THE DRINKING ISSUE
WHAT'S INSIDE
JOSH VEAL , Managing Editor | josh@serendipity-media.com
Since I started drinking in 2011, our culture has been on a beverage journey—from the overwhelming hegemony of craft beer, to the rise of distinctly crushable seltzers, to the nuance of wine, the complexity of cocktails, and the relief of mocktails.
As the times have changed, so have our tastes. But it’s not so much a straight line as it is a cursive signature, looping back to old favorites before moving on to something brand new. Which is to say: I’m really enjoying IPAs again, lately.
But I’m also enjoying the adventure of discovering new cocktails with ingredients I’ve never heard of, and delving into “natural” wines that take the drink to a new level of care. And I’m not the only one, which is why this issue covers it all.
You’ll find our brewery guide, because not only is beer very much still a thing, but breweries (and cideries) have remained bastions of community all around West Michigan. We also take a look at all the fantastic cocktail lounges we have across the region, some of which are doing interesting things with wine as well. And if you’re in your sober era? Don’t worry, just about every brewery and lounge in town has delicious non-alcoholic options at this point too.
Of course, it’s October, so you’ll also find our guide to haunted houses across the region. My personal favorite is Witches of New Salem. The blend of meticulously crafted little haunted houses, dark paths through the woods and purposefully disorienting tunnels keeps me on edge the whole visit—just the way I like it.
If you’re not a fan of scares, that’s okay, there’s a wealth of orchards around town offering apple picking, pumpkin patches, refreshing cider, fresh donuts and hay rides. Autumn has plenty to enjoy, and it only lasts so long, so make sure to get out and enjoy every second!
‘Til next time,
WHO'S WHO
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WHAT’S GOING ON, OCT '25
10/3
ADAM SANDLER:
YOU’RE MY BEST FRIEND TOUR Van Andel Arena
130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m. vanandelarena.com
Adam Sandler is taking his signature brand of comedy back on the road with the You’re My Best Friend Tour. This 30+ city arena tour is bringing Sandler’s greatest hits to Grand Rapids—musical numbers, hilarious storytelling, and unexpected surprises—for a night that’s equal parts nostalgia, absurdity, and heart. Sandler’s last tours were sold out; his motto for this one? “Let’s have some fun.”
ART BASH FOR CRESTON
Kingma’s Market
2225 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids Oct. 3, 6-9 p.m. crestongr.com/artbash
Established in 2006, this vibrant event has become a staple in the Creston neighborhood, celebrating the arts in an exhilarating atmosphere. Watch 12 local artists bring their visions to life in real-time, then participate in the live auction to take a piece of the action home. The evening buzzes with live music, refreshing drinks, and excellent opportunities for networking. Proceeds from the night are vital in advancing Creston Neighborhood Association’s mission.
10/4
MERCHANTS AND MAKERS
Rosa Parks Circle
155 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids
Oct. 4, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. downtowngr.org
Merchants and Makers goes beyond your average craft show. With events popping up in venues across West Michigan 10+ times per year, it’s not just an art show, craft fair, or vendor event... it’s a true party. Come hang out and shop a variety of local goods! Grab a cider, beer, wine, cold-pressed juice and locally made food.
TUNE-YARDS
Bell’s Eccentric Café
255 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo Oct. 4, 8 p.m. bellsbeer.com
Formed by Merrill Garbus in 2006, Tune-Yards has become a name synonymous with creativity and forward motion. Known for explosive performances, surprising song structures, and danceable rhythms, their music also highlights connections between song and social consciousness. This tour is supporting their sixth studio record, Better Dreaming
10/5
HALLOWEEN BASH AT THE MARKET
Fulton Street Market
1145 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids Oct. 5, 3-7 p.m. betkapopeproductions.com
You’re invited to one of the most anticipated events of the season: The FIFTH annual Halloween Bash at the Market! Join for a fun-filled, free, family-friendly celebration that brings the whole community together. Stroll through the market aisle and discover unique local vendors, enjoy delicious bites from your favorite food trucks, dance along to music, and take part in festive games and activities. Costumes encouraged, good times guaranteed.
10/10
FRED ARMISEN:
COMEDY FOR MUSICIANS BUT EVERYONE IS WELCOME
Fountain Street Church 24 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids Oct. 10, 7 p.m. fountainstreet.org
Fred Armisen brings his sharp wit and offbeat charm to the stage with this one-of-a-kind show that riffs on the quirks, struggles, and inside jokes of the music world. Whether you’re a lifelong band nerd, a weekend guitarist, or someone who can’t tell a C-sharp from a sharp suit, Armisen’s clever observations and musical sketches hit all the right notes.
ZOO GOES BOO
John Ball Zoo
1300 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids Oct. 10-26 jbzoo.org
Practice your cackle, grab your cloak and prepare for a ghoulishly good time collecting sweets at twisted treat stations, an endless supply of animal fun, and enchanting decorations. This is fun for the whole family, featuring otherworldly entertainment like magicians, fire performers, jugglers, villains and more! Trick-or-Treaters are encouraged to bring a bag for candy, and guests of all ages are encouraged to come in costume.
10/11
DOOMFEST II
The Pyramid Scheme
68 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Oct. 11, 6 p.m. pyramidschemebar.com
Grand Rapids Doomfest made its debut in 2024 at the Pyramid Scheme, bringing seven heavyhitting bands together for a oneday festival that exceeded all expectations. Thanks to the support of the artists and fans, the event returns in 2025 as Doomfest II. This year’s edition scales to five
bands, adds an epic light show, and introduces a live stream.
10/12
ART! AT THE MARKET
Fulton Street Market
1145 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids Oct. 12, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. fultonstreetmarket.org
Explore a celebration of creativity at ART! at the Market, where over 100 vendors showcase an array of handmade artwork and crafts at Fulton Street Market. Discover an eclectic showcase of artistic expressions, including sculptures and paintings, woodwork, crochet, jewelry, soap, candles, skincare, stickers, prints, clothing, bags, and more. Grab a cup of freshly brewed coffee and snack on treats from concessions vendors.
10/24
GRAND RAPIDS TATTOO FESTIVAL
DeVos Place
303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Oct. 24-26 grandrapidstattoo.com
This unique festival offers a selection of over 200 of the best artists from all over the world right here in Grand Rapids for three days
Fred Armisen. COURTESY PHOTO
of tattooing, art making, merch selling, and much more. Attendees have the opportunity to get tattooed from traveling and local artists alike, many booking in advance, but some taking walk-ups on a first-come, first-serve basis. Even if you’re not getting tattooed, there will be art, merchandise, contests and more.
10/26
MERCHANTS OF THE MACABRE
Grand Rapids Downtown Market 435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. downtownmarketgr.com
Slip into the shadows and search through strange items of the magical, mystical, and macabre. This peculiar gathering of unusual vendors and mysterious merchants will present their wares under the Market Shed where taxidermy, skeletal specimens, tarot cards, art prints, and true crime memorabilia rule supreme! Make your way through the intriguing offerings of this oddities market, then head inside for a bite to eat from the Market Hall.
10/28
THE VAMPIRE CIRCUS
Miller Auditorium
1341 Theatre Dr, Kalamazoo Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m. millerauditorium.com
The Vampire Circus is a mix of circus, cabaret and theater. Enjoy a phenomenal night of live entertainment from the mind of a veteran Cirque Du Soleil performer, based on the multidisciplinary
skills of international performers showcasing theater, dance, and gymnastics. This amazing show pushes the physical boundaries of human performance with acrobatics, comical audience interactions, contortionists, jugglers, acrobats, and clowns.
10/31
GREENSKY BLUEGRASS
Wings Event Center
3600 Vanrick Dr., Kalamazoo Oct. 31-Nov. 1 wingseventcenter.com
Hailing from Kalamazoo, Greensky Bluegrass is coming home to celebrate “exactly 25 years” with a special two-night concert at Wings Event Center, with guests Lindsay Lou, Sam Bush and Holly Bowling. The group has built a reputation as one of the most electrifying live bands in modern Americana, fusing the rich traditions of bluegrass with the expansive spirit of jam rock.
