The “communal” hangout on Bridge Street NW kicks off its new live music series with Selkie on Jan. 8. Get details and the full schedule at Local Spins, plus details about a Kalamazoo Latin jazz series.
Kicking Off a New Series: Celtic music’s Selkie plays the Brauhaus on Sunday. (Photo/Anna Sink)
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Cedar Springs Brewing Co. owner David Ringler views Grand Rapids’ new Küsterer Brauhaus on Bridge Street NW as a “very communal” and eclectic gathering spot with a global flavor where folks can share friendships.
The cozy German beer hall at 642 Bridge St. NW even dubs itself “a taste of Munich on the West Side.”
That makes this venue an ideal location for the inaugural Brauhaus World Music Series co-hosted by WYCE (88.1 FM).
Starting Jan. 8 with the Celtic strains of Selkie, the weekly concert offerings will feature everything from polka music to bluegrass to Latin Cumbia at 4 p.m. on Sundays.
La Furia Del Ritmo Original: The band is a regional favorite. (Courtesy Photo)
“As a ‘world culture’ location on the West Side and a neighbor of WYCE, we wanted to work together to celebrate the diversity of our neighborhood and community by highlighting our colorful palette of musical talent beyond some of the common, standard cover tunes that we commonly hear,” Ringler said.
“I hope that people will hear something new, or rekindle memories of travel or experiences they’ve had beyond the common.”
WYCE, which has long touted its programming as “a world of music” all in one place, has embraced the diversity of the initial series lineup, with hopes of adding more Latin and African influences in the future, said station manager Phil Tower.
“Dave (Ringler) is a guy who is all about community and being fully invested in the community, and that’s why we really love partnering with him on this new music series,” Tower said.
“I’m personally excited about all of it as I love all genres of music, especially bluegrass and anything with an accordion. I have always loved music on the accordion.”
WORLD MUSIC AT ‘A LINGERING AND HANGOUT SPOT’
For his part, Ringler said he’s “excited about our entire initial lineup,” but especially pumped up about world beat and jazz pianist Sean Jackson on Jan. 15 and the Spanish-language strains of La Furia Del Ritmo on Feb. 26.
Smaller than the Cedar Springs Brewing eatery and beer hall in Cedar Springs, Ringler said the Küsterer’s “mini-Hofbrauhaus” (referring to the Munich beer hall) is “more of a lingering and hangout spot” than a restaurant.
Upcoming Performer: Luke Gitchel (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
For its new Bridge Street location, the craft brewery offers beer, wine, distilled beverages, craft sodas and shareable “small bites,” snacks and soft pretzels.
“The Brauhaus is not really intended as a restaurant, rather a grazing and social experience,” Ringler suggested.
He described the late Sunday afternoon shows as a relaxed time period when “guests can truly enjoy the music without the full rush of a hectic weekend and still be ready for their week starting Monday.”
While on the subject of new 2023 concert series with a world music flair, Kalamazoo is offering up a new Latin jazz jam every Sunday at JungleBird featuring the group Acana. The first jazz jam begins at 6 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 8) with special guest singer Oscar Gonzalez.
“We’re very excited to launch this weekly event. Sunday nights at JungleBird are about to be a whole lot of fun,” said Mark Sellers, managing partner for JungleBird, which is located at 155 W. Michigan Ave. in Kalamazoo.
WORLD MUSIC SERIES AT BRAUHAUS: 4 P.M. SUNDAYS
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