Current Magazine March 2016

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A one-on-one with UM hockey coach Red Berenson

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On Spotlights & Discoveries

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contents

march 2016 vol. 26/no. 3

online exclusives

ECURRENT.COM

MARCH

p.14

Director’s Cut

by M.F. DiBella

Talking with Directors from the Ann Arbor Film Festival

Ann Arbor Film Festival What to expect with Program Director David Dinnell

by Cammie Finch

spotted 4

Current staffers and readers spotted this around town

green corner 5

Weekly What’s Up

by Jeff Milo

An inside look at the Ann Arbor music scene every week

Get ready for maple syrup

Women-Owned Business16

These women are marking a splash in the business world

Sports 12

Talking with UM Hockey Coach Red Berenson

by Tim Malik

Last Month’s most read stories on

ECURRENT.COM

Best of Washtenaw Ballot 17

Cast your vote for our 2016 Readers’ Choice ballot

Folk the Pig Festival

20 food: Sit-down with Sava On women in business and being innovative

by Zach Marburger

25 music: Desmond Jones Giving jam-bands a good name

by Jeff Milo

30 theater: The Odd Couple Neil Simon’s classic play is at the Purple Rose

by Sandor Slomovits

33 art: Ann Arbor Potters Guild

Crafting history one piece at a time

by Louis W. Meldman

1 2 3 4 5

From Michigan to the Playboy Mansion

The North

by Midwest Micro-Budget Film Festival

The Aztec Werewolf

Deep House Yoga at Club Necto

40 everything else 46 crossword ON THE COVER: Nawal Motawi, founder and owner of Motawi Tileworks

ecurrent.com / march 2016 3

spotted

Adams Street Publishing Co.

Current staffers and readers spotted these happenings around town

Clown Crown We were all hanging out at Circus, and I noticed a large number of balloon puppies and crowns among the crowd.

I didn’t think much of it, even if that is a weird way to celebrate someone’s 21st. Then I spotted you, surrounded by a big crowd, making small talk with some women and using a pump to fill up a balloon. You made a couple girls some crowns, and the crowd just kept growing and growing. I didn’t think that type of thing worked outside of Wedding Crashers, but balloon hats off to you, sir.

n

Not-so-tough You were standing in front of me getting a burrito at the end of a long night on South University.

You looked like you were straight out of a Hollywood biker gang - black leather cap, boots, chain on your jeans. It was only on closer inspection that I realized the patch on your back wasn’t a skull and crossbones or something similarly sinister, but a unicorn impaling a teddy bear.

I wonder if your gang has a name that can stack up against that image.

n

Swift Uber You came and got us in your Uber car, a pretty nice Navigator that we crammed with way too many bodies. Though you seemed a little tense about us using the lap-seat technique, you relented when we asked if we could plug in our phone to your stereo. Little did you know that a car full of people would be serenading you with Taylor Swift the whole way downtown, much to your displeasure. Sorry, we know you seemed more like a Katy Perry kind of guy.

n

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

What movie title best sums up your life?

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) It’s a wonderful life

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) Working with lebowski

Editorial

Assignment Editor: Zach Marburger (annarboreditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com) american psycho Calendar Editor: Marisa Rubin (mrubin@adamsstreetpublishing.com) The Princess Diaries Contributing Writers: Sandor Slomovits, Louis Meldman, Tim Malik, Cammie Finch, Jeff Milo, Evan Rosen, Rob Brezsny

Digital Media

Saul Jacobs (saul@adamsstreetpublishing.com) This is spinal tap

Art/Production Production Manager: Imani Latief (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) do the right thing Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) the good, the bad, and the ugly

Advertising Sales Manager Zack Mintzias (zack@adamsstreetpublishing.com) multiplicity Sales Coordinator Cassie Haddad (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com where the wild things are Classifieds: Catherine Bohr (calendar@adamsstreetpublishing.com) aristocats

Administration

Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledocitypaper.com) The kids are all right

© 2016 by Adams Street Publishing Co., All rights reserved.

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

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

Member

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green corner From bush to breakfast

It’s easy to gobble down our food without considering where it came from — especially with delicious maple syrup! Part of The Hudson Mills Interpretive Events Programs, “Journey to the Sugarbush” will take participants through the maple syrup making process right here in Washtenaw County.

Mark Irish will serve as a guide with a talk on the history of maple sugaring and a hike to a stand of maple trees, to collect sap. Then it’s off to the evaporator to turn it into syrup. See how the best breakfast food (take that, bacon!) is made. All you can eat pancake and sausage breakfast for an additional $3.50/per child, $5.50/ per adult. Maple syrup starter kits available for $25.

Reservation required. —ZM 10am, 11am, and Noon, Saturdays and Sundays through March 17. Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 N. Territorial Rd., Dexter. 734-426-8211. metroparks.com

Tony Sacco’s closed Coal-fired pizzas will no longer be available off W. Eisenhower Pkwy., as the Tony Sacco’s location has closed. There are still nearby locations in Novi, Canton and Howell. Thrift shop relocating The Ann Arbor Thrift Shop is packing up and moving — five doors down. The new location is 3500 Washtenaw Ave., Suite K. Coffee and local beer The latest edition of Cultivate Coffee and TapHouse has opened up at 307 River St. in Ypsilanti, right across from the Ypsi Food Co-op. They will serve a variety of craft beers on tap in addition to fair trade coffee.

fyi

Another Buddha Just a year after opening their first location on Pauline Blvd., Tiny Buddha Yoga is opening up a second location downtown. The new studio and boutique will be located on the second floor of 338 S. State St.

Innovators and Entrepreneurs

Calling all entrepreneurs, or anyone who thinks she has the next great idea (sorry, the pet rock has already been invented); receive feedback and constructive criticism at the New Enterprise Forum’s Pitch Pit. Like a friendlier version of the hit TV show “Shark Tank” — applicants give a four-minute pitch about their product or business idea, and a panel of three independent judges from the local business community decide the winner based on the presentation and market feasibility. The winner will receive $100 plus the monies donated at the door. Visit the NEF website for entry forms and instructions. Audience members are encouraged to come and hear about the ‘next big thing’ before it takes off! —ZM 5pm. Thursday, March 17. $5/suggested donation goes to winner. Spark Central, 330 E. Liberty St. 734-665-4433. newenterpriseforum.org

New Bike Shop Bike lovers rejoice! After closing down Two Wheel Tango for improvements, Fraser Bicycles, which also has stores in Fraser and Canton, is now open at 3162 Packard St. Escape Room Launched by locals Larry Edwards and Kimberly Willis, Clueless Escape Rooms are Ann Arbor’s take on the popular puzzle and escape games. Clueless is located at 5204 Jackson Rd., Suite 202.

ecurrent.com / march 2016 5

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Dominika Wozniak FitPoint

250 W. Eisenhower Pkwy. #130 734-531-9958 | fitpointa2.com

50 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti 734-340-9286 theeyrie.net What is your business and what do you do?

The Eyrie is an art gallery and gift shop featuring over 220 Michigan artisans’ work including photographs, greeting cards, jewelry and accessories, paintings, pottery, blown glass, handmade candles, soap and more.

How many years have you been in business?

Almost 3!

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What is one surprising thing about you?

I have travelled the world on the Pro Tennis Tour and I’m fluent in three languages: Slovak, English and Spanish. I can also speak and understand Czech and Polish.

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Voted Best Women’s Boutique

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Since 1977 Serving Ann Arbor’s Beautiful Women

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What is one thing that makes Ypsilanti such a great place to own a business?

The diverse collection of warm and interesting people.

From everyday to

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2016  /  ecurrent.com

From everyday to

What is your favorite off-day activity?

Hiking the Potawatomi Trail.

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What woman inspired you?

Mary “Mother� Jones.

What woman inspired you?

I was a professional tennis player and since I was little girl my role model has been Steffi Graff. She was (and still is) such a champion. She is the only woman in tennis history to have won a Golden Grand Slam (all four Grand Slam Tournaments and the Olympic Gold medal in one year). She is a hard worker and fighter who never gave up. She overcame many obstacles in her personal and professional life and was always very diplomatic. Now she is mother of two and I have always looked up to her as my role model.

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The Eyrie

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Janette Rook

What is your business and what do you do?

FitPoint is a brand new fitness studio offering a variety of group fitness classes, personal training sessions, and private Yoga and Pilates sessions. We are a one-stop location for people who are seeking variety and high quality instructors. We have fitness classes, four types of Yoga classes from Basic yoga, to Slow Flow, Power Yoga to Yin Yoga, and we also offer Beginner and Intermediate Mat Pilates. We have brand new locker rooms with showers and towel service. Our goal is to provide a wide variety of classes with the utmost quality in customer care.

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Motawi Tileworks 170 Enterprise Dr. 734-213-0017 | motawi.com

What is your business and what do you do?

I am the founder and owner of Motawi Tileworks.

How many years have you been in business?

It will be 24 years in March.

What woman inspired you?

Mary Chase Stratton, founder of Pewabic Pottery.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of how I was able to incorporate open book management into my company and educate and empower my employees to create the operating budget so successfully that we quadrupled our net profit in just one year!

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Creating a great company is as good as creating a big company.

Pam Lloyd-Camp Boyd’s Retro Candy

954 Phillips Ave., Toledo, Ohio 419-720-7386 | boydsretrocandy.com What is your business and what do you do?

I own a candy store where we sell candy the way candy used to be sold in an old drug store or at the department store candy counter. Customers can purchase by the piece or by the pound.

How many years have you been in business?

This will be our 10th year in business.

What woman inspired you?

My Grandmother inspired me. She always worked hard. She had a sister who was a Confectioner at 15302 Blackstone Ave., at the corner of Fenkell Ave. in Detroit.

What would your theme song be?

“I Want Candy” Where would you like to be in ten years?

I’d like to expanded our business to a second location in a not too distant city.

cont. on page 8

Nawal Motawi

local. unique. handmade.

THE EYRIE

A Michigan Artisan Market 50 East Cross Street Ypsilanti, Michigan 48198 734.340.9286 theeyrie.net Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

ecurrent.com / march 2016 7

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cont. from page 7

Vis-a-Vis

320 Miller Avenue Suite #171 734-213-7455 | VisaVisA2.com

V2 Heart-Crafted Cosmetics Small Batch Skincare 844-619-0032 | V2FromA2.com

What is your business and what do you do?

I’m the owner of Vis-a-Vis! We’re a full-service salon and spa where excellent customer service is our ultimate goal. We want our guests to feel as at home in our space as possible. I’m also the founder of our in-house skincare line, V2 Heart-Crafted Cosmetics. Our products are based in nature, made in small batches, and produced right here in Ann Arbor.

How many years have you been in business?

Vis-a-Vis has been in business for five years, while V2 Heart-Crafted Cosmetics has been in production for around three.

What are you most proud of about your business?

Being an employer! I take a lot of pride in the fact that we employ and provide health benefits for over 25 people at Vis-a-Vis. It gives me great joy to be able to provide a space in which others can succeed.

What is one thing that makes A2 a great place to own a business?

Its diversity. There is something for everyone in Ann Arbor. I love that people come from all over the world to live here even if it’s for a short time.

What is your favorite off-day activity?

Marathons (the Netflix kind)!

Melissa Mueller

Marilyn Richason Dessange Paris

206 S. Fifth Ave., Suite 300 734-996-5585 dessange-international.com What is your business and what do you do?

The name of my business is Dessange Paris salon and spa. We are a franchise based in Paris with over 500 salons worldwide.

How long have you been in business?

I have been a salon owner for 38 years and have also enjoyed working as a hairdresser during that time.

What woman or women inspired you?

Early on, Gloria Steinem, Patti Smith and later Ellen Degeneres.

What is one thing that makes A2 a great place to own a business?

I love the diversity of Ann Arbor’s people, art, music and food. It’s a great place for all types of businesses and for anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit.

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

I like the zen saying from a dear old friend: “Before enlightenment, chop wood and haul water, after enlightenment, chop wood and haul water.� My advice to anyone who asks; be patient and never quit!

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Get Spring Break ready with Emily Koziarski Full leg and bikini wax‌$50 Offer good through april 30

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

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A2 Yoga

2030 Commerce Blvd.

734-216-4006 | a2yoga.net What is your business and what do you do?

Our business is A2 Yoga. For over 13 years we have continued to provide authentic, traditional Yoga and Nia classes (over 35 weekly classes and four free donation based classes) as well as customized massage therapy.

What woman inspired you?

My sister, Ana Patricia Hough, the founder of A2 Yoga.

With yoga, Ana has overcome and corrected severe scoliosis, which used to cause her massive migraine headaches. It is amazing what she started, and now as a sister duo, what we continue to house at A2 Yoga for the community and well-being of our students.

What are you most proud of?

Last year was amazing in terms of support, love, and encouragement following my breast cancer diagnosis and treatment as a young woman. As a small business owner, when tragedy strikes, it can be very scary not to know if your business will continue to run and operate if you're not able to fully be present on a regular basis. To know that the studio ran smoothly and continues to be a part of the community during my illness thanks to the wonderful staff, teachers, and students is heart-filling.

What is one surprising thing about you?

I am adopted. I think my non-traditional upbringing has taught me a lot about perseverance. It is that which I tap into when times are tough.

Diana Sheldon What is one thing that makes A2 a great place to own a business?

Having grown up in Ann Arbor, the city has grown and changed quite a bit since I was a kid. But the one constant is that it is an educational hub here in the Midwest. It opens up the mind and creates possibilities for people which, in a way, is similar to what yoga/nia does on a intimate personal level.

cont. on page 10

Spring is a time for renewal.

Find your new treasures at the Treasure Mart!

Celebrating 56 Years Established 1960

www.treasuremart.com

ecurrent.com / march 2016  9

cont. from page 9

SPECIAL AD SECTION

Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop 2280 S. Industrial Hwy. 734-996-9155 a2ptothriftshop.org

What is your business and what do you do?

We are a non-profit that raises funds for Ann Arbor Public School students. I am the Manager of the shop and work with our Board of Directors, an Executive Director, and an amazing staff of over 30 people.

What woman inspired you?

Hands down, my Mother, and she still does every day; thanks Mom! My sister gets equal billing. She will forever be my HERO. What are you most proud of?

Family and friends for sure. Also that I’m fortunate to learn new things and meet new people every day.

What would your theme song be?

Oh, that would depend on the the mood of the day, but long live that lewd, lascivious Rock ‘n Roll!

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Value everyone and trust yourself.

Paulette Brown Manager

Treasure Mart 529 Detroit St. 734-662-1363 treasuremart.com

What is your business and what do you do?

Our business is resale consignment of antiques, collectibles, jewelry, household items and furniture, including lamps, rugs, artwork and mirrors.

How many years have you been in business?

We have been in business since 1960 — 56 years!

Name one woman that inspired you.

My mom, Demaris Cash, was a huge inspiration to me.

She had the guts and foresight to open this business at a time when most women were stay-at-home moms.

What are you most proud of about your business?

I am most proud that we are still a thriving, popular business and that we have helped many thousands of customers dispose of items that they can no longer use.

Favorite off-day activity?

Cooking and gardening, both help relieve stress.

Elaine Cash

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SPECIAL AD SECTION

Find your yoga at the end of the rainbow.

Voted Best Yoga Studio

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

Irene Thompson Collected Works

303 Detroit St. 734-995-4222 | collectedworksannarbor.com What is your business and what do you do?

I am the owner of Collected Works, a women’s clothing boutique in the Market Place Building right by the Farmers Market on Detroit St. As a small business owner, I do anything that needs to be done for the business. I wear a multitude of hats.

