The Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park will present the exhibit “Double Take: Mel Chin an Elizbeth Turk” from Nov. 18 through March 26.
Elizabeth Turk, Evaporated River (detail)2, 2015, marble and limestone, dimensions variable (Photo courtesy of Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park)
This exhibition presents works from these two award winners of the MacArthur Fellowship—sometimes referred to as a “genius grant”—in a variety of techniques and media, including wood, stone, aluminum, water, and sound. Chin and Turk’s work selected for this exhibition focuses on sculpture dealing primarily with the natural world.
Environmental issues have been central to Mel Chin’s work for many years. Most notably is his 1990 Revival Field, a pioneering project in “green remediation,” which uses plants to extract toxic metals from soil. Two pieces tied to this ongoing project are included in the exhibition: Revival Field diorama and Revival Ramp etching. Themes of revival and recovery are often present in Chin’s work, including many shown at Meijer Gardens.
Elizabeth Turk is also inspired by the natural world, most recently in her Tipping Point: Echoes of Extinction series that brings light to extinct and endangered birds through a series of totemic Sound Columns. These sculptures visualize the voices of lost or threatened birds. Her Evaporated River installation similarly gives form to an absence within nature, here showing the diminished water that used to flow freely through our nation’s riverbeds.
Together, the art of Mel Chin and Elizabeth Turk provides new takes on important issues of the day, including environmental hazards, endangered species, memorialization, and lost or hidden histories.
The LowellArts Artist Market returns starting Friday, Nov. 4, and running through Dec. 24 at the gallery, 223 W. Main St., Lowell.
The event features giftable fine art and fine craft works by 40+ Michigan artists. The gallery space is transformed into a retail setting with unique, one-of-a-kind items available for sale at a range of price points. The annual market is a great place for people to purchase handmade items during the gift giving season. Gift items include: pottery, paintings, photography, jewelry, textiles, glasswork, handbags, woodwork, metalwork, ornaments, soaps, and more.
The Artist Market is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The event will have extended houses during Christmas Through Lowell. Those hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Nov. 20.
They are eerie, they are spooky and just might keep you up at night.
It is “Playbytes by Playwrights: Things That Go Bump in the Night.” Hosted biennial by LowellArts!, the event features 10-minute plays written by playwrights. All plays that were submitted for this year’s competition follow the theme of “things that go bump in the night.” From more than 60 entries that were submitted by playwrights from across the country and internationally, ten were chosen to be performed. The program was directed by Mary Beth Quillin and Laurel Conrad.
The ten original works performed for an audience will be judged by a panel of experts, and one playwright will be given a $500 cash award. A People’s Choice Award will be voted on by attendees. Awards winners will be notified and announced the week following the final production.
Performances are 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at LowellArts Gallery, 223 Main St., Lowell. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more information, visit www.lowellartsmi.org.
A new season for Broadway Grand Rapids kicks off Tuesday (Oct. 11) with a laugh-out-loud, hilarious musical sure to set the tone for another smashing season for Broadway lovers across West Michigan.
Payton Reilly as Sandy Lester in the National Tour of TOOTSIE. Reilly is from Michigan and a graduate of Western Michigan University. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.
“‘Tootsie’ is a modern comedy classic,” said Jennifer Pascua, BGR’s new marketing director, who took over for Meghan Distel. Distel was named president & CEO when Mike Lloyd retired earlier this year.
Pascua said the musical production is the same “Tootsie” you love and remember from the movies, but updated.
“People can expect catchy songs with humor and heart. It’s funny, but sincere,” she added.
The week-long run continues through Sunday, Oct. 16, with eight performances at DeVos Performance Hall.
The cast of the National Tour of TOOTSIE. Photo by Evan Zimmerman for
MurphyMade.
In case you don’t recall the 1982 film with Dustin Hoffman, Sydney Pollack and Jessica Lange, “Tootsie” tells the story of a talented but volatile actor (Hoffman) whose reputation as a perfectionist makes him difficult. He adopts a new identity as a woman in order to land a job, and, well, that’s when things get pretty funny. The original movie revolved around a daytime soap opera, while the musical involves a Broadway musical.
Tickets are available for all shows, and “rush tickets” were just announced for students, educators and veterans, Pascua said.
Rush tickets are available for all performances. A valid school ID is required, and the limit is two tickets per person. All tickets are subject to availability. Tickets may be purchased in-person one hour prior to the performance at the DeVos Performance Hall Box Office, 303 Monroe Ave NW.
Performances are 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and matinees at 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. The final show is at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
Accessible performances: American Sign Language Interpreted at 2 p.m. Saturday. Open Captioning and Audio Description at 1 p.m. Sunday.
Matthew Rella
“Tootsie” has received a lot of praise. The Hollywood Reporter called it “the most uproarious new musical in years!” Rolling Stone said “in these turbulent times, when the world seems out of balance, we need a place to let the good times roll….musical comedy heaven.”
Pascua said the Broadway tour coming to Grand Rapids features two cast members from Michigan:
Payton Reilly a native of Howell who plays friend Sandy Lester, and Matt Kurzyniec from Livonia who is an ensemble member. Both are graduates of Western Michigan University. They are engaged.
The rest of Broadway Grand Rapids 2022-2023 Season includes:
SIX January 10 – 15, 2023
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.
Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an exuberant celebration of 21st century girl power.
MY FAIR LADY April 11 – 16, 2023
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.
Lerner & Loewe’s My Fair Lady boasts such classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “On the Street Where You Live.” It tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.” But who is really being transformed?
HADESTOWN May 9 – 14, 2023
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.
Hadestown intertwines two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — as it invites you on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back.
DISNEY’S FROZEN July 11 – 23, 2023
Week 1: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.
Week 2: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.
From the producer of “The Lion King” and “Aladdin,” “Frozen,” the Tony-nominated Best Musical, is now on tour across North America. Heralded by The New Yorker as “thrilling” and “genuinely moving,” Frozen features the songs you know and love from the original Oscar-winning film, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters, Oscar-winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT-winner Robert Lopez.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s new. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also has a YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Quality over quantity might be a theme for this year’s ArtPrize as several of the large institutions are featuring a single artist’s work.
This is the observation we saw as we pulled together the releases of several groups on their ArtPrize entries this year.
Grand Rapids Art Museum
The work of Mark Chatterly is featured at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Grand Rapids Public Museum/Mark Chatterly)
The Grand Rapids Art Museum‘s ArtPRize 2022 contribution is Andrea Dezsö’s “Family and Friends.” The large-scale mural on th eMuseum’s exterior and in the Museum’s lobby is comprised of imaginative creatures created by the artist during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the pandemic, Dezsö conserved materials by cutting leftover scraps of handmade Japanese paper creatures she saw as protector sand companions during the pandemic. In total, she created 117 unique characters, which she has continued to explore over the past few years through woodblock print, wood carving, and now mural installation. The ArtPrize piece by Dezsö will be up through Jan. 14, 2023. The Grand Rapids Art Museum is located at 101 Monroe Center St. NW.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum
This year, the Grand Rapids Public Museum is featuring the work of sculptor Mark Chatterly for its ArtPrize exhibit. Chatterly specializes in large-scale figurative sculptures in ceramic that focus primarily on the figure with a metaphysical theme.
Chatterly’s “The Wall” is located outside of the museum on the north lawn. The Grand Rapids Public Museum is at 272 Pearl St. NW.
John Ball Zoo
The John Ball Zoo is hosting Disc Art, an interactive disc golf course featuring nine scrap metal features. Guests are invited to play the course for free and explore the large-scale art works. Discs will be provided or guests may bring their own.
Artist Stacy Rhines said she had the idea for about fives years and this winter, she actually had enough time to work on the piece. Each of the five goals are metal art sculptures made from repurposed. Rhines said she placed the tee and the goal about 80 feet apart, much less than a normal course, so that everyone could enjoy the activity. The John Ball Zoo is located at 1300 W. Fulton St.
Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
A piece for the upcoming ArtPrize exhibit featuring the work of Mark Mennin. (Supplied)
The work of Mark Mennin will be featured as the Meijer Garden’s ArtPrize 2022. The exhibit, entitled “Embedded,” features three oversized stone beds situation outdoors on the Frey Foundation Plaza leading into the Welcome Center. This trip plays with perception of hard and soft, heavy and light.
Mennin’s ArtPrize piece will be up through Oct. 2. Mennin’s work is also featured in a fall exhibition at the Gardens, entitled Mark Mennen: Written in Stone which runs through Nov. 27. Frederik Meijer Gardens is located at 1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE.
ArtRat
ArtRat, located at 46 S. Division, will be hosting several free events throughout ArtPrize. Upcoming are The Hai-Cuu Experience, which features poet and hip-hop musician Cuu JoSama, from 6 – 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22 and 29. On Friday, Sept. 23, will be a hands-on reception for Dean Hunt’s “evolutionARy,” an ArtPrize entry. The event is from 7 – 9 p.m. Sunday. Sept. 25, will be am music and dance performance from 5 to 6 p.m.
On Sunday, Oct. 2, will be the ArtRat’s ArtPRize wrap party will be from 2 – 5 p.m
(Courtesy, Fredrik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park)
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is now accepting entries for the annual Ray and Nancy Loeschner Art Competition.
Celebrating its 21st year, the annual competition welcomes artists from around the globe to respond to the beauty of Meijer Gardens in their work. Through the generosity of the Loeschner family, the winning entries (one each in two-dimensional and photography) will receive $5,000 purchase awards in addition to becoming a part of the renowned Meijer Gardens permanent collection. The competition is open to all artists 18 years old and older who are working in a two-dimensional format.
Artists are encouraged to submit original two-dimensional works (e.g., drawing, print, pastel, painting or photography) inspired by Meijer Gardens. To participate, artists may register online at MeijerGardens.org/award by Friday, Nov. 11. The winner will be chosen and announced in January 2023.
Since 2002, the Loeschner Art Completion has sought outstanding artwork inspired by Meijer Gardens, with the objective of collecting high-quality work that celebrates the beauty and inspiration Meijer Gardens provides. For more information and to view past winners, visit: MeijerGardens.org/award
The 13th Annual Civil War Muster takes places this weekend at the Van Raatle Farm in Holland. (pxhere.com)
This weekend, time travel back to 1862 and walk among more than a hundred of Civil War military, cavalry, and civilian re-enactors.
The 13th Annual Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster will take Saturday and Sunday at the Raalte farm, located at 176 E. St., Holland.
Re-enactors will be setting up camps where they will live, sleep, cook over campfires, play games and relax until the Battle of Antietam. The Battle of Antietam, which originally took place in Sharpsburg, Maryland, was a clash of Union General George McClellan’s Army of the Potomac and Confederate General Robert. E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia. The re-enacted battle will take place at 2 p.m Saturday and Sunday at the Van Raatle Farm.
Other activities include:
• Springfield, Illinois, actor Fritz Klein, will portraying President Abraham Lincoln
• Discussions from Generals Meade (Union) and Lee, Jackson, and Stuart (Confederate) about the Battle of Antietam
* A presentation by Professor Allen Guelzo, a foremost scholar on Civil War from Princeton University
* A lecture by Frank O’Reilly, a historian with National Park Service at Fredericksburg and Spotslvania National Military Park and Pam Welcome who portrays Harriet Tubman
• Music tom the Volunteer Regimental Band of Holland
• Tours of the Ben Van Raalte 1872 homestead
• An authentic 1860s church services will be at 10 a.m. Sunday
The muster runs from 9 a.m .to 9 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m .Sunday.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will be part of the 18th annual Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day on Saturday, Sept. 17. The initiative invites museums across the United States to open their doors for free to those who download an official Museum Day ticket.
