While Supplies Last

Hurry down to the Green Well's exclusive new beer, Dripalicious. Made by Todd and Douglas of the Green Well when they visited Short's Brewery in Bellaire, this "hoppy brown ale" is limited by quantity so have a glass while it lasts.

Visit the Green Well's Web site for info and directions.

This Weekend's Best Bets: Oct. 30 - Nov. 1

This Halloween, go beyond carving pumpkins and finding a costume. Explore your options and watch a serial killer do ballet, hear a symphony play spooky music and see just how loud you can scream.

1. NO PINK, JUST BLOOD RED: Don't let the genre fool you: the Grand Rapids Ballet Company's production of Jack the Ripper will challenge any pre-conceived notions of what ballet looks like. Catch the world premiere at DeVos Performance Hall Oct. 30-31 at 7:30 or Sunday, Nov. 1 at 2 p.m.; $20-$53; more info here

2. MAGICAL MUSIC: Hear "Hedwig's Theme" and other Harry Potter favorites performed live as the West Michigan Symphony presents "Halloween Pops: Wizards and Wands" at the Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts in Muskegon on Friday, Oct. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m.; $5 for students; more info here

3. THEY'RE ALIVE: Help break the record for the world's largest zombie walk-again. Grand Rapids held the title with last year's count of 4,000 zombies until Seattle stole it. Rob Bliss' event to reclaim the record takes place Friday, Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. starting in Calder Plaza in downtown GR with a before and after party at HopCat; free; more info here

4. ACROBATTY: Cirque du Scarey is the theme of the BOB's annual Halloween party on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 8:30 p.m. $1000 goes to the best overall costume, and the best sideshow freak costume wins $800. If your last 5 digits of your social security number match the numbers posted at midnight, you'll $10,000 cash and a trip to Sin City to see Cirque du Soleil; $10; more info here

5. IT'S ONLY A STORY: Frenzy in Allegan is located in a non-operational sawmill steeped in local lore: it has a history of unexplained disappearances, and caskets were supposedly built in a nearby building. If you're feeling especially brave, spring for the V.I.P. ticket which lets you cut the line, get a free shirt and have an expert stalker follow you, whispering who-knows-what in your ear; Oct. 29-Oct. 31 from 7 p.m. to midnight; $13-$25; more info here

6. GET SOME FRESH AIR: If being terrified outside is more your style, consider braving the Trail of Terror in Holton. Parental discretion is advised for this mile-long trail full of chainsaw maniacs, clowns, ghosts and other usual suspects; Oct. 29-31 from dusk to 11 p.m.; $12-$17; more info here

7. FACE YOUR FEARS: The Phobia House in Kalamazoo recommends that you wear running shoes as you explore the 16,660 square feet in this three-in-one haunt. The theme this year is "Torment and Torture: 13 Centuries of Pain," and the $15 admission price includes a pair of 3-D glasses. There is a concession stand and horror movies playing to entertain those waiting in line; Oct. 29-31 from 7:45 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.; more info here

8. WINE AND DINE: If paying money to give yourself nightmares is not your thing, head over to the Grand Rapids Public Museum Friday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. for Food, Wine & All That Jazz, an event with over 300 wines and beers from North America as well as gourmet food and live jazz. If you find a favorite wine, you can order it for up to a 40% discount; $50-$55; more info here

9. HAVE A GOOD OL' TIME: Support a good cause and enjoy the award-winning country music of Dierks Bentley at Van Andel Arena Sunday, Nov. 1 during the second annual B-93 Roofsit Concert for Kids. The concert, which raises awareness and money for child abuse and counseling programs in West Michigan, will also feature Gary Allan and Josh Thompson; $22.50-$42.50; more info here

Good Bets: Ghost Hunters at the Grand Rapids Public Library will host two local authors discussing paranormal activity on Oct. 31...Friday the 13th, The Musical features gallons of blood and "campy musical numbers" playing at the Dog Story Theatre on Oct. 31; more info here...the Dead-Utante Ball in the J.W. Marriott is a classy costume party for adults taking place on Halloween night; more info here

Indie Rock Aplenty

Celebrate Halloween at the Mixtape Cafe with indie rockers Mae when they play Saturday, Oct. 31 at 6:30 p.m. along with special guests Jenny Owen Youngs and Deas Vail. Tickets are $13 in advance or $15 the day of the show.

