Category Archives: Local Entertainment

Review: ‘American Made’ Margo Price shows off musical growth, grit at Meijer Gardens

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Reviews,
Margo Price at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park outdoor amphitheater stage Wednesday, July 31. (Courtesy of Kevin Huver Photography)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org
 

90-second Review

In early 2017, just after Margo Price released her “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter” and started receiving her long deserved Americana and County Music awards notice, it was easy to call her an “outlaw alt-country” singer — which I think I did in a previous WKTV Journal review after seeing her for the first time.

Price’s fledging career, after all, had her not only playing with Jack White (of the alt-rock White Stripes) — and signing with his Third Man Records label, in fact — but also playing with Outlaw country god Willie Nelson as well as covering the likes of Kris Kistofferson and Waylon Jennings in her solo concerts.

Margo Price and her band (with husband and musical mate Jeremy Ivey in foreground, at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park outdoor amphitheater stage Wednesday, July 31. (Courtesy of Kevin Huver Photography)

But as evidenced by her and her 5-member band’s 70-minute, 15-song set as the opening act of a double bill at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park outdoor amphitheater stage Wednesday, July 31, Price and her latest release — “All American Made” — has moved beyond labels and expectations to be a singer/songwriter of artistically diverse and emotionally powerful music.

Opening her set with three almost Allman Brothers Band-esque county-rock songs, including “Four Years of Chances” from “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter” and “Nowhere Fast” from “All American Made”, she showed off her beautiful voice with “Tennessee Song”, also from “Midwest …”, which had her almost a capella at the beginning and end.

And that was just the start of her showing off her current musical range and tastes, as evidenced by the set list.

Covers of Janis Joplin’s rock classic “Move over?” — “We were going to play this at Woodstock, but they cancelled it,” she told the Meijer Garden audience — as well as Dusty Springfield’s county classic “Son of a Preacher Man” and Bob Dylan’s forgotten classic “One More Cup of Coffee” (One of my all-time favorites!). Can you be any more diverse than that?

And diving deep into her own rapidly growing catalogue of fine songs, including several fine tunes from “All American Made”, including the album’s title track — which, when you listen close, has a socio-political bite — as well as “Don’t Say it”, “Just Like Love” and her set-closing bluesy “A Little Pain”, when she may have been giving her personal take on her life making a living in music and on the road.

“I’m breaking my back and working like a mother. Who’s to say just how it’s done? A little pain, never hurt anyone …”

One thing for sure, Margo Price — singer/songwriter, music producer, wife, mother (of two including a two-month old), and burgeoning social commentator — ain’t no farmers daughter any more.

May I have more please?

Three things: her taking care of the home fires, our political world and your entertainment finances.

To the first: Price may be all about the music, but she is a family woman as well. During the concert she sung a sweet duet with her husband, Jeremy Ivey, who wrote the tune and has an album out soon which she produced — gotta stand by her man!

And to the second: She has her own unabashed take on modern American society and politics, as the lyrics of “All American Made” attest — “1987 and I didn’t know it then. Reagan was selling weapons to the leaders of Iran … And I wonder if the president gets much sleep at night, and if folks on welfare are making it alright … It’s all American made”.

Also, finally, other remaining Meijer Gardens shows with original price tickets remaining include JJGrey and Mofro with Jonny Lang on Aug. 14, The Stray Cats on Aug. 15, Mandolin Orange — one of my early not-to-miss concerts — on Sept. 4, Dash Sultana on Sept. 8, The B-52s with ODM and Berlin on Sept. 11, and the season finale of Calexico and Iron & Wine on Sept. 18.

For more information and tickets visit meijergardens.org .

The Rapid teams with chamber to provide free shuttle service during Metro Cruise

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Dream Wheels, Local Business, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects, ,
The annual Metro Cruise is always a popular event, and now getting there will be easier thanks to a shuttle service provided by The Rapid. (WKTV)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

The annual Metro Cruise is always popular, with visitor parking often at a premium, and the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2019 28th Street Metro Cruise on Aug. 23-24 will be no different.

But thanks to a partnership with The Rapid, there will be two shuttle buses running from nearby but off 28th Street parking locations — Wyoming High School and the Wyoming’s Kent District Library — where visitors can park easily and take a free shuttle to and from all the action.

“The Wyoming-Kentwood Chamber of Commerce is excited with our partnership with The Rapid to operate two shuttle buses for the 28th Street Metro Cruise,” Bob O’Callaghan, President/CEO of the Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, said to WKTV. “We thank The Rapid for their continued support of the chamber and the 28th Street Metro Cruise.”

The Rapid often provides shuttle service for community events. (Supplied)

The free buses supplied by The Rapid will shuttle Cruise attendees from Wyoming High School, 1350 Prairie Parkway, and the Wyoming library, 3350 Michael to Rogers Plaza every 20 to 30 minutes during the peak times on Friday, Aug. 23 and Saturday, Aug. 24. Exact times of the shuttle service is as-yet to be determined.

WKTV Community Media will produce a 1-hour special live broadcast scheduled to air at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23.

For more information on the shuttle service, visit the chamber’s website at southkent.org the week of Metro Cruise, or keep up on the latest Metro Cruise news at WKTVjournal.org .

‘American Made’ Margo Price, with baby story and great music, comes to Meijer Gardens amphitheater

3-bottom, Local Entertainment, Reviews, Upcoming Events,
Margo Price. (Supplied by the artist)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Say what you want about the alt/retro country music sounds of Margo Price, who will be opening for Dawes on the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park outdoor amphitheater stage Wednesday, July 31. But there is no doubt she is “All American Made”, both her music and her just delivered child.

Price comes to town with music from her outstanding 2016 release “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter” and her even better 2017 release “All American Made”. She also comes to the stage after giving birth to a daughter, Ramona Lynn Ivey, on June 4 — of this year.

That’s what I would call “American Made” tough.

Price and her husband, Jeremy Ivey, who plays guitar in Price’s band, have one other child, a boy born in 2010.

Margo Price. (Supplied by the artist)

Price was on the road both during and, as evidenced by her current tour schedule, soon after her latest pregnancy — last November she announced the pending addition to the family at a concert in Nashville: “I’ve been hiding something behind my guitar. We’re expecting a baby,” she says on her website.

What the singer/songwriter hasn’t been hiding is her great songs, including during her 2017 stop at St. Cecilia Music Center. (For a review of the concert, visit here.)

All American Made album cover

Her list of musical honors includes winning Americana Music Emerging Artist of the Year in 2016, the UK Americana International Song of the Year in 2017 for “Hands of Time” (from “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter”), 2018 Americana Music nominations for Artist of the Year and Album of the Year as well as a win for for Song of the Year for “A Little Pain” (from “All American Made”), and just this year, a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.

And with a story like her’s, and a growing musical catalogue, I’d bet she is not done with that Grammy thing.

According to her official bio, in 2015, she “was a country underdog just trying to keep enough gas in the tank to get to the next gig,” but by the end of 2016, she was one of the genre’s most celebrated new artists with gigs on late night television and at major festivals around the world. And things are not slowing down, even if her music is growing.

Margo Price. (Supplied by the artist)

“People have started asking me, ‘Now that you’re having success, what are you going to write about?’” Price says in her bio. “A lot of what I wrote on my debut came out of my struggles in the music business, but we don’t have any shortage of material now. I’m just excited to finally have an audience and know that people are going to listen to our songs.”

With all due respect to Dawes, many people will be at Meijer Gardens to listen to her “American Made” songs — and maybe get a baby story or two.

For a video of “All American Made”, visit here.

Other remaining Meijer Gardens shows with original price tickets remaining include An Evening with the Beach Boys on Aug. 1, JJGrey and Mofro with Jonny Lang on Aug. 14, The Stray Cats on Aug. 15, Mandolin Orange — one of my early not-to-miss concerts — on Sept. 4, Dash Sultana on Sept. 8, The B-52s with ODM and Berlin on Sept. 11, and the season finale of Calexico and Iron & Wine on Sept. 18.

The Dawes with Margo Price concert will start at 6:30 p.m. (5:15 p.m. gates open), with a $50 general admission ticket price. For more information and tickets visit meijergardens.org .

Civic Theatre shakes up the summer by heading down the rabbit hole with two one-week only productions

City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, , , ,
Kentwood resident Micah Hamstra performs in “Alice in Wonderland.” (GRCT)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org


When Kentwood resident Micah Hamstra saw that the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s Summer Repertory program was going to include “Alice In Wonderland,” he just knew he had to audition.

“The story has been a very big part of my life,” said Hamstra, who will attend Caledonia High School in the fall. “It really showed me how you could just be who you are.”

So Hamstra prepared by “knocking out” his musical audition followed by “blowing up” his script reading. Needless to say, he landed the role of Tweedledum and Humpty Dumpty in the upcoming “Alice In Wonderland” production.

The show along with “All Shook Up” wraps up the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s 2018-2019 season. The shows run during the same week, July 26 – Aug. 4, with the productions alternating performance dates. “All Shook Up” is July 26, 27 (afternoon), Aug. 1, 3 (evening), 4, and “Alice In Wonderland” performances are July 27 (evening), 28, 31, Aug. 2, and 3 (afternoon). 

“It’s Elvis,” said Wyoming resident and Byron Center High School student Xavier Turner when asked why he auditioned for “All Shook Up.” “Who wouldn’t want to be involved in a show about Elvis?”

Wyoming resident Xavier Turner is in “All Shook Up.” (GRCT)

“All Shook Up” combines the songs of Elvis Presley with Shakespeare, being loosely based on the “Twelfth Night.” 

“I knew of the show,” said Turner who plays the young, quirky, aspiring dentist, Dennis, “ I love that show so, I knew I wanted to get involved.”

This is Turner’s first time participating with Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and specifically selected the Summer Repertory program because of the classes tied to the production as well as the chance to be involved on the stage and behind it. Through the Summer Repertory program, each production has its own cast with the cast members of the opposite show serving as the back stage crew. For Turner, he will be helping with wardrobe and the fly rail for “Alice In Wonderland.” Hamstra will be helping with wardrobe for “All Shook Up.”

