a unique menu with salads, antipasto, appetizers, a pub burger, and an array of unique “Yankee Tapas” like Fish Tacos, Loaded Carnival Fries and the ultimate West Side tapas: Pierogies. A hodgepodge to be sure, but fun.

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: PBJ Tuna.

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Vitale’s Restaurants Various Grand Rapids locations. vitalespizza.com ITALIAN. The Vitale family has served West Michigan for more than 40 years. Each of the five locations in the Greater Grand Rapids area offer traditional Italian family recipes and award-winning pizza, but provide their own unique dining experience. Whether you go there to watch the big game, enjoy a brew or dine on authentic Italian dishes, these locations have something for everyone.

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days GO THERE FOR: Pizza and Italian dishes.

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The Winchester 648 Wealthy St. SE. 616-451-4969 ECLECTIC. Upscale Wealthy Street bar and restaurant feels like it was plucked from Chicago’s Bucktown or Logan Square neighborhoods.

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

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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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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 the Tarheel barbecue Pulled Pork, Grilled Portobello and The Treehugger, which is billed as “a vegetarian sandwich utopia.” SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Mad Hatter IPA, Dragon’s Milk.

Blue House Bistro 220 W. 8th Street, Holland. 616-355-1994 AMERICAN. Chef-owned boutique bistro located in downtown Holland, with an extensive menu featuring small plates, sandwiches, soups, salads, pizza, desserts, dine-in, take-out, delivery catering, beer and wine to-go. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN: Tu–Sun. GO THERE FOR: Seafood gumbo, Saturday and Sunday brunch.

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.

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CityVu Bistro 61 East 7th Street, Holland. 616-796-2114 AMERICAN. Located atop CityFlats Hotel in downtown Holland, CityVu Bistro offers unique breakfast creations, an array of flatbread dinners, and small plates. Full bar with extensive wine list and great views of Holland. Hours of operation change with the seasons. SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Flatbreads.

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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: Lunch Dinner OPEN: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Gorgonzola Pork Chop, Greek Salad with Grandma Gigi’s Dressing (Edwards).

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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.

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Lakeshore

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

Bil-Mar Restaurant 1223 S. Harbor St., Holland. 616-842-5920 AMERICAN. A destination restaurant for locals and tourists for more than 60 years. Dazzling sunsets and an all-American menu featuring fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Lake perch, lobster strudel, prime rib.

8th Street Grille 20 W. 8th St., Holland. 616-392-5888 AMERICAN. This eclectic grille located in the heart of Holland offers a mix of draft and bottled craft beers and a variety of pub classics and new, American beer-inspired dishes.

Enjoy happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, which includes delicious half-off appetizers and $1 off drafts.

SERVING: Lunch, Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: 28 taps of craft beer, hometown atmosphere.

Kirby House 2 Washington, Grand Haven. 616-846-3299 AMERICAN. The Grill Room doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is — a chop house and grill. Atmosphere is warm with Tuscan tones, atmospheric lighting, classically cool music and leather booths. The menu focuses on steaks and chops and makes no apologies. The steaks are prime USDA choice, the seafood selection immaculate, and the wine and beverage list is top shelf. Relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days.

GO THERE FOR: Nightlife.

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

Mia & Grace 1133 3rd St., Muskegon. 231-725-9500 AMERICAN. Calls itself a bakery and bistro, but that’s too limiting to describe the creativity of Mia & Grace’s menu. The farm-to-table eatery in downtown Muskegon is casual and comfortable and serves lots of one-of-a-kind items like the Pork Belly Reuben or the Duck PB&J (duck confit, carmelized onions, cashew-peanut butter, green pepper jelly, anadama bread).

SERVING: Breakfast Lunch OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday.

GO THERE FOR: Salads, Soups, Creme Brulee.

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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.

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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.

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Vitale’s of Zeeland 59 W. Washington St. (616) 772-5900 ITALIAN. This family owned restaurant specializes in Italian dining, but also has a full menu including Mexican and American specialties. Family friendly atmosphere with newly remodeled dining, and an expanded sports bar with big screen TVs. Happy hour specials, live music every Saturday and has been voted Best Pizza seven years in a row by the Grand Rapids Press. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza.

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while you drink up. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The Beer.

Bravo!

5402 Portage Rd., Kalamazoo 269-344-7700 ITALIAN. Much-lauded restaurant has earned its stripes over past 23 years as one of the region’s best dining experiences, including a 3-star rating in the 2010 Forbes Travel Guide (formerly the Mobil Travel Guide). The Tuscan-inspired cuisine is spectacular, the atmosphere comfortable and intimate, and the service first-rate. Also brews its own beer in small batches for pairings with menu offerings.