DAFT DISKOFRENCH HOUSE & DISCO HALLOWEEN
Elevation at The Intersection
133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Oct. 31, 9 p.m. sectionlive.com
Get ready to dance at Daft Disko: A French House & Disco Halloween—a party fueled by glittering grooves, inspired by Daft Punk, Justice, Kavinsky, Stardust, Modjo, Chic, and many more. Dance late into the night with funk, house, disco, costumes, and nonstop beats.
VAMP STAMP: VAMPIRE GLOW RAVE
Bell’s Eccentric Café
355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo Oct. 31, 7-11:30 p.m. bellsbeer.com
Don your costume and join party vampires N3on Tiger, DJ Tribewalker, Drivingmisshazy, and Dos Lopez for a Halloween party you won’t ever forget. Heart-pounding dance music, a mind-bending laser light show by Morfog, a sea of costumed creatures, hosted by a group of wild vampires. Are you ready to rave with the creatures of the night?
11/1
BETKA POPE PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS GRAVE RAVE
The Pyramid Scheme 68 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Nov. 1, 8 p.m.
Betka-Pope Productions invites you to descend into the underworld of dance at the GRAVE RAVE, with live music by Garbage Angel, Grand Rapids’ premiere Halloween band, rising from the grave to shred your soul. There will be pop-up performances and audience activities all night long, including a costume contest hosted by “manic feral bimbo drag succubus” Cherub Sinn. LOOKING FOR EVEN MORE EVENTS?
Tune Yards, Art! at the Market. COURTESY PHOTOS
BIZ BEAT
OPENED
Filling the shoes of Aperitivo at the Downtown Market (435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids), Squibb Coffee Bar has opened Sav Sav. More than just a cheese and wine shop, Sav Sav offers coffee, a full wine bar serving pours from local and international wineries, select beer and specialty beverages, a robust cheese counter, a reputable coffee bar, and a retail space stocked with curated products.
Cats and coffee—what’s better than this? Whisker Room Café brings both to Muskegon at 926 2nd St. An extension of The Arc of the Lakeshore, they are committed to creating opportunities by hiring individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and to providing a unique space for our whiskered friends to find their forever homes. Stop in to enjoy a brew and/or spend an hour hanging out with lovely furry friends.
In Studio Park, you’ll now find the second location for Earthly Refillery (122 Oakes St. SW, Grand Rapids). This zero waste bulk shop offers eco-friendly household products for refillable containers, such as shampoo, dish soap, beans, grains, coffee, tea, oil, honey, snacks and seasonings—alongside local produce and dairy products.
Following its years-long success in Grand Haven that led to a second community in Rockford, The Toasted Pickle has opened in Grand Rapids, right on the Medical Mile at 820 Michigan St. NE, Grand Rapids. As the name implies, this sandwich shop has plenty of pickle-centric offerings, but there are plenty of burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads and sides even if you hate brine.
Get a taste of Grandma Gladys’ cooking at Gladys Grille , now open at 1167 Madison Ave., Grand Rapids. Opened by proud granddaughter Jeannica Garmon, the menu offers home cooking passed down through the family like peach cobbler and fried chicken, along with burgers, sandwiches, meatloaf, mac & cheese, and more.
A round-up of the biggest openings, closings and other changes for local businesses.
Where once stood the eatery with our favorite name of all time, Sanitary Seafood, now stands 616 Batter Mix (2468 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids). This new spot from the owners of 616 Kabob Stop has similar offerings to its predecessor, with fried chicken, fried fish, wings, sub rolls, and of course, tons of tasty sides.
The former GrandVilla has been reimagined and reborn as Villa Bar & Banquet and The Dungeon Bar In one location at 3594 Chicago Dr., Grandville, you’ll find both the elegant banquet hall event space of Villa Bar (which seats up to 300) and the “intimate, seductive, moody” cocktail lounge of The Dungeon, which also offers a wide variety of food.
If you love local art—and you should— Blue House Art Square is a lovely new little haven for you. At 7267 Thornapple River Dr. in Ada, next to the Tuesday Farmers Market, you’ll find five adorably charming sheds filled with work from 14 local artists, from paintings to fiber art, clay figurines, jewelry, glasswork, clothing and more.
The Elevated Market has leveled up with a new location at 955 Godfrey Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, hosting more than 75 vendor and artisan spaces with a huge variety of vintage home décor, furniture, clothing, and more—including a bookroom with cozy seating! The 25,000-squarefoot space is also meant to be accessible, with an elevator and a large, free parking lot.
Pickleball and Wiffle Ball are finally seeing their day in the sun, and Dinks & Dingers Social Club has opened at 5080 Broadmoor, Kentwood to celebrate that. They have indoor and outdoor pickleball courts and Wiffle Ball fields for fun, casual play in a lively atmosphere. Not your games of choice? You can also play cornhole, shuffleboard and ping pong, or simply sit at the full restaurant and bar to enjoy food and drinks all day long.
Up Leaf Café expanded to Muskegon at 221 W. Webster Ave., down the road from the Muskegon Museum of Art, after the success of its original Holland location. They’re known for Asian fusion cuisine like Korean beef bowls, rice wrapper rolls, smoothies and plant-based energy drinks.
For a delicious marriage of Mexican and American flavors, check out Delicias Fusion Kitchen & Bar, now open at 4676 32nd Ave., Hudsonville. You’ll find everything from steak frites and to chipotle shrimp rigatoni, spaghetti & chorizo meatballs, fajitas, tacos and more—plus a full bar.
Taking over the former space of Beema Okaasan, Thai and Beyond opened doors at 1233 28th St. in Wyoming. They’re offering tasty and affordable Thai cuisine, including spring rolls, noodle dishes, fried rice, soup, curry, stir fry and house specialties.
The Dungeon Bar, Dinks & Dingers Social Club, Blue House Art Square, Delicias Fusion Kitchen & Bar. COURTESY PHOTOS
After more than a decade of touring, New York siblings Gracie and Clyde Lawrence have transformed their band Lawrence from a scrappy soul-pop project into one of the most vibrant live acts in the country.
But even as the venues grow, the heart of Lawrence remains the same: joy, connection, and family.
“We’ve been touring for something like 10 years now,” Gracie Lawrence told Revue about how life on the road has changed for them. “We used to tour in a van, and now we tour in a bus. We used to eat a lot of junk food, and now we eat significantly less because our bodies are already decaying. But most excitingly, each tour, we see more people show up and scream along to our songs. That excitement never gets old.”
The band will bring their Family Business Tour to GLC Live at 20 Monroe here in town on Oct. 17, and they said they feel like coming to cities like Grand Rapids that they don’t visit as often has become a real marker for how far they’ve come since the early days.
“I’m really stoked to see the new fans we’ve made,” Gracie Lawrence said, adding that time on the road rarely allows them to explore more than the street outside the venue. “If you have one coffee rec we absolutely cannot skip, let us know.”
Before they were playing sold-out theaters, Clyde and Gracie Lawrence were two kids in New York City, writing and performing music together in their family’s living room.
LAWRENCE: All In The Family
| by Eric Mitts
Clyde and I, and everyone in the band, definitely have a proclivity for making music that is super dynamic, even within one song - which in itself, is a very musical theater thing - and we wanted to make the whole ‘Family Business’ album cycle—and tour—feel like a sitcom, or a musical set in a 70s or 80s-looking office that you’re entering into... we’re sort of like the main characters guiding you along that journey.”
“Some positive stuff has definitely happened, most notably lots of venues— including all Live Nation-owned club-sized venues—no longer taking any cut of artist merch sales, and some other similar changes in Live Nation’s financial agreements with artists playing at the club level,” Clyde Lawrence said, pointing to Live Nation’s “On The Road Again” program as a source for more information.
Clyde, older by about three and a half years, showed an early gift for songwriting, plinking melodies on the family piano, with Gracie soon joining in, singing along, and adding her own flair.