The annual event allows museums, zoos, and cultural centers from all 50 states to emulate the spirit of the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington, D.C.-based facilities, which offer free admission every day. This year’s event is sponsored by The Quaker Oats Company and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Participants must download free Museum Day tickets to receive free general admission to the GRPM. Museum Day tickets are available for download at Smithsonian.com/museumday. Visitors who present a Museum Day ticket will gain free entrance for two at participating venues on Sept. 17 only. One ticket is permitted per email address.
Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day goes beyond getting visitors through museum doors across the country—it acts as a springboard to empower and help advance the hopes and ambitions of the public, particularly school-aged children and those in underrepresented communities. It represents a national commitment to access, equity and inclusion. This year’s theme, The American Experience, shines a spotlight on wonderful arts, culture, sciences, innovation, and history exhibits throughout the nation.
On Saturday, Sept. 17, Museum goers to the GRPM can explore three floors of core exhibits focused on history, science, and culture, along with the GRPM’s newest traveling exhibit, A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico, as part of their admission.
Other Michigan museums that will be participating in the Smithsonian Museum Day are Little Traverse Historical Museum in Petoskey; Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven; Midwest Miniatures Museum in Grand Haven; Plymouth Historical Museum in Plymouth; and Rochester Hills Museum in Van Hoosen Farm in Rochester.
A piece for the upcoming ArtPrize exhibit featuring the work of Mark Mennin. ((Supplied)
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park will present a selection of works by sculptor Mark Mennin as part of the annual ArtPrize competition and an extended fall exhibition at various locations in and around the new Welcome Center.
ArtPrize runs Thursday, Sept.15, through Sunday, Oct. 2. Mennen’s Embedded installation is the official ArtPrize entry at Meijer Gardens. The extended fall exhibition Mark Mennen: Written in Stone runs Sept. 2 through Nov. 27.
Embedded, the artist’s ArtPrize 2022 entry, comprises three oversized stone beds situated outdoors on the Frey Foundation Plaza leading into the Welcome Center. This trio plays with our perception of hard and soft, heavy and light. As such, these pillowy stone sculptures offer an invitation to test our strength and sense of touch. Several of Mennin’s preferred sculpted forms, like clothing or cushions, upend our expectations of stone’s standard qualities.
Along with the ArtPrize entry, other sculptures by Mennin will be on view in the exhibition Written in Stone. Within the PNC Portico outside of the Welcome Center, a marble colonnade features five recycled columns with carved Elizabethan ruff collars for capitals. The columns came from a 19th-century New York City building that was partly destroyed in the 1930s and buried in a New Jersey landfill. The “found” or repurposed stone in Mennin’s fanciful colonnade literally has history inscribed in its form, along with the record of the stone’s own physical past. Additional sculptures will be featured in the Courtyard Level of the Welcome Center. Most of Mennin’s projects, including his carved beds, enlist reclaimed stone or recycled scrap and slag from various quarries.
Mark Mennin’s “Emperor’s New Clothes” (Supplied)
“Mark Mennin’s Embedded installation perfectly embodies the spirit of ArtPrize. These sculpted stone beds are engaging and thought provoking, and invite us to connect with the physical world,” said Suzanne Ramljak, chief curator at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. “Through his sensual carved forms, he grounds us in primal geology and the histories of both built and natural stone environments. His beds also bring the private acts of pleasure and relaxation out into the public sphere.”
Meijer Gardens is an official ArtPrize venue as part of the 12th annual ArtPrize competition. ArtPrize exhibition areas are free and open to the public during regular Meijer Gardens business hours. All other areas observe regular hours and standard admission fees.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum’s current exhibit is “Fashion + Nature.” (Supplied)
The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) and the John Ball Zoo (JBZ) announced a member reciprocal partnership during the month of September 2022. Members from both organizations will receive free admission at both locations during this time.
Through this partnership, GRPM members can visit the John Ball Zoo and receive free general admission, including access to their KoalaPalooza event over Labor Day weekend and Washed Ashore – Art to Save the Sea exhibit. JBZ members in return can visit the GRPM and receive free general admission to visit their newest exhibit A Celebration of Souls: Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico, opening Sept. 3, as well as the GRPM original exhibit, Fashion + Nature.
Exhibits at Both Locations
GRPM tickets can be reserved in advance at grpm.org, and John Ball Zoo tickets can be reserved at jbzoo.org.
‘We’re excited to continue our partnership with the John Ball Zoo to offer this special benefit to our members,” said Kate Kocienski, the GRPM’s Vice President of Marketing & PR. “This partnership allows members to maximize the value of their annual membership, and experience what each organization has to offer, all month long.”
The John Ball Zoo is currently feature The “Washed Ashore” exhibit. (Washed Ashore)
Kocienski noted that both organizations are currently featuring exhibits focused on sustainability, with John Ball Zoo’s captivating Washed Ashore exhibit and the GRPM’s Fashion + Nature exhibit, delivering immersive, eye-opening experiences suitable for all ages.
Opening this weekend at the Grand Rapids Public Museum is “A Celebration of Souls” Day of the Dead in Southern Mexico,” which features photographs and altars, known as offends, to capture a typical Oaxacan Day of the Dead celebration.
For additional details regarding Zoo hours and admission, along with education and conservation programs, visit www.jbzoo.org or call 616-336-4300.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, with its main location in downtown Grand Rapids, MI at 272 Pearl Street, NW. For additional information including hours of operation, admission fees, and exhibit/event listings, please visit www.grpm.org.
The Grand Rapids Ballet will be performing outside this Friday and Saturday. (Supplied)
As Grand Rapids Ballet continues to celebrate 50 years in 2022, the organization is announcing a first-of-its-kind free Summer Dance Festival, taking place outdoors on Friday, Aug. 26, and Saturday, Aug. 27. In collaboration with other performance groups throughout Michigan, GRB welcomes West Michigan to enjoy two evenings of world-class dance, tasty food from local food trucks, and Michigan-made beer all under the evening skies outside of the Peter Martin Wege Theatre.
“The idea for our Summer Dance Festival was born out of a community-wide celebration of our 50th anniversary, and in that spirit, I’ve opened the stage to performers from our diverse local dance community,” said Artistic Director James Sofranko.
The outdoor stage will open with live music by local singer/songwriter Ralston Bowles from 5:15-5:45 p.m. each evening and the first dance performances will begin at 6 p.m., featuring classical ballet favorites and contemporary works performed by Grand Rapids Ballet’s company dancers, apprentices, and trainees. The evening also will feature performances by Grand Rapids Ballet School students. Guests are invited to bring their own chairs to enjoy the performances.
“We are excited to present an inclusive and community-centered showcase of the best dance artists and students in Grand Rapids,” said Executive Director Glenn Del Vecchio. “We are very proud to have been a part of the art and culture of Grand Rapids for the past 50 years and look forward to continuing to serve our region and Michigan into the next 50!”
“I hope that people will recognize not only the treasure of Grand Rapids Ballet that exists here but also the thriving arts scene and the multitude of dance organizations that bring art daily into our lives,” Sofranko shared.
The W.K. Kellogg home and estate will feature tours and a concert on Aug. 28. (Supplied)
Enjoy a late summer afternoon of music surrounded by the rich history of W.K. Kellogg’s former home and estate. The W.K. Kellogg Manor House’s annual Tours and Lakeside Concert event returns after a two year hiatus from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28. The Manor House is located at 3700 East Gull Lake Dr., in Hickory Corners.
The family-friendly concert and tours are free and no registration is required, but donations are appreciated.
Guests are invited to bring a picnic lunch, take self-guided tours of the grounds, and learn more about the Kellogg Biological Station’s research, education and outreach activities before and after the concert. Check in at the Manor House for a copy of the Historical Walking Tour map. Docents will be stationed along the self-guided tour route to share information about the estate and its historical buildings.
Guided tours of the Manor House interior will be available from noon to 3 p.m. In addition, the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary will offer free admission that day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Cereal City Concert Band of Battle Creek will perform beginning at 3 p.m. under a canopy tent on the grounds of the Manor House. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets. No outside alcohol is permitted, but beer and wine will be available for sale on site.
The Black Impact Collaborative (BIC) is hosting a second year of Roll.Bounce.GR, a free outdoor roller-skating event series. The back-to-school themed celebration is scheduled on Friday, Aug. 19, and Saturday, Aug. 20, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the North parking lot of New Hope Baptist Church located at 130 Delaware Street SW.
“As we do our work, we know that it is essential that we elevate Black Joy – things that inspire, supports and uplifts Black Culture. Roll.Bounce.GR provides Black Joy on every side with free admission and skate rental, along with several vendor tables that offer health, wellness and educational resources, as we give families one last hoorah before heading back to school,” said BIC Education Impact Area Co-Chair Tanell Hills.
“The BIC has been a tremendous partner during the past year in delivering educational materials to the community about COVID-19 and other health topics,” said Brian Hartl, director of the Center for Community Health Strategy at the Kent County Health Department.“They have been very responsive to the community’s needs and have hosted many creative events to connect people with helpful resources. This is a great opportunity for families to prepare kids for the return to school the following week while having a lot of fun.”
The event will also feature a DJ and food trucks. Those interested in reserving a time slot for skating with a group of 10 or more people can visit www.bicgr.com. There is no need to reserve a time slot for groups with less than 10 people. Community members with questions about the event can call 616-888-8411, ext. 506. If you have interest in participating as a vendor, email Lesa@bicgr.com.
The fun continues on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022, when Endless Opportunities, a BIC partner, will be offering free haircuts, hairstyles, school supplies, food and games from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Baxter Community Center located at 935 Baxter SE. Endless Opportunities is a program that offers students in Middle and High school the chance to connect with and learn from professionals representing diverse career fields ranging from education, entrepreneurs, finance, government, medical, and technology. More information about the event can be found at www.endlessopportunities.org/events.
Owners Tom and Amy Payne. Amy works in her garden every morning to pick vegetables for their kitchen. (John D. Gonzalez)
TwoGuys Brewing thinks of itself as “Big City Dining,” but without the hassles of driving and parking downtown.
Even when they put together a business plan in 2006 – 12 years before they opened – the owners always planned to offer quality, locally sourced dining for the community of Wyoming.
“Upscale is not even the word,” said former homebrewer-turned-head chef, Tom Payne.
It was always meant to offer a “downtown restaurant feel and quality of food for our neighbors here in Wyoming.”
Tom and wife/co-owner Amy are doing exactly what they set out to do, and they’re doing it in a remodeled 7-Eleven store at 2356 Porter St. NW. It’s a no-frills location, just great food and beer.
Quality that doesn’t break the bank
The quality of dining is what you might find in downtown Grand Rapids or other metropolitan cities, they said, but not at the same cost. Plus, they have free, on-site parking in Wyoming.
Burgers at Two Guys start at $11. (John D. Gonzalez)
“Pricing downtown is just exorbitant, and I understand, their rents are also much higher than ours in some cases,” Amy said.
“But we’re Gen-exers,” she added. “We don’t park six blocks away from where we’re eating.”
“I worked 16 hours today; I don’t want to walk,” said Tom with a laugh.
A burger downtown, for example, might cost as much as $18.
At TwoGuys, where burgers are ground fresh every day, it will cost $11, unless you customize it with a lot of add-ons, like one online customer who built a half-pound burger with multiple toppings that came in at $19.
