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WHAT 'S I NS I DE DECEMB ER 2023 | VOLUME 35, ISSUE 12

NEWS 13 Biz Beat 14 What's Going On

MUSIC 15 Dirty Honey: Second Serving of Sweet Success 16 Mustard Plug: Home for the Ska-lidays 17 Top 5 Local Albums of 2023

COMEDY 18 Benny Blue: Out of the Blue, Into the Dark

CANNABIS 20 Liquid High: Cannabis Beverages

DINING & DRINKING 22 Scholar: Food for Thought 23 Warming Up with Winter Brews

EXPERIENCE THE HOLIDAYS 25 Experience the Holidays in West Michigan 32 Bored with the Usual? Host a Board Party!

LAST-MINUTE GIFT GUIDE 34 Your Guide to Last-Minute Shopping

ARTS 38 The Nutcracker: Magic, Beauty and Collaboration 40 A Legacy Lives On: Oil and Sugar 41 Pen to Paper: Creating a Comic Book 42 Arts Calendar

O N T H E C OV E R : E X P E R I E N C E T H E H O L I D AY S S TA R T S O N PA G E 2 5 !

DECEMBER 2023

/// LET TE R FRO M TH E E D ITO R

ell, well, well, if it isn’t the end of the year, sneaking up on me once again. Fine by me! I’m ready to cozy up by the fake fireplace, drink Bell’s Christmas Ale and watch bad Netf lix holiday movies. I’m also ready to get out and celebrate with all of you, considering how much there is to do. Artist markets are my personal favorite part of the season, getting to shop for handcra f ted gif ts that ma ke me look cooler than I am just by virtue of their uniqueness. But then there’s also all the big holiday concerts, from Mannheim Stea mroller to TransSiberian Orchestra. Not to mention the first ever Christkindl Market taking over the Downtown Market, which is exactly the kind of iconic event we need in West Michigan. Of course, you’ll find all of this in our Experience the Holidays guide ahead, along with some gift ideas for you procrastinators (which includes me, I’ll be honest). Plus, if you’re hosting a party, we have some stellar ideas for you.

PUBLISHER

This issue has a ton of other fun, like a story on the hot new restaurant in downtown Grand Rapids, Scholar, along with our annual list of the year’s Top 5 A lbums from local musicians. A nd you can get your buzz on however you like with winter brews and cannabis beverages. Finally, if you have any connection to the local theater community at all, you’ll want to read about Oil and Sugar, a play written by beloved mentor Randy Wyatt, who had a huge impact and passed away earlier this year. His legacy deserves to live on. Mo s t of a l l t h i s mont h, re me mb er t h at t he holiday season can be a stressful time, especially for employees at just about anywhere you go. Treat people with kindness, patience and respect—and above all, tip well. 'Til next time,

Serendipity Media, LLC President, Kasie Smith www.serendipity-media.com

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

LAYOUT Art Director, Courtney Van Hagen

MARKETING Marketing Director, Loren Eisenlohr Marketing Coordinator, Rachel Syrba

DISTRIBUTION Kelli Belanger

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Zachary Avery Allison Kay Bannister John Kissane Eric Mitts Michaela Stock

ADVERTISING / (616) 458-8371 Media Sales Manager, Kelli Belanger kelli@revuewm.com Media Sales Consultant, Maggie Mutch maggie@serendipity-media.com

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COMING UP

50 THINGS TO DO IN '24 Spotlight: Weddings We look at all the great event s and big festival s planned for 2024 , alongside evergreen activities and destinations with year-round fun.

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BIZ BEATDEC '23 A round-up of the biggest openings, closings and other changes for local businesses.

OPENED: Rebel Bike Shop is coming to the Breton Business Center this month. Head to 2312 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids for all your bike needs. Rebel is a full-service bike store and specialized dealer focused on providing e-bikes, mountain bikes, gravel and kids bikes to the Grand Rapids community. The owners, Keri and Newton Leitelt, are always on the lookout for passionate bikers and plan to schedule demo events at local trailheads to bring the biking community together. The little historical building at Grand Rapids’ Veterans Memorial Park is going from underutilized to well-used with the arrival of HAS HEART Coffee Shop. Visit 22 Sheldon Ave. right across from the Children’s Museum for delicious Madcap coffee and baked goods from Field & Fire. Plus, there’s a running gift card you can donate to, so a veteran never has to buy their own cup here. Finally, 616 Kabob Stop has arrived in Creston at 2232 Plainfield Ave NE. Residents have been waiting patiently ever since the eatery put up signs a year and a half ago, while

HAS HEART Coffee Shop, Schultz Sweets. COURTESY PHOTOS

the crew worked hard to convert the space from a former Subway to a real kitchen. It’s been an immediate hit, as people love the flavor-packed gyro, shawarma and other iconic Mediterranean dishes. Rika’s Chicken moved to the Creston neighborhood as well, making a home at 1634 Coit Ave. After a strangely rude note was left at the new fried chicken restaurant, the community gathered together in support. Of course, it helps that Rika’s is a crowdpleaser, with the kind of wings, tenders and fried chicken that have you craving more the next day. The former J. Gardella’s Tavern has completed its transformation into Scholar, where America’s culinary history is the central focus of the food and cocktail programs. Situated downtown on Grand Rapids’ iconic red brick road at 11 Ionia SW, Scholar is a little bit cozy, a little bit classy, and a whole lot of tasty. After a year and a half of work, new confectionery and café Schultz Sweets opened at 6857 West Main St. in Kalamazoo. Since 2019, Schultz has been baking and making sweets to be found in shops

around town, but now they have their own gorgeous space to enjoy it all while sipping a cup of joe.

CLOSED: In some very sad news, Guardian Brewing Company is leaving Saugatuck. With health problems going on in the family, the owners feel they need to spend precious time with their parents in Ohio to be together and help take care of each other. They will be missed, to say the very least. Bad Habit closed doors as well. This Grand Haven eatery was beloved for its outlandish, yet delicious milkshakes, topped with things like cotton candy and slices of cake. Unfortunately, as they stated on Facebook, the “current economics are not in our favor.” ■

DECEMBER 2023

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WHAT’S GOING ON, DEC '23 12/14

12/15

MORGAN EVANS The Intersection 133 Cesar E. Chavez, Grand Rapids Dec. 14, 8 p.m. sectionlive.com

MICHAEL IAN BLACK Midtown GR 111 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Dec. 15 themidtowngr.com

Australian country music sensation Morgan Evans captivates audiences with his heartfelt lyrics and infectious melodies. Known for hits like “Kiss Somebody” and “Day Drunk,” Evans blends modern pop sensibilities with traditional country roots. His charismatic performances and genuine storytelling have solidified his place as a rising star in the genre. See him on the Life Upside Down Tour this month.Top of Form

Michael Ian Black is an actor, writer, and comedian who began his career with the legendary sketch comedy troupe, The State. He then went on to co-create several television shows, including Viva Variety, Stella, and Michael & Michael Have Issues. Whatever you known him from, you know Black for his sharp wit and versality.

May Erlewine & The Motivations. COURTESY PHOTO

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12/9

POP SCHOLARS Wealthy Theatre 1130 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids Dec. 2, 8 p.m. grcmc.org

SWEATFEST ‘23 Skelletones 133 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids Dec. 9, noon to midnight skelletones.com

Now in their 15th Season, Pop Scholars Improv is 2 hours of fastpaced, smart improvisational comedy that doesn’t reach for the easy joke. They surprise you by turning the mundane into the hilarious and are heralded for their quick wit and onstage chemistry. In other words: They’re real smart and stupid funny.

Calling all HxC crews from Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New York and everywhere: This is the place to be. Come through for the annual SweatFest, an all-day hardcore, punk and emo fest with nearly 20 bands playing, this year at the resurrected Skelletones.

MAY ERLEWINE & THE MOTIVATIONS The Pyramid Scheme 68 Commerce Dr. SW, Grand Rapids Dec. 14, 8 p.m. pyramidschemebar.com May Erlewine & The Motivations create a dynamic musical experience that blends May’s soulful vocals with a lively ensemble. This collaborative project infuses folk and Americana with infectious energy, delivering powerful performances that uplift and inspire. The Motivations add a rhythmic heartbeat to Erlewine’s introspective lyrics, a harmonious fusion that resonates with both depth and joy.Top of Form

12/10

12/3 MESHUGGAH W/ IN FLAMES AND WHITECHAPEL GLC Live at 20 Monroe 11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Dec. 3 livenation.com Meshuggah, the Swedish avant-garde metal pioneers, have forged a sonic landscape that defies convention. Their intricate polyrhythms and djent-inspired grooves redefine heavy music, pushing boundaries with albums like “ObZen” and “Chaosphere.” See them live in Grand Rapids with special guests In Flames and Whitechapel.

BRIAN REGAN DeVos Performance Hall 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Dec. 10, 7 p.m. devosperformancehall.com

FOUND FOOTAGE FESTIVAL Wealthy Theatre 1130 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids Dec. 14, 8 p.m. grcmc.com

Critics, fans and fellow comedians agree: Brian Regan is one of the most respected comedians in the country with Vanity Fair calling Brian, “The funniest stand-up alive,” and Entertainment Weekly calling him, “Your favorite comedian’s favorite comedian.” Having built his 30-plus year career on the strength of his material alone, Brian’s non-stop theater tour continuously fills the most beautiful venues.

