Word on the Street

Kites, Studio visits and The Midwest Fest invasion.

Hello Folks!
Bored? (Doubt it!) Looking for something to do...(Maybe?) Here is the weekend round up jam packed with so many cool events it is hard to choose. From great community volunteering opportunities to visiting an artist studio to an entire weekend long music festival there is no way you won't find something to do! (also there are a few volunteer opportunities AND a job!) Here are the things to KNOW for this weekend beginning NOW!

Word on the Street GR May 19, 2010

THURSDAY!
Thursday Night, May 20, at the UICA artists and creative entrepreneurs can connect with businesses, services, networks at the Artist Expo (5-7pm)! from health care and insurance to education and professional associations, there will be relevant information for everyone. The Resource Expo includes a Studio Round Up networking event (6:30-7pm) and NOW-Issues in the Arts panel discussion (7-8pm). The Artist The discussion panel is going to ROCK includes: Rick Beerhorst, Kevin Buist, Miriam Slager, Caroline Older, John Hartel.
Location: 40 Sheldon
Cost: FREE

Downtown Sculer's is hosting an artist reception with Christine Stephens! They have new artworks on a fairly regular basis but it is always nice to meet the artist... did I mention you can grab a beer while you browse. (One of the things I love about the downtown store is that if they don't have what (books etc) I want, they will order it and call me as SOON as it gets in!) Beginning at 6:30pm
Cost: FREE!
Location: 40 Fountain N.W.

Thursday night at the UICA Evil Dead is playing on the big screen, you know cuts off his hand, Bruce Campbell, has a few sequels and a musical (yes a musical, saw it in Toronto and threw out a big "wheeetwheew" when they mentioned the shotgun was purchased in GRAND RAPIDS MICHIGAN, I was the only one who cheered, oh and did I mention the audience got sprayed with blood? Cause it is a horror flick) well any way, the movie is a total classic, totally Michigan- Raimi the director grew up here and now you can check out his mastermind on a big time screen!
Cost $5 for members, $7 for non members
Location: 41 Sheldon

Midwest Fest Starts Thursday Night from 7 till 11! The DAAC is one of the main venues and their DAAC music line up includes Stepdad, Skeleton, Secret Twins, The Little Village and Heart Shaped Hate, Want to buy advance tickets and check out the rest of the shows? Their website is Midwest Fest website.
Location 115 S. Division
Cost: Tickets are $10 per day or $25 for the whole weekend.

- so a little Midwest fest low down.... venues include:
The DAAC, The Mixtape at 133 S. Division Avenue, Founder's Brewing Company - 235 Grandville Avenue S.W. Mexicains Sans Frontieres - 120 S. Division Avenue #225 and Vertigo Records - 129 S. Division Avenue There are TONS of bands playing and I am only including a partial list... SO check out the line up online at http://www.midwestfest2010.com
Shakespeare Celebration

ALL WEEKEND LONG
Performances by the Grand Rapids Ballet for their Shakespeare Celebration. Performances include pieces from the ballets Another Part of the Forest and The Tempest. The performances are in the Peter Martin Wege Theatre over by Founders Brewery which I still haven't gotten to visit yet but really want to... Performances on Friday, Saturday AND Sunday afternoon! Call the Ballet at 616.454.4771 x10 for more information or check out grballet.com
Location 341 Ellsworth.
Cost: Tickets $30. $25 for seniors, $20 for children.

FRIDAY!
Need some chill time this week? Friday, May 21st meet up for lunch in the pocket park at the corner of South Division and Cherry. Why? To meet neighbors, hang out and enjoy a great Downtown neighborhood! BYO-Lunch! 12 -1pm

Join Nathan Goddard for a nrg studio open house on Friday from 6 until 9pm. Located at 445 Century his studio is in a great warehouse, which coincidentally is where I had my BFA exhibit and ran a gallery for a while in the way back whens... SO great building, great art (By Nathan and Elizabeth Goddard) and family friendly! , A great time will be had by all! Website www.nrgstudio.net
Location: 445 Century
Cost: Free

Seth Bernard and May Erlewine are hitting up a double disc release party (Is this You and Golden) at the Wealthy Theater this weekend. It should be a great show 'cause Seth is a pretty all out performer. Show starts at 8pm with a little mingle time at the beginning.
Location: 1130 Wealthy Street!
Cost: $10 in advance. $15 day of!

So I have heard a slow building murmur about the show that is currently up at the GRAM right now, Dutch Utopia: American Artists in Holland is suppose to be pretty fabulous. And the story behind it all is fascinating there was a concentration of American painters drawn to Holland (because the government wanted to encourage Dutch patriotism and did so by investing in art and artists!) during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They were painting in six communities in the Netherlands: Dordrecht, Egmond, Katwijk, Laren, Rijsoord, and Volendam. They were so entranced/ nostalgic that they focused on recreating scenes of the pre-modern, Dutch way of life. There are some great surprising ties between this show and the collection at the Museum in Holland Michigan! Check it out all weekend long or on Friday for just $5!
Location: 101 Monroe Center St NW
Cost: $5 (on Fridays) the rest of the time $8.00 with discounts for kids, seniors and free for members!

Friday's Midwest fest line up at the DAAC starts at 6pm (for performance times check out the daac website, www.thedaac.org) Hot Garbage, The Reptilian, Victor! Fix The Sun, Brief Candles, Glowfriends, and Sybris
Location: 115 S. Division
Cost: $10 a day

SATURDAY!
So this looked pretty cool. This weekend in Grand Haven you can check out some expert kite flying at the State Park. From Choreographed "ballet" kite routines to world class flyers this sounds super cool. This is apparently the 20th annual event and the weather is looking good! Details at www.mackite.com Also the beach, if you haven' t yet now is the time to get some preseason beach in!
The event beings at 11am and ends at 5.
Cost: FREE!
Location: 1000 N Harbor Dr Grand Haven, MI 49417

Midwest fest CONTINUES On Saturday with shows starting at 6pm. At the DAAC the line up includes Galactic Vacationer, Ship Shape, Crash Sunday, Totally Boring, Heavy Times, Wet Hair
Location: 115 S. Division
Cost: $10 a day

SUNDAY!
Midwest Fest wraps up on Sunday from 4-6pm with Fahri, Jes Kramer, Marco Polio & The New Vaccines, Dr. Manhattan, Prizzy Prizzy Please , and Child Bite
Location: 115 S. Division
Cost: $10 a day

Sunday, May 23rd the Dwelling Place is looking for a few good volunteers. Green Up! Clean Up! is a one day volunteer event that will begin with a walkabout tour of several Dwelling Place Heartside housing communities. Next volunteers will form teams lead by a Dwelling Place staff or board person, each of these teams will "Green Up! and Clean Up!" a Dwelling Place housing community! We will brighten 13 downtown Dwelling Place properties touching the lives of 40 commercial tenants and 600 residents. Meet up in the lot at 101 Sheldon Blvd. at 1pm!

VOLUNTEER!
The Avenue for the Arts Market is looking for volunteers to help pass out postcards for their upcoming summer season! Super easy and a great way to explore a GR business District, you get a bundle of cards and a business district to hand them out in! Then it is just window shopping and dropping off cards! If you are interested email jenn at jscahub@dwellingpalcegr.org

Love Picnic Pops but don't want to pay the ticket price? Then VOLUNTEER! There is a great pops line up this summer with performances each weekend in July, shows include Fireworks, VooDoo, Motown and Beatlemania for details and volunteer job descriptions contact Annamarie Buller at abuller@grsymphony.org.

CALL FOR ART!
The DAAC is hosting a show called "Weather Patterns" and looking for artwork that visualizes a sequence regularly found in comparable objects or events and incorporates the state of the atmosphere at a place and time. To apply for the show check out their site www.thedaac.org by Saturday, May 29th (application due date) then Drop-off work & install is on Sunday, May 30th, 2:00pm - 4:00pm at the DAAC, 115 S. Division (please come early and plan to help install) with an 0pening Reception - Saturday, June 5th, 4:00pm - 9:00pm

JOB!
Kendall is looking for a Admissions Officer/Great Lakes Scholarship officer. Essentaially you would eb a recruiter responsible for a wide range of activities related to recruitment and enrollment of students pursuing the College's BFA program, with specific responsibilities for recruiting in states eligible for the Great Lakes Scholarship, in addition to other areas in the State of Michigan. Interested? Here is how to find the listing.....go to www.ferris.edu click on Employment on the bottom of the page under 'campus resources' then Click on FSU Electronic Employment System then left hand side click Search Postings, don't enter anything into the fields, just click search. This will pull up all postings for Ferris and Kendall. Then sort by department (far right). Kendall postings will be on the last page, posting number K15000 (you may even be able to pull it up based on that number) Phew!

Some times a little is better then a lot and much better then nothing. If you are on facebook you can join the group. Currently we are sending word out as an "event" and a message on facebook so feel free to share..... you can post feedback there or of course send me an email at... wordonthestreetgr@gmail.com . OR if you want to check out the Blog got to http://www.g-rad.org/projects/wordonthestreet/

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

Art.Downtown. List of Participating Spaces

101 Monroe- The Grand Rapids Art Museum
Exhibitions of national caliber and regional distinction in the first LEED Gold certified Art Museum in the world, Friday Nights at GRAM featuring live music, cash bar and dinner options. Exhibitions include: Calder Jewelry, Selections from the Museum Photography Collection, GRAM Centennial History Exhibition: 100 Years Art-Legacy-Vision plus Opening Night reception for Side By Side: Mathias Alten and Norman Chamberlain.

17 Fountain- Kendall College of Art and Design
Ethan Murrow: Drawings and Video Murrow's narrative work captures the adventures and misadventures of fictitious groups of explorers that he
glorifies in filmed performances and large-scale graphite drawings.

Gallery 114: Justin Kellner, MFA Thesis Exhibition 'Striving to combine our two different levels of consciousness: consciousness within our mind and consciousness pertaining to our natural environment, the artworks intent is to enlighten the viewer on these two intertwined surrounding environments.'

Gallery 104: Eminence A Group Exhibition featuring the work of , Korin Hollinshead, Jacob Lewkow and Cory VanderZwaag

24 Fountain St. ne -Fountain Street Church (EcoAction Expo)
To celebrate Earth Week, the West Michigan Environmental Action council and the Social Action Committee of Fountain Street Church is hosing the EcoAction Expo & Triple Top Line Awards. Tickets are $20.00

11 Jefferson Ave.- 4:1 a graphic design show on perception
Featuring the graduate work of artists Gina Caratelli, Andrea Colf, Jessica Hardy, Matt Slenk and Anna Williams.
until 10 pm

54 Jefferson Ave.-Michigan Land Of Riches
Re-examine the old Grand Rapids Public Museum for the first time in 16 years though the site-specific projects of students, faculty and alumni from 6 Michigan universities.

Stop 4-
904 Sheldon-West Michigan Center for Art and Technology
Featuring work by Art Peers and WMCAT Staff. Artists include Christy Beckwith, Rick Beerhorst, Aneka Ingold, Joel Howell, Michelle Pittman, Chloe Viening-Butler, Joe Krajkiewcz, Paul Asselin, Sara Bakker, Mei Chow, Violet Whitaker, Dave Johnson and Lina Unlimited

41 Sheldon Blvd. - Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA)
Six exhibitions, showcasing the work of Christopher Gauthier, Nicola Vruwink, Margarida Correia, Casey McGuire, Wendy Kawabata, and the group show dis.place.ment. dis.place.ment is a collection of 31 works considering emotional or physical displacement in a broader spatial, social, economic, or political context. UICA will also feature a one night only installation by local artist Chris Fox.

10 Weston- Bohemia Too
Recent works in metal and pastel, refreshments provided as well as, 20% off storewide on non sale items.

42 S. Division- Gooodwood Design
New porcelain pieces for sale by OOM Studio/artist Hyun Yoo and new furniture designs by Garrett Brooks.

