Elsinore’s Album Foreplay

By Joshua Melfi
Photo: Jody Groff

Elsinore wsg Brighton, MA & Hello Victor
The Strutt, Kalamazoo
Jan 29, 9pm
myspace.com/thestruttkalamazoo, (269) 492-7200

In support of their latest release, The Chemicals EP, the indie/pop band Elsinore is getting ready to hit the open roads. Elsinore is planning a non stop tour that will take them out East to NYC, then down the coast through some southern states, over to Texas, then back up to the Midwest. This is their largest tour to date, and is expected to last all through February.

The Chemicals EP is a tasty prelude to Elsinore’s full-length record that will be released early this summer on Parasol Records. The EP features five catchy songs full of energy and thought-provoking lyricism.

“We try to be as creative as possible with the arrangement and structure of our songs. I like to think that we do our best to blend classical music arrangements with indie pop, music which is popular today. So it’s very accessible, catchy and fun but also intelligent, it’s sort of interesting in that way.” Cole Rabenort (guitarist/vocals) said when describing Elsinore’s sound.

Other full length releases have featured acoustic guitars and a hand drum set. This album will be the band’s first to feature a full-on drum set, electric guitars and also strings and horns. This new arrangement style helped them add depth and complexity to their tracks.

“A couple of years ago Elsinore made this switch from being a folk group to being this full on rock band. This being the first big release to make our name known, regionally and across the States” says Cole.

Elsinore will be playing in Kalamazoo at The Strutt with Brighton, MA and Hello Victor on Jan. 29.

“It’s going to have a lot of energy and excitement; the Midwestern shows are always good because we have revisited these cities, so each time we play we get to see people from the last show and they just keep getting better and better.”

At the show fans will be able to purchase a digital download code where they can download The Chemicals EP.

For more information about Elsinore’s schedule and albums visit: elsinoremusic.net

Be their guests! Oui! Their Guests!

In case that super-cheesy title doesn't give it away, Disney's Beauty and the Beast is coming to the DeVos Performance Hall, May 21-23. Tickets go on sale Jan. 29 and range in price from $41-$60.

The music is great (you know you are singing like Jerry Orbach in a candle suit right now...at least in your head), and has earned Grammy's and Tony's. More importantly, it usually sells out wherever it goes, meaning get on those tickets. This particular production is actually being put together by the award-winning original Broadway production team, so it is bound to be excellent.

The Wallace Collective's democratic next album

West Michigan's collaborative indie/folk band the Wallace Collective is working on an album. The band is made up of Brandon "Wallace" Muske, and a somewhat rotating cast of characters.

Muske will be writing a song a week for the next year, and will grant you the listener a voice on which ones make the album, which will be the group's third. You can subscribe to TheWallaceCollective on youtube to hear the week's song each Monday.

He is three weeks into his writing extravaganza, and so far has three songs to show for his effort; "Raining Again", "What Can be Done", and "Pain, Truth, and Love." Log on, subscribe, and vote.

The Wallace Collective will be playing at Billy's Lounge in East Town on Jan. 29.

Grand Rapids entertainment is on top

Billboard Magazine just ranked Grand Rapid's Van Andel Arena the second-highest grossing mid-size arena in the world for the decade. Ranked just behind Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall, that is a second best we can take.
The Van Andel Arena grossed $126,594,794. That is no doubt in part to the many amazing performances that have been seen there. There have been sold-out performances to acts like Taylor Swift, John Mayer, the Fray and Tom Petty.

The Van Andel Arena is managed by SMG, which is based in Philadelphia. The group also manages DeVos Place.

The Intersection of Hope and Relief

Thurs. Jan. 28 (tomorrow) the Intersection will host its own benefit concert for earthquake relief in Haiti. A $10 donation at the door will get you in to see Jimmie Stagger, the Donald Kinsey Band, Ray White, Griff and John's Afterhours Experience, Heat, Kyle Gifford and Jessica Andrus, Jason Eller, and others. You may even see some REVUE staffers. The Benefit starts at 7 p.m.

For a $20 donation, you can come a few hours early (5 p.m.-ish) and hang out with performers at the VIP reception. Peppino's will provide drinks and food for the reception.

All ages are welcome.

Brandi Carlile - Intersection (1-23-10) Photography By Anthony Nowack

Brad Paisley - Van Andel Arena (1-23-10) Photography By Anthony Nowack

Area College Students Work With Emmy Award-Winning Writer

By Joshua Melfi

The Center for Emerging Enterprises (CE2) announced at a press conference held today that their introductory project will be mentored by the Everybody Loves Raymond’s Emmy award-winning writer Tom Caltabiano.