Joe Pickett (The Onion) and Nick Prueher (Late Show) have over 11,000 VHS tapes in their collection and will take viewers on a guided tour through their latest and greatest finds, including rare footage from a shortlived video dating service featuring 1987’s most eligible bachelorettes, a questionably sexy striptease video called “Males In Motion,” and a mysterious New Age seminar called “Elimination: The First Step.”

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12/17 THE SCHROCK BROS BAND Salt of the Earth 113 E. Main St., Fennville Dec. 17, 6 p.m. saltoftheearthfennville.com It’s that time of year again! Salt of the Earth welcomes its ‘house band’ The Schrock Bros, featuring Peter Madcat Ruth for their annual holiday gettogether. Expect a few holiday tunes featuring the stellar Americana/blues vocal sounds of the Bros, plus the riveting harmonica playing of Grammy Award-winner Peter Madcat Ruth.

12/30 GREENSKY BLUEGRASS Kalamazoo State Theatre 404 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo Dec. 30 & 31 kazoostate.com Celebrate the end of 2023 and the start of 2024 with the legendary Greensky Bluegrass! For two decades now, Greensky Bluegrass have been building an empire, brick by brick. They are widely known for their dazzling live performances and relentless touring schedule. As with traditional bluegrass, they write about their own contemporary dayto-day happenings, emotions, and experiences in the modern world.

TOURING M US I C \\\ Dirty Honey. COURTESY PHOTOS

| by Eric Mitts

DIRTY HONEY:

Second Serving of Sweet Success

howing absolutely no signs of slowing down, L.A. hard rock band Dirty Honey has returned with their second album, Can’t Find The Brakes. First breaking through in 2019 with their hit debut single “W hen I’m Gone,” the band made rock history right from the start, becoming the f irst, and still only, unsigned artist to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock and Hard Rock chart. Named an “Artist You Need to Know” by Rolling Stone, the group maintained their momentum during the COV ID-19 shutdown, releasing their self-titled debut album independently in 2021, before supporting The Black Crowes on tour that summer. Last year Dirty Honey opened for Guns N’ Roses, K ISS, and R ival Sons on their f irst-ever European tour. They headlined the U.S. earlier this year, before going to Australia to record Can’t Find The Brakes with producer Nick DiDia, and welcoming in new drummer Jaydon Bean. Bean actually has a long history with the band, having actually lived with Dirty Honey guitarist John Notto and bassist Justin Smolian when they were starting out in L.A., and having played on some of the band’s earliest demos. “Something that I think we really have is we really do connect, not just as musicians or great players, but as friends,” Justin Smolian told Revue. “I think you can hear that in the song writing and in the songs. It’s not just dudes showing up that can do amazing things musically, but it’s people connecting and having a good time together and creating an energ y.” That energ y comes out immediately on the new a lbum. Staring with the one-t wo punch of opening track “Don’t Put Out The Fire,” and lead single “Won’t Ta ke Me A live,” the record explores the band ’s classic rock ‘n’ roll inf luences, while showcasing lead voca list Marc LaBelle’s powerful voca ls. “We all have a lot of versatility in our musical tastes as well as our playing abilities,” Jaydon Bean said. “And we wanted to make sure we didn’t write the same record over and over again, or keep writing the same song. We wanted to just express a more broad aspect of what we like and what we like to do. And, I’m a new part of the band too. So that’s going to change the sound a little bit.” Live, Bean has added his vocal harmonies onstage from behind his drum set, as the band has begun playing f ive or six of the new songs during their shows. “Some of the new songs are even going over better than the older ones, Bean said. “So that’s

really exciting to see.” Pumped to be back out on the road headlining their own shows, the band admits that their summer spent opening for their heroes and rock icons in K ISS and Guns N’ Roses still feels surreal even now. “It’s weird because we’re like actually getting to know them too,” Smolian said. “Like, we played with K ISS over the summer, and we played with them before, and before the show Paul Stanley walked into our room and was like, ‘Hey guys, what’s going on? W hat are you guys working on? How’s life been?’ And we’re like, ‘Oh, it’s good, Paul Stanley.’” Dirty Honey has won over those legendary bands’ legions of fans as well, cranking up their own sound, and turning some heads when they take the stage in stadiums here and overseas. “We’ve gotten pretty good at winning people over,” Smolian said. “I think we def initely know how to work a new audience. But it’s def initely not as fun as doing a headlining show where everybody knows your music… Honestly, stadiums and arenas feel more disconnected than club shows. You really only see like the f irst seven rows in a stadium any ways, because they’ll light up the crowd at certain parts and then you see how many people are really there, but they’re also blasting the lights on you and you can’t see very well. And the sound is traveling so far… Every instance of playing as a live musician, every time is different.” “We mostly just smoke a lot of weed,” Bean added. “That mellows us out, gets rid of the anxiety.” Anxious or not, Dirty Honey continues to lead a charge of hard rock bands for a new generation, that seems eager for seconds of the band’s now signature sound. “The goal wasn’t to revive a certain style of rock or something,” Smolian said. “It was just to write songs that we like and have fun playing them live. So if that’s what we’re supposed to be in the eyes of the people that love us, then that’s what we’re going to be. But your image is always created by those around you. So we’re down. Yeah. I always wanted to be a torchbearer. I’m ready.” ■ DIRTY HONEY: CAN’T FIND THE BRAKES TOUR Wsg. Austin Meade Elevation (inside The Intersection), 133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Dec. 8, Doors 6:30 p.m., show 7:30 p.m., $27.50 advance, $35 day of show, All Ages Sectionlive.com, dirtyhoney.com

DECEMBER 2023

/// TOURING M US I C

Mustard Plug. COURTESY PHOTO

MUSTARD PLUG: Home for the Ska-lidays

ON DRAFT and IN CANS!

| by Eric Mitts

elebrating the holidays for the 21st year, as well as their first new album in eight years, Grand Rapids ska veterans Mustard Plug plan to end a triumphant 2023 at The Intersection on Dec. 29. The seven-piece band will follow the jam-packed show they had last year inside Elevation with a return to The Intersection’s main showroom, with special guests Flatfoot 56 and J. Navarro + the Traitors. Fellow GR ska outfit Dance Contraption will open the show. “We’ve definitely been known to pull out a holiday classic or fun cover,” Mustard Plug lead vocalist Dave Kirchgessner said about the surprises in store for this year’s holiday show. “After the often stressful holidays, both the band and the audience are ready to just kick back and enjoy a low pressure night out. It’s really become this wonderful tradition, and way to blow off steam that I think a lot of people appreciate. I know I do.” For several years the band has brought out their famous Mustard Man mascot to dance onstage with Santa Claus, so be ready for lots of high-energy holiday shenanigans along with nonstop skanking. “We’re really excited to have some new songs to play,” Kirchgessner said about the band’s latest album, Where Did All My Friends Go? released back in September. The 13-song set is the eighth album from the local legends, who released their first album over 30 years ago now. “When we released our first four or five albums we were constantly going through lineup changes,” Kirchgessner said. “That added a lot of novelty and excitement, but it didn’t create as cohesive of a sound. Later in our career we have gotten to be a tighter band, but it’s been harder to write novel, original music. Hence the eight-year gap in between albums.” The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown actually inspired the band to write most of the new album, forcing them to take time off from nearly nonstop touring. “Prior to the pandemic we were on the road a bunch, having some of the best shows of our career,” Kirchgessner said. “We had

been to Japan, then we had a really fantastic West Coast Tour, and we were in Australia when things started shutting down. It was pretty jarring to go from that to being stuck at home.” That experience led to the album’s title track as that sense of isolation forced the band to look at how both growing older and modern society have severed many of the social ties that existed when they were younger. “Our holiday shows usually bring out a lot of old friends and it’s more of a multigenerational thing at this point, which is really special in its own way,” Kirchgessner said. Calling Grand Rapids home for their 32 years as a band, Mustard Plug have become stalwarts for ska music worldwide, keeping it alive and thriving for future generations to discover and enjoy. “There is absolutely a new resurgence of young people discovering ska and it is really inspirational,” Kirchgessner said. “It seems like from about 2000-2015 there were hardly any new ska bands, and now there is a ton of new stuff coming out. One good thing about media becoming decentralized is that there is no longer a monolithic media to tell kids what is cool and what is not cool. As a result, the stigma around ska that was there in the early 2000s has basically disappeared. Kids are discovering it in a very organic manner. I think a lot of older fans are coming back to shows as well. I think a lot of them took time off to raise a family, or pursue a career, and forgot how much they missed it.” Last year Mustard Plug played in front of over 10,000 ska fans at a festival in Mexico City, and this past summer played in front of 6,000 in Quebec. Next year they plan to tour in support of their new album, heading to Florida in January, followed by a tour out to Texas. They’ll also return to Europe for the first time in a decade next summer, and already have another new song ready for release in 2024. “It’s surreal that we’re still around,” Kirchgessner said. “But going into our fourth decade as a band, we still don’t see any end in sight.” ■

MUSTARD PLUG 21ST ANNUAL HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR 17 S. 2nd St., Grand Haven, MI | 616.414.7822 GRANDARMORYBREWING.COM

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Wsg. Flatfoot 56, J. Navarro + the Traitors, Dance Contraption The Intersection, 133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Dec. 29, 6 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. show, $16 advance, $20 day of show, All Ages Sectionlive.com, mustardplug.com

M US I C \\\

TOP 5 ALBUMS OF 2023 I

n what’s become something of an annual tradition, Ionia-native turned international bluegrass phenom Billy Strings brought down the house with an absolutely epic show at Van Andel Arena this fall, capping off a truly resurgent year of live music that has shown no sign of slowing down any time soon. Without a doubt the biggest and most talked about event of the year for the greater local music scene, Strings’ triumphant moment brought national attention to West Michigan, and only scratched the surface of the boundless wellspring of talent we have right here, ready to explode. With two of our top albums by local artists this year from acts that have also relocated to larger markets – former GR indie-electronica duo Pink Sky, who moved to L.A., and Otsego native Myron Elkins, who’s hitting up Nashville when he’s not on tour – the sounds of our community have truly extended their reach, proving to listeners near and far that Billy Strings was just the beginning of West Michigan’s musical renaissance. From the return of Holland’s beloved indie-rock legends The Fever Haze late last year with An Apple on the Highest Branch, to the latest LP from genre-def ying collective Les Creatif, to the just-released new record from bilingual hard-rockers Epcya, the sheer diversity of this year’s crop f inds something for everyone. More than ever before, narrowing down this list to only f ive records has become an immensely challenging task. Here at R EV UE we gladly connect our readers with new bands and new records every month of the year. So don’t limit your listening. There’s always more to discover, right now on your phone, or right around the corner. W ho knows, you might be one of the f irst to hear the next local artist to take over Van Andel Arena!