One of Tom’s priciest creations, a Poutine Burger, which was a special in July, cost $14. It was Prime rib, ground fresh from English cut roast shoulders.
It might cost a little extra, “but we touched every part of that burger, from the condiments on it, to the grinding of the beef,” Tom said.
“And it had hand-cut fries on it,” Amy said.
Foodies and others are taking note
Since opening in 2018, TwoGuys has established itself as “a great place for delicious eclectic food and great Michigan beers. Family-friendly with a great neighborhood feel!,” which it says right on their Facebook page.
That’s where most of their 13,000-plus followers keep up to date on food specials, new beer releases and community causes.
Two Guys Brewing is located in a remodeled 7-Eleven store at 2356 Porter St. NW. (John D. Gonzalez)
Just take a look at their food photos online, and you will immediately have a craving for one of Tom’s creative creations.
Along with a team of dedicated employees, they’re hard work is paying off and putting Wyoming on the map. Foodies everywhere are taking notice.
With a national tourism conference in town last week, Experience GR had some nice things to say about them in a blog post offering a “Locals’ Guide to Breweries with Great Food,” saying TwoGuys is a “must visit” for craft beer and food enthusiasts “due to its decadent food, dessert and craft beer selections.”
It added:
“TwoGuys makes most of its items in house, to the extent of house-smoking beef, corned beef and turkey, hand-dredging chicken and hand-cutting potatoes for fries. The menu emphasizes shareables, from tacos, fried pork rinds and wine-braised mushrooms to cheese curds, charcuterie boards and chorizo fundido, a sausage-and-beer cheese combo.
You can also count on a tantalizing special or two, always made with the freshest local ingredients.”
The silver lining of COVID
The praise is heart-felt by the couple, who work countless hours, but always put their staff and customers first.
“There are some weeks we don’t take home a paycheck,” Amy said. “And we’re OK with that.”
They were humbled during Covid when locals flocked to their restaurant to pick up pre-packaged, family meals that Tom said was “real honest food that you didn’t have to do the hard part.”
To borrow a couple of overused words at the height of the pandemic, they learned to “pivot” and make the best out of an “unprecedented” period in our country’s history.
In a weird way, it was Covid that put TwoGuys on the map outside of Wyoming.
They were humbled again this summer when a smoker caught fire and caused damage to the exterior of their building, which led to a GoFundMe Page. On Facebook they posted:
Damage from the smoker fire that took place earlier this summer. (John D. Gonzalez)
“We could use your help if you’re so inclined.
“We DO have insurance. Anything donated above the deductible and immediate costs to repair, replace, and clean up will be donated to a local charitable organization supporting women, pregnancy, and infants. It has always been our mission to support our local community and we will do that through this as well!”
They asked for $2,500, which the community nearly doubled in less than a month.
It wasn’t an easy ask for a couple that, like the community itself, prides itself in hard work and pulling themselves up by the bootstraps.
They were overwhelmed.
The extra money will go to charities they support and align “with our values.” But they’ll do it quietly without making a big deal about it.
“When you do something good, sometimes you just have to shut up and let people notice,” Amy said.
“There are a lot of good restaurant owners in this community, but you’re never going to miss the fact they are doing good. That takes a little bit away from (the fact) you’re doing good if you’re using it as a marketing plan.”
More than a family affair
Married in 1990, the couple met in 1988 at Village Inn Pancake House on 28th Street (now New Beginnings). He was 18. She was 16.
Seeing their restaurant full is one thing that keeps Two Guys Brewing owner Tom Payne going. (John D. Gonzalez)
Today they are the parents of three adult daughters (Meghan, Zoe and Abigail). They live only a few blocks away from TwoGuys.
As local business owners, the couple just wants to make an honest living, support the community, and make great food and beer.
Amy works in her garden every morning to pick vegetables for their kitchen. When he needs a little “alone time,” Tom creates beautiful tie dye shirts across the street in the production facility to sell in their merchandise shop.
What keeps them going every day?
“Seeing this place full every night,” Tom said.
“Coffee and Ibuprofen.” Amy said.
‘Just be good’
In all seriousness, they hope popular beers, seltzers, sangrias, along with hand-cut fries, New Orleans-inspired food, burgers, tacos and other specialties will keep people coming back. It’s been a dream of the couple “forever.”
“But it’s never been a selfish dream,” said Tom, referring to the jobs they’ve created for their family and employees.
“We’ve got 20-some families of those that work here whose lives are better because we’re here,” he said.
That fits with their core values, which is to make a difference and “just be good.”
“Be better than you were yesterday,” Amy said.
“Change the world one pint at a time,” Tom said.
“We’ve really worked hard to try to make this corner of Wyoming better,” Amy said. “We’re hoping that ripples into other corners of Wyoming.”
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Zeeland will host its eighth Zeeland twilight Criterium. This event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 20, beginning at 5 p.m.
A Criterium is, by definition, a one-day bicycle race down a circuit road course. It is the most common form of American racing, complete with a multi-lap race to the finish. The course, generally spanning up to a mile in length, is repeated by the cyclists until anywhere from 25 to 60 miles is covered. The cyclists are to successfully tear through consecutive corners of the course without a place-breaking wipe out.
Quick acceleration, agility, and balance are essential to being a competitive contender in the race. Zeeland’s Criterium racers will charge through the streets of Zeeland in a competitive half mile loop throughout historic downtown.
The event commences with a 5 p.m. kick off of the free kids race where children 12 and under are welcome to come out and race on the same course used by the pros (each child must wear a helmet to be part of the race).
Children’s race at 5 p.m. (1 Lap)
Category 4/5 Race at 5:30 p.m. (30 minutes)
Category 3/4 Race at 6:15 p.m. (45 minutes)
Community Ride at 7:05 p.m. (3 laps)
Category 1/2/3 Race at 7:20 p.m. (60 minutes)
Both start and finish of the race is held midblock on Main Street between Elm and Church. Participants will cycle west on Main Street to Elm; south on Elm to Central; East on Central to Church; south on Church to Lincoln; East on Lincoln to Centennial; North on Centennial Main; West on Main to finish.
At the close of each race, awards will be presented in the park near the start / finish.
Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to Blandford’s outdoor series. (Supplied)
Starting Aug. 20, live music is back at Blandford Nature Center at Bands at Blandford Outdoor Concert Series returns with a series of four Saturday evening concerts.
The Blandford Outdoor Concert Series will highlight a variety of musical genres for people of differing music-tastes to enjoy. The lineup for this year’s series is as follows: Aug. 20, The Caribbean Soul Experience; Aug. 27, The Fever Haze; Sept. 10, The Rough & Tumble; and Sept. 17, Hannah Rose Graves. Concerts are from 6:30-9 pm at Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave NW.
This year, the students of Red Rose Music Lab and students of Grandville Arts and Humanities (GAAH): Girls Rock! Grand Rapids will be performing as opening acts. Both of these groups work to empower developing children through instrumental exploration, band forming, and vocal training.
“The Bands at Blandford Outdoor Concert Series began with the goal of connecting people to nature through music,” said Community Outreach Manager, Katie Clouse. “It’s different from the educational, youth-focused programming we regularly offer. This series provides a more relaxed opportunity for people of all ages and outdoor experience levels to enjoy nature.”
Guests may bring blankets and chairs to unwind with an adult beverage and a tasty meal. Beer from Brewery Vivant will be available for purchase along with food from local food trucks/eateries such as El Caribe, Land Whale Deli, and more.
Tickets are $3 for non-members, and free for members and children 12 and under. For members, there is an optional donation of $10 which will go towards supporting Bands at Blandford Outdoor Concert Series and other opportunities that enhance the community’s connection and access to nature. This event is open to the public and people of all ages. Tickets are available now and may be purchased online ahead of the concert, or guests may purchase tickets at the door. Pre-registration is not required to attend.
Cars and Coffee at the Downtown Market this Saturday. (Supplied)
Cars & Coffee Grand Rapids returns to the Grand Rapids Downtown Market for their final event of the season on Saturday, Aug. 6, from 5 p.m.-8 p.m.
Vehicles on display will include sports cars, exotics, tuners, muscle cars and classics.
Show cars will be in the Downtown Market parking lot adjacent to Ionia Avenue and under the covered Market Shed, where spectators can stroll through the impressive array of automobiles from around the region.
The Downtown Market, located at 435 Ionia Ave. SW, will be open from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday for a variety of food and beverage options from Market Hall merchants. Parking is available on-site, and in the nearby McConnell Ave. lot during the event.
The Moxie Strings (Alison Lynn and Diana Ladio) perform at 7 p.m. Aug. 4 behind Kentwood City Hall as part of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series. (Courtesy)
By John D. Gonzalez, WKTV Contributing Writer
It happened by chance.
But things are still going strong for Alison Lynn and Diana Ladio, the two masterminds behind the popular Celtic duo better known as The Moxie Strings.
That chance was at a Michigan chapter of the American Strings Teachers Association String camp in Howell, Michigan.
“We were co-counselors in the same cabin,” said electric cello player Alison Lynn in an email to WKTV Journal. “We still say the band started the week we met! 16 years ago in 2006!”
Along with Ladio, who plays a five-string fiddle, the duo has had great success over the years with a dedicated following from multiple tours here and abroad, as well as five CDs.
No.1 on Billboard Classical Crossover Charts
Their latest project, and first live recording, “Live & Plugged In” just reached No.1 on the national Billboard Classical Crossover Charts.
A big crowd is expected when the duo performs Thursday, Aug. 4 as part of the Kentwood Summer Concert Series.
Lynn said fans can expect a “polished, high-energy show.”
It’s a show that “continues to redefine strings’ role in contemporary music, and offers audience members a diverse, fun, musical experience,” she said.
According to their bio, they use a variety of audio effects pedals, as well as compose the majority of their pieces and “arrange melodies from many countries, resulting in a genre-blurring blend of ear-catching, mainstream melodies and foot-stomping, rock-influenced rhythms.”
It’s no surprise the duo draws influences from “all genres”
The Moxie Strings. (Courtesy)
“You will hear us perform songs by Nirvana, Eurythmics, Beach Boys, Oasis, even Elvis,” Lynn said.
They’re excited to play as part of the outdoor concert series in Kentwood.
“We of course love performing anywhere at any time,” Lynn said.
“But, performing outside has been a game changer in the times of COVID. We are so happy that live music can happen in a safe environment.”
Fans will see that excitement on stage. They like to have fun with the audience, as well as each other.
“Performing and touring the world with your best friend…what could be better?” Lynn said.
The Moxie Strings also perform at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 5 at Kollen Park in Holland, as well as the Emerald Isle Irish Feile on Beaver Island and Michigan Irish Music Festival in Muskegon in September, followed by a return trip to Ireland in November.
“Live & Plugged In” features six original songs, two traditional fiddle tunes, and four cover songs including Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams” and Nirvana’s “Smells like Teen Spirit.” All songs recorded live at Seven Steps Up in Spring Lake.
Kentwood Summer Concerts
All shows take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Admission is free. A variety of food trucks also will be on hand.
Parking for shows will be limited at both City Hall and the Library, according to the city’s website. Additional parking is available at the Kentwood Justice Center (4740 Walma SE), Kentwood Public Works (5068 Breton SE), Kentwood Baptist Church (2875 52nd St), and there is street parking in nearby neighborhoods.
