Cast arrives in Grand Rapids for filming of “Playback”

By: Brittney Schering

An impressive young cast has arrived in Grand Rapids for the filming of “Playback,” a thriller written and directed by Michael A. Nickles and produced by John M. Bennett and Lawrence Robbins for Bennett-Robbins Productions LLC.

Filming begins on Tuesday, Aug. 31 and will run through the end of September.

“Playback” follows a group of high school students who dig into their town’s infamous past and unwittingly expose an evil that corrupts and destroys them. The evil closes in on one specific soul, threatening to reveal the town’s deepest, darkest secret.

The primary cast includes Ambyr Childers, Dorien Davies, Toby Hemingway, Jonathan Keltz, Jennifer Missoni, Daryl “Chill” Mitchell, Johnny Pacar, and Alessandra Torresani.

In addition, more than 100 locals will serve as extras on the project, and more than 15 locals will be hired for crew.

For more information, check out Playback on Facebook and Twitter.

DeVos Place to host ArtPrize opening reception

By: Brittney Schering

The community is encouraged to attend a free, opening reception for ArtPrize at DeVos Place on Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 6:00 p.m. Come enjoy first-hand contest entries from 53 artists, many of whom are to attend the event.

The complimentary reception will include a celebratory environment of music, light hors d'oeuvres, and a cash bar.

The Shea/Lawrence/Heredia Trio (pictured above), one of the most requested jazz bands in West Michigan, will serenade attendees with their "easy going, mellow style."

DeVos Place will also host Art Fair 2010 for the weekend of Sept. 24-26. Visitors can browse and buy artwork while viewing the 53 ArtPrize entries. Some of which include pieces from former collegiate/professional football star, actor, and artist, Bernie Casey, as well as local artist, Paul Collins.

For more information, visit www.devosplace.org.

Forest Hills Fine Arts Center season tickets on sale

Seats are selling fast for the B-52s (pictured left) performance on Friday, Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Forest Hills Public Schools Fine Arts Center. In addition to the B-52s, FHPS Fine Arts Center is still selling six-show season ticket packages through Thursday, Sept. 23.

Single ticket sales include the following shows:
B-52s
Friday, September 24, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.
Single Tickets on Sale: Monday, August 30, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.
Tickets: $55, $52, $48, $46

LeAnn Rimes
Friday, October 1, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.
Single tickets on sale: Wednesday, September 8, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.
Tickets: $60, $50, $46, $44

A Chorus Line
Monday, December 6, 2010 at 7:30 p.m.
Single tickets on sale: Monday, October 4, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.
Tickets: $48, $40, $36, $34

Naturally 7
Saturday, January 22, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
Single Tickets on Sale Monday, October 4, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.
Tickets: $40, $32, $28, $26

Drumline Live!
Monday, February 7, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
Single Tickets on sale Monday, October 4, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.
Tickets: $50, $44, $40, $38

Michael Bolton
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
Single Tickets on sale Monday, October 4, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.
Tickets: $60, $52, $48, $46

Season tickets are located in 3 seating areas and are priced at $270, $246 and $234. To purchase tickets, stop by or call the Fine Arts Center box office at (616) 493-8966 or visit ticketmaster.com.

Season subscribers get benefits that include: lost ticket insurance, the same great seat to all six shows, an opportunity to get tickets early to "Wicked" at Miller Auditorium in December and a great rate at the Grand Rapids Hilton Airport Hotel. For more information about the season, visit the Fine Arts Center website.

Public invited to witness ArtPrize entry progress

Thomas Birks and Joachim Jensen, the team that brought Grand Rapids "Nessie on the Grand" last year, have something big brewing for ArtPrize 2010. The team is shifting their gaze from the seas to the skies and invite the public to witness the progress of their project: "Parsifal, The SteamPig."

"Parsifal" is a project that channels the ingenuity of the industrial Revolution along with our cultural kinship with pigs. This multi-media sculpture is taking shape now in a warehouse at 700 Ionia Street between Franklin and Logan. The piece will make its ArtPrize debut at the B.O.B.

