Current Magazine January 2016

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Robin Hil ls Fa rm

Launching an or

ganic revolution

folk fest The annual Folk Festival retruns to town

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aadc opens The Ann Arbor Distilling Company offers craft spirits

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contents

january 2016 vol. 26/no. 01

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A New Way to Interact with Nature

The new Robin Hills Farm aims to change the way Washtenaw County looks at food

by Zach Marburger

fyi 5

A Creative Celebration

green corner 5 Along the Banks of the Huron

food feature 13

Crafting beer and improv comedy at the samet time

by Sandor Slomovits

bar feature 13

Ann Arbor Distilling Company opens it’s doors

by M.F. DiBella

The Folk at the Hill The 39th Ann Arbor Folk Festival Celebrates 50 Folkin’ Years.

By Nan Bauer

27 theater: Encore Theatre

Thalia Schramm on what makes Encore a special venue

by Tim Malik

29 film: National Theatre Live Hamlet with a modern twist

by Antonio Cooper

31 art: EMU Student Show Ypsilanti is the place for innovative art

by Louis Meldman

music feature 20 33 lit: Rus Like Everyone Else Musical year in review

by Jeff Milo

An Amsterdam artist brings her debut novel to Ann Arbor

by Jennifer Brough

35 PROfile

Michelle Krell Kydd knows the power of noses

by Sue Dise

36 everything else 38 crossword ON THE COVER: The Green Team (from left to right): Roy Xu, Ben Wielechowski, Mitzi Koors, and Nick Bacon it: Brett

cred Photo

moyer

ecurrent.com / janurary 2016 3

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Winter Brews

by Zach Marburger

A guide to local winter beer options in Ann Arbor

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green corner Along the Banks of the Huron

 Life of luxury From Dan Ketelaar, the man behind the development of the luxury apartment complex at 618 South Main, comes Madison on Main, (at those cross streets). Construction is set to begin on the high-rise apartments and wrap up by the end of 2016.

A joint venture between weloveannarbor.com and the Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation, Along the Banks of the Huron River is a video  A taste of Italy project produced by Steve Ewing of Digital Agent The Ohio-based fast-casual Productions that highlights the great parks and dining restaurant Piada activities available around town. The latest in a series Italian Street Food is taking of videos commissioned by Rob Ewing of Ewing over the former Five Guys Pros and We Love Ann Arbor. Past works focused location at 311 S. State St. Conceived during a trip on the arts, schools, and entertainment options to Rimini, Italy, the new around Ann Arbor, while this video focuses on the restaurant Rshould open formation, history and beauty of Washtenaw County KET RMERS MinAthe spring.

R FAsometime O B R A N Parks, featuring interviews with Al20Gallup, the son N A t Project BER 15 � NOVEMfirst Improfovemen of Eli Gallup, Ann Arbor’s superintendent n Infrastructure nd - Seco Editio Parks and Parks and Recreation Employees. ked Questions Frequently As Get excited, get outdoors, and discover TS ARE Ann Arbor’s parks.

ViewEM onENyoutube, or on WHAT IMPROV THE EXISTING  Indoor market TO ecurrent.com. ­—ZM BEING MADE ROUGH THIS TH To make the farmers market STRUCTURE PROJECT? more pleasant in the winter, of the ce an en int Ongoing ma ture, the city of Ann Arbor is ing infrastruc market’s exist isting vendor ex building a new structure to including the d parking an s ay lkw canopy, wa house vendors in Kerrytown. gh the Parks ou thr d de lot, is fun Construction isn’t likely until and Capital ce an en s int wa Ma ich ts Millage, wh 2017, so stay bundled up. in Improvemen s for six years

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November 20

t at the marke ion Current work tural evaluat uc str An the es ndor includ m the gutters. the existing ve n downspouts fro outs. Parking and repair of lum co sp design of the the d y, wn an all do ion ific the at ec  Spinning in and e to the loc canopy. Sp n bases and Parks system sted, partly du pair the colum lots across the Kerrytown bases have ru aring specifications to re context of parking ep the pr n is r thi wi ee d gin re n. en ide provement Pla A new store has ents are cons lot improvem rt of the annual Capital Im T? PROJ pa cropped inECfro FOR THISup evaluated as DGET m impervious ff ED IN THE BU nt re runoSpun, UD ptu CL ca IN to NT Kerrytown. rground me de ge GEME un na NA e ma MA lud R ter inc TE rm wa e plan willat 407 N. IS STORM WA de requires sto es and parking lot. Th located Co y Cit il. r so bo Ar the t structur Yes. Ann ltrate into ing the marke allow it to infi Fourth Ave., opened surfaces, includ lp cleanse the water and he inE?December and structures to RUCTUR vendors in an ST W NE E TH vered ion of market odat N FOR additional co will serve as oneARY FUNCTIO function is for the accomm ovaide pr IM to PR d E an TH ) ’S d entrance March WHAT imary ze gh pr ali ou e’s ntr thr tur ce y a uc ar str nu for all ighborhood ll create ture wishop The proposed ring the winter months (Ja The new strucstop du ence in the ne things key presyarn. year-round . indoor space market’s the rket vendors g ma tin for gh e hli ac ll sp ue, hig Science, AvenArts, The Arts Alliance willstaaward Medals t along 4thfor for the marke n. Century Awards at THE and Humanities and do the 21st wntow OCESS pARTy! 2016 on January 27DECI atSIOMelange Bistro N�MAKING PR ? in O IS INVOLVED WHAT IS THE WH D AN T EC downtown Ann Arbor,FO honoring individuals, project. s thi R THIS PROJlocalkeartists, for rs sta holde ion (PMAC) mmiss ere are many to and business that haveThcontributed the arts, sciences, ory Co are rket Advis The Public Ma visory Commission (PAC) uncil and humanities throughout County.

Among y Co Parks Ad and theWashtenaw Mayor and Cit the ing vis t ad ghou tasked with ns throu the awards are the Philanthropic Excellence Medal to commendatio ing on project re the City Plann ov e role ofFoundation, e site the Harry A. & Margaret D. Towsley and Th s. pr es ap oc d pr an the to review ion (CPC) isto CommissAward the Excellence in Education the Wild Swan oject. nts for the pr plan docume Theater. The Arts Alliance is a nonprofit organization cil is to receive C, to of City Counsector role creative and PA that serves and promotes Thethe m PMACthroughout fro ns tio ments da commen truction docu by nssponsored n and co Washtenaw County. There pARTy! 2016 is pla e sit e ov appr

A Creative Celebration

Mélange Bistro, Real Estate One, Oxford Companies, and the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. Visit the website for a full list of winners. Wednesday, January 27.

6pm. $150/members, $175/nonmembers. Melange Bistro, 312 S Main St. 734-213-2733. a3arts.org — ZM

 Wolverine Grill closed Wolverine Grill, located at 228 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti, for the past 50 years, shuttered its doors late last year. A new Guatemalan restaurant is set to take over the space.

ecurrent.com / janurary 2016 5

current tested

Paint and Pour helps bring out the artist in everyone

Painting with a splash of fun Paint and Pour helps everyone embrace their inner artist

by Tami Sacketts

Combine one part socializing, one part good food and libations, one part entertainment and one part painting and you have a night out at Paint and Pour. A friend suggested the activity as a way to celebrate my sister’s birthday. I’m no Picasso (I can’t even make a proper stick figure) but my sister was totally geeked up for a night of painting, so I went along.

At first glance the Brighton studio looks like most art galleries, with paintings covering the walls and eclectic decor. Greeted warmly, we were provided with aprons, paint-splattered from previous customers. Seated on a stool with paint and brushes and a blank canvas in front of me, I considered slipping back out the door.

Our instructor, Zack, entered the room, putting me at ease. I quickly learned, there are just a few simple rules at Paint and Pour: 1. Keep your paint brushes moist at all times (to help the paint flow).

2. Never, and I mean never, drink the colored water.

3. Have fun!

After some encouragement, and a cocktail, I was pleasantly surprised with the result.

I was impressed with the paintings that were created by people tuned into this new night out, from birthday parties, to company sponsored get- togethers, to Bachelorette parties. Founders Dennis Bruce Spencer and Michael Patino combined some good old fashioned fun with innate creativity. I spoke with Patino about their business footprint.

Current: How long have the studios in Ann Arbor and Brighton been in business?

Patino: Paint and Pour began in Brighton in August of 2012 with a vision of bringing art to the masses through a mix of entertainment and instruction. Studio West’s gallery

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in downtown Brighton enabled us to bring Paint and Pour to life as a night life venue for the community. Word spread quickly, and classes have grown consistently.

In 2013, we opened our second location in downtown Ann Arbor, at Main and Liberty,in space below Elmo’s T-Shirts. In 2014, Paint and Pour began running events at bars and restaurants across Metro Detroit, which greatly expanded our reach.

How did you and Dennis come up with the idea of hosting paint and pour events in your studios?

Dennis worked for several years as an artist in a competitor’s business, but was unsatisfied with their corporate business model. We pooled our talents, added blood, sweat, and tears, and we are moving into our 4th year!

Are your instructors full time artists?

We developed Paint and Pour as a vehicle for artists to make a decent living as instructors, providing a way to earn a steady income with time to pursue their artistic visions. This is certainly not your typical 40 hour a week job, but our people love it!

We host regular gallery events, where our artists are invited to sell their personal work, promoting our artists as the incredibly gifted people that they are.

To schedule an event, call 734-720-9777 or visit thepaintandpour.com

spotted Current staffers and readers spotted these happenings around town Backseat Drummer You were in the back seat of your Honda Pilot in front of the Union with a full drum kit. You played along, uninspired, to a lonesome clarinet track. I’m not sure if you felt like a rockstar or just yearned for a slightly bigger crowd than you usually draw headlining your mom’s basement. The masses passed you by, slowing to stare in momentary wonder. Send us a review copy of your album when it’s finished.

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Interesting Place for an Argument I was walking down Plymouth on my way to grab a snack from the gas station when I heard loud noises coming from the car wash. I poked my head around the wall just long enough to see you the two of you nose-to-nose, both wearing maintenance shirts and screaming at one another. One of you was yelling in Spanish, the other in English. I guess a car wash was the most private place you could find, although I bet the Prius waiting in line didn’t appreciate your choice of location. Hopefully you two moved on, but I doubt it, because it sounded like a lot was lost in translation.

Quinoa Cop You sat in the dining section just inside the back door of Whole Foods, the word “SHERIFF” emblazoned across your flak jacket. You did a textbook job of profiling me as I entered the store, keeping a close eye on this obvious high-crime area, enough to disrupt your preoccupation with a quinoa salad. Staying vigilant, even on a lunch break, is a ringing example for other hard-working law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line, protecting Whole Foods.

Read more online via Facebook and Twitter!

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Scattered You and your buddies - all dressed like they were models in a European Frat Magazine were talking smack to a group of guys outside The Brown Jug. Just as you hurled a vicious insult, someone from the opposing party sent you careening into your friends who moved aside, letting you tumble into the street on to your rear end. Simultaneously, a police cruiser pulled up, lights flashing. I’ve never seen a group of people vanish that quickly. The cop couldn’t even get out of his car before you had disappeared into the next bar.

Mark it 8 Dude Your late night game at Revel & Roll had just ended, after a tequila-fueled, gutterball-happy performance. You proceeded to walk over to the strangers who were waiting for their friend to return from the restroom two lanes over and roll on their lane. The slightly below-average sized young professional on that lane got in your face. You apologized for the “honest mistake” and he backed down. You got that extra frame, even if it was on someone else’s lane, and still didn’t manage to break 70.

Send us your spotted suggestions on facebook or @ecurrent on twitter!

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The Green Team (from left to right): Roy Xu, Ben Wielechowski, Mitzi Koors, and Nick Bacon

A New Way to Interact with Nature

The new Robin Hills Farm looks aims to change the way the county looks at food

by Zach Marburger, photos by Brett Moyer

Just outside downtown Chelsea, tucked back into the trees off of M-52, lies Robin Hills Farm, the latest organization to pop up in Washtenaw County preaching a farm-to-table philosophy.

The idea behind the farm was generated in May 2013

by Roy Xu, co-founder of GreenBright Design and Build, an architectural firm based in Ann Arbor specializing in sustainability and smart technology. A six month search for a location led Xu and his partners to the property in Chelsea due to it’s unique and varied topography.

The impetus for the project, according to Xu, is based on his commitment to sustainability and his family background.

“I ask myself, beyond producing healthy food from organic agriculture and sustainable, energy saving construction, ‘why did I choose this project?’ Maybe because I have farmer’s blood,” said Xu. “My great grandfather owned farmland more than 70 years ago in China. However, when the Japanese army came to my hometown, my family lost the farmland. Maybe I can tell my grand father in a dream that I am chasing my American dream.

The entire operation — including a lake stocked with fish, pastures for grazing sheep, tilled fields, hiking trails, a fruit tree orchard, a mushroom forest, and three greenhouses — occupies 129 acres with future plans to add a market, an event venue, and possibly, an outdoor amphitheater.

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Robin Hills uses humane practices to raise their livestock.

An emphasis on education

An ambitious project, aligned in spirit with more established local organic farms, the biggest attraction, and what will differentiate Robin Hills, according to the farm’s Education Director Ben Wielechowski, is that the goal of the entire operation will be to inform the public.

“We’re more focused on the education side. Everything out here is intended to educate. I hope to install informational boards you see at nature centers,” said Wielechowski. “People can do self-guided tours explaining rotational planting and touting the benefits of a biochar soil amendment. Everything out here is to promote education and connect people to the process.”

Wielechowski, an instructor at Washtenaw Community College and a writer, was feeling detached from the outdoors when he was recruited as a volunteer to clear the fields that would become Robin Hills.

“This position came available, and I was working on the property. It was a mess, rocks and sticks and mud, but I wanted to reconnect to nature. The education director had just quit, and I thought, ‘I’m in education. Is this something I could do?’ And here we are today.”

