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WEST MICHIGAN’S ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE FOR 38 YEARS » NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2026

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SOUNDTR ACK TO THE SEASON

ICHIGAN

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HOLID AYS

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LOCAL ALBUMS 2026

I U G R

TOP FIVE

GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY’S

2 0 26 G IF T

FRE E!

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WHAT 'S IN S I DE

NOVEMB ER /DECEMB ER VOLUME 38, ISSUE 6 O N T H E C OV E R :

NEWS

DINING

What’s Going On

THINGS TO DO 12

Duff Goldman Brings ‘The Tao of Duff’ to Grand Rapids

Top Five Local Albums 2026 Molly Bouwsma-Schultz Takes a Soulful Step Forward

FEATURE HOLIDAY GUIDES

ARTS 30

Big Art, Tiny Worlds and a Little Friendly Competition at Muskegon Museum of Art

Grand Rapids Symphony’s Soundtrack to the Season

Arts Calendar

MUSIC 14 15

2026 Gift Guide

Your Guide to the Holidays Around West Michigan

GET OUT 16

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

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/// LET TE R FROM THE ED ITOR

JOSH VEAL Managing Editor josh@serendipity-media.com

REAL VISIBILITY and DIRECT ACCESS!

eady or not, the holidays have arrived. Luckily, depending on when you’re reading this, there’s still plenty of runway. If you’re one of those people who’s a true Christmas Crusader, posting on June 25 that we’re “halfway there,” one month really isn’t enough time to soak up the entire holiday season. But bet ween arts markets, light shows and holiday concerts, there are opportunities to celebrate as early as mid-November. Even if you’re not a huge fan, chances are you still have to pick up some presents, and there’s no reason to wait. That’s why we put out our local gift guide right now, so you can get a head start instead of slowly feeling the panic set in over the next t wo months. In today’s world, there’s such a massive breadth of options for presents that it can feel paralyzing. You might google gift guides, or ask ChatGPT, and be met with a smattering of cheap novelty goods and overpriced gimmicks that vaguely align with what you know about the recipient. These are the gifts where, it’s truly the thought that counts, because they’re headed to Goodwill soon. Or you can shop local, picking up truly one-of-a-kind gifts designed by artisans and/or curated by passionate experts. W hen you head to a boutique or holiday arts market (of which there are many this season), you can see and feel the item personally, avoiding scams, skipping uncertain shipping times, and assuring quality. Hopefully our Gift Guide will give you some direction of where to head! In addition to all of the great holiday stuff—including a big roundup of events and performances, a nd a deeper d ive into t he Ch rist k ind l Ma rket—you’ l l f ind ou r a nnu a l Top 5 A lbu ms of 2026, highlighting some of our favorites from local musicians. We also talk with singer Molly Bouwsma Schultz about her new album, with TV chef Duff Goldman about his show in town, and with the Grand Rapids Symphony about their end-of-year shows. Plus, a look at vegetarian and vegan eats across West Michigan! W het her you’re a hol id ay super f a n or we a r e a rbud s e ver y where i n Dec ember to avoid a l l t he Christmas music, we hope you get out there, embrace the spirit of togetherness and community, and perhaps most of all, support local. ‘Til next time,

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8 N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R | Holiday Gift Guide

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/// N E WS

WHAT’S GOING ON NOV/DEC ‘26 11/5 CHICKS IN THE OFFICE The Intersection 133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, Grand Rapids Nov. 5, 7 p.m. sectionlive.com Pack your PJs! Consider this your invite to the ultimate sleepover with the Chicks in the Office—just don’t expect bedtime. Join your favorite podcasters for a night of laughs, pop culture, exclusive merch, drinks, games, and some VERY special guests. Dress code: Pajamas, cozy clothes, whatever you’re comfortable in!

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11/8

11/10

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RESTAURANT WEEK GR Nov. 6-14 experiencegr.com/restaurant-week

SCOTT BRADLEE’S POSTMODERN JUKEBOX DeVos Performance Hall 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Nov. 8 devosperformancehall.com

TUNE-YARDS The Pyramid Scheme 68 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Nov. 10, 7 p.m. pyramidschemebar.com

GRAND RAPIDS COMIC CON 2026 DeVos Place Convention Center 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Nov. 13-15 grcomiccon.com

Oakland art-pop duo Tune-Yards brings a restless, rhythm-heavy sound to the stage, blending funky bass lines, unconventional percussion, looping vocals and the unmistakable voice of frontwoman Merrill Garbus. Known for pairing dance-floor-ready grooves with sharp political commentary, the duo continues to push its sound forward on 2025’s Better Dreaming, an exuberant, defiantly optimistic response to an increasingly chaotic world.

GR Comic-Con returns, bringing three days of comics, cosplay and pop culture to downtown. Meet comic book artists and writers, browse Artist Alley and the vendor hall, and check out guests from film, television, literature and online entertainment. With gaming, fan panels and plenty of opportunities to celebrate favorite characters and franchises, the convention offers something for casual fans, dedicated collectors and aspiring cosplayers alike.

It’s the most delicious time of the year in Grand Rapids, when some of the area’s best chefs concoct special dishes to dazzle your taste buds. You’ll get to experience innovative menus along with exciting offerings. This year, participating restaurants will be offering two courses or more for $25, $35 and/or $45 during the 9-day promotion. Sign up for the digital pass at experiencegr.com to browse menus and get free gifts.

11/7 DAVID CROSS The Big Room at SILVA 975 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Nov. 7, 7 p.m. thebigroomgr.com

Postmodern Jukebox is the internationally acclaimed music collective famed for their signature time-twisting style, transforming some of our most loved songs into dazzling vintage masterpieces. Renowned for their joyous, highenergy live shows, the multitalented troupe of singers, dancers and instrumentalists will bring a brand new production to stages across the country—putting a retro spin on everything from ’70s rock classics and ’80s Britpop staples to today’s chart-toppers, movie themes and even video-game soundtracks.

Known for his unforgettable work on Arrested Development, Mr. Show with Bob and David, The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret, and countless stand-up specials, David Cross has built a legendary career blending sharp satire, absurd storytelling, and fearless comedy. Don’t miss your chance to see one of comedy’s most influential voices live in an intimate setting at The Big Room.

10 N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R | Holiday Gift Guide

MAYBE HAPPY ENDING Broadway Grand Rapids 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Nov. 10-15 devosperformancehall.com Winner of 6 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Maybe Happy Ending tells the deeply human story of a chance encounter that sparks connection, adventure, and maybe even love. Helmed by Tony Awardwinning director Michael Arden (Parade), Maybe Happy Ending has been called “one of the best musicals in years” (USA Today) and even “The best musical in eons!” (Observer). Don’t miss the totally original new musical adventure that explores what it means to be human. Even if they’re not.

11/20 GRAND RAPIDS INTERNATIONAL WINE, BEER & FOOD FESTIVAL DeVos Convention Center 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Nov. 20-21 showspan.com/grw Now in its 19th year, this Festival has established itself as Michigan’s annual tasting event, measured by more than 1,200 wines, beers, ciders and spirits from around the world, along with creations from the area’s finest restaurants. From the connoisseur who lives and breathes for the finer things in life to the novice looking for an introduction

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, David Cross, Maybe Happy Ending. COURTESY PHOTOS

to the world of food and spirits, this Festival will deliver a grand experience that is sure to please every palate.

11/24 THE BIG LEBOWSKI Wealthy Theatre 1130 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids Nov. 24, 7:30 p.m. grcmc.org Jeff `The Dude’ Leboswki is mistaken for Jeffrey Lebowski, who is The Big Lebowski. Which explains why he’s roughed up and has his precious rug peed on. In search of recompense, The Dude tracks down his namesake, who offers him a job. Check out this cult classic on the big screen at Wealthy Theatre this month.

12/6 AN EVENING WITH LORD HURON GLC Live at 20 Monroe 11 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m. glcliveat20monroe.com With its cinematic soundscapes, ghostly harmonies and lyrics steeped in longing, nostalgia and the supernatural, Lord Huron has carved out a distinctive corner of indie folk-rock. The Michigan-born band, best known for the wistful hit “The Night We Met,” brings its Evening With Lord Huron tour to GR for an extended headlining set spanning its catalog, from familiar favorites to deeper cuts and songs from their latest album, The Cosmic Selector Vol. 1.

12/11

12/19

THE NUTCRACKER DeVos Performance Hall 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids Dec. 11-20 grballet.com

JEFF DANIELS IN CONCERT St. Cecilia Music Center 24 Ransom Ave. NE, Grand Rapids Dec. 19, 3 p.m. scmc-online.org

For so many families across West Michigan, this timeless tradition fills the season with wonder, joy, and unforgettable memories. With choreography by Val Caniparoli, stunning sets designed by Grand Rapids’ own Chris Van Allsburg (The Polar Express) and Tony Award-winner Eugene Lee, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed live by the Grand Rapids Symphony, our production is a uniquely local feast for the senses that captures the magic of the season.

In 1976, Jeff Daniels bought a Guild D-40 from Herb David’s Guitar Studio in Ann Arbor, Michigan, threw it in the back of his old Buick, and moved to New York City. That guitar led to a creative outlet, became a solace, a road into the artist that he didn’t know existed. Now, over 40 years later, he’s still writing songs, singing them, and playing. Check it out at St. Cecilia.

12/15 JONAS BROTHERS: THE BURNING UP TOUR (ALL OVER AGAIN) Van Andel Arena 130 W. Fulton St., Grand Rapids Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. vanandelarena.com What began as a one-of-a-kind event honoring the iconic “Burning Up Tour,” the blockbuster arena run that became a defining moment for the band and a generation of fans, is now hitting the road, bringing one of the Jonas Brothers’ most unforgettable live experiences to fans across the country once again. With special guest Magnus Ferrell.