Pink Sky – Total Devotion / Disenchantment Beautifully bittersweet, the f inal two albums from the longtime Grand Rapids duo work as both a farewell, and a f irst foray into the future. Released back in February, Total Devotion found vocalists/multi-instrumentalists Ryan and Angelica Hay adding their literal voices to their mesmerizing mix of electronic sounds, layering profoundly, and personally human emotion over their unparalleled use of analog and digital technolog y. With the looming anxiety of A I on the horizon, and the lingering trauma of the pandemic in the background, no sound better suited 2023 than the couple’s concept albums about commitment to each other, to creation, and to continuing on, despite it all, into the unknown. Myron Elkins – Factories, Farms & Amphetamines A love letter to the small town struggles surrounding communities like the one he grew up in A llegan County, Myron Elkins’ debut for major label Elektra Records (and imprint A Low Country Sound), comes straight from the heart, and straight from the dirt. With a voice and guitar sound well beyond his 22 years, his blues-rock-tinged take on classic country and Americana harkens back to the past, with reverence and respect for the rebellion behind those time-honored traditions. A welder by trade before going out on tour, Elkins’ craftsmanship shows through in all his songs, and it’s clear to anyone who hears that he’s put in the work to take his career to the next level. Headband Henny – Purple The song titles on his debut album alone paint a picture of the colorful sound of Kalamazoo’s Headband Henny. Now off icially a f ive-piece live band project fronted by Henny (aka Henry Parworth), the record starts with “Dreamcatcher” and “Bedroom Pop,” easily alluding to the dreamy sounds, and chill vibes contained within. The title track is likely a subtle nod to the legendary Purple One, Prince, as Henny has added more R&B hued vocals to his unique style of hip-hop. Meanwhile the album’s already viral single “Iceberg” only touches on the depth of his lyricism, and his band’s icy cool grooves. Vagabonds – The Pasture & The Willow The seminal and singular force behind Grand Rapids’ most growing underground movement of the moment, Vagabonds frontman/founder Luke Dean has done more for the music scene this past year than almost anyone else. With his Free Space Shows hosting hardcore and other concerts all around the area, he’s revitalized a critical part of the community, and put out one hell of a record himself on top of it all. Powerfully pristine and punctuated with pain, these ten songs sneak up on you, with early-era emo guitars, and a slowcore approach that suits Dean’s voice and deep sense of shared connection. Pretoria – Where Will The Night Take Us? Ultra-catchy indie rock packed with unforgettable hooks, there’s no question where this Grand Rapids f ive-piece is heading. Poised to pop off, Pretoria – made up of vocalist/bassist Rob Gullet, drummer Ben Dewitt, and guitarists Josh Bilisko, Matt Burdick, and Matt Pavlock – make the most of their three-guitar attack, alternating harmonized leads and jangly riffs that are certain to soundtrack a late night drive, or TikTok trend. W hen this band takes this excellent record out on tour, look out for big things to come, as they’ll take the night with them wherever they go. ■

DECEMBER 2023

/// CO M E DY

Benny Blue. COURTESY PHOTOS

BENNY BLUE

Out of the Blue, Into the Dark | by Eric Mitts

uskegon-native, now L.A. based comedian Benny Blue – will make a West Michigan homecoming later this month, when he records his first-ever live comedy album at the Frauenthal Center. Titled “Live From My Mother’s Funeral,” the darkly-comic special chronicles Blue’s time growing up in Muskegon. Part stand up, part one-man show, it focuses on his relationship with his mother, who had multiple sclerosis throughout her life, and ultimately died from bone cancer in 2021. Presented like a eulogy, it touches on how his mother’s disability and personality affected his unique worldview, and how he developed his very harsh, yet very hilarious, sense of humor. “This whole thing is really based on true stories, slightly embellished for comedic f lair, but true nonetheless,” Blue said. “Different moments where we had some interesting times, both when I was growing up and in the weeks and months before she died. Just illustrating her personality and how that affected who I am.” Blue, whose real name is Ben R hinesmith, was the sort of kid who left home at an early age to chase his dreams in L.A., and he said that the distance he’s had from family

and West Michigan ever since impacts his comedy, and comes out in the show as well. “It really takes you through this whole winding road about not only growing up, but how that’s shaped the decisions that I’ve made being out here (in L.A.), and all the way through getting into comedy, leading to some silly stories that actually happened on the day that she died, and at the funeral. It really gives you that whole chronology of our relationship together.” Although he always knew he was funny, and a natural performer, Blue said that he never had any grand aspirations about becoming a comic. He actually started out playing music, first playing in band in school, then playing bass in his own band, before ultimately getting a degree in music production, with hopes of becoming the “guy behind the guy.” Primarily working in hip hop during his time in the music industry, he sought out and cultivated talent, while always putting himself on the backburner. “By the time I got to L.A, I was a manager, and I was doing A&R work, and I finished my music career, so to say, as a publicist,” Blue said. “Then eventually I just got sick of dealing with other people’s talent, and

I was like, ‘Well, if I’m not really enjoying the music industry, I might as well push my chips in and see what I can do just putting myself out there.’” Getting into standup at 27, Blue has been doing comedy now for seven or eight years, including what he calls the “COVID recess,” when nobody was doing shows. Meanwhile his stage name goes back to his early days living in L.A., when he and his friends ran around town like the Rat Pack, wearing suits, and going by the nickname “Benny Blue Eyes.” “When I started standup, it was maybe a little bit more marquee friendly, but also, I think just suited how I present myself and how I deliver my comedy,” Blue said. “There’s a level of showmanship, but there’s also a level of kind of like dry wit and sarcasm. And I think that is a good way of presenting myself, and also kind of allowing me to be that person onstage, as opposed to being Ben off stage. And that’s what I also think is interesting about this approach to an album is I’m performing as Benny Blue, but you’re getting Ben’s life. Like most of this has absolutely nothing to do with the Benny Blue side of me. So it’s all those worlds colliding, and there’s going to be a level of vulnerability that I think is a little bit different from most comics who are just trying to build a fan base, and do jokes about Spirit Airlines and dating apps.” He added had he not grown up in Muskegon he would be a fundamentally different comedian, as the blue collar background and divorced homes of lots of his friends made it an environment where “you had to have a little bit of leather on your skin.” “Muskegon is also a central character in the story as well,” Blue said. “Like the neighborhood I grew up in and how I grew up and how people look at things that people like me do. It’s not always the most conventional thing for folks in West Michigan.”

The recording of his comedy album will be a completely local affair, with his high school friend directing, and all West Michigan locals working on the crew and production. On the cusp of what he considers becoming a real professional comedian, Blue wants to use the special as a springboard to the next level. And even if Netf lix or HBO don’t come calling right away, he plans to give himself time to decide on just how to license and distribute it, with plans to release it publically on his late mother’s birthday next September. “I think she would get a kick out of it,” Blue said when asked what his mother would think of the special. “I think there would be some parts that would make her laugh. I think there would be some parts that would hopefully make her view things about her relationship from a different perspective. I think there may be some things that would surprise her, and maybe shock her about why I did certain things the way I did them, and how I viewed our dynamic together.” ■

BENNY BLUE: LIVE FROM MY MOTHER’S FUNERAL STANDUP COMEDY ALBUM RECORDING 114 E Main St. Fennville | 269.561.7258 saltof theearthfennville.com

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Beardsley Theater at Frauenthal Center 425 W. Western Ave. Suite 200, Muskegon Dec. 16, 7 p.m., $20 (231) 727-8001, frauenthal.org, bennyblueeyes.net

DECEMBER 2023

/// CAN NAB I S

LIQUID HIGH: Cannabis Beverages | by Josh Veal

annabis—you can smoke it, eat it, even rub it on your skin, and now, you can drink it. In a culture that loves to drink socially, a beverage is often the perfect way to enjoy THC without stinking up the place, getting smoke in your lungs or tearing off part of a gummy. I mean, I enjoy doing all those things too, but there really is something special about a beverage that makes you feel good. W hile edibles are a time-honored method for getting high, they take a while to kick in and tend to keep you there longer. Drinks, however, act faster since they’re absorbed right into your bloodstream rather than being metabolized by the liver. Here are some of the great cannabis beverages on shelves around West Michigan right now:

SWEET JUSTICE | drinksweetjustice.com With distinct f lavors like OG Cola, Sweet Justice allows the canna-curious to glide into their sweet spot in an approachable way, and lets the heady enthusiasts sip while they spark. The goal in part is to encourage people to shift away from alcohol and give a new type of buzz a try, but the company also donates a portion of proceeds to the Great Lakes Expungement Network. There’s the Cola f lavors for people who love a good pop, but also Cranberry Ginger A le, the perfect balance of sweet and tart for the winter season. A lso try the refreshing Elderberry Pom, which has 5g of THC and 5g of CBD. If you like it sweet and sour, go for the Pacif ic Island Punch, with lime, orange, passionfruit and peach f lavors, 10g of THC and 5g of CBD. CQ DRINK ENHANCERS | drinkcq.com Hailing from California, CQ is expanding into Michigan initially with its 2oz shots, which pair 100mg of strain specif ic, top-shelf THC with bold f lavors like Wildberry Guava Agua Fresca and Old Fashioned Lemonade. They’re perfect for sipping or mixing into f lavorful mocktails, or even La Croix. For example, the Nighttime Berry & Lime shot is a calming combination of THC and CBN that supports sleep, pain relief, and inf lammation. Valerian, lemon balm, and glycine synergistically support rest and relaxation. MYHI STIR STIK | Available at: Exclusive Muskegon This latest collaboration with MK X gives you the power to infuse any drink with a simple peel and stir of each 20mg STIK, which is convenient, discreet and portable for life on the go. The magic inside is a fast acting, nano-emulsif ied, THC beverage enhancer that takes effect in 5-10 minutes. MyHi STIKs are zero calorie, zero sugar, vegan, and gluten free, with a very subtle taste in a glass of water, or a wonderful f lavor enhancer for your beverage of choice. HIGHLY CASUAL BEVERAGES | Available at: Olswell Cannabis Ever mixed blueberries and pineapples together? Well, you’re in luck, because Highly Casual has fun and unique f lavors with a low THC count so you can sip all day. This Blueberry + Pineapple f lavor is fresh, has zip, and tastes like that energ y drink you like, without all the weird stuff inside—just great tasting fruit f lavor, seltzer, and weed. Go for Highly Casual if 2mg of THC sounds like the perfect amount for you. PLEASANTEA | Available at: High Profile From the same people behind Highly Casual comes Pleasantea. These teas have a higher dosage, taste great, and lift your spirits quicker than almost anything else on the market. Choose from three tea f lavors: Raspberry, peach and lemon. Each can is 16 ounces, giving you plenty to sip, with 10mg of THC. DIXIE ELIXIRS | Available at: Exclusive Dixie Elixirs provides 100 mg of THC in one bottle. This is less like a seltzer and more like a powerful potion. You certainly don’t have to drink all 100 mg at once, but reviews imply that it’s tempting not to down this fruity, syrupy concoction that somehow doesn’t taste like cannabis at all. A few of the f lavors available include Fruit Punch, Cherry Limeade and Berry Lemonade! KEEF SODA | Available at: The Reef Muskegon Refreshing notes of orange citrus f lavor and the perfect amount of carbonation— meet your new favorite orange soda. It contains a total of 10mg THC and is only available in Recreational markets. First introduced in January 2010, the Keef Classic soda line is the most awarded cannabis beverage in the world. They’re everything you love about the sweet and timeless soda f lavor with a burst of THC for added effect. SAP CANNABIS SYRUP | Available at: House of Dank, JARS SAP, Detroit Edible’s new liquid drink enhancer, has the consistency of cough syrup and is created using activated live resin making it a great full spectrum edible option. SAP mixes really nicely into both hot and cold liquids and comes in three sticky sweet f lavors: watermelon, blue razz, and fruit punch. ■

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DECEMBER 2023

/// D I N I N G

Scholar:

FOOD for THOUGHT | by John Kissane

SCHOLAR 11 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids scholargr.com Scholar. COURTESY PHOTOS

n October 16th of this year, Scholar opened. The restaurant is located at 9 and 11 Ionia Ave SW, a century-old building that, for a long time, was home to J. Gardella’s Tavern. As of June, owner Michael Winks had invested $2.5 million in the venture, trusting that Grand Rapids had a need for a restaurant with old-fashioned service, a contemporary aversion to stuffiness, and elevated versions of classic American food. Merriam-Webster def ines the term scholar, in part, as a person who has done advanced study in a particular f ield. The restaurant’s particular f ield? American food, particularly unpretentious, classic American food: cocktails and dishes Americans would have recognized 50 years ago. Food born here, in other words. “Everything on our menu was created in America,” said general manager A livia Boeschenstein. A long with her husband, executive chef Taylor Boeschenstein, she created the concept. The pair recognized that Grand Rapids offers any number of bars but that there were few f ine dining options. They saw the need for a place that could provide ref inement without pomposity, equally appropriate for a get-together of friends and a business meeting. Once the building was purchased, renovation began. The goal: keep the baby, lose the bathwater. The big f irst-f loor bar, 130 years old and said to have come from a Chicago hotel, stayed, as did the tin ceilings. Bars were added on the lower level and the second f loor, too, and new restrooms were installed. The purpose was to retain the old charm while adding modern comforts, resulting in what A livia has called an upscale library. Refreshingly, the menu is narrow; rather than do a hundred things badly, Scholar aims to do a couple dozen excellently. Options include deviled eggs (A labama, 1877), Cobb salad (California, 1937), chicken and dumpling soup (Virginia, 1836), and the Delmonico steak (New York, 1840). Reservations have been diff icult to obtain, but I managed to get a 5:30 PM table on a recent weeknight. I arrived on time and was led downstairs to my seat. I started out with a boulevardier. The heady cocktail was invented in Paris, yes, but it was an American who did it. Soon after followed a wedge salad. Dressed lightly in a bleu cheese dressing, it featured thick cubes of bacon, tomato relish, and crumbled bleu cheese. It was crisp, refreshing, tang y, and delicious. I followed it with the salisbury steak. Invented in Missouri in 1897, it’s something many of us experienced in school cafeterias or frozen T V dinners: hardly the kind of thing you’d expect to see on an upscale menu. But, more than anything else on the menu, it sums up what Scholar is trying to do. “Chef wanted it to bring back memories of eating in front of the T V,” A livia said. “Eating a frozen meal. But now you can have it elevated.” I could almost smell the nostalgia when it arrived; there it was, under a mushroom grav y and crispy onions, and surrounded by roasted carrots, whipped potatoes, and buttered peas. It tasted familiar, but rich and memorable, too. It tasted like salisbury steak always should have tasted. No wonder it’s the chef ’s favorite. ■

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D R I N K I N G \\\

WARMING UP with WINTER BREWS

inter has arrived, and the best way to warm up is with a nice, toasty, dark brew. From stouts to porters to browns, not to mention Scotch ales and Dunkelweizen, there are a ton of delicious options for you to sip by the f ireplace this season. Here are a few of our winter favorites:

| by Josh Veal

SHORT’S BREWING CHOCOLATE WHEAT Elusive and legendary and neither chocolate nor wheat. This American Porter is perfect for any day you could use a little extra lovin’—with rich malt tones of caramel, coffee, and chocolate. Fill your guts with this full-bodied goodness! 7.3% ABV

BELL’S CHRISTMAS ALE Certain to make any occasion festive, or at least a bit more bearable. Enjoy with the company of friends and family. This traditional Scotch A le is rich and malty with notes of caramel and a warm f inish. 7.5% ABV

GRAND ARMORY SIPPY-KI-YAY HOLIDAY IPA Welcome to the party, pal! This juicy IPA is brewed with cranberry and is sure to be a hit at your holiday party. Even Hans Gruber would enjoy one. 6.5% ABV

CITY BUILT KREWE DE REX A dark Czech lager—dark in color and light in body. A little toasty and a little roasty, but overall smooth, crisp and easy drinking. 5.5% ABV

NEW HOLLAND BREWING CABIN FEVER Cabin Fever is a roasty brown ale and a hearty, comforting companion for long, mind-bending winters. 6.5% ABV

FOUNDERS BREWING ALL NIGHT IPA The perfect counterpart to All Day IPA: meet All Night IPA. Chocolatey sweet aromatics blend with pine and orange hop notes. A moderate bitterness lingers only for a moment, rounded out with a soft, light mouthfeel. 4.7% ABV

BIG LAKE BREWING GINGERBREAD STOUT

SAUGATUCK BREWING CABIN WARMER PACK

A gingerbread stout with a velvety mouth feel with notes of milk chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon and ginger. 9% ABV

A variety pack with all of the warm and fuzzy feelings inside during those chilly months. Includes Blueberry Maple Stout, Neapolitan Stout, Vanilla Porter and the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Oatmeal Stout of all Time).