48 S. Division- Heartside Gallery
Featuring Heartside community artists creating folk and intuitive art, weavings, pottery, quilts and more, All new Art!
Hours: 6pm - 10pm
Heartside.org

43 S. Division- Pub 43
Paintings by local Artist Tim Fisher

62 S. Division- Temporary Gallery
Square Peg Events, presents a multiple media range of fine artists from the emerging to the established exhibiting their works of art. Casual, warm, fun. Artists include: Chris Gray, Sarah Bozarth, Joe Hatch, Rick Weese, Erick Pichardo, Ginner Castillo, Danielle Nyguyen, Santo Placencia, Cynthia Hagedorn. Live performances by Brandon Muske, Nate Roberts. To find out more about how to lease commercial space in Heartside visit www.dwellingplacegr.org

71 S. Division- Mos Eisleys
Stop by and check out designs by local award winning tattoo artists

115 S. Division- The DAAC
Trimmings-Art for the Facialite; a collective show featuring local artists

117 S. Division- Scavenger Hunt
An exceptional selection of vintage, clothing and unique wardrobe pieces, stop in to find out more about their in-store salon.

129 S. Division-Vertigo Music
Stop in for the beginning of Record Store Day celebration. With 20% off of used CDs Vertigo's collection of music includes vinyl, CDs both new and used. Join them on Saturday for National Record Store Day!

133 S. Division- Take Hold Church
Take Hold Church: will exhibit art from local artists, serve hot/cold drinks and snacks, and provide an open space for reflection and prayer.

133 S. Division- Mixed Tape
Musical performances by Wilson, Versus The Ocean, Come Find The Lion & Pandora
6:30 PM - $8 Day Of -All Ages Welcome

139 S. Division- All City Kicks
Stop in to check out artwork as well as the spring sneaker collection and cool new seasonal clothing

106 S. Division- (106) Gallery- Calvin College
Bachelor of Fine Arts exhibitions including large scale paintings, mixed media, and installations; featuring the work of Kristin McHugh and Stephen Clark
Open from 6-10pm

106 S. Division- the L Loft Unit 215- Second Floor -
New Watercolors a collection of recent watercolor paintings/studies by Derrick Hollowell (HopCat Brewery/ Mary Free Bed Hospital/ Metro-East Hospital)

120 S. Division- Temporary Gallery
Art patrons will be able to view multiple large-scale video art pieces from artist Sean J. Kenny. To find out more about how to lease commercial space in Heartside visit

120 S. Division- Unit 124- Mustache Gallery
A new show by artist Erwin Erkfitz entitled "The Ancestrals" a collection of our unknown Ancestry. Hosted by DJ Josh Brewer and Artist Amy Van Elsacker

120 S. Division- Unit 224- Second Floor
Randall A. Gornowich of Randallart Studio: Photography and Art in a Space to Create and Live presents Photographs, Paintings, Sculptures and Wearable Creations

120 S. Division- Unit 126- Imagination Creations
Recycled, reused and vintage goods! Featuring the work of artist and hairstylist Heather McGartland

120 S. Division- Unit 226- Mexicains Sans Frontieres
Art Peers Artists (with After Party Art Peers/Litribune)
Mexicains Sans Frontieres is a multimedia studio operated by Hugo Claudin promoting cutting edge music and art.
myspace.com/mexicainssansfrontieres

136 S. Division- Capsule
Artwork by Rachael VanDyke and furniture by Cameron Vandyke

140 S. Division- Sanctuary Folk Art
The largest collection of folk and intuitive at in Grand Rapids with a new show "everything else is redundant"

235 S. Division- Unit 111- Vision Beyond Art
Live glass blowing and assorted local artists featuring glasswork and paintings by Joe Sherry

235 S. Division- Unit 112- Open Source
Live and local music by the Winter Sessions, oil and acrylic paintings by Amy Lindholm and Erika Pappas, blown glass art, intrigue, and mystery by joe sherry's mustache

446 Grandville SW 2nd Floor- Kendall College Studio Spaces
Featuring the work of over 30 Kendall Graduate Students including painting, photography, drawing, printmaking and art education masters programs, free food and free parking.

40 Weston- Temporary Gallery
Artwork by 20 local Grand Valley State University and Kendall College of Art and Design Students. To find out more about how to lease commercial space in Heartside visit

Yes... there ARE cool things going on this weekend!

Hi everyone!

Oh-my-gosh-one-of-the-biggest-events-of-the-spring-is-almost-here!
Mark your calendars for Art.Downtown. next Friday from 6-11pm. The tagline goes something like this: 400 artists, 25 unexpected downtown locations, 2 trolleys, 1 night. Plan on coming early and staying late cause you can't see it all... Also, there are still some volunteer slots open for the event. If you are interested in helping out (free t-shirt!) email Annamarie at annamariebuller@hotmail.com! (on top of that next Saturday is National Record Store Day, enjoy Vertigo's Celebration, and Slow Art Day at the GRAM)

But we live in the here and NOW so ta-da- Here is Word on the Street for April 8, 2010

All weekend long you can catch the Latin American Film Festival at the Wealthy Theater. There is a solid line up of movies starting at 5 pm each night running for 3 nights. Pretty rad. Another totally sweet thing? It's all free. FREE! For a total line up check the CMC website, www.grcmc.org
Location 1130 Wealthy St SE

All weekend long at the UICA you can catch a movie that looks totally sweet called Citizen Architect about a program that places people in rural Alabama into new homes while forcing college designers to think outside the box. Showtimes are listed under films at www.uica.org (There are all new shows at the UICA as well and they are worth a peek so be sure to go early and see the shows!)

FIRDAY!
On Friday night at Bethlehem Lutheran Church check out the world Premier composition about Heartside. This is a commissioned work by composer Steve Talaga and he will be performing with a full array of accompaniment, The final evening in the MAJIC series the performance will include an opening for artist Erick Picardo. The piece will be preformed ay 7pm and there is a lot of parking both indoor and on the street!
Cost. Suggested donation of $10.00
Location 250 Commerce Ave.

The Daac on Friday you can see Bad Words, The Midwestern, The Reptiulian and Good Teeth Gold Teeth. I am just guessing but I have a hunch it will be a hard hitting sort of an evening. Show starts at 7pm.
Cost $6.00

SATURDAY NIGHT
Alllllriiight.. This is what I was looking for! There is going to be a DANCE PAR-T-Y the line up includes Superdre, Spydre Murphy, DJ Cutis, Avison and DJ Kung. A little breakdance a little grove and whole lot of awesomeness. There is a $5 Cover but the cash goes towards measles, stopping measles. Startup 08:00 PM
Location: Citizenshirt Warehouse 955 Godfrey Ave SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Saturday at Mixtape you can stir it up wth Elysion Fields, Krigen I Nord, Fateless, Quell The Skeptic & Our Forgotten Legacy. Which sounds epic. Want to be sure to get it? Tickets can be picked up ahead of time at Vertigo Music.
Cost$8
Location: 133 S. Division Ave.

SUNDAY!
The Chiaroscuro film series is back at the UICA this weekend with "U-Carmen". The flick is based on the opera Carmen but set in Africa and incorporates African music as well as a slightly tweeked storyline. There is a little mini movie at the beginning called "the landlord" The show starts at 2:30 and it is FREE
Location 41 Sheldon Blvd.

Sunday at Mixtape catch an early 4pm show featuring The moment, the summer Highlight, Doogie & more Like the movies.
Tickets are $7!
Location: 133 S. Division

Sunday at the GRAM they are showing the film "Henri Cartier Bresson: the Impassioned eye" about a photographer who chooses to seize the moment! Beginning at 2pm
Free for members, 8$ for everyone else!

MONDAY!
So even though I have a slew of over due books I love the library.... On Monday night you can attend a Money Smart Monday class from 630 until 8pm at the Ryerson Auditorium (3rd floor). Some "area experts" will expand your brain by taking about different types of investing for retirement, how to make sure you have enough money to retire and more!
FREE

Ah we got a little tip off about the VIP comedy show at Dog Story Theater on Monday nights. They are inviting a local Celeb to the stage each Monday night and then spontaneously creating a show based on their responses and feedback. First up? George Aquino of JW Marriott. And at a very affordable $5 for the show it makes it a steal! Thanks for the tip Joe.
Location 1115 Taylor (Just south of Plainfield and Leonard)

Tuesday!
When I was a kid I was terrified of the animal flying dog dragon thing from the Neverending Story. In fact. I think I am still a little freaked out by it... so for any of you who aren't freaked out... Tuesday night at the Wealthy Theater. 1130 from 8-10pm...
Cost: 5$

Write much?
If you have literary aspirations the Litribute is looking for you. Spring Issue pieces are due on April 15th at 12 pm and can be sent to submissions@thelitribune.com wondering what to write? Pick a genre and just let it flow. If you would like to submit a hard copy send it to The Litribune 2861 Bluewater Lane Grandville Mi 49418 Questions? Check out thelitribune.com/submissions

`
Life online
One of my favorite GR blogs is Grand Rapids Tightwad. If you have to live on the cheap but want to know a slew of cool things to do this is super helpful. Check it out! http://grandrapidstightwad.blogspot.com/

If you are on facebook you can join the Word on the Street group. Currently we are sending word out as an "event" and a message on facebook so feel free to share..... you can also post feedback there or of course send me an email at... wordonthestreetgr@gmail.com . OR if you want to check out the Blog go to http://www.g-rad.org/projects/wordonthestreet/

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

For life, love and the pursuit of the ever elusive rutabaga.

Hey-yo-yeah,
Sometimes we all have to stay in and snuggle but there is JUST SO MUCH going on in the Grand Rapids that any time you want to venture out your guaranteed to find a great way to enjoy the scene... Hope to see you out and about this weekend!

Here is Word on the Street for March 24, 2010

WEDNESDAY!
Every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30pm, Bar Divani hosts a wine social. These socials are a gathering of people who share a love of wine, expand (or begin) their wine knowledge and also to taste some varietals you may not otherwise have had the chance to try. Each social features six tastes and will range in price from $15 to $25. Bar Divani is located at 15 Ionia Ave. SW

THURSDAY
Thursday night at Mexicains Sans Frontieres you can meet up with writer John Ross. Politics, politics music and refreshments. Discussion begins at 9:30
Location: 120 S. Division Second Floor.
Cost: 3-5 donations appreciated!

FRIDAY!
The Ladies have it for Friday night art! Their Daily Bread opens at the Logan House Bed and Breakfast. Site specific works by Mandy Burrow, Anna Campbell, Margie Erlansdon and Alynn Guerra. The work addresses "the role of women and domestic life in the historical Leonard House, former home of League of Women Voters activist Dorothy Judd. Opening starts at 6 goes till 9pm.
Location: 440 Logan SE at Morris Street Cost Free

Sigh. I love this... Forest Hills Central takes the stage with the Wizard of Oz. Friday at 7:30. you can get your pics taken with the cast..... and there is a backstage tour... awesome. Gee Toto..... seems like we should pick up some tickets and some sparkly red shoes!
Cost: $8
Location: Forest Hills Fine Arts Center 600 Forest Hill Ave SE

SATURDAY
Need another dose of some art? On Saturday night catch new works by Brandi Bowman, James Jursinic, Metita Parmenter, Sally Finkbeiner, Charles Larue, Joan Hollander, Rick vanderputte, Josh Wambaught and Karen King. That is a whole mess of artists but West Coast Coffee certainly is big enough! Opening from 6-9pm...
Location: 55 Monroe Center
Cost: Freebie

There are tons of Rollery Derby chicks flying in to GR to bout! This weekend our native group, the Grand Raggidy Roller Girls are going to trounce the COMO Derby dames and the Badass Bettys. Course it is all for charity so the proceeds go towards a sweet cause, ovarian and cervical cancer research.
Cost: $15 (they are cheaper if you buy 'em in advance
Location: 2605 Sanford Ave. SW (Grandville)

Pietros is having a dance competition on Saturday. It seems like it would be really weird, dancing at Pietro's but first prize is $100, and dinner and an overnight stay not bad.... Musical selection includes, salsa, merengue Bachatam, reaggeton "and more"
Cost: $8
Location: 2780 Birchcrest Dr. SE

So here we go with the music.... Cause Saturday night is THE night for music in this town...