How many years have you been in business?

I have been in business in Ann Arbor since 1977.

I started on Liberty St., moved to Main St. and settled here on Detroit St. in 2000.

What woman or women inspired you?

I have been most inspired by the women from my childhood. First, my mother, by her sense of style and detail and color. And by the mom of my childhood friend, who taught me so much about art and creativity, and taught me how to play the piano! My Dad was a small business owner in Detroit in the ‘50s and ‘60s, so that is probably in my blood too.

What are you most proud of?

First, I am proud of my talented adult children, Nik, Michael and Kristina Thompson, and delighted by my five grandchildren. Professionally, I am proud that my small business has thrived for 38 years with the help of my excellent husband and excellent staff. Retail is not for the faint of heart, but my customers make it a lot of fun.

What is one thing that makes A2 a great place to own a business?

I am grateful for the community that has supported Collected Works. Ann Arbor doesn’t want to look like everyone else (both the city and my customers!), and we go out of our way to support local businesses that lend such a flavor to the city. I am proud when customers bring visitors to our city into Collected Works. Ann Arbor “gets” me and what I have been doing all these years. I am the happiest woman in A2. I get to work at Collected Works every day.

Monday 9:15 – 10:30 AM 10:45 – 12:00 PM 6:00 - 7:15 PM 7:15 – 8:15 PM 7:30 - 8:45 PM Tuesday 9:15 - 10:30 AM 9:30 - 10:30 AM 10:45 - 12:00 PM 6:00 - 7:00 PM 6:15 - 7:15 PM 7:15 - 8:30 PM 7:30 - 8:30 PM Wednesday 8:30 – 9:45 AM 9:15 - 10:30 AM 11:15AM - 12:15P 5:45 – 7:00 PM 6:00 - 7:15 PM 7:15 - 8:15 PM 7:30 - 8:45 PM Thursday 9:00 - 10:15 AM 9:15-10:30 AM 10:30 - 11:45 AM 5:45 – 6:45 PM 6:00-7:00PM 7:00 - 8:15 PM 7:15 - 8:30 PM Friday 9:00 - 10:00 AM 9:15 - 10:30 AM 10:15 - 11:30 AM 10:45 - 11:45 AM 4:30 – 5:30 PM Saturday 9:15 - 10:30 AM 9:30 - 10:45 PM 11:00 - 12:00 PM Sunday 9:00 - 10:30 AM 9:15 - 10:15 AM 10:30 - 11:30 AM 10:45 - 12:00 PM 5:00 - 6:30 PM

Classes Vinyasa II Vinyasa I : Foundations Heart-Centered Hatha Yoga Gentle/Restorative Yoga Vinyasa I & II Classes Vinyasa I Hatha I & II Gentle Flow Yoga Yoga Foundations / Beginning Yoga NIA Vinyasa I YIN Yoga Classes Breath-Centered Vinyasa Yoga Heart-Centered Hatha Yoga C2 Community Yoga: Onã Flow Vinyasa (DW*) Vinyasa: Movement Flow** Ashtanga Fundamentals: Primary Series I Hatha I & II Vinyasa I & II Classes Gentle Yoga & Meditation Onã Flow Vinyasa I & II Vinyasa I & II Beginning Yoga/Hatha C2 Community Class: Yoga (Donations welcome*) Pre-Natal Yoga: Mommy Time Vinyasa I Classes Yoga Foundations/Beginning Yoga Vinyasa I & II Vinyasa I C2 Community NIA: NIA (Donations welcome*) C2 Community Yoga: Onã Flow Vinyasa (DW*) Classes Vinyasa I Onã Flow Vinyasa I, II, & III (all levels except beginner) NIA Classes Heart-Centered Hatha Yoga Foundations|Beg. Yoga NIA Pre-Natal Yoga:Mommy Time Vinyasa II & III**(Advanced)

Teacher Sandra Marty Carter Natasha Diane Teacher Rachel P. Carter Sarah Ouafa Megan S. Wendy Jeanne Teacher Natasha Carter Ana

Studio Purple Gold Gold Purple Gold Studio Gold Purple Gold Gold Purple Gold Purple Studio Purple Gold Gold

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NEW students $20/7 Days Unlimited Trial Pass

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

ecurrent.com / march 2016 11

sports

Berenson’s legacy looms large at Yost Ice Arena

Keeping the Passion

“When hockey season came, it was my time. Hockey gave me confidence and helped shape me,” said Berenson.

“I can relate to young players and how the confidence they get from hockey helps shape their lives.”

Staying in Great Shape

Passion, Wisdom, and Winning with a Legend Talking with U of M’s Hockey Coach, Red Berenson

By Tim Malik

Becoming a legend and Hall of Famer isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes years of dedication and perseverance to reach the pinnacle of greatness in any chosen field. Now in his 32nd year as Head Hockey Coach at the University of Michigan (currently the longest tenure for any Division 1 Hockey program) and with two National Championships under his belt, Red Berenson spoke with Current about his passion for hockey, the University of Michigan, and his life in Ann Arbor.

What coaching hockey at the University of Michigan means to Red Berenson

Not only has Berenson held the title of Hockey Coach for 32 years, he played hockey for UM and graduated from the Business School as well. “It (graduating from UM) helped change and form my life before my 18-year career in the NHL.” At the age of 44-years-old, Berenson became the head coach at Michigan. “I never anticipated being the coach,” said Berenson. “I couldn’t have asked for a better place to be. I’m very lucky.”

If ever there was a “Michigan Man,” Berenson is that man. As we talked, he showed me one of his favorite books written by Bo Schembechler and John U. Bacon: Bo’s Lasting Lessons: The Legendary Coach Teaches Timeless Fundamentals of Leadership. With a look of admiration in his eyes, Berenson simply said about Schembechler, “He was a great man.”

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Hockey is a tough sport. Berenson played in the NHL for 18 years in addition to his college time at UM. He still looks like he could get on the ice and score goals. How does Berenson stay in such great shape? “Being a hockey player made me care about my body,” he said. “It became a habit. When I became a coach, I’d get out of bed in the morning, and nothing hurt!”

His philosophy on staying healthy is very simple: “Fitness should be a part of your life. Stay on top of it!”

How Ann Arbor and student athletes have changed over the past 32 years

On Ann Arbor: “It’s bigger and better. Look at all the places and restaurants you can visit. You can still ride your bike around most places.” With all the success Berenson has built at Michigan, he’s seen a big difference in fan attendance at Yost Arena; “When I was playing at Michigan, you never saw the stadium full. Look at it now!”

When it comes to student athletes, Berenson has seen some changes. “Some of the kids today are parented differently and have a sense of entitlement, but most kids bring it every day regardless.” Humility is something that exudes from Berenson, and that humility extends to his players. “After winning the National Championship in 1996, I got a call from a professor who had one of my players in his class. We won the Championship on Saturday, and he came to class on Monday like it was any other day.

The professor was surprised that the player came to class and was so inconspicuous. Being grounded in academics is very important.”

Living in Ann Arbor

From restaurants to a glimpse of humble beginnings from the late 1950s: “I enjoy eating at the Gandy Dancer,” said Berenson. “When I was a student at Michigan, I use to work there when it was the train station. I unloaded the trains. Ann Arbor is a great place to go out.”

sports Like many other longtime Ann Arborites, Knights Restaurant is a favorite spot. He also mentioned Cottage Inn Pizza as a favorite.

Berenson also likes to kayak along the Huron River and enjoys the outdoors. “The parks and all the recreation give you a feel-good vibe.” As a former player for the Detroit Red Wings, Berenson also likes the fact that Detroit (and Joe Louis Arena) is so accessible from Ann Arbor.

Originally from Regina, Saskatchewan, I asked Berenson if he’d ever move back when he retires. His answer was very quick; “Ann Arbor is home. I’m staying here.”

All time wins record

Coach Berenson is one of four college hockey coaches with more than 800 wins in a career. With all the energy, passion, and wisdom Berenson has, he certainly could make a run at being the All-Time winningest hockey coach if he wanted, but says he’ll, “Do what’s best for the program.”

“Be a part of the citizenship here. Find people who care about the same things you do.”

When prompted to offer advice to the people of Ann Arbor, Berenson replied, “Be part of the citizenship here. Find people who care about the same things you do. Do the right thing.” Taking the time to help the environment or your fellow citizen is something that Berenson takes to heart. “I’ll pull my car over on the road, get out, and pick up a can.”

Coach Red Berenson

Keys to Success in Life

With so much success in his career his life philosophy reamins simple: “Have an idea. Have a goal.

Fill in the pieces of a puzzle,” he said.

“The way you handle people when you’re doing well is very important.

The way you handle people when you’re not doing very well is equally as important.”

Berenson talked about his father, who was a fireman: “The greatest advice my father gave me was, do it right if you’re going to do it.”

UM Ice Hockey will take on Ohio State Friday, March 4 at Yost Ice Arena and Sunday, March 6, at Ohio State. The Big Ten tournament kicks off Thursday, March 17 in St. Paul, Minnesota. For ticket information, visit mgoblue.com

ecurrent.com / march 2016 13

On Spotlights and Discoveries at the 54th Annual Ann Arbor Film Festival

Lori Felker’s boundary-pushing film “Discontinuity” will screen opening night

by Cammie Finch

“On Saturday night, we’ll be showing a work by Austrian artist, Rainer Kohlburger. The piece, Not Even Nothing Can Be Free of Ghosts is an abstract piece, intense, ecstatic. Oh, and cameras played no part in it. It was completely generated with computer code.”

I’m sitting down with David Dinnell, the program director of the 54th Annual Ann Arbor Film Festival and I find myself saying, “I can’t even imagine what such a film would look like!”

Dinnell laughs and nods. “Exactly. That’s the magic of our film festival. We offer the opportunity for those unexpected discoveries.”

He goes on and explains his favorite phrase to overhear throughout the six day festival are the words, “I didn’t even know a film could be like that.”

A festival for the radical and experimental And that’s just why the Ann Arbor Film Festival, the longest running film fest in North America, was created in 1963 by George Manupelli. While teaching at UM, Manupelli noticed that Ann Arbor was already becoming a hub for the experimental and radical non-commercial filmmaker. His festival was an instant attractor for those who viewed their films as art and didn’t want to get mixed up in the hype and politics of Hollywood.

The annual six-day film festival was also attractive to Michigan native Dinnell, who started his film programming career with the Detroit Film Center, a now defunct non-profit media arts center. Outside of the Media City Festival in Windsor, Dinnell would have to drive to Toronto or Chicago to see the experimental films that he was interested in. Having attended the Ann Arbor Film Festival repeatedly as a teenager, Dinnell scooped up the opportunity to organize and screen for the Ann Arbor community in 2007. This will be his fifth year as the festival’s program director.

“The moving image is one of the most dominant art forms of today,” Dinnell says. “Every March, I

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“Sixty Six” by Lewis Klahr features images from old comics and ads, capturing the experimental vibe of the festival

“Film is a kind of language. when you hear something differently than you’ve heard before, that’s a discovery.” — David Dinnell

want the city of Ann Arbor to have six great days of reawakening to film.” And because of Dinnell and his team’s dedication to that mission, this year from March 15-20, Ann Arbor will be screening around 150 films, all made in the last two years, and ranging in genres (non-fiction documentaries, abstract film, animation, short fiction) as well as length (while the majority of screenings will be five to ten short films strung together for a 70-80 minute feature, about eight pieces are longform feature length works).

Fresh avant-garde films The festival is known for having a strong history and focus on independent and experimental film, as well as avant-garde cinema. So it’s no wonder that Jem Cohen’s Counting is one of the anticipated highlights of this year’s festival. Cohen’s work is no stranger to Ann Arbor, as his installation Life Drawing was on display in the UMMA last fall. This month, Cohen will be in festival attendance as his featurelength film, Counting, screens Wednesday, March 15th. Counting lyrically documents Cohen’s travels from New York to Moscow, to Istanbul and beyond, capturing street protests and snowfalls, subway buskers and cemeteries. But this is not a travelogue by any means. Instead, you aren’t quite sure, at times, which city you’ve been transported to. And in the end, the specific city hardly matters. Cohen’s purpose is to absorb the humanity that populates the streets

Two lovers struggle to reconnect in “Discontinuity”

and the commonalities between people and places; all the while, he pays homage to the small quirks that define each city.

Selection Process Cohen’s piece was one of the 150 chosen to be played at the Film Festival, which is quite an amazing feat, given that the pool began with 3,000 submissions!

Dinnell, in our interview, pulled out his organizational flow chart to explain the selection process (picture a fantasy football-like bracket of the film world). At the top are the genre categories with arrows pointing down from them. Boxes along the convoluted paths indicate first, second, and third viewings. The “final cut” is a box near the bottom that I’m told signifies a smaller selection of 500 films. The arrow from that box to the very bottom then whittles down those 500 to the 150 shown at the festival. If you’re confused, don’t sweat it. I was too. But that’s why we leave the hard, messy decisions to the professionals like Dinnell, so we can sit back with our popcorn and relax.

Film as language But I wanted to know how Dinnell and his team knew when they’d found an outstandingly good film.

Dinnell explained that, “Film is a kind of language.

When you hear something differently than you’ve heard before, that’s a discovery. That’s interesting.

That’s what we want to show at our festival.” And for a film festival that presents works from 20 countries, including China, Thailand, and Eastern Europe, attendees are bound to discover bits of the world that they never knew existed, or perhaps uncover simple things about our life that we take for granted.

For instance, road salt. In Allison Cekala’s nonfiction documentary, Fundir (2015), there is no narration or text to guide the adventure. Instead, the scene through the camera’s eye is the language and tells the story through its power of observation. Fundir follows the process of extracting salt from the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, from its labor-intensive origins to crunching under boots in North American cities. It’s CONT’D on p16

ecurrent.com / march 2016 15

CONT’D from p16

Fire rages in Brett Story’s exploration of mass incarceration, “The Prison in Twelve Landscapes,” which will make its world premiere Thursday of the AAF

March for Babies Kickoff

Join us for the Ann Arbor March for Babies Kickoff! Meet other teams, share fund-raising ideas and have fun!

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a beautiful piece that asks the viewer to question their surroundings more often. Where does this object actually come from? How does it affect the worker’s economy, their culture, their lifestyle? Cekala’s film, which will have its world premiere at the AAFF, is one of the many films that survey current concerns and visions for the future in a global context.

Chuck E. Cheese’s

The films are just the kickstarter to the weeklong conversation. Many of the filmmakers with showcased pieces come to the festival and have Q&A sessions with audiences in the theaters after the screenings.

But filmmakers are just like everyone else. They get thirsty and need caffeine too. During the festival, duck intoOak your local coffeeDr. shop and keep an eye out 2655 Valley for Ann a few directors.

Don’t be shy! Everyone is super Arbor 48103 approachable and would love to talk more about their films with anyone interested. The conversation doesn’t stop when the curtain drops. That’s the great thing about the Ann Arbor Film Festival, Dinnell says; “There’s no red carpet. No pedestal with director up here and viewers down here. It’s a very even ground.”

Friday

5pm 8pm

Get Involved Looking for more ways to get involved with the A2 Film Festival? Contact volunteers@aafilmfest.org for volunteering information. Because this is one of the most well-attended festivals in the nation, every pair of hands on deck helps. Ushering at theaters grants you free and discounted tickets and passes. If you live withinteams walkingwho distance downtown, putting Registered have of raised up filmmakers in your home is a great opportunity to $75 will receive 20 make a new friend as well as gain extra insight into E. Cheese tokens! theirChuck art form.

