October 2014, Revue Magazine

West Michigan’s Entertainment Guide for 25 years  October 2014

Music / Art / Culture / Dining / Free!

IPA Faceoff!

Southeast Michigan Beer Tour Because who said West has to be best?

Brewery Guide

Details about breweries in West Michigan and beyond

See who won our blind taste test of 11 local brews

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BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY - 10/17

Coming Soon!

Huey Lewis & The News October 12th at 7:30pm Ani DiFranco October 14th at 8pm Bone Thugs-N-Harmony October 17th at 9pm Battle of The Sexes October 18th at 9pm The Polish Ambassador October 25th at 9pm

THE POLISH AMBASSADOR - 10/25

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Hippoween UV Hippo & More October 31st at 8pm

Umphrey’s McGee November 6th 8:45pm Thunder From Down Under November 14th at 8:30pm The Temptations November 15th at 8pm Greensky Bluegrass November 28th at 8pm Trailer Park Boys December 6th at 8pm Jason Isbell February 13th at 8pm 1964 The Tribute February 14th at 8pm

What’s Inside

October 2014 | Volume 26, Issue 10

SCENE:

13 Random Notes 14 Free Market 16 All Ages

SPECIAL SECTION:

19 28

19 The Beer Issue 20 IPA Face-Off 21 New IPAs 22 Beer Glassware 23 Weird Beer 24 MI Beer Tour 30 Brewery Guide 32 Brew and Renew 34 Beer Terms 36 Oregon Beers 38 HopCat’s Expansion 40 Beer Legislation 42 Beer Events

SOUNDS:

Beer

45 48 50 52

Bitter old fecker

Local Music: Kalamashoegazer On Tour: Deafheaven On Tour: Joan Osborne Local Music: dizzybird records

SIGHTS: 55 56 57 58 60

Visual Art: Muskegon Lake Project Indie Film Comedy: Tip Top Open Mic Performing Arts: Opera Grand Rapids Lit Life: Bob Mankoff

DINING & DRINKING:

63 Restaurant Listings 64 Gluten Free Girl: Walldorff 66 Taste This: Best Brewery Food 68 Beer: EB Coffee & Pub

Best Brewery Food

66

SCHEDULE:

73 Daily Event Listings and Best Bets

Letter from the Editor

W e s t M ichigan ’ s E n t ertainmen t G uide

S

ince this month is our Beer Issue, it’s only fitting that it be Beer Dude Ben Darcie’s last month at REUVE. It’s a bittersweet goodbye. Ben has not only been our Beer Dude for years, but he’s been an awesome representative for the magazine. He gets beer, he gets beer culture and he gets involved. Add that all up and you’ve got a busy guy, which is why Ben is passing along his beer growler to someone else. He’s got some big things going on in the beer community and we are really proud of all his success.

So, that leaves me to introduce our new beer columnists.

I am extremely excited to introduce to you Joe Boomgaard, REVUE Beer Czar and Nick Manes, REVUE Beer Bro. These two will be tag teaming our beer coverage here on out and I think they’re a little too excited about their new positions. Hey, I won’t hold it against them if they send in an awesome beer story a week early or go on a Southeast Michigan beer tour and take photos of phallic landmarks along the way.

Basically, these guys get what we do. Joe is the managing editor of MiBiz, our sister publication and Manes (the real estate development writer for MiBiz) has contributed to REVUE for five years. They know our tone, our quirks and can crack dick jokes with the best of them. Welcome, guys.

Editorial Publisher Brian Edwards / brian@revuewm.com Associate Publisher Molly Rizor / molly@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 Nolan Krebs Kelli Belanger Nick Manes Missy Black Audria Larsen Joe Boomgaard Allison Parker Ben Darcie Emma Kat Richardson Steven de Polo Rei Robinson Dwayne Hoover Josh Spanninga Alexandra Kadlec Kerri VanderHoff

Contributing Photographers Joe Boomgaard, Steph Harding, Kim Kibby, Dan Miller, Kelsey Wahowiak, Phil Artz Listings schedule@revuewm.com

Rock on.

Revue Minions Giovana Barreto, Anastasia Hauschild, Kayla Hay, Jack Raymond, Lindsey Wylie-Gruen

Sales / 616.608.6170 Kelli Belanger / kbelanger@revuewm.com Molly Rizor / molly@revuewm.com

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

Digital Editor Jayson Bussa / jayson@revuewm.com Find us online!

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

Advertising index 57 Brew Pub & Bistro . . . . . . . . . 82 8th Street Grill - Hops at 84 East.29 Amway Hotel Corporation . . . . . . 83 Arcadia Ales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Avenue for the Arts . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Barfly Ventures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Battle Creek Downtown. . . . . . . . 84 Bell’s Brewery . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 52 BMW Motorcycles. . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Brewery Vivant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Broadway Grand Rapids. . . . . . . . 4 Calvin College SAO . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Cascade Optical . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 City of Allegan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 City of Ludington. . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 City Flats Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 DeltaPlex. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Dr. Grins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Erb Thai. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Fajita Republic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Firekeeper’s Casino. . . . . . . . . . . 15 Foot Outfitters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Founders Brewing Co. . . . . . . . . . 11 Fusion Shows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Grand Rapids Art Museum . . . . . 54 Grand Rapids Beer Tours. . . . . . . 44 Grand Rapids Public Library. . . . 61 Grand Rapids Symphony. . . . . . . 53 Grand Woods Lounge. . . . . . . . . . 87 Gravel Bottom Brewery . . . . . . . . 69 Greenleaf Hospitality Group. . . . . 37 Green Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Growco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Gun Lake Casino. . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

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Harmony Brewing . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Holiday Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Hope Performances. . . . . . . . . . . 64 The Intersection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Josh Rose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Kalamazoo State Theatre. . . . 8, 50 KB Productions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Keil Lasik Vision Center. . . . . . . . 71 Kent District Library. . . . . . . . . . . 39 Koko FitClub of Grand Rapids. . . 79 Lead Marketing Agency (Alaskan Brewing) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Michigan Brewer’s Guild. . . . . . . 18 Millennium Restaurants. . . . . . . 70 Miller Auditorium . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Mister-E-Liquid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 New Holland Brewing Company. . 33 New Horizons Computer. . . . . . . . 61 Old Mill Brew Pub and Grill. . . . . 35

The Orbit Room. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Palazzolo’s Gelato . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Perrin Brewing Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Pike 51. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 The Pyramid Scheme. . . . . . . . . . . 5 River City Improv. . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Saugatuck Brewing Company. . . 29 Saugatuck Center for the Arts. . . 80 Schuler Books. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 The Score. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Seven Steps Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Sherpa Concerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Soaring Eagle Casino . . . . . . . . . . 3 SpeakEZ Lounge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 St. Cecilia Music Center . . . . . . . 80 Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill . . . . . . 48 Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro. . . . . 69 West Side Beer / Budweiser. . . . . 92 Wharton Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

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 ©2014, Revue Holding Company. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part granted only by written permission of the publisher in accordance with our legal statement, fools.

On the cover: Beer Issue still life created by Kim Kibby, photographed by Phil Artz. Hop flowers kindly provided

by Hopyards of Kent Co. LLC.

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Random Notes

Max Lockwood

Local Music

newest album, 1989. Not that it’s hard to interpret. The lyrics are “Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate, hate,” OK, enough.

We get the point. Anyway, the album comes out Oct. 27, which is probably symbolic of that one time Taylor Lautner wanted them to go as each other for Halloween and she wasn’t havin’ it. ... Ok Go is not only coming to Grand Rapids this month, but the viral video-centric band is also releasing an album on Oct. 14. Hungry Ghosts’ first single “The Writing’s On the Wall” reached a million views on YouTube in one day and I’m still trying to figure out how to get my dogs more than 10 likes on Instagram. ...

Other notable releases include Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter V on Oct. 28, Stars’ No One Is Lost on Oct. 14 and Weezer’s Everything Will Be Alright in the End on Oct. 7.

Libations

ArtPrize can be hard enough to navigate.

Walking to dozens of venues and viewing countless art pieces all while working your way through the crowds. And we didn’t even factor in one of the most important parts: booze breaks. Luckily, Beer O’Clock Grand Rapids has gone ahead and made us a handy art crawl map, which helps visitors find nearby happy hours during ArtPrize. It’s the thing you never knew you needed until now. The map is available for download at beeroclockgr.com. ... Beer is getting an extra competitive edge in Kalamazoo. On Oct. 12, West Michigan Beer Tours will collabo-

Dining

Last month, Barfly Ventures announced a new restaurant to add to its lineup, which includes HopCat, Stella’s, Grand Rapids Brewing Company and McFadden’s.

Expected to open summer 2015, The Shrunken Head will be a tiki bar and barbecue joint that will feature slow-cooked barbecue, homemade sides, craft beer, wine and specialty tiki-inspired cocktails.

Neighboring with Stella’s at 59 Commerce Ave. in downtown Grand Rapids, the restaurant will be 5,000 square feet and feature a beer garden pending city approval. Check in on the progress at shrunkenheadgr.com.

All Ages

Children’s Theatre of Michigan is celebrating Halloween with Boogah & Hoogah’s House, coming to Wealthy Theatre Oct. 19.

The two goblins will cause mayhem with their monster pals, adding a little more silly and a little less spooky to the holiday. n Random Notes is compiled by Lindsay Patton-Carson.

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.

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Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

the band worked with Grammy-winning producer, Neil Kerron. ... This is a pretty Max Lockwood is going all out for his awesome idea. By now, everyone’s heard latest release, Outrider. Instead of going at of crownsourcing. You ask a large group it alone, he brought in some friends. OK, of people for something you need and see not just some friends. A lot of friends. what happens. Well, what happened in our Lockwood, who is also the bassist for Big town is the Grand Rapids Symphony put Dudee Roo brought in Dan Rickabus out a call for music on social media and the of The Crane Wives, Joey Schultz from community responded with 42 submissions.

Fauxgrass, Brennan Andes from The Out of those, three were chosen for its Oct. Macpodz and Michigan’s own royal folk 4 event, Inspired By Art. The title literally couple, Seth Bernard and May Erlewine describes the program. Musicians create to help with the album. Outrider will be pieces inspired by art works. released at The Pyramid Scheme on Oct. 16 with performances by Lockwood, Seth Bernard Trio and The Carboys. Tickets National Album Releases are $8. ...Last summer, Josh Rose started a Always a guest singer, never the star. After Kickstarter campaign to help fund his most supporting summer hits like Icona Pop’s recent album. The campaign was a success “I Love It” and Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy,” it’s and Rose is releasabout time Charli ing Old Laminate XCX got some atOct. 4 at Wealthy tention. Well, she’s Important Dates Theater. A veteran making it happen.

Ad Reservation Deadline: Oct. 17 to the scene, Rose Perhaps you’ve heard Editorial Deadline: Oct. 5 has been creating “Boom Clap” on the Delivery: Nov. 1 music and performradio or you’re really ing in the Midwest into movie adaptations for 10 years. He of young adult fiction recorded his album with the help of Grand and heard it in The Fault of Our Stars. Either Rapids-based producer, Michael Crittenden. way, Miss XCX is getting her chance to shine Tickets are $10 for the 8 p.m. show. ... Aria on Oct. 21 when she releases Sucker. ‘Bout Flame plans to drop its latest EP, A World time. ... Haters. What’s with them, right? of Silence, officially on Oct. 11. A digital But guess what. Taylor Swift don’t curr. version of the album, however, will be She’s gonna shake it off and you can just available on Oct. 4. The EP was produced keep poppin’ those hater tots. At least, that’s and recorded at Underground Studios and how we interpreted the first single off her

rate with Millennium Restaurant Group and IHS Distributing for a West Coast vs.

Michigan beer showdown. Six breweries (three West Coast and three Michigan) and three eateries will compete too see how similar styles of beer compare with each other.

The restaurants will be responsible for small pairing dishes with each of the brews. Tickets are $39.

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Steven de polo’s

Free Market

New and exciting things happening in West Michigan nonprofits and businesses since 2007.

W

est Michigan has a couple new transportation options to help you shop and eat locally without your old gas guzzler. Grand Rapids’ The Rapid was finally able to pass a millage rate to launch the Silver Line. Called Bus Rapid Transit or BRT, the Silver Line is designed to act like a commuter rail line that you see on “Seinfeld.” Comfy, fast, efficient.

The new 40-foot hybrid electric buses have larger doors for faster on-boarding and you pay before you get on. No more diggin’ for change in your fanny pack makin’ everyone wait, my pets. The seats are also locally sourced from American Seating. The Silver Line has 34 stations -- paid for by the Feds and Lansing -- connecting the southern end of the Grand Rapids Metro area at 60th Street with downtown and Medical Mile. The majority of the route will be on Division Avenue, which now boasts bus lanes and traffic light prioritization to get you to your crack fries at HopCat posthaste. The Silver Line will operate on a 10-minute frequency during peak hours and 20-minute frequency off-peak. Nifty.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Uber offers a little more individualized transportation option.

According to Michael White, general manager of Uber Michigan, the hi-tech startup acts as the middleman between people who need transportation and people willing to drive them. The service launched in Detroit in March 2013 and then worked its way across the Mitten State in 2014 to conquer Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint, Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. “We go to markets to help solve transportation issues,” Michael said. When asked if this service is only for a bunch of doofus hipsters, he tutted. The service does attract the young and tech savvy, but within a year riders range from

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Uber becomes a reality in Grand Rapids. elderly needing a ride to the doctor’s office to business executives needing to get across town. With Uber, you can stop thinking about how you will get somewhere. Just tap the Uber app on your smartphone and the service will send a car within five minutes.

Take that Uber car to Grand Slam Subs (600 Lake Michigan Dr.) on Grand Rapids’ west side. Owner Aaron Baker battled with

Freebies Shout out to Belman’s Bakery (1028 Chicago Dr. SW) in Wyoming, which baked Free Market his first tres leches wedding cake. It was worth the calories.

Eastown is up in arms over SpartanNash planning to build a gas station across from their Family Fare Market in the empty lot where a derelict warehouse “accidentally” caught on fire in the Fulton Heights neighborhood. Gas up!

If you accidentally find yourself in Fremont, have lunch at the adorable Susie Q’s Sandwich Shoppe (33 East Main). Free Market wandered in and soon tzatziki sauce was dripping down his wrists as he wolfed down sliced gyro wrapped in a fluffy pita.

his west side neighbors to open the delightful deli across from Grand Valley’s Grand Rapids Campus and the Hunting YMCA. Baker, who is effusive and a passionate entrepreneur, will be happy to load up a fresh-baked roll with local ingredients. Free Market recently slammed one of the baseball-themed subs called the Screwball. Think ham, salami, and capicola ham topped off by fresh greens and spicy banana peppers. Grand Slam Subs hits it out of the park. When local foodies were asked about their Grand Slam Subs experience, Ms. K. responded “Talking to the owner was unforgettable.” Ms. S. said “I can’t believe what I ate.”

Get them peepers checked at Davich Vision Center (2825 28th St. SE) by Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids. Davich is a Koreabased eyewear company with more than 200 locations worldwide and chose Grand Rapids as their first U.S. location. (Hello, Whole Foods?) Davich’s priority is vision health. Top-notch services include vision therapy, comprehensive eye exams, contact lens exams for spherical and multi-focal lenses, contact lens education and prescription verification. All done by experienced eyecare professionals.

Dump the coke-bottle glasses for name-brand frames from Coach and Prada to Ray Ban and Oakley. All at affordable prices. Most glasses will be ready within 30 minutes, and guests can enjoy free specialty coffee at the in-store café while they are waiting. Better to see the bedeviling Miss Carolita. n

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/// All Ages

Keep Calm and Scream On Kids always seem like they’re having a good time around Halloween.

Or is it the candy high? Before the holiday hits, head to Holland and invoke slacker parent rule No. 1: Watch someone else make a mess carving pumpkins for a change. By Missy Black

The Carve

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Holland Farmers Market 150 W. 18th St., Holland Oct. 11, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Free! $1/pumpkin carving for kids hollandfarmersmarket.com, (800) 506-1299

When the pumpkin patch seems played out, you can check out the pumpkin carving skills of professionals and all the sights and sounds of the Holland Farmers Market. The carvers on hand are from all over the Midwest, showcasing their unique and intricate carving skills that represent this year’s theme. “Last year there was a Mad Scientist theme,” said Marketing Coordinator Kara de Alvare. Get up close and watch ordinary pumpkins transform before your eyes or get hands on during a carving activity for kids. There’s an amateur pumpkin carving contest where participants can carve at home and bring in their creation for a chance to win a $100 cash prize (there is a $10 entry fee). Last year, the event featured pumpkin painting, a candy hunt, candy guessing, a bean bag toss and other entertainment. Expect the same type of liveliness this year. “It’s free and a great day to come down to the market and browse the vendors,” de Alvare said. “They’ve got pumpkins, gourds and squash. It will put you in the fall spirit.”

family friendly prices. “It’s an old-fashioned fall carnival,” said Pet Programs Communications Coordinator Holly Kroeze. Experience face painting, a cake walk, games (many of which include your dog) and prizes. Take a walk with your dog along the “Trick-or-Treat Trail” in your Halloween costume and fill up your candy bag and bring your pooch along to get a treat. There will be prizes awarded for best dog costumes and raffle prizes as well. “It’s a good time to relax with the whole family.” Save room for hotdogs, popcorn, caramel corn, caramel apples and more. Before you leave, pop into the “Smooch Your Pooch” photo booth and get some pictures with your best friend. “My dog loves getting kisses anytime he can so he’d love that,” Kroeze said. Funds raised through this event will benefit the West Michigan Therapy

A candy hunt at The Carve

Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship

Bissell HowlOween Hoof and Woof

HowlOween

It’s a chance for you and your pet to dress up for Halloween. Taking place at Manhattan Park, this new and exciting Bissell Pet Foundation event promises a fun-filled day for families and their two and four-legged kids. Entrance to the event is free, but games, food and activities can be enjoyed at

Dogs, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, and BISSELL Pet Foundation. “This event is about opening up your eyes to therapy dogs and how pets can have such a positive impact on kids and their healing process,” Kroeze said. “It’s so cool to see these pets and the impact they have on people.” The event takes place even if it’s raining cats and dogs.

Manhattan Park, East Grand Rapids Oct. 19, noon to 3 p.m.

Free! hoofandwoof.org, (616) 791-6666

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Grand Rapids Public Museum, 272 Pearl St. NW Oct. 18–Apr. 19 $17/adults, $12/children 3 to 17, free admission/ ages 2 & under grpm.org, 456-3977

Little buccaneers everywhere will be in their glory (and maybe find some great Halloween costume inspiration) with the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Real Pirates exhibit. It’s a compelling exhibition of the story of the Whydah, the first authenticated pirate shipwreck. The ship was sunk in 1717 by a fierce storm and is still actively being excavated today. Get a look at treasure chests

filled with coins from all over the world, including authentic coins that visitors can touch, pirate dress items, daily objects used aboard the ship, jewelry and technologically advanced weaponry of the time — 18th century cannon, pistols and swords. “The biggest things are the interactive pieces. There is a recreation of the ship that you will be able to walk through,” said Kate Moore, vice president of marketing and public relations.

There’s quite a bit of history to learn here as well.

“We talk about how the ship was a slave ship prior to becoming a pirate ship, the connections to trade and economic, political, social and historic lessons.” With pirates being so popular among children, the exhibit is sure to be a special outing filled with mystery and wonder. Fun fact: There is mention of John King, the youngest known pirate (possibly under 11 years old) in some of the exhibit’s stories, as well as a section about women pirates. n

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/// Special Feature

The Beer Issue Our jobs are tough. We traveled long distances, sampled dozens of beer styles and talked to the people passionate about beer, all for you. That’s what true journalism is all about, right? Well, our jobs yielded some interesting, hilarious and newsworthy results for our annual Beer Issue. We travel to Southeast Michigan, research weird beer, have an IPA faceoff and help explain why beer comes in all sorts of glassware. Read on for more.

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The Beer Issue

IPA Faceoff West Michigan

The ever-popular India Pale Ale serves as a versatile, year-round beer that’s as drinkable on a warm summer day as it is in the heart of winter. They’re also a hotbed of experimentation for brewers, including many of West Michigan’s finest.

One could argue that Bell’s Two Hearted Ale helped define the style, but we here at Revue West Michigan wondered how it stacked up with other IPAs from around the region. We gathered an extensive sampling of the standard IPAs from West Michigan breweries that are available in bottles or cans year-round and held a blind tasting with four beer aficionados on our staff to find out which were the best.

Compiled by Joe Boomgaard

All of the beers were purchased the day before the tasting at Siciliano’s Market on 2840 Lake Michigan Dr. NW in Grand Rapids. The exception was Greenbush Brewing’s Dunegräs, which was bought the day of the tasting at Bottlenecks Party Store at 2355 Fuller Ave. NE, also in Grand Rapids.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

The judges did a blind tasting of 13 beers (two were later disqualified for being double IPAs) and rated them based on appearance (10 points), aroma (20 points), flavor/finish (30 points), body (20 points) and overall impressions (20 points). The scores listed here are an average of the judges’ ratings based on a 100-point scale, with 100 being a perfect score.

The Judges Beer Czar of Revue West Michigan, Managing Editor of MiBiz

Kim Kibby, immortal

Creative Director of Revue West Michigan

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Nick Manes, 29

Beer Bro/Juggalo Correspondent for Revue West Michigan, Staff Writer at MiBiz

Two Hearted Ale

Bell’s Brewery, Kalamazoo, ABV: 7% The judges agreed it was their clear favorite. Many thought it was creamier than most IPAs. Hopheads would “drink this again and again,” Boomgaard wrote. It’s just right: Not too bitter, not too intense, but really solid overall. The king still has it after all these years.

Score: 83.75

IPA

The Process

Joe Boomgaard, 33

The IPAs

John Wiegand, 24 Staff Writer and “New Guy” at MiBiz

Arcadia Brewing Co., Battle Creek, ABV: 6% A “quintessential IPA” that “stays true to the style” without doing anything crazy. Nice head and lacing. Fruity finish. A great IPA, even if a bit basic.

Score: 81.25

Centennial IPA

Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids, ABV: 7.2% This IPA has a fruity or grapefruit-y nose with a light body. Kibby praised the “nice balance of hops to malts with a smooth finish.” Boomgaard wrote that the beer “f***ing rocks. I could drink a lot of these.”

Score: 79

Crooked Tree IPA

Dark Horse Brewing Co., Marshall, ABV: 6.5% A bit cloudy in appearance, with plenty of fruity aromas. Nice body. “Super yeasty,” Wiegand noted. Something in the finish was slightly off, but the flavor was all around “pretty good,” according to the consensus.

Score: 77.75

Dunegräs

Greenbush Brewing Co., Sawyer, ABV: 6.7% The citrusy, pungent nose was backed up by a super hoppy taste. Judges noted the biting hop intensity of the beer, but were split on whether it was overkill. Likewise, they were split on the finish and its tidal wave of hoppiness. An intensely hoppy beer for hopheads.

Score: 77.5

Triomphe

Brewery Vivant, Grand Rapids, ABV: 6.5% Bright coppery appearance, but a thin, watery body. The nose had slight notes of apples and fruitiness to it. The flavors of the Belgian yeast really shone through on this beer.

Judges liked the beer, but questioned if they’d want to have more than a couple at a time.

Score: 77.25

Huma Lupa Licious

Short’s Brewing Co., Bellaire, ABV: 7.7% Very easy on the eyes. This one had a syrupy, boozy aroma. The flavor didn’t seem very complex — just really hoppy – but it gets the job done. Full of resinous hops that hung on into the finish.

Score: 69.75

51K IPA

Blackrocks Brewing Co., Marquette, ABV: 7% Bright and light, but it smelled syrupy.

Somewhat dank, piney taste. The judges wondered about the age of

this one as the flavor just did not seem to hold up. Both Kibby and Wiegand described it as “meh.” (A check afterward found no date on the can.)

Score: 59

Singapore IPA

Saugatuck Brewing Co., Saugatuck, ABV: 7% The appearance was good, but aroma was nonexistent. Some pear and hops in the taste, but overall, there wasn’t much going on in this one. All four judges noted a metallic aftertaste.

Score: 57.5

Wood Oaked IPA

Round Barn Brewing Co., Baroda, ABV: 6.75 Cloudy look with a unique, complex aroma of green apples and other fruit. The body was really light. The overwhelming taste of smoky wood all but covers up the hops — which the judges noted was anathema in an IPA. Score: 52.75

Mad Hatter

New Holland Brewing Co., Holland, ABV: 5.25 Something was just plain off with this one. It was cloudy, with little lacing. Taste was buttery with possible caramel flavors. Weak on hops. Notes of rotten fruit in the finish, and not in a good way. (A check afterward found no date on the bottle.)

Score: 34.25

Hop Damn!

New IPAs launched this year ready to wreck your palate

by Joe Boomgaard

This year has offered plenty of reason to celebrate for hopheads who can’t get enough humulus lupulus.

As a lover of all things hoppy, I’m always on the prowl for new ales that are ready to destroy one’s palate with bitterness. Just when it seems IPAs can’t get any better — or bitter, a brewer comes out with some crazy, new experimental hop variety or finds ways to amp up the bitterness of a non-IPA, such as a lager.

The beers on this list represent solid efforts in the exploration of all things bitter that were new this year for Michigan breweries or newly in distribution in West Michigan. Here are my top five:

Michigan Honor Roll Star Chicken Shotgun

Brewer: Greenbush Brewing Co., Sawyer Style: IPA ABV: 6.8% Availability: Released in bottles in May, available on tap at the brewery Web: greenbushbrewing.com

Fluffer

Brewer: Kuhnhenn Brewing Co., Warren Style: Session IPA ABV: 4.5% Availability: On draft at select venues around West Michigan Web: kbrewery.com

Manifesto

51K IPA The Marquette-based Blackrocks Brewery proves that Yoopers know how to handle a brew kettle. Available in 12 oz. cans, 51K is a solid IPA throughout, with great piney aromas and a bitter, floral finish that’s as crisp as a dip in Lake Superior in May. Next time you’re in Marquette, be sure to enjoy one on draft on their porch (it’s even heated in the winter) along with a locally made pasty.

This IPA has become a staple in my fridge over the last year.

Brewer: Bell’s Brewery, 355 East Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo Style: Double IPA ABV: 10.1%, Availability: One-time release, August 2014 Web: bellsbeer.com/planets

Brewer: Blackrocks Brewing, 424 North Third St., Marquette Style: IPA ABV: 7.0% Availability: Many craft beer stores in West Michigan Web: blackrocksbrewery.com

Smells Like A Safety Meeting Formerly known as “Smells Like Weed” at the taproom, Dark Horse supposedly had to change the name of the beer to distribute it. While the implications of the name itself (which is overstated, in my opinion) might be enough to draw some folks to the beer, for me, it was the sticky, chewy, resinous hops. As in: hops on hops on hops. I hate the use of the adjective “dank” when describing beers, but it truly is fitting here.

