September 2019 - Current Magazine

SEPT 2019| FREE

5

EE

S

P2

ENTS

E

K

ST UD

RRENT B CU LU

MUSIC | ART | CULTURE

O BO

GUIDE FOR

Ypsi Living THE DISH ON DEPOT TOWN, P6

cocktail

party

WE SIPPED OUR WAY THROUGH WASHTENAW COUNTY (AND LOVED IT), P8

Affordable Vet Services 2019-2020 Season “21 & Counting” Sundays at 3:30pm October 6, 2019 December 15, 2019 February 16, 2020 April 16, 2020 Towsley Audotorium Washtenaw Community College

Full Medical & Wellness Services Teeth Cleaning • Radiology • Surgery Vaccines • Heartworm & Flea Preventative Comprehensive Laboratory Fully Stocked Pharmacy Prescription Diets • Ultrasound

Affordable Vet Services Dr. Maja Fontichiaro • Dr. Tara Hansen Dr. Paul Glineburg • Dr. Courtney Cutright Dr. Maddy Erba

Season Finale: Saturday May 23, 2020 at 2:00pm Riverside Park, Ypsilanti MI (Raindate: Sunday, May 24, 2020)

2117 West Stadium St. | Ann Arbor 734.926.0114 | affordablevetservices.com

ACADEMY OF RUSSIAN CLASSICAL BALLET MICHIGAN THEATER BUILDING

RUSSIANCLASSICALBALLET.COM

2

september

2019 / ecurrent.com

What was, or is, your favorite class in school?

contents

Publisher/Editor in Chief

September 2019 vol. 29 | no. 09

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@adamsstreetpublishing.com) ART CLASSES.

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@adamsstreetpublishing.com) AMERICAN HISTORY WITH SYDNEY FINE.

Editorial

Staff Writer: Erin Holden (eholden@adamsstreetpublishing.com) SOUTHERN LIT. Interns: Jenny Hong, and Grace Jensen.

Contributing Writers: Anthony Zick, Daniel Ackerman, Jeff Milo, Lisa Gottlieb, K.A. Letts, Nina Swift, Jennifer Kellow-Fiorini, Rob Brezsny, Brendan Emmett Quigley, and Jen Sorensen.

GUIDE FOR

Advertising

Sales: Trilby Becker (tbecker@adamsstreetpublishing.com) FEMINIST RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES.

Adam Riccinto (ariccinto@adamsstreetpublishing.com) ORCHESTRA AND CHOIR. Sales Coordinator Jen Leach (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com BUSINESS.

Digital Media

Courtney Probert (digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com) CREATIVE WRITING POETRY WORKSHOP.

Art/Production

Production Manager: Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) MY OWN DRAWING AND COMIC CLASSES. Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) COMMERCIAL ART AND MARKETING.

Administration

Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@adamsstreetpublishing.com) GEOGRAPHY. © 2019 by Adams Street Publishing Co., All rights reserved. 3003 Washtenaw Ave., Suite 3, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, Phone (734) 668-4044, Fax (734) 668-0555. First class subscriptions $30 a year.

Distributed throughout Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and neighboring communities.

Also publishers of: Mature

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM

A College Student’s Guide to Self-Care

The most creative cocktails in Washtenaw County, p8

14 chef’s corner: James Sumpter

By Jenny Hong

By Jeff Milo

By K.A. Letts

18 music: Tyler Duncan

Designers: Kelli Miller (kmiller@adamsstreetpublishing.com) ANY ART OR PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS. Anita Tipton (atipton@adamsstreetpublishing.com) COMMERCIAL ART AND TECHNICAL ILLUSTRATION. Norwin Lopez (nlopez@adamsstreetpublishing.com) ART.

Audited by

SEE P25

city sips

Jack Tackett (jtackett@adamsstreetpublishing.com) HISTORY.

Member

K

ENTS

Calendar Editor: Sarah Emily (calendar@current.com) CHOIR.

E

O BO

ST UD

Assignment Editor: Athena Cocoves (annarboreditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com) I KANT PICK A FAVORITE, BUT I LOVED GERMAN IDEALISM.

RRENT B CU LU

Contributing Editor: Trilby Becker (tbecker@adamsstreetpublishing.com) FEMINIST RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES.

23 art: PowerArt! 38 arts & culture 42 person of interest 43 cannabis 4 biz buzz 5 fyi 5 green corne 45 astrology 46 crossword 47 classifieds

Most Read Online

1. Pete Siers New Orleans Trio Shares Timeless Jazz at Ann Arbor’s Blue Llama Jazz Club 2. A Conversation With Bridgette Auger, Co-director of “We Are Not Princesses” 3. The One University Campaign

ecurrent.com / september 2019 3

biz buzz

by Jenny Hong

Grabba Green Food+Juice features an Eat Clean menu

Coming soon to Ann Arbor, Grabbagreen is a quick-service restaurant where great tasting, healthy food intersects with the convenience of traditional fast food. The unique eat clean menu is made up of fresh ingredients and 100% whole foods, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.

615 E University Avenue, W Retail. Grabbagreen.com

YMCA introduces Child Care Program in Senior Living Community

Glacier Hills YMCA Child Development Center is a new intergenerational childcare program on Ann Arbor’s Glacier Hills Senior Living Community campus. Staff in this facility have access to subsidized onsite childcare and the residents have the opportunity to interact with the children who also benefit from forming positive relationships with the older generation.

Open Mon through Fri 6:15am to 6:15pm. 1200 Earhart Rd. 734-996-9622. annarborymca.org

New Academy of Russian Classical Ballet studio in downtown Ann Arbor

Offering students of all ages, skill levels and backgrounds a professional ballet education in the Vaganova (Russian) ballet method, ARCB opened a new studio in August. Located on the second floor of the Michigan Theater building, registration for fall classes has begun.

527 E Liberty Ste 208. 248-826-8181.

Russianclassicalballet.com

Thrive Juicery, raw cold-pressed juices and smoothies

Thrive Juicery is a local cafe owned by two former University of Michigan athletes, Anna and Andy Mignery. The second store, which opened over the summer, is a pop-up style location preparing for a grand opening in fall. Signature juices range from nutty to sweet to green.

111 W Liberty St. 734-585-5221. thrive-juicery.com

Hola Seoul, hola Korean Style Fried Chicken

This new Korean-Mexican Fusion restaurant serves Korean Style Fried Chicken and Kimchi Fries. Sweet, savory and spicy, they also feature Korean bbq-inspired tacos.

Open Mon through Sun 11am to 9pm. 715 N University Ave.

Charlies Still On Main serves comfort food till midnight

This restaurant, dedicated to bourbons and whiskeys, sports a wall of liquor behind the bar which is definitely one of its highlights. Serving Kentucky-inspired food, including a blackened burger, salmon and fries and a Nashville hot chicken sandwich.

Open Tues through Sun 4pm to 12am. 525 N Main St Suite 200, Milford Charter Twp. 248-676-9978.

Letter to the Editor Development dollars over design In the FYI column of our last issue (August 2019), we provided an update on the approved plans for the former DTE Energy plant. The Detroit-based Roxbury Group’s concept for the riverfront property includes condos, a restaurant, a hotel, commercial space, a canoe/kayak launch, an event pavilion, a bridge, and more.

Online reader Rassalas had this to say: There goes the space for an upgraded rail/transportation terminal. Once again the short-sighted city chooses development dollars over and above a well-designed city.”

4

september

2019 / ecurrent.com

green corner Autonomous Vehicles now delivering food using bike lanes

online Nonviolent Communication: NVC in the Workplace

By Grace Jensen

By Lisa Gottlieb

The REV-1, an innovative electric autonomous vehicle designed to act more like a bicycle than a car, is already delivering for two Ann Arbor restaurants.

Designed and built by startup Refraction AI (founded by University of Michigan professors Matthew Johnson-Roberson and Ram Vasudevan), the REV-1 is different from other autonomous delivery vehicles because of its small size and slow speeds.

At four feet tall, 32 inches wide, and about 80 pounds, the REV-1 can operate in both bike and car lanes, carrying 16 cubic feet of cargo, about four grocery bags, at a time. A maximum speed of 15 mph means it can come to a full stop in five feet, reducing safety concerns as well as the need for expensive sensors.

Currently, the estimated cost for each robot is around $5,000, but that price could lower as the design is finalized.

Refraction is planning to start service to the general public in the coming months. For more information, visit refraction.ai

lit: Norma Jeane Baker of Troy

By Daniel Ackerman

music: Frankie’s New “Geniza” is Intimate and Tender

By Jeff Milo

film: Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

By Jennifer Kellow-Fiorini

Now Serving Eggs From

t i ng se

years

Br

st

Ce l e

u

r

ng

Alize Asberry Payne was named Washtenaw County’s first-ever Racial Equity Officer in July, a position that was created after county commissioners passed Washtenaw’s racial equity ordinance. Payne, with over 20 years of experience in community organizing and programming, mostly in San Francisco but for the last three years in Detroit, will be tasked with “address(ing) racial inequities within our organization and its services,” according to the County Administrator.

Payne explained that her strategy will focus on “collective accountability,” equipping the people most directly affected by an issue to take leadership roles. Within her first six months on the job, she said she will complete a community assessment and start work on a five-year plan towards eliminating racial discrimination and geographical disparity in Washtenaw County.

ra

t bi n gfor se

yo

Washtenaw Hires First Racial Equity Officer

ra

vi

fyi

CAGE FREE, VEGETARIAN FED HENS, All natural, Gluten FREE Sausage!

No additives, no fillers

a eak f

Best Hangover Cure

Covered Patio is Open!

FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY TEMPERATURE PERMITTING

1015 Broadway • 734.995.0965 (at the foot of the Broadway Bridge)

Open 7am-3pm, Seven Days a Week

View the full menu at NorthsideGrill.com ecurrent.com / september 2019 5

Ypsilanti Living

A Real Look at Ypsilanti Real Estate

Depot Town

By Anthony Zick

C

urrent has recently published a series of articles concerning prospective homebuyers who, despite decent incomes, are unable to afford a home in Ann Arbor. As home prices in the seat of Washtenaw County have skyrocketed, many middle-income families have made the move to Ypsilanti.

People who spend time in Ypsi fall in love with its down-to-earth attitude, historic architecture, socioeconomic diversity, and its heart for the arts. For those with kids, there are a variety of nearby educational options.

Depot Town

This issue of Ypsi Living focuses on the historic and vibrant Depot Town neighborhood. While there are no official parameters for the Depot Town neighborhood, Linda French, a longtime resident and owner of Sidetrack, identifies the approximate boundaries as: N. Huron St., E. Michigan Ave., N. Prospect Rd., and E. Forest Ave. The Depot Town neighborhood is named after Ypsilanti’s railroad depot, which was completed in 1838. Throughout the years, businesses and people thrived as a result of the railroad, but passanger service dwindled after World War II. The use of the railroad depot eventually died in the 1960s, leading to a period of time where buildings and houses were neglected and crime rose. In the 1970s, young artists and entrepreneurs started moving into Depot Town, looking for cheap rent and new opportunities.

Around the same time, Depot Town became a part of Ypsilanti’s official historic district— the second largest in Michigan.

Depot Town housing architecture consists of two major styles: Greek Revival, seen in the area’s Pre-Civil-War housing and typified by columns and a rectangular block form, and the Italianate style of the commercial buildings and houses built in 1860-1880, characterized by arch-shaped windows with ornamental hoods, and decorative brackets along the roofline.

Depot Town awaits an exciting building transformation with the planned restoration of the historic Thompson Block. The commercial Italianate-style building, which has been in a state of disrepair for decades, has a rich history. Built in 1861, the basement of the building is thought to have been a part of the Underground Railroad. In 1862, the building was put to use as a barracks for Union soldiers during their training for the Civil War. The restoration, set to be completed by the end of 2019, will house twenty apartments priced at market-rate, a whiskey bar, a restaurant and other retail shops.

6

september

2019 / ecurrent.com

Bang for the Buck

58 E Forest Ave, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 3 bedroom 2 full bathroom. Double-lot Depot Town Historic District Home, built in 1901. 7,840 sq. ft. 0.18 acres. Motawi Tileworks fireplace. Maple and heartwood pine flooring throughout. Walking distance to hip breweries, cafes, parks, and shops.

Walk-out basement.

LIST PR $225,0 ICE: 00

Summer $3,965.0 Taxes: Winter Ta 7 xes: $199 .95

943 Carol, Ypsilanti, MI 48198 3 bedroom 2 bath home. Built in 1900. 1,200 sq. ft. Lot size: 0.14 acres. 2-car garage. Carpet, wood, and vinyl flooring. 3 min. drive to the central Depot Town area.

LIST PR $149,0 ICE: 00

Summer Winter Ta Taxes: $860.58 xes: $552 .66

Depot Town’s main storefront district on E. Cross street is filled with iconic, locally-owned restaurants, bars and storefronts, including several Best of Washtenaw winners, as well as popular sights like the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum, the Michigan Firehouse Museum (which houses the Ypsilanti Historical Museum and Archives), and the historic Ypsilanti Freighthouse, first built in 1878, which will be host to Current Magazine’s Best of Washtenaw 2019 party on September 12th. In addition, Depot Town boasts two lovely parks, Riverside Park and Frog Island, one on either side of the Huron River, which are connected by a three-pointed bridge, as well as the new Washtenaw-County-wide Border to Border trail, running directly through the parks. Annual events held at Riverside park include ElvisFest, which attracts tribute artists from around the country and recently celebrated its 20th year, and The Ypsilanti Heritage Festival, now also called YpsiFest, an annual celebration featuring live music, entertainment, and historical tributes.

Nearby schools include the Washtenaw International High School (WiHi), recently ranked the #4 high school in Michigan by U.S. News and World Report, and the Middle Academy (WIMA) on N. Mansfield St. In addition, Perry Early Education Center, just a 5 minute drive, is a public preschool, kindergarten, and first-grade school provided by the Ypsilanti Community School District. Another secondary option is the Early College Alliance at Eastern Michigan University, a public early college program where high-school students can get their high school diploma and also graduate with up to 60 college credits.

Get Your MOO-ve On! WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER

LIVING IN YPSI?

DEPOT TOWN

Perfectly Located between Ann Arbor & Detroit, You Get the Best of Both!

f TOP BARS & RESTAURANTS f WALKING DISTANCE TO EMU f HISTORIC HOMES & GARDENTS

TM

Thinking of BUYING or SELLING your home?

- Local Knowledge - Local Support - Great Results Merrill Guerra, Broker/Owner, has called Ypsilanti home for 19 yrs.