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. (Closed Sat. lunch) GO THERE FOR: A great dining experience.

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Fieldstone Grille 3970 W. Centre St., Portage. 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.

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Food Dance 401 E. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo. 269-382-1888 AMERICAN. An eclectic American menu that reflects ownership’s fixation on “finding honest-to-goodness fruits, vegetables, meat and eggs that come from the farm, not the factory.” Lots of unique choices, for breakfast (gingerbread pancakes), lunch (crab cake sandwich) and dinner (beer roasted chicken). SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh Local Foods.

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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.

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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.

»

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek Arcadia Brewing Co. 103 Michigan Ave., Battle Creek. 269-963-9520 BREWPUB. You’ll find some of the usual suspects on the Battle Creek brewpub’s menu, including wood-fired pizzas and some of the best barbecue in the region. But you’ll also find some delightful surprises — Osso Bucco in a brewpub?! — on the menu, courtesy of award-winning Chef Sean Kelly.

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Handcrafted ales and barbecue.

»

Bell’s Eccentric Cafe 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave. 269-382-2332 BREWPUB. Eccentric Café’s regular menu of appetizers, sandwiches, sides and salads — plus the daily soups and specials — exists for a simple and important purpose: to complement the Kalamazoo microbrewery’s award-winning beers. Eat up

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 (Sundaysdinner only) GO THERE FOR: Quiet casual ambiance.

»

Union Cabaret & Grille 125 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo. 269-384-6756 AMERICAN. A partnership with Western Michigan University, Union features eclectic food and cocktails, plus live jazz music performed by WMU faculty and students. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sunday. GO THERE FOR: Portabella Fries, Bloody Maries with infused vodkas. n

»

08.01.13 WAYLAND 9:30 p.m. waylandtheband.com

ARCADIA CREEK FESTIVAL PLACE Downtown Kalamazoo www.ribfestkalamazoo.com

BENEFITING

08.02.13 LONESTAR 9:30 p.m. lonestarnow.com 08.03.13 RARE EARTH 9:30 p.m. rareearth.com

Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule REVUEWM.COM | July 2013 |

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66 | REVUEWM.COM | July 2013

The Schedule Get Scheduled! E-mail your info to schedule@revuewm.com or add your events into our calendar at revuewm.com.

monday

7.01

Barn Theatre Peter Pan, 42nd Street Bell’s Beer Garden Moe Billy’s Lounge BassBin Firebarn Gallery Tyler Loftis: Paintings Frederik Meijer Gardens The World of Zhang Huan Heritage Landing County Park Coast West Music Festival John Ball Park Jazz at the Zoo Uncommon Ground Thirty Steps to Forward “Hinterland” CD Release

tuesday

7.02

Barn Theatre Peter Pan, 42nd Street

Billy’s Lounge Preservation Lounge - Jazz Firebarn Gallery Tyler Loftis: Paintings Frederik Meijer Gardens Tuesday Evening Music Club, The World of Zhang Huan Garden Club Park The Rogue River Blues Concert Series Heritage Landing County Park Coast West Music Festival Jam ‘N Bean Coffee Free Contra Dance & Live Band at Jam’n Bean KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle, ARTbreak: Roy Lichtenstein Kollen Park & Heinz Waterfront Walkway American Legion Band Concert Lawrence Park Soundz of Summer Concert Series Park Theatre I am Woman...

The Pyramid Scheme Caveman, Ghost Heart

Rockwell’s Republic Live Jazz Rosa Parks Circle Swing Dancing Salt of the Earth Billy Strings & Don Julin Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Presents Xanadu UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition Wealthy Theater Meanwhile Movie: Se7en

wednesday

7.03

The 411 Club Wednesday Open Mic Night with Adam Poling The B.O.B. Bryan Michael Fischer Band Barn Theatre Peter Pan, 42nd Street Billy’s Lounge Campus Karaoke Clara’s on the River Buddy Pop Curragh Irish Pub DJ Dan Van Hekken

Firebarn Gallery Tyler Loftis: Paintings Frederik Meijer Gardens Umphrey’s McGee, The World of Zhang Huan Heritage Landing County Park Coast West Music Festival Jam ‘N Bean Coffee Big Band Swing Dance KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle Lemonjello’s Open Mic Night Rosa Parks Circle Blues on the Mall Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Presents Xanadu UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition W.K. Kellogg Airport Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival

thursday

7.04

Barn Theatre Peter Pan, 42nd Street Billy’s Lounge 90’s Holla Back!

