Current April 2015

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CHANCE TO VOTE! 7 LAST best of Washtenaw Ballot inside 015 ril 2

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| FR

AP

Indian Nirvana to Macklemore The Blind Pig sees the future p20

A Conversation with poet Megan Levad p31

Local Color: Mark Tucker

by Sue Dise p33

ODYSSEY

p9

From biryani to vindaloo, a trek across Washtenaw County

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contents 16 Five Questions for the Brewmaster Oliver Roberts, Wolverine State Brewing Company

By Brandon Bye

april 2015

vol. 25 / no.4

28 Art Beat

Sara Adlerstein-Gonzalez

By Louis Meldman

31 Lit feature

22 Music Feature A conversation with Jon Spencer

By Jeff Milo

An interview with poet Megan Levad

By Gina Balibrera

36 Style Sense Bivouac

By Alice Rolfe-Chin

26 Theater

Tally’s Folly

By Sandor Slomovits

Ballot 2015 Best of 7 Washtenaw County Readers Choice Ballot

Last chance to Vote!

ON THE COVER: Cardamom Chef, Anjan Lama holding a plate of Bapu’s Goat Chop

online exclusives

Indian ODYSSEY

p9

From biryani to vindaloo, a trek across Washtenaw County

{ }

By Nick Roumel

ECURRENT.COM

Outdoor dining season returns. Here’s how we do it: under expansive

JJ Jacobson, currator at the U-M Special Collections Library, offers up a revamp of a recipe from 1889: Anglo-American Easter bread, Hot Cross Buns.

FRIED CHICKEN

Odyssey

umbrellas and shade-giving trees, on breezy rooftop decks, while tippling something frosty, noshing something yummy, the sun and sky are a daydream reflected in our shades. Check out our Patio Guide for some of the best spots to eat al fresco.

Homer said, “the journey is the thing.” we part ways with Homer where he says, “I have no interest in food and drink, but only the slaughter and blood and the agonizing groans of mangles men.” Personally, we prefer chicken and milkshakes.

Check out our Fried Chicken Odyssey online.

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Adams Street Publishing Co. What Is Your Spirit Flower?

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) Morning Glories

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

Editorial

Assignment Editor: Brandon Bye (brandon@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Cherry Blossom Staff Writer: Rose Carver (rose@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Lotus Blossum Calendar Editor: Marisa Rubin (mrubin@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Black Dahlia Digital Media Specialist: Saul Jacobs (saul@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Camellia Contributing Writers: Nick Roumel, Brandon Bye, Jeff Milo, Sue Dise, Nick Soulsby, Sandor Slomovits, Lewis Meldman, Gina Balibrera, Alice Rolfe-Chin

^ Cardamom Expansion The popular Indian restaurant, Cardamom, recently bought out the Biggby Coffee spot next door, adding approximately 1,800 sq feet to the restaurant, creating more wiggle room for patrons and kitchen staff. “The expansion area design will allow folks to wait for a table or carry out order comfortably, and grab a drink while they wait,” owner Binod Dhakal said. The restaurant will not close for the expansion, expecting to be fully operational this summer. 1739 Plymouth Rd. 734-662-2877. facebook.com/cardamoma2 ^ World of Food on Washtenaw Ave. In addition to Japanese Pho Noodles, Mediterranean Pita Pita, Indian Nirmal, and many more worldly delights, a new Moroccan restaurant named Casablanca is taking over the old Blue Wolf Grill building. An opening date has not been set. Here’s looking at you, Washtenaw.

2333 Washtenaw Ave.

Production Manager: Brittney Koehl (adsin@adamsstretpublishing.com) HYDRANGEA Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Freesia Graphic Design: Imani Latief (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Dandelion Contributing Designer: Stephanie Austin Lily

Advertising

Regional Sales Manager: Aubrey Hornsby (ahornsby@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Poppy Sales Coordinator Kali Kowalski (kali@adamsstreetpublishing.com) dead dandelions Sales Executive: Carrie Cavanaugh (carrie@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Forget-me-nots Classifieds: Catherine Bohr (calendar@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Sunflower

Administration Accounting: Robin Armstrong

(rarmstrong@toledocitypaper.com) Sunflower

© 2015 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.

^ Ypsi’s New Microbrewery Ypsi is a hotspot for local breweries, and Mishigama Craft Brewing microbrewery is opening a new one, tentatively called the Ypsi Alehouse. The brewery has its sights set on opening this summer in the historic Centennial Building in Downtown Ypsilanti. 124 Pearl St. ^ Eve the Restaurant Reopens Chef Eve Aronoff has signed a leased to reopen her upscale restaurant Eve, which closed four years ago, at a new location at the Bell Tower Hotel on South Thayer Street. A creative menu that reflects the changing seasons and local ingredients will take precedence. Aronoff hopes to open mid June.

300 S. Thayer St. 734-769-3010.

^ Holy Shinola!

Detroit based hand-crafted bicycle, watch, and leather goods purveyor, Shinola, has arrived in Ann Arbor in the prime Main Street location of the former Selo/Shevel Gallery. Similar to the Detroit flagship store, Shinola Ann Arbor’s retail space will include a coffee bar staffed by the Birmingham, Michigan, Commonwealth Coffee Roasters.

The location’s lower level plays host to Shinola’s community lounge complete, with café tables and seating, ping pong tables and event space for public and private gatherings. Opening soon. USA! USA! USA! 301 S. Main St. shinola.com —RC via Facebook

Also publishers of:

^ Elevation Burger Lifts Downtown The eco-minded fast-casual franchise takes to the streets of downtown Ann Arbor. Elevation Burger serves organic beef, vegan, and vegetarian burgers, hand-cut french fries cooked with olive oil, and hand-dipped milkshakes. 529 E. Liberty St. 734-585-0467. annarbor.elevationburger.com

eve

Art/Production

Mature

Member

^ Mi Compadre Restaurante A new Mexican eatery has opened in Packard Plaza, taking over the space previously occupied by Ann Arbor Pizza & Subs. With a traditional Mexican menu and fresh ingredients, Mi Compadre serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 2111 Packard St.

Audited by

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ecurrent.com / april 2015 5

green corner

fyi

Earth Day

Initiated in 1970 by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day has become a globally recognized event geared toward teaching the masses, especially younger generations, about complex environmental issues and how humans can positively interact with nature. Ann Arbor celebrates its 44th annual Earth Day Festival at the Leslie Science & Nature Center with guided hikes, live music, green building technology demonstrations, and sustainability talks on water use and local agriculture. View displays and presentations from over 40 environmental, non-profit, and governmental organizations, and join the conversation about caring for Mother Earth. Noon to 4 pm, Sunday, April 19, Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Road, Ann Arbor.—BB

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The Smoke Rises Again

DUDE, Hash Bash 2015! Inspired by the wrongly imprisoned Godfather of Pot, John Sinclair, this yearly celebration of herb continues in its 44th year. Times have changed since Sinclair stood trial; Ann Arbor is now pretty “cool” when it comes to marijuana use—there are a handful of dispensaries, and instead of jail time, personal-use possession gets you a monetary slap on the wrist (as long as it isn’t on U-M property). On this day, Hash Bash 2015, from the Diag to Monroe Street, smoke will pour over the land like an English fog over Aberdeen. Activists will once again take to the podium for legalization speeches. Art and merchandise vendors will sell weed-inspired crafts. And scores of marijuana enthusiasts will kumbaya through the crowds with guitars and drum circles. John Sinclair and Tommy Chong will be up in smoke, in person, on the Diag at high noon. Hash Bash: 10am-6:30pm. Saturday, April 4. After party at the Blind Pig, 208 S. 1st St., 8:30pm-2am. Free.

WAS

OF T S E B HTENAW

Local Color Local Non-Profit

SUBMIT YOUR Ballot Name:______________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________ City/State/Zip: ____________________/_______/_________ Phone Number: ____________________________________ email: ______________________________________________

Please send ballots to:

Current

3003 Washtenaw Ave., Suite 3 Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104

Rules:

Submit only ONE ballot per person. • You must vote on a minimum of 30 items. • Ballots that do not meet these requirements will be DISQUALIFIED. • No ballot stuffing! • No photocopies! • Vote only for businesses, organization, groups, or people operating in Washtenaw County. • Ballots must be postmarked or received via email by April 20.

e ONLINE Vot ecurr ent.com

Best Charity Do-Gooder Public servant

Independent Bookstore

Suburban Downtown

Used Bookstore

College Course

Comic Bookstore

Shopping and Services

Golf Course Outdoor Store/Gear

New Business

Non­Chain Music Store

Green Business

Music Store

Greenhouse / Nursery

Doggy daycare

Home Boutique Locally Owned Women’s Boutique LOCALLY OWNED Men’s Boutique Shoe Store

Cool Pros Real Estate Agent Bank Or Credit Union Ad Agency / Design Firm

Jewelry Store

Professor

Thrift store

Real Estate Agent

Natural Food Store

Lawyer

Farmer’s Market

Eye doctor

Caterer

Dentist

Party/Wine Store

Doctor

Place to Throw A Party

Plastic Surgeon

Hotel

Veterinarian

Florist Auto Dealer Auto Repair Bicycle Shop Motorcycle Shop

Travel Agent Place For Alt. Health Care Chiropractor Pet Salon

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Day Spa incare Facial/ Sk nis Play Ten Place To ilates b Yoga/ P letic Clu nter / Ath e C ss e n Fit iner Best Tra ewear Cool Ey dio cing Stu oo/ Pier Best Tatt Salon Tanning

Dining And Drinking

Street

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Loca

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DJ/ El ectro nica Artist Folk/ Coun try A r tist Hip­Ho p Art ist Jazz/ Blues Artist Rock Band Open Mic V enue Place To See Live M Danc usic e Club Pick­Up Bar

Entertainment

New Restaurant

Annual Event

Chinese Restaurant

Dance Party

Japanese Restaurant

Karaoke spot

Korean Restaurant

Pre­Game Hangout

Thai Restaurant

Sports Bar

Greek Restaurant

LGTBQ Bar

Italian Restaurant

Bowling Alley

Middle Eastern Restaurant

Place For a 21st Birthday

Mexican Restaurant Local Farm

Live Theater Venue

Deli

Theater Troupe

Fine Dining

Dance Company

Coffee Shop

Filmmaker

Breakfast Place

Movie Theater

Diner Brewpub or Microbrewery Food Cart After Hours Delivery Best Desert

Place To Buy & See Local Art Fine Art Photographer

Place To Hear Spoken Word

Best Local Beer

Currenter

Sculptor

Writ Current olumn Story/ C ered Current sn’t Cov rent Ha r u C a e Story Id ke ory” I’d Li e” Categ ic o Ch s “Reader xt year To See ne

april 2015

Artist

Gallery

Best Burger

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Street Artist

Media Print Journalist Radio Station

PHOTO BY PATRICK RECORD

feature

Indian ODYSSEY

Tandoori Chicken cooking at Suvai

By Nick Roumel

Current’s Odyssey Series enters its fifth year, resolutely seeking the best food and drink in Washtenaw County. Past Odysseys have tended to stick with the familiar (pizza, burgers, BBQ, etc.), and have only once before journeyed into foreign lands (2013’s Sushi Odyssey). The time has come to again travel internationally.We bring you the Indian Odyssey.

Please do not bore me with your reflexive derision.

I can hear you now: “What do you know about Indian food, Roumel? Did you travel by elephant to Bangalore, as have I, and sampled genuine street food from a dhaba? Or are you eating–harrumph– corrupt, westernized ‘banquet food’ from the local Indian buffet?”

Well, I confess, the answer is pretty much the latter. Our journey took us no further east than Ypsilanti. But what is found in local restaurants cannot be so easily dismissed. The history of Indian food is as complex as the history of its native country, and defies clear categorization (see the sidebar on tandoori chicken, for example).

Ultimately we did not seek to judge what was “authentic.” Our Odyssey is simply to present what we found, compare the various restaurants, and help you find what you might like to try. Our conclusions may also surprise you. For example, “Cardamom,” an excellent Indian restaurant on Plymouth Road, is staggeringly popular. Even after their current expansion plans, you will probably be hard pressed to obtain immediate seating. But we also found delicious, home cooked and impressively presented food at other restaurants, even where we were virtually the only ones there. Let the tale of our journey begin.

Heather, Li

sa, Patti at

Suvai Pala

ce

THE TEAM, THE TEAM, THE TEAM

Our Odyssey team is constantly evolving. This one was a small core of veteran “seekers.” n Nick

Roumel “Sky” Walker n Patti Smith n Ken Anderson n Cynthia Hodges n Heather Leavitt n Ken

bson

it Mark Ro

Photo cred

mel Nick Rou

and two newcomers

n Lisa

Gottlieb (of Selma Cafe fame) Wicklund

n Brad

We don’t let any restaurant know in advance that we are reviewing, but when our scoresheets cover the table, it becomes apparent.

Continued on p.10

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feature Continued from p.9

1. Samosa

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

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The Scoring

For each restaurant, team members had a scoresheet listing the six dishes and asking for comments on appearance, aroma, portion size, ingredients, spice or flavor, and any sauce or condiment. Ultimately each dish was scored on a ten­point scale – “10” reserved for food that you’d “shove your mama aside” to eat; “1” signifying a substance “not fit for beast nor compost.”

“6” was considered average. To determine the top three restaurants, we totaled and averaged the scores for each of the seven dishes we sampled. Under that system we present to you our Odyssey winners – Suvai Palace and Cardamom – which finished in a virtual tie for first place.

The Dishes We chose six iconic dishes common to Indian restaurants in America.

Samosa ​– a fried, triangular shaped pastry that originated in the Middle East and was introduced to India during the Muslim Delhi Sultanate from the 12th-15th centuries. The most common Indian samosas are filled with a mixture of potatoes, onions, peas and green chilies, wrapped in a pastry made of fine maida flour, and deep fried. There are regional variations involving size, spices, fillings and condiments. The samosas we sampled were sometimes served with tamarind­chili and/or cilantro­mint­garlic chutneys.

Naan ​– is a leavened flatbread. Although the word is of Persian origin and now somewhat generic, it is thought to have been created in the Indian tandoors (outdoor clay ovens). Indian naans are often flavored with nigela seeds (also called kalonji or black caraway) and topped with melted clarified butter. Restaurants usually offer flavorings or stuffings such as garlic, savory fruit/nut mixtures, lamb, or vegetables similar to those used in samosas. For consistency’s sake, we always ordered garlic naan.

Dal Makhani ​– originates from the Punjab region and consists of slow cooked black lentils (dal) and red kidney beans, richly finished with butter and cream. Because it takes a long time to prepare, it is typically reserved for banquets or special occasions.