Find out what else is happening around West Michigan at www.RevueWM.com/ calendar

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/// TH I N G S TO DO

DUFF GOLDMAN

Brings ‘The Tao of Duff ’ to Grand Rapids | by Eric Mitts

uff Goldman has made a career out of taking normal things like food and making them wildly more interesting. Same old cake? Nope, make it a life-size replica of a car. Bored by baking? Add power tools. Hate reality T V? How about throwing a bunch of rock ‘n’ roll misf its into a Baltimore bakery and pointing a camera at them. And now, apparently, the old-fashioned strudel is getting the Duff Goldman treatment, when he heads out on the road for his first-ever live tour. The Food Network star, chef and artist is bringing his live show, “The Tao of Duff,” to Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre on Nov. 13. But don’t expect a conventional celebrity-chef appearance. Goldman isn’t just showing up to talk about cakes and pose for a few self ies before calling it a night. He’s bringing his great-grandmother’s strudel recipe, stories from a life spent making things, plenty of audience interaction, and his personal philosophy about f inding joy in the little stuff before it disappears completely. Goldman’s résumé stretches from graffiti artist and metal sculptor to baker, television personality and maker of wooden automatons. His Baltimore bakery, Charm City Cakes, became the setting for “Ace of Cakes,” the Food Network series that turned his unconventional approach to cakemaking into a reality show phenomenon. But Goldman’s creative restlessness started long before he started working on T V. “My great-grandmother was a baker, and a weaver and a milliner,” Goldman told Revue. “My grandmother was a silversmith and an enamel smith and a photographer. My mom used to do ceramics and stained glass. Now she does mosaics.” And just like his family, now there’s Duff. “I used to be a graffiti artist and then I went to metal sculpture and then I was working on cars and building stuff and that led into cakes,” he said. “And then my cakes have now led me to make like, wooden automatons. I make toys and stuff.” That creative lineage—and the sometimes borderline-obsessive need to keep making things—is what Goldman says makes up “The Tao of Duff.” “I like to talk about my life in craft and in art and in creation,” Goldman said. “I’m a really creative person and I come from really creative people.”

The live show gives him an opportunity to tell those stories without the editing, cameras and controlled environment of television. There’s an outline, he said, but every night is different. “I really encourage lots of audience participation. I like when people interrupt me.” And while there will be plenty of talking, Goldman wants to keep his hands busy, too. He makes the dough from scratch, using the recipe as both culinary demonstration and storytelling vehicle. For Goldman, creativity isn’t necessarily the idyllic, Instagram-ready pursuit that it sometimes gets portrayed as. “Our creativity is the slave driver,” he said. “It just makes all of us do the things we do, because if we didn’t listen to it, we’d go insane.” That relentless creative impulse has recently taken Goldman into woodworking. He said he has been fascinated by learning how different types of wood behave, f iguring out strange tools and essentially teaching himself how to build the things he imagines. Goldman also brings that obsessive level of detail to something considerably less complicated than woodworking, or an elaborate, oversize cake: toast. He described making the ideal piece of toast for his f ive-year-old daughter Josephine in gourmet specif ic terms: crispy on the outside, still creamy in the middle, butter melting into the warm bread before adding peanut butter after it cools slightly. “W hen you think about just a bite of toast like that, that’s what creates a chef. That’s the thing. You see that on the face,” Goldman said. “It just makes everything worth it.” That philosophy has taken on even more meaning since becoming a father. “I think she has made me just much more aware of tiny little things that I think that in my pre-kid life, I would just sort of gloss over,” Goldman said of his daughter. “I think that 90 percent of the stuff that comes out of my mouth

12 N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R | Holiday Gift Guide

now is stuff that I’ve learned from my daughter.” He remembers one trip to the grocery store when his daughter was about two years old. She began dancing to music he couldn’t hear. Eventually, he realized she was responding to faint music coming from a tiny speaker in the ceiling. “It sort of woke me up to that. And I was like, wow, there it is.” That moment, he said, captures what he hopes people take away from The Tao of Duff. “The joy is there,” he said. “You just have to hear it. You have to see it. You have to smell it. You’ve just got to locate it.” That mission also explains why Goldman wanted to take the show on the road in the first place. He said the digital world has made communication easier than ever, but something gets lost when everything happens through a screen. “Nothing can replace standing in front of a group of people and telling them a story.” There’s a personal connection here, too. Goldman was born in Royal Oak, and his wife’s family is from Michigan. So, come for the Food Network star. Come for the strudel. Come to hear stories about cakes, creativity, family, woodworking and whatever else Goldman’s brain has cooked up. Mostly, though, come looking for the thing he says is already all around us. Joy. “It’s out there,” he said. “It’s all around you. You just have to see it.” ■

DUFF GOLDMAN THE TAO OF DUFF TOUR Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids Nov. 13 , 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show, $30+, All Ages Duff.com, grcmc.org/theatre

The joy is there. You just have to hear it. You have to see it. You have to smell it. You’ve just got to locate it. Duff Goldman. COURTESY PHOTO

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/// M US I C

TOP FIVE LOCAL ALBUMS2026

| by Eric Mitts

o other story dominated the West Michigan music scene quite like the grand opening of the new Acrisure Amphitheatre in downtown Grand Rapids. From its massive 12,000-person capacity and massive $184 million price tag, its inaugural season this past summer literally reshaped the region’s concert landscape. Similarly, the size and scale of hometown hero Billy Strings’ wildly celebrated weekend-long return with his f irst ever Ionia Freak Fair found the now three-time Grammywinning guitarist embracing his two deepest loves: bluegrass and metal. The event also doubled as a massive celebration for his new album, So Much For Goodbyes. Likewise, fellow former West Michigan musician turned Nashville transplant Lindsay Lou also made a big return, with her show at The Big Room last month, showcasing the release of her new album, Bluegrass Women, with an all-female band. Members of Grand Rapids’ beloved band The Crane Wives stepped into new territory this year. Drummer Dan R ickabus released his second solo album, Ache in the Blooming, while vocalist/guitarist Emilee Petersmark launched her solo endeavor as Lee Emi with DESTROY EVERYTHING. Both explored elements of their distinctly different voices, delivering something new and innovative, yet totally satisf ying to longtime fans of the indie-folk band. With major changes and big names continuing to keep GR on the musical map, one of the biggest joys here at Revue remains highlighting just a few of the very best, most diverse releases from the thriving local music scene. Narrowing this list down to just f ive always becomes something of a nailbiter, so def initely share with us some of your own favorites, and let’s help continue to grow our music community into something even bigger and better in 2027.

MICAH DAILEY-WHITE M A NI A

RED ARROW HIGHWAY Be Someone Better

LARRY D FEEL .

BETWEEN TWO VOICES Between Two Voices

VIDA ETERNA Vida Eterna EP

Arguably on his way to becoming bigger than anyone else mentioned in this article, Kalamazoo’s Micah DaileyW hite has built an audience on TikTok that now tops more than 2.2 million followers. Leaning into short, often comedic videos before his music became impossible to ignore, he drew the attention of major label Columbia Records who released his second album, MANIA this year. Proving there’s far more to him than vertical-video virality, Dailey-W hite moves effortlessly between R&B, bedroom pop, synth-rock and dance music, in a way that feels like one giant creative playground. Pairing irresistible hooks with left-f ield ideas and deeply personal song writing, it’s an impressive leap for an artist whose reach is growing far beyond West Michigan.

Something of an embodiment of the West Michigan music scene at large, alt-rockers Red Arrow Highway have spent years sharpening a sound that sits comfortably between heartland rock and melodic punk, and their second album Be Someone Better feels like the payoff. Made up of members from Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Grand Haven, their sophomore album combines Springsteen-style storytelling with driving guitars and songs about friendship, grief, relationships, and simply trying to become a better version of yourself. It’s the kind of record that understands the enduring power of a great rock song: direct, emotional, memorable and built to be shouted back from a crowded room. Heartfelt without becoming sentimental, catchy without feeling calculated, it captures a band sounding increasingly conf ident in its own skin.

A lthough Grand Rapids rapper Larry D technically released FEEL. in December 2025, the record shouldn’t get lost in shuff le of the changing of the year. Completing a trilog y that began with THINK. and continued through MOVE., the album turns inward with thoughtful storytelling, vulnerability, and hard-earned perspective. Tracks like “Dear Rap,” “GR Attitude,” and “Home Is W here My Heart Was” give the project a distinctly personal heartbeat, balancing introspection with conf idence. Larry D demonstrates how powerful local hip-hop can be when it prioritizes substance over spectacle, delivering a record that feels grounded in Grand Rapids while speaking to experiences far beyond it.

Longtime friends Micah McLaughlin (formerly of The Mutef lutes), Aaron Wildey, and Angel Napieralski bring decades of shared musical history into the self-titled debut from their new project Between Two Voices. Built around rich threepart harmonies, stripped-down arrangements, and song writing that trusts the listener to lean in, the Grand Rapids trio creates something quietly powerful. There’s patience here, but never passivity; every voice adds another shade to the picture. In an increasingly noisy screenbased world, the album f inds strength in simplicity, allowing the songs and performances to carry the weight, and provide an escape. Warm, thoughtful, and deeply human, this record is a beautiful reminder of what can happen when friendship and music grow together.

Translating to eternal life, Vida Eterna is the new project from April and Adam Zimont, former longtime members of scene-shaping Kalamazoo shoegaze band glowfriends, and its successor Tamborina. Hosts and founders of the annual Kalamashoegazer Festival, the dream-pop group’s debut EP drifts between shimmer and sorrow, post-punk tension and slowcore introspection. Built around ethereal vocals, distorted guitars, and an instinctive understanding of atmosphere, the EP feels simultaneously nostalgic and fresh. It’s a short four-song release, but shows continued promise from this talented family, including a fun stopmotion video created by the Zimonts’ 12-year-old son Nolan, for the track “Facing The Other Way.” ■

