Category Archives: Upcoming Events

Even before Beer Garden concerts begin, Bell’s Café lineup is impressive

Beer, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events
Bell’s Eccentric Café’s summer Bell’s Beer Garden concerts start in May. (Supplied/Bell’s Brewery)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Bell’s Eccentric Café has announced its summer Bell’s Beer Garden concert series and there are some great West Michigan bands in the lineup as well as a pleasantly surprising visit by national headliners Kurt Vile, Conor Oberst and Langhorne Slim.

But you don’t have to wait for a big opening-weekend bash May 31-June 2 to wet your whistle and hear some great music — among other music planned indoors, The Way Down Wanderers, touring in support of their new illusions release, will make a stop at the Cafe on Saturday, May 11.

A taste of The Wanderers, and the very unique sounds of (usual) lead singer Austin Krause-Thompson and the band’s great harmonies — are available here in the form a their video for “All My Words” — gives one hankering for more of what can best be/maybe described as an boundary-blurring retro-alt-country newcomer well worth a listen.

Even before you hear the band’s music, it should be attractive enough to know that illusions, the band’s February 2019 sophomore release, was produced by Grammy winner David Schiffman (HAIM, Johnny Cash, Rage Against The Machine).

Way Down Wanderers (Supplied/KeithCotton)

The band, on illusions, in addition to Krause-Thompson on guitar/vocals, is Collin Krause on mandolin, violin, guitar/vocals; John Williams on upright bass, guitar/vocals; John Merikoski on percussion; and Travis Kowalsky on banjo and guitar.

In supplied material, somebody described the Peoria, Ill., band as having the retro sound of Beach Boys meet The Band, though I might add a little Seals and Crofts with an attitude, but with the roots music sounds of The Avett Brothers and Jason Isbell. Sounds right after listening to their sounds.

As far the “feel” of illusions? A line from the title song may be talking about the state of growth of the young band: “They say you grow and lose your illusions one day/Mine won’t fade away I will trade them in some day.”

And that is just the beginning; coming outside …

The Bell’s Eccentric Café Beer Garden season, officially kicks off Friday, May 31, with Steppin’ In it along with May Erlewine and the Motivations. The funk rock of Lettuce will hit the stage on Saturday, June 1. Wrapping up the weekend will be a family-friendly day Sunday, June 2 — a free day of family-friendly activities, games, specials, and music provided by The Crane Wives, Barn on Fire and others.

But that is just the opening act.

“With the Beer Garden improvements we are making now, combined with the incredible lineup, this summer is going to rival some of the best we’ve ever had,” Ryan Tovey, Eccentric Cafe general manager, said in supplied material.

Improvements to the garden include fresh landscaping, walkway repairs and stage renovation, we are told.
 

After opening weekend, the schedule includes Trampled By Turtles on June 15, Built to Spill on June 29, Whiskey Myers on July 9, Kurt Vile on July 19, Conor Oberst on July 23’ Sir Mix-A-Lot on July 27, The Corn Fed Girls and The Red Sea Pedestrians present “Abbey Road” on Aug. 10, Here Come the Mummies on Aug. 16’ Langhorne Slim & the Law on Sept. 14, and Zed Zeppelin, Jake Simmons & The Little Ghosts, Uncle Kooky on Sunday, Sept. 15, a season-ending free show.

Several shows jump out as must-sees, but two top the list.

Kurt Vile (supplied/Jo McCaughey)

First Kurt Vile: now known for his solo work, the former lead guitarist of The War on Drugs, Vile recently released his first solo record in three years, “Bottle It In.” While his work with War on Drugs is still fresh — remember “Pain”? If not check out the video here — he’s into solo and collaboration work these days, where it is “Pretty Pimpin” off his 2015 solo release or his great work with Australian singer and guitarist Courtney Barnett, Lotta Sea Lice. Can’t wait.

The second is The Corn Fed Girls and The Red Sea Pedestrians present “Abbey Road”. Don’t know much about either group but am picturing a great late summer day with two bands coming together to cover one of the greatest albums of all time, the Beattles’ “Abbey Road”, in its entirety. “Here comes the sun, and I say it’s all right …”

Bell’s Eccentric Café is located at 355 E Kalamazoo Ave, in downtown Kalamazoo. Tickets for all shows are now available by visiting the Bell’s General Store, also at 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., or by visiting bellsbeer.com.

Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you ought to know — weekend edition

3-bottom, Beer, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Health, How-To's, Local Business, Pets/Animals, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“Beer’s intellectual. What a shame so many idiots drink it.”

~ Ray Bradbury

Never fear, here’s more beer

Hopslam behind-the-scenes tour (photo supplied)

Because it’s never enough. Pike 51 Brewing Co. and Hudsonville Winery will host their annual IPA Daze festival at 3768 Chicago Drive, in Hudsonville, on Saturday, April 20. There will be live music and a special “Stogies and Stouts” event with a cigar rolling demonstration. And 25 wine choices, five wine slushy flavors, traditional hard cider as well as “cyser” and mead. Go here for the story. But, wait. There’s more! Watch out for next weekend when New Holland Brewing Company releases Dragon’s Milk Triple Mash (last released in 2017). The bourbon barrel-aged stout will be available—in Michigan only— starting Saturday, April 27.

Apathy gets expensive

Photo by Steven Depolo

Michigan’s U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D) will host a summit at Michigan State University on Earth Day to examine the rising costs to taxpayers from extreme weather and climate change. The event, scheduled for Monday. April 22, at 10:30am, in East Lansing, is open to the public and will be streamed live on Facebook. Read more here.

This will make you itch

Unhatched nit (just what you wanted to see, right?)

Nobody likes ’em, so why do they exist? We’ll leave that for you to ponder, but meanwhile, did you know that head lice are common among children ages 3 to 11? It’s true. They can live on all types of hair—straight, curly, dyed or natural. They are most frequently found on girls and are more prevalent among Caucasian children. YIKES. Here are some tips for getting rid of the little buggers. The lice, that is. Go here for the story.


Fun fact:

7 to 10 days

That’s the time it takes for a nit to hatch after a head louse lays an egg. After hatching, the head louse will require 7 to 10 days before becoming a fully grown louse. Besides the head, they can also be found on eyebrows and eyelashes. So, now you know.

Hello there, handsome! Hey, check out those claws.




Sen. Peters to hold Earth Day summit examining costs of climate change

3-bottom, Community Health, Education, Hard News, Politics, Upcoming Events, Weather
How much does flooding and other environmental problems linked to climate change, such as this past flooding on the Grand River, cost taxpayers locally and nationally? (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

Michigan’s U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D), who is ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, will host a summit at Michigan State University on Earth Day to examine the rising costs to taxpayers from extreme weather and climate change.

The event, scheduled for Monday. April 22, at 10:30 a.m., in East Lansing, is open to the public and will be streamed live on Facebook.

“The Cost of Inaction: The Impacts of Climate Change and the Financial Burden on Taxpayers” will focus on the financial impacts of climate change on our national security, infrastructure, economy and public health, according to supplied material.

Sen. Peters will also announce a report with recommendations to help prevent further costs to taxpayers from the failure to prepare for and address damage from climate change.

Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.)

“In recent years, communities in Michigan and across the country have seen a rise in extreme weather events driven by climate change that have cost taxpayers nearly half a trillion dollars in cleanup and recovery,” Sen. Peters said in supplied material. “The federal government must take action today to combat and prepare for the effects of climate change so that we can save Michigan taxpayers billions of dollars in the coming years and protect our planet for future generations.”


 
Michigan communities including Lansing, Houghton and the Detroit metro area have experienced several historic rainfall and severe flooding events in the last five years, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to roads, bridges, property and businesses, according to supplied material.


 
The summit follows a recent Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) High Risk List report, which identified a need for the federal government to address the risks associated with climate change in a fiscally responsible way.


The report concluded that, “to reduce its fiscal exposure, the federal government needs a cohesive strategic approach with strong leadership and the authority to manage risks across the entire range of related federal activities.” In particular, the report examined the direct costs and impact associated with climate change on national security, public health, infrastructure, small business and more.


 
Experts invited to the summit include: Rear Admiral David W. Titley, U.S. Navy (ret.), Professor of Practice in Meteorology, The Pennsylvania State University; Director, Center for Solutions to Weather and Climate Risk; Paul C. Ajegba, Director of the Michigan Department of Transportation; Dr. Lorraine Cameron, Senior Environmental Epidemiologist, Michigan Climate and Health Adaption Program, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; Dr. Maria Carmen Lemos, Professor and Associate Dean for Research, School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan; and Jim MacInnes, CEO of Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa.


The summit will take place at the Michigan State University Union, 49 Abbot Road. Public parking is available in the MSU garage located on Grand River Avenue. Additional public parking is available in the nearby East Lansing parking garages. Directions and maps for the MSU Union are available here.

 

Chamber music, with Mendelssohn, as St. Cecilia finishes 2018-19 season

Entertainment, Upcoming Events
Artists who will perform include pianist Inon Barnatan, violinist Cho-Liang Lin, violist Paul Neubauer, cellist Jakob Koranyi, and clarinetist Romie de Guise-Langlois. (Supplied/SCMC)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

St. Cecilia Music Center’s 135th Anniversary Season will take a curtain call April 25 as the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center will be on stage with a program titled “From Mendelssohn” — works by the brilliant composer and other artists who admired him, namely Schumann, Brahms and Tchaikovsky.

 
Artists from CMS who will perform include pianist Inon Barnatan, violinist Cho-Liang Lin, violist Paul Neubauer, cellist Jakob Koranyi, and clarinetist Romie de Guise-Langlois.

St. Cecilia executive director Cathy Holbrook. (WKTV)

“The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center is amazing to watch with artistry that is always flawless,” St. Cecilia executive director Cathy Holbrook said in supplied material. “It is appropriate that we end this season with them to celebrate of our 135th Anniversary.

“The nine women who began St. Cecilia Music Society, over a century ago, created a vision. That vision remains our mission today: ‘To promote the study, appreciation and performance of music in order to enrich the lives of West Michigan residents.’ We’re excited to honor these inspiring women at our final event for the season with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.”
 
 
St. Cecilia Music Center was founded in 1883 by nine Grand Rapids women. At that time it was the only organization of its kind to be run solely by women.  Through their efforts, SCMC’s historic building on Ransom Avenue was erected in 1894.

About the concert

St. Cecilia, in supplied material about the concert, states: “Mendelssohn’s combined mastery of melody, form, counterpoint, and the chamber idiom was admired and imitated by composers for generations to come.

“In a program bookended by two works of Mendelssohn from 1845, one brief, the other epic, we hear Mendelssohn’s close friend Robert Schumann’s response to Mendelssohn’s piano trios; how, near the end of his life, Brahms recalled Mendelssohn’s lyricism through the viola’s dark voice; and, how Mendelssohn’s great admirer Tchaikovsky combined the German’s signature scherzo idiom with Russian melancholy and splendor in three selections from The Seasons for solo piano.”

