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Road Trip

WHAT'S INSIDE

JOSH VEAL , Managing Editor |

josh@serendipity-media.com

If you’ve lived in Michigan your whole life like I have, you might take it for granted, but we are a vacation destination for people from all around the country.

Saugatuck, Kalamazoo, Traverse City—visitors flock from inferior states like Illinois and Ohio during our beautiful summer and fall months to enjoy hundreds of miles of freshwater coast, acres upon acres of lush forests, and preposterously cheap weed.

So, this year, I’d encourage you to get out and take advantage of the many pleasant peninsulas around us. If you live on the lakeshore, visit Kalamazoo. If you live in Kalamazoo, visit Grand Rapids. If you live in Grand Rapids, visit Traverse City. If you live in Traverse City: Hello up there!

Our Mitten Travel Guide gives a few ideas of some top highlights and hidden gems to add to your itinerary, along with our annual Road Trip Playlist, full of the best tracks from local bands to act as your soundtrack. And while you’re out and about, we’d suggest beating the heat with some sweet treats from our Ice Cream guide.

This month also has our latest guide to the best patios and decks around West Michigan, because what is summer for if not eating outside? And you can find a Q&A with Fuji Yama Asian Bistro, which has been run by two brothers since 2010 and is outdoing itself every year, with freshness and quality acting as the guiding star. If you haven’t been in a while, this is not at all the same all-you-can-eat sushi of yesteryear.

If I have one suggestion for you this summer, it’s this: Make a bucket list. Check out a new beach, hit the water park, visit a garden, go skydiving—whatever your heart desires. Summer flies by every year, and you’re probably already shocked by how far we are into it. But the more you plan ahead, the more warm weather you can enjoy, here in the uniquely beautiful Mitten State.

‘Til next time,

WHO'S WHO

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

Art Director | Courtney Van Hagen

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No confusing algorithms involved! Our offerings give you REAL VISIBILITY and DIRECT ACCESS to active locals who love dining, drinking, entertainment and the arts!

Contributing Writers | Allison Kay Bannister, John Kissane, Eric Mitts, Michaela Stock, Zachary Avery

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WHAT’S GOING ON, JULY '25

7/4

GRAND RAPIDS FOODIE FEST

Calder Plaza

July 4-6 grandrapidsfoodiefest.com

The 4th Annual Grand Rapids Foodie Fest is a three-day event celebrating a diverse community of food vendors, retail merchants, and live entertainment throughout the 4th of July weekend. Admission is free, so you can just stop by and try any of the dozens of booths and food trucks throughout Calder Plaza, while enjoying live music and dance performances.

7/7

SUNSET CINEMA SERIES

Celebration Cinema Studio Park 111 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids June 7-28 studioparkgr.com

Every summer, Studio Park in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids makes use of its outdoor piazza for free movie screenings. Movies start at 8 each Saturday—all you need to do is show up early with a blanket or low-rise camping chair to secure a spot. Feel free to bring snacks, and beverages are available for purchase. July’s lineup (as voted by locals) includes Mamma Mia, Grease and Moana 2

7/12

MADE MARKET

The Goei Center

818 Butterworth St. SW, Grand Rapids

July 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. mademkt.com/grand-rapids

Made Market is Grand Rapids’ premier curated handmade market, featuring over 50 incredible makers from West Michigan and beyond. Come explore a vibrant day filled with creativity, handcrafted goods, tasty bites, and the community spirit that makes this city shine.

You’ll find illustrations, jewelry, clothing, skincare, home goods, soap, candles and more.

ARCHIVAL BREWING

4 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

6266 West River Dr. NE, Belmont July 12, 5-10 p.m. facebook.com/archivalbrewing

Just as Archival Brewing honors the history of beer, they’re celebrating their own story with a four-year anniversary party, taking full advantage of their big, beautiful biergarten. You’ll find 22 taps of beer, mead and cider, along with cocktails and mocktails, scratchmade food, yard games, live music from Vespa and more.

7/17

JIM GAFFIGAN: EVERYTHING IS WONDERFUL!

Van Andel Arena

130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids July 17, 7 p.m. vanandelarena.com

Jim Gaffigan is a Grammy-nominated comedian, actor, and author known for his clean, self-deprecating humor and sharp observations on food, fatherhood, everyday life, and his own pale complexion. With a lovable everyman persona, Gaffigan has become one of the most recognizable stand-up comics in America..

7/18

UPHEAVAL

Belknap Park

30 Coldbrook St. NE, Grand Rapids

July 18-19 upheavalfest.com

Rob Zombie, Architects, Dead Poet Society, Bodysnatcher—Upheaval is the signature rock festival of Grand Rapids, bringing all kinds of heavy acts to the fields and hills of Belknap Park. You can see everything from visceral metalcore to heavy metal shock rock to raprock hybrids. Plus, this two-day fest is affordable and close to downtown, with an aftershow from Attila at The Intersection.

7/19

ODDITIES & CURIOSITIES EXPO

DeVos Place

303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids July 19-20 odditiesandcuriositiesexpo.com

The Oddities & Curiosities Expo is a wonderland of hand-selected vendors, dealers, artists and small businesses with all things weird. You’ll find: taxidermy, preserved specimens, original artwork, horror/halloween inspired pieces, antiques, handcrafted oddities, quack medical devices, creepy clothing, odd jewelry, skulls/bones, funeral collectibles & much more. Plus: sideshow performers on stage all throughout the day!

BAD IDEA SOCIAL CLUB

ART MARKET & BEER RELEASE City Built Brewing Co. 178 Mason St. NW, Grand Rapids July 19, 12-4 p.m. badideasocialclub.com

Now in its fifth season, local podcast Bad Idea Social Club has collected an impressive cadre of talented artists, so it only made sense to host an art market. This collab with City Built Brewing includes an afternoon of original artwork, limited prints, apparel, pod merch, and the return of an exclusive collaborative West Coast IPA!

7/25

T-REX FEST

The Pyramid Scheme

68 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids

July 25-27

pyramidschemebar.com

The Pyramid Scheme’s beloved T-Rex Fest is back! What was previously a one-day, all-day outdoor event has resurrected as an indoor fest with more than 20 bands playing across three days. The lineup features a wide variety of genres, from noise rock to hip-hop, post-hardcore, metal, shoegaze, indie rock and more. Headliners include Greet Death, Show Me the Body and A Place to Bury Strangers. Get a ticket for just one day or save money on a full-fest pass!

COAST

GUARD FESTIVAL

Downtown Grand Haven

July 25-Aug. 3

coastguardfest.org

The Coast Guard Festival unofficially began just over 100 years ago, in 1924, as a personnel-only picnic when the local Coast Guard station held rowing competitions for those service members stationed in Grand Haven. Today, the festival has become a premier event with attendance of more than 350,000 people coming to enjoy the city, carnival rides, a cardboard boat competition, tribute bands, fireworks and more.

7/26

MYSTICAL MARKET

SUMMER EDITION

Factory Coffee

213 E. Frank St., Kalamazoo

July 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

factorycoffee.co

Stop by Factory Coffee in Kalamazoo

for this unique shopping experience where you’ll be able to browse antiques, oddities, artisan crafts, jewelry, herbal concoctions, or even get your tarot cards and astrology chart read, all while you enjoy delicious cafe creations.

