Holland’s GrooveWalk wristbands go on sale tomorrow

By: Brittney Schering

GrooveWalk is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 16 from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Consumers Credit Union is sponsoring this popular event that is held every spring and fall.

The event features 11 different bands and musical artists performing at 11 restaurants, bistros, pubs, and other establishments throughout Downtown Holland. With sounds ranging from rockabilly and funk to hip hop, soul, ‘80s and more, GrooveWalk has something for everyone to enjoy.

By purchasing a wristband, attendees can visit all of the 11 venues. They will be on sale at the Curragh Irish Pub, along with both Consumers Credit Union locations in Holland. If purchased in advance, a wristband is only $10. They will also be available on the day of the event for $15 at all participating venues.

Special wristbands for designated drivers will also be available. With these, attendees can receive complimentary soft drinks and coffee at all venues. Servers at every venue will wear buttons promoting this designated driver program.

In addition, GrooveXpress busses will continuously loop throughout Downtown Holland. Bus rides are free for those who purchase wristbands, and they will provide onboard entertainment by multiple performing artists.

The official lineup for this fall’s GrooveWalk will be revealed next week. For more information about the event, please head over to www.groovewalk.com.

Downtown Holland Fall GrooveWalk Locations:

84 East Food & Spirits 84 East Eighth Street 616.396.8484

Boatwerks Waterfront Restaurant 216 Van Raalte Avenue 616.396.0600

Butch's Dry Dock 44 East Eighth Street 616.396.8227

CitySen Lounge 61 East Seventh Street 616.796.2112

CityVu Bistro 61 East Seventh Street 616.796.2114

Curragh Irish Pub 73 East Eighth Street 616.393.6340

Holland Armory 16 West Ninth Street 616.392.9084

New Holland Brewing Co. 66 East Eighth Street 616.355.6422

Park Theatre 248 South River Avenue 616.355.7275

Parrot's Lounge 234 South River Avenue 616.396.4577

Scrap Yard Lofts West 146 South River Avenue 616.796.1210

Leopard Lounge to pounce on GR nightlife

By: Brittney Schering

Grand Rapids nightlife will never be the same now that Louis Benton Steakhouse transformed its reserved lounge area into an upscale setting. Experience what is beyond the scene at the Leopard Lounge Cocktail Boutique as it opens on Saturday, Oct. 2.

Described as: “Sultry. Chic. Exotic. Fresh,” the Leopard Lounge Cocktail Boutique will more than renew your night out. Unwind at the largest Brazilian Granite bar in Michigan, or groove to New York City-style beats on the dance floor.

Indulge in a signature drink, such as the Stimulation (espresso martini), or dare to try the Seething Leopard (flaming shot). Wine and swag beer will also be featured, and a small plate selection will include Thai Rock Shrimp (Dynamite Glaze and Lemongrass Aioli) and Surf n’ Turf Crostini.

Two of Midwest’s hottest DJs will provide a stellar soundscape to add to the already sultry atmosphere. DJ Todd Ernst wil spin a mix of down-tempo, lo-fi, and house beats every Friday. Party rocker DJ Stoz will give a charismatic, smooth blend of electro, hip-hop, rock and more on Saturday nights.

The entire ceiling is covered with LED strips, and the custom-made speakers with built-in, color-changing LED lights by Loud Art LLC will transform the mood of the room as the music changes.

“Diverse. Classy. Original. Stylish.” Don’t just dress to impress; dress to turn heads at the opening of Louis Benton Steakhouse’s Leopard Lounge Cocktail Boutique.

Valet parking for this event is complimentary. For more information, check out www.louisbenton.com.

Professional Acting Studio partners with Grand Rapids Theatre

By: Brittney Schering

Beginning in October 2010, the Kurt Dreyer Acting Studio will provide foundational studies for actors of all levels at Dog Story Theater, a live performance venue located in downtown Grand Rapids.

The Kurt Dreyer Acting Studio, located at 496 Lincoln Ave in Holland, was created with the sole purpose of providing a stable and safe environment for actors and artists. At the studio, they are able to develop and hone their craft and skills as well as network within the artistic community.

Dreyer longed to provide this environment to aspiring actors in Grand Rapids. This decision, he says, was driven by student demand. The new partnership will focus on a goal of developing, promoting, and supporting the performing arts and artists in West Michigan.

The 12-week program is based on the highly regarded teachings and techniques of Uta Hagen and Howard Fine. It will be offered at Dog Story Theater, as well as a scene-study program for graduates of the "Comprehensive Techniques" course and seasoned actors who will audition for a spot in the studio.

Prospective students for the Acting Studio are invited to schedule an appointment by calling Jennifer Jelsema at (616) 594-0724 or by emailing info@kurtdreyer.com.

To learn more about Dog Theater or to book a performance, visit www.dogstorytheater.com, email info@dogstorytheater.com, or call Amy McFadden at (616) 894-1252.

