OMG! He said what?
"I know there are some who want to go back — who think we should return to the policies that actually led to the recession," Barack Obama said to a crowd of more than 400 guests and event volunteers in Holland. "And some of them have made the political calculation that it's better to obstruct than lend a hand. They said no to the tax cuts, to the small business loans, to the clean energy projects. It doesn't stop them from coming to ribbon-cuttings — but that's okay."
Local Music ///
Local Music ///
On Aug. 7, Al & the Black Cats are returning home to Grand Rapids for its CD release party at Billy's Lounge. This punk/rockabilly (can we call it punkabilly?) group blends two very different genres into an upbeat edgy sound ... At Founders Brewery, check out the Pistolbrides with special guests Lazy Genius, and The Juliets. This free show is on Aug. 12 ... Mystic Dub also hosts its CD release party at Bell's Brewery on Aug. 12. This Grand Rapids indie-reggae offers up feel-good vibes that make summer even better ... On Aug. 27, Papa Pete's is throwing its Welcome Week Bash. Time travel to the ‘60s with Doctor Dwyer, a Kalamazoo based psychedelic funk band. Special guests Me3Mind, a South Haven progressive psychedelic group, and Nunca Duerma, a hip-hop downtempo band will also be playing. Tickets are $5 ...
Head to Papa Pete's for Summer of Mayhem on Aug. 7. Featuring nine of Kalamazoo's best local rock, metal, punk and experimental bands, this year, there will be a raffle for a guitar, as well as swag from some of the performing bands. All proceeds from the guitar raffle will go to Wounded Warriors, supporting soldiers injured in service. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 day of show, and free admission for prior and current military personnel with proper ID ... It's time to raise the dead. Grand Rapids horror punk band The Necrophilicons are having a reunion show Friday, Aug. 13 (and what an appropriate date it is) at The Breakroom in Grand Rapids. Member Tommy Gun says this show "is gonna be bigger and bloodier then the last" ... Brother Bill will be playing one of its famous three-hour sets at Harvey's on the Mall in Kalamazoo Aug. 28. This is a free show and is 21+ only ... After buying Skelletones, Mixtape Café and Venue has been comfortably operating on Division Avenue for the past two and a half years. Now, it's time for the venue to expand as its been booking larger touring bands. Not only is the venue moving to 1115 Taylor Ave. in Grand Rapids, but it boasts a new name: MXTP. The grand opening on Aug. 13 will feature pop/punk band New Found Glory ...
Tuesday nights just got a little wilder at the Globe Theater. Jesse Soltis, drummer of Kalamazoo punk band Randy Thunderbird is now booking Punk Rock Tuesdays at the new Kalamazoo Venue. The new weekly night will attempt to get the basement show parties a little more into the scene. For more information, or to get your band booked, call The Globe at (269)488-3330 ... Recently, Wayland's Michael Howe advanced beyond thousands of other guitarists to be named one of 25 semi-finalists in its fourth annual King of the Blues, the nationwide search for the next great undiscovered blues guitar player ... Last month, Grand Rapids band, Troll for Trout released The First Fifteen: 1995-2010 at One Trick Pony. The album has 21 tracks, including remastered tracks of fan and band favorites, plus four new Troll for Trout songs. The band booked multiple shows in Michigan and Chicago in order to promote the new album.
Touring ///
No longer the scraggle-haired girlie boys that ‘90s tweens went wild over, the guys of Hanson are now married with babies, and their music has grown up with them. Hanson, the grown up edition, is coming to the Intersection on Aug. 16. Tickets are $25 for an all ages show at 6:30 p.m... Grammy winning band Stone Temple Pilots is coming to the Deltaplex Arena. Its alternative sound is inspired by a variety of genres from grunge to glam rock. Tickets are $35 for the 6 p.m. show on Aug. 19.
