G-Sync (beta) 3.13.09 – 3.19.09

G-Sync is Rapid Growth’s signature event column, consolidated and filtered each week by resident socialite Tommy Allen. For more information on any event, just click G-Sync It!

Grand Rapids International Wine & Food Festival: Words Creating An Artful Storm
DeVos Place
Friday – Sunday, Nov. 21-23
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Whether you are the wine enthusiast who simply must posses a different glass for every varietal or the two-buck Chuck that thinks any glass will do as long as it is filled, this weekend’s International Wine & Food Festival is going to be the spot for you.

With nearly 100 wineries importing more than 500 wines, plus dozens of handcrafted microbrews and distilled spirits, this inaugural event at DeVos Place looks to be the top-flight food and drink ticket of the season.

Other points of interest will be Sunday’s Tin Foil Challenge — an Iron Chef-like competition with local radio personalities mixing it up. Included in the price of admission is the chance to attend instructional seminars with chefs Angus Campbell, Robert Garlough, John State, Sue Chef and Eric Villegas of PBS’s “Fork in the Road.”

A nice touch this year will be the spotlight on the wines of Perugia, Italy — a Grand Rapids Sister City.

With winter on the doorstep, this is a great time to get out of the house and stock up on holiday ideas and gourmet goods in preparation of the coming season’s festive entertainment.

Admission: $15. plus food tasting tickets. (This is a 21 or older event.)

Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony
DeVos Performance Hall
Friday – Saturday, Nov. 21-22, 8 p.m.
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As my studio models will attest, I love Beethoven. It’s music that celebrates the bond of all humanity. His Ninth Symphony, in particular, makes it difficult for some to keep their clothes on when caught up in its joyous spell.

While I do not think the folks at DeVos Performance Hall would want you to respond in such a manner, I doubt anyone can remain immobile as the final triumphant note echoes joyously though the auditorium.

One of the best scores of music ever given to the world, Beethoven was never able to hear the Ninth Symphony. By the time it was finally conducted, the artist was totally deaf. I think this is why so many artists, art lovers and lovers swoon under the dreamy weight of the conductors’ baton. With David Lockington at the helm for two performances, the Grand Rapids Symphony is sure to create a rapturous experience for those who venture out in the brisk evening air.

Admission: $18 – $95

A Wonderful Life
Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
30 N. Division Ave.
November 21 – December 20, Various times
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Although holiday traditions are as diverse as the people who call this region home, I will say that almost everyone has a special place for Frank Capra’s quintessential American, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

And like many great traditions, evolution has crept in and found a way to reinvent the film with a fresh new vision — a musical version of the beloved film.

Over the next four weeks, audiences will be able to experience the raw power of live theatre as they are pulled into this truly American Christmas carol, which seems to have even more relevance in the current times.

And without giving away the plot to those one or two who are not familiar with the story, let it suffice that the beauty of this story is the reaffirmation that we all touch one another in our lives. This pleasant holiday production would be a perfect outing for the entire family.

For film purists, remember that before the musical and the film there was first Philip Van Doren Stern’s beloved short story, “The Greatest Gift.” Evolve (or at least try.)

Admission: $16. – 30.

The Dragon Room
The Dragon Room
48 W. Fulton Ave.
Saturday, Nov. 22, 5 p.m. – 2 a.m.
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In New York, one of the charms of finding the next thing is actually being able to find the next thing. Being trendy can be a full time hunting expedition.

The same can be said of the opening of Grand Rapids’ newest hot spot, The Dragon Room, which takes over the old 48 West space with a fantastic makeover. The Dragon Room will host a lavish Grand Opening on Saturday night.

Boasting as Grand Rapids’ ultra lounge, resident DJ’s Todd Ernst and Jim Thias will be spinning Downtempo, Lo-Fi and my personal fav, Deep House as patrons sit in cozy settings that fill the remodeled space.

Those who venture out to the opening night celebration will be able to feast on sushi while enjoying exotic drink concoctions in this smoke free environment.

Pee Wee’s Big Adventure: The Original Road (bike) Movie Returns
Wealthy Theatre
1130 Wealthy St. SE
Tuesday, Nov. 25, 8 p.m.
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Fans of the ’80s will fall over themselves (after they load up on cocktails pre-show and stumble down from the Meanwhile Bar) to attend the feature film presentation of Tim Burton’s “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure.”

This is one of the classic comedies of the era that is still as much fun as the day it was released over two decades ago.

So com’on Simone don’t tell me about your big “but” and stay at home. The Meanwhile Film Series at the Wealthy Theatre is the best reason to get out on a Tuesday. And we all know that Tuesday is the new Wednesday.

Admission: $4.00

La Famiglia: Giving Thanks
Billy’s Lounge
1437 Wealthy St. SE
Wednesday, Nov. 26, 9:30 p.m.

The ultimate bar night of the year is Wednesday and it always provides the best time to catch up with friends who are returning home for the family values reality show, Thanksgiving.

What better way to face the gene pool in the morning glow of Thursday than with a slight buzz from the night before?

While almost every bar will be packed on Wednesday night, the one place to hear the best in live music this evening will be Billy’s Lounge in Eastown, which welcomes to the stage hip hop sensation La Famiglia.

This band mixes hip-hop with the stylings of jazz and is always a favorite. And so is Billy’s, one of the only venues in town that offers live music every night. And for this we can all be thankful!

Admission: $5.

WMEAC: Forty Years of Creating the Green Scene
Grand Rapids Art Museum
Thursday, Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m.
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What began with a mission to ban DDT in the United States has grown 40 years later into one of the most celebrated environmental advocacy groups in the country.

On Thursday, Dec. 4, the West Michigan Environmental Action Council invites community members to its 40th anniversary gala being held at the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

In addition to the chance to mingle with a very diverse group of like-minded individuals committed to the goals of greater responsibility in our region, a moving performance art piece by actress Kaiulani Lee will wow environmental enthusiasts as she recreates the patron saint of the environmental movement and Silent Spring author, Rachel Carson.

During the evening’s program WMEAC will celebrate our region’s sophisticated understanding of the Triple Top Line by handing out award recognition to those projects and programs that practice balancing environmental protection, economic prosperity and social equity.

On the eve of WMEAC’s historic milestone, we as a community have much to be proud of as they have been forward thinking for 40 years, building sustainable communities, protecting our water and promoting ecologically restorative institutions and organizations.

Admission: $80.