Connect Grand Rapids

The Wonder of MagicWe sit down virtually with local comedy magician, Trino to talk about what performers are doing when they can't go out.Trino tells us about his history and love of magic and his plans to continue his recurring magic show, Amaze & Amuse at the Wealthy Theatre in Grand Rapids.You'll learn about some magic resources if you're interested in trying your (slight of) hand at it.Check our Instagram and Facebook pages for a magic trick that Trino taught to us and a video of him showing off some pretty neat and funny magic.Prepare to experience the wonder of MAGIC!Follow Trino:Facebook: @trinomagicInstagram: @trinomagicTikTok: @trinomagicwww.trinomagic.comFollow Us:Instagram: @connectgrandrapidsFacebook: @connectgrandrapidsTwitter: @connectgrandrap

You finally have the time to watch as much TV as you want. So... what do you watch?We consult the veteran screen watchers at Couch Potatoes Unite! to discuss the finer points of watching TV until your eyes bleed.Find more at Couch Potatoes Unite!Twitter: @cpupodcastFacebook Group: Couch Potatoes Unite!Follow Us:Instagram: @connectgrandrapidsFacebook: @connectgrandrapidsTwitter: @connectgrandrap

Grand Rapids is an artistic city. Its love for art extends well beyond ArtPrize. But how are its artists doing while being stuck at home during the COVID-19 lockdown?We reached out to Hannah Berry, local artist, advocate, community organizer, and owner of Lions & Rabbits for answers. Some of the things we learned:More free time does not equal more outputWith the shut down comes lack of suppliesArtist selling their art as a sole source of income have been heavily effectedArt is underfundedArtists might need help filing taxesand MoreShow your support for the arts and help local artists in any way that you can.Check out Lions & Rabbits:Website: http://www.lionsandrabbits.com/Instagram: @lionsandrabbitsFacebook: @lionsandrabbitsCreston After Dark:Instagram: @creston.afterdarkFacebook: @creston.afterdarkCheck out Pack Elephant:Website: https://www.packelephant.com/Instagram: @packelephantFacebook: @packelephantTwitter: @pack_elephantAvenue For The ArtsFollow Us:Instagram: @connectgrandrapidsFacebook: @connectgrandrapidsTwitter: @connectgrandrap

You can't dine in, but you can take out or get delivery. This is life right now and it sucks. But there is hope.EatGR is a community of people who love to explore local restaurants and share their experiences and on this episode we're talking with its founder Christopher Freeman about food and the state of the restaurant industry during the lockdown.We'll learn about the toll that the stay at home order is taking on the industry, what's possibly to come, how we can find out who's still open and what services they are offering, and how we can support them through this difficult time so that when it's all over we can get back to enjoying the dine in experience.Follow EatGR:Website: www.eatgr.comFacebook: @eatgr1Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/EatGR/Instagram: @eatgr1Follow Us:Instagram: @connectgrandrapidsFacebook: @connectgrandrapidsTwitter: @connectgrandrap

A Podcast Crossover Audio Happy HourGrab a beer and laugh with us as we talk with Larry Lynch and Brian Davis of the Local Roots Podcast. This was totally free form and we had a blast! Topics include:Beer and our love for Bell's Two HeartedIs Footloose cheesy?Fishing in polluted watersUsing David Duchovny as means of measuring distanceSocial contests around Grand RapidsFreaking out on trailsSister Act good or bad?Quarantine lifeBeing too old at showsThe weight of a certain body partBikes and the pains of the saddle (seat)Does Lance Armstrong have an advantage besides steroidsAnd much more This episode contains BAD LANGUAGE so please be advised. Not much, but some. All in good fun. This episode was made possible by Zencastr since we're practicing social distancing. It's free. We're not sponsored by them but it worked for us so we recommend them. Follow Local Roots: Website: http://www.localroots.us/ Instagram: @localrootspod Facebook: @localrootstc Follow Us: Instagram: @connectgrandrapids Facebook: @connectgrandrapids Twitter: @connectgrandrap

The great outdoors.Derrick and Brian ventured out into the woods and faced off with the elements for some Winter Camping. The elements won. What went wrong?We took a trip to Switchback Gear Exchange to get answers. Our fantastic guide Sam Truby goes through Brian and Derrick's trip and gives us some pointers on how to do better next time. Visit Switchback Gear Exchange for all your camping, biking, hiking, and general outdoor needs!Sign up for Switchback Outdoor School for more knowledge!Follow Switchback Gear Exchange:Instagram: @goswitchbackFollow Switchback Outdoor School:Instagram: @switchback_outdoor_schoolFollow Us:Instagram: @connectgrandrapidsFacebook: @connectgrandrapidsTwitter: @connectgrandrap

