New Shanghai Circus & The Aluminum Show at the Devos Performance Hall

Tickets are now on sale for the Broadway Grand Rapids’ presentations New Shanghai Circus (Tuesday, February 15 at 7:30pm) & The Aluminum Show (Sunday, February 20 at 7:00pm). Both shows will perform for 1 night only at DeVos Performance Hall in downtown Grand Rapids. Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000.

The New Shanghai Circus features astonishing athletes defying gravity and executing breathtaking feats as they stretch the limits of human ability in this spellbinding show. Fearless performers with boundless energy bring you more than two thousand years of Chinese circus traditions. If it's humanly possible - and even if it's not - Shanghai's acrobats, jugglers and contortionists do it with spectacular flair!

A sensational hit around the world, The Aluminum Show is a theatrical experience that is totally unique. Through the use of amazing special effects, creative mechanisms and acrobatic dance, inanimate objects come to life with energy, emotion and even personality, as silver industrial materials create a luminous and reflective world. This new performance combines movement, dance and visual theater to thrill audiences of all ages!

New Shanghai Circus is affordably priced at $17.50, $27.50, & $37.50. The New Shanghai Circus will perform 1 show at DeVos Performance Hall Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 7:30pm. The Aluminum Show is affordably priced from $22.50-$42.50 and will perform 1 show at DeVos Performance Hall Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 7:00pm. Tickets are available at the DeVos Performance Hall box office, all Ticketmaster locations, www.Ticketmaster.com or via phone at 1-800-745-3000. Groups of 10 or more receive 10% off per ticket by calling 616-742-6185 or e-mailing groupsales@smggr.com.

For more information on the Fifth Third Bank Broadway Grand Rapids Series visit www.BroadwayGrandRapids.com.

Legendary Guitarist Jeff Beck Announces Tour Date In Grand Rapids

World famous guitarist, Jeff Beck will bring all his talent and experience, along with The Imelda May Band, to Grand Rapids’ DeVos Performance Hall on Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at 8PM.

Tickets go on sale this Saturday, January 22 at 10AM and will be available through ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, the Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place box offices, or charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000. Ticket prices are $55, $45, and $29.50.

On the heels of 2010’s, “Emotion & Commotion”, Beck has been nominated for several Grammy Awards. Beck leads the rock field with 5 nominations with material from his latest release, including Best Rock Album, Best Rock Instrumental Performance (“Hammerhead”), Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals (“I Put A Spell On You” with Joss Stone), Best Pop Instrumental performance (“Nessun Dorma”), and Best pop Collaboration With Vocals (“Imagine” with Herbie Hancock, Pink, India.Arie, Seal, Konono No 1 & Oumou Sangare).

Replacing Eric Clapton in 1965 as the Yardbirds’ lead guitarist, Beck later formed The Jeff Beck Group with Rod Stewart and Ron Wood, releasing two albums—1968’s “Truth” and 1969’s “Beck-Ola”—that “became musical touchstones for hard rockers.” Over ten albums later and having worked with countless irreplaceable artists, Beck is back on the road to show his adoring fans, he’s as great as he’s ever been.

Recently, Jeff Beck paid fitting Tribute to Les Paul last summer, celebrating what would have been the pioneering guitarist’s 95th birthday. Beck played his friend and mentor’s music, along with classic tunes from the era, in the Iridium Jazz Club where Paul played every Monday for 14 years before his death in August 2009.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

Enchanting and Magical, Your Wedding Day Plans Begin at the Winter Bridal Show of West Michigan

Enchanting and Magical ... Your Wedding Day Plans Begin Here ...Nearly Wed Game Signups begin January 3...$2500 in prizes. Don't miss it!

The Annual Winter Bridal Show of West Michigan takes place on Jan. 21-22, at DeVos Place on Monroe Avenue in downtown Grand Rapids. All under one roof, a variety of exhibits will be on hand.

* Bridal Shoppes
* Tuxedo Shops
* Wedding Cakes / Cupcakes
* Reception Halls / Facilities
* Photographers
* Travel Destinations
* Florists * Caterers
* Decorators
* Disc Jockeys
* Cookware / Bridal Registry
* Photo Booth
* Party Rental
* Limousine & Party Buses
* Show Discounts From Vendors
* Register to Win CASH / Prizes

Runway fashion shows will be presented Friday evening at 7 p.m., Saturday at 12 noon and 2 p.m. by Becker's Bridal presenting "You're Beautiful at Becker's." More than 200 bridal gowns will be displayed throughout the weekend. Runway Designer Dresses may include: Aire Barcelona, Two by Rosa Clara, Allure, Maggie Sottero, Casablanca, to name a few. Becker's Bridal Shop features two exclusive, luxury brands designed and produced by Rosa Clara in Barcelona Spain; Aire Barcelona and Two by Rosa Clara. Since 1934, based in Fowler, Michigan, Becker's Bridal is managed by a Fifth generation of daughters. Serving brides and making their dreams come true with personal attention to every detail.

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.

On January 3, couples may sign up to participate in the Nearly Wed Game to take place Tuesday, January 18, with the winner receiving over $2500 in prizes. The winning couple will be announced during our runway fashion shows. Become a fan on our GRBrides facebook to find out more information.

