1/18 - Current

JANUARY 2018| FREE

MUSIC | ART | CULTURE

BEST YEAR er

Ev

Get your 2018 off to a healthy start! p6

p12

p26

HEAD IN THE CLOUDS Inside the local vape scene

REVISITING “FLINT”

Purple Rose debuts Jeff Daniels’ timely drama

2

january

2018 / ecurrent.com

contents

January 2018 vol. 28/no. 01

20 music: The Yellow Gang returns to The Ark

By Jeff Milo

26 theater: “Flint” Debuts at Purple Rose

By Sandor and Emily Slomovits

28 art: French Art, American Lens Henri Matisse exhibit at UMMA

By Jeff Kass

29 lit: Philosopher, Artist, Magician...

By Mary Gallagher

34 Person of Interest

Greg David-Kean: Founder and primary blogger The Frequent Miler

By Cammie Finch

9 Guide to Health and Wellness

30 arts & culture 35 cannabis corner 37 astrology 38 crossword 39 classifieds

Get your 2018 off to a Healthy Start!

12 The View on Vaping Locals weigh in on perceived benefits

By Mary Gallagher

15 food: Fiery La Torre Taqueria Spice up winter with low-key Mexican fare

By Sonny Forrest

16 chef corner: Ji Hye Kim

december 2017| Free

DECEMBER MOST READ

MUSIC | ART | CULTURE

1. Holiday Gift Guide 2. Living with the border 3. Dangers: The closet and the bubble

DAnGErS:

THE cLOSET AnD THE bUbbLE Washtenaw’s Transgender community Speaks Out, P6

LIvInG WITH THE bOrDEr Jason De León, U-M’s MacArthur Genius breaks Down His research, P8

H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E Tis the Season to Shop, Dine and Drink Locally, P9

By Sonny Forrest

Searchable lists updated daily at

ecurrent.com ecurrent.com / january 2018 3

Adams Street Publishing Co.  Bløm Meadworks to Debut in Ann Arbor in 2018 Husband and wife team Matthew Ritchey and Lauren Bloom will open a meadery featuring craft mead and cider at 100 S. Fourth Ave. in downtown Ann Arbor. The space will feature meads made on-site and locally-sourced ciders and a community taproom. “We are excited to bring what we believe is a unique beverage and food offering and community gathering space to the vibrant downtown Ann Arbor neighborhood,” Bloom said.  U-M Breaks Ground on New Trotter Multicultural Center Almost four years after students met with university leaders to ask for a new multicultural center, U-M broke ground in November on the new $10-million, 20,000-square-foot William Monroe Trotter Multicultural Center, located in the heart of Central Campus on State Street, near the Kelsey Museum of Archeology. “The new Trotter on State, located along the campus’ busiest thoroughfare, will stand as a powerful and unmistakable indicator that students of all backgrounds are welcome here at UM, and that it is both our similarities and our differences that make us the leaders and best,” said E. Royster Harper, the U-M Vice-President for Student Life.  Paint and Pour Studio Opens in Ypsilanti Following its grand opening in December, Paint and Pour offers a creative night on the town on Washington St. in downtown Ypsi. Instructors walk participants step-bystep, through replicating a featured painting during 2-3 hour class sessions (that include many beverage breaks) and everyone leaves with their own personal creation. Join pre-scheduled classes or book the studio for private fundraisers or parties. No artistic experience required!  Black Rock Bar and Grill Opens in Pittsfield Known for sizzling steaks on a 755-degree flat stone right in front of the diners, the popular chain restaurant is now open at the site of the former Passport Restaurant and Lounge at 3776 S. State St., near the Ann Arbor airport.

The menu will be the same as other Black Rock locations in Michigan and official documents submitted to the township project annual food sales of $4 million and projected annual liquor sales of $1 million.  Lulu Beauty Lounge and Academy Offers Beauty Services and Classes Recently opened, Lulu’s offers women-only high quality haircutting, styling and coloring as well as microblading, eyelash and hair extensions. Customers can also take studio classes in hair and lash extensions, makeup artistry, bridal styling and more.

What’s your favorite pump-up playlist when you exercise?

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) BACK IN THE DAY WHEN I EXERCISED IT WAS MICHAEL JACKSON’S THRILLER.

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) ZZ TOP, OLD SCHOOL EXERCISE.

Editorial

Assignment Editor: Jeff Kass

(annarboreditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

KATY PERRY FOLLOWED BY HOT CHOCOLATE, BOB MARLEY, ARLO GUTHRIE, AND DIGITAL UNDERGROUND, ENDING IN SNOW’S “INFORMER.” Associate Editor Athena Cocoves (athena@adamsstreetpublishing.com) LIL KIM, LA BELLA MAFIA. Calendar Editor, Staff Writer: Star Cohen (calendar@adamsstreetpublishing.com) KENDRICK LAMAR OR IRON & WINE DEPENDING ON MY MOOD. Contributing Writers: Sandor Slomovits, Jeff Milo, Mary Gallagher, Karen Smyte, Patrick Flores-Scott, Vic Tanny, Sonny Forrest, Heidi Philipsen, Cammie Finch.

Digital Media

Tech Manager: Saul Jacobs (saul@adamsstreetpublishing.com) METALLICA. Web Guru: Ashley Boardman (digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com) 100% GUARANTEED ASS BANGERS.

Art/Production

Production Manager: Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) MY SON’S 90S HIP HOP PLAYLIST ON YOUTUBE. Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) ROB ZOMBIE, GODSMACK, METALLICA...MAIDEN, YOU GET THE PICTURE. Designers: Kelli Miller (kmiller@adamsstreetpublishing.com) ANY FAST PACED PUNK ROCK OR SOME DRUM N BASS. Anita Tipton (atipton@adamsstreetpublishing.com) CAN’T STOP THE FEELING BY JT AND PINK ANYTHING BY PINK.

Advertising

Sales Catherine Bohr (a2sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) CRYSTAL CASTLES PANDORA STATION.

Lewis Andrews (landrews@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

THE CHAINSMOKERS, MILEY CYRUS, TAYLOR SWIFT, FOLLOWED BY BEYONCE WITH A DASH OF PINK AND CELINE DION. Sales Coordinator Jen Leach (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com DISTURBED.

Administration

Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@adamsstreetpublishing.com) J. GEILS BAND, COLDPLAY, IMAGINE DRAGONS.

© 2018 by Adams Street Publishing Co., All rights reserved.

3003 Washtenaw Ave., Suite 3, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, Phone (734) 668-4044, Fax (734) 668-0555.

First class subscriptions $30 a year. Distributed throughout Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and neighboring communities.

Also publishers of: Mature

Member

4

january

2018 / ecurrent.com

Audited by

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

green corner Last Chance to see Sacred Plants exhibit Learn about horticultural history and plants long credited with mystical healing, vision-making, and ritualistic powers as the Matthaei Botanical Gardens Conservatory wraps up its “Sacred Plants: Stories of Myth, Legends, and Lore� Exhibit on Sunday, January 7th. Focusing on plants in Matthaei’s conservatory collection, the holiday exhibit explores how certain plants figure in ritual for cultures around the world. This annual event also features seasonal flowers, decorated trees and kids activities. - JK

Matthaei Botanical Gardens Conservatory, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor.

734-647-7600. mbgna.umich.edu.

fyi

Winter month warming shelters

!FFORDABLE 6ET 3ERVICES

Celebrating 11 years

For the fourth year, the City of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County will jointly fund both warming centers and havens for the city’s homeless population during severe cold weather. The Delonis Center will serve as an overnight warming center capable of sheltering up to 50 people in its dining room and common areas from 7pm - 7am and area churches will be available as daytime warming centers throughout the winter. For people needing to escape adverse cold conditions (real or wind chill air temperature at 20 degrees or below) before continuing on to their destination, temporary weather havens in highly traveled areas will be available for all Washtenaw County residents. - JK

For locations of both daytime warming centers and temporary weather havens, call 734-344-5762 or visit ewashtenaw.org.

WASHTENAW

Winner

Full Medical and Wellness Services Teeth Cleaning â—† Radiology Surgery â—† Vaccines Heartworm and Flea Preventative Comprehensive Laboratory Fully Stocked Pharmacy Prescription Diets

!FFORDABLE 6ET 3ERVICES

Dr. Maja Fontichiaro Dr. Shana Burack Dr. Paul Glineburg Dr. Courtney Cutright Dr. Tara Hansen

2117 West Stadium St., Ann Arbor s AFFORDABLEVETSERVICES COM ecurrent.com / january 2018   5

contents

January 2018 vol. 28/no. 01

20 music: The Yellow Gang returns to The Ark

By Jeff Milo

26 theater: “Flint” Debuts at Purple Rose

By Sandor and Emily Slomovits

28 art: French Art, American Lens Henri Matisse exhibit at UMMA

By Jeff Kass

29 lit: Philosopher, Artist, Magician...

By Mary Gallagher

34 Person of Interest

Greg David-Kean: Founder and primary blogger The Frequent Miler

By Cammie Finch

9 Guide to Health and Wellness

30 arts & culture 35 cannabis corner 37 astrology 38 crossword 39 classifieds

Get your 2018 off to a Healthy Start!

12 The View on Vaping Locals weigh in on perceived benefits

By Mary Gallagher

15 food: Fiery La Torre Taqueria Spice up winter with low-key Mexican fare

By Sonny Forrest

16 chef corner: Ji Hye Kim

december 2017| Free

DECEMBER MOST READ

MUSIC | ART | CULTURE

1. Holiday Gift Guide 2. Living with the border 3. Dangers: The closet and the bubble

DAnGErS:

THE cLOSET AnD THE bUbbLE Washtenaw’s Transgender community Speaks Out, P6

LIvInG WITH THE bOrDEr Jason De León, U-M’s MacArthur Genius breaks Down His research, P8

H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E Tis the Season to Shop, Dine and Drink Locally, P9

By Sonny Forrest

Searchable lists updated daily at

ecurrent.com ecurrent.com / january 2018 3

Adams Street Publishing Co.  Bløm Meadworks to Debut in Ann Arbor in 2018 Husband and wife team Matthew Ritchey and Lauren Bloom will open a meadery featuring craft mead and cider at 100 S. Fourth Ave. in downtown Ann Arbor. The space will feature meads made on-site and locally-sourced ciders and a community taproom. “We are excited to bring what we believe is a unique beverage and food offering and community gathering space to the vibrant downtown Ann Arbor neighborhood,” Bloom said.  U-M Breaks Ground on New Trotter Multicultural Center Almost four years after students met with university leaders to ask for a new multicultural center, U-M broke ground in November on the new $10-million, 20,000-square-foot William Monroe Trotter Multicultural Center, located in the heart of Central Campus on State Street, near the Kelsey Museum of Archeology. “The new Trotter on State, located along the campus’ busiest thoroughfare, will stand as a powerful and unmistakable indicator that students of all backgrounds are welcome here at UM, and that it is both our similarities and our differences that make us the leaders and best,” said E. Royster Harper, the U-M Vice-President for Student Life.  Paint and Pour Studio Opens in Ypsilanti Following its grand opening in December, Paint and Pour offers a creative night on the town on Washington St. in downtown Ypsi. Instructors walk participants step-bystep, through replicating a featured painting during 2-3 hour class sessions (that include many beverage breaks) and everyone leaves with their own personal creation. Join pre-scheduled classes or book the studio for private fundraisers or parties. No artistic experience required!  Black Rock Bar and Grill Opens in Pittsfield Known for sizzling steaks on a 755-degree flat stone right in front of the diners, the popular chain restaurant is now open at the site of the former Passport Restaurant and Lounge at 3776 S. State St., near the Ann Arbor airport.

The menu will be the same as other Black Rock locations in Michigan and official documents submitted to the township project annual food sales of $4 million and projected annual liquor sales of $1 million.  Lulu Beauty Lounge and Academy Offers Beauty Services and Classes Recently opened, Lulu’s offers women-only high quality haircutting, styling and coloring as well as microblading, eyelash and hair extensions. Customers can also take studio classes in hair and lash extensions, makeup artistry, bridal styling and more.

What’s your favorite pump-up playlist when you exercise?

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) BACK IN THE DAY WHEN I EXERCISED IT WAS MICHAEL JACKSON’S THRILLER.

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) ZZ TOP, OLD SCHOOL EXERCISE.

Editorial

Assignment Editor: Jeff Kass

(annarboreditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

KATY PERRY FOLLOWED BY HOT CHOCOLATE, BOB MARLEY, ARLO GUTHRIE, AND DIGITAL UNDERGROUND, ENDING IN SNOW’S “INFORMER.” Associate Editor Athena Cocoves (athena@adamsstreetpublishing.com) LIL KIM, LA BELLA MAFIA. Calendar Editor, Staff Writer: Star Cohen (calendar@adamsstreetpublishing.com) KENDRICK LAMAR OR IRON & WINE DEPENDING ON MY MOOD. Contributing Writers: Sandor Slomovits, Jeff Milo, Mary Gallagher, Karen Smyte, Patrick Flores-Scott, Vic Tanny, Sonny Forrest, Heidi Philipsen, Cammie Finch.

Digital Media

Tech Manager: Saul Jacobs (saul@adamsstreetpublishing.com) METALLICA. Web Guru: Ashley Boardman (digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com) 100% GUARANTEED ASS BANGERS.

Art/Production

Production Manager: Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) MY SON’S 90S HIP HOP PLAYLIST ON YOUTUBE. Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) ROB ZOMBIE, GODSMACK, METALLICA...MAIDEN, YOU GET THE PICTURE. Designers: Kelli Miller (kmiller@adamsstreetpublishing.com) ANY FAST PACED PUNK ROCK OR SOME DRUM N BASS. Anita Tipton (atipton@adamsstreetpublishing.com) CAN’T STOP THE FEELING BY JT AND PINK ANYTHING BY PINK.

Advertising

Sales Catherine Bohr (a2sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) CRYSTAL CASTLES PANDORA STATION.

Lewis Andrews (landrews@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

THE CHAINSMOKERS, MILEY CYRUS, TAYLOR SWIFT, FOLLOWED BY BEYONCE WITH A DASH OF PINK AND CELINE DION. Sales Coordinator Jen Leach (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com DISTURBED.

Administration

Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@adamsstreetpublishing.com) J. GEILS BAND, COLDPLAY, IMAGINE DRAGONS.

© 2018 by Adams Street Publishing Co., All rights reserved.

3003 Washtenaw Ave., Suite 3, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, Phone (734) 668-4044, Fax (734) 668-0555.

First class subscriptions $30 a year. Distributed throughout Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and neighboring communities.

Also publishers of: Mature

Member

4

january

2018 / ecurrent.com

Audited by

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

green corner Last Chance to see Sacred Plants exhibit Learn about horticultural history and plants long credited with mystical healing, vision-making, and ritualistic powers as the Matthaei Botanical Gardens Conservatory wraps up its “Sacred Plants: Stories of Myth, Legends, and Lore� Exhibit on Sunday, January 7th. Focusing on plants in Matthaei’s conservatory collection, the holiday exhibit explores how certain plants figure in ritual for cultures around the world. This annual event also features seasonal flowers, decorated trees and kids activities. - JK

Matthaei Botanical Gardens Conservatory, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor.

734-647-7600. mbgna.umich.edu.

fyi

Winter month warming shelters

!FFORDABLE 6ET 3ERVICES

Celebrating 11 years

For the fourth year, the City of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County will jointly fund both warming centers and havens for the city’s homeless population during severe cold weather. The Delonis Center will serve as an overnight warming center capable of sheltering up to 50 people in its dining room and common areas from 7pm - 7am and area churches will be available as daytime warming centers throughout the winter. For people needing to escape adverse cold conditions (real or wind chill air temperature at 20 degrees or below) before continuing on to their destination, temporary weather havens in highly traveled areas will be available for all Washtenaw County residents. - JK

For locations of both daytime warming centers and temporary weather havens, call 734-344-5762 or visit ewashtenaw.org.