Cancun Connection Bar and Grill DJ Hank Clara’s on the River Edye Evans Hyde with Terry Lower Downtown Holland Street Performers Series Firebarn Gallery Tyler Loftis: Paintings

Founders Brewing Company Bronze Radio Return Frederik Meijer Gardens The World of Zhang Huan Heritage Landing County Park Coast West Music Festival KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Presents Xanadu Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill 4th of July Rockabilly Rumble UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

friday

7.05

The 411 Club WIDRAMA Barn Theatre Peter Pan, 42nd Street Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Who Hit John?

Clara’s on the River Edye Evans Hyde with Terry Lower Czar’s 505 DubTonic Kru, Brian Lorente and the Usual Suspects Dr. Grins Mark Poolos Firebarn Gallery Tyler Loftis: Paintings Four Winds Casino Foreigner Frederik Meijer Gardens Montgomery Gentry, The World of Zhang Huan

GRAM GRAM on the Green, Friday Nights at the GRAM Heritage Landing County Park Coast West Music Festival KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle The Livery Chris O’Leary Band Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce Lakeshore Art Festival River City Saloon Classic Fix Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Presents Xanadu UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition Val-Du Lakes Down By One, Supercross

saturday

7.06

Barn Theatre Peter Pan, 42nd Street Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Big Dudee Roo & Ben Daniels Band Curragh Irish Pub Ian Gould Dr. Grins Mark Poolos Firebarn Gallery Tyler Loftis: Paintings Frederik Meijer Gardens The World of Zhang Huan Heritage Landing County Park Coast West Music Festival The Intersection Wilson KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary

Best Bet: Eclectic Having grown weary of burning (or perhaps Byrne-ing) down houses all over the the Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule

‘80s new wave block, Talking Heads founder David Byrne has stepped away from smugly strange pop in favor of something more traditional. This time, he’s brought a friend with him. Hitting the road with Annie Erin Clark, a singer-songwriter who performs under the moniker St. Vincent, the two recently collaborated on an album called Love This Giant, which features the gigantic, symphonic overtones of big brass accompaniment. The album’s official website describes this effort as “intriguingly enigmatic” and “by turns whimsical and dark, backed by a large brass band David Byrne and in lieu of a traditional rock lineup.” Indeed, longtime devotees St. Vincent of Byrne’s oddball musical characteristics and glamorization Frederik Meijer Gardens, of nerd rock should be sufficiently pleased at this unexpected Grand Rapids turn of events; ditto newer converts of the awesome, fearsome July 7, 7 p.m.

Byrne-Clark super hybrid. Swing on over to Meijer Gardens $63 members, $65 public on the seventh day of the seventh month at 7 p.m. for what meijergardens.org, is undoubtedly set to be an unbelievable sonic experience.

(616) 957-1580 Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

David Byrne and St. Vincent REVUEWM.COM | July 2013 |

67

Schedule

sunday

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

7.07

Barn Theatre Peter Pan, 42nd Street Billy’s Lounge Revival 80’s Dance Night Firebarn Gallery Tyler Loftis: Paintings Frederik Meijer Gardens David Byrne & St. Vincent, The World of Zhang Huan KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle Muskegon Winter Sports Complex Muskegon Summer Luge Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Presents Xanadu UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition What Not Inn Christy & Velvet

monday

7.08

Billy’s Lounge BassBin Community Media Center - Front Studio Girl Power Camp Downtown Zeeland Zeelmania Street Fair

68 | REVUEWM.COM | July 2013

Firebarn Gallery Tyler Loftis: Paintings Frederik Meijer Gardens The World of Zhang Huan John Ball Park Jazz at the Zoo

tuesday

7.09

Billy’s Lounge Preservation Lounge - Jazz Community Media Center - Front Studio Girl Power Camp Firebarn Gallery Tyler Loftis: Paintings Frederik Meijer Gardens Tuesday Evening Music Club, The World of Zhang Huan The Intersection Children of Bodom & Amon Amarth KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle, ARTbreak: Paris: The Luminous Years LowellArts! Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition Rockwell’s Republic Live Jazz Rosa Parks Circle Swing Dancing Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Presents Xanadu Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Comedy Night UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: Fight Club

wednesday

7.10

Bay Pointe Inn Gun Lake Live Billy’s Lounge Campus Karaoke Clara’s on the River Buddy Pop Community Media Center - Front Studio Girl Power Camp Curragh Irish Pub Nate Holley DeWitt Studio Theatre All Shook Up Firebarn Gallery Tyler Loftis: Paintings Frederik Meijer Gardens The World of Zhang Huan Jam ‘N Bean Coffee Big Band Swing Dance KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by