COLLEGE HEIGHTS

NORMAL PARK

Hablamos Español

RED BARN

36 N. Washington • Ypsilanti, MI 48197

1286 Anna J Stepp Dr. | Ypsilanti MI 48197 | 734-881-9300

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE YPSILANTI AREA LIVEINYPSI.COM

redbarnrealty.co

ecurrent.com / september 2019 7

Photos by Joyce Gan, Light Orange Bean LLC

city sips

What’s in a cocktail? It depends on who you ask, especially in Washtenaw County, where some of the area’s most creative and innovative bartenders thrive. From kombucha to Green Chartreuse to rosemary, bitters and local honey, these local mixologists concoct fresh and unconventional drinks worth pouring over.

Andrew Epstein

RECIPE

CO-OWNER

The Gardener 1 oz. Gardener syrup* 1 oz. lime 2 oz. Del Maguey Vida Mezcal

Dolores Mexican Restaurant

6 S. Washington St., Ypsilanti.

734-904-9402.

5-10pm, Tuesday-Friday. Noon11pm, Saturday. 5-9pm, Sunday.

Advice for home bartenders:

Shake hard with ice and strain into a cold coupe glass.

Life is too short to drink a cocktail without fresh citrus!

The fresher the better!

*The Gardener syrup is a not-so-simple syrup with a kick. To make it, combine 25 oz. simple syrup with 60g cilantro, 25g peeled ginger and 12g Serrano pepper.

Blend well and strain.

Treat ice as an important ingredient in the drink. Good ice equals good cocktails.

8

september

Ice should be the final step when mixing a drink. Adding ice to your tin or glass last helps control how much water is in the drink.

2019 / ecurrent.com

What’s your favorite Prohibition-era cocktail?

Paige Barrette BARTENDER

Sava’s

216 S. State St., Ann Arbor. 734-623-2233. savasannarbor.com 9am-midnight, Monday-Friday. 8am-midnight, Saturday-Sunday.

What makes your cocktails and drink selection unique?

We get the opportunity to bring each bartender’s creativity to the table when designing our cocktails while incorporating unique and scratch-made ingredients in our cocktails. Individual taste, experience, ideas, and passions are combined to create a drink selection that remains open-minded to each customer’s personal preference.

Old Fashioned. The cocktail survived the prohibition, as it still remains a popular choice. Its old age gave space for creative takes on the drink, allowing for the cocktail to have its own special characteristics based on the bartender creating it.

What’s your favorite uncommon liquor or spirit to use in a cocktail?

Green Chartreuse. While it is recognized in a select few cocktails, its floral and herbal notes can be paired with most other liquors to give cocktails a more complex and memorable flavor.

What herbal or botanical ingredient inspires you the most? Lavender. It can

be intensely or delicately infused into ingredients such as simple syrup, adding nose and flavor to any cocktail.

What’s your best piece of advice for budding bartenders? Indulge your-

self in everything— try every cocktail you or another bartender makes, compare spirits to each other to pick out defining qualities and play around with ingredients and flavors.

The more comfort and confidence you have, the easier it will be to create exciting cocktails for your guests.

CONT’D ON P10

ecurrent.com / september 2019 9

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Keshia Tohlman

RECIPE

BARTENDER

The Rumpus Room

510 N. Main St., Chelsea, MI. 734-626-6646.

Rumpusroombeer.com 5-11pm, Wednesday-Thursday.

6pm-midnight, Friday-Saturday.

What makes your cocktails and drink selection unique?

Our beer selection sets us apart in our community. With 47 to choose from, we are very proud of how the craft beer scene has taken our state by storm. We love being a great place for beer lovers.

Our cocktail congeries range from classics to creatives like our favored Hippie Punch.

What’s your favorite Prohibition-era cocktail?

What’s your best piece of advice for budding bartenders? Ask questions.

For example, why is the person you’re watching stirring that Manhattan instead of shaking it? Or ask why they are slapping the mint. Don’t just follow.

What was the best cocktail you ever had?

A classic Old Fashioned with bourbon like Woodford Reserve. They’re my go-to cocktails.

Are there any up-andcoming cocktail trends that readers should keep an eye out for? Gimlets

are making a comeback from the 1950s.

Bee’s Knees! What’s not to enjoy when you shake up a simple build of good gin with lemon juice and honey?

10

september

2019 / ecurrent.com

Lela’s Laughter (Made in honor of his grandmother, Lela Youngs, who had the most infectious laugh and zest for life) Hendricks Gin, Rose Water, Pamplemousse, and Hopped Grapefruit Bitters

Ian Youngs BARTENDER

Vinology

110 S. Main St., Ann Arbor.

734-222-9841. Vinologya2.com Monday-Thursday: Dinner 4-10pm, close at 11pm.

Friday: Dinner 4-11pm, close at midnight.

Saturday: Brunch 10am-3pm and dinner 4-11pm, close at midnight.

Sunday: Brunch 10am-3pm and dinner 4-9pm, close at 10pm.

TIPS FOR CRAFTING HOME BOTANICALS:

Keep a well-stocked bar.

Make your own infusions, they are easy to make. Simply add herbs to your alcohol of choice.

Some fantastic combinations: rosemary and/or sage with vermouth, and lemongrass and/or thyme with gin.

Clean quart-sized mason jars work well. Wash the ingredients, cut them if needed, place them inside the jar, and fill it with liquor. Seal tightly with a lid and shake the jar a few times. It only needs 3-5 days.

Consider dividing your liquor into smaller jars and experiment with a few infusions at one time.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Rachel Kanaan CO-FOUNDER

Unity Vibration Kombucha Beer and Tea 93 Ecorse Rd., Ypsilanti. 734-277-4063.

Unityvibrationkombucha.com Brewery Business Hours: 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday.

Tasting Room Hours: 5-11pm, Friday-Saturday.

What makes your cocktails and drink selection unique? We are a

Kombucha Brewery and do only kombucha-based cocktails.

What’s your favorite Prohibition-era cocktail? Gin Rickey. My tastes change

all the time though!

What’s your favorite uncommon liquor or spirit to use in a cocktail?

Amer Picon.

What herbal or botanical ingredient inspires you the most? Anything I can

RECIPE

Honey Bee 2oz. Clover Kombucha Tea 2 dashes of Angostura Orange Bitters 8oz. Bourbon Peach Kombucha Beer 5oz. ice Shaken then poured over ice.

Nicely served in a pint-sized Ball jar with a clover flower or mint sprig.

What is the most eccentric garnish or flavor you’re ever made a cocktail with? Sisho syrup, that I

wildcraft and pick I live to mix, cook or formulate with will inspire me the most!!

Fennel, Cat nip, Chicory, May Apples— each inspire there own creation!

made myself, and spicy Asian greens.

What’s your best piece of advice for budding bartenders? Specialize in

Current cocktail trends— tell us one you love and one that you hate. I

what you love to drink.

What’s the most overrated, and most underrated, liquor? Overrated:

Tito’s Vodka. Underrated: Sloe Gin.

What was the best cocktail you ever had? My Gramma’s 5:00pm Beefeater

Martini because this where I first learned to make a real drink and the company was unmatched! I love sentiment.

Are there any up-and-coming cocktail trends that readers should keep an eye out for? Low Alcohol—

believe it or not!

love that “healthish” is in style and I dislike complicated cocktails with more then five ingredients.

If you could make a drink for any Washtenaw County resident from history, who would it be and what would you make? I would love to make

a good strong cocktail for Shelly Byron Hutchinson. He was a maverick in Ypsilanti and made and lost a fortune in a little over a decade. Tragic but very interesting and he left a gorgeous landmark— The Hutchinson Mansion. I would make him an Apple Thyme Kombucha Old Fashioned!

Something old, something new.

CONT’D ON P12

ecurrent.com / september 2019 11

Raleigh Juchartz BARTENDER

Logan Restaurant

115 W. Washington St., Ann Arbor.

734-327-2312.

5-10pm, Tuesday-Saturday. logan-restaurant.com TIPS: To make a saline solution, mix salt with

water till salty like the sea, just like pasta water.

To toast a rosemary sprig,

you could use a propane torch or a gas stove burner.

It’s best to toast each sprig as you make your drink so it’s smoky fresh for each cocktail.

For best results with any cocktail, always use fresh-

squeezed juice.

12

september

2019 / ecurrent.com

RECIPE

The Nordland An adaptation of a Detroit Prohibition Era cocktail called the Last Word. This variation was created to showcase as many local ingredients as possible. ¾ oz of Norden Aquavit ¾ oz of Water Hill Cherry Liqueur ¾ oz of Green Chartreuse ¾ oz of fresh-squeezed lime juice 2-3 drops of saline solution Shake.

Strain into a coupe or martini glass.

Top with a toasted rosemary sprig.

Ben Brown BARTENDER

Aventura

216 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor.

734-369-3153.

Aventuraannarbor.com Restaurant hours: 3pm-midnight, Monday-Saturday.

Happy hour: 3-6pm, MondayThursday. 3-5pm, Friday. 10pmmidnight, Sunday-Thursday (at the bar only).

What makes your cocktails and drinks selection unique? We

change our cocktail list twice a year at Aventura and require each new drink to be tied back to Spain through ingredients, inspiration, or story. Whether it be a Spanish gin that they’ve never heard of or an introduction to the complex world of sherry, we pride ourselves on creating new experiences for our guests. Our current best-selling drink takes presentational inspiration from Picasso’s ‘Les Repos’. It’s a challenge each cocktail flip to make everything up to our standard but once it’s finished, my job is made easy having confidence in our menu.

If you could make a drink for any Washtenaw County resident from history, who would it be and what would you make? I would love to make

a virgin mule for Madonna when she was a student at the University of Michigan in the 70s so that I could claim I was the inspiration for her future hit single.

What’s your favorite Prohibition-era cocktail? Corpse Reviver

#2 has everything I need in a cocktail. Complex, medicinal, and a good hangover cure!

There are some beliefs that the corpse revivers originate before the 1920s but the prohibition era solidified the original and #2 as classics.

What herbal or botanical ingredient inspires you the most? The first cocktail

of my creation that made it onto a menu had gin, yellow chartreuse, lime, and freshly muddled basil; it’s been my favorite herb ever since.

What’s your best piece of advice for budding bartenders? Master the

classics. There are drinks that have lasted decades for a reason. It’s easier to make a small tweak on a drink that you already know is a hit, as opposed to starting from scratch and trying to reinvent the wheel.

What was the best cocktail you ever had? I had the

opportunity to travel around Japan, China, Thailand, and the Philippines for three months, and I will never forget my experience at Bar Gen Yamamoto in Tokyo. It’s an 8-guest bar that only provides a coursed cocktail tasting. The menu changes weekly and is created from seasonal fresh produce and really amazing liquor. The best drink I have ever had is what I call ‘Yamamoto #6’: Nikki Apple Brandy, chestnut, milk, and green tea.

It was rich, warm, and the chestnut provided this really wild texture that I will never forget.

Are there any up-andcoming cocktail trends that readers should keep an eye out for? Cocktail

trends tend to match culinary trends and one of the more popular foods coming up is Filipino food! I could not be more excited about how trendy Filipino food is right now having grown up with it from my Filipino mother and Lola. So if you happen to be at a cocktail bar and find ‘ube’ in the list, try it! Ube is a sweet purple yam used almost exclusively for dessert in the Philippines.

Most of the cocktails made with it have a blend of dark, rums as the main spirit.

ecurrent.com / september 2019 13

chef’s corner A peek into the minds of Ann Arbor’s culinary arbiters and their unique perspective on Washtenaw County’s dining and hospitality culture.

James Sumpter Executive Chef of Vinology Interview by Jenny Hong

James Sumpter, a veteran of the culinary scene, is new to Vinology. With a deep knowledge of wine pairing and a passion for farm-to-table dining, which he honed at Gracie’s Place in Williamston, Michigan, where he cheffed before coming to Ann Arbor, Sumpter is committed to using only the freshest ingredients sourced from small local farms. Vinology’s current menu features playful twists on traditional recipes incorporating ingredients that are in season.

Current recently spoke with Chef Sumpter about his philosophy on wine pairing, his vision for the restaurant and his favorite ingredients to work with.

Where does your passion for cooking come from?

My grandmother’s kitchen. We started baking cookies and Southern biscuits together when I was eight. The passion grew the first moment I was in a professional kitchen. Cooking farm-totable was also a significant experience for me. While it takes more time, the flavor difference is there when you taste the fresh food.

Farm-to-table gives a sense of respect for the ingredients and I don’t want to waste any part of them. Trying a local product for the first time and sampling it with the crew brings me so much joy.

What drew you to wine pairing and how does it inform your culinary style?

Working with winemakers on special dinners is what started, and what continues, to inspire me. I was fortunate enough to work with sommeliers who helped me understand the way that they see wine. My approach to wine pairings is to treat each aroma as a flavor and ingredient in the dish. It’s an enjoyable challenge that provides me with a particular focus when creating dishes for a menu.

What ideas do you seek to illustrate through the food you serve? I don’t just focus on making presentable dishes—

flavor comes first. When pairing seasonal dishes with wine, I work the wine wheel to make sure the dishes hit a spread of wine categories.

Explain your creative process when building a menu?

I start with the ingredients that are available to me. Each season is broken up into smaller sections based on the types of produce that become available. For example, there is a short window of time when squash becomes ripe but tomatoes are still around. I enjoy taking advantage of unique seasonal moments like that in my dishes.

What is your vision for the restaurant moving forward?

Proud to be celebrating

10 YEARS

of bringing the local farmer’s bounty to downtown Ann Arbor.

I want Vinology to be a place that connects people to the community with a fresh and exciting vibe, and I hope to be the kind of place where restaurant chefs love to work. We are working on a HACCP plan for sous vide [a French technique that uses a vacuum-sealed bag to cook food in a water bath], and we will be one of the few restaurants in Ann Arbor to do that. We will be doing more wine dinners, wine tastings, and in-house catering, which can be done in a beautiful, private space in the restaurant’s “bubble room.”

What is your favorite dish to make and why? Two dishes come to mind: Braised lamb neck over fresh pasta, and almost anything involving heirloom tomatoes. Like a good wine, each tomato has so much diversity in flavor.

Any misconceptions about being a chef?

That we are angry or egotistical, but we are not all like that. I want to be a leader that supports diversity and uplifts others. I lead by example and hope to get the front and back of the house working together. I’ve seen bad examples in my career and I learn from those to be better. I want to focus on the culture and create a positive environment.

Vinology 110 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 734-222-9841. Vinologya2.com

118 W Liberty St. Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104 (734) 995-2107 | www.grangekitchenandbar.com

14

september

2019 / ecurrent.com

1 Sunday Coffee Cake Craft 2

8am. $130. BAKE! events.zingermanscommunity.com

This culinary class will focus on recreating delicious coffee cakes at home. On the menu: Zingerman’s Olive Oil Cake, Almond Pound Cake and Sour Cream Coffee Cake.