Inside the main greenhouse, the Robin Hills team has assembled an aquaponic system, crossing conventional agriculture with hydroponic technology. Fish, raised in tanks simulating a river, create waste that feeds growing greenhouse plants. The plants then filter the water used to raise the fish. The system reduces water consumption by almost 90 percent over conventional farming.

Aubrie Hale of Robin Hills has the goods

“You can’t experience this on a cyber-tour,” said Wielechowski. “As soon as people get out here they realize the inherent value in nature. We are cooperating with the natural world, and we hope to promote that lifestyle and reverence for the entire local food movement.

People say, ‘that’s a farm, they grow food, but I can grow my own food’. That, I think, is very important for us to achieve our mission in sustainable agriculture and local foodsourcing.”

Work in progress

Construction on the project continues with a completion goal by the spring or summer of 2016. Robin Hills now hosts a series of classes, including information sessions for nearby colleges and organizations like the Girls Scouts.

“We had an adventure series that consisted of long-distance backpacking and cycle-touring. We had a cooking series that was farm-to-table using our vegetables and cooking in the garden,” said Wielechowski. “We had a series about innovative methods like seed-saving, a biggest pumpkin contest — everything fits into this vision, getting people out here to use their skills.”

Robin Hills impacts the local restaurant scene, sourcing food to Chelsea’s Common Grill and Jolly Pumpkin in Ann Arbor while working to place their fresh food in farmer’s markets across the county.

Event Venue

Community concerns have slowed the construction progress. The land abuts residential property, and Robin Hills’ desire to create a space to host weddings and events has piqued concerns about noise and traffic. Township approval of building permits for the planned larger event venue has been deliberate.

Xu acknowledged the concerns, but assures that his team is working with local homeowners to mitigate any issues.

“Our architects and contractors are working together with an audio engineer to plan the use of special building materials and tree buffers to block and reduce decibel levels,” said Xu. Despite the delay of the larger construction projects, the team at Robin Hills is focused on the main goal: educating people of all ages about local food and the outdoors.

“Everything we’re trying to do is to forge reconnection for a disconnected society,” said Wielechowski. “And the best way to do that is to provide the experience and to allow people to enjoy it.”

See all events and classes and get updates on projects by visiting the Robin Hills Farm website, robinhillsfarm.com

Organic farm specialist Austin Hale shows off his green thumb

The benefits of home-grown food

by Mitzi Koors, Vegetable Farm Manager at Robin Hills Farm Society has been domesticating plants for roughly 12,000 years. Although it’s possible, and generally easier, to purchase our food cleaned, processed and displayed in convenient-to-carry packaging, there will always be a part of us that craves a greater connection to the origins of our food.

Our bodies know the benefits, even in our modern, fast-paced lifestyles, filled with convenience .

Health - When we work the soil, we are continually exploring unknown worlds Recent studies have shown that exposure to friendly soil bacteria could boost the immune system and improve mood just as effectively as antidepressant drugs.

Gratitude - When we garden, we cultivate for the rain, nutrients in the soil, time, sweat, and labor, as well as for the farmers around the world who struggle with the same challenges. When we harvest a beautiful head of cabbage we see the whole process and taste the pure joy in it’s existence.

Taste - Home-grown food tastes better. It just does. Ask any kid who turns down a plate of veggies from the grocery but comes to the farm and finds his own personal buffet. Fresh picked, organically grown food has more nutrients and flavor because it is fresh. The varieties grown on the small farm can be as diverse as the community’s palate.

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feature

Dallas Green. Aka City and Colour

The Accidentials, straight from from Traverse City

Folk singer Rose Cousins will soothe eaudiences Saturday

The Folk at the Hill The 39th Ann Arbor Folk Festival Celebrates 50 Folkin’ Years.

By Nan Bauer

His website defines Ben Folds as “genre-defying.“ He’s most often referred to as a singer/songwriter/producer, his music described most often as rock, sometimes pop, almost always with the word “alternative” tacked on.

“When Ben Folds played the Ann Arbor Folk Festival in 2008, I had seen him perform once before, but was unfamiliar with his catalog,” says Jeff Reece, who since 2006 has served on the board of The Ark, the music club behind the Folk Festival. “To the shock of many in the audience—many who were probably less familiar with him than I was —he concluded his performance with a Dr. Dre cover, ‘Bitches Ain’t Shit.’ It starts with a beautiful piano solo and then morphs into something totally unexpected. I’ll never forget it.”

Anya Siglin remembers the moment well. Siglin serves as the Ark’s program director and in the same role for the Festival, the club’s biggest annual fundraiser. “I had no idea that was coming, and kind of held my breath. But people loved it.”

Another favorite moment? Pete Seeger, “pretty much the guy you think of when you think ‘folk,’ he always wanted a singalong,” recalls David Rossiter, a member of local roots band Hoodang and former Ark board member.

“Woody Guthrie’s granddaughter was in the audience, and she came up and sang with him, and all the musicians joined him. It was so moving.”

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Folk is for the people

How can one festival encompass such a diverse range of artists and musical experiences? “Everyone has their own notion of ‘folk’—what it is, what it’s not, who plays it, what it sounds like. Kumbaya, anyone?” wrote Anya Siglin and Marianne James, the Ark’s executive director, in the Festival’s welcome letter which continued, “For The Ark, ‘folk’ extends beyond a specific sound or genre; it’s a wide spectrum of music” encompassing “traditional, contemporary; amplified, acoustic; vintage, emerging; familiar, edgy.”

So while Festival organizers are justly proud of the folk legends who draw crowds to Hill Auditorium in the dead of winter—and who play its Main Street venue throughout the year—the club’s leadership is equally dedicated to continually “blow[ing] the lid off people’s little boxes of folk” and mixing it up with new and surprising artists.

“We’ve battled people’s perceptions of folk because the word is so rich in our world,” said James. The tagline for the 38th festival, “50 folkin’ years,” is a shout out to the Ark’s five decades and its continued dedication to expanding musical horizons.

“All music is folk music,” said Joshua Davis, one of this year’s featured artists. “Folk songs are love songs, historical songs, or personal songs telling a story.”

“Folk means ‘of the people’,” said Alan Doyle, who, with his band The Beautiful Gypsies, will precede Davis in the Festival’s Saturday night line-up. In an accent lilting from his Irish roots, the Newfoundland native explained “Trying to define folk is foolish, but we’ll proceed anyway.

It’s music that people would sing and play and know when they don’t do music for a living. It’s the song that Johnny sings, and doesn’t know how he knows it. It’s the song you never sat down to learn.”

Indie rockers Yo La Tengo help kick things off opening night

feature

How to Folk Fest

Jeff Reese, Secretary of The Ark, has attended every festival since 1996. Here are his top tips for enjoying the weekend.

1. Arrive on time. The opening acts are often outstanding.

2. Stay for the show’s entirety. It can be a long night,

but it’s worth it, and who wants to miss a memorable performance?

3. Attend both nights. It’s only one weekend a year, and the memories last a long time.

4. Buy a commemorative t-shirt or other merchandise, particularly music, of bands who surprise you.

Guitar legend Richard Thompson will bring a heavier to the festival

The lineup

Despite similar philosophy about what folk means, Davis and Doyle play and sing very different music.

Michigan native Davis, who did a stint on the TV competition, “The Voice,” is an American roots music historian with a musical heritage of blues, ragtime, and world music. Doyle, who’s previously appeared in Ann Arbor with his band Great Big Sea, will be accompanied by his new group on a rocking set spiked with healthy infusions of Celtic soul.

They’re preceding Ry Cooder, in a rare appearance playing with husband/wife bluegrass legends Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White. “I worship Ry Cooder,” said Davis, “I may not be able to speak when I meet him.” The final artist of the night, Joan Baez, will grace the Folk Festival stage for the first time. “She was scheduled to come a few years ago, and had to cancel,” said program director Siglin. “So we are thrilled to have her here at last.” Alan Doyle said he, “can’t wait to tell my parents I’m on a bill with Joan Baez. This will legit me for life.”

That’s just the lineup for Saturday, and only four of the seven acts. Executive director James emphasized that the festival is carefully curated. “It’s a full music experience over the two nights,” said James. “We work hard to make it a cohesive experience, and to offer people variety and really provide the full spectrum.” Planning the line-up begins almost as soon as the previous year’s festival ends, which Rossiter sees as a unique advantage. “Because you have to plan so far in advance, a lot of times you get artists who aren’t on tour, so you see them in a really different context. One time, Jeff Tweedy came without his band Wilco. It was him alone on stage with a bunch of guitars, not something you ever get to see.”

Each night begins with local talent; this year, the Ben Daniels Band will represent, helping to kick things off on Friday night. “This is a huge deal,” says Daniels. “We’ve played the Ark several times, and to have that short 20minute set at the beginning of the festival is amazing.”

5. Get up and spend time in the lobby stretching your legs, especially during an act that doesn’t particularly appeal to you.

6. Share the experience with those that you love. There is

no greater gift than live music!

He’s stoked to see City and Colour, the Canadian act led by Dallas Green that headlines on Friday following musical legend Richard Thompson and indie rockers Yo La Tengo.

Don’t skip the start

Those tempted to skip the early acts and show up only for the big names are making a big mistake, according to festival-goer Richard van House, who encourages attendees to get the most from their tickets and show up before 6:30, the official start time. “It’s very long—four and a half hours each night—but some of the surprising ‘new’ entertainers play in the early sets so you don’t want to miss them.” Another fan, Binger S. Winchell, agreed.

“It’s a real treat for me to learn about a new performer and the great news is that many of the acts will be booked to perform at The Ark later in the year.”

“There’s a secret ingredient in this region,” said Marianne James. “People really understand this music and love it and get it. Without that audience that loves and responds and supports the music, it can’t happen. The Ark is bigger than anybody who’s been involved with it. It’s a place people love, both the artists and the audiences.”

As the Ark’s biggest party of the year, the Ann Arbor Folk Festival is the perfect way to craft your own definition of this incredibly diverse genre.

“You’re in a warm place with perfect acoustics, and even though there are more than 3,000 people there, Hill Auditorium has this amazing feeling of intimacy, like you’re in someone’s living room,” said Rossiter. “In the deep dark winter, this blizzard of music is gonna lift your soul.”

SEE THE ENTIRE LINEUP on pg. 12

ecurrent.com / janurary 2016 11

The Line-up Friday, January 29 City and Colour Richard Thompson Yo La Tengo The Oh Hellos Nora Struthers & The Party Line Penny & Sparrow The Ben Daniels Band David Mayfield, MC

Saturday, January 30 Joan Baez Cooder – White – Skaggs Joshua Davis Alan Doyle & The Beautiful Gypsies Darlingside Rose Cousins The Accidentals John MacCutcheon, MC

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The Oh Hellos

Joshua Davis

Cooder – White – Skaggs

Jason and Tori Tomalia are serving up craft brews with a side of funny

food

Not a pointless venture after all Crafting beer and improv comedy at the same time

by Sandor Slomovits

Pointless will be open Thursdays through The opening of Pointless Sundays with shows on Fridays at 8pm and Brewery and Theatre from couple Pointless Brewery Saturdays at 8pm and 10:30pm. “We’ll have Jason and Tori Tomalia will & Theatre our League of Pointless Improvisers, our offer an unusual combination— 3014 Packard, resident company,” said Tori. “And they’ll improv comedy and craft beers Ann Arbor, MI 48108 perform in every one of the shows, but there brewed on the premises. Improv www.pointlessbrew.com also will be slots for guest artists, groups comedy and beer are usually from the area coming in. We’ll have three associated with fun and lighteach night, the League and two guests.” hearted times, but Pointless grew out of a pretty dark period Not just for adults in the Tomalias’ lives.

Pointless will also offer something to people too young Laughter is the best medicine to enjoy their beers. Tori, who has a Master’s Degree in In May of 2013, after getting mysteriously sicker and Applied Drama and Theater for Youth, will be in charge sicker, Tori received a diagnosis of stage IV lung cancer— of their children’s series. “There will be groups from the grim news for anyone, but perhaps especially so for parents area coming to perform, as well as what we’re calling ‘The of three children under the age of five. The chemo treatments Playground,’ which will be arts workshops and games that were brutal and, as they recount, at one point Tori said to kids can come and play.” Jason and Tori plan to eventually Jason, “What if I go through all this, and it still just ends up also add Sunday afternoon concerts, an open mic, sketch awful? Everything just feels so pointless.” Jason responded, comedy, and classes for adult age improvisers looking to “Okay, maybe everything we do is pointless. So let’s do this. learn the craft.

Let’s open a pointless brewery and theatre, and make our pointless dreams come true.” The young couple, who have Craft brews Of course, they will be offering their unique craft beers. “I many years of theater and beer brewing experience between them, had long been planning to open a place like this at really fell in love with the whole process [of brewing],” said Jason. “And wanted to learn more and more— just brew some point in their lives; clearly the time was now. everything I could.” And eventually they saw the connection Long form improv between brewing beer and improv comedy. “Philosophically “We’ll definitely be a theater that brews beer, rather than they’re kind of similar,” says Tori. “What if you tried some a brewery that has a stage,” said Jason. “We want to be a of this? And you never know,” said Jason. “They both come home for long form improv. Short form improv is game from this realm of a basic form or structure or recipe, but it’s based, ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ kind of improv. Long all about what you bring to the table, whether it’s an improv form improv is scene based; you get a suggestion and then group or a brewer; it’s what can we do with these basic you create the world and anything can happen within the ingredients to make it something different.” scene, and you connect scenes together to form a show.”

Today, Tori’s treatments are holding the cancer at bay.

