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JANUARY 2024

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WHAT 'S I NS I DE JANUARY 2024 | VOLUME 36, ISSUE 1

MUSIC 10 LVNDR: Success So Close She Can Smell It 12 Digable Planets: Return Orbits

COMEDY 14 Roy Wood Jr. & Jordan Klepper: 'Daily Show' Duo's Townhall Tour

CANNABIS 16 Clearing the Air: Vaping vs. Flower

DINING & DRINKING 18 No Booze? No Problem.

Mocktails in West Michigan 20 Rise and Dine with Bakeday

50 THINGS TO DO IN THE WINTER 23 24 24 25 26 26 28

Fun Inside Food & Drink Music & Dancing Comedy Performances Indoor Adventures The Arts

ARTS 30 Disney's Aladdin: Bringing Magic to the Stage 32 A Year of Play at SC4A 33 Arts Calendar

WEDDING SPOTLIGHT 35 Weddings Tips from a Pro Planner 36 West Michigan Wedding Guide 2024 O N T H E C OV E R : 5 0 T H I N G S TO D O I N T H E W I N T E R S TA R T S O N PA G E 2 2 !

JANUARY 2024

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/// LET TE R FROM THE ED ITOR

JOSH VEAL , Managing Editor |

josh@serendipity-media .com

H

appy New Year!!!

In 2024 at Revue, we’re all about trying new things.

Without revealing too many details, let’s just say you might notice some updates to our website in the near future, along with new columns in the magazine, and a bit of a return to Revue’s sassy past. We’ll see!

Starting off with our annual 50 Things to Do issue, we’ve already changed things up. What once covered the entire year is now focused on winter, because honestly, if it’s not an international vacation, who can plan that far ahead anyway?

Plus, winter is when cabin fever tends to set in, and we can’t have that. We choose to live in West Michigan, and I’m always happiest when I make the most of it year-round, not just when the beach is open. The upcoming World of Winter is one great way to get out and enjoy the beauty of these serene months, with public art, food truck rallies, silent discos, drag shows, walking tours, snowga, ice skating events, performances and a whole lot more.

This issue also has our annual wedding spotlight, so you can learn from a local wedding planner on what to do, mistakes to avoid, current trends and more. Plus, a guide to some of our favorite vendors around.

If you’re trying out Dry January or are fully enjoying the sober lifestyle, check out our roundup of spots for great mocktails.

If you’re curious about vaping vs. smoking when it comes to cannabis, we have a rundown on that. If you’re a fan of Roy Wood & Jordan Klepper of The Daily Show fame, check out our in-depth interview with them.

I’m excited for the year ahead for so many reasons, but most of all is seeing West Michigan back on its feet, moving forward in just about every way. I hope you’re excited to be an active part of it too.

'Til next time,

!!!

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ENTERTAINMENT | Spotlight: Health & Fitness Beat the winter blues with fun for all ages, from the hottest event s to the coolest hangout s, indoor attractions, outdoor activities and more.

Space Deadline: 1/15/2024

WHO'S WHO Managing Editor | Josh Veal, josh@serendipity-media.com Art Director | Courtney Van Hagen Marketing Director | Loren Eisenlohr Marketing Coordinator | Rachel Syrba Distribution | Kelli Belanger

PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY: Serendipity Media LLC 535 Cascade West Parkway SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 (616) 458-6371 www.serendipity-media.com

Contributing Writers | Allison Kay Bannister, John Kissane, Eric Mitts

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JANUARY 2024

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/// LOCAL M US I C

LVNDR. COURTESY PHOTOS

| by Eric Mitts

LVNDR:

Success So Close She Can Smell It

G

rowing up, Lowell native Lindsey Garcia was the unlikeliest of aspiring pop stars.

Now known as LV NDR, the singer, song writer and “The Voice” contestant hid away her vocal talent until she was 16.

Homeschooled in a religious household, and the youngest of six siblings, she f irst learned piano from her oldest sister who performed in church choirs. But with the piano out in the family living room where everyone could hear her, she instead learned guitar from watching YouTube videos in her bedroom, privately practicing, and developing her now signature soft, sultry, soulful style from watching artists like Ingrid Michaelson, Colbie Caillat and Amy Winehouse.

“W hen I was 16, I forced myself to play at our local talent show, because I’ve always had these daydreams envisioning myself on a big stage with important celebrities watching me,” Garcia said. “And I could never shake that dream. So I was just like, ‘I’ve got to put myself out there and see if it feels right. And if it doesn’t, I can just let this go, and I can focus on something else.”

Placing third in the talent show, and taking her parents and friends completely by surprise – since they’d never heard her sing – she started taking baby steps into music, playing small coffee shop shows and bar gigs where she could perform more as background noise.

She also kept putting stuff out online, and when she was 17, NBC’s “The Voice” called to f ly her out for an audition.

“This is when the show was kind of new,” Garcia said. “I had never played in front of that many people before. So when I got to L.A., things that are virtual now were in person then. So all of the little rounds you have to get through before the big one was all in person at that time. And I froze and I forgot my lyrics in front of everybody. I forgot how to even play the guitar.”

With the goal of one day redeeming herself, Garcia kept performing for bigger crowds. She won Grand Rapids’ WOTV Idol twice, first in 2019 and again in 2021, earning her auditions on “American Idol,” and helping her gain more experience.

She also turned inward, working on her conf idence by ultimately coming up with the stage name LV NDR (pronounced lavender, like the f lower).

“W hen I’m on stage, I wanted something to separate my personal life from my music career,” Garcia said. “And I have this lavender spray that I use. It calms you down and it’s like a pre-show ritual for me… It just helps me to be the artist that I want to be and to connect with my fans on a more personal level and I’m able to get the messages from my music across easier when I’m able to be conf ident on stage.”

Now 27, and feeling like she’s ready, she earned her second chance on “The Voice” as LV NDR last year.

Garcia sent in her beautifully recorded performance at Grand Rapids’ Dogtown Studio, and the producers decided to bring her on the show.

Performing a jazzy rendition of Drake’s “Hotline Bling,” for her on air audition, she had both judges John Legend and Niall Horan interested in being her coach, with her ultimately selecting to be on the One Direction member’s team.

“It’s a whole other world out there,” Garcia said. “You’re being treated like an actual celebrity. You’re in L.A., in a hotel, you get paid to lay out by the pool on your off days. And getting to meet the coaches, I thought I would be

way more star-struck than I was. But because of the things that they put you through, before you get to actually see the coaches, when it comes down to the day of your blind audition, they have it down to a science where they make you feel comfortable when you’re up there…

“It is different for everybody, but I don’t know, it still feels like a fever dream. Luckily it’s on T V so I can go back and watch it, because I’m like, that didn’t happen. It’s like you black out when you’re on stage and then all of a sudden it’s over.”

After joining Horan’s team, she lost her battle round on episode 11, performing Billie Eilish’s “Everything I Wanted.”

So although it wasn’t exactly the outcome she wanted, she still very fondly looks back on the experience now.

“While I was in it, you know, it was the most stressful thing that I’ve ever put myself through,” Garcia said. “But I think I needed that to grow as an artist, because I’ve never really taken big risks or big chances until then. So because I was able to put myself through that and see that I could do it, I have a lot more confidence now in my abilities as an artist.”

She’s taking those next steps now in the new year, working on new songs, with plans to record and release more music. She’s also performing a special show with her friend and fellow “The Voice” contestant Lennon VandeDoes at The Midtown in Grand Rapids Jan. 19.

“I have a goal of by the end of the spring I’ll have my EP out,” Garcia said. “But if you’re at the Midtown show, you’ll hear some of those songs before they’re released, so you should probably go so you can be one of the f irst people to hear them.”

In addition, LV NDR also has a free 21 and older show Jan. 8 at Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill (760 Butterworth St. SW, Grand Rapids) with her frequent collaborator Olivia Vargas, as well as another free show at Hillards Corner Lounge (3508 18th St., Wayland) Jan. 20. ■

LVNDR Wsg. Lennon VanderDoes The Midtown, 123 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Jan. 19, 6 p.m. (doors), 7:30 p.m. (show), $20 Themidtowngr.com, thereallvndr.com

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JANUARY 2024

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/// TOURIN G M US I C

Digable Planets. COURTESY PHOTO

| by Eric Mitts

DIGABLE PLANETS: Return Orbit

L

egendary Grammy Award-winning hip-hop trio Digable Planets will celebrate the 30th anniversary of their debut album Reachin’ (A New Refutation of Time and Space) during their f irst-ever tour stop at the Kalamazoo State Theatre Jan. 25.

Performing the acclaimed record front to back in its entirety, with their live backing band, the group will take longtime fans back to the old school days of early ‘90s rap, while also welcoming a new generation to discover their timeless, forward-thinking vibes.

Digable Planets is made up of MCs Ishmael “Butterf ly” Butler, Craig “Doodlebug” Irving, and Mariana “Ladybug Mecca” Vieria. They f irst formed in Brooklyn in the late ‘80s, before signing with Pendulum Records and releasing Reachin’ in 1993. The album would later go gold, with its lead single, “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)” crossing over and becoming a pop hit, reaching No. 15 on the Billboard singles chart.

“It wasn’t even actually our f irst choice to be our f irst single,” Irving told Revue about the group’s signature hit.

“We had another song called ‘Brown Baby Funk,’ that we had, and it was a George Duke sample, and he would not clear it for us, so we couldn’t use it… So when our dreams got crushed, we went back. And then the people at the label started coming around talking about this other song ‘Rebirth of Slick.’ To us, all the songs are our babies, so we felt like, oh, we’re good... I never thought ‘Rebirth of Slick ’ was the song that was going to catapult us and take us to this crazy stratosphere that we ultimately got to. It was actually the second or third choice, and then because of technicalities or technical diff iculties, it became the f irst single. And wow, I’m so glad it was.”

“Rebirth of Slick ” won the Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1994, making Digable Planets only the fourth act to receive that award in hip hop history.

“We were one of the f irst to win that award,” Irving said.

“It’s amazing because at the time you could tell when we were sitting there in the crowd, there was not very many hip hop artists sitting there. I mean, there might have been a couple others, but for the most part, it was a lot of movie stars and rock ‘n’ roll artists, R&B artists, stuff like that.

It was a surreal night.”

