Revue West Michigan - May 2025

WHAT'S INSIDE

Photo Courtesy of Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery

JOSH VEAL , Managing Editor | josh@serendipity-media.com

One of my favorite ways to spend a day in summer is on a Michigan wine trail.

Tasting five wines in a row, eating oyster crackers to cleanse the palate, chatting with a bartender, ordering some charcuterie, taking in the beautiful view of the vineyard—then doing it all over again, very slowly getting day-buzzed with friends.

Michigan had roughly 100 wineries in 2007 and now has more than 200, with that number continuing to grow as people realize the climate here makes for great grapes, and the scenery makes for great wineries.

In this year’s Wine & Spirits issue, we talk to a local winemaker about what it’s like to make the stuff here, such as the unique conditions that allow for ice wines. We also look at just a handful of the wineries across Southwest and Northwest Michigan that have more to offer than vino, like food, cooking classes, tours, music, walking trails and more.

Then we shine a spotlight on 10 cocktails in Grand Rapids that have stood the test of time, becoming icons of sorts at their respective establishments. There’s something special about coming back to a spot you haven’t been to in years and picking up where you left off (in this case, with a rum-loaded cocktail).

Plus, check out our Summer Bucket List to get your summer planning started. Without a to-do list, the season might just pass you by! And there’s our annual farmers market roundup, reminding you of where you can get food directly from farms alongside jewelry, candles, flowers and so much more—all while enjoying live music, food trucks and games.

Finally, as always, we have our interviews with musicians like A Perfect Circle and Hippo Campus, comedians like Fortune Feimster, and artists like rising star pianist Daniela Liebman.

Whatever you end up doing this summer, we just suggest that you do it in a way that supports local, especially given how much small businesses are struggling right now.

‘Til next time,

WHO'S WHO

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

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WHAT’S GOING ON, APR '25

5/3

NATURE MARKERS MARKET

Blandford Nature Center

1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, Grand Rapids May 3, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. blandfordnaturecenter.org

It’s time for the annual Spring Nature Makers Market at Blandford Nature Center! This market features gifts and goods inspired by nature and created with natural materials. Over 25 vendors will be selling a variety of handcrafted goods including jewelry, textiles, prints and illustrations, stickers, ceramics, and more!

5/4

STAR WARS:

A NEW HOPE (Ojibwe Dubbed) Grand Rapids Public Museum

272 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids May 4, 2:30 p.m. grpm.org

In an effort to bridge pop culture with Indigenous heritage, the 1977 classic “Star Wars: A New Hope” has been dubbed in the Ojibwe language, spoken by one of the largest Indigenous nations in the U.S. and Canada. The lead voice actors in the film have linguistic masters degrees and are o f course Indigenous themselves, working with Lucasfilms to make this happen. See a screening at the GR Public Museum’s Meijer Theater on Star Wars Day!

5/6

MEMPHIS MAY FIRESHAPESHIFTER TOUR

The Intersection

133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW, Grand Rapids May 6, 6 p.m. sectionlive.com

Memphis May Fire makes anthems for the broken. The four-piece rock band channel a generation’s worth of angst, frustration, and pain, with a focused blend of gigantic melodic hooks and crushing aggression. With Shapeshifter, a new season unfolds for the band, filled with revitalization and renewal—stripping things down to their core elements, hearkening back to the days when they created the music their fans most cherish.

5/10

MANDY PATINKIN IN CONCERT: BEING ALIVE

Miller Auditorium

1341 Theatre Dr., Kalamazoo May 10, 7:30 p.m. millerauditorium.com

Mandy Patinkin in Concert: BEING ALIVE, presents the acclaimed actor/singer/storyteller in his most electrifying role: concert performer. “Mandy Patinkin is in the business of showstopping,” raves The New Yorker, and that’s exactly what he does in this powerful, passionate evening of song. It’s a collection of many of Mandy’s favorite Broadway and classic tunes. From Irving Berlin to Stephen Sondheim and Harry Chapin, Patinkin takes you on a dazzling musical journey.

5/12

DUNE (1984)

Wealthy Theatre

1130 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids May 12, 8 p.m. grcmc.org

As part of the Grand Rapids Film Society’s months-long celebration of the life and work of David Lynch, you can come see the original Dune movie at Wealthy Theatre this month. This bizarre, critically panned take on the Frank Herbert novel has become a cult classic thanks to Lynch’s unique approach, an early Kyle MacLachlan performance, and a soundtrack composed by Toto.

5/16

NATE JACKSON:

SUPER FUNNY WORLD TOUR

GLC Live at 20 Monroe 11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids May 16, 7:30 p.m. glcliveat20monroe.com

Nate Jackson is a dynamic American comedian, actor, and entrepreneur whose career began at Eastern Washington University after a dare to enter a campus comedy contest in 2003. Since then, he has become a prominent figure in the comedy scene, known for his sharp wit and engaging stage presence—not to mention his role on NBC series The Young Rock.

WEST FEST

John Ball Park

1300 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids May 16-18 facebook.com/westfestgr

Craving a Ferris wheel? In an over 40-year tradition, Sacred Heart Parish has brought the West Side community together to enjoy four fun-filled days of carnival rides, great food, local brews, and events that vary annually, such as car shows, mock weddings and bake sales.

5/18

MI DRAG BRUNCH: IMPERSONATING ILLUSIONS

Mertens Prime

35 Oakes St. SW, Grand Rapids May 18, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. midragbrunch.com

Get ready for a drag brunch featuring fun, saucy, glamorous tributes to your favorite musicians, celebrities and other icons. Your ticket includes a multicourse brunch meal from Mertens Prime, as well as a welcome beverage, and of course a two-hour performance.

ROLL’N OUT FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL

GVSU Downtown Campus

143 Front Ave. SW, Grand Rapids May 18, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. facebook.com/GRFoodTrucks

Roll’N Out Food Truck Festival is coming back, this year at the GVSU Downtown Campus. This annual event will include some of the best local food trucks along with other local vendors, a beer tent and live music. The Grand Rapids Food Truck Association is dedicated to helping pave the way for food truck entrepreneurs in Grand Rapids. The funds raised at this year’s event will be used to help the food truck community with support and other small events throughout the year.

5/23

AFTER MIDNIGHT: CHAPPELL ROAN NIGHT

The Pyramid Scheme

68 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids May 23, 8:30 p.m. pyramidschemebar.com

Last Year, Chappell Roan shot into the stratosphere with the release of her debut album, The Rise and Fall

of a Midwest Princess, and its many unique, bold, dynamic, theatrical, incredibly danceable pop hits. Come dance to some of her bangers alongside other burlesque and bubblegum pop tunes.

5/30

BILLY STRINGS

Van Andel Arena

130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids May 30-31 vanandelarena.com

Billy Strings is coming home to Michigan with his Spring Tour, including two nights in Grand Rapids. He’s a Grammy-winning bluegrass artist known for blending traditional sounds with rock and psychedelia. A virtuosic guitarist raised on bluegrass, he’s brought a fresh, high-energy edge to the genre, earning a devoted following and revitalizing the bluegrass scene for a new generation.

THE HEAD AND THE HEART Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids May 30, 6 p.m. meijergardens.org

The Head and the Heart blend rich harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and folkpop instrumentation into a sound that feels both intimate and expansive. Formed in Seattle in 2009, the band quickly gained a devoted following with their self-titled debut album, which delivered emotionally resonant tracks like “Lost in My Mind” and “Rivers and Roads.” Their music often explores themes of longing, belonging, and personal growth, all wrapped in warm acoustic textures and soaring choruses.

5/31

MERCHANTS AND MAKERS

John Ball Zoo

1300 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids May 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Shop with 100+ local makers showcasing their unique creations, enjoy live music throughout the day (9am - 12:30pm: Elijah Russ and 12:30 - 4pm: Max Lockwood) and treat yourself to delicious food from a variety of food trucks—Boujee Bowls, Dune Buggy, Voyage Bowls, Around Baking Co. and SemiFreddo. Best of all, this is a FREE community event!

First the Ecstasy, Then the Laundry: HIPPO CAMPUS ON THE ROAD

| by Michaela Stock

The music industry can hit like a head rush, but it’s only a matter of time before reality kicks in.

“There’s just a constant sobering up of how real this shit is getting,” said Nathan Stocker, vocalist and lead guitarist for Hippo Campus. “How do I achieve a balanced lifestyle when I’m so drawn to extremes and pushing limits, particularly when I’m working?”

With more than a decade of his life invested into Hippo Campus–a Minneapolis-based indie rock band–Stocker is well accustomed to the highs and lows of being an artist. But having turned out of his twenties, he’s begun to look for stability.

“It’s this constant swinging pendulum that I’m trying to reach, this sweet spot of not feeling like an addict and also staying committed to my craft. It gets really difficult to distinguish when I’m just looking for another hit of dopamine, or whatever it is I get from a career in music.”

