What:
24th Annual West Michigan Golf Show with hundreds of exhibits from courses and resorts to clubs and merchandise. Also, fabulous door prizes, free golf lessons, clinics, and the Treetops Par-3 Challenge (a real grass golf hole indoors!) where one lucky golfer might win $25,000!
When:
Friday, Feb. 10, 4 pm-9 pm
Saturday, Feb. 11, 10 am-7 pm
Sunday, Feb. 12, 10 am-5 pm
Where:
DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, downtown Grand Rapids
Tickets:
$9 for adults; $4 for children ages 6-14; children 5 & under free.
Tickets at the door and online at www.WestMichiganGolfShow.com
Bonus: All Golf Show attendees can receive a free round of golf at Treetops just by registering at its booth. A $64 value!
Parking:
Best place to park is under DeVos Place. Enter off Michigan St NW or Lyon Ave. NW. The Rapid line 11 bus stops in front of DeVos Place
Seminars:
Representing Tour Tempo®, the fast-emerging teaching and golf technology company, will be John Novosel, Jr. Teacher, coach and international presenter, Novosel will explain how to develop a consistent, Tour-like tempo or pace of the swing. Also on the Fidelity Seminar Stage will be celebrated putting guru and PGA teaching professional Mike Shannon, ranked recently by Golf Digest as #40 in its listing of “America’s 50 Best Teachers.” Part of the highly touted Sea Island Golf Learning Center in Ga., Shannon counts PGA Tour star Matt Kuchar as one of his many students. Other PGA teaching pros on stage will be Boyne’s Brian O’Neill, Blythefield’s Patti Butcher, Swan Lake Resort’s Brian Natzel, and Treetops’ Kevin McKinley.
Specials:
With a free overnight Spa package at Swan Lake Resort to the first 500 women, Friday night is Ladies Night with the 7th annual Executive Women’s Golf Association Fashion Show. And all weekend: a $10,000 Putting Challenge--one putter might sink a 50-foot putt for ten grand. Free golf lessons c/o of Boyne Resorts & Michigan Section PGA. And courtesy of Treetops and WZZM-TV, a grand prize drawing of a 24-person golf trip to Treetops Resort.
Sponsors:
Treetops Resort, Fidelity Investments, Srixon, Golf Association of Michigan, Boyne Resorts, Michigan PGA and Swan Lake Resort
Other:
The first 100 people entering the Show each day and anyone purchasing tickets online will receive a free 2-pack of Srixon golf balls. On Friday get half-price off admission by donating a dozen (new or used) golf balls to the First Tee of West Michigan. Saturday: To benefit RacingAwareness.com and the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, a pancake breakfast for $5 at 9 AM @ Grand Gallery. Sunday is “Junior Day”—first 250 juniors receive a golf hat by Capnlogo, and special clinics and prizes.
Charities:
Several local charities will benefit including Patriot Golf Day and RacingAwareness.com to benefit the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
Info:
Produced by ShowSpan Inc., call 800-328-6550 or visit www.WestMichiganGolfShow.com
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
GRAND RAPIDS EXPERIENCES BANNER YEAR IN 2011
Grand Rapids/Kent County experienced a banner year in 2011 with continued growth in hotel performance, occupancy, and room revenue and record attendance at area attractions.
Nashville, Tenn.-based Smith Travel Research, a leading provider of hotel performance data, reports that Kent County hotels earned $114.4 million in room revenue in 2011. Kent County hotels increased occupancy by nearly 7 percent and revenue per available hotel room by nearly 11 percent. Occupancy outpaced national and state growth in all of these categories.
"In an industry that has experienced its share of challenges throughout the past three years Kent County has maintained its momentum in the tourism market both nationally and statewide," said Doug Small, president of Experience Grand Rapids. "For the second consecutive year, Kent County reported double digit growth in hotel revenue and outpaced national and state growth averages in occupancy."
Small also noted that the cities of Grand Rapids and Detroit are leading the State of Michigan's hotel revenue growth. Small added: "This is also the third year in a row that our staff has booked more than 125,000 future convention, sports and group tour room nights throughout Kent County. The cooperative spirit from our hotel partners, other industry partners and a refreshed brand image played a major role in these positive, encouraging outcomes."
Blockbuster Events and Exhibits Attracted Record Crowds
New and returning high-profile events such as LaughFest and ArtPrize contributed to a surge in attendance at area attractions and economic activity in 2011. The inaugural LaughFest comedy festival attracted more than 55,000 people to 228 ticketed and free events, including big name touring artists Betty White and Bill Cosby. Nearly 36,000 tickets were sold during the 10-day festival, which launched with a rubber chicken toss that set a Guinness World Record.
The third annual ArtPrize competition experienced another year of great success. A new economic impact study conducted by Anderson Economic Group revealed the event added $15.4 million to the local economy, attracted more than 320,000 visitors and created more than 200 new jobs during its 19 days.
