Local musicians seeking an audience – and audiences seeking local music – have a new way to find each other.
KDL Vibes, a streaming service featuring music by more than 40 West Michigan artists, went live in early December.
David Specht, digital marketing strategist for KDL, said anyone can navigate to the site at vibes.kdl.org and start listening.
“As a library, it’s our responsibility to provide quality, worthwhile, important content to our patrons,” he said. “We saw this as an opportunity to do that.”
KDL Vibes brings local music to people who don’t have the means or the opportunity to go to live shows, and it also offers musicians a big new audience. The KDL serves hundreds of thousands of patrons, Specht said.
Mark Lavengood, a songwriter, singer and multi-instrumentalist, has an album called “We’ve Come Along” on KDL Vibes.
David Specht was on the team that brought the Vibes streaming music platform to the Kent District Library. (Photo courtesy of KDL)
“Once I started researching the mission I was just really impressed and grateful for the initiative to perpetuate the local music scene throughout the community,” he said. “Personally, I’m hopeful it might turn a few folks on to my catalog. For the community, I hope that they take to the new service and discover some of their new favorite artists, music venues, and songs.”
You don’t need to live in Kent County or have a KDL library card to use KDL Vibes. But some services are available only to those with a KDL card.
“The advantage to having a KDL library card is that you can sign in with that card and pin favorite single songs and also full albums, so it builds a playlist for you,” Specht said.
About 15 libraries in the U.S. are offering the service, which is built on software called MUSICat.
Specht said there are a lot of music-loving staff members at the Kent District Library, and when they heard about the streaming platform being used in cities like Seattle and Austin, they got a team together to bring it to Kent County.
In September, the KDL had a six-week open submission period when local musicians could send in a sample track and brief bio. They got 130 submissions.
A team of curators active in the local music scene narrowed them down to the 43 that are on the site now. In addition to Specht, the curators are Andrea “SuperDre” Wallace, Ted Smith, Hugo Claudin, Gabriella De La Vega, Eric Green, Linda “Lady Ace Boogie” Tellis, Laura Nowe, and Jake Wunderink.
Mark Lavengood’s album “We’ve Come Along” is one of the 43 albums on the site. (Photo by John Hanson)
“We wanted to make sure we had a collection that represents the West Michigan music scene, doing our best to include music from all the different genres that the musicians here have to offer,” Specht said. That meant they had to bypass some great music if they already had enough in that genre, but the musicians who didn’t get in the first time will have another shot.
Open submission periods for musicians will be held twice a year in the spring and the fall, so the collection will keep growing. The next open submission will likely be in the late winter or early spring, Specht said.
Both the musicians and the curators are paid a $250 honorarium for their contributions to the site.
Specht said they will keep adding new music indefinitely, and they will have a rotating panel of curators so people with a variety of tastes get a chance to choose the music.
“It won’t be the same folks from one year to the next. That’s intentional, so we can give other people an opportunity to work on it,” he said. “I feel like the project will never grow stale.”
Staying in this New Year’s Eve — for whatever reason you care to choose — and not into college football bowl games? Want to catch some great music concerts? WKTV will replay its entire 2021 Kentwood Summer Concert Series to ring in the New Year.
Starting at 5 p.m. and running until after midnight, WKTV Community Media’s Community cable channel will rebroadcast five concerts leading off with Bootstrap Boys and running through the stroke of the New Year with The Soul Syndicate.
Don’t know some of the bands? WKTV produced previews of each (follow the links to the stories).
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown. WKTV can also be found on AT&T U-verse 99.
It’s been a great Christmas season in the Gonzalez house with our two grandbabies visiting from out of town. What a change to go from just the two of us to two more adults, two children under the age of 3 and a dog!
I think we’re going to usher in the New Year in a whole new way.
What about you?
We have some ideas of things to do this weekend in Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.
Gonzo’s Top 5
5. The Grand Rapids Gold
The season is just getting started for GR’s newest professional franchise, The Grand Rapids Gold basketball team in the NBA G League. Several home games are on tap, including games Jan. 5, 7 and 8 at the DeltaPlex Arena. “Star Wars” Night is Jan. 22. The team is an affiliate of the Denver Nuggets. Ticket information, as well as roster details, at grandrapids.gleague.nba.com/. Let’s go see some basketball!
4. Grand Rapids Griffins
We always have our Griffins to usher in a new year. The popular New Year’s Eve game – complete with fireworks – returns on Dec. 31 at Van Andel Arena. Game time is 6 p.m. The team plays in the American Hockey League and is an affiliate of the Detroit Red Wings. Check out the schedule and ticket information at griffinshockey.com/schedule.
Photo by Gavin Brown (from Facebook)
3. Normal Mode at The Listening Room
Ready for live music to make a big comeback in 2022? I know I am. Start the new year with Normal Mode, a Grand Rapids-based trio writing what it calls “lo-fi space travel music.” The group performs at 7:30 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 1) at The Listening Room in Grand Rapids. The band’s press material says: “This group of young, but seasoned musicians offer up floating ethereal soundscapes on top of head bopping grooves; perfect for a relaxing exploration. Dutcher Snedeker (Piano/Keys), Ian Thompson (Upright/Electric Bass), and Nathan Coles (Drums), all have deep roots in the Michigan music scene. Their genre blending style echos hints of Jazz, rock, and funk, while leaving enough room for improvisation.” I couldn’t agree more. It’s fantastic! The show is free. But there are vaccination requirements. Listen to their music and learn more at listeningroomgr.com.
2. Billy Strings Live
Fans are excited for the return of bluegrass star Billy Strings, a local musician-turned Grammy award winner, who is scheduled to perform Dec. 30-Jan. 1 at GLC Live at 20 Monroe in downtown Grand Rapids. All shows are sold out. If you have tickets, you’re in for a memorable evening. If not, well, maybe next time. And if you’ve never heard of Billy Strings or you want to watch from home, this is a good opportunity to learn more about this emerging national talent who is originally from Ionia. Those who want to livestream the shows can get more details at nugs.net. Follow Billy Strings on YouTube at https://found.ee/StringsYT and on Spotify https://found.ee/BSpotify.
Oh, and if you’re downtown on Thursday (Dec. 30), a pre-show concert is planned with Desmond Jones, a five-piece American rock band from Grand Rapids, at 5 p.m. at The Listening Room. The show is free. Doors open at 4 p.m. The band is known for its “melodic guitar riffs, funky bass lines, groovy drumbeats, and smooth saxophone,” according to press materials. More info at listeningroomgr.com.
Note: Billy Strings postponed some shows in Nashville earlier this month because of a Covid positive test in his touring band. In a story on liveforlivemusic.com he said: “At this time we have every intention of performing our New Years Eve run in Grand Rapids and can’t wait to see you there. We love you and hope you all stay healthy and safe this holiday season.”
Scenes from Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World exhibition and events. (Supplied/Dean VanDis)
1. Christmas in Grand Rapids
I’ve mentioned a couple local institutions several times over the last few weeks. Don’t forget:
The Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark remains open from 5:30-9 p.m. daily, and 5:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It runs through Jan. 1. Cost is $28 per car. More information at christmasliteshow.com.
The University of Michigan Health-West Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition at Meijer Gardens runs through Jan. 2. It is open daily, but closed on Jan. 1. More details at meijergardens.org.
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He also co-hosts the “Behind the Mitten” radio show, which airs at 6 p.m. Sundays on WOOD-AM and FM. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Booklovers, and those with lovers of books on their last-minute shopping list, are in for a treat as several new releases from well-known authors, as well as debut writers, are available just in time for the holidays.
And how better to get that last gift than by buying local, or making a holiday roadtrip out of it?
“There are a ton of really solid, interesting books by well-known authors, as well as those who haven’t written before,” said Tim Smith, Operations Manager for Schuler Books.
Schuler Books on 28th Avenue is a big bookstore with a small bookstore feel. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Founded in 1982 by Bill and Cecile Fehsenfeld, Schuler Books includes locations in both Grand Rapids and Okemos. The Grand Rapids location on 28th Street “offers a wide array of new and used books for adults and children, an extensive selection of book-themed gifts, and a café where shoppers can enjoy coffee and a bite to eat,” they say. And a “friendly, helpful staff contribute to the welcoming feel shoppers experience.”
And if you’re really into last minute Christmas shopping, Schuler Books invites all ages to come and enjoy the live reindeer that will be outside the store Christmas Eve.
Adding to the inviting atmosphere is the knowledge that the staff at Schuler Books have personally hand-picked each book lining the shelves.
“We have a team of buyers that meet with publishing reps (representatives),” Smith said, “and over time have curated our stock. There are core items, of course, but also items specific to each store and its location.”
Changes in readers’ tastes
Schuler’s Smith also mentioned a shift in what buyers are looking for in reading material.
“Over the past couple of years, but especially this year, it has been different because people are looking for books connected to particular current events that people are trying to understand,” said Smith. “People see the world is changing, that there are large changes happening, and people are looking to books to understand these things.”
Popular titles at Schuler Books this holiday season substantiate Smith’s observation, with several books addressing current topics prevalent in society today:
“Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem” by Amanda Gorman. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
“How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America” by Clint Smith speaks to racial understanding.
“Firekeeper’s Daughter” by Michigan author Angeline Boulley concentrates on the indigenous community.
“Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem” by Amanda Gorman incorporates a call to action for people of all ages to use their abilities to make a difference.
Other popular titles offer inspiration, humor, and a connection with nature:
“Taste: My Life Through Food” by Stanley Tucci; “The Impossible Mile: The Power in Living Life One Step at a Time” by Johnny Agar; “All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings” by Gayle Boss; “Where the Deer and the Antelope Play” by Nick Offerman; “A Carnival of Snackery” by David Sedaris; “Get Untamed” by Glennon Doyle, a companion journal to Doyle’s 2020 release, “Untamed”; “The Sentence” by Louise Erdrich.
Maybe make a day-trip shopping
If you like to do a little strolling around a small-town downtown with plenty of shopping, epilogue books, founded in July 2018 by Pat and Valerie Burkholder, is celebrating their fourth holiday season in Rockford.
Some of the staff picks at epilogue books in Rockford. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Tucked into a strip of stores just off East Bridge Street, epilogue books features a comprehensive selection of new books for readers of all ages, including several by Michigan authors.
“We try to support local Michigan authors and artists,” said Cindy Coats, bookseller at epilogue books.
Coats also said that the staff at epilogue books hand-picks each book that is placed on the shelves.
“We look at what books are projected to be top-sellers,” said Coats said, “as well as what people are asking for.”
And the staff also looks at trends: “People come in asking for books that are being made into movies, like ‘Dune’ (Frank Herbert) and ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ (Liane Moriarty),” said Coats.
Biographies and autobiographies have also proven to be a rising trend.
“People have been out of work, or not in their normal realm of work, for a year and a half and used that time to write their stories,” Coats said. “(Readers) like hearing where people came from, and especially about overcoming adversity.”
Several new releases on epilogue’s shelves cater to this topic, including “Will” by Will Smith, and “The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music” by Dave Grohl.
Pick one; all are worth reading. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
“Atlas of the Heart” by Brené Brown, a self-help book that focuses on how to develop meaningful connections with the people in our lives, is another popular title this holiday season.
Cookbooks are also a top seller this year. “Lots of celebrities are now writing cookbooks,” said Coats. “Pop culture is really interjecting into food.”
The bookseller pointed to “An Unapologetic Cookbook,” written by TikTok sensation Joshua Weissman. “We can’t keep these on the shelf,” Coats said with a laugh.
Other popular titles offered by epilogue books include: “Go Tell the Bees That I am Gone” (Outlander Series, Book 9) by Diana Gabaldon; “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides; “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid; “Cat Kid Comic Club: Perspectives” by Dav Pilkey.
A new reproduction of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” by J.K. Rowling is also dazzling shoppers with its full color illustrations and eight interactive paper craft elements.
“They are stunning,” said Coats, touching the cover as she passed by.
And say ‘“Hi” to Tommy
epilogue books’ Tommy the Bookstore Dog. (WKTV/D.A. Reed)
Visitors to epilogue books will most likely be welcomed by the store’s most popular member, Tommy the Bookstore Dog, a mild-mannered golden retriever who loves to interact with customers.