BREWERY VIVANT DÜNK THE HALLS

KÜSTERER DUNKELWEIZEN

Brewed just for the inaugural Christkindl Market at the Downtown Market! In the style of a traditional Dunkelweizen, this Germanstyle dark wheat beer is amber hued, malt forward, with soft hints of caramel and toffee. 5.1% ABV

A dark, Bavarian-style wheat beer with hints of toffee, roasted malt, and milk chocolate balanced by soft, fruity esters. It’s the perfect, cozy brew to accompany the cooler autumn and winter weather. 5.9% ABV

MITTEN BREWING BARREL-AGED PEANUTS & CRACKERJACK Double the peanut buttery goodness of the iconic porter, aged in freshly emptied bourbon barrels for just the right amount of time. 12% ABV

PIGEON HILL MCSWICK

ARCHIVAL BREWING STRICT OBSERVANCE

This Strong Scotch Ale has a light copper color with a deeply malty and earthy aroma, giving way to a smooth but heavier bodied mouthfeel. All balanced out by a malty sweetness with notes of both almonds and dark fruit. 9% ABV

Originally brewed by Trappist monks of the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance in the Belgian Westmalle Abbey, this malty brew is a classic Belgian Dubbel with a rich color, medium body and roasted malt prof ile. 6% ABV ■

DECEMBER 2023

Gift Certificate Dat e:

Issu ed By:

Pres ente d To:

Th e Pa sta Kitch en & Co ok ing Cl

as se s

To purchase, call (616) 206-5175 or visit www.thelocalepicurean.com

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@localepicureangr

E XPERIENCE t h e H O L IDA YS | by Revue Staff

he holidays have arrived in West Michigan and there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. W hether you prefer markets for buying the last of your gifts for loved ones; concerts putting Christmas music and other holiday hits in the spotlight; annual shows that are practically traditions at this point; meals to enjoy together; brilliant holiday light displays; Chanukah, Kwanzaa and more. Plus, a few local spots are offering New Year’s Eve plans already, but even more options will be announced by the time you’re reading this. Head to Revue’s website for more current information! However you love to experience the holidays, here are our top picks.

GRAND RAPIDS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING Rosa Parks Circle Dec. 1, 5-8 p.m.

ELF IN CONCERT DeVos Performance Hall Dec. 1-2 grsymphony.org

Head downtown for the annual Grand Rapids Christmas Tree Lighting. There’s open skating at Rosa Parks Circle, s’mores to roast, free hot chocolate, local entertainment, and cultural booths highlighting how holidays are celebrated around the world!

Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York in search of his real father. This holiday season, relive this heart-warming holiday classic on a giant screen as every note of John Debney’s wonderful score is performed live to picture by the Grand Rapids Symphony, conducted by Duo Shen.

A VERY PHABIES CHRISTMAS The Stray Dec. 1-2, 7 p.m. thestraycafe.com The Stray invites you to this variety-style show celebrating the release of Phabies’ new single “Pink Christmas Tree”. This night of music, comedy, and holiday cheer will include performances by Tiny Breakfast Improv, Brie Stoner, Storytime with Jack Droppers, Marley Kaye and more. Plus, beer, coffee, wine and food to order!

OUTDOOR HOLIDAY MARKET Saugatuck Center for the Arts Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. sc4a.org Come to this market for nearly 40 local Friendors (that’s what they call a vendor who’s also a friend) in SC4A’s Outdoor Plaza & Pavilion featuring high-end crafts, home decor, wearables, jewelry, paper goods,

artisan baked goods, greens, and much more. W hile you shop, enjoy one of the specialty holiday beverages from the bar and just try not to sing along to your favorite holiday numbers being played overhead. ROCKFORD’S 79TH ANNUAL SANTA PARADE Downtown Rockford Dec. 2, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Welcome Santa to town for the holiday! Parade starts at 11 a.m. at Lewis & Main Street. They will go South on Main, turn on Courtland, and continue down Monroe Street. It’s free to attend and dog-friendly. Santa will be in the Rotary Pavilion following the parade to visit with children until 2 p.m.! LINDSEY STIRLING - SNOW WALTZ TOUR Van Andel Arena Dec. 5, 8 p.m. vanandelarena.com For over a decade, Lindsey Stirling has enchanted audiences across the globe by performing a certain spellbinding magic

DECEMBER 2023

Grand Rapids Christmas Tree Lighting. COURTESY PHOTO

H O L IDA Y E VENTS with her electronic violin, dreaming up an exquisitely composed yet boldly inventive sound entirely her own. On her new album Snow Waltz, the classically trained musician/songwriter/dancer/author finds herself fully in her element, sharing a selection of holiday classics and original songs that evoke intense emotion through her immersive arrangements and mesmerizing melodies. ANNUAL UPTOWN SHOP HOP Uptown Grand Rapids Dec. 7, 3-9 p.m. facebook.com/uptowngr Join the 25th annual Uptown Shop Hop, as the district of five thriving neighborhoods comes alive with extra special holiday experiences. FREE Jolly Trolley rides will transport you through Uptown as you holiday shop, eat, drink, and make memories! Merriment includes free trolly rides between districts, streetside entertainment, and surprises guests and goods all night long. Shop Hop is a great way to knock out that shopping list with memorable gifts that will support the livelihoods of local and independent makers and businesses, right here at home. GRAND RAPIDS HOLIDAY SIP & SHOP The Goei Center Dec. 7, 6-9 p.m. thegrholidaysipandshop.com The Grand Rapids Holiday Sip & Shop is a communitydriven event, bringing together local makers and artisans, holiday customers and the nonprofit Treetops Collective, all for a one-night-only shopping occasion. The goal is to draw the community together by generating exposure and revenue for handmade small businesses and creating awareness and a contribution for Treetops Collective. HOLIDAY 2023 EXPO Holland Civic Center Dec. 8-9 hollandciviccenter.com Over 130 artists, makers and small businesses will be sharing their wares for all your holiday shopping at this juried expo. They will have face painting, Santa for photo ops, interactive activities throughout the day, food trucks, a bar and concessions, and more! Wrap up your holiday gift shopping season by supporting your small businesses and artisans while shopping local. HOLIDAY OWL BLANKETS & BREWS Blandford Nature Center Dec. 9, 3-5 p.m. blandfordnaturecenter.org Come out and make a beautiful no-sew owl blanket this holiday season, while enjoying a local brew. Blandford will supply everything needed to make a blanket, no skills required. Wildlife Staff will be showing educational

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owls up close while participants cut strips and tie knots to make their blanket, all with one drink included. UGLY SWEATER PARTY Turnstiles Dec. 9, 8 p.m. turnstilesgr.com Mark your calendars for the most fun Ugly Christmas Sweater Party of the year! Join GR pop-punk band Midwest Skies! with Years Later, Live for Tomorrow, and Lame Ass Dads for a night of incredible music, great drinks and food, and ugly sweaters. Proceeds are going to The Helen Devos Children’s Hospital and the Humane Society of West Michigan. GRAND MENORAH LIGHTING Calder Plaza Dec. 10, 5 p.m. chabadwestmichigan.com Come celebrate the FIRST night of Chanukah together as a community with the lighting of the giant menorah in Calder Plaza. Plus, watch a master ice carver sculpt a beautiful ice menorah, a grand f ire juggling show, Gelt Drop, lively Chanukah music, sufganiot (donuts), hot delicious latkes, crafts and more. HOLIDAY CLASSICS ORGAN CONCERT Grand Rapids Public Museum Dec. 15-16 grpm.org The GR PM is concluding its 2023 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ Concert Series with themed Holiday Classics organ concerts performed by iconic Crystal

Falls organist David Wickerham. Deck the halls this season with cheerful holiday songs on the GR PM’s 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ and classics such as Jingle Bells, Silent Night, The First Noel, and more. 3RD ANNUAL WONDERLAND: A CHRISTMAS FORMAL Embassy Suites by Hilton Dec. 16, 8 p.m. facebook.com/thelemonbowl New, improved and better than ever, Liz Della Croce of The Lemon Bowl and Zeke Fowle of Pirate Club present their exclusive holiday soiree, where they celebrate life, luxury, and give thanks for cherished family, friends, and colleagues. Expect incredible food, top-shelf cocktails, formal attire, music from DJ Sanjay, new VIP sections and much more. BRUNCHMAS ON BRIDGE ST. New Holland Brewing - The Knickerbocker Dec. 17 midragbrunch.com Since 2018, MI Drag Brunch has been giving high energ y performances in some of the hottest brunch destinations around, and turning up a party with thousands of new and old drag fans alike. Celebrate the holidays with Brunchmas—each ticket includes a meal, welcome drink and 2-hour performance. MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER DeVos Performance Hall Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. devosperformancehall.com Chip Davis, founder and creator of Mannheim Continued on page 28...

GIFT an

UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE in GRAND RAPIDS

A gift for the person who has everything, for your friend who loves to travel and explore, or maybe a gift for yourself!

ToursAroundMichigan.com

DECEMBER 2023

Uptown Shop Hop, Lindsey Stirling. COURTESY PHOTOS

H O L IDA Y E VENTS Steamroller, will celebrate over 35 years of his annual Christmas concert tour, making it the longest running concert tour in the entertainment industry. A Grammy Award winner, Mannheim Steamroller has sold more than 41 million albums, with over 31.5 million in the Christmas genre, ever since he revolutionized the making and marketing of holiday music in 1984. UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN HEALTH-WEST HOLIDAY POPS DeVos Performance Hall Dec. 21-23 grsymphony.org Join us for this long-standing holiday tradition with Bob Bernhardt, the Grand Rapids Symphony, the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, the Grand Rapids Youth Chorus, Embellish Handbell Ensemble, and frequent GRS soloist Shayna Steele! Hear your seasonal favorites including “Joy to the World,” “O Come A ll Ye Faithful,” John Williams’ selections from Home A lone, a “Christmas Sing-A long,” and the “Hallelujah” Chorus from The Messiah. PAINT & SIP - O CHRISTMAS TREE Brush Studio Dec. 23, 6:30 p.m. brushgr.com Get festive with your paint and sip just two nights before Christmas! Holiday music will be on, the bar will be open, the space is all decked out for the season, and a talented (and fun) artist will walk you through every step of this pleasant Christmas tree scene. TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA - THE GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS EVE Van Andel Arena Dec. 26 vanandelarena.com With more than 10 million albums sold, TSO has inspired generations of fans to rediscover the multi-dimensional art form of the rock opera, especially through their annual holiday blowout in Grand Rapids. On the road, they have become one of the world’s top acts, with Billboard magazine naming TSO as one of the top touring artists of the past decade. COMMUNITY KIDS KWANZAA Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives Dec. 30, 2-5 p.m. The GR A AMA celebrates Kwanzaa every year, but they’ve begun putting the focus on the youth to bring families together for a community celebration. Expect fun, games, crafts, movies, stories and food, celebrating the seven principles of Kwanzaa: Unity, self-determination, collective work, responsibility, purpose, creativity and faith. Continued on page 30...