An impressive collection of world-class exhibits resulted in record crowds at downtown museums. Diana: A celebration at the Grand Rapids Art Museum welcomed nearly 100,000 visitors. The Bodies Revealed exhibition at the Grand Rapids Public Museum drew more than 171,000 people, making it the second-best attended exhibition in the museum's history.
Overall attendance at these and other local cultural institutions multiplied in 2011 as well. UICA's new facility experienced the most growth from 2010 to 2011, with an increase of nearly 60 percent. GRAM saw a 27 percent rise in visitors throughout the year, and attendance at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum grew by more than 21 percent during the same time period.
"2011 was another phenomenal year for tourism in West Michigan," said Ed Wilson, Experience Grand Rapids board chair. "In the last year, Grand Rapids has moved forward with a stronger entrepreneurial spirit than we've ever known before. We have certainly raised the bar with the addition of LaughFest to our city's entertainment scene, yet another amazing year of ArtPrize and record turnouts at area museums and attractions."
Award Winning Work Showcases Grand Rapids as Premiere Destination
The creative efforts of the Experience Grand Rapids marketing team led to award-winning work in 2011. The redesign of the Experience Grand Rapids website earned an outstanding achievement award from the Web Marketing Association, a prestigious Davey Award from the International Academy of the Visual Arts, and high honors from the Michigan Society of Association Executive, including best in show.
"We are thrilled with the recognition we have received last year for our new website. Acknowledgment from such prestigious organizations speaks volumes about our creative marketing efforts to brand Grand Rapids as an experience for our visitors," said Small.
Nashville, Tenn.-based Smith Travel Research, a leading provider of hotel performance data, reports that Kent County hotels earned $114.4 million in room revenue in 2011. Kent County hotels increased occupancy by nearly 7 percent and revenue per available hotel room by nearly 11 percent. Occupancy outpaced national and state growth in all of these categories.
"In an industry that has experienced its share of challenges throughout the past three years Kent County has maintained its momentum in the tourism market both nationally and statewide," said Doug Small, president of Experience Grand Rapids. "For the second consecutive year, Kent County reported double digit growth in hotel revenue and outpaced national and state growth averages in occupancy."
Small also noted that the cities of Grand Rapids and Detroit are leading the State of Michigan's hotel revenue growth. Small added: "This is also the third year in a row that our staff has booked more than 125,000 future convention, sports and group tour room nights throughout Kent County. The cooperative spirit from our hotel partners, other industry partners and a refreshed brand image played a major role in these positive, encouraging outcomes."
Blockbuster Events and Exhibits Attracted Record Crowds
New and returning high-profile events such as LaughFest and ArtPrize contributed to a surge in attendance at area attractions and economic activity in 2011. The inaugural LaughFest comedy festival attracted more than 55,000 people to 228 ticketed and free events, including big name touring artists Betty White and Bill Cosby. Nearly 36,000 tickets were sold during the 10-day festival, which launched with a rubber chicken toss that set a Guinness World Record.
The third annual ArtPrize competition experienced another year of great success. A new economic impact study conducted by Anderson Economic Group revealed the event added $15.4 million to the local economy, attracted more than 320,000 visitors and created more than 200 new jobs during its 19 days.
An impressive collection of world-class exhibits resulted in record crowds at downtown museums. Diana: A celebration at the Grand Rapids Art Museum welcomed nearly 100,000 visitors. The Bodies Revealed exhibition at the Grand Rapids Public Museum drew more than 171,000 people, making it the second-best attended exhibition in the museum's history.
Overall attendance at these and other local cultural institutions multiplied in 2011 as well. UICA's new facility experienced the most growth from 2010 to 2011, with an increase of nearly 60 percent. GRAM saw a 27 percent rise in visitors throughout the year, and attendance at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum grew by more than 21 percent during the same time period.
"2011 was another phenomenal year for tourism in West Michigan," said Ed Wilson, Experience Grand Rapids board chair. "In the last year, Grand Rapids has moved forward with a stronger entrepreneurial spirit than we've ever known before. We have certainly raised the bar with the addition of LaughFest to our city's entertainment scene, yet another amazing year of ArtPrize and record turnouts at area museums and attractions."
Award Winning Work Showcases Grand Rapids as Premiere Destination
The creative efforts of the Experience Grand Rapids marketing team led to award-winning work in 2011. The redesign of the Experience Grand Rapids website earned an outstanding achievement award from the Web Marketing Association, a prestigious Davey Award from the International Academy of the Visual Arts, and high honors from the Michigan Society of Association Executive, including best in show.
"We are thrilled with the recognition we have received last year for our new website. Acknowledgment from such prestigious organizations speaks volumes about our creative marketing efforts to brand Grand Rapids as an experience for our visitors," said Small.