The specific selections will include: Mendelssohn: Lied ohne Wortein D major for Cello and Piano, Op. 109 (1845); Schumann: Märchenerzählungenfor Clarinet, Viola, and Piano, Op. 132 (1853); Brahms: Sonata in E-flat major for Viola and Piano, Op. 120, No. 2 – composed 1894; Tchaikovsky: Selections from Les saisonsfor Piano, Op. 37 (1875-1876); and Mendelssohn:Trio No. 2 in C minor for Violin, Cello, and Piano, Op. 66 (1845).

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. concert on April 25 are $45 and $40 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.

A post-concert “Meet-the-artist” party, with complimentary wine will be offered to all ticket-holders giving the audience the opportunity to meet the artists and to obtain signed CDs of their releases.
  

Fountain Street Church continues 150th Anniversary year with annual ‘Alternative Prom’

3-bottom, Area Education, Education, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Fountain Street Church, celebrating its 150th anniversary, will once again host its annual Alternative Prom — an evening of “safe inclusivity” for everyone — on Saturday, April 27, from 7-10 p.m., with the event open to any and all high school students.

“Alternative Prom at Fountain Street Church is purely a social event where high-schoolers from across West Michigan can feel safe, included, and affirmed no matter who they are,” Christopher Roe, Minister for Spiritual Life and Learning, said to WKTV. “While the event initially began as a inclusive dance for LGBTQ youth who did not feel welcomed in their high-school proms, it has grown to be an event for 9th to 12th graders of all social, religious, racial, economic, and physical backgrounds.

“You can dress up, you can dress down, you can bring a date, or you can bring a crew, but what matters most is that you are welcome at the Alternative Prom no matter who you are,” Roe said.
 

Fountain Street Church in downtown Grand Rapids, is an independent, pluralist church that strives to be a “vibrant church community that challenges individuals to craft their own spiritual journeys, and to engage in creative and responsible action in the world,” according to supplied material.

At the Alternative Prom, the FSC Social Hall will be transformed into a prom venue with this year’s theme of “Once Upon A Springtime” featuring a “Spring fantasy decor.”

There will be a $10 suggested donation and free but required sign up by following this link. Students can also sign up in-person the day of the event. Please note that all students must provide parent/guardian contact information at time of sign-up.

Fountain Street Church is an independent house of worship with an open pulpit and a 150-year history of progressive action in the heart of West Michigan, at 24 Fountain St NE. For more information on Fountain Street Church, visit fountainstreet.org .

Get tickets now for The Avett Brothers’ Sept. 6 show at Van Andel Arena

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, ,
Photo supplied

By Hilarie Carpenter, SMG


Tickets are available at the Van Andel Arena® and DeVos Place® box offices and online at Ticketmaster.com. A purchase limit of eight (8) tickets applies to every order.


The Avett Brothers made mainstream waves with their 2009 major label debut, I and Love and You, landing at #16 on the Billboard Top 200 and garnering critical acclaim from Rolling Stone, Paste, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Time. In 2012,The Carpenter hit #4 on the Billboard Top 200, while People, USA Today, and American Songwriter lauded the album.


The group appeared on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE! twice in a few months’ time. During their second performance, the Brooklyn Philharmonic joined to pay homage to Brooklyn with I and Love and You at Mr. Kimmel’s request. Their eighth studio album, Magpie and the Dandelion, debuted at #5 on the Billboard Top 200. They performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with David Letterman, and accompanied Chris Cornell for a Pearl Jam tribute on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The band supported The Rolling Stones in Raleigh during 2015’s Zip Code Tour.


True Sadness achieved The Avett Brothers’ highest career debut to date and dominated multiple charts. The Rick Rubin-produced album hit #1 on Billboard’s Top Albums Chart, #1 Top Rock Albums Chart, #1 Digital Albums Chart, #3 on the Billboard Top 200 and scored two Grammy nominations.


The Avett Brothers were inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2016. In 2018, HBO premiered May It Last: A Portrait of the Avett Brothers, a documentary co-directed by Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio. Days after this debut, True Sadness launched to #3 on the iTunes Album Chart and #1 on the Rock Albums chart. The Avett Brothers debuted a new song, Roses and Sacrifice, live on Late Night with Seth Meyers in October 2018. The song was released in November 2018, with Rolling Stone calling it a “joyous sing-along.”


Also in November 2018, the band headlined the Concert for Hurricane Florence Relief in Greenville, North Carolina, raising $325,000 to help those affected by Hurricane Florence. The Avett Brothers continue to be revered as one of the top folk-rock acts in the country.

On Tap: IPA Daze at Pike 51, big/bad Dragon’s Milk, best-tour Bell’s

3-bottom, Beer, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Recreation, Upcoming Events
Bell’s Brewing Hopslam behind the scenes tour. (Supplied/Bell’s Brewing)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

If you’re into India Pale Ales — and who isn’t on a warm spring day? — Pike 51 Brewing Co. and Hudsonville Winery will host their annual IPA Daze festival at 3768 Chicago Drive, in Hudsonville, on Saturday, April 20, during normal hours of noon to midnight.

And Saturday is (supposed to be) 65 and sunny. Hey, IPAs work just fine in the rain though.

What kinds of brew is for you? (Supplied/GRPM)

This festival is a celebration of all things “hops” and, we are told, will feature the Pike 51 Brewing Co. specialty KUSH IPA and six additional event-specific “hops forward” IPA style beers and more than a dozen other brews for the non-IPA crowd.

Entertainment will include live music and a special “Stogies and Stouts” event with a cigar rolling demonstration. In addition, there will be 25 wine choices, five wine slushy flavors, traditional hard cider as well as “cyser” and mead — I, too, didn’t know what cyser is; Wikipedia says it is an apple mead; so a cider/mead cross?

The live music begins at 2:30 p.m. with Lew Russ and continues at 6 p.m. with Nathan Dill. The Stogies and Stouts in the Quonset Hut, with a cigar rolling demonstration by “The Cigar Roller”, begins at 3 p.m.

Pike 51 Brewing Co. is a locally owned and operated craft brewery that shares space with its sister company, Hudsonville Winery. For more information on the Pike 51, visit its Facebook page here.

New Holland to release Dragon’s Milk Triple Mash

Its been two years in coming, but New Holland Brewing Company has announced the release date of Dragon’s Milk Triple Mash, last released in 2017, and the bourbon barrel-aged stout will be available — in Michigan only — starting Saturday, April 27.

The brew is aged for one year in New Holland Spirits oak bourbon barrels, Triple Mash is, and no typo here, a 17 percent ABV to go with “an intense malt character paired with warm, toasted flavor notes from its time in the wood,” according to supplied material.

“Triple Mash takes what is already an amazing beer and really amplifies all those classic Dragon’s Milk flavors to the moon — the roasted malt, barrel sweetness and bourbon all shine through,” New Holland’s Dominic Bergquist said in the same supplied material.


New Holland will release of the beer on April 27 at its pubs in Grand Rapids and Holland, with “extremely limited” draft and bottle distribution will follow.

Both New Holland’s Grand Rapids and Holland pubs will open early on release day, starting at 10 a.m.

But if you can’t wait until then, a “Tour of Legends: Ultimate Dragon’s Milk Experience” will be held at The Knickerbocker in Grand Rapids on Friday, April 26, where participants will taste samples of Dragon’s Milk, Dragon’s Milk Reserve variants, Dragon’s Milk first- and second-use barrels and Triple Mash. Tickets are $75 and come with one Triple Mash 4-pack, one Triple Mash Teku glass and one Triple Mash sticker.

For more information on Dragon’s Milk and the special release and events, visit dragonsmilk.com . For more information on New Holland Brewing, visit newhollandbrew.com .

Bell’s Brewery tour voted one of country’s best

Bell’s Brewery recently announced that its brewery tour has been named one of the top two in the country. As one of ten breweries nominated for USA Today’s 2019 10 Best Reader’s Choice travel awards, public voting in March landed Bell’s the No. 2 spot on the list.
 
 
Bell’s The Eccentric Café and original brewery in downtown Kalamazoo and its main brewery just east in Comstock, have been destinations for craft beer fans for years.

A tour at Bell’s Brewing. (Supplied/Bell’s Brewing)

“Bell’s staff shares the eye-opening statistics, colorful history and scientific advancements of the brewery in a casual and educational presentation,” John Liberty, general manager at West Michigan Beer Tours, said in supplied material. “It should also be noted, while many large breweries around Michigan and country charge a fee for tours, Bell’s makes its tours free, which speaks volumes about the company’s philosophy behind telling its story.”

Free tours (all ages welcome) are held Wednesday through Sunday at Bell’s main brewery in Comstock and on weekends at its original downtown Kalamazoo brewery. Each Comstock tour includes free samples for those 21 and up. Specialty tours are also offered throughout the year. Tours can be reserved at bellsbeerz.com .

Meijer State Games of Michigan opens registration for summer games, hockey tourney

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Kids Activities, Non-Profits, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events
Foot golf is one of the new sports at the Meijer State Games. (Supplied/CKGolf)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The Meijer State Games of Michigan 2019 Summer Games will include sport competition at various dates and locations this summer but is focused on the weekend of June 20-23 and the 2019 Opening Ceremony at Fifth Third Ballpark. Registration for most sports has opened.

The Meijer State Games of Michigan is an Olympic-style, multi-sport event that welcomes athletes regardless of age or ability level. According to supplied information, “the games embody the values of participation, sportsmanship, and healthy living among the residents of Michigan.”

Since 2010, Meijer State Games of Michigan has hosted more than 65,000 athletes and contributed over $25 million in estimated economic impact to cities throughout Michigan.

Registration rates vary between sports and can be found on each sports’ page. For more information about registration, please visit the following link .

Registered athletes for all sports will receive free admission to the Opening Ceremony and have the opportunity to walk in the athlete parade. Some sports may charge an entry fee for spectators.

Hockey tryouts are first up

Tryouts for the 2019 hockey tournament will take place in May and the tournament will take place June 20-23. This tournament will have six divisions: high school boys, high school girls, 14U boys, 14U girls, 12U, and 10U.

The fee for tryouts is $40. An additional fee of $160 will be charged to players who make the teams. This fee includes a team jersey, socks, a gift for the player and three games minimum, and admission to the Opening Ceremony.

 
“It’s cool – it’s an Olympic-style event, which is great,” David Moss, honorary chairman of the State Games hockey tournament, said in supplied material. “They do a lot of cool things for the kids, and the hockey side, we’re doing some neat things this year with ACHA coaches being involved and giving the kids the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of good coaches.”

 
For more information on this year’s hockey tournament details and registration, visit the following link .

45 sports in all will be offered

There will an estimated 8,000 plus athletes participating in more than 45 sporting events in this year’s Summer Games. The sports offered for the 2019 Summer Games include: a 5k fun, archery (3D and FITA), archery tag, badminton, baseball, basketball, BMX (freestyle and Olympic), bocce ball, bowling, boxing, cricket, cycling, disc golf, field hockey, figure skating, foot golf, golf, hockey, judo, lacrosse (girls), mountain bike, ninja warrior competition, paintball, pickleball, pinball, rowing, rugby, shooting sports, skateboarding, softball, soccer, swimming, tae-kwon-do, tennis, track & field, volleyball, waterskiing, weightlifting, and wrestling.