If you're in the mood for emo-indie-pop rock, check out Straylight Run on Sunday, Nov. 1, also at the Mixtape. Doors open at 6 p.m. and tickets are $10 in advance, $12 the day of the concert. The tour also includes The Dangerous Summer, Mansions, Brian Bonz and Dave Milillo.

Straylight Run just released a new EP "About Time" but is currently unsigned, as their record label dropped them recently.

Get tickets and more info here.

Living the Dream Band is...Well, You Know

Kalamazoo band Living the Dream will be releasing an EP within the first two weeks of November. After creating 40 original songs and playing "cover shows at almost every college bar in Kalamazoo," Living the Dream is ready to take the next step.

Living the Dream's repetoire includes over 100 cover songs, from the Spice Girls to Tom Petty to DMX. In order to accomodate a multitude of situations and atmostpheres, the band provides performance options, such as a solo acoustic act, lead and rhythm guitar, and the "Living the Dream Special," which features all four band members.

Catch this high-energy band Wednesday, Nov. 4 and Nov. 18 at 10:30 p.m. at Wayside West.

For more information, check out Living the Dream's MySpace or on Facebook.

Disco Biscuits Make For a Sexy Time

Catch the "super jam band" Disco Biscuits 8 p.m. tonight at the Kalamazoo State Theatre.

Never heard of them before? You should've.

More info can be found at our website, kazoostate.com, as well as the Disco Biscuits site, where currently you can download two of their songs.

Tickets for the show tonight are $22.

Dead Scene Radio hits and runs

Kalamazoo outfit Dead Scene Radio gives listeners an EP full of music that could only come from Michigan, but plays well anywhere. Its sound is so tight and solid it breaks the molds of musical convention like a punch to the nose.

DSR's EP has a stronger voice and cleaner production than full-length efforts from better known bands, and the result is as ironic as the band's darker lyrics played against its high energy guitars. The vocals are hinged on a reliable musicality that is not afraid of melodies and rhythms that don't just drive - they hit and run.

Accessible Art

See some of the best art Grand Rapids has to offer at the Grand Rapids Gallery Association's exhibit at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center from Monday, Nov. 2 through Friday, Nov. 20. The gallery will be open Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The GRGA has 13 member galleries from around the city, from Cascade and Forest Hills to Kendall and Grand Valley State. Current president Joel Zwart, director of exhibitions at Calvin College, remarks that "there is unbelievable talent here."

If looking isn't enough for you, attend the Meet the Galleries Holiday Sale on Thursday, Nov. 12 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and take some artwork home. Each gallery will have their own space and will have pieces for sale to the public.

All exhibits are free. For further info, visit the Fine Arts Center Web site here or the GRGA site here.

"Fill the Room and Make the Vibe"

If you're too old for trick-or-treating but not quite ready to give up the whole costume thing, head over to the J.W. Marriott on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 8 p.m. for the Dead-utante Ball, an adult costume party that event organizer Jimmy Le says will attract the "A-list crowd."

The Campau lobby and ballroom foyer will be decorated as an old opera house, fitting the "Phantom of the Opera meets Eyes Wide Shut with a little bit of the Rocky Horror Picture Show" theme. "Within 30 seconds of walking in," Le says, "you'll have champagne in hand."

Emily Prichett of WXMI Fox 17 will be the Madame of the Ball, with six.one.six Executive Chef Andrew Voss providing the food. There will be "extraordinary prizes" for the best costume and a discounted room rate for those attending. Two DJs will keep the party going until 1 a.m.

Tickets are $25 per person or $40 per couple, and admission includes 1 drink ticket and access to the sushi bar and appetizers with additional drink tickets available. If you seek a bit more privacy, reserve a "Very VIP" section. You can expect "great service, great food and a great time," promises Le.

For more information, visit the Dead-utante Ball's Facebook page.

Venue change for O.A.R. show

O.A.R. (Of a Revolution) is moving from DeVos Performance Hall to the Orbit Room for its Nov. 2. Grand Rapids show.

Elmwood will still be opening for the band, while ticket prices are still $32.50 in advance, or $35 day-of. All previously purchased tickets will be honored at the Orbit Room.

Not Your Typical Merry-Go-Round

Believe it or not, you and the President have a lot in common. You like food, he likes food. You enjoy musicals, he enjoys musicals. You will be at Western Michigan University's Shaw Theatre Saturday, Nov. 14, at 8 p.m. for the 30th Annual President's Performance, and so will he.

