Hi everybody.

This week isn't nearly as hectic as last week. The events for this weekend mostly feature hardcore Fourth hanging out. You know; grilling, fireworks, friends, lemonade, bottle rockets and the occasional sun burn. But never the less there are cool things to check out in GR so here are some of the best and brightest.

Word on the Street July 2, 2008

WEDNESDAY!
On Wednesday nights from the GRAM has extended hours until 6pm and from 4:30 until 6 you can check out the shows for just $1.97! which is SO cheap!

THURSDAY!
Thursday night celebrate the season with a band from Philadelphia! Show starts at 8pm and features Hezekiah Jones, Chris Bathgate and The Sleep 'Tils the door is $7 and of course the show is all ages!

Thursday night is the last night to check out "my Brother is an only Child" at the UICA. The movie sounds great. Sibling rivalry, love story, communists and the fascists, the 60s and Italy. Yep all the makings of a good night. Showtimes on Thursday include 6pm and 8pm.

THIS WEEKEND!
Don't we all love Audrey Tautou? (the actress form Amelie??) seriously she is SOOOO CUTTEEE! ( I know that has a hint of obnoxiousness to it but I can't help it...she is!) anyhow she is featured in "Priceless" a French flick about a love story with a blue eyed bartender shy gigilo...with subtitles. You can check it out on Saturday, Sunday at 3 and 7 and Tuesday and Wednesday at 7pm.

FRIDAY!
HAPPY FIREWORKS DAY! Celebrate independence!

Almost everyone will be heading out to check out some fireworks this weekend and in Grand Rapids the whole Floyd Mayweather retirement party is accompanying the Downtown fireworks. Which includes a carnaval, and something called starts on the grand, on Saturday there is also a car show and competition, and an ESPN Great lakes Strong Man Competition. The only info I could find about the Floyd Mayweather retirement party was located on a Myspace at www.myspace.com/round13gr
so if you are interested in more deatails check it out!

On Friday as part of the Mayweather throwdown the Woodland Skating Rink is hosting a 70s throwback skating party it begins at 6pm and there are suppose to be "BIG STARS" in attendance. (tickets $20) Later from 9 until 2am at the Intersection there is a Concert at the Intersection hosted by Lil' John performers include Ray Jay, Tank, Trey Sonz, J Holiday Tickets are $25!

SATURDAY!
On Saturday the 5th Skelletones is hosting Rock against hunger 3 a proceeds benefit for compassion international the show is free but they are collecting donations. Bands include Lights at Sea Yourself and the Air Sea foam Green Charles the Ospret Father Time Bomb and Cult of reason Doors at 5pm.

SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY!
Sunday at the GRAM check out a film beginning at 1pm called Half Past Autumn; the Life and Works of Gordon Parks afterwards there will be a flute performance on the second floor.

Sunday July 6th more Grand Rapids downtown Mayweather extravaganza includes not only the carnival but there is also a gospel show and sports courts and did I mention all of this downtown carnaval business is free??? It goes until 6pm.

On Sunday the Mayweather party wraps up at Studio 28th with a Green carpet Black and While Party. It begins at 5:30 and seems to include a VIP Cocktail Reception, a movie, a performance by Monica and a bowling after party. Tickets are $20 and reportedly available online at www.celebrationcinema.com.

MONDAY
Monday July 7th the Michigan Meltdown is sure to blow a speaker or two at the DAAC bands include: Shattered badge, Merkit, Brown Shugar, Rational Namials, Punch, Harressar, Xbrainax, Protoculture, Attention Span, to fit in all of those bands the show begins at 5pm and tieckts are $10. That is one HOT night of entertainment. The DAAC is located at 115 South Division and to get up-to-date info about the DAAC visit www.thedaac.org

OPPORTUNITIES.....
Mirf is selling Skelletones. (this breaks my heart.) but (this makes me kinda happy) he is looking for someone that wants to buy the business. SO if you are interested in running a music venue check out the website at www.skelletones.com

GET READY!
The Avenue for the Arts Market is coming up next weekend so put it on your calendar for SATURDAY! Also you can join us on Facebook (as a group) or become friends with us on Myspace.

So the weekend is shorter on community events but huge on family, friends and fireworks. If there is some kind of great event coming up next weekend I WANT to know about it! drop me an email, jschaub@dwellingplacegr.org or check out the blog version on G-rad.org. Thanks for reading all the way to the bottom!