The Meijer State Games of Michigan is a nonprofit organization that relies heavily on the help of willing volunteers and trusted partnerships. There are also volunteer opportunities available for the Summer Games. For more information on volunteering, visit the following link .

For more information on sponsoring the Meijer State Games of Michigan, visit the following link .

For more information about the Meijer State Games of Michigan visit stategamesofmichigan.com .

Tickets go on sale April 19 for Eric Roberson’s May 25th concert at DeVos Performance Hall

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, ,

Eric Roberson, with special guest Jordan Hamilton, comes to DeVos Performance Hall on May 25, the third and final event of The Series: Creative Expressions of African-American Culture

By Hilarie Carpenter, SMG


SMG-managed DeVos Performance Hall, DeVos Place®, and the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA) Community Inclusion Group (CIG) have announced Eric Roberson with special guest Jordan Hamilton as the third and final event of The Series: Creative Expressions of African-American Culture on Saturday, May 25, 2019, at 8pm in SMG-managed DeVos Performance Hall.


Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, April 19 at 11am. Tickets will be available at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena® box offices and online at Ticketmaster.com. See Ticketmaster.com for all pricing and availability.

GRAMMY Award-nominee, singer, songwriter, and producer Eric Roberson continues to break boundaries as an independent artist in an industry dominated by major labels, manufactured sounds and mainstream radio. Described as the original pioneer of the independent movement in R&B/soul music, Roberson has achieved major milestones in his career, from being a successful songwriter and producer for notable artist such as Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, Dwele, Vivian Green and countless others, as well as headlining sold out tours across the country.


This Rahway, NJ and Howard University alum became the first independent artist to be nominated for a BET Award in 2007 and was the recipient of the “Underground Artist of the Year” BETJ Virtual Award, with Rahsaan Patterson in 2008. In addition, Roberson was nominated in both 2010 and 2011 for a GRAMMY award in the “Best Urban/Alternative Performance” category and continues to blaze trails unheard of as an independent artist. In 2011, his studio album, Mister Nice Guy, debuted in the top 5 on the iTunes R&B/Soul charts and his 10th studio album, The Box, was released in 2014.


Roberson’s latest project is a three-album compilation, Earth, Wind, and Fire. The inspiration behind the album titles definitely pays homage to the iconic group, but Roberson also wanted to use music to voice some of today’s topical issues and in his special way, include personal influences into these albums.


“Earth is self-empowering, Wind is the love and Fire is the message,” says Roberson.


Jordan Hamilton, cellist of Last Gasp Collective and the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, merges songwriting, loop pedals, sample machines, and vocals to create a sonic landscape of experimental hip-hop, folk, soul, and classical music. The Western Michigan University graduate aims to find new ways for the cello, a traditional instrument, to relate to a modern audience where it can be found playing the music of Bach, the Beatles, or Chance the Rapper. Filled with an eclectic range of songs, Jordan’s set is sure to capture the heart and mind while reflecting on new horizons.


The Series: Creative Expressions of African-American Culture is a program of the CAA and CIG designed to provide consistent, high-quality programming for members of the West Michigan region who have an interest in the various forms of arts and entertainment inspired by African-American culture.

Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you ought to know

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kids Activities, Local Business, Local Faces, Upcoming Events, , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“Look again at that dot. That’s here. That’s home. That’s us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives . . .”

~ Carl Sagan

Painting the town … purple

Because red is just so overrated. Seriously, though, Paint the Town Purple offers an opportunity to check out the artwork of some of the talented and creative students of Wyoming High School. But hurry, because it all goes away this Thursday. Go here for the deets.

“Here am I floating
’round my tin can…”

On Wednesday, April 17, WKTV will be featuring, via the NASA channel, the launch of the newest Northrup Grumman Cygnus Cargo Craft, the S.S. Roger Chaffee, to the International Space Station. For more info, go here.

Looking for a few, good members

Get involved! The Kentwood City Commission has approved a resolution to establish an advisory committee that will review and prioritize improvements to Kentwood’s parks, trails and recreational programming to align with the needs of the community. Here’s your chance to do your part! Go here to learn more.

Fun fact:

$12,000,000

That’s how much an entire NASA suit costs — just ONE suit, mind you — and 70% of that is just for the backpack and control module. And you thought a Birkin bag was expensive.

May 5th ‘Jazz in the Sanctuary’ season finale will feature Michigan musicians

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Faces, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

By Virginia Anzengruber, Fountain Street Church


The ​Jazz in the Sanctuary concert series will conclude its sixth season at Fountain Street Church on Sunday, May 5th. The concerts, curated and hosted by West Michigan jazz mainstay Robin Connell, pair the spontaneous wonder of jazz with the acoustic and architectural beauty of the century-old, neo-Romanesque sanctuary in downtown Grand Rapids. As the church celebrates its 150-year Anniversary in 2019, Connell will welcome fellow Michigan musicians Elgin Vines on bass and Alain Sullivan on saxophone.


Vines has been described as one of the most sought-after jazz bassists in West Michigan. As a student at Norfolk State University, he paid his tuition by gigging along the Virginia Beach strip and was a member of the house trio on the daily Morty Nevins Television Show for three years. After graduating, he went on the road with The New Direction for eight years, and then in 1972 settled in Grand Rapids to play for the Bennie Carew Trio and work as a technologist for Amway. In 2005, the West Michigan Jazz Society named him their Musician of the Year.


Sullivan is a 19-year-old jazz saxophonist, bandleader, composer/arranger, and woodwind instrumentalist based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He currently attends the University of Michigan, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry toward pre-medicine, as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in jazz studies under the tutelage of its esteemed faculty, including Andrew Bishop, Ellen Rowe, Dennis Wilson, Robert Hurst, and Benny Green. He has performed in a wide variety of musical settings, including jazz settings of all types and several pit orchestras for musicals, doubling on flute and clarinet. He has played frequently throughout Michigan, across the country, and in Germany and Denmark. In 2018, he was presented with a YoungArts award, which is given to just a handful of young artists in multiple disciplines.


Connell herself is a prolific jazz pianist, vocalist, and educator who received the 2017 Musician of the Year award from West Michigan Jazz Society for her widespread collaboration with other artists and her continuing work on the ​Jazz in the Sanctuary series. Whether solo or in a group, she performs regularly throughout the region.


General admission to ​Jazz in the Sanctuary is $15 online or at the door. College students may show ID for $5 admission. Tickets and additional information are available at fountainstreet.org/jazz.

Fountain Street Church is an independent house of worship with an open pulpit and a 150-year history of progressive action in the heart of West Michigan.

For more information about Fountain Street Church or the Jazz in the Sanctuary concert series, please contact Conor Bardallis, Events Manager, at cbardallis@fountainstreet.org or 616-459-8386 ext. 221 or Virginia Anzengruber, Content and Communications Manager at vanzengruber@fountainstreet.org.

Lecture on Fred Meijer’s ‘national treasure’ collection at Meijer Gardens

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events
Fred and Lena Meijer (undated, in Milan, Italy studio of Arnaldo Pomodoro). (Supplied/Meijer Gardens)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

As part of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park current art exhibit, A National Treasure: Fred Meijer, His Collection and Legacy, there will be a special lecture titled “Great American Collectors” on Sunday, April 14, at 2 p.m.
 

The exhibition, running through Aug. 25, is “a celebration of Meijer’s desire to build a world-class sculpture collection,” according to supplied material. It displays “eleven different ‘chapters’, each based around original works of art from Meijer Gardens’ permanent collection as well as exclusive loans from sculptors and galleries that Meijer knew and admired. … in addition, the exhibition will debut a series of important recent acquisitions to Meijer Gardens’ permanent collection, including works by El Anatsui, George Segal and George Minne.”

The free (with regular admission) and open to the public “Great American Collectors” lecture will have Dr. Craig Hanson, Associate Professor at Calvin College discussing “the role of collectors in the United States, and the legacy of art patronage,” according to supplied material. “Fred Meijer, as an art collector, is among a small group of philanthropists who believed that art should be shared widely with the public. He saw his collection as a tool to enrich lives through the power of art.”

Other exhibit events scheduled associated with the exhibit there will be a series of free-with-admission programs:

 
The Art of Fine Art Collecting — Sunday, May 5, 2 p.m. Presented by Linda and Scott Lafontsee, Owners of Lafontsee Gallery. You don’t have to have the resources of Meijer Gardens to build your own fine art collection. Join the owners and artists behind Lafontsee Galleries to learn easy ways to live with original artwork that inspires you every day. Linda and Scott Lafontsee have represented local artists for over 30 years in Grand Rapids.

 
Charcoal Drawing with Anna Greidanus — Friday, June 14, 3-5 p.m. Presented by Anna Greidanus, Professor of Art, Calvin CollegeHead outdoors with artist Anna Greidanus and learn the relaxing and inspiring practice of charcoal drawing. A gestural, loose and rapid approach is both less intimidating to first time artists and an effective form of observation. Class size is limited to 15 guests. (Please register online at MeijerGardens.org/calendar)

 
Summer Sculpture Walks — Sculpture Park Niches, The Gallery – Tuesday, July 30, 6 p.m. Sculpture Park Niches, The Groves – Sunday, Aug. 11, 11:30 a.m. Get off the beaten path and explore lesser known areas of the Sculpture Park. See fantastic examples of Modern and Contemporary sculpture instrumental to Fred Meijer’s collection style and legacy. Meet outside of the Indoor Sculpture Galleries and be prepared to walk and stand for at least 90 minutes, rain or shine.

 Exhibition programs are drop-in and registration is not required.

 
For more information visit meijergardens.org .

Kentwood Farmers Market seeks vendors for upcoming season

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Food, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Food, Pets/Animals, Senior Living, Upcoming Events
Vendors of all types are active at the City of Kentwood’s Farmers Market. (WKTV)

By City of Kentwood

The Kentwood Farmers Market is now accepting vendors for its fifth season, set to begin June 1. The market will take place each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, located at 4950 Breton Road SE. Vendors have the option to sign up for individual dates or for the full season, which will end Oct. 5.

The Farmers Market provides community members the opportunity to buy a variety of goods ranging from produce, baked goods, syrup and cheese, to fresh-cut flowers, coffee and handmade items.

“We are looking forward to welcoming a variety of vendors and continuing to host special events throughout the season,” said Lori Gresnick, Kentwood recreation program coordinator. “The Kentwood Farmers Market is a great opportunity for the community to support local businesses, and likewise, it’s a great way for our local vendors to connect with Kentwood residents and neighbors.”

Upcoming events include the following:

June 1 – Opening Day will include special giveaways for the first 30 visitors.

July 20 – Dog Days of Summer will feature vendors who provide specialty pet products.

Sept. 21 – Kentwood Cares will allow guests to bring nonperishable food donations to support Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry or monetary donations for the Youth Scholarship Fund, which helps low-income youth participate in Kentwood’s recreational programs.