3 Tuesday Bubble Tea: A History

7pm. Downtown Library. aadl.org Free

Cultural historian Miranda Brown will talk about the Taiwanese drink that has become super popular, bubble tea!

4 Wednesday Algerian Pastries

6-8pm. $45. BAKE! events.zingermanscommunity.com

Learn from master baker Warda Bouguettaya of Warda Potisserie, Detroit, the basic flavors and techniques of Algerian baked goods.

6 Friday Burrito Friday

7-11am. Prices vary. RoosRoast. roosroast.com

Every first Friday the shop will offer seasonal burritos at their Rosewood location. From scrambled eggs with veggies to savory rice and beans, see why these popular monthly treats sell out fast!

Cheese 101

6:30pm. $40. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com

Sample cheeses made in the creamery and other awardwinning cheeses, each offering a different taste, texture and flavor profile. From Vermont Cheddar and Zingerman’s mozzarella to Stilton Blue.

7 Saturday Coffee Brewing Methods 9-11am. $25. Mighty Good Coffee. mightygoodcoffee.com

Learn the art of coffee brewing at home from a master barista.

The class will demonstrate several methods using the Hario pour-over, Chemex, French press and iced-pour overs at the Main St. location.

Heirloom Tomato Tasting 3pm. $45. Zingerman’s Creamery. zingermanscommunity.com

With tomato season in full swing, the Creamery is ready to help you pair these gifts of summer with the perfect cheese. Hand-pulled mozzarella bruschetta anyone?

Jazz Brunch

11:30am-2:30pm. Prices vary.

The Standard. facebook.com/ thestandardbistro

Live music is served up along with brunch favorites like French omelets and tasty mimosas. Louis Johnson performs.

8 Sunday 46th Jamboree at Dawn Farm

1-6pm. Dawn Farm, Ypsilanti. dawnfarm.org Free

The farm celebrates almost 50 years of helping people recover from addiction. The festival will include a youth pie competition, hayrides, a kid’s activity tent, live music, barn animals and food.

34th Festival of Spain

11am-2pm. Zingerman’s Deli. zingermanscommunity.com Free

For the last thirty-odd years the Fiesta de España has brought joy and authentic paella to the bellies of many. The downtown Deli will transform into a food festival, complete with culinary demonstrations and samples highlighting the best of Spanish delights. At noon, three traditional paellas will be created on the patio to sample and enjoy.

Additional date Sunday, 9/15.

1

11 Wednesday

Brownies

5:30pm. $130. BAKE! zingermanscommunity.com

Learn how to make the famous Magic Brownies ala Zingerman’s from the source. In addition to the original, the class will create Buenos Aires and Pecan Blondies. Take home four pans of brownie-love. Add your own Michigan ingredients for your next potluck.

Cook like a pro Cooking without a recipe might sound intimidating to some but, have no fear, this Farm to Table Cooking Workshop will allow you to chef like a pro. The culinary journey begins at the Dixboro Farmers Market and ends at the Dixboro United Methodist Church kitchen. Learn how to produce a fresh masterpiece to impress the family. —AP $35-59. 4-8pm. Friday, September 27. Mi Folk School, 7734 Plymouth Rd., 734-985-0198. MiFolkSchool.com

14 Saturday Parking Lot Concert

4-6pm. Ypsilanti Food Co-Op. ypsifoodcoop.org Free

Head down to the Ypsi Co-Op to stock your fridge and get your jazz fix! Live music with Ypsilanti Youth Orchestra Jazz, Steve Somers and special guests.

Board Games

2-8pm. Lucky’s Market. facebook.com/luckysmarket Free

Play board games in the cafe, paired with your favorite beer, soda and pizza. Food prices vary.

13 Friday Blues & Brews & BBQ

8pm-midnight. $8. Eagle Crest Marriott. facebook.com/ eaglecrestresorthotelgolfdining

Ypsi Alehouse takes over the taps as blues band The Switchbacks take the stage. BBQ menu TBD.

Vegetable Showcase: Squash

6:30pm. $120.

Culinary Vegetable Institute. culinaryvegetableinstitute.com

Take a road trip to the famous CVI in Milan Ohio for an unforgettable dinner highlighting seasonal squash, prepared in a variety of ways. Tickets are allinclusive, reservations required. culinaryvegetableinstitute.com

15 Sunday Chefs in the Garden Series 5-8pm. $125. Growing Hope Farm. growinghope.net

The series will feature three distinct dinners prepared by three local chefs, in support of the Growing Hope organization. 9/15 features a dinner by Chef Ji Hye (Miss Kim), craft cocktails and dessert by Milk + Honey. Live music with Matt Jones and Davy Jones. Dinner will be served outdoors on the urban farm.

CONT’D ON P16

Pasta Making

1pm. $75. BAKE! zingermanscommunity.com

Sign up for this three-hour cooking class centered on pasta.

Learn how to make egg pasta from scratch and create simple dishes complete with sauces.

Cider & Cheese

6:30pm. $45. Zingerman’s Creamery. zingermanscommunity.com

Sample the perfect combination, pairing crisp autumn ciders with creamy cheddars and goat cheeses.

207 S. Main 734-214-0400 ecurrent.com / september 2019 15

September Slowcial

6-7pm. Blom Meadworks. slowfoodhuronvalley.com Free

Join the Huron Valley chapter of Slow Food Nation for a monthly potluck gathering. Each month a seasonal ingredient will be highlighted. This event is open to the public.

Taco Tour Twelve

Take a social bike ride around Ypsilanti, with stops at delicious local taquerias and Go! Ice Cream. Finish off the day with refreshments and live music at Cultivate Coffee and Tap House.

Three rides are offered: a five-mile ride with three taqueria stops, a 15-mile ride with six tacos, and the complete 25-mile ride with nine tacos. Extra taco tokens cost $2. Participants will receive a special embroidered badge for their taco tour achievement. To register, mail your check and information to Tom Lennon at 1110 Sweet Road, Ypsilanti MI 48198 before the event fills up! —GJ $25-35. 12pm. Sunday, September 15. Sign-in and departure behind the Ypsi Freighthouse, 100 Market Pl. www.bikeypsi.org.

17 Tuesday

Cocktail Class

2pm. $45. The Last Word. tammystastings.com

Odd Side Ales Beer Dinner

Learn the science behind the Old Fashioned, a famous whiskey-based cocktail. Light snacks provided.

7pm. $32. Hop Cat AA. hopcat.com

Five Odd Side brews will be paired with a four-course dinner.

The menu will include crab cakes, cauliflower steak and Banana Fosters Cheesecake.

Bourbon Club

7-8:30pm. $35. Wines of Main, Chelsea. winesonmainchelsea.club

Enjoy four tastings from a wide selection of bourbon, whiskey, rye and scotch. Includes a full pour of choice.

18 Wednesday Wellness Wednesday

7am-9pm. People’s Food Co-Op. peoplesfood.coop

Save 10% on any supplements and wellness items including vitamins, shampoo and supplements.

Seasonal Gins

7-9pm. Ann Arbor Distilling. aadl.org Free

Taste & Tell explores flavor and culinary culture. This month will examine the flora-heavy spirit gin and the many methods of distilling and various ingredients that will make each brand taste unique. Taste the Distillery’s own creation over the discussion.

20 Friday Boots, Brews & BBQ

6:30pm. $125. Therapeutic Riding. therapeuticridinginc.org

The non-profit committed to serving any person with a disability or trauma, will host a fundraiser on the ranch. Guests will enjoy a bbq buffet, live music and an auction in addition to meeting the horses!

22 Sunday Meet the Grower: Daterra Estate

6-8pm. $10. ZingTrain. zingermanscommunity.com

Learn more about the coffee that is grown on the Daterra Estate of Brazil. Samples provided.

23 Monday Honoring the Harvest Dinner

7pm. $100. Zingerman’s Roadhouse. zingermanscommunity.com

James Beard award-winning chef and author Joan Nathan will grace the Roadhouse with a wine dinner in honor of the Jewish High Holidays. Courses include Moroccan lamb shanks, Bene Israel fish curry and dates in brown butter, each course paired with pours from the Northern Michigan winery Laurentide.

WHO HANDLES YOUR MEAT? 734.585.0806 • 108 E Madison St Ann Arbor • Tues-Sat 11am-7pm 16

september

2019 / ecurrent.com

25 Wednesday Deserts by the Decade

7pm. Downtown Library. aadl.org Free

Learn how to make a special Depression-era dessert with the help of Lakehouse Bakery’s Keegan Rodgers and historian Patti Smith.

26 Thursday Coffee & Jewish Culture 6pm. $45. BAKE! zingermanscommunity.com

UM Professor of Judaic and Middle Eastern Studies Professor Shachar Pinsker will discuss the origins of the coffee shop and its importance in the Middle East and will examine the role Jewish culture has had on the establishment. A light meal will be provided.

Eating Your Way Through History

6-8pm. $25-$30. McKinley Museum & Library. mckinleymuseum.org

Enjoy a progressive dinner on the historic Street of Shops, moving to a new location on campus with every course. This one is sure to be one for the history books!

27 Friday Meads & Masterpieces

5:30-7pm. $25. Blom Meadworks. drinkblom.com

Artist Payton Cook leads the art class through hands-on instruction and demonstration. Tickets include a draft pour of choice.

Farm-to-Table Cooking

4-8pm. $59. Dixboro United Methodist. mifolkschool.com

This class will focus on cooking from scratch using seasonal ingredients available in the Great Lakes Region. Additional supply fee $35.

Bask in the bounty Spend the day celebrating the bountiful produce of fall during The University of Michigan Sustainable Food Program’s Harvest Fest. Educate yourself with a farm tour and enjoy the season’s offering of fresh food. The Campus Farm’s sustainable values and community atmosphere is open to the whole family.

—AP 1-4pm. Sunday, September 29. Campus Farm at the University of Michigan, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., umsfp.core@umich.edu. Free

29 Sunday Third Place Concerts 7-8:3pm. Blom Meadworks. drinkblom.com Free

Sample house-made session meads, ciders and sodas at this free concert.

Dinner Series: British Isles 8am. $130. BAKE! zingermanscommunity.com

Take a trip to Ireland, Scotland and Wales for a culinary feast. Learn to make Guinness Stew, Baps rolls and Scottish Shortbread.

Chefs in the Garden Series 5-8pm. $125. Growing Hope Farm. growinghope.net

The series will feature three distinct dinners prepared by three local chef’s, in support of the Growing Hope organization.

In the second dinner in the series, Chef Carlito Hurtado (Cultivate) will prepare a thoughtful dinner, served outdoors on the farm. Dessert offerings by Sugarbeet Bakery.

Cody Fry Nashville-based Cody Fry (from American Idol) is a gifted singer/ songwriter whose music touches upon soulful pop, jazz, electronics, and orchestrial balladry.

Sept. 28th • 7:30 pm

Tickets: Brighton PerformingArts.com

The Founding is a Progressive Folk band with Celtic roots from Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Oct. 11th • 7:30 pm ecurrent.com / september 2019 17

PHOTO CREDIT_ TRISTA DYMOND AND COSTA SIRDENIS

music Tyler Duncan on Versatility & Community A Producer’s Perspective

By Jeff Milo

Music forges connections. And with an artist like Tyler Duncan spending the last 15 years in the producer’s chair for albums by Michigan-based artists, music cultivates versatility.

Ann Arbor-based Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist composer/producer, Tyler Duncan’s fall/winter slate of production/writing-contribution credits include the forthcoming debut album by singer/songwriter Madeline Grant, followed by new releases from May Erlewine and Theo Katzman. As well, he is now working on the production of an Ireland-based artist’s fusion of funk, soul and R&B with strictly Gaelic lyrics.

This is a time to look back, at a moment in time, 10 years ago, when Duncan, along with Katzman, Chamuel, Joey Dosik, and many others, were on-the-rise with the release of a full length album (back in January, 2009) by a veritable super-group called Ella Riot, (f.k.a. My Dear Disco). It’s remarkable to look back and see how many of those artists, from the U-M school of music, went on to substantial (and still flourishing) careers in music.

Trying the music life

“I just feel incredibly lucky that I was in that place at that time and got to experience a special moment, while so much great music was being made and people were really reaching for stuff,” said Duncan. “And not a lot of traditionalists among them; we were all amalgamists that gravitated toward each other. And it was an amazing time to graduate together and hit the road and go full time and cut our teeth on trying the music life.”

A noteworthy facet of Duncan’s career is his versatility. Not only did he lead the fusion of pop, rock, funk, and techno with Ella Riot, but he also went on to write/produce high energy pop with Katzman, tender Americana-folk with Erlewine, and classical baroque instrumentals for the Grammy-nominated Kittel & Co.’s Worhls album.

On cultivating versatility, Duncan said that “...we all have different personalities, and I’m . . . a curious one, coupled with a sort of obsessive (personality), so I think, then, I’m also a person who craves the sort of feeling of new information that stretches me just enough. I like that sort of thrill of being right at my threshold of understanding. Sometimes I’ve questioned it, like wondering if I’d just picked one thing and stuck with it? Or have I stretched myself too thin? I let that go...these are the cards I got, and I’m doing what I like.”

Following a penchant from childhood

Speaking of doing what one likes...Duncan opened up about the topic of pop music. Sure, some of the records he’s helped produce are at the other end of the spectrum, but one of his signatures has been to manifest just what he’d set out to do as an 11-year-old, determined to find interesting, context-defying circumstances for fusing unique tones and timbres, threading them into indelible, stuck-in-your-head melodies.

“The same pillars that make pop music good also make Beethoven’s 5th Symphony good: melody, strong themes and the amount of variation that keeps you excited and wondering what’s going to happen next. Whether you use advanced harmonic structure to move those themes along, or vary them so that it’s surprising, the mechanisms for ‘pop’ are no different than for jazz or classical.”

With that mindset, the average listener could look at what Duncan does...monotonous mixing procedures and mastering/balancing frequencies...and wonder how he finds fulfilment amid that necessary tedium. “What makes what I do great is to be able to create a thing that makes me feel connected, and if that thing I feel is a medium for more people to connect, whether to each other or to themselves, then that’s music at its best!” www.tylerandrewduncan.com

18

september

2019 / ecurrent.com

ecurrent.com / september 2019 19

music Amadeus Live

The eight-time Academy Award-winning 1984 motion picture Amadeus will be projected on the big screen at Hill Auditorium with Mozart’s famous pieces performed live by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the UMS Choral Union. Amadeus, adapted from Sir Peter Shaffer’s original stage play, tells the story of the frustrated Vienna composer Antonio Salieri and and his jealousy of the musical talents of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, leading him to plot the musician’s elimination. The score includes The Magic Flute, Symphony No. 25, Don Giovanni, The Marriage of Figaro, and Requiem. Ranked one of the American Film Institute’s best 100 movies of the 20th century. —GJ Tickets start at $19. 2pm. Sunday, September 15. Hill Auditorium, 825 N University Ave. ums.org/performance/amadeus.

