Scene from 2018’s City of Kentwood End of Summer Food Truck Festival. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
The City of Kentwood, always looking for unique ways to get its community together for a little fun, has had a busy summer with playground improvements, road runs and community sand volleyball tournaments.
But the summer is not quite over yet and Kentwood will host its fourth annual End of Summer Food Truck Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the parking lot of the Kent District Library, Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.
The event, with music, family activities, a beer tent and — for course — eats and sweets from nearly 30 vendors, will be both an opportunity for city to offer residents and guests a fun community activity as well as an opportunity for food truck vendors to network and maybe show off a little.
“The food truck rally has been really well received by the public. This is an open even so anybody can come and you can spend the entire day here,” Lori Gresnick, City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, said to WKTV. “This is our fourth year. So we’ve grown from just a couple food trucks to now we have over 30 food trucks — not only food trucks but that includes desert trucks.”
For more discussion from Gresnick and well as the operator of a Kentwood-based food truck, Rock Dandeneau, of Taste Buds Kitchen Concepts and the Pressed in Time food truck, see a video here.
Live music will start at 11 a.m. with The Bootstrap Boys, followed by DJ Snax, Molly and Last Gasp Collective. A beer tent featuring craft beer and cider will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
While entry to the festival is free, cost for food and beverages varies by vendor. For more information visit kentwood.us/foodtruckfestival .
When Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park opens its next exhibit, “Rebecca Louise Law: The Womb”, on Sept. 20, the Gardens horticultural staff and community volunteers might be excused if they feel a little ownership of the artwork.
After all, the site-specific exhibition includes about 10,000 flowers and plants gathered from the Gardens’ massive gardens and strung together in delicate wire strings by local volunteers and staff, and then added to Law’s existing collection of approximately 1 million flowers and plant material.
The resulting newly created sculptural works, as well as painted works, will be on display within, and in spaces preceding, the main gallery in an exhibition which will run through March 1, 2020.
While the British installation artist has gained international acclaim for her works and her use of natural materials, the ability to have such a wide range of local material to select from and work with is a little unusual but very pleasing to the artist.
British installation artist Rebecca Louise Law. (Supplied by the artist)
“It was amazing to have a dedicated team that would daily harvest flora from an abundant garden,” Law said to WKTV. “I felt spoilt by the horticulture team as I’ve given them my preferences and guidance as to what will work best in this installation.”
While some of new exhibit is based on previously produced material, the initial stringing of local materials by a variety of local volunteers does present the artist with a kind of variance, of randomness, that plays into her final artistic decisions as the exhibit comes together.
“I am strict with the method of wiring each flower and we prepare the flowers according to size and tone,” Law said. “Apart from this, I allow the volunteers to work naturally. I have always loved the artwork involving many hands, what makes the installation beautiful to its core is all the handmade twists of copper.”
A close-up of part “Still Life” by British installation artist Rebecca Louise Law. (Supplied by the artist)
The titles of some of Law’s other works seem to reflect or hint at a place and time in nature — “Life in Death” for example. So we asked if “The Womb”, which uses seeds or pods or early roots as well as flowers and other plant material, reflects or hints at an early stage of nature.
“‘The Womb’ studies the start of life and the human cocoon in nature,” Law said to WKTV. “I wanted to study the womb as a vessel and the first human relationship with nature. I have always had the fantasy of being enveloped in nature and through studying the womb, this artwork is the closest I have got to creating an essence of this experience.”
Law’s use of natural materials, mainly floral, will “encourage guests to experience the relationship between humanity and nature. The natural decay of the plant material makes this exhibit time based and encourages frequent visits to observe the process of drying,” according to supplied material.
A close-up of part “Community” by British installation artist Rebecca Louise Law. (Supplied by the artist)
The installation is also described as “an intimate exploration into the relationship between humankind and nature, and explores the sensation of being cocooned in nature, and the fantasy of being naturally enveloped.” The artworks surrounding the installation look in detail at the womb as a natural cocoon.
Although photography will be allowed in specific areas, Law encourages guests to “put aside their cell phones and cameras and fully engage with the exhibition,” she said in supplied material.
An advocate of sustainability, Law frequently reuses dried plant materials that have been displayed in her previous installations.
“I like to capture and treasure small, beautiful natural objects to create an artwork that can be observed without the pressure of time,” Law said in supplied material. “Preserving, treasuring, celebrating and sharing the beauty of the earth with the world is what drives me.”
That advocacy for the natural world combined with artistic vision fits in perfectly with Meijer Garden’s vision.
“We have been aware of Rebecca’s work for some time, and are very excited to be working with her,” Laurene Grunwald, Director of Sculpture, Art Collections, Exhibitions & Installations at Meijer Gardens, said in supplied material. “Her concern for the environment and practice of sustainability is a perfect fit for us along with the literal combination of sculpture and horticulture, which directly mirrors our mission.”
The exhibition will include several free-with-admission special “drop-in” programs, including:
A Director’s Walk will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 6 p.m., led by Grunwald and Steve LaWarre, Director of Horticulture, as they explore one of the places where this combination of nature and sculpture is emphasized — the wildflower meadow with Mark di Suvero’s sculpture “Scarlatti” at its center.
A lecture, “The Secret Symbolism of Flowers”, will take place on Sunday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m., with Suzanne Eberle, Professor of Art History, Kendall College of Art and Design. Eberle will discuss how flowers often contain a symbolic meaning that is sometimes specific to the period of art, region or artist from which it was created.
A lecture, “The History of Environmental Art”, on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m., with Billie Wickre, Professor of Art History, Albion College. The Environmental Art movement began in the 1960s and early ’70s as a way to appreciate nature. Over time, it has become a way for artists to address the endangering of ecosystems. Wickre will highlight some important works of art in the Environmental Art movement that have been intended to evoke change in the ways in which we understand and interact with our surroundings.
Experience the warm West Michigan hospitality of a Bed & Breakfast on your next getaway. Whether you’re looking for a cozy, romantic getaway, a quaint historical charmer, or a luxurious weekend away, West Michigan has a Bed & Breakfast for you.
Bed & Breakfasts in South West Michigan
Courtesy Yelton Manor Bed & Breakfast
In Marshall, the National House Inn, built over 170 years ago, is the oldest operating inn in Michigan. It originally welcomed stagecoach travelers and offers the same gracious hospitality with luxuries and conveniences of today.
Luxurious and lakeside,Yelton Manor Boutique Hotel B&B is the closest B&B in South Haven to the beach. It’s walkable to everything, blissfully tucked away from the noisy harbor, festivals, and nightspots.
Greater Lansing is home to a number of wonderful Bed & Breakfasts. In trendy Old Town Lansing find the Cozy Koi Bed & Breakfast, while in downtown East Lansing, the charming Wild Goose Inn sits just a block away from Michigan State University campus. For a retreat in style, choose The English Inn for quaint-yet-modern cottages and deliciously elegant rooms in the manor house. For something a bit different, head out to Williamston and commune with some llamas and alpacas at the Willowicke Inn or head to Dimondale to stay in The Legend Inn. The area’s newest B&B is found in the northern neighboring community of St. Johns. The Nordic Pineapple is a charming inn with five rooms with all the amenities, right in the heart of St. Johns.
Visit the Muskegon area and stay at one of the numerous Bed & Breakfasts in the area such as White Swan Inn Bed & Breakfast in Whitehall. Come to White Swan Inn Bed & Breakfast for the hospitality, stay for the incredible location. This charming inn is within walking distance of stores and restaurants, across the street from a historic performing arts center, one block away from the bike trail, just up the hill from White Lake, and a short drive to the fantastic sunsets at Lake Michigan.
The Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast, situated along Ludington Avenue in Ludington, is just five blocks from shopping, antiquing, restaurants, breweries, ice cream, and entertainment. Each of the five rooms and suites offer private baths and a comfortable night’s sleep. Enjoy Michigan’s spring and summer seasons and wander outside to enjoy the beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces. You’ll also find many other charming bed & breakfasts and other accommodations in Ludington for your next stay.
Mecosta County has a plethora of bed & breakfasts (and more) for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in cabins, cottages, or bed & breakfasts, Mecosta County has a place for you to rest your head.
Feel at home on vacation on one of Isabella County’s bed and breakfasts: Enjoy convenient access to Downtown Mt. Pleasant, home to museums, restaurants, boutiques, and more. Or take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in a country-side cottage. Whichever you prefer, the unique area bed & breakfast accommodations have what you seek. Learn more about Isabella County’s unique bed & breakfast options at the Mt. Pleastant Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Enjoy a relaxing weekend on the Leelanau Peninsula. Visit the Inn at Black Star Farms for a weekend of luxury, featuring a farm-fresh breakfast each morning of your stay. What are you waiting for? Book your next up north getaway!
More North Region and Upper Peninsula Bed & Breakfasts:
Fountain Street Church, housed in maybe the most historic house of prayer in downtown Grand Rapids but with members Kent County wide and beyond, prides itself on many things — not the least of which is often being seen as the most liberal church in the region.
So while the church has been honoring its past during its 150th anniversary year, a multi-event celebration reaching its peak Sunday, Sept. 15, with its Grand Celebration Street Party, it is also looking forward to what’s next for the church.
Part of the reason for the street party, however, is to invite the greater Grand Rapids community to learn more about Fountain Street and, maybe, become part of its future.
Fountain Streeter Todd Johnson with the church in background. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“In order to look into the future, you have to be willing to look into the past. And that is what we are doing,” Todd Johnson, co-chair of the chruch’s 150th Celebration committee, said to WKTV. “We are saying ‘Look at all we have done in the last 150 years, let celebrate that. And then let’s say ‘What is the future for Fountain Street Church?’ … We are celebrating the past as a step into the future.”
(For a unique look at the history of Fountain Street Church, WKTV asked Senior Minister W. Frederick Wooden for his pivotal persons in the life of the church. Read the story here.)
Judy Botts, a coordinator of the street party, detailed the many facets of the free-to-the public Sept. 15 event, which will run from 12-4 p.m. and will take place in a closed-to-traffic block between the Grand Rapids Public Library and Fountain Street Church. The party will include face painting and a Henna tattoo artist on site, individual and family photographs, a bounce house and corn hole tournament, cotton candy and snow cones, live music from the B-Side Growlers, a mime artist, food, and a welcoming address from former Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell, who will deliver a speech titled: “Why Grand Rapids Needs Fountain Street Church.”
WKTV Community Media’s Voices project is also partnering with Fountain Street Church on a special oral history project, with a WKTV representative present to talk about the project. Voices is the personal and family oral history project with the mission “to collect, share and preserve the narratives of people in our community … (stories) of our lives; of people from all walks of life.” (For more information on Voices, visit wktvvoices.org .)
