It's Saturday night. You and your friends are going to a nightclub, seeing the latest gore movie or trying to figure out what to do while the night is young. But nothing sounds interesting anymore. Any therapist suggests that when a relationship gets boring, you should gently introduce a little role-playing. If doctor/nurse sounds too clinical, and you ain't no Venus in Furs, maybe you should join a LARP group.
Vampire LARP-ing
Various Secret Locations
Bi-weekly Saturdays, thus far
FREE
nocturne.gondnet.com
LARP stands for Live Action Role-playing. Using the same principles as table-top Role-Playing Games (RPGs) like Dungeons and Dragons, a LARPer comes up with a character first and then acts out evolving storylines "in character" with and against other player's characters. Initial storylines are imagined by a moderator, or Storyteller, and advanced through game play. Gabriel John Athitakis, Storyteller and organizer of Vampire: The Requiem (Dance of Nocturne), explains his LARP:
"The setting mirrors our modern day reality, but with a dark twist," Athitakis said. "Many conspiracies and myths in our modern world that we shrug off as impossible are very much real in the game setting."
In this case, players will be portraying some good, old-fashioned, undead, blood-sucking monsters. Vampire: The Requiem, a role-playing game developed by the company White Wolf, revolves around five clans, or families of vampires and five covenants (political/spiritual groups). Players choose from these two sets, but Athikatis says this is only the beginning of character development.
"What I tell my new players is to make sure whatever you pick, especially for your first character, that you enjoy playing them. Find something in your character you can identify with and you will find role-playing them far easier."
A typical evening LARPing with Athikatis and his crew (about 20 deep now, with room for more) involves meeting in a predetermined public place, costumes optional but encouraged, and moving your character though a game of "diabolical politics, alliance-forming, backstabbing and more."
"Vampires are, at their heart, social predators, and they fight amongst one another for power within a particular city," Athikatis said. "All the while, there are other plots and stories evolving around them. A great amount of the activity is driven by the players."
Costumes donned by players can be anything from a simple shirt and tie to a full get-up complete with makeup and props. Jordan Bollinger, who plays Prince Crowley, the vampire Prince of Grand Rapids, wears a wig and mask during game play. Zak VanDoorne puts on a full padding, makeup and cloak (sewed by fellow RPG-er Emilee Warren) to portray the mysterious Sebak Ayab. Rachel Klemm is archetypically vampiric in red and black lace and dark makeup as Sheera.
The game is more than just dressing the part, however. Players assume their identities early in the evening. They must always be on guard as vampires, as rival clans may trick them or garner pertinent information for their own gains. The storylines have many factors and get more complicated as they go on, and anything could change in an instant depending on what a character says--or doesn't say. This is all strategy, Athikatis explained, where being charismatic and social is not necessarily the best one.
"If you're the Barack Obama of the opposing covenant," he said, "they're going to have to kill you."
This happened to the particularly mouthy Stitch, played by Jake Robbins. His antagonizing ways found his character unexpectedly shoved into an oven. Robbins' new character, Vincent DeGaldo, is notably less talkative.
Don't let this dissuade you, however. All game combat is handled using randomized card draws and the character's statistics/abilities, and new players will find themselves easily integrated and may choose to enter on a "new player" night, where veteran players help them get used to the rules and flow of game play. If your character should befall a grisly fate, you can always come up with a new one next time around.
Anyone interested in getting started can contact Athitakis as This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or join the forum at nocturne.gondnet.com.
Source: Gabriel John Athitakis, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The bars have closed, the moon has been out for hours, and you should've been in bed long ago. But let’s face it, the desire to hit up one last place before going home won’t go away. REVUE’s staff and minions hit the streets after dark to find out where to go to nourish (or start) some late-night habits. From comfort food at a truck stop to working it off at the 24-hour gym, read on for some great late-night spots to visit.
Kalamazoo/Battle Creek
Sweetwater’s Donut Mill
2138 Sprinkle Rd, Kalamazoo
sweetwatersdonuts.com, (269) 388-4613
Instead of grabbing a plate of greasy slop at a big chain diner after all the bars close down, have some respect for the classic old standbys and go to Sweetwater’s Donut Mill, among the Top 10 doughnut restaurants of the nation, according to MSN.