Hippo Campus formed in 2013 by Stocker and his friends at their performing arts high school in St. Paul, and though they were young, the band’s commercial ascent came quickly.

“Playing South by Southwest and having an early Conan performance before our debut record were just these weird things that not a lot of bands get to do that early, off the bat, especially when you’re not even old enough to drink. It was an interesting and rare opportunity for us.”

At the brink of their success, the members of Hippo Campus were beginning to pursue separate paths–from applying to college to finding jobs. But when a local lighting director showed their music to a manager who found them a tour opportunity, Stocker recalls a unified, go-for-broke feeling within the band.

“I think it’s this blind, ignorant confidence we had that gave us the energy and recklessness that it takes to be bold and put yourself out there, play as many shows as you possibly can, and really try to shoot for the 10,000 hours.”

Add on more tours with iconic indie acts like Modest Mouse and My Morning Jacket, as well as major festival appearances at Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza, Stocker sometimes felt like the band plateaued early.

“Ten years in now, looking back at that, it’s kind of like, ‘Yeah, now what? What is it that we are trying

to achieve next, both on a daily and on a grand scale?’ It gets a little cloudier, especially when you have personal lives and all these things to attend to.”

Part of this journey for Stocker and the rest of Hippo Campus has been to collectively reconcile their relationship with alcohol and touring. “It’s been hard. It’s hard. I’m almost three years dry, and I think the honeymoon phase of it is definitely over.

“There’s a daily showing up that has to occur. Otherwise you’re going to go looking for the next. It’s going to break down real easy. It’s a classic case of, first the ecstasy, then the laundry.”

For Stocker, pieces of peace have been found between the stage, studio and stillness.

“I’m not as unhinged as I make myself out to be in my head,” Stocker said. “But three years into not drinking, I thought that the sort of ecstasy of this newfound clarity would be a little more sustained.”

Sobriety, along with growing older, can expose ugly–or simply ignored–truths about life in the music industry. Stocker recalls experiencing a loneliness more than usual on a recent tour, after the

band had to cancel a show due to a snowstorm.

“I lost the plot entirely. I was just numbed out, and I wasn’t associating with myself, or the reason for being on the road at all. It’s that feeling of ‘I’m just observing this, I’m not actually a part of it,’ that is so hard to reckon with. It’s such a slippery slope.”

Whether ironic, beautiful or both, it was the band that brought Stocker to his lowest, and the band that lifted him out of it.

“It was in those feelings where I have to allow myself to be seen, and allow myself to be vulnerable. The guys were able to be there for me in that moment, and that’s where it’s like, ‘Wow. I’m really happy to be in a band.’”

Now on the heels of Hippo Campus’ most recent record, Flood , Stocker is entering yet another new phase as an artist. The band went to Sonic Ranch–a recording studio in El Paso, Texas–with more than 100 songs to assemble the album. The result is a thoughtful, mature, and calculated record that still hits all

the quintessential Hippo Campus sounds that fans have grown to love.

“Our general mindset was that the songs have to be there first and production can, and will, follow,” Stocker said. “But somewhere along the line, we realized that we had made the same record five different times, plus like three other albums worth of material.”

Stocker and the band had to make tough decisions about which songs to shelf at the studio in order to finish the record.

“It was, at that point, too many songs,” Stocker said.

After all the highs and lows Hippo Campus has been through–from songwriting to sobriety–Stocker realized there was only one thing left to do:

“We just had to let go.” ■

HIPPO CAMPUS

GLC Live at 20 Monroe 11 Ottawa Ave., Grand Rapids May 29, 7 p.m. glcliveat20monroe.com

SESSANTA: A Twice in a Lifetime Tour

| by Eric Mitts

When Maynard James Keenan, legendary frontman for the rock band TOOL, announced last year that he would celebrate his 60th birthday by launching a one-of-a-kind triple header tour featuring his projects A Perfect Circle and Puscifer, along with his longtime friends in Primus, it felt like a once in a lifetime lineup decades in the making.

So to see the tour back out on the road again for Version 2.0 – coming to Van Andel Arena, May 28 – feels like a gift that keeps on giving for diehard fans and newcomers alike.

Sessanta, which is simply Spanish for 60, is anything but simple. The tour features all three bands sharing the unique double-decker stage, and swapping musicians throughout the evening. Members of each band will pop up

in the other’s mini sets, all morphing together as the night goes on, leading to rare moments where Keenan might sing with Primus, or Les Claypool may play bass with Puscifer, or A Perfect Circle’s Billy Howerdel might play guitar with either.

“We got off that (first) tour and took a little stock of it, and everyone agreed that was about the most fun we’ve ever had on tour,” Howerdel said about why they decided to do Sessanta V2.0. “So why are we not doing this again? I think it kind of translates out, because you can see that it’s just unique. It’s not the same format. Honestly, it was pretty daunting when we were first discussing it. We had done something similar for his 50th birthday, whatever that was, 11 years ago. But, taking it on tour and the logistics of it, it was a lot of work to get it set up and going. And then once it was in autopilot mode, once it was a smooth running machine, it was really fun.”

Howerdel – who famously started out in his career as a guitar tech for bands like TOOL and Nine Inch Nails before co-founding A Perfect Circle with Keenan in 1999, noted the numerous technical and logistical challenges of a show like Sessanta.

“It was challenging, especially for the crew that puts it together,” he said. “I would say especially for the sound crew, because if any one listening has any sense of what this means, when I asked, three shows in, I said, ‘Hey, can I get two extra channels for this thing out of my guitar rig?’ And they said, ‘Well, that’s the last channel available on our entire rig. Like, you’re at 256 inputs of audio.’ And I was like, ‘OK, yeah, I can see you guys are doing a lot of heavy math lifting, trying to pull this off.’ But now we should be good. Although, of course, we’re tinkering. I’m tinkering. I’m changing patches, and kind of tightening some screws down on sounds, and modernizing some stuff.”

The first sold-out run of Sessanta earned rave reviews all across the country, with critics commenting on its innovative concept, captivating light show, surprise guests, jokes, and other antics.

“You just wind up settling in and finding your rhythm with the show, with the set,” Howerdel said. “And I won’t give away how that works. But for us it’s just a different schedule than you usually have on tour. It’s a very different feeling thing. Typically it’s your own show, and it’s concentrated there... We’ve all done festivals, but you’re not really doing this. This is like your one band operating, but its three bands, going past. So it’s cool. It’s more casual, it’s a less formal kind of affair.”

Howerdel added that with Puscifer locked in the very complex, orchestrated way that they are, and Primus playing like “the most sophisticated jam band in the world,” it can feel intimidating to know what he might add to their songs, but that it’s best not to overthink it and have fun with the experience.

Having had the whole world put on pause

during the COVID-19 pandemic, Howerdel said he’s a broken record with how many times he’s expressed how those years now feel like a time warp as he’s returned to touring.

“It’s funny how time compressed, and expanded during 2020, 2021, 2022,” he said. “It’s just like, I can’t believe that much time passed. And then it feels like it just happened… I think that the hardest part for me, as far as being a musician, doing what we do, is when the pandemic happened, and then it got into the next year, and there were those false starts, and I was like, ‘OK, we’re coming back, we’re doing it. And then it was like, OK, we’re having another outbreak, and now we’ve got to postpone this tour.”

Howerdel had just recorded his first solo album under his own name, 2022’s What Normal Was , and the pandemic massively delayed both the record’s release and its supporting tour. Outside of A Perfect Circle Howerdel had previously performed with his solo project Ashes Divide, around its lone album Keep Telling Myself It’s Alright in 2008, before returning to APC for tours throughout the 2010s.

“Just like everyone else in every other industry, probably, but especially in touring, I can say that the train never stops rolling,” he said. “You just don’t stop. And the train stopped. So that was very strange to have, a mission that you’re usually on with a lot of people involved. And even if you were sick or something happened, you just generally don’t cancel or modify the tour. So that was crazy. And then jumping back into it took a little time to get to feel back to normal. And now we have a new normal, just readjusting to what that is. Now it feels like we’re kind of back to, well, we’re in our new normal. Like last year, that was the first big tour I’d been on since the pandemic. And it felt celebratory in itself.”

Primus, A Perfect Circle, and Puscifer celebrated the success of the first Sessanta with the release of the three-song joint release E.P.P.P. last year, featuring new songs from each band, all co-written with Keenan.

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of A Perfect Circle’s platinum-selling debut album, 2000’s Mer De Noms , which Howerdel said he’d love to celebrate as well.

“This tour is coming right at the anniversary of it, and I’d like to do something to commemorate it in a live sense, but we’ll see,” he said. “We’ve been talking about it. We don’t have anything locked down as of now, but we will see. I have nothing to officially announce, but I should say stay tuned.” ■

SESSANTA V 2.0: featuring Primus, A Perfect Circle, Puscifer Van Andel Arena, 130 West Fulton, Grand Rapids May 28, 7:30 p.m., $39.50+ Sessantalive.com, vanandelarena.com

SLUDGE, SLACKERS AND SCHWAGG: Bronson Arm Breaks Out of the Basement

When Blake Bickel moved to Kalamazoo after living in Seattle for over a decade, he had no idea his new basement band, Bronson Arm, would break out and tour across the country.