Aug. 4–10 – National Farmers Market Week will include vendor spotlights on Facebook.

Oct. 5 – Harvest Celebration will mark the closing day of the season and feature music, games and baked goods.
 

The Kentwood Farmers Market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP, Double Up Food Bucks and Senior Project FRESH/Market FRESH.

In its fourth year, Kentwood welcomed 18 vendors throughout the season and nearly 330 customers per market.

Vendors can reserve a spot for $15 per day for $250 for the full season. More information about the Kentwood Farmers Market, including vendor applications, can be found online at kentwoodfarmersmarket.com .

Better lines, great line-up awaits Meijer Gardens summer concerts fans this season

3-bottom, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events
A probably sold-out crowd that comes to Meijer Gardens Summer Concert series. (Supplied Meijer Gardens/Tony Norkus)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

The most-anticipated aspect of the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s summer concert series is the quality and varied line-up but usually the least-anticipated aspect of the concerts was the lines to get in and after: the crush when the gates open, the lack of a (shall we say) ‘nearby’ line to the rest rooms, and the lines for the concessions.

This season, The Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens 2019 lineup will continue its great musical line-up featuring 30 shows ranging from the every-season sell-out of Lyle Lovett (whose summer concert streak will now be at 14 years) to the ‘Who is that?’ Garden’s debut of Mandolin Orange.

But Gardens upgrades will ease the other three issues, with more entry points due to extra gates in an expanded plaza area, an expanded and modernized concession area, and access to new and expanded restrooms first from the outside for those lined up and then from the inside.

The physical changes conclude a two-year effort of significant expansion and improvement of the venue while maintaining the intimacy of the venue, including the renovated the Steve & Amy Van Andel Terraces for sponsor seating, added new support areas for visiting artists, backstage and loading dock improvements and increased the space — but not capacity — in the 1,900-seat general seating area.

As usual, there will be multiple ways to lay down your money and get your tickets, in various technology forms, and not all of them require standing in lines. For all the details of the ticket options, which is its own separate story, check out The Insider’s Guide on the Meijer Gardens website (scroll down on the page to Insiders Guide to Buying Ticket and follow the link).

And now for the good stuff: who’s coming!

Let’s separate the list into who’s coming back for an encore, who’s into classic rock, and the who’s next in music whom you might want to catch up with — at least in my humble opinion.

Lyle Lovett keeps coming back to Meijer Gardens, and we sure appreciate it. (Supplied)

First the encores, at least a sampling of such: Lake Street Dive + The Wood Brothers, June 12; Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, June 27; An Evening with Lyle Lovett and his Large Band, July 26; Michael Franti & Spearhead, Aug. 23; and The B-52’s + OMD + Berlin, Sept. 11.

Foreigner will strut their stuff on Meijer Gardens’ outdoor stage. (Supplied/Foreigner)

The classic rock (and other classic) bands offering up their classic hits, from about 40 years of such things: Buddy Guy + Kenny Wayne Shepherd, June 10 (ya, I know it’s blues but classic blues.); Steve Miller Band + Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, June 24; Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles, June 30 (as close as we’ll now ever get to the Fab Four); Three Dog Night, July 11; The Temptations + The Righteous Brothers, July 28 (OK, classic soul); An Evening with The Beach Boys, Aug. 1; An Evening with Styx, Aug. 9; Foreigner, Aug. 11; and Stray Cats, Aug. 15.

And for who’s coming that either you might want to check out or simply should not miss:

Nahko, at left, and his band. (Supplied/Meijer Gardens))

Nahko And Medicine For The People, June 6. Describing his latest release, “My Name is Bear”, Nahko says on his website: “So many dear people helped me write and live these stories. The two summers I spent in Alaska, half the winter in Louisiana and the other half holed up in my van in Portland, and then the first year in Hawaii were transformational.” Sounds to me like someone worth a listen.

Andrew Bird (Supplied/Meijer Gardens)

Andrew Bird, July 18. Bird has been around but if you missed his 2016 solo release “Are You Serious”, and the single “Capsized”, which got the most airplay, you missed a great multi-leveled, alt-whole bunch of things, collection which featured guest vocals from Fiona Apple and some fine shredding on his electric violin. His visit last year to Meijer Garden with Esperanza Spalding was, arguably, the hippest night of the season. More recently, Bird has released a series of site-specific improvisational short films and recordings called Echolocations, recorded in remote and acoustically interesting spaces including a reverberant stone-covered aqueduct in Lisbon. Ya, someone to definitely check out.
 

Los Lobos (Meijer Gardens)

The Mavericks + Los Lobos, July 25. I’ve yet to hear The Mavericks but they had me at Los Lobos. The hard working, constantly touring band – led by David Hidalgo, Louie Perez, Cesar Rosas, Conrad Lozano and Steve Berlin – rolled into their fifth decade with 2015’s “Gates of Gold”, their first full length studio album since 2010’s “Tin Can Trust”, the band’s outstanding Grammy nominated (for Best Americana Album) release that is constantly in my personal setlist. Can’t wait.

Mandolin Orange is singer-songwriter Andrew Marlin and multi-instrumentalist Emily Frantz. (Meijer Gardens)

Mandolin Orange, Sept. 4. Don’t know much about the the North Carolina duo of singer-songwriter Andrew Marlin and multi-instrumentalist Emily Frantz, but I really like what I’ve heard of their just released “Tides of a Teardrop” — described by one listener as “the duo’s fullest, richest, and most personal effort. You can hear the air between them — the taut space of shared understanding, as palpable as a magnetic field, that makes their music sound like two halves of an endlessly completing thought.”

The rest, and no offense to fans of, include: Rodrigo y Gabriela with Justin Townes Earle, June 9; Big Head Todd and The Monsters + Toad the Wet Sprocket, June 20; Old Crow Medicine Show, June 21; The Mighty O.A.R. Summer Tour 2019 with American Authors, June 26; Amos Lee, July 15; Gipsy Kings with Simi, July 21; Dawes + Margo Price, July 31 (Margo’s alt-country is worth the price of admission by herself); An Evening with CAKE, Aug. 7; Sarah McLachlan with Orchestra, Aug. 8; JJ Grey & Mofro + Jonny Lang, Aug. 14 (Same thing I said about Margo applies to Jonny); Tash Sultana with Leo James Conroy, Sept. 8; and Calexico and Iron & Wine, Sept. 18.

And a few details that remain the same

The Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater tickets are general admission. Concertgoers are welcome to bring a blanket or low-rise chair to sit on. Low-rise chairs are defined as 12-inch maximum from ground to front of seat bottom and 32-inch maximum to top of chair back in highest position. These rules are strictly enforced. No other chairs will be permitted in the venue. A limited number of standard-height chairs will be available to rent for $10 (located in designated area-may not be removed) on a first-come, first-served basis.

All concerts take place rain or shine (weather delays possible). Concertgoers are also welcomed to bring their own food, sealed bottled water and non-alcoholic beverages in their original sealed containers.

Harmonious Darlingside to re-visit Spring Lake’s Save Steps Up on Monday, April 15

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events,
Darlingside is bassist Dave Senft, guitarist and banjo player Don Mitchell, classical violinist and folk mandolinist Auyon Mukharji, and cellist and guitarist Harris Paseltiner. (supplied/Gaelle Beri)

WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

If you haven’t seen and heard the harmonic perfection of the quartet Darlingside — maybe the best alt-folk band you may have never heard of — your missing something special if you can’t snag some tickets to the group’s performance at Seven Steps Up, Monday, April 15, in-between gigs at Toronto and Chicago.

The group, which visited the venue last year and hit the Meijer Gardens summer concert stage a couple years ago, are buzzing through West Michigan in support of their new EP Look Up & Fly Away, as well as their outstanding 2018 album Extralife. (And if you haven’t heard Extralife, you missed one of last year’s most best and original releases.)

Released on Feb. 22, Look Up & Fly Away is comprised of six songs selected from a handful of outtakes from Extralife and, according to supplied material, has the band “exploring the different stages of life and death and continuing to spotlight the group’s poetic and timeless ability to capture complex, ecumenical topics.

“Stretching the boundaries of traditional folk, chamber pop, baroque, progressive and indie rock, Darlingside melds various styles together to create something not easily categorized and very much their own.”

Like Extralife, the EP will undoubtedly feature Darlingside’s signature hypnotic harmonies — often using a single mic for the four voices, sparse instrumentation, and almost mystic songwriting — think space music that does not put you to sleep.

Darlingside, especially on Extralife, was said to be reminiscent of The Beach Boys, Fleet Foxes and Simon & Garfunkel. Rolling Stone Country said the album is, “…both fresh and familiar, like some throwback piece of orchestral folk-pop recently removed from the vault.”

The Extralife single “Hold Your Head Up High” was recently nominated for the 2019 “International Song of the Year” UK Americana Award.

Seven Steps Up, by the way, is a great small concert venue in Spring Lake, at 116 S. Jackson Street. While the concert is officially listed as a sold-out, it does not hurt to check, call 616-930-4755 or visit sevenstepsup.com . And there are plenty of great acts coming to the venue in the near future.

Kentwood to celebrate senior health and fitness at annual expo

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Going Local, Health, Senior Living, Upcoming Events
Kentwood’s annual Senior Expo is coming later this month. (Courtesy/Vista Springs Assisted Living)


By City of Kentwood

The Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department will host the 20th Annual Spotlight on Seniors Health & Fitness Expo in partnership with Georgetown Seniors on Tuesday, April 23 — an event which will include more than 70 vendors, free health screenings and lunch.

All are invited to connect with others, learn about local services, and enjoy free snacks, lunch, and giveaways at the free-to-attend event, which will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Kentwood Activities Center, located at 355 48th St. SE.

“Our annual Spotlight on Seniors expo is about celebrating our seniors and connecting them with resources to promote healthy living,” said Lorraine Beloncis, Kentwood Parks and Recreation assistant director. “We are grateful for the opportunity to create a valuable and enriching experience for both familiar faces and new folks each year thanks to the support of our sponsors, vendors and the Georgetown Seniors.”

Attendees will be able to visit more than 70 vendors from a variety of senior-oriented businesses and receive free health screenings for balance, blood pressure, hearing and more. Door prizes, free snacks and a boxed lunch will also be offered.

“The strong partnership between Georgetown and Kentwood Seniors has allowed us to provide a truly resourceful event for both communities,” said Pam Haverdink, director of the Georgetown Senior Center. “This expo is a great opportunity for seniors to learn more about their health, inspire movement and fitness, and mingle with friends.”

Participating vendors include the Kentwood Police Department, AARP, Area Agency on Aging, Kent District Library and the Michigan Attorney General.  Others participating include professionals knowledgeable in everything from physical therapy and assisted living, to home improvement and legal aid.

“We are so thankful for our vendors,” said Haverdink. “They make the expo a fun and exciting event that seniors can look forward to every year.”