“Parsifal” (“Percy” to his friends) turns the idiom “when pigs fly” on its head. Once complete, this 55-foot- long-by-25-foot high porcine-shaped airship will weigh between 8,000 to 9,000 pounds. Indeed, “Parsifal” surpasses his earth-bound domestic cousins’ average weight (a skimpy 100 to 300 pounds), but he has tools they lack: two main sails with a rear aft-driver atop three 10-foot tall masts and four 5-foot-wide-by-10- foot-long steam-powered turbine engines.

For more information, visit www.steampig.com.

28th Street Metro Cruise to draw thousands of car lovers

More than 300,000 car lovers will gather Friday, Aug. 27 from 1-9 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 28 from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. to view more than 15,000 unique vehicles at the 6th Annual Foremost Insurance 28th Street Metro Cruise. The event, which will take place along 15 miles of 28th Street, is presented by the Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce and is run entirely by volunteers with the support of community sponsors.

The event will partner with the Metro Cruise 5K/10K run, which will begin at the Wyoming City Center on Saturday at 8 a.m. The race is coordinated through Michigan Running and still has open registration available. A portion of the proceeds will go to support the Chamber Foundation, supporting education and community oriented activities.

Venues for this year's event include Roger's Plaza, Klingman's and the Woodland Mall. Roger's Plaza will be home to Foremost Displays, a Nascar simulator, DC Customs Display of custom motorcycles, prime parking for reserved car clubs, WLAV remote broadcast, a DJ on premise with giveaways, food vendors and Metro Cruise merchandise. Klingman's will once again host the Futurliner and the annual Metro Million Display of high end classic vehicles. Woodland Mall will host an automative swap meet and car corral for selling vehicles, a Nascar simulator, Foremost Insurance and Carstar displays and a live remote by WGVU Real Oldies.

For more information about the 28th Street Metro Cruise, visit www.metrocruise.org.

Laurence Juber at the Riviera Theatre

Two-time Grammy award-winning fingerstyle acoustic guitarist, Laurence Juber, will perform at the Riviera Theatre tomorrow, Aug. 12, at 9 p.m. Juber is known for his electric work as lead guitarist in Paul McCartney's Wings. Be sure to get your tickets for this dynamic, entertaining performance.

Juber has released 14 critically acclaimed solo albums, which feature his celebrated arrangements of popular tunes and genre-crossing compositions. Juber was also voted "Guitarist of the Year" by the readers of Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine and named one of the top acoustic guitar players of all time by Acoustic Guitar Magazine.

Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door and can be purchased at the Riviera Theatre box office or online at www.trriviera.com. Visit the Riviera Theatre website for more information.

Downtown Holland Sidewalk Sales to be held this weekend

The Downtown Holland Sidewalk Sales are a shoppers paradise with thousands of great deals and over a hundred unique shops, galleries and boutiques. The annual sale is happening this weekend, Aug. 12-14 with sale hours from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday.

The Sidewalk Sales bring the best deals outdoors from Downtown Holland merchants to shoppers hunting for bargains. Shoppers can relax at one of the many distinctive restaurants throughout Holland or grab a quick bite at one of the outdoor food booths.

The weekly Street Performer Series will only add to the excitement on Thursday, Aug. 12 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Performers will be located along the middle of 8th Street from College Avenue to River Avenue. Scheduled performers include break-dancers, folk singers, balloon twisters, henna artists, blues guitarists, magicians, fiddlers and more.

For more information on Downtown Holland, visit www.downtownholland.com or call the Holland Convention and Visitors Bureau at (616) 394-0000. Stay up-to-date on the latest news on the Downtown Holland Facebook page.

Arcade Fire Lollapalooza photos by Anthony Nowack

Anthony Nowack is a portrait and concert photographer in Grand Rapids, MI and editor of backstageallaccess.com. You can see more of his work at anphoto.net.

Soundgarden Lollapalooza photos by Anthony Nowack

Anthony Nowack is a portrait and concert photographer in Grand Rapids, MI and editor of backstageallaccess.com. You can see more of his work at anphoto.net.