A longtime veteran of the music industry, Bickel works on the audio engineering and mastering side of the recording process as his day job, operating out of his own home mastering studio.

He’s played in countless bands over the years as well, but decided to relocate to Kalamazoo after starting a family, and wanting to escape the unaffordability of a city like Seattle, while still hoping to remain close to culture and a thriving music scene.

By chance, Bickel – who plays baritone guitar and sings in Bronson Arm – met drummer Garrett Yates at an elementary school function for their kids back in 2019. Yates had also just moved to Kalamazoo from New York after leaving the Navy, and hadn’t really played drums in over a decade since playing them in high school.

So Bickel invited him to jam in his basement over some beers, and Bronson Arm was born.

“At this point in my life I have to be playing music in some form just to be sane,” Bickel said. “So I knew I would start a band at some point after getting settled here. I

just didn’t think it would be that quickly. Or that it would take off the way that it has.

“I think our original thought was just to have fun and make music, and get out, and play it out, and share it,” he added. “And I definitely knew we wanted to make records just because that’s part of my profession. But I don’t think either of us really envisioned that we’d be where we are now.”

The duo, whose self-described “slacker psychedelic sludge punk” immediately demanded attention, played their first live show just a week before the COVID-19 shutdown.

Retaining their sanity during lockdown, they wrote and recorded what would become their self-titled debut album entirely in Bickel’s basement.

“We decided, well, if we can’t play out, we’re going to use this time to write more material, and record it, and make some videos so that we can have a way of sharing it, and just letting people know that we even exist,” Bickel said. “So I think we feel good about what we were able to accomplish during that time. We didn’t let it slip past us. We kept busy and creative in any possible way that we could.”

When restrictions lifted and live music returned, Bronson Arm hit the road, cranking through opening slots, before eventually

landing at the Caterwaul festival in Minneapolis. After their set they talked with Minneapolis indie label Learning Curve Records, who went on to release the duo’s selftitled album last year.

They’ve already sold out of the first pressing of the debut record, far surpassing any expectations Bickel said he had, with rave reviews pouring in from across the US and Europe, and they are now preparing for the release of their second album, Casket Schwagg , due out May 9 via Learning Curve Records.

Due to the pandemic, Bickel recorded Bronson Arm’s debut himself in his basement, which he had built as more of a practice space. So this time around he was happy to record with Addison Eilers at Analog Time Machine in Whitehall, with mixing by Brandon Eggleston, while still mastering the record himself.

“Being able to focus on the performance and the music and those sides of things and not have to worry about all the technical things while the performance is happening, I think it translates (into the record),” Bickel said about what was different about this recording process. “I love our first record. I’m very proud of it. But having been behind the scenes, and going through it all, this one just feels a little bit more

| by Eric Mitts

natural to me.”

Although not a politically charged band, Bronson Arm admit that this is a politically charged record.

“I like things to be open ended,” Bickel said about his lyrics, and the album’s title, Casket Schwagg. “I don’t like things to be perfectly described. I want the listener, or the viewer… to find their own meaning. So Casket Schwagg for me has a variety of different meanings. And I’m OK with any of them. But I think one of the reoccurring themes from the first record and this new record are a disdain for capitalism gone awry… I know that capitalism as a concept is getting a lot of heat and negativity. And I’m

not necessarily saying I dislike all things about capitalism, but when capitalism turns into Wall Street and corporations, I think it’s tied in with politics. And those are the aspects of capitalism that drive me crazy. And Casket Schwagg generally was the idea of putting something to rest.” ■

BRONSON ARM

Casket Schwagg Album Release Wsg. Brother Wolf, Lucius Fox Bell’s Eccentric Cafe Back Room, 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo

May 15, 8 p.m., $10, 18 and older Bronsonarm.bandcamp.com, events.bellsbeer.com

FORTUNE FEIMSTER: Good Luck, Good Laughs, Good Gravy

| by Eric Mitts

Superstar standup Fortune Feimster will be the first to tell you how lucky she feels to have the success she’s had in her nearly 20-year comedy career.

Fully embodying the improv mantra of always saying “yes, and…” Feimster has worked incredibly hard, first finding her footing doing sketch comedy with the legendary Groundlings Comedy Theatre in L.A. back in 2005 – before discovering her standup voice years later, and breaking out on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” in 2010.

“I think that’s when my career started to take off,” Feimster said about switching to stand up. “I think before, people would think I was funny when I was doing sketch, but they didn’t really know who I was, or what my voice was. They just saw me as a very silly person, but not really with a specific point of view. I think once I started talking about myself, and my stories, and I was just more of a storyteller, that’s when people started to really resonate with me. So once I found standup, it was kind of off to the races.”

Originally from North Carolina, Feimster has since toured all over the country, performing to bigger and bigger audiences each time, and effortlessly winning over new fans with her signature Southern charm.

She’s also released three hit Netflix comedy specials – 2020’s “Sweet and Salty,” 2023’s “Good Fortune,” and “Crushing It,” released last December.

“Those early days, I think it was just me getting comfortable,” Feimster said. “So much of stand up is just making the audience feel at ease. And that takes time.

It’s not something that people just get overnight. So once I started getting more comfortable on stage then I was able to really focus on the material. And I think doing my first special ‘Sweet and Salty’ had a big influence on me as far as finding my voice, and what works. And I just feel like ever since then, I’ve really leaned into the storytelling even more, and that’s kind of where the sweet spot is for me now.”

Feimster will return to DeVos Performance Hall for two shows May 16. She has a personal history with Michigan as well, as her wife Jacquelyn “Jax” Smith is from here, and she has come to visit her family and explore our great state many times.

Her current “Takin’ Care of Biscuits” Comedy Tour is her first since the release of her latest special, “Crushing It,” and will feature all new material, which is a perpetually daunting task in the life of a standup comedian.

“Every time you put out an hour, you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, what is going to be the next hour? What am I going to talk about?’ You always feel like that’s it. The well is dry. But it just forces you to dig deeper and think about life and where you’re at. I always like to talk about what I’m going through as far as the stage of what part of my life I’m in.

“So I have another fun travel story, and I’m digging into my childhood a lot more. I did that with ‘Sweet and Salty,’ and those tended to be the jokes that people remembered and would recite back to me. So I thought it’d be fun to really think about some more of those ridiculous stories that I had from that time in my life.”

As a comedian touring at such a turbulent time for the country, Feimster explained how she feels people will always need silliness even amidst all the politics, and how making a personal connection from the stage means even more to her now.

“It’s pretty daunting,” she said. “I consider my job to be making people laugh. If you want to hear political commentary, or take on what’s happening in the world, there’s much more knowledgeable people to do that. I know where my lane is, and my lane is in these stories, and sharing my journey, giving people some levity during the crazy times.

“I mean, people that really pay attention to my stories can see some are just silly, and then others have a deeper thing underneath. ‘Sweet and Salty’ is about coming out. And even though it’s a very silly story about how that happened, what’s underneath is, ‘Hey, this is a very difficult conversation, and it’s a conversation that gay people are terrified to have because they think they are going to be disowned by the people that they love most in the world.’ That’s what I’m saying. But I’m delivering it via a really funny, ridiculous story. So, the messages are always there. It’s whether or not you hear it.” ■

FORTUNE FEIMSTER: TAKIN’ CARE OF BISCUITS COMEDY TOUR DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids May 16, 7 p.m. (almost sold out) and 9:30 p.m., $24.25+ Fortunefeimster.com, devosperformancehall.com

For an extended version of this interview, head to revuewm.com.

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

HIT THE ROAD

| by Allison Kay Bannister

Iusually try to keep it closer to home for this column, but I’m mentally in road trip mode, so I thought I’d send us on a little adventure. May is the perfect time, IMO, to visit Dow Gardens in Midland, Michigan, because it is absolutely exploding with color and blooms. And, after a winter of drab hues and a spring of muddy shoes, it’s just what we need to extend our hope that summer is actually coming.

While it’s about a two-hour drive from northeast GR, it’s definitely worth hopping in the car with friends or the fam to visit this mid-Michigan destination. But, a word of caution: Think hard about who you’re going to go on a longish drive with. That’s all I’m gonna say!

When you first arrive, it’s hard not to immediately start snapping pics. Even the entry area is filled with seasonal flowers and it’s just a preview of what’s beyond. Once within the park, there are numerous paths to take, with water features and eye-appealing bridges scattered throughout.

For my group, one of the coolest parts was the canopy walk located in the Whiting Forest portion of Dow Gardens. It’s 1,400 feet long and looms several dozen feet above the ground, providing exceptional views of the surroundings. It has three arms, and each has its own point

of interest. Don’t miss the glass-floored overlook from the Orchard Arm!

