A little prog rock and rockabilly before the holidays

The Pac-Sun tour hit Grand Rapids’ Orbit Room stage on Nov. 20. Kalamazoo’s own locals, Their Teeth will be of Lions, hit the stage first after winning a battle of the bands for the spot. Following up the local act was Eye Alaska. Innerpartysystem then took the stage with its rave-like feel and cut deep lyrics. The surprise of the night was P.O.S., a rapper no one was expecting. He came down into the crowd, stood on a chair and spat his heart out. After the riot P.O.S. caused, Saosin took the stage with its post hardcore rock songs. The crowd of kids sung to every song and Cove Reber, vocalist, connected with the audience in such a way that even my by the wayside attitude felt it.

A few days later was the Hank III show. Those Poor Bastards took the stage first with its creepy “country doom." After listening to songs about the devil, heartlessness and death, I decided that I like this band very much. The addition of a tall menacing skeleton who sung/screamed on some tracks left me feeling like I’d better pray before bed on this cold November night.

Enter Hank III and the entire Intersection sang in unison to his blend of old tyme country and lyrics about reckless drinking and drug use. Acoustic guitar, fiddle, stand up bass, and stand up steel guitar give Hank III’s brood more respect than “pop/country” acts. Be sure to visit reinstatehank.org and sign the petition reinstating Hank Williams Sr. into the Grand Ole Opry.

Guard the Chicken Coop

The Henhouse Prowlers will be performing at Bell's Eccentric Cafe on Saturday, Dec. 5 at 9:30 p.m.

Chicago, as the Prowler's Web site notes, is "a city known for its blues...and its bluegrass." Playing traditional bluegrass from Chicago, the five Henhouse Prowlers perform wearing suits and ties, and all share a mic.

The Henhouse Prowlers released its second album, A Dark Rumor, in September and music from its first, self-titled album can be heard on PBS as the soundtrack to Mike Leonard's series "The Ride of Our Lives."

Tickets are $5. For more info, visit the Bell's Brewery Web site.

O Christmas Tree

The Grand Rapids Art Museum tree lighting ceremony will be held Friday, Dec. 4 along with the opening of the Rosa Parks ice rink. The ceremony begins at 5:30 p.m. and is approximately fifteen minutes long. The GRAM galleries will be open from 5 to 9 p.m.

Mayor George Heartwell, GRAM Christmas sponsors Daniel and Pamella DeVos and Board President Scott Weirda will be present to welcome visitors and light the tree. Lynzee Broussard will perform a figure skating routine.

This season, the Rosa Parks Circle ice rink will be open Monday and Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 12 noon to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 12 noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday, 12 noon to 9:30 p.m.

Admission for the ice rink is $1 and skate rental is free with an ID. Admission to the GRAM is free for members and $5 for non-members, the special Friday night rate.

For more information, visit the GRAM's Web site.

This Weekend's Best Bets: Nov. 27-29

It’s a short holiday week but there’s plenty to do for everyone. Whether you plan on dining in or going out, putting up your own lights or seeing what others have done, listening to Christmas music or venting through acid rap, you’ve got options.

1. “18TH CENTURY ROCK BAND:” The music of Mannheim Steamroller has become synonymous with Christmas for the many fans of this symphonic-electronic group whose first Christmas album went platinum 6 times. Miller Auditorium added a second show due to the group’s popularity; Saturday, Nov. 28 at 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; $30-$70; more info here

2. NUNSENSE: The third musical in the Nunsense series, Nuncrackers is the story of a convent that films a version of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet to be shown on cable access. Audiences of all backgrounds can appreciate the humor of the quirky Sisters’ hijinks. Nuncrackers is put on by the Muskegon Civic Theatre and performed at Beardsley Theater Nov. 27-28 and Dec. 3-5 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 at 3 p.m.; $14-$18; more info here

3. SKETCHY SKETCHING: The Grand Rapids chapter of Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School will meet in Sazerac Lounge Saturday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. Featuring Good Little the Kid as the “lanky, lusty and limber” model for artists of all talents, the event will be followed by the debut of Shimmy Shack Burlesque; $10; more info here

