Category Archives: Upcoming Events

Thriller! Chiller! International Fantastic Film Festival announces special guests

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , ,

By Shirley Clemens Griffin, Thriller! Chiller!


Thriller! Chiller! Film Festival announces special guests scheduled to appear at the 2019 festival taking place next week from Oct. 8-12 at the Wealthy Theatre. In addition to the special guests, over two dozen filmmakers are scheduled to be in attendance.

On Friday, Oct. 11 at 7:30pm, Shelley Irwin, 2013 recipient of The Storey Award, presents the 2019 Storey Award to Elizabeth Merriman, multi-talented media maven and skilled coordinator of chaos, who has over a decade of experience in the film industry in both producing and production management roles. Merriman currently serves as Manager of Recruiting & Career Advancement for Compass College of Cinematic Arts.

Irwin is the host and producer for The WGVU Morning Show, a news magazine talk-show format on the local NPR affiliate Monday through Friday. The show, broadcast from 9-11am features a wide variety of local and national newsmakers, plus special features.

The Storey Award is a community award created by Thriller! Chiller! Film Festival, and is presented in honor of journalist, friend, and community activist Drew Storey who passed away unexpectedly in 2009. The recipient is awarded based upon their body of work, their selfless contribution and its impact on building community relationships, which promote and connect Michigan’s artists to a larger audience around the world.

Bride of Frankenstein Drag Performer Veronica Scott puts on her neck bolts and performs a special number fit for the bride of the monster on Friday, Oct. 11 at 8pm.

Veronica Scott has been performing in the art form of female illusion for over 8 years. In that time she has had the opportunity to take the stage all over the state of Michigan, Illinois and New York.

Filmmaker Inchun Oh from South Korea will attend Thursday, Oct. 10 through Saturday, Oct. 12. His film, Friday the 13th: The Conspiracy Begins, screens Saturday, Oct. 12 at Noon. Link to his movie’s trailer: https://youtu.be/dVSfvLwam5A

Visiting Artist, SFX & Animation, The Evil Dead, Tom Sullivan, Saturday, Oct. 12.

Thriller! Chiller! International Film Festival in partnership with ASIFA Central (asifa.org) presents film artist and Michigander Tom Sullivan who will give an artist presentation on Special FX history and the Evil Dead film series. Sullivan is the makeup, props and SFX artist for the Evil Dead franchise.

The Evil Dead event begins at 7pm

7pm – Tom Sullivan presentation
8pm – The Evil Dead screening.

This is the exclusive theatrical release of Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead by Grindhouse Releasing featuring the reimagined score by original composer, Mr. Joseph LoDuca and an all-new 5.1 surround-sound mix.

Go here to see Thriller! Chiller! 2019 Movie Trailers: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYApZkmVy7UYEObFLi-tpkX6R5YkScNij

About Thriller! Chiller!

Thriller! Chiller! Film Festival, which takes place Oct. 8-12 at the Wealthy Theatre, is Michigan’s international film festival celebrating fantastic movies. The festival screens films from the U.S. and around the world in the categories of action, horror, sci-fi and suspense. 64 movies from 8 countries are represented at this year’s festival.

Ticket information

Entry is priced two ways for maximum access: All Access to the entire festival; or access by the day in the form of a Day Pass. There will be no tickets to individual screenings available except for the Evil Dead screening and lecture sold separately at $8.

  • All-Access Festival Pass, $50
  • Day Pass, $12 Tuesday – Friday
  • Day Pass, $20 Saturday
  • The Evil Dead, $8 for only this film + Tom Sullivan presentation

On sale now at www.wealthytheatre.org and https://squareup.com/store/thrillerchiller

For continuing coverage of
Thriller! Chiller! news:

Thriller! Chiller! International Fantastic Film Festival announces 2019 official schedule

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events,

By Shirley Clemens Griffin, Thriller! Chiller!


Thriller! Chiller! International Fantastic Film Festival announces its official selections and final schedule for this year’s festival on Oct. 8-12 at the Wealthy Theatre in Grand Rapids.


The action, sci-fi, suspense and horror-themed film festival will screen a total of 64 independent movies from 8 countries in the genres of sci-fi, action, suspense, and horror at the five-day event. The lineup includes: 13 features and 40 shorts, including 10 Michigan movies. Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Republic of Korea, Sweden, U.S., UK are represented at this year’s festival.


Cult classic screenings of five, fun, fantastic films round out the event:

  1. Night of the Living Dead
  2. Shaun of the Dead
  3. Godzilla vs. Destoroyah  
  4. Bride of Frankenstein
  5. The Evil Dead (First-round, limited-release EXCLUSIVE screening of digitally remastered, with a new reimagined score by original composer, Mr. Joseph LoDuca.)

The Evil Dead SFX and Makeup arts TOM SULLIVAN to appear and give a presentation on his art created for the Evil Dead franchise (Saturday)


* Zom-Com DOUBLE FEATURE – Night of the Living Dead & Shaun of the Dead (Tuesday)
*BRIDEZILLA!! – (yes, there will be costumes & cake!)
Featuring Godzilla vs. Destoroyah  (Thursday) + Bride of Frankenstein (Friday Night Freak-out) 
*Cosplay and costume contests. Private Party & Online screenings available for Passholders only.

2019 Thriller! Chiller! Pass Information

  • All-Access Pass or Day Pass
  • Individual Tickets available for “The Evil Dead” screening & presentation

Pricing

Entry is priced two ways for maximum access: All Access to the entire festival; or all access by the day in the form of a Day Pass. There will be no tickets to individual screenings available except for the EVIL DEAD screening and Tom Sullivan talk sold separately at $8.

  • All-Access Festival Pass, $50
  • Day Pass, $12 Tuesday – Friday
  • Day Pass, $20 Saturday
  • The Evil Dead, $8 for only this film + Tom Sullivan presentation

On sale now at www.wealthytheatre.org and https://squareup.com/store/thrillerchiller.

FULL SCHEDULE

Tuesday, Oct. 8

THEATRE A
– MEANWHILE MOVIES presented by Thriller! Chiller!
– 8pm, Night of the Living Dead
– 10pm, Shaun of the Dead

THEATRE B
– 8pm, The Tangle with The Call
– 10pm, Volition with Zero

Wednesday, Oct. 9

THEATRE  B – ONLY
– 6pm, SHORTS BLOCK:
Rebecca Gold, Boy!, Kiss the Devil in the Dark, Exhibit Man
– 8pm, Ascension (feature) with The Phone Call

Thursday, Oct. 10

THEATRE A
– 6pm, MICHIGAN SHORTS BLOCK:
Emergency Alert, Puppet Dimension, Roulette, Living Deadhead, Keeper of the Light, Poaching Death, Emma, Bury Me, The Hunt for the GorillaDactyl

Michigan Film & Digital Media Office’s $250 Filmmaker Grant to be announced!

– 8pm, Rockford Brewing Company presents Godzilla vs. Destoroyah – North American Big Screen Premiere of this cult gem!

THEATRE B
– 6pm, The Invisible Mother with The 404 Diner
– 8pm, Fugue with Madame

Friday, Oct. 11

FRIDAY NIGHT FREAK-OUT
The wildest, bloodiest, most offbeat movies screen on Thriller! Chiller!


THEATRE A
– 6pm, Bob Freeman: Exterminator for Hire with Night of the Fluffet, Braineater, Five Course Meal

Storey Award presentation will take place prior to the Bride of Frankenstein event.

– 8pm, “Bride of Frankenstein” with “Filth“

Including a Best of Bride of Frankenstein cosplay and a special guest Emcee to be announced later this week.

THEATRE B
– 6pm, To Your Last Death with The Devil’s Fire
– 8pm, Barney Burman’s Wild Boar with Rough Love, Lost Lake

Saturday, Oct. 12

Saturday Spook-a-thon


THEATRE A
– 12pm, The Dark Red with Bad Dream
– 2pm, Super Shorts – Block One
Bad Dreams, Anacronte, Ripple, Heads will Roll, Atomic Ed, Lili Sees You, Jacindu
– 4pm, Attack of the Demons with Don’t Croak and Moon Ghost
– 6:30pm, Film Awards Ceremony
–7pm, THE EVIL DEAD event: TOM SULLIVAN. Make-up, props and SFX artist for the Evil Dead series, Tom Sullivan, presentation on his art created for the Evil Dead franchise. Sponsored by Asifa.org.
– 8pm – EVIL DEAD screening.

This is the EXCLUSIVE theatrical release of Sam Raimi’s EVIL DEAD by Grindhouse Releasing featuring the reimagined score by original composer, Mr. Joseph LoDuca and an all-new 5.1 surround-sound mix.

THEATRE B
– 12pm, Friday the 13th: The Conspiracy Begins! with Friday Night Death Slot
-2pm, Straight Edge Kegger
-4pm, Beast Mode with Blank Verse
-6pm, Super Shorts – Block Two
Zero, Miracle Desert, Last Trip, The Hand, Bleeding Backs, 12/14, The Alluring Frontier, The Furious Gospel of Johnny Tan


For continuing coverage of Thriller! Chiller! news:




Ballet 5:8 returns to Grand Rapids with powerful new work focused on Holocaust

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Reviews, Upcoming Events,
A scene from rehearsals of Ballet 5:8’s “Butterfly”. (Supplied/Ballet 5:8)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Ballet 5:8, the Chicago-based dance company known for providing audiences with “a unique opportunity to engage in conversation on relevant life and faith topics addressed in the company’s repertoire”, will return to Grand Rapids Oct. 5 with a program both emotionally heavy and delightfully spiritual.

The three works including the world premieres of “Butterfly”, which evokes the emotional scenes of the World War 2 Terezin ghetto, but also “Brothers and Sisters”, which explores the “Creator’s handiwork — the simple beauty of male and female.”

The show, held at the Devos Center for Arts and Worship on Saturday, Oct. 5, starting at 7 p.m., will include both artistic director Julianna Rubio Slager’s newest works as well an older work, Slager’s “Meditations”, inspired by C.S. Lewis’ essay “Meditation in a Toolshed”.

(Last season Ballet 5:8 also held a world premiere last year in Grand Rapids; read the review here).

“Butterfly”, according to supplied material, explores the Holocaust tragedy of Terezin, “where residents created masterful works of art in defiance of their oppressors … where, from the ashes of this hellscape, glimmers of hope emerge.”

Terezin, according to the website terezin.org, was a concentration camp 30 miles north of Prague in the Czech Republic during the World War II. It was originally a holiday resort reserved for Czech nobility.

“By 1940 Nazi Germany had assigned the Gestapo to turn Terezín into a Jewish ghetto and concentration camp,” the website’s history page states. “It held primarily Jews from Czechoslovakia, as well as tens of thousands of Jews deported chiefly from Germany and Austria, as well as hundreds from the Netherlands and Denmark. More than 150,000 Jews were sent there, including 15,000 children, and held there for months or years, before being sent by rail transports to their deaths at Treblinka and Auschwitz extermination camps in occupied Poland, as well as to smaller camps elsewhere. Less than 150 children survived.”

The Ballet 5:8 work tells the story of a Jewish art teacher refused to let the children die without hope. “She challenged her students to create art that spoke of their misery but also of the hope that lies within,” according to supplied material. “Every human, male or female, desirable or marginalized, born of privilege or born of poverty, each one is precious and created with purpose.”

“The remnants of art from the nearly forgotten children of Terezin challenge us to look with clear eyes upon our potential for both evil and beauty,” Slager said in supplied material.

A scene from a previous performance of Ballet 5:8’s “Meditations”. (Supplied/Ballet 5:8)

“Brothers & Sisters” is described in supplied material this way: “We are living in an age of culture war over gender identity and ethics. In ‘Brothers & Sisters’, choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager takes a moment to step aside from the chaos and strife to revel in the Creator’s handiwork — the simple beauty of male and female. Contrast and subtlety. Difference and similarity. Overlap and distinction. The Creator must have moved with delight as he drew his children with contrasting and complementary strokes.”