Biryani

​– is an elegantly prepared basmati rice dish, layered with meat, seafood, vegetables, and/or fruits and nuts. It too has Persian influences and features many variations, sharing similarities with another Indian rice dish, pulao. We stuck to vegetable biryanis, and saw the gamut: from Cardamom’s Hyderabadi (southern Indian) version cooked with cinnamon and cloves, baked with onions, raisins, cashews and mint; to Suvai Palace’s presentation bursting with the bold flavor of pickled vegetables. It is often accompanied by raita (yogurt with garlic, cucumber and herbs).

Lamb Vindaloo – Vindaloo is derived from the name for a Portuguese meat dish flavored in wine and garlic. While there are popular Indian versions, it is most widely known as a staple of Indian restaurants for Western diners. It is a tomato-based curry, marked by the piquancy of ginger and vinegar, moderately hot spices, and perhaps sweet enhancements such as cinnamon and clove. Potatoes are often mixed with the meat.

Mango Lassi

​– A lassi is a yogurt­ based drink popular throughout India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

Mango lassi is sweet, with fresh mango pulp; a traditional salted lassi may include a bit of roasted cumin.

One or two mango lassis we tried may have been mellowed with some savory spice. With its yogurt base, lassis are an effective and refreshing complement to spicier Indian entrees.

april 2015

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feature 6. Mango Lassi

2. Naan

3. Dal

Only a handful of restaurants in Washtenaw County served all six dishes. We included two that came close. One had no lamb, so we substituted goat; another had no black lentils, so we tried a yellow dal. The restaurants we surveyed were: Cardamom, Shalimar, Suvai Palace, Madras Masala, Kitchen of India, ​and Nirmal​.

We did not include: “Hut­K Chaats” and “Curry On,” which feature their own takes on Indian “street food;” “Earthen Jar,” a mostly ­vegan buffet; nor restaurants featuring an occasional Indian dish, like the “Lunch Room’s” inventive “Indian night” (we did review Hut­K, Earthen Jar and the Lunch Room in 2012’s “Vegetarian Odyssey”). Nor did we include “Taste of India,” the sister restaurant of Suvai Palace located on State Street. We were assured by Suvai Palace’s gracious manager, Prabbhu, that the food in the two family­owned restaurants was essentially the same.

4. Biryani

Continued on p.12

5. Lamb Vindaloo

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feature Continued from p.11

Cardamoms Chicken Thali Tray.

Best bet for those on a lunch hour.

Cardamom

1739 Plymouth Rd. Ann Arbor 734­662­2877 www.cardamoma2.com

First place tie - best Indian food overall; best mango lassi; second best for samosas and tandoori chicken.

PHOTO BY PATRICK RECORD

Opened in 2011, this chic eatery has blown away the competition. Chances are that anyone you ask about the best Indian around will cite Cardamom. Tucked into a narrow space (but in the midst of a major expansion), they take no reservations. A recent Saturday wait at 6 PM was quoted at 30-40 minutes. But it’s worth the wait for Cardamom’s fresh, high-quality, and well-prepared Indian cuisine, tinged with Western influences.

Cardamom boasts an expansive menu, features lamb and goat, and serves beer and wine. Tables are close, but theirs were by far the best-dressed, with linens and good china. It had the feel of an actual restaurant, which is sort of a head-scratching statement unless you visited some of the competition, which were sometimes content to slap a paper-plated dish on a folding table. In contrast, Cardamom had a solid feel with tasteful accoutrements.

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The food was uniformly impressive, and the restaurant is deserving of its accolades. Service was attentive and knowledgeable. The presentation was what one would expect in a destination restaurant. However, and this conclusion was perhaps the most surprising of our Odyssey, while the food was very good, it did not blow us away. This statement in no way denigrates Cardamom.

I would go there again and again. But taken in isolation, not a single dish (except for the mango lassi) was the best we tasted.

Cardamom’s massive samosas were served with two delicious chutneys, tamarind, and a garlicky cilantromint. Brad thought that without the accompaniments, the samosas were a bit bland; but Patti appreciated their subtle savory flavor. Their tandoori chicken was extremely tender and flavorful, with a complex mix of herbs and spices. I thought I caught a touch of fennel. Lisa loved its charred smokiness.

The tender lamb vindaloo was also very good, flavorful with a sneaky heat. Cardamom’s creamy and luscious “mango lassi,” thick with tart yogurt, was a brilliant orange that Patti called “liquid David Caruso.”

(Who David Caruso is, and why is evocative of an orange yogurt drink, is beyond the scope of this column.)

feature

Dal from Suvai Palace

Suvai Palace 400 S. Division St. Ann Arbor MI (734) 995­1545 www.suvaipalace.com

First place tie - best Indian food overall; best dal, best biryani, best tandoori chicken.

Newly housed in the former Raja Rani space, Suvai Palace is still building a following. The décor was a bit haphazard on our visit; immediately upon entering we were greeted by a mural depicting an Indian woman; the Indian flag; and a Christmas tree. We went there on the same night that the lines were out the door at Shalimar, but here there was only one other table with customers. The feel was “homey,” Patti wrote “like being in someone’s house.” Indeed, the manager Prabbhu made us feel sincerely welcome.

PHOTO BY PATRICK RECORD

More importantly, Suvai Palace wowed us with their food. Everything was at least above average and some dishes were excellent. Ken wrote of the chicken, brought on a sizzling plate: “Beautifully presented platter with wonderfully sautéed vegetables. Sweet, light flavor balances the wonderful savoriness of the chicken.” Patti was more succinct, writing, “Holy s***, YES!!!” Not content to score mere “10s,” Lisa added exclamation points.

Ken also effused about the biryani, calling it a “wonderful combination of vegetables with a bright set of spices.”

Heather enjoyed the addition of pickled vegetables, which set Suvai Palace’s biryani apart. The lamb was also different, with pronounced tones of cinnamon and clove harmonized with the ginger­vinegary vindaloo sauce. The dal makhani was bold, with structure and depth. And the mango lassi tasted just like a childhood creamsicle. Sigh. But with no beer and wine, you’d better like creamsicles.

Madras Masala 328 Maynard St. Ann Arbor 734-222-9006 www.madrasmasala.com

Second best biryani and naan This popular campus eatery bills itself as serving “South Indian, Indo-Chinese and Moghlai dishes.” Surprisingly toney given its location, we felt comfortable at our linen table and appreciated the tasteful décor.

The quality of presentation and visual appeal was especially apparent with the biryani and naan. The rice dish featured fresh vegetables, cashews, cinnamon and clove. “One of the best biryanis on the tour!” raved Ken. Sky agreed. The naan got similar reviews, loaded with fresh garlic and herb. “One of the few naans that could be eaten on its own,” said Patti. Continuing in her shy, retiring way, she added, “No need to sop s*** up with it.”

The meat dishes were a bit trickier. The beautifully displayed tandoori was belied by mediocre chicken, that seemed as if “it had been out playing in the sun long before it was slaughtered.” Guess who said that. Guess. As for Sky, who was anticipating fire in his mouth, he concluded the flavor “did not annihilate my taste buds. Seems mild.” The lamb was also lacking in tenderness.

Madras Masala redeemed itself with crispy and flavorful samosas, chock full of potato pieces, served with “top notch” chutneys including a tasty tamarind-chili. We’d go back for these, heaping dishes of steaming biryani, and baskets of their puffy, flavorful naan.

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feature Continued from p.13

Nirmal Indian Cuisine 2874 Washtenaw Ave. Ypsilanti (844) KNOW-BMI www.nirmalcuisine.com

Shalimar

307 S. Main St. Ann Arbor (734) 663-1500 www.shalimarrestaurant.com

Best lamb vindaloo, second best mango lassi.

Shalimar benefits from its prime Main Street location, and its prices necessarily reflect that high-rent setting.

Diners were lined up out the door when we were leaving there, eventually ushered into either the ground floor dining room, or the surprisingly well-appointed basement.

Shalimar does not disappoint, with good food up and down the spectrum.

The lamb vindaloo especially stood out. It was Heather’s favorite dish there, and Lisa scored it 9s across the page.

We also liked the samosas, with two excellent chutneys, a savory cilantro-garlic and a ruby red tamarind chili. Patti praised the chicken: “well-cooked, lovely presentation.”

The mango lassi was “smooth, creamy, peachy.”

Unfortunately, on the night we visited, the service was completely unacceptable. The last straw: after asking for the check, in the less-than-half-filled basement area, I had to approach a server after over thirty, yes, thirty minutes of waiting. If you have the cache of a Main Street location, you have to step up. Unfortunately, Shalimar is still grooming the batter’s box.

What to make of this entity in the former Temptations location? Communicating with them was like Columbus landing on Mars. Food was withheld until every dish was ready, regardless of how long it had been sitting; then it was brought to our table in biodegradable containers.

Mysterious pronouncements were provided about the Gatorade bucket in the dining room – did it contain water, or mango lassi? And finally there was the silverware issue: it seemed to take an inordinate amount of negotiation to have something to eat with.

But this was not merely food. Oh, no. Nirmal (whose phone number is “1-844-KNOW-BMI) is all about health.

They helpfully provide a formula, on the back of the menu, for calculating one’s body mass index. Right? Like you’re going to say to your friends, “Let’s go to Nirmal and calculate our BMI!” (Maybe I’m just resentful because at 5’9” and 157 lbs., it turned out I was the fattest one in our group.)

Despite all these strange goings-on, Nirmal’s food was pretty good. The biryani included what Ken called a “fun combination” of cinnamon, prune, squash, cardamom pods, onion, garlic, and hot pepper. Or what Sky concluded, “chunks of stuff I couldn’t eat.” Warning: remove the cinnamon stick and cardamom pod.

We also liked the garlicky boneless chicken (the closest thing we found to tandoori), moist and tender white meat and brimming with flavor. The samosas also gained praise for their crisp, greaseless pastry; Cynthia liked the “well spiced, tangy” tamarind sauce but others found it too sweet.

Nirmal does not have much atmosphere. Sky was blunt, comparing it to “a ghetto motel that charges $500/night for the Super Bowl.” But what it lacked in ambience it made up for in value, especially the “food box” which provides five items for just $5.00. Also, Nirmal does not accept tips.

In all, it doesn’t take a lot of money to alter your BMI with a heaping amount of Nirmal’s good food.

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We can’t close an Odyssey review without Patti making a gratuitous comment about a certain part of her anatomy.

All this talk about BMI, she explained, “makes my ass feel sad.”

PHOTO BY PATRICK RECORD

The mango lassi was delicious, with the sweet fruit balanced by a fresh, pleasantly sour yogurt. We were less enamored of the vindaloo. As Nirmal doesn’t serve lamb, we had to go with a different meat. Let’s just say that our team advises you: “Just don’t goat there.”

Kitchen of India

1143 Broadway Ann Arbor (734) 622­0115 kitchenofindiaannarbor.eat24hour.com

Third best Indian; best samosas and naan; second best dal and vindaloo.

The term “hole in the wall” is overused. This was a hole in the wall. Kitchen of India is two other things: an Indian grocery store, and a take out joint. A sit down restaurant it is not, although there are a few plastic tables. This comes in handy because the food is so good, you don’t want to wait and take it home, but eat it as soon as possible.

Conclusions

Only the biryani got mixed reviews, packed with vegetables but short on flavor for some, and served without raita. Patti thought the rice “could have been from her mom’s Rice-a-Roni box circa 1978.”

The Indian restaurant food in Washtenaw County may not be what Aunt Meera cooks at home in Jaipur, but a satisfying meal can be had just about anywhere we visited, especially at Suvai Palace, Cardamom, and Kitchen of India. Be careful, though, if you’re not used to Indian food. While the heat level is not overwhelming for Western tastes (we always ordered “medium” when given a choice), the variety of spices and richness of particular dishes (especially the dal and the vindaloo) may, to put it delicately, play tricks with one’s system.

Overall, we loved Kitchen of India. The chef gifted us with kheer, an Indian rice pudding. The prices were extremely reasonable. This is a place we’d return to without hesitation.

Until we clean the pipes for the next Odyssey, your intrepid seekers are signing off, and wishing you a fond Bidaya

The huge, crispy samosas were scrumptious, with flavor and a little heat on their own, served only with a tamarind sauce. We also loved the rich, creamy dal which earned “10s” across the board from me. The chicken and lamb were fresh and tender; the lamb’s wonderful flavors made it Brad and Heather’s favorite dish here.

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PHOTO BY PATRICK RECORD

In the back there is a genuine clay tandoor, and I have seen the chef’s burn scars up and down his forearms.

The naan baked in there is fabulous, supple and pillowy.

Heather said “It’s hot and the butter is pooling on it. It’s beautiful.” Lisa said it was “really comforting and deelish.”

food

5Q

Five Questions for the Brewmaster Oliver Roberts, Wolverine State Brewing Company

By Brandon Bye

In 2007, while serving at Knight’s Steakhouse, Oliver Roberts met Trevor Thrall, co-founder of Wolverine State Brewing Company (WSBC). The meeting was momentous for both parties.

For Thrall, it marked the first time publicly tasting his own beer. For Roberts, who also worked as a brewer at Grizzly Peak Brewing at the time, the exchange set the course that would lead him to his current position as Brewmaster at WSBC. Now, 8 years on, Roberts, Thrall, and Matt Roy (co-founder) are still brewing top-shelf lagers that contribute to the growing conversation that has put Michigan on the national and international beer map.

What was the beer that changed the way you think about beer?

The beer that changed me was my first batch of homebrew when I was 19. The simple process of a beer kit and then mixed in with waking up to

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/ ecurrent.com

Brewer Karl Hinbern (left) and Brewmaster Oliver Roberts proudly handle their ingredients

see my first ever fermentation in the hall closet...I was hooked. Can’t say the beer was anything special but I never wanted to stop brewing!

These days, when people talk about great beer they talk about Michigan. Is there a sense of pride in being a Michigan brewer?

Beyond most brewers being proud and very thankful for the ability to make beer as a career, I believe that Michiganders are proud to be from Michigan. We have such a healthy collection of hard-working, intelligent, and innovative people in this state, keeping the enthusiasm about living here high.

You brew lager-style beers exclusively. Is lager where American craft beer is going next?

As homebrewers have access to more and more information about how make beer, more and more microbreweries are opening with lagers, or experienced breweries are adding lagers to their lineup.

The growth of knowledge about beer as a whole has increased the understanding of why lagers are a serious style of beer to brew. A

well-crafted lager can stand up to any other style—how lagers are appreciated is what’s changing.

What is your most popular beer, and what beer do you wish people ordered more of?

Our most popular beer is our Gulo Gulo I.P.L. 6.7% abv, 65 IBUs, double dry-hopped. It’s got it all.

Attention to detail, balance, and full of American hops. Honestly, I am satisfied with the way our beer sells. Craft beer drinkers love to try what’s new, what’s exciting, and it challenges us to keep innovating and trying new things.