National CD Releases ///
Known for its fusion of traditional Mexican and Spanish folk music with modern rock, Los Lobos will release its 19th album Tin Can Trust on Aug. 3. This is the first album of original music in the past four year for the band ... In 2008, Katy Perry gave us the single "I Kissed a Girl." This summer, "California Gurls" is already stuck in everyone's head. Perry's latest single is a precursor to her latest album Teenage Dream, which will be released on Aug. 24...Trace Adkins, will release his latest album, Cowboy's Back In Town, on Aug. 17. His ninth studio album shows Adkins at his best, managing to be both funny and tender on the same album ... The upcoming country star Emily West, who performed her single "Blue Sky" on "The Apprentice," will release her first self-titled studio album on Aug. 10 ... Other notable August releases include T.I.'s King Uncaged, and Goo Goo Dolls' Something For The Rest Of Us.
Wine ///
The Windquest Group has partnered with Kameel Chamelly, owner of Martha's Vineyard, to open Reserve (201 Monroe Ave NW.), an upscale wine bar in downtown Grand Rapids that seats 170. Reserve will celebrate its grand opening this fall and will offer a selection of more than 250 bottles of fine wine. It will also feature one of the largest cruvinet wine dispensing systems in the area. The temperature controlled system is designed to preserve and dispense over 100 different wines by the glass. It also allows for sparkling wine to be ordered by the glass or flight. Reserve will offer various wine flights of three, two-ounce pours from an extensive world wine list.
Beer ///
Get ready to indulge in beer and music. On Aug. 27-28, the Traverse City Summer Microbrew & Music Festival will unite fans of brews and tunes. There will be more than 45 breweries pouring more than 150 kinds of beer. Bands that are already booked to play the weekend include Brett Dennen, Lubriphonic, Down the Line, Bump, Mike Moran, Levi Britton, and Grand Traverse Pipes & Drums, with more to be announced. A two-day pass is $50 for 21 and up, with individual days priced at $30. Friday is all-ages, while Saturday is 21 and up only. For more information, visit porterhouseproductions.com.
Dining ///
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COMING IN SEPTEMBER…
School isn't the only thing starting in September. It's also time for arts organizations to start their new seasons. Fall 2010 holds big musical productions and art exhibitions for West Michigan, so don't miss our second annual arts issue.
Important Dates:
Ad Deadline: Aug. 20
Editorial Deadline: Aug. 13 Delivery: Aug. 27 |
On June 1, Millennium Restaurant Group welcomed Kirk McKinney as the new executive chef of the Epic Bistro as well as the recently opened Central City Tap House. In 2009, McKinney completed his education at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. During his time at the CIA, McKinney worked with Chef Daniel Boulud at Restaurant Daniel (voted eighth best restaurant in the world) on Manhattan's Upper East Side.
Theatre ///
There's not much that's more heart-warming than the bond between a man and his dog. Well, except if it's the bond and ever-lasting friendship between frog and toad. Nominated for three Tony Awards, A Year With Frog and Toad is a musical journey through the joys of friendship. Using characters from Arnold Lobel's books, Willie Reale, along with Robert Reale, wrote and composed the play. It will show from Aug. 2-13 at the Knickerbocker Theatre in Holland and be performed by the Hope Summer Repertory Theatre.
Community ///Film ///
Recently released at Sazerac Lounge was the trailer for Clean Break, which was written by local filmmakers, Jacob de la Rosa and Ryan Lieske. Produced through Collective Studios, the film stars Joseph Scott Anthony, Ashley Marini, Rick Reed, and Sophie Ni and will be premiering at Thriller! Chiller! festival in October.
Random Quote ///
"Now I'm a professional comedian and one of them is homeless. The other is a meter maid. Had a sex change. So who won? I think I did. Yeah, I think I did."
—Comedian Doug Benson (See our interview with Benson here.)
—Comedian Doug Benson (See our interview with Benson here.)
Random Notes is compiled by Revue staff and minions including Brian Edwards, Amy Lundquist, James Nichols, Elena Nieman, Lindsay Patton-Carson, and Melinda Wilcox.