At only five years old, Clyde became the youngest member of the Songwriters Guild of America after contributing music to his father, filmmaker Marc Lawrence’s 2000 film “Miss Congeniality.” He’s gone on to write for numerous other films, including the entire score for the 2019 Disney holiday film “Noelle.”
As teenagers, they began performing together around the city, honing their craft in clubs and at open mics. Clyde went on to study at Brown University, writing songs that would eventually appear on Lawrence’s debut album, 2016’s “Breakfast.”
Meanwhile Gracie has leapt into musical theater and acting, making her Broadway debut at only nine years old, and most recently earning a Tony Award nomination for her performance in “Just In Time,” which just finished its Broadway run.
“I think I’ve become a better singer just from getting to stretch my voice and explore new genres, and a stronger performer getting the opportunity to act across Jonathan Groff, and learn from him and our whole cast,” Gracie Lawrence said.
“I’ll definitely try to carry all of that eight-show-a-week energy and chutzpah into our October tour,” she added. “But I feel like even before I was in this Broadway musical, we were always finding really fun ways to make Lawrence feel theatrical.
“We’ve always loved mixing narrative elements with our music, and of course we love infusing our show with comedy,” Clyde Lawrence added. “So ever since we had the idea to brand the whole ‘Family Business’ album around the idea of our band operating as a fictional company, we had such big ideas for how that could manifest on stage, and we’re so happy with how it has come to life.”
The current tour is the second leg in support of Lawrence’s fourth album, “Family Business,” which came out last year. Its opening track, “Whatcha Want” broke into the Top 40 on the US Pop Charts, and saw the band perform on numerous TV shows including “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.”
“We’ve often described each album as a different season of a TV show,” Clyde Lawrence said. “There’s consistency, but as the story changes, so does the tone. It’s the same with us—the songs reflect where we’re at in our lives at that moment.”
Beyond writing and performing, Lawrence has taken on the music industry itself.
“We’ve been very vocal about things we’ve noticed as we’ve navigated the music industry, not only because we love engaging musicians and non-musicians alike in conversations about it to hear different perspectives, but also because we think that it’s important for artists not to be afraid to question something just because it is the industry standard or the status quo,” Clyde Lawrence said.
Some of those conversations ultimately led him to write an op-ed in “The New York Times,” which then led to Clyde and their bandmate saxophonist Jordan Cohen testifying before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee.
“There are other cool things in the works, but there is also tons more work to be done,” he said.
In the face of so many heavy issues weighing people down, Lawrence never loses sight of their core mission: to create joy in a world that desperately needs it right now.
“I think our shows are really fun—we take fun seriously—and I think fun is not an overrated or frivolous thing to need,” Gracie Lawrence said. “On a slightly more ‘deep’ level, I think concerts are really helpful in connecting with other people. Not necessarily because you go to a show to make a friend, but more so because a song about a specific experience or feeling that was written so personally by the artist is something that a bunch of other people in the same room want to sing along to. I certainly feel that way when I go to see bands I love, and I’m standing next to a stranger and we’re screaming the same lyrics together.
“And then from the perspective of us as the writers of the music, it’s one of the greatest honors and wildest experiences of my life to see a song we wrote back home about our own personal grief or triumph or joy or mistake— or whatever else we wrote a song about— connect to other people who we’ve never even met before.” ■
LAWRENCE
The Family Business Tour
Wsg. Jacob Jefferies Band GLC Live at 20 Monroe, 11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Oct. 17, 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show, $53.50+, All Ages Glcliveat20monroe.com, lawrencetheband.com
It’s hard to picture Marc Rebillet as anything other than an improvisational musician and actor. But before Rebillet stepped into his silk robe and signature boxers full-time, he worked a decade’s worth of odd jobs.
“I worked at a movie theater. I worked at a mortgage loan servicing company. I did real estate for a bit, and I worked at a call center doing all sorts of cold calling,” Rebillet said. “Some of the jobs were a little bit more miserable than others.”
Despite some bad days, Rebillet looks back on this period of his life with nostalgia.
“Between all of the dreaming and failing, it was a pretty happy existence,” Rebillet said.
“I got by. I was living paycheck to paycheck, and I was basically free to pursue the things in life that made me happy. Collecting records, playing board games, being around my friends, smoking weed. Just a simple, easy life with work that paid the bills and not much else.”
Now Rebillet can’t clock out of work. “There just is no clocking out because of the pressure of sustaining yourself creatively. But the trade off has been the greatest joy of my life. It’s hard to complain.”
First trained in piano and acting, Rebillet’s trademark ability to improvise his performances comes from years of methodical practice.
“I allowed the improvised part of this to play to the skills that I had been developing my whole life, which is a natural inclination towards theatrical performance, and a love for the piano, and soul, and funk, and dance.
“It was not something that I plotted out or calculated. When I turn a camera on and use the looper, I can’t help but perform while I’m doing it.”
Rebillet’s ability to not take himself too seriously has led him to a lifetime of happenstance, which is–unsurprisingly–one of his secrets to success.
“I say this in a lot of interviews, but I say it because it is the truth. Where I have arrived has been mostly an accident. If I could point to one really definitive sort of thing that tipped the scales in my favor, it would probably be getting this looper, and that was mostly inspired by Reggie Watts.”
Rebillet didn’t just fall into a career as an artist—he resisted it. Ironically, his father’s encouragement to follow his talents continued to push Rebillet even further away from the pursuit. “It was extremely annoying, and I didn’t want
ACCIDENTAL GENIUS: Marc Rebillet on Life, Loops & Improv
| by Michaela Stock
to care.”
Though looking back, Rebillet can see his father’s motivation in his success.
“There was this lifetime of encouragement by him,” Rebillet said. “It was a huge driving force in the first few years, overwhelmingly, because he passed within several months of my first tour. Just as everything was beginning to take off.”
Rebillet’s reflections on his father have made him realize that you can’t escape becoming like your parents, no matter how hard you try.
“I guess you realize as you get older just how much of your parents are inside you, whether you like it or not. You can choose how you use it, but they are in you.”
With multiple major-market tours now under his belt, Rebillet is spending the rest of the year performing in smaller cities—many of which he’s never been to.
“I do not like being stagnant, or feeling like I’m doing the same thing again.
“We called this tour ‘Places I’ve Never Played And Will Never Play Again’ to get people motivated to come out. It’s just kind of an ultimatum, like, I’m coming here once, get the fuck out to the show.”
Each performance by Rebillet is unique and unreplicable. He creates his sets live in-the-moment, looping sounds and melodies for the entirety of his show. Sometimes he’ll become completely immersed in improvisation as he performs, finding a flow state that many creatives can relate to.
“The best way I can put it is that it feels like a current that’s already moving. If I can let go enough, or get lucky enough, to find the right kind of momentum to slide into that current, then I’m just moving.
“I’ll go entire shows without feeling like I really got in it, like I was just floating on top and trying, trying, trying but never really entered that state. You get better at accessing it the more you do it, but it’s still never a guarantee.”
But if Rebillet’s art is anything like his life, then he has become the master of following his instincts—from ten years of odd jobs and the guiding voice of his father, to a series of accidents that have ultimately led him to become an artist.
“It’s an incredibly liberating way to create and to exist. You’re not even thinking about knowing exactly what to do. You’re just doing it.” ■
FIRST THOUGHT, BEST THOUGHT
Revue ended this interview with what Rebillet does best: improv. We said a series of words at random, and Marc replied with the first thought that came to mind.
NEW YORK CITY
Filthy. Filthy f*cking place. Beautiful. Filth.
SYNTHESIZER
Difficult. Too many wires. Too many dials. I don’t like it.
BAGUETTE
Very difficult to find a good one. Pretty much have to go to France.
BUBBLEGUM
Love it. Sweet mint. Orbit.
BREAKUPS
No thank you.
SUNGLASSES
I wear prescription glasses, so I need a pair of prescription sunglasses. Super inconvenient. I have to carry my glasses and my sunglasses. Sucks.
