Tag Archives: hockey

Gonzo’s Top 5: Comedy, bourbon, flying dinosaurs, and the home and garden show

Entertainment, Gonzo's Top 5, Kids Activities, Local Entertainment, Local Food, Recreation, Restaurants, Sports, , , , , , ,

By John D. Gonzalez

WKTV Contributing Writer

Spring is around the corner, and we’re excited for all the cool things happening now.

Whether it’s the Home & Garden Show, a new exhibit at the Public Museum or a festival devoted to Bourbon. All of this, and more, are in my Top 5, exclusively on WKTV Journal.

Here we go.

Gonzo’s Top 5

Comedian Whitney Cummings performs Saturday, March 5 at GLC Live. (Supplied)

5. Comedy Shows

The local comedy scene is really exploding with local, regional and national acts performing throughout West Michigan. That’s great news as we get closer to Laughfest GR, which is March 16-20, and a great opportunity to see a variety of acts. This weekend check out:

Whitney Cummings – comedian, actor, writer, producer, and director – performs at 7 p.m. Saturday (March 5) at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. She is on her “Touch Me Tour.” Opening is Ricky Velez. Tickets start at $35 and on sale now at livenation.com. Learn more about Whitney Cummings in this recent Fox 17 interview.

Golden Age Comedy – Located in the upper room at Creston Brewery, and presented by Full House Comedy, the venue features Maddy Smith at 7 tonight (March 4) and 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday (March 5), and Hal Sparks at 9 tonight (March 4). Sparks also performs at 8 p.m. Saturday at Billy’s Lounge in Grand Rapids. More details at fullhousecomedy.com/.

May the force be with the Griffins: Star Wars night is Saturday, March 5. (Supplied)

4. Grand Rapids Griffins

What? You haven’t been to a Griffins game this season? What are you waiting for? The professional hockey team is in action four times over the next week with games March 4, 5, 9 and 11 at Van Andel Arena in downtown Grand Rapids. You can get $2 beers and $2 hot dogs at select stands on Friday and March 11. And it’s Star Wars Night on Saturday (March 5). All games are at 7 p.m. Get tickets and more details at griffinshockey.com.

The 2nd Annual GR Bourbon Fest returns to D2D Event Center. (Supplied)

3. 2nd Annual GR Bourbon Fest

Where are my bourbon lovers? Good news, the second annual Grand Rapids Bourbon Fest is back Saturday (March 5) at the Studio D2D Event Center, located at 401 Hall St SW. You will discover 200-plus whiskeys, with the majority of them being bourbon. There will also be a few non-bourbon options such as beer from New Holland Brewing Co. and wine from 45 North Winery. Designated Drivers get complimentary nitro coffee, kombucha and tea from Reputation Beverage Company. In addition to the beverages, attendees can experience food trucks, live music and more. There are two sessions with Session One from 4-7 p.m. and Session Two from 8-11p.m. Proceeds will benefit Friends of The River. More details at the Facebook Event page.

The dinosaurs take flight at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. (Supplied)

2. Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs

Are there any dinosaur lovers in your life? This weekend the Grand Rapids Public Museum opens “Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs.” These flying animals ranged from the size of a sparrow to that of a two-seater plane. They are believed to be the first back-boned animals to evolve into powered flight, and the only vertebrates to develop this ability besides birds and bats. The exhibition includes life-size models, videos and interactive exhibits. The exhibit opens Saturday, March 5, with a special members only preview from 9 a.m.-noon.

Learn more at www.grpm.org.

A sign of spring: the West Michigan Home and Garden Show. (Supplied)

1. West Michigan Home and Garden Show

The recent warm up makes it feel like spring, and that means it’s a perfect time for the 41st annual West Michigan Home and Garden Show at DeVos Place. You can expect 13 feature gardens, five free seminar stages and more than 350 exhibitors featuring a wide variety of products and services. Let’s go! Hours are noon-9:30 p.m. today (March 4), 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $12 for adults and $4 for children ages 6-14. Check out more information on seminars and services at GRHomeShow.com.

That’s it for now.

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

Have a great, safe weekend.


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

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

Entertainment, Gonzo's Top 5, Local Entertainment, , , , ,

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

Welcome to the weekend, my friends.

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

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

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

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

5. La Furia Del Ritmo Original at The Stray

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

4. Pop Scholars Improv


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

3. GRPD vs. GRFD Charity Hockey Game

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

Photo supplied by Jurassic Quest.

2. Dinosaurs in Grand Rapids

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

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

1. The World of Winter Festival in Grand Rapids

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

That’s it for now.

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

Have a great, safe weekend.

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

Game on: WKTV’s featured games for Feb. 8-10

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Ice hockey is on WKTV’s coverage schedule this week.

WKTV Staff

 

This week in WKTV’s featured high school sport games, the coverage crew will be at East Kentwood for a hockey game against Reeths-Puffer on Wednesday, Feb. 8, and again on Friday, Feb. 10, for another hockey game against Mona Shores.