Photo: Josh Tyron

Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle Knickerbocker Theatre 39 Steps LaFontsee Galleries - Douglas Location Slightly Obsessive The Livery Sarah & The Tall Boys Ludington City Park 2013 West Shore Art Fair Muskegon Winter Sports Complex Muskegon Summer Luge Red Barn Measure for Measure Riviera Theatre Luke Winslow-King Saugatuck American Legion Hall Feats of Magic and Amazing Puppetry Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Presents Xanadu Teazers Singer Songrockers Friday Nights Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Drunk Spelling Bee UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition Val-Du Lakes MMA Cage Fight What Not Inn Entourage

The Bangups album release party at The Pyramid Scheme July 27 Catherine Hinkle, ARTbreak: Paris: The Luminous Years Kent District Library Grandville Branch Underground Music Kindleberger Park Kindleberger Summer Festival of the Performing Arts LowellArts! Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition The Pyramid Scheme Qwel & Maker, Qwazaar & Batsauce Rosa Parks Circle Blues on the Mall Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Presents Xanadu UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

thursday

7.11

Aquinas College Performing Arts Center Circle Theatre Presents: The Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps & Gowns Arcadia Creek Festival Place Kalamazoo Blues Festival Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Jimkata Billy’s Lounge 90’s Holla Back!

Cannonsburg Ski Area Picnic Pops: Classical Fireworks Clara’s on the River Edye Evans Hyde with Terry Lower Community Media Center - Front Studio Girl Power Camp DeWitt Studio Theatre All Shook Up

Downtown Holland Street Performers Series Downtown Lowell 2013 Riverwalk Festival Downtown Zeeland Zummerfest Dr. Grins Claude Stewart Firebarn Gallery Tyler Loftis: Paintings Founders Brewing Company Bad Veins Frederik Meijer Gardens The World of Zhang Huan Howmet Playhouse Harvey The Intersection Mastodon and Machine Head Jam ‘N Bean Coffee Open Mic Night KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle Kindleberger Park Kindleberger Summer Festival of the Performing Arts Loutit District Library Civil War Program LowellArts! Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition One Trick Pony Grill & Taproom Acoustic Stew with The Trace Duo The Pyramid Scheme JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound Riverwalk Plaza Delilah DeWylde & The Lost Boys Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Presents Xanadu Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill The Tosspints, Purple Nightmare & More

UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition Yellow Bicycle Cafe Thirty Steps to Forward “Hinterland” CD Release Party

friday

7.12

Aquinas College Performing Arts Center Circle Theatre Presents The Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps & Gowns Arcadia Creek Festival Place Kalamazoo Blues Festival The B.O.B. Brena Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Funkadesi Billy’s Lounge Rocket 8 Cancun Connection Bar and Grill Refurbished Clara’s on the River Edye Evans Hyde with Terry Lower Community Media Center - Front Studio Girl Power Camp DeWitt Studio Theatre Romeo and Juliet Dr. Grins Claude Stewart Firebarn Gallery Tyler Loftis: Paintings Frederik Meijer Gardens The World of Zhang Huan GRAM GRAM on the Green, Friday Nights at the GRAM Hackley Park Dutch Henry Howmet Playhouse Harvey KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious

Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle Kindleberger Park Kindleberger Summer Festival of the Performing Arts The Livery Mulebone LowellArts! Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition Planet Rock Rocket Science Tour “JUMP OFF” The Pyramid Scheme Sob Noisse presents The Buzzard Party Red Barn The Red Velvet Cake War River City Saloon Deep Six Riviera Theatre La Vie en Rose: The Songs of Edith Piaf Starring Martha Cares Rosa Parks Circle The Moxie Strings Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Presents Xanadu Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill The Black Chucks UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition, Open Projector Showcase Wealthy Street Theater Annex International Folk Dance

saturday

7.13

Arcadia Creek Festival Place Kalamazoo Blues Festival Aquinas College Performing Arts Center Circle Theatre Presents The Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps & Gowns Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Combat Corduroy CD Release wsg Stikyfut Billy’s Lounge Hip Pocket Cancun Connection Bar and Grill Refurbished Cannonsburg Creek to Peak Challenge Run Community Media Center - Front Studio Girl Power Camp Curragh Irish Pub Deep Greens and Blues Dr. Grins Claude Stewart Firebarn Gallery Tyler Loftis: Paintings Founders Brewing Company Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers Frederik Meijer Gardens The World of Zhang Huan Grand Rapids Coffee Roasters Coffee- Roasting Demonstrations Howmet Playhouse Harvey KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by