1 Sunday Emma Aboukasm

11:30am - 2:30pm. Donations suggested.

Blue Llama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

The award-winning Detroit-based vocalist, pianist and composer will perform a special brunch set.

Seth Bernard, Jordan Hamilton

LL7 Latin Jazz

7pm. Donations suggested. The Blue Llama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

The Detroit Music award-winning seven-piece Latin jazz group, featuring some of the Detroit areas top artists, specializes in the high-energy dance styles influenced by Tito Puente, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, and Poncho Sanchez.

5 Thursday

6pm. Creston Brewery.

Cultivateypsi.org. Free

Seth Bernard, a Michigan-based folk musician and founder of EarthWork Music, will delight with his quirky existential take on culture, life and the meaning of it all. Jordan Hamilton, the cellist of Last Gasp Collective and the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, brings a mix of experimental hip hop, folk, soul and classical music as he creates melodic soundscapes through the use of loop pedals, sample machines and vocals.

3 Tuesday Tim Berla

5pm. Cobblestone Farm. cobblestonefarmmarket.org. Free

Singer-songwriter and guitarist Tim Berla plays jazz standards as well as his original jazz, country and pop songs.

4 Wednesday

Boogie T

9pm. $20. Necto Nightclub. necto.com.

Coming from the swamps of Louisiana, Brock Thornton aka Boogie T, has wowed audiences across the globe with his southern influenced bass, dubstep future funk jams. The show will also feature opening sets by Faceoff, Sythyst, and Allium.

6 Friday Kevin Eubanks Quartet

7pm. $85-$95. 9:30pm. Blue Llama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com.

Award-winning guitarist and composer Kevin Eubanks, best known for his stint as musical director for The Tonight Show (1992-2010), performs two sets with his Jazz Quartet, featuring Bill Pierce on saxophone, Ben Williams on bass, and Marvin “Smitty” Smith on drums. Also on Saturday.

Christian French

The Rough and Tumble

See 21-year-old singer-songwriter Christian French, on his Bright Side of the Moon North American spring tour, where he’ll be performing his chart-topping songs “Love Ride,” “Superstars” and other popular hits.

Special guest ASTN.

The classic folk and Americana duo will make a stop off at the Green Wood Coffee House while on tour to promote their newest album Howling Back at the Wounded Dog. This twopiece group utilizes homemade instruments to invoke a simple, down-home feel to their brand of folk music.

8pm. $12 Adv, $15 day of. 18+.

Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

20

september

8pm. $15. The Green Wood Coffee House. theroughandtumble.com.

2019 / ecurrent.com

7 Saturday Modern Lady Fitness

7pm. Lo-Fi Bar. lofiannarbor.com. Free

Two great Ann Arbor/Ypsi bands, a Detroit power-pop band, and a rockin’ band on tour from Chicago make up an excellent night of head-bobbing jams. Shows start early at the Lo-Fi Bar so plan accordingly.

The North 41

8pm. $8. 18+. The Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com.

This tight, funky and upbeat Chicago-based rock band brings it all to the table, performing a wide variety of musical styles, with crowd-pleasing, danceable music and on-point musicianship.

8 Sunday Sonny Landreth

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

The king of the “slydeco guitar” style, bandleader Sonny Landreth brings his slide guitar magic to the Ark stage. Hailing from Lafayette, Louisiana, Landreth plays with a strong zydeco influence. Eric Clapton once cited him as one of the most advanced guitarists in the world.

9 Monday Girlnoise

8pm. Argus Farm Stop. argusfarmstop.com. Free

Catch a performance by this allwomen chamber group specializing in new classical music.

10 Tuesday Chely Wright, Alice Peacock

7:30pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org

Prolific country singer-songwriter Chely Wright and folk singersongwriter Alice Peacock will perform.

11 Wednesday Toko Telo

7pm & 9:30pm. $20-$30. The Blue Llama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

Three of Madagascar’s most recognized folk artists make up the group Toko Telo. Guitarist, vocalist D’Gary plays in an energetic open tuning style developed from traditional instrumental techniques.

12 Thursday Bob Mould

8pm. $25. The Ark. bobmould.com.

The elder statesman of alternative music comes to the Ark to perform songs from his latest album Sunshine Rock. Known

for his time as the frontman for seminal 80’s punk band Hüsker Dü, in the decades since that band broke up he carried on his career as a singer-songwriter and formed the 90’s band Sugar.

13 Friday Allen Harris Band

7pm & 9:30pm. $15-$25. The Blue Llama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com.

To say Allen Harris is an extremely accomplished jazz singer-songwriter, and band leader would be an understatement. The awardwinning, critically acclaimed jazz musician has been described as one of the most gifted vocalists of his generation.

Tracy Grammer

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

An intimate evening with two extraordinary contemporary folk artists. Tracy Grammer is well known and much loved in the folk community for her voice, guitar playing and violin work.

Folk artist Lucy Wainwright Roches will open the show.

Laurence Miller and the Love Maniacs 6:30pm. LIVE. livea2.com. Free

Laurence Miller and his band the Love Maniacs play old school R&B, hard rock and originals.

Miller is a music scene veteran with the ability to captivate the audience with dynamic showmanship and inspired songs.

She-Bop opens the show with some girl group pop sounds.

14 Saturday Keb’ Mo’

7pm. $35-$65. $149, VIP meet and greet.

Michigan Theater. kebmo.com.

Four-time Grammy winner, American Blues musician Keb’ Mo’ performs at the Michigan Theater. Keb’ Mo’ has been celebrated as the living link to the Delta Blues tradition.

15 Sunday John McEuen and The String Wizards

7:30, $25-$32. The Ark. theark.org

John McEuen from the Nitty Gritty Dirt band brings his String Wizards to the Ark for a night of musical celebrations and instrumental storytelling.

please Zappa fans. The 1969 Hot Ratsalbum helped to establish Frank Zappa as a composer and guitarist. The album was also dedicated to Dweezil when it was released 50 years ago.

Ducktails @ The Blind Pig

New Jersey-born Matt Mondanile brings his indie-pop musical project Ducktails to Ann Arbor.

His newest album, Watercolors, is “the best album of the musician and perhaps one of the best of the season,” according to French music review site Section-26. Although disgraced by harassment allegations in 2017, Mondanile has continued to create music that reviewers claim shows growth and learning from his past mistakes. Michael Kofron and local band Werewolf Hair will open.—GJ $10. 8pm. Wednesday, September 11. The Blind Pig, 208 S 1st St. blindpigmusic.com.

16 Monday

18 Wednesday

Patti Smith

Jenny Lewis

She’s a poet, author, musician, proto-punk, high priestess of rock n’ roll. Don’t miss Patti Smith as she performs over two evenings at the Royal Oak Music Theater.

Singer-songwriter, musician, actress Jenny Lewis, known for her solo work and four albums with the band Rilo Kiley, will perform with special guests The Watson Twins.

7pm. $45-$89. The Royal Oak Music Theater. pattismith.net

Bill Frisell

8pm. $35. The Ark. billfrisell.com

Legendary avant-garde jazz guitarist Bill Frisell brings his eccentric original style to The Ark stage for a special one-night performance.

Cursive

7pm. $16, in advance. $18, day of.

Blind Pig, blindpigmusic.com

The indie-rock punk group Cursive, from Omaha, NE, bring their introspective, screaming melodic brand of emo rock to the Blind Pig stage.

17 Tuesday Jake Arthur

5pm. Cobblestone Farm. cobblestonefarmmarket.org. Free

The singer-songwriter from central Massachusetts, but now located in Ann Arbor, is a Ph.D. student in music theory at the University of Michigan specializing in American popular music.

Crash Test Dummies

7:30pm. $40-$60. The Ark. theark.org

Best known for their 1993 single “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm,” and the distinctive baritone vocal style of Brad Roberts, The Crash Test Dummies arrive at the Ark to play songs from their album God Shuffled His Feet and other musical numbers from throughout their 30-year history.

7:30pm. $37.50-$50. The Michigan Theater. michigantheater.org

19 Thursday Amy Speace

8pm. $20. The Ark. amyspeace.com

Singer-songwriter Amy Speace has been called one of the leading voices of modern American folk music. She was discovered in 2006 by folk-pop icon Judy Collins. Speace’s song “The Weight of the World” was named as the #4 Best Folk Song of the last decade by NYC’s premiere AAA radio station, WFUV, and was later recorded by Collins.

A2 Jazz Fest Day 1

5:30pm. Donations suggested. The Blue Llama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

The A2 Jazz Festival kicks off at the Blue Llama Jazz Club featuring Michigan-based jazz artists.

This evening’s lineup includes The Eliza Salem Quartet, Miles Okazaki, The Marion Hayden Sextet, and Justin Walter’s Woodland Creatures.

20 Friday Dweezil Zappa

8pm. $25-$95. The Michigan Theater. michigantheater.org

Fans of Frank Zappa’s Hot Rats album won’t want to miss this special performance. Frank’s son Dweezil Zappa pays tribute to his father by performing the entire Hot Rats album live in sequence, along with various other well-known tunes that should

A2 Jazz Fest Day 2: Theo Croker

9:30pm. Donations suggested. The Blue Llama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

The A2 Jazz Fest continues with Trumpeter/composer Theo Croker, a fresh young Jazz talent.

Being the grandson of legendary New Orleans trumpeter Doc Cheatham, Croker is steeped in tradition while still paving his own musical path with a contemporary sound. He’ll be performing two consecutive nights at the Blue Llama Jazz Club.

21 Saturday Laith Al-Saadi

7pm & 10pm. $25. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Blues guitar slinger Laith AlSaadi returns to the Blind Pig to celebrate his birthday with two special performances. Al-Saadi has been thrilling local crowds for years with his soulful, gritty, guitar-based blues-rock. His career gained national recognition when he appeared on the television show The Voice.

A2 Jazz Fest Day 3

2-11pm. Donations suggested. The Blue Llama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

The Blue Llama Jazz Club will host multiple Jazz workshops throughout the afternoon, followed by an evening of music featuring The Trunino Lowe Quartet, Jesse Kramer’s “Antinous as Osiris,” The Sean Dobbins Trio, and Theo Croker.

22 Sunday Chris Pureka

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

Portland-based folk singersongwriter Chris Pureka performs music from her sixth album Back in the Ring at the Ark. Critics and fans have celebrated her authentic style, intimate powerful lyrics, and emotional vocals. Songwriting duo The Hamaleighs open.

23 Monday Justin Townes Earle

7:30pm. $35. The Ark. theark.org

It can be hard to make your own musical mark when you’re the son of a famous musician. Justin Townes Earle, son of famous outlaw country-folk singer Steve Earle, seems to have transcended that career obstacle. Catch him at the Ark where he’ll be performing songs from his latest album The Saint of Lost Causes.

With special guest Jesse Malin.

24 Tuesday Chuck Swanagon

5pm. Cobblestone Farm. cobblestonefarmmarket.org. Free

Guitarist Chuck Swanagon plays Americana and folk-rock.

Becca Mancari

7:30. The Ark. theark.org. Free (Nonperishable donations suggested)

The American folk singer, and a member of the band Bermuda Triangle, will perform songs from her 2017 album Good Woman.

25 Wednesday Gorden Lightfoot

7pm. $57.50 -$87.50. The Royal Oak Music Theater. royaloakmusictheatre.com

Internationally renowned Canadian folk singer-songwriter Gorden Lightfoot is most well known in Michigan for his song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” Don’t miss this living folk-rock legend.

26 Thursday Brent Cobb and Them

7:30pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org

Don’t miss the funky sounds of Grammy-nominated artist Brent Cobb at the Ark. With special guests The National Reserve.

27 Friday Aguanko

7pm. Donations suggested. The Blue Llama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

Percussionist Alberto Nacíf leads this talented ensemble of Michigan musicians performing Son-Salsa jazz style music.

28 Saturday Ian Noe

7pm. $10, in advance. $12, day of.

Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Ian Noe is an award-winning country singer-songwriter from Beattyville, Kentucky, whose songs spin tales of troubled characters and their journeys through life’s ups and downs. He’ll be performing songs from his critically acclaimed album Between the Country, which was produced

by Grammy award winner Dave Cobb. Alt-country, folk-rocker Jeremy Ivery opens the show.

The Rasputones / Vicissitones

8pm. Lo-Fi. Lofiannarbor.com. Free

Two surf bands invade the Lo-Fi bar for a night of reverb-drenched guitar twang.

29 Sunday Brennan Andes & Friends 5:30. Ann Arbor Distilling Company.

Annarbordistilling.com. Free

Brennan Andes and Friends entertain the crowd with infectious music in an intimate setting.

ecurrent.com / september 2019 21

22

september

2019 / ecurrent.com

A

art

B

PowerArt! Three favorites from Ann

Arbor’s open-air museum

By K.A. Letts

We expect public art— all those fountains, sculptures and murals— to express our civic soul, our collective values and our aspirations, providing visual relief from right angles and concrete.

Ann Arbor’s PowerArt!, an ongoing project sponsored by the Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority, the Ann Arbor Public Art Commission, The Arts Alliance and private donors, places the work of some of the city’s most accomplished artists in the open-air. Open for viewing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the ubiquitous and oft-defaced traffic signal boxes, squatting like toads at each major intersection, have been wrapped, and redeemed, in colorful vinyl replicas of work by Washtenaw County artists.

The artists were selected through a twostep process, balancing the expertise of a knowledgeable jury of art professionals with popular sentiment, garnered through an online public vote. The results, so far, have been a hit. Deb Polich, President of the Arts Alliance and manager of the PowerArt! program , says that most people previously ignored the unsightly boxes. “But once they’re covered with something attractive,” she says, “People begin to think, ‘Gosh that was an eyesore before!’”

Some of the fun in PowerArt! is in seeing work around town by talented artists you may know and to pick your favorites. Here are a few that you shouldn’t miss:

A

John Gutoskey Because I Cannot Sleep (corner of Ashley and Washington)

Gutoskey is a socially aware and politically active media master in assemblage and printmaking. He maintains an active art practice in Ann Arbor, and also curates and shows his highly topical work nationally. Gutoskey recently won Best Juried 2D Prize at Grand Rapids’ Artprize.

Gutoskey’s power box image is from his series of 12 mixed media monoprints Climbing Out of the Abyss, a series where he wrestles with his anxiety over current events: “How do I keep a sense of faith in the goodwill of humanity when minorities, immigrants, women and the poor are under constant attack by the government?” he asks.

Gutoskey reaches for the answer in his work.

