REVUE West Michigan - August 2023

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Best of the West.

That’s right, we’re back once again with the 8th Annual Best of the West, Revue’s annual survey of readers’ favorite local people and places.

Every year, it’s both exciting and rewarding to watch all the love pour in from West Michigan for these local businesses. Whether it’s brand new spots that rapidly developed a cult following or community institutions who have been around for decades, they all deserve their moment in the spotlight.

This year, things have settled down a bit, in that far fewer businesses have been closing doors. On the flipside, there haven’t been quite as many new spots to celebrate—especially when it comes to breweries. The top three finalists this year are all new taprooms for existing breweries, but they each offer something unique and exciting.

Curious who I’m talking about? Head on over to the Best of the West section! If you voted, thank you so much for your participation, and if you’re a winner or finalist, congratulations on earning West Michigan’s love and trust.

As always, there’s plenty more to read in this issue! We teach you how to roll a joint properly, take a road trip to those new breweries, check in with the GR Public Museum, and more.

Before summer ends, consider letting the results of Best of the West guide you to cool new spots to check out. If hundreds or thousands of voters thought a business deserves to win, it’s probably worth experiencing. And if you disagree? You can always vote next year!

’Til next time,

JOSH VEAL Managing Editor josh@serendipity-media.com

PUBLISHER Serendipity Media, LLC

President, Kasie Smith www.serendipity-media.com

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor, Josh Veal josh@serendipity-media.com

LAYOUT

Designer, Courtney Van Hagen

MARKETING

Marketing Director, Loren Eisenlohr Marketing Coordinator, Jasa West

DISTRIBUTION

Kelli Belanger

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Zachary Avery

Michaela Stock

John Kissane

Eric Mitts

ADVERTISING / (616) 458-8371

Media Sales Manager, Kelli Belanger kelli@revuewm.com

Media Sales Consultant, Maggie Mutch maggie@serendipity-media.com

FIND US ONLINE: revuewm.com

@revuewm

Revue is published monthly by: Serendipity Media LLC

535 Cascade West Parkway SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 (616) 458-8371

@2023 Serendipity Media LLC

All rights reserved.

JUL COMING UP

ARTS & MUSIC

SPOTLIGHT

BIZ BEAT

hot Cheetos, Fruity Pebbles, it’s your choice! Then you choose a filling, like the classic beef hot dog, a mozzarella cheese filling, or a combination of the two. They also have bingsu, a light and fluffy shaved milk treat.

Get your dessert bar fix at Qwake Bar Bakes , now open at 2927 28th St. SE, Kentwood. Locally owned by a pastry chef, the eatery aims to provide highquality, from-scratch baked goods. The bars range from small bites to party-sized, and flavors include options like White Chocolate Raspberry, Peanut Butter Brownie, Grandma Dot’s Banana Bread and many more. ■

OPENED:

Seed Sound Studios set up shop at 1415 Plainfield Ave. NE in Grand Rapids. Run by two local artists, Chris Bota of Desmond Jones and Hannah Laine of Earth Radio, the studio is all about vocal empowerment coaching, songwriting, music theory, guitar and piano lessons, improvisation training, workshops, performance coaching and more. Find your sonic signature here!

Expanding from their original Battle Creek location, Gatos Mexican Buffet joined Grand Rapids at 1 Carlton Ave. SE, the former site of Danzon Cubano. You can head here for both lunch and dinner to enjoy an all-you-can-eat Mexican buffet, along with a taco and nacho bar. The buffet has the staples like rice, beans and meats, along with chimichangas, guac, queso, mini wet burritos, fajitas, salsa, ceviche, and more. Plus, margaritas!

Enjoy fro-yo before or after your movie at Studio Park with Elsa’s (121 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids), which just opened doors. Pick from more than 12 flavors to start in whatever size you’d like, then load up as many toppings as you want—they don’t weigh (or judge).

Hot pot has arrived in Grand Rapids in the form of King Pot , a Korean BBQ and hot pot eatery at 4176 28th St., Kentwood. If you’ve had Korean BBQ before, you know the drill—you order your meats,

veggies and sides as a table, and cook them up right there on a grill. Hot pot is the same concept, except with a communal soup, which means you also have noodles, broths and additional veggies to work with.

Over on Front Avenue, right across the Grand River from Sixth Street Park, you’ll find 5Knives Café, a new breakfast and lunch eatery with high quality grab and go options. Stop in at 678 Front for affordable yet fresh morning options like a chorizo egg and cheese wrap, and come through at lunch for creative but approachable sandwiches like the eggplant pesto panini and grilled steak sandwich. They also have sushi, fried rice, quiche du jour and more!

Now open at 4318 Plainfield Ave., Grand Rapids is Joy of Sprinkles , a new bakery from a dental hygienist and mother of five who wanted to turn her hobby into a business. There are all kinds of different sprinkle blends to take home, from Unicorn Barf to Enchanted. Of course, there’s also a big selection of baked goods, from cookies to muffins to brownies and beyond.

K-Pocha opened doors at 5751 Byron Center Ave. SW, Wyoming, serving up exceptionally distinctive Korean street-style food. There are crowdpleasing options like Korean-style wings, loaded fries and the Tater-nado, a spiral cut, deep-fried potato topped with spicy mayo. Or build your own corn dog, starting with the base—batter, ramen,

A round-up of the biggest openings, closings and other changes for local businesses.

Elsa's, Gatos Meican Buffet, Qwake Bar Bakes. COURTESY PHOTOS

WHAT’S GOING ON, AUG '23

8/1

GRAND HAVEN

COAST GUARD FESTIVAL

Grand Haven

July 28-August 6 coastguardfest.org

If you’ve never been to the Coast Guard Festival, do you really live in West Michigan? This annual event is back with all the entertainment you could hope for. The carnival returns of course, along with live music, fireworks, cardboard boat races, ship tours and much more. Not to mention all the great food and drinks already in Grand Haven.

8/4

KALAMAZOO RIBFEST

Arcadia Creek Festival Site

145 E. Water St., Kalamazoo Aug. 4-5 kalamazooribfest.com

Ribfest is a two-day event at the Arcadia Creek Festival Site. The event features national and local rib vendors that sell meats in outstanding BBQ sauces. To complement the rib vendors, additional food vendors will be offering side items and sweet treats, along with national rock and country musical artists, local bands, plenty of fun activities including children’s crafts/games, and the exciting contest for Best Ribs in Kalamazoo.

8/5

BASS COUNTRY 6TH ANNIVERSARY

The Intersection

133 Cesar E. Chavez, Grand Rapids Aug. 5, 8 p.m. sectionlive.com

Bass Country is a multi-room event held at The Intersection, Elevation, and The Stache, focused on Dubstep, Bass, House, Trap and more. Come celebrate the 6th anniversary of this iconic event with Deathpact, Champagne Drip, Ruvlo and more.

8/6

SUMMER KALAMAZOO BIZARRE BAZAAR

Bell’s Eccentric Café

355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo Aug. 6, 12-5 p.m. facebook.com/kzoobizarrebazaar

Mark your calendar for handmade

local art, crafts, and fun! Come peruse more than 20 local artists and makers at the Bell’s Brewery Garden. Vendors will include jewelry, fiber art, ceramics, pottery, clothing/accessories, beauty/ wellness, painting, illustration, and so much more.

8/7

LISTENING LAWN: SOCCER MOMMY

Studio Park Outdoor Piazza

123 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids

Aug. 7, 7 p.m. themidtowngr.com

Soccer Mommy is the indie rock project of singer-songwriter Sophie Allison, known for her introspective lyrics and dreamy guitar melodies. With her evocative storytelling and emotive vocals, she crafts poignant songs that navigate the complexities of youth, relationships and personal growth. Joining her for this outdoor show is Pool Kids, a raw and energetic pop-punk/emo band.

8/12

SAND SCULPTURE CONTEST

Grand Haven City Beach

August 12, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. grandhavenchamber.org/sandsculpture-contest

Imagine being surrounded by sun, surf and sandcastles! The Sand Sculpture Contest is a fun way for you to put your sand sculpting skills to the test, or to come out and see some of the coolest sculptures around. This family-friendly event gives participants two hours to create their masterpiece before celebrity judges observe their work and crown the newest royalty of the sand castles.

A GLIMPSE OF AFRICA

Calder Plaza

Aug. 12, 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. aglimpseofafrica.org

The A Glimpse of Africa Festival is the largest, one-of-a-kind African cultural event in West Michigan. This spectacular, family-friendly event showcases the rich, diverse, and beautiful African cultures through Fashion, Art, Food, Dance, Music, and a variety of interactive activities. Africa is the home of amazingly diverse people, cultures,

unique amazing talents, and at the A Glimpse of Africa festival, you will get to experience all that topped with warm, unforgettable African hospitality.

8/17

THE CHICKS WORLD TOUR

Van Andel Arena

130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids Aug. 17, 7:30 p.m. vanandelarena.com

Drop the “Dixie” and you get The Chicks, the Grammy Award-winning American country music trio that gained widespread recognition with their powerful harmonies and outspoken lyrics, tackling social and political issues. With hits like “Wide Open Spaces” and “Not Ready to Make Nice,” The Chicks have solidified their place as one of the most influential and enduring acts in contemporary country music. Guest Ben Harper opens.