For more breaking news about music, arts, entertainment and beer, visit the REVUE blog. Oh, and
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Random Notes
Local Music ///
Summer is a time for music and camping, and Carnival of Chaos has both. The four-day-long festival will take place this year from July 29-Aug. 1. It was questionable if the fest was going to take place this year since it lost its six year host at the Moreland Motocross grounds in Stanton. However, good news came that the fest was being moved to Val Du Lakes in Mears. There will be local and national acts performing, a suspension show, midget wrestling and more. Camping is free, tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the gate. The fest is 18+ and for more information visit thecarnivalofchaos.com … 
Gods of Kansas have shared the stage with Nazareth, Bret Michaels and Winger. On July 30, the band brings its ‘80s hair metal to Planet Rock in Battle Creek. For more info, check out Gods of Kansas at gokrocks.com … Local musician, Lisa Bridenstine, recently released a documentary on Michigan’s music scene. The documentary, called Weekend Warriors, features local bands such as Their Teeth Will Be of Lions, Please Promise, onlytheashesremain, Doctor! Doctor!, and Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte, among others. You can get your copy by emailing Lisa at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
, by sending a message to myspace.com/chunkmedia, or placing an order at chunkmedia.bigcartel.com. The DVD is $7 (plus shipping) … Grand Rapids locals are stepping their game up to help with the Gulf Coast oil disaster. SuperDre, La Famiglia, Chance Jones, Juleus, AB & Coconut Brown, Gray Theory, Nathan Kalish and the Wildfire, Cain Marko, The Fainting Generals, and Head are playing an all ages show at Billy’s Lounge on July 11. Cover is a $10 donation, but is bumped down to $7 with a donation of supplies (supplies needed are sheets, towels, paper towel, toothbrushes, dish gloves and original blue Dawn dish soap). All supplies will be sent to the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary (seabirdsanctuary.com) and all money raised will go to the Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program … A new open mic night is coming to Sazerac Lounge in July. Hosted by Jack Flash, the open mic will be every Wednesday this summer from 10 p.m. until 12 a.m. starting July 7. The evening will feature special guests from local bands, as well as the occasional out of town guest … The Outer Vibe is bringing its second year of Rock Camp to Grand Rapids. Last year, the camp was held in Lansing. For 2010, the camp for kids ages 12-18 will be held at St. Cecilia Music Center the week of July 19. Kids with some experience at guitar, bass, drums, piano or singing are encouraged to enroll and will be placed in bands according to their interest and skill.
Gods of Kansas have shared the stage with Nazareth, Bret Michaels and Winger. On July 30, the band brings its ‘80s hair metal to Planet Rock in Battle Creek. For more info, check out Gods of Kansas at gokrocks.com … Local musician, Lisa Bridenstine, recently released a documentary on Michigan’s music scene. The documentary, called Weekend Warriors, features local bands such as Their Teeth Will Be of Lions, Please Promise, onlytheashesremain, Doctor! Doctor!, and Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte, among others. You can get your copy by emailing Lisa at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
, by sending a message to myspace.com/chunkmedia, or placing an order at chunkmedia.bigcartel.com. The DVD is $7 (plus shipping) … Grand Rapids locals are stepping their game up to help with the Gulf Coast oil disaster. SuperDre, La Famiglia, Chance Jones, Juleus, AB & Coconut Brown, Gray Theory, Nathan Kalish and the Wildfire, Cain Marko, The Fainting Generals, and Head are playing an all ages show at Billy’s Lounge on July 11. Cover is a $10 donation, but is bumped down to $7 with a donation of supplies (supplies needed are sheets, towels, paper towel, toothbrushes, dish gloves and original blue Dawn dish soap). All supplies will be sent to the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary (seabirdsanctuary.com) and all money raised will go to the Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program … A new open mic night is coming to Sazerac Lounge in July. Hosted by Jack Flash, the open mic will be every Wednesday this summer from 10 p.m. until 12 a.m. starting July 7. The evening will feature special guests from local bands, as well as the occasional out of town guest … The Outer Vibe is bringing its second year of Rock Camp to Grand Rapids. Last year, the camp was held in Lansing. For 2010, the camp for kids ages 12-18 will be held at St. Cecilia Music Center the week of July 19. Kids with some experience at guitar, bass, drums, piano or singing are encouraged to enroll and will be placed in bands according to their interest and skill. Local CD Releases ///
Josiah Gentry is giving away his new CD for free at his CD release show on July 9 at The DAAC. Admission is $7, and Gentry will be joined by guests TwoTonTyran, Camarie¸ Coweta, and Chris Dupont … Mark Lavengood is releasing his “newgrass” instrumental album at Founders Brewing Company on July 17. He’ll be playing with Red Sea Pedestrians, a Kalamazoo band that will also be releasing an album on that date. Touring ///
The Andreas Kapsalis & Goran Ivanovic Guitar Duo is coming to Founders Brewing Company on July 8 for a free show. The duo fuses classical, world, jazz and modern guitar to create a unique listening experience … Self-described “hobo caberet”, Yard Dogs Road Show, is coming to the Intersection on July 2 at 8 p.m. The band fuses classical influences of vaudeville with modern punk and rock. Oh, and did we mention the band has 13 members? … Indie rockers and Pitchfork favorites Built to Spill is coming to the Intersection on July 25 in support of the band’s new album, There Is No Enemy. Tickets are $15 in advance, or $18 day of show.