PLEASANT PENINSULA MURAL FESTIVAL

GR Public Museum Lawn

52 Front Ave., Grand Rapids

July 26, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. pleasantpeninsula.org

Thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign, Pleasant Peninsula is bringing 21 local and national artists to Grand Rapids for a week-long mural mania. Join to celebrate our state’s biodiversity, our Grand River ecosystem, and the collective power of art and activism! You’ll find booths and activity stations, speakers, musicians, animal ambassadors, live painting, Tree ID walks, fishing demos, native plant sales, and of course: Beautiful new murals.

MICHIGAN’S GRILLED CHEESE FESTIVAL

Homer Stryker Field

251 Mills St., Kalamazoo

July 26, 3-8 p.m.

thegrilledcheesefest.com

You love grilled cheese. That’s just a fact about humans. So why wouldn’t you love a Grilled Cheese Festival, which of course will feature “the world’s largest bowl of tomato soup.” You’ll have more than 30 unique and local grilled cheese offerings, complemented by 100-plus beer, cider and seltzer selections, along with contests, kids’ activities and live entertainment.

LOOKING FOR EVEN MORE EVENTS?

JOE P AND THE JOY OF LETTING GO

| by Michaela Stock

Songs that began in Joe P’s New Jersey basement have since traveled their way around the world–and to millions of listeners. Between TikTok and touring, Joe P has gone from playing in his eighth-grade band to a rising solo career. But his unfussed performances and raw social media have built Joe P a fanbase that goes deeper than surface-level likes and views. After sharing stages with indie rock favorites like Spacey Jane and Joywave, he's now going on a national headline tour with flipturn this summer.

YOU USED TO EAT APPLES WHILE PERFORMING. HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT?

I brought an apple out one time on stage, because I was that comfortable before a show. But apples are kind of sticky and not good for singing, and I’m a little allergic. It was really not a good idea, but I committed to this bit for a whole tour. I would keep it on my amp most times, so it was definitely not a clean situation, but in that setting, nothing really is. It would fall down, I would lose it, and it would be on the stage for the next band, so I was finally like, ‘I gotta stop this apple thing.’ It was just ridiculous.

THAT MUST’VE HELPED BUILD UP YOUR TOURING IMMUNE SYSTEM.

I feel like I always get sick on tour. It’s inevitable. I always, always, always get sick. We never know what it’s from, and there’s never a way to trace it back. I guess between all the gas stations, and all the bathrooms you’ve been in, and venues, and people you’ve shook hands with, it’s just so easy to get sick.

IS GOING ON TOUR DIFFERENT FROM WHAT YOU FIRST THOUGHT IT WOULD BE?

I didn’t realize how much of tour was driving and waiting. It’s a lot of just waiting, and waiting, and waiting, just so you could play a bad show. The whole day was waiting to play a show that you’re now overanalyzing.

THAT SOUNDS CHALLENGING. DO YOU ENJOY IT?

As much of it is hard work, and grueling, and whatever,

flipturn:

I still look at it like this is the easiest thing in the world. You get to live like a cave person. It’s just, ‘Lift amp, put on stage, play show.’ And that’s the whole day. That’s the worst it can get. You have one thing to do every day, like you’re back to hunting and gathering.

It really only gets bad when something happens with whatever relationships or friends back home, and you can’t do anything about it. There’s a double-edged sword, where it’s nice that you’re out of reach from everyone you know, but at the same time, if anything real does happen, you aren’t there. You missed it.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST START PLAYING MUSIC?

I remember I first started playing music when I was probably like five or six. I have an older brother, and my mom brought home this terrible guitar from an auction, but he didn’t care about it. So I just started hitting it and playing it like it was a toy.

That’s what started me on music, was just tricking myself into going from Legos to guitar and back to Legos. I didn’t think of it as a thing I had to be disciplined and work on.

HOW HAVE YOU PROTECTED THE JOY OF MAKING MUSIC NOW THAT YOU’RE A FULL-TIME ARTIST?

Music, and songwriting, and recording, all that stuff has never changed. I like it for the same reason I did when I was that little kid. You think you get better at it as you get older, but you’re not actually ever getting better, and that’s why it’s fun.

I didn’t like school because you had to get better at it in order to do better. Whereas with music, there are days where I write terrible songs, and the very next day I write a good song. I like the mystery of. I’m not in control of it, and all I can do is show up and try.

THAT’S AN INTERESTING PERSPECTIVE AND DEFINITELY GOES AGAINST THE “PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT” MENTALITY.

It makes it easier to not care what people think of it. If you don’t feel like you could have made something else, you can’t care if someone doesn’t like it.

IF PRACTICE DOESN’T MAKE PERFECT, THEN WHAT HAS GROWTH LOOKED LIKE FOR YOU AS AN ARTIST?

With music, there’s never that calm progression. The progression comes just doing it long enough that you see things move forward. It’s happening because you stuck around and kept showing up to do the work.

The first song I wrote was to this girl I liked that didn’t like me back. I used this instrument, and this songwriting thing, that I didn’t even know what that was, to get this sixth grade or seventh grade crushed heart out of myself, and I felt better after. I guess that’s what got me hooked, but I don’t know if doing it means you get better at it. ■

FLIPTURN WSG JOE P

The Intersection 133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW, Grand Rapids July 31, 7 p.m. sectionlive.com

BUILDING BUZZ AND BATTLING BURNOUT

| by Eric Mitts

With the scorching hot days of summer upon us, life on the road for a nonstop touring band like Florida indie-rockers flipturn can border on breakdown.

This current run in support of their second album, Burnout Day s (released back in January), has them playing nearly every night for two months, including a stop at The Intersection, July 31. The rising band did a similar stretch of shows after the album’s release, crisscrossing the country, while carefully avoiding complete exhaustion. No strangers to pushing themselves to the limit, flipturn has built their reputation, and their ever-growing following, on sheer will and relentless gigging.

Formed in 2015 while still in high school, the group began by playing house parties in and around the University of Florida in Gainesville, before branching out and hitting the highway. They released their critically-acclaimed debut album, Shadowglow , in 2022, and that led them to tours with the likes of The Revivalists, Mt. Joy, and Rainbow Kitten Surprise. They also quickly became festival favorites, performing everywhere

Joe P. COURTESY PHOTO

from Lollapalooza to Bonnaroo to Electric Forest right here in West Michigan.

All that success put some strain on the band when it came time to begin writing a follow-up record, so they made a point of calling it out, compartmentalizing it in a way, by calling the new album Burnout Days

“That title honestly just felt so accurate to where we were in our careers at the time of writing and recording that record,” flipturn guitarist Tristan Duncan said. “We definitely weren’t necessarily ‘burnt out’ as much as we saw the signs of what it means to fall into that burnout. We were touring as much as we physically could while trying to create a second album, and I know for a fact we all probably had to let ourselves take a breath here and there.”

Taking a breath is easier said than done for a band playing hundreds of concerts a year, now over a decade into their career, but their close friendship that goes all the way back to starting out in a garage includes time to give each other space.