PHOTO: K.A. LETTS

B

David Zinn Pen Pals (corner of South Main and William)

Transitioning to the whimsical, the Main Street traffic signal box, adorned with David Zinn’s, gently comical, Pen Pals, depicts an unlikely pairing of a friendly octopus and a little mouse guy. Along with these recurring characters in Zinn’s ongoing sidewalk fairytales, the bulk his art practice is ephemeral. He creates small tromp l’oeil characters and scenarios in chalk and (mostly) outdoors, often leveraging the peculiarities of the built environment such as cracks in the pavement or odd angles in walls to surprise the unwary.

Although the images are temporary, photos of the originals often make their way into picture books that Zinn, a graphic artist when he’s not a sidewalk artist, creates and sells on his website.

A certain modesty is built into Zinn’s work by its temporary nature, seemingly saying that it’s enough for him to make us smile.

C

Leslie Sobel Lake Michigan Blues (corner of William and Division)

Leslie Sobel describes herself as “a hiker, activist, music lover, M.F.A. student.”

Her box features a reproduction of her encaustic painting of a view from the Sleeping Bear Dunes, where she camps with her family each summer.

The daughter of two scientists who encouraged her fascination with the natural environment, Sobel is deeply engaged in the study of climate change and passionately involved in environmental advocacy.

Two years ago, Sobel traveled to the Eclipse Icefield in Kluane National Park in Canada’s Yukon Territory with a group of climate scientists, to study glacial changes which have affected the water

PHOTO: K.A. LETTS

C

PHOTO: JOHN GUTOSKEY

supply to the Slim River. She explains her contribution to the group as an artist: “One of the central fallacies from those fighting climate change action is that what is here now is normal. It takes data to demonstrate that it is not. We artists can make that into a form that resonates with people, in a way that scientific reporting alone may not be able to do.”

More than two-dozen power boxes

There are over two dozen artistdecorated power boxes peppered around Ann Arbor’s streets right now. Pick your own favorites, perhaps a dreamy childhood memory by Kathy Jacobs, a techno-futurist fantasy by Tim Gralewski, or a catalog of nature’s varied species by Bruce Worden. Options abound with art by and for the community. Enjoy!

ecurrent.com / september 2019 23

Never Alone

Gift Cards Available!

Values $10 and up, good for any service!

E-Gift Cards also available on our website.

How Spiritual Ideas Work In Us Saturday, September 21 at 2:00pm

Open 10a - 8p 7 Days a Week

Crazy Wisdom Bookstore Community Room, 114 S. Main Street

Join us for a free talk on Christian Science

by Melanie Wahlberg. Hear how Melanie prayed for her teen daughter who was healed of a pull toward suicide.

300 W. Huron, corner N. First

Life is meant to be good

ANNARBORCHRISTIANSCIENCE.COM or 734 662-1694

24

september

2019 / ecurrent.com

(734) 623-1951 relaxstation.com •Voted Best Massage 2018 •Walk-ins Welcome •Appointments Available FREE PARKING

Full Body Massage in Individual Rooms at our Second Location

BLUE BOOK

A COLLEGE STUDENT’S GUIDE TO SELF-CARE

2019 BOOK

BL UE

current BLUE BOOK Look, school is hard, but classes and homework are just half of it— the toughest task you'll face is achieving balance. And while we’re still trying to find our own equilibrium, we have plenty of advice for anyone who needs help navigating the ebb and flow of college life. From your financial wellbeing to staying safe and having fun, consider this to be your self-care campus survival guide.

26

september

COLLEGE LIFE IN ANN ARBOR Take charge of your happiness and financial wellbeing

By Jenny Hong

Students may stress about academics, finding a niche, and how pricey things get in Ann Arbor. Personal finance is a common stressor for many students and while a “budget” looks different for everyone, we can all agree that stressing over money is no fun. While we won’t offer any advice on how to earn big money fast or to make student loans disappear (oh, if fairy-godmothers only existed) here are some tips and tricks to minimize the daily expenses living in this college town.

FREE GOODIES

They’re everywhere. Events never stop happening on campus and luckily for us, most of them feature free food or swag (merchandise like water bottles, notebooks, cardholders— anything you can think of.) So if you have the time, stop by the next campus event for a free meal or attend a fair to learn something new and grab some school supplies. The UMIX Late Night (buffet, raffle and games) is a favorite event to attend with friends.

Satisfying for the tummy and soul. Visit campusinvolvement.umich.edu for more information.

HOUSING

Rent is inevitably the largest expense.

You have to search for housing a year ahead to secure a decent place near campus, and the rent is rarely walletfriendly. A roommate is a great way to cut costs. Preferably, someome compatible because an issue with a roommate during a hectic semester is not something you want to deal with. Houses, especially larger ones shared with more people, are generally cheaper than apartment complexes with the same number of bedrooms, and they often come with free parking. Cooperative house (co-op) is an even cheaper alternative if you enjoy living with a small community, sharing meals and chores daily.

FOOD

Many students go to Kroger for groceries because of their low prices. It also has an app to track your shopping points. If you live on South Campus, Lucky’s Market will be your closest grocery store that offers great deals on produce and has an app for collecting points as well (not very hard to earn $5 off your total!). The Maize and Blue Cupboard is an awesome free resource for all students. It has staple food and more covered, and is located conveniently on campus while grocery stores require a long bus ride. Check out their hours by searching “maizeandbluecupboard” on Instagram.

2019 / ecurrent.com

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

Doing work-study, having a parttime job or side hustle is a great way to mitigate financial stress. However, don't overwork yourself as it can easily backfire.

You’re already paying a lot for tuition, so prioritize classes and maintain a balanced lifestyle before you sign up for those shifts.

Studentemployment.umich.edu is the most comprehensive job board for students, consisting of various types of jobs in offices, libraries, transportation, dining hall and more, mostly within U-M. Paid studies and research is also a good way to earn extra bucks without committing too much time. The Psychology Department usually posts ongoing studies on its bulletin boards.

AND MUCH MORE…

The Alumni Association has Welcome Wednesdays. It means free coffee, bagels, and ask for a few blue books for exams while you’re there. (This Blue Book that you’re reading is never associated with exams and is always free, as is every issue of Current Magazine. Don’t miss out!)

Blue Buses operating around Central and North Campus are free to hop on, and your Mcard gets you on any white bus (Ann Arbor public transit).

CONTACT: 1 Carrot Way | Ann Arbor, MI Phone: (734) 761-2796 info@foodgatherers.org

Movies on Wednesdays are half off at Cinemark.

Grab the biweekly Passport to the Arts and claim a free ticket to any of the listed music, dance or performing arts shows. Visit artsatmichigan.com to learn more.

Read the Being Not-RIch at UM guide written by a fellow Wolverine (featured in Current's Blue Book last year!)

Trying to save on little things may seem mundane but small amounts do add up. Exerting some control over our financial situation keeps us from feeling helpless. Treating yourself from time to time to maintain that drive to venture and not feel drained.

If you need that cup of Matcha latte in the morning to get up and going, buy that coffee and save on other things. Living on a budget doesn’t have to be dreadful nor does it necessitate making unhealthy choices like skipping meals or working too many side jobs. Set your financial goals, create a budget that factors in necessities and a few expenses that keep you motivated, and make good use of all the free resources available to students. Harness your energy on more fulfilling things and give yourself the college experience you’ve earned. It’s your time!

DO YOU WANT TO FIGHT HUNGER WHERE YOU LIVE? In September, all new gifts to Food Gatherers will be matched 1:1 by Weingartz. Donate now and feed your hungry neighbors!

DONATE NOW AT:

www.foodgatherers.org/donate

ABV 6% ecurrent.com / september 2019 27

A COLLEGE STUDENT’S GUIDE TO SELF-CARE

Seek and reach out to campus units. Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, Opportunity Hub, Center for the Education of Women… there are many supporting units available to students that offer invaluable help, from scholarships to emergency funding, counseling and more.

BLUE BOOK

Expensive textbooks? Check out Dealoz.com to buy used textbooks and compare prices. Sometimes, professors have textbooks on reserve in the library (can be borrowed for a few hours each time) or you can try your luck on finding it in the Library Catalog. You guessed it, free to borrow for long periods.

eats The Big Hero burger from the Ignition Burger Stand: Steak burger topped with gyro meat, jalepeño cheese sauce, hot pepper relish, tzatziki sauce and onion rings.

Ben’s Soft Pretzels’ Block M Pretzel: Salted soft pretzel in the shape of the iconic Michigan “M”.

BIG FLAVOR IN THE BIG HOUSE New season, new concession offerings

28

september

2019 / ecurrent.com

The Big House is about cheering on the Wolverines— it’s also about gorging on Big House flavors with new seasonal suite catering and stadium concessions menus.

New concessions available for purchase throughout the stadium include the Ignition Burger Stand, with hand-formed fresh signature-blend burgers; the loaded waffle fries stand, with five different topping options; the Pure Michigan stand, for a cherry & maple chicken sausage or a Dearborn coney dog; the Tot Spot stand, for loaded tater tots; and the Impossible Burger, an innovative vegetarian meat-alternative, designed to look and taste just like the real thing.

The suites will also have an expanded menu to choose from this season. New offerings include the Germack Trail Mix, 7-Layer Dip, Maize Corn Dip, Kicken Chicken Egg Rolls, Chicken Quesadilla, Caprese Bread, Pierogies, Asian Crab Cakes, Thai Crunch Salad, Provencal Potato Salad, Big House Chili Con Carne, Pork Carnitas Tacos, Beef Sliders, BBQ Beef, Sweet Potato Stack, and the Smashmouth Club Sub. Finally, the independent local food trucks and tastes, each with their own location in the stadium, will also offer new options for fans. Food trucks include Ben’s Soft Pretzels, Modern Grill (Greek Food), Kona Ice, RJ’s Heavenly Delights, Cynt-Sational Eats, Which Wich, Rays Red Hots, and Detroit Dough.

College Gyms: all facilities free if enrolled in classes

Central Campus Recreation Building, Intramural Sports Building, North Campus Recreation Building recsports.umich.edu Classpass: Sign up for different types

of fitness classes in various studios and locations. Perfect if you don’t enjoy committing to one studio or type of program!

You can get the first month free and take 3-5 classes to see how you like it, and refer friends to get more discounts.

Classpass.com

For full list of discounts available to U-M students, go to https://bit.ly/334deBr

WELLNESS CAPS Wellness Zone: Available for

students on a drop-in basis. Facilities include three state of the art massage chairs, yoga and meditation tools, Xbox Kinect system, biofeedback software, seasonal affective disorder light therapy and other wellness resources. The Wellness Zone (WZ) at CAPS Central Office will return in Winter 2020 after renovations. Currently, the North Campus (Pierpont) WZ and Munger WZ are open.

Caps.umich.edu

Meditation Courses: For-credit courses

provided through the JAZZ Department at U-M but open to students of all colleges.

Simple approach to meditation in a serene setting on North Campus for students with or without prior experience. Email mtravers@umich.edu for more information.

FREE APPS (App Store and Google Play)

Headspace: Guided meditation and mindfulness app. It mades meditation simple, and teaches you mindfulness skills in just a few minutes a day. You can also download sessions for offline use.

Headspace.com

Moodpath: Acts like a personal mood journal, it prompts you to answer questions during different times of each day. It tracks your emotional state in relation to other areas in your life to detect patterns and identify areas that can be improved. Mymoodpath.com

ecurrent.com / september 2019 29

A COLLEGE STUDENT’S GUIDE TO SELF-CARE

FITNESS

BLUE BOOK

wellness

ROAD TRIP PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE Distance from Ann Arbor: 387 miles Drive time: 5 hours and 45 minutes Highlights: camping, hiking, kayaking, swimming, Au Sable Lighthouse tours

FRANKENMUTH Distance from Ann Arbor: 77 miles Drive time: 1 hour and 20 minutes Must-try food: Fried chicken at the Bavarian Inn Highlights: Bavarian Belle Riverboat, River Place shops, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland (the world’s largest christmas store)

TRAVERSE CITY Distance from Ann Arbor: 240 miles Drive time: 3 hours and 45 minutes Must-try food: Cherry pie from Grand Traverse Pie Co. Highlights: wine and beer tasting, the State Theater, the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, the original Cherry Republic (for all things made with Michigan cherries)

HEADLANDS INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY PARK Distance from Ann Arbor: 275 miles Drive time: 4 hours Highlights: beautiful views of the Milky Way, meteor shower watching, Music Under the Stars events

SLEEPING BEAR DUNES Distance from Ann Arbor: 260 miles Drive time: 4 hours and 15 minutes

BELLE ISLE Distance from Ann Arbor: 48 miles Drive time: 55 minutes

Must-try food: Ice cream at Tiffany’s cafe Highlights: dune climbing, Maritime Museum, hiking trails, scenic overlooks

Must-try food: pack a picnic lunch Highlights: Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, Belle Isle Aquarium, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, giant slide

STATE CAPITOL (LANSING) Distance from Ann Arbor: 65 miles Drive time: 1 hour Must-try food: Empire Szechuan Chinese buffet Highlights: Michigan State Capitol Building, Michigan Historical Museum, R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, Cooley Law School Stadium

MARQUETTE Distance from Ann Arbor: 440 miles Drive time: 6.5 hours Must-try food: Pasties!

Highlights: Presque Isle Park, Sugarloaf Mountain, Lakenenland Sculpture Park, Dead River Falls, downtown shops and restaurants HOLLAND Distance from Ann Arbor: 155 miles Drive time: 2.5 hours Must-try food: Dutch breakfast strudel Highlights: Tulip Time Festival, Windmill Island Gardens, beaches, Nelis’ Dutch Village

30

september

2019 / ecurrent.com

DETROIT’S EASTERN MARKET Distance from Ann Arbor: 44 miles Drive time: 45 minutes Must-try food: a little bit of everything!

Highlights: Saturday Markets, Sunday Street Markets through September, Thursday Night Markets every third Thursday through September, local shops, street art MOUNT BRIGHTON Distance from Ann Arbor: 22 miles Drive time: 30 minutes Highlights: best skiing and snowboarding nearby

TUNNEL OF TREES Distance from Ann Arbor: 260 miles Drive time: 4 hours Highlights: beautiful folliage, Thorne Swift Nature Preserve, sharp twists such as Devil’s Elbow and Horseshoe Curve MACKINAC ISLAND Distance from Ann Arbor: 280 miles Drive time: 4 hours + ferry Must-try food: Fudge from every shop!

Highlights: Fort Mackinac, horse and buggy rides, bikes for rental, Arch Rock, the Butterfly House

BLUE BOOK

A COLLEGE STUDENT’S GUIDE TO SELF-CARE

ecurrent.com / september 2019 31

The Freshman 411 For many, the hardest part of freshman year is, well, being a freshman.

