Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m Jenny and this is Calder News.

Our Grand Rapids family just got bigger. Vaughan, Ontario, is our newest sister city. Never heard of it? It’s just north of Toronto, and it’s home to the country’s largest theme park: Canada’s Wonderland. I think I know where I’m going on my next vacation!

Read about it and more in today’s newsletter.

~Jenny F.

Branding Based in Grand Rapids

Together with: One Mohr Time

To stand out, 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:

The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

International

Grand Rapids’ Newest Sister City

Vaughan, Ontario, has officially become the seventh Sister City in Grand Rapids’ international family. See more details.

Police

Hunting For The Next Chief

The search for the next Grand Rapids Police Chief will begin Friday with the help of Public Sector Search & Consulting, the same recruiting firm that’s helped pick the last two chiefs. Joe Trigg, the interim chief, plans on applying for the permanent position. See more details.

Community

Downtown Gets New Signage

Next time you’re on a walk downtown, you might notice it’s easier to find your way. The City of Grand Rapids have installed new wayfinding signs, pointing pedestrians in the right direction. Learn more here.

Development

New Artist Hub Opens on Division

The Emory Arts and Culture Hub, owned and operated by The Diatribe, opened on April 30th. It features four retail spaces, eight apartments, an event venue, and youth programming rooms. Check it out.

Label

Childhood Center At The Rapid

If you take the bus to work and need a babysitter, you’ll soon be able to solve both problems at once. An early childhood center is set to open at Rapid Central Station in August. With slots for 100 kids, parents can get to work and get quality childcare at the same time. Learn more here.

Have news to report? Click here.

Acrisure Amphitheater’s Summer Lineup

Acrisure Amphitheater hosts its first show this weekend, but it’s not too late to make history with this epic new venue’s inaugural season.

All the shows for the summer have officially been announced, and there’s something for everyone.

See artists who are currently making the charts like…

  • Jelly Roll

  • Hillary Duff

  • And dance to legends who have been entertaining us for decades, like John Mellencamp and Tim McGraw.

Talk Of The Town

🎡 Meijer Garden Announces Tuesday Evening Concerts

Meijer Garden Summer Concert tickets might be hard to come by, but luckily, there’s an alternative. Every Tuesday night, their amphitheater hosts local acts that are included with your admission ticket. The lineup was just announced. Check it out here.

🚲 Bike To Work Week

In celebration of National Bike Month, locals are leaving their cars at home to participate in Bike to Work Week. Join the fun, work up a sweat, and earn rewards. Sign up here.

Business News

βœ… New

Crows Hold Opens Saturday

A new vendor market on Division is opening on Saturday. Crows Hold will offer locally made art, gifts, clothing, and more.

Non-alcoholic Cocktail Jazz Bar Now Open

Cafe Jazzy Rose, a spirit-free elixir lounge, is now accepting dining reservations. Enjoy a nice meal, a tasty mocktail, and a jazzy atmosphere.

❗ Updates

Brewery Vivant and Saugatuck Brewing Join Forces

Brewery Vivant needs more space to brew, and Saugatuck Brewing has room to spare, allowing the companies to share resources and costs. Saugatuck plans on letting more breweries use their space in the future. See more details.

Lantern Coffee Served Backstage at Acrisure Amphitheater

Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge will be the local coffee provider to the stars this summer. They announced it’s their coffee that will be served backstage to all the rotating celebrities performing at Acrisure Amphitheater.

What’s Happening?

Wednesday, May 13th

Thursday, May 14th

Friday, May 15th

Live Music

Tuesday, May 12th

  • Keenan Trevon + E.M.E + AC Yung + Kiyoshi + Monta + reggie faye | Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $21

  • Folias Duo | Speciation Cellars | 7 PM | Free

  • Leo Kottle | St. Cecilia Music Center | 7:30 PM | $30

  • Geoff Tate | Elevation | 8 PM | $48

Wednesday, May 13th

  • All That Remains + Born of Oriris + Dead Eyes | The Big Room | 6:30 PM | $38

  • Silversun Pickups | Intersection | 7:30 PM | $48

Thursday, May 14th

  • MexiCuba | Rosa Parks Circle | 12 PM | Free

  • Lynn and Ian the Moonshine Runners | Horrocks Market | 5 PM | Free

  • Sophia McIntosh | Downtown Market | 5 PM | Free

  • The Lucy Losers | Tip Top | 7 PM | $12

  • Mark Dvorak | Friendship Park (Ada) | 7 PM | Free

  • Schubertiade | St. Cecilia | 7:30 PM | $30

Friday, May 15th

  • Adrian Wright and the Great Let Go's | Rosa Park Circle | 5 PM | Free

  • Nate Smith | 6:30 PM | GLC Live | ?

  • Phil Wick | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $43

  • Lionel Richie | Acrisure Amphitheater | 7:30 PM | ?

  • Madama Butterfly | DeVos Performance Hall (Opera) | 7:30 PM | ?

  • Mickey & The Heartthrobs, Swndive, Garden Effect | Tip Top | 8 PM | $12

  • In The Grey | Firebird | 9 PM | $5

  • Tali Snowden | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM | Free

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

That’s All For Today…

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