JULY 2018| FREE
ULTURE C | T R A | MUSIC
ide Beer Gurs MI Brewe Pour Their Hearts Out p.5
Smash
Love and Se xo the Local Cir n cuit p.44
Ann Arbor R eal Estate is Hot. Who’s Feelin g the Bur n? p.16
2
july
2018 / ecurrent.com
contents
July 2018 vol. 28/no. 07 Dalat Opens in Ann Arbor After a generation at the corner of Michigan Avenue and North Huron Street in downtown Ypsilanti, the popular Vietnamese restaurant has moved to a new location in the Woodland Plaza shopping center off South Main Street in Ann Arbor. Son Le, son of previous owners Lang Bui and Hoanh Le, will be the restaurant’s new manager, along with his wife, Tran Nguyen, the new owner.
essis on Hotr reM al estate
o Ann Arb e burn? feeling th ’s o h W . fire a Series Part 1 of ecker B y By Trilb
p16
18 food: Taste Kitchen lives up to its moniker By Jeff Kass
23 music: Mike Gentry grasps the restorative powers of music By Jeff Milo
30 theater: Young Frankenstein
Classic Mel Brooks comedy gets new laughs as a musical, staged outside by Penny Seats Theater Co. By Emily Slomovits
33 lit: Literary Agent Eric Smith Moves to Ann Arbor Philadelphia native focuses on Young Adults By Patrick Flores-Scott
32 art: Unrecorded
Reimagining artists’ identities in Africa By Beth Soldberg
40 person of interest: Matt Grocoff Author, Advocate, Housing Visionary By Trilby Becker
44 Smash
Love and sex on the local circuit By Nina Swift
19 22 24 34
food events chef’s corner music events arts & culture
41 45 46 47
Ne Colu w mn! cannabis astrology crossword classifieds
JUNE 2018| FREE SEE DETAILS ON P20
BEST of
WASHTENAW
Winners
SEELEY FARM
Organic gem on Ann Arbor’s Northside p.21
THE STANDARD BISTRO & LARDER Exquisite French cuisine p.22
Vogel’s Lock and Safe Building to Become Restaurant The century-old business at 113 W. Washington St. in downtown Ann Arbor recently closed and has now been sold to developer Faramarz Farahanchi to become a restaurant with plans to open by October or November. TreeCity Medical Dispensary Opens New 3.0 Space A new iteration of Tree City has opened at 2732 Jackson Ave. in Ann Arbor, moving from the building next door at 2730 Jackson. The new version provides a completely different space with an innovative floor plan that removes heavy barriers like large counters and display cases and affords a more personal experience. Look for a whole new dispensary to open on South Industrial in Ann Arbor over the coming months as well. More information is available at annarborprovisioningcenter.com. Indie Beauty
Finding cosmetics from private, non-conglomerate beauty brands just got a lot easier— Vosenna, an indie beauty retailer, has opened at 2386 E. Stadium Blvd., in the Lamp Post Plaza near Trader Joe’s. Owned by Elizabeth Devos, the shop carries beauty and cosmetic products, not tested on animals, created by independent, USA owned brands, including local brands like Bee Lovely Botanicals, as well as jewelry from Michigan-based Glassology. Vosenna.com
Working Together
CELEBRATE WITH THE WINNERS
MUSIC | ART | CULTURE
2018
Michigan Creamery Celebrates One-year Anniversary In case you missed it, about a year ago (just before Art Fair ‘17) Stucchi’s on State St. became Michigan Creamery. Ownership has remained the same, with expanded hours. Allowing you to satiate your summer ice cream cravings on Friday and Saturday nights until 11pm and on all other nights until 10pm.
Last Month’s most read stories on
ECURRENT.COM
1. Best of Washtenaw Winners 2018 2. Top 10 Music Venues in A2 and Ypsi 3. Meet Zzvava
Office Evolution, a business-to-business franchise that creates co-working spaces, private offices, virtual offices, and other business services, will open their first Michigan site, later this summer in the Concord Center, on the corner of East Eisenhower and South State Street. Office Evolution Ann Arbor will occupy 7,100-square-feet and will feature 25 private office spaces, a business lounge that seats up to 10, two conference rooms, and one-day offices. officeevolution.com/locations/ann-arbor
ecurrent.com / july 2018 3
Adams Street Publishing Co.
green corner Washtenaw Designated Wildlife Habitat
County recognized by NWF for its green space Long known for its abundance of trees and green spaces, Washtenaw County has been named by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) as a Community Wildlife Habitat, a diverse space on both public and private land for wildlife and pollinators. Washtenaw County is the first in Michigan to receive this honor and includes 400 homes, 42 common areas, and 12 schools. This NWF designation shows that Washtenaw County stands out as an area that has conserved and promoted its natural areas, for the benefit of people and wildlife alike. —TB
What is your favorite Michigan beer?
Publisher/Editor in Chief
Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@adamsstreetpublishing.com) ALL DAY IPA — FOUNDERS BREWING CO.
Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@adamsstreetpublishing.com) VERANO — WOLVERINE STATE BREWING CO.
Editorial
Assignment Editor: Trilby Becker
(annarboreditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com)
WOLVERINE DARK — WOLVERINE STATE BREWING CO. Calendar Editor, Staff Writer: Star Cohen (calendar@adamsstreetpublishing.com) PHAT ABBOT — ARBOR BREWING COMPANY. Editorial Assistance: Athena Cocoves (athena@adamsstreetpublishing.com) WIZARD BURIAL GROUND — BREWERY VIVANT. Contributing Writers: Jeff Kass, Sonny Forrest, Jeff Milo, Emily Slomovits, Beth Soldberg, Patrick Flores-Scott, Nina Swift, and Rob Brezny.
Digital Media Tech Manager: Saul Jacobs (saul@adamsstreetpublishing.com) JUICY — PETOSKEY BREWING COMPANY. Web Guru: Deanna Woods (digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com) DIRTY BLONDE ALE — ATWATTER BREWERY.
fyi U-M’s Mcity Introduces Driverless Shuttle: Hail to the Future The innovative Mcity team at the University of Michigan is set to begin adding riders to its driverless shuttle system in the next few months, slated for a 2-mile round trip route on U-M’s North Campus between the North Campus Research Complex and the Lurie Engineering Center. The entire trip should take 10 minutes and is open to University students, faculty, and staff. For more information on Mcity and the shuttle, visit www.mcity.umich.edu
Art/Production Production Manager: Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) THE ORACLE — BELL’S BREWERY. Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) LOVE SHADOW — BREWERY VIVANT. Designers: Kelli Miller (kmiller@adamsstreetpublishing.com) NIGHT FURY — WITCH’S HAT BREWING CO. Anita Tipton (atipton@adamsstreetpublishing.com) CBS — FOUNDERS BREWING CO. Norwin Lopez (nlopez@adamsstreetpublishing.com) M-43 N.E. IPA — OLD NATION BREWING CO.