Wait, who are you talking about?

WMU President John Dunn and his wife are hosting a reception and dinner benefiting the University Theatre Guild's scholarship fund, followed by a performance of the Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel.

Tickets are $100 for hors d'ouerves, dinner, performance and post-reception or $50 for the performance and "afterglow" of champagne punch and dessert.

If mingling with the higher-ups isn't your thing, Carousel is also playing Nov. 12-14 and Nov. 19-21 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 15 at 2 p.m.

For tickets or more info, call (269) 387-3226 or visit the Web site.

You'll Laugh, You'll Scream, You'll Get Drenched in Blood

If Grand Rapids Ballet Company's "Jack the Ripper" isn't your horror story of choice, consider heading to the Dog Story Theater for its musical rendition of "Friday the 13th" at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 or Saturday, Oct. 31 or the week after on Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 7.

Based on the 1980 movie of the same name, "Friday the 13th" has been redone, now with "campy musical numbers." It's set at Camp Crystal Lake, where legend says there were some murders years ago but now it's opening again; the camp has forgotten what happened but someone else hasn't...(duh duh duh).

This musical is rated PG-13 for violence and "lots and lots and lots of blood." It is recommended that you bring your raincoat.

To purchase tickets ($10 adults, $8 students/seniors), visit the Web site, call (616) 617-7823 or email tickets@dogstorytheater.com

REVUE's Best Bets

REVUE Editor Brian Edwards chats with FOX TV's Emily Richett about this weekend's Best Bets for entertainment in West Michigan. Check out the write ups on the REVUE website.  

We risk smiting with this story...

From the comic minds of Jan Griffith and  Dan Falicki comes a new musical movie adventure that will debut at Wealthy Theatre this holiday season. Have a quick look at the video, and if REVUE's office ends up in a pile of smoking rubble, you'll know what happened.

Screenings and Screaming

The Riviera Theatre in Three Rivers is hosting its First Annual Horror Film Festival, beginning Thursday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m.

Four shorts have been paired with full length films that the audience can score; the winner will be announced at the Halloween Party Saturday, Oct. 31. Two movies will be shown on Oct. 29 with the remaining two playing Oct. 30. Tickets are $5 per showing.

The film festival adds to the theatre’s Halloween Horror Week, which includes screenings of additional movies, including the original “Frankenstein.” The Halloween party features a costume contest and drink specials.

For more information, visit the Riviera Theatre’s Web site or call (269) 278-8068.

"Because the World Needs to Know"

The local chapter of the environmental group 350.org is hosting an event for the International Day of Climate Action on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Rosa Parks Circle.

350.org gets its name from what scientists have agreed is the safe level of carbon dioxide in parts per million; at present, the level is upwards of 387 ppm. Led by writer Bill McKibben, the group’s mission is “to inspire the world to rise to the challenge of the climate crisis—to create a new sense of urgency and of possibility for our planet.”

The event will include music provided by Midwest Skies and Drew Nelson as well as community booths, speakers and a march to Calder Plaza. There will be a bike ride to Consumer’s Energy as well.

For more information, visit 350.org or find the local chapter on Facebook.

Get out of the garage

Noise violations are costly. Why spend your money paying off tickets and taxing your neighbors' patience when all you need is the support of people like Brian Grooms, of Fled Five, and The Rocket Lounge?

Every Wednesday night (yes, even tonight), join your fellow musicians for Live Rehearsal. As Brian says, it is an opportunity for local bands to practice with high-quality equipment in a concert setting. The rehearsals are open to the public and all are welcome to watch.

Not only do bands get the chance to expand their horizons from the garage/basement/abandoned pool setting, but they'll also be able to network with other local bands and musicians.

To sign up for your slot time (four every Wednesday), or to check out the next up-and-comers, contact Brian on his Myspace.

The Rocket Lounge, which is right beside Louie's Bar, can be located at 608 Bridge St.

Peppino's Opens Downtown GR Location

You may have already heard, but there's a new bar on Ionia.

Before the eyes roll, listen up. This Grand Rapids bar has 29 flat screen TVs along its pereimeter, 19-inch personal TVs in all the booths, and a 100-inch projection TV best-suited for the big game - whether it's the Superbowl or Wimbledon.