DAAC- All ages all the time, bands include, Past Lives, Airwaves and Victor Fix the Sun, Show starts round 8ish Location 115 S. Division
Cost: $6

Floating Action, Middle Distance Runner, Prussia, apparently, 'cordin' to Joe, this show is going to be awesome. So details, starts at 930, sadly this is an all ages show but is at a brewery (Founders) so that make sense. The bands are all on myspace is youw ant to check it out.
Location: 235 Grandville Avenue SW
Cost: $5

Cross town at Jukes catch Chance Jones, Pistol Brides and Marvin the Robot. Show at 930 'nother 21+ You are familiar with the Jones, Pistol Brides is new to me so send an update and Marvin the Robot is Miles Curtis, (formerly of GR)
Location: 506 Leonard Street Northwest
Cost:: free but yea' best get your drinking britches on and hustle up a d-driver 'cause the shows gonna be a d-light.....

SUNDAY!
People move and they sell all of their stuff. Least that is what my friends do... but they have such GOOD stuff!!!! Sunday you can pick up some amazing Sally England and Nick Stockton stuff from 11am to 7pm. (Think furniture/ nic nacs... STUFF)
Location: 255 Paris Ave SE apt 3
Cost: alls I am saying is bring the check book....

The DAAC is planning on hosting their first Sunday Soup. They invite guest chefs to cook simple soups and bunch foods using local ingredients the brunch mean is served family style and each attendee contributes $5. During the meal artist and community groups present ideas, at the end of the day participants vote for a project to receive the proceeds from the event. Starts at 2pm
Cost:$5
Location: 115 S. Division

The Curoscuro series is back with another free flick at the UICA this weekend. (yes a free movie,!) This year the theme is Muse a look at the arts through film. This week they look at music. The preview for the movie, Four minutes, a german flick looks really interesting, check it out at www.uica.org.
Show starts at 230
Location 41 Sheldon
Cost FREE

South Division has a new buddy. Take Hold Church took over the upstairs of Mixtape and this Sunday they are hosting a Community Discussion Panel about Human Trafficking from 6 till 8pm.
Cost: $3
Location: 133 S. Division Ave.

TUESDAY!
OOOOOH So admit I was wwwwwaaaaayyyy to young to check out Star Trek 2 The Wrath of Khan when it came out in the 80s.... so now as an adult I can catch it on the big screen thanks to the Meanwhile Film Series! Show starts at 8pm!
Cost:$5
Location 1130 Wealthy

GET'EM HOT
Honky Tonk Showdown sound good to you? Show is on April 2nd. Get the goods (and by goods I mean tickets) from Delilah pre- show style for a mere 4.93 a ticket. Email her at delilahdewylde@gmail.com

CONNECT?
Where do graphic designers get jobs in this town? I know a young... cool... about to graduate designer who is going to leave GR and go somewhere else unless someone offers her a gig. And fankly, I simply don't want her to go. SO. Help me out, throw a bone, anybody know of openings? She graduates in the spring. (PS punked out attire included)

There are SO many sweet people born in March. Seriously. Just this weekend our very own George W. is celebrating along with Nick Stockton from Teamwork bags. Have some happy B-day's boys!

So a bit of a disclaimer: WOTS is a hobby, not a profession. I don't have a proof reader (and my spelling skills are meager at best!) I am not paid and I don't ALWAYS get everything right. If you REALLY want to go to an even that I mention it is a GREAT idea to check out the organization or performer or artists website and get the details as, alas, sometimes nuance is lost on me. Think of Word on the Street like a large game of telephone... Sometimes I get most of the meaning right, and occasionally some of the details are a bit off. I rarely apologize.

jenn

Movin'Shakin' WOTS March 18th 2010

Hi everybody!

Weekends are for the fun of it... for the joy... for chillin... and for...busting a move? Seriously, this weekend there are TONS of dance related events I didn't event nic the iceberg of dance so if you don't find something you like here just keep your eyes open.

So here it is... Word on the Street for March 18th 2010.

THURSDAY!
The Beerhorsts are one of Grand Rapids epic art families. Cornerstone University is hosting a conversation with the family exploring their "uniquely creative path though their local neighborhood and into the world" the evening caps off with the Rick Beerhorst band at 6:30.
Cost: Free
Location: Corum Student Union

FRIDAY!
Haven't heard of Google Fiber? Well "facebook" it. Details: Friday, Four-pm Flash Mob, Calder Plaza, Thousands expected to attend, specials at downtown restaurants. Organizers request that you wear primary colors and bring a sign that says "My Grand Rapids is.. " on one side and then answer the question on the back with a word. Free parking in the DASH lot on Seward.
Cost: Free
Location: 250 Monroe

On Friday night the Armenta Studios are hosting a Zumba dance party. Three instructors are going to keep it moving this is a dance party that is bound to make you sweat (in a good way!!) space is limited, so reserve a space by calling 235-9642 or Info@lauraarmenta.com start busting a move at 7pm.
Cost ????
Location: 955 Wealthy Street

Simmer down with a little ART on Friday at the Stache Gallery still life work by Patti Constantine, Diane Zeeuw, Judy Maggni, Sarah Weber and Michael Breakiorn. The show is called "Objects" and you can join up for a little mix and mingle from 7 till 10pm. Location:120 S. Division
Cost: Free!

Friday at the DAAC check out Chicago's Plamyra who are touring with White Pines and playing with local favorites Jes Kramer and Tokyo Morose. This is more of an indie bounce sort of a dance. Show starts at 7pm.
Cost 6
Location 115 S. Division

The Kopper Top is going to be grooving to some Latin beats. There will be Salsa Dancing and a live band to get you in the mood!
Dancing starts at 8
Cost: Free Location: 638 Stocking

SATURDAY!
Saturday the Women's City Club is getting formal you can get ballroom with some West Coast Swing. You need a bit of experience and if your don't know what the Sugar push, left and right side pass or the Whip are then stay clear of the lesson but you can still show up for the Dance, you can always get on the youtube and figure it out! Again your going to need to RSVP at dancegr06@yahoo.com, Lesson at 7 dance at 8!
Cost:16$ or 11 for just the dance
Location: Women's City Club

GRCC has brought the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet to St. Cecila's on Saturday. Grammy winning, renowned this performance is a shoe in for "splurge" of the weekend. The show starts at 7:30. Buy tickets at www.scmc-online.org
Cost: Tickets are $35 and there is a pre concert dinner is $30
Location: Saint Cecelia's

Dr.Sketchy's Anti Art School takes the floor of the Sazerac from 6-9pm followed by the Shimmy Shack burlesque show. Your lovely hostess Vivacious Miss Audacious promises a Gender Bending Show! To draw bring your art supplies and 10 bones for the fee, or show up later (10ish) and for 5 bucks you can check out the show.
Location: 1418 Plainfield NE

MONDAY!
The DAAC has a killer Monday night line up. The Americans, Rooftops, Ambassadors, Charles the Osprey. Hobbins says these bands are going to rock your faces. Big time. Show starts at 8pm.
Cost: 6
Location; 115 S. Division

TUESDAY
Local First Street Party planning is underway and on Tuesday you can stop by Founders to vote for their 2010 poster. Voting takes place from 5 until 8, if you have a last minute submission call Dan at 808 3788 or drop him an email at dan@localfirst.com
Cost: Free
Location: 235 Grandville

Lately the DAAC art scene has been hopping lately and on Tuesday night they host Kevin Keaempf from People Powered from Chicago. Instructor at SAIC, specializing in sustainable art and he comes with a website, peoplepowered.org. Also did I mention it's going to be a potluck! Bring the good grub ON.....not to mention the lovely art inspired chat. Uh, starts at 6pm.
Cost: FREE
Location: 115 S. Division

Happy Birthday week to local artist, designer, organizer, Erwin Erkfitz, one of the most hardworking dudes in GR. If you are on facebook you can join the Word on the Street group. Currently we are sending word out as an "event" and a message on facebook so feel free to share..... you can also post feedback there or of course send me an email at... wordonthestreetgr@gmail.com . OR if you want to check out the Blog got to http://www.g-rad.org/projects/wordonthestreet/

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

Jenn

Get ready to sing along! WOTS, March 11, 2010

Hello Michiganders!
Time is slipping by and the weekend is rushing in! We have a heavy handful of events for the weekend so let's get ready to rumble!

Here it is, Word on the Street for March 11th, 2010

THURSDAY!
Poetry night at Schuler's books with local poets Christine Stephens and Clayton Boothe, also there is beer and pizza specials. Oh and you can buy a book as well...... I am going to tromp down and pick up a little light weekend reading.....
Location: 40 Fountain (or you can enter from Monroe!)
Cost: Free

Cynthia Hagedorn's solos exhibition at Forest hills Fine Arts Center is opening. With 60 new pieces you can stop in and enjoy the work along with music from the Hope College Jazz Ensemble. Show opens at 6pm!
Location: 600 Forest Hills Ave!
Cost: FREE!

If you haven't checked it out yet then you are going to want to sneak a peek at What'sYourArt.com and then head over to their opening celebration, Thursday from 6:30 until 10:00. With a total line up of presentations from ten local arts organizations the kick off event will feature Civic, Symphony UICA and more!
Location: McKay Towers (146 Monroe Center)
Cost: Free!

ALL WEEKEND LONG!
Musicals it is! All weekend long you can catch performances of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Civic. Part of the Andrew Lloyd music book the piece is Old Testament infused with Webber stage flair. (a little calypso anyone?)
Location: 30 Division North.
Cost: 16-30$

Bali Hi! Rodgers and Hammerstein at the movies is the theme for the Fox Motor Pop Series this weekend. Do you think they would be irritated if I sang along? Pieces from Carousel, The King and I, South Pacific, State Fair, The Sound of Music, and Oklahoma will be projected on the big screen while the symphony accompanies them.... AAAhhh yodelayheehoo! Friday and Saturday at 8pm Sunday at 3~
Location: Devos Place
Cost: Tickets start at $18.00!

FRIDAY!
Erick Pichardo opens a new show of work inspired by mythology, nature and memories from Childhood. This week the Caribbean Artist opens a show at Bethlehem Lutheran. Show opening from 6 to 7ish! Then at 7+ check out a performance by Chicago jazz artists Loom.
Location 250 Commerce Ave. SW
Cost: Free! (Donations collected)

Friday at the DAAC catch the last Religious SS Disorder show ever. Along with Skeleton party, Dylan Ettinger, Nuclear Family, Victory and Despot. Show starts at 8
Location: 115 S. Division.
Cost $6

SATURDAY!
Bike Sprints. I don't know what a bike sprint is, but it sounds cool and I have a feeling that bike people of GR WANT to know about these Bike Sprints. And there is a special Bike sprint beer, so Saturday at Hopcat from 12 until 5pm. Do you need to bring your bike? (Help a land dweller out...can anyone give me a better description ?)
Location: 25 Ionia
Cost: bring some loot 'cause there might be a cost and there will definitely be some beer!

Speaking of special beers... on Saturday Founders is releasing their Kentucky Bfast Stout. Bands Rubblebucket and Funktion take the stage at 9pm. (Rubblebucket wins coolest name of the week!)
Location: 235 Grandville.
Cost $5

Totally digging this. There is a Rhododendron Refugee Craft Sale on Sunday featuring the work of refugees from around the world selling jewelry, Rugs clothing and bags. The refugees have all relocated to GR and the contact name for more info is from Bethany so I am guessing it is a part of their refugee program. Let me know what you think! 2-6pm
Location: 111 Fitzhugh
Cost: Free!