8/18

HOXEYVILLE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Wellston | August 18-20 hoxeyville.com

Sprawling across 150 acres of farmland surrounded by Manistee National Forest, this naturally tranquil fest in Northern Michigan boasts some of the best roots music around, including Marcus King, The Wood Brothers, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, and more.

BREAKAWAY MUSIC FESTIVAL

Grand Rapids | Aug. 18-19 breakawayfestival.com

Headlined by Deamau5, Porter Robinson, RL Grime and Tiesto, Breakaway is bringing a weekend of the hottest electronic and dance music to Grand Rapids. Adding to the experience is a silent disco sponsored by White Claw, not to mention food trucks, vendors and activities.

8/19

GR8 TACO FEST

Sixth St. & Front Ave. Aug. 19, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. facebook.com/GR8foodtrucks

The first locally produced event all

about celebrating the versatility that is the taco! This festival looks to bring you more than 40 food trucks and restaurant vendor booths, all celebrating all the creative things that can be considered a Taco, taking over the parking lot on the corner of Front Ave. & Sixth St. near downtown Grand Rapids.

8/24

RORY SCOVEL: THE LAST TOUR

The Pyramid Scheme

68 Commerce Dr. SW, Grand Rapids

Aug. 24, 7 p.m.

pyramidschemebar.com

Rory Scovel is a talented American comedian known for his unique and unpredictable style of standup comedy. With his quick wit, impeccable timing, and ability to seamlessly blend absurdity with relatable observations, Scovel has gained a dedicated following and has been featured on numerous comedy specials and television shows.

8/25

POLISH HERITAGE FESTIVAL 2023

Calder Plaza

Aug. 25-27

polishheritagesociety.com

Thousands of people turn out each year for this three-day celebration of Polish food, music and culture. Activities include a Paczki eating contest, children’s tent for crafts, a demonstration tent on Polish cooking and arts, and more!

8/26

BURNING FOOT BEER FESTIVAL

Muskegon

Aug. 26

burningfoot.beer

Burning Foot Beer Festival is a celebration of beer, beach, art, and music. The festival is held in August along Lake Michigan’s beautiful lakeshore in Muskegon, offering the perfect way to end the summer. Beach camping and barefoot entry make it unique, but the Brewers’ Ring makes it extraordinary. This year, the headliner is Julian Marley, son of Bob.

How to Roll a Joint

| by Josh Veal

Rolling a joint is a time-honored tradition among cannabis enthusiasts.

Though there are many ways to consume, rolling a joint allows you to savor the flavors and experience the ritualistic aspect of smoking. But let’s be honest: It can be a little intimidating.

While pros like Seth Rogen can make it look easy, rolling a quality joint takes practice and patience—though you can look into simple little “rolling machines” that help ensure consistent quality with every roll.

So, if you’re new to this art form, fear not! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step.

ROLLING A JOINT

1. Gather Your Supplies

To roll a joint, you’ll need a few essential items. Here’s what you’ll need:

» Cannabis flower: Purchased locally, of course. We suggest a half gram while you’re still getting the hang of it.

» Rolling papers: Select high-quality, standard-sized rolling papers. Some popular brands include RAW, Zig-Zag, and OCB. For a half gram, use 1¼ size rolling papers.

» Grinder: Grind your cannabis into a consistent texture for optimal burning and even airflow.

» Filter tip: Also known as a crutch or roach, a filter tip provides stability, prevents small pieces of cannabis from being inhaled, and lets you smoke every last milligram. You can either buy pre-formed tips or flat sheets. If using the latter, do a couple accordion folds and then wrap the rest of the tip around, so you essentially have an M shape inside a circle.

2. Prepare the Rolling Paper/Tip

Take a rolling paper and hold it between your fingers with the gum strip facing up. The gum strip is a thin line of adhesive along one edge of the paper (like an envelope). This is the side that will seal your joint. On one end of the paper, set your tip down.

3. Fill the Joint

Sprinkle the ground cannabis onto the paper, spreading it along the length, up against the tip. Ensure the distribution is even, leaving some space at one end to form the tip.

4. Roll the Joint

With your thumbs and index fingers, gently pinch the paper between your fingertips while holding the filter tip. Roll the paper back and forth to distribute the cannabis evenly and create a cylinder shape.

5. Seal the Joint

Lick the gum strip gently and continue rolling until the gum strip meets the paper. Press the gum strip onto the paper and give it a gentle squeeze to seal the joint.

6. Finishing Touches

Inspect the joint and gently pack the cannabis to ensure an even burn. Tuck in any loose ends or excess paper. You can use a pen or similar object to gently pack the cannabis. Then it’s time to light up and enjoy!

AVOIDING CANOEING

Now that you’re ready to smoke the joint, there’s one last thing to watch out for: the dreaded canoe. This is when your joint starts burning faster on one side than the other, which can lead to a big floppy canoe of ashes and a very inefficient smoke.

» Grind properly. If you have big lumps and small flakes together, chances are you’re going to get an uneven burn. Consistency is key!

» Pack evenly. Too loose and you’ll have big air pockets. Too tight and you’ll have no airflow at all.

» Light it right. Start by gently lighting the end while rolling it, getting a nice toast all around. Then take light pulls to get things going. Keep rotating it as you smoke.

» Lick it good. If the canoeing has already begun, put a little saliva on the part of the paper that’s burning faster to slow it down. Then use the lighter again on the slower side to burn off some of the paper.

» Break it up. Canoeing is more common with pre-rolls, because they’re typically packed by machines. Gently roll the joint between fingers to break up the weed and counteract any air pockets or settling.

PRE-ROLLS

You might be thinking, “Why not just buy pre-rolls so I don’t have to deal with all this?” Well, that’s totally fair! But there are pros and cons to be aware of.

Pros

» Beginner friendly | Convenient | Discreet | Consistent Cons

» Removes the ritual of rolling | Uneven burns | Often more expensive than flower

If you want a middle ground, I personally love to use cones: empty, preassembled joints with tips. Simply pour your ground flower in the open end, tamp it down and twist the end closed! You get to prepare it all fresh without having to do too much work.

On the other hand: Don’t you want to be the friend that knows how to roll an impressive joint? ■

THE FAIR GROUND FESTIVAL:

Breaking New Ground

Begun as the idea to bring a large-scale single-day music festival to rural Barry County, the Fair Ground Festival soon grew into a community effort to support women artists by showcasing a lineup of all female-led performers.

Co-headlined by Portland indie-folk trio Joseph and Traverse City indie favorites

The Accidentals, the first-ever Fair Ground Festival will also feature The Crane Wives from Grand Rapids, three-time Grammy nominee Ruthie Foster, West Michigan native turned Nashville musician Patty PerShayla & the Mayhaps, and artist/activist Kyshona.

“I wish I could say it was my idea, but Fair Ground Festival’s lineup was pretty organic,” Amber Buist, manager for The Accidentals, and co-organizer of Fair Ground told Revue Buist had gotten contacted by Megan Lavell, executive director of the Thornapple Arts Council of Barry County, about working together on a lineup for the brand new event, as The Accidentals had previously played as part of the Arts Council’s ongoing summer music series, Hastings Live, nearly every year since they’ve been a band.

“I started asking for the top of the list of bands The Accidentals wanted to collaborate with - most of them were female fronted, mostly bands they have worked with in the past, bands that they truly love,” Buist said. “They had just played a show at SXSW at Blue Rock Studio with Ruthie Foster, and

in Nashville with Kyshona. The Crane Wives introduced them to mid- Michigan when they were teens. Patty PerShayla has been touring with them for the last two years. These bands all on the same stage, same day is somewhat of a miracle.”

“Amber was the one who had suggested the lineup, and she was the one who got us excited for the idea of a female fronted music festival,” Lavell added. “We’re a female led organization, and the response has been phenomenal. The committee and my board have been shocked in a good way at the response of the people that we have coming forward who are interested in the festival, and who are interested in helping plan and execute that.”

An incredibly small organization with only Lavell as its sole full-time employee, the Thornapple Arts Council has already seen a large outpouring of volunteers eager to help with the festival in any way they can.

“I could not be more excited at the fact that it’s being done by women,” Lavell said. “We have some men on the committee, and there are some male performers in the groups that

and be super successful with females leading almost every aspect of it, and with females on the stage. The thing that kills me in the best possible way is that these artists are so amazing. And the lineup is so hot. These are badass women. They’re not just gals standing at a microphone. These are women who are owning that stage, and setting that high energy for their performances.”

Set to take place at the Barry County Expo Center, Lavell said the festival site doesn’t have a physical capacity per se, but that the organization has prepared to handle a crowd as large as 3,000 for the single-day Saturday event taking place Aug. 27.

“The Arts Council is taking a leap of

THE FAIR GROUND FESTIVAL

faith underwriting a huge festival like this,” Buist said. “They went all in to create an unparalleled experience that people will be talking about for a while. They’re passionate about their community and they support the arts with their whole heart. They want you to come. They want you to experience their town and leave feeling like family.”

Intending to help stimulate the local economy and draw attention to the natural wooded beauty of Barry County, in addition to raising up female artists, the Fair Ground Festival will feature several local vendors and sponsors while also serving as a welcoming to visitors from outside the community.

