Local First hosts 13th annual Street Party, summer celebration

The 13th annual Local First Street Party, presented by Founders Brewing Company, will have something for everyone on Saturday, June 4 outside Bistro Bella Vita. The event will feature a variety of music, interactive entertainment and food for guests of all ages.

In addition to providing local music, food and beverages, Local First is proud to present the Street Party as the largest zero-waste event in West Michigan. To help keep it that way, attendees are encouraged to BYOBottle and take advantage of the free water provided by Gordon Water Systems. The first 200 people to do so will get a free Street Party pin!

Headlining the Street Party is Joshua Davis, seen on "The Voice," who believes in fostering community through songs and stories. His music, recorded in Ann Arbor, blends ragtime blues, sweet jazz and country.

The Crane Wives, an Americana-Folk group from Grand Rapids, played in the rain at the 2013 Street Party and their contagious energy got all attendees in a groove. Look forward to experiencing their three-part vocal harmonies, eclectic instrumentation and passion for their craft at this year’s event. Enjoy a beer or a bite from the Local First vendors while you listen to Chris Bathgate, an Indie/Folk artist, who emerged from the Ann Arbor local music scene.

Tunde Olaniran and Lady Ace Boogie will turn up the beat and get you out of your seat. Tunde Olaniran, from Flint, MI, is bringing his bottomless supply of enthusiasm and incredible vocal range to the party. Grand Rapids native Lady Ace Boogie will take listeners on a journey to the golden-age of hip-hop with her relatable and infectious lyrics. Get ready to enjoy music with a message that you can dance to!

Mark Lavengood is a local favorite you definitely don’t want to miss. The multitalented dobro player has been seen on stage with Lindsay Lou and the Flatbelly’s but will grace the Street Party stage as the Mark Lavengood Bluegrass Bonanza. West Michigan’s progressive music school, Triumph Music Academy will open up the Street Party with a polished student performance.

The entertainment continues between sets with Audacious Hoops, an interactive hula hooping experience in which you get to be silly and play while enjoying the many live music stylings at the Local First Street Party. 61Syx Teknique Street Dance Academy is a breakdancing crew devoted to finding ways to outlet their emotions by embracing the growth of hip-hop culture while keeping it positive.

Craft beverages will be available for purchase at the Street Party. Founders will be serving up Red’s Rye, Mosaic Promise, All Day IPA and Dirty Bastard while St. Julian will take care of gluten free wine and hard cider.

There will be no shortage of feel-good food at the Local First Street Party; at least seven food trucks will be in attendance! Be sure to check out A Moveable Feast, a food truck committed crafted food made with high-quality ingredients, sourced with an emphasis on local producers and responsible production methods. A Moveable Feast will have vegan and vegetarian options available for purchase.

Daddy Pete’s BBQ and Grand Rapids Pizza Delivery utilize locally sourced, farm-to-table products whenever possible. Daddy Pete’s BBQ is focused on providing delicious, Southern, Slow-smoked meats served with a sweet, homemade, finger-lickin’ BBQ sauce all prepared in the on-board commercial kitchen and rotisserie smoker. (gluten free options available). GRPD has been serving high quality, from scratch to oven-baked pizza to the Grand Rapids community since 2004. This local favorite will come prepared to the street party with pizza by the slice – vegetarian options available too.

Interested in a savory yet sweet snack? Stop by K. Gourmet Bake Shoppe and try gourmet spiced nuts. Cinnamon roasted pecans and almonds are the perfect treat while playing games and catching up with the local community.

This will be Love’s Ice Cream’s third year participating in the Local First Street Party. “We keep coming back because being in the festival atmosphere allows the community to enjoy a Michigan summer, local food and bands,” says Chris McKellar, owner. “Not to mention the Street Party has become a quintessential Grand Rapids celebration.”

McKellar says the community-building element of Local First is one of the best parts of being a member, “Local First provides relentless support to locally owned businesses and being a part of that system is incredibly beneficial.”

Keep an eye out for the vintage truck serving up Michigan Mitten Pops, the photogenic and fun ice cream pops that come in a wide variety of flavors (vegan options available).

Proud Local First member Twisted Rooster will be at the Street Party with classic Mac ‘N Cheese to enjoy. Committed to the Mitten, Twisted Rooster serves a locally sourced menu with made from scratch items.

Get excited for made to order, from scratch assorted tacos provided by What the Truck. What the Truck launched in 2010 and has since been showing Grand Rapids how much the culinary landscape can change, one street at a time.

New this year, the Street Party will feature a donor match fundraiser. Thanks to the generosity of community partners, any donations given on the day of the event will be doubled.

Also new this year, AM Yoga will be onsite to kick things off early with some pre-party stretching. Bring a mat, mindfulness and good intentions to set the mood for the whole afternoon. AM Yoga is an organization focused on helping the community achieve self discovery through yoga, meditation, service, community participation and love. They strive to connect with people and places to share yoga anywhere with anyone. Founders Ashley Yost and Mali Jane are ready to share their daily practice and will lead the pre-party stretch at the Street Party beginning at 2:30.

The Street Party is a free event, so come enjoy the music, food and entertainment from 3:00 p.m. to midnight.