Brewer: Dark Horse Brewing Co., 511 South Kalamazoo Ave., Marshall Style: IPA ABV: 8.5% Availability: Released on 4/20 (because of course it was) Web: darkhorsebrewery.com

Dissenter

El Dankerino

The latest “Backstage Series” release from Founders offers a creative take on hop delivery with the Imperial India Pale Lager, the brewery’s first lager in a dozen years. Lagers are fermented cold and use different yeast strains than ales, and the result is well-balanced and crisp. There’s definitely a hint of grain among the grapefruit hopiness, which lingers long after each sip.

Another big DIPA, the awkwardly named El Dankerino (see previous statement about the use of the word “dank”) is based heavily on the more bitter tropical hop flavors. The 10 percent ABV is well-masked — better so than in Mars from Bell’s — and the sweet, resinous hops rule the day, but not so much that it’s overpowering.

El Dankerino is really well balanced for such a big beer.

Brewer: Founders Brewing Co., 235 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Style: Imperial India Pale Lager ABV: 8.7% Availability: One-time release, August 2014 Web: foundersbrewing.com

Brewer: Odd Side Ales, 41 Washington Ave., Suite 160, Grand Haven Style: West Coast Double IPA ABV: 10.0% Availability: Released August 2014 Web: oddsideales.com

Freedom of ’78

Brewer: Shorts Brewing Co., Bellaire Style: IPA made with pure guava ABV: 6.9% Availability: Released in bottles in March Web: shortsbrewing.com

MMMKAY

Brewer: Shorts Brewing Co., Bellaire Style: India Pale Lager ABV: 5.0% Availability: Released in bottles in July Web: shortsbrewing. com

REVUEWM.COM | October 2014 |

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Mars If you were one of the few who was able to score a bottle of Mars, consider yourself lucky.

Some stores limited customers to just one or two bottles of the double IPA, which was the first release in Bell’s Brewery’s “Planets Series.” Clocking in at 10.1 percent, Mars is a big, boozy and surprisingly complex DIPA. It starts very piney and citrusy, but finishes with a hint of malt — and plenty of alcohol warmth. It’s not even my favorite DIPA from Bell’s, but Mars is decent nonetheless. (Hint: It really opens up as it nears room temperature.)

Brewer: Perrin Brewing Co., Comstock Park Style: Black IPA ABV: 6.2% Availability: On draft at brewery Web: perrinbrewing.com

21

The Beer Issue

Beer Glassware Why your drinking vessel matters.

by Jack Raymond

Weizen

Pint

Tulip

Snifter

Chalice

Throw on your thickest accent and say it as any proper German would, “Veizen!”

Only wheat-style beers and bocks qualify for display inside this top-heavy glass, which showcases gorgeous hues ranging from goldenrod to plump Florida orange.

The Weizen glass also helps yield a fluffy head post-pour, so when the bubble blanket pops, the banana notes burst.

As the chimp’s hand grooves naturally with a banana’s curve, so too does it seem that mankind’s hand grew to grip the standard pint with evolutionary precision (paws off my porter, Lemur!). Cheap to make. No frills to store. Easy to drink from.

Need we say more? It’s the multipurpose glass for all brews that defy niche categorization. Here’s where you put your pales, porters, browns, blondes, IPAs, ambers and the rest of the workhorse beer style population. It’s the post-9-to-5 victory beer glass.

Elegant, curvy, floral and yes, unquestionably feminine. If you haul dad to your favorite craft pub, chances are he’ll get indignant sipping from this sexy glass in fear of losing man points from fellow fathers. But don’t judge a glass by its architecture, dad. Potent Belgian and scotch styles are typically served in the tulip to help release the beer’s bouquet of esters on the nose. ABV monsters such as DIPAs and barleywines are frequently found in the 12 oz. tulip, too, to temper patrons from getting too hammered too soon.

Beers to drink: The Mitten Triple Crown Brown, Elk Brewing Porter, OddSide Citra Pale

Beers to drink: Bell’s The Oracle, Dark Horse Sapient Trip

Take a moment now. Swirl the nectar about with a couple twists of the stem.

You crave to smoke a pipe now, perhaps?

To read a leather-bound collection of romantic poetry, maybe? Yes, the snifter is reserved for Bond beers, James Bond beers: Russian Imperial Stouts, Belgian Quads, Wheatwines, i.e. beers that deserve to languish on the palate like a lady on a big brass bed. The bulbous design traps a beer’s aroma allowing the pleasure of its smell to linger. And god be damned if you don’t just feel like a boss while sipping from a snifter.

The gallant throne of glasses, a beer requires some killer credentials if it wants to rest inside the luxury of a container such as this. Trappist beers, brewed by the Belgian monks, are almost exclusively the only brand of brew bartenders are allowed to pour into a chalice. Although by building upon these foreign recipes, American brewers have earned (or taken) the right to pour their creations into these holiest of grails as well. Their value as eye candy aside, chalices also allow for a broad serving of aromatics with their wide-bowled rim.

Beers to drink: Tapistry Hippy Smell, Founders Imperial Stout, Arcadia Ales Cereal Killer

Beers to drink: Brewery Vivant Solitude, Perrin Quadwood, The Livery Barrel Aged Agent 99

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Beers to drink: HopCat Zugspitze, Grand Rapids Brewing Company Brewer’s Heritage, Greenbush Brewing Company Sunspot

Pilsner

Flute

Ball Jar

If a bartender hands you one of these tapered 12 ouncers in a blind glass test, you can make an easy guess as to what’s gonna fill it up: light, crisp, foamy yellow beer. Of course pilsners are served in the pilsner, but the well-traveled will find lagers, schwarzbiers (black lagers), doppelbocks and witbiers in this shape as well. The glass provides a pedestal for these crystalline brews dance on.

The first instinct is to lift this glass in the gesture of a toast, expecting New Year’s champagne to follow, but surprise – beer!

With fruit and sour-style beers trending in the craft community, Michigan beer bars are responding with proper glassware by choosing the long and narrow flute, which maintains the effervescent carbonation of these bubbly beers. The flute also displays the intricate lacing of these beers like a doily.

Old timey, shabby-chic, this is the sort of beer glass your grandma would have drank from if she wasn’t busy with her unsweetened iced tea. A retro-fitted aesthetic for retro-style booze, best bets here include adjunct lagers like PBR or Schlitz so you can impress your Pinterest followers at an affordable price. If you’d like to raise the stakes though, hard ciders and beer cocktails work perfectly in jars for a backyard cookout scenario.

Beers to drink: Jolly Pumpkin Oro De Calabaza, New Holland Incorrigible, Bell’s Oarsman

Beers to drink: Flatlander’s Appleshine, Vandermill Ciders Ginger Peach, Short’s Vintage Premium Lager

Beers to drink: Grand Rapids Brewing Company Silver Foam, New Holland Full Circle

22 | REVUEWM.COM | October 2014

Boot DAS BOOOOOOOOOT! Beers to drink: Bailey’s from an old shoe

Revue Growler We love beer so much that we decided to make ourselves part of beer culture.

Behold! The new REVUE growler. And guess what? You can have one to fill up with whatever beer you choose.

Stay tuned to our contest page at revuewm.com to see the design and find out how to win yours! revuewm.com/free-stuff

T

he Beer Purity Law be damned!

Enacted in 1516, the socalled German “Reinheitsgebot” mandated that beer could only be brewed with three ingredients: water, barley and hops. But it turns out “purity” can also be pretty boring.

Lucky for beer consumers, craft brewers around the world for decades have chosen to break that rule.

Experimentation is truly a hallmark of the craft brewing movement as brewmasters turn to new ingredients and brewing processes to differentiate themselves from other companies — as well as to push the envelope of what’s possible with fermented beverages.

But sometimes rules and parameters are needed to reign in unbridled creative license — even with beer.

Here are some examples of brewers pushing the boundaries of craft beer to strange new limits.

Beard Beer

Rogue Ales, Newport, Ore., 5.6% ABV | Wild Ale When Rogue Ales went out in search of a new experimental yeast variety, they ended up not having to go far. They found the perfect strain in the brewmaster’s gnarly old-growth beard. Having hung around at many thousands of brewing operations since it was first grown in 1978, the beard apparently provided the perfect habitat for natural yeast — conditioned, no doubt, by years worth of food scraps. What’s not to love about traces of barbecue sauce circa 1987?

Dock Street Brewing Co., West Philadelphia, Penn.

7.2% ABV | Pale Stout It’s been said that beer feeds your brain, but some crazy brewers from West Philly have found a way to make beer with BRAINS — specifically, smoked goat brains. Dock Street Walker Ale pays homage to the brewers’ favorite zombie drama, AMC’s “The Walking Dead.” Along with brain matter, the beer includes wheat, oats and flaked barley, while organic cran-

Fenrir Nr. 26

Brewery Börg, Reykjavík, Iceland 6.0% ABV | Smoked Beer Iceland only legalized brewing beer in 1989, but rather than explore endless themes on glaciers, Vikings and snow, the eager Norsemen jumped straight to the other item they have in spades: sheep s**t. While this nugget of a beer is similar to the company’s West Coast-style IPA, the malt used in Fenrir is smoked using sheep droppings, one of the island nation’s key energy sources. Be sure to check out the cheeky YouTube video in which the brewmasters scour the Icelandic countryside for the perfect poo for their brew.

Mangalista Pig Porter

Right Brain Brewing Co., Traverse City, Mich., 6.6% ABV | Porter Like bakers, brewers have started to explore incorporating bacon into their beers, particularly ones that have chocolaty flavors. But Right Brain doesn’t screw around with a few scraps of pork belly: They use the whole pig’s head and a collection of bones, all of which are smoked before being added to the brewing process. So if you’re looking for a beer that tastes like a soft pretzel wrapped in ham and dipped in chocolate — and really, who isn’t?

— this one’s for you.

Pearl Necklace Oyster Stout

Flying Dog Ales, Frederick, Md., 5.5% ABV | Stout Stout beers and oysters have long been a favorite food pairing on the East Coast, but Flying Dog decided to combine the two mainstays in its Pearl Necklace Oyster Stout. The brewery — known for its beer names guaranteed to push the envelope of good taste — ferments Rappahannock oysters with the beer, and the reported result is subtle notes of oyster shell on the finish. At least the proceeds from the sale of the beer benefit the Oyster Recovery Partnership, a nonprofit working to restore oyster populations in Chesapeake Bay. —Reported by Joe Boomgaard

MONDAY

1/2 off all MI craft drafts 9PM - 1AM

TUESDAY

karaoke and $3 domestic jumbo tall boys

WEDNESDAY karaoke and $2 wells

THURSDAY

$2 domestic bottles open - close

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

Live entertainment

SUNDAY

NFL Ticket Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar $4 burger basket $6 PBR pitcher

THE WESTBAR ON THE BESTSIDE 801 5th St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 (616) 456-9058 theholidaybargr.com

REVUEWM.COM | October 2014 |

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Dock Street Walker Ale

Weird Beers

berries give the brew a so-called bloody hue. There’s no word on whether drinking four or five of them leads to a killer hangover.

23

The Beer Issue

The Great Revue Central/Se Michigan Whistlestop Beer Tour

S

by Joe Boomgaard | Revue Beer Czar

ay what you will about West Michigan,

we have an innate ability to vote for ourselves, particularly when it comes to beer.

Beer City USA — check.

Best beer bar — check.

Best beer retailer — check.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

You get the idea. We take self-promotion to a master level that would earn us respect even from a noted huckster like P.T. Barnum.

While West Michigan certainly has its fair share of great breweries, it’s far from the only region in the state with top-notch offerings. To prove the point, REVUE West Michigan headed east to explore more of what the “Great Beer State” has to offer.

(Yes, we have fun jobs.)

Joining the whistlestop tour of the central and southeast Michigan beer were: • Joe Boomgaard: Beer Czar of Revue and Managing Editor of sister publication MiBiz • Kim Kibby: Creative Director of all Revue publications • Nick Manes: Beer Bro/Juggalo Correspondent for Revue and Staff Writer for MiBiz • John Wiegand: Staff Writer for MiBiz and de facto “new guy” in the office.

We set out in the early morning from Grand Rapids one late-August day with the mission of experiencing as much of the beer culture in that part of the state as we could pack into one day.

Here’s what we uncovered.

24 | REVUEWM.COM | October 2014

1

2

Horrocks Farm Market

Jolly Pumpkin Ales

7420 W. Saginaw Hwy., Lansing shophorrocks.com, (517) 323-3782

311 S. Main St., Ann Arbor jollypumpkin.com, (734) 913-2730

The farm-market style grocery store offers a wide selection (as in, hundreds) of craft beers from around the globe. But the pièce de résistance is its new tavern inside the store that’s designed to allow patrons to “sip and stroll.” During our visit, crews were in the process of adding another 20 taps for a grand total of 50 beers that will be available for consumption in the store or for take-out in growlers. (See story on page 27.)

Sour beers are Jolly Pumpkin’s specialty. All the brewing is done off site using open fermentation, oak aging and bottle conditioning. The company also has a location in Traverse City.

Comments (Note: We all shared a pint of New Holland Dragon’s Milk.)

Kim: Very nice store and staff with a huge selection of beer and wine, food and gardening goods. Bonus: FREE COFFEE! John: Dragon’s Milk is a favorite of mine, but at 10 in the morning it just tasted like beer and bourbon to me.

Nick: Great hearty beer to call breakfast. An amazing store. Grand Rapids stores should take note of the shopping possibilities of having 50 beers at your disposal.

Joe: Soon to be 50 beers on draft — at a grocery store, no less! Great to see a small business being so innovative. They also have a killer selection of Michigansourced produce. Don’t miss the free coffee, either.

Comments Kim: Bière de Mars was my fave — certainly tart, almost like a cider, but more earthy and slightly creamy. Sours are slightly outside of my comfort zone, but this seems like a good place to experiment. Funky-yet-cozy atmosphere with an eclectic menu — and kick-ass truffle fries!

John: Fuego Del Otono was my first walk down the sour lane. A nice break from IPAs and stouts. Refreshing and unique.

Nick: La Roja was a solid amber ale with the appropriate sour notes drinkers of Jolly Pumpkin have come to know and love. The place itself felt a little bit dungeon-y. Dark and dank.

Joe: I’m a fan of sour beers, and Bière de Mars was the musty, citrusy standout of the bunch. The wait staff was a bit quirky. Our attendant signaled that she was ready to take our order by telling us, “My pen is poised.”

Solid food.

3

4

5

Grizzly Peak Brewing Company

Corner Brewery, Arbor Brewing Company

Unity Vibration

120 W. Washington St., Ann Arbor grizzlypeak.net, (734) 741-7325

Comments Kim: The Grizzly Peak Pale Ale was dry, citrusy and medium-bodied — hoppier than most pales. Solid. Lodge-y/ historic ambiance (inside).

John: Bear Paw Porter was a generic porter. Nothing to write home about, although I was a little sun-baked and beer-broiled at that point.

Nick: Steelhead Red was a decent amber but nothing particularly noteworthy. Being able to have the beer outside on the sidewalk, however, was a plus. More breweries should have un-cordoned patio sections on the sidewalk.

Joe: The Bear Paw Porter was solid, if unremarkable, and it was great to be able to enjoy it at the sidewalk table on such a gorgeous day.

720 Norris St., Ypsilanti arborbrewing.com, (734) 480-2739

93 Ecorse Rd., Ypsilanti unityvibrationkombucha.com, (734) 277-4063

Arbor Brewing has three locations: a pub in downtown Ann Arbor, a brewpub and beer garden in Ypsilanti and a pub in Bangalore, India. The Corner Brewery is an appealing setting with plenty of room for socializing and kicking back a few adult beverages with friends. The wait staff has just the right amount of surliness to keep things interesting.

While not traditionally consumed as an alcoholic beverage, kombucha is an ancient drink that Unity Vibration ferments into something akin to an American wild ale.

Currently just a production facility, the company expects to add a tasting room yet this year. Bombers of Unity Vibration’s various offerings (which are gluten-free) can be found at the better bottle shops throughout West Michigan. (See story on page 27.)

Comments

Comments

Kim: The Mackinac Island Fudge Stout was not as chocolatey as the name suggests. Thin-bodied, but a smooth, OK stout. (Should have had a Buzzsaw!) The Corner Brewery featured a large space with a reading nook and nice beer garden. Bar stools were emblazoned with the names of regulars.

John: The Mackinac Island Fudge Stout was a smooth stout and not nearly as fudgey as I expected it to be.

Nick: Buzzsaw IPA has been one of my favorite IPAs in the state and is often difficult to find in West Michigan.

Having it in a hefty 20-ounce mug in the beer garden while watching drunk bros play cornhole at 3 p.m. on a Thursday was also a highlight.

Joe: One of my favorite stops on frequent trips through the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. The Corner is everything a beer hall should be: Ample room for socializing, an outside beer garden complete with games, and oh yeah — solid beer. I only sampled the Kaladega Knights, a session black IPA, but it was very good.

John: Hippies everywhere, man. I dug the vibe of the joint and their story of starting up in the beer business.

I think they have something there, especially in foodie markets like Grand Rapids, as fermented foods gain popularity.

Joe: I’ve been known to buy their Bourbon Peach on occasion, so it was interesting to see the craft behind Unity Vibration’s kombucha beer. They’re clearly a passionate bunch.

6 Bitter Old Fecker Rustic Ales

Somewhere in a suburb of Chelsea (Note: This is only a production space at this time.) drinkoldfecker.com The brewer (a.k.a. Head Fecker) Nate Hukill aims to get back to “when people used to put all sorts of weird s**t in beer.” The results are anything but weird. Bitter Old Fecker uses nontraditional ingredients to create unique flavors that are unavailable elsewhere. His hand-bottled, labeled and numbered concoctions may not ascribe to strict beer style profiles, but they do truly uphold the craft of brewing. (See story on page 28.)

Comments Kim: Kaplan had lovely floral notes balanced with earthy morels. A tricked-out “reserve” version of Jet with extra hickory was smoky, peppery, boozy and DARK. And glorious, as in: “Wow. I need a cigarette after this beer!”

Unique ingredients lend complexity to the beers, which are full of flavor and body.

John: The modified version of Jet and Kaplan were awesome. This is the epitome of a small craft brewer not running with the herd and doing his own kick-ass thing.

Nick: “The world’s smallest brewery” in the back of a generic strip mall. Also, an amazing brewery! Can’t wait for the expansion to the west side of the state.

Joe: Seriously, folks: This is some of the best beers I’ve ever sampled, period. The mix of unique ingredients is no gimmick. Great earthy notes in both beers that are balanced out after time in the bourbon barrels.

Experimentation at its finest.

REVUEWM.COM | October 2014 |

25

The Beer Issue

Michigan’s got big — er, um — phalluses

R

oad trips through Michigan come with great visuals, ranging from picturesque lakes to rolling verdant fields of agricultural crops and interesting urban cityscapes.

Then there are the fantastic, glorious temples to the male member, of which the Revue Central/Southeast Michigan Whistlestop Beer Tour provided more than an eyeful.

It doesn’t even take a perv to see the phallic imagery in a specimen as grandiose as the famed Ypsilanti Water Tower. Here’s a ranking of the top three phallic landmarks encountered on the beer-themed road trip.

All phallic landmarks were ranked on a scale of 1 (tee-hee) to 5 (WHOA!!!).

Whoa!

Ypsi Water Tower Average score: 5

Phallic-o-meter

Kim: This one would make even my grandmother giggle.

John: By far the best. Beautiful rendition and praise to the architect who designed such a marvelous feat.

Nick: Ultimate phallic landmark. Masculinity personified in architecture.

Joe: Hats off to the city council that approved this fine specimen of municipal infrastructure. Think of the marketing possibilities: Ypsilanti. Big ****s. Pure Michigan.

Chelsea Clock Tower Average score: 3.375

Kim: Meh, it’s a clock tower. But it did make a ding-DONG sound. The adjacent Kids Stop was hilariously wrong.

John: (No comment.)

Nick: Pretty damn phallic. Made better by the kids stop and the Jiffy Mix factory next to it.

Not sure why, but it made me laugh.

Joe: Nicely defined, particularly the domed roof. Its only demerit is that it’s not free-standing.

Average score: 3.25

Tee-hee!

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Lansing Lugnut Kim: The tower alone might raise eyebrows, but the strategically (?) placed light fixtures on the Nuthouse building below put it over the top.

John: The tip looks like it had an unfortunate incident with a vise and hammer.

Nick: Long and skinny. Not nearly as phallic when compared with the others.

Joe: There’s just something about a giant bolt towering over a baseBALL stadium.

26 | REVUEWM.COM | October 2014

7

8

Dark Horse Brewing Company

Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro

Popularized by the “Dark Horse Nation” show that debuted on AMC this summer, Dark Horse has been tinkering with beer since 1997 at an ever-growing eclectic site in Marshall. Just don’t try playing AC/DC on the jukebox — or pressing the button for the bidet if your ass isn’t on the throne.

Walldorff is off the beaten path, but its handcrafted ales more than reward the journey. Customers have the option of a bar or bistro setting. The brewpub offers a decent selection of mainstay and seasonal beers that are wellbalanced and full of character.

511 S. Kalamazoo Ave., Marshall darkhorsebrewery.com, (269) 781-9940

Comments Kim: Crooked Tree IPA is an oldie but a very good IPA that’s full of flavor and aroma with a fairly drinkable ABV of 6.5 percent. The pub was busy and had many kids, but it features solid beer, good pizza and amusing memos from the management. Rustic décor — mixed with quirky items like an aquarium table — gives the place a laid-back vibe.

John: Raspberry Ale was a great summer beer that’s maybe on the less-manly side (for those keeping score).

I think they do a great job keeping it beer — with just a hint of berry.

Nick: Naturally, it’s time for a Double Crooked Tree IPA — because turn down for what? It went great with their delicious pizza and the 12 percent ABV kept my mind off an annoyingly loud patron sitting behind us.

Joe: I love Dark Horse’s pub and atmosphere, but it’s been getting progressively busier given the exposure from their new TV show. Crooked Tree and pizza — what more can a beer lover ask for?

105 E. State St., Hastings walldorffbrewpub.com, (269) 945-4400

Comments Kim: Cobain’s Double Dark IPA was a well-balanced black IPA. John: I had the Bee Sting Honey Rye. I normally avoid ryes, but this brew was pretty good. Crisp with a nice hoppy bite mellowed out by the honey.

Nick: This one is kind of a blur, but I think I had the Amber Waves. It was well worth it because without the extra beer, I probably wouldn’t have drunk-dialed one of my colleagues on the way home.

Joe: I’ve loved Walldorff’s Hopnoxxxious IPA ever since I first visited the brewpub last year. I took a growler home and its citrusy, piney hop flavors didn’t disappoint. n

‘Sip and stroll’ while you shop at Horrocks

By Joe Boomgaard | Revue Beer Czar

A

A Unity Vibration kombucha beer is dry hopped ahead of being open-air fermented in oak barrels.

Unity Vibration explores the art of fermentation with kombucha beers

By Joe Boomgaard | Revue Beer Czar

I

products being produced across the country — Unity Vibration’s included — had an ABV of about 1 percent, meaning they needed to be marketed as an alcoholic beverage, like beer, and restricted to customers over 21 years old.

The almost immediate setback for the fledgling company turned out to be a “sign from the universe,” said Tarek Kanaan.

While the company continues to sell its kombucha teas, the crackdown forced it to shift its focus to what’s become its signature product line of higher-alcohol kombucha beers.

It was difficult to boost the product’s ABV given the parameters of kombucha production, which is temperature sensitive by its nature because it uses living organisms such as yeast and probiotics — similar to those found in yogurt — during the fermentation process.

Kanaan developed the production process and recipes behind the beverages through a period of trial and error. The final recipe features what the company describes as a “symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, including Lactobacillus and Brettanomyces.”

“It’s a most interesting culture, and it’s good for you,” Kanaan said. “It’s non-pasteurized with living yeast that’s served alive versus cooked and forced carbonated.”

Although Unity Vibration initially tried to avoid positioning its products as beers because they could move more volume of non-alcoholic beverages, they found they could generate higher margins by selling alcohol even if the volume was smaller.

“We resisted beer,” he said. “But our sales were slow until we started selling it as a beer. … We really came to beer by accident.”

Unity Vibration’s beers are now sold in 11 states, including Michigan. Kanaan acknowledged the company has had to educate consumers about the ancient, although relatively obscure beverage. The company has participated in a series of Michigan beer festivals to help spread the word about its products to the traditional craft beer community.

“Craft beer drinkers are awesome,” he said.

“We target a lot of demographics, including the vegans and yoga (practitioners). It’s all across the board.”

In shifting their focus to beer, the creators intentionally shaped the products to be a reflection of their ideology. For example, they packaged the kombucha beer in 22-ounce bottles to encourage consumers to share the beverage with friends, rather than hoard it for themselves.

That ideology also extended to the company’s recent expansion. Unity Vibration doubled its space to 4,800 square feet and plans to add a tasting room to serve drop-in visitors that often stop by the production facility. To fund the project, the Kanaans turned to crowdfunding to raise about $136,000.

“It was a lot of work, but it was worth it,” he said of the crowdfunding process.

The company produced 568 barrels in 2013.

With the new space coming online, Kanaan hopes to grow the annual production rate 200 percent by the end of this year. n

REVUEWM.COM | October 2014 |

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n an unassuming building off the main drag in Ypsilanti, a small husband-and-wife-owned operation creates a unique brand of living alcoholic beverages: kombucha beer.

Unity Vibration Living Kombucha Tea LLC grew from an idea that Tarek and Rachel Kanaan first developed when they lived in California in 2008. They moved back to Michigan in 2009 and launched the company from a room in their home in Ypsilanti, initially selling kombucha tea products at farmers markets around Southeast Michigan.

From that humble beginning, Unity Vibration has slowly carved a niche for itself in the beverage market. In fact, the company’s Bourbon Peach kombucha beer, fermented in the style of an American wild ale, was named one of the top 25 beers of the year in 2013 by Draft Magazine.

But the company almost didn’t make it.

Whole Foods stores had just started stocking Unity Vibration’s products in 2010, when the retailer almost immediately pulled all kombucha products off its shelves after the federal government began investigating other producers.

All kombucha, including the traditional teas, contain a small amount of alcohol. Beverages with less than 0.5 percent alcohol do not need to be marked with the U.S. Surgeon General’s warning for alcoholic beverages and can be sold to the general public. However, many of the kombucha

Tarek Kanaan, co-owner of Unity Vibration.

growing store in Lansing aims to spice up the typically mundane grocery shopping experience.

Starting in July, Horrocks Farm Market opened an in-store tavern with 30 taps of craft beers for patrons to consume while strolling the aisles.

The feature has been so popular that the company, located at 7420 West Saginaw Hwy. just east of I-96, already started on an expansion project to add another 20 taps. The vast majority of the beers Horrocks features are made in Michigan, with a handful of craft beers and ciders coming from out of state.

“We wanted to let people buy a glass of wine or beer so they could sip and stroll,” said Dan Dunn, the store’s general manager.