4. FACE PAINT OPTIONAL: If spending the day with your family makes you want to break something, maybe the Insane Clown Posse show Friday, Nov. 27 at the Orbit Room will help release your anger. Come prepared for a full circus and 1600 liters of Faygo as the acid rap duo expresses their violent tendencies; doors open at 6:30 p.m.; $25-$28; more info here or read Revue’s article here

5. LIVELY LIGHTS: If seeing 14 houses with 200,000 lights synchronized to music interests you, head to Spring Lake for Holiday Road. It’s like that popular YouTube video, only live. The lights use 98% less electricity than normal Christmas lights, and the show is free; donations are accepted. The show runs from Nov. 26 to Dec. 26, Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; free; more info here

6. CHANCIN’ IT: Chance Jones, a local band fronted by singer-songerwriter Joshua Burges, is releasing its latest album, The Incident of Primrose and West, at the Intersection on Friday, Nov. 27 at 9 p.m. The musical mixology of Chance Jones blends 60s and 70s rock in that way that sounds old but new; $5; more info here or read Revue's article here

7. AND TO ALL, A GOOD NIGHT: The Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble of Grand Rapids will be performing the original ballet ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas based on the well-known poem by Clement Moore on Friday, Nov. 27 at 7 p.m., Sat, Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 29 at 3 p.m.; $8-$12; more info here

8. YOU CAN ALMOST SEE IT FROM SPACE: Michigan’s largest Christmas light display, Nite Lites, is celebrating its 12th year at Fifth Third Ballpark. Running Nov. 20 through Jan. 2 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Nite Lites features millions of lights on its mile-long animated drive-through display; $10 per vehicle; more info here

9. BETTER THAN AUNT HELGA’S: Held in the Ambassador Ballroom, the Amway Grand’s Thanksgiving Brunch features smoked salmon, carved prime rib, crab claws and of course, turkey. Seatings begin at 10:30 a.m. and run through 2:30 p.m.; $16.50- $38, including tax and gratuity; call the Amway at 616-774-2000 for more information

Good Bets: See the East Grand Rapids Tree Lighting ceremony Friday, Nov. 27 in Gaslight Village; more info here...It’s a jazz fusion reunion for 70s/80s bands Juniper Bear and Turning Point who will play one show only at the Wealthy Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 28; more info here...The Holland Civic Theatre is performing the classic A Christmas Story, opening Saturday, Nov. 28 and running through Dec. 12; more info here

Rock With a Cause

Brandella Films, a Grand Rapids-based independent film company, will be hosting a benefit concert on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 9 p.m. at Billy's Lounge. Doors open at 8:30 p.m.

The Always Have Hope Benefit Concert will feature Holloway, a Muskegon-based band, and Night Toucher, from Grand Rapids. Proceeds from the concert will go to production costs for Brandella Films as it begins shooting A Daughter's Hope soon.

A Daughter's Hope tells the true story of Michigan resident Christine Hill whose mother disappeared in the Florida Keys in 1981. Hill helped co-write A Daughter's Hope, which follows her struggles to find answers and overcome the pain.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. Visit Brandella Films' Web site for more info.

Not Quite the Joe Bros

As part of the Family Force 5 Christmas Tour, Remedy Drive will be playing The Ground Floor in Resurrection Life Church in Grandville on Saturday, Nov. 28 at 6 p.m.

A chart-topping Christian indie rock band, Remedy Drive consists of four members who are also four brothers.

Its Web site describes the "passionate honesty" found in the Midwest and how Remedy Drive "combines heart-on-a-sleeve sensibilities with their one-of-a-kind live shows."

The headliner of the show is Family Force 5 with supporting acts House of Heroes and All Left Out in addition to Remedy Drive.

Tickets are $18 in advance or $24 at the door; $15 per person in a group of 15 or more. For more info, visit The Ground Floor's Web site or buy tickets here.

Still Cool After 40 Years

Jazz, R&B, soul and funk group Kool & The Gang will be performing at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center on Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

The group, originally from Jersey City, has sold over 70 million albums and is well-known for such hits as "Jungle Boogie," "Lady's Night" and "Celebration." Kool & The Gang formed in 1969 and has released over 25 albums.