The Kentwood Farmers Market takes place next door from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the parking lot behind City Hall.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com
Dragon boat races are one of many features at the family-friendly Global Water Fest on Saturday, July 30 at Canal Park in Grand Rapids. (Courtesy)
By John D. Gonzalez, WKTV Contributing Writer
Happy weekend, everyone.
Make sure to get out there as summer begins to wind down. If you’re looking for a few ideas, I have put together my Top 5 things to do, which you can find exclusively on WKTV Journal.
Here we go!
Gonzo’s Top 5
5. Wild Ones Garden Tour & Fundraiser
Wild Ones Garden Tour and Fundraiser on Monday, Aug. 1. (Courtesy)
Wild Ones River City Chapter will show you how to add native plants, shrubs and trees to your garden to provide food, shelter and habitat for birds and beneficial insects.
“Removing invasive plants, reducing lawn size, and using natural care also helps heal the earth. Even small changes can make a difference,” according to its website. To learn more about these benefits, the Wild Ones River City Chapter is having a garden tour and fundraiser on Monday (Aug. 1).
You can visit the Native Plant Education Garden at 920 Cherry Street SE, Grand Rapids, which will feature more than 80 species of native plants. Wild Ones members will be on hand to talk about the evolution of the garden and answer questions. The tour is free. Then, across the street, you can enjoy a bite to eat and a beer at Brewery Vivant, which will donate a portion of their proceeds to Wild Ones River City Chapter. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. More info at rivercitygrandrapids.wildones.org.
4. Wyoming/Kentwood Summer Concerts
The seasons are coming to a close.
Grupo Latin Soul closes the Concerts in the Park series on Tuesday, Aug. 2 at Lamar Park in Wyoming. (Courtesy)
Grupo Latin Soul closes the Concerts in the Park series on Tuesday (Aug. 2) at Lamar Park in Wyoming. Learn more on the event’s Facebook page.
In Kentwood, The Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra(July 28), the Moxie Strings(Aug. 4) and Brena(Aug. 11) close out the Summer Concert Series on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall.
Looking for something to do on Sunday? Make sure to check out “Last Sundays,” which is a monthly outdoor market at Bridge Street Market in Grand Rapids. It features a variety of local makers, vendors, farmers, food carts, samplings and more. It takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday (July 31) on the corner of Bridge Street and Seward Avenue. Other dates: Aug. 28 and Sept. 25. More info at https://www.bridgestreetmarket.com/blog/2021/6/3/last-sundays-outdoor-market.
2. Ballpark Series: Around the Horn with the Grand Rapids Symphony
The Ballpark Series at Sullivan (formerly Valley) Field is one of many events spearheaded by a group called Fans of Valley Field on Saturday, July 30. (Courtesy)
I have mentioned this series a few times this summer, that’s because you will love this old, historic ballpark that dates back to 1937, and located on the West Side of Grand Rapids. The Ballpark Series at Sullivan (formerly Valley) Field is one of many events spearheaded by a group called Fans of Valley Field. On Saturday (July 30) the Grand Rapids Symphony makes its first appearance, along with local legends Rick Reuther and The Tom Hagen Trio. Admission is free, but tickets are needed.
The symphony performs “Peter and the Wolf,” as well as another piece, followed by Reuther and the trio. An Instrument Petting Zoo will be set up for kids to touch, play and experience instruments. There also will be an art area with other activities as well before the Symphony performance. Gates (and bar) open at 5 p.m. The show begins at 6:30 p.m. Food is also available. Go to the Facebook event page for tickets and more details. The Neighborhood Concert Series is presented by Meijer and underwritten by the Wege Foundation with sponsorship from Wolverine Worldwide, David & Judy Frey, BDO, Fox Motors, Chuck & Julie Frayer, Hung and Elsie Liang Fund for Music, United Bank and Delta Dental of Michigan.
1. Global Water Fest, Grand Rapids
Dragon boat races are one of many features at the Global Water Fest on Saturday, July 30 at Canal Park in Grand Rapids. (Courtesy)
My friend Ace Marasigan of the GR Asian Foundation reached out recently to tell me about the 2nd Annual Global Water Fest Grand Rapids on Saturday (July 30) at Canal Park, 941 Monroe Ave. NW, and on the Grand River. The family-friendly event features Dragon Boat Races, a globally-themed variety of food vendors, live music and entertainment. The Dragon Boat Races begin at 8 a.m. The winner gets $500 for their team and $500 for their non-profit of choice – Prize money sponsored by Kim Nhung Superstore. Youth Fishing Derby is from noon to 4 p.m. and includes free fishing poles while supplies last. Global Water Fest is from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is presented by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., City of Grand Rapids Office of Special Events, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and Mobile GR. Learn more on the Facebook event page.
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
A life-sized reproduction of Vincent van Gogh’s painting, “The Bedroom,” featured at “Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience,” which runs through October 15 at 555 Center Dr. NW, Walker. (Courtesy)
By Thomas Hegewald, WKTV Contributing Writer
There is a room in the new “Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” exhibit that contains a life-sized replica of his bedroom in the yellow house in Arles, France. It is life-sized so that you can step into the “scene,” or the painting itself.
This is just one of the immersive elements of the new exhibit of Vincent van Gogh. It’s a new way to enjoy his works and immerse yourself in the artist’s masterpieces in this high-tech, digital show that opened in Grand Rapids on July 22 and runs through October 15 at 555 Center Dr. NW.
Dutch history
Grand Rapids was selected for this immersive exhibit because of its Dutch heritage. John Zaller, executive producer at Exhibition Hub, hopes that attendees to the exhibit leave with a deeper appreciation of van Gogh, who was born in the Netherlands in 1853.
“The way we use tech is different than a museum’s approach,” Zaller explained. “Van Gogh’s work is approachable – filled with color and motion – it lends itself to a new interpretation.”
The exhibit is featured in 14 cities across the United States as well as in Europe. It has been touring since 2017, bringing in more than 5 million visitors, according to the website vangoghexpo.com
The 360-degree main gallery of the “Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” features his painting, “The Starry Night.” The show opened in Grand Rapids on July 22 and runs through October 15 at 555 Center Dr. NW. (Courtesy)
Visitors (and participants) of the exhibit move at their own pace through a number of rooms, structured more like a gallery, with the pieces more accessible than in a museum.
“We feature pieces key to his story,” explained Zaller, when talking about which of van Gogh’s nearly 900 paintings to incorporate in the show.
And that story flows throughout the exhibit.
Color blindness effect
A documentary interprets van Gogh’s work and how he used color; explaining further that he had a color blindness, where he saw fewer colors and used brighter colors because of it. On the nearby walls hang canvas replicas of some of his paintings – in their actual size – so you can see the scale in which he worked.
Throughout the exhibit are panels containing background information about his family, themes in his work and color studies.
Complex emotions
Van Gogh’s struggle with mental illness, culminating in taking his own life, adds to the complex emotional undercurrent felt when looking at his work. His story, his style, his artwork are relatable and approachable.
In addition to stepping into life-size paintings, visitors are fully immersed in the largest gallery which features “360-degree floor-to-ceiling digital projection.” There are chairs and benches to sit on and experience a display that progresses before your eyes. Paintings come alive with moving elements and coordinating sound effects.
In one scene, white line drawings appear on a black background. And then colors flow into the drawing, filling in the objects until the darkness is overcome by color.
The VR Room
Just past this gallery is the VR (Virtual Reality) room where goggles are available to experience a 10-minute tour of van Gogh’s home studio, surrounding countryside and nearby town – as though walking through it. Specific scenes are presented with a frame and within the VR reality, that scene evolves into the painting that van Gogh created.
After all of this inspiration, you’re invited to select an outline of one of his pieces, color it in, scan it in and see it projected on a screen.
Extreme technology
While the main feature of this exhibit is works by Vincent van Gogh, the tech side of it relied on 30-40 digital artists who combined their talents to present his work in a variety of ways. The components of the exhibit filled six trailers and took three weeks to install, covering 30,000 square feet.
Vincent Van Gogh painted numerous versions of sunflowers throughout their lifecycle. This is one of the rooms featured at “Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience,” which opened in Grand Rapids on July 22 and runs through October 15 at 555 Center Dr. NW. (Courtesy)
Standard admission (weekdays before 4:30 pm)
Adults (ages 18 and older) – $37.20
Children (ages 4-12) – $24.10
Seniors (ages 65 and older), Students (ages 13-26) or Military – $25.70
Family Pass (2 Adults + 2 kids) – $107.00.
Standard admission (weekdays after 4:30 pm and on weekends)
Adults (ages 18 and older) – $40.40
Children (ages 4-12) – $29.50
Seniors (ages 65 and older), Students (ages 13-26) or Military – $31.70
Family Pass (2 Adults + 2 kids) – $121.80
See vangoghexpo.com to purchase tickets. Open six days a week, closed on Tuesdays.
Brena, a local favorite known for lively shows and Top 40 rock, performs on July 28 at Cutler Park and August 11 behind Kentwood City Hall. (Courtesy)
By John D. Gonzalez, WKTV Contributing Writer
I love late July. It’s like the sweet spot of summer.
You still have plenty of time to visit your favorite vacation spot. Maybe take in a West Michigan Whitecaps game. Go to the zoo. Or discover something new.
Fall and back-to-school shopping can wait.
Here are a few things to consider this week and early August.
Let’s support local, community events this summer as a couple of popular music series in the area are starting to wind down.
Wyoming Concerts in the Park
On Tuesday, July 26, the Wyoming series at Lamar Park continues with country singer Bernadette Kathryn, followed by Grupo Latin (Aug. 2). All shows begin at 7 p.m. Admission is free. More info: Wyoming Concerts in the Park Facebook page.
Kathryn, the self-proclaimed Detroit Country Rebel, is ready to light up the stage at Lamar Park.
“This is going to be a high-octane, full-throttle, audience engaging show that will leave them wanting more,” said Kathryn, who will perform with her Lonely Days Band. “We play new and old country, classic rock, and you might even find a few pop songs disguised as country. We call our genre ‘Hot Rock’n Country’ because we can ‘chicken fry’ anything.”
Kathryn said they’ll play Reba, Miranda Lambert, Gretchen Wilson, Luke Combs, “some of my originals, and many other songs that you can hear on the radio.”
Diana Ladio and Alison Lynn hold Bachelor of Music degrees in music performance and music education, which have given each the technical foundation to explore the limits of her instrument and helped the group build a reputation for musical excellence. Their new album, “Live & Plugged In,” just reached No. 1 on the Billboard Classical Crossover Charts.
Lynn said the band’s polished, high-energy show continues to redefine strings’ role in contemporary music, and offers audience members a diverse, fun, musical experience.
“We use a variety of audio effects pedals. The Moxie Strings compose the majority of their pieces and arrange melodies from many countries, resulting in a genre-blurring blend of ear-catching, mainstream melodies and foot-stomping, rock-influenced rhythms.”
Brena Band is a one-stop-shop when it comes to wedding entertainment. Their six member band, featuring guitars, drums, horns, violin, keyboards and tight vocal harmonies, will keep your guests dancing all night long. Their wide variety of songs offer a little something for everyone; ranging from oldies, to current top 40 hits, classic rock to smooth R&B, country to high energy dance music, and everything in between.
All Kentwood concerts take place from 7-8:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Admission is free. A variety of food trucks also will be on hand.
