Good morning, Grand Rapids. Iβm Jenny and this is Calder News.
Our Grand Rapids family just got bigger. Vaughan, Ontario, is our newest sister city. Never heard of it? Itβs just north of Toronto, and itβs home to the countryβs largest theme park: Canadaβs Wonderland. I think I know where Iβm going on my next vacation!
Read about it and more in todayβs newsletter.
~Jenny F.
Branding Based in Grand Rapids
Together with: One Mohr Time
To stand out, local businesses need branding thatβs straightforward and consistent, and maybe a little bold.
That might mean refining an existing logo or creating a full brand system thatβs 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 Rapidsβ Newest Sister City
Vaughan, Ontario, has officially become the seventh Sister City in Grand Rapidsβ 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 thatβs 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 youβre on a walk downtown, you might notice itβs 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, youβll 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 Amphitheaterβs Summer Lineup

Acrisure Amphitheater hosts its first show this weekend, but itβs not too late to make history with this epic new venueβs inaugural season.
All the shows for the summer have officially been announced, and thereβs something for everyone.
See artists who are currently making the charts likeβ¦
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
π΅ Meijer Garden Announces Tuesday Evening Concerts
Meijer Garden Summer Concert tickets might be hard to come by, but luckily, thereβs 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.
π² 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
β 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.
β 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 itβs their coffee that will be served backstage to all the rotating celebrities performing at Acrisure Amphitheater.
Whatβs Happening?
Wednesday, May 13th
Line Dancing | Rapid River Stillhouse | 7 PM | Free
Thursday, May 14th
Cookβs Crossing Neighborhood Garage Sales | Byron Center | (Thu, Fri) Various Times | Free
Annual Planter Workshop | Everettβs Gardens | 4:30 PM | $40
Farmers Market | Roosevelt Park | 5 PM | Free
Anxo Dry Cider Meet the Maker | Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM | ?
Friday, May 15th
WestFest GR | JB Zoo | (Fri - Sun) Various times | $30
USSP Zone Championship | Belknap Park | 9 AM - 7 PM | Free to spectate
Armed Forces Thankgiving | Gerald R. Ford Museum/ Gillet Bridge | 9:30 AM | Free
Seasonal Wonders Projection Show | Lyon Square | 9 PM | Free
Spring Carnival | 2320 E. Beltline | 12 PM | Free
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 thatβs show biz.
Thatβs All For Todayβ¦
β If you enjoyed todayβs newsletter, copy the link to the post and share it with a friend. Every new reader that joins our email helps.
π§ Get your business in an upcoming issue of Calder News. Letβs talk about how we can put your business in front of thousands of GR locals.

Made with β€ in Grand Rapids