TIckets range from $44 to $60 and can be purchased here. For more info, visit the Fine Arts Center's Web site.

Fusion and Fission

Grand Rapids fusion bands Juniper Bear and Turning Point are reuniting Saturday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Wealthy Theatre.

While both bands played jazz fusion, Juniper Bear played in the mid 70s and Turning Point appeared in the early 80s, explained Randy Marsh, drummer and a founding member of Turning Point.

The bands were "cutting edge at the time of the the creative music scene in West Michigan," he said.

Each band eventually split up, and members went their own ways. "Bands come and go; everything winds down," explains Marsh, now part of Organissimo, a local organ trio who plays "pumpy jazz."

For one night only, however, both bands will be back together. Why now? "We're just getting together to enjoy a lifetime of camaraderie," Marsh says.

Tickets are $15. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit the Wealthy Theatre's Web site or the event's Facebook.

"Don't Waste Your Time With Expectations"

Crawlspace Eviction, an improv and comedy sketch troupe based in Kalamazoo, will be performing their latest show, "Extracurricular Nativity," on Friday, Dec. 18 and Saturday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. at the Whole Art Theater Studio.

"Extracurricular Nativity" considers alternative options for academic activities, rejecting the cheer team, honors society and sports in favor of a Biblical Reenactment Club. The show's sponsor, Oggi the Gift Shoppe, will be on hand with something special.

Crawlspace Eviction "offers all the plush comforts of a crawlspace while maintaining the raucous joy of an eviction" according to its description online. The troupe performs traditional improv games but also develops its own sketches and long improv situations as well. The troupe can be hired for social events and will create a personalized show depending on the situation.

For more info, visit Crawlspace Eviction's Web site.

No Bad Romanian Accents Here

Silent horror film Nosferatu will be shown at the Ladies Literary Club on Friday, Nov. 20 at 8 p.m. with Blue Dahlia providing live musical accompaniment.

The 1922 vampire tale is similar in plot to Bram Stoker's Dracula. It follows Thomas Hutter to Transylvania where he meets Count Orlok who quickly reveals himself to be Nosferatu, or the "Bird of Death."

Blue Dahlia, a Kalamazoo-based band, has years of experience playing for silent films. It was commissioned by the Sound of Silents Film Festival in 1999 but has also released five studio albums and describes its style as "the National Geographic of music...a hybrid mix of world fusion and adult alternative."

This event is free and sponsored by Calvin College's Student Activity Office. For more info, visit the event's Facebook page.

Nershi-Law: "Run Like Hell"

Nershi-Law will play at Bell's Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo on Tuesday, Nov. 24 at 9:30 p.m. As part of the Breakdown Acoustic tour, Van Ghost will play an acoustic set as well.

Van Ghost, a Chicago-based "Americana Rock Band," was formed by Michael Harrison Berg who had worked as a band manager and concert promoter for years before picking up his guitar again. Van Ghost released their first album earlier this year.

Nershi-Law is a combined effort of String Cheese Incident's Bill Nershi and Scott Law of Honkytonk Homeslice. The two produce "the timeless sound of two acoustic guitars in high-gear and soulful down-home crooning American style."

This tour is Nershi-Law's first in the Midwest, and they are playing five concerts in the next five days.

Tickets are $10. For more info, visit Bell's Web site.

This Weekend's Best Bets: Nov. 20-22

Christmas music is all over the radio, Santa has resumed his place in the malls and red bows and garlands are out in force. Don’t worry; Thanksgiving is still a week away, and there is plenty to time to relax before the holiday season hits.