The Devos Center for Arts and Worship, at Grand Rapids Christian High School, is located at 2300 Plymouth Ave SE, Grand Rapids. The performance includes a post-performance Q&A with Slager and artists from the cast. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for students and seniors, and $15 for children ages 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased at ballet58.org or by calling 312-725-4752. Performance information is available at ballet58.org/Grand-Rapids.

New local jazz trio, with familiar face on keys, to debut Oct. 3 at One Trick Pony

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events,
The new Robin Connell Trio (shown is promotional graphic) will debut on the local scene in October. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

Local jazz pianist and singer Robin Connell’s new trio, with Rob Hartman on bass and Keith Hall on drums, will debut at Grand Rapids One Trick Pony on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 8-11 p.m.

Connell, the Artprize 2016 jazz music award recipient and the West Michigan Jazz Society’s 2017 Musician of the Year, is no stranger to the local jazz and music education scenes.

Originally from Detroit, Connell spent more than a decade in New York City, at places such as The Waldorf-Astoria and The Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center, and performs regularly as bandleader or sidewoman throughout Michigan and the region, according to supplied material. She is also a music educator, having taught at the Interlochen Arts Camp for 20 years (did-you-know fact: Norah Jones studied with Robin for two summers) and she currently hosts a jazz piano concert series, Jazz in the Sanctuary at Fountain Street Church, and co-directs the St Cecilia Music Center’s Youth Jazz Ensembles.

Hall, when he is not playing professionally, is the director of the Keith Hall Summer Drum Intensive and is the Jazz Drum Set Professor at Western Michigan University, according to supplied material. He is the author of Jazz Drums Now! Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, and is the radio host for Jazz Currents on WMUK. As a musician, he has toured with singer Curtis Stigers (for 12 Years) and leading his New York trio TRI-FI (for 15 years). He also spent 8 years in New York City where he played drums on Broadway’s “Lion King” and has performed with Betty Carter, Wycliffe Gordon, Sir Roland Hanna, Joe Lovano and Wynton Marsalis.

Hartman performs regularly all around west Michigan with a variety of jazz trios and bands.

One Trick Pony is located at 136 Fulton St E. There is no cover charge on jazz nights. For more information visit onetrick.biz or call 616-235-7669.

Woodland Mall redevelopment continues with (big) grand openings in October

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Going Local, Local Business, Upcoming Events, Woodland Mall,
Woodland Mall sketch new entrance Von Maur wing 2019 (Supplied/Woodland Mall)

By Woodland Mall

This fall, shoppers will enjoy the long-anticipated grand opening of first-to-portfolio department store Von Maur and the expansion of what will be known as the Von Maur wing at Woodland Mall, along with The Cheesecake Factory as a new dining anchor.

“Over the past two years, we have invested $100 million in order to continue to create a premium shopping experience in the changing retail environment,” said Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director. “Many of our major redevelopment efforts will soon culminate with the opening of the Von Maur wing and The Cheesecake Factory, along with a number of other destination retailers and an experiential dining offering.

“If you have not visited us recently, now is a great time to come and rediscover Woodland Mall.”

Saturday, Oct. 12, will be an important date to save as several retailers plan to host grand opening events, including Von Maur, Urban Outfitters, Williams-Sonoma, Tricho Salon and Paddle North. The Cheesecake Factory is set to open Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Destination retailer Von Maur will occupy 90,000 square feet in the former Sears space. The location will be the high-end department store’s first in the region, joining a series of other new-to-portfolio and new-to-market retailers at the mall.

Based in Davenport, Iowa, Von Maur is expanding its footprint across the U.S. with larger stores and new brands. The strength of the Von Maur brand lies in its wide selection of brand-name merchandise, open and attractive store design and amenities that enhance the customer experience, including free gift-wrapping year-round and easy returns.

Woodland Mall’s Von Maur will feature a live pianist, and exclusive brands such as: Kiehls, Sunday Riley, Cath Kidston, Mint Velvet, Joules, Kendra Scott, Miss Selfridge, John Hardy, Rebecca Minkoff, Nora Flemming, Kuhl, T2 and Coast.

Known around the globe for its extensive menu, generous portions and legendary desserts, The Cheesecake Factory will occupy 8,500 square feet in Woodland Mall next to Barnes & Noble. The Kentwood location will be the restaurant’s second in Michigan and the only location within 50 miles.

The Cheesecake Factory features more than 250 menu selections including SkinnyLicious® dishes with 590 calories or less and Saturday and Sunday Brunch – all handmade, in-house with fresh ingredients – and more than 50 signature cheesecakes and desserts.

Lifestyle retailer Urban Outfitters will open an 8,000-square-foot store in the Von Maur wing. Urban Outfitters currently operates more than 200 stores in the United States, Canada and Europe, offering experiential retail environments and a well-curated mix of women’s, men’s, accessories and home product assortments.

Woodland Mall will also welcome Paddle North to the expanded wing this fall. The Minnesota-based company offers stand-up paddle boards and accessories, as well as an array of apparel.

The award-winning steakhouse and another first-to-market restaurant Black Rock Bar & Grill will open in mid-October in the expanded Von Maur wing. As part of its immersive dining experience, guests sear their selection of meat or seafood on hot volcanic granite at their tables. This will be the Michigan-based chain’s first location in West Michigan and its ninth in the state.

Complementing these diverse retailers and restaurants will be Tricho Salon, a best-in-class salon offering a personalized experience with talented stylists and the top hair styles, designs and products, as well as makeup and waxing services. An innovator in the salon business since 2003, Tricho Salons operates 12 locations in the most sought-after markets across the United States.

This summer, Woodland Mall welcomed West Michigan’s first REI store. Within its 20,000 square feet, shoppers can explore in-demand outdoor gear, clothing and footwear. Bath & Body Works’ White Barn Shop and A’Beautiful Soul, the companion to Altar’d State offering a plus-size clothing line, also recently opened.

In addition to welcoming new retail offerings, the mall has had several retailers relocate and/or expand within the mall over the past year, including Apple, Chico’s, Hollister, J.Jill, LUSH, Shoe Dept., Sleeping Tiger, Torrid, Vans and Victoria’s Secret.

Woodland Mall also features an exclusive line-up of other retailers, such as Pottery Barn, The North Face, Dry Goods and H&M, along with several other dining establishments and Celebration! Cinema.

Shoppers can anticipate more new and seasonal store announcements throughout the year as part of its $100 million redevelopment.

Snapshots: Weekend news for you to-dos, Kentwood and Wyoming

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“You never change your life until you step out of your comfort zone; change begins at the end of your comfort zone.”

Roy T. Bennett
Finny, the finback whale skeleton, greats visitors as the enter the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Supplied)

Free day at GR Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM), in partnership in the 15th annual Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day on Saturday, Sept. 21, is offering the opportunity for free general admission to Museum Day ticket holders. Get more info here.

A scene from a previous West Michigan Freedom Cruise and Gold Star Family Honor Ride at the Fifth Third Ball Park. (Supplied)

Honor America with a ride

The 2019 West Michigan Freedom Cruise and Gold Star Family Honor Ride — an event intended to to “Remember Gold Star Families, Support All Veterans and Never Forget!” — will return to Fifth Third Ball Park in Comstock Park Sunday, Sept. 22. Get more info here.

A close-up of part “Community” by British installation artist Rebecca Louise Law. (Supplied by the artist)

New show at Meijer Gardens

When Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park opens its next exhibit, “Rebecca Louise Law: The Womb”, on Sept. 20, the Gardens horticultural staff and community volunteers might be excused if they feel a little ownership of the artwork. Get more info here.

Fun fact:

2.32 hours

On average, in 2018, people watched TV for 3 hours 19 minutes per weekend day and 2 hours 32 minutes per weekday. (An NFL game lasts at least 3 hours, so …)

With memories and, hopefully, tradition carried over, Wyoming high to honor Coach VerDuin with field ceremonies

City of Wyoming, Education, Going Local, Local Faces, Local History, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports, ,
Wyoming High School’s football team practicing at their soon-to-be ex-home field this week. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

When Wyoming High School’s football team plays its last game at Davies Memorial Field this week, at the current middle school but at what was once Wyoming Park high, those in attendance will have many memories of games and players on the field.

Jack VerDuin, in a historic photo from Wyoming High School Athletic Department Facebook page.

And the Friday, Sept. 20, game pitting the Wolves against the visiting South Christian Sailors will also be filled with memories of the late Jack VerDuin, who rolled up a 243-118-6 record with the Wyoming Park Vikings before the school merged with Wyoming Rogers into Wyoming high in 2012.

The Friday game will be the first part of a two-part, two-home game special event for Wyoming high as the Wolves will honor VerDuin during their last varsity football game at Davies field before moving to the new football stadium for a Oct. 11 home game.

One person who will have special memories, especially at this week’s game, will be Ted Hollern, Wyoming High School Athletic Director, who remembers VerDuin as an opposing coach, mentor and friend.

Ted Hollern, Wyoming High School Athletic Director. (WKTV)

“I can remember, as a high school student, playing against Jack VerDuin’s teams and how good they were,” Hollern said this week to WKTV. “They were well coached. What a machine they had operating.

“And then (later) … I was at Wyoming Rogers, when he was at Park … to be able to rub shoulders with him. At the time, I was a young football coach … you know, I could pick up on some of his ideas. I was the head football coach at Rogers and he was still coaching here. We shared a lot of time together.”

There will also be many memories by VerDuin’s family and many friends who will be in attendance at the game, set to start at 7 p.m. The Jack VerDuin family will be there as they will be announced as our Honorary Captains for the game.

VerDuin, who died in 2007, coached the Vikings for 38 seasons beginning in 1962. During the years, Wyoming Park won 19 conference championships and the Class B state championship in 1984, a 33-20 victory over Monroe Catholic Central. The Vikings were state runner-up in 1985, falling to Dearborn Divine Child 21-0.

VerDuin is a member of the Wyoming Hall of Fame, Grand Rapids Hall of Fame, Michigan High School Hall of Fame and the Michigan Football Hall of Fame.

Clearly Coach VerDuin and his “Mighty Vikings” built a tradition of excellence — a tradition which Hollern hopes can carry over from the “the house that Jack built” at Davies field to the new football stadium.

“I think of all the players and coaches who have played here, at what was Wyoming Park. How many championships they won. The tradition they had,” Hollern said. “I just think it will be great to remember some of their past, and some of their accomplishments, and then hope that tradition, those accomplishments, kind of springboard into the new place.”

For a story on the new football stadium, and how students and staff at Wyoming high are anticipating its opening, see a School News Network story here.

The South Christian vs. Wyoming Community Night Football Game at Wyoming Junior High will be the WKTV High School Sports Featured Game of the Week, with on-demand video replay available at WKTVLive.org.

(For a WKTV video preview of the game, visit here.)

The game will have a 7 p.m. kick-off, but, among many special events, will have a Jack VerDuin Family Night pregame with a hospitality tent opening at 5:15 p.m. in the north end zone, with all family and friends welcome.

St. Cecilia kicks off season with Grammy winner Lee Ann Womack bringing county to town

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, ,
Lee Ann Womack. (Supplied)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

Lee Ann Womack will bring her six Country Music Association Awards, five Academy of Country Music Awards and a Grammy with her when she kicks off St. Cecilia Music Center’s Acoustic Café Folk Series concerts with a show Thursday, Oct. 3.

Okay, she won’t actually bring the Grammy to the stage, but she will bring her guitar and music from her latest album ‘The Lonely, The Lonesome & The Gone’.

The show begins a folk music series which includes the legendary Judy Collins later in the month, on Oct. 20, and then a packed February 2020 lineup with Grammy-award winning bluegrass band The Infamous Stringdusters on Feb. 6; multiple Grammy-award winner Rosanne Cash with guest-musician/composer/husband John Leventhal — maybe the folk series show of the year — on Feb. 19;  multi-Grammy-award winner Chris Thile (a member of Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek) on Feb. 25; and guitarist and singer Raul Midón on Feb. 27.

