MidWest Fest 2010

Photos By Evan Daniels

For me information about this years MidWest Fest click here.

Fun to be had at the GRAM this summer

The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) is jam-packed full of exciting events this summer from film festivals to a free summer concert series.

DJ SuperDre and the Ed Clifford String Quartet will be reuniting with a musical performance this Friday at 5:30 p.m. in the Museum Lobby. At 7 p.m. there will be an interactive discussion about how musicians can collaborate across different music genres.

The first weekend in June is the Festival of the Arts and the Festival Film Competition will be presented in the GRAM’s Cook Auditorium. Children’s activities will take place in front of the museum and three floors of art will be on display throughout the event for visitors.

GRAM on the Green, an outdoor music series presented by Steelcase Inc., returns Friday, June 12 on the Terrace Stage. Every Friday from 7 to 9 p.m., free performances by musicians of all talents will take the stage. Free outdoor sketching on the Plaza from 5-9 p.m. and games will be happening from 5-7:30 p.m. in Rosa Parks Circle. The GRAM is collaborating with the Downtown Alliance Merchants to bring Grand Rapids the DowntownGR Bazaar, a place for food, fun and families.

If you like attending free events, listening to local music and having a good time, check out the different events throughout the summer at the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

Thinking it’d be cool to volunteer with the GRAM? Volunteers are welcomed to get involved at these community activities. Contact Erin Glupker by email or at (616) 831-2928 for more information.

Holland Street Performance Series Receives Funding

Every Thursday night this summer, jugglers, musicians and aerial acrobats will entertain the streets of Holland with free performances. The Holland Principal Shopping District received a $4,000 grant to continue the Street Performer Series event again this summer.

Take a walk down the streets of Holland and check out free shows from all types of artists such as musicians, balloon twisters, jugglers, theatrical troupes, dancers and acrobatic artists. Starting June 10 through August 26, performances will take place Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

The 12-week event was awarded through the Regional Regranting Program, financed by the State of Michigan through the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.

For more information about the Street Performer Series, visit its Facebook page or follow it on Twitter, @HollandSPS.

Local Magic the Gathering Player to Compete in San Juan

Put your wands away Harry Potter lovers, there's another wizard in town.

Doug Hauca, a local Magic the Gathering card player, will be representing the West Michigan area this Memorial Day weekend in San Juan, Puerto Rico at the Wizards Play Network Championship.

Magic the Gathering is a collectible card game where players battle as wizards by casting spells and collecting life points. Over the month of May, individuals competed in Magic the Gathering events at local venues and Hauca earned an invitation-only spot in the tournament shown by his talent at playing the card game.

Because the Magic the Gathering championship is through invitation-only, those who are invited may not be guaranteed sponsorship or funding to attend the tournament. GrandLAN Gaming Center (56 Division N. Ave., Grand Rapids) owner, Erik Bauer, was so impressed by Hauca's performance at a GrandLAN Magic event that the computer and video game store is sponsoring Hauca by providing airfare and hotel for the trip.

With only a year of playing the card game under his belt, Hauca has already established himself as a reputable player in the area and will continue to represent West Michigan this weekend at the Wizards Play Network Championship. The winner of the tournament will receive a roundtrip ticket to Amsterdam and hotel accommodations to attend the Magic the Gathering Pro Tour Amsterdam 2010 Tournament in September.

Deftones Play Sold Out Orbit Room

By A.E. Kieren

On May 21, midsize Grand Rapids venue, the Orbit Room hosted prog-metal veterans Deftones.

In certain ways, this show was a repeat of three summers ago, when Deftones played the Orbit Room in 2007 to support its Saturday Night Wrist album. This show was different for two important reasons. There was the sad note – like all the shows on this tour – as Friday’s show was played without Deftones bassist Chi Cheng, who remains in a coma since sustaining brain injuries in a 2008 car accident. On the more positive note, the Deftones’ 2007 show at the Orbit Room was back in days of relative economic prosperity. While certainly not under attended, that show did not sell out. Friday’s show however, in spite of the global economic crisis of latter, did indeed sell out days in advance, with scalped tickets going on eBay for $60-$70.