“We think it’s a well-kept secret in a lot of ways because there are no freeways in the county,” Lavell said. “You have to try to be here. You don’t just accidentally wander into Barry County most of the time, but people should expect a lot of natural beauty and small town charm.” ■

Featuring Joseph, The Accidentals, The Crane Wives, Ruthie Foster, Patty PerShayla & the Mayhaps, Kyshona

Barry County Expo Center, 1350 M-37, Hastings

Aug. 27, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. $50 GA Adult, $25 GA Kids 4-10, $125 VIP, $250 Ultimate VIP, $5 parking Thornapplearts.org/fairground

| by Eric Mitts

The Accidentals. PHOTO BY AMBER BUIST

THE BETHS Wsg. Disq

Bell’s Beer Garden, 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo Aug. 22, Doors 7 p.m., show 8 p.m., $25 advance, 21 and older Bellsbeer.com, thebeths.com

as playing a handful of headlining shows, including a stop at Bell’s Beer Garden on Aug. 22—the band continues to build their cred, while fellow female indie artists Courtney Barnett and Phoebe Bridgers, among many others, sing their praises, with the latter highlighting the title track to their 2020 album, Jump Rope Gazers , as one of the best love songs.

“There’s such a thing as a musician’s musician, and it means a lot when someone you really like, and you respect their songwriting, says they like (your music),” Stokes said. “It makes you want to just keep doing what you’re doing, and not feel like you have to change who you are.”

THE BETHS: Experts in Undying Harmony

| by Eric Mitts

When asked that long simmering question, “Is rock dead,” The Beths’ lead vocalist/guitarist Elizabeth Stokes has a particularly hot – and accurate – take on the matter.

“There is a certain kind of rock ‘n’ roll that maybe is dead, and maybe it’s better that it’s dead,” Stokes told Revue via Zoom while on tour in Europe last month. “Like the getting super wasted, and being really rich, and being a man and having no women playing the

music, maybe that kind of rock ‘n’ roll is dead. But in terms of just a band playing electric guitars, I don’t think it’s ever died.”

Her band, and their brand of infectious indie-rock, embodies that other ethos – that rock can live on, well past the AI revolution, with earnest lyrics and meaningful human connection.

Currently touring in support of their latest critically-acclaimed album—last year’s Experts in a Dying Field —the New Zealand-

based band has broken through internationally. With Rolling Stone describing them as “one of the greatest indie-rock bands of their time,” and online outlets like Pitchfork and The Ringer naming their 2022 release as one of the best records of the year, The Beths stand poised to take off as one of the genre’s new generation of stars. Spending the rest of the summer and fall opening for legends like The National, The Postal Service, and Death Cab For Cutie—as well

Who The Beths are is a group of four New Zealanders who first formed back in 2014. Stokes is joined by lead guitarist/vocalist Jonathan Pearce, bassist/vocalist Benjamin Sinclair, and drummer/ vocalist Tristan Deck, and together the band shares their voices to create a classic power-pop sense of harmonic beauty.

“I think our harmony is a reflection of our want as a band to be pitching in,” Stokes said. “That’s a goal that we have. Everybody being involved in the singing, even if we’re not amazing singers, which, when we started the band, we were all very rough. So we’re still learning.”

On Experts In a Dying Field , the band lyrically taps into a near universal anxiety many feel right now: namely what to do when you’ve lived life one way, only to have the world completely and suddenly change around you. The album’s title track is actually about the end of a relationship, and what to do with all that specific knowledge that comes from learning the closest parts of another person, but thematically it connects on multiple levels.

“You write what’s in your head, and what’s in your head is fed by everything that you experience in

the world,” Stokes said. “We’re all kind of experiencing a lot of weird stuff, and it just feels like you look around and you’re like, ‘What is going on? What is the world going to be like in five years?’ I have no idea.”

It’s not the first time the band’s music has been particularly prescient to present day problems, as their last album, Jump Rope Gazers , released in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, dealt with themes of social isolation.

“It wasn’t about COVID because it was written before the pandemic started,” Stokes said. “But there was a lot in it about friendship and relationships and navigating the distance between people. And then suddenly it just felt extremely relevant.”

Living in New Zealand, which closed its borders at the beginning of the pandemic, Stokes shared how isolated they felt from the rest of the world at that time, but how close they felt with their home country and the close-knit community of other bands in it.

“It’s weird to talk about it because it’s so specific,” she said. “Every country will have a very specific story of how they got through it. But for us, as far as releasing an album during a pandemic and being a band during a pandemic, we were quite lucky. We were able to tour. We got a little bit of government support in terms of money, so it wasn’t as bad as it could have been.”

Delighted to return to the U.S., Stokes added that playing all over the world has always been part of her rock ‘n’ roll dream, which shows no signs of dying.

“This was our ultimate dream, to play 50 cities in the world,” she said. “Just small venues. And not even necessarily fill them. But just to be able to do that was a dream fulfilled. And we’ve definitely done that and a lot more. So it feels like we should expand the dream a little bit.” ■

The Peach Pit Comedy Club in Kalamazoo has a simple mission: to put the fun back in fundraising.

Sure, that sounds like a dad joke we’ve all heard before, but by using standup comedy nights as an opportunity to raise money for area nonprofits, the new venture aims to elevate the community, offer a new source of entertainment, and provide new opportunities for artists.

“I’m not saying that other fundraisers are necessarily boring, but they don’t always have that entertainment aspect to it,” Peach Pit Comedy Club Executive Director Jon Batchelder told Revue. “So to do something that’s fun and lighthearted and entertaining, but also goes towards a variety of different great causes in the area, to me, you just can’t beat it.”

Growing out of the comedy events production company Demented Peach, which began by hosting outdoor standup shows back in 2021 during the waning days of the pandemic, the Peach Pit Comedy Club will officially open inside Main Street Pub Gull Road in Kalamazoo, starting this September. And on show nights, it will feel and function like a regular comedy club, but with a charitable twist.

“We struck on this idea of what if instead of running this like a traditional comedy club, we instead flip it on its head and turn it into a nonprofit,” Batchelder said. “We’ve done

Lifting Up with Laughter

| by Eric Mitts

a couple of fundraiser shows where proceeds went to different charities, and not only were those some of the most successful shows we did, but some of the most personally fulfilling as well. We figured if there was a way for us to do that in a permanent way, that’s something certainly worth pursuing. So we fleshed it out, and decided to launch the Peach Pit Comedy Club as a nonprofit.”

Partnering with his wife, Director of Operations, Board Secretary and Treasurer Demitria Batchelder, who brings over a decade of nonprofit experience to the project, the couple gathered together with their “Pit Crew” – Board President Alana Gonzalez, Board Vice President Nick Leydorf, and Board Treasurer Jen Frissina – to launch the Peach Pit Comedy Club earlier this year.

Primarily looking at raising awareness, sponsorships, and partnering with nonprofits before opening, the Peach Pit Comedy Club plans to run on the “true dollar principle,” where every dollar of every ticket sold goes to the nonprofit featured at that event.

“The true dollar principle or the golden dollar principle basically means that every dollar that you spend on a ticket goes back to whatever charity we’re sponsoring that weekend,” Batchelder said. “We don’t take a penny from any of it for our own operational costs.

It all goes directly back into whatever programming we’re funding—because of that, we rely 100 percent on grants, on sponsorships, on individual donations. So, if you’re reading this, please give us your money.”

So far the reaction from the comedy community and across West Michigan has been overwhelmingly positive, with many organizations and performers reaching out and sharing how excited they are to take part in such a unique opportunity.

“We’ve had a couple nonprofits that we’ve reached out to, and sometimes they’ll say, ‘We’re not really interested because standup comedy for some people can feel like a little bit of a crapshoot,” Batchelder said. “But they don’t necessarily know our reputation, they don’t know that we’re not putting on shock jocks. We’re not putting on people that are going to damage your brand.”

Starting out small, the Peach Pit Comedy Club plans to start with one show per month, with the goal of expanding to one show every weekend, nearly 50 weekends a year.

The comedy club’s first weekend will take place Sept.

8-9 with one show Friday and two shows on Saturday. The night’s headlining comedian will be Mike Geeter, who’s been featured on FOX and Hulu’s comedy showcase “Laughs,” “Kevin Hart Presents Hart of the City 2” on Comedy Central, and has even given a TEDTalk in 2022.

The shows will benefit Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes, in recognition of September as National Food Insecurity Month.

“We’re going to have headliners coming from all across the country,” Batchelder said. “We’re going to have people that maybe you’ve heard of, maybe you haven’t heard of, but you’ll be excited to hear about. And it’s going to be operating as a traditional comedy club... You’re going to come in, you’re going to sit down. We’re not going to have a two drink minimum. We’re not going to do that to you. But you’re going to come in, sit back, relax and enjoy a good show. And knowing that every dollar that you spend on tickets is going back to wonderful charities.” ■

Revue Brewery Tour: THE WEST SIDE

Much like America centuries ago, Grand Rapids is slowly expanding into the west. What was once a few dive bars scattered around has grown into an impressive drinking and dining community, and it just keeps growing. Sovengard, Jolly Pumpkin and Butcher’s Union led the way—now we also have Nonla Burger, One Bourbon, Arktos Meadery and many more.

So, we decided to do our next brewery tour right here, but I have to be honest: We didn’t get around to nearly as many spots as I planned. Turns out it’s easy to lose track of time when you’re daydrinking with coworkers!

That said, we had a great time, and you will too if you visit any of these gems from the Best Side— er, sorry, West Side!