WASHTENAW

Winner

Full Medical and Wellness Services Teeth Cleaning â—† Radiology Surgery â—† Vaccines Heartworm and Flea Preventative Comprehensive Laboratory Fully Stocked Pharmacy Prescription Diets

!FFORDABLE 6ET 3ERVICES

Dr. Maja Fontichiaro Dr. Shana Burack Dr. Paul Glineburg Dr. Courtney Cutright Dr. Tara Hansen

2117 West Stadium St., Ann Arbor s AFFORDABLEVETSERVICES COM ecurrent.com / january 2018   5

& WELLNESS Current caught up with local health and wellness experts to find out what’s new and trending in their fields, how the years have shaped their perspectives, and what some of the best tips are for enjoying a happy and healthy 2018.

MARA EVENSTAR

SARAH AND DANA The Mix Studios co-owners

Evenstar’s Chalice co-owner

2007 S. State St., Ann Arbor 734-786-1260 the-mix-studios.com

36 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti 734-905-7980 evenstarchalice.com

What brought you into the world of health and wellness? (Sarah) I was terrible at sports, became discouraged,

What brought you into the world of health and wellness? I have

been working in the domain of transformative arts and spiritual psychology for many years. For me, health and wellness is about the whole person, their relationships, and their culture and environment.

Why are your services unique? At Evenstar’s Chalice, we

offer tools and knowledge to support people on their journey to health, wellness, and fulfillment. Part of this is done through creating a space that is sensory-rich and beautiful, to also feed the soul!

Common cause of stress? The current state of our nation is causing a great deal of stress and even trauma for many individuals. Stress is compounded because this is the environment in which people are also encountering their personal, situational stressors.

One tip for a happy and healthy 2018? If you

haven’t already, find your tribe! Social support and a sense of belonging is very important to our health and happiness.

and started hanging with the wrong crowd. After 11 years of smoking, among other unhealthy habits, I decided to quit and start running, which opened up a whole new world for me. I was hooked. I had no idea what my body was capable of and I really wanted to share that experience with other people. (Dana) Physical activity has always been a huge part of my life, but seeing people who were not as active made me realize what an immense difference taking care of your body can make—physically, mentally, and emotionally—so I began helping friends and family achieve their goals.

What’s a new idea that people should know about?

Trampoline Fitness is incredible. It is low impact, which I think many of us need to think about if we want to move well into our later years. It activates the lymph system so it is a great detoxer, it is super fun, and burns as many calories as jogging! We are the only ones in Ann Arbor to offer this class. First class is free, so check it out.

What health myth needs to be debunked? It’s not just how many calories burned or how many calories are in a meal— there is so much more that goes into a healthy body, including mindset, stress levels, quality of calories, timing of calories, sleep

Take a 60 Minute Vacation!

Open 10a - 8p 7 Days a Week 300 W. Huron, corner N. First

(734) 623-1951 relaxstation.com •Voted Best Massage 2017 •Walk-ins Welcome •Appointments Available FREE PARKING

6

january

Full Body Massage in Individual Rooms at our Second Location

2018 / ecurrent.com

Read more Health & Wellness tips online at ecurrent.com

DINA SHELDON A2Yoga Owner

2030 Commerce Blvd., Ann Arbor 734-216-4006 a2yoga.net Why are your services unique?

In today’s world of go-go-go, it’s important to find a space where shivasana is not just “laying on your back.” Our studio has staying power because we offer commUNITY. Being the second oldest yoga studio in Ann Arbor, we started in the health and wellness industry before it was fashionable and the uniqueness of A2 Yoga has to do with our teachers. Many of our teachers have been here for 5 or more years, and have taught in general for over 10 years. Ana Hough, the founder, has been teaching yoga for over 20 years. As a senior yoga educator, she also heads our yoga teacher training program (YT2) and master class workshops. We offer many types of classes, including commUNITY classes every week, which are free donation-based classes for those who cannot afford to come to the studio regularly. One hundred percent of the proceeds from these classes go to local nonprofits, and we’ve raised over $5,000 this year.

Common cause of stress? Stress comes in many forms— family, change of job or loss of income, chronic illness or new diagnosis of a disease, mobile devices and constant stream of information, or even something like rush-hour traffic. It’s important to be able to have a space free from these things so people can process what is stressing them in a safe environment.

That’s what we strive to create at A2 Yoga—plus, we aren’t downtown, so you won’t even have to stress about parking.

Live pain and stress free

DORI EDWARDS Blue Sage Health Consultant

421 Miller Ave., Ann Arbor 734-585-7063 bluesagehealth.com Why are your services unique?

I wanted to take my base of holistic knowledge into the cannabis industry, remind people that cannabis is not a cure-all, and that an active lifestyle while eating right is vital to good health. I also noticed a gap in education: when a patient gets their medical card, their doctor usually doesn’t have much knowledge about cannabis, so the patient has to depend on the dispensary budtender.

This is frustrating for the patient. I wanted to change that, so I co-founded Blue Sage Health Consulting, and bluesagehealth. com. where we have a patient/caregiver forum. Our nurses and therapists have studied the endocannabinoid system, know how pharmaceuticals react with cannabis, understand dosing and can provide recommendations. Blue Sage Health’s mission is to educate and empower people so they can achieve their highest quality of life through the use of plant-based medicine.

As educators and health professionals, our vision is to provide vital information to individuals, families and communities about holistic health as it relates to our endocannabinoid system.

One tip for a happy and healthy 2018? One small, daily

success tip: Don’t take a shower until you break a sweat. Breaking a sweat can take as little as five minutes. Do squats and push up, a handful of sun salutations, or simply turn up the music and bust a move. This small change won’t just improve your physical health, but it will leave you energized and in a much better mood.

CONT’D ON P8

OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATIVE MEDICINE

Where the Science of Medicine Meets the Art of Touch

New Client Special

$20 off your first massage

Osteopathy:

True Holistic Medicine.

By restoring structural health, the whole being begins to heal.

Susan M Rose, DO

See an article about Dr Rose at: http://bit.ly/susanrose

Board Certified: • Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine • Performing Arts Medicine (1 of 3 physicians in MI) • Integrative Pediatrics Treats pain & imbalances anywhere in the body with gentle manual medicine techniques, including headaches/TMJ, head injury, sports injury, acute & chronic pain from injury, misuse or overuse.

Treats all ages from pregnancy & newborn to elderly

Pain Management | Relaxation | Pre-Post-Natal | Sports Massage Lymphatic Massage | Ashiatsu | Craniosacral Therapy

Body Conscious LLC

2201 Medford Road • Ann Arbor, MI 48104 BodyConsciousMassageTherapy.com • (734) 929-5930

NOW IN ANN ARBOR

The Parkway Center

2345 S. Huron Parkway Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (810) 588-6911

DrSusanRose.com ecurrent.com / january 2018 7

CONT’D FROM P7

GRACE ADAMS

JULIE HILL

2201 Medford Rd., Ann Arbor 734-929-5930 bodyconsciousmassagetherapy.com

Makeup and Photography 201 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor 734-528-0922 imaginethree.com

What brought you into the world of health and wellness? I went into the field

Why are your services unique? We try to use safer

What’s a new idea that people should know about?

How do you let loose locally? My best way is to work out. My saving grace has been Huron River Crossfit.

Body Conscious Massage Therapy Owner and Massage Therapist

of massage therapy because I wanted to offer people with specific and chronic pain conditions an alternative to medications and surgery— one that was safer, felt better, and had more lasting results— so I started Body Conscious Massage Therapy and created a team of highly trained and experienced massage therapists. With a more medical approach, we work with referrals from local doctors, PT’s and other healthcare professionals to help the Ann Arbor community live pain and stress free.

About a year ago, our clinic began offering Ashiatsu massage, a growing modality in the bodywork industry. During this style of massage, the therapist uses their feet while holding onto bars above the massage table. This allows for a very deep, broad pressure that arms and hands cannot achieve, which is great for athletes and larger clients. Nothing else compares to the pressure.

Why are your services unique? Unlike many relaxation

massage therapy businesses, our clinic has a more medical approach. We work with referrals from local doctors, PT’s and other healthcare professionals to help patients with postural issues, post-surgery pain, injury, headaches, TMJ dysfunction and more. We also work very closely with the sports and recreational community, helping athletes of all levels stay pain free and at the top of their game.

8

january

2018 / ecurrent.com

Imagine Three Hairstyling Proprietor

ingredients and products as much as possible. Our hair color is exceptional and contains the lowest amount of harmful ingredients you can get in a hair color. As part of our color process, we first treat the client’s hair to make sure it will be in optimal condition.

Our facials are done with our natural skincare line, offer LED light therapy, and can be customized by our esthetician for any skin concerns. We are really proud of the sugaring product we use for body waxing, which is a much safer and hypoallergenic product without the resins and chemical solvents typically found in wax.

One tip for a happy and healthy 2018? We are surrounded by chemicals on a daily basis and

often don’t even know they are there. We can’t live in a bubble, but we can control some of what our body absorbs. Your skin is your largest organ— so be kind to it and what you put on it.

Taking time to destress I think is the most important thing we can do for ourselves. Happy 2018!

What health myth needs to be debunked? A lot of people have a misconception that organic and natural products do not work as well as conventional products. I myself thought the same thing until I started researching and using them first-hand.

Typically, natural ingredients are more powerful and synthetic ingredients are created in a lab as a cheaper version of natural ingredients.

STEPHANIE QUARLES RelaxStation Massage Therapy Massage Therapist

300 W. Huron St., Ann Arbor 734-623-1951 relaxstation.com

Happy Ne

What’s a new idea that people should know about?

Float/self- deprivation tanks! You float in a tank full of salt water, which helps with sore muscles, joints, and clearing the mind.

Common cause of stress? I think that technology is the biggest stressor of muscles in this generation. More and more people work on computers for a living. I recommend that anyone working with technology should receive massage at least twice a month for their own mental and physical well-being.

How do you let loose locally? I like taking hikes in Bird Hills Nature Preserve, making jewelry and enjoying the local ambiance that downtown Ann Arbor provides.

What health myth needs to be debunked? Massaging the deep tissue is not necessarily what will help your muscles the most. Talk to your therapist throughout your session to figure out what type of massage will work best for your body.

CONT’D ON P10

First Class is

Free!

734.786.1260 2007 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Personal Training Semi-Private Training Trampoline Fitness Strength Classes Mix Total Body Zumba Yoga

Try the only trampoline classes offered in Ann Arbor!

Get one week of classes for FREE in January!

Email a2mixstudios@gmail.com. New clients only.

Events

w YOGA

Year!

January 13, 1-3:30pm: AcroYoga Workshop w/ Mary January 19, 7pm: Gong Bath Immersion January 20, 4-7pm: Yoga & Creativity Workshop w/ Carter Check the website for more information!

2030 Commerce Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103 | a2yoga.net | 734-216-4006 Monday 9:30 - 10:30 AM 9:45 - 10:45 AM 6:00 - 7:15 PM 7:15 - 8:15 PM 7:30 - 8:30PM Tuesday 9:30 - 10:30 AM 9:30 - 10:30 AM 11:00 - 12:00 PM 6:00 - 7:00 PM 6:00 - 7:00 PM 7:15 - 8:30 PM 7:15 - 8:30 PM Wednesday 9:15 - 10:30 AM 9:15 - 10:15 AM 6:00 - 7:15 PM 6:00 - 7:15 PM 7:30 - 8:30 PM 7:30 - 8:30 PM Thursday 9: 15 - 10:30 AM 9:15 - 10:30 AM 6:15 - 7:15 PM 7:15 - 8:30 PM Friday 9:15 - 10:30 AM 9:30 - 10:30 AM 5:30 - 6:30 PM Saturday 7:30 - 9:15 AM 9:15 - 10:30 AM 11:00 - 12:15 PM 11:00 - 12:00 PM Sunday 9:00 - 10:15 AM 9:15 - 10:15 AM 10:30 - 11:30 AM 10:30 - 11:45 AM

Classes (V) Vinyasa (H) Hatha (H) Heart-Centered Hatha Yoga (V) Vinyasa (H) Gentle/Restorative Yoga Classes (H) Hatha (All Levels) (V) Slow/Gentle Flow Yoga FREE CommUNITY Yoga: On~A~Flow Vinyasa (DW)* (V) Vinyasa: Movement Flow NIA (V) Vinyasa (H) Pre-natal Yoga: Mommy Time Classes (H) Heart - Centered Hatha Yoga (V) Vinyasa (V) Vinyasa: Movement Flow (V) Ashtanga: Primary Series I/Foundations (H) Hatha Flow (H) Gentle/Restorative Yoga Classes (H) Gentle Yoga & Meditation (V) Classical Vinyasa Yoga (V) Vinyasa: Movement Flow (V) Vinyasa Classes (V) Vinyasa (H) Gentle/Restorative Yoga FREE CommUNITY Yoga: On~A~Flow Vinyasa (DW)* Classes FREE CommUNITY Yoga: Ashtanga Primary Series (DW) * (V) Vinyasa I & II (H) Traditional Hatha Yoga (All Levels) FREE CommUNITY Class: NIA (DW)* Classes (V) Heart - Centered Vinyasa Yoga (H) Hatha Yoga Foundations (Great for beginners) NIA (H) Pre-natal Yoga: Mommy Time

Teacher Mary Kevin Carter Ana Tina Teacher Carter Sarah Ana Isa Megan S. Wendy Lisa T. Teacher Carter Raina Juliana Wendy Sarah Tina Teacher Dina Samantha Mary Jo Teacher Wendy Lora Ana Teacher Self Lead A2 Yoga Natasha Ana Teacher Natasha Carrie Megan S. Juliana

$20 for a New Student 7 Day Trial Pass** * Donations Welcome: CommUNITY Class **(Washtenaw County Residents, starts 1st class visit for 7 consecutive days) ecurrent.com / january 2018 9

CONT’D FROM P9

ITA REYES

Ita Yoga Studio, E-RYT 200, Owner/Founder

2745 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor 734-531-9482 itayogastudio.com

What brought you into the world of health and wellness?

The need to focus on me. For a very long time, the focus was on doing for others, and exhaustion coupled with unhappiness started to settle in.

I did not like how that felt. Yoga, eating habits, mindfulness in daily activities all had a huge impact in improving my quality of living.

Why are your services unique? Mindfulness. We

encourage ur students to move inward. Our classes hold space for students to feel safe connecting inward. When we do what we do, we notice it. Therefore, we grow and learn from our yoga practice.

How do you let loose locally? We love to go downtown for dinner and drinks. Our favorite spots are Aventura, Cafe Zola, and Ravens Club.

What health myth needs to be debunked? People think that yoga is easy, but the practice is both physically and mentally challenging, and benefitting every aspect of daily living.

One tip for a happy and healthy 2018? More kindness

+ Less judgement = happiness all around. See yourself in others and you’ll experience a fuller more rewarding life.

Infrared Heated Studio NEW TO YOGA?

New Client Intro Offer!

30 days Unlimited $45 Visit website for class schedule and additional pricing: itayogastudio.com 2745 Plymouth Rd. Ann Arbor, MI

734-531-9482

ita@itayogastudio.com

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ecurrent.com / january 2018 11

feature

View on Vaping Locals weigh in on perceived benefits

by Mary Gallagher

Jonah Creasman-Jones, Bongs & Thongs customer: “I see vaping as a less destructive and more interesting way to reach my goal of staying sober.” Over the past two years, he’s decreased his nicotine dose from 45mg to 3mg (per mL of vape juice).

“Peach is one of my favorite flavors to vape on, man, it’s always very smooth,” says Jaek Landsberger, a 20-year-old Vaporizer Specialist, as he helps a young couple pick out vape juice at Bongs & Thongs in downtown Ann Arbor. Beside him, framed by a Pulp Fiction poster, Jonah Creasman-Jones is blowing smoke rings in a sweet-smelling cloud that engulfs his head. Between puffs, he explains that he vapes to calm his nerves and to stay sober.

Bongs & Thongs, one of the many brick-and-mortar vape shops that have popped up around Ann Arbor in the last few years, sells vapes (often used interchangeably with ‘e-cigarettes’), science fiction-looking devices used to vaporize nicotine, cannabis, or flavoring for inhalation.

in the mist they inhaled the last time they used a vaping device, 51.8 percent of 12th graders said, “just flavoring,” 32.8 percent said “nicotine,” and 11.1 percent said “marijuana” or “hash oil.”

“We are especially concerned because the survey shows that some of the teens using these devices are first-time nicotine users,” said Nora D. Volkow, M.D., director of the National Institute on Drug Addiction, which helps to sponsor the annual survey. “Recent research suggests that some of them could move on to regular cigarette smoking, so it is critical that we intervene with evidencebased efforts to prevent youth from using these products.”

