AUGUST 2016 | FREE
MUSIC ART CULTURE
ecurrent.com
FIRST FRIDAYS +DIYpsi p.6
Ypsilanti elevates the arts
The hidden heroes of Washtenaw County
p.8
2
august
2016 / ecurrent.com
contents
august 2016 vol. 26/no. 08
green corner 5
Citizens unite for climate change
The Champions of the Honey Bees 17
A neighbor’s complaint creates an Ypsilanti Bee Haven by Jacqueline Bull
Saving Hip-hop in Washtenaw 23
Duke Newcomb is breathing new life into the hip-hop community with his weekly show, The Dojo. by M.F. DiBella
p.6
19 food: At Spencer, Upmarket Cheese, Over the Counter
Unfussy restaurant showcases owners’ expertise by Sonny Forest
28 theater:
Friday Night’s Alright
First Friday’s are the time to celebrate Art in Ypsilanti by Cammie Finch
An Art of Rebellion On The Michigan Shakespeare Festival’s revolutionary performances by Zach Marburger
32 art: Au Revoir Two Twelve
Wish the art center a fond farewell by Louis W. Meldman
p.8
35 sports: U-M Intramural Building opening
More than just student exercise space by Chris Crowder
36 lit: All the Devils Are Here Exploring the crowded shelves of Aunt Agatha’s with two ace mystery writers by Nan Bauer
38 cannabis 42 everything else 46 crossword Cover artist Jim Cherewick is an artist that resides in Ypsilanti Michigan. He’s the front man of local legend ‘Congress’ and also has played in Long Wisker, Wicker Chairs, and continues to play in Best Exes and Piner. Follow him on Instagram @Gymsee. Catch him again this year at Diypsi along with some other amazing artists.
august
online exclusives
ECURRENT.COM
Mayer Hawthorne
Talking to the Grammy-award nominated artist about A2 by Sonny Forrest
Artists needed
Help Stadium Boulevard get a major makeover by Zach Marburger
ecurrent.com / august 2016 3
Adams Street Publishing Co.
ISSUE DATE: SEP 2016
What are you the world champion of? Publisher/Editor in Chief
be a part Of the 2016
BLUE BOOK
Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) making Deviled eggs
book play
P8
SAVE
LAKES REFRESH OUR LAKES WITH EVERY PURCHASE
Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) three card monte
Editorial
Assignment Editor: Zach Marburger (annarboreditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Pig Impressions Calendar Editor: Marisa Rubin (mrubin@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Wearing hats Contributing Writers: Sandor Slomovits, Louis Meldman, Tim Malik, Jeff Milo, M.F. DiBella, Rob Brezsny, Tami Sackett, Heidi Philipsen, Evan Rosen, Cammie Finch, Ken Wachsberger, Lauren Lucas, Nan Bauer, Jacqueline Bull, Chris Crowder, Sonny Forrest, Vic Tanny
Digital Media Saul Jacobs (saul@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Whistling
Art/Production Production Manager: Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Over-thinking Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Stress Design: Ashley Crapsey (acrapsey@adamsstreetpubliching.com Multitasking Design Intern Heidi Liu
Advertising Sales Catherine Bohr (calendar@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Cat memes Lauren Koski (lkoski@adamsstreetpublishing.com) spending money on kombucha and artisanal granola bars Sales Coordinator Jen Leach (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com Grillin’ Classifieds: Cassie Haddad (cassie@adamsstreetpublishing.com Random knowledge
Drink
compiled by Ann Dwyer
DRINK BEER
Local – Great Lakes Region July 7, 2016
2015 BLUE BOOK
E blue at
COORS LIGHT – REFRESH OUR LAKES
Administration
Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledocitypaper.com) checkers
Best of Washtenaw
© 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.
Current’s Reader’s Choice Award winners
- GET INVOLVED ATthisismywater.com Member
GREAT BEER GREAT RESPONSIBILITY © © 2016 Coors Brewing Company, Golden, CO 21+ only. Begins 5/1/16 and ends 9/30/16. See T&Cs at www.promorules.com/PL4593/. Charity details at thisismywater.com. Void outside of IL/IN/MI/OH/WI & where prohibited
Audited by
Follow us on Facebook and Twittertwitter.com/ecurrent
4
august
2016 / ecurrent.com
green corner Beer City Ann Arbor might think about changing its moniker from Tree City to Beer City with another brewery in town, Glasshouse Brewing of Ann Arbor. The latest brewery, located at 2350 W. Liberty St., opened in mid-July.
Take action for Tree City
Climate change is real, it’s happening because of human actions and it will effect everyone. Through the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, concerned community members can voice their concerns and make a difference. Meetings include a national conference call featuring a guest speaker every month, followed by conversation about local actions and providing opportunities to get involved. —ZM
Number 103 Southeast Michigan is getting another state park, the 103rd in Michigan. Watkins Lake State Park is comprised of 717 acres of land in Jackson County and 405 acres of Washtenaw County space. New life for old building The storefront at 10 N. Washington in Ypsilanti will take on a new life. Sizzles Burgers and Subs is opening at the location which has been vacant for decades.
Saturday, August 13. 12:45-2:45pm. Rogers’ House, 1425 Cambridge Rd. 619-437-7142. annarborccl.org Free
fyi
Call center closing The Universal Marketing Group has shuttered its call center (located in the former Borders headquarters) in Ann Arbor after failing to meet job growth benchmarks.
Historic hotel damaged Terrible news from just outside Ann Arbor: the historic South Lyon Hotel (functioning as a restaurant and bar since the late 80s) burned in an electrical fire. The hotel had been a town staple since 1867. New site for optometry After 25 years at their location on Green Rd., Bennett Optometry has moved to a new location at 2623 Plymouth Rd.
New loop in the 734
New opportunities to take in the sights and sounds begin with the June opening of The Waterloo State Recreation Area in Chelsea’s five mile mountain biking, hiking and cross-country skiing trail. The trail, part of a planned 20-mile loop, dubbed the DTE Energy Foundation Trail, was made possible by a $255,000 grant from the DTE Energy Foundation. The trail is the latest update to the Waterloo Recreation Area, the largest state park in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. —ZM
Dog Wash Dog owners might want to make friends with someone who lives at Lake Shore Apartments in Ypsilanti; the complex has opened up a Dog Laundromat, where residents and their guests can groom their dogs in style.
ecurrent.com / august 2016 5
FIRST FRIDAYS
eman e Fries
On Talent
“First Fridays came out of the need for more foot traffic in the downtown area,” Kayj Michelle, the president of First Fridays - who grew up in Ypsilanti - explains. “The original intent was to provide more opportunities and galleries for local artists to display their pieces.” Michelle, herself a photographer and artist, worked at other First Friday projects in Seattle and San Jose - two internationally acclaimed festivals showcasing art local communities. “I’ve
6
august
2016 / ecurrent.com
Frieseman
The third season for the city’s self-guided and family friendly art walk on the first Friday of each month is underway, and it showcases local artists, local talents and local wisdom while supporting local downtown Ypsilanti businesses.
edit: Mike
Want to learn about antique quilts, sip a frothy beer float, meet and greet local musicians and artists, and maybe even craft your own puppet all in the same night? First Fridays Ypsilanti offers those experiences and more.
Photo Cr
by Cammie Finch
dit: Mik
First Fridays are the time to celebrate Art in Ypsilanti
seen what these sorts of events can look like in other places.” Since beginning in October 2013, First Fridays Ypsilanti has grown into a yearly nine-month (April-Dec) event that connects components of the Ypsilanti community, plugging in Eastern Michigan University to the city, downtown to Depot Town, businesses to customers, and artists to art lovers.
Cre Photo
FRIDAY NIGHT’S ALRIGHT
Art galleries, coffee shops (The Ugly Mug, Cultivate Coffee, Bona Sera), shops (The Rocket, MIX, World of Rocks) and other local businesses are now volunteering to get on board with First Fridays and it’s up to each business to determine the talent they want to showcase in their space. “First Fridays provides an organized and coordinated platform to make it possible to tie together these business based events all at once,” said Michelle. Like a realtime LinkedIn with the Ypsi creative community, this is face-to-face, feelgood networking. With over 30 venues lined up for the coming months, it will be a challenge to Top: – Go Ice Cream Center top: – Jenee & Khadijah of Make Art Studio! – YpsiPlanti Garden Supply – Sidewalk art
Photo Credit: Mike Frieseman
5pm-7pm Tuesday-Friday r: 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
Frances Ross sepnds her Friday night showing off her skills
Best of Washtena w
see it all in one night. “We publish a map of all the events and venues before each monthly event,” said Michelle. “We recommend downloading the map off our website before you go, so you can pick your route with your top five highlights.” Everyone’s experience will be different, depending on a custom walking plan.
Monday: Closed
The range of performances include talent shows for youth, poetry readings, stand-up comedians, scenes performed by the Neighborhood Theatre Group, local bands, howls by the Violin Monster and a myriad of art exhibits.
Tuesday Specials: $2.00 Corona bottles, $2.00 Tequila Shots, $4.00 Pitchers of Dos Equis. $2.00 tacos (no limit), taco bar 5pm-7pm (2 drink min).
Most First Friday venues are free and family friendly, with a focus on getting children involved with hands-on activities such as puppet-making, drum-circles, talent shows and costume contests.
Wednesday Specials: $2.75 any draft, $5.00 Pitchers of Bud Light. $5.00 Miller Lite and Shandy pitchers, Coney Bar 5pm-7pm (2 drink min). $6.75 burger and beer.
On Community
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. Nacho bar 5pm-7pm (2 drink min).
One of First Fridays missions is to help create economic stimulus in downtown Ypsilanti and Depot Town. “We’ve already seen a difference,” said Michelle. “When you have so many people walking around the streets, they’re going to discover new spots, step inside places they’re curious about and come back again. It’s really all about getting people comfortable and familiar with the area.” Ever since the unfortunate dwindling popularity of Ypsilanti’s National Heritage Festival, the First Fridays team felt there was a gap in the cultural and creative celebration of the city. First Fridays partners with the Riverside Art Center, which provides funding and resources. The support of the Bank of Ann Arbor, who also puts on Sonic Lunch in Ann Arbor, has greatly increased the scope and reach for First Fridays as well. The event continues to grow. In 2013, four to six venues were participating regularly, while now at least 26 venues are in the lineup each month. “We had over 400 people attend our opening 2015 First Friday on April 1st,” explained Michelle. “People are excited about the energy of the event and they want to be part of it.” Come check out all the buzz this month: Friday, August 5. Events occur between 5-11pm. Print out your PDF map on firstfridaysypsi.com. Want to volunteer? Are you a venue interested in hosting? Are you an artist with a talent to showcase? Click the Join tab on the First Friday website for information forms and applications.
HKDD;H#K H; (&', 7: ; HIË 9>E?9;
F
Friday Specials: 7-9pm SPORCLE TRIVIA LIVE. $1.75 bottles of Amstel Light, Heineken, PBR, Palm, Labatt Blue Light, Carlsberg, and Bud from 11am - 7pm. Free wing buffet 5pm-7pm (2 drink min). 7pm-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.
310 Maynard St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (734) 995-0100 ecurrent.com / august 2016 7
special advertising section
Our annual Locally Grown section celebrates the hereos of Washtenaw County— small business owners that give back to the community. These men and women help to make Washtenaw County an amazing place to live, work and play. To celebrate, we asked them questions about their businesses, who they admire and what being a hero means to them, after all, they are the experts.
#newjewlerymovement
Rachel Kanaan Tarek & Rachel Kanaan
Unity Vibration
93 Ecorse Rd. 734-277-4063 unityvibrationkombucha.com
How did you get started? Travel, camaraderie with others, brew development and talking to fans! Talking with those folks which have had a difference in their health due to kombucha.
Engage. Collaborate. Build. By utilizing technology, CAD and 3D Printing, we shape ideas, mold them; make what was once a thought into a physical representation… unique, unbranded.
Connect with us and let’s get started! 734.358.7095 1327 Jones Dr., Suite 202, Ann Arbor bespokejewelrycompany.com
8
august
2016 / ecurrent.com
Nominate another local hero and tell us why. Annie Elder of Community Farm. Maker and co-founder of the first and only Biodynamic Farm, the first local and organic farm, 25-plus years ago! She is a gentle yet strong force behind Community Farm doing one of the most important jobs in the world. What is your favorite local establishment (other than your business) and why? We love the Lunch Room in A2. It provides the community with an ethical and quality vegan option for all. We also love Ypsi Food Coop— it’s a community pillar.
special advertising section
2030 Commerce Blvd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103 a2yoga.net | 734-216-4006
Give Your Best of Washtenaw Body A HKDD;H#KF H; (&', ; 7:;H IË 9>E?9
Becky Winkler Dhakal & Binod Dhakal Cardamom Restaurant
1739 Plymouth Rd., 734-662-2877. cardamoma2.com
What does Heroism mean to you? It is an activist who creates a shift in society or collective thinking to what is right and just. A person who is fearless in the face of mass-mind to create real positive change for society. Those that lead with love not hate that are truly selfless. How did you get started? We’ve both been in the restaurant and food retail industry as long as we can remember. Between the two of us we’ve been manager, server, chef, buyer, supervisor, busser, prep cook, signmaker at a dozen different restaurants. Starting our own place has been a dream since 2002 when we married. We wrote eight different business plans for eight different pieces of real estate over eight years (while also having two babies). Everything came together for us at Cardamom and we are thrilled by the support we’ve received from our community, staff and associates. Nominate another local hero and tell us why. Zingerman’s Community of Businesses and specifically Paul Saginaw and Ari Weinzweig, founding partners, are our heroes and mentors. We couldn’t thank them enough for the positive things they are doing throughout our community, including being role models for small business and putting Ann Arbor on the food map.
Cont’d on p10
Runner Up, Best Yoga Studio Monday 9:15 – 10:30 AM 10:00 – 11:15 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 6:15 - 7:15 PM 7:15 - 8:30 PM 7:30 - 8:30 PM Wednesday 8:15 – 9:15 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 10:45 - 11:45 AM 5:30 – 6:30 PM Saturday 9:15 - 10:30 AM 9:30 - 10:45 PM 11:00 - 12:00 PM 11:00 - 12:15 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
Yoga Vacation!