MICHIGAN
Literally the greatest place on planet Earth.
YOUR MONTHLY GUIDE TO WHAT’S GREAT IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
FALLING UP
| by Allison Kay Bannister
Whether you’re lamenting summer’s end or embracing scented pine cone season, one thing’s for sure: Things are changing. Like brisker air, darker mornings, and shifting hues all around us. If you enjoy a little leaf peeping this time of year, you can take a color tour in your car, but what better vantage point is there than from high above?
Crystal Mountain is one of the closer locations that offers scenic chairlift rides that carry you up to the top of their ski hills in the off season, which is weekends, June through October. It’s still not really nearby, though, clocking in at about a two-hour drive from GR. But, if you make a day of it—or a weekend—it’s definitely worth it.
A group of us went last year and we orchestrated the entire excursion. It started with lunch at Rosie’s Country Café in Thompsonville, who were happy to accommodate our pack of 13; I just messaged them on their socials ahead of time. (I don’t think they usually take reservations, but I can be pretty persuasive when the need arises.) It’s not a big place, so take that into consideration as you make your plans. Everyone agreed the food was excellent, and the pumpkin pancakes and hash browns did not disappoint!
We made a prior reservation for the
chairlift ride, too, which they strongly recommend in October. Especially when the colors are peaking. That is always a bit of a moving target, however, and we Michiganders know that “false fall” and “second summer” often come first. When any of this occurs is a surprise. The Pure Michigan website does its best to help with forecasting, and you can go to michigan. org/fallcolormap to use their interactive tool and see what’s expected in each region.
When we went on our trip in 2024, it was a little too early. It was the first week of October, but the second probably would have put on more of a show. It was still a picturesque view as we ascended the slope, and when we got to the top we were able to take in 360 degrees of treetops, valleys, and pops of orange, red, rust, and yellow amid the green. It was really kind of exhilarating to stand that tall and breathe in the autumn air and follow the stray clouds as they wafted by.
The ride was the shortest part of the whole adventure, but we did extend our visit at the resort by stopping by the spa and doing a little shopping and rest stopping. And, that’s really when I thought staying overnight was probably a better call for the future. In addition to the spa, there’s golfing available at two courses, dining and shops
on site, and tons of other amenities. And, a huge variety of sleeping accommodations. Oh, and chairlift rides are complimentary for resort guests. Ah, well. Another time!
The next leg was a hike at the Betsie River Pathway in the Pere Marquette State Forest. It’s a beautiful spot, and it’s great for mountain biking, too, and crosscountry skiing as it gets cold and snowy. There are two main loops, and we took the western loop so we could have part of our trek alongside the Betsie River. This route is more wooded, with tall pines
and hardwoods looming overhead. The wayfinding maps and distance markers were a plus, and unlike some places we’ve been, they were actually straightforward and easy to follow. Not getting lost on a hike is always a priority, but not always the outcome!
And, just like that, we emerged from the woods, loaded ourselves into our cars, and headed home. The perfect October day!
If you’re ready to organize your trip, go to the Events & Activities tab at crystalmountain.com to learn more and reserve your time slot. ■
WEST MICHIGAN
BREWERY GUIDE 2025
Since at least 2012, breweries have been deeply intertwined with West Michigan’s culture.
That was the year Grand Rapids was voted by readers as Beer City, USA, and it only spurred dozens more craft breweries to open across the region. While some spots sadly didn’t survive the last few years, many breweries remain bastions of community in their neighborhoods—especially as they’ve expanded offerings well beyond the taps.
In 2025, people go to breweries not just for the beer (and sometimes not at all for the beer), but for the food, the games, the patios, the events, the music, and even the family-friendly atmospheres. And the same goes for cideries, making use of Michigan’s natural beauty and many apple orchards to provide a similar yet different experience.
Of course, some of us still love craft beer and cherish a beautifully bitter IPA or a funky, complex sour, and there are plenty of passionate brewers serving up quality liquid across West Michigan. Everybody wins!
Whatever you’re looking for, there are so many breweries to choose from, there’s no way we could tell you about them all here. And let’s be honest: You don’t need us to put the heavy hitters like Founders and Bell’s on your list. If you haven’t been, of course you should go!
Instead, here are some of our favorites, whether it’s because they have stellar food, the perfect atmosphere for gathering, or exceptional beer.
GRAND RAPIDS
Harmony Brewing Co.
1551 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids / harmonybeer.com
From the day Harmony opened 13 years ago, they cemented themselves as a staple of Eastown with not just great beer, but unforgettable pizza. The list of reasons to visit has grown alongside the taproom, which now has a lovely patio, perfect for a pint and pie in the autumn air. They also host euchre, trivia and vinyl nights throughout the week, every week. Whether you drink beer or not, Harmony has something for you—but it doesn’t hurt that the brews are quality too.
Speciation Artisan Ales
928 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids / speciationartisanales.com
Speciation is a brewery that’s never content to just pour beer. Their calendar is stacked with creative events—bird trivia, craft classes, nature nights—all centered around their adventurous lineup of wild ales and natural wines. The patio is the cherry on top, perfect for sipping something funky and fresh.
TwoGuys Brewing
2356 Porter St. SW, Wyoming / twoguys-brewing.com
TwoGuys has developed a reputation specifically for incredible meals, the kind of food that lingers in your mind long after. Just look at any one of their social media posts about dinner specials and you’ll find fans salivating, hoping they can get a plate before they sell out. For example: Slow-braised pot roast, roasted swordfish sausage pasta, Grandma Joanne’s iconic soup, salad fresh from their own garden. And yes, it all pairs perfectly with a glass of beer.
Brewery 4 Two 4
321 Douglas Ave., Holland / brewery424.com
Across the Macatawa River from most of Holland’s other taprooms, Brewery 4 Two 4 is pumping out truly amazing beer in a cozy little taproom with an open brewing setup. The taps at this strip mall treasure host a wide variety of brews like the Juice Weasel, their flagship hazy IPA, and the Strawberry Rhubarb Pie, made with a “ridiculous amount” of real fruit.
Broad Leaf Local Beer
2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. SE, Kentwood / 443 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids broadleafbeer.com/
Broad Leaf is like a playground for adults, with pickleball courts and fowling at the Kentwood location, and one of the best patios in town at the “underground” Westside location. Not to mention unique cocktails with house spirits, fabulously creative food in Kentwood, and Taqueria Chilango on the Westside, an authentic Mexican kitchen that just won Best Food Truck in Best of the West.
Arvon Brewing Co.
1006 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids / arvonbrewingco.com
Arvon keeps the focus on the beer, and they’ve more than earned it. They brew “for enthusiasts,” which is clear from the moment you get your first sip of their outstanding IPAs and kettle sours. If you’re the kind of person who knows exactly what kind of hops you like in your beer, this is the place for you. But if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t know the difference between a festbier and a marzen? Arvon is also for you—don’t worry, it’s all delicious.
Greyline Brewing Co.
1727 Alpine Ave NW, Grand Rapids / greylinebrewing.com
Greyline keeps things simple, and that’s its strength. Solid beer, affordable and tasty food, firepit seating outdoors (sometimes with live music), and a no-fuss atmosphere that makes you want to linger. It’s comfort in brewery form.
City Built Brewing Co.
820 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids / citybuiltbrewing.com
City Built doubles as a gathering place, thanks to its welcoming vibe and Puerto Ricaninspired menu. Fried plantains, tacos, and yuca fries pair perfectly with a tap list ranging from crisp lagers to fruited sours. Zero-proof options and kid-friendly dishes round it out, with the Grand River as your backdrop.
Küsterer Brauhaus
642 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids / grbrauhaus.com
Step inside Küsterer Brauhaus (from the minds behind Cedar Springs Brewing) and you’re in Bavaria—at least it feels that way. Authentic German beers, schnitzel, pretzels, and seasonal events like Oktoberfest make this beer hall a slice of Munich in Grand Rapids.