To date, the tavern operation has exceeded expectations. In about the first month, Horrocks Tavern sold more than 600 growlers “and filled many more than that.”

“Our first month was way beyond what we’d Dan Dunn, Horrocks’ expected,” Dunn said, notgeneral manager ing most patrons just buy one glass to consume while they’re shopping or come in for growler fills.

The company also wanted to expose customers to smaller Michigan breweries such as Grand Rapidsbased Hideout Brewing Co. or Tapistry Brewing Co. from Bridgman — both of which have limited draft distribution to bars and restaurants and no retail presence in bottles or cans.

The current plans calls for the tavern to maintain a rotating tap list, perhaps on a seasonal basis, Dunn said.

A Horrocks store in Battle Creek also features tavern space.

“There’s been nothing negative,” Dunn said. “So far, everyone’s been really positive about it.”

27

The Beer Issue

Bitter Old Fecker Michigan’s “Outlaw” Craftsman of Beer Bitter Old Fecker exemplifies small-batch craft brewing

By Joe Boomgaard | Revue Beer Czar

N

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

athan Hukill wants to keep the “micro” in microbrewery.

But judging by the quality of the products he’s making, his Bitter Old Fecker Rustic Ales LLC in Chelsea is going to have to resist a considerable push to scale up production to meet demand.

“I want to keep it small,” Hukill said. “I have no desire to be the next Bell’s or Dark Horse with the volume I’m trying to reach.”

Tucked away in a tiny, unmarked suite in a strip mall in rural Southeast Michigan, Hukill has been brewing up handcrafted, barrel-aged concoctions for just over a year and a half. In that time, he released three highly-lauded beers, each of which defy style conventions.

A veteran homebrewer — “I had about a dozen filled carboys in my apartment at a time for a while there” — Hukill honed his brewing skills for years before going into business.

Hukill calls his small-batch creations “rustic ales” for a good reason: He intentionally wants his beers to harken back to the days

28 | REVUEWM.COM | October 2014

when brewers like his grandfather found inspiration in the materials they had on hand at the time. In essence, they used what nature provided them.

Bitter Old Fecker — Fecker is his mother’s maiden name — became a full-time job for Hukill a couple of months ago. He started the company in 2011, but just got licensed as a brewing operation in May 2013. In the meantime, he worked several jobs, including as a butcher.

He started in the beverage business by answering a Craigslist ad for a company in Ypsilanti that was looking for help with packaging beer.

Hukill ended up getting the job with Unity Vibration, a startup maker of kombucha beer. The experience helped him shape the business model behind Bitter Old Fecker.

“They were working from a single room in their house,” he said. “I just thought, ‘I could do something like this,’ and I eventually took it from idea to brand to what I wanted it to look like.”

Pick up any of the hand-labeled, hand-numbered bottles of Bitter Old Fecker beers and Hukill’s attention to branding becomes immediately clear. Early on in the process of developing the company when he was trying to figure out its brand identity, he came to an important realization: He wanted his labels to remind him of his favorite Hank Williams III album covers.

When his own versions didn’t live up to expectations, Hukill hit the Internet to search out Keith Neltner, the Kentucky-based creative artist behind the musician’s album artwork.

“I told him what I was doing, and he dug the idea,” said Hukill, who lists his title as Head Fecker. “I wanted to get noticed, but we were going to be really small. That’s one of the reasons I got Keith to do the branding.”

Like his favorite punk-outlaw country star, Hukill sets out to produce his own unique styles of beer — conventions be damned. That’s why the brewing process has involved ingredients

like rose petals, hickory bark, morel mushrooms, juniper, chamomile, honey and lavender — samples of which are stored in mason jars in the company’s small brewhouse.

The results of the “labor-intensive” brewing process speak for themselves, Hukill said.

“My beers are different by design,” he said. “They’re based on styles people are familiar with … but there’s always some kind of non-traditional ingredient to accentuate the style.”

To date, Bitter Old Fecker has produced three beers, all of which are aged in bourbon barrels in his tiny production space: n Strutter, an imperial IPA with chamomile, rose petals, juniper, and honey; n Kaplan, an imperial bronze ale similar to an old ale made with morel mushrooms; and n Jet, a black ale made with smoked peppercorns and vanilla beans.

A fourth beer, which was released just as this report went to press, is Darlin’, a blonde ale made with lavender and charred lemons. He expects to repeat the four beers again next year as seasonal releases, as well as work in other year-round offerings.

Looking ahead, Hukill plans to expand to a 10-barrel system in October to increase his production capacity from the 2,040-bottle run he produced for his most recent release. He’s also in the early stages of discussions to expand distribution of his beers to West Michigan.

They’re currently only available at select retailers in southeast Michigan, “Michigan is a deep market for craft beer,” Hukill said. “I just want to do what I do, the best I can.” n

$5 off growler fills every Tuesday happy hour Mon – Fri 3pm – 6pm

Featuring Holland’s largest and best curated selection of Craft Beer with a full menu featuring Brick Oven Pizza, Hand Crafted Sandwiches, Small Plates and Local Farm Fresh Ingredients.

70 Taps of Michigan cenTric fresh crafT Beer, cider & Mead.

84 East 8th Street, Historic Downtown Holland

•

616.396.8484

•

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www.hops84east.com

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule REVUEWM.COM | October 2014 |

29

The Beer Issue

Brewery Guide

Our comprehensive list of breweries in West Michigan and beyond Compiled by Revue Staff and Minions

GRAND RAPIDS AREA 57 Brew Pub & Bistro

1310 W. Washington, Greenville 57brewpub.com (616) 712-6226

Not only does the pub have a reputation for its Dirty Blonde Ale but also for partnering locally. To celebrate Montcalm Community College’s 50th anniversary, 57 Brew Pub created a special new farmhouse-style Centurion Ale for the occasion. Released Sept. 1, Centurion will be on tap all year to honor the college’s 50th anniversary. 57 Brew Pub also has food and beer pairings starting up in October, including presentations by chefs and brewers course-by-course.

B.O.B.’s Brewery

20 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids thebobsbrewery.com (616) 356-2000

B.O.B.’s Brewery, located on The B.O.B.’s lower level, produces a variety of beers from light, refreshing summer styles to rich, robust, dark beers for cold-weather months. Some of the standards are Crimson King, Blondie, and Full on India Pale Ale, while the seasonal specials include London Calling (4.5% ABV), Hopsun (4.5% ABV), Bobinator (4.5% ABV), and Hop Zeppelin.

Blue Cow

119 N. Michigan Ave., Big Rapids bluecowcafe.com (231) 796-0100

In addition to Blue Cow’s restaurant and brewpub, there is also a wine shop, proving this joint dabbles in a little of everything.

Dedicated to farm-to-table eating, the restaurant changes its menu every week as

a result of seasonal and weekly offerings from local farms. Try a Blue Cow Burger with a Poolside Porter or an English Ale. Or even a wine from the shop that you can bring to the table.

Brewery Vivant

925 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids breweryvivant.com (616) 719-1604

Living up to the translation of its name “to be lively,” Brewery Vivant is all about brewing the best beer and bringing together people who enjoy eating and drinking. While Vivant sticks to the fall tradition of having pumpkin beer on tap with Pumpkin Tart, it also switches that up with Blandford Maple Amber (6.0% ABV). The beer is made with fresh maple syrup from trees at Blanford Nature Center, making it a hyper-local and creative transition into fall. Also worth a taste is the Tripel Belgian Style Ale, a light body brew with a bread sweetness. What the hell are we talking about? All of Vivant’s beers are worth a taste... or four.

Cellar Brewing Co.

500 E Division St., Sparta cellarbrewingco.com (616) 883-0777

Cellar is a business of many talents. Not only is it notable for its beer selections, but the brewing company also has a winery and on-site distillery. Yes, friend. All your craft alcohol needs can be met in one place. There are 16 beers on tap, specialty cocktails, shooters and a number of wines in various styles. Don’t get overzealous, though, because we all know what happens when you mix beer, wine and spirits.

Cranker’s Brewery

213 S. State St., Big Rapids

Photos: Phil Artz

crankersbrewery.com (231) 796-1919

Cranker’s motto is simple: Drink good beer with good people. Cranker’s will take care of the beer, with six mainstay brews on tap plus one seasonal rotating in. They aren’t afraid to serve up some unfamiliar styles, such as California Common, a caramelmalted American style augmented by the uniquely minty wood flavor of Northern Brewery Hops. Adding a microbrewery on to Cranker’s in Big Rapids was such a success, the owners decided to do the same with their Coney Island restaurant in Byron Center. The business recently began serving up brews, including its Bulldog Red Irish Ale and Professor IPA.

Elk Brewing

700 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids facebook.com/ElkBrewing (616) 238-5227

Founders Brewing Company

235 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids foundersbrewing.com (616) 776-1195

Recently renovated, this Grand Rapids landmark features a warm and inviting hallstyle brewpub teeming with friendly faces, great live music, and superbly crafted beer.

You already know the likes of Dirty Bastard,

Grand Rapids Brewing Co.

1 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids grbrewingcompany.com (616) 458-7000

The re-launch of GRBC in 2012 as the Midwest’s first USDA-certified organic brewery marked the return of a historic brand name in local brewing that dates back to 1893. Sample a Silver Foam (4.5% ABV), a throwback to one the brand’s bestknown beers at the turn of the century, or the now-popular Fishladder IPA (6.5% ABV). Hungry? Try the GRBC PBJ made with cream cheese and pretzel pieces on Texas toast.

Gravel Bottom Brewery 418 Ada Dr., Ada gravelbottom.com (616) 920-7398

After celebrating a one year anniversary this past September, Gravel Bottom continues to persevere headstrong as a unique hybrid of homebrew supplier-slash-brewpub. With six rotating taps featuring recipes from local homebrewers, every trip to the bar presents surprise. With pint in hand, you may even be sitting next to the guy who made your drinking possible. Stop by to pick up beer equipment, stay to try the next brainchild from these passionate homebrewers.

Harmony Brewing Company

1551 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids harmonybeer.com (616) 233-0063

Once an old party store, the building is reclaimed and the home to Harmony Brewing Company. The brewery gave life to the neighborhood and the building, which had been sitting on Lake Drive, abandoned for 10 years. Since 2012, the brewpub has provided the Eastown neighborhood with a host of small-batch brews, signature cocktails and wood-fired pizzas. In fact, Harmony has had so much success in the past two years that the owners are expanding to the old Little Mexico building on Grand Rapids’ west side. The new brewery is tentatively titled Harmony Hall and will be a separate entity from Harmony. Until then, enjoy some Star Stuff and a Crispy Pig at the current location.

Hideout Brewing Company 3113 Plaza Dr., Grand Rapids hideoutbrewing.com (616) 361-9658

and chances are they have it. Be sure to try their in-house brews as well, such as Beer Right Meow, an American IPA, and its Russian imperial stout, which comes in at a hefty 10.5% ABV. This month, grab a Hopfenkatz (5.3% ABV), HopCat’s version of Oktoberfest.

Jaden James Brewery

4665 Broadmoor, Kentwood cascadecellars.com (616) 656-4665

The owners of the Cascade Winery proved they can ferment hops as well as grapes when they opened the Jaden James Brewery. The result is rotating taps (including Peanut Butter Porter, Cream Ale, IPA, Weiss Bier and a gluten-free option) plus an extensive wine list and root beer made in the winery.

Osgood Brewing

Originally, Hideout’s facility was a hot tub rental-by-the-hour spa called Hubba Tubba.

The hot tubs are gone but Hideout is still a hot spot for gatherings and dessert beer.

The Cinnamon Red Velvet Cream Ale (5.6% ABV) is all the glory of a red velvet cupcake in a cup, with pink foam. Pumpkin Pie Milk Stout (5.8% ABV) is made with pumpkin spice and actual pie filling creates a thicker brew like you’re eating a slice of pumpkin pie. And if you can’t make it to Grand Rapids, Hideout now distributes state wide.

Osgood Brewing (Osgood as in Hiram Osgood, a lawyer who kept a tavern 200 years ago) is in favor of beer that is big in flavor, quality and variety. When residents demanded a brewery for Grandville, the owners answered by founding Osgood in 2012. And here they are, featuring six mainstay taps, including their citrusy Journey IPA (6% ABV).

HopCat

The Peoples Cider Co.

Named one of the best beer bars in the world by the folks at Beer Advocate, HopCat is something of a field of dreams for beer drinkers. With 100 draft beers and an additional bottle list, you simply name a beer

For the past few years, The People’s Cider has remained Grand Rapids’ best kept secret, but the whispers will likely grow to howls once owner Jason Lummen opens his production facility to the public this

25 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids hopcatgr.com (616) 451-4677

4051 Chicago Dr. SW, Grandville osgoodbrewing.com (616) 379-1237

600 Maryland Ave. NE, Grand Rapids thepeoplescider.com (616) 322-7805

October. This upgrade will allow patrons to go on brew tours and buy the products in store, but you’ll have to hold your horses a little longer before tasting opens on site.

Visit the Fulton Street farmer’s market Wednesdays and Saturdays to find People’s cider in bottles, including Mrs. Sally Brown, a bourbon barrel aged scrumpy style weighing in at 8.5%.

Perrin Brewing

5910 Comstock Park Dr., Comstock Park perrinbrewing.com (616) 551-1957

Fully equipped with a kitchen serving up local fare and 20-25 brews on tap at a time, Perrin Brewing Company has much to offer its patrons. Mixing the old with the new, Perrin crafts an array of beers including the 1885 Porter (5.9% ABV) and Sleeping Bear Beer (5.4% ABV), inspired by the iconic tale of the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Seasonals include Bashtoberfest (4.6% ABV) and Malted Milk Ball Imperial Porter (10%ABV).

Rockford Brewing Company

12 E Bridge St., Rockford rockfordbrewing.com (616) 951-4677

Huge advocates for West Michigan agriculture, Rockford means local and they mean business. Their American pale, Paradigm, is Pure Michigan approved, with all ingredients sourced from Michigan soil.

Get excited for the farm-to-table kitchen fare, along with an outdoor deck overlooking the Rogue River. Enjoy the fall with their take on a pumpkin beer, a Butternut spiced ale brewed with locally grown squash.

Schmohz Brewing Company 2600 Patterson SE, Grand Rapids schmohz.com

REVUEWM.COM | October 2014 |

Scene Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

Elk is nothing extravagant, no crazy beer ingredients and that’s why it works. Owner and headbrewer Eric Karns takes your standard styles and works with them until they are signature Elk. The porter may be a little more chocolatey than most, but that’s the point. Elk takes the styles you see regularly on menus and adds its own twist on them. In the pub, it’s just Elk beer and that’s that. Simple and to the point. Patrons, however, can bring in outside food, making the brewery accessible and enjoyable.

Centennial IPA and Kentucky Breakfast Stout, but Founders always has unique small-batch beers rotating through the taps, such as Spite, a pale ale brewed with hot chilies. Come by for a beer on the expansive patio (complete with fireplaces and heaters to keep you warm) before winter takes hold.

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The Beer Issue (616) 949-0860

What started as the brainchild of four beer-loving Michigan Tech students has grown into a locally driven brewery. With on-tap offerings now up to 20 unique styles, Schmohz has something for everyone. Relax in their cozy taproom with a pint of Kiss My Scottish Arse (Scotch ale, 9.2% ABV), or Valley City Cream Ale (4.3% ABV). Going alcohol-free? Schmohz has got you covered with its craft root beers and N/A beer.

The Mitten Brewing Co.

527 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids mittenbrewing.com (616) 608-5612

Located in the historic Engine House No. 9 with a “take me out to the ball game” atmosphere, Mitten Brewing Company welcomes visitors with a vintage charm.

Offerings include Mitten Pale Ale (5.3% ABV), Batch 100 (11% ABV) and Triple Crown Brown (4.2% ABV) — and you must try it with the gourmet pizza. The brewery plans to expand to the upstairs of the building soon, possibly by the time you are reading this magazine.

Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro

105 E. State St., Hastings walldorffbrewpub.com (269) 945-4400

If you’re into disc golf and craft beer, head over to Walldorff Brewery where they are passionate about both. Stop in before or after a game and try their Hammond Hill Pale Ale, a light crisp pale ale with mild hop kick made with leaf hops from start to finish. Named after the nearby disc golf course where they sponsor two holes, this is a perfect beer for all pale ale and disc golf lovers.

White Flame Brewing Company

As of this writing, an opening date has not been announced, but mug club memberships have already sold out for the brewery.

They say don’t judge a beer by its name, but it’s hard not to when White Flame’s are so damn awesome. For example, there’s the Lumpy Space Princess, a crimson-hued IPA brewed with pineapple and pink peppercorns. Better yet, check out the Cookie Monster, a brown ale brewed with local spicy ginger cookies and lactose added directly into the mash. Genius. Come as you are to their cozy taproom and you’ll find 12 more taps of solid brews, and if you discover a favorite, take it to-go in one of their 32 oz. “Crowlers” (can growlers).

New Holland Brewing Company

5234 36th Ave., Hudsonville whiteflamebrewing.com (616) 209-5098

LAKESHORE

Big Lake Brewery

977 Butternut Ave., Suite 4, Holland facebook.com/biglakebrewing (616) 796-8888

In 2009, three friends, all engineers, decided to make their own little microbrewery on Holland’s north side. Fast forward a few years and Big Lake Brewery is currently busy experimenting with crafting good beer and wine and providing a relaxing atmosphere for thirsty folks. Offerings include Locked Out Pale Ale (5.2% ABV) — so named when the brewer locked himself out of the building — and Lawrence Brown (7.4% ABV).

Fetch Brewing

100 W. Colby St., Whitehall fetchbrewing.com (231) 638-7545

66 East 8th St., Holland newhollandbrew.com (616) 355-6422

New Holland recently renovated and expanded its downtown brewpub, which offers a great atmosphere for a meal and a beer. New Holland steps up its dedication to local with Michigan hops, wheat and barley now being brewed into several beers. Good bets that are always on tap include the subtly peppery Monkey King Saison (farmhouse ale, 5.8% ABV), and high-gravity Dragon’s Milk (bourbon barrel stout, 10% ABV).

Odd Side Ales

41 Washington Ave. Suite 160, Grand Haven oddsideales.com (616) 935-7326

Odd Side tinkers with recipes and experiments with ingredients in order to brew complex, unusual beers. Stop in to try one of their 21 taps, such as Derelicte (6.8% ABV), an IPA brewed with fresh-cut pineapple, and Mayan Mocha Stout (6% ABV), a Mexican hot-chocolate inspired stout brewed with Dutch chocolate coffee, cinnamon, nutmeg and habaneros. The brewery has recently expanded and now sells a few of its beers in bottles.

Old Boys’ Brewhouse

971 Savidge St., Spring Lake oldboysbrewhouse.com (616) 850-9950

If man’s best friend is the dog, then his next best friend is a fresh glass of beer.

Old Boys’ Brewhouse knows this, and the

friendly taphouse invites patrons to raise a glass in celebration of canines’ ability to bond with humans. Toast your favorite fourlegged friend with classic favorites like Old Boys’ Brown Ale (4.8% ABV) and Connor’s Kolsch (4.8% ABV), as well as interesting seasonals such as Irascible (5.5% ABV), an American brown ale aged three months in a barrel with cherry juice and wild yeast.

Our Brewing Company 76 E 8th St., Holland ourbrewingcompany.com (616) 994-8417

Our Brewing Company entices the masses by constantly changing the beers, including the house-made ciders. Real crowd pleasers consist of Careless Whisper IPA and the Toasted Coconut Porter, which is roasty and brewed with the company’s unsweetened coconut hop cider. The brewery will be having a costume party in November in honor of their two-year anniversary. Enjoy Thrift Store Trivia every Tuesday (with prizes) and live music on Fridays.

Pigeon Hill Brewing Company 500 W. Western Ave., Muskegon pigeonhillbrew.com (231) 375-5184

After being open for only five months in 2012, the brewery expanded its fermentation space. Not too bad, eh? Named after the giant sand dune that once occupied Muskegon Lake, Pigeon Hill operates in Muskegon Brewing Company’s pre-Prohibition grain mill. Continuing its dedication to Muskegon history, items from Muskegon Brewing Company (established in 1876) can be found in Pigeon Hill’s taproom. We recommend the 1762 R.I.S., a 9.0% ABV Russian Imperial Stout.

Pike 51 Brewing Company 3768 Chicago Dr., Hudsonville pike51.com (616) 662-4589

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

SOAKING IN IT

D

on’t just drink it, dude. Experience Beer City, USA at the Amway Grand Plaza Spa & Salon with beer-inspired services that will entice the guys to sign up for some pamper-

ing, too.

Baby step into the Brew Pedicure, which features a beer foot bath, invigorating scrub, hot towels, cooling mask, massage and cuticle and nail care while sipping a beer. Go all in for the Brew Polish and Massage with a beer-inspired body scrub followed by an aromatherapy massage and a gift card to enjoy one beer of your choice.

“The scrub is made with hops and barley. It’s an incredible exfoliate, making skin feel soft,” said Spa Manager Caitlin McClelland. And don’t worry, you won’t smell like stale beer, more like citrus from the hops and an oatmeal aroma from the scrub. Services are inspired by Brewery Vivant Solitude and Founders All Day IPA. Call the Spa & Salon at (616) 776-6498. —Missy Black

32 | REVUEWM.COM | October 2014

Pike 51, which is the on-site brewery at Hudsonville Winery, offers 16 beers on tap.

Staying away from alcohol? No problem, since Pike 51 also offers homemade root beer. Beer menu highlights include Wheatwacker Session Wheat IPA (4.3 % ABV), the malty Brass Monkey Vienna Lager (5.9% ABV), Tall Boy American lager (4% ABV), and Sabotage, a milk stout with coffee (6.3 % ABV).

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

This expansive microbrewery combines the charm and character of an Irish pub with the bold, contemporary elements of a gleaming microbrewery. With 13 brews on tap, from Pier Cove Porter (6.3% ABV) to the crisp and refreshing Singapore IPA (6.7% ABV), there’s a style for every palate. Starting at

$265, you can even brew your own batch of beer on-site, under the guidance of a staff brewer.

Unruly Brewing Company

360 West Western Ave., Muskegon unrulybrewing.com (231) 288-1068

The people who created Unruly Brewing don’t just love beer. They love beer, music and art. Unruly Brewing Company combines all three to create a lively atmosphere all bundled up in a restored 1890s building.

Imbibe a little history with Unruly’s 1890, a historically accurate cream ale that you would have seen on taps before Prohibition.

Or try 21 Guns, a hoppy wheat that is a patron favorite.

Vander Mill Ciders

14921 Cleveland St., Spring Lake vandermillwinery.com (616) 842-4337

If you’re a cider drinker, you know them and you love them. Vanguards of the West Michigan cider scene, Vander Mill’s business has exploded thanks to rave reviews by word of mouth and not to mention top-notch cider. Hot off releasing Ginger Peach in cans this past summer, they’re looking now for a fall can release of their dry-hopped cider, Nunica Pine. Stop by the barn to try even more treats like their doughnut chips.

KALAMAZOO AREA AND BATTLE CREEK

Arcadia Ales

103 West Michigan Ave. in Battle Creek and 701 E. Michigan Ave. in Kalamazoo arcadiaales.com (269) 963-9690

Arcadia may be located in America’s cereal capital, but this brewery specializes in handcrafted British-style ales. By combining the best malted barley across the pond and the best hop offerings of the Pacific Northwest, Arcadia produces beer with exceptional character and flavor. Try the Hop Rocket Imperial IPA (9% ABV). In May, Arcadia opened a second 30,000-square-foot location in Kalamazoo, which serves as a brewing location and brewpub, as well as packaging and sales offices.

Bell’s Brewery

355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo bellsbeer.com (269) 382-2332

This Michigan brewing powerhouse has become a household name outside of the Mitten as well. With more than 25 years experience, 22 mainstay and seasonal beers and an impressive range of distribution,

REVUEWM.COM | October 2014 |

33

The Beer Issue

Key Beer Terms for Fledgling Hopheads

By Jack Raymond

Bell’s has redefined what a craft brewery can be. We recommend Hopslam (10% ABV) for the daring and Two Hearted Ale (7% ABV) for those who want to tone down the hoppiness.

Bilbo’s Pizza

3307 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo bilbospizza.com (269) 382-5544

This Kalamazoo pizza joint (inspired by The Lord of the Rings trilogy) has been brewing its own beer and selling it for years. If you’re seeking something that won’t be found anywhere else, stop in for a pie and wash it down with some of Bilbo’s famous Wizard Wheat or Dragon Red Ale.

Boatyard Brewing Company 432 E. Paterson St., Kalamazoo boatyardbrewing.com (269) 808-3455

Beer is not just another drink to Boatyard Brewing Company. Each brew is the craft of artistic fermentation at this Kalamazoo microbrewery. For example, the 12 Tried and Trues, seasonals and special projects, are truly Michigan beers with local ingredients.

Brews include Blonde Horizon (6.4% ABV), Lost Peninsula IPA (6.4% ABV), Hold Fast Pale Ale (6.2% ABV) and Calleigh’s Irish Stout (5.4% ABV).

Bravo! Café

5402 Portage Rd., Kalamazoo bravokalamazoo.com (269) 344-7700

While you may have grown accustomed to plopping down your elbows at your local pub, Bravo! offers a more distinguished experience. Not stuffy in the slightest, but quality forward absolutely. For eight years, Bravo! has focused on small batch brews, featuring staples like the Chef’s amber ale and bold offerings like the Triple Vice, a bourbon barrel-aged stout brewed with cocoa nibs and local Kalamazoo coffee.

Check out their quality wine list and food menu as well.

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Dark Horse Brewing Company 511 S. Kalamazoo Ave., Marshall darkhorsebrewery.com (269) 781-9940

Dark Horse Brewing Company has ‘always been a little bit different.’ So it’s no wonder The History Channel brought in these big-bearded guys from Marshall who are dedicated to making bad-ass beer. Filming for Dark Horse’s 12-episode reality show has ended but the beer is still flowing. Like the Scotty Karate, a Scotch ale with a murky brown head with toffee malts and dark fruit aromas that hide the 10% ABV. Careful with this one.

Gonzo’s Biggdogg Brewery

140 S Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo gonzosbiggdoggbrewing.com

34 | REVUEWM.COM | October 2014

(296) 217-0603

Greg “Gonzo” Haner has more than 20 years of brewing experience under his belt. Naturally, he had to share some of it with West Michigan, because that’s what we’re about here. In 2013, Haner opened up Gonzo’s Biggdogg Brewhouse with Brian Hill. The canine-centric brewery features a number of brews, including its Hollow Head Pumpkin Ale, right in time for fall.

Other brews include the Dogg Days Ale, a year-round brew and Into the Night Stout, for those who like their beers dark.

