Perhaps best recognized as the fictional version of himself in the wildly popular television series The Office, Creed Bratton is known for his zany, off-the-wall and sometimes ridiculously insane comments and antics throughout the show’s nine seasons. Based on the UK series by the same name, the US version of The Office was not originally slated to have a Bratton-esque…
Supply and demand should ensure that we never run out of people to do the really key jobs. If there was a dire shortage of, say, potato chip flavor developers (don’t panic, this is strictly theoretical), chip companies would make the salary and perks of the job more attractive, colleges would hype up the benefits…
Ani DiFranco is no stranger to politics. A leader in the feminist movement, the singer-songwriter and poet isn’t afraid to dive deep, meeting social issues head-on not only through her music, but in activism. There was a time when she even considered taking a more active role, flirting with the idea of serving in public office.…
So after a life spent in a small town, you think you’re ready to move to the big city. If multiple talking animal movie protagonists can do it, why can’t you? Besides, you know what to expect: glitzy nightlife, exotic dining options, everyone spends all day, every day honking their horns in traffic. Well, I’ve…
Matisyahu has devoted his musical career to delivering highly introspective messages in a style that’s all his own. Fusing reggae with hip-hop and layering it over a jam band style of indie rock, he has released a number of albums — including two Gold Certified records and the Top 40 hit King Without a Crown — that touch…
Former Black Crowes singer Chris Robinson had, not secretly, been in a problematic relationship with the band that made him famous for some time. In the final couple of years leading up to the group’s disbanding, he began collecting some songs and formulating ideas for what his next steps in the musical world might bring. He…
The story of the Pixies isn’t new: An enormously influential band instrumental in ushering in a dynamic style of alt-rock that helped shape the very music of the ’80s and ’90s. The group influenced bands from Nirvana to Radiohead, and even gained respect from the likes of U2 and David Bowie. So it was no surprise…
Now in its ninth year, ArtPrize continues to grow in both size and scope, drawing more than 500,000 visitors to downtown Grand Rapids. And with hundreds of artists showcasing their work in dozens of venues throughout the city, it certainly feels larger than life during its 19-day run. Last year, the folks behind ArtPrize decided…
I started having kids of my own at age 16. I never went to college, and by the time I was 24, I was a father of three by two different women, neither of whom I married. If that doesn’t sound like the opening lines of a Maury Povich episode, I’m not sure what does. Fortunately, I…
The Internet undoubtedly has made some of our shopping habits extremely convenient. There are some things, however, where a point-and-click purchase is not your best option, no matter how solid you think your research skills are. As any musician will tell you, buying an instrument is definitely something to be done in person, because you…
There’s no doubt that West Michigan is home to an enormously rich and diverse music scene. Yet even with no shortage of traditional venues hosting some of the best in local and touring talent, sometimes it’s the places that may be off the radar, or perhaps boast another claim to fame, that are offering up…
Four years ago, Margaret Ann Kaminski found herself staring at a bunch of robes, wands and cauldrons, leftovers she had from attending midnight releases of Harry Potter books and movies. As she gazed upon the pile of nostalgia, she couldn’t help but feel that an important, even magical, part of her life was missing, and…
It’s an unfortunate time in our nation’s recent history when the cultural divide is so wide, chants of “Build the wall!” are commonplace. Yet even as some seem to embrace a sort of national exclusivity, others are celebrating the melting pot that is more truly reflective of this country’s very foundation. Jessica Hernandez & The…
The humble waffle isn’t always thought of as a high quality breakfast food. Often times, we’re simply grabbing the pre-cooked variety out of a box and shoving them in the toaster. If we’re really lucky, we prepare our own from pre-made batter in the lobby of a mediocre hotel. However, some West Michigan breakfast spots…
At just 25 years of age, country music star Hunter Hayes is already reinventing himself. Following the release of his major-label debut album in 2011, which has since gone Double-Platinum and boasts three No. 1 singles, Hayes has attained a dizzying array of accolades. He has won or been nominated for dozens of awards, including CMA’s…