GoFers, the student-run sitcom, is about a small delivery company, its employees and the day-to-day situations that take place there. At its core, GoFers is about caring, second chances, and helping people find success.

The GoFers project is being completed by 70 students from Grand Valley State University, Seidman College of Business, Cornerstone University, Aquinas College, Kuyper College, Calvin College, Kendall College of Art and Design and Compass Arts Academy. Every aspect of the project is being completed by the students from writing, casting, production, marketing, finance, music, animation, and set design, Bob Israel, founder of CE2 said.

“Its all about the students – it’s a student driven product, not me, nor Tom, it’s all the students,” he said at the conference.

Caltabiano first got started on the project through a friend at Grand Valley University.

Although it is not set on how long Caltabiano will be staying in Grand Rapids, he and the students have set up a system where he will working with them over Skype.

Casting and auditions will begin in the spring while shooting is slated for June. The pilot episode will be ready for air in September 2010.

Caltabiano is a two-time Emmy award-winning producer and writer for Everybody Loves Raymond. He has also produced the documentary 95 Miles to Go, which he starred in with Ray Romano, and in 2006 he guest-hosted The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.

Who doesn't love chocolate?

Tickets are on sale now for Wellspring's Third-Annual Chocolate Soirée. The event will take place at the Epic Center in downtown Kalamazoo Feb. 4, at 6:30 p.m. It will benefit Wellspring/ Cori Terry and Dancers, West Michigan's only modern dance company.

Tickets are $40 a piece, or $70 for a couple, and they have sold out quickly in the past.

This years event will feature gourmet chocolates and hors d'oeuvres crafted by some of the area's top chefs and chocolatiers, as well as wine and beer. The Merkel Trio will play as the evening kicks off, and then DJ Chris Pappas will take over. There will be a silent auction as well, featuring hot ticket items like restaurant gift certificates, hand made jewelry, and one-of-a-kind pieces by local artists.

For more information about this event, visit: wellspringdance.org

Hawks and Owls like to dance

In the world of local folk music, the 4th Friday of the month means it is time for a Contra Dance. The Hawks and Owls will be showcasing their acoustic talents at the St. Adalbertus Casino and Aid Society (corner of 5th and Davis) on Jan. 22, beginning at 7 p.m.

The event, which is being presented by the Grand River Folk Arts Society, will charge a $6 cover for adults. Kids get in free.

Non-band members who play stringed instruments at any level are encouraged to join in at any time. Chord arrangements are provided to anyone who wants them.

It's Fargo at the Getty, Don'tchaknow

The Getty Drive-In in Muskegon, together with WLAV's Kevin Matthew's will host Margie's Fish and Chipper Film Festival. Tickets are $10 and the gates will open at 3 p.m., with the Coen Brother's classic, "Fargo" showing at dusk.

The festival will involve a fish-fry contest (which will earn the winner a cash prize and the very prestigious "Margie's Cup"), as well as several other contests and games. Bundle up because this is an outdoor venue, but there will be fires for marshmallow and hot dog toasting, as well as free hot cocoa.

The ticket price includes the film, the fish and the flames, but beyond cocoa, guests are encouraged to bring their own beverages. No one under 17 will be admitted as the film definitely works hard to achieve that hard 'R' rating. Double bonus points if you work extra hard on that so-sought-after upper-midwest accent.

Musical Comedy

Story and photo by Melinda Wilcox

I have met and seen a lot of bands over the years, but no band can satisfy my musical tastes -- and funny bone -- like Bowling for Soup. The first time I saw the band was five years ago at Warped Tour. At that time, it was still pretty unknown. When I heard these guys were coming back to the Intersection, I knew I would be there front and center. I am always amazed by the members of BFS, they are so funny and down to earth. They have no diva attitude, always willing to meet and greet, sign autographs, and take photos with fans. They put on a great high-energy fun show, with bits of comedy thrown in. They even do a photo opportunity moment in the middle of the show, posing for the crowd on stage. The band rocked songs from its new album, properly titled Sorry for Partying, along with favorites such as "Punk rock 101." The band even threw a cover of Katy Perry's song "Hot N Cold" into the set. I stuck around for a bit after the show and ended up hanging out with a couple of the guys. I have to say, even with their growing fame they are still some of the nicest and funniest celebs that I have ever met, and I can't wait to catch them again.

