If you have followed G-Sync over the past year, it has become clear that West Michigan is midst of an arts revival.  But it's not only the visual arts that are flourishing, but also the art of dance.  

During the past 11 months, we have witnessed more world premieres, diverse dance styles and most importantly an influx of outside talent regarding dance than any other time in our history.

This weekend for one night only, Chicago’s Deeply Rooted Productions (DRP), a troupe devoted to the rich traditions of the African-American aesthetic, will appear at the Grand Rapids Ballet Peter Wege Theatre with "Touch: Touch Community, Touch Power, Touch Intimacy, Touch Joy" – a diverse program of five fabulous dance works featuring the music of Mavis Staples, Nikki Giovanni, Anton Dvorák, Nina Simone, Mickey Hart, and Nico Muhly.

DRP is an emerging world-class dance theater company reflecting the vital essence of humanity, while building grassroots connections that stimulate public engagement and “community evolvement.”

Hedy Weiss of the Chicago Sun Times says: “[Deeply Rooted Dance Theater] deserves to be spoken about in the same breath as Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and the Joffrey Ballet.  It is [Chicago’s] answer to the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, yet with a profile very much its own…spiritual fervor, physical prowess, and sheer, unalloyed joy in movement.”

The troupe, led by Artistic Director Kevin Iega Jeff and Associate Artistic Director Gary Abbott, was established in 1995 as a vehicle for personal growth and self-actualization through the medium of dance. While their subject matter is based in the African-American tradition of storytelling, the production has something for everyone as they wander through universal themes in a contemporary modern dance style that is accessible and breathtakingly original.

Please note, there are only 300 seats available for this one-night-only performance of Touch.



Admission: $30.

We all love a good rematch, and you just know it will be intense this Saturday night at Rivertown Sports when when our local Grand Raggidy Roller Girls -- currently ranked number 10 -- go up against the 11th ranked Ohio Roller Girls.

But this is more than just a single match to hold the placement for the GRRG.  Our G-Rap team will be hitting the floor with a double header to battle it out against the Ohio All Stars.

If you have never attended one of these matches, this arguably is the best sporting ticket in West Michigan, where you are encouraged to sit in the suicide seating section while sipping your favorite beverage in a can (that you can bring in to the game!).  The girls are dead serious about retaining their top 10 status and will not give it up without a cat fight.

After the double header, it is a tradition to host the visiting team at the GRRG’s resident bar Sazerac Lounge (on Plainfield Avenue, just North of Leonard) where an off-rink re-match is in the works, as both teams will continue the battling fun sans skates on the dance floor.  Boom Chicka, Wow Wow!



Admission: $10

Grand Rapids is very fortunate in that we still operate as a small town when it comes to servicing the needs of our community, even though we are a major metropolitan area.

As evidence of that feeling of community, some of the top local bands are coming together to support a cause under the umbrella of the Movement of Sound fundraising event.

Last year Grand Valley State University student Anna Fisk was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and a close friend quickly organized a group of musicians to help her pay for her rising medical bills,. Like Ralston Bowles, who is currently battling cancer, Fisk had no health insurance.

Now a year later, Anna wants to repay the good will she has received from her community by hosting a fundraising (un-gala) event to benefit the Michigan chapter of the MS Society.  

Instead of paying back those who came out to support Fisk, she has chosen instead to employ the positive world-changing technique of “paying it forward.” As a result of her efforts, Fisk has been able gathered some of the very biggest names in the Grand Rapids indie music scene, such as La Famiglia, Chance Jones and eight other bands to raise money and awareness with a younger generation.  

It is refreshing to see an event like Movement of Sound for MS not only attract an impressive roster of performers and auction items from area businesses, but that the guest list is already topping more than 250 people who have committed to this event.  This type of generosity is why West Michigan has become the home to so many wonderful people like Anna.


Admission: $10

With a packed schedule of performances, it is hard to imagine that the band Chance Jones has had any free time left to record its fourth album.