Peppino's Downtown Sports Lounge officialy opened Oct. 14 at 4 p.m., but is having a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. Mayor Hartwell will even be there.

"[Peppino's] is fourth generation family owned with authentic Sicilian family recipes," said Owner Kurt Suidinski.

Peppino's also has pool tables, shuffle board and Golden Tee for those who need something to do during halftime.

Ahoy! Kalamazoo Gets a Waterpark

Pirates Island, Kalamazoo’s first waterpark, is now open inside SWAT Fitness Club in Texas Corners. At 14,000 square feet, the aquatic center features two waterslides (one outdoor), two hot tubs, a lap pool, a lazy river, a warm pool, a kiddie pool and an interactive pirate ship. It also has a concession stand, an arcade with prizes, two rooms for parties and a viewing area with WIFI for parents.

Pirates Island will be offering swimming lessons for kids as well as water exercise and therapy classes. Its grand opening is Oct. 24, and anyone who stops by between Oct. 18 and Dec. 18 can register to win a trip to the Carribean.

Pirates Island is located on the corner of 9th St. and N Ave. For more information, including hours and rates, visit the Pirates Island Web site or call (269) 544-5000.



LIGHTS in the Spotlight

Playing the Mixtape Café Thursday, Oct. 22 is LIGHTS, Stars of Track and This April.

Born to missionary parents, 22-year-old Valerie Poxleitner got used to traveling the world and dealing with life’s experiences. Now, as LIGHTS, she is a no-nonsense pop star who’s not letting her growing popularity affect her attitude. Her EP came out in the U.S. Sept. 8.

Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 day of show. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. Buy tickets here or visit the Mixape Café Web site.

Be There or Be Square

West Michigan artist Cynthia Hagedorn is celebrating her new downtown studio this week and invites you to come check it out Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2-8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22, 2-8 p.m. or Friday, Oct. 23, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m or 4-8 p.m. The studio is on the corner of W 8th and S River Ave in Holland.

Now an abstract painter, Hagedorn has experience in mosaic, glass, drawing, clay, paper, jewelry and calligraphy as well as traditional cultural media like African masks. “I paint the way I think life should be – vibrant, full and alive,” Hagedorn said in an email. Her works contain many vibrant squares, bursting with color. She paints each canvas in one sitting.

Beyond using the studio for her own work, Hagedorn will open up the space for art programs for children and adults. The space may also be rented for private parties or for individuals.

For more information, email her at cynthiahagedorn@msn.com or visit her Web site.

Just How Tall Is a Lion?

Check out New York band As Tall As Lions as they play the Orbit Room along with MuteMath Tuesday, Oct. 20. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $22 in advance, $25 at the door.

As Tall As Lions just released their third full-length album You Can’t Take It With You, which was described by online music hub RCRDLBL “as timeless as it is timely.” Their songs address modern day issues of love, war, God, money and the human condition.

Headliners MuteMath put out their third album, Armistice, in August, though the band almost broke up while writing it. It debuted at number 18 on the Billboard 200. Their first music video, “Typical,” features the band playing and singing the song backwards and was nominated for a Grammy Award.

For more information, visit the Orbit Room’s Web site or check out the As Tall As Lions here and MuteMath here.

Waffle + Dog = Delicious

First came the humble hot dog. Then the corn dog was born. And now, one more glorious variation: the waffle dog, a sausage wrapped in a waffle, dusted with powdered sugar and served with a side of syrup.

Get yours at Wired Espresso Bar, Grand Rapids' newest 24 hour coffeehouse. This resurrected carnival food might just change the way you think about all-nighters.

Check out Wired's Facebook page for more information.

Mid-Life Crisis: the band, not our Publisher.

Contrary to popular belief, driving around town in a convertible doesn't automatically mean you're going through a mid-life crisis. Just ask REVUE Publisher Brian Edwards, who swears the white ragtop Cavalier is borrowed while he looks for a new car.

Regardless of his mode of transportation, Edwards plans to be at the Intersection tomorrow night for the CD release party of Mid-Life Crisis,  beginning at 7 p.m. MLC just released their full-length album of all original songs "Its Always Something" and would like for you to join them at The Intersection to celebrate.

Tickets are $10 and all ages are welcome. There will be a pre-party at 6p in the front lounge featuring another of Grand Rapids' own rock stars, Spencer Mulder. Doors open at 7p, and the party will start at 8p, with Troll For Trout heading off the show.