Howmet Playhouse presents Some Velvet Evening on Oct. 1

By: Brittney Schering

Some Velvet Evening invites you to enjoy a personal concert with great acoustics in an intimate setting on Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. as the "First Friday Concert Series" continues to grow at Howmet Playhouse.

Carrie Shepard is known as "the sultry songstress of swoon," while John Holk is the "smilin' Dutch cowboy." Together they specialize in close harmony as practiced by "the great high lonesome crooners of yesteryear."

The vocal duo is dedicated to exploring humanity's everlasting fragility through a combination they call "heartache and honky tonk." Check out Some Velvet Evening's catchy, unique sound at www.myspace.com/somevelvetevening.

This event is part of the Muskegon County Ahfest, a tribute to Arts and Humanities in West Michigan. Tickets only cost $10, and they are available at the City of Whitehall. Call (231) 894-4048 or purchase them at the door on the night of the show. For more information, please go to www.ahfest.org.

Four Finger Five to headline Fall Fest on Oct. 2

By: Brittney Schering

The Gate & 7-10 Bar and Grill are proud to announce the Fall Fest they will host on Saturday, Oct. 2 from 5 p.m. – 2 a.m.

Muskegon natives, Four Finger Five, will headline the event, playing from 11 p.m. – 2 a.m. With just three members, this power trio has won over thousands of fans with their unique mix of pop, soul, reggae, and funk music.

Four Finger Five has been a heavy hitter on the summer music festival circuit. It has played numerous nationally recognized events, such as the infamous Rothbury Music Festival. Billboard Magazine has named it a “Top 5 New Band Breaking The Rules,” along with O.A.R., Victor Wooten, and Karl Denson.

Big Rapids’ own Poor Boys Relief will also perform at Fall Fest from 8:30-10:30 p.m. Known for their crazy stage antics, as well as catchy, fun performances, this 5-piece band is guaranteed to get the crowd moving.

The Meatt, also from Big Rapids, will bring a mix of favorite cover songs, as well as its original music, from 6-8 p.m.

Fall Fest will also feature its “Pong Tournament” for those who are 21 and older. Registration is only $20 and includes entrance to Fall Fest, a pitcher of beer, and entry into the tournament. Prizes will be awarded to winning teams.

Fall Fest will take place regardless of weather conditions. Admission is $6 for the concert, and attendees must be 18+. Tickets will be available at the door. For more information, visit www.thegatesiteonline.com or call (231) 796-3808.

LitLife to host adults-only reading for "Breadcrumb Scabs"

By: Brittney Schering

To kick-off "Banned Books Week," Grand Rapids' Literary Life Bookstore (LitLife) will host an adults-only poetry reading for the Michigan contributors of "Breadcrumb Scabs" on Thursday, Sept. 30 at 7:00 p.m.

The non-mainstream poetry magazine, known as "Breadcrumb Scabs," displays poetry that is often dark, confessional, surreal, erotic, and bizarre. It especially seeks contributions from women and LGBT (the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community).

Lena Drake, editor-in-chief, is a student at Grand Valley State University, where she works to obtain degrees in Creative Writing and Women & Gender Studies.

"Note that the poetry to be read aloud during this event may contain explicit language and/or concepts, and is recommended for adults only," warns LitLife.

The reading will take place at 758 Wealthy Street SE in Grand Rapids.

For more information on the event or the publication, please check out www.breadcrumbscabs.com or www.literarylifebookstore.com/news/may-events-at-litlife.

Poet Khaled Mattawa to read at LitLife tonight

By: Brittney Schering

Poet Khaled Mattawa will read from his latest work, Tocqueville, tonight at the Literary Life Bookstore in Grand Rapids from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Mattawa is a renown poet and translator, as well as a University of Michigan professor. He previously taught at Indiana University and California State.

His work has been praised for the beauty of its structure and the intensity of the emotion expressed. Mattawa's poetry explores the intersection of culture, narrative, and memory.

Everyone is welcome to attend this free event. Free parking is also available in LitLife's large lot, located in the second driveway behind the bookstore on the SW corner of Wealthy at Eastern.

Literary Life Bookstore & More, Inc. provides the Wealthy Street neighborhood with a place to celebrate all aspects of the literary life, whether the focus is books, writing in all its forms, good movies (based on great books), or the promotion of literary endeavors.

Autographed copies of his work will be available for purchase at the event. For more information, please head over to www.literarylifebookstore.com.

The B-52s are to perform tonight

By: Brittney Schering

The B-52s will have you singing, "Love Shack, Baby!" on Friday, Sept. 24 at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center in Grand Rapids.

The punk, new wave, vintage rockers have returned with all of your favorite songs. According to its website, it has been said that the B-52s are as quintessentially American as the Beach Boys.

With 25 years and more than 20 million albums into its career, the B-52s are known for unforgettable dance-rock tunes. It is especially known for the timeless, "Rock Lobster," "Planet Claire," "Private Idaho," "Channel Z," "Love Shack," and "Roam."

In just two albums, the B-52s created a lexicon of songs, styles, phrases, and images that set the standard for the development of the alternative music scene for the next decade.