14 N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R | Holiday Gift Guide

Molly Bouwsma-Schultz. PHOTO © DEREK JUNTUNEN

MOLLY BOUWSMA-SCHULTZ Takes a Soulful Step Forward | by Eric Mitts

or Grand Rapids singer, songwriter and multiinstrumentalist Molly Bouwsma-Schultz, her long-awaited debut solo album Soul Feels Free, arriving Nov. 11, represents eight years of life, growth, motherhood and hard-earned self-discovery. Blending soul, gospel, jazz and global musical inf luences, the entirely analog-recorded album is both a celebration of creative independence and a ref lection on what it means to live authentically. “The intention and care put into the process of curating this 15-track album feels like a natural unfolding of a body of work that developed throughout many seasons and timelines of massive personal and global shifts over the last eight years,” BouwsmaSchultz told Revue. The past eight years have changed her, both as a person and an artist. The result is a record that doesn’t simply introduce BouwsmaSchultz as a solo musician; it captures her stepping fully into her own voice, on her own terms. “Putting this project out into the world feels like a new beginning because ultimately everything changes and we are always being thrown into the future,” she said. Grand Rapids audiences have known Bouwsma-Schultz through several chapters of her musical career, from her early work with Blue Molly to fronting Vox Vidorra, the acclaimed local soul outfit whose 2015 album Promise Land won the Jammie Award for Album of the Year. Following years of collaboration,

her solo career as Molly has given her the freedom to pursue her own musical ideas from beginning to end. “Making this Molly album feels empowering because I’m standing in front of the music unapologetically,” she said. Her decision to take ownership of the songwriting process also ref lects the realities she experienced coming up in the music industry. “Coming up as a young Black woman in music performing mostly blues, jazz and gospel covers, I learned that your gender, age, and race, can have a powerful inf luence on how well you’re able to bring your ideas across in group dynamics,” she said. Bouwsma-Schultz values collaboration, but she recognizes the importance of protecting her artistic vision in an industry with a long history of overlooking women’s contributions. “There are far too many stories of my favorite artists like Whitney Houston, TLC, Anita Baker, Mariah Carey, Billie Holiday, countless early blues artists, world artists, and songwriters in history and currently who’ve made music that sold millions of albums without recognition, credit, or proper compensation while delivering endless talent inside a male dominated industry,” she said. For her, creative independence is about more than getting the final say on a melody or lyric. It’s about reclaiming the power to tell her own story. “Becoming a solo artist was the natural step in the direction I was always heading in an effort to reclaim

the voice of the life I’m meant to live and speak through,” she said. Few experiences have transformed Bouwsma-Schultz more profoundly than becoming a mother. She began writing Soul Feels Free years before her daughter was born, but motherhood ultimately became one of the defining moments shaping the finished album. The song “Safina’s Heartbeat” incorporates audio of her daughter in utero, connecting the physical rhythms of life with the bonds between mothers, children and generations. “These heartbeats are in everything I do now both as a human, and woman, and creator,” Bouwsma-Schultz said. “These rhythms carry us all into existence.” Her daughter was part of the recording process, too, present during sessions spanning pregnancy, infancy and childhood. “She was in the studio when I was pregnant recording auxiliary vocals for ‘Don’t Be Surprised’ on the album, and she was present as a child for our last couple sessions wrapping up the album. Bouwsma-Schultz sees the songs as something she can pass along to future generations, preserving the lessons and experiences that shaped her life. Inf luenced by writers and cultural figures including Toni Morrison, Nina Simone and Audre Lorde, she understands freedom as an ongoing commitment to human rights, equality and solidarity. “Standing in your ethics without fear of the backlash is a type of freedom and that type of freedom is especially potent and imaginative when it doesn’t require oppressing other people,” she said. “I’m reminded that we are all enduring forms of injustice, and we all have an opportunity while we’re here to speak up about it, especially those of us with privilege and, or, a platform,” she added. Recorded with longtime collaborator Tommy Schichtel at

Grand Rapids’ Goon Lagoon studio, Soul Feels Free embraces what has been described as “future soul.” “Future soul to me is less about defining a genre and more about the messages within the songs that can inspire some powerful change whether it’s vibrationally, energetically, or spiritually,” she said. Drawing from the African diaspora, ancient Yoruban chants and musical traditions spanning generations, she views the album as part of a much longer cultural conversation. That philosophy feels especially relevant as musicians confront artificial intelligence and the unauthorized use of their creative work. “I was not worrying about AI bots harvesting my vocals to create digital blackface for nameless white creators when I started recording this album, but now these are very real things I have to contend with as a musician,” she said. The album closes with “The Mine (A Congolese Lament),” a tribute to Miriam Makeba’s interpretation of “Liwa Wechi.” Sung in English and Lingala, the song considers

the exploitation of workers and natural resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, connecting that history to the minerals used in modern technology. It’s a challenging final statement for a record that asks listeners to consider how their lives connect with others. “I feel this is my best offering yet as an artist,” Bouwsma-Schultz said. “I hope this album will land in the hearts it was made to resonate with. Knowing my intentions with this album represent my calling and voice, a message of belonging and liberation while being able to help represent Grand Rapids and the state of Michigan in a meaningful way feels really special.” Soul Feels Free arrives Nov. 11, with vinyl preorders available through mollymollymolly.bandcamp.com, and digital preorders through subvert.fm/molly. The album will be available on major streaming platforms except Spotif y. Molly plans to announce an albumrelease tour after listeners have had time to connect with the record. ■

REVUEWM.COM

/// G ET O UT | Your Guide to What’s Great in the Great Outdoors

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!

usually like to cover more recreation-oriented activities in this space, but with winter at our heels, I thought I’d just focus on getting out of the house in general. It’s so easy to want to wait out the cold, but in Michigan, that’s more than four months of our lives! Being on hold for that long is simply not okay! My lure for prying you from your comf y sofa and out of your fuzzy robe is the Christkindl Markt held at the Downtown Market November 18 through December 24, 2026. The f irst year I went to this European-inspired Christmas shopping and dining village, I was struck by an unusual aroma hanging like a cloud over the promenade of wooden vendor chalets. I followed my nose to its nexus: Baked Cheese Haus. There, I was introduced to Raclette, an A lpine-style cheese melted under high heat until charred and bubbly, then scraped onto a baguette. I’ll admit they had me at cheese, but this preparation took it to the next level. They could have added cured meats and pickles to my sandwich, but I just wanted an unadulterated taste of this curiously stinky treat, so I had mine plain. It’s def initely what brought me back for year two. (This year marks Christkindl’s fourth year, by the way, and with each iteration, they seem to up their game.) But, this is not the only draw, lest I get too far away from “the great outdoors.” (I do seem to be straying.) W hat I love about the Christkindl Markt is they

make it so easy to be outside, even when it’s frigid. They have a large, heated beverage hall that’s easy to duck into to defrost, plus warm drinks like hot cocoa, hot cider, and glühwein to heat you up while you’re strolling and browsing. In between beverage pitstops, there’s tons of shopping to be had, and if you’re planning your gift giving for the season, the market provides an ideal opportunity to score a one-of-a-kind f ind. Pottery, knit and woven goods, ornaments, jewelry, décor, and candles are just some of what you’ll see among the 60plus booths. There are also sweets, condiments, cocktail kits, and other edible gifts, as well as an array of artisanal eats for lunch or dinner if Raclette isn’t your jam. I had the crepes last year, and, for this year, I’m eyeing the Kartoffelspiralen (spiral potatoes) and the pierogies. Though the spätzle and potato pancakes are enticing, and who can pass up a hot pretzel? Wait, what is this column called again…?! Let’s get to some recreation. If you were intrigued by the curling competitions that took place at the 2026 Winter Olympics, then here’s your chance to give it a try! You and your group of up to eight can reserve one of their four synthetic “ice” curling sheets for a one-hour time slot. Though no brooms are involved, you’ll still get to take turns hurtling (or maybe carefully aiming instead) your stones to try to get closest to the center of the

16 N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R | Holiday Gift Guide

| by Allison Kay Bannister “house.” This activity is located on the second-f loor outdoor terrace of the Downtown Market, with a view of the Christmas village below. If you’re interested, you should def initely make a reservation, which you can do online at christkindlmarktgr.com. Another way to weather the weather is to reserve one of their private A lpenglobes. They seat up to eight for a three-hour time slot, plus they’re heated. You can come and go as you please during your reservation, so you can step out to shop and then pop back in every so often to snack, socialize, and unbundle from your coats and mittens. Some other need-to-knows for this year are that they have an all new glassware suite for beverages. This year’s glassware was designed in house and crafted in Germany, and includes a glühwein mug (also for cocoa and hot cider), a beer stein, a bubbles glass, and an eggnog glass. Yes, eggnog is back this year! W hether you purchase from this commemorative collection or bring back a vessel from years past, you’ll get discounted ref ill pricing. There will also be new vendors featuring more authentic fare consistent with what you’d find at a traditional German market. And, though not announced yet as of this writing, there will be a lineup of live entertainment and specialty nights. As usual, the best place to stay up to date is to follow their socials or head directly to their website: christkindlmarktgr.com. ■

PHOTOS © CHRISTKINDL MARKT

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Fika, Two Beards Deli. COURTESY PHOTOS

Vegetarian and Vegan Food in West Michigan | by Josh Veal FIELD & FIRE CAFÉ 820 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids fieldandfire.com/café An outpost of the excellent Field & Fire bakery, this café of course features plenty of excellent baked goods, but the menu also boasts a Vegan Skillet, multiple vegetarian toasts, veggie soups, falafel sandwich, salads, and more. Just don’t forget to grab a cruff in for dessert.

iving in America, it’s not always easy f inding great dining options as a vegetarian or vegan. Quite frankly, our menus are dominated by meat and animal products. That’s why it’s so nice to f ind a place that caters specif ically to the herbivores, and so sad when one closes (R IP Brick Road Pizza and Gaia Cafe). Luckily, there are still plenty of fantastic options around West Michigan—places that go beyond just offering a house salad or a Morningstar patty. While certainly not a comprehensive list, here are some of our top recommendations for your vegetarian and vegan eats around town. FIKA 1359 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids fikagrandrapids.com FIK A makes eating vegan beyond easy—it’s all they have on the menu! Everything is gluten-free as well, just like the married owners’ other venture, R ise Authentic Baking Co. Having opened in summer 2025, this Creston café has become known for a delicious menu that makes excellent and inspired use of housemade tempeh bacon, chickpea sausage, tater tots, veggies, vegan cheese and more. If you’re seeking a vegan breakfast or lunch, this is the place to be. TWO BEARDS DELI 38 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids twobeardsdeli.com Two Beards is known for having nearly 100 sandwiches on the menu (and you truly can’t go wrong with any of them), but you might not realize more than 20 of those are vegan or vegetarian. They have all kinds of cold sandwiches, wraps and paninis, with vegan bacon, bean patties and blackened tofu as the stars, but supported by plenty of veggies and sauce. STELLA’S LOUNGE 53 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids stellaslounge.com Stella’s has been championing the veggie menu for years, and that certainly hasn’t changed. The vegan chickpea “wings” and potato “wings” are both iconic options, but you’ll also find vegan nachos, various veggie beggers, a vegan Crunchwrap, sandwiches and more. Plus: Tons of whiskey.