“Through this program you learn a lot more about theater,” said Hamstra, who said that “Alice” is his third production with Civic Theatre. “You really get the opportunity to learn everything that there is to do back stage along with being in the front.”

Both teenagers said that while they have enjoyed learned about the other aspects of the theater, their hearts are really in performance.

“I know I want to make a profession out of this and for me, I can sing,” said Turner, who has won several awards for his singing performances. “I knew the classes would be really helpful and that it is important to start now.”

Both Hamstra and Turner said they have found a community of family and friends through the production which has made being a part of it even more special.

“It sounds a little cliche but being part of a family has really made coming to this so much fun,” Turner said. “ The opportunity to see something come to life with this group of people has given me the realization of how much I look forward to coming here to do this everyday.”

Hamstra added that those bonds between the actors is what makes the shows fun which in turn makes the production even more exciting to the audience.

“It is just a lot of fun,” Hamstra said. “You have so many very talented people up there on stage just giving it their all.”

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and 2 p.m Saturday and Sunday with all shows at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, 30 N. Division Ave. Tickets are $10 – $16. For more information, visit grct.org or call 616-222-6650.

Hannah Rose & GravesTones bring ‘cross-pollination’ soul to Kentwood concert’s lawn

City of Kentwood, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events
Hannah Rose and the GravesTones. (Supplied)

WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

In the self-stated biography of Hannah Rose and the GravesTones, they say the band is “a bold foray into the funky, rhythmic refrains of a foregone era … a cross pollination of funk, blues, and rock ’n’ roll with soul” — emphasis on “SOUL”.

Hannah Rose and the GravesTones (Facebook)

And anybody who has heard lead singer and front-woman Hannah Rose Graves knows she knows how to wail with soul — emphasis on ‘WAIL”.

The GravesTones will be offering up the soul, with Hannah Rose doing some wailing, as the Grand Rapids group takes the stage of the City of Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series Thursday, July 18, at 7 p.m.

In addition to Hannah Rose, the band members include Adam Marth on guitar and vocals, Calvin Allen on drums, Clifton Metcalf on organ and various keyboards of choice, and Nuri Tett on bass.

For a video of Hannah Rose and the GravesTones playing the song “Take It Slow” from a 2018 gig at Meijer Gardens, visit here.

WKTV will be covering the concert, and almost all of Kentwood’s concerts, replaying it on our community television Channel 25 — check out the WKTV schedule here — and also available on-demand. The replay schedule for this concert is: Tuesday, June 25, at 9 p.m., and Saturday, June, 29, at about 12:30 p.m. (after a Wyoming community concert).

Concert-goers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair, and may also bring their own beer or wine.

The remaining lineup for Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series is as follows:

July 25 — The Crane Wives, described by someone as “female-fronted, harmony-driven folk-rock”; lets just say West Michigan is lucky they are taking a local break from their busy summer tour schedule. For more information visit here.

Aug. 1 — Brena, offering up oldies, top 40 hits, classic rock, R&B and country. For more information visit here.

Aug. 8 — Melophobix, with “Cage Free” being not only the title of their latest release but also their funky musical outlook. For more information visit here.

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m. and conclude around 8:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, located at 4900 Breton Ave. SE.

More information is available at kentwood.us/parks.

Nu Blu, on national tour, brings vocal bluegrass to Wyoming’s Concerts in the Park

3-bottom, City of Wyoming, Local Entertainment, Reviews, Upcoming Events
Nu Blu, husband-and-wife duo Daniel and Carolyn Routh with their bandmates, will be making a stop at Lamar Park for Wyoming Concerts In The Park. (Supplied/The Band)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

As part of a busy summer touring schedule of the United States and Canada that includes several major bluegrass festival, but also a church or two and a pizza parlor, Nu Blu clearly believes in bringing new bluegrass to the people.

They also, it seems, believe in looking to the future, musically, while they pay respect to the past with their Americana/country sound.

Daniel and Carolyn Routh (Supplied/The Band)

Part of a long road trip, starting and ending at the band’s home in Siler City (that’s North Carolina, in case you’d like to know), husband-and-wife duo Daniel and Carolyn Routh, with their bandmates, will be making a stop at Lamar Park for Wyoming Concerts In The Park Tuesday, July 16.

“I love that we get to wake up someplace different every day,” Daniel Routh said in supplied material, about Nu Blu’s heavy road schedule. “We meet people from all over the country.”

In Wyoming, among the songs probably on the setlist at their local stop will be originals like “A Lot More Love” and “A Fool and Her Heart” — both off the band’s 2017 release “Vagabond” — as well as respectfully reworked covers of Country/Americana classics such as Waylon Jennings’ “Good Hearted Woman” and Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door”.

They’ll likely play more off of “Vagabond”, but, to be honest, they had me at Dylan.

“We were playing this show and we just kinda decided we’d do ‘Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door.’,” Carolyn Routh said in supplied material. “We hadn’t rehearsed it; we hadn’t even played it together before. But we pulled it off that night, and the audience loved it.”

Above and beyond the musical skills of multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Daniel, the banjo playing of Zach McCracke, and the fiddle/mandolin work of Justin Harrison, there is something special about Carolyn’s vocals (not to say she can’t handle a bass!).

Hearing “Knockin’ …” and “Good Hearted Woman” sung by a woman is both unique and memorable, and Carolyn’s sound on “A Lot More Love” and “A Fool and Her Heart” brings comparisons to a young Dolly Parton — a comparison I’d not argue with.

For a video of “A Lot More Love”, visit here.

All and all, “Vagabond” the band’s sixth full-length release “delivers a set of songs that range from the melancholy to the exuberant, and at every step they prove they’ve got a knack for finding their way into the deeper parts of you,” someone writes on the band’s website about the songs.

The band formed in 2003, centered around Carolyn and Daniel previous projects. Their constant traveling has also changed the way they make music.

“If anything, I feel like the road has made us a sunnier bunch. In past albums, we’ve tended to gravitate towards the songs that make you cry,” Carolyn said, “but on this one, there are a number of just happy, happy songs.”

Bottom line is two fold: Bluegrass is perfect for a hot summer night in Wyoming, and Nu Blu brings out the big guns with their bluegrass repertoire. And, while there are many great pickers in the genera these days, some say its the vocals that make great bluegrass, and led by Carolyn and Daniel, Nu Bu has the vocal chops as well.

As the Wyoming concert season winds down — with Boardman Brown on July 23, Daddyz Breakdown on July 30, and Shadows of the Night on Aug. 6 — WKTV will continue to cover the concerts and offer replays on our cable channels (see the cable channel schedule here) and WKTV On-demand.

So Nu Blu will be waiting, patiently, as they bring new bluegrass to the people.

Andrew Bird, flying on his own winds and whims, returns to Meijer Gardens

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Reviews, Upcoming Events,
The cover art of Andrew Bird’s latest release, “My Finest Work Yet”. (Supplied/The artist)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Maybe it is just clever marketing that the cover of Andrew Bird’s latest release, “My Finest Work Yet”, shows the enigmatic if not totally eccentric artiste doing his deadpan recreation of La Mort de Marat (The Death of Marat), Jacques-Louis David’s iconic 1793 painting of the failed French revolutionary leader Jean-Paul Marat lying stabbed to death in his bath.

But, you know, it would be just like the musical multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and whistler, and songwriter — not to mention Guggenheim Museum exhibit creator, TED Talks presenter and New York Times op-ed contributor — to be sending the not-so-subtle message that he cares little if his work lives or dies on the commercial stage.

There is no doubt, however, that Bird likes the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park outdoor amphitheater stage (and the audience reception he gets) as he will be making another visit July 18, with, surprisingly, tickets still available for a show with Madison Cunningham opening.

Andrew Bird (Supplied/Brandi Ediss)

Bird clearly plays a tune to his own beat, from his earliest collaborative work with the band Squirrel Nut Zippers in the late 1990s through his popular (for him) 2016 solo release “Are You Serious” — which he was touring in support of when he visited Meijer Gardens in 2017, and still relied upon last summer when he visited with the equally experimental Esperanza Spalding.

If you don’t already know him and his music, you probably heard but never knew Bird from the single “Capsized” from “Are Your Serious”. The recording has certainly stayed easily accessible on the top shelf of the CD racks around my house, and not just for the catchy, slightly popish “Capsized”.

Bird’s simple philosophy on music and commercial acceptance may be best conveyed by his statement about “Are You Serious”: “Here I am with my most unguarded, direct, relatable album to date. Go easy on me.”

On his new release, which undoubtedly will be heavily drawn upon at Meijer Gardens next week, he is still unguarded and direct, and maybe still trying to be a little more relatable.

Bird opens “My Finest Work Yet” with the sophisticated sly wit and easy sounds of “Sisyphus”, then takes a serious turn with the jazzy “Bloodless”, which sounds like an ode to Marat and/or a modern political statement — “I know it’s hard to be an optimist, when you trust least the ones who claim to have the answers … It’s an uncivil war, bloodless for now.”

For a video of “Sisyphus”, visit here.

My favorites off of “My Finest Work Yet”, however, at least on first listen, focus on Bird’s violin prowess, including the softly sweet “Archipelago”, the power pop of “Proxy War” and the forlorn, almost alt-country “Bellevue Bridge Club”.

Andrew Bird, artiste. (Supplied)

Bottom line is expect the unexpected from Bird and his high-flying imagination — which, when not making music, recently has been occupied with a series of site-specific improvisational short films and recordings called Echolocations, recorded in remote and acoustically interesting spaces: a Utah canyon, an abandoned seaside bunker, the middle of the Los Angeles River, and a reverberant stone-covered aqueduct in Lisbon.

I wonder if one of the recording was made in a bath tub?

The Andrew Bird with special guest Madison Cunningham concert will start at 6:30 p.m. (5:15 pm gates open), with a $45 general admission ticket price. For more information and tickets visit meijergardens.org .