“I think the key to avoiding burnout is learning where to take time for yourself, and how that lines up in a ‘take it day-byday’ format,” Duncan told Revue. “It’s easy to leave your nose on the grindstone, and it’s hard to avoid losing sight of a goal—but in the end, taking pride in the work you’ve done, and what it means to you, makes it all worth it. And it really helps to be eternally grateful for the everyday stirrings of life, and the world that continues to keep on spinning around you.”

Filled with the band’s signature chill vibes, Burnout Days pushes at the boundaries of their genre, while speaking to the struggles of their generation. It also includes some of flipturn’s most personal songs to date, with vocalist Dillon Basse addressing sensitive subjects including his own mother’s addiction and recovery on the track “Sunlight.”

“Music has always been a therapeutic release for us,” Basse said. “Just writing music alone has helped us heal from certain experiences, but hearing stories from people who can relate to the music can also be very healing. Sometimes making a living off of being vulnerable can be very strange, so we have always appreciated the care and understanding our fans have given our songs.”

All of their touring also gave the band a new appreciation for their home state of Florida, which inspired the album in a number of surprising ways.

“For me personally, I wanted to get out of Florida so badly because it’s all I ever knew,” drummer DeVon VanBalson said. “Once touring actually started picking up, and we were away from home for much longer, that’s when it turned to an ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ sort of thing. There was this grown appreciation for our city, but mostly our people in it. (Jacksonville) has so many artists and bands who are so creative and inspiring. I’d say coming home to the charm and beauty from our communities, and even just the nature—the river, the beach, the trees, the wildlife— subconsciously seeped through our writing process.”

Since the release of Burnout Days , flipturn has landed their first radio hit, with lead single “Rodeo Clown” cracking the Top 20 on the Billboard Adult Alternative Airplay chart.

The band has also broken into bigger and bigger venues, headlining some of the very same places where they opened for other artists just a year or two ago.

“It’s been a crazy feeling,” bassist Madeline Jarman said. “We feel super grateful that we’ve been able to play at bigger venues with each new tour, and that’s all due to people spreading the word about our music. The only big change that it’s made on our live show is that with bigger stages, we’re able to travel with a whole lighting package that brings our show to life in a whole new way. Whether it’s a 400 or 3,000 capacity room, we aim to bring the same level of energy to each show.”

flipturn will play The Intersection, July 31, before performing as part of this year’s Lollapalooza in Chicago, August 1. ■

FLIPTURN: THE BURNOUT DAYS TOUR

wsg. Joe P

The Intersection, 133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave., Grand Rapids

July 31, 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show, $47.25, All Ages

Sectionlive.com, flipturn.band

2 for 1 TWOSDAYS

$130 for TWO (2) Lanes

That’s up to 20 people for $130! OR $15 for TWO (2) Open Players!

WEDNESDAYS & THURSDAYS $8 Open Play

4:00 - 10:00 PM | June 1-Labor Day

flipturn. PHOTO BY AMANDA LAFERRIERE

YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO WHAT’S GREAT IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT

| by Allison Kay Bannister

When warm weather starts rolling in, the first thing I think about is how soon I can get on the water. This year, I already have one kayaking trip under my belt (it was in May in the Detroit canals and it was really cool!) and I plan on going many more times before the leaves start to turn. Sometimes it’s nice to be a passenger, though, and there are a several spots around West Michigan where you can simply take a relaxing boat ride, versus being the captain and chief rower of your own craft.

My absolute favorite is Grand Lady Riverboat, which launches from Steamboat Park in Jenison. They have sunset tours with live music, as well as sightseeing tours and private charters. It may seem kind of old fashioned, but it’s actually a really nice way to spend an evening—and it’s especially good for date nights and group outings.

They have a bar with beer, wine, and a selection of soft drinks, plus some light snacks. But, what most people don’t realize is you can pack a picnic (just not your own water/ beverages) and dine on the lower deck. Or the upper deck. We just prefer the lower because we always do the sunset/ live music tours and it’s a little quieter for socializing. We invariably have people look on in envy at our feast and make a mental note that this is an option for next time!

Tall Ship Schooner Serenity in Saugatuck is another favorite.

They have daytime and sunset sailing cruises on the Kalamazoo River and Lake Michigan that run about two hours. Guests are encouraged to help manage the sails, but if you’re more of a spectator, that’s okay, too. They’re quite liberal with their libation policy, so you can BYO water, pop, beer, or wine, plus something simple to dine on. There’s limited space for seating, so don’t bring a full-course meal! Then, just sit back and let the summer breeze make you feel fine.

Full disclosure, I have never done Retro Boat Rentals in Saugatuck, but it’s been on my list for several years. This might be the one! In addition to their super-cute vintage speedboats, which seat up to four, they also rent pontoon, donut, and Duffy boats, which can accommodate more people. Some allow for swimming, and some even let you bring your dog, but best to check their site first to see which is best for what you want out of your adventure. They have a strict policy on no outdoor coolers, but they’ll provide you one with ice and you can purchase a variety of items to fill it at The Old Boat House.

Back when Aquastar in Muskegon was still Port City Princess, the Mister and I took a sunset cruise on this double-decker boat for our anniversary. The weather was lousy (that’s what you get when you get married in October!), but it was still a memorable time. It’s hard to

forget sprinkles of rain pelting our faces and huddling together for warmth—ah, romance. Aside from that, we enjoyed hot cider and cloudy, yet scenic views of Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan.

If you go in the summer, you’re more likely to experience more favorable conditions, and that’s what we’ll do when we go again. Aquastar has a full bar, a dance floor, restrooms, and food and entertainment on select afternoon and evening cruises. There are also themed cruises, including yacht rock, full moon, Polynesian adventure, history, Mariachi, Halloween, and more.

Grand Haven Cycleboat is another one I haven’t done— yet! If you’ve ever seen one of those pub cruisers tooling around the streets of downtown, this is like that; just on the Grand River. They leave from the Grand Isle Marina, and while you and the group you’ve assembled of up to 16 do the peddling, you’ll have a USGC Licensed Captain and First Mate on board doing the steering. The boat has Bluetooth speakers, so you can be the DJ and supply your own tunes, plus they let you bring ice, snacks, and drinks to load into the coolers they provide.

These are all great ways to explore our abundance of lakes and rivers in the region—and take full advantage of this fleeting season! ■

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALLISON KAY BANNISTER / BOTTOM RIGHT

FRESH, FOCUSED AND FIRED UP: 15 Years of Fuji Yama

| by Josh Veal

For 15 years, Fuji Yama Asian Bistro has been changing and evolving its approach to sushi and hibachi on the East Beltline.

Co-owner Dongwu Wang says it started with all-you-can-eat sushi, appealing to quantity over quality, but has shifted to an all-out effort to maximize freshness and excellence. Wang and his brother, Dong Wen, opened the eatery with his cousin, Shun Chen, who encouraged them to leave their chef jobs in Boise, Idaho and come start Fuji Yama. They’ve been at it ever since, and have expanded to manage Ginza Sushi & Ramen Bar as well.

The Asian Bistro has become beloved for its quality sushi and hibachi experiences, retaining regulars as well as staff, many of whom have been with the eatery for five to 10 years. Wang says they never stop pushing to improve, whether it’s new menus, new interiors or even fun additions like a singing robot that delivers birthday cakes (that one’s still in the works).

We sat down with Wang to discuss how Fuji Yama continues to deliver quality consistently all these years later.

WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE YOUR SUCCESS TO?

First of all, for Hibachi, the sauce is very important. Our Yum Yum Sauce is killer. And second of all, you have to keep the food fresh. So, we require the chef, every

day, to mark the date and time on whatever they make, and put those in order. Then, first thing every morning, that’s the first thing I have to do, check and make sure everything looks great. If it doesn’t look good, we throw it out. For at least 12 years, we’ve had no issues with food quality. And then for Hibachi, you have to hire good chefs with good personalities to make a great show for our customers.

Also, we’ve been running this place for 15 years and it’s nothing like before. We have a brand new bar, brand new furniture, tables, even floors. There is always something you have to improve. This is the way we run the business.

IT SEEMS LIKE YOUR SUSHI GAME HAS ELEVATED.

At first, we tried doing all-you-can-eat style. It seemed like people were looking for quantity, not quality. But we’ve switched to keep the food more fresh and retain the quality. There are so many ways we’ve improved how we store the fish. Freshness is the most important thing for sushi. I ask the chef, don’t make anything more than you need. I’d rather you prep twice a day than prep enough for two days.

AND YOU’VE BROUGHT IN A NEW SUSHI CHEF?

His name is Lin, and he was working in New York City for almost 10 years. He has

more experience and it’s valuable, because as the owner, I don’t have time to go all over the place to check on the new sushi trends. But Lin, he knows. So, we have new menus coming out this summer with new sushi and appetizers.

YOU’VE BEEN DOING THIS FOR 15 YEARS. WHAT DRIVES YOU?

Me and my brother, we took this job as a career, but eventually it turned into a passion. When you have passion for something, you always care about it. You don’t want to see any mistakes. When you create new dishes, when people try it and love it, you feel satisfied. I’ve been doing this almost half my life. To be honest, at the beginning, I didn’t like it. “It’s just a job.” But I fell in love with it. Eventually, it turns into your passion, your love, everything in your life.

WHAT’S THE STORY OF GINZA?

Our cousin has a lot of connections in real estate, so he found a good spot and asked if we were interested in a new concept. There’s so many young people living around there, we tried doing more modern style, with ramen and sushi. The head chef there is also from New York City, and this guy knows how to make ramen. He has almost 40 years of kitchen experience, starting in Hong Kong. He was the head chef of a noodle restaurant in

New York’s Chinatown, and Asian people, they’re picky.

SOUNDS LIKE YOU’VE HIRED PEOPLE YOU CAN RELY ON.

Running a restaurant, you need somebody who you can trust. Because even one mistake, it can cause you serious problems. I’ve seen so many cases, so many local restaurants, they didn’t watch their kitchen well, and they got in huge trouble. Like, a couple years ago, there was a restaurant that forgot to put a case of chicken back in the refrigerator overnight, and it made like 120 people sick. One thing happens, no matter how hard you worked the past 15, 20 years, you’ll ruin it in just one night. We are really concerned about our food safety and freshness.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO TELL OUR READERS?

First of all, I’m very thankful to be in this location. I’ve always been grateful for what I have and what I’m doing. I always thank our loyal customers who always give us so much support to make us more successful, to keep us busy, growing every year. I mean, we continue to put hard work into it, continue to improve our menus and maintain the high quality of our food. This is our duty. I’m just loving what I’m doing. ■

AL FRESCO: PATIO DINING in West Michigan

| by Revue Staff

Warm weather opens up a whole new world of dining: Patios and decks.

The joy of fresh air and sunshine enhances both food and conversation, which is why outdoor seating so often fills up first when the option is available. It’s also why nearly every eatery in town has, at the very least, a few tables parked out on the walkway.

Because there are so many options, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite spots. Pro tip: Add this list to a note in your phone so next time friends ask, “Where should we eat? Who has a good patio?” you can play the expert.

Brewing Co.,

THE SOVENGARD | 1232 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids

The Sovengard’s biergarten at the original location was iconic, with its herb wall, outdoor bar and lively events, and they’ve brought that same lovely energy (and spacious seating) over to the new spot.

HANCOCK | 1157 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids

Hancock’s turf lawn perfectly fits its retro historic vibes. Eating fried chicken and sides while sipping a slushy cocktail in the sun on perfectly green “grass”? That’s the dream (not to mention the games). And from the same owners nearby, Donkey Taqueria has a sizable patio too, as does The Winchester!

THE MITTEN BREWING CO. | 527 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids

Last year, Mitten Brewing gave a total makeover to The Outfield, their parking lot turned patio out back. It now has a paved ground with patches of grass for cornhole, along with shade canopies and cooling fans. It’s a little baseball-themed oasis on Leonard.

THE GREEN WELL | 924 Cherry St SE, Grand Rapids

Nestled against a verdant plant and pollinator education garden, The Green Well’s patio is a well-shaded, gorgeous little hidden gem among East Hills.

KNOOP ROOFTOP COCKTAIL LOUNGE | 131 Ionia Ave. SW 8th Floor, Grand Rapids

Rooftop patios can give you a new perspective, and Knoop offers a lovely elevated experience at roughly 8 stories up. Enjoy bites and cocktails while overlooking the Grand Rapids skyline.

GRAYDON’S | 1223 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids

Graydon’s (formerly of Crossing fame) has a wonderfully cozy patio, fitting a lot of charm in a small space, reminiscent of a big-city hidden gem.

CHICAGO BEEF JOINT | 822 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids

To say Chicago Beef Joint has a patio is an understatement. It’s a huge space, with room enough for tons of tables, outdoor sofas, a shipping container bar, concert stage and more.

BELL’S ECCENTRIC CAFÉ | 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo

If you’re new to West Michigan, consider this an assignment: You need to visit Bell’s Beer Garden. Not only is it an incredible concert venue, it’s a sprawling, beautiful patio that really does feel like a garden.

The Mitten

Knoop Rooftop Cocktail Lounge, Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant, The Score. COURTESY PHOTOS

WATERFRONT

THE DECK | 1601 Beach St., Muskegon

Located in Muskegon directly on the shores of Lake Michigan, The Deck is the granddaddy of patios. It’s incredibly spacious with decks that wrap around the restaurant and sprawl out toward the beach. There are swings, games, and volleyball, as well as live music. What’s not to love?

THE SCORE | 5301 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids

When you want to visit paradise—a self-described “Michigan’s Own Key West”—close to home, The Score is the place to be. They have it all: Sand, actual palm trees, beach volleyball, live music, great food, cocktails and lots of beer, together on a small lake.

BLUE WATER | 5180 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids

Just down the road from The Score, Blue Water sits right on the edge of Versluis Lake. The tables here at this Gilmore institution are about as close to water as you’re going to get without needing a bathing suit. The patio is also loaded with flowers and plants, including a garden that contributes to the meals you eat here.

ROSE’S | 550 Lakeside Dr. SE, East Grand Rapids

Another Gilmore establishment, Rose’s is practically famous for its lakeside deck. In the summer, you can enjoy classic dishes and drinks while watching people boat, kayak, fish and more out on the serene Reeds Lake.

BOATWERKS WATERFRONT RESTAURANT | 216 Van Raalte Ave, Holland

It’s right there in the name: Boatwerks is waterfront, specifically overlooking Lake Macatawa, which spills out into Lake Michigan nearby. There’s plenty of room to enjoy local seafood and drinks on this patio.

