The Local Spins series focusing on interesting — and sometimes off-the-beaten-path — music venues continues with a look at a popular Grand Haven brewery that hosts shows weekly. (Story, photos, video)
Harbourfront Place Hot Spot: Odd Side Ales has hosted live music in Grand Haven for several years. (Photo/Matt Marn)
ODD SIDE ALES
Address: 41 Washington Ave., Grand Haven
Hours: 2-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, noon-midnight Friday-Saturday, noon-8 p.m. Sunday
Contact: 616-935-7326, info@oddsideales.com
Website: oddsideales.com
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A Mix of Acts: Shows in the intimate space range from acoustic acts such as Evan Kosters to rock bands. (Photo/Matt Marn)
One of the many businesses that call a renovated former piano factory home, Odd Side Ales in Grand Haven prides itself on being a little different.
From the brewery’s title to the beer choices it serves, the hot spot puts a unique spin on everything it does, said Reid Warber, bar manager for Odd Side Ales.
And he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Wandering the quiet hall inside Harbourfront Place, at the corner of Washington and First Street in downtown Grand Haven, one can tell by the old hardwood floors and the old black-and-white photos framed on the walls that the building pays tribute to where it began just as much as where it is headed.
Promoting Local Music: Odd Side Ales has a full schedule.
Once you enter the threshold of Odd Side Ales on the first floor, the ambient volume goes up, as the patrons are all catching up and relaxing after the day. A single arcade game sits in one corner, dart boards on a wood-paneled wall in another, and a small lounge area with comfy chairs and even a couch behind the far end of the bar. The wall by the entrance is decorated with artwork prints from an impressive array of past and present beer selections, each with creative titles.
Warber is proud of the part Odd Side Ales has played in raising the lakeshore community’s profile. Turning 6 years old this coming St. Patrick’s Day, he said Odd Side began right at the cusp of the craft beer industry boom.
“I always have fun working here, but the first real moment I felt proud was when I saw someone taking a picture of the bar,” Warber said. “I work in my home community, doing something I love, and serving something I am proud of. Everyone I work with feels the same, and that is pretty cool.”
Warber also feels proud to support local musicians and performers in West Michigan. When Odd Side welcomes a musical performer, they are set up in the well-lit corner of the room, away from the bar. With all the wooden panels around the room, particularly behind the performer, acoustics are sure to carry through the room and reach the whole crowd.
Wood-Adorned Atmosphere: Odd Side Ales
Warber plans the live music schedule – with performances every Friday and Saturday evening, starting at 8:30 p.m. – based on events in the surrounding community. For quieter, more low-key weekends, he may set up a show with an acoustic performer; for major event dates, such as the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, he usually books a louder, full band sure to keep the crowd cheering for hours.
Either way, Odd Side Ales welcomes locally based acts and performers as often as possible.
“Musicians are awesome, and I don’t think they are as appreciated as they should be,” Warber said. “Support this music scene however you can. Just throw a tip in the jar, clap, enjoy it.”
The Music: Begins every Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m.
Coming Up:
Friday – Jim Shaneberger
Jan. 29 – David Molinari
Jan. 30 – Vincent Hayes
Feb. 5 – Sweet Blue
Feb. 12 – Kari Lynch Band
VIDEO: Odd Side Ales Mini-Tour (Featuring Evan and Gabrielle Kosters)
Copyright 2016, Spins on Music LLC