Jenn

Word on the Street June 18, 2008

YO ALL PEEPS!
How is everyone doing? After such a hectic weekend last weekend I feel so chill I might slip into a coma! a good relaxed satisfied coma......But already we are getting geared up for another awesome Grand Rapids Summer weekend. There is simply no shortage of great shows to see and the opportunities this month are blowing my mind. So here's hoping you have some mega fun this weekend.

This weekend there is a theme... the Birthday! (just a hint. my birthday is this weekend, ok that wasn't much of a hint) Here it is, Word on the Street June 18th, 2008

THURSDAY!
The DAAC has shows all weekend long including Thursday June 19th with an earlier show at 7:25 and actually it is quite the international show. "the Coast" (from Toronto), "Weaver at the Loom" (from St. Paul) "Which way is Home" (Detroit) and "Blackberry Winter" (GR)

If you are looking for a chill hip hop time on Thursday night check out Rick Chyme at Billy's in Eastown. There is a 5$ cover but he puts on a pretty great show and usually has quite the cast and crew who make guest appearances as back up, Djs and beatbox.

FRIDAY!
Friday June 20th at the DAAC check out some folksy music featuring "Samamidon", "Karl & I" and "Flight & Swarm". The DAAC (Division Avenue Arts Cooperative) is ALL AGES, ALL THE TIME, located at 115 South Division, and is Cheap Just * 6 * freaking dollars!

Your gonna wanna prepare for this one. On Friday the 20th at the Skelletones there are 3 bands, "mewithoutYou", "Maps & Atlases" and "Gasoline Heart" doors open at 7pm and if you are interested in tickets you can get them at Vertigo music. Location 133 South Division, below the Euclid!

To know Stephanie Richards is to love her. And yet she has decided to leave us, so on Friday the 20th at 10pm we can all get together and try to beg her to stay. One last chance kids! Or we can provide the sort of send off fitting of a women who has left her fingerprints all over GR. Location Meanwhile Bar on Wealthy and Eastern.

Anyone born on Friday (June 20th) shares a birthday with Chet Atkins and Errol Flynn.

SATURDAY!
This weekend is Eastown Bizarre Bazaar, a Saturday extravaganza. You know the vibe in Eastown, kind of a come as you are grab the dog and the kids and head on down. I do have a suggestion, grab a water bottle and prepare to chill because inevitably you will run into someone you know and like and want to kick it on their porch. While at Biz Baz you can help Red Hydrant Press celebrate it's one year birthday by stopping by their booth and saying hi to Alynn and Carlos.

As we all know Saturday is a great day for a party Founders is celebrating its BIRTHDAY (I think) this weekend on Saturday June 21st with Founders Fest. They are shutting down Grandville Avenue between Williams and Bartlett, festivities cost $10 to get in. Music includes Oracle, Chance Jones, Uv Hippo, Total Blam Blams, and winter session and Afro beat project. You have to be over 21!

If you are feeling proud this weekend head to John Ball Park on Saturday for the west Michigan Pride celebration. Beginning at 2pm the lesbian, gay bisexual and trans community (along with supporters of course) are getting together for music, bingo, food, beer and fun. Admission is free but donations are accepted.

Dog Story Theater will present Sarah Jean Anderson this weekend in One Pretty, Funny Girl. The show is $8 general admission; the space is located at 311 State Street at the corner of Lafayette. And Students and seniors get in for $5.

Saturday June 21st the DAAC is all ages as always and featuring 4 bands at a 7pm show. "the Skoundrels" "Cookie Burnstead" "the Geographers" and "Eric 'n Duncan" The DAAC is located at 115 South Division and is ALL AGES, ALL THE TIME. $6 gets you in!

Skelletones is celebrating the Farwell of "National Cadaver", with the following line up, "Attention Span," "Fight to Die," "Mountain Goat" and "S&M." Location 133 South Division, below the Euclid!

What a Pearl of a day (the pearl is the birthstone of those born in June...) also moonstone (my fave) and Aquamarine are used as June birthstones.

SUNDAY!
Tis' the bike riding season and on Sunday you can get in shape.... Well get your bike in shape at the bloom Collective Bike repair Informal workshop location 1134 Wealthy St. SE. beginning at 1pm.

If your birthday was today, the earth would have completed one journey around the sun traveling about 564,337,600 miles. DUDE that is 66,780 miles per hour. YOU no longer have to feel lazy because even when you are just sitting you are still moving, very very very rapidly around the sun.

MONDAY!
Monday June 23rd at the DAAC "Battle Royale" and "The B-side is Better" The DAAC is ALL AGES, ALL THE TIME and tickets for this show are $6.