Fountain Streeter Judy Botts. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“What we want to happen is, yes, many Fountain Streeters to come — past and present people who attend this church,” Botts said. But it is not just for those who know Fountain Street and its many facets. “This is a diverse group of people that seek answers to questions that they have regarding religion. It is a very open community. We welcome all people and their thoughts. We will share the different groups we have here that they (the public) might be interested in joining.”
The 150th celebration events so far have certainly showed that diversity.
After starting with a kickoff party in December of last year, in March there were special programs on the History of Women at Fountain Street Church, in April many members of the church went to Brewery Vivant for a celebration of a special brew release — the “Fountain Streeter” — and they liked it so much then did it again in August. There was also a Spirit of the Arts show, a sort of talent show for Fountain Streeters, and a special Memorial Concert “The Spirit Sings!” featuring the church’s Oratorio Choir and the Aquinas College Chorus highlighted by the world premiere of “Tell All the Truth” by Nicholas Palmer.
Maybe the most well attended, both by church members as well as the community in general, was the first and now annual Pride Service, at the beginning of LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June.
The church’s more recent moves to embrace the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the local minority, refugee and homeless communities, was part of a discussion WKTV had with Rev. Wooden, as well as Johnson and Botts, when we asked about their most treasured memories of the church. (Read that story here.)
For more information about the Fountain Street Church 150th Anniversary Grand Celebration Street Party, visit here.
Fountain Street Church, with public art across the street. (William Thompson)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
The Fountain Street Church community has been honoring its past and looking to its future during its 150th anniversary year, and its collective memory is deep with history and tradition.
But if you ask individual members — those who attend Sunday for its more traditional Sanctuary Service in the awesome and history sanctuary, or its it very non-traditional Chapel Service in its humble but equally historic chapel, or those who are at Fountain Street for the multitude of activities and groups throughout the rest of the week — it is the individual memories that often stand out.
WKTV asked three Fountain Streeters what their most cherished memories were, and the answers ranged from a special prom for youth who do not fit into the “straight” prom scene, to a woman’s group focused on community outreach, to the smiles on the faces of children reenacting the Christmas Story.
If that does not tell the story of the spectrum of people at Fountain Street, nothing will.
Fountain Streeter Todd Johnson (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“The thing I remember, that means the most to me, is when we instituted the Family Christmas Pageant, on Christmas Eve,” said Todd Johnson, co-chair of the church’s 150th Celebration committee. “We’d been holding an 8 o’clock and and 11 o’clock service, but for many of us with children that was too late for them. They’d fall asleep. So we started a 5 o’clock service and it was just great.
“For the kids, we basically reenact the Christmas story. We have Mary and Joseph, and someone reads the story, and the innkeeper and the kings and the angels and the shepherds. The kids would participate in this wonderful service. It would culminate with each kid taking a little candle, a 4-inch candle, they’d light it and they’d put it in the front of the chancel.
“It was just beautiful,” he said, fighting back tears of beautiful memories. “They’d turn the lights out and we’d all sing ‘Silent Night’. It is just a beautiful service.”
Memories, and lifelong friends, are also made outside the church.
One of the many community outreach activities of the church, which has members and attendees all across West Michigan, are having Districts, geographical divisions with district leaders who work with fellow Fountain Streeters on activities, gatherings and projects — and, sometimes, personal needs.
Fountain Streeter Judy Botts. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“I’ve been a District leader for like 14, 15 years,” said Judy Botts, a coordinator of the Fountain Street Church 150th Anniversary Grand Celebration Street Party. “It started off being a group of 14 or 15 of us, and over the years we are down to about five people. But we come together once a month and our purpose is to help people within our geographic district that we’ve been assigned to, in terms of any care services they have, to involve people in social action kinds of things, and just plan fun things within our districts so that people can get to know each other better, to make stronger connections.
“That is what makes the church, the connections that you have,” she said. “There is long term friendships that have been established here. … That is part of what a church is about.”
Minister’s has many special memories, but …
Even the senior minister of Fountain Street, W. Frederick Wooden, a man whose efforts and accomplishments are too long to list, will — if pressed — pick one memory that stands out.
“There are too many wonderful moments. That is what keeps a clergy person going,” Wooden said. “It is the moments of real meaning and power, and they do come.
“But the one I’ll pick, because it is different from the others, is the Fountain Club meetings of our high school (age) youth. Seven years ago, maybe upwards of 10, we had the idea that there were kids their age in high schools around the area that could not go to their prom because they did not identify as ‘straight’. And if they went as themselves, they would be ridiculed, bullied or harassed.
Fountain Street Church front with Gay Pride flag. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“And they (the club), they came up with the idea that we should host a prom for all those who did not feel welcomed at their prom. … Every year since, we have had a dance for LGBTQ kids — and their friends, it is not just for LGBTQ kids but everybody else. … They come in all shapes and sizes and colors … and they are just having the best of time in the world.
“There is nothing that makes you feel more hopeful about the future,” he said. “If this is what America is going to look like, I am all for it.”
As his team “went to work” at practice this week in preparation for a high school football Week 2 game at Northview High School, Wyoming high head football coach Irv Sigler Jr. sounded like an X’s and O’s football coach as he talked to WKTV.
He praised his offensive line play in the team’s dominating 59-25 win over Holland opening week. He praised his opponent this week and said his team would need to be better to beat the Wildcats on their home field — a game which WKTV’s Featured Game sports coverage crew will be covering. UPDATE: Due to technical issues, WKTV was unable to video record the game.
But Coach Sigler also went a bit beyond the X’s and O’s by talking about the “culture” of his program, which has a modest 5-13 record in his first two years but may be about to turn the competitive corner.
Coach Sigler. (WKTV)
“We’ve grown a great deal in our ability to practice with purpose, with having a sense of urgency about getting better every day when we come out … the little things are the difference between being good and great,” Coach Sigler said in a WKTV interview. (See the entire interview on YouTube here.) “I describe our kids as lunchbox kids. They come here every day. They got a lunch box and they go to work.”
In their opening night games, Northview defeated Comstock Park 28-7 while Wyoming defeated Holland 59-25 in a game which was began on Thursday night but finished on Friday night due to storms moving through the area.
Wyoming High School football practice. (WKTV)
For the Wolves, junior running back (and linebacker) Cameron (Cam) Simon rushed for just shy of 200 yards and scored four touchdowns, while junior quarterback Matthew Berg passed for three TDs.
Northview, out of OK White, had 10 new starters on defense against Comstock Park but still held the Panthers to a single touchdown. Running back Jakaurie Kirkland had 220 yards on 23 carries. Senior quarterback Dan Frey went 7-of-11 for 72 yards, with two touchdown passes to sophomore Kyler VanderJact.
Northview, last season, was 7-3 including an opening round playoff loss to Grand Rapids Christian, which ended a six-game winning streak. They were 5-1 in OK White and finished second to Cedar Springs, their only conference loss.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.
Bassnectar is bringing Freakstyle 2019 Day of the Dead Dark Parties to SMG-managed Van Andel Arena for two unique sets in the dark Nov. 1-2, 2019, at 7pm. Friday, Nov. 1 will also feature Kursa, Stylust, and SuperDre, and Saturday, Nov. 2 will feature J:Kenzo, Aztek, and Distinct Motive.
Two-day passes will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, Sept. 6 at 12pm.
Passes are general admission and will be available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices as well as online at Ticketmaster.com. See Ticketmaster for all current pricing and availability.
In keeping with the traditions of this special Mexican Holiday, Bassnectar will be setting up a Remembrance Altar, to honor those lost but still cherished in our hearts — in doing this one can sense an even deeper respect for life, and for all the radiant beauty of the present moment.
Aaaaaaannnnnnnd: party-goers are encouraged to paint their faces — feel free to share inspiration with one another, and for those who don’t arrive in face paint, the Bass Network will set up face-painting stations!
Get ready for the unexpected, the strange, and downright weird… freestyle, darkstyle, wildstyle, FREAKSTYLE!!!
This is an 18+ event
About Bassnectar
By combining sound and force with weight, the Bassnectar experience engulfs the senses. The experience of Bassnectar is more visceral than auditory, as the music sets any stage for an adventure without rules or limitations. On Bassnectar’s stage, there is no hesitation in fusing the familiar with the strange or the classic with the cutting edge.
Bassnectar is the brainchild of Lorin Ashton, and his open-sourced musical project is as diverse as it is imaginary, as raw as it is meticulous, and as fierce as it is stunning. Spanning the spectrum of sonic style, the music draws inspiration from every genre imaginable and supplies a synthesis of intense, wobbling basslines and hypnotic soundscapes for a devout international audience that desires the beautiful and the bestial in the same breath.
Tulip Time® Festival (www.tuliptime.com) announces the return of Klompen Garden, a hugely popular public art project which debuted in 2019. Klompen Garden will showcase 20 pairs of artfully designed large ‘wooden’ shoes installed in city parks and tulip beds throughout the downtown Holland area.
Artists living in Ottawa, Allegan, Kent, Muskegon and Kalamazoo counties are invited to submit a design concept and sketch for this one-of-a-kind art project. Concepts will be accepted through an online submission form until Oct. 14, 2019, at 11:59pm EST. Of the submitted concepts, 20 will be selected to create the Klompen Garden.
Tulip Time will supply each selected artist or group of collaborating artists with a large pair (34”L x 12”W x 12”H) of ‘wooden’ shoes, through which artists are encouraged to bring their concept to life.
Upon completion of the 20 projects, a juror vote and public vote will determine the favorite klompen. Tulip Time has invited John Berry to serve as this year’s Klompen Garden juror. Berry will select one grand prize winner who will be awarded $1,000 at the First Bloem Reception in February. The winning pair will be displayed at Holland Area Arts Council for the duration of the festival.
The public will also have a chance to vote for their favorites of the remaining 19 klompen between May 2–19, 2020. The top three public picks will be announced on May 10. Of the public votes, first place will be awarded $500, second place will be awarded $300 and third place will be awarded $200. Visit www.tuliptime.com/klompen-garden for full entry details and competition information!
For additional details, contact Julia Van Fleet at julia@tuliptime.com or 616.396.4221 x104. Follow this project now through the festival by using #klompengarden!
About the juror:
Former Vice President of Corporate Communications at Herman Miller, John Berry was also the founder and first Executive Director of Design West Michigan and founder and first Director of the Design Thinking Academy at Grand Valley State University. John has an MFA in Design from Cranbrook Academy of Art and a BS in Design and Spanish from Indiana University.
Then U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and Vietnamese Minister General Phung Quang Thanh sign a joint statement after a 2015 meeting at the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense in Hanoi, Vietnam. (DoD/Glenn Fawcett)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
If you look in the history books, international relations between the United States and the countries of Vietnam, Germany and Japan have had dark periods of political axis when American was at war with each.