Monday, January 23, 2012
HUMAN NATURE ANNOUNCE INAUGURAL U.S. TOUR WITH THE MOTOWN SHOW PRESENTED BY SMOKEY ROBINSON
HUMAN NATURE, Australia’s #1 pop vocal group with millions of albums sold worldwide, is storming America with their first-ever U.S. National tour, a new album release, The Motown Record, a spectacular PBS TV Special and a new DVD. But West Michigan residents can get a first-hand look at the theatrical sensation when they stop by DeVos Performance Hall on Thursday, April 5 at 7:30pm.
The chart-topping quartet and their seven-piece band, The Funk Foundation, is embarking on a U.S. tour this spring. “Human Nature: The Motown Show presented by Smokey Robinson” kicks off March 24 in Detroit and will travel to 33 U.S. cities. This outstanding evening of hit-driven entertainment features Motown's greatest music, inspiring audiences young and old to be “dancing in the streets” and the aisles.
Tickets go on sale January 27 at 10am and are priced at $32 and $59. They can be purchased at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box office, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 800-745-3000. For complete tour schedule and ticket information, visit www.humannaturelive.com.
This cross-country tour follows the incredible success of the TV special, “Human Nature Sings Motown with Special Guest Smokey Robinson,” which premiered in December 2011 on PBS stations nationwide.
The new Human Nature album, The Motown Record, (set for release March 6, UMe) is a classic yet modern take on the Motown hits that influenced generations, featuring songs originally made famous by artists like the Four Tops, the Supremes, the Temptations and Stevie Wonder. Human Nature brings their fresh soulful vocal style to classics like “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “My Girl,” “Uptight (Everything’s Alright),” and “Stop! In The Name Of Love.” Paying tribute to the Motown sound, Human Nature’s distinctive and authentic performances of these ever-popular favorites represent everything audiences love about the songs, delivered by four supremely talented young men who sing and dance their way through the Motown hit list.
Hailing from Sydney, Human Nature features brothers Andrew and Mike Tierney and fellow high-school classmates Phil Burton and Toby Allen. While still in school, they were captivated by the harmonies of soul, gospel and R&B. Since forming Human Nature, these four friends have forged one of the most successful careers in Australian music history, releasing nine albums, five of which went to No. 1. They have toured internationally, and opened for Celine Dion and Michael Jackson in Europe and Australia.
Human Nature opened the Summer Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000 and their 2005 Motown tribute, “Reach Out,” went platinum five times over, attracting the attention of Smokey Robinson. The legendary singer recorded “Get Ready” with Human Nature at Las Vegas’ Imperial Palace, where they consistently have played to sold-out crowds for more than two years.
The chart-topping quartet and their seven-piece band, The Funk Foundation, is embarking on a U.S. tour this spring. “Human Nature: The Motown Show presented by Smokey Robinson” kicks off March 24 in Detroit and will travel to 33 U.S. cities. This outstanding evening of hit-driven entertainment features Motown's greatest music, inspiring audiences young and old to be “dancing in the streets” and the aisles.
Tickets go on sale January 27 at 10am and are priced at $32 and $59. They can be purchased at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box office, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com or charge by phone: 800-745-3000. For complete tour schedule and ticket information, visit www.humannaturelive.com.
This cross-country tour follows the incredible success of the TV special, “Human Nature Sings Motown with Special Guest Smokey Robinson,” which premiered in December 2011 on PBS stations nationwide.
The new Human Nature album, The Motown Record, (set for release March 6, UMe) is a classic yet modern take on the Motown hits that influenced generations, featuring songs originally made famous by artists like the Four Tops, the Supremes, the Temptations and Stevie Wonder. Human Nature brings their fresh soulful vocal style to classics like “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “My Girl,” “Uptight (Everything’s Alright),” and “Stop! In The Name Of Love.” Paying tribute to the Motown sound, Human Nature’s distinctive and authentic performances of these ever-popular favorites represent everything audiences love about the songs, delivered by four supremely talented young men who sing and dance their way through the Motown hit list.
Hailing from Sydney, Human Nature features brothers Andrew and Mike Tierney and fellow high-school classmates Phil Burton and Toby Allen. While still in school, they were captivated by the harmonies of soul, gospel and R&B. Since forming Human Nature, these four friends have forged one of the most successful careers in Australian music history, releasing nine albums, five of which went to No. 1. They have toured internationally, and opened for Celine Dion and Michael Jackson in Europe and Australia.
Human Nature opened the Summer Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000 and their 2005 Motown tribute, “Reach Out,” went platinum five times over, attracting the attention of Smokey Robinson. The legendary singer recorded “Get Ready” with Human Nature at Las Vegas’ Imperial Palace, where they consistently have played to sold-out crowds for more than two years.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Legendary Alternative Rock Band Jane’s Addiction Announces Theatre of Escapists Tour
American alternative rock band Jane’s Addiction has announced the dates for their upcoming Theatre of Escapists Tour. The tour, beginning in February, will be making a stop at Grand Rapids’ DeVos Performance Hall on Wednesday, March 21.