LITTLEBIRD 95 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids thelittlebirdgr.com If you’re looking for a nice sit-down meal with just as many vegetarian options as not, head to Littlebird. It’s not a huge menu but that’s because they change it frequently, driven by fresh seasonal ingredients and innovation. You’ll f ind vegetarian and vegan pasta, risotto, impossible burgers, plus small plates and dessert. GO VEGAN GR 435 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids govegangrandrapids.com

simmered with onions, tomatoes and garlic, and a spiced soy curry with Ethiopian chilies and warming spices. Pair them with injera, the traditional tang y, spong y f latbread used to scoop up every last bite, and add Ethiopian lentil soup or a fresh salad to round out the meal. Or, just get a big ol’ sample platter to try it all! QUARANTINO’S 1444 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids quarantinosgr.com Offering some of the greatest Detroit-style pizza any where on Earth, Quarantino’s has developed a loyal following. They have multiple vegetarian options, such as the Shroomer, Greektown, and Bruschettaboutit, but you can also order eight vegan pizzas, such as the Maui Bird, which has red sauce, vegan cheese, smoked vegan ham, pineapple, roasted bell peppers, and Calabrian chilis. And don’t forget the vegan Kale Caesar! CROW’S NEST 816 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo

Inside the Downtown Market, you’ll f ind an eatery entirely dedicated to big, bold vegan f lavors. The menu is packed with comfort food like burgers, po-boys, sloppy joe’s, cheesesteaks, wings, fries and more—all, of course, made entirely without animal products. It’s the kind of meal you’ll f ind yourself craving, often.

A Kalamazoo favorite for breakfast and brunch, Crow’s Nest gives vegetarian and vegan diners plenty of reasons to climb the stairs and grab a table. The menu’s dedicated Herbivore section includes dishes like the Vegan K zoo Stir Fry, loaded with tofu or tempeh and a colorful mix of vegetables topped with hummus, and a Thai stir-fry tossed in peanut-chili sauce. A vegan banh mi, plant-based cheesesteak and tofu scramble round out the options.

RESERVOIR 2155 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland reservoirholland.com

ONE WELL BREWING 4213 Portage St., Kalamazoo onewellbrewing.com

The Italian-American restaurant offers plenty of plantbased options, including multiple vegetarian and vegan pizzas, Impossible burgers, a vegan g yro made with Daring plant-based chicken. There’s also vegan chicken Parmesan, bruschetta and a rotating vegan and gluten-free dessert. Stop by for breakfast, too, with vegan French toast, a vegan Benedict and a veggie-packed omelet made with plantbased chorizo.

At One Well, plant-based diners can pair their craft beer with far more than a side of fries. The Kalamazoo brewery makes vegetarian food a focus of its menu, crafting their own seitan in-house and offering plant-based chicken and chorizo, with vegan-friendly options ranging from loaded nachos made with dairy-free sauce and vegan cheese to pizzas, sandwiches and stir-fries. And with a dedicated vegetarian fryer, you can order with no hesitation. ■

UNICORN TAVERN 415 S. Beechtree St., Grand Haven theunicorntavern.com This eccentric eatery in Grand Haven marks V on the menu for “vegan & delicious.” That includes all kinds of options, from specials like Thai laab lettuce wraps to mainstays like chickpea burgers, a luscious grilled cheese, vol-au-vent and Moroccan stew. LITTLE AFRICA ETHIOPIAN CUISINE 956 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids Everything at Little Africa is 1. vegetarian 2. delicious 3. designed to be shared. The menu features hearty, f lavorpacked dishes like shiro, a savory chickpea-f lour stew

18 N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R | Holiday Gift Guide

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2026

GIFT GUIDE | by Revue Staff

You Know Them Best!

inding the right gift is easier when you know what makes someone tick. For the friend who treats coffee like a science, the collector who can never have too many records, or the homebody with a carefully curated aesthetic, West Michigan has plenty of places to f ind something that feels personal. W hen you shop local, it’s that much easier to f ind a gift that’s truly unique and surprises the lucky recipient. From locally made hot sauce and handcrafted jewelry to pottery classes, climbing g yms and vintage media, these gifts go beyond the usual gift-card-and-gift-bag routine. W hatever your favorite people are into, there's something here to make them feel seen.

20 N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R | Holiday Gift Guide

e fo r th . . . ho w s d frien

Fox Naturals, Commune, Dime & Regal, Feral, The Epicurean, Mokaya, Madcap, Good, Good, Good . COURTESY PHOTOS

TA K E S T H E I R C O F F E E S E R I O U S LY:

R E A D S T H R E E B O O K S AT O N C E :

C O F F E E SU B S C R IPT IO N

S CHU L ER BO O K S

You know that friend whose coffee setup looks like Dexter’s Lab? The most important part of it all to them is the beans. No amount of weighing and blooming and f iltering will make Folger’s taste like a single-origin coffee from a local roaster. Luckily, we have plenty of great options, and you can even get them a subscription so a new bag shows up every X amount of weeks! Check out Madcap, Stovetop Roasters, Lantern Coffee, and Littlefoot. L O V E S T O H O S T:

A LWAYS S M E L L S G O O D :

F OX N AT U R ALS

619 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids People who love perfume don’t just stick to one bottle. They’re driven by a powerful desire to experience new scents, and know how to pair each one with a different occasion. Fox Naturals offers dozens of gender-neutral perfumes made of botanical ingredients. Head in and grab a few mini bottles or rollerballs that f it your giftee’s vibe, and while you’re at it, feel free to pick up some local skincare and bath products for yourself. NE E DS A LIT TLE PAMPE RING:

DE SI G N 1 S ALO N SP A design1.com

That loved one who never slows down might just need you to grab them by the shoulders and say, “Hey. You need a long massage, and it needs to be at the top of your to-do list.” Help make it happen with a gift card to Design 1, where they can get everything from deep tissue to hot stone or an exfoliating “sea glow” massage. And if they’re more into facials, manicures, waxing and brows? Each of Design 1’s four locations has that too. They were voted f inalist for Best Day Spa in Best of the West for a reason. G LI S TE N S W ITH J E W E LRY:

DIME & R E G AL

656 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids Finding quality jewelry that lies in between “at the counter at Forever 21” and “custom-designed for your wedding” can feel like a challenge, but that’s where Dime & Regal comes in. This boutique champions small-batch, womenowned brands and handcrafted jewelry and accessories, including offerings from 18 independent artists. You’ll f ind minimalist gold hoops, modern bracelets, elegant earrings, bold necklaces and more. (And yes, they also have the custom, high-end stuff !) T R I E S E V E RY N E W R E S TA U R A N T:

G IF T CAR D From the giver’s perspective, you might worry a gift card will be perceived as low-effort, but is that really how you feel when you get one? Or do you think, “Oh sweet! Free money.” For the friend who loves to eat out, you’re giving them the freedom to order that special dish they otherwise would forgo due to cost. If you want to give even more options, go with a restaurant group like Essence, Gilmore, RedWater, The Electric Company, CDK I, or 4GR8Food, so they have plenty to choose from.

AR T O F THE TABL E

606 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids This shop is loaded with high-quality ingredients, provisions, kitchenware, cooking accessories, cookbooks and more. They have everything anyone could need to up their home kitchen game, on top of great options for people who love to host guests. Plus: Dozens of handcrafted gift boxes, from A Pleasant Picnic to The Full Fancy. SWIRLS THE GLASS:

W INE S HO P S We have some truly phenomenal wine shops in Grand Rapids, with staff who make it incredibly easy to get a great gift. Just give them a couple broad descriptors and a price point and you’re off. At R itual, for instance, you’ll f ind wines from regions you’ve never heard of, curated through the lens of “quality farming, attention to detail, and a light hand in the cellar.” At Good Good Good, their wines (and f lowers) are all natural, without any of those darn additives used to cover up f laws. Or at Grand Vin, you can get a pre-curated case to make it extra easy. COLLECTS HOT SAUCE:

F AT B AB Y

fatbabyhotsauce.com Trust us: Your friend who collects hot sauces does not want the huge box of 30+ little bottles from World Market. They all taste like slightly spicy vinegar. Go for something handcrafted and curated, like Fat Baby Hot Sauce, based out of Grand Rapids. They have f lavors like Saucesquatch (blueberry, honey and white habanero) and Breakfast Baby (smoked habanero maple), or Cobra Kisses (curry and ghost peppers) for the adventurous. Find them online or at local stores like Knapp’s Corner Meijer and Kingma’s. K E E P S TH E I R H A N D S B U S Y:

P OT T ER Y LANE

2663 Elmridge Dr. NW, Grand Rapids That friend who’s always trying new hobbies has likely considered pottery but never taken the plunge. Sign them up at Pottery Lane for a one-time workshop to get their hands wet, or an 8-week course to let them really dive into the craft. Whether it’s wheel throwing, handbuilding or pinch pots, expert instructors will guide them through it all no matter. And who knows, maybe you’ll get a handmade gift in return!

2660 28th St SE, Grand Rapids There’s a reason Schuler Books has been a cornerstone of the community for decades now. The sizeable store makes gift-shopping so easy, it feels like cheating. Of course there are thousands of books to choose from, but you’ll also f ind accessories like bookmarks, book stands, totes, book-themed socks, mugs, and so much more. Or, just get them a gift card and let them spend a day in a book lover’s paradise. THINKS VINYL SOUNDS BETTER:

V ER T I G O R E C O R DS

129 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids With more than 30,000 records spanning just about every genre you could imagine, in addition to cassettes and CDs, Vertigo is a music collector’s dream. If you know what your giftee is into, take the time to enjoy f lipping through records, hunting for the perfect pick. Or, just get them a gift card so they can go on that adventure themselves! The search is half the fun, after all. LOGS EVERY MOVIE ON LETTERBOXD:

FR EE TICKETS The cinephile in your life is limited only by those pesky obligations like having a job and social life, and the high cost of individual movie tickets. Luckily, Celebration Cinema has possibly the best movie subscription program around. $23.95 a month gets you three free movies a week, with no convenience fees and no upcharges for formats like IM A X or 3D. Gift them a few months to try it out, or a whole year if you can afford it. Or, give them a gift certif icate for Wealthy Theatre so they can pick from endless classic, cult and independent movies! C A R E F U L LY C U R AT E S T H E I R H O M E :

C O MM U NE

954 Cherry St. SE, Grand Rapids You head over to your loved one’s house, and the moment you step in, get a sense of the home’s personality. They’ve obviously meticulously curated their home in terms of style, palette and space. If you want to contribute to their grand design with something that’s sure to f it whatever aesthetic they have going on, Commune is a sure bet. Their offerings blend a sunny, Southwestern style with Mediterranean summers, inspired by sun, stone and sea. LIVES IN FULL COLOR:

NIK SI HO ME & F LO R AL

708 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids Niksi is f illed to the gills with plush textures, vibrant f lorals, rich color, and playful imagery. It’s an aesthetic that wants to bring joy into the home, while still being tasteful and modern. Perfect for the friend who’s a beam of sunshine—whose house both feels comfortable and has something to say.