MUSKEGON BREWING CO. | 500 Adelaide Circle, Muskegon

The newest addition to the waterfront scene is Muskegon Brewing, which built a fantastic two-story deck specifically to enjoy the views of Lake Muskegon. Craft beer and fresh water—that’s what West Michigan is all about.

BOSTWICK LAKE INN | 8521 Belding Rd NE, Rockford

East of Rockford, out on Belding, you’ll find the delightfully historic Bostwick Lake Inn and its signature red lakefront deck—along with a little beach that’s perfect for dancing, frolicking, and getting a nice tan.

WIDE OPEN SPACES

ARCHIVAL BREWING | 6266 W River Dr. NE, Belmont

Archival has patios upon patios, with its large biergarten, as well as wraparound, covered deck, all overlooking an open field and distant woods. It’s perfect for families, dogs, and everyone else—especially if you enjoy yard games, including corn hole and bocce ball.

THE BACKYARD OF KALAMAZOO | 10441 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo

Foosball, ping-pong, billiards, corn hole, playhouses, inflatable slides, a playground, frisbee, fowling, volleyball and so much more—The Backyard of Kalamazoo is basically heaven for families, offering every type of activity you could hope for across a sprawling 7-acre patio.

THIRD NATURE

BREWING & EASTERN

KILLE DISTILLERY

7733 Childsdale Ave. NE, Rockford | 7755 Childsdale Ave. NE, Rockford

Right down the street from each other are Third Nature Brewing and the relatively new Eastern Kille Distillery, both of which have a substantial space outdoors, right off the extensive White Pine Trail. Head here with friends or family to enjoy great food, beer and cocktails, along with fire pits, yard games and play areas for the kiddos. And if you need one more reason, Rockford Brewing is just a few miles off, also sporting a pleasant patio! ■

THE MITTEN TRAVEL GUIDE

KALAMAZOO/PORTAGE

Wherever you live in West Michigan, Kalamazoo is a relatively short drive away, without being too close to home (unless, of course, you live in Kalamazoo). This makes it the perfect spot for a day trip or quick vacation. There’s a thirstquenching array of cocktail bars—such as Stamped Robin , Dabney & Co. and Green Door Distilling —as well as beloved breweries like Bell’s , One Well , Brewery Outré and Wax Wings , not to mention Territorial over in Battle Creek. Then you have top-tier eateries, like Principle, Brick + Brine and Roca on the higher end, with Cairo offering a taste of Egypt and Crow’s Nest serving up a legendary breakfast.

While you’re in town, you should make sure to take advantage of Kalamazoo’s

first-class art scene. The Gilmore brings the best pianists in the world to town, while Barn Theatre recruits across the nation for acting talent—and its season runs through the summer, as does the local Farmers Alley Theatre (both of which are often praised by Revue ’s own theater critic). Head to the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts for fascinating exhibitions like Ink Rhapsody: The Art of Lingnan Masters in Hong Kong. And if you’re seeking nature, the West Lake Nature Preserve, Bishop’s Bog Preserve and Eliason Nature Reserve are all nearby, and together offer hundreds of acres of beautiful scenery to enjoy, including rare plants and protected animal species. If you’ve ever wanted to see a flying squirrel in person, this might be your chance.

| by Eric Mitts

W| by Josh Veal

Sun out, tunes on, windows down, snacks acquired—it’s time for a road trip.

Summer means getting out and exploring, and Michigan has more than enough opportunities for you to do just that. You could visit one of the many other West Michigan towns for a quick day trip, or rent a BnB for a mini vacation. Or pack a bag and make the journey up north, whether it’s to Traverse City, Petoskey or across the bridge.

Here are just a few of our ideas for where to travel in the pleasantly peninsular Mitten State.

hether you’re heading up north, cruising along the lakeshore, or just exploring forgotten corners of West Michigan, every great trip needs a great playlist. So we’ve got it covered. Featuring some longtime favorites and rising newcomers, consider this a sampler of the many tastes and flavors making up our extended local music scene. Jazz, pop, rock, country, folk, punk, rap, it’s all in here, so get ready to open your mind as you venture out on the open road.

Billy Strings – “Leaning On a Traveling Song” / Riding high after his sold-out homecoming shows at Van Andel this spring, bluegrass superstar Billy Strings is the perfect artist to start any adventure. The opening track off his latest album, Highway Prayers , blends beautiful harmonies and his signature guitar skills into something fresh yet familiar.

Y-Not – “Carpe Diem” / Boldly empowering, this rising anthem is filled to the brim with soulful vocals and dynamic instrumentation from GR six-piece Y-Not. Uplifting in its message and rising melody, this song reminds you not to waste a moment, and is perfect for when you want the open road to reflect your inner drive.

THE LAKESHORE

While we certainly don’t mean to suggest every town along Lake Michigan is the same or even similar, they are all within driving distance of each other and share one crucial thing in common: The beach.

Furthest south on our list, St. Joseph is a great place to start, thanks to its own vibrant arts scene, including the entirely free Krasl Art Center (home to over 41 sculptures) and its annual Art Fair on the Bluff (July 11-13 this year), along with the Box Factory for the Arts , a former factory now used as a multi-use arts facility.

If you’re a beer lover, head south on 196 for some brewery hopping at the fantastically fun Watermark Brewing , the boldly innovative Transient Artisan Ales , and the always iconic Greenbush Brewing . Or, you can head north to South Haven (home to 10 public beaches), which has its own brews, including South Haven Brewpub , Three Blondes Brewing and Harbor Light Brewery

Then, you can head up to Holland for a town filled with charming history. Stroll the brick-paved sidewalks of the vibrant downtown, where tulip motifs and Dutch gables frame boutique shops, cozy cafés, and art galleries. Springtime visitors flock to the world-famous Tulip Time Festival, but Holland shines year-round with the 8th Street Shopping District and attractions like Nelis’ Dutch Village and Windmill Island Gardens , the only

authentic Dutch windmill operating in the U.S.. Not to mention the sandy stretches of Holland State Park, where Big Red Lighthouse offers a postcard-perfect sunset. For drinks, visit New Holland , Brewery 4 Two 4 and Obstacle No. 1

Then there’s Grand Haven, a quintessential lake town, with the liveliest beach around, a boardwalk of tasty treats, and an iconic red lighthouse at the end of a long and picturesque pier, bordered by huge ships coming in and out of port. Each evening in summer, the city comes alive with the Musical Fountain’s dazzling water-and-light show choreographed to music. First-time visitor? Your bucket list includes Pronto Pups (worth the wait), Odd Side Ales, Grand Armory Brewing and the delightfully weird Unicorn Tavern . Further north is the ever-blossoming Muskegon, which continues to develop its downtown with quality breweries like Unruly, Muskegon Brewing and Pigeon Hill —which also owns SOCIBOWL , a restaurant, indoor beer garden and duckpin bowling alley—along with, frankly, a lot of great cannabis. If you’re not looking to indulge any vices for some reason, edify yourself at the historic USS Silversides Submarine Museum , the newly expanded Muskegon Museum of Art , and the beautifully restored 1930s Frauenthal Center Oh, and if you somehow have never visited Michigan’s Adventure , ignore everything else we said and go do that first.