Advertising
Sales Catherine Bohr (a2sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) RASPBERRY EISBOCK — KUHNHENN BREWING CO. Ron Katz (rkatz@adamsstreetpublishing.com) BOSS TWEED — OLD NATION BREWING CO. Walker Barnes (wbarnes@adamsstreetpublishing.com) HAZEL’S NUTS — ODD SIDE ALES. Sales Coordinator Jen Leach (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com PLEAD THE 5TH IMPERIAL STOUT — DARK HORSE..
Administration Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@adamsstreetpublishing.com) HOPSLAM ALE — BELL’S BREWERY.
© 2018 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
Member
4
july
2018 / ecurrent.com
Audited by
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
BEER guide ER BEIDE GU
618 Church St. 734-995-5095 garagebarannarbor.com The moment you knew you were a beer enthusiast:
We, at Garage Bar, knew we were enthusiasts after visiting a beer expo. There were thousands of types, styles, and flavors which allowed us an opportunity to learn and expand our palettes. What are the qualities of a great brewer? Variety, balance, and depth
of flavor are key.
What’s something people wouldn’t guess about your business? Our
ay Michael P Hollow Manager
outdoor venue stays open all year round! We have six large heaters that keep the Garage Bar toasty in the winter, despite our very large garage door opening. We also have the best happy hour in town. From 3-6pm, we sell all of our drinks at half price and offer a $5 food menu. Everything is $5 or under. You can’t beat that!
Favorite MI beer: Bell’s Two Hearted
and/or Short’s Soft Parade—classics.
Favorite MI beer: That’s a cruel
207 N. Main St. 734-263-1296. SirisAnnArbor.com
question. There are so many great beers in Michigan! But my seasonal choice right now— since it’s summer— is probably Founder’s Green Zebra. Or maybe Bell’s Black Note.
The moment you knew you were a beer enthusiast: Probably when
Beer presently in your fridge:
my pops pulled me from my mum’s arms as a toddler and handed me a PBR.
At home I actually have a refrigerator larger than my food refrigerator for beer! There are far too many to list. No joke.
What drew you towards a career in beer: I’ve always enjoyed beer,
Favorite pairing: Right now?
but I actually left retirement when I was offered the opportunity to oversee the opening of Siris. I simply couldn’t pass up the chance to manage a place that was going to have over 120 taps! What’s the furthest you’ve gone for a specialty brew?
To Seattle, to try Elysian Space Dust before it was available here.
Probably our Smoked Half Chicken with Petoskey Juicy. The citrus and fruit are an amazing complement to the smoky flavors of the chicken, which we smoke in house, by the way.
It’s a fight to the death: Ales vs Lagers. Who do you bet on? I know
most people will say ales, but I’m a lager guy. If anyone wants to debate the point they can come down to Siris and we’ll discuss it... over a lager. Cont. on pg. 6
Danilyn Wilce Manager Cont’d on p6 ecurrent.com / july 2018 5
Cont’d from p5 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Beer presently in your fridge: Rodenbach Flanders Red Ale. First beer: Of course, Corona. Favorite pairing: Red ale and pizza.
The moment you knew you were a beer enthusiast: When I started with Lucky’s Market in 2015 I was amazed at the verity of options that were out there. What drew you towards a career in beer: Talking with the previous leadership in the beer department.
Armando Rios beer specialist
6
july
2018 / ecurrent.com
What beer do you recommend for day-drinking? Can Do Brew Lager by Rhinelander Brewery exclusively for Lucky’s Market (shameless plug). What’s the theme song for your favorite beer? “Miss you” by the Rolling Stones with Emergency Brexit ESB from Mean Streets Beer Company.
Toughest part of your job: C’mon this is not tough, it’s fun!
It’s a fight to the death: Ales vs Lagers. Who do you bet on? Ales.
Best part of your job: The customer and all the knowledge and suggestions they bring and the trust they have in me.
What’s the furthest you’ve gone for a specialty brew? Left Hand Nitro.
Favorite MI beer: Dark Horse Sapient Trip Ale.
Best beer to take home to mom? Short’s Soft Parade Shandy.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Adventures in Homebrewing 6071 Jackson Rd., 313-277-2739. homebrewing.org What are the qualities of a great brewer? Loving to brew, the rest will fill in as needed. Favorite MI beer: Boss Tweed - Old Nation Brewing Co. Homebrew fiasco story? Dropping a glass carboy and it shattering and spilling 5 gallons of my delicious beer... everywhere. The key to homebrewing and life for that matter is not making the same mistake twice. What beer do you recommend for day-drinking? Literally any beer.
Daniel Flory Store Manager What drew you towards a career in brewing? A. The beer. B. The people. Craft beer, in my opinion, is equal parts the beer and the folks in the industry. I love craft beer for the stories, the story the brewer is trying to tell with his beer, the story of the brewery itself, the story of the friendships cultivated over craft beer.
Family owned & operated since 1999.
It’s a fight to the death: Ales vs Lagers. Who do you bet on? Ales.
What’s something people wouldn’t guess about your business? Our guests are our family. We will do anything we can to help our family love the hobby. From taste testing homebrew and giving advice to talking on the phone with the guest any day of the week to help solve their brewing problem.
What’s the farthest you’ve gone for a specialty brew? Across the country. Cont’d on p9
Specializing in Beer Making, Kegging & Wine Making Adventures in Homebrewing is a brewing supply company offering Craft Beer Brewing, Wine Making, Liquor Making and Soda Making Equipment and Supplies. AIH also offers a full line of Kegging Equipment and Commercial Beverage Supplies.
WE REFILL CO2 TANKS!