Along the way, there is a rope bridge that leads to a wooden, treehouse-like pod. It’s a trick for the balance challenged, but there’s a sense of triumph in making it there (just remember you also have to go back and there’s only one way to do it!). If you’re an adult, you’ll be contending with kids as you try to scale the levels of the treehouse, but, as we’re all taught at a young age, “Sharing is Caring,” so modeling good behavior is recommended. :Wink:

All this trekking and climbing calls for a stop at the café, located at the base of this menagerie of trees and walkways and diversions. I got ice cream, because that’s what I do, but there are also other snacks and refreshments to refuel with.

Speaking of which… I have to admit that at least part of my motivation for making this trip was to stop at Egyptian Koshery for a “Taste of Cairo.” They’re currently located in Midland Mall’s food court. (For a brief time, there was a location here in downtown GR and it was so crave inducing that I had to seek them out after they closed to focus 100% on their main restaurant.) Definitely try the eponymous dish and you’ll understand my obsession.

Thinking a couple hours is too long to take in picturesque

paths, when there could be something comparable nearby? West Michigan has plenty to offer, as well. Of course, there’s Frederik Meijer Gardens, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2025. From the conservatory to the children’s garden to the sculpture collection to the summer concerts, there is always a variety of things to do and see.

Lesser known, and smaller in scale, is the Kent/MSU Extension Grand Ideas Garden (GIG) at 775 Ball Ave. NE. Talk about a hidden gem! This cool spot has paved paths, a pond with a waterfall, and lots of places to sit or have a picnic. It’s free and open year round.

There’s also the poppy field at Pleasant Hill Blueberry Farm in Fennville, technically in southwest Michigan, that has a very timing-specific draw that’s especially enchanting for flower lovers. This massive, four-acre tribute that the farm owners planted in memory of their son typically is at its peak around mid-June.

And, let’s not forget Windmill Island Gardens in Holland. Not only is there the famous Tulip Time, running May 2-11, 2025, but there are all kinds of things to explore at this 36-acre park, open through early October. They have themed gardens, sculptures, natural areas for walking, a working street organ and carousel, and the historic windmill “de Zwaan,” which visitors can tour. ■

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALLISON KAY BANNISTER

THE GREAT, BIG STORY BEHIND LITTLEBIRD

| by Allison Kay Bannister

In last month’s issue, we talked with several restaurateurs who have the uncommon approach of changing their menus regularly. Some of our readers might have wondered, “Hey, where’s Littlebird in this mix?!”

Well, a funny thing happened. Sometimes, as writers, we don’t get enough to work with when conducting interviews. Other times, we get a whole story in one conversation. And, that brings us to where we are today, after sitting down in-house with Littlebird’s GM, Christian Stachel.

The place was humming, despite the timing of our meeting being between lunch and dinner. That’s a testament to the robustness of Grand Rapids’ food scene, as well as its residents’ craving for something fresh and interesting. And, while Littlebird isn’t new—it was opened by owners Joel Wabeke and Sarah Wepman in 2017—what is new is what’s being created in the kitchen every week.

Originally hailing from Detroit, Stachel noted that Greater Grand Rapids’ population growth is surpassing the Motor City’s and that people are coming here from other larger cities, even as far away as the West Coast, often for greater quality of life and lower cost of living. With this influx comes the expectation of more diverse dining options— like what was available back home.

“I find that there aren’t enough places willing to offer that variety and originality to them,” Stachel said. And, while responding to a need is one thing, the Littlebird team is really operating more on a philosophy.

“Within a small house, within a relatively small menu, there are so many ideas that we want to explore, and no one menu can possibly touch on all of those,” he said. “So, for us, it comes down to an approach that stems from our principles, and what we hold to be most important, including working closely in support of local food systems and West Michigan farms, as much as possible.”

Littlebird also tries to keep a balance between the real cost of quality ingredients from local farms and small suppliers, and a sense of real value for the quality and creativity of what’s being served—without sacrificing the integrity of their commitment, both to the ingredients and to their guests.

Working with smaller, local farms means working within finite parameters, especially with regard to shorter growing cycles for certain ingredients. But, limited availability from farms does create a positive tension that Stachel and all of the staff embrace.

“Chef Dave vanderLaan is a really creative and artistic-minded chef—and he’s always working on what’s next alongside me, always pushing things forward,” Stachel said. “When we draw together farms, from-scratch cooking, a talented chef, and

working within relatively limited means, we have the opportunity to fall in love with things just in time for them to slip through our fingers. I know that sounds a bit romantic, but that’s really how it boils down.”

And, yet, for all the change, they do maintain a measure of consistency. Not only do they have staples that are continually on the menu, they also aim to satisfy expected categories. So, guests will always find vegan and vegetarian options, as well as pasta, seafood, cheese, and meat dishes.

“We’ve been adapting our strategy to ensure that, while we’re going to stay hyper seasonal with the menu changing all the time, we’re also creating a more approachable aspect,” Stachel said. “It really matters for us to be welcoming and comfortable and also reassuring that each time you come in, while things may change, no one is left behind. There are definitely a lot of open minded folks, too, who come in every week or two asking, ‘What’s new?’. We’re thankful for that.”

And, here’s where the conversation turned to the difference between “service” and “hospitality”. While providing service to customers is more or less an exchange that fulfills their needs, providing hospitality takes that transaction to the next level. “It’s about authenticity and soulfulness,” Stachel said. “It asks a different question: ‘What is it that we can do to improve someone’s life, if only for the short time that they’re with us?’”

Littlebird staff at every level embody hospitality by showcasing what they’ve explored locally, sharing their ideas and passion, and bringing the best to their clientele. “It’s a mark of welcome,” Stachel said. “Because if that’s our focus, and we start to ask ourselves questions about the measures we’re taking and the ways that we want to ensure that people feel cared for, the outcome is something that feels really considerate and respectful.”

That’s an attitude that extends beyond the customer experience and into the kitchen itself, where they strive to eliminate waste in every way that they possibly can. Whether it’s mushroom and vegetable trimmings, rendered fat, or whole chickens that they break down for stock or other flavorings, they try to use every part. “There’s a thoughtful responsibility that we hold to be very important,” Stachel said.

That’s something they don’t just talk about, but actually practice actively every day. “We are extraordinarily fortunate in West Michigan to have unbelievable access to amazing produce and beyond,” he said. “We want to honor that for the community we live in and for the people we serve.” ■

Littlebird. / General Manager, Christian Stachel. COURTESY PHOTOS

Grand Rapids in a Glass:

10 ICONIC COCKTAILS

| by Josh Veal

Every cocktail has a legacy, and some last longer than others.

Across the many bars and restaurants of Grand Rapids, there are a number of drinks that have become institutions in their own right. While some spots prefer the variety of a frequently changing menu—like Buffalo Trader’s Lounge, Sidebar and Drip Drop Cocktail Room—others have favorites that stand the test of time. So, here are some of what we consider to be the most iconic cocktails in Grand Rapids.

LONG ROAD DISTILLERS: Polish Falcon

A longtime favorite at Long Road (to the point they decided to can it up) the Polish Falcon is as refreshing as it is sharp. Built on a base of Original Vodka—crafted right on-site—it mingles with ginger beer, lemongrass, and a squeeze of lime for a citrusy snap that’s equal parts bold and breezy. It’s the kind of drink that feels like summer all year long.

SPEAKEZ LOUNGE: Red Rum

With a name that nods to a certain haunted hotel, the Red Rum is anything but spooky—unless you’re afraid of flavor. This house blend of rums is infused with pineapple, vanilla beans, and sugar cane, then served over ice with pineapple juice and garnished with a boozy chunk of rum-soaked pineapple. It’s a potent little tropical vacation.

BUTCHER'S UNION: Roses Are Free

Romantic, bitter, and bold—just like your favorite breakup album—Roses Are Free is a Butcher’s Union classic. Wild Turkey 101 Rye and Averna Amaro meet house rosemary syrup and Peychaud’s bitters for a cocktail that’s herbal, rich, and plenty smoky, especially with that singed rosemary sprig on top.

MO’S COCKTAIL LOUNGE: The Ashtray

Don’t let the name fool you—this smoky-sweet concoction is a showstopper. Reposado tequila, Cointreau, and Disaronno get a lift from Italian red wine, agave, citrus, and a black salt rim. The final flourish? A candy cigarette. Mo’s blends kitsch and class in equal measure, and The Ashtray is proof.

MAX’S SOUTH SEAS HIDEAWAY:

Max’s Barrel o’ Rum

You didn’t think we’d forget the tiki bar, did you? Max’s Barrel o’ Rum is their secret weapon: a hulking, boozy blend of full-bodied rums from around the globe, citrus juice, and just enough mystery to keep you guessing. Served in a rum barrel mug, it’s part drink, part legend.