For more info, visit www.mlcband.com or sectionlive.com.

Tickets are available at the Intersection box office at 616.451.8232 or Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com.

This Weekend's Best Bets

The weather is brisk, but get outside before the temperature drops even more. If you'd rather stay warm inside, there are plenty of big concerts and shows to keep you busy.

-Grand Rapids Symphony Performs the Lord of the Rings @ DeVos Performance Hall, Friday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.; $42; more info here
Watch the epic The Fellowship of the Ring on the big screen as the symphony and chorus provides the live soundtrack.

-Creation Festival: The Tour featuring Jars of Clay and Thousand Foot Krutch @ Calvin College, Monday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.; $35 VIP, $20 Public, $10 w/ Calvin ID; more info here
A total of six bands bring a spectrum of contemporary Christian music, ranging from mainstream to edgy rock to hip-hop to pop rock and in between. 



-Dane Cook @ Van Andel Arena, Friday, Oct. 16 at 8 p.m.; $32.50, $62.50, $102.50; more info here
Named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, the controversial Dane Cook has established a cult following and his position as one of the most popular comedians of our generation.



-GrooveWalk @ Downtown Holland, Saturday, Oct. 17 at 9 p.m.; $7 in advance, $10 Door; more info here
One wristband gets you access to 11 bands playing at 11 venues throughout downtown Holland as well as drink specials and bus fare for the GrooveXpress.



-Andrew Bird @ Kalamazoo State Theatre, Sunday, Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m.; $27; more info here
The whistling wonder Andrew Bird will be playing this show without his supporting band: just him, his instruments and the audience.


-Fall Chamber Concert Series @ the GRAM, Sunday Oct. 18 at 2 p.m.; $5 - $8; more info here
 Classical chamber music might not be everyone’s thing, but the group Arcos Trio might just change some minds.

-Motion City Soundtrack @ GVSU, Friday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.; $15 Public, $10 Staff, $5 GVSU Students; more info here

For Homecoming 2009, some Grand Valley students are hoping to get a taste of MCS’s recently completed album as they jam to some catchy alt-rock-pop.



-Fall Into the Arts Walk @ Downtown Battle Creek, Friday, Oct. 16 at 5 p.m.; free; more info here
Meander downtown Battle Creek and take in the sights, sounds and tastes of the season with artists receptions and street performers.

-Super Happy Funtimes Burlesque Halloween Show @ the Riviera Theatre in Three Rivers, Friday, Oct. 16 at 9 p.m.; $10; more info here
Come for the burlesque show, stay for the Halloween costume party! Needless to say, 18 and over only.

An Album Twenty Years in the Making

Show your appreciation for acoustic adult contemporary rock by coming out for Scott Campbell’s first full-length original album entitled “Nobody Like You” to be released at The Whiskey Lounge Friday, Oct. 16.

Campbell learned to play guitar when he was 15 and has been playing, singing and rocking ever since. A well-rounded artist, he can also play the drums, clarinet and piano, and draws his influences from a variety of musicians. From The Beatles to Led Zeppelin to Neil Young to Frank Sinatra, Campbell’s sound is, as he describes it, “not restricted to a time; it could have been written one hundred years ago.”

For more information, check out a Revue article here or visit his MySpace page here.

Instruments of Hope 1st Annual Benefit Concert!

On Sunday, October 25th the Wealthy Theatre is hosting the 1st Annual Grand Hope Benefit Concert. Hailing itself as a night of music and dance, the concert will feature the music of Ralston Bowles with special guests Hawks and Owls, Sweet Japonic, and a special farewell dance performance from David Schultz before he departs from Grand Rapids.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Instruments of Hope, a non-profit group in West Michigan that seeks to promote peace through the arts and ultimately contruct the St. Francis Sculpture Garden for Prayer and Meditation. Tickets are $25 per person and can be bought through the Instruments of Hope website or by calling the Wealthy Theatre at (616) 459-4788. House doors open at 6:15 p.m. For more information on this special event check out the Instruments of Hope event page.

A Very Merry Burlesque Halloween Show

If you're as excited as I am to begin my Halloween celebrations, you'll join me this Friday, Oct 16, at the Riviera Theater, 9p. Super Happy Funtime Burlesque is putting on their Halloween show in Three Rivers this Friday and its promising to be a grand ol time.