Classes Vinyasa II Vinyasa I : Foundations Heart-Centered Hatha Yoga Gentle/Restorative Yoga On Summer Vacation Vinyasa I & II Classes Vinyasa I Hatha I & II Gentle Flow Yoga NIA Vinyasa I YIN Yoga Classes Hatha Flow On Summer Vacation Heart-Centered Hatha Yoga FREE Community Yoga: Onã Flow Vinyasa (DW) * Vinyasa: Movement Flow** Ashtanga Fundamentals: Primary Series I Hatha I & II Vinyasa I & II Classes Gentle Yoga & Meditation Classical Vinyasa (preferably no beginners) Hatha Flow Beginning Yoga/Hatha On Summer Vacation FREE C2 Community Class: Yoga (Donations welcome) Pre-Natal Yoga: Mommy Time Vinyasa I Classes Yoga Foundations/Beginning Yoga Vinyasa I & II FREE Community NIA: NIA FREE Community Yoga: Onã Flow Vinyasa (DW) * Classes Vinyasa I Onã Flow Vinyasa (Great for yoga teachers also*) On Summer Vacation NIA Traditional Hatha Yoga (All levels) Classes Heart-Centered Hatha Yoga Yoga Foundations / Beginning Yoga NIA Pre-Natal Yoga: Mommy Time Vinyasa II & III** (Advanced students)
Teacher Sandra Marty Carter A2Yoga Diane Teacher Rachel P. Carter Sarah Megan S. Wendy Natasha Teacher Samantha Carter Ana Natasha Wendy Sarah Carter Teacher A2 Yoga Samantha Sara Dina Lisa W
Studio Gold Purple Gold Purple Gold Studio Gold Purple Gold Purple Gold Purple Studio Purple Gold Gold Purple Gold Purple Gold Studio Purple Gold Purple Purple Gold
Lisa T Jo Teacher Ouafa Wendy Ana Ana Teacher Rachel P. Ana
Purple Gold Studio Purple Gold Gold Gold Studio Gold Purple
Ana Natasha Teacher Heather Carrie Megan S. Heather Ana
Gold Purple Studio Gold Purple Purple Gold Gold
NEW students $20/7 Days Unlimited Trial Pass
(Washtenaw County residents, starts 1st class visit & must fill-out W² Form)
ecurrent.com / august 2016 9
special advertising section Cont’d from p9
ClairHeairBrSotudderioic2k1 Sprig 0 Washtenaw Ave. 305
288 734-224-2 m o .c ir sprigha
What’s the best part about your job? My clients. I love my clients. I strive to do my absolute best for them. To support them, have them feel amazing about their hair. I love the variety in life. The people, the stories, the adventures, the ideas, new and growing everyday. I have learned so much. What is your favorite local establishment (other than your business) and why? Orbit Hair Design, my base of stylists who will always be my family. I was taken under the wing of some of the best local hair designers you could ever know. Some of what I’ve learned there is how to express my inner self, build confidence in myself and in others, provide fantastic customer service and respect the business. I love them all dearly and am thrilled I was able to spend nearly 13 years of my career amongst my mentors. The support I was given in finding the new opportunity of Sprig Hair Studio 21 in the Sola Salons of Ann Arbor is unsurpassable by a large margin. I have a lot of favorite local establishments as I was born and raised locally here, but I will always Love Orbit Hair Design. They are my favorite establishment, other than Sprig Hair.
Patrick Schaefer Bespoke Jewelry Company 1327 Jones Dr. #202 734-358-7095 bespokefinejewelry.com
An Ann Arbor Original since 1977
What’s the best part about your job? Without question, its collaborating with our clients. In our old retail world we had lots of great customers. What we’re doing now really gives us a chance to get to know our clients on a much more personal, relaxed level.
rt
A g as
in
Cloth
Cutloose Comfy USA Sympli Lee Anersen IC Collection Moonlight URU Niche
Best of Washtenaw HKDD;H#KF H; (&', ; 7:;H IË 9>E?9
303 Detroit St., Suite 107, Ann Arbor 734.995.4222 | collectedworksannarbor.com
10
august
How do you get started? The boring part is we’ve been in the Jewelry business for 25 + years. The exciting part was/is figuring out how to apply new technology to an old industry. Kind of like teaching an old dog a new trick. With 3D printing and Rapid Prototyping we’re putting a fresh new spin on the jewelry buying experience.
2016 / ecurrent.com
Tell us something inspiring you’ve learned along the way. Our favorite saying is, “It’s more than just jewelry.” When your business becomes less about how great you are and more about just relaxing and having fun with your clients, it’s not work at all!
special advertising section
Ann Farnham Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop
2280 S. Industrial Hwy. 734-996-9155 a2ptothriftshop.org What’s the best part about your job? The people — the people I work alongside and the people I meet every day at the shop. Tell us something inspiring you’ve learned along the way. Try to be kind and put people before “stuff” and you’ll never go wrong. A wise friend — a mother of six! — helped me through a challenging time and I draw on this whenever I get caught up or bogged down in pettiness. What’s your favorite local establishment? Pittsfield Village — the beautiful townhouse condo (then coop) community where we first moved and raised our two kids — would have to tie with Pittsfield Elementary School where I built the friendships and memories that form the foundation of my life here in Ann Arbor. The staff and teachers, families and friendships, connections and trust that we forged there endure to this day — they are part of our Ann Arbor family. Cont’d on p12
Roy Xu
ls n Hil RobFiarm lsea
e 2, Ch 0 M-5 9-2423 9 3 0 2 2 734-9 farm.com s l l i h n robi
Who was your childhood hero? I’ve looked up to my father all my life. He has a sense of strong community relationship and empathy with everyone around him. If I can be half as good as my father, that would be my greatest achievement. What does heroism mean to you? To me, heroism isn’t about big muscles, super strength. It’s someone who takes care of his or her responsibilities. Responsibilities towards your family, or your job or your country. What is your favorite local establishment (other than your business) and why? Zingerman’s. They started as a very small business and grew to great success by offering great products and services, and treating everyone with dignity and respect along the way. ecurrent.com / august 2016 11
special advertising section Cont’d from p11
Dina Hough A2 Yoga
2030 Commerce Blvd. 734-997-0805 a2yoga.net
Tell us something inspiring you’ve learned along the way. I’ve learned to not take myself so seriously, which is a hard lesson as a business owner. That’s why I started doing standup comedy at Pointless Brewery. If you look closely, life’s actually pretty damn funny. Especially, for me with all this cancer stuff, I’ve had to find my sense of humor. How did you get started? Ana, my sister and owner of A2 Yoga, asked me to come on board and help manage the studio. Both my parents, especially my dad, recognized that it was a good fit for the family and a good fit for me. Knowing I had the support of the entire family really encouraged me to grow the business and take it to the next level. For me, a part of it is that my own personal hero, my dad, saw my potential and really encouraged me to take the next step, and the opportunity was presented by my own sister, which was even more special. What’s your favorite local establishment? I love the Mail Shoppe, obviously, because my mom owns it; it’s a unique place to get your mail and get the real local news from the people who work there. The YMCA and the Ann Arbor Public Library are both good places because they hold a space for community, and a lot of cool classes and activities.
Pulp Team, Arts Around Ann Arbor pulp.aadl.org
What’s the best part about your job? We love hearing from all the arts organizations in town about what they’re up to, and we love sharing previews, reviews, and reports about what’s going on around town.
NOW POURING Famous Burgers & Pizza Too! Voted 2015 Big Business of the year by Saline Chamber of Commerce 103 E. MICHIGAN AVE. SALINE
734.429.3159
12
august
2016 / ecurrent.com
Nominate another local hero and tell us why. Gamestart School! They have an amazing approach, using games to teach tech skills and balancing entrepreneurship with good works. Tell us something inspiring you’ve learned along the way. We’re always inspired by how many amazing performances, installations and experiences happen here. We’re inspired to help people know what not to miss, and what they missed if they still miss it.
special advertising section
How did you get started? My wife and I started Literati Bookstore in the spring of 2013. At the time, bookstores across the country were closing. Many people thought (and still think) we were foolish. But, three years later, we’ve had incredible support from Ann Arbor, and we’re thrilled this dream has stayed alive. Nominate another local hero and tell us why. I believe the people who sell Groundcover News around downtown Ann Arbor are heroes. Many pedestrians ignore them, turn their heads, walk away, give them looks, and yet, many continue to smile and passionately support a platform to connect to the community and share important stories. What is your favorite local establishment? There are many great other independent bookstores downtown, each offering a new and different perspective and inventory. Even though I own a bookshop, I love wandering into other bookstores and discovering something new. One of my favorites is West Side Book Shop — at night, the shop is so beautiful and warm, it looks like it’s from an old movie.
Jeff Taras
Michael and Hillary Gustafson
PJ’s Records
6178 Packard Rd. 734-663-3441 facebook.com/pjsusedrecords
Cont’d on p14
Michael Gustafson Literati Bookstore
124 E. Washington St. 734-585-5567 literatibookstore.com
Brothers Jeff and Marc Taras
What does heroism mean to you? Heroism is doing the right things constantly, for the right reasons, despite the repercussions. Who was a hero you had from childhood? Various local stars like Al Kaline and Gordie Howe, but also my father, a high school teacher who was beloved by his students. Nominate another local hero and tell us why. My friend and customer Chris Zemke of Avalon Housing. He does hands-on caregiving that defines how we treat the least among us, which defines us all. ecurrent.com / august 2016 13
special advertising section Cont’d from p13
Reynold Lowe
Materials Unlimited 2 W. Michigan Ave. 734-483-6980 materialsunlimited.com
What does heroism mean to you? It is an opportunity to give something unique back to the local community. How did you get started? I sold Architectural Salvage from the Michigan Municipal League Building in 1971 prior to its demolition. Nominate another local hero and tell us why. Dr. Edward Linkner because of his dedication to his profession and his patients.
Dan Kolander Dan’s Downtown Tavern
Nominate another local hero and tell us why. My Hometown Hero is Kenny Bowen from Saline. I have known Kenny since he was 10-years-old. I have watched him grow to become a helluva good man. He served in the Marine Corps, lost his platoon from an IED and was seriously injured. He lost his brother Geoffrey Bowen, also a Marine and father, and has just stayed focused on life. I am very proud to know him and his family.
Who was your childhood hero? My Dad was my biggest hero. He worked very hard and was a great father and taught me that you have to work hard to achieve. I try and carry on that tradition with my children and hope they learn from it. 103 E. Michigan Ave., Saline 734-429-3159 facebook.com/DANSBARS
What’s the best part about your job? The best part of my job is I am an entrepreneur. I actually own something and have started and built a business from basically nothing. If I fail it’s my fault. I make my own hours, and I am responsible for 50 people’s livelihoods. I have made mistakes and learned from them but the most important thing is the customer. They are number one. Without them I am nothing.
14
Cont’d on p16 august
2016 / ecurrent.com
special advertising section
ecurrent.com / august 2016   15
special advertising section Cont’d from p14
on s p m o h T Irene
ork,sAnn W d 7 e ite 10 lect
Col roit St., Sur
et 303 D
Arbo 222 r.com 95.4 4 3 7 .9 sannarbo k r o ctedw
colle
Tell us something inspiring you’ve learned along the way. During this political season, I was inspired by President Obama’s commencement speech at Howard University. He said that even if you are 100% right, in a democracy you have to compromise. I would like to be the change that I want to see. I would like us all to listen and learn from each other. What does heroism mean to you? Heroes to me, in my years at U-M, were the leaders from my dormitory, who organized the Black Action Movement in 1970. Those women were incredibly dynamic and taught me a lot. Also, my Uncle Bob, who served in WWII as Patton’s photographer. He was among the first troops to liberate the concentration camps. He never had a full night’s rest after the war, too many unpleasant memories, but he had a smile on his face and was grateful for every day. What’s the best part about your job? The best part of my job at Collected Works is being such a part of this community. At the store, we do everything we can to have women feel great in the apparel that they buy. It is really a “women’s corner” and supportive of our clients in so many ways. Amid trying on clothes, we talk about feet, and weight, and grandchildren, and college searches, and food, and politics! All of this while finding the right outfit for a wedding or an art fair. I sincerely believe what we choose to wear is our own daily art. Life is short. Be art!
Jason Povlich Jet’s Pizza
506 N. Main St., Chelsea 734-433-9700 jetspizza.com
Independent. Downtown. Local. 124 E. Washington St. Ann Arbor MI 48104 734-585-5567 literatibookstore.com
16
august
2016 / ecurrent.com
Tell us something inspiring you’ve learned along the way. I do not want to do business to just make money. I want to do business with purpose. I have found that the more I focus on giving, the happier I am. Nominate another local hero and tell us why. Wow, so many. But to mention one, that would definitely have to be local artists The Ragbirds. These guys have inspired me to be a better husband and father. They have a great message that is deep and relevant. What’s the best part about your job? Best part of my job is to see young people excel in our restaurants. As great as it is to see people smiling enjoying some great pizza and good ale, I love seeing people empowered by our leaders to run after their dreams.
Champions of the honey bees
A neighbor’s complaint created an Ypsilanti bee haven
by Jacqueline Bull
You’ve likely heard that honey bee populations across the country are struggling, and Southeast Michigan. Largescale farming, widespread pesticide use, diminished foraging spaces for bees (which means they’re hungry), enhanced honey production, mites, and a host of other diseases all contribute to the decline of the bee population. Michigan is important to bees as the state supports several types of rare bees along with many native species. Honey producers come to Michigan for the climate. In the summer of 2009, Ypsilanti native Lisa Bashert was cited for keeping bees in her yard. Earlier that summer, Bashert’s friend, Jamie Berlin, had seen a documentary on the struggle and decimation of bee hives. Bashert decided to fight back, mounting a campaign to allow backyard beekeeping in Ypsilanti. In November, 2009 an initiative passed, allowing inspired parties to maintain beehives in the city. Passing the new ordinance inspired parties like Berlin. “I didn’t think I would become a beekeeper, but now it will be a hobby for life. I just thought I would help out, but then I became fascinated and fell in love with the bees,” Berlin said.