Showcasing the group’s inf luential fusion of hip hop and jazz, Reachin’ established Digable Planets as pioneers of what would later be called alternative hip hop, and serve as inspiration for genre-def ying artists for decades to come.

“Hip hop was a melting pot of all that stuff,” Irving said.

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“You would hear a breakbeat by a DJ and you would not even know that was a jazz artist break that he was using, because the DJ found that one part in the song that had that beat that made the B-Boys get up and start doing their moves. But then as I dug deeper into it and started falling deeper into that rabbit hole, I started getting names, started being attached to the sounds.”

With the group bringing a socially conscious message to their music, Digable Planets followed up their surprise early success with their second album, 1994’s Blowout Comb. Darker and more explicitly political, the record did not sell as well, but in the years since has emerged as an iconic and important release in hip hop’s now 50-year history in American music.

“I know that prior to us, there were groups like The Native Tongues and Heav y D and the Boyz that inspired us and helped us,” Irving said. “De La Soul, like people that made us feel like it’s OK to be you. You don’t have to be this person. You could just be you. And people will accept you for being you. I’m hoping that in our way, and in our interpretation of that mantra, that we inspire some other groups that came after us. I’m hoping that we did.”

Digable Planets parted ways over creative differences in 1995 and didn’t reunite until 2005, as the three members pursued numerous personal solo projects over the years.

In 2017 they released a live album, and have continued

touring, playing to fans young and old all across the world.

“W hen you go to the shows, you sometimes see whole families coming,” Irving said. “And after the show, you go out and talk to them, and they’re like ‘Yo, I grew up on your music and I played your music for my kids growing up, and now they’re big fans of it.’ And you see kids who, you know for a fact they weren’t around when the song came out, but for some reason, like we did when we listened to people who were much older than us, and it wasn’t really about the age. It’s just about the music and the feeling that you got when you listen to that music. So I was highly inspired and motivated to see these younger cats doing the same thing, digging in the crates and f inding music that was before their time, but it still resonated with them.” ■

DIGABLE PLANETS Reachin’ 30th Anniversary Tour Kalamazoo State Theatre, 404 S. Burdick, Kalamazoo Jan. 25 , 7 p.m. (doors), 8 p.m. (show), $30-55 Kazoostate.com, officialdigableplanets.com

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/// CO M E DY

Roy Wood Jr. and Jordan Klepper. PHOTO BY NAVIER GRIMES

ROY WOOD JR. & JORDAN KLEPPER 'Daily Show' Duo's Townhall Tour

R

ight from their f irst days working together on “The Daily Show,” Roy Wood Jr. and Jordan K lepper haven’t pulled any punches when f inding punchlines in the news.

The two joined forces for Wood Jr.s’ very f irst f ield piece for the show back in 2015, tackling the subject of police bias, and establishing a banter between the two correspondents that continues to this day. Both have since gone on to Emmy-nominated acclaim, with Wood Jr. expanding on his longtime standup work with three Comedy Central specials, as well as his hosting of the high-prof ile W hite House Correspondents dinner, in addition to his acting roles and documentary f ilmmaking.

K lepper, meanwhile, has made a name for himself with his viral f ield pieces at Trump Rallies, and Jan. 6th, in addition to his work as a podcaster, essayist, and voice actor. Re-teaming this month for what they describe as “a comedic town hall that digs into the issues that matter, and many of the ones that don’t,” the duo answered a few of Revue’s questions before their stop at GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Jan. 25.

When did you come up with the idea to team up for a tour like this?

Jordan Klepper (JK): I think Roy and I, we’ve always had a blast performing with each other, riff ing with each other on the road together. And I think, you know, the strike happens and everybody gets to reevaluate what life looks like, ways in which they can connect with an audience and, also an opportunity to do stuff you’ve wanted to do but haven’t had the time or the space to do. And I think this kind of popped up when we were like, ‘Hey, you know what would be fun?’ I mean, I get very lonely on the road. Within minutes I am a sad sack. And so the ability to rope Roy into this, to help me be a little less sad on the road was an exciting one to jump at.

Roy Wood Jr. (RW): Yeah, I really think what Jordan and I were trying to f igure out was what are some ways – and keep in mind the inception of this was before I made the decision to leave Daily Show – we were talking about what are some other ways where we can engage with Americans about what’s happening, but make it fun and make it a little more jovial and not so much as a funeral type atmosphere. I’ve toured this year immensely as a stand up because of the strike. And K lepper’s gone out and done his dates. I didn’t want to go out another year and just do comedy again, especially during a pivotal election year. I was like, ‘Oh, what’s a fun live show that feels interactive?’ And also it was during that run of terrible town halls that were happening on CNN at the time. Like, there was one town hall that was especially trash over the summer, in the early fall. And I was like, ‘I could do a better townhall! K lepper and I

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could do a better townhall! Let me call K lepper. ‘Are you thinking what I’m thinking? And he’s like, ‘I have been thinking what you’ve been thinking. Because really, what we want to do, most of it is just what K lepper does one by one for the last, what, f ive, six years now, bro.

Speaking of how trash town halls have gotten, I did want to ask about approaching a town hall as a format that, post COVID school board meetings, and all that chaotic divisiveness, how do you think you guys are going to approach a town hall in a way that will be better?

JK: Well, I hope we get some of that COV ID school board energ y! I want people coming angry. I want them standing up and grandstanding like that. I think by all means, bring any pent up energ y you have, bring it! Bring it to the stage. Let’s get it out. Now is the chance.

RW: I think my biggest issue with town halls as a whole and this entire show, it’s not necessarily a send up of the town hall format. I just think that town halls, in my opinion, feel like one way dialogue. We already know the questions are pre-screened. We already know that these people were chosen probably two weeks before. ‘You’re going to get to ask your question to Vivek Ramaswamy. Make sure it’s a good question!’ And they’re probably, you know, grooving a lot of pitches to the politicians. I think that our show is an opportunity for Americans to ask the real questions to people who don’t have the answers.

Clearly you guys are going to welcome the other side. But what has been the challenge or what will be the challenge of actually reaching the other side?

Jordan, you go out and speak to Trump supporters and others in person, but actually reaching those people, do you feel like comedy helps break down that barrier at all?

JK: I think comedy goes at the bullshit. And so I don’t think Roy or I either see ourselves as partisan comedians. I mean, clearly a lot of the stuff I do is pointed in one direction.

But that tends to be where the majority of the BS lies. However, I do think comedy, if you’re in a room where people laugh, you’re all sharing some perspective. And the anxiety of the moment is lifted for at least that brief second. So I think it’s a wonderful thing if you can get a group of people into a building laughing together. And I think that you can’t shy away from how cathartic that can be, how empowering that can be. And I think for us, we’re going to give each other shit up there. We’re going to laugh at each other’s foibles. We’re going to make fun of politics, but make fun of each other in a really playful way. And I hope the audience feels open and I think we don’t even really know what we’re going to get. I think we’re going to get people who want to come here and want to play. We’re going to get people who have perhaps more serious questions. And I think that’s sort of on us to f ind what is humorous and what is thoughtful within that. And hopefully, I don’t know if it’s going to reach across any proverbial aisles, but I think there’ll be a communal atmosphere there. That ,in and of itself, will be hopefully cathartic and fun for folks.

How much do you feel like late night TV has completely changed since either of you joined The Daily Show?

RW: I think that Mike Birbiglia had a quote that comedy only works if everybody agrees on the premise. And so, the fact that we’re now in a world where facts are being questioned means that the premise of a joke can be questioned, which means that if you’re going to go, if you’re going to gravitate towards particular media for conf irmation bias, then news satire might eventually start becoming that as well. And when you also look at the fact that, like, there was something I learned about the history of the lottery, and I hate I don’t have the woman’s name saved, but I learned about the history of the lottery from somebody on TikTok who did it on their bed, laying sideways. They didn’t even sit upright to give me the information, and I was perfectly f ine with it. So I think Americans are starting to care a little less about who gives them their news. And then therein lies the challenge of how do you parody the news if the news itself is inherently f ished from multiple different ponds now? We used to all get our news from a shiny desk with a green screen and chopper seven live or whatever. And now you can also get news from a person laying sideways on their couch, dropping fucking knowledge about the history of the lottery and why it’s a poor tax.

JK: See, I got to tell you, that’s where I draw the line. If you can’t sit up straight to give me the news, then I’m swiping right or left or up. I don’t know the direction anymore...

RW: You know, that feels like more honest journalism to me. Because you don’t even feel like saying this shit to me. I don’t feel like working half the day. So it’s exciting when you see someone half doing their job, you’re like, that’s an authentic person. *Editorial Note: Interview has been condensed and edited for length. To read the full interview, visit revuewm.com. ■

ROY WOOD JR. AND JORDAN KLEPPER: AMERICA: FOR THE LAST TIME GLC Live at 20 Monroe, 11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Jan. 25 , 6:30 p.m. $53-103 (616) 482-2027, glcliveat20monroe.com, roywoodjr.com, officialjordanklepper.com

JANUARY 2024

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/// CAN NAB I S

CLEARING THE AIR: Vaping vs. Flower

| by Josh Veal

T

he modern smoker is faced with two primary options: Vape or f lower.

Both involve heat and inhaling some form of smoke, and both will get you high, but the experience is hardly the same.

If you have no clue what we’re talking about: You know the stinky, rolled-up joints your neighbor smokes on the porch? That’s f lower. You know the shiny pen-looking thing that your cousin kept taking sips from at Thanksgiving? That’s a vape pen.

THE BASICS A typical vape pen set-up has just two parts: The cartridge and the battery. The cartridge contains a tank of cannabis concentrate, plus a heating element and a mouthpiece (which can be plastic, glass or metal). The rechargeable battery simply provides the power and controls the temperature, and you shouldn’t need to replace it for a very long time, if ever.

THE DIFFERENCES W hen it comes to the actual science, a large part of the difference here lies in temperature. At relatively low temps, molecules simply vaporize, changing from solid or liquid to aerosol. At higher temps, like when using a lighter on f lower, they actually combust/burn, which degrades into additional byproducts.

Of course, everybody is different, and factors like personal tolerance, equipment, pen temperature and more will all have an impact. You can even use hemp wick to light your f lower at a much lower temperature, around 300-400F. But some things hold true: I have yet to meet a vape pen that comes any where near being as pungent as f lower always is.