Tori added, “We’re sort of upending the theater “I get nervous saying that,” said Tori. “But it’s going super experience, you can grab a snack, grab a drink, have a seat well.” Her energy level is nearly back to where she was and watch at the same time.” That’s not uncommon in the before her illness hit, and the couple is excited to introduce improv theater realm. It’s looser than having to just sit while Pointless to the area. “Community is a big part of it for the action happens in front of you. us,” adds Tori, “We want to make it really welcoming for everyone, a creative space in which to feel welcomed.” ecurrent.com / january 2016 13

bar

The Ann Arbor Distilling Company takes their spirits seriously

Ann Arbor Distilling Company Ari Sussman of Ann Arbor Distilling Company worked his way up from janitor to master craft distiller

by M.F. DiBella

The Ann Arbor Distilling Company is a joint venture that opened late December between Rob Cleveland (CEO of ICON Interactive and co-owner of The Grange) and Ari Sussman, a master local bartender/hospitalistturned distiller. Ari took time out of his busy schedule to discuss his vision for the AADC and the dynamics of the burgeoning craft distillery business in Michigan with your gentle narrator.

will also draw from throughout the Great Lakes state).

Not a novel concept, especially in Ann Arbor, but when asked how a Michigan distillery’s product could compare to venerable Kentucky spirits such as Buffalo Trace (Pappy Van Winkel) or Bulleit, Sussman replied: “One of the great things about making spirits in Michigan is you’re surrounded by vast agriculture. Whether it’s corn, wheat or fruit, Michigan is a distiller’s paradise. You don’t have to go far to get the best ingredients.”

The Still

What qualifies a veteran bartender with seemingly little or no chemistry experience (outside of home brewing) to be in charge of Ann Arbor’s first distillery since Leopold Bros.’ short run from 1999-2008? His bartending resume includes the Zanzibar, eve, and Ravens Club. An avid interest in spirits led him to France where he apprenticed at wineries and brandy distillers in the Languedoc region.

But when he found out about Michigan State University’s pioneering Artisan Distilling Program (founded circa 2000,

by Professor Kris A. Berglund), he was so gung-ho about furthering his craft, he reached out to Dr. Berglund and offered to “mop the floors if he helped to teach (him) how spirits were made.” Dr. Berglund gave him the custodian gig and over the course of three-plus years he worked his way up to distiller.

Entering the building at 220 Felch, you’ll find a smallish room with a medium-sized still. This was the original plan for the AADC - one still with an adjacent tasting room.

Ari guided me through the cozy, rustic space into the nerve center of the operation: an expansive warehouse floor with a massive still flanked by kegs and other tools of the distiller’s trade. The focus products will be vodka, gin, whiskey (rye, bourbon, single malts) and experimental spirits.

As we sat down to talk, Ari poured some vodka into an ornate glass fresh from the still. I asked him what the proof was: “When it came off the still, about 190, so it comes off the still around 95 or 96 percent.” There was a complexity to it, but also an earthy smoothness I had yet to experience in my years of imbibing.

A Great Lakes Product

Ari was quick to point out his insistence on local sourcing (Southeast Michigan primarily but the AADC

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“At MSU, along with chemical engineering and food science students, I was involved in developing spirits for many companies,” said Sussman.

food

A Mecca for Distilleries

Craft distilleries are popping up all over Michigan.

Our fair state currently ranks third nationally with approximately 40 distilleries represented. Micro-distilling promises to be the next big wave in the potable world.

Sussman credits Berglund for the movement; “In 2008, Dr. Berglund lobbied the state legislature very hard to create a small distiller’s license in Michigan, which changed the rules that basically had been around since Prohibition and allowed for this industry to thrive.”

Light snacks will be offered in the tasting room, but no real food menu has been established. The hope is to have a layout for food trucks similar to Mark’s Carts near Bill’s Beer Garden. When asked if they’d look to use the space for live music, Sussman said, “We hope that this space becomes an asset to the community, so we’ll be looking to use it for events.”

Michigan’s small distiller’s license currently allows spirits to be sold out of tasting rooms. “We envision

Master distiller Ari Sussman and bartender Bill Atte are serving up something big

distribution across Michigan some time in 2016, for now the focus is going to be the tasting room,” said Sussman.

Price points are expected to be 35 dollars for vodka and gin with the whiskeys being a little more expensive.

The AADC is sure to add a refined-but-fun new dimension to Ann Arbor’s carousing culture; the perfect treat for the discerning palate.

Open Monday-Saturday, 5-10pm.

Ann Arbor Distilling Company, 220 Felch St. , annarbordistilling.com

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food and sample delicious fresh gelato. After the tour, make time for tasting a selection of American cheeses and provisions, as well as house made gelatos and sorbets.

7 thursday

Down home cookin’

Need some real down home southern food to warm your belly this winter? Gumbo from Satchel’s BBQ is just what the doctor ordered. Owner Hugh Morgan, an Alabama-native who’s on a mission to bring down-south comfort food to Washtenaw County, offers pulled pork, chicken, and brisket (the fan favorite), all smoked over hickory on site. In addition to homemade, family-style dishes, Satchel’s does a brisk catering business, with food that travels well and is perfect for gatherings and parties. During the winter months, make sure not to miss the traditional southern gumbo and their version of a Brunswick Stew, made with pork, chicken, okra, and corn in a hearty broth. In a hurry? Try the quick carry-out menu in addition to the full, sit down experience.

Opened on Valentine’s Day 2011, Satchel’s is planning a five-year anniversary bash. —ZM 11am-9pm. Satchel’s BBQ, 3035 Washtenaw Ave. 734-971-5100. satchelsbbq.com

2 saturday Quitting Time Cask

4pm. Arbor Brewing Company Brewpub, 114 E. Washington St. 734-213-1393. arborbrewing.com

Each Friday Arbor Brewing Company will release a cask conditioned pin - a super limited 4.5 gallon cask – at the bar to kick off whatever you have in store for the weekend.

Wine Wednesdays

5pm. $15. Vinology, 110 S. Main St. 734-222-9841. vinologya2.com

A walk-around wine-tasting event hosted by the experts at Vinology. Every Wednesday.

2 sunday 1st Sunday Tour

2pm. $10. Zingerman’s Creamery, 3723 Plaza Dr. 734-929-0500. events.zingermanscommunity.com

Join cheese and gelato makers for an hour-long adventure and transform local milk into delicious cheese and gelato.

You’ll watch fresh mozzarella be stretched into shape, taste cow’s and goat’s milk cheeses,

Ongoing

Ann Arbor Restaurant Week Going on from January 17-22, participating restaurants will offer $15 lunch specials and $28 fixed price three-course dinner menus. Check out a number of Ann Arbor restaurants and find your new favorite. A full list of participating websites can be found at annarborrestaurantweek.com

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Cocktail Class: Gin-uary, Take Two

7pm. $65. Cornman Farms, 8540 Island Lake Rd., Dexter. 734-619-8100. zingermanscornmanfarms.com

We’ll explore the history of gin as it spread from Holland to Britain to America by mixing three distinct cocktails.

9 saturday Light Winter Favorites with Health Magazine

10am. $69. Sur La Table, 3050 Washtenaw Ave. 734-531-0300. surlatable.com

In this special class, Sur La Table is partnering with Health Magazine—bringing to life deliciously healthy recipes from their Great Food section.

11 monday Winter Warmers

7:30pm. $45. The Last Word, 301 W. Huron St. 734-276-3215. tammystastings.com

An ice cold cocktail is just the ticket on a summer day, but the dead of winter calls for something warmer! In this class you’ll learn all about different styles of hot cocktails, from classic toddies to spiked hot chocolate and apple cider.

And yes, there WILL be fire!

12 tuesday The Sweet Truth About Your Sweet Tooth

7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Pittsfield Branch, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

Discover the really good news about fruit, and why it is our real superfood. Find out why your sweet tooth is actually a very good thing to have, and how you can best indulge it healthfully and say goodbye to unhealthy cravings. This event is presented by Ellen Livingston, a certified yoga teacher, who has benefited from a raw

vegan diet since 2002. This event is co-sponsored by the People’s Food Co-Op.

14 thursday Gluten-Free Pies

5:30pm. $125. Zingerman’s Bakehouse, 3723 Plaza Dr. 734-761-7255. bakewithzing.com

Gluten free crusts that taste good! You’ll make a thin crust pizza, savory pocket pies (potato & caramelized onion filling), and a double crusted apple pie all using gluten free doughs you’ll make from scratch. Add these sweet and savory treats to your recipe box. You’ll leave the knowledge to recreate them at home, one pizza, one pie, four pocket pies and great coupons.

16 saturday Learn to Cut Like a Pro

1pm. $59. Sur La Table, 3050 Washtenaw Ave. 734-531-0300. surlatable.com

In this hands-on class, you’ll hone basic knife skills and practice the fundamental cuts for vegetables–mince, dice, brunoise, bâtonnet and julienne.

21 thursday Cocktail Class: Tiki Time

7pm. $70. Cornman Farms, 8540 Island Lake Rd., Dexter. 734-619-8100. zingermanscornmanfarms.com

Winter is waning, but spring has not quite yet sprung. Escape the dreary end of winter by embracing the warm, tropical roots of Tiki culture.

23 saturday Danish: The Breakfast of Vikings

8am. $125. Zingerman’s Bakehouse, 3723 Plaza Dr. 734-761-7255. bakewithzing.com

You will learn the techniques for laminating rich dough with butter, make your own dough in class, and create hand-shaped danish (almondfilled bear claws, pinwheels, and pockets filled with cream cheese or fruit). Attendees may want to bring a cooler to store their dough in if they’re traveling a long distance to attend the class.

Hyperion Coffee

food

Local coffee roasters Eric Mullins and Dan Kubera, founders of Hyperion Coffee, have teamed up with Ghostly International - a self-described art gallery, design house, clothing designer, and record label hatched in 1999 in a UM dorm room — to produce a coffee specifically for the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. The result is a blend titled “Washtenaw,” that consists of 40 percent Uganda Bukonzo and 60 perfect Ethiopia Yirgacheffe. The Ethiopian beans, a lighter bodied coffee with a fruity, floral taste, pair with the mellow Ugandan beans to round out the roast. Purchase the blend at ghostly.com and at various restaurants and shops around Washtenaw County. ­—ZM For more information and a full list of locations see ecurrent.com.

24 sunday Soul Food Sundays

5pm. Trotter William Monroe House, 1443 Washtenaw Ave. 734-763-3670. trotter.umich.edu Free

Soul Food Sunday is an event dedicated to honoring the history and traditions of soul food, dating back centuries within the African diaspora. Through bread breaking, music, dance, and conversation let us all shine a light on the humble and welcoming love among the Black community.

28 thursday Blue Cheese Dreams

6pm. $30. Zingerman’s Creamery, 3723 Plaza Dr. 734-929-0500. events.zingermanscommunity.com

We’ll taste our way through the classic styles of blue from around the globe as well as from here in the States, accompanied with our favorite serving suggestions. Come prepared to learn all about these fascinating cheeses and the folks who make them.

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The holidays may be over, but hopefully you left a little room for a slice of something delectable. Janice Leach, a local English teacher and writer, has launched a creative and delicious side-business.

Why Not Pie? is a virtual bakery where Leach creates homemade pies each week for pickup or delivery, taking; “Some things I feel more confident making - I tend to avoid cream pies in the summer, but I’ll try anything,” said Leach. “I love to get a new recipe from customers and try it out.” Ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible, including fresh Michigan apples for her special caramel apple pie. Keep an eye out for her red raspberry pie to start the year through Valentine’s Day. ­—ZM Sign up for her newsletter and get updates on the pie of the week by e-mailing janice@whynotpie.com or visiting whynotpie.com.

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music

Detroit-based Flint Eastwood dropped their most mature elbum to date

Musical year in review It might have been the best year ever

for the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti music scene. In case you missed something, here’s the scoop on everything that went down in 2015.

by Jeff Milo

Too often, when it comes to music, we wear blinders, pointed forward, ever eager for what’s next.

It’s a troubling what-have-you-done-for-me-lately trend we unconsciously embrace. Here we are, at the start of a new year, revving up for a weekend’s worth of album release parties or sneaking streams of the newest singles from local bands. I know the carousel’s about to swing us around through another twelve months. But before we hop on the ride, let’s take this page to look back at some of 2015’s local music highlights — from local artists making waves to the best concerts and festivals Washtenaw County had to offer.

Mittenfest

Matt Jones collaborated with over 150 musicians throughout the year

Fred Thomas released a new album, All Are Saved

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Detroit based psychedelic-trap-pop trio Jamaican Queens headlined one of the Mittenfest nights and then went on to release an EP and a full length called Downers.

In fact, a slew of Detroit artists were able to break into the Ann Arbor market with last year’s Mittenfest, including names like Tunde Olaniran and Flint Eastwood (who each released a pair of game-changing records, respectively titled Transgressor and Small Victories), along with Casual Sweetheart and Double Winter (both featuring integral members of the Seraphine Collective, a community-bolstering/feminist-inspired music collective that also includes locals like Rebel Kind). Ypsi-duo Junglefowl had one of their first shows in early January at the Crossroads and went on to release their potent debut EP, Strut.

Ann Arbor District Library

Singer/songwriter Timothy Monger played an intimate show inside the Ann Arbor District Library almost a year ago. Monger spent the summer of 2015 working on what will be his third solo LP, coming later this year. The Ann Arbor District Library synced up with the music scene in other ways, too, with Electronic Music Production Workshops as well as assisting songwriter/producer Dave Menzo with an album produced exclusively using equipment he checked-out with his library card.

Matt Jones took his epic River Street Anthology into high gear in 2015, welcoming up to 150 musicians into his basement (or meeting them at their own spaces) to record a live performance of a song for posterity. Jones (who fronts The Reconstruction) has hopes of getting the dang thing into the Library of Congress, but let’s just hope the anticipated compilation comes out, somehow, in some way, before summer! Michigan-based Fred Thomas released one of his most mesmerizing and emotional albums of his career, the critically acclaimed All Are Saved.

