Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m Jenny and this is Calder News.
This is going to be the summer to find your new favorite band. The city is offering up so much local music—Relax at Rosa, The Big Room, and more—you’ll find plenty of contenders. Read all about it and more in today’s newsletter.
~—Jenny F and LeQwane L.
Silva Hosts Sam Grisman Project
Together with: Silva GR
The Big Room’s Facebook Page
Grand Rapids is all about live music these days, and if you didn’t know, you can catch concerts and events at The Big Room - an expansive and historic space, big enough for 1,500 guests.
On May 2nd, The Big Room is set to host the Sam Grisman Project.
A unique live music experience by the band led by bass player and music appreciator Sam Grisman.
Looking to have a fun night out on the town this weekend? Check it out!
If you didn’t know, The Big Room is attached to and run by Silva, a “Dinnertainment” complex just north of downtown. In addition to being a restaurant and bar, Silva offers bocce ball courts, billiards, and darts, upholding its promise of dinner and entertainment.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Environment
Grand Rapids Recognized as Tree City USA
On Friday, we mentioned East Grand Rapids was a Tree City USA for the 12th year in a row. The City of Grand Rapids has topped that, earning the title for the 28th straight year. The city’s canopy has grown 37%, providing clean air and lots of shade. See more details.
Community
Pool Passes for Young People
The City of Grand Rapids is offering free pool passes for people under 17 if they register by May 25. The city’s three pools will open for the season on June 6. Learn more here.
Fitness
Free Outdoor Exercise Classes for All
For the 11th year, the city of Grand Rapids is offering free outdoor fitness classes starting May 11th. Enjoy favorites like Yoga and Zumba, or try new programs like Barre and Pilates. Check out the options.
Have news to report? Click here.
Civic News
What City Commission Is Looking at Today
The commission meets today at 7 PM at City Hall Downtown. Here’s the quick version:
🚓 A discussion about public pressure around policing and accountability for transparency after recent officer-involved incidents
💰 About $39M in city spending on the table, plus new funding for urban agriculture, Plaster Creek flood mitigation, and city programs
🏙 Redevelopment updates for Bridge Street, Indiana Ave, and a $5.4M industrial project in Walker View
📍 Grand Rapids City Hall — Open to the public in person (or viewable live on YouTube).
Get Involved In Where GR Is Going…
Also, on May 12th at the GRPL (Main Branch) Zone GR is hosting a public community event to talk about its community-driven plan for the next 20 years.
So if you want to learn and weigh in on how our city’s leaders plan to shape the city, get involved here.
Get Ready to Relax at Rosa Parks Circle
Revue Magazine
What better way to spend your lunch break than enjoying the sunshine, grabbing grub from a local food truck, and listening to some live music?
Relax at Rosa returns to Rosa Parks Circle on Thursday, May 7.
Every Thursday this summer, catch a variety of music—Latin, folk, and even “comfy jam”—from 12-1:30, giving your lunchtime a much-needed upgrade. Can’t make it in person? Tune into the live performances on WYCE 88.1.
But that’s not all. A bonus performance on Friday, May 15, from 5-6:30 will celebrate the opening of the new Acrisure Amphitheater. See the full lineup.
Talk Of The Town
🛍 New Vendor Market Opening Soon
Crow’s Hold, a vendor market, is hosting its Grand Opening on Saturday, May 16. From 10-3, shop for art, gifts, clothing, and more while enjoying live music, drinks, and cinnamon rolls.
🍕 Frankie V’s to Return After Closure
Frankie V’s, a Wyoming staple for 20-plus years, closed two years ago. The owners just announced they are bringing Frankie V’s back to life in a former Applebee’s. Renovations are currently underway for the revival, though no opening date is set.
🍔 Ada Gears Up for Restaurant Week
Restaurant Week returns to Ada starting May 17. Show your support for your favorite Ada restaurants and enjoy featured items, special menus, and discounted prices.
What’s Happening?
Tuesday, April 28th
Start Garden 5x5 Night | Bamboo | 5 PM – 7 PM | Free to attend
DIAL M FOR MURDER | Civic Theatre | (Until Sun) 7:30 PM | $5+
Thursday, April 30th
Seussical | EGR Performing Arts Center | (Through Sun) Various times | $8+
Movies At Sunset: The Devil Wears Prada 2 | Studio Park | 5:30 PM | Free
Peppa Spring Mixer | 413 Hall St. | 6 PM | Free
GRCC Commencement | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $0
Friday, May 1st
Click image to learn more
IN THE COUNTENANCE OF KINGS | Peter Martin Wege Theatre | (Through Sun) Various times
First Fridays | Uptown Grand Rapids | Free
Tulip Time Festival | Holland | (5/1 - 5/10) | Free
Hidden Hills Neighborhood Garage Sales | (Through Sat) 9 AM - 3 PM | Free
Bark At Ada Park | Dog Expo | 12 PM - 3 PM | Free
GVSU | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $0
Live Music
Tuesday, April 28th
The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band | GLC Live | 7 PM | $45
Ben Rector: Symphonies Across America | DeVos Performance Hall | 7:30 PM | $57+
The Midnight | The Intersection | 7 PM | $48
Wednesday, April 29th
The Beanpoles | Dungeon Bar | 6 PM | Free
Shelby Lentz | Wyoming Moose Lodge | 6 PM | ?
The Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band | GLC Live | 7 PM | $45
Ben Rector: Symphonies Across America | DeVos Performance Hall | 7:30 PM | $57+
The Midnight | The Intersection | 7 PM | $48
Thursday, April 30th
Kevin Reeves | Downtown Market | 5 PM | Free
AVATAR | GLC Live | 6 PM | $52+
Demon Hunter | Elevation | 6:30 PM | $40
KAZHA with DieveNoire | Tip Top | 7 PM | $17
Joan Osborne | Royce Auditorium | 7:30 PM | $30+
All American Funk Parade + Brandino Extravaganza | Pyramid Scheme | 7:45 PM | $27
Hippie Sabotage | The Intersection | 8 PM | $40+
Not Flirting, Kavic, Cod3r | Mulligan’s Pub | 9 PM | Free
Friday, May 1st
A Tribute to Gordon Goodwin with the Truth in Jazz Orchestra | The Stray | 7 PM | $16
Juvenile | GLC Live | 7 PM | $30+
Terraplane Blues Band | Fulton St. Pub | 7 PM | Free
Decades | Firebird Bar | 9 PM | Free
Pretty Kool | Twisted Bull | 9:30 PM | Free
Sod the Earth, Blood Rune Sigil, & Inkdrinker | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM | Free
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
That’s All For Today…
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