Snapshots: Wyoming, Kentwood news you ought to know

3-bottom, Books, Citizen Journalism, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Our Cities, Pets/Animals, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, , , , ,

By WKTV Staff

victoria@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.

Katharine Hepburn
Grand Rapids Symphony

Kick up your heels. Better yet,
leave the heels at home.

The Grand Rapids Symphony celebrates the 25th anniversary of the D&W Fresh Market Picnic Pops by recreating its inaugural Picnic Pops concert July 11 and 12. Go here for the scoop on dates, music, and ticket options.

Celebrate the Dog Days of Summer at Downtown Market

Yippee! It’s Yappy Hour!

Join fellow dog lovers at the Downtown Market for Yappy Hour, on July 10, 17, 24 and 31 from 11am-1pm, to enjoy lunch outside with pups! Go here for more info.

A woman of her words

After teaching English and Journalism, Elizabeth Meyette retired and began a full-time writing career. An Amazon best-selling author, she has published six novels, her latest being 2018’s The Last Crossing. She has also published poetry and writes a blog called Meyette’s Musings. Read about Meyette here.

Fun fact:

189,819

The number of letters in the longest English word, the name of a protein. Go here to read it for yourself because honestly, we just don’t have the time and space. Its nickname is ‘titin’. Isn’t that cute?

How disappointing. Somehow we were expecting something a bit more grandiose.


Local author talks about writing, publishing and finding support in groups, local conference

3-bottom, Education, Going Local, Local Entertainment, Local Faces, Newscast, Recreation, Upcoming Events,
WKTV Journal host Donna Kidner-Smith, left, and author Elizabeth Meyette. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

There are no shortage of Grand Rapids area authors with the dream of writing the next Great American Novel and it being a New York Time bestseller, or at the very least taking a shot at Amazon-like or self publishing. But where to start?

WKTV Journal invited into our studio a local author who started writing as a new career after an old-career retirement.

After teaching English and Journalism, Elizabeth Meyette retired and began a full-time writing career. An Amazon best-selling author, she has published six novels, her latest being 2018’s “The Last Crossing”. She has also published poetry and writes a blog called Meyette’s Musings.

As part of WKTV Journal’s June Newscast, she talks WKTV Journal host Donna Kidner-Smith about what is possible by joining local writing groups and other local writers’ resources, including a writers’ conference coming locally later this summer put on by the Grand Rapids Regional Writer’s Group.

(Shameless plug and full disclosure: I am a member of group.)

As far as the upcoming writer’s conference is concerned, “Finish and publish your book this year!” will be held Saturday, Aug. 10, at Byron Township Community Center, 2120 76th St. SW, Byron Center.

The event is designed to help authors both finish and publish their novels, short stories, poetry, and/or whatever.

For more information search “Finish and publish your book this year!” on Facebook or visit grandrapidsregionwritersgroup.blogspot.com .

After storm, Meijer Gardens Tuesday Evening Music Club begins weekly run

3-bottom, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Recreation, Upcoming Events
(Video supplied by Meijer Gardens)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park may have had to cancel its July 2 Tuesday Eventing Music Club’s show featuring Roosevelt Diggs and Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish due to pending storms, but the club will be back at it Tuesday, July 9, with Big Sherb and Paddlebots to begin a run of eight straight Tuesdays of concerts.

(We are told that Roosevelt Diggs and Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish show will be rescheduled for next summer.)

The Tuesday Evening Music Club brings local and regional musicians to the Amphitheater stage starting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday evenings throughout July and August.


The concerts are free to Meijer Gardens members and included with gardens regular admission, and they will feature with a diverse schedule of live bands and programming ranging from jazz to indie, rock to folk, and even ballet.

And, if you haven’t bee there yet, there is more to like off the stage as well.

The amphitheater has undergone significant expansion and improvement over the past two seasons, while maintaining the intimacy of the 1,900-seat venue. But a new concessions building has been added this season, with increased capacity for quicker food and beverage service, an improved point-of-sale system with quick chip technology to speed up purchases, as well as new restrooms.

The 2019 Tuesday Evening Music Club lineup includes:

Big Sherb and Paddlebots, July 9 at 7 p.m.

Matt Gabriel and Kari Lynch Band, July 16 at 7 p.m.


Boy From School and Manhattan, July 23 at 7 p.m.


Franklin Park and 6-Pak, July 30 at 7 p.m.


The Hip Pocket and Soul Syndicate, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m.


The River Rogues Jazz Band and Sam’s Swing Band, Aug. 13 at 7 p.m.


Grand Rapids Ballet, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. This program will employ a full company of dancers performing works by some of today’s most in-demand choreographers. A mix of classical and contemporary ballets, including Trey McIntyre’s Wild Sweet Love, featuring the music of Queen, Lou Reed, Felix Mendelssohn and many more.

Ralston & Friends, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. Local favorite Ralston Bowles shares the stage with friends and collaborators from the community and beyond.

For more information on concerts at Meijer Gardens, visit meijergardens.org.

After July 4, European car invasion comes to Gilmore Car Museum

3-bottom, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events
When you think of Great Britain you might envision uniformed Bobbies, double decker buses and bagpipers — all of which will take part in this Sunday’s British Car Faire. (Gilmore Car Museum)

By Gilmore Car Museum

 
After celebrating America’s independence and uniqueness, the Gilmore Car Museum will welcome a friendly invasion of sorts by our European friends as the museum, located just north of Kalamazoo, plans special events on the weekend of July 6-7.

 
Saturday, July 6, will mark the eighth annual all-German car show at the museum followed on Sunday, July 7, by the 29th annual British Auto Faire.


 
Saturday is “Deutsche Marques”, which translates to German Makes, is a true all-German auto event — featuring cars such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes–Benz, Volkswagen, Porsche and others.

 
When Karl Benz applied for a patent in 1886 for his “vehicle with a gas engine,” little did he know that his invention — recognized as the world’s first automobile — would change world history. It wasn’t until 1893, seven years after Benz unveiled his invention to the world, that the Duryea brothers produced the first American built automobile. The Museum displays a Mercedes–Benz built recreation of that first auto in their main Pioneering Automotive Exhibit.

 
Sunday the arrival of European automobiles continues when the Gilmore Car Museum welcomes the ever-popular Mad Dogs and Englishmen British Auto Faire. Spectators can explore an authentic London Double Decker bus, ride in a 1935 London Taxi, and watch a uniformed British bobby direct traffic all before the afternoon tea and bagpipe music. This has long been the largest gathering of British-built vehicles, of all eras, from luxury models to sports cars and motorcycles, in the Midwest.

 
Guests will also be able to find their own British car to purchase in the For Sale Car Park, vote for their favorite show car, watch car games and discover the missing link needed to complete their restoration project in the large parts swap meet.

 
The featured brand of this year’s British show will be pre-1956 MGs, plus many fine examples from Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Austin, Aston-Martin, and Lotus, as well as Triumph, Singer and Land Rover will be displayed. Over 400 British-built cars and motorcycles are expected to take over the museum’s manicured show grounds.

 
The weekend’s events offer a unique opportunity to taste a bit of the automobiles and culture of Germany and Great Britain without a passport or the expense of traveling “across the pond.”

 
Spectator admission to either show is only $14 per person and includes visiting the entire Gilmore Car Museum campus and all exhibits — including the all-new truck exhibit at no extra charge, with those under 11 are free.

 
The Gilmore Car Museum — North America’s Largest Auto Museum — is located just 20 minutes northeast of Kalamazoo on M-43 and Hickory Road.  You can learn more about the Museum and its events at GilmoreCarMuseum.org or call 269-671-5089 for more information.

Meijer Gardens rooftop garden artwork includes work new to garden, many viewers

3-bottom, architecture, Local Entertainment, Recreation, WKTV Projects, ,

By K.D. Norris

ken@wktv.org

There are many sights to see from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s just opened Stuart and Barbara Padnos Rooftop Sculpture Garden, sights both artistic and natural.

The flora of the rooftop gardens itself and the view of a wetland area from its heights are impressive. But the sculpture — four works on loan from the famed Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C., including three by artists already in Meijer Garden’s collection — each offer their own unique story.

Works by Alexander Calder, Henry Moore and Marino Marini, while unique, will be familiar to visitors of the garden.

David Smith Cubi XII 1963 (Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden/Lee Stalsworth)

One of the sculptures, however, David Smith’s 1963 work titled “Cubi XII”, is not only new to the garden but was of particular interest to Laurene Grunwald, Director of Sculpture, Art Collections, Exhibitions & Installations.

“David Smith was an abstract expressionist,” Grunwald said to WKTV. “He died quite young in a car accident, (so) his work is not widely available. … (Cubi XII) is an abstract piece. It is stainless steal. And it is very iconic of his work.”

In a recent WKTV Journal newscast segment, we talked with Grunwald about Smith’s work, about the history of Meijer Garden’s relationship with the Hirshhorn, now and (hopefully) in the future, as well as how size and weight of the artwork plays into the discussion and decisions on which artwork came to Grand Rapids.

Snapshots: Fun things to do for Wyoming, Kentwood

3-bottom, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

Leaving the things that are real behind …
Toys, toys, toys in the attic.

Aerosmith

Take a trip to toy land

The Grand Rapids Public Museum TOYS! exhibit, with interactive experiences and games, is available throughout the Museum this summer. For the complete story, visit here.


Bre McCarthy, Lakeshore Art Festival marketing/entertainment coordinator, is clearly head over heels in love with artist Kelsey Montague’a mural. (Lakeshore Art Festival)

Be the butterfly

Muralist fans — actually art fans of any genre — have a new sight to see as the Lakeshore Art Festival recently unveil of a mural by internationally known “street artist” Kelsey Montague in downtown Muskegon. The mural will be permanently displayed on the east side of the Frauenthal Center building. The Lakeshore Art Festival will take place July 5-6. For the complete story, visit here.