Ypsilanti duo Junglefowl released their debut EP, Strut.

music

First Fridays

First Fridays continued to bring some artful radiance to downtown Ypsilanti during each month’s opening weekend. We saw a lot of venues, restaurants, bookstores, coffee shops, and other “unconventional spaces” welcoming bands in for more makeshift performances.

This alt-venue-stimulation/utilization was particularly on display during 2015’s YpsiArboroo (curated by local songwriter Chris Anderson).

Festivals

Ypsi and Ann Arbor bands like Child Sleep made more inroads into the Detroit market with spots on the lineup for the revered (and somewhat rogue-ish) Hamtramck Music Festival. Soul singer Alexander Lynch had his debut release. The Ann Arbor Summer Festival provided us with a staggering variety of performers, both local and touring, outdoors in the heart of downtown. The Water Hill Music Festival, though smaller in scale, had some equally enlivening performances from local artists, including Current favorites like Wych Elm. FuzzFest, meanwhile, was pretty massive this year, with a balance of Detroit, Ypsi, and Ann Arbor bands, including Buffalo Coven Party, Wolf Eyes, Blue Snaggletooth and several more distortion/FX-heavy rock ‘n’ roll bands.

Rebel Kind, out of Ann Arbor, helped make Mittenfest X a hit

The Landmarks performed as The White Stripes during another scene-splicing event called “Detroit X Detroit,” and just released an album in mid-November. Speaking of fresher music news, Vulfpeck was featured on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert around Thanksgiving. And, while I mentioned Tim Monger currently finishing up something, you should also keep your ears open for The Electric Six, who should have a new album ready in the near future.

Visitors from out of town

Busy year! We had visits from Gilberto Gil, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Nikki Lane, Bill Frisell, The Dodos, Bela Fleck and Abigail Washburn! Also, the UM School of Music hosted M-Prize, a $100,000 prize music competition to highlight the highest caliber of chamber music ensembles in the world. The Ark hosted some refreshing performances with “Take A Chance Tuesdays,” allowing concertgoers free attendance for more up-andcoming artists.

I almost forgot that PING PoNG and Walk Your Bike put out new albums. Frontier Ruckus is looking toward a springtime release of an album they finished last September down in Nashville. MusicMATTERS welcomed Common and Chris Dupont put out his best record yet, called Outliers.

And, on a very heartening and inspiring closing note, a bevy of local musicians came together last August for Misty Lyn Bergeron, a locally beloved singer/songwriter who was in a major car accident last year. While she recovered, several singers stepped up and performed cover versions of her songs at a special gathering as a sign of how much her music, her lyrics and her overall radiant personality means to this community.

Ping Pong put out an new album and rocked Ann Arbor

It was a fantastic year for music; I’m sure I left out events and releases. Just keep your own ears open because so much is happening around this music scene. All I am saying is ‘don’t fixate so much on the future’. It’s worthwhile to take a breath and re-spin an album from that stellar band. Play it again. ecurrent.com / january 2016 21

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Brooklyn beats by way of Ann Arbor

The solo project of Jeremy Malvin, a Brooklyn-based artist from Pittsburgh, Chrome Sparks combines Malvin’s background with classic percussion compositions and an ongoing interest in synthesizers.

Masterminded by Malvin during the recording process, on stage Sparks turns into a three-piece band that brings thought-provoking and experimental electronic music straight to the audience. His latest release, Parallelism, came out in November on the Future Classic label. Must be 18 or older. —ZM

9pm Saturday, January 16. $14. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. 734-996-8555. blindpigmusic.com

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Live Music: The Wes Fritzemeier Jazz Experience

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6-8pm. Chelsea Ale House, 420 N. Main St., Suite 100, Chelsea. 734-475-2337. chelseaalehouse.com Free

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

Traditional Irish Session

7:30pm. Conor O’Neill’s, 318 S. Main St. 734-665-2968. conoroneills.com Free

Enjoy traditional Irish Music performed while attendees eat and drink Irish fare. Every Sunday.

1 friday Mittenfest X

8:30pm. $10. Bona Sera Cafe, 200 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti.

734-340-6335. mittenfest.org

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826michigan sponsors this five-day festival of local Michigan-bred music. Proceeds will specifically benefit 826michigan programs for school-aged students in Ypsilanti, which include daily tutoring at Beezy’s Cafe, workshops at the Ypsilanti District Libraries, and residencies in Ypsilanti Community Schools classrooms. Runs through January 2.

2 saturday The Yellow Room Gang

7:30pm. $20. The Ark, 316 S. Main St. 734-761-1800. theark.org

The Yellow Room Gang is an octet of Michigan songwriters.

They come to The Ark with a new album, Decade, celebrating their first ten years of existence.

3 sunday Perrin Grace’s AMP Trio 7pm. $5-$25. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Following the release of their second album, my)our world, the AMP Trio returns to KCH for another fantastic evening of jazz. Community High School graduate Perrin Grace returns home with friends Addison Frei and Matt Young, both members of the world-renowned University of North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band. AMP Trio will perform original compositions as well as exciting and interesting takes on the jazz idiom.

6 wednesday The Ark’s Open Stage

7:30pm. $2-$3. The Ark, 316 S. Main St. 734-761-1800. theark.org

Take your music to the masses!

Names drawn at 7:45 and 8:30 for two-song sets. Tremendous local performers like Dick Siegel played Open Stage, and national talents like Mary Chapin Carpenter also paid their dues here. Great audience members also needed.

Taking Center Stage

7 thursday Aguankó

7:30pm. $15. The Ark, 316 S. Main St. 734-761-1800. theark.org

This Michigan Latin jazz is evocative and sensuous, and true to its Cuban roots. Conguero and composer Alberto Nacif has brought together a group of superlative musicians to perform his original music.

Monthly Euchre Night

7pm. $10. Bona Sera, 200 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti. 734-265-0740. olconline.org

Cash prizes are awarded. There is no partner required to play.

All levels of Euchre ability are represented. In fact, there is a cash prize for the lowest-scoring person! Food and beverages are available for purchase.

Your participation will help to support your local, non-profit, LGBTA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and straight Allies) choral group – Out Loud Chorus.

8 friday Eastern Winds

7:30pm. Alexander Music Building, Ypsilanti. 734-487-2258. emich.edu Free

Eastern Winds, a group of EMU Music & Dance’s wind faculty, will be coming together once again to give their performance in Alexander Hall.

9 saturday Trick Trick

9:30pm. $10. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. 734-996-8555. blindpigmusic.com

Goon Squad member and Detroit-born MC Trick Trick will perform with his backing band.

18 and older.

12 tuesday Shaun Garth Walker

7pm. Conor O’Neill’s, 318 S. Main St. 734-665-2968. conoroneills.com Free

This is a very talented musician that play a wide variety of music from Johnny Cash to U2. Come to the pub for food and drinks and enjoy.

14 thursday Jonathan Hulting-Cohen and Jennifer Ellis 8pm. $5-$25. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave. 734-7692999. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

15 friday It’s Our 70’s Show

8pm. $12-$15. Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. 734-265-0740. olconline.org

Out Loud Chorus, Washtenaw County’s Original LGBT Community Chorus, is celebrating the decade of the 70’s! You’ll hear the music of Cat Stevens, the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Carole King, Barry Manilow, Kiki Dee, Barbra, Elton John and Stevie Wonder. Free for children under 4 and unemployed people. Runs through Saturday.

16 saturday Collage Concert

8pm. $12-$28. Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave. 734-764-0583. music. umich.edu

The much-anticipated, annual Collage Concert never fails to amaze, with its captivatingly distinctive format featuring the incredible range of SMTD ensembles and programs performing one riveting work after another without pause. It’s a non-stop and exhilarating evening of virtuoso performances.

music

Lisa Fischer steps into the spotlight

Ever wonder who those men and women are onstage singing alongside the headliner and how they got there? Meet Ms. Lisa Fischer, who has spent over 30 years performing for screaming fans as a backup singer for acts like Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross, Tina Turner, Beyonce, Lou Reed, and The Rolling Stones, and who once netted the 1992 Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance under her former stage name, Xena. A star turn in the 2015 Grammy-winning documentary 20 Feet From Stardom has prompted a renewed interest in her career, and now, after a lifetime of helping other performers achieve their potential, Fischer is no longer ceding the spotlight. Guadeloupean-influenced dubstep group Grand Baton opens.

Pr esented by the University Musical Society. —ZM

7:30pm Wednesday, January 27. $15-$37.

Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8397. tickets.ums.org

17 sunday Jazz Masters Series

2pm. $5-$30. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Percussionist extraordinaire Randy Gelispie returns to the KCH stage as the all-star guest of this favorite area trio.

Destined to play drums from the early age of 4, Gillespie is still going strong in his late 70s, showing off his slick skill on the drum kit.

18 monday JCC Chamber Concert

1:30pm. $10. JCC of Greater Ann Arbor, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr. 734-994-4801. a2so.com

This chamber concert features a Piano Quintet with Aaron Berofsky, Kathryn Votapek, Caroline Coade, Arie Lipsky & Christopher Harding. Wind, string and brass soloists and ensembles combine programs to include freshly minted pieces along with time-honored classics.

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RECORDS &USED CDS

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cont. on page 24

The Admiral Launch Duo explores new sounds for harp and saxophone through improvisation and direct collaboration with composers.

ecurrent.com / january 2016 23

Voted Best Yoga Studio

music

734-216-4006 2030 Commerce Blvd., Ann Arbor, 48103 a2yoga.net

WE all make New Years Resolutions!

ENJOY your resolution at A2 YOGA! MONDAY

CLASSES

TEACHER

9:15 – 10:30 AM

Vinyasa II

Sandra

9:30 – 10:30 AM

NIA

Megan

10:45 – 12:00 PM

Vinyasa I

Marty

6:00 – 7:00 PM

Yoga-MAN

Carter

6:00 - 7:15 PM

Heart-Centered Hatha Yoga

Ouafaz

7:15 – 8:15 PM

Restorative Yoga

Natasha

7:30 - 8:45 PM

Vinyasa II

A2 Yoga

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TEACHER

9:15 - 10:30 AM

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9:30 - 10:30 AM

Hatha I & II

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10:45 - 11:45 AM

Gentle Yoga & Meditation starts

A2 Yoga

6:00 - 7:00 PM

Yoga Foundations / Beginning Yoga

Ouafa

6:15 - 7:15 PM

NIA

Megan S.

7:15 - 8:30 PM

Vinyasa I

Wendy

7:30 - 8:30 PM

YIN Yoga

Jeanne

WEDNESDAY

CLASSES

TEACHER

8:30 – 9:45 AM

Breath-Centered Vinyasa Yoga

Natasha

9:15 - 10:30 AM

Heart-Centered Hatha Yoga

Carter

11:15AM - 12:15PM

FREE Community Yoga: Onã Flow Vinyasa (DW) *

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5:45 – 7:00 PM

Vinyasa: Movement Flow**

Natasha

6:00 - 7:15 PM

Ashtanga Fundamentals: Primary Series I

Wendy

7:15 - 8:15 PM

Hatha I

Carrie

7:30 - 8:45 PM

Vinyasa I & II

Carter

TUESDAY

THURSDAY

CLASSES

TEACHER

9:00 - 10:15 AM

Gentle Yoga & Meditation

Jeanne

9:15-10:30 AM

Onã Flow Vinyasa I & II

Ana

10:30 - 11:45 AM

Vinyasa I & II

Samantha

5:45 – 6:45 PM

Yoga Foundations / Beginning Yoga

Ouafa

7:00 - 8:15 PM

Pre-Natal Yoga: Mommy Time

Lisa

7:15 - 8:30 PM

Vinyasa I

Jo

CLASSES

TEACHER

9:00 - 10:00 AM

Beginning Yoga

Ouafa

9:15 - 10:30 AM

Vinyasa I & II

Wendy

10:15 - 11:30 AM

Vinyasa I

Sammy

10:45 - 11:45 AM

FREE Community NIA: NIA Easy Flow

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4:30 – 5:30 PM

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CLASSES

TEACHER

9:15 - 10:30 AM

Vinyasa I

Rachel P.

9:30 - 10:45 PM

Onã Flow Vinyasa I, II, & III**

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FRIDAY

SATURDAY

11:00 - 12:00 PM

NIA**

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SUNDAY

CLASSES

TEACHER

9:00 - 10:30 AM

Heart-Centered Hatha Yoga

Heather

9:15 - 10:15 AM

Yoga Foundations / Beginning Yoga

Carrie

10:30 - 11:30 AM

NIA

Megan S.

10:45 - 12:00 PM

Pre-Natal Yoga: Mommy Time

Heather

5:00 - 6:30 PM

Vinyasa II & III** (Advanced students)

Ana

NEW students $20/7 Days Unlimited Trial Pass

(Washtenaw County residents, starts 1st class visit & must fill-out W² Form)

24

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2016 / ecurrent.com

Redefining the guitar

The Ark welcomes Kaki King

Using her skills to wow even the biggest rock stars is an everyday occurrence for musician and composer Kaki King. Dubbed “a genre unto herself” by Rolling Stone, King has contributed to television and movie soundtracks and performed with artists as diverse as the Foo Fighters and Timbaland. Introduced to the guitar at the age of four, King has spent the past ten years touring the world, gathering a devoted following thanks to her mastery of the steel string and classic six-string guitars.

In support of her latest album, The Neck is a Bridge to the Body (2015), King is collaborating with visual experience company Glowing Pictures to create a live show that uses the guitar as a projection screen.—ZM

8pm Monday, January 18. $20. The Ark, 316 S. Main St. 734-761-1451. theark.org

cont. from page 23 MLK Day Concert: Biakuye Percussion Group 2pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-8301. aadl.org Free

The acclaimed percussion group Biakuye returns to AADL for this concert event on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In Akan languages of West Africa, biakuye means unity. Biakuye’s energetic performances bring together a wide range of African and Caribbean music and dance.