Marketed to young people?

Dr. Carol J. Boyd, who researches adolescent use of e-cigarettes through the U-M Addiction Center, says vaporizers and electronic cigarettes are disproportionately marketed to young people, who “perceive electronic cigarettes as generally less harmful than combustible cigarettes.”

According to Landsberger, “the companies who are doing this are not specifically marketing toward children. But,” he adds as he selects from his counter a bright box labeled ‘Candy King’ – described as a mouth-watering take on delicious gummy peach candy coated with a crystallized sugar – “that shouldn’t happen.

That’s not okay with me, as someone who cares about the industry.”

Newly released results from U-M’s 2017 “Monitoring The Future” Survey suggest vaping is on the rise among teenagers, with 27.1% of high school seniors admitting to some form of vaping within the previous month. When asked what they thought was

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Vaping Feels Better

Rairigh Drum is far from a first-time nicotine user, as she became addicted to cigarettes at age fifteen, and is now thirty-one.

E-cigarettes helped her quit tobacco cigarettes this past summer.

“I’m not throwing burning trash in the street,” she says, “and I’m not making the whole block stink like tobacco. I feel a lot better. I don’t cough stuff up in the mornings. I feel better when I’m doing things like running, or doing long-distance hiking, or carrying heavy things. I don’t get out of breath.”

Landsberger echoes the benefits of vaping versus tobacco cigarettes. “I can run. I can taste my food,” he says. “The biggest thing was the sense of taste. Oh my god, it was mind-blowing.”

Still, Drum adds, “It’s nicotine. It makes your heart race, it constricts your blood vessels. I don’t think it’s in any way good for you.”

Easier to hide

Patrick Gaulier, a clinical case manager at Ozone House in Ypsi, estimates about half of his 20 clients (all between the ages of 18-24) vape. “I think my clients fall about 50/50 into two categories,” he says, “some transition from cigarettes to vaping and some start straight away vaping. I know for those who smoked previously, they talk about switching to vaping because there is a cost benefit and they can get away with vaping easier than smoking in apartments and cars.”

Health questions

Gaulier adds that most of his clients do not believe vaping has adverse health effects. “I’ve been at some conferences that have discussed some emerging research,” he says, “and most of it initially suggests that at the very least, vaping is a much healthier alternative to combustible nicotine and, at most, there are few negative health effects.

I’m not a doctor so I can’t speak to any health effects I’ve noticed. What I can say with some degree of certainty is that marketing vapes as a way to reduce and eliminate nicotine use is misleading. Of all my clients who have transitioned to vaping with the intention of quitting nicotine altogether, none have successfully quit.”

Creasman-Jones, the Bongs & Thongs customer who says vaping has helped him stay sober, says that still doesn’t mean vaping is particularly healthy. “Honestly, there’s not many health advantages to it,” he says, “besides minimizing the amount of cancer-causing carcinogens that people ingest. There’s still going to be negative side effects such as nicotine addiction and chemical dependency, but it does help with protecting the people around you from secondhand smoke.”

Dr. Boyd agrees with him on that point, explaining, “There is probably little risk of second-hand exposure,” but she is concerned the general perception that vaporizers and e-cigarettes are harmless may “re-normalize” cigarette smoking. “We know virtually nothing about the long-term risks,” she says, adding that although research is ongoing, the safety of the added flavorings is “unlikely.”

Landsberger doesn’t think people should wait for years of research to be done to switch from tobacco cigarettes. “The United States government will tell you that everything in [vape juice] is in a cigarette,” he says, “that it’s awful for you. If you go over to the United Kingdom, on the other hand, the Royal College of Physicians states it’s 97% less harmful for the human body than smoking any kind of cigarettes.”

Dr. Carol J. Boyd, of the UM Addiction Center, says that e-cigarette companies disproportionately target youth through the use of candy-like flavors

Dueling reports

The Royal College of Physicians’ report, Nicotine without smoke: Tobacco harm reduction (April 2016), states that although there are concerns vaping will re-normalize smoking, current data indicates “e-cigarettes are being used almost exclusively as safer alternatives to smoked tobacco, by confirmed smokers who are trying to reduce harm to themselves or others from smoking, or to quit smoking completely.” The report recommends that e-cigarettes should be regulated to reduce adverse effects, but that their development shouldn’t be discouraged, due to their effectiveness as a harmreduction product for smokers.

On the other hand, the U.S. Surgeon General’s report Cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults (2016) proclaims “the evidence supporting the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as an aid for quitting conventional cigarettes remains unproven,” and also expresses concern about the presence of known carcinogens in e-cigarette aerosol – the sweet-smelling vapor cloud that fills the basement of Bongs & Thongs.

While the research is still up in the air, for Drum, the benefits outweigh the risks. “I do not recommend that anybody ever pick it up, but if you already smoke cigarettes, then you should probably switch to vaping,” she says. “I would say that it’s way healthier than cigarettes, but still not healthy at all.”

From music to art to theater to food, find the best reasons to go out on our online calendar. Keep connected to the community with ideas, stories, articles and expert picks by signing up for our e-newsletter today.

subscribe @ ecurrent.com

ecurrent.com / january 2018 13

food Fiery La Torre Taqueria Spice up winter with low-key Mexican fare

by Sonny Forrest

Two-year-old La Torre lives on Washtenaw Avenue in Ypsilanti’s College Heights neighborhood. Flanked by a check-cashing establishment and a Lover’s Lane, La Torre’s interchangeableletter signage suggests a low-budget authenticity often poorly copied by restaurants in larger markets promoted by decorated hospitality groups with ample public relations budgets. This understated aesthetic juxtaposes the heat roiling inside this taqueria’s glass storefront.

With its yellow-painted interior arrayed with a few unfussy tables and chairs, it’s the space’s sonic backdrop, comprised of the exposed griddle’s sizzle, clattering metallic spatulas and Norteño trumpet music, that sets the tone for an unpretentious-yet-piquant meal.

Cut-rate appetizers

The flashlight-sized Queso Tamales ($1.25) are comprised of finely ground cornmeal masa encasing pickled jalapenos and onions. Even without the picante red sauce, the tamales’ Scoville rating is enough to bead foreheads with a perspiratory sheen.

Served on fluffy El Milagro corn tortillas, conspicuously stacked on a table behind the cash register, the succulent medley of Carnitas, Pastor, and Asada Tacos ($1.79/ea.) topped with cilantro and onions kick with equal flavor intensity.

Entreés with technicolor flavor

The Camarones a Las Diablas plate ($15.99), prepared ‘spicy’ at my dining companions’ request, features a landscape of burnt-orange chopped shrimp and gold rice bordering a small reservoir of brown beans. Presented with a side of foil-wrapped corn tortillas for tacoconcocting, the shrimp boast a bright chili edge and a texture akin to expertly prepared sea scallops, supple and fresh.

The smooth-sipping Agua de Horchata ($2.19), served neat in a 24 oz. lidded

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styrofoam tub, swaggered with cinnamon and subtly starchy vanilla rice water, promptly concludes any lingering palate heat caused by an applied squeeze of the salsa roja.

Though a near hit for a sub-six-dollar sandwich, the Torta Carne Asada ($5.29) with its layers of fresh avocado, lettuce, pickled jalapeño and minced steak assembled inside a fresh, tan-crusted roll, was delivered slightly on the tepid side, its unprocessed ingredients fresh enough to make that slight tepidness ultimately forgivable.

2018 / ecurrent.com

With a consistent parade of both dine-in customers and takeaway orders, La Torre’s soul breathes as a low-key purveyor of uplifting dishes that counteract winter’s early onset darkness. Expect a no-frills excuse to shed your jacket and pant in spicy ecstasy. Disfruta el calor.

1525 Washtenaw Ave, Ypsilanti.

734-905-7220. facebook.com/latorretaqueria 10-9pm, Sunday-Thursday.

10am-10pm, Friday-Saturday.

6 Saturday How To Kick the Sugar Habit

1pm. Sports Nutrition & Vitamin Outlet Canton. Free

Rejoice!

Restaurant Week 1/14-1/19!

The holiday season doesn’t end on New Year’s Day. Keep it rolling with Restaurant Week from January 14th - 19th, when over 50 area restaurants – from Afternoon Delight to Vinology; Bigalora to Zola’s Bistro; Avalon cafe to Slurping Turtle, and many many more more – offer fixed price lunches for $15 and three-course dinners for $28. Several restaurants offer those prices on a 2-for-1 basis as well. For a full listing of participating restaurants and specials, visit annarborrestaurantweek.com- JK

Ongoing Tuesdays Wine Special

All Day. Bigalora. bigalora.com

Enjoy 50% off all wine bottles.

​Wednesdays

​Wine Night Wednesdays

4-10pm. ​Evans Street Station. evansstreetstation.com

Enjoy 1/2 off bottles of wine from the Evans Street List. Can’t finish the bottle? You can have it corked and wrapped up to take home. Bottles available for retail purchase as well.

​Wednesdays & Saturdays

Ann Arbor Farmers Market 7am-3pm. Downtown Ann Arbor. a2gov.org. Free

Fresh local produce, plants, flowers, dairy, meats, prepared foods, bakery items, artisan goods and more.​

3 Wednesday Market Day

12pm. $45. Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars. fustinis.com

Learn how to cook with winter ingredients like acorn squash and chocolate in this hands-on interactive class.

Basic Knife Skills and Cooking 101

6pm. $69.99. Mirepoix Cooking School. mirepoixcookingschool.com

This class is the essential foundation for anyone interested in developing their skills in the kitchen. From basic knife cuts to basic cooking skills, this class will build your cooking confidence.

Why does sugar have a strong presence in daily life? Learn strategies to cut back on sugar or kick the habit completely. For more information, visit Sports Nutrition & Vitamin Outlet’s facebook page.

Date Night: A Taste of Tuscany

4pm. $79. Sur La Table. surlatable.com

Explore Italy’s bold flavors as you practice searing, braising, roasting and making classic ragout. Dnd on a sweet note with perfectly poached pears and a Prosecco zabaglione.

7 Sunday Coffee Tasting: Comparative Cupping

10 Skills for the New Year 6:30pm. $69. Sur La Table. surlatable.com

Cover 10 essential techniques to bring new confidence to your cooking in 2018. Leave having made arugula salad, herb brined roasted chicken, risotto, and chocolate ganache.

8 Monday Bell’s Hopslam & Friends

12pm. $30. Zingerman’s Coffee Company. zingermanscoffee.com

Sample and learn how to evaluate coffees from Africa, Central and South Americas, and the Asian Pacific in this eye-opening introduction to the coffee world.

All Day. Hopcat. hopcat.com. Free

Bell’s is known for their their complex flavors and aromatic qualities. Enjoy a variety of the famed brewery’s selections on tap for this all-day event.

French Made Easy

6pm. $69.99. Mirepoix Cooking School. mirepoixcookingschool.com

Does the thought of making your own French dishes intimidate you? Learn how to make it easy with talented chefs from the cooking school.

9 Tuesday Witch’s Hat Anniversary Party

3pm. Ann Arbor Beer Grotto. beergrotto.com.

Join in for a special anniversary tap event with Witch’s Hat Brewing Company featuring over 15 different beers. Celebrating all day.

CONT’D ON P17

4 Thursday New Belgium Juicy Haze 11am. World of Beer. worldofbeer.com. Free

Celebrate the release of New Belgium’s latest in their Voodoo Ranger Series, including the Juicy Haze New England style IPA.

NOW OPEN!!!

5 Friday CookBook: Guy Fieri

12pm. $65. Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars. fustinis.com

Learn how to make popular Chef Fieri recipes like chunky pork green chili, black bean salad, chicken marsala, and apple hand pies.

Southern Italian Cooking Demonstration 6pm. $55. Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars. fustinis.com

Watch, learn, and taste with Chef Andy Stewart as he works with fresh Southern Italian ingredients to make classic recipes like Caponata, Risotto, and Citrus Almond Cake.

Bourbon & Whiskey Tasting 7pm. $25. Wines on Main. winesonmainchelsea.club

Enjoy a variety of whiskeys and bourbons to sip with friends or take home.

ORDER ONLINE

Dickeys.com Delivery thru

Meat smoked on-site daily Home of the endless drink refill, the Big Yellow Cup Kids eat free on Sunday

*12 and under - 1 child per $10 Adult purchase 3500 Washtenaw Ave. | Ann Arbor, MI (Across from Arborland) | 734.263.0436 ecurrent.com / january 2018 15

chef corner Peek into the minds of Ann Arbor’s culinary arbiters when, each issue, a new local chef shares their unique perspective on Washtenaw County’s dining and hospitality culture.

Ji Hye Kim Miss Kim

by Sonny Forrest Fusing the best of Korea’s culinary oeuvre with local Michigan produce, Ann Arborbased Miss Kim offers a menu with options as diverse as Miso Butter Fall Squash, Tteokbokki (“spicy rice batons”) and Korean Fried Chicken. With the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses-affiliated restaurant approaching its first birthday, Chef/Managing Partner Ji Hye Kim reflects on her earliest cooking memories, her inspiration from generationally evolving dishes, and radishes.

What local ingredients do you love to use in your restaurant? I love more humble vegetables like collard greens

and radishes. Radishes are my spirit vegetable­— they’re spicy and versatile––great in salads and braises, wonderful pickled and as kimchi. They’re also very pretty, especially in Michigan, where they come in a kaleidoscope of colors and varieties, like purple daikon

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radishes from Seely Farm. Also collards, which we braise, sauté, and blanch for various stews and sides. I get collards from We the People Growers from Ypsilanti or Ann Arbor Seed Company, both small but mighty farmers with important missions. We the People Growers work to provide opportunities to the recently incarcerated, and Ann Arbor Seed Company to preserve heirloom seeds.

Where do you get your culinary inspiration? Obviously

Korea, but also Italy and America. Really, it’s not so much which specific country, but rather I look at the spirit of old cuisines. I search for the origins, the history, the culture and how a dish has evolved. I feel like understanding the story of a dish helps me understand the essence of that dish before I give myself the freedom to be inspired and interpret the dish as my own.

Because I was born and raised in Korea, grew up in America, spent a little time in Italy, and trained in America, all these experiences come into play. Korea is where it all starts, where I left my large extended family, holidays and childhood. I love the simplicity and confidence of Italian food. America is home— where I’m allowed to be an immigrant— and came into my own. America’s diversity is messy, but exciting and beautiful.

When did you decide to become a chef? I was eating

some Korean food that was either take-out or bought in a store.

It was good, but not as good as my mother’s homemade food.

Authenticity, in food for me, is so closely tied to experiences. I distinctly remember thinking, “F-ck it, I’m just going to make it myself.” Once the restaurant opened, I had to really own the title of Chef, as opposed to a cook. It’s the big leagues now, so it’s the time to step up. I’m learning to be a better chef and a leader everyday.

What’s your earliest memory of cooking? I saw my mother and my grandmother pouring what looked like a 50-pound bag of chili flakes into a huge tub big enough to bathe a child or two. They were making gochujang (fermented red chili paste). My earliest memory cooking was making dumplings for days with aunts, uncles and cousins during a New Year’s celebration.

CONT’D FROM P15

Ypsilanti Farmers Market - Indoors

3pm. Ypsilanti Farmer Markets. growinghope.net. Free

Continue to enjoy local goods when the market moves indoors!

Find seasonal produce, eggs, baked goods, jewelry and more.

Winter Seminar Series: Eating Without 6pm. Robin Hills Farm. robinhillsfarm.com. Free

In this lecture, Food Coach Yael Dolev will introduce new approaches to dietary limitations.

From gluten and dairy-free to vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, participants will learn to reframe these as an opportunity instead of a challenge.

Food Literacy for All: Introduction

6:30pm. Angell Hall - Aud B. events.umich.edu. Free

Structured as an evening lecture series, Food Literacy for All features different guest speakers each week to address diverse challenges and opportunities of both domestic and global food systems.

Wine Dinner: California Dreamin’

7pm. $45. Downtown Main Martini Bar & Grille. downtownmain.com

Enjoy a five-course meal made

by Chef Ryan Hainsworth, paired with wine.