But if you look at modern international and strategic relationship, all three are among America’s most important economic partners and military allies in the world.
So it is fitting that the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan (WACWM) begins its 70th year of with a fall series titled “Global 2020: Three Strategic International Relationships”, where America’s relationship with Vietnam, Germany and Japan will each be focused on for a night.
The three evening presentations — Vietnam on Sept. 20, Germany on Oct. 8 and Japan on Oct. 29 — are scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Donnelly Center on the campus of Aquinas College.
“These three countries — Vietnam, Germany and Japan —all have obviously complicated historical relationships with the U.S.,” Michael Van Denend, WACWM executive director, said in supplied material. “But no one would deny the strategic importance of all three nations to U.S. foreign policy and trade today. We’re interested in discussing how the countries are currently collaborating.”
On Wednesday, Sept. 25, Ed Martini, associate provost at Western Michigan University and director of the school’s Extended University Programs, will speak on “Vietnam, the United States, and the Long Road to Peace.” Martini, a professor of history, has centered his research on Vietnam, and he is the author of “Agent Orange: History, Science, and the Politics of Uncertainty”.
Germany is the focus on Tuesday, Oct. 8, as the Consul General for Germany in the Midwest, Wolfgang Moessinger presents “Wunderbar Together: Germany and the U.S.” Consul Moessinger began his work in the Chicago Consulate this summer, after having served in numerous countries for the German government since 1991, including Senegal, Finland, Russia, Scotland, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine.
To close out the fall series, Japanese Consul General Tsutomu Nakagawa, the country’s chief representative in the Midwest and based in Detroit, will lead a conversation on “The Future of Japanese-U.S. Relations” on Tuesday, Oct. 29. Consul Nakagawa has served in India, Thailand and the Middle East, and has also been a senior advisor to the Japanese government for international trade policy.
All three presentations are open to the general public for a $10 fee and additional information is available at worldmichigan.org/fall2019 or by calling 616-776-1721. The Aquinas College Donnley Center is located at 157 Woodland Lane S.E., Grand Rapids. Free parking is available at the center.
The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan is located at 1700 Fulton Street E., Grand Rapids, For more information visit worldmichigan.org .
Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz of Mandolin Orange. (Supplied by the band)
Bittersweet bluegrass
Mandolin Orange will be at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park outdoor amphitheater stage on Sept. 4. Visit here for the story.
Avett Brothers. (Supplied/Crackerfarm)
High stepping’ folk
The Avett Brothers, who had the house jumping when they were last in Grand Rapids , return to the Van Andel Arena on Friday, Sept. 6. Visit here for the story.
Sigrid. (Supplied by the artist)
Norwegian pop
Norway’s Sigrid performs Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. at Calvin University’s Covenant Fine Arts Center. Visit here for the story.
Fun fact:
What do you think a ‘bukkehorn’ is?
Epic folk songs are the most important form of vocal folk music in Norway and traditional Norwegian instruments include the bukkehorn (goat horn), the harpeleik (chorded zither) and the langeleik (box dulcimer). Source.
The public is invited to the official Project 1 free events happening Saturdays during the run of the exhibition.
From Sept. 7-Oct. 27, 2019, Project 1: Crossed Lines exhibition will occupy multiple outdoor sites in Grand Rapids, Michigan and will feature temporary public artworks by five artists. The seven-week run will be punctuated by a series of events, volunteer opportunities, educational programs and performances.
Each Saturday in September and the last week in October will feature a different program of free and open-to-the-public events that will activate the artists’ works in an unforgettable way. Many other exhibitions, community events and performances will be happening throughout the run of the exhibition.
“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with community members and organizations across the city to build out a spectacular set of events throughout September,” said Jori Bennett, executive director.
ArtPrize has also partnered with community partners to provide an even richer experience at each of the Saturday events. All Art Works is putting on an exhibition to provide connections between artists and art buyers. The WestSide StreetFair will be happening on Saturday, Sept. 14th that coincides with the run of Project 1. The Grand Rapids African American Art and Music Festivalwill also be happening on Saturday, Sept. 21 in Martin Luther King Park.
“The Grand Rapids African American Art and Music Festival is thrilled to partner with ArtPrize again,” said Lisa Knight, Festival board chair and director of the Centers for Innovation, Health, Education, Youth and Community Engagement, at the Urban League of West Michigan.
“This will be the first time the Festival is held in Martin Luther King Jr. Park and the Project 1 installations there will provide exciting programming opportunities.”
Saturday, Sept. 7, presented by DTE Foundation
Join ArtPrize and the City of Grand Rapids for a day of one-of-a-kind performances and events. Begin at Rosa Parks Circle at noon to kick off the inaugural Project 1 exhibition with a headlining performance from BANDALOOP. From 2-5pm enjoy the Martin Luther King Jr Park community kick-off with a headlining performance by Jordan Hamilton.
While downtown, stop in to see the All Art Works Show: Great Art at Great Prices at 37 Ottawa Ave NW from 10am to 6pm — 200 artists of every career level are curated next to works by world-famous artists. The show is free and open to the public, and all artwork is for sale and priced for fledgling and experienced buyers. The show runs from Sept. 6 through 10.
Evening programming includes an artist panel hosted at Critical Infrastructure at the Tanglefoot site. After the talk, the Disability Drag Show, presented by DisArt, be taking place at a venue to be announced.
Saturday, Sept. 14, presented by Meijer
Start the second weekend of Project 1 at the WestSide StreetFair on Broadway and Bridge from 11am to 6pm. Enjoy live music, art and educational activities for the whole family. Community partners John Ball Zoo, Experience Live Art, Artists Creating Together, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Comedy Project, Gilda’s Club and more will be there.
Be sure to check out Meijer’s Grand Taste Truck sited at Rosa Parks Circle, which will be giving food and household items out. There will be art activities happening from 11am to 3pm.
Then don’t miss an unforgettable evening of light, sound and community at this one-night-only performance at Blue Bridge Amplified, presented by Founder’s Brewing Company. Electronic beat-maker and headliner, Dan Deacon, as well as an array of local artists and musicians will take over Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s Voice Bridge, activating the sound system and 400+ lights that will traverse Grand Rapids’s iconic Blue Bridge from 8-11pm.
Saturday, Sept. 28, presented by DisArt and SiTE:LAB
For the final Saturday in September, join DisArt and its collaborators as they present Voices an immersive, multimedia project displayed and interacted with throughout the Tanglefoot site. Designed as both an aesthetic and archiving experience, Voices will gather and visualize stories of alienation and belonging from Disabled community members as well as visitors to the site. The event runs from noon to 10pm, and all are encouraged to attend and participate.
Saturday, Oct. 26
Join us at Studio Park to celebrate the final weekend of Project 1. The evening will kick off with a press conference where several exciting announcements will be made for ArtPrize 2020. The evening will unfold to feature live music in the Studio Park Listening Room.
About Project 1 by ArtPrize
The ArtPrize organization produces open citywide contemporary art experiences that encourage critical discourse, celebrate artists, transform urban space and promote cultural understanding. Project 1: Crossed Lines is the first in a series of multi-sited public art exhibitions to take place between biennial ArtPrize competitions.
The Lee High School boys soccer team is off to a 6-0 start this season, and coach Jaime Ramirez has plenty of reasons to smile about their goals of a conference title. (WKTV)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
Lee High School boys soccer coach Jaime Ramirez likes the state of his program, top to bottom, from the nearly 40 kids in the middle school program to the deep, talented varsity roster that has posted a 6-0 early-season record heading into a cross-town rivalry with Godwin Heights on Thursday, Aug. 29.
But Ramirez and his newly-named Legends expect more after last season’s 18-7 record including two playoff wins with an 8-3 record in OK Conference Silver standings, and this season’s fast start including a 2-1 comeback road win over Grandville Calvin Christian in conference play.
“The kids are working really hard. They have ambitions to make history on their own this year. The last conference championship we had was in 2010,” Rameriez said to WKTV early this week. “They are anxious to put another conference championship on their shoulders.”
The Lee boys soccer game at Godwin Heights will be this week’s WKTV High School Sports Featured Game of the Week.
Lee lost only two players from last year’s squad and feature not only five seniors and five juniors on the varsity roster, but also several young players who are too good to keep off the varsity roster.
“That is what is making the team pretty strong,” Ramirez said. “This is my dream team. I can substitute like four of them and not notice a big difference on the team, which is what I believe all the coaches dream for.”
Coach (reluctantly) pointed out several players who are the “players to watch” on the offensive side of the squad, starting with senior Raul Antonio Montañez — “He is one ofr the best leaders I have. He works hard every single game and, right now, he is the number one we are looking for. … but like I said, we have a lot of good players coming back.”
Among those “good players coming back” is senior goalkeeper Jorge Andres Montes — “He is another straight-up leader.” As is junior Gerardo Montañez and senior Tristan Perez.
“I’ve got quite a few of them,” Ramirez said. “On defense I’ve got (sophomore) Alexander Ruiz, he is really good. And I’ve got a couple others coming back … (but) my midfielders are new this year. Wili Diaz has been playing really good. And Leonardo Maldonado, I put him up (on varsity), he was playing JV last year. … We have a lot of good players, it is hard for me to name just a few.”
The depth, on the varsity team and in the program, is not something the Legends have had in past years.
The Lee High School varsity team before a recent game. (WKTV)
“We have, if I’m not mistaken, something like 38 kids in the middle school program, and we are shooting to have two teams,” Ramirez said. “Back in 2007, when I started as a coach, I had 13 players on varsity. That’s it. That says something right there.
“The program is getting better and better. We’ve got more kids joining and we got a girls (program building the numbers) too. … The kids they really want to do things.”
And what the varsity “kids” want to do is win a conference title for a school which has struggled in many varsity sports in recent years.
“I talked to the guys and I keep telling them ‘We’ve got a lot of chances, a lot of potential to become OK champs this year.’ I’m not going to say we will, because I don’t like to say that. I’m going to say we’re going to try really hard.”
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.
“Only one is a wanderer; two together are always going somewhere.”
Madeleine Elster/Judy Barton from ‘Vertigo’
The cars are here! The cars are here!
Ladies and gentlemen, the days you’ve all been waiting for — this year’s Metro Cruise is Friday and Saturday, Aug. 23 and 24, and it’s packed with more to do and see, according to organizers. Started 15 years ago by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce to encourage businesses and patrons to travel the “Sunset Strip of Grand Rapids,” the annual event has become a two-day car extravaganza with more than 100,000 people attending. Go here for the scoop.