Biakuye’s captivating sound is both deeply grounded and cutting-edge.

19 tuesday Strings Showcase

3pm. Earl V. Moore Building, 1100 Baits Dr. 734-764-0583. music.umich.edu Free

A monthly performance series featuring the finest among SMTD string students. Join concert-goers to celebrate the talent and hard work of our fantastic young artists.

Peter Madcat Ruth

7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-8301. aadl.org Free

Grammy Award-Winning Musician Peter Madcat Ruth is a champion of the long-standing tradition of the one man band.

Madcat sings and plays harmonica, guitar, high-hat, ukulele, jaw harp, and penny-whistle and pretty near anything else he can get his hands on.

20 wednesday Dan Bern

7:30pm. $15. The Ark, 316 S. Main St. 734-761-1800. theark.org

Iowa-born, Santa Monica-based singer-songwriter Dan Bern is a modern-day Lenny Bruce: topical, intelligent, and totally unpredictable.

23 saturday Ragtime Extravaganza

8pm. $15-$65. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8397. michtheater.org

Fast-paced and extremely fun, The River Raisin Ragtime Revue 5th Annual Ragtime Extravaganza brings together an exciting lineup of over twenty local, national, and international performing artists. Live ragtime and jazz music is paired with exciting tap, burlesque, and chorus dance routines; vaudeville comedy; magic and circus acts.

cont. on page 26

ecurrent.com / january 2016 25

music cont. from page 24

27 wednesday Rise Again Community Sing-along

7-8:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net Free

Join song leader Jeanne Mackey for a community sing-along from the Rise Again songbook a newly released version of Rise Up Singing, compiled by Ann Arborite Peter Blood and Annie Patterson, with over 1200 song lyrics - from Beatles to ballads, and Dylan to Broadway. The songbook will be available for purchase.

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january

Kathleen Kelly & Friends

8pm. Walgreen Dramatic Center, 1226 Murfin Ave. 734-764-0583. music. umich.edu Free

Music from Mozart to Bernstein. Schemes ranging from love potions to murder, U-M’s voice faculty joins our opera coach/conductor Kathleen Kelly in a truly operatic evening of promises, threats, reconciliations, strategies - all the crazy things we do in the name of love.

28 thursday Amateur Eyes w/ Air is Arche and shAAka

9:30pm. $8/under 21, $5/general admission. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. 734-996-8555. blindpigmusic.com

Amateur Eyes is an post punk indie rock group from saline,

2016 / ecurrent.com

michigan, fronted by John Pederson. During his time at UM, Pederson’s love for music made it difficult for him to care about school, and he decided to take an “indefinite hiatus” from academia and do justice to the songs that had been tearing at his soul from the inside so long.

29 friday Protomartyr w/ Rebel Kind 9:30pm. $12-$14. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. 734-996-8555. blindpigmusic.com

Protomartyr is a post-punk band from Detroit, featuring Joe Casey on vocals, Greg Ahee on guitar, Alex Leonard on drums and Scott Davidson on bass guitar. They’re performing in support of their third album, The Agent Intellect.

30 saturday The Mega 80’s

8pm. $10. The Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale.

248-544-1991. themagicbag.com

The band brings back all the fads, fashions and music of the 80’s in one killer live performance. The Mega 80’s were voted “The Best Cover Band In The City” by the readers of the Metro Times in 2015.

Searchable lists updated daily at ecurrent.com

theater

Musical Theatre at it’s most unique Dexter’s Encore Musical Theatre’s Thalia Schramm

The Casting and Program Director, Schramm, dishes on what makes Encore tick.

explains the excitement

by Tim Malik

Just west of Ann Arbor, Dexter is home to The Encore Musical Theatre. Casting and Program Director Thalia Schramm spoke with Current about the history and qualities that make this Theatre a must for those seeking a unique theatre experience.

The Encore Theatre, founded in 2009 by Broadway actor Dan Cooney and Anne and Paul Koch, utilizes the talents of mostly Michigan actors (with occasional players from New York) in a wide variety of performances with six shows a year, as well as separate events including a cabaret and concert series. A summer program teaches young and older aspiring actors to hone their skills through various musical camps, an “ongoing learning experience” providing a great opportunity for actors to feel more confident with the art of Musical Theatre.

Important to the success of The Encore Theatre, “We haven’t changed ticket prices since 2006,” said Schramm.

Tickets for plays can range from $22 (close to the price for a movie ticket) to $32. Attend with friends or family; The Encore has group rates for 10 or more. Plays usually run Thursdays through Sundays, with two shows on Saturdays.

Why check out a play at The Encore? Schramm explains that they are truly doing something unique. “Being open to theatre that you don’t necessarily know is a great experience,” said Schramm, adding “We have to reimagine the small space we have to work with.”

An abstract space

The Encore settled in Dexter because “it’s very important for every community to have a great theatre,” said Schramm, in this quaint little city filled with charm. A welcoming venue that fits the aesthetic of the town, the theatre is tucked away behind the shops and restaurants

in downtown Dexter. The audience sits very close to the stage, which gives things a feeling of intimacy.

Schramm describes the stage as an, “abstract space.”

Every movement on stage is carefully coordinated to produce an interesting experience. Pianos move around the stage for various productions, video is projected on the walls, and the small stage can seem vast thanks to the imaginations of the cast and crew. Productions include a casts of from two to 30 people.

Upcoming shows

“There’s always something new,” said Schramm. “We do a lot of weird stuff mixed with well know stuff.”

Despite the vast range of material, one constant is that all the plays are musicals. Coming in February is the play Sondheim on Sondheim, exploring the music and lyrics of the playwright’s works (which include Sweeney Todd and West Side Story). Schramm notes, “we’re incorporating audio and video clips into the production.”

A play entitled Always, Patsy Cline (playing in April) will feature the country music legend’s sound. Assassins by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman is scheduled for August 2016. “It’s a show about all the people who attempted to assassinate the Presidents of the United States,” said Schramm. While that might sound shocking, Schramm assures the show is funny and the kind of production you won’t see just anywhere — which is what the Encore Theatre is all about.

The Encore Musical Theatre Company, 3126 Broad St., Dexter. 734-268-6200.theencoretheatre.org

ecurrent.com / january 2016 27

theater 1 friday National Theatre of Scotland: A Christmas Carol

4pm Friday, 2pm Saturday & Sunday, 8pm Saturday, 6pm Sunday. $48-$60.

Power Center for the Performing Arts, 121 Fletcher St. 734-764-2538. ums.org

The National Theatre of Scotland’s version of Charles Dickens’s classic fable is an exquisite take on one of our most famous winter tales.

4 monday Warren’s Peace Auditions 6:30pm. Liberty School, 7265 Saline-Ann Arbor Rd., Saline. salineareaplayers.org Free

Those auditioning are free to read for as many roles as they are interested in. The director will be looking for effective use of facial expressions and body language energy and stage presence. Through Tuesday.

50 First Jokes

7:30pm. $10. The Ark, 316 S. Main St. 734-761-1800. theark.org

Fifty of the area’s up-and-coming and veteran comics come together to tell the first jokes they’ve written.

A Walk Down Avenue Q

The Dexter Community Players present one of the most successful Broadway shows of all time, Avenue Q, a musical mixing puppets and people to create a unique experience. Winner of three 2004 Tony Awards, Avenue Q’s characters are forced to deal with disappointments, conflicts, and real-life struggles. The play focuses on Princeton, a recent college graduate who doesn’t know what he wants to do with his life, with a parade of characters that shine a light on Princeton’s own insecurities, prejudices, and doubts, in hilarious fashion. Thoroughly self-aware and never taking it’s characters struggles too seriously, Avenue Q holds a mirror up to Generation Y with songs like ‘It Sucks to Be Me” and “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist”. Directed by Jason Smith. —ZM January 15-17 & 22-23. 8pm Fridays & Saturdays, 2pm Sundays. $16/presale, $20/door. Copeland Auditorium, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter.

734-726-0355.dextercommunityplayers.org

6 wednesday Tough Case

6:30pm. Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St., Chelsea. 734-4758732. chelsea.lib.mi.us Free

David S. Craig’s play about a 16-year-old coming to terms with a wrong he committed.

A discussion will follow the reading. Presented by St. Mary Catholic Church and St. Paul United Church of Chirst.

7 thursday Company

7:30pm Thursday, 8pm Friday & Saturday, 2pm Sunday. $13-$25. Ann Arbor Civic Theatre, 322 W. Ann St. 734-971-2228. a2ct.org

Confirmed bachelor, Robert, finds himself on the eve of his 35th birthday contemplating his unmarried state. Over the course of a series of dinners, drinks, and even a wedding, his friends explain the pro’s and con’s of taking on a spouse.

Through Sunday.

I’ll Be Waiting

8pm Thursday & Friday, 2pm & 8pm Saturday. $15. Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti.

This original suspense thriller is about buried secrets, love, anger, and vengeance. Written

by Adam Emperor Southard, Directed by Brian Cox.

14 thursday Constellations

8pm Thursdays-Saturdays, 2pm Sundays. $22-$25. Performance Network Theatre, 120 E. Huron St. 734-663-0681. pntheatre.org

Fresh off a successful Broadway run, this play is about the infinite possibilities present in every human interaction.

16 saturday Winter Acting Classes

3pm. $180. Redbud Productions, 1101 Ravenwood St. 734-663-7167. redbudproductions.com

Taught by local teacher, director, and actress Loretta Grimes, and using the techniques of acting teacher Sanford Meisner, this class will focus on emotional work, improvisation, and scene study. 10 sessions; registration is required.

18 monday UMS Night School: Constructing Identity

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7pm. U-M Alumni Center, 200 Fletcher St. 734-764-2538. ums.org Free

UMS Night School invites participants to discover the intersections of performance and identity in music, theater, and dance, and to meet others who share a similar interest.

21 thursday The Odd Couple

8pm Thursday-Saturday, 3pm Wednesday & Saturday, 2pm Sunday. $25-$43. Purple Rose Theatre Company, 137 Park St., Chelsea.

734-433-7673. purplerosetheatre.org

Two suddenly single pals — a sloppy sportswriter and a neat freak news writer — strain their friendship by turning roommates, but patterns of their own disastrous marriages begin to reappear with hilarious results.

Directed by Lauren Mounsey.

22 friday Shakespeare on Page & Stage

4pm. Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library, 913 University Ave. 734-764-4636. events.umich.edu Free

Exhibit Curators talk about the making and content of the exhibit Shakespeare on Page and Stage: A Celebration followed by a reception. The exhibit and talk are part of a series of nationwide events to commemorate the four-hundredth anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare.

24 sunday National Theater Live: Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre

7pm. $18-$22. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8397. michtheater.org

Almost 170 years on, Charlotte Bronte’s story of the trailblazing Jane is as inspiring as ever. This bold and dynamic production uncovers one woman’s fight for freedom and fulfillment on her own terms.

film

Benedict Cumberbatch Shines in Hamlet A modern remake, the perfect reintroduction to Shakespeare’s classic tale

by Antonio Cooper

In partnership with National Theatre Live, a groundbreaking effort that captures performances on the London stage and broadcasts them all over the world, the Michigan Theater plays host, once again, to Hamlet. This wellrounded remake stuck to its guns, producing a one-of-akind adventure that both repeat fans and newcomers can equally enjoy.

the death of Hamlet, Claudius, played by Ciaran Hinds, depicts a loneliness which permeates the performance.

Actor placement portends the dark undercurrent running throughout which Turner illustrates at the end of the first act with a thunderous speech by Hamlet’s sinister uncle, Claudius. Occupying an empty stage and requesting

Audiences can catch an encore performance of Hamlet at 7pm Sunday, January 17. $18-$22. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

Benedict Cumberbatch stars in the titular role with modern sensibilities (in addition to modern clothing), bringing Hamlet to life as the single bright star throughout the show, continually commanding everyone’s attention.

While veteran actors Jim NorIncorporating modernity into ton and Sian Brooke also shine in Broadcast from London, a the well-known classic, this persupporting roles, Cumberbatch formance boasts a great combiwell-rounded remake that steals the show, thanks to a host nation of dramatic flair paired repeat fans and newcomers of monologues that provide inwith perfectly timed humor. sight into his innermost thoughts can equally enjoy.

Viewers willing to work through as he unravels the mystery of his the Shakespearean language father’s death. barrier have a perfect opportunity to get comfortable It’s hard to think of Hamlet as a comedy, but in with Shakespeare. this production, there’s enough wit to go around.

Directed by Lyndsey Turner, the production takes the Cumberbatch’s Hamlet displays a balance between emotimeless classic and works hard to focus audiences on the tionally unbalanced and downright funny, and in the end he beauty within the play. Turner creates an inviting environ- perfectly executes the role of a man struggling with a ment, enticing audiences with the stage design and the moral dilemma. engaging character development throughout the show.

Even if you’ve enjoyed this play countless times, TurnSparing the spoilers (although really, the play is only er’s direction truly turns this classic into an experience over 400 years old), Hamlet takes place during dark times well beyond just another rendition. If you have yet to see in the kingdom of Denmark, and the stage elements dis- the broadcast, fans of Shakespeare and modern theatre play the grittiness of the setting with rubble scattered alike are sure to enjoy themselves. across the stage.

ecurrent.com / january 2016 29

film

Ongoing

Experience America’s History

Towering ancient temples and soaring cliff dwellings, America is full of amazing historical monuments just waiting to be explored. Get inspired for your next road trip with a showing of Rediscovering Ancient America, part of the Kiwanis Travel & Adventure Cinema Series. Filmmaker Gray Warriner will take the audience on a coast-to-coast tour of the hidden historical gems dotting the country. Discover magnificent earthworks, lost Pueblo Native American communities, and much more. —ZM 7:30pm Wednesday, January 13. $5. Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh.

517-423-6617. thetca.org

Latino Americans: 100 Years of History Series

6:30pm Mondays & Wednesdays.

Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

Explore the rich and varied history and experiences of Latinos, who have helped shape the United States over the last five centuries when the Ann Arbor District Library presents Latino Americans: 500 Years of History. Created by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association, this six-episode series features documentary film screenings and discussions at the Downtown Library.

The Met Opera Live. Bizet’s gorgeous opera of lust and longing set in the Far East returns to the Met stage for the first time in 100 years. Soprano Diana Damrau stars as Leïla, the beautiful Hindu priestess pursued by rival pearl divers competing for her hand.

Cosmic Colors is a planetarium show that will take you on a wondrous journey through the world of color and beyond!

Discover why the sky is blue, why Mars is red, and the reason why many things are the color that they are.

5 tuesday Sherlock: The Abominable Bride

7:30pm Tuesday & Wednesday. $12-$14. Rave, 4100 Carpenter Rd., Ypsilanti. 734-973-8424. cinemark.com

Estitician and Make-up Artist Complimentary eyebrow wax with facial. Valid thru 01/31/16

734.996.5585 206 S. 5th Ave. - Suite 300 Ann Arbor, MI 48104 dessange-international.com

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16 saturday

GQT is giving you a reason to love movies on Tuesdays.

No college ID, military ID, age limit or must be this tall to ride restrictions apply. $7 tickets all day, some exceptions apply.

Goodrich Quality 16, 3686 Jackson Rd. 734-623-7469. goodrichqualitytheaters.com

12:30pm. $5. UM Museum of Natural History, 1109 Geddes Ave. 734-764-0478. lsa.umich.edu

Meet Emily Koziarski:

The Ann Arbor Film Festival, the longest-running independent and experimental film festival in North America, hosts this evening of outstanding films from last year’s festival. If you did not get a chance to attend all of last year’s festival, or if you want to revisit your favorite screenings - this is an excellent opportunity.

Les pêcheurs de perles

2 saturday

PA R I S

7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

Thrifty Ticket Tuesday

Cosmic Color

DESSANGE

14 thursday Ann Arbor Film Festival: Outstanding Films from the 2015 Festival

Fathom Events and BBC Worldwide are thrilled to bring Sherlock: The Abominable Bride to the big screen for a special two-night event. Academy Awards nominee, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Emmy Award winner, Martin Freeman, debut on the big screen in their iconic roles as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson in this feature length special set in London 1895. Co-written by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss.

10 sunday Any Body Can Dance 2

1:30pm. $10-$12/adults, free/under 12.

Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8397. michtheater.org

Based on the true story of the Fictitious Dance Group out of Mumbai, India: Their rise to fame, sudden downfall, and their heroic attempt to seek vindication by regaining their lost pride and glory. Presented in Hindi with English subtitles.

12:55pm. $14-$18. Goodrich Quality 16, 3686 Jackson Rd. 734-623-7469. goodrichqualitytheaters.com

19 tuesday Chasing Daybreak: A Film About Mixed Race in America

Noon. Shapiro Harold and Vivian Library, 919 University Ave. 734-764-4636. events.umich.edu Free

This film follows the five Generation MIX crew members as they travel 10,000 miles across the country in a 26-foot R.V. and spark discussions on race, mixed race and diversity. As the crew meets with hundreds of people from U.S. Senator Barack Obama to Bubba the tow truck driver, they share their hopes, fears and aspirations for the future of race in America.

The screening will be followed by a discussion.

21 thursday Crossing the Line: Multiracial Comedians

4pm. Shapiro Harold and Vivian Library, 919 University Ave. 734-764-4636. events.umich.edu Free

This full-length documentary analyzes how mixed-race comedians mediate multiracial identities and humor. Crossing lines of racial, ethnic, and cultural acceptability by their very existence, multiracial comedians reveal that meanings of race vary across ethnic combination, gender, place, and time.

23 saturday Cabin Fever Movies

11am. Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St., Dexter. 734-426-4477. dexter.lib.mi.us Free

Enjoy a bag of popcorn and a great movie on the big screen.

Night at the Museum 3 will be screened. All ages are welcome.

art

Eastern Michigan University students and faculty exhibit the art of Ypsilanti.

Art Next Door Eastern Michigan’s Student Show showcases the innovative art going on in Ypsilanti

by Louis Meldman

Squares think that, artwise, sexy Ypsilanti is Siberia.

But Eastern Michigan University has unique and remarkable art programs right next door to Ann Arbor.

Art at EMU

The Eastern Michigan University Art Department is helmed by Executive Secretary, Phyllis Mason. Ms. Mason has her Bachelor of Fine Art degree from Eastern and she couldn’t be more apropos. The department’s academic focus is not only on classwork and studio work, but on gallery work as well.

The Art Department’s Gallery Programs Director is the redoubtable Gregory Tom. Greg was the Director of Exhibitions, Programs, and Development of the already legendary Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit. He received his Master of Fine Art degree from Cranbrook Academy in ceramics and his work is in the permanent collections of the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Cranbrook Art Museum, and many other public and private institutions.

There are three major art venues on campus. EMU’s lovely Student Center houses the University Gallery and the Intermedia Gallery Group Art Space. In stately Ford Hall is the Ford Gallery. This month, two major shows open at the Ford: the Annual Juried Student Show and the Annual Faculty Exhibition.

Student Show

The juror of this year’s student (undergraduate) show is the super-dynamic one-woman art force Andrea Cardinal. Cardinal has a BA in art history, a BFA in graphic design from the University of Michigan, and an MFA in 2D design from Cranbrook. She teaches art and design at Eastern and UM and she owns and runs the Tooth & Rag freelance design company in Detroit.

But as a juror she has her work cut out for her: choosing among dozens of EMU students (the show is open to all students, not just art majors) and doling out cash prizes and department scholarships. The competition is fierce, but three student-artists stand out to me, maybe because I’m a sucker for artists who can draw: Helen Vachon, Jeremy Walbridge, and Emily Weir. Helen Vachon knew

she was going to be an artist when she was three. After eight years of working primarily in ceramics she shifted her focus to figure drawing and the human form. As Vice President of the Intermedia Gallery Group she curates shows, installs work, and problem solves to make sure the shows go on.

Jeremy Walbridge is known for his recent forays into 3D printing but his primary art output is drawing. He rebels against the tendency to make a drawing something it isn’t. For him it is notation, spontaneity, tangible thought, a visual history of decision making. Jeremy is something of a perfectionist with an emphasis on technical rendering independent of narrative or theme. He wants to pique viewer questions (think Mona Lisa). He has had a great time at EMU and appreciates the faculty for promoting interdisciplinary work within the art department, the tight teacher to student ratio, and the very personalized studio environment. This year he was represented at the highly competitive “Rites of Passage” show in Cincinnati and Hokin Gallery’s “Hybrid Forms & Interdisciplinary Practice” in Chicago.

Emily Weir grew up in Ann Arbor and is now a proud homeowner in Ypsilanti. Her current work is screen-printing on hand dyed fabric, but her heart is in gallery and curatorial practices. It’s little wonder that she is President of the IGG, spending much of her time installing and de-installing exhibitions, promoting the art school and individual artists, coordinating joint events with a variety of organizations (most recently she collaborated with the Cranbrook Museum of Art). After her academic studies she hopes to start an artists’ collective and gallery; no doubt she will succeed in spades.

The student show in the Ford Gallery runs from January 11 through February 4, with a gala opening reception at 4:30-6:30pm on Wednesday, January 13. The Faculty Exhibition in the University Gallery runs from January 11 through February 8 with its gala opening on Wednesday, January 20, 4:30 to 6:30. I’ll be looking for Professor Margaret Davis’ portraits and figurative paintings. I’m a sucker for artists who can paint. ecurrent.com / january 2016 31

art Ongoing

Gifts of Art presents Art from My Heart: Ceramics

8am-8pm. A. Alfred Taubman Health Care Center, 1620 Medical Center Dr. 734-764-4636 events.umich.edu Free

Daria White Paik grew up in Seoul, Korea. In 1988, she moved to the US, where she gained her foundation in ceramics at the University of Alabama.

When she works with clay, she starts with a blank state of mind, and her work comes from her heart. She feels that creativity cannot be learned; only the techniques can be taught.

When she touches clay, she forgets time, seeing the only prerequisite for art as a spark of creativity. Through March 13.

Soviet Constructivist Posters

11am Tuesday-Saturday, noon Sundays. UM Museum of Art, 525 S. State St. $10/suggested donation.

734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu

Using dynamic compositions, bold colors, and emblematic images, these posters announced that the Soviet Union was a progressive nation that could propel society into a utopian future. Through February 21.

Call for Artists: Black History Month

Open to any African American artist (15 years and older) residing within a 50 miles radius of Ypsilanti, MI. Visual, literary, and performance artists welcome.

Deadline for application is January 18. For a full list of requirements, and to download entry instructions, visit riversidearts.org.

Art off the Wall - 2nd Annual Holiday Exhibition 10am Monday-Saturday, noon Sunday. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St. 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org Free

The Ann Arbor Art Center is pleased to present the second annual signature holiday art exhibition Art Off the Wall.

This exhibit features the work of 12 invited artists, each showcasing up to 15 original works of art “Salon Style”, representing a variety of mediums available in a range of prices to fit any budget. Through January 9.

3 sunday DIY Hanging Frame

2pm. Ann Arbor District Library Malletts Creek Branch, 3090 E. Eisenhower Pkwy. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

Have a large poster or piece of art that you want to frame, but don’t have huge framing bucks?

Learn how to make a simple hanging frame.

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4 monday The Land of Open Graves: Photographs from the Undocumented Migration Project Thayer Academic Building, 202 S. Thayer St. 734-936-3518. lsa.umich.edu/humanities Free

This pop-up exhibition features Michael Wells’ original photographs of Jason De Leon’s Undocumented Migration Project, which was the subject of a 2013 exhibition at the Institute for the Humanities gallery. The photographs were featured in De León’s new book The Land of Open Graves Living and Dying on the Migrant Trail. Through January 13.

6 wednesday Detroit Skyline

7pm. $35. Paint and Pour, 220 S. Main St. 734-720-9777. thepaintandpour.com

Instructors will walk participants through painting Detroit’s amazing skyline - with plenty of wine to go around.

8 friday Astrid Monique Muller-Karger

7pm. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytownconcerthouse.com Free

Gallery reception. Referencing petroglyphic and pictographic forms as a shared origin art for all people, Astrid Muller-Karger narrates the evolution of the human condition, the development of the self, our relationships with each other and our environment.

14 thursday Cuba: An Opening Door

10am Monday, 9am Tuesday-Saturday, noon Sunday. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-420. aadl.org Free

This exhibit includes 51 photos taken during Sandy Schopbach’s recent trip to Cuba. Cuba reminds Sandy of the America of the fifties. It’s a country perched on the precipice of the great changes that will come, now that relations have been re-established

18 monday Denise Willing-Booher

7pm. Ann Arbor Women Artists, 4844 Jackson Rd., Suite 100. annarborwomenartists.org Free

Open to the public, painter and visual artist Denise WillingBooher presents her work in watercolor.

2016 / ecurrent.com

Sitting around with sound

Starting January 23, the University of Michigan Museum of Art’s Irving Stenn, Jr. Family Gallery will play host to a re-creation of I am sitting in a room, an audio installation first performed in 1969 by famed composer Alvin Lucier. In his work, Lucier is heard reading a text, playing the recording back, and then re-recording it, looping it many times over until the words become unintelligible. The words are Lucier’s description of the process he is using to create the recording. The piece will explore the sonic dimensions of sound as it fills the gallery and transforms the space into an acoustic masterpiece. Runs through May 22. — ZM Noon-5pm Sunday, closed Monday, 11am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday. $10/suggested donation. University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu

20 wednesday Art Meets Business

6:30pm. Saline District Library, 555 N. Maple Rd., Saline. 734-429-5450. saline.lib.mi.us Free

Learn more about the business of being an artist at a monthly network meeting for visual, literary, and performing artists. Each program will feature speakers on business topics of interest to entrepreneurs.

24 sunday Zen & The Art of Coloring: for Adults 2pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-420. aadl.org Free

Enjoy an evening of coloring for adults with Zen music. Supplies will be provided, plus coloring pages from Joanna Basford’s coloring books and more.

26 tuesday Show your love for Michigan

7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Pittsfield Branch, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

Create a fun “I <3 Michigan” charm and celebrate January 26th, the day Michigan became a state!

29 friday Artist of the Month: Tom Rosenbaum, “Changing Moods” Various and Diverse Works

7pm. Two Twelve Arts Center, 216 W. Michigan Ave., Saline. 734-944-2787. twotwelvearts.org Free

This work represents an exploration into abstract design, realism and impressionism using various mediums and collage materials. Artist Reception January 29.

lit

The international author will debut her visually-stimulating novel on Saturday, January 16.

Rus Like Everyone Else Amsterdam’s Bette Adriaanse shares her first novel with Washtenaw County

by Jennifer Brough

Writer and visual artist Bette Adriaanse’s first novel, Rus Like Everyone Else, compellingly marries her visual talent with the written word exploring the adventures of the naïve and socially awkward Rus in a series of vignettes that leave a visual trace in the reader’s mind.

In support of her first novel, Adriaanse, embarking on a tour of the United States, will perform a reading at Literati Bookstore on January 16. A unique opportunity to hear a voice from across the globe, we talked with Adriaanse about her background and the release of her first novel.

Classically trained Adriaanse received a BFA from the prestigious Image and Language Department at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy for Fine Art in Amsterdam, and a Masters in Creative Writing from Oxford University in England. “The art academy was very good for developing my own vision and experimenting,” said Adriaanse. “The Masters in Oxford, while encouraging creativity, raised the bar on the quality of the finished work and gave me the discipline to be a professional.”

In addition to her formal training, Adriaanse drew on her experience working as a postal worker in her native Amsterdam in order to complete her first book. “From this experience came the stories of outsiders, recluses, of people lost in television programs, of people desperate to make something of themselves, and the story of Rus who receives just this one letter demanding he pay tax.”