LIFE ON LINE
I have totally been enjoying Lydia's local blog, she reviews dinner both out an about as well as some dishes served up by local friendsters. One of her last entries has to do with her birthday. If you know Lydia please send her a birthday card! Check it out at http://www.g-rad.org/dinner/

Also!
Check out Redhydrant online at www.redhydrantpress.com

VOLUNTEER!
This weekend is the Parade of Downtown Living is celebrating its 3rd Birthday. Beginning Friday night you can 10 downtown developments to check out what condo life is all about. The Dwelling Place is still looking for a few volunteers to fill out the schedule. June 20th, 21st and 22nd. (You get a free ticket for volunteering! And you can bring a friend!) If you are interested in tickets please stop into Dwelling Place offices (101 Sheldon Blvd) or a National City bank Branch, of course if you are a procrastinator like me you will want to just stop into any of the participating locations the day of. Contact heather at 855-0418

OPPORTUNITY!
Are you looking to get into a gallery (well duh isn't every artist?) imagine360 Gallery and Studio in Grand Haven is looking for new artists you name it and they are interested. IF you want to test the waters (get it, Grand Haven, snort snort) then you can call them at 402 6543 or check out the space at 403 Davis Street Grand Haven Michigan 49417

SUPER HUGE OPPORTUNITY!
So the Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids is looking for a new executive director. What does that mean for you? Well if you are interested in arts administration it could mean a job! You can email your resume and a cover letter to ilianaoj@artsggr.org or by standard mail to Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids Director Search, Po box 2265 Grand Rapids Michigan 49501-2265. Submissions are due July 3rd and the position includes health benifts and salary commensurate with candidate experience. Questions can be called into Iliana at 459 2787 extension 11.

CALLING ALL ACTRESSES....
Wednesday night June 18th there will be auditions for Dog Story Theater's (birth of a new theater space, get excited) production of Boston Marriage. Audition location 311 State Street beginning at 7pm check them out on line at www.dogstorytheater.com

Drop me an email, tell me what is going on with you, 'cause I know great things are happening and I want to know what they are! So email me! wordonthestreetgr@hotmail.com, or jschaub@dwellingplacegr.org. Check out G-rad.... If you want to see or read word with pictures or post comments, check it out online at
http://www.g-rad.org/projects/wordonthestreet/
or you can go to G-rad http://www.g-rad.org/ and then access it through projects....

Thanks for reading all the way down to the very bottom.
Jenn

Word on the Street for June 4th!

Hi Everyone!
It is Festival weekend! And as always the first weekend of June is slightly dreary.... But I am sure that the sun will peek out enough to create some great summer memories. In case you haven't found out yet next week is a huge week for the Avenue for the Arts on the 12th we will be invading Forest Hills Fine Arts center from 6 until 11pm and then on Saturday the 14th join us for the first of four Avenue for the Arts Markets. SO mark your calendars! BUT I guess I am getting ahead of myself because here is....

Word on the Street for June 4th!

THURSDAY!
Thursday June 5th at the DAAC, Spitzer Space Telescope from Boston, the enchanting Ben and Bruno and Potion will be playing at the DAAC, 6$ gets you in the door, All ages all the time! Location 115 South Division

Skeletons is celebrating their birthday this weekend with a Total weekend blow out.
Birth Day One Thursday night "oh Brave Youth" "the Blessed Hope" "Birds on a Wire" and "Blackberry Winter" " Location 133 South Division, by Vertigo!

FRIDAY!
Sneak Peak of the Waterfront Film Festival preview at the UICA 7$ for non members 6$ for members, get to check out trailers for all of the flicks coming to Saugatuck. There are munchies food and a cash bar. Come at 6:30 or 8pm! Location 41 Sheldon Find out more at www.uica.org

FESTIVAL FRIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
Ever wonder how many sister Cities Grand Rapids has, well it turns out quite a few on Saturday GR is signing an agreement with Zapopan Jalisco Mexico to become the FIFTH Sister city. The Signing will kick off the Festival of the Arts at 12pm in Calder plaza!

1pm Calder Plaza Al-Asdeka middle eastern fusion (belly dancing!)
1:55 Outer Fringe El Fuego Del Sol, ska and reggae
3pm Calder Pacific Island Dancers
4:55 pm Calder Black Rose and the Disciples of Funk
8:10 pm Clock Tower The Mines indie pop rock

Friday night at the DAAC A Vague Sound, Bear Weather and Rec Pause Play. 6$to play, (hee hee), All ages every night! Location 115 South Division Show at 8pm.

Birth Day TWO Friday night at Skelletones "Minnesota", "Dead Fun" "The Scraps" "HIV" "Article 15" and "Selectively Anti-Social" " Location 133 South Division celebrating 7 years underground!