What’s in your fridge at home?

I always have a 6-pack of Gulo and Wolverine Premium Lager at home.

I’m a little light on other Michigan beers right now, but I have a 750 mL of Shlafly Quad, Sam Adam’s Stony Brook Red, Firestone Walker Union Jack, a bottle of WSBC 2013 Massacre Imperial Dark Lager aged in Bourbon Barrels, and usually a howler of a WSBC specialty. I feel guilty not having any other Michigan beers, but my brother lives in St. Louis and sends me care packages of beers we can’t get here.

3 wednesday Baking with Beer

Sauerkraut Dinner

In this class you’ll be baking an oats & blonde ale bread, beer cornbread, apricot beer scones and beer crackers with Zingerman’s recipes.

Usually includes kielbasa, pork, sauerkraut, kiffles, mashed potatoes, dessert, and beverages.

1-5pm. $100. Zingerman’s BAKE!, 3711 Plaza Dr. 734-761-7255. bakewithzing.com

5 sunday Easter Brunch

10am-2pm. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti. 734-480-2739. arborbrewing.com Free

Join for a special Holiday brunch and brew!

6 monday Cocktail Class: Tale of 3 Whisk(e)ys

7:30-9pm. $45. The Last Word, 301 W. Huron St. tammystastings.com

In this 90-minute class you will compare three styles of whiskey while making the perfect concoction. Registration required.

7 tuesday

5:30-7:30pm. $10. American Legion Hall, 320 W. Michigan Ave., Saline.

734-429-7310.

10 friday Cocktails around the Seder Plate

7:30pm. Ashley’s, 338 S. State St. 734-975-9872. jewishculturalsociety. org Free

The Jewish Cultural Society will be hosting a very special Passover-themed meetup on April 10th with seder-themed cocktails. Registration required.

11 saturday Pizza! The Other American Pie

1:30-5:30pm. $100. Zingerman’s BAKE!, 3711 Plaza Dr. 734-761-7255. bakewithzing.com

New York-style, Chicago-style recipes, using a wood-fired oven with plenty of pizza samples in class.

14 tuesday

Strawberry Blonde Release

All Spice Routes Lead to the Roadhouse

Rich and flavorful medium bodied beer with a fresh, floral strawberry aroma. Citrus, spice, and fruit are blended seamlessly for a subtle yet distinct flavor that never turns too sweet.

Part of the celebration of spices, Zingerman’s presents a dinner with hand selected spices from all over the world.

6-7pm. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti.

734-480-2739. arborbrewing.com

8 wednesday Strong Ales Beer Tasting

7-9pm. $30/in adv, $35/at the door.

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

Start with old ales and barleywines and round out the list with a smattering of Double IPAs, scotch ales, and a handful of Belgian styles.

7pm. $75. Zingerman’s Roadhouse, 2501 Jackson Rd. 734-663-3663. zingermansroadhouse.com

15 wednesday The Ins and Outs of Spices: How To Find, Store, and Serve The World’s Best Spices 6:30 pm. Zingerman’s Events of Fourth, 415 N. Fourth Ave. 734-6633354. zingermanscommunity.com

Part of the Zingerman’s celebration of spices, visiting spice enthusiasts from Montreal share over thirty years of spice knowledge.

Searchable lists updated daily at ecurrent.com

Tea

food

9 thursday

Photo via Facebook

Mark’s Carts = Springtime

While local farmers wait patiently for their rhubarb and asparagus stalks to breach the spring soil, townie urbaites look for their favorite food carts and beer gardens to reopen. While Bill’s Beer Garden braved the still-frosty climes to open last month, Mark’s Carts enters its 5th spring this month with a very similar lineup to last season.

The seven returning vendors include Old Carolina Barbecue, Great Grilled Sandwiches, Xdelica (Chinese potstickers), Simply Spanish, El Manantial (Mexican), Revive and Replenish (sandwiches and salads), and Hut-k Chaats (Indian). San Street (Asian steamed buns and rice bowls) has graduated Mark’s Cart U and partnered with Zingerman’s for a brick-and-mortar—location TBD. Mark’s Carts opens April 3. 211 W. Washington St.—BB

16 thursday

Environmental Impact of Food

Baking With Spices

6-7:30pm. Conor O’Neill’s, 318 S. Main St. 734-764-0478. lsa.umich.edu/ummnh

Talk by U-M Center for Sustainable Systems researcher Marty Heller and U-M urban planning professor Lesli Hoey.

Preceded at 5:30pm, by free hors d’oeuvres.

KOMBUCHA LIVES!

“…this is the best we’ve had.”

5-Star Rating - BevNet

award winning kombucha tea & beer

Part of the Zingerman’s celebration of spices from the importer based in Montreal.

cont. on page 19

VISIT THE TRIPLE GODDESS TASTING ROOM OPEN FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS! LOCATED AT: 93 ECORSE ROAD, YPSILANTI MICHIGAN

AUTHENTIC SESSIONABLILITY NATURALLY LOW ALCOHOL ORGANIC INGREDIENTS GLUTEN-FREE VEGAN RAW

6pm. Zingerman’s Bake!, 3723 Plaza Dr. 734-761-7255. zingermansroadhouse.com

Beer

AMERICAN WILD ALE BOURBON BARREL AGED BOTTLE CONDITIONED ORGANIC INGREDIENTS GLUTEN-FREE UNFILTERED RAW 2013: Top 25 Beers of the Year - Draft Magazine

unityvibrationkombucha.com ecurrent.com / april 2015 17

food

Knight’s Steakhouse In the spirit of hospitality

By Brandon Bye Knight’s is currently tied with Grange in the ongoing “what’s my favorite bar in town?” debate. The Maize and Blue martini paired with their All-American burger—you need to eat something substantial if you’re drinking Maize and Blues—is one of the simplest, yet best, eat-and-drink options anywhere. But a quality restaurant without quality service is like a lotto ticket that missed by one number—a small payout considering what could have been. Knight’s, however, is the full ticket.

My date and I left the State Theater, after screening Selma, and went to Knight’s for a drink and some reflection. Shortly after our drinks arrived, a man who appeared down on his luck sat beside us at the bar. He didn’t say anything (at first), he just sat there with his hood up and ordered a beer. The bar area wasn’t busy, but it wasn’t empty either. At the surrounding tables and booths sat approximately 30 people. Quality service, in this case, would require more than menu knowledge and timeliness.

Enter moral ethics.

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After the man asked us what we “thought about the new Walgreens downtown,” after we offered a reply, stating our preference for CVS, the conversation took an odd turn toward third-eye chakra warriors and experimental dentistry. Our bartender entered and asked if “we needed anything.” We told her we were fine and thanked her for checking in. And she continued to check in, with subtle glances and hand signals, throughout the trippy interaction. After a time, the man finished his beer and left. We asked the bartenders if he’d been in before.

They said, yes, but never when it’s busy. Though I’ve never witnessed it, I imagine exercising the right to refuse service can turn ugly.

When the hooded man took his seat at the bar, the disparity between the indulgence of Knight’s and the sometimes down-and-out nature of Liberty Street came into focus. In this instance, smoothing potential conflict, taking care of all of their guests, the Knight’s crew delivered.

cont. from page 17

17 friday An Evening with Burgdorf Winery

6-8pm. $45. Zingerman’s Creamery, 3723 Plaza Dr. 734-929-0500. zingermanscreamery.com

Join Zingerman’s in welcoming the winemakers from Burgdorf as they pair excellent vintages with cheese.

Strolling Dinner with Beer & Wine Tasting

6-8pm. $40. St. Andrew Parish Hall, 910 Austin Rd., Saline. 734-365-3075.

Knights of Columbus invites the community to a Strolling Dinner with savory tapas items, beer and wine, and a silent auction donated by Saline area businesses.

Great Lake’s Bacon Bash

6:30-11pm. $40/general admission, $60/VIP. Royal Oak Farmer’s Market, 316 11 Mile Rd. 248-246-3276. greatlakesbaconbash.com

A special celebration of bacon with sweet and savory retains.

20 monday Cocktail Class: Amaro Amore

7:30-9pm. $45. The Last Word, 301 W. Huron St. tammystastings.com

The name amaro - plural, amari - refers to a style of Italian bittersweet herbal liqueur. You’ll taste several (including Campari, Averna, Zucca and Fernet Branca) on their own and in cocktails that take advantage

of the complex and assertive characters.

26 sunday Soft Pretzels

1-4pm. $75. Zingerman’s Bake!, 3711 Plaza Dr. 734-761-7255. bakewithzing.com

Learn the secrets to traditional German-style soft pretzels made with lard and dipped in lye.

29 wednesday

food

Blue Cheese Tasting

From crumbly to creamy, earthy to sharp, blue cheeses from around the world take on a range of characteristics. And Zingerman’s very own cheesemonger, Ben, knows the deal. Ben will host an evening of delicious mold-infused blue cheese exploration.

Fingers crossed for Roaring Forties Blue and Bleu d’auvergne. Friday, April 10, 6-8pm. $35.

Zingerman’s Creamery, 3723 Plaza Drive, Ann Arbor, 734-929-0500.—BB

Taste of Saline

5-9pm. $25 each or $40 for two.

Downtown Saline. 734-717-7406. salinemainstreet.org

The Taste of Saline is a celebration of the many talents of Saline area citizens and businesses and provides a unique opportunity to sample culinary treats and hear experience talented musicians, artists, and performers from the Saline area.

Ongoing Tuesdays

Thursdays

Ann Arbor Brewing Co., 114 E. Washington St. 734-213-1393. arborbrewing.com

6-11pm. The Bar, 327 Braun Ct. 734-585-5440. brauncourt.com

Take Away Tuesdays

Ofrenda

Enjoy $5 off growler fills when you spend $5. Also take advantage of the happy hour deals.

Gorge yourself on simple creations, fueled by a Chef’s passion for creating authentic Mexican food.

All Day Happy Hour

Saturdays

4-11pm. Melange Bistro.

312 S. Main St. 734-333-0202. melangebistro.com Free

Half-off bottles of beer, glasses of wine and well cocktails.

Only in our bar/lounge area.

DON’T FORGET

CAST YOUR VOTE 4 THE BEST OF WASHTENAW

PAGE 7

GLUTEN FREE • NON-GMO • NO PRESERVATIVES • CREATED LOCALLY

Thank you to all of our loyal customers!

Saturday Brunch

Noon-3pm. Bona Sera Cafe, 200 W. Michigan Ave. 734-340-6335. eatypsi.com/brunch

Every Saturday at Bona Sera: A signature brunch menu with Fritattas and grits, (and more) and a bottomless bloody Mary and mimosa bar.

Complimentary Wine Tastings

3-5pm. Produce Station, 1629 S. State St. 734-663-7848. producestation. com Free

Taste two hand selected wines from the Produce Station’s eclectic selection.

THIRSTY? Stop in for one of our unique and delicious Specialty Drinks! Strawberry

Basil Mojito

Tropical Upside Down Daiquiri

South Lyon 248.437.8000 Dexter 734.424.1400 visit annarbortortilla.com to see where you can find our products

IT’S YOUR PLACE!

aubrees.com

ecurrent.com / april 2015 19

music

Once upon a time, Nirvana was the third band on the bill

Kurt Cobain Found Nirvana At the Blind Pig

By Nick Soulsby

Ann Arbor has scorched a burn-mark on the skin of rock music, and the hottest fires have been kindled at the Blind Pig. This month marks the 25th anniversary of Nirvana’s April 10, 1990 show at the Pig, a reminder of its impressive pedigree. The gig went so well, in fact, that Cobain later claimed that the Blind Pig was his all-time favorite venue.

Nirvana’s first show at the Pig, the previous October, supporting the Flaming Lips and Steel Pole Bathtub, left Nirvana with something to prove. Technical problems forced them to reprise their first song as Cobain’s mic was off. Mike Morasky of Steel Pole Bathtub recalls Cobain and his bandmates, Krist Novoselic and Chad Channing, “had come down with something, maybe bronchitis? They all seemed tired, and getting a small audience excited on an off-night is tough.” Mike Hard of God Bullies, a noise-rock band out of Kalamazoo, heard from a friend in attendance that “people were flicking cigarettes and yelling ‘you suck!’ as well as other traditional rock phrases of encouragement…” And Nirvana’s response? “They grabbed each other’s backs and proceeded to kick some punk rock a**. They left their bodies and equipment on stage wrecked.”

25 years ago

The band returned in spring 1990 to settle the debt.

Kurt Danielson of the Seattle grunge band Tad retains fond memories of that moment: “We didn’t know where we were going or how fast, but we knew we were going somewhere. We knew Nirvana had something. We used to joke, ‘Oh you won’t forget about the little guys when you

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make it big?’ They’d laugh, ‘No, we won’t forget!’”

Ann Arbor lived up to its reputation. Danielson says, “The Blind Pig was a good venue. There’s this aura of Iggy and the Stooges hanging over the place, a real party atmosphere. Ann Arbor was one of the oases of activity at the time in between these long deserts where there was nothing. But Ann Arbor you could guarantee an audience.” In April of 1990, only days before they’d recorded the first demos for what evolved into Nevermind, Nirvana was on a roll. No quarter was given; the Blind Pig was to be conquered. Tim Soylan of the California punk band Victim’s Family remembers: “The club was overloaded, around 200 people. Tad rocked after us, then Nirvana brought the house down!”

Seeing the future

Jason Berry, longtime bookings man at the Blind Pig, remembers the night fondly, and also believes in celebrating the now. “To be the go-to spot for the grunge scene was very special. Scoring Nirvana just as they were on the verge of taking over the world was a great accomplishment. Similar to how it is today, you could swap out ‘grunge’ for ‘hip hop.’ Scoring Wiz Khalifa, A$AP Rocky and Macklemore just before they blew up is gratifying, in exactly the same way that scoring Nirvana was.”

There’s always a new Nirvana out there, so keep an eye on the Blind Pig—it sees the future.

Kurt Danielson’s new outfit Vaporland have their debut release out on Van Conner’s Strange Earth Records. Victim’s Family continue to perform. Nick Soulsby’s book I Found My Friends: the Oral History of Nirvana was released on March 31.

music

Saturday 4 / Hill Auditorium

From Bossa Nova to social activism, Gilberto Gil’s influence has reached Amazonian proportions. While studying business administration in college, Gil first heard João Gilberto on the radio. Inspired, he bought a guitar and learned to play and sing bossa nova.

He has worked with Jimmy Cliff, Fela Kuti, and Stevie Wonder, and now at 72, the Brazilian singer-songwriter brings his Tropicália style to Ann Arbor. $14-$66. 8pm.

Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave. 734-764-2538. ums.org—BB

Photo by Mark Gjukich Photography

Gilberto Gil

Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea Thursday 16 / Hill Auditorium

These two jazz juggernauts crossed paths in 1968, holding successive positions of piano chair in Miles Davis’ band. A decade later, they toured together as an acousPhoto by Douglas Kirkland tic piano duo. Both artists went on to innovative and world-renowned solo and collaborative projects. Now, after successful careers as musicians and composers, the chance to watch Hancock and Corea join forces again is the jazz piano equivalent to Halley’s comet. $35-$110. 7:30pm. Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave. 734-764-2538. ums.org —RC

Ongoing: Mondays

Open Mic Night

7:30 pm. The Plymouth Coffee Bean, 884 Penniman Ave, Plymouth.

734-454-0178. plymouthcoffeebean.com Free

Give it all you got in this intimate setting at a small-town coffee shop!

Live Jazz

6-8pm. Chelsea Alehouse Brewery, 420 N. Main St. #100, Chelsea.

734-433-5500. chelseaalehouse.com Free

Live Music Mondays 8pm. ABC Microbrewery, 720 Norris St. 734-480-2739. arborbrewing.com Free

Eclectic musicians fill the brew hall at the local ABC Microbrewery.

Tuesdays

Crossroad’s Showcase Tuesdays 7pm. Crossroad’s Bar & Grill, 517 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti.

734-340-5597. Free

Check out local bands during this weekly showcase!

1 wednesday Czechmate

8pm. $10/student, $20/general admission, $30-$40/assigned rows.

Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. 4th Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Two masterpieces of Czech vocal music presented by master artists, featuring a free preconcert talk with Prof. Timothy Cheek.

Horse Feathers

8pm. $15. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. 734-996-8555. blindpigmusic.com

Stunning group from rural Oregon, with influences from Paul Simon to Van Morrison. Opener is River Whyless

2 thursday Guitjo & Cello

Noon-1pm. University Hospital Main Lobby: Floor 1, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr. 734-936-4000. med.umich.edu/goa Free

Featuring Colorado performing artists Joe Scott on double neck guitjo and Hannah Alkire

cont. on page 23

ecurrent.com / april 2015 21

music

Rockin’ For the Sake of Rockin’ Jon Spencer Blues Explosion

Judah Bauer, Jon Spencer and Russell Simins take their NYC Rock on the road to Ann Arbor

By Jeff Milo

Three words describe the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion: unbridled, edgy, turbulent.

But “tighter, more focused, more crisp and defined” happen to be the words of Jon Spencer himself, on the line with Current from New York, when discussing the group’s latest release, their 12th full-length in 25 years, Freedom Tower.

For a group heretofore known for their glorious grimy sound and buzzsaw energy, as well as muscularly gospelizing the purity of seminal blues and howl-it-out-loud rock n’ roll, it’s notable when a couple other words Spencer uses to describe Freedom Tower include “dance party.”

“We’re trying to make our kind of record or, rather, our own kind of dance party,” said Spencer. “And, that idea definitely informed the choice of recording studio and the way we wrote the songs.”

Spencer, guitar grasped tightly, ignites the mic with characteristically fervent vocalizations while Judah Bauer shreds and scintillates some heavy blues leads on the guitar, and Russell Simins puts on a rhythmic clinic that blends primal rock stomp into a composite of stylish hip hop shuffle and funky shakeability.

The Goal

“Ultimately, we’re making records for ourselves,” Spencer said of their unique interpretation of amped up dance-rock. “The Blues Explosion always have, and you’d only have to listen to the records to get that. Freedom Tower is tighter compared to Meat & Bone (2013), which was pretty raw and blown out.”

The Blues Explosion isn’t thinking about airplay when they start a new record. There’s no agenda to craft a sellable single. “Sure, it’s nice to have people like what we do,” Spencer admits, “but I think the band has definitely, or at least I have definitely, been interested in getting way out there… and in different ways.”

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“I’ve always been interested in losing myself in a performance, in the music, in the moment,” Spencer said.

“That has an historical precedent as well; look at the early rockabilly singers who talked about getting crazy or wild.

It’s like science-fiction, the way people talk about rock n’ roll as if it were something that came down from Mars.

That’s a very beautiful concept and I think very true. Rock n’ roll is something bizarre and alien, in a way.”

Freedom Tower, be one of the most personal and creatively fulfilling records that JSBX has produced, the album is a collage of lyrical odes (some laments and some celebrations) of various cultural facets vital to the enrichment of their New York based scene.

“For me, the big impression comes from back in the late 70s and early 80s when it (NYC) was in desperate times and it was a dangerous place, but, at the same time, it was a place where there was a lot of fantastic things happening. The reason I moved here was to be apart of that scene. If you wanted to be around like-minded people, you moved to the city and New York was the biggest and the best. Blues Explosion is very much a product of New York.”

Spencer recorded Freedom Tower (available via Mom+Pop Music) at the legendary Daptone House Of Soul in Bushwick (Brooklyn) and mixed with hip-hop cult legend Alap Momin in Harlem. With this record and their signature style of rock, Spencer sees the Blues Explosion as “part of the tradition that is still rebellious, a bit anti- or contrary. That’s why we’re not driving around in Cadillacs with millions of dollars, ‘cuz we’re still playing true rock n’ roll. We are still the rebels that we’ve always been; I’m talking about the Blues Explosion!”

Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Doors 8pm, Wednesday, April 22, The Blind Pig, 208 S. 1st St, Ann Arbor., $18 adv / $20 day of show, 18+ / , blindpigmusic.com

music

cont. from page 21 on cello, Acoustic Eidolon has graced stages throughout the US, Europe, Australia and Canada.

Bishop/Cleaver/Flood has been performing with the same personnel since 1996. Founded on an uncompromising group dynamic and aesthetic freedom, B/C/F draws from a wide variety of composition and improvisational frameworks.

Shakey Graves

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

Indie-folk band brings it’s dark and earthy sound, with opener Nikki Lane.

Duane Allen Harlick

8:30-10:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net Free

3 friday

Duane Allen Harlick is a multiaward winning singer/songwriter/guitarist offering a vast mix of original music drawn from pop, rock, jazz, R&B, country and other American roots.

Klezmephonic

8pm. $5/student, $15/general admission, $20-$30/assigned rows.

Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. 4th Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Sweet cradle songs and hot American vaudeville tunes are brought to life by the Ann Arborbased band KLEZMEPHONIC.

8pm. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. 4th Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytownconcerthouse.com Free

Charlie Mosbrook

8:30-10:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net Free

His most recent and greatly lauded 11th CD, “A Time Long Gone,” captures and celebrates simple moments in time from Charlie’s life that he wants to share with his listeners.

4 saturday Bishop/Cleaver/Flood

8pm. $5/student, $10/general admission, $20-$25/assigned rows.

Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. 4th Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

6 monday Mad About Chamber Music

Select students from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater and Dance Piano Chamber Music program perform.

8 wednesday Kacey Musgraves

7pm. $35-$50. The Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

Texas-native and Nashvillebased singer/songwriter, Kacey Musgraves released her Mercury Records Nashville debut

album, Same Trailer, Different Park, in the spring of 2013 to massive critical acclaim and recognition. The album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart making her the first solo female in five years to open at No. 1 with a rookie release.

9 thursday Futuristic with Sam Lachow

9pm. $12 adv./ $14 day of. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. 734-996-8555. blindpigmusic.com

Spellbinding DJ set with stunning visuals.

Robert Earl Keen

8pm. $45. The Ark, 316 S. Main St. 734-761-1451. theark.org

Texas Bluegrass musician declares that “the road goes on forever, and the party never ends.”

10 friday Ruth and Max Bloomquist

8:30-10:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net Free

Ruth and Max Bloomquist have been making music together since they met and discovered their shared love, not only for each other, but also for music and songs made with acoustic instruments and featuring lyrics from the heart.

Kodak to Graph

9pm. $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

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

Smooth grooves to sooth any mood. Openers are Big Wild and Obeson.

Don Campbell

8pm. $15. Greenwood Coffee House, 1001 Green Rd. 734-665-8558. greenwoodcoffeehouse.org

The Americana group from Portland plays the coffeehouse.

Steve Rich and Tim Prosser 7-9:30pm. Silvio’s Organic Pizza, 715 N. University Ave. 734-213-6666. silviosorganicpizza.com Free

Tim Prosser (the mandolin maniac) and Steve Rich bring listeners a cornucopia of acoustic folk, pop, and originals with voice, guitar, and mandolin.

Plus - a surprise special guest every time.

11 saturday Mad About Chamber Music

7pm. $5/student, $15/general admission, $20-$30/assigned rows.

Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. 4th Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Susan Chastain sings her heart out with Paul Keller on bass, and Phil DeGreg on piano. An Additional show will take place at 9pm.

cont. on page 24

Sunday, April 26, 3:30pm • Saturday, May 23, 2:30pm Towsley Auditorium, Washtenaw Community College www.ypsilantisymphony.org

ecurrent.com / april 2015 23

music

Jazz Standards: Rob Crozier Trio

Noon-1pm. University Hospital Main Lobby: Floor 1, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr. 734-936-4000. med.umich.edu/goa

Madeleine Peyroux

Monday 20 / The Ark

Madeleine Peyroux’s smokey voice sounds as good in French as it does in English, and she pulls off Bob Dylan as well as she does Elliot Smith. Born in Georgia, Peyroux grew up in New York and Paris.

At 16 she joined a band of buskers and toured Europe performing jazz standards. Now, nine albums later, she takes her globally seasoned show to the stage at 8pm, Monday 20th, The Ark 316 S. Main St. 734-761-1451, $47.50. —BB

Bassist and bandleader Rob Crozier provides a fun, eclectic look at jazz standards and beyond. From hymns to folk songs, tin pan alley to modern jazz, this group keeps it moving.

Crozier is joined by veteran drummer Pete Siers and Keaton Royer on piano.

17 friday Flint Eastwood

8pm. $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

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

The feisty rock group from Detroit with a powerful female lead plugs in at the Pig. Openers include Rocky Loves Emily, Jack and the Bear, and San Cristobal.

Heartache and Redemption

7-9:30pm. Silvio’s Organic Pizza, 715 N. University Ave. 734-213-6666. silviosorganicpizza.com Free

Heartache and Redemption features Americana tunes by singer-guitarist Vicki Dischler and bassist Kevin Lentz.

Vulfpeck

Oliver Mtukudzi and the Black Spirits

Friday 24 / Blind Pig

If you don’t know who Vulfpeck is, you haven’t been paying attention. This A2 funk squad made national headlines last year with their Sleepify Tour—an admission-free tour funded by fans streaming the silent “Sleepify” album on repeat while they slept, multiplying the less-than-a-cent royalty rate Spotify pays artists. But Vulfpeck is more than a clever sales gimmick. From Joe Dart’s funktastic in-the-pocket bass groove to Jack Stratton’s boom-bip, these guys know how to lay it down and have fun doing it. $20, 9pm. Special guest: The Euphonics, The Blind Pig, Friday, 24, 208 S 1st St, (734) 996-855.—BB

cont. from page 23 Sigrid Christiansen

8:30-10:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net Free

Sigrid Christiansen is an acoustic folk singer and songwriter from the Detroit area. She also hosts a well-known and wellrespected house concert series, Stone House Concerts, in the intimate setting of her lovely Detroit home.

12 sunday Pauline Martin’s Quintessence

4pm. $5/student, $15/general admission, $20-$30/assigned rows.

Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. 4th Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

This evening’s program features Piano Quintets by Franck and Shostakovich.

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14 tuesday Boa Constrictors

7pm. $5. Plymouth Ann Arbor Elks Lodge #325, 41700 Ann Arbor Rd., Plymouth. 734-453-1780. plymouthannarborelks325.com

Chase away the income tax blues with The Boa Constrictors, big favorites from the Blues Festival last summer.

thrusday Chick Corea and Herbie Hancock

7:30 pm. $45. Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave. 734-764-2538. umich.edu/~muto/venues.html

The two haven’t recorded together since 1978, but they have reunited for acclaimed duo appearances and join forces for an evening that is sure to be one of the most memorable of the season.

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8pm. $18-$45. The Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

Zimbabwe’s Afropop legend Oliver Mtukudzi is gifted with a deep and gutsy voice plus a talent for writing songs that reflect on the daily life and struggles of his people.

Davey O.

8:30-10:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net Free

Embarking on a decade-plus journey that has resulted in a collection of justly-earned, highly introspective songs, Buffalo, NY born and bred Davey O crafts pure Americana that is not of the social and political consciousness, but is drawn instead from the deep well of experience and human emotion - no hackneyed story lines, no insincere polish, just an unflinching poet’s look at life.

18 saturday Fab Faux

8pm. $29.50-$60. The Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

The entirety of Rubber Soul and Magical Mystery Tour are performed by The Beatles super cover band.

Dan Hazlett

8:30-10:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net Free

Dan Hazlett is truly the epitome of a modern day musical Renaissance man and it’s simply impossible to place his body of work into a pre-defined musical niche.

21 tuesday Jon Spencer Blues Explorsion

8pm. $18/adv., $20/at the door. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. 734-996-8555. blindpigmusic.com

Get taken away on a blues cruise on this night, with rockin’ riffs and long hair.

23 thursday Celtic, Great Lakes, & Vintage Music

University Hospital Main Lobby: Floor 1, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr. Noon-1pm. 734-936-4000. med.umich.edu/goa Free

Since June of 2013, Catbird Seat has been performing harmony vocals with autoharp, dulcimers, flute & guitar for a wide variety of Michigan audiences.

24 friday Nicholas James Thomasma and Clouds

8:30-10:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net Free

Nik professes real love for the region in earthy, country-imbued songs drenched in honesty and authenticity. Kind, approachable, thoughtful and passionate, he is the embodiment of that socially conscience songwriter with a guitar strapped to his back.

Nut Shell

7-9:30pm. Silvio’s Organic Pizza, 715 N. University Ave. 734-213-6666. silviosorganicpizza.com Free

The Ann Arbor-based group Nutshell call themselves a “Celtic Roots Band.” They use the traditional music of Ireland, Scotland, and Cape Breton as a starting point for creating their own sound.

John Flynn

8pm. $15. Greenwood Coffee House, 1001 Green Rd. 734-665-8558. greenwoodcoffeehouse.org

A seasoned acoustic musician plays his new CD Poor Man’s Diamonds.

29 wednesday Nick Hakim

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

Solo-loop master brings his New York City flavor and chilling vocals

30 thursday International Jazz Day with Vincent York

8pm. $10/student, $20/general admission, $30-$40/assigned rows.

Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. 4th Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Jazz music that originated in America will be celebrated around the world as an educational tool, and a force for peace, unity, dialogue, and enhanced cooperation among people.

4 saturday Ghostbusters & Ghostbusters 2

Midnight. $8. State Theater, 233 S. State St. 734-761-8667. michtheater.org

Double bill of these classic comedies about a team of peppy ghost exorcists.