6071 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor, MI (313)277-2739 • HOMEBREWING.ORG ecurrent.com / july 2018 7
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
8
july
2018 / ecurrent.com
Cont’d from p7
Wolverine State Brewing Co. 2019 W. Stadium Blvd. 734-369-2990. wolverinebeer.com The moment you knew you were a beer enthusiast: When the Full Moon first opened, I was a student at the University of Michigan. They used to have a deal where you drank one of each of their beers and you would get your name on the wall. My friends and I would walk all the way to Main St. from central campus to enjoy their, at the time, huge selection of beers and try and get our names forever displayed on the wall. What drew you towards a career in beer: For me, beer started as a hobby. Right out of law school I started homebrewing and my hobby quickly took over the kitchen … then a room in the
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
basement… then the entire basement. Eventually I realized that it was time to go pro and I was lucky enough that over time my hobby became my profession. Favorite MI beer: Can it be one of our own? In all seriousness, I still think Crooked Tree is one of the best and most underrated IPA’s on the market. It’s a fight to the death: Ales vs Lagers. Who do you bet on? It’s not even close, Lagers have been refined and honed to perfection over time carefully mastering their art. In a fight to the death Lagers would toy with the naivety of Ales, leading them on to believe that they had the upper hand, and then, right when Ales thought that they were going to win, Lagers would deliver their devastating blow, stunning Ales just long enough to remind them why Lagers are the number one style of beer consumed in the world!
Matt Roy co-owner
Cont’d on p10
ecurrent.com / july 2018 9
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Cont’d from p9 Brewing fiasco story? The time I damaged a cold water pipe, creating a large shower in the brewery, that was directly related to cooking all the yeast I had just added to a fermenter. I was very glad to still have a job when I left work that day.
Arbor Brewing Company Brewpub 114 E. Washington St. 734-213-1393. arborbrewing.com The moment you knew you were a beer enthusiast: When I started looking at beer release calendars, wondering when I would get to taste something new.
Chris Davies Head Brewer
Great Friends in the Great Lakes
What drew you towards a career in brewing? My path has been a winding one, but there was a lot of luck and good timing that led me to this industry. What’s something people wouldn’t guess about your business? Our company is 100% Michigan owned. Favorite MI beer: I’ll bend the rules and give two answers--for draft, Grizzly Peak’s Sheerwater Burton-style IPA is quite exceptional, served on handpull, and is a rare style to find. For bottles or cans, Bell’s Lager of the Lakes is a rather fine pils.
What beer do you recommend for daydrinking? Preferably something refreshing, under 5%, and not so intensely flavored that your palate is fried before dinner. On a hot day, I’d recommend our Cucumber Lime Gose. It’s a fight to the death: Ales vs Lagers. Who do you bet on? It’s hard not read too much into that question. It seems there’s a lager renaissance going on right now (which pleases me greatly). I think the two might get in the ring, shake hands, and agree to go grab a beer somewhere. There’s plenty of room for both ale and lager to happily coexist. What’s the farthest you’ve gone for a specialty brew? I’ve hand-picked a lot of hops, spruce tips, hunted for wild hops, peeled a lot of cucumbers and limes... anything that turns brew day into a field trip or a prep kitchen is fun.
Style
Cont’d on p12
MEN’S
www.abwholesaler.com
10
july
2018 / ecurrent.com
GUIDE
EXCLUSIVELY @ ECURRENT.COM
Exclusively on
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
The unique open-air atmosphere offers a refreshingly distinct venue that keeps the nights hot and the drinks cold!
32 Craft Beers on Tap • Open year round • Full Pizza House Menu
1/2 off drinks & food specials 618 Church St, Ann Arbor, MI
(734) 995-5095 GarageBarAnnArbor.com Subject to change without notice. Happy Hour specials not valid for private parties, special events or game days. ecurrent.com / july 2018 11
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Cont’d from p10
Townies Brewery 2350 W. Liberty St., 734-222-9000. facebook.com/towniesA2brewing The moment you knew that you were a beer enthusiast:
For many years we have been traveling and visiting venues and sampling beers all over the US and Europe. What drew you towards a career in brewing?
Love of the community and the art in the craft of making beer, as well as other artisan beverages. What’s something people wouldn’t guess about your business? All the
Dan & Patty Arban Owners
different offerings we have onsite, such as great craft beer, wine and ciders to our unique venue which has a large outdoor backyard space to our B & B, game room and art studio. Something for everyone.
Townies, it’s not in the zip code, it’s in the heart! 2350 W. Liberty Street Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103
(734) 222-9000 Enjoy our great craft beer, wine and food on our patio, in our taproom or BBQ in our spacious backyard beer garden. 12
july
2018 / ecurrent.com
Like Us on FB!
Favorite MI beer: Avacious
Amber.
What beer do you recommend for daydrinking? The one that
makes you feel good, if you can’t be with the beer you love, then love the beer you’re with....
It’s a fight to the death: Ales vs Lagers. Who do you bet on? Ales, you can
do far more with an Ale, variety, character, flavor, Lagers are heavy, old and slow...
What’s the farthest you’ve gone for a specialty brew?
300 miles.
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Dan Kolander Owner
Dan’s Downtown Tavern 103 E.Michigan Ave., Saline. 734-429-3159. facebook.com/DANSBARS What drew you towards a career in beer? I started as
a bartender and worked my way through the ranks until I was able to buy my own place.
We pour 64 taps, mainly Michigan-based breweries. There is so much great beer in Michigan that there’s no reason to look elsewhere to fill my taps. Founders Wolverine State Brewery, OG , Dark Horse, New Holland, Old Nation Stoney Lake in Saline has great beer too. These are just some of my favorites. Beer presently in my fridge: M43, Founders
Rubeaus, KBS, Dogfish 120.
Although I am not a brewer, what has allowed me to expand is basically the Michigan-based breweries and how many good, solid beers are available in this state, from lagers to ales. We are very spoiled here!!! The furthest I have traveled for a good brew:
is California.
What beer do you recommend for day-drinking?
Is there such a thing as a bad day beer? What are the qualities of a great brewer?
All the brewers I have met have one thing in common, they are all laid back, calm, relaxed people who are in no hurry to go anywhere quickly! Like a mad scientist always trying to find a new angle or taste for a great new beer! And their creativity always amazes me. Look at some of the names they have come up with— Amazing!!! Cont’d on p14 ecurrent.com / july 2018 13
Cont’d from p13 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Kit Wanty Lambert Vice President
3003 William St. Ypsilanti. 734-480-4012. onwbeer.com
in your fridge. It’s a laborintensive business, but one we all love! The other thing we are very proud of is that we provide jobs for close to 200 people, and these are jobs that no one can ship overseas. These are good paying jobs, Michigan jobs with great benefits and we are proud of that.