FLOWER

VAPOR

Smell

Loud AF

Brief and mild

Convenience

Only with pre-rolls

Extremely

Intensity

Slowly builds, unless you cough

Hits hard right away

Duration

Typically lasts 1-2 hours

Typically lasts 30-60 minutes

Temperature

Lighters get up to 2,500F

Pens stay around 300-600F

Flavor

Robust, complex

Mellow, concentrated

Health

We’re not doctors

Not our job

THE EXPERIENCE Simply by nature of combustion, smoking burns off more THC and introduces more byproducts than vaping, even when all else is held equal. And yet, many consumers (myself included) report feeling not only a different high from f lower, but a better one.

I’d argue this is in part due to the entourage effect, meaning that f lower is chock full of terpenes and other cannabinoids that work in tandem with THC. But high quality vapes, especially “live resin” cartridges, do retain the entourage effect. Biolog y suggests another possibility: Smoke has higher levels of carbon monoxide, which outcompetes for oxygen to body tissue, and that lack of oxygen can make you feel more high.

If you get a vape pen with multiple temperatures (well, it’s actually voltage, but that impacts temp), you’ll quickly notice a difference between the settings. A low burn means less smoke, more terpenes, more f lavor, and a less intense high. Turn it up and you’ll vaporize more terpenes away and go through your cartridge faster, but get a bolder smoke. Up to you!

THE HEALTH Thanks to its continued classif ication as a Schedule I drug at the federal level, research on cannabis has been scant and is only just now catching up, so we don’t think it’s a great idea to make def initive health claims on smoking vs. vaping just yet.

W hat we will say is that the byproducts from combustion contain carcinogens (though much, much less so than tobacco), and we’ll also mention the big vape scare of a few years ago, when additives in vape cartridges were causing lung problems. It’s important to note those were illicit cartridges, not the highly regulated and tested market we have in Michigan today. Plus, vaporizers drastically limit secondhand smoke.

THE OTHER OPTION W hile we typically mean cannabis concentrate cartridges when we talk about vapes, there is another form: Dry herb vaporizers. In other words, you can vaporize f lower!

Products like the PA X Plus are also pen-shaped but a bit thicker, and have a small area to pack f lower, which is then vaporized relatively slowly to avoid combustion and harsh smoke while still providing a high. You get the convenience and purity of vaping with all the benef its of f lower.

The downside? They heat up slower than a cartridge, of course, and a relatively small capacity means you f ind yourself having to clean out and “repack ” the vape more frequently. As far as smell, they land somewhere in the middle.

THE END R A IR, Ascend, Love Supreme, Indigrow—there are quite a few places in West Michigan that make their own high-quality vape cartridges and would be happy to give suggestions and walk you through the basics like a classic “cart” versus live resin. Speak to your local budtender today! ■

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JANUARY 2024

17

/// D R I N K I N G

ROAM by San Chez. COURTESY PHOTO / Chartreuse Sisters. PHOTO BY AMANDA KAMPPINEN Winchester. COURTESY PHOTO / More or Less (background). COURTESY PHOTO

NO BOOZE? NO PROBLEM:

THE FRIESIAN GASTRO PUB 720 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids

Mocktails in West Michigan | by Josh Veal

Right there on the medical mile lies The Friesian and its lovely rooftop patio. With a large cocktail menu, it only makes sense for them to invest in mocktails as well. Consider the Cherry Apple Tonic, with apple dandelion tonic (wow!), Luxardo cherry simple, vanilla simple, and a cherry on top. It’s both refreshing and comforting, ideal for winter evenings out with friends.

CHARTREUSE SISTERS 800 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids What began as a small home bakery cottage business is now a lovely pastry shop on Wealthy, with an innovative menu of non-alcoholic drinks. A favorite of customers and Dale Cooper alike is The Owls Are Not What They Seem, made with orange sec, ginger beer, cranberry juice, and maple syrup, garnished with a spear of cranberries and crystallized ginger. It’s perfect for brightening your day this winter season.

BUFFALO TRADERS LOUNGE 950 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids Buffalo Traders is hailed far and wide as one of the best cocktail bars in West Michigan, and they don’t leave out the sober folks. Their mocktails range from the simple Mock Mule (lime, simple, ginger beer) to the bitter Better Spritz (N/A aperitif and soda) to the Zero Proof Dealer’s Choice, where you simply tell the bartender what f lavors you enjoy and they whip something up just for you. Ask and you shall receive.

ROAM BY SAN CHEZ 250 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids

W

hether you’ve been sober your whole life or are giving Dry January a shot, you’re probably on the hunt for a good mocktail.

No one wants to miss out on socializing just because their friends are going out for a drink (a common occurrence around here), but the good news is, non-alcoholic beverage options are on the rise. We don’t just mean Diet Coke and O’Doul’s either—you can f ind quality craft beers with 0.5% ABV or less all over, from IPAs to stouts and wheats.

W hile N/A brews are a nice and easy solution, more and more establishments are putting serious time and thought into their mocktail menus. W hether they use alcohol-free spirits (an exciting recent trend) or just a tasty mix of homemade simple syrups and juices, they give you the f lavor and experience of a cocktail without the buzz.

So, here are just a few of the best spots for your next alcohol-free outing:

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ROAM has a menu that’s traveled the globe and returned to broaden Grand Rapids’ horizons. Their horchata pairs perfectly with any Latin flavors, or you can go for the Rosemary-Elderflower Spritzer, made with herbal syrup, lemon, soda and butterfly pea tea. Or, try a handcrafted Italian cream soda with rotating flavors! It’s like you’re down at the local mom and pop soda fountain.

BUTCHER’S UNION 438 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids My personal favorite cocktails around are at Butcher’s Union, so I more than

trust them to craft a great mocktail.

Here, you don’t get a menu of premade drinks, but rather let your server know what you like and the bartender will make it happen for just $4. Reviews online attest to the consistent quality here. Of course, you can always browse the cocktails for inspiration— there are plenty to choose from!

THE WINCHESTER 648 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids Known for thoughtful seasonal drinks, The Winchester makes no exception with mocktails. For instance, the fall lineup included Ugg Season, with pumpkin puree, cinnamon simple, lemon and soda. Or try The Afterlife, with basil-infused simple, grapefruit, lime and soda.

STAMPED ROBIN 128 Portage St., Kalamazoo One of the stars of Kalamazoo’s cocktail scene, Stamped Robin offers multiple sober drinks, such as the Unintended, with cranberry, lime, vanilla and NA orange bitters. Or try the cleverly named No Fashioned, which keeps things simple but bold with NA dark cane spirit, aromatic bitters and demerara sugar. They like to make drinks bitter but bright here.

TRAVELER’S CAFÉ & PUB 5225 Portage Rd, Portage A barbecue joint just outside an airport may not seem like the place to find mocktails, but we love to be surprised.

Traveler’s has a wide menu of zeroproof drinks and liquor, so you can order off the menu or ask for your own favorite. Consider the Mai Tai, with NA white cane spirit, dark cane spirit, orange sec, fresh lime and house-made simple—welcome to paradise.

MORE OR LESS 434 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids W hat was once A lt City Beverage in the Downtown Market is now More Or Less, on Leonard Street, but they’re following the same ethos, serving up well over 400 alternative options to alcohol. They have canned craft mocktails, zero-proof spirits, botanical seltzers, gourmet sodas, adaptogenic drinks, CBD seltzers, NA wines and more! With More Or Less in town, you’ll never be parched. ■

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Sunday Bakeday. COURTESY PHOTOS

RISE AND DINE WITH BAKEDAY

by Allison Kay Bannister

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f you’ve always thought that waking up Sunday morning to a box of pastries on your doorstep was the stuff of dreams, then you may not have heard of Sunday Bakeday. I’d love to tell you it’s Grand Rapids’ best kept secret, but, in fact, its creator has become so overrun with orders that he, only after showers of praise and adoration, reluctantly agreed to chat with me—at the very real risk of gaining even more of a following.

Oh, fame. Your double-edged sword.

W hat is Bakeday? It’s the brainchild of R ichard Crawford, a transplant from Scotland who likes punk rock music and bleak Soviet novels/movies. And, indulging his Creston neighbors (and now beyond) with a selection of inspired pastries. Much like a secret society to which everyone now knows the passcode, Bakeday is a delivery service where customers can choose four pastries from a revolving menu, pay $20, and sit back and wait for the magic to arrive. In response to uprisings by those outside of the delivery zone, orders can also be picked up at Sparrows in Creston or Morning R itual on the West Side.

But, you have to act fast. Signing up for Bakeday alerts on sundaybakeday.com and staying on top of notif ication emails or texts are absolute musts. It always sells out quickly, though Crawford has taken steps to avert the crushing blow of missing out by hiring a baking assistant and additional delivery drivers.

Curious to know more? Here’s a little peek behind the Bakeday curtain.

PASTRY DELIVERY—ON A SUNDAY MORNING WHEN WE ALL NEED THEM MOST—IS PURE GENIUS. WHERE DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA? I got sort of obsessed with laminated dough a couple of years ago and was practicing a lot and making loads of croissants. You can only eat so many croissants, so I ended up giving the leftovers to neighbors and dropping them off at my friends’ places. I didn’t really know what else to do with them. My friends turned out to be pretty enthusiastic about that situation and I realized that maybe other people would be enthusiastic about getting pastries delivered too.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED AND HOW HAVE YOU HANDLED THE GROWTH? Part of the appeal of turning it into a business was the idea of getting to make a website and a logo and all of that brand stuff. I have a pretty straight-laced day job in corporate marketing so I liked the idea of creating my own little brand that I could be silly and have fun with. I enjoy that sort of thing as much as I enjoy baking. I made a website and an Instagram account and started taking orders from my friends through Venmo. I think I got 4 orders on the f irst “off icial” Bakeday, but people told their friends and neighbors about it and within a few weeks I was doing 15 and then 30 orders and I realized that I might be onto something. W hen I hit 50 orders, my tiny kitchen couldn’t cope with making 200 pastries in a night and I started renting commercial kitchen space. That helped me more than double my capacity and I try to keep pushing it forward each time so I can get more pastries on more doorsteps.