Tickets for Womack and all folk music series shows are still available.

“We are so excited to kick off our new season with Lee Ann Womack, one of the best-known female country singers,” Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia Music Center executive director, said in supplied material. “From her popular earlier hits  like, ‘I Hope You Dance’ to the powerful new rootsy selections from her latest album ‘The Lonely, The Lonesome & The Gone,’ those who come to this concert will see how Lee Ann masterfully captures her audience with her beautiful voice, presence and skillful execution.”

  

Lee Ann Womack has performed award-winning duets with everyone from Willie Nelson, John Prine to John Legend.

Her latest album ‘The Lonely, The Lonesome & The Gone’ has transformed her sound back to her “roots,” the East Texas native said in supplied material. “I could never shake my center of who I was. I’m drawn to rootsy music. It’s what moves me.”
 
For more about the artist as well as videos, visit her website here.

Tickets to Lee Ann Womack and all St. Cecilia shows are available by calling 616-459-2224 or visiting St. Cecilia Music Center at 24 Ransom NE, Grand Rapids, 49503 or online here. The Oct. 3 concert with Womack begins at 7:30 p.m. and includes a post-concert party with wine and beer for all concert ticket holders.

Public invited to POW/MIA recognition event at GR Home for Veterans on Friday

3-bottom, Community Health, Upcoming Events, Veterans,
The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

Veterans and the public are invited to a ceremony for National Prisoners of War and Missing in Action Recognition Day — also known as National POW/MIA Recognition Day — on Friday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m., in the temporary chapel at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, 3000 Monroe Ave., N.W., Grand Rapids.

This annual event is organized by Betty Pike, wife of Vietnam Veteran Jim Pike, who passed away at the veterans home earlier this year. Special recognition will also be given to four returned former MIA from Michigan. The Rev. Bill Campbell will officiate the event.

“We must remember that every prisoner of war or person missing in action has a name, a family, a story,” Debbie Piepsney, President of the POW Committee of Michigan, said in supplied material.

According to supplied material, similar events will be held across the country. In the United States, National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday in September. It was created to honor those who were prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action or unaccounted for. Most often, this particular event is associated with Vietnam Era veterans who became POW or MIA.

It is recorded that an Act of Congress established the passage of a National POW/MIA Recognition Day as part of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act. This event differs from the National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, which was created by Congress in 1988. National Former POW Recognition Day commemorates the April 9, 1942 surrender of an estimated 10,000 United States military personnel and 65,000 Filipino soldiers on the Bataan Peninsula in the Philippines to the invading Imperial Japanese Army.

For more information on the event, call the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans at 616-364-5300.

Hear personal stories of failure Saturday at Saugatuck Center for the Arts

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events,


By Scott Meivogel, Saugatuck Center for the Arts


Embrace it, learn from it, and build on it.


Come hear some of West Michigan’s most intriguing personalities share personal stories of failure, and stick around for an after party outside under our pavilion with music from Code West; there will also be local food vendors, and a cash bar. Failure Lab will be presented Sept. 21, 2019, at Saugatuck Center for the Arts. Doors open 6:30pm, show starts 7:30pm. Tickets are $25 and available at www.sc4a.org/failure-lab.


Head-shaking, eye-blinking moments of “what just happened?” that present some of the most powerful, transformative tales you’ll ever hear. This one-of-a-kind platform integrates storytelling and performance to reveal the vulnerabilities of influential people in order to eliminate the fear, stigma and isolation around failure.


With a refreshing environment of openness, Failure Lab paves the way for change by crushing the isolation and stigma around failure. Failure then takes its rightful place as the crucial first step to the next big thing.


USA Today says that Failure Lab, “Demystifies the process of innovation.” Listen to some words from a former winner of “Chopped” and current chef at Pennyroyal Cafe and Provisions in Saugatuck, Missy Corey.


Failure Lab presenters share adversities behind their success, allowing audience members to learn and grow from their powerful stories. 


We’re thrilled to bring you stories from these West Michigan rock stars:

  • Missy Corey – Chef at Pennyroyal Café and Provisions
  • Michael Hyacinthe – Co-Founder of Has Heart, U.S. Navy Veteran
  • Ryan Kilpatrick – Director of Housing Next
  • Alexandra Meister – Company Member at the Grand Rapids Ballet
  • Kathleen Piggins – Freelance Writer
  • Salvatore Sapienza – Minister and

In between each speaker will be a performance from a plethora of Michigan talent:

  • Cirque du K
  • Deavondre Jones
  • Lexi Adams
  • Lane Ellens
  • Cameron Blake
  • Yolonda Lavender
  • Michigan Academy of Folk Music Stringband
  • Code West

What: Failure Lab

When: Sept. 21, 2019; doors and cocktails at 6:30pm, show starts at 7:30pm

Where: Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck, MI 49453

Cost: $25


Stick around for the after-party after the event, featuring Code West playing under our outdoor pavilion. Plenty of drinks and conversation.




Honoring America’s veterans, Gold Star ceremony & Freedom Cruise at 5/3 ballpark Sunday

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Going Local, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, Veterans, ,

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By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org


The 2019 West Michigan Freedom Cruise and Gold Star Family Honor Ride — an event intended to to “Remember Gold Star Families, Support All Veterans and Never Forget!” — will return to Fifth Third Ball Park in Comstock Park Sunday, Sept. 22.


This year, the annual event will honor fallen soldier U.S. Army Sgt. Chad J. Vollmer, of Grand Rapids, who while serving with the Army 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry, was killed in action in Iraq on Dec. 23, 2006.


Each year, the event, this year co-sponsored by West Michigan Veterans Coalition, honors a family with a ceremony unveiling a specially commissioned portrait of “their fallen hero” and then escorts the Gold Star Family (the family of a military man or woman killed in defense of the United States) and the portrait on an honor cruise.


The free-to-the-public Freedom Cruise and Gold Star Family Honor Ride event will begin at the ball park, 4500 West River Drive NE, with gates opening at 11 a.m., the Fallen Soldier Ceremony beginning at 2 p.m., and the Freedom Cruise beginning at 3 (to 3:15) p.m. and ending back at the ball park after a 25-mile motorcycle and classic car ride to Sparta.


The Stars & Stripes Cars & Bikes Freedom Cruise Honor Ride online pre-registration closes Friday, Sept. 20, at 8 a.m., with on-site Honor Ride registration at Fifth Third Ball Park on Sunday, Sept. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.


According to event organizers, including principal organizer Tom Antor and Capt. Paul J. Ryan, US Navy Reserve (Retired) and board member of the West Michigan Veterans Coalition, there will be many activities in addition to the ceremony and the ride.


There is a classic car and motorcycle show with 1,000 plus vehicles anticipated. An additional feature this year will be a “Veterans and Family Resource Fair” sponsored by the West Michigan Veterans’ Coalition.  The resource fair providers will include organizations that assist veterans and their families in areas including housing, barriers to employment, legal issues, issues affecting female veterans, mental health, spiritual well-being/social support and transportation.


The West Michigan Veterans Coalition, according to supplied information, is a collaboration among local military-friendly organizations that provide support, information, and resources to veterans and their families, employers, and other organizations throughout West Michigan. It’s mission “is to improve the lives of veterans, their families, and anyone who served in the Armed Forces by connecting them to all available services and resources throughout West Michigan.

 
For more information and registration information visit the Freedom Cruise website at freedomcruisegr.com.

Light up the night: City of Kentwood to host Glow in the Park 5K

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Going Local, Health, Kids Activities, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events,

By City of Kentwood

Ready, set, glow! Area runners and walkers are invited to come together and “illuminate the night with glow wear and lights” during the City of Kentwood’s first-ever Glow in the Park 5K on Saturday, Oct. 12.

The lighthearted run will begin just before dusk with check-in, on-site registration and packet pick-up slated to take place between 6 and 7 p.m. at Pinewood Park, located at 1999 Wolfboro Drive SE.

Participants and supporters are encouraged to wear brightly colored and glow-in-the dark clothes and accessories for the race, which runs through Pinewood Park trails and nearby neighborhood roads.

Volunteers in glow wear will help light the way, while neighborhoods along the route are welcomed to decorate their homes with colorful splashes of light for the occasion.
 
“We’d love to see area neighbors get involved in our first Glow in the Park 5K, which is our only organized after-dark running event to date,” said Spencer McKellar, race organizer. “Whether you’re an avid runner, casual jogger or walker, this 5K is intended to be a fun opportunity to dress up, get out and do something active this fall with family members, neighbors and friends.”

As the participants near the finish line, the path will be lit with glow-in-the-dark sticks and other colorful lights. An awards ceremony and party at Pinewood Park including music, games and refreshments will immediately follow the race. The route is fully paved and accessible.

Individuals interested in racing can register online. Those who register by Oct. 1 will receive a t-shirt and race pack with glow supplies.

Registration costs $30 until Sept. 30, after which the price will increase by $5 increments leading up to $40 for race-day sign-ups. Proceeds will go to support the City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department’s Youth Scholarship Fund, which allows recipients to receive up to 50 percent off of one program per season.

The Parks and Recreation Department is seeking volunteers for the Glow in the Park 5K. Those who are interested may sign up online.

Live Mannequin Night returns tonight (Sept. 13)

Citizen Journalism, Upcoming Events, ,

By West Michigan Tourist Association


Did that mannequin just blink? Downtown Holland’s windows will come alive tonight, Friday, Sept. 13 from 7–8:30pm when Live Mannequin Night returns for another year! Tonight, dozens of community members will pose perfectly still like mannequins in the windows of over 25 different Downtown businesses all depicting this year’s theme — movies. From classics film to popular flicks and Disney movies, there’s something for every movie fan at Live Mannequin Night.


Be sure to visit GDK Park during the Live Mannequin for fun giveaways from sponsor Greenridge Realty and Downtown Holland’s new movie theatre, Sperry’s Moviehouse. To make it easier to view the windows during this popular event, attendees should look for the directional signs in the
windows of the participating businesses and the signs on the street to ensure they are walking in the correct direction. Attendees are also encouraged to visit the businesses in the new development spanning River Avenue to Pine Avenue to check out the displays in their windows.

Live Mannequin Night participating businesses:

  • Alpenrose Restaurant
  • Apothecary Gift Shop
  • Blu Veranda
  • Bondi Salon
  • Cakabakery
  • Carolyn Stich Studio
  • Cherry Republic of Holland
  • City Deli
  • Decadent Dogs
  • Engedi Salon
  • Fustini’s of Holland
  • Gezellig Home and Garden
  • Glik’s Men’s Shop
  • Glik’s Boutique
  • Hawthorne Boutique
  • Home and Company
  • Karla’s Place
  • Kilwins of Holland
  • New Holland Pub on 8th
  • Peachwave Frozen Yogurt & Gelato
  • Reader’s World
  • Sperry’s Moviehouse
  • The Bridge
  • The Warm Friend
  • Tip Toes
  • Vander Lugt Capital Management
  • Waverly Stone Gastropub



Thriller! Chiller! & ASIFA Central to host visiting artist, Tom Sullivan of ‘Evil Dead’ film fame

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, ,
Tom Sullivan

By Shirley Clemens Griffin


Thriller! Chiller! International Film Festival in partnership with ASIFA Central (The Association Internationale du Film d’Animation), Central Midwest Chapter announce that Tom Sullivan will be a visiting artist offering a lecture on Special FX history and the Evil Dead film series on Oct. 12 beginning at 6:30pm at the Wealthy Theatre.


A screening of director Sam Raimi’s Michigan-filmmaker-made cult horror comedy The Evil Dead will immediately follow the lecture. The screening is scheduled for 7:30pm. Tickets to both the lecture and film screening are $8 and will go on sale on Friday the 13th of September at the Wealthy Theatre box office or online at wealthytheatre.org.


Tickets on sale NOW for series makeup, props, and SFX artist Tom Sullivan (with Evil Dead film screening), Saturday, Oct. 12.


