What's Happening: Weekend of May 06, 2016 in the Near North:

Weekend in the Near North
The Suggestion Box
by Ken DeLaat

Friday: Movie Night.
There was a time in distant history when Lil and I would hit nearly every movie that 

​Sasha Evans and Joe Harner performing "Joy of my Tears"

came to the big screen. Of course that was B.K (before kids). After their arrival our visits to the silver screen emporiums became the valued date nights when a...

Friday: Movie Night.

​There was a time in distant history when Lil and I would hit nearly every movie that came to the big screen. Of course that was B.K (before kids). After their arrival our visits to the silver screen emporiums became the valued date nights when a trusted sitter (like a grandparent) was available, no child was ill, there were no science projects suddenly remembered and due the next day, and we were able to make it out the door in time to catch an early dinner before the show.

These days our cinematic sojourns are still infrequent but I always welcome experience. Despite the availability of movies on screens of all sizes at home or seemingly anywhere else there’s still something special about nestling into the comfort of an indoor theater with an oversized bowl of popcorn and the enticing previews to whet your appetite for future films.
​
Fremont Cinemas is showing Captain America: Civil War (also in 3-D) and The Jungle Book.  

​Whether a fan of the wave of Marvel-based movies or looking to take in the classic Kipling tale described by Rotten Tomatoes “As lovely to behold as it is engrossing to watch,” Friday is definitely a prime time to visit the movies.
​ 
And kicking in a couple more bucks gets you into one of their leather recliners as well as refills on pop and popcorn.

​Saturday: Musical Options 
​
We know of a couple venues that are providing musical entertainment this Saturday featuring artists who have both developed strong fan followings and are known to provide some good times for listeners.
​
Sasha Evans, California’s musical gift to the Near North, will be delivering on some of her extensive repertoire in the cozy atmosphere of downtown Newaygo’s Riverstop Café from 7-10pm. Whether crooning a favored standard, putting some heat to a torch song or delivering on one of her many compositions Sasha’s timeless vocals can captivate an audience.

She is joined on stage by Joe Harner who provides accompanying vocals and some well crafted work on the guitar. Should you notice an obvious ‘electricity’ between them during the performance? They also share a household as well as a stage since becoming husband and wife last summer. If you’d like a preview they can be found on YouTube performing ‘Joy of My Tears’ (See video Above)

​Also on Saturday if your musical tastes run a little more toward hard driving  country delivered with appropriate amplification and on stage excitement you might want to take a cruise to Croton where The Driftwood’s deck is due to host Stolen Horses from 3-7pm for some afternoon fun.
​
This band can knock the socks off of an extended playlist that will touch all the bases on your country music wish list then light it up with one of their own creations. Hopefully our weather is conducive to a little deck action and the music gets shared to all in and around the pond.

​Sunday: Eats

Well, it’s Mother’s Day right?
​
Did you get a card yet or are you planning on joining the desperate looking crowd hovering over the selection at the local drug store late Saturday afternoon?
Flowers?  Better look around quickly because you’re not the only one looking for a little floral redemption because you forgot to plan ahead and get a ‘real’ gift that actually has a bit of thought put into it.

And listen up guys. I don’t want to hear the old “I don’t have to get her (wife) anything. She’s not my Mother” line out of you. The day is to honor Mothers and if she belongs to that highly esteemed group then put a little effort into showing how much you appreciate her.
​
Sunday brunch is a great way to treat that special someone to a special meal and there are many opportunities awaiting you at a number of the eatatoriums our area enjoys. 

_____________________________________________________________________

​It’s the Camp Newaygo one that has caught our eye for a number of reasons.

1. The menu: Do yourself a favor and go to the website to take a look at this. I would go into detail but I’ve already made two visits to the fridge while attempting to list the enticing options they are offering.
2. It’s the third time they’ve done this and they’ve really  got it down with three separate seatings, a competent crew, and a gifted chef in Chris Gibble
3. You can wander through the captivating Wetland Trail for a post dinner stroll.
4. It’s Camp Newaygo! We love Camp Newaygo and the wonderful atmosphere they provide not just for summer campers but with year-round activities and events in a truly scenic setting.

Call them at 231.652.1184 and if you’re lucky there might be a spot for you and the Mom or Moms you’ll be bringing along and you will emerge a hero.