The 86th annual Byron Days Festival returns with an arts and craft show, 5k run, pancake breakfast, live music, kids zone activities, food trucks and more. (Courtesy)
Byron Days Festival (July 28-31)
Looking ahead to next weekend, the 86th annual Byron Days Festival returns with an arts and craft show, 5k run, pancake breakfast, live music, kids zone activities, food trucks, classic car show, fireworks and more. The festival runs July 28-31 in downtown Byron Center. More info at byrondaysfestival.org. Or check out the Facebook Event Page.
If you have something for me to consider for a Top 5 column, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com
WOOD TV8 meteorologist Terri DeBoer (right) stopped by WKTV Thursday to promote her first book on a show called Grand Tap Media Business TV, hosted by Pamela Keim (left), which airs toward the end of August. (WKTV)
By Cris Greer, WKTV Managing Editor
For more than 30 years, WOOD TV8 meteorologist Terri DeBoer has woken up West Michigan with her early morning weather forecasts.
In addition to her Storm Team 8 predictions, DeBoer also has co-hosted eightWest, a show that informs and entertains its viewers.
“I’m often one of the first faces many people in West Michigan see every morning,” said DeBoer, who’s also the meteorologist for many of West Michigan’s most popular radio stations. “I love having a challenging job; forecasting the weather in a complicated part of the country, and helping people relate the weather conditions to the lives of our viewers and listeners.”
Recording at WKTV
DeBoer stopped by WKTV Thursday to promote her first book (published in 2021) on a show called Grand Tap Media Business TV, hosted by Pamela Keim, which airs toward the end of August. Keim has produced shows on WKTV since 2017.
Keim said the purpose of her WKTV program is to “introduce West Michigan to all the businesses, nonprofits, individuals that can help us thrive in our lives.
“I’m a cheerleader for West Michigan. I like to promote events, individuals, and talk about what’s new like Terri’s book. There are some wonderful people that live in our community in West Michigan.”
DeBoer said she wrote “Brighter Skies Ahead: Forecasting a Full Life When You Empty the Nest” in 2020 during the pandemic after decades of interest.
An emotional time
“For about 40 years I wanted to write a book and I wasn’t sure what to write about and when I made the transition into the empty nest it really hit hard,” DeBoer explained. “I wasn’t expecting to feel so sad and for things to feel so empty and so I reached out to someone and thought maybe I should write a book about that.
“One thing led to another and I wrote the book as the pandemic shut everything down.”
How did she do it with her busy schedule as a TV personality and mom?
What, turn off the TV?
“I’m going to tell you a secret,” she said grinning. “I turn off the TV. It’s amazing how much time we would find to do the things we say we really want to do if we just turn the television off and get started.”
“The book is 50 short chapters broken into multiple categories, highlighting the past, present and future of the life cycle of a parent. There’s a section on your physical health, mental health, your relationship with your adult kids, your friendships, and your faith is a big part of the book.”
WOOD TV8 meteorologist Terri DeBoer stopped by WKTV Thursday to promote her first book titled “Brighter Skies Ahead: Forecasting a Full Life When You Empty the Nest” (Courtesy)
Millions of empty nesters
According to recent US Census information, there are approximately 22.5 million empty nest households in the United States.
DeBoer said it’s an emotional time and the overwhelming feelings of sadness, grief and emptiness can be common.
The book outlines her strategies for weathering the often stormy transition to an empty nest. DeBoer helps readers find hope, peace, comfort and joy in this next stage of life.
Ginger Zee endorsement
Ginger Zee, chief meteorologist at ABC News, said the book is “a blast of sunshine full of wisdom, wit and inspiration for every stage of life.”
After the first round of edits, there was one chapter the editor felt needed to be taken out. The one about her relationship with her husband, Bill.
Enter her four-legged friend
She joked about replacing Bill’s chapter in the book with her daughter Jenn’s adopted dog, Hank, which was really due to not oversimplifying spousal relationships, which are unique from person to person.
DeBoer said her editor felt the chapter about her relationship with her husband isn’t as simple as she made it to be.
“People’s relationships are complicated,” she and her editor determined. “Some people are married, some aren’t, some are divorced, widowed or in unhappy marriages. It’s not that simple.”
She admitted she wasn’t ever a pet person until Hank came along, and the answer was always “no” when her three kids asked for a dog.
The Great Dane/mastiff-Lab mix, that she now calls her grand dog, however, has swayed her opinion. She now touts the great health benefits of having a dog and how they can expand your social circle at the dog parks, and recommends a pet for empty nesters.
She admits, however, that she can enjoy Hank as much as she wants, and “when he needs to go potty in the middle of the night, it’s Jenn who gets to take him out.”
She said she has been “blessed” along the way to have raised three wonderful children, “who are all hard-working followers of our incredible God; combining their talents with their ever-deepening faith.
“They are all fun-loving and kind individuals; who are making strides through making the world a better place.”
Monte Pride is set to perform July 19 at the Wyoming Concerts in the Park. (Supplied)
By John Gonzalez WKTV Contributing Writer
Singer/songwriter Monte Pride has been inspired by some of music’s greats, including Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Gillian Welch, Townes Van Zandt and John Prine.
But he loves our Michigan musical heroes, too, saying artists such as Chris Bathgate, May Erlewine, Timothy Monger and Joshua Davis have been equally as important.
The music of Chris Bathgate, for example, is “unmistakable.”
“The atmosphere and ambience he creates in his songs, it’s … inspiring to my songwriting and song production,” Pride said.
From Erlewine’s “stage presence” and “strong sense of purpose and intention in her songs” to Davis’s guitar playing style have been inspirational to him.
He added that Monger’s songwriting, as well “creative branding and visuals he creates for promotion” also have made an impact on him.
“His song ‘Sleepless’ has become one of my favorites to cover in the last few years… I’ll likely share my version of it on Tuesday!”
By “Tuesday,” Pride is referring to his show as part of Wyoming’s weekly concert series, which is at 7 p.m. July 19 at Lamar Park. Admission is free.
The Tuesday night series continues through Aug. 2. See the list of shows below. All will be recorded and aired on WKTV.
A mellow approach
A 2014 graduate of Okemo High School, just east of Lansing, Pride said he’s looking forward to showcasing his original music.
Monte Pride is a folk singer-songwriter and finger-style guitarist from Lansing. (Supplied)
“I really enjoy having the opportunity to present original music, alongside my take on covers that work with my sound,” he said in an email to WKTV Journal.
“Over the years, I’ve leaned into my mellow approach to performance and song interpretation, always hoping to give folks something soothing that might help heal. I’ve also been expanding my sound into more ambient territory, incorporating it here and there to complement and serve the songs.”
Pride first dabbled into music when he played “Criminals” by The Tallest Man on Earth at his high school talent show, then ”began performing locally after that, having gained confidence in my voice and a taste for sharing music with people.”
He kept playing while attending Michigan State University, releasing two EPs in 2014 and 2015, and finally his first full length album in 2016.
“After college I began traveling more and performing in cities throughout Michigan and the Midwest, releasing my latest album ‘Even in Absence’ in 2020,” he said.
“The pandemic forced me into a much needed hiatus, but I returned to performing with a new appreciation for all of it in Summer 2021.”
Happy to be performing
Those who attend his show on Tuesday can expect “a mellow, soothing evening of fingerstyle guitar and folk songs.”
“I’ll be sharing a handful of original songs along with ‘60s, ‘70s and contemporary folk covers,” he added.
Most of all, he’s just excited to perform outdoors.
“I love being able to feel the energy of the environment and crowd. It’s always special to hear birds, other wildlife, and even street noise when performing,” he said.
“It always feels like collaboration. Last Summer at an outdoor show I was playing one of my tunes called ‘Michigan’s Song.’ There’s a line that says, ‘I heard a robin’s call yesterday in the morning…’ As I was singing it, a robin flew over and sang with me.”
Pride’s “Even in Absence” was released mid-pandemic in August of 2020, which he said “presents healing songs to remind that experience, relationships, lives, their love and light persist, ‘Even In Absence.’
August 2 – Grupo Latin – Latin Soul (13 piece band)
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
This Friday, the West Michigan Whitecaps compete as Las Calaveras. (Supplied)
By John D. Gonzalez WKTV Contributing Writer
It’s that time of year when everything is happening.
In fact, it might be too much.
I’ll be at the West Michigan Whitecaps game on Friday as part of LMCU Night and the Whitecaps’ Copa de la Diversion series when they compete as Las Calaveras (ticket info at milb.com/west-michigan).
But on the same night I have two other events I would love to attend, and both of them are in my Top 5 list of things to do, which you can find exclusively on WKTV Journal.
Here we go!
Gonzo’s Top 5
Kaufman Golf Course will be hosting a few tournaments this summer. (Supplied)
5. Kent County Amateur Golf Championship
Who loves to golf? And to compete? The beautiful Kaufman Golf Course in Wyoming will host a few tournaments this summer, including the Kent County Amateur Golf Championships July 16-17 (a few spots may still be open) and a 3-man scramble next weekend (July 23). You can register at 616golf.com. Registration is also available for the Kent County Senior Amateur (55+) at Kaufman on July 30-31. More info on West Michigan Golf Association events at golfregistrationnetwork.com.
The Mid-Life Crisis takes their final bow this weekend. (Supplied)
4. Mid-Life Crisis Band, Brews at the Bridge
It’s hard to believe, but it seems like yesterday that this popular cover band was jamming at private parties, charity events and even headlining their own shows. They all had day jobs as professionals, but they loved to hang out and jam on the weekends. The Mid-Life Crisis band officially calls it quits after 20 years with one last show, which is at Brews at the Bridge from 6-9 p.m. Friday (July 15) at Leonard Field, 7490 Thornapple River Dr. SE, in Ada. They invite all those who have been a part of their lives to come out for one last show. I know I have enjoyed writing stories and becoming friends with them over the years. “In the end, it’s all about the music and friendship, and it all kind of makes sense,” said Steve Bloom, who will join the group on percussion. Indeed, it is. Have a great retirement. More details on the Facebook Event Page. Leonard Field is next to the Ada Covered Bridge.
The Verve Pipe performs Friday at the Listening Lawn at Studio Park Piazza. (Supplied)
And, speaking of a local favorite, The Verve Pipe returns for a show Friday (July 15) at the Listening Lawn at Studio Park Piazza in downtown Grand Rapids. More info at listeningroomgr.com.
Tim Allen is at DeVos Performance Hall Saturday, July 16. (Supplied)
2. Comedy Night
And it’s a big weekend for comedy, too!
Stand up comedian Kevin Hart is on his Reality Check Tour, which makes a stop Saturday (July 16) at Van Andel Arena. Go to vanandelarena.com for ticket availability.
And the voice of Pure Michigan, Tim Allen,performs two shows at5 and 8 p.m. Saturday (July 16) at DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids. These shows were originally scheduled for 2020. Go to devosperformancehall.com for ticket availability.
Circl Theatre presents “The Music Man” for the next three weekends. (Supplied)
1. The Music Man at Circle Theatre
The six-time, Tony Award-winning musical returns for a three-week run thanks to Circle Theatre. This family-friendly comedy is a classic! Who doesn’t love watching the drama, and comedy, unfold as fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill cons the folks of River City, Iowa into organizing a local band. Just as everything is going according to plan, life happens, and Hill falls for Marian, the local librarian. It’s a great show. Performances are July 14-16, 20-24 and 27-30 at the Performing Arts Center at Aquinas College. My lovely wife Pam and I hope to see the show because our nieces, Christina and Josie Gonzalez, are in this current production. Yes, we’re so proud of them! See you at the show. Ticket info at circletheatre.org/production/the-music-man/.