One true hidden gem is Brewery Nyx, which is tucked away off Wealthy and Cesar E. Chavez Ave. and just opened a year ago. This brewery is entirely gluten-free, to the point that outside food isn’t even allowed unless it’s from Papa Chops Eatery, the only other fully gluten-free facility in town.

Talking with the extremely friendly staff, Nyx said plenty of people come in who aren’t even gluten-free but just love the beer, and you can count the Revue team among that group after visiting. We noticed that even though the beer tasted like beer, it wasn’t as filling or bloating as usual. Call it placebo if you want, but we all agreed!

We had a few flights between us, and here were the highlights:

Red: This is the ideal beginner’s brew. Easy to drink, not overly malty, but not bland and watery like the Lite beers newbies often try.

Salted Lime: If you want something light and refreshing, similar to a gose, and perfect for summer, here you go!

Stout: Drinks lighter than most stouts but still tastes rich and creamy.

NZ IPA: A great “session” IPA, that’s easy to drink and not too bitter but still with plenty of hops.

Hazy IPA: There’s something tropically, florally delicious about this one that really blew me away. Nyx staff suggested it was actually “pine,” but I think I need to drink a few more pints before I can say for sure.

Hua Hin: Ginger lemongrass pale ale. Need I say more?

On top of the incredible beer, we loved the very casual and open feeling of the taproom. It was brew day when we visited, and we could watch it all happen while smelling the very beer we were drinking being made. Plus, cornhole!

GREYLINE BREWING

1727 Alpine Ave. NW, Grand Rapids greylinebrewing.com

We started our journey at Greyline Brewing, a high quality brewery with a devoted following that sometimes gets overlooked due to its isolated location on Alpine. Launched by former Founders staff who wanted to take their own approach, the beer has been consistently delicious ever since. And when we stopped in a Thursday, the place was bustling, but not too loud.

I enjoyed a Mosacca IPA, one of the brewery’s mainstays for good reason. It’s bold but approachable, simple but not boring, and lets the hops shines. This should be considered one of Grand Rapids’ iconic IPAs. Other Revue staff enjoyed the Humblebee, a sweet, light, honey oat ale “perfect for summer.” The Tropical IPA made with orange, lemon and pineapple was fruity, but not too sweet; tart, but not sour. And our stout-lover had the Fade, an oat stout on nitro that was smooth and creamy with no bitterness.

That’s not to mention the food, prepared by one person in a tiny kitchen located right inside the cozy taproom. My tacos were all bursting with flavor and absolutely covered in both raw onions and pickled onions, which is how I think all food should be served, personally. My coworkers all loved the sliders and chips too. Really, it’s the perfect lunch spot, and always works great for dinner before or after a movie at the nearby AMC.

| by Josh Veal

Greyline Brewing. COURTESY PHOTOS

Brewery Nyx. COURTESY PHOTOS

BREWERY NYX

Oakland Ave. SW, Grand Rapids brewerynyx.com

KÜSTERER BRAUHAUS:

I’ve had nothing but amazing experiences here at Cedar Springs’ Grand Rapids location. The atmosphere, the authentic German-style beer, the snacks—it’s all top-notch.

NEW HOLLAND KNICKERBOCKER:

This multi-floor brewpub offers multiple experiences, from typical restaurant seating to a bar-style area, a huge outdoor patio and a secondfloor cocktail lounge.

JOLLY PUMPKIN:

Sour beer, pizza and creative pub grub. What more do you need?

ARKTOS MEADERY:

This isn’t beer, but it’s a must-visit on the West Side. Fantasy vibes enhance the experience of sipping mead, a versatile honey-based beverage.

THE MITTEN BREWING CO.:

Solid variety of beers, along with incredible pizza that frequently wins Best of the West. Get a pizza flight!

PEOPLES CIDER:

Not beer either, but this tiny spot next to Mitten is making some of the best cider in West Michigan, if not the world. The perfect place to wait for your table.

BROAD LEAF WESTSIDE

443 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids broadleafbeer.com

Next we headed to Broad Leaf’s new location in the former Sovengard space. Smoke from the wildfires forced us to sit inside, but I’ve enjoyed the patio and its storage container seating a couple times already this summer—it’s well worth visiting with friends.

Inside, Broad Leaf has creative and casual vibes, with neon lights, a few arcade games to play and great art. We were ready for another snack and ordered the duck fat fries, which were absolutely perfect for an afternoon of drinking. Then we got the Oko Pancake, made with cabbage/scallion batter, then topped with crispy cabbage, kewpie mayo, furikake and soy caramel. It’s a beautiful blend of flavors and textures.

With drinks, our group was all over the place thanks to Broad Leaf’s, well, broad selection. One coworker really enjoyed the Strawberry Gin Freefall, a cocktail on draft with Broadleaf Gin, strawberries, sage, pink peppercorns and a touch of balsamic vinegar. Another loved the Palomaish, made with agave spirit, grapefruit, ginger & rosemary syrup, lime juice and soda water.

Meanwhile, I got a flight, with a tasty yet balanced passionfruit beer; a fruity kiwi, coconut and lime sour; a refreshing juicy IPA, and an experimental pineapple/salt tart ale. All were great, and I can’t wait to return and see what else they've cooked up! ■

Broad Leaf Westside. COURTESY PHOTOS

Sponsor of USA & Premier League Soccer

WELCOME BACK TO REVUE’S ANNUAL READER POLL:

Now in its 8th year, we continue to change and evolve the experience, taking reader feedback on what categories to include and how we approach voting. This year, we once again had not one, but two rounds of voting! In the first round of voting, you could nominate literally whoever you want, as long as they fit the category and were local. In the second round of voting, readers had three finalists to choose from.

We tend to see quite a few more voters in the second round than the first, likely because it’s much easier to vote from three choices than to pull a business from your memories—especially with over 100 categories. We also have seen some things

change up with this new approach, like the fact Founders lost Best Brewery for the first time in Best of the West history.

This year, we’ve also decided to do away with 2nd and 3rd places, because even when you’re competing against dozens or hundreds of other businesses, something about “third place” doesn’t feel great. Instead, there’s the first place winner, and then two finalists, which are listed in alphabetical order here.

The second round means more participation than ever before. This year, across both rounds combined, we had over 10,000 voters participate, casting a total of roughly 275,000 votes. So to even be a finalist means you beat out a whole lot of competition.

While we’re putting a pause on Best of the West Live this year—turns out, it’s hard to schedule an event when most participants are in the service industry and have their businesses to run—we’re excited

to reimagine it and come back with a stellar community celebration.

One aspect that did return this year is the Golden Certificate,, awarded to the nominee who won the Most Votes Overall across multiple categories. So, congratulations once again to returning champion and winner of this year’s Golden Certificate award: Long Road Distillers! Clearly, you’re a hometown hero.

Whether you’re a winner, a finalist, a voter or a Staff Pick, as long as you’re part of West Michigan, Best of the West is for you. We want to celebrate all of our readers’ favorite people and places around town so that even more people can check them out and give them the love they deserve. Cheers! ■

DRINKING SHOPPING MUSIC ARTS & ATTRACTIONS SERVICES & PEOPLE

PAGE 26

ARTS & ATTRACTIONS & ATTRACTIONS

MUSIC

DINING

SHOPPING MUSIC

PAGE 33

PAGE 41

in DINING

Every year, West Michigan’s food scene gets even better.

While a few beloved eateries didn’t survive the pandemic, we’ve also seen an incredible amount of restaurants, take-out joints and food trucks arrive on the scene. And while being in the dining industry isn’t easy by any means, the situation has clearly improved—as evidenced by the fact all of last year’s dining winners are still around and thriving.

Of course, one of the most competitive categories each year is best New Restaurant, especially because you only get one shot to win it. Last year’s winner was Social Misfits, an outrageously creative waffle restaurant which has only grown its following since opening.

This year, the winner is Black Napkin, a burger and soda joint that took over Rinaldi

Pizza & Sub’s old spot at the corner of Fulton and Diamond. This tiny takeout spot can be seen with a line out the door year-round, but don’t let that dissuade you; it moves fast! If you love crispy, lacey smash burgers and fried chicken sandos with creative, flavor-packed toppings and sauces, this is the place for you. Not to mention the fries, which can be elevated (in my opinion) with different seasonings like Salt-n-Red Wine Vinegar, alongside revelatory housemade sodas, like Pistachio Orange Blossom.

In second place, we have Kawa Sushi and Grill, a new Japanese eatery that’s quickly grown a following in Rockford. The fresh, modern menu pairs a massive selection of sushi rolls and Japanese entrees with a gorgeous natural view of the Rogue River. Fans appreciate the freshness, consistency and great location—not to

mention their appreciation for the local Rockford community.

And in third is The Unicorn Tavern, a new Belgian-inspired bar and restaurant in Grand Haven. After years of traveling the world and working in various concepts throughout the Midwest, owners Garry and Kristal Boyd created The Unicorn Tavern to provide fun, familyfriendly dining as well as a local watering hole. Their unique approach includes Belgian dishes like the Mitraillette, a traditional sandwich with ham, fries, Trappist cheese sauce, house pickles and Monk’s mustard. They also have large Family meals that can be ordered in advance, a wide menu of Spritzes and other cocktails, smoked prime rib dishes on weekends, and more.

BAKERY

Nantucket Baking Co. nantucketbaking.com

Field & Fire

Rise Authentic Baking Co.