The moment you knew you were a beer enthusiast: The moment I was born. I am the 5th generation in my family’s beer distribution business, so beer What’s the theme song is part of who I am. for your favorite beer? “If you’ve got the time, What are the qualities of we’ve got the beer.” It’s the a good brewer? A good original Miller High Life brewery partner to me is one song and we recently found that strikes a balance between the original sheet music from creativity and innovation, and the ‘70’s that we got from the a strong business plan. You brewery. have to have both to be able to make beers that are appeal- What’s the farthest ing, that draw a consumer in you’ve gone for a and make them want to grab specialty brew? I travel it from the shelf or choose it a lot for work and have in a sea of draft handles. But the good fortune of visiting all products need to be backed breweries all over the counup with a strong business plan try. I am blown away by the that addresses costs, margins, beer scenes in both Portland production, packaging, marand Miami. So totally differketing plans, quality control… ent in beer styles but both there are many hats a brewery thrive on the vibe of the wears and all are critical to cities they are in. Culture is the success of a brewery and so important in a brewery distributor partnership. and the beer they brew, and What’s something people wouldn’t guess about your business? It is much more complex than you would think. Beer is touched at a minimum of 10 times before it even gets put
14
july
2018 / ecurrent.com
these two cities have a great sense of who they are.
Best beer to take home to mom? I would take home a one of our new rosé ciders. They are really good!
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
PROUD TO SERVE THOSE WHO SERVE. ARMED FORCES, THIS BUD’S FOR YOU. www.abwholesaler.com
Make sure your business is included
Featuring one of Michigan’s largest craft beer selections in the area
Try our new expansive menu featuring Weekends Specials
Seafood Seafood •• Steaks Steaks •• Pasta Pasta Dishes Dishes
We do catering right! Call us for more info! 103 E. MICHIGAN AVE. SALINE
734.429.3159
Locally
grown issue date august 2018
CALL TO ADVERTISE 734.668.4044 ecurrent.com / july 2018 15
feature
Hot Mess
Ann Arbor real estate is on fire. Who’s feeling the burn? By Trilby Becker
Ann Arbor is rebounding from the Great Recession with a whirlwind of development. Rents are skyrocketing, small shops are closing, there is a severe housing shortage with new buildings going up left and right. Meanwhile, in October 2015 City officials presented a report to City Council stating that only half of the city’s 287 miles of paved streets were in good condition, and we all know traffic is a mess. According to City Planning Commission stats, there are currently 31 development projects under construction, 24 that have been approved but have not yet broken ground, and 69 proposals under review. With so many projects in play, the face of the city is poised to change dramatically in the next few years, making this an important time to reflect on what we value as a community, how we want to live, and what can be done to shape future development. This feature on development is the first in a series on housing, development, and infrastructure in Ann Arbor.
16
july
2018 / ecurrent.com
An important time to reflect on what we value as a community, how we want to live, and what can be done to shape future development The City of Ann Arbor plan for moving forward seems to be to meet the housing shortage fast with a concentration of development downtown as a way to curb urban sprawl and keep people out of their cars. One of the 69 projects under review is the 1140 Broadway Lot, a 6.4 acre parcel on the corner of Broadway and Maiden Lane, on Ann Arbor’s north side. This large and prominent swath of property used to be the site of commercial spaces, including a Kroger supermarket and a dry cleaner, a business responsible for contaminating the site. The retail fell on hard times, and in 2007 the buildings were demolished to make way for an ambitious project that would have been in keeping
with the City’s Master Plan, calling for a “mixed-use urban village” at the location, comprised of low density buildings that incorporate retail, office space, and residential units. Then-Governor Grandholm attended a ground-breaking ceremony for the project in 2008, but construction never began. The recession scuttled the plans and the lot has been empty ever since.
Big money
The market is back up, and Morningside Development Group, LLC, a Chicagobased real estate company, purchased the site and has proposed building 617 upscale condominium units accompanied by less than 1% commercial retail space. The Planning Commission’s 2017 Staff Report on Morningside’s proposal expressed the following concerns: “First, the buildings are broad and massive rather than slender. Second, the development is essentially a single use – residential – with accessory retail space, not a mixed-use center.” Despite these concerns and strong criticism from the community, Morningside’s plan got the green light, spotlighting the reason why the process for approving a new development in Ann Arbor requires some scrutiny.
Hearing but not listening
The process goes like this: a developer creates a proposal plan for a new development, and presents that proposal to the public for comment. The City Planning Commission produces a detailed Staff Report on each proposal, and makes recommendations. The developer’s proposal is then submitted to the City Council which reviews it, considering the Staff Report, public comments, and other factors before making a determination to approve or deny a permit for the development request. Developers are obligated to submit proposals for new projects to the public for feedback, but are not required to incorporate that feedback into future iterations of their proposals. Nor does the process require developers to modify their proposals based on Staff Report recommendations made by the Planning Commission. Nor do they have to follow the City’s Master Plan. Nor are they obligated to include any affordable housing units. If their proposals meet the zoning requirements, then it becomes difficult for City Council to deny their proposals. Further, if developers do not like the zoning requirements, they can petition to change them. Should a city reject a proposal, larger developers maintain aggressive legal departments, backed by significant financial resources, to fight back.