Feeling a little theater? "Love Letters" is a two person traveling play is staring their road trip at Dog Story Theater on Saturday. Featuring husband wife team Gary E Mitchell and Mary Beth Quillin.
Saturday night only.
Location:1115 Taylor
Cost:$12

The Grand Rapids Ballet Company is performing at Forest Hills Fine Arts center. The show has been completely shaped by the community and each of the performances have been selected via vote! The Show starts at 7:30
Location: 600 Forest Hills Ave
Cost: call 493 8966 for ticket info!

2010 is here along with the 2010 Burlesque Odyssey! On Saturday night you can catch the newest sexually explicit adventure featuring the SexxxxWarriorz lead by Commander Chest Blasterson. A little space exploration, some new music by End Times Orchestra. Need a little tease? www.superhappyfuntimeburlesque.com.
Location: 1130 Wealthy St.
Cost: 12 in advance, $15 at the door!

Saturday support the UICA as a part of Live Coverage their fabulous fundraiser. You know the drill artists make work onsite, you get to check it and then bid on it... the space is totally decked out in awesomeness. Yeah.
Location: 41 Sheldon
Cost:$60 if you are a member, $70 if you aren't.

MONDAY!
If you missed Cynthia's opening on Thursday there is another chance to meet the artist and view her work, Monday night from 6 until 7:30 she will be onsite along with Brandon Muske on the guitar.
Location: 600 Forest Hills
Cost: FREE!

WORK IT OUT!
I love Parks and Rec classes and I know you will love them. Sign up is now open check out the city website under departments, then parks and rec. http://www.grand-rapids.mi.us/index.pl?page_id=463

Join up with the facebook WOTS group which has been acting a little crazy lately.... currently we are sending word out as an "event" and (trying to send it as a ) message on facebook so feel free to share... you can post feedback there or of course send me an email at. wordonthestreetgr@gmail.com . OR if you want to check out the Blog got to http://www.g-rad.org/projects/wordonthestreet/

Thanks for reading ALL the way down to the very bottom.

Jenn

Celebratin' all the Ladies...WOTS March 4th

Have you picked up your monthlys yet? Both Revue and On-the-Town have a superwomen theme this month...which reminded me that it is women's history month. There are a few events here and there that celebrate the awesomeness of ladies so take special note...Also I didn't list it but...the GRAM has a great exhibit about the founding of the GRAM (great video) and it shows how influential women were to founding the GRAM so stop in and check it out!

SO.... LLLAAAADDDDIIIEEESSS and gentleman, here is Word on the Street for March 4, 2010

ALL WEEKENED LONG
Dog Story Theater is hosting Tanya Eby's one act Play, Twelve Scenes About Loving Directed by Laural Merlington. Described as heartwarming. Show starts at 8pm each night.
Location: 1115 Taylor str NW
Cost: tickets $7

THURSDAY!
Thursday Night at the DAAC! Chain of Lakes (great name), Karisa Wilson and Luke Wilson are playing. I assume it will be semi acoustic. Show starts at 8pm.
Location: 115 S. Division.
Cost $6 bones!

FRIDAY IS ART DAY!
On Friday night the first in a series of group shows is being shown at the DAAC. There are over 40 pieces fitting the show's theme, Human Nature. The show has attracted a variety of participants from students, to self taught artists, to recent grads! The event kicks off at 6pm (Pssst Artists! the DAAC is working on hosting a series of Group shows so if you are interested in getting involved be sure to stop in and ask for details!) Check out the list of artists involved: Adam D. DeKraker, Linnea Carlson deRoche, Ryan deRoche, Ryan Dodger, Nathan Dorotiak, Kristen Eakin, Jessi Essian, Conor Fagan, Natalie R. Good, Alex Gilford, Mike Hoyt, Kyle Isbell, Adrianne Adelle McCluer, Nick Nortier, Lacey Peacock, William Olson, Steffanie Rosalez, Aaron Rossell, Jules Schmuker, Sarah States, Kelly Trisch, Lauren Wagner, Jewly Warren, Carolynn White, Mike Wolf
Location: 115 S. Division
Cost: Free

Works by kiddies are usually the best artworks around. The show is titled Show and Tell and features the talent of kids from 3 to 12 and it opens this Friday at the Sparrows. Check it! 6pm!
Location: 1035 Wealthy St SE
Cost: Free!

GRAM on Friday night features music from DJ SuperDre (check out the cover of Revue this month) and the Clifford Music String Quartet from 5:30 to 8:30pm accompanied by the History of Jewelry at 7pm which includes a Runway presentation of works by Heddy Godfrey, Jessica Sheldon, Sam Skinner, Josh Larkin, Bizzie White, J2 Jewelry, Lynn Serulla, Charisse Halstad, Rosemary Mifsud, Benjamin Edgar, Claire Evans and Sally England.
Location: 101 Monroe Center
Cost: $5

This Friday at the Grand Rapids Public Museum you can enjoy extended museum hours till 9 PM. The special evening includes dinner, free carousel rides, a planetarium show and admission to Big, BIG BUGS! If bugs give you the creeps I would steer clear BUT if you had a thing for Honey I Shrunk the Kids, this is the exhibit for you!
Location: 272 Pearl Street
Cost: $10

Friday at Mixtape check out Bamboo Shoots, Grey Market, Tony Oleck and Sidney Anderson. The show starts early, 6pm
Location: 133 S. Division.
Cost: $8

SATURDAY!!
Are you a localite? The Library is premièring their new self guided tour of downtown sites significant in Grand Rapids women's history. (Grand Rapids has a tremendous history of being shaped by women) "Legacy Landmarks: Walking with Women Who Left Their Mark on Grand Rapids" will be lead by Marcella Beck of the Grand Rapids Public Library's local history department. So join up for the first GUIDED tour (rare opportunity) and grand release on Saturday morning starting at 10am!
Location 111 Library St NE
Cost: Free

The Bloom Collective is hosting Books and Dollars an event to address hate and racism in the west Michigan Area. A panel discussion will be talking about hate stats and the case of the Jones family from Muskegon who had their home trashed while on vacation and are victims of a racial hate crime.
Location: 1134 Wealthy Street
Cost: Suggested $3 donation and the funds go to Vernard and Griffetta Jones.

Mixtape Saturday show includes Sevenfinity, We Live Loud and Travis Radaz show starts at 6pm. Some of these bands are from the great north country, Canada.
Location: 133 S. Division
Cost: $7 at the door (cheaper ahead of time)

Micah McLaughlin is going to be playing at the Beerhorst Family Home on Saturday, he is a singer songwriter. Show starts at 7pm
Location: 106 Fulton
Cost: $5ish

SUNDAY!
On Sunday Afternoon join up for a discussion about the DAAC's first group opening of 2010, Human Nature. The show will act as a platform to kick off a conversation about art, Grand Rapids and HumanNature. The potluck begins at 2pm.
Location: 115 S. Division
Cost: Free

MONDAY!
International Women's Day seems like it is getting more play this year then I remember in the past. On Monday afternoon you can join up to show solidarity with ladies all over the word who are trapped in war torn regions. The meet-up begins at Riverfront Café next to the Fulton bridge, participants can help to create a banner and listen while women from around the Globe share what their experience as a women was like in their own contry. The evening will culminate with a stroll across the bridge.
Location: Fulton at the Bridge
Cost Free!

If you are on facebook you can join the WOTS group. Currently we are sending word out as an "event" and a message on facebook so feel free to share... you can post feedback there or of course send me an email at. wordonthestreetgr@gmail.com . OR if you want to check out the Blog got to http://www.g-rad.org/projects/wordonthestreet/
Thanks for reading all the way down to the very bottom.

Jenn

Dance Baby Dance!

Hi Guys and Gals
This week has been steller. I just keep bumping into awesomeness and people who are excited, and getting involved, and frankly it makes my heart WARM. I hope that YOU are keeping warm and get a chance to get out and get involved this weekend 'cause it is going to be a doozey!

Word on the Street for February 17, 2010

THURSDAY!
At Founders on Thursday Night catch up with Ha Ha Tonka, Spencer Mulder and Oh Brave Youth. Spence Mulder was ALL OVER for a while and this is a great chance to catch him with some out-of-town action. If you want a little preview of Ha Ha Tonka check out their website. www.hahatonkamusic.com Show starts at 9pm
Cost: Idonnknowlikefivebuckish?
Location: 235 Grandville SW.

So, Idlewild was a vacation community up off of M-37 that has reached mythic proportions as a he-played-she-played hot spot for African American performers. On Thursday night at 6:30pm catch a documentary about the place called "Whatever Happened To Idlewild" at the Wealthy Theater. The event is a fundraiser and you can get in at 6pm.
Location: 1130 Wealthy Street
Cost: $10

FRIDAY! Art NIGHT!
Mustache Gallery is the HOT SPOT for art on the Avenue lately! This weeks' show features new work by artist Mike Guyette, think frontier but different. The show starts at 7pm and goes until 10pm! So come, prepare to see and be seen!
Location: 120 S. Division
Cost: FREE!

Love your dog? Love Beer? Bow-wows and Brews at the UICA is a fundraiser for c-snip on Friday night. The live auction will be accompanied by live pooches (bring your own) and brews! Find out more about the cause at www.csnip.org
Location: 41 Sheldon
Cost:$35 at the DOOR but it goes to a good cause

Love is in the air... still. The Symphony rolls out a Night of Romance with the classical series. Last time I went to the Symphony it was GOREGOUS! The three pieces for this weekend are Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff and Brahms...... LOVE IT!
Location: 303 Monroe Ave NW
Cost: $18 and Up

SATURDAY!
Want to kick it at the Centerpoint Mall this weekend? I know... so not uber local of me... but gee, when else are you going to be able to hit up Old Navy, TJ Maxx, the Skate Park as well as, the bands AB Coconut Brown, My Car your Far and the Fainting Generals all in the same place? Serious... music show starts at 5 and goes til 9...
Location: THE MALL
Cost: Free

ROLLER GIRLS ROUND UP! the Grand Raggidy are head to head with the Indianapolis Naptown Roller Girls. The show down starts Saturday night at 6~
Location 2605 Sanford Ave. SW
Cost: $15 at the DOOR!

I love dance... pretty much all types of Dance and on Saturday night you can get down Foxtrot style at the Women's City Club. That is right, BALLROOM. Not only are they going to trot there is also several hours of Swing, Waltz, Hustle, Tango and Salsa. Lost of room to let it rip, no smoking, cool location. www.DANCEgr.com
Location: 254 Fulton St.
Cost: Trot lesson it is $10 and if you want to bust a move it is $11, get into both for $16.00

Rockey's Tavern is hope to more music on Saturday night with Rick Beerhorst Band AND Karisa and Luke Wilson, heaps and piles of live performances. Show Starts at 9:30
Location: 633 Ottawa
Cost: 3$ if yer a drinker, $5 if yer not (of age!)