10 Wednesday Just For Kids: Explore the World of Sauces!

5pm. $15. Zingerman’s Deli. zingermansdeli.com

In this tasting, children ages 4-14 will explore the world of sweet and savory sauces. Parents are welcome to attend at no charge and observe on the sidelines. All participants will receive a 20% off coupon to use after the tasting.

7th Annual Bell’s Hopslam

5-10pm. $5. Karl’s Cabin Restaurant & Bar. karlscabin.com

YFC Grocery Store: Talk & Tour

6pm. Ypsilanti Food Co-Op. ypsifoodcoop.org. Free

Learn about the ins and outs of the Food Co-op movement in this educational, inclusive tour.

Sushi Party

6:30pm. $79. Sur La Table. surlatable.com

Love sushi but think you could never make it at home? Learn the selection process for the freshest fish and how to prepare seasoned rice and dipping sauces in this hands-on technique class.

Enjoy Bell’s popular Double IPA, the Hopslam, along with a featured menu to pair.

Cheese 101

Three Simple Steps to Eating Healthier

Explore how different cheeses are made and how the process impacts flavor and texture. Taste 14 different cow, sheep, and goat cheeses in this 101 class.

6:30pm. Better Health Store. thebetterhealthstore.com. Free

Join Chef Val as she talks steps to a healthier lifestyle. Learn how simple dietary changes can lead to less pain and more energy.

11 Thursday Drag Queen Bingo: Bountiful Harvest Food Pantry Benefit 6-9:30pm. $35. Brewery Becker. brewerybecker.com

Play Bingo, sample some tasty local beers and be entertained by some fabulous ladies all for a great cause. Bountiful Harvest’ mission is to feed, clothe and provide for the needs of the less fortunate of Livingston county.

7pm. $25. The Cheese Shop of Saline. salinemainstreet.org

12 Friday Chicken Soup Around the World

11am. $69. Sur La Table. surlatable.com

Think of chicken soup as comfort in a bowl? So do other cultures around the world. Learn to make everything from Mexican pozole to Thai coconut chicken soup.

5pm. $20. Triple Goddess Tasting Room. unityvibrationkombucha.com

Learn how to brew kombucha with Rachel, Unity Vibration’s cofounder and kombucha sensei.

This is an opportunity to get introduced to the fun, approachable hobby with great health benefits and get advice from a brewing professional.

Mastering Mozzarella

2pm. $75. Zingerman’s Creamery. zingermanscreamery.com

Curious about the secrets to making terrific fresh mozzarella?

Learn from the experts in this fun-filled class and leave with the techniques to create simple, yet delicious cheese. Adults and children over 12 are welcome.

14 Sunday Ann Arbor Restaurant Week 11am. $15-$28. Ann Arbor. annarborrestaurantweek.com

Don’t miss this opportunity to try as many great Ann Arbor restaurants as your schedule allows.

Annarborrestaurantweek.com has the full list of participating restaurants, including contact information and menu selections.

13 Saturday

CONT’D ON P18

Winter Artisan Market

12-5pm. Plymouth Arts & Recreation Complex. plymouthparc.com. Free

Celebrate local culture, food, fashion, and art with local artisans including Susan’s Tart Shop, Gooseneck Coffee Co., Cinnful Snacks, and more.

International

Cuisine

Kombucha Brewing Class

Ann Arbor’s diversity is reflected by the number of fine ethnic restaurants and unique imported food stores in our area.

CALL 734.668.4044 TO BE A PART OF THIS PAGE.

Lunch

11AM-2PM M-F

Dinner Authentic Turkish Home Cooking VALENTINE’S SPECIAL DINNER WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH

5PM-9PM M-SAT

FIND US ON

1703 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor aysescafe.com | ayse@aysescafe.com

734-662-1711

ecurrent.com / january 2018 17

Bell’s Hopslam Beer Dinner at the Session Room

CONT’D FROM P17

Creamery Production Tour

January’s beer dinner features Bell’s Brewery’s Hopslam Ale. Diners enjoy a special one-time-only menu of a four or fivecourse meal with each course paired with a specific Bell’s beer. $45 per person includes all food, drink and gratuity. - JK

11am. $10. Zingerman’s Creamery. zingermanscreamery.com

This tour will provide a close look at how Zingerman’s transforms local milk into delicious cheese and gelato. Enjoy cheese samples while learning about the process directly from the makers.

$45. 7pm. Wednesday, January 17.

The Session Room, 3685 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor.

734-585-7300. sessionrooma2.com. eventrbite.com.

Winter Cooking Class

5pm. $65. Evans Street Station. evansstreetstation.com

17 Wednesday Luncheon with Speaker Sava Lelcaj Farah 11:30am. Ann Arbor City Club. annarborcityclub.org

CEO of Savco Hospitality Inc, Sava Lelcaj Farah, is the featured speaker for this luncheon. Farah owns sevel Ann Arbor foodrelated establishments including Sava’s, Adventura, and Tavolina.

6pm. $139.99. Mirepoix Cooking School. mirepoixcookingschool.com

Learn how to roll your own sushi from the team at Sushi Kabar.

This class is priced for two people. Sign up for one guest and bring a date.

Learn new quick bread recipes to impress your friends and family. Beer and wine available for purchase during the class.

6pm. $69.99. Mirepoix Cooking School. mirepoixcookingschool.com

Looking for something to warm you up this winter season? Learn all about how to make different styles of hot cocktails, from classic toddies to spiked apple cider.

Sushi Date Night

11am. $69.99. Mirepoix Cooking School. mirepoixcookingschool.com

Upscale Italian Cuisine

7:30pm. $45. The Last Word. thelastwordbar.com

Tempt your palate with delicious food from Motor City Pasty Company and craft beers. To top off the evening, enjoy a special comedy performance.

Quick Breads

15 Monday

Cocktail Class: Winter Warmers

6pm. Liberty Street Brewing Co. libertystreetbeer.com. Free

21 Sunday

Prepare four dishes showcasing seasonal ingredients and take in expertise to apply in your own kitchen.

Don’t miss this tasty tour of Italy with the talented chefs of the Mirepoix Cooking School. Beer and wine will be available for sale throughout the class.

Pasties & Beer

Brewing Methods Bell’s Hopslam Beer Dinner 7pm. $45. The Session Room. sessionrooma2.com

A fun night full of laughs, craft beer, and real food. Chef Lucas will prepare a coursed menu and pair it with delicious craft beers from Bell’s Brewery.

19 Friday Pasta at Home

2:30pm. $69. Sur La Table. surlatable.com

Fresh pasta takes a little extra time and effort, but with one bite you know it’s totally worth it. In this class, practice mixing dough, then rolling and shaping it. Add in some savory sauces and prepare to say hello to homemade pasta.

Cheeses to Melt For: Fondue & Raclette

6pm. $35. Zingerman’s Creamery. zingermanscreamery.com

Join Zingerman’s for a cozy evening of melted cheeses.

Enjoy two kinds of fondue and traditional Swiss Raclette at this tasting and demonstration.

Pizza Orders till 1am Last call at 2am

20 Saturday Winter Menu Launch

All Day. Vinology. vinologya2.com

Visit your everyday wine bar to taste their their new Winter menu offerings.

10th Anniversary & Crack Fries Competition All Day. $5. HopCat. Hopcat.com

HopCat is celebrating 10 years with free food, their annual crack fries eating contest, and neverbrewed-before beer exclusives.

Dairy Free? Don’t Despair!

11am. $23. Robin Hills Farm. robinhillsfarm.com

In this class, Food Coach Yael Dolev will focus on living without dairy. From exploring the differences between milk sensitivity and milk allergy, to discussing dairy alternatives and products that can be used safely without traces of dairy, participants will learn how to alter favorite recipes to be dairy free.

12pm. $30. Zingerman’s Coffee. zingermanscoffee.com

Learn professional techniques to coffee brewing and enjoy a tasting session that will demonstrate a wide variety of production methods.

Far East Noodles

1pm. $69. Sur La Table. surlatable.com

Dive into the vast world of Asian noodles. Learn techniques for perfectly cooking noodles featuring a variety of grains, including rice and buckwheat. Plus, practice roasting fish, grilling pork and making a panang curry coconut soup.

Hot from the Oven: Zingerman’s Bakehouse Cookbook 3pm. Malletts Creek Branch. aadl.org. Free

Join Zingerman’s managing partners Amy Emberling and Frank Carollo as they introduce Zingerman’s Bakehouse new cookbook. The book includes popular Zingerman’s items as well as recipes unique to Michigan.

Open noonish every day Live Music Daily

The Village Idiot Luke Winslow King Jan. 19th at 9pm 309 Conant St. Maumee, Oh

Tickets: $10

(419) 893-7281• villageidiotmaumee.com

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january

2018 / ecurrent.com

Stone Ground, Locally Made Chips visit annarbortortilla.com to see where you can find our products

No Preservatives 100% NON-GMO Gluten Free

4pm. $79. Sur La Table. surlatable.com

Learn the techniques that make French cuisine one of the most recognized in the world. The menu will include Steak Au Poivre, Salad Verte, and a Dark Chocolate Soufflé.

Food for the Soul Sundays

5pm. William Monroe Trotter Multicultural Center. trotter.umich.edu. Free

Break bread and engage in dialogue with students, faculty, and staff of all identities over traditionally prepared, culturally unique food.

22 Monday Make & Take Pasta

6pm. $69.99. Mirepoix Cooking School. mirepoixcookingschool.com

Create new and interesting topping combinations that will show off your new skill of pasta making. The class will feature ricotta cavatelli, a pasta that can be made from scratch without a pasta machine.

Ultimate Bowls

6:30pm. $69. Sur La Table. surlatable.com

Create tasty one-bowl wonders in this hands-on cooking demonstration. Explore simple techniques, from grain cooking to roasting vegetables, to translate into your home kitchen.

23 Tuesday February Specials Sneak Peek

7pm. $15. Zingerman’s Deli Upstairs Next Door. zingermansdeli.com

Experience February’s featured delicatessens in this special preview tasting. Learn about the tasting process and discuss the story behind the food in a casual class setting.

HopCat Ann Arbor Beer Dinner

7pm. $31.80. HopCat. hopcat.com

HopCat welcomes Brewery Vivant for an evening of eloquent Barrel-Aged Sours and fantastic Farmhouse Ales paired with a food menu prepared by topnotch chefs.

24 Wednesday Everyone Loves Cupcakes 6pm. $100. Bake!. bakewithzing.com

Who doesn’t love cupcakes?

Bake and decorate your own tasty and cute-as-a-button cupcakes. Leave BAKE! with recipes and the knowledge to recreate them at home.

mous a eF

Th

Winter French Bistro

26 Friday Beer & Cheese Pairing

6pm. $35. Zingerman’s Creamery. zingermanscreamery.com

Join Tessie, resident Certified Cheese Professional and beer aficionado at Zingerman’s Creamery for an evening of tasting and exploration.

28 Sunday

Uber 2017 Award

Come in & Check out the Daily Specials

3 Desserts Every Cook Should Know

The # 1 Destination in ALL of Michigan

Up your dessert game with three classic crowd-pleasers. Get hands-on practice whipping up a decadent chocolate mousse and making flaky tartlets with tangy lemon curd.

Tuesdays:

1pm. $69. Sur La Table. surlatable.com

29 Monday Cocktail Class: Manhattan and Parts Nearby 7:30pm. $45. The Last Word. thelastwordbar.com

Manhattan isn’t the only borough to be immortalized in cocktail form. In this class, learn how to mix cocktails known through all of NYC, including exciting variations on the classic Manhattan.

30 Tuesday 13th Annual African American Foodways Dinner 7pm. $95. Zingerman’s Roadhouse. zingermansroadhouse.com

Zingerman’s Roadhouse is excited to share the expertise of African American winemakers and culinary masters. Featuring the food of esteemed, late food writer and chef, Edna Lewis.

French Macarons 101

7pm. Ann Arbor Pittsfield Branch Library. aadl.org. Free

Keegan C. Rodgers, Head Baker at the People’s Food Co-Op, leads this hands-on and lively workshop on how to make macarons. Intended for grade 6-adult.

$2 Coronas, $2 Tequila Shots & $2 Tacos, Live DJ

Wednesdays:

$2.75 All Pints & $6.99 Burger & Beer

Thursdays:

$2 Long Islands & $5 Coors Light Pitchers, Live DJ

Fridays:

$3 Miller Lite Bottles, $4 Jack Daniels Drinks, $2 Bud Light Beer & Wing Specials, Trivia 7pm $ Cash Prizes $

Saturdays:

College Football ALL DAY! $2 Tacos, $2 Bud Light Food & Drink Specials, $8 Mini Pitchers

Book your Private Party with us!

All New Tasty Menu!

DAILY Happy Hour:

36 Beers!

$1.00 off all drafts. $1.75 bottles

Tuesday-Friday 5-7pm drink specials:

of PBR, Labatt Blue Light, Carlsberg, Heineken, Amstel Light, and Bud.

36 Big Screen TV’s

TUES- FRI 5PM - 2AM

SATurday 5PM - 2AM

(Closed Sunday & Monday) Searchable lists updated daily at

ecurrent.com

310 Maynard St, Ann Arbor (Central Campus)

(734) 995-0100 ecurrent.com / january 2018 19

music

The Yellow Room Gang returns to the Ark And Watroba on the air

by Jeff Milo

Matt Watroba, veteran of Ann Arbor’s folk and Americana scenes, specializes these days in what he calls “community singing” which grew out of an epiphany during an interview with the late, legendary Pete Seeger.

“He told me just getting folks to sing was really the most important work he’d ever done in his life,” Watroba says. “So I’ve really doubled-down on that idea of bringing people together just for the sake of sitting in a circle and singing together.”

Watroba’s solo concerts blend his encyclopedic knowledge of folk music with a charismatic raconteurish stage presence. The real treasure of a Watroba song is his mellifluous voice, a soaring register that resonates with the reverence he holds for folk music and the sharing of songs.

Pillar of the Yellow Room Gang

Watroba is one of eight artists who make up The Yellow Room Gang, a veritable folk-singing super-group of diverse songwriting stylists who can ignite your compassion with a

20

january

poignant sense of community. If you are an aspiring songwriter, or just an ardent music lover, and you’ve never been to a Yellow Room Gang concert, then expect January 6th at The Ark to be an elegant crash course.

Watroba broke out in the Detroit music scene back in the late 70’s and early 80’s by playing bars and saloons. Eventually, one of The Ark’s seminal program directors, David Siglin, hired him to be the emcee for Open Stage performances, which led to Watroba fatefully opening for one of his heroes, singer Tom Paxton. “I remember (Paxton) telling me I had to do whatever I could to stop playing in a bar!” Watroba says. “That’s not true for every kind of artist, but (for a folksinger) it really steps up your game when everyone at The Ark is so quiet and attentive.”

Music to mend the communal soul

Quiet attention is one thing, but the assembled energies of each Yellow Room Gang member can also apply some much needed mending to the collective spirit. Times like these, with geopolitical tensions higher than normal, “are when we need cultural workers more than ever,” Watroba says. “Since starting another radio show and listening to the amazing range of topical songs being written, I feel, more than ever, that music is really playing the role it needs to play.”

2018 / ecurrent.com

Watroba’s return to the airwaves features a Sunday evening show on Lansing’s WKAR. He previously hosted “Folks Like Us” for 23 years on WDET, where his passionate, soft-spoken insights into the traditions of songwriting served as a formative avenue into folk for many listeners. “I’ll always include great new stuff from artists in Michigan,” he says of his new show, “but I also won’t forget to play the legends, because I don’t think they get a fair share on the radio right now.”

The Yellow Room Gang started 13 years ago, inside the eponymously-colored rehearsal room of David Tamulevich.

Watroba says it was singer/songwriter Jan Krist who initiated the idea of forging a songwriter’s group to gather once a week to workshop their individual compositions over a cozy dinner table. The other musical storytellers in The Yellow Room Gang are David Barrett, Kitty Donohoe, Annie Capps, Jim Bizer, and Michael Hough, along with Tamulevich and Krist.

“We didn’t anticipate we’d be out there performing with each other as much as we are,” Watroba says, but when you look back, it seems inevitable, because (sharing music) is just what we do.” $20. 7:30pm, doors. 8pm, music.

Saturday, January 6.

The Yellow Room Gang The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor.