From the moment the new Chino Moreno took the stage, looking dapper and glamorously thin like a Brazilian supermodel, the audience was ecstatic. Though its career has seen very little radio play, the band still plays to sold out houses full of fans who stand in the rain (as Friday’s crowds did) and who know every word to every song. The crowd at this show didn’t just sing along, they played to the rafters. They held their arms aloft amphitheatrically and swayed in slow motion. The show’s set was designed to showcase the new album Diamond Eyes, and featured new singles “Rocket Skates” and the title track. The night was closed out with “Be Quiet and Drive.”

Pernice Brothers Back After Four Years Off

Goodbye, Killer is the first studio album since 2006 for Massachusetts band Pernice Brothers. Led by brothers Joe and Bob Pernice and collaborators James Walbourne and Ric Menck, the new album should appease music lovers of all kinds. With a wide variety of indie rock songs, Goodbye, Killer has a song for almost every mood and situation.

Upbeat pop songs like “The Great Depression” and “F---ing and Flowers” have a Beatle-esque sound with its vocal and guitar harmonies. More traditional rock and roll songs like “Jacquline Susann” and “Bechamel” incorporate catchy guitar riffs and lyrics that you will pick up quickly. Also in the album are a slew of indie rock songs like “We Love the Stage” and “Newport News.”

Not all songs on the album are upbeat, happy songs, however. “The Loving Kind” and “The End of Faith” will bring the mood in any room down a few notches. They do, however, add a nice contrast to the album, making it a versatile and encompassing piece of indie rock work. If you are looking for an album to listen to on just about any day of the week, be sure to pick up the Pernice Brother’s Goodbye, Killer.

Doobie Brothers - Meijer Gardens - Photos by Anthony Nowack

West Michigan Thunderhawks to host last home game of the season

Feel the thunder with West Michigan Thunderhawks indoor football! The West Michigan Thunderhawks will be hosting the Green Bay Blizzard in their last home game of the season.

Cheer on the Thunderhawks at their last game on Saturday, May 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the DeltaPlex Arena and Conference Center.

For more information contact West Michigan Thunderhawks at (616) 477-9757.

Kalamazoo Institute of Arts to raffle a piece of Americana

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts (KIA) is offering you a chance to win a limited-edition Jamie Wyeth print. The framed, signed and numbered print, The Gourd Tree, is valued at more than $1,900. Raffle tickets are now available for $10 a piece or 3 tickets for $25.

The raffle, which is being held in conjunction with the KIA exhibition On Paper: The Lincoln Center/List Art Collection, will be drawn on Wednesday, June 30, by Tom Lollar, former director of visual arts at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

Lollar, who is also a renowned ceramicist and sculptor with a BFA and MA from Western Michigan University, will be giving a free public lecture at the KIA at 6:30 p.m. before the drawing. Lollar will discuss the visual arts at the Lincoln Center, the genesis of the List Print program and his experience working with commissioned artists.

For more information regarding the drawing, visit the KIA website or contact their office at (269) 349-7775.

Local artist to showcase illustrations at YT Galleria

Grand Rapids artist Christina Mrozik will be showcasing her work "Nesting", a solo exhibit of her illustrations. The exhibit will be held at the Yours Truly Galleria, located at 966 Cherry Street SE, Grand Rapids.

An opening reception will be held on Thursday, May 20 from 6 - 9 p.m. The exhibit will be on display through July 4th. Mrozik's unique work takes shape through pen & ink, watercolor and sculpture.

For more information about Christina Mrozik and her work, visit her website or her blog.

Waterfront Film Festival receives art grants

Good news, film lovers! The Waterfront Film Festival (WFF), now in its 12th year, has received two grants totaling $17,500 in funding toward organization and presentation of events. The festival will continue to celebrate independent film and filmmakers June 10-13 in downtown Saugatuck.

The Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs presented the WFF with a $7,500 to continue creative and cultural activity in Michigan. In addition to this grant, the WFF also received a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in order to support excellence in the arts.

This year, thousands of people will join independent filmmakers to view more than 70 independent films and shorts at four unique venues around Saugatuck. Participants will also have the opportunity to attend interactive seminars.

Visit the WFF website for more information on the 2010 festival.

Sarah Winters debuts first single "Not Mine"

It's the deliberate patterned style of the piano paired with harmonizing cello that first commands your attention when listening to "Not Mine," the first single in the debut album from Minnesota native, Sarah Winters. This contrasting duo, driven by almost hip hop-esque beats, only take a back seat to your ears when Winters actually starts to sing.