Tickets go on sale Friday, January 20 at 10am and can be purchased at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices, ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets or charge: 800-745-3000. Ticket prices are as low as $29.50.
Jane’s Addiction helped pioneer alternative rock and culture through genre-defying classic songs and a cinematic live experience. Helping inspire peers like Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Smacking Pumpkins, Pearl Jam and Tool among others, the LA quartet merged alternative and rock like never before.
Perry Farrell stands out as one of music’s most forward-thinking and enigmatic frontmen, and his vocals soar with vibrancy, vulnerability and vitality. Guitar god Dave Navarro conjures simultaneously psychedelic and epic riffs. Stephen Perkins’ tribal stomp remains hypnotic and transfixing. In 2010, Jane’s Addiction began writing songs for the new album. By 2011, recording began on what would become The Great Escape Artist, an October 2011 release on Capitol, to be supported with a worldwide tour in 2012.
The band and producer Rich Costey (Muse, Franz Ferdinand, Interpol) added TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek to the creative team. Sitek, best known for his production work on TV on the Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the Foals, is writing and playing bass on the new album.
The group’s first single “Irresistible Force” is a cosmic love story. According to Rolling Stone, the song “comes on like an art-metal freak show set on some distant planet.” Spin Magazine went further on to say “frontman Perry Farrell and guitarist Dave Navarro both put in stunning performances; It sounds like a band revitalized."
Tickets go on sale Friday, January 20 at 10am and can be purchased at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices, ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets or charge: 800-745-3000. Ticket prices are as low as $29.50.
Jane’s Addiction helped pioneer alternative rock and culture through genre-defying classic songs and a cinematic live experience. Helping inspire peers like Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Smacking Pumpkins, Pearl Jam and Tool among others, the LA quartet merged alternative and rock like never before.
Perry Farrell stands out as one of music’s most forward-thinking and enigmatic frontmen, and his vocals soar with vibrancy, vulnerability and vitality. Guitar god Dave Navarro conjures simultaneously psychedelic and epic riffs. Stephen Perkins’ tribal stomp remains hypnotic and transfixing. In 2010, Jane’s Addiction began writing songs for the new album. By 2011, recording began on what would become The Great Escape Artist, an October 2011 release on Capitol, to be supported with a worldwide tour in 2012.
The band and producer Rich Costey (Muse, Franz Ferdinand, Interpol) added TV on the Radio’s Dave Sitek to the creative team. Sitek, best known for his production work on TV on the Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and the Foals, is writing and playing bass on the new album.
The group’s first single “Irresistible Force” is a cosmic love story. According to Rolling Stone, the song “comes on like an art-metal freak show set on some distant planet.” Spin Magazine went further on to say “frontman Perry Farrell and guitarist Dave Navarro both put in stunning performances; It sounds like a band revitalized."
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Golf Show Headliner’s Putting Tips for 2012
OK, as we were saying last time: Although winter has set in, die-hard golfers never stop thinking about their games. In fact, the off-season is often the ideal time for many to set new goals and to even start some practice drills ahead of the 2012 golf season. That’s why the headliners for the 24th West Michigan Golf Show are offering some helpful tips now ahead of their appearance on Feb. 10-12 at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. Today’s tips are courtesy of headliner Mike Shannon, renowned putting guru and PGA teaching pro at the Sea Island Golf Learning Center, recently ranked by Golf Digest as #40 in its listing of “America’s 50 Best Teachers.”
With PGA Tour star Matt Kuchar as one of his many students, Shannon offers four key putting fundamentals to start the new season:
# 1: Take your address
For a proper setup which leads to perfect aim, start this way: holding your putter, stand up straight and extend your arms. Then, draw your elbows in snug to your rib cage; this keeps your arms and torso "connected" and promotes a consistent, one-piece, pendulum-type motion. Then, tilt your upper body forward until the putter head rests behind the ball. And put a little flex in your knees. You don't want to putt with stiff legs.
# 2: Find your ball position
How close you stand to the ball is key — it frees you to make a relaxed, pendulum-like stroke. Stand too close and the putter will work out-to-in, which will result in a pulled putt. Stand too far away and you'll push putts to the right. How far away should you stand? On average, Tour pros have 2.5 putter head lengths from their toe line to the near side of the ball. Use trial-and-error to find your ideal distance.
Next, you have to find where to play the ball in your stance — center, forward or back. It's different for everyone. To find out, ask a buddy for help. After finding a straight putt, take your address and aim, with your friend standing a few paces behind the ball. Have him or her tell you if your putter head is aimed right, left or dead straight. If you're aimed left, you're playing the ball too far forward and need to move it back a bit. Aimed right? Move the ball forward until your friend tells you that your putter head is dead square.
# 3: Aim your putter
You may be aiming wrong on the greens and not even know it. Correct aim is the foundation of good putting. In my research, I’ve found aim is influenced by your vision and your dominant eye. Depending on ball position, when many players look down at address they see a perceived line that's actually right or left of the true line. This misperception costs them strokes. I've found that every player has a unique front-to-back ball position.