LaughFest 2020 is right around the corner and it got us thinking, for the newcomer to the Grand Rapids area or the person possibly living under a rock, what is LaughFest and what do you need to know?So we took a trip down to Gilda's Club Grand Rapids to get the skinny from Festival Director, Joanne Roehm. Boy, did we learn a lot!You'll be hearing all about the amazing lineup, family events, hidden gems, and its history.You'll also be hearing about the important work that Gilda's Club is doing for our community in regards to cancer and grief support. This is truly a special place and we are so thankful that we were able to learn more about this remarkable organization and pass it along to you.Check out the official LaughFest podcast as well which features Joann Roehm.Enjoy!LaughFest:Instagram: @laughfestgrFacebook: @laughfestTwitter: @laughfest Gilda's Club Grand Rapids:Instagram: @gildasclubgrFacebook: @gildasclubgrTwitter: @gildas_club_grMore about Gilda RadnerFollow Us:Instagram: @connectgrandrapidsFacebook: @connectgrandrapidsTwitter: @connectgrandrap

We thought we were in for poorly sung covers or a disinterested crowd. What we found was a community that was pulling itself together.Mayan Buzz Coffee Bar on Grandville in Grand Rapids is home to Complete Connection, a community based open mic that happens Thursday from 8PM-10PM. A place for people to share their experience, their art, and be heard. Take a listen and hear what we experienced.Find your Open Mic NightWest Michigan Open Mic FamWe were wrong here's the real website openmikes.orgHQ Runaway & Homeless Youth Drop-In CenterOriginal Music in this Episode is performed by John McLaren.Follow Us:Instagram: @connectgrandrapidsFacebook: @connectgrandrapidsTwitter: @connectgrandrap

Just because it's snowing and cold doesn't mean you can't get outside.The World of Winter Festival is a month long festival in downtown Grand Rapids. We all know our city is an amazing experience in spring, summer, and fall, but this festival wants to make winter a great time to be outside!Starting in January and running through February 16th, a long list of events and displays in downtown Grand Rapids provide a grand experience.We got to talk with Sam Suarez from Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. She really wants everyone to get outside this winter.We're also sharing our experience of the Silent Disco on January 18th and Prismatica on Monroe Interactive Exhibition at 555 Monroe Ave NW. and it was exceptional! The lights, the music, the fun atmosphere, all of it made the snow and cold more enjoyable!Just some of the partners with World of Winter:Asian Pacific FestivalLions and RabbitsGrand Rapids Sport and Social ClubFollow Us:Instagram: @connectgrandrapidsFacebook: @connectgrandrapidsTwitter: @connectgrandrap

Sure plays a mean pinball!On the first Sunday of the month from 4PM-2AM, Pyramid Scheme offers FREE PINBALL! Grab your friends and head down for a fun night of lights, sounds, beers, and flippers!Pinball has been the hero and the villain in the arcade. Demonized and portrayed as a gambling machine, it wasn't until 1976 that it was proven to be a game of skill. Even then, it took decades for local ordinances to change.For those who want to compete with other pinballers in Grand Rapids, there is the Pinball League! To see the leader board of the league, head to GRPL.info to see where you stack up against other players.Introduce your children to pinball. Every Saturday from 4PM-8PM accompanied by an adult. Rad!Pinball is a great way to meet new people. We found a lot of friendly faces at the Pyramid scheme and we think you will too.Big shout out to Adam and The Pyramid Scheme for being so obliging. Thanks for having us. Follow Us:Instagram: @connectgrandrapidsFacebook: @connectgrandrapidsTwitter: @connectgrandrap

Gearing up for the winter in Grand Rapids is no ones favorite activity, but the fun doesn't stop when the snow starts to fly!Go out and enjoy some winter beers. Founders Brewery has a wide selection of great winter specials. Check out Brewsader for more breweries and get your checklist of places to try.All you crazy flippin' finger, always getting the replay, pinball wizards, or desire to be wizards; the Pyramid Scheme Pinball League is a great way to meet other people inside. Also, a great music venue!Check out Studio Park for the Wheelhouse restaurant, Listening Room music venue, and the One Twenty Three Tavern was the place Rick couldn't remember. We'll write it down for him next time.! The newest addition to the hotel district, I Don't Care is a fun 70's speakeasy in downtown.The Grand Raggity Roller Derby is a great sport to get into. Participate or just watch, it's a great time!Throw a football at bowling pins at the Fowling WarehouseMinor League Winter Sports in Grand RapidsGrand Rapids Griffins HockeyGrand Rapids Drive BasketballWinter Hiking at Blandford Nature CenterGet your Laugh on with Gilda's 10th Annual Laughfest and River City ImprovLove magic? Check out Trino MagicGot an axe to grind? Or want one? Throw 'em at Wood-SplittersSki, Tube, or Bike at Cannonsburg Ski AreaFollow Us:Instagram: @connectgrandrapidsFacebook: @connectgrandrapidsTwitter: @connectgrandrap