1. JOIN THE CAUSE: Some claim the Movement of Sound for Multiple Sclerosis concert will be the biggest show of the year as it features 10 bands, including Chance Jones, La Famiglia and the Chernobyl Babies as well as raffles, t-shirts, massages and more. All proceeds go to fund research; $10; more info here and read Revue’s article here

2. TELL A STORY: Remember the legacy of Drew Storey this Friday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. during the Storeytown Memorial Benefit for his family at Wealthy Theatre, where some of Storey’s film and written work will be showcased as the things he loved are celebrated and his life is honored; $8 minimum suggested donation; more info here

3. CLASSIC ROMANCE: Cinderella opens Friday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre with a fresh, updated feel. Though much remains the same, new additions—new songs for example—help deliver the theme that hard work can make wishes come true; $16-$30; more info here

4. PARTY TO VIVALDI: Enjoy Vivaldi’s Concerto in D and other exciting pieces during ¡Fiesta! Lighting Fire With Fire, a concert with the West Michigan Symphony and Spanish Musician of the Year Pablo Sáinz Villegas at the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts on Friday or Saturday night at 8 p.m.; $14-$38; more info here

5. OPEN GALLERY: Downtown studio and art gallery Tanglefoot is hosting an open studio event this weekend for the 19th year in a row, making it Grand Rapids’ longest running event of its kind. The work of Tommy Allen, Tim Gunnett, Michael Pfleghaar and other area artists will be featured on Friday, Nov. 20 from 5-10 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 22 from 12-5 p.m.;
free; more info here

6. THE SKI KING: Celebrate 60 years for cinematographer and ski legend Warren Miller with his company’s latest film, Dynasty, in Kalamazoo on Friday, Nov. 20 or Saturday, Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. or Sunday, Nov. 22 at 3 p.m.; $13-$15; more info here

7. “HELLBILLY:” Though the grandson of Hank Williams and the son of Hank Williams, Jr., Hank III is hard to compare to his namesakes. His brand of country is punk-metal-country; think skulls with cowboy hats. Experience him, Assjack and Those Poor Bastards at the Intersection on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 8 p.m.; $18-$20; more info here

8. DIVERSITY IN DANCE: As it continues its “exploration and education of all forms of dance,” the Grand Rapids Ballet will host Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre from Chicago at the Peter M. Wege Theatre Friday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m.; $20-$30; more info here or read Revue’s article here

9. MANHATTAN TO KALAMAZOO: Celebrate the best of Broadway theater with Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway at Miller Auditorium on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. Five vocalists with personal experience on Broadway bring hits such as “Some Enchanted Evening” and “The Phantom of the Opera;” $15-$40; more info here

Good bets: Matt Giraud will give a concert at Cornerstone Church in Grand Rapids on Saturday, Nov. 21; more info here...The Found Footage Festival combines old found video footage with live comedy and will be at the UICA on Sunday, Nov. 22; more info here...Saosin, innerpartysystem, POS and eyeAlaska will be playing the Orbit Room Friday, Nov. 20; more info here

One Funny Year

The Sunday Night Funnies at the Radisson in Grand Rapids will celebrate its one year anniversary on Sunday, Nov. 22. at 8:30 p.m.

Held weekly in the Landing Lounge, the Sunday Night Funnies has hosted 96 comics over the past year. Besides providing a launching pad for comics, the events also help the hotel bring in business.

The Sunday Night Funnies Facebook page tempts would-be attendees with the repeated statuses of "FREE ADMISSION, lots of fun comics, cheap drink and eats, convenient parking, and attractive waitresses."

For more info, visit the Facebook page here.

Art Poster "Captures Fun and Diversity"

The official poster for the Festival of the Arts has been revealed.

A collaboration between artists Reb Roberts and Robert Neumann, the poster is "just like the Festival itself," says Festival co-chair Stephanie Bergsma.

Roberts is a co-owner of Sanctuary Folk Art Gallery on South Division, and Neumann has been a professional photographer since 1981.

Visit the Festival of the Arts' Web site here.

Storeytown

The life and work of Drew Storey will be honored Friday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. during Storeytown: A Memorial Benefit held at Wealthy Theatre.

Storeytown is intended to raise money for Drew's wife and two daughters. The event will feature some of his writing and film work, excerpts of theatre Drew appreciated, remembrances from friends and family and a silent auction.

Drew Storey previously worked for Revue Magazine and was very involved with The Rapidian as its content facilitator. He died unexpectedly in October.