734-761-1818. theark.org yellowroomgang.com.

Tribute to her Father

If you don’t know much about (musical) history, here’s a chance to learn. Carla Cooke, youngest daughter of Sam Cooke, The King of Soul, sings her own versions of “A Change Gone Come,” “Summertime,” and “Lost and Looking” as well as her own compositions, blending gospel, soul, R&B and pop.

With a strong vocal range and warm personality, Carla commands the stage, and has performed in concert with the legendary Four Tops and Freda Payne. See her pay homage to her father’s music and telling stories about his life at the Green Wood Coffee House. - JK $15. 8-11pm. Friday, January 5.

Green Wood Coffee House, 1001 Green Rd., Ann Arbor.

734-665-8558. greenwoodcoffeehouse.org.

Ongoing

Sundays Live Music: The Wes Fritzemeier Jazz Experience 6-8pm. Chelsea AleHouse. chelseamich.com. Free

End your weekend on the right note. Featuring Jed Fritzemeier, Brian Brill and Wes with the occasional special guest.

The Heather Black Project 8pm. Ravens Club. theravensclub.com. Free

The Heather Black Project plays inspired renditions of classic Jazz repertoire every Sunday with rotating special guests. $5 suggested donation.

Mondays Jesse Kramer Trio 9pm. Ravens Club. theravensclub.com. Free

Local drummer Jesse Kramer leads his trio featuring bassist Rob Bickley and pianist Rick Roe every Monday. $5 suggested donation.

Wednesdays Live Music: Thunderwüde 8-10pm. Chelsea AleHouse. chelseamich.com. Free

Wes Fritzemeier, Jason Dennie, and Tommy Reifel take the stage to deliver down-home bluegrass.

Wednesday Jazz

8pm. Old Town. oldtownaa.com. Free

Wednesday Jazz Night features a rotating ensemble of accomplished local musicians.

Thursdays EMU Jazz Night

9pm. Tower Inn Cafe. towerinncafe.com. Free

Join Ypsilanti Jazz veterans and students for this weekly jam session.

Saturdays Guy Hollerin’s Blues and Brews: Switchbacks 8pm. $5. Holiday Inn Ann Arbor. hiannarbor.com

Live Blues, dancing, and drinks with local band The Switchbacks.

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PJ’ S

RECORDS &USED CDS

SELECTION, QUALITY & PRICE ARE ALWAYS OUR TOP PRIORITIES!!!

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UPSTAIRS FROM PASTRY PEDDLER — 663-3441 Hundreds of Sealed LPs

ecurrent.com / january 2018 21

Future Stars Dazzle, Sparkle and Shine

The most popular talent show in Michigan returns to Pioneer High’s Schreiber Auditorium as the best singers, rappers, dancers and musicians from area high schools compete for the coveted title of Future Star 2018. Several alums from this electric, dynamic show have gone on to successful careers on Broadway and/or in Hollywood.

Competitors are critiqued by a panel of guest judges and the ultimate winner is voted on by the audience. Come cheer on the next generation of stars before they hit it big! - JK

Preliminary Rounds: $10. 7pm & 9:30pm.

Friday, January 19 and Saturday, January 20.

Finals Competition: $10/students and seniors. $15/general public.

7:30pm. Saturday, January 27.

Schreiber Auditorium in Pioneer High School, 601 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor. showtix4u.com a2ptguild.org.

music CONT’D FROM P21

Thunderwüde with The Chelsea House Orchestra 8pm. $15. The Ark. theark.org

2 Tuesday Opera on Tap

Original Music with Emily Whittum

A group of artists combat opera’s snooty reputation by performing in relaxed venues.

Call to make your reservation. Reservations start at 6:30pm, program begins at 8:30pm.

Live, original music by Emily Whittum with opening acts Michaela Dodge & Bridget Stiger.

6:30pm. Sidetrack Bar and Grill. operaontap.org. Free

3 Wednesday Live Music: Adam Labeaux 9pm. Mash. mashbar.net. Free

Local folk-rock artist Adam Labeaux provides musical entertainment.

4 Thursday Kerrytown Jazz Quintet

7pm. YpsiAlehouse. ypsialehouse.com. Free

Enjoy live Jazz and craft brews.

Live Jazz: The Pherotones

9:30pm. The Last Word. thelastwordbar.com. Free

This featured jazz quartet plays popular music from the 1920s to the present.

5 Friday Tiny Corner Concerts: Cedars ft. Dan Bennett

Pride Friday

9pm. $5-$10. The Necto. necto.com

DJ Jace spins the hottest Pop, Top 40, and EDM while DJ Digi Mark plays Retro 80’s and Top 40 Pop videos. The largest weekly LGBTQ party in Michigan.

6 Saturday Neal Anderson and Jon Hammonds 6pm. Avalon Ann Arbor Cafe & Kitchen. avalonbreads.net. Free

Trumpet player Neil Anderson and bassist Jon Hammonds play duo music in a casual cafe setting.

The Yellow Room Gang 8pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org

Kick off the new year with eight unique Michigan songwriters.

What’s in a Song with Martin Katz

8pm. $40 - $55. Lydia Mendelssohn Theater. ums.org

Tiny Corner Concerts presents local act Cedars ft. Dan Bennett for live music in an intimate setting.

Carla Cooke: The Life and Music of Sam Cooke

The Dirty News with Dr. Pizza, Liquid Thickness, and Peach Lavender

8pm. $15. Green Wood Coffee House. greenwoodcoffeehouse.org

Vocalist and composer Carla Cooke is the youngest daughter of the legendary Sam Cooke, whose musical life encompassed religion, romance, and history. january

8pm. The Common Cup. commoncupcoffee.com. Free

One of the highlights of the 2015-16 UMS season was the opening of the first Song Biennial with pianist Martin Katz. This second edition features a different cast of characters, with Katz’s inimitable knowledge of the vast song repertoire guiding the evening.

7pm. Ann Arbor Distilling Company. annarbordistilling.com. Free

22

Don’t miss this blast of great roots music from Chelsea, Michigan.

2018 / ecurrent.com

9:30pm. $7 - $10. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Detroit band The Dirty News headlines with openers Liquid Thickness and Peach Lavender.

7 Sunday Tiny Corner Concerts: The Brennan Andes Trio

5:30pm. Ann Arbor Distilling Company. annarbordistilling.com. Free

Tiny Corner Concerts presents The Brennan Andes Trio. Enjoy live music and cocktails in this intimate setting.

Abigail Stauffer

7:30pm. $15. The Ark. theark.org

The Abigail Stauffer trio blends soulful pop vocals with jazz cello.

Award-winning songwriter Olivia Millerschin opens.

8 Monday Music Mondays: Wire in the Wood

7pm. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery. arborbrewing.com. Free

Local string band Wire in the Wood plays progressive bluegrass for Music Mondays.

9 Tuesday Balkan Dance Party

Empty Mug Records Showcase 9pm. $7-$10. The Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

A night packed with performances by Normal Park, Been Stellar, Ness Lake, and Lily Talmers.

12 Friday Tiny Corner Concerts: Anthony Retka with Emily Rose

7pm. Ann Arbor Distilling Company. annarbordistilling.com. Free

Tiny Corner Concerts presents Anthony Retka with special guest Emily Rose. Enjoy live music and cocktails in this intimate setting.

Tyler Hilton & Kate Voegele 8pm. $17-$67. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, Kate Voegele began writing songs at the age of 15. Hear her rock-inspired songs along with vocalist Tyler Hilton.

7:30pm. $5. The Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Hip-Hop Showcase: The Northern Threat Crew

Live Music: Gemily

An evening of up-and-coming artists from the Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor area, along with some established local favorites like Drew Denton and Louis Cypher.

Let loose with Balkan Dance band, Rhyta Musik.

8pm. $15. The Ark. theark.org

Gemily is a trio of highly accomplished musicians. The popular Michigan folk act cover a range of traditional and contemporary music, from Jazz to Classical.

10 Wednesday Ben Caplan

7:30pm. $15. The Ark. theark.org

Ben Caplan is a charismatic singer/songwriter who has toured across North America, Austria, and Europe. Toronto duo, Harrow Fair, opens the concert.

11 Thursday Monte Pride

6pm. Cafe Verde, People’s Food Co-op. peoplesfood.coop. Free

Local artist Monte Pride shares original songs in an intimate setting.

8pm. Ziggy’s. Free

Painted Shapes, Off the Ledge, Hail Alien

9pm. $5. Club Above. club-above.com

Indie-Rock Detroit band, Painted Shapes, with Off The Ledge (Blues/Rock), and Hail Alien (Garage Punk).

Video game composer Marty O’Donnell (Halo, Oni, Destiny, Riven: the sequel to Myst) will discuss the ins and outs of a career in the game audio industry in a small group setting.

Doug Horn Trio

2pm. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com $5 - $30.

Saxophonist Doug Horn leads his trio playing tunes from their new album, “High Standards.” The band features bassist Paul Keller and pianist Rick Roe.

15 Monday MLK Day Event: Rhythm Life Collective

Versatile solo act Isaac Ryder plays for Music Monday.

17 Wednesday MLK Remembrance Concert 8pm. Walgreen Drama Center, Stamps Auditorium. arts.umich.edu. Free

This MLK Remembrance Concert will feature Grammy-nominated wind quintet Imani Winds with SMTD students to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

18 Thursday Tim Flood Quartet 8pm. Ziggy’s. Free

Local bassist Tim Flood leads a band of creative music featuring Justin Walter (trumpet), Tim Haldeman (saxophone), and Jon Taylor (drums).

2pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. aadl.org. Free

The Rhythm Life Collective is a global drumming collective presenting music of West African, Cuban, Caribbean, North African, Brazilian, and Arabic traditions.

Interact through singing, dancing, and playing instruments with the group. All ages welcome.

CONT’D ON P24

One of Fodor’s 10 Best U.S. Flea Markets

All skill levels are welcome.

Share and play songs in a supportive group environment.

Gypsy Jazz

7pm. Ann Arbor Distilling Company. annarbordistilling.com. Free

Enjoy Gypsy Jazz and Craft Cocktails in an intimate setting.

Dynamic Toledo Jazz Singer Ramona Collins returns to Ann Arbor for an evening filled with Classic Jazz and R&B favorites.

Saxophonist Peter Formanek and Pianist Josh Harlow make their Kerrytown Concert House debut. The duo performs inspired improvised original compositions and unique takes on classic jazz repertoire.

1:30pm. University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. umich.edu. Free

10am. Ypsilanti District Library. ypsilibrary.org. Free

Celebrate two decades of Ann Arbor’s own Americana, AltCountry band, Corndaddy.

8pm. $5 - $30. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

7pm. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery. arborbrewing.com. Free

EXCEL Talk: Marty O’Donnell, Video Game Composer

Guitar Club

Live Jazz: Ramona Collins

Live Jazz: Peter Formanek & Josh Harlow

Music Mondays: Isaac Ryder

13 Saturday

Corndaddy 20th Anniversary Show

8pm. $20 - $27. The Ark. theark.org

14 Sunday

8pm. $5 - $30. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

The Jill Jack Birthday Bash 8pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org

Celebrate a happy birthday with Ark favorite, Jill Jack. This concert will be acoustic with a living room atmosphere.

Established 1960

Everything on Consignment

www.treasuremart.com 529 Detroit Street • Ann Arbor 734-662-1363 • Office 734-662-9887 ecurrent.com / january 2018 23

Blackalicious

Acoustic Music: Blaise and Stuart

9pm. $20 - $25. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com.

Legendary hip hop duo Blackalicious takes the stage in support of their first new album in a decade.

The Dojo (Hip Hop Open Mic)

Ages 21+ welcome. First come, first serve for stage time. Come see all the local heavyweights sharpen their swords at The Dojo.

19 Friday The Enchanted Escape

8pm. $15 - $20. Towsley Auditorium. olconline.org

The Out Loud Chorus takes you on a fantastic journey through magic, mysticism and fantasy.

january

Captivating storytellers Blaise Glander and Stuart Benbow play Americana in an intimate setting.

Unkle Lay Lee’s Moonshine All-Stars

9pm. $5. The Elks Lodge

24

8pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tearoom. crazywisdom.net. Free

8pm. Ypsi Alehouse. ypsialehouse.com. Free

Relax and listen to music spanning several decades and genres.

Enjoy delicious food and craft beer offerings from the bar.

20 Saturday Davina & The Vagabonds 8pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org

Davina Lozier and the Vegabonds play a unique spin on traditional blues and jazz. They are known for their high-energy shows, professional musicianship, and commanding stage presence.

2018 / ecurrent.com

Tiny Corner Concerts: Luke Winslow-King

7pm. Ann Arbor Distilling Company. annarbordistilling.com. Free

Originally from the Northern Michigan of Cadillac, Luke Winslow-King is an accomplished guitarist, singer, and composer.

Enjoy live music and cocktails in this intimate setting.

The Oblivion Project

8pm. $5-$25. Stone Chalet Bed and Breakfast Inn. stonechalet.com

The Oblivion Project is dedicated to the performance of the Tango Nuevo music of Astor Piazzolla.

The group is now blazing trails and carrying the sound-world of Piazzolla with them on their eighth tour of the Midwest.

21 Sunday Life Sciences Orchestra Winter Concert

4pm. Hill Auditorium. ums.org. Free

The LSO will kick off its 18th season of blending music and science with Weber’s Der Freischutz overture, Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 featuring soloist Louis Nagel.

Jared Deck and The Travelers

7:30pm. $15. The Ark. theark.org

Jared Deck is an accomplished songwriter who recently won first place in the annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival Songwriting Competition. His music draws from his life experience growing up on his Oklahoma family farm.

Ann Arbor Symphony: Mozart Birthday Bash

8pm. $35-$70. The Michigan Theater. a2so.com

Tyler Hilton and Kate Voegele Rock The Blind Pig

Fresh off their Australian tour, Tyler Hilton and Kate Voegele— actors from the TV teen drama One Tree Hill— bring their country/folk/pop/rock blend of covers and original songs to the floorboards of The Blind Pig. In addition to his years on One Tree Hill, Hilton’s credits include playing Elvis Presley in the Johnny Cash bio-pic Walk the Line. - JK Ages 18+. 8pm, doors. 9pm, show.

Friday, January 12.

The Blind Pig, 208 1st St., Ann Arbor.

734-996-8555. blindpigmusic.com

Celebrate the renowned works of Mozart with special guest basset clarinetist, Chad Burrow.

28 Sunday Maxim Vengerov, Violin

4pm. $12 - $65. Hill Auditorium. ums.org

Universally hailed as one of the world’s finest musicians, Maxim Vengerov made his public debut at age 5 and performed the Mendelssohn Concerto at age 7.

Vengerov will play music inspired by many different styles in his first UMS recital appearance in nearly 20 years.

San Fermin

8pm. $15-$18. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Indie rock band San Fermin takes the stage with special guest Mikaela Davis.

Twisted Pine is a multilayered ensemble that brings the enveloping sound and pop hooks of indie music to an acoustic instrumental setting. Take A Chance Tuesday features a rising artist for free and accepts non-perishable donations for Food Gathers.

24 Wednesday Live Music: Dave Menzo

Movement Presents J Phlip 9pm. $5-$10. The Necto. necto.com.

J. Phlip spins infectious Tech House for the Necto dance floor.

26 Friday Ann Arbor Folk Festival

6:30pm. $42.50-$200. The Ark. theark.org

Hear some of the world’s finest folk musicians at this annual fundraising event for The Ark. Artists include Jason Isbell, JJ Grey & Mofro, Lori Mckenna, Stephen Kellogg, Dead Horses, and Chastity Brown.

Wine, Women, and Song

8pm. $20-$50. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

An elegant evening of jazz, classical, and cabaret songs showcasing noted local women singers.

Multi-instrumentalist Dave Menzo plays psychedelic pop for Music Monday.

Open Book: An Evening with Justin Furstenfeld of Blue October 8pm. $32. The Ark. theark.org

Through poetry and music, Justin Furstenfeld presents his new release, “Open Book Winter Album.”

Laura Rain Duo

9pm. Mash Bar. mashbar.net. Free

Detroit R&B vocalist Laura Rain provides musical entertainment.

6:30pm. $42.50-$200. The Ark. theark.org.