“Honey bees are social beings,”she said. “You can actually use a lot of the same techniques studying honey bees as those used studying human diseases.” Berlin takes a different approach, focusing hyperlocally. “We all have a limited sphere of influence, but when we inspire another person then they exert their sphere of influence and the chain repeats. It is hard to do it all,” Berlin said. Those connecting spheres are much like a hive.
“Being a bee champion is contagious. People really respond to the message. It’s a great cause,”
Building a community hive/Sphere of influence Bashert started a movement in Ypsilanti, but strengthening bees on a bigger scale has been the mission of Dr. Meghan Milbrath, the proprietor of Sandhill Apiaries, a provider of bees for many in Ypsilanti. Milbrath, a Ph.d. in Epidemiology, is a bee expert on diseases and their transmission through populations. She employs her background as a scientist to breed bees to survive the threats they face.
“Being a bee champion is contagious. People really respond to the message. It’s a great cause,” Milbarth added. Healthy Bee Neighborhoods The contagious nature of beekewping found Germaine Smith, who writing about sustainability, became acquainted with local beekeepers, which led to her befriending Jamie Berlin.
Smith launched the Bee Safe Neighborhood Campaign, door-to-door canvassing to encourage homeowners in Normal Park to maintain a more bee friendly yard by reducing/eliminating pesticide use and planting bee friendly plants. “When you eat a diverse diet, you’re healthier, Dr. Milbarth said. “If the bees have a diverse diet, they are healthier. With these restored lands, you have greater diversity and greater abundance of flowers and that has been directly linked to honeybee health.” continued on p18
ecurrent.com / august 2016 17
continued from p17
Want to keep your own bees?
Support habitat for native bees and become accustomed to having them around and caring for them. Assist other keepers with their hives. Start with a hive host program. A good rule of thumb is when you add bees, you add forage; bees forage mostly a good distance from the hive, but you will be feeding bees in the area.
What can I do? -Don’t use pesticides. If you must spray your plants, do it at night and get a chemical that won’t harm pollinators. -Plant ‘bee friendly’ plants. -Advocate for bee habitat restoration. -Know your local beekeeper and use local honey. -Reach out to one of these groups or initiatives Reach out to one of these groups or initiatives, they are very friendly, to bees and people.
Washtenaw County Food Policy Council Ypsi Melissa Local Honey Project Bee City USA-Ypsilanti Bee Safe Neighborhood Campaign Ypsilanti Food Co-op
18
august
2016 / ecurrent.com
Taking Wing Smith emphasizes the efficacy of small movements, “Baby step by baby step, you just have to keep moving forward. Sure I get exhausted and sometimes I think, ‘Ugh why can’t someone else do this?’, but that’s okay. Eventually people will get involved. I’m starting to see that.” Anyone can make their land (or neighborhood) more bee-friendly. “Even a small planting, is incredibly effective.” Milbarth said. “Having lots of people doing it on a small scale is what will fix the situation. The big message is ‘Do what you can where you can’.”
PHOTO CREDIT: CAT CARTY BUSWELL
food
At Spencer, Upmarket Cheese, Over the Counter Unfussy restaurant showcases owners’ expertise by Sonny Forrest
There’s no host stand obstructing the entrance to Spencer. Guests’ intellect is trusted to guide them through the incandescent mood-lit space. Visitors walk past the communal dining tables of distressed wood, wine bottles (for sale) adorning the shelves and toward the abbreviated deli case with its rotund cheese wheels and salamis. The tablet register sits near a wall adorned with oil portraits of Old World gentry in baroque frames. Considering the culinary pedigrees of owners Abby Olitzky (former head pastry chef at James Beard-recognized Delfina in San Francisco) and Steve Hall (a Cheesemonger Invitational finalist who has put in time at Zingerman’s Deli), both of whom used to run pop-up caterer Central Provisions in tandem, the counter service of Spencer’s dining experience makes sense. Why sully the food with cloying table service? But that’s not to say that a) this is just another high-brow fast-casual eatery or that b) the staff is ill trained. Quite the contrary.
Assorted selection The aproned cashier delivered a nuanced report on the differences between the cheddar-happy Wisconsin plate and the omakase monger board before offering us wine pairing suggestions. My dining companion and I went with the monger board ($25) and single glasses of Messanges Rouge ($11) and a Tuscan Unlitro Ampeleia ($7), respectively. The board featured wedges of a soft-ripened brie that, as our monger
pointed out, taste uncannily like buttered popcorn, a prologue to a generous portion of semi-hard, earthy gruyere. On recommendation, we modified the gruyere’s subtly sweet apricot finish with a quasi-bitter daub of stone-ground mustard for an added granular texture. Caveman Bleu, aged in an Oregon cave renowned for its distinct mold, took the board’s third cheese position. Our monger suggested we temper this deep and smoky bleu with an accompanying schmear of strawberry preserves. (We were pleased with his suggestion.) Two varieties of salamis and small trunks of pickled asparagus punctuate the board. The first, a thinly sliced northern Italian “kitchen sink” style, arranged like a veritable meat blossom, had a dank quality that excited the back palate. The second variety–– a chewier southern Italian salami–– finished with a certain lipidity.
Other delights Charred garlic scapes ($7)–– best enjoyed alongside an entrée rather than as a lone starter–– boast an occasionally brittle crunch accentuated by rich walnut purée and flowering sage leaves drizzled with honey. Each bite of creamy buckwheat dumplings of ricotta & chard, tossed with fava beans and snap peas ($13) sang with a squeeze of lemon. Hanger steak with sunflower cream, charred spring onions & grilled red butter lettuce with anchovy vinaigrette ($20) featured a harmonious flavor medley that again evidenced the consistent calculation
put into each menu item. The hanger steak’s light seasoning rub highlighted the juxtaposition between the meat’s exterior crust and the bovine flair of its tender strawberry-magenta interior grain. The sunflower cream (with a texture similar to a well-made tahini) and charred spring onions added a sweet component that balances the hinted bitterness of the grilled red butter lettuce. The off-menu shaved Italian ice ($8), garnished with tiny dark raspberries was a sour trip redeemed by a Meyer lemon cream, mollifying the ice’s intensity and making its use in the dish possible without scaring off casual dessert goers. One of the caveats of employing a counter-service model for table-service food is that I hadn’t noticed the self-service station near the entrance. Like a rube, I asked our monger for share plates, which he pleasantly obliged us. We soon caught on and fetched our own silverware and water glasses. Though some diners ready for an upmarket affair might be taken aback by Spencer’s counter service, the kitchen staff’s personal delivery of each dish should offer some consolation. If the most important metric is the quality of the food, then tally Spencer among Ann Arbor’s important culinary happenings.
Spencer is located at 113 E. Liberty St. spencerannarbor.com
ecurrent.com / august 2016 19
18 thursday
1 monday
1 monday
Cooking Down by the Shore
Summer Cocktail Parties on the Patio
Learn how to make food with Atlantic Coast roots.
DIY tonic bar and cocktails available for enjoyment.
5:30pm-Midnight. Evans Street Station, 110 S. Evans St. 517-424-5555. evansstreetstation.com
6:30-8:30pm. $79. Sur La Table, 3050 Washtenaw Ave #109. 734-531-0300. surlatable.com
Cocktail Class: Tiki Travels
2 tuesday
7-9:30pm. $75. Cornman Farms, 8540 Island Lake Rd. 734-619-8100. zingermanscommunity.com
The Whole Truth About Whole Grains
Discuss Tiki and Polynesian culture and sip on Tiki cocktails.
7-8:30pm. Downtown Library, 343 S. 5th Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free
19 friday
Change your perspective on grains in your diet to manage your health.
Date Night: An Evening in Greece
3 wednesday Ann Arbor Farmers Market Wednesday Night Food Truck Rally 5-8pm. Ann Arbor Farmers Market, a2gov.org
Trucks, carts, and food vendors open just in time for dinner or a late night snack.
The Argentine Asado: A Special BBQ Dinner at the Roadhouse 7-9:30pm. $75. Zingerman’s Roadhouse, 2501 Jackson Ave. 734-663-3663. zingermanscommunity.com
Turn up the heat
Summer drinks aren’t just for cooling down; sometimes, it’s better to spice things up! At Tammy’s Tastings Cocktail Class Feel the Heat, participants will learn how to create a variety of cocktails that incorporate spicy hot elements like muddled jalapenos, chile powder and spicy chile liqueur. The class will be a blend of cocktail history, instruction and hands-on application. Food service is unavailable during class, but light snacks will be provided. —ZM 7:30pm. $45. The Last Word, 301 W. Huron St. 734-276-3215. tammystastings.com
Argentinian BBQ buffet with dishes like grilled octopus salad and spicy chicken empanadas.
cinnamon rolls from scratch like a pro.
6 saturday
8 monday
Annual Picnic: Professional Volunteer Corps
12-5pm. Fast Shelter in Gallup Park, 3000 Fuller Rd. 734-794-6240. a2pvc.org Free
Potluck lunch with games for singles 25 and over who are interested in volunteer projects and making friends.
Cinn-ful Cinnamon Rolls
8am-12pm. $125. Zingerman’s BAKE!, 3711 Plaza Dr. 734-761-2095. zingermanscommunity.com
Learn how to make delicious
6:30-8:30pm. $79. Sur La Table, 3050 Washtenaw Ave #109. 734-531-0300. surlatable.com
Cocktail Class: Feel the Heat 7:30-9pm. $45. The Last Word, 301 W. Huron St. tammystastings.com
Concoct cocktails with spicy elements including jalapenos and chili powder-rimmed glasses.
10 wednesday Global Flavors: Tacos 6:30-8:30pm. $69. Sur La Table, 3050 Washtenaw Ave #109. 734-531-0300. surlatable.com
Not just a Mexican dish, these craft tacos are inspired by world cultures.
13 saturday Knife Skills 101
1-3pm. $59. Sur La Table, 3050 Washtenaw Ave #109. 734-531-0300. surlatable.com
Become acquainted with your knife in the kitchen and try your hand at basic cuts.
Immerse yourself in the art of cooking Greek food with a date.
25 thursday Pizza: The Other American Pie
5:30-9:30pm. $125. Zingerman’s BAKE!, 3711 Plaza Dr. 734-761-2095. zingermanscommunity.com
Learn how to make Chicago-style and New York-style pizzas so you won’t have to order takeout when you have pizza cravings.
27 saturday Tasty Thai from Scratch
1-3pm. $69. Sur La Table, 3050 Washtenaw Ave #109. 734-531-0300. surlatable.com
Make authentic Thai cuisine instead of ordering takeout.
14 sunday Cold Brew at Home
1-2pm. $60. Zingerman’s Coffee, 3723 Plaza Dr #5. 734-929-6060. zingermanscommunity.com
Receive a filtron brewing system and a bag of Zingerman’s signature Cold Brew Blend to make cold brew from the comforts of your home.
Stone Ground, Locally Made Chips visit annarbortortilla.com to see where you can find our products 20
august
2016 / ecurrent.com
No Preservatives 100% NON-GMO Gluten Free
food
For eleven years Chef Thad has prepared every plate served at Logan.
For eleven years Chef Thad has prepared Experience the true meaning of Chef Driven our small, every plateinserved at intimate Logan. dining room. Experience the true meaning of chef-driven in our small, intimate dining room.
115 W Washington St. Ann Arbor, MI logan-restaurant.com (734) 327-2312
Piece of Pie
Pies aren’t just for dessert— they can also be savory! That’s the premise behind Savory Pies 2.0, a reoccurring class at Zingerman’s Bakehouse. Participants will try their hand at different delicious savory pies from around the world; Tourtiere, a Canadian pork pie; Fatayer, a middle-eastern meat pie; and Prioshki, stuffed with Zingerman’s tasty cheeses from Russia and the Ukraine. Bust out the rolling pins and have pie for dinner and dessert. —ZM
115 W Washington St. • Ann Arbor, MI 734.327.2312 • logan-restaurant.com
Summer Soir� Annual
August 11, 2016 5:30pm-9:00pm
Cultivate Coffee & Taphouse 307 N. River St., Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Celebrate the Summer with the Young Professionals group of the A2Y Chamber! Come experience live music, games, networking, and tons of fun! Food will be provided.
Admission
$10/A2Y Converge members $15/non-members
H O S TE D B Y
Sunday, August 28. 1-5pm. $125. Zingerman’s Bakehouse, 3711 Plaza Dr. 734-761-2095. bakewithzing.com
Register online at a2ychamber.org For more details, contact Stefanie Mitchell at Stefanie@a2ychamber.org or 734-214-0110. ecurrent.com / august 2016 21
food
Summer BBQ, Korean style Sur La Table invites you to spice up your cooking repertoire and delight your family with the exotic flavors of Korea by taking a cooking class on Summer Korean BBQ. Make dishes like kimchi fried rice and grilled kalbi shortrib wraps in your own home. Learn how to cook in a wok for a group of people and expand your cooking and dining horizons. —CC Saturday, August 6. $69. Sur La Table, 3050 Washtenaw Ave #109. 734-531-0300. surlatable.com
Boyd’s is is BAR NONE the Boyd’s the place place to satisfy satisfy that sweet to sweet tooth tooth
x{Ê* «ÃÊ Ûi°ÊUÊ/ i` ]Ê" Ê {£ °ÇÓä°ÇÎnÇÊUÊL Þ`ÃÀiÌÀ V> `Þ°V Ê / ÕÀÃ\££> Ç« Ê À \££> n« Ê ->Ì\£ä> n« ÊUÊ Ãi`Ê-Õ `>Þ
22
august
2016 / ecurrent.com
music
Saving hip-hop in Washtenaw Duke Newcomb is breathing new life into the hip-hop community with his weekly show, The Dojo
Newcomb hypes the crowd and the Ann Arbor hip-hop scene.
by M.F. DiBella Ann Arbor and Ypsi have a fairly illustrious hip-hop heritage, lest you forget. DJ Graffiti’s event, Elevation, at the old Firefly Club (which closed in 2009), helped launch the career of Mayer Hawthorne (then known as DJ Haircut, a member of Athletic Mic League, aka AML). Movements come and go, and Ann Arbor has seen its fair share. Left carrying the baton is Duke Newcomb, a pillar of Southeastern Michigan hip-hop.