3/11/16

“To support bold, visionary filmmakers, advance the art form of film and new media, and engage communities with remarkable cinematic experiences” is the Ann Arbor Film Festival’s mission statement and 2016 will be no different. The corn is popping, the lights are dimming, and the cameras are rolling.

Prepare to discover film like you’ve never seen it before.

Ann Arbor Film Festival. March 15-20.

Go to www.aafilmfest.org for more information.

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bar Crafting World Class Cocktails Bartenders in Ann Arbor and Detroit are gearing up for the annual World Class Cocktail Competition

by Zach Marburger Spend an evening or two bar-hopping in Ann Arbor, and it quickly becomes apparent that being a bartender isn’t just about slinging beers and fixing rum-’n-cokes for the college crowd.

There’s a serious craft behind cocktail creation, and the Detroit Area Chapter of the United States Bartender’s Guild (USBG) is determined to assist members in elevating the job to an art form.

“Our mission is to provide information and other professional development opportunities to bartenders and industry professionals,” said Liz Cosby, treasurer of the USBG Detroit Chapter.

“We focus a lot on education including branding, food-pairings, cocktails, and competition.”

World Class One way to do that is through competition, and David Martinez of The Last Word hopes his creation will the biggest competition around is the upcoming impress judges at the World Class Cocktail Competition World Class event. Sponsored by thebar - which “They separate you into three groups, and you’ll go produces and distributes liquor brands like Johnnie Walker, Ketel One, Bulleit, Captain Morgan, and many, through the fire, and then as soon as that’s done, you move many more - World Class takes bartenders from all on to the next one,” said Martinez. “You start at about over the United States and pits them in first a regional, eight in the morning and you don’t finish until five in the then national, and finally a global competition in order afternoon. It’s not like some of the other competitions. You to find future brand representatives; the global winner is have to be a bartender, and you have to be able to pull it out and figure it out. You’re on your toes the whole time. crowned the “World Class Bartender.”

It’s a lot of fun.”

The chance to be associated with premium brands is a big opportunity for the competitors and a great networking opportunity for those in the industry. Prior Innovation in A2 In order to prepare participants for World Class, the to the competition, interested bartenders submit an USBG Detroit Chapter is putting on events in Detroit and application, including a cocktail recipe and essay.

Ann Arbor for their members, focused on competition David Martinez, who bartends at The Last Word in skills and brand awareness.

Ann Arbor, has competed in two World Class regional The competition and training surrounding it are just competitions, and is submitting his fourth application to part of the USBG’s overall mission - to promote bartending enter the event. as a profession with a lot of thought, and even artistry, “They want you to submit something you like and behind it. appreciate, and explain why you chose that cocktail.

“I’ve learned a lot from competing. I was tending They want to see how you push the spirit forward,” said Martinez. “It’s basically a large interview. You’re trying to bar and managing for about five years before I really got into craft cocktails,” said Martinez. “When I found secure a spot, along with 1,500 other people.” out that there was an actual career in it that wasn’t just That’s just to make it to regionals, which will be held in management, I decided to pursue more cocktail-driven Indianapolis in May. There, bartenders pour themselves stuff. Really learning the craft, really learning what I was into three different challenges, including bottle putting into the glass.” presentation, speed and efficiency, and creativity “We all support each other,” said Martinez of the Ann and adherence to a theme.

Arbor scene. “We support our sister bars, and we always support other businesses in town. Pacific Rim has cool cocktails, Grange is doing some interesting things as well.

Anyone who is really doing cocktails, we’re always open to talking with them.”

Catch David Martinez at The Last Word, open 5pm2am Tuesday-Saturday. Find out more about the World Class competition at theworldclassclub.com ecurrent.com / march 2016 19

food Making her mark

How Sava Lelcaj has leveraged her one-of-a-kind background to make it big in the Ann Arbor hospitality scene

by Zach Marburger

Mid-way through our conversation at her office on Liberty Street, Sava Lelcaj points out a quote - commonly attributed to Charles Darwin - that her husband shared with her just a few days earlier. The quote reads, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”

“I think it’s so important being flexible and being agile.

I think so many times people come in and think, ‘This is the way it’s going to be, I’m going to do this.’ Then when it’s not exactly that, they don’t know how to adapt,” said Lelcaj. “That’s a part of the business, just being able to roll with the punches. If you get stumbled on little tiny things, opportunities are just passing you by.”

As the founder and driving force behind Savco Hospitality — which operates downtown Ann Arbor restaurants Sava’s and Aventura — Lelcaj understands the importance of being flexible in the business world, as well as in the kitchen. She points to the opening of Aventura as a perfect example.

“I knew what I wanted, and thought it would be a great addition to the food scene here in Ann Arbor, and I thought it would be fun,” said Lelcaj. “But I would have turned that into a library if I had to. Anything to get this space to succeed.”

Starting small In addition to Sava’s and Aventura, Savco Hospitality also operates Tavolina Catering and Events, the Savco Kitchen, and Babo Market at three different locations. All told, there are more than 400 employees at Savco - a far cry from where Sava got her start, working in the back of the house at a small Greek diner at the age of 13, before coming to Ann Arbor in 2007 to open the original Sava’s Cafe with a staff of 15 employees.

She describes the original Sava’s as, “Like half the size of this office. It was where the CVS is now, so probably the size of the CVS food and wine aisle.”

Still, she considers herself lucky to have experienced both sides of the coin at a time when the restaurant industry was changing rapidly due to the influence of The Food Network, the internet, and the economic downturn.

“I worked at one Greek restaurant early on called Ocean Breeze and they just ran it very military-style. If I didn’t work in a restaurant like that, I would have never known how to run a restaurant like Sava’s because when you’re running a ship that sizable, you really need order and structure,” said Lelcaj. “Being in my 20s and having seen both sides of the spectrum really helped me become more agile.

“I have sort of that old-school mentality, because I grew up in the business for a decade, but then because of my age I was really able to adapt to the new school. I realized you always have to be innovative, you always have to be agile, because this industry might change again in ten years.”

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Lelcaj harnessed her unique heritage to change the Ann Arbor food scene

Thriving in the business world That unique perspective - starting in the restaurant industry at such a young age, working in a city hit hard by the economic woes of Detroit, and finally finding a home in Ann Arbor - has helped Lelcaj build Savco Hospitalities into a thriving community.

“I think Ann Arbor needed a lot of things when I got here. I really immersed myself in the community when I first came here. I didn’t know how long I was going to stay here, but it was just a really feel-good place,” said Lelacj.

“I’d lived in four different countries, grew up in New York City, went to college in Toronto, but I just really wanted to get to know the town. There is so much opportunity, and it may not be in restaurants. That’s why I’ve pursued retail and production as well.”

Dipping a toe into so many different areas with a measure of success in each of them is quite the feat, attributed to the unique cultural background Lelcaj has to stake her place as a woman in the business world.

“People ask me all the time what it’s like to be a woman in business, and I still don’t really have a good answer for that. I’ve always just thought of myself as a person in business,” said Lelcaj. “From my cultural background - I’m Albanian - women were married off at like 16, 17, 18 years old. One of the reasons I really dove into my career and went to college - which was really unusual for Albanian women - is that I wanted to be outside of the norm. I didn’t want to get stuck in that lifestyle.

“So when I broke through those cultural barriers, the businesses barriers I broke through didn’t seem as big of a deal.”

food

The team at Sava’s whips up creative food and drink parings

Babo Market aims to provide local and gloabal food that makes guests feel good

Instead of holding her back from a life traveling the world and building her own business empire, Lelcaj believes that she was able to turn her heritage and cultural upbringing into an advantage.

“Hospitality is the hallmark of our culture. Google anything about Albania, and the one thing that’s going to come up is hospitality, and women play those hospitable roles in our culture. So it can be very feminine-friendly.”

Advice for future generations When it comes to being a leading female figure within the community, Lelcaj acknowledges that there are still many challenges women face in the industry, but that things are headed in the right direction.

“There are more women leaving this business than getting into this business. The hours are long, and it’s physically demanding,” said Lecaj. “But I think things are changing, and there are so many women doing amazing

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things within the industry, we’re really headed in the right direction. I love being a part of it because when I’m doing things in business, I do want to inspire young women. I think being a woman is such an amazing thing.

It’s power.”

“Whether you think you can, or you think you’re can’t, you’re right. Anyone can do this. The question isn’t if you’re going to have obstacles, you are going to have obstacles,” said Lecaj. “The question is, how do you handle those obstacles?

“I believe that’s how I built my company. A little bit of ignorance. You go in, you think you can do it, and people may be laughing, but you do it anyway.”

To explore all Savco Hospitality has to offer, visit savcohospitality.com or call 734-669-3310

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food

3 thursday Mountain Cheeses That Make Us Melt 6pm. $30. Zingerman’s Creamery, 3723 Plaza Dr. 734-929-0500. zingermanscommunity.com

The ultimate in comfort food, melted cheese helps chase away the last chill of winter in anticipation of spring. At this special event, participants will make two kinds of fondue, well as learn about and taste a traditional Swiss raclette.

7 monday

Ayse’s Cafe

Ann Arbor foodies can find no fresher food than Ayse’s Cafe, named after its owner, Ayse Uras.

Specializing in Turkish home cooking using local produce from the farmer’s market in their slow-cooked, healthy dishes,Uras has a few recommendations. “Taste our red lentil soup, a luscious mix of red lentils, carrots, and onions, which we top with a dash of sumac before serving.”

Vegetarian and vegan options are plentiful. “We feature daily dishes called Zeytinyalilar, in Turkish — seasonal salads and stews that are cooked with olive oil and are all vegetarian, most also vegan and gluten free.” —ZM

Ongoing

Quitting Time Cask

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

Each Friday ABC 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.

Michigan, 229 W. Michigan Ave. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free

Hear about the Ypsi Seed Library, then learn how to start and care for seeds for transplanting in the spring.

This program focuses on seeds for culinary use. One attendee will win a seed starting kit.

2 wednesday

Rotary Fight Summer Hunger Food Drive

Romantic Italian Rice

A community-wide food drive hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Ann Arbor, Dexter, Saline and Ypsilanti with collection locations at more than 80 local businesses and organizations.

Runs March 7 through March 18.

Italians love their pasta, but it would be a mistake to stop there. They also love their rice.

While it’s not as well known or cooked as regularly as pasta dishes, a creamy bowl of risotto is tough to beat.

Chef Wallo will walk through a cooking demonstration for making risotto. Along with the risotto, participants will also sample a few other treats made with rice.

Food Gatherers, 1 Carrot Way. 734-761-2796. foodgatherers.org

1 tuesday Start Seeding Basics

6:30pm. Ypsilanti District Library-

6:30pm. $35. Zingerman’s Events on Fourth, 415 N. Fifth Ave. 734-663-3400. zingermanscommunity.com

Discover Korean Flavors 6:30pm. $69. Sur La Table, 3050 Washtenaw Ave. 734-531-0300. surlatable.com

In this hands-on class, the instructor will introduce participants to ingredients used to create Korea’s rich, spicy cuisine and in how to prepare a variety of classic dishes.

Southern Italian

6pm. $55. Huron High School, 2727 Fuller Rd. 734-994-2300. apm.activecommunities.com

Give “meatless Mondays” a new twist with these delicious Italian dishes. Francesca starts with Polpette di melanzane: balls of eggplant breaded, fried and topped with a light tomato sauce, parmigiano cheese and basil. Next up is peperoni gratinati: strips of bell peppers layered with fresh herbs, capers, olives, pine nuts, homemade bread crumbs and baked in the oven to crisp.

Last up is tortino di pomodori: puffed pastry filled with sliced tomatoes, goat cheese and pesto, baked to a golden crust.

9 wednesday A Bouquet of Flours

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

Keegan C. Rodgers, Head Baker at the People’s Food Co-Op, leads this interactive and lively talk on the history, processing, uses and chemical reactions of flours used in baking. Attendees will leave with new baking skills and literature to take home. Tastes of Keegan’s baked goods will be included too!

10 thursday Shout for Stout!

6pm. $35. Zingerman’s Creamery, 3723 Plaza Dr. 734-929-0500. zingermanscommunity.com

Come explore the varied and delicious world of stout beers, paired up with cheeses to enhance their most flavorful characteristics – just in time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Wok ‘N Roll

6:30pm. $49. Skyline High School, 2552

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N. Maple Rd. 734-994-2300. apm.activecommunities.com

Chef Tom will demonstrate a sweet and savory honey sesame chicken, vegetable chow mein, and beef fried rice.

12 saturday Wine, Word, and Song

7pm. $50-$250. Neutral Zone, 301 E. Washington St. 734-214-9995. neutral-zone.org

Enjoy an evening of delicious food and wine, along with music and poetry performed by talented, local teens, members of Neutral Zone’s VOLUME Poetry Project. The event raises funds to support Neutral Zone’s many music, art and leadership programs, as well as its literary arts programs for teens. Registration is required.

The Big 400 Maple Festival

8-11:30am/pancake breakfast.

Chelsea Alehouse, 420 N. Main St., Chelsea. 734-475-2337. thebig400.com Free

It’s maple syrup time! The communities of The Big 400 are teaming up to celebrate maple syruping in southern Michigan. The festival includes pancake breakfasts, tours of tapping areas and the syruping process, the release of a local maple wine and a maple stout, and lots of good things to eat with a maple twist. Certain tours free, dinners come with a fee.

14 monday Drink Me, I’m Irish!

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

Presented by Tammy’s Tastings. Participants will sample Irish Whiskey and understand what makes it different from bourbon or Scotch, and use it in cocktails along with other Irish ingredients, including Bailey’s Irish Cream and Guinness Stout.

In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb

7pm. $25/advance, $30/day of.

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

March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, so this month’s beer tasting will be comprised of beers across the many styles that are considered either “high gravity” or “session” with nothing in between.

Gluten and Grain Free Cookies

6pm. $49. Huron High School, 2727 Fuller Rd. 734-994-2300. apm.activecommunities.com

Enjoy tasty treats like chunky chocolate chip cookies, luscious jam thumbprint cookies and scrumptious coconut macaroons, while avoiding gluten and grains?

Return of the Pretzel Bell

Fondly remembered over three decades after it shut down, the Pretzel Bell makes its triumphant return to Ann Arbor, thanks to a group of UM alums that have been working with owners Jon Carlson, Greg Lobdell and Chet Czaplicka. Originally opened in 1934, the Pretzel Bell became the prime drinking destination for the college crowd, and instituted a tradition of standing on a table and chugging a beer for students celebrating their 21st birthday. However, for those looking to relive old times, except for the name, the new restaurant is not unaffiliated with the old drinking hot spot. —ZM

food 5pm-7pm r: Monday-Friday u o H y p p a .75 H off all drafts. $1 0 .0 $1 e ar ls ia drink spec Carlsberg, batt Blue Light, La R, PB of s le tt bo d Bud. el Light, Palm an Heineken, Amst

ABC Expanded

Arbor Brewing Company has managed to get a makeover while still keeping a hometown feel. After closing early in the new year, ABC got back up and running in late January, and the new look — the downstairs bathroom, dining area, kitchen area and bar have all been renovated — has been a hit. Even more popular however is their revamped menu offerings, thanks to a brand new chef in the kitchen. The new menu features a few returning favorites, a more refined feel, and an expanded emphasis on vegan and vegetarian dishes. —ZM

Come out for a fun class where and learn how to make cookies so good, participants won’t miss the gluten, grain and junk! Tanya Andrews will show participants the way to indulge a sweet tooth in a deliciously nutritious way.