BBQ

Two Scotts Barbecue twoscottsbbq.com

Daddy Pete’s BBQ Slows Bar BQ

BREAKFAST

Real Food Café realfoodcafe.com

Lucy’s Wolfgang’s

BRUNCH

San Chez Bistro sanchezbistro.com

Lucy’s SpeakEZ Lounge

BURGERS

Stella’s Lounge stellaslounge.com

Black Napkin

One Stop Coney

CHINESE

First Wok firstwokgr.com

Gaslight Kitchen Asian Cuisine Red Bowl

COFFEE

Madcap Coffee madcapcoffee.com

Lantern Coffee Bar & Lounge Morning Ritual

DESSERTS

Nantucket Baking Co. nantucketbaking.com

Chartreuse Sisters Mokaya

DINER

Choo Choo Grill choochoogrill.com

Grand Coney Matchbox Diner & Drinks

FOOD TRUCK

Patty Matters pattymatters.com

Dune Buggy Street Chef Shaw

FRIED CHICKEN

Hancock hancockgr.com

Cousins Tasty Chicken The Southerner

FRIES HopCat hopcat.com

Black Napkin

One Stop Coney

Two Scotts Barbecue, Black Napkin, The Unicorn Tavern, The Mitten Brewing Co., Hancok. COURTESY PHOTOS

*Each category lists the winner with two finalists listed after, alphabetically.

HOT DOGS

Yesterdog yesterdoggrandrapids.com

One Stop Coney Rockford Corner Bar

ICE CREAM/FROZEN TREATS

Frosty Boy Grand Rapids frostyboygr.com

Double Dip Depot Furniture City Creamery

INDIAN

Palace of India palaceofindiarestaurant.com

Pal’s Indian Cuisine PIND Indian Cuisine

MEDITERRANEAN

The Pita House - Sami’s Gyro pitahousegr.com

Sheshco Mediterranean Grill Ž ivio

MEXICAN

Tacos El Cuũado Bridge St. facebook.com/Tacoselcunadobridgestreet

Donkey Taqueria

Lindo Mexico Restaurante Mexicano

MOST INNOVATIVE CUISINE

The Unicorn Tavern theunicorntavern.com

grove

MDRD

STAFF PICKS

Best Burger - Lost Art Burger

Walker’s Lost Art Burger deals in an American classic: the smash burger. It’s two thin patties, perfectly seared. Get it with mustard, onions, and cheese, the way God intended. Get the Smash Sauce, too. What’s the Smash Sauce? Listen, you don’t need to ask any questions. Just sink your teeth in and enjoy.

Best Pizza - Amore

There’s nothing like the simplicity of a pizza margherita. Crust, tomato, basil, and buttery mozzarella. What else do you need besides that? Amoré sells one of the best you can get. When you’re only using a few ingredients, you’ve got to be good, because you’ve got nowhere to hide. Amoré’s version stands loud and proud.

NEW RESTAURANT Black Napkin blacknapkingr.com

Kawa Sushi

The Unicorn Tavern

PIZZA

The Mitten Brewing Co. mittenbrewing.com

Martha’s Pizza Quarantino’s

SANDWICH/DELI

Two Beards Deli twobeardsdeligr.com

Boardwalk Subs Schnitz Deli

SEAFOOD

Leo’s leosrestaurant.com

Beacon Corner Bar Fish Lads of Grand Rapids

SOUP

Uncle Cheetah’s Soup Shop unclecheetahs.com

Horrocks Market Russ’

STEAK

Butcher’s Union butchersuniongr.com

Bowdie’s Chophouse

The Chop House

SUSHI Maru marusushi.com

Ginza Sushi and Ramen Bar Jaku Sushi & Grill

THAI

Bangkok Taste Cuisine grbangkoktastecuisine.com

Lai Thai Kitchen Little Bangkok

VEGETARIAN/VEGAN

Gaia House Café gaiahousecafe.com

Stella’s Lounge The Unicorn Tavern

WINE BAR

Reserve Wine & Food reservegr.com

GRNoir House of Wine

WINGS

Rockford Brewing Co. rockfordbrewing.com

Mike’s Wings Wing Doozy

— John Kissane

— John Kissane

in DRINKING

When it comes to drinking in West Michigan, the tides are changing.

It’s not like a bubble has burst— we’re not seeing breweries around the region close doors en masse or anything, and in fact, many breweries remain the social hub for their local community. However, we just barely had enough spots for the New Brewery category to call it a contest, and all three finalists are taprooms for existing breweries, rather than completely new businesses.

This is a case of quality over quantity, lucky for us. The category’s winner, Broad Leaf Westside, has set itself apart with an incredible Asian fusion food menu, from bao buns to ramen, fried chicken sandwiches and much more. We also love the wide range of unique craft beers and the

creative cocktail menu, using Broad Leaf’s own spirits. On top of all that is the gorgeous patio/ beer garden, originally set up by Sovengard.

In second place is Brewery Nyx. They placed in the category last year for arriving on the scene with tasty gluten-free beer that you can hardly tell is gluten-free, aside from the fact it leaves you feeling lighter and less bloated than usual (at least in my humble opinion). This year, voters are celebrating their taproom, tucked away off Wealthy near downtown GR. The cozy, modern setting has the brewing equipment right out in the open, giving that authentic trailblazer vibe we love—plus a selection of brews exclusive to the taproom.

Thirdly, we have Küsterer Brauhaus, which is Cedar Springs Brewing Co.’s extension into the

Grand Rapids community. This Bavarian-style beer hall is all about bringing authentic German beer culture to the area, and it’s certainly succeeded, quickly developing a devoted following thanks to excellent beer, tasty snacks and a great atmosphere.

Another sign of shifting tides is the fact Founders Brewing, for the first time ever, didn’t win best Brewery! Congrats to Brewery Vivant. Of course, our local drinking scene has much more than just beer. Yet again, local distilleries received a whole lot of love, and West Michigan cider is some of the best in the country. The sober scene is growing too—maybe next year we’ll get to add a Mocktails category, if local spots want to start building their case.

BAR/PUB/TAVERN

Blue Dog Tavern bluedogtaverngr.com

SpeakEZ Lounge

The Unicorn Tavern

BEER BAR

HopCat hopcat.com

7 Monks Taproom Logan’s Alley

BLOODY MARY BAR

Rockwell Republic rockwellrepublic.com

Blue Water

The Winchester

BOURBON

Long Road Distillers longroaddistillers.com

Bier Distillery

Eastern Kille Distillery

BREWERY

Brewery Vivant breweryvivant.com

Founders Brewing Co. Rockford Brewing Co.

CIDER

Farmhaus Cider Co. farmhauscider.com

Peoples Cider

Pux Cider

CRAFT COCKTAILS

Long Road Distillers longroaddistillers.com

Buffalo Traders Lounge

Eastern Kille Distillery

CRAFT LAGER

Founders Brewing Co. - Solid Gold foundersbrewing.com

3 Gatos Brewery - German Rex Doppelbock Rockford Brewing Co. - Malph’s Premium Beer

DISTILLERY

Long Road Distillers longroaddistillers.com

Bier Distillery

Eastern Kille Distillery

*Each category lists the winner with two finalists listed after, alphabetically.

GERMAN BEER

Cedar Springs Brewing Co. - Küsterer Original Weißbier csbrew.com

Third Nature Brewing Co. - El Hefe

3 Gatos Brewery - Minskin Kölsch

GIN

Long Road Distillers - MICHIGIN longroaddistillers.com

Eastern Kille Distillery - Barrel Finished Gin New Holland Brewing Co. - Knickerbocker Gin

HAPPY HOUR

Butcher’s Union butchersuniongr.com

HopCat Rockwell Republic

IPA

Founders Brewing Co. - Centennial IPA foundersbrewing.com

Rockford Brewing Co. - Hoplust IPA

3 Gatos Brewery - Maine Coon Hazy IPA

MARGARITA

Donkey Taqueria donkeygr.com

Lindo Mexico Restaurante Mexicano

Luna

NEW BREWERY

Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits - Westside broadleafbeer.com

Brewery Nyx

Küsterer Brauhaus

SOUR BEER

Jolly Pumpkin Pizzeria & Brewery jollypumpkin.com

Brewery Vivant Speciation Artisan Ales

SPORTS BAR

The Score Restaurant & Sports Bar thescoregr.com

Peppino’s Pizzeria Sports Grille Uccellos Ristorante

STOUT

Founders Brewing Co. - KBS foundersbrewing.com

3 Gatos Brewery - Bengal Oatmeal Stout Rockford Brewing Co. - Sheehan’s Stout

VODKA

Long Road Distillers - Original Vodka longroaddistillers.com

New Holland Brewing Co. - Lake Life Vodka

Eastern Kille Distillery - Utility Vodka

WINERY

Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery robinettes.com

Hudsonville Winery St. Julian Winery

STAFF PICKS

Best Craft Cocktails

- Max’s South Seas Hideaway

Max’s South Seas Hideaway makes a mean—well, a mean everything. In the mood for a Painkiller? A Shanghai Honeymoon? A Planters Punch? The names are nearly as evocative as the drinks themselves. Order one, along with some of the fantastic food, and find yourself transported to a tropical isle, with an intriguing stranger by your side, and danger in the air…

— John Kissane

Long Road Distillers, Braod Leaf Brewery & Spirits, Farmhaus Cider Co., Cedar Springs Brewing Co. COURTESY PHOTOS

in MUSIC

With the pandemic finally fading completely into the rearview, live music has resumed in full effect, with a spectacular slate of summer outdoor concerts, and packed houses at indoor shows all year long.