Pick out your partner and join in the fun
Admission is free to the Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival at Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center, this weekend Friday-Sunday, Aug. 23-25, and there will be plenty of inexpensive parking in Parking Lot Areas 7, 8, and 9 for those who don’t mind a short walk. Fun activities during the festival include music, dancing, authentic Polish food, the paczki eating contest, crowning of the busia queen and more. Learn all about it here.
Who’s the Faire-est one of all?
Courtesy Grand Rapids Public Museum
Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors. It happens Saturday, Aug. 24 from 10am-5pm at the GRPM. More info here.
No Alabama tonight
Courtesy Alabama
Hey, they really wanted to continue their 50th Anniversary Tour at the VanAndel Arena tonight, but lead singer Randy Owen’s ongoing complications with cluster migraines and vertigo have laid him low. The group had hoped to continue its record-breaking 50-city tour, however, doctors have advised more time is needed for Owen to fully recover. Rescheduled dates for the tour will be announced in the coming weeks.
Alabama’s lead singer, Randy Owen joins roughly 69 million people—nearly one-third of people over the age of 40 in the U.S.—who experience vertigo at least once in their lives. Curiously, dancing can make it better. Hey! Hie thee down to the Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival this weekend and put it to the test.
The high school soccer season has already started with football close behind.
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
WKTV’s high school sports coverage truck will all over our local Wyoming and Kentwood football teams this season, but with a change of schedule for Wyoming Lee High School’s football team, we have switched our coverage to the other “football” — we will be at Godwin Heights as the Wolverines host the Lee Legends for a boys soccer game Thursday, Aug. 29.
As far as the Lee football game is concerned, after the originally scheduled home game against White Cloud was cancelled by the visiting school, Lee added a second game against Grandville Calvin Christian, which will be at Lee on Thursday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m.
And, there is no shortage of high school sports action all over the Wyoming and Kentwood area, so check out something live if you can.
Where and when to see featured games
Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org .
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.
Following is this weeks’s schedule:
Saturday, Aug. 24 Girls Volleyball Tri-Unity Christian vs TBA – WMVOA Invitational @ MSA Fieldhouse Godwin Heights vs TBA – Officials for Kids Tourney @ MSA Fieldhouse Potter’s House vs TBA – Official for Kids Tourney @ MSA Fieldhouse Zion Christian vs TBA – WMVOA Invitational @ MSA Fieldhouse South Christian @ Grand Haven Boys Tennis South Christian @ East Kentwood – EK Invite TBA @ Wyoming – David Bentley Tournament Boys / Girls Cross Country South Christian @ East Kentwood Wyoming Lee @ Muskegon Catholic Central Boys Soccer TBA @ Zion Christian – Zion Soccer Invite Boys Water Polo East Kentwood @ Ann Arbor Pioneer – Pioneer Invite Girls Volleyball East Kentwood @ Grand Haven – Lakeshore Classic
Monday, Aug. 26 Boys Soccer Tri-Unity Christian @ NorthPointe Christian South Christian @ Grand Rapids Christian Wyoming @ FH Eastern Hudsonville @ East Kentwood Girls Golf South Christian @ Muskegon Mona Shores Boys Tennis Holland Christian @ South Christian Girls Volleyball Wyoming Lee @ Algoma Christian
Tuesday, Aug. 27 Boys / Girls Cross Country South Christian @ St. Joseph Girls Swimming South Christian @ Grand Rapids Christian Central @ East Kentwood Boys Soccer NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee Ottawa Hills @ Wyoming Zion Christian @ Saugatuck Boys Tennis Wyoming @ Zeeland East TBA @ East Kentwood – EK Quad Girls Volleyball Ottawa Hills @ Wyoming Zion Christian @ Martin – Quad TBA @ East Kentwood – EK Early Bird Tournament
Wednesday, Aug. 28 Girls Golf South Christian @ Kent Country Club – OK Jamboree Boys Tennis Unity Christian @ South Christian Girls Volleyball Caledonia @ South Christian – Sailor Invite Boys Soccer East Grand Rapids @ South Christian Wyoming @ Wayland Rockford @ East Kentwood Boys / Girls Cross Country Godwin Heights @ Saranac Wyoming Lee @ Saranac Wyoming @ Wayland
Thursday, Aug. 29 Girls Swimming South Christian @ East Kentwood Boys Football Greenville vs South Christian @ Byron Center Godwin Heights @ Hamilton Grandville Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee Holland @ Wyoming Boys Soccer Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights – WKTV Featured Event Potter’s House vs West Michigan Heat – @ Hudsonville Christian Zion Christian @ Kalamazoo Christian Plainwell @ East Kentwood Girls Volleyball TBA @ East Kentwood – Lady Falcon Invite Boys / Girls Cross Country East Kentwood @ Milford – Invite
Friday, Aug. 30 Boys Football Tri-unity Christian @ Climax-Scotts East Kentwood @ Muskegon Mona Shores
Rosanne Cash and her husband, musician/composer John Leventhal in concert. (Supplied by the artist)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
The pending arrival of September means the busy October beginning of St. Cecilia Music Center’s 2019-20 concert season is just a few weeks away. And while the impressive Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and jazz series lineups have been set and on sale for months, there have been two recent additions the Acoustic Café Folk Series you might have missed.
The Infamous Stringdusters. (Supplied/Aaron Farrington)
After a busy October for the folk series — with Lee Ann Womack opening the fall season on Oct. 3 followed by an encore visit by Judy Collins on Oct. 20 — the folk series has added nights with The Infamous Stringdusters and Rosanne Cash to an already busy February 2020 folk feast on the Royce Auditorium stage.
After the Stringdusters on Feb. 6 and Cash on Feb. 20, Chris Thile will visit on Feb. 25 and Raul Midón on Feb. 27 — and doesn’t a night of folk music sound perfect for a midwinter escape from the weather?
St. Cecilia also says “additional folk series concerts may be announced for the 2019/2020 season.”
While the Stringdusters are a good get for St. Cecilia, the addition of Rosanne Cash is a sure sell-out.
“We are delighted to feature Rosanne Cash and her husband, musician/composer John Leventhal in concert,” Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia Music Center executive director, said in supplied material. “With both of their many achievements and personal work together, this will be a very special evening.”
Cash is touring in support of her most recent release, “She Remembers Everything”, which is described as “a poetic, lush and soulful collection of songs of personal songwriting and reflection.”
Rosanne Cash (Supplied by the artist)
“There is a woman’s real life, complex experiences and layered understanding, in these songs,” Cash said in supplied material. “I could not have written them 10 years ago …time is shorter, I have more to say.”
“She Remembers Everything” was produced by collaborator and husband Leventhal and Tucker Martine (who has worked with The Decembrists, My Morning Jacket, Mavis Staples, Neko Case).
One of the country’s pre-eminent singer/songwriters, Cash has released 15 albums of that have earned 4 Grammy Awards and 11 nominations, as well as 21 top 40 hits, including 11 No. 1 singles. In 2015, she was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. She also currently writing the lyrics for a musical “Norma Rae” with Leventhal serving as composer and John Weidman as book writer. (More about the artist at rosannecash.com .)
In addition to the folk series, the jazz series will open in October as well, with Fred Hersch featuring special guest Julian Lage coming on Oct. 17, followed in the new year by Emmet Cohen’s Master Legacy Series featuring Benny Golson on Jan. 16, Luciana Souza on March 5, and The Clayton Brothers — a must-hear for jazz fans — on April 16.
We will have to wait for November for St. Cecilia to raise the curtains on the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center series, with a program titled “Great Innovators” on Nov. 21. The final two concerts will be “French Enchantment” on Jan. 23 and “From Prague to Vienna” on April 30.
Tickets to all shows are still available and can be purchased by calling St. Cecilia Music Center at 616-459-2224 or visiting the box office at 24 Ransom Ave. NE. Tickets can also be purchased online at scmc-online.org. Many concerts have a post-concert “Meet-the-artist” party with a cash bar will be offered to all ticket-holders.
Country Music Hall of Fame group Alabama has postponed the remainder of its 50th Anniversary Tour, including the concert scheduled for Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI, due to lead singer Randy Owen’s ongoing complications with cluster migraines and vertigo. The group had hoped to continue its record-breaking 50-city tour, however, doctors have advised more time is needed for Owen to fully recover.
Today, ALABAMA bass player and vocalist Teddy Gentry released the following statement:
“The 50th Anniversary Tour has been very special to us. The support of the fans and their energy at all of our shows has led to some of the most fun we’ve ever had onstage. As disappointed as myself, Randy, and Jeff are to have to postpone this tour for all of our incredible fans, we know that Randy’s recovery is what is most important for everyone at this time. We would like to thank our fans, promoters, and venues and we look forward to seeing you all soon.”
Rescheduled dates for the tour will be announced in the coming weeks.
West Michigan will have its last chance to experience The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM)’s annual free summer concert series, GRAM on the Green, on Thursday, Aug. 22. The GRAM and WYCE 88.1FM will close out the series with folk and soul artists Cameron Blake and Samuel Nalangira.
The summer-long series has featured some of the best local and regional talent Michigan has to offer. And for one last night, guests of all ages are invited to relax on the Museum’s outdoor terrace and enjoy free live music, dancing, food trucks, free museum admission, art-making activities, and a cash bar.
Admission to the Museum is free during GRAM on the Green evenings from 5-9 pm, as part of Meijer Free Thursday Nights.
Samuel Nalangira (courtesy GRAM)
Concert guests are invited inside the galleries to explore the exhibitions on view during the summer months: Maya Lin: Flow, Melanie Daniel: Only Four Degrees, Self, Symbol, Surrogate: Artist Portraits from GRAM’s Collection and the newest works on view in the Permanent Collection.
Support for GRAM on the Green is generously provided by Bank of America, WYCE 88.1FM, and the Meijer Foundation.
In honor of the 40th anniversary of its annual Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival, the Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids has turbocharged the free event this upcoming weekend with top-notch entertainment and demonstrations of Polish cooking, dance and crafts.
Demonstrations on how to make pierogi (dumplings), chrusciki (cookies), beet soup, haluski (fried cabbage and noodles), mizeria (cucumber salad), crepes and canning peaches;
Presentations on Polish pottery and the fine art of creating pysanky eggs;
Explanations of Polish folklore such as how to tell a person’s future from hay straw and the meanings behind the Wigilia feast on Christmas Eve; and
Crafting treasure boxes for children.
Courtesy Polish Heritage Society
“A lot of the activities will center around our demonstration tent, which we liken to a visit to your busia’s (grandmother’s) kitchen — the place where all the fun stuff is going on,” said Marilyn Lignell, past society president and demonstrator of the Wigilia feast.