Ticket prices range from $51-60 depending on seating. For more information, please check out http://theb52s.com.

GRAM invites all to celebrate ArtPrize

By: Brittney Schering

The Grand Rapids Art Museum welcomes everyone to enjoy a variety of events and activities each day throughout ArtPrize.

This week, GRAM introduced a special,collaborative card, "Culture Pass GR!" Members will be mailed their complimentary card in October. The Culture Pass offers multiple online discounts from a variety of cultural organizations in Grand Rapids.

To receive a Culture Pass, all you must do is become a GRAM member or stop by during a promotional giveaway during ArtPrize. Culture Passes can be picked up at any of the distribution spots, which can be found at CulturePassGR.com.

"ArtPrize Artist Talks" began on Thursday, and they run until next Wednesday, Sept. 29. Find out when which artist is presenting at www.artmuseumgr.org.

Friday nights at GRAM include a cash bar and ArtPrize-related activities. At 7 p.m., "Friday Night Conversations" will present, "Insight into the Curatorial Process" in the Frey Boardroom overlooking Rosa Parks Circle.

On Saturday, the Education Center will provide a plethora of family-friendly activities for all. For more information, please head over to www.artmuseumgr.org.

Nervous but Excited comes to Grand Rapids

By: Brittney Schering

Nervous but Excited's new release, "Just the Two of Us (Our Duo Doing Duos)," comes with a fall tour of the east coast and midwest. It will stop in Grand Rapids at the Division Ave Arts Collective at 115 S. Division on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 8:00 p.m. with local artist Jes Kramer.

Michigan-based singer-songwriters Kate Peterson and Sarah Cleaver, otherwise known as Nervous but Excited, designed the new project as a way to push their boundaries both musically and vocally. The six-song EP features a raw, yet sweet-sounding compilation of tracks.

On the new EP, the girls cover the Roxette's "The Look," and K-Ci & Jojo's "All My Life," showing their silliness as well as a sultry side.

NBE has been touring semi-nationally since early 2004 and have released three full-length albums. One of which, Anchors, was the first 100% sustainable CD to be released.

NBE has shared the stage with Ani Difranco, Iron and Wine, Utah Phillips, Ben Gibbard, Catie Curtis, Cheryl Wheeler, and many more.

For more information, check out www.nervousbutexcited.com.

Prospecto Music Showcase Adds Legendary Motown Act: The Contours

By: Brittney Schering

Prospecto Musical Showcase and Sonic Experience has announced that the renowned Motown recording artists, The Contours with Joe Billingslea, will headline on Saturday, Sept. 25.

The Contours will present its contagious, feel-good hits on the Intersection's main stage with Grand Rapids hip hop favorites La Famiglia, Rick Chyme, and Nixon as opening acts.

The Contours and Joe Billingsea are the godfathers of Motown and music in Michigan, according to Prospecto Creative Director, Ben Hunter. After forming in the early 1960s in Detroit, it is most famous for the hit song, "Do You Love Me," which was featured in the film and Broadway adaptation of Dirty Dancing.

The Contours' show will be the culmination of three days of live music taking place on 11 stages at nine venues throughout Grand Rapids. With the vibrant downtown scenery as a beautiful backdrop, performances will be held at Billy's Lounge, Founders Brewery, HopCat, The Intersection, Louie's Rocket Lounge, Juke's Bar, Kuzzin's, Mulligan's, and The Sazerac Lounge.

The Prospecto Musical Showcase and Sonic Experience coincides with the city's second annual international ArtPrize competition, the world's largest publicly voted art contest. A three-day pass is only $60, and a one-day ticket costs $26. For more information, go to www.ProspectoGR.com.

Tommy Emmanuel performs tonight in Kalamazoo

By: Brittney Schering

Guitarist extraordinaire, Tommy Emmanuel is to perform tonight, Sept. 21 at 8 p.m at the State Theatre in Downtown Kalamazoo. Frank Vignola will open the show.

As a two-time Grammy nominee, Emmanuel is one of Australia's most respected musicians. The legendary guitarist has a professional career that spans nearly 50 years. He continues to collaborate with some of the world's finest musicians today.

Emmanuel's unique style is akin to playing the guitar the way a pianist plays piano, using all ten fingers. Instead of using a whole band for melody, rhythm, bass, and drums, he plays all of that, and more, on his one guitar.

He was inspired to try this "fingerpicker"style as a child after seeing guitar legend, Chet Atkins. Decades later, Atkins himself became one of Emmanuel's greatest fans.

Emmanuel started his solo instrumental career with the release of the gentle and textural Up from Down Under album in 1988. In the '90s, his efforts began to be noticed by the Australian music industry and media. Sales of his albums have set records that have yet to be broken.

Admission is only $30. For more information, head over to www.tommyemmanuel.com.

Michigan Brewers Guild snags 10 medals at 2010 Great American Beer Festival

By: Brittney Schering

Michigan craft brewers were well-known at the 29th Annual Great American Beer Festival (GABF) Competition. "Once again, Michigan has delivered the hardware to support what we all know- we're making exceptional craft beer here in the Great Beer State," says Scott Graham, Executive Director of the Michigan Brewers Guild.