A date with The Beths

Local explorers of what’s possibly next new on their alt/pop satellite radio channel of choice will get a chance to listen and check out New Zeeland’s The Beths when the band stops at Grand Rapids’ The Pyramid Scheme on Tuesday, July 2. For the complete story, visit here.

Fun fact:

Lorde

Who was the most listened New Zeeland musical artist (in 2017). (Source)

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood news you should know

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

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how many bad roads and accommodations.

Oliver Goldsmith

Driving in Kentwood

In case you are wondering what is happening around East Paris Avenue … rehabilitation of Sparks Drive SE and Forest Hill Avenue SE from East Paris Avenue SE to Burton Street SE start on Monday, June 24 and is slated for completion in August. For the complete story, visit here.


Taking care of the kids

On the latest episode of WKTV Journal In Focus are two local efforts to support the youth of Kent County with the most basic of needs: proper nourishment and successful early childhood development. For the complete story, visit here.

Summer (fun) in full swing

Summer is officially in full swing with lots of activities taking place throughout Grand Rapids and the West Michigan area. Courtney Sheffer, from the West Michigan Tourist Association, recently stopped by the station to share some of the summer activities taking place. For the complete story, visit here.

Fun fact:

158 days

The average number of sunny days in Grand Rapids per year — don’t waste a single one! (Source)

Blue Soul Express: boogie party next up at Kentwood summer concert series

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events,
Blue Soul Express. (Supplied/The Band)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

You got to love a blues/soul band whose lead singer has the nickname of ‘Sookie” and hits the stage with a self-described “rock solid rhythm section.”

And anybody who has heard and seen Blue Soul Express, — stopping by the Kentwood Summer Concert series Thursday, June 27, at 7 p.m. — knows there is a lot to love here.

Blue Soul Express, based out of Grand Rapids, “will take you on a journey through classic soul, R&B, funk and blues,” the band says on their Facebook page. Oh, and remember to “Bring your dancing shoes!”

The band is led by vocalist of Brenda “Sookie” Harris, guitarist Darryl Matthews, Mike Phelps on keyboards and vocals, and “a rock solid rhythm section” of bassist Mark Hicks and drummer Mark Jilbert.

WKTV will not be covering this concert due to a scheduling conflict but will be covering the remainder of Kentwood’s concerts, replaying it on our community television Channel 25 — check out the complete WKTV schedule here — and also available on-demand. The replay schedule for this concert is: Tuesday, June 25, at 9 p.m., and Saturday, June, 29, at about 12:30 p.m. (after a Wyoming community concert).

For more information on Blue Soul Express, visit here.

Concert-goers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair, and may also bring their own beer or wine. And while you can bring your own picnic dinner, food trucks will be at each concert.

The series runs on select Thursday nights through August.

The remaining lineup for Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series is as follows:

July 18 — Hannah Rose and the GravesTones, serving up some funk, blues and rock n’ roll. If you’ve never seen them, let’s just say Hannah can wail. For more information visit here.

July 25 — The Crane Wives, described by someone as “female-fronted, harmony-driven folk-rock”; lets just say West Michigan is lucky they are taking a local break from their busy summer tour schedule. For more information visit here.

Aug. 1 — Brena, offering up oldies, top 40 hits, classic rock, R&B and country. For more information visit here.

Aug. 8 — Melophobix, with “Cage Free” being not only the title of their latest release but also their funky musical outlook. For more information visit here.

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m. and conclude around 8:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, located at 4900 Breton Ave. SE.

More information is available at kentwood.us/parks.

Inbound from New Zealand, with power pop, The Beths to stop at Pyramid Scheme

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Reviews, Upcoming Events,
The Beths (Supplied/ by Mason Fairey)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

It might be real easy, if you only catch a couple videos on YouTube, to pass off The Beths as a retro pop band in search of a good musical sound bite to chew on.

But there is something, when you listen to the New Zealand threesome/foursome led by singer and songwriter Elizabeth Stokes, that says — as a line from their latest release’s title track, “Future Me Hates Me” states and that kind of eats into your brain like a good ear worm — “There’s something about you, I wanna risk going through.”

There is something about their sound, neither too familiar nor too “working hard to be different”, that makes you listen to the tracks on 2018’s Future Me Hates Me and wonder what the band’s “future them” sound might be, how really special it could be.

Local explorers of what’s possibly next new on their alt/pop satellite radio channel of choice will get a chance to listen and check The Beths out when the band stops at Grand Rapids’ The Pyramid Scheme on Tuesday, July 2.

The local concert is part of a massive American tour this spring and summer — sandwiched between dates at a Chicago arts festival and clubs in Detroit and Toronto —that started with nights at SXSW (South by Southwest Music Festival) in March.

The Kiwis’ work at SXSW, at the same time of mass shootings at two Islamic mosques in Christchurch, New Zeeland, gives another hint that the band has the will-power to work hard and grow, emotionally and musically.

As was pointed out in a review in the Austin Chronicle by Libby Webster, “the music retained the strikingly tight performance of prior sets all week, but took on a mostly unspoken, raw somberness … It felt outrageous that a band should have to process the trauma of the day at a party, but The Beths persevered, poised and gutsy, closing out their SXSW remarkably brave.”

A little history, please

The main members of The Beths studied music at The University of Auckland, according to supplied material “resulting in a toolkit of deft instrumental chops and tricked-out arrangements that operate on a level rarely found in guitar-pop. The Beths’ guitarist and studio guru Jonathan Pearce … brings it all home with an approach that’s equal parts seasoned perfectionist and D.I.Y.”
 
“There’s a lot of sad sincerity in the lyrics” of Future Me Hates Me, Stokes says in supplied material. “That relies on the music having a light heart and sense of humor to keep it from being too earnest.”

In addition to Stokes on vocals and guitar, and Pearce on guitar and vocals, The Beths include Benjamin Sinclair on bass and vocals, and Tristan Deck on drums and vocals.

Future Me Hates Me is the band’s debut full-length release, with 2016’s EP Warm Blood befog that. On both is the song that most catches my ear: “Whatever”, which seems to sum up the band’s mood if not their expectations — and maybe what they think of American entertainment writers.

“You think I will buy whatever you say … Whatever, yeah, whatever … But now you’re getting me started.”

And what about that name? As far as I and Google can search, nothing on their website or on any wikis shed any light, so we’ll just have to ask.

For a video of The Beth’s “Uptown Girl”, visit here.

For more information on the show at The Pyramid Scheme, with doors open at 7 p.m. and Girl Friday opening, visit here.

With Lakeshore Art Festival near, international muralist’s work now graces Muskegon

Entertainment, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Non-Profits, Recreation, Upcoming Events,
Bre McCarthy, Lakeshore Art Festival marketing/entertainment coordinator, is clearly head over heels in love with artist Kelsey Montague’a mural. (Lakeshore Art Festival)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

Muralist fans — actually art fans of any genre — have a new sight to see as the Lakeshore Art Festival, in conjunction with the JCI Greater Muskegon, held a public unveiling of a mural by internationally known “street artist” Kelsey Montague in downtown Muskegon.

The artist, known for her winged murals, has about 77 similar works on display around the world, including one piece commissioned by singer/songwriter Taylor Swift and two pieces located in Michigan, one in Ann Arbor and another Detroit.

The mural will be permanently displayed on the east side of the Frauenthal Center building. The Lakeshore Art Festival will take place July 5-6.

Artist Kelsey Montague, middle, with to the right is Carla Flanders, Lakeshore Art Festival director, on right, and Danielle Conley, Lakeshore Art Festival Children’s Lane coordinator. (Lakeshore Art Festival)

Montague’s “pieces are inspirational, inclusive and uplifting,” Carla Flanders, Lakeshore Art Festival director, said in supplied material. “It’s a great message and a perfect fit for the Lakeshore Art Festival and for the Muskegon Lakeshore area … The Frauenthal Center stands as a symbol of a community that is deeply dedicated to the arts.”

According to supplied material, the transformation of the Muskegon Lakeshore community served as inspiration for this project. The visual elements inside the butterfly wings, a blue heron, black-eyed susan, water, lighthouse, and music notes bring attention to aspects of the Muskegon lakeshore.

The new mural by Kelsey Montague on the outside wall of Muskegon’s Frauenthal Center. (Lakeshore Art Festival)

“We are inspired by this uplifting project and the community collaboration behind it,” Eric Messing, Frauenthal Center executive director, said in supplied material. “This piece highlights and celebrates the vibrant transformation happening in our area, and the Frauenthal Center is thrilled to serve as home to a work of art that will spark conversation for our community and visitors alike.”

The Lakeshore Art Festival is always the first Friday and Saturday in July, and this year will feature more than 350 fine art and craft exhibitors, street performers, specialty food booths, interactive art stations, children’s activities and so much more in beautiful Downtown Muskegon, Michigan.

For more information visit lakeshoreartfestival.org.

That Beatles Thing: Fab 4 fun opens Kentwood summer concert series

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Going Local, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events, WKTV Projects
That Beatles Thing. (Facebook)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

The Beatles’ classics, played by four local guys who “love these songs,” will be featured as That Beatles Thing take the stage to open to the City of Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series of free concerts on Thursday, June 20.

“Most like the Beatles; some have That Beatles Thing,” the band says of themselves. “That Beatles Thing plays the music of the Beatles. … Faithfully reproducing 150 songs from the Beatles catalog.”

WKTV will be covering the concert, and almost all of Kentwood’s concerts, replaying it on our community television Channel 25 — check out the complete WKTV schedule here — and also available on-demand. The replay schedule for this concert is: Tuesday, June 25, at 9 p.m., and Saturday, June, 29, at about 12:30 p.m. (after a Wyoming community concert).

That Beatles Thing. (Facebook)

According to the band’s website, “James Murphy started the band a couple of years ago. What it has evolved to now is really just about 4 guys who love these songs. We’re all passionate about the songs of the Fab 4, we’ve got ‘That Beatles Thing’.”

