Part of a Local Spins series spotlighting unique music venues that feature local and regional acts. Check out this microbrewery and take a video tour of the venue.
Brewery Open Mic: Kate Anderson performs at Elk Brewing during a recent open-mic night. (Photo/Ricky Olmos)
Elk Brewing
Address: 700 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Hours: 3 p.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday & Saturday; noon-11 p.m. Sunday
Contact: (616) 238-5227
Website: elkbrewing.com
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Elk Brewing
The Vibe: Nestled on the corner of Wealthy Street and Henry Avenue SE, Elk Brewing Company is a small establishment that can be easily missed due to its rather incognito exterior. The ultra-modern, gray cement building is labeled by a single, rectangular sign above the entryway with the company’s logo: the silhouette of a tall beer bottle donning elk antlers. Music takes place twice a week, by way of an open mic on Tuesdays run by members of the band Valentiger, and regular feature performances on Thursdays showcasing a variety of local acts. A community environment is evident and performers return week after week to try new material on the engaging and receptive crowd. “I’m friends with the guys in Valentiger and a lot of musicians come here to hang out,” said Dale Wicks, who performed an animated full band rendition of The Jungle Book’s “Bare Necessities” recently. “I like running into friends and fellow musicians here … and I like the beer, it’s really good.”
A Hangout for Musicians: Elk Brewing hosts open mics on Tuesdays and performances on Thursdays. (Photo/Ricky Olmos)
Dimly lit, the stage area is set up in the corner against a backdrop of rustic wooden boards. A few house instruments are in place: a miniature drum set comprised of kick drum (one that’s smaller than a floor tom), ride cymbal and snare, as well as acoustic guitar and bass. An extensive menu of craft beers also is available, with options that include a Scotch Ale, Candy Corn IPA, and patron favorite, the Rowster Coffee Porter, made with coffee from nearby Rowster Coffee Company. The brewery also boasts a kitchen, open till 9 p.m. with delectable items such as The Davis, a wrap loaded with roasted red pepper, hummus, tomato, spinach, red onion, cucumber, pickled jalapeños and ale vinaigrette, and The Elk, a sandwich layered with turkey pastrami, chicken, genoa salami, prosciutto, swiss and horseradish ale sauce.
The Music: Open mics are held Tuesday nights, with featured performances on Thursday nights. Both begin at 8 p.m.
Coming Up: Lisa Miller and Jim Prange at 8 p.m. Thursday; Open Mic with Valentiger at 8 p.m. Dec. 22
VIDEO: Elk Brewing Mini-Tour
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