16 wednesday Fair Housing Breakfast with Theodore M. Shaw

8:30am. $50-$75. Weber’s Ann Arbor Hotel, 3050 Jackson Rd. 1-887-979-3247. fhcmichigan.org

Please join the Fair Housing Center of Southeast & Mid Michigan at the 3rd Annual Fair Housing Breakfast. Theodore M. Shaw, Professor of Law and Director of the Center for Civil Rights at the University of North Carolina School of Law, will be the speaker. Professor Shaw was President of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund for many years.

Slow Food Huron Valley Monthly Meeting 6:30pm. Jefferson Market and Cakery, 609 W. Jefferson St. 734-665-6666. slowfoodhuronvalley.com Free

Slow Food Huron Valley’s Leadership Team meets monthly on the third Wednesday of the month to discuss the business of our organization. Everyone is welcome to attend.

cont. on page 24

Monday Specials: $2.50 Valentine Gin or Vodka Drinks, $5.00 Pitchers of any Michigan beer. Mini Burgers $2.00 each. No limit.

Tuesday Specials: $2.00 Corona bottles, $2.00 Tequila Shots, $4.00 Pitchers of Dos Equis. Tacos $2.00 each.

No limit Wednesday Specials: $2.75 any draft, $5.00 Pitchers of Bud Light. $6.75 burger and beer Thursday Specials: $1.00 Long Island Ice Teas, $4.00 Pitchers of Coors light or Travelers Illusive (Drink specials start at 10pm). $7.99 Philly Cheese Steak.

Friday Specials: $1.75 bottles of Amstel Light, Heineken, PBR, Palm, Labatt Blue Light, Carlsberg, and Bud from 11am - 7pm. Free wing buffet from 5pm-7pm with the purchase of 2 drinks. 7-Close $2.00 Miller light or Coors light Bottles, $4.00 Jack Daniels. Food specials are all day. Fish -n- Chips $6.99, Fish Sandwich $6.99, Shrimp Sliders $6.99 and Shrimp Platter $11.99 Saturday Specials: $8.00 Well Mini Pitchers, $12.00 Call Mini Pitchers, $14.00 Vodka Redbull Mini Pitchers, and $20.00 Top Shelf or Moscow Mule Mini Pitchers (Drink specials start at 10pm). $7.99 BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich.

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17 thursday Cocktail Class: When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

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

How better to embrace the reemergence of this subtly sweet and spicy spirit than with a St. Patrick’s Day celebration? Participants will explore this regional whiskey, which is balanced, approachable, and infinitely mixable. Each guest will make three distinct cocktails while discussing the history of the liquor and stories behind St. Patrick’s Day itself.

Pregitzer Farm Market

Started as a roadside stand in 1996, Pregitzer Farm Market has expanded its services to include four greenhouses, an egg share, and cattle and chicken service, all by embracing the concept of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Here’s how it works: community members pay for a subscription to the farm, and the farmer provides consumers with a weekly share of the harvest. The CSA program supports local business, provides great fresh food, and thanks to the delivery service, it is convenient. The produce list includes winter squash, eggplant, kale, and so much more, including chicken, eggs, and beef upon request. To find out more, and to get involved, visit pregitzerfarmmarket.com. —ZM

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19 saturday Take Back the Night Benefit Dinner

6pm. $55. Weber’s Inn, 3050 Jackson Rd. tbtnannarbor.org

The tenth annual benefit dinner for Take Back the Night Ann Arbor, an organization dedicated to supporting those touched by sexual violence, to raise awareness and to change rape culture. There will be a silent auction and poetry performance in addition to dinner.

20 sunday Slow Food Huron Valley’s 2016 CSA-Shareholder Matching Fair 1pm. $15. Cultivate Coffee and Tap House, 307 N. River St., Ypsilanti.

734-249-8993. slowfoodhuronvalley.com

This event brings together CSA farmers and food producers with the public, so that potential customers can compare and contrast the different aspects, offerings and advantages of each farmer/ producer before making an immediate or future decision and/or choice.

21 monday Porchetta

6pm. $55. Casa di Francesca, 1742 Traver Rd. 734-995-1983. apm.activecommunities.com

5 IN WASHTENAW COUNTY IN 2014

Francesca demonstrates how to properly cut, roll, tie and roast Porchetta, a traditional Tuscan dish of pork loin that’s stuffed with garlic & rosemary then topped with pork belly and roasted. Side dishes include roasted potatoes and sautéed artichoke hearts with black olives and capers. For dessert, Francesca makes baked apples topped with amaretti cookies, walnuts and brown sugar.

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Girls Night Out: Tapas

6:30pm. $69. Sur La Table, 3050 Washtenaw Ave. 734-531-0300. surlatable.com

Invite girlfriends for an unforgettable evening of fun, laughter and fabulous flavors. Work alongside BFFs and classmates, learning to transform fresh ingredients into an assortment of small plates bursting with authentic Spanish flavors.

A Parma Farmhouse Dinner

7pm. $80. Zingerman’s Roadhouse, 2501 Jackson Ave. 734-663-3663. zingermansroadhouse.com

Chef Alex and Giovanni have collaborated on a menu that highlights the complex flavors of the ham throughout the meal, each course celebrating the sweetness of the hams. Giovanni will be at the Roadhouse to share his family’s story and lead participants through the tasting.

26 saturday Farm to Table Favorites 1pm. $69. Sur La Table, 3050 Washtenaw Ave. 734-531-0300. surlatable.com

Enjoy working alongside classmates assembling an amazing frittata and creating aioli from scratch. Plus, participants will learn how to create a delectable ice cream featuring a surprising secret ingredient.

29 tuesday The Secret of Effective Weight Loss 7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

Learn how to reach an ideal weight and maintain it forever, and how to do this safely and with unrestricted amounts of delicious and satisfying food. Ellen Livingston is a certified yoga teacher, and has benefited from a raw vegan diet since 2002. She offers yoga and raw food classes in the community and from her home on five acres in Ann Arbor.

31 thursday Knife Skills

6:30pm. $100. Sur La Table, 3050 Washtenaw Ave. 734-531-0300. surlatable.com

In this workshop class that covers all the knife basics participants will master basic knife skills and the fundamental cuts for vegetables (mince, dice, brunoise, batonnet and julienne) as well as a few advanced techniques. Finally we’ll show you how to select the right knife for any job, and share tips for keeping knives sharp and well maintained at home. Comes with a free knife!

music

Controlled Chaos Michigan-based collective Desmond Jones are giving jam-bands a good name Photo Credit: Miz Changes Photography

by Jeff Milo

A good jam should never drag, and synchronized jam musicians, collectively fermenting the coalescence of a jam should avoid the indulgences of noodling. That’s the kind of stuff I found myself talking about during my conversation with Grand Rapids-based ensemble Desmond Jones.

“You never wanna get lost in a jam,” said guitarist Chris Bota. “We’re very conscious of the flow of energy in a jam and we made sure never to noodle.”

No noodling here If you’ve listened to some classic Wes Montgomery jazz, you might perceive the more and explorative phrasings of guitar, bass and drums to be, well, noodling. Desmond Jones may jam, per se, but it’s more a rock-n-roll-tinged clinic on myriad genres, from jazz to blues, funk to samba, indie-pop to soul, and back around again.

Bota said the band wouldn’t have acquired their tightly meshed harmonization if they hadn’t been so open to experimentation in their beginning years. “You’re never gonna succeed unless you’re ready to fail a few times,” said Bota. “That’s one of our many mottos.”

The band includes Isaac Berkowitz (guitar), John Nowak (drums), John Loria (bass) and George Falk (sax), however, each player contributes vocals and several of them change up instruments.

“A big part of what helped us, early on,” said Berkowitz, “is that we kinda love the chaos. In fact, we practice chaos.

If we can learn how to move in and out of it (chaos) when things happen then we can make it part of the song and move and travel with it.”

The elements joining this team of musicians is almost a form of telepathy. “We’re at a point, now,” said Nowak, “where we just know each other’s musical styles and characteristics. After playing 150 shows in the last year, along with doing four hours on stage every Monday (at the Tip Top Deluxe in Grand Rapids), it really isn’t that much chaos; it just might sound like it to somebody in the audience.”

The members of Desmond Jones were able to harness creative chaos after playing 150 shows in 2015

Desmond Jones took their name from my mom’s all-time favorite Beatles song (Oh-Bla-Di, OhBla-Da). Nowak and Berkowitz have been playing music together since they were twelve. They met Bota, Loria and Falk at Michigan State out of shared desires to start a band, then cut their teeth as sufficient vibe facilitators at various house parties around campus.

So happy together The band really kicked into high gear in 2014 and 2015, hitting the road around the state while releasing two albums, (the most recent, Thick Cuts, came in late 2014).

Last month, they ventured out on their biggest tour to date, reaching as far west as Colorado, playing 20 shows along the way.

“It’s cool to see how much we’ve changed,” said Berkowitz. “We never decided, at the outset, what style we wanted to play and we said we’re gonna be a jam band.

With each of us listening to so many different things or each of us coming to the table with very different styles, it wound up with us being very open to trying new things, new genres and it all just happens naturally.”

“You don’t just find one genre anymore,” Bota said, reflecting on the wave of support the band’s been appreciatively receiving from fans. What audiences say after our shows is they notice how much fun we’re having,” Nowak said. “And they tell us that energy translates. We want people to have a good time at our shows.”

Desmond Jones performs March 12 at 9pm at the Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. $10. 734-996-8555. blindpigmusic.com. For more about the band, visit desmondjones.bandcamp.com

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music

Hip hop and Harry Potter

2 wednesday Everyone Orchestra

Everyone Orchestra conductor Matt Butler has been leading a rotating cast of accredited musicians through full-length shows that are entirely improvised since 2001.

The Ann Arbor Concert Band’s combined program with students from local high schools.

As likely to rap about Star Wars as growing up in a suburb of Chicago, Christopher Brendan Ward, better known by his stage name MC Chris, is unlike any other rapper. One of the first hip hop acts to focus on “nerd” life, MC Chris has also acted on television (as part of the “Adult Swim” lineup) as well as film, while also recording music for many well-known podcast networks. A true independent, he self-released his latest album, Marshmellow Playground, in 2014. Nathan Anderson opens. —ZM

7:30pm. $20. The Ark, 316 S. Main St. 734-761-1451. theark.org

Sunday, March 13. 8pm. $16/advance, $18/day of.

Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. 734-996-8555. blindpigmusic.com

9:30pm. $6/adult, $9/under 21. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. 734-996-8555. blindpigmusic.com

3 thursday Chirp w/ Stormy Chromer and Earphorik

Based in Ann Arbor, Chirp is a four-piece band that does it’s fair share of genre-hopping, but often plays in the styles of progressive rock/funk, and jazz-fusion.

4 friday Billy King

9pm. Chelsea Alehouse, 420 N. Main St. Ste 100, Chelsea. (734) 475-2337. chelseaalehouse.com Free

Billy King is capturing the attention of Michigan’s musical community. A seasoned performer, songwriter, and studio producer, his emergence onto the independent music scene brings an original blend of rootsy folk/pop with an occasional touch of country swing.

Michael Johnson

8pm. $15. First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor, 1001 Green Rd. 734-665-8558. greenwoodcoffeehouse.org

Yes, it’s that Michael Johnson, singer of the smash hit singles, “Bluer Than Blue,” “This Night Won’t Last Forever,” “That’s That,” and other landmark songs.

5 saturday The Chieftains

8pm. $10-$56. Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave. 734-764-2538 ums.org

Paddy Maloney and The Chieftains celebrated 50 years of performing in 2012, and their music remains as fresh and relevant as when they first began.

Recognized for reinventing traditional Irish music on a contemporary and international scale, their ability to blend tradition with modern music has made them one of the most renowned and revered musical groups to this day.

David Mayfield

8pm. $15. The Ark, 316 S. Main St. 734-761-1451. theark.org

If you caught the Folk Festival, chances are you remember David Mayfield for his hilarious and off-the-wall comedy. But he’s also one of the best guitar pickers alive, and will perform (comedy included) in a return to the Ark.

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6 sunday Festive Winds and Voices

2pm. $10/adults, $5/seniors and students, Free/children under 12. Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave. 734-478-7515. aaband.org

7 monday Stratus Ensemble

7:30pm. Canterbury House, 721 E. Huron St. 734-665-0606. stratusensemble.com Free

Two of the area’s finest chamber musicians have joined to form Stratus Ensemble.

This contemporary combination of flute, Joanna Goldstein, and percussion, Shane Jones, has quickly become popular amongst audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

8 tuesday MC Lars w/ Mega Ran

9pm. $10/advance, $12/day of. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. 734-996-8555. blindpigmusic.com

Northern California rapper, MC Lars, is set to release his 4th full-length studio album at the end of this coming summer. He has collaborated with KRS-One, mentored and helped develop the career of fellow Stanford alum K.Flay, opened for Nas and Snoop Dogg, and played multiple summers on the Vans Warped Tour.

10 thursday The Paul Thorn Band w/ sg The Brothers Landreth 8pm. $25. The Ark, 316 S. Main St. 734-761-1451. theark.org

The popular roots-rock singer and songwriter is back with a new album titled “Too Blessed to be Stressed.”

11 friday Geoff Tate’s Operation: Mindcrime

7pm. $25. The Token Lounge, 28949 Joy Rd., Westland. 734-513-5030. thetokenlounge.com

Geoff Tate is the Grammynominated original lead singer of Queensryche. Now named Operation: Mindcrime, they remain the thinking man’s rock band.

Jim Lauderdale

8pm. $15. First United Methodist Church of Ann Arbor, 1001 Green Rd. 734-665-8558. greenwoodcoffeehouse.org

Two-time Grammy-winner Jim Lauderdale is a “songwriter’s songwriter” who has written or co-written many modern classics for iconic artists. He is also an intuitive sideman, enhancing the music of a bevy of esteemed musicians.

Two nights of Lucinda Williams A three-time Grammy-award winner, singer-songwriter Lucinda Williams is out with her first new album (and the twelfth of her storied career) since 2014, The Ghosts of Highway 20. Williams gained fame among music insiders before breaking into the big-time as a songwriter with Passionate Kisses, which was covered

by Mary Chapin Carpenter and won a Grammy in 1993 for Best Country Song she has continued to release music that’s a blend of country, folk, and rock, and has collaborated or written songs for artists like Elvis Costello, Flogging Molly, and Jakob Dylan.

Special guest Buick 6 opens. —ZM

Monday, March 28 and Tuesday, March 29. 7:30pm/ door, 8pm/show. $50-$100. The Ark, 316 S. Main St. 734-761-1451. theark.org

Tortoise

9pm. $18/advance, $20/day of. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. 734-996-8555. blindpigmusic.com

Tortoise has spent nearly 25 years making music that defies description. While the Chicagobased instrumental quintet has nodded to dub, rock, jazz, electronica and minimalism throughout its revered and influential six-album discography, the resulting sounds have always been distinctly, even stubbornly, their own.

12 saturday Carol Kappus Presents: Music of Ireland

1pm. Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St., Dexter. 734-426-4477. dexter.lib.mi.us Free

Celtic harper and singer Carol Kappus returns to the Dexter Library with various musical friends to whisk the audience off to Ireland with songs, stories and fun on the Celtic harp and other authentic Irish instruments.

13 sunday Women in Jazz

4pm. $5-$25. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

For the second straight year, trumpeter Ingrid Racine, pianist Ellen Rowe and bassist Marion Hayden join forces to present a Celebration of Women in Jazz.

They will present original music by beloved female composers, with a special nod to the women of the Detroit music scene.