Latitude 42 Brewing Company

7842 Portage Rd., Portage latitude42brewingco.com (269) 459-4242

Opened in July 2013, Latitude 42 Brewing Company is Portage’s first brewery, with a head brewer that came from Hawaii to start up the business. The best part? The beers-to-go, which come in six packs, 32 and 64-oz. growlers and kegs. Surprise your guests at your next gathering with Latitude’s El Diablo, which is the brewery’s Lil’ Sunshine Golden Ale infused with chipotle peppers.

Old Mill Brewpub

rupertsbrewhouse.com (269) 337-9911

Rupert’s most sought-after beverages include the Double hIghPA (a grapefruitflavored IPA) and the M-43 Porter -- named for the road that goes from South Haven to Lansing and cuts through Kalamazoo. The brewery is hoping to get a seven-barrel system going in a separate building and working on obtaining a distiller’s and small winemaker’s license in order to cater to customers with gluten-free preferences.

On a budget? Thirsty Thursdays offers $3.50 for all pints.

Tibbs Brewing Company 402 S. Burdick, Kalamazoo tibbsbrewing.com (877) 762-7397

This little brewery opened up in 2013, adding to Kalamazoo’s growing beer scene. The owners used bootstrapping as a strategy to open the brewery and produces small-batch brews. In addition to its mainstays, Tibbs makes room on its beer roster for experimental brews, like its Pumped Up Pumpkin and Belgian Chocolate Stout, which was specifically brewed for the Kalamazoo Public Library’s Booktoberfest. Books and brews. What a combo.

717 E. Bridge St., Plainwell oldmillbrew.com (269) 204-6601

Old Mill stands out from other brewpubs by its location. The 115-seat brewpub is housed in the more than 100-year-old Historic Eesley Mill, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to the scenery, Old Mill sources locally and seasonally when possible, serving wine and liquor in addition to its craft beers, which include Crazy Beaver Cream Ale, Sunshine Stout, Island City IPA, Railside Red Ale, Fear Biter Black IPA., Mackinac Island Double Fudge Porter, Pumpkin Ale, Wooden Shoe Wheat Ale and Free Love Passion Fruit Ale.

Olde Peninsula Brewing Company

200 E. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo oldepenkazoo.com (269) 343-2739

Olde Peninsula is just one of many breweries helping to grow the Kalamazoo beer scene, and not just because it is Kzoo’s first brewpub. (Didya know that?) Established in 1996, OP strives to bring customers a complete brewpub experience. It features five original brews on tap, including Sunset Red Amber Ale (5.75% ABV) and Rockin’ Raspberry Wheat (5.5 % ABV). Those looking for a bit more variety can try one of the four “Mix-N-Match” options, like Black Razberry, a combination pour of the Raspberry Wheat and Midnight Stout.

Rupert’s Brew House

773 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN Cravings Bistro and Brewpub

1599 Mall Dr., Benton Harbor facebook.com/pages/ Cravings-Bistro-and-Pub (269) 934-9700

Cravings Bistro and Brewpub had its official opening last month, with seven taps of their own brews, plus an additional 21 taps of visiting drafts that range from locally brewed to domestic beverages. The food menu varies from pub fare to fine cuisine.

Final Gravity

103 N. Phelps St., Decatur finalgravitybeer.com (269) 436-8052

Formerly Patchwork, this brewery recently went through a name change, but still sticks with brews and gourmet pizza as its staples. Final Gravity specializes in West Coast, Northwest and Belgian-style beers and is not afraid to get a little wild. Prime example? Its Jalapeno Heavy (6.2% ABV), a jalapeno beer. The brewery also offers a hopped-up brown ale (Brown Eye P.A., 6.5% ABV) and for coffee lovers, its Eye Hopper (9.3% ABV) is an imperial stout with some serious java undertones.

Greenbush Brewing Co. 5885 Sawyer Rd., Sawyer greenbushbrewing.com

Publican: The manager or owner of a pub. Next time you rub shoulders with the head honcho of your favorite joint, shake his/her hand and say “Thank you, fine publican, for providing such tasty libations!” Maybe they’ll comp you a pint for using such fancy lingo.

Head: The head, measured in fingers thick for some reason, is the foam layer blanketing the surface of a beer. A quality head retains its shape and leaves spider-like lacing as it dissipates.

Dank: Typically a word reserved for hippies sessioning some devil’s lettuce, beer geeks have adopted the term too to describe the pungent aroma of many double IPAs which, let’s face it, totally smell like a fresh bowl of pot.

Skunked: Uh-oh. You just took a sip of an IPA you’d been saving for a rainy day and it tastes like a possum fart mixed with an old carrot. Unfortunately, beer has an expiration date you can’t find on the bottle. To avoid this, drink with expediency or stash your stuff within the depths of the darkest dungeon you’ve got.

Growler: A 64oz. glass jug, brewpubs sell and fill these containers so you can take their draft beer back home. Good news: after you’ve drank all the booze, any brewery will refill your new growler — for a price, of course.

ABV: This here acronym stands for “alcohol by volume.” Brewers

use the measurement to define exactly how boozy their beer is.

Simply put, the higher the percentage goes, the fewer bottles you’ll need to rock a good buzz.

IBU: Proud hop-heads love to graft this statistic onto the sides of their bottles. Brewers use the International Bitter Unit measurement to let the masses know how hoppy of a beer they’re getting into. After you pass 100 IBUs, prepare to pucker up.

Malt: The starchy backbone of beer ingredients. It’s bottom-ofthe-food-pyramid stuff: barley, grain, corn and the like. Malt balances out the bitter and the sweet with roasty goodness.

Yeast: Honey...your beer...IT’S ALIVE! Yes, these active microor-

ganisms are responsible for beer’s best byproduct: Alcohol. But mind you, yeast does more than get you drunk. With more than a hundred different species in this fungal family, yeast adds a host of flavors.

Hops: Tiny green nuggets of joy. The special humulus lupulus is culprit for the bitter properties of a beer. This plant also adds loads of aromatics.

Brettanomyces: A funky yeast varietal that adds sour character to beer. Most brewers work hard to keep this wild strain out of their suds, but some kooks search it out like a delicacy. Q: Why do all brewers keep a cat in their brewery? A: To keep away the brettano “mices.” Hehe.

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The Beer Issue (269) 405-1076

For more adventurous beer-drinkers, visiting Greenbush is a must. The birth of Greenbush’s signature copper-hued Red Bud Ale (6.1% ABV) was a mistake (the brewers accidentally went overboard on the hops), but that doesn’t make it any less of a beer.

This type of experimental tinkering has led to the creation of some of Greenbush’s finest beers including the Belgian-style golden ale, 1825 (9.3% ABV), and the Closure pale ale (5.9% ABV).

The Livery

190 5th St., Benton Harbor liverybrew.com (269) 925-8760

Hand forged by the Benton Harbor brew gods, these guys pump out some of the best barrel-aged brews in the state, including their recent on-site bottle release of the Bourbon Barrel Trippel Weizenbock, which clocks in at a whopping 12.5% ABV. Proponents of the craft sour movement, The Livery specializes in wild ales as well,

Portlandia Beers

including the Funkalicious, a delicious imperial red aged in red wine casks with raspberries thrown in the mix. With 16 taps, two handpulls, a dog-friendly beer garden and live music every weekend, only the insane avoid paying The Livery a visit.

Millgrove Brewing Company 633 114th Ave., Allegan millgrovebrewing.com (269) 355-8803

Founded in 2011, Millgrove’s Wayfarer Cream Ale hit the taps all around West Michigan, appearing at The Electric Cheetah in Grand Rapids and Bubba’s Sports Bar in Allegan. Recently, Millgrove has moved to a new location with a taproom, which opened July 4.

Paw Paw Brewing

929 E. Michigan Ave., Paw Paw pawpawbrewing.com (269) 415-0145

REVUE Publisher Brian Edwards spent the month of August on sabbatical in Oregon, dutifully researching some of the region’s finest craft beers.

Here are some of his personal favorites: Cascade Brewing Apricot, Portland (8.5% ABV)

Sour beers are kind of the rage in the Pacific Northwest these days, but most of them have too much pucker for my liking. Cascade’s Apricot is an excellent exception. It’s a sour blonde ale barrel aged nine months, then aged with fresh, local apricots for another six months.

Heater Allen Pilsner, McMinnville (4.8% ABV)

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

I fell in love with Pilsners when I was in the Czech Republic five years ago. Nothing else has ever measured up -- until now. Brewed in Oregon’s wine country, Heater Allen’s bohemian-style pils is malty, bready and kind of sweet. It is nearly a perfect beer, especially on a summer day in Oregon.

Double Mountain Clusterf*ck IPA, Hood River (7.3% ABV) The beer’s cheeky name actually comes from the oft-forgotten cluster, which was the predominant hop used by brewers for many years. I’m not a hop-head, but this IPA is balanced, crisp and drinkable. For the record, I found myself drinking lots of IPAs in Oregon, especially the Ninkasi Total Domination (Eugene); Boneyard Beer’s RPM IPA (Bend); and the Hopworks Urban Brewery’s IPX Single Hop Series (Portland).

DeSchutes Black Butte Porter, Bend (5.2% ABV)

My favorite new beer is probably the best-known beer from the best-known brewery in Oregon and it is as good as advertised. Put simply, Black Butte is to porters what Oberon is to wheats or KBS is to barrel-aged stouts. It isn’t just at the top of the category, it defines the category. Smooth, creamy and balanced, it’s one of those beers that will change the way you think about porters. Best of all, it’s going to be available in Michigan starting this fall. —Brian Edwards

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Striving to integrate culture and local products, Paw Paw Brewing joined the Michigan microbrewery scene in 2010. Offerings include St. James English Mild (5.1% ABV), Jake’s Vanilla Bean Porter (6.3% ABV) and Laughin’ Paw Pale (5.4% ABV), a pale ale styled in the European tradition. Fall brews include Twisted Pumpkin, Bloody Zombie and Concorde Blonde, inspired by the local grape and wine festival.

Pleasant House Three Oaks 9 N. Elm St., Three Oaks pleasanthousethreeoaks.com (269) 756-3600

Yes, a brewery that specializes in pies and handcrafted beer actually exists, and it’s Pleasant House in Three Oaks. Experience award-winning traditional British savory pies and handcrafted beers, all in one place. Pair their Pleasant House signature Ol’ Codg (Codger) 100% British with fruity aroma hops, malt and ESB yeast strain with a Steak and Ale Pie, an all-natural pie with beef, ale, carrots and herbs, because just like your beer, pies don’t always have to be sweet.

Round Barn Brewery 9151 First St., Baroda roundbarnwinery.com (269) 326-7059

Round Barn is a winery that just so happens to know beer. The staff uses more than 30 years of fermentation experience to create quality beer for customers who crave more than just wine. There are currently 21 beers on tap (with one tap dedicated to sangria), including mainstays and rotations. Seasonal treats for fall include Harvest Ale, West Highland Scotch Ale and Black Magic, a raspberry chocolate stout, brewed with locally grown raspberries.

Tapistry Brewing Co 4236 Lake St., Bridgman

tapistrybrewing.com (269) 266-7349

No, the name’s not a typo. Tapistry unites taps and chemistry in pure brewing harmony with true-to-form styles that aren’t afraid of play, too. Stop in to try the final beer in their Hansel & Gretel Trilogy series, Burn the Witch, a weizenbock featuring only authentic German ingredients. Or if bocks aren’t your bag, grab fan favorite Mr. Orange, a Hefeweizen brewed with blood orange and rose hips. Final word: Taco Tuesday. Seven bucks. Three pork tacos.

Every Tuesday. ‘Nuff said.

Virtue Cider

2170 62nd St., Fennville virtuecider.com (269) 561-5001

Dank cellars aren’t just for winos. After constructing their second cider house 16 feet underground, all fermentation now takes place under the depths of Fennville soil to yield maximum apple flavor. You can find four of their ciders in 750ml bottles including the tart Lapinette, a Norman-style cidre brut, aged in French oak barrels. Also search for the November release of 2013 vintage The Mitten, their bourbon barrel aged cider.

EagleMonk Pub and Brewery 4906 W. Mt. Hope Hwy., Lansing eaglemonkbrewing.com (517) 708-7350

EagleMonk is celebrating their second year of “made on premises” craft beer, wine, soda and pizza. Located in what was once a liquor store, the pub is now a family friendly environment. Try the barbecue chicken pizza paired with the Michigan White wheat beer. The brew is made with 100 percent Michigan grown and malted barley and wheat, spiced with traditional hops for an easy-drinking brew to pair with an easy-eating pizza.

Grand River Marketplace

117 W. Louis Glick Hwy., Jackson grandrivermarketplace.com/ brewery (517) 962-2427

Grand River Marketplace basically has all you need: a microbrewery, winery, restaurant and retail store. Oh, and it also hosts live music in its steampunk-inspired pub. Basically, there’s a lot going on in one building. Beers vary from simple to simply outrageous, with the Airship Cream Ale and Ghost of Darkwheat orange chocolate wheat serving as the best examples of this balance.

Harpers Restaurant & Brewpub

MID MICHIGAN

131 Albert Ave., East Lansing harpersbrewpub.com (517) 333-4040

BAD Brewing Company

Harper’s has an atmosphere that you would expect out of a college town bar: loud, crowded, and fun as hell. With everything on tap from pales to IPAs to stouts to their signature Spartan Wheat, it’s certainly worth it to wade up to the bar and get your hands on a glass.

440 S. Jefferson, Mason badbrewing.com (517) 676-7664

BAD Brewing went from having six beers to 14 on tap since it opened its doors in July 2012. There are four house beers on tap at all times (like the Kraken IPA), with the rest of the taps open for rotating beers and seasonals. Try the Chocolate Covered Coffee Brown Ale, which is infused with coffee from Best Sellers, a local coffee shop in Mason. Oct. 4 marks the second annual Fall Fest Block Party, which will see the release of the brewery’s fall beer lineup.

Bifferhaus Brewing Co

900 Lansing Ave., Jackson facebook.com/ bifferhausbrewingcompany (269) 832-8940

After brewing beer for nearly two decades in his home for friends and family, Terry Howard decided it was time to share his beer with the citizens of Jackson. Bifferhaus Brewing Company offers porters, brown ales, IPAs (Indian Pale Ales), pale ales, fruit beers, seasonal ales and cask beers in a taproom personalized with handmade mugs created by artist Ken Shenstone from Albion. While Bifferhaus doesn’t serve food on site, outside food is welcome to accompany your drinks.

Hometown Cellars Brewing Co

108 E. Cedar St. Suite D, Ithaca hometowncellars.com (989) 875-6010

Hometown Cellars professes to be one of the first nano-breweries in the state. And rightly so — they brew one barrel at a time.

But don’t judge a brewery by its size, judge it by its beer. Hometown offers Blond Ale, Oatmeal Stout, Belgian White, Cream Ale, Pale Ale, India Pale Ale, Brown Ale, Wheat and Red Ale.

Midtown Brewing Company

402 S. Washington Sq., Lansing facebook.com/ downtownlansingmiidtownbrewing (517) 977-1349

Midtown Brewing likes to share the goods.

Not only does the brewery have its own beer on tap, but Midtown features 14 additional Michigan brews on its taps as well. Additionally, the brewpub has a full liquor license, providing all kinds of adult beverages to patrons. But just because

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The Beer Issue there is an expansive list of adult beverages doesn’t mean Midtown is an adult hangout. The brewery is family friendly and has offerings for children as well.

Mountain Town Brewing Co. 614 W. Pickard St., Mount Pleasant mtpleasantbrew.com (989) 400-4666

Combine a cozy, wood-filled taproom with a neighborhood atmosphere and you’ve got the headquarters of Mountain Town Brewing. Here you can see live local music or enjoy a game of darts while sipping on one of the brewery’s 18 offerings, including a seasonal Oktoberfest (6% ABV) and the imposing Freight Train Double IPA (8.6% ABV).

TRAVERSE AREA

Beggar’s Brewery

4177 Village Park Dr. Suite C, Traverse City beggarsbrewery.com

Beggars is a small production brewery with a brewmaster who has a big passion for craft beer. Head Brewer Michael Rizik, a graduate from The World Brewing Academy/Doemans Academy in Munich, Germany is celebrating one year of bringing his beer into the world. Currently, Beggars is a production facility only and does not have a bar or taproom open to the public.

There are plans, however, to open one soon.

Beggars beer is distributed statewide so pick up their flagship beer Old Friends Pale Ale, a crisp light bodied ale brewed with 100 percent local hops.

Big Toe Brewery

205 Lake Ave., Traverse City bigtoebrewery.com (231) 941-4422

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Big Toe is small, but that’s how the owners intended it to be. Founded in 2012 and located inside the OM Cafe, the brewery focuses on small batch, hand-crafted, bottle-conditioned beers. Beers range from a classic pilsner, to more creative brews like Q, which has quinoa in the recipe.

Brewery Ferment

511 S Union St., Traverse City breweryferment.com (231) 735-8113

The right beer can create a moment of nirvana. Find that moment at Ferment, where brews are influenced from traditions around the world while staying true to the mitten using Northern Michigan ingredients. If good beer isn’t enough to have fun, the tap house is stocked with dart boards, coloring books and board games. Good beer, good atmosphere, good friends… that’s nirvana.

Brewery Terra Firma

2959 Hartman Rd., Traverse City breweryterrafirma.com

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(231) 929-1600

Celebrate the ingredients that go into beer with a stop at Brewery Terra Firma, which is part brewery and part agricultural destination that mixes old and new technologies in the pursuit of innovative beer. Stay grounded with the Manitou Amber Ale (5.3% ABV), which balances a malt body with a bouquet of whole cone hops, or the Karma Palace IPA (5.7% ABV) that uses five hop varieties without becoming too bitter.

The Filling Station Microbrewery

642 Railroad Pl., Traverse City thefillingstationmicrobrewery.com (231) 946-8168

Brewing machine David Cannizzaro began The Filling Station with the idea that his 20 years of home brewing deserved a bigger audience. Starting with a love for craft beer and a lot of family involvement, The Filling Station celebrates two years of providing the highest quality hand-crafted brews and edibles. Stop in and fill up — at Traverse City’s original railroad depot — on their “Red Hot Best Award Pizza in Northern Michigan,” and a cold brew like the Clover Pale Ale (6.4% ABV), made with English and American pale malts, and Belgian caramel malt with English Fuggles for the classic bitters and spicy Czech Saaz finishing hops.

Kilkenny’s Irish Public House

400 W Front St., Traverse City kilkennyspub.com (231) 941-7527

Pass your night Irish style at Kilkenny’s Irish Public House, comfortably located just below North Peak Brewing Company and the edge of Traverse City’s downtown.

Enjoy the house-made beer while taking in some live music and dinner.

Mackinaw Brewing Company

161 E. Front St., Traverse City mackinawbrewing.com (231) 933-1100

The first brewpub to open up in Traverse City, Mackinaw features a little something for everyone. The pub house serves seven beer varieties — including the light and crisp GT Golden or the Cherry Heritage Lager — as well as locally brewed wine, mead and cider.

North Peak Brewing Company 400 W. Front St., Traverse City northpeak.net (231) 941-7325

Housed in a former candy factory, this brewpub is out to satisfy a different type of craving. Enjoy live music on the large outdoor party deck while quaffing one of North Peak’s faithful interpretations of styles such as IPA, Irish stout and amber. Try North Peak’s flagship, Diabolical IPA (6.6% ABV), which is aggressively hopped with a hint of caramel sweetness.

Rare Bird Brewery

229 Lake Ave., Traverse City

rarebirdbrewpub.com (231) 943-2053

By fusing the qualities of a great brewery and a great beer bar, Rare Bird represents a restaurant borne of a unique flock indeed.

While they feature at least four in-house taps, brewed by owner Tina Schuett, they like to let their friends in on the fun too, by reserving the remaining taps for local Traverse City breweries, some domestic craft breweries, and foreign imports as well.

Their menu transforms standard pub fare into exotic cuisine. Try pairing El Duderino IPA with their kimchi inspired chicken wings, served with Brussels sprouts and cambozola blue cheese.

Right Brain Brewery

225 E. 16th St., Traverse City rightbrainbrewery.com (231) 944-1239

The Evel Knievel of West Michigan brewing, Right Brain thrives on the thrill of risk.

Here, art and beer collide. Of course, the Pig Porter receives eyebrow-raising for its use of smoked pig heads, but the creative concoctions don’t stop there. Give their Apple Pie Hole (6.5% ABV) a go, their fruit beer made with 40 whole pies in every batch. If you’re hungry, Right Brain’s got you covered with seven varieties of waffle sandwiches, including an immaculate fluffernutter creation.

The Workshop Brewing Co. 221 Garland St, Traverse City traversecityworkshop.com (231) 421-8977

The Workshop is a brewery that lives by a manifesto to preserve the region’s environment, to support TC’s community, and to honor traditional craft. Look elsewhere for new-fangled beers, but come to The Workshop for their take on workaday styles like the Pry Bar Porter (5.1% ABV). After a hard day’s work, hammer your cares away with the 10 Pound Sledge IPA (5.5% ABV), a less-aggressive English-style IPA.

SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN

Arbor Brewing Company

114 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor, and Corner Brewing, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti arborbrewing.com (734) 213-1393

Arbor Brewing started out humbly, as many microbreweries do. Within the past 20 years, however, the brewery has not only expanded to two locations in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, but expanded to India as well, making it an international brewery. The fifth brewery to open in Michigan and first to open in Ann Arbor, the brewery has won numerous awards, including categories in

HopCat Expands By Doing Its Own Thing

By NICK MANES

A

fter a career in finance, Mark Sellers was semi-retired when he decided to open a bar that was the type of place he wanted to hang out at.

And just like that, in 2008, downtown Grand Rapids’ HopCat was born.

What started as simply a hobby has now been ranked the No. 3 best craft beer bar in the country and Sellers is in the process of opening numerous new locations.

HopCat opened its second location in East Lansing last July, as well as a location in Indianapolis this summer. HopCats in Detroit and Ann Arbor are slated to open in November and January, respectively.

Sellers thinks the bar’s success can be attributed to three simple things: beer, food and atmosphere.

“A lot of the choices I made...others in the (bar) industry said wouldn’t work,” Sellers said.

Those choices include no uniform requirements for employees and deciding not to carry fizzy American macro beers like Budweiser or Miller.

“I wasn’t trying to make money and it turns out that’s how you make the most money,” he said.

As Sellers grows the HopCat brand around the region, there will be a certain amount of standardization across the restaurants such as the same food menu and a similar aesthetic vibe. Artwork featuring legendary rock and jazz musicians, long a standard of the original location, will be a part of new locations.

While all locations will share common traits, Sellers said he’s not trying to start a chain. Each HopCat will have its own unique characteristics. Take the Detroit location, for instance. When it opens this winter in the city’s Midtown neighborhood it will mark Sellers’ first foray into live music.

The location will feature a 400-person live music venue on the building’s second floor. The venue will focus on rockabilly and alternative country acts. Veteran club manager Ted Smith of Grand Rapids venues The Orbit Room and Tip Top Bar and Grill will be handling booking for the venue.

“One of the big reasons (Sellers) approached me is he liked the bands I book at Tip Top,” Smith said, adding New York City-based Pitch Black Brass Band will play the venue on its opening night.

Thus far the success of HopCat speaks for itself. The East Lansing location, as well as the newer Indianapolis bar, have both performing exceptionally well, he said. He expects that his philosophy will transfer just as well to Detroit and Ann Arbor.

“If you try to please everyone, you please no one.”

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The Beer Issue business, environmental recognition and of course, beer.

Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery 207 E. Washington, Ann Arbor bluetractor.net (734) 222-4095

While beer and pizza may be the ultimate pairing, beer and barbecue comes in at a very close second. Blue Tractor takes the joy of enjoying beer and barbecue harmoniously and steps it up, putting a craft spin on everything they make. From its baby back ribs and smoked beef brisket to signature cocktails and of course, beer that pairs perfectly with the menu, Blue Tractor knows what they’re doing.

Chelsea Alehouse

420 N. Main St. #100, Chelsea chelseaalehouse.com (734) 433-5500

This brewery, which opened in December 2012, focuses on American and English ales as its primary brews. New to the beer list is the Chelsea Cream Ale, an easy-drinking ale.

For something with a little more kick, try the Hollier 8 (8.2% ABV), an American double black ale. The brewpub is cozy and inviting, with a menu full of classic sandwiches and pub-fare appetizers. While Chelsea may serve adult beverages, it’s also family friendly, complete with a healthy menu for the kiddos as well.

Grizzly Peak Brewing Company

120 W. Washington St., Ann Arbor grizzlypeak.net (734) 741-7325

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Grizzly Peak’s got history. The brewery, which was established in 1995, is housed in a 100-year-old building in downtown Ann Arbor. Formerly the Old German, Grizzly Peak’s owners bought the building in 1995, turned it into the brewery and have now brought back a little of the Old German’s history. Last summer, Grizzly Peak opened up the Old German in the brewery’s basement.

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The venue emphasizes German beer culture.

Of course, Grizzly Peak is still dedicated to its craft brews and you can taste some of its classic and newer styles (like Anniversary Ale, to celebrate its 19 years in business) at the brewery.

Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant, Brewery, Distillery 311 S. Main St., Ann Arbor jollypumpkin.com (734) 913-2730

Specializing in sour styles, Jolly Pumpkin just went through an expansion early this year into a 70,000-square-foot building in Dexter. This is in addition to its location in Traverse City and a cafe in Ann Arbor. As part of the expansion, North Peak Brewing Company now operates within the building.

Original Gravity Brewing Co. 440 County St, Milan ogbrewing.com (734) 439-7490

First off, the town’s not pronounced “Millan” as they say in Italy — it’s “My-len.”

Don’t look like a noob and get it wrong.

Everyone will laugh at you, and you’ll be butt hurt. Secondly, OG offers a damn fine, wonderfully malty Primordial Porter (6.0% ABV) and the boldly hoppy Country Street Amber (5.5% ABV).

Unity Vibration Living Kombucha

93 Encorse Rd., Ypsilanti unityvibrationkombucha.com (734) 277-4063

Unity’s unique brand of kombucha beer happened as a result of a federal government crackdown on kombucha beverages. These beverages are supposed to have .05% ABV or less in order to be sold. Unity’s had about 1% ABV. The owners decided to go a different route, hike up the ABV and make kombucha-style beers. These brews are all aged and open-air fermented in oak barrels.

NORTHERN MICHIGAN

Beards Brewery

207A Howard St., Petoskey beardsbrewery.com (231) 753-2221

Beards Brewery celebrated its second anniversary in August with limited releases and a special beer for the event, Anniversario, an imperial rye stout is thick and creamy and features roasted, chocolatey flavors.

The brewery has a lineup of nearly 50 rotating beers (75-100 have seen life on taps in total), which include creative offerings like Tree Blood Maple Stout, a stout brewed with maple sap instead of water; Golden Axe, a Belgian ale brewed with local honey; Apple Crisp, a hybrid cider/ beer that is brewed with local apple cider and cinnamon; and Oatmeal Raisin Cookie, an experimental brown ale that will be on tap this fall.