Desmond Jones – “Park It” / Get lost in the jazz-funk groove with Grand Rapids mainstays Desmond Jones. The longtime jam favorites have mastered their craft, and logged countless miles behind the wheel on tour themselves, taking audiences around the country on an adventure into the uncharted reaches of interstellar spontaneity.

Lansing, our very own capital city, offers a blend of political history, cultural attractions, and college-town energy. Start your visit at the Michigan State Capitol, where you can take a free guided tour beneath the soaring cast-iron dome. Just a short drive away, the Michigan History Center and the Impression 5 Science Center (voted #1 children’s museum in the

United States) offer engaging experiences for history buffs and families alike. On the east side, East Lansing hums with Spartan spirit thanks to Michigan State University —don’t miss a walk through the MSU Broad Art Museum , with its striking modern architecture, or a peaceful stroll through the W.J. Beal Botanical Garden

LANSING

Candid Antics – “Follow The Sun” / The only instrumental on this playlist, Candid Antics’ take on jazz simply speaks for itself.

Money Soup – “Night and Day” / One of the hottest new bands on the scene, Money Soup mixes jazz, soul, funk and pop for a new generation. Their latest single showcases each of the five members’ raw talents, and their love for playing together. With dozens on gigs booked all over this summer, from Grand Rapids to Grand Haven and more, your trip just might cross paths with the band’s own.

Winners of this year’s Jammie Award for Best Jazz Album, the band formerly known as Pocket Watch has wasted no time creating their own sound, which they call “party fusion,” so join in, and be ready for something you’ve never heard before.

Dreuwski, TOOT – “Night Drive” / Dreuwski’s brand new album, LVRS BLVD, dropped back in May, and it really is a definitive soundtrack for cool summer night drives. This song captures that low ride, chill vibe perfectly, but with 26 more tracks on his album to discover, it’s really just an intro to a new school master of an old school sound.

Adrian Wright, LILEL, Andre Millering – “All Gas No Brakes” / Born and raised in Flint, but now calling Grand Rapids home, Adrian Wright has become an integral part of the hip-hop scene, collaborating with countless artists, and creating his own live ensemble. A high-octane propulsive powerhouse, this funk fusion track accelerates fast, rolling with a steady bounce that never looks back.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, Brick + Brine, Pigeon Hill, Michigan's Adventure, W.J. Beal Botanical Garden. COURTESY PHOTOS

TRAVERSE CITY

Traverse City and its surrounding area, including the Leelanau and Olde Mission Peninsulas, could easily have its own issue, if not its own book. You’ll find dozens of fantastic wineries across the region, not to mention world-class breweries and cideries downtown, and so much more.

Start your visit at the historic downtown district, where you can stroll along Front Street and explore unique shops and galleries. Don’t miss a stop at the Dennos Museum Center, which features an impressive collection of Inuit art and rotating exhibitions. For a day outdoors, drive out to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore —climb the towering dunes, hike the scenic Empire Bluff Trail , or drive the breathtaking Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive for panoramic views of Lake Michigan.

When it’s time to eat, enjoy farm-totable dining at The Cooks’ House , known

for its seasonal menus highlighting local ingredients. For a casual but delicious bite, try Poppycocks for inventive sandwiches and craft cocktails. If you’re craving fresh seafood, Trattoria Stella inside the historic Village at Grand Traverse Commons offers fantastic Italian dishes with a local twist.

For a taste of local culture and events, time your trip to coincide with the National Cherry Festival in early July, a lively celebration packed with parades, cherry pies, and live music. If you prefer a quieter visit, explore the charming neighborhoods of Old Town or the Grand Traverse Commons , a repurposed 19th-century psychiatric hospital turned into shops, restaurants, and art studios. Outdoor adventurers can bike the TART Trails, kayak on the bay, or take a scenic cruise to experience the area’s natural beauty up close.

Alpena is a hidden gem on the Sunrise Coast of Lake Huron, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and outdoor adventure. The Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, located just offshore, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. This sanctuary protects over 200 shipwrecks, and the Glass-Bottom Boat Tour provides a unique opportunity to view these historic wrecks without getting wet. Plus, Alpena is renowned for its stargazing opportunities, with several nearby parks designated as Dark Sky Preserves. Rockport , Thompson’s Harbor , and Negwegon State Parks offer pristine night skies, perfect for observing celestial wonders like the Northern Lights.

Beyond its natural attractions, the Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history, featuring exhibits on local wildlife, maritime heritage, and Native American culture. For a taste of local cuisine, Hopside Brewery in downtown Alpena serves up delicious pizzas, burgers, and craft beers in a cozy setting. Visitors can also explore the town’s historic architecture, including the I.O.O.F. Centennial Building , a late Victorian structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sonny Ski, Derek Shorter – “US-131” / The MC chronicler of West Michigan, Sonny Ski’s 2024 album States of Mind literally put our half of the state on the lyrical map, with the rapper explicitly shouting out many familiar spots. This single, released separately last year, rides along with you from dawn to dusk, escaping into the music from the daily grind.

Crystal Trench – “Drive” / Know that eerie moment in the dead of night when you’ve already been driving and driving and you almost slip into a trance like state? That’s the dark-wave beauty, and terror, that Crystal Trench (the electronic project from vocalist/ producer Vanessa DeCouto) captures here.

Feeding Grizzlies – “Rush” / Every road trip playlist needs a song that just rips right out of the gate. This new release from Grand Rapids alt-rock band Feeding Grizzlies tears it up, with an opening guitar riff that hooks right in, and a propulsive catch and release rhythm that will keep you and your car moving from start to finish.

Common Molly – “Cargo Transit” / There’s something about a bouncy, buoyant bass line that just mirrors milemarkers passing by one after another. The hypnotic pull, and simmering rising tension take this one to 11, with the Grand Rapids pop-punk band going full pedal to the metal on the song’s final, closing burst.

REVUE ROAD TRIP PLAYLIST 2025

ALPENA

ACROSS THE BRIDGE

Crossing the Mackinac means stepping into a world of rugged natural beauty and rich cultural heritage that feels delightfully different from the Lower Peninsula. When planning your trip, prepare for longer drives and fewer crowds—both part of the U.P.’s charm.

The U.P. offers breathtaking landscapes ranging from the iconic Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with its towering colorful cliffs and pristine beaches, to the dense forests and waterfalls around Tahquamenon Falls State Park . Don’t miss a visit to Copper Harbor at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, where you can explore historic mining sites and rugged shorelines. For us trolls (we live below the bridge,

after all), embracing the slower pace and the outdoor-centric lifestyle of the U.P. is part of the experience. Accommodations often lean toward cozy cabins, rustic lodges, and charming bed-and-breakfast inns rather than large hotels, so book ahead, especially during summer and fall. The food scene celebrates local flavors: try fresh whitefish or lake trout at restaurants like The Vierling Restaurant & Marquette Harbor Brewery in Marquette, or indulge in pasties—hearty, meat-and-vegetable pastries that are a U.P. staple—at spots like Muldoons in Munising, Dobber’s in Escanaba or Lawry’s in Marquette. Outdoor activities abound with hiking, kayaking, and fishing in warmer months, and skiing or snowmobiling when winter arrives. ■

Boob Sweat – “Good Luck, Babe!” / A cover of Chappell Roan’s undisputable song of last summer, amped up to poppunk perfection. It’s the sort of high-energy sing-along made for late nights, and those final miles before returning home after a great time out with friends. It’s also a great introduction to this GR riot grrl punk band’s power and personality.

