Downtown Rail Jam: GR

We're at that point in the year when winter is close to being behind us and the thought of outdoor patios starts looking like a reality again. Retail stores start putting bathing suits on sale because they've been on the shelves since January and they are taking up too much space. (Because I was definitely considering buying a new bikini while I shoveled my car out of my driveway January 2nd... Not at all).

So before the patios open and the snow turns into rain, get on out to the 2009 Downtown Rail Jam in Grand Rapids. The event is being held this weekend, February 27 - March 1 and will be the celebration to end another great winter in Michigan.

The event will feature a 30 foot high ramp for snowboarders & skiers, a musical performance by Mustard Plug, a live painting performance by Mikey Welsh (designer in Burton Snowboards)and over $10,000 in cash and prizes. The event is open to all ages with the exception of bar events and is a great way to enjoy downtown in a new way. Oh, and did I mention it's FREE?


Event Highlights
Friday starting at 4:30p.m. trial and free runs on the ramps
Saturday 3:30-4:30 p.m. Pee Wee competition (Ages 10-15)
5:00-5:45 p.m. Mustard Plug Performance
5:30-7:30 p.m. Adult Competition
9:00 p.m. After party at The Crush
Sunday 8:00-10:00 p.m. Advanced Competition


The Details
Location: The B.O.B. 20 Monroe Ave NW. Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Ph: 616.862.1302
Admission: FREE
Title Sponsors: 97.9 WGRD & Fox 17

One Week to Prepare: Winter Beer Fest 2009

For all you beer enthusiasts out there, you know there is nothing better than a growler filled with your favorite locally brewed beer. Or if your in the mood for an after work drink, you may choose just a pint. Either way, there's always something special about getting a beer not sold by Clydesdale horses or a scenic beach scene with a strategically placed beer bottle. No, there's just something great about a local brew that brings your mind to a state of nirvana.

So what's all the hype about local brews? Glad you asked. This year's 4th Annual Winter Best Fest will be hitting the west side on Saturday, February 28th in Comstock Park. Featuring well over 100 different brews, you're bound to find a beer or two that will satisfy your malty pallet. The festival will be featuring beers from many Michigan Brewery's including:
Detroit Beer Company
Hopcat
Kuhnhenn Brewing Company
Mount Pleasant Brewing Company
Founders Brewing Company and many more.

So now your saying, "Okay Terese, this sounds like a great time but how the hell am I gonna find a driver to take me there cause I'm sure as hell not gonna be the one volunteering to drive to this one". No worries and settle down! Check with your local breweries and see what rides their offering. Hopcat in Grand Rapids is getting a bus together for $15 a person ($10 for DRAFT Club members) and check out Michigan Beer Buzz to hop on other buses from both the east and west sides of the state. Have fun and get their safe.

So the moral of the story is go out, have a great time, and support your favorite local brews. Enjoy what great things Michigan has to offer like beer. Okay the great lakes are pretty cool too.

General Info:
Tickets: $35 in advance or $40 the day of and include 12 drink tokens
Location: Fifth Third Ballpark. 4500 West River Dr. Comstock Park, MI 49321
Time: Noon- 5 p.m.

Up to the same ol' shenanigans ! ! !

Well we were up to our same ol' shenanigans last night. Rick and I made the usual trek to downtown Detroit last night to imbibe on a few Guinness, and to take in the latest installation of the band Flogging Molly. Let me tell you, I saw these guys 10 years ago in the basement of St. Andrew's better known as The Shelter. They opened up for I believe Bigwig and AFI. I saw these guys tear up the place, and I said to myself any band with an accordion is cool in my book!So now I have been seeing this band ever since.

Well they played the infamous Fillmore last night, and from the way my head is pounding and my ears ringing, it was a great time. We stopped in the State Bar and began the night off in true Irish fashion with a shot of Jameson and a pint of Guinness. We then headed in and caught the opening act. WOW! is all I have to say. The bands name was the Aggrolites, and let me just say, PIANO MAN! The sound is a Sublimeish haze mixed with a lil Hammond piano for a dancing good time! They got us movin' and groovin', and a great precursor to the headliner.

Then Flogging Molly came out and brought "the funk". I heard all of the songs that I wanted to hear, along with a few I have never heard live. Detroit is sort of a homecoming for the fiddle player so it is always nice to see them in here.

So if you get the chance to see either of these bands, do not pass it up!

To see an Irish punk band in February in Detroit means 2 things! It will be St. Patrick's Day soon, and it will be my birthday soon. Ah, life is good!!!

Until next time !

Jeff

Cadieux

Where can you find a good beer, a great band and a sport that's so rare most out of towners have never even heard of it? Cadieux Cafe ! Bands vary from week to week, this week's band was Back Forty, bluegrassish, eclectic group of instruments. A friend compared them to Catfish Mafia (my current favorite local band) I strongly disagree but I guess you'll have to check them out yourself and weigh in on our arguement. I could barely hear them over all the shit talking going on on the featherbowling lanes. The game itself is easy but you have to see it to understand. It's a good time had by all just make sure to make reservations beforehand as the lanes fill up fast especially on the weekends. Overall the Cadieux Cafe is very much a Detroit Treasure. Good people, good music, a game you can play sober or buzzed up and good food from what I hear what more could you ask for? Great for a low key night with some friends.

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