Modernist Cinema of the 1930’s: Modern Times 4pm. $5. Detroit Film Theatre, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit.

313-833-7900. dia.org

Charles Chaplin’s Modern Times is a daring romantic comedy about working class struggle and inequity during the Great Depression and is every bit as relevant and moving in this century as it was in the last.

9 thursday Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine

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

Screening of Michele Jouse’s 2012 documentary about the life of the gay University of Wyoming student who was murdered in 1998.

11 saturday How to Train Your Dragon 2

9am. Quality 16, 2666 Jackson Rd. 734-623-7469.

The film is in part of the Spring Free Movie Series, featuring an animated action film set in a Viking village.

12 sunday The Secret of Nimh

1:30pm. $10/general admission, $8/Students, seniors, veterans, $7.30/MembersMichigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

Suspenseful. heartwarming, this beautifully animated adventure, an adaptation of Robert O’Brien’s children’s novel about a mild-mannered mother field mouse with a plan to move house and home to save her family from Farmer Fitzgibbon’s plow.

14 tuesday Horror Short Film Fest: Part 2

8-11pm. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery, 720 Norris St. 734-480-2739. arborbrewing.com Free

Have the pants scared off of you at short intervals during this Horror Short Film Fest.

17 friday 2014 Italian Film Festival Lorch Hall Askwith Auditorium, 611 Tappan. 248-917-2352. italianfilmfests.org Free

Three Italian Films will be shown on three days. Runs until April 19. Leopardi on Friday at 7:30pm, The Dinner on Saturday at 5pm, and Remember Me on Sunday at 7:30pm are the three films to be shown.

18 saturday Madonna: Truth or Dare Midnight. $8. State Theater, 233 S. State St. 734-761-8667. michtheater.org

Documentay about Madonna’s 1990 “Blond Ambition” world tour.

20 monday Never A Bystander

7-8:30pm. Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room, 343 S. 5th Ave. 734-327-4555. aadl.org Free

Join for a viewing and discussion of acclaimed documentary about Holocaust Survivor Dr. Irene Butter. A discussion with Irene and filmmaker will follow.

24 friday Free the Mind

7pm. Jewel Heart Buddhist Center, 1129 Oak Valley Dr. 734-994-3387. jewelheart.org Free

Documentary about the work of renowned neurologist Richard Davidson exploring the nature of consciousness and the results of his studies, undertaken at the behest of the Dalai Lama, that he used in his work with soldiers with PTSD and kids with ADHD.

The Yellow Ticket

7pm. Detroit Film Theatre, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit.

313-833-7900. dia.org Free

German/Polish silent film follows a woman as she hides her Jewish identity in order to attend medical school in a insatiable desire to be a doctor.

25 saturday Salad Days: The Birth of Hardcore Punk in the Nation’s Capital

9:30pm. $10/General admission, $8/ Students, seniors, veterans, $7.30/ Members. The Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. michtheater.org 734-668-8463.

A documentary-in-progress that examines the fertile Washington, DC punk scene of the 1980s.

Saturday Animation Club: A Letter to Momo 4pm. $5. Detroit Film Theatre, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit.

313-833-7900. dia.org

The last time Momo saw her they had a fight, and all she has to remember him is an incomplete letter. Momo soon discovers a rare spirit creature lives in her attic.

27 monday Who Framed Roger Rabbit 7pm. $10/General admission, $8/ Students, seniors, veterans, $7.30/ Members. The Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

In this film, whacked-out Roger Rabbit is framed for the murder of human nightclub owner Marvin Acme. Private detective Eddie Valiant reluctantly agrees to clear Roger of the accusation.

film

Ann Arbor JCC Film Festival

Each spring, the Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor presents the Jewish Film Festival. This year’s festival includes documentaries, dramas, historical reenactments, and comedies.

Above and Beyond follows a group of Jewish American pilots, in 1948, who secretly smuggle planes out of the U.S., train behind the Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia, and fly for Israel during its War of Independence. Hunting Elephants, starring Patrick Stewart, follows a 12 year old boy as he recruits three senior citizens to help him rob a bank. $10 each.

A six-pack of tickets for $50 is available by advance purchase only. Student tickets are $5.

Tickets are not film specific. April 12-16, Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. jccannarbor.org

Salad Days: The Birth of Hardcore Punk in the Nation’s Capital

In 1606, Shakespeare coined the phrase salad days—a time when one is green in judgement, throwing caution to the wind and giving in to passions and ideals.

In Washington D.C, in the 1980s, while the majority of the country got down to Go-Go music, groups like Bad Brains, Fugazi, Minor Threat, and Beefeater were screaming and thrashing to thousands of angsty fans, immortalizing themselves as Lords in the kingdom of hardcore punk. Salad Days: The Birth of Hardcore Punk in the Nation’s Capital documents their rise and the punk movement’s lasting significance.

Following the film, a panel of guests speakers will take questions. Saturday 25, 9:30pm. State Theater, 233 S. State St. 734-761-8667. michtheater.org

29 wednesday SOMM

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

Four wine stewards prepare to take the grueling Master Sommelier Exam.

LAST E CHANC E! TO VOT

See pgs

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theater Talley’s Folly Love blooms overnight

By Sandor Slomovits

Talley’s Folly, Lanford Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize winning play, is the Purple Rose Theatre’s spring offering. Fitting for the season, it’s a romantic comedy about an apparently mismatched couple, Matt and Sally, who, in the course of a single night, discover what they share and how they might, in fact, be a perfect match. Angie Kane Ferrante, who has been associated with the Purple Rose since the spring of 2012, first as a directing intern, then as choreographer, and most recently as stage manager, will direct her first play at the theatre.

Angie Kane Ferrante: I enjoy wearing lots of hats, but I love directing most of all. I’m used to choreographing, looking for props, doing stage management, so transitioning here before directing was normal, but definitely directing is the most exciting to me.

Current: Tell us about Talley’s Folly.

Lanford says, and I think it’s true, that it’s a valentine.

We get a glimpse inside the world of these two people.

As you said that your hands mimed focusing binoculars.

Yes, you get a little tiny peep into this world, into this one night that transpires between these two people, that changes them completely. Matt has this line, “You know, you can put on a pretty dress, or you can tell me to go away, but you can’t put on a pretty dress and tell me to go away.” That sort of captures the play, it’s very much an advance and retreat, it’s about love and making a decision to move toward it.

Talley’s Folly has only two characters, but some people have referred to the Victorian boathouse where the play is set, and which is the play’s title, as the third character.

We have a really great set designer, Sarah Pearline.

She and I had some preliminary conversations and we were very much on the same page right from the beginning. We talked about what we thought the play was about and we came up with the idea of a treasure and a treasure chest. This place is very much like an imaginary and a literal treasure chest. There are various levels to play with and there’s a boat. We discussed using real water, we discussed using reflective surfaces… Everybody is so excited

Director Angie Kane Ferrante

to work on this play. I’ve been running the production meetings for other shows for years now and I’ve never seen a group of designers just wanting to keep talking (the way they did) about this design. It’s a place that someone in Sally’s family had built a long time ago. She goes there when she needs to get away. Some pretty significant moments in her life happened in this Folly, in this place.

I hope that people, even though maybe they didn’t live this, will see themselves in this story and get swept up in it, and get totally lost in it. Lanford writes that way. Before you realize it you’ve been cast in this spell. I think people will walk away smiling.

Talley’s Folly by Lanford Wilson, April 2 through May 23. Purple Rose Theater, 137 Park St, Chelsea, MI 48118, (734) 433-7673. purplerosetheatre.org

Tuesdays

Comedy Open Mic Night

Salvage

The shy owner of a collectables store in Detroit finds his staid existence turned topsy-turvy when a mysterious women enters his life with valuable and inexplicable items that should not exist anymore. This show unites writer Joseph Zettlemaier and director Joey Albright. $13.50-$41. Opens April 23. 2-4 pm on Sundays, 3-5 pm on Saturdays, 8-10 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and 7:30-9:30 pm on Thursdays. Continues through May 24 at Performance Network Theater, 120 E Huron St, Ann Arbor, 734-663-0681. pntheatre.org.

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8pm. Joey’s Comedy Club, 36071 Plymouth Rd., Livonia. 734-261-0555. joeyscomedyclub.net Free

Every Tuesday night, Joey’s hosts “The World’s Greatest Open Mic” This is where the funny (and not so funny) get their start. You be the judge.

5 sunday Closing Show: Stones in his Pockets

Performance times can be found online. $12.50-$41. Performance Network Theater, 120 E. Huron St. 734-663-0681. pntheatre.org

This award-winning comedy features two 30-somethings who meet while working as extras, in Ireland, on a big American

movie shoot. Charlie’s video shop in Ballycastle has gone bankrupt and Jake has returned to Kerry after a futile few years in the US. The movie is a wonderful break from worrying about their futures, until the harsh realities of rural life set in.

9 thursday The Mikado (or The Town of Titipu) 8pm April 9, 10, 11, 2pm April 11 and 12. $5-$20. Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 N. University, Ann Arbor MI

The play opens in the town of Titipu where a travelling minstrel comes to sell his services. The minstrel, Nanki-Poo, primarily wants to wed a girl he’s fallen in love with but the maid, Yum-Yum, remains betrothed to Ko-Ko even though Ko-Ko was condemned to death for flirting.

Through April 12.

Iphigenia at Aulis

7:30pm Thursday, 8pm Friday and Saturday, 2pm Sunday. $28/GA, $10/ students. Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin Ave. 734-764-2538.

Malcolm Tulip directs U-M theatre students in English playwright Don Taylor’s acclaimed 1990 translation of Euripides classical tragedy about the Greek king Agamemnon, who faces an impossible choice when a seer tells him that the only way to win the Trojan War is to sacrifice his eldest daughter. Through April 12.

Contemporary Dance

University Hospital Main Lobby: Floor 1, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr. Noon-1pm. 734-936-4000. med.umich. edu/goa Free

For over 25 years, the U-M Department of Dance Freshmen Touring Company has provided first year dance majors the opportunity to learn and perform around southeastern Michigan.

Green Opera

8pm. Walgreen Drama Center: Stamps Auditorium, 1226 Murfin Ave. 734-764-2538. umich.edu Free

Experience U-M opera students in one-act versions of two Mozart operas, sung in Italian, with English dialogue. Also on April 10.

10 friday Opening Night: Legally Blonde

7pm Thursday - Saturday, 2pm Sunday. $15/general admission, $12/ students. EMU Quirk Theatre, 900 Oakwood Ave. 734-487-2282. emich.edu

This performance features EMU drama students in Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin’s Broadway musical, based on the popular 2001 movie, about a bubble-headed sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend.

Through April 19.

13 monday West Side Story Auditions 7pm. Tappan Middle School, 2251 E. Stadium Blvd. 734-786-3868. a2ic.org Free

Ann Arbor In Concert is holding auditions for one of the most memorable musicals and greatest love stories of all time. Also on April 14.

Let’s Put on A Play!

Celebrating 85 Years of the Ann Arbor Civic Theater

7-8:30pm. Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room, 343 S. 5th Ave. 734-327-8301. aadl.org Free

The evening includes local Ann Arbor Civic Theatre celebrities: musical performances from Follies, Chicago, and Guys and Dolls; previews from upcoming productions of Rent and 101 Dalmatians; a digital look at past productions, and the official announcement of A2CT’s 20152016 season. Refreshments will be served.

14 tuesday The Moth Storyslam Grandslam

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

Winners of Monthly Moth Ann Arbor Storyslams attempt to tell the best story in this championship finale event.

Love Songs of Krishna and Radha: Gita Govinda representations in Odissi Dance and South Asian Art

theater of talking animals and mythical creatures that the White Witch has ruled for 100 years of deep winter. Runs until April 19.

The Laugh Riot Dolls xxx

An all-female cabaret style comedy show with professional stand-up comedy, following a sold out show in February.

Shrek: The Musical

7pm Friday & Saturday, 3pm Sunday. $10. Washington Street Education Center, 500 Washington St., Chelsea.

734-274-0453.

Young local actors present a junior version of David LindsayAbaire and Jeanine Tesori’s musical, based on the 2001 film, an appealingly subversive fairy tale about a kindhearted but misanthropic green ogre who is tasked with rescuing a princess. Through April 19.

The Play’s the Thing

8pm. A2CT Studio Theater, 322 W. Ann St. 734-971-0605. a2ct.org

Ann Arbor Civic Theater presents a unique collaboration between playwrights and audience members which allows playwrights hear their works read and to receive feedback from the audience. April Showers Bring May Flowers is the show up for discussion. 2pm Sunday.

18 saturday UNclub All Stars]

8pm. $10. The Mix Studio Theater, 8 N. Washington St., Ypsilanti.

734-985-0875. emergentarts.com

The Mix with an all star performance by the very best comics who have appeared at The Mix UNclub Sunday night standup show.

22 wednesday Royal Shakespeare Company Live in HD: Much Ado About Nothing or Love’s Labour’s Won 7pm. $18/members, $22/general admission. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

Shakespeare’s comic romance plays out amidst the brittle high spirits of a post-war house party, as youthful passions run riot, lovers are deceived and happiness is threatened - before peace ultimately wins the day.

25 saturday Peter Pan the Musical

7:30pm. $35. Jane Tasch Performing Arts Theatre, 2130 E. M36, Pinckney. pinckneyplayers.com

The classic tale of Pan and Neverland. Come along for the adventure with The Lost Boys, Wendy, Captain Hook and all the rest. Show runs the following day at 2pm.

7-9pm. UMMA: Helmut Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State St. 734-615-9815. umma.umich.edu Free

Noted Indian classical dancers Sreyashi Dey from Ann Arbor and Vishnu Tattva Das from California come together to perform an evening of Odissi dance based on one of the most lyrical and poetic works from India, the 12th-century poet Jayadeva’s celebrated work, the Gita Govinda.

16 thursday Hash Tag Comedy Show

8pm. $8. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 212 S. 4th Ave. 734-996-9080. aacomedy.com

The evening features performances with audience participation, both live and via social media.

17 friday The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - C.S. Lewis

7pm. $5/$10. Riverside Arts Complex, 76 N Huron St., Ypsilanti.

734-926-5629. aayag.org

Follow the story of four English children during their World War II evacuation from London.

While playing one rainy afternoon, they discover a door into another world: Narnia, a land

ecurrent.com / april 2015 27

art

Art Beat

The Incredible Sara Adlerstein-Gonzalez

By Louis Meldman

S

ara Adlerstein-Gonzalez moved to Ann Arbor in 2001 and since has been one of the amazing, highenergy people who give it such great character. She has two careers, both successful, sometimes blended.