Embracing the blissful escapism and total euphoria that only live music can provide, West Michigan has returned to many of our longtime favorites, while also welcoming some surprising new faces when looking over the results of this year’s Best of the West Music finalists.

The Pyramid Scheme reclaimed the top spot as the Best Music Venue, a title it last earned back in 2021, and one that has had tough competition with last year’s winner The Intersection, and multiple year finalist GLC Live at 20 Monroe. All three host the most

concerts year-round, so it’s no surprise that they all vie for the favorite place to experience live music every time.

Returning to our lists this year is Best Music Festival, with the trippy EDM wonderland that is Electric Forest taking the top spot. World-renowned and bringing in thousands from all around the country to experience the psychedelic spectacle in all its glowing glory, the weekend-long event towers as the premiere experience, but locals shouldn’t sleep on fellow finalists Burning Foot Beer Festival in Muskegon and Upheaval Festival at Belknap Park. Both pack a punch with stacked rock lineups and high volume performances that mix rising and legendary artists on the same stage.

When it comes to Best Cover Band, Brena reigns supreme, once again earning the honors,

while being joined by another annual mainstay Project 90, and a first-time finalist Onager. Likewise Best Original Band sees Grand Rapids jam band Desmond Jones returning for the second year in a row, with psych-rockers Overdrive Orchestra and first-time finalists Phabies rounding out the category.

The biggest surprise of the year came with Best Solo Artist, where first-time finalist Andrea Jenkins takes the prize. The multi-media artist and influencer has gone viral with her song “Royaltea,” and has shocked our results, landing ahead of longtime finalist and past winner Chris Cranick of Overdrive Orchestra, and other unexpected newcomer Evelyine. With two new artists shaking things up this year, who knows what could happen when voting begins again next year, and your favorites could find their place among our Best.

BEST COVER BAND FINALISTS

Brena | brenaband.com

Onager

Project 90

BEST DJ

Adrian Butler (AB)

Moments in Time Disc Jockeys SuperDre

STAFF PICKS

Best Original Band - Pink Sky

Perhaps something of a fond farewell, beloved Grand Rapids electronic duo Pink Sky shone too bright to ever make it onto Best of the West during their time here in West Michigan. Now that the band has embarked on a move to Los Angeles, following the release of their revelatory album, Total Devotion, earlier this year, and culminating with their triumphant final show at The Pyramid Scheme last month, it goes beyond words to say just how rare and unique a star the group was in the local music scene, and how much their lasting radiance and boundless vision will carry on in years to come.

— Eric Mitts

Best DJ - Pablo Eskobear

Sure, his name is a pun and in reference to the infamous “Cocaine Bear” of the 1980s, but when you land a viral summer smash like “Pool Noodles,” win a Jammy Award, and release a fire album fittingly titled Champion Bangers, you’re no joke. Mixing old school samples with new school techniques, and live instruments, Pablo might fall just outside the conventional definition of “DJ,” so forgive us for simplifying his ultra-chill, hip-hop-inspired sound into a categorical box for these purposes. Just give his stuff a listen, and hear why he’s one of the best working right now.

— Eric Mitts

Music Venue - Glass House

Though more of an event space than a music venue, the Glass House in Holland offers some of the West coast’s most vibrant music gatherings. From jazz to folk concerts, Glass House celebrates the local arts scene by coupling creative community with live music in their gorgeous greenhouse. Also a hotspot for intimate weddings and art classes, the Glass House is a notable central point for all types of events.

— Michaela Stock

BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL

Electric Forest | electricforest.com

Burning Foot Beer Festival

Upheaval Festival

BEST MUSIC VENUE

The Pyramid Scheme | pyramidschemebar.com

GLC Live at 20 Monroe

The Intersection

BEST ORIGINAL BAND

Desmond Jones | desmondjonesband.com

Overdrive Orchestra

Phabies

BEST SOLO MUSICIAN

Andrea Jenkins

Chris Cranick

Evelyine

BEST VINYL RECORD STORE

Vertigo | vertigomusic.gr

Off The Record

The Corner Record Shop

The Pyramid Scheme, Electric Forest, Brena. COURTESY PHOTOS

*Each category lists the winner with two finalists listed after, alphabetically.

in SHOPPING

Everybody shops, and here at Revue, we shop local.

From clothes to gifts to books, antiques, flowers and more, West Michigan has it all, and voters have some recurring favorites. For instance, Martha’s Vineyard remains a local institution, and Rishi’s and Siciliano’s have developed their own communities as well—and that’s just in

the Beer/Wine/Liquor Store category! Gazelle continues to be the athletic store of choice; Schuler took top bookstore; and Bridge Street Market is still the number one grocery store.

While the crowd favorites generally maintained their wins from last year, there were a few changeups! For instance, Moosejaw came out of nowhere to leap into first place for Hiking/

Outdoor Gear. And Chow Hound managed to take the lead for Pet Stores, bumping out Fido & Stitch for the first time in a while. And while it didn’t take first, Black Cat Bodega is a new store that jumped into the finalists their first year being open!

Some things change, and some things stay the same, but everybody shops!

ANTIQUE SHOP

Lost & Found

facebook.com/lostandfoundtreasuresofoldandnew/ Elevated Grand Rapids

Wally’s Treasures Antique Mall

ATHLETIC GOODS STORE

Gazelle Sports gazellesports.com

Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus Striders

BEER/WINE/LIQUOR STORE

Martha’s Vineyard mvwines.com

Rishi’s International Beverage Siciliano’s Market

BICYCLE SHOP

Freewheeler Bike Shop freewheelerbikeshop.com

Rockford Bike Shop Switchback Gear Exchange

BOOK STORE

Schuler Books schulerbooks.com

Books & Mortar Epilogue Books

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

Renee Austin Wedding reneeaustinwedding.com

BIANKA Bridal

Second Dance Bridal & Formal Consignment

BUTCHER

Sobie Meats sobiemeats.com

Kingma’s Market

Louise Earl Butcher

COMIC BOOK STORE

Vault of Midnight vaultofmidnight.com

Tardys Collector’s Corner

The Comic Signal

FLORIST

Eastern Floral easternfloral.com

Mitten Floral Stems Market

*Each category lists the winner with two finalists listed after, alphabetically.

GIFT SHOP

Rebel rebelgr.com

Black Cat Bodega

The 12th House

GROCERY STORE

Bridge Street Market bridgestreetmarket.com

Kingma’s Market

Meijer

HEALTH FOOD STORE

Fresh Thyme freshthyme.com

Harvest Health Foods Health Hutt

HIKING/OUTDOOR GEAR

Moosejaw Grand Rapids Moosejaw.com

Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus Switchback Gear Exchange

MEN’S CLOTHING

Fitzgerald’s Mens Store fitzs.com

A.K. Rikk’s Premier PET STORE

Chow Hound chowhoundpetsupplies.com

Fido & Stitch Your Pets Naturally

SHOPPING DISTRICT/DESTINATION

Eastown uptowngr.com

Rockford Wealthy Street

THRIFT/CONSIGNMENT SHOP

New 2 You new2youshop.org/

Elevated Grand Rapids Rock Paper Scissors

WOMEN’S CLOTHING

Lee & Birch leeandbirch.com

Basic Bee Boutique Paperdoll Boutique

STAFF PICKS

Bookstore - Reader’s World

The best way to spend a day at the beach is with a good book, which is why I always stop at Reader’s World in Downtown Holland on my way to Lake Michigan. With a huge magazine selection that spans niche interests like poetry, to popular picks including fashion, Reader’s World has more than just your favorite romcom novels to keep you entertained by the waves. Plus, their kids section offers something fun for the whole family.

— Michaela Stock

Women’s Clothing - Frances Jaye

For both men’s and women’s clothing, Frances Jaye has perfectly coined the organic, earthy, fresh-off-the-lake aesthetic. Their muted color palette of high-quality textiles offers plenty of outfit combinations to choose from, not to mention a soothing shopping experience. Located in Downtown Holland, Frances Jaye also donates a percentage of their profits to a different a local organization each month, so you can do good while looking good.

— Michaela Stock

Gazelle Sports, Renee Austin Wedding, Lee & Birch, Rebel. COURTESY PHOTOS

in SERVICES & PEOPLE

None of the other categories would exist if it weren’t for the people behind them.

The bartenders, barbers, chefs, tattoo artists, veterinarians—these are the people who don’t just provide a service, but we form a connection with them, whether it’s face to face or through their work. We grow to trust them, and that’s what these votes represent; who does West Michigan trust?

West Michiganders continue to trust local credit unions over banks, which couldn’t be more perfectly symbolized than by LMCU’s takeover

of the former Fifth Third Ballpark. West Michigan also loves Henchmen House, winning once again this year. And Dan Dixon remains a favorite bartender, though Cassie Heuton of Pursuit of Happiness Co. received a groundswell of support—including “Vote for Cassie” shirts— that shot her to the top this year.

Meanwhile, people continue to love Chef Jenna Arcidiacano, not only thanks to her delicious cooking at Amore Trattoria, but due to the way she constantly is giving back to the community. It’s also exciting to have cannabis and CBD

categories in Best of the West now, especially as the industry shifts and more fully local spots begin to open. Pharmhouse Wellness, owned and funded entirely by owner and former caretaker Casey Kornoelje, continues to impress. Their production facility opening up and offering truly high-quality product at an affordable price certainly helps.