Catherine Hinkle, Japanese Culture with WMU: Soga Center for Japanese Culture Kindleberger Park Kindleberger Summer Festival of the Performing Arts Lake Forest Cemetery Gettysburg Civil War Tour LowellArts! Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition Mulligan’s Pub Flood The Desert, Blue Shifter and UTO Muskegon Winter Sports Complex Muskegon Summer Luge Olde World Village Blackrock Medieval Fest Planet Rock Trust No One Red Barn The Red Velvet Cake War River City Saloon Hairmania Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Presents Xanadu The Score H4H Volleyball Tournament Seven Steps Up Callaghan wsg Erick Baker South Division Avenue The Market Presented by Avenue for the Arts Teazers Singer Songrockers Friday Nights Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill White Rabbit UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition Val-Du Lakes Centerfold

sunday

7.14

Billy’s Lounge Revival 80’s Dance Night Community Media Center - Front Studio Girl Power Camp Firebarn Gallery Tyler Loftis: Paintings Frederik Meijer Gardens The World of Zhang Huan KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle Kindleberger Park Kindleberger Summer Festival of the Performing Arts LowellArts! Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition Muskegon Winter Sports Complex Muskegon Summer Luge Olde World Village Blackrock Medieval Fest Red Barn The Red Velvet Cake War Rosa Park Circle Classic Rock 5K Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Presents Xanadu The Score Red Bull Industry Volleyball Teazers The Honey Badgers UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

monday

7.15

Berlin Raceway Berlin Fair Billy’s Lounge BassBin Community Media Center - Front Studio Girl Power Camp Downtown Zeeland Zeelmania Street Fair Firebarn Gallery Tyler Loftis: Paintings Frederik Meijer Gardens Michael Franti & Spearhead, The World of Zhang Huan Grand Rapids Public LibraryMain Talking to Rock Stars: Music Journalism Today John Ball Park Jazz at the Zoo Kindleberger Park Matt King Elvis Tribute LowellArts! Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition Saugatuck Center for the Arts Summer in the Studio: Brant Satala

tuesday

7.16

Billy’s Lounge Preservation Lounge - Jazz Fenian’s Irish Pub Solas

Firebarn Gallery Tyler Loftis: Paintings Frederik Meijer Gardens Tuesday Evening Music Club, The World of Zhang Huan KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle LowellArts! Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition The Pyramid Scheme Tropical Punch with DJ Sanjay Rockwell’s Republic Live Jazz Rosa Parks Circle Swing Dancing Salt of the Earth Mulebone UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: Boogie Nights

wednesday

7.17

Aquinas College Performing Arts Center Circle Theatre Presents: The Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps & Gowns Billy’s Lounge Campus Karaoke Clara’s on the River Buddy Pop Curragh Irish Pub Lucas Pederson DeWitt Studio Theatre All Shook Up

Fifth Third Ballpark Party in the Park Firebarn Gallery Tyler Loftis: Paintings Forest Hills Fine Arts Center Shrek the Musical Frederik Meijer Gardens Harry Connick, Jr., The World of Zhang Huan The Intersection Relient K, mc chris Jam ‘N Bean Coffee Big Band Swing Dance KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle LowellArts! Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition Planet Rock Brother Cane The Pyramid Scheme ELZHI Rosa Parks Circle Blues on the Mall Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Ten Foot Polecats & Molly Gene One Whoaman Band! Plus the Cooper Gamins UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

thursday

7.18

Bell’s Birds of Chicago

Billy’s Lounge 90’s Holla Back!

Cannonsburg Ski Area Picnic Pops: Celtic Fiddle with Natalie MacMaster Clara’s on the River Edye Evans Hyde with Terry Lower Downtown Holland Street Performers Series Dr. Grins Michael Che Firebarn Gallery Tyler Loftis: Paintings Frederik Meijer Gardens Steve Miller Band, The World of Zhang Huan Howmet Playhouse CMU’s University Summer Theater Company, Anybody for Murder Ionia County Fairgrounds Ionia Free Fair Jam ‘N Bean Coffee Open Mic Night KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle Kollen Park & Heinz Waterfront Walkway Maranda’s Party in the Park LowellArts! Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition Mulligan’s Pub Everyone & Their Empty Cups One Trick Pony Grill & Taproom Acoustic Stew with Tom DeVries Park Theatre I am Woman...