# 4: Make the stroke
With all the hard work done, don't think too much. You're aimed perfectly. Simply make a smooth, unhurried stroke. You now have the technique of a Tour pro. Soon, you'll have the confidence of one, too.
****
Based at Sea Island Resort in Georgia, Shannon will be traveling to Grand Rapids and provide free clinics on the Fidelity Seminar Stage at the Golf Show. He’ll be joined by John Novosel Jr. of Tour Tempo, the innovative teaching and technology company that stresses the scientifically proven importance of a consistent swing tempo.
Held continuously since 1989, the West Michigan Golf Show will attract thousands of Michigan golfers to hundreds of exhibits and will feature clinics, putting contests, junior golf instruction, swing analyzers and a “one stop” golf shopping opportunity with countless “golf show specials.” Sponsors include Treetops Resort, Fidelity Investments, Golf Association of Michigan, Boyne Resorts, Michigan PGA, Swan Lake Resort and Srixon. Several charities will benefit from their involvement with the show including Patriot Golf Day.
Produced by ShowSpan Inc., the West Michigan Golf Show’s hours are 4:00 pm-9:00 pm, Friday; 10:00 am-7:00 pm, Saturday; and 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Sunday. Tickets are $9 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-14, and children 5 and under are free. Tickets will be available at the door as well as online at www.westmichigangolfshow.com
With PGA Tour star Matt Kuchar as one of his many students, Shannon offers four key putting fundamentals to start the new season:
# 1: Take your address
For a proper setup which leads to perfect aim, start this way: holding your putter, stand up straight and extend your arms. Then, draw your elbows in snug to your rib cage; this keeps your arms and torso "connected" and promotes a consistent, one-piece, pendulum-type motion. Then, tilt your upper body forward until the putter head rests behind the ball. And put a little flex in your knees. You don't want to putt with stiff legs.
# 2: Find your ball position
How close you stand to the ball is key — it frees you to make a relaxed, pendulum-like stroke. Stand too close and the putter will work out-to-in, which will result in a pulled putt. Stand too far away and you'll push putts to the right. How far away should you stand? On average, Tour pros have 2.5 putter head lengths from their toe line to the near side of the ball. Use trial-and-error to find your ideal distance.
Next, you have to find where to play the ball in your stance — center, forward or back. It's different for everyone. To find out, ask a buddy for help. After finding a straight putt, take your address and aim, with your friend standing a few paces behind the ball. Have him or her tell you if your putter head is aimed right, left or dead straight. If you're aimed left, you're playing the ball too far forward and need to move it back a bit. Aimed right? Move the ball forward until your friend tells you that your putter head is dead square.
# 3: Aim your putter
You may be aiming wrong on the greens and not even know it. Correct aim is the foundation of good putting. In my research, I’ve found aim is influenced by your vision and your dominant eye. Depending on ball position, when many players look down at address they see a perceived line that's actually right or left of the true line. This misperception costs them strokes. I've found that every player has a unique front-to-back ball position.
# 4: Make the stroke
With all the hard work done, don't think too much. You're aimed perfectly. Simply make a smooth, unhurried stroke. You now have the technique of a Tour pro. Soon, you'll have the confidence of one, too.
****
Based at Sea Island Resort in Georgia, Shannon will be traveling to Grand Rapids and provide free clinics on the Fidelity Seminar Stage at the Golf Show. He’ll be joined by John Novosel Jr. of Tour Tempo, the innovative teaching and technology company that stresses the scientifically proven importance of a consistent swing tempo.
Held continuously since 1989, the West Michigan Golf Show will attract thousands of Michigan golfers to hundreds of exhibits and will feature clinics, putting contests, junior golf instruction, swing analyzers and a “one stop” golf shopping opportunity with countless “golf show specials.” Sponsors include Treetops Resort, Fidelity Investments, Golf Association of Michigan, Boyne Resorts, Michigan PGA, Swan Lake Resort and Srixon. Several charities will benefit from their involvement with the show including Patriot Golf Day.
Produced by ShowSpan Inc., the West Michigan Golf Show’s hours are 4:00 pm-9:00 pm, Friday; 10:00 am-7:00 pm, Saturday; and 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Sunday. Tickets are $9 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-14, and children 5 and under are free. Tickets will be available at the door as well as online at www.westmichigangolfshow.com
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show
It may be the shortest month, but February starts big when Michigan’s largest RV show rolls into DeVos Place. With a dozen dealers showing off over 100 RV lines, the Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show is the place to see everything from ultra-light RVs to luxurious motor homes. And, there’s nowhere better to shop all the latest camping equipment and RV accessories, or to explore hundreds of the best campgrounds and travel destinations – all under one roof!
“We’ve got more dealers, RVs, equipment and destinations than ever before,” says Show Producer Mike Wilbraham. “Much as we hate to do it, we’ve actually had to turn some exhibitors away this year because space is sold out.”
