The Rocker’s Biggest Stories of 2021: The 4th Quarter

Although it seems 2021 has dragged on FOREVER, the last three months are not ancient history. Here's a quick look at the newsworthy events in Kalamazoo. 

As we begin a hopeful new year in 2022, we take a look back at the biggest stories of 2021 here in Kalamazoo, around Michigan, and across the rock and roll world. These were the big stories in October, November, and December of 2021 that everyone was talking about.

Kalamazoo is History

• Larry Bell selling his namesake brewery truly was shocking news. Australian brewer Lion, which two years ago bought New Belgium Brewing in Colorado, is the new owner of the beloved Kalamazoo brewery. We raise a glass to Mr. Bell and wish him the best in his retirement.
• The iconic Kalamazoo State Theatre was given its well-deserved spot on the National Register of Historic Places in December.

We'll Cross that Bridge

• ...or maybe not. Most of you said there was no way you would set foot on the world's longest timber-towered suspension bridge once it is complete at Boyne Mountain Resort.
• Historic Bridge Park in Battle Creek was vandalized in October when the bathrooms were violently destroyed probably the result of a social media challenge.
• A talented amateur blacksmith working on his family farm in White Pigeon turns original steel used in the 1957 Mackinac Bridge grating into incredibly beautiful yet functional custom knives.

Rocking the Scene in Michigan

• Ted Nugent, after a summer stop at a Battle Creek bar, made national headlines when he said he wanted to give Kyle Rittenhouse a lifetime supply of ammunition.
• Michigan rockers Greta Van Fleet announced plans for their next world tour, kicking things off in Kalamazoo at WIng's Event Center on March 10, 2022.
• Battle Creek rockers from back in the day will never forget when Rush came to town and played The Rafters. Tickets were an unbelievable $2.50 in 1975 to see the now legendary band.
• RKR sent fans to Ford Field to see the Rolling Stones' No Filter tour. Mick Jagger clearly had a great time in Detroit, hitting all the city's landmarks, as others from the entourage visited the Motown Museum.

SWMI Vice

• Congratulations to Firekeeper's Casino CEO Kathy George who was selected as one of the most influential women in Michigan for 2021.
• It seems a new marijuana dispensary pops up every week around Kalamazoo, but Battle Creek has even more as this area may be becoming the next weed capital of Michigan.
• Every spot quickly filled up when Michigan State Police asked for citizen volunteers to play real-life cops & robbers in training exercises at Fort Custer Recreation Area.

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