Big Buck Brewery & Steakhouse

550 S. Wisconsin Ave., Gaylord bigbuck.com (989) 732-5781

Big Buck is not only a brewery, but also boasts a winery and distillery. Meaning, this place knows booze. There are eight mainstays on tap, as well as seasonals.

Get toasty with Winter Warmer, a brown ale with a knock-you-down 16.8% ABV. Looking for something on the light side?

The Buck Naked Light is an American-style, low-calorie beer with a 3.2% ABV.

Big “O” Brewery

9825 Engles Rd., Northport goodneighbororganic.com (231) 386-5636

Big “O” Brewery is part of Good Neighbor Organic Farms and Winery. All food and drinks produced by the company are completely organic. Brews are available by the

Booze-itics

T

he growth of craft beer in Michigan has legislators taking a break from being scared of the word ‘vagina’ and looking at the state’s antiquated laws for production, distribution and consumption of God’s Nectar.

Many of the laws regarding alcohol in the state date back to Prohibition. As the craft beer, wine and spirit industry has become established, many of the booze-hound

growler or pint, and hard ciders and wines are also on hand in the tasting room.

Cheboygan Brewing Company

101 N. Main St., Cheboygan cheboyganbrewing.com (231) 268-3218

When you combine beer geeks and history nerds, chances are you’re going to get a brewery like Cheboygan Brewing Company.

The original Cheboygan Brewing Company went out of business due to Prohibition. A century later, it was re-established and the brewing process took into consideration the beers that were on tap 100 years ago.

Jamesport Brewing Company

Short’s is constantly topping the list of microbreweries Michigan beer lovers most want to visit. With 20 beers on tap, Short’s will have something you love and something you never knew you loved. Visitors will find familiar favorites like Huma Lupa Licious (7.7% ABV) or the deliciously fruitinfused rye ale, Soft Parade (7.5% ABV) alongside zany short-production brews like Key Lime Pie (5.5% ABV), an ale brewed with fresh limes, milk sugar, graham cracker and marshmallow fluff.

Stormcloud Brewing Company 303 Main St., Frankfort stormcloudbrewing.com (231) 352-0118

This Victorian storefront was built in 1890 and originally housed a saloon, so it’s fitting that the building’s current tenant, Jamesport Brewing, serves more than 15 microbrews to quench any thirst. With all the standard styles covered, JBC spices up their menu with a Scottish strong ale, a hefeweizen and a dry stout from a nitro tap for a smoother, creamier pour.

Well, this just sounds dreamy. Stormcloud may seem like your typical small brewery, but it’s two blocks away from Lake Michigan in idyllic Frankfort. Sip on some Belgian-inspired brews and contemplate life while surrounded by beaches, sand dunes and the Point Betsie Lighthouse. Try its flagship beer, Rainmaker Ale, a classic Belgian IPA with well-balanced hops and malts. The food menu includes charcuterie and seven gourmet popcorn options. Like we said. Dreamy.

Petoskey Brewing

Tandem Ciders

410 S. James St., Ludington jamesportbrewingco.com (231) 845-2522

1844 M-119, Petoskey petoskeybrewing.com (231) 753-2057

In 2012, Petoskey Brewing opened, fully renovated and ready to offer madeon-premise, hand-crafted beer and light food offerings. Get wild with the Horny Monk Belgian Dubbel, which includes six different kinds of malted barley, Belgian candied syrup and Belgian yeast. If that’s too intense for your taste buds, try their Minds Eye P.A. or Sparkle American Lager, a clean, easy drinkng beer.

Shorts Brewing Company

121 N. Bridge St., Bellaire shortsbrewing.com (231) 498-2300

entrepreneurs are asking if the laws are still relevant. Turns out, Lansing is largely saying “no.”

Below, REVUE provides you with a brief run-down of changes in booze policy, that will make Michigan feel like less of a teetotaler state.

Self-distribution

Small craft brewers — those producing less than 1,000 barrels per year — can now distribute to customers on their own, rather than going through a middleman. Rockford Brewing is reported to be delivering to a dozen or so accounts in the city’s downtown area.

2055 N. Setterbo, Suttons Bay tandemciders.com (231) 271-0050

“Let the apples speak for themselves.” How’s that for a mission statement? Focused on farm-fresh products, the apples travel from local orchards, guaranteeing a true taste of Leelanau County in every bomber.

Smackintosh is a clear hit featuring, of course, the Macintosh apple, but check out deep cuts too like Bee’s Dream, a cider made with Julius Kolarik’s locally sourced honey. Currently distribution is limited to the more high-end beer boutiques in Grand Rapids and Detroit, but we’re in the midst of a big cider boom, ladies and gentlemen, so expansion is inevitable. n

Size Matters

Recent legislation changed the definition of a “microbrewer.” Now, under the current language, a brewer can produce up to 60,000 barrels per year, rather than the pitiful 30,000.

Pubs

Brewers like Eastown’s Harmony Brewing have the definition of a “brewpub” in the eyes of Johnny Law, also limiting what they can and can’t do. However, HB 4710 allows for a brewpub owner to now own five locations — up from three — and more than triples the amount they can brew annually to 18,000 barrels. —Nick Manes

The Beer Issue

beer events

By Lindsey Wylie-Gruen VanderFest

Vander Mill, Spring Lake Oct. 4, 4-10 p.m. $25 in advance vanderfest.com Your ticket includes eight sampling tickets, a printed festival mason jar and an evening full of beer, cider, music and entertainment. Get to know local cideries, as well as area breweries and restaurants.

Zombie Beer Fest

New Salem Corn Maze, Dorr Oct. 4, 4-9 p.m. $35, $45 VIP beercityfestivals.com Salem Corn Maze hosts its first Zombie Beer Fest, which will feature more than 30 microbreweries, cider mills and distilleries. Oh, and zombies. Attendees in full zombie costume will be granted early entrance to the festival and allowed access to the “Zombie Only” area, which will feature an exclusive beer specially designed for zombie consumption. Just try not to mistake the patrons for actual zombies when they’re stumbling around at the end of the night.

Octoberfest Music and Craft Beer Festival

Schedule | Dining | sights | Sounds Scene

Downtown Ludington Oct. 10-12, times vary by day $20 advance, $25 at the door, $40 VIP downtownludington.org/octoberfest

Oh man. This festival has expanded to two days to include more entertainment and — duh — beer. And guess what?

There are daytime activities for the whole family in addition to the live music and beer tasting. New events this year include VIP Beer School and a meat-centric open fire cookout.

Founders 11th Annual Harvest Party

Founders Brewing Company, Grand Rapids Oct. 11, 11 a.m.- close $8-$10 foundersbrewing.com, (616) 776-1195 Back for 11 years and running, the Annual Harvest Party highlights Founders’ Harvest Ale, a wet-hopped ale. Paid entry gets you a commemorative pint glass and your first pint of either Harvest Ale or a Founders Class 1 Beer. Musical performances include Whiskey Shivers, The Hooten Hallers, The Carboys and Angela Sheik.

Kalamazoo Craft Beer Festival

Wings Stadium, Kalamazoo Nov. 1, 1-7 p.m. $35 advance, $40 at the door, $60 VIP wingsstadium.com Your $35 ticket will get you 10 tasting tokens, or upgrade to VIP for $60 and receive 15 tasting tokens, a take-home six pack of craft beer, and an hour early admission. Taste beer from local and outof-state breweries.

Kalamazoo Beer Week Area Kalamazoo businesses Jan. 10-17 kalamazoobeerweek.com

Established in 2012, this week connects craft brewers with locally owned businesses to create perfect pairings.

The week features tastings, interactive events, dinners and an opportunity for patrons to meet area brewers. In 2014, KBW hosted more than 200 beer-related events in eight days.

Pure Ludington BrrrewFest Downtown Ludington Jan. 31, time TBA

Ludington is presenting a new winter beer festival that will feature 20 Michigan breweries for an afternoon of music and brews.

10th Annual Winter Beer Festival Fifth Third Ballpark, Comstock Park Feb. 27-28 Tickets on sale Dec. 4 mibeer.com/winter-festival

The mother of Michigan beer festivals, last year’s fest sold out in a mere three hours. For the beer lover, this is Mecca.

In 2014, there were 88 breweries at the fest and more than 800 beers to sample.

(Please don’t sample them all, though.)

Saugatuck Expands into Minnesota

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n Sept. 8, Saugatuck Brewing Company partnered up for distribution with Bernick’s of St. Cloud, Minnesota to launch the brand in the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes. Locations where you can pick up SBC brews include the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul. In addition, SBC currently distributes throughout Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Northern Indiana, as well as several foreign markets. The company anticipates production of more than 6,500 barrels for this year. —Lindsey Wylie-Gruen

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Photo: Rob Meendering

Biggums’ Beer Fest Born Out of Sold-Out Winter Beer Fest

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ot being able to get tickets to the annual Winter Beer Festival in Grand Rapids can wound a person to their core. But it’s nothing a snow blower, some friends and the construction of a giant snow beer cooler can’t fix. It was then that Biggums’ Beer Fest was born and Commissioner James Beck, along with henchmen Travis Earley, Mack Scudder and David Radel, were brewing up something good. Held annually toward the end of winter, Biggums’ Beer Fest is a chance to get out of the house with friends and enjoy your favorite beer around a bonfire. Admission is “a six pack of your favorite microbrew per person,” Beck said. “We put them in the snow bank and try whatever and share for the whole night. The best part of finding your brew is to shop around for something you want to try.” Friends bring food potluck style with beer out back in the yard with music and burn barrels for “hobo style barrel fires” to keep warm. In the past, beer koozies and bottle openers have been parting favors but new and notable this year, organizers are trying for a sledding luge. —Missy Black* *This writer attended and became beerified.

“The mission of our “Killing Craft” Series is to support and defend craft beer from all threats, foreign & domestic, macro, micro and nano.

We will strive to accomplish this by producing clean, consistent and imaginative products.”

REVUEWM.COM | October 2014 |

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SHOCK TOBER HORROR FILMS EVERY FRIDAY IN OCTOBER! SHOWINGS START AT 9:30PM - $2 ADMISSION 211 TROWBRIDGE ST, DOWNTOWN ALLEGAN

10/3 - The Conjuring (2013) 10/10 - Rosemary’s Baby (1968) 10/17 - Poltergeist (1982) 10/24 - The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) 10/31 - Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

*Costume contest on Halloween with special $1 admission, prizes and more!

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/// LOCAL MUSIC

MUSIC NEWS Grand Rapids, say hello to two new record labels. Sorority Vomit, technically a “cassette label slash art collective” headed by Indiana imports Shane Gettig and Tim McGinn, kicked things off last month with a show at Vertigo Music for Cassette Store Day (Sept. 27) to celebrate the release of the Doomed Boy EP from local outfit Super Medusa. Gettig said Sorority Vomit will be putting out limited quantity cassette releases and hosting more shows this fall.

Dizzybird Records, headed by Grand Rapids locals Nicole LaRae and Brian Hoekstra, is also stepping out into the light this month, with a launch party scheduled for Oct. 17 at The Pyramid Scheme. See related story on page 52.

Kalamashoegazer 8 Is Here to Carry You into the Heavens | by Nolan Krebs

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I asked Garman what his favorite pedal kalamaShoegazer 8 was, he said, “That’s like asking a parent Louie’s Trophy House Grill, to pick their favorite child!”

Kalamazoo Regardless of whether you’re a guitar Oct. 11, 3 p.m., $10 techie or not, Garman said it’s a good Tickets: kzooshoegaze.bpt.me/ opportunity to check out a different corner of the already-eclectic Kalamazoo music scene. “... For a city its size, Kalamazoo has a vibrant and eclectic music scene that could rival many major cities,” he said. “There are far worse places to be stranded in the Midwest.”

It’s also a good chance to check out some new tunes from Crash City Saints, which is currently putting the finishing touches on the follow-up to its debut album Glow In The Dark Music.

The show kicks off at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11 at Louie’s Trophy House Grill. n

Double Phelix, Kalamazoo’s beloved venue/studio/collective, hosted its last show at the 505 E. Kalamazoo Ave. location on Sept. 27 and announced it would be moving to a new, unannounced space. Keep your eyes peeled.

Whiskey Shivers PHOTO: sandy carson

Welp, autumn is pretty much here. Soak in the season at Founders’ Harvest Party on Oct. 11 with Whiskey Shivers, The Hooten Hallers, The Carboys and Angela Sheik.

glowfriends

Stepdad PHOTO: Ryan Pavlovich

There’s at least one confirmed Halloween dance party with tunes that don’t suck: Grand Rapids’ Stepdad will be playing the Pyramid Scheme with Sphynx and Flint Eastwood on Friday, Oct. 31. Tickets are $12 in advance and $14 at the door.

REVUEWM.COM | October 2014 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

hoegaz e fans, stan d i n soli darity; Kalamashoegazer is back.

Now in its eighth year running, the show is West Michigan’s yearly bloodrite to the dreamy swells we know and love as shoegaze. With performances from longtime K-Zoo players glowfriends and Crash City Saints, this year also features sets from Dear Tracks (formerly known as Cave Needles, Grand Rapids), Panda Riot (Chicago), Brief Candles (Milwaukee) and others.

Other than being a show where a lot of people would be down to talk about Loveless or Nowhere, which is totally fine, Kalamashoegazer is a tradition more long-running than a lot of self-described mini-fests and an event that draws delightfully spacey music enthusiasts.

For Dear Tracks guitarist Matt Messore, the attractive part of a shoegaze show is what draws a lot of people in: the capacity for experimentation and soundscaping within the style. “[It’s] almost like being in your own world, where you can create your own rhythm, time and mood,” Messore said.

Joshua Garman, of Crash City Saints, agreed (albeit with mystic eloquence).

“It’s that sublime tension that comes when guitar noise experimentalism slams head first into a classic pop sensibility,” Garman said. “Like, a twin juggling act, for a moment they work together to defy gravity.”

Far from just a niche genre, shoegaze came up in a big way during the ‘80s and ‘90s in the UK while grunge was building speed stateside. Bands like My Bloody Valentine (from Ireland) and The Jesus and Mary Chain (from Scotland) took listeners for a new sort of ride, demonstrating a healthy reliance on equipment to mold the swell and “wall of sound” vibe that are now trademark to the genre.

Some corners of the Internet will tell you the term “shoegaze” comes from the inherent tendency of the performer to be looking at their feet, which control the guitar’s effects pedals that control the tone. When

Panda Riot

PHOTO: Jamie Bernstein

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/// On Tour

Open Hours

Deafheaven Finds Success in Defying Genres

MON-SAT 3PM-2AM KITCHEN 4:30PM-11PM

Happy Hour

| by Josh Spanninga

MON-FRI 3-7PM $2 Domestics, $2 Wells $3 Calls, $1.50 Retros

S

760 BUTTERWORTH SW GRAND RAPIDS, MI 616.272.3910

OPEN VINYL PARTY MONDAYS, NO COVER, 8PM

COMEDY NIGHT 2ND AND 4TH TUESDAY, NO COVER, 8:30

OPEN MIC NIGHT WITH SAM KENNY WEDNESDAYS, NO COVER 9PM

OCTOBER 3 - Red Elvises OCTOBER 2 - Barrence Whitfield and the Savages w/ Big Sandy & His Fly-Rite Boys OCTOBER 4 - Greg Nagy OCTOBER 8 - Filthy Still, Matthew Mule McKinley, Drunken Cuddle and The Devil’s Cut OCTOBER 10 - Old Shoe w/ Reviving The Era OCTOBER 11 - Laura Rain and the Caesars OCTOBER 15 - Ghost Town Blues Band

Barrence Whitfield

OCTOBER 16 - The Moonrays OCTOBER 17 - Heywood Banks OCTOBER 18 - Heywood Banks (early show)

Heywood Banks

OCTOBER 18 - Sonny Knight and the Lakers

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

OCTOBER 19 - Los Straitjackets featuring Deke Dickerson w/ The B- Sides OCTOBER 24- Brent Johnson and the Call Up Continental

OCTOBER 25 - Tommy Womack and Wild Ponies OCTOBER 30 - Continental wsg The Hex Bombs and The Waxies

Los Straitjackets featuring Deke Dickerson

48 | REVUEWM.COM | October 2014

OCTOBER 31 - Necrophilicons, Murder Party, Antilogical and Dead Eye Zack

o m eti m e s th e b e st The band’s unique mixture partnerships in music are forged in of black metal, shoegaze friendship. Just ask George Clark and Kerry McCoy, the core duo behind and post-rock earned Deafheaven. While many other band memit critical acclaim, with bers have come and gone, Clark and McCoy Deafheaven’s 2013 album have remained a constant driving force of the band.

Sunbather finding its way “We’ve been friends for a really long to the top of many critics’ time,” Clark said. “I think we first started year-end best-of lists. messing around with music together when we were like 16, but nothing serious. We really formed our music partnership when we were 18 or 19, and that just sort of continued this the longest-running lineup in the history of Deafheaven. up until now.”

Since Sunbather, the band has been In 2010 they formed Deafheaven as a way to experiment with sounds reminiscent touring relentlessly in America and Europe, to the American and French black metal they and recently put out a new single “From the were interested in at the time. As the band Kettle Onto the Coil” as part of the Adult Swim singles series. The expegrew, so did its sound. rience working on the single “We played together was a fresh one for Clark. more, and essentially over Deafheaven wsg “The thought process time you begin to find your Sapphic and Dakhma with writing a single as opown voice and things like The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids posed to writing an album is that,” Clark said. “I think we Oct. 1, 8 p.m., $15 you can just sort of have fun became comfortable expandpyramidschemebar.com, (616) with the single,” Clark said. ing in different directions and 272-3758 “It doesn’t necessarily need just ended up sounding the to fit as a part of a bigger way that we sound.” picture.”

The band’s unique mixFor diehard fans who are anxious for ture of black metal, shoegaze and post-rock earned it critical acclaim, with Deafheaven’s even more music from the band, Clark has 2013 album Sunbather finding its way to good news.

“We’re going to finish up the rest of the the top of many critics’ year-end best-of lists. Clark said this gave the band a “vote year doing the rest of our touring, and then of confidence, which is something that we we plan on working on a new record.” n absolutely needed.”

Additionally, the rest of the band that performed on the album has stuck, making

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49

/// ON TOUR

Joan Osborne Tackles Love’s Messy Aspects | By Dwayne Hoover

M

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

ost of us came to k n ow Joan Osborne with her 1995 Grammynominated hit single, “One of Us.” Since then, the singer-songwriter has enjoyed continued success with multiple studio albums exploring a variety of genres, from the 2006 country album Pretty Little Stranger to the more bluesy offerings on her 2012 record Bring It On Home.

The inception of Osborne’s latest album, Love and Hate, actually began many years ago, even before the release of two of her other records. Initially, she had a specific vision for the direction of the album, but as she continued to write and the project evolved, she noticed an emerging theme.

“I think when you’re writing stuff your subconscious steers you toward where you want it to go,” Osborne said. “It sort of becomes apparent after a while. It just seemed the lyrics I was writing were about romantic love. It

50 | REVUEWM.COM | October 2014

really was a good move because it gave me a structure for the record that I didn’t have before.”

But this isn’t a mix of traditional songs about falling in love and breaking up. On Love and Hate, Osborne dives into the complex, messy aspects.

“I do think that those moments [of] either ending or beginning something, they’re so exciting in a certain way that that’s what people are drawn to,” Osborne said. “It’s more difficult to get to the more ambivalent or complicated feelings. ... It’s just much more complicated terrain.”

The music itself deviates from the blues-rock sound she’s probably best known for, and was put together with the help of a collection of notable musicians, including Wilco guitarist Nels Cline and Spin Doctors drummer Aaron Comess.

“That’s one of the great things about having done this for so long, that I’ve become acquainted with so

many talented people over the years,” Osborne said. “It’s fun to bring your pals into the studio when you’re working on something like this.”

Now, not only is she on tour in support of her new album, she’s also touring separately as a member of the band Trigger Hippy, and trying to manage all of that with being a mom.

“I have to be around for my daughter as much as I can,” Osborne said.

“That’s the toughest part of being on the road is being separated from her. That’s the balancing act. It’s the same with any working mom.” n

Joan Osborne Wealthy Theatre, Grand Rapids Oct. 16, 8 p.m. $30 advance, $40 day of show, $25 CMC Member grcmc.org, (616) 459-4788 PHOTO: Jeff Fasano

OCT 2 - $30

MATTHEW PERRYMAN JONES + ANDREW COMBS OCT 4 - $22

THE BALLROOM THIEVES

MICHAEL MCDERMOTT OCT 11 - $25

PIERCE PETTIS OCT 15 - $22

THE BALLROOM THIEVES OCT 21 - $15

DANIEL CHAMPAGNE

DANIEL CHAMPAGNE OCT 24 - $18

ANNE HEATON NOV 1 - $25

PETER BRADLEY ADAMS NOV 6 - $32

ANNE HEATON

JONATHAN EDWARDS NOV 8 - $20

CALLAGHAN NOV 11 - $35

ANNA NALICK NOV 15 -$24

WILLY PORTER PETER BRADLEY ADAMS

NOV 22 - $18

DAVE MCGRAW & MANDY FER NOV 29 - $20

JESS KLEIN Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining | Schedule

DEC 6 - $30

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ALL SEATS RESERVED. NO ADDITIONAL TICKET FEES. BAR AVAILABLE. MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED. 21+

SEVEN STEPS UP LIVE MUSIC & EVENT VENUE: 116 S JACKSON ST. SPRING LAKE, MI 49456 PINDROPCONCERTS.COM (231) 557-7687

REVUEWM.COM | October 2014 |

51

Heaters

/// local music

dizzybird records Made by Music Lovers for Music Lovers | By Kayla Hay

Schedule | Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

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52 | REVUEWM.COM | October 2014

o m b i n i n g t h e i r pa s s i o n f o r m u s i c, Nicole LaRae and Brian Hoekstra partnered up to create dizzybird records, a Grand Rapids-based record label that aims to bring good music to music lovers.

“We thought: lets try to spend the little money we have for very little return all the while being incredibly happy just putting great tunes out into the universe,” LaRae said. “Let’s put out music that is created by beautiful human beings.”

The idea for starting up a record label began as a single thought almost two years ago; Hoekstra and LaRae wanted to help spread the music they love to the people they love. While dizzybird records was created out of Hoekstra and LaRae’s music passion, they didn’t go into the business world blind. The two have distinguished jobs in the music industry with Hoekstra being the content curator for AMI Entertainment and LaRae as the venue manager of The Pyramid Scheme and a community relations coordinator at 88.1 WYCE FM. “We were already seeking ways to put sounds into people’s ears,” Hoekstra said.

While prosperity is an important aspect to any business owner, Hoekstra and LaRae find unmistakable happiness in simply doing what they love and not necessarily focusing solely on prospering, although that is a nice aspect.

“We are doing this because we love it, our hearts belong here and we hope that’s a good enough business model,” LaRae said.

“We want people to believe in us as much as we believe in them. We are dreamers.” dizzybird (which is lowercase because, “we don’t want people to think about hitting a shift button on our behalf”) has a primarily rock band lineup, with sub-genres that include surf rock, psychedelic, indie and more.

In honor of its launch, dizzybirds records will host a party at The Pyramid Scheme. The event includes performances from the label’s roster including Grand Rapids-based Heaters and Atlanta-based Gringo Star with DJ Tom J Shannon Jr. Along with the music, there will also be a dance competition, a merchandise area and a raffle with local prizes.

“We just want to be able to sustain placing sounds in people’s ears that they may enjoy,” LaRae said. “If we like it, we feel that others will like it. If we continue to work with incredible talents such as Heaters and Gringo Star, we will continue to be grateful and we will continue to grow.” n

dizzybird Record Launch Party The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids Oct. 17, 9 p.m., $6 All ages pyramidschemebar.com, (616) 272-3758

Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule

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VISUAL ART

by Kerri VanderHoff

Muskegon Lake Project: Art & Environment

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Other Art Events Touching Strangers by Richard Renaldi

Saugatuck Center for the Arts 400 Culver St., Saugatuck Through Nov. 1 sc4a.org, (269) 857-2399

Renaldi’s photographs feature men, women and children — all strangers to each other — touching or embracing in some manner. The question for the viewers: who is “a stranger” and how would I feel about touching this person I do not know? The show asks provocative questions about social boundaries, who we view as “the other” — and why — and how we react to people we do not know. Richard is a critically acclaimed photographer based in New York City with a long-time affiliation with Saugatuck-Douglas.

Marks of Genius: 100 Extraordinary Drawings from the Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Grand Rapids Art Museum 101 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids Oct. 26, 2014–Jan. 18, 2015 artmuseumgr.org, (616) 831-1000

Marks of Genius showcases the superb drawing collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, featuring drawings, watercolors and pastels spanning more than 500 years — many of them rarely exhibited. The exhibition highlights the immediacy of drawing and explores its multiple roles as a means of study, observation, problem solving, a record of the artist’s imagination and a medium for creating finished works of art.

Noir Crux by Catherine Swiatek friendly, scrappy, diverse and they have the best volunteer population anywhere … I love that about it here.”

Swiatek serves on the boards of both the MCA and the MLWP, so the project connects two of her great passions. She encourages visitors to seek out the Red Lotus Gallery in the Century Block Building, part of a revitalized downtown district where the MCA and the Muskegon Lake Project exhibition are located, for an idea of what she means.

“We are very proud of our history and our heritage, but also very proud of who we are when we make positive things happen together … the creativity is just the bonus

part of it. I love being in Muskegon not only because of the beautiful surroundings but also because I am proud to be among such amazingly talented, creative and caring people.” n

Muskegon Lake Project Exhibition Muskegon Center for the Arts/Red Lotus Gallery 356 W. Western Ave., Muskegon Oct. 9-31 muskegonca.com Opening night reception: Oct. 9, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Shared Passion: A Gift of the Stuart and Barbara Padnos Foundation Collection

Grand Valley State University Art Gallery 1 Campus Dr. PAC, Allendale Through Oct. 31 gvsu.edu/artgallery

Throughout their long marriage, businessman and philanthropist Stuart Padnos and his wife Barbara amassed a notable collection of art filling their waterfront home in Holland, Mich.

The collection served as an overview of both European and American art of the twentieth century and as a legacy to the couple’s evolving artistic aesthetic and wide range of interests.

REVUEWM.COM | October 2014 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule

r t i s t s o f t e n ta k e i n s p i rati o n from their environment. Georgia O’Keeffe moved to New Mexico for the light and landscape. Andy Warhol thrived on the constant buzz of New York’s social scene. Many a muse was found at the ballet for Edgar Degas.

With the Muskegon Lake Project at the Muskegon Center for the Arts (MCA), there’s no question the environment directly and physically inspires the art created for this exhibition. Artists are provided boxes of debris, items collected during the annual spring Muskegon Shoreline Cleanup, to be incorporated into their works of art.

Ruth Bolles, an MCA board member, first organized the exhibition in 2013 after a visit to the East Coast post-Hurricane Sandy.

A project she saw there, “Peace by Piece,” included artists from around the country who transformed debris from the storm into art.