Harp Magic

8pm. $15-$65. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. a2so.com

Warm up Michigan March with a concert of contrasts. A2SO goes Baroque by extracting two orchestral jewels from Handel’s opera Ariodante, shining examples from 18th century symphonic music treasures.

15 tuesday Apollo’s Fire & Apollo’s Singers: Bach’s St. John Passion

7:30pm. $45-$55. St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 2250 E. Stadium Blvd. 734-764-2538. ums.org

Apollo’s Fire & Singers returns to St. Francis of Assisi Church with one of their signature pieces, Bach’s St. John Passion.

Bursting out of the gate from the agitated opening chorus, this work is considered Bach’s most dramatic and theatrical oratorio.

16 wednesday Songwriting and Composer Group

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

The YDL Songwriting Group is a group of songwriters who support each other in their craft.

Members share songs and offer feedback for improving them.

Space is limited, please register in advance.

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music 18 friday Anthony Lai Band

8pm. $10. The Yellow Barn, 416 W. Huron St. 734-476-6795. ouryellowbarn.com

The Anthony Lai Band is an original rock and acoustic ensemble based in Dearborn, Michigan. The band’s eclectic style ranges from relaxed acoustic gigs to high-power electric rock, with musical i nfluences from classical to classic rock and jazz to funk.

19 saturday Humming House

7:30pm. $15-$20. Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 400 N. Maumee St. 517-423-6617. thetca.org

This harmonious group threads together Music City’s folk, soul, and bluegrass legacies through inspirational songwriting and musical melodies.

Montreal Symphony Orchestra

8pm. $12-$65. Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave. 734-764-2538. ums.org

The Montreal Symphony returns to Ann Arbor for the first time since 1989, with American conductor Kent Nagano and pianist Daniil Trifonov both making their UMS debuts.

21 monday The Kruger Brothers

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

Originally from Switzerland, this trio has developed into one of the most innovative groups playing folk and classic Americana music today.

EMU Vocal Arts Faculty Performance

7:30pm. Pease Auditorium, W. Cross St. & College Pl., Ypsilanti.

734-487-5386. emich.edu/musicdance Free

Come see Eastern Michigan University Vocal Arts Faculty perform for students and the general public.

24 thursday Zach Sheets and Wei-Han Wu 8pm. $5-$25. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

An evening featuring newly commissioned works as well as the music of Ann Arbor resident and University of Michigan Professor of Composition, Kristin Kuster. With Zach Sheets on flue and Wei-Han Wu, piano.

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25 friday The Lone Bellow

9pm. $16/advance, $19/day of. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. 734-996-8555. blindpigmusic.com

Long before they combined their voices, the three members of the Lone Bellow were singing on their own. Working with producer Aaron Dessner of the National, the Lone Bellow has created a sound that mixes folk sincerity, gospel fervor, even heavy metal thunder, but the heart of the band is harmony: three voices united in a lone bellow.

26 saturday Winners of the 2015 Bassoon Chamber Music Competition

5:30pm. Earl V. Moore Building, 1100 Baits Dr. 734-764-4636. music.umich.edu Free

A concert of the four prize winning works from the 2015 Bassoon Chamber Music Composition Competition performed by U-M faculty and students Jeffrey Lyman, Nancy Ambrose King, Christina Adams, Kathryn Votapek, Scott Pingel, and Eric Rutherford.

29 tuesday Hanggai: Mongolian Folk Rock 7pm. The Power Center for the Performing Arts, 121 Fletcher St. 734-764-0818 confucius.umich.edu Free

A crossover band that blends traditional music and rock, Hanggai, formed in 2004, has emerged on the international stage as one of the most exciting touring bands from China.

This concert is co-sponsored by the Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies and Center for World Performance Studies at the University of Michigan.

30 wednesday Saxophone Studio Recital

8pm. Walgreens Drama Center, 1226 Murfin Ave. 734-764-4636. music.umich.edu Free

Students of Timothy McAllister perform in excitingly diverse chamber ensembles, including the recently founded group for “Sound-Painting”directed by Jeffrey Leung.

31 thursday We Are Our Father’s Daughters

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

On the last night of Women’s History Month, storytellers Josie Barnes Parker and Laura Pershin Raynor join musicians Betsy Beckerman and Sara Melton Keller for an evening of funny and touching tales and tunes for adults and teens.

music

wedding

Guide

reserve ad space today! call 734.668.4044

ecurrent.com / march 2016   29

theater

Oscar may seem like a ladies man, but Sanville portrays the sportswriter with a mixture of humor and heartbreak

A talk with two oddballs We chatted with the star and director of Purple Rose Theatre’s The Odd Couple

Disagr eem vid Mo ents betwe en ntee) m ean no Oscar (Sanv ille) an thing but la ughs fo d Felix (Da r audie The Purple Rose Theatre is wrapping up the start of their nces

by Sandor Slomovits

current season with the ever-popular Neil Simon play, The Odd Couple. The play first opened on Broadway in 1965 and was soon followed by a highly successful movie version.

Guy Sanville, the Purple Rose’s longtime Artistic Director, will temporarily vacate his customary director’s chair to take on the role of Oscar Madison, the sloppy, easygoing sportswriter, while Lauren Mounsey, who has worked at the Rose for the past three years, first as an apprentice, then as an actor and also as a playwright, will make her professional directing debut with this production.

Current: You’re way too young to have seen the movie when it first came out. Have you ever seen it?

Mounsey: No I haven’t.

Sanville: Which is one of the many reasons we wanted her to direct it. I wanted the show to be directed by a woman and I wanted particularly someone younger, someone who wasn’t familiar with the movie.

Mounsey: People have asked me if I’ve seen the movie, and is it going to be like the movie. Really how we work here, we hire actors and we trust them, we want to see what they bring. We don’t want to try to recreate something, that’s not what we’re in the business of doing. I really like the play, and I think everything that you need to know for a play—a good play—is in the play.

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Sanville: It’s been around for fifty years because it’s a great play; it’s stood the test of time. It’s a peculiar thing about American criticism that if a lot of people like something it can’t be any good. That’s certainly been the case with Simon a lot. The Odd Couple is a really great play, Barefoot in the Park still holds up, Chapter Two, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Biloxi Blues, these are all great, great plays. I think a lot of people miss the boat with Neil Simon because he writes tragedies that have happy endings, and I think they’re better when you play them that way.

Mounsey: I think something we’ll really struggle with

is fighting the idea of these characters, “He’s just a slob, he’s just a neatnik,” because there’s so much depth in the writing and in these characters.

Sanville: Both these guys have broken hearts. In the first scene Oscar has a conversation with his son. You get these little glimpses. I think Oscar is just as wounded as Felix is, but maybe he’s a little more adept at covering it up. The mix of heartbreak and humor is extraordinary.

That’s the kind of comedy we like here. We’re treating it just as seriously as anything else we do here.

The Odd Couple will run through March 26. The Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. 734-433-7673. purplerosetheatre.org

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Ongoing

Shakespeare on Page and Stage

Shakespeare with a twist

From Ann Arbor Civic Theatre comes a classic take on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, but without all the existential angst.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, written by Tom Stoppard and directed by David Widmayer, tells the backstory of the misadventures of the two hapless couriers as the events of Shakespeare’s great drama unfold, mostly off-stage. Their musings on life, death, reality, and fate as they interact with among the most well-known characters in literary history will leave audiences in stitches. Runs Thursday, March 10 through Sunday, March 13.

—ZM

7:30pm/Thursday, 8pm/Friday through Saturday, 2pm/Sunday. $11-$22. Ann Arbor Civic Theatre, 322 W. Ann St. 734-971-0605. a2ct.org

more online @ ecurrent.com

8:30am. Monday-Sunday. Hatcher Graduate Library, 9 13 S. University Ave. 734-764-0400. events.umich.edu Free

This exhibit is a historical journey through different versions of Shakespeare’s plays as they were edited for publication or interpreted for the stage. Runs through April.

Improv Shows

8pm. $10. Friday and Saturday nights.

Pointless Brewery and Theatre, 3014 Packard Rd., Ypsilanti. pointlessbrew.com

Enjoy a beer and some laughs courtesy of Pointless Brewery and Theatre.

7 monday The Taming of the Shrew 7pm. $8-$10. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

Part of The Bard: Film Adaptations of the Works of William Shakespeare Series presented in partnership with The UM Library. Featuring a special pre-show presentation by Phil Hallman from UM Screen Arts and Culture. Starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

10 thursday Rumors

7pm/Thursday, 6:30pm/Friday and Saturday, 1:30/Sunday. $17/students, $35/non-students. Michigan League, 911 University Ave. 734-764-4636. events.umich.edu

Four couples are about to experience a severe attack of Farce. Gathering for their tenth wedding anniversary, the host lies bleeding in the other room and his wife is nowhere in sight.

As the confusions and miscommunications mount, the evening spins into classic farcical hilarity.

11 friday Nufonia Must Fall

8pm. $24-$54. The Power Center for the Performing Arts, 121 Fletcher St. 734-764-2538. ums.org

The globetrotting, Montrealbased scratch DJ and music producer Kid Koala presents a magical, multi-disciplinary and theatrical adaptation of his graphic novel and soundtrack, Nufonia Must Fall. This charming story centers around a headphones-sporting robot on the verge of obsolescence who falls in love with a lonely office girl.

14 monday Macbeth

7pm. $8-$10. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

Part of The Bard: Film Adaptations of the Works of William

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Shakespeare Series presented in partnership with The UM Library. Featuring a special pre-show presentation by Vince Longo from University of Michigan Screen Arts and Culture. Orson Welles directed and played the lead role in this adaptation.

18 saturday The Files

6pm and 8pm. Duderstadt Center, 2281 Bonisteel Blvd. 734-764-0351. ii.umich.eduFree

Directed by Ewa Wójciak, this play is a riveting docudrama created from actual surveillance records the Communist-era secret police kept on Theatre of the Eighth Day company members between 1975 and 1983.

21 monday Julius Caesar

7pm. $8-$10. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

Part of The Bard: Film Adaptations of the Works of William Shakespeare Series presented in partnership with The UM Library. Featuring a special pre-show presentation

by Pablo Alvarez from University of Michigan Screen Arts and Culture. Starring Marlon Brando in the titular role.

Breaking Boundaries Before and After Censorship

5:30pm. Walgreen Drama Center, 1226 Murfin Ave. 734-764-0351. ii.umich.edu Free

Ewa Wójciak is the director of the Theatre of the Eighth Day. She joined the group in the 1970s, co-authoring its most important performances, such as Sale for Everyone, How We Lived in Dignity, Wormwood, and No Man’s Land.

24 thursday Living Room Series: Forever

7pm. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave. 734-936-3518. lsa.umich.edu Free

Pulitzer Prize finalist Dael Orlandersmith explores family and heritage in this one-woman play.

31 thursday The Imaginary Invalid

7:30pm. $12-$28. Walgreen Drama Center, 1226 Murfin Ave. 734-7640583. music.umich.edu

A comedy by Molière, adapted

by James Magruder and directed by Daniel Cantor. The hilarious comedy of a selfabsorbed, incorrigible hypochondriac.

art

Fired up at the Ann Arbor Potters Guild Experience living history at the oldest guild in Michigan

by Louis W. Meldman

Guild members replace the original kiln after 50 years of firing clays

The Ann Arbor Potters Guild is a private, cooperative non-profit organization devoted to the love and creation of pottery. The oldest potters guild in Michigan and one of the oldest in America, it has been in existence for more than 65 years and is stronger than ever. The Guild stands on central campus, at 201 Hill St. But it’s set back a bit, and I’ll bet a million pedestrians have walked past it without even knowing that it was there (I’m counting football games).

The Potters Guild is a guild in the mold of the sacred craft-guilds of the Renaissance. It is private and there is an application process, though not an initiation. It’s not a secret society, but founding fathers and mothers trace back to 1949, including original Director, Harriet Waite, who wore purple velvet pants before women were wearing pants at all. And Guilia Sunblad, who sported jodhpurs for the same reason. One of the first meetings in 1950 was to decide whether to ever admit a new member: now that’s exclusive! Above all there is the transmission of ancient knowledge: the knowledge of the kiln and ultimately of fire itself. A lump of clay transformed into a vessel.

New kiln, new era

For more than five decades the Guild had been using kilns built by the mythical early, and now oldest, member, J.T. Abernathy, now in his 90s. With the generous encouragement of the Michigan Council of Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Guild has recently acquired and installed two new state-of-the-art, computer-operated Bailey natural gas-fired kilns. The new kilns are more energy efficient and easier to use, especially because bricks don’t have to be stacked and unstacked across the front of the kiln, and can be computer-fired and timed instead of hands-on-knobs.

This massive transition was helmed by the Kiln Chair, Autumn Aslakson. The hardest part was to remove the old kilns and the replace the old vents, chimneys, doors, pipes, nozzles, gas meters, shelving, wiring, lighting. But the whole point is that the members share equally in all the work. There is a strictly enforced system by which a member earns fire-points by doing kiln related work and thereby earns kiln-time for his or her own art. And they all share in making the clay and glazes, maintaining the equipment, and beginning the day’s various firings. All equipment is shared, all kiln space is earned by labor and all members openly share their knowledge and experience with one another. Now that’s a Guild!

Use the fire

If you don’t have enough expertise to qualify as a member, you can start by taking a class or two. Fourteen-week classes of 14 students are offered twice a year, Fall or Winter, one evening a week for three hours. Students can also work in the studios for up to 21 hours a week. With enough expertise the student can apply to be a two-year Adjunct Member, the first year as an Intern, the second as a Resident, all the while with access to the facilities. The Guild has two major sales at the studio every year. Mark your calendar: the next show is June 4-5, 10am to 5pm.

The range of work by the Guild’s artists includes functional pottery, sculpture, tile and wearable art, using the firing techniques of fire oxidation, raku, smoke firing and high fire reduction. Members show their work in galleries, in town and throughout the United States and the Guild has been represented at the Ann Arbor Street Fair since its inception in 1959. I’ve been following Member Kate Tremmel and her 30-year career with great interest in the evolution of her porcelain-like decorative arts. It may be the end of an era, but I can’t wait to see how the Guild’s new kilns are going to change the future work of all the remarkable artists of the Ann Arbor Potters Guild. ecurrent.com / march 2016 33

art

5 saturday

Ambidextrous illustrator

A graduate of Eastern Michigan University and resident of Ypsilanti, artist and illustrator Jesse Rubenfeld is best known for his ambidextrous “Two-fisted Drawings,” as well as his pop-culture and comicbook themed paintings and illustrations. Rubenfeld draws inspiration from all sorts of sources; art-lovers will spot superheroes, movie characters, and the residents of Sesame Street in his drawings. Also popular are his series of parody paintings, inspired by famous works of art, but with a twist, like Mona Lisa dressed up as Wonder Woman. His work will be on the display on weekends, all month long at the Riverside Art Center, starting Friday, March 4, with an artist reception Friday, March 11, from 5-7pm.

Runs through March 26. —ZM

3-8pm/thursdays and fridays, 1:30-4pm/ sundays.

Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti.

734-480-2787. riversidearts.org Free

Ongoing

A Wall in Process

9am-5pm/Monday-Friday. Osterman Common Room, 202 S. Thayer St. 734-936-3518. lsa.umich.edu Free

Presented as part of a campus wide collaboration with the Prison Creative Arts Project and visiting photographer and activist Mark Strandquist.

Incorporates art, artifact,data, image, and text, with input from activist groups, undergrad classes, artists, and nonprofits, in an attempt to humanize the countless individuals and their unique and collective experiences within the Michigan prison system.