A couple more events taking place this weekend:
The Upheavel Festival, (featuring Breaking Benjamin, Disturbed and many others), isJuly 15-16 at Belknap Park in Grand Rapids. More info at facebook.com/UpheavalFestival.
And the 2022 BBQ Rib Cook-Off is July 16 in downtown Wayland. More info at downtownwayland.com.
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Par-llo Connection performs on Thursday in Kentwood. (Supplied)
After a brief break for the Fourth of July holiday, the Kentwood Summer Concert Series is back with Par-llo Connection show band. A band with a message.
PAR-LLO stands for “Peace All Races – Live Love Others.”
“Who would have thought 40 years later it’s what the world needs today,” said original drummer Phil “Tapp” Morrow, in an email to WKTV Journal. “We always wanted our name to mean something.”
It also means “fun”!
The group performs at 7 p.m. Thursday (July 14) on the lawn behind City Hall. Admission is free.
Morrow said the band performed from 1979 -87 in the heyday of the local music scene and opened for local band Switch, which featured Bobby and Tommy DeBarge of the famous DeBarge family in Grand Rapids, as well as the Bar-Kays at the Civic Auditorium. Par-llo even opened twice for Zapp at the DeVos Performance Hall, Morrow said.
“(We) got back together in 2017 not knowing what direction we were headed, more less just to catch up. Although we stayed in touch with each other,” Morrow said.
Influenced by Earth Wind Fire, Cameo, Prince, Kool & the Gang, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Gap Band, Commodores, and so many others, the group might even surprise with a little Bruno Mars or Mary J. Blige.
They love to entertain.
The band performed from 1979-87 and reformed in 2017. (Supplied)
“(We) give a show,” said Morrow, which means several sets, changed outfits for each set, a fog machines, flash boxes, etc.
They want to “create a one of a kind experience,” Morrow said.
What to expect
The band performed from 1979-87 and reformed in 2017. (Supplied)
Although the Kentwood show is an outdoor concert, which is a little different than a nightclub, he said “people can expect energized ‘Old School’ with a new twist R&B Funk Band.”
“Playing outside is like being at a free, old-school style concert,” he said. “Outside creates natural energy to share your gift.
“The reason I love playing in this band, because we are family on and off the stage, all self-taught. We just have fun because we know we are blessed to be able to get back together.”
The current band line up includes:
Phil Morrow (Tapp) Drummer, Vocals, Original Member
Leonard Burney (Toot) Bass, Vocals, Original member
Anthony Jones (Ant) Guitar, Vocals, Original Member
Tone Mosley (Tone) Lead Vocals, trumpet, trombone, Original Member
Dana Mosley (Dane) Keyboards, vocals Original Member
Isaac Rogers (Ike) Sax, Vocals Original Member
Chuck Johnson (Chuck) Keyboards, Guitar
Tina Flowers (Tina Marie) Lead vocal
Concerts take place from 7-8:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Admission is free. A variety of food trucks also will be on hand.
Kentwood summer concert info
Parking for shows will be limited at both City Hall and the Library, according to the city’s website. Additional parking is available at the Kentwood Justice Center (4740 Walma SE), Kentwood Public Works (5068 Breton SE), Kentwood Baptist Church (2875 52nd St), and there is street parking in nearby neighborhoods.
The Kentwood Farmers Market takes place next door from 4:30-7 p.m. in the parking lot behind City Hall.
This summer John Ball Zoo has welcomed two new temporary residents: two-year-old Iluka and four-year-old Noorundi.
The half-brothers, who are koalas, are part of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s Koala Conservation and Education Loan Program. For more than 30 years the conservation program has maintained the largest koala colony and most successful breeding program outside of Australia.
The goal of the program is to generate funding to support research and conservation efforts such as habitat mapping and studying koala biology. The organization works closely with the Australian government to ensure the protection of koalas and their habitat so they can thrive for generations to come.
Meeting the brothers
Earlier this year Jamie Racalla, a supervising zookeeper at John Ball Zoo, traveled to California to train at the San Diego Zoo. There she learned how to properly care for the koalas before their arrival.
“A lot of people focus on how much they sleep, which is a huge part of their day, but when they are awake, they are full of personality,” Racalla said.
Noorundi is the older of the two. He is described as a calm gentleman while his half-brother Iluka is full of spunk and energetic. The best way to tell them apart is by their fur. Noorundi has a brownish tint to his fur while Iluka does not.
Fun facts about the koalas
They are not bears. Koalas are classified as marsupials. Marsupials are mammals that are born not completely developed and typically carried in a pouch until developed.
The best time to see the koalas are feeding times which are 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. (WKTV/Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
They call Australia home. Koalas are found in Southeastern and Eastern Australia.
Marsupials can be found in the United States. While the majority of marsupials live in Australia, New Guinea, and the surrounding islands, the United States does have one: the possum.
Eucalyptus leaves are their food of choice. Eucalyptus leaves are poisonous if eaten, however koalas digestive system is able to breakdown the food. To do so they sleep a lot.
Taking an 18-hour power nap. Koalas are known to sleep up to 20 hours a day due to their low energy and the amount of energy it takes to digest the eucalyptus leaves.
Koalas are an endangered species
Because the creature’s nest in the eucalyptus trees of their native bush lands and forests, their habitat has shrunk over time because of tree-clearing for agricultural and urban development.
In February 2022 koalas were declared an endangered species in parts of Eastern Australia. Their population has been severely impacted by floods, drought, and widespread bushfires. Aside from natural causes, human development is the primary cause threatening the iconic marsupials.
“It’s a lot easier to care about something you’ve connected with than something you hear about happening around the world,” Racalla said.
According to the World Wildlife Fund in Australia, almost 60,000 koalas were killed or impacted by severe wildfires from 2019 to 2020. Because these animals are endangered, John Ball Zoo is one of ten places Koalas can be viewed in North America.
Where to find Iluka and Noorundi and when to visit
Iluka and Noorundi’s temporary habitat is across from the Frogs and Friends exhibit. Koalas are not social animals and generally only tolerate each other when breeding. For this reason, their shared exhibit is separated by a metal fence.
The brothers are fed twice a day, once around 11 a.m. and again at 3 p.m. Also, according to staff, the koalas are active between 1 and 3 a.m. and can be viewed on the koala cam.
Iluka and Noorundi will be at the John Ball Zoo through Labor Day, Sept. 5. John Ball Zoo is located at 1300 Fulton St W. Hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information visit https://www.jbzoo.org/.
I’ve been enjoying the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City with fireworks, concerts and cherries, of course.
If you still want to make the trip up north, the festival continues with many activities like the cherry pie eating contest, and the big Cherry Royale Parade at 11:15 a.m. Saturday. The remaining concerts feature 1964 The Tribute on Thursday (July 7), ZZ Top on Friday (July 8) and Boyz II Men on Saturday (July 9). Learn more at cherryfestival.org.
What are you doing this weekend?
If you’re staying close to home, here is my Top 5 of things to do, which you can find exclusively on WKTV Journal.
Here we go!
Gonzo’s Top 5
5. “Seven Brides For Seven Brothers,” Barn Theatre
Summer is a great time to take in a play. Whether it’s community theater or a Broadway touring musical, you can usually find something taking place in the region. One unique destination is the Barn Theatre School in Augusta, about 50 miles south and just east of Kalamazoo. In its 76th season, the school’s advanced theater training program promotes the concept that artists, performers, designers, technicians, stage managers, and everyone should have broadly based experiences through an apprentice program. And each summer they put on a variety of shows where the students produce every aspect of the experience. They are parking attendants, ushers and even the bartenders. Along with celebrity guest actors, the school has also featured future stars such as Jennifer Garner, Dana Delany, Lauren Graham and many more. My lovely wife Pam and I recently saw the first show of the season, “Seven Brides For Seven Brothers,” a musical based on the classic MGM 1954 film about settlers in 1850 Oregon. The show was great, but so was the whole experience of a show set in a barn. Get a pizza or drink before the show or stay after each performance for a special “Shed Bar Show” where the actors and guest actors come to entertain in the Rehearsal Bar. Advance reservations are encouraged for those productions. Performances of “Seven Brides For Seven Brothers” continue through Sunday (July 10). More details at barntheatreschool.org/events. Some of the other shows this season: “Cinderella,” “GroundHog Day,” “Rock of Ages,” “Young Frankenstein,” “Misery,” “Escanaba in da Moonlight” and “Doubt.”
4. LAUP Fiesta, Holland
Another great weekend destination is Holland for the annual LAUP Fiesta at the Holland Civic Center. It always features great food, car show, and Latino musical acts. There will be activities for children, a bar for adults and mercado (artisan market). It always ends with a big baile (dance). The party begins at noon. Check out the festival’s Facebook Event page for more information.
Food Truck Friday at Riverside Park
3. Food Truck Friday, Riverside Park
Have you been out to the popular “Food Truck Fridays” at Riverside Park this summer? Every week from 5-9 p.m. (through Sept. 2) you can expect anywhere from 12-17 food trucks. In its 6th season on the north side of Grand Rapids you can expect some of the area’s best-loved food trucks, as well as new ones, too. New this year is a Frequent Fridays Card that will offer you the chance to win prizes based on how many FTF you frequent. More details at https://www.facebook.com/GR8FoodTruckFridays/.
Wyoming’s Concerts in the Park return Tuesday, July 12. (WKTV)
2. Randy McAllister, Lamar Park
Blues and Soul artist Randy McAllister will headline the next Wyoming Concerts in the Park show, which takes place each week at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Lamar Park in Wyoming. Admission is free. The remaining shows include folk artist Monty Pride (July 19), country singer Bernadette Kathryn (July 26) and 13-piece Latin soul band Grupo Latin (Aug. 2) More info: Wyoming Concerts in the Park Facebook page. Can’t make it to the show? You can still enjoy the bands by watching WKTV-Channel 25 for the weekly airings at 5 p.m. Wednesday and 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday. More info at wktv.org/concerts.
It’s another busy weekend in downtown Grand Rapids:
Death Cab for Cutie, the popular indie band from the early 2000s is back on the road and releasing a new album this fall. You can check them out Friday (July 8) at GLC Live at 20 Monroe Live in Grand Rapids. Ticket information at livenation.com.
The Doobie Brothers, the legendary band from the ‘70s and ‘80s, are on their 50th anniversary tour with Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, Pat Simmons and John McFee on the road together for the first time in nearly 25 years. The band has sold nearly 50 million albums worldwide. The show is at 7:30 p.m.Sunday (July 10) at Van Andel Arena. Fans can expect to hear “Listen To The Music,” “Takin’ It To The Streets,” “Long Train Running,” “Black Water,” “What A Fool Believes,” “China Grove,” “Minute By Minute,” “It Keeps You Runnin’,” “Jesus Is Just Alright With Me” and many more. More details at vanandelarena.com.
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
With everything from bluegrass to music of the Beatles, this year’s Sounds of Summer concert series at Cutler Park in Cutlerville will feature “a little something for everyone,” according to organizers.
“Not everybody likes the same kind of music,” said organizer Patty Williams. “We try to hit every genre we can in the four-week period. We try to do something for everyone.”
Concerts begin at 7 p.m. Cutler Park is located just east of U.S. 131 off 68th Street.
Patty Williams with her son Lare Williams (left) and a guest. (Supplied)
“The best part about all of these shows is the price tag,” said Lare Williams, Patty’s son whose company LW Studios helps produce the shows each summer. “They are all absolutely free thanks to our friends at Byron Township.”