Thriller! Chiller! Film Festival All Access Passholders and Saturday Day Passholders will be able to attend the event at no additional charge.


Thriller! Chiller! International Film Festival will return to screen the best in indie Action, Sci-fi, Suspense, and Horror movies this Oct. 8-12 at the Wealthy Theatre.  

About ASIFA.org

The Association International du Film d’Animation, Central Midwest Chapter was founded in France by a group of professional animators and chartered by UNESCO in 1960. ASIFA’s goal is to encourage the art of animation and further promote international understanding and goodwill through the medium of the animated film. There are about 4500 members and 30 chapters worldwide, including seven in the USA. ASIFA Central sprouted in Chicago, Illinois, in 1975 and has expanded to include many professional and independent animators in the Midwest.

About Thriller! Chiller!

The action, sci-fi, suspense and horror-themed film festival will screen five cult classic movies, as well as 63 international independent film selections over five days in October. Specific screening details on independent films are available at thrillerchiller.com

  • The Event: Thriller! Chiller! International Film Festival — Independent & cult classic Action, Sci-fi, Suspense, and Horror movies
  • When: Oct. 8-12, 2019; Tuesday to Saturday
  • Where: Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI. *Festival Hub and screening venue in its 400-seat main theatre, and 60-seat micro-cinema
  • Pricing: Entry is priced two ways for maximum access: All Access to the entire festival; or all access by the day in the form of a Day Pass. There will be no tickets to individual screenings available except for the Evil Dead screening and lecture sold separately at $8.

All-Access Festival Pass, $50


All screening, events, and private passholder only party + select online screening access. On sale now at www.wealthytheatre.org.

Day Passes:

  • Tuesday, Oct. 8: $12 for all-evening access to all movies.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 9: Private party + screening for All Access Passholders only. Must purchase All Access to attend Wednesday events.
  • Thursday, Oct. 10: $12 for all-evening access to all movies.
  • Friday, Oct. 11: $12 for all-evening access to all movies.
  • Saturday, Oct. 12: $20 for all-day access to all movies

Overview of Thriller! Chiller! Festival events

  • 63 Movies from 8 countries: (Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Republic of Korea, Sweden, U.S., UK)
  • Including 13 Features; 40 Short films; 10 Michigan Movies and 5 Cult Classics will screen at Thriller! Chiller! 2019.

Schedule by the day

Tuesday, Oct. 8 — Thriller! Chiller! Presents a zomcom Double Feature Night of the Living Dead + Shaun of the Dead as part of the Meanwhile Film Series 8 pm & 10pm. $12 general admission to both films. Or, Free with Thriller! Chiller! All Access Pass


Wednesday, Oct. 9 — All Access Passholders party + private screening


Thursday, Oct. 10 — Michigan Movie Night + Godzilla! Michigan Movies at 6pm. Godzilla vs. Destoroyah, 8pm. There will also be Thriller! Chiller! indie movies in the Micro-cinema at 6pm and 8pm. $12 Day Pass. Free with Thriller! Chiller! All Access Pass to all movies.


Friday, Oct. 11 — Friday-Night Freak-out + Bridezilla! The wildest, bloodiest, most offbeat movies screen on Thriller! Chiller! Friday nights for Thriller! Chiller! Friday Night Freak-out which starts at 6pm. Bride of Frankenstein, 8pm. Including a Best of Bride of Frankenstein cosplay & fashion show. There will also be Thriller! Chiller! indie movies in the Micro-cinema at 6pm and 8pm. $12 Day Pass. Free with Thriller! Chiller! All Access Pass to all movies!


Saturday, Oct. 12 — The best of indie filmmaking in the genres of Action, Sci-fi, Suspense and Horror all day Saturday, Noon-10pm. The Evil Dead event begins at 6:30pm. Makeup, props and SFX artist for The Evil Dead series, Tom Sullivan, visiting lecturer. 7:30pm — The Evil Dead screening. 
$20 Day Pass for all-day Saturday. Free with Thriller! Chiller! All Access Pass to all movies! Or, $8 to attend only the Evil Dead lecture and screening.




WKTV cable channels to air special jazz show ‘Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool’

3-bottom, Local Entertainment, Reviews, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects,
Miles Davis 1963 (Historic/Antibes Juan les Pins)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

WKTV and The Kamla Show, a show known for “authentic conversations with real people,” will present a special episode focused on director Stanley Nelson’s new documentary “Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool”, with three airings the week of Sept. 16.

The episode of the The Kamla Show will be shown on WKTV Monday, Sept. 16, at 3 p.m.; Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 11:30 a.m.; and Friday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m.

“Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool”, according to supplied material, “makes for an absorbing watch” as Nelson uses rare archival footage, photos and interviews with musicians to paint a complex picture of this famous and complicated musician and composer.

The film is named after the 1957 seminal album “Birth of Cool”, which is considered an important milestone in the history and evolution of  modern jazz. The film highlights the high and low points, as well as his complicated relationship with the women in his life.

“Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool” screened at the 2019 SFFILM festival, which is where the producers of The Kamla Show caught up with Erin Davis (son of Miles Davis) and Vince WIlbrun Jr. (nephew of Miles Davis).

“We spoke to them about their memories of Miles Davis, what music meant to him, his love for technology and his fondness for cooking,” the producers of the show state.

“Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool” releases in September in the United States.

To view the trailer for the film visit here.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

This weekend’s Kentwood’s Food Truck Festival popular with residents, food truck community

Beer, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Food, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Local Food, Recreation, Upcoming Events,
Scene from 2018’s City of Kentwood End of Summer Food Truck Festival. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The City of Kentwood, always looking for unique ways to get its community together for a little fun, has had a busy summer with playground improvements, road runs and community sand volleyball tournaments.

But the summer is not quite over yet and Kentwood will host its fourth annual End of Summer Food Truck Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the parking lot of the Kent District Library, Kentwood (Richard. L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE.

The event, with music, family activities, a beer tent and — for course — eats and sweets from nearly 30 vendors, will be both an opportunity for city to offer residents and guests a fun community activity as well as an opportunity for food truck vendors to network and maybe show off a little.

“The food truck rally has been really well received by the public. This is an open even so anybody can come and you can spend the entire day here,” Lori Gresnick, City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, said to WKTV. “This is our fourth year. So we’ve grown from just a couple food trucks to now we have over 30 food trucks — not only food trucks but that includes desert trucks.”

For more discussion from Gresnick and well as the operator of a Kentwood-based food truck, Rock Dandeneau, of Taste Buds Kitchen Concepts and the Pressed in Time food truck, see a video here.

Live music will start at 11 a.m. with The Bootstrap Boys, followed by DJ Snax, Molly and Last Gasp Collective. A beer tent featuring craft beer and cider will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

While entry to the festival is free, cost for food and beverages varies by vendor. For more information visit kentwood.us/foodtruckfestival .

Next exhibit at Meijer Gardens blends artistic vision, garden’s bounty and local handicraft

3-bottom, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Reviews, Upcoming Events, ,

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By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

When Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park opens its next exhibit, “Rebecca Louise Law: The Womb”, on Sept. 20, the Gardens horticultural staff and community volunteers might be excused if they feel a little ownership of the artwork.

After all, the site-specific exhibition includes about 10,000 flowers and plants gathered from the Gardens’ massive gardens and strung together in delicate wire strings by local volunteers and staff, and then added to Law’s existing collection of approximately 1 million flowers and plant material.

The resulting newly created sculptural works, as well as painted works, will be on display within, and in spaces preceding, the main gallery in an exhibition which will run through March 1, 2020.

While the British installation artist has gained international acclaim for her works and her use of natural materials, the ability to have such a wide range of local material to select from and work with is a little unusual but very pleasing to the artist.

British installation artist Rebecca Louise Law. (Supplied by the artist)

“It was amazing to have a dedicated team that would daily harvest flora from an abundant garden,” Law said to WKTV. “I felt spoilt by the horticulture team as I’ve given them my preferences and guidance as to what will work best in this installation.”

While some of new exhibit is based on previously produced material, the initial stringing of local materials by a variety of local volunteers does present the artist with a kind of variance, of randomness, that plays into her final artistic decisions as the exhibit comes together.

“I am strict with the method of wiring each flower and we prepare the flowers according to size and tone,” Law said. “Apart from this, I allow the volunteers to work naturally. I have always loved the artwork involving many hands, what makes the installation beautiful to its core is all the handmade twists of copper.”

A close-up of part “Still Life” by British installation artist Rebecca Louise Law. (Supplied by the artist)

The titles of some of Law’s other works seem to reflect or hint at a place and time in nature — “Life in Death” for example. So we asked if “The Womb”, which uses seeds or pods or early roots as well as flowers and other plant material, reflects or hints at an early stage of nature.

“‘The Womb’ studies the start of life and the human cocoon in nature,” Law said to WKTV. “I wanted to study the womb as a vessel and the first human relationship with nature. I have always had the fantasy of being enveloped in nature and through studying the womb, this artwork is the closest I have got to creating an essence of this experience.”


Law’s use of natural materials, mainly floral, will “encourage guests to experience the relationship between humanity and nature. The natural decay of the plant material makes this exhibit time based and encourages frequent visits to observe the process of drying,” according to supplied material.

A close-up of part “Community” by British installation artist Rebecca Louise Law. (Supplied by the artist)

The installation is also described as “an intimate exploration into the relationship between humankind and nature, and explores the sensation of being cocooned in nature, and the fantasy of being naturally enveloped.” The artworks surrounding the installation look in detail at the womb as a natural cocoon.

Although photography will be allowed in specific areas, Law encourages guests to “put aside their cell phones and cameras and fully engage with the exhibition,” she said in supplied material.

An advocate of sustainability, Law frequently reuses dried plant materials that have been displayed in her previous installations.

“I like to capture and treasure small, beautiful natural objects to create an artwork that can be observed without the pressure of time,” Law said in supplied material. “Preserving, treasuring, celebrating and sharing the beauty of the earth with the world is what drives me.”

 
That advocacy for the natural world combined with artistic vision fits in perfectly with Meijer Garden’s vision.
 
“We have been aware of Rebecca’s work for some time, and are very excited to be working with her,” Laurene Grunwald, Director of Sculpture, Art Collections, Exhibitions & Installations at Meijer Gardens, said in supplied material. “Her concern for the environment and practice of sustainability is a perfect fit for us along with the literal combination of sculpture and horticulture, which directly mirrors our mission.”

The exhibition will include several free-with-admission special “drop-in” programs, including:
 
A Director’s Walk will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 6 p.m., led by Grunwald and Steve LaWarre, Director of Horticulture, as they explore one of the places where this combination of nature and sculpture is emphasized — the wildflower meadow with Mark di Suvero’s sculpture “Scarlatti” at its center.

A lecture, “The Secret Symbolism of Flowers”, will take place on Sunday, Nov. 10, at 2 p.m., with Suzanne Eberle, Professor of Art History, Kendall College of Art and Design. Eberle will discuss how flowers often contain a symbolic meaning that is sometimes specific to the period of art, region or artist from which it was created.

A lecture, “The History of Environmental Art”, on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m., with Billie Wickre, Professor of Art History, Albion College. The Environmental Art movement began in the 1960s and early ’70s as a way to appreciate nature. Over time, it has become a way for artists to address the endangering of ecosystems. Wickre will highlight some important works of art in the Environmental Art movement that have been intended to evoke change in the ways in which we understand and interact with our surroundings.

For more information on the exhibit visit meijergardens.org . For more information about the artist visit rebeccalouiselaw.com .

Bed & Breakfasts to visit in Michigan

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Recreation, Travel, Upcoming Events,

By Adrienne Brown-Reasner, West Michigan Tourist Association


Experience the warm West Michigan hospitality of a Bed & Breakfast on your next getaway. Whether you’re looking for a cozy, romantic getaway, a quaint historical charmer, or a luxurious weekend away, West Michigan has a Bed & Breakfast for you.