Pretoria – “Emerson, Everywhere” / A pure shot of summer sparkle, this song off the brand new EP from Grand Rapids indie outfit Pretoria just sounds like those lazy sunny days you never want to let go. Gorgeous guitar lines guide the song to a pristine finish, and set up our playlist for an epic, emotional close.

SARAH SUYDAM

Visiting Austin Brothers Beer Company in Alpena is always a good choice. On our way up, we love specifically traveling all the way east to take the drive up along the Huron Shores Recreational Heritage Route, which offers scenic views of Lake Huron and all the coastal attractions and historic sites along the way. Remember to make a pit stop at Tony’s Tacos in Tawas City for fresh homemade Mexican food to-go—right on the waters of Shoreline Park.

MAGGIE MUTCH

Manistee’s my favorite escape—long walks on Fifth Avenue Beach, rock hunting at Magoon Park, and a trip into town for shopping and tasty treats.

KARY

MOENING

My favorite drive is to the Ludington State Beach—absolutely gorgeous, white sand, green tall sand grass, and the bluest water!

SUSAN SMALLEY

I love the Tunnel of Trees. Take M-119 from Boyne Highlands to Mackinaw City and a stop at Legs Inn at Cross Village for some traditional Polish food. Yummy, Pierogies and Kielbasa. Riding this route on your bike is an adventure as well.

KASIE SMITH

My favorite way to end the summer is a weekend up north in Lake Leelanau. There is nothing like driving around up north and landing in Leland!

Low Phase – “Float” / Beautifully bittersweet, you can hear the looming orange glow of a fading sunset (or relationship) in late August lurking in between Low Phase’s lead vocalist Caleb Waldvogel’s anguish and Marley Ferguson’s guitar. Adrift but never lost, the song finds that moment where bliss breaks, and reality reluctantly returns, just like the end of any road trip.

Listen to the playlist on Spotify here: bit.ly/RevueRoadTrip2025

Major Murphy, Mark Lavengood – “Touch Grass” / Almost starting where we began, but returning changed, Grand Rapids group Major Murphy, along with local virtuoso Mark Lavengood, find that spot where indie rock and bluegrass share a delightful picnic. It’s an important reminder, just like any road trip, that everything is fleeting, and we’re only on this Earth once, so just go outside. ■

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Grand Traverse Commons, Island Park, The Vierling Restaurant & Marquette Harbor Brewery, Downtown Alpena, Tahquamenon Falls State Park. COURTESY PHOTOS

WHAT A LOOKER: David Hockney at the GRAM

| by John Kissane

In 1990, David Hockney turned down a knighthood. His reason? He doesn’t “care for a fuss.” Offered the opportunity to paint Queen Elizabeth II, he demurred, citing a busy schedule. “I’m not stupid,” he once told an interviewer. “I can’t paint like Velázquez or Goya or Picasso. I would be mad to try. I just don’t have that kind of skill at all.”

Considering Hockney is one of the most famous, acclaimed, and influential artists of the past 75 years, these are modest words. A retrospective at the Tate Britain was seen by nearly half a million people; only a Matisse exhibit had ever brought more visitors to the museum. In 2018, his painting Portrait Of An Artist (Pool With Two Figures) sold for over $90 million (USD); it is the single most expensive work of a living artist ever sold. Looking to raise funds for his charitable organization, he donated some paintings he had lying around. Their estimated value? $80 million. Commercial popularity and monetary value are not necessarily indicative of aesthetic accomplishment, and it’s true that his work has divided critics, especially in more recent years. But those critics who embrace it do so all the way; Andrea K. Scott, writing in The New Yorker , called his work “a delivery system for bliss.”

Through November 2nd, the Grand Rapids Art Museum will serve as host to that delivery system. David Hockney: Perspectives Should Be Reversed, Prints From The Collections Of Jordan D. Schnitzer And His Family Foundation , the first Hockney exhibition held in Grand Rapids’ history, features more than 154 prints created over almost seven decades (1954-2022), and is the largest exhibition of his prints ever held.

Jennifer Wcisel, the Dean and Helga Toriello Curator of Collections and Exhibitions at GRAM, sees the works included in the exhibition as representative of Hockney’s work as a whole, mentioning subjects “such as his tender and often quirky portrayals of family and friends, southern California swimming pools, towering panoramas, jumbled studio interiors, and playful theatrical designs.”

While his subjects—broadly, beauty and joy—have remained consistent over his career, he’s employed a wide variety of techniques in capturing them. “David Hockney is an incredibly innovative artist who…quite literally invented new ways of making pictures,” Wcisel said, pointing to his use of Xerox color copiers in the 1980s, digital printing in the 1990s, and iPads in the 2000s. Although his openness to fresh technologies could mark him as a trailblazer—and, indeed, he sometimes was the one to hack a new path—he’s not at all averse to traditional techniques, making him that rarest of birds: someone seduced neither by the promises of the new or the romance of the old, but an artist who works with whatever tool is best suited for the job at hand.

The work on display at the GRAM, which includes but is not limited to etchings and lithographs, draw on genuine expertise honed over many years. Works Wcisel highlighted include his first self-portrait, created in 1954; portraits of Stanley and Boodgie, his dachshunds; and drawings of flowers made on an iPad and distributed to friends and family during the COVID-19 lockdown.

David Hockney: Perspectives Should Be Reversed, Prints from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, Exhibition Photos.

COURTESY PHOTOS

The cumulative effect of the exhibition is to create a sort of visual autobiography, not least because it includes selfportraits separated by decades. In Self-Portrait , from 1954, Hockney wears glasses and a bowl cut. His arms are crossed in a posture that suggests self-protection. Despite the formal clothing, he looks like William T. Vollmann, the author, down to what seems to be discomfort at living in the world.

That discomfort, thankfully, appears to evaporate in later works, perhaps due in part to coming out of the closet (a dangerous act in England at the time, as homosexuality was still illegal). He later moved to New York City. This was before AIDS, which devastated the gay community; he would later say that he lost two-thirds of his American friends to the epidemic. Some of those he knew, whether friends, lovers, or both, have been immortalized here. If the work from certain periods can ever seem dated, it’s because Hockney’s artwork of the time contributed so largely to help define those periods. It isn’t that Portrait Of An Artist (Pool With Two Figures) looks like the 1970s so much as the 1970s came to look like that painting.

Despite the grief it all caused him, Hockney’s outlook, as seen in these works, is essentially sunny. There’s a quiet, nostalgic glow to his people and to his objects, too; if the water in his pools doesn’t look quite like the water we know— Hockney’s not a hyperrealist—it nevertheless looks softly inviting. That warmth can obscure some of the technical complexity of the work on display, but it shouldn’t. Linger, and you’ll see more than you thought you would. Hockney calls himself a looker, Wcisel said, “because he is such a careful and keen observer of the world, from mundane things like the way his coat drapes across a chair to majestic landscapes like Yosemite.” This generous, inviting collection gives us many opportunities to see what he saw. ■

GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM

101 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids artmuseumgr.org

DAVID HOCKNEY: PERSPECTIVE SHOULD BE REVERSED, Through Nov. 2

DAVID LUBBERS: HAUNTED TERRAIN, Through Aug. 3

JULY

ARTSCalendar

| by Revue Staff

This season, there’s absolutely no shortage of concerts, symphonies, plays, musicals, ballet, visual arts and beyond. Here’s our guide to arts events for the month.