The band is Murphy singing most of the songs and playing guitar, Bill Van Ess singing and playing bass, Pete Bardolph singing and playing lead guitar and Fritz von Valtier singing, playing drums, and “shaking things.”

Cruising their website, there are several videos of the band at play, including a version of one of my favorite Beatles songs — “Nowhere Man” — from the River City Saloon in 2016.

For more information on That Beatles Thing, visit here.

Concert-goers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair, and may also bring their own beer or wine. And while you can bring your own picnic dinner, food trucks will be at each concert.

The series runs on select Thursday nights through August.

The remaining lineup for Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series is as follows:

June 27 — Blue Soul Express, delivering classic soul, R&B, funk and blues. If this is not perfect for a summer boogie party, nothing is. For more information visit here. (Note: due to a scheduling conflict, WKTV will not cover this concert.)

July 18 — Hannah Rose and the GravesTones, serving up some funk, blues and rock n’ roll. If you’ve never seen them, let’s just say Hannah can wail. For more information visit here.

July 25 — The Crane Wives, described by someone as “female-fronted, harmony-driven folk-rock”; lets just say West Michigan is lucky they are taking a local break from their busy summer tour schedule. For more information visit here.

Aug. 1 — Brena, offering up oldies, top 40 hits, classic rock, R&B and country. For more information visit here.

Aug. 8 — Melophobix, with “Cage Free” being not only the title of their latest release but also their funky musical outlook. For more information visit here.

All concerts will begin at 7 p.m. and conclude around 8:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, located at 4900 Breton Ave. SE.

More information is available at kentwood.us/parks.

Kentwood busy this summer with park improvements, forming new rec committee

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Community Health, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Senior Living, Upcoming Events, WKTV Journal In Focus,
One of Kentwood’s largest projects is at the Old Farm Park, where an entirely new building is being constructed. (WKTV)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

This is a busy summer for the Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department, and we are not just talking about the opening of the summer concert series next week or the opening of new beach volleyball and “football bowling” areas later in the month, let alone the upcoming July 4th day of celebration.

Work this summer is either underway or will be shortly at City of Kentwood’s Veterans Memorial Park, the Kentwood Activities Center and at Old Farm Park. But the city is also looking even farther into the future with recent the formation of the Kentwood Parks, Trails and Recreation Advisory Committee.

“We are growing the parks and rec opportunities for our residents,” said Ed Kape, chairman of the Parks and Recreation Committee, and now chairman of the new advisory committee, which held its first meeting June 3.

“We are expanding and exploring other opportunities of what we can do to enhance the quality of life of our residents here in Kentwood,” Kape said to WKTV. “And it is not necessarily by games and things like that, it is by services we offer. It is by programs we offer them in the parks and rec building.”

Kape talked with WKTV in May about this season’s work and the new committee when he sat down for a WKTV Journal In Focus interview.

“Kentwood’s park system is near and dear to my heart,” Kape said, later, in supplied material. “Now we need to plan for the next 50 years and determine how we can continue to provide quality parks amenities for our community.”

The 21-member advisory committee includes broad community representation and is comprised of parks and recreation commissioners, City Commission’s AD HOC Strategic Planning Committee members, planning commissioners, residents and business owners.

The advisory committee was established to review and prioritize improvements to Kentwood’s parks, trails and recreational programming “to align with the needs of the community,” according to supplied material.

“The City Commission has asked residents to perform a needed and exciting review process,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “This level of community input is paramount to ensure detailed visionary planning is performed today to preserve Kentwood’s excellent quality of life over the next 50 years.”

The City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department oversees the city’s 14 parks and 6.5 miles of trails.

Major work at parks underway

At the Kentwood Activities Center work is underway to make the facility entrance more accessible and protective for the city’s seniors and others. (WKTV)

Summer 2019 improvements include work at the Veterans Memorial Park, where the city received a grant to “grow community engagement” for the park’s neighborhood and the city as a whole.

At the Kentwood Activities Center, a facility much used by seniors and residents of all ages, work is underway to make the facility entrance more accessible and protective for the city’s seniors.

One of the largest projects is at the Old Farm Park, where an entirely new building is being constructed with the aim for providing more amenities for family and group activities.



For more detailed information on the Kentwood Parks, Trails and Recreation Advisory Committee, see the story here.

More information about Kentwood’s 14 parks and 6.5 miles of trails is available online at kentwood.us/parks.

Details, map presented of City of Kentwood’s Fourth of July Celebration

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Going Local, Holidays, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events

By City of Kentwood

The City of Kentwood has a full day of activities planned for its annual Fourth of July Celebration, including a pancake breakfast, 5K race, parade, carnival and live music, leading up to fireworks at dusk.

“Kentwood’s Fourth of July celebration seems to grow and improve every year providing a great variety of activities the entire family can enjoy,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “We welcome our friends and neighbors to join us in Kentwood as we celebrate our nation’s independence.”

To start the day off right, a pancake breakfast will be offered at Kentwood Fire Station 1, 4775 Walma Ave. SE, a new location this year. The $5 breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and include pancakes and sausage. Kids who are five years old or younger may enjoy breakfast for free.

Also beginning at 7:30 a.m., racers of all ages will gather across from Fire Station 1 for registration and packet pick-up for the NN Mobile Solutions 5K Race & Fun Walk. The chip-timed race will begin 8:30 a.m., with the start and finish line on Walma Avenue SE near Kentwood City Hall at 4900 Breton Ave. SE. Using the same course route as last year, which can be viewed online, runners will loop through neighborhoods before coming back on the East West Trail to finish.

Hundreds of spectators along the race route are anticipated. For the safety of all participants, no baby strollers, roller skates, dogs or bicycles will be allowed on the course. Awards will be given for the overall fastest male and female racers; medals will be distributed at the finish line after results are posted.

 
Following the race will be the annual parade at 9:30 a.m. The parade route also remains the same as last year, starting at Crestwood Middle School, 2674 44th St. SE. The parade will travel south on Walma Avenue SE to Breton Road SE, turn west on 52nd Street SE and end at Challenger Elementary School.

Kentwood will host its best carnival yet with bigger rides than before from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at City Hall, another new location from years past. In addition to a variety of rides, the carnival will feature giant inflatables, games and other fun activities for kids. Individual tickets will cost $1 each. Wristbands will be available for $20. The number of tickets required for each attraction will vary.

City Hall will also host the evening celebration from 4 to 10 p.m. Community booths, a beer tent and food trucks will line the lawn behind City Hall. A variety of bands, including the BareNaked 90’s, Asamu Johnson and the Associates of the Blues and Main Street Dueling Pianos, will take the stage to perform live music leading up to the fireworks show at dusk. The fireworks will be viewable from City Hall and surrounding areas.

Shortly before the fireworks go off, sections of Breton Avenue and Walma Avenue near City Hall will be temporarily closed to allow pedestrians to safely cross the street and view the show. Those sections will then be reopened about 30 minutes after the finale. If guests who are parked at City Hall or the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch need to leave while the road closures are in effect, they can either turn left onto Walma and take the roundabout out to Breton heading north, or turn left out of the library’s parking lot onto Breton heading south. The Kentwood Police Department and volunteers will be on hand to help direct traffic.

Kentwood Parks and Recreation is seeking volunteers for the Fourth of July Celebration. Those interested are encouraged to visit here or call 616-656-5270 to sign up. More information about Independence Day activities in Kentwood can be found at kentwood.us/july4.

Snapshots: Get your tickets now, Wyoming and Kentwood

3-bottom, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“There are three possible parts to a date, of which at least two must be offered: entertainment, food, and affection.”

~Judith Martin


Zach Borichevsky (Supplied/Opera Grand Rapids)

Opera, June 14-15

Opera Grand Rapids presents tenor Zach Borichevsky in the role of Alfredo in the June 14 & 15 production of Italian composer, Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata, at St. Cecilia Music Center. The heartbreaking true story of Parisian courtesan Marie Duplessis, La Traviata is one of the greatest operas of all time. The classic novella inspired the films, Camille, Pretty Woman and Moulin Rouge. For the complete story visit here.


Matt Brewer

Jazz, June 19

Matt Brewer — a big-time jazz bassist who has played with the likes of Terence Blanchard, to name just one — will be featured in the upcoming Aquinas Jazz Camp faculty concert on June 19, at 7:30 p.m. at Aquinas College’s Kretchmer Recital Hall in the Art & Music Building. Admission to the concert is free.. For the complete story visit here.



Guitar master, June 14

Laurence Juber, who played with Paul McCartney’s Wings, will be at the Muskegon Museum of Art in concert at the museum’s Frey Auditorium starting at 7 p.m., with a pre-concert reception at 5:30 p.m. For the complete story visit here.


Fun fact:

$75

Pop and Rock and Roll Concert tickets are expensive, but not always so. Ticket prices have spiked since the mid-’80s, from a 1985 average of $15.13 to a whopping $74.25 in 2015.

After first concert, tickets remain for 14 concerts at Meijer Garden’s summer series

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Reviews, Upcoming Events, , ,
The new entrance gates to the Meijer Gardens outdoor concert venue. (Supplied/Meijer Gardens)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

If you were letting your summer schedule settle out before you bought tickets for the summer concert at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, there is some good news and bad news awaiting you at the box office.

The good news is that there are some great shows in a spectrum of genres with original-price tickets available through the Gardens, including this Sunday’s Rodrigo y Gabriela visit, with the fine alt-folkie Justin Townes Earle opening, as well as July shows by Andrew Bird, The Mavericks + Los Lobos, and Dawes + Margo Price.

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

But if you waited to get your tickets for the likes of classic rock stalwarts The Beach Boys, Styx, and Foreigner, you are going to have to pay the price for indecision — tickets for the sold-out Aug. 11 show with Foreigner had an original ticket price of $84 and now the cheapest we see are $155 on StubHub.