On the one hand she is a visual artist, curator and arts promoter. On the other hand, she is a bio-environmental scientist who has conducted significant research on multiple continents. Adlerstein sees art and science as pursuits that naturally, creatively go together “like air and water.”

Adlerstein was born in Chile and grew up in the shadow of the General Pinochet junta which overthrew the elected President Allende in 1973. It’s easy to be enamored with water in Chile, with 2,700 miles of ocean coastChannels by Sara line, and it was there, Adlerstein-Gonzalez at the University of Concepcion, that she entered into the study of aquatic ecosystems, earning a Master’s degree for her inquiry into phytoplankton. In the process she drew nearly 400 species, which would later greatly influence her paintings. In the 1980s Adlerstein decamped for Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. She was awarded a second Master’s degree and a Ph.D. for her doctoral research at the University of Washington, studying the growth patterns of sea snails by using photography and sketching, documenting 15-day

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growth periods caused by tides. It was that combination of painstaking record-keeping and creative intuition that characterized the work of Galileo and the early astronomers. At each stage Adlerstein used her scientific insights to inform her creative artistic output.

Adlerstein is a member of WSG Gallery on Main Street, where she displays her work and points up the gallery’s public relations. She teaches art classes at the University of Michigan Penny W. Stamps School of Art and Design, the Residential College and the Program for the Environment.

From her position as Research Scientist at the School of Natural Resources and Environment she is a major player in Sea Grant Michigan, dedicated to the protection and sustainable use of the Great Lakes. Think zebra mussels, Asian carp and oil pipeline breaks.

The final exhibition of the academic year at the Enviro Gallery is called “Compromised Beauty,” which runs through June 30. The show highlights the work of Jennifer Steensma Hoag, a conceptual artist who works in photography and video. Hoag earned her Master of Fine Art degree in Imaging Arts from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Her video work was screened at the 5th Cairo Video Festival and at the 4th International Conference on Fine and Performing Art in Athens. That’s Egypt and Greece, not Illinois and Georgia, in case you were wondering. She is a professor in the Department of Art & Art History at Calvin College, where she has taught for the past twenty years and which gave her a generous sabbatical leave so she could mount this exhibit. “Compromised Beauty” is a collection of gorgeous landscape photographs with unobtrusive but unmistakable figures in Hazmat suits. You don’t notice the figures at first, but when you do you get the point, subtle but powerful. Thank you, Ms. Adlerstein, for mounting this show. I don’t know how you do it, but keep up the amazing work!

Opening reception on Monday, April 6, 4-5pm, Dana Building, 440 Church Street, on the northeast corner of the diag. The Gallery is at same location and runs through June 30.

Ongoing Sculpture Walk

Downtown Chelsea, Chelsea.

734-433-0826 chelsearivergallery.com.

Outdoor sculptures made of various mediums are displayed around downtown Chelsea through May 2015.

Hana HamplovĂĄ: Meditations on Paper

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

Czech photographer Hana Hamplova will display her works at the University of Michigan Museum of Art. Hamplova developed her body of work, which examines how access to the written word affects society and drives at the fragility of written history, during the 1970s. Tuesday through Saturday 11am-5pm; closed Mondays; Sunday 12-5pm.

Medicinal Plants and Gardens

11am-5pm. UMMA, 525 S. State St. 734-764-1354. umma.umich.edu Free

UMMA will exhibit rarely seen archival plant specimens, with historic photos, and a drawing of the new garden.The exhibition celebrates the opening of the new Medical Garden at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens, aiming to explore the botanical origins of historical and current medicines, and to examine the relationship between plants and human health.

1 wednesday Death Dogs

9am-4pm Monday-Friday, 1-4pm Saturday & Sunday. Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, 434 S. State St. 734-764-9304. lsa.umich.edu Free

An exhibit featuring “The Jackal Gods of Ancient Egypt� and other collected artifacts from Egypt.

2 thursday Painter and Poets Project Unveilling

5-7pm. U-M Institute for the Humanities Building, 202 S. Thayer St. 734-936-3518. umich.edu Free

Don’t miss this round table discussion with Brooklyn-based painter Frank Born, and seven poets who sat with Born for 20 or more hours to be painted during his UM residency.

Penny W. Stamps Series: Kent Monkman 5pm. The Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org Free

Through a variety of mediums, including painting, film/video, performance, and installation, Kent Monkman explores themes of colonization, sexuality, loss, and resilience - the complexities of historic and contemporary Native American experience.

UMMA Student Late Night

art

8pm. UMMA, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu

Organized by U-M students for U-M students, the 6th annual Student Late Night event will be a creative explosion, featuring hands-on art making activities, original performances, swinging sounds and free food.

3 friday Chelsea on Canvas

8:30am-5:30pm Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Saturdays & Sundays.

Silber Maples of Chelsea, 100 Silver Maples Dr. 734-475-4111. silvermaples.org

The 4th annual art show/sale includes watercolor, pastel and mixed media. Through June 25.

5 sunday Closing Exhibit: Storytelling Whimsical Sculpture

8am-8pm. Gifts of Art Gallery Taubman Health Center North Lobby, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr. 734-936-2787. med.umich.edu/goa Free

By combining animal and human forms with their characteristics, the clay sculptures created by Leanne Schnepp tell stories of connection and transformation.

Closing Exhibit: Playground Valentine: Art Jewelry & Objects by Amber D. Harrison

Hide and Seek by Mishka Colombo, Cranbrook Academy of Art

Re-imagining Gender

The gender spectrum ranges linearly from 100% male to 100% female, with states of androgyny in between. And today, the distinction between gender identity and biological sex has never been sharper and, concurrently, blurrier. The U-M Institute for Research on Women and Gender and the Women’s Studies Department presents this important exhibition: Re-imagining Gender. MFA students enrolled at Michigan and CIC member universities (Big Ten Universities, University of Chicago) offer 17 works in a variety of media, including photography, paint, lithograph, mixed media, and video, which reflect various understandings of gender identity.

Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm, Lane Hall Gallery, 500 South State St. 734-764-1817.

8am-8pm. Gifts of Art Gallery Taubman Health Center North Lobby, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr. 734-936-2787. med.umich.edu/goa Free

Harrison works as a fabricator hand, cutting and forming each piece, while exploring the implementation of play.

Her goal is to transfer her own memories into a whimsical and wearable world, evoking the recollections or imaginations of others.

²8IZ MJNJU IBQQZ UP BO IPVS ³

Closing Exhibit: Life Line: Scratchboard Etchings by Susan S. Goesling

8am-8pm. Gifts of Art Gallery Taubman Health Center North Lobby, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr. 734-936-2787. med.umich.edu/goa Free

Using nature as her muse, Goesling scratches fine lines into a layer of ink until meticulous images appear in the clay.

Closing Exhibit: Stunningly Ordinary: Oil Painting by Amy Fell

8am-8pm. Gifts of Art Gallery Taubman Health Center North Lobby, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr. 734-936-2787. med.umich.edu/goa Free

Michigan based artist Amy Fell finds beauty and mystery in the everyday articles that surround us. Fell uses a variety of tech-

cont. on page 30

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ecurrent.com / april 2015   29

art

Last Call: Junk to Funk Call for Entries

Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh.

Artists, designers, ecologists and fashionistas are invited to create wearable and non-wearable pieces of art from recycled and repurposed materials. Garments will be featured in the Tecumseh Center for the Arts Junk to Funk! fashion show and may (with the artist’s permission) be included a silent auction. Repurposed furniture and art pieces are currently being accepted for the silent auction.

Proceeds benefit the Tecumseh Center for the Arts.

Friday April 10.

cont. from page 29 niques to celebrate the objects that provide comfort and support in our day-to-day lives.

The Way It Is by Rafael DeJesus

Prison Creative Arts Project

This year’s Prison Creative Arts Project exhibition includes more than 400 works of art by over 200 artists, highlighting the talents and inspiration found behind prison walls, encouraging the public to engage with the ideas and images generated by prisoners. The artists were invited to respond to the optional theme of self-representation.

10am-7pm, Tuesday - Saturday, and 12pm-6pm, Sunday - Monday. Runs through April 8. Duderstadt Center Gallery University of Michigan North Campus 2281 Bonisteel Boulevard Ann Arbor.

(734) 615-4325.

8 wednesday Closing Exhibit: Prison Creative Arts Project

Duderstadt Center Gallery, 2281 Bonisteel Blvd. 734-647-7673. prisonarts.org Free

See spotlight left.

10 friday Spring Collection

6-9pm; Gallery winter hours: noon6pm Tuesday-Wednesday, noon-9pm Thursday-Saturday, noon-5pm Sunday, closed Monday. WSG Gallery, 306 S. Main St. 734-761-2287. wsg-art.com

Each of the 16 WSG artist members created works of art on wood panels as a celebration of spring. The exhibit runs until May 2.

Fool Moon

6pm-midnight. Downtown Ann Arbor, Washington St. & Ashley St. wonderfoolproductions.org Free

This sublime moonlight event features enormous processions of community-made illuminated sculptures carried by dancing teams of merrymakers as they make their way downtown into the heart of Ann Arbor.

12 sunday

Enjoy an evening of stylish models, food, fun, fashion, and wine. The red-carpet comes alive with wearable eco-fashions created by local artists and designers.

24 friday Nerd Nite Ann Arbor 7-9:30pm. Live, 102 S. 1st St. 734-327-8301. aadl.org Free

For the uninitiated, Nerd Nite was started as a monthly event held in 70+ cities across the globe during which several folks give 18-21-minute funyet-informative presentations across all disciplines. Imagine learning about everything from math feuds or the science of the Simpsons, to the genealogy of Godzilla or debunking beer myths.

Closing Exhibit: Now or Never

8:30am-7pm. Audubon Room, Hatcher Graduate Library, 913 S. University Ave. lsa.umich.edu

The Francis W. Kelsey exhibit of photos, artifacts, and documents of the aftermath of WWI.

4th Friday Art Show

A new local tradition, kicking off Ann Arbor’s outdoor festival season, FestiFools is a gigantic public art spectacular, created by members of the community and U-M students.

Closing Exhibit: Ann Arbor Women Artists’ 2015 Spring Exhibit

Closing Exhibit: Curriculum of Color

Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-455. aadl.org

Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor Annual Student Art Exhibit consists of student art and schoolwork, with oil and watercolor paintings, drawings, and mosaics, as well as woodwork, sculpture and handwork.

2015 / ecurrent.com

6-8pm. $25. Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh.

5-8pm. Artistica Gallery, 3203 Broad St., Dexter. 734-426-1500.

14 tuesday

april

Junk to Funk

Festifools: Deja Fool 4-5pm. Downtown Ann Arbor, Washington St. & Ashley St. wonderfoolproductions.org Free

30

17 friday

This displays a collection of mosaics and stained glass by Karen Schulte.

29 wednesday 10am-9pm. Downtown Library & Mallets Creek Branches, 343 S. 5th Ave., 3090 E. Eisenhower Pkwy.

734-327-4555. aadl.org

This is the annual spring art show for the non-profit Ann Arbor Women Artists.

Searchable events updated daily at ecurrent.com

lit feature

Why We Live in the Dark Ages An Interview with poet Megan Levad

By Gina Balibrera

T

Language seems the key here--to knowledge, to discovery, to the dissemination of information, and to our utter, collective confusion. Levad explains, “This is the way people talk when they’re not answering questions. A lot more curiosity and a lot less finality.”

How does something work? Dark Ages speakers use language to pull apart apparently ineffable human advances. “Autotune” for example: in the poem’s final line, Levad supplies a silent truth that’s been staring down at me for years: “Britney Spears is always trying to prove to us that she is not a robot.” In my living room, Megan Levad says, “Poetry announces: I noticed something.”

A few nights later, at Old Town, a local haunt for literarians, I ask Levad about the title of her book. She responds rapidly, with her typical rigor and zest: “Why do we live in the dark ages? This is what my book is about, right?

Tracy K. Smith at Literati

Tracy K. Smith’s poetry collection Life on Mars won the Pulitzer Prize in 2012. Her poetry sits at the intersection of personal experience and world events. She comes to Literati on tour with her latest, Ordinary Light: A memoir. Friday, April, 24, 7:00pm, Literati Bookstore, 124 E. Washington St. Free. (734) 585-5567. literatibookstore.com—BB

“If we were to look at our own time as we look at the past, we might find that we are not the post-Enlightenment, empirical people we think we are. That we know most of what we know not through experience or evidence, but because someone told us. Now, that someone may be an expert in science or technology or history or culture, and not a priest or a king, but we still get our information from them through language. Very simplified language, actually...most of us don’t speak the language of our time any more than Medieval peasants spoke Latin.”

Our drinks, well Manhattans, arrive, and we clink glasses.

Levad continues: “What if we were more interested in how we get facts than in getting the facts right? What if knowledge transmission is more about the connection than about the information?”

Megan Levad is the author of Why We Live in the Dark Ages, the first selection in Tavern Books’ Wrolstad Contemporary Poetry Series. Her poems have appeared in Tin House, Granta Online, Fence, Denver Quarterly, Mantis, the Everyman’s Library anthology Killer Verse, and London art and fashion magazine AnOther. She also writes lyrics for composers Tucker Fuller and Kristin Kuster; she and Kristin will record an opera in 2015, thanks to a grant from OPERA America. A native of rural Iowa, Megan has lived in New York, Chicago, and now Ann Arbor, where she is the Assistant Director of the Helen Zell Writers’ Program at the University of Michigan.

Megan Levad reads from Why We Live In the Dark Ages at Literati Bookstore, 124 E Washington St, (734) 585-5567, on Monday April 20, at 7 pm.

Photo by Tina Chang

he poet Megan Levad is sitting on my couch. She’s telling me how a friend’s paraphrase of a science podcast became one of the principal voices of her book Why We Live in the Dark Ages, out on Tavern Books, March 2015.

“Even though on paper the way he was telling the story made no sense, I understood what he was saying.

It’s more human to get the facts wrong and tell a better story,” Megan says. “Emotional truth is reason, not the actual truth.”

The poems of Why We Live in the Dark Ages are written in a raw, spoken language, witty, flirtatious, often shaped as logical proofs, each “you know” and “oh” and “ugh” seemingly transcribed. The tonal effect is meticulous, inquisitive, warm-blooded, and assertive. And there are other voices here, too, each one searchingly describing curious phenomena, such as homeopathy, fur, Autotune, and “Great Men of Science,” who, are often neither men nor scientists, but figures like Anne Sexton and Koko the Gorilla.

“I was trying to get across the way language actually works. We’re in a place where we don’t have to have any human intelligence behind anything. So in Dark Ages there’s this voice that’s really trying to sort everything out,” the poet says.

