Kick it up a notch….

Last night I had the distinct honor of moderating a panel for Rapid Growth. The panelists and crowd were totally interesting covering some pretty heavy arts/economic topics and the general vibe stayed pretty relaxed. Even though it was only Wednesday I am pretty sure this it was a preview of all the fantastic-ness you will get to experience this weekend.
Here is a little weekend preview to kick it off.

Here is Word on the Street for June 16, 2010

THURSDAY
Looking to sweat? Super-hard-core-work-out-style? Zumba at the YWCA with Kate. 10 weeks of hard core getting down dance party meets work out smash up. Starts at 5:45 and it is only $5 to drop in. Want some details about the entire session? [email protected] or 616-755-8326
Location: 25 Sheldon Blvd SE Cost: $5

Did you know that Maynard (the lead singer from Tool, who happens to be from Grant Michigan) was the star of a Documentary about sustainable wine production in Arizona? If you arched your eyebrow with surprise you are not alone but seeing is believing. Tonight at Wealthy Theater catch “Blood into Wine” at 6:30. I wonder what the sound track will be like……
Location: 1130 Wealthy Street Cost: $7.50 (2 bones off for members of the CMC

Stop by Schulers downtown after 6:30 and meet Artist Don Karel their featured artist and photographer. His work will be on display and he will be on hand to answer questions and chat… OH and you can buy a book and grab a beer!
Location 40 Fountain Cost: Free

So TRNSFR is a super cool local publication that features local, local, local, talent with an emphasis on writing. The launch features Song Poems by the Chinese People, A book swap (so bring some old books) and a 2 issue subscription and the TRNSR books which are freaking sweet. Did I mention you get a free mustache and a membership to the TRNSFR Gentleman’s Club? Starts at 8pm.
Cost $10 Location 115 South Division.

FRIDAY
Dog Story Theater (independent black box theater over by Leonard) is featuring “True West” a play by Sam Shepard pits two brothers against each other trying to achieve modern day success ending with a battle to the death… want all the details and better description? www.dogstorytheater.com. Show starts at 8pm
Location:1115 Taylor Cost: $8.00

Want to kick off the weekend with some good music? Check out Chance Jones, Fields Of Industry and Subtle Bodies at Mulligans. Cheap drinks, great people, good music, sounds like a great time.  Gotta be of age for this one and the show doesn,t even start till 10pm.
Location: 1518 Wealthy St. SE Cost: Free

SATURDAY
The World Refugee Day Celebration in Grand Rapids is taking place at Calder Plaza on Saturday begins around 1pm. There is a sweet line up of performances including Laura Armenta, Gwaii, Gvsu's Sabrosisimo, Dj Joey, Haitian Praise Dance Group, and Shingi Mavima. The food comes from some of the best (also most overlooked) restaurants in GR including my lunch fave Angel’s Thai (they have this apple salad that is SO good) There are also refugee crafts for sale and kids crafts,
Location: Intersection of Monroe and Monroe, Maya Lin Ecliptic Cost: FREE!

On Saturday you can chill out, rock out and get pickled with Founders at the 2010 Founders Fest. Beginning at 3:00pm bands take the stage including Lotus, Greensky Bluegrass, Frontier Ruckus, Larry & His Flask, The Wildfire, Michael & Benjamin Riley, Dj Spydre Murphy, and “a super-group of Founders Employees billed as the “FBC ALL-STARS” because they have a totally talented staff. Local food and art? They have that too.
Location: 235 Grandville Ave SW Cost: There are tickets but the cost is still a question mark.

The DAAC Show on Saturday is a Photographers/Photo show. get some munchies, enjoy music from the Meadowlarks and Photographers, check out some new photos by Maren Celest. Show starts at 8pm. Get a little preview at www.cashmereclubhouse.com/
Location: 115 S. Division Cost $6.00

Been to Muskegon lately? The 82nd Regional Exhibition is on display at the Muskegon Museums Regional Exhibition. The show is a who’s who of art in West Michigan and there are always some killer quality pieces. On Saturdays you can catch the show from 10 until 4 until August.
Location: 296 W. Webster Ave Muskegon, MI 49440 Cost: $5, Under 17 Free

There are very few Local Art/Craft shows that I haven’t been to yet….well….. except the Reeds Lake Clothesline Art Festival, and this weekend everything changes.  Held at John Collins Park in East Grand Rapids I am excited about checking out the goods!! The show starts at 9 and runs till 5pm. Cost: Free

SUNDAY
Sunday See it! The Dutch Utopia show at the GRAM is rad and then catch the conversation with Henry Luthiknhuizen talking about the epic move of some American Artists to, “Go Dutch.”  The show is pretty epic and totally worth a peek and the conversation will shed some light on an interesting historical background that is bound to expand your understanding of the work. SO do some thinking Sunday and see ART.

Frederik Meijer Garden’s loves Chihuly and it looks like their show A New Eden is pretty cool. You can go and visit the show and then vote for your favorite piece and they display the results on their website… I am sure this makes for great Twitter chatter. Anyhoo- on Sundays they are open from 12 until 5 so grab your dad and make some memories.
Location 1000 East Beltline Cost: $12 and less.

So next week is my Birthday… I love having a Birthday… BUT I am taking a day to play hooky and going to the beach… the thing is I can’t decide which beach to go to…. Any suggestions?

If you are on facebook you can join the group. Currently we are sending word out as an “event” and a message on facebook so feel free to share….. you can post feedback there or of course send me an email at… [email protected] . OR if you want to check out the Blog got to http://www.g-rad.org/projects/wordonthestreet/

Thanks for reading all the way down to the very bottom.
Jenn