Wilbraham also says that for the first time, the show will include a full-service Secretary of State branch office. “If you buy an RV at the show, you can get it registered right there,” he says. “If you want to buy a Michigan Recreation Passport that will get you into state parks and recreation areas, you can get it here. Anything the Secretary of State offers will be available at the show.”
Plus, the show features free expert seminars on Full-Time and Extended RVing with Howard and Linda Payne, virtual RV tours of the US and Canada by award-winning cinematographer John Holod, and a fantastic vintage RV display by local collector Ken Faber.
Discount weekday adult admission coupons are available online at GrandRapidsRVShow.com and at participating Wendy's Restaurants. Admission is $8 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-14, and free for children ages 5 and under.
Dates & Times
-Thursday, February 2: 3 pm - 9:30pm
-Friday, February 3: Noon - 9:30pm
-Saturday, February 4: 10 am - 9:00pm
-Sunday, February 5: 11 am - 6pm
“We’ve got more dealers, RVs, equipment and destinations than ever before,” says Show Producer Mike Wilbraham. “Much as we hate to do it, we’ve actually had to turn some exhibitors away this year because space is sold out.”
Wilbraham also says that for the first time, the show will include a full-service Secretary of State branch office. “If you buy an RV at the show, you can get it registered right there,” he says. “If you want to buy a Michigan Recreation Passport that will get you into state parks and recreation areas, you can get it here. Anything the Secretary of State offers will be available at the show.”
Plus, the show features free expert seminars on Full-Time and Extended RVing with Howard and Linda Payne, virtual RV tours of the US and Canada by award-winning cinematographer John Holod, and a fantastic vintage RV display by local collector Ken Faber.
Discount weekday adult admission coupons are available online at GrandRapidsRVShow.com and at participating Wendy's Restaurants. Admission is $8 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-14, and free for children ages 5 and under.
Dates & Times
-Thursday, February 2: 3 pm - 9:30pm
-Friday, February 3: Noon - 9:30pm
-Saturday, February 4: 10 am - 9:00pm
-Sunday, February 5: 11 am - 6pm
Friday, January 6, 2012
Simple as 1-2-3: Golf Show Headliner’s Tempo Tips for 2012
Although winter has set in, die hard golfers never stop thinking about their games. In fact, the off-season is often the ideal time for many to set new goals and even start some practice drills ahead of the upcoming golf season. That’s why the headliners for the 24th West Michigan Golf Show are offering some helpful tips ahead of their appearance on February 10-12 at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. Today’s tips are courtesy of headliner John Novosel Jr., a past presenter for the PGA of Sweden, the PGA of Holland, and the World Golf Fitness Summit.
Representing Tour Tempo, the innovative teaching and technology company that stresses the scientifically proven importance of a consistent swing tempo, Novosel offers three basic tempo tips:
Tip #1: Use the 3:1 ratio on full swings
“In their full swing, Tour-level professionals’ tempos have three parts backswing to one part downswing,” says Novosel. “In other words, if the backswing takes .75 seconds, then the downswing should take .25 seconds. This is the 3:1 time ratio of backswing to downswing.” According to Novosel, most amateurs’ tempos are in the 4:1 category or worse.
Novosel adds: “An ideal way to check your tempo is by taking video of your swing. When viewed later in the editing mode, the video will show how many ‘frames’ it takes you on the backswing and then how many on the follow through. This comparison is your ratio.”
Tip #2: Use the 2:1 ratio for short game shots
“In our research,” says Novosel, “we discovered that short game shots use a 2:1 ratio of backswing to downswing. This includes half wedges, bunker shots, chip shots, and putting. So when golfers are not making full swings, they shouldn’t try to create too much speed by using a 3:1 ratio. These shots are about precision and the 2:1 ratio gives you that precision.”
Tip #3: Practice your tempo
Novosel says most golfers don’t practice tempo and when they do, they don’t work on the correct things. “Set aside time to work on just tempo,” says Novosel. “An easy way to do it correctly is to use (yes, a shameless plug) Tour Tempo. Tour Tempo’s three audio tones tell you when to start your swing, when to change directions at the top and, when you should be at impact. It’s simple and it works.” Novosel adds: “The bonus here is that once you learn the tones, you have a hard time forgetting them.”
Based outside Kansas City, KS, Novosel will traveling to Grand Rapids and provide free clinics on the Fidelity Seminar Stage at the Golf Show. He’ll be joined by Sea Island’s (GA.) Mike Shannon, a renowned putting guru and PGA teaching professional recently ranked by Golf Digest as #40 in its listing of “America’s 50 Best Teachers.”
Held continuously since 1989, the West Michigan Golf Show will attract thousands of Michigan golfers to hundreds of exhibits and will feature clinics, putting contests, junior golf instruction, swing analyzers and a “one stop” golf shopping opportunity with countless “golf show specials.” Sponsors include Treetops Resort, Fidelity Investments, Golf Association of Michigan, Boyne Resorts, Michigan PGA, Swan Lake Resort and Srixon. Several charities will benefit from their involvement with the show including Patriot Golf Day.