Bed & Breakfasts in South West Michigan

Courtesy Yelton Manor Bed & Breakfast

In Marshall, the National House Inn, built over 170 years ago, is the oldest operating inn in Michigan. It originally welcomed stagecoach travelers and offers the same gracious hospitality with luxuries and conveniences of today. 


Saugatuck is home to some of the most charming B&Bs around, including Wickwood Inn. This is where best-selling James Beard Hall of Fame cookbook author and co-founder of The Silver Palate and owner of Wickwood for two decades, Julee Rosso, first began to source the freshest local farmer’s market ingredients. Other B&B options in Saugatuck include Bayside Inn, Maplewood Hotel, Marywood Manor B&B and Cottages, Serendipity Bed and Breakfast, Sherwood Forest B&B, and Twin Oaks Inn.


Luxurious and lakeside, Yelton Manor Boutique Hotel B&B is the closest B&B in South Haven to the beach. It’s walkable to everything, blissfully tucked away from the noisy harbor, festivals, and nightspots.


Greater Lansing is home to a number of wonderful Bed & Breakfasts. In trendy Old Town Lansing find the Cozy Koi Bed & Breakfast, while in downtown East Lansing, the charming Wild Goose Inn sits just a block away from Michigan State University campus. For a retreat in style, choose The English Inn for quaint-yet-modern cottages and deliciously elegant rooms in the manor house. For something a bit different, head out to Williamston and commune with some llamas and alpacas at the Willowicke Inn or head to Dimondale to stay in The Legend Inn. The area’s newest B&B is found in the northern neighboring community of St. Johns. The Nordic Pineapple is a charming inn with five rooms with all the amenities, right in the heart of St. Johns. 

More South Region Bed & Breakfasts:

Central West Michigan

Courtesy The Gerber Guest House

Visit the Muskegon area and stay at one of the numerous Bed & Breakfasts in the area such as White Swan Inn Bed & Breakfast in Whitehall. Come to White Swan Inn Bed & Breakfast for the hospitality, stay for the incredible location. This charming inn is within walking distance of stores and restaurants, across the street from a historic performing arts center, one block away from the bike trail, just up the hill from White Lake, and a short drive to the fantastic sunsets at Lake Michigan. 


The Lamplighter Bed & Breakfast, situated along Ludington Avenue in Ludington, is just five blocks from shopping, antiquing, restaurants, breweries, ice cream, and entertainment. Each of the five rooms and suites offer private baths and a comfortable night’s sleep. Enjoy Michigan’s spring and summer seasons and wander outside to enjoy the beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces. You’ll also find many other charming bed & breakfasts and other accommodations in Ludington for your next stay.  


Mecosta County has a plethora of bed & breakfasts (and more) for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in cabins, cottages, or bed & breakfasts, Mecosta County has a place for you to rest your head.


Feel at home on vacation on one of Isabella County’s bed and breakfasts: Enjoy convenient access to Downtown Mt. Pleasant, home to museums, restaurants, boutiques, and more. Or take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in a country-side cottage. Whichever you prefer, the unique area bed & breakfast accommodations have what you seek. Learn more about Isabella County’s unique bed & breakfast options at the Mt. Pleastant Convention & Visitors Bureau.

More Central Region Bed & Breakfasts:

North West Michigan & Upper Peninsula

Enjoy a relaxing weekend on the Leelanau Peninsula. Visit the Inn at Black Star Farms for a weekend of luxury, featuring a farm-fresh breakfast each morning of your stay. What are you waiting for? Book your next up north getaway! 

More North Region and Upper Peninsula Bed & Breakfasts: 

Courtesy Chateau Chantal

Find more unique lodging options in the West Michigan Carefree Travel Guide.

At 150, Fountain Street Church looks back, forward as it invites public to birthday bash

3-bottom, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Faces, Local History, Recreation, Upcoming Events,

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By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Fountain Street Church, housed in maybe the most historic house of prayer in downtown Grand Rapids but with members Kent County wide and beyond, prides itself on many things — not the least of which is often being seen as the most liberal church in the region.

So while the church has been honoring its past during its 150th anniversary year, a multi-event celebration reaching its peak Sunday, Sept. 15, with its Grand Celebration Street Party, it is also looking forward to what’s next for the church.

Part of the reason for the street party, however, is to invite the greater Grand Rapids community to learn more about Fountain Street and, maybe, become part of its future.

Fountain Streeter Todd Johnson with the church in background. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“In order to look into the future, you have to be willing to look into the past. And that is what we are doing,” Todd Johnson, co-chair of the chruch’s 150th Celebration committee, said to WKTV. “We are saying ‘Look at all we have done in the last 150 years, let celebrate that. And then let’s say ‘What is the future for Fountain Street Church?’ … We are celebrating the past as a step into the future.”

(For a unique look at the history of Fountain Street Church, WKTV asked Senior Minister W. Frederick Wooden for his pivotal persons in the life of the church. Read the story here.)

Judy Botts, a coordinator of the street party, detailed the many facets of the free-to-the public Sept. 15 event, which will run from 12-4 p.m. and will take place in a closed-to-traffic block between the Grand Rapids Public Library and Fountain Street Church. The party will include face painting and a Henna tattoo artist on site, individual and family photographs, a bounce house and corn hole tournament, cotton candy and snow cones, live music from the B-Side Growlers, a mime artist, food, and a welcoming address from former Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell, who will deliver a speech titled: “Why Grand Rapids Needs Fountain Street Church.”

WKTV Community Media’s Voices project is also partnering with Fountain Street Church on a special oral history project, with a WKTV representative present to talk about the project. Voices is the personal and family oral history project with the mission “to collect, share and preserve the narratives of people in our community … (stories) of our lives; of people from all walks of life.” (For more information on Voices, visit wktvvoices.org .)

Fountain Streeter Judy Botts. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“What we want to happen is, yes, many Fountain Streeters to come — past and present people who attend this church,” Botts said. But it is not just for those who know Fountain Street and its many facets. “This is a diverse group of people that seek answers to questions that they have regarding religion. It is a very open community. We welcome all people and their thoughts. We will share the different groups we have here that they (the public) might be interested in joining.”

The 150th celebration events so far have certainly showed that diversity.

After starting with a kickoff party in December of last year, in March there were special programs on the History of Women at Fountain Street Church, in April many members of the church went to Brewery Vivant for a celebration of a special brew release — the “Fountain Streeter” — and they liked it so much then did it again in August. There was also a Spirit of the Arts show, a sort of talent show for Fountain Streeters, and a special Memorial Concert “The Spirit Sings!” featuring the church’s Oratorio Choir and the Aquinas College Chorus highlighted by the world premiere of “Tell All the Truth” by Nicholas Palmer.

Maybe the most well attended, both by church members as well as the community in general, was the first and now annual Pride Service, at the beginning of LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June.

The church’s more recent moves to embrace the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the local minority, refugee and homeless communities, was part of a discussion WKTV had with Rev. Wooden, as well as Johnson and Botts, when we asked about their most treasured memories of the church. (Read that story here.)

For more information about the Fountain Street Church 150th Anniversary Grand Celebration Street Party, visit here.

For Fountain Streeters, church means more than simply Sunday morning sermons

Citizen Journalism, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Local History, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects,
Fountain Street Church, with public art across the street. (William Thompson)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

The Fountain Street Church community has been honoring its past and looking to its future during its 150th anniversary year, and its collective memory is deep with history and tradition.

But if you ask individual members — those who attend Sunday for its more traditional Sanctuary Service in the awesome and history sanctuary, or its it very non-traditional Chapel Service in its humble but equally historic chapel, or those who are at Fountain Street for the multitude of activities and groups throughout the rest of the week — it is the individual memories that often stand out.

WKTV asked three Fountain Streeters what their most cherished memories were, and the answers ranged from a special prom for youth who do not fit into the “straight” prom scene, to a woman’s group focused on community outreach, to the smiles on the faces of children reenacting the Christmas Story.

If that does not tell the story of the spectrum of people at Fountain Street, nothing will.

Fountain Streeter Todd Johnson (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“The thing I remember, that means the most to me, is when we instituted the Family Christmas Pageant, on Christmas Eve,” said Todd Johnson, co-chair of the church’s 150th Celebration committee. “We’d been holding an 8 o’clock and and 11 o’clock service, but for many of us with children that was too late for them. They’d fall asleep. So we started a 5 o’clock service and it was just great.

“For the kids, we basically reenact the Christmas story. We have Mary and Joseph, and someone reads the story, and the innkeeper and the kings and the angels and the shepherds. The kids would participate in this wonderful service. It would culminate with each kid taking a little candle, a 4-inch candle, they’d light it and they’d put it in the front of the chancel.

“It was just beautiful,” he said, fighting back tears of beautiful memories. “They’d turn the lights out and we’d all sing ‘Silent Night’. It is just a beautiful service.”

Memories, and lifelong friends, are also made outside the church.

One of the many community outreach activities of the church, which has members and attendees all across West Michigan, are having Districts, geographical divisions with district leaders who work with fellow Fountain Streeters on activities, gatherings and projects — and, sometimes, personal needs.

Fountain Streeter Judy Botts. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“I’ve been a District leader for like 14, 15 years,” said Judy Botts, a coordinator of the Fountain Street Church 150th Anniversary Grand Celebration Street Party. “It started off being a group of 14 or 15 of us, and over the years we are down to about five people. But we come together once a month and our purpose is to help people within our geographic district that we’ve been assigned to, in terms of any care services they have, to involve people in social action kinds of things, and just plan fun things within our districts so that people can get to know each other better, to make stronger connections.

“That is what makes the church, the connections that you have,” she said. “There is long term friendships that have been established here. … That is part of what a church is about.”

Minister’s has many special memories, but …

Even the senior minister of Fountain Street, W. Frederick Wooden, a man whose efforts and accomplishments are too long to list, will — if pressed — pick one memory that stands out.

“There are too many wonderful moments. That is what keeps a clergy person going,” Wooden said. “It is the moments of real meaning and power, and they do come.

“But the one I’ll pick, because it is different from the others, is the Fountain Club meetings of our high school (age) youth. Seven years ago, maybe upwards of 10, we had the idea that there were kids their age in high schools around the area that could not go to their prom because they did not identify as ‘straight’. And if they went as themselves, they would be ridiculed, bullied or harassed.

Fountain Street Church front with Gay Pride flag. (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“And they (the club), they came up with the idea that we should host a prom for all those who did not feel welcomed at their prom. … Every year since, we have had a dance for LGBTQ kids — and their friends, it is not just for LGBTQ kids but everybody else. … They come in all shapes and sizes and colors … and they are just having the best of time in the world.

“There is nothing that makes you feel more hopeful about the future,” he said. “If this is what America is going to look like, I am all for it.”

After impressive opener, Wyoming high Coach Sigler likes progress of team, program culture

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Wyoming, Education, Local Faces, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports,
Wyoming High School football practice. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

As his team “went to work” at practice this week in preparation for a high school football Week 2 game at Northview High School, Wyoming high head football coach Irv Sigler Jr. sounded like an X’s and O’s football coach as he talked to WKTV.

He praised his offensive line play in the team’s dominating 59-25 win over Holland opening week. He praised his opponent this week and said his team would need to be better to beat the Wildcats on their home field — a game which WKTV’s Featured Game sports coverage crew will be covering. UPDATE: Due to technical issues, WKTV was unable to video record the game.

But Coach Sigler also went a bit beyond the X’s and O’s by talking about the “culture” of his program, which has a modest 5-13 record in his first two years but may be about to turn the competitive corner.

Coach Sigler. (WKTV)

“We’ve grown a great deal in our ability to practice with purpose, with having a sense of urgency about getting better every day when we come out … the little things are the difference between being good and great,” Coach Sigler said in a WKTV interview. (See the entire interview on YouTube here.) “I describe our kids as lunchbox kids. They come here every day. They got a lunch box and they go to work.”

In their opening night games, Northview defeated Comstock Park 28-7 while Wyoming defeated Holland 59-25 in a game which was began on Thursday night but finished on Friday night due to storms moving through the area.