National CD Releases ///A little thing called “almost dying” doesn’t stop a guy like Bret Michaels from winning Celebrity Apprentice, going on tour and releasing a new solo CD. His latest album, Custom Built, is being released on July 6, with Michaels making a stop at Lansing’s Common Ground Festival July 12-18 … M.I.A.’s good at making headlines. Whether it’s performing at the Grammy’s while nine months pregnant, or unapologetically voicing her political opinions, the girl doesn’t stop. Recently, she made headlines with her banned-from-YouTube video, “Born Free”, which depicted violent images and blatant discrimination. Soon after, she made headlines again for publicly posting a New York Times reporter’s phone number after a story that ran illustrated her unfavorably. On July 13, her album, /\/\/\Y/\ (Maya), drops. It’s up to you to see if it lives up to the hype.
Beer ///
Beer and running usually don’t go together – except when New Holland Brewing Company hosts the Grand Rapids Marathon New Holland Beer Run on July 6. The brewery will host a beer run leading up to the marathon. The beer run will be held at Hop Cat, and for $5, you will be provided with a map that will take you on a short run, which ends back at Hop Cat. After the run you will receive a New Holland beer, complementary appetizers and a chance to win door prizes … For beer junkies itching for a road trip, July’s the best time. On July 23 and 24, Ypsilanti hosts Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival. The Festival will feature brews from all over the mitten state, and tickets are $30 in advance for Friday ($35 at the gate), and $35 in advance for Saturday ($40 at the gate).
Dining ///
Kalamazoo-based Millennium Restaurant Group will soon begin construction on its newest concept, Central City Tap House, with plans to open mid-summer 2010. This concept will be located in Downtown Kalamazoo’s Epic Center on Kalamazoo Mall. Central City Tap House will operate as a new business, but will share the existing kitchen of Epic Bistro. Construction began June 1, and included the installation of hard wood floors, large booths, a drink rail, and fully opening front windows for the feeling of al fresco dining … If it’s July, it means Twisted Rooster (1600 East Beltline) is opening! The official opening day is July 21. Be sure to check out this restaurant that serves classic food with a twist, used with locally grown ingredients … Fitting for summer, more than two dozen palms trees and tropical plants arrived from South Florida at The Score Restaurant & Sports Bar (5301 Northland Dr., Grand Rapids). The trees are part of the restaurant’s new Sunset Bar on the Water, which includes a 40-foot sailboat and a volleyball/beach area with 25 tons of beach sand. This will be the first time live palm trees landscape the Grand Rapids area, and the vegetation will be donated at the end of the summer.
Art ///West Michigan celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the Grand Rapids Art Museum and Ox-Bow school of art and artists’ residency this year. Visit GRAM for a special exhibition featuring works from former and current Ox-Bow artists in a variety of mediums and styles with an artist reception on July 9 … Come to Kalamazoo Institute of Art on July 13 to listen to Beverly David discuss Roy Lichenstein, one of the Old Masters of Pop Art, whose large paintings based on comic book images made him among the first artists to play with the ironic and stereotypical nature of popular culture.
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COMING IN AUGUST…
Summer’s not the only thing that’s hot this month. Don’t forget about our second Hot Issue, where we’ll let you know what the hot trends, businesses and entertainers are in West Michigan.
Important Dates:
Ad Deadline: June 23 Editorial Deadline: June 16 Delivery: June 30 |
Random Quotes:
“Everybody says ‘Why would you want to be a hypnotist,’ so I said, ‘Well, I put people to sleep when I talk to them anyway, might as well get paid for it.’” —Gary Fields
Overheard:
“When I stumbled from the bathroom to my room with nothing but a towel on, I ran into the cleaning lady. It was great.”