For only 10 bucks, all you of the ages 18 and up can enjoy the musical stylings of Corey Ruffin and the artistic direction of Rachel Finan. Don't go to simply watch. Wear your favorite Halloween costume and join in the fun!

Or win tickets from REVUE instead of paying!

Let's recap: Super Happy Funtimes Burlesque show.

Friday Oct 16 9p.

Riviera Theater, Three Rivers, MI.

$10 tickets

Wear a costume.

For your chance to win, email renee@revuewm.com.

More info can be found at their website here or at the Riviera's site.

Double Derby Action Oct. 24

For the people in West Michigan that saw Whip It!, yes, we do have a roller derby team (it was featured in the movie, after all). And for fans of that team - the Grand Raggidy Roller Girls - head to Rivertown Sports for for the first home game.

The G-Rap Attack! will face the Mid Michigan Derby Girls for the first time on Oct. 24. The teams will be followed by GRRG Allstars as they take on Killamazoo Derby Darlins.

Doors are at 5 p.m., with the face-off starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, or $15 day-of. Plus, there will be a costume contest, so start coming up with ideas now.

Brews & Blues

Starting Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m., the Idlewild Foundation will be hosting a jazz lab at the Saugatuck Brewing Company. A new topic will be discussed every second Wednesday of the month, beginning with “No Blues” next week and “Alter Egos, or the Exploration of the Humanization of the Application of the Chicken and Egg Theory in Relation to Music” in November. Kerry O’Donohue, the bar manager at the Brewing Company, laughed and said in order to understand that title, “you’ll have to come to the show to find out.” These sessions will feature a movie or documentary focused on jazz and then a group listening to recorded jazz music. The direction the meetings take resides with the participants who can select the musicians, eras, instruments etc. that will be focused on. O’Donohue explained that this series was inspired by the jazz fest in Saugatuck this summer and “the jazz lab concept is an extension of that…there has not been a lot of hype or promotion...[but] it is a very new concept.” The sessions are free.

To learn more about the Saugatuck Brewing Company, check out its Facebook.

Sufi this: Dane Cook tickets. For free.

Dane Cook's coming to Grand Rapids' own Van Andel Arena this Friday, Oct 16th, 8p.

And all of you want tickets.

Lucky for you, REVUE has several pairs to give away.

Email Renee Meadors at renee@revuewm.com for your chance to enter.

Contest ends Thursday at 5p. So enter now.

For more info and tickets, check out livenation.com.

Jazzy-folk-rock-pop-with-a-twirl in GR soon

Check out this acoustic version of "Fade Away" by singer-songwriter Samantha Farrell. The Massachusetts native, who just released her second album, Luminous, will be swinging through Grand Rapids in early November as part of a special evening of music and poetry that's being sponsored by REVUE and Fogged Clarity, a national literary arts review. The record is produced by LeRoi Moore of Dave Matthews Band, which has this news of the record on its website.   Farrell's Facebook describes her music has as "jazzy folk rock pop with a twirl" - we describe it as someone you should listen to if you like Norah Jones, Regina Spektor, Ingrid Michaelson, or, for you old school types, Rickie Lee Jones.   Want to hear more?  Send an email to editor@revuewm.com.

Small Band Makes Big Noise

Bangups

Album Name: Ten Dollars an Hour
Key Track: “Keep Walkin’”

So what if Bangups consists of two members? Who cares that it has been around less than a year? What difference does it make that its first and only album is less than 22 minutes long? None of that seems to matter when listening to Ten Dollars an Hour. Guitarist and vocalist Joey Dornbos and drummer Brent French easily make up for their brief existence, playing convincing country-rock that makes you stop and wonder if you’ve heard it before. You haven’t, but Bangups’ influences of Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and the White Stripes are right beneath the surface. Dornbos sings about themes of religion, rebellion and girls in a voice that sounds like it’s blasting through the tiny speakers of a radio, but this adds to the instant-classic effect. For a two-man show, Bangups has tight production and a clean sound; there’s no suggestion of a mattress-in-the-garage recording studio here. Being so new might be a challenge, but being a local band from Grand Rapids, Mich. will help it get its sound out. Its MySpace page is pretty new, but look for a Web site coming soon. The album is out now.