In addition, the Polish Heritage Society is bringing the internationally known Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push band to play two nights of the three-day event, along with other well-regarded polka bands, including Gerry Kaminski’s Polka Network, Dave Slivinski & The Noteables, Gary Szotko’s GPS Polka Band, the Polski Chix Polka Band and Ray Watkoski’s Family Band.
Gomulka is considered a living legend in the polka community; he’s developed a huge base of followers in the United States and Canada since he formed the Chicago Push in 1980. Nominated for 12 Grammy awards in the polka genre, he was inducted into the International Polka Music Hall of Fame & Museum in his hometown of Chicago in 2016.
Admission is free to the Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival at Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center, from Aug. 23-25, and there will be plenty of inexpensive parking in Parking Lot Areas 7, 8, and 9 for those who don’t mind a short walk.
Courtesy Polish Heritage Society
Other fun activities during the festival include the paczki eating contest, crowning of the busia queen and a performance by the P.R.C.U.A. Malbork Dance Ensemble, a dance group for youth ages 3-18 that teaches traditional Polish folk dances with authentic garb.
The Polish Heritage Society also selects a local not-for-profit group for special recognition during the festival as a way to build awareness and support for the organization, and this year the society is highlighting the Wolverine Worldwide Family YMCA in Belmont. Representatives of The Y will be present during the afternoons of the festival to educate visitors about the offerings and mission of the organization.
The Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival is the major fundraiser for the Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids, a non-profit organization founded in 1963 to perpetuate and advance the Polish culture that has been so integral to metro Grand Rapids. Among a number of its activities, the society awards scholarships annually to students of Polish descent who attend Aquinas College, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College, and Davenport University.
For a full calendar of events for the three-day Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival, please view the society’s website at Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids.
An artist’s rendering Woodland Mall’s new Von Maur wing, expected to open later this year. (Supplied/Woodland Mall)
By Woodland Mall
After retiring its well-loved “Bacon and Eggs” earlier this year, Woodland Mall is ready to unveil a new play area in the JCPenney wing.
Featuring fun forest themes, accents and features, the new play space is expected to intrigue a variety of ages from young children to pre-teens. Shoppers of all ages will be able to celebrate the new and improved play area during a grand opening event with music, giveaways and games from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 24.
The colorful play structure is positioned in front of a forest mural and has “friendly monsters” to meet, “rocks and vines” to climb and tunnels to crawl through. A cargo net and balance beam across the upper level lets kids pass over the lower level and see friends playing below. The new play area also includes “EZ access climbers,” an ADA-accessible feature that provides caregivers an easy way to take children up and into the playground area.
For parents and caregivers, the space will now include bar-style seating with charging stations facing the play area. Newly renovated restrooms, including nursing rooms, are being installed nearby.
“While we will miss our beloved bacon and eggs, we’re excited to have a new play area that’s even more inclusive and accessible to everyone,” said Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director. “With the new climbers, nearby nursing rooms and charging stations, we hope families will find both fun and convenience when they stop by our new play area.
“As our major redevelopment project continues, we are so excited to share our transformation and improvements with the community. Kids can play in a fun and convenient space with their friends and family.”
It will be an exciting fall as the redevelopment of Woodland Mall continues. High-end department store Von Maur will open its first location in the region in October, occupying 90,000 square feet in the former Sears space.
Following close behind will be Black Rock Bar & Grill, an award-winning steakhouse and first-to-market experiential dining experience, and a number of other retailers.
The Cheesecake Factory will open late fall, with its first location in West Michigan and second in the state.
For more information about the grand opening events, visit here.
The Avett Brothers, from left, Scott Avett, Joe Kwan, Bob Crawford and Seth Avett. (Supplied/PC/Crackerfarm)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
Scott Avett, who with his brother and co-conspirator Seth is the heart if not soul of The Avett Brothers, was talking about the band’s 2106 release “True Sadness” when he said “We trust and have faith in what we do, and in each other. By the time it is making it out to the world, we have already come to own our work.”
From the beginning — that sort of being the Avetts’ 2009 major label debut of “I and Love and You” — the to pending arrival of “Closer Than Together” on Oct. 4, Scott and Seth and the rest of the North Carolina based band have kept the faith if not always kept the same sonics.
“We are always confident by the time we are putting something out,” Scott said to me just before the band’s 2016 Grand Rapids stop at the Van Andel Arena, where they will return Sept. 6. “We are always confident that we have learned from what we have made, and always confident that we are going to be able to go out and put on a show with what we made. I just don’t think we would release anything we would not stand behind.”
Photo from Avett Brothers “High Steppin'” video shoot (Supplied/Ellison White)
Standing behind “Closer Than Together”, it would appear from the teaser single recently released, “High Steppin’”, as well as a “mission statement” put out by Seth and Scott also in preparation for the release, is sort of an admission that while the Avetts have lived life pretty fully and grown older in due course, they have stayed truthful to their music as it has continued to change with them.
Some may see a little bit of a dark side, or at least a dark humor side, to the video for the new single if not the lyrics of the single itself — after all, there is this little thing in the video of Scott appearing as a “rhinestone cowboy” and Seth is trailing along as what some could describe as “death.” But there is also an often recurring songwriting endpoint that love, ultimately, wins.
“My brother and I have never been more aware of our own failings in the department of golden-rule navigation,” Seth writes in the mission statement. “We see it in ourselves and we are accustomed to seeing it in our neighborhood, our state, our country, our planet. We speak daily with each other about the lunacy of the world in which we live … the beauty of it, the mystery of it, the hilarity and the unspeakable calamity of it.
“The Avett Brothers will probably never make a sociopolitical record. But if we did, it might sound something like this,” Seth writes, but adds that, musically at least, “there is no massive departure from our continued artistic language.”
And while some have suggested that the single “High Steppin’” has, in fact, a more high energy, almost rock ’n’ roll sound to it — and it does seem a million miles away from the sounds of “I and Love and You”, specifically “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise”, maybe my favorite single on a long list of band favorites — the promise and premise of the lyrics of the new single seem to keep with the same not-so-subtle artistic language.
“The best beggars are choosers. The best winners are losers. The best lovers ain’t never been loved. And first place ain’t easy. The hardest part is believing. The very last word is love.”
Anybody who knows the Avetts has heard that language, that simple-yet-somehow- deep meanings, before and will undoubtedly will again, at the upcoming night at the Van Andel and on the new release.
The Avett Brothers usual suspects. (Supplied photo)
And anybody who knows the Avetts in concert, knows that while the band often speaks softly, Scott and Seth — and usual suspects and long-time band members Bob Crawford on bass (and things) and Joe Kwan on cello (and things) — carry big sticks when it comes to live concerts. (See a review of their 2016 Grand Rapids show here.)
Tickets for The Avett Brothers at the Van Andel Arena on Friday, Sept. 6, at 8 p.m., are available, ranging from $47 per to $195 on various ticket sellers and resellers. Search you favorite.
In the wake of recent mass shootings, state and federal efforts to introduce and pass so-called “Red Flag” laws — which would allow persons with access to guns to be investigated as being possible dangers to themselves and others, and to give authorities the ability to seize that person’s guns — was one topic discussed as part of a wide-ranging inter-governmental leaders meeting Monday, Aug. 12, at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government Matters Committee’s monthly forum at Wyoming City Hall.
With bipartisan bills being introduced both in Lansing and in Washington, D.C., Peter Dickow, West Michigan Regional Director for U.S. Sen Gary Peters (D-Mi.) echoed other leader at the meeting by saying: “There is room for common sense legislation” on this issue.
The Government Matters meeting brings together representatives from the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, Kent County commissioners, local Michigan state senators and representatives, as well as often representatives of Michigan’s U.S. senators and U.S. congressman who represent the Wyoming and Kentwood area.
The next meeting will be Sept. 9 at Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, from 8 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
The intergovernmental discussion hosted by the chamber focuses on issues that effect residents and businesses in the two cities.
For more information about the chamber and Government Matters visit southkent.org.
The meetings are on the second Monday of each month, starting at 8 a.m. WKTV Journal will produce a highlight story after the meeting. But WKTV also offers replays of the latest meeting on Wednesdays at 7 p.m., as well as on select Saturdays, on Comcast Cable Government Channel 26. For a highlight schedule of WKTV cable programs visit wktvjournal.org .
The Michigan Irish Music Festival observes its 20th anniversary this year, and what better way to celebrate than by hosting more bands than ever in the history of the event?
The festival returns to Heritage Landing in downtown Muskegon Sept. 12-15 and features Irish and Celtic music on seven covered stages. The festival kicks off Thursday, Sept. 12 with its Pub Preview Party featuring food, beverages, and three bands in the pub tent only. The full festival begins Friday.
In addition to live music, the Celtic Kitchen and beverage stations serve authentic Irish food and drinks. The Tea Room has non-alcoholic choices and treats in a relaxed atmosphere. Other activities include the Irish Market and Irish Store, children’s activities, a cultural center, and a session tent. FEIS, an Irish dance competition, and the Highland Games are held on Saturday. Sunday, Catholic mass at 9am will be followed by a traditional Irish breakfast.
This year’s festival, expected to draw 40,000 patrons, will host a record 26 bands. Here’s a sneak peek at 10 of the bands on tap:
GAELIC STORM
After two decades and more than 2,000 live shows, this multinational Celtic band returns to the festival for the first time in five years. Gaelic Storm attributes their continued success to a diversified fan base from several musical genres: country, bluegrass, Celtic, and rock. Gaelic Storm, which has gained a reputation as a genre-bending Irish rock band, has topped the Billboard World Chart six times, appearing at mainstream music festivals and headlining the largest Irish festivals across the country.
THE HIGH KINGS
The band’s most recent release, Decade-Best of The High Kings, garnered rave reviews, and their recently completed U.S. tour sold out many of its venues. The High Kings’ unique contemporary style and arrangement to songs of yesteryear are sure to delight.
AOIFE SCOTT
The singer and songwriter from Dublin was named the 2018 winner of the Best Irish Folk Act at the Irish Post Music Awards. Her music has a broad creative scope but is largely influenced by her own roots in folk and traditional Irish music.
ONE FOR THE FOXES
This exciting and dynamic transatlantic trio presents a rousing blend of Irish and American folk music. They offer both traditional and newly composed music, presented in an energetic and engaging manner.
JIGJAM
The award-winning quartet from Ireland blends the best of traditional Irish music with bluegrass and Americana in a new genre, which has been branded as “I-Grass” — Irish-influenced bluegrass.
DOOLIN’
Doolin’ is one of the most innovative bands of the Irish music scene. Formed in Toulouse in 2005, the band comprises six accomplished and eclectic musicians. French in origin, this sextet brings a fresh approach to Irish music. Doolin’ combines instrumentals, vocals, and original compositions in a resolutely modern style. The arrangements at times taking their inspiration from pop-rock, folk, jazz, funk, and even rap.