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Mokaya. PHOTO © LEIGH ANN PHOTOGRAPHY

T U R N S T H E I R A PA R T M E N T I N TO A J U N G L E :

LOVES A GOOD PUZZLE:

IS PROUD TO BE A 90S (OR 80S) KID:

P LAN T S HO P

THE G R E AT E S CAPE R O O M

R E W IND G R AND R AP IDS

We all know that person who constantly insists they have “too many plants,” yet keeps buying more plants. If it’s an addiction, it’s probably the healthiest one you can have, and there’s no harm in encouraging it. Head to the aptly named Plant Shop and ask which would appeal most to a connoisseur. They’re likely to have a rare plant your botanophile friend will cherish forever (or at least, until they run out of room in the cabinet).

Give them a chance to show off their big brain at The Great Escape Room. Gather a crew, crack the clues, solve the puzzles and race the clock in an immersive escape room experience. It’s part brain teaser, part team-building exercise and a great excuse to put those superior problemsolving skills to the test. A lready cleared all the rooms here? Check out The Ruse, Locked 460, Lakeshore Quest or Escapolog y.

W hen you want genuine vintage clothing, not a cheap mass-market recreation, you head to Rewind. Here you’ll f ind loads of rare T-shirts which are long out of print, some of which have survived decades. It’s your chance to get a Pokemon shirt from 2000, or Nine Inch Nails from 2005, or New Kids On The Block from 1989, all still in great condition. They also have hats, bottoms, toys and more!

LOVES THE FOOD NETWORK:

I S O B S E S S E D W ITH AU D I O Q UA LIT Y:

C O O K IN G C LAS SE S

BR IN G B AC K AN ALO G

BLAC K D O G BO O K S & R E C O R DS

1056 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids

A true foodie doesn’t just want to eat, they want to cook—to know how the sausage gets made, and be able to make their own. There are all kinds of cooking classes in West Michigan that help you learn how to make impressive dishes at home, such as pasta, risotto, scallops, steak, desserts and much more. These classes typically include food, drinks, and a fun time meeting new people. Check out The Local Epicurean, Thought Design, and Pacific Rim (in Kalamazoo). ORD E RS TH E CHARCUTE RI E E VE RY TI M E:

THE CHE E SE LADY

thecheeselady.net The Cheese Lady has spread her love of great dairy all across the Mitten State, with locations in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph. Here, you’ll f ind everything anyone could ever need for a stellar charcuterie and cheese platter, including olives, honey, artisanal jams, crackers, condiments, fruits, nuts and more. As the shopper, there’s an added bonus: Before buying, you get to sample a ton of cheese with the help of friendly workers. IS DOWN FOR AN ADVENTURE:

C L IMBIN G G Y M S We may not have mountains in West Michigan, but we do have tons of top-notch climbing g yms. This is a sport/ hobby/exercise that involves a surprising amount of logic and puzzle-solving, and makes use of muscles you may have never activated. Get them a gift card for rope climbing at spots like Scrapyard Climbing Collective, Higher Ground and Climb Kalamazoo, or go bouldering (no ropes or harnesses) at Terra Firma and Shift. CHASES THRILLS:

G R AND R AP IDS G R AND P R IX

8455 Byron Commerce Dr SW, Byron Center If your friend is always looking for some high-speed fun, we suggest doing it in a go-kart rather than risking their life and car in a street race. Go with them to Grand Rapids Grand Prix, home to a 30,000-square-foot indoor track. The electric karts are fast (more so than a standard family fun center), the corners are tight, and there’s no snow or ice on the road to worry about. Need even more adrenaline? Check out Skydive Grand Haven.

22 N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R

233 Fulton St., Grand Rapids

2240 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids Bring Back Analog is meant to be a playground for everyone who loves vintage audio and other physical media. Born from the passion of a deeply knowledgeable owner , you’ll f ind everything from supremely rare gear meant for collectors, to speakers, receivers and turntables that are more affordable but still focused on quality and reliability. Stop in, play with the Game Boys, and ask what would make the perfect gift for your audiophile friend. NEVER HAS ENOUGH PHYSICAL MEDIA:

B AC K W AR DS C O MP AT IBL E

2024 Eastern Ave. SE, Grand Rapids This little underground media shop has been obscured by construction lately, but they’re open and f lush with all the rare and niche media you could ever hope for—vinyl, CDs, cassettes, V HS, videogames, vintage apparel and more. If you want to avoid getting your collector friend something they already have, your chances skyrocket at Backwards Compatible. Just ask for some recommendations and you’ll leave with a full bag. WHO STILL THINKS IT’S HALLOWEEN:

AL IV E AG AIN

1541 Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids If your giftee loves horror movies, cult classics, one-ofa-kind posters, collectible toys, or just fun, spooky stuff in general, A live Again is the place to be. You could easily spend hours searching the densely packed shelves here, with thousands of V HS tapes, DVDs and BluRays f illing the store. Or ask the super friendly owner what rare collectibles he currently has in stock!

17 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids

IS READY FOR THE REVOLUTION: 959 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids Fuel their f ire at Black Dog Books & Records, where books and music offer plenty of food for thought, fresh perspectives and a little countercultural inspiration. W hether they’re looking to challenge the status quo, expand their worldview or f ind the soundtrack to changing it, this is a good place to start. C R AV E S C H O C O L AT E E V E RY DAY:

MO K AY A

638 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids Satisf y their sweet tooth (momentarily, at least) with this artisan chocolate and confections shop. You’ll f ind beautifully crafted bonbons, exquisite truff les, unique truff les and more, all with inventive f lavor combinations. The only problem is, these treats are almost too pretty to eat. A lmost. Pick up a box for the chocolate lover in your life, or grab one for yourself. No judgment here. P R A C T I C A L LY L I V E S O U T D O O R S :

F ER AL

1031 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids For the friend who’d rather be on a trail than on the couch, whose camera roll is full of shots from the POV of an open tent, FER A L Grand Rapids has the goods to fuel their next adventure. W hether they’re gearing up for a weekend in the woods or just want to bring a little outdoorsy spirit to everyday life, it’s a great place to f ind both new and used gear and stylish gifts for the wild at heart. ■

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IT’S A

FALL VIBE IN FENNVILLE

saltoftheearthfennville.com 269.561.7258 | 114 E Main St. Fennville

24 N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R | Holiday Gift Guide

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YOUR GUIDE to the HOLIDAYS ARO UND WEST MICHIG AN

| by Revue Staff

/// 202 6 H O LI DAY G U I D E S

he holidays are here, and West Michigan is ready to celebrate. From twinkling light displays and festive markets to concerts, big parties and family-friendly traditions, the season offers plenty of ways to get into the spirit. W hether you’re planning a full day of holiday fun or just looking for an excuse to leave the house and admire some lights, here are festive local events worth adding to your calendar.

CHR IST K INDL M AR K E T

Grand Rapids Downtown Market / Nov. 18-Dec. 24 downtownmarketgr.com The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is hosting its third Christkindl Market, heavily inspired by traditional European Christmas markets. The event features an illuminated winter wonderland with holiday retailers and experiences including more than 60 outdoor vendor booths with handmade gifts, German Style beverage hall, heated A lpenglobes, live entertainment, curling experiences, holiday lights, caroling, Santa, children’s activities, and much more. Head to the market’s website for more details on specif ic events throughout the season!

CHR IST M AS L I T E S HO W DR IV E THRU LMCU Ballpark / Nov. 25-Jan. 2 christmasliteshow.com

West Michigan’s largest, animated drive-through light show is back for another year of magic! This season marks their 28th year of entertaining people of all ages, and they’re excited to see you. Enjoy nearly two miles of Christmas magic with over a million lights, animated displays, lighted tunnels, and more—all from the comfort of your car. Or, remove any barriers by taking the hayride-style Memory Lane Train, which seats up to 24 adults.

ENL I G H T EN

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park / Nov. 24-Jan. 10 meijergardens.org In addition to its annual Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition with dozens of festive displays, Frederik Meijer Gardens hosts ENLIGHTEN, a holiday experience on par with the world’s most iconic light displays. Meijer Gardens transforms into a luminous wonderland of glowing pathways, interactive installations, and seasonal soundscapes—designed by local and national artists alike. And while you’re there, be sure to check out the extended run of CHIHULY: Radiant Forms indoors!

G ILMO R E W IN T ER W O NDER LAND

Gilmore Car Museum / Nov. 28-Jan. 3 gilmorecarmuseum.com The holidays light up at Gilmore Car Museum’s Winter Wonderland, returning Nov. 28-Jan. 3 with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, festive displays and family-friendly activities. Wander through the Holiday Light Maze, explore 40 decorated trees, hunt for mischievous elves, write letters to Santa and make your own ornaments. Visitors can also enjoy free Santa visits on select dates, seasonal treats and rides through the illuminated grounds in vintage vehicles, including a Ford Model T and a 1963 Cadillac convertible. Special events include f ireworks Fridays, a holiday craft market Dec. 9 and a family New Year’s Eve party Dec. 31.

26 N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R | Holiday Gift Guide

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy, Christkindl Markt, Gentex Santa Parade. COURTESY PHOTOS

S AN TA T R AIN

Coopersville and Marne Railway / 311 Danforth Street, Coopersville Weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas mitrain.net Does watching The Polar Express make you want to board a festive train? Bring the family out to the Coopersville railway for the Santa Train! This vintage train has a special seat reserved just for Santa and his elves, and all the kids get to meet him and receive a special gift from him. Choose Premium Class for table seating with hot cocoa and a locally baked cookie!