With three establishments – two in Kalamazoo and one in Battle Creek – Sweetwater’s has provided early birds and night owls alike with quality coffee, doughnuts and danishes since 1983. Have I mentioned they’re open 24/7 and have a drive-thru window?
You shouldn’t have to spend more money on the after-meal than you did on drinks. Sweetwater’s has held true to the cause, knowing that in a financial bind people could rely on the doughnut – it can be a meal and won’t break the bank. That’s why throughout history, doughnut sales skyrocket during economic slumps. For the price of one Denny’s Grand Slam breakfast, you and your friends could feast on a dozen fresh-baked doughnuts; a value and taste worth stopping in for. --Caitlin O’Leary
The Strutt
773 W Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo
thestrutt.com, (269) 492-7200
The Strutt has greatly impacted the nightlife in Kalamazoo due to the ambitious, trend-setting efforts of owner Darren Bain whose enthusiasm about local music and arts spreads like wildfire.
Like all bars, The Strutt has to close down at 2 a.m. Unlike all bars, The Strutt is divided into two areas: a bar and a café. During times when students need it the most, like mid-terms or finals, The Strutt has found a way to give the people what they need: a venue open after 2 a.m. It’s not uncommon during these evenings for The Strutt to have everyone stand up and leave at 2 a.m. then re-open its doors for the café side of the establishment at 2:01 a.m., in accordance with Michigan Law, so students can hit the books after blowing off some steam listening to live, local music. --Caitlin O’Leary
Fourth Coast Café
816 S Westnedge Ave. #1, Kalamazoo
myspace.com/4thcoastcafe, (269) 383-0202
Crow’s Nest
816 S Westnedge Ave. #2, Kalamazoo
(269) 978-0490
If you’re seeking out a hot late-night breakfast or a good cup-of-joe, head to Fourth Coast and The Crow’s Nest and see what a real ambiance can do for you, verses those other restaurants with a bad 50s stereotype atmosphere.
Fourth Coast is a little artist’s oasis open 24 hours a day seven days a week, supplying it’s eclectic cliental with espresso and coffee drinks to keep the creative juices flowing through the night. Manager, Dana Owens says the late-night hours are unpredictable, “You never can tell what it’ll be like at three in the morning here; it’s a slice of big city life in a small town.”
The Crow’s Nest, nestled a floor above Fourth Coast offers some warm food unlike any after-hours joint around. This restaurant only seats 53 people, lending to its laid-back homey atmosphere. All dinner and breakfast dishes are served in 10 minutes from the short-order kitchen, but don’t expect greasy cafeteria grossness.
The Crow’s Nest is renowned for its extensive vegan and vegetarian menu as well as its flair for the omelet. “We have the best omelets in town,” said kitchen cook, Mike Louks who uses fresh, upscale cheeses, sauces, meats and vegetables to concoct the most delicious omelets imaginable.
The Crow’s Nest opens Friday at 8 a.m. and doesn’t close until Sunday at 3 p.m. It’s also open daily Tuesday-Thursday. --Caitlin O’Leary
Firekeepers Casino
11177 Michigan Ave E, Battle Creek
firekeeperscasino.com , (269) 660-5722
The newest nightlife destination is located just off of I-94 in Battle Creek. Firekeeper’s Casino opened for business in August and has already proven itself as an entertainment mainstay.
More than just roulette, craps, black jack, poker and slot machines (as though that’s something to scoff at) Firekeepers also has eateries open all day and all night.
Shake that thang at Firekeepers’ hottest club, Kabaret, while sexy DJ Slim Tim spins pop and dance tunes. You can continue gambling at the club with game monitors at every bar stool, or take a break and lounge on the plush chairs and couches.
Café 24/7, obviously open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, gives you all of the classic diner dishes. If you’ve built up an appetite wandering the expanse of the casino, stop on in and try its monster dessert favorite, the hot fudge brownie. With all the bells and whistles in place, Firekeepers is on their way to casino glory. --Caitlin O’Leary
Grand Rapids
76 Coffee
1507 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
myspace.com/76coffee, (616) 301-2226
76 Coffee is “not as smoky as you think it is,” according to co-owner Ryan Van, though it is one of the last coffeehouses in town for people who enjoy cigarettes with their coffee.
Open from 9 a.m. until 4 a.m. daily, 76 Coffee is a moderately sized red room with high ceilings, decent music ample seating and windows overlooking Wealthy Street. The walls are covered in music posters that, to a degree, reflect the taste of the baristas (Van cites his preferred bands of the moment as Dose One, Port O’Brien and The Dismemberment Plan).