It’s a great family event, he added.
“Bring your lawn chairs, bring you blankets, bring the whole family,” Williams said. “Kids are welcome. There’s a big playground there, and they can run around and play ’til their heart’s content.”
“The series has brought fun and livelihood to Cutler Park,” he added.
The Sounds of Summer concert series started in 2008 at Bicentennial Park in downtown Byron Center by Patty Williams, who is a WKTV producer and volunteer and runs her independent P. Williams Productions.
They migrated to Cutler Park in 2015, Lare Williams said.
Lare Williams handles the sound board during one of the Sounds of Summer concerts. (Supplied)
The shows have gathered a following, he added.
“The picnic setting has brought up to 500 guests from the neighborhood and other states to the concerts,” he said.
What’s the reason for its success?
Patty Williams said it’s because they know a little bit about the entertainment business being part of The Williams Family, a local group popular in the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s known for its bluegrass music.
She said Lare, for example, is a well-seasoned musician who has recorded CDs of his own. and has been on stage since he was 2-years-old.
It’s the reason why locals love Sounds of Summer, she said, because they always add “a personal touch to each week’s concert.”
“You are entertained from the moment you set up your lawn chair,” she said. “There’s not a dull moment. There is always something going on.”
They might play Sounds of Summer trivia, give away CDs and interact with the audience.
“People love that. It really puts a personal touch on it where they actually feel like they own this concert series. When people come here they say, ‘This is ours.’”
Participants often bring a picnic meal to the popular Sounds of Summer which is at Cutler Park in Cutlerville. (Supplied)
Other highlights: Ken’s food cart will be vending beverages and hotdogs this summer, and “we have the local ice cream truck make an appearance,” Lare Williams said.
Already looking ahead to next year, Patty Williams said they hope to expand the series and include the month of August, possibly back at Bicentennial Park. The concerts in Cutler Park would remain in July.
Regardless, she’s proud of what she started 14 years ago. She remembers the idea came to her when she was touring with The Williams Family band.
“We used to perform at these little town festivals, and I would say ‘Why doesn’t Byron Center have anything like this? We’re a wonderful community. We have beautiful parks.’”
It’s been good for the community, she said.
“It brings a lot of people out, and families, too,” she said. “People love it!”
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
When I hear Impressionism as it relates to an artistic style, I envision compositions void of heavy, straight lines and solid colors. Instead, a multitude of colors are layered on one another, applied using short, quick brush strokes. Up close the image looks like a flurry of colors, from a few paces away, the colors blend, conveying an almost self-illuminating piece.
Philip Little, “Untitled (Fishing Boats),” 1938, Oil on canvas
The Grand Rapids Art Museum currently features a new exhibit, “In a New Light: American Impressionism 1870-1940.”The Bank of America Collection, comprised of 130 pieces of art – paintings, drawings, and prints – shows the progression of the impressionist style. The pieces are grouped according to their region, where different art colonies helped to influence and shape the impressionist style.
Starting with Hudson Valley aesthetics where serene, pastoral views, aglow with golden light set the stage for idealized landscapes. Next came the artists influenced by Barbizon painters of France who painted outside – en plain air – and had a looser style in their brushwork. Here, the landscapes are less romanticized, there are views of buildings, industry and ordinary people, and the weather is not so fair. Amidst these, I found some with the style aesthetics I had in mind. Untitled (Fishing Boats) by Philip Little, is more like how I imagined the impressionist style to appear. There is an “impression” of people in the boats with barely refined features. The overall color is achieved by combining dabs of many colors to impart value – shadows, highlights – and thus, depth, up close, the painting looks like a lot of little bits – of colors and brush strokes. From afar, the piece is atmospheric. The identity of the fishermen and their location is less important than the feeling of the moment. Their dark forms sitting in little row boats, are lit slightly by the setting sun as they’re set adrift in water that immediately blends into the horizon and sky.
“Winter Stream” (detail), by Emile Gruppe, c.1935-1945, oil on linen
In another regional grouping is Winter Stream by Emile Gruppe who, still an impressionist, exhibits a slightly different style of application. Here the snow-covered banks are painted in long brush strokes. The setting is much more defined albeit conveyed in a number of colors as well, that we, the viewers, blend together to “see” shadows and highlights. There’s less of a frenetic pace of painting in this piece, instead it emits a sense of solitude, slower pace and reflection.
White is also conveyed as mix of colors in Lawton Silas Parker’s, First Born. Both mother and child are dressed in white which is comprised of blues, greens, yellows, and pinks to create the different tonal values. In contrast, and to compliment the central subjects in the piece, the background is awash in layered, jewel-toned colors. There is a return to soft lines and lighting in this piece, another compliment to the subject matter.
Included in the exhibit is a display of the various schools and artist colonies which dotted across the United States. Artists traveled to Europe where they studied abroad for a time, influenced by emerging styles and movements, then returned to the U.S. and started teaching here – starting a school or colony to teach others.
The “In a New Light: American Impressionism 1870-1940” exhibition at the Grand Rapids Art Museum runs until Aug. 27 at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, located at 101 Monroe Center NW. Check artmuseumgr.org for information on gallery hours and entry fee.
Alexander H. Wyant, Untitled (Landscape), c. 1865-1873, Oil on linenMathias J. Alten, “California Sycamore” 1929, Oil on canvas
The West Michigan Tourist Association’s (WMTA) 2022 Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map & Circle Tour is now available. This is a free poster-sized publication which details all of the lighthouses located on the shores of Lake Michigan, as well as the Circle Tour driving route to guide motorists around the lake.
To accompany this year’s map, WMTA has released 24 new free, digital jigsaw puzzles showcasing this year’s Featured Lighthouses. These digital jigsaw puzzles may be accessed on WMTA’s website at the following URL: https://www.wmta.org/west-michigan-digital-jigsaw-puzzles/
The cover of this year’s map features an aerial photo of South Haven Lighthouse, courtesy of Dan Zeeff. Dan is a professional landscape, aerial, and architectural photographer based near Grand Rapids, Michigan. His growing Michigan landscape photography collection includes hundreds of photos of Michigan lakes, lighthouses, coastal towns, and more! Check out his website at danjzeeff.com.
The full circle tour driving route around Lake Michigan is available online, and website visitors may also download a PDF of this year’s Lighthouse Map, or request that a free copy be mailed to them here: www.wmta.org/lake-michigan-lighthouse-map-circle-tour/
Vacationers have been looping the lake for generations, but the official “Lake Michigan Circle Tour” route was not established until the 1980s when the Michigan Department of Transportation teamed up with West Michigan Tourist Association to create the route and its official guidebook. Along the way, travelers will find more than 100 lighthouses, countless islands, unique attractions, parks and natural areas, miles of glorious beaches, quaint harbor towns, and one “modern marvel” – the Mackinac Bridge.
While a loosely-organized “circle route” around Lake Superior was promoted by local tourist organizations as early as the 1960s, the first official (and signed) Great Lakes Circle Tour was the Lake Michigan Circle Tour. The only single-nation Circle Tour (Lake Michigan being the only Great Lake completely within the US), the Lake Michigan Circle Tour also has the most mileage of any Circle Tour in the state.Working in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Transportation, the West Michigan Tourist Association helped to make the first of the official Great Lakes Circle Tours a reality and the first publication was released in 1988 as a 52-page guide book. The guide book was transformed into a map in 2007, and the Circle Tour driving route can now be found online.
Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map & Circle Tour publications are also available in bulk quantities; please contact Travel@WMTA.org for more information.
I’ll be in the Traverse City area all weekend long for the National Cherry Festival, and I’m looking forward to meeting up with friends, checking out the local food scene and maybe hitting up a few breweries.
You can read my coverage if you go to my social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
What are you doing this weekend?
If you’re staying close to home, here is my Top 5 of things to do, which you can find exclusively on WKTV Journal.
Here we go!
Gonzo’s Top 5
“Starry Night Over the Rhone” is just one of the many Van Gogh paintings featured. (Photo by Thomas Hegewald)
5. “Beyond Van Gogh,” Grand Rapids
This immersive experience by the artist Vincent Van Gogh has been getting a lot of media attention. Opening night was canceled because of some technology issues. And on Wednesday a person felt faint and grabbed onto a pipe and drape that caused some art to fall on patrons? It did not cause the exhibition to close. The exhibition features the artist’s work on a larger-than-life scale as visitors see at least 300 of Van Gogh’s famous artworks through projection technology. It continues through July 9 at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. Check ticket availability at vangoghexpo.com/grand-rapids/.
Our friends at Fans of Valley Fieldbring back their popular Ballpark Series with a show Saturday (July 2) at Sullivan (formerly Valley) Field, a Michigan landmark with a history that dates back to 1937. It is located on the West Side of Grand Rapids. Tickets are $10 at the door or $5 in advance. Gates open at 11:30 a.m. The lineup:
•12:00-12:45pm – Teddy Brewer
•1:00-2:00pm – Larry Mack Band
•2:15-3:15pm – Rochelle and The Spoilers
•3:30-4:30pm – Hannah Rose Graves Band
•4:45-6:15pm – Asamu Johnson and The Associates of Blues
Sheryl Crow’s Meijer Gardens show is sold out but there are plenty of other Meijer concert options. (Supplied)
3. Sheryl Crow, Meijer Gardens
The “All I Wanna Do” singer – better known as Sheryl Crow – performs a sold out show Sunday (July 3) at Meijer Gardens. But you can still see Corinne Bailey Rae with Michigan act War & Treaty on July 6. Tickets information for all remaining concerts as well as availability can be found at meijergardens.org/calendar/summer-concerts-at-meijer-gardens. By the way, if you still want to see Sheryl Crow, you can join me on Saturday (July 2) when she performs at the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City. Ticket information at cherryfestival.org/.
Grand Rapids July 4th celebration will be July 2.
2. Grand Rapids Fireworks
Activities begin at 6 p.m. Saturday (July 2) with games, food, vendors and live entertainment, which will lead up to the fireworks at 10:30 p.m. at Ah-Nab-Awen Park in downtown Grand Rapids (next to the Ford Museum). The Stone Soul Rhythm Band performs at 8 p.m. More info at https://4thofjulygr.com.
Kentwood pulls out all the stops for its annual Fourth of July celebration set for July 4. (Supplied)
1.4th of July Celebration, Kentwood
Kentwood plans a full day of activities, including a pancake breakfast, 5K race, parade, carnival and fireworks show. The events will begin with a pancake breakfast at Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave SE. The $5-per-person breakfast will be served 7-9:30 a.m. and include pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee. It’s free for ages 5 and younger. The NN Mobile Solutions 5K Race & Fun Walk begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Kentwood City Hall parking lot, 4900 Breton Ave. SE. The parade is at 9:30 a.m. A carnival is planned from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. behind City Hall, which is also the site for the 4th of July celebration from 4-10 p.m. with community booths, a beer tent, food trucks and a fireworks show. More information about Independence Day activities in Kentwood can be found at kentwood.us/july4.
Gun Lake: Fireworks are scheduled for July 2 with a rain date of July 3. Fireworks began at dark.
July 2 and 3
LMCU Ballpark: The West Michigan Whitecaps will have fireworks for both games against the Fort Wayne Tin Caps. Game times are 6:35 p.m July 2 and 6 p.m. July 3. More details at whitecapsbaseball.com.