Lollapalooza Sunday photos by Anthony Nowack

Anthony Nowack is a portrait and concert photographer in Grand Rapids, MI and editor of backstageallaccess.com. You can see more of his work at anphoto.net.

Actors prepare for film and stage at Civic School of Theatre Arts

Lights, camera, action! As the film industry continues to grow in West Michigan, aspiring actors want to know, "How do I get started in this business?" The Grand Rapids Civic School of Theatre Arts is patterning with MP Talent Agency to answer this question by offering three classes throughout August that will give personal insight into how to enter the film business.

Local actress and former casting apprentice, Alyssa Bauer, will lead Audition Etiquette for Actors 14 to Adult. The class will discuss the approach to auditioning and provide in-class demonstrations on technique. The class will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m.

Bauer will also help put parents at ease by answering industry specific questions and audition tips just for kids with her class Audition Etiquette for Children. The class will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m.

The Business of Child Acting: A Stage Mom's (and Dad's) Guide to the Film Industry will be taught by Sasha Wolff, joined by her mother and brother, and will answer family concerns about committing to the business of acting. This class will be held on Thursday, Aug. 26 at 7 p.m.

All classes will be held at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and are offered at an introductory price of $25. For more information regarding the class topics or to schedule an interview, contact Penny Notter at (616) 222-6654 or Malinda Peterson at (616) 350-4759.

LPC's Lolla Blog: Day Three

This afternoon brings an interview with Americana band The Band of Heathens. Coupled with The Avett Brothers and Carolina Chocolate Drops in the category for "Best Duo or Group" at the Americana Honors & Awards in September, this band has gotten critic approval for its performance at SXSW.

Tonight's big finale features the reunited Soundgarden opposite serious buzz-band Arcade Fire. Which band would you see?

Grand Rapids Ballet Company announces new Interim Artistic Director

One of the world's most gifted ballerinas has joined the Grand Rapids Ballet Company (GRBC) for the 2010-2011 season. Patricia Barker, former principal dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet, will work with the professional company and school to ensure an incredible season of exciting performances and quality education.

Barker has performed world-wide and has danced in many of the great full-length ballets and contemporary works from renowned choreographers. Barker also appeared as a guest artist with national and international ballet companies.

In addition to staging, rehearsing and coaching ballets for professional companies, Barker also designs products for her own dancewear company. Barker is also heavily involved in fundraising for scholarships and serves on a variety of advisory boards. Barker also serves as the spokes person for the United States Bone and Joint Decade.

Green Day Lollapalooza 2010 photos by Anthony Nowack

Anthony Nowack is a portrait and concert photographer from Grand Rapids, MI and co-owner of backstageallaccess.com. You can see more of his work at anphoto.net

Lollapalooza Saturday photos by Anthony Nowack

Anthony Nowack is a portrait and concert photographer in Grand Rapids, MI and co-owner of backstageallaccess.com. You can find more of his work at anphoto.net

Blues Traveler Ignites Hippie Love

Review by A.E. Kieren

You may have noticed a certain scent in the air of downtown Grand Rapids on Thursday night.

It was the smell of reckless optimism and dreadlocks generated by the large confluence of

hippies that had descended upon the Intersection to take in Blues Traveler.

The hippies were out in force for what was a very well-attended show, with a very generous two hour set from the band. Blues Traveler played all its obvious hits as well as some unexpected covers, such as a harmonica-laced version of Sublime’s "Santeria."

Lead singer John Popper spent the show making sweet love to the mike stand. One might not expect the famously overweight (but nowadays reasonably average-sized) John Popper to be the sort of singer to make a sensual, pelvic-thrusting display out of his performances, but you would be wrong. The crowd, which skewed heavily towards late middle-age, were definitely experiencing a deeply aphrodisiac effect from the music. Blues Traveler is fond of their jams and their lengthy instrumental solos, all of which seemed to set middle-aged loins afire. The floor was awash with middle-aged hippies going to town on each other like teenagers. There you have it, Grand Rapids. Blues Traveler is in fact an unexpected facilitator of romance for a slightly older crowd that needs love too.