“He creeps me out. He’s had his hands up my shirt so many times. One up the front and one up the back.”
"I have no problem handling a surplus of meat."
"Britney Spears. I'm not into her music; I just think she's a great mother."
Random Notes is compiled by REVUE staff and minions including Kate Bedrick, Brian Edwards, Elena Nieman, Lindsay Patton-Carson and Melinda Wilcox.
For more breaking news about music, arts, entertainment and beer, visit the REVUE blog at revuewm.blogspot.com. Send your news to
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.
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Random Notes
The Daily Bread for Friday, June 5:
It's opening day for a couple of new ventures on the West Michigan entertainment scene. First, the venerable Bells Brewery christens its beer garden this weekend in Kalamazoo with a pair of performances today and tomorrow by Greensky Bluegrass wsg Head for the Hills. The music starts at 9:30 both nights. The beer starts flowing sooner...There' also a new website covering the local and national music scene launched at midnight last night (this morning?). It's called Backstage All Access, and it features tons o' music photography and news from the West Michigan music scene, as well as podcasts, blogs and even some humor. It's being launched by REVUE Contributing Photographer Anthony Nowack and there's a blog post by our own Associate Editor Lindsay Patton. (Not that we're pimping it too much or anything.) BAA joins a growing list of web and blogsites that are covering the local music scenes including Sounds Good Ink and Kalamazoo Noise...There's also a funky new casual dining spot that will be opening in mid-July on Grand Rapids East Beltline: The Twisted Rooster. It's a new concept that's being brought to the market by Meritage Hospitality Group, which owns Wendy's of Michigan and O'Charleys. The Rooster is a brand new, totally independent concept (ie, it's not a franchise) that's going to classic American fare with lots of locally grown ingredients. No website yet, but check them on the book of Face.
The Daily Bread for Thursday, June 4:
The world is a vampire. We got word that The Smashing Pumpkins, also known as Billy Corgan and three other musicians who didn't play on the Pumpkins epic albums, announced they'll make a tour stop in Grand Rapids at the Orbit Room on Thursday, July 8. Tickets go on sale a week from tomorrow at 10 a.m. This is a 16+ show (under 16 needs a parental unit)... The Ace of Cakes will be in GR this September 14-15 to do a book signing at Schulers and make a cake for Hospice of Michigan... Calvin College has already begun booking its fall concert series, announcing three acts: Van Dyke Parks, The Books, and Over the Rhine. OTR is the opening concert following the fab rehab of the Performing Arts Center... Over in Holland, the Park Theater announced that the Enter the Haggis Show on Sunday, June 13 will be an Industry Night Show. So if you work in the restaurant and bar business, you can get half-off admission and drink specials. Hmmm. Think if you just wear a pair of black pants and a white shirt with food stains on it, they'll let you drink cheaply? (Just a thought. And please notice, no Hollander jokes were used in the writing of this item.)... Don't forget, the ever popular Art Hop in Kalamazoo is the first Friday evening of the month and that's tomorrow. It's fun, and free... Be sure to check out some exclusive interviews that REVUE snagged with a couple of oldies but goodies: Kenny Loggins and Leon Redbone.
The Daily Bread for Wednesday, June 3:
The Waterfront Film Festival announced that Secondhand Serenade will play an opening night show on June 10. The emo-acoustic-rock band lead by singer-songwriter John Vesley had a hit with the song “Fall For You.” At dusk, music turns to movies with short films, including Oscar-winner "Logorama."
A touring musician selling 10,000 CDs doesn't sound that impressive, but how about this: What if he sold all of those CDs at shows? That's the claim by publicists for British singer-songwriter Bobby Long, whose Dirty Pond Songs is a 10 song collection of acoustic folk. Long makes his first visit to Grand Rapids on June 26 for a show at the MixTape Cafe.
The man who brought Black Sabbath to the ballet has resigned. Gordon Peirce Schmidt, artistic director of the Grand Rapids Ballet for the past twelve years, has resigned to pursue other interests. No word on a replacement yet, but sources say ballet-goers should expect some of the 2010-2011 season to change.