Wyoming High School football practice. (WKTV)

For the Wolves, junior running back (and linebacker) Cameron (Cam) Simon rushed for just shy of 200 yards and scored four touchdowns, while junior quarterback Matthew Berg passed for three TDs.

Northview, out of OK White, had 10 new starters on defense against Comstock Park but still held the Panthers to a single touchdown. Running back Jakaurie Kirkland had 220 yards on 23 carries. Senior quarterback Dan Frey went 7-of-11 for 72 yards, with two touchdown passes to sophomore Kyler VanderJact.

Northview, last season, was 7-3 including an opening round playoff loss to Grand Rapids Christian, which ended a six-game winning streak. They were 5-1 in OK White and finished second to Cedar Springs, their only conference loss.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.

 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

Bassnectar to play Van Andel Arena Nov. 1-2; tickets go on sale Sept. 6

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , ,

By Hilarie Carpenter, SMG 


Bassnectar is bringing Freakstyle 2019 Day of the Dead Dark Parties to SMG-managed Van Andel Arena for two unique sets in the dark Nov. 1-2, 2019, at 7pm. Friday, Nov. 1 will also feature Kursa, Stylust, and SuperDre, and Saturday, Nov. 2 will feature J:Kenzo, Aztek, and Distinct Motive.


Two-day passes will go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, Sept. 6 at 12pm.


Passes are general admission and will be available at the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices as well as online at Ticketmaster.com. See Ticketmaster for all current pricing and availability.


In keeping with the traditions of this special Mexican Holiday, Bassnectar will be setting up a Remembrance Altar, to honor those lost but still cherished in our hearts — in doing this one can sense an even deeper respect for life, and for all the radiant beauty of the present moment.


Aaaaaaannnnnnnd: party-goers are encouraged to paint their faces — feel free to share inspiration with one another, and for those who don’t arrive in face paint, the Bass Network will set up face-painting stations!


Get ready for the unexpected, the strange, and downright weird… freestyle, darkstyle, wildstyle, FREAKSTYLE!!!


This is an 18+ event

About Bassnectar

By combining sound and force with weight, the Bassnectar experience engulfs the senses. The experience of Bassnectar is more visceral than auditory, as the music sets any stage for an adventure without rules or limitations. On Bassnectar’s stage, there is no hesitation in fusing the familiar with the strange or the classic with the cutting edge.


Bassnectar is the brainchild of Lorin Ashton, and his open-sourced musical project is as diverse as it is imaginary, as raw as it is meticulous, and as fierce as it is stunning. Spanning the spectrum of sonic style, the music draws inspiration from every genre imaginable and supplies a synthesis of intense, wobbling basslines and hypnotic soundscapes for a devout international audience that desires the beautiful and the bestial in the same breath.




Call for entries for Klompen Garden 2020

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Upcoming Events, ,
Courtesy Tulip Time Festival

By Simone Weithers, Tulip Time Festival


Tulip Time® Festival (www.tuliptime.com) announces the return of Klompen Garden, a hugely popular public art project which debuted in 2019. Klompen Garden will showcase 20 pairs of artfully designed large ‘wooden’ shoes installed in city parks and tulip beds throughout the downtown Holland area.


Artists living in Ottawa, Allegan, Kent, Muskegon and Kalamazoo counties are invited to submit a design concept and sketch for this one-of-a-kind art project. Concepts will be accepted through an online submission form until Oct. 14, 2019, at 11:59pm EST. Of the submitted concepts, 20 will be selected to create the Klompen Garden.


Tulip Time will supply each selected artist or group of collaborating artists with a large pair (34”L x 12”W x 12”H) of ‘wooden’ shoes, through which artists are encouraged to bring their concept to life.


Upon completion of the 20 projects, a juror vote and public vote will determine the favorite klompen. Tulip Time has invited John Berry to serve as this year’s Klompen Garden juror. Berry will select one grand prize winner who will be awarded $1,000 at the First Bloem Reception in February. The winning pair will be displayed at Holland Area Arts Council for the duration of the festival.


The public will also have a chance to vote for their favorites of the remaining 19 klompen between May 2–19, 2020. The top three public picks will be announced on May 10. Of the public votes, first place will be awarded $500, second place will be awarded $300 and third place will be awarded $200. Visit www.tuliptime.com/klompen-garden for full entry details and competition information!


For additional details, contact Julia Van Fleet at julia@tuliptime.com or 616.396.4221 x104. Follow this project now through the festival by using #klompengarden!

About the juror:

Former Vice President of Corporate Communications at Herman Miller, John Berry was also the founder and first Executive Director of Design West Michigan and founder and first Director of the Design Thinking Academy at Grand Valley State University. John has an MFA in Design from Cranbrook Academy of Art and a BS in Design and Spanish from Indiana University.




World Affairs Council begins 70th year with ‘Strategic International Relationships’ series

3-bottom, Education, Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Upcoming Events,
Then U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and Vietnamese Minister General Phung Quang Thanh sign a joint statement after a 2015 meeting at the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense in Hanoi, Vietnam. (DoD/Glenn Fawcett)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

If you look in the history books, international relations between the United States and the countries of Vietnam, Germany and Japan have had dark periods of political axis when American was at war with each.

But if you look at modern international and strategic relationship, all three are among America’s most important economic partners and military allies in the world.

So it is fitting that the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan (WACWM) begins its 70th year of with a fall series titled “Global 2020: Three Strategic International Relationships”, where America’s relationship with Vietnam, Germany and Japan will each be focused on for a night.

The three evening presentations — Vietnam on Sept. 20, Germany on Oct. 8 and Japan on Oct. 29 — are scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Donnelly Center on the campus of Aquinas College.

“These three countries — Vietnam, Germany and Japan —all have obviously complicated historical relationships with the U.S.,” Michael Van Denend, WACWM executive director, said in supplied material. “But no one would deny the strategic importance of all three nations to U.S. foreign policy and trade today. We’re interested in discussing how the countries are currently collaborating.”

On Wednesday, Sept. 25, Ed Martini, associate provost at Western Michigan University and director of the school’s Extended University Programs, will speak on “Vietnam, the United States, and the Long Road to Peace.” Martini, a professor of history, has centered his research on Vietnam, and he is the author of “Agent Orange: History, Science, and the Politics of Uncertainty”.

Germany is the focus on Tuesday, Oct. 8, as the Consul General for Germany in the Midwest, Wolfgang Moessinger presents “Wunderbar Together: Germany and the U.S.” Consul Moessinger began his work in the Chicago Consulate this summer, after having served in numerous countries for the German government since 1991, including Senegal, Finland, Russia, Scotland, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine.

To close out the fall series, Japanese Consul General Tsutomu Nakagawa, the country’s chief representative in the Midwest and based in Detroit, will lead a conversation on “The Future of Japanese-U.S. Relations” on Tuesday, Oct. 29. Consul Nakagawa has served in India, Thailand and the Middle East, and has also been a senior advisor to the Japanese government for international trade policy.

All three presentations are open to the general public for a $10 fee and additional information is available at worldmichigan.org/fall2019 or by calling 616-776-1721. The Aquinas College Donnley Center is located at 157 Woodland Lane S.E., Grand Rapids. Free parking is available at the center.

 
The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan is located at 1700 Fulton Street E., Grand Rapids, For more information visit worldmichigan.org .

Snapshots: Local concerts there’s still time to make plans for

3-bottom, Local Entertainment, Reviews, Upcoming Events

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“Live music is the cure for what ails ya.”

Henry Rollins
Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz of Mandolin Orange. (Supplied by the band)

Bittersweet bluegrass

Mandolin Orange will be at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park outdoor amphitheater stage on Sept. 4. Visit here for the story.

Avett Brothers. (Supplied/Crackerfarm)

High stepping’ folk

The Avett Brothers, who had the house jumping when they were last in Grand Rapids , return to the Van Andel Arena on Friday, Sept. 6. Visit here for the story.

Sigrid. (Supplied by the artist)

Norwegian pop

Norway’s Sigrid performs Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. at Calvin University’s Covenant Fine Arts Center. Visit here for the story.

Fun fact:

What do you think a ‘bukkehorn’ is?

Epic folk songs are the most important form of vocal folk music in Norway and traditional Norwegian instruments include the bukkehorn (goat horn), the harpeleik (chorded zither) and the langeleik (box dulcimer). Source.

ArtPrize announces ‘Project 1’ event schedule

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, ,
Photo by Jessica Swanson

By Margaret Paxton, ArtPrize


The public is invited to the official Project 1 free events happening Saturdays during the run of the exhibition.


From Sept. 7-Oct. 27, 2019, Project 1: Crossed Lines exhibition will occupy multiple outdoor sites in Grand Rapids, Michigan and will feature temporary public artworks by five artists. The seven-week run will be punctuated by a series of events, volunteer opportunities, educational programs and performances.


Each Saturday in September and the last week in October will feature a different program of free and open-to-the-public events that will activate the artists’ works in an unforgettable way. Many other exhibitions, community events and performances will be happening throughout the run of the exhibition.


“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with community members and organizations across the city to build out a spectacular set of events throughout September,” said Jori Bennett, executive director.


ArtPrize has also partnered with community partners to provide an even richer experience at each of the Saturday events. All Art Works is putting on an exhibition to provide connections between artists and art buyers. The WestSide StreetFair will be happening on Saturday, Sept. 14th that coincides with the run of Project 1. The Grand Rapids African American Art and Music Festival will also be happening on Saturday, Sept. 21 in Martin Luther King Park. 

“The Grand Rapids African American Art and Music Festival is thrilled to partner with ArtPrize again,” said Lisa Knight, Festival board chair and director of the Centers for Innovation, Health, Education, Youth and Community Engagement, at the Urban League of West Michigan.


“This will be the first time the Festival is held in Martin Luther King Jr. Park and the Project 1 installations there will provide exciting programming opportunities.”

Saturday, Sept. 7, presented by DTE Foundation

Join ArtPrize and the City of Grand Rapids for a day of one-of-a-kind performances and events. Begin at Rosa Parks Circle at noon to kick off the inaugural Project 1 exhibition with a headlining performance from BANDALOOP. From 2-5pm enjoy the Martin Luther King Jr Park community kick-off with a headlining performance by Jordan Hamilton.


While downtown, stop in to see the All Art Works Show: Great Art at Great Prices at 37 Ottawa Ave NW from 10am to 6pm — 200 artists of every career level are curated next to works by world-famous artists. The show is free and open to the public, and all artwork is for sale and priced for fledgling and experienced buyers. The show runs from Sept. 6 through 10.


Evening programming includes an artist panel hosted at Critical Infrastructure at the Tanglefoot site. After the talk, the Disability Drag Show, presented by DisArt, be taking place at a venue to be announced. 

Saturday, Sept. 14, presented by Meijer

Start the second weekend of Project 1 at the WestSide StreetFair on Broadway and Bridge from 11am to 6pm. Enjoy live music, art and educational activities for the whole family. Community partners John Ball Zoo, Experience Live Art, Artists Creating Together, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Comedy Project, Gilda’s Club and more will be there.


Be sure to check out Meijer’s Grand Taste Truck sited at Rosa Parks Circle, which will be giving food and household items out. There will be art activities happening from 11am to 3pm.

Then don’t miss an unforgettable evening of light, sound and community at this one-night-only performance at Blue Bridge Amplified, presented by Founder’s Brewing Company. Electronic beat-maker and headliner, Dan Deacon, as well as an array of local artists and musicians will take over Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s Voice Bridge, activating the sound system and 400+ lights that will traverse Grand Rapids’s iconic Blue Bridge from 8-11pm. 

Saturday, Sept. 28, presented by DisArt and SiTE:LAB

For the final Saturday in September, join DisArt and its collaborators as they present Voices an immersive, multimedia project displayed and interacted with throughout the Tanglefoot site. Designed as both an aesthetic and archiving experience, Voices will gather and visualize stories of alienation and belonging from Disabled community members as well as visitors to the site. The event runs from noon to 10pm, and all are encouraged to attend and participate. 