When did Elevation end at Firefly Club?
I wanna say 2003. The event moved to Leopold Bros. before they closed, but that fizzled out. Then they tried to do it at the Pig, that fizzled too. That whole squad (AML) just moved on to LA and other places. They were really the infrastructure of the Ann Arbor hip-hop scene and when they went in different directions, other people really didn’t pick up the slack.
After years of developing his craft, Duke released his debut album, Ground Zero, in 2014. He’s garnered Current Magazine’s hip-hop Reader’s Choice award three years running, and for good reason— doing his thing on the mic and also as one of the county’s most active scene-builders. Ann Arbor’s hip-hop community is knowledgeable and fraternal, but as many other communities in this new age, fractured, and in need of a meeting place/testing ground.
Maybe Dojo is the progression of Elevation?
Duke carries the banner for the 734 with an open mic event, The Dojo, at the Elks Lodge (220 Sunset Rd.) every third Thursday.
A $3 cover open mic with sign up on a first come, first served basis. Two songs or six minutes, whatever comes first. Then a headliner. It’s for everybody, whether they’re just starting or looking to polish up, but I want the artists to see a more finished product on those nights. After that, just a cypher.
Give us a quick introduction to your pedigree on hip-hop as it relates to SE Michigan:
Battles?
member, say 14. There was a peak of the Ann Arbor hip-hop scene in the late 90s/early 2000s. Elevation at Firefly Club, Blind Pig was always poppin’. I was rapping at parties but not really doing shows, just supporting. Firefly Club was actually the best/worst thing that ever happened to me. I went in there for the open mic and got up and did a cappella and had no confidence. My words were decent, but I had no presence. I got done: crickets. I would have almost rather heard boos. I left there and never wanted to feel like that again. That’s when I got more serious about it.
You talked about the A2 hip-hop scene rising again. What are your goals for Dojo?
Duke Newcomb: I’ve been rapping forever, since I can re-
Hopefully it’s the Phoenix rising again. I just looked around— I was doing a lot of shows, concentrating on myself, and then I put out an album. After that, I didn’t know what to do. As far as around here, we have no scene, I have no connections outside of here. For people to grow from here, there has to be value, there has to be a scene.
Gotcha. What is the for mat for Dojo?
If they happen, but we’re not setting them up.
First of all, my goal is just to give everybody a place to hone their craft. Long-term is to make a scene, whether it’s my event or someone else’s, have something tangible that’s valuable. So when we start going out to other states/cities it will be like: ‘Yo, I’ll hook you up with Duke at The Dojo, set you up with a merch table, get you a place to stay, etc.’ To build a community. The next Dojo event will be August 18 at Elks Lodge, 220 Sunset Rd. ecurrent.com / august 2016 23
1 monday
Tipsy in Ypsi w/ After Hours Radio, Jake Prince Trio and My Girlfriend Beru
1 monday
MSF Unplugg’d: Michigan Shakespeare Festival Company
9:30pm. Crossroads Pub, Ypsi.
Dirty Deville w/ Imtrepid Travelers
8pm. Donations appreciated. The Ark. theark.org
9:30pm. $7-10. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
2 tuesday Brant Losinski
URL2IRL: Vibe w/ Jonah Baseball
Opera on Tap: Heat of the Moment
Breathe Owl Breathe
9pm. $7-12. Club Above. Club-above.com
7pm. Arbor Brewing A2. arborbrewing.com Free
13 saturday 8pm. $15. The Ark. theark.org
6:30pm. Sidetrack. sidetrackbarandgrill.com Free
Child Sleep, Severed Fingers, Silent Piece 9pm. $5. Crossroads Pub, Ypsi
3 wednesday Thunderwüde
8pm. Chelsea Alehouse. chelseaalehouse.com Free
Dave Menzo
11pm. Babs’ Underground. babsundergroundlounge.com Free
4 thursday Milan Bluegrass Festival
Through August 6. Milan KC Campground, visitypsinow.com Free
The Electronic Creatives Tour w/ Refraq, Tekvision, Keota and More 9pm. $7. Club Above. club-above.com
Wild Savages w/ Antique Scream, Bison Machine and Human Skull
9:30pm. $6-9. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
Candy Bar LGBT Night w/ DJ Selina Style 10pm. Live. livea2.com Free
Noon. Milan KC Campground.
Elizabeth Cook
8pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org
Libby DeCamp
Plead the 5th, A Joe Strummer/Clash Tribute
9:30pm. $5-8. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
DJ Kevin Michael
10pm. Live. livea2.com Free
8pm. Club Above. club-above.com august
8pm. $7-12. Club Above. club-above.com
14 sunday Wes Fritzemeier Jazz Experience
6pm. Chelsea Alehouse. chelseaalehouse.com Free
Brian Delaney Quartet
1pm. Kerrytown Market & Shops. kerrytown.com Free
17 wednesday Davina and The Vagabonds
9pm. $10. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
10 wednesday
DJ Mixwell
Dave Menzo
Dave Menzo
The Powerful Pills w/ Dead Ahead Ohio
10pm. Rush. rushannarbor.com Free
Voyager w/ DJ Scout 10pm. Live. livea2.com Free
Live at the Rumpus Room 7pm. The Rumpus Room Chelsea. therumpusroomchelsea.com Free
11am-5pm. $10/adults, free/children under 12. Royal Oak Detroit Elks Lodge, Royal Oak. 517-270-3574 (Gary).
Finalist from The Voice: Owen Danoff
1pm. Kerrytown Market & Shops. kerrytown.com Free
8:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Tea Room. crazywisdom.net Free
Taste of Music w/ A2SO
KTRL w/ NickyBoom, Trauma Kidd
3pm. Ypsilanti Farmers Market. a2so.com Free
San, Emily and Jacob
Angela Predhomme & Kathy Wieland
24
6 saturday
7:30pm. $15. The Ark. theark.org
9pm. Chelsea Alehouse. chelseaalehouse.com Free
9:30pm. $10. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
Joshua Davis, third place finisher from Season 8 of The Voice, NBC’s televised reality singing competition, comes to town with over a decade of Michigan touring experience. An MSU grad with an affinity for folk, Davis hasn’t let his notoriety go to his head, remaining humble and teaching music workshops across the country. With 15 years of touring experience behind him and the recent spotlight, he’s pushing ahead with work on a new album this fall. —CC Thursday, August 2. Noon. Sonic Lunch, 255 E. Liberty Plaza Free
The Greater Detroit Guitar Show
Detour Bluegrass with Crowe Brothers
Summer Séance w/ The Friend
The Voice at Lunch
7 sunday
5 friday
Luxotica Lounge Cabaret
8 monday Live Music Mondays 7pm. Arbor Brewing Ypsi. arborbrewing.com Free
9 tuesday
11pm. Babs’ Underground. babsundergroundlounge.com Free
9th Gate Wednesday
9pm. $3. Club Above. club-above.com
11 thursday Saline Summer Music Series 7pm Thursdays through August. Downtown Saline. salinemainstreet.org Free
Sonic Lunch: The Ragbirds Noon. Liberty Plaza, Free
The Tartan Terrors
8pm. $15. The Ark. theark.org
Songs Of Water
7pm. $20. The Rumpus Room Chelsea. therumpusroomchelsea.com
DJ John Beltran
10pm. Babs’ Underground. babsundergroundlounge.com Free
Salsa Night: Los Gatos and DJ Santarosa
7pm. Rush. rushannarbor.com Free
12 friday
The Elders
Captain Ivory
8pm. $17.50. The Ark. theark.org
8pm. $15. The Ark. theark.org
Isaac Berkowitz & Chris Bota
Dirty Deville
7pm. Arbor Brewing A2. arborbrewing.com Free
2016 / ecurrent.com
9:30pm. $10. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
8pm. $15. The Ark. theark.org
11pm. Babs’ Underground. babsundergroundlounge.com Free
18 thursday Midwest Fest IX: Day 1
8pm. $10. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
The Ragbirds, Cold Tone Harvest
7pm. $20. The Rumpus Room Chelsea. therumpusroomchelsea.com
19 friday Dougie MacLean
8pm. The Ark. theark.org
Kate Hinote & The Disasters 9pm. Chelsea Alehouse. chelseaalehouse.com Free
Midwest Fest IX: Day 2
8pm. $10. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
Doug & Eamonn Hubert 6pm. Arbor Brewing Ypsi. arborbrewing.com Free
Clayton Risner w/ Telephon9 9pm. Bona Sera. eatypsi.com
20 saturday The Slambovian Circus of Dreams
7:30pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org
Midwest Fest IX: Day 3
8pm. $10. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
cont. on page 26
ecurrent.com / august 2016  25
music
cont. from page 24
21 sunday Junior Brown
8pm. $25. The Ark. theark.org
Gemini
1pm. Kerrytown Market & Shops. kerrytown.com Free
22 monday Jay Brannan
8pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org
23 tuesday Sarah Borges
8pm. The Ark. theark.org Free
Single rainbow
Michigan-based Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers’ sound is a mix of funk, pop, folk and rock that is sure to get the audience to nod their heads and tap their feet. Hertler, an Amish excommunicate, has a powerful voice that will lead this band to stardom, backed by talent that rocks crowds with guitars, basses, saxophones and other horns. Their latest album, Terra Incognita, came out in early 2015 and includes rock and soulful vibes. The band, now traveling across the US, returns to The Mitten for this show, which is not to be missed. —CC Thursday, August 18. Noon. Sonic Lunch, 255 E. Liberty St. Free
SUPPORT FROM: Cleary’s Pub, The Common Grill, Edward Jones, LaJolla Fine Jewelry, Lehman & Scheffler Real Estate Services, Roberts Paint & Body, Smokehouse 52 BBQ, St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea, Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation
26
august
2016 / ecurrent.com
24 wednesday Katie Geddes
8pm. $15. The Ark. theark.org
Dave Menzo
11pm. Babs’ Underground. babsundergroundlounge.com Free
25 thursday Black Box Summer Series: Kylee Phillips
6pm. Tecumseh Center for the Arts, Free
Sonic Lunch: Serena Ryder Noon. Liberty Plaza, Free
26 friday Summer Music Series
6:30pm. Dexter Monument Park. dexterchamber.org Free
Ellis Paul
8pm. $15. The Ark. theark.org
Virgo Birthday Bash Feat. The Macpodz 9:30pm. $7-10. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
Rotating DJs
10pm. Rush. rushannarbor.com Free
27 saturday George Bedard’s History of American Music Series: Part 4
8pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org
28 sunday The Honeycutters
7pm. $15. The Ark. theark.org
Dave Sharp’s Worlds Trio
1pm. Kerrytown Market & Shops. kerrytown.com Free
29 monday Leon Russell
8pm. $75/VIP; $42/reserved; $3/ GA. The Ark. theark.org
Searchable lists updated daily at ecurrent.com
music Nashville meets A2
Rock and roll will never die. Garage rock band Captain Ivory is trekking from Nashville to Ann Arbor to visit their Detroit soul roots. Their 2016 album, No Vacancy, described by the band as “greasy rock n’ roll meets Motor City soul,” exceeds expectations set with their eponymous debut record. Captain Ivory hasn’t hit the big time yet, but with this album produced by a Grammy-winner who worked with Jack White, they may be on their way. —CC Friday, August 12. 8pm. $15. The Ark, 316 S. Main St. 734-761-1451. theark.org
ecurrent.com / august 2016 27
theater theater
An Act of Rebellion On The Michigan Shakespeare Festival’s revolutionary performances by Zach Marburger
Blixt helped bring Shakespeare and the Civil War to the stge
Thanks to the popularity of shows like HBO’s Game of Thrones or Netflix’s House of Cards, rebellion and political intrigue have never been more accessible. But despite highpriced special effects and dreamy leading men, nobody does rebellion like Shakespeare.
Killer Angels
That was the thinking of Janice L. Blixt, producing artistic director of The Michigan Shakespeare Festival, as she prepared for this year’s theater lineup. Three plays are being performed this season— Shakespeare’s As You Like It and Richard II, as well as an adaptation of Michael Shaara’s Pulitzer prize-winning novel, Killer Angels, adapted by Karen Tarjan.
“In (Killer Angels), they have a lot of conversations about the reason the South is rising up. Most of the characters— we meet General Lee and Generals Longstreets and Pickett— they’re fighting for their home,” said Blixt. “And other characters from the North are talking about slavery and state’s rights. General Lee is fighting for Virginia. So there’s the constant query: What are you fighting for?”
Blixt, who will direct both Richard II and Killer Angels, stressed that the idea of rising up against power is the common thread that unites the three performances.
Those are weighty subjects to explore while trying to coordinate an entire festival, much less direct two productions. But according to Blixt, bringing Shaara’s best-selling book to the stage came fairly easily.
“It is a big theme in each one of these shows,” said Blixt. “The thought process of, ‘What makes something bad enough that I want to rebel? What kind of person am I if I decide to rebel?’ The rationale of going against a power structure is a very big deal in each one of these shows, and it’s different each time.” The different approach to rebellion is apparent in the comedic nature of As You Like It, one of Shakespeare’s most playful works, and Richard II, which ruminates on the nature of power and succession. “If an audience member sees it (As You Like It), they’ll see a fun, semi-comedic show, where the stakes are high. If they’re going to see Richard II, one of the huge things that comes up is that the king is made king through divine right,” said Blixt. “So, if you decide you’re going to rise up against that, are you rising up against God?”
Stealth, subterfuge and soliloquies— standard stuff from Shakespeare, even in his more lighthearted fare. But while the festival is focused on The Bard, the exploration of rebellion is what connects Shakespeare with Killer Angels.
“What’s funny is that I direct Shakespeare, which doesn’t have stage direction, and you have to figure out movement in putting the show together. I approached (Killer Angels) in a similar way,” said Blixt. “Now, my fight director had a different job. Small sword fighting for Richard II, and for Killer Angels, we had to teach these guys how to fix bayonets on their rifles.” The festival welcomes premiere Shakespearean actors from around the county, many for the second (or third, or fourth) time. Audiences can safely watch three versions of insurrection from the sidelines and some of those questions— What are you fighting for?, What kind of person decides to rebel?, Are you rising up against God?— might be answered.