IS ALL THIS NOTORIETY OVERWHELMING? DO YOU EVER WONDER WHAT YOU’VE GOTTEN YOURSELF INTO? I don’t take it very seriously. I’m just pumped that people seem to like my pastries. It feels good to make a thing and have people receive it with enthusiasm. Every time I do a Bakeday I try to make it better than the last one and I hope that people can tell that I’m putting a lot of love and work into the product. It’s a lot of fun. W hen I make a good batch of pain au chocolat it still feels like an amazing magic trick.

I’M A HUGE FAN OF THE CARDI B. JUST WHAT IS THIS SORCERY? It tastes good because it’s filled with chewy caramelized cardamom sugar rolled up in f laky croissant pastry.

It has a similar vibe to a kougin-amann, which is a traditional pastry from Brittany in France. I’m not a proper pastry chef and I’m not really a foodie so I didn’t know that until someone on Instagram pointed it out to me.

The key is the chewy/f laky combo. All of the best pastries have some kind of contrasting textures going on. I cover my scones in this really coarse brown sugar called demerara sugar and it gives them a really nice crunch that contrasts with the f luffy inside. That’s a scone pro-tip for you. Or maybe that’s baking 101. I have no idea.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT BAKEDAYING? I’m British and I’m a baker so I spend about 40-45% of my waking hours either watching or just thinking about the Great British Bake Of f. If anyone wants to talk about the Great British Bake Of f, DM me on Instagram. The rest of the time I’m probably either doing my job being a high-f lying corporate mover-andshaker or reading a diverse contemporary novel.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION FOR NEW CONCOCTIONS? Mrs. Bakeday would kill me if I didn’t take this opportunity to make it known that the jalapeño-cheddar scone f lavor was her idea. People who like that scone are evangelical about it and she likes to remind me every Bakeday that it was her idea and that she deserves all of the credit for its popularity. The other stuff on the menu I’m just vibing. I practice new recipe ideas all the time and when I think I’ve nailed something I’ll add it to the Bakeday menu. There’s lots of cool stuff in the pipeline. I just spent a stupid amount of money on custom-made, cube-shaped baking pans and enough Nutella to f ill a bathtub, so I hope Grand Rapids is ready for Nutella-f illed cube croissants.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT OUR READERS TO KNOW? Whatever you do, don’t go to sundaybakeday.com, scroll halfway down the page, and sign up for Bakeday alert emails (and optional texts). It’s already heavily oversubscribed and sells out in a few minutes so you’re probably going to be disappointed. I’m only doing this interview because I thought it would be cool to be in Revue magazine. ■

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very January, we bring you 50 Things to Do in West Michigan’s year ahead.

This year, the only difference is, we’re focusing on the winter, because there’s so much to do in the next few months alone! There are hundreds of events already lined up, with many more that haven’t even been announced yet.

Yet again, we’ve rounded up what we think are 50 (maybe a few more, if you actually count) great ideas for having an amazing year, whether it’s seeing your favorite band, laughing at live comedy, enjoying a winter festival, walking on a hidden trail, or one of many other unique options. Enjoy!

| by Revue Staff

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THINGS TOthisDO Winter!

World of Winter. PHOTOS COURTESY OF DGRI

ICE, WINE, BEER AND BLUES FEST Franke Center for the Arts 214 E. Mansion St., Marshall Feb. 3-4 choosemarshall.com The Ice, Wine, Beer and Blues Fest is a two-day celebration of winter, booze, and blues! The festival is a Marshall favorite featuring specialty wine and beer tastings on Friday night and a blues concert at The Franke Center on Saturday. This year’s star is virtuoso Laith Al-Saadi. Friday’s popular festivities feature a wine and beer tasting throughout Marshall’s downtown starting a 6pm. Enjoy food, craft beers and specially selected wines. There will also be live ice sculpting!

MUSKEGON LUGE ADVENTURE SPORTS PARK 462 Scenic Dr., Muskegon msports.org Formerly known as Muskegon Winter Sports Complex, this park has everything you need to have an amazing winter.

One of the few winter luge tracks in the U.S.A.? Check. A 1,400-foot dual zipline that runs in winter? Check. Skiing trails, ice skating, sledding? Check! In fact, you can even come in summer for the only wheel luge track in the U.S., archery, hiking trails and more.

WALK AMONG LIGHTS IN THE SKY Boyne Mountain boynemountain.com Boyne proudly presents an all-new immersive light experience, Lights In The Sky, featuring over 150,000 twinkle lights. The captivating display transports you to a world of wonder and awe. Spend an enchanting evening under the stars and feel the luminous magic of the season.

TOURS AROUND MICHIGAN toursaroundmichigan.com Even if you’ve lived in West Michigan your whole life, there’s still an incredible amount to see in your own backyard, and Tours Around Michigan is here to help.

W hether you’re a local or an out-of-towner, their ultimate goal is to inspire guests to keep exploring, diving into the city’s history, culture, legends, f lavors and so much more. Choose from a Ghost Tour, Church Tour, Art Tour, R iverfront Tour, a more general city tour, and beyond!

They have also received endorsement from Accessible Travel World, which means these tours are fully welcoming for people using wheelchairs, needing sign language interpreters, or other accommodations.

BRRRRING YOUR SCARF AND MITTENS TO WINTERFEST Grand Haven Jan. 25-28 grandhavenwinterfest.org This four-day event has something for everyone. Build and take the helm of your own cardboard sled, deal into the euchre tournament, set up for a little beach volleyball, or gad about town in your jammies for the Sleepwalker .62 Run. There’s also a Kids’ Day with snow angel contest, a Bonf ire Bash, and more—plus free shuttle service.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HOLLAND’S SNOWMELT SYSTEM Downtown Holland holland.org Holland isn’t just a cute little town on the lakeshore, it’s also chock full of places to see and things to do, made even better by the city’s snowmelt system in the winter. If you’re looking for a magical Hallmark winter moment, come to Holland, have a drink at Big Lake Brewing, a bite at Waverly Stone Gastropub, a latte at Lemonjello’s Coffee, shop at one of many boutiques — we could go on all day!

Outside

FUN

EXPERIENCE THE MAGICAL WORLD OF WINTER Downtown Grand Rapids Jan. 12-March 10 worldofwintergr.com The World of Winter is Grand Rapids’ way of making life not just bearable, but incredibly fun in the heart of winter. Over 100 FR EE events, a ton of unique interactive art installations, astonishing performances, more than 50 ice sculptures, activities, programs and more will take over Downtown Grand Rapids. Not only is it fun, but it’s great for social media. Here are just a few of the many highlights this year:

LUMINARY LIGHT NIGHT PARADE Ah-Nab-Awen Park | Jan. 12 Join for the Opening Celebration with a parade of paper lanterns! You can bring your own after building one at a drop-in event at the Children’s Museum on the 6th and 7th. The event will include local food trucks, local DJs, a special GR Gold drumline performance and more.

ICE PARK & FOOD TRUCK RALLY GR Public Museum | Jan. 20 Enjoy delicious food trucks, jams with the musical maestros of Frosty Boyz Entertainment, and outdoor games! Plus: Snap a selfie on the ice throne.

The list of ice-cold games includes shuffleboard, plinko, foosball, chess, checkers, cornhole, ice skeeball, tic-tac-toe and air hockey.

WINTER’S A DRAG Calder Plaza | Feb. 3 Michigan Drag Brunch is proud to bring you this FREE event in partnership with Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Watch the Brunchettes/Queens work the stage! Enjoy brunch food from local food trucks.

Plus, giant yard games and a photo opportunity with the crown-shaped ice sculpture!

NOODLE FEST Calder Plaza | March 9 Get ready for Noodle Fest – where chefs battle it out to whip up the tastiest noodle dishes! Picture awesome food, live entertainment and vendors dishing out $6 bowls of noodle goodness. You decide the winner by throwing in your votes with your donations. Think of it like a chili cookoff, but arguably even cooler.

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Drink

FOOD &

KALAMAZOO CRAFT BEVERAGE WEEK Jan. 12-21 kazoostate.com Kalamazoo Craft Beverage Week, now going into its 14th year, is a weeklong series of events that celebrate the craft beverage industry, including food and drink pairings, specialty tappings, make and take, games, trivia, education and more. This celebration is for anyone who shares a passion and an aff inity for hand-crafted products, made by people who care about an enriching experience. Like to be active? Kick off the week with the annual Snow Jog, a winter race!

4TH ANNUAL MARDI GRAS BAR CRAWL The BOB Feb. 10 mardibarcrawl.com Celebrate Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras) with this annual bar crawl bringing Bourbon Street to Grand Rapids. Expect an incredible day of green, purple and gold, beads, masquerade masks, color-changing cups, discounted food and drinks, and more fun across 8 bars downtown.

DRINK OUTSIDE AT WINTER BEER FEST LMCU Ballpark Feb. 24, 1-6 p.m. mibeer.com Winter Beer Fest is one of the def ining events of West Michigan. Entering its 18th year, the festival puts beer in the spotlight with hundreds and hundreds of options, alongside local music, impressive performances, and ice sculptures—and it’s all outdoors in the snow. Your ticket includes admission and 15 tokens for beer samples. Bundle up, and cheers!

4TH ANNUAL GRAND RAPIDS BOURBON FEST Studio D2D Event Center 1157 Century Ave. SW, Grand Rapids March 2, 4 p.m. grandrapidsbourbonfest.com Grand Rapids Bourbon Fest is an indoor bourbon festival hosted with more than 200 whiskeys and bourbons, store picks, classic cocktails and high-end bottle section. Most of the list is bourbon but there will be a few non-bourbon options such as beer, wine & non-alcoholic options—plus food trucks, live music, vendors and more!

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Dancing

MUSIC &

WINTER WHEAT FESTIVAL The Intersection 133 Cesar E. Chavez, Grand Rapids Jan. 13, 1 p.m.-midnight sectionlive.com Have you ever wished that the wonderful W heatland Music Festival feeling could last all year long? Have you ever wanted to share in W heatland camaraderie, dance, and music during the winter doldrums? Then come enjoy nearly 12 hours of music on two stages! They’ll have Cajun, Americana, Bluegrass, Latin, and Traditional music, plus Honky-Tonk dancing, food and companionship.