The gold sponsors of the 20th Annual Spotlight on Seniors Health & Fitness Expo are Sheldon Meadows Assisted Living Center, Health Bridge Post-Acute Rehabilitation and Ready Ride Transportation. Silver sponsors are Vista Springs Assisted Living Memory Care and We Care 4 U @ Home.

Expo organizers always welcome volunteers. Those interested should contact Beloncis at 616-656-5278 or beloncisl@kentwood.us.

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood things to do this weekend, beyond

3-bottom, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events

By WKTV Staff
Ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“I am going to keep having fun every day I have left, because there is no other way of life. You just have to decide whether you are a Tigger or an Eeyore.”
 
                                              ― Randy Pausch
Thompson Square is the husband-and-wife duo Keifer and Shawna Thompson. (Supplied)

A little Friday night music

The country duo Thompson Square makes at stop at the college’s Covenant Fine Arts Center, on Friday, April 5, at 8 p.m., for an acoustic — and tickets are just $25. For the complete story, visit here.



The poster for the film fest.

Catch the next ‘Roma’?

The Grand Rapids Latin American Film Festival will run this weekend, April 5-7, at the Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, with free admission but donations are appreciated. For the complete story, visit here.


Grammy Award winning country-swing band Asleep at the Wheel. (Supplied)

Roadtrippin’ Asleep at the Wheel

St. Cecilia Music Center’s Acoustic Café Folk series will present Asleep at the Wheel, 10 GRAMMY Award winners with more than 25 studio and live albums to their 48-year history, onThursday, April 11. For the complete story, visit here.



Fun fact:

50.88 Billion

Country amassed 50.88 billion streams in 2018, a 46 percent inflation over the 2017 numbers. That performance slightly outpaced the overall industry, which counted 901 billion streams, a 43 percent increase. (Source)

GoT — If you don’t get it, you don’t get it — premiere party at 20 Monroe Live

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Movie Review, Upcoming Events
Jon Snow (Kit Harington) and Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) will be playing out their final scenes in the final season of Game of Thrones. (Supplied/Helen Sloane/HBO)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

There are few “sure things” about HBO’s Game of Thrones: somebody’s gonna die in every episode — and usually not in a nice way; even avid fans have been, shall we say, getting a little winterized as the series dragged on the last couple of years; and, finally, the series’ final season will be a monster. Or maybe a dragon.

So there will be plenty of anticipation, and a some shedding of blood if not tears, when 20 Monroe Live presents a Game of Thrones (GoT) Season 8 Premiere Watch Party on Sunday, April 14, with complimentary tickets available.

The all-ages party will include watching the episode on a really big screen, raffle giveaways, a LARP (Live Action Role Playing) Battle of the Living vs. Dead, a cosplay costume contest, GoT-themed drinks and wine, and a photo booth for those not fully comfortable with the selfie thing.

The doors will open at 7:30 p.m., with the GoT Season 8 Episode 1 set to air at 9 p.m. Those attending are urged to bring their own seat (camping chairs, bean bags, blankets, etc.) as, according to supplied material, “Our floor is concrete.”

While there has been an almost wartime blackout of info about the final season of Game of Thrones, HBO has announced that there will be a six-episode, 8th and final season, airing at 9 p.m. (ET) Sundays, April 14-May 19, exclusively on HBO.

An interesting thing about the planned episodes are that they are not uniform in length. The premier and second episodes will be 54 and 58 minutes long, respectively. But the final four will be about 1 hour and 20 minutes each. Haven’t read anything as to why the abnormalities.

Of course, GoT has made a habit of not really being normal.

Quick ‘catch up’, which I am sure is flawed

The epic fantasy series, based on an adaptation of “A Song of Ice and Fire”, George R. R. Martin’s series of fantasy novels, the first of which is “A Game of Thrones”, premiered on HBO in 2011.

Just in case you haven’t been a fan and plan to catch up as the creators wrap up the series’ many loose ends in the final season, Mr. Martin’s world includes the fictional continent of Westeros, where most of the action takes place.

It also has a huge — though often short-lived — cast of mostly great actors/actresses ( Diana Rigg and Max von Sydow have both paid their time in fantasyland) and more storylines than you can shake a big, ol’ sword at.

But, basically, it has three main “story arcs.” The first arc is about the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms, and the open and secret battles to control it — hint, there are few good guys trying to sit on the throne. The second focuses on the dragon lady —er, Daenerys Targaryen, the Mother of Dragons (Emilia Clarke) — descendant of the realm’s deposed ruling dynasty. And, the third, the Night’s Watch, a group of soldiers guarding a huge wall against “wildlings” and the undead — and, no, it is not some metaphor for current American politics. I don’t think …

Anyway, the show has a ton of characters who come and go with some degree of regularity and violence — although at least two, maybe more, have died and come back got life.

Samwell Tarly (John Bradley) (Supplied/Helen Sloane/HBO)
Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) (Supplied/Helen Sloane/HBO)

And that brings us to a key question for the premiere episode of the final season: just which character is going to die?

I think the early favorite is the brainy but not very sexy Samwell Tarly (John Bradley), but my money is on the sexy but not very brainy “Kingslayer” Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau); he has done his final real task, impregnating his twin sister and current ruler of Westeros to continue the Lannister dynasty.

Oh, did I mention the nudity and sex? Remember, its HBO.

The details, should you need them

20 Monroe Live is located at 11 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids (attached to The BoB). To get your complimentary ticket (and a gift, we are told, as well as an extra raffle entry) visit here. To simply reserve your ticket from 20 Monroe, visit here or email RSVP20MonroeLive@LiveNation.com .

GVSU professor to talk on ‘belief change’ and its impact at Wealthy Theater

Area Education, Community Health, Education, Entertainment, Health, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events,
Dr. Michael Wolfe (Supplied/GVSU)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

Grand Valley State University professor of psychology Dr. Michael Wolfe will present a lecture “Are we aware of our belief changes, and does it matter?” at the Wealthy Theater Annex front studio on Wednesday, April 10, at 7 p.m., in an event hosted by the Center for Inquiry (CFI) Michigan.

This event is free and open to the public. Suggested donation of $5. The Wealthy Theatre Annex is located at 1110 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids. For more information, visit here, and to learn about CFI Michigan, visit cfimichigan.org.

According to supplied information, Dr. Wolfe will describe recent research on belief change and the extent to which we are aware of changes to our beliefs.

A belief is defined as a statement about the truth value of something. Participants rate their beliefs on a subject. Later they read a one-sided text that is either consistent with or inconsistent with those beliefs, then are asked to try and remember how they rated those beliefs earlier. Awareness of belief change is found if subjects change their beliefs as a result of reading, and then can accurately report that they believed something different before the experiment.

 
The researchers also examine individual variation in people’s awareness of their belief changes to see if it relates to performance on other tasks. In particular, is it the case that people who are more aware of changes to their own beliefs are also more willing to seek out new information about the topic, while people who are less aware of their belief changes are less willing to seek out new information?

Dr. Wolfe will describe new research on people’s awareness of changes to their health status. Patients who participated in a longitudinal study of bariatric (weight loss) surgery rated their health every year for several years. They also rated how they perceived their health to have changed over the past year. The combination of these ratings makes it possible to examine the accuracy of their perceived changes in their health.

 
Dr. Wolfe is professor of psychology at Grand Valley State University and incoming chair of the Psychology Department. Dr. Wolfe received his PhD in cognitive psychology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Much of his research involves studies on reading comprehension and memory. In recent years, he has studied how and when beliefs may change as a result of reading, and the extent to which people are aware of these changes.

 
According to supplied information, the Center for Inquiry (CFI) Michigan is an Educational 501(c)3 Nonprofit that promotes and defends reason, science and freedom of inquiry in all areas of human endeavor.

On Tap: ‘Beer City Eats’ on WKTV, a party in Cedar Springs, artful pours in Muskegon

3-bottom, Beer, Going Local, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Upcoming Events
Local beer and food pairings are the focus of “Beer City Eats.” (Supplied/Beer City USA)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
 
‘Beer City Eats’, an eight-episode video series launched last month as part of Experience Grand Rapids’ Beer Month GR, is now running on WKTV Community Media’s cable television channels.

DJ Adrian “AB” Butler (Supplied)

Grand Rapids designer, musician and DJ Adrian “AB” Butler is your tour guide for Beer City Eats, according to supplied information. The series focuses on how Grand Rapids’ beer reputation has elevated the food scene to a nationally-recognized level. In each episode, “AB” interviews local brewmasters, chefs, and owners to highlight the unique and delicious dishes available at local breweries, unveiling what makes each spot a favorite among locals.

“It’s awesome to see how every brewery approaches their food in completely different ways,” Butler said in supplied information. “It’s clear that the food (in Grand Rapids) is just as important as the beer. At the highest level, they are passionate about the quality of both the beer and the food.”

The short-form video programs began on WKTV recently, after our Golden Gloves boxing coverage, but is now in regular random rotation. To see the videos on-demand, visit experiencegr.com/beer-city-eats .


Cedar Springs Brewing to host ‘Starkbierfest’, sausage party

Cedar Springs Brewing Company will host its 4th annual Starkbierfest — its “strong beer festival” — on Saturday, April 6, from 3-9 p.m., with live music, and beer, and food, and beer, and a sausage party, and beer … you get the idea.

The rain-or-shine event will have a heated tent (although latest weather reports say it may not be needed) with live music headlined by Jimmie Stagger, limited beer releases, and — because (wo)man does not live by beer alone — a sausage party.

Besides the famous Oktoberfest, Starkbierfest (“Strong Beer Festival”) is the second biggest German beer festival time during the year, according to supplied information. Historically, monks brewed strong beer, or Bockbier, which was higher in calories and a bit stronger to substitute for food during Lenten fasting.

If you not into the Bockbier, Cedar Springs has its usual assortment of good pours, including the Küsterer Pale Bock (Bavarian pale lager bock), Buffalo Trace Bourbon Barrel Aged Märzen, Buffalo Trace Bourbon Barrel Aged Küsterer (amber lager) as well as cask releases including a Küsterer Bohemian Pilsner and … my favorite when I swing by the brewery which I’m an original member of … the Küsterer original Weissbier.

The sausage party will include Dearborn Kielbasa and a Fontanini Italian sausage, we are told.

The music will have Dave Slivinski’s German/folk sounds from 2-4 p.m., the Aaron Dussing Duo playing German/folk from 4:30-6:30 p.m., and great Bluesman Jimmie Stagger from 7-9 p.m. or until the place runs out of beer.

For more information on the Cedar Springs Brewing and its Starkbierfest, or visit csbrew.com .

Muskegon Museum of Art goes on-tap and uncorked

The Muskegon Museum of Art will hold its annual On Tap & Uncorked fundraiser night at the museum — a Michigan beer, wine and food tasting event — on Friday, April 12, from 6-9 p.m. (By the way, I know from experience that only a limited number of tickets are sold to keep the crowd manageable.)

