The snow has just about melted, leaving muddy remnants of winter. Don't let the gloom get you down; there are plenty of fun, spring-like things to do this weekend in West Michigan. Read on for this weekend's Best Bets.
1. POP A WHEELIE: The opportunity to watch 10,000-pound trucks crush sedans like bugs is here. Van Andel Arena hosts the Thunder National Monster Trucks from Friday, Mar. 12 to Sunday, Mar. 14 with shows starting at 7 or 2 p.m.; $10-$15.
2. INTERACTIVE ART: The Grand Rapids Ballet Company presents its community-selected program featuring By Django, A Foggy Day and three more works. This opportunity to see your favorite performances comes to the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center on Friday, Mar. 12 and Saturday, Mar. 13 at 7:30 p.m.; $25-$35.
3. LOVE HER OR HATE HER: The quirky and multi-talented Joanna Newsom will perform on Friday, Mar. 12 at 8 p.m. in the; Calvin College Chapel along with special guests Bowerbirds; $10 with Calvin ID, $20 general.
4. BUDDIES WITH BONO: Irish folk meets American gospel in the Dublin-based rock ‘n' roll band Hothouse Flowers. They'll perform a benefit for Soulseedz at One Trick Pony on Sunday, Mar. 14 at 7 p.m.; $20 in advance.
5. SOME ENCHANTED EVENING: The Grand Rapids Symphony presents a night of legendary Pops music during the Rodgers and Hammerstein at the Movies program Friday, Mar. 12 through Sunday, Mar. 14 at DeVos Performance Hall at 8 and 3 p.m.; $18-$90.
6. GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN: The Women's Expo comes to DeVos Place this weekend from Friday, Mar. 12 through Sunday, Mar. 14. This all-day event features over 400 exhibits and seminars including beauty products, home décor and health screenings; $6-8.
7. WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN: Kid Rock's pal and fellow Midwest rocker Uncle Kracker comes to the Intersection on Friday, Mar. 12 at 8 p.m. with special guests Rehab and Jessie James; $17-$20.
8. HAHA EH: Canadian Ian Bagg has performed at many comedy shows, festivals and clubs in the last decade, and he brings his brand of humor to Dr. Grins in the BOB on Friday, Mar. 12 and Saturday, Mar. 13 with shows at 8 and 10:30 p.m.; $10-$15.
9. EVERYONE'S IRISH: The Grand Rapids St. Patrick's Day Parade has changed its course for 2010 but will still include a stage on the corner of Lyon and Bostwick with Irish dancers and musical acts for your entertainment. It takes place on Saturday, Mar. 13 at 11 a.m.
Good Bets: DeVos Place will host the Spring Bridal Show all day on Mar. 12...the 79th Saladin Shrine Circus will come to the DeltaPlex on Mar. 12-14.