Zoning favors developers
The 1140 Broadway Lot was originally zoned for a Planned Unit Development (PUD). According to the City of Ann Arbor Unified Development Code, characteristics of PUD zoning include economy and efficiency in land use and energy, preservation of open space and natural features, provision of employment, housing, and shopping opportunities for residents, and expansion of affordable housing. PUD zoning would not have required the low density, mixed-use urban village called for in the City’s Master Plan, but would have required concessions to benefit the community if the developer opted not to offer these features. Those concessions might have come in the form of a substantial number of affordable housing units, or a large donation to the Affordable Housing Fund. Most developers, want to maximize profits and minimize concessions, as concessions generally cost money. Accordingly, Morningside petitioned the Planning Commission to change the zoning to C1A/R, a designation intended for the Downtown Campus Commercial district. According to the Planning Commission, “In general, all of the C1 districts are designed to allow mixed uses to serve the residents within and nearby to
feature that particular district location.” It’s a stretch to call the corner of Broadway and Maiden Lane a Downtown Campus Commercial area, but the Planning Commission approved it with the understanding that the development would provide a mix of commercial and residential units. But here’s the rub: C1A/R zoning does not specify what percentage of commercial space is required. Morningside came back with a proposal that has the highest possible density of units, the lowest possible amount of parking, only 15 out of 617 (about 2.5%) units of affordable housing, no money allocated for the Affordable Housing Fund, and less than 1% commercial space. And the Planning Commission approved it. According to City Planner Alexis DeLilo, in addition to residential, “Office uses and a long list of commercial uses are also primary uses in all commercial districts. Which exact use or uses to provide and, if more than one, the proportion of mixed-uses, are choices the land owner is entitled to make.” If the zoning for the 1140 Broadway site had remained PUD, Morningside could have built its same site plan and elected not to provide any concessions to benefit the community, but it would have had to offer something in return, like money to the Affordable Housing Fund. Using C1A/R zoning with lots of variances, Morningside can avoid making community-based concessions without offering anything in exchange. But why did the Planning Commission and City Council approve the new zoning, and forego the opportunity to get a mixed-use urban village or several million dollars for the Affordable Housing Fund?
Where’s a working lug to live? Councilman Zach
Ackerman, the City Council representative on the Planning Commission, sees the Morningside development as part of the solution to Ann Arbor’s housing shortage. Wealthy students and employees of UM hospital are clamouring for more downtown housing options, and 1140 Broadway is walkable to those destinations and the downtown shopping district. Ackerman also concedes that there are flaws in the City’s zoning laws, and laments the lack of legal mechanisms to require the development of affordable housing. As does Brett Lenart, Planning Manager for the City Planning Commission, who has actively worked to change legislation to require affordable housing and helped draft the 2015 Housing Affordability and Economic Equity Analysis. Which leads us to our next feature in the series: affordable housing, and the lack thereof, in Washtenaw County.
ecurrent.com / july 2018 17
food Taste Kitchen Lives Up to its Moniker Blending global influences By Jeff Kass
With summer comes an aura of celebration. We made it through the blustery winter, the rainy spring, and now, with long hours of sun, we can let loose a little, take a moment to breathe. So, if food and drink are how you celebrate, and you feel like something special, when money is no object, you can’t go wrong with Ann Arbor’s Taste Kitchen.
In the heart of Ann Arbor
Nestled on Liberty Street a halfblock from the Michigan Theater, and open since October of 2015, Taste Kitchen offers large glass windows that afford generous people-watching views. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is soothing and cool with a grey-black brick wall, soft lighting, comfortable seating and outstanding service. Every detail is designed to let diners kick back and savor the delights of the meal. If you need to unwind, start with a refreshing summer cocktail. The selection, which blends housemade tinctures of specialty spirits, shrubs, herbs and juices, certainly lives up to the restaurant’s adage of offering global cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Try, for instance, the Oaxaca Smoke, a mixture of Vida mezcal, dry curaçao, orange and star anise with a cinnamon sugar rim; or the Himalayan Daisy. which features el Espolón tequila, Cointreau, raspberry and jalapeño with a salt rim. On recommendation, the Paulista, a Brazilian concoction which offers a mix of caipirinha (a cachaca-based spirit distilled from fermented sugarcane juice), blackberry, blueberry and lime balanced the medley of flavors quite well. Our server, who was unfailingly polite and thoroughly knowledgeable about every item on the menu, was also able to execute that neat and often rare trick of being highly attentive and efficient, while simultaneously unobtrusive and patient.
18
july
2018 / ecurrent.com
Chef Van uses French culinary techniques and flavors of his native Vietnam to create unique dishes.
Excellent service is a point of particular pride among the staff. “The most important thing about having good service is the hiring process,” explains Chris Dunkel, Taste Kitchen’s General Manager. “When we interview, we start by having a backand-forth conversation. We don’t want to micromanage. We want to let [the staff’s] personality shine through.”
A meal to savor
The menu is limited, intentionally, of course, to allow each dish to be individually prepared. “As long as everything on the menu is good, we don’t want the customer to be overwhelmed,” Dunkel says. Among a half-dozen cold appetizers that include a cheese plate, a beef carpaccio
and a shrimp spring roll, we chose the beet salad, which featured fresh greens in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, along with goat cheese, candied walnuts and diced beets. Delicious and light – an excellent precursor to a meatier entrée – I did wish for a little more beet to go with the healthy dose of walnuts. Hot appetizers are offered as well, including asparagus soup, shrimp risotto and fish tacos. Main courses offer a nifty nine options, including an eggplant cannelloni for vegetarians. For landlubbers, there’s filet mignon, shaking beef tips, grilled Berkshire pork and grilled lamb. The remaining quartet of choices highlights seafood, a reflection of Chef Danny Van, influenced by both Vietnamese and French Culinary Cuisine. We tried the Divers Scallops and Bouillabaisse. The trio of meaty scallops, bathed in a delicious bacon marmalade served over a bed of corn, brussels sprouts, and butternut squash, was a light, tasty, satisfying experience. The bacon marmalade was a delight, the bacon cooked perfectly, with a crunchy texture that nicely complemented the meltin-your-mouth scallops. The Bouillabaisse was based on a Thai broth that offered an aromatic blend of light sweetness with a hint of spice. Poached in the broth were a sufficient, but not overwhelming amount of mussels, shrimp and scallops, all accompanied by slices of fresh baguette, used to soak up the exquisite broth.
Achieving a vision
For dessert, we split a delicious lemon meringue, which came in a rectangular shape. The meringue was light, fresh, and not too sweet, smoothly complementing the semi-frozen lemon curd. It proved a splendid topper to an outstanding meal that made Ann Arbor feel, at least for the evening, like a global culinary bazaar, matching Dunkel’s vision, “to source locally and to make whatever tastes good.”
521 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. 734-369-4241, tastekitchena2.com.
Ongoing
food
Mondays
Bottled Wine Mondays
4 Wednesday
4pm. Gratzi. gratzirestaurant.com
Gratzi will offer half-off all bottled wine for a limited time!