MAMMOTH DISTILLING: The Dude

A White Russian walks into a dive bar. Just add a splash of Coca-Cola and you’ve got The Dude—Mammoth Distilling’s laid-back nod to the Big Lebowski. It’s smooth, sweet, and cozy enough to feel like a classic Michigan winter nightcap.

GENERAL WOOD SHOP: Stifler’s Mom

If you like your cocktails with a wink, Stifler’s Mom is calling. Eastern Kille Dry Gin pairs with elderflower liqueur, lemon, and a fizzy finish of champagne. It’s floral, bright, and effortlessly cheeky.

LUMBER BARON BAR: The Baroness

Decadence in a glass. The Baroness is as elegant as its namesake venue, tucked inside the historic Amway Grand Plaza. With Belvedere vodka, St. Germaine, lemon, blackberry gastrique, and a crown of prosecco, it’s a sparkling, berry-kissed beauty best enjoyed in velvet armchairs under crystal chandeliers.

ONE BOURBON: Pecan & Peach Old Fashioned

An Old Fashioned with a Southern twang, this One Bourbon staple is all about comfort with a twist. Two bourbons—Old Charter and Benchmark—are stirred with roasted pecans, peach simple syrup, peach bitters, and a dash of saline. The pièce de résistance? A cinnamon-sugar brûléed peach perched on top.

EASTERN KILLE DISTILLERY: PREMXD Espresso Martini

Eastern Kille takes the edge off with this ultraconvenient yet completely luxurious pre-mixed Espresso Martini. Vodka and house-made coffee liqueur pair up with locally roasted cold brew and a hint of simple syrup. All you have to do is chill it, shake it, and pretend you made it from scratch. ■

MEET YOUR MAKER: Crafting Michigan Wine

| by Allison Kay Bannister

With well over 100 wineries in Michigan, and a quest to find a winemaker to talk shop with, where does one begin? It seemed logical to tap into the connections of one of our favorite wine experts in Grand Rapids: Martha’s Vineyard.

Indeed, they had suggestions, and Old Mission Peninsula’s Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery rose to the top. Not only do they have an interesting origin story and many accolades, they also have on staff Coenraad Stassen, Director of Winemaking & Estate Manager, who was eager to talk with us. Here’s that conversation!

TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF AND HOW WINEMAKING BECAME AN ART AND PASSION FOR YOU.

I was born on a farm in South Africa with mixed agriculture including wine grapes.

From a young age, I enjoyed helping my dad working in the vineyards. I enjoyed the farm life and freedom it provided. After high school, I worked at a local winery for the harvest season and then attended Elsenburg Agricultural College in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

I spent eight years honing my winemaking skills in South Africa before moving to Northern Michigan in 2003. I still call Michigan home today. I always knew that I did not pick farming and winemaking, but it picked me and that is

where the passion comes from. The art part is trial and error, plus a “never give up” attitude that I was born with.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO COME TO THE US AND WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO PURSUE WINEMAKING HERE?

I wanted to experience other regions and learn new winemaking techniques while I was trying to pursue excellence in crafting South African wines. That led me to applying for an 18-month internship to work on Old Mission Peninsula. One of the deciding factors that led me to Northern Michigan was the ability to produce ice wines. I had read about the process and the wines, but wanted to experience making them for myself.

WHAT DOES MAKING WINE IN MICHIGAN ENTAIL AND HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM THE PROCESS, GRAPES, AND CONDITIONS AS COMPARED TO OTHER PLACES?

Every country, region, and even vineyard has its own unique microclimate that has been shaped over millions of years. Every region has pros and cons for farming and growing wine grapes.

Making wine in Michigan requires you to think outside the box and be practical, but also innovative in your pursuit of making great wines. Some of the biggest differences in how the fruit ripens would

be topography, soil composition, sunlight hours in a day, the average temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and disease pressure. Very few vineyard sites are perfect, but each site has the ability to create wine that is unique to that location. That is the reason you can have wineries a few hundred yards apart creating the same wine varietal that taste completely different.

WHAT GOES INTO CRAFTING AN AWARD-WINNING WINE?

I think crafting an award-winning wine means something different to each winemaker.

For some, it means creating a wine that brings people together that can be shared around a meal or campfire: A conversation piece of time and place; wine that makes people smile and appreciate the finer things in life.

For other winemakers, it is the pursuit of getting ever closer to crafting wine that reaches 100 points on a well-known critics’s list or wine publication. The journey is similar, but the results are two very different things. That is what makes wine and the people who craft them so amazing.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE WINE THAT YOU MAKE? IF SO, WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT IT?

I enjoy all the wines we produce, and I try to create them all with the same amount of passion and excellence. If I had to pick,

then I would say the red wines from our Estate would be among my favorites.

Reds take a little more patience and understanding of viticulture to truly harvest the natural flavors and nuances that each varietal has to offer. Red wines are like creating Picassos. They take time, patience, and the ability to not rush the process—a skill I did not develop until later in my career.

WHY DO YOU THINK WINE SEEMS TO BE GAINING POPULARITY LATELY?

I think people love the idea of wine and how it brings people together. There is a certain mystery surrounding wines and each wine has a story to tell. More vineyards are following the European model of sustainability in farming, preserving the land for the next generation and being stewards of the land, and I think that is something we can all get behind and something we can fall in love with.

I think at this moment it is very important to support our local wineries and to help grow our industry as a whole. The Michigan wines you purchased twenty years ago are not the same wines being created today. We are creating world-class wines in Michigan—wines with a purpose that show our love for farming and grape growing, while preserving our land for future generations. ■

BEYOND THE GRAPES: Wineries with More to Offer

| by Josh Veal

Lake Michigan has given us the gift of wine—and a lot of it.

There are more than 200 wineries in the Mitten State, and just about all of them fall in the Western half. The lake effect weather and rolling hills of Southwestern Michigan and Leelanau Peninsula especially make for great vino conditions, with a history going back to the 18th Century.

If you’ve ever been on a wine trail, you know one of the best parts of vineyards is not just the wine but the beautiful scenery, large patios, historic tasting rooms and more. The fun of wineries goes beyond the glass—though good liquid certainly helps.

Here are just a few of the many Michigan wineries with plenty to do and see:

CODY KRESTA VINEYARD & WINERY

45727 27th St., Mattawan / codykrestawinery.com

Tucked into a vintage homestead, Cody Kresta is the epitome of small-winery charm. This familyrun operation, managed by a third generation of grape growers, feels like a Tuscan getaway— complete with a warm, rustic tasting room and a serene waterfall gurgling just outside. The wine list is both robust and refined, with vintages dating back to 2017. Want the insider experience? Ask about the underground barrel room tour and keep an eye on their calendar for fun, intimate events year-round.

ROBINETTE’S APPLE HAUS & WINERY

3142 4 Mile Rd. NE, Grand Rapids / robinettes.com

Robinette’s is not your typical winery either, as it’s also an 125-acre orchard with a variety of fruit, a cidery, a historic Apple Haus serving up fresh-baked goods, a shop offering all kinds of Michiganmade products, a 5-mile nature trail, a jumping pillow, AND in autumn, a corn maze, wagon rides and petting zoo. And they’ve been serving wine since 2006. The tasting room in a cozy old barn is full of interesting flavors, including quite a few fruit wines, mulled wine and even a chocolate wine. Plus, you get to keep the glass when you leave, and can bring it back next trip for half-off the tasting.

ST. JULIAN

4425 14 Mile Rd. NE, Rockford / 716 S. Kalamazoo St., Paw Paw 9145 Union Pier Rd, Union Pier / stjulian.com

With three tasting rooms in West Michigan, you’re never far from St. Julian. The mothership is in Paw Paw, with a tasting room, the Apollo Room and a patio, offering not just wine but cider, cocktails and slushies—and of course, tours of the production facility that include an exclusive barrel tasting and charcuterie. At the Rockford location, you can enjoy Flo’s Wood Fired Pizza in addition to all those beverages. And if you’re on your way to or from Chicago, stop by the Union Pier location to enjoy a large patio. Plus, they have tons of events like art and craft parties, and if you join their wine club, you’ll get complimentary tastings and discounted wines at every location.

CHATEAU CHANTAL

15900 Rue Devin, Traverse City / chateauchantal.com

Chateau Chantal boasts a huge, gorgeous estate perched on a tall hill with spectacular views of the Grand Traverse Bay. The tasting room inside is robust, but the patio and its sights are hard to resist. Of course, Chantal’s wine selection is fittingly expansive as well, perfect for flights. It’s also an excellent destination for foodies, hosting events frequently like the Handmade Sauces Cooking Class on May 10, various Wine Dinners, Tapas Tours, and the 31st year of Jazz at Sunset, with mesmerizing tunes from the Jeff Haas Trio every Thursday night in summer. While you’re up north, consider staying at the B&B, filled with cozy rooms and spacious suites, each offering views of the vineyard and freshwater bays.

