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The Uptown business districts invite the community to the Eat. Shop. Rock. event this Thursday, June 20, for a night full of entertainment in Grand Rapids' most thriving business districts: East Fulton, East Hills, Eastown and Wealthy Street.
“We hope to showcase Uptown as a great place to live, shop, dine, work and play," says Jessa Dutton, Program Coordinator for Neighborhood Ventures. "It’s a great place for those who live outside the area to come and experience, but Uptown also meets the needs of those who live within the district. Neighborhood residents can find almost everything they need within a short walk or bike ride."
Making Thyme Kitchen in the East Hills business district on Cherry by Diamond offers ready-to-cook meals and desserts, all made from scratch using locally raised hormone and chemical free meats. Karen Bryan of Making Thyme Kitchen also welcomes people to shop locally.
“Dollars spent with a locally owned business keeps money in the community, keeps families employed, streets safe and vibrant [and] neighborhoods alive and thriving,” says Bryan.
Bryan believes the benefits go beyond the local economy or neighborhoods, but affects the shopper personally as well.
“When you walk into a locally owned small business you often interact with the owner who is your neighbor, becomes your friend and establishes relationship connections around,” says Bryan.
Research in local spending has shown that more money stays within the community when spent at local businesses. The Uptown Eat. Shop. Rock. event is a chance for people to come out and join others in support and discovery of local businesses.
Each of the four districts will be hosting live music.
Starting at 5 p.m., East Fulton will have a swing and jazz band playing live music all night for families, neighbors, children, students, and even night time walkers to enjoy. Also from 6- 8 p.m. there will be a classic car show.
East Hills at 6 p.m. will be hosting the Isaac Norris Project on the ICCF lawn (920 Cherry Street). Music lovers are welcome for free music and dance performances throughout the night.
The student rock band, There Goes the Neighborhood from Triumph Music Academy, will be performing at 7 p.m. in the Wealthy Street district at 959 Wealthy Street. The rock performance will then continue on to the after party located at Wealthy and Charles Street.
At 8 p.m., Kava House will be hosting the local blues and soul band, Blue Molly. The Eastown district then closes with a rockand roll after party from 10 p.m.- 12 a.m. at Harmony Brewing.
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