Saturday, Oct. 26

Join us at Studio Park to celebrate the final weekend of Project 1. The evening will kick off with a press conference where several exciting announcements will be made for ArtPrize 2020. The evening will unfold to feature live music in the Studio Park Listening Room.

About Project 1 by ArtPrize

The ArtPrize organization produces open citywide contemporary art experiences that encourage critical discourse, celebrate artists, transform urban space and promote cultural understanding. Project 1: Crossed Lines is the first in a series of multi-sited public art exhibitions to take place between biennial ArtPrize competitions.


For more information, visit artprize.org.







Lee high boys soccer ready to make run for conference title, deeper playoff run

City of Wyoming, Education, Going Local, Local Faces, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports,
The Lee High School boys soccer team is off to a 6-0 start this season, and coach Jaime Ramirez has plenty of reasons to smile about their goals of a conference title. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Lee High School boys soccer coach Jaime Ramirez likes the state of his program, top to bottom, from the nearly 40 kids in the middle school program to the deep, talented varsity roster that has posted a 6-0 early-season record heading into a cross-town rivalry with Godwin Heights on Thursday, Aug. 29.

But Ramirez and his newly-named Legends expect more after last season’s 18-7 record including two playoff wins with an 8-3 record in OK Conference Silver standings, and this season’s fast start including a 2-1 comeback road win over Grandville Calvin Christian in conference play.

“The kids are working really hard. They have ambitions to make history on their own this year. The last conference championship we had was in 2010,” Rameriez said to WKTV early this week. “They are anxious to put another conference championship on their shoulders.”

The Lee boys soccer game at Godwin Heights will be this week’s WKTV High School Sports Featured Game of the Week.

Lee lost only two players from last year’s squad and feature not only five seniors and five juniors on the varsity roster, but also several young players who are too good to keep off the varsity roster.

“That is what is making the team pretty strong,” Ramirez said. “This is my dream team. I can substitute like four of them and not notice a big difference on the team, which is what I believe all the coaches dream for.”

Coach (reluctantly) pointed out several players who are the “players to watch” on the offensive side of the squad, starting with senior Raul Antonio Montañez — “He is one ofr the best leaders I have. He works hard every single game and, right now, he is the number one we are looking for. … but like I said, we have a lot of good players coming back.”

Among those “good players coming back” is senior goalkeeper Jorge Andres Montes — “He is another straight-up leader.” As is junior Gerardo Montañez and senior Tristan Perez.

“I’ve got quite a few of them,” Ramirez said. “On defense I’ve got (sophomore) Alexander Ruiz, he is really good. And I’ve got a couple others coming back … (but) my midfielders are new this year. Wili Diaz has been playing really good. And Leonardo Maldonado, I put him up (on varsity), he was playing JV last year. … We have a lot of good players, it is hard for me to name just a few.”

The depth, on the varsity team and in the program, is not something the Legends have had in past years.

The Lee High School varsity team before a recent game. (WKTV)

“We have, if I’m not mistaken, something like 38 kids in the middle school program, and we are shooting to have two teams,” Ramirez said. “Back in 2007, when I started as a coach, I had 13 players on varsity. That’s it. That says something right there.

“The program is getting better and better. We’ve got more kids joining and we got a girls (program building the numbers) too. … The kids they really want to do things.”

And what the varsity “kids” want to do is win a conference title for a school which has struggled in many varsity sports in recent years.

“I talked to the guys and I keep telling them ‘We’ve got a lot of chances, a lot of potential to become OK champs this year.’ I’m not going to say we will, because I don’t like to say that. I’m going to say we’re going to try really hard.”

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org.

 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

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

3-bottom, Dream Wheels, Local Business, Local Faces, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“Only one is a wanderer; two together are always going somewhere.”

Madeleine Elster/Judy Barton from ‘Vertigo’

The cars are here!
The cars are here!

Ladies and gentlemen, the days you’ve all been waiting for — this year’s Metro Cruise is Friday and Saturday, Aug. 23 and 24, and it’s packed with more to do and see, according to organizers. Started 15 years ago by the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce to encourage businesses and patrons to travel the “Sunset Strip of Grand Rapids,” the annual event has become a two-day car extravaganza with more than 100,000 people attending. Go here for the scoop.

Pick out your partner
and join in the fun

Admission is free to the Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival at Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center, this weekend Friday-Sunday, Aug. 23-25, and there will be plenty of inexpensive parking in Parking Lot Areas 7, 8, and 9 for those who don’t mind a short walk. Fun activities during the festival include music, dancing, authentic Polish food, the paczki eating contest, crowning of the busia queen and more. Learn all about it here.

Who’s the Faire-est one of all?

Courtesy Grand Rapids Public Museum

Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors. It happens Saturday, Aug. 24 from 10am-5pm at the GRPM. More info here.

No Alabama tonight

Courtesy Alabama

Hey, they really wanted to continue their 50th Anniversary Tour at the VanAndel Arena tonight, but lead singer Randy Owen’s ongoing complications with cluster migraines and vertigo have laid him low. The group had hoped to continue its record-breaking 50-city tour, however, doctors have advised more time is needed for Owen to fully recover. Rescheduled dates for the tour will be announced in the coming weeks.

Fun fact:

Could be rocks in your head…
or a migraine

Jimmy Stewart in ‘Vertigo’

Alabama’s lead singer, Randy Owen joins roughly 69 million people—nearly one-third of people over the age of 40 in the U.S.—who experience vertigo at least once in their lives. Curiously, dancing can make it better. Hey! Hie thee down to the Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival this weekend and put it to the test.


WKTV high school sports coverage team audibles, plans featured game of other ‘football’

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events, WKTV Featured sports
The high school soccer season has already started with football close behind.

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

WKTV’s high school sports coverage truck will all over our local Wyoming and Kentwood football teams this season, but with a change of schedule for Wyoming Lee High School’s football team, we have switched our coverage to the other “football” — we will be at Godwin Heights as the Wolverines host the Lee Legends for a boys soccer game Thursday, Aug. 29.

As far as the Lee football game is concerned, after the originally scheduled home game against White Cloud was cancelled by the visiting school, Lee added a second game against Grandville Calvin Christian, which will be at Lee on Thursday, Aug. 29, at 7 p.m.

And, there is no shortage of high school sports action all over the Wyoming and Kentwood area, so check out something live if you can.

Where and when to see featured games

Featured games are broadcast the night of the contest and then at least once later in the week.

WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government Channel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are given the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26) channels.

For complete schedules of programs on WKTV channels, see our Weekly On-air Schedule.

All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.org .

 
For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action each week, any changes to the WKTV feature sports schedule, and feature stories on local sports, visit wktvjournal.org/sports/.

 
Following is this weeks’s schedule:

Saturday, Aug. 24
Girls Volleyball
Tri-Unity Christian vs TBA – WMVOA Invitational @ MSA Fieldhouse
Godwin Heights vs TBA – Officials for Kids Tourney @ MSA Fieldhouse
Potter’s House vs TBA – Official for Kids Tourney @ MSA Fieldhouse
Zion Christian vs TBA – WMVOA Invitational @ MSA Fieldhouse
South Christian @ Grand Haven
Boys Tennis
South Christian @ East Kentwood – EK Invite
TBA @ Wyoming – David Bentley Tournament
Boys / Girls Cross Country
South Christian @ East Kentwood
Wyoming Lee @ Muskegon Catholic Central
Boys Soccer
TBA @ Zion Christian – Zion Soccer Invite
Boys Water Polo
East Kentwood @ Ann Arbor Pioneer – Pioneer Invite
Girls Volleyball
East Kentwood @ Grand Haven – Lakeshore Classic

Monday, Aug. 26
Boys Soccer
Tri-Unity Christian @ NorthPointe Christian
South Christian @ Grand Rapids Christian
Wyoming @ FH Eastern
Hudsonville @ East Kentwood
Girls Golf
South Christian @ Muskegon Mona Shores
Boys Tennis
Holland Christian @ South Christian
Girls Volleyball
Wyoming Lee @ Algoma Christian

Tuesday, Aug. 27
Boys / Girls Cross Country
South Christian @ St. Joseph
Girls Swimming
South Christian @ Grand Rapids Christian
Central @ East Kentwood
Boys Soccer
NorthPointe Christian @ Godwin Heights
Hopkins @ Wyoming Lee
Ottawa Hills @ Wyoming
Zion Christian @ Saugatuck
Boys Tennis
Wyoming @ Zeeland East
TBA @ East Kentwood – EK Quad
Girls Volleyball
Ottawa Hills @ Wyoming
Zion Christian @ Martin – Quad
TBA @ East Kentwood – EK Early Bird Tournament

Wednesday, Aug. 28
Girls Golf
South Christian @ Kent Country Club – OK Jamboree
Boys Tennis
Unity Christian @ South Christian
Girls Volleyball
Caledonia @ South Christian – Sailor Invite
Boys Soccer
East Grand Rapids @ South Christian
Wyoming @ Wayland
Rockford @ East Kentwood
Boys / Girls Cross Country
Godwin Heights @ Saranac
Wyoming Lee @ Saranac
Wyoming @ Wayland

Thursday, Aug. 29
Girls Swimming
South Christian @ East Kentwood
Boys Football
Greenville vs South Christian @ Byron Center
Godwin Heights @ Hamilton
Grandville Calvin Christian @ Wyoming Lee
Holland @ Wyoming
Boys Soccer
Wyoming Lee @ Godwin Heights – WKTV Featured Event
Potter’s House vs West Michigan Heat – @ Hudsonville Christian
Zion Christian @ Kalamazoo Christian
Plainwell @ East Kentwood
Girls Volleyball
TBA @ East Kentwood – Lady Falcon Invite
Boys / Girls Cross Country
East Kentwood @ Milford – Invite

Friday, Aug. 30
Boys Football
Tri-unity Christian @ Climax-Scotts
East Kentwood @ Muskegon Mona Shores

As 2019-20 season draws near, St. Cecilia Music Center adds two folk concerts

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Local Entertainment, Reviews, Upcoming Events, ,
Rosanne Cash and her husband, musician/composer John Leventhal in concert. (Supplied by the artist)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

The pending arrival of September means the busy October beginning of St. Cecilia Music Center’s 2019-20 concert season is just a few weeks away. And while the impressive Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and jazz series lineups have been set and on sale for months, there have been two recent additions the Acoustic Café Folk Series you might have missed.

The Infamous Stringdusters. (Supplied/Aaron Farrington)

After a busy October for the folk series — with Lee Ann Womack opening the fall season on Oct. 3 followed by an encore visit by Judy Collins on Oct. 20 — the folk series has added nights with The Infamous Stringdusters and Rosanne Cash to an already busy February 2020 folk feast on the Royce Auditorium stage.

After the Stringdusters on Feb. 6 and Cash on Feb. 20, Chris Thile will visit on Feb. 25 and Raul Midón on Feb. 27 — and doesn’t a night of folk music sound perfect for a midwinter escape from the weather?

St. Cecilia also says “additional folk series concerts may be announced for the 2019/2020 season.”

While the Stringdusters are a good get for St. Cecilia, the addition of Rosanne Cash is a sure sell-out.

“We are delighted to feature Rosanne Cash and her husband, musician/composer John Leventhal in concert,” Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia Music Center executive director, said in supplied material. “With both of their many achievements and personal work together, this will be a very special evening.”

Cash is touring in support of her most recent release, “She Remembers Everything”, which is described as “a poetic, lush and soulful collection of songs of personal songwriting and reflection.”

Rosanne Cash (Supplied by the artist)

“There is a woman’s real life, complex experiences and layered understanding, in these songs,” Cash said in supplied material. “I could not have written them 10 years ago …time is shorter, I have more to say.”

“She Remembers Everything” was produced by collaborator and husband Leventhal and Tucker Martine (who has worked with The Decembrists, My Morning Jacket, Mavis Staples, Neko Case).

