Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — and you made it to Friday, sailor.

I’m not the biggest sports guy, but I know a boatload is happening in the sports world. So I’m curious…

I appreciate you taking the chance on me and regularly reading Calder News. Have a great weekend, folks.🫡

Now let’s get into today’s issue

~LeQwane L.

The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

Development

Gerald R Ford Museum’s New Green Space

After years of sitting unused, the iconic fountain outside the Gerald R. Ford Museum is being removed and replaced with a public green space. The new plaza will honor Betty Ford’s love of gardening and offer a welcoming, low-maintenance spot for future gatherings. Work is underway now, with a full transformation expected by spring 2026. | Read what the upgrade will include

Community

GR Turns Out For Autism Acceptance

Yesterday, more than 2,000 walkers crossed the Blue Bridge to show their support during Hope Network’s Bridge Walk for Autism (that’s more than twice last year’s turnout). The event wrapped up Autism Acceptance Month with a clear message — GR is a place where everyone is valued. | Learn more about the event

Local business

Comcast Supports Small Biz Owners

Comcast RISE is bringing $3 million in grants, tech upgrades, and marketing support to 100 Grand Rapids and Muskegon small businesses. Applications open May 1. I’m one of the biggest haters of Xfinity internet, but this is pretty cool. | Learn how to apply for a grant

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GR History: Hotel Rowe’s Long Legacy

Built in 1923 by a local businessman named Fred Rowe at the corner of Michigan and Monroe, The Rowe wasn’t always luxury apartments—complete with over 300 rooms, a grand ballroom, and plenty of space. It was the 4th hotel built in that exact spot.

After decades of welcoming guests, the building became a senior residence in the 1950s and was renamed to Olds Manor

It closed in 2001 and sat vacant for years—until 2014, when it was transformed into The Rowe Apartments with retail space below.

A fun detail from the past: early hotel guests used to park in the basement—inside a former tunnel tied to the city’s old river canal.

From glitz to reinvention, The Rowe is just one reminder of how Grand Rapids reinvents its icons while keeping their stories alive.

Know any other interesting historical facts I should cover? Let me know what to research next!

Talk Of The Town

Interesting happenings around town

♟️ Local Game Shop Cures Weekend Boredom

Last Friday, a few friends and I rented a new game called Heat: Pedal to the Metal. What started as "just one race" turned into 3+ hours of competitive fun. I enjoyed it so much, I teamed up with Board Haven Games to give you a free board game rental. So pick one of 60+ games while you can! *

🖌️ ArtPrize’s Latest Announcements

ArtPrize organizers have released key dates for this year’s event. The festival will run from September 18th to October 4th. To view the dates for opening celebrations, markets, halftime shows, and more click here.

🏃River Bank Run Returns

The Amway River Bank Run is back on Saturday, May 10. Thousands of runners from around the country will race downtown. Expect road closures, plenty of energy, and one of the city’s most anticipated spring traditions.

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What’s Happening?

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Friday, April 25th

• Be Here Now | Peter Martin Wege Theatre | 4/25 - 5/4 | A complement of four stand-alone works, this program opens with Le Grand Jazz!

• Neighborhood Garage Sales | Hidden Hills Ave SE | 9 AM | Free to attend | With over 10 families participating, there's something to be had for everyone

• GRPC Earth Day Open | Belknap Park (pickleball courts) | (Fri - Sun) | $25 to register | This will be a round robin event. In honor of Earth Day, Revolin will be donating a tree for every registration given through One Tree Planted $1,000 prize pool

• Sheng Wang (Comedian) | GLC Live | 6 PM | $53 | This fun run will be an untimed, competitive run designed to give kids a positive experience and introduction to the sport of running

• Rivertown Kids 1 Mile Fun Run | Millennium Park | 6 PM | $15

• Carmina Burana | DeVos Performance Hall | (Fri, Sat) 7:30 PM | $19

Saturday, April 26th

• Indoor/Outdoor Epic Shootout | X-Golf GR | 8 AM - 6 PM | $150

• Huge Indoor Garage Sale | HSB Inc | 9 AM - 2 PM | Free to attend | shop 80+ booths loaded with tools, clothes, household goods, pet supplies, furniture, décor, kids' items, and more

• International Pretzel Day | Küsterer Brauhaus | 9 AM - 10 PM | Free | The Munich bierhall is serving Giant Pretzels for International Pretzel Day!

• Neighborhood Dumpster Day | Alger Middle School | 10 AM - 2 PM | Free | Drop off your household junk, unwanted furniture, and other disposable items at no cost

• Independent Bookstore Day | Cellar Bird Books | 10 AM - 7 PM | Free to attend | Celebrate Indie Bookstore Day with us at Cellar Bird Books

• The Artful Exchange: Swap Supplies & Support Youth | Roeda Studio | 11 AM - 3 PM | $5 donation or art supply to swap | A one-of-a-kind Art Supply Swap to help provide access to creative materials and build community resources

• Candlelight: Neo-Soul Favorites | Wealthy Theatre | 6:30 PM | $56.50 | Candlelight Spring concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before

• Carmina Burana w/ GR Symphony | DeVos Performance Hall | (Fri, Sat) 7:30 PM | Starting at $19

• 80's Throwback Party | IDC | 8 PM | $10 cover | 80’s Throwback Party—big hair, bold beats, and all the neon feels!

Sunday, April 27th

• Vintage and Handmade Marketplace | Downtown Market | 10 AM - 4 PM | Free to attend | Shop 60+ of the best regional vintage and handmade vendors displaying their treasures

• Halfway to Halloween Drag Show | General Wood Shop | 6:30 PM - 10 PM | $15 at door | A frightfully fabulous night of drag, thrills, and chills at our Halfway to Halloween Drag Show

Live Music

Friday, April 25th

• Electronicore 2025 | The Stache | 6 PM | $25

• Savannah Dexter & Brabo Gator | Elevation | 7 PM | $30

• Americana Special | ArtRat Gallery | 7 PM - 9 PM | $20

• Kody Bryant | Rapid River Stillhouse | 7 PM - 10 PM | Free

• The Moonrays | Speciation Cellars | 8 PM | Free

Saturday, April 26th

• Moon Goons | Speciation Cellars | 2 PM - 3 PM | Free | Plus a food truck

• Tunes for Loons | The Stray | 6:30 PM | $10 | A benefit concert for this summer's Pleasant Peninsula mural festival, featuring an evening of music from local artists Billy Blanchard, Ben Bailey, & Odd Space — plus a silent auction with prizes from area businesses + a tattoo raffle!

• Pigeons Playing Ping Pong | The Intersection | 7 PM | $29.50

• Barely Alive | Elevation | 8 PM | Starting at $10 (limited time)

• Innuendo | Rapid River Stillhouse | 8 PM - 11 PM | $5 cover

Sunday, April 27th

• Spiritbox, Loathe, Gel, and Dying Wish | GLC Live | 5:30 PM | Starting at $61

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

That’s All For Today…

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