Mitten Brewing Co.
527 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids / 329 Water St., Saugatuck 112 W. Nagonaba St., Northport / mittenbrewing.com
Pizza and beer are a popular pairing here, and The Mitten does both superbly—there’s a reason they have three locations. Beers like the Country Strong IPA and Peanuts & Crackerjack porter have been a hit, while locals have flocked here for pizza flights, which let you try a sampling of specialty pies like the Westerdog, essentially a chili dog in pizza form.
New Union Brewery
400 W. Main St., Lowell / newunionbrewery.com
Craft beer might feel like a modern craze, but Grand Rapids has been at it since the 1860s— New Union even nods to its predecessor, Union Brewing, which poured just three options back then. Thankfully, the choices now are far wider, with a lineup that spans goses, coffee blondes, IPAs and much more, including housemade root beer and birch.
Railtown Brewing
3595 68th St. SE, Dutton / railtownbrewing.com
Located just 15 minutes southeast of downtown Grand Rapids, Railtown is well worth stopping by for its large space with two floors, an outdoor patio, and an in-house kitchen serving up all kinds of grub. The rotating tap list features quality selections from top to bottom, but be sure to check out mainstays Citra Warrior IPA and Bike Ride Blonde.
Trail Point Brewing Company
6035 Lake Michigan Dr., Allendale / trailpointbrewing.com
Allendale’s first brewery, Trail Point is the perfect place for a pit stop to or from Lake Michigan. They offer a huge selection of brews in a spacious taproom with a lovely patio, well-hidden from the main road. With nearly 20 brews spanning the style gamut alongside seltzers, cider and cocktails, you’ll find a drink for you.
LAKESHORE
Transient Artisan Ales
4229 Lake St., Bridgman / transientartisanales.com
Out in Bridgman, Transient’s brews are truly transcendent, specializing in beers that take time. Over the years, the brewery has developed an impressive lineup of farmhouse ales, sours, IPAs and barrel-aged brews, served up in a small, intimate taproom that’s all about the beer. Stop by on your way to Chicago, or find their cans at your local specialty shop.
Starving Artist Brewing Co.
634 S. Stiles Rd., Ludington / starvingartist.beer
The very definition of a hidden gem, you’re not likely to find Starving Artist’s backyard barn on accident. And yet, owner Andy Thomas’ fierce passion for introducing people to great beer has made this easily one of the most beloved breweries in the state. Creativity, balance and boldness, they have it all. The next time you’re in the Ludington area, make a trip and fall in love for yourself.
Tacos Tortas Quesadillas Burritos
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Odd Side Ales
41 Washington Ave, Grand Haven / oddsideales.com
Odd Side thrives on experimentation. From peanut butter stouts to easy-drinking IPAs, their lineup is always playful. Pair that with a game of darts in their laid-back taproom, and you’ve got a timeless mix of fun and flavor.
Grand Armory Brewing Company
16 S. 2nd St., Grand Haven / grandarmorybrewing.com
This Grand Haven brewery has paired up with Gnarly Varley’s to offer pub food alongside their beer, which is solid, true-to-style and pays homage to the lake town’s history. Try the Wheezin’ The Juice IPA, which lives up to its name, or the Nutter Your Business Stout, a chocolaty, peanut butter milk stout.
Watermark Brewing Co.
5781 St Joseph Ave, Stevensville / watermarkbrewing.com
Laid-back and breezy, Watermark is built for good times. Their spacious patio, complete with firepits and a four-season room, is a local favorite. The beer matches the vibe: creative, approachable, and full of personality.
Our Brewing Co.
76 E. 8th St, Holland / ourbrewingcompany.com
Tucked right into the heart of downtown Holland, Our Brewing Company specializes in smallbatch beers that change up often, so there’s always something new to sip, from playful sours to a minty stout, cider and spirits. And make sure to enjoy the velvet painting gallery while you sip.
Arclight Brewing Co.
544 N. Main St., Watervliet / arclightbrewing.com
Watervliet’s Arclight proves small-town breweries can pack a punch. Along with well-crafted classics, they shine with standout sours that rival anything from Michigan’s bigger beer cities.
Unruly Brewing Company
360 West Western Ave., Muskegon / unrulybrewing.com
The people who created Unruly Brewing don’t just love beer — they love beer, music and art. Unruly Brewing Company combines all three to create a lively atmosphere all bundled up in a restored 1890s building that’s also serving pizza, burgers and coffee.
Pigeon Hill Brewing Co.
500 W Western Ave, Muskegon / pigeonhillbrew.com
Games, events, and great beer define Pigeon Hill. From board games and darts to duckpin bowling and live music, it’s equal parts brewery and “big kids’ wonderland.” The ever-changing beer lineup, ranging from stouts to lagers to a Salted Caramel Porter, seals the deal.
KALAMAZOO
One Well Brewing
4213 Portage St., Kalamazoo / onewellbrewing.com
When you’re in Kalamazoo, One Well is the perfect one-stop food and beer stop for families, friends and everything in-between, thanks to the incredible amount of games and fun things to do within. Grab a board game off the wall, or play some darts, or foosball, or pool, or pinball, or arcade games, or even duckpin bowling!
Farmhaus Cider Co., Our Brewing Co. COURTESY PHOTOS
Wax Wings Brewing Co.
3480 Gull Rd, Kalamazoo / instagram.com/waxwingsbrewing
Wax Wings is small but mighty, with a cozy, cabin-like space and big craft beer cred. Their Untappd ratings put them at the top in Michigan, while quirky events like speed dating, darts leagues, and game nights keep things interesting.
Brewery Outré
567 E. Ransom St., Kalamazoo / breweryoutre.com
One of the younger breweries around, opening in 2022, Brewery Outré is defying convention with unique yet highly drinkable beers. Outré, pronounced “ooh-tray,” comes from the French word for outrageous, but with positive connotations. With roots in saisons and beer-wine hybrids, the brews here tend to go against the norm while still being highly approachable.
Territorial Brewing Company
256 N. Helmer Rd., Springfield / territorialbrewing.com
Territorial is one of the few Michigan breweries laser-focused on German traditions. Expect schnitzel and lagers brewed with house-milled malt that makes a real difference. Authentic, hearty, and bold.
CIDERIES
Farmhaus Cider Co.
5025 Stanton St., Hudsonville / farmhauscider.com
Farmhaus blew up fast, opening in 2015 with a Cidergarten and beginning to distribute statewide in just two years. The couple-owned cidery enjoys both simplicity and seasonal flavors, with styles like the Midwest Nice, which is fresh, bright and semi-sweet, and Sweater Weather, with cozy, warming chai spices. The taproom out in the woods is beautiful and has a food truck at hand most days.
Painted Turtle Hard Cider
3550 Alden Nash Ave. NE, Lowell / paintedturtlehardcider.com
Painted Turtle arrived in 2016 and is clearly here to stay. The Traditional, Blueberry Bliss and Humdinger Hopper ciders have made a splash, being packed full of flavor without going overboard—and their cider bar at an apple farm in Lowell is the perfect place to enjoy it.
Pux Cider
311 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids / puxcider.com
The family at Pux has a real passion for apples, going back six generations at the Schaefer Orchard. It’s here that they crank out a wide variety of excellent ciders, including barrelaged, hopped, blueberry rhubarb and single apple varietals, all served in a space with games, trivia and music sessions.
The Peoples Cider Co.
539 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids / thepeoplescider.com
The smallest bar in Michigan, Peoples Cider has established itself as a destination for toptier cider that’s nuanced, complex and full of flavor, served in a totally unpretentious tasting room. Whether you’re a first-timer or a cider fanatic, you shouldn’t pass up Peoples.
Virtue Cider Co.
2170 62nd St., Fennville / virtuecider.com
Virtue’s ciders are legit and true to the dry European style. Their location’s sheep, chicken and Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs—common to Old World cideries—add to the traditional vibe at the farm and cider mill. Stop in for a tasting and walk the trails of this expansive cider mill that’s the passion project of Goose Island’s Gregory Hall.