She describes her creative formative years, developing plays and creating stories. Her first play when she was very young included just one line.

“I’ve always put stories together from situations in life and my way of developing stories is very visual. For Rus Like Everyone Else, I stuck small cutouts of the people and scenes to the wall and rearranged them as the story developed. This helped me know what my characters are seeing and feeling,” said Adriaanse. “I’ve purposely made the chapters small so readers can develop their own visual images as they move through the book.”

The Life of Rus Seen through the eyes of a letter carrier, who observes both the tiny details and the dramatic events of her client’s lives, Adriaanse paints Rus’s story. Left by his mother to deal with life in the city with nothing more than a credit card and his father’s battered, old coat, Rus works out a simple and very structured way to survive. Daily visits to Starbucks become a ritual and make up his minimal contact with the world.

Life for Rus dramatically changes when the only correspondence he has ever received crashes through the letterbox in the form of a tax bill. Denying all responsibility to pay the tax, Rus attempts to return the bill to its sender.

Rus’s quest is woven with the dreams and missions of the postal worker’s other clients, a spectrum of humanity encountering both success and failure.

Adriaanse deliberately wrote in English to reach a worldwide audience, and is published by Unnamed Press, a company that welcomes young talent from outside the US. Meet Adriaanse for a reading and book-signing at 7pm Saturday, January 16 at Literati Bookstore, 124 E. Washington St. 734-585-5567. literatibookstore.com ecurrent.com / january 2016 33

6 wednesday

Rebecca Scherm

7pm. Literati Bookstore, 124 E. Washington St. 734-5855567. literatibookstore.com Free

Literati is pleased to welcome Rebecca Scherm back to the store in support the paperback release of her acclaimed novel Unbecoming.

7 thursday

Friends with Pens

7pm. Ypsilanti District Library, 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti.

734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free

Bring your writing projects to the Creative Writing Group, facilitated by author and EMU Professor Heather Neff. Take part in welcoming, personal discussions of writing projects in a shared, supportive environment. Adults only, any writing projects welcomed.

C.S. Giscombe Q&A

2pm. Angell Hall, 435 State St. 734-764-6296. lsa.umich.edu Free

C.S. Giscombe has been the recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Fund for Poetry, the Canadian Embassy to the United States, and other agencies; his work on Canada was acknowledged with a Fulbright Research Award by the Council for the International Exchange of Scholars. Followed by a reading and discussion at 5:30pm.

What’s Stopping You From Writing?

7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood, 3333 Traverwood Rd. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

There are many things that keep us from writing, whether it’s outside forces like jobs and families, or internal forces like doubt and procrastination. In this workshop, Alex Kourvo and Bethany Neal will show you how to make the most of your writing time, conquer writer’s block, and develop solid work habits to finish your book 9 saturday

Educator Appreciation Days 9am. Barnes and Noble, 3235 Washtenaw Ave. 734-973-0846. barnesandnoble.com Free

Calling all pre-K through grade 12 educators! Join us during Educator Appreciation Days for special discounts, giveaways and events.

10 sunday

Jiffy: A Family Tradition

2pm. Saline District Library, 555 N. Maple Rd., Saline.

734-429-5450. saline.lib.mi.us Free

Discussion led by author Cynthia Furlong Reynolds. Discover the fascinating history of Chelsea Milling, home of America’s first packaged and prepared baking mix, now a multi-million dollar enterprise.

2150 W. Liberty Ann Arbor, MI 48103

One block east of Stadium Blvd.

(734) 662-4474

www.AnnArborAnimalHospital.com

ays ready. lw A . e r e h s y a Alw Always caring!

Primary Care, Critical Care, and Emergency Medicine Experienced doctor on site 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

t Preventive Health Plans t Vaccinations t Neuter/Spays t Advanced Dentistry t ICU t Ultrasound & Digital Radiography t Advanced Surgery t Laser Therapy t Acupuncture t Regenerative Medicine t Drive-thru for Rx pick-up t On-site Laboratory

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books

Local Reads

2016 / ecurrent.com

Maggie Shipstead & Jennifer duBois Fiction Reading

For one night only, Thursday, January 14, two awardwinning fiction authors, both graduates of the esteemed Iowa’s Writers Workshop, will be reading at the UMMA’s Helmut Stern Auditorium thanks to the Museum of Art and the Zell Visiting Writers Series.

Maggie Shipstead is the author of two novels, Astonish Me and Seating Arrangements, the latter was a New York Times Bestseller List. Jennifer duBois is the author of A Partial History of Lost Causes and Cartwheel, as well as the recipient of a National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 Award. This reading is open to the public, with seating on a first-come basis. —ZM 5:30pm Thursday, January 14. Helmut Stern Auditorium at the University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free

11 monday

Memoir Writing: Turning Your Life into Art (or Is it the Other Way Around?)

6:30pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth St. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

Huron High School English teacher and Love & Vodka:My Surreal Adventures in Ukraine author R.J. Fox will lead participants through the process of turning real life experiences—both profound and ordinary—into the art of creative non-fiction.

15 friday

Richard Polt: The Typewriter Revolution

7pm. Literati Bookstore, 124 E. Washington St. 734-585-5567. literatibookstore.com Free

The Typewriter Revolution documents the movement and provides practical advice on how to choose a typewriter, care for it, and use it--from National Novel Writing Month to letter-writing socials, from type-ins to typewritten blogs, from custom-painted typewriters to typewriter tattoos.

19 tuesday

Poetry Lovers Group

7pm. Ypsilanti District Library, 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free

Join this spirited gathering of poetry enthusiasts to learn how to read and appreciate great poetry.

Facilitated by Dr. Heather Neff (EMU Professor of English); all materials provided.

21 thursday

Anne Carson Poetry Reading

5:30pm. $10/suggested donation.

UM Museum of Art, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu

Anne Carson was born in Canada and teaches ancient Greek for a living. Her awards and honors include the Lannan Award, the Pushcart Prize, the Griffin Trust Award for Excellence in Poetry, a Guggenheim fellowship, and the MacArthur “Genius” Award. Part of the Zell Visiting Writers Series.

Writing and Review Meetup

7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood, 3333 Traverwood Rd. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

Come with questions, come with a work in progress, or come with an empty notebook. All writers are welcome in this casual, supportive environment. Authors Bethany Neal and Alex Kourvo will be on hand to answer questions and give encouragement.

27 wednesday

Joshua G. Cohen: A Field Guide to the Natural Communities of Michigan

7pm. Literati Bookstore, 124 E. Washington St. 734-585-5567. literatibookstore.com Free

The culmination of three decades of work, this field guide provides readers with an accessible introduction to Michigan’s natural community classification and is meant to serve as a tool for those seeking to understand, describe, document, conserve, and restore the diversity of ecosystems native to Michigan.

PROfile

The Evangelist of Aroma Michelle Krell Kydd is on a mission to make Ann Arbor to wake up and smell the roses

Kydd gave her two scents— and many more— during a recent lecture.

Smell and Tell

Following a move from New York to Ann Arbor several years ago, Kydd approached local non-profit 826michigan It’s a recent Wednesday night at the downtown Ann with an idea for a scent program. “It took off, and then I Arbor District Library, and a couple dozen people are thought, why can’t I do this for adults?” She approached gathered in the multi-purpose room to learn a new the AADL, and “Smell and Tell” was born. It has clearly language. The woman addressing them is speaking English, struck a nerve here, as she has presented almost 30 “S & with the occasional French or Latin word thrown in, but T” workshops since 2012. “You have a diverse population one senses this class wrestles with a tongue that goes across age and culture. You have people who are hungry beyond mere words. In fact, they are learning to describe for knowledge; they go to bed hungry for knowledge. They a most evanescent thing— smell. “Americans don’t have want to know who they are, that’s always evolving.” and are not comfortable with an olfactory vocabulary,” Learning something about yourself is a key element observed Michelle Krell Kydd, the host of this “Smell of scent awareness. “Because smell is so closely tied to and Tell” presentation. “The sense of smell is neglected memory and identity, you discover who you are,” Kydd in education.” explains. “There isn’t a wrong answer when someone goes to describe something, A mission of olfaction because they’re reflecting “The level of intimacy you’re Remediating that omission is Ms. on their own memories and able to achieve with people Kydd’s calling. She is a missionary how their senses work. It’s of olfaction. While she works as when you’re talking about different for everyone.” a Communications Specialist for memories and you’re also At this evening’s “S & T”, inter-disciplinary activities at U-M, people sample scent strips creating a safe space is her avocation is promoting the world and share their impressions. tremendous, and there aren’t of smell, the most underrated of our The same odor may elicit five senses. “We live in an ocular- many things that can do that.” quite different reactions. It is centric culture,” she concedes. “Our highly subjective, this sense of sense of smell allows us to ferret smell, and one person’s perfume may be another’s stink. danger; it helps us to build memories. It’s also the first And, while the observations are deeply personal, there sense to go when you have a neuro-degenerative brain is a remarkable sense of acceptance in the room. Kydd disease. It’s in science; everyone is interested in it.” observed, “The level of intimacy you’re able to achieve Kydd has long been intrigued by scents, collecting with people when you’re talking about memories and perfumes and essential oils for years. She worked for you’re also creating a safe space is tremendous, and there fragrance trade publications and took classes at the Fashion aren’t many things that can do that.”

Institute of Technology, learning about the science and art Kydd believes that everyone can develop an enhanced of scent. sense of smell, and the lexicon to define it. One also Her real inspiration for sharing her knowledge began, needs to become more consciously focused on the aromas like all good stories, with her pursuit by a Frenchman. surrounding us. “You have to practice being aware. I think While passing a restaurant one day, she was followed you have to get over the ‘Oh, it smells!’ part of our culture down the street by the chef, who was entranced by the has been perpetuating for centuries.” The reward is a more perfume she was wearing. It had transported him to his intense sensory experience. “Your life will become threechildhood. “I could see a young boy’s eyes looking at me, dimensional. The thing is, it’s so addictive once you have and I thought ‘Wow, the next time a four star chef stops it, because you’re a human being and you were meant to me in the street to ask me what perfume I’m wearing is have it as your primary sense.” going to be in the afterlife. Who made this?’ My career started with that question.”

Learn more about Michelle Krell Kydd at her blog glasspetalsmoke.blogspot.com

by Sue Dise

ecurrent.com / january 2016 35

everything else Ongoing

4 monday

Jedi Academy

Noon Saturdays. $15. Ringstar Studio, 3907 Varsity Dr. 585-307-0402. a2ringstar.com

The Ring of Steel Jedi Academy is an immersive experience for adults. Initiates will enjoy lightsaber training, discuss Jedi philosophy, and train to allow the force to flow through their bodies as they take their first steps toward becoming Jedi knights.

2 saturday Joe List

8pm & 10:30pm. $12-$14. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 212 S. Fourth Ave. 734-996-9080. aacomedy.com

Scottish Country Dance Social Class 7:30pm. $5. Gretchen’s House #5 Barn, 2625 Traver Blvd. 678-522-8536. aactmad.org

Every week, we meet to dance jigs, reels, and strathspeys.

Newcomers of all ages always welcome to join our friendly class. No partner necessary.

Live music from fiddler Susie Lorand and friends. Social Classes have an emphasis on learning and dancing as many dances as possible.

Fresh off his first Comedy Central special Joe List is one of the hottest comics today in the New York Comedy scene.

roadtrip

The Perfect Pairing

Uncork your ears and wine bottles for the 14th annual Wine, Women, and Song festival going on at the Kerrytown Concert House. This five-day cabaret concert extravaganza features 12 performers from all walks of life coming together to put on an incredible show for men and women alike. Performers include Wendy Bloom, Director of the Flint Festival Chorus at the Flint Institute of Music, Deanna Relyea, Artistic Director of the Kerrytown Concert House, Linda Beaupre, founding member of The Black Sheep Repertory Theatre in Manchester, and many more. A concert house tradition, tickets for this event go fast, so make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy an evening of entertainment mixed with perfect wine pairings. Through February 6. —ZM

8pm Fridays, January 29 & February 5; 8pm Saturdays, January 30 & February 6; 3pm Sunday, January 31. $20-$50. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Winter Blues

Winter weather got you feeling down? Shake off those winter doldrums with a hot dose of blues! Now entering year 22, the annual Anti-Freeze Blues Festival is once again returning to The Magic Bag in Ferndale.

This two-night concert series features a four-band set each evening, with some exciting headliners: Chicago blues legend Eddy Clearwater - known as “The Chief” - on night one, and Muddy Waters disciple Bob Margolin during night two.

These mainstays of the Chicago blues scene will be sure to warm even the coldest heart.

Friday, January 8 & Saturday, January 9. $20/ per night. The Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. 248-544-1991. themagicbag.com

It’s His World, We Just Live In It

Shakespeare, Star Trek, Boston Legal, hit singles, The Priceline Negotiator - William Shatner has been everywhere and done everything during a 60-plus year career in show business. Now the actor most famous for his role as Captain Kirk returns to the area to discuss it all in his one-man show, Shatner’s World. Halfcomedy routine and half-memoir, the 84-year-old Shatner will walk the audience through a career spent entertaining people with his trademark enthusiasm and distinctive, halting, style. —ZM Sunday, January 24. $45-$60. Sound Board, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit. 313-309-4614. soundboarddetroit.com

7 thursday City Of Ann Arbor 2016 Sustainable Ann Arbor Forum: Climate and Energy 7pm. Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

Join the conversation about sustainability in Ann Arbor as the City and the Ann Arbor District Library host their annual Sustainable Ann Arbor series. The series will include four events (held monthly and ending in April) with each focusing on a different element of sustainability from Ann Arbor’s sustainability framework.

11 monday Cooperatives – What is a Co-op? Building Resilient Communities 7pm. Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

What is a Co-op? Why buy in?