Finally, Good News out of Flint

From the Fueled By Ramen record label that brought you Jimmy Eat World, Panic! At The Disco, The Academy Is…, and Gym Class Heroes, comes Flint’s number one export, a punk-pop quartet featuring Nick Diener (lead vocals and guitar), Johnathan Diener (drums and backing vocals), Ryan Collins (guitar), and Anto Boros (bass and backing vocals). Commanding attention in the music scene since the release of their third album, My Everest, in 2007, The Swellers have really peaked this time with their fourth album, Ups and Downsizing. Absolutepunk.net calls Ups and Downsizing The Swellers’ real Everest, raving, "It just might be the perfect balance of melodic and pop punk since [Green Day’s] Dookie.” Indeed, Nick Diener’s lead vocals ride superbly atop Ups and Downsizing’s guitar-rich anthems. The Swellers, who have been on the road constantly since March of 2008, touring with the likes of Paramore and Less than Jake, will be in Grand Rapids on January 25. They’ll be playing at The Intersection, along with Set Your Goals, This Providence, and Motion City Soundtrack. Tickets are $20. Doors open at 6 p. m. Music starts at 6:30 p. m.

The DAAC's Full-On Rock Show

Seth, and The Rick Beerhorst Band
The Division Avenue Arts Collective (DAAC)
Jan. 16

By Joshua Melfi

When I first arrived at the small, bricked walled, hardwood-floored DAAC, people were just starting to arrive. I watched as a young and old, culturally diverse audience filled the room. Everyone knew each other as they hugged and kissed. It felt more like a gathering of friends than a rock show. It wasn’t until the lights began to dim and Seth took the stage, that the DAAC ambiance began to change. Fans were crammed from wall to wall, some standing, some sitting, but all eyes glued to the stage. Seth performed a set full of high-energy “gut wrenching” blues songs like “This Much You Can Count On,” and fun upbeat songs like “Monkey” and “Kurl,” which changed the venue from a friends gathering into a full-on rock show.

Later in the evening The Rick Beerhorst Band took the stage. Armed with an acoustic guitar, electric guitar, a bass, a drum set, and accordion, along with a hammer and a saw blade, the band rocked The DAAC. The audience was captivated as Rick Beerhorst (lead vocals/guitar) told inspiring stories and funny jokes about the hardships of being a professional musician. The DAAC’s hardwood floors shook as the audience stomped their feet and clapped their hands to the band’s folk rock sound, with songs like “Never Kissed A Girl Like You Before” and “Little Piece of the Pie." Both bands put on a great show, and left the audience humming their songs as they walked out the door.

To: Haiti, From: The Harlem Globetrotters, with Love

The Harlem Globetrotters will donate a portion of proceeds from all games played Jan. 22-24 to a UNICEF charity benefiting earthquake victims in Haiti. Lucky for you, two of the seven games being played by the world-famous hoopsters can be enjoyed right here in West Michigan.

If you are around East Lansing, they will be playing at 7 p.m. at the Breslin Center on Sat., Jan. 23. Tickets range in price from $16-$78.

If that doesn't work for you, try the 2 p.m game at Grand Rapid's Van Andel Arena on Sun., Jan. 24. Tickets range from $19.25-$83.25.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic events that have so ravaged Haiti, and our hearts are with them,” said Globetrotters CEO Kurt Schneider. “On behalf of our players and fans around the world, we pledge to support them in any way possible during this unspeakably difficult time.”

The magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti on Tues. leveling the capital city and leaving aide organizations struggling to reach the 3 million people in need. This is a great, fun way to get some dinero to that cause. The games are family friendly and loads of fun.

If you can't make either game, there are other ways for you to help, including a direct donation to UNICEF or the American Red Cross.

Open Hearts, Open Water

ArtPrize winner Ran Ortner will be waving to fans at the Grand Rapids Art Museum this Friday (1/15), just as his painting, "Open Water no. 24" has been doing during its stint in the gallery.

At 7 p.m., Ortner will speak as part of the museum's "Fridays at the GRAM" and tell all about his experience as part of the first-ever competition. Afterward, he will reunite with his painting in the gallery to answer audience questions.

$5 for non-members will get you into the event, which is nothing compared to the $250,000 Ortner received as prize. For more information, artmuseumgr.org has got you covered.

Sticks and Stones

An artist's reception for Lady Aakhu Seshaqua Floyd will be hosted at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center on Thursday, Jan. 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Floyd creates jewelry inspired by her African culture using mixed materials, including sticks, stones, seeds and bones. The reception is free and open to the public; the exhibition runs through Jan. 27.

Coming in February is fiber artist Jo-Ann Van Reeuwyk. A reception for Reeuwyk will be Thursday, Feb. 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.; this event is also free.

