A Play Date with GVSU

While most students frantically cram between classes during midterm week, some Lakers will spend that time playing with Play-Doh. The University Counseling Center is holding its first ever Play Day on Monday, Oct. 6, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Kirkhoff Center Lounge. Students, faculty and staff are welcome to stop by for as long as they wish to enjoy balloon animals, popcorn, hula-hoops, a coloring station and of course, Play-Doh. The gathering is meant to give students “time to play” and take a break from the stress of exams, which is shown to improve academic performance. For more about the play day, contact Melissa Selby-Theut at (616) 331-3266 or [email protected].             

Rockin’ Records

Downtown Grand Rapids is home to plenty of vinyl-related shows, from ‘90s-themed to strictly soul to hip-hop only evenings. The Tip Top Deluxe, however, looks to give the vinyl-loving rock n rollers a night of their own. On Monday, Oct. 6, at 8:30 p.m. the tiny downtown venue will open their turntables to anyone willing to share records from their collection. The hosts ask that each person’s set stays around 15 minutes and features nothing but rock music. Those interested in spinning their vinyl should arrive earlier rather than later, as it is first-come, first-serve. The venue will require no admission charge on this evening. For more on the show, visit facebook.com/pages/Tip-Top-Deluxe-Bar-Grill/205824629453662.                                                                                          

Killer Klowns                                                                                                                                                       

While Celebration Cinemas offer an array of soft drinks, from cherry cola to iced coffee, there’s one popular liquid they won’t pour for moviegoers: alcohol.

Fortunately, the Wealthy Theatre has teamed up with the Meanwhile bar in Eastown to create The Meanwhile Film Series, which features a handful of cult classics as well as beer, wine and mixed drinks for those in attendance (though you must be a member of the Community Media Center to purchase libations). On Tuesday, Oct. 7, the theatre will screen “Killer Klowns from Outer Space,” a 1988 film about aliens disguised as clowns who come to Earth seeking to terrorize it’s inhabitants. Tickets are $6 and doors open at 7:15 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show. For more about the movie and the film series, check out grcmc.org/event/8252.

Sophisticated Funk                                                                                                                              

When funk meets hip-hop, Sophistafunk is the ideal outcome. On Thursday, Oct. 9, the Syracuse-based trio heads to Founders Brewing Company in downtown Grand Rapids to share their blend of spoken word, old school hip-hop and funky instrumentals. Joining the nationally-known act will be five-man funk/soul/rock crew, The Mainstays. The show is free of charge and open to anyone ages 21 and older. While Founders’ Taproom is open the entire day, the show itself kicks off at 9:30 p.m. To check out Founders’ full lineup and read more about Sophistafunk, visit foundersbrewing.com/taproom-events/sophistafunk.                                                                                

Winds of October                                                                                                                                              

While the winds off of Lake Michigan cool the air in West Michigan, another wind might just grab Lakers’ attention this month. On Friday, Oct. 10, GVSU’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble will perform at the Louis Armstrong Theatre. Conducted by Kevin Tutt, the performance runs from 7:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. The show is free of admission and open to the public. To learn more about the ensemble, go to gvsu.edu/bands/symphonic-wind-ensemble–4.htm.