Presenters will be exploring the history, culture, and principles of the Cooperative model to understand the reasons they exist and how we can better utilize them in our daily lives.

18 monday Keynote Memorial Lecture

10am. Hill Auditorium, 825 University Ave. 734-764-4636. oami.umich.edu.

Free

The 2016 keynote memorial lecturer is Nontombi Naomi Tutu:

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international speaker; race and gender justice activist; human rights activist, and daughter of South African social justice advocate and bishop, Desmond Tutu.

19 tuesday The Moth StorySLAM: Strict

7:30pm. $8. The Circus, 210 S. First St. 734-764-5118. circusannarbor.com

This monthly story contest is presented by The Moth, a NYCbased non-profit. This month, come prepared with a story of someone (maybe yourself) being strict.

20 wednesday Birding in the Peruvian Andes 7:30pm. Nichols Arboretum, 1610 Washington Hts. 734-998-9540. lsa.umich.edu Free

Join Washtenaw Audubon’s Andrew Pawuk in an exploration of the diverse species in the heart of the former Incan Empire, including the fabulous Andean Cock-of-the-rock and the endangered Royal Cinclodes.

26 tuesday Sex on TV: What Are We Learning? Why Does It Matter?

7pm. Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

This lecture will discuss several studies that investigate how regular exposure to mainstream media affects sexual attitudes, expectations, and experiences.

health health events Ongoing Boot Camp

7am. $15/drop in, $100/monthly.

Ringstar Studio, 3907 Varsity Dr. 585-307-0402. a2ringstar.com

The Get Fit Boot Camp is a cross training class based on principles of functional fitness, active recovery, and body resistance. Every Monday and Wednesday.

Ann Arbor West Group Run

6:30pm Wednesdays. Running Fit, 5700 Jackson Rd. 734-929-9022. runningfit.com Free

Runners of all skill levels are welcome to come run with others. Routes vary, as do lengths.

Snacks will provided.

1 friday

First Ann Arbor Miles of 2016 10:00am. Wheeler Park, 701 N. Fourth Ave. aabts.org Free

Hit the trail and/or road and log the first miles of 2016 in Ann Arbor. Presented by the Ann Arbor Bicycle Touring Society.

3 sunday

New Year Hike, Potluck, and Nature Sharing 10am. Park Lyndon County Park South, 18801 N. Territorial Rd., Chelsea. 734971-6337. ewashtenaw.org Free

Catching Your Breath

6pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1610 Washington Hts. 734-764-4636. events.umich.edu Free

A free monthly program for caregivers of adults with memory loss. Designed for learning skills for continued health and wellbeing. Registration required.

17 sunday

Community Vinyasa Yoga 3pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

Yoga is a fun way to gain strength, flexibility and balance, while decreasing stress and tension.

Come learn some of the basics of the Vinyasa style of yoga, which integrates breath with movement.

Certified yoga instructor Raina LaGrand of A2 Yoga and Amandla Energy Works, will be teaching.

Participants should dress ready to work out and bring a mat if they have one.

23 saturday

Focus on Being - Mindfulness Retreat 9am. $25-$35. Michigan League, 911 N. University. 248-419-2396. mc4me.org

Hike (optional) to Lake Genevieve and then share food and stories around the fireplace in the cabin.

If desired, share 10-15 of your favorite nature photos.

The winter is the perfect time for greater silence, reflection and shifting our focus on being.

Join the Michigan Collaborative for Mindfulness in Education for a half day of mindfulness practices in a supportive community.

9 saturday

26 tuesday

Free Community CrossFit Class

10am. Huron River CrossFit, 4477 Jackson Rd. 720-436-4267. huronrivercrossfit.com Free

Huron River Crossfit offers a free community workout. Attendees will perform a challenging but low-impact workout to learn how Crossfit promotes fitness and wellness.

12 tuesday

HMR Weight Loss Program

7pm. Washtenaw Medical Arts Building, 3075 W. Clark Rd., Ypsilanti.

734-712-5540. stjoeshealth.org Free

A physician directed weight management program teaches new life-style skills that will improve weight and overall health, while using nutritious meal replacements to jump start effective weight loss.

13 wednesday

Training mind, body, and spirit

Part of the Winter Seminar Series, Robin Hills Farm presents Qi Gong for Cultivating Body and Mind. This one day event teaches participants how to use their own energy to cultivate peacefulness and health. Qi is the vital force that runs through all living things, and practicing the art of Qi Gong means to work with, or master, that energy. Through stretching, breathing techniques, and movement, Qi Gong serves as a link between Tai Chi, Kung Fu, yoga, and acupuncture. Create a more flexible body and mind using techniques inspired by ancient Buddhist and Taoist philosophies. —ZM

6:30pm Monday, January 4. Robin Hills Farm, 20390 Stockbridge Chelsea Rd., Chelsea.

734-929-2423. robinhillsfarm.com Free

Permaculture from the Roots Up: Self Care

7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Malletts Creek, 3090 E. Eisenhower Pkwy.

734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

Learn a deeper understand of Permaculture ethics, principles, and the design process to cultivate a more resilient culture. Bridget O’Brien is a Certified Permaculture Designer and Educator, and the Marketing Coordinator for The People’s Food Co-op of Ann Arbor.

31 sunday

Yoga for Anxiety and Depression 6pm. $18. Sun Moon Yoga, 404 W. Huron St. 734-369-2054. sun-moon-yoga.com

This class is for everyone who wants to invite peace in the mind and joy in the heart, with or without diagnosis.

Acupressure Self-Massage

7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

Chinese medicine provides a way to cultivate health and longevity through pressure points along the acupuncture channels of the body. This class will explore self massage practices to improve energy, reduce pain and relax the body and mind.

Searchable lists updated daily at ecurrent.com ecurrent.com / january 2016 37

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION Across 1. Kitten’s cry 5. Siren’s sound 10. Stinging remark 14. Etonic rival 15. Borne 16. With 1-Down, neighborhood representation 17. Teller’s partner 18. Midwestern city where the TV dinner, the Top 40 radio format, and the bobby pin were invented (not on the same say) 19. Glasses part 20. Devices that say “forget about it!”?

23. Stirring, poetically 24. What a dump!

25. The “a” in “a/s/l” 26. Seattle Sounders org.

27. Golfer Vijay ___ 31. Spinning session?

33. Facebook interaction 35. No. in an email signature 36. The “Me” in “Despicable Me” 37. Spell caster that fights drowsiness?

42. Beam of light 43. Black-sheep sound 44. October birthstone 46. Eid celebrant’s faith 49. Sporty car, for short 51. Self-described “nonmusician” Brian 52. Nowhere to be seen 53. Biggest suit, for short 55. Fool around 57. “Anise-flavored liqueur (just like I always order)”?

62. Jason’s ship 63. “Let me change ___ here ...”

64. Monopoly piece 66. Hipster’s rep 67. Golden of “Orange is the New Black” 68. Siamese “dogs” 69. Veteran sailors 70. “Copy” 71. Bit of instructions

8. Redundant story 9. Put on stage 10. Indonesian island whose capital is Denpasar 11. Bout courts 12. Play a club when you should have played a heart 13. Scent hound with long ears 21. “___ like this ...”

22. Weed grown in water 23. Fender product 28. Faux humble response to a compliment 29. NASCAR legend Jarrett 30. Boston newspaper, with “The” 32. Throwing discipline 34. “Trainwreck” actor Miller 36. Annoying insect 38. Transmission chain 39. Steak leftover 40. Met fan’s cap 41. Beats 1 Radio host whose last name is a homophone of 45-Down 45. Contemptible 46. Forceful impression 47. ___ Nevada (beer) 48. Trenta vis-à-vis Tall

Down 1. See 16-Across 2. 1992 Pearl Jam single 3. Montpelier’s river 4. Han’s buddy 5. Voting group 6. Weak sauce 7. Savage of “MythBusters”

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49. Ballot question urging 50. Store front?

54. Mystery honor 56. Crescent moon horns 58. Affirmative actions added to the long across answers in this puzzle 59. Keep up with 60. Weird-sounding canal 61. The “U” in “UI” 65. Thoughtful gift?

41

for crossword answers, go to ecurrent.com

65

©2015 By Brendan Emmett Quigley (www.brendanemmettquigley.com)

crossword

PAYMENT

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Payment must be received before an ad can be placed. We accept checks, cash, money orders, and credit cards (MasterCard, American Express, or Visa) Sorry, no refunds. Misprint results in credit toward next ad.

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FREE CLASSIFIED ADS One (1) free 20-word classified ad per issue. Free ads include noncommercial concerns, free services, products being sold for less than $150.

Line Classifieds $20 for 20 words or less. 40¢ per each additional word.

Box Classifieds $25 per column inch. One column = 1.4519" Photos can be placed in box or line ads for an additional $5 per photo.

DEADLINES Ad copy must be received at NOON on the 15th of the month prior to publication.

CONTACT INFORMATION Mail: Current Classifieds. 1120 Adams Street, Toledo, Ohio 43604.

Phone: 419-244-9859.

Fax: 419-244-9871.

Email to: classifieds@adamsstreet publishing.com

Services

Beginning Tai-Chi with SUN SHEN: Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays at 7pm. $55/mo.

2466 E Stadium Ann Arbor www.sunshen.org

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Massage: Walk-in appointments available. Free parking. Make some time for yourself! Come in stressed leave refreshed. RelaxStation.

734-623-1951​

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Eve & Mother Earth’s The organization’s mission is to recycle. Join us in the celebration!

Erase carbon footprints. Visit eveandme.org ------------------------------------Got Knee Pain? Back Pain?

Shoulder Pain? Get a pain-relieving brace -little or NO cost to you.

Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1- 800-419-3684

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Events

------------------------------------GIVE BLOOD - SAVE LIVES! #ChooseYourDay to donate blood.

Call 1-800-448-3543 or go to RedCrossBlood.org. Appointments preferred. Walk-ins welcome.

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EDUCATION

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Are your children interested in Astronomy?

Do they like observing the moon, planets and stars? GO TO: www.youngastronomer.org

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classifieds The path to your dream job begins with a college degree. Education Quarters offers a free college matching service. CALL 1-800-375-6219

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HELP WANTED

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We’re looking for a freelance writer and a freelance photographer.

Paid gigs for Current & Ann Arbor Family magazines. E-mail us at editor@adamsstreetpublishing.com

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Massage Therapist: Currently hiring therapists to work at RelaxStation in downtown Ann Arbor to accommodate our already established clientele. Free parking, flexible hours, great team!

734-623-1951

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Give Hope. Become a Foster Parent. Attend a free training today to learn more! For more information: www.judsoncenter.org or 313-255-8272.

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AUTOS WANTED

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CASH FOR CARS: Cars/Trucks Wanted! Running or Not! We Come To You! Any Make/Model. Instant Offer - Call: 1-800-569-0003

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FOR SALE

Anti-Slip Floors. American Made.

Installation Included. Call 1-800906-3115 for $750 Off

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ANNOUNCEMENTS ------------------------------------

Sell your structured settlement or annuity payments for CASH NOW. You don’t have to wait for your future payments any longer! Call 1-800-391-0460 ------------------------------------SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work?

Denied benefits? We Can Help!

WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-800208-6915 to start your application today!

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WANTED TO BUY

------------------------------------CASH for sealed, unexpired DIABETIC TEST STRIPS/STOP SMOKING PRODUCTS! Free Shipping, 24hr Payments! Call 1-877-588-8500, Español AvailableTestStripSearch.com.

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LOTS & ACREAGE

-----------------------------------UPSTATE NY LAND LIQUIDATION! Foreclosures, Short Sales, Abandoned Farms, Country Estate Liquidations Country Tracts avg. over 10 acres from $12,900 Waterfront, streams, ponds, views, farmhouses! Terms avail! Call 888-738-6994 NOW! NewYorkLandandLakes.com

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Safe Step Walk-In Tub Alert for Seniors. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door.

call

Catherine at 419.244.9859

to sell your stuff!

WE ARE NOW HIRING ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES You know Ann Arbor.

You’re hungry to join a growing, fast-paced and fun team with a ton of potential.

You prize integrity, hard work, and savor the opportunity to learn.

You have sales experience (and if not, you’re such a great communicator that you seem to create meaningful relationships with nearly everyone you talk to).

You’re comfortable warm calling, but you’re in your absolute element cold calling.

You’re reliable and accessible.

You’re open to accepting constructive feedback and finding a rhythm.

For you, there’s no such thing as a tough sell.

Adams Street Publishing is looking for a rockstar sales professional who can expect to enjoy robust support booking appointments and winning sales. A competitive spirit is a must, as is a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

We’re excited to work with the right person who shares our vision and values.

Welcome aboard.

EMAIL mjacobs@ecurrent.com ecurrent.com / january 2016 39

p.org

o thriftsh o t p 2 a . www

2015 WAS OUR BEST YEAR EVER

THANK YOU! to the generous local community. Donors, shoppers and promoters all supported our funding to the Ann Arbor Public Schools this year!

WE DISTRIBUTED OVER

HELP US GROW $317,000 OUR SUPPORT IN 2016!

to AAPS & its PTOs in 2015

PURCHASE: Mon-Fri 9am-7pm | Sat 9am-6pm | Sunday 11am-5pm DONATE: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm | Sat 10am-5pm | Sunday 12pm-4pm FIND US: 2280 S. Industrial Hwy | 734.996.9155 | a2ptothriftshop.org #,/4().' s &52.)452%s ,).%.3 s #2!&43 s "//+3 s (/53%(/,$ '//$3 s !.$ -/2%

SHOP ON MLK DAY

MONDAY, JANUARY 18

50% OFF

SALE

EVERYTHING IN THE SHOP ON SALE *Sorryâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; donations closed & no other discounts/coupons accepted on sale days. **Shop is closed Sunday January 17th to prepare for sale

voted Best Thrift Store!