“People come in just to see Tommy,” said Coats. “One woman drove all the way from Lansing after seeing him on a TikTok video, just to meet him.”
And after the holidays, an upcoming event that booklovers will want to mark on their calendars is a book signing with ABC’s chief meteorologist, Ginger Zee, featuring her upcoming release, “A Little Closer to Home.” A Rockford native, Zee will be at epilogue books Jan. 15 to meet fans and sign books.
What a strange – and blustery – winter weather pattern we’ve been experiencing. I hope everyone has remained safe.
As you already know, we’re only a week away from the Christmas holiday, and I couldn’t be more excited. My kids from North Carolina will be visiting for about 10 days, and I can’t wait to squeeze those grandbabies! Lucky me.
Are you entertaining over the holidays?
Well, as you prepare for your activities, let’s look at some ways to de-stress in this weekend’s Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.
5. Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits
My good friend Amy Sherman turned me on to all the cool things they’re doing at Broad Leaf Brewery, the sister brewery of Jason and Kris Spaulding of Brewery Vivant. We’ve been there a few times, and the beer is always tasty, and the environment perfect to entertain the family or guests with all those video games. This weekend stop by for their Holiday Bazaar from 1-5 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 19) to support local artisans – and local beer. More details at https://broadleafbeer.com/event/christmas-bazaar/. Broad Leaf also offers a great food menu, and cocktails. It is located at 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd SE in Kentwood.
4. TUBACHRISTMAS Concert
You know the saying: “Nothing says Christmas like a Tuba!” I know, that’s not a saying, but you can enjoy the return of this popular show when local performers take the stage at 3 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 19) at Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE. Check out the event’s Facebook page for more info. Oh, and if you’re a tuba player or “a musician with a tuba, baritone, sousaphone, euphonium, or anything else in the tuba family, you’re welcome to join” in, organizers say on the event page.
Bert and Erine in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” (Wikipedia)
3. It’s a Wonderful Life
It’s family movie time! Take a short drive to Muskegon and enjoy the beautiful Frauenthal Theatre (built in 1930) for a screening of the classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Show time is 3 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 19). Doors open at 2:15 p.m. Admission is free. Check out the event Facebook page for more details. (What’s that? You’ve never seen “It’s a Wonderful Life”? Email me and I’ll fill you in!)
Reindeer at the KDL Kentwood Branch (Photo courtesy of Joanne Bailey-Boorsma)
2. Ready for Reindeer!
Despite the recent warm weather, temperatures will dip back into the 30s as we head into Christmas. That’s perfect for Santa’s reindeer. Our friends at the KDL Kentwood Branch say the reindeer are “traveling all the way from the North Pole – via Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farms” for a visit at 10 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 18) at the Richard L. Root Branch Library, 4950 Breton SE, in Kentwood. More details on the library event page.
1. Grand Rapids Griffins
I have not been to a Griffins hockey game the last couple of years, and this might be a perfect escape before the kids come to town. The team has games Saturday (Dec. 18), Sunday (Dec. 19) and Wednesday (Dec. 22) at Van Andel Arena. If you want to bring the little ones, go on Saturday when Santa Claus is coming to town. He’ll be on hand for a special pre-game visit. Game time is 7 p.m. The first 1,000 kids 13 and under get a replica 25th anniversary Griffins jersey. Ticket information and more details at griffinshockey.com/schedule.
Oh, and if you’re off of work next week (like me!), you might want to experience “Cirque de Noël!,” which returns for performances Dec. 21-22 at DeVos Performance Hall. You’ll see acrobats, aerialists, contortionists, jugglers and strongmen all to the classical and seasonal musical selections by the Grand Rapids Symphony. Show times and ticket information at grsymphony.org/cirque-de-noel. A special morning show is at 10 a.m. Dec. 22.
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
The best of Kent County’s wrestlers, many of them state-ranked in their weight classes, will be on the mats at East Kentwood High School as the Falcons wrestling program hosts the Kent County Wrestling Championships Saturday, Dec. 18, with matches starting at 9:30 a.m.
In addition to the East Kentwood wrestlers, other local schools expected to attend are Wyoming, Godfrey Lee, Kelloggsville and Godwin Heights. In all, as many as 20 schools will have wrestlers on the mats.
The format, according to information supplied by East Kentwood wrestling coaching staff will have the top 16 in each weight class placed in “Championship Division” with double elimination format. The remaining Wrestlers will be placed in a “Beltline Division”. There will also be a bracket for female wrestlers.
The Championship Division will be pre-seeded based on Trackwrestling criteria including state tournament placement/qualification, regional qualification, and records.
The Beltline Division competitors are 1st or 2nd year wrestlers or the wrestlers who had a sub-.500 winning percentage the previous season.
Awards will go to teams, individual wrestlers and Most Outstanding Wrestler.
Championship finals, and third and fifth place matches will be wrestled starting at same time, 4:30 p.m.
Jurassic Quest returns to Grand Rapids Jan. 7 – 9 with more than 100 dinosaurs. (Supplied)
The largest and most realistic dinosaur exhibit in North America returns to Grand Rapids Jan. 7 – 9.
Jurassic Quest will be at DeVos Place for those three days. The exhibit is an indoor family education and entertainment (edutainment) show that will feature more than 100 life-like dinosaurs, dinosaur-themed rides, live dinosaur shows, and interactive science and art activities. There also will be a Triceratots soft play area, bounce houses, and inflatable attractions.
Visitors will walk through the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods to see the dinos that ruled on land and “deep dive” into the Ancient Oceans exhibit to come face-to-face with the largest apex predator that existed, a moving, life-size, 50-foot-long Megalodon.
Tickets are $22 for adults and children and $19 for seniors. There is also a $36-dollar ticket for kids unlimited rides. Tickets do include a 100 percent guarantee of refund if the show is cancelled or postponed for any reason. Because tickets sell quickly, advance ticket purchased is encouraged.
Holiday break for many schools starts at about 3:30 p.m. Friday with most students being out for around two weeks.
Students have the opportunity to explore the Museum during the Snowflake Break camps. (Grand Rapids Public Museum)
Holiday activities take up some of the time during the two-week break but whether it is waiting for or after all the presents are unwrapped, there is time when everybody is looking for something to do.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum announced that it will bring back its Snowflake Break, which will run from Dec. 18 to Jan. 2. Snowflake Break features special exhibits and activities and includes the traveling exhibits “POPnology,” and “Bats: Masters of the Night,” along with educational Snowflake Break Camp opportunities for area children.
“Snowflake Break at the Museum is the perfect experience for families seeking fun activities to do during the holiday break,” said Kate Kocienski, the Museum’s VP of Marketing & Public Relations. “We’re pleased to offer reduced admission for Kent County residents everyday, including free admission for kids 17 and under. Snowflake Break is an ideal time for local families to take advantage of these benefits to explore, learn and create lifelong holiday memories.”
The three floors at the Museum have holiday-themed decorations and activities. Festival favorites returning include the historic Grand Rapids LEGO® Bricks display, oversized games in the Galleria, and the popular Santa and Elf Hunt that encourages visitors to explore the Museum to find 12 elves hidden in peculiar sports, while also learning about 15 Santas from around the world.
Through Jan. 2, the Chaffee Planetarium will feature “Let It Snow!” with classic holiday music paired a visual show.
A current exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Museum is “Bats: Masters o the Night.” (Grand Rapids Public Museum)
Snowflake Break Camps are also available for kids in first through sixth grade, with pre-registration required. For two weeks campers will use the Museum as a learning lab – experimenting, learning and growing – all while exploring the permanent and traveling exhibits at the Museum. Camps will be limited to 16 registrants per session, and are $40 per child, with a reduced rate of $30 per child for GRPM members. Campers will be provided with supplies for each activity. Various safety measures will be in place to ensure a low-risk environment for learners and educators. To learn more or to register for Snowflake Break Camps, visit grpm.org/educlasses.
Organist Dave Wickerham will present a night of holiday music on the GRPM’s Mighty Wurlitzer Theater organ on Dec. 17 and 18 with tickets available at grpm.org.
Holiday displays are included with general admission to the Museum. Kent County residents receive reduced admission every day with free admission for Kent County children 17 and under! Kent County adults are only $5 for general admission and Kent County seniors are $3. Advance ticket reservation is recommended, for a seamless, contactless entry. Visit grpm.org to reserve today. Kent County residents also receive free parking in the Museum’s ramp for their visit. The Museum encourages all visitors to wear a face mask, regardless of their vaccination status, to help curb the spread of Covid 19 in our community.
Other activities:
The Grand Rapids Art Museum will be featuring the exhibits “An Art of Changes: Jasper Johns Prints, 1960-2018,” which surveys six decades of output from one of America’s greatest living artists, and “The Black Ash Basketry of Kelly Church and Cherish Parrish,” showcases a centuries-old Anishinaabe tradition.
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum is featuring the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Express, formerly the Breton Village Miniature Train Display, which includes replicas of South High School, Bill’s Place diner and other significant structures in the president’s Grand Rapids life.
WKTV Featured Game coverage of local Kentwood and Wyoming area high school basketball will offer up three games this week, with Wyoming high girls hosting South Christian on Tuesday, Dec. 14, and a boys and girls basketball doubleheader on Friday, Dec. 17, at South Christian when Unity Christian visits.
The South Christian girls enter the week with a 2-1 early-season record, all non-conference, including a 37-34 home win over Holland Christian Dec. 10. The Wolves girls will enter with an identical 2-1 non-conference record, including a 45-43 win over Northview, also on Dec. 10.
After this week’s games, the WKTV crew will then take the holiday season off, as do most local teams, but return in full force in January 2022.
Complete local basketball schedules as well as up-to-date scores of previous night’s games are also available at wktvjournal.org/sports-schedules-scores. (You can also just just bookmark WKTVjournal.org on your phone or other device and click on the blue banner at the bottom of the screen.)
The tentative January and February WKTV Feature Game schedule is as follows:
Friday, Jan. 14, Boys and girls basketball, Calvin Christian at Godwin Heights.
Friday, Jan. 21, Boys basketball, Zeeland East at Wyoming
Tuesday, Jan. 25, Boys basketball, Ottawa Hills at South Christian
Friday, Jan. 28, Boys and girls basketball, Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights
Wednesday, Feb. 2, Boys hockey, Manistee at East Kentwood
Friday, Feb. 4, Boys and girls basketball, Grand River prep at Potter’s House
Tuesday, Feb. 8, Boys basketball, Holland at Wyoming
Friday, Feb. 11, Boys hockey, Petoskey at East Kentwood
Friday, Feb. 18, Boys and girls basketball, Zion Christian at Wyo. Lee (HOF night)
Tuesday, Feb. 22, Boys basketball, Caledonia at East Kentwood
Friday, Feb. 25, Boys and Girls Basketball, Tri-unity Christian at Potter’s House
WKTV featured games will on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel, rebroadcast on the night of the game and various days and times the week after. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of basketball and other winter prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.
The family Watkins of Watkins Family Hour, brother and sister Sean and Sara Watkins, have performed separately and together for nearly their whole lives. Growing up near San Diego, they played countless shows at a local pizza place in Carlsbad, Calif., often with their childhood friend, Chris Thile.
What do they say? When it comes to music, it’s the company you keep. And if you know Thile, you know the quality folk company the Watkins siblings keep.
When Watkins Family Hour comes to St. Cecilia Music Center’s Royce Auditorium Stage on Dec. 16, folk/bluegrass music lovers will keep company with the pair — as they perform songs from their 2020 album “brother sister”, and other songs from their catalogue — as well as special guest artist Courtney Hartman.
Hartman, who will lead off the evening starting at 7 p.m., with the Watkins siblings taking the stage at 8 p.m.
Tickets for Watkins Family Hour with Courtney Hartman can be purchased online at scmc-online.org or by calling St. Cecilia Music Center at 616-459-2224.
Folk/bluegrass in their blood
Sean and Sara Watkins grew up playing music alongside Thile in the hugely successful folk and bluegrass band Nickel Creek, an acoustic ensemble that sold millions of albums, won a GRAMMY, and toured the world.