But the 14-track album, "The Incident at Primrose and West," will debut Nov. 27 on iTunes, compact disc and on vinyl.  It's a wonderful departure…er…journey from the band’s previous releases.  

As I listened to the first songs of the new release, it felt as if lead singer Joshua Burge had tapped my childhood vinyl collection of Bowie, Waits and the Boss (Springsteen) for his sound.  But as I went deeper into the album, it became less of an issue since the songs conjure up a nice groove from a simpler and more honest period of songwriting.  (Sorry, Miley Cyrus fans.)

The endearing part of this new release is that even though you may feel it is a rip straight from your past, it is indeed original, with touches that are pure Burge at his songwriting best.  This release is at once familiar, and yet a breath of fresh air to the indie music scene.  Chance Jones has once again taken us on a musical ride, reminding us why this band has become a favorite with many listeners.

Fans will get the chance to hear the new material live at the sure-to-be-energetic debut at the Intersection Lounge.  Chance Jones is also known for its fierce stage performances, so this is not a show to be missed. Opening for the band is Ghost Heart + Trophy.

Admission: $5

It is hard to imagine that just over a month ago, Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School was able to meet for its final warm weather session on the open-air patio of The Meanwhile Bar.  

The patrons -- or as they are called at the event, Art Monkeys -- needed a place not only warm enough for their nimble fingers, but a venue large enough to accommodate their ever-growing number who gather to be a part of this monthly art event.

After a bit of searching, Dr. Sketchy’s has flown north to set up roost at Sazarac’s Lounge during the winter months.

For those who have not attended a Dr. Sketchy’s session, the simplest description of this art-based community-building event is from a New York Times article by Carol Kino who described the Brooklyn-born (and now international) event as “a cross between old-fashioned life-drawing sessions and new-wave cabaret.”

Grand Rapids’ version is pretty true to the NYC original, as members of our local burlesque troupes and our city’s nightlife characters take to the stage for members of the audience to sketch throughout the evening.  Art Monkeys are encouraged to bring their favorite drawing materials, but if you forget, this friendly bunch will allow you to bum a pencil or two.

The November 28th’s model is Good Little the Kid, known to many as Chompers the Clown, or “that crazy guy who is not afraid to wear towering stilts as he dances about the stage.” For Dr. Sketchy’s, Good Little the Kid promises a series of intricately constructed mega-costumes paired with his knack for wild facial contortions and a near zero body fat.  

Additionally, Art Monkeys that stick around after the event can enjoy the debut of the Shimmy Shack Burlesque for free.  (Patrons who arrive after 10 PM pay only $5 to see the burlesque show.)

The SSB will bring the talented burlesque babes including La La Vulvaria, Velveeta the Cheetah and Vivacious Miss Audacious right up close for a night of exciting spellbinding dancing and a vaudeville worthy theatrical performance in an intimate setting.

Unlike other productions, the audience is invited to linger and mingle with the gals after the show!

Admission:  $10 Dr Sketchy’s Anti-Art School and Burlesque / $5 after 10 PM

Every year, the Uptown business district hosts an event that has become a social adventure where you may find an exciting discovery or reconnection is waiting just around the corner.

This annual Uptown Holiday Shop Hop brings together the vibrant retail districts of East Fulton, East Hills, Eastown, and Wealthy Street.  .  I always find a great gift or two -- or three -- while attending this event that often offers numerous in-store promotions. If you need help getting in the spirit, make sure to catch a performance from the carolers who stroll along the corridors.  Even Scrooge would break under their spell.

Uptown has recently become known as one of the city’s greenest districts, with  one of the highest retail occupancy rates in all of Grand Rapids.

If it becomes too cold or snowy, guests who do not wish to walk along the neighborhood sidewalks that connect the shopping centers are encouraged to ride the Shop Hop trolley that connects all four districts from 4-9 PM.  Look for the 5-foot tall candy canes that dot the streetscape to find a trolley stop.