This year's GABF competition attracted 151 beer judges from 10 countries. Seven members of the Michigan Brewers Guild received honors this year, including:

GOLD

· Nectar Des Dieux, Bastone Brewery, Royal Oak, MI
Belgian-Style Abbey Ale - 76 Entries

· Bellipago, Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, Dexter, MI
Specialty Beer - 23 Entries

· Fourth Dementia Olde Ale, Kuhnhenn Brewing Co., Warren, MI
Old Ale or Strong Ale - 38 Entries

· Key Lime Pie, Short’s Brewing Co., Bellaire, MI
Experimental Beer - 43 Entries


SILVER

· Go Figure, Big Rock Chop House & Brewery, Birmingham, MI
American-Style India Black Ale - 53 Entries

· Curmudgeon, Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids, MI
Old Ale or Strong Ale - 38 Entries

· Endurance IPA Jr., Founders Brewing Co., Grand Rapids, MI
Session Beer - 30 Entries

· Simcoe Silly, Kuhnhenn Brewing Co., Warren, MI
American-Belgo-Style Ale - 47 Entries

BRONZE

· American Brown Ale, Big Rock Chop House & Brewery, Birmingham, MI
57 American-Style Brown Ale - 47 Entries

· Bell’s Expedition Stout, 1995, Bell’s Brewery, Inc., Galesburg, MI
Aged Beer - 30 Entries

In addition to the individual brewery awards, Imperial Beverage of Kalamazoo was named the 2010 Craft Beer Distributor of the year.

The Great American Beer Festival invites industry professionals from around the world to taste beers in each specified style category without knowing the brand name. The ultimate goal is to identify the three beers that best represent each beer-style category. Five separate three-hour judging sessions take place over a three-day period where judges are assigned to evaluate beers in their specific area of expertise.

The Great American Beer Festival is the 'granddaddy of all beer festivals,' offering the largest collection of U.S. beer ever assembled. It features more than 1900 different beers from 400 breweries throughout the country.

Michigan's thriving brewing industry provides over $24 million in wages with a total economic contribution of more than $133 million. In terms of overall number for breweries, microbreweries, and brewpubs, Michigan ranks #6 in the nation, thus supporting its claim as, "The Great Beer State."

The Michigan Brewers Guild is hosting the Detroit Fall Beer Festival on Oct. 23 from 1-6 p.m. at Eastern Market in Detroit. For more information, please check out www.michiganbrewersguild.org.

West Michigan Symphony's Scott Speck appointed music director for Joffrey Ballet

By: Brittney Schering

West Michigan Symphony music director, Scott Speck, has added another impressive laurel to his credentials: music director of the Joffrey Ballet.

Speck opens the season for the West Michigan Symphony on Sept. 24-25 with the Romantic Road, a collaboration of works by Richard Wagner, Max Bruch, and Johannes Brahams. Up-and-coming young star, Bella Hsitrova, will appear as the guest violinist.

Joffrey, the Chicago-based ballet, featured Speck as a guest conductor in its 2009-10 season, and then made the announcement earlier this month. His first performance with it will be Oct. 13-14.

In addition to his role with WMS, Speck currently serves as music director of the Mobile Symphony in Alabama. He has also served in key leadership roles with Honolulu Symphony, Los Angeles Opera, Washington Ballet, and San Francisco Ballet, as well as serving as guest conductor of the China Film Philharmonic in Beijing.

Born in Boston, Speck received his undergraduate degree, summa cum laude, from Yale University and his master's with highest honors from the University of Southern California. He also studied at the Tanglewood Music Center and was a Fulbright scholar in Berlin.

Season and single tickets can be purchased by calling the West Michigan Symphony ticket office at (231) 726-3231. For more information, visit www.westmichigansymphony.org.

The Macpodz to perform Sept. 22

By: Brittney Schering

Ann Arbor-based jazz band, the Macpodz, is coming to Billy's Lounge in Grand Rapids on Sept. 22 to showcase its unorthodox approach to jazz fusion.

The guitar-less five-piece is comprised of musicians who have mastered bass, trumpet, percussion, flute, keys, and drums. Together, it creates some of the most energetic music on the scene today.

As the inventor of its own funky dance music, coined 'disco-bebop,' the Macpodz pay homage to eccentric musical medleys such as the unstructured instrumental works of the late, great Frank Zappa.

The NCAA permitted the Macpodz to perform on the main stage at the Final Four in 2009 in Detroit, making it the first-ever regional band to perform on the main stage at any Final Four.

The Macpodz have also opened for Fergie and Slash. It has a full slate of bookings for 2010, including festival gigs at the All Good Music Festival, Summer Camp Music Festival, Gathering of the Vibes, Bear Creek Music & Art Festival, moe.down, Dunegrass, Michigan Roots Jamboree, and the Hoxeyville Music Festival.

The show at Billy's is $8 and 18+. For more information, check out www.themacpodz.com.

