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Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — the newsletter that keeps you updated on what’s happening around town.
If you’re wondering why Calder News wasn’t in your inbox this morning, everything’s all good. I wrote today’s issue a bit late. So I decided to send it out around lunchtime rather than a random time this morning.
Anyhow, as always have a great day and weekend to come! 😁
~LeQwane L.
In today’s news:
🎅 Popular festive market returns
🦌 Kent County’s dee problem
🎵 Amphitheater update
Plus the events and live music for you and the family
Let’s dive into it…
What’s Happening
A briefing of local news that matters
Fun: Popular festive market returns
Are ya feeling festive? One of the most popular festive markets in Grand Rapids is returning for a second season. Opening today, the Christkindl Markt will be at the Downtown Market until December 23rd. More details are in today’s events.
Business: Family Fun Center gets a new owner
Earlier this week AJ’s Family Fun Center was acquired by the West Michigan Whitecaps. Starting next year, the center will be renamed to Game Time Fun Park, get a renovation (with an extra touch of Whitecaps), and a handful of other upgrades that are yet to be announced.
Wildlife: Kent County’s deer problem
Kent County, six metro areas, and 21 townships have launched an initiative to find solutions for our growing deer population. The initiative is working with community members and researchers to find a balance in how humans coexist with the local wildlife. Funny thing—deer hunting season starts today. With a little time, this problem may work itself out.
Development: Amphitheater update
The construction of the Acrisure Amphitheater is underway. And thanks to new renders, we learned how big the place will be. The project will also feature an acoustic roof the size of a football field, 12,000 seats, 300 built-in parking spaces, plus a nearby parking lot with 100 more spots for showgoers. You can spot the construction on Market St.
More development: Small GR community expands
Gaslight Village could be expanding. On Tuesday, the planning commission approved an early plan to bring seven new buildings to the small community. The buildings would feature an apartment complex with 180 units, more parking, commercial space, and a potential medical office.
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We Asked
In Wednesday’s email, we asked if road closures catch you off guard.
Here is how our readers responded…
89% of you said - Yes
9% of you said - Not usually
Around 2% said - No
The results were pretty close to what I expected.
While I haven’t figured out how to get updated on every road closure, I’ll include any I come across in Calder News for ya. 🫡
Events
Preview: Events —> Live Music
Friday
Christkindl Markt 2024 | Downtown Market | Various times | Free
Merry Market GR | (Fri - Sat) ST. Nicholas Cultural Center | Free
Grand Rapids Comic Con | (Fri - Sun) DeVos Place | 12 PM - 7 PM | Starting at $7
Annual Tree Lighting | Tanger Outlets | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Free
Hockey: Griffins vs Chicago Wolves | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Starting at $30
GR Symphony: South American Heat | DeVos Performance Hall | 7:30 PM | Starting at $19
GR Comic-Con After Party | The Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM - 12 AM | $20 | Adults 21+ only
Saturday
50th Annual Hearts & Holly Bazaar | Our Lady of Consolation School | 9 AM - 3 PM | $3
Intro to terrarium design | Grand Rapids Public Library (main) | 1 PM - 2:30 PM | Free with registration
Native American Dancers | Grand Rapids Public Library (main) | 3 PM - 4 PM | Free
Theo Von (Comedy) | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM - 10 PM | Starting at $35
River City Improv (Comedy) | Midtown GR | 7:30 PM | $20
Live Music
Friday
Big D & The Kids Table (Ska punk) | The Stache | 6:30 PM | $25 adv
Flatland Cavalry | GLC Live | 7 PM | Starting at $40
Hackensaw Boys (Americana) | Tip Top Bar | 8 PM | $20
Nekter (Techno) | The Mint | 9 PM | $15 adv/ $25 door
Funkle Jesse (Punk rock) | River City Saloon | 9 PM | Free
Januzzi Watchmen / Feeding Grizzlies / King Ink (Variety) | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM - 1 AM | Free
Saturday
Jahari Stampley (Modern Jazz) | DeVos Performance Hall | 1 PM
Electro Fusion Dance Party | The Intersection | 8 PM | $15
JP & The Energy (Pop + covers ) | The BOB | 9 PM | Free
Sunday
Dogs In A Pile (Funk Jazz) | The Stache | 6 PM | $20
Kyle Joe & David Wilcox | Midtown GR | 7 PM
Chicago | DeVos Performance Hall | Starting at $60
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
That’s All For Today…
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