From '90s bands to bands that play hits from the '90s, babies, dancing and realistic art, this weekend promises to be a fun one, nonetheless. Read on or watch the video below with REVUE's Brian Edwards and Fox 17's Emily Richett for this weekend's Best Bets.
1. Save the Babies
March of Dimes' premier fundraising event, the March For Babies, is a noble cause to participate in. Festivities will include refreshments, music, family-friendly activities, and much more. All funds will support prenatal wellness, family support programs, research grants, and neonatal intensive care units. The March takes place at Farmers Insurance-Foremost Campus in Grand Rapids on Saturday, April 24 at 10 a.m.; registration at 9 a.m.
2. Epic Battle
The coveted spot of opening for a national act at the Muskegon Summer Celebration will be up for grabs, and the band that plays the best music will get it. Muskegon's Club Envy will host Battle of the Bands on Friday, April 23 (doors at 6 p.m.) to the 24 (doors at 11 a.m.).
3. Semi-Charmed Life
You may recall Third-Eye Blind, a band from the 90s who had a few hits in the latter half of the decade. The band will be performing at the Orbit Room on Sunday, April 25 with doors at 6 p.m.; tickets: $23 in advance and $25 day of show.
4. Life in Black and White
Armin Mersmann is an exquisite artist with mastery in realistic graphite drawings and oil paintings. Catch the opening reception for his latest show, "Shadow Play," at the Richard App Gallery (910 Cherry St., Grand Rapids) on Friday, April 23 from 5–9 p.m. The show will run through May. Free admission. Read more about Mersmann's work here.
5. Waltz
Every third Friday, the Grand Rapids Art Museum hosts Bistro and Ballroom, a sumptuous dinner served in the Museum Café with ballroom dancing and instruction. Friday, April 23 from 5:30–8 p.m.; $5 non-members.
6. Bang the Drum Slowly
Kiyoshi Nagata is an expert in the field of drums, specifically Japanese-style Taiko drums. Nagata and his drumming ensemble are coming back to the Saugatuck Center for the Arts for a performance that features gongs, bamboo flutes, bells, wooden clappers, and much more on Saturday, April 24 at 8 p.m.; $35.
7. Totally Awesome!
Starfarm is a five-member band strictly devoted to covering the music of the 1980s. Don't worry, the band leaves nothing out; they cover everything from Prince, Journey, The B-52's, Nena, to Dexy's Midnight Runners. They will be performing at Grand Woods Lounge on Friday, April 23 at 10 p.m.
8. Tater Salad That Won't Give You Food Poisoning
With a knack for storytelling, comedian Ron White is most known for his success in the Blue Collar Comedy tour. While his rocky past makes for good material, one of the best stories is how he got the alias "Tater Salad." See White when he stops by DeVos Performance Hall Friday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m.. Tickets are $44.75
9. Blessing in Disguise
Couldn't grab tickets to Carrie Underwood or Elton John this weekend? You're in luck, because you're bound to discover a lesser known, but worthy band. Reflection Eternal — a hip hop duo from Brooklyn comprised of underground rapper Talib Kweli and DJ Hi-Tek — is one such group. Kweli and Hi-Tek will perform at The Intersection on Saturday, April 24 at 8 p.m. with special guests Rick Chyme and Mike G. Tickets are $20.