GIMME GIMME DISCO The Pyramid Scheme 68 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Feb. 2, 7 p.m. pyramidschemebar.com Calling all Dancing Queens! Here we go again! If you can’t get enough ABBA, boy do we have a dance party for you.

Gimme Gimme Disco is a DJ-based dance party playing all your favorite ABBA hits, along with plenty of other disco hits from the 70s and 80s like The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, & Cher. So take-a-chance and you’ll be dancing all night long.

SAM HUNT Van Andel Arena 130 WS. Fulton St., Grand Rapids Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m. vanandelarena.com Sam Hunt is a multi-talented, f ive-time GR A MMYnominated, Diamond-selling, award-winning hitmaker of a country artist. With a distinctive blend of country, pop and R&B, Hunt rose to fame with hits like “Leave the Night On” and “Body Like a Back Road.” His genredef ying style and soulful lyrics have earned him widespread acclaim, making him a standout f igure in contemporary country music.

THE SURFRAJETTES Bell’s Eccentric Café 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo March 15, 7 p.m. bellsbeer.com The Surfrajettes are a four-piece instrumental combo from Toronto. Since forming in late 2015, the band has charmed audiences with their clever mix of psychedelic rock and reverb-drenched surf music, sky-high beehives, go-go boots, and eyeliner as thick as their guitar strings.

EXPERIENCE AWE-INSPIRING ACOUSTICS St. Cecilia Music Center 24 Ransom Ave. NE, Grand Rapids scmc-online.org St. Cecilia Music Center is an astonishing, world-class venue that’s not just beautiful to see, but to hear as well. They have an incredible lineup coming through in 2024, with a wide variety of artists. Stop by on January 16 for singer-songwriter Allison Russell; come through February 29 to celebrate leap day in style with Aimee Mann; or stop in March 7 for the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s “Instrumental Array” show.

GET SOCIAL WITH SALSA Fifth Street Hall grsalsa.com One Sunday per month, GR Salsa Social head to the Fifth Street Hall for a gathering of dance for all levels, whether you’re single or a couple, new or inexperienced. Enjoy the classics of salsa, bachata and merengue as you join the community and learn impressive new moves.

JAZZ YOUR NIGHT UP GRNoir Wine and Jazz 35 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids grnoir.com If you need a place to chat, snack and sip wine, with builtin conversation breaks for live jazz, head to GR Noir. The atmosphere is plush but extremely welcoming, f itting with the bar’s mission to help introduce “regular” people to wine and jazz, two pursuits often seen as high society in today’s world. Essentially, the whole place is a conversation piece.

Gimme Gimme Disco, Winter Beer Fest, Allison Russell, Tim Meadows, Lewis Black. COURTESY PHOTOS

FOOTBALL HEAR A CONCERT UNDER THE STARS Grand Rapids Public Museum grpm.org With the ability for pretty much inf inite variety in visuals, the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s planetarium makes for a magical, spectral stage. Thanks to spiff y modern technolog y, artists are able to shift the mind-blowing visuals in real-time with the music. A ll kinds of bands have taken the stage, from psychedelic and atmospheric to acoustic, electronica and shoegaze. Check the museum’s website for this season’s lineup, including Silent Spirit, Brother Wolf and Sarena Rae.

BOWLING BAR

Comedy

PERFECT FOR FRIENDS, FAMILY OR TE AM OUTINGS!

LAUGH WITH TIM MEADOWS Wealthy Theatre 1130 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids Jan. 19, 8 p.m. grcmc.org

Unlimited walk-in open play or lane reservation for up to 10 people/2 hours.

Tim Meadows is an American actor, comedian and writer, one of the longestrunning cast members on the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live, where he appeared for 10 seasons from 1991 to 2000. You’ve likely also seen his comedic chops on display in Mean Girls, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story and Trainwreck. Come see his show at Wealthy Theatre!

STAVROS HALKIAS: THE FAT RASCAL TOUR GLC Live at 20 Monroe, 11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Feb. 3, 7 p.m. livenation.com Oh, what a little rascal! Comedian Stavros Halkias cheerfully skewers tech culture, air travel, sex, breakups and himself in this raunchy and riotously acerbic stand-up tour, so popular that GLC Live had to add a second date.

fowling warehouse.com /grandrapids

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Performances

LEWIS BLACK: GOODBYE YELLER BRICK ROAD GLC Live at 20 Monroe 11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Feb. 16, 7 p.m. livenation.com After 35+ years as a touring stand-up, the hilariously outspoken comedian Lewis Black is parking his tour bus for good next year, marking the end of his legendary world touring career. Armed with his trademark rants and razorsharp wit, Black tackles everything from politics to pop culture as he says goodbye to the road.

THE PERAS TOUR Kalamazoo State Theatre 404 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo March 29 kazoostate.com Come get cozy with Joe Pera as he performs from all 10 of his studio albums in a 3-hour long show—just kidding, but you won’t want to miss this show regardless. There’s no comedian out there like Joe Pera. The soft-spoken man delivers jokes in such a subtle way, some people have a hard time even telling what’s a joke, and that’s what makes him so great. Come, laugh, go home and put on an episode of “Drifting Off with Joe Pera.”

MICHIGAN DRAG BRUNCH Bobcat Bonnie’s Jan. 21 midragbrunch.com MI Drag Brunch is making sure you have access to drag year-round, with shows around West Michigan every few weeks.

Check out the f irst Bobcat Bonnie’s show of the year on January 21st with the Brunchettes. One ticket includes a brunch meal, welcome drink and two-hour performance.

DISNEY ON ICE: MICKEY’S SEARCH PARTY Van Andel Arena, 130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids Feb. 1-4 vanandelarena.com Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and pals as they follow Captain Hooks’ treasure map for clues to f ind Tinker Bell—on ice! Elsa, Belle, Buzz, Woody, Moana and all your other favorite Disney stars join the fun adventure in this unforgettable show for the whole family.

DANCE WITH THE STARS DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Feb. 13, 8 p.m. devosperformancehall.com Dancing with the Stars is back on tour to heat up this winter with a dazzling, sexy, high energy, brand-new live production!

This year’s all-new stage show will feature your favorite professional dancers from the hit television series performing glittering new numbers, as well as some of the unbelievable showstoppers featured in season 32. All with special guest and fan favorite Charity Lawson of The Bachelorette.

Michigan Drag Brunch, Mickey's Search Party, Fowling Warehouse. COURTESY PHOTOS

Adventures

INDOOR

BLACKSMITH 101: SMITHING WITH YOUR SWEETIE Blandford Nature Center 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Feb. 10, 12-4 p.m. blandfordnaturecenter.org You and your sweetie (or a buddy!) are invited to join Blandford’s experienced blacksmith for a special couplesonly Valentine-themed afternoon in the forge! You will learn basic forge safety and metalsmithing skills to create your own heart-shaped item from start to f inish. No experience required. Now that’s hot.

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FOWLING WAREHOUSE 6797 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids fowlingwarehouse.com

CHAIROSCURO INTERNATIONAL FILM SERIES Wealthy Theatre 1130 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids Jan. 21-March 17 chiaroscurogr.com

It’s not bowling, it’s not football, and it has nothing to do with waterfowl (as far as we know). Instead, it’s a combination of the two sports, that’s both casual and competitive in the same way bowling or cornhole is.

Here, you can satisf y your urges to chuck a bowling ball down the lane by throwing a football right at the pins in a 45,000-square-foot warehouse with a wide selection of craft beer, plus a full bar and NA bevs. Good luck with your chucks!

Chairoscuro’s mission is to connect world cultures, promote greater understanding of diverse peoples, and celebrate the universal human spirit through exceptional international cinema. Each year they choose an overarching theme and then selecting five highly acclaimed international films. This year’s theme is Passages, exploring the idea of womanhood through the passage of time, space and experience. A brief panel discussion is offered immediately after. A reception in the lobby follows with complimentary food and drink.

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Arts

THE GAME NIGHT OUT House Rules Board Game Lounge 404 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids houseruleslounge.com Bring your own game, buy one off the shelf, or borrow one of 200-plus games from the Lounge Library. Then, choose from one of 20 drafts, which feature not just craft beer but craft soda, root beer, build-your-own seltzer and more! On top of that, the cooler has hundreds of CBD, kombucha, seltzer, tea, coffee options and more. Game on.

DIVE INTO VIRTUAL REALITY Amped Reality 2923 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids ampedrealityvr.com Amped Reality goes far beyond even when V R sets can do at home. You can play the popular V R games like Beat Saber and Superhot, of course, but they also have great games for groups, like virtual escape rooms and traveling through nature. It’s all amplif ied by the Haptic Vests, which provide feedback on your body.

CLIMB KALAMAZOO 136 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo climbkalamazoo.com With 44 climbing walls reaching 25-30 feet high and spanning over 10,500 square feet, it’s safe to say Climb Kalamazoo is a climber’s paradise. Belay lessons, rope climbing, bouldering, a pro shop — they have it all.

THE MUD ROOM 1971 E. Beltline Ave., Grand Rapids themudroom.us Parents of young children and adults who like to make things are well-served by this Grand Rapids business.

Visitors are able to create pottery, wooden signs, and glass art, and to paint pottery, too. In a world where so much of what we do is digital, getting to hold something you created is that much more powerful.

AIR ZOO 6151 Portage Road, Portage airzoo.org In addition to over 100 historic aircraft, the Air Zoo’s science center houses f light simulators, an experience theater, amusement rides, hands-on exhibits, a restoration program for W W II planes rescued from the bottom of Lake Michigan and a one-of-a-kind indoor mural that reaches 32 feet tall and 800 feet wide! It’s the perfect destination for the whole family.

Grand Rapids Public Museum. COURTESY PHOTO Come From Away. PHOTO BY MATTHEW CROCKETT

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BRICK BY BRICK: THE CREATIVE ART OF LEGO GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM 101 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids Through May 19 artmuseumgr.org There’s always impressive exhibitions to be explored at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, but this LEGO display is a must-see. Guests can enjoy the installation Rainbow World created by builders from Bricks & Minif igs, alongside inventive designs from community members.

A lso enjoy hands-on activities including a LEGO building area, a minif igure drawing activity and a scavenger hunt throughout the museum.