Artist of the Month: Jill Stefani Wagner, “Our Town, Our Land — Painting Saline”

9am-3pm/Monday-Friday. Two Twelve Arts Center, 216 W. Michigan

Coloring in Photoshop

3pm/Saturday and Sunday. $85. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St. 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org

In this two-day event, cartoonist Jerzy Drozd will show participants how to digitally clean up lineart, establish a convenient workflow for coloring images, and some techniques to shade and refine coloring. No experience with Adobe Photoshop is required!

9 wednesday Where’s It Hanging: Marketing Your Art

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

Artists can use this workshop to brush up on approaching their art marketing like the business it is.

Xu Weixin: Monumental Portraits

11am-5pm/Tuesday through Saturday. $10/suggested donation. UMMA, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu

The first major U.S. exhibition of the accomplished Chinese artist Xu Weixin (b. 1958) will focus on two of his acclaimed, largesize portrait series. The subjects in Miner Portraits are coal miners working in harsh conditions in contemporary China. Runs through May 28.

Learn about the art and application of handmade Korean paper (hanji) with artist Aimee Lee, who will share her collection of handmade paper and show participants how to work with this versatile material in hands-on activities of joomchi (paper fusing) and jiseung (paper weaving) to make a beautiful bracelet to take home. Space is limited.

23 wednesday How to Write an Artist Statement

6pm. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St. 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org Free

Never not Broken

Opening Reception and Award Announcement. This show features work inspired by the idea that everyone breaks down at some point, but that can be used for creative fuel.

Through March 26.

Clay Garden Lanterns

6pm. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St. 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org Free

Wagner, a Saline resident, is a nationally recognized, award-winning artist who works in both pastel and oil.

Over the years she has created hundreds of studio and plein air paintings depicting our downtown and nearby farmlands.

Runs through April.

11am. UMMA, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free

Join this free event to connect with other artists and the Art Center staff.This is the perfect opportunity to meet staff with the Art Center, network with other artists and attend artist talks by guest speakers.

11 friday

Ave., Saline. 734-944-2787. twotwelvearts.org Free

19 saturday Korean Art Workshop: The History and Creative Applications of Hanji

16 wednesday Art Meets Business

6:30pm. Saline District Library, 555 N. Maple Rd. 734-429-5450. salinelibrary.org Free

Wish you knew more about doing business as an artist?

Join for a series of fun, informal monthly networking meetings for visual, literary, and performing artists! Each program will feature speakers on business topics of interest to entrepreneurs.

24 thursday 6pm. $50. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St. 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org

This one day class will walk through all of the steps to create a beautiful lantern for the garden. No need to be nervous, no experience is necessary and all materials will be provided.

Registration required.

31 thursday Vik Muniz

5:10pm. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. stamps.umich.eduFree

Part of the Stamps Penny Stamp Series. Vik Muniz repurposes everyday materials such as chocolate, ash, dirt, peanut butter, and jelly to create intricate and heavily layered trompe l’oeil renderings, often of iconic artworks.

MORE @ ecurrent.com

Stone Ground, Locally Made Chips visit annarbortortilla.com to see where you can find our products 34

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No Preservatives 100% NON-GMO Gluten Free

insight

Test your

A2 IQ!

1. A moraine is a collection of debris that

was carried by a glacier (in this case, the Laurentide Ice Sheet, which used to blanket much of Canada and Michigan) and left over when the glacier retreated.

Can you name one of the two moraines in the Ann Arbor River Corridor?

2. Approximately how many square feet “Along the Banks of the Huron” features beautiful shots of Washtenaw County’s great outdoors

of park space is there per citizen in Ann Arbor parks?

3. Ann Arbor’s first board of park

commissioners convened in 1905. Who was on the board?

How well do you know Ann Arbor’s Parks?

4. What was Ann Arbor’s first park and when

“Along the Banks of the Huron” video creators celebrate Ann Arbor’s parks

5. What famous landscape architecture firm

by Zach Marburger Rob Ewing, the principal realtor at Ewing Professionals, wants people to know that he’s focused on celebrating, not just selling, Ann Arbor. He is producing a video series to share the spirit of the community.

The latest video in the series, “Along the Banks of the Huron”, features breathtaking imagery of the Ann Arbor parks system as well as interviews with Colin Smith, Manager of the City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Department, and Al Gallup, the son of famed Ann Arbor Parks Superintendent Eli Gallup.

The video was produced in partnership with Ewings’s son Stephen’s production company, Digital Agent, Reinhart Realtors, City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation, and Ann Arbor State Bank.

“Some people would think, ‘why would I produce a video that isn’t about me?’ But this type of thing (covering the spirit of the community) is relevant to many more people,” said Stephen Ewing.

People in Ann Arbor truly care about their parks system, but how familiar are they with the history that took place right here? With spring around the corner, here’s a little test about the history of Ann Arbor parks.

It’s time to get excited about exploring the outdoors here in town.

Good luck!

was it opened?

came to Ann Arbor in 1920 to lay out a plan for the city’s parks?

6. What University of Michigan alum was the first superintendent of Ann Arbor parks?

7. What was Burns Park originally used for?

8. Why was the ring of elm trees planted at Burns Park?

9. “The Rock” at Washington park was

erected by WPA workers from a quarry that is now what modern park?

10. At which park can you find a marked

Native American Trail that once traversed the entire river valley?

The quiz questions were compiled by Stephen. His production company, Digital Agent, produced the “Discover Ann Arbor” and “Along the Banks of the Huron” videos, with Stephen doing all of the filming, interviewing, and general legwork. The “Along the Banks of the Huron” video can be found on ecurrent.com.

Answers: 1.) Ann Arbor’s two moraines are the Defiance moraine and the Fort Wayne moraine. 2.)Approximately 1,400 square feet of park space per citizen 3.) Royal Copeland, George Burns, David Allmendinger, H.W. Douglas, and Levi Wines 4.) Hanover Park 5.) The Olmsted Brothers company, formed

by John and Frederick Olmsted Jr. The brothers helped form the National Park Service and designed many well-known parks and campuses, including the University of Notre Dame. Their father, Frederick Olmsted Sr., along with his partners, designed Central Park in New York. 6.) Eli Gallup 7.) Burns Park used to be the site of the old County Fairgrounds. 8.) At a memorial to the race track that once stood in its place 9.) “The Rock” is a chunk of Canadian limestone from Olson Park. It was originally placed in 1932 in celebration of George Washington’s 200th birthday. 10.) West Park ecurrent.com / march 2016 35

lit

Fox’s novel is sure to spark a sense of adventure in readers of all ages

From Ukraine with love

Teacher, playwright, and now author R.J. Fox His first novel is a cultural border crossing love story

by Zach Marburger

As an English and Video Production teacher at Huron High School, R.J. Fox strives to spark his students’ creativity, noticing that most students will engage, provided they can find the right medium to express themselves.

“In one of my classes we read Mouse, which is a graphic novel. I had the kids all make their own graphic novels,” said Fox. “And the results were really creative and beautiful. Even the stick figures were very expressive.”

Like his students, Fox has to change the way he expresses himself. An award-winning playwright and screenwriter, Fox published his first novel, Love & Vodka (Fish Out of Water Books) early in 2016, but only after watching his autobiographical story languish in Hollywood developmental hell for years as a script.

“When it was first a movie script there were some elements that were more fictionalized, but it was still pretty much a true story,” said Fox. “But then I had a producer that was interested in it and we went through extensive rewrites and it was getting more and more fictionalized.

Which made it maybe a more marketable story, but it wasn’t my story. Our producer had investors in Asia, and he wanted me to change the setting to Asia!”

“So I got the rights back, and at first it was very choppy, because I hadn’t done much prose writing. But I went back and kept adding to it. Doing lots of rewrites and revisions. It was a tedious process at times.”

A multi-cultural memoir The end result is a more personal and hilarious memoir. Beginning with a first meeting at Universal Studios in California, Fox covers his long-distance (and eventual up-close-and-personal) courtship of the Ukranian Katya.

No spoilers, but the cultural misunderstandings that take place are in turn laugh-out-loud hilarious and deeply touching.

The reader gets the whole experience filtered through

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the thoughts of a 23-year-old Fox, who embarks on a leapof-faith that still surprises him.

“I’m 38 now. I’ve matured. So then I was a little more wide-eyed and naive about things.” said Fox. “You have to be true to the experience and motivation, even if it’s myself. Looking back I think, how did I have the guts to do what I did?”

Kerrytown Book Festival and beyond Now, after the frustration of seeing his very personal tale put on hold for years, things are happening very quickly. In addition to his partnership with Fish Out of Water Books, Fox will serve as Writer-in-Residence for the 2016 Kerrytown Book Festival, offering advice to others that submit work for his review.

Fox, pleasantly surprised by the offer, credits Ann Arbor’s supportive environment for independent publishers and authors here.

“That was a total shock and honor. Here I am, a published writer with my first book out, and I was just hoping I’d have a little booth at the festival. I think it helps I’m a teacher.”

Fox is also working on a second novel, Awaiting Identification, set in Detroit. He hasn’t given up his dream of seeing Love & Vodka on the big screen someday.

“We’re still trying to get a film made. We have some people in mind that we want to approach,” said Fox, having the movie already cast in his head.

“Given the comedy element, I think Aziz Ansari would be a perfect fit.”

Fox will serve as writer-in-residence at the 2016 Kerrytown Book Festival on September 11. Fox will also host a reading of his novel on Saturday, March 5 at 1pm at Blue Frog Books in Howell. For more information, or to purchase a copy, visit fowbooks.com.

Local Reads 3 thursday

Emerging Writers Workshop: How and When to Share Your Writing 7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood, 3333 Traverwood Dr. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

In this workshop, Bethany Neal and Alex Kourvo will share the secrets of reading like a writer.

They will show participants how to look into character and unravel plot to see a book from the inside out. This is part of the monthly Emerging Writer’s Workshops which offer support, learning and advice for local authors.

6 sunday

Ron Gries

2pm. Ann Arbor District Library Malletts Creek, 3090 E. Eisenhower Pkwy.

734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

Ron Gries began to write during the last years of his wife’s life and continued after she died. He later turned his writing into a book entitled Through Death to Life,which offers insight and support to those who grieve the loss of their spouse or family member.

Bill Loomis

3pm. Nicola’s Books, 2513 Jackson Ave. 734-662-0600. nicolasbooks. com Free

Ann Arbor author Bill Loomis will be on hand to read from and sign copies of his new book, On This Day in Detroit History.

8 tuesday

John Smolens

7pm. Nicola’s Books, 2513 Jackson Ave. 734-662-0600. nicolasbooks. com Free

In his new fiction novel Wolf’s Mouth, Smolens gives voice to Captain Francesco Verdi, who is captured by Allied forces in North Africa and shipped to a POW camp in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where the senior POW, the ruthless Kommandant Vogel, demands that all prisoners adhere to his Nazi dictates. A signing will follow a reading and discussion.

10 thursday

Nina Swamidoss McConigley

5:30pm. Helmut Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State St. 734-764-6330. lsa.umich. edu Free

Nina McConigley is the author of the story collection Cowboys and East Indians, which won the 2014 PEN Open Book Award and a High Plains Book Award. A book signing will follow a reading.

12 saturday

Mark Webster Reading Series

7pm. Helmut Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich. edu Free

One MFA student of fiction and one of poetry, each introduced by a peer, will read their work. The Mark Webster Reading Series presents emerging writers in a warm and relaxed setting.

15 tuesday

The History of the Michigan Daily

7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-3274200. aadl.org Free

At a time when daily print newspapers across the country are failing, the Michigan Daily continues to thrive. Come for a fascinating look at this groundbreaking newspaper with Stephanie Steinberg, editor of the new book In the Name of Editorial Freedom: 125 Years at the Michigan Daily, a compilation of original essays by some of the best-known Daily alumni about their time on staff.

Midwest authors represent

Created by the literary journal Midwestern Gothic and the University of Michigan’s Residential College, the Voices of the Middle West festival brings together the independent press, journals and writers that call the Midwest home. The keynote speaker this year will be writer and poet Ross Gay, a teacher at Indiana University and author of Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude, a finalist for the 2015 National Book Award in Poetry. The festival will showcase author presentations, open mics, discussions and publishing panels. Food will be available for purchase. A kick-off of the event will be held the night before at 7pm at Literati Bookstore, 124 E. Washington St. —ZM

10am-6pm. Saturday, March 12. East Quadrangle, 701 E. University Ave. midwestgothic.com/voices Free

17 thursday

Diane Rehm

7pm. $30. Rackham Auditorium, 915 E. Washington St. 734-585-5567. literatibookstore.com

Presented by Literati Bookstore and Michigan Radio, beloved radio journalist Diane Rehm returns to Ann Arbor in support of her latest book, On My Own. Joining Diane for a post-reading conversation will be Cynthia Canty, host of Michigan Radio’s Stateside.

19 saturday

Bryce Hayes Pope & Marlin M. Jenkins

6pm. The Neutral Zone, 310 E. Washington St. 734-764-6330. lsa.umich. edu Free

This is the final reading of the academic year for the J. Edgar Edwards Reading Series, which showcases the work of poets and fiction writers who are in their first year of the Helen Zell Writers’ Program.

Join our CSA in 2016

Owen Laukkanen

3pm. Nicola’s Books, 2513 Jackson Ave. 734-662-0600. nicolasbooks. com Free

A chance to meet Canadian author Owen Laukkanen as he reads and signs copies of his latest thriller, The Watcher on the Wall.

24 thursday

Lyrae Van Clief-Stefanon

5:30pm. Helmut Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State St. 734-764-6330. lsa.umich. edu Free

Lyrae Van Clief-Stefanon is the author of Open Interval, a 2009 National Book Award finalist, and Black Swan, winner of the 2001 Cave Canem Poetry Prize, as well as Poems in Conversation and a Conversation, a chapbook in collaboration with Elizabeth Alexander. A book signing will follow a reading.

Pregitzer

-UNITH -) s (517) 240-4600 s PREGITZERFARMMARKET COM

28 monday

Scott Ellsworth

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

Scott Ellsworth’s new novel, The Secret Game, is the true story of the game that never should have happened-- and of a nation on the brink of monumental change.

ecurrent.com / march 2016   37

film

Ongoing

Thrifty Ticket Tuesday

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

All Tuesday long get tickets for only $7 (3D movies an additional charge) at Goodrich Quality 16.

2 wednesday Attack on Titan

7pm. $8-$10. State Theater, 233 S. State St. 734-761-8667. michtheater.org

Featuring a special pre-show primer by Nick Yribar from Vault of Midnight. The live-action CGI explosion that is this rendition of artist Hajime Isayama’s manga is a look at the world 2000 years from now, where “Titans” rule the land and humans are nearly extinct due to them.

Brilliantly Bad

Responsible for some of the worst critical reviews of all time, but with brisk DVD sales and status as an underground cult classic, audiences can’t seem to decide whether The Room — written, directed, and starring filmmaker Tommy Wiseau — is brilliant or an abomination. Centered on a love triangle between banker Johnny (played by Wiseau), his wife, and his best friend, the film is filled with non-sequiturs and abandoned plot threads. Whether an example of avant-garde outsider art or simply an awful movie, you just have to see this one. —ZM

Saturday, March 19 and Sunday, March 20. 11:59pm. $8. State Theater, 233 S. State St. 734-761-8667. michtheater.org

8 tuesday Kiwanis Travel and Adventure Cinema: America’s Grand Canyon

7:30pm. $5. Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh.