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Random Notes
'90s Flashback Show:
Chris Barron wsg Jen Sygit and Spencer Mulder
Park Theatre, Holland
June 5, doors open at 7, show at 7:30
$9 advance, $15 day of show
brownpaperticket.com
Park Theatre, Holland
June 5, doors open at 7, show at 7:30
$9 advance, $15 day of show
brownpaperticket.com
Spin Doctors
Kalamazoo Greek Festival, Arcadia Place
June 4, 10 p.m., $10
kalamazoogreekfest.com
Kalamazoo Greek Festival, Arcadia Place
June 4, 10 p.m., $10
kalamazoogreekfest.com
Chris Barron was one of two princes in the Nineties, now he's gone solo. The front man of the Grammy-nominated Spin Doctors — which boasted radio hits such as "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong" and "Two Princes" — almost had to quit music when he was stricken with vocal chord paralysis. He was given a 50/50 chance of talking normally, let alone being able to continue his singing career. Barron went through acupuncture, intensive vocal training and took prescription steroids to get his voice back on track and is now fully recovered. Currently, Barron is anticipating the release of his solo album, Pancho and the Kid, an album full of roots-y Americana music sung with the same unmistakable voice that filtered through the radio 17 years ago.
Local Music ///
Summer is finally here and Branden Mann’s jams are as hot as our favorite season. If you haven’t checked this guy out yet, then you definitely are missing out. With acoustic guitar in hand, the only thing that’s certain with Mann is great blues/rock. With a slew of shows this month — including a birthday show at Old Dog Tavern on June 25 — there is no excuse to miss out. For more information, check out brandenmann.com … Come out to Papa Pete’s to check out some experienced rockers. Kalamazoo metal band Bismuth will melt your face off. Composed of local music veterans from various bands including Dirtknap, Aeternal, and Brimstone, you will not want to miss Bismuth’s show with Chaos Foundry on June 19. This will also be in celebration of guitarist Boston’s birthday. For more information check out myspace.com/bismuthband … Come to Bell’s Brewery on June 26 to see local rock/roots/bluegrass act Ninth Street Bridge open up for the Corn Fed Girls. Ninth Street Bridge has five members, but boasts a 12-instrument lineup. There are smooth transitions between guitar, bass, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, dobro, etc. … At Papa Pete’s on June 26, head out for a great show featuring The Hex Bombs (Kalamazoo punk), Three Cents Short (Grand Rapids ska/pop/punk), The Red Lights (Grand Rapids reggae/ ska), and SuperDot! from Detroit, noted as Detroit’s longest running ska band … J. Oscar Bittinger and Octoberday Productions present Nick Fink’s Saloon Shows, a monthly concert series of “Acoustic-Folk-Pop-Rockery.” Drew Nelson is scheduled to perform on June 11. Visit joscarbittinger.com for more information.
Touring ///Last year’s dreamy “American Idol” contestant who isn’t Adam Lambert is coming to The Intersection on June 2. Last year’s winner, Kris Allen, will bust out his acoustic tunes with special guests Green River Ordinance opening. Tickets are $25 for the 8 p.m. all ages show … The D-O-Double G is bringing his gin and juice to Fifth Third Ballpark on June 12. Snoop Dogg will be headlining WGRD’s Wingstock 2010. Also performing that night is Pop Evil, Drowning Pool, Jackyl, and Ricky Nix. Tickets are $26 for general admission, or $36 for the field.
National CD Releases ///
Four years removed from her last album, Christina Aguilera is back with her electronically driven fourth studio album, Bionic. It hits stores June 8 ... Singer-songwriter Jack Johnson is at it once again, strumming his guitar and brightening your day with his sixth studio album To The Sea out June 1 ... Now employed as Jimmy Fallon’s house band on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” The Roots will release its ninth studio album, How I Got Over on June 22 ... Fans of the Dixie Chicks will only need to carry around one CD once the trio releases a greatest hits album, Playlist: The Very Best of Dixie Chicks on June 1 ... After an extremely successful EP So Far Gone in 2009, rapper Drake is back with his first studio album, Thank Me Later, on June 15 ... Ozzy Osbourne is back again. The Prince of Darkness will release his tenth solo album, Scream, on June 22 ... Australian soul/pop singer Sia is set to release her new, upbeat album We are Born on June 22.
