Tag Archives: Pop Scholars

Gonzo’s Top 5: Dinosaurs, the 2022 World of Winter and so much more!

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer


Welcome to the weekend, my friends.

What a stretch of weather? How are you doing? It’s like we need another day off just to recover from all of this snow. Thank you to all those who had to work outside to make our lives more safe. We appreciate you.

How were your holidays? It seems like so long ago.

We had a great time with a house full of kids, grandkids, parents and in-laws. We loved every minute of it.

As you prepare for a new year, and resolutions, let’s look at some of the things to do the first full weekend of 2022 in my Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.

5. La Furia Del Ritmo Original at The Stray

Local act La Furia Del Ritmo Original is performing a show and also debuting a new video, “Besos Marcado,” at 6 p.m. Saturday at The Stray, 4253 S Division Ave., Wyoming. If your goal is to experience local music, especially banda music, here is your chance. The show is free for all ages thanks to Poncho’s Tacos GR. More info on La Furia Del Ritmo Original Facebook page.

4. Pop Scholars Improv


Love comedy improv? Pop Scholars Improv is a fast-paced 2-hour show that doesn’t go for the easy laugh. It will impress you with their wit and on-stage chemistry. The show is at 8 p.m. tonight (Jan. 7) at Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE, in Grand Rapids. Doors open at 7 p.m. You must be vaccinated and wear a mask to attend. Organizers are also reducing capacity for social distancing. Tickets are $14 general admission at grcmc.org. Check out the event Facebook page for more info.

3. GRPD vs. GRFD Charity Hockey Game

Raise money for a good cause when the Grand Rapids Fire Department takes on the Grand Rapids Police Department in this charity game at 12:30 p.m. Saturday (Jan.8) at Van Andel Arena. The game benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Attendees also get specially-priced tickets to the Grand Rapids Griffins’ game later that night at 7 p.m. Get ticket and more info at griffinshockey.com/grfd-vs-grpd. (The Griffins also play at 7 p.m. Friday.)

Photo supplied by Jurassic Quest.

2. Dinosaurs in Grand Rapids

The largest and most realistic dinosaur exhibit in North America – “Jurassic Quest” – returns to Grand Rapids this weekend (Jan. 7-9) at DeVos Place. In a recent story on WKTV Journal, we reported that the exhibit is an indoor family education and entertainment show that features more than 100 life-like dinosaurs, dinosaur-themed rides, live dinosaur shows, and interactive science and art activities. There also will be a Triceratots soft play area, bounce houses, and inflatable attractions. Tickets are $22 for adults and children and $19 for seniors. There is also a $36-dollar ticket for kids unlimited rides. Tickets do include a 100 percent guarantee of refund if the show is canceled or postponed for any reason. For more about the event or to purchase tickets, visit www.jurassicquest.com.

READ: Dinosaurs visit in Grand Rapids Jan. 7-9

1. The World of Winter Festival in Grand Rapids

It’s like they planned for all this snow! The World of Winter Festival kicks off today (Jan. 7) and provides interesting ways for people to experience and enjoy the season. All programming and activities are free and geared for both families and adults. It will continue through March 6 and is organized by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., the City of Grand Rapids and numerous community partners. See a complete schedule of events at worldofwintergr.com.

That’s it for now.

As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Have a great, safe weekend.


John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the radio show and Podcast “Behind the Mitten,” which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.

Pop Scholars announce 10th anniversary show at Wealthy Theatre

Funny men: Pop Scholars turn 10. (popscholars.com)

WKTV Staff

Pop Scholars announced their 10th Anniversary Show, which will be held at 8 p.m. on May 10 at Wealthy Theatre in Grand Rapids.
 

“We are thrilled to celebrate our 10th Anniversary at Wealthy Theatre. The support we’ve received from the Grand Rapids community over the last 10 years is nothing short of incredible. We wanted to stop and thank all of the people that come out to our shows, but it’s also a way for us to celebrate what a great ride it has been for the four of us,” said Andy Allen, one of four founding members of Pop Scholars.  

Tickets are available at PopScholars.com or through the Community Media Center’s online Box Office.

About Pop Scholars

Pop Scholars is an improvisational comedy team based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founded in 2009, Pop Scholars regularly performs for sold out crowds at Wealthy Theatre and for corporate and non-profit events. The team is composed of Andy Allen, Dave Lyzenga, Matt Sterenberg and Mike Ryskamp.