To ease your first-year woes, we asked former U-M freshman about the best ways to make the most of Ann Arbor.

Taylor TuckerGray Sara Jackson Taylor Lind

James Nedeltchev

32

september

BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY ACTIVITY:

WHERE I LIKE TO RELAX:

Going to the docks, in Bandemer Park right off of downtown's Main Street. Although it has recently gained popularity, resulting in less seating, it's still a great place to hang out with friends on a hot sunny day. I personally love to bring a blanket and snacks so that my friends and I can have a nice picnic.

Anywhere with my hammock. You can most likely find me in the Arb or in the Diag. They both have great hammock locations and you can typically find fellow ‘hammockers’ as well. It's a great atmosphere, surrounded by others enjoying nature and appreciating the unique spots that Ann Arbor has to offer.

Hammock in the arb, swim in the river or tan on the docks, picnics in the Diag, anything outside because enjoying nature is free! Also going to cheap food places. My favorite is Chela's.

Somewhere along the river where I can lay out a blanket or string up my hammock! The arb has tons of great places. The Argo cascades are another great spot.

Taking a walk in the Arb! And hammocking or having a picnic there.

The Arb!

Hammocking in the Arb, relaxing on Palmer Field, or play a sport outside like tennis or basketball. If it's cold out, I like to go get fries from HopCat, play cards with friends, cook something fun, or go see a movie at the State Theater.

At home listening to music, laying down, or taking a shower. On Saturday mornings, I like to take a relaxing walk around the Kerrytown Farmers’ Market and pick up something interesting to eat.

2019 / ecurrent.com

MY FAVORITE WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-CARE:

Don't be afraid to do things by yourself. Eat lunch alone at that one restaurant you always pass on the way to class or attend a club meeting even though you don't know anyone. It can be intimidating, but it's a great way to experience what intrigues you without anyone or anything holding you back.

Take risks. That's what college is all about.

By looking towards the future and working towards the goal of being able to do something fun after a stressful day.

Making sure I dedicate time to relaxation. It's all about letting myself feel at peace and not too overwhelmed.

While school can be super stressful, I try to remind myself that I'm thankful to have an education and that a little stress is healthy, normal and even motivating at times.

Try new things! If a club sounds interesting then go to a meeting, if you see an interesting class then take it!

You never know where or when you're going to discover a new passion or meet amazing people. College is a great time to explore various interests or ideas.

Staying motivated in college can be really tough. Personally, I talk to my friends or my mom whenever I'm having a hard time. I also love to surround myself with people who inspire me. The feminist sorority I'm in is full of amazingly intelligent women who constantly motivate me to keep going even when I feel down.

Hanging out at my house with my cat!

Having movie nights with my friends or cooking dinner together is another way I like to de-stress.

Recognize high stress and be aware of how you are feeling.

I take a break from studying and academicrelated activities to do things that I enjoy as a way to de-stress and motivate myself.

My favorite ways to practice self-care: I just do whatever I feel like doing for a change instead of doing the things that I have to do.

Do something, anything. Find a club, find a job, find an organization. Just find something to get involved in that connects you to a sense of purpose and to other people. Don't let the year go by and then realize that you didn’t join anything interesting or exciting.

It is important to do things that excite you and interest you because the more you care about something the more motivated you will be. I stay motivated by thinking about the big picture and how much my actions now will impact the things I want to do later in life.

Going to the gym and knowing what my priorities are so I can live for myself and achieve what I want.

ecurrent.com / september 2019 33

A COLLEGE STUDENT’S GUIDE TO SELF-CARE

HOW I STAY MOTIVATED:

BLUE BOOK

ONE TIP FOR FRESHMEN:

self care checklist

PROCRASTINATING BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE THERE’S A MOUNTAIN OF WORK IN FRONT OF YOU? Break your workload into a list of short, easy tasks and check each one off when you’re done.

It will make you feel better to see your progress.

Miss your pet at home? Sign up for a volunteer shift at the Humane Society Take a long shower (singing optional) Use a weekly organizer for any

medications you take so you don’t miss a day

Treat yourself to fresh produce from

the Ann Arbor Farmers Market and cook dinner with your friends

Finish studying early and curl up with a good book (check out Literati!)

34

september

MEDITATE ANYTIME, ANYWHERE. Remember to always notice how you’re feeling.

2019 / ecurrent.com

BLUE BOOK

Get away from the Ann Arbor winter grays with a

trip to the Matthei Botanical Garden

Switch up your music with

an artist or album you’ve never heard (check out Current Magazine on Spotify!)

Look out for the cheerful campus celebrity--Reggie the Corgi!

pool, yoga mats, they've got it all.

Bring some chocolate and feed the lovely squirrels

around campus grounds!

(Look out for the anti-feeding squirrel club)

Spend time with close friends! Go bowling at Revel

How long has it been since you last washed your sheets? Get those

crumbs out of your bed and you’ll sleep better tonight!

Pick just a few things off your floor or desk to feel

and Roll, get ice-cream at BlankSlate or binge watch Stranger Things together.

instantly more organized.

Plan fun me-time activities. Take a long walk

postcard to a far-away friend or family member, and they will likely write you one back!

through the Arb, take up bullet journaling, walk around your favorite store or cook yourself a hearty meal.

Wind-down after a long day. Yoga? Bath? Hot

chocolate in your pajamas?

Try studying standing up to reduce back pain from

slouching at your desk

Decorate your workspace with photos of people and

Write a nice letter or

If you have an extra dollar, donate it to someone in need or your favorite charity. Giving

doesn’t just help people, it also makes us feel good.

Bake a batch of cookies

and bring them over to a friend’s room or a club meeting. It’s a fun activity, tastes good, and others will appreciate the thought

places you love to remind yourself what’s important

SAFE PARTYING

Stay in the Blue

Tips to help you Stay in the Blue (maintain safe and legal blood alcohol levels)

• • • •

I help adventurous people blaze new trails and thrive in their time, tasks, and transitions.

If you’re ready to change things up and step into your most resilient, organized, productive, and awesome self...let’s chat!

NIA SPONGBERG, ACC, COC, CPO (734) 531-9024 niaspongberg.com

Download and use the Stay in the Blue App (iTunes & Googleplay) to keep your blood alcohol

content (BAC) at .06 or below, call cabs based on your GPS location and more.

Keep track of how much you’re drinking and offer to help a friend Pace your drinks (slow down) and avoid shots of hard liquor Eat substantial food before and while drinking

Emergencies

Sign up for Emergency Alerts to your phone and email to be informed of major active emergencies on campus. https:// bit.ly/2YDiexM. Report crimes and concerns on any Blue Light Phone located throughout campus. When the telephone receiver is removed from the cradle or the button is pushed, DPSS Dispatch Services is automatically provided a location and an officer will come.

1785 W. Stadium Blvd #202 Ann Arbor, MI 48103

ecurrent.com / september 2019 35

A COLLEGE STUDENT’S GUIDE TO SELF-CARE

Sweat it out at the school gym— Volleyball, swimming

live music 6 GREAT LOCAL VENUES FOR LIVE MUSIC Listen up and explore

By Jeff Milo and Estar Cohen Curious to encounter more bands from the music scene? Start immersing yourself by just showing up to any of these venues and checking out whoever’s up on stage that night.

Kerrytown Concert House

415 N. Fourth Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytownconcerthouse.com Visit for: Edgefest 2019: Out West, October 16-19, when the avant-garde jazz and creative new music annual festival explores the rich historical contributions of West Coast artists.

Grove Studios

884 Railroad St., Ypsilanti. 734-985-0838. grovestudios.space Visit for: The Equinox Party, on Saturday, September 21 from 3-9pm.

Grove Studios is an LLC Partnership initiative founded in 2016 by three local musicians and championed by a diverse collective of community members that are eager to establish a supportive and nurturing habitat for musicians, artists and creatives who need, and could utilize, an opportune space to further hone their craft.

Grove has since grown into being "sort of a musician and creative clubhouse and gallery space," said co-founding member Erich Friebel, who says Grove "wants to build a creative community where everyone has a sense of responsibility and shared fate to make it a living, working entity.”

Ann Arbor Distilling Co.

220 Felch St. 734-882-2169. annarbordistilling.com Visit for: Sunday evening performances featuring the house band, Brennan Andes & Friends, at 5:30pm every week.

Step into Ann Arbor Distilling Co’s unassuming tasting room and you might be reminded of a Greenwich Village bar; the warmth of a Jazz trio filling the room and an elegant cocktail menu featuring house-made spirits. Tucked away in a tree-lined neighborhood just outside of downtown on Felch St, the Distilling Company provides a welcome alternative to Ann Arbor’s larger venues.

Ziggy’s

206 W. Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti.

734-221-3961. ziggysypsi.com Visit for: the end-of-summer celebration featuring Blue Jeans, True Blue, Veronica Lake and Frankie on Saturday, September 7 from 8-11:30pm.

Occupying the former dwelling of Ypsi’s all-arts community space Lampshade, Ziggy’s has taken on filling a void in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti music scene. Co-owners David and Jo Jeffries are working to give a home to artists and fans of the avant-garde, while still remaining inclusive to all genres whether it be hip-hop, folk, jazz, and everything in between.

36

september

2019 / ecurrent.com

KCH takes it standard of excellence seriously. Venture into the historical Kerrytown house-turned concert venue and discover some of the finest music in classical, jazz, avant-garde, and cabaret. Founded in 1984, KCH has established a reputation as a beautiful listening room, attracting international and national touring artists, as well as providing a stage for local talent.

Club Above

215 N. Main St., Ann Arbor. 734-663-7758. club-above.com Visit for: A chilled-out hip-hop show featuring Kid Humphrey, Fevre, Toonz da Motorist, Jianetti, Vivid, and Dolan Facemaster, on Friday, September 27 at 8pm.

This “Club” is “Above” Ann Arbor’s Heidelberg Restaurant. With sleek blue lighting affecting a super cool ambiance, this venue somehow feels intimate and spacious at the same time--with surprisingly great acoustics that accomodate regular performances from artists ranging from indie-rock to EDM to jazz. And you’ll regularly encounter not just established artists, but those on the rise. It is designed like a perfect getaway, with a lounge by the stairs, a dancefloor by the stage, and a distinctively curved bar.

Blue Llama Jazz Club

314 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 734-372-3200. Bluellamaclub.com Visit for: fantastic jazz concerts nearly Wednesday through Saturday nights, plus brunch shows that start your Sunday mornings off right.

Have you ever felt like you were born during the wrong decade?

Old-souls, as well as new, will find comfort at this distinctively swanky Ann Arbor jazz club that features an eclectic lineup of incredible artists. While Blue Llama does not offer a time machine, we think you can imitate the experience of time-travel at the lounge by turning off your cellphone off and noshing on shareable jazz-inspired gourmet plates, sipping a classic cocktail, and soaking in the ambience.

For more live music venues, read the full-version of this article online at ecurrent.com

BLUE BOOK

A COLLEGE STUDENT’S GUIDE TO SELF-CARE

ecurrent.com / september 2019 37

arts & culture 2019 Romulus Pumpkin Festival This annual fall celebration is worth the drive! It starts off with a parade Friday night and continues Saturday with a street festival including music, food, crafts and games for all ages.

Try your hand at pumpkin rolling, pumpkin pie eating or pumpkin seed-spitting, and browse the Classic Car Show and Tractor Show. The perfect way to celebrate fall, friends, and family! Romulus is about 26 minutes from downtown Ann Arbor, and 16 minutes from Ypsi. —GJ 4pm. Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21. Downtown Romulus. facebook.com/DowntownRomulus. Free.

The Second City @ The Ark Chicago’s self-described “next generation of comedy superstars” is coming to the Ark for two nights only! A leading brand in improv-based sketch comedy for over fifty years,the troupe has produced comedians such as Tina Fey, Chris Farley, Bill Murray, and Keegan-Michael Key. These performers could very well be the next big names! —GJ $36; $26 w/ student ID. 8pm. Friday, September 6. The Ark, 316 S. Main Street. Theark.org.

38

september

1 Sunday

[festivals] 21st Dancing in the Streets Fest 1:30-6:30pm. Downtown. aactmad.org/dits Free

Put on your ballet slippers, clogs or tennis shoes and get to Main & Washington to celebrate all things dance. The event, hosted

by Community for Traditional Dance and Music, will feature a wide variety of dance demonstrations including a maypole dance, belly dance and contra square dance.

2019 / ecurrent.com

5 Thursday

[comedy] Comedy Night

8-10pm. $10. Royal Docks Brewing. docks.beer

Take this chance to see this classic film on the big screen.

If you don’t see it, you might regret it for the rest of your life, maybe not today, and maybe not tomorrow…

[festivals] Black Swamp Arts Festival

7pm. $8.50-$10.50. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org

6:30-9:30pm. $15. Greyline. zingermansgreyline.com

$5 admission, 12 & under free. 10am.

Sunday, September 22. Chelsea Community Fair, 20501 W Old US Highway 12, Chelsea.

Finderskeepersvintagemarket.com.

Watch the latest reboot of the classic tale of stardom and all the trouble that comes with it. This film will be shown outdoors at the farmers market.

It’s Comedy Night at the Docks!

Standup performance by Josh Morrow and Mary Santora, hosted by Raj Suresh. Get there.

[lit] Moth StorySlam

The traveling Finders Keepers vintage market will visit this month, bringing over 150 vendors, vintage camper boutiques, food trucks and live music! Browse and bargain hunt for home decor, furniture, clothing, jewelry, organic products, baby and toddler items and more, as these makers, pickers and boutique owners display their goods for you! —GJ

6pm. Ann Arbor Farmers Market. michtheater.org Free

[film] Casablanca

3 Tuesday

Finders Keepers vintage market

[film] A Star is Born

Michigan Radio presents the Moth StorySlam, a live storytelling event featuring stories from the area. Presenters are invited to tell a five-minute original story on the topic communities. Seating on a first-come basis.

4 Wednesday

[art] Apron Strings Exhibition

10am-5pm. Chelsea Library. chelsealibraryonline.com Free

The exhibition showcases numerous aprons from the 1900s to the present day. From the frivolous to the utilitarian, see all the designs through October 20.

6 Friday

10am-midnight, Friday-Sunday.

Downtown Bowling Green. blackswampfest.org Free

This three-day festival brings together art, food and live music all on one street! Three stages, Community, Family and Main offer music all three days of the festival. Hundreds of fine artists will show their wares along with festival food and family activities.

This year’s headliners include The War and Treaty, Shinyribs and Nikki D. and the Browns.

Don’t forget to visit the Youth Arts Village for arts and crafts on Saturday and Sunday.