According to supplied information, the local breweries involved include Big Hart, Cellar, Fetch, Grand Armory, Pigeon Hill, Stormcloud and Unruly. (I can personally vouch for the beers of Sparta’s Cellar Brewing Co. and Muskegon’s own Unruly Brewing Co.) Wineries include Lemon Creek, St. Julian and Twisted Creek; and hard cider will be present from Ridge Cider Co. Restaurants bringing their food include Applebees, Dr. Rolf’s Barbeque, Hank’s Tavern, Hearthstone, Se4sons Gastro Pub and Village Baker.

Advance tickets are $35, or $40 at the door (if it is not sold out).

For more information on MMA events, and/or tickets for the On Tap & Uncorked night, visit the MMA museum store at 296 W. Webster Ave., call 231-720-2580, or visit the museum’s website.

By the way, there are a pair of concerts planned at the museum. On Saturday, April 27, at 7 p.m., the folk duo of Kane & Gellert will take the stage. Kieran Kane has been referred to as “the godfather of Americana music”. Then later in the spring, two-time Grammy winner Laurence Juber will take the stage on Friday, June 14, at 7 p.m. Juber was first recognized internationally as lead guitarist in Paul McCartney’s band Wings, and has since established himself as guitar virtuoso, composer and arranger, and concert performer, according to someone I read somewhere.

‘Ralph W. Hauenstein: A Life of Leadership’ extended to April 14 at GRPM

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Faces, Local History, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, ,


By Grand Rapids Public Museum


A Life of Leadership explores the extraordinary life of Grand Rapidian Ralph W. Hauenstein. COL Hauenstein was a leader in the West Michigan community, remembered for his role as a journalist, his military and intelligence service, his dedication to the Catholic faith, his entrepreneurship, and his philanthropy in Grand Rapids. Hauenstein left a lasting legacy in the United States and around the world.


Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1912, Hauenstein’s family moved to Grand Rapids when he was 12 years old and he graduated from Central High School in 1931. He was a public servant from his early years starting as a boy scout. Hauenstein was curious, inquisitive, and an exceptional storyteller, which led him to his first job as a police reporter for the Grand Rapids Press and later as a city editor with the Grand Rapids Herald.


Hauenstein joined the U.S. Army in 1935, serving first with the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1941 he began working as an intelligence officer in Iceland and rose to the rank of colonel. During World War II, he was promoted to Chief of Intelligence for the European Theater of Operations under General Dwight D. Eisenhower. An important part of his experience was the liberation of the German concentration camp at Dachau. His WWII experiences opened his eyes to the need for ethical, effective world leaders.


Hauenstein saw first-hand that many countries face food shortages. After the war he returned to Grand Rapids and became an entrepreneur in international trade and food equipment manufacturing, designing equipment to make Goldfish Crackers. His success in business allowed for substantial philanthropic contributions in Grand Rapids. He gave generously to many local causes and established the Grace Hauenstein Library at Aquinas College, Mercy Health Hauenstein Neuroscience Center and the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University.


The exhibition highlights Hauenstein’s extraordinary life, his contributions to our nation and community, and his legacy of leadership. Interactives allow visitors to test out writing a headline for the newspaper on an antique typewriter and try their hand at cracking a secret code. Photography from around the world brings visitors face-to-face with Hauenstein’s impact globally.


Ralph W. Hauenstein: A Life of Leadership is included with general admission to the Museum, and located on the Museum’s third floor.


This exhibition is made possible through the generous support of: The Hauenstein Family and The Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University. Images and objects on loan courtesy of Brian Hauenstein unless otherwise stated. The images in this exhibition were first digitized for public display by the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University. Thank you also to the National Cryptologic Museum, NSA, Washington D.C.
E

Scott Moreau returns for Johnny Cash concert April 12 & 13

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, ,
Scott Moreau (photo supplied)

By Courtney Sheffer, West Michigan Tourist Association


Farmers Alley Theatre welcomes Scott Moreau back to West Michigan for a special, one-weekend only concert event: LATE & ALONE: An Intimate Portrait of Johnny Cash April 12th & 13th.


Farmers Alley audiences will remember Scott from the record-breaking production of Million Dollar Quartet at the Little Theatre on Oakland Drive in December of 2016. Scott directed that sold-out run and pulled double duty as he portrayed the Man in Black himself, Johnny Cash.


Moreau comes to Kalamazoo direct from his sold-out performance at New York City’s famed 54 Below. Using anecdotes from his autobiography, multiple interviews, and live concerts, Scott tells Johnny’s story with his own words and songs. Featuring more than 20 songs from Johnny’s 40+ years in the music business, Moreau creates a stripped down look into the life of this American icon.

“Moreau channels the Man in Black and then some. He unleashes a voice that possesses not just Cash’s deep, rumbling, sepulchral timbre but also an astonishing power. This guy seems like he could knock down a brick wall just by singing at it.”

Boston Globe


LATE & ALONE: An Intimate Portrait of Johnny Cash has just two performances, April 12th & 13th at 8pm. Seating will be limited at the original black-box space at 221 Farmers Alley, so make your ticket reservations quickly by calling our Box Office at (269) 343-2727 or visiting www.farmersalleytheatre.com. Tickets are $30 general admission and $10 for students.

Alternatives in Motion ‘Wheel Run Together’ 5k at GVSU this weekend

3-bottom, Community Health, Kids Activities, Non-Profits, Sports, Upcoming Events
Alternatives in Motion’s Wheel Run Together 5K Run/Walk fundraiser from a previous year. (Supplied/Alternatives in Motion)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The local non-profit Alternatives in Motion — whose mission state is to “enhance independence through access to mobility equipment — invites the public to run, walk or hand cycle your way through Grand Valley State University’s campus in Allendale this Saturday, April 6, for its Wheel Run Together 5K Run/Walk fundraiser.

All proceeds go directly to support the organization, which aids in donating and refurbishing wheelchairs to individuals and families in need.

For a late 2017 WKTV In Focus video interview with the group, see this YouTube link.

“Nothing is more powerful than the gift of independence and mobility, so come out to support a wonderful cause put on by students in the physical therapy program at GVSU,” states a supplied press release.

The event will take place at 1110 Kirkhof Center, 1 Campus Drive, on GVSU’s Allendale campus. In addition to the run, there will be raffles, prizes, music, snacks, drinks, and more. The cost is $25 per person with events starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 1 p.m. Online registration ends April 5.

Registration and additional race information can be found at the following Facebook link.

For more information on Alternatives in Motion, visit their website here.

Whitecaps open season, plan Hispanic/Latino fan engagement games

3-bottom, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events,
The West Michigan Whitecaps will soon begin play at Fifth Third Ballpark. (Supplied/West Michigan Whitecaps)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The Detroit Tigers have already throw out the first pitch of the 2019 season, with the local West Michigan Whitecaps ready to do so Thursday, with their first pitch at home on Saturday, April 6. But the Whitecaps have a little something special planned for their Saturday, May 11, home game — a little lanzamiento descontrolado (wild pitch, in the Spanish).

The West Michigan Whitecaps will become “Las Calaveras de West Michigan” —The Skulls of West Michigan — for three games during the 2019 season, all on Saturdays: May 11, July 13, and Aug. 17.

These games will be centered on “celebrating the Hispanic/Latino culture and the influence it has had on America’s pastime,” according to supplied material.

“Our desire is to reflect the community, whether it’s our game-day employees, our front office or our fans,” Whitecaps President Steve McCarthy said in supplied material. “The core values of this community reflect the core values of Minor League Baseball – family, community, entertainment and tradition. This is an opportunity for us to grow.”

At the games, fans will enjoy sugar skull decorating, face painting, authentic food and music, games and more when Las Calaveras de West Michigan take the field in alternative uniforms focused on the Calaveras.

Calaveras, or skulls, are an important part of Hispanic culture. Skulls made out of sugar are decorated and used during Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a festive and colorful Latin holiday that originated in Mexico thousands of years ago, during which families celebrate the lives and legacies of deceased relatives. The uplifting holiday recognizes death as something to celebrate as part of the cycle of life.

The Calaveras logo is a unique take on a sugar skull, viewed at an angle to suggest motion and competitiveness as the team swings for the fences. Inside the decorative skull logo are subtle references to the Whitecaps and West Michigan. The eyes are baseballs inside the 616 West Michigan area code; also look for baseball bats, home plate, a W and M, the team’s original logo from the 1990s, and seagulls and waves representing the Lake Michigan shoreline.

 
With its Las Calaveras de West Michigan nights, the Whitecaps will be one of 72 minor league teams participating in the 2019 “Copa de la Diversion,” or “Fun Cup,” an Hispanic/Latino fan engagement initiative.

“This program is aimed at connecting the teams to their communities,” McCarthy said. “For the Whitecaps, it’s allowing us to both demonstrate our commitment to diversity and provide a wide selection of fan engagement offerings.”

 
The Copa de la Diversion initiative seeks to connect MiLB teams with their diverse communities, embracing the culture and values that resonate most with Hispanics and Latinos. The initiative launched with 33 participating teams in 2018 to great success and overwhelmingly positive feedback, and the program is more than doubling in size to 72 teams for its second season.

For more information about Calaveras de West Michigan, or to buy tickets or merchandise, please visit this link.

The Whitecaps open their 26th season on Thursday, April 4 at 7:05 p.m. at the South Bend Cubs. The home opener is set for Saturday, April 6 at 4 p.m. also against the Cubs. Complete ticket information, including season and group ticket prices and perks, is available at this link.

Tune in for a special NASA launch, April 17

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Hard News, Upcoming Events, , ,
Roger B. Chaffee (photo supplied)

By Kelly Taylor, WKTV


Tune in to WKTV Government 26 for our upcoming Special Programming Events from NASA TV! On Wednesday, April 17, we will be featuring the launch of the newest Northrup Grumman Cygnus Cargo Craft, the S.S. Roger Chaffee, to the International Space Station.

 
Named after hometown hero Roger B. Chaffee, who died in the Apollo 1 spacecraft fire, the space station resupply craft will deliver several tons of cargo, including food, supplies and live mice for scientific experiments.


Coverage begins at 4:15pm, with the launch scheduled for 4:46pm from the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

S.S. Roger Chaffee (photo supplied)

Then be watching Friday, April 19, for the rendezvous and capture of the S.S. Roger Chaffee to the ISS. Coverage begins at 4am, with the capture scheduled at 5:30am. Installation of the craft to the Unity Module of the Space Station starts at 7am.


For more information on NASA TV or the International Space Station, log on to www.nasa.gov. NASA TV can be seen on the WKTV 26 Government Channelon Comcast and AT&T U-verse 99 Government Channel 99.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny coming to Kentwood Activities Center 

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Holidays, Kids Activities, Recreation, Upcoming Events
The Easter bunny will be making a return visit to Kentwood on April 20. (WKTV File Photo)

By City of Kentwood

The Easter Bunny will make an early appearance in the City of Kentwood this year to meet and enjoy breakfast with families on Saturday, April 20, at the Kentwood Activities Center.

A pancake breakfast with juice and coffee will be served from 9-11 a.m. When families arrive, there will be music to enjoy and an art project for children.

