An unabashed nerd with a love for video games, cartoons and even cosplay, comedian Ron Funches is just a great big kid at heart.

So it’s striking to find out the reason why the LaughFest headliner first got into standup. It wasn’t so he could avoid growing up. It was actually because he had to – and fast – when his son was diagnosed with autism.

“I was just working at dead-end jobs, but once I had my son I was like, ‘I better figure out a career,’” Funches said. “And standup was the only thing that I was willing to start at the bottom at. It was the only thing I felt I could see myself working hard at and doing for the rest of my life. So it was really because of my son being born that helped push me to get this started.”

While comedian Jim Norton continues to tour the country packing large theatres, he hasn’t lost touch with his roots: Small comedy clubs. 

The 47-year-old New York-based comic still hits the smaller rooms on a regular basis in his never-ending journey of honing his craft. “It’s the only way to get new material that feels good,” Norton said. “I go out almost every night.” 

Two-time Emmy and Grammy Award-winning comedian Kathy Griffin is a celebrity chameleon. Some might know the 2016 LaughFest headliner from My Life on the D-List and other TV appearances, but Griffin’s diehard fans appreciate her most for her true calling: Stand-up comedy. Here’s what she had to say to Revue ahead of her March 14 performance at DeVos Hall.

Welcome to Revue’s first ever STYLE Issue! This inaugural special section spotlights some of West Michigan’s most fashionable people, places and (locally-made) products.

While there are not enough pages to feature every worthy local fashionista, Revue chatted with 11 style mavens from various areas of expertise: Local fashion bloggers, boutique owners, personal shoppers and more. 

From there, Revue delves deeper with our West Michigan Style File, highlighting a sample of what other chic natives have to offer. From interior designers to bakers of fabulous treats — it’s a mixed bag of fab!

The Style Issue is back for round two. This year, Revue talked to seven of West Michigan’s fashion experts, asking what inspires them, what’s in right now and what they’re passionate about in life. We also talked shop with five more local creatives and trendsetters and feature a roundup of the hottest items from West Michigan clothing and accessory stores. 

Check out our first Guide to Pets, featuring the latest pet fashion, grooming and styling, yoga with cats, the best dog parks, pet adoption, and fun pet-centric events.

Check out our latest Arts Issue, featuring local artist profiles, Grand Rapids' art collectors' scene (or lack thereof), Creative Youth Center students' tour of Grand Rapids, and season previews for all West Michigan arts organizations.

Check out our latest Beer Issue, featuring brewer profiles, Sharkman, brewery guide, trends in beer styles and much more.

Blair Badge, 29, of Grand Rapids, is a digital strategist and style blogger at blairbadge.com. She’s living a chic, monochromatic life in black and white. Fair warning: Her Instagram is a little tomboy with a sprinkling of travel and an overabundance of the sleek life.

Music and fashion are flip sides of the same coin to Adrian Butler, aka AB. The rapper/DJ/clothing designer lives in Grand Rapids and would love to see barbarian-style bear capes come back. Hit up one of his shows. Wear his designs. Welcome to his 30-something world.