[festivals] Festival of the Honey Bee

5-9pm. Downtown Ypsilanti, facebook. com/festivalofthehoneybee Free The block party will honor the honey bee through food, music, dance and art. Vendors will include environmentally friendly businesses, educators, flowers and honey of course!

[lit] Literati Presents: Randall Munroe 7-8:30pm. $30. Rackham Auditorium. literatibookstore.com Welcome back author Randall Munroe as he makes a stop on his book tour How to: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common Real-World Problems. Tickets include a hardcover copy.

7 Saturday

[activism] We Are Called: A Musical benefit for Asylum Seekers 7-9pm. $15 donation suggested.

King of Kings Lutheran Church. kingofkingslutheran.org

A coffeehouse-style fundraiser for the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center to benefit asylum seekers. The program includes a variety of music, storytelling, poetry and more. Featured Artists include the renowned tenor, George Shirley and Detroit poet, and activist, Natasha Miller. For more information, call 734-971-1417.

[history] Saturday Sampler Tour

2-3pm. Kelsey Museum of Archaeology. lsa.umich.edu Free

On this guided tour, “Back to School,” learn how education has changed, yet in many ways remained the same through 2000 years of civilization.

[art] Hello Fall Craft Show

10am-3pm. Courtyard by Marriott, Canton. Free

Shop holiday crafts, decor, jewelry and more at the artisan fair at the Courtyard Marketplace in Canton.

8 Sunday

[trivia] Office & Parks Trivia Challenge

5-7pm. $25 per team. Canton Brew Works. cantonbrewworks.com

arts & culture

Sign up your team of five players. $100 prize!

[misc] Fall Flea Market

10am-4pm. $3. Greenmead Historical Park, Livonia. facebook.com/ greenmead

Shop over 150 vendors at this outdoor arts & crafts market. You might discover a vintage find or the perfect fall decorations, and you’ll be sure to have fun.

[film] AA Film Festival Presents: <3

7pm. $8.50-$10.50. State Theatre. michtheater.org

Everyone is trying to get her in this coming of age story about the digital age, technology and love. This art film is kind of hard to describe but definitely worth seeing.

[lit] Literati Presents: Sister Helen Prejean

7-8:30pm. First United Methodist. literatibookstore.com Free

The author of River of Fire makes an appearance in Ann Arbor, discussing her book and experiences in the faith.

14 Saturday

[art] Photography Skills

5-8pm. $49. Michigan Folk School. mifolkschool.com

Get to know your camera and learn the basics of photography discussing shutter speed, F-stop and ISO. The Folk School campus is a perfect place to take some pictures.

[misc] Sip & Shop

5-8pm. Courtyard by Marriott, Canton. Free

Visit the Marketplace at Courtyard Marriott for an evening of fun with friends. Shop vendors, win a chance at $500 worth of gifts and enjoy a drink at the fabulous Marriott in Canton.

[theater] Acting Course

3-6pm. $190. Redbud Studios. redbudproductions.com

Actress and educator Loretta Grimes will lead a ten-week program open to adults and high school youth. Students of Loretta will learn from the Meisner Method which, in addition to building an actor’s confidence, encourages one to pull from personal memory on the stage.

Saturdays through November 23.

[outdoors] Exotic Plant Sale

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

Visit the Botanical Gardens for a plant show. Take home a cactus or succulent. Prices vary.

Continued on p. 40

12 Thursday

[lit] Literati Presents: Salman Rushdie

7-830pm. $30. Rackham Auditorium. literatibookstore.com Acclaimed author Salman Rushdie will discuss his most recent work, Quichotte, a masterwork of modern fiction.

[fitness] Sunday Yoga

Noon. $15. Blom Meadworks. drinkblom.com

All experience levels are welcome at this in-house yoga class.

Tickets include a draft of choice.

ecurrent.com / september 2019 39

arts & culture ROAD TRIP GAINING MOMENTUM

Celebrate regional and international artists at Momentum, The Arts Commission’s three-day festival that explores the impact of the arts on downtown Toledo’s waterfront. This sensory experience includes musical performances, interactive art installations, the Toledo Mini Maker Faire, and much more for the whole family. —EH Begins at 5:30pm. Thursday, September 19. Ends at 10pm. Saturday, September 21. Promenade Park, 250 Water St. 419-254-2787. theartscommission.org

Continued from p. 39

[outdoors] Family Campout

Saturday-Sunday, September 14-15 & 21-22. $9 per person. Independence Lake Park. washtenaw.org

Bring the family on an overnight campout at Independence Lake.

Activities are planned for the day including fishing, hiking, crafts and a campfire. On Sunday morning, enjoy a pancake breakfast on the house!

[festivals] 7th Ann Arbor Russian Festival 11am-8pm. St. Vladimir Russian Orthodox. russianfestival. stvladimiraami.org Free

The annual festival will once again pay tribute to Russian culture through two days of live music, dance, and food at the Historic St. Vladimir Church in Dexter. Try traditional foods like shashlik, and blini, borscht and pelmeni. Listen to the sounds of the St. Vladimir Choir or take a guided tour of the church. Also from 1-7pm on Sunday.

17 Tuesday

[lit] Moth StorySlam

6:30-9:30pm. $15. Greyline. zingermansgreyline.com

Michigan Radio presents the Moth Story Slam, a live storytelling event featuring stories from the area. Presenters are invited to tell a five-minute original story on the topic cars. Seating on a first-come basis.

[activism] We the People vs. Corporate Rule: It’s Up to Us! 7-9pm. Ann Arbor Friends Meeting. facebook.com/Move2Amend Free

Join Move to Amend’s Outreach Director Greg Coleridge for an inspiring call-to-action and discussion on the nationwide movement to pass the 28th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to end corporate rule. For more information about this event contact: Megan Mueller Johnson at mmuellerjohnson@gmail.com or 920-540-1311

19 Thursday

[fashion] Costume Design Gallery Show Noon-6pm. Duderstadt Center. umich.edu Free

A collection of favorite costumes designed by past students and faculty, including Prof. Jessica Hahn, will be on view in the Duderstadt Gallery. The exhibition will be on a limited view through September 27.

40

september

2019 / ecurrent.com

[misc] Milan Third Thursdays

5-8pm. Downtown Milan. milanthirthursdays.org Free

The downtown comes to life with outdoor displays, activities and live music. A pop-up artisan market will also be featured.

[outdoors] Wildcrafting with Jim McDonald 5-8pm. $40. Michigan Folk School. mifolkschool.com

Herbalist and forger Jim McDonald will lead a three-hour course on identifying, harvesting and preparing wild plants in a variety of ways.

[outdoors] Lecture: Losing Our Fresh Water 7pm. Lake Erie Center. utoledo.edu/nsm/lec Free

Dr. Bill Hintz from the Lake Erie Center will discuss his research regarding Lake Erie and our fresh water sources. The lecture will explore finding a balance between keeping our lake clean and humans safe.

[art] Border Control: New Media Caucus

Times vary. $25-$150.

Stamps School of Art & Design. bordercontrol.newmediacaucus.org

The symposium, held through Sunday, encompasses four days of panels, speakers, artist talks, a curated gallery tour of the exhibition Border Control (on view through November 10). For a full schedule visit the website.

20 Friday

[lit] Used Book Sale

11am-5pm, Friday. Ypsilanti Library. ypsillibrary.org

The Ypsilanti Library will host a three-day used book sale. Take home a novel or children’s book for a fraction of the cost. Bag sale Sunday. Also from 11am-3pm on Saturday and 1-4pm on Sunday.

[festivals] 2019 Romulus Pumpkin Festival

4-8pm. Downtown Romulus. romulusgov.com/pumpkinfestival. Free This annual festival will let you test your pumpkin skills with contests like a pumpkin rolling, pumpkin pie eating, and pumpkin seed spitting. Fuel your competitive side with contests all weekend, or take a seat and watch the bright night parade Friday. Full of food, music, and games, the event has activities for the whole family. Also from 11am-8pm on Saturday.

arts & culture

[film] Gone to the Village

[festivals] Tecumseh Okoberfest

This documentary takes viewers on a journey to Ghana, where the 111-year-old villager Nana Afia Kobi has passed away. This multicultural film by Kwasi Ampene opens a world unknown to most Americans.

The event will feature a kid’s tent and activities throughout the festival. Challenge yourself to a game of cornhole or order up a bratwurst and potato pancakes.

Live German music and dancing complete the picture

[theater] Admissions

[nightlife] 90s Bar Crawl

The company presents Admissions, a humorous, poignant look at white privilege and the academic system. The play runs Thursdays-Sundays, through October 13, with a matinee Sundays.

Enjoy a night out featuring nostalgia, scrunchies, Tamagotchis and, of course, plenty of booze.

Bars and prices vary. Visit facebook.com/90sbarcrawl for more information.

5-7pm. UM Detroit Center. events.umich.edu Free

8pm. $22. Theatre Nova. theatrenova.org

[lit] Poetry at Literati

7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com Free

Poet Michael Dickman will read from his latest collection, Days & Days at the bookstore.

21 Saturday

[art] UMMA After Hours: Fall Opening 7-10pm. UMMA. facebook.com/ ummamuseum Free

Explore the new season at the University of Michigan Museum of Art and enjoy live music, gallery talks, artmaking, food, and more. New exhibits include painter and printmaker Meleko Mokgosi’s newly commissioned work, “Pan-African Pulp” and a new experimental space, ArtGym, with “Take Your Pick: Collecting Found Photographs.”

[outdoors] Wildcrafting Medicines

9am-noon. $15. Michigan Folk School. mifolkschool.com Take your natural medicine skills to the next level with this medicinal crafting class. From tinctures to salves and teas, students will receive educational instruction.

5-11pm. Tecumseh Brewing Company. tecumsehchamber.org Free

3-10pm. $20+. Downtown Ann Arbor. facebook.com/90sbarcrawl

24 Tuesday

[lit] Fiction at Literati

7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com Free

Writer J. Ryan Stradal, author of Kitchens of the Great Midwest and The Lager Queen of Minnesota will give a free reading.

26 Thursday

28 Saturday

[lit] Marty Makary: The Price We Pay

[history] Civil War Luncheon

New York Times best selling author Marty Makary will share his personal experience and extensive research into the hidden costs of the healthcare system in America. Makary does more than show the flaws— in his book, the surgeon shares real solutions to the problems.

Master gardener Jan Whitcomb presents Growing Yesterday, Gardening in the Civil War Era, a look at mid-1800s gardens and farms.

7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com

[film] Coco

27 Friday

8pm. Maynard & E. Liberty St. michtheater.org Free

Noon-2pm. $30. Greenmead Historical Park. ci.livonia.mi.us

29 Sunday

[festivals] UM Harvest Fest

1-4pm. Campus Farm at the University of Michigan. umsfp.core@umich. edu. Free

Young Miguel gets more than he bargained for on All Saints Day, otherwise known as The Day of the Dead. This 2017 Disney film will look amazing on the big screen. Bring your own seating.

Spend the day celebrating the bountiful produce this fall during Harvest Fest. Educate yourself with a farm tour, or enjoy the season by gobbling the fresh food up. The Campus Farm’s sustainable values and community atmosphere are open to the whole family.

[education] Talking with Kids about Racism

25 Wednesday

3-5pm. $25 donation suggested.

Riverside Arts. riversidearts.org

[lit] Creative Writing Course

This workshop offered by the Interfaith Council for Peace & Justice will discuss race and racism and offer ways to talk about it with your kids. Tickets are offered on a sliding scale.

7-8:30pm. $20. Serendipity Books. serendipity-books.com

The series runs through eight months and will focus on a variety of topics designed to unlock your literary creativity.

[lit] Fiction at Literati

734-214-6666 715 N University Ave. Downtown Ann Arbor

7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com Free

Novelist Peg Alford Pursell will share selections from her latest work A Girl Goes into the Forest.

THE BEST ITALIAN FOOD IN TOWN

[lit] The Moth GrandSlam

8-10:30pm. Price TBA. The Ark. theark.org

$9.99 Margherita Pizza 16” Organic

Check out the finalists in this unforgettable storytelling event featuring real people telling real stories.

Order Online at: silviositalianfood.com

Mon., Tues, & Wed.through the month of September

@a2ashleys

Original Craft Beer Bar Since 1983

WELCOME BACK STUDENTS PRE-GAME AT ASHLEY’S! 338 S. State St. Ann Arbor 734.996.9191 www.ashleys.com

AMERICAN GASTRO-PUB featuring specialty burgers, salads, entrees, hand-rolled pizzas, and a variety of sandwiches on our homemade bread ecurrent.com / september 2019 41

person of interest Russ Collins

By Grace Jensen How did you get your job as the executive director of the Michigan Theater Foundation? Well, that was over 35 years

ago. I had gotten a master’s degree in arts administration at the University of Michigan and not too long after graduating, this job came along and there were a whole bunch of people that applied, and I got the job, and I’ve been here ever since 1982.

How have things changed since then? The Michigan Theater

had just been saved a couple of years before that, and it was really struggling as is typical of these kinds of projects. I came in at a very good time, in terms of it wasn’t the beginning and some things had been tried out so I could learn from that. I was young and super enthusiastic to make it work. So working with the volunteers and the board we came up with all kinds of different things to do. We started off really more focused particularly on the performance art kind of stuff and touring theater shows. As we got into the 1990s, the touring theater shows we handed off to the musical society, and then we focused on film. So it’s changed a lot both in terms of what the Michigan Theater’s primary art focus is, but it also is kind of the same, in that we are focused on restoring and operating historic theaters.

or schools or theaters or sports stadiums, they really tug on the heartstrings of the community because it’s a place where people gather, a place where people see their friends and neighbors, a place where people experience important life events. And so we are blessed in Ann Arbor with many wonderful historic theaters: the Michigan Theater, the State Theater, the Hill Auditorium, the Mendelssohn Theater, Rackham Auditorium, renowned historic spaces that have created wonderful experiences for artists, for audiences, and for the community for generations.

What do you hope to see in ten years? Well, nine years from

things. One is that I’ve had a really great community to work for that’s been very supportive of restoring the Michigan and the State Theaters. And it also means that the impact of these Theaters has gone well beyond the city limits of Ann Arbor. In addition to preserving and renovating and restoring the State and Michigan Theater, we’re also one of the leading specialty film exhibitors in the country. In fact, 12 years ago, we started a national organization of community-based mission-driven movie exhibitors, essentially non-profit, culturally-focused movie exhibitors called the Art House Convergence. The organization has grown excessively and has become the national voice for independent cinema exhibition in North America.

now the Michigan Theater will celebrate its 100th anniversary, so we’re definitely thinking about the centennial celebration.