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DECEMBER 2023

Christmas Lite Show Drive Thru. COURTESY PHOTO

E VENTS A LL SE A SON CHRISTKINDL MARKET Grand Rapids Downtown Market Through Dec. 23 downtownmarketgr.com This year, the Grand Rapids Downtown Market is hosting its very first Christkindl Market, starting November 17 and running right up to Christmas Eve. Heavily inspired by traditional European Christmas markets, the event will feature an illuminated winter wonderland with holiday retailers and experiences including uniquely decorated vendor booths with handmade gifts, German Style beverage hall, live entertainment, curling experiences, holiday lights, caroling, Santa, children’s activities, and much more. Head to the market’s website for more details on specific events throughout the season! CHRISTMAS LITE SHOW DRIVE THRU LMCU Ballpark Daily christmasliteshow.com West Michigan’s largest, animated drive-through light show is back for “Another Year of Magic!” This season marks their 26th year of entertaining people of all ages, and they’re excited to see you. Enjoy nearly two miles of Christmas magic with over a million lights, animated displays, lighted tunnels, and more—all from the comfort

of your car. Or, remove any barriers by taking the hayridestyle Memory Lane Train, which seats up to 24 adults. BYOB HOLIDAY LIGHTS TROLLEY Grand Rapids Multiple dates holidaylightstrolley.com This Christmas party on wheels is coming back to Grand Rapids! You’ll meet at a festive neighborhood bar for check-in, to meet your tour guide, and grab a quick snack as prep for a gawker ride through GR’s yuletide lights. Bring your own beverages for the vintage trolley ride. HOLIDAY MOVIES ON SCREEN Wealthy Theatre grcmc.org The holidays are all about coming together, and one great way to do that is to head to Wealthy Theatre for a classic holiday movie played up on the big screen. December 5 is Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. December 17 is an It’s A Wonderful Life matinee. December 19 is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. And while we’re at it: December 16 is not a movie, but rather the Amaze & Amuse Christmas Spectacular, with comedy magician Trino and award-winning juggler Will Juggle.

MEET LIVE REINDEER! Flowerland of Comstock Park Dec. 2, 12-3 p.m. Ada Village General Store Dec. 15, 2-6 p.m. Kentwood Library Dec. 19, 4-5 p.m.

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DECEMBER 2023

B O R E D W IT H T H E U S U A L?

HOST A BOARD PARTY! | by Allison Kay Bannister

he holiday season is in full swing, and that means parties, celebrations, and get togethers galore. If you’re hosting at home this year and looking for ideas, or if you’ve tasked your invitees with bringing “something,” consider taking the guesswork out of it for everyone by having a board party. Imagine f illing your table with a legit smorgasbord—without the usual duplicates— by assigning each guest a themed board. Think: One each of meats, cheeses, desserts, spreads and dips, breads and crackers, dried fruits and nuts, and nibbles, like olives and pickles. You can combine and separate categories depending on the size of your group, and you’ll benef it from a variety of f lavors and personal tastes. Plus, imagine the conversation starting potential. Once each individual or couple has their assignments, the next question is where to shop. We’ve got you! Greater Grand Rapids has loads of options, some with a bit of everything; others with specif ic specialties. Let’s dive in.

ART OF THE TABLE. This little shop on Wealthy has made a name for itself as a go-to for entertaining. If you’re looking for something you can’t get just any where, this is your spot. You’ll f ind local and international items, from jams, chutneys, and dips to gourmet crackers, distinctive chocolates and sweets. This is a great place to grab a bottle of wine or a craft brew six pack, too. | 606 Wealthy St. SE |

APERITIVO. Located in the Downtown Market, this fullservice cheese and charcuterie counter is staffed by experts who can help you choose just the right pairings. They have a curated collection of imported and domestic cheese, as well as cured meats, tinned f ish, spreads, and interesting wines and beers. | 435 Ionia SW | aperitivog r.com

artof thetable.com

LOUISE EARL BUTCHER. Def initely not your supermarket deli counter! With a focus on locally sourced meats from naturally raised animals, they provide an elevated offering. From traditional cured meats to more adventurous terrines and pâtés, their meats are made to impress and processed responsibly. | 1106 Wealthy St. SE |

FIELD & FIRE. A lso at the Downtown Market, this woodf ired-oven bakery serves up a selection of f lavorful breads and baked goods. Any of their breads, whether a rustic miche, a f luff y focaccia, an egg y challah, or a hearty rye, deserves a place on your board! There are also the pesto parm and green olive for some zest, and the twisted tordu, which is designed for charcuterie. | 435 Ionia Ave SW | f ieldandf ire.com

louiseearlbutcher.com

MARTHA’S VINEYARD. Is it even a list without this neighborhood staple? More than just a huge selection of the f inest imbibables, they also offer cut-to-order cheese, a deli case with an array of prepared foods, and a delicious selection of Nantucket Bakery artisan desserts. Plus, their grocery aisles are f illed with all the extras. | 200 Union Ave

FROMAGE. A Gaslight Village gem, they have a little of this and a little of that. Cheese and cheese spreads, cured meats, pickled goods, preserves, sweets, crisps, and crackers are just a few of the items you’ll f ind inside. Pick up a gift and a bottle of bubbly, or mix and match with single cans of beer, too. | 2180 Wealthy St. SE | f romageg r.com

HORROCKS AND KINGMA’S. Depending on which side of town you’re on, either of these specialty markets has you covered. Especially if you’re looking to put together a chocolate, nut, or fruit board. Walk into Kingma’s and you’re immediately met with a wall of bulk-packaged items that ranges from chocolate covered anything to seasoned and raw nuts to dried fruits and vegetables. Horrocks has a similar setup mid store and the options are pretty much endless. Both also carry cheese, olives, meats, crackers, fresh fruits and vegetables, unique treats, and a palatial offering of wine, beer, mixers, and ciders. | 4455 Breton Rd SE | horrocksmarket.com • 2225 Plainf ield Ave NE | king masmarket.com

MEDITERRANEAN ISLAND. Though the name suggests it’s focused on a specif ic region of Europe, this oasis in southeast Grand Rapids is home to a variety of international foods and ethnic f lavors. In addition to f latbreads and pitas, sausages and cheeses from different countries, and uncommon N/A juices and beverages, they have a large deli and produce section with hard-to-f indelsewhere items. If you’re in charge of a sweets board, don’t pass up their Lebanese nougats! | 4301 Kalamazoo Ave SE | facebook.com/mediisland

NE | mvwines.com

THE CHEESE LADY. If you’re on the hunt for something better than basic cheddar, swing over to this Midtown shop. They carry more than 90 varieties of cheese, and are also stocked with supplemental items, including condiments, dried fruits, nuts, and crackers, plus beer and wine. Need a host or hostess gift? They have that covered, too. | 315 Fuller Ave NE | thecheeselady.net/ locations/g rand-rapids

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Don’t like to DI Y ? Most of these shops will build a board for you! And there you have it. Are these the only places for your guests (and you) to shop for your board party? Of course not. But, they’re some of our area favorites— and a walk through their doors is sure to spark the imagination. W hat will you choose to put on your board? ■

PETERS GOURMET MARKET. Another southside store, Peters has an international bent, too—specif ically Dutch fare. Though, that’s not all! You’ll f ind products from Germany, France, England, Scotland, Switzerland, and Indonesia, too. Cheeses and smoked meats; dips and spreads; cookies, chocolate, and baked goods; jams and jellies; and Michigan made goods are just the start of what you’ll be able to pick up. They even have kegged root beer! | 4499 Ivanrest Ave. SW | petersgourmetmarket.com

PERIWINKLE

FOG

G L O B A L LY I N S P I R E D | LOCALLY DISCOVERED

Shop Local. Shop Small. Shop Downtown. Periwinkle Fog is a unique shopping experience in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids. We have something for everyone on your list.

Free Gift Wrapping with Purchase. 125 Ottawa NW Ste #160, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 | www.periwinklefog.com | 616.805.5725

DECEMBER 2023

/// L A ST- M I N UTE G I F T G U I D E

LAST-MINUTE GIFT GUIDE | by Revue Staff

he holidays are a hectic time, and chances are, you still have some (or many) gifts to buy before the big day arrives. Don’t worry, it’s not too late! Especially if you shop local, where you don’t have to wait around for shipping to hopefully deliver your package on time and in good condition. If you want to secure your gift worry-free, while helping support the community around you and picking up unique gifts you can’t f ind any where else, we suggest shopping local. Here are just a few of our ideas for you last-minute shoppers out there.