The Michigan Shakespeare Festival takes place through Sunday, August 14 at the Village Theater in Canton. For ticket information, visit michiganshakespearefestival.com
28
august
2016 / ecurrent.com
2 tuesday Dearest Annabel Lee
7pm. $5. The Yellow Barn, 410 W. Huron St. 734-476-6795. ouryellowbarn.com
Inspired by Edgar Allen Poe’s final poem that historians agree was written about one of three women, audiences will follow along with actors from Phoenix Theatrical Productions.
3 wednesday Morning’s at Seven
3pm Wednesdays, 8pm Thursdays & Fridays, 3pm & 8pm Saturday, 2pm Sunday. $19-$43. Purple Rose Theatre,137 Park St., Chelsea. 734-433-7673. purplerosetheatre.org
A play by Paul Osborn that centers on four sisters dealing with big changes. Runs through August 27.
4 thursday The Importance of Being Earnest
8pm Thursday-Saturday, 2pm Saturday. $5/student, $15/general admission. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave. 734-769-2999. btensemble.org
Oscar Wilde’s witty and hilarious farce about the assumed identity that skewers Victorian culture as pretentiousness. Through Saturday.
theater
Photograph 51
8pm. Free, $10/suggested donation. Carriage House Theater of Ann Arbor, 541 Third St. carriagehousetheatre.org
A play from Anna Ziegler that focuses on Rosalind Franklin, an x-ray crystallographer that helped discover the double-helix DNA structure. Runs through Saturday.
11 thursday Only A Day
6pm Thursday & Friday, 10am Saturday, 2pm Sunday. $10/suggested donation. Carriage House Theater of Ann Arbor, 541 Third St. spinningdot.org
A fox, a boar and a dayfly set out to do as much as possible in a single day before the dayfly dies. A thoughtful, tragic and funny play written by Martin Baltscheit and directed by Jenny Anne Koppera. Also runs August 18-21.
The Rain in Spain
Adapted from George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, My Fair Lady debuted on Broadway, became an Oscar-winning movie, has been performed on stages across the world and now comes to Washtenaw County courtesy of The Encore Musical Theatre Company. The musical follows Eliza Doolittle (Jessica Grové) a Cockney flower girl with an accent to match, and Henry Higgins (Danny Gerroll), a phoenticist determined to turn Eliza into a lady. In the process, Eliza leaves her life behind, but it is Henry that must learn how to act like a gentleman. Directed by multiple Tony Award-winner Tony Walton. –ZM Thursday, August 4-Sunday, August 28. 3pm Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays, 7pm Thursday, 8pm Friday & Saturday. $26-$32. Discounted group prices available. Encore Musical Theatre, 3126 Broad St., Dexter. 734-268-6200. theencoretheatre.org
Searchable lists updated daily at ecurrent.com
DE S SAN G E PA R I S
Cut & Style $45 734.996.5585
206 S. 5th Ave. - Suite 300 Ann Arbor, MI 48104 mrichason@gmail.com dessange-international.com
Meet Julia Curran Stylist & Cosmetologist
ecurrent.com / august 2016 29
30
august
2016 / ecurrent.com
Ongoing
film
Tuesdays
Thrifty Ticket Tuesday
$7. Goodrich Quality 16, 3686 Jackson Rd. 734-623-7469. goodrichqualitytheaters.com
22 monday
GQT is giving audiences a reason to love movies on Tuesdays. No special identification required. $7 tickets, some exceptions apply.
Crooklyn
6:30pm. Ypsilanti District Library, 5577 Whittaker Rd. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free
2 tuesday
A Spike Lee flick that follows the story of a young girl (Zelda Harris) growing up in Brooklyn during the summer of 1973.
Ballet Hispanico Featuring Carmen
7pm. $14-$17. Goodrich Quality 16, 3686 Jackson Rd. 734-623-7469. goodrichqualitytheaters.com
Fathom Events and Lincoln Center celebrate Latino culture through dance at a special one-night event featuring Ballet Hispanico’s performances of Carmen.
8 monday Inception
6:30pm. Ypsilanti District Library, 5577 Whittaker Rd. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free
Christopher Nolan’s sleepy and mind-bending thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio and a host of other talent.
9 tuesday Living History
7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free
Living History, a 45-minute documentary, which was nominated for a 2106 regional Emmy Award, features a dozen interviews of those 85 years old and older. Interviewees describe major historical events, providing a front seat to such milestone events as World War II, the JFK’s assassination and 9/11. A Q&A with the director will follow.
14 sunday Fargo
1:30pm. $8. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org
The Coen Brothers offbeat and darkly-funny crime caper, starring Frances McDormand as a tough cop, for which she won an Oscar. Also on Tuesday at 7pm.
25 thursday Polish Animation Night
8pm. North Quad, 105 S. State St. events.umich.edu Free
Film screening hosted by Piotr Westwalewicz, Polish Program Advisor. Snacks provided.
Twiddle, Diddle, Up the Middle
Who better to comment on the the ongoing (and neverending) controversy over college football benefits and eligibility than the wise Groucho Marx? In Horse Feathers, Groucho stars as Quincy Adams Wagstaff, a college president whose son (Zeppo Marx) convinces him to recruit professional football players in order to win the big rivalry game. The issues the Marx brothers poke fun at in 1932 are still, unbelievably and sadly, relevant today, while their trademark humor still holds up for modern audiences. The climactic final football scene was tagged as the best football scene of all-time by ESPN.com in 2008. Presented by the Kerrytown Market & Shops Summer Classic Film Series. —ZM Sunday, August 7 at 1:30pm & Tuesday, August 9 at 7pm. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. $8-$10. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org
Racial Justice Film and Discussion
2pm. Ypsilanti District Library, 5577 Whittaker Rd. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free
Short video screenings and moderated discussion with La’Ron Williams, co-sponsored by the Interfaith Council for Peace and Justice.
28 sunday Metropolis
1:30pm. $13. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org
One of the most influential science fiction films of all time. Filmmaker Fritz Lang’s bleak vision of a utopian future built on the backs of abused workers. Also on Tuesday at 7pm.
29 monday Can You Dig This?
6:30pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free
As part of an urban gardening movement taking root in south LA, people are planting to transform their neighborhoods and are changing their own lives in the process.
21 sunday Sing-Along Sound of Music
1:30pm. $13. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org
Sing along to one of the most popular songs of all time with on-screen lyrics, goody bags and more. Also on Tuesday at 7pm.
ecurrent.com / august 2016 31
art Au Revoir Two Twelve Wish the art center a fond farewell by Louis W. Meldman
Bummer. After a glorious 10-year run, Saline’s Two Twelve Arts Center is closing at the end of this month. It’s a blow to the 30 art instructors and the many hundreds of students, of all ages, who have put their hearts and souls into it. It’s a blow to all art lovers in Ann Arbor and surrounding towns. It’s certainly a blow to Margie Bovee, the founder and director of this beloved project. Feisty pixie and force of nature, Bovee grew up in Boston where she flourished over three decades as a drama coach, director of musicals and summer youth theater and as the director of the Cowan Slavin Foundation, a nonprofit corporation managed by her father, Albert Slavin. Bovee moved to Ann Arbor with her husband, David, in 1993 and worked for the University of Michigan. Two years later they moved to Saline and in 2005 the Two Twelve Arts Center opened at 212 West Michigan Avenue in a timeless 1912 Sears kit-home. The Two Twelve was funded by, of all things, the Cowan Slavin Foundation. And there’s the rub. The reason that the Two Twelve is closing after ten years is that the Cowan Slavin Foundation has withdrawn its funding. But what a run they’ve had! The Two Twelve was quickly a beloved part of the entire community. Part gallery, part school, part meeting and networking hub, the Center appeared to be thriving. In 2009, Margie was awarded Saline’s Citizen to the Year award. Artists certainly loved it. The Center, a nonprofit, did not take commissions from their art sales. The 10 Year Anniversary Retrospective Show last May went off without a hitch. The current August “Artist of the Month” exhibit Observations is going strong, featuring the enthralling watercolor landscapes of Valerie Mann, painted en plein air in Nebraska (tall grasses), Indiana (lakeshore) and Saline (farmscapes). Today there looms over the Center a soupçon of pall, a cloud without a silver lining.
Looking back Still, we look back not as pallbearers, but as fond witnesses to the loving, exciting memories of all those who were touched by this remarkable creative enterprise. There were the classes, ceramics on the wheel or handbuilt, the drawing and painting, fiber art, jewelry and my favorite, the monthly “Brushes and Brew
32
august
2016 / ecurrent.com
A hub for artists, Two Twelve Arts Center (216 W. Michigan Ave., Saline) will shut its doors at the end of the month.
classes,” held at the Salt Springs Brewery. (The brewery itself is more than worth a trip anytime, located in a 116 year-old former church with massive original stained glass intact, and excellent fresh-brewed beers on tap. It’s named after the local salt licks from which Saline got its name.) The Center’s kids camps and workshops were legendary, teaching the same curriculum as for adults, but geared to the learning capabilities and motivations of pre-adolescents. I loved the performances of the “From Around Here” theater group, an outgrowth of a Two Twelve writing group and a natural for Bovee, given her background. The Center was active in the major community scenes: the Saline Music Series, Summerfest, the Celtic Festival, Octoberfest and art installations around town. In short, there was always a how-do-they-do-it? patina over everything happening at the Center. How they did it, of course, was that they were independently funded and didn’t have to turn a profit. Like all businesses, the art business is a very tough one and a number of worthy local art galleries have folded over the last few years, including the Chelsea Gallery, Saline’s Serendipity Studio and Dexter’s Daisy Lake Gallery. One solution is to form a commune of artists who share gallery space and expenses and duties. But that’s not foolproof, either; just look at Ann Arbors’ Clay Gallery, closed recently after decades of growing concern. Of course, some artist co-ops are going stronger than ever. Just look at Ann Arbor’s WSG Gallery, voted best gallery in Washtenaw County. (By a spooky coincidence WSG’s August exhibition, The Gun Show, running through September 10, showcases the same Valerie Mann’s latest medium: evening gowns and handbags with life-size images of firearms to remind us of American massacres and mass shootings.) R.I.P. Two Twelve. We hope and pray that you’ll be reborn some day, somehow, some way.
Who Makes DIYpsi
art
Michigan artists, performers and makers to catch during DIYpsi August 27 & 28 By Sonny Forrest
DIYpsi, Ypsilanti’s preeminent indie art fair reasserts its whimsical craftiness at the Arbor Brewing Company Brewpub (720 Norris St.) during its Summer iteration this August 27-28. Though the curated arts celebration also features features music, beer and snacks (yay snacks!), whet your artsy taste buds before the main event with the following Michigan makers. Alchemy Henna If you like henna body art, elixirs, balms and other wellness sundries, you’ll dig that Alchemy Henna’s plant-based blends are crafted in small batches by Ferndale’s Monique Herzig. It also doesn’t hurt that Alchemy Henna’s wares are carted around in a hand-built wooden wagon called the Vardo. Yes, the wagon will be there too. squareup.com/store/alchemyhenna
Arts & Crafts & Melons
In its 56th year, the event is known for melonrelated activities and a car show, but the secret gem is the Fine Arts & Crafts Show. A big feature is the open air market straight through downtown filled with food vendors and artists selling their wares. The festival lasts all weekend long, with art vendors Saturday and Sunday. —JB Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21. 9am-9pm Saturday, 9am-5pm Sunday. Downtown Howell, Grand River. 517-546-0693. howellmelonfestival.com Free
es exude color and a distinctive visual cheer that’ll likely bring a smile to your face. happygreyskies.com
Corbé Spinning and handbuilding simply functional porcelain homewares that are simple and useful, Detroit-based ceramics studio Corbé focuses on minimalist designs that softly sing a mid-century aesthetic. If your home could use a vase, wine set, serving bowl, planter, mug or three of everything, check out Corbé this DIYpsi. corbecompany.com GRAMMAR GRAMMAR’s sophisticated and sexy ceramic jewelry designs are handcrafted by Sarah Abend in Lake Ann, MI. Look over each pieces rounded corners, curves and folds then act like they don’t have a supremely calming effect. Go ahead, we can wait. grammardesigns.com happy grey skies Embrace the quirky plush and squishy sculptures handmade by crafter Em Randall under the moniker happy grey skies. Crafted in her small Northern Michigan studio, these tastefully odd piec-
Knotlife As Knotlife, Ypsilanti’s Erin Morin creates original macrame wall art and plant hangers from natural fibers looped and tied around organic materials like Great Lakes driftwood and foraged bones. instagram.com/knotlifeypsi Makers and Finders Channel the DIY spirit with pop-up craft sessions and classes from Makers and Finders, a creative organization aiming to unite makers, artists, and craftspeople across Michigan and beyond. DIY group hug! makersandfinderscreative.com Theatre Bizarre Theatre Bizarre, which bills itself as “The Greatest Masquerade on Earth,” brings a refreshing element of weirdness to DIYpsi with its sideshow games and costumed performers. Stilts might be involved. They’re also selling tickets on site for the group’s Masquerade Galas October 14th and 21st and Theatre Bizarre October 15th and 22nd, both of which you should totally attend. theatrebizarre.com Visit diypsi.com for more details + the full lineup.
ecurrent.com / august 2016 33
art 3 wednesday Wine Glass Painting
7pm. $35. Paint and Pour, 220 S. Main St. 734-720-9777. thepaintandpour.com
Take a turn decorating a custom wine glass, with help from studio artists.
5 friday Pop-In
6pm. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St. 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org Free
Community members who attend POP-IN will be immersed in unusual, accessible experiences, whether they planned to attend the event or wandered in off the street.
Black and White
3-8pm Thursdays-Saturdays, 1:30-4pm Sundays. Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St. 734-480-2787. riversidearts.org Free
2D and 3D work in black and white on display. Through August 27.