A Night for Prog Rockers

Story and photo by Melinda Wilcox

Even the cold, wet October weather couldn't stop the progressive rock fans from their night of fun at the Umphrey's McGee show. The Orbit Room was nearly full and dread locks, Jnco jeans, glow sticks, and the heavy scent of Patchoili were everywhere.

Umphrey's Mcgee rocked the stage with their mix of jam band and progressive rock with eerie vocals and electrifying guitar riffs. Jamming for nearly 15 minutes per song really got the crowd into the feel of the music. I myself don't have the attention span for progressive rock. It was good for a while but not being able to decipher song to song isn't my cup of tea. I made it through three 20 minute songs before I ended up having to leave. Granted, the musicianship was amazing and they meshed well with six members in the band (including West Michigan native Ryan Stasik, who plays the bass). It was an experience, but I don't think I will be a repeat attender.

Top 9: Stuff To Do This Weekend

Our Top 9 list for this weekend, in no particular order. There's plenty to see and do, so get to it!

1) Twentysomething, Funnysomething @ Wealthy Theatre, Friday, Oct. 9 at 8 p.m.

Come watch four young local comedians do their thing for a cheap ticket price; $15

2) ArtPrize Final Days @ Downtown venues through Saturday, Oct. 10

Get down there before it’s too late! If you don’t know what this is, I guess you never will; no charge


3) Rock Out 2 Come Out @ Rosa Parks Circle, Sunday, Oct. 11 at 3 p.m. 

A gay pride event with food and music celebrating National Coming Out Day; no charge


4) Wet Hop Harvest Ale Release Party @ Founders, Saturday, Oct. 10 at 9 p.m.

Get a commemorative pint glass and enjoy this ale that is on tap once a year; $8


5) B.B. King @ DeVos Performance Hall, Sunday, Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m.

This man is a living legend, a blues master. He's also 84 years old, so see him while you can! $40-$75.50

6) Gran Torino @ Calvin College Commons Lecture Hall, Friday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. & 10 p.m.

For those of you who are broke and in the mood for some Clint Eastwood; no charge


7) New Installations @ Frederik Meijer Gardens, opens Friday, Oct. 9 

Plenty to see at the Gardens, including new artists Lynn Chadwick and Henry Moore; $9-$12


8) 32nd Annual Gallery Stroll @ Saugatuck/Douglas, Saturday, Oct. 10 & Sunday, Oct. 11 at noon 
 Get your arts and culture fix at the plentiful exhibits and artists receptions; no charge

9) JLO Super Cross @ the Deltaplex, Friday, Oct. 9 & Saturday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.

Expect to see a few hundred riders competing indoors for the first time in the series; $13-$25

Win Tickets to see Umphrey's McGee at the Orbit Room

Need to let loose this Friday? Jam with Umphrey's McGee with Macpodz this Friday at the Orbit Room.

Umphrey's McGee is touring to promote its 2009 release - which was released on inauguration day - Mantis. The album is full of the band's signature improvisational rock sound.

Need tickets? REVUE is giving away a pair. Go here to enter.

Blake Lewis Releases Sophomore Album Today

Blake Lewis
Heartbreak on Vinyl
Release Date: Oct. 6
Label: Tommy Boy
Key Tracks: "Sad Song", "Heartbreak on Vinyl"
Photo: Myriam Santos

Blake Lewis is doing it his way the second time around.

The runner-up on the sixth season of American Idol faced adversity when he was dropped from the label that produced his debut album, Audio Day Dream. As a result, Lewis used his sophomore effort as a chance to take music into his own hands.

“It started at my house and ended at my house…it was very homegrown and organic,” Lewis recently told REVUE in a phone interview.

He adds, “After the American Idol success and everything, it was totally an interesting dichotomy to go from this huge television success to just coming back home and reassessing my life and how I’m going to approach my life…It’s all about staying positive in this industry.”

Lewis’ approach is Heartbreak on Vinyl, a 13-track album – Lewis wrote all but one of the tracks, and self-produced the album – filled with elctro-pop, musical euphemisms and Lewis’ favorite subject – love.

“Music goes hand in hand with life, for me. It may be cliché, but music is my life and I choose to live my life revolving around it, and love – we know I’m a lover.”

He calls Heartbreak on Vinyl a very personal dance record influenced by his favorite ‘80s synth/New Wave bands such as Duran Duran, Depeche Mode and New Order.