Pizza Monday
7:30pm. Beer Grotto. beergrotto.com. Free
Grab a free slice of Domino’s Deep-Dish Pizza while enjoying a wide beer selection, inside or out on the summer patio!
Tuesdays
Wine Special
All Day. Bigalora. bigalora.com
Enjoy half-off all wine bottles.
Wednesdays
Wine Night Wednesdays 4pm-10pm. Evans Street Station. evansstreetstation.com
Enjoy 1/2 off bottles of wine from the Evans Street List! Can’t finish the bottle? You can have it corked and wrapped up to take home.
Milan Farmers Market
5pm-7pm. Original Gravity Brewing Co. ogbrewing.com. Free
Original Gravity will have an extended happy hour until 7pm, so you can enjoy a pint and grab some fresh fruit, veggies, flowers, and more!
Ann Arbor Farmers Market 7am-3pm. a2gov.org/market Free
Shop from more than 100 vendors for farm-fresh produce every Wednesday and Saturday.
Thursdays
Pittsfield Township Indoor Farmers Market
3pm-7pm. Pittsfield Charter Township. pittsfield-mi.gov/farmersmarket. Free
Shop for seasonal produce, locally produced food and artisan goods. There will also be free activities for all ages.
Summer Patio Nights
4pm-12am. Graduate Ann Arbor. graduatehotels.com. Free
Summer weather means patio season! Every Thursday, join for outdoor games, music, summer bites, and a specialty cocktail cart.
Fridays
French Toast Fridays
7am-11am. Zingerman’s Delicatessen. zingermans.com. Free
Wake up with fancy french toast every Friday! The delicatessen will offer sweet & savory toppings, house-made whipped cream, seasonal fruit and Michigan maple syrup.
Grill Fest 2018
11:30AM. Busch’s Fresh Food Market. buschs.com. Free
Explore the Bizarre Landscape of Strange Vegetables
Come for a parking lot cookout outside the store! There will be pulled pork sandwiches, nachos, ribs, hot dogs, corn on the cob, and more.
Heads up Veggie Lovers! And we’re not just talking lettuce. Journey into the realm of strange and exotic vegetables as Keegan C. Rodgers, Head Baker at the People’s Food Co-Op, unearths a lively hands-on workshop at the downtown Ann Arbor District Library. Indulge your love for peak veggie season and experiment with veggies you may have never heard of, or otherwise have no idea how to cook. From kohlrabi, garlic scapes, okra and root veggies to unusual herbs, learn new ways to cook or prepare these peculiar fruits of the earth. - JK
Free. 7-8:30pm, Weds. July 11. 343 S. Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor. 734-327-4200, aadl.org Creamery Production Tour
Unwind from the workweek and flex your creative muscles while enjoying exclusive Pointless craft beers. There will be writing and drawing prompts, colored pencils and markers provided.
This engaging tour will show you the ins and outs of transforming local milk into delicious cheese and gelato.
Saturdays
Yoga & Beer
11am. $10. Canton Brew Works. cantonbrewworks.com
Join for Yoga with Katie and take advantage of a $1 off a pint after! Canton Brew Works is known for their unique and quality craft beers.
Saline Farmers Market
8am-12pm. Saline Farmers Market. cityofsaline.org. Free
Explore a wide variety of local vendors every Saturday in downtown Saline, 1/2 block south of Michigan Ave.
Sundays
Beer & Board Games
4pm-7pm. Pointless Brewery & Theatre. pointlessbrew.com. Free
Play board games while enjoying brewed-on-site craft beer! Games are provided, but feel free to bring along your own.
1 Sunday Tiny Lions Brunch
10:30am-12:30pm. $15. Tiny Lions Lounge & Adoption Center. tinylions.org
Join for a special Sanrio-themed brunch at the Lounge & Adoption Center! Enjoy refreshments including mimosas and pastries while meeting adorable, adoptable cats from the community
11am. $10. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com
2 Monday Cobblestone Fundraiser 5pm-9pm. $18. Hut-K Chaats. cobblestonefarmmarket.org
Support the Cobblestone Farm Market by spending an evening at Hut-K Chaats for a special 5-course meal, with $5 of each meal going to the neighborhood market.
3 Tuesday Cooking Class
3pm. Corner Health Center, Ypsilanti. ypsilibrary.org. Free
Learn how to cook fun and healthy recipes from a skilled culinary professional! Registration required.
Farm Tour
4pm-5pm. Growing Hope, Ypsilanti. growinghope.net. Free
Come see what goes on at Ypsilanti’s urban farm, Growing Hope! Staff will take attendees on a guided tour and discuss what the farm does to help the community. Registration is required.
Beer Tasting with Ellison 5pm. Blue Front. bluefrontannarbor.com. Free
Italian Kitchen
7pm-9pm. $75. Sur La Table. surlatable.com
Learn the techniques to make a delicious Italian meal! Make a savory risotto, a refreshing take on salad, and learn how to make the most of the seafood catch by grilling it to perfection!
6 Friday
Drink & Draw
4pm-7pm. Pointless Brewery & Theatre. pointlessbrew.com. Free
5 Thursday
Join for a tasting with East Lansing’s Ellison Brewery + Spirits. Ellison is known for their handcrafted beer, wine, and spirits.
Burrito Friday
7am-11am. RoosRoast Coffee. roosroast.com. Free
Come to the Rosewood location the first friday of the month for tasty burritos to go with your morning coffee!
Honey & Cheese
6:30pm. $40. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com
Go on a sweet and salty journey exploring a variety of artisan cheeses and honey pairings.
7 Saturday Jazz Brunch
11am-2pm. The Sardine Room, Plymouth. thesardineroom.com. Free
Join for an amazing spread of food and drink along with live jazz with the swinging stylings of guitar duo, Harrington & Brown!
8 Sunday Comparative Cupping
12pm-2pm. $30. Zingerman’s Coffee. events.zingermanscommunity.com
Taste your way through coffees from Africa, Central and South Americas, and the Asian Pacific using techniques of professional tasters.
9 Monday Washtenaw County Food Policy Council Meeting 3pm-5pm. Food Gatherers. foodgatherers.org. Free
Come for a public food policy meeting that will include a public comment period. Meet in the boardroom of Food Gatherers.
ecurrent.com / july 2018 19
11 Wednesday
food
Food Truck Rally
5pm. Parks and Recreation Facilities. Calendar.a2gov.org. Free
Enjoy live music and purchase food from a variety of local food trucks that offer everything from coffee and crepes to ice cream, pizza, sandwiches, salads and more.
