Weekend Music & Food

By Ken DeLaat, N3 Features

Couple of things you may want to check out this weekend:

Friday starting at 6pm it’s Open Mike night at Flying Bear Books in downtown Newaygo where tuneful folks from around our parts put it out there for an appreciative audience. The variety of songs and singers  goes well with the enticing assortment of crepes and refreshing drinks  FBB is offering up these days. 
While there check out the photo exhibit by Beth Kalenova.
Ms. K: “About 20 years ago, I was a member of the Fly-by-Nite gallery here in  Newaygo, which was a cooperative of around 22 local artists. After the gallery closed most of my photos went into storage. I am thankful for the opportunity to show them once more.”
Ah yes, we recall Fly By Night. When Lil and I moved here it was joined with the Riverstop Cafe in the building that now houses the New Ewe. As I was working downtown it was my coffee stop each day and owner Robbin Faulkner and Shari Werner, who was creating sublime sandwiches in the back, became the first two folks from town that I interacted with on a regular basis because they were so kind and welcoming to a newcomer.
A word about FBB. Eric and Krystal have created a nice vibe in the shop, filling in the much needed gap of open mike nights, hosting exhibits, offering vendor space for artists and bringing in comedy and a variety of other activities. There are also books. Books galore and I understand from a reliable source  a book club has gotten underway.
Nicely done Johnsons.

There are few things more enjoyable to me than the outdoor seating at Hit the Road Joe. I have breakfasted lunched and enjoyed pizza in the al fresco setting many times and nothing pleases me more than the impending opening of the feelgood area.
Except when they decide to open it up early on Saturday from 4-8pm for pizza night then toss in some musical background as a go with.
A Couple of Muggs will be providing some good listening and with the weather looking to be epic a little outdoor music provides just the ticket to launch into the prime seasons ahead.
And it is some seriously good pizza.
7291 Elm in Croton.
I recommend Little Pig but don't dismiss the New York White Garlic.