ArtPrize artists offer interactive presentations at Public Museum

By: Brittney Schering

Starting on Sept. 23, select ArtPrize artists will grace the Public Museum with free hour-long interactive presentations throughout the 2010 competition. The "Artist Interactive" series will be held in the museum's Overlook Room, Meijer Theater and Demo Lab.

11 of the 70+ exhibiting artists will present on various topics. They will also participate in a question and answer period during each scheduled Artist Interactive session.

The presentations will include an artist sculpting a clay bust in just 30 minutes, as well as a workshop for teachers on how to create gnomes out of birdseed along with a discussion that explores how large-scale works are created out of fragile materials. A schedule that lists daily topics and room locations will be available at the Museum's front desk upon guests' arrival.

Museum President and CEO, Dale Robertson, explained, "Offering this interactive presentation series just adds to the comprehensive ArtPrize experience that our visitors will have here."

Guests are also welcome to enjoy refreshments inside the Museum's café and in the south lawn hospitality tent. ArtPrize merchandise will be sold in the Curiosity Shop, as well. Be sure to check out the memorable souvenirs.

Artists from Britain, Scotland and South Korea, along with one artist who is originally from Grand Rapids (and now operates in Singapore and Hong Kong) are among the 11 selected to present.

For more information, including dates and times of artists, call (616) 456-3977 or visit www.grmuseum.org.

Cover Band, Starfarm, is to headline ArtPrize kick-off street party

By: Brittney Schering

Guests of all ages are invited to enjoy live music presented by '80s cover band, Starfarm, which will headline Grand Rapids Public Museum's community street party on Sept. 23.

The band will dance along to songs by Journey, Human League, Tommy Tutone, and Madonna. Front Street is to be blocked off south of Pearl on the west side of the Museum for its performance from 6 to 9 p.m.

Family friendly activities will be set up in the street and on the lawn, including telescopes available for stargazing by the light of the Harvest Moon. Refreshments, including food, beer, and wine, can be purchased in the hospitality tent.

Amway is sponsoring the free festivities of this kick-off event. With the Grand Rapids Public Museum's riverfront location and unique facilities and resources, it creates a not-to-be-missed ArtPrize experience.

The Museum is one of seven exhibition centers that will stay open beyond posted ArtPrize hours so guests can view the 70+ contest entries it holds. It will also serve as a drop-off point for the shuttle travelling from Frederik Meijer Gardens to downtown Grand Rapids.

For more information, please check out www.grmuseum.org, or call (616) 456-3977.

El Ten Eleven brings its instrumental jams to Grand Rapids

By: Brittney Schering

Los Angeles-based instrumental duo El Ten Eleven will perform on Thursday, Sept. 23 at Founders Brewery Co. in Grand Rapids at 10 p.m. Joining it will be the electronic group, Baths, and the experimental multi-instrumentalist, Dosh.

The ETE duo is a rarity in its ability to create pounding landscapes of sound without any use of laptops or sequencers.

Kristian Dunn switches off, sometimes mid-song, between a double-neck bass/guitar and a fretless bass. His feet simultaneously dance on an extensive floorboard of looping devices and effects pedals.

Drummer Tim Fogarty switches between traditional acoustic drums, roto toms, and electronic drum pads, usually within each song.

With more than 400 shows in America under its belt since it began its heavy tour regimen in 2005, ETE has more than perfected its live show.

On its current tour, the band is giving a peak into their fourth EP, It's Still Like A Secret, to be released on Nov. 9. The 12-song collection is a reflection of everything ETE is known for: rich textures, rumbling bass, driving rhythms, soaring climaxes, bright pulses, and so much more.

The show is ages 21+, and admission is $26. For more information, check out www.elteneleven.com or www.foundersbrewing.com/events/live-music.

Talent hidden within Heartside

By: Brittney Schering

Heartside artists' paintings will be displayed at Guiding Light Mission from Sept. 22 to Oct. 10. Guiding Light is a venue that offers a substance abuse recovery program for men, as well as emergency shelter services.

The Heartside community of Grand Rapids is poor by definition, yet rich in talent. Unknown to the naked eye, the community has an abundance of gifted people creating art of all kinds.

Debra Dieppa is one Heartside artist who expresses her adversities through painting. Describing herself as being born without roots, in the eye of a storm, she uses Heartside as a way to move forward, in a positive direction, with her life.

Debra, along with 19 other Heartside artists will have the chance to show of their talents at Guiding Light Mission in the ArtPrize competition. They are to collaborate on seven different large-scale canvases that are titled, "Kaleidoscopes."

The name "Kaleidoscopes" comes from their outlook on life. The artists patronize Heartside Ministries, for they have come from broken streets and backgrounds but the light of a community alive with understanding, acceptance, and unity helps them see thigns from a different perspective.

For more information about Guiding Light Mission, please go to www.lifeonthestreet.org.