As this is a memorial benefit, the minimum suggested donation is $8. Find more info on Facebook or donate online here.

First Taste of the Festival of the Arts

The artist and poster for the Festival of the Arts held in June will be revealed Monday, Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the first volunteer meeting held in Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

The Festival of the Arts is a three-day event in downtown Grand Rapids that offers a variety of art, food and entertainment. One of the longest running festivals in the state, the Festival of the Arts is in its 41st year and is also one of the nation's largest events run by volunteers.

Last year's poster is shown to the right.

For more info, visit the Festival of the Art's Web site.

Alive and Kickin'

Skillet is playing the DeltaPlex Sunday, December 6 at 7 p.m. as part of its Awake and Alive Tour. Also performing are Hawk Nelson, Decyfer Down and The Letter Black.

Skillet has explored the genres of Christian hard rock, symphonic rock, progressive rock and industrial rock since forming in 1996. Its most recent album, Awake, was released in August, and Skillet is touring 52 cities across the country.

Skillet is considered one of the most successful crossover Christian bands; it tied Underoath for its chart position on the Billboard 200. It's single "Monster" has been used by WWE and MTV, and other singles are used by the NFL, NHL and MLB.

Tickets are $17.50 to $42.50. For more information, visit Skillet's Web site or buy tickets here.

Megadeth photos by Anthony Nowack - Orbit Room (11-14-09)

Let New Music Discover You

If your music library and wallet are feeling thin, check out a free and legal music site, NewBandDaily.com, that will email you a new MP3 every day from an up and coming band. By selecting your favorite genres, you can control what kind of music you're going to receive in your inbox. It's fully compatible with iTunes, free and virtually effortless. New Band Daily is a easy and free way to find new music.

This Weekend's Best Bets: Nov. 13-15

Embrace the arts this weekend. Take advantage of the many opportunities and sample fine wine, watch bodies in motion or rock out to a variety of genres.

1. EAT, DRINK, BE MERRY: Wine and dine this week at DeVos Place for the second International Grand Rapids Wine and Food Festival. Featuring small plate samples from fine restaurants in GR, seminars and hundreds of wine, beer and spirits, the Festival opens Thursday, Nov. 12 at 5 p.m. and closes Saturday at 9 p.m.; Adults: $15; more info here

2. HIDDEN TALENT: You never know where talent is hiding. The Heartside Neighborhood Talent Show on Friday, Nov. 13 at the Wealthy Theatre might just produce the next big star as more than 25 performers from the Heartside area do their best on stage; $5; more info here

3. LA VIE BOHEME: If you still haven’t seen Rent, you are probably the only one. The amateur theatre rights were released this year, and the drama department at Grand Valley State University and the Heritage Theatre Group team up Nov. 13-15 and 19-21 to perform this musical about life in gritty New York City; students: $6, adults: $14; more info here

4. NEW ART: Two galleries in the East Hills District open new collections this weekend and are hosting an impromptu gallery hop. The Richard App Gallery on Cherry and the Byrneboehm Gallery on Lake welcome new art and guests to explore the creativity of the community on Friday, Nov. 13 from 5:30-9 p.m.; free; more info here or here

5. OVERFLOWING: Whether you enjoy post-minimalist dance or fluid abstract motion, the Wellspring Theater’s Fall Concert of Dance opening Friday, Nov. 13-15 and 19-21 at the Epic Center will capture your imagination; students: $10, general: $20; more info here

6. NO RINGLING BROS. HERE: Not to be confused with Cirque du Soleil but similar in style, Cirque de la Symphonie will performing at DeVos Place Friday, Nov. 13 through Sunday, Nov. 15. The Grand Rapids Symphony will provide the soundtrack as cirque performers from around the world dance, balance and fly through the air; $18-$90; more info here

7. ONCE, TWICE: Thrice plays the Intersection Monday, Nov. 16. American alternative rockers Thrice donates a portion of each of its album sales to a new charity organization; their hearts may be soft but their rock is hardcore; advance: $15.50, door: $18; more info here