In all, and including the Nahko and Medicine for the People show on June 6, 15 of the 30 shows were sold out as of this week — but that means tickets are still available for (in addition to the one’s mentioned) Buddy Guy + Kenny Wayne Shepherd, June 10; Steve Miller Band + Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives, June 24; Gipsy Kings with Simi, July 21; An Evening with Lyle Lovett and his Large Band, July 26; JJ Grey & Mofro + Jonny Lang, Aug. 14; Stray Cats, Aug. 15; Mandolin Orange, Sept.4; Tash Sultana with Leo James Conroy, Sept. 8; The B-52’s + OMD + Berlin, Sept. 11; and the season closing show of Calexico and Iron & Wine, Sept. 18.

The three aforementioned “great shows”, in our humble but semi-knowledgable opinion, are worth the ticket price and worth deeper preview discussion.

Andrew Bird (Supplied/Meijer Gardens)

Anybody who saw Andrew Bird last year probably already have their tickets for his show. Bird has been around but you may only know him from his 2016 solo release “Are You Serious” and the single “Capsized”. His visit last year to Meijer Gardens with Esperanza Spalding was, arguably, the hippest night of the season.

Los Lobos in 2014 (Supplied by the band)

Los Lobos, the hard working, constantly touring band – led by David Hidalgo, Louie Perez, Cesar Rosas, Conrad Lozano and Steve Berlin – rolled into their fifth decade with 2015’s “Gates of Gold”, their first full length studio album since 2010’s “Tin Can Trust” — a great collection constantly on my playlist.

Margo Price. (Supplied/Angelina Castillo for Third Man Records)

And Margo Price is, borrowed from someone else, country as is should be. Price has played with Jack White and Willie Nelson … is there two more diverse musical mentors? At her 2017 concert at St, Cecilia Music Center, my review noted that Price came to the stage wearing a pretty pink little dress perfect for the stage of the Grand Ole Opry but with her exposed shoulders showing off a big ole tattoo, and proceeded with a rough-edged if not intentionally alt-country set of often introspective, intimate original songs and covers of the who’s who of classic and outlaw country.

As the Gardens opens its season it will do so with more audience entry gates in an expanded plaza area, an expanded and modernized concession area, and access to new and expanded restrooms first from the outside for those lined up and then from the inside.

The physical changes conclude a two-year effort of significant expansion and improvement of the venue while maintaining the 1,900-seat general seating area.

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

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

For more information and tickets for non-sold out shows visit meijergardens.org . For those seeking aftermarket tickets, you are on your own.

Guitarist Juber’s artful talents take wings at Muskegon Museum of Art

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events,
Laurence Juber in a 2016 photo by Mickey Deneher

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Laurence Juber not only knows hot to handle an electric guitar — and he has two Grammys to prove it — he also knows how to handle a camera lens.

Both talents will be on display at the Muskegon Museum of Art this month as, first, “The Photography of Laurence Juber” — photographs from his 2014 book, Guitar with Wings, which showcases the intimate photographs of his days as guitarist with Paul McCartney’s band Wings — is currently on display through September.

Then, on Friday, June 14, Juber will be in concert at the museum’s Frey Auditorium starting at 7 p.m., with a pre-concert reception at 5:30 p.m.

At the time of the book’s release, Vintage Guitar magazine called it “A treasure trove for fans of McCartney, Wings or pop music in general,” accord to the book’s website, while Beatlefan magazine said: “Juber’s book chronicling the last years of Wings is a fitting tribute to an under-examined period of McCartney’s career, and Wings fans in particular will find both his pictures and the eloquent text an enjoyable addition to their library.”

As far as Juber’s musical talents? If Pete Townshend, of The Who, no slouch with the guitar himself, called him “a master”, you got to believe. And then there are those Grammys.

Juber is a music graduate of London’s Goldsmith’s College, he was featured guitar soloist with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra before becoming established as a studio musician in the mid-1970’s, according to supplied material. As lead guitarist in McCartney’s Wings he won his first Grammy. After Wings broke up, Juber has gone on to released 27 solo albums. The latest, “Downtown”, is a 2018 collection of standards. His solo arrangement of “The Pink Panther Theme” earned him a second Grammy.

As a studio musician, he has worked with artists such as Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks, Seal, and the French chanteuse Sylvie Vartin. He also co-composed the soundtrack of the award-winning video game “Diablo III”, scored the NBC Dateline documentary “Children Of The Harvest” and was also featured in the Ken Burns’ documentary “The Tenth Inning.”

That is what you call not resting on your laurels.

And while you are at the MMA, catch “Lights, Camera, Rock ‘n’ Roll: Music Photography by Paul Jendrasiak”, which spans the career of the veteran Michigan concert photographer and includes “stunning front-row photographs of rock stars performing at venues throughout the state over the past two decades,” accord to supplied material. The exhibition also runs through September.

Tickets to the Laurence Juber in concert are $25 in advance (for non members) and $30 at door, and the ticket includes the pre-concert reception with a cash bar. The Muskegon Museum of Art is locate at 296 W. Webster Ave. For more information call 231-720-2580 or visit muskegonartmuseum.org .

On Tap: Everclear at Burning Foot fest, gin & tonics, bike nights

3-bottom, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , ,
Everclear will be the headline band at the Burning Foot Beer Festival in August, (Supplied by the band)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Now in its fifth year, the Lakeshore Brewers Guild will host “the Great Lakes region’s only on-the-beach beer festival,” the Burning Foot Beer Festival Saturday, Aug. 24, at Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon.

“We’re really upping our game this year,” Allen Serio, Burning Foot Beer Festival chairman, said in supplied material, with the festival having “more breweries, bigger bands and better sound.”

And they ain’t kidding when they talk bigger bands — with the likes of Everclear and Sponge lined up — or more breweries.

Something around 80 breweries from around the Great Lakes region will be represented at the festival — including those as close at Dutton’s Railtown Brewing Company and as far away as Sprecher Brewery form Wisconsin.

The festival will feature a “Hop Up” Art Tent with brewery inspired art by local and regional artists. Attendees can also look forward to “the flaming ‘Hop Tower’ installation and interactive element charging stations”. Not sure what either means, but they sound cool.

And as far as the music? The festival will offer two stages, one main stage and one waterfront stage for acoustic acts, with sets by country performer Matt Williams and regional bands like Tropadelic and the Melophobics. But the headliners will be 1990s alternative bands Sponge and Everclear — think back for Everclear hits “Santa Monica” and “Father of Mine.”

Festival goers don’t need to worry about getting home after the festival, either — with the purchase of camping tickets, they can camp on sites right next to the festival grounds.

“You get down there, you spend the whole day at the beach, you enjoy this great festival, and then you can sleep right next door and wake up and hear the waves 20 feet away, crashing on the shore,” Serio said.

Tickets for the festival will first be available at a ticket release party hosted at the downtown Muskegon beach volleyball courts located behind the Western Market chalets on Saturday, June 8, from 12-4 p.m. The party will feature draft beer and music, and all tickets will be on sale without a processing fee before they are released online. General Admission tickets will also be available at a discounted rate of $45. Online ticket sales will open at 5 p.m. on June 8.

For more information about the Lakeshore Brewers Guild visit lakeshoreguild.beer . For more informant on the Burning Foot Beer Festival visit burningfoot.beer .

Long Road Distillers named state’s best gin maker

Long Road Distillers was recently named Michigan Gin Distillery of the Year at the 10th Annual New York International Spirits Competition. More than 600 spirits from 29 countries were submitted and judged by a panel of “trade-only” judges at the annual event. The judges come from a variety of disciplines, but all work with spirits on a daily basis. They are made up of restauranteurs, sommeliers, retail buyers, distributors and importers.

The possibilities are not endless for craft distilled liquor at local distillers, but close. (Courtesy Long Road Distillers)

“We’re honored to claim this title,” Jon O’Connor, co-owner and co-founder of Long Road Distillers, said in supplied material. “We take a great deal of pride in crafting our portfolio of gins – it’s one of our favorite spirits to produce and share with others.”
  

Opened in 2015, Long Road has a long line-up of botanical spirits, including Long Road Dry Gin, Long Road MICHIGIN and Long Road Aquavit, as well as other year-round and limited-release gins, including Long Road Barrel Reserve Gin, Long Road Patriot Gin, and the very limited Long Road Barrel Reserve MICHIGIN.

Long Road’s distillery and tasting room is located on Grand Rapids’ West Side at 537 Leonard Street SW, and also available in many restaurants and cocktail bars.
 

For more information visit longroaddistillers.com .

Bike Nights (and beer rewards) return to Cedar Springs Brewing

Again this year, Cedar Springs Brewing is working with the Speed Merchants biking group to host two bicycling groups — one for leisure and another for serious training — on Mondays starting at 6:30 p.m., thorough September.

The training group ride is a 28-36 mile gravel ride for fat tire, mountain, gravel, or cx bikes. Led by Speed Merchants, the initial rides will be 1.5-2 hour rides, increasing to 2-2.5 hours as more daylight allows. The pace will be a minimum of 16 mph.

For those who like a more leisurely pace, a family friendly group will embark on a shorter paved ride on the White Pine Trail.

Helmets are required. Spare tube, bike pumps, and Strava app recommended.

At the end of each ride, riders will meet up at the brewery — after all good rides end with a beer with friends. Bike night participants receive $2 off appetizers, or refuel with Chef’s “Radfahrer Special” a power packed meal for cyclists.

For more information visit csbrew.com or email events@csbrew.com .

Kentwood plans party to open new beach volleyball, ‘fowling’ areas

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Sports, Upcoming Events,
Fowling is a hybrid game that combines the equipment of American football and bowling into one sport with a similar layout as horseshoes and cornhole. (Wikipedia Commons)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org

Reacting to increased public demand as well as the latest community recreation trends, the City of Kentwood will unveil four competition-grade beach volleyball courts and outdoor fowling lanes at a community event later this month.

Located at 5068 Breton Ave. SE, near the Kentwood Department of Public Works, the new facility will officially open with a grand opening on Friday, June 21, at 6 p.m., with with music, a food truck and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“We have experienced a growing need for additional beach volleyball courts within the community and are excited to grow our recreational offerings,” Val Romeo, director of Kentwood Parks and Recreation, said in supplied material. “We are proud to offer new high-quality sand courts right here in Kentwood. We are also excited to include fowling — an activity that’s growing in popularity.”

