The Unfortunate Demise Of ‘Shout!’, Grand Rapids’ Hottest Club

When there is an area as historic as Eastown in Grand Rapids, many of the shops and businesses have undergone numerous phases. Take, for example, the Wealthy Theatre, a 1911 theatre that was once a fixture of the area, having once housed supplies for World War I before falling into disrepair in the 1970s.

While it has since been refurbished and is now the center of the area, another theater emerged during this time, housing the most popular nightclub in Grand Rapids. Ironically, this place of debauchery now houses something on the complete opposite end of the spectrum: a church. Let's revisit the gone-too-soon Shout Nightclub. 

The Rise of Eastown Theatre

The Eastown Theatre had a long history as the premier movie venue in Eastown. Boasting over 800 seats, the Eastown Theatre opened in 1936 with its first feature being My American Wife. It was Grand Rapids' first air-conditioned theatre and was popular going into the 1950s, but transitioned into a B-movie and second-run film house, as well as a venue for viewing martial arts films going into the 1970s.

A neighboring art house eventually bought it and rebranded it as the Eastown Bijou in the 80s. It added art films, second-run blockbusters, Saturday matinees of old classics, and more. However, this was short-lived and closed in the mid-1980s before becoming what many in Grand Rapids remember it most for: the Shout nightclub.

Shout: Grand Rapids’ Wildest Nightclub Is Born

In 1987, the Eastown Theatre was purchased once again by Robert VanDrunnen and Scott Vokoun, who planned to use the large theater space differently than its previous tenants. A year after the purchase, the theatre was transformed into a 1950s and 1960s-inspired nightclub called Shout.

This spot can be described in one word: wacky. From the Corvette that appeared to be coming through the wall to the '59 Edsel over the bar to the pink Cadillac in the middle of the dance floor, even to the waitresses who were reportedly dressed as cheerleaders. The only thing that remained from its movie theatre past was the large screen on the back wall. 

But that doesn't mean there weren't any shows to enjoy. The staff were a funny bunch and did more than serve drinks. They performed skits, danced, wore costumes, hosted games, and gave away prizes. To this day, the staff look back fondly on their time here, and a few marriages have even happened among the team.

READ MORE: Michigan’s Forgotten Animatronic Pizza Palace From the ’80s

Shout's Abrupt and Short End

Sadly, despite Shout's popularity in town, the club came to an abrupt end in 1992 when it was revealed that owner Robert VanDrunnen was sentenced to an Oklahoma prison for 21 months due to tax evasion, and the business fell apart shortly after. Despite being in business for only 5 years, Shout has left a lasting impression on Grand Rapids.

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Ironically, the ones who moved into the space after Shout were Uptown Church, which has been in the space to this day.