517-423-6617. thetca.org

Kiwanis Travel Adventure Cinema Series with filmmaker Dale Johnson. The Grand Canyon inhabitants come alive as the camera descends down by mule. Witness the splendor of the mountain at the heart of the Grand Canyon as well as the never before filmed Shaman’s Gallery.

9 wednesday

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Battle Royale

7pm. $8-$10. State Theater, 233 S. State St. 734-761-8667. michtheater.org

Featuring a special pre-show primer from UM professor Markus Nornes. The illustrious director Kinji Fukasaku offers an unflinching live-action adaptation of Koushun Takami’s equally gripping, ground-breaking manga that looks into the near future, one where the Japanese government captures a class of ninth-grade students and then forces them to kill each other under the revolutionary “Battle Royale” act.

12 saturday Thread of Lies

2pm. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org Free

Part of Korean Cinema NOW, presented by the Nam Center for Korean Studies. A heartbreaking and tender look at teenage bullying from director Lee Han.

13 sunday Bringing Science to Life with Experimental Documentary, featuring Flora Lichtman and Sharon Shattuck

3pm. Rackham Auditorium 915 E. Washington St. 734-615-4455. myumi. ch/sciencefilms Free

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Through a mix of paper craft, digital animation, documentary film and radio journalism, Lichtman and Shattuck, the co-founders of Sweet Fern Productions, engage audiences with science.

14 monday Prejudice and Pride

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

Part of the Latino Americans: 500 years of history series.

Mabel Rodriguez, Lecturer at the UM Spanish Department and Residential College will lead this screening and discussion.

Ms. Rodriguez will bring additional information as to how the political and educational scene has changed since the protests depicted in the documentary, as well as issues that continue to affect the Hispanic community today.

15 tuesday Expanding Frames Making Movies: Remixing Narratives

4:30pm. North Quad, Corner of State St. and E. Washington St. 734-3274200. aadl.org Free

Make your own documentary film in this hands-on workshop.

Explore how filmmakers create meaning using image, voice, and audio.

16 wednesday Metropolis

7pm. $8-$10. State Theater, 233 S. State St. 734-761-8667. michtheater.org

Samu Tezuka’s manga makes an encore appearance in the CineManga Film Series with this anime adaptation-only loosely inspired by Fritz Lang’s 1927 film of the same name-from acclaimed director Rintaro.

18 friday Muffins-N-Movies: The Intern

2pm. Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St. 734-426-4477. dexter.lib.mi.us Free

Starting a new job can be a difficult challenge, especially if you’re already retired. Looking to get back into the game, 70year-old widower Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro) seizes the opportunity to become a senior intern at an online fashion site.

27 saturday My Love, Don’t Cross That River

Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org Free

Part of Korean Cinema NOW, presented by the Nam Center for Korean Studies. This lifeaffirming indie documentary set box office records and won the Documentary Prize at the 2015 LA Film Fest.

ecurrent.com / march 2016 39

person of interest Iorio’s is located on Williams Street right by the Diag. Do you get some college students?

Yes, especially since we are also conveniently located near apartment buildings, home to many college students, and close to some favorite off-campus student dining options.

How do you come up with your flavors?

Our flavor inspiration comes from a few places: 1) From traditional Italian flavors, like pistachio, hazelnut, chocolate, strawberry, and so forth. We set out to create an authentic Italian gelateria experience, so having these flavors is a must! 2) From our customers. We get flavor requests all the time, so we use those to inspire what we create. After all, we are creating a treat for our customers.

They should get a say! 3) From our team. We have a creative team of gelatistas who have vivid imaginations and ideas about flavors, so they certainly play a role in flavor development.

What do you think makes Ann Arbor unique?

Ann Arbor is unique thanks to the variety of people in the community. There are students (undergraduate and graduate), families, young professionals, professors - all different ages and from all around the world. Everyone brings their own experiences, culture, and mindset for a unique place to live, work, study, and eat!

Speaking of eating, any recommendations for breakfast, lunch, or dinner spots?

I’m a Zingerman’s enthusiast! I worked there during college and love the Deli for lunch and the Roadhouse for dinner. Also a big fan of Frita Batidos. I love the authentic experience there and the food is delicious as well.

Mary Lemmer

Iorio’s Gelateria founder Mary Lemmer talks to Current about what she loves about A2

by Cammie Finch

There’s no better way to get to the heart of a city than through the people who live there. In “Person of Interest,” we ask local Ann Arborites, clearly in love with their city, to take us on a personal tour and tell us what makes it so special to them. This month, we chatted with Mary Lemmer, one of the founders of Iorio’s Gelateria.

Current: How long have you lived in Ann Arbor?

Mary Lemmer: I lived in Ann Arbor for 7 years before moving to San Francisco. Now I split my time between Ann Arbor and San Francisco.

What has the experience of opening up the first gelateria in Ann Arbor been like?

It has been a journey! It was fun, challenging, energizing, exhausting, all at the same time. There are parts of the journey that are similar to how we imagined, but there were also bumps along the road that no one expected. That’s what made it interesting, fun, and kept us on our toes!

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Do you have any favorite stores or coffee shops?

Iorio’s is open for coffee now, so of course that’s my favorite coffee shop! As for stores, I love Bivuoac. It’s a great example of an Ann Arbor gem of a store that has been around in the community for awhile now.

Where’s your favorite outdoor space?

The Arboretum! The trees, the flowers, the river. It is so peaceful and beautiful.

What has been your best discovery in Ann Arbor?

Kayaking the Huron River. It took me 5 years of living in Ann Arbor to discover this fun and relaxing activity.

What do you miss most if you’ve been away?

The Ann Arbor charm. It feels like a small city and a small town at the same time.

If you could change one thing about the city, what would it be?

Warmer winters (which seems to be happening) and more young people that are in between being a student and starting a family.

Check out Iorio’s Gelateria on 522 E. William St near the Original Cottage Inn. Or follow them on facebook and twitter @ioriosgelato

f o s e p y t t 5 a s e i t r a n p a g i Mich

student voice

n

n Rose

By Eva

It’s a Thursday at approximately 9:45pm in Ann Arbor, and although a large contingent of the student body has class tomorrow, one thing in on their collective minds. Beyond the deserted libraries, through the nearly empty Diag, and past the dormant classrooms, you will find them. The hungry, the anxious, the fashionably clad women and men of the University of Michigan getting ready for the night.

Yes, it may be below freezing but looking good isn’t always comfortable and God invented Uber for a reason. This is the world we live in. Or at least, the world I live in. Let me preface this by saying it is most certainly not everyone. To those responsible students, I salute you. But here are the 5 Parties You Will Experience at Michigan: The Frat Party Enter a dimly lit basement. You attempt to walk in through the front door and your shoes immediately stick to the floor. Dried beer and mixers? A self-appointed frat DJ is on the elevated platform getting the people going with a remix of Drake’s “Jumpman,” both nauseating and impossible to dance to. The positives: there are women here, and it is a party.

The Tailgate Wake up, it’s Gameday! Is Saturday morning really the best night of the week, as they say? Well it’s up to you to decide, but it definitely has the potential to be.

You will never see school spirit quite like this again. If you’re in maize and blue, you’re welcome to the party.

Even parents. If you’re not a morning person, you will be. I didn’t realize how many people actually went to this school until tailgates when the campus becomes electric.

The Alternate Universe This is the rarest of them all. Everyone in college has experienced one of these. You stumble into a house party that makes you say, “Where am I right now and what universe is this?” As soon as you walk in, it hits you.

What kind of music is this? What is that bizarre smell?

And, why is everyone wearing some type of furry outfit (or some similar costume)? Your brain will tell you to get out of there, but you stay because you think you recognize that girl from class, and as you slowly gain your bearings you realize that there are a decent number of attractive women and they’re all looking at you!? Either everything is going right or everything is going horribly wrong.

Our student insider knows partying is serious business

The Date Party You have to find the right date. If it’s your organization hosting, choose wisely who you invite. If you are the receiver of an invitation you must pick your battles prudently. When executed correctly, these are too good to pass up. Everyone is dressed in their best, and the beverages are usually topnotch. Even better, these are usually held at fancy locations off-campus that make you feel like college royalty. If you really hit it off with your date, this could be what you tell your kids about.

The Manging Darnberg One of the most common events you will find in college, but a party nonetheless. Urban dictionary defines Manging as “lounging around not having a care, or waiting for something to happen.” And Darnberg - well at Michigan there was a student named Josh Darnberg who was infamous for having gatherings at his house where nothing much happened. These are often not planned, and occur when people wait for a party that never occurs. But sometimes that’s the best way to spend the evening. You and your closest friends sitting on the couch, just talking about life, the future, and apps you want to invent. In the end, you come to think of college as just one big Manging Darnberg, and that’s not a bad thing.

Evan Rosen is a sophomore in the Ross School of Business studying Corporate Finance and minoring in Interpretive Dance

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everything else

13 sunday Palm Readings and Tarot Card Divination

Noon-6pm. $1.50/per minute. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net Free

Star Talk Best-selling author, host of “Cosmos” and National Geographic’s “StarTalk,” director of the Hayden Planetarium, and owner/operator of one of the most entertaining twitter feeds around, Neil DeGrasse Tyson will visit Ann Arbor as part of a ten city lecture tour. The celebrated astrophysicist will give a presentation about modern science with time allotted for a Q&A session, and encourages questions from children as well as adults. Explore from the inner workings of a nucleus to the furthest reaches of space with one of the most distinguished (and entertaining) scientists of our time. —ZM

7:30pm. Wednesday, March 23. $55-$82.50. Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave. 734-763-8587. neildegrassetysonlive.com

Ongoing

Comedy Jamm

8pm. Wednesdays $5. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 212 S. Fourth Ave. 734-996-9080. aacomedy.com

Every Wednesday night is Comedy Jamm, where the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase will feature up and coming comedians from the Detroit Metro Area and beyond.

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

Learn more about Wheelchair Basketball and how two local organizations support veterans through this sport. Both Team Red, White, and Blue and the U-M Army-Navy Wheelchair Basketball Game focus on veterans’ abilities rather than the hardships they have faced.

3 thursday Kahn Arbor

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

Albert Kahn is one of the most famous and prolific architects ever to be based out of Detroit.

Known internationally for his radically modernizing approach to industrial architecture, Kahn’s Ann Arbor buildings continue to define the city almost a century after they were built. Learn about some of his well-known (and not so well-known) Ann Arbor buildings.

7 monday Canine Body Language

7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-3274200. aadl.org Free

listen to what they’re saying.

Join Hannah Ashmore, a self-proclaimed canine body language “Dog Nerd,” to learn how to identify the behaviors most common in inter-dog and dog-human communication.

8 tuesday Witches’ Night Out

7pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net Free

Join for tea and networking. It is a chance to meet others of like mind, drink Witch Brew tea, and have a great time. No cover, $3.50 for a pot of tea.

9 wednesday Depression on College Campuses Conference

12:30-6:30pm/Wednesday, 8:30am-4pm/Thursday. Free/students, $150/ non-students. Rackham Graduate School, 915 Washington St. 734-7637495. depressioncenter.org

Join the 14th Annual Depression on College Campuses Conference to learn about new research findings, model programs, and innovative strategies to encourage the formation of positive interpersonal relationships which promote student mental health.

10 thursday Story Time

7pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net Free

Come to hear stories for grownups Enjoy yummy desserts, exotic teas, or light supper while listening to Ann Arbor Storytellers’ Guild members.

Dogs are fabulous communicators, if we learn to

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A scholar of the ancient Indian science of Palmistry and Numerology, Vijayalaxmi counsels clients on relationships, career, health, relationship compatibility, and many other aspects of life.

15 tuesday

an Ann Arbor wrestler—these are among the girls participants will meet when author Patricia Majher leads this fascinating look at famous women from Michigan in her new book, Great Girls in Michigan History.

Death Cafe

10am. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and

Tea Room, 114 S. Main St.

734-395-9660. afterdeathhomecare.com Free

Eat cake, drink tea, and talk about death. Conversation led by the participants with no agenda other than to listen and share. All are welcome.

The Moth SotrySLAM: The Dark Side

Ann Arbor Orchid Society Show and Sale

Prepare a five-minute story about the underworld, guilty pleasures, life under a log, succumbing to your less than enlightened self or participating in activities you know are naughty, deplorable or decidedly un-sunny.

A two-day orchid extravaganza with orchid displays, orchids in bloom, and regional commercial vendors. Tropical and hardy orchids and orchid-growing supplies and related items for sale. Free informational talks and demos.

6pm/door, 7:30pm/stories. $10. Circus, 210 S. First St. 734-913-8890. themoth.org

16 wednesday Nerd Nite

7pm. Live, 102 S. First St. 734-327-4200. annarbor.nerdnite.com Free

Presented by the Ann Arbor District Library. Nerd Nite is held monthly in, giving several folks the opportunity to give 18 to 21 minute fun-yet-informative presentations across all disciplines. Imagine learning about everything from the science of the Simpsons to the genealogy of Godzilla.

17 thursday Peaks of Interest

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

Hirak Parikh spent about a year in Europe hiking some of the world’s tallest and most scenic mountains, including the Swabian Alps, the SwissAustrian Alps, and the Balkans.

Hirak will share his experiences hiking, photos of his adventures, and tips for hikers interested in making their own journeys.

David OReilly

5:10pm. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org Free

Part of the Penny Stamps Lecture Series. Irish-born and Los Angeles-based, David OReilly is one of the most adventurous and innovative independent animation filmmakers working today.

19 saturday Great Girls in Michigan History 2pm. Ann Arbor District Li-

brary Malletts Creek, 3090 E. Eisenhower Pkwy. 734-327-4200. aadl. org Free

A dancer, a pilot, a writer, and

10:30am. Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. 734-647-7600. aaosonline.org Free

20 sunday Handwriting Analysis

2pm. $40. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room, 114 S. Main St. 720-514-9724. janicooke.com

This workshop is designed to help participants understand what a person’s handwriting means and why each person’s is so different. Participants will learn how to discern who people are as they learn how to connect to the vibration of a person’s handwriting to get a clear communication from spirit.

22 tuesday Metamorphosis Chat: Of Turkish Living

5:30pm. $10/suggested donation.

UMMA, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu

In his video work Turkish artist Ferhat Özgür offers a warm and intensely personal experience of what has become a complex moral debate within Turkish culture: wearing the headscarf.

Through March 27.

23 wednesday Smell and Tell: The #AromaBox

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

The #AromaBox is an analog scent device that does more than diffuse pleasant scents; it is a tool for cultivating curiosity, collaboration and building community. This Smell and Tell is a hands-on multisensory event. Attendees will select a single ingredient from a menu of essential oils derived from green plants which will then be used to scent their #AromaBox.

MORE @ ecurrent.com

Springtime crafts in Saline Featuring over 150 vendors from across the Midwest showing off their wares, the Saline Spring Craft Show is enters its 21st year, bigger and better than ever. Spring is just around the corner, and decorative seasonal options designed and built by individual artists and crafters will fill the show. There will be performances for children and contests, as well as a silent auction, and for crafters, a juried competition.

Shop for stained glass, jewelry, woodwork, toys, clothing, and much more, all in one place! Check the website for a full list of crafters and more information. —ZM

8am-3:30pm. Saturday, March 12. $4. Saline Middle School, 7190 N. Maple Rd., Saline. 734-429-5922. salineshows.com

Get ready for Festifools In early April, the streets of Ann Arbor will be flooded with fools — and it can take a lot of work to be foolish!