One of the country’s pre-eminent singer/songwriters, Cash has released 15 albums of that have earned 4 Grammy Awards and 11 nominations, as well as 21 top 40 hits, including 11 No. 1 singles. In 2015, she was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters’ Hall of Fame. She also currently writing the lyrics for a musical “Norma Rae” with Leventhal serving as composer and John Weidman as book writer. (More about the artist at rosannecash.com .)

In addition to the folk series, the jazz series will open in October as well, with Fred Hersch featuring special guest Julian Lage coming on Oct. 17, followed in the new year by Emmet Cohen’s Master Legacy Series featuring Benny Golson on Jan. 16, Luciana Souza on March 5, and The Clayton Brothers — a must-hear for jazz fans — on April 16.

We will have to wait for November for St. Cecilia to raise the curtains on the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center series, with a program titled “Great Innovators” on Nov. 21. The final two concerts will be “French Enchantment” on Jan. 23 and “From Prague to Vienna” on April 30.

Tickets to all shows are still available and can be purchased by calling St. Cecilia Music Center at 616-459-2224 or visiting the box office at 24 Ransom Ave. NE. Tickets can also be purchased online at scmc-online.org.  Many concerts have a post-concert “Meet-the-artist” party with a cash bar will be offered to all ticket-holders.

Alabama postpones 50th Anniversary Tour

Citizen Journalism, Upcoming Events
Courtesy Alabama

By Hilarie Carpenter, SMG


Country Music Hall of Fame group Alabama has postponed the remainder of its 50th Anniversary Tour, including the concert scheduled for Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI, due to lead singer Randy Owen’s ongoing complications with cluster migraines and vertigo. The group had hoped to continue its record-breaking 50-city tour, however, doctors have advised more time is needed for Owen to fully recover.


Today, ALABAMA bass player and vocalist Teddy Gentry released the following statement:


“The 50th Anniversary Tour has been very special to us. The support of the fans and their energy at all of our shows has led to some of the most fun we’ve ever had onstage. As disappointed as myself, Randy, and Jeff are to have to postpone this tour for all of our incredible fans, we know that Randy’s recovery is what is most important for everyone at this time. We would like to thank our fans, promoters, and venues and we look forward to seeing you all soon.”


Rescheduled dates for the tour will be announced in the coming weeks.



‘GRAM on the Green’ closes 11th Annual Series on Aug. 22 with folk and soul music

Upcoming Events, , ,
Cameron Blake (courtesy GRAM)

By Alison Clark, Clark Communications


West Michigan will have its last chance to experience The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM)’s annual free summer concert series, GRAM on the Green, on Thursday, Aug. 22. The GRAM and WYCE 88.1FM will close out the series with folk and soul artists Cameron Blake and Samuel Nalangira.


The summer-long series has featured some of the best local and regional talent Michigan has to offer. And for one last night, guests of all ages are invited to relax on the Museum’s outdoor terrace and enjoy free live music, dancing, food trucks, free museum admission, art-making activities, and a cash bar.


Admission to the Museum is free during GRAM on the Green evenings from 5-9 pm, as part of Meijer Free Thursday Nights. 

Samuel Nalangira (courtesy GRAM)

Concert guests are invited inside the galleries to explore the exhibitions on view during the summer months: Maya Lin: Flow, Melanie Daniel: Only Four Degrees, Self, Symbol, Surrogate: Artist Portraits from GRAM’s Collection and the newest works on view in the Permanent Collection.


Support for GRAM on the Green is generously provided by Bank of America, WYCE 88.1FM, and the Meijer Foundation. 




Dancing, food, fun: Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival in GR Aug. 23-25

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Local Food, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events,
Courtesy Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids

By Matt Gryczan


In honor of the 40th anniversary of its annual Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival, the Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids has turbocharged the free event this upcoming weekend with top-notch entertainment and demonstrations of Polish cooking, dance and crafts.


This year, the festival features:

  • Polka dance lessons, led by instructors from the P.R.C.U.A. Malbork Dance Ensemble;
  • Demonstrations on how to make pierogi (dumplings), chrusciki (cookies), beet soup, haluski (fried cabbage and noodles), mizeria (cucumber salad), crepes and canning peaches;
  • Presentations on Polish pottery and the fine art of creating pysanky eggs;
  • Explanations of Polish folklore such as how to tell a person’s future from hay straw and the meanings behind the Wigilia feast on Christmas Eve; and
  • Crafting treasure boxes for children.
Courtesy Polish Heritage Society

“A lot of the activities will center around our demonstration tent, which we liken to a visit to your busia’s (grandmother’s) kitchen — the place where all the fun stuff is going on,” said Marilyn Lignell, past society president and demonstrator of the Wigilia feast.


In addition, the Polish Heritage Society is bringing the internationally known Lenny Gomulka & Chicago Push band to play two nights of the three-day event, along with other well-regarded polka bands, including Gerry Kaminski’s Polka Network, Dave Slivinski & The Noteables, Gary Szotko’s GPS Polka Band, the Polski Chix Polka Band and Ray Watkoski’s Family Band.  


Gomulka is considered a living legend in the polka community; he’s developed a huge base of followers in the United States and Canada since he formed the Chicago Push in 1980. Nominated for 12 Grammy awards in the polka genre, he was inducted into the International Polka Music Hall of Fame & Museum in his hometown of Chicago in 2016.


Admission is free to the Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival at Rosa Parks Circle, 135 Monroe Center, from Aug. 23-25, and there will be plenty of inexpensive parking in Parking Lot Areas 7, 8, and 9 for those who don’t mind a short walk.

Courtesy Polish Heritage Society

Other fun activities during the festival include the paczki eating contest, crowning of the busia queen and a performance by the P.R.C.U.A. Malbork Dance Ensemble, a dance group for youth ages 3-18 that teaches traditional Polish folk dances with authentic garb.


The Polish Heritage Society also selects a local not-for-profit group for special recognition during the festival as a way to build awareness and support for the organization, and this year the society is highlighting the Wolverine Worldwide Family YMCA in Belmont. Representatives of The Y will be present during the afternoons of the festival to educate visitors about the offerings and mission of the organization.  


The Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival is the major fundraiser for the Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids, a non-profit organization founded in 1963 to perpetuate and advance the Polish culture that has been so integral to metro Grand Rapids. Among a number of its activities, the society awards scholarships annually to students of Polish descent who attend Aquinas College, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Community College, and Davenport University.


For a full calendar of events for the three-day Dozynki Polish Harvest Festival, please view the society’s website at Polish Heritage Society of Grand Rapids.



Woodland Mall to open new children’s play area with parent amenities too

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Kids Activities, Local Business, Upcoming Events, Woodland Mall,
An artist’s rendering Woodland Mall’s new Von Maur wing, expected to open later this year. (Supplied/Woodland Mall)

By Woodland Mall

After retiring its well-loved “Bacon and Eggs” earlier this year, Woodland Mall is ready to unveil a new play area in the JCPenney wing.

Featuring fun forest themes, accents and features, the new play space is expected to intrigue a variety of ages from young children to pre-teens. Shoppers of all ages will be able to celebrate the new and improved play area during a grand opening event with music, giveaways and games from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 24.
   
The colorful play structure is positioned in front of a forest mural and has “friendly monsters” to meet, “rocks and vines” to climb and tunnels to crawl through. A cargo net and balance beam across the upper level lets kids pass over the lower level and see friends playing below. The new play area also includes “EZ access climbers,” an ADA-accessible feature that provides caregivers an easy way to take children up and into the playground area.

For parents and caregivers, the space will now include bar-style seating with charging stations facing the play area. Newly renovated restrooms, including nursing rooms, are being installed nearby.

“While we will miss our beloved bacon and eggs, we’re excited to have a new play area that’s even more inclusive and accessible to everyone,” said Cecily McCabe, Woodland Mall marketing director. “With the new climbers, nearby nursing rooms and charging stations, we hope families will find both fun and convenience when they stop by our new play area.

“As our major redevelopment project continues, we are so excited to share our transformation and improvements with the community. Kids can play in a fun and convenient space with their friends and family.”

It will be an exciting fall as the redevelopment of Woodland Mall continues. High-end department store Von Maur will open its first location in the region in October, occupying 90,000 square feet in the former Sears space.

Following close behind will be Black Rock Bar & Grill, an award-winning steakhouse and first-to-market experiential dining experience, and a number of other retailers.

The Cheesecake Factory will open late fall, with its first location in West Michigan and second in the state.

For more information about the grand opening events, visit here.

Faithful Avett Brothers high steppin’ into Grand Rapids with new record close behind

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Reviews, Upcoming Events, ,
The Avett Brothers, from left, Scott Avett, Joe Kwan, Bob Crawford and Seth Avett. (Supplied/PC/Crackerfarm)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Scott Avett, who with his brother and co-conspirator Seth is the heart if not soul of The Avett Brothers, was talking about the band’s 2106 release “True Sadness” when he said “We trust and have faith in what we do, and in each other. By the time it is making it out to the world, we have already come to own our work.”

From the beginning — that sort of being the Avetts’ 2009 major label debut of “I and Love and You” — the to pending arrival of “Closer Than Together” on Oct. 4, Scott and Seth and the rest of the North Carolina based band have kept the faith if not always kept the same sonics.

“We are always confident by the time we are putting something out,” Scott said to me just before the band’s 2016 Grand Rapids stop at the Van Andel Arena, where they will return Sept. 6. “We are always confident that we have learned from what we have made, and always confident that we are going to be able to go out and put on a show with what we made. I just don’t think we would release anything we would not stand behind.”

Photo from Avett Brothers “High Steppin'” video shoot (Supplied/Ellison White)

Standing behind “Closer Than Together”, it would appear from the teaser single recently released, “High Steppin’”, as well as a “mission statement” put out by Seth and Scott also in preparation for the release, is sort of an admission that while the Avetts have lived life pretty fully and grown older in due course, they have stayed truthful to their music as it has continued to change with them.

Watch the “High Steppin’” video here.

Some may see a little bit of a dark side, or at least a dark humor side, to the video for the new single if not the lyrics of the single itself — after all, there is this little thing in the video of Scott appearing as a “rhinestone cowboy” and Seth is trailing along as what some could describe as “death.” But there is also an often recurring songwriting endpoint that love, ultimately, wins.

“My brother and I have never been more aware of our own failings in the department of golden-rule navigation,” Seth writes in the mission statement. “We see it in ourselves and we are accustomed to seeing it in our neighborhood, our state, our country, our planet. We speak daily with each other about the lunacy of the world in which we live … the beauty of it, the mystery of it, the hilarity and the unspeakable calamity of it.

“The Avett Brothers will probably never make a sociopolitical record. But if we did, it might sound something like this,” Seth writes, but adds that, musically at least, “there is no massive departure from our continued artistic language.”

And while some have suggested that the single “High Steppin’” has, in fact, a more high energy, almost rock ’n’ roll sound to it — and it does seem a million miles away from the sounds of “I and Love and You”, specifically “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise”, maybe my favorite single on a long list of band favorites — the promise and premise of the lyrics of the new single seem to keep with the same not-so-subtle artistic language.

“The best beggars are choosers. The best winners are losers. The best lovers ain’t never been loved. And first place ain’t easy. The hardest part is believing. The very last word is love.”

Anybody who knows the Avetts has heard that language, that simple-yet-somehow- deep meanings, before and will undoubtedly will again, at the upcoming night at the Van Andel and on the new release.

The Avett Brothers usual suspects. (Supplied photo)

And anybody who knows the Avetts in concert, knows that while the band often speaks softly, Scott and Seth — and usual suspects and long-time band members Bob Crawford on bass (and things) and Joe Kwan on cello (and things) — carry big sticks when it comes to live concerts. (See a review of their 2016 Grand Rapids show here.)

Tickets for The Avett Brothers at the Van Andel Arena on Friday, Sept. 6, at 8 p.m., are available, ranging from $47 per to $195 on various ticket sellers and resellers. Search you favorite.