Encouraged by a local club owner in Los Angeles, Sean and Sara formed Watkins Family Hour in 2002 “as an outlet to try out some original songs and a few covers that wouldn’t work in Nickel Creek,” according to supplied material. That club, Largo, has since become the home base for Watkins Family Hour.
When not with Nickel Creek, Sean and Sara have released multiple solo albums and pursued other collaborations, most recently with Sara’s involvement in the group I’m With Her — a GRAMMY nominated female folk trio comprised of Watkins, Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O’Donovan.
Sara has also toured with the Decemberists. Sean has also performed in Fiction Family and the supergroup Works Progress Administration.
Returning to the studio as Watkins Family Hour, the pair released “brother sister”, self-described as “a duo-centric record (but) one that feels bigger than just two people.” With Sean primarily on guitar and Sara on fiddle, and with both sharing vocals, the pair enlisted producer Mike Viola (Jenny Lewis, Mandy Moore, J.S. Ondara) and mixer-engineer Clay Blair to “harness the energy and honesty of their live sound.”
“From the beginning, our goal was to work on these songs to be as strong as they could be, just the two of us,” Sara said in supplied material. “And with a few exceptions on the record, that’s really how things were. However, brother sister remains exactly that – the result of a brother and sister creating music.”
Watkins Family Hour’s “Brother Sister” Album Cover. (Supplied)
On the new release, their musical chemistry is clear on songs like “Lafayette,” an ode to Hollywood as well as the hometowns left behind by its aspiring stars, and “Fake Badge, Real Gun,” about confronting authority figures as well as your own beliefs, according to supplied material.
The pair’s choice of covers on “brother sister” also speak to the musical company their have kept and the music they respect: Warren Zevon’s poignant “Accidentally Like a Martyr” and “Keep It Clean,” the rabble-rousing Charley Jordan gem from the 1930s.
Hartman is a Colorado-born guitarist, singer, writer, and producer. In 2009, Courtney left home for Boston to study American Roots music at Berklee College of Music. She was soon on the road, touring full-time with the Boston-born band, Della Mae. This fall and winter she is touring with her new album, Glade.
St. Cecilia’s folk series lineup continues in New Year
Things really get cookin’ in the Acoustic Café in 2022, starting with local fave May Erlewine on Thursday, Feb. 17 — if you didn’t catch Erlewine’s late 2019 socially/politically charged release “Second Sight”, which was unjustly lost in the shuffle of the pandemic, you missed one of the best local releases in years.
Following Erlewine, Shawn Colvin will make a much-delayed return on Thursday, May 12; followed by the incomparable Judy Collins on Wednesday, May 18.
Tickets for all remaining concerts are available at scmc-online.org or by calling 616-459-2224.
Special note: as of this day/time, SCMC will require proof of fully vaccinated status, or a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours, to attend a concert at the SCMC venue. Attendees need to bring photo ID and proof of vaccination, or a negative test, the night of a concert.
Also, given the current pandemic status, SCMC also “highly recommends” that all attendees wear a mask while in the building.
All ticket holders will be notified if mandatory mask requirements are in effect for a particular show by an artist. If you a have tickets to an upcoming performance and are unwilling or unable to abide by this policy, please contact the SCMC box office for a refund at kelly@scmc-online.org a minimum of 48 hours prior to the concert date.
For complete information on all shows at St. Cecilia, visit scmc-online.org.
Me? Well, I’m still wrapping my head around the fact Christmas is about two weeks away. Yes, I said TWO WEEKS! Thankfully I have the lovely Pam, my wife, who handles all the stress of shopping, cooking and wrapping to make it a perfect holiday. But there is just so much going on.
Well, I say don’t forget to take a break to try something new or maybe create new traditions.
Here are a few things to consider in this weekend’s Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.
5.WWE Supershow Holiday Tour
Are you a fan of Raw or SmackDown? Well, you probably already know your favorite stars will be in Grand Rapids this weekend for a show at 5 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 12). Scheduled to appear: Universal Champion Roman Reigns, WWE Champion Big E, RAW Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair, SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Drew McIntyre and many more. Ticket information and more details at vanandelarena.com.
The Horrocks Holiday Jamboree will including kids bands. (Supplied)
4.Horrocks Holiday Jamboree
Live music. Santra’s reindeer. Hot chocolate. And a mac and cheese bar! Sign me up. The annual Horrocks Holiday Jamboree returns from 4-8 p.m. Friday (Dec. 10) at Horrocks, 4455 Breton Road SE, in Kentwood. There is a winter petting zoo for kids, as well as holiday caroling and a lineup of children’s bands. Kids can also drop off a letter to Santa in the Elf Express Delivery mailbox. For a list of music acts and more details, check out the event’s Facebook page.
3.The Grand Rapids Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
You know it’s the holidays when the famous “Nutcracker” presented by the Grand Rapids Ballet Company returns. Performances are Dec. 10-12 and Dec. 17-19 at DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave NW. I’m not sure if I need to explain why it’s such a classic meant for every child, at least, once in their lifetime. (One of these days I’ll tell the story of how I took three little boys to the show, only to have them begging me to take them home at “halftime.” It’s a great memory in the Gonzalez household.) For performance times, ticket information and more details, go to devosperformancehall.com or grballet.com.
The Wyoming Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s Santa Parade returns this Saturday. (WKTV)
2.Wyoming and Kentwood Area Santa Parade
Presented by the Wyoming/Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce, the Santa Parade is at 10 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 11) and features more than 50 entrants, including five school bands, and — well, you know — Santa. The parade travels on South Division between 34th and Murray Streets. More info at http://southkent.org. If you miss the parade, your friends at WKTV will re-broadcast on cable television at 7 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 p.m. Sunday. WKTV’s coverage of the parade also will be available on-demand later.
1.James Taylor & Jackson Browne at Van Andel Arena
Concerts are back in a big way, and you get two big names in one show when James Taylor and Jackson Browne perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Van Andel Arena. Performing with his All-Star Band, James Taylor has been entertaining audiences for more than 40 years. He’s in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and he has sold more than 100 million albums. Fans have loved him for years. And Jackson Browne, who is known for big hits such as “The Pretender” and “Running on Empty,” is always a pro. Check on ticket availability and more details at vanandelarena.com.
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
The Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce’s 15th Annual Santa Parade will return on Saturday, Dec. 11, starting at 10 a.m., with the parade route running down South Division Avenue from 33rd Street to just before 44th Street.
Expected to be in the parade are more than 50 entrants, including five school bands, and — of course — Santa.
Santa riding into town at the 2019 Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce Santa Parade. (WKTV)
WKTV will also be on-hand as well to record the festivities, with cable television re-broadcasts scheduled for the night of the parade, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m., and again Sunday, Dec. 12, at 10:30 p.m. WKTV’s coverage of the parade will also be available on-demand later.
Sponsors of the parade include Consumers Energy, Wyoming Moose Lodge, Car City, City of Wyoming, Diversified Protection and Investigations, The Chiropractic Doctor, Godwin Plumbing, Hobart Sales, HOM Flats, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Marge’s Donut Den, Rivertown Community Federal Credit Union, Steelcase, Supermercado Mexico, The Rapid and VanDyk Mortgage.
WKTV featured community events appear on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. Community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team are available on-demand within a week at wktvlive.com.
The holiday season is well underway at the Grand Rapids Public Museum with special exhibits and activities for the entire family now on display including historic Grand Rapids built from LEGO® bricks, Santas from around the world, holiday planetarium shows and more.
Returning to the Grand Rapids Museum is the recreation of 1925 era of downtown Grand Rapids in LEGOs. (Photo supplied by Grand Rapids Public Museum)
“The Museum is a great place for families as they get into the holiday spirit this season with special displays and activities that will excite all ages,” said Kate Kocienski, vice president of Marketing & Public Relations at the GRPM. “In addition to annual favorites, including our historic LEGO® display, visitors can peek into the history of traditions through a festive display of Santas from around the globe and decorations found in the Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibit.”
One of the most popular GRPM exhibits during the season is the LEGO® recreation of 1925 Grand Rapids. The old-time Grand Rapids model features historic buildings built to scale and operating trams. Visitors have the opportunity to search and find different places all while discovering what downtown Grand Rapids use to be like.
The treasure hunting continued with the Santa and Elf Hunt. Riddles will help visitors find 15 historic Santas from around the world in the Streets of Old Grand Rapids exhibit along with learning about the traditions of each culture around Saint Nick. And while some homes have Elf on a Shelf, the GRPM has Elves in the Exhibits. Visitors can also follow clues to find all 12 elves hidden throughout the three floors of the museum. The Santa and Elf Hunt is available in both English and Spanish.
Featured exhibits are “Bats: Masters of the Night” and “POPnology,” featuring iconic replicas of a DeLorean Time Machine, R2D2, E.T. and more. “Bats,” which explores the famous creatures of the night, is part of the Museum admission. “POPnology,” which runs through Jan. 30, may be added on to any Museum visit.
Santa search now taking place at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Photo supplied by the Grand Rapids Public Museum)
Kent County adults are only $5 for general admission and Kent County children 17 and under are free. For pricing and tickets, visit grpm.org.
At the Chaffee Planetarium
Running through Jan. 2 at the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium is the show “Let It Snow,” which features a new variety of festive classics from Frank Sinatra and Chuck Berry to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee. Also, if you did not get a chance to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the “Let It Snow” production includes a multimedia finale by the popular group. Tickets for the Planetarium are $4/with general admission to the Museum, $2 for Museum members, and $5 for planetarium-only tickets.
An added bonus at the Chaffee Planetarium is the installation of a hearing loop system which provides a highly effective way of broadcasting information to visitors for those who are hard of hearing.
The loop systems connect with an individuals’ personal hearing device, utilizing the T-coil system, to receive clear, crisp audio without the need for any other device. Additionally, the Museum will have two loop receivers with headphones for individuals requiring hearing assistance who do not have T-coil equipped hearing devices that will be available upon request.
“The Grand Rapids Public Museum is proud to continue to expand access to the Museum and Planetarium for members of the community who are hard of hearing,” said Dr. Stephanie Ogren, the Museum’s Vice President of Science and Education. “By installing the loop system in the Chaffee Planetarium, the Museum is reducing another barrier to access, continuing to ensure the Museum is as accessible and inclusive to the broadest population.”
The Public Museum’s popular series Concerts Under the Stars returns in January. The series is a fully immersive audio and visual concert experience in the Chaffee Planetarium, highlighting local music and visual artists.
Grand Rapids-based Normal Mode performs on Jan. 13 at the Chaffee Planetarium. (Photo supplied by Grand Rapids Public Museum)
“We’re excited for the return of Concerts Under the Stars at the Chaffee Planetarium,” said GRPM’s Planetarium Manager Jack Daleske. “This year will feature a broad range of musical talent from local musicians in combination with local digital artists for an incredible full-sensory experience unique only to our location.”
This winter, three West Michigan bands will perform their music, enhanced by the unique environment created by the dome and seating of the Chaffee Planetarium. Completing the immersive experience will be area visual artists weaving digital art to the music being performed.
On Jan. 13, Concerts Under the Stars will feature local band Normal Mode, a Grand Rapids-based trio writing lo-fi space travel music. This group of young, but seasoned musicians offer up floating ethereal soundscapes on top of head bopping grooves; perfect for a relaxing exploration.
Local video artist Nate Eizenga will accompany Normal Mode. Eizenga is a Grand Rapids native who moonlights as a video artist, focusing on accompaniment for live musical performances.
Shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m., including access to the Museum’s first two floors of exhibits. Performers will play two sets with a short intermission in between. Refreshments, beer and other beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets are $20, with discounted pricing of $16 for GRPM members. Tickets are currently on sale and available at grpm.org.
The 2022 Concerts Under the Stars series will continue on Feb. 10 with a dynamic mix of surf and garage rock sets performed by Hollywood Makeout and will conclude on March 10 and 11 with a unique blend of alternative rock by Lazy Genius.
If you have seen the pandemic-inspired virtual productions of the Grand Rapids Ballet over the last year-plus, you know they are of exquisite quality in both production and filming.