Vander Mill Cider
505 Ball Ave. NE, Grand Rapids / vandermill.com
Vander Mill is a cider powerhouse, both in terms of quantity and quality. The taproom reflects that, with an indoor deck overlooking the massive production facility churning out cider across the flavor spectrum, as well as all kinds of sandwiches and snacks. ■
WEST MICHIGAN’S
BEST COCKTAIL BARS
| by Revue Staff
As people look for a chance to gather around beverages while expanding their palate beyond beer, cocktail lounges have become hot spots for a night out.
Whether it’s a first date, a birthday celebration or just an excuse to get out of the house, these lounges offer a chance to sip on something tasty but classy in a relaxed setting. Lucky for us, not only are the vibes good, but the drinks themselves are being crafted by deeply passionate bartenders.
Thanks to their enthusiasm, we have top-notch cocktail lounges across the region that rival any big city (and typically with a cheaper bill). In fact, the options here are so good, we tried to narrow it down to 10 “best” spots and failed. In our opinion, every lounge on this list deserves high praise.
So instead, here’s our list of the 12 best cocktail lounges in West Michigan, offering a wide range of experiences.
Less Traveled
959 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids longroaddistillers.com
Long Road Distiller’s location on Leonard is so beloved, they decided to spread the love to Cherry with Less Traveled. This chill cocktail bar is nice and moody on the inside, with a lovely patio out front. You always get a free little amuse-bouche to kick things off, and then can select from a menu of seasonal cocktails. Or, if you’re open to taking the road less traveled, you can roll an 8-sided die and get a mystery cocktail off a secret menu!
Eastern Kille Wealthy
634 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids easternkille.com
Eastern Kille built its reputation on craft spirits, and their Wealthy Street cocktail lounge is where those spirits really shine. You get inventive seasonal menus from a passionate team, highlighting precision and playfulness, all served in a sleek, modern space that’s always lively late into the night. Whether you’re into wildly adventurous drinks or just want a classic, there’s something for you.
Buffalo Traders Lounge
950 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids buffalotraderslounge.com
With its gorgeous blue and gold art deco vibes, Buffalo Traders is equal parts rustic and refined. You feel a little cooler just by walking in. They always have an enthusiastic team behind the bar, crafting a menu of inventive cocktails “for the people” that span from elegant and refreshing to bold, boozy and smoky.
The Nightwatch Lounge
201 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids nightwatchlounge.com
Even if you don’t know where Nightwatch is, chances are, you’ve walked right past it. This lounge is tucked away right downtown, behind a nondescript door in The Plaza Apartments. Look for the light shining a logo on the ground! It’s a classy yet welcoming place, full of lovely impressionist and naturalist art, so put on a smart outfit to match the vibes and prepare for boundary-pushing cocktails and mocktails.
SIDEBAR
80 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids sidebar-gr.com
A tiny bar with a big reputation, SIDEBAR is all about craft and intimacy. The menu may be short and the seating may be limited, but every drink is executed with exacting attention to detail at this speakeasy tucked away underground by Big O’s. Plus, they’ve recently renovated to refresh the mood and add a bit more seating!
Mo’s Cocktail Lounge
1033 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids mangiamogr.com
Hidden away in the basement of Mangiamo is one of the coolest spots around, brought to life by Morgan Gilmore. The vibes are retro, with neon signs, moody black and red décor, exposed brick walls, vintage art, playing card menus and more. Come here for approachable, fun, photogenic drinks in a transportive space.
Stamped Robin
128 Portage St., Kalamazoo stampedrobin.com
Stamped Robin knows their liquids, especially when it comes to amaro, vermouth, and spirits from around the world. It’s a casual, friendly space that takes its drinks seriously, whether it’s a spirit-forward cocktail, a carefully considered espresso martini, or a fun little “amaro bump.” If you like bitter drinks but aren’t a bitter person, it’s the place for you.
Drip Drop Cocktail Room
445 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids dripdropcocktailroom.com
Playful and eclectic, Drip Drop embraces creativity in both flavor and presentation. It’s the kind of bar where “each drink is an event,” from the elote-inspired Children of the Corn to the wonderfully autumnal China Town (made with chai-infused vermouth). Get away from the hectic nightlife of Bridge Street and chill out in this calming space.
Principle Food & Drink
230 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo principlekzoo.com
While Principle is also a restaurant, their cocktail game is so strong, it has to be highlighted. Plus, there’s a deeply cool lounge area downstairs that feels like stepping back in time. Head here for complex, layered drinks that have their roots in the long history of cocktails, going back to prohibition era, but updated for the modern era.
Lumber Baron Bar
187 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids amwaygrand.com
Easy to miss if you never find yourself inside the Amway Grand Plaza, this isn’t just a “hotel bar.” Lumbar Baron feels historic in the best way, making use of leather club chairs, ornate woodwork, a fireplace, and elegant cocktails that feel just as timeless as the setting.
Obstacle No. 1
92 W. 8th St., Holland obstacleholland.com
Widely regarded as one of the best cocktail bars in West Michigan, Obstacle No. 1 thrives on creativity and precision. Each season, the bartenders craft new drinks that often weave in house-made ingredients and unexpected pairings, across a large menu of classics and innovative inventions. ■
The Nightwatch Lounge (background image), Mo’s Cocktail Lounge, Obstacle No. 1. COURTESY PHOTOS
SIP & STROLL
LOCAL SOCIAL DISTRICTS
If you’ve ever wished happy hour could last a little longer—like, all the way down the street— West Michigan has you covered.
From the bustling streets of Grand Rapids to the lakeside charm of Grand Haven, a growing number of towns started embracing social districts in recent years, where you can legally purchase a drink from a participating business and enjoy it while wandering outdoors. To be clear, this does not mean you can stroll around chugging a fifth of vodka!
Here’s your guide to the area’s most drinkable districts.
EAST GRAND RAPIDS
Hours: 4–10 PM weekdays, 11 AM–10 PM on weekends
East Grand Rapids’ Gaslight Village offers a scenic stroll along Wealthy Street and Lakeside Drive, with plazas and parks along the way.
KALAMAZOO: Central Commons Refreshment Area
Hours: 10 AM–Midnight daily
GRAND RAPIDS: Downtown Refreshment Areas
Hours: Sun–Thu 7 AM–10 PM; Fri–Sat until midnight
Grand Rapids is the granddaddy of West Michigan social districts, with multiple zones that have different personalities. From Monroe North Commons to the hotel and arena districts, the rules are simple: buy from a participating vendor, keep your drink in an approved container, and stay within the designated boundaries.
ADA Village Social District
Hours: Daily, Noon–10 PM
Small-town charm meets social sipping in Ada Village, where the charming Commons Area becomes your lounge. Walk the streets with your drink, enjoy local shops, and soak up the friendly neighborhood vibe. Stick to drinks from participating establishments and watch for the approved cups—this is a relaxed but rules-conscious district.
ROCKFORD Outdoor Refreshment Area (RORA)
Hours: Daily, Noon–10 PM
Rockford proves that small towns can throw big parties—legally. Here, seven or eight blocks of downtown become your social playground. Grab a drink from a local bar or tasting room and enjoy a casual walk through charming streets lined with shops and eateries.
Downtown Kalamazoo is all about convenience and variety. The social district allows you to walk with a drink while taking in local murals, boutiques, street life, or even an outdoor concert. The commons area acts like one big open-air patio.
DOWNTOWN HOLLAND Social District
Hours: 11 AM–11 PM daily
In Holland, the sidewalks and commons of downtown are transformed into a festive walking area. Stop at a café or pub, grab your approved cup, and stroll past shops or along the riverfront.
GRAND HAVEN: Main Street Social District
Hours: 11 AM–11 PM daily
Nothing pairs with a lakeside walk quite like a crisp beverage. Grand Haven’s downtown social district encourages visitors to sip while exploring the waterfront, shops, and historic streets. Perfect for a sunset stroll along the piers.