Winters' voice is vulnerable, exposed and sometimes on the verge of vocally awkward; however, it is still venturesome in a way that makes listeners turn the volume up. Her unique, Tori Amos-like style only grows stronger throughout the single, often taking an unexpected turn with vocal flips and extended notes.

"Not Mine" is the first single from the singer/songwriter's debut album "Smallest Bones," which was released April 9. The album features Winters on piano and vocals, Kristopher Schoen on drums and Baylen Wagner on cello.

The album contains an assortment of love songs in every imaginable fashion: falling in love songs, falling out of love songs, being in love songs and wishing you were no longer in love songs. When combined with her band and lyrics, Winters' full-range vocals give way to an album that has a calming energy backed by high emotion.

"Smallest Bones" is now available for purchase on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody and eMusic. For more information on this upcoming artist, check out her Facebook and Myspace pages.

Local artists sing for charity in concert series

With festival season starting, many of us can't afford the hundred-plus tickets, on top of paid parking and concession costs. Try looking a little closer to home, as the 2010 Celadon Summer Concert Series has filled summer in West Michigan with tons of amazing local artists.

Not only are these concerts free and open to all ages, but all events benefit local charities as well! Other perks include on-site parking, spacious amphitheater seating and BYOB options. Beverages can also be purchased at the Crushed Grape, located next to the amphitheater in Celadon's retail area.

Concerts will take place twice a month on Thursdays, June through September, at the Celadon outdoor amphitheater located at 2050 Celadon Dr NE, Grand Rapids, Mich. Music begins at 7:30 p.m. and will conclude at 9:30 p.m.

Events are sponsored by Celadon New Town, a local development based on the concept of new urbanism, as well as local partners including: WYCE, REVUE, Mosaic Properties, Sandmann's, Crushed Grape and Little Duck Music.

For a schedule of concerts, artists and charities, check out the Celadon Summer Concert Series on Facebook.

Artists with disabilities in the running for ArtPrize

Citizens of Grand Rapids have been invited to cast their votes on Thursday, May 13 at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre in the first ever Legacy Trust Award Collection, a statewide competition for adult artists with disabilities.

The competition, sponsored by Legacy Trust Art Collection and VSA Arts of Michigan-Grand Rapids, has drawn 22 submissions from Michigan artists in a variety of mediums, including paint, photography and mixed-media sculpture. The top three artists chosen by the public will receive cash prizes and will be registered in ArtPrize 2010, with venue, promotion and fees covered by Legacy Trust.

Here's your chance to support these artists! Public voting will take place on Thursday, May 13 at the Civic Theatre from noon to 5:30 p.m. Results will be announced on Wednesday, May 19 and posted to both the VSA and Legacy Trust websites.

Greensky Bluegrass releases live album

As far as bluegrass is concerned, Greensky Bluegrass may have written the book on how to play. Its new album, All Access Vol. 1, recorded live at the Riviera Theater in Three Rivers, Mich., is a knee-slapping, finger-picking good time for all.

Banjo and mandolin playing so fast it almost seems impossible, coupled with tremendous guitar, dobro and upright bass make Greensky Bluegrass a delight to listen to. Add in a half-twang, half-country singer and you have a match made in bluegrass heaven. The ambiance and random “woos” and cheers from the crowd make the album all that much better.

Anders Beck (dobro), Michael Arlen Bont (banjo), Dave Bruzza (guitar), Mike Devol (upright bass) and Paul Hoffman (mandolin) create a fast-paced, foot-stomping atmosphere sure to ignite the inner bluegrass lover in everybody. All Access Vol. 1 is a two CD set of a complete concert by the group, consisting of two separate sets and a two song encore at the end of the second disk.

With two songs more than 16 minutes long – “All Four” at 16:08 and “King of the Hill” at 16:02 –there is no shortage of down-home bluegrass on the album. Add in songs of 13 minutes (“Train Junkie”) and 11 minutes (“Break Mountain Breakdown”) and you only have 19 more songs to enjoy, and if you enjoy bluegrass, you will love this album. Even if you don’t particularly like bluegrass, try this CD out, it may change your mind.