So as the Ballet returns to DeVos Performance Hall after a 24 month hiatus for live performances of the holiday favorite “The Nutcracker” — scheduled for two weekends, Dec. 10-12 and Dec. 17-19 — there is a virtual option “for those who can’t join in person.”
But there is something, almost indescribable, about seeing dance live.
Grand Rapids Ballet’s Sarah Marley and Nathan Young in a scene from “The Nutcracker”. (Supplied/Ray Nard Imagemaker)
“There is just something irreplaceable about the magic of the theater, when the conductor cues the musicians, the lights dim, and the curtain opens to reveal a world of music, dance, and joy,” Ballet artistic director James Sofranko said to WKTV. “Live performance exists only in the present moment and is gone the next, and this immediacy is what makes attending the theater so special.”
The stage at DeVos Performance Hall will be in full holiday spirit with beautiful sets and beloved characters including Clara, Drosselmeyer, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Cavalier, and of course, the Nutcracker Prince. The production also features Tchaikovsky’s magical score, performed live by the Grand Rapids Symphony with vocals by Grand Valley State University’s Department of Music.
Grand Rapids Ballet’s ballet school members in a scene from “The Nutcracker”. (Supplied/Ray Nard Imagemaker)
“For professional dancers, the tradition of ‘The Nutcracker’ is in our blood, we can’t imagine the holidays without it,” Sofranko said in supplied material. “It’s very special to return with this production that means so much to our organization’s history and our community.”
“The Nutcracker” was reimagined in 2014 by Grand Rapids native Chris Van Allsburg, author of “The Polar Express,” and features set designs by Eugene Lee, a Tony Award winner for productions including “The Lion King”, and “Wicked”.
The Ballet’s company dancers, consisting of professional dancers from across the globe, will also share the stage with students from Grand Rapids Ballet School — all of which will come together to perform captivating choreography by Val Caniparoli, one of America’s most renowned choreographers.
And both young and experienced dancers will be on their toes to be back in front of a live audience at DeVos.
“Knowing that live performances are right around the corner, the dancers are filled with a renewed vigor and energy that is exciting to witness,” Sofanko said to WKTV.
Company dancer Nathan Young agreed, and noted that there is also a deep appreciation by the dancers of having a live audience.
“We are an extension of your community,” Young said in supplied material. “When you come to see Grand Rapids Ballet, you are seeing Grand Rapids community members who live close to you and nearby. All we want to do is share our talent with people in Michigan. We thrive on your support and applause, which is how we can keep this classical art form alive.”
Grand Rapids Ballet’s Yuka Oba-Muschiana and Josue Justiz in a scene from “The Nutcracker”. (Supplied/Ray Nard Imagemaker)
Tickets, other options and a kids party
For audience members who are not able to attend an in-person performance, tiger Ballet’s virtual option is available for $25 and will be available following opening night and can be viewed multiple times through Jan. 2, 2022.
Additionally, the Grand Rapids Ballet is once again hosting Clara’s Nutcracker Party, a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration made just for kids, on Sunday, Dec. 12. Clara’s Nutcracker Party will allow children to meet their favorite characters from “The Nutcracker” in a fun and festive fantasyland at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. The holiday experience includes a fun arts and crafts activity, tea and brunch, a reading of “The Nutcracker” tale, as well as a live performance by the Grand Rapids Ballet School.
“The Nutcracker” runs for two weekends with tickets starting at $20 online, via phone at 616-454-4771 ext. 10, or in-person at the Ballet’s Box Office, located at the Ballet’s home and offices, 341 Ellsworth Ave SW, Grand Rapids.
WKTV Featured Game coverage of local Kentwood and Wyoming area high school basketball — and an occasional prep hockey game — will kick into a full-court press in January 2022 when conference play starts.
But the crew will be out and about for a few pre-holiday-wbreak games beginning this week with girls basketball when Godwin Heights High School visits Wyoming Lee on Tuesday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m., then boys basketball when West Michigan Aviation Academy hosts Grand River Prep on Friday, Dec. 10, at 7 p.m.
Two other December games are on the WKTV Feature Game schedule, including the Wyoming high girls hosting South Christian on Tuesday, Dec. 14, and a boys and girls basketball doubleheader on Friday, Dec. 17, at South Christian when Unity Christian visits.
Complete local basketball schedules as well as up-to-date scores of previous night’s games are also available at wktvjournal.org/sports-schedules-scores. (You can also just just bookmark WKTVjournal.org on your phone or other device and click on the blue banner at the bottom of the screen.)
The tentative January and February WKTV Feature Game schedule is as follows:
Always looking for volunteers in front of and behind the cameras, WKTV Featured Game sports crew includes volunteer announcers, from a 2020 game at East Kentwood, Ron Schultz and Mark Bergsma. (WKTV)
Friday, Jan. 7 , Boys and girls basketball, NorthPointe Christian at Kelloggsville
Tuesday, Jan. 11, Girls basketball, Holland at Wyoming
Friday, Jan. 14, Boys and girls basketball, Calvin Christian at Godwin Heights.
Friday, Jan. 21, Boys basketball, Zeeland East at Wyoming
Tuesday, Jan. 25, Boys basketball, Ottawa Hills at South Christian
Friday, Jan. 28, Boys and girls basketball, Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights
Wednesday, Feb. 2, Boys hockey, Manistee at East Kentwood
Friday, Feb. 4, Boys and girls basketball, Grand River prep at Potter’s House
Tuesday, Feb. 8, Boys basketball, Holland at Wyoming
Friday, Feb. 11, Boys hockey, Petoskey at East Kentwood
Friday, Feb. 18, Boys and girls basketball, Zion Christian at Wyo. Lee (HOF night)
Tuesday, Feb. 22, Boys basketball, Caledonia at East Kentwood
Friday, Feb. 25, Boys and Girls Basketball, Tri-unity Christian at Potter’s House
WKTV featured games will on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel, rebroadcast on the night of the game and various days and times the week after. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of basketball and other winter prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.
We have so many things going on locally, as usual. But this weekend I find myself on Mackinac Island for its annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. You can follow my Facebook page for updates. I might even bring back some fudge, if you’re interested.
A little closer to home….. you can check out the Christmas tree lighting party at Boston Square Community Parklet at 4:30 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 4). Eight Boston Square area organizations and businesses are hosting a free, family-friendly event featuring music, food and talent from the neighborhood. The ceremony begins at 6 p.m. at the Boston Square Community Parklet, 1505 Kalamazoo Avenue SE.
In addition, the Christmas in Caledonia Lights Parade and tree lighting ceremony is from 4-7 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 4) in Caledonia and features food, warm fires and festivities. A light parade will start at 6 p.m. with Santa ushering the parade. You can get a photo with him after the parade.
What do you have planned?
Here are a few more ideas in this weekend’s Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.
Gonzo’s Top 5
5. West Catholic Christmas Craft Show
I have been writing about local craft shows every week, and this weekend marks the return of the popular West Catholic Christmas Craft Show. It features 200-plus crafters and is from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 4) at the high school, 1801 Bristol Ave NW, Grand Rapids. Now that it’s December, you might want to get serious about your holiday shopping. (I’m telling myself.) You can find more information about the craft show on the event Facebook page. (I recently started working at West Catholic High School on the school’s communications team and I can tell you that everyone is excited to put on a great event, which helps raise funds for school programs.)
Video courtesy of Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
4. Wyoming Light Show
If you’re looking for a holiday light show a little closer to home, you can find nine houses synced to music located on Sage River Court SW and Amur Drive SW in Wyoming. Organizers of the Sage River Holiday Light Show encourage you to tune in to your radio at 94.1 FM when you arrive. Find more details on the Facebook page.
3. The Sound of Music
Over a recent family dinner I was talking to my niece, Christina Gonzalez, who said the cast is loving the return of Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s “The Sound of Music.” She plays the role of Sister Sophia. That reminded me I better get tickets soon. Performances continue through Dec. 19. Shows are usually at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, and at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Get more information at grct.org/the-sound-of-music or check out GRCT’s Facebook page.
Santa Photos courtesy of Dean VanDis.
2. Visit Santa Meijer Gardens
As we have written about in prior weeks, the annual University of Michigan Health-West Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition at Meijer Gardens is in full swing as guests experience 46 trees and displays representing countries and cultures from across the globe, as well as 300,000 lights and Garden Railway display. But you can visit Santa, too. He makes an appearance from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 7, 14 and 21 in the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory (where it’s always balmy). His reindeer arrive at a different time. They are in the Michigan Farm Garden from 1-4 p.m. on Saturdays: Dec. 4, 11 and 18. Both are free with admission to the Gardens. Get all the details at meijergardens.org.
Photo of TSO is Courtesy of TSO/Van Andel Arena.
1.Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Looking for a BIG this weekend? You’ll be wowed by the spectacle of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, which brings its “Christmas Eve and Other Stories” tour to Van Andel Arena for two shows – 3 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 5). The rock opera features many of TSO’s most beloved numbers, including “Ornament,” “Promises to Keep,” and, the song everyone knows, “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24.” Ticket information, a video preview of the show and more at vanandelarena.com. Trans-Siberian Orchestra video.
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Eight Boston Square area organizations and businesses are hosting a free, family-friendly Christmas tree lighting party at Boston Square Community Parklet Saturday, Dec. 4, at 4:30 p.m.
The idea is based on the annual downtown Grand Rapids event, but organizers wanted to create an event that better reflects the diverse cultures found within the Boston Square area.
The inaugural event, formally titled “Boston Square Community Christmas Tree Lighting,” will include the ceremonial ‘flipping of the switch’, as well as music, food and talent from the neighborhood. The festivities kick off at 4:30 p.m., with a 6 p.m. lighting ceremony, at the Boston Square Community Parklet, located at 1505 Kalamazoo Avenue SE.
ArtPrize organizers announced today that ArtPrize would return in 2022 to its annual format.
“We look forward with anticipation into the New Year and the opportunity to work with our community to create the best ArtPrize yet–one that will inspire hope and excitement in Grand Rapids and beyond, bringing us together in new ways, celebrating artists and art loves, and fostering a sense of openness and healing,” organizers said in a release to the public.
Dates, including those for artist and venue registration, will be announced later. Also in the coming weeks, ArtPrize will be sharing details on grant program and prize format.
The City of Kentwood will begin its the holiday season festivities this week with its annual tree lighting ceremony and parade, scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 2, at the city complex off Breton Avenue.
The family-friendly event of all-outdoor events will take place from 6-8 p.m., at and around the Kent District Library – Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch, 4950 Breton Ave. SE. The evening will include activities for all ages, including live music, carriage rides, a luminary walk, children’s crafts and photos with Santa, according to a Nov. 29 announcement from the city.
Entrance to the event and all activities are free.
“Many residents, including myself, look forward to Kentwood’s Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Light Parade as an opportunity to gather with family and neighbors to celebrate the season and spread peace and joy,” Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said in supplied material. “Our annual event brings together the sights and sounds of the holiday season, making it a truly memorable experience for all ages.”
The parade will start at 6 p.m. and travel from the city’s Public Works Facility at 5068 Breton Ave. SE, north to the Kentwood Justice Center, 4740 Walma Ave. SE. Sections of Breton and Walma will be closed 5:50 p.m. to 6:25 p.m. for the parade.
Groups interested in participating in the parade are asked to complete an entry form online. The cost to participate is $15.
The tree lighting ceremony will follow at 6:30 p.m. in front of the library. After the ceremony, community members will have the opportunity to take photos with Santa, mail a letter to the North Pole, go on carriage rides, enjoy live holiday music and more.
Attendees also will have the opportunity to donate non-perishable food items to Kentwood’s Free Little Pantry. A list of suggested items is available at kentwood.us/LittleFreePantry.
More information about the tree lighting ceremony and holiday light parade is available at kentwood.us/TreeLighting.
St. Cecilia Music Center will host award-winning musicians The Milk Carton Kids, with their “beautiful songs and entertaining stage banter,” on Thursday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m., kicking off the duo’s concert Trans-Atlantic tour through 21 U.S. cities and 5 performances in Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and England.
Despite the scope of the tour, The Milk Carton Kids are no stranger to Grand Rapids.