The Pyramid Scheme Mac DeMarco, The People’s Temple, Lake Timber

Best Bet: Hip Hop

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule

Admit it: you’ve only just read the name at the top of this blurb, and already the sweet, smooth sounds of thugs crooning about the street life are floating easily through your brain’s jukebox receptor. Although it’s been a few years since Bizzy Bone, Layzie Bone and the rest of the Bone boys released any of their familiar ear candy melodies, nobody is likely to forget the reasons why these Thugs ruled the ‘90s. With hits like “Resurrection (Paper Paper),” “Thug Love” and “Tha Crossroads,” Bone Thugs N Harmony were unquestionably responsible for tuning in nonurban America to the silky, harmonious edge of Bone Thugs N rap’s early rough entrance onto the contemporary Harmony musical stage. Despite some past arrests and drugThe Intersection, related derailments, Bone Thugs are still going Grand Rapids strong well into middle age, and will no doubt July 25, 7:30 p.m. bring the same energy and vibrance to their live $25 in advance, $30 show that they’ve always delivered in abundance at the door to fans. On July 25, we’ll see ya at tha crossroads sectionlive.com, … I mean, The Intersection. Well, same difference.

(616) 451-8232 Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

Bone Thugs n Harmony REVUEWM.COM | July 2013 |

69

Schedule Riverwalk Plaza Rusty Wright Band UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

friday

7.19

Bell’s Soil and the Sun Calder Plaza City Lights Music Festival Clara’s on the River Edye Evans Hyde with Terry Lower DeWitt Studio Theatre The Light in the Piazza Dr. Grins Michael Che

Farmers Alley Theater Life Could Be A Dream Firebarn Gallery Tyler Loftis: Paintings Forest Hills Fine Arts Center Shrek the Musical Foundry Hall Mulebone Four Winds Casino Temptations Frederik Meijer Gardens The World of Zhang Huan Grand Rapids Art Museum GRAM on the Green, Friday Nights at the GRAM Howmet Playhouse CMU’s University Summer Theater Company, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Ionia County Fairgraounds Ionia Free Fair

KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle The Livery Soltre and AnDro LowellArts! Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition Master Arts Theatre The Princess and the Pea Mulligan’s Pub Great Thunder and Pistolbrides Planet Rock Soil The Pyramid Scheme Give/Take Clothing Co. Launch Party Red Barn The Red Velvet Cake War River City Saloon Trilogy Rosa Parks Circle The Crane Wives

Seven Steps Up Peter Bradley Adams UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

saturday

7.20

Bell’s Brewery D. Bess Billy’s The 90’s Holla Back!

The DAAC Michael Malis Trio Downtown Holland Street Performers Series Downtown Kalamazoo Island Fest Dr. Grins Bret Ernst

Best Bet: Indie

Lowell Fairgrounds Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts Fancy Pants Theater Dick the Musical Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, The World of Zhang Huan Grand Rapids Public Library (Main Library) Author Visit: Mark Binelli Talks Detroit City KIA Sight and Feeling: Photographs by Ansel Adams, Get the Picture! Gallery Talk Kent District Library, Byron Township Branch Joel Tacey’s Underground Comedy Show Miller Auditorium Jerry Seinfeld Riverfront Park South Haven Harbor Fest Riverwalk Plaza - Lowell Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys Spectrum Theatre Grand Rapids Jewish Theatre Presents OY! A Comedy with Chutzpah UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

sunday

7.21

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Polyphonic Spree

As part of the inaugural Coast West Festival, The Polyphonic Spree perhaps stands out as a bit of an eccentric addition to a lineup that includes Foghat, Chicago and Blue Oyster Cult. But it’s equally likely that festival organizers selected the Spree gang as a deliberate way to inject colorful diversity into mix – a skill the Sprees have in spades. (OK, we promise to stop calling it that.) By sporting its own roster of complex musical contributions, The Polyphonic Spree made a splash on the indie scene a handful of years back, with plenty of help from word-of-mouth buzz and critical adoration. Featuring a rich melodic collective that includes horns and strings, the group is heading into its 13th year, and showing no early cracks of aging. With a new album due out this year and a slew of performance dates lined up, we shouldn’t expect the Spree spree to dry up any time soon. (Sorry, our fingers were crossed behind our back.) Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

70 | REVUEWM.COM | July 2013

The Polyphonic Spree Coast West Music Festival, Muskegon July 2, 7:30 p.m. $35 single day, $99 six-day event pass coastwestfestival.com