TABOR HILL & ROUND BARN

185 Mt Tabor Rd, Buchanan  /  10983 Hills Rd, Baroda / moerschhg.com

These two sister properties—just under a mile apart—make for a dreamy wine-country stroll. Follow the 3.5-mile trail winding through vineyards and woods (wine glass in hand, naturally), and you’ll hit both destinations. Tabor Hill offers fine wine and Friday date night specials, while Round Barn brings a lively scene and craft beverages to match. Make it a weekend by booking one of their stylish vacation rentals—like the elegant Estate House just steps from the action.

BLACK STAR WINERY

10844 E. Revold Road, Suttons Bay / blackstarfarms.com

Settle into the scenic side of M-22 at Black Star Farms, a 160-acre gem that blends high-end hospitality with down-to-earth warmth. Their award-winning wines are only the beginning—you’ll also find a luxurious equestrian-inspired Inn, the seasonal Hearth & Vine Café, and experiences like estate tours, wine cave visits, and progressive food-and-wine tastings. Voted Best Wine Country Hotel by USA Today in 2020, this Leelanau Peninsula estate is a must for lovers of great wine and gracious living.

HUDSONVILLE WINERY

3768 Chicago Dr, Hudsonville / hudsonvillewinery.com

Hudsonville Winery brings a laid-back twist to the traditional tasting room. Sip your way through a fun lineup of flavorful wines in a casual setting that also serves up Pike 51 Brewing’s craft beers and hard seltzers. Summer’s the sweet spot—don’t miss their Polar Pouch frozen wine slushies, the ultimate cool-down treat on a hot day. ■

Chateau Chantal, Tabor HIll & Round Barn, Cody Kresta Vineyard & Winery. COURTESY PHOTOS

Summer in West Michigan is when we finally break free from the icy shackles of winter and get to play in the sun.

Reading by the beach, eating on a patio, long walks through the woods, throwing a brat on the grill—that’s what summer is all about. The only problem is, the season is so fun and jampacked, it always flies by at least speed. That’s why we think it’s a good idea to create a Summer Bucket List, ensuring you make things happen before fall suddenly arrives. Here are a few of our suggestions for your summer planning.

U-PICK FRUIT

You’ll never get fresher fruit than plucking it right off the tree and popping it in your mouth, and there’s something truly magical about waking up early to beat the sun’s heat and heading out to a farm or orchard for just that. Growing up in West Michigan, many of us have memories of steadily harvesting a bucketful of berries to be enjoyed in jams, baked goods and by the handful. Plus, because you’re doing the work, it’s more affordable than the grocery store! Check out places like Ed Dunneback & Girls, Visser Farms, Krupp Farms and more.

ENJOY ART BY THE BEACH

The annual Lakeshore Art Festival features a unique blend of fine art, handcrafted goods, music, food, and fun in beautiful Downtown Muskegon. Across two days in June 28-29, you can experience nearly 250 juried fine art and specialty craft exhibitors, a Children’s Lane, artisan food market, street performers, interactive art stations, and so much more!

EXPLORE AMAN PARK’S NATURAL BEAUTY

With trails that stretch no more than 1.5 miles each (giving plenty of opportunities to explore them all), Aman Park offers accessible hiking surrounded by lush trees, bubbling streams, and rolling hills. This west-side gem feels like a little slice of Middle Earth right in the city.

EXPERIENCE THE COAST GUARD FESTIVAL

The Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven, held July 25-August 3rd, brings together parades, shopping, and small-town fun. Vendors offer handmade goods like earrings crafted from Michigan wood, and the parade adds excitement—complete with firetrucks cooling off the crowd with their hoses. Afterward, many visitors make a stop at the Pump House for frozen yogurt enjoyed on whimsical swing chairs.

KICK BACK AND RELAX AT KENTWOOD SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Grab a blanket or chair and join the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall for their Summer Concert Series! Concerts take place on Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:30pm and feature a variety of rotating food trucks every week. You can see groups like Tony Thompson & Friends performing funk and Motown, cover bands like That Beatles Thing, big band ensemble Hark Up Horns and more. Concertgoers are also welcome to bring their own beer or wine to the show.

DISCOVER THE UPPER PENINSULA

The natural wonders of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula never disappoint. Families traveling with campers often choose to explore spots like Tahquamenon Falls and Pictured Rocks. Hiking, biking, kayaking, and panoramic views make this an unforgettable summer adventure.

PADDLEBOARD AND KAYAK LOCAL WATERS

West Michigan offers a paradise for water recreation. Paddleboarding on Reeds Lake, Green Lake, and Duncan Lake is a favorite pastime, while a kayak trip down the Rogue River remains a summer tradition. With so many nearby lakes and rivers, it’s easy to plan a full season of aquatic fun.

ENJOY A WHITECAPS GAME

milb.com/west-michigan

A summer evening at an LMCU Ballpark Whitecaps game offers more than baseball. Visitors can enjoy hot dogs, seasonal food creations, cold beer, and between-inning games and sing-alongs that add to the experience. A home run is a bonus, but the ballpark fun is worth the visit on its own.

TRY A NEW BEACH

Ready for some new lakeside scenery? Lucky for you, the coast of Lake Michigan is full of an endless variety of beaches, whether you want to brave the stairs at Laketown Beach for a more secluded experience, or visit Grand Haven for the kind of beach you see in movies—filled to the brim with people making sandcastles, playing volleyball, cranking tunes and chowing down on boardwalk snacks. Then there’s the Kruse Park Dog Beach for the furry friends, the lengthy Oval Beach giving you access to Saugatuck, the dunes of P.J. Hoffmaster, the luscious scenery of Rosy Mound, and much more!

CRUISE THE RIVER IN A RETRO BOAT retroboatrentals.com

Set sail in style aboard a vintage 1950s-era motorboat with Retro Boat Rentals. Their fleet includes colorful, retro-styled boats perfect for two to four people, as well as pontoon, donut, and Duffy boats for groups. Guests can cruise along the Kalamazoo River, bring a pup along for the ride, and enjoy food and drinks on the patio at The Old Boat House after docking.

CATCH A DOUBLE FEATURE AT THE DRIVE-IN celebrationcinema.com/cinemas/Getty-Drive-In The Getty Drive-In in Muskegon is a throwback favorite for movie-goers. Gates open at 8:00 p.m., with films starting at dusk. Visitors can grab snacks from the concession stand or order food online for car-side delivery. It’s wise to purchase tickets ahead of time to secure a spot during peak season. ■

Lakeshore Art Festival (left), Ed Dunneback & Girls (bottom left). COURTESY PHOTOS / Coast Guard Festival. PHOTO © BRIAN KROTSER

Gardens are blooming and crops are ripe—it’s the time of year when farmers are seeing their hard work come to fruition.

Which also means it’s the perfect time to get out and savor the season at your local farmers market.

Whether you’re after crisp produce, pasture-raised meats, fresh-cut flowers, homemade jam, hand-thrown pottery, or just some good oldfashioned people-watching, there’s something for everyone.

Beyond just location, each farmers market around West Michigan offers something a little different in terms of vendors, activities and events, so check out our annual roundup here.

KENTWOOD FARMERS MARKET

4900 Breton Rd. SE, Grand Rapids Kentwood.us/farmers_market.php

Held on Thursdays from June 5-August 21, Kentwood’s Farmers Market goes above and beyond to bring the fun, with a different theme each week bringing new activities. For instance, June 12 is Art at the Market, where you can paint some produce to create unique art! July 24 will be Christmas in July, a mid-summer celebration of the festive holiday. August 7 is Throwback Thursday, with a night of retro fun featuring your favorite hits from the 70s and 80s. Dress vintage and enter the costume contest for a prize! Then August 14 is the Back to School Bash, featuring a foam party, school supply giveaway and more. Plus, throughout June, you can enjoy free Zumba at 5 p.m. Head to the Kentwood City Hall every Thursday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., to explore a dynamic lineup of produce, breads, micro-greens, and more.

MUSKEGON FARMERS MARKET

242 W. Western Ave., Muskegon muskegonfarmersmarket.com

More than 100 years strong and one of the largest in the state, the Muskegon Farmers Market is “more than a market—it’s an experience.” With over 150 stalls, food trucks, live bands, kids activities, and longtime vendors who’ve been part of the scene for decades, it’s a bustling hub of flavors, crafts, and community. Visit in the summer and fall on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m., and check out the sprawling flea market for some treasure hunting on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

FULTON STREET MARKET

1145 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids fultonstreetmarket.org

A Grand Rapids staple since 1922, Fulton Street Market is open year-round and packed with seasonal produce, handmade goods, and local flavor. Saturdays feel like a neighborhood block party, complete with food trucks, live music, and well over 100 booths of rotating vendors and family farms. Come winter, it keeps going with a “second season” featuring indoor vendors and holiday cheer. As we step into the main season, join the bustling market on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., running until October.