AVENUE FOR THE ARTS avenueforthearts.co

THIRD THURSDAYS, July 19

CIRCLE THEATRE

1703 Robinson Rd. SE, Grand Rapids circletheatre.org

DREAMGIRLS, July 10-26

FARMERS ALLEY THEATRE KALAMAZOO

221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo farmersalleytheatre.com

BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL, July 10-20

FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULPTURE PARK

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

BUSTED: CONTEMPORARY SCULPTURE BUSTS, Through Sept. 21

FIFTH THIRD BANK SUMMER CONCERTS AT MEIJER GARDENS, Through Sept. 14

TUESDAY EVENING MUSIC CLUB: TUESDAYS, Through Aug. 26, 7-9 pm.

SUNDAY STRINGS, Select Sundays in July & August

GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM

101 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids artmuseumgr.org

DAVID LUBBERS: HAUNTED TERRAIN, Through Aug. 3

DAVID HOCKNEY: PERSPECTIVE SHOULD BE REVERSED, May 31-Nov. 2

KALAMAZOO INSTITUTE OF ARTS

314 South Park St., Kalamazoo kiarts.org

LEO VILLAREAL: INTERSTELLAR, Through Sept. 21

INK RHAPSODY: THE ART OF LINGNAN MASTERS IN HONG KONG, July 12-Oct. 26

MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART

296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon muskegonartmuseum.org

THE BENNETT PRIZE: RISING VOICES 4, Through Aug. 24

DENG SHIQING: THE COST OF LIFE, Through Aug. 24

SAUGATUCK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

400 Culver St., Saugatuck sc4a.org

SŌW [IN SORROW], Through Sept. 5

View our full arts and entertainment calendar at www.RevueWM.com/calendar

WE ALL SCREAM: A Dairy-Free Look at Ice Cream

| by Zachary Avery

For over 60 years, Jersey Junction in East Grand Rapids has served delectable scoops of Hudsonville and Mooville brand ice cream to local students, residents and families, all while situated in, perhaps, the most charming and nostalgic interior you might find in the West Michigan area. A time capsule, the walls display photographs, articles and newspaper advertisements from as old as 1908, each meticulously captioned to describe the item’s context and significance.

Popular flavors include the rainbow-colored “Super Scoop” and a triple-chocolate confection called “Michigan Pot Hole”, a morsel which reminds me both of my habitual car troubles as well as my unfortunate lactose intolerance. For a proper trip around the Grand Rapids area ice cream eateries, a dairy-free foodie such as myself would need a foil, a Bizarro dairy-loving opposite. My girlfriend, Zoe, would be that Bizarro.

SUPER SCOOPERS

Our first stop is, I’d wager a guess, what most of our readers might think of when the discussion of where to get ice cream in Grand Rapids is brought up: Frosty Boy in Creston. Past the Reservoir Lounge on Plainfield, Frosty Boy routinely brings in a crowd (and, oftentimes, a long line) of ice cream enthusiasts there to pick up some of the shop’s original flavors and sundae recipes, the latter having 14 varieties. And, with 23 varieties of flurries available with dairy-free vanilla ice cream, Frosty Boy boasts an impressive menu with plenty of consideration for allergies.

The special that day was a hard-shell coating of blue raspberry candy, available upon request. Zoe ordered the lemon cake sundae, which advertised marshmallows and bitesized chunks of cheesecake topped on Frosty Boy’s famous lemon-flavored soft serve. I ordered a vegan vanilla shake with peanut butter. When our orders were finished, it became obvious to me that to “drink” this thick, creamy dessert would be utterly impossible, and so I grabbed a spoon. The sizes there are incredibly generous, too, and Zoe remarked how pleased she was to see so many marshmallows included in her large bowl.

More is better, right? Later, at a ice cream shop closer to our own neighborhood called Pinkie’s , neither of us could believe what we received were truly “kid-sized” portions. What does a kid need three scoops of huckleberry-flavored ice cream in a waffle cone for, anyway? But, after trying our selections (for me, a vegan pint of vanilla for only $4.50), I was surprised to feel the need for more. Much more, in fact. Our first trip to Pinkie’s, tagged along by our friend Griffin, was an incredible success. And, with a convenient location across from Wealthy Theatre, an ice cream date before seeing a movie seems like a perfectly fine way to spend your night.

Back at Frosty Boy, Zoe and I notice the window display of the store’s various merchandise. There were large t-shirts featuring the shop’s youthful mascot, available in different colors and tie-dye effects.

“I think they should sell metal sundae spoons that say ‘Frosty Boy’ or have a little lad on them,” Zoe said. “I think they should sell beach balls, beach towels and flip flops.” They also sell dog bandanas.

A TASTE OF THE UNEXPECTED

On a cloudy, rainy June day (isn’t weather strange?), the two of us packed into Zoe’s car and headed south, toward Wyoming and our next stop: Tsisiki Ice Cream . Open fairly recently, this overlooked gem fuses classic ice cream flavors with popular Latin ingredients. This is no better seen than in their most popular item: the Mangonada. Combining fresh slices of mango, vanilla ice cream, chamoy, tajin, and a tamarindcoated straw, this tall dessert cup dances between sensations of both spicy and sweet, leaving in its wake a delightfully tangy and refreshing taste. And, while Tsisiki Ice Cream may not, unfortunately, offer much in the way of dairy-free options, their menu does include some other delicious Mexican treats, such as elotes and fruity paleta.

On our drive back home, I ask to make a stop at one of my own personal favorites, Furniture City Creamery in Eastown, which reliably sells unique, one-of-a-kind vegan flavors made daily for visiting customers. The rotating batch that day was peppermint patty. While this might’ve been a home-run for some, my unruly taste buds disliked the minty notes. I opted for a pint of vegan cookies-n-cream, instead. However, as a food journalist (can I say that?), I can confidently say that I’m often impressed by those weirder, adventurous sorts of ice cream treats.

For instance, a visitor to Lost Art Brewhouse in Walker, just past the city line, might be surprised to find a slot in their rotating menu of beverages dedicated to one, single variety: ice cream beer. Utilizing frozen dairy at some point or another in their secretive batch-brew processing, Lost Art takes fan-favorite flavors (piña colada, key lime pie, orange creamsicle, etc.) and dilutes them into a bulbous, stemmed glass. What’s left is a delicious summertime beverage with an unmistakable air of ice cream goodness.

Spicy ice cream shakes and dairy-flavored beer? Yes, dear reader, the ice cream community has come a far, far way from those nostalgic, old parlors of Jersey Junction and the like. Over in Creston, Too Tall’s has made burgers, hot dogs and appetizers a big part of their offering. And, with more venues dipping their cones into the frozen treat game (One Stop Coney, Terra, Romence Gardens plant shop, just to name a few), it is clear to anyone that, as long as summer weather is hot and stomachs are empty, ice cream shops are here to stay. ■

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