COME FROM AWAY Miller Auditorium Jan. 30-31 millerauditorium.com The award-winning Come From Away has been traveling around North America and is landing in Kalamazoo this winter. This moving musical takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them.

Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.

THE GILMORE PIANO FESTIVAL Kalamazoo April 24-May 12 thegilmore.org The Irving S. Gilmore International Piano Festival is a crown jewel in West Michigan’s arts scene. This bi-annual festival brings the greatest pianists and accompanying musicians from all around the world for newly commissioned world premieres, free community concerts, f ilms, workshops, musical theater and so much more. It’s an astonishing undertaking we’re incredibly lucky to have here, an absolute must for anyone who considers themselves a fan of music or the arts at large.

STEP INTO THE WORLD OF BUGS Grand Rapids Public Museum 272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids Through Feb. 4 grpm.org Bugs aren’t gross—they’re fun! Crafted by the renowned New Zealand museum Te Papa, in collaboration with the five-time Academy Award-winning film studio Wētā Workshop, Bugs is a high-impact, hands-on experience for the whole family.

It’s organized around four immersive chambers, from the stunning orchid mantis to the lovely dragonf ly to the brain surgeon of a jewel wasp. Fascinating for all ages!

XAVIER RIDDLE AND THE SECRET MUSEUM: THE EXHIBIT Grand Rapids Children’s Museum 11 Sheldon Ave. NE, Grand Rapids Through Jan. 14 grcm.org The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum proudly hosts The Traveling Exhibit Series, bringing nationally acclaimed traveling children’s exhibits to town. The latest is Xavier R iddle and the Secret Museum, based on the popular PBS K IDS T V series which follows kid adventurers traveling back in time to learn from real-life inspirational f igures.

SHAKE IT UP WITH SNOW GLOBES Muskegon Museum of Art 296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon Through Feb. 11 muskegonartmuseum.org Strange Winter: The Snow Globes of Walter Martin and Paloma Muñoz is an exhibition featuring unique, eerie, and fantastical worlds of unexpected scenes within a snow globe. With a peculiar take on the traditional snow globe, artists Walter Martin and Paloma Muñoz create scenes that explore the uncertainties and tragedies of life with dark, humorous, and strangely charming narratives.

THE SEASONS: REIMAGINED West Michigan Symphony Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m. westmichigansymphony.org There are multiple world-class symphonies in the region, and West Michigan Symphony easily f its that bill. The orchestra prides themselves on providing classical music for everyone, which includes this February’s globe-spanning show. Four Seasons. Two Hemispheres. Dynamic violinist Chee-Yun returns to guide you on a journey through them all. Vivaldi’s beloved Seasons will be played side by side Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.

Picks

STAFF SARAH SUYDAM

THE COMMONS | I love going to the Commons with friends, ordering a cocktail and playing some games like I’m back in my grandma’s basement. The vibe is warm and cozy, just like what you’d want during the colder months.

WINTER THRIFTING | I can’t resist venturing out into the snow to pop into area secondhand and vintage stores (like Elevated GR) to see what treasures await. Because the new year is a popular time for people to donate or get rid of unwanted items, I know I’m sure to f ind something great.

GET INKED | Weirdly enough, getting a tattoo is a great winter activity! It injects some excitement into the months that can get rather stale, and it’s a much easier time of year when it comes to healing. No sun exposure, no chlorine, no sweat ... you’re golden. Gareth Hawkins at Sovereign Arms is always my go-to!

MICHAELA STOCK A HOT CUPPA | Nothing warms up a cold winter day like a hot cup of coffee. Stovetop Coffee Roasters Lab & Roasting space downtown Holland is the perfect place to sip f ine espresso and check out their new brews. The large and airy space is a perfect place to meet friends, too.

LIVE LIKE PENNYROYALTY | Pennyroyal Cafe & Provisions has some of the best croissants and pastries West Michigan has to offer. Tucked away in the snowglobe city of Saugatuck, you can grab a snack or meal at their cozy, cabin-like location near the water.

LISTEN CLOSE | Formerly known as the Listening Room, Midtown GR is a small capacity venue that hosts everything from live music to comedy acts. W hen the weather outside is frightful, bundle up and head to a show— it’ll be sure to take your mind off the cold.

ERIC MITTS MAPLE SUGAR FESTIVAL | If the frigid temps of winter have you craving spring already, head out to the Kalamazoo Nature Center for the Maple Sugar Festival on March 9. Savor the sweetness of the coming season with the fresh f lavors directly from the forest, and leave with some bottles of pure Michigan magic to make your pancakes perfection all year long.

LATE NIGHTS WITH PRIOR NOON | The winter weeks aren’t usually when bands hit the road, but Grand Rapids pop country group Prior Noon plans to spend most of the snow y season playing shows all around West Michigan. They’ll start off joining Battle Creek country artist Sage Castleberry for concerts at Bell’s Brewery Jan. 13 and The Stray Feb. 2. They’ll also be performing at Butcher Block Social in Caledonia Jan. 26, Gravel Bottom in Ada Feb. 18 and The Liquid Note in Otsego Feb. 23.

TAKE A BREAK AND BREAK STUFF | The tension of the coming election year already overwhelming you?

Holiday stress still weighing you down? Experience a new form of therapy at Break Room Therapy in Grand Rapids.

Providing a safe space to smash and destroy anything from glasses and mugs to computers and T Vs, the location lets you use baseball bats and crowbars to unleash and relieve that lingering winter rage.

ALLISON KAY BANNISTER PADDLE THE PINE | Rafting in winter may seem like something left to the daredevils, but Pine R iver Paddlesports Center has created a serene, dry, and def initively un-perilous activity that allows the rare opportunity to enjoy Michigan’s waterways in winter. Guided by an expert, this just over an hour scenic experience requires a little bundling up, but it’s worth it for the bragging rights alone.

LUGE AND MORE NEAR THE LAKESHORE | The Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, in Muskegon, offers hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating during the day and on lit trails at night. Plus, the chance to glide Olympic style on its 650-foot luge track. Season passes are available so you can go back all winter long.

DASH THROUGH THE SNOW | Okay, dashing may be an overstatement of what can be done on snowshoes, but if you’ve ever wanted to try out this sport, with low investment, there are several spots around Michigan that rent snowshoeing equipment. Check out Wittenbach-Wege Center in Lowell, Blandford Nature Center on the West Side, and Pigeon Creek in West Olive—and then hit the trails! ■

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Aladdin on Broadway, Anand Nagraj (Jafar) and Aaron Choi (Iago).

PHOTOS BY DEEN VAN MEER AT DISNEY

REVUEWM.COM/ARTS

Disney's Aladdin:

BRINGING MAGIC TO THE STAGE I

n the 10 years between the release of The Little Mermaid (1989) and Tarzan (1999), Disney experienced what’s now considered a renaissance: a run of funny, exciting f ilms brimming with f ine animation and gorgeous music. Among the best-loved of the f ilms released during that time is Aladdin, the tale of a young thief confronted with great danger and greater opportunity after f inding an ancient lamp.

In 2011, a musical version premiered. In addition to the movie’s well-known songs, it added seven: three cut from the original movie and four original to the stage show.

Nominated for f ive Tony awards, including Best Musical, it won one: Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical for James Monroe Ingelhart, who played Genie. The touring production comes to town January 16-21, via Broadway Grand Rapids.

Anand Nagraj, who plays Jafar in the touring production, is unsurprised that the show has remained popular. “At its core, Aladdin, is the story of a young guy going through some very difficult times.” He points out that the young man has recently lost his mother, and that, in order to live, he’s forced to make choices of which he isn’t proud.

Nagraj plays a much less savory character:

Jafar, a deceitful and controlling vizier who lusts for power–and for the lamp. “There is a duality to Jafar,” Nagraj said. On the surface, he appears deferential and even loyal to the sultan. W hen the mask is off, though, he plots to seize the throne, and more, through force.

Nagraj sees the role as both challenging and fun. Part of the challenge is exactly that duality: “sometimes he has to change between these two personas on a dime,” he said.

Nightly, he spends an hour and a half getting ready: applying makeup, putting on a beard and robes, and taking up Jafar’s Cobra staff.

It’s “a magical thing,” he said, seeing himself transform bit by bit into the character. “I’m so excited to share the finished product with the audience at every performance.”

After the overture, “Arabian Nights” begins, marking the true beginning of the show. A grand, swelling song, its melody instantly transports listeners to an Arabia more mythic than historical.

Oh, imagine a land, it’s a faraway place Where the caravan camels roam Where you wander among every culture and tongue It’s chaotic, but hey, it’s home

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The gentle, winking humor of the last line belies how well-constructed the verses are. The lyrics were written by Howard Ashman and Tim R ice, and are representative not only of how beautifully written much of this music is, but how beautifully Howard Ashman always wrote (a 2018 documentary, Howard, goes some way toward giving Ashman his due).

That encapsulates the greatest legacy of the Disney renaissance: not that it sold a lot of movie tickets, swelling the company’s coffers–although it certainly did that–but that it treated all-age audiences with the

| by John Kissane

respect they deserved, lavishing brilliance that would make them treasured by generations to come. “[This is] a story and message that is always relevant,” Nagraj said. And hotter than hot in a lot of good ways. ■

DISNEY’S ALADDIN Broadway Grand Rapids DeVos Performance Hall Jan. 16-21 broadwaygrandrapids.com

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/// RE VUE ARTS

Saugatuck Center for the Arts. COURTESY PHOTOS

A YEAR OF PLAY at SC4A

| by Josh Veal

SCA’S YEAR OF PLAY Printmaking for Partners, Feb. 14 Two of the f ive forms of play (according to Dr. Brown) are Imaginative and Object Play, and this workshop brings those two together. Make art and meaningful memories with your partner, friend, or other special person by creating two-color prints in pairs—while also enjoying a specialty cocktail and holiday treats! Led by printmaker and owner of Flat Mountain Press, Trevor Grabill.

Art Out Loud, March 11-29 The annual Art Out Loud festival at the SCA is back again, offering a deep dive into a world of cultures, stories and traditions from across the globe. The big focus here is on outdoor exploration, whether it’s taking a lantern-lite hike on the Beach Trail, making hands-on art outdoor with The WiP (the center’s mobile art truck), or taking in the Mountainf ilm On Tour screenings, which show people around the world playing, exploring and persisting.