MUSKEGON: Downtown & Lakeside Social Districts
Hours: 11 AM–11 PM daily
Muskegon offers multiple refreshment zones downtown and near the lakeshore. Enjoy a casual walk with a beverage, explore local shops, or pop into a participating restaurant— all while staying within the approved boundaries. ■
PHOTO BY HALEY CHICOINE, EXPERIENCE GR
JAZZ GIANTS TO FOLK ICONS: St. Cecilia’s Star-Studded Season
| by John Kissane
In 1933, the Civic Auditorium, a large, neoclassical building standing on the eastern shore of the Grand River in Grand Rapids, opened. Three years later, the immortal Louis Armstrong performed there, backed by a crack band which included celebrated pianist Luis Russell.
Now, nearly 90 years later, Russell’s daughter, Catherine, will make her Grand Rapids debut, playing at St. Cecilia Music Center on October 9th. She, too, is a celebrated musician, with a storied career, multiple Grammy nominations, and reams of critical plaudits. “At a moment when the world can seem dangerously out of balance,” The New York Times wrote of a live performance, “it is still possible for a musician to convey a groundedness and a joy.”
Toward the end of his life, her father was too ill to play much, although she remembers him sitting at the piano and playing classical pieces. Her mother was always busy. Catherine wasn’t left with a babysitter or taken to daycare; instead, she went to recording sessions. Things were fast in those days: a recording made one day could appear on the radio the next. “I stayed very still and watched,” she said. “It was so exciting.”
For a while, she danced at the Katherine Dunham School. Dunham, who’s been referred to as “the matriarch and queen
Catherine Russell is one bright spot in the star-filled firmament of St. Cecilia Music Center’s 2025-2026 season. As has become standard for the venue, the season’s split into three separate series: jazz, folk, and chamber music.
JAZZ
OCTOBER 9 th
Catherine Russell
Vocalist Catherine Russell has appeared on over 200 albums, performed on four continents, and earned a sterling reputation as an exceptionally strong and joyful singer.
mother of Black dance,” eventually left; when she did, Russell did, too. She began to sing in bands, choirs, gospel groups; she left New York for California. She developed a reputation as a dependable backup singer with perfect pitch. Musical acts as exacting as Steely Dan, Paul Simon, Rosanne Cash, David Bowie and others hired her, often as a backup singer but sometimes as an instrumentalist.
“I love to back up good people,” she said. “These were really great opportunities. And I like to work! Whatever they needed, I wanted to do it. I wanted to do well for those who chose me—not only for them, but for the people who recommended me, too.”
Her time working with Bowie was particularly meaningful. “He pushed everyone around him. He used everything I had to offer musically.” She would work with keyboard technicians early in the morning, working to get the sounds she (and Bowie) wanted from the instrument. Bowie would arrive in the afternoon. When he did, she was ready. She would later says she was blessed to have known him.
In 2004, Paul Kahn, Russell’s husband, suggested she record a solo album. She resisted the idea at first. She didn’t need a career; she had a career, one in which she supported musicians she greatly admired. In the end, though, she gave it a shot. Reviews were rapturous. She was praised for
her technical abilities. Critics compared her to legendary jazz vocalists. And she began to tour across the world, refurbishing old standards, some of them a century old. Excellence drives her. “I’m very concerned with technique,” she said. “I’m trying to sing as well as I possibly can. But at the same time, I like to have fun.”
She likes her audiences to, too. “I hope they enjoy my work. And that they enjoy my band, all of whom are excellent musicians. You know, people have come away from my shows and told me, ‘I’ve never heard this kind of music live before. I wasn’t sure if I’d like jazz.’ And they did. That’s what I want. I want to swing ‘em real good. Let’s have some fun.”
2026
JANUARY 15 th
John Pizzarelli
Jazz guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli’s latest album, 2023’s Stage & Screen, features nine decades’ worth of classic songs from Broadway and film.
FEBRUARY 26 th
Emmet Cohen Presents Miles & Coltrane At 100 Award-winning pianist 35-year-old Cohen began playing the piano at three years old and quickly established himself as a prodigy; he’s since earned a number of awards.
MARCH 19 th
Branford Marsalis Quartet
Branford Marsalis has performed with his quartet since its formation in 1986. In the four decades since, the Grammy Award-winning group has thrilled audiences and critics alike.
FOLK
SEPTEMBER 9 th
The Milk Carton Kids
The multi-Grammy Award-nominated duo debuted in 2011 and quickly became known for their skilled musicianship and beautiful, sibling-like harmonies.
SEPTEMBER 23 rd
Leo Kottke
For over a half century, Kottke’s intricate, skillful playing has delighted audiences, whether through his solo work or his work with fellow musicians like Phish’s Mike Gordon.
SEPTEMBER 25 th
Sierra Hull
Bluegrass star Sierra Hull has played Carnegie Hall, the Grand Ole Opry, and the White House and collaborated with Dolly Parton, Allison Krauss, and Garth Brooks.
OCTOBER 23 rd
Chris Thile
Already sold out, this performance is sure to showcase the talent that led to mandolinist Thile’s winning a Macarthur “Genius Grant.” A contemporary giant in American roots music.
Catherine Russell, Branford Marsalis Quartet, Chris Thile. COURTESY PHOTOS
NOVEMBER 2 nd
Josh Ritter
Born in Idaho and inspired by Dylan, Cash, Cohen, and Welch, Josh Ritter made his mark with 2002’s The Golden Age of Radio and hasn’t stopped since.
NOVEMBER 18 th
Joy Oladokun
The daughter of African immigrants, Oladokun wowed the folk world with her first two records: In Defense of my own Happiness and Proof of Life. A daringly vulnerable singer.
DECEMBER 4 th
Yonder Mountain String Band
For nearly three decades, Yonder Mountain String Band has honored the heritage of roots music while helping drive it farther, mixing bluegrass, country, indie rock, and more.
2026
MARCH 26 th
Sam Bush
In 2009, the Americana Music Association awarded Bush the Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of his lasting contributions and growing influence.
CHAMBER MUSIC
NOVEMBER 20 th
Gilbert Kalish & The Viano Quartet
The critically acclaimed and awardwinning quartet will perform a program with music by Haydn, Mendelssohn, and Brahms, accompanied by piano and string instrumentalists.
2026
APRIL 16 th
Quintet Revelations
Pianist Wu Han, a St. Cecilia staple, returns with Chad Hoopes, Richard Lin, Milena Pajaro-Van DeStadt, and Dmitri Atapine for an evening of music, including a piece by Saint-Saëns.