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 checklist off GRBrides.com and bring them to the show. And don't forget the Groom's List!" Says Kolesar. 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. 21, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22. Admission is $6 for adults at the door. Discount coupons are available on-line 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.

GR Symphony to Offer the Music of John Williams, Jan. 28-30

From “Star Wars” to “E.T.” and all musical galaxies in between, the heart-captivating music of legendary composer John Williams will come to life in DeVos Performance Hall when the Grand Rapids Symphony presents “A Salute to John Williams” Friday, Jan. 28, through Sunday, Jan. 30.

Guest Conductor Michael Krajewski will lead the Grand Rapids Symphony on a magical musical odyssey that will explore the melodic world of Williams. A composer of Olympic proportions, Williams has penned some of the most groundbreaking, recognizable and endearing film scores in the history of motion pictures during a career that has spanned six decades. These concerts are part of the Fox Motors Pops Series.

“Williams’ first major success – the theme to ‘Star Wars’ – transformed the landscape of the film music industry and instantly became an icon of American culture,” Krajewski said. “Now, 30 years and 38 films later, his melodies are as legendary and recognizable as the films themselves.

“The audiences will no doubt take great delight in hearing the blockbuster movie music of the Grammy Award-winning Williams performed live by the Grammy-nominated Grand Rapids Symphony.”

Program selections will include “Olympic Fanfare and Theme,” which was written specifically for the opening of the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, as well as music from “The Cowboys,” “Jaws,” “E.T.: The Extraterrestrial,” “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” “Schindler’s List,” “Superman,” “Jurassic Park,” and a 30-minute set from “Star Wars.”

Costumed Star Wars characters from the Great Lakes Garrison 501st Legion will add to the performance on stage. Darth Vader, storm troopers, Indiana Jones and characters from Williams’ films will be in attendance.

Additionally, a photo booth with a green screen depicting scenes from various movies will be in the lobby. Costumed characters will be available to take pictures with audience members.
The winner of five Academy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards and 21 Grammy Awards, Williams has also received 45 Academy Award nominations, making him – along with composer Alfred Newman – the second most-nominated person after Walt Disney.

Tickets for “A Salute to John Williams” start at $18 and are available by calling Ticketmaster at 800/982-2787, online at http://www.grsymphony.org/ or in person at Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets may also be purchased at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices or in person at the Symphony office or two hours prior to the performance at DeVos Performance Hall.

Don't Miss Out! Next Week!

Don't miss the 5th Annual Camper, Travel and RV Show!

Go Affordably, Go RVing! This show is all about the best family vacation of your life. Whether just a weekend or a long getaway, RVing is the way to go. West Michigan RV dealers will pack DeVos Place with motor homes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and folding camping trailers. RV accessories, campgrounds, vacation destinations,and fun feature displays will round out the exhibition creating the largest and most exciting RV & Travel Show in the state! To view this year's commercial, click here.

Show hours:

Friday, January 14: 12noon - 9:30pm

Saturday, January 15: 10am - 9pm

Sunday, January 16: 11am - 6pm

Pricing:
Adults $8
Children (6-14) $3

5 and Under Free

Rotary Club of GR To Host "Rat Pack" New Year's Eve Benefit Gala

What happens in DeVos Performance Hall, stays in DeVos Performance Hall.

At least that’s what the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids anticipates with its Dec. 31 Vegas-inspired fundraising event, “A Rat Pack New Year’s Eve.” Sponsored in part by Meijer and Citadel Broadcasting, the annual New Year’s Eve Benefit Gala will feature a special concert by the Grand Rapids Symphony in conjunction with a themed cocktail hour and gourmet dinner.

Cocktails and swing music will kick off the evening at 5:30 p.m. in the Monroe Ballroom with a Charity Mixer and dinner provided by the 1913 Grill. Starting at 7:30 p.m. the Rat Pack is back, accompanied by the sizzling stylings of the Grand Rapids Symphony under the direction of John Varineau in DeVos Performance Hall. Guests will seriously dig on this extravaganza starring Stephen Bogardus as “Frank,” James Clow as “Dean” and Alonzo Saunders as “Sammy,” each appearing direct from Broadway, in a special concert called “A Rat Pack New Year’s Eve.”

Proceeds from this event benefit two longstanding Rotary programs: STRIVE, a mentorship program for at-risk high school seniors, and Indian Trails Camp, a summer camp for disabled individuals of all ages. The gala has raised over $260,000 every year for the past ten years. This year, Rotary is extending the festivities to benefit underserved seniors from Clark Retirement Community and at-risk youth from St. Johns Home. For every donation of $25 or more, Rotary will send one senior or youth to “A Rat Pack New Year’s Eve” symphony concert. Those interested in sponsoring a concertgoer can email Coleen Downey at coleen@grrotary.org.

Dinner tickets are priced at $50 per person and concert tickets range from $18 to $90 per person. Tickets for both portions of the event can be purchased online at www.grsymphony.org. For more information, visit www.grrotary.org or call (616) 459-5640

Come see the amazing dancers of Riverdance!

An innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song, RIVERDANCE draws on Irish traditions and the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music to the present day capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures. This extraordinarily unique show features an international company all performing to the magic of Bill Whelan’s music.