Produced by ShowSpan Inc., the West Michigan Golf Show’s hours are 4:00 pm-9:00 pm, Friday; 10:00 am-7:00 pm, Saturday; and 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Sunday. Tickets are $9 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-14, and children 5 and under are free. Tickets will be available at the door as well as online at www.westmichigangolfshow.com
Representing Tour Tempo, the innovative teaching and technology company that stresses the scientifically proven importance of a consistent swing tempo, Novosel offers three basic tempo tips:
Tip #1: Use the 3:1 ratio on full swings
“In their full swing, Tour-level professionals’ tempos have three parts backswing to one part downswing,” says Novosel. “In other words, if the backswing takes .75 seconds, then the downswing should take .25 seconds. This is the 3:1 time ratio of backswing to downswing.” According to Novosel, most amateurs’ tempos are in the 4:1 category or worse.
Novosel adds: “An ideal way to check your tempo is by taking video of your swing. When viewed later in the editing mode, the video will show how many ‘frames’ it takes you on the backswing and then how many on the follow through. This comparison is your ratio.”
Tip #2: Use the 2:1 ratio for short game shots
“In our research,” says Novosel, “we discovered that short game shots use a 2:1 ratio of backswing to downswing. This includes half wedges, bunker shots, chip shots, and putting. So when golfers are not making full swings, they shouldn’t try to create too much speed by using a 3:1 ratio. These shots are about precision and the 2:1 ratio gives you that precision.”
Tip #3: Practice your tempo
Novosel says most golfers don’t practice tempo and when they do, they don’t work on the correct things. “Set aside time to work on just tempo,” says Novosel. “An easy way to do it correctly is to use (yes, a shameless plug) Tour Tempo. Tour Tempo’s three audio tones tell you when to start your swing, when to change directions at the top and, when you should be at impact. It’s simple and it works.” Novosel adds: “The bonus here is that once you learn the tones, you have a hard time forgetting them.”
Based outside Kansas City, KS, Novosel will traveling to Grand Rapids and provide free clinics on the Fidelity Seminar Stage at the Golf Show. He’ll be joined by Sea Island’s (GA.) Mike Shannon, a renowned putting guru and PGA teaching professional recently ranked by Golf Digest as #40 in its listing of “America’s 50 Best Teachers.”
Held continuously since 1989, the West Michigan Golf Show will attract thousands of Michigan golfers to hundreds of exhibits and will feature clinics, putting contests, junior golf instruction, swing analyzers and a “one stop” golf shopping opportunity with countless “golf show specials.” Sponsors include Treetops Resort, Fidelity Investments, Golf Association of Michigan, Boyne Resorts, Michigan PGA, Swan Lake Resort and Srixon. Several charities will benefit from their involvement with the show including Patriot Golf Day.
Produced by ShowSpan Inc., the West Michigan Golf Show’s hours are 4:00 pm-9:00 pm, Friday; 10:00 am-7:00 pm, Saturday; and 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Sunday. Tickets are $9 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-14, and children 5 and under are free. Tickets will be available at the door as well as online at www.westmichigangolfshow.com
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Million Dollar Quartet's Performance will Feature Special Appearance by Original Drummer, W.S. “Fluke” Holland
The national tour of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, playing DeVos Performance Hall as part of the Broadway Grand Rapids Fifth Third Bank Series, will feature a special appearance during the Wednesday, January 18th 7:30PM performance by original drummer W.S. “Fluke” Holland. The performance will also feature a post-show talk back for audience members.
W.S. “Fluke” Holland was the real life drummer during the famed 1956 “Million Dollar Quartet” recording session with Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins. W.S.’s musical career began in 1954 at Sun Records when he played drums for Carl Perkins band, including such hits as Blue Suede Shoes. After considering leaving the music business in 1960, W.S. received a call from Johnny Cash which then led to a long career as drummer in Cash’s Tennessee Three band. W.S. spent almost 40 years playing with Johnny Cash and played on most of his recordings including Folsom Prison Blues and Walk the Line among many others.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET will make its Grand Rapids premiere January 17-22, 2012 at DeVos Performance Hall as part of the Fifth Third Bank Broadway Grand Rapids Series. Tickets are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com.
On December 4, 1956, an auspicious twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley together. The place was Sun Records’ storefront studio in Memphis. The man who made it happen was Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” who discovered them all. The four young musicians united for the only time in their careers for an impromptu recording that has come to be known as one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll jam sessions of all time.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that legendary night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations featuring an eclectic score of rock, gospel , R&B and country hits including; “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Matchbox,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “ Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Hound Dog,” and more.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is affordably priced from $27.50 and will perform 8 shows at DeVos Performance Hall from January 17-22, 2012. The performance schedule is Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday at 8:00pm, Saturday at 2:00pm & 8:00pm, and Sunday at 1:00pm & 6:30pm. Tickets are available at the DeVos Performance Hall box office, all Ticketmaster locations, www.Ticketmaster.com or via phone at 1-800-745-3000. Group discounts are available by calling 616-719-8050 or e-mail groups@bwaygr.org.