And, also, there was so much hot tail there I could barely walk straight.

LPC's Lolla Blog: Day Two

The glitter vs. gutter dilemma (a.k.a. Lady Gaga vs. The Strokes) was easily solved Friday evening -- and come to find out, many Lolla-goers had the same solution.

Gaga started her set at 8 p.m., opening with a sheathed version of "Dance in the Dark." After, the curtain lifted to reveal an elaborate set complete with a car with a piano under the hood. (for Gaga photos, go here.)

Throughout the set, there were many long and unnecessary pauses, causing many in the audience to yell out "Just get to the next song!" or, "I'm headed to The Strokes now." Turns out, only the true "Little Monsters" stayed around for the full set, while a herd of hipsters headed straight to see Julian Casablancas and company perform their first American tour date, "in a long f***ing time," according to Casablancas.

The Strokes' set was a string of "greatest hits," with the band sounding like it never went on hiatus.

As for day two, that brings a long set of indie darlings, including Stars, The xx, Grizzly Bear, The National, Metric and Spoon, along with sets by Against Me!, AFI, Social Distortion and Green Day, for rock fans.

Lady Gaga photos by Anthony Nowack - Lollapalooza 8-6-10

Anthony Nowack is a portrait and concert photographer and co-owner of backstageallaccess.com.

LPC's Lolla Blog: Day One

Pictured: My Dear Disco

Anthony Nowack of Backstage All Access and I made it safely to Chicago for day one of Lollapalooza.

We checked into the press tent at 11 a.m. so Nowack could take shots of B.o.B. (which you can see here). I spent my time thinking of snarky, self-indulgent Tweets in order to update my mass Twitter audience (population: three).

By 3 p.m., I made sure My Dear Disco was in my agenda of "bands to see." The Ann Arbor, Mich. band played Lolla's BMI stage, which the band called "smart," since the stage is located in the shade.

At 4 p.m., I headed over to the Parkways stage to see Devo. Weird, colorful, and catchy, this was the band to kick off any music lover's dream weekend

During the Devo set, I caught up with Rapid Growth's new managing editor, Juliet Bennett Rylah, WYCE's Nicole LaRae, Founders' Joey Basch, and members of Chance Jones. Grand Rapids, you are well-represented in Chicago.

In the interim, the big Lolla question will be pondered. To see or not to see: Lady Gaga, or The Strokes?

Lollapalooza Friday photos by Anthony Nowack

Keep checking back for more photo updates throughout the day.

Lollapalooza Friday

Anthony Nowack is a portrait and concert photographer from Grand Rapids, Michigan. You can find more of his work at www.anphoto.net

Folk artist to give free performance at Schuler Books

Baltimore-based Cameron Blake and friends will perform a free concert at the 28th Street Schuler Books & Music location in Grand Rapids on Friday, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m. The evocative, beautiful and profound music and lyrics of Blake will showcase his niche of unique storytelling and songs.

Blake, who was born in Rockford, has performed in numerous venues throughout the East Coast, Texas and Michigan. He has collaborated with musicians from the Peabody Conservatory, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and other various Dixieland performers. His third album, Hide and Go Seek, is due for digital release this summer.

For more information about Cameron Blake, visit his website.

Meijer Gardens to upgrade outdoor amphitheater

Fans frustrated by sold-out concerts at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park will find some relief next year as the popular venue plans to increase capacity by 200 guests. The project is spurred by the most successful Summer Concert Series season in the Gardens' eight-year history.

The project will feature a 3,511 square-foot building which will house concession and merchandise stands, additional restrooms and a box office window accessible from outside the amphitheater gates for last-minute ticket purchases and Will-Call pickup. Other features include an expanded plaza outside of the amphitheater, sound-mixing boards for improved sound quality and expanded parking by 94 spaces.

Construction will begin in late August and will end in spring of 2011. For more information regarding the upgrade, visit the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park website.