8. BIG TIME FUNNY: Though he has a Masters in elementary education, Ted Alexandro started doing stand-up at nights and eventually made a career of his observational comedy. He was on Letterman in August and is at Dr. Grins Thursday, Nov. 12 though Saturday, Nov. 14; $5-$15; more info here

9. LAST, BUT NOT LEAST: Chicago-based Sleeping At Last is playing the Knickerbocker Theatre Friday, Nov. 13 at 8 p.m. along with Denison Witmer and Jeremy Larson. Sleeping At Last grew in local popularity before touring nationally with bands like Switchfoot and Yellowcard; students $5, general $10; more info here

Good Bets: Megadeath plays the Orbit Room Saturday, Nov. 14 which sadly conflicts with the Newsboys, who are at Sunshine Church so choose carefully; more info here or here…Old Crow Medicine Show brings its brand of Americana-bluegrass-country to the State Theater in Kalamazoo on Wednesday, Nov. 18; more info here

Playing for Change

Keb' Mo' will be playing at the Kalamazoo State Theatre Thursday, Nov. 12 at 8 p.m with special guest Kristina Train. Read the blurb on the left and enter to win; tickets are still available.

Party Like a Connoisseur

The International Wine and Food Festival is back. It's happening at DeVos Place on Thursday, Nov. 12 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 13 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 14 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

This event showcases some of Grand Rapids' finest restaurants as they offer sample plates as well as food and beverage pairings. The Riverfront Market is new for this year and will be selling breads, cheeses and other similar products.

The Grand Rapids Wine and Food Festival is also welcoming its five sister cities from around the world: Japan, Poland, Italy, Ghana, and Mexico. Each city will have samples of its main products.

Food, wine, beer and spirits seminars will also take place during the three day festival, led by Fred Bueltman of New Holland Brewery, for example, or Scott Lindquist, a manager for Constellation Wines.

The event is for adults 21 and over; tickets are $15 and are available here. Visit the Festival's Web site for more info.

Metallica - Van Andel Arena (11-9-09) Photos By Anthony Nowack

T. Rex Not Included

The Grand Rapids Public Museum will host its fourth Night at Your Museum Sunday, Dec. 27 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Inspired by the movies of a similar name, Night at Your Museum brings exhibits alive. Visitors receive a flashlight and security guard badge as souvenirs when they enter the darkened museum, which usually closes at 5 p.m. A family-friendly buffet starts the night off.

Tickets are $20 and go on sale to the general public Dec. 1; call (616) 456-3977 or visit the museum's Web site.

Balancing Act

Catch Cirque de la Symphonie at DeVos Place on Friday, Nov. 13 or Saturday, Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. or Sunday, Nov. 15 at 3 p.m.

The Grand Rapids Symphony and performers from cirque companies from around the world team up to present a combination of jugglers, dancers and aerialists and celebrated music from such productions as Carmen and Star Wars.

This concert performance is part of the Fox Motors Pops. Tickets range from $18 to $90; find them here or get more info on the Grand Rapids Symphony's Web site. Learn more about the Cirque de la Symphonie tour here.

Strange But True

If instructional videos, local commercials and late-night aerobics programming trip your gag reflex then crack you up, make sure you head to the Urban Institute of Contemporary Art to see the Found Footage Festival Sunday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m.

The Festival, "a celebration of odd and hilarious found videos," is a mix of live comedy and found video. Comics Nick and Joe travel the country delivering their blend of witty observations and hilarious media that wasn't trying to be funny.

For more info, visit the Found Footage Festival's Web site or buy tickets here.

This Weekend's Best Bets: Nov. 6-10

Now that Halloween has passed, brace yourself for the barrage of holiday events. Catch a big name concert this weekend or opt for the smaller acts. Keep the kids entertained and maybe even start your Christmas shopping at the art shows.