HOLLAND FARMERS MARKET

150 W. 8th St., Holland hollandfarmersmarket.com

Journey to Eighth Street Market Place in Holland for a captivating market experience. Starting May 14 through October, visit every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Throughout the season, the Holland Farmers Market offers a wide variety of plants and flowers for your home and garden, the freshest fruits and vegetables you can buy, and farm-raised meat and eggs, along with irresistible baked goods, specialty food products, and ready-toeat foods made with the highest quality ingredients. With over 75 local farmers and vendors joining us throughout the year, you’re guaranteed friendly service with a smile no matter what you’re shopping for.

KALAMAZOO FARMERS MARKET

1204 Banks St., Kalamazoo pfcmarkets.com

With over 100 local farmers, food businesses and artisans every week, the Kalamazoo Farmers Market has no shortage of options for everyone. Open every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. through November, plus Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., you also have plenty of opportunities to visit. PLUS, the lively Night Markets held every Third Thursday from June to September, 5-1 p.m., with live music, food trucks, and artisanal goods.

ST. JOSEPH FARMERS MARKET

516 Broad St., St Joseph stjoetoday.com/farmersmarket

Set against the gorgeous backdrop of Lake Michigan at Lake Bluff Parket, this market is as much about the view as the veggies. From fine pastries to organic vegetables, this Saturday market offers a delightful array of local treasures and special activities for the family (music, magic, pickling, canning, cornhusk dolls). You can head here every Saturday, May 24 through October 11.

ADA FARMERS MARKET

7239 Thornapple Drive Dr. SE, Ada adafarmersmarket.com

Head to The Community Church in Ada every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a family-friendly market experience. Running from June 3 to October 28, enjoy more than 35 vendors and engaging children’s activities through the “Kids in the Market” program. Live music adds to the vibrant atmosphere.

Ada Farmers Market, Kentwood Farmers Market, Fulton Street Market.

COURTESY PHOTOS

ROCKFORD FARMERS MARKET

181 S. Main St., Rockford rockford.mi.us

Visit the new city lot behind the Rockford Post Office every Saturday from May 3 to October 25, with the market open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. This market proudly participates in the SNAP program, offering significant discounts through the “Double Up Food” program. Take advantage of this opportunity to support local businesses and enjoy fresh, affordable groceries. Plus, downtown Rockford itself is full of boutiques, restaurants and bars to enjoy!

GRAND HAVEN FARMERS MARKET

301 N. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven facebook.com/ grandhavenfarmersmarket

Set alongside the waterfront at Chinook Pier, Grand Haven’s market is full of local charm and lakeside vibes. With fresh produce, flowers, and handmade goods, it’s a perfect pairing with a morning walk on the boardwalk or a stop at a nearby café. Explore Saturdays starting May 3 through October, and Wednesdays starting in June. ■

DA VOICE IN EVERY NOTE:

Daniela Liebman at The Gilmore

aniela Liebman was 11, maybe 12, when it began to make sense. She had moved to Texas, where she was studying piano with Tamás Ungár. She was practicing the opening of a Mendelssohn piece on a little upright piano, trying to understand what a festival teacher was explaining, when suddenly she did.

Describing that moment now, she sounds awed. “I’d had this idea that when you play a note, there’s nothing else you can do–that you can’t manipulate it any longer. But the note’s still growing and decaying. It almost becomes a creature of its own, independent of you. If I really tuned into it, I could pick up a note, as it was decaying, with a second note. It would sound like part of the same breath. No wonder people liked this!”

She was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, daughter to a Mexican mother and American father. At a very young age, she began to study the rudiments of ballet, piano, and chess. She began to play chess competitively, but discovered she didn’t enjoy it. “Piano was probably what I had the most natural talent at,” she said. “Not that I was very good at that, either. It was like 2% more than the other two.”

She debuted with the Aguascalientes Symphony at age 8, before she knew enough–or cared enough–to be nervous. “I remember not being nervous at all. It felt like it was time to go to the playground. Which is crazy looking back! But there wasn’t an ounce of nervousness.” Having musicians in the family helped; her grandmother’s a pianist and her father plays violin.

Nerves would come later, after her epiphany at age 11 or 12. “I learned about color in music, and form, and sound, and how you can manipulate sound to create peaks…it just blew my mind. All of a sudden, this third plane of existence came into view.” Now there was a reason to be nervous, she realized. Now, there were stakes. Sometimes,

she’d become physically ill before a show. But that didn’t stop her from playing.

She continued to study. “I’m constantly listening to music,” she said. A huge part of life as a musician is hearing others play, something she’s grown to enjoy more and more in recent years, and something she views as anything but passive. “It takes a certain level of concentration to be present for someone. It’s a heavy thing.”

At 21, she has played with more than 30 orchestras, and on four continents. She’s released an acclaimed album of music by Schubert, Chopin, and Ponce. She’s been profiled on Amy Poehler’s “Smart Girls” organization and has been featured in Vanity Fair and GC Mexico. Forbes Mexico named her one of the country’s 100 most creative and powerful women.

On Sunday, May 11th, she will play Kalamazoo’s Wellspring Theater as part of the Gilmore’s 2024-2025 season. The Gilmore has named her one of this season’s Rising Stars.

The program will include music by Rachmaninoff, Beethoven, Berg, and others.The Rachmaninoff piece (“Lilacs” from 12 Romances, Op. 21, No. 5) is particularly personal. “I grew up with a very traditional diet of Schubert, Beethoven, and Mozart.” She didn’t have as much opportunity to explore Rachmaninoff as she wanted. “The first thing I did when I had the freedom to choose was to program him.”

She’ll also be playing Carassco’s “Mazurkas,” Nos. 4 and 7. Similar in length to the Rachmaninoff, they have sonic similarities, as well. “Something about Mexico and Russia connects really well.” Berg’s Sonata Op. 1 she describes as a “wild ride.” “It feels deeply familiar and deeply unfamiliar at the same time. I’ve fallen so in love with it!”

When describing Beethoven’s Sonata in G Major Op. 31, No. 1, another piece she’ll be playing, she uses a term not

| by John Kissane

often associated with classical music: funny. “It’s so funny! It’s unapologetically funny. It’s youthful, too.”

Schubert’s Allegretto in C Minor, D.915 is a tightrope. Simple and short–it’s about five minutes long–it opens the program. “It’s kind of dangerous. It’s so simple that if you don’t find the beauty in it and feel it during the moment, it comes across as extremely basic. There’s 1% of difference where if you cross this delicate, subtle line, it gets under your skin.”

After the program, Liebman will attend the afterparty, which she sees as an opportunity to further the connection with audience members she made onstage. “To play for a couple hundred strangers and just leave…that goes fundamentally against everything I’m trying to do with my music. Any musician at their core is trying to communicate.” To her, the social aspect is an extension: a further opportunity to share what she loves.

Asked what it is that makes the piano such a perfect instrument for solo music, she said that, at heart, the piano is an orchestra. “We can use so many different voices and textures. But it’s beyond that, too. There’s this moment sometimes when you see a pianist play, where they understand the instrument so well, and the music so well, that it doesn’t feel like they’re actually playing the piano. It’s not just a pattern of eighth notes or quarter notes. It comes out as gestures, or laughter, or a voice. Nothing else is missing. Everything is there.” ■

DANIELA LIEBMAN

The Gilmore Wellspring Theater May 11, 4 p.m. thegilmore.org

Daniela Liebman. PHOTOS COURTESY OF

MOVING WITH PURPOSE:

West Michigan Dance Companies

As a haven for the arts, it’s no surprise West Michigan is home to a vibrant and diverse dance scene.

We have a number of companies providing both classical ballet and contemporary dance at the highest level, constantly pushing dance to new spaces and new heights. Even Grand Rapids Ballet’s production of a classic like The Nutcracker is unique, original and innovative, a collaborative showcase of talent between the ballet, chorus and symphony. From traditional ballet companies to modern collectives (many of which are both), here’s a look at some of the most prominent dance organizations in the region.

GRAND RAPIDS BALLET / grballet.com

As the only fully professional ballet company in Michigan, Grand Rapids Ballet stands as a beacon of artistic excellence in West Michigan. Founded in 1972, the company has a long, rich history of presenting classic ballets like The Nutcracker , while also consistently embracing contemporary works that push the boundaries of traditional dance at the highest level. Their mission is to lift the human spirit through the power of dance, and they play a pivotal role in the community, frequently collaborating with other organizations—including a May performance, Be Here Now —and offering classes and outreach programs.

DEOS CONTEMPORARY BALLET / deosballet.com

Deos Contemporary Ballet is a relatively new yet innovative force in the West Michigan dance scene. Focused on storytelling through ballet, Deos aims to make ballet more accessible and relatable to contemporary audiences. For instance, their December show was Cracked Nuts , an “adult” take on The Nutcracker. Their May show is Awaken Series 25 , featuring new works from new voices. With a dedication to high-level artistry, this company blends classical ballet techniques with modern choreography to create fresh, thought-provoking performances.