An opportunity to take meet and take photos with the bunny will be offered from 10-11 a.m. Guests are asked to bring their own camera for pictures.
 

“We are delighted to welcome spring with our ‘Breakfast with the Bunny’ event this year,” said Val Romeo, director of Kentwood Parks and Recreation. “All are invited to enjoy hot cakes and activities with Peter Cottontail.”

Tickets are $5 in advance or $7 at the door. Breakfast is free for kids age 5 or younger.

The Kentwood Activities Center is located at 355 48th St. SE. More information about the event is available online at this link.

Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you ought to know — weekend edition

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Kids Activities, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Pets/Animals, Upcoming Events, , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“Do not put all your eggs in one basket.”

― Warren Buffet

Hop to it!

Make them funny bunny photos
(and why not?)

Sheesh. Was that a long winter or what? Time to get out and celebrate — and here are some fun ideas. The Mad Hatter Tea Party, an Enchanted Spring Party with Mermaids and Unicorns and family pet photos with the bunny are all in store at Woodland Mall — and the fun starts this weekend. Shoppers will also find the latest spring fashion trends to freshen their wardrobes. Read more here.



Expande tus horizontes

Mark your calendar for April 4-5 — and get down to Wealthy Theatre for Grand Rapids Latin American Film Festival (GRLAFF). This year, GRLAFF will showcase eight feature-length films from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay and the Dominican Republic, plus​ Una mujer fantástica (​A Fantastic Woman), a 2018 Oscar-winning film from Chile. More info here. En español aqui.



Give the kids a break

Rock climbing, art, bounce houses, swimming, and fitness are just a few of the family–friendly activity options available at The Salvation Army Kroc Center during Spring Break 2019. More here.


Fun fact:

1904

The first year scientific literature described fainting goats.





‘Sheets of Sand’ premieres in Traverse City April 29th

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , ,

By Rich Brauer


The world premiere of Sheets of Sand, based on Northville native Natalie Lomske’s winning screenplay, hits the big screen Monday, April 29th at the State Theatre in Traverse City. The story centers on a young woman with mild Cerebral Palsy and her emerging self-confidence in a world of prejudice and judgment.


Lomske’s script was jury-selected by 19 film professionals from a field of 34 entries in ProjectCinemaMI.org‘s competition. She received $500 and the opportunity to have her script crafted into a short film by Brauer Productions, Inc. Project Cinema MI created the competition to offer writers the chance to share their work and compete in this unique project.


During production, six professional film department heads mentored nine interns from the TBA Career Tech Center, NMC Audio Technology Department and other enthusiastic individuals. Interns learned the physical, mental, creative and social skills required to produce a dramatic film.


In addition to the film, there will be a screening of a short behind-the-scenes video created by UpNorth TV. A lively Q & A will follow with the producers.

  • When: Monday, April 29, 2019, 6-7pm
  • Where: State Theatre, Traverse City
  • Tickets are $5

All proceeds will be divided between:

  • Disability Network Northern Michigan
  • PCMI for future projects.
  • The State Theatre

ProjectCinemaMI.org is non-profit community filmmaking project that focuses on a hands-on experience that teaches the filmmaking process to all ages and skill levels. The goal is to promote cultural/art enrichment and professional development through an active learning environment run by professional filmmakers and is made possible from generous contributions from supportive Traverse City individuals and businesses.


For more information about this non-profit project, visit: www.ProjectCinemaMI.org.

GR Latin American Film Festival offers ‘Cinema Without Borders’

Citizen Journalism, Local Faces, Upcoming Events, , , ,

By Emily Hunsberger, Tertulia


Maybe you’re looking for a break from scrolling through tiny images and social media posts on your smartphone screen. Maybe you watched Roma on Netflix and have some lingering questions.


We’re more connected to the world than ever, but we consume foreign media in isolation; what’s missing is context. Enter the Grand Rapids Latin American Film Festival (GRLAFF) — ‘Cinema Without Borders’


Winner of the 2018 Grandy for Outstanding Art Event (Judge’s Choice), GRLAFF is returning for its ninth season to provide opportunities for dialogue across cultures and to enrich the social fabric of our community. GRAFF offers the West Michigan community a platform in which to engage with some of the most recent, award-winning films from Latin America — through striking imagery and long-form storytelling on the big screen, and also face-to-face interactions with film directors, local speakers, and fellow Festival attendees.


“I’m excited to see how audiences will respond to what we have planned for 2019,” said Mayra Fortes, a Grand Valley State University professor and co-chair of the GRLAFF Organizing Committee.


“Every year, more and more people from the community attend the Festival, and the organizers love to hear how much they enjoy the event — from the films themselves to the discussions and the food,” Fortes added.


This year, GRLAFF will showcase eight feature-length films from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay and the Dominican Republic, plus​ Una mujer fantástica (​A Fantastic Woman), a 2018 Oscar-winning film from Chile.

Friday evening, festival-goers can interact with Nelson Carlo de los Santos Arias, a director from the Dominican Republic, after the showing of his film ​Cocote. Cocote is the story of Alberto, a kind-hearted gardener who returns home to attend his father’s funeral, but quickly faces a dilemma when he realizes that he’s been summoned by his family to avenge his father’s murder.


On Saturday evening, audience members will meet Daresha Kyi, the co-director of ​Chavela. The award-winning documentary, a co-production between the United States and Mexico, is a portrait of the beloved Costa Rican singer Chavela Vargas, whose interpretations of Mexican ​ranchera songs endeared her to audiences, even as her unconventional life challenged societal norms.

Panel discussions will follow several of the features, and local experts will weigh in on some of the themes brought to light in the films. GRLAFF 2019 will also revive a tradition — screening a selection of award-winning short films from Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, and Venezuela on Saturday at noon in the main auditorium.


Latin American-style refreshments prepared by local restaurants will be available both days, and festival-goes can mingle with directors, speakers, and fellow audience members in the lobby.


The Festival is free and includes kids’ programming — an animated film from Colombia, ​El libro de Lila (​Lila’s Book), on Saturday morning in the main auditorium and a series of live puppet shows both afternoons in the Koning Micro-Cinema.

  • What: Grand Rapids Latin American Film Festival
  • When: April 5-7, 2019
  • Where: Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
  • Admission: Free to the public; donations are appreciated (grlaff.org/donate)
  • See the schedule here

Visit the Festival website and follow the Festival on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates, using the handle @GRLAFF and the hashtag #GRLAFF2019.

Woodland Mall brings on spring this weekend with bunny photos, family events

Entertainment, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Business, Upcoming Events
Woodland Mall will begin their season of the Bunny (photos) this weekend. (Supplied Graphic)

By Woodland Mall

Woodland Mall is preparing for the arrival of spring by hosting a series of events to help shoppers welcome spring with beautiful displays, special events, fashion, dining and entertainment options for those looking to celebrate with family or friends, and even pets.

The Mad Hatter Tea Party, an Enchanted Spring Party with Mermaids and Unicorns and family pet photos with the bunny are all in store at Woodland Mall in the coming weeks. Shoppers will also find the latest spring fashion trends to freshen their wardrobes.

“After an especially harsh end of winter, the arrival of spring could not be more welcome,” said Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director. “Woodland Mall is pleased to provide fashion trends and family-friendly events that are fitting for the holidays year-round.”

Bunny photos begin Saturday, March 30, with two new fresh photo options and will be available for photos in Macy’s Court through Saturday, April 20. New this year, a second photo backdrop will be available for spring family photos in addition to traditional bunny photos. Pets are welcome to take part in family photos all day Mondays. For photo hours and pricing, please visit shopwoodlandmall.com.

For the more whimsical at heart, families can also attend the Mad Hatter Tea Party on Saturday, March 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event takes a fun and interactive twist on the Lewis Carroll classic story, to make photos with the bunny even more magical.

The Alice in Wonderland-themed tea party will include a special story time event presented by Barnes & Noble, sing-a-long songs, spring-themed crafts and coloring activities. Guests will receive a free gift with purchase of bunny photo. Tickets for the event are free but spots do fill up quickly, so those interested are asked to reserve a ticket online.

Members of the mall’s rewards program, PREIT Perks, receive an exclusive treat during the event: face painting. To sign up for PREIT Perks, find a kiosk in Woodland Mall or visit Woodland Mall online.

Also, for little ones who love mermaids and unicorns, be sure to mark the calendar for the Enchanted Spring Party on Saturday, April 13. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Macy’s Court, children will have the opportunity to meet a real mermaid and pose for an under-the-sea-themed photo, ride a unicorn and create a craft to take home.

The Bunny will also be available for photos during the event. Attendees who purchase a bunny or mermaid photo will receive a free gift. More information can be found online.

Festival de Cine trae un poco de Latino América al oeste de Michigan por un fin de semana

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, ,

Por Emily Hunsberger, Tertulia


Es difícil evitar el tema de las fronteras, ya que está en las noticias, las redes sociales y las mentes y bocas del público. A veces parecería que las divisiones sociales son grietas que se hacen cada vez más profundas, y los puentes brillan por su ausencia. Si al leer esto usted está asintiendo con la cabeza, le invitamos a marcar en su calendario las fechas del próximo Festival de Cine Latinoamericano de Grand Rapids (GRLAFF, por sus siglas en inglés), que tendrá lugar del 5 al 7 de abril del 2019. 


Ganador del Premio Grandy 2018 al mejor evento artístico del año, el GRLAFF anuncia su novena temporada con un nuevo lema: “Cine Sin Fronteras”. Los organizadores eligieron esta frase porque refleja el deseo de propiciar el diálogo entre culturas y enriquecer el tejido social de la comunidad. Con esto en mente, el GRLAFF le presenta a la comunidad del Oeste de Michigan la oportunidad de vivir una experiencia inolvidable, no solo a través de imágenes impresionantes e historias singulares proyectadas en la pantalla gigante, sino también mediante la interacción personal con directores de películas, panelistas locales y otros miembros del público que asiste al Festival.


Durante el primer fin de semana de abril, el Festival inundará el Wealthy Theatre en Grand Rapids con figuras, sonidos y sabores de América Latina. “Estoy ansiosa por ver cómo responde el público a lo que tenemos planeado para 2019”, dice Mayra Fortes, profesora de Grand Valley State University y co-presidenta del Comité Organizador del GRLAFF. “Cada año, más personas de la comunidad asisten al Festival, y a los organizadores nos encanta escuchar cuánto disfrutaron el evento – desde las propias películas hasta los diálogos y la comida”. En el auditorio principal del teatro, a lo largo de tres días el Festival presentará ocho largometrajes, elegidos con mucho cuidado, de Brasil, Colombia, Ecuador, México, Paraguay y la República Dominicana, además del filme chileno Una mujer fantástica, que ganó el Oscar a la mejor película extranjera en el 2018.


Varios de los filmes este año serán seguidos por paneles con expertos locales sobre los temas puestos de relieve en las películas. El GRLAFF 2019 también revivirá una tradición de temporadas anteriores al presentar una selección de cortometrajes galardonados de Argentina, México, Chile, Colombia y Venezuela, el sábado a mediodía en el auditorio principal. Cada día habrá una oportunidad de probar bocadillos latinoamericanos preparados por restaurantes locales y de dialogar con directores, panelistas y otros miembros del público en el área de recepción del teatro.