Kombucha Home Brewing Workshop
6pm-7:30pm. $40-$50. Argus Farm Stop. boochymama.com
Learn how to brew your own kombucha with Stacy Jurich, head brewer of Boochy Mama’s Probiotic Tonic.
Taco ‘Bout Stiff Competition: Taco Showdown in Detroit Go south of the border without leaving Michigan at the Taco Showdown hosted by Dine Drink Detroit. Enjoy the culinary creations of 15 taquerias from throughout the state. Adding to the spice of the day are games, a variety of merchants, and music provided by DJ Tom T. Tickets. Admission includes a complementary taco and house margarita. Additional tacos and drinks will be available for purchase.
$15 per person, limited quantities, price increases to $20. 1pm-4pm. Sun., July 29. Shed #5, 2801 Russell St., Detroit, 48207. tacoshowdown.com
10 Tuesday Beer Tasting
5pm-7pm. Blue Front. bfa2.com. Free
Join for a free beer tasting with local brewing company, Pileated!
Aventura Descorchado: Summer in Spain 6pm-8pm. $40. Aventura. aventuraannarbor.com
Be transported to Spain during this mix and mingle wine tasting! Enjoy refreshing Spanish white, rosé, and red wines and authentic cured meats and cheeses
Flavors of Emilia-Romagna Dinner 6:45pm. $50. Zingerman’s Deli. zingermansdeli.com
Enjoy traditional dishes from Emilia-Romagna, a region in Northern Italy. Dinner will be set up with shared tables and family style service, include nonalcoholic shrubs featuring the vinegars of the region and wine tastings.
Proteins, Carbs, & Fats for the Raw Vegan
7pm. Pittsfield Branch. aadl.org. Free
Ellen Livingston will present a lecture about the raw vegan diet. Learn the advantages to not cooking your food and enjoy a tasting at the library!
History and Hops Walking Tour
6pm-8pm. $45. Downtown Ann Arbor. tammystastings.com
Discover fascinating facts about Ann Arbor history while enjoying libations from local breweries and bars! Local historian and beer expert Patti Smith will join Tammy of Tammy’s Tastings to lead this relaxing walking tour.
12 Thursday
Indian Community Meal
7pm-8pm. Educational Center and International Residence. ecir.org. Free
Gather at ECIR for an Indian Community meal open to all.
14 Saturday Rustic Rose Benefit 5pm. $59. Nixon Farms. purplerosetheatre.org
This benefit supports the 27th Season of American plays and renowned educational programs of the Purple Rose Theatre. Enjoy strolling hors d’oeuvres, a sophisticated dinner buffet, live auction, and a performances by Purple Rose Resident Artists.
15 Sunday Cocktail Class: Brunch Drinks 12pm. $45. The Last Word. tammystastings.com
Discover what makes a great brunch drink in this hands-on workshop featuring classics like Mimosas and Bloody Marys along with modern creations with eccentric ingredients.
16 Monday
The Ultimate Burger
Perfect French Crêpes
Learn about selecting the best beef, safety tips for grinding meat, and how to shape and season patties, resulting in a delicious crowd-pleaser!
Learn how to make your own perfectly crafted crepes with techniques to make batter, shape crepes, and make a delicious caramelized orange sauce!
5:30pm-6:15. $25. Sur La Table. surlatable.com
13 Friday
5:30pm-6:15pm. $25. Sur La Table. surlatable.com
18 Wednesday
Beer & Cheese
Healthy Food Distribution
Join for an evening of tasting and exploration with a wide range of beer styles paired with artisan cheeses. Bread and additional accompaniments will be provided.
Food Gatherers and the Corner Health Center will be distributing free healthy groceries including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and bread.
6:30pm. $45. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com
GUSTO Bar Night
7pm-9pm. Rappourt Brew & Chew. rappourt.com. Free
Celebrate the summer and mingle with the student organization GUSTO. Appetizers and a beer selection provided.
3pm. Corner Health Center, Ypsilanti. cornerhealth.org. Free
Summer of Sculpin
6pm. Beer Grotto. beergrotto.com. Free
The Beer Grotto will have regular, unfiltered, and the grapefruit variant all on-tap, along with the High-West Victory at Sea!
chef-owned & operated since 2004
offering
Thanks for Voting us Best Fine Dining!
chef tasting menu • local farm produce small estate biodynamic wines & craft cocktails Hours: Tue-Sat 5pm-10pm 115 W. Washington Downtown Ann Arbor • 734.327.2312 • logan-restaurant.com
20
july
2018 / ecurrent.com
19 Thursday Sangria Party
5:30pm-10pm. Evans Street Station, Tecumseh. evansstreetstation.com. Free
Join for craft cocktails, light refreshments, and happy hour until 6pm.
Girls Night Out
7pm-9pm. $75. Sur La Table. surlatable.com
Spend a night with your friends making delicious dishes including lemon and saffron-risotto, sicilian-style grilled chicken with fresh herbs, and basil limoncello sorbet.
20 Friday Free Wine Tasting
25 Wednesday Culinary Scholarship Awards Dinner
6:30pm-8:30pm. $59. Karl’s Cabin, Plymouth. karlscabin.com
Student recipients of the Karl’s Cabin Culinary Scholarship Fund held with the Educational Excellence Foundation will prepare a six course meal using local and seasonal ingredients.
The Best of America
7pm-9pm. $80. Zingerman’s Roadhouse. events.zingermanscommunity.com
Embark on a journey across the nation as Chef Bob prepares delicious dishes from Gabrielle Langholtz book, America: The Cookbook.
26 Thursday
5pm-7pm. Blue Front Ann Arbor. bfa2.com. Free
Craft Cocktail Walking Tour
TT Supper Club: Catalonia
Explore Ann Arbor’s vibrant craft cocktail scene with an industry insider and cocktail expert.
Join for a free tasting featuring wine from Napa, CA’s Eagle Eye 7pm-10pm. $75. Tammy’s Tastings. tammystastings.com
Indulge in a Spanish feast with 6 courses of Catalan-inspired cooking.
21 Saturday Cars & Coffee
7:30am. Zingerman’s Roadhouse. zingermans.com. Free
Car enthusiasts join in the parking lot for coffee and pastries on the third Saturday of each month!