“The Milk Carton Kids were a big hit at St. Cecilia Music Center during their first visit here in 2019,” Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia Music Center’s Executive & Artistic Director, said in supplied material. “Their loyal fans and people who love folk and Americana music will appreciate Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale’s beautiful songs and entertaining stage banter.”
Tickets for The Milk Carton Kids are available at scmc-online.org or by calling 616-459-2224.
The duo’s newest release, The Only Ones, released in October 2019, takes The Milk Carton Kids back to their roots and the core of what they are musically, and features acoustic performances without a backup band.
“With ‘The Only Ones,’ The Milk Carton Kids go back to their roots: acoustic guitars and ethereal harmonies delivering lyrics that detail all the emotions love evokes,” Americana UK said about the album. “Musical duos will inevitably be compared to those that come before, and while The Milk Carton Kids conjure everyone from Simon and Garfunkel to the O’Kanes, ‘The Only Ones’ prove they can confidently hold their own, alongside their influences.”
This return back to their roots was prompted by several changes in the lives of Ryan and Pattengale. From professional to personal, these changes provided a break from years of non-stop touring that, Ryan says in supplied material, has yielded “space outside of the band that gives us perspective on what the band is.”
In the beginning, a perfect blend
When singers Ryan and Pattengale first connected, it was a pivotal moment for both of them.
Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale, The Milk Carton Kids. (Courtesy of the band)
“For me, the striking thing about the first time we played together, even though it was just two acoustic guitars and two voices singing, was that it felt complete,” Ryan said in an interview with CBS This Morning, Saturday Sessions. Pattengale agreed: “Physically, the way that our voices blended in the air happened in a way where I had just never had that experience with another person.”
This powerful connection has led to three GRAMMY Award nominations for the duo: Best Folk Album in 2013 (The Ash & Clay), Best American Roots Performance in 2015 (The City of Our Lady), and Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical, in 2018 (All the Things That I Did and All the Things That I Didn’t Do).
A few past achievements (among many) since Ryan and Pattengale began touring and performing include: performing on National Public Radio’s Mountain Stage, Daytrotter; touring with Old Crow Medicine Show and The Lumineers; having three unreleased tracks featured in Gus Van Sant’s film “Promised Land”, starring Matt Damon and John Krasinski; several TV and Radio performances; praise from Rolling Stone for the duo’s album All the Things That I Did and All the Things That I Didn’t Do, with writer Luke Levenson noting the bandmates’ life changes as significant influences in its sound.
St. Cecilia’s pandemic policy
SCMC currently requires proof of fully vaccinated status, or a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours, to attend a concert at the SCMC venue. Attendees need to bring photo ID and proof of vaccination, or a negative test, the night of a concert. All audience members are required to wear a mask while in the building.
If you have tickets to an upcoming performance and are unwilling or unable to abide by this policy, please contact the SCMC box office for a refund at kelly@scmc-online.org a minimum of 48 hours prior to the concert date.
If you have family and friends visiting from out of town this weekend for the holiday, this would be a perfect time to entertain and show off our beautiful city.
This weekend’s Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal, focuses on two of West Michigan’s most popular events, plus a way to support local businesses.
Here we go.
Gonzo’s Top 5
The military and veteran “Welcome Home” celebration of Operation Handshake at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport this holiday season. (GR Ford Airport)
5. Wyoming Wolves Band Craft Show
Help support the band program at Wyoming High School at its annual craft show, which is from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 27). Many talented crafters and vendors will be on hand to showcase their hard work. Also, the band boosters are planning a bake sale. More information is available on the Wyoming Wolves Bands Craft Show Facebook Page. The school is located at 1350 Prairie Pkwy SW in Wyoming. (Masks are required indoors.)
4. Small Business Saturday
In the Gonzalez household we have really scaled back the last couple of years when it comes to Christmas gifts. We’re lucky. The kids are older now, and we don’t need much. But, we do love to support local businesses. This weekend — in Kentwood, Wyoming and most local communities — small mom and pop shops everywhere are hoping you stop in on Small Business Saturday. Our friends at Sunnyslope Floral will host an indoor mini holiday market with local vendors offering flowers, sweets, cookies, coffee and more. Hours are 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 27) at Sunnyslope, 4800 44th St. SW in Grandville. More info on the event Facebook page. If you’re looking to support other locally owned businesses, check out a list on LocalFirst.com.
3. Rockford Brewing Co. 10th Anniversary
I can’t believe Rockford Brewing Co. has been around for 10 years. That’s like 100 in craft beer years. If you’re headed to the Rockford area this weekend, make sure to check out the 10th anniversary Pub Crawl where local restaurants/bars are showing off special RBC collaborations through the weekend. Some of those collaborations are with Mitten Brewery, Cedar Springs, Founders, Trail Point, Third Nature Brewing and more. The participating Rockford locations include Uccello’s Ristorante (Rockford), Grill One Eleven, Marinades, The Corner Bar, Kayla Rae Cellars, and Rockford Brewing Company, of course. On Small Business Saturday, RBC is offering a 16oz ceramic Camp Mug & RBC Mug Club Membership for only $34.99. More info about the 10th anniversary Pub Crawl on the event Facebook page.
2. Christmas Lite Show
I’m so excited for the return of the annual Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park. The popular Grand Rapids event is celebrating 24 years in West Michigan, which means it’s been a part of our family’s tradition since it opened. (We raised our family just down the road so we got to see the lights and the lines every night.) You know the drill: Nearly two miles of Christmas magic with more than a million lights, animated displays, lighted tunnels and more. Tickets are available online or at the ticket window for $28 for most cars. Hours are 5:30-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 5:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. It runs through Jan. 1. More information at christmasliteshow.com.
1. Christmas at Meijer Gardens
Another West Michigan tradition returns this weekend. It’s the annual University of Michigan Health-West Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition at Meijer Gardens, which runs through Jan. 2. You know the drill here, too: More than 300,000 lights, strolling carolers, rooftop reindeer and 46 international trees and displays. But that’s not all. Guests also can enjoy Sounds of the Season, as well as the companion Railway Garden exhibition with miniature buildings handmade from natural materials and model trolleys and trains. Oh, and you know Santa will be making several appearances. In addition to late hours on Tuesdays, Meijer Gardens is open until 9 p.m. on Dec. 20-23 and 27-30. Meijer Gardens is open daily for the holidays, but closed Nov. 25, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. More details at meijergardens.org.
Well, that’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend. Gobble, gobble.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
The lights are up on houses all over the place, and this week the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood begin sharing their Holiday spirits. (publicdomainpictures.net)
Some call it Black Friday — Friday, Nov. 26 — but for many in the community it is “dressing up the house for the holiday” day. And this year, the City of Kentwood is offering prizes to people who get their residences in the holiday mood.
The city is inviting residents to show off their decorating skills in its inaugural holiday light display contest, which will run Nov. 26 to Jan. 3, 2022, with the top vote-getters earning prizes, according to an announcement from the city.
“This is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit with neighbors and friends,” Katelyn Bush, Kentwood recreation program coordinator, said in supplied material. “It’s also a great opportunity for residents to tap into their inner Clark Griswold and show off their creative side while brightening the season for others in our community.”
(If you do not get the ‘Griswold’ reference … wait for it … wait for it …)
Residents interested in participating are asked to register online and then submit photos of their outdoor holiday light display. The city will post the photos on its social media platforms, where community members can vote for their favorite display.
The top three vote-getters will earn prizes and bragging rights for a year. The prizes include:
First place: Kentwood’s Clark Griswold Trophy — named after Chevy Chase’s character in the holiday favorite “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” movie — as well as a $40 gift certificate to any Kentwood Parks and Recreation program and department swag.
Second place: A $20 gift certificate to any Kentwood Parks and Recreation program and department swag.
Third place: A $10 gift certificate to any Kentwood Parks and Recreation program and department swag.
Kentwood residents may register for the contest at bit.ly/HolidayLightContest and submit photos of their display at eRecreation@kentwood.us or on social media using the hashtag #KentwoodLightContest between Nov. 26 and Jan. 3.
Railtown Brewing in Dutton has on tap their seasonal favorite Yammit All, a sweet potato casserole beer. (Supplied)
We are pretty lucky to live in a verifiable hot bed of brewing activity here in West Michigan. Grand Rapids isn’t known as Beer City USA for nothing, with dozens of breweries in and around the city. It’s time to start thinking of what local craft beers might be delicious offerings for your Thanksgiving table, so we looked right in our own backyard for some hyper local beers to serve.
Wyoming, Kentwood, Dutton, Grandville and Cascade each have breweries that are worth checking out, no matter if it’s a holiday or not. Since most of these are destination pubs, and don’t distribute statewide, you’ll need to grab your growlers and stop on by. A good reason to explore the brewing scene, and maybe find a new favorite place, shopping on site for beer for your holiday table can be both fun and rewarding.
We’ve put together a list of some great beers to pair with your Thanksgiving meal with recommendations from the brewers of these South side spots themselves. We hope you’ll give some of them a try, and let us know which ones were your favorites. Happy Thanksgiving to all, and happy beer tasting any day of the year.
Osgood Brewing in Grandville recommends their Breitenstein Oktoberfest brew for Thanksgiving. (Supplied)
Railtown Brewing in Dutton has their seasonal favorite Yammit All on tap now at the brewery. Described as tasting like a sweet potato casserole in a glass, the beer has 5.7% ABV and a very low 6 IBU’s. According to the brewery “Maris Otter malt and toasted caramel malts provide the perfect backbone for sweet yams, pecan crust, and marshmallowy goodness.” You can stop by the brewery to grab a pint at the bar, or take a growler home with you. Try it with the Railtown Roots roasted vegetable salad that comes dressed with a bright chimichurri vinaigrette for a complimentary pairing, or with the brewery’s spicy Buffalo chicken mac and cheese for more of a contrast between sweet and heat. Railtown has been open since 2014, and was named after the railroad line that used to run through town. They moved next door, and added a kitchen in 2018.
Osgood Brewing in Grandville recommends their Breitenstein Oktoberfest beer as a great addition to your Thanksgiving table. The brewery describes it as a “refreshing Oktoberfest, that has a sweet and toasted malt flavor and is lightly hopped.” A beer like this is easy to pair with a variety of foods, since it will just be a mellow compliment to nearly everything on your table. They also recommended their Osgood Ohana, a brown ale that comes with just a hint of coconut, for a warm and toasty little ale. Both beers are available to take home in growlers from the brewery. Known for their stone fired pizzas, Osgood is located on Chicago Drive, in Grandville. They also make cider, seltzer and wine, so it can be a one stop shopping trip for all your holiday drinking needs.
Broad Leaf Local Beer and Spirits in Kentwood is offering a sweet potato stout that could just sub in for dessert if your pie doesn’t turn out. This imperial stout is brewed with sweet potatoes, African vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and brown sugar and comes in at a bold 9.8% ABV, for a true holiday warmer that is available on draft at the brewery. If you want to grab some cans, try the Sour Lake, which I think would be a super interesting pairing for Thanksgiving. A fruited sour ale brewed with pink peppercorns and tangerine, this beer would add that bright, fresh note that a heavy Thanksgiving meal calls for. Broad Leaf has a special event the day after Thanksgiving, Blackest Friday. Head on over for some very special beer releases from pop up brewery Black Calder, including their Bougie Caramel Cake and Bougie S’more. There will also be a special menu inspired by Black Calder that will include Bobby Boo-shay Alligator Nachos, Big Mama’s Gumbo and Wodie Creole Egg Rolls.
3 Gatos Brewery has several suggestions for Thanksgiving beer pairings that you can pick up at their brewery in Wyoming.
Thornapple Brewing Company in Cascade is brewing up special beer based off of a traditional Italian recipe for holiday cookies. Calzoni de Castagne are classic chestnut cookies that also have chocolate and coffee in them. Thornapple’s beer will be based on a chocolate stout, according to owner and head brewer Eric Fouch. You can stop by the brewery to grab a growler, and while there pair the stout with one of their signature pizzas, or the smoked brisket sandwich that gets topped with caramelized onions and blue cheese. Thornapple has more than just beer, they also make cider, mead, wine, seltzer and hard spirits. At home, this one would be great to save for dessert, chocolate and pumpkin are a surprisingly wonderful combination.