FESTIVAL SATRUDAY HIGHLIGHTS
2:30 at the new GRAM the DAACUMENTARY is being shown.
4:40Calder Karissa Wilson
7pm Calder Grand Rapids Ballet Senior repertoire,
8:25 Clock Tower la famila
9:15 Calder The Rocket King
I think Saturday is a great day to stop down and check out the show at the Old Gram it hear it features over 300 works by local artists. Also Saturday is THE DAY to check out the art booths under then tent!

Saturday afternoon at the DAAC you can check out Vegitable (pronounced veg-i-ti-ble) the Alternative to Festival (pronounced Fest-ti-vel) performances by The Scoundrels, Rick Chyme (I like that guy) Matt G & Japanese TV and The Libations. Vegitable gets started around 12pm and should be rocking all day long. For a total list of Vegitable hang outs and events stop into the DAAC.

Saturday at 126 South Division get together for the Green Scare Prisoner benefit beginning at 8pm. Featuring an interactive webcast with Critically Acclaimed author Derrick Jensen and Marie Mason. Check out this tagline "Come learn about Radical environmentalism, government repression and solidarity." Chills, I tell ya, gives me chills. (in a good way) suggested donations are $2 to $10 get up on the issues by checking out www.freemarie.org, Greenscare.org, and www.ecoprisoners.org.

Skelletones wraps up the Birthday bash with "Brothers", "Kaline" "Tall Ships" "The Skies Revolt" and "Horizontal Orange" " Location 133 South Division.

SUNDAY!
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS SUNDAY!
105 Outer fringe Grand Rapids Songwriters Alliance
1:25 Clock Really Bad British Accents
2pm Indoor Classical Shir Shalom Choirs
3:10 Calder The Might Narwhale

Sunday June 8th at the DAAC Victor! Fix the Sun and Loose Lips Sink Ships! Location 115 South Division Show at 8:05pm.

Opportunity to Donate!
Though our Eyes Art Auction to benefit Lake Michigan Academy is a 1-12 School located in GR for children with learning disabilities. Proceeds from the Auction will go towards scholarships for Students in need. If you are interested contact Reanna Gomez at 464 330.

VOLUNTEER!
Annually the Parade of Downtown Living provides access to some of the most gorgeous apartments and condos in downtown Grand Rapids. This year's event takes place Friday June 20th, Saturday the 21st and Sunday the 22nd.
The Neighborhood Revitalization Department is quickly filling their volunteer positions but there are still a few left! If you would like a free ticket to the event you can volunteer in one of the following shifts.
Friday, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Saturday, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
And 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Volunteer with a friend and you both get a ticket! Proceeds from Parade benefit the Dwelling Place. Contact Heather Ibrahim at 855-0418.
If you are interested in buying tickets (10$ each) please stop into Dwelling Place Offices (101 Sheldon Blvd) or a National City bank Branch and of course if you are a procrastinator like me you will want to just stop into any of the participating locations the day of

Also I totally need someone to help out shooting video at the Forest Hills Event Thursday the 12th. If you are avaiable and of steady hands and would like to shoot some footage from 6 until 11pm (or just a few hours) please let me know! Jschaub@dwellingplacegr.org.

BE IN THE MOVIES (Sort of )
So this week I was chatting with a women who is working on one of the movies coming to GR. She is looking for a series of backdrops/scenes for an upcoming movie being shot in Michigan. SO if your home or office meets the following descriptions send me a pic or two and I will pass it on (oh and of course you need to be the sort of person that wouldn't mind having a movie shot in your home) A upscale posh office (mafia style), a suburban neighborhood home, or an apartment with a grill out area, a sleek upscale apartment with a large master bedroom and a jacuzzi. Thing with apartments are they need to be First FLOOR, which is a little difficult. BUT let me know!

Local Website Alert!
The UICA got a new website revamp that I am totally digging, check it out at www.uica.org

Mark Rumsey has joined the online art selling movement with his new website. Keep an eye peeled for the great video spot in the middle of the page!
http://www.markrumsey.com/index.html

Drop me an email, tell me what is going on with you, in case you noticed word was a little light this week! wordonthestreetgr@hotmail.com, jennschaub@hotmail.com, or jschaub@dwellingplacegr.org. Check out G-rad.... If you want to see or read word with pictures or post comments, check it out online at
http://www.g-rad.org/projects/wordonthestreet/
or you can go to G-rad http://www.g-rad.org/ and then access it through projects....

Thanks for reading all the way down to the very bottom.
Jenn