There will be many exciting things that the centennial campaign accomplishes. I’m imagining significant improvements to the liveon-stage functions. A nearly 100-year-old theater is always in need of improvements and renovations and addressing the antique quality of the theater, which is both charming and a little bit of a challenge to keep up and keep maintained. And we’re excited to continue improving our cinema programming and the diversity and effectiveness of what we do with that program. It’s a very exciting time as far as I’m concerned because us baby boomers are moving out of our profession, and Gen Y and Z, the millennials and postmillennials, are coming on to take over and bring new energy, a new perspective, and new cultural expressions to organizations like the Michigan Theater. So it’s great working with the spokesmen in our organization who are young and energetic and have a different point of view and I’m looking forward to fully handing over the reins of the organization to that new generation as well. It’s is going to be an exciting ten years ahead, I am absolutely sure.

Why is historic theater preservation so important to you?

Is there anything else you want to say? Just gratitude

So you just won an award in July from the League of Historic American Theaters for Outstanding Individual Contribution. What does that mean? Well, it means two

It is a combination of historic preservation and then activating that those historic theaters with an art product that’s relevant for contemporary times. So it’s two things. Places of public gathering have a big place in a community’s life. Whether they’re churches

42

september

2019 / ecurrent.com

towards the community. I’ve been able to succeed and thrive because of the passions of this community. We are a community that cares. It’s been a tremendous honor and pleasure for me to be a part of it.

cannabis

“CANNABIS” BY AMIAN84

Challenges on Advancing Cannabis Knowledge

Legal status of cannabis holds back research

By Jenny Hong

Cannabis and CBDs are purported to be useful for treating many medical conditions and can help people replace traditional pharmaceuticals. Yet, their efficacy, risks, and contraindications with other medications are backed up by little research. A large population of Americans can use medical marijuana legally in their states; the number is close to 270,000 people in the state of Michigan, according to a 2018 Statista survey, making Michigan only second to California for the highest number of medical marijuana patients in a state.

High regulatory barriers, low funds and incentive

Doctors and budtenders have access to little formal training about prescribing cannabis to treat specific health conditions, as training on this expertise is not readily available. With the deregulation of hemp-derived products like CBDs, it is even harder to ensure consistent regulation and quality of cannabis products that are easily obtainable by consumers. Dr. Gus Rosania, who researches cannabis at the University of Michigan and teaches PharmSci 420: Medicinal Cannabis, shares that as a Schedule 1 Drug, research into cannabis-derived products in academic institutions is prohibited by the federal government if the institutions were to obtain grant funding. Furthermore, Dr. Rosania continues, federal prohibition extends to banks and financial institutions, so any cannabis-related clinical trial in the States would have to be financed in cash. With hemp deregulated and CBD widely available, Rosania believes that there will be even less financial incentive for companies to invest tens of millions of dollars necessary to conduct clinical trials on hemp-derived brand-name products.

What Research and Support are Out There?

NIDA Drug Supply Program is one source of support for cannabis research. Their mission is to “advance science on the causes and consequences of drug use and addiction and to apply that knowledge to improve individual and public health.” Some private companies do invest in cannabis research, but may not publish their findings in peer-reviewed studies because of federal restrictions, keeping that valuable information from being publicly available for doctors and patients. Dr. Rosania explains that the only company he is aware of that does Cannabis-related studies is GW Pharmaceuticals, which was originally based in the UK and already has a cannabis-derived, FDA-approved prescription drug, Epidiolex, on the market. Northern Michigan University was the first university to offer a four-year degree in Medicinal Plant Chemistry in 2017, but medical cannabis has yet to make its way into standard medical practice.

Contraindications of Cannabis with Other Drugs Before this important gap is bridged, people using CBDs and other cannabis-derived products are recommended to seek different professional consultants to understand appropriate dosages and how it might interact with other medications and health conditions. There is some evidence to suggest that cannabis can decrease insulin resistance, improving the metabolic process and blood sugar control. Few studies look specifically at how individual cannabinoids interact with other drugs, but it’s possible that cannabis can work favorably with other drugs. Another feature of the THC component of Cannabis is the simultaneous activation of the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, which induces a cardiovascular stress response that elevates cardiac oxygen consumption while reducing blood flow in coronary arteries. Reports of adverse effects are relatively rare, but patients who take blood pressure medication should be aware of these compounding effects of cannabis. Marijuana is also likely to enhance the effects of similar sedating drugs.

In general, patients should discuss not only health concerns but also possible interaction of cannabis with other drugs when consulting health providers.

ecurrent.com / september 2019 43

44

september

2019 / ecurrent.com

free will astrology © Copyright 2019 Rob Brezsny

SEPTEMBER ARIES (March 21-April 19): Here are examples of activities I recommend you try in the coming days. 1. Build a campfire on the beach with friends and regale each other with stories of your most interesting successes. 2. Buy eccentric treasures at a flea market and ever thereafter refer to them as your holy icons. 3. Climb a hill and sit on the grass as you sing your favorite songs and watch the moon slowly rise over the eastern horizon. 4. Take naps when you’re “not supposed to.” 5. Sneak into an orchard at night and eat fruit plucked just moments before. 6. Tell a beloved person a fairy tale in which he or she is the hero.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The hardiest creature on the planet may be the bacterium known as Deinococcus radiodurans. It can endure exposure to radiation, intense cold, dehydration, acid, and vacuum. I propose we make it your power creature for the coming weeks. Why? Not because I expect you’ll have to deal with a lot of extreme conditions, but rather because I think you’ll be exceptionally robust, both physically and psychologically. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to succeed at demanding challenges that require you to be in top form, now is a good time to do it. P.S. Deinococcus radiodurans is colloquially referred to as Conan the Bacterium, borrowing from the spirit of the fictional character Conan the Barbarian, who is renowned for his strength and agility.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In the yearly cycle of many Geminis, retreating into a state akin to hibernation makes sense during the end of August and the first three weeks of September. But since many of you are high-energy sophisticates, you often override your body’s signals. And then nature pushes back by compelling you to slow down. The result may be a rhythm that feels like constantly taking three steps forward and two steps backward. May I suggest a different approach this year? Would you consider surrendering, even slightly, to the invitation to relax and recharge?

CANCER (June 21-July 22): If you decide to travel to a particular place via hot air balloon, you must be prepared for the possibility that your route will be indirect. At different altitudes, the wind may be blowing in different directions: toward the east at a hundred feet high, but toward the southwest at two hundred feet. The trick for the pilot is to jockey up and down until finding a layer that’s headed toward the desired destination. I see your life right now as having a metaphorical resemblance to this riddle. You have not yet discovered the layer that will take you where you want to go. But I bet you will soon.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Considering how bright you have been burning since the Flame Angels designated you as the Hottest Cool Person of the Month, I hesitate to urge you to simmer down.

But I must. Before there’s a meltdown in your vicinity, please lower your thermostat. Not a lot. Just a little. If you do that, everyone will continue to see your gleaming charisma in the best possible light.

But don’t you dare extinguish your blaze. Don’t apologize for your brilliant shimmer.

The rest of us need your magical radiance.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Libran athlete Mickey Mantle is in Major League Baseball’s Hall of Fame. He had a spectacular 18-year career, winning the Most Valuable Player Award three times, playing in 12 World Series, and being selected to the AllStar team 16 times. So it’s astounding that he played with a torn ligament in his knee for 17 years, according to his biographer Jane Leavy. She quoted an orthopedic surgeon who said that Mantle compensated for his injury with “neuromuscular genius.” I’m thinking that in the next few weeks you’re in a position to accomplish an equivalent of Mantle’s heroic adjustment.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Shogun is a bestselling novel about an Englishman who transforms himself into a samurai warrior in seventeenth-century Japan. Written by James Clavell, it’s over 1,100 pages long.

Clavell testified that the idea for the story sprang up in him when he read one line in his daughter’s school book: “In 1600 an Englishman went to Japan and became a samurai.” I suspect it’s highly likely you will soon encounter a seed like that, Virgo: a bare inspiration that will eventually bloom into a Big Thing.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Most people who belong to the Church of Satan neither believe in nor worship Satan.

(They’re atheists, and don’t believe in the supernatural.) I think a comparable principle is true for many rightwing fundamentalist Christians. Their actions and words are replete with bigotry, hardheartedness, materialism, and selfishness: so contrary to what the real Jesus Christ taught that they in effect don’t believe in or worship Jesus Christ. I mention this, Scorpio, in hope of inspiring you to take inventory of whether your stated ideals are reflected in the practical details of how you live your life. That’s always an interesting and important task, of course, but it’s especially so for you right now. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to purge any hypocrisy from your system and get your actual behavior in close alignment with your deepest values.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): It’s the right time for you to create a fresh mission statement and promotional campaign.

For inspiration, read mine: “My column ‘Free Will Astrology’ offers you a wide selection of realities to choose from. With 4,212 years of dedication to customer service (over the course of my last 13 incarnations), I’m a reliable ally supporting your efforts to escape your oppressive conditioning and other people’s hells. My horoscopes come with an ironclad guarantee: If the advice you read is wrong, you’re under no obligation to believe it. And remember: a panel of 531 experts has determined that ‘Free Will Astrology’ is an effective therapy for your chronic wounds and primordial pain. It is also dramatic proof that there is no good reason to be afraid of life.”

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Here are good questions for you to meditate on during the next four weeks. 1. How can you attract resources that will expand your mind and your world? 2.

Are you bold enough to reach out to wise sources and provocative influences that could connect you with useful tricks and practical treasures? 3. What interesting lessons can you stir up as you explore the mercurial edges, skirt the changeable boundaries, journey to catalytic frontiers, and make pilgrimages to holy hubbubs? 4. How best can you encourage lyrical emotion over polished sentimentality? Joyous idealism over astringent zealotry? Exuberant integrity over formulaic kindness?

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “It is the beginning of wisdom when you recognize that the best you can do is choose which rules you want to live by,” wrote author Wallace Stegner, “and it’s persistent and aggravated imbecility to pretend you can live without any.” That will be an excellent meditation for you during the coming weeks. I trust you are long past the time of fantasizing you can live without any rules. Your challenge now is to adjust some of the rules you have been living by, or even dare to align yourself with some new rules—and then completely commit yourself to being loyal to them and enjoying them.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Given the astrological omens that will symbolize your personal story in the coming weeks and months, I think Piscean author Nikos Kazantzakis articulated the perfect prescription for you. I invite you to interpret his thoughts to fit your circumstances. “We’re going to start with small, easy things,” he wrote. “Then, little by little we shall try our hand at the big things. And after that, after we finish the big things, we shall undertake the impossible.” Here’s an additional prod from Kazantzakis: “Reach what you cannot.”

ecurrent.com / september 2019 45

crossword Across 1. Tests for future Wharton graduates: Abbr.

6. Union breaker 10. Test sites 14. Very strange 15. Danish shoe brand 16. Somewhat 17. Ellen who was the first Hispanic female astronaut 18. Repeat â&#x20AC;&#x153;breaker breaker 1-9â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;you want to give me a 10-9 on that pig penâ&#x20AC;??

20. School whose mascot drives a Model T? 22. That over there, Tomas 23. Pasta suffix 24. Relating to birth 26. Dancing while covering your face 29. Crucial 31. The same partner 32. ___ Koothrappali (â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Big Bang Theoryâ&#x20AC;? character) 33. University of Michigan football coach Harbaugh 34. Toledoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lake 35. Yellow fruit makes fun of you?

38. Small plot 40. Broheim 41. Old t-shirtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new purpose 42. Sinn FĂŠin leader Mary ___ McDonald 43. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got a little charge 44. Way, way, way back in the past 48. 2001 Nobel Peace Prize co-winner 50. â&#x20AC;&#x153;How Bizarreâ&#x20AC;? band 51. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Issues in the Newsâ&#x20AC;? radio station: Abbr.

52. Employ glissando in the style of guitar god Jeff?

57. Kids in a shipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jail?

58. Weasley family Owl in Harry Potter novels 59. Teheran coin 60. One with an avatar 61. Fine hosiery material 62. Wings leftover 63. Kind of terrier 64. Like a no-tell motel

46â&#x20AC;&#x192;

â&#x20AC;&#x201A; september

Down 1. Fooled (around) 2. Lubricating membrane 3. Pulsating 4. Walked (on) 5. The Chargers retired his number 55 6. Dating 7. Number of days of the year in 2020, if we ignore April and November and put that number into Roman numerals 8. Soreness 9. Party pooper 10. Anatomical lips 11. Getaway drivers and lookouts, e.g.

12. Spicy Indian rice dish 13. Haloed sorts: Abbr.

19. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Houseâ&#x20AC;? band, initially 21. Lego toy line with a martial arts theme 25. Mohâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once Upon A Time In Hollywoodâ&#x20AC;? role 27. Highlands hill 28. Royals closer Kennedy 29. Kourtney, Khloe, Kendall, and Kylieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sister 30. Genre for The Get Up Kids and Funeral For A Friend 33. Blue bird 34. Hosp. diagnostics 35. Resident of Bandar Seri Begawan 36. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s got a habit 37. Soda container 38. In the style of 39. With vigor, in music 43. Memorial Day race, briefly 44. Political escapee 45. Not open (to) 46. Start losing a lot 47. She had a sure shot 49. Geometry measurement 50. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Baseball Tonightâ&#x20AC;? analyst Buster 53. Short peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reminders 54. Narwhal feature 55. Fish caught in pots 56. Runny cheese 57. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stepping away for a moment,â&#x20AC;? briefly

2019â&#x20AC;&#x2021;/â&#x20AC;&#x2021;ecurrent.com

FOR CROSSWORD ANSWERS, GO TO ECURRENT.COM

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

GO HAM

classifieds HOME SERVICES JEFF’S 24/7 LIVE-IN HOME SERVICES Personal Assistant • Chef • Chauffeur Masseur • Housekeeper • Laundry Shopping • Organizing • Pet/Plant Care General Maintenance • Home Security House Sitting • Property Caretaker Discreet MMMP • Trimmer/Trimming 810-429-4123 spiritfeather77@yahoo.com

REAL ESTATE ABANDONED FARM ON 43 ACRES ½ WOODED. Home & several outbuildings, Evans Creek, Northern Lenawee Co., MI. Fronts two roads. Unbelievable hunting.

Only $250,000. Call Diana at Faust Real Estate, LLC 517-270-3646 NATURE LOVERS PARADISE!!! Custom built ranch on 66 1/3 mostly wooded acres in SW Lenawee County MI. Check this property out at www.faustrealestate. net or Call Diana at Faust Real Estate, LLC 517-270-3646

B&P Painting Company

Decorate your interior with us.

BandPPaintingA2.com 734.572.8557 Call Bob & Phil!

HELP WANTED

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

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

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

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

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

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

Phone: 419-244-9859.

Fax: 419-244-9871.

Email to: classifieds@adamsstreet publishing.com

ecurrent.com / september 2019 47

48

september

2019 / ecurrent.com