There could be 1,000 Services & People categories, and we still wouldn’t be able to reward everyone in West Michigan who makes our community special.

BANK/CREDIT UNION

Lake Michigan Credit Union | lmcu.org

Adventure Credit Union Consumers Credit Union

BARBER SHOP

Henchmen House Barbershop | thehenchmenhouse.com

Foremost Barbershop

Outlook Barbershop

BARTENDER

Pursuit of Happiness Co. - Cassie Heuton | pursuitofhappiness.co

3 Gatos Brewery - Alivia Legg

Founders Brewing Co. - Dan Dixon

BED & BREAKFAST

Peaches Bed & Breakfast | peachesinn.com

The Leonard at Logan House

The Lilley Mansion

CANNABIS

Pharmhouse Wellness | pharmhousewellness.com

JARS Cannabis

Lume Cannabis

CATERING

Two Scotts Barbecue | twoscottsbbq.com

Kangaroo Kitchen & Catering

Martha’s Catering

CBD RETAILER

Pharmhouse Wellness | pharmhousewellness.com

CBD Store of Michigan

The Grassy Knoll

CHEF

Amore Trattoria Italiana - Jenna Arcidiacono

Rockford Brewing Co. - Alex Luther

Essence Restaurant Group - Jeremy Paquin

*Each category lists the winner with two finalists listed after, alphabetically.

DOG GROOMER

Fido & Stitch | fidoandstitch.com

Cascade Hospital for Animals

Splash and Dash

EVENT PLANNER

Long Road Distillers - Nicole Finch

CityFlatsHotel - Morgan Fisher

Destination Consultants

FITNESS CLUB/GYM

MVP Sports Clubs | mvpsportsclubs.com

8th Day Gym

Lunar Cycle

INTERIOR DESIGNER

Delight in Designs - Jessica Crosby | delightindesigns.com

Jean Stoffer Design - Jean Stoffer

Kathryn Chaplow Interior Design - Kathryn Chaplow

LAW FIRM

Miller Johnson Attorneys | millerjohnson.com

Varnum LLP

Warner Norcross & Judd LLP

PHOTOGRAPHER

Madison Kristine Photography | madisonkristinephotography.com

Katy Batdorff Photography

Rebecca Dexter Visuals

REALTOR

B Home & Co. - Emily Brougham | bhomegr.com

Cheryl Grant Real Estate Team - Cheryl Grant Grand River Realty - Pete Bruinsma

SALON

Lilith’s Lair | lilithslairgr.com

Chasing Vanity Salon & Medi Spa

Seven & Mane Salon

SPA

Design 1 Salon Spa | design1.com

Ethos Day Spa

Salus Wellness Spa

TATTOO SHOP

Mos Eisleys Tattoo Studio | moseisleys.com

Balm Tattooing

Sovereign Arms Tattoo Co.

VET/ANIMAL CLINIC

Cascade Hospital for Animals | chfa.net

Family Friends Veterinary Hospital

Plymouth Road Animal Clinic

WELLNESS CENTER

Grand Rapids Wellness | grwell.com

Salus Wellness Spa

The Vitalist Institute of Psychospiritual Transformation

YOGA

Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse | yogahothouse.com

AM Yoga

Twisted Hot Yoga

Pursuit of Happiness Co., Fido & Stitch, Amore Trattoria Italiana's Jenna Arcidiacono, Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse, Mos Eisleys Tattoo Stuido. COURTESY PHOTOS / Lilith's Lair. PHOTO BY TRIPTYCHS PHOTOGRAHY

in ARTS & ATTRACTIONS

Coming in at number one in the Art Museum/Gallery category was Grand Rapids Art Museum. Opened in 1910 as the Grand Rapids Art Gallery, the GRAM soon changed to its current name. One thing that’s remained constant over the years: the breadth of its collection. The artworks on display range from the 19th through the 21st century, and the permanent collection boasts over five thousand pieces.

If the 1950s font used on its website weren’t hint enough, Clique Lanes makes it clear in the description: this is a retro place. It’s not that it’s stood still in the 65+ years since it’s opening; it’s invested in new technology, but it’s done so without sacrificing the nostalgic atmosphere. Come grab a burger and a beer, and see if you can’t bowl a 300.

With 2500 slot machines and 47 dealer-led tables, Gun Lake Casino has room for you, your family, your friends, and people you passed randomly while shopping. After you hit the jackpot, take some of your winnings and indulge in a 40 oz bone-in ribeye in the on-site Chophouse.

If destroying dishes is wrong, we don’t want to be right. Indulge your darker impulses at Break Room Therapy, where you can take out your stress on TVs, computer monitors, and more. Bad day at work? Smash a crowbar into a printer? Better here than in the office, right? Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture was rated the best large-scale attraction, and it’s easy to see why. From impressive art integrated thoughtfully into the natural environment to the gorgeous, perfectly peaceful gardens, Meijer

Gardens is a place to recharge and reflect.

Celebration Cinema – Grand Rapids North has all we ask of the movies: comfortable, adjustable chairs; delicious popcorn; big screens; great sound; and cold beer. Oh, and it also has a wide selection. Who’s in for a Barbie/ Oppenheimer double feature?

Having taken my daughters to Happy Cat Café, I can attest to its ability to make people happy. Isn’t this what we’ve always wanted, after all: to be surrounded by soft, beautiful animals? Bonus: if you like one enough, you can adopt it.

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre remains the best place in the area to see local theater. The talent on display—from set design to costuming to acting and more—is top-notch, and the season lineups always strike a great balance between well-loved and new and exciting.

ART MUSEUM/GALLERY

Grand Rapids Art Museum | artmuseumgr.org

Lafontsee Galleries & Framing

Muskegon Museum of Art

BOWLING

Clique Lanes | cliquelanes.com

Spectrum Entertainment Complex

Wengers Bowl

CASINO

Gun Lake Casino | gunlakecasino.com

FireKeeper’s Casino

Little River Casino Resort

GROUP ACTIVITY

Break Room Therapy | breakroomtherapy.com

Fowling Warehouse

Woodrow’s Duckpin

LARGE SCALE ATTRACTION

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park | meijergardens.org

ArtPrize

John Ball Zoo

MOVIE THEATER

Celebration Cinema - Grand Rapids North | celebrationcinema.com

Studio Park

Wealthy Theatre

SMALL SCALE ATTRACTION

Happy Cat Café | happycatgr.com

Deer Tracks Junction

Indigrow

THEATRE/PERFORMANCE ARTS

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre | grct.org

Broadway Grand Rapids Circle Theatre

Gun Lake Casino, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Happy Cat Café. COURTESY PHOTOS

*Each category lists the winner with two finalists listed after, alphabetically.

DIVING DEEP INTO HISTORY

at Grand Rapids Public Museum

Currently on display at Grand Rapids Public Museum now through September 3 are three captivating new exhibits, delving into the intriguing world of the most recent North American Ice Age, highlighting the significance of snow, and offering a thought-provoking exhibition examining the troubling legacy of the Jim Crow era.

In Ice Age: Michigan’s Frozen Secrets , you’ll marvel at the bones from the recently discovered Clapp Family Mastodon. Discovered during a Kent County Drain Commission project on the Clapp family’s property just north of Kent County, the mastodon is estimated to be 13,210 years old. The Clapp family donated the bones to the museum at a time when the exhibits team was, coincidentally, preparing for the ice age exhibit. While most of the bones are still undergoing a drying process, which is

a process that takes at least a full year, a selection of the bones was specially curated for display during the drying process to allow a way for visitors to connect with a time almost too distant to conceive.

Dustin Tyler, Vice President of Marketing and PR for the museum, says this exhibit is especially appealing to families. “The exhibit provides visitors with unforgettable educational experience and inspires curiosity about Michigan’s prehistoric past and the impact of the ice age had on early-paleo hunters and the fauna of the epoch,” said Tyler.

In tandem with Ice Age is Snow: Tiny Crystals, Global Impact . As its name implies, the exhibit has an educational component; it’s designed both to inspire and to teach. Attendees can experience a simulated, fully immersive digital snowstorm, “giant interactive snow

crystals,” design snowflakes, and listen to oral histories from Indigenous people about snow.

“It showcases the ways that snow is fundamental to weather patterns on Earth,” Tyler said. “It impacts us no matter where we live. All freshwater runoff comes as a result of snowfall and glacial runoff.” Without it, he said, we would be a runaway greenhouse like Venus. While the exhibit is designed to entertain, it’s also meant to inspire an appreciation of the complexity and importance of snow.

While the two exhibits mentioned above are appropriate for all ages, Overcoming Hateful Things: Stories from The Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery is not recommended for anyone twelve years of age or younger, and anyone under seventeen needs to be accompanied by an adult due to the mature themes, language, and painful

| by John Kissane

imagery from our country’s past.

Overcoming Hateful Things is a new traveling exhibition from Ferris State University’s Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is the first museum in the world to host this powerful traveling exhibition. It draws off racist caricatures and imagery and aims to provide a safe place to have the uncomfortable conversations needed about race and racism in our country, and it contextualizes the dreadful impact of Jim Crow laws. The exhibition hopes the use of these objects of intolerance help to teach tolerance and promote a more just society.