The annual Festifools festival, a giant public art spectacle, takes over Main St. featuring paper-mache floats, live music and much more. The festival will celebrate it’s tenth anniversary in April, but for those interested in creating a float, now is the time to get started. Details about how to get involved can be found at wonderfoolproductions.org.

—ZM

24 thursday Huzzah! Celebrating the Rise of Vintage Base Ball

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

“Honest” Jon Van Hoek, captain of The Monitor Base Ball Club of Chelsea will present a talk on the growing popularity of base ball played by the rules of the 1860s. He will discuss the spirit and sportsmanship of the game, and the noticeable differences in equipment and rules of play from modern baseball.

Bringing Water to People in Need

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

The Detroit Chapter of Engineers Without Borders will use the example of bringing water to people in need to present their unique approach to international development and how they mobilize technical talent here at home to take on engineering problems around the world.

roadtrip Binge watch in person

The latest Netflix show to take over all our free time, Making of a Murderer has enthralled and infuriated viewers. For those of us that got hooked, or for anyone who has interest in how the justice system works, here is the perfect event to indulge your obsession. Dean Strang and Jerry Buting, the defense attorneys for convicted murderer Steven Avery — the subject of the popular program — will be on hand for “A Conversation on Making of a Murderer,” a moderated discussion about the criminal justice system and the implications of Avery’s case. For ages 18 and older. —ZM 8pm. Saturday, March 19. $55. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. 4th St., Royal Oak. 248-399-2980. royaloakmusictheatre.com ecurrent.com / march 2016 43

health

health events Ongoing

Ypsilanti Open Meditation

11am. Ypsilanti District Library, 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ems.ypsilibrary.org Free

Getting serious about global health There’s no shortage of important health challenges to tackle in the world and, with Flint still in the throes of a well-publicized water crisis, some of those problems hit very close to home. With that in mind, the University of Michigan School of Public Health is hosting the third annual “Innovation in Action” competition, which harnesses the talents of UM students to tackle a real-world health challenge.

Teams will take on problems like these: how physicians interact with patients with mental disorders, minimizing food waste, and redesigning community centers in Detroit. Come see the final student presentations as they compete for cash prizes up to $10,000.

Thursday, March 10. 5-7pm. Taubman Biomedical Science Research Building, 109 Zina Pitcher Pl. 734-764-5425. innovationinaction.umich.edu Free

Ypsilanti Open Meditation is offering weekly drop-in guided meditation every Friday. Come meditate in a relaxed and comfortable setting.

Free Community Crossfit

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

Free community workout. Attendees will perform a challenging but low-impact workout to learn how CrossFit promotes fitness and wellness.

6 sunday

Yoga for Anxiety and Depression

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

For everyone, with or without a diagnosis. Classes are touch by warm instructors and for all shapes, forms, and physical abilities.

8 tuesday

Permaculture from the Roots Up

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

734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

Explore the Permaculture tool box and what it has to offer no matter the living situation. From apartment dwellers to large country lot owners there are many techniques that can be used to heal and repair the land.

Bring a design problem or a land use question and work through them the Permaculture way, creating systems of abundance and prosperity.

How Memory Speaks

9:30am. $35. Trinity Lutheran Church, 1400 W. Stadium Blvd. 734-988-9351. olli-umich.org

The course is a distillation of John Kotre’s book White Gloves (purchase would be helpful but not necessary). Topics include the perfect memory, memory’s truth, the autobiographical memory system, memory in the young, memory in the mature, and memory inspirited.

13 sunday

Shamrocks and Shenanigans

9:45am. $34-$45. Conor O’Neills, 318 S. Main St. 734-929-9027. runshamrocks.com

Gear up for Saint Patrick’s Day with this 5K run/walk. Awards will be handed out to overall male/female winners, and gifts/ merchandise will given to the top three competitors in each age group. Everyone gets a finisher medal! Proceeds go towards Save A Heart, which benefits the Michigan Congenital Heart Center and C.S. Mott’s Children’s Hospital.

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15 tuesday

Introduction to Homeopathic History and Theory 7pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-212-0010. crazywisdom.net Free

With Diane Feldt. This workshop will present homeopathic history and theory, how it may work, it’s use in acute illness and accidents, and when to consult a professionally-trained homeopath.

16 wednesday

Catching Your Breath

1pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, 1610 Washington Heights. 734-936-8803. events.umich.edu Free

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

22 tuesday

Bright Nights Community Forum: Personalized Treatments for Depression and Bipolar Illnesses 7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

Depression and bipolar illnesses can affect anyone. Vicki Ellingrod, Pharm.D., BCPP, a Professor in the U-M College of Pharmacy and Medical School, will present a brief overview of the latest research on the emerging field of “pharmacogenetics,” which refers to the genetic basis of response to medications.

26 saturday

A Widow’s Guide to Healing

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

Kristin Meekhof, a graduate of Kalamazoo College and the Master in Social Work program at UM, interviewed widows from all different backgrounds to blend their stories together along with practical advice in her book, A Widow’s Guide to Healing: Gentle Support and Advice for the First 5 Years.

Introductory Meditation Practice

1pm. $30. Deep Spring Center for Mediation and Spiritual Inquiry, 3820 Packard Rd., Ste. 280. 734-477-5848. deepspring.org

An introduction to insight/mindful meditation for those new to meditation and those who want to continue a meditation practice; no experience necessary. Wear comfortable clothes; cushions and chairs provided.

30 wednesday Alive and Aware

9:30am. $35. Trinity Lutheran Church, 1400 W. Stadium Blvd. 734-988-9351. olli-umich.org

Spirituality is the path of knowing yourself and finding one’s place in the world. Through discussion and exercises, this class will be a time to play and explore life and the spiritual path.

free will astrology

March

© Copyright 2016 Rob Brezsny TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You have cosmic clearance to fantasize about participating in orgies where you’re loose and free and exuberant. It’s probably not a good idea to attend a literal orgy, however.

For the foreseeable future, all the cleansing revelry and cathartic rapture you need can be obtained through the wild stories and outrageous scenes that unfold in your imagination. Giving yourself the gift of pretend immersions in fertile chaos could recharge your spiritual batteries in just the right ways.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “Hell is the suffering of being unable to love,” wrote novelist J. D. Salinger. If that’s true, I’m pleased to announce that you can now ensure you’ll be free of hell for a very long time. The cosmic omens suggest that you have enormous power to expand your capacity for love. So get busy! Make it your intention to dissolve any unconscious blocks you might have about sharing your gifts and bestowing your blessings. Get rid of attitudes and behaviors that limit your generosity and compassion. Now is an excellent time to launch your “Perpetual Freedom from Hell” campaign!

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you’ve been taking,” said journalist Earl Wilson. Do you fit that description, Cancerian? Probably. I suspect it’s high time to find a polite way to flee your responsibilities, avoid your duties, and hide from your burdens. For the foreseeable future, you have a mandate to ignore what fills you with boredom. You have the right to avoid any involvement that makes life too damn complicated. And you have a holy obligation to rethink your relationship with any influence that weighs you down with menial obligations.

you want to be part of your world, and which you don’t. In some cases you’ll be wise to put up barriers and limit connection. In other cases, you’ll thrive by erasing borders and transcending divisions.

The hard part -- and the fun part -- will be knowing which is which. Trust your gut.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): When life gives you lemon juice from concentrate, citric acid, high-fructose corn syrup, modified cornstarch, potassium citrate, yellow food dye, and gum acacia, what should you do? Make lemonade, of course! You might wish that all the raw ingredients life sends your way would be pure and authentic, but sometimes the mix includes artificial stuff. No worries, Libra! I am confident that you have the imaginative chutzpah and resilient willpower necessary to turn the mishmash into passable nourishment. Or here’s another alternative: You could procrastinate for two weeks, when more of the available resources will be natural.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Your Mythic Metaphor for the coming weeks is dew.

Many cultures have regarded it as a symbol of life-giving grace. In Kabbalah, divine dew seeps from the Tree of Life. In Chinese folklore, the lunar dew purifies vision and nurtures longevity. In the lore of ancient Greece, dew confers fertility. The Iroquois speak of the Great Dew Eagle, who drops healing moisture on land ravaged by evil spirits. The creator god of the Ashanti people created dew soon after making the sun, moon, and stars. Lao-Tse said it’s an emblem of the harmonious marriage between Earth and Heaven. So what will you do with the magic dew you’ll be blessed with?

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “Your illusions are a part of you like your bones and flesh and memory,” writes William Faulkner in his novel *Absalom, Absalom!* If that’s true, Leo, you now have a chance to be a miracle worker. In the coming weeks, you can summon the uncanny power to rip at least two of your illusions out by the roots -without causing any permanent damage!

You may temporarily feel a stinging sensation, but that will be a sign that healing is underway. Congratulations in advance for getting rid of the dead weight.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): It’s prime time for you to love your memory, make vivid use of your memory, and enhance your memory. Here are some hints about how: 1. Feel appreciation for the way the old stories of your life form the core of your identity and self-image. 2. Draw on your recollections of the past to guide you in making decisions about the imminent future. 3. Notice everything you see with an intensified focus, because then you will remember it better, and that will come in handy quite soon. 4. Make up new memories that you wish had happened. Have fun creating scenes from an imagined past.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “We are defined by the lines we choose to cross or to be confined by,” says Virgo writer A. S. Byatt.

That’s a key meditation for you as you enter a phase in which boundaries will be a major theme. During the next eight weeks, you will be continuously challenged to decide which people and things and ideas

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Most of us know about Albert Einstein’s greatest idea: the general theory of relativity. It was one of the reasons he won a Nobel Prize in Physics. But what was his second-best discovery? Here’s what he said it was: adding an egg to the pot while he cooked his soup. That way, he could produce a

ARIES March 21-April 19

Just one species has a big enough throat to swallow a person whole: the sperm whale. If you happen to be sailing the high seas any time soon, I hope you will studiously avoid getting thrown overboard in the vicinity of one of these beasts. The odds are higher than usual that you’d end up in its belly, much like the Biblical character Jonah. (Although, like him, I bet you’d ultimately escape.) Furthermore, Aries, I hope you will be cautious not to get swallowed up by anything else. It’s true that the coming weeks will be a good time to go on a retreat, to flee from the grind and take a break from the usual frenzy. But the best way to do that is to consciously choose the right circumstances rather than leave it to chance. soft-boiled egg without having to dirty a second pot. What are the first- and secondmost fabulous ideas you’ve ever come up with, Capricorn? I suspect you are on the verge of producing new candidates to compete with them. If it’s OK with you, I will, at least temporarily, refer to you as a genius.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You may be familiar with the iconic children’s book *Where the Wild Things Are.* It’s about a boy named Max who takes a dream-like journey from his bedroom to an exotic island, where he becomes king of the weird beasts who live there. Author Maurice Sendak’s original title for the tale was “Where the Wild Horses Are.” But when his editor realized how inept Sendak was at drawing horses, she instructed him to come up with a title to match the kinds of creatures he could draw skillfully. That was a good idea. The book has sold over 19 million copies. I think you may need to deal with a comparable issue, Aquarius. It’s wise to acknowledge one of your limitations, and then capitalize on the adjustments you’ve got to make.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “People don’t want their lives fixed,” proclaims Chuck Palahniuk in his novel *Survivor.* “Nobody wants their problems solved. Their dramas.

Their distractions. Their stories resolved.

Their messes cleaned up. Because what would they have left? Just the big scary unknown.” Your challenge in the coming weeks, Pisces, is to prove Palahniuk wrong, at least in regards to you. From what I can tell, you will have unprecedented opportunities to solve dilemmas and clean up messy situations. And if you take even partial advantage of this gift, you will not be plunged into the big scary unknown, but rather into a new phase of shaping your identity with crispness and clarity.

Homework: What book do you suspect would change your life if you actually read it? Testify at Truthrooster@gmail.com

ecurrent.com / march 2016 45

QUEUE AND CRY Across 1. Night light 5. Pitcher Santana 10. Past the scheduled stop time 14. “Hey, hombre” 15. Former pitcher Hideki 16. Like a heel 17. Some 18. Fast food sandwich that came with a hot and cold side 19. “The Distance” ‘90s band 20. The grandeur of being gay?

23. “Prairie Home Companion” gumshoe Noir 24. Done stuff 28. Marsh rush 31. 43-Across’s bailiwick 34. Some honkers 35. Soccer star Suarez 36. Brewer from Northern Spain?

38. 2014 World Cup runners-up: Abbr.

39. Listen fully 40. Coffee container 41. Bottomless parts of a Muslim’s temple?

43. Pros with radar guns 44. Poppy stock 45. “What’d I tell you?”

46. Like a beer from a bad tap 47. Fans of a team, collectively 49. Comprehend 50. Curt comment to the audience?

57. Tumbler lock’s spot 60. Sit shiva 61. Compost heap emanation 62. Spin with a pick 63. R&B singer Mary J. ___ 64. Plant in a cubicle 65. Allot, with “out” 66. Grande and Venti at Starbucks, say (but really, I just call ‘em “medium” and “large”) 67. David Bowie’s first #1 hit song

5. Wiggle open, as with a bar 6. Boat-destroying creature 7. Call to mecca 8. Can-do 9. Cuckoo bananas 10. Not-yet-mature ova 11. Direction clarification 12. Rocky Mountain deer 13. Grain used in some breads and beers 21. Have some second thoughts about 22. Yank, as the bottom on Mommy’s dress 25. “Moby Dick” setting, with “The” 26. Takes illegally 27. Smaller than small 28. Quickly apply, as brakes 29. Jupiter moon discovered by Galileo 30. Gets really into, man 31. Ballerina’s stock 32. Home with an ocean view, maybe 33. Composed 36. Letterman’s contest?

37. “The Wheels on the ___” 39. Amy Schumer

Down 1. Likely NBA Hall-ofFamer in the class of ‘16 2. Bean curd in curries 3. On the safe side 4. Stuff in a protein shake

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for crossword answers, go to ecurrent.com 55. Brown building 56. 32-Down resident, perhaps 57. Breakfast spread 58. “Clash of Clans” weapon 59. Reached, as a quota

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

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Services

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

2466 E Stadium Ann Arbor www.sunshen.org

------------------------------------Entrepreneurs! Do you need assistance for your business?

SCORE provides free, confidential business mentoring designed for your new or existing business.

Schedule an appointment at www. annarborscore.com

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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

------------------------------------JOURNEY INTENSIVE & ADVANCED SKILLS WORKSHOPS - May 13-15, Ann Arbor.

Overcome physical, mental, and spiritual challenges at the cellular level. Visit thejourneyna.com or Suzanne 734-904-4952.

UNLOCK REVELATION “EVERY EYE WILL SEE HIM” REVELATION 1:7

BEGINS 3.28.2016

WWW.UNLOCKREVELATION.COM A BIBLE PROPHECY SERIES

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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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FOR SALE

(844) 250-4000

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

Call 1-800-448-2543 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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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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Hammond Organ and Bench.

Very good condition. Asking price: $149 or best offer. Call 734-455-4529.

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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.

Anti-Slip Floors. American Made.

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

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Hydroquad, commercial water processor. Model #HQ948FE w/ storage tank and salt. $149.00, call #734-455-4529.

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Large, tall bird feeder. Pull and Support. $25.00, call 734662-4644

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

Attention Small Businesses: Simplify Your Payroll & Taxes with Paychex! New customers receive one month of payroll processing free! Receive a Free Quote! Call 800-805-0164

call catherine

at 734.668.4044 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 / march 2016 47

op.org

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%

SPRING CLEANING?

voted Your donations support Best Thrift Ann Arbor Public Schools Store! and its students!