Aquinas College Performing Arts Center Circle Theatre Presents: The Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps & Gowns Battle Creek Grand River Rumble Billy’s Revival 80’s Dance Night Farmers Alley Theater Life Could Be A Dream Founders Brewing Company Toubab Krewe Frederik Meijer Gardens Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, The World of Zhang Huan Ionia County Fairgraounds Ionia Free Fair KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle Kellogg Arena Grand River Rumble Kindleberger Park Old Friends Simon and Garfunkel Tribute LowellArts! Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition Olde World Village Blackrock Medieval Fest Planet Rock Straight Line Stitch Red Barn The Red Velvet Cake War Teazers Eleven UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

Wealthy Theatre POMA for Pets

monday

7.22

Billy’s Lounge BassBin Downtown Zeeland Zeelmania Street Fair Farmers Alley Theater Life Could Be A Dream Frederik Meijer Gardens The World of Zhang Huan John Ball Park Jazz at the Zoo LowellArts! Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition

tuesday

7.23

Billy’s Lounge Preservation Lounge - Jazz Farmers Alley Theater Life Could Be A Dream Frederik Meijer Gardens Tuesday Evening Music Club, The World of Zhang Huan Garden Club Park The Rogue River Blues Concert Series The Intersection First Things First KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, Paintings

by Catherine Hinkle, ARTBreak: Emily Carr LowellArts! Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition The Pyramid Scheme Koji and Turnover Rockwell’s Republic Live Jazz Rosa Parks Circle Swing Dancing Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Comedy Night UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: American Beauty

wednesday

7.24

Aquinas College Performing Arts Center Circle Theatre Presents: The Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps & Gowns Billy’s Lounge Campus Karaoke Clara’s on the River Buddy Pop Farmers Alley Theater Life Could Be A Dream Foundry Hall Open Mic Hosted by Paul Hogan

S:9.25”

a juicy steak dinner can turn a

S:10”

private

party get-together into a

you’ll never forget.

Grand Rapids | 616.776.6426 | Inside the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel | ruthschris.com

REVUEWM.COM | July 2013 |

200 Varick St. New York, NY 10014 : Phone 212-805-7500

71

Schedule Frederik Meijer Gardens The World of Zhang Huan Jam ‘N Bean Coffee Big Band Swing Dance KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle LowellArts! Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition Rosa Parks Circle Blues on the Mall UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

thursday

7.25

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Covert Opps wsg Joel Rydecki Billy’s Lounge 90’s Holla Back!

Cannonsburg Ski Area Picnic Pops: Gotta Dance Downtown Holland Street Performers Series Farmers Alley Theater Life Could Be A Dream Frederik Meijer Gardens Chris Isaak, The World of Zhang Huan Howmet Playhouse The Fearsome Pirate Frank The Intersection Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Jam ‘N Bean Coffee Open Mic Night KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, Paintings by Catherine Hinkle LowellArts! Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition One Trick Pony Acoustic Stew with The Weatherheads The Pyramid Scheme Gregory Alan Isakov, Jeffrey Foucault Riverwalk Plaza The Ragbirds

72 | REVUEWM.COM | July 2013

UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

friday

7.26

Bell’s Eccentric Cafe The Steel Wheels wsg Jen Sygit Cancun Connection Bar and Grill Big Cadillac Clara’s on the River Edye Evans Hyde with Terry Lower Downtown Grand Haven Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Foundry Hall South Haven in Stories & Song Four Winds Casino Chicago Frederik Meijer Gardens The World of Zhang Huan GRAM GRAM on the Green, Friday Nights at the GRAM GR Civic Theatre Civic Theatre presents: Changing Minds Hackley Park Buster Blues Band Howmet Playhouse The Fearsome Pirate Frank The Intersection Chase Rice KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle Lemonjello’s The Fever Haze, Valentiger, Johnny Unicorn, and Vanisher LowellArts! Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition Mulligan’s Pub Helical Scan Pyramid Scheme Delicate Steve River City Saloon Litt Up Rosa Parks Circle The John Gist Band Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Presents: Game Show

Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Todd Wolfe Band UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

saturday

7.27

Battle Creek Leilapalooza Music Festival Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Super Happy Funtime Burlesque Show Cancun Connection Bar and Grill Big Cadillac Coopersville Farm Museum EPIC (Entertaining People in Coopersville) Curragh Irish Pub Nate Holley, Toby Bresnahan Downtown Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Frederik Meijer Gardens The World of Zhang Huan GR Civic Theatre 12 Dancing Princesses Howmet Playhouse The Fearsome Pirate Frank The Intersection Mega ‘80s KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, A Precious Artistic Moment: Paintings by Catherine Hinkle LowellArts! Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition Meijer Theater, Grand Rapids Public Museum Eastland Shipwreak Disaster The Pyramid Scheme Bangups Album Release Show Red Barn The Red Velvet Cake War River City Saloon Decades Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Presents: Game Show

Michael Franti

Best Bet: Reggae Fusion As one of the modern day torch bearers for poetic, politically charged hip-hop and reggae, Michael Franti has long had his work cut out for him, and risen to the challenge with gusto every single time. Sporting an active music career that spans all the way back to 1986, Franti has collaborated on a number of projects under varying pseudonyms, but found the greatest success with this longest running effort, Michael Franti and Spearhead.