Certain details are mystified, amplified, given a godly aura. In the poem “War,” Levad writes: “And there are a bunch of feet sort of too and those are under the spears and like, it’s like they’re all the heads with the eyes.”

ecurrent.com / april 2015 31

current reads

Local Reads Political Poetry with Gerry Fialka

6-9pm. Crazy Wisdom Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net

Local poets delve deep into timely current issues and events via live readings and new questions. What’s the difference between rights and responsibilities? What is the difference between revolution and rebellion?

16 Thursday

Better Off Read

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

This is a general fiction book club for adults. Registration required.

Richard Siken Q&A

2pm. Hopwood Room, 1176 Angel Hall, 505 S. State St. 734-764-8337. lsa.umich.edu/english/events Free

2 Thursday

This award-winning author of the poetry collection Crush has a second book: War of the Foxes. A Q&A with Siken to follow the discussion.

10:30am. Ypsilanti District Library, 5577 Whittaker Rd. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free

17 Friday

Thursday Morning Book Group

The Nick Adams Stories, by Ernest Hemingway is the story topic for this month’s discussion.

3 Friday

Fiction at Literati: Kristin Valdez Quade

Literati Bookstore, 124 E. Washington St.. 7pm.

734-585-5567. literatibookstore.com Free

Kristin Valdez Quade reads from her debut collection Night at the Fiestas: Stories, in part of the ongoing Fiction at Literati series.

4 Saturday

Used Book Sale

9am-3pm. Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St. 734-426-4477. dexter.lib.mi.us Free

The library’s book sale offers a variety of material from every genre.

13 Monday

Leo Strauss: Man of Peace Panel

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

Author Robery Howse, author of Leo Strauss: Man of Peace, will lead a panel discussion and a reading of his book.

14 Tuesday

How to Read Poetry

7-8:30pm. Ypsilanti District Library, 5577 Whittaker Rd. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free

In this final installment of a 4-part course, participants will cover a specific type of poetry, with a chance to read some of their own. Registration required.

Wednesday 15

Poetry Night with Laz Slomovitz

7-8pm. Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room, 343 S. 5th Ave. 734-327-8301. aadl.org

Laz Slomovits (of the folk duo Gemini) presents an evening of poetry accompanied by harmonica virtuoso Peter Madcat Ruth and Emmy award-winning keyboard player Brian Brill.

32

april

Crazy Wisdom Monthly Book Discussion

7:30-9am. Crazy Wisdom Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-9468. crazywisdom.net Free

Sacred Contracts: Awakening Your Divine Potential by Caroline Myss will be the book under discussion.

21 Tuesday

Elizabeth Berg

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

Elizabeth Berg, author of many bestselling novels, including Open House (an Oprah’s Book Club selection), will discuss her new book The Dream Lover.

Even in the Darkness: The Legacy of the Holocaust on the Next Generation and Researching Family Stories 7-8:30pm. Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room, 343 S. 5th Ave. 734-327-8301. aadl.org Free

Barbara will share the story of how 15 years of research, interviews, translations and international travel informed Even in Darkness, her debut novel, and how what she learned influenced her understanding of the Holocaust.

22 Wednesday

Poetry Night with Jeff Kass, Angel Nafis, Shira Erlichman & Volume Youth Poets

7-8:30pm.Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room, 343 S. 5th Ave. 734-327-8301. aadl.org Free

Ann Arbor’s own Jeff Kass, poets from Neutral Zone’s VOLUME Youth Poetry Project and the spoken word artists Angel Nafis and Shira Erlichman present an evening of powerful poetry.

23 Thursday

A Conversation with Garth Stein and Drew Waller

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

Nicolasbooks.com Free

Garth Stein’s A Sudden Light is the topic, with the author and Drew Waller from the Michigan Theater.

2015 / ecurrent.com

Celebrate Midwest Literature in Chelsea

Between the prestige of U-M’s Helen Zell Writers’ Program, a number of successful independent bookstores, and a host of annual literary festivals, Washtenaw County is a literary locale.

The Midwest Literary Walk plays a prominent role. The 7th annual spring festival welcomes esteemed authors of—fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.

Giving attendees a chance to interact with the writers, the festival features readings and Q and A’s at the Chelsea Train Depot, Chelsea Alehouse, and the Chelsea Clocktower Commons.

Lineup: Rebecca Scherm (author of Unbecoming), Edward Hirsch (award-winning poet and essayist), Davy Rothbart (author of My Heart is an Idiot and The Lone Surfer of Montana, Kansas) Clayton Eshleman (translator and acclaimed poet), and Angela Flournoy (author of The Turner House), among others. Books available for purchase and signing. Saturday, April 25, 11am-6:30pm, Free.

(734) 475-8732. chelsea.lib.mi.us—BB

Garth Stein at Nicola’s

Photo by Susan Doupe Photography

1 Wednesday

While Garth Stein has been a racecar driver, a teacher, a filmmaker, and a playwright, his book The Art of Racing in the Rain (HarperCollins, 2008) won him national and international acclaim as a novelist. His latest New York Times bestseller, A Sudden Light, has received a lot of attention since its release, and it covers: family secrets, ancient forests, Pacific Northwest history, and a dose of the supernatural. No, we’re not talking about David Lynch here. With sharp dialogue and masterful scenesetting, Stein’s cinematic influence shines bright, but it’s his empathetic, plot-driven narrative that makes A Sudden Light a wonderful read. A Conversation with Garth Stein and Drew Waller, director of the Michigan Theater, at Nicola’s Books.

7:00pm, April 23, Westgate Shopping Center, 2513 Jackson Ave, Ann Arbor, (734) 662-0600. nicolasbooks.com.—BB

24 Friday

826Michigan Sixth Annual Storymakers Dinner

6pm. $100-$200. Zingerman’s Cornman Farms, 8540 Island Lake Dr. 734-761-3463. storymakers. brownpapertickets.com

The dinner is a celebration that honors important writers and their stories, from nationally known novelists to emerging young authors in the community. Celebrated author Bonnie Jo Campbell will be featured.

Tracy K. Smith Reading

7pm. Literati Bookstore, 17pm.

734-585-5567. literatibookstore.com Free

Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Tracy K. Smith reads from her new memoir, Ordinary Light.

ts More event online a m co ecurrent.

myraklarman.com

local color

Fool Me Once, Shame On You.

Don’t miss it!

April 12

Fool Me Nine Times: Street Party!

By Sue Dise

M

ark Tucker is the biggest fool in Ann Arbor. I meet up with him on a frigid winter morning at Ann Arbor Open School. He is the center of a maelstrom of activity, surrounded by a couple dozen third and fourth graders who are constructing circus characters from cardboard, staples, and tape. He’s the one with the orange yarn hair poking out from under his cap. As Executive Director of the annual Festifools parade, he is guilty of producing this local rite of spring which invades the downtown business district with giant papier mache creations and associated artsy mayhem.

On this day, he is instructing the children on the finer points of fabricating a clown out of newspaper and flour paste.

“I want to make some hands,” declares one girl, holding a disembodied head on a stick.

the residential program. “If you only have one course, what should the mission of that course be? At that time I thought, community-made art for the public seemed to resonate and seemed to make sense.”

Long-time residents of Ann Arbor may recall the delightfully raucous Ozone Parades that rolled through town in the late 60s and 70s. Sort of a “Carnival meets the Shriners” mash-up, it was a spontaneous celebration of foolishness, the type of communal weirdness that put A Square on the Fun Map. Mark Tucker wants to bring back that element of civic goofiness. “Maybe it’s the antithesis of the image that most people have of Ann Arbor that makes (Festifools) fun.”

He believes a celebration like Festifools transcends the presentation itself. “Even though we’re an ephemeral event, “You need to make the body first,” replies Tucker. “You we happen for an hour on the street every year, there’s a start big and then go small,” he explains. residual remembrance of it. The whole city comes out and transforms Main Street; Main Street That’s pretty much the reverse of the evolution of Festifools. What began nine “I’ve just always been USA is given this whole new experience. a stage where everyone can come out years ago as an art project by some U-M attracted to unusual It’s and be whoever they want to be on that students has grown to a major event that fills Main Street with dozens of activities that, I guess, stage for an hour.” larger-than-life puppets and thousands of spectators. And the man responsible for this nonsense is a self-described “oddball.”

bring delight out in other people.”

As a kid growing up in Vermont, Tucker says, “I rode a unicycle to school, I had a briefcase in 7th grade.” When he wasn’t (undoubtedly) getting his face rubbed in gravel during recess, he also practiced magic and juggling. “I’ve just always been attracted to unusual activities that, I guess, bring delight out in other people.”

During a stint as art director for The Parade Company, producers of America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit, Tucker spent some time in Viareggio, Italy, where he collaborated with some of the world’s foremost creators of papier mache floats and theatrical constructions. He came to Ann Arbor in 2001 to teach art at U-M’s Lloyd Hall Scholars Program, where the seed of Festifools was planted. He wanted to teach a class that went beyond the four walls of

The community is certainly embracing greater involvement, as more groups and individuals take part in crafting the event. Tucker estimates that 30 to 40% of local parade participants are unaffiliated fools just looking to be part of the fun. “Even though it was bred out of a University class, it still has the look and feel that anybody can come and get involved and participate and that’s what we hope actually happens. We hope it becomes more of an Ozone Parade down the road where it’s self-sustaining and doesn’t need a lot of structure.”

Perhaps, just as every village has its idiot (insert name of your least favorite politico or former football coach here), every community needs its fool, and Mark Tucker is up to the task. “I’m lucky that it’s built into my schedule,” he admits. On April 12, “You’ll see no bigger fool than me, with a happy earto-ear grin. I was an oddity when I was a kid, and now, at least one hour a year, it’s almost mainstream in this town.” ecurrent.com / april 2015 33

everything else

-

Storytelling Takes the Stage

Everyday experience ranges from tragic to absurd, uplifting to harrowing, unfortunate to serendipitous. As life provides the characters, plot, and conclusion, sometimes, truth really is, as they say, stranger than fiction. And the storyteller’s voice has the power to captivate audiences, leaving them spellbound in ways the written word can’t. The Moth: Michigan GrandSLAM Championship presents true narratives from the best of the best as the winners from Michigan’s monthly Moth Storyslam gather to compete for top honors. A limited number of pre-sale tickets will be available online two weeks before the show. Doors at 6pm, stories begin at 7:30pm, Tuesday, April 14. $25. The Ark, 316 South Main St. theark.org—RC Actors in the 2014 production of As You Like It perform a scene under the arch of the amphitheater in Nichols Arboretum.

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Shakespeare’s Garden

When daffodils begin to peer, With heigh! the doxy over the dale, Why, then comes in the sweet o’ the year; For the red blood reigns in the winter’s pale.

- Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale The Matthaei Botanical Gardens gears up for the 15th anniversary of Shakespeare in the Arb with a themed display of plants and flowers featured in Big Willy Shake’s most notable works, like Oxlips, Carnations and Columbines. Photographs and posters from past productions will also be featured in the exhibit, along with costumes from Kate Mendeloff’s Residential College productions. Shakespeare in the Arb returns in June. Shakespeare’s Garden runs through May 5. 10am-4:30pm. 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. 734-647-7600. mbgna.umich.edu. Free—RC

Ongoing

Tuesdays

The Essence of Tibetan Buddhism

9pm. The Arena, 203 E. Washington St. 734-222-9999. thearena-a2.com

Sundays

10-11am. Jewel Heart Buddhist Center, 1129 Oak Valley Dr. 734-994-3387. jewelheart.org Free

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VOTE!

Learn about Buddhist teachings and meditate together as a group.

Mondays Pub Trivia

8:30pm. Conor O’Neill’s, 318 S. Main St. 734-665-2968. conoroneills.com

Grab a pint and get ready for a rousing round of trivia.

34 

  april

2015  /  ecurrent.com

Photo by Michele Yanga

Trivia Night

Show off your trivia skills with a night of stumping questions.

Wednesdays Electronic Music Production Class

7-8:30pm. Downtown Library: Training Center, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-8301. aadl.org Free

Veteran Detroit sound designer and dance music DJ Mike Huckaby introduces how to make electronic music.

everything else

road trip Rhythm and Blue

Saturday, 21 - Thursday, 26 / Fisher Theater

Join the Blue Man Group (no, not a depression support group) for a party of paint and percussion. Three expressionless and silent blue-skinned men have entertained auditoriums for over 25 years. The show is an explosive, funny, and visually stunning hour and forty minutes. Saturday, 21 - Thursday, April 26. Various times. $35-$115. Fisher Theater, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit. 800-982-2787.

Broadwayindetroit.com —RC

Whoopi Hits the MotorCity Friday, 17 / MotorCity Casino

Whoopi Goldberg? The Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award-winning Whoopi? That’s right, the comedian you know and love is grabbing the mic, and holding it hostage until she has said her piece. The feisty co-host of The View, and no-holds-barred political critic, performs her brand new stand-up routine at the MotorCity Casino. Friday, April 17.

8pm. $75-$390. MotorCity Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River Ave. 866-782-9622. motorcitycasino.com—RC

4 saturday National Women’s Organization Celebrates 100 Years of Peace Building

9:45am-noon. U-M Turner Senior Resource Center, 2401 Plymouth Rd. 734-484-1744. Free

Women’s International League of Peace and Freedom national director, Odille Hugonot Haber, discusses the history of this organization that was founded by mothers during WWI.

Downtown Home & Garden Lecture Series

Downtown Home & Garden, 210 S. Ashley.734-668-8122. downtownhomeandgarden.com Free

Weekly lecture series with your local garden experts.

April 4, 9-10am: “Our Lawn is Waking Up,” April 11, 10am-noon: “Take Back Your Garden,” April 25 11:30am12:30pm “Historic Tour of Downtown Home & Garden.”

9 thursday Sustainable Ann Arbor Forum: Responsible Resource Use

7-8:30pm. Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room, 343 S. 5th Ave. 734-327-4555. aadl.org

Join the conversation about sustainability in the City of Ann Arbor including an overview of waste, compost and recycling across the community.

The Impact of Major Presidential Decisions

10-11:30 am. $10/per lecture. Rave Cinema, 4100 Carpenter Rd. 734-9989351. olli-umich.org

long, delve into topics with experts from U-M like “FDR: Preparing the Country to Go to War,” and Harry Truman: Containment and the Cold War.” April 9 through May 14. Presented by Oscher Lifelong Learning Ins-umich. org

10 friday Positioning Yourself for a Career Change

2-4pm. $25/session. Center for Education of Women, 330 E. Liberty St. cew.umich.edu

This is a two part workshop addressing job and career transition. The second session is on April 17.

11 saturday Spring Holistic Psychic Fair

10am-6pm. $10. WCC Morris Lawrence Bldg, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. 734-335-0218. intuitivesinteractive.com

Listen to presentations by local intuitive readers, mediums, psychics, astrologers, energy workers and more.

There will also be private readings and booths with holistic products.