6 saturday Pearl Carving
10am-5pm. $185. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St. 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org
Join guest instructor and jewelry artist Betsy Lehndorff for this unique class focused on carving pearls. Students will learn a variety of pearl carving techniques focused on embracing a pearl’s natural flaws and creating beautiful one-of-a-kind works of wearable art.
7 sunday In Conversation
3pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free
Enjoy an hour of conversation and discovery with Carole McNamara, Curator Emerita, Natsu Oyobe, Curator of Asian Art, Dr. Walter Spink, and the extraordinary works of art on display in The Connoisseurs’ Legacy: The Collection of Nesta and Walter Spink. Space is limited; to register, email umma-programregistration@umich.edu.
10 wednesday Adult Crafters Guild
7pm. Ypsilanti District Library, 5577 Whittaker Rd. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free
Make lavender bath bombs using natural coloring. Registration required.
34
august
2016 / ecurrent.com
14 sunday Guided Tour: 700 Nimes Road
2pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free
This exhibition presents new and recent work by Los Angeles-based artist Catherine Opie, one of the essential figures in contemporary photography.
17 wednesday Drawing From Your Imagination
1pm. Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free
Join beloved Ann Arbor artist David Zinn to learn illustration techniques with colored pencils.
21 sunday Guided Tour: Nina Henry
2pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free
Through speculative experiments and conceptual drawings Henry discovers in static architectural details an unsettling range of figurative expression, such as the way the profiles of roof eaves resemble human heads. Join UMMA docents as they explore how these features animate our subjective experience–what she calls our “shifting fantasies”–of architectural space.
22 monday Alternative Methods in Printmaking
10am-12:30pm. $140. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St. 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org
This course will explore alternative printmaking and photo processes. Absolutely no experience is necessary and all levels of students are welcome. Runs through Thursday.
28 sunday Engaging with Art
2pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free
UMMA docents will guide visitors through the galleries on tours as diverse as their interests and areas of expertise.
sports
University of Michigan Intramural Building Reopening More than just student exercise space by Chris Crowder
The University of Michigan’s historic Intramural Sports Building, on Hoover off State St., is nearly ready for reopening. The facility— the first university intramural sports building built in the United States, opened in 1928— closed in April, 2015 for much needed renovations. Set to reopen in September, students are excited for the 106,000 square foot IM Building to open its doors again. The building’s new developments modernize the space, enhancing efficiently, based on usage patterns. For example, 12 racquetball courts, with interest in the sport dwindling, shave been repurposed to accommodate today’s uses with more of a socializing atmosphere. “We wanted to convert a lot of the space that was unused to spaces that people are looking for right now,” said IM Building Facility Manager Dave Siegle. “Whether that’s exercise spaces, wellness spaces, or even just lounge spaces. We’ve heard from students over the years that there’s just not enough spaces to hang out or study.”
Decisions on how to re-configure the building were based on input from students and faculty with 2,100 online questionnaires, in-person interviews and focus groups. Recreation sports staff also visited other universities’ recreation facilities to assess trends. The modernized space will include new equipment, better lighting and improved air handling. The complete renovation will cost $21.4 million dollars. One of the biggest draws will be three large multi-purpose rooms that can be shared for different activities. “(The multi-purpose rooms) can be easily converted and used from maybe a group led exercise class, like Zumba or yoga or an exercise class that can feature 20 to 60 individuals, to a seminar or conference style setting,” Siegle said. “Perhaps we have a movie showing in a larger room. It can be used for a variety of things.”
The new IM Building will be a place for more than just working out. Siegle sees it as an inclusive place for everyone at the university to use. “It’s not just for the ‘I can lift 300 pounds’ people, it’s not for just the six day a week (workout) people, it’s for whoever,” Siegle said. “We want to open up what recreation means. It’s not just getting sweaty for 40 minutes, it’s a hang out type place. I think it will be good for the university community when all experience levels and background levels are welcome.” An opening reception will take place October 6, including tours, presentations from student groups, and remarks from President Mark Schlissel and Vice President for Student Life E. Royster Harper. The hope is the renovated IM Building will strengthen the connection between students while promoting physical health.
The IMSB will open in Fall 2016. Questions about the facility and the reopening can be directed to recsports@umich.edu
visit ecurrent.com
ecurrent.com / august 2016 35
lit
All the Devils Are Here
Exploring the Crowded Shelves of Aunt Agatha’s with Two Ace Mystery Writers by Nan Bauer
Why would a bookstore dedicate itself exclusively to one genre? Ask a mystery writer about Aunt Agatha’s in Ann Arbor.
of the best writing, and the people we meet, whether just coming to the store or to our events, are so fascinating.”
“When you walk into a mystery bookstore, you can feel the stories,” says Elsa Hart, the author of soon-to-be-released The White Mirror, set in 18th-century China, and an Aunt Agatha’s August guest. “With so many stories of crime around, you feel like you’re about to walk into one of them. Suddenly, everything in the store feels like a mystery. The half-finished crossword puzzle by the cash register, the book that isn’t in the right place, the closed door in the back, the customer who isn’t really reading— a mystery bookstore gets a reader’s imagination working.”
Keller agrees. “I’m one of those eccentrics who believes that every great story is essentially a mystery,” says the author. “Hamlet is a mystery. So is To Kill a Mockingbird and The Great Gatsby.” A Pulitzer Prize-winner for Feature Writing in 2005 and Nieman Fellow at Harvard, Keller has, “... always been interested in exploring the ‘big’ questions: about things such as crime and punishment, about retribution, about justice and injustice, about life and death and destiny. Crime fiction is the perfect canvas for that.”
Hart will be in town on August 23, along with fellow writer Julia Keller, who returns to Ann Arbor to talk about the latest addition to her Bell Elkins series, Sorrow Road, set in Keller’s native, and beloved, West Virginia.
Hart comes from an eclectic background as well. Born in Italy and raised in Russia, she joined her botanist husband in China after she graduated from law school in St. Louis. Suffering from insomnia as she interned at a Chinese law firm, she began reading Agatha Christie novels. Soon, her protagonist, Li Du, came to life. (For the full story, see the exclusive online interview at ecurrent.com.)
Agatha’s Mystery History “Julia’s criminally underappreciated,” says Robin Wengas, who, with her husband Jamie, opened Aunt Agatha’s in 1993. The store, modeled on Uncle Edgar’s in Minneapolis, won the 2014 Raven Award, the Oscar of mystery bookstores. But despite the accolade, “We’re the ugly stepsister of bookstores,” says Wengas. “It can be frustrating. Mysteries are some
36
august
Beyond Football Both authors look forward to their Ann Arbor appearance. Keller has been to Ann Arbor a few times—initially, she says, “with trepidation, because I’m an Ohio State graduate, and
2016 / ecurrent.com
an enthusiastic football fan. Need I say more? But to my delight, I loved Ann Arbor. Just driving around the university is a pure delight. It’s a beautiful campus. I’m a sucker for stone and ivy and sun-struck quadrangles.” She may wind up giving a campus tour to Hart, who “almost applied to the law school (at U-M), so I might wander around and consider alternate realities.” Hart looks forward to Zingerman’s, which she knows, “from the most delicious chocolate bar in my local grocery store: dark chocolate with crunchy sugar crystals and vanilla bean.” Beyond football and food, both writers look forward to getting lost in the stacks of Aunt Agatha’s. “A store such as Aunt Agatha’s is an unalloyed cultural good,” says Keller. “To snobs who might not appreciate the genius and craftsmanship that go into the making of a mystery, I’d ask them to consider John Banville, winner of the Man Booker Prize and a great literary artist. Writing as Benjamin Black, he has created a fascinating character, the bleak and doomed Dublin pathologist Quirke.” Hart, meanwhile, relies on, “serendipity. I let the ghosts and phantoms lead me to the book I’m meant to read.”
7pm Tuesday, August 23. Free. Aunt Agatha’s, 213 S. 4th Ave. 734-769-1114. auntagathas.com For exclusive online author interviews with Julia Keller and Elsa Hart, visit ecurrent.com
Ongoing Crazy Wisdom Poetry Series
7pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room, 114 S Main St. 784-668-7523. crazywisdom.net Free
All writers welcome to share The second and fourth Wednesdays of each month Crazy Wisdom hosts readings in their tearoom.
Second Wednesdays: Poetry Workshop
7-9pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room, 114 S Main St. 784-668-7523. crazywisdom.net Free
All writers welcome to share and discuss their poetry and short fiction. Sign up for new participants begins at 6:45pm. 4 thursday
Show Me All Your Scars
7pm. Literati Bookstore, 124 E. Washington St. 734-585-5587. literatibookstore.com Free
Madeline Diehl and Jennifer Metsker present the anthology Show Me All Your Scars: True Stories of Living with Mental Illness. Both are published in this anthology dealing with true stories facing mental illness in some capacity.
Writing Your Novel One Scene at a Time
7pm. AADL Traverwood, 3333 Traverwood Dr. 784-327-4200. aadl.org Free
This workshop, led by Bethany Neal and Alex Kourvo, will show you why some scenes work and some scenes don’t. This meetup discusses how to use scenes to further the story of a novel and grip your readers. 8 monday
Brutally Honest Storytelling Open Mic
7pm. $7/under 21, $10/18+. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
Shannon Cason (The Moth, Risk!, Snap Judgement, Homemade Stories) 10 wednesday
History Reader’s Book Club
7:30pm. Motte & Bailey’s Booksellers, 212 N. Fourth Ave. 734-484-3613. Free
Discuss The G I Bill: A New Deal For
PJ’ S
Veterans, by Altschuler and Blumin.This book tells the story behind the creation and passage of the Bill, and how it changed the lives of veterans and their families for the better. Discussion leader, Renate Gerulaitis. 13 saturday
Friends Fill a Bag $5 Book Sale 10am. Chelsea District Library Traverwood, 3333 Traverwood Dr. 784-327-4200. aadl.org
It’s like the bring your own container to 7 eleven, except it is for way cooler stuff like books, CDs and DVDs. All the proceeds help the library where you get that stuff for free anyway. 18 thursday The Michigan Daily
7pm. Literati Bookstore, 124 E. Washington St. 734-585-5587. literatibookstore.com Free
The story of U of M’s student-run newspaper, The Michigan Daily, told by reporter Stephanie Steinberg editor of In the Name of Editorial Freedom: 125 Years at the Michigan Daily. Steinberg gives a talk followed by a Q&A and book signing.
Writing and Review Meet-up
7pm. AADL Traverwood, 3333 Traverwood Dr. 784-327-4200. aadl.org Free
Come with questions, come with a work in progress or come with an empty notebook. All writers are welcome in this casual, supportive environment.
Local Reads Write and Wrong As an author, motivational speaker and mentor, Shaka Senghor’s story of redemption has inspired thousands. In his memoir, Writing My Wrongs: Life, Death, and Redemption in an American Prison, Senghor recounts how, after running away from home at age 14, he turned to dealing drugs and eventually pled guilty to a second-degree murder charge at age 19. But that’s just the beginning of his tale. The book recounts how he turned away from his violent lifestyle and embraced meditation, literature and creativity. Senghor now serves as a lecturer at U-M, in addition to lecturing across the country at churches, schools and prisons. Literati will donate all proceeds from the sale of Writing My Wrongs to the Children’s Literacy Network. —ZM Friday, August 23. 7pm. Literati Bookstore, 124 E. Washington St. 734-585-5567. literatibookstore.com Free
22 monday
War Porn
7pm. Literati Bookstore, 124 E. Washington St. 734-585-5587. literatibookstore.com Free
Roy Scranton’s debut novel title describes the videos and images featuring graphic violence as a guilty pleasure in the media’s coverage of the War on Terror. 23 tuesday
Aunt Agatha Event
7pm. Aunt Agatha’s Mystery Bookshop, 213 S. 4th Ave. 734-769-1114. auntagathas.com
Authors Julia Keller & Elsa Hart discuss their work. Keller launches the new Bell Elkins novel, Sorrow Road. Hart brings Jade Dragon Mountain.
RECORDS &USED CDS
SELECTION, QUALITY & PRICE ARE ALWAYS OUR TOP PRIORITIES!!!
IBUY-SELL-TRADE-RECYCLEI JAZZ BLUES ROCK SOUL CLASSICAL PUNK FUNK Open 7 Days
617-B PACKARD — NEAR HILL ST.
UPSTAIRS FROM PASTRY PEDDLER — 663-3441 Hundreds of Sealed LPs
ecurrent.com / august 2016 37
38
august
2016 / ecurrent.com
Cannabis Section
A2WC Launches Vape Recycling Program Keeping medical cannabis green by Saul Jacobs
The rise of retail medical cannabis brings with it sophisticated packaging and new technology. Beyond packaging that ranges from cardboard to clear plastic containers, many dispensaries are also carrying vaporizer pens and disposable hash oil cartridges. And while grabbing a bag of well-branded upmarket nugs is an undeniably fulfilling part of the industry’s evolution, the resulting high clouds this industry’s less-than-green environmental impact. CO2 oil is gaining popularity precisely because it offers a highly potent, solvent-free concentrate with higher percentages of terpenes than a butane or alcohol extraction. On top of that, CO2 oil comes in disposable cartridges that are clean, efficient and discrete. It’s no secret that this style of hash pen makes cannabis extremely approachable and convenient. But what happens to the throwaway cartridges after you’ve burned through the concentrate?
Ann Arbor Wellness Collective has launched a recycling campaign to take back the empty cartridges and drained batteries, accepting all brands and types of vape pens and cartridges, regardless of origin. The dispensary’s willingness to tackle one area of cannabis packaging waste is the beginning of what will surely become a topic of discussion as the industry continues to grow. At this point A2WC is the only dispensary publicizing a recycling campaign, but we expect that it certainly won’t be alone for long. Take empty cartridges and batteries to Ann Arbor Wellness Collective, 321 E. Liberty St. 734-929-2602. a2wellness.org
ecurrent.com / august 2016 39
t 10% discouns n ra for Vete and Seniors.
Wish you could have an intelligent conversation about cannabis with a mature professional?
PEOPLE ARE SAYING
Specials everyday!