W IN T ER W O NDER LAND F O R E ST

Cannonsburg Ski Area / 6800 Cannonsburg Rd NE, Belmont cannonsburg.com The Winter Forest is a cheerful outdoor experience at Cannonsburg Ski Area. The woods are f illed with twinkling lights, holiday scenes and beloved holiday characters such as Snoopy, the Grinch, Santa Claus and more! Be prepared to encounter all of them, as you make your way through the woods and sing (or dance) along to holiday music. The walk is roughly ½ mile long, and takes place on a lit dirt path that winds through the trees.

B Y O B HO L ID AY L I G H T S T R O L L E Y

Grand Rapids / Nov. 27-Dec. 19 holidaylightstrolley.com/grandrapids This Christmas party on wheels is coming back to Grand Rapids! You’ll meet at a festive neighborhood bar for check-in, to meet your tour guide, and grab a quick snack as prep for a gawker ride through GR’s yuletide lights. Bring your own beverages for the vintage trolley ride.

HO L ID AY MO V IE S O N S C R E EN Wealthy Theatre grcmc.org

The holidays are all about coming together, and one great way to do that is to head to Wealthy Theatre for a classic holiday movie played up on the big screen. December 8 is Gremlins (it counts, okay?), December 14 is Tokyo Godfathers, December 15 The Holdovers, and December 22 & 23 is National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. The theatre is also hosting multiple candelight concerts with a string quartet performing Christmas classics.

HOLIDAY EVENTS PEN TAT O NIX : CHR IST M AS IN THE C I T Y

ST R AI G H T NO CH ASER : M AK IN G SP IR I T S BR I G H T T O U R

This year’s tour celebrates not only the holidays, but also the release of the deluxe edition of Pentatonix’s 2025 album Christmas In The City. Inspired by the magic of Christmastime in New York, Christmas In The City was the group’s eighth Christmas album and subtly expanded their sound with a jazzy, warm holiday spirit coursing through both Yuletide standards and new originals.

Holiday harmonies, vocal gymnastics and a healthy dose of humor are on the agenda when Straight No Chaser brings its Making Spirits Bright Tour to town. The a cappella group puts its own spin on seasonal favorites, blending pitch-perfect vocals, clever arrangements and the kind of playful stage presence that makes even the most familiar Christmas songs feel fresh.

Van Andel Arena / Nov. 15, 6 p.m. vanandelarena.com

O CHR IST M AS T E A : A BR I T IS H C O MEDY

Frauenthal Theater / Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m. frauenthal.org Fans of Monty Python, Mr. Bean, and Dr. Seuss, grab your teacups! Combining British propriety with an unabashed love for the unexpected, London’s 3-time Impresario Award-winning duo steep an outrageously funny and brilliantly inventive holiday show reminiscent of classic British pantos.

G R AND R AP IDS S AN TA P AR ADE

Downtown Grand Rapids / Nov 21, 5 p.m. grsantaparade.com Santa will be traveling from the North Pole to join us for this special event with more than 50 parade entries that will light up the streets of GR for families from all over West Michigan. Santa will be exiting his sleigh at Rosa Park Ice R ink at approximately 6:30 pm and joining the City of Grand Rapids for the annual tree lighting ceremony at 6:45 pm. Plus, free cookies, coffee and hot chocolate!

C IR QU E DR E AM S HO L ID A Z E

DeVos Performance Hall / Nov. 27 devosperformancehall.com Cirque Dreams Holidaze dazzles with a brilliantly breathtaking holiday spectacular for the whole family. As the original cirque holiday theatrical event, this annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around awe-inspiring contemporary circus arts. Reimagined for 2026, the show features original music, fresh twists on beloved holiday favorites sung live, new sets, dazzling scenery, and stunning costumes.

DeVos Performance Hall / Nov. 27 devosperformancehall.com

LO V E AC T U AL LY IN C O N C ER T

DeVos Performance Hall / Nov. 29, 3 p.m. devosperformancehall.com “Love Actually” is an iconic Christmas f ilm that follows 10 different, yet interweaving stories of love around the festive period, involving a variety of individuals, many of whom are interlinked as the plot progresses. Love Actually In Concert transforms a modern Christmas classic into a shared, heartwarming, and joy-f illed celebration, perfect for fans, families, and anyone who believes love, actually, is all around.

M ANN HEIM ST E AMR O L L ER

DeVos Performance Hall / Dec. 1, 7 p.m. devosperformancehall.com Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 40 years! The current show features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program includes 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects—capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting.

MI CHI G ANDER - 3 R D ANN U AL HO L ID AY SPE C I AL The Pyramid Scheme / Dec. 4 & 5 pyramidschemebar.com

Michigander’s annual holiday party is more than just a concert. It’s a festive extravaganza of local musicians and West Michigan friends coming together to celebrate. This year’s event is a two-night party, with two different shows. Metal Bubble Trio and Dawning open on Dec. 4, with Jack Droppers & the Best Intentions and Cece Coakley opening on Dec. 5.

G R AND MENO R A H L I G H T IN G

Calder Plaza / Dec. 6, 5-6 p.m. chabadwestmichigan.com Come celebrate Chanukah together as a community with the giant menorah at Calder Plaza! Enjoy lively Chanukah music, Sufganiot (donuts), hot delicious latkes, light up swag, a gelt drop, exciting entertainment, and more fun for the whole family. Everyone’s welcome!

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/// 202 6 H O LI DAY G U I D E S

T R ANS - SIB ER I AN O R CHE ST R A - THE LO ST CHR IST M AS E V E T O U R

W MS : HO ME F O R THE HO L ID AY S

With more than 10 million albums sold, TSO has inspired generations of fans to rediscover the multi-dimensional art form of the rock opera, especially through their annual holiday blowout in Grand Rapids. The “Ghosts Of Christmas Eve” continues TSO’s tradition of captivating audiences nationwide with an unparalleled blend of rock, classical, and theatrical spectacle, complete with dazzling pyrotechnics, lasers, and incredible storytelling.

Join Scott Speck and your WMS for this beloved annual holiday celebration. Imagine the Frauenthal decked with holiday cheer, a full orchestra, a stunning tenor and two youth choruses. Add in all your seasonal favorites, a spirited sing-along, a visit from Santa and you’ve got… Home for the Holidays! It’s an evening of joyful, heartwarming, pure family fun.

Van Andel Arena / Dec. 6, 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. vanandelarena.com

U PT O W N : A V ER Y SO U LF U L CHR IST M AS

Miller Auditorium / Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. millerauditorium.com UPTOW N rings in the season this holiday with A Very Soulful Christmas, a vibrant concert experience that reimagines your favorite holiday songs through the timeless sound of Motown, R&B, and soul. Featuring world-class vocals, tight harmonies, and engaging choreography, UPTOW N transforms classic Christmas music into a dynamic and uplifting celebration.

THE AT R E O F NI G H T: A CHR IST M AS R O C K E XPER IEN C E F R AU EN TH AL THE AT ER Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. frauenthal.org

Theatre of Night combines classical and traditional music textures with rock structures and heav y guitars — and they do so in a theatrical manner. The group’s unusual and inspiring take on metal, combining powerful vocals and instrumental old-world Christmas epics provides these timeless odes with a unique and refreshing twist on the “usual” holiday/rock music.

West Michigan Symphony / Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. westmichigansymphony.org

O F F I C I AL CHR IST M AS B AR C R AW L Tin Can / Dec. 19 crawlwith.us

Get ready to don your Santa hat and raise a glass at the jolliest crawl of the year! This festive Grand Rapids bar crawl includes two to three drinks or shots with your ticket, plus no cover at any participating venues—from the f irst stop to the after-party. Participants can look forward to exclusive drink and food specials, a custom Christmas bar crawl badge with vouchers, and a stadium party cup and bottle opener lanyard to keep the fun f lowing.

F R O ST - A C IR QU E HO L ID AY E X T R AV AG AN ZA

Forest Hills Fine Arts Center / Dec. 20, 7 p.m. fhfineartscenter.com FROST is an elegant and exhilarating holiday cirque production that seamlessly fuses world-class acrobatics, ref ined choreography, and magic into a visually stunning theatrical experience. Set within a beautifully imagined winter landscape, the production showcases an exceptional cast of cirque artists, aerialists, dancers, and magicians whose precision, strength, and artistry create moments of both awe and emotional resonance.

D O L LY P AR T O N ’ S SMO K Y MO U N TAIN CHR IST M AS CAR O L

LO WEL L LU MIN AR Y W AL K

DeVos Performance Hall / Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m. devosperformancehall.com

As you meander through the forest on a candle-lit path, you’ll enjoy the serenity of the forest at night. At the cabin, enjoy a warm f ire, and make your way to the wetland observation deck to view for the Geminid Meteor Shower. Back at the Center, warm up with some hot chocolate. Plus, Saturday is family night, offering fun crafts!

Set in the 1930s in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, this unforgettable production and amazing cast imagines Ebenezer Scrooge as the owner of a mining company town, where his callous greed blinds him to the joys and gifts of the season. The legendary holiday tale re-written as a new American classic features Dickens’ classic characters and Parton’s one-of-a-kind song writing expertise, making this a holiday event you’ll want to share with those you love.

HSO : HO ME F O R THE HO L ID AY S

M U STAR D P LU G’ S ANN U AL SKA - L ID AY S HO W

Join for a festive, family-friendly concert f illed with Holiday classics and sacred music with famed West Michigan soprano Jennie Judd Reyes! They will also showcase a new piece by local composer Daniel Fisher, along with traditional classical favorites including Humperdinck ’s Overture to Hansel and Gretel and music from Tchaikovsky’s famed ballet Swan Lake.

The Annual Mustard Plug Skaliday Show is back and it’s a big one! Join in for the dayafter-Christmas therapeutic throwdown you’ll NEED. Mustard Plug started out in 1991 in the punk clubs, basements, and dive bars of the Midwest, playing punk-inf luenced ska music before most people in the U.S. had ever heard of ska. Now they have nine albums under their belt, including the latest, Where Did All My Friends Go?

