While Grand Rapids is the subject of a growing number of lists that will either be celebrated or cynically discarded depending on the topic (and list for that matter), one area that is truly worth celebrating with each passing year is the growing culture of folks exploring alternative ways to navigate the city.

Sure, not all of us will take to the long boards seen zipping from Eastown to downtown, but there are others who are getting just as creative and vocal about parking the car in favor of alternative transit -- from bikes, to inline skates, to even our very own The Rapid, which is under construction for the 2014 arrival of our very first BRT fast-transit bus line.

To commemorate this week's activities, everyone is invited to gather at Rosa Parks Circle for a huge community party where between the awards, door prizes, and words of encouragement from Mayor Heartwell and the Downtown Development Authority’s Kris Larson will be a music showcase with Silent Bark, The Mines, the Jim Shaneberger Band, and event host Ralston Bowles. There will also be a special outdoor screening of the film Bicycle Dreams, by special arrangement with the Grand Rapids Film Festival.

And for those who are looking to arrive to work by bike, this year, there are more than 12 stops around town boasting some of the best pit snacks for people reducing their carbon footprint. For a complete list of the stops along the way, as well as all the awards and prizes, click here. 

If you cannot be a part of Friday’s celebrations, next week provides a chance to get in on the fun at the 5th Annual Mayor's Bike Ride on Tuesday, May 21 at the Kroc Center. This year, he has partnered with Grand Rapids Parks & Recreation, Alger Bikes, the Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition, and The Spoke Folks to present a two-, six- or 24-mile ride this year. See the Mayor's event page for more information.


Admission: Free

Last week, it was brought to our attention that community-focused musicians Bruce and Becca Ling of Hawks and Owls were severely impacted by the recent flooding after a neighbor literally went psycho on their home, destroying many things they cherished shortly after they were forced to evacuate due to the rising waters.

This week, I discovered another group that does a lot for our region was impacted by the recent flood. The Grand Raggidy Roller Girls lost $6,000 worth of their gear their home court of Rivertown in Grandville was flooded.

Traditionally, when a double header happens, as it does this weekend, the girls welcome the visiting city with a powerful match and then a kick-ass party at The Rezervoir in Creston on Plainfield.

This weekend’s event will welcome Lansing's Derby Vixens to the rink, and it will be the first time this new capital city team will compete against the All Star team. This match is also the very same night that our local Roller Girls debut Star Wars Night, complete with members of the 501st Legion sporting some of the best costumes from the popular film franchise.  

In addition to encouraging attendees to dress up and play with their lightsabers during the match, at the halftime show, the Southside Ice Arena's crowd will get a chance to see the Rev. Charles Smith's rock outfit, The PotatoeBabies, whip this audience into a frenzy. Every seat is a great seat, and the suicide seats will still be available first come, first served.

The next morning, everyone is invited back to The Rezervoir where owner Brett Alward and long-time supporter of the GRRG will host a fundraiser for our local team at 11 a.m. 

Bout, Bruises, Beer, Bacon, and Breakfast Buffet will cost you $9 per person with half of the price going back to the team.  It will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., but your contribution will ensure our team rolls long into the future. 


Admission: Bout,  $12 in advance / $15 at the door ($8 for children 6-10, children five and under are free); Sunday Brunch Fundraiser, $9.

The last time A.B. took the stage in a show of this scale, it was on the occasion of the fall election. He invited event partners Bottom 40 and Generation X & Y for MI to pull together a Presidential-sized cabinet of hip hop for "A.B. for President."

Now six months later, A.B. hits the Pyramid Scheme stage again. But this time, the occasion is his new EP, AB, the many faces of...

This new EP is really a celebration of our region, according to A.B.

"I'm learning about myself and about others around me through these new songs -- the interconnectivity of the ‘616’ and the experiences that we all share here," says A.B. "People are going to notice a more focused approach to my songwriting and as a result, get a better idea of who I am though this very personal writing style."

Fans got a taste a few weeks ago when A.B. dropped a new video that references the beats of the new Justin Timberlake track, "Suit & Tie". But just don't look for it on the new EP, since it is only available on the artist's Soundcloud site.

In addition to celebrating the release of all new material, A.B. welcomes guest artists Convotronics, MARCH FORTH, Nina Vo'cals & Ethan Dang, Gray Theory, Mr. Fables, Jimmy T, George Moss, and Mr. Jay B on the 1s & 2s.


Admission: 21+ $6 advance ($8 day of) /18+ $7 advance ($10 day of)

Often when people want to know who they are as a region, they run to the local paper to peruse the headlines for clues. But when I travel or seek deeper understanding of the urban culture, the 'zine is often the best source for this information.

Locally, there is no shortage of options of where to secure ‘zines, except that soon, we will be down one venue when Division Avenue's Miscellany closes at the end of this month with an exhibition by visiting contemporary artist Katie Bell. Locally, Bandit Zine has been leaping ahead with options for those looking to grab their 'zine on the run, while their website offers full access to digital copies.

This submission-based topical publication is full of a diverse collection of writers and artists, from street poets to professors, and has covered a range of social justice and urbanist topics including sizeism, sex, DIY culture, and most recently, gender identity. In short, Bandit Zine is not afraid to tackle the tough topics, and does so with an honesty that is refreshing.

Yet to keep this 'zine sustainable into the future and free, the Pyramid Scheme is hosting a special fundraiser on Tuesday. Drinks will be half-off, and a percentage of all bar sales between 6 - 9 p.m. will go to the organization.

For those writers looking for an outlet beyond the traditional platforms of places like the Grand Rapids Press, The Rapidian, or even Rapid Growth, Bandit Zine is taking submissions for its next edition, the "Radical Self Love" Issue. Send your query to thebanditzine@gmail.com for more details on their publishing schedule and requirements.

Admission: Free