 

Reeths-Puffer enters the contest with a 9-9 record according to MHSAA latest records, after defeating Rockford with a 10-7 win last week. East Kentwood enters the week with a 6-12-1 record, after falling to Saline last week in a 3-5 loss. Both teams are looking to improve their records in their OK Conference standings.

 

In the Friday’s game, Mona Shores enters the week with a 6-12-2 record after losing to Salem. East Kentwood is seeking revenge on Mona Shores after losing to them earlier this season in a 4-2 game.

 

WKTV videos and broadcasts several games each week during high school sports season.

 

Each Tuesday game will be broadcast that night on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 at 10:30 p.m. throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeat on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. on  WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood. Every Friday game will be aired that night on Live Wire 24 at 10:30 p.m. and repeat Saturday at 11 a.m. on WKTV 25 and AT&T U-verse 99.

 

For a complete schedule of all local high school sports action in January, see now.wktv.org/sports/

 

DVDs and Blue-Rays of each game are also available for purchase at $20 including shipping. For more information, visit WKTV.org

 

Game on: High school basketball and hockey on WKTV

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Basketball in Hoop

WKTV is bringing you another exciting season of boys and girls high school basketball, along with the action-packed thrill of high school hockey.

 

Each Tuesday game will be broadcast that night on Live Wire Comcast Channel 24 at 10:30 p.m. throughout the Grand Rapids Metro Area and repeat on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. on  WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 in Wyoming & Kentwood. Every Friday game will be aired that night on Live Wire 24 at 10:30 p.m. and repeat Saturday at 11 a.m. on WKTV 25 and AT&T U-verse 99.

 

WKTV has got you covered!

Friday, December 2. Hockey:  Bay City @ East Kentwood

Tuesday, December 6. Boys Basketball:  Catholic Central @ Tri-Unity

Friday, December 9. Hockey:  South Christian @ East Kentwood

Tuesday, December 13. Boy Basketball:  West Catholic @ Kelloggsville

Friday, December 16. Boys & Girls Basketball:  East Kentwood @ Wyoming

Tuesday, December 20. Girls & Boys Basketball:  Unity Christian @ South Christian

Wednesday, December 28. Boys Basketball:  Lowell vs Godwin Heights @ Cornerstone

 

For a complete schedule of local high school sports action in December, see now.wktv.org/sports/

 

Muskegon Luge Track: Designed by an Olympian… Open to Mere Mortals

Local Entertainment, Recreation, Sports, Weather, , , , , , ,

luge track and luger
By Victoria Mullen

 

Full disclosure: I did not come up with that cool title. You can thank the folks at Muskegon Winter Sports Complex & Luge for that wonderful burst of creativity.

 

If you’re like me, winter is not your favorite season. Believe it or not, though, there are millions of people out there who actually enjoy cold weather activities.

 

If you’re one of those people, you’re in luck: Muskegon Winter Sports Complex in Muskegon State Park offers skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing–and luge. If you’re not familiar with the sport, go here for an interesting read on its history.

 

One of only four luge tracks in the United States, the 850-foot Muskegon Luge Track is shorter in overall length than the Olympic tracks located in New York and Salt Lake City (3740+ feet) but provides an Olympic thrill with the safety of the participant in mind. (There is also a naturbahn style track in Marquette, Michigan, by the way.)

What To Expect & What is Provided

 

Whom do we have to thank for the availability of this activity right here in west Michigan–and in Muskegon, to boot? None other than three-time Olympian Frank Masley. 

LugeSlideKid1

 

The track consists of six curves and two starting areas. Public participants slide from the 3/4 mark at speeds up to 30 mph. The track is designed specifically for general public use and those who never have slid before.

 

Although Olympians do not generally train here, the sports complex serves as a public and youth development seeding program to the USA Luge program. Five-time Olympian and two-time Olympic medalist Mark Grimmette got his start here. While here sliding, participants may receive some instruction and tips from one of the youth program athletes, some of whom are team members on the USA National Teams.

 

The facility provides all the equipment needed, including the use of a finely tuned Austrian or Latvian luge sled. Participants are provided with sanitized helmets and forearm pads. Heads up: Participants are expected to carry their own sleds to the top, and those puppies weigh around 30-40 pounds each.

 

For the initiate, there are coaches on hand to teach steering and safety techniques. After that, participants are set free to slide as many times as they can during the session. Runs are timed at the end of the session and awards are given out at the podium to the top finishers.

 

Of course, what’s an activity opportunity without the fine print? Before you can participate in luge, you must show proof of health insurance.

Costanother pic of luge

$45.00 per person on Saturdays and Sundays
All Luge Tickets must be purchased in advance through an online reservation system. Due to limited space and increased demand, tickets cannot be reserved nor can tentative reservations be made. Group discounts are not available on Saturday or Sundays.

 

$40.00 per person for Friday Night Under The Lights
Special night rate for individuals and groups 6-8:30pm. Get your tickets here.