Michael Franti and Drawing heavily on early funk and soul influences like Spearhead Sly and the Family Stone and any solo musician with Frederik Meijer Gardens, the last name Marley, Franti and Spearhead have continGrand Rapids ued to convert new fans and spread the gospel through July 15, 7 p.m. provoking, booty-bouncing funk fusion, one beat-laden single at a time. Get those bright silver short-shorts out $41 for members, $43 of the closet and come check out the original funk soul for public brother; if nothing else, it’ll be nice to have that phrase meijergardens.org, actually mean something again. Reported by Emma Kat (616) 957-1580 Richardson

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Must have admission ticket to enter Gun Lake Casino Summer Music Festival. Space is limited.

No coolers, personal fireworks or outside food or beverage is allowed. © 2013 Gun Lake Tribal Gaming Authority. All rights reserved.

GUN 91557 Fjd July 4 Celebration_Revue AD • 9.25” x 10” AD: Runs: July REVUEWM.COM | July 2013 | 73

Schedule Seven Steps Up Honor By August Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Whitey Morgan and the 78’s, The Bellfuries with Chuck Whiting and his Rowdy Friends Tri-Cities Family YMCA Coast Guard Run UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition Val-Du Lakes Tetrad Band

LowellArts! Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition The Pyramid Scheme Wake Owl Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Presents: Game Show Teazers Shovel UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition

monday

7.29

Billy’s Lounge BassBin Downtown Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Downtown Zeeland Zeelmania Street Fair

sunday

tuesday

7.28

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Billy’s Revival 80’s Dance Night Downtown Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival Frederik Meijer Gardens The World of Zhang Huan KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, Paintings by Catherine Hinkle Lemonjello’s Bella Ruse and Olivia Mainville

7.30

Billy’s Lounge Preservation Lounge - Jazz Frederik Meijer Gardens Tuesday Evening Music Club, The World of Zhang Huan KIA West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, Paintings

by Catherine Hinkle, ARTbreak: Jon Schueler: A Life in Painting

Kill Paris: City Lights Music Festival July 19–20

the yoga

studio

Serving the community since 1979

Carole Vander Pols, nurse anesthetist, Yoga Studio student Arend Vander Pols, small business owner, Yoga Studio student

74 | REVUEWM.COM | July 2013

Frederik Meijer Gardens The World of Zhang Huan John Ball Park Jazz at the Zoo LowellArts! Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition Saugatuck Center for the Arts Summer in the Studio: Doug and Telisha Seven Steps Up Tony Lucca wsg Honor By August

SUMMER CLASSES BEGIN JULY 8!

616.776.0836 • 955 CHERRY SE • WWW.GRYOGA.COM

LowellArts! Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition Rockwell’s Kitchen & Tap Live Jazz at Rockwell’s Republic Rosa Parks Circle Swing Dancing Salt of the Earth Fauxgrass Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Presents: Game Show UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: Do the Right Thing

wednesday

7.31

Bell’s Yonder Mountain String Band wsg Danny Barnes Billy’s Lounge Campus Karaoke Clara’s on the River Buddy Pop Curragh Irish Pub Nidal Kanaan Frauenthal Center Dave Coulier Frederik Meijer Gardens The World of Zhang Huan

Great Lakes Commonwealth of Letters The New Face of Self-Publishing: Free Class with Tricia McDonald Jam ‘N Bean Coffee Big Band Swing Dance Kalamazoo Institute of Arts West Michigan Area Show, Modern Twist: Contemporary Japanese Bamboo Art, Paintings by Catherine Hinkle LowellArts! Sci-Fi/Fantasy Invitational Art Exhibition Park Theatre I am Woman...

Rosa Parks Circle Blues on the Mall Saugatuck Center for the Arts Mason Street Warehouse Presents: Game Show UICA Festival 2013 Regional Arts Exhibition n

For more events, check out our calendar at revueWm.com.

CALVIN’S GEZON AUDITORIUM 3201 BURTON ST SE

JULY 20 AUGUST 17 LADIES LITERARY CLUB 61 SHELDON BLVD SE

SEPTEMBER 21 ALL SHOWS 7:33 PM RIVERCITYIMPROV.COM