Wittenbach Wege Center / 11715 Vergennes St., Lowell / Dec. 11-13 facebook.com/wittenbachwegecenter

Holland Symphony Orchestra / Dec. 12, 3:30 & 7:30 hollandsymphony.org

The Intersection / Dec. 26, 7 p.m. sectionlive.com

HOLIDAY MARKETS T ER R A S QU AR E M ADE IN MI CHI G AN

3380 Chicago Dr., Hudsonville / Nov. 7, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. terrasquare.com Kick off the holiday season with family and friends for a shopping experience with items exclusively made in Michigan!

K ALAM AT O P I A 2 026

Kalamazoo Mall / Nov. 13, 5-8 p.m. facebook.com/kalamatopia KalamaTopia is an outdoor cold-air shopping makers market that kicks off the holiday season. Hosted on the Kalamazoo Mall, everyone is welcome to come and be a part of the celebration of the rich talent and amazing products made by local people. Vendors

28 N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R | Holiday Gift Guide

selling jewelry, ceramics, soaps, candles, crafts and more will be a part of the celebration of shopping and making. There will also be live DIY exhibits and entertainment!

B AD IDE A SO C I AL C LU B HO L ID AY AR T M AR K E T

City Built Brewing Co. / 178 Mason St. NW, Grand Rapids / Nov. 14, 12-4 p.m. facebook.com/citybuiltbrewing Our friends at Bad Idea Social Club are hosting a holiday art market once again! A bunch of our favorite artists and makers are setting up at City Built Brewing Company for an afternoon of art, music, good drinks, and sweet treats. Come hang out, meet the people who make the things, and f ind something worth gifting—or keeping for yourself. With Lantern Coffee serving hot drinks, live holiday music performed by Sabrina Dahlgren, and a free photo booth from The Mattesons Studio.

Christkndl Markt . COURTESY PHOTO

HO L LAND HO L ID AY S HO P PE

Holland Civic Center Place / Nov. 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. merchantsandmakers.com Welcome back to the 8th 8th Annual Holiday Shoppe! Join us on Saturday, November 14th from 9 A M – 3 PM to shop from over 100 incredible local makers—the perfect place to SHOP LOCA L for all your holiday gifts. The Holland Civic Center will be serving drinks and we will have delicious food throughout the event, making it a festive day for all.

HO L ID AY M AR K E T AT ST U DIO P AR K

Presented by Arts Marketplace / 123 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids Nov. 18-Dec 23, Wednesdays thru Sundays studioparkgr.com This holiday season, the Piazza at Studio Park transforms into a twinkling winter village you’ll want to get lost in. Let the lights slow you down and enjoy the outdoor f ire stations, seasonal sips, cozy corners, live entertainment, glowing chalets and more.

ANN U AL U PT O W N S HO P HO P

M ADE M AR K E T

Uptown Grand Rapids / Dec. 3, 3-9 p.m. facebook.com/uptowngr

Get ready for a festive shopping extravaganza as the holiday season approaches! Come explore the ultimate holiday market in Grand Rapids, showcasing over 60 skilled artisans with their one-of-a-kind, handcrafted treasures. From perfect gift f inds to special treats for yourself, this is your opportunity to support local talent, savor tasty food and drinks, and soak in the vibrant spirit of our Grand Rapids maker community.

Join the 29th annual Uptown Shop Hop, as the district of f ive thriving neighborhoods comes alive with extra special holiday experiences. FR EE Jolly Trolley rides will transport you through Uptown as you holiday shop, eat, drink, and make memories! Merriment includes free trolly rides between districts, streetside entertainment, and surprises guests and goods all night long. A lso, make sure to check out Shop Hop’s Sleigh Bell Swing at the Fulton Street Farmers Market - festive food, live music, two of Santas reindeer, and a mulled wine & hot cocoa bar.

THE K EL LO G G M ANO R HO U SE HO L ID AY M AR K E T

W IN T ER HO L ID AY M AR K E T

Goei Center / 818 Butterworth St., Grand Rapids / Nov. 21 mademkt.com

W.K. Kellogg Manor House / Saturdays, Nov. 21-Dec. 19 kbs.msu.edu Each room will be creatively decorated by Manor House staff and volunteers, with local artists and artisans selling their uniquely handcrafted gifts. Self-guided tours run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with docents on-site during market days to answer questions about the estate. Enjoy a cup of our holiday spiced tea, a local favorite, while you explore and shop this charming and festive setting.

SM AL L BU SINE S S S AT U R D AY M AR K E T

SILVA’s The Big Room / Nov. 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. merchantsandmakers.com Merchants and Makers is bringing in a curated lineup of amazing makers and artists, plus fun live entertainment like performers, magicians, and more surprises to keep the energ y high. SILVA will be serving Holiday inspired concessions inside the market space, along with a full bar so you can sip while you shop.

Fulton Street Market Dec. 13, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. fultonstreetmarket.org

Complete your holiday shopping list with handcrafted gifts from dozens of local artisan vendors. From cozy textiles and unique art pieces to festive treats and seasonal décor, you’ll f ind meaningful, locally made treasures for everyone on your list. Bundle up, sip something warm, and enjoy a joyful afternoon supporting local makers and celebrating the season at Fulton Street Market.

LAST CH AN C E HO L ID AY M AR K E T The Pyramid Scheme Dec. 20, 4-8 p.m.

The beloved Last Chance Holiday Market returns December 20. One of Pyramid Scheme’s favorite events of the year, with last-minute handmade gifts made by our talented West Michigan friends. ■

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/// RE VUE ARTS

COURTESY PHOTOS, MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART

BIG ART, TINY WORLDS and a Little Friendly Competition at MMA | by John Kissane

MINIARTURE GOLF October 29th, 2026– April 11th, 2027 It wouldn’t occur to most people that you could play mini golf in an art museum, but why not? The course has to look like something, after all; it might as well look artistic. Besides, art’s supposed to be fun. MiniARTure Gold debuted at the museum in 2022. Each hole was customdesigned to pay tribute to work from the museum’s permanent collection. The museum provided clubs and golf balls, and visitors got to play woods-inspired and Venetian-inspired holes and even play “The Floor Is Lava.” Each of the nine holes in the 2026 is new. Even if you attended the 2022 exhibition—and many people did; it was a popular event—the 2026 version is a completely different experience. “The 2022 exhibition was incredibly successful,” DeWitt said. “People talked about it online, and in the community. This year will be even better.”

hat’s an art museum? Paintings on a wall, and maybe an occasional sculpture: isn’t that it, really? Not at the Muskegon Museum of Art. Yes, there are paintings—stunning ones—and sculptures, too; but there’s a lot more than that on display. Their upcoming exhibitions prove it. There are a number of exhibitions opening in the next few months, exhibitions offering guests not just the opportunity to experience great art, but to see how it’s transformed across mediums. Visitors can marvel at huge works, delight in a wonderland of artistmade trees, and even play miniature golf. W hich, you know, how often do they let you swing a golf club at the Louvre? Revue spoke to Megan DeWitt, Director of Marketing, to better understand all that these exhibitions have to offer.

HENRY’S MINIATURES: AMALIENBURG November 19th–March 7th MAKING CONNECTIONS: ARTISTS WORKING ACROSS MEDIUMS October 9th–April 11th We tend to think of artists as working in single media: Picasso the painter, Rodin the sculptor. But Picasso also sculpted, and Rodin painted. By exploring work across mediums, we get a better sense of an artist’s range, and we return to the medium they’re best known for with renewed understanding. “Making Connections” features 27 works on paper by fifteen artists, as well as reference photographs of the related works in other mediums. In some cases, the artists began with paper (a sketch for a sculpture, for instance); in other cases, the non-paper work was the catalyst. Regardless of where he or she started, tracing the journey is revelatory. DeWitt points out that John Steuart Curry’s famous Tornado Over Kansas will be included. The dramatic image of a farm family f leeing an approaching tornado, it alone will be worth the price of admission.

30 N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R | Holiday Gift Guide

Henry Matthews, a west Michigan artist who’s served in roles with the Detroit Institute of Art, the Muskegon Museum of Art, and Grand Valley State University, channeled his passion for expression by creating a miniature dollhouse— f irst for his daughter, then, later, his granddaughters. Over thirty years ago, and inspired by a dollhouse made for his daughter by her grandfather, Matthews began collecting miniature objects. At f irst, he displayed them in the family’s home, but then the miniature bug bite took, and he found himself creating what would become a dollhouse four feet wide, seven feet long, and over eleven feet tall. “It’s incredibly detailed,” DeWitt said. “The kitchen’s one of my favorite rooms: all those plates, dishes, the stove. Every time you look at it, you see something new.” There will be an opening reception from 4:30 to 7 on November 19th.

BIG: FROM THE COLLECTION No lie in the title: this exhibition features large, immersive pieces taken directly from the museum’s permanent collection. Of course, “big” doesn’t just mean large. Some of the pieces are more modest in size, but not in accomplishment. Bigness of ambition and impact remind us that art is more than just its dimensions. A piece from Kehinde Wiley, famous for his portrait of President Obama against a leaf-f illed background, will be on display. The exhibition will include the unveiling of several pieces acquired at EX PO CHICAGO and included in the Bennett Colleciton, which features the work of women painters. Notable among those pieces is a ninety-six inch tall piece by Aminah Robinson. FESTIVAL OF TREES November 25th–January 3rd The museum’s annual fundraising exhibition, it will feature 24 trees all made by local artists and designers: a season forest suffused with West Michigan spirit. W hile some of the artists have contributed trees to past exhibitions, each tree is new, and will be exhibited for the f irst time. “One is designed as a pop-up tree coming out of a pop-up card,” said DeWitt. “I’m excited for that one in particular.” W hile the large trees won’t be for sale, smaller (two-foot) trees will be, allowing visitors to support the museum while taking home artwork they can continue to delight in for years to come. Learn more at muskegonartmuseum.org. ■

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/// RE VUE ARTS

Grand Rapids Symphony’s

SOUNDTRACK TO THE SEASON | by John Kissane

he year may be wrapping up, but Grand Rapids Symphony isn’t slowing down. A number of performances will be on offer: everything from seasonal, family-friendly performances to a virtuoso guest performance taking on work by a dark 20th century master. Details follow below, as does information about how the symphony’s working to be accessible to all community members, and what life music offers that streaming never can.