W.S. “Fluke” Holland was the real life drummer during the famed 1956 “Million Dollar Quartet” recording session with Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins. W.S.’s musical career began in 1954 at Sun Records when he played drums for Carl Perkins band, including such hits as Blue Suede Shoes. After considering leaving the music business in 1960, W.S. received a call from Johnny Cash which then led to a long career as drummer in Cash’s Tennessee Three band. W.S. spent almost 40 years playing with Johnny Cash and played on most of his recordings including Folsom Prison Blues and Walk the Line among many others.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET will make its Grand Rapids premiere January 17-22, 2012 at DeVos Performance Hall as part of the Fifth Third Bank Broadway Grand Rapids Series. Tickets are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com.
On December 4, 1956, an auspicious twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Elvis Presley together. The place was Sun Records’ storefront studio in Memphis. The man who made it happen was Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” who discovered them all. The four young musicians united for the only time in their careers for an impromptu recording that has come to be known as one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll jam sessions of all time.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that legendary night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations featuring an eclectic score of rock, gospel , R&B and country hits including; “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Matchbox,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “ Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Hound Dog,” and more.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is affordably priced from $27.50 and will perform 8 shows at DeVos Performance Hall from January 17-22, 2012. The performance schedule is Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday at 8:00pm, Saturday at 2:00pm & 8:00pm, and Sunday at 1:00pm & 6:30pm. Tickets are available at the DeVos Performance Hall box office, all Ticketmaster locations, www.Ticketmaster.com or via phone at 1-800-745-3000. Group discounts are available by calling 616-719-8050 or e-mail groups@bwaygr.org.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Jeffrey Zaslow Set to Appear at Winter Bridal Show
The Annual Winter Bridal Show of West Michigan is Jan. 20-21 at DeVos Place on Monroe Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids. All under one roof, a variety of exhibits will be on hand.
-Bridal Gowns and Tuxedos
-Linen & Chair Covers
-Candy / Dessert Buffets
-Reception Halls / Facilities
-Photography / Videography
-Floral Design / Decorators
-Catering
-Bridal Gift Registry
-Tanning & Spa
-Cooking Class /Newlywed
-DJ's and Live Music
-Cookware/ Kitchenware
-Photobooth
-Wedding Invitations/ Favors
-Limousine, Party Bus and Trolley
-Home Improvement & Décor
-Weight Loss & Healthcare
-Register to Win CASH and Prizes
Attendees will be engaged with a guest appearance by Jeffrey Zaslow, best selling Author. Meet, Greet and Book Signings, presenting "The Magic Room," a story about the love we wish for our daughters, featuring a Michigan Bridal Shop, managed by a fourth generation of daughters. Jeffrey Zaslow is the bestselling author of "The Girls From Ames", coauthor of "The Last Lecture" and "Gabby: A Story of Courage and Hope", memoir of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.
Highlighting three Runway Fashion Shows, Becker's Bridal will showcase unique and fashion forward designs by Maggie Sottero, Allure Bridals and Enzoani; also presenting truly couture gowns by Vintage Rose, designed in England and exclusive to Michigan to Becker's. Runway fashion shows are Friday at 7 pm and Saturday at noon and 2 pm.
A WOW display dessert table will be featured, in a unique classy and modern fashion. Candy and Dessert Tables are the newest hip thing at weddings!
Premiering at this event will be Donna Sawyer Culinary Cooking Classes. Basics with a WOW! Donna's vision for teaching young couples cooking basics will come to life; offering basic cooking classes for newlyweds and adding a new twist to bridal showers.
While attending the Bridal Show, brides and their wedding party may participate in a contest with an opportunity to win Cash Prizes ..."Brides Just Want to Have Fun" photo shoot. Your vote will be counted! Seasons of Love will also be showcased and a featured area.
Saving time and money is often a priority for the engaged couple, and the area's leading bridal businesses will be there offering day-of-show specials. Plan on placing your deposit and confirming your dream wedding as calendars fill up quickly. "We encourage engaged couples to print a checklist off at www.GRBrides.com and bring them to the show. And don't forget the Groom's List!" says Denise Kolesar, President of Kohler Expos. Both the bridal show and the website are loaded with user-friendly information. Your careful planning can make it timeless, romantic and magical, so your wedding day will be an event to remember.
The bridal show will be open to the public from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21. Admission is $6 at the door. Discount coupons are available online by visiting website www.kohlerexpo.com.
Convenient underground parking is available for a minimal charge at the Michigan Street or Lyon Street entrance to DeVos Place. More information is available on the website at www.kohlerexpo.com.
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