Hear some of the world’s finest folk musicians at this annual fundraising event for The Ark. Artists include John Prine, Aimee Mann, Mountain Heart, Birds of Chicago, The Cactus Blossoms, and The War and Treaty.

Now Serving Eggs From CAGE FREE, VEGETARIAN FED HENS br

Tiny Corner Concerts: The George & Laura Duo

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7pm. Ann Arbor Distilling Company. annarbordistilling.com. Free

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25 Thursday

Ann Arbor Folk Festival—Night 2

7pm. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery. arborbrewing.com. Free

Brugger, joined by pianist Martin Katz, makes her UMS recital debut. The U-M alumna, who studied with the late Shirley Verrett, also won the Kennedy Center’s 2016 Marian Anderson Vocal Award and was identified

by Opera News as one of their top 25.

yo

Composer and producer Dave Menzo plays at this Ann Arbor best kept secret.

Local singer/songwriter Rick Straub provides musical entertainment.

Music Mondays: Dave Menzo

7:30pm. $25 - $40. Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre. ums.org

vi

11pm. Babs’ Underground. babsunderground.com. Free

6pm. Mash. mashbar.net. Free

31 Wednesday Janai Brugger, Soprano

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7:30pm. The Ark. theark.org. Free

Live Music: Rick Straub

29 Monday

Ruth B. is an established Canadian singer/songwriter known for her authenticity and originality.

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Take a Chance Tuesday: Twisted Pine

27 Saturday

7:30pm. $15. The Ark. theark.org

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23 Tuesday

30 Tuesday Live Music: Ruth B.

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Russian Renaissance

8pm. $24 - $42. Rackham Auditorium. ums.org

Fusing tradition and modernity, Russian Renaissance prides themselves on presenting highcalibre traditional folk music through a modern, vibrant, and enticing lens.

Open 7am-3pm, Seven Days a Week

Timothy Monger & Gifts or Creatures

8pm. $15. Stony Lake Brewing Co. stonylakebrewing.com

Acoustic Routes presents a double bill featuring two of Michigan’s most creative musicians. Monger fuses subtle synth textures with elements of psych, folk, and jangling power pop while Gifts or Creatures fuses a blend of Midwestern folklore, old-world history and cinematic soundscapes.

IN WASHTENAW COUNTY IN 2017 1015 Broadway • 734.995.0965 (at the foot of the Broadway Bridge)

View the full menu at NorthsideGrill.com ecurrent.com / january 2018 25

theater Daniels’ “Flint” Debuts at Purple Rose Theater Drama excavates more than city’s water system

by Sandor and Emily Slomovits

“Flint,”a new play written by Jeff Daniels, will make its world premiere at the Purple Rose Theatre in January. Current talked with Guy Sanville, the play’s director, and Rhiannon Ragland, one of the four actors who will appear in the play, about the title and the necessity of leaving preconceptions behind.

Ragland: I think people see the title of the play, and that name is very evocative right now, so they’re immediately thinking, “Oh, it’s about the water crisis.” But it’s not a political play…

Sanville: Yeah, it’s not a documentary about the Flint water

crisis. The water crisis is in there, but it’s not about that. It’s about how we got to where we are, and water is kind of a metaphor.

Flint is always going to be associated with bad water, but really, it was the birth of the labor movement. For several generations, men and women made good lives there. They created the middle class of America, building automobiles and everything that went into them. And, almost overnight, it seemed, it changed.

We’ve got a black couple and a white couple. They’re best of friends. It’s about two couples who tell each other the truth one night.

That sounds different than Daniels’ earlier Michigan plays. It’s not “Escanaba” Part III. Sanville: No, this play is for grown-ups. If it were a movie, it’d

probably be rated R. A lot of stuff in our business right now is propaganda masquerading as art, designed to make liberals like me feel real good about myself—and that’s great… but this {play} is not propaganda. It attempts to argue both sides of an issue with something like equal force and clarity.

Ragland: There is a question raised in the play, “What changes

a person? What happens to that person?” The water crisis isn’t actually the issue in Flint. The water crisis is the byproduct of what’s going on. It’s an example of what happens when a city

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forgets its people. And that’s happening in a lot of places in our country. What happens when you strip someone of their identity and you forget about them. How do they continue on, how do they survive? That’s their story.

Sanville: You see, as Rhiannon said, what happens to people when they become forgotten. Jeff {Daniels} wrote a prologue for the play and one of the characters says at the end of that prologue, “I’m the one they forgot.” So, it comes through the characters, you understand a little bit about how people can be forced to behave certain ways and do the things that they do and make the choices that they make. There is one saint in the play… and we’re working on that… (laughter) To make this saint a little more human?

Sanville: Gotta have a wart or two, I think…

Ragland: We’re trying to just tell a story. We’re trying to evoke thought, not tell you what to think.

Thursday, January 18 through Saturday, March 10.

Prices and times vary, see online.

Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea.

734-433-3673. PurpleRoseTheatre.org.

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art French Art Through an American Avant-Garde Lens UMMA Henri Matisse Exhibit Curated by Ellsworth Kelly

by Karen Smyte

The master draftsmanship of two of the most significant artists of the twentieth century is showcased in the University of Michigan Museum of Art’s current exhibit “Matisse Drawings: Curated by Ellsworth Kelly,” on view until February 18th. Both artists are associated with color – Henri Matisse with vibrant, expressive canvases, and Ellsworth Kelly with monolithic swaths of color – yet this show is about the primacy of line and drawing to articulate the world. Viewers experience the rare delight of seeing the work of one artist, French master Henri Matisse, through the eyes of another, avant-garde American Ellsworth Kelly.

Henri Matisse, Sketch for the painting “Lemons and Mimosas on a Black Background.” (1944)

Drawing as foundation

Drawing was foundational to both artists’ craft. Kelly created more than a thousand botanical drawings alone, and the nine lithographic drawings included in the exhibit are from the years he lived in France in the 1960’s and became enamored with Matisse. “Picasso made me want to paint, but Matisse drawings made me want to draw,” Kelly explained to John Stromberg in a 2014 interview included in the exhibit brochure. “All my sculptures, as well as paintings, come from drawing.”

Kelly’s innovative form of abstraction began in France where he studied Matisse’s use of line alone to express and translate human figures and the natural world.

Kelly chose forty-five rarely exhibited drawings that cover the scope of Matisse’s career. He also designed the neutral frames, the matting, the even spacing between pieces, as well as the height at which the pieces are hung in an attempt to create a horizon line recalling his own work. “There is a subtle rhythm of viewing that Kelly encourages visitors to embark on,” says Lehti Mairike Keelmann, UMMA Assistant Curator of Western Art. There are no labels to the drawings by Matisse, in

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Henri Matisse, Head of a woman

accordance with Kelly’s desire for viewers to experience the work viscerally, to respond to the work’s structure, line, and surrounding space rather than contextual and intellectual engagement.

Meticulous copying not the goal

The progression of the Matisse drawings is visual rather than chronological. A variety of subjects are included; figures, portraits, studies of hands and arms, as well as a self-portrait in the middle of the exhibit positioned to oversee all the work in the gallery. In the portrait drawings,

2018 / ecurrent.com

we see Matisse working with form to get to “the sense of an inner character, not only the seen, but the unseen,” Keelmann says. In other drawings, viewers see him making changes along the way and can sense the artistic process.

While Kelly and Matisse approach drawing differently, neither is interested in the meticulous copying of nature, but rather are compelled to use the eye, then the hand, to mediate and translate what they see. Matisse’s emboldened, lyrical, meandering open lines contrast with Kelly’s controlled, assertive closed forms that negate space, yet both are created in the same spirit. “Line has great potential to be communicative and striking. These two artists make the most of this,” explains Keelmann.

When UMMA was structuring the space for the traveling exhibition, they considered the separate components – the Kelly lithographs, the Matisse drawings – and created a path between the two spaces housing each so that people can “physically experience the imagined dialogue between the two artists,” Keelman says. Matisse and Kelly never met, yet this exhibit invites viewers to appreciate the artistic dialogue between the drawings of the two artists, and to surrender to the pleasures of close looking, as expertly guided by Kelly himself.

On view through February 18.

UMMA, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor.

734-764-0395 umma.umich.edu.

lit A Sorcerer’s Wizardry at the Literati Nate Staniforth, philosopher, artist, author, magician…

by Patrick Flores-Scott

A few years into a successful career as a magician, Nate Staniforth left the relentlessness of the college tour circuit and bought a plane ticket. He tossed a couple t-shirts and a handful of magic props into a knapsack, then flew off to find the meaning of it all in the ancestral home of modern magic: India. The story of that quest is captured in Here is Real Magic: A Magician’s Search for Wonder in the Modern World.

Warning: If you’re into sequins, tophats, assistants in skimpy outfits, or glitz of any kind, Nate’s not your magician.

And he’s probably not your author. On stage and on the page, what you get is a clear-eyed, down-to-earth, plain-spoken presentation that invites an audience to lean in and open up to the possibility that what happens next… might just change everything. Current caught up with Staniforth to learn more about his wizardry.

The term magician can conjure an image of cheesy Vegas sharpy, or a tired birthday party performer. If you had the power to recreate the image of a “magician,” what would it look like? I think it would be part musician,

part poet, part artist, part performer, part philosopher. It wouldn’t just be living in the magic, it would be someone working to put a crack in your understanding of the universe, to remind you that whatever you know, whatever you think you know, there is way more out there you don’t know.

I’m working on an article for a medical journal about how we are overconfident in our level of understanding. We put down our perimeter fence and we think we understand everything within our fence.

And we are always wrong. Knowing that intellectually is one thing, but really letting it affect your life is another. It’s like being on a rollercoaster, when you go into freefall. That feeling of unknowing freefall is a more honest perception of my understanding of how things really are than any sort of axioms or platitudes I could slap down.

to sit down and tell children what really mattered…I would tell them to look, listen, pay attention, look for these moments wherever you can find them. Chase them as far as you can.

Tell me about the last time you were filled with wonder. I’ve got a four-year-

old and a two-year-old. We went on a walk the other night and an owl swooped down and landed on top of a sign. Even as an adult that’s pretty great. But for my two-year-old, who had only seen owls in books, to have one flutter out of the night and land right in front of him, it almost knocked him down. He was gob-smacked.

Seeing him experience that was magic for me. Pure magic.

We put down our perimeter fence and we think we understand everything within our fence. And we are always wrong.

How

do

you

define

“wonder?”

I would say it’s close to epiphany or revelation. It’s the experience of realizing your understanding of the world is too small. And now you need to make it bigger to make room for this new experience you just had. You can find it in music, movies, poetry, basketball, mountaintops, conversation, barbecue… Sometimes you find it by accident and sometimes you go looking for it. That was the big revelation for me; that you can go out and look for it.

And you’re encouraging the reader to go out and look for it? It’s not

that I have an agenda; it’s just that, if I’m honest, those moments are my favorite times of being alive. If I had five minutes

How did your experiences in India change your approach to magic?

I came home from India like I had been struck by lightening and I didn’t know how to ground it. That’s when I started consciously learning to write, because I realized I’m going to have to share this and I just had to get it out. So, I was writing the book, but also trying to channel it through my magic. It changes the mission statement. My only responsibility is to set an audience’s mind on fire, similar to my experience in India.

Describe your hope for your audience as they leave the theater?

It should feel like mountain-climbing, or something that really pushed their comfort zone, rather than a piece of entertainment.

Sometimes I get there. Sometimes I don’t.

But that’s the goal. Because if they can feel it, the way I’ve experienced it, it’s way more extreme than skydiving. And that’s the least I can do.

$12, general. $32, includes book.

7pm. Saturday, January 27.

Literati Bookstore, 124 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor.

734-585-5567. literatibookstore.com

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arts & culture

Claudia Rankine Talks “The White Card” National Book Award-winning author for her groundbreaking poetry collection Citizen: An American Lyric, Claudia Rankine appears with distinguished theater artist P. Carl to discuss Rankine’s new play “The White Card.” Focus will be on how theater can promote social justice and help audiences imagine, and then bring to life, a more equitable world. - JK

Us/Them Through a Child’s Eyes This original drama by Belgium’s BRONKS Theater Company debuted to great acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2016. Set in 2004, in the small village of Beslan, Belgium, when 1,200 schoolchildren and their parents were held hostage on the first day of school by a group of armed terrorists, the situation ended in tragedy three days later with over 300 dead, including 186 children. In Us/Them, two characters look back on the horrific experience, attempting to understand the incomprehensible, focusing on the way children cope with extreme situations with their own logic. The Guardian called the production, “A playful, comic, and desperately moving piece…Outstanding.” - JK

5:10-7:10pm. Thursday, January 18.

The Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor.

734-668-8397. ums.org/no-safety-net. Free

$35-$40. January 24-28.

7:30-9:30pm, Wednesday & Thursday. 8-10pm, Friday-Sunday.

Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murffin Ave., Ann Arbor.

734-764-2538. ums.org/no-safety-net

41st Ann Arbor Folk Festival Fires Into Decade Five

Hill Harper at MLK Symposium

Hill Harper, award-winning actor, best-selling author, and philanthropist, starred on CSI: NY from 2004 to 2013 and currently plays Calder Michaels on USA Network’s Covert Affairs.

He is also the author of four New York Times bestsellers and has earned seven NAACP Image Awards. In addition, he founded the Manifest Your Destiny Foundation, dedicated to empowering underserved youth through mentorship, scholarship, and grant programs. The keynote presentation highlights over 60 community-oriented events designed to explore the current state of race in America and honor Dr. King’s legacy during this year’s U-M MLK Symposium. - JK

10-11:30am. Monday, January 15.

Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor.

734-936-1055. mlksymposium.umich.edu. Free

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Birthed in 1977, The Ark’s annual fundraiser, The Ann Arbor Folk Festival, returns to U-M’s Hill Auditorium for two dynamic nights of folk and roots music on Friday, January 26th, and Saturday, January 27th.

Featured acts on Friday include: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, JJ Grey & Mofro, Lori McKenna, Stephen Kellogg, Dead Horses and Chastity Brown. Saturday’s acts include: John Prine, Aimee Mann, Mountain Heart, Birds of Chicago, The Cactus Blossoms, and The War and Treaty. Joe Pug will emcee both nights. - JK

$42.50-$200, one night. $75-$360, both nights.

6pm, doors. 6:30pm, show.

Friday, January 26 and Saturday, January 27.

Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University, Ann Arbor. 734-763-TKTS. theark.org.

arts & culture Ongoing Mondays

[misc] Knitting Night at Cultivate

6pm. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse. cultivateypsi.com Free

All ages and levels are welcome at this weekly craft gathering.

[health] Weekly Meditation Sitting

7pm. Washington Street Education Center. chelseamich.com. Free

A group meditation, 35 minutes long, with a short discussion on topics of interest. Everyone welcome.

Tuesdays

[misc] Eastside Weekly Euchre Tournament

7pm. $5. Banfield’s Bar & Grill East

All ages 18 & over invited to come play at a fun and friendly euchre tournament. No partner needed. $5 entry free. Cash prize for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place. Bring your friends.

[dance] Tuesday Tango

9:30pm. $5-$10. Studio of Movement Arts. somastories.net

Argentine Tango Class. Drop-ins welcome. You don’t need to have a partner to attend. The studio is located above the People’s Food Co-op.

Wednesdays

[comedy] Comedy Jamm

8pm. $5. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. aacomedy.com

See a variety of comedians from beginners to veterans cut loose on stage for this weekly stand up open mic.

1st & 3rd Fridays

1 monday

[art] Sacred Plants: Stories of Myth, Ritual, and Lore

10am-4:30pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens. umich.edu. Free

Focusing on plants in the conservatory collection, this holiday exhibit explores how certain plants figure in myth, lore, and ritual for cultures around the world.

[health] Grieving Through the Holidays 5pm. $50. Thrive Counseling. thrivecounselinga2.com

Thrive Counseling is now offering targeted and concentrated help for those experiencing losses, new and old, this holiday season.

2 tuesday

[community] Nosh and Network Plymouth 6pm. $5. EG Nicks. meetup.com

IN3 Network’s signature event, Nosh and Network, has been a Plymouth mainstay for 7 years.

Join area businesswomen for dinner, drinks, and networking.

