Introducing Midwest Skies! New Band out of Grand Rapids

    


     Midwest Skies! is a band definitely worth checking out. Other than playing great music, they are a great group of guys. Check out the bio:      


     The members of Midwest Skies met in 2007 at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. As brothers of Sigma Pi Fraternity, International, they soon realized that they shared a common ground- passion for performing music. 


Midwest Skies officially came together in the summer of 2009, and has had the opportunity to share the stage with many popular signed bands. In January of 2010, Midwest Skies received the opportunity to record their first EP at Mattress Factory Studios in Chicago, Illinois with producer Martin Atkins (American Bandstand, Nine Inch Nails, Public Image LTD.) and engineer Steve Moore. 


Street teams have been established in numerous states, as far south as Texas, as far west as California, and as far east as Maryland. Since their start, they have reached a level of success not seen by many Grand Rapids-based bands, and continue to astonish new fans and venue owners with their electric live performances and catchy, infectious, upbeat songs. 


“These songs are hook city! I’m not f****** kidding, this stuff gets stuck in your head and I love it!” –Martin Atkins, music producer. 


Some bands they've shared the stage with: 
-The Secret Handshake (Triple Crown Records) 
-The Dangerous Summer (Hopeless Records) 
-Asteria (Broken English Records) 
-Patent Pending (We Put Out Records) 
-The Upwelling (Edmond Records) 
-The Ataris (Columbia Records).


Members:      James Johnson:  Guitar & Vocals
                    Ryan Ykimoff:     Bass & Vocals
                    Josh DC Jones:   Drums
                    Jei Won:            Nap expert, Merch, Videographer, & Photo


Genre:          Pop Punk/Indie/Rock


Hometown:   Grand Rapids, MI

Now that you know about them, go check them out! You can see their acoustic show Thursday, December 2nd at 5pm at Hot Topic in the Woodland Mall. Here's the link to their facebook event page: 
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=164979666855949


Check out their band pages at:


http://www.facebook.com/midwestskies
http://www.myspace.com/midwestskiesrock


Listen to them here:


http://www.purevolume.com/MidwestSkies

WATCH them here:


http://www.youtube.com/user/MidwestSkiesRock

LET'S TALK...J Gardella's

J.  Gardella's Tavern

11 Ionia Avenue Southwest
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 459-8824

Are you looking for a great place with great drinks and a fun atmosphere in downtown Grand Rapids? Check out J. Gardella’s Tavern on

Ionia St

. They have perfect location close to Van Andel Arena. When you are in the bar you have three options upstairs, main bar or the basement. They have a bar on all three levels, it just depends on what type of atmosphere you are looking for.

They serve their draft beer in a huge mason jar, or if you prefer a bottle they offer that too. Not a beer drinker? Don’t worry they have a wide range of liquor as well. They offer a bubble gum shot that is fun and tastes good. In the bottom of the shot glass you will find a piece of bubble gum to chew on afterwards. 

J. Gardella’s is one of the only places in the area that keeps their kitchen open until close. Although they do not offer their full menu you can order foods like mozzarella sticks, waffle fries, pulled pork sandwiches and so much more.

So, if you are looking for great drinks, food and just want to have a good time with your friends…J. Gardella’s is a must!

Trans-Siberian Orchestra coming to Van Andel Arena this December

Beginning to get into the holiday spirit? Go see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Van Andel Arena! Tickets are currently on sale starting at only $27.50. There are two shows on Wednesday, December 29th at 3:00pm and a later show at 8:00pm. 



One dollar from each ticket purchased will go to God's Kitchen.  God's Kitchen is a program of Catholic Charities West Michigan that helps to feed the hungry with dignity and respect.  Located in the Heartside Neighborhood of Grand Rapids, God's Kitchen has served over 195,000 meals in 2008, and provides service through two programming initiatives. 


Tickets may be purchased at the Van Andel Arena® and DeVos Place® box offices, Ticketmaster ticket centers, including D & W stores and select Family Fare locations, or you can charge by phone: 1.800.745.3000 or on line @ www.ticketmaster.com. 