1. OR, “OBSCURED LUCIDNESS:” The Fogged Clarity LIVE Tour comes to Grand Rapids Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Several poets from West Michigan will join the nationally recognized singer-songwriters Strand of Oaks, Samantha Farrell and White Pines as they perform at the Wealthy Theatre; students: $10 advance/$15 door, general: $15 advance/$20 door; more info here

2. ONLY 50 SHOPPING DAYS LEFT: The 25th Annual Beneath the Wreath holiday shopping benefit takes place from Friday, Nov. 6 through Sunday, Nov. 8 at the Cultural Center at St. Nicholas. The show highlights Michigan vendors and includes gourmet foods, juried works and hand-crafted pieces. Proceeds support the Junior League of Grand Rapids; adults: $5, children 15 and under: free; more info here

3. ARTS ABOUND: Visit Frederik Meijer Gardens on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the Holiday Gift Show with dozens of artists from around Michigan and even a glass blower from Germany. Perennial favorite Don Irwin will provide background music to this free event, open to the public; more info here

4. TAKE A TRIP (DOWN MEMORY LANE): If folk rock from the 70s if your thing, don’t miss Firefall, Poco and Pure Prairie League performing at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center on Friday, Nov. 6 at 7:30. Decades later, these three iconic bands are still at it; $42-$48; more info here

5. ENTER SANDMAN: Heavy-metal legend Metallica will be performing at the Van Andel Arena on Monday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. Inducted last spring into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Metallica is credited as one of the most important thrash metal bands and has received almost every award possible; $52-$72; more info here

6. CABIN FEVER?: Keep the kids busy Saturday, Nov. 7 at the GRAM’s All Day With the Arts activities. Stop by from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and learn about the Impressionist painters and how they captured light; children until 17: free, adults: $8; more info here

7. WELCOME WAGON: Whatever your opinion of the wars, don’t miss the film “The Way We Get By,” opening Friday, Nov.6 (running through Nov. 12) at 7 p.m. at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art. Following the stories of three troop greeters who thank American soldiers returning from Iraq, this film observes how our culture treats senior citizens, soldiers, aging, war and mortality; $4-$7; more info here

8. JUST DON’T SAY “TREAT:” Over 3,900 dogs will compete in the West Michigan Harvest Cluster Dog Show from Friday, Nov. 6 to Sunday, Nov. 8. The show is in the DeltaPlex and will feature obedience trials, a police K-9 demonstration, a grooming area as well as Best in Show contests; adults: $5, children 5 and under:$3; more info here

9. HERE THEY COME AGAIN: Ok Go, that treadmill-dancing rock band from Chicago, will play the Intersection Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m with special guest Princeton. Although the band hasn’t released an album since 2005, they have a new album dropping in January and put out an EP earlier this year; $12; more info here

Good bets: Head to the Cannonsburg Ski Area Friday, Saturday, or Sunday for its 39th Annual Ski and Snowboard Swap to benefit the Ski Patrol; more info here…the Red Project Benefit Concert feat. the Bangups and Spencer Mulder at Vertigo Music on Saturday helps fight HIV/AIDS; more info here…the 19-member band and choir Celtic Woman is playing Miller Auditorium on Saturday, bringing their Irish charm and “visual feast” to Kalamazoo; more info here

Ska IS NOT Dead!

Story and photo by Melinda Wilcox

The name of the tour might be confusing, but ska is not dead. Last night kicked off the fourth Ska is Dead tour. First up was Chicago’s own rock steady band Deals Gone Bad. It never disappoints with there reggae roots and old Motown feel. Definitely a must check out band. Next up was California’s Voodoo Glow Skulls with its mix of west coast hardcore punk and ska. The crowd had a huge circle pit going with Spanish song “El Cu Cuy” and a cover of “Charlie Brown." Next was the legendary East Coast band, Toasters, which has been performing for nearly 30 years, and has show no signs of slowing down. Last up was Mustard Plug, which organized the tour. Hailing from Grand Rapids, the guys of Mustard Plug are amazing , playing upbeat ska for more than 15 years. From songs about psychopathic killers like “Mr. Smiley” to forbidden love like “Lolita," this band will even teach you how to Skank in 4 easy steps in their song “Skank by numbers.” “1. get off your seat, 2. stomp your boots to the beat, 3. throw your knees in the air, 4. like you don’t care." So give it a try cause I assure you ska is not dead.