Interested in some more music? Maybe the show at Mixtape is for you, Harp & Lyre are playing with All's Quiet, Fit for a King, First Strike and Oh the Storm.
Location: 133 S. Division
Cost:$10 day of

SUNDAY NIGHT
BOB, there is a fundraiser for Guiding Light Mission featuring 9 performing acts. The show starts at 3 and doesn't wrap up till close. So here is the list: Dusty Chaps Band, 13th Hour, Trilogy, Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys, Organissimo, Ralson Bowles, Natchez Trace, OTC, Greg Nagy and an All-Star Blues Jam with Jim Shaneberger. The event is called Musicians Against Homelessness (which by the way, is a LAME name, step it up and get creative folks!)
Cost: $15
Location: Corner of Fulton and Monroe

At the Mixtape, The Promise Hero, 12 Track Radio, Glaze GetEm, The Summer Highlight, Victory Victory
Cost: $5
Location: 133 S. Division

Every year on I end up at the Library at the same time that they have Taste of Soul and let me tell you what.....each time there is literally a line up waiting for the doors to open! Tis that good! And Hilariously I AM planning on going to the library this weekend SO maybe I will see you there! The gig is... you get to sample African American art, music, literature, history and food. For Free. Super cool. Starts at 1pm!
Cost: Free
Location: 111 Library St. NE

ALL WEEKEND LONG
If you are looking for a new CD can I suggest Rapheal Saadiq's "The Way I See It"... The album is SO freaking good! Or a Lou Reed Album? How about "Coney Island Baby"... anyhow, nothing fixes the midwinter blues like a little new music...Where to pick it up: Vertigo Music (of course)
Location: South Division between Cherry and Oakes

The Paris Opera Ballet is at the UICA (in spirit and on film) this weekend. The Documentary- La Danse opens of Friday with performances all weekend long. For show times check out www.uica.org
Cost: 5/$7
Location: 41 Sheldon Blvd.

LIFE ON LINE
So here is a bit of braggin. The Avenue for the Arts is featured as a district in the DDA's new marketing brochure for Attracting new businesses to downtown GR....the brochure is lovely, the photos are killer so check it! http://www.grcity.us/departments/dda/flipbook/

OPPORTUNITY!
Want to show some artwork? The DAAC is hosting HumanNature and it is an open entry show but you need to fit the theme....check it out, www.thedaac.org

Or maybe a little conversation is more your style? The GRAM is finally getting the message that to gain support from the Arts Community they have to be SUPPORTIVE of the arts community... an interesting and foreign concept for some of the cultural institutions in GR. So Anyhow....The 100 year programming is going to include a series of community inspired "Conversations" created by and organized by local arts professionals. This means if YOU need a platform and venue to talk about issues dealing with ART and CULTURE that YOU are interested in and want a rad space to have it in, the GRAM is game. Conversations need to be inclusive community based and arts related. BUT you still need to jump through some hoops and there is a FORM to fill out... which I can send to you OR you can request from Kerri at pr@artmuseumgr.org.

If you are on facebook you can join the group. Currently we are sending word out as an "event" and a message on facebook so feel free to share..... you can post feedback there or of course send me an email at... wordonthestreetgr@gmail.com . OR if you want to check out the Blog got to http://www.g-rad.org/projects/wordonthestreet/

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

Music and LOVE are in the air....

Heeeeyyy-o!
It is almost the weekend and things are bumping. Flowers and sweets are flying off the shelves everywhere and reservations are being made for nibbling and nookie. I fully embrace a consumerist holiday where the main premise is showing one's immeasurable feelings of LOVE with measurable gifts... because I really enjoy getting and GIVING presents... I have already picked up the totally awesome gift for Mr. Man and can't wait till Sunday to give it to him! Never-the-less, there is some time to kill between now and then... and I have a few suggestions on how you might be interested in spending your time!

So....Here is Word on the Street for February 11, 2010

THURSDAY!
A few weeks ago I wrote about a movie produced by Local GVSU Alum Tulsi Bhandari. Tulsi's movie, Beneath Everest Nepal Reborn, is going to be shown at the downtown GVSU Campus from 7-9pm. They will be presenting in the Loosemore Auditorium (bottom floor right side as you face the building)
Location: GVSU's Downtown Campus DeVos Center (NOT DeVos Place!)
Cost: Free!

Grand Rapids Arts Council reception, Thursday night for Erick Picahrdo and Melissa R. Selmon. Woot! Stop in on the way home (6-7:30pm!) meet some art folk, see some art, chill, find out more about the Arts Council's new website, whats your art.....
Cost: FREE!
Location: 532 Ottawa Ave NW

Also... have to mention that Jo-Ann Van Reeuwyk (weaver) has a show opening from 6-7:30 at the Forest Hills Fine Arts Center. If you dig fibers you will dig her work..... she likes to incorporate some funky stuff into her vessels...
Location: 600 Forest Hills
Cost: Free!

END OF TIMES ORCHESTRA CD RELEASE.....you know, the house band for Super Happy Funtime, Yes, long time coming. Yes, totally talented band. Should you check it out? if you like music, then, YES. Hook up at 9pm. Discs are $10.00, so bring some LOOT!
Cost: FREE!
Location: Where the beer flows like... well.... Beer, 235 Grandville (Founders!)

ALL WEEKEND LONG
Whoa. I feel like there is music in the air..... last weekend I got to see the Symphony perform and it was Blissful, energizing, one of the BEST symphony performances I have ever seen.... Gush-worthy in fact! This weekend at the UICA "in search of Beethoven" opens. The documentary sounds really interesting and features a ton of performances while sort of breaking down "the Beethoven Mythos" (remember that freaky movie where he goes insane and deaf and there is some weird stuff under the table...or the piano or something? humm) Anyhow Whole-NEW-Take-On Genius....
Times: check them on the website www.uica.org
Cost: 5 and 7
Location: 41 Sheldon BLVD.

FRIDAY!
On Friday night at the GRAM they are going to be presenting "The Art Plays" small site specific pieces performed in the galleries. The plays are written and acted by local playwrights and actors. The artworks highlighted in the plays were selected by GRAM guests (pretty cool audience participation) performances start at 7pm. GRAM is open till 9pm
Location: 101 Monroe.
Cost: $5 !

LA! La la la la la lala! Pagliacci! The Opera opens this weekend with performances on Friday and Saturday. A little itallian. A crazy clown. Nothing says love like a crazy clown. And have you SEEN their promotions for this year... ? who ever does the Opera promotions deserves a huge award for fresh beautiful promotions...they are SO HOT! (ps.I also really like the Civic's promotional materials)
Performances at 7:30
Location: 303 Monroe (deVos PERFORMANCE Hall)
Cost: Splurge... it's the Opera!

Pop Scholars, some dudes, some long-form improve, a small theater, an intense performance. Show starts at 9:30pm. Check it! Dog Story Theater!
Cost: $5.00
Location: 1115 Taylor Street

SATURDAY!
The Grand Rapids Bicycle Film Festival is rolling up to the Wealthy Theater on Saturday. THIRD ANNUAL and I have mentioned it ALL THREE YEARS.... Which means if you remember reading about it last year and thought... "huh I should go to that" it's like a sign... you missed it last year and you can set the world right by going this year. Movies, about bikes, people who like bikes, riding bikes and building bikes. There are two different sets of flicks, a matinee and an evening spot...
For a total run down... http://grbff.blogspot.com/ shows at 3 and 7pm
Cost: $5 in advance, $7 day of! Ps. I think you have to pay for each time independently...
Location:1130 Wealthy

Want to donate to a good cause and have fun? The DAAC is hosting a Benefit for Gods Kitchen on Satuday night with a silent auction that kicks off at 6pm and a few bands that take the stage at 8pm. Bands Include The backstrokes, Stu Carpenter & the new Role Models.
Once the music starts there is a cover but before then it is free!
Cost$6
Location: 115 S. Division!

SUNDAY!
2:30 UICA Free Flick! Title: I served the King of England" Czech film. Details:www.uica.org
Cost: Free
Location: 41 Sheldon

If you really want to get IN to the Opera this weekend on Sunday you can attend a talk with Maestro Robert Lyall about Pagliacci at the 28th Street Schuler's. he is going to be doing an in-depth look at the opera and the composer, Ruggero Leoncavallo....(Side note: I, personally, think to truly enjoy the opera to its fullest knowing the context and story can be immensely helpful....if anyone would like to debate this I think it would be a fascinating conversation...) So get learned! Sunday! 4pm!
Location: 2660 28th Street
Cost: Free!

Love it up kiddies... Love. It. Up!

TUESDAY!
Shoot... well I was going to tell you about an event that happened LAST WEEKEND at the Gardens... but I am about 5 days too late.... (I don't catch them all folks) SO... I also wanted to mention that they are currently hosting a show with work by Michele Oka Doner, the artist that created the amazing floor at the gardens... if you have been there you know what I mean... all of those beautiful organic shapes pressed into the beautiful green surface... it is really striking... anyhow... you can see more of her work at the Gardens this weekend (and there are butterflies!) I always suggest Sunday cause it is so damn relaxing...BUT this week I am suggesting TUESDAY cause they are open until 9pm on Tuesdays....
Location: 1000 East Beltline
Cost: $12 bones for the Adults, $9 for the kiddies...

LIFE ONLINE:
I am taking a Bollywood dance class though Parks and Rec and each week we learn a new song... a few weeks ago we learned a dance to this song... and I think the video is great... funny and catchy... so I thought I would pass it on... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFnnsdPXcr8

OPPORTUNITIES!
I wanted to say.. Last weekend was a BLAST, Grand Rapids people, YOU ARE ROCKSTARS! Thanks for being so damn awesome... the talk at the DAAC, Opening at the UICA, the symphony, the Litribune events, the downtown shops, the LOVE, it was BLOWING MY MIND!
Enough of that lovey dovey stuff... got to save it for Mr. Man.

QUESTION!?
Someone asked me yesterday for names of some of the Video production companies filming in west Michigan.. I had a few names but I was wondering who else is out there. If you are a Film and Video production company or know of one, send me a link!

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

Art Work, Football and enchiladas! Word on the Street February 5

Hey hey hey!
Did you know the Super bowl is this weekend!? How did that happen!? I have to admit, I am not a sports fan, but once a year... on Superbowl... I resign myself to watching a single sporting event.... Of course I have NO idea what is going on most of the time AND I don't even know what teams are playing BUT I do it.... So Sunday. Rah Rah, Football!

But before that....... here is Word on the Street, February 5, 2010~

FRIDAY!
The DAAC is hosting a pretty interesting conversation about the local impact of art, labor and economics on February 5th from 3-5pm, Artists, city planners, community organizers, strategists, interested or interesting parties are invited to participate in conversation. A little FYI Chicago artist Marc Fischer is leading the discussion and focusing on the issues addressed in the ART WORK project, a national dialogue concerning art and economies.
Cost: FREE!
Location: The Division Avenue Arts Collective 115 S. Division (www.thedaac.org)

The Litibune is BLOWING this weekend up! Celebrate their winter issue (Litribune is a zine) with Dan and the clan on Friday at Sparrows. Meet up with featured artists, including Rebecca Green, Rick Beerhorst and an artist from K-zoo Chelsea Thorpe, at the Sparrows from 3 until 10... there will be music from Benjamin Riley, Julio Gomez, Shane Tripp, Nathan Kalish and Chance Jones... THEN check out their Saturday show at Funders!
Cost: Free
Locations: Sparrows1035 Wealthy

FRIDAY is art day! UICA has new shows opening inclding work by Ashley Jon Pigford, Chad Curtis, Travis Graves & Jackson Martin, and Dan Price. The opening begins at 6 and goes until 9pm....
Cost: Free
Location: 41 Sheldon Avenue

I love the violin... it is one of the best instruments for expressing pain....and sadness.... Anyhow this weekend the Symphony is performing the Beethoven Violin Concherto and Shotakovich's Symphony No. 5. There are performances on Friday and Saturday at 8pm each. Tickets range start at $18.00.... don't make that face! Lots of people will spend more then $18 on DINNER tonight! THIS IS CULTURE!
Cost: $18
Location: Devos Performance Hall!