All coffee and espresso is fair-trade and organic. Other choices include juices, teas and small foodstuffs. If you’re intending to stay all night, you might consider purchasing a bottomless cup of coffee in one of Van’s own mugs, decorated with sardonic sayings we can’t print here. Only five dollars, they’ll bring you endless joy. If you’re looking for something delicious, try co-owner Tim Novak’s “Triforce,” described as “three chocolates, three shots [of espresso], three awesomes.”
“76 Coffee is just a good place to come in, sit down and a have a cup of coffee, either because you need to study late, don't feel like going home before midnight, or you got too drunk at the bar,” Van said. --J. Bennett Rylah
Snap Fitness
7200 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
snapfitness.com, (616) 554-3200
Snap Fitness is popular for its 24-hour operation and numerous locations (ten in the Grand Rapids metro area alone), enabling members to squeeze in a workout on their schedule, whenever that happens to be. The recently opened Caledonia Snap Fitness, located within the StoneWater Country Club complex, provides a full gym, tanning beds, showers, optional fitness classes and two on-staff personal trainers.
“It’s great for third shift workers, bartenders after work, or on holidays,” said Kim Von Kaenel, who is a manager and personal trainer at Snap. “You can come in at 4 a.m; don’t have to wait until six. It’s affordable and convenient.”
If you need an extra incentive to get in shape, Snap Fitness is offering free enrollment if you sign up before Oct. 31 (good at Caledonia, 28th, and East Beltline locations). New members will receive a free orientation and consultation, and membership includes access to all Snap Fitness locations nationwide. --J. Bennett Rylah
ULX
4336 Plainfield NE, Grand Rapids
ulxgr.com, (616) 776-1287
Other late night havens include ULX (the Ultimate LAN Experience), open on Sun.-Thurs until 11 p.m., but until 4 a.m. on Fridays and 2 a.m. on Saturdays. Here, you can gather with other gaming enthusiasts for some late-night multi-player action. Popular games of the moment, according to co-owner Mike Reed include Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Valve games like Counter-Strike. ULX also offers internet access, soft drinks, snacks, a comfortable lounge area and special events like Magic Tournaments. Friday all-nighters are the most popular night, perhaps because of the prizes, pizza and social interaction. On Nov. 6-7, ULX will be hosting a Call of Duty tournament with proceeds benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project. --J. Bennett Rylah
Diners
Grand Coney
809 Michigan NE, Grand Rapids
(616) 776-5580
Yesterdog
1505 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids
yesterdog.com, (616) 336-0746
76th Truck Stop
460 76th St., Byron Center
(616) 455-3600
Invariably, with all this late night carousing, a person gets hungry. There are a variety of places to get a post-midnight snack and we’ll name a few. Looking for a greasy spoon with a retro diner feel downtown, you can try the Grand Coney, open late every night but Tuesday. Right next door to 76 Coffee is Yesterdog, open until 2:30 a.m. Monday-Saturday for that post-bar quickie. Our personal favorite after hours eatery, however, is the 76th St. Truck Stop. You’ve got all the comfort food of a diner, plus it’s a truck stop where you can buy cigarettes or take a shower. What more does a person need? --J. Bennett Rylah
Grand Haven
Rendezvous
401 N. 7th St., Grand Haven
(616) 846-3740
All you nighthawks at the diner haven’t found the perfect greasy spoon until you’ve tried The Rendezvous. Green vinyl booths and hot, steaming Paramount coffee await you in this regular-prone, oldies-playing 24-hour diner.
Opened in 1920 as a Texaco station with a flattop grill, the station became a diner in 1947 when Texaco management wanted the station to be open on Sundays. The owner said no, ripped out the pump, added a full kitchen and the rest is history.
Now the Rendezvous never closes. It serves up what Owner Bill Peak calls, “Mom’s home-cooked comfort food,” including stuffed hashbrowns, deep dish apple pie, burgers, cheese fries and the famous breakfast heavyhitter, The Sheep Herder. Imagine everything you eat for breakfast all at once and that’s about right.
“We get a pretty diverse crowd and a lot of regulars,” Peak said. “We’re like Cheers without alcohol.”