Fowling is a hybrid game that combines the equipment of American football and bowling into one sport with a similar layout as horseshoes and cornhole. It is maybe best known as a pastime at football and concert tailgate parties. According to Wikipedia, fowling was founded in 2001 in Detroit. The object of fowling is for teams to be the first to knock down all opponent’s pins by throwing a full-size, regulation football at 10 bowling pins positioned in a traditional bowling layout.

Following the new facility’s ribbon-cutting, volleyball teams of four will compete in a co-ed volleyball tournament. Those interested in signing up for the tournament, or a variety of competitive and recreational beach volleyball leagues set to begin July 15, can sign up at kentwoodvolleyball or by calling 616-656-5270.

For the opening day tournament at the volleyball courts, participating teams can pre-register online for $25. Day-of-event registration will cost $35. All teams are also encouraged to bring a donation of canned goods to benefit Kentwood’s Little Free Pantry.

The city’s parks department plans to have the fowling lanes available for open play during volleyball league games on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights.

For more information on the City of Kentwood Parks and Recreation Department and its many programs, visit kentwood.us .

Bassists Brewer (Matt and Benny) make local jazz events a family affair

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events,
From a recent Jazz In the Sanctuary concert at Grand Rapids Fountain Street Church, Xavier Davis, Matt Brewer and Robin Connell. (Supplied/Robin Connell)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Local jazz mainstays Robin Connell and Paul Brewer have plenty to be proud of with the jazz music baselines being put down by two members of their family tree, and local audiences will get a chance to hear evidence of their pride over the next few weeks.

First, Connell and Brewer’s young son Benny Brewer will be on the bass Thursday, May 30, from 8-11 p.m., as the Robin Connell Trio hits the stage at downtown Grand Rapids’ One Trick Pony, with Connell on keyboards and Tim Froncek on drums. (For more information on One Trick Pony, visit here.)

Also, expected to sit in at the gig will be Paul Brewer on trombone, Peter Sage on trumpet, Evan Davis on trumpet and “maybe some other friends.”

Then Paul’s son and Connell’s step-son, Matt Brewer — a big-time jazz bassist who has played with the likes of Terence Blanchard, to name just one — will be featured in the upcoming Aquinas Jazz Camp faculty concert on June 19, at 7:30 p.m. at Aquinas College’s Kretchmer Recital Hall in the Art & Music Building. Admission to the concert is free.

“Matt is a world renown jazz bassist performing and recording with artists such as Antonio Sanchez, Ben Wendel, and Gonzalo Rubalcaba, among many others,” Connell said to WKTV. “Matt has been doing his dad a favor by teaching (at the jazz camp) every year for the past several years … (but) Paul (Brewer) is retiring so the Aquinas Jazz Camp will be changing … so this will be the last time Matt teaches at the camp. Therefore its very likely this is the last time he will perform in Grand Rapids.”

Matt Brewer, according to a supplied biography, was born into a musical family and was surrounded by music from an early age — both his father and grandfather were jazz musicians, and his mother an avid music lover and radio DJ (who, even before Matt was born, would play classic jazz albums for him).

After graduating from the Interlochen Arts Academy, Matt attended the inaugural class of The Juilliard Jazz Program and studied with bassists Rodney Whitaker and Ben Wolfe. After spending two years at Juilliard, he decided to leave school to make embark on a busy touring schedule. Since then he has worked with artists such as Greg Osby, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Lee Konitz, David Sanchez, Terence Blanchard, Antonio Sanchez, Vijay Iyer, Adam Rogers, Steve Coleman, Dave Binney, Aaron Parks, Jeff “Tain” Watts, and many others.

He recently recorded his second album as a leader on the Criss Cross Jazz label. He is an adjunct faculty member at The New School, and has been a frequent guest artist/teacher at the Banff Center.

At the planned Aquinas concert, the other faculty performing include Paul Brewer, Connell, Benje Daneman on trumpet, Froncek, Mike Hyde on guitar and Tom Lockwood on saxophone.

For more information on the Aquinas Jazz Camp faculty concert, visit here.

Kentwood Summer Concert Series offers music, food trucks, for every taste

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, Food, Going Local, Local Entertainment, Recreation, Upcoming Events

  • Brena (Facebook)
  • Blue Soul Express (Facebook)
  • That Beatles Thing. (Facebook)
  • That Beatles Thing. (Facebook)
  • Melophobix, cover of latest release. (Facebook)
  • Hannah Rose and the GravesTones (Facebook)
  • The Crane Wives (Facebook)

By WKTV Staff
ken@wktv.org


From The Beatles’ classics to “cage-free funk” — Got to love that description! — there will be something for just about everyone as the City of Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series returns with free concerts at 7 p.m. on select Thursday nights from June to August.


This year’s series features West Michigan favorites such as The Crane Wives, Brena and Melophobix. And while you can bring your own picnic dinner, food trucks will be at each concert.


“Our summer concert series is a great way to celebrate summer in Kentwood with family and friends,” Val Romeo, Kentwood Parks and Recreation director, said in supplied material. “This year’s lineup again includes a great mix of genres. We welcome all to enjoy the variety of live outdoor music and local eats we’ll have on the lawn behind City Hall.”


Concert-goers are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair, and may also bring their own beer or wine.


The lineup for Kentwood’s Summer Concert Series is as follows:


June 20 — That Beatles Thing offering hits from The Beatles classic catalogue. No more need be said. For more information visit here.


June 27 — Blue Soul Express, delivering classic soul, R&B, funk and blues. If this is not perfect for a summer boogie party, nothing is. For more information visit here.


July 18 — Hannah Rose and the GravesTones, serving up some funk, blues and rock n’ roll. If you’ve never seen them, let’s just say Hannah can wail. For more information visit here.


July 25 — The Crane Wives, described by someone as “female-fronted, harmony-driven folk-rock”; lets just say West Michigan is lucky they are taking a local break from their busy summer tour schedule. For more information visit here.


Aug. 1 — Brena, offering up oldies, top 40 hits, classic rock, R&B and country. For more information visit here.


Aug. 8 — Melophobix, with “Cage Free” being not only the title of their latest release but also their funky musical outlook. For more information visit here.


All concerts will begin at 7 p.m. and conclude around 8:30 p.m. on the lawn behind Kentwood City Hall, located at 4900 Breton Ave. SE.


More information is available at kentwood.us/parks.



St. Cecilia’s 2019-20 season: Collins, Clayton Bros and chamber music power couple

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Artists Series co-artistic directors and chamber music power couple Wu Han and David Finckel (on cello) will be on the same stage this season. (Courtesy St. Cecilia/Tara Helen O’Connor)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

West Michigan jazz and Americana/folk fans — and I count myself in that crowd — eagerly await the early summer announcement of St. Cecilia Music Center’s next concert music series, which came down Tuesday with its 2019-20 season line-up.

Judy Collins (Supplied)

And with a Spectacular Jazz Series that includes the The Clayton Brothers Quintet and an Acoustic Café Folk Series featuring the return of the incomparable Judy Collins, both live up to the center’s reputation.

But, truth be told, the concert of the season will be one of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Artists Series, as CMS co-artistic directors and chamber music power couple Wu Han (on piano) and David Finckel (on cello) come to town together on a program titled “From Prague to Vienna” but maybe more appropriately called “From New York City, with Love.”

Performing with violinist Arnaud Sussman and violist Paul Neubauer, Wu Hann and Finckel will perform in a concert which “celebrates friendship and family with three composers who mentored and inspired each other: Brahms, Dvořák and Suk,” according to supplied material. “Brahms discovered Dvořák through a composition competition and helped him rise to international stardom, and became his lifelong friend and mentor. In turn, Suk was one of Dvořák’s favorite students and eventually became his son-in-law.”

Of course, seeing and hearing Wu Hann and Finckel perform together is worth the price of admission whatever the program.

While fans can pick their favorites, St. Cecilia executive director Cathy Holbrook shows no such favoritism.

Cathy Holbrook St. Cecilia (WKTV/K.D. Norris)

“We are so excited about all of our concerts and the amazing artists coming to Grand Rapids to perform at SCMC this coming season,” Holbrook said in supplied material. “We’re happy to have three great series that appeal to everyone’s interests in music. The exquisite sound and intimate setting of the Royce Auditorium makes these chosen concerts at SCMC one-of-a-kind.”

Tickets are now on sale for all announced concerts including opening folk series concerts by Lee Ann Womack on Oct. 3 and Judy Collins on Oct. 20; the jazz series opener of Fred Hersch featuring special guest Julian Lage on Oct. 17; and “Great Innovators” – works by Stravinsky, Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Smetana, on Nov. 21, to launch the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Series.
 
The chamber music series will continue with “French Enchantment” on Jan. 23, 2020, featuring the elegant works of Ravel, Fauré and Saint-Saëns; followed by the aforementioned “From Prague to Vienna” on April 30, 2020.

The Clayton Brothers. (Supplied by the artists)

The jazz series, after the Hersch/Lage pairing, will include Emmet Cohen’s Master Legacy Series featuring Ron Carter on Jan. 16, 2020; vocalist Luciana Souza on March 5, 2020; and The Clayton Brothers Quintet on April 16, 2020.
 
 
The folk series, after Ms. Womack’s and Ms. Collins’ visits, will continue with multi-Grammy Award winner Chris Thile on Feb. 25, 2020, immediately followed by “eclectic adventurist” singer/ guitarist Raul Midón on Feb. 27. (And, as in past seasons, additional Acoustic Café Series concerts will be announced at a later date.)

Season subscription tickets to the 2019-2020 Spectacular Jazz Series and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Concert Series are now available by calling 616-459-2224, visiting St. Cecilia Music Center at 24 Ransom NE, Grand Rapids, or online for new subscribers at scmc-online.org. Single tickets to chamber, jazz, and folk concerts are also on sale now and can be purchased by phone or online at the same.