SATURDAY!
Last weekend I got a chance to check out the Calder Jewelry show at the GRAM and it was totally freaking great! The work was really interesting, the displays are sweet and it was pretty inspiring all around... on Saturday if you are looking for something to do the museum is open from 10am to 5pm....
Cost: 8$
Location: 101 Monroe Center

On Saturday the Litribune is back and still celebrating! Starting at 9pm you can meet up with the Litribune Crew for a local brew and music by Petals Rang the Bell, Fields of Industry and The Fainting Generals. I really like Fields and the Generals but I haven't heard Petals yet.....anyone checked them out yet?
Anyhow get out, support the Litribune, pick up a copy and read'em up!
Cost: $5
Location: Founders 235 Grandville

Need a little Latino Caribbean music in your life? Akaray is playing at Mexicains Sans Frontieres on Saturday beginning at 8pm until 10pm!
Cost: I am sure there is a cover, maybe like 6$ish?
Location: 120 S. Division

SUNDAY!
Don't get envious, this is for KIDS... Sunday Corey is holding a Meet N Greet for his spring Rock Band class. The Class is SWEET. Kids "audition" and the meet and greet and then Corey puts them into groups. The kids then take private lessons with corey and also practice as a group... at the end of the term they are fully functioning. Last years class played all over town it was SO FREAKING AWESOME... like on stage and everything! The Meet N Greet is Sunday from 2-5pm and if you know a kid who would be interested you can call Corey for details 881-3287
Cost: (call Corey!)
Location: Movement and Music 120 S. Division (across from Vertigo)

Superbowl. 'nough said.

MONDAY!
Interested in getting involved in Heartside? The Heartside Downtown Neighborhood Association is electing new board members on Monday and they need a few new faces AND voting is open to ANYONE! Board members serve for a year, the board is a working board and last year they accomplished some amazing things! Including Harvest for Heartside, Cleansweep, the Heartside Talent Show, and the Neighborhood Watch... So come vote, join the board OR just meet up with friends and neighbors! 5:30 Monday night...
Cost: Free!
Location: 54 S. Division

Dog Story Theater's Comedy Mondays, improve, standup, Sketch, Film, music, one act plays, puppets the kitchen sink..you name it! And there are two shows, 8pm and 9pm
Cost: $7.00
Location: 1115 Taylor Street

TUESDAY
So they say it's almost time... they say we might not have to wait very much longer... but I am scared to say it out loud and jinx it.... So pretend I am whispering... pppssssttt.... Little Mexico's Grand Opening is Scheduled for Tuesday the 9th.... Keep your Fingers Crossed! I CAN"T WAIT!

CLASS!
Corez is "offering" a wine tasting class a hard core WINE class... not a shmoozzy taste test but suposidly a knowledge building CLASS. The First class is Tuesday the 9th. You need to call and reserve a spot, it is $35 for each class and you need to reserve a spot via Credit card. There is a limit of 12 students in the class. So if you are interested get up on it... 855-2310 or mike@corezwinebar.com
Location: 919 Cherry Street

GET FIT!
Audrey Chapman's Yoga Class takes place on Tuesday nights and Thursday mornings... her new session Starts next week and I totally recommend it... you can find out more about pricing and locations on her blog! http://abeautifulyoga.wordpress.com/

LIFE ONLINE:
The Arts Council and the Community Foundation have launched www.whatsyourartgr.com. Designed by Plenty Creative the site is like a clearing house for performance, fine and local art. Looks spiffy. You need to be a member of the Arts Council to load up events and I will be excited to see how the site evolves as people are using it.... So Check IT OUT!

OPPORTUNITIES!
The Lowell Area Arts Council is holding their annual Regional show and submissions are due on February 12th. If you are interested you will want to check out their website http://www.lowellartscouncil.org/ There is a $30 entry fee....

OH WHOAH!
I got such a rad response from last week's question about places to snowshoe that I thought I would share some of the suggestions....here are a few of them...
Townsend
http://www.accesskent.com/CultureLeisureAndTransit/Parks/townsend.htm

Seidman
http://www.accesskent.com/CultureLeisureAndTransit/Parks/seidman.htm

Pickeral Lake (one of my Faves)
http://www.accesskent.com/CultureLeisureAndTransit/Parks/pickerel.htm

Blanford Nature Center
http://www.blandfordnaturecenter.org/

I also received suggestions for Riverside and Aman Parks!!!

This weekend is going to be super Rah Rah! I hope to see you at the Lecture on Friday...
If you are on facebook you can join the group. Currently we are sending word out as an "event" and a message on facebook so feel free to share..... you can post feedback there or of course send me an email at... wordonthestreetgr@gmail.com . OR if you want to check out the Blog got to http://www.g-rad.org/projects/wordonthestreet/

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

On the Cheap!

On the Cheap! WOTS 1-27-10

How are you all?
I know this time of year can be tight SO this weekend there are a bunch of SUPER cheap options (mostly 6$ and under!) and a whole bunch of freebies! If you are going to splurge I suggest the Ballet, normally maybe not for everyone, but their Chaplin performance, Flickers, is gonna be good for all ages and tastes... So time to zip the lip and get down to business!

Here is Word on the Street for January 27, 2010

WEDNESDAY
Volunteer Fest at the DAAC: Otherwise known as the day you stopped thinking about it and started getting involved! We are going to talk about some DAAC details, get trained on how to use some sound equipment, install brand new vynal on the windows and it is a potluck! Also since Geo got the DAACUMENT, the DAAC's new ZINE finished on time there will be PIZZA! WHOA! Meet up at 7pm
Cost: Free
Location: 115 S. Division

YNPN-GGR (The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network) is hosting an community conversation about West Michigan and the Global Economy during Happy Hour (amazing specials!) at Gardella's from 5 until 7pm.
Cost: Free
Location: 11 Ionia.

ALL WEEKEND LONG!
Splurge! I love the ballet because there are moments when you can hardly believe that a person can DO THAT with their BODY, jump that high, move that fast or be that graceful! This weekend the Grand Rapids Ballet is performing Flickers a piece embodying Charlie Chaplin's escapades interpreted through dance. The performance on Friday begins at 7:30 but there are also performances on Saturday and Sunday!
Location: 341 Ellsworth
Cost: Tickets for A-dults start at $30

FRIDAY! IS-ART-DAY!
Mexicains Sand Frontieres is hosting a experimental noise, art, no wave show this weekend with Astro Bats, Warp 51, and DAST. Artists include the wildly talented Melissa Aprin Duimstra, Tom d, Cherie Hilliker and Pascle Suxe. And while you are there don't forget to wish Hugo a HAAAAPPPPPPYYYYY BBBBIIIIRRRRTTHHHDAAAY, because a birthday is always a happy day indeed! Show starts at 8pm
Location 120 S. Division
Cost $5

Also on Friday is the opening of the Calder Jewelry show at the GRAM. I have head good things about the work and it sounds pretty interesting. Because it is a Friday night at the GRAM it is reduced fee for the public to get in. There is also live music and you can grab a bite in the Café.
Location: just off of the Mya Lyn elliptic
Cost $5

If you missed the premier of Coyote (which was AWESOME) you can catch it this weekend at the "Mr. Spookity Horrorfest Film Festival" over at the wealthy theater on Friday the 29th beginning at 6:30 pm. There are going to be 7-ish pieces created by local film makers, a performance by Dangerville and you can gorge yourself on popcorn!
Location: 1130 Wealthy St. SE
Cost: $5

SATURDAY!!
Looking for a great laid back house show this weekend? The Beerhorsts are hosting Soil the Sun, experimental folk music from 7 until 9pm.
Location: 106 Fuller Ave SE
Cost $6

Saturday at the DAAC check out PK fire along with Lake Minuscule. The show starts at 7, the music is folk acoustic there may be a special guest and its pretty freaking cheap.
Location: 115 S. Division.
Cost : 6$

SUNDAY
Sunday the Saz is getting rowdy. There is an afternoon Mr. Sketchy's Art School and then starting at 10pm the Shimmy Shack Burlesque is talking the floor. They will feature four performers form Chicago along with the local ladies! Favorite performer names: Wham Bam Pam, La La Vulvaria and Velveeta the Cheetah!
Cost$5
Location 1418 Plainfield Ave NE

DiscFunktional Sunday at Founders! Sweet beats mixed by a Brewer at the Brewery! You are bound to want to get up and MOVE! The Music starts at 9 and goes till close.
Cost: Free
Location: 235 Grandville

UICA is home to the Chiaroscuro Movie festival and on Sunday you can watch the movies "Archilles and the Tortoise" and "Invisiblites" for FREE!
Invisiblities is created by local film maker Jennifer Proctor... Starts at 2:30 goes till 4:20
Cost: Free
Location: 41 Sheldon Blvd.

Every Sunday night Katherine is gracious enough to host Negative Space Poetry Open Mic, original work is encouraged but a few people have been known to read the work of someone else...Meet up starts at 7pm. If you need in buzz up to unit 311 and if you want to contact Katherine, goestoshowpress@gmail.com
Location: 106 S. Division Apt 311
Cost: Free!

LIFE ONLINE
Check out the new DAACTRAXX the podcast of the DAAC Radio hour from WYCE
Find it on their website http://www.g-rad.org/daac/

Want to find out more about the Crime in your neighborhood? I wrote a Rapidian piece about how easy it is to use the new GRPD crime mapping software. Check it out!
http://bit.ly/crimetime

SUGGESTIONS!?
I am looking to get out and snowshoe this weekend. Any suggestions on locations? I don't want to drive further the 20 minutes and I want to trek around for about an hour. Also I have my own snow shoes! Let me know if there is a park you dig!

Here is hoping you have a great weekend. If you are on facebook you can join the group. Currently we are sending word out as an "event" and a message on facebook so feel free to share..... you can post feedback there or of course send me an email at... wordonthestreetgr@gmail.com . OR if you want to check out the Blog got to http://www.g-rad.org/projects/wordonthestreet/

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

Snow drifts, sleds, seasonal cheer and pussycat beer!

Ho,ho, howdy!

I have shamelessly blaring holiday music in both my office and my home for 3 days straight. A few years ago I realized the Holiday season had sped by and I had barely noticed SO to retaliate I now INDULGE in the holidays.... I listen to music, sit on my couch staring at my tree, cook seasonal food (this year we made holiday cookies) and I make a sport out of finding great presents and wrapping them. So I am going to overthrow the weather this weekend (we DO live in Michigan) because there are so many great opportunities to pick up gifts and relish in the seasonal cheer! Time to bundle up, snap on the snow shoes, harness the dogs to the sled and head out and about!

Here is Word on the Street for December 10, 2009!

ALL WEEKEND LONG!
All weekend long Dogstory Theater is hosting "Pericles!" Epic, possibly Shakespearan, romantic and magi: if you need an additional bonus there are chances to catch it on Friday (8pm) Saturday (8pm) and Sunday (3pm) for details check out dogstorytheater.com
Locaion: 1115 Taylor street
Cost: 12$

All weekend long you can catch the Nutcracker! I try to go every other year! My favorite part (of course) are some of the treats especially the Russian dancers! Followed by a very close second the faceoff with the mouse king and the Nutcracker! Ok so you can find out more, including show times at grballet.com!
Location: DeVos Performance Hall
Cost: tickets are between $20 and $53.

FRIDAY
Looking for the perfect pot? Or bowl, or plate, or mug? Dutch Lake Pottery is hosting their second Annual Christmas Gift Sale Friday and Saturday! On Friday stop by between 10 and 8 and on Saturday from 10 until 4pm. work is made by potters from around West Michigan!
Location: 820 Monroe Ave Suite 44
Cost: looking is free!

