You might say that Bob Mankoff has humor down to a science. After all, before beginning his journey from budding cartoonist to cartoon editor of The New Yorker, Mankoff was just a few credits shy of a PhD in experimental psychology.
When October comes around, it's time for all of the freaks, ghouls and creatures of all stripes to come out of hiding in West Michigan and celebrate the best holiday of them all – Halloween. And what better way to celebrate than with our friends at the Thriller! Chiller! Film Festival?
Most comedians who've made it will tell you they all started their careers the same way: with a love for laughter and performances at many, many open mic nights. Josh Courtnay, local comic and creator of Comedy Tuesdays at the Tip Top Deluxe Bar, is no stranger to this concept. He has plenty of time under his belt in the Grand Rapids comedy scene and has spent countless hours curating and performing at open mic nights.
A growing store in Lansing aims to spice up the typically mundane grocery shopping experience. Starting in July, Horrocks Farm Market opened an in-store tavern with 30 taps of craft beers for patrons to consume while strolling the aisles.
From a $300,000 upgrade to the DeVos Performance Hall to arts institutes that are using technology to connect with the public, it's no mystery: West Michigan wants more of the arts. We highlight it all in our annual Arts Issue.
She’s the girl with killer style, very tomboy and rocker-chic Barbie on a super minimalist kick. She’s Blair Badge—the fashion and beauty maven at the blog Love, Blair. Here, you’ll find a palette of black, white and gray ensembles that have an air of high-fashion couture meets moody sophistication with a touch of Goth for the hell of it.
Eric “EZ” Albertson is nothing if not a people person. Back in early 2012, when he opened the SpeakEZ lounge in Grand Rapids’ Belknap Neighborhood, Albertson sought to create a highly connective environment that would bring a true sense of community back to the pub. It’s no surprise then that one of the establishment’s longest-running and most popular events is centered around something that’s brought human beings together since the dawn of our existence: telling stories.
We're quickly coming to the close of summer and entering into the film industry limbo that arrives between the summer blockbuster and holiday film season. But not to worry, film fans. Independent cinema is still booming in West Michigan.
If you have a conversation with Dann Sytsma, one thing becomes apparent very quickly: the guy loves improv. Like, a lot. So much so he became the sole proprietor of Crawlspace Theatre Productions, a Kalamazoo-based production company focused on the art of improv.
With ArtPrize taking over the city, you just have to embrace art at every turn. Explore kid-friendly art events, then head home, whip out the crayons and finger paints and frame that stuff.