FREE GIFT
for all new patients. Order online or call ahead for fast pick up
734-585-0621 ANN ARBOR, MI
bloomcityclub.com 40
august
2016 / ecurrent.com
High Times Premieres the County Fair Cannabis Cup
Cannabis Section
Celebrate August 26-28 at Clio’s Auto City Speedway by Vic Tanny
The Cannabis Cup returns to Michigan, back this August after the event’s progenitor, High Times, found enough support from Michigan’s MMJ community to book a second event for 2016. This time it’s called the High Times Medical Cannabis Country Fair Cup and it’ll take place at the same racetrack venue past Cannabis Cup attendees are used to, Clio’s Auto City Speedway. Stock the van with Visine and Ozium before heading about an hour north for a weekend of heady art, music and culture in addition to pristine cannabis. The cup is not just a celebration of cannabis, but the vast culture that’s sprouted from the herb over the decades. Jam to weekend-long live music featuring cannabis friendly artists like Royce Da 5’9”, Shooter Jennings and Ann Arbor’s own Laith Al-Saadi. The event is only open to medical patients, which means that patients can openly medicate anywhere inside the festival gates. Not a patient? Doctors will be on site to evaluate whatever it is that ails you. Patients from other states will be admitted with a valid medical marijuana qualification. $55/day passes, $135-$165/weekend passes. Tickets and info at cannabiscup.com/clio-michigan
K E< C
IFEHJI =K?:;
The go-to preview for the 2016-17 UM sports scene! Pre-game hangouts, tailgating and much more.
Don’t get left on the sideline.
Keeping you Current with an in-the-know guide for incoming and returning students about all the best Ann Arbor has to offer, from food to entertainment.
BLUE BOOK
ISSUE DATE: SEPTEMBER SPACE RESERVATION BY: AUGUST 15
Make sure your business is featured in these special issues!! Call today to reserve your space! 734.668.4044 or email a2sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com
ecurrent.com / august 2016 41
everything else
OUTFest 2016
Noon. Jim Toy Community Center, 319 Braun Ct. a2outfest.com Free
OUTFest is a weekend-long pride celebration full of events in Washtenaw County. There is an impressive spread of events including: a movie night, live music, guest speakers, panels, dancing, a burlesque show and the pride picnic.
Brighton Fine Art & Acoustic Music Festival
5pm. Downtown Brighton. 810-227-5086. brightoncoc.org Free
Nashville moves North
Ann Arborites have a chance to get a little taste of country livin’ right in Kerrytown. The 10th Nashbash Music Festival, at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, features performances from Nashville artists and devotees like The Bill Edwards Band and Hoodang, while local acts like Whit Hill and the Postcards and The Whiskey Charmers show off Michigan’s down-home sound. Headlining the one-day event is Nashville songwriter Sally Barris, who has worked with acts like Martina McBride and Lee Ann Womack. Food carts, barbeque and Wolverine State Brewing Company Beer round out the day. An afterglow party from 9:30-11pm at the Aut Bar (315 Braun Court) will follow, where locals can present their own tunes in the courtyard. —ZM Thursday, August 18. 5-9:30pm. Ann Arbor Farmers Market, 315 Detroit St. Free Ongoing
is a way for adults to reduce stress and be creative.
5-8pm. Wendy’s, Brown Dr., Chelsea. Free
Trivia Night: Smarty Pants Smackdown
Saturdays Jedi Academy
Bring or join a team of up to six players for five rounds of trivia to show off your encyclopedic knowledge. Prizes for the top two teams.
Tuesdays and Thursdays 2016 Cruise Nights
Live music, games and a raffle, with bi-weekly prizes for vintage cars. Noon. $15. Ringstar Studio, 3907 Varsity Dr. 585-307-0402. a2ringstar.com
The Ring of Steel Jedi Academy is an immersive experience for adults to begin their journey into the ways of the Jedi Knight.Initiates will enjoy lightsaber training, discuss Jedi philosophy, and train to allow the force to flow through their bodies as they take their first steps toward becoming Jedi knights.
2 tuesday National Coloring Book Day 5:30pm. Ypsilanti District Library, 5577 Whittaker Rd. 734-482-4110. yspilibrary.org Free
Celebrate National Coloring Book Day with new friends at the Ypsilanti District Library. Coloring
42
august
8pm. Chelsea Alehouse, 420 N. Main St., Chelsea. 734-475-2337. chelseaalehouse.com Free
Beg Borrow Steal
6pm/door, 7:30/show. $10. Circus, 210 S. First St. 734-913-8890. themoth.org
Prepare a five-minute story about need, desire, and greed. Extraordinary measures. Swindles, heists and deals with the devil, Robin Hood or hood-winked.
5 friday Buy Michigan Now Festival 4pm. Northville Town Square. buymichigannowfest.com Free
A weekend celebration of Michiganbased businesses and Michiganmade products with food, street vendors, live music and children’s activities.
2016 / ecurrent.com
others of like mind, drink Witch Brew tea, and have a great time.
12 friday Saline Summerfest
5pm. 104 E. Michigan Ave. 734-604-0051. salinesumerfest.org Free
Saline Summerfest takes over downtown Saline with just about every summer festival event possible including: a Craft and Art Show, dancing, 5k, casino night, live music, farmer’s market, car show and a block party.
Downtown Brighton gussies up for the Fine Art & Acoustic Music Festival. There is a sculpture garden, art gallery, boutiques, and live music.
End of Summer Ice Cream Party
Broadway Star Ashley Park
Dexter Daze Festival
7pm. Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free
Ashley will also discuss her high school battle with cancer, how the Make-A-Wish foundation granted her dream to see her first Broadway Show (“The Lion King”), and how her career led her from Ann Arbor to New York City and this Tonywinning production.
Clements Library: A Century of Collecting, 1903-2016
10am. William L Clements Library 909 S. University Ave. clements.umich.edu. Free
Visit the newly renovated library to see vintage photography and manuscripts.
6 saturday Dragon Boat Festival
8am-4pm. $5/general admission. Robin Hills Farm, 20390 Stockbridge-Chelsea Rd. (M-52), Chelsea. 517-914-1052. robinhillsfarm.com
The Dragonboat Festival is an annual celebration of DIY building & design, culture, competition, community, and fun.
7 sunday Underground Railroad Bus Tour
2pm. $20. Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Dr.
See Underground Railroad landmarks, historic sites and homes.
9 tuesday Stewards’ Circle: Forest Health
7:30am. Bruegger’s Bagels, 709 N. University Ave. 734-794-6627. a2gov.org Free
A discussion about threats to urban forests like tree pests the Emerald Ash Borer and Oak Wilt. Bring questions about the trees in your neighborhood.
Witches’ Night Out
7pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net Free
Tea and networking on Witches’ Night Out. It is a chance to meet
3pm. Saline District Library, 555 N. Maple St., Saline. 734-429-5450. salinelibrary.org Free 11am. Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce, 3074 Baker Rd. dexterchamber.org Free
Celebrate Dexter with artists, entertainers and community events throughout the town. Through August 13.
13 saturday Antique Tractor and Equipment Show
10am. Waterloo Farm Museum, 13493 Waterloo Munith Rd., Grass Lake. 517-596-2254. waterloofarmmuseum.org Free
Tours of antique to modern farm equipment. Wagon rides and farmhouse tours are available for an additional fee.
The Ton-Up Motorcycle and Music Festival
Noon-7pm. Cafe Racer, 10 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti. facebook.com/thetonup
A motorcycle & music festival featuring vintage and custom motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds.
14 sunday Spur of the Moment Horse Show
8am-7pm. Woodbine Farms, 9976 Liberty Rd., Chelsea. spurhorseshow.com Free
Children and adults will compete in judged performances.
16 tuesday Best Little Hilly River Towns 7pm. Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free
Local author Brenda Bentley presents a slideshow for lovers of landscape, history, and delightful walking destinations in Southeast Michigan.
Back to School
6pm/door, 7:30/show. $10. Circus, 210 S. First St. 734-913-8890. themoth.org
Highlighting five-minute back to school stories.
everything else road trip
Wine weekend
Michigan is known for its craft beer, but Michiganders love their wine as well. As part of the Meadowbrook Music Festival, the 14th Annual Wine and Food Festival presented by Kroger brings together over 150 wines from across the country. Presentations will go on throughout the weekend on wine and food pairings and other wine-related subjects. Live music will accompany the fest. —ZM Saturday, August 23 & Sunday, August 24. $10-$25. Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, 3554 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills. 800-745-3000. palacenet.com
17 wednesday
25 thursday
Swing Dance at the Gardens
Drummunity Circle
Swing dance sessions with Swing Ann Arbor at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Outside on the Gateway Garden patio for a quick lesson, a chance to practice or just to check it out.
Add sound and spirit to the community groove. All are welcome to join the circle. No experience necessary. Drums available.
8pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. 734-647-7600. lsa.umich.edu Free
19 friday Stand-up Comedy: Dean Edwards
8pm and 10:30pm. $14-$16. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 212 S. Fourth Ave. 734-996-9080. aacomedy.com
Saturday Night Live alumni and veteran standup Dean Edwards performs.
20 saturday Bowl-A-Thon
7pm. $25. Revel & Roll, 1950 S. Industrial Hwy. 734-665-4474 revelandroll.com
A night of bowling to support Trail’s Edge Camp. The $25 includes bowling, shoes, pop, and unlimited pizza.
21 sunday Annual Exotic Bird Exhibition 10am-3pm. $3. Dawn Farm, 6633 Stony Creek Rd. 734-326-0720. aacbc.org
Featuring vendors selling terrific products for all kinds of avian pals plus raffles.
23 tuesday
7pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. drummunity.com Free
Hashtag Comedy Show
8pm. $10. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 212 S. Fourth Ave. 734-996-9080. aacomedy.com
Hashtag Comedy Show brings a unique style to the traditional standup comedy format. Featuring some of Metro Detroit’s top local talent, the Hashtag Comedy Show mixes stand-up comedy, social media integration and audience involvement.
27 saturday Neighborhood Yard Sale
9am-4pm. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1500 Scio Church Rd. 734-761-9320. westpresa2.org Free
Yard sale plus pizza, an antique yard show other activities for the whole family.
28 sunday Pokkén Tournament
1pm. Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free
Is it a Pokémon game? Is it a Tekken fighting game? Stretch those thumbs and find out.
Chelsea Community Fair
Noon. $15-$25. Chelsea Fairgrounds, Corner of Old US 12 and Old Manchester Rd., Chelsea. 734-475-1270. chelseafair.org
Exhibits, entertainment, food and activities. Through August 27.
ecurrent.com / august 2016 43
health
Ongoing Thursdays
ment, we create new opportunities to renew our inner energy each moon cycle. Includes mala bead kit.
7pm. $5/per class. Ringstar Studio, 3907 Varsity Dr. 585-307-0402. a2ringstar.com
Muckfest MS Detroit
Stage Combat Class
Wolverine Man Challenge
All of Ann Arbor will be in the mood to move during the Ann Arbor Marathon, sponsored by Wolverine Brewery. There are five different categories to compete in: a sprint (half-mile swim, 14-mile road bike ride, and five-mile run) mini-sprint (quarter-mile swim, 14-mile road bike ride and two-mile run), duathalon, aquabike and relay. No matter when they finish, participants will receive a finisher’s medal, t-shirt, snacks and lots of other goodies. And because the triathalon is sponsored by Wolverine Brewery, there will be refreshments (for racers 21 and older) at Bill’s Beer Garden after the race. For thirsty racers, beer will never taste so good. —ZM Sunday, August 7. 7:30am-Noon. $42-$160. 8690 Hankerd Rd., Gregory. epicraces.com/event/wolverine-man-triathlon
Learn the many techniques, stunts, and weapon forms of fighting for stage and film - a great workout and tons of fun!
Fridays and Saturdays Yoga with Cats
8:30am. $15. Tiny Lions Cat Cafe, 5245 Jackson Rd. 734-661-3530. tinylions.org
Hatha-style classes help bring peace to mind and body, and helps support the animals in the Ann Arbor community. Registration required.
Fridays
Ypsilanti Open Mediation
11am. Ypsilanti District Library, 229 Michigan Ave. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary. org Free
Ypsilanti Open Meditation is offering weekly drop-in guided meditation every Friday.
Saturdays
Community CrossFit Class
10am. Huron River CrossFit, 4477 Jackson Rd. 734-367-4585. huronrivercrossfit. com Free
A free community CrossFit class for those interested in classes but unsure if it’s a good fit. All ages and fitness levels are welcome.
4 thursday Nature Walk
Searchable lists updated daily at
ecurrent.com
44
august 2016 / ecurrent.com
7pm. Kuebler Langford Nature Area, Huron River Dr. a2gov.org Free
Kuebler Langford Nature Area is a 31-acre park tucked into a sharp curve of Huron River Drive. Part of the park is old field, and contains native dry prairie species. A deep ravine bisects the park, and moist woods cover its slopes. The park connects to Bird Hills Nature Area.
6 saturday
Collective Energy of the New Moon
2:30pm. $55. A2 Yoga, 2030 Commerce Blvd. 734-997-0805. a2yoga.net
Ana Patricia Hough, A2 Yoga Studio Founder and yogini of over 20 years. Through yoga and move-
9am. $55-$105. Lower Huron Metropark, 17845 Savage Rd. main.nationalmssociety.org
MuckFest MS is the FUN mud run with the best obstacles. No special training or equipment required: just bring a pair of sneakers and your sense of humor.
7 sunday
Community Vinyasa Yoga
4pm. Ann Arbor District Library Traverwood, 3333 Traverwood Dr. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free
Learn some of the basics of the Vinyasa style of yoga, which integrates breath with movement. All levels are welcome, but participants should be able to move easily from the floor to standing.
9 tuesday Aqua Barre
9am. Ann Arbor YMCA, 400 W. Washington St. 734-996-9622. annarborymca. org Free
Community demo class. Ballet movements in warm water for great resistance. Registration required. Also runs August 11.
17 wednesday
Understanding and Managing Emotional Triggers
6:30pm. $10-$20. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tearoom, 114 S. First St. 734-219-2555. crazywisdom.net
This workshop will help participants explore the nature of triggers and ways to handle and heal from them.
