Keep Calm and Drink On at BALLADS & BREWS

Grab your mates and head down to the Goei Center June 1 for fish and chips, a round of pints, and much more at Opera Grand Rapids' second annual Ballads & Brews event.

Showcasing a lighter side of opera, the fun evening will include tasty pub fare, local craft beer sampling, a diverse selection of auction items, plenty of quirky surprises, and a unique British Invasion-inspired opera fusion performance from Opera Grand Rapids Emerging Artists.

Opera Grand Rapids invites the public to participate in a fun evening celebrating British culture and West Michigan craft beer. For those wanting to take full advantage of the British theme, guests are encouraged to don a pop culture costume for the event. A selection of suggested costumes-such as The Beatles, Mary Poppins and the Royal King and Queen-are available for guests to rent at Kostume Room, 835 36th St SW in Wyoming.

Opera Grand Rapids General Director Anne Berquist says that many have already selected costumes to wear to Ballads & Brews.

"I don't want to give away any surprises, but guests are already beginning to share their fun costume ideas and plans for the event," Berquist said.

All proceeds from the event support Opera Grand Rapids' mission year-round, to foster and fulfill demand for high quality, live opera in West Michigan. A selection of unique items will be available to guests in a live auction, including a Florida getaway and a lunch and lab tour at Van Andel Institute with a well-known scientist.

Individual tickets to Ballads & Brews are $125 and include strolling starters, a seated dinner and drinks, and complimentary VIP parking. Tickets to Ballads & Brews are available now through the Opera Grand Rapids Box Office, 616-451-2741 or balladsbrews.fasttransact.net. To learn more about available auction items, costume selections, or further event details, visit operagr.org/ballads-brews.

About Opera Grand Rapids

Located in the heart of West Michigan, Opera Grand Rapids is the state's longest-running professional opera Production Company. Through the creativity and excellence of this timeless art form, Opera Grand Rapids enriches the West Michigan community and provides unique and powerful experiences that move people of all ages and backgrounds. Opera Grand Rapids' productions are produced and presented locally in West Michigan. For the productions, Opera Grand Rapids engages a cast of internationally acclaimed artists, stage directors, conductors, choreographers, set designers, costume designers, and others, in addition to the regional Grand Rapids Symphony, and Opera Grand Rapids Chorus and Children's Chorus.