[dance] English Country Dance

7pm. $4 - $8. Chapel Hill Condominium Clubhouse. aactmad.org

Nikki Herbst leads to music by Shirley Harden, Matt McCoy, and Josh Burdick. Informal; no partner or experience needed.

All dances taught and prompted.

Dress comfortably and bring flat, non-slip shoes.

[comedy] 50 First Jokes

8pm. $10. The Ark. theark.org

Fifty of the area’s veteran and rising comedians take the stage in this fast past, hysterical tradition.

3 wednesday

5 friday

[education] Smith Lecture

3:30pm. C.C. Little Building. events.umich.edu. Free

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences hosts the William T. Smith Lecture Series. Join the discussion with distinguished guest speaker Dave Evans from Yale University.

[film] 90th Anniversary Celebration: Show People

7pm. $13-$16. Michigan Theater. michigantheater.org

Marion Davies has stars in her eyes in this delightful look at silent Hollywood, directed by King Vidor and co-starring William Haines. This special screening will be accompanied by live organ with Andi Rogers.

6 saturday

[community] SWAP Women’s Support Group

12pm. Booker T. Dozier Rec Complex. meetup.com. Free

The SWAP Women’s Support Group features new topics each month for discussion. This is an opportunity for sharing, bonding, networking and fellowship.

7 sunday

[literary] Writing the Unthinkable

10am. $75. Ypsilanti Freight House. ypsilantifreighthouse.org

Bring a notebook, your favorite pen and a three ring binder for this creative writing workshop.

[comedy] The Arcade - Improv Jam

7:30pm. Pointless Brewery & Theatre. pointlessbrew.com. Free This open stage is dedicated to short-form improv games. All experience levels are welcome.

Come to watch or to play.

8 monday

[misc] NEXT - Machine Learning, Crowdsourcing, and Cartoons

6pm. TD Ameritrade. meetup.com.

Free

In this talk, Scott Sievert will explain what NEXT is how it can be applied to obtaining useful crowdsourcing results.

[literary] Winter Seminar Series: Eating Without 6pm. Robin Hills Farm. robinhillsfarm.com. Free

In this lecture, Food Coach Yael Dolev will introduce new approaches and ways of thinking about dietary limitations.

From gluten- and dairy-free to vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, participants will learn to reframe these as an opportunity instead of a challenge.

10 wednesday

[environment] A2WO Seed Cleaning and Exchange

6:45pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens. events.umich.edu. Free

This workshop supports Matthaei-Nichols’ eco-restoration efforts through sharing surplus native seeds with the Arb and Gardens and the group. Learn techniques for cleaning seeds with presenter Ann Arbor Wild Ones.

[literary] An Evening of Poetry and the Written Word

7pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room. crazywisdom.net. Free Poetry workshop. All writers are welcome to share and discuss their poetry or short fiction.

Bring six copies of your work.

Copies will be returned at the end of the workshop.

[literary] Storytelling: What Humans Live By

7pm. Pittsfield Grange. aactmad.org.

Free

[misc] Talent Night at Sweetwaters

[art] Oil Paint Workshop

[literary] Author Series: Jason Fagone

Storyteller Rosemary Caruso tells Tolstoy’s story “What Humans Live By.”

Show your unique talent in a supportive environment.

Featured artists perform from 8:30-9:15pm. Open Mic starts at 9:30pm. All submissions must be original and family friendly.

Call 734-453-3710 to reserve a spot at this fun and relaxing workshop.

Join renowned journalist Jason Fagone as he dives into his new book, “The Woman Who Smashed Codes.”

[culture] Anniversary of the Detroit Riots

8:30pm. Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea. sweetwaterscafe.com. Free

1st & 3rd Sundays

[literary] Ann Arbor Poetry

7pm. Espresso Royale Cafe. espressoroyalecoffee.com. Free

Open mic and feature series hosted by Simon Mermelstein and Garret Potter.

1-3pm. $25. D&M Art Studio. dmartstudio.com

4 thursday

[health] Yoga With Cats

7:30pm. $10. Tiny Lions Lounge & Adoption Center. tinylions.org

Practice hatha-style yoga with the furry feline masters at the new cat cafe. Bring peace to your mind and body while filling your heart with joy as you support the animals in our community.

7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free

9 tuesday

[misc] Finding an Extra Hour Every Day 1pm. Lurie Robert H. Engin. Center. events.umich.edu. Free

Explore the most common areas of productivity loss (and possible gain) affecting many busy professionals today. Learn useful strategies for finding at least one extra hour of productivity every day.

11 thursday

2pm. Wyndham Gardens Hotel. umich.edu. Free

In 1967, Detroit experienced one of the worst riots in American history. Join in this discussion with Brian Kaufman, the director of the documentary, “12th and Clairmount,” about how society has changed in the last fifty years.

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arts & culture CONT’D FROM P31

[dance] Contra Dance Party

[literary] Author Series: Cindy Milstein & Jeff Clark

7pm. $5 - $11. Concourse Hall. aactmad.org

7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free

Authors Cindy Milstien and Jeff Clark take a close look into grief’s power for social transformation through their book, “Rebellious Mourning.”

12 friday

[community] ABC’s of Washtenaw Literacy Information Session 4pm. Nicola’s Books. nicolasbooks.com. Free

Learn about volunteer options with Washtenaw Literacy.

8pm. $26-$48. The Power Center for the Performing Arts. ums.org

Hair & Other Stories is a multidisciplinary evening-length work that addresses matters of race, gender identity, and economic inequality through the lens of physical appearance, including the cultural significance of African-American women’s hair.

[literary] In Conversation with Jessica Shattuck and Laura Thomas 7pm. Nicola’s Books. nicolasbooks.com. Free

Engage in a literary discussion with award-winning author Jessica Shattuck and University of Michigan’s Creative Writing Director Laura Thomas.

13 saturday

[environment] Wasting Waste: The Science of Recycling

9am. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse. cultivateypsi.com. Free

Recycling may not be something you think about on a daily basis, but just how are things reused, repurposed, or reformed into a second life? Join Cultivate for a discussion into the science of recycling.

[culture] 34th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Ball

6pm. $60. Sheraton Ann Arbor. theannarborclub.com

The Ann Arbor Club presents speaker Dr. Lee Meadows.

Proceeds benefit local students as the organization will provide scholarships to 4-5 students in April.

january

[health] Winter Challenge & Fitness and Health Expo

9am. $15-$60. The Health & Fitness Center, Washtenaw Community College. wcc.net

A Training event inside or outside on a 2km outside loop (snow will be cleared). Run or walk as long or as far within the 3 hour time limit.

14 sunday

[culture] The Great White Hoax

[culture] Hair & Other Stories: Urban Bush Women

32

Susan Taylor calls to music by Stout Hearted String Band. Wear loose fitting clothing and comfortable shoes.

2pm. Ypsilanti District Library. ypsilibrary.org. Free

A film exploring Donald Trump’s rhetoric about African-Americans, Latinos and Muslims. Explore how racism and racial scapegoating have shaped American politics throughout history. Film will be followed by a discussion.

[comedy] 8 Pointless Minute: A Long Form Improv Jam

7:30pm. Pointless Brewery & Theatre. pointlessbrew.com. Free

This open stage is dedicated to long form improv. Sign up for a spot upon arrival. Each group will get eight minutes of stage time.

All experience levels welcome.

Come to watch or to play.

15 monday

[education] Penny Stamps Talk: Comics Artist/Creator Shawn Martinbrough 2:30pm. Stamps Auditorium. stamps.umich.edu. Free

Comics artist and creator Shawn Martinbrough will present the talk “Continuing the Legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Through the Art of Storytelling.” Martinbrough is a critically acclaimed creator/artist whose DC, Marvel and Dark Horse Comics projects include Batman: Detective Comics and Hellboy: Secret Nature.

[film] Me, The “Other”

7pm. $5. Michigan Theater. michigantheater.org

A Documentary film about 12 students at 3 Washtenaw County Campuses. This special screening will tell stories of differences due to prejudice, ignorance, and discrimination.

2018 / ecurrent.com

16 tuesday

[education] Food Literacy for All: Eric Holt-Gimenez

6:30pm. Angell Hall - Aud. B. events.umich.edu. Free

Structured as an evening lecture series, Food Literacy for All features different guest speakers each week to address diverse challenges and opportunities of both domestic and global food systems.

17 wednesday

[education] ASP Lecture: Christology and Culture

4pm. Weiser Hall - Room 555. events.umich.edu. Free

This lecture covers Armenian theology in terms of community development, political belonging, and hermeneutics as method, and semiotic debates about language and representation.

[literary] Poetry Feature: Raymond McDaniel

7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free

Established writer and University of Michigan professor Raymond McDaniel shares poetry from his new collection of work, “Cataracts.”

[comedy] Improv Comedy: Test Batch

7:30pm. $5. Pointless Brewery & Theatre. pointlessbrew.com

Test Batch features the newest crop of improv groups in our community. Watch these troupes test their chops on the Pointless stage.

[theater] No Safety Net: Underground Railroad Game

7:30pm. $40. Arthur Miller Theater. ums.org

Underground Railroad Game has been called of the best theater productions of 2016 by the New York Times. In the work, actors Jennifer Kidwell and Scott Sheppard perform the roles of two middle-school teachers who incorporate an interactive roleplaying game into their lesson on the history of the Underground Railroad.

18 thursday

[community] Journalism is Dead.

Long Live Journalism

12pm. Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor. jccannarbor.org.

Free

With the shuttering of local news sources and the increase of internet blogs, where can communities turn to for their news?

ANNthology takes this challenge head-on; they are a group of 17

collaborators covering topics ranging from local general news to school meeting coverage and southeast Michigan food news.

[education] White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Nation’s Divide 4pm. Michigan League. events.umich.edu. Free

The Donia Human Rights Center Distinguished Lecture presents Carol Anderson, professor of African American Studies at Emory University. She is the author of the critically-acclaimed “White Rage,” published by Bloomsbury in 2016.

[literary] No Safety Net Series: Author Claudia Rankine

5pm. Michigan Theater. literatibookstore.com. Free

The No Safety Net Series will host critically acclaimed author Claudia Rankine for a conversation with editor P. Carl entitled Theatre Matters; Activism, Imagination, Citizenship.

[culture] The Dojo Hip Hop Open Mic 9pm. $5. The Elks Lodge

Ages 21+ welcome. Featured artists headline and open mic sign-up starting at 9pm. First come, first serve for stage time.

[art] Paint No Pour

6pm. Trotter Multicultural Center. events.umich.edu. Free

Trotter’s Third Thursdays are inspired by national heritage months, student interests, and social concerns. Participants are welcomed to widen their cultural lens and participate in multicultural celebration, education, and recognition.

[theater] Flint

8pm. $11-$22. Purple Rose Theatre. purplerosetheatre.org Opening Night. “Flint” is the heartfelt and brutally honest story of two couples struggling to endure and believe in the American dream.

19 friday

[education] The Other America: Still Separate. Still Unequal.

9am. Michigan Union: Kuenzel Room. events.umich.edu. Free

This interdisciplinary, day-long event will focus on issues of inequality as they manifest in relation to black lives in the United States. Panels will center on questions related to the criminal justice system and state violence, economic inequality and immobility, and black lives in urban places.

[community] Advocacy In Action

3pm. Michigan League. events.umich.edu. Free

This graduate student-driven initiative invites a panel of unique voices to partake in a discussion about how advocacy shows up across disciplines.

[literary] Emerging Writers: Sam Krowchenko & Kyle Hunt

7pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art. events.umich.edu. Free One MFA student of fiction and one of poetry, each introduced by a peer, will read their work.

The Mark Webster Reading Series presents up and coming writers in a warm and relaxed setting.

20 saturday

[education] Let There Be Light: Lightboard Operation Workshop 1-4pm. $20-$25. Ann Arbor Civic Theater. a2ct.org

This workshop is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with operating the light board for theater productions. Topics include basic general lighting, special effects, moving lights, and terminology.

[comedy] Women’s Improv Workshop

3:15pm. $30. Pointless Brewery & Theatre. pointlessbrew.com

Workshop for all female-identifying improvisers. Learn strategies to be empowered and successful in an often male-dominated space.

[misc] Trivia with Cats

7:30pm. $15. Tiny Lions Lounge and Adoption Center. tinylions.org

Cuddle up to furry friends, drink an adult beverage (21+), and snack on popcorn while you play trivia at the Tiny Lions cat café.

Ages 18+ only.

[environment] Winter Stargazing

7:30pm. $5. Leslie Science and Nature Center. lesliesnc.org

Stargaze in the warm comfort of the LSNC Energy House. Local astronomer Brian Ottum will guide viewers through incredible sights of the moon, stars, and nebulae.

21 sunday

[theater] Ruff: A Play for the Very Young

10am. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse. cultivateypsi.com. Free

Spinning Dot Theatre presents a celebration of puppetry, music, and language. “Ruff” is a sweet seaside adventure to engage even the youngest audience members.

[literary] Author Series: Tom Grace 3pm. Nicola’s Books. nicolasbooks.com. Free

Nicola’s Books presents internationally bestselling author Tom Grace.

[theater] Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya

7pm. $18-$22. Michigan Theater. ums.org

High-Definition Broadcast from Moscow’s Vakhtangov Theater. A reimagining of Anton Chekhov’s tale about broken illusions and dashed hopes is freed from traditional trappings, leaving behind a battlefield for passions and colliding ambitions.

[community] Songwriters Workshop Group

7pm. Turner Senior Resource Center. meetup.com. Free

The Songwriters Workshop Group is a new group launching on the third Sundays of the month. The sessions are in an open mic format where attendees can bring an original song to perform and talk about.

22 monday

[education] FIRE: Elemental Altars Workshop Series

6pm. $35. Evenstar’s Chalice. evenstarschalice.com

Explore the element of fire in this part of the workshop series with Mara Evenstar and Jeanne Adwani.

23 tuesday

[education] Bioethics Discussion: Assisted Reproduction

7pm. Lurie Biomedical Engineering. events.umich.edu. Free

A roundtable discussion for the bravest in the new world.

[education] Stearns Collection Virginia Howard Martin Lecture Series

7pm. Earl V Moore Building, Watkins Lecture Hall. ums.org. Free

Join ethnomusicologist Eliot Bates for a discussion in digital audio recording cultures and the production of contemporary music in Istanbul, Turkey.

24 wednesday

[education] January Science Café

5:30pm. Conor O’Neill’s Traditional Irish Pub. events.umich.edu. Free

Science Cafés provide an opportunity for audiences to discuss current science topics with experts in an informal setting. Hors d’oeuvres at 5:30pm. Program from 6:00-7:30pm.

[literary] An Evening of Poetry and the Written Word

[theater] Constellations by Nick Payne

7pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room. crazywisdom.net. Free

Featured Detroit Reader Jamie Thomas is the author of “Etch and Blur,” which won the Brick Road Poetry Prize. His poems have appeared in New Ohio Review, Third Coast, Missouri Review, and Verse Daily. All writers welcome to read afterward at the open mic.

[film] Hare Krishna: The Mantra, the Movement, and the Swami Who started it All

7pm. $8-$10. Michigan Theater. michigantheater.org

Cult or genuine cultural force?

This film chronicles the startling growth during the movements early days of expansion through engaging observations on the character and activities of its larger than life founder Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

[theater] No Safety Net: Us/Them

7:30pm. $35 - $40. Arthur Miller Theater. ums.org

Belgian Theater Company, Bronks, performs Us/Them, a drama based on the tragic school hostage situation that took place in Beslan in 2004.

25 thursday

[literary] Visiting Writers Series: Jane Hirshfield & Brit Bennett 5:30pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free

The Helen Zell Writers Program has partnered with Literati to present accomplished visiting writers Jane Hirshfield and Brit Bennett to discuss their acclaimed work.

[culture] A Celebration of MLK’s Biblical Legacy

7pm. Rackham Auditorium. events.umich.edu. Free

Dr. Mitzi J. Smith, Professor of New Testament at Ashland Theological Seminary and first female graduate in New Testament from Harvard University, will talk about MLK and the Bible. Her lecture will be followed by a panel discussion about the legacy of MLK’s Biblical teaching today.

26 friday

[art] Design & Production Portfolio Opening Reception

4:30pm. Duderstadt Center Gallery. umich.edu. Free

Celebrate the outstanding work of the undergraduate design and production students for this year’s portfolio exhibition.