Friday Night is URBAN LIGHTS! There will be maps avaiable at Sanctuary Folk Art Or just print the list! Here is the awesome list of 20 participating spaces!
• Urban Institute of Contemporary Art (S)Edition: Prints as Activism, A Juried International Printmaking Competition Lisa Kellner: Suspended Presence, Mira Burack & Narine Kchikian: The Economist Series, Carrie Olson: Complications May Occur, Joel Seah: Atrocities, Juliane Beth Shibata: Compositions Location: 41 Sheldon Blvd- open until 9pm

• Bohemia Too Featuring great holiday shopping, from shoes and clothing to books and beads. Location: 10 Weston - Open until 11pm

• Premier Clothing, accessories, skate apparel & shoes. Location: 139 S. Division- Open until 7pm

• Heartside Gallery- New work by intuitive, folk and local artist! Location: 54 S. Division-Open until 9pm

• (106) Calvin College Department of Art and Art History- Featuring Portfolio: 2010 Bachelor of Arts -work by graduating Art Education students as well as work by introductory painting and drawing students, & sculpture students. Location: 106 S. Division Ground floor- Open until 10pm

• Hollowell Art- holiday Studio Sale and Portfolio Clearance, Prints and original work, Music Menagerie w/ Dj loving Spoonful. The L Loft. Location:106 S. Division/MLK Second Floor Unit # 215 Open until 11pm

• Temporary Gallery Space Featuring 10 local artist and craft persons, Alison Jones, Becca Schaub, Mike Guyette, Heather Robinson, Erwin Erkfitz, Jenn Schaub, Kelly Allen, Jay Portvanfliet, Hyun Yoo, Nathan Mabie and more! For information about leasing this space contact Heather at 855-0418. Location: 120 S. Division- Open until 11pm

• Randall A. Gornowich of Randallart Studios- Holiday Clearance Sale; photographs, paintings, sculptures and wearable creations. Location: 120 S. Division Second Floor Unit # 224 Open until 10pm

• Mexicains Sans Frontieres-Artwork by artist Hugo Claudin, Jamin Rollin, Jevon Dismuke, Jodi Rietberg Schmalz, Tom Duimstra, Melissa Arpin Duimstra, Diana Frentzos, Jim Gebben, Michael Bona and the Obscene Bird Trio. Location: 120 S. Division Second Floor Unit # 226 Open until 11pm

• Stache Gallery - The AIGA group from GVSU is presenting a poster exhibition. Submissions have been collected from West Michigan students and designers.Location: 120 S. Division First Floor Unit #124 Open until 11pm

• Commute Bike Shop- 5 bucks off t-shirts- 15% off everything in the store. Location: 120 S. Division First Floor Unit #125 Open until 10pm

• Imagination Creations- Recycled/reconstructed goods, hair and vintage treasure. Location: 120 S. Division, First Floor Unit #126 - Open until 11pm

• Capsule Modern Furniture and Art-Featuring Cameron VanDyke's custom furniture and Rachael Vandyke's paintings! Location: 136 S. Division- Open until 11pm

• Sanctuary Folk Art - Packed full of intuitive art! Location: 140 S. Division- Open until 11pm

• The DAAC- Brilliant: a show of artwork that glows or lights up! Location: 115 S. Division-Open until 11pm

• Scavenger Hunt- Stop in for great vintage presents and holiday wear! Location: 117 S. Division- Extended business hours until 9pm

• Vertigo Music- Everything on sale- $1 off all new CDs/Vinyl LPs buy 3 used Cds/LPs...get a 4th (of equal or lesser value) free. Holiday discounts and sales throughout the store! Location: 129 S. Division- Open until 11pm

• Mixedtape Café- Craig Owens, Nocturnal Me, The Arrival, and Katie Stanley Show starts at 6:00 PM $12 all ages welcome. Location: 133 S. Division- Open until 12am

• All City Kicks- The coolest fashions for the hip, including clothing & shoes. Location: 139 S. Division- Open until 9pm

• Open Source Studio and Gallery- live music from russ brakefield (of winter sessions) and friends live art and original jewelry from Joe Sherry and more, Location: 235 S. Division Unit #112 (Williams and Division)Open until 11pm

Stay in the neighborhood by heading over to Bethlehem Lutheran Church where the Grand Rapids Women's Chorus will be performing. There will also be an art opening featuring the work of the Dominican Sisters. The show will include work from Sister Lois Schaffer, Sister Francetta McCann, Sister Phyllis Mronzinski, Sister Mona Schwind and Sister Laurena Alflen. The performance will feature a culturally diverse music program. The MAJIC event begins at 7pm! to find out more grmajic.org
Location: 250 Commerce Ave
Cost: suggested donation of $10

If you are looking to get international on Friday the Wealthy Theater is hosting "Beneath Everest-Nepal Reborn." The film reflects upon the complicated Maoist insurrection and violence in the Nepolise countryside and was created by GVSU graduate Tulsi Bhandari. The piece is Starts at 7:30pm beneath-everest.com/
Location 1130 Wealthy St SE
Cost $5

SATURDAY!
This weekend looks great for Ice Skating! The Rink downtown is open Monday-Tuesday 6pm to 9:30pm, Wed-Sunday 12-9:30!
Location: Monroe Center St NW & Monroe Ave NW
Cost $1

Blandford' Homestead Holiday event is uber holiday with carolers, horse drawn carriages, ornament making, snacks, snow snakes and candle luminaries. Starts at 4pm and goes until 8pm
Location 1715 Hillburn Avenue.
Cost: $5

Mixedtape on Saturday catch Chase Coy, 12 track radio, This April and Jake Sciacchitano. Show starts at 6:30 All ages
Location 133 S. Division.
Cost $10

Saturday night at Mulligan's catch Chance Jones with Burgertime and guests from the east side of the state "Dutch Pink" The singer for Dutch Pink is very Tom Watts. Gig Starts at 9pm!
Location: Mulligans in Eastown
Cost: I think it is free.

SUNDAY!
If you need to step it up on Sunday stop by Armenta Studios and do a Zumba Fitness By Donation Class with the Wild and wonderful Kate! Zumba= aerobic dance fitness world music dance party work out. Test it out this Sunday from 2 until 3pm.
Location 955 Wealthy St Se
Cost: up to you!

On Sunday the Pussy Cat Beer Guild or the PCBG is releasing their "Black Cat" brew and having a holiday party! Join them for a tasting at 4pm at Hopcat
Location: Corner of Ionia and Weston
Cost: Free and a great place to grab dinner and a beer!

MONDAY!
I am SO Stoked to be able to pass this on! On Monday night you can catch a Very Speical Local Christmas Concert to benefit the Special Olympics at Fountain Street Church. Check out the line up! The Concussions, Nobody's Darlin', Members of Domestic Problems, J. Oscar Bittinger and Friends, Spencer Mulder and a few special surprise guests! The show starts at 7pm but doors open an hour early. Thanks for the tip James!
Location: 24 Fountain Street NE
Cost:$15. the day of (cheaper ahead of time at Vertigo Music!) free for kids under 5!

Life online:
Shulers books has a new site, so much better then its old one: check it out! http://www.schulerbooks.com/

And if you aren't already put the Rapidian on your daily digest list. Great, local citizen journalism site. http://www.therapidian.org/

If you visited the Avneue for the Arts Market this summer chances are you heard a performance by Kurt Denison. His new release Surface is ready to download and you can check it out on his facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/kurtdenisonmusic the perfect suggestion for your local-ite Jack Johnson loving buddy!

Ah the Pandora just cued up Winter Wonderland.... Lovely! Ya' should let me know if there is some thing cool going on, I would love to add it to the list....
Where to find Word:
• Facebook: Post comments on the group, share events I missed or drop me a message.
• G-rad.org: the original HOME of WOTS, check it out!
• TheRapidian: Citizen News journal
• And of course there is always good old email. jschaub@dwellingplacegr.org.

Drop me a message and let me know what your favorite holiday song is...
Thanks for reading all the way down to the very bottom.
Jenn

Get up, get out, get Art, all weekend long!

Word on the Street is a semi-regular weekend update. It is published on Facebook, through the email and it makes its permanent home on G-RAD. You can post feedback in either place or, of course, send me an email at... wordonthestreetgr@gmail.com . Events are selected because I like them, or i like the organzation hosting the event, or it was recommended to me, or because I don't think they get enough props in other media and the criteria is...I would consider going myself. Also... events have a tendency to be downtown-centric because i Love and Live Downtown....
So here you go Rapidain Readers.... your first dose of WORD ON THE STREET!
Happy Friday! You caught me...I've been trying to get this out all afternoon! But it has just been SO busy! But the time is NOW!

Here it is....Word on the Street November 20, 2009!

FRIDAY!
This weekend is an ART weekend... it is the shopping before the season... and for those of us who celebrate holidays that start earlier then December 25th it is a great time to get fabulous presents for those family gift exchanges!

The first stop on my weekend gift list shopping extravaganza....

On Friday and Saturday there is a Holiday Open House art sale featuring a bunch of local artists, Sierra Cole, Jan Helder, Sarah Diem-Cash, Cheryl Betser, Robyn Kayne, Vicki DeGraff, Dave DeGraff, Carolyn Steenland, and Sue Konyndyk. From sweet felted hand bags to recycled journals and Christmas ornaments there are going to be a ton of great stuff of stocking stuffers and gifts in the $5 and $10 range, tip, go on Friday for wine and treats! Friday, 3-8pm Saturday 9am to 4pm!
Location: 69 Carlton
Cost: looking is free but bring the check book!

Tanglefoot is having their 19th annual Holiday Sale and Open Studio this weekend on both Friday 5pm to 10pm and Sunday from 12 until 5pm Artists include Elaine Dalcher, Michael Pfleghaar, Tommy Allen, Alynn Guerra, Carlos Aceves, Nikki Wall, Tim Gunnett, Sandi Gunnett, Jeff Condon, Loud Art, Gailforces Studio and Jere VanSyoc . I am going to swing by on Sunday with the folks and pick up a print for Mr. Man's grandma! Can't wait!
Location: 314 Straight Avenue Door K
Cost: looking is free but bring the check book!

Here are three other hot entertainment picks for Friday night:

The Grand Rapids Ballet presents Deeply Rooted Dance from Chicago at the Wege Theater on Ellsworth (just down the street from Founders) the Show starts at 7:30 and according to the description the troupe focuses on traditions of African American dance, theater and music.
Cost: tickets are about $30 Discounts for kids and seniors

The Pop Scholars at Dog Story Theater... I want to go see this show but haven't yet... SO IF YOU GO let me know what you think. The 4some long form improv group takes the stage at 9:30pm
Location 1115 Taylor NW
Cost 5$

Finally on Friday at the DAAC check out the collaborative work of Loralee Dudley, Philip Carrel and Jacquelyn Kroll with music by Colortrack, Dave Palma, Jay Kolk, Philip Seaomun and Dave Greendonner. Show starts at 7
Location 115 S. Division
Cost: Free but donations are appreciated!

SATURDAY is an ART DAY!
The Holiday Avenue for the Arts Market is taking over Founders on Saturday from 12pm until 8pm. Artists include: Sarah Jo Saunders, Lisa Portenga, Miranda Powers, Andrea Dixon, Mike and Sue Conway, Sue Conrad & Lynn Monroe, Tamara Treino, Chris Cook, Meggin Howland, Heather Robinson, Jo Gage, Sarah Martin, Sarah Lynn Designs, Rebecca Dubuc, Susanna Edwards, Kathleen/ Greg Maceachron-Merrill, John Warner, Joel Howell, Elizabeth Forrest, Sean Neely, Rebecca Green, Lori Borek, if you want a sneak peak at their goods check out the website www.avenuefortharts.com/streetmarket This is the first time we have had an Avenue for the Arts market in the off season so stop by and let us know what you think?
Location: 235 Grandville Avenue SW
Cost: Free, but how can you pass up the promise of a brew, sandwich and a piece of art!?
If you stick around Founders after the Holiday Market you can also check out Mother Nature, The Wildfire and Chip Fundy!

One of my favorite local galleries, Sanctuary Folk Art is hosting a art sale on Saturday from 12 until 9pm... they will be showcasing new work by Reb, Carmella, Tom d. Melissa, Dave (I WANT one of DAVE's paintings... if only I could decide on ONE piece!) Chris Schaefer and of course there is a mishmash of other great artists...

Also that evening there is the 50 for 50 at Mexicains Sans Frontieres, from paintings to photography there are will be 50 works of art for $50 each. There is also live entertainment with a few music acts and break dancing as well!
Location:120 S. Division Apt 226 (above Imagination Creations, and if you can't get in the front go to the BACK!)
Cost: Free, or 50$ if you find a present for that special someone!

