Local First’s 9th Annual Street Party is like Christmas for adults whose wish list includes a chance to dance under a blue sky on the open city street to the music of a local band while hoisting a tasty homemade goodie in one hand, washing it back with a micro brew in the other.. For nine years, the Summer Santa never fails to deliver on our wish.
Now in its ninth year, the street party that keeps on bringing good vibrations to our community is growing again as the acts they have programmed for this year are all stellar when you consider their individual accolades. It's worth risking a little public drunkenness to see them all live, and even more so than last year at this time as The Rapid runs long into the night in case you need to forgo your automobile.
On deck this year is Fauxgrass Quartet, Larry McCray, Afro Zuma, Grupo Aye, The Hard Lessons and special headlining act, La Famiglia, who promise to bring along a surprise special guest or two. (I am praying it is Snoop Dogg.)
In between acts, the newly christened kings of 45 rpm cool, the Grand Rapids Soul Club, will be on the decks to spin some of the chillest cuts from yesteryear, including even a few tracks from Grand Rapids’ 1970s.
Food and drink for the event will include offerings from Founders Brewing Company, St. Julian wines, Grand Rapids Pizza Delivery, The Winchester’s What The Truck (food truck), The Silver Spork (food truck), San Chez Bistro, Hopcat’s Stoner Tacos, Little Pearl Cupcake, Chez Olga, Egg Roll Queens, Faygo (Juggalo alert) and my personal favorite, Marge’s Donut Den. (Fact: When Marge flies out of town, she has been known to bring enough donuts to share on the plane. It is the coolest way to promote our local goodness.)
And while this festival is about all things local, the very best part is you get to celebrate with others who, just like you, have discovered the joys of being, and in this case, partying local.
Go loco at the 9th annual Local First Street Party!
Admission: Free
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