Bob Dylan to visit WMU's Miller Auditorium on Oct. 29

Legendary folk-rock icon Bob Dylan's tour site shows him playing a couple of Michigan dates next month including a visit to Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium in Kalamazoo. Dylan's date at Miller is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 29. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale on Sept. 24, with a pre-sale on Sept. 21. Dylan also has dates scheduled for Lansing's Wharton Center (10/26) and Ann Arbor's Hill Auditorium at U of M (10/28). Tickets for the show at Miller are expected to be $47.50 with discounts for WMU students. Check back with REVUE for more details as they become available

New Pornographers to play GR after all

It looks like Calvin College students will be able to check out The New Pornographers in a live concert in Grand Rapids after all. They'll just have to travel 1.3 miles off campus and pay a bit more to do it.

REVUE has learned that the Orbit Room has reached an agreement to present the critically acclaimed indie rock band, whose Oct. 15 show at Calvin was canceled earlier this week due to a controversy over the band's name. Citing pressure from some in the Calvin community, the Grand Rapids-based Christian college cancelled the show, noting in a statement that “the irony of the band's name was impossible to explain to many.”

Instead, the Canadian band will now appear at the Orbit Room on Friday, Oct. 15. Tickets are $20 in advance and $23 the day of the show. There are no discounted student tickets. At the Calvin show, tickets for the college's students were available for $10.

"We're a good venue for the band, and we're close to Calvin so that should work out for students who want to go to the show," the Orbit Room's Ted Smith said. He shared that the venerable Grand Rapids live music venue received lots of emails and contacts following Calvin's announcement that the show was cancelled.

The re-booking of the band at the Orbit Room puts a cap on a few days of international media attention about the show’s cancellation, including stories in Pitchfork, The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Toronto Sun and dozens of other media outlets and blogs.

Formed in 2000 by a collection of prominent indie musicians in Vancouver area, The New Pornographers have won a slew of awards and critical praise over the past decade. They've released five records, including Together in 2010. Guitarist-songwriter Carl "AC" Newman has said the band's name comes from a darkly satirical Japanese film called The Pornographers.

Something new is brewing at Arcadia Ales

By: Brittney Schering

2010 is shaping up to be a record year for the Cereal City brewer. Just three-quarters of the way through the year, Battle Creek's Arcadia Ales is reporting record growth.

This fall, Arcadia will release its seasonal Nut Brown Ale, Loch Down (formerly known as Scotch Ale), and Jaw Jacker harvest brew, in addition to its fall variety pack. All of which are set to sport new, fresh packaging.

Arcadia has also introduced new packaging for other beers including Angler's Ale, Whitsun, Sky High Rye, and IPA, as well as a vintage series of Imperial Stout, Cereal Killer Brandywine Ale, and Big Dick's Olde Ale.

According to Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Rick Suarez, the brewery's numbers are up 55% in Michigan and 39% collectively in nine outside states. The numbers will only rise as Arcadia adds two new 40-barrel fermenters to its current production line according to head brewer, Josh Davies.

In 2009, Arcadia produced and sold more than 7,091 barrels of beer throughout the midwest, east coast, and mid-Atlantic regions. So far in 2010, more than 6,000 barrels have been produced and sold. Arcadia expects to reach a record of 9,000 barrels overall at the end of this year.

As a Charter and proud member of the Michigan Brewers Guild, Arcadia Ales was established in Battle Creek in 1996 as a micro-brewery and restaurant that specialized in hand-crafted, British-inspired ales and wood-fired fare. Produced in small batches in an authentic British 25-barrel Peter Austin Brewhouse and open-fermentation cellar, the process at Arcadia represents over 250 years of world-class brewing heritage.

Arcadia's passion is the crafting of unfiltered, unpasteurized, and uncompromised ales. For more information, head over to www.ArcadiaAles.com.

Hank Williams III to visit Orbit Room

Outlaw country and hardcore metal-rocker Hank Williams III will visit the Orbit Room on Saturday, October 16 for a 16-and-over show.

The grandson of country icon Hank Williams and son of Hank Williams Jr., Hank III is known for three-hour shows that often volley among three genres: traditional country music, a metal-country sound he likes to call "hellbilly" and straight-up hardcore punk-metal with his band Assjack. For the uninitiated, the country set usually happens first -- and III's country songs include a lot of lyrics about alcohol, pot and pills -- and things get crazier as the night progresses. Go to hank3.com for more on him.

Tickets, which go on sale this Friday at 10 a.m., are $16.50 in advance and $18 the day of the show.   Tickets are available at the Orbit Room box office, all Ticketmaster outlets,

New Pornographers Concert Canceled

REVUE has learned that Calvin College has cancelled an upcoming concert that was to feature critically acclaimed Canadian indie band, The New Pornographers.

The October 15 show, which had been generating positive buzz among music fans in Grand Rapids, was also creating negative buzz for some in the community, due chiefly to the band's name, says Ken Heffner, who books live music for Calvin's Student Activities Office.