July 3
Caledonia: The Caledonia Independence Day Celebration will include a parade at 11 a.m. Fireworks will be at dusk and can be seen from Duncan Lake Middle School, CalPlex, or Holy Family Catholic Church.
July 4
Grandville: The Grandville July 4 Celebration will include a pancake breakfast, parade with flyover, life music and fireworks at dusk.
Dorr: As usual, the Dorr July 4th Celebration will be the entire weekend, July 2-4 with the parade and fireworks on July 4.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
The Soul Syndicate performs this Thursday at the Kentwood Summer Concert series. (Soul Syndicate)
Popular local band Soul Syndicate returns to the area this week as the group performs at the Kentwood Summer Concert series on Thursday.
The free Kentwood Summer Concerts are located on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, 4900 Breton Ave. SE.
No stranger to the area, Soul Syndicate opened the Wyoming Concerts in the Park series earlier this month. Through the years, the group has performed with such artists as The Temptations, The Spinners, The Countours, Kansas, The Guess Who, The Beach Boys, Edgar Winter, Natalie Cole, Rosemarie Clooney, Elvis Presley Jr., and the U.S. Navy Commodores Band.
The group is not small, with up to a 11 musicians. Besides Taylor, there is Mike Coon on guitar, Matt Fouts on bass, and John Neil on keyboard. Male lead vocal is Collin Tobin, who has performed win several Grand Rapids Civic Theatre productions, and female lead vocal is Katie Sarb a. Rounding out the group is Nate Hansen on sax and Tim DeBesten on trumpet, and Jeff Carroll on trombone.
It’s not blues or classic rock that will take center stage at Tuesday’s Concerts in the Park series in Wyoming.
It’s not a punk rock or country band, either.
It’s a cellist, and his name is Jordan Hamilton, where he will play “a mix of mastery and maverick musicality,” according to his bio.
Jordan Hamilton performs on cello at the next Wyoming Concerts in the Park set for Tuesday. (Supplied)
In an interview with WKTV Journal, Hamilton – who is extremely humble – explained his style is not something you see every day.
“I have a hard time speaking about myself,” said the Kalamazoo-based vocalist and instrumentalist. “I have been told it’s an experience.”
Local music journalist John Sinkevics of LocalSpins.com agrees.
“Plucking, sawing, pounding and caressing the cello to extract sometimes other-worldly sounds; melding live looping with classical music interludes, hip hop, and jazz,” he said of Hamilton’s performance.
A native of Maryland who was classically trained on Western European composers, Hamilton, 29, started playing cello when he was 8-years-old. He learned all of the classics, but he was also introduced to a wide range of music by his dad, who listened to Earth, Wind & Fire, Sly and the Family Stone and Bobby McFerrin.
As he got older he would sneak off to listen to Nas, Fabulous and Jay-Z.
Still, he stayed focused on the cello.
After graduating from the Conservatory of Music at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio, he earned a Master’s degree in cello performance in 2018 at Western Michigan University. Hamilton remained in Kalamazoo mainly because of steady gigs, but was forced to stay longer during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Eventually he will leave Michigan for other opportunities “when the time is right,” he said. But for now, he loves playing his music and introducing audiences to the cello because “cello is at the center of everything” he does, he said.
“You don’t see a lot of cellos doing concerts that are not outside of the symphony….It’s definitely unique. It’s a niche.”
He will perform as a trio in Wyoming, bringing a keyboard player and drum programmer. He will play mainly original songs, as well as a few covers.
“You can expect a little bit of soul vibes, jazz vibes, beat music vibes, some very spacy vibes, and all over the place kind of vibes,” Hamilton said.
According to his bio, Hamilton’s music is “emotional energy crafted from integrity, immaterial and immortal, experienced at the speed of sound, with a bit of bounce, groove by the ounce, and all the jump you’ll need to move.”
More directly, he said, just “come to the show, and you will leave with something more than you were expecting.”
And “be prepared to have open ears,” he added. “It’s going to be a wide range of music, but it’s all going to feel like it’s in place…If you like jazz piano, hip hop beats and cello, this is a show for you.”
August 2 – Grupo Latin – Latin Soul (13 piece band)
Can’t make it to the show? You can still enjoy the bands by watching WKTV-Channel 25 for the weekly airings at 5 p.m. Wednesday and 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
I love being in downtown Grand Rapids on a Tuesday night when it feels like the weekend.
That’s what happened for the opening of Broadway GR’s “Mean Girls.” The city was buzzing with activity with people out and about for a variety of events, including a very funny show. More on that in a moment.
The truth is, as we get closer to the Fourth of July, summer is supposed to be fun, any day of the week.
If you’ve been reading my Top 5, which you can find exclusively on WKTV Journal, I often talk about events Friday, Saturday and Sunday. But throughout the summer I’ll add other weekday events, too.
Here we go!
Gonzo’s Top 5
Whorled (courtesy)
5. Deos Ballet, Wholred at The Stray Cafe
Check out this cool collaboration event at 7 p.m. Friday (June 24) when Deos Contemporary Ballet performs featuring live music from award-winning band Whorled! Deos works to uplift artists through a culture focused on diversity, wellness and empathy by partnering with community-based organizations. And Whorled! – a recent winner of a Battle of the Bands competition at The Stray – offers a unique World Fusion sound with a blend of Celtic, bluegrass, French Café and jazz influences. There is no cover charge, but donations will be accepted. More info on The Stray Facebook event page. The Stray is located at 4253 Division Ave S Suite A, Wyoming.
The Soul Syndicate performs at The Ballpark Series and then heads over to the Kentwood Summer Concert series on June 30. (Soul Syndicate)
4. Ballpark Series: The Soul Syndicate, Shimmie Pearl
You will love this old, historic ballpark that dates back to 1937, and located on the West Side of Grand Rapids. The Ballpark Series at Sullivan (formerly Valley) Field is one of many events spearheaded by a group called Fans of Valley Field. On Friday (June 24) you can check out two great acts, The Soul Syndicate and Shimmie Pearl. In fact, we interviewed “classic soul, R&B and funk” band The Soul Syndicate earlier this month about shows in Wyoming and Kentwood. Founder and guitarist Mike Coon said their music is meant to keep your toes tapping and the young at heart dancing. “It’s a party!,” said Coon, who leads the 10-piece band through a long list of songs everyone knows and loves. “It’s a fun band. You don’t sit in chairs and watch us.” The show begins at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $15. Learn more on the Fans of Valley Field Facebook page.
By the way, The Soul Syndicate also performs Thursday (June 30) as part of the Kentwood Summer Concert series.
Doing something on Sundays makes the weekend last so much longer! That’s why I love the concept of “Last Sundays,” which is a monthly outdoor market at Bridge Street Market in Grand Rapids. It features a variety of local makers, vendors, farmers, food carts, samplings and more. It takes place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday (June 26) on the corner of Bridge Street and Seward Avenue. Other dates: July 31, Aug. 28 and Sept. 25. More info at https://www.bridgestreetmarket.com/blog/2021/6/3/last-sundays-outdoor-market.
2. Van Andel Arena
As I said earlier, the weekends are busy in downtown GR, especially when the Van Andel Arena is hosting big events.
On Saturday (June 25): It’s the Outlaw Music Festival with Willie Nelson and Family, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Jason Isbell, Charley Crockett,Brittney Spencer and more. Doors open at 3 p.m. Particle Kid kicks it off at 3:50 p.m., followed by Brittney Spencer at 4:30 p.m.
On Sunday (June 26): The first-year Cheer Live 2022 stops in for a truly, one-of-a-kind live show from Emmy Award-winning Netflix docuseries “Cheer.” The live performance features 14-time National Champion coach and best-selling author, Monica Aldama alongside cheer stars such as Gabi Butler and Morgan Simianer. The show brings together fan favorites from the two most successful rival cheer programs in the country, Navarro College and Trinity Valley Community College.
Yes, I lived under a rock in the early 2000s. How else do you explain the fact that I never saw the popular 2004 film “Mean Girls”? Well, now I know what I missed: A truly hilarious, comedic and sometimes too-close-to-reality depiction of life in high school. Now an award-winning Broadway musical, “Mean Girls” opened Tuesday at DeVos Performance Hall as part of a national tour with performances through Sunday (June 26). Get all the details at https://broadwaygrandrapids.com/mean-girls. Earlier this week, WKTV Journal published my interview with Ann Arbor native Nadina Hassan, who plays the Queen Bee of Mean, Regina George, in the musical.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
A bunch of students from West Michigan University gather in the basement of a bar, cut their teeth with local players and touring musicians, stay friends, and keep playing nearly 20 years later.
Kalamazoo’s Out of Favor Boys take the state this Thursday for Kentwood Summer Concert series. (Supplied)
“We grew up, musically, hosting blues jams in Kalamazoo,” said Joel Krauss, one of the founding members of the Out of Favor Boys. “We’re rooted in that Chicago-style blues but we also have a lot of influences from rock, old soul and jam bands.”
Those roots of the Kalamazoo blues scene from the late 1990s and early 2000s have served them well. Today the lineup includes four of the original members, who moved to Kalamazoo from the east side of the state to go to school, but stayed here for jobs, their friendships and love of the blues.
The lineup includes: Krauss (vocals and guitars), Tony Sproul (saxophone, vocals), Tim Brouhard (bass), Tommy Ufkus (drums) and Dan Ouellette (guitar), who leads the band on calling out the songs each night.
The Out of Favor Boys perform Thursday (June 23) as part of the Kentwood Summer Music Series on the lawn behind City Hall. The concert is at 7 p.m. Admission is free. (See the lineup below.)
Playing in the basement of Mr. Wonderful’s back in the day (on the southside of Kalamazoo), the band had to rely on each other to learn their craft through “jam sessions,” said Tony Sproul.
“You had to be on your toes as much as possible,” he said, and that became almost “addictive.”
To this day, those jam sessions and knowing how to feed off each other on simple cues and gestures, has become an “accidental strong point” to the band’s longevity.
“For us…there is never a night that you’re bored or say, ‘Oh, I gotta play that song again?’ None of us ever have that moment. It stays fresh all the time.”
Today’s sound is a “mix of soul and funk and blues,” Sproul added.
“It’s danceable with a slight mix of funk and old soul, with a blues foundation that we have had over the years.”
The band has released four CDs of original music.
“I would say that (if you) look at them one at a time you’ll see quite a bit of growth between each of them. We started out really raw and live on our first CD,” Krauss said.
The group has been together for almost 20 years, having released four CDs of original music. (Supplied)
“We actually recorded the whole thing in one night. And by the time you get to our last CD, which we released in 2017, you can see that we’ve become much more focused on writing solid songs. We’re starting to pull songs together for a new recording, which we’ll start working on later this year.”
Along with playing the clubs, the band has also played big festival stages.
“Community music events are sort of a nice middle ground for us – and we play a lot of these things across southern Michigan and into northern Indiana. People who come to these shows are there to hear music,” Krauss said.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to play our own songs to people who are there to listen. There can be some give and take between the band and the audience when everyone’s paying attention like that. Plus, they’re usually small enough that we have time to meet a lot of people between sets and after the show. We’ve made a lot of great connections and gotten a lot of great gigs from meeting people at shows like these.”
When they perform Thursday in Kentwood, fans can expect them to “play a mix of cover songs and original music.”
You’ll be sure to have a good time with familiar songs by some of their favorite blues artists such as Robert Cray, Tab Benoit, Larry McCray and Tommy Castro, Krauss said.
“We play some classic rock, some blues, some soul and give our crowds lots of opportunities to dance,” he added.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