So, what exactly is the Trans-Siberian Orchestra you ask? It is a rock group that incorporates the musical style of classical, orchestral, symphonic, and progressive elements into hard rock and heavy metal. They are most famous for their Christmas themed series of rock operas including Christmas Eve and Other Stories, The Christmas Attic, and The Lost Christmas Eve. 


Want to check them out? Here's a couple links to videos of them performing Wizards in Winter live on GMA from 2005, and Carol of the Bells 12/24 live from the Forum Dec. 2007.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkAhmH40kiM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRoZX0wY_nc&feature=related

Let's TALK...Marado Sushi

Marado Sushi

47 Monroe Center St NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49503 

(616) 742-6793

Have you fallen a victim to the sushi craze? If so, Marado Sushi is the place for you. They have a crunchy roll that is to die for. The crunchy roll consists of shrimp tempura, avocado, cucumber and crab with sauce. it tastes great and it is reasonably priced ($6.95 for a roll).

Not sure if you want to try seafood...don't worry they have several options like a vege roll, your basic avacado roll and so much more! This is a place you definitely don't want to miss.

Let's TALK...Parlsey Mediterranean Grille

Parsley Mediterranean Grille: 80 Ottawa Ae NW, Grand Rapids

Looking for a healthy Mediterranean meal at an affordable price? They offer homemade soups, dressings and delicious variety of dishes (all made from scratch). Personally I suggest the Tuna Pita Wrap...the wrap has fresh tomatoes, lettuce, onions, flavorful tuna served on a fresh Pita Wrap.


Not a fan of Tuna...the Lemon Chicken Soup is amazing. It's rich in flavor and a perfect way to keep you warm this time of year!

Lets talk... Tavern on the Square

My 22nd Birthday Dinner

Tavern on the Square was the destination for my birthday dinner. I have been there once before since it was the Black Rose and I fell in love with their small plates. I think 3 plates for $20 is a great deal, you get to choose from almost their whole menu. The staff there was very kind, they gave me a free birthday drink, that had mint bailey's in it and was topped with whipped cream. And I also got a free dessert, that was chocolate chip cookie, ice cream and whipped cream. 

The atmosphere is very relaxing and inviting, I wish the weather was a little warmer so we could have eaten on the front porch with the fire places. Overall the restaurant was great, I will be back again to eat their amazing small plates!

Lets talk...Grand Rapids Ballet

Who Cares? A Classic Ballet Performance

 by Heather Smith and Toni Swider

The Grand Rapids Ballet is celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the electrifying classic ballet Who Cares?, a show that's not your typical ballet performance.

With jazz-influenced music by George and Ira Gershwin, the speed and energy will keep you intrigued and make you want to get up out of your seat and Pirouette with the dancers.

"The community and audiences will truly enjoy watching this wonderful ballet just as much as our dancers will enjoy dancing it," said Patricia Barker, artist director of the Grand Rapids Ballet.

The performance of Who Cares? was originally choreographed by one of the 20th century's most famous choreographers, George Balanchine. Balanchine, also known as the co-founder and balletmaster of the New York City Ballet, brings the powerful essence of Manhattan to the stage in order to energize the crowd and take them on a journey.

The accompanying music was written by brother Ira and George Gershwin. In 1931, George composed the original song "Who Cares?" while his older brother Ira Gershwin wrote the lyrics. Between the years 1924 and 1931, Ira had written lyrics to nearly all of George's vocal music.

The brothers originally created the song "Who Cares?" for their musical Of Thee I Sing, but were able to give Balanchine the groundwork to make an excellent ballet that has lasted four decades.

Hershy Kay originally performed orchestration for Who Cares? Most of Hershy's work was noteworthy for Broadway and for some of Balanchine's 125 New York City Ballet's.

The ballet has a total of 16 musical compositions by the Gershwin brothers including "I Got Rhythm," "The Man I Love," "Strike Up the Band," and "Somebody Loves Me." The New York premiere of Who Cares? may have been in 1970, but this ballet continues to get better with time.

"It's fun and exciting with those wonderful familiar tunes from George Gershwin that we all can hum a few bars," Barker said.

The ballet follows Gershwin's compositions through a press conference with a chorus of reporters, a dramatic scene between the President and First Lady and ends with a love duet. Who Cares? Is a must see and will leave you wanting more.

For more shows check out www.grballet.com