It was a collective effort to move past destruction and into beauty and hope for the next chapter.

A Muskegon native, Bolles thought there might be a similar opportunity in her hometown, where post-industrial environmental concerns with water quality produced a lasting legacy. Significant improvements have been made over the years and the area is breathtaking in natural beauty, but the healing continues, especially in the public psyche.

“The Muskegon Lake Project brings awareness … of the Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership (MLWP) and the group’s efforts to restore the shoreline and surrounding tributaries— and introduces the public to the diverse talent of our local artists,” she said.

The exhibition was so successful it is now an annual event, with many of the artists also signing up to volunteer for the spring cleanup as well. All of the art will be for sale during the exhibition and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the MLWP to assist in its continuing efforts to rehabilitate the areas around Muskegon Lake.

The inspiration for those participating in the Muskegon Lake Project doesn’t just come from the physical objects collected from the shoreline, however. According to artist Catherine Swiatek, the inspiring environment of Muskegon includes so much more.

“There is something spiritual about being near Lake Michigan and something really special about the people of Muskegon,” she said. “They are honest, true, hard-working,

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indie film

by Josh Spanninga

Thriller! Chiller! Film Festival Takes Over Downtown GR When October comes around, it’s time for all of the freaks, ghouls and creatures of all stripes to come out of hiding in West Michigan and celebrate the best holiday of them all – Halloween. And what better way to celebrate than with our friends at the Thriller! Chiller! Film Festival?

I

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

f you have n’t h eard by now, Th ri lle r! Ch i lle r! mad e s o m e p r etty b i g c h a n g e s t h i s y e a r by moving locations from Wealthy Street Theatre to Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, as well as extending the fest by an extra day — but that’s only the tip of the iceberg.

This year’s festival, which is scheduled for Oct. 22-25, is full of surprises. These include guest filmmaker seminars and special events taking place all over downtown Grand Rapids.

Anthony Griffin, co-founder and director of the Thriller! Chiller! Film Festival, admits the shift to downtown wasn’t always easy, but the payoff has been well worth it.

“To go from one venue to say, four, five venues isn’t just five times the work, it’s one hundred times more work,” Griffin said.

“It’s still just primarily the three of us (Chris Randall and Shirley Clemens Griffin) running it, and we have a great group of friends and volunteers who have helped out. There

have been some growing pains, but the experience has been fantastic. Everyone’s been coming out to lend a hand, and it’s been very humbling.”

In addition to the main festival at the UICA, other area businesses will be screening films as well. The Pyramid Scheme will be hosting the Friday Night Freakout on Oct. 24, which features a variety of grindhouse and cult drive-in inspired cinema. Stella’s Lounge will be installing big screen TVs in its back room, effectively turning it into a micro-cinema for the fest. The Grand Rapids Art Museum will offer a free screening on H.G. Wells’ Things to Come, with a discussion afterward led by GVSU film professor Toni Perrine. There will also be a variety of workshops held at Grand Rapids Brewing Company, as well as film screenings with live commentary from comics, à la MST3K. The added venues were included on this year’s roster to give festivalgoers more variety, and to turn the fest into a more immersive downtown community event.

Thriller! Chiller Festival Directors Chris Randall and Anthony E. Griffin.

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Thriller! Chiller! at last year’s ArtPrize.

“I really love the fact that all of downtown is just becoming more aware and supercharged, and people are willing to go out and have these kinds of adventures and have fun,” Griffin said. “I really feel like this is the year that Thriller! Chiller! can step in there and be an addition to many of the other things [going on downtown].”

Of course, UICA still remains the headquarters of the festival, and will be showing a generous mixture of the best in horror, scifi, thrillers and other genre films, both old and new. But Griffin wants to let audiences know the short films they will be showing are particularly enticing.

“This year the short films have been absolutely phenomenal,” he said. “It’s amazing. The amount of quality and the execution in the short film format has been incredible, and to see those movies on a big screen is a real treat because you usually don’t get to see them anywhere else except perhaps for online. ... These are filmmakers who are looking to break into the industry or to gain a foothold, and these are their calling cards.”

In addition to short and feature-length films, Thriller! Chiller! plans on paying homage to some of the classics as well. In honor

of the 40th anniversary of the slasher-horror masterpiece The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, there will be a special screening of the film at the UICA on Oct. 23. If that’s too gory for your tastes, check out the fest’s closing event, a screening of Carnival of Souls, complete with a live score performed by the Andrew Alden Ensemble.

Whether you’re only able to make it to a few events or want to take in the full festival experience, there are a variety of ticket options available for the fest. Many of the events will have tickets available for single showings and full-access festival passes will be available. As an added bonus, the Thriller!

Chiller! festival pass will give ticket buyers access to Halloween on Ionia the following week, as well as various other events leading up to Halloween.

For those bold souls courageous enough to brave the festival this year, here’s a piece of advice — get your tickets early. Thriller!

Chiller!’s last collaboration with UICA, a screening of David Lynch’s Fire Walk With Me, completely sold out of tickets, and they’re expecting the festival won’t be much different.

For more info, or to snatch up tickets while they last, visit thrillerchiller.com n

by Josh Spanninga

COMEDY

Comedy Tuesdays at the Tip Top Deluxe Provides Platform for Up and Coming Grand Rapids Talent

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o st c o m e d i a n s wh o’ve mad e it wi ll te ll you they all started their careers the same way: with a love for laughter and performances at many, many open mic nights.

Josh Courtnay, local comic and creator of Comedy Tuesdays at the Tip Top Deluxe Bar, is no stranger to this concept. He has plenty of time under his belt in the Grand Rapids comedy scene and has spent countless hours curating and performing at open mic nights.

“There’s nothing else like it. After you get your first taste, it’s hard to shake it off,” Courtnay said. “You just keep hitting every mic for as long as you can, until your car breaks down or you do. Comedy isn’t easy, open mics are a great place to get good at it.”

Courtnay knew a thing or two about open mics when he first walked into Tip Top four years ago. While there were plenty of other great open mic nights in the area (like Sunday Night Funnies at the Waterfront Hotel, for example), Courtnay felt the bar’s atmosphere would be too good for a comedy show to pass up.

“One day I just happened to walk into the Tip Top and noticed that it had just about a perfect setup for comedy,” Courtnay said. “I asked the owner about trying out a show and he was into it.”

This December will mark the four-year anniversary of Comedy Tuesdays at Tip Top Deluxe. With free comedy, as well as half-off

appetizers and drinks, the show has quickly become a favorite of local comedy aficionados. Sean Dailey hosts the show, which Courtnay assures is full of debauchery once the comedians hit the stage.

“After that, there’s about 90 minutes of absurdity surrounded by lots of laughter,” Courtnay said.

Many Grand Rapids favorites grace the stage at Comedy Tuesdays, including Adam Degi, Stu McCallister, Jacob Kubon as well as many others. You’ll also see plenty of new faces taking advantage of the open mic format to try out their chops at comedy for the first time. Courtnay encourages anyone

interested in signing up for a slot to send him an email at time4tiptop@gmail.com.

Too nervous to get up onstage? Courtnay has some motivational words to help you out.

“Just do it,” he said. “The only thing it can hurt is your pride, and you don’t need that for comedy.” n

Comedy Tuesdays Tip Top Deluxe, Grand Rapids Second and fourth Tuesday every month, 8:30 p.m.

Free!

facebook.com/pages/tip-top-deluxe, (616) 272-3910

Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule

Other Comedy This Month: Mark Curry Most people will recognize Mark Curry as Mr. Cooper, the former NBA player-turned-teacher in the ABC sitcom “Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper.” What people may not know is that Curry has his roots in stand-up and has appeared at festivals around the country, as well his own special on HBO. When he’s not hosting TV shows or appearing in movies and reality television, he’s touring the country performing his stand-up. Mark Curry will bring his show to Dr. Grins in Grand Rapids Oct. 23-25, with show times at 8, 9 and 10:30 p.m. For more information visit thebob.com.

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By Allison Parker

on stage

Other Performing Arts Events Jekyll & Hyde

Miller Auditorium, Kalamazoo Oct. 3-4, show times at 2 & 8 p.m. $35-58, millerauditorium.com, (269) 387-2300 Based on the acclaimed novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, Jekyll & Hyde puts a poprock spin on one of culture’s most famous psychological thrillers. The dark tale centers around brilliant doctor and scientist, Dr. Henry Jekyll, who becomes convinced that there is a good side and a bad side to every personality. When Jekyll attempts to isolate his evil half, pandemonium breaks lose and Jekyll’s inner darkness takes over.

My Fair Lady

Kalamazoo Civic Theatre Oct. 2-5, 10-12; show times at 2 & 7:30 p.m. kazoocivic.com, (269) 343-1313 An essential Broadway classic, My Fair Lady tells the story of the pompous elocutionist, Henry Higgins and the fiery London street urchin, Eliza Doolittle. Accepting the challenge of a friend, Higgins takes on the seemingly impossible project of training Eliza to speak and act like a true lady.

While Higgins struggles to teach his pupil about upper-class society, Eliza beings to teach Higgins lessons of the heart. Musical favorites like “I Could Have Danced All Night” and “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” make this show one of Broadway’s most memorable.

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

The Rocky Horror Show

Dog Story Theater, Grand Rapids Oct. 31-Nov. 2, 4-9; show times at 3, 8 & 11:59 p.m. $15-20, dogstorytheater.com, (616) 452-9234 Based on one of the ultimate cult films, Rocky Horror is the perfect comedic thriller for Halloween week. All the iconic numbers, raunchy innuendos and campy characters return for an unforgettable live performance. The story centers around conventional newlyweds Brad and Janet, who stumble upon a castle owned by Dr. Frank-N-Furter, an alien transvestite. Timewarped shenanigans ensue as the doctor reveals that he has created a new life: the golden-haired Adonis, Rocky.

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Opera GR dress rehearsal

There Ain’t No Fat Lady In Carmen

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h eth e r you reali z e it or not, you are probably already familiar with Carmen. One of the most popular operas in existence, the tempestuous tragedy has permeated American culture, with references popping up in everything from Doritos ads to the Pixar film, Up. If, for some reason, the only Carmen you know has the last name San Diego, you still know more about the opera than you think.

You’ve seen enough pseudo-Cinderella flicks to know about romancing someone from a different social class. You’ve felt the anguish of unrequited infatuation when your celeb crush finally ties the knot. And you certainly know what it’s like to allow fits of passion to drive you to do something stupid. Like most great operas, Carmen resonates at a universal level because it addresses essential human struggles and desires.

The opera’s plot centers around the femme fatale Carmen, a cigarette factory worker as smoldering and addictive as the

products she manufactures. While Carmen’s sing well, and that they can really act. So what irresistible attributes allow her to dominate people can do is set aside that old ‘It ain’t over the men in her path, her seductive charms till the fat lady sings’ because the Carmen is quite beautiful and there ain’t no fat lady.” ultimately end up being her undoing.

In keeping with its careful casting, the Even when presented with such a dramatic storyline, some newcomers may have difficulty visual design of Opera Grand Rapids’ perenvisioning a trip to the opera as a rousing formance is also constructed to create vivid, believable characters. While and moving experience. Those the story is universal enough tensely bracing themselves for to unfold in nearly any place a dull performance of mature, Carmen and time, traditional sets allow wooden actors are in for a Opera Grand Rapids for a natural feel and prevent surprise, however.

DeVos Performance Hall Oct. 31 & Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m. the backgrounds from pulling “Don’t expect to come to $47-70 focus from the characters. the opera house these days and operagr.com, (616) 451-2741 “These are traditional see a lot of people who are very settings and the set that we’re static and just stand around using from New Orleans on stage to sound good,” Conductor and Artistic Director Robert Lyall Opera will in fact convey just that — that it’s said. “You get much more total theatre now. traditional recognizable settings, not abstract,” I’m so happy with the changes in the style Lyall said. “So that the attention instead of that have evolved over the past couple of causing people to think why did they put it there or why did they choose that kind of look, decades …

I audition [the actors] in New York City, they can focus on the characters and their cosand I try to take a lot of care in casting so tumes and their attitude and their singing.” n that people look like the characters and they

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by Kyle Austin

LIT LIFE

Other Literary Events An Evening with Philip Stead

BookBug, Kalamazoo Oct. 4, 3 p.m.

Bookbugkalamazoo.com, (269) 385-2847 Join Bookbug in welcoming Caldecott award-winning author and illustrator Phillip Stead for a special presentation celebrating the release of his hopelessly charming and soulful new picture book, Sebastian’s Balloon.

Bob Mankoff will be appearing at Hope College on Oct. 23. PHOTO: DAVINA PARDO

The Secret Source of Humor

Schedule | Dining | Sights Sounds | Scene

Y

ou might say that Bob Mankoff has h u m o r d own to a s c i e n c e. After all, before beginning his journey from budding cartoonist to cartoon editor of The New Yorker, Mankoff was just a few credits shy of a PhD in experimental psychology.

But despite his keen understanding of how and why we laugh, he’ll be the first to tell you that the process behind America’s longest standing comic tradition is anything but formulaic.

“Humor changes as the world changes, and New Yorker cartoons change with it, yet part of them remains the same,” Mankoff said.

“I think that’s sort of neat.”

Mankoff’s own narrative arc, chronicled in his new memoir, How About Never, Is Never Good For You?: My Life in Cartoons, took him from adolescent cut-up to psychological scholar to aspirJack Ridl Visiting ing stand-up comedian before Writers Series he finally found his niche as a presents: Bob Mankoff cartoonist.

Hope College, Holland “My thirties were looming Oct. 23, 7 p.m. and [cartoons] were like my jrvs.org, (616) 395-7000 plane ticket out,” he said of his decision to abandon graduate school. “I just barely made it under the wire.”

As a freelance cartoonist for 20-plus years, Mankoff had more than 900 of his cartoons published in The New Yorker. Now, since taking the reins from longtime New Yorker cartoon editor Lee Lorenz in 1997, Mankoff spends each week sifting through a thousand or more submissions, some from seasoned veterans of the trade and many more from hungry up-and-comers looking to make their mark. Deciding on the chosen few that will make the cut is a constantly evolving challenge. “[At The New Yorker], we take humor seriously, but not too seriously,” he said. “I don’t see myself as some sort of infallible judge of humor — humor is very subjective. But we give it a real effort.

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We care. Anyone’s who’s a professional in anything cares.

No matter what our opinion is though, cartooning is something where truthfully, the audience has the last word.”

The iconic combination of a sparse illustration and a succinctly witty caption into a single-panel home run isn’t easy to attain — in fact, many aspiring New Yorker cartoonists see publication as their Everest. And unlike comic strips, New Yorker cartoons don’t have the luxury of featuring characters audiences can develop relationships with. They also exist within the context of a magazine that doesn’t rely on vulgarity or shock value to garner readership.

“New Yorker cartoons have to do the work differently in that some are clever and cognitive and force the readers to put something together on their own, while others can be very mild, like a slice of life, or they can just be whimsical, where there’s nothing really to get and the reader just goes with the flow,” Mankoff said.

One thing is for sure: New Yorker cartoons are not for everyone.

Mankoff believes engaging with them requires a certain level of education, intelligence and curiosity about humor itself. But they have always had an uncanny ability to not only reflect our popular culture, but keep a finger on the pulse of human experience and help unburden us from the troublesome and the fearful.

“You’ll notice when you talk to people tomorrow that any little nervousness, anxiety, glitch or mistake will cause people to laugh, which shows you that laughter itself is a type of emotional regulation mechanism,” he said. “Its much more complicated and more interesting than people think, and much broader than jokes.” n

Thomas Dilley and the Art of Memory Grand Rapids Public Library — Main Branch Oct. 11, 5pm grpl.org, (616) 988-5400

Celebrate Thomas Dilley’s The Art of Memory: Historic Cemeteries of Grand Rapids, Michigan with an interactive exploration of the history of American cemeteries. With his new book, Dilley takes the reader through the history and evolution of cemetery design from its earliest days to the present, detailing how Grand Rapids’ park cemeteries followed national trends, as well as how cemeteries as places reflect cultural beliefs about honoring the dead.

Author Talk - John D’Agata Aquinas College Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m. aquinas.edu/cw, (616) 632-8900

Author and educator John D’Agata brings his knowledge and experience to the Aquinas Contemporary Writers Series stage for this intimate presentation. A master of multiple genres, D’Agata has received fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Howard Foundation, and the Obermann Center for Advanced Studies. He is currently working on a translation of a book by the ancient Greek writer Plutarch, as well as a new essay collection.

Scene | Sounds | Sights Diing | Schedule

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Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

Ste 2289 E Beltline Ave NE

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. B, - greenrestaurantg

randrapid s.com - (616)

447-8294

Restaurant listings arranged by region

Grand Rapids Angel’s Thai Café 136 Monroe Center NW. 616-454-9801 THAI. This downtown restaurant makes your order fresh, fast, and hot. You can order your entree with your choice of meat and spice level, or create your own. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Thai Steak and Yum Talay.

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

Big Bob’s 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?).

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.

The Cottage Bar 18 Lagrave Ave. SE. 616-454-9088 AMERICAN. The Cottage Bar is the oldest operating restaurant and bar in downtown Grand Rapids. Come in for the Cottage Burger, smothered with green olives, bacon, lettuce, tomato, hickory mayonnaise and Swiss and American cheeses. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Sundays GO THERE FOR: The Cottage Burger.

Brewery Vivant 925 Cherry St. SE. 616-719-1604 BREWPUB. Housed in a former funeral chapel, Brewery Vivant crafts Belgianstyle ales with a focus on barrel aging. The brewpub also brings Belgian tradition when it comes to food, featuring French and Belgian-style meals to pair perfectly with the beer. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The Burger

Cygnus 27 Cornucopia 187 Monroe Ave. NW. 616-776-6425 ECLECTIC. Enjoy 187 skyline Monroeas Ave. 616-774-2000 DELI. A refreshing the youNW. dine atop the Glass Tower.

Indulge option for on-the-go, or casual, fare. deli in a variety of globally infusedlighter dishes at Enjoy this AAA options such asrestaurant. homemadeCasual soups,attire; salads, Four-Diamond no Panini jacket sandwiches and freshly brewed gourmet»coffee. required.

Private dining also available.

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

GO THERE THERE FOR: Sandwiches.

Seasonal Sunday Brunch.

Chapbook Café 2660 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids. 616-942-0595. CAFE. Take a break from browsing the shelves at Schuler Books with a homemade selection of soups, sandwiches and quiches. Soups are prepared in-house daily and served with fresh baked bread to accompany a small-but-elegant sandwich menu. Try a quiche or traditional Italian Panini grilled on fresh ciabatta bread, or for a quick bite, grab a bagel or scone from the dessert case. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days GO THERE FOR: Homemade soups and sandwiches

Erb Thai 950 Wealthy St. SE #1A. (616) 356-2573 THAI. Food rooted in traditional Thai cuisine, but also made to accommodate health conscious and special diets. Not too strong, not too weak, like harmony and melody. Marketing representative Molly Rizor was a Thai virgin when she went and is now glad Erb Thai was her first experience.

SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Peanut Curry Noodles.

CitySen Lounge 83 Monroe Center St. NW. 616-608-1720 AMERICAN. CitySen Lounge, located in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, is a bar with a big-city feel, offering exciting options for lunch, dinner and breakfast on the weekends. The focus is on fresh ingredients and a full bar with local brews, wine and creative cocktails. » SERVING: Weekend Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Daily happy hour

Fajita Republic Cantina 2183 E. Beltline Ave. 616-272-3047 MEXICAN. A fresh twist on Mexican-inspired cuisine, Fajita Republic uses farm-fresh vegetables, never-frozen meats and limesqueezed margaritas. Fajita entrees are flamed table-side and the owners promise there are no microwaves used at Fajita Republic, ensuring that all meals are made fresh. Additionally, there are 101 tequila varieties, as well as Mexican craft beers, wine and specialty drinks.

SERVING Lunch Dinner. OPEN: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fajitas, Tequila

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.

Founders Brewing Company 235 Grandville SW. 616-776-1195 BREWPUB. A beer-lover’s paradise with a national reputation for flavorful, award-winning beers. Likewise, the brewpub’s menu consists mainly of flavorful handcrafted deli sandwiches that can stand up and complement the beers (or vice versa). SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Award-winning beer, handcrafted sandwiches.

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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. Catch the big game on one of 30 televisions, including a big screen for optimal game viewing. This colorful and casual restaurant not only caters to sports fans, but also features top-notch burgers, pizzas and specialty drinks. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. 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 hand-cranked sausages, this place represents the best of the Grand Rapids Brewing Company’s 120-year legacy. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Organic beer and locally sourced food.

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Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule

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.

Bombay Cuisine 1420 Lake Dr. SE 616-456-7055 INDIAN. Offering savory and subtly spiced dishes from northern India, Bombay Cuisine is a hot spot for those who like to add a little flavor to their lives. With a lunch buffet served every weekday, this restaurant provides its eaters with an array of traditional Indian cuisine. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: Naan, Butter Chicken.

REVUE’s dining listings are compiled by staff and minions. This is not intended to be a comprehensive list of restaurants in the region. For an expanded list, be on the lookout for new and improved dining changes on our revamped website, revuewm. com. The listings are not intended to be reviews of West Michigan restaurants, although we will inject some opinions into the listings based on staff experiences and personal preferences. To submit or to correct information in a dining listing, e-mail editor@revuewm.com.

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Dining 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 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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Green Restaurant 2289 E Beltline Ave. NE Ste. 8, Grand Rapids. 616-4478294 ORGANIC. The first of its kind, at least in this area, Green Restaurant uses nothing but all-natural and organic ingredients. This includes everything from fruit, vegetables, meat and cheese to juice, ice cream and more. It’s a restaurant where almost anyone with a unique diet could find something to eat within their specifications. SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Closed Monday GO THERE FOR: Sandwiches, soups, burgers, smoothies/juice blends.

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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.

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

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Harmony Brewing Company 1551 Lake Dr. SE (616) 233-0063 BREWPUB. Harmony features 12 craft-brewed beers in addition to signature root beer for the kiddos. Named one of the top-five brewpub menus in West Michigan by yours truly, Harmony’s ultimate deal is a take-out combo that features one of its 10” gourmet wood-fired pizzas and a growler of beer for $20, as well as a $5 cheese and $6 pepperoni pizza deal every Tuesday. 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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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.

Marie Catrib’s 1001 Lake Dr. 616-454-4020 ECLECTIC. The East Hills eatery makes everything from scratch with local ingredients, and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. Get there early for lunch, as there is almost always a wait. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days.

GO THERE FOR: Salads, soups and sandwiches.

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.

PHOTO: KELLI BELLANGER

GLUTEN FREE GIRL:

Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro Item: Bowtie Pasta Florentine Price: $17.79

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f you know anything about gluten-free pasta, you know that 99 percent of it sucks. If you want to revel in the one percent of gluten-less pasta goodness, take a road trip to Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro. I promise your taste buds won’t be disappointed.

Walldorff ’s gluten-free menu is much of what is on the regular menu. There are eight appetizer options to choose from — don’t leave without trying the warm goat cheese, served with gluten-free tortilla chips — a multitude of salads, including a surprisingly delicious house salad and numerous entrée options.

I chose the Bowtie Pasta Florentine, mostly because I was shocked to even find gluten-free pasta on a menu. What I didn’t expect was how satisfying it would be. It’s got a mix of sautéed bacon, spinach and shallots that are tossed with roasted garlic Alfredo and topped with wood grilled chicken and toasted pine nuts. Delizioso! —Kelli Belanger 105 E. State St., Hastings, walldorffbrewpub.com, (269) 945-4400

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.

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.

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.

Rush Creek Bistro 624 Port Sheldon St. SW, Grandville 616-457-1100 AMERICAN. Rush Creek Bistro prides itself on having something for everyone. Although the atmosphere is casual, Rush Creek offers a variety of quality options that won’t leave you unsatisfied. From pizza to steak, you’ll find what you’re looking for at a fair price. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: The wet burrito.

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.

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 TVs broadcasting big games and UFC

matches, outdoor beach volleyball and live music in the summer … the list goes on. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Sports bar atmosphere.

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.

One Trick Pony 136 E. Fulton. 616-235-7669 AMERICAN. Connected to The Cottage Bar, One Trick Pony offers an eclectic American menu that ranges from salads, fish, pizza, homemade soups and more. Pair the food with live music, which OTP features weekly. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Eclectic pizzas.

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.

Reserve Wine & Food 201 Monroe Ave. NW (616) 855-9463 ECLECTIC. With 102 wines available by the glass and more than 300 by the bottle, paired with an ever-changing food menu influenced

by West Michigan grown foods, Reserve promises diners a unique experience. Cocktails and craft beers add depth to the primarily wine-centered menu. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner OPEN ON: Closed on Sunday GO THERE FOR: Wine and food pairings, charcuterie, happy hour.

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 York-style, he recommends. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner. OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Pizza.

Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule

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.

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

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TASTE THIS

by Alexandra Kadlec

Best Brewery Food Complement your beer with some tasty eats. Scout out these well-loved menu items at regional breweries, guaranteed to surpass your expectations of traditional bar food.

ions, jarlsberg cheese and basil, with balsamic drizzled on top.

BEST GOURMET COMFORT FOOD

Given its status as the Midwest’s first USDAcertified organic brewery, it comes as little surprise that Grand Rapids Brewing Company (1 Ionia Ave. SW, Suite 1, Grand Rapids) would step it up with locally sourced menu offerings.

Don’t expect lean and boring health food here.

GRBC has got a variety of indulgent plates that you can feel good about ordering. If you come with a large appetite, we recommend the Roasted Devries Pork Chops: succulent meat enhanced with polenta, veggie-chorizo hash and rosemary-apple butter.

BEST APPETIZERS

Sometimes the ideal complement to a drink or two is simply a few snacks to munch on.

The Eccentric Café at Bell’s Brewery, Inc. (355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo) serves up plenty of options that go above and beyond your typical brewery appetizers. For something a little adventurous, try the Kitchen Crack — a plate of Spanish rice, black beans, avocado, shredded cheese, pico de gallo, banana peppers and Sriracha sour cream: A combo that’s perfect for scooping up with corn chips.

BEST DESSERT

If possible, save room for something sweet at Dark Horse Brewing Company (511 S. Kalamazoo Ave, Marshall). There are just three options to choose from, which makes your decision a little easier. The turnovers will tempt fruit lovers, while the Elephant Ear — fried dough topped with butter, cinnamon sugar and icing — beckons to those who prefer a lighter, flakier after-dinner-and-drinks morsel. n

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

BEST SANDWICH(ES)

It’s easy to miss the food menu at Founders Brewing Co. (235 Grandville Ave. SW, Grand Rapids) when you’re busy mulling over which specialty beer to sample. But do take some time to check out the sandwich list, which includes a hearty fare that’s easily shareable.