Tyler said, “Some might argue that these racist artifacts should be taken out of circulation, but the intentions of the exhibit’s creator, Dr. David Pilgrim, is to highlight not only how African-Americans were treated during the Jim Crow era, but

the fact that we’re still living in the shadow of Jim Crow today. It’s meant to serve as a way for people to reflect and to begin to heal.”

Since its opening, group scheduling for corporate, church, and other groups have been highly popular for DEI initiatives. The museum encourages organizations to utilize the exhibition to facilitate the necessary discussions about race and race relations. Regardless of who attends, Tyler said, the goal is to “witness, understand, and heal. We must learn from our past, so we don’t repeat it.”

in 1904, for instance, an estimated 11.4 million buttons were made of mussel shells, a trend that only increased in later years. The exhibit explores that fact, as well as the fashioning of beaver pelts into hats, the incorporation of iridescent beetles into garment embellishments, and more.

Ice Age: Michigan’s

Frozen

Tiny Crystals, Global

Impact &

Secrets, Snow:

Overcoming Hateful

Things: Stories from The Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery are open now through September 3, 2023.

In addition to their robust traveling exhibit schedule, don’t miss the GRPM original exhibit that draws from some 10,000 fashion pieces in the museum’s permanent collection for Fashion + Nature Fashion has always taken inspiration from nature, not least in the materials used;

Beyond its entertainment value and stunning garments on display, the exhibit has interactive components with a lot of hands-on activities for any age group. Fashion + Nature is about all the ways in which the fashion industry has exploited the natural world, and about those designers working to create more sustainable practices to curb this trend. The exhibition has been such a success; other museums have asked whether the GRPM’s original exhibit might tour in the future. You don’t want to miss it! ■

THE BEST OF THE BEST

at Barn Theatre

| by Zachary Avery

Are you looking for Broadway-caliber performances at a fraction of New York City prices? What about a beautiful outdoor setting to explore and enjoy while listening to eclectic showtunes and beloved standards? Get the biggest bang for your buck at Barn Theatre.

You may have heard of this worldfamous summer stock theater once or twice before, typically in the same breath as name-dropped Hollywood celebrities and Broadway icons, from Jennifer Garner to Jonathan Larson. It’s all true—marketing director and co-owner Penelope Alex Ragotzy has seen plenty of soon-to-be famous faces come and go out of their theater’s barn doors. What’s launched so many young artists, lovingly called “Barnies,” to that level of stardom has been the company’s longstanding apprenticeship program and the important connections each apprentice makes throughout the summer.

“Barnies act right alongside all these professionals, and they’re learning,” Ragotzy said. “They can and do, very often, get lead roles. With the Barn on their resume, it’s a win-win-win all the

way around.”

Suffice it to say, Barnies are everywhere! Roughly 1,500 talented people have come through the program since its inception in 1993, and even more participated during the theater’s previous 45 years.

What hasn’t changed over time, however, is the total effect the Barn Theatre can have on its participants by the season’s close.

“Throughout the summer, everyone grows so much, simply through doing it day after day,” Ragotzy said. “They turn into a different performer , as well as a different person. It’s a busy, busy schedule at the Barn.”

This season, audiences have already enjoyed both fan-favorites and new arrivals to the Barn Theatre, including their recent production of 2010 Best Musical nominee Million Dollar Quartet

“That’s one of those nostalgic, wonderful shows that’s come to life from a real moment in history,” Ragotzy said.

“Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis happened to be in the studio altogether, and they happened to record it. It’s this great show and it was very successful for us.”

Some other new additions to the Barn’s repertoire will be introduced this month and next, including Escape to Margaritaville and the recent stageplay adaptation of Clue What these shows have in-common is their widespread appeal and, in the case of the musicals, well-known catchy tunes.

“What we try to do per season is really give all of our demographic something they’d like,” Ragotzy said. “Also in there, too, is something that would challenge our audience and broaden their horizons.”

One particularly adventurous piece for Ragotzy is their upcoming world premiere of The Gift , an original play about one woman’s ability to see the future when touching another person’s hand. When her own daughter’s life is thrown into the mix, the play’s characters begin to question whether or not this gift is a blessing or a curse.

“We feel strongly about having a good mix for our audience, including a new work if we possibly can,” Ragotzy said. “We fulfill all of that this season.”

And if you arrive to the Barn hungry, Ragotzy recommends stopping by their very own pizza kitchen, Back 40 Pizza. A bar nearby is also open before each mainstage show, and patrons are encouraged to bring their beverages inside with them as they enjoy the performance. Seated comfortably among three tiers in an auditorium fit for more than 400 people, the Barn boasts an entire evening of quality entertainment and leisure. This is especially true if you stick around for their post-show cabaret, known as the Bar Show—featuring firstyear apprentices (some of whom had just

performed in the mainstage show not an hour before) singing show tune classics and serving food and drinks.

“From the minute you turn into our parking lot, there are Barnies telling you where to park your car, Barnies in the box office and Barnies ushering that you’ll then see onstage,” Ragotzy said.

No matter the night, the Barn Theatre staff and performers each pitch in, working alongside each other to make every production the best it can possibly be. And with some of the country’s top young talents and working professionals in the industry coming back to the Barn every year, would you expect anything less? By the time curtains rise, merely two weeks have been given to the summer’s apprentices and guest actors to put on each new production. Hundreds of actors apply each year for those positions, but only 20 or so make the cut.

If you want to see the future of Broadway’s brightest stars today, make a night out at Barn Theatre while you still can this summer. ■

BARN THEATRE

13351 M-96, Augusta

barntheatreschool.org

The Wizard of Oz, Aug. 1-13

Escape to Margaritaville, Aug. 15-27

Nunsense, Aug. 29-Sept. 3

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BARN THEATRE (Inset photo: Barn interior, 1950 pre-conversion)

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2023, 9AM - 5PM

GARDEN CLUB PARK | ROCKFORD facebook.com/rogueriverartists

FINE ART • JEWELRY • POTTERY • PHOTOGRAPHY

| by Revue Staff

AUGUSTARTSCalendar

In 2023, arts organizations are largely back on their feet and offering incredible seasons of art, conversations, fun and community involvement. Now that it’s summer, many arts organizations are taking a break while summer theaters and concert series fill the gap. This month, the theaters are full of fun summer fare and thoughtful dramas alike, while local museums host a variety of stunning art. Check it out.

BARN THEATRE

13351 M-96, Augusta barntheatreschool.org

THE WIZARD OF OZ, Aug. 1-13

ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE, Aug. 15-27

NUNSENSE, Aug. 29-Sept. 3

BETKA-POPE PRODUCTIONS

betkapopeproductions.com

THE WEDDING SINGER, Aug. 5

CIRCLE THEATRE

1703 Robinson Rd SE, East Grand Rapids circletheatre.org

MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM, Aug. 10-26

FACE OFF THEATRE COMPANY

359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo July 13-16 faceofftheatre.com

EXCEPTION TO THE RULE, July 13-16

FARMERS ALLEY THEATRE KALAMAZOO

221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo farmersalleytheatre.com

SHE PERSISTED, THE MUSICAL , July 29-Aug. 6

FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULPTURE PARK

1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids meijergardens.org

SUNDAY STRINGS: CHILDREN’S CONCERT, Aug. 6

SUNDAY STRINGS: HOME IS WHERE YOUR HEART IS, Aug. 13

GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM

101 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids artmuseumgr.org

NOCTURNES: NIGHT SCENES FROM GRAM’S COLLECTION, Through Aug. 12

OBJECT ORIENTED: STILL LIFES FROM GRAM’S COLLECTION, Through Aug. 12

MESSAGE FROM OUR PLANET: DIGITAL ART FROM THE THOMA COLLECTION, Through Sept. 9

ELLSWORTH KELLY & JACK YOUNGERMAN: SURROUNDING SHAPES, Through Sep. 23

GRAND RAPIDS BALLET SUMMER SERIES

341 Ellsworth Ave. SW, Grand Rapids grballet.com

SUMMER DANCE FESTIVAL, Aug. 25-26

FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS, Aug. 29

HOPE SUMMER REPERTORY THEATRE

DeWitt Student Cultural Center 141 E. 12th St., Holland hope.edu

ROCK OF AGES, July 21-Aug.4

LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL, Aug. 8-18

KALAMAZOO

INSTITUTE OF ARTS

314 South Park St., Kalamazoo kiarts.org

2023 WEST MICHIGAN AREA SHOW, Through Aug. 27

SUGOI! 200 YEARS OF JAPANESE ART, Through Sept. 3

UNVEILING AMERICAN GENIUS, Through Dec. 31

LOWELLARTS

223 W. Main St., Lowell lowellartsmi.org

CONNECTED, Through June 24

MASON STREET WAREHOUSE

Saugatuck Center for the Arts

400 Culver St., Saugatuck sc4a.org

JERSEY BOYS, Aug. 11-Sept. 3

MUSKEGON

MUSEUM OF ART

296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon muskegonartmuseum.org

THE LESSONS I LEAVE YOU, Through Sept. 10

THE BENNETT PRIZE: RISING VOICES, Through Sept. 10

AMERICAN REALISM: VISIONS OF AMERICA, Through Aug. 27

SAUGATUCK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

400 Culver St., Saugatuck sc4a.org

OF PLANTS AND PLACE, Through Sept. 8

TO PRACTICE TAKING ROOT, Through Sept. 8

CREATIVE FELLOW MINDY TRAFMAN, Through Dec. 31