PIGEON KINGS
Pigeon Kings draws from Celtic and rock influences, but they’re not Celtic Rock. There are traditional elements, but they’re not a traditional band. With elements of Americana and Bluegrass, they have a sound and persona all their own. Pigeon Kings offers a high energy stage show backed by unique compositions, honest lyrics, and experienced showmanship.
THE DROWSY LADS
Jack Baker of the Irish American News named The Drowsy Lads the “Best Irish American Band of 2018.” The Lads, out of Columbus, Ohio, have won over both casual music lovers and those steeped in hardcore traditional Irish music. They’re fond of creating their own spirited arrangements and offer occasional original compositions (even mixing in bluegrass and classical), but that never gets in the way of their obsession with the pure old Irish tunes, songs, wit, and friendship that has defined Irish music for centuries.
CONNLA
After winning New Group of the Year (Chicago Irish American News) and Best New Group (Live Ireland Music Awards) in 2016, Connla has been quickly making an impact on the folk/traditional scene. More recently, Connla won Album of the Year for 2019 at both the ALSR Celtic Music Awards and the Livvies Awards. Songlines magazine named Connla their “must-see act” for their UK tour and proclaimed, “A band this young shouldn’t be this good.”
THE CONIFERS
The five young musicians that make up The Conifers met while studying traditional music at the University of Limerick. They have since developed a lasting friendship, which is evident in their music. In 2018, The Conifers, whose music is energetic and lively with a wholesome sound, won first place in the prestigious Michigan Irish Music Initiative competition in Dundalk.
Advance tickets and passes for this year’s Michigan Irish Music Festival are available online (patrons save $5 per ticket online vs. the gate price). The festival offers an Early-In Free promotion on Friday only from 5 to 6pm, sponsored by Family Financial Credit Union. Other major sponsors of the festival include G&L, Van’s Car Wash and Budweiser. The Delta Hotels by Marriott and Shoreline Inn are host hotels for the festival. For complete festival information, and the announcement of additional bands, visit www.michiganirish.org. Find ticket into here.
Mandolin Orange is a North Carolina based band led by singer-songwriter Andrew Marlin and multi-instrumentalist Emily Frantz. (Supplied/Kendall Bailey)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
One of the great things about the Meijer Gardens Summer Concert series is catching up with emerging bands just making their national headlining splash, or tour-tested bands making a stop between somewhere and Chicago.
Not really sure where Mandolin Orange fits into that spectrum, but the North Carolina based band led by singer-songwriter Andrew Marlin and multi-instrumentalist Emily Frantz have a growing reputation on the alt-Americana scene (if that is such a thing?), but may well be new to most of the audience at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park outdoor amphitheater stage on Sept. 4.
I expect the introduction to be good for all of us, as their sweet-sounding music is as familiar as it is rare.
And speaking of sweet sounds … ya, I know; a little cheesy … you will probably not find two more sweet voices than that of lead singer Marlin and harmonizer Frantz, as evidenced by “The Wolves”, one of the singles off the band’s most recent release, from February of this year, “Tides of a Teardrop”.
As evidenced by “Tides of a Teardrop”, Marlin not only writes sweet songs, he often writes bittersweet songs.
As the new release was being created, according to supplied material, Marlin wrote the songs, “as he usually does, in a sort of stream of consciousness, allowing words and phrases to pour out of him as he hunted for the chords and melodies. Then, as he went back to sharpen what he found, he found something troubling and profound. Intimations of loss have always haunted the edges of their music, their lyrics hinting at impermanence and passing of time.”
For this album, Marlin and Frantz enlisted their touring band, and, having recorded all previous albums live in the studio, they approached the recording process in a different way this time.
“We went and did what most people do, which we’ve never done before — we just holed up somewhere and worked the tunes out together,” Frantz said in supplied material.
“This record is a little more cosmic, almost in a spiritual way — the space between the notes was there to suggest all those empty spaces the record touches on,” Marlin adds.
And the record is clearly touching a receptive audience.
“Tides Of A Teardrop”, when it was released, debuted at #1 on four different Billboard charts: Heatseekers, Folk/Americana, Current Country Albums and Bluegrass.
The band’s last record, 2016’s “Blindfaller”, was their breakout, earning them raves from Vox and NPR Music, and since then they have played Red Rocks with The Avett Brothers, played Bonnaroo as well as the Newport Folk Festival.
Mandolin Orange’s Wednesday, Sept. 4, concert, With Bonny Light Horseman opening, will start at 7 p.m. (5:45 p.m. gates open), with a $40 general admission ticket price. For more information and tickets visit meijergardens.org .
Grand Rapids has a great lineup of breweries and beers. (Supplied)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
My Beers City Passport is getting a little crowded but there are always new places to explore, and after all that’s why the passport has those blank pages in the back — pages which came in handy last weekend when my wife and I had a vision quest but needed MapQuest to find Speciation Artisan Ales in Comstock Park.
The quest was accomplished and our thirst was quenched, with a fruity sour beer for my partner and a hefty IPA for me. They are apparently known for their sour beers.
And what sort of a place is Speciation? As only one bit of evidence, on Wednesday, Aug. 21, the brewery and pub will host a Bill Murray Birthday Party when, they say, “We are celebrating the life and work of Bill Murray with a very special birthday party. Special Bill Murray themed beers served in custom Bill Murray glassware. Bill Murray themed trivia begins at 7 p.m., with Quizmaster Quinn. Costumes are encouraged.”
Not sure what a Bill Murray costume might be, but sounds like fun to me.
Check out this and other events at Speciation Artisan Ales — and how to get there — by visiting speciationartisanales.com .
Anyway, placing a new stamp in my passport got me thinking about what I’m missing these days, so thinking I have the Greater Grand Rapids area choices well in hand, and with the help of the West Michigan Tourist Association. I made a short list of places to visit not too far out to town.
In the Saugatuck-Douglas area, is the new Waypost Brewing Company in Fennville looks like a good day trip destination. You got to love their motto “Waypost brewing Co. is founded on the notion that good beer speaks for itself, and the best ones sing.” For more information visit here.
A little closer to home is Old Boys Brewhouse, in Spring Lake, which not only has a dog in their logo but also beers named “DogTail” and “Kennel King” IPAs and “His Porter is the Shih Tzu”. For more information visit here.
GR’s Beer City Fall Crawl starts at Downtown Market
Not that we’ll need a good reason to do a little bar hoppin’ on a (hopefully) beautiful fall September day next month, but the Grand Rapids Downtown Market has announced at “Beer City Fall Crawl” partnership with six other Heartside neighborhood businesses.
The crawl will take place Saturday, Sept, 15, from 1-5 p.m., and, according to supplied material, will take participants on a 1.5-mile loop starting and ending at the Market with six other stops in between — Craft Beer Cellar, Peppino’s Pizza, Tavern & Tap, The Grand Woods Lounge, Founders Brewing and The Tin Can, then returning to the Downtown Market. Each stop will have drink specials for participants, with participation costing $30.
Entry includes a t-shirt, a “Chugging Checklist” and a pint glass, with a free first drink at the Downtown Market bar, drink specials at each stop, and a $5 Downtown Market gift certificate.
With all that beer crawling, food consumption along the way is not only available but advisable, at the Downtown Market or along the route.
“Grand Rapids is known as Beer City, and we’re so fortunate to be in the midst of tons of great bars and breweries here in Heartside,” Amanda Gielczyk, VP of the Downtown Market, said in supplied material. “The Fall Crawl is a great way to partner with our neighbors and create a one-of-a-kind experience, and more importantly a reason for participants to support seven local businesses all in one day.”
Bell’s Two Hearted, celebrating a birthday, wins national awards
Bells’ Brewery his holding a two-prong, Two Hearted celebration this week. Not only idd the beer recently gain another national award, but Two Hearted Day, Aug.15, marks the anniversary that Two Hearted Ale debuted in 1997.
“Two Hearted Ale is a special beer for us at the brewery and for many beer lovers,” Larry Bell, president and founder of Bell’s Brewery, said in supplied material. “We’re excited to celebrate with everyone this week. It’s a celebration of all of the people who work tirelessly to make Two Hearted the best quality beer it can be every day. It’s also a tribute to all of the fans who love the beer and helped make it what it is today.”
Bell’s Brewery and two of its beers — Two Hearted Ale and Hopslam Ale — were recognized again in this year’s Best Beers in America survey from Zymurgy magazine. (Ya, that’s a real magazine!)
According to supplied material, Two Hearted was No. 1 in the Top-Ranked Beers category and Bell’s Brewery itself was named top brewery. This is the third consecutive year that Two Hearted has claimed this honor. It came in second to Russian River’s Pliny the Elder for seven straight years previously. Hopslam Ale also placed in the top-ranked beers list tied at No. 7.
Full personal connection disclosure: When in doubt at an unknown pub, if there is Two Hearted on tap, it’s mine. And, in case you’ve never tried Northern California’s Russian River brews, Pliny included, you should check it out.
Also, just so you know, the American Homebrewers Association (AHA), which publishes Zymurgy, annually chooses as favorites up to five of their favorite commercial beers available for purchase in the U.S. The full Best Beers in America list, which includes complete rankings on all the top beers, breweries and more, is available at HomebrewersAssociation.org.
A variety of for trucks will be at Kentwood’s End of Summer Food Truck Festival. (WKTV)
By City of Kentwood
The City of Kentwood and GR8 Food Trucks invites foodies and families to explore cuisine from nearly 30 vendors during the fourth annual End of Summer Food Truck Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14.
The free-to-attend community event will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the parking lot of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. In addition to a cornucopia of food trucks, the event will also feature live music and a beer tent.
“Kentwood’s End of Summer Food Truck Festival is a great way to celebrate the last few days of summer sun in Michigan with friends and family,” said Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director. “Our lineup of local eats, drinks and live music means a whole day of fun for the community.”
Food trucks attending the event include: Alt City Beverage Company, Babatürk Food Truck, Bavarian Inn Cluck Truck, Coffee Rescue, D&D’s Gluten-Free, D&W Street Eatery, Daddy Pete’s BBQ, Daddy’s Dough Cookies, Doughrunts, El Caribe Food Truck, Fire and Rice, Ice Box Brand Ice Cream Bars, Kona Ice of West Grand Rapids, Kool Breze, LLC, Lazy Man BBQ, Nick’s Gyros, NOM NOM Ninja, Patty Matters, Pig Out on the Fly, Porter’s Smokehouse, Pressed In Time, Saladino Smoke, Silver Star Cafe, Sleeping Bear Burritos, Specialty Cheesecake and Dessert Company, Summer Pops, Tamale Rose, Touch O’ Dutch and Underground Cookie Club.