Kids in the Making soon to be "the talk of the town"

From its overly colorful cover to its cartoon laced CD, it becomes immediately evident that Kids in the Making is a high energy band. This assumption is proven true after listening to its five track album, The talk of the town. With a sound somewhere between Paramore and a heavier All Time Low, Kids in the Making has elements very similar to other bands in the pop/punk/rock genre.

Lead vocalist Danielle Buehrle draws obvious comparisons to Hayley Williams of Paramore, not only because she is a female singer in a rock band, but because she has a similar singing style. Zach Schwochow lays the framework for most of their songs with heavy, yet rhythmic, percussion. Nate Kohlenberg and Ryan Riffle complement the heavy drumming with even heavier guitar riffs and Greg Depp keeps it all together with awesome bass lines.

The fourth song on the album, “Inside every story,” begins with a metal-esque guitar riff that turns into a methodical chorus and ends with a breakdown featuring backup vocals from the whole band, before fading out into the same riff from the beginning.

Although many will see them as “just another band” because its sound is very similar to other bands out there, Kids in the Making have some very special aspects. It masterfully blends high-octane rhythms with catchy choruses that give it a unique sound rivaling other bands in its genre.

Drum circle brings rhythm to the dunes of West Michigan

Put a little rhythm into your summer. The West Michigan Drum Circle (WMDC) is kicking off another season today at 6:30 p.m. in Shore Acres Park, located in Saugatuck, Mich. WMDC is free and open to all community members of all experience levels.

Drums and percussion instruments from across the globe are provided for participants to experiment with. WMDC encourages participants to bring their own instruments, dance skills and friends to the gorgeous Saugatuck dunes setting.

Set up and open jam begins at 6:30 p.m. and typically ends at 8:00 p.m. The WMDC 2010 season will continue every second Tuesday of the month, rain or shine, through Oct. 12.

For more information about the WMDC, visit their web group or join their group on Facebook.

Randy Thunderbird revs its engine

Short, in-your-face rock songs are Randy Thunderbird’s M.O. How to talk to kids about robots is no exception. From the first track to the 10th, this album with have your blood pumping and your ears pounding. Randy Thunderbird sings about everything from rainbows and unicorns, to cheap shots in an album that would surely offend a mother from the 1950s.

Constant sound bombards your ears as you listen to each song. Jesse Soltis maintains a constant roll of symbols, snare and bass on his drum set while Stu Swope and Joe Fish work together to make sure you always hear one of their guitars. Joe Fleet lays down a backing bass line and all four members sing to complete the sound.

With an angry sounding lead singer and guitar riffs that are even meaner, How to talk to kids about robots is not for the faint of heart. “Science Friday” is the rare song where the band slows things down a bit. “Lockjaw,” the last song on the album, keeps with Randy Thunderbird’s tradition of foul language by ending with the line, “just shut the f--- up.”

Cloud Magic adds a "puff" of electronics into blues/jazz

A mix of jazz, rock and electronica, Cloud Magic’s Puff blends contemporary lounge music with trippy, in-your-face electronic music. Lead guitarist and singer Dave Menzo adds guitar riffs that one could classify as somewhere between blues and jazz to each track, along with intense solos in between. Complementing Menzo with high-pitched backup vocals, Sarah Price adds depth to Cloud Magic’s songs. The mastermind infusing electronics into each song is Chad Golda, who is also responsible for the bass and some of the percussion. Jerod Brocklehurst plays “The Big Drums,” which he does with a great sense of rhythm.

While Puff may not be for everyone, it can be a warm welcome to those who enjoy blues or jazz. Instead of sticking to the usual riffs and chord progressions usually heard in blues and pop, Cloud Magic mixes up the tones and moods of the guitar and adds solos usually reserved for heavy rockers like the ones heard in "Seven" and "Spanish Theme." While the addition of electronics could deter many potential listeners, it also adds a funky twist to the songs unlike anything you’ve heard before. Whether you are looking for an album to listen to while cruising through the city on a summer night, or something to fill an empty lounge, Cloud Magic’s Puff could be the album you are looking for.

CurioCity @ Old Public Museum (5/6/10)

Photography by Evan Daniels

Paramore - DeltaPlex (5-4-10) Photos by Anthony Nowack