Compost Up Close & Newspaper Pots

10-11am. Materials Recovery Facility, 4120 Platt Rd. 734-6639474. Free

Learn how the city composting crew turns organic scraps into rich compost.

You will have the opportunity to make a seedling pot out of old newspaper. Followed by guided tours of the city’s

recycling center. Close-toed shoes and long pants required for the tour.

12 sunday Monster Ann Arbor Record & CD Collector’s Show

10am-4pm. $3. Weber’s Inn, 3050 Jackson Rd. 734-604-2540. rerunrecords.com

This popular fair includes more than 50 dealers from a half dozen states selling rare and collectible used records and CDs, as well as hard-tofind new releases.

16 thursday Crazy Wisdom Salon Night

7-9pm. Crazy Wisdom Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net Free

The topic is “Who Am I?” in an evening with Jim Robert, a social studies teacher at Pioneer High School. Jim will outline his belief that ”the search for an authentic self is one of the primary tasks of adolescence”.

17 friday Permaculture & Restoration Agriculture Workshop: Second Nature Forest $300. Second Nature Forest, 6840 Hashley, Manchester.

A weekend-long course in Permaculture design techniques from expert Mark Shepard. Topics included are agroforestry, restoration 101. multi-species grazing and more.Registration required. secondnatureforest.com

18 saturday Zombie Apocalypse III

8pm-1am. $10. The Tangent Gallery, 715 E. Milwaukee, Detroit.

313-886-7860. detroitzombieapocalypse.com

The Zombie Apocalypse is a benefit for The American Cancer Society via The Walking Hope for ACS and an entertainment extravaganza featuring music, burlesque, sideshow acts, an apocalyptic art gallery and vendors.

The silent auction features autographed items from the cast of The Walking Dead TV series.

Earth Day Celebration

10am-7pm. Garden Mill, 110 S. Main St., Chelsea. 734-475-3539. thegardenmill.com Free

19 sunday Ann Arbor’s Earth Day Festival

Noon-4pm. Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. a2earthday.org Free

This family-friendly event features displays from 40 local environmental, non-profit, and governmental organizations.

See pg 6.

Ann Arbor 45th Annual Earth Day

10am-10pm. Library Lane Lot, 319 S. 5th St. 734-761-7255. Free

This day-long gathering celebrates Earth and what human beings share in common on this beautiful planet. On a local level, participants are invited to honor A2’s trees and envision even more greener spaces connecting communities throughout the city.

20 monday Garden Talks

7pm. Saline Area Senior Center, 7190 N. Maple.734-429-1107. facebook. com/sstgc

Saline Stone & Thistle Garden Club present a talk on the topic of “Good Bugs/Bad Bugs” from retired biology teacher Carol Brodbeck.

24 friday Rising Wealth Inequality: Causes, Consequences, and Potential Responses

9am-5pm. School of Social Work Building, 1080 S. University. 734-6156973. fordschool.umich.edu Free

Day-long series of talks by scientists, sociologists, and economists from around the country. Registration required.

25 saturday Derby Dash Fun Run

9am-1pm. $15-30. Gallup Park, 3000 Fuller Rd. 734-883-7905.

Hosted by the Ann Arbor Derby Dimes, this familyfriendly course is flat and fast.

Enjoy the scenic views of the Huron River and beautiful Gallup Park.

26 sunday Fireside Fun - A Good Old-Fashioned Campfire Circle

6:30-8pm. Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org Free

There’s nothing quite as relaxing as sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows and swapping stories.

The owner of Garden Mill will be on-hand for a talk about gardening and to offer advice on caring for newly planted seeds.

Every Thursday, all month

ecurrent.com / april 2015 35

style sense

Bivouac

Evolving since 1971

By Alice Rolfe-Chin

Ann Arbor fashion lovers know: One of the best places to shop top trends is Bivouac. What they may not know is that Bivouac opened in 1971 as a family owned army surplus store.

Before jet-setting to Las Vegas for an apparel tradeshow, Ed Davidson (owner), his son AJ (vice president), and Lisa Weiss (women’s fashion buyer) sat down with Current to discuss how the store has changed over time and what trends we can expect this spring.

From surplus to sartorial, how has the store progressed fashion-wise over the years?

AJ Davidson, Lisa Weiss and Ed Davidson provide form and function to local fashionistas

To what do you credit your success?

AJ: We are really aware of our customer, from the student, to the young professional, to the mother or father.

Lisa: We start from a low price point, so it appeals to everyone. And we can fit a woman, not just a student.

When you’re in a college town you have to come up with something that’s going to appeal to everyone.

The range of your clientele is impressive. How do you manage to cater to everyone? Are there overlapping trends or is it a matter of quality winning out?

Ed: In the beginning the demand was surplus, itwas post-war—and this predates The North Face. It really developed from the outdoor industry. We were transitioning to outdoor stuff, then we moved into jeans. What we found is a lot of outdoor stores blended women’s and men’s, but we wanted to define ours. We took another piece of real estate to accommodate more merchandise, and to make the store continuous. We began male-based and then Lisa came in 1983 from New York to start women’s. We jumped into “trendier” when AJ came on board.

AJ: We carry a huge assortment of brands and styles to suit all ages and body types. Some items overlap across the board, along with some brands. Within most brands, there is something for everyone. Within a denim line, there are relaxed, skinny, and boyfriend fits, straight legs, etc....a fit for everyone, and a price point for everyone, from under $100, to over $200. Yes, some are meant for a younger customer, and some for a more mature customer.

But, the bottom line: there is something for everyone, for every occasion, and for every climate.

What do you think sets you apart from other clothing stores in the area?

AJ: Even men’s premium denim is going to a stretchy fit. They’re going to slimmer fits, it feels more like a sweatpant, and it’s a soft denim. There are always tons of trends on the East and West Coast–my customer is a basic Midwest guy who wears jeans and a t-shirt, jeans and a polo, jeans and a button down. You can wear these three combinations to almost anything in Ann Arbor. What is trending? Brighter button downs, more colors.

Ed: It’s not uncommon for people to buy a pair of jeans, walk through the archway into the next section, buy a down jacket and then go to our shoe department and buy a pair of Sorel boots—now they’ve completed an outfit.

Lisa: We came up with a motto: Bivouac can outfit your life. You can go on a trek, you can go to a game, you can go out to dinner—there is something for every aspect of your life.

36

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2015 / ecurrent.com

Trends for Spring?

Bivouac, 336 S. State St. Ann Arbor. (877) 846-8248

health

health events 3 Friday

Moonlight Yoga

7pm. $18. Sun Moon Yoga, 404 W. Huron St. 734­739­2054. sun­moon­ yoga.com

Sun Moon Yoga offers this healing and restorative Yin practice in a candle­lit room.

10 Friday

Happy Hour Yoga

6:15­7pm. $5 donation. Peachy Fitness, 2385 S. Huron Pkwy. 734­ 681­0477. peachyfitness.com

Peachy Fitness offers a fun 45 minute yoga class. All levels are welcome.

11 Saturday

Intuitives Interactive Holistic Psychic Fair

10am-6pm. $10. Washtenaw Com­ munity College, Morris Lawrence Building, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. 734-358-0218. intuitivesinteractive.com

The fair will feature intuitive readers, dozens of booths with the latest energy/body work modalities as well as holistic and metaphysical products and free presentations.

12 Sunday

Polio: A Look Back at America’s Most Successful Public Health Crusade Downtown Library: Multi­Purpose Room, 343 S. 5th Ave.. 3:­4:30pm.

734-­327­4555. aadl.org Free

The U­M Center for the History of Medicine presents the 14th Annual Horace W. Davenport Lecture in the Medical Humanities featuring David Oshinsky, Ph.D., Director of the Division of Medical Humanities, NYU School of Medicine, Professor of History, New York University and Pulitzer Prize­winning author of Polio: An American Story.

16 Thursday

National Health Care Decisions Day Event:

7:30­9pm. $40 participant and part­ ner. Crazy Wisdom Book Store and Tea Room, 114 S Main St. 734­395­9660. crazywisdom.org

Join for an evening of guided dialogue and dynamic exercises based on Respecting Choices, an evidenced based advanced planning program. Each person must bring someone with whom to share from the heart about end of life wishes, a partner, friend, family member or advocate. Materials provided but bring any advanced care directive forms you may have.

18 Saturday

Great Lakes Family Wellness Expo

10am­5pm. Johnson Center at Cleary Univerisity, 3750 Cleary Drive, Howell.

810­-225­9801. glfwe.com Free

GLFWE features speakers; demonstrations, plus

new and proven health care products. Medical, fitness and holistic professionals will be there to personally answer your questions and concerns.

Attendees will also be able to interact with public service agencies that help our community tend to those in need.

21 Tuesday Intervention

7:30­9pm. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center Auditor, 5305 Elliott Drive, Ypsilanti. 734­485­8725.

Free

“Intervention” will be presented on Tuesday April 21, 2015; 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm; by Jeff Jay and Debra Jay; Intervention specialists, chemical dependency therapists and trainers, and best­selling authors of “Love First: A Family’s Guide to Intervention” and other books.

Intervention can be a highly effective technique for initiating the recovery process in individuals suffering from chemical dependency. dawnfarm.org/programs/ education­series

25 Saturday

Day of Mindfulness

$50. 10m­3:30pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. 734­276 7707.mindfulnessmedita­ tionmichigan.weebly.com

Day­long retreat with a Mindfulness­Based Stress Reduction Instructor, including walking meditation, body scan, mindful movement and movement in nature. Registration required.

Derby Dash The Ann Arbor Derby Dimes have whipped themselves into the national roller derby scene, now competing, by invitation, out of state. As they gear up for a tournament in Oregon, Ann Arbor’s premier roller-derby team, The Brawlstars, unlace their skates to host The Derby Dash: a 1 mile and a 5K run along the scenic Huron River.

Winners receive awards; all runners earn participation medals. Proceeds support The Derby Dimes’ operating costs. Check in at 9am. 1 mile fun run at 10:30am. Registration required. ($15/adv, $20/ day of) 5K fun run at 11:30am. ($25/adv, $30/ day of). Saturday, April 25. 9am-1pm. Gallop Park, 3000 Fuller Rd. a2derbydimes.org —RC

FOR MORE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION PLEASE GO TO WWW.A2YOGA.NET

26 Sunday

6th Annual Ride for Recovery

8am-2pm. $35. Dawn Farm, 6633 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti. dawnfarm.org

The Ride for Recovery is a family-fun fitness event that will help to provide critical support to Dawn Farm by raising funds for our continuum of services to assist addicts and alcoholics in achieving long term recovery.

LIVING THE LIGHT WITHIN™

A2yoga.net

28 Tuesday

Tobacco Cessation and Addiction Recovery

7:30­9pm. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center Auditor, 5305 Elliott Drive, Ypsilanti. 734­485­ 8725. dawnfarm.org/programs/ education­series Free

This program will describe the prevalence of tobacco addiction among people with alcohol and other drug addictions, the relationship between tobacco use and recovery, and information on tobacco cessation techniques targeted to people with alcohol/other drug addiction.

OVER 40 CLASSES WEEKLY

including Onã-Flow Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, Heart-centered Hatha, Pre/Post-natal Yoga!

CLASS PASSES

available including 7 day Trial pass for new students ($15).

2030 COMMERCE BLVD ANN ARBOR, MI 48103 734.216.4006 ecurrent.com / april 2015 37

Across 1. Smartphone setting: Abbr.

4. Long-winded stories 9. Vineyard Vines logo 14. Portfolio plan, briefly 15. Actor Shelton of TV’s “The Glades” 16. Chair man?

17. Twitter twitter 18. Latin Jazz, Country Solo Performance, Urban Contemporary Album, etc.?

20. Chou ___ 22. Made of wood 23. Zillions 25. Stinky wetlands 26. Tuna on a grill 29. Speedreader whose skill is rapidly worsening?

32. Coup d’etat target 33. Active folks 34. Unpleasantly damp game birds?

40. Big name in baby supplies 41. Forestry, e.g.: Abbr.

42. Peak for just the dads?

50. “How ___ driving?”

51. Change of scenery 52. Music 101 chords 53. It may go through a peer-review process 55. Aunt in Aix 56. Unpretentious woman from Paris?

61. Dis alternative 62. Herbivore with no front teeth 63. Waste management brand?

64. Medicine dosages: Abbr.

65. Blinding coat 66. Visa transaction 67. New Delhi-to-Chennai dir.

Down 1. Balm of ___ (perfume) 2. “Drop everything!”

3. Jaundiced-looking 4. Manga and anime series that’s the basis for a popular trading card game 5. Sheet music abbr.

6. Gradually narrowing waterway 7. “Heaven and Earth” setting, briefly 8. Nobodies 9. Defensive arrangement with fewer players, in football 10. Long-eared runner 11. Revival tent cry 12. Range land 13. Race course turn 19. Pull firmly 21. Country singer Lee ___ Womack 24. Unlikely to bend 25. Locates, like a newspaper column 27. Corny towel marking

38

april

2015 / ecurrent.com

2

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28. It offers a lot of schedules 30. “The Best Years of Our Lives” star 31. Kerry remark 34. Do a lot of schoolwork in a short time 35. “Can you stop talking about that?”

36. King’s higher-up 37. Rock singer nicknamed “The Lizard King” 38. Unfriendly 39. Basic picture 40. It’s a number from 1 to 4 43. With everything in its right place

44. Malnourished 45. Composition’s original libretto 46. Veteran’s Day parade subj.

47. Classic candy ... and a hint to today’s theme 48. They might have an address on them 49. Oft-studied disease carrier 54. Celebrity chef Redzepi 56. The wife 57. “Gotcha” 58. DOS file extension 59. “___ The Show” (video game franchise) 60. French mayo?

for crossword answers, go to ecurrent.com

CANDY CRUSH

1

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

crossword

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

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

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

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

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

Phone: 419-244-9859.

Fax: 419-244-9871.

Email to: classifieds@adamsstreet publishing.com

-------------------------------------

Services

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

2466 E Stadium Ann Arbor www.sunshen.org

-------------------------------------

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

734-623-1951​

-------------------------------------

ARBOR HEALING Across from Ann Arbor YMCA

OFFERING SPRING SPECIAL: 1hr Massage $85 Add Hot Towels $10 SHER

734-239-3344 Eve & Mother Earth’s The organization’s mission is to recycle. Join us in the celebration!

Erase carbon footprints. Visit eveandme.org

-------------------------------------

Events

-------------------------------------

Great Lakes Family Wellness Expo, FREE Admission, April 18 (Howell) and June 13 (Farmington Hills), Call 810-225-9801 or visit GLFWE.com!

-------------------------------------

HELP WANTED

-------------------------------------

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

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

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

734-623-1951

-------------------------------------

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

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ecurrent.com / april 2015 39

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