Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m Jenny and this is Calder News. Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome on Friday!
We may have had frost yesterday morning, but we all have summer on the brain. I’m focusing today’s newsletter on manifesting some sunshine, lawn chairs, and good music!
~LeQwane L.
Ada Announces Summer Concert Lineup
Grand Rapids Magazine
If your favorite way to spend a warm West Michigan night is in a lawn chair listening to local music, then Ada Township has you covered. They will offer concerts at Legacy Park on not just one, but two nights a week, starting in June.
Their summer concert lineup, which they just announced this week, includes Music on the Lawn on Wednesdays evenings. Beers at the Bridge, which happens on Friday evenings, also features local businesses, food, and drinks.
With music varieties ranging from country to blues to classic rock, there will be something for everyone. Find more details here.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Parking
New Website Makes Downtown Parking Easier
The new Acrisure Amphitheater will bring more cars downtown this summer, and parking is already a hot commodity. The City of Grand Rapids launched a website that helps drivers find parking venues, tells them how much it costs to park there, and shows if there’s availability. Check it out here.
Reserve Your Parking Spot
No one wants to be late for a concert because they were hunting for a parking spot. If you’ve got a ticket for a show at Acrisure Amphitheater, Park Mobile will allow you to book a parking spot a month before your event. Try it out.
Education
GRPS Gets Electric Buses
Grand Rapids Public Schools is showing its students the importance of sustainability as its first seven electric buses took to the streets on Monday. With the help of two government grants, GRPS will add a total of 15 electric buses to its fleet. See more details.
Community
Interactive Art Installation Coming to Festival
The Return to the River Festival, which happens at the end of August, has announced an art piece that Grand Rapidians can interact with. POP! will feature five larger-than-life jack-in-the-boxes that visitors can coax out of hiding by calling out or singing to them. Learn more here.
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Ask Grand Rapids 🤔
Talk Of The Town
⚾ Whitecaps and Biggby Team Up With Giveaway
If you love baseball and coffee, then head over to Instagram for a chance to win 4 tickets to any Whitecaps home game and a $100 Biggby gift card. The winner will be announced May 31. See details here.
👗 New Women’s Boutique Opening Downtown
Lovely La Vie, a women’s boutique, will host its grand opening on May 1. The store is located on Monroe Center and will feature clothes and accessories that are comfortable yet classy.
🧵Art Supply Swap This Weekend
Forgotten craft supplies crowding your junk drawer? Hot Glue Creux is hosting an Art Supply Swap on Saturday, April 25, at Roeda Studio. Swap old supplies for something new or shop the tables for a $5 donation.
🛍 Calder Plaza Vintage Market Returns
If you love to thrift, then mark your calendar for the Calder Plaza Market on May 2nd. There will be over 70 vendors with everything from shoes, accessories, clothing, and more.
What’s Happening?
Tuesday, April 21st
West Michigan Whitecaps vs. Lake County Captains | LMCU Ball Park | Various time (Tues - Sun) | $18+
Wednesday, April 22nd
Dial M for Murder | Civic Theatre | Various times (Wed - Sun) | $30+
Plants and Pints | Perrin Brewing Co. | 6 PM | $45
Grand Rapids Rise vs. Atlanta Vibe | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $19+
Thursday, April 23rd
Loving Our Neighbors Luncheon | Mel Trotter Ministries | 12 PM | Free
Millennial-ish Co-Ed Dinner | Luna GR | 6 PM
Comedian: Jay Jurden | The BOB | 6:15 PM | $22
Origins of Wine & Cheese | Chef Shack | 6:30 PM- 8 PM | $125
Tiny Breakfast Improve Show | Comedy Project | 7 PM | $15
Friday, April 24th
ArborFest | Garfield Park | Various times (Fri - Sat) | Free
Mullein Candle Workshop | Waken Soul | 6 PM | $45
LaughMasters | 2RST | 8 PM | $15
Gasolina Reggaeton Party | GLC Live | 9 PM | $28
Adults Only After Hours Event | Craig’s Cruisers | 10 PM | $40
Looking Ahead
Tequila Festival | Saturday
Public Riverfront Opening Celebration | Saturday
Live Music
Wednesday, April 22nd
Bronson Arm & Dog Skull & Miracle Blood & The Mannequins MI | Four Star Theatre | 6 PM | $10
Joseph Huber wsg Rowdy Fingers | Tip Top | 7 PM | $20
Valentiger | Peoples Cider Co. | 7 PM | Free
Thursday, April 23rd
Hail The Sun | Elevation | 6 PM | $45
Mason Villo | Downtown Market | 5 PM | Free
May Erlewine with Packy Lundholm | Midtown | 7 PM | $35
Organ Fairchild | Tip Top | 7 PM | $14
Spring Soundwaves | Mulligans | 9 PM | Free
Friday, April 24th
Larry Fleet | The Intersection | 6:30 PM | $44
Blue Jay Bridge | Rapid River Stillhouse | 7 PM | $5
rivereye | The Stray | 7 PM | $18
An Evening Concert with Bob | DeVos Performance Hall | 7:30 PM | $28
Dynasty Ginger Collective wsg Eric Engblade | Tip Top | 8 PM | $17
Stalefate | Mulligan’s Pub | 8 PM | Free
Ty Segall | Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM | ?
Harper Kill | Broad Leaf Kentwood | 8 PM | Free
The Moonrays | Speciation Cellars | 8 PM | Free
The Oneders | Firebird Bar | 9 PM | Free
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
Outside The Plaza
Quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids
That’s All For Today…
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