I write about love, but this one is more specific…it’s like Maroon 5’s Songs About Jane record, in that it’s all about one girl,” he said.

The result is a throwback with a current sound, a guilty pleasure you’re not afraid to turn up in the car – with the windows down. The title track is pop in its purest form, while the message – the closing of local indie record stores – pulls on the heartstrings when Lewis sings Heartbreak on Vinyl was the name of the store/Now the store is gone and we can’t be there anymore.

“I think [“Heartbreak on Vinyl”] is one of the best pop songs I’ve ever written,” Lewis said.

Similar to Audio Day Dream, Heartbreak on Vinyl is catchy, fast-paced and an all-around dance record. Although he doubles the electronic beats and pop sound, there’s one thing that Lewis won’t change: beat boxing.

“I always incorporate [beat boxing] in my records and my live show – my live show more than my records because it’s very much a live art form…I love it. It’s where I started and I’ve been doing it for 10 years and I’m not gonna stop.”

20something, funnysomething

Looking for something else to laugh at besides today's economy or latest celebrity outburst?

How about four young guys and one middle-aged one?

20something, funnysomething features Matt Lauria, Adam Degi, Allen Trieu, and Trevor Smith, with Stu McCallister serving as host October 9, 2009 (this Friday) at the Wealthy Theatre, 8p. Tickets are $10 advance, $10 for students and CMC members and $15 at the door. For more information, www.twentysomethingfunnysomething.com or the Facebook event, and to buy tickets online, here.

After crunching the numbers, its like $2 per comic. Or $2.50 and there's one thrown in for free. That's good money, considering that you'll get the Funniest Person in Grand Rapids, two of WMU's 'Last Broncos Standing,' as well as a 'Last Laker Standing'.

Plus, there's always the chance to win tickets. REVUE has several pairs of tickets to give away to you, the lucky reader. Email renee@revuewm.com for your chance to enter!

Rob Bliss Redux

Rob's next event announced last night:  a combination zombie walk-electronic dance party for Halloween.  Details on his Facebook page. 

Taylor Swift - Van Andel Arena, photos by Anthony Nowack

REVUE, Shirtprize featured on FOX-17

Check out FOX 17's Emily Richett as she highlights Shirtprize finalists and talks about STDs with Shirtprize founders:

 

Celebrate Pulaksi Days this weekend

Everyone's Polish on Oct. 2-4. Pulaski Days, an annual event celebrating the Polish heritage, is bringing food, music, beer and family friendly events to Grand Rapids.

This year's theme is "There's Nothing Like Polka" and the events kick off tonight with a parade on Oct. 3 at 11 a.m. around Grand Rapids' West side.

Live music will be playing at Eastern Hall from 9 a.m. until close, which includes local band Mr. Whooha.

The Party of the Century

The Grand Rapids Art Museum is hosting a part that will last through April - and labeling it the "Party of the Century."

Once a month, the art museum is hosting a special version of its Friday Nights at the GRAM to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2010. Starting tonight, the galleries open at 5 p.m. with a special $5 admission price for non-members and features David Hall's Marimba live music performance.

The museum will also host an Artists Pushing Boundaries: Past, Present, Future discussion, which asks the question, "What is art?", a topic that is likely to stir the ArtPrize pot even more. New exhibitions include Tissot's London1871-1882: The Art and Culture of City Life, James McNeill Whistler and the Romance of Great Cities, and American Impressionism from the Phillips Collection.

The next Party of the Century is scheduled for Nov. 6 with a special New Years Eve Party on Dec. 31.

Love Coffee? 24 hour coffee shop opens in GR

Need a coffee fix at 2 a.m.? In the past, coffee lovers were S.O.L. Now, thanks to Wired Espresso Bar, coffee is available 24/7.

After completing renovations, the coffee shop extraordinaire has already officially opened for business, but will celebrate its Grand Opening October 9. Stop in for free food samples and drinks specials from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Wired Espresso is also holding a raffle for those who bring in their business cards- winner receives free coffee for the whole office.

Owner and operator Sarah Willets says, "We're excited to be a part of the growing Creston business district. We look forward to serving the community and becoming an integral part in the corridor's revitalization.

Wired Espresso Bar has been nominated "Best New Business" in the 20th annual Grand Rapids Neighborhood awards.

For more information, check out Wired Espresso's web site and Facebook.