For each concert, a post-concert party is open to all ticket-holders giving the audience the opportunity to possibly meet the artists and obtain signed CDs of their releases. There will also be pre-concert receptions for the CMS of Lincoln Center concerts and the Jazz Series concerts featuring wine and hors d’oeuvres for $15 per person.

Snapshots: Kentwood, Wyoming fun things to do this weekend

3-bottom, Community Health, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Recreation

By WKTV Staff
Ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“My artist's statement explains, my work is utterly incomprehensible and is therefore fun of deep significance.”
 
                     ― Calvin (of Calvin and Hobbes)
Maya Lin, Blue Lake Pass, 2006. Duraflake particleboard (Courtesy Pace Gallery)

New show at the GRAM

The Kent County Parks and the Kent County Parks Foundation invites all county residents to DISCOVER! Millennium Park, a free, fun, and educational program for all ages Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hansen Nature Trail at Millennium Park (at the corner of Riverbend Drive and Butterworth). For the complete story, visit here.

Supplied (Kent County Parks)

County’s Millennium Park event

The Kent County Parks and the Kent County Parks Foundation invites all county residents to DISCOVER! Millennium Park, a free, fun, and educational program for all ages Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hansen Nature Trail at Millennium Park (at the corner of Riverbend Drive and Butterworth). For the compete story, visit here.

Local high school baseball and softball action is on the schedule for the WKTV sports coverage team. (Supplied)

High School Sports in the sun

There is plenty of spring baseball and softball games as part of the weekend’s high school sports action all over the Wyoming and Kentwood area, so check out something live if you can. For the complete story, visit here.

Fun fact:

158 days

On average, there are 158 sunny days per year in Grand Rapids. The US average is 205 sunny days. Don’t waste one. (Source)

Local talent in spotlight as St. Cecilia youth jazz groups hit the stage

3-bottom, Area Education, City of Kentwood, Education, Kentwood Public Schools, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events
The Jazz Band, directed by Paul Brewer, in rehearsal for its coming concert. (Supplied/St. Cecilia Music Center)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

Improvisational jazz music is not for everyone, especially young musicians learning their craft. But it is challenging and rewarding for the youth who make up the St. Cecilia Music Center’s Youth Jazz Ensembles — including several local players from East Kentwood High School.

The public can get a reward of their own this weekend as those young players will be on stage at St. Cecilia during the center’s Youth Jazz Ensembles Concert, a free, public event scheduled for Sunday, May 19, at 7 p.m.

Both the small Jazz Combo group and the Jazz Band big band will be on stage, and both will showcase the developing talent of their young players.

Mitchell Arganbright is a student at East Kentwood High School and a member of the Jazz Band. (Supplied/St. Cecilia Music Center)

“The combo format has a lot of potential for learning because every aspect of musicianship is involved: sight-reading, learning by ear, music theory (chord structures, keys, form), improvisation, arranging,” Robin Connell, St. Cecilia Jazz Combo director and local musician, said in an email to WKTV. “The big band music is all written and presents challenging reading for most students. They also work on blend, balance, intonation, and style.”

While the combo format focuses more on the traditional improvisational aspects of jazz, Connell said the big band is more structured but has “improvised parts (that) are only for a selected few instruments within an arrangement that is otherwise all written out.”

The current Jazz Combo has five members, Connell said: piano, bass, drums, saxophone and two trombones.

“The combo learns jazz standards and, in the process, learns a lot about music and jazz,” Connell said. “They learn the tunes from a ‘lead sheet’ (melody and chord symbols without any intro/ending or arrangement). Then we put an arrangement together. We start the year with me giving all the direction but, by the end, I’ve encouraged them to take over the leadership and direction as they are able.”

The combo members range in age from 12 to 16 (four are in middle school), and they will play four tunes:  “Listen Here” by Eddie Harris, “Moanin’ ” by Bobby Timmons, “Artherdoc Blues” by Jimmy Heath, and “So What” by Miles Davis.
 

The Jazz Band, directed by Paul Brewer, has the standard instrumentation, Connell said: five saxophones, four trombones, four trumpets, with piano, bass and drums — “But I will be playing piano with the band because he doesn’t have a student pianist.”
 

The Jazz Band are all high school kids, with half a dozen from East Kentwood high. Their program will be published pieces arranged for this instrumentation, but specifics are not known at this time.

The St Cecilia Music Center is located at 24 Ransom NE, Grand Rapids. For more information visit the event’s Facebook page here.

Griffin House comes to Seven Steps Up with miles on his Nashville tires

Entertainment, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events,
Griffin House will be making a stop at Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up on Saturday, May 4. (Supplied/Griffin House)

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

The song stories on Griffin House’s soon-to-be-released album Rising Star — some of which will undoubtedly be sweetly sung and appreciatively heard at his stop at Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up on Saturday, May 4 — offer a peek in the real and/or imagined world of a singer who has spent much of the last 16 years on the road.

There are stories of the frustration with life if not the brutal business of making independent music. But there are also stories of understanding that, like a good country folk song lyric, “life is kinda what happens while you are making your way as best ya can.”

On “Hindsight”, House sings of a frustrating future: “Am I am fool for waiting / On a ship already gone / I only see the damage done in hindsight”. Yet there is also balance, an acceptance of whatever the future holds, as in “Cup of Fulfillment”: “There’s a light in the dark it’s the fire in our hearts / Even when our work is done / Long may your love live on”.

If that is not the true conflict of a singer wandering over the road of a music life, nothing is.

But I suspect listing to those tunes are just scratching the surface of House’s life and his music.

With something like 11 albums and 16 years of work in Nashville and around the country, House’s Rising Star (set for a June 28 release), described as “a self-reflective record that shows just how honed House is as a writer and musician”, is proof of the progression of his music and his life.

Rising Star cover art (Supplied)

Rising Star was created with old friends, Paul Moak and Ian Fitchuk, and also features co-writes with fellow Nashville musician Brian Elmquist of The Lone Bellow, longtime collaborator Jeff Trott (who also works with Sheryl Crow) and Joy Williams of The Civil Wars — with percussion from Grammy-winning “Album of the Year” producer Ian Fitchuk (he of Kacey Musgraves’ Golden Hour).

“This album seemed to come together with a little more grace and ease than records I’ve made in the past,” House said in supplied material. “And I think so much of that is attributed to how good the people I got worth with on this record are, they all just happen to be really good friends too.”

And that diversity of working relationships, of partners in musical crime, is clear on Rising Star.

The title tune is a sparse, almost spoken word poem of a song that leaves no doubt the writer not only knows what lonely feels like, but knows how to put that feeling into lyrics. And while “15 Minutes of Fame” give evidence of the dangers of getting what you pray for, “Crash and Burn” makes clear the dangers of not getting what you prayed for.

House song/stories often remind me of Gordon Lightfoot’s clear, cutting storytelling — and I liked Gord’s gold a lot — but with a very modern American outlook.

My favorite tune on the album, however, on first listen, is “Change”, which features some beautiful harmonies with Joy Williams, lyrical truths such as “We were never meant to stay the same”, and, maybe, a little glimpse of where House is in his home-life (with wife and two daughters).

Alas, the tune may not be on the program as he tours solo acoustic, often opening for the likes of John Mellencamp, Mat Kearny and Josh Ritter.

In addition to the release of the album Rising Star, House also stars in the full-length documentary film by the same title, set for release this year. According to supplied information, the film is co-produced with music video director and filmmaker Shane Drake, and chronicles House’s life as a musician and features music from his new album as well other tunes from his catalog.

Seven Steps Up is located 116 S. Jackson Street. For tickets and information call 616-930-4755 or visit sevenstepsup.com.

Snapshots: Wyoming and Kentwood (fun) things to do this weekend

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Education, Food, Going Local, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Upcoming Events, , ,

By WKTV Staff
Ken@wktv.org

Quote of the Day

“We're all in the same boat ready to float off the edge of the world. The flat old world.”
 
                     ― The Band (from the song "Life is a Carnival")

Wyoming’s annual Spring Carnival will open this weekend at Lamar Park. (Supplied)

Life is a carnival

West Michigan families are invited to come out to Lamar Park, 2561 Porter St SW, and enjoy carnival rides, food, and games April 26 – May 5. The carnival will be open Monday through Thursday from 4–8:30 p.m., Friday from 2– 8:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from noon–8:30 p.m. For the complete story, visit here.



VeggieCon is coming to Kentwood this weekend. (Supplied)

Eat your veggies!

VeggieCon, an event to educate the community more about healthy options, is coming at Encounter Church, 4620 Kalamazoo Ave. SE., Kentwood, on Saturday, April 27. 10 am. to 2 p.m. Along with many family friendly activities, there will be April 27, there will be a fresh produce display on site so people can see what produce is available at local farm stands. For the complete story, visit here.


This strange creature is part of Grand Rapids Public Museum’s “Expedition: Dinosaur exhibition” (Supplied/GRPM)

(Strange) creature comforts

The Grand Rapids Public Museum’s “Expedition: Dinosaur exhibition” has been extended, so visitors can now explore the fascinating world of dinosaurs and the hunt for their fossils through May 12. This exhibit has something for all ages, from life-sized and life-like animatronic dinosaurs – some controlled by visitors – to mechanical and electronic learning stations. For the complete story, visit here.



Fun fact:

240 million years

You may know that the world was full of dinosaurs 99 million years ago, but crocodilian creatures, including current crocodiles themselves – have been on Earth for an estimated 240 million years. Talk about adaptable! (Source)

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

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

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

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

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

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

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

Way Down Wanderers (Supplied/KeithCotton)

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

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

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

And that is just the beginning; coming outside …

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

But that is just the opening act.

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

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

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

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

Kurt Vile (supplied/Jo McCaughey)

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

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

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

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

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

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By K.D. Norris
ken@wktv.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Holland to release Dragon’s Milk Triple Mash

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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