8pm. $20. Theatre Nova. theatrenova.org

This spellbinding, romantic journey begins with a simple encounter between a man and a woman. But what happens next defies the boundaries of the world we think we know—delving into the infinite possibilities of their relationship and raising questions about the difference between choice and destiny.

Runs through Saturday, Jan. 27th.

27 saturday

[theater] Can You Hear Me Now?

1-4pm. $20-$25. Ann Arbor Civic Theatre. a2ct.org

Attend this informative workshop for hands-on experience with sound mixing and board operation for theater production.

[misc] Literati Bookstore Presents Magician Nate Staniforth 7pm. $12-$32. Circus Bar. brownpapertickets.com

Literati is thrilled to welcome magician Nate Staniforth in support of “Here is Real Magic,” an extraordinary memoir about finding wonder in everyday life.

28 sunday

[misc] Miss Necto 2018 : Pro/Am Drag Queen Pageant

4pm. $5-$75. Necto Nightclub. necto.com.

Join Necto for a night of enchantment at their 4th annual Miss Necto Professional/ Amateur Drag Queen Pageant. This year’s theme is Twisted Fairy Tales.

[comedy] Open Stage

7:30pm. Pointless Brewery & Theatre. pointlessbrew.com. Free The Open Stage is a great place to try out a new project among other artists and supporters.

Space is limited. The first 12 to sign up will get a spot.

29 monday

[misc] The Matter of Black Lives: Hauntology, Infrastructure, and the Necropolitics of History 4pm. Tisch Hall - 1014. events.umich.edu. Free

This talk raises questions about how scholars can deepen and expand, but also trouble, the field of hauntology. The field of hauntology analyzes how hauntings, ghosts, and specters are distinct conceptual categories characterizing economic and political realities.

ecurrent.com / january 2018 33

person of interest Greg Davis-Kean

Founder and primary blogger, The Frequent Miler

by Cammie Finch

Davis-Kean, is the author of The Frequent Miler, which gives tips to travelers on how to earn thousands of air-miles without actually flying. His family has traveled First Class for free for years based on points-earning techniques.

How did you get into “racking up frequent flier miles” and learn the “tricks of the trade” you recommend on your website? I used to travel quite

a bit when I worked for Thomson Reuters in software development and technology strategy, and I enjoyed the perks that came with Delta Elite status I earned from flying. One day Thomson Reuters issued a “no travel” decree. We were instructed to hold all meetings over the phone, and I started worrying about how I could keep my airline status. After a few Google searches, I found blogs and forums dedicated to various types of “travel hacks.”

I read voraciously. Our first big win was when we stayed three nights for free at the Intercontinental London Park Lane in a room that would have otherwise cost $800 per night. I was hooked!

With the rewards you’ve received, where have you traveled for free in the past few years? We’ve used

miles to travel in business or first class to Alaska, Hawaii, Thailand, Costa Rica, Chile, Italy, France, England, Lithuania, and more. The most remarkable trip was when my wife and I spent 1.2 million Virgin Atlantic miles for an all-expense-paid week for two on Richard Branson’s Necker Island.

Do you have a word of advice for people who want to start earning miles? Learn, and go for it. Many are hesitant to

jump into the points & miles game due to bad experiences in the past, or because of a sense that it sounds too good to be true. In this case, if you know what you’re doing (the “learn” part), the “too good to be true” stuff really is true. There are easy ways to earn points and miles that don’t require travel. And there are far better ways to use your points and miles than you’d expect. There are many ways to start the learning process, but, of course, I’d recommend starting on my blog’s “start here” page: thefrequentmiler.com/start-here.

Where in Ann Arbor are the best places to gather with friends? In good weather, I love Jefferson Market’s hidden back

courtyard for lunch or weekend brunch. TeaHaus is perfect yearround for an afternoon get-together. And for drinks I really enjoy the Ann Arbor Distilling Company, and Bar 327.

What do you miss most when you’ve been away from the city? Lunch at Monahan’s Seafood Market. They have the

best fish!

For more information on how to begin racking up airline points, visit Greg’s blog: frequentmiler.boardingarea.com/author/frequentmiler

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2018 / ecurrent.com

Will receive an exclusive gift package free with purchase (*with coupon) PeoplesChoiceOfAnnArbor.com

Cannabis Michigan’s Shifting Cannabis Law-scape New medical marijuana rules preface a likely recreational weed vote

By Vic Tanny

2018 ushers a slurry of changes to Michigan’s growing world of legal cannabis. In addition to new rules governing the administration of medical cannabis, coupled with the state’s release of medical cannabis applications aimed at codifying this largely under-regulated industry’s players, Michigan residents may also be on the way to voting on recreational marijuana (i.e. outright legalization for recreational use). The Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol campaign is currently waiting on signature verification on its petition to place the measure on November’s statewide midterm election ballot.

into law, recreational marijuana is, according to The Detroit Free Press, expected to generate sales exceeding a billion dollars in the first year.

Fresh Medical Pot Rules

The state also released 33 pages of fresh rules governing Michigan’s Medical Marijuana program. The new rules stipulate, among other points, how much medical marijuana a patient can legally purchase (2.5 ozs./day,) as well as advertising restrictions for operators in each of the Bureau of Medical Marijuana Licensing’s five categories: growers, processors, testing facilities, secure transporters and dispensaries.

Medical Marijuana Applications

Medical Marijuana applications were released on December 15, 2017, to a flood of groups vying for a piece of what the Freep projects to be a $711 million industry. Growers, processors, testing facilities, secure transporters and dispensaries will now be issued stategranted licenses codifying their legal participation in Michigan’s nearly decade-old industry.

Petition Signatures

Voters will likely have a choice about whether to legalize recreational cannabis in Michigan by year’s end. Delivering over 365,000 petition signatures to state officials in late November 2017, the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol appears to have cleared the hurdle that crippled MI Legalize’s 2016’s effort to end statewide recreational marijuana prohibition. At that time, the State Board of Canvassers ruled that a portion of the 345,000 signatures were invalid because they were collected outside of the designated 180-day window. If placed on the ballot and voted

ecurrent.com / january 2018 35

ROAD TRIP Head to Detroit for Founders’ Taproom Famed Founders Brewing Co. has opened its first-ever taproom beyond its Grand Rapids headquarters. Located at 456 Charlotte St. in downtown Detroit, the 14,000 square-foot space features a restaurant and Founder’s brews, as well as specialty beers brewed on-site. Interested beerlovers can join a mug club for $60 that includes weekly and growler-fill specials.

Ages 21+ only after 9pm. 11am-midnight, Sunday-Wednesday. 11am-1pm, Thursday-Saturday.

Founders Brewing Company Taproom, 456 Charlotte St., Detroit, MI. 313-335-3440. foundersbrewing.com

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JANUARY free will astrology © Copyright 2017 Rob Brezsny

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “I need more smart allies, compassionate supporters, ethical role models, and loyal friends, and I need them right now!” writes Joanna K., an Aries reader from Albuquerque, New Mexico. On the other hand, there’s Jacques T., an Aries reader from Montreal. “To my amazement, I actually have much of the support and assistance I need,” he declares. “What I seem to need more of are constructive critics, fair-minded competitors with integrity, colleagues and loved ones who don’t assume that every little thing I do is perfect, and adversaries who galvanize me to get better.” I’m happy to announce, dear Aries, that in 2018 you will benefit more than usual from the influences that both Joanna and Jacques seek.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In the Scots language spoken in Lowland Scotland, a *watergaw* is a fragmented rainbow that appears between clouds. A *skafer* is a faint rainbow that arises behind a mist, presaging the imminent dissipation of the mist.

A *silk napkin* is a splintered rainbow that heralds the arrival of brisk wind and rain. In accordance with the astrological omens, I propose we use these mysterious phenomena as symbols of power for you in 2018. The good fortune that comes your way will sometimes be partially veiled and seemingly incomplete. Don’t compare it to some “perfect” ideal. It’ll be more interesting and inspiring than any perfect ideal.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In 2018, half-buried residues from the past will be resurfacing as influences in your life. Old dreams that you abandoned prematurely are ripe to be re-evaluated in light of what has happened since you last took them seriously. Are these good or bad developments? It will probably depend on your ability to be charitable and expansive as you deal with them. One thing is certain: To move forward into the future, you will have to update your relationships with these residues and dreams.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Poet Diane Ackerman tells us that human tongues, lips, and genitals possess neural receptors that are ultra-responsive. Anatomists have given unsexy names to these bliss-generating parts of our bodies: Krause end bulbs, also known as bulboid corpuscles. (Couldn’t they have called them “glimmering rapture hubs” or “magic buttons”?) In any case, these sweet spots enable us to experience surpassing pleasure. According to my understanding of the astrological omens for 2018, Cancerian, your personal complement of bulboid corpuscles will be even more sensitive than usual. Here’s further good news: Your soul will also have a heightened capacity to receive and register delight.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): *Mise en place* is a French term whose literal translation is “putting in place.” When used by professional chefs in a restaurant kitchen, it refers to the task of gathering and organizing all the ingredients and tools before beginning to cook. I think this is an excellent metaphor for you to emphasize throughout 2018. In every area of your life, thorough preparation will be the key to your success and fulfillment. Make sure you have everything you need before launching any new enterprise or creative effort.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Experimental composer Harry Partch played one-of-a-kind musical instruments that he made from objects like car hubcaps, gourds, aluminum ketchup bottles, and nose cones from airplanes. Collage artist Jason Mecier fashions portraits of celebrities using materials like noodles, pills, licorice candy, bacon, and lipstick tubes. Given the astrological configurations for 2018, you could flourish by adopting a similar strategy in your own chosen field. Your most interesting successes could come from using things as they’re not “supposed” to be used. You could further your goals by mixing and matching resources in unique ways.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Hungarian psychiatrist Thomas Szasz dismissed the idea that a person should be on a quest to “find himself” or “find herself.” “The self is not something that one finds,” he said. Rather, “it is something one creates.” I think that’s great advice for you in 2018, Capricorn. There’ll be little value in wandering around in search of fantastic clues about who you were born to be. Instead you should simply be gung-ho as you shape and craft yourself into the person you want to be.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I wish I could make it nice and easy for you. I wish I could proclaim that the forces of darkness are lined up against the forces of light. I’d like to be able to advise you that the opening months of 2018 will bring you a showdown between wrong and right, between ugliness and beauty. But it just ain’t that simple. It’s more like the forces of plaid will be arrayed against the forces of paisley. The showdown will feature two equally flawed and equally appealing sources of intrigue. And so you may inquire, Libra, what is the most honorable role you can play in these matters? Should you lend your support to one side or the other? I advise you to create a third side.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In 2018, your tribe will be extra skilled at opening things that have been shut or sealed for a long time: heavy doors, treasure boxes, rich possibilities, buried secrets, shy eyes, mum mouths, guarded hearts, and insular minds. You’ll have a knack for initiating new markets and clearing blocked passageways and staging grand openings. You’ll be more inclined to speak candidly and freely than any other generation of Scorpios in a long time. Getting stuck things unstuck will come naturally. Making yourself available for bighearted fun and games will be your specialty. Given these wonders, maybe you should adopt a new nickname, like Apertura (the Italian word for “opening”), Ouverture (the French word for “opening”), Šiši (Yoruban), Otevírací (Czech), Öffnung (German), or Kufungua (Swahili).

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I predict that the coming months won’t bring you the kinds of opportunities you were imagining and expecting, but will bring you opportunities you haven’t imagined and didn’t expect. Will you be alert and receptive to these sly divergences from your master plan? If so, by September of 2018 you will have become as smart a gambler as maybe you have ever been. You will be more flexible and adaptable, too, which means you’ll be better able to get what you want without breaking stuff and wreaking whirlwinds. Congratulations in advance, my daring darling. May your experiments be both visionary and practical. May your fiery intentions be both steady and fluidic.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Is there anything about your attitude or your approach that is a bit immature or unripe? Have you in some way remained an amateur or apprentice when you should or could have become fully professional by now? Are you still a dabbler in a field where you could be a connoisseur or master? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, the coming months will be an excellent time to grow up, climb higher, and try harder. I invite you to regard 2018 as the Year of Kicking Your Own Ass. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In 2018, one of your themes will be “secret freedom.” What does that mean? The muse who whispered this clue in my ear did not elaborate further. But based on the astrological aspects, here are several possible interpretations. 1. You may have to dig deep and be strategic to access resources that have the power to emancipate you. 2. You may be able to discover a rewarding escape and provocative deliverance that have been hidden from you up until now. 3. You shouldn’t brag about the liberations you intend to accomplish until you have accomplished them. 4. The exact nature of the freedom that will be valuable to you might be useless or irrelevant or incomprehensible to other people.

Homework: Name ten items you would put in a time capsule to be dug up by your descendants in 500 years.

Testify by going to RealAstrology.com and clocking on “Email Rob.” ecurrent.com / january 2018 37

SHOPPING LIST Across 1. Fit in with 7. Big boom demonstrations 13. Type of salad dressing 15. Early Christian 16. “Hip Hop Hooray� hip hoppers 18. She plays Jane on “Jane The Virgin�

19. Hardened 20. “Rick and Morty� cocreator Harmon 21. Like a geezer 22. Time to clean up?

23. EntrĂŠe complement 24. Tarot cards and crystal ball users 27. “Senses Working Overtimeâ€? new wavers 28. “___ Goldâ€? (1997 movie seen more in crosswords than actually seen by movie viewers) 29. Dismal, in verse 31. Bread winners 33. Cameo, e.g.

35. Rings 37. Classic Halloween costume 40. Tries to get the #1 pick in the draft, likely 41. Bow hunting rocker Nugent 43. Basic belief 45. Walk in the woods 46. LA’s region 48. “Was ___ blame?�

49. English cathedral city 50. Baby Bjorn rider 51. Wonder Woman’s friend Candy 52. “You blew that big time!�

55. “Stay focused�

56. One-man band, e.g.

57. Strive (toward) 58. Hill ___ (“Back To The Future� setting)

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  january

Down 1. Seven-tile words in Scrabble 2. Sold on Amazon, say 3. Clean dirty money 4. Kurylenko who played a Bond girl 5. Medical grant agcy.

6. Like some tony communities 7. Building enlargement 8. “Wind in the Willowsâ€? animal 9. Superlative ending 10. Scholarly pupil 11. Angry vlog missives 12. Trailer units 14. Old telecommunications name 15. Two-wheeled theme park transport 17. Probably my favorite ice cream flavor 23. Protective cover 25. 2018’s “Tomb Raiderâ€? (looks decent) 26. Schooner flappers 28. Vacant, as a apartment 30. Temperature takers, for short 32. Towel holder 34. In la la land 35. Some newspapers 36. Mushroom with dark spore prints 38. Part of a monogram 39. BLT ingredient 40. Warriors’ stomping ground 42. Mild expletives 44. Pleasantly warm 46. [Bo-o-o-o-oring] 47. No. 2 in the statehouse 50. Disney exec Bob 51. Chemical compound 53. Recently-benched QB Manning 54. That lady, in SĂŁo Paulo

2018 / ecurrent.com

FOR CROSSWORD ANSWERS, GO TO ECURRENT.COM

Š2018 By Brendan Emmett Quigley (www.brendanemmettquigley.com)

crossword

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FOR SALE VINYL COLLECTION 33s & 45s FOR SALE. Beatles, Stones, oldies, classic rock 1950s to 1990s. Call 419699-3398 (2) PLOTS IN APOSTLES BLOCK in Washtenong Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Ann Arbor, MI. $4,500 value, $1,000 total. Call Nancy 435-616-8506.

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BandPPainting.co 734.572.8557 Ann Arbor NOW HIRING SQL DATABASE ENGINEER WANTED IN ANN ARBOR. Involves the setup, configuration and maintenance of our SQL Server Environments.

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I am a super lovable cat! I like to cuddle and I love attention. It would be fun to have another young cat buddy around because I love to run and play. Dogs are o.k., too. Please take me home. I am very cute and will be your best friend.

Looking for Foster Families! To apply for one of our adoptable pets, please fill out an application Email us for more info

hbrlmi.org P.O. Box 87591 If you cannot adopt, please consider Canton, MI 48187 making a donation online to help homewardboundmi@yahoo.com out our furry friends!

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