Good morning, Grand Rapids!

In case you missed it, Jenny is away on a camping trip, so I’ll be handling our newsletters this week like old times.

Let’s see if I still got it. ;)

~LeQwane L.

Branding Based in Grand Rapids

Together with: One Mohr Time

Derek @ One Mohr Time Holding Their ArtPrize Branding Work

To stand out in a growing city like Grand Rapids, local businesses need branding that’s straightforward and consistent, and maybe a little bold.

That might mean refining an existing logo or creating a full brand system that’s easier to use day-to-day. If you work, own, or know a local restaurant, large organizations, or even an up-and-coming business:

One Mohr Time - the creative agency trusted by The City of Grand Rapids, ArtPrize, Calder News, and dozens of other local businesses.

The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

Arts

ArtPrize Extends Event With β€œPreview Week”

The largest art competition in the USA has gotten an update for this year. On Monday, ArtPrize announced it is bringing back β€œPreview Week”, essentially a week-long experience that’ll help locals get a chance to see most of the art installations around town before the crowds and voting start. Preview week will run Sept. 12th - 17th. While the official event launches Sept. 18th. | Review the schedule here

Community

GRPS Finally Sells Former Schools

The Grand Rapids Board of Education has approved the sale of the former Alexander and Stocking Elementary buildings. Alexander School on the SE side is set to become a mixed-use community space with space for non-profits, residential housing, and childcare programming. While Stocking will become multi-family housing, community space, and a health center. Either building sold for $1M. | Learn more here

Transit

S-Curve Gets New Lighting

A $9M project to improve the lighting on the northbound and southbound lanes on US-131 on the S-Curve between Wealthy and Pearl is now underway. The project will occur in multiple parts between June and October, so expect regular single-lane closures on the highway and periodic ramp closures. | Learn more

Have news to report? Click here.

Civil News

Interested in chatting with leaders in our city's local government?

Next Tuesday, the city is hosting its second Commission Night Out at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. While the event has a fun β€œA Night at the Museum” theme, it’ll be a serious opportunity for anyone interested in local government.

The purpose of the event is to get Commissioners and decision makers out of the office and into the community. Giving you a chance to learn how and why decisions are made, what resources are available, and of course, a chance to speak with city leaders.

If you have time, this is one of the more impactful events to check out this month!

πŸ“… June 16th @ 6 PM
πŸ“ Grand Rapids Public Museum

Note: There’s on-site parking that’ll be free (with validation).

Talk Of The Town

πŸͺ™ Gold Medals for The Grand Rapids Gold

The Grand Rapids Gold received a personal message from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after winning the award of NBA G League Franchise of the Year, along with the team’s president’s β€œExecutive of the Year” award.

⚾ Pro Helps Whitecaps

Over the weekend, MLB Pro Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers had his first minor league rehab appearance with the Whitecaps (just a month after an elbow surgery). Skubal struck out 6 and only allowed two hits, with 44/54 pitches being strikes. There are clearly levels!

Business News

βœ… New

HOMEBODY, a new women’s clothing & accessories shop boutique with new & β€œpre-loved” clothing has opened its doors in Uptown.

A new Uptown Cheapskate location is opening on Alpine near Kohl's and Office Max.

The long vacant building at 1801 and 1803 Plainfield (the building next to Frosty Boy) in the Creston neighborhood is getting a new life as a native-owned coffee shop - Abo Coffee Company.

The YMCA has opened its new childcare center at the Rapid’s Center Station. The $9M facility features 12k sqft, classrooms, and multiple playgrounds.

❗ Updates

Blue Dog Tavern is looking for cute doggos to display at its bar. Have a photo you want to share with fellow dog lovers? Check out their post.

What’s Happening?

Tuesday, June 9th

Wednesday, June 10th

Thursday, June 11th

Friday, June 12th

Live Music

Tuesday, June 9th

  • Chris Cranick + Phabies | Meijer Gardens | 7 PM | GA

Wednesday, June 10th

  • Phantom Planet | Elevation | 7 PM | $41

  • The Westside + Julie's Bones + The Mannequins + Fuzzbuster | Pyramid Scheme | 7:30 PM | $17

  • The Beths | The Big Room | 8 PM | $38

  • Augustana | Intersection | 8 PM | $95

Thursday, June 11th

  • Fountain Fest 2026 | Fountain St. Church | (Thu - Sun) 1:30 PM - 12 AM | Pay what you can

  • Remnose | Rosa Park Circle | 12 PM - 1:30 PM | Free

  • Kyle Jennings | Grandville Community Commons | 4 PM | Free

  • The Mix Drift | Horrocks Market | 5 PM | Free

  • Blues Jam | Chicago Beef Joint | 6 PM | Free

  • Live on The Lawn: Sam Wesley | 3181 Bradford St NE | 6:30 PM | Free

  • Warchild ft. Scott Pryor | The Stache | 7 PM | $15

  • Tyler Hilton & Kate Voegele | Midtown | 7 PM | $35+

  • Westside Soul Surfers | Kentwood City Lawn | 7 PM | Free

Friday, June 12th

  • Big Daddy Fox | Horrocks Market | 5 PM | Free

  • Melophobix | Ada Legacy Park | 6 PM | Free

  • Michael Riley, The Merry Men, The Benjamin Tate Band | The Stray | 7 PM | Free

  • Brian Vander Ark | Midtown | 7 PM | $30

  • Dolly Dagger | Rapid River Stillhouse | 9 PM | $5

  • North By North wsg Inaudible Darling and King Ink | Tip Top | 9 PM | $12

  • Mark LavengoodMark Lavengood | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM | Free

  • Hattrick | Firebird Bar | 9:30 PM | Free

*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.

That’s All For Today…

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πŸ“§ Get your business in an upcoming issue of Calder News. Let’s talk about how we can put your business in front of thousands of GR locals.

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