Need a little direction? You won’t be disappointed with the Stella Bleu; it has smoked ham, provolone, lettuce, tomato, red pepper, red onion, black olives and bleu cheese stuffed in the middle of a French roll. Runner-up: In Spite of the Club, which marries sliced roasted chicken smothered in Frank’s Red Hot sauce with bacon, celery, tomato and bleu cheese served on an onion roll.

BEST BURGER

A good beer and a savory burger conjures up a pretty tempting image. At Perrin Brewing Company (5910 Comstock Park Dr. NW, Comstock Park), you get to choose from several mouthwatering choices. (And it wouldn’t hurt to ask the server for recommended combinations.) Two in particular stand out: the Olive Burger, with a tantalizing house-made olive sauce, and The Black and Blue Burger,

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Roasted Devries Pork Chops, Grand Rapids Brewing Co. topped with bacon, blue cheese and Cajun seasoning. If you’re craving a tasty side dish, order the beer-battered fried pickles or sweet potato fries.

BEST PIZZA

Harmony Brewing Company (1551 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids) has gotten a lot of buzz for its wood-fired pizzas, and for very good reasons. Although each crispy-thin pie ap-

pears plenty big enough to split, we bet you’ll have no problem scarfing one down on your own — especially when you’re washing it down with a cold one. The menu covers the classics, the unexpected and throws in a vegan option.

Meat lovers, try the Crispy Pig, made with pepperoni, ham, prosciutto, mozzarella and basil. Vegetarians (or, really, anyone with good taste), order The Good Earth, a mouthwatering blend of spinach, mushrooms, caramelized on-

The Crispy Pig at Harmony Brewing Co.

Dining Speak EZ Lounge 600 Monroe Ave. NW. 616-458-3125 ECLECTIC. While this lounge may be modeled after the year 1933, its food is not. Speak EZ Lounge offers a variety of food for all to enjoy whether you’re omnivore, vegan or gluten free. Come in for a bite of Rustic Sage Risotto that goes perfectly with one of the lounges signature drinks. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: The diverse menu 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 and other classic beers out of a mason jar? » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Vegetarian and vegan bar food.

Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill 760 Butterworth St. SW. 616-272-3910 AMERICANA. You might walk into Tip Top for the cheap happy hour specials or one of the many rockabilly acts. But get comfortable with one of the venue’s signature menu items. Get classic with a sandwich or burger, but we recommend immersing yourself fully in GR’s west side and ordering Tip Top’s Polish Plate. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Dinner, drinks and a show.

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.

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.

Lakeshore

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

CityVu Bistro 61 E 7th Street, Holland. 616-796-2114 AMERICAN. CityVu Bistro is a distinctive rooftop dining experience in downtown Holland. Fryers and frozen foods are out; fresh gourmet flatbreads and an array of seasonal entrees are in. The contemporary-yet-casual atmosphere, full bar and unique menus make it the ideal spot for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days GO THERE FOR: flatbreads

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).

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.

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.

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.

Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule

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. Happy hour from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, which includes half-off appetizers and $1 off drafts. » SERVING: Lunch, Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: 28 taps of craft beer, hometown atmosphere.

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.

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

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/// Local Brews

by Ben Darcie

Brewery Spotlight:

EB COFFEE & PUB

E

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

ss e ntial B ean has b e e n a part of the Caledonia community since 1999, with two owners before Austin Nichols took over. While the second owner was contemplating moving on, Nichols was working at a bakery in Grand Rapids, after having completed a baking and pastry degree at GRCC. He spent seven years at the bakery alongside a couple homebrewers, and had always wanted to dabble in the business world. The opportunity arose in 2010 when Nichols learned through friends that EB was up for sale.

He had begun to explore the beer world after tasting his co-workers’ homebrew. With EB available, the opportunity arose to take it to the next level by including a small on-site production facility.

EB has eight taps, four of which are mainstays, while the “We basically built a business inside of a business,” Nichols other four are dedicated to seasonal and rotating offerings. The said. “Ran the coffee shop for a couple years, and these chains four mainstays include Goldsmith Light Blonde Ale, No X in kept on coming into town — if you don’t have a drive-through, Espresso Coffee Stout, Silver Fox IPA and a Rye Strong Ale. EB you really have to do something different.” is currently featuring their fall offerings, but the rotating options Nichols dove into the preparation process: acquiring upon my visit included the brewery’s contribution to the Beer licenses, finding the equipment and the brewhouse, and very City Tree Project, called Oak Melon, an oak-aged saison with importantly, finding the brewer who was melon hops, a Vanilla Bean Porter, as well going to anchor the brewing program — all as a new, intriguing concoction called the while serving the community in the busi- “[Dirty Dancer is] a light Dirty Dancer. ness’ normal mode.

“It’s a light blonde ale served with a blonde ale served with “I wanted someone that was going to shot of fresh espresso,” Nichols said of the a shot of fresh espresso. come in and have total control,” Nichols brew. “You pour it [into the beer] and it cassaid about the brewer choice. “If I don’t cades down the glass. That’s one you have You pour it [into the beer] like that style or that beer, I may sway to watch for yourself and see the reaction.” and it cascades down them in another direction. It’s not about EB Coffee & Pub started pouring the glass. That’s one you me, it’s about the customers. I want to be its beers on April 2 after multiple soft that great place to come drink and socialhave to watch for yourself openings. ize. We are a brewery and a coffee shop, “It was great to see the whole place alive and see the reaction.” and it may not feel like all the other places and packed. It was amazing,” Nichols said. out there.”

Brew of the Month

Vandermill Totally Roasted Cider Hard Cider, 6.8% ABV

This semi-sweet hard cider is packed with flavor to get you through the fall. Made from West Michigan apples, this cider is aged on house-roasted spiced pecans, which lends a fantastic nutty presence alongside notes of cinnamon and vanilla with a semi-tart finish. Available in four-pack 16 oz. cans, Totally Roasted can go where you go.

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Photo: steph harding

EB has limited plans for the future and is just fine with keeping things the way they are.

“We just want to keep making great beer for Caledonia and the Hours: Mon.–Thu.: 6 surrounding community,” Nichols a.m.–10 p.m., Fri.: 6 a.m.–11 said. “We’re always serving coffee p.m., Sat.: 7 a.m.–11 p.m. to people who live here or move through here. We see people from out of town popping by on their way to Grand Rapids. It opens our door to a wider range of people.”

The next time you find yourself passing through Caledonia, stop into EB Coffee & Pub and enjoy some locally made beer and coffee, side by side, if you wish.

“You can come to Caledonia and have a really unique experience, not just in the quality of beer we serve, but in service as well,” Nichols said. “If you want to come and have some drinks morning, noon or night, this is the place to come. We’ve got live music, coffee, great beer and our staff is wonderful.” n 8980 N. Rogers Ct., Caledonia (616) 891-7700, facebook. com/EBcoffeeandpub

Beer Events Brewery Vivant rolls out the barrels on Oct. 4 for its Wood Aged Beer Festival. The day features more than 20 of Vivant’s wood aged and sour beers.

Visit breweryvivant.com for more information.

Vandermill Cidery welcomes guests to a night full of cider, beer, food and music at Vanderfest on Oct. 4. For more information, visit vandermill.com.

At BontebOktoberfest, Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek welcomes Michigan breweries for a wander-

ing beer and wine tasting alongside the animals.

The event falls on Oct. 11. Visit binderparkzoo.org for more information.

Michigan Brewers Guild brings back the Fall Beer Festival in Detroit Oct. 24-25, featuring more than 60 Michigan breweries. Friday session is 5–9 p.m. and Saturday from 1–6 p.m. Enthusiast members get in an hour early. Head to mibeer.com for tickets and more info.

learn it. brew it. drink it.

Gravel Bottom where a Home Brewer recipe is always on tap, and fresh home brewing supplies are waiting to be brewed.

Come enjoy a rotating selection of craft brews, pick up tips from the brewers and design your own beer.

vv Scene | Sounds | Sights Dining Schedule

418 ADA DRIVE SE, ADA GRAVELBOTTOM.COM 616.920.7398 TUES-THUR 2PM-11PM FRI & SAT 11AM-12AM

10 AWARD WINNING CRAFT BREWS ON TAP Bottles, growlers and kegs available!

105 EAST STATE ST. • (269) 945-4400 • WALLDORFFBREWPUB.COM

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Dining Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Mad Hatter IPA, Dragon’s Milk.

Phil’s Bar & Grille 215 Butler St., Saugatuck. 269-857-1555 AMERICAN. This cozy (some would say “small”) bar and grille in downtown Saugatuck is one of those unassuming spots you might easily overlook, though locals in Saugatuck will tell you about their love affair with Phil’s. Eclectic menu is all over the place, but in a good way, and the staff is super-friendly. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Portabella Mushroom Fries.

Piper Restaurant 2225 South Shore Drive, Holland. 616-335-5866 AMERICAN. Upscale-but-casual spot located on Lake Macatawa, offering great views from virtually every table.

Menu includes tastefully prepared items like Almond Crusted Walleye and Grilled Pork Loin, as well as wood-fired pizzas.

Reservations are welcomed. » SERVING: Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Almond Crusted Walleye.

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.

Schedule Dining Sights | Sounds | Scene

Saugatuck Brewing Company 2948 Blue Star Highway. 269-857-7222 BREWPUB. Enjoy a traditional Irish-style pub that features quality beer,

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wine, food and service. Try one of 12 unique brews that are served in the pub and bottled and distributed throughout the Midwest. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days.

GO THERE FOR: Beer in a family friendly pub environment.

Vitale’s of 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.

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 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 23 years as one of the region’s best dining experiences, including a 3-star rating in the 2010 Forbes Travel Guide. The Tuscaninspired cuisine is spectacular, the atmosphere comfortable and intimate, and the service first-rate. Also brews its own beer in small batches for pairings with menu offerings. » SERVING: Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: 7 days. (Closed Sat. lunch) GO THERE FOR: A great dining experience.

Fieldstone 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.

Food Dance 401 E. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo. 269-382-1888 AMERICAN. Food Dance is committed to building a thriving and sustainable local food system, supporting artisans who practice craft food processes. It’s about the connection with people and places the food comes from. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, private dining space, catering and delivery, while an on-site market offers humanely raised meats, artisan cheeses, fresh bread and

pastries. » SERVING: Breakfast Lunch Dinner OPEN ON: Open 7 days. GO THERE FOR: Fresh Local Foods.

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.

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

Nestled in the heart of Grand Rapids, CitySēn Lounge offers everything from delicious breakfast dishes to daily happy hour specials to the freshest lunch and dinner entrées—all paired perfectly with our signature cocktails.

Located on the first floor of CityFlatsHotel at 83 Monroe Center in Downtown Grand Rapids. cityflatshotel.com / 616 608 1720

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

wednesday

10.01

Billy’s Lounge Campus Karaoke Calvin College EX X AXIS Alumni Sculpture DeVos Performance Hall Broadway GR Presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Downtown GR ArtPrize 2014 Farmers Alley Theatre The Secret Garden Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More, Emerging Sculptors at ArtPrize Gillys Dennie Middleton GRAM [Dis]comfort Zones Grand Haven Grand Haven Art Walk GVSU Arts Gallery Shared Passion Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

The Intersection Icon For Hire with Fit For Rivals Wounds KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy Kzoo Public Library Beer and Food Pairings with Gonzo’s BiggDogg Brewery Knickerbocker Theatre My Old Lady Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild The Orbit Room Twenty One Pilots The Pyramid Scheme Deafheaven Saugatuck Center for the Arts Touching Strangers Shakespeare’s Lower Level Sleep In Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Red Elvises UICA Collaboration, The Zero Theorem

Wealthy Theatre Johnson Center for Philanthropy presents Sustainable Organizational Culture with Dennis McMillian; Vegan GR presents Cowspiracy

thursday

10.02

AMC GR AQPB Presents: The Comedy of Tracey Ashley Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Joe Marcinek wsg Joey Porter Billy’s Lounge ‘90s Holla Back Calvin College EX X AXIS Alumni Sculpture Covenant Fine Arts Center Jeff Tweedy Czar’s 505 Comedy Night featuring Carmen Morales DeVos Performance Hall Broadway GR Presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Downtown GR ArtPrize 2014 Dr. Grins Frank Roche Farmers Alley Theatre The Secret Garden Founders Brewing Co. Birds of Chicago, The Appleseed Collective Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts Buster Keaton Society Film Festival Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More, Emerging Sculptors at ArtPrize GRAM [Dis]comfort Zones Grand Haven Grand Haven Art Walk GR Public Library Reading the Great Lakes GVSU Arts Gallery Shared Passion H.O.M.E. at The B.O.B. Rebekah Rhys and Ashley Daneman Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz The Intersection Knox Hamilton with Colony House and Cheerleader KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy, Collector’s Talk: Jim Bridenstine on a Collector’s Eye Knickerbocker Theatre My Old Lady Louie Armstrong Theatre William Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor Master Arts Theatre Can’t Take It With You Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Mulligan’s Pub Kill All Control, Dirt Chili, SkinJacket Muskegon Civic Theatre Working Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating

75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild Old Dog Tavern Seth Bernard The Pyramid Scheme Mirah, Death Vessel, Breathe Owl Breathe Ritz Koney Open Mic with Jason Eller Saugatuck Center for the Arts Touching Strangers Seven Steps Up Matthew Perryman Jones, Andrew Combs Shakespeare’s Lower Level Comedy Open Mic Spectrum Theater Actors’ Theatre Presents 4000 Miles St. Adalbert Aid Society Fifth Street Hall Na Zdrowie Night Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Barrence Whitfield and the Original Savages UICA Collaboration, The Zero Theorem Wealthy Theatre Nimo Patel Empty Hands Tour York Arena Check Your Privilege

friday

10.03

ArtPrize Hub ArtPrize Critical Discourse: NEW INC: Incubating Art and Tech Avenue for the Arts First Friday Gallery Hop Bell’s Eccentric Cafe The Ragbirds wsg Birds of Chicago Billy’s Lounge Big Boss Blues Calvin College EX X AXIS Alumni Sculpture

Czar’s 505 Jamaica Me Crazy DeVos Performance Hall Broadway GR Presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Downtown GR ArtPrize 2014 Dr. Grins Frank Roche Farmers Alley Theatre The Secret Garden Foundry Hall Tunebugs Frauenthal Theatre Buster Keaton Society Film Festival, The Four Pianos Friday Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More, Emerging Sculptors at ArtPrize Gardella’s ArtPrize ‘Conservate NOT Captivate’ Artist Talk GRAM [Dis]comfort Zones Grand Haven Grand Haven Art Walk GR Pulaski Days GVSU Arts Gallery Shared Passion H.O.M.E. at The B.O.B. Global Village Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz The Intersection Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys, Stick Figure KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy Kirby House Skee Town Stylee Knickerbocker Theatre My Old Lady Kzoo Public Library ART HOP: Banned Books Read-Out Little River Casino Resort Queensrÿche Louie Armstrong Theatre William Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor Master Arts Theatre Can’t Take It With You

Best Bet: Surf

REVUEWM.COM | October 2014 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule

Los Straitjackets

Despite what’s suggested by its name, Los Straitjackets wsg Los Straitjackets is anything but tied down and restricted of movement. In fact, as one Deke Dickerson Tip Top Deluxe, of the most innovative, retro-fitting rock outfits Grand Rapids in the current game as we know it, this fearsome Oct. 19, 7 p.m., $15 fivesome wouldn’t last too long in the sterile facebook.com/pages/ confines of a mental institution. Active since tip-top-deluxe, 1988, the Straits show signs of neither stopping (616) 272-3910 down nor slowing – an album release in 2012 and subsequent nonstop touring has ensured that Los Straitjackets will almost certainly never lose its luster. Doesn’t hurt the group counts the likes of Conan O’Brien among its fans; the beloved late night host even picked the band to play accompanying seasonal music on each of his holiday shows, back in the ‘90s. (You know, before Jay Leno pulled a late night Nero.) If lush, multi-instrumental surf rock is your thing, you might want to unwind for the evening with a performance from this gang of insanely talented musicians. Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

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Schedule

Ben Folds

Best Bet:

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Piano Pop

There isn’t really anyone on this planet that can make a song about abortion as endearing as Ben Folds can. Likewise, Folds is one of a few musicians on this planet that can make the suburbs sound exciting. (The other being Arcade Fire.) That’s the thing about Folds, though. He takes something left-of-center, mates it with his poppy piano sounds and not only makes it work, but makes it incredible. Take for instance Lonely Avenue, an album he made with High Fidelity author Nick Hornby. Here’s the twist: Hornby isn’t a known musician. Clearly, he enjoys music, as any High Fidelity fan will tell you. For this album, Hornby wrote the lyrics for all the songs while Folds wrote the music. And like anything Folds touches, it was delightful. Folds dives into delightful territory yet again when he partners up with the Grand Rapids Symphony this month to help perform his new piano concerto. Always one to please his fans, Folds will also perform his hits with the symphony as well. Reported by Lindsay Patton-Carson Acura/ELS Presents the Ben Folds Orchestral Experience with the Grand Rapids Symphony DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids Oct. 18, 8 p.m., $32-$100 grsymphony.org, (616) 454-9451

74 | REVUEWM.COM | October 2014

Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Miller Auditorium Jekyll & Hyde Mulligan’s Pub De Soto wsg Mushemen and DaggerDown Music Theater International Central Park Players Muskegon Civic Theatre Working Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild Papa Pete’s Bluetech The Pyramid Scheme Mustard Plug, Heavier Than Air Flying Machines, The Potato Babies, Auslander Saugatuck Brewing Ice Cream Social Saugatuck Center for the Arts Touching Strangers Shakespeare’s Lower Level Country Night Spectrum Theater Actors’ Theatre Presents 4000 Miles UICA 20000 Days on Earth, Collaboration Whiskey River Saloon Bullwhip York Arena Check Your Privilege

saturday

10.04

Billy’s Lounge Battle of the Bands The Block Strings. Electronics.

Soup. Leanne King Macdonald Brewery Vivant Fourth Annual Barrel Aged Beer Fest Calvin College EX X AXIS Alumni Sculpture Czar’s 505 Brian Lorente & The Usual Suspects DeVos Performance Hall Broadway GR Presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Dog Story Theater Comedic Fanfiction Downtown Grand Haven Indie Rock Music Festival Downtown GR ArtPrize 2014 Downtown Holland GrooveWalk Dr. Grins Frank Roche Farmers Alley Theatre The Secret Garden FireKeepers Casino Hotel ZZ Top Founders Brewing Co. Nicholas James and the Bandwagon Four Winds Casino Johnny Mathis Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts Buster Keaton Society Film Festival Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More, Emerging Sculptors at ArtPrize, Tree-Mendous Tree Tour Grand Haven Grand Haven Art Walk GRAM [Dis]comfort Zones

GR Pulaski Days H.O.M.E. at The B.O.B. Spazmatics Holland Museum Art and Propaganda in Nazi Occupied Holland, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy Kirby House Legal Immigrants Knickerbocker Theatre My Old Lady Lewis Farm Market and Petting Farm Rocktober Festival Louie Armstrong Theatre William Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor Master Arts Theatre Can’t Take It With You Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Miller Auditorium Jekyll & Hyde Mulligan’s Pub Remnose wsg Lake Timber Muskegon Civic Theatre Working Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild New Holland Brewing Company Ben Daniels Band, The Way Down Wanderers Papa Pete’s Shudder Peter Martin Wege Theatre Inspired by Art The Pyramid Scheme Complete VII: Dance Party vol 3 Saugatuck Center for the Arts Al Stewart, Touching Strangers Scotts Mill County Park Olde Tyme Harvest Festival Seven Steps Up Michael McDermott Spectrum Theater Actors’ Theatre Presents 4000 Miles St. Adalbert Aid Society Fifth Street Hall Gerry Kaminski’s Polka Network Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Greg Nagy UICA 20000 Days on Earth, Collaboration Water Street Gallery Kirk Newman Studio Art Sale Wealthy Theatre Josh Rose CD Release Party Whiskey River Saloon Bullwhip Wolverine Worldwide YMCA Game Day 5k York Arena Check Your Privilege

sunday

10.05

Aquinas College Art Gallery Lora Robertson Exhibit ArtPrize Hub Kevin Kammeraad and the Cooperfly Puppet Troupe Billy’s Lounge Revival

Calvin College EX X AXIS Alumni Sculpture DeVos Performance Hall Broadway GR Presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Downtown GR ArtPrize 2014 Farmers Alley Theatre The Secret Garden Founders Brewing Co. GR Jazz Orchestra Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More GRAM [Dis]comfort Zones Grand Haven Grand Haven Art Walk GR Pulaski Days The Intersection We Came As Romans KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy Louie Armstrong Theatre William Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild New Holland Brewing Company The Way Down Wanderers The Pyramid Scheme Agent Orange, The Architects, Murder Party Rosa Parks Circle ArtPrize Top 20 Announcement St. Adalbert Aid Society Fifth Street Hall Virgil Baker and the Just 4 Fun Band UICA 20000 Days on Earth, Collaboration York Arena Check Your Privilege

monday

10.06

Aquinas College Art Gallery Lora Robertson Exhibit Aquinas College Wege Center The Clothesline Project ArtPrize Hub ArtPrize: Critical Discourse: ‘Why These Finalists’ Part 1 Billy’s Lounge BassBin Calvin College EX X AXIS Alumni Sculpture Covenant Fine Arts Center Propaganda Downtown GR ArtPrize 2014 Eberhard Center Scott Simon, “Professional Journalism in a DIY Age” Farmers Alley Theatre The Secret Garden Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More Grand Haven Grand Haven Art Walk GVSU Arts Gallery Shared Passion

Holland Museum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Knickerbocker Theatre Magic in the Moonlight Kzoo Public Library Journey of the Letters Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Mulligan’s Pub Paint Nite Music Theater International Central Park Players The Pyramid Scheme Jucifer, Discycle, Trollhammer Saugatuck Center for the Arts Touching Strangers

tuesday

10.07

Aquinas College Art Gallery AQ Art Gallery: Lora Robertson Exhibit Aquinas College Wege Center The Clothesline Project ArtPrize Hub ArtPrize: Critical Discourse: ‘Why These Finalists’ Part 2 Billy’s Lounge Deep Down Calvin College EX X AXIS Alumni Sculpture Downtown GR ArtPrize 2014 Farmers Alley Theatre The Secret Garden Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More, Emerging Sculptors at ArtPrize GRAM [Dis]comfort Zones Grand Haven Grand Haven Art Walk GVSU Arts Gallery Shared Passion The Intersection JJ Grey and Mofro, Fly Moon Royalty Kent District Library - East GR Branch Meet the Author: Barbara Rylko-Bauer KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy, Collector’s Talk: Jim Bridenstine on a Collector’s Eye Knickerbocker Theatre Magic in the Moonlight Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Music Theater International Central Park Players Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild Salt of the Earth Delilah DeWylde and The Lost Boys Saugatuck Center for the Arts Touching Strangers UICA 20000 Days on Earth, Collaboration Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: Killer Klowns from Outer Space

wednesday

10.08

Aquinas College Art Gallery AQ Art Gallery: Lora Robertson Exhibit Aquinas College Wege Center The Clothesline Project Billy’s Lounge Campus Karaoke Calvin College EX X AXIS Alumni Sculpture Downtown GR ArtPrize 2014 Farmers Alley Theatre The Secret Garden Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More, Emerging Sculptors at ArtPrize Gillys Jack Leaver Grand Haven Grand Haven Art Walk GR Public Museum German Unity Day GRAM [Dis]comfort Zones GVSU Arts Gallery Shared Passion Holland Museum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy, Art League Lecture: Suzanne Smeaton Knickerbocker Theatre Magic in the Moonlight Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Music Theater International Central Park Players Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild The Pyramid Scheme SoundIsRed: Party Bus Album Release Party Rosa Parks Circle Wood TV Concert Series: Country Night Saugatuck Center for the Arts Touching Strangers Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Filthy Still, Matthew Mule McKinley, Drunken Cuddle and The Devil’s Cut UICA 20000 Days on Earth, Collaboration

10.09

Aquinas College Art Gallery AQ Art Gallery: Lora Robertson Exhibit Aquinas College Performing Arts Center AQ Theatre Presents: Up Aquinas College Wege Center The Clothesline Project Billy’s Lounge ‘90s Holla Back Calvin College EX X AXIS Alumni Sculpture Downtown GR ArtPrize 2014

friday

10.10

Aquinas College Art Gallery AQ Art Gallery: Lora Robertson Exhibit Aquinas College Performing Arts Center AQ Theatre Presents: Up Aquinas College Wege Center The Clothesline Project Bethlehem Church MAJIC Concert: Deep Greens and Blues DeltaPlex Arena Jamie Lynn Spears wsg The Van Lears

DeVos Performance Hall GR Symphony Presents ‘Dylana’s Sibelius’ Downtown GR ArtPrize 2014 Dr. Grins Floyd J. Phillips Eberhard Center 40th Annual Great Lakes History Conference Farmers Alley Theatre The Secret Garden Forest Hills Fine Arts Center Frank Caliendo Foundry Hall Steel City Rovers, Tunebugs Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More, Emerging Sculptors at ArtPrize GRAM [Dis]comfort Zones Grand Haven Grand Haven Art Walk GR Civic Theatre ArtPrize Awards GR Community College Music Center Hey Marco! Give Love! CD Release Party GVSU Arts Gallery Shared Passion H.O.M.E. at The B.O.B. Brena Holland Museum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz The Intersection You Had Me at Six, Old Friends – A Simon and Garfunkel Tribute Kzoo Institute of Arts A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy Kirby House Wingman Knickerbocker Theatre Magic in the Moonlight Laura V. Shaw Theatre One Man Two Guvnors Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Miller Auditorium Voca People Mulligan’s Pub Kaliki Incarnation wsg Look Left & Swing Right, Blackgate Music Theater International Central Park Players Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild The Pyramid Scheme Larry and His Flask, Watching for Foxes, Bigfoot Buffalo The Riviera Theatre Scarlet White wag John Grafton and The Lasting Hope Saugatuck Center for the Arts Touching Strangers Shakespeare’s Lower Level Country Night Spectrum Theater Actors’ Theatre Presents 4000 Miles Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Old Shoe, Reviving the Era UICA 20000 Days on Earth, Collaboration, The Strange Colours of Your Body’s Tears Whiskey River Saloon OTC

Ani DiFranco

Best Bet: Folk Oh, Ani. Fair-weather fan followers of the Ani DiFranco Lilith phenomenon may have long since stopped Kalamazoo State swooning at the sound of your name, but we, the faithful, Theatre, Kalamazoo have never wavered in our loyalty to our queen. But hey, Oct. 14, 8 p.m. it can’t really be so surprising, to see the divine Miss Di $39.75 still in heavy rotation – after all, with 20-plus years in the kazoostate.com, biz, and more than 20 albums, folk-rock’s favorite scrappy (269) 345-6500 heroine appears perhaps as indestructible as, say, Cher or a Twinkie. Whatever the case may be, we’re still pretty thrilled to have the world’s most righteous babe around for routine ass-kicking. Both a force of rocking and do-gooding (just ask the dozens of philanthropic ventures she’s leant her name to), DiFranco has blessedly selected Kalamazoo as one of her stops on the Which Side Are You On? Tour, and as you can see from the above, we’re stoked. Frankly, we wouldn’t be anywhere else in the world that night. DiFrankly, even. Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