The Rendezvous offers both smoking and non-smoking seating. --J. Bennett Rylah
Gordon Peirce Schmidt is animated. He’s arranging three miniature set pieces on his desk, describing the opening scene of the Grand Rapids Ballet Company’s upcoming production: an original ballet based on theinfamous serial killer Jack the Ripper.
“This is how it starts,” he says. “There’s going to be unbelievably deep-red [background lighting] and a sliver of light cracking through the set pieces. You’ll see a row of people lined up with a rope at their waist. They’re so poor that the only way they can sleep is to sleep standing up, tied together. Then you’ll hear the [music], with all the sound effects and its creepiness…and out of the mass, the Rippers come out and begin a ritual dance.”
He can see me looking at the set pieces, quizzically. He stops and pushes them aside.
“Your mind is much more creative than these three set pieces,” he assures me. “I want to open your mind up to create the desolation and destitution of [London] in 1888 with a few set pieces, some lights, some music and dancing.
“You’re going to understand where you are, who these people are and you’re going to get the creepiness right off the bat,” he says, getting animated again. “From there, we’re going to go on a psychological sleigh ride.”
The past few months have been a quite a ride for Schmidt, artistic director of Grand Rapids Ballet Company.When he learned GR Ballet had performance dates over Halloween weekend this year, he set about trying to do something edgy that would appeal to a younger audience. He’d already created and staged a story ballet toDracula, and other creepy characters like Frankenstein and Jekyll and Hyde had been done as ballets, too. So he landed on Jack the Ripper, a character whose story has been a staple of pop culture for a century, but hasn’t really been represented classically.
For anyone not familiar with the story, Jack the Ripper was a pseudonym the London press gave to a serial killer who brutally murdered five women – all suspected prostitutes – during a six-week period in the fall of 1888. The murders were ghastly: The killer slit the victim’s throats and eviscerated them with surgical precision. The crimes were never solved, and there were more than 100 suspects. Schmidt plans to play on that uncertainty in the balletic telling of the story.
“Anybody on stage could be the Ripper,” he says. “Nobody knows who Jack the Ripper was, so I don’t intend on revealing it in the ballet. I just like the darkness of it all. It’s going to be somewhat of an impressionist take on the story, rather than anything literal.”
As always, music is a critical element. Scoring Ripper was a “real journey,” Schmidt says. Initially, he planned to score the entire ballet with the music of Hungarian composer Bela Bartok. He spent the summer putting together scenes with Bartok’s music, only to be rebuffed by the dead composer’s estate.So he took a 180-degree turn and considered using 100 percent Metallica music.
He compromised, and set about securing rights to music by three dead Austrian composers -- Arnold Schoenberg, Alban Berg, and Anton Webern – as well as one living American one: Ozzy Osbourne.
That’s right, Gordon Peirce Schmidt plans to do ballet to Black Sabbath.
He’s had to jump through a few hoops. When his production manager contacted Black Sabbath’s record label, they told him he needed to write a description of the scene in which it is going to be used.
“I said, ‘You have to be kidding me. This guy bit the head off of a [bat] on stage and they’re worried about how I’m going to use it in a ballet.’”
Ultimately, mixing Black Sabbath with modern, classical composers who are “kind of out there” works well, Schmidt says. “The music really sets up the creepiness and atmosphere of the place and helps define character.”
The opportunity to create original work such as Ripper continues to stimulate the former dancer. Since joining the GR Ballet in 1998, he’s created more than 50 new works, including pieces that incorporate both jazz and classical music to tell stories such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Scheherazade.
“You’re not going to find a Ballet company like this in the rest of America that does so much new work,” Schmidt says. “It’s almost like a theater company. It’s a dance drama company. We tell stories through movement. We do the abstract pieces, but everything is based on the theory that the dance we do is going to have a lot of emotional value, and you’re going to be affected by it.”
When Schmidt compares GR Ballet to a theater company, he’s not talking about a community theatergroup staging revivals. He’s envisioningtheaters like Chicago’s Goodman or Steppenwolf, which have built international reputations for presenting original, edgy works marked by realism.Schmidt has choreographed for both.
“[Our] approach is more Steppenwolf or Goodman than it is melodramatic opera,” he says. “I’m not a big fan of ballet acting that’s over the top, I like to keep it internal until you don’t understand what I’m talking about, and then I’ll open you up a little bit.”