3 Gatos Brewery in Wyoming has only been open for a little over a year, but they have already been making waves in the Grand Rapids area beer scene with their unique blend of both German and Brazilian offerings. Renata and Linus De Paoli are Brazilian, and got transferred to Germany for their engineering jobs. They decided to take a chance, and turn their love of beer into new careers, and bought the former Kitzengen Brewery in Wyoming in 2020. For Thanksgiving, Linus recommends his F6AM Saison. “Garrett Oliver (a very famous beer expert) calls Belgium Saisons the wild card for beer and food pairings,” Linus explained. “They go with almost everything, have a nice spice flavor to balance out typical Thanksgiving food, and high carbonation to cleanse the palate from the fat.” Two other 3 Gatos beers he thinks would work are the Chartreux Raspberry Coconut which would work well with your cranberry sauce, or their Bobtail Double IPA, which would be perfect for the hopheads at the table. It’s big malty bitternes would cut right through the richness of the meal.
Jaden James Brewery has a Monkey Butter Porter that might fit in at your holiday table. (Supplied)
Jaden James Brewery was originally built to complement sister business Cascade Winery, and the two welcome guests to their tasting and tap room located in an unexpected spot on Broadmoor near the airport. Owner Roger Bonga has been making wine here since 2003, and offers a wide variety of styles of both beer and wine. For Thanksgiving, Bonga recommended their Monkey Butter Porter. A peanut butter porter, this beer is only available on site, or to take home in a growler. You’ll get roasty, toasty notes, and lots of peanut aroma on this one, balanced out by hints of chocolate and caramel in this dark ale. I’m betting it would go very nice with a slice of pumpkin pie.
WKTV’s sports coverage crew was back at work big-time this fall, following a shortened season in 2020 due to the pandemic, as our high school football Featured Game coverage was all over Wyoming and Kentwood — and even make a road trip to Hastings for a playoff game.
And as they can every year, high school sports fans can get their Turkey Day football fix this year as we broadcast 15 hours of football on our cable Channel 25.
The special day of games start at 9 a.m., and highlights the best of our high school football games from the season. The schedule of games (with link to the games on WKTV’s On-Demand video internet channel, at WKTVLive.org ) is as follows:
9 a.m. — Forest Hills Northern at Wyoming High. On-demand
11:15 a.m. — Middleville at South Christian. On-demand
1:25 p.m. — West Ottawa at East Kentwood. On-demand
4:10 p.m. — Kelloggsville at Godwin Heights. On-demand
WKTV broadcasts on Wyoming and Kentwood cable channels. On Comcast cable, Channel 25 is the Community Channel, where sports events and other community events are shown; Channel 26 is the Government cChannel, where local government meetings and events are shown. On AT&T cable throughout the Grand Rapids area, viewers go to Channel 99, and then are give the choice to watch Wyoming (or Kentwood) Community (Channel 25) or Government (Channel 26).
What was once was 96 comedians is now down to eight as the Sunday Night Funnies Kingpin of Comedy competition enters its championship night finals Sunday, Nov. 21.
“This is the first time these eight comedians have made it to the final round in the three-year history of the Kingpin of Comedy competition”, said Brian B. MC and founder of the Sunday Night Funnies. “It goes to show how deep the comedic pool of talent we have here in West Michigan as well as the rest of the state.”
“Besides the eight in the competition, Jerry Donovan, the comedian closing the show while the votes are being counted, performed at the very first Sunday Night Funnies show back in the fall of 2008 in Douglas, Michigan. This past Monday Jerry was elected Mayor of the City of Douglas.”
Since Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan, Brian B. thought that the eventual winner deserved a prize package worthy of the title most humorous person in town. The package includes prizes from local businesses including Craig’s Cruisers, LaughFest, Indigo Road Entertainment, Blue Dog Tavern, Listen Rooming, and Clique Lanes The winner will also receive $100 cash, a tricked-out bowling pin trophy, a personalized Kingpin bowling shirt, and a photo op with the Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. who will declare him or her the most humorous person in town. The total prize package is valued close to $1,000.
The Sunday Night Funnies is a weekly live stand-up comedy performance featuring a variety of comics from Michigan and around the country. The Sunday Night Funnies is a free admission show that starts at 7:30p.m. and is performed at The Guest House, 634 Stocking NW, Grand Rapids, which is next door to Blue Dog Tavern.
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and that means if you’re not ready for the holiday season, well, it’s here.
In fact, next week marks the return of two major events:
The annual University of Michigan Health-West Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition at Meijer Gardens, which opens Nov. 23. More details at meijergardens.org.
And the popular Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark, which opens for the holiday season on Nov. 24. Ticket information at christmasliteshow.com.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves just yet.
We have plenty of activities this weekend.
It’s time for Gonzo’s Top 5.
Craft shows are a great place to find unique gifts. (pxhere.com)
5. Comstock Park Craft Show
As I have said for a couple weeks now, community craft shows are a great way to find unique and creative items for the holidays, especially if you have that one person on your shopping list who has everything. It’s also a great way to support local and regional crafters, as well as schools. This weekend Comstock Park High School hosts its annual show from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 20). It is organized by the school’s National Honor Society. Get more info on the event Facebook page. Planning ahead: The Wyoming Wolves Bands Craft show is from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 27.
4. Community Holiday Events
Did you grow up in a small town? It’s always fun to experience the holidays in one of those close-knit communities. This weekend you have a couple great options.
Christmas in Sparta features a tree lighting ceremony, parade and fireworks from 5-8 p.m. Friday (Nov. 19). The parade is at 6 p.m. In addition there are horse-drawn carriage rides, a Candy Cane Lane lighted pathway, food trucks and live music, wreath making and holiday display in the Civic Center. The fireworks are at 7:30 p.m. Check out the Sparta Chamber Facebook page for more info.
Christmas Through Lowell returns with plenty of shopping opportunities all weekend long. More than 56 homes and businesses will feature more than 300 artists, crafters and more. The hours of the event are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday (Nov. 19); 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday (Nov. 20); and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday (Nov. 21). More information at christmasthroughlowell.org.
Slyde the Otter can’t believe the John Ball Zoo’s 2021 season is almost over. (Supplied)
3. John Ball Zoo
In case you missed an earlier story on WKTV Journal, this is the last weekend of the John Ball Zoo’s 2021 season. The last day is Sunday (Nov. 21). Admission is only $5. The zoo hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Tickets may be purchased at jbzoo.org/tickets. Also, note that many animals are already wintering, but the red pandas, tigers, penguins, chimpanzees, bears and other animals are still out.
Our friends at New Holland Brewing Co. are bringing back Barrel Bash. And they say it’s their “BIGGEST Barrel Bash yet!” Over the course of 10 days, beginning Friday (Nov. 19) they are serving up a variety of barrel-aged beer and whiskey in Holland and Grand Rapids locations.
“Barrel Bash is a celebration of New Holland’s rich history in barrel-aging which dates back to our first years in business,” New Holland’s Joel Armato said in an interview with Gonzo’s Top 5.
“Every year for 10 days in November we put together an amazing draft list comprised of rarities, brand new releases and our favorite current barrel-aged beers. We also highlight and feature the barrel-aged side of our distillery portfolio with featured cocktails and a variety of our more treasured and sought after spirits on offer.”
He said highlights on the beer side are multiple vintages of Dragon’s Milk Triple Mash (varies by location), Rum Barrel-Aged Ichabod Pumpkin Ale, five brand new releases from their Journey Series with everything from fruited sours to a wine barrel saison and pastry stout. “And we have seven never before tapped beers releasing at the start of Barrel Bash this Friday,” he said.
As a coffee lover, I’m looking forward to a coffee collaboration with Stovetop Roasters (roastery in Ann Arbor, cafe in Grand Rapids on Fulton). It’s Dragon’s Milk Coffee, a barrel-aged Colombian coffee.
Now in its 14th year, this festival at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids has become a destination for wine and beer lovers, as well as foodies. More than 1,000 wines, beers, ciders and spirits from around the world, along with creations from the area’s finest restaurants make this a premiere showcase. Hours are 6-10 p.m. Friday (Nov. 19) and 2-10 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 20). Tickets are $20 for single day admission. Tasting tickets are 50 cents per credit. Make sure to download the official App (via iTunes or Google Play) where you can find a list of beverages, check out the Small Plate offerings and the Pairing menus (and make Pairing reservations), check out the Stage seminar schedule, and even buy admission tickets. Organizers are also offering a digital tasting ticket platform through EventsPass. More info at GRWineFestival.com.
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Sheila VanZile, Grand Rapids resident and businesswoman, recently released her debut book, My Waterfall of Awakening: How Loss Can Bring You Home to the Life You Want — A Guided Journal, offering hope and guidance to other women through her own journey of self-discovery.
“My true calling is to share my story with women who could recite a similar journey in the hopes that by revealing the truth below the surface of a seemingly successful and satisfying life there is a very different picture,” VanZile explains on her website. “My hope is to deliver the message that you are never alone and it is never too late to live a life faithful to your true self.”
Sheila VanZile’s My Waterfall of Awakening: How Loss Can Bring You Home to the Life You Want — A Guided Journal. (Supplied)
Enduring a complex relationship with her distant, love-withholding mother, VanZile realized the impact of that relationship ran so deeply that it changed the course of her entire life.
“I always did what I should do,” VanZile said to WKTV. “I was always the good girl who did what she should.”
The author revealed that her life of “shoulds” began at age four. Having a gift for piano playing, VanZile embarked upon a path of music, majoring in piano performance in college. “I didn’t think about whether I liked it. Whether I liked it or not wasn’t the point. I was good at it, so I should do it.”
Partway through her college experience, VanZile switched her major to economics, becoming a product of the first generation of career women that resulted from the 1960’s original feminist movement.
“I got a job in insurance because they were accepting women in the professional capacity,” said VanZile.
VanZile has been successful in her career, eventually founding her own insurance agency in 2005. Even so, the businesswoman found herself dissatisfied, disillusioned with the workforce, and unfulfilled.
At age 60, the death of VanZile’s mother helped her realize she had been given the gift of time. VanZile “reclaimed her journey,” she states, and she and shares her powerful transformation in My Waterfall of Awakening in the hopes of helping other women realize that it is never too late to live life on your own terms.
When asked why she chose the written word to share her journey rather than public speaking, VanZile said, “My message is very personal; it’s not a big crowd thing. People are touched by being able to hear a story personally, and they can then use the journal to forge their own journey.”
One journey leads to others
VanZile’s journey of healing began with slowing down.
“I decided to let the universe open up in front of me and let it decide the path for me,” said VanZile. The result was more than she could have hoped for. “Life has filled in with all these things I wanted to do.”
A 12-day pilgrimage to Oregon led to hours of self-reflection about what VanZile wanted for her life. When she returned, opportunities began to present themselves.
“I had the opportunity to sell my agency — so I did,” VanZile said. “A sudden chance to buy a house in France came up — so I did. Then I was introduced to a book-writing coach.”
VanZile that writing My Waterfall of Awakening was “very satisfying” and she is “grateful for this opportunity.”
And what’s next …
The businesswoman and author plans to retire at the end of 2021 and continue to live life to the fullest — on her own terms. When asked what that might mean for her and what the future holds, VanZile said, “I don’t know.”
And she is okay with not knowing. “Friends have asked if I will move to France now. I tell them, ‘I don’t know.’”
When asked if she plans to continue writing, VanZile delivered the same response: “I don’t know. It feels like there’s a book on France somewhere. The wonderful fabric of the community there, that could be a book.”
Blogging, however, will remain in VanZile’s immediate future. Her blog (and book) can be found on her website and features lessons with a similar approach as those contained in her book, along with other subjects “as the muse strikes.”
VanZile is willing to allow her future to unfold at its own rate, remembering that she is not alone in her journey, and urges others to do the same on her website: “You know you are not alone. And we celebrate our stepping into the light. Together.”
The holiday season will begin with the warm glow of hundreds of luminaries lining the streets of downtown St. Joseph from 5-8 p.m on Friday, Nov. 19. Luminary, sponsored by United Federal Credit Union, creates a joyful atmosphere for all ages to enjoy sales/promotions, specialty items, drawings/giveaways, free gift wrapping and gift ideas galore from participating restaurants and shopkeepers.