MAY 14 th
Schubertiade
Music for strings and piano composed by Franz Schubert. Wu Han will perform alongside Anne-Marie Mcdermott, Benjamin Beilman, and David Finckel. ■
OCTOBER
ARTSCalendar
| by Revue Staff
BROADWAY GRAND RAPIDS
122 Lyon St. NW, Grand Rapids broadwaygrandrapids.com
WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, Oct. 7-12
FONTANA CHAMBER ARTS
359 Kalamazoo Mall Ste. 200, Kalamazoo fontanamusic.org
VOCES8, Oct. 22
FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS
1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids meijergardens.org
JAUME PLENSA: A NEW HUMANISM, Oct. 24-Mar. 15
MUMS AT MEIJER GARDENS, Oct. 1-31
GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM
101 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids artmuseumgr.org
DAVID HOCKNEY: PERSPECTIVE SHOULD BE REVERSED, Through Nov. 2
PABLO PICASSO: RELENTLESS
INNOVATION, Through Oct. 26
ARTPRIZE 2025 FT. LUIS FERNANDEZ, Sept. 17-Oct. 5
GRAND RAPIDS BALLET
341 Ellsworth Ave. SW, Grand Rapids grballet.com
SHERLOCK, Oct. 24-Nov. 1
GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE
30 N. Division Ave., Grand Rapids grct.org
ROCK OF AGES, Sept. 12-Oct. 5
PETE THE CAT, Oct. 14-19
GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY
300 Ottawa Ave. NW Ste. 100, Grand Rapids grsymphony.org
DVOŘÁK’S NEW WORLD SYMPHONY, Oct. 17-18
BEN FOLDS WITH THE GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY, Oct. 4
LORD OF THE RINGS: FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING IN CONCERT, Oct. 31-Nov. 1
KALAMAZOO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
359 Kalamazoo Mall Ste. 100, Kalamazoo kalamazoosymphony.com
COMPOSING TOMORROW, Oct. 9
MOZART & TCHAIKOVSKY, Oct. 18
OKTOBERFEST, Oct. 22
MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART
296 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon muskegonartmuseum.org
96TH MICHIGAN CONTEMPORARY
ART EXHIBITION, Sept. 18-Nov. 19
ART NOUVEAU: AGE OF ELEGANCE, Oct. 2-Jan. 11
CUPS, Oct. 16-Nov. 9
OPERA GRAND RAPIDS
1320 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids operagr.org
H.M.S. PINAFORE, Oct. 10-11
OX-BOW SCHOOL OF ART
3435 Rupprecht Way, Saugatuck ox-bow.org
HARVEST DINNER, Oct. 4
BLOODY BRUNCH, Oct. 18
OX-BOW GOES TO HECK, Oct. 18
ST. CECILIA MUSIC CENTER
24 Ransom Ave. NE, Grand Rapids scmc-online.org
CATHERINE RUSSELL, Oct. 9
CHRIS THILE, Oct. 23
WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY
360 W. Western Ave. Ste. 200, Muskegon westmichigansymphony.org
THE MUSIC OF ABBA WITH DIRECT FROM SWEDEN, Oct. 3 BLKBOK, Oct 17
DMITRI MATHENY QUINTET, Oct 24
FRIGHTFUL FUN
WEST MICHIGAN’S TOP HALLOWEEN HAUNTS
Halloween season has once again descended upon West Michigan, bringing with it sinister scares and spine-tingling surprises spread out all across the area.
From haunted houses that rattle with relentless dread, to horrifying hayrides, creepy corn mazes, terrifying trails and more, there’s something to make everyone scream this year. So whether you’re chasing jump scares, eerie encounters, or family-friendly frights, our annual list of the best haunted attractions is your guide for unforgettable nights, and nightmares to come.
Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
THE HAUNT
1256 28th St. SW, Wyoming the-haunt.com
DATES
Oct. 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, Nov. 1-2
ADMISSION
Online $30 / At Door $35
VIP ADMISSION
Online $50 / At Door $55
KIDS HAUNT
Oct. 26, Noon to 5 p.m.
BLACKOUT
Nov. 1-2
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, The Haunt has become a living legend here West Michigan. The award-winning location’s reputation precedes it for anyone who hasn’t yet ventured within its walls and experienced the movie-grade special effects and hyper-realistic frights inside. New for 2025, wander through the Whispering Woods, face down Alien X, get lost with Malice In Wonderland, experience Tinkles’ Torment, and feel the 3D frights of the Frenzy Circus, all included in the price of admission.
ABANDONED ACRES FARM
| by Eric Mitts
THE HAUNTED FOREST
Cannonsburg Ski Area, 6800 Cannonsburg Rd., Belmont Cannonsburg.com/the-haunted-forest
DATES
Oct. 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, Nov. 1
Fridays 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Saturdays 6-8:30 p.m.
ADMISSION
Online $25 / At Door $30
EXPRESS LANE
Online $35 / At Door $40
Embark on this treacherous half-mile trek down a lit dirt path, winding through the trees, with terror lurking around every corner. Packed with props and actors, the outdoor event only runs on Friday and Saturday evenings, with reservation timed tickets purchased in advance to help manage the large crowds, so plan ahead and watch your step if you dare. There’s also a shorter, Spooky Forest on site for children or the easily frightened.
NEW SALEM CORN MAZE
4516 24th St., Dorr newsalemcornmaze.com
DATES
Every Friday and Saturday in October and Nov. 1
ADMISSION
Witches Woods $30 (per trail per person)
Haunted Corn Maze $30
Two Activities $50/person
Three Activities $65/person
Daytime Corn Maze $10
The choice is yours as to “witch” way you want to go when you enter the Witches Woods at New Salem. But that’s not all, with over 20 chilling attractions along the path, a haunted corn maze, and all sorts of family friendly daytime activities, it’s easy to get lost – and lose track of time – with all the frightful fun you’ll have here this fall.
7737 Fruit Ridge Ave. NW, Sparta abandonedacresfarm.com
DATES
Oct. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, Nov. 1
ADMISSION
Both Attractions $35
Fast Pass $55
The Old Eli Experience $5
Super Slasher VIP $75
KIDS DAY SPOOKTACULAR
Oct. 26, 12-5 p.m., $7 for kids (attending adults free)
A one of a kind hybrid experience combining two outdoor haunted corn mazes, with several indoor haunted experiences, all spread out on a real farm, prepare to be scared. Each maze runs over a quarter mile, beginning with the Bloody Butcher Corn Maze, where you will enter the mind of a serial killer inside Old Eli’s workshop. Then brace yourself for Big Top Terror Vision, a 3D carnival complete with crazed clowns and deranged circus animals all coming right at you. And bring the little ones to the
NIGHTMARE REALM
30609 Red Arrow Hwy, Paw Paw minightmare.com
DATES
Oct. 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31, Nov. 1, Nov. 14, Nov. 15
ADMISSION
General Admission $25
Front of line $40
VIP $55
Season Pass $104.52 – 135.57
Known for its immersive experience and elaborate storylines, Nightmare Realm puts on a show for its audience every season. Retribution 1993 takes visitors to the town of Cypress Hollow, where the evil Trista has taken over, and unleashed unholy creatures from the Nightmare Realm. But that’s just the beginning. Running throughout October, Nightmare Realm features special survival games The Hollowed on Oct. 31, and Pride and Malice and Zombies on Nov. 1, as well as Whispering Shadows, a sensory-friendly show on Nov. 14, and the holiday-themed Project Jingle Hell Nov. 15.
HAUNT PARK
7656 Ravine Rd., Kalamazoo hauntpark.com
DATES
Oct. 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, 31, Nov. 1
ADMISSION
Double Doom Pass $20
Three Screams Combo $25
Quadruple Carnage Pass $30
For over 20 years, Haunt Park has taken over Kalamazoo Speedway, and mastered the craft of fright. Offering three levels of fear intensity over its three haunted houses, with each telling its own tale of terror. Fullyfleshed out storylines add to the experience of Psycho Ward The Slaughter, Nightmares The Beginning, and Clown Mansion, while Camp Crystal Lake Paintball puts the power to fight back against the living dead in your hands.
HAUNTED ACRES
HAUNTED ATTRACTION
7970 W. Park Rd., Stony Lake, New Era haunted-acres.square.site, facebook.com/ hauntedacresstonylakemi
DATES Saturdays in October & Nov. 1
ADMISSION $25
Located on a real farm, Haunted Acres begins with the Field of Screams, sprawling over 10 acres with shocks and surprises around every turn. But it doesn’t stop there, with Vertigo, an indoor 3D black light experience complete with lasers and sounds, The Devil’s Playground, built on the ruins of an old barn, and filled with animatronics and other jump scares, as well as a 350-foot pallet maze that may be haunted.
TRAIL OF TERROR
7582 Crocker Rd., Holton trailofterrorholton.com
DATES
Oct. 17, 18, 24, 25, 31, Dusk to 11 p.m.
ADMISSION
$20
VIP ADMISSION
$25
Now in its 20th year, the Trail of Terror has outlived many other experiences with a dedicated cast and crew taking the terrifying to towering new heights. Open to all ages, but with parental discretion strongly advised, and located in Muskegon County, it’s worth the trip for anyone looking to head up north and feel the real chill of what lurks in the trees after dark. ■
The Haunt, Abandoned Acres Farm, The Haunted Forest. COURTESY PHOTOS