The Roles We Play: Storytelling Workshop, April 18

P

lay is more than just fun—it’s a necessity to thrive.

This is an idea Saugatuck Center for the Arts strongly believes in and has put at the forefront of their 2024 season. Every year, the innovative West Michigan arts organization focuses all educational programming on a single theme, and this year, they’re going to unpack what it means to play. Not just for children, but for all ages!

THE SCIENCE OF PLAY In the 21st Century, people have started to really take play seriously. Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, has dedicated his career to exploring and discussing the benef its, as well as what happens when we’re play-deprived. Because the opposite of play isn’t work—it’s depression. ““Play is as basic as sleep and nutrition,” Brown said. “It just doesn’t necessarily produce the same outcomes as hunger or fatigue. But the need to play is there in all of us. And we all have def icits when we don’t experience it suff iciently.”

As SCA points out, mental health is an incredibly important issue at the moment. Recent reports have shown record levels of sadness, especially in young women. Luckily, research also shows that active play can disarm depression, anxiety and even aggression.

It breaks down barriers beyond strangers and provides a safe space to interact via a shared understanding. Even wild animals that typically have a predator and prey relationship have been shown to get along and avoid harming each other when they enter a play state.

That’s a great start, but play has also been directly linked to creativity in numerous ways.

Let’s take a look at Dr. Brown’s Properties of Play: » » » » » » »

Purposelessness Voluntary nature Inherent attraction Freedom from time Diminished self-consciousness Improvisational potential Continuation of desire

To sum it up: Play is by choice, and it’s typically done for no real purpose beyond simply playing. But even if there’s not a specif ic goal, there’s still plenty utility. Research tells us that central to both play and creativity is divergent thinking.

Together, play and creativity create a wonderful cycle, feeding off each other. According to 1000 Hours Outside, “it appears that play trains us to handle the unexpected, encouraging f lexibility and creativity that becomes an advantage in new environments and situations.”

And according to the book Your Brain on Art, “Just one art experience per month can extend your life by 10 years.” SCA Director of Exhibition and Education W hitney Valentine agrees, and says SCA is here to prove play can facilitate creativity.

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Step into the world of storytelling with SCA’s esteemed 2024 Creative Fellow, Julie Ganey. Julie is an accomplished actor, writer and storyteller who has been performing and teaching in Chicago for more than 20 years. In this Moth-style workshop, you will learn to view your story through a new lens by developing a f irst-person narrative that focuses on themes of identity and the many roles we play in our own lives.

Adult Prom: Coronation Night, May 18 Get your boogie on with artist Jeffrey Augustine Songco at the grand f inale of his spring exhibition, Mr. Society of 23. This exhibition is meant to make you feel like you’re onstage at a pageant, which should certainly spark the imagination. For the prom itself, gather your friends for an unforgettable evening on the dance f loor with throwback tunes and more. You can even add on a pop of color and whimsy to your ensemble in a corsage or boutonniere building class before the prom!

Jump Into Summer, June 7 There’s perhaps no better place to play than this huge summer kick-off party. SCA is hoping to turn the outdoor area into one giant backyard party, with faux grass, lawn chairs, bubbles and much, much more. Expect live music, hands-on art, games to play—basically, endless fun and creativity! ■

| by Revue Staff

JANUARYARTS

Calendar

It’s 2024 and arts organizations in West Michigan are thriving, with incredible, jam-packed 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.

BROADWAY GRAND RAPIDS

GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY

MILLER AUDITORIUM

122 Lyon St. NW, Grand Rapids broadwaygrandrapids.com

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

2200 Auditorium Dr, Kalamazoo millerauditorium.com

DISNEY’S ALADDIN, Jan. 16-21

THE GODFATHER, Jan. 5

JAGGED LITTLE PILL, Jan. 16-17

THE ARTISTRY OF VADIM GLUZMAN, Jan. 12-13

COME FROM AWAY, Jan. 30-31

FACE OFF THEATRE 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo faceofftheatre.com

EXIT STRATEGY, Oct. 19-22

WILD SYMPHONY, Jan. 20

MUSKEGON CIVIC THEATRE HOPE COLLEGE GREAT PERFORMANCE SERIES 100 E. Eighth St., Holland hope.gps

FARMERS ALLEY THEATRE KALAMAZOO

MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART KALAMAZOO CIVIC THEATRE 329 S. Park St., Kalamazoo kazoocivic.com

FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS

THE LION IN WINTER, Jan. 12-21

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

CATS: YOUNG ACTORS EDITION, Jan. 26-Feb 4

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

GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM 101 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids artmuseumgr.org

KALAMAZOO INSTITUTE OF ARTS 314 South Park St., Kalamazoo kiarts.org

CELEBRATE!, Through Jan. 14 KIRK NEWMAN FACULTY REVIEW, Through Jan. 28

BRICK BY BRICK: THE CREATIVE ART OF LEGO, Through May 19

UNDERNEATH EVERYTHING: HUMILITY AND GRANDEUR IN CONTEMPORARY CERAMICS, Through Jan. 14

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

GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, Jan. 12-20

LAVINIA MEIJER, Jan. 26

221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo farmersalleytheatre.com

NATIVE GARDENS, Jan. 25-Feb. 4

425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon muskegoncivictheatre.org

KALAMAZOO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 359 Kalamazoo Mall Ste. 100, Kalamazoo kalamazoosymphony.com

CRAFT MUSIC: FOLK SONGS, Jan. 17 SYMPHONY OF BROTHERHOOD: CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., Jan. 21 SAXY, AND WE KNOW IT, Jan. 28

296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon muskegonartmuseum.org

ODDITIES & DELIGHTS, Through Feb. 25 STRANGE WINTER, THE SNOW GLOBES OF WALTER MARTIN & PALOMA MUÑOZ, Through Feb. 11 TIFFANY LAMPS: THE RICHARD H. DRIEHAUS COLLECTION, Through Jan. 14 JOHN STEUART CURRY: WEATHERING THE STORM, Through Sept. 2

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

OF PLANTS AND PLACE, Ongoing NINGAASEG, Through Jan. 26

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

BLUE NOTE RECORDS 85TH ANNIVERSARY, Jan. 18

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

CLYDE’S, Jan. 19-29

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

PRACTICAL ART EXHIBITION, Through Feb. 3

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY 360 W. Western Ave. Ste. 200, Muskegon westmichigansymphony.org

MOZART AND BEETHOVEN, Jan. 26

FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE EXHIBITION, Through Feb. 3

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Wedding Tips

from a Pro Planner

| by Allison Kay Bannister

W

edd i ng se a son i s on t he hori z on, a nd i f you r big d ay i s c om i ng up i n 2024 (or 2025!), it’s ne ver too soon to st a r t t h i n k i ng about it. Wedd i ng s a re l i ke c omple x pu z z le s, a nd f it t i ng e ac h piec e i nto plac e i s not nec e s sa ri ly for a mateu rs. W hat a re you r need to k now s? We t a l ked w it h Ja m ie C a rne s, wedd i ng pla n ner a nd c o - ow ner of Specia l Oc c a sion s — a loc a l bu si ne s s t hat prov ide s l i nen, t able, c ha i r, a nd ot her related rent a l s.

WHY DO ENGAGED COUPLES NEED A WEDDING PLANNER? WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR CHOOSING ONE? I am a f irm believer in passing your wedding day off to a planner, at a minimum, for the weekend of the wedding. Even as a planner myself, I passed off my weekend to another planner! More than anything, as a couple, you should be able to enjoy your weekend and celebrate without concern for the event side of things. You cannot be having the time of your life if you’re worried about the cake being delivered on time or if the caterer is following the timeline.

In addition, if you are a couple with a big vision for your wedding, it makes sense to bring in an expert! Experienced planners are able to guide on timing, event f low, design concepts—all of the aspects that elevate your event and the guest experience.

W hen you think back about the good and the bad of events you have attended in the past, you often remember when you waited too long in a line for your drink, or you didn’t know what you were supposed to do next as a guest. These are pieces that we, as planners, think through ahead of time and have a game plan for. Pay attention to details and your guests will walk away feeling welcomed and cared for. And, most importantly, remember what a great time they had!

In terms of advice, I would always tell clients, make sure you book someone you connect with on a personal level. You are going to spend intimate and possibly intense moments with this person. If you don’t love them, it will add stress instead of helping relieve it!

WHAT ARE THE LATEST TRENDS IN WEDDINGS AND WHY SHOULD THEY BE OR NOT BE PURSUED? One of the biggest trends lately has been letting your bridal party be more relaxed.

Let them pick their own gowns and sit with their dates at dinner, for example. The only reason that we used to make sure everyone perfectly matched in the bridal party was for that “one” photo. And, let’s be honest, couples rarely use that photo any way! So, don’t put too much emphasis on the bridal party f itting into a certain box. Let them enjoy the day, too!

In terms of being on trend, I would always recommend focusing on what feels like it represents you as a couple. Don’t do something or not do something just because of the trends. If you love cake, by all means: Serve cake! If you aren’t a cake person, don’t feel stuck to it; switch to a dessert table instead.

WHAT IS THE MOST EXCITING PART OF WEDDING PLANNING? WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING?

music schedules, etc. If there is a lot of wind outside, and it takes the photographer longer to get great photos because dresses and veils aren’t cooperating, you start to determine what other photos can be moved back to after dinner, or how you can have people on deck to make up time. Getting creative with the timing and making the right adjustments can definitely be challenging!

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE YOU SEE COUPLES MAKING WITH THEIR WEDDING PLANS? Letting other people get in your head. Your wedding day should be about the two of you coming together, and how you and your people can best celebrate that. I encourage clients to listen and be open, but also remember that they do not need to accommodate everyone’s ideas and suggestions.

WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR COUPLES PLANNING A WEDDING? Spend time thinking about the wedding from your guests’ perspectives. As much as

they are there to celebrate you, think through their timing and experience. It is wonderful if you have a great time on your wedding day (and you should!), but if your guests feel forgotten about, or not cared for, the whole day hasn’t truly come together. Think through how long guests are waiting during cocktail hour while you take photos, or how long speeches will go before guests are served food.

All of these pieces make a difference in how a guest can celebrate along with you.

