The Orbit Room announced today that it will hold a memorial service on Friday, Oct. 11, 2013 at 5 p.m. to celebrate the life of owner Don Dorshimer, who recently passed away at the age of 56.

It’s no secret that West Michigan knows beer. According to USA Today, we boast two of the top 15 craft breweries in the United States (Founders and Bell’s, in case you were unaware). In addition to being the best, many new microbreweries pop up in our region on a yearly basis. This month, we’re honoring one of the many things we do best with a look at how the area has grown, a gigantic brewery list, beer gear and more.

Find these Beer Issue stories on our website:

- Beta Theta Pints: West Michigan's Fraternity of Brewers
- Grand Rapids: Building a Foundation for Better Beer
- West Michigan's Lakeshore Ups the Beer Game
- Michigan's Burgeoning Craft Beer Industry: Northern and Mid-Michigan
- Craft beer scene grows in Southwest Michigan
- What Your Beer Says About You?
- What's the Deal with Hard Cider?

You might know Trapt for its high-energy, rock tunes like "Headstrong," but the California-based band will be dialing it down a few notches during its next trip to Grand Rapids.

With the average shelf life of a local band at about a year or two, you got to tip your hat to any group that can manage to stay together longer — much less keep people coming in the door to check out their shows.

Downtown Holland will be crawling with fire trucks Friday, Oct. 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. No, the stroopwafel factory isn't on fire. It's the Holland Fire Truck Parade! Fire Prevention Week kicks off with the 31st Annual Fire Prevention Week Kickoff Parade. But kids of all ages come for the fire trucks.

The festive procession will include more than 50 big, shiny vehicles from Ottawa, Allegan and Kent Counties' fire and public safety departments.

In 2012, SCOPE NYC named you one of the world's top 100 artists. How did you feel when you found out about the honor? I was ecstatic when I got the news, because it was an international call for entry. I felt very honored to be featured ... It was a great feeling.

How did it affect your career? It basically continued on as normal ... but all the exposure has been great.

Insiders know to shop on the regular at Art of the Table (606 Wealthy St. SE). There's much to like at the specialty food, beverage and tabletop store located in the Heritage Hill section of Grand Rapids. Now with their new loyalty program, you can get paid to eat like a king.