MIDORI PLAYS SHOSTAKOVICH November 6th-November 7th, DeVos Performance Hall Shostakovich kept his stunning, haunting Violin Concerto No. 1 hidden in a drawer until Joseph Stalin’s death. He knew it would be considered too modern and, maybe worse, too individualistic; neither quality was much desired in Soviet Russia. Certain he would be arrested, the composer would wait outside his apartment at night, so the arrest he deeply feared would not traumatize his wife and daughters. Japanese-born American violinist Midori earned fame as a child prodigy, appearing with the New York Philharmonic as a guest soloist at eleven years old. At fourteen, she broke a string while playing live under Leonard Bernstein. She calmly accepted the concertmaster’s violin and continued playing. When a second string broke, she borrowed the assistant concertmaster’s violin and finished masterfully. Now a seasoned player, her performances have only deepened over time. Included in the program are Louise Farrenc’s “Overture No. 1 in E” and Ravel’s Mother Goose.

unlike other similar masterpieces, it’s written in English. It will be performed by candlelight, lending its most intimate moments even more power. HOLIDAY POPS PRESENTED BY MEIJER December 4th-6th, DeVos Performance Hall Holiday Pops presented by Meijer is among the most eagerly anticipated events in the symphony’s season, a warm, funny, touching composed of classical holiday music, much of which is more than familiar—it’s beloved. Conductor Bob Bernhardt will take the musicians through classic Christmas carols, music from holiday-themed f ilms, the chorus to Handle’s Messiah, and more. Count on dad jokes and special guests, including Mrs. Claus greeting people in the lobby, with activities and entertainment before the concert. And if you’re attending one of the two matinees, come dressed for the ugly sweater contest and a drawing to conduct Sleigh R ide.

FROM DVOŘÁK TO BRAHMS November 13th, St. Cecilia Music Center

FALL 2026 GRYS & CO CONCERT November 22nd, Northview Performing Arts Center

Coffee, donuts, casualness, and beautiful music: what could beat that? Not much. Enjoy a snack before the event, then watch as Bob Bernhardt conducts a program featuring Dvořák, Brahms, and Jessie Montgomery. Violinist Grace Kim, a member of the symphony, will appear as solo violinist. The program will be performed at 10 A M and 7 PM. Coffee and donuts will only be ser ved at the morning performance, but if you eat enough of them, you’ll be f ine through the evening.

A recent poll found that members of Gen Z listen to classical music at more than twice the rate of millennials and Gen Xers, so it’s no wonder that so many talented young people continue to devote themselves to the art form. Many of them f ind a place in the youth symphony. While the exact program has yet to be announced, it’s certain to include canonical pieces and to demonstrate the range and ability of both the youth symphony and the classical orchestra.

MESSIAH BY CANDLELIGHT November 20th-21st, DeVos Performance Hall Assistant conductor Geoffrey Larson finds Handel’s Messiah to be among the greatest works of voice and orchestra ever created. “It’s incredible,” he said. Written in 1741, it’s lost none of its power in the nearly three centuries since. “It tells the story of Jesus Christ through the eyes of regular people. And it’s full of such relatable human emotion. Triumph, heartbreak, and joy: it’s all there.” And he points out that,

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS December 9th, Hastings Performing Arts Center Like the Holiday Pops Concert, Home For The Holidays is devoted to seasonal favorites, classic carols, and other music associated with the holiday season. Expect music you’ve heard all your life but played with particular sensitivity and warmth, bringing the holiday season to life. By performing it in Hastings, the symphony renews its commitment to be an organization not just for Grand Rapids but for West Michigan as a whole.

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THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL IN CONCERT LIVE TO FILM December 16th-17th, DeVos Performance Hall It shouldn’t work, rea lly: an utterly earnest Michael Cainde as Ebeneezer Scrooge, and ever yone else played by Muppets. Nevertheless, it does. “It’s one of my a lltime favorite holiday movies,” Larson said. “It’s such a masterpiece. It’s clever, heart warming. The music is beautiful. A nd we’re bringing it to life with a full symphony orchestra.” The symphony will play throughout, bringing a warmth, resonance, and cheerful holiday presence not replicable at home. The event’s certain to draw families; the f ilm charms adults as much as it does children—and it touches them, perhaps, even more deeply. ACCESSIBILITY AND THE POWER OF LIVE PERFORMANCE The Grand Rapids Symphony is committed to ensuring it remains accessible. In part, it accomplishes that through the performances it gives. “We’re looking to put on events that could interest anyone, no matter what your level of familiarity with classical music is,” Larson said. There are several different pricing options, including the symphony’s Campus Club: anyone who’s a student or educator can purchase two tickets for $12, a tremendous value. Additionally, the symphony’s working to reestablish its partnership with local libraries, through which a limited number of tickets will be available to patrons at no charge. “The opportunity to hear music in a concert hall, for an hour, an hour and a half, two hours, with no screens, no devices, no distractions—nothing yelling at you out of a small rectangle—to have the most pure and memorable experience with people you don’t know, that’s really something,” said Larson. “Come in and let it wash over you.” He points to how unique the symphony is. “This is our west Michigan symphony orchestra. It’s an incredibly f ine group of musicians. It’s really a special treasure to have in a city this size. Our musicians have this incredibly fresh approach to music making. It makes it feel like it was just written, like the ink ’s still wet on the page.” ■

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/// RE VUE ARTS

| by Revue Staff

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

ARTSCalendar

The 2026-27 arts season is off to the races in West Michigan. There are blockbuster Broadway shows in Grand Rapids, classical masterworks and jazz legends, ambitious local theater, contemporary dance, major museum exhibitions and more.

AVENUE FOR THE ARTS/106 GALLERY

GRAND RAPIDS ART MUSEUM

NEW VIC THEATRE

106 S. Division Ave., Grand Rapids avenueforthearts.co

101 Monroe Center, Grand Rapids artmuseumgr.org

134 E. Vine St., Kalamazoo thenewvictheatre.org

FIRST FRIDAYS, Every First Friday

KAREL APPEL: START AGAIN LIKE A CHILD,

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Nov. 20-Dec. 22

Through Nov. 15

BROADWAY GRAND RAPIDS 122 Lyon St. NW, Grand Rapids grandrapids.broadway.com

A SHARED VISION, Through Feb. 7 RAY MATERSON: METAMORPHOSIS, Through Jan. 3 GARY TYLER: REBIRTH, Through Jan. 3

MAYBE HAPPY ENDING, Nov. 10-15

OPERA GRAND RAPIDS 1320 E. Fulton St., Grand Rapids operagr.org

THREE DECEMBERS, Nov. 6-7

GRAND RAPIDS BALLET CENTRAL PARK PLAYERS 421 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven centralparkplayers.org

341 Ellsworth Ave. SW, Grand Rapids grballet.com

THE NUTCRACKER, Dec. 11-20

A CHRISTMAS STORY, Dec. 11-20

DEOS CONTEMPORARY BALLET 1595 Galbraith Ave. SE, Grand Rapids deosballet.com

GISELLE, Nov. 13-15 CRACKED NUTS, Dec. 29

FACE OFF THEATRE 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo faceofftheatre.com

BAMBILAND, Nov. 14-20

FONTANA CHAMBER ARTS 359 Kalamazoo Mall Ste. 200, Kalamazoo fontanamusic.org

MIRÓ QUARTET, Nov. 20

FRAUENTHAL CENTER 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon frauenthal.org

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARVES, Nov. 6 O CHRISTMAS TEA: A BRITISH COMEDY, Nov. 20

1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids meijergardens.org

CREATIVE FELLOW: HEATHER WINIA, Through Dec. 31 PLASTIC PLASTIC, Through May 14

30 N. Division Ave., Grand Rapids grct.org

AFTERPARTY BY JAER MEDINA, Through Jan. 8

ANNIE, Nov. 20-Dec. 20

ST. CECILIA MUSIC CENTER HOPE COLLEGE GREAT PERFORMANCE SERIES 100 E. Eighth St., Holland hope.edu

24 Ransom Ave. NE, Grand Rapids scmc-online.org

BÉLA FLECK, Nov. 5 AOIFE O’DONOVAN & CHRIS THILE, Dec. 11

LAURA ANGLADE, Nov. 13

THE GILMORE JEWISH THEATRE GRAND RAPIDS 2727 Michigan NE, Grand Rapids jtgr.org

359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo thegilmore.org

TOM BORROW, Nov. 15

PARADE, Dec. 3-13

CAELAN CARDELLO, Dec. 5

KALAMAZOO INSTITUTE OF ARTS

WELLSPRING DANCE

314 South Park St., Kalamazoo kiarts.org

359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo wellspringdance.org

AMONG THE BEASTS: WILD, TAMED & IMAGINED, Oct. 28-Jan. 31

FALL CONCERT OF DANCE, Nov. 20-22

STATEMENT PIECES: FASHIONING THE SELF & SOCIETY, Nov. 7-Feb. 7

WEST MICHIGAN SYMPHONY 360 W. Western Ave. Ste. 200, Muskegon westmichigansymphony.org

LOWELLARTS

TCHAIKOVSKY VIOLIN CONCERTO, Nov. 13

223 W. Main St., Lowell lowellartsmi.org

WESTBOUND SITUATION, Nov. 6

ARTIST MARKET, Nov. 5-Jan. 16

VADIM GLUZMAN & ANGELA YOFFE, Nov. 14 CLICKITY CLACK HO HO HO, Dec. 5 BRYAN ENG TRIO – A JAZZY CHRISTMAS, Dec. 12

CHIHULY RADIANT FORMS, Thru Jan. 10 ENLIGHTEN PRESENTED BY PNC BANK,

MUSKEGON CIVIC THEATRE

Nov. 23-Jan. 10

425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon muskegoncivictheatre.org

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN HEALTH-WEST: CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY TRADITIONS, Nov. 25-Jan. 10

400 Culver St., Saugatuck sc4a.org

GRAND RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE

SISTER’S CHRISTMAS CATECHISM, Dec. 13

FREDERIK MEIJER GARDENS

SAUGATUCK CENTER FOR THE ARTS

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE, Nov. 20-Dec. 6

View our full arts and entertainment calendar at

34 N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R | Holiday Gift Guide

www.RevueWM.com/calendar

REVUEWM.COM

36 N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R | Holiday Gift Guide