Michigan's Newest Football Team Might Actually Win

The Muskegon Thunder, a member of the Indoor Football League, announced
its plan to move to Grand Rapids and become the West Michigan ThunderHawks. The team will play its 7 home games in the DeltaPlex Arena when the season kicks off in March. Rich Baylie, the arena's executive director, says he believes "in this team and I am proud that they'll be calling the DeltaPlex their home."

The Indoor Football League currently has 19 teams ranging from Alaska to Texas to New York to Colorado. Michigan has one other team, the Saginaw Sting. Indoor football is played in a similar style to arena football, in an 8-on-8 format with 50 yard fields and walls for sidelines. The Grand Rapids Rampage was an arena football team, but the Arena Football League went bankrupt in 2008. The original IFL existed for one year, from 1999 to 2000 before going under. It was recreated in 2008 out of a merger between two smaller indoor leagues.

Season tickets can be purchased now; individual tickets will be available in December. For tickets or more info, visit the ThunderHawks' Web site.

New Found Glory's all request hour

Story by Elena Nieman
Photo by Melinda Wilcox

Why isn’t there more pop/punk these days? After thinking to myself for a long time I realized that it is one genre not many local or national bands are playing lately. This is unfortunate because the New Found Glory show at the Intersection reminded me of just how fun music can be when it’s not all politics and money.

Armed with high energy and NO set list, New Found Glory let the fans choose the songs it played. Being completely honest about not knowing some of the songs requested, the band members played on anyway, joking with the crowd that we were attending band rehearsal and that it was New Found Glory's all-request hour. Everyone had a great time and giving the fans control over what songs they played was a crowd pleaser.

The Ski King

Warren Miller's latest film, "Dynasty," is playing at the Kalamazoo State Theater Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20-21 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 22 at 3 p.m. It is also showing at the Frauenthal Theater in Muskegon Nov. 28 at 8 p.m.

Warren Miller started filming 60 years ago and though he himself is now retired, his company--Warren Miller Entertainment--hosts "the largest action sports film tour on the planet." His films show skiers and snowboarders from around the world doing trick after trick after trick, often in breath taking locations.

The film is opening in over 240 locations across the country and is often shown for only one or two nights. Miller's films have a passionate fanbase who come not just for the movie but also for the free stuff that accompanies the local showings. Viewers in both Muskegon and Kalamazoo will receive over $100 in free stuff when they buy a ticket, such as 2 for 1 lift tickets to Boyne Mountain.

Tickets are $15 or $13 for kids 12 and under (in Kalamazoo, Sunday night only). For tickets in Muskegon, go here and in Kalamazoo, here.

"Thrill of the Grill"

The One Stop Coney Shop is the newest hot dog place in Grand Rapids. Located on East Fulton, the One Stop Coney Shop opened for business Oct. 27 and is celebrating by hosting their grand opening Friday, Nov. 6 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Along with a ribbon cutting, the Coney Shop will have $1 hot dogs and $1 cones of frites, fries that "are fresh cut, twice fried--like in Belgium." Try the frites with chili, cheese or both. Besides Detroit and Chicago style dogs, the One Stop Coney Shop also offers a hot dog "GR Style," with chili, dill relish, mustard, ketchup and onions.

For more information, visit the One Stop Coney Shop's Web site or find them on Facebook.

Good Clean Fun

Comedians Tim Bedore and Mike Armstrong will be performing in the Riviera Theatre in Three Rivers Friday, Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Bedore has appeared on many benchmark networks, including Comedy Central, Fox Comic Strip Live and HBO. His style of stand-up is sharp and quick-witted but clean. One of his sets includes a PowerPoint presentation named "An Inconvenient Horror: The Animal Conspiracy."

Armstrong, an ex-cop, has also appeared on several important shows, including Oprah and the Today Show. His on-stage laughter is said to be contagious, and Armstrong keeps his material rated PG.

Both Bedore and Armstrong are regular guests on the national radio The Bob and Tom Show.

For more info, visit Bedore or Armstrong's Web sites.