For more information, visit the Fine Arts Center's Web site here.

TV Concert Series highlights West Michigan acts

Lights. Camera. Rock.

East Lansing's public TV station, WKAR, announced its lineup for season three of its popular Backstage Pass live concert series, and it has a distinctly West Michigan flavor. The one hour-show will feature four bands with West Michigan roots when it begins live tapings in April.  In all, nine bands will perform for the show, which is broadcast on WKAR TV in East Lansing and can also be seen on the Web.

The Mickeys from Kalamazoo will kick off the concert tapings on April 14 at WKAR's Studio A in MSU's Communications Building.  Other West Michigan acts that will tape live concerts for the show include The Tomas Esparza Blues Experience (May 26),  Delilah DeWylde & the Lost Boys (June 16) and The Verve Pipe (June 23). 


Other acts for the show include The MSU Voice Faculty Quartet, Thom Jayne and the Nomads, Frog & the Beeftones, Don Middlebrook & Living Soul and The Hard Lessons.

It's free to attend the tapings, but seating is limited.   All tapings are at Studio A on the MSU campus, and begin at 7 p.m. To reserve seats, email reservations1@wkar.org.

David Allan Coe - Intersection (1-7-10)

Photos by Anthony Nowack

This Weekend's Best Bets: Jan. 7-10

Don’t give in to the post-holiday blahs. There are plenty of events going on this weekend, so get out there and enjoy yourself.

1. DOUBLEHEADER: Camper Van Beethoven formed in the 80s, its punk-Eastern European sound providing an alternative to hair bands. When it disbanded, vocalist David Lowery formed Cracker and, when CVB reunited in 2000, Lowery tours with both bands. See both at the Intersection on Sunday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m.; $15.50; more info here

2. COOL AS ICE: Embrace Michigan’s winter gift of ice on Saturday, Jan. 9 by attending the first annual Rockford Ice Festival held at Reds on the River in Rockford. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., watch ice carving demonstrations, play mini golf, and enjoy the cold creations; free; more info here

3. TRAVEL THE WORLD: Get your body moving with the International Folk Dancers coming to Wealthy Theatre on Friday, Jan. 8. Beginners are welcome and will learn dances from Israel, Bosnia, France, Mexico, Japan and South Africa, to name a few; $5; more info here

4. SECOND CHANCE: If you missed the Wheatland fundraiser, you still have the chance to enjoy great acoustic Americana-folk by Seth Bernard and May Erlewine as well as Sam Crobin and Jen Sygit at Founder’s Brewery as it kicks off its new No Cover Thursdays on Jan. 7 at 9:30 p.m.; free; more info here

5. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD: Creolization, a Zydeco-influenced band of West Michigan musicians, is recording a live CD this Saturday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. at the Dog Story Theater. A high-energy event, the theater is offering complimentary beverages to keep the audience hydrated; $20; more info here

6. A BONNY LASS: As part of its Classical Series, the Grand Rapids Symphony will perform Scottish Visions Friday, Jan. 8 and Saturday, Jan. 9 at 8 p.m. Hearing impaired Evelyn Glennie will perform a percussion piece and the bagpipes; $18-90; more info here

7. NO ACTUAL JUMPING INVOLVED: Held every month, Kalamazoo’s Art Hop on Friday, Jan. 8 from 5 to 9 p.m. includes glass-blowing demonstrations, photography by student missionaries and the collaboration of a calligraphy guild with a book-making group; free; more info here

8. WHINE AND WALK: Thumb your nose to the weather and check out Wine About Winter, a wine tasting and art tour in downtown Grand Haven from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8. Shops will invite participants to browse and sample, and Gallery Uptown will hold its Winter Invitational exhibit; free; more info here

9. ISN’T SHE LOVELY: The largest and longest running bridal show in West Michigan will take place Friday, Jan. 8, starting at 6 p.m. Held at DeVos Place, the Grand Rapids Bridal Show wil have the latest in wedding fashions along with coupons, door prizes and special deals; free ticket with registration, additional tickets $5; more info here

Good Bets: Rough-around-the-edges country singer David Allen Coe will play at the Intersection on Thursday, Jan. 7; more info here…
Stop by Grand River Grocery for a taste of made-in-Michigan honey during its Shadowland Tasting event on Friday, Jan. 8; more info here...
Hear some of the best historic jazz around performed by Ray Kamalay at the 28th St. Schuler Books on Friday, Jan. 8; more info here

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Van Andel Arena (1-2-10)

Photography by Anthony Nowack