Formed in 2000 by a collection of prominent indie musicians in Vancouver area, The New Pornographers have won a slew of awards and critical praise over the past decade.  They've released 5 records, including Together in 2010.  Guitarist-songwriter Carl "AC" Newman has said the band's name comes from a darkly satirical Japanese film called The Pornographers.  The movie tells the story of a porn filmmaker whose business threatened by  thieves, the government and his own family.  

Calvin issued an official statement about the show's cancellation:  "Regrettably, Calvin College has decided to rescind its invitation to the band, The New Pornographers, slated to perform on Friday, October 15, 2010, in the Fieldhouse Complex on campus. We believe that the decision to invite the band fit our rubric of engaging culture through a Christian lens. The band makes good, thoughtful music, and we invited them here based on their artistic merit. However, after weeks of discussion and consideration, the irony of the band's name was impossible to explain to many. The band's name, to some, is mistakenly associated with pornography. Consequently, Calvin, to some, was mistakenly associated with pornography. Neither the college nor the band endorses pornography. The Student Activities Office regrets the way this has happened. We regret the message we have sent to the band and their fans with this cancellation. We have been in contact with the band to explain this regret and the breakdown in our own processes that led us to first invite them and then withdraw that invitation. Calvin College remains committed to the difficult, yet important work at faithfully engaging popular culture."

Cherry Bomb heats up the GRILL

By: Brittney Schering

Grand Rapids' most explosive reading series, Cherry Bomb, invites everyone to attend the next "bomb" on Monday, Sept. 13. Doors are at 6:30 p.m. and readings begin at 7.

In the spirit of welcoming four Illinois authors to GR, the GR-ILL themed event will be held at Corez Neighborhood Eatery & Bar at 919 Cherry Street.

Cherry Bomb consists of classic texts, newly published writers, wild card performances, and delicious cocktails. The event is described as, "tying literature into a knot with your tongue."

Gina Frangello, co-founder and executive editor of the indie press, "Other Voice Books," and editor of the fiction section of the online collective, "The Nervous Breakdown," is coming from Chicago.

Zoe Zolbrod backpacked around Southeast Asia, and when she came back, she wrote about it. Her new novel, Currency, is set in Thailand and inspired by her experience there.

Davis Schneiderman's novel, Drain, just came out from Northwestern University Press. He will talk about that, deconstruction, and throwing a first edition Moby Dick into Lake Michigan.

Southern California native, Cris Mazza, struggles to come to terms with why she no longer resides in California. She wrote more than 15 books with San Diego settings. Her latest, Trickle-Down Timeline, looks at the Regan '80s in California.

For more information, head over to http://cherrybombgr.blogspot.com.

The GRAM is free this weekend

By: Brittney Schering

The GRAM is to be free of charge during Celebration on the Grand on Sept 10, 11, and 12. Take advantage of the absence of a $5, $7, or $8 fee, and visit the Art Museum this weekend.

Adding to the excitement, during Friday nights at GRAM from 5 - 9 p.m., feel free to bring beverages from the Celebration area right into the Art Museum to enjoy live piano music in the lobby from 5:30 - 7 p.m.

At 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 10, join in on the presentation about registering and voting at GRAM during ArtPrize in the Cook Auditorium. With GRAM as an official ArtPrize registration site, tips to help with the technology and resources availabe will be discussed.

For more information, check out www.artmuseumgr.org.

Open Water finds new home at GR wine bar

While the new Reserve wine bar in downtown GR isn't a venue for ArtPrize this year, it will probably be one of the most-visited destinations during the upcoming event -- and not just for thirsty art lovers.

The chic wine bar, created by Windquest Group in partnership with Martha's Vineyard owner Kameel Chamelly, will become the permanent home of last year's ArtPrize winning entry, "Open Water No. 24" by Brooklyn, N.Y. artist Ran Ortner.  The painting was unveiled by co-owner Betsy DeVos (shown above) at a special media event this afternoon at Reserve.  DeVos and her husband, Dick, own the painting, which was moved this morning from the Grand Rapids Art Museum and installed at the tony wine bar.  Reserve opens on the eve of ArtPrize, Sept. 21.

Reserve will offer a selection of over 250 bottles of fine wine and will feature one of the largest cruvinet wine dispensing systems in the area. The temperature controlled system is designed to preserve and dispense over 100 different wines by the glass. It also allows for sparkling wine to be ordered by the glass or flight. Reserve will offer various wine flights of three, two-ounce pours from an extensive world wine list.

New Irish Fest Stout for Michigan Irish Music Festival

By: Brittney Schering

A brand new beer, Irish Fest Stout, is being brewed exclusively for the Michigan Irish Music Festival. Eager patrons are even able to try it before the festival. Starting on Friday, Sept. 10, Irish Fest Stout will be available at The Station Grill, Tipsy Toad, Racquets, Holiday Inn, The Lake House, and Handsome Henry's.

Crafted by Schell's Brewing Company in Minnesota, Irish Fest Stout is a rich, smooth-tasting beer with a light caramel flavor. It is medium in body, black in color, and lightly hopped to offer a hint of malt sweetness.