WHAT ELSE ARE YOU DYING TO TELL ME? We are not JLo in “The Wedding Planner”. Being a professional wedding planner means that we are usually pulling 12-16 hour days so we can be present for our clients. And, the job isn’t always pretty!

It also means we are going to do anything and everything that needs to happen.

Sometimes, that is hauling around tables and chairs, cutting a wedding cake, or serving you a glass of champagne. We pick up all of the pieces, usually while wearing a cocktail dress and heels! ■

No two days are ever the same! Part of our job is to determine how we can best serve a couple, and how to achieve that is always different. You never know what is going to happen in the world of events!

You can’t predict the “thing” that might happen as an obstacle to your day—and I enjoy being the problem solver.

The most challenging piece of the day can be timing that is out of your control.

When you have a bridal party in a limo, and there ends up being a traffic delay, you have to start adjusting vendors, dinner times, Jamie Carnes. COURTESY PHOTO

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| by Revue Staff

West Michigan

Wedding Guide 2024 GREENCREST MANOR 6174 Halbert Road, Battle Creek | greencrestmanor.com In enchanting woods outside of Battle Creek lies Greencrest, a European-style venue with cascading iv y, sprawling gardens, a wrought-iron gate and more. It radiates warmth and historical opulence.

I

f you’re planning a special day in West Michigan, you’re probably looking for the best wedding vendors and suppliers around.

From venues to caterers, bridal shops, mobile bars and beyond, there’s a lot to consider. In fact, there are far too many options for us to include here, so we’ve highlighted just a few of the best wedding vendors in town. We have picks for unforgettable luxury experiences, bangs-for-your-buck and everything in between.

Here’s Revue’s guide to a few top options for making your special day the best it can be.

Venues FRAUENTHAL CENTER 425 West Western Ave., Muskegon | frauenthal.org This historic building and its beautiful facilities are the perfect backdrop to your special occasion, with multiple venues to choose from—ranging from the 100-seat Frau Lounge on the lower level to the 150-seat ballrooms (275 seats if you join the rooms together) on the third f loor. The staff here are known for providing excellent accommodations and attention to detail with budget pricing.

THE RUTLEDGE 120 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids | therutledgegr.com In the heart of downtown lies The Rutledge, “a new classic.” This renovated historic building sports gorgeous hardwood f loors and tons of classic exposed brick, alongside modern touches (like a chalkboard mural) to make the space welcoming and photogenic.

Plus, the Baltic Suite is a luxurious, complimentary respite for preparing and slipping away on your special day.

THE HIGH FIVE 19 LaGrave Ave. SE, Grand Rapids | thehighfivegr.com This expansive, beautifully renovated loft space exemplif ies the best in “old world meets new.” High, wood-beamed ceilings, large windows, original roller-rink hardwood f loors, exposed classic brick, extraordinary chandeliers and no pillars—now there’s a strong aesthetic.

GRAND RAPIDS DOWNTOWN MARKET 435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids | downtownmarketgr.com Get married in the market’s gorgeous greenhouse, where lush plants surround you with soft, natural light during the day and gorgeous city views at night. Or go with the more classic banquet room, with f loor-to-ceiling windows overlooking downtown.

THE CHENEY PLACE 1600 Monroe Ave., Grand Rapids | thecheneyplace.com One of the most beloved venues in town for many reasons. Have the entire wedding (ceremony and reception) in one “urban meets vintage meets modern” warehouse space with frosted windows and vintage furniture.

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THE BALLROOM @ CITYFLATSHOTEL 83 Monroe Center NW, Grand Rapids | theknot.com “Where eco-chic meets boutique” is the ethos of CityFlatsHotel, and that extends to the grand ballroom built in 1926 with the opulent Italian Renaissance architectural style.

Vaulted ceilings, marble columns, terrazzo marbled f loors, a sweeping staircase—they have it all.

Caterers STREET CHEF SHAW streetchefshaw.com Street tacos, quesadillas and nachos inspired by the traditional Hispanic Birria Soup, with a Swahili infusion. There’s nothing quite like Street Chef Shaw’s interactive catering experience, and the food will please even the pickiest eater.

RISE AUTHENTIC BAKING CO. riseauthenticbaking.com Gluten-free, vegan, soy free, dye free—R ise Authentic Baking has delicious baked goods for everyone, and that includes cakes, cupcakes, donuts, brownies and more.

TWO SCOTTS BARBECUE twoscottsbbq.com Some of the best barbecue around (or any where), Two Scotts is a true crowdpleaser. Pulled pork, brisket, burnt ends, mac and cheese, coleslaw—they have it all.

PIZZA PARLIAMENT FOOD TRUCK pizzaparliament.com Everyone loves pizza, and this food truck has plenty of it. There’s basic personal pizzas alongside politically named specialty pizzas like the Bernie Scrambles, a breakfast pie.

GETTIN’ FRESH gettinfreshevents.com Gettin’ Fresh is a West Michigan catering and food truck company with a focus on high quality ingredients and bold f lavors. You are able to customize your menus, ranging from traditional American style options to global infusions with unique f lavor combinations.

CLASSIC CATERING AND EVENTS classiccateringevents.com Classic Catering and Events is a full-service catering and rental company proudly serving southwest Michigan for over 20 years! They will assist you in the planning process all the way through to the day of your event, with a wide array of experiences, from a low-key, modern woodf ired pizza dinner to an elegant multi-course experience.

The Rutledge, Frauenthal Center, The Ballroom at CityFlats, Street Chef Shaw. COURTESY PHOTOS

www.beviamobar.com

Thank you, West Michigan, for trusting us to serve you on your special day and allowing us to celebrate with you!

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Black Barrel Bar, Street Chef Shaw, Bar Hop. COURTESY PHOTOS

Bridal Boutiques RC CAYLAN ATELIER 1876 Breton RD. SE., Grand Rapids | rccaylan.com RC Caylan’s wide array of creations ranges from fashionable red-carpet gowns, bridal gowns, bridal entourage wears and even men’s suits. This company is dedicated to giving each client a one-of-a-kind outf it that matches their personal style and aesthetic.

TRUE SOCIETY 4265 28th St., Kentwood | truesociety.com

Beverages TIPSY BURRO thetipsyburro.com W ho needs cocktail waiters when you can have a charming little donkey serving up beverages at your wedding? The Tipsy Burro has two loveable miniature donkeys, Benny and Bandit, ready to melt hearts at your reception. They can dress however you like, and will roam around with whatever you give them to carry—champagne, beer, tequila, party favors, ice cream, it’s up to you. There’s nothing else like it in West Michigan.

CLIQUE ESPRESSO CATERING CO. cliquecatering.com As more and more people move into the sober lifestyle, it’s a great idea to have a caterer who can cater to everyone! Clique brings the coffee house to your wedding, with handcrafted Italian Espresso drinks in unlimited quantities. Drinks range from lattes to cappuccino, americano, café con miel, chai, and beyond, with f lavors like vanilla and caramel to boot! They’ve covered more than 1,000 events in the last 6 years, so you know they’re experts.

BLACK BARREL BAR blackbarrelbar.com

True Society offers a plethora of award-winning designer dresses for you to try on. Custom designed, spacious f itting rooms, and stunning wedding dresses that speak to the soul.

RENEE AUSTIN WEDDING 1555 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids | reneeaustinwedding.com A powerhouse in the West Michigan wedding industry, Renee Austin is known for an intimate backdrop, personable staff, and an exclusive collection of elegant, glamours and chic gowns.

BIANKA BRIDAL 125 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids | biankabridal.com This boutique is full-service, family owned, and fueled by love. Their passion is to create an experience you will remember as the highlight of your wedding planning process; the day you found the gown of your dreams.

MEMORIES BRIDAL 203 E. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo | dresslikeyou.com At Memories, dedicated bridal stylists work one on one with each bride, giving you the attention you deserve and helping you f ind the dress perfect for you. They learn about your personality, style, wedding dreams, and what makes you feel your most beautiful.

There are now a few mobile bars in town, and Black Barrel Bar is one of the best. Their renovated 1971 Airstream Land Yacht mobile bar is beautiful, elegant and modern after an eight-month face lift, the perfect f it for any wedding. Plus, they provide full bar service, with bartenders, booze, glassware and insurance.

Wedding Planners

BAR HOP hirebarhop.com

Day-of coordination, month-of coordination, concept design and execution, website design—Let’s Have a Bash does it all. They were voted top spot for event planners in Revue’s very own Best of the West for good reason!

Want your party to actually feel like a party? Go for “the ultimate party f lex,” Bar Hop, a mobile bar experience. This comes with not just any bar, but three beer taps, a slidetop cooler, custom LED sighting, a top-notch sound system, a big f latscreen T V and bar stools/high tops.

THE SHOOTING COMET theshootingcomet.com There’s photo booths, and then there’s The Shooting Comet. This 1956 vintage camper both stands out as unique and blends in with the wedding aesthetic, which means it makes for excellent photos both inside and out. They also now have an audio guestbook, where guests can leave messages for the happy couple on a “phone.”

BEVIAMO! MOBILE BAR beviamobar.com Started in 2019, Beviamo! offers a range of options. Book Vinny, the built-to-lookvintage camper bar that’s cute and colorful. Or go with the smaller option, Mini Vinny, an equally cute custom-built bar cart. Either way, they create delicious craft cocktails for your special day, alongside tasty mocktails for the underage and sober.

LET’S HAVE A BASH mi-bash.com

TANYA LYNNETTE EVENTS tanyalynnetteevents.com Tanya Lynnette’s team is a healthy split of analytical and creative, working in both color wheels and spreadsheets. The TLE team has 24 years of experience in coordination and planning events, and perhaps more importantly, they love to celebrate diversity and specialize in LGBTQ+ marriages.

PAPER HAT WEDDINGS paperhatweddings.com If you’re most stressed about the actual day of the wedding, Paper Hat specializes in dayof coordination, working with you to make sure the details come together and the big day runs smoothly.

7TH ON LINCOLN 7thonlincoln.com From elopements to one-time consultations, day-of coordination and full-scale wedding planning, 7th on Lincoln does whatever you need.

RSVP EVENTS events-by-rsvp.com People love Adrien and her team at RSV P events, as they have over 15 years of experience, so you know they’ll think of every little detail and are equipped to deal with whatever unexpected challenges life throws your way. ■

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