“All ages are invited to head downtown for this festive event,” said Amy Zapal, executive director of St. Joseph Today. “Whether you’re looking to enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate, grab a sweet treat, or get a jump start on your holiday gift shopping, it’s a great way to kick off the holiday season.”
Additionally, St. Joe Today will kick off the holiday music in downtown St. Joseph during Luminary weekend. Zapal says, “SJT added holiday music throughout downtown in 2019 as part of Window Wonderland.” Zapal goes on to say, “Last year we wanted to start the holiday festivities a little earlier during the unofficial kickoff to the holiday shopping season. We are excited to continue the tradition and to spread a little extra cheer this year!”
Woodland Mall is all set to celebrate the holiday season and its traditions with special holiday shopping and festivities, starting this week with the return of Photos with Santa, an Angel Tree benefitting families and supporting the Salvation Army, and — of course — Black Friday deals looming.
“It’s exciting to see Woodland Mall transform again for the most exciting time of the year,” Alyson Presser, Woodland Mall marketing manager, said in supplied material. “In particular this year, we encourage our shoppers to shop early to ensure product availability and to exercise consideration to retail workers throughout the season.”
Santa, and more, ready for season
Santa will return to his seat in Macy’s court, from Nov. 17 to Dec. 24, to “listen to every child’s Christmas wish and can even read them a book,” according to an announcement from the mall. Reservations are encouraged but not required to have a photo taken with Santa. Digital photo packages are available with options to purchase prints and a family portrait.
There will be lots of photo ops with Santa and kids at Woodland Mall this season. (Supplied)
On Saturday, Nov. 20, the mall will host a welcome event for Santa with a parade lead by the Kentwood High School Dance Team. From 10 am. to noon, Santa will be escorted on a train alongside a holiday penguin, traveling juggler and magician. The parade route will start in the Von Maur wing, travel through the JCPenney wing and end at Macy’s court.
Beginning Nov. 22, “fur babies” — family pets — will again be welcome to visit with Santa for photos on Mondays through Dec. 20. Feathered and whiskered pets of all kinds are welcome — Santa has met dogs, cats, chickens and even goats over the years. All pets may join as long as they are kept on a leash or in a crate at all times.
Santa will again bring his friends for extra special photo opportunities. Shoppers are invited to join their favorite characters beginning Nov. 23 on Tuesdays through Dec. 14 from 4-7 p.m. Reservations are encouraged but not required. To learn which characters are visiting, please visit ShopWoodlandMall.com.
Celebrate the season for a good cause
Woodland Mall has partnered with the Salvation Army to give back to children in the community. Shoppers will find the Salvation Army Angel Tree in the Macy’s wing near the Apple Store starting Nov. 19 and running through Dec. 15.
Unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at the Mall Management Office between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. After office hours, gifts can be dropped off with mall security.
And, of course, Black Friday
Woodland Mall will be closed on Thanksgiving Day to allow retail employees to enjoy the holiday with their families. The mall will reopen at 7 a.m. Friday, Nov. 26, so guests can enjoy an early start to the traditional shopping weekend.
Woodland Mall. (Supplied)
Woodland Mall continues to offer a contactless shopping experience through its Mall2Go: Contact-Free Pickup designated parking spaces.
Woodland Mall hours leading up to the holidays are Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. (But, hint to shoppers, to avoid the crowds, Woodland Mall recommends shopping Monday through Thursday when traffic is at a lighter pace.)
On Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the mall will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Woodland Mall will be closed on Christmas Day. On Dec. 26, the mall will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Visit ShopWoodlandMall.com for a full list of in-store deals and retailer information.
Woodland Mall appreciates shoppers’ cooperation and understanding as several retailers and restaurants enter the busiest time of the year short staffed.
The safety of all guests remains a top priority for PREIT. Woodland Mall asks all visitors to follow Kent County Health Department, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and CDC recommendations to keep the community safe and healthy.
Slyde the Otter can’t believe the John Ball Zoo’s 2021 season is almost over. (Supplied)
The last week of the John Ball Zoo’s 2021 season is upon us with the zoo’s last day set for Sunday, Nov. 21.
For the last week, admission has been reduced to $5. The zoo will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Tickets may be purchased at the zoo or online at jbzoo.org/tickets.
Guests should note that due to the colder weather there are animals that are now in their winter habitats behind the scenes as the zoo. These animals include toucans, flamingos, and budgies. However, the red pandas, tigers, penguins, chimpanzees, bears, and other animals are still out.
Jonathan Jelks, left and Willie ‘Willie The Kid’ Jackson, right, are throwing a party downtown Grand Rapids on November 13. “The Taste of Black Spirits” will be held at City Flats Hotel, and will feature Black owned beverage based businesses, with plenty of drinks to taste and try. (Courtesy Image)
Looking to break out of the box, or the bottle? The Taste of Black Spirits event that happened this past weekend expanded people’s tasting horizons, while also celebrating minority owned beverage companies. Hosted by two Grand Rapids-based entrepreneurs, this event is just one part of their vision to diversify West Michigan.
“The event is a fantastic way to spotlight, support and celebrate black owned brands in the market that people may not know exist,” said Nayana Ferguson, owner of Anteel Tequila, one of the Black-owned vendors that was at the Taste of Black Spirits which was held at the City Flats Hotel on Saturday.
The event had been put together by Jonathon Jelks and his business partner Willie “Willie the Kid” Jackson. Together with their company GR USA, a merchandising entity, as well as Lazar Favors, a Detroit-based marketing company, they pulled together about two dozen minority-owned beverage businesses for the one-day only event.
Jelks and Jackson participated in a similar event in Detroit, and were inspired to bring the energy and vibe back to their hometown of Grand Rapids.
“I’m from Southeast Grand Rapids, so this area is near and dear to my heart,” said Jelks during an interview. “Being here in the ‘Rust Belt’ as they call it, and I’m proud to be part of the transformation.” The duo founded their own spirits company, Motu Viget, in 2019. They currently have three products in the market: Motu Viget Brut, Eye Candy, and Avani Supreme Vodka, with more than 200 placements in the Michigan market, which includes 70 Meijer stores.
For Jelks, it’s important to pass on both his knowledge and his success. “With us having our own spirits company, and having some traction and some success, we wanted to bring some of that to others,” he said. “We wanted to make sure that the small businesses could make the proper connections, and succeed as well. We are in a unique position to do this”.
Jelks’ background is in ‘serial entrepreneurship’. “Anything where I see there is a niche and we can contribute and service the community, those are the kind of things that float my boat,” he explained.
“We felt that the next thing that is going to help Grand Rapids become a world class community is by creating culture. Bars are a big part of that, live entertainment venues are a part of that.”
In addition to the Nov. 13 event, the duo has a whole host of other developments in the works.
Ambiance GR Kitchen & Lounge, which will be located in the former Raggs to Riches space, should open by the end of 2021. “Ambiance will have live entertainment, events, and will have a kitchen component to it. We’ll be serving American and Cajun dishes, something unique for the restaurant ecosystem downtown Grand Rapids. We are super excited for Ambiance, everyone has been anticipating it, and we are really ready to share it with the community.”
Sip Coffee and Cocktails in Grand Rapids on Alger and Eastern is yet another place that they’ve invested in, along with other partners. This spot is a coffee shop/bar hybrid, and a spot that will welcome all, no matter the time of day.
The duo’s entrepreneurial spirit isn’t limited to just Grand Rapids, they also have two bars in the works in Muskegon. The Motu Lakeshore Wine Bar, named after their spirits company, and Prohibition, an event space, will both be housed in the same building right downtown on 8th Street and should open in the next year.
With no restaurant experience, it’s been a bit of a learning curve for Jelks. Coming out of the pandemic, he’s getting a baptism by fire into the industry. “Labor costs, hiring the right staff, staffing the kitchen is really brutal right now,” he said. “So many people just don’t want to be in the industry anymore, or feel underwhelmed by the pay, and where things are at. There’s a lot of things the industry has to address, and those of us who are invested in the industry are learning to navigate those things.”
Jelks clearly has a bigger vision than just owning a bar or two. And not that owning and operating those alone aren’t a big deal. He’s thinking all the time about Grand Rapids as a whole, and that is what sets him apart. “I look at how some people in Grand Rapids have built big businesses, being very forward thinking, by diversifying our economy,” he said. “Our city has done a great job in figuring out how to problem solve, and keep people gainfully employed. As small business owners, you just want to continue to add to that DNA, add to that fabric, and create more opportunities. Despite the fact that we have one of the fastest growing cities here in the country, when it comes to black and brown folks, our ratings aren’t so high. There was a Forbes article that came out about 4-5 years ago that rated Grand Rapids as one of the worst cities economically for African Americans. One of the ways we can change these social inequities is through entrepreneurship. That’s very important. We want to not only create businesses where we’ll make money and be successful, but also where we’ll create that pipeline for other entrepreneurs and other folks that can be in leadership in Grand Rapids and Muskegon.”
Anteel Tequila (Courtesy Image)
One of the vendors that was at the Taste of Black Spirits was Anteel Tequila, a Michigan-based spirits company. “Anteel Tequila launched in August of 2018 only in Michigan, our home state and since then Anteel has won over 27 awards, expanded to 8 states, the Caribbean and received global attention for our world’s only Coconut Lime Blanco Tequila,” said owner Ferguson. “We have three additional expressions besides Anteel Coconut Lime that includes a Blanco, Reposado and a limited release Tarocco Blood Orange Blanco Tequila”.
“I think it’s slow, but I’m new to the spirits industry, but I’m having my eyes open to the business,” said Jelks. “It’s like having an epiphany. There are so many different avenues on how to make money in this industry. But also how to have a good time, how to curate. And once you have an internal knowledge of how the spirits industry works, you will find some kind of opportunity. And we just want to encourage people to do so. Knowing what is out there is half the battle.”
“The Black community is not only asking for more Black ownership, but they are also looking for the avenues to gain traction with.” Mainstream following is the key to success, Jelks emphasized. “It’s our job as Black pioneers to make a way to put a magnifying glass on it, so everyone can see clearly that this is happening. That this transformation is on.”
Jelks doesn’t mince words. “Grand Rapids is suffering from a diversity problem,” he said. “Culturally, we need more events downtown that are culturally led. That is what makes you into a diverse, world class city that is a magnet for attraction and retention, in 2021.
What could young entrepreneurs of color do to move their vision forward? According to Jelks, “Utilize the tools and resources you have in front of you, study up on the position that you want to be in. There is a glamor side to having your own alcohol, but there is so much work. This is one of the more archaic businesses that is still around.” He stressed how hands-on this business is, and that it really isn’t too far off from Prohibition with many of the rules and regulations. “Relationships still mean a lot,” he stressed.
“The industry can be difficult to navigate in for emerging brands without immense marketing budgets,” said Ferguson. “Events like [The Taste of Black Spirits] allow brands to get in front of the masses in a fun, educational manner, allowing us to grow our audience.”
Events like this allow all of us to expand our range of what we taste and experience.
“We’re having the time of our lives doing this,” said Jelks. “We’re busy,”
Well, with a little snow in the forecast, we can now officially say the Christmas holiday season is right around the corner.
Although two of West Michigan’s best-known events won’t open until Thanksgiving weekend (Christmas and Holiday Traditions at Meijer Gardens and Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark), it’s going to feel like the holidays sooner than later.
Are you ready?
This weekend’s Gonzo’s Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal, includes a sneak peek of night lights at the ballpark, as well as a craft show, tasting event and Cosplay.
Enjoy.
Here we go.
Gonzo’s Top 5
Handcrafted items are always holiday gift worthy, as these from the Byron Center Fine Arts Boosters’ annual craft show at Byron Center High School. (Supplied, from previous year)
5. Byron Center Craft Show
As I said a couple weeks ago, it’s craft show season, and this weekend you can check out the annual Byron Center Craft Show at Byron Center High School, 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW. It features 200-plus vendors and plenty of items to jump start your holiday shopping. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 13). Admission is $3 at the door. Free admission for those 12 and younger. Parking is free. Additional free parking and shuttle is available at Nickels Intermediate School. The craft show benefits fine arts programming at the school. Oh, and they will have food trucks, too. More info on the event Facebook page.