WELLSPRING/CORI TERRY & DANCERS / wellspringdance.org

Located in Kalamazoo, Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers is a pillar in Michigan’s contemporary dance world. Founded by Cori Terry in 1980, the company has become renowned for its experimental and boundary-pushing choreography. Wellspring emphasizes collaboration with other art forms, often integrating live music and visual

| by Josh Veal

arts into their performances. The company is perhaps best known for hosting Midwest RADFest, a Regional Alternative Dance Festival that invites innovative, cutting-edge dancers and dancemakers from around the world. You can check out the 17th annual RADFest in February of next year.

CPR DANCE: INHALE MOVEMENT / inhalemovement.com

CPR Dance: Inhale Movement, founded by choreographer Danielle Willson, creates performances that bridge the gap between dance and social justice. Known for their expressive and visceral choreography, CPR focuses on promoting awareness and dialogue around mental health, body image, and empowerment. The company’s work often involves community engagement, utilizing dance as a tool for healing and personal growth. Check their website for the new season.

MOVEMENT RESERVOIR DANCE COMPANY / movementreservoirdancecompany.com

Movement Reservoir was founded just a few years ago by Lachan Niedbala to provide a creative outlet for artists and increase the Kalamazoo community’s opportunity to experience dance. They strive to create a place for artists to express their artistic voices through dance while challenging themselves to grow in an uplifting environment.

C. GLASS DANCE CO. / cglassdanceco.com

C. Glass Dance Co. is a unique “semi-professional adult contemporary dance community,” led by Ciara Glass, open and inclusive to dancers of all types, whether it’s seasoned professionals or beginners taking their first steps. The company aims to create innovative, moving performances that inspire and challenge audiences, pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance by fusing technical precision with heartfelt storytelling. Their next big performance is Resuscitate on May 30-31, exploring the journey of releasing guilt, shame, and anger, allowing light and renewal to take their place.

BALLET KALAMAZOO / balletkalamazoo.com

A pillar of the Kalamazoo dance community, Ballet Kalamazoo focuses on providing a nurturing environment for its students. Their seasonal performances, including the holiday favorite The Nutcracker, bring joy to audiences while providing valuable performance opportunities for local dancers.

ATELIER DANCE COMPANY / atelierdanceco.com

Atelier Dance Company, based in Kentwood, was established in 2020 by Arye ShannonCarmichael as “a place to fill my artistic void and purge my choreographic ideas.” The idea was to provide a place for artists who want more than an adult dance class but less than a professional career in dance. Their focus on creating a collaborative and artistdriven environment has earned them a loyal following. Check out their show Foundations and the stories that built us on May 17.

WMU

DANCE / wmich.edu/dance

Western Michigan University’s dance program is home to a thriving community of dance artists. WMU Dance regularly stages performances that blend a variety of styles, including ballet, modern, jazz, and experimental dance. Their performances showcase both student choreography and works from esteemed guest artists.

DANCE IN THE ANNEX (DITA) / danceintheannex.com

Dance in the Annex, or DITA, is a contemporary dance collective based in Grand Rapids. Known for its cutting-edge performances and multimedia collaborations, DITA works at the intersection of dance, film, and visual art. The company strives to bring bold, avant-garde choreography to the West Michigan stage and often engages with themes of identity, technology, and the human condition. You’ll see them around town participating in dance festivals and other collaborative performances.

CARE BALLET / careballet.org

CARE Ballet is for everyone, but they focus on making ballet accessible to young audiences through family-friendly performances. CARE was founded in 1992 with the mission of introducing children to the joy of classical ballet in an educational and accessible way, through one-hour performances. Keep an eye out for their next season announcement. ■

MAYARTSCalendar

Arts exhibitions and performances have returned in full swing to West Michigan. This season, there’s absolutely no shortage of concerts, symphonies, plays, musicals, ballet, visual arts and beyond. We have big Broadway shows, intimate and progressive plays, live performances with symphonies, dancers taking to the stage, and powerful art exhibitions. Here’s our guide to arts events for the month.

ACTORS THEATRE

160 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids actorstheatregrandrapids.org

BOTTICELLI IN THE FIRE, May 1-10

AVENUE FOR THE ARTS avenueforthearts.co

THIRD THURSDAYS, May 15

BROADWAY GRAND RAPIDS

122 Lyon St. NW, Grand Rapids broadwaygrandrapids.com

PRETTY WOMAN, Apr. 29-May 4

CIRCLE THEATRE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

1703 Robinson Rd. SE, Grand Rapids circletheatre.org

ROADTRIP U.S.A., May 19-Sept. 8

POP ROYALTY, May 27-Sept. 15

DEOS CONTEMPORARY BALLET

1595 Galbraith Ave. SE, Grand Rapids deosballet.com

RAISE THE BARRE, May 8

AWAKEN SERIES 25, May 17

FARMERS ALLEY THEATRE KALAMAZOO

221 Farmers Alley, Kalamazoo  farmersalleytheatre.com

RIDE THE CYCLONE: THE MUSICAL, May 29-June 15

FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS & SCULPTURE PARK

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

BUSTED: CONTEMPORARY SCULPTURE BUSTS, Through Sept. 21

MICHIGAN ALL-STATE BONSAI SHOW, May 10–11

GREAT GARDENS GALA, May 16

JAPANESE TEAHOUSE CEREMONY, May 17

BUSTED EXQUISITE CORPSES, May 25

GILMORE THEATRE/ WMU THEATRE

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

THE BOOK OF SILENCE, May 9-25

GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM

101 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids artmuseumgr.org

KRISTINA SHEUFELT: FALLOW SEASON, Through May 4

DAVID LUBBERS: HAUNTED TERRAIN, May 6-Aug. 3

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

GRAND RAPIDS BALLET

341 Ellsworth Ave. SW, Grand Rapids  grballet.com

BE HERE NOW, May 2-4

GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE

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

THE COLOR PURPLE, Through May 4

GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY

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

STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE, May 4

DEATH & TRANSFIGURATION, May 9

COMMON WITH THE GRS, May 15

LETTUCE WITH THE GRS, May 17

HOLLAND CHORALE

221 Columbia Ave., Holland hollandchorale.org

A VISION OF PEACE AND COMMUNITY: CHANGE GONNA COME!, May 17

HOLLAND SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

96 W. 15th St. Ste. 201, Holland  hollandsymphony.org  ROMANTIC RACHMANINOFF, Apr. 26

JEWISH THEATRE

GRAND RAPIDS

2727 Michigan NE, Grand Rapids  jtgr.org  OH, MY GOD, Through May 4

KALAMAZOO CIVIC THEATRE

329 S. Park St., Kalamazoo  kazoocivic.com

THE SEUSSIFICATION OF A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, Apr. 25-May 4

THE WEDDING SINGER, May 2-18

KALAMAZOO INSTITUTE OF ARTS

314 South Park St., Kalamazoo kiarts.org

SOURCED FROM THE ‘ZOO, Through May 25

AN INFINITE CONSTELLATION OF LOVE, Through June 15

KALAMAZOO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

359 Kalamazoo Mall Ste. 100, Kalamazoo kalamazoosymphony.com

CARMEN & BOLÉRO, May 3

LOWELLARTS

223 W. Main St., Lowell lowellartsmi.org

U-CREATE: MEMBER

EXHIBITION,  Through June 21

MILLER AUDITORIUM

2200 Auditorium Dr, Kalamazoo millerauditorium.com

MANDY PATINKIN IN CONCERT: BEING ALIVE, May 10

AIN’T TOO PROUD —THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS, May 13-15

MUSKEGON CIVIC THEATRE

425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon muskegoncivictheatre.org

GUYS & DOLLS, May 1-4

MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART

296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon  muskegonartmuseum.org

TRANSCENDING TRADITION, Through May 11

EXPRESSIONS, Mar. 27-May 4

NEW VIC THEATRE

134 E. Vine St., Kalamazoo thenewvictheatre.org

SYLVIA, May 2-17

OPERA GRAND RAPIDS

1320 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids operagr.org

OPERA IS LIT, Mar. 13

NIGHT WITH THE OPERA, May 15

SAUGATUCK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

400 Culver St., Saugatuck sc4a.org

WE HOPE YOU FAIL BETTER., Through May 16

DIXIE LONGATE’S CHERRY BOMBS & BOTTLE ROCKETS, May 22-23

ST. CECILIA MUSIC CENTER

24 Ransom Ave. NE, Grand Rapids  scmc-online.org

RHIANNON GIDDENS & THE OLD-TIME REVUE, May 13

THE GILMORE

359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo thegilmore.org

DANIELA LIEBMAN, May 11

VOX GR

2700 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids voxgr.com

HOUSE OF BELONGING, May 20

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY

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

DVOŘÁK CELLO CONCERTO, May 9

INBAL SEGEV - CLASSICAL CELLO, May 10

AMERICAN LANDSCAPES, May 30

TESSA LARK - CLASSICAL VIOLIN, May 31