Live music will start at 11 a.m. with The Bootstrap Boys, followed by DJ Snax, Molly and Last Gasp Collective. A beer tent featuring craft beer and cider will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“Food trucks are known for providing a great mix of creative bites from talented chefs with quick service,” said Alan Stone, president of GR8 Food Trucks. “Kentwood’s End of Summer Food Truck Festival is an opportunity to sample a variety of food while supporting several local businesses.”
While entry to the festival is free, cost for food and beverages varies by vendor.
Mitch Miller’s 1955 Chevrolet is expected to be on display at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2019 28th Street Metro Cruise. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
By K.D. Norris ken@wktv.org
Anybody who has rebuilt a classic car will tell you there are somethings that just have to be modernized, that some of the original mechanicals simply can no longer be renovated.
That is especially true with classic pickups, most of which were bought and used as work vehicles — farm vehicles often — including Mitch Miller’s 1955 Chevrolet, a now annual visitor at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2019 28th Street Metro Cruise, this year on Aug. 23-24.
So while “Old Yeller” carries much history with it — including its original bright yellow paint job and his mother’s graduation tassel hanging from its rear view mirror — it also carries something few classic pickups possess: a fuel system running off of ethanol.
“It’s named ‘Old Yeller’ because it had that name, that color, when we bought it,” Miller said to WKTV. But in another way it is very, very different from when it was new or when it came into the family.
A Quick Fuel Technology carburetor, some new fuel lines and cleaned the fuel tank allows the vehicle to run on 85 percent ethanol . (Supplied)
“One of the interesting things is I converted it to E85,” he said. “I put a Quick Fuel (Technology) carburetor on it. Replaced the fuel lines and cleaned the fuel tank. It runs great on 85 percent ethanol and that is the only fuel I run through it now. That is kind of a thing (when he shows it off). I’m an ethanol producer, we have the NuVu (Fuels) gas stations, and we wanted to do a little bit of proving that ethanol can run great on older vehicles. It burns really clean and has good power.”
While the ’55 may have modern technology and a little bit of modern purpose associated with it, it also carries a family history that will be passed on in the family, Miller said.
“My father bought the truck in 1992, 27 years ago, in Bismarck, North Dakota … It was his favorite year of pickup. He was a Chevy guy for a lot of years,” Miller said. “But it had basically sat in a barn, in storage, for 15 years in Bismarck … I have had an interest in older vehicles, and have redone a number of vehicles — a ’74 Corvette, a ’68 Camaro — so I asked my brothers to ship that truck to me.”
As with almost any classic car rebuilt, the vehicle was in worse shape than he thought when it was finally parked in his garage — “A lot of pickups were used as farm trucks and they were really abused. I think they are more rare than the cars. … just preserving the history and keeping them on the road.
Mitch Miller’s 1955 Chevrolet “Old Yeller”. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)
“I spent the winter of 2016, into 2017, just going through all the mechanical. Brakes. We added power steering. Radiator. Rims and tires. Took the dash out if it, got all the old gages working. … We were having trouble with the original straight six cylinder motor and we put a Crate 350 in it. So it has a little more horsepower. So, just got it road worthy. … Now it’s a great cruiser. We use it on the Interstate. It’ll run 75 miles an hour down the road.”
And with a reminder of its family history hanging from its rearview mirror, it will likely stay cruising down the Miller family road for a while.
“When my dad first bought it, my mom put her 1970 graduate class tassel on the rear view mirror and that would never be touched by our family. That stays there,” he said. “This truck will go down to my brother’s son, or my son. It will stay in the family.”
WKTV Community Media will produce a 1-hour special live broadcast scheduled to air at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, on WKTVLive.org as well as on WKTV Comcast Cable Channel 25 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, and, later on demand at WKTV.org.
For more information Metro Cruise 2019, visit the chamber’s website at southkent.org and keep up on the latest news of Metro Cruise and DreamWheels at WKTVjournal.org.
“A wise man once said, ‘In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.’ “
Benjamin Franklin
New tastes in the area
The local chamber of commerce and the City of Kentwood welcomed Wise Men Distillery and Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant to town this summer. Been there yet? Visit here for the story.
New art exhibit in St. Joe
Up for a little road trip? St. Joseph’s Krasl Art Center (KAC) opened a show by artists Jon Hook and Andrea Peterson with their immersive installation: Inhaling the Universe, on view starting Aug. 9. It runs through Sept. 29. Visit here for the story.
Polka and beer. What is not to like?
… And the Polish fest is coming
Admission is free to the Dozynki Polish Festival that will be held at Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center, from Aug. 23-25, and festival organizers stressed that there will be plenty of inexpensive parking. Visit here for the story.
Fun fact:
Polish peeps in Warren, Mich.
According to Wikipedia — whatever — Warren has the largest population in Michigan of people of Polish ancestry, at about 28,000. Detroit has about 19,000.
Doug Deweerdt’s history with his 1951 Chevrolet pickup is not unlike a lot of stories about guys rebuilding classic cars — it started out with rusty years in a pole barn somewhere, it’s always more work than they initially thought, and it often has a strong family connection.
But the story of Doug’s dad wanting to leave classic cars to both sons, and his deceased dad’s involvement Deweerdt’s rebuilding process, is unique.
“My father picked this vehicle up, probably, about 30 years ago, for him and I to restore,” Deweerdt said to WKTV. “He already had a 1947 Dodge business coupe. He picked up the truck for he and I to do, so my brother would get the car and he’d leave the truck to me.
“Well, life and kids got in the way and it sat in his pole barn for like 20 years, then he pushed it off into my garage for like five or six (years). He passed away in January 2013 and in December I decided, you know, its time to do the truck.”
While he was working on the renovation of the truck, done in about 2-1/2 years, he was constantly reminded of his father, though.
Deweerdt spent “a lot of time in the shop, after work,” working on the pickup, he said. And “I’ve got a picture of him standing next to his ’47 that hung on my shop wall the entire time,” — his voice trailing off in memories — “there is definitely a connection.”
The process of rebuild
Deweerdt, who is plant manager of Grand Rapids’ tortilla maker El Milagro of Michigan, Inc., told us the story of the actual work required that involved both family and a new friend.
“At the time (he started the rebuild) I had an acquaintance that had built a couple (cars), Jeff Myles, and I asked if he would stop by and take a look at it. You know, give me some ideas,” he said. “So he did, and, you know, in talking to him, I asked him if he would mentor me. I told him I’m not asking him to help me, just kind of walk me through certain sections of it. Which he did, and he’s become a very, very good friend of mine now.”
While Deweerdt did “about 90 percent of the work,” including a frame swap, to give him more modern brakes and other mechanicals, he finished it with a special paint job from a shop in Muskegon. He has been showing the ’51 for three years.
“I tried to keep it as original as I could,” he said. “A lot of guys really modify the bodies, shave the doorhandles and all of that. I really didn’t want to do that. I really wanted to keep it as original as possible and yet I wanted that look (pointing to the vehicle) and I wanted a more modern-day ride, with the suspension.”
And then there is the wood bed
One other thing that is not “original” is the truck’s bed — but that, too, is more a personal story.
“The bed wood, we get a ton of complements on that,” Deweerdt said. “A lot of them just do the normal wood shade. … (but) I had seen a sample of the dark wood on the internet. My wife piddles with woodworking, we both do. So I gave her a sample of the wood and said ‘This is what I want.” And she played around with a couple different combinations and this is what we came up with. … we get a lot of people commenting on that.”
And there will broadly be more comments on the ’51 at the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2019 28th Street Metro Cruise on Aug. 23-24.
WKTV Community Media will produce a 1-hour special live broadcast scheduled to air at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, on WKTVLive.org as well as on WKTV Comcast Cable Channel 25 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99, and, later on demand at WKTV.org.
For more information Metro Cruise 2019, visit the chamber’s website at southkent.org and keep up on the latest news of Metro Cruise and DreamWheels at WKTVjournal.org .
Kent County Emergency Manager Lt. Lou Hunt today released a statement to inform the general public about a planned test of the country’s Emergency Alert System.
As part of the statement, Lt. Hunt states: “This is only a test and is not a real event. No action is needed by the public. It is also important to know this test does not include wireless emergency alerts, so alerts broadcast through wireless devices such as cellphones are not expected nor being tested. Rather, this test is aimed at traditional alerting methods such as radio and television.”
Following is the complete statement:
FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission and radio and television Emergency Alert System (EAS) participants, will conduct a nationwide test of the EAS beginning at 2:20 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, August 7, 2019. A backup date is scheduled for Wednesday, August 21, 2019, if needed. The test will assess the operational readiness of the nation’s alert and warning infrastructures for distribution of a national message that could be urgent and lifesaving and determine whether technological improvements are warranted.
The test of the EAS will broadcast a test message that is approximately one minute long. Broadcast radio and television, cable, wireline service providers, and direct broadcast satellite service providers will each broadcast the test message once within a few minutes of the test. The national EAS test message will look and sound similar to the regular Required Monthly Test messages broadcast by all EAS participants. The EAS test message is expected to have limited impact on the public with only a minor interruption to regular radio and television programs. The EAS test message will be:
“This is a test of the National Emergency Alert System. This system was developed by broadcast and cable operators in voluntary cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communication Commission, and local authorities to keep you informed in the event of an emergency. If this had been an actual emergency an official message would have followed the tone alert, you heard at the start of this message. No action is required.”
The City of Kentwood has held two previous Plan Kentwood community information gathering events. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
City of Kentwood staff will be doing double duty Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Woodland Mall as the city will take advantage of the crowd attending National Night Out events to offer information and take comments on the city’s in-work “Plan Kentwood” master plan update.
During the same hours, 3-5 p.m., Kentwood Police Department staff and emergency vehicles will be present both inside and outside at the mall for public viewing and exploration — see a previous WKTV story on the National Night Out events — and city planning staff will be present to discuss planned and possible future planning of the 28th Street and 29th Street commercial corridor.
Kentwood planning staff and leaders such as Mayor Stephen Kepley, shown in middle, at a previous Plan Kentwood event. (Supplied/City of Kentwood)
The August planning community event is the third of four events offered because the city “is updating its long-range vision for growth, land use, development and open space conservation, known as the Master Plan, and is seeking public input on proposed changes through Plan Kentwood, a community engagement series,” the city has previously stated in a press release.
The Master Plan is an official public document adopted by the Kentwood Planning and City Commissions. The current forward-looking development plan considers residents’ and property owners’ long-range goals and desires, as well as local, regional and market trends. It consists of goals, policies and recommended actions to guide land use decision-making for Planning Commissioners and City Commissioners during the next 20 years.