4. Restaurant Week GR
Have you made it out to Restaurant Week Grand Rapids? This is the last weekend to take advantage of great deals and meals as local chefs show off their skills at 50-plus restaurants. I’ll be out and about this weekend. Say hello if I run into you. Remember, this year you can sign up for Restaurant Week GR’s Digital Pass, and, if you check in to at least three participating restaurants you’ll get foodie-themed gift and a digital coupon for a return visit. For a list of restaurants and more details go to experiencegr.com/restaurant-week.
3. Taste of Black Spirits
A first-year event that hopes to become an annual tradition, Taste of Black Spirits is a cultural tasting experience with a goal of bringing awareness to African American Beer, Wine & Spirits. The event is from 5-10 p.m. Saturday (Nov. 13) at City Flats Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids. According to organizers, “the intention and purpose of the event is to increase support, awareness, and to educate the community at large about African American-owned spirits brands including expanding distribution opportunities.” Patrons will be able to taste whiskey, tequila, vodka, gin, rum, cognac, scotch, beer and wine. The public is invited. The event is curated by GR USA and Taste of Black Spirits, as well as Grand Rapids-based Motu Viget. See the 20-plus spirits brands in attendance, as well as ticket information on the event Facebook page.
2. Winter Wonder Walks at the Christmas Lite Show
Get your tickets now for a walk-thru preview of the annual Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park. The annual lights display featuring millions of holiday lights won’t begin until Thanksgiving weekend, but if you want to get pictures and walk the route with friends and family, this is a good time to do so. Hours are 6-8 p.m. Nov. 11-14. Walkers must begin by 7 p.m. to allow time to walk the route. You must purchase your tickets in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-wonder-walk-tickets-189936744917.
1. Grand Rapids Comic-Con
If you’re in downtown Grand Rapids this weekend, don’t be surprised to run into Pikachu or The Mandalorian. It’s Comic-Con weekend (Nov. 12-14) at DeVos Place, which means Cosplay, comic books, panels, celebrity appearances, a car show and more. Hours are noon-midnight Friday, 10 a.m.-midnight Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. For a schedule of events, as well as ticket information, go to grcomiccon.com or check out the event Facebook page.
That’s it for now.
As always, I welcome your input and recommendations for events to include in my Top 5 list. If you have something for me to consider, just send me an email at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
Have a great, safe weekend.
John D. Gonzalez is a digital journalist with 30-plus years of experience as a food, travel, craft beer and arts & entertainment reporter based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He’s an early adopter of Social Media and SEO expert. Follow him on his journey to discover what’s next. You can find him on Twitter as @MichiganGonzo, on Instagram @MichiganGonzo and Facebook at @GRGonzo. He also relaunched his YouTube Channel. Email him story ideas and tips at michigangonzo@gmail.com.
St. Cecilia Music Center’s Acoustic Café Series continues Nov. 19 with Leo Kottke, a legendary guitarist and always a Grand Rapids favorite for his music and his often humorous storytelling.
Kottke has been awarded two Grammy nominations, a Doctorate in Music Performance by the Peck School of Music at the U of Wisconsin, and — we are told — a “Certificate of Significant Achievement in Not Playing the Trombone from the U. of Texas at Brownsville with Texas Southmost College.”
Kottke, who has been described by Rolling Stone Magazine as “so good that he didn’t need a band” will entertain the West Michigan audience with his amazing six and twelve-string guitar picking genius. Kottke who has more than 42 years of touring under his belt, nearly 30 albums to his name and an astonishing array of material to choose from, will entertain the audience with his instrumental genius and engaging sense of humor.
Tickets for Leo Kottke are available at scmc-online.org or by calling 616-459-2224.
“Leo Kottke has a large fan base in West Michigan and it’s always a pleasure to bring him to St. Cecilia Music Center,” Cathy Holbrook, St. Cecilia executive &artistic director, said in supplied material. “Leo not only performs with genius guitar-picking precision on his 6-and-12-string guitars, he’s also a great storyteller recalling many humorous experiences.”
Remaining on the St. Cecilia folk music series are Milk Carton Kids on Dec. 2; Watkins Family Hour on Dec.16; May Erlewine on Feb. 17, 2022; Shawn Colvin on May 12; and Judy Collins on May 18.
Special pandemic policy
SCMC currently requires proof of fully vaccinated status, or a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours, to attend a concert at the SCMC venue. Attendees need to bring photo ID and proof of vaccination, or a negative test, the night of a concert.
In areas with substantial and high transmission, the CDC recommends that everyone (including fully vaccinated individuals) wear a mask in public indoor settings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially the Delta variant, and to protect others. To that end, SCMC is requiring that all attendees wear a mask while in the building. They will continue to monitor the COVID environment and may change policies at any time if necessary.
If you have tickets to an upcoming performance and are unwilling or unable to abide by this policy, please contact the SCMC box office for a refund at kelly@scmc-online.org a minimum of 48 hours prior to the concert date.
For more information on all shows at St. Cecilia, visit SCMC-online.org.
The Grand Rapids South Christian High School football team’s rushing attack was in stride Nov. 5 at Hastings as the Sailors totaled 386 total yards in a 38-14 road win. (WKTV)
The Grand Rapids South Christian High School football team rolled back into the state Division 4 Regional title game this week after running past host Hastings, 38-14, in a District championship game last week.
The Nov. 5 win, which is available in replay on WKTV video platforms, was the second playoff win for the Sailors (now 8-3 overall) after an equally impressive 52-7 road win at Plainfield in Week 1.
Awaiting for South Christian this week is familiar foe Edwardsburg, on the road of course, which has been equally impressive in the playoffs with a 58-0 win over Paw Paw followed by 50-0 win over Three Rivers as the Eddies remained unbeaten at 11-0.
And while the game at Edwardsburg is an encore of last year’s Regional final, when the Sailors’ season ended with a 47-7 road loss, South Christian head coach Danny Brown said he knows the importance of the game but does not see it as having any extra meaning.
Grand Rapids South Christian High School football team gained its second straight District championship trophy with a 38-14 road win at Hastings Nov. 5. (WKTV)
“I think it adds another level of excitement to play the team that ended your season the year before but it shouldn’t be our driving force,” Brown said to WKTV. “We need to prepare for Edwardsburg no different than we do any other team we play. We are just excited to get another opportunity to compete.”
And compete the Sailors have in the three seasons after Brown took over for Mark Tamminga following the 2018-19 season. In Brown’s first season, South Christian went 6-5 overall and lost in the district final; last year — in a pandemic-impacted, start-and-stop season — the Sailors went 8-1 before their loss at Edwardsburg.
“I think the big difference between the two years is the fact we get to play the game right away,” Brown said of his team’s rematch with the Eddies. “We had a lot of momentum last year and then the season was suspended. We had a month off before we played them. They did a better job of keeping their kids engaged during the down time and it showed when we played them.”
But, Brown also said, this year’s Sailors are not the same team as last year’s Sailors.
“Defensively we are bigger and stronger upfront which is something we will need against their high powered rushing attack,” he said. “We are more balanced from an offensive perspective.”
And while Brown has said he wants his team to be balanced when it comes to offense, the South Christian rushing attack was in full glory last week against Hastings.
Sailors break open a 14-14 game in 2nd quarter
Coming into South Christian’s game at Hastings, coach Brown told WKTV of his affinity for a balanced attack being borrowed from Urban Meyer, one-time Ohio State University and current NFL head coach, and how this Sailors team has that balance.
“Urban Meyer used to say, when he was coaching a game, … he wanted 200 and 200 hundred. 200 passing and 200 rushing yards, and we are pretty close to that,” Brown said.
His team did not play to script against Hastings, however, as the Sailors had 43 rushing attempts, gained 18 first downs and scored five touchdown on the ground en route to 302 total rushing yards. Junior quarterback Jake DeHaan led the rushing attack with 116 years on 13 carries with one touchdown, while junior Nate Brinks totaled 102 yards on 11 carries with two touchdowns and senior Chandler VanSolkema added 78 yards and one touchdown on 16 carries.
The passing attack was effective when used, however, with DeHaan going 8-of-12 for 87 passing yards and one touchdown, that one going to senior Ashton Fennema on a 26-yard strike. Senior Jace DeMann led the team in receptions with four for 33 yards.
Sailors kicker Brinks scored eight points on one field gold and five points after touchdown.
On defense, DeMann and junior Cameron Post each had 6.5 tackles, while senior Clayton DeKam had six and senior Colton Schreur had five, as Hastings was held to 14 points, all in the first half, and 204 total yards on offense.
WKTV game replays available
WKTV featured games are on cable television in Wyoming and Kentwood on Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T Channel 99 Community Channel. See the programming schedule at wktv.org. For more information on WKTV coverage of football and other fall prep sports, follow us at wktvjournal.org/sports.
All Featured Games, as well as other high school sports and community events covered by WKTV’s video coverage team, are available on-demand within a week of play at wktvlive.com.
Area residents will have the opportunity to explore a variety of different cultures during the Grand Rapids Public Museum’s Ethnic Heritage Festival. (Supplied)
On All Saints Day, which is Nov. 1, it is a tradition in Poland to visit the cemetery and decorate your loved one’s grave with flowers and candles.
“From what I understand, you can see it for miles and it is very beautiful,” said Marilyn Lignell, who is a member of the Polish Heritage Society. It also sounds very similar to another tradition that is hosted halfway around the world in Mexico when on the same day, Mexicans celebrate Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a time when family and friends honor and remember those who have died.
“I think it is very interesting how the different ethnicities overlap in costumes, food and traditions,” Lignell said.
The similarities and differences of the various cultures that make up the Greater Grand Rapids area is something that residents will be able to explore this weekend as the Grand Rapids Public Museum hosts is annual Fall Cultural Celebration which includes the school-focused Anishinabe Culture Days on Friday and the public event, the Ethnic Heritage Festival, on Saturday.
Many of the local ethnic organizations will have items and other displays to help get conversations started. (Supplied)
“The Museum takes pride in valuing, honoring and celebrating the unique cultures, characteristics and perspectives of our community and beyond through engaging, community-oriented programming, and we are excited for the return of the Fall Cultural Celebration,” said Dr. Stephanie Ogren, the GRPM’s Vice President of Science & Education. “The Museum proudly serves as a central hub, bringing culture to life within our spaces through community members who are deeply connected to their own culture and are eager to share their history, experiences and traditions.”
Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the day-long activities will feature music, art, food, visual presentations, and performances from an array of different organizations such as the Polish Heritage Society, the Grand Rapids Scottish Society, Shimmy USA, Gaelic League/Irish-American Club of West Michigan, Picardo Colours which features Carribean art, Mystic Spirits Art, Les Clay, the Korean Connection, and the Motherland Cultural Connections, which focuses on the history and cultures of the continent of Africa.
“We participate because we want people to know that Africa is here and that we are very much a part of the diverse community that makes up West Michigan,” said Myra Maimoh, founder of the Motherland Cultural Connections.
Maimoh said people tend to not realize that Africa is a continent made up of many different cultures all with their own traditions
“Through the Festival, we have an opportunity to showcase the different cuisines and music,” Maimoh said. “It is so cool because people come asking questions and you see the cultural immersion that happens right there. To be able to explain and share and make a connection and build new friendships is very humbling and fulfilling.”
Costumes will be just some of the items on display during the Ethnic Heritage Festival at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Supplied)
Even though Polish people have been interwoven into the history of Grand Rapids since about 1870 when many were trying to escape German rule, Lignell admits that like Maimoh, residents don’t fully understand the history and culture of the county and its people.
“People come up to the tables and it opens up discussions, giving us an opportunity to talk about the country, the history and the culture,” Lignall said, adding that this year she plans to focus on Wigilia or Poland’s Christmas Eve traditions, which will include a take-and-make ornament activity. “The result is you discover a lot about the different cultures and gain a greater appreciation of the people who make up our community.”
For more information about the Ethnic Heritage Festival visitgrpm.org/EHF and for more information on other events and activities taking place at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, visit grpm.org.