Brian and Rick are back to talk about what to do in Grand Rapids during the holiday season and debate Gift Giving and Receiving as adults.Topics Featured:Santa is charging parents to cut in line, officially putting him on the naughty list. Get the Fast Pass to see Santa faster.Brian's feet are warm and not sweaty. Thanks Smartwool!Would you pay for Sauce?ResolutionsChristmas Sweater's and when not to wear themHere's what to do in Grand Rapids this holiday season:Ice Skate at Rosa Parks Circle Ice Rink. Tickets are $3 for Adults and $1 for Kids.See the lights at 5/3 Ball Park's Christmas Lite Show. Grab the hot cocoa and drive through Michigan's Largest Drive-Thru magical display of lights and Christmas spirit!See the Santas at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Life-sized Santas are displayed in the 1890's Downtown exhibit. Take your young family members to see the Museum.New Year's Eve will be jam-packed with parties and events! Here are our favorites:Great Gatsby New Year's Eve Party at Paddock Place. All the glamour and prohibition-era cocktails you can stand.New Year's Early Eve at the Grand Rapids Children's MuseumRoaring 2020 at Betty Van Andel Opera CenterThe Original Back to the 90's Party at Pyramid Scheme.The Ballroom Bashes New Year's Eve at Amway Grand Plaza and JW Marriott.New Year's Eve at The B.O.B.Watch the Ball Drop on Monroe Ave. with Live MusicFollow Us:Instagram: @connectgrandrapidsFacebook: @connectgrandrapidsTwitter: @connectgrandrap

"We take on that mindset that we're fighting for our health, we're fighting for our wellness"Why get in shape? It's hard. By adopting the fighter's mentality, your goal is no longer trying to fit into those jeans in the back of your closet (although it is nice perk), your goal becomes aggressively fighting to become a better version of yourself. For the beginner, the Title Boxing Club approach to fitness is intense, but very approachable. Call and join one of the classes, and they will get you started with a basic set of moves that will carry you through the first class.If you're an experienced athlete, this might be a new way to condition yourself.Find out how to get into your first class at Title Boxing Club Grand RapidsFollow Title Boxing Grand RapidsInstagram: @titleboxingclubgrandrapidsFacebook: @TitleboxingclubgrandrapidsTwitter: @titleboxingclubFollow Us:Instagram: @connectgrandrapidsFacebook: @connectgrandrapidsTwitter: @connectgrandrap

You want to get out and explore your city? Traverse the great outdoors? Get in shape and race your friends? Cycling is a great way to accomplish any and all of those goals.But where do you start? We sat down with Cory Bultman of Village Bike and Fitness to find out the best way to get into the sport of cycling. With his passion for the sport and his many years of experience, he is one of the experts in Grand Rapids when it comes to cycling.The place to start if you are considering cycling as an activity is to consider your goals. Do you want to cruise the streets of your neighborhood? Conquer the trails of a state park? Get in shape while being outdoors? Each goal has a specialized bike to help you enjoy the activity.Cory shares the philosophy of his staff which is to pair up each newcomer to the expert in their field. Mountain bikes? We have mountain bike guy. Street bikes to bike down to the beach? Talk to our cruising specialist. Once you have a goal in mind, and your bike at the ready, it’s time to gather up your friends and go out there and pedal!With a wide variety of trails and rides to go on, there are many opportunities to ride solo or with a group. Village Bike and Fitness has their calendar of events here. Many more rides go on everyday. If you have a suggestion, comment or email us!If you are interested in helping other enjoy the benefits and joys of cycling, there are more opportunities. The Grand Rapids Dream Center and Serra Honda Grandville are teaming up to bring the joy and independence of a bicycle to kids in the Grand Rapids area.You can donate a bike or funds to the cause by using this link: DREAM RIDEIf you want to get connected to cycling in Grand Rapids, we've found the best way to start!Follow Us:Instagram: @connectgrandrapidsFacebook: @connectgrandrapidsTwitter: @connectgrandrap

We are all looking for connection. In an era of instant communication, it seems it would be easy to find the communities and groups where your passion or interest in a subject is matched with peers.Maybe you are new to the area and are looking for people who share your love of a hobby. Maybe you've lived in the area for years and are just looking for a new social circle.Join us as we explore communities, businesses, events, and more in search for opportunities to connect. Follow Us:Instagram: @connectgrandrapidsFacebook: @connectgrandrapidsTwitter: @connectgrandrap