Festivals ///
Harborfest is a FREE four-day festival happening in downtown South Haven from June 17–20. There will be more than enough music to fill the four days, as bands such as Joanne Shaw Taylor, Bryan Michael Fischer Band, Moon Roots, Shelagh Brown, The Big E performing the Elvis 1970 Comeback Special, Bob Malone, Endeavor, Tin Can Phone, and Me Three Mind are on the lineup. The festival also features the reunion show of Knee Deep Shag, a Kalamazoo-based powerpop band, which has had one of its songs used on “The CBS Morning Show.”
Beer ///
Grab an Oberon and head out to Bell’s Brewery on June 3–5. The brewery will be celebrating the opening of its beer garden on those days with live music from Ultraviolet Hippopotamus on June 3 and Greensky Bluegrass with special guests Head for the Hills on June 4 and 5 … East Lansing will be hosting its annual Festival of the Moon and Festival of the Sun on June 25 and 26, respectively. In honor of one of the shortest nights of the year, Festival of the Moon will feature craft brews and good food. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, or $25 for a weekend pass. The next day, celebrate the solstice with some food and wine at the Festival of the Sun. Tickets for this day are $17 in advance, $20 at the door, or $25 for a weekend pass.
Community ///The circus-tastic Miss Pussykatt is celebrating her birthday in style on June 12. Her tiki-themed bash will be held at Billy’s Lounge and will feature hula girls, fire dancers, comedy acts, a limbo contest, and a contest for the best tiki attire. The party starts at 7 p.m. with an $8 cover that will go to benefit Pinups for Pitbulls, Super Happy Funtime Burlesque Tour, and the Daredevil Circus School. Live music will be provided by Cash O’Riley, Los Cobras, and The Party Stompers.
Dining ///
Twisted Rooster (1600 East Beltline, Grand Rapids) is set to open on July 21. The restaurant will feature the kind of food and atmosphere you would expect in an urban, downtown location. The Rooster brought in Chef Mark Noseda to create one-of-a-kind “twisted” items for its menu. REVUE got a sneak peek of some of the all-local food items on the menu last month. All we have to say is you'd better mark July 21 on your calendar.
Theatre ///Attention Phantom fans: This may be your last chance to see Phantom of the Opera. The tour that began in the Eighties is in its final run. Your opportunity to see the final Phantom will be at Wharton Center’s Cobb Great Hall on Michigan State University’s campus in East Lansing. The performance runs in East Lansing through June 6. Tickets are $30-$70. For more information, visit the Wharton Center’s website, whartoncenter.com.
Art ///
Dr. Sketchy’s is turning one year old on June 26. The “Anti Art School” was created for laid back artists — the ones who want to down a few adult beverages and laugh with friends while sketching a live model. Artistic talent is not necessary in order to partake in Dr. Sketchy’s Anti Art School. For its one–year anniversary, Vivacious Miss Audacious, founder and headmistress of the Grand Rapids branch, will model. The June 26 event will be held at Sazerac Lounge on Plainfield from 5–9 p.m. and have a $10 cover.
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COMING IN JULY...
Get ready to laugh. July is our first-ever Funny Issue. We'll be bringing you West Michigan's best funny guys and gals and where you can see them.
Important Dates:
Ad Deadline: June 23 Editorial Deadline: June 16 Delivery: June 29 |
Random Quotes:
"The thing I hate most about Hollywood is basically how stupid everyone is. It bothers me that nobody reads the paper in Los Angeles. I'm not even sure that the mayor reads the paper."
—Kathy Griffin
Overheard:
Everything smells left.
We have complete faith that you're a total dick.
Everything I do is intense, like camping.
Whenever I say something good, it's usually because my brain shuts down and words start spilling out of my mouth like vomit.
Random Notes is compiled by REVUE staff and minions including James Nichols, Elena Nieman, Lindsay Patton-Carson, and Melinda Wilcox.
For more breaking news about music, arts, entertainment and beer, visit the REVUE blog. Send your news to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.
Published in
Random Notes