26 friday
A Simple, Brief, Effective Spiritual Exercise 6:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tearoom, 114 S. First St. 734-320-2010. eck-mi.org Free
This group sings HU as an undirected prayer to harmonize the consciousness and open the heart to God’s love for spiritual upliftment to those who come in a “zeroagenda” get-together.
Dining Guide Recipes and insight from Washtenaw County’s top restaurants. Delivered straight from your kitchen to our readers.
Make sure your location is featured this October! CALL FOR DETAILS 734.668.4044
August ARIES (March 21-April 19): Free your body. Don’t ruminate and agonize about it. FREE YOUR BODY! Be brave and forceful. Do it simply and easily. Free your gorgeously imperfect, wildly intelligent body. Allow it to be itself in all of its glory. Tell it you’re ready to learn more of its secrets and adore its mysteries. Be in awe of its unfathomable power to endlessly carry out the millions of chemical reactions that keep you alive and thriving. How can you not be overwhelmed with gratitude for your hungry, curious, unpredictable body? Be grateful for its magic. Love the blessings it bestows on you. Celebrate its fierce animal elegance. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The people of many cultures have imagined the sun god as possessing masculine qualities. But in some traditions, the Mighty Father is incomplete without the revitalizing energies of the Divine Mother. The Maoris, for example, believe that every night the solar deity has to marinate in her nourishing uterine bath. Otherwise he wouldn’t be strong enough to rise in the morning. And how does this apply to you? Well, you currently have resemblances to the weary old sun as it dips below the horizon. I suspect it’s time to recharge your powers through an extended immersion in the deep, dark waters of the primal feminine. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): An Interesting Opportunity is definitely in your vicinity. It may slink tantalizingly close to you in the coming days, even whisper your name from afar. But I doubt that it will knock on your door. It probably won’t call you seven times on the phone or flash you a big smile or send you an engraved invitation. So you should make yourself alert for the Interesting Opportunity’s unobtrusive behavior. It could be a bit shy or secretive or modest. Once you notice it, you may have to come on strong -you know, talk to it sweetly or ply it with treats.
free will astrology
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You have just begun your big test. How are you doing so far? According to my analysis, the preliminary signs suggest that you have a good chance of proving the old maxim, “If it doesn’t make you so crazy that you put your clothes on inside-out and try to kiss the sky until you cry, it will help you win one of your biggest arguments with Life.” In fact, I suspect we will ultimately see you undergo at least one miraculous and certifiably melodramatic transformation. A wart on your attitude could dissolve, for example. A luminous visitation may heal one of your blind spots. You might find a satisfactory substitute for kissing the sky. CANCER (June 21-July 22): [Editor’s note: The counsel offered in the following oracle was channeled from the Goddess by Rob Brezsny. If you have any problems with it, direct your protests to the Queen Wow, not Brezsny.] It’s time to get more earthy and practical about practicing your high ideals and spiritual values. Translate your loftiest intentions into your most intimate behavior. Ask yourself, “How does Goddess want me to respond when my co-worker pisses me off?”, or “How would Goddess like me to brush my teeth and watch TV and make love?” For extra credit, get a t-shirt that says, “Goddess was my co-pilot, but we crash-landed in the wilderness and I was forced to eat her.” LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Be alert for white feathers gliding on the wind. Before eating potato chips, examine each one to see if it bears a likeness of Rihanna or the Virgin Mary. Keep an eye out, too, for portents like robots wearing dreadlocked wigs or antique gold buttons lying in the gutter or senior citizens cursing at invisible Martians. The appearance of anomalies like these will be omens that suggest you will soon be the recipient of crazy good fortune. But if you would rather not wait around for chance events to trigger your good luck, simply make it your fierce intention to generate it. Use your optimismfueled willpower and your flair for creative improvisation. You will have abundant access to these talents in the coming weeks. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): For many years, my occupation was “starving artist.” I focused on improving my skills as a writer and musician, even though those activities
rarely earned me any money. To ensure my survival, I worked as little as necessary at low-end jobs -- scrubbing dishes at restaurants, digging ditches for construction companies, delivering newspapers in the middle of the night, and volunteering for medical experiments. During the long hours spent doing tasks that had little meaning to me, I worked diligently to remain upbeat. One trick that worked well was imagining future scenes when I would be engaged in exciting creative work that paid me a decent wage. It took a while, but eventually those visions materialized in my actual life. I urge you to try this strategy in the coming months, Libra. Harness your mind’s eye in the service of generating the destiny you want to inhabit. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You have every right to celebrate your own personal Independence Day sometime soon. In fact, given the current astrological omens, you’d be justified in embarking on a fullscale emancipation spree in the coming weeks. It will be prime time to seize more freedom and declare more autonomy and build more self-sufficiency. Here’s an important nuance to the work you have ahead of you: Make sure you escape the tyranny of not just the people and institutions that limit your sovereignty, but also the voices in your own head that tend to hinder your flow. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Of all the forbidden fruits that you fantasize about, which one is your favorite? Among the intriguing places you consider to be outside of your comfort zone, which might inspire you to redefine the meaning of “comfort”? The coming weeks will be a favorable time
to reconfigure your relationship with these potential catalysts. And while you’re out on the frontier dreaming of fun experiments, you might also want to flirt with other wild cards and strange attractors. Life is in the mood to tickle you with useful surprises. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You have a special talent for accessing wise innocence. In some ways you’re virginal, fresh, and raw, and in other ways you’re mature, seasoned, and well-developed. I hope you will regard this not as a confusing paradox but rather as an exotic strength. With your inner child and your inner mentor working in tandem, you could accomplish heroic feats of healing. Their brilliant collaboration could also lead to the mending of an old rift. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “Where is everybody when I need them?” Even if you haven’t actually spoken those words recently, I’m guessing the voices in your head have whispered them. But from what I can tell, that complaint will soon be irrelevant. It will no longer match reality. Your allies will start offering more help and resources. They may not be perfectly conscientious in figuring out how to be of service, but they’ll be pretty good. Here’s what you can do to encourage optimal results: 1. Purge your low, outmoded expectations. 2. Open your mind and heart to the possibility that people can change. 3. Humbly ask -- out loud, not just in the privacy of your imagination -for precisely what you want. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Millions of Pisceans less fortunate than you won’t read this horoscope. Uninformed about the rocky patch of Yellow Brick Road that lies just ahead, they may blow a gasket or get a flat tire. You, on the other hand, will benefit from my oracular foreshadowing, as well as my inside connections with the Lords of Funky Karma. You will therefore be likely to drive with relaxed caution, keeping your vehicle unmarred in the process. That’s why I’m predicting that although you may not arrive speedily at the next leg of your trip, you will do so safely and in style.
ecurrent.com / august 2016 45
1
2
3
4
5
13
WEB OF WORDS
6
7
17 20
22
23
27
36
24
25
26 29
31
32
37
33
42
44
51
45 52
august 2016 / ecurrent.com
35 39
41
43
34
38
40
12
21
28 30
11
18
46
47
53
48
49
50
54
55
56 60
57
58
59
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
for crossword answers, go to ecurrent.com
ecurrent.com 46
10 15
19
Down 1. Peach ___ (desserts) 2. Raised, as an anchor 3. Herd of geese 4. Pop the top off 5. Louisville men’s basketball coach Rick 6. Strand in biology class 7. Singer’s rep. 8. Nerve: pref. 9. Tea with a malty flavor 10. 1987 Def Leppard album (incidentally my favorite album when I was in 8th grade) 11. Hearing things, maybe 12. Tackle some slopes 14. Serving of salt: Abbr. 17. Subject covered in 16Across? 21. Little devil 24. Worth something 25. Coagulate, as blood 26. “No, no, no, I won’t hear it!”, initially 28. After-shower put-on 31. Grand hotel co. 33. “Have you seen ___?” 34. History chapter 36. Second-safest city in the US (Sunnyvale, CA is the first) 37. They run on Marshmallow 38. New Haven Ivy 39. Puts in code 40. Nut’N Better rival 44. John Fogerty’s band, briefly 46. Tens 48. Go to a restaurant 49. Ukrainian seaport 50. New Wave band instruments 52. Conclude by 53. Emotions 54. Troop grp. 57. “___ always say” 58. Fetching one? 60. Clarifying letters 61. Way off in the distance
9
14
16
Across 1. XXL and O, for short 5. Kind of yoga 10. Some laptops 13. One-time Obi-Wan actor 14. Bits of color 15. Talk non-stop 16. Line on Facebook about torts? 18. ___ Lanka 19. #34 on the Red Sox, affectionately 20. Yogurt and cucumber side dish 22. Shining 23. Negative Disqus reply? 27. Collie’s nickname 28. Letters that mean you’re slaying them over IM 29. Night to rent a limo 30. Music on the Warped Tour 32. November urging 35. Son nicknamed “Trey” perhaps 36. Chill out next to a Reddit discussion? 40. Snow on “Game of Thrones” 41. Overseas flight freebie 42. ESPN soccer sportscaster Darke 43. Visiting the Smithsonian, say 45. Character actor Guzman 47. Bus. drivers 51. RSS setting about all things Star Wars? 54. Deflategate QB 55. Michaels of “SNL” 56. A 4 and a 6 in craps 58. Swerving cause 59. Unable to listen to reason, like some blog entries? 62. Tired 63. Mixture of soluble salts 64. Fanny 65. Jaq’s buddy in “Cinderella” 66. Antiquated Russian rulers 67. Subway pts.
8
©2016 By Brendan Emmett Quigley (www.brendanemmettquigley.com)
crossword
classifieds PAYMENT Payment must be received before an ad can be placed. We accept checks, cash, money orders, and credit cards (MasterCard, American Express, or Visa) Sorry, no refunds. Misprint results in credit toward next ad.
FREE CLASSIFIED ADS One (1) free 20-word classified ad per issue. Free ads include noncommercial concerns, free services, products being sold for less than $150. Line Classifieds $20 for 20 words or less. 40¢ per each additional word. Box Classifieds $25 per column inch. One column = 1.4519" Photos can be placed in box or line ads for an additional $5 per photo.
DEADLINES Ad copy must be received at NOON on the 15th of the month prior to publication.
CONTACT INFORMATION Mail: Current Classifieds. 1120 Adams Street, Toledo, Ohio 43604. Phone: 419-244-9859. Fax: 419-244-9871. Email to: classifieds@adamsstreet publishing.com
TREE CITY INTERIOR PAINTING Decorate your space with us!! treecitypainting.com 734.998.5555 SINCE 1988!
-------------------------------------
Services
------------------------------------Beginning Tai-Chi with SUN SHEN: Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays at 7pm. $55/mo. 2466 E Stadium Ann Arbor www.sunshen.org
-------------------------------------
Jeff’s Live-In Home & Property Services Personal Assistant • Cook • Chauffeur • Housekeeper • General Maintenance • Minor Repair • Pet & Plant Care • Shopping • Organizing • Home & Property Security 810-625-0595
-------------------------------------
Massage: Walk-in appointments available. Free parking. Make some time for yourself! Come in stressed leave refreshed. RelaxStation. 734-623-1951 ------------------------------------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
-------------------------------------
Events -------------------------------------
GIVE BLOOD - SAVE LIVES! #ChooseYourDay to donate blood. Call 1-800-448-2543 or go to RedCrossBlood.org. Appointments preferred. Walk-ins welcome.
-------------------------------------
EDUCATION -------------------------------------
Are your children interested in Astronomy? Do they like observing the moon, planets and stars? GO TO: www.youngastronomer.org
-------------------------------------
HELP WANTED
-------------------------------------
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
-------------------------------------
Give Hope. Become a Foster Parent. Attend a free training today to learn more! For more information: www.judsoncenter.org or 313-2558272.
-------------------------------------
ANNOUNCEMENTS
-------------------------------------
Acorn Stairlifts. The AFFORDABLE solution to your stairs! **Limited time -$250 Off Your Stairlift Purchase!** Buy Direct & SAVE. Please call 1-800-410-7127 for FREE DVD and brochure.
------------------------------------
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
------------------------------------CREDIT CARD DEBT Crushing You? Call DEBT ACTION GROUP. For Limited Time, Retain Our Services for FREE. Slash or Eliminate Your Balances! Call for details: 1-800-611-2316
--------------------------------
Announcements
--------------------------------
Life Alert. 24/7. One press of a button sends help FAST! Medical, Fire, Burglar. Even if you can’t reach a phone! FREE Brochure. CALL 1-800-746-0979
--------------------------------
Lung Cancer? And 60 Years Old? If So, You and Your Family May Be Entitled To A Significant Cash Award. Call 800-897-7205 To Learn More. No Risk. No Money Out of Pocket.
--------------------------------
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-800208-6915 to start your application today!
--------------------------------
Stop OVERPAYING for your prescriptions! SAVE! Call our licensed Canadian and International pharmacy, compare prices and get $25.00 OFF your first prescription! CALL 1-800-254-4073 Promo Code CDC201625
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 / august 2016 47
.org p o h s t f i ptothr 2 a . w w w
SUPPORT AAPS and its students!
Participate in a GREEN community effort to fund student enrichment at Ann Arbor Public Schools since 1993.
WE’VE DISTRIBUTED OVER
WE’VE DISTRIBUTED OVER
$241,000
to AAPS & its PTOs so far in
2015-16
$1.8 MIL to AAPS & its PTOs since 2008
PURCHASE: Mon-Fri 9am-7pm | Sat 9am-6pm | Sunday 11am-5pm DONATE: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm | Sat 10am-5pm | Sunday 12pm-4pm FIND US: 2280 S. Industrial Hwy | 734.996.9155 | a2ptothriftshop.org #,/4().' s &52.)452%s ,).%.3 s #2!&43 s "//+3 s (/53%(/,$ '//$3 s !.$ -/2%
25% off
Student Discount EVERY SATURDAY ON EVERYTHING! *Must present a valid ID
Best of Washtenaw M?DD;H H; (&', ; 7: ; H IË 9>E?9
voted Best Thrift Store!
voted FAVORITE PLACE TO FURNISH YOUR NURSERY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter
Lots of summer and fall inventory Donate to us and support Ann Arbor Public Schools.
INVENTORY IS HIGH SO WATCH FOR SUMMER SALES!