The Michigan Irish Music Festival is presented by Mercy Health Partners. It is to return to Heritage Landing in downtown Muskegon Sept. 17-19. It will be a weekend of live Irish entertainment, activities, and culture.

The festival will feature Irish and Celtic music on three stages. Authentic Irish food and beverages will be served, including Irish Stout, Irish Cream, and Budweiser products. A popular Irish dance competition, FEIS, will take place on Saturday.

General admission tickets cost $8 on Friday, $15 on Saturday, and $10 on Sunday. Sponsors for this event include Family Financial Credit Union, Bob & Bernie's Pub, Waddell & Reed, and Budweiser.

For more information, tickets, and a complete entertainment schedule, visit www.michiganirish.org or call (231) 739-2028

Experience the Grand Rapids Ballet for free Sept. 11

By: Brittney Schering

The Grand Rapids Ballet Company invites everyone to see what Michigan's only professional ballet company is all about, free of charge, on Saturday, Sept. 11 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

People of all ages are welcome at the Company's Community Open House, so it makes for a perfect family afternoon activity. Ever want to try out a class? Anyone can in one of four large dance studios. If you would rather watch others perform, feel free to observe an open rehearsal in the beautiful Peter Martin Wege Theatre.

The Open House will take place at the Meijer-Royce Center for Dance at 341 Ellsworth SW, Grand Rapids, just west of US-131 at the Wealthy St. exit.

For more information on the Community Open House or any of the Grand Rapids Ballet Company's programs, visit www.grballet.com, or call (616) 454-4771.

The Northern Skies brings "folk rock with teeth" to Holland

By: Brittney Schering

On Sept. 10, The Northern Skies will bring its "acoustic folk-rock with teeth" to the New Holland Brewing Company from 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

The Northern Skies' music is a symphonic blend of happiness and anecdotes. The soft, yet strong voice of Eric Engblade delivers powerful lyrics, such as those in Mission Accomplished, a song of afterthoughts about experiencing war. The music is full of heart and melodic, sometimes slightly melancholy stories of life.

The band is made up of members who come from very different backgrounds in terms of music, generation, and geography. This results in diverse influences, including indie rock groups and traditional bluegrass bands, which creates an exclusive, dynamic sound.

Together, co-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Eric Engblade and Nathan Schleicher, violinist Emily Carlson, bassist Nic Cole, and drummer and percussionist Paul Wozniak compose eclectic, undeniably beautiful music.

The Northern Skies, formerly known as "Drake," performs more than 80 Midwest shows per year. Be sure to catch the band at the New Holland Brewing Company for only $5.00.

For more information, check out www.thenorthernskies.com.

CONTEST: Free Movie Passes

The best entertainment is free entertainment. That's why we're giving away movie passes to see Machete, The Town, and Resident Evil: Afterlife 3-D at Celebration Cinema.

Comment on this post, or e-mail lindsay@revuewm.com to enter.

See The Guess Who or Pop Evil On Us!

Rock music comes in many forms. Just look at the lineup Rock the Felt has for this weekend.

You can see classic rockers The Guess Who on Friday, Sept. 10, or if radio rock is more your scene, check out Pop Evil on Saturday, Sept. 11.

Even better? We're giving away tickets!

Enter by leaving a comment on our blog, or e-mail lindsay@revuewm.com.

Read more about Pop Evil in our September issue.

Pop Scholars to perform at Dog Story Theater this weekend

By: Brittney Schering

West Michigan's newest and only comedy team, Pop Scholars, will help break in Dog Story Theater's new location, 7 Jefferson Avenue, this weekend. It's set to perform on Friday, Sept. 10 and Saturday, Sept. 11, from 9:30 - 11:30 p.m.

Dave Lyzenga, Andy Allen, Matt Sterenberg, and Mike Ryskamp make up Pop Scholars, the masters of short-form improv (think "Who's Line Is It Anyway?").

The group is unique in its ability to perform long-form improv, as well. Long-form is a lengthier set of scenes that plays out around a suggested theme. It also delves into pre-written sketch comedy and musical pieces.

Mike knows politics; Matt is into history; Andy knows religion; Dave is into pop culture. This blend of background knowledge makes Pop Scholars well-rounded and open to many subjects, causing it to stand out among other comedy troupes.

Admission is only $5. Pre-order to get a guaranteed seat at www.dogstorytheater.com/events/details/popsch.

For more information, please check out www.popscholars.com.

ArtPrize public reception at GRAM

The Grand Rapids Art Museum is inviting the general public to an opening reception on Wednesday, Sept. 22 from 6-9 p.m. in the Cook Auditorium. Guests are welcome to enjoy a cash bar, light refreshments and live music while exploring the ArtPrize exhibition at GRAM.

A private reception for GRAM members will be held prior to the General Public Reception from 5-6 p.m. Members will have a unique opportunity to be the first to view the ArtPrize exhibition at GRAM and meet the participating artists.

GRAM is serving as both a registration and exhibition center for ArtPrize and will display the works of 43 artists. For more information regarding the reception or ArtPrize at GRAM, visit www.artmuseumgr.org.