$34.99

KALAMAZOO CREWNECK Spirit of Kalamazoo 154 S Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo

CHRISTMAS TAPER CANDLES The Bridge 18 W 8th St., Holland The taper candles at The Bridge are handpainted by artisans in South Africa, making each one truly unique.

This Kalamazoo ladies crewneck sweatshirt will be popular this holiday season because it’s so soft and has pockets!

$13/PAIR

SPIRIT NECKLACE Periwinkle Fog 125 Ottawa Ave NW #160, Grand Rapids FOR THE CAT LOVER Yours Truly 1405A Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids Yours Truly has plenty of gifts for the cat lover, from tea towels to fanny packs and even a felt craft kit.

This Spirit Necklace is comprised of upcycled EFFEN vodka bottle labels, made by jewelry designer and sustainability advocate Mellissa Kolbusz.

A CANDLE FOR… Oh, Hello Co. Paper & Gifts 40 Monroe Center St., Grand Rapids Oh, Hello Co. always recommend these funny, cheeky candles from W hiskey R iver!

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$21.97/EACH

KRAMPUS PERFUME Fox Naturals 619 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids Inspired by the fabled horned creature of holiday lore. An entrancing, woodsy, and slightly metallic arcane elixir. Notes of cherry, cedarwood, labdanum, balsam, patchouli and rose.

COOKING CLASS Local Epicurean 1440 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids Give a man some pasta, you feed him for a day. Teach him to make his own pasta, you feed him for life, and a class at The Local Epicurean is a super fun way to do just that.

ENDLESS ANTIQUES Saugatuck Antique Pavilion 2948 Blue Star Hwy, Douglas Take matters into your own hands and go explore 24,000-square-feet of potential gifts at Saugatuck Antique Pavilion, considered one of the best antique stores in the country.

GIFT CARDS

NOXX BOXX NOXX Multiple locations Last year, NOX X launched the f irst limited-edition BOX X, ready-made for gifting, and it’s back again. Last year’s box included a half ounce (four 8ths) of premium NOX X cannabis, plus a grinder, lighter and rolling papers.

We don’t believe gift cards are impersonal—knowing someone’s favorite restaurant or shop means a lot! Restaurants, breweries, escape rooms, they all have gift cards. Consider somewhere like San Chez, the perfect spot for special occasions.

DECEMBER 2023

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DECEMBER 2023

The Nutcracker. PHOTO COURTESY OF RAY NARD IMAGEMAKER

REVUEWM.COM/ARTS

THE NUTCRACKER: Magic, Beauty and Collaboration W

hile The Nutcracker is a winter tradition for most, Grand Rapids Ballet’s creative director James Sofranko starts thinking about the shows as early as August. “That’s when we really get to know which dancers are going to be right for which roles this year, and start f iguring out which people are going to be partnered with each other,” Sofranko said. “We may not be rehearsing it right away, but certainly our artistic coordinator and I start putting together a preliminary casting.” Casting a ballet requires matching each dancer to the best role based on their technique, style, and even personality. This is not an easy feat, especially this year, as the GR B has welcomed many new dancers. “We have seven new dancers in the company, plus new apprentices and trainees, which are sort of new every year,” said Sofranko. “We have five new men, so that’s half the men in the company. They’re coming to us from all over. We have a couple of new women as well, and one new woman is coming to us from Japan. We’re a 20-member company, so everyone’s dancing a lot.” Aside from seeing new talent perform, attendees can expect the same Nutcracker performance they know and love. “This production was made in 2014 brand new for the Grand Rapids Ballet with

a fantastic team of designers, so there’s not a lot that needs to be done to it every year,” he said. “We’re not making any big changes to sets, or costumes, or anything.” But to Sofranko, the Nutcracker’s predictability is part of its charm. “It’s fun to have that tradition and just to expect your favorite parts, to know what’s coming. It’s become a phenomenon, especially here in America, that it has become almost synonymous with every ballet company.” Part of The Nutcracker’s popularity is its music, which is performed live by the Grand Rapids Symphony at each ballet. “I love having the Grand Rapids Symphony there for every show,” Sofranko said. “It’s just so important that we see the blend of the dance and the music together and I really want to make sure that’s a part of the tradition for all of us every year too.” Beyond the music and dance, Sofranko hopes that this season’s shows can bring peace to the holiday season. “In our world, we hear about a lot, and that can take a toll on our mental state. It can take a toll on our happiness. It’s worth remembering that there are a lot of beautiful things in the world too, and a lot of beautiful things that humans can create, and this is one of them,” Sofranko said. “Ballet and the arts and music are a big part of some of the best of who we are as a people, as a species on this planet, and it’s a positive experience for everyone.”

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The Grand Rapids Ballet does more than just put on magical performances at the DeVos Performance Hall for the West Michigan community, though. They also host free shows for children from Grand Rapids Public Schools. “Children come to the theater for free and see Act One,” Sofranko said. “It’s another fulf illing moment for me to know that we can do that for kids, and many of them probably wouldn’t be able to come on their own with their families.” GR B even hosts an annual tea party for families looking to extend the magic of The Nutcracker. The event is a purchased addon experience and includes brunch at the Amway, alongside exclusive performances and storytelling. “There’s fun for kids, and there’s also mimosas for adults too. It’s a pretty cool add-on experience if you’re looking to sort of do it up a little bit more,” Sofranko said. While the Nutcracker tradition may start months before the holidays for the Grand Rapids Ballet, Sofranko is excited for another year of the beloved holiday tradition. “My favorite part of the Nutcracker season is just getting to opening night, like when the opening night f inally gets here and all the work has paid off and the curtain opens and you hear the hush of the crowd and the audience is enthralled,” Sofranko said. “You see the kids coming

| by Michaela Stock

out of the theater with smiles on their faces and the parents too, of course. That’s just really thrilling for me. “It reminds me how worth it it is to keep doing what we do, and all the behind the scenes effort that people don’t really know about.” From casting and choreography to music and dancing, every detail is important to making the magic of The Nutcracker at the Grand Rapids Ballet. “It’s the music, the spirit, and the magic of a children’s tale. We all yearn for that youthful time in our lives again, and I think this gives us an hour and a half of remembering what that was like and just being swept up in it,” Sofranko said. “Getting away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays a little bit, getting away from the stresses of your daily life, just sitting back and enjoying a story that you know and that you love with great music and fantastic dancing and sharing that with your family, it’s just so wonderful. “W ho wouldn’t want to do that?” ■ THE NUTCRACKER Grand Rapids Ballet w/ Grand Rapids Symphony DeVos Performance Hall Dec. 8-17 grballet.com

DECEMBER 2023

Oil and Sugar. COURTESY PHOTOS

A LEGACY LIVES ON: Oil and Sugar | by Zachary Avery

n May 10 of this year, a beloved theatre arts practitioner, professor and director passed away. His name was Randy Wyatt, and besides acting as an indescribable force for positive good in his local community, from initiating Aquinas College’s Theatre for Social Change program to advocating for accountability during the Flint water crisis through “The Water Project,” he had also received renown as a regional play wright. For the f irst time ever, an unproduced work of his, Oil and Sugar, will be receiving its world premiere at Actors’ Theatre. “This is the story of someone who’s been deeply wronged, who’s never had control of who she is,” said Scott Harman, director. “Inque is trying to discover who she is in real-time while everybody else is still trying to tell her who to be.” As Harman’s directorial debut with Actors’ Theatre, leading Oil and Sugar certainly seems like a daunting task. Though the show only calls for f ive actors, its tense emotional beats and complex relationships leave a lot of room for interpretation among the production team and

performers. With Inque on her journey toward self-advocacy and independence, how do the important connections in her life respond? And what sorts of roadblocks are laid out for her, some resulting from larger injustices in her past? “Inque is the center of gravity of the play, and we have these other fully f leshed out people who have their own relationships that develop along the way,” Harman said. “But, it’s Inque’s solar system, and there are some pretty compelling planets in it.” One such planet is Tanya, played by Linnae Caurdy. Her role as Inque’s therapist lends a unique perspective on our main character’s experience, one different from her husband Michael (who has his own ideas of how to help Inque). Caurdy is no novice when it comes to interpreting Wyatt’s work, having performed under his direction in Mr Burns, A Post-Electric Play in 2016, also at Actors’ Theatre. She felt they both understood what theatre’s effect on our community could be and was later invited to direct a production at Aquinas College during Wyatt’s 12 year tenure as its theatre program director. “I would consider him one of my Grand Rapids mentors,”