The Plan is reviewed at least every five years but is modified and updated as deemed necessary by the City Commission. The most recent update was completed in 2012.
“The Master Plan is not a law or ordinance, but rather a guide for decisions to support how growth and conservation will take place in the City. We welcome all community members to be a part of the conversation,” Kentwood Community Development Director Terry Schweitzer said previously. “We look forward to engaging with residents, businesses and property owners for community feedback as we plan for Kentwood’s future development.”
At the Aug. 6 event, staff will be inside Woodland Mall at a table to gather input on the future planning of the 28th Street and 29th Street commercial corridor. The corridor consists of a wide range of development – from high-end boutiques, major regional malls and local retailers, to many national dining, service and product franchises. Public input gathered will focus on how to improve its effectiveness as a transportation corridor, and as a business and employment center, according to the city.
The final event, “Designing Division,” will be hosted at Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12. Community members are encouraged to join for an evening of ice cream and discussions on the future of the Division Avenue corridor with the City of Kentwood, the City of Wyoming and the Division Avenue Business Association. Division Avenue is a key gateway corridor to both the cities of Kentwood and Wyoming, requiring cooperation between the two communities.
More information about the Master Plan update is available at kentwood.us/PlanKentwood. Questions or comments may be directed to Community Development Director Terry Schweitzer at schweitzert@kentwood.us; 616-554-0710, or Economic Development Planner Lisa Golder at golderl@kentwood.us; 616-554-0709.
In a unique collaboration between healthcare and the arts, ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital, Pines Behavioral Health, and Tibbits Summer Theatre will bring the dramatic rock musical Next to Normal to the Tibbits stage for six performances September 6 to 14, 2019.
Mental Health issues affect more American families than can be accurately measured. It is a disease which is highly misunderstood and filled with stigma. Theatre has long been a means of bringing attention to issues, dispelling stigmas or at least opening up dialogues.
According to Randy DeGroot, President of ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital, “Bringing this play to the community is hoped to reduce the fear and stigma of mental illness — a biological disease — that requires the same level of treatment and follow up as any other health condition.”
Winner of the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for drama as well as three 2009 Tony awards including Best Musical Score, Next to Normal is a very real depiction of the effects of mental illness, both for the affected and their families. Pines and ProMedica have teamed with Tibbits to present the show as a means of opening the dialogue on the very real issues of mental health. Whereas newspaper articles and public town hall forums can convey awareness information, watching the lives unfold during this play creates a much deeper understanding of mental illness.
According to Sue Germann, Chief Executive Officer for Pines, “Through this artistic and entertaining vehicle we can bring awareness to the mental health issue and deepen the dialogue of a very serious biological disease.”
One in five Americans experience a mental health condition; for one in 25, the condition is serious mental illness, yet less than half receive the needed treatment. Among the barriers is lack of education or awareness and social stigma. Both of these barriers can be addressed through this artistic and entertaining professional show.
ProMedica is a mission-based, not-for-profit integrated healthcare organization headquartered in Toledo, Ohio. Driven by its mission to improve health and well-being, ProMedica has been nationally recognized for its advocacy programs and efforts to address social determinants of health. Pines, as the Community Mental Health Authority for Branch County, specializes in assisting those with serious mental illness such as Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Severe Anxiety and other brain conditions that impair functional abilities due to the severity of symptoms.
Tibbits has been producing professional theatre for 55 years and has established its reputation for quality productions.
This collaborative activity is sponsored by ProMedica with additional support from Pines. The performance also received support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs Minigrant Program administered by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo.
Next to Normal will be presented September 6, 7, 13, 14 at 7:30 pm and September 8 and 12 at 2 pm. Theatre has long been a means of bringing attention to issues, dispelling stigmas or at least opening up dialogues. To encourage the open dialogue each performance will include informal discussions and Talkbacks to engage audience members in the dialogue. A Talkback is a discussion of the show with the performers and others involved. Discussions will include health care professionals available for questions, information and assistance.
The goal for ProMedica and Pines is to promote the health and well-being of the community. With the involvement of Tibbits and this shared experience of experiencing Next to Normal, the three organizations hope to build important connections with all of the people involved with or attending the show.
“It always helps to have people we love beside us when we have to do difficult things in life.”
From The World According to Mister Rogers (p. 45).
WKTV file photo
Get to know your neighbor, Aug. 6
Started in 1984, National Night Out has evolved to neighborhoods hosting block parties, festival, parades, cookouts and other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personal, exhibits and much more. More here.
Courtesy Vista Springs Assisted Living
How about doing some daytripping?
Be a fake tourist for a day. Go to local museums, parks, festival events or even the town historical sites and city hall. You might be amazed about how much local history sits buried in these locations that most people don’t know a lot about. Go here for more day trip ideas.
Circle Aug. 8th on your calendar
Comedy-drama, Superior Donuts by Tony® Award- and Pulitzer Prize–winning author Tracy Letts, explores the challenges of embracing the past and the redemptive power of friendship. It opens Aug. 8th at Circle Theatre. Go here for the deets.
Fun fact:
Because he ‘hated it so’
That’s the reason Fred Rogers (aka Mr. Rogers) got into television. When he turned on a set, all he saw was angry people throwing pies in each others’ faces, and he vowed to use the medium to make the world a better place.
Circle Theatre continues its 67th Main Stage season with a production of Superior Donuts opening on Thursday, Aug. 8 at 7:30pm inside the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Aquinas College. Superior Donuts is brought to the Circle stage by Production Sponsor Steelcase and is rated R for strong language and adult situations.
“This is a show about being stuck in life. Stuck because of past mistakes, stuck because of one’s upbringing or background, or maybe stuck because of a crippling anxiety, guilt or fear. This is a show about overcoming these paralyses in order to find freedom, even when opposed by literal violence.” — Andrew Manion, Cast Member (Kevin Magee)
Under the direction of Mike Hull, Superior Donuts tells the story of Arthur, a Polish-American, who owns a decrepit donut shop in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. Franco Wicks, a black teenager who is his only employee, wants to change the shop for the better.
This comedy-drama by Tony® Award- and Pulitzer Prize–winning author Tracy Letts explores the challenges of embracing the past and the redemptive power of friendship.
Circle Theatre audience members can take advantage of the Lobby Bar on select nights throughout the summer, including the Aug. 9 performance of Superior Donuts. On Aug. 9, Michigan craft beer and wine as well as donuts from Marge’s Donut Den will be available starting at 7pm; beverages can be enjoyed inside the theatre on that evening.
“Our show is the story of the American Dream as told by ordinary people. If you are someone who believes that America can be the best it can be for all of its people than this is a show that will hopefully inspire some questions and no small degree of hope.” — Mike Hull, Director
Superior Donuts will run Aug. 8-10, 14-17, 21-24 at 7:30pm, and Aug. 18 at 5:30pm. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the box office at 616.456.6656 or visit Circle’s website at circletheatre.org.
The annual Metro Cruise is always a popular event, and now getting there will be easier thanks to a shuttle service provided by The Rapid. (WKTV)
By WKTV Staff ken@wktv.org
The annual Metro Cruise is always popular, with visitor parking often at a premium, and the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2019 28th Street Metro Cruise on Aug. 23-24 will be no different.
But thanks to a partnership with The Rapid, there will be two shuttle buses running from nearby but off 28th Street parking locations — Wyoming High School and the Wyoming’s Kent District Library — where visitors can park easily and take a free shuttle to and from all the action.
“The Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce is excited with our partnership with The Rapid to operate two shuttle buses for the 28th Street Metro Cruise,” Bob O’Callaghan, President/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, said to WKTV. “We thank The Rapid for their continued support of the chamber and the 28th Street Metro Cruise.”
The Rapid often provides shuttle service for community events. (Supplied)
The free buses supplied by The Rapid will shuttle Cruise attendees from Wyoming High School, 1350 Prairie Parkway, and the Wyoming library, 3350 Michael to Rogers Plaza every 20 to 30 minutes during the peak times on Friday, Aug. 23 and Saturday, Aug. 24. Exact times of the shuttle service is as-yet to be determined.
WKTV Community Media will produce a 1-hour special live broadcast scheduled to air at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23.
For more information on the shuttle service, visit the chamber’s website at southkent.org the week of Metro Cruise, or keep up on the latest Metro Cruise news at WKTVjournal.org .
Krasl Art Center (KAC) welcomes LaPorte, IN artists Jon Hook and Andrea Peterson to the galleries for their immersive installation: Inhaling the Universe. On view Aug. 9-Sept. 29, this exhibition marks an experimental new adventure by the artists and nature alike, played out in KAC’s galleries.
The artists have created specific pieces for the exhibit, including sculpture, cyanotype, and custom prints in an awe-inspiring installation that is stimulated by and made in collaboration with nature. Their work reflects on the passage of time and life cycles; it leads viewers on a thoughtful and conscientious walk through a wonder-filled landscape.
Hook and Peterson have been living in northwest Indiana since 1997. In both work and study, they attempt to live harmoniously with the surrounding environment. They apply regenerative and sustainable methods on their small farm that entwines their work and life. Hook Pottery Paper consists of a clay studio; a combined book, paper, and print studio; and a gallery shop.
Hook’s wood-fired ceramics use an intense and industrious process that emphasizes the use of local materials for firing as well as glaze-making. He reduces local plants such as hay, cattails, and thistle, as well as clay to their molecular essence, which is then used to create unique glazes. He is a forerunner and expert in his field, specifically concerning sustainable and regenerative firing and ceramic studio processes. Hook has received two consecutive Indiana State grants that aided his research of an oil drip burner system to assist the wood-fired kiln on their farm. Hook’s dedication to mutualism in the environment has evolved to center on regional identity.
Peterson’s work explores all types of paper fibers and processes including paper works, prints, artist books, and environmental installation pieces. She combines paper arts, printmaking and book arts to make works that address the human relationship to the environment.
Courtesy Krasl Art Center
Peterson received her BFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and her MFA in printmaking from University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. She has lectured and taught extensively, including at Ox-Bow; School of the Art Institute of Chicago; Sciola de Graphica, Venice, Italy; Paper Museum Steyermeuhl, Austria; Syracuse University and Indiana University. She currently teaches in the Fiber and Material Studies Department at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Krasl Art Center invites the community to welcome the artists and this impressive undertaking on Friday, Aug. 9, from 6-8pm with a cash bar, live music, and small bites provided by Bistro on the Boulevard. Guests will meet not only Hook and Peterson but also artlab artist Casey Roberts and sculptor Peter Krsko, who created the wooden interactive sculpture Ground Wave in KAC’s East Garden.
Hook and Peterson will give a presentation about their farm and regenerative practices before the opening party at 5:30pm.