York Arena Check Your Privilege

saturday

10.11

The 411 Club Larry Garner Allendale HS Ceglarek Fine Arts Center The House Jacks wsg THUMMp Aquinas College Art Gallery AQ Art Gallery: Lora Robertson Exhibit

Aquinas College Performing Arts Center AQ Theatre Presents: Up Billy’s Lounge Thirsty Perch Binder Park Zoo Bonteboktoberfest Covenant Fine Arts Center OK Go DeVos Performance Hall GR Symphony Presents ‘Dylana’s Sibelius’ Downtown Battle Creek CraneFest Downtown GR ArtPrize 2014 Downtown Ludington Octoberfest Music & Craft Beer Festival by Bells’ Brewery Dr. Grins Floyd J. Phillips

Eberhard Center 40th Annual Great Lakes History Conference Farmers Alley Theatre The Secret Garden Founders Brewing Co. Harvest Party 2014 Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More,Tree-Mendous Tree Tour GRAM [Dis]comfort Zones Grand Haven Grand Haven Art Walk h.O.M.E. at The B.O.B. Drop 35 Holland Museum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

REVUEWM.COM | October 2014 |

Scene | Sounds | Sights | Dining Schedule

thursday

Dr. Grins Floyd J. Phillips Farmers Alley Theatre The Secret Garden Founders Brewing Co. Sophistafunk wsg The Mainstays Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts Ahfest presents: Billy Collins Live Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More, Emerging Sculptors at ArtPrize GRAM [Dis]comfort Zones Grand Haven Grand Haven Art Walk GVSU Arts Gallery Shared Passion H.O.M.E. at The B.O.B. Rick Chyme and Vaughn G Holland Museum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz The Intersection Big Gigantic, Official Eric Church Afterparty KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy Knickerbocker Theatre Magic in the Moonlight Loutit District Library Drummond Island Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Miller Auditorium Sid the Science Kid Music Theater International Central Park Players Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild The Pyramid Scheme Method Man Ritz Koney Open Mic with Jason Eller Saugatuck Center for the Arts Real to Reel: Fed Up, Touching Strangers Shakespeare’s Lower Level Comedy Open Mic Spectrum Theater Actors’ Theatre Presents 4000 Miles UICA 20000 Days on Earth, Collaboration Van Andel Arena Eric Church

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Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Schedule Howmet Playhouse West Shore Chorus of Sweet Adelines Humane Society of Kent County Bark in the Dark The Intersection Mega ‘80s Kellogg Arena Battle Creek Women’s Expo Kent County Fairground Harvest Celebration & Autumn Marketplace KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy, Be An Art Detective Kirby House Wingman Knickerbocker Theatre Magic in the Moonlight LaFontsee Galleries Douglas Modern Twist Gallery Stroll Laura V. Shaw Theatre One Man Two Guvnors Louie’s Trophy House Kalamashoegazer Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Mulligan’s Pub Industrial Night Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild New Holland Brewing Train Company One Trick Pony Lazy Blue Tunas The Pyramid Scheme Bayside, I Am the Avalanche, Seaway The Round Barn Winemaking Experience: Red Wine Harvesting (part 1 of 2) Saugatuck Brewing Jen Sygit and Sam Corbin Saugatuck Center for the Arts Touching Strangers Seven Steps Up Pierce Pettis Spectrum Theater 4000 Miles St. Cecilia Music Center CARE Ballet- Peter and the Wolf Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Laura Rain and the Caesars UICA 20000 Days on Earth, Collaboration, The Strange Colours of Your Body’s Tears Whiskey River Saloon OTC Wings Stadium Mitten Kitten Mash-up Roller Derby Tournament, Motorcycle Swap Meet, Ring of Honor Wrestling York Arena Check Your Privilege

Downtown Ludington Octoberfest Music & Craft Beer Festival by Bells’ Brewery Farmers Alley Theatre The Secret Garden Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More GRAM [Dis]comfort Zones Grand Haven Grand Haven Art Walk Holland Museum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz The Intersection Dan & Shay: The Where It All Began Tour, Stray from the Path KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy Kzoo State Theatre Huey Lewis and the News Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild New Holland Brewing Company Barbosa Brothers The Orbit Room STS9 The Pyramid Scheme X Ambassadors, Jamie N Commons, Arkells Salt of the Earth Annie and Rod Capps with Jason Dennie Sand Bar Blues Jam and Open Mic UICA 20000 Days on Earth, Collaboration, The Strange Colours of Your Body’s Tears Wings Stadium Mitten Kitten Mash-up Roller Derby Tournament York Arena Check Your Privilege

monday

10.13

Aquinas College Art Gallery AQ Art Gallery: Lora Robertson Exhibit Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Square Dance Billy’s Lounge BassBin Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More GVSU Arts Gallery Shared Passion Holland Museum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz The Intersection MC Chris Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Saugatuck Center for the Arts Touching Strangers

sunday

10.12

Aquinas College Art Gallery AQ Art Gallery: Lora Robertson Exhibit Aquinas College Performing Arts Center AQ Theatre Presents: Up Billy’s Lounge Revival ‘80s Night Downtown GR ArtPrize 2014

tuesday

10.14

76 | REVUEWM.COM | October 2014

Aquinas College Art Gallery AQ Art Gallery: Lora Robertson Exhibit Billy’s Lounge Deep Down

Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More GVSU Alumni House Monica McFawn Robinson GVSU Arts Gallery Shared Passion KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy Kzoo Public Library Booktoberfest Book Discussion Kzoo State Theatre Ani DiFranco Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor Mangiamo! Pride Mountain Vineyards Wine Dinner Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Miller Auditorium Parsons Dance Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild Saugatuck Center for the Arts Touching Strangers Shore Acres Park West Michigan Drum Circle UICA 20000 Days on Earth, The Strange Colours of Your Body’s Tears Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: Friday the 13th

wednesday

10.15

Aquinas College Art Gallery AQ Art Gallery: Lora Robertson Exhibit Billy’s Lounge Campus Karaoke Binder Park Zoo ZooBoo DeVos Performance Hall Symphony in D Founders Brewing Co. ArtPrize on Tap Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More Gillys Nick Foresman GVSU Arts Gallery Shared Passion Holland Museum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz The Intersection Kalin and Myles KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy, Book Talk: Steal like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild Saugatuck Center for the Arts Touching Strangers Seven Steps Up The Ballroom Thieves Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Ghost Town Blues Band

OK GO

Best Bet: Pop Get those treadmills out of storage, everyone!

Ok Go By the time this Ok Go show has come and gone, we’re Calvin College, all going to be reenacting that infamous treadmill dance Grand Rapids until somebody loses a digit. But anyway, the quartet, Oct.11, 8 p.m. originally from Chicago, has been keeping busy since $20 public, $10 with breaking out in 2006 with hits like “Here It Goes Again” student I.D. (along with the above referenced video). On Oct. 14, the calvin.edu, band will release its fourth studio album, Hungry Ghosts, (616) 526-6282 of which the debut single, “The Writing’s on The Wall” (note: not a song-by-song response to Destiny’s Child), has already attained chart-topping status. Best of all is the continued commitment to live shows and touring, which, this year, includes a stop for us West Coast Michiganders. What’s next for the boys? We have one guess: to infinity, and beyond.

And that’s perhaps a bit of an understatement. Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

UICA 20000 Days on Earth, The Strange Colours of Your Body’s Tears

thursday

10.16

Aquinas College Art Gallery AQ Art Gallery: Lora Robertson Exhibit Bell’s Eccentric Cafe The Main Squeeze wsg Indigo Sun Billy’s Lounge ‘90s Holla Back Binder Park Zoo ZooBoo Dr. Grins Carl LaBove Eberhard Center Mark Doty & Dorianne Laux Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More GVSU Arts Gallery Shared Passion H.O.M.E. at The B.O.B. Matt Gabriel

Holland Museum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz John Ball Zoo Monster Mash Kent District Library - East GR Branch Michigan Authors Night KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy Laura V. Shaw Theatre One Man Two Guvnors Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor Annual Exhibition Travel Show Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Mulligan’s Pub Roshambo wsg Crash and Therapeutic Violence Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild The Park Theatre Judy Collins The Pyramid Scheme Max Lockwood, Seth Bernard Trio, The Carboys

Ritz Koney Open Mic with Jason Eller Saugatuck Center for the Arts Intriguing Conversation: Veterans on the Home Front, Touching Strangers Shakespeare’s Lower Level Comedy Open Mic UICA 20000 Days on Earth, The Strange Colours of Your Body’s Tears Wealthy Theatre Joan Osborne

friday

10.17

Aquinas College Art Gallery AQ Art Gallery: Lora Robertson Exhibit

REVUEWM.COM | October 2014 |

77

Schedule Billy’s Lounge Hannah Rose and The GravesTones Album Release Party Binder Park Zoo ZooBoo Bobarino’s at the B.O.B. The Blue Effect Downtown Battle Creek Fall into the Arts Art Walk Dr. Grins Carl LaBove Eve Masquerade Foundry Hall Tunebugs Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More GR Civic Theatre Judy Collins GR Public Library Genealogy Lock-In GVSU Arts Gallery Shared Passion Holland Museum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz John Ball Zoo Zoo Goes Boo H.O.M.E. at The B.O.B. Hype & The Bimini Brothers The Intersection \Rock/tober Night at The Stache KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy Kirby House Cheap Dates Kzoo State Theatre Bone Thugs N Harmony Laura V. Shaw Theatre One Man Two Guvnors

Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Mulligan’s Pub Darin Zarchi wsg Jake Down Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild New Holland Brewing Company Supernatural Bang Papa Pete’s W.E.R.M The Pyramid Scheme dizzybird records Launch Party Rockford Brewing Company The Whistle Stop Revue Saugatuck Center for the Arts Touching Strangers Shakespeare’s Lower Level Country Night UICA 20000 Days on Earth, The Strange Colours of Your Body’s Tears Wealthy Theatre Pop Scholars: Improv Comedy Whiskey River Saloon Steve Rivers Wings Stadium Life in Color: Featuring The Chainsmokers Protohype & Milk N Cookies

saturday

10.18

Barnes & Noble Woodland Mall Author Signing With J.F. Riordan Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Sun Stereo Billy’s Lounge Kathleen and The Bridge Street Band Binder Park Zoo ZooBoo The Block Giggle Giggle Quackle, Happy Hour. Cocktails. Nuts. Helix Collective DeVos Performance Hall Acura/ELS Presents The Ben Folds Orchestral Experience with The GR Symphony Founders Brewing Co. Rock for Crash’s Landing wsg The Muteflutes, Miss Pussykatt, hi-ker, Bermudas Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More!, Tree-Mendous Tree Tour GR Public Museum Real Pirates H.O.M.E. at The B.O.B. Starfarm Historic Union Depot Depot to Depot Fall Color Tour Holland Museum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

The Intersection Moon Taxi, Thousand Foot Krutch John Ball Zoo Zoo Goes Boo KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy Kirby House Groove Solution Kzoo State Theatre Battle of the Sexes Comedy Smash Laura V. Shaw Theatre One Man Two Guvnors Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Mulligan’s Pub Expunk Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild Rivertown Sports Grand Raggidy Roller Girls vs. Kilamazoo Derby Darlins Saugatuck Center for the Arts Saugatuck Shorts, Touching Strangers Schuler Books 28th Street Publicize Your Book Workshop with Karen Campbell Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Sonny Knight and the Lakers

UICA 20000 Days on Earth, The Strange Colours of Your Body’s Tears Whiskey River Saloon Steve Rivers

sunday

10.19

Billy’s Lounge Revival ‘80s Night Binder Park Zoo ZooBoo Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts Menopause the Musical Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More GR Public Museum Real Pirates Holland Museum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz The Intersection Dopapod John Ball Zoo Zoo Goes Boo KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy Laura V. Shaw Theatre One Man Two Guvnors Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild

Salt of the Earth Hey Mavis Schuler Books 28th Street Opera Talk with Maestro Robert Lyall Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Los Straightjackets featuring Deke Dickerson UICA 20000 Days on Earth, The Strange Colours of Your Body’s Tears Wealthy Theatre Boogah and Hoogah’s House

monday

10.20

Billy’s Lounge BassBin Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More GR Public Museum Real Pirates Holland Museum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz The Intersection Being As An Ocean & Fit For A King Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Mulligan’s Pub Paint Nite Saugatuck Center for the Arts Touching Strangers

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

ON SALE NOW

78 | REVUEWM.COM | October 2014

DAVID SEDARIS Welcomed by

Monday,

OCTOBER 27, 2014 @ 7:30 p.m.

Your seat is waiting Call (269) 387-2300 • (800) 228-9858 | millerauditorium.com

REVUEWM.COM | October 2014 |

79

Schedule Van Andel Arena Cher Wealthy Theatre Live Singing Impressionist Brandon Styles

San Chez Bistro Cocktail Creations Saugatuck Center for the Arts Touching Strangers Seven Steps Up Daniel Champagne UICA The Strange Colours of Your Body’s Tears Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: Halloween III

tuesday

10.21

wednesday

10.22

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

Billy’s Lounge Deep Down Forest Hills Fine Arts Center FHC Band presents Bandtasia Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More GR Public Museum Real Pirates GVSU Arts Gallery Shared Passion The Intersection Aaron Carter KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy Kzoo Public Library Meet the Brewmasters with Arcadia Ales Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild

80 | REVUEWM.COM | October 2014

Billy’s Lounge Campus Karaoke Binder Park Zoo ZooBoo Forest Hills Fine Arts Center FHC Band presents Bandtasia Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More Gillys Travis Atkinson GR Public Museum Real Pirates GVSU Arts Gallery Shared Passion Holland Museum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz The Intersection The Werks & Zoogma KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy

Kent District Library: Wyoming Branch KDL Uncorked: Winemaking 101 Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild Saugatuck Center for the Arts Touching Strangers Schuler Books 28th Street Author Talk & Booksigning with Tom Dilley UICA Thriller! Chiller! Film Festival Wealthy Theatre Mars Hill Movie: Her

thursday

10.23

Billy’s Lounge ‘90s Holla Back Binder Park Zoo ZooBoo Dr. Grins Mark Curry Founders Brewing Co. Royale Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More

GR Public Library Still Missing: Michigan’s Mysterious Unsolved Disappearances GR Public Museum Real Pirates GVSU Arts Gallery Shared Passion H.O.M.E. at The B.O.B. Nicholas James Thomasma, Channing and Quinn Holland Museum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Hope College Jack Ridl Visiting Writers Series presents: Bob Mankoff Kent District Library: Cascade Township Branch Friends Fall Booked for Lunch: Susan Newhof KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy Ladies Literary Club Run River North Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild New Holland Brewing Company Stop and Taste Farm Dinner

The Pyramid Scheme The Hood Internet wsg Hologram, Kizzie (aka Psalm One), My Gold Mask, Fluffy Ritz Koney Open Mic with Jason Eller Saugatuck Center for the Arts Touching Strangers Schuler Books 28th Street Author Talk and Booksigning with Sophie Kinsella Shakespeare’s Lower Level Comedy Open Mic St. Cecilia Music Center Ralston Bowles & An All-Star Cast UICA Thriller! Chiller! Film Festival

friday

10.24

Billy’s Lounge GR Soul Club Binder Park Zoo ZooBoo Covenant Fine Arts Center Josh Garrels with Will Reagan DeVos Performance Hall GR Symphony Presents ‘Copland and Brahms’ Dr. Grins Mark Curry Forest Hills Fine Arts Center The Midtown Men

Foundry Hall Tunebugs Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More, Grandma and Me GRAM Marks of Genius GR Public Museum Real Pirates GVSU Arts Gallery Shared Passion John Ball Zoo Zoo Goes Boo H.O.M.E. at The B.O.B. Hat Trick Holland Museum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz The Intersection Papadosio KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy Kirby House Oregon Dreamchild LC Walker Arena Muskegon Lumberjacks vs. Green Bay Gamblers Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Mulligan’s Pub Truck Stop Cobras, Devil in the Details Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild Noto’s Old World Italian Dining Noto’s Charity Wine Fest

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Schedule Peter Martin Wege Theatre GR Ballet Halloween Spooktacular The Pyramid Scheme Thriller!

Chiller! Friday Night Freakout The Riviera Theatre Laurence Juber Saugatuck Center for the Arts Touching Strangers Schuler Books 28th Street Author Talk and Booksigning with Judy Schachner Seven Steps Up Anne Heaton Shakespeare’s Lower Level Country Night SpeakEZ Lounge Wilson Whitley St. Cecilia Music Center KPO Ghoul Fest Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Brent Johnson and the Call Up UICA Thriller! Chiller! Film Festival Whiskey River Saloon Trixy Tang Williams Theatre Cymbeline

saturday

10.25

Ah-Nab-Awen Park Zombie Dash Billy’s Lounge P.E.M.G.

Binder Park Zoo ZooBoo Blanford Nature Center Birds of Prey Photography DeVos Performance Hall GR Symphony Presents ‘Copland and Brahms’ Downtown Saugatuck Pet Halloween Party & Costume Contest Dr. Grins Mark Curry The Dunes Annual Halloween Bash First Park Congregational Church Ann Hampton Callaway and Liz Callaway in ‘Sibling Revelry’ Founders Brewing Co. Ten Foot Polecats Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More, Tree-Mendous Tree Tour GRAM Marks of Genius GR Public Museum Real Pirates H.O.M.E. at The B.O.B. The Rock Show Holland Museum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Howmet Playhouse The Crane Wives & The Carboys The Intersection Mega ‘80s Spooktacular John Ball Zoo Zoo Goes Boo KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy

Kirby House Oregon Dreamchild Kzoo Nature Center Creatures of the Night: Mythbusters Kzoo State Theatre The Polish Ambassador Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor Masonic Temple Halloween Party Wonka Wonderland Theme Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Mulligan’s Pub De Soto wsg Reviving the Era Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild One Trick Pony An Dro The Orbit Room An Evening with Umphrey’s McGee Peter Martin Wege Theatre GR Ballet Halloween Spooktacular The Pyramid Scheme Pentagram with Bang Radio Moscow & Kings Destroy The Riviera Theatre Wine for Whiskers The Round Barn HalloWine Party Sparta Fire Department Halloween Carnival SpeakEZ Lounge Nobody’s Darlin’

Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Tommy Womack and Wild Ponies Whiskey River Saloon Trixy Tang Williams Theatre Cymbeline

sunday

10.26

Billy’s Lounge Revival ‘80s Night Binder Park Zoo ZooBoo DeVos Center for Arts and Worship GRYSCO: Fall Concert Founders Brewing Co. The Toasters and The Sailor Kicks Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Chrysanthemums and More GRAM Marks of Genius GR Public Museum Real Pirates Holland Museum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz The Intersection Byzantine John Ball Zoo Zoo Goes Boo KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy Miller Auditorium Pinkalicious Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating

Louie Armstrong Theatre Gallim Dance: Articulate Bodies, Visceral Language Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Miller Auditorium David Sedaris Saugatuck Center for the Arts Touching Strangers Wings Stadium Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience

75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild The Pyramid Scheme This Will Destroy You, Future Death, Silent Land Time Machine Salt of the Earth The Crane Wives Williams Theatre Cymbeline

monday

10.27

Aquinas College Art Gallery AQ Art Gallery: Lora Robertson Exhibit Billy’s Lounge BassBin Bobarino’s at the B.O.B. West Michigan Jazz Society Presents Monday Night Jazz with Petra van Nuis & The Andy Brown Trio Forest Hills Fine Arts Center FHN Vocal Jazz Festival Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet GR Public Museum Real Pirates GVSU Arts Gallery Shared Passion Holland Museum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

tuesday

10.28

Aquinas College Art Gallery AQ Art Gallery: Lora Robertson Exhibit Billy’s Lounge Deep Down First Park Congregational Church Jeff Dwarshuis Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet, Hot Soups/More Soups GRAM Marks of Genius GR Public Museum Real Pirates GVSU Arts Gallery Shared Passion The Intersection The Wonder Years, The Story So Far

Made in Germany • Tradition seit 1774

HANDCRAFTED ALES & BARREL-AGED BEER

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Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

FULL-SERVICE BAR WITH WINE & SPIRITS RESTAURANT FEATURING AMERICAN CUISINE WOOD-FIRED PIZZA OVEN & GRILL

1411 Robinson Road Grand Rapids, MI (616) 451-4732 Repairs Available

Stay True 1310 W. Washington St., Greenville, MI (616) 712-6226 - 57brewpub.com

82 | REVUEWM.COM | October 2014

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83

Schedule KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy Kzoo Public Library Local Brewery Panel Discussion Kent District Library - East GR Branch Write Michigan Short Story Workshop Kent District Library: Cascade Township branch KDL Uncorked: Wine Tasting with Pauly’s Kent District Library: Cascade Township Branch Meet the Author: Rick Sigsby Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture The Orbit Room SuicideGirls: Blackheart Burlesque Tour Saugatuck Center for the Arts Touching Strangers Schuler Books 28th Street Local Authors Randy Flood, Marcia Rowland, James Garner and David Gregory

Wealthy Theatre Meanwhile Movie: The Shining

wednesday

10.29

Eric Church

Aquinas College Art Gallery AQ Art Gallery: Lora Robertson Exhibit Billy’s Lounge Campus Karaoke Binder Park Zoo ZooBoo Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet Gillys Everett Domeier GRAM Marks of Genius GR Public Museum Real Pirates GVSU Arts Gallery Shared Passion Holland Museum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz The Intersection The Cadillac Three KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor

Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild Saugatuck Center for the Arts Touching Strangers

thursday

10.30

Aquinas College Art Gallery AQ Art Gallery: Lora Robertson Exhibit Billy’s Lounge ‘90s Holla Back Binder Park Zoo ZooBoo Czar’s 505 Karaoke Night with D-Mic DeltaPlex Arena The Anomoly Tour Lecrae wsg Andy Mineo & DJ Promote Dr. Grins Dave Dyer

Forest Hills Fine Arts Center FHC Orchestra’s Spooktacular Founders Brewing Co. Harley Poe wsg The MisTakes Foundry Hall Peppino D’Agostino Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet GRAM Marks of Genius H.O.M.E. at The B.O.B. Ignite the Boreialis Holland Museum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild The Pyramid Scheme Retro D’Luxe Halloween Edition Ritz Koney Open Mic with Jason Eller

Saugatuck Center for the Arts Touching Strangers Shakespeare’s Lower Level Comedy Open Mic Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Continental wsg The Hex Bombs and The Waxies Wealthy Theatre Our Hope Association presents Flying Standby Williams Theatre Cymbeline

friday

10.31

Aquinas College Art Gallery AQ Art Gallery: Lora Robertson Exhibit Billy’s Lounge Billy’s Annual Halloween Bash DeVos Performance Hall Opera GR Presents ‘Carmen’ Dog Story Theater The Rocky Horror Show

Best Bet: Country

Schedule Dining | Sights | Sounds | Scene

With a name like Eric Church, your destiny is esEric Church wsg sentially ordering you to become a man of the cloth.

Dwight Yoakam Or, failing that, a mega country music star. Luckily for us, Van Andel Arena, the melodically-attuned parishioners, this Church made the Grand Rapids right choice, and the CMT network is all the better for it.

Oct. 9, 7 p.m.

Crusaders for Christ, on the other hand, might be lacking $39.50 and $59.50 a mighty compadre, as Church has already proved himself vanandelarena.com, to be one of the hardest working men in contemporary (616) 742-6600 country. Going strong since 2006, Church has been leaving a trail of twangy, irresistible hits in his wake, while picking up nominations left and right. Well, what he’s like isn’t important. It’s what he is that makes Church so compelling: namely, a man with all the makings of a country crooner as venerable as Garth or Johnny. This is one Church service you’re not going to want to sleep through. Reported by Emma Kat Richardson

84 | REVUEWM.COM | October 2014

LADIES LITERARY CLUB

OCT 18 NOV 1 NOV 15 DEC 6

ALL SHOWS 7:33 PM RIVERCITYIMPROV.COM

Dr. Grins Dave Dyer Founders Halloween Spooktacular with Alexis, Tunde Olaniran Foundry Hall Tunebugs Frederik Meijer Gardens Bernar Venet GRAM Marks of Genius GR Public Library Día de los Muertos: Honoring Day of the Dead GR Public Museum Real Pirates GVSU Arts Gallery Shared Passion H.O.M.E. at The B.O.B. Jedi Mind Trip Holland Museum The Wonderful Wizard of Oz The Intersection Halloween Bash at The Stache, Monster’s Ball: Angels vs. Demons wsg Bad Boy Bill KIA A Collector’s Eye, Double Take, Lasting Legacy Kirby House Azz Izz Kzoo State Theatre Hippoween Lowell Arts! Michigan Watercolor Mercuryhead Gallery Debra Van Deusen, Pottery & Sculpture Muskegon Museum of Art West Michigan Symphony: Celebrating 75 Years, Stuart Klipper, Remember and Rebuild New Holland Brewing Company Halloween Party Papa Pete’s That Freak Quincy The Pyramid Scheme Stepdad, Sphynx & Flint Eastwood Saugatuck Center for the Arts Touching Strangers Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill Halloween at Tip Top with The Necrophilicons, Murder Party, Antilogical and Dead Eye Zack Whiskey River Saloon Foolish Plezyer Williams Theatre Cymbeline n

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

REVUEWM.COM | October 2014 |

85

Last Call

by Rei Robinson

Suffering Bastard SpeakEZ Lounge, Grand Rapids

I awoke with a molasses start, the voracious arrows of Sol bearing down upon my countenance with unyielding, silent cries, echoed transgressions of the night before. The Madman (or Madmen, rather) had taken toll, finding me, as Mikau found himself facing the brigand Gerudo, in a stampeding assault of hungover humors.

Surely, there must be a remedy, thought I. And I found it, verily, at the oasis called SpeakEZ Lounge.

Located in the Brass Works building (600 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids), SpeakEZ hosts the warm, darkwood environment of a sporting hall. I’ve heard the food is fantastic. However, I had come not for repast, but for respite.

The barkeep mixed me a preparation called the Suffering Bastard, appropriate per my current desideratum. The lightness of the thing made it simple to imbibe in even my ruined state, and its potent proteinic property put the pep back in my pop. Reminiscent of an airy Orange Julius with a cumulus egg yolk and soda froth, the Suffering Bastard proves to be a mellow and rejuvenating morning elixir.

I believe it was Proust who wrote “We are healed of a suffering only by experiencing it to the full. But if you’re not completely full, maybe we should split a plate of Sweet Thai Potato Hash & Eggs?”

But then again, I have been drinking.

WHAT MAKES A SUFFERING BASTARD, YOU ASK? One good shot of Bluecoat gin 2oz. orange juice A couple dashes of lime juice A chunk or two of cucumber A chunk or two of mint A dash of vanilla A dash of Angostura bitters Blend the ingredients together with ice and top it with a frothy, beaten mixture of egg white and soda.

Photo: Kelsey Wahowiak