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Caurdy said. “He was innovative, passionate and wanted to break boundaries and push buttons in the best way.” Wyatt did this more often than not through his capacity as the script supervisor for Actors’ Theatre, where he pulled in new plays and advocated for the board to do more difficult, progressive works of theatre. One standout was his direction for Jennifer Haley’s The Nether in 2017, a story investigating a not-too-distant future virtual reality where disturbing acts of violence and debauchery are acted out by anonymous users. In Wyatt’s own original work, he recalls experiences and lessons learned from his own life, such as his critical glance into evangelical Christianity in Harmony, another world premiere from Actors’ Theatre in 2009. Similar to that script, the people we meet in Oil and Sugar are mysterious and contradictory, making impulsive judgements very similar to how regular, irrational humans often act. “A ll of the characters are f lawed, like we all are,” said Michael Empson, playing Inque’s husband Michael. “None of them are what they seem on the surface, and every single one of them could be taken in a million

different directions and still be truthful to the script.” When nearly at the halfway mark of this production’s rehearsal process, its performers were still discovering more about their characters, the play’s wider message and Wyatt’s unique artistic voice as a playwright. For all of them, this intimate exploration into the script brought up many memories from their time working with Wyatt. One such individual was Bryanna Lee, who plays the show’s lead, Inque. A favorite memory of hers was Wyatt’s impressive feat of incorporating over 45 community actors in the Aquinas College Theatre Department’s production of Love and Information, an experimental work comprised mostly of raw dialogue without clear designation of who’s speaking and which “characters” are even involved. This deviation from classic American theatre and into contemporary art was a hallmark of Wyatt’s teaching style. “[ Wyatt] was so excited about it,” Lee said. “Being able to have that Aquinas theatre community and be so welcomed by that, it was the best.” The connections Wyatt laid out and helped establish in the

local theatre community are still felt today, irregardless of when someone might’ve crossed paths with him. He was a friend to anyone who knew him well enough to see the incredible artistic spirit and dreamer that he was, and as a college professor he left an indelible impact on his institution. “I now sit in [ Wyatt’s] old off ice at Aquinas College, and now I get to direct this show,” Harman said. “I’ve been the benef iciary of a baton getting handed to me saying, ‘Here’s how this is going—your turn,’ which is terrif ying and exciting. Now we get to honor the work by making it our own.” Come visit Actor’s Theatre for their world premiere of this fortunate, beautiful reminder of the mark left behind by one of Grand Rapids’ most cherished artists, Randy Wyatt. ■ OIL AND SUGAR Actors’ Theatre 160 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids Dec. 7-16 actorstheatregrandrapids.org

PEN TO PAGE: Creating a Comic Book

| by Zachary Avery

THE FIRST THREE ISSUES OF KILL YOUR DARLINGS ARE OUT NOW, AND THE FOURTH WILL BE RELEASED ON DECEMBER 20. FIND IT AT YOUR LOCAL COMIC BOOK STORE!

brand-new comic book series has hit shelves recently called Kill Your Darlings, and one half of its writing team calls Michigan his home—Griffin Sheridan. Sheridan’s love affair with comics started, like most other enthusiasts, at a young age with stories centered around classic superheroes such as Spider-Man or Batman. In fact, it was in his teenage years when his admiration for Dan Slott’s run of Superior Spider-Man led him to meet his best friend and creative partner, Ethan Parker, with whom he cohosted a Spider-Man themed podcast. “We were brought together through comic books and a lot of our friendship is based on that,” Sheridan said. “We did some more podcasting endeavors, and that eventually led us to Ryan Stegman, who is another Michigander comic book creator.” Sheridan contacted Stegman in college for a class project and quickly began working with him through the medium of podcasts alongside Parker. Their work with Stegman would eventually introduce them to Donny Cates and Matthew Rosenberg, two other well-established comic book writers. Soon enough, Sheridan and Parker saw an opportunity for their own comic book writing dreams to come true. It was pieces of insightful advice from these new connections that would ultimately push their dream over the finish line, and thus Kill Your Darlings was born. “We spent the next few months shopping it around to people,” Sheridan said. “There was the question, ‘Do we want to take this to Image?’ Image Comics is the biggest stage you can take this thing out on.” In an industry oversaturated with familiar characters, Image Comics has been an incredibly successful leader in publishing work from independent writers with fresh ideas. Several television shows got their start as comics with Image, such as The Walking Dead and Invincible. One of Sheridan’s mentors, Donny Cates, reminded him that if he and Parker were to get picked up by Image Comics, they’d need to “show up.” It’s easy to throw weird ideas at a publishing house that loves weird ideas, but it’s also just as easy not to get invited back. If Sheridan and Parker wanted to establish themselves in the industry, their first bout would need to be perfect. “We sent it to Image, and they liked it,” Sheridan said. “And so, we had no choice but to ‘show up,’ in Cates’ words.” Kill Your Darling’s graceful blending of gruesome horror into lighthearted fantasy is reminiscent of dark twists on stories like Alice in Wonderland or The Wizard of Oz. The protagonist is Rose, and her imaginative world combines myriad elements of her own childhood interests into unique characters and places (an elephant-pig named Wallace or a unicorn-bear sanctuary, for example). However, when a nightmare invades Rose’s imaginary world and a tragedy disrupts her real one, the trajectory of her story straddles the line between terror and hope. Between reality and what may only be in Rose’s mind. The timeline then hops around between different young kids at equally difficult parts of their lives, but Rose’s story starts in 1995, which is by no means an accident. Sheridan looks fondly back on that time when you’d more likely see a kid simply playing pretend in their bedroom, and Rose’s love for that innocent pastime is our first introduction to the character. “The ideas lived in just our heads for so long, and then seeing them interpreted by our incredible artist, Bob Quinn, was insane, and completely changed the idea of what this was for us,” Sheridan said. “Now, when people read it, they have their own idea of what the story is and who the characters are. To see people interact with it in that way, it is a very surreal feeling.” ■

Griffin Sheridan. COURTESY PHOTO

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| by Revue Staff

DECEMBERARTS

Calendar

In 2023, arts organizations are back on their feet and offering incredible seasons of art, conversations, fun and community involvement. This month, you can visit the theaters for big Broadway shows and intimate plays, listen to symphonies play the classics and modern pieces, and head to local museums for a variety of stunning art. Check it out.

ACTORS THEATRE

GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM

KALAMAZOO CIVIC THEATRE

MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART

160 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids actorstheatregrandrapids.org

101 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids artmuseumgr.org

329 S. Park St., Kalamazoo kazoocivic.com

296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon muskegonartmuseum.org

OIL AND SUGAR, Dec. 7-16

EVERYTHING BEAUTIFUL IN ITS TIME: SIX CENTURIES OF PRINTS, Through Dec. 3

THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Through Dec. 17

ODDITIES & DELIGHTS, Through Feb. 25

UNDERNEATH EVERYTHING: HUMILITY AND GRANDEUR IN CONTEMPORARY CERAMICS,

KALAMAZOO INSTITUTE OF ARTS

CENTRAL PARK PLAYERS 421 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven centralparkplayers.org

PARFUMERIE, Dec. 8-17

Through Jan. 14

EXPERIMENTAL FILM SELECTIONS FROM OPEN PROJECTOR NIGHT, Through Jan. 14

FARMERS ALLEY THEATRE KALAMAZOO 221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo farmersalleytheatre.com

EVERY BRILLIANT THING, Through Dec. 17

FRAUENTHAL CENTER 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon frauenthal.org

SISTER’S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM, Dec. 7-10 THE NUTCRACKER, Dec. 9

FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS AND SCULPTURE PARK 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids meijergardens.org

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN HEALTH-WEST: CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY TRADITIONS, Through Jan. 7

GRAND RAPIDS BALLET 341 Ellsworth Ave. SW, Grand Rapids grballet.com

THE NUTCRACKER, Dec. 8-17

GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE

NEXT STOP, BROADWAY!, Through Dec. 2

A BRIDGE BETWEEN TWO WORLDS: WORKS BY WU JIAN’AN, Through Dec. 31

C. C. WANG: LINES OF ABSTRACTION, Through Dec. 31 CELEBRATE!, Through Jan. 14

KENDALL COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN 17 Fountain St. NW, Grand Rapids kcad.ferris.edu

SAINT ANDRO - FASHION STARTUP,

DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Through Dec. 17

HOME BY DRUE MCPHERSON,

Through Dec. 15 Through Dec. 15

PRACTICAL ART EXHIBITION,

GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY 300 Ottawa Ave. NW Ste. 100, Grand Rapids grsymphony.org

Through Feb. 3

FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE (FYE),

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN HEALTHWEST HOLIDAY POPS, Dec. 21-23

2200 Auditorium Dr, Kalamazoo millerauditorium.com

A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS, Dec. 6-7

CELEBRATE THE SEASON, Dec. 9

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A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Through Dec. 22

ST. CECILIA MUSIC CENTER 24 Ransom Ave. NE, Grand Rapids scmc-online.org

HOLIDAY MARKET, Dec. 2

SAUGATUCK CENTER FOR THE ARTS 400 Culver St., Saugatuck sc4a.org

CREATIVE FELLOW MINDY TRAFMAN, Through Dec. 31 OF PLANTS AND PLACE, Ongoing NINGAASEG, Through Jan. 26

359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo thegilmore.org

RISING STAR: SEAN MASON TRIO, Dec. 3

A CARPENTERS CHRISTMAS, Dec. 19

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY MUSKEGON CIVIC THEATRE

96 W. 15th St. Ste. 201, Holland hollandsymphony.org

134 E. Vine St., Kalamazoo thenewvictheatre.org

THE GILMORE MILLER AUDITORIUM

WELCOME CHRISTMAS, Dec. 17

HOLLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

NEW VIC THEATRE

Through Feb. 3

ELF IN CONCERT, Dec. 1-2

hollandchorale.org

1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo wmich.edu/theatre

314 South Park St., Kalamazoo kiarts.org

30 N. Division Ave., Grand Rapids grct.org

HOLLAND CHORALE GILMORE THEATRE/ WMU THEATRE

TIFFANY LAMPS: THE RICHARD H. DRIEHAUS COLLECTION, Through Jan. 14

425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon muskegoncivictheatre.org

CALENDAR GIRLS, Through Dec. 3

360 W. Western Ave. Ste. 200, Muskegon westmichigansymphony.org

CLICKITY CLACK HO HO HO, Dec. 9 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, Dec. 15

DECEMBER 2023

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