Also on Saturday the Roller girls are heading up a bout with the less talented less intense, totally about to get pounded Ohio All Stars! The bout starts at 5pm, Go GIRLS!
Details http://grandraggidyrollergirls.com/
Location 2605 Stanford Ave Grandville!

SUNDAY
Found Footage Festival at the UICA. Yep all found, all weird, all totally real... "the things people do with video cameras!" guffaw and knee slap! Show starts at 7 and takes about 3 hours.
Location: 41 Sheldon Blvd
Cost $10

FEEL ALL SOFT AND FUZZY!
The Dwelling Place is looking for volunteers for Deck the Avenue, on December 1! Volunteers can get into the holiday spirit by supporting local businesses and finding out more about Dwelling Place, a supportive, affordable housing and revitalization force in Downtown GR!
We will be hanging wreaths, lights and painting winter scenes in the windows and storefronts along South Division. Interested volunteers should contact Teresa Z at 855-0429 or tzbiciak@dwellingplacegr.org

Just a side note... next week I won't be writing word! But I wanted to suggest the Chance Jones CD release and I promise to be back at it the First week in December!
If you are on facebook you can join the group. Currently we are sending word out as an "event" and a message on facebook so feel free to share..... you can post feedback there or of course send me an email at... wordonthestreetgr@gmail.com . OR if you want to check out the Blog got to http://www.g-rad.org/projects/wordonthestreet/

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

For those of us NOT perched in a deer stand.....

HHHHHEEEEEEY YOU!

Sunday is the start of hunting season. I know because Mr. Man spends most of October and November hunting saying "there aren't that many more times left for me to get out and hunt...." When what he really means is..... "There is 6 weekends left for me to get out and BOW HUNT which will be directly followed by 3 months (a whole season) of gun hunting, more bow hunting, black powder hunting, small game hunting and rabbit hunting as well...." To quelch the sadness of being left by my sweet heart I am planning on packing in as much entertainment as I can to the next few months! Here are some of the things I am considering for this weekend....

Word on the Street for November 13th 2009!

Thursday!
80s night or "Retro D'Luxe" the original with DJ Jef Leppard has moved to the west side! You can still shake your groove thing on Thursday nights just now you are going to the Westside to The Rocket Lounge... the show is still free and the dj is dedicated to letting you dance your butt off so check it out!

Friday (Artday!)
Richard App Gallery has an opening tonight artists include Michael Buck and Tim Motley Photographers (both of these guys are included in GR Social Diary) Jeannette van der Veen, paintings and John Despres a sculptor/ set designer who I got to meet just a few weeks ago... opening form 5 till 9pm!
Location: 910 Cherry Street
Cost FREE!

Say yes to Art on Friday at the Byrnehoehm Gallery! The opening for Little Hang Ups starts at 5:30 and roles until 9:30 with art from Kelly Allen, Michele Bosak, Sarah Joseph and Susan Mulder. The sneak peek photos are looking GOOD... I can't wait to see more of Kelly's new work....
Location: 959 Lake at the intersection of Lake and Cherry
Cost: Free!

Then head over to the Heartside Talent taking you inside the world of outside intuitive performers... seriously mind bending! Rappers and musicians have been paired with country singers and poets, while folk singer songwriters will follow performances by jazz influenced performances of Summertime! The show starts at 8pm and ends around 10 come down and meet some of Heartisde's hidden talent! Read a little more here: http://bit.ly/4FaMBc
Location: 1130 Wealthy St
Cost: Free tickets avaiable until 5pm at 101 Sheldon Blvd Suite 2! Tickets the night of only 5$!

Friday at Mixedtape they are featuring "the Judgment of Paris along with Come Find the Lion, Pandora, Look Left Swing Right, We'll Watch it Burn and A Day of Moments show starts at at 6:30 pm
Location 133 S. Division
Cost $6pm

Friday night at the DAAC
Black Out Party with dante Cope, The SEVENth, Flying without Wingz, 80's Babies and more...Show at 9pm!
Location: 115 S. Division
Cost: wear all black get in for $3 everyone else $5

SATURDAY! (MUSIC FOR ALL!)
The Litribune is a new zine in town that is going to be published quarterly. To find out more about it check out the show they are putting on Saturday at Mexicains Sans Frontieres There are two bands, McGowan Southworth and Lazy Genius! Find out more, or submit some writing to the Litribute at http://thelitribune.com
Cost: $5
Location 120 S. Division unit 226. (second Floor above Imagination Creations!)

The Grand Rapid Symphony's Cirque de la Symphonie... aka jugglers, acrobats and aerialists take on music from Carmen, Star Wars, Bolero etc. YYYEESSS. cause frankly although I like the symphony sometimes I just want MORE... More eye candy! Starts at 8pm!
Location: 303 Monroe Ave
Cost: 18 and up!

Saturday night there is a great show at Founders. I can't speak to Funktion but the Southpaw Players are great... also this weekend Founders is releasing a new beer so let the taste tests begin. Show starts at 9:30
Location: 235 Grandville
Cost: usually around $6

Saturday check out live music at Rocky's Tavern there is a bad called Liza Day and the Northbound Trestle Singers(twangy folk) Summer & Starlight(twangy indie) and Nathan Kalish (not Twangy).
Location: 633 Ottawa
Cost :????

Saturday night at the Mixedtape check out The Hard Lessons, The Sights, Rattle Candy and Remedy Blue
Location 133 S. Division
Cost$10

Saturday at the DAAC
Tirra Lirra, Vollmar and a few local acts to boot! Show starts at 7pm!
Cost: $6!

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 15th
Check out an inspiring movie like "No impact Man" at the UICA. It looks at what takes for a family to go off the grid in a large city... and the struggle when one person LOVES to consume.... on Sunday you can catch 2 show times, 2 and 6pm!

I am also thinking of hitting up the GRAM on Sunday to see the Tissot exhibit. I just renewed my membership and am looking forward to a jaunt down to check out the show...

I also plan on squelching my sadness by creating radical Christmas presents and doing things like... crocheting 5 hats in one day... or work on creating some of the new bird ornaments I will be selling this holiday season... So mark your calendars to come and meet me at the UICA first weekend in December, or the second weekend at the Avenue for the Arts Urban Lights Event on December 11th 2009!

Word on the Street is a semi- weekly update. It is published on Facebook, through the email and it makes its permanent home on G-Rad. Currently we are sending word out as an "event" and a message on facebook so feel free to share..... you can post feedback there or of course send me an email at... wordonthestreetgr@gmail.com . If you want to check out the Blog got to http://www.g-rad.org/projects/wordonthestreet/

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

Seriously pinch me! I cannot believe it is November!

Seriously pinch me! I cannot believe it is November!
It's just such a tame fall I keep forgetting to wear important extras like... my scarf and that the HOLIDAY season is JUST around the corner...This weekend is really the last lull before we dive in to Thanksgiving get-togethers, potlucks and hob-nob chats.

Here is word on the Street for November (NOVEMBER!) 5, 2009!

ALL WEEKEND LONG!
Well House Community fundraiser from 5-9pm Thursday and Friday with a Saturday hours from 11-4 you can pick up some sweet arts crafts and yummy baked goods! Behind the house at 600 Cass Ave SE
Cost! FREE but you aren't going to want to walk out empty handed!

FRIDAY!
Um they sold out both performances last weekend SO Friday XIII is back with a weekend of horror, catch em on Friday OR on Saturday. Get drenched in a good ole' camp Crystal Lake blood bath! The performance promises some randy musical romping in addition to the horrors of a good campfire killing.
Location 1115 Taylor NW

The Facing Michigan the show at the UICA has some great pieces in it. Featuring the work of Sadashi Inuzuka of the University of Michigan, Tom Rice and Sarah Lindley of Kalamazoo College, and Paul Wittenbraker and Norwood Viviano of Grand Valley State University (all professors) there are some really interesting ideas about the state of our state..... check it out this month because it is gone by the 27th!
Location: 41 Sheldon
Cost: Free!

Friday night help the GRAM Celebrate its 100th birthday from 5:30 until 9pm! live music, chit chat, dinner cash bar, "social games" and open galleries... hum... sounds like a normal Friday night at the GRAM!

Friday at Mixedtape bands include a local line up: Avenmore, He is King, Squints Paladoris and Davey Klein show at 6:30
Location 133 S. Division
Cost $7

DAACFRIDAY! Check out the Giving Tree, Jes Kramer and Big House Red from 7pm
Location: 115 S. Division.
Cost 6$

Jukes (Westside!) Friday night catch 1592, Circus Pig, Selectively Anti Social and the red lights Show is at 9pm!
Cost: Free

SATRUDAY!
At the Gardens this weekend catch the Holiday Gift show. There are going to be 40 regional artists with work from around the state. The show is from 9 until 5 and there is free admission to the Gift show but you still need to pay to get into the gardens!

Recycled Art Market at Grand Rapids City High from 9am to 3pm, you know, reuse, recycle make art! It occurred to me last week that every artist is a small business so the more sustainable they are as a person and in their business practices the larger the impact!
Location 1400 Fuller Ave NE
Cost: Admission is $1 per person

MMMMM-Yum! This Saturday swing by Art of the Table for Beanilla a conversation/ tasting of all things vanilla! 10am to 3pm
Location 606 Wealthy
Cost FREE!

Symphony on Saturday, as part of the classical series the show called Color and Passion will include Brahms and Kodaly, I guarantee your gonna feel smarter just sitting there!
Location: 303 Monroe Ave.
Cost: $18 and up!

Saturday at Wealthy Theater is Fogged Clarity WSG White Pines. Show at 7:30! Location 1130 Wealthy Street
Cost $15 in advance

Red Project Benefit Concert (fight against AIDS) at Vertigo! Performers include the very hip Spencer Mulder, AB and Bangups! Show from 6 to 9:30 Find out more redproject.org
Location 129 S. Division Ave!
Cost $5 donation!

Mixedtape Hot off the Warped tour, The Status & The Fold and The Right Coast
Location 133 S. Division
Cost $10

DAACSATURDAY! Peter J Woods, Victory, Despot and Scabburger! Show 7pm
Location: 115 S. Division.
Cost 6$

Art battle royal, over 20 artists get geared up to duke it out. Everyone starts with a 4x4 surface but where they end up is anyone's guess. Doors at 10pm. Art is finished at 1am, winner announced at 1:45!
Location 955 Godfrey!
Cost FREE!

SUNDAY!
Sunday! Throw down Community style and help clean the DAAC! Sweep mop and more! 12pm

MONDAY!
Monday get out and catch Jessica Hopper the author of The Girls Guide to Rocking. This chick does the musical consulting for This American Life. Nough said!
Two lectures 3:30 at Spoelhof Atrium (on Calvin's campus) called feminist perspective and music criticism and then 7pm downtown at the Ladies Lit Club on Sheldon about her book the Girls guide!
Location 3201 Burton St SE (calvin) 56ish Sheldon (Ladies Lit/ next to UICA!)
Cost! FREE!

OPPORTUNITIES!
The DAAC is hosting an show for URBAN LIGHTS and is looking for Artists to participate. "BRILLAINT" will feature artwork and objects which are autonomously illuminated: shadow boxes, LED art, art printed on light boxes, old light-up signs, nightlights, glowing paint whatever! Please e-mail Teresa Zbiciak (t.zbiciak@gmail.com) an image and/or a description of work/object submissions, by November 16, 2009 at 5pm. Please put "Brilliant Submission" in the subject line.

Check out one of my very favorite things lately, the hello friends podcast at http://hellofriendspodcast.wordpress.com/
Its freaking awesome.

Look us up on Facebook and join the group.... You can invite your buddies to become friends.... you can post feedback there or of course send me an email at... wordonthestreetgr@gmail.com . If you want to check out the Blog got to http://www.g-rad.org/projects/wordonthestreet/

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