No se pierda la oportunidad de conocer al director dominicano Nelson Carlo de los Santos Arias, quien presentará su película Cocote el viernes por la tarde. Cocote cuenta la historia de Alberto, un jardinero evangélico que regresa a su pueblo natal para asistir al entierro de su padre, pero que dentro de poco cae en cuenta de que éste fue asesinado y su familia lo ha llamado para vengar su muerte. El sábado por la tarde, el Festival contará con la presencia de Daresha Kyi, co-directora de Chavela. El documental, una coproducción entre Estados Unidos y México, es un retrato de la cantante costarricense Chavela Vargas, querida primero en México y más tarde en todo el mundo por su interpretación de rancheras tradicionales, a pesar de que su estilo de vida y su apariencia no encajaban con las normas sociales del día.


Estas oportunidades especiales de dialogar con directores visitantes son una de las cosas que más valoran los miembros de la comunidad que año tras año asisten al GRLAFF. “El Festival es importante porque es muy raro que veamos películas hechas por y para latinoamericanos”, dice Erika Carolina VanDyke, Coordinadora de Comunicaciones del Latino Community Coalition, una coalición de organizaciones basada en Grand Rapids. El año pasado, VanDyke asistió a la presentación de la película colombiana Jericó, y disfrutó de la sesión de preguntas y respuestas con la directora, Catalina Mesa. “El poder escuchar a la señorita Mesa, una paisana mía, y conocerla después, fue una experiencia que no olvidaré. Su película y su presencia hicieron que Colombia se sintiera un poco más cerca de Grand Rapids”, añade.


Si busca entretener a sus chiquillos y ofrecerles una conexión con la cultura latinoamericana, pues ¿por qué no traerlos al GRLAFF 2019? La asistencia al estreno de eventos para niños en el 2018 superó las expectativas de los organizadores, y un asistente al Festival comentó que “la programación para niños fue genial”. A petición del público, el Festival ha ampliado su programación para familias y la ofrecerá tanto el sábado como el domingo. Se presentará una película colombiana de dibujos animados, El libro de Lila, el sábado por la mañana en el auditorio principal, y un espectáculo de títeres en vivo, ambos días por la tarde en el micro-cine.


Como es de costumbre, el Festival es gratuito para toda la comunidad, gracias a la generosidad de los socios y patrocinadores de GRLAFF, y a las donaciones de parte del público. Los interesados pueden hacer su donación en persona durante el Festival, o por internet en grlaff.org/donate. La cantidad sugerida es de $5.00.


¿Qué? Festival de Cine Latinoamericano de Grand Rapids

¿Cuándo? 5-7 de abril de 2019

¿Dónde? Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Costo de entrada: Gratis

Más información: www.grlaff.org.


Asegúrese de visitar el sitio web del Festival para planear su visita y de seguir al Festival en Twitter, Facebook y Instagram para mantenerse al día con las novedades, siempre con el nombre de usuario @GRLAFF y el hashtag #GRLAFF2019.

Tigers world champions to be guests at local sports commission luncheon

Non-Profits, Sports, Upcoming Events
Alan Trammell (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The Detroit Tigers regular season baseball schedule starts this week on the road at Toronto, and the West Michigan Whitecaps will throw out their home first pitch on April 6, but it will take a while for the local baseball frenzy to be in full swing — say about mid-May.

While the 2019 Tigers will likely still be in their rebuilding mode, West Michigan fans can relive a World Series winning season when Alan Trammell, Baseball Hall of Famer and 1984 World Series MVP, along with fellow series veteran Kirk Gibson, will be the featured guests at the 13th Annual West Michigan Sports Commission Luncheon on Tuesday, May 21.

This season’s annual sports must-attend event will be held in downtown Gran Rapids, in the International Ballroom of the JW Marriott Hotel, 235 Louis Campau Promenade NW, starting at noon.

 
While it has been 35 years since the 1984 Detroit Tigers World Championship season, and six seasons since Michigan’s home team last played in the World Series — alas, a 4-0 sweep by San Francisco Giants in 2012 — the WMSC luncheon will bring the two ’84 championship teammates and close friends back together to share their storied championship season with local fans.

Kirk Gibson (Supplied)

According to supplied information, Gibson has several stories from when he first met Trammel, from Gibson’s draft year in 1978, “through the early ‘80’s as beloved Tigers Coach Sparky Anderson recognized the nucleus of a work-hard, ‘play-hard’ group of all-stars.”

 
Gibson, who was the commission luncheon’s featured speaker at its 10th annual luncheon, will introduce this year’s featured speaker Trammel.

 
As with past years, this luncheon serves as a fundraiser as well as a progress report for the West Michigan Sports Commission non-profit organization, which promotes and hosts youth and amateur sporting events in the region “for economic enhancement, healthy living and creating a vibrant community through sport,” according to supplied material.

 
Reservations can be made by contacting Angie Cena at 616-608-1842 or acena@westmisports.com.  A table of eight is $750, and single tickets are $100 per person. Luncheon information is also available online by visiting this link.

Get your tickets now for ‘Asleep at the Wheel’, April 11th at St. Cecilia

Entertainment, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events,

Asleep at the Wheel’s current line-up is a mix o f founding members and new faces. (Supplied)

By St. Cecilia Music Center

St. Cecilia Music Center (SCMC) has added another concert to their 2018-19 Acoustic Café Folk series. Asleep at the Wheel, 10 GRAMMY Award winners with more than 25 studio and live albums to their 48-year history, will perform on April 11, 2019. Don’t miss out — get your tickets today.

The band will return to St. Cecilia with a new recording in their playlist. New Routes marks both a new path forward and a nod to the freewheeling roots of one of Texas’ most beloved bands.

After a decade of collaborating on records with friends, including Willie Nelson on 2009’s Willie and the Wheel, and paying ongoing tribute to the groundbreaking music of Western Swing pioneer Bob Wills, the Wheel is marking 2018 with their first album of new material in a decade.

With a fresh lineup, a bracing blend of original songs and vibrant cover material and some unanticipated new musical tangents, Asleep at the Wheel demonstrates convincingly it’s more relevant, enjoyable and musically nimble than any time in its 45-year history.

“It took me 60 years, but I’m doing what I’m meant to do—singing and playing and writing better than I ever have. A bandleader is just someone who gathers people around them to play the best music they can play. The idea is to feature everyone in the band,” founder Ray Benson says.

SCMC Executive Director Cathy Holbrook added, “We are so happy to bring Asleep at the Wheel back to Grand Rapids. They have a great loyal following and their new music will be highly anticipated by an eager crowd.”

Concert tickets for Asleep at the Wheel are $43 and $38. All concert tickets 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 here.

A post-concert “Meet-the-artist” party, with complimentary wine and beer from the folk series sponsor Greyline Brewing, will be offered to all ticket-holders giving the audience the opportunity to meet the artists and to obtain signed CDs of their releases.

Coming up: Guitarist Leo Kottke will return to SCMC on April 18, 2019. Over his many years of writing and performing, Kottke has composed scores for film soundtracks, children’s shows, and a symphony, as well as, released many albums. Focusing primarily on instrumental composition and playing, Kottke also sings sporadically, in an unconventional yet expressive baritone. In concert, Kottke intersperses humorous and monologues with vocal and instrumental selections played solo on his 6- and 12-string guitars.

Here’s the Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts 2019 lineup

Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , , , ,
Courtesy LowellArts

By Jeremy Witt, West Michigan Tourist Association


The Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts are presented by LowellArts and the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce. This outdoor concert series runs June 13 to Aug. 22, 2019. Thursday evening concerts begin at 7pm along the Flat River, 113 Riverwalk Plaza, in downtown Lowell, MI.

Event Website Link: lowellartsmi.org/sizzlin-summer-concerts


Food and spirits are available for purchase. Admission to the concerts and parking are free. The concerts draw upwards of 1,000 visitors each week. The concert venue is wheelchair-accessible. Bleacher seating is available or attendees can bring their own folding chair.



Dedicated family, friends of missing Allegan man continue effort with fundraising dinner

3-bottom, Crime Prevention, Hard News, Local Faces, Upcoming Events

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

It has been more than 28 years since the December night Richard “Richie” Hitchcock disappeared after an evening out at the Riverfront Lounge in Allegan. Despite an extensive initial search, and a dogged effort by family and friends to find out what happened to Richie, there has been no clues as to his fate.

Over the years, individuals and groups, usually led by Richie’s cousin, Kellie (Yunginger) Boers, and Richie’s brothers Steve and Andy, have tried many things to get information, only starting with a current $5,000 reward for information on the case. Over the years, they have posted flyers, painted information on rocks for people to find and inquire about, they have hooked up with the stock car racing community to keep the effort alive — despite knowing that Richie is most likely no longer alive.

Continuing that effort, on Saturday, March 23, Boers and others will hold a fundraising dinner to raise another $5,000 for the reward, pushing it to $10,000 total, at the Allegan Eagles (#2315) 110 Chestnut St., Allegan. The dinner will run 1-5 p.m., with include a chicken dinner with fixings, with live music, silent auction and raffles.

After almost three decades, the effort continues to give Richie’s family and friends a little peace by finding and putting Richie to peaceful rest.

“The reason we have never given up on searching for Richie is because we love him. He deserves to be looked for … He deserves to be found,” Boers said to WKTV. “We don’t deserve to suffer this loss nor grieve a family member whom we cannot find, but Rich didn’t deserve to serve out 28 years of his family not knowing where his final resting place is.”

Boers, in fact, has turned her lessons learned, skills and passion for right to becoming a advocate for all missing persons.
 

Richie “is the reason I became an advocate,” she said. “When I started investigating and searching for him, others saw what I was doing and referred people to me to ask how they could do the same for their families. … I am blessed that they think that highly of the work I do. I do it from my heart and soul.”

But front and center in her efforts, in her mind and heart — in the heart and mind of many — is always finding Richie.

“He is the reason we team up together, his brothers Steve and Andy and I, to help others who have missing loved ones,” Boers said. “We don’t want them to have to wait 28 plus years like we have.”

The group’s efforts over the years, while always continuing, have had some notable ideas.

There was an effort last spring to put pictures and information of his, along with other missing persons, on rocks, an effort called “Allegan Sticks and Stones.” The stones are left in random places for people to find and enquire about.

There are also race cars owned and driven by Boer’s local friends who race at “local tracks like Kalamazoo, Springport, Galesburg, New Paris, all over the state now … even up to Onaway … It’s gained momentum over the last about 4 years so we just keep printing them if they are willing to put them on their cars,” she said.

There was even a billboard effort last year, led by a Facebook fundraising campaign.

And on March 23, the effort to get more community support to find Richie will continue with the dinner fundraiser.

For more information on the dinner and the effort, visit the @helpusfindRichardHitchcockpage on Facebook.