Roaster Showcase Series 10am-12pm. Black Diesel Coffee. blackdieselcoffee.com. Free
Join Seth Chapman of Water Street Coffee from Kalamazoo, MI who will share his knowledge on coffee.
22 Sunday Brewing Methods
12pm-2pm. $30. Zingerman’s Coffee. events.zingermanscommunity.com
Explore how to brew a single coffee 6-8 different ways, from filter drip to syphon pot.
23 Monday Test Kitchen
7pm-9pm. $45. Sur La Table. surlatable.com
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Sur La Table’s test kitchen and help professional chefs test and taste recipes for upcoming classes.
food
6pm-8pm. $35. Ann Arbor. tammystastings.com
Backyard BBQ
7pm-9pm. $75. Sur La Table. surlatable.com
Learn how to make soda/ beer can chicken, hobo potato packets, and fresh strawberry ice cream.
27 Friday Tasting with Great Lakes 5pm. Blue Front. bluefrontannarbor.com. Free
Join for a free tasting featuring beer from Great Lakes Brewing Company!
Roos Roast Presents Burrito Fridays! It’s all about luscious breakfast burritos the first Friday of each month at the Rosewood location of Roos Roast. Add eggs, guacamole, chicken, pork, beans, cheese, tortillas and hot sauce to your morning caffeine routine from 7am -11am, or as long as supplies last. Live music is occasionally available. Roos Roast is a self-proclaimed “community of weirdos and freaky, highly caffeinated people, joined by a love of art, good beans, and hard work.” - JK
7-11 am, Friday, July 6. 1155 Rosewood St., Ann Arbor. 734-222-9202. Roosroast.com.
JULY 28 TH • AUG 25 TH
$5 ADMISSION (12 & UNDER FREE)
21st Annual Michigan Summer Beer Festival 5pm. $40-$50. Riverside Park. mibeer.com
The festival will host approximately 150 Michigan breweries, along with food vendors, and live music from Michigan bands. Rain or shine! Also 1-6pm Saturday, July 28.
30 Monday Frostings, Icings, Fillings, & Glazes
7pm-8:30pm. Ann Arbor District Library. aadl.org. Free
Satisfy your sweet tooth by learning about frostings, icings, fillings, and glazes with Keegan C. Rodgers (Head Baker at the People’s Food Co-Op), who will give you the techniques to make fun desserts at home.
31 Tuesday Beer Dinner
7pm. $30. Hopcat. hopcat.com
Enjoy a special dinner with Belgian beer pairings for each course, including endive and avocado salad, flemish style asparagus, and homemade framboise ice cream.
AUTHENTIC GERMAN DINNERS, TRADITIONAL FARE, & DANCE BAND BEGINNING AT 4 P.M. Live Entertainment by German Dancers 21 and under must be accompanied by parent. Photo ID required. No pets, picnic baskets, coolers, food or beverages may be brought into the park. No admittance after 9 pm. 5549 PONTIAC TRAIL – 7 Miles North of Ann Arbor WWW.GERMANPARK.ORG
ecurrent.com / july 2018 21
chef’s corner Peek into the mind’s of Ann Arbor’s culinary arbiters as they share unique perspectives on Washtenaw County’s dining and hospitality culture.
Andrew Epstein & Marcela RubioOrozco Dolores by Sonny Forrest
Humbly chic Mexican eatery Dolores (6 S Washington St, Ypsilanti) recently opened in Downtown Ypsi after almost five years of renovations. Owners and operators, husbandand-wife team Andrew Epstein and Marcela Rubio-Orozco apply their decade of life in Los Angeles to creating a polished space that plates well-balanced tacos and tostadas complemented with a pleasing tequila medley. Epstein and Rubio-Orozco share kitchen memories, favorite local haunts and humble-yet-appropriate requests their respective last meals on Earth. Where’s your go-to local grocery store when cooking at home? Meijer and Galleria Market on
Packard.
Where do you go for a night out? The OG Knights
(on Dexter Rd), Ollie Food + Spirits, The Ravens Club, Fraser’s, Stivers and Roy’s Squeeze Inn.
What country or environs do you find yourself turning to for culinary inspiration? Mexican and
Asian culture, cuisine, ingredients, techniques and flavors.
What’s your earliest memory of cooking? Andrew: My father making tuna salad. Marcela: Cleaning beans with my abuelita.
International
Cuisine
Aside from your home restaurant, which eatery is your favorite in Washtenaw county?
Macheko Grill for its fresh, clean and delicious Korean BBQ.
What’s your favorite all-time meal and what drink did you pair it with?
Sushi at Saito’s in Los Angeles paired with Kirin beer and Hakkaisan sake.
What would you choose as your last meal on Earth? Andrew: Carne Asada Tacos. Marcela: Gorditas de chicharron, enchiladas de Potosinas,
ensalada de nopales, fresh orange juice, one mango.
Ann Arbor’s diversity is reflected by the number of fine ethnic restaurants and unique imported food stores in our area. Call 734.668.4044 to be a part of this page.
2 FREE CANNOLIS
FIND US ON
Order SilviosItalianFood.com only Delivery or Pickup Good thru 7-31-18 • Comment with “Current” for special
Lunch
11AM-2PM • M-F
734-214-6666 715 N University Ave, Downtown Ann Arbor
22
july
2018 / ecurrent.com
Dinner
5PM-9PM • M-SAT
1703 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor aysescafe.com | ayse@aysescafe.com
734-662-1711
music Mike Gentry Grasps the Restorative Powers of Music Local singer/songwriter PHOTO CREDIT: ROBERT SHERROW
loves to share stories and experiences with audiences by Jeff Milo
Mike Gentry still had so many songs to share. He just had to find the right time. Into his 50’s now, he remembers coming to The Ark’s Open Stage music event three years ago to test the waters. He felt ready to bring his songs to audiences as a solo singer with an acoustic guitar. But that was after several years away from the game, having been plugged in to the rock scene in the 2000’s with the band Shining Farmer. But not too long after Shining Farmer’s debut album, Gentry developed a rare brain tumor that can affect coordination, sight, and cause weakness in the arms, presenting a real possibility of never again being able to play guitar.
Back at it with a solo album
“It’s still remarkable to me that I’m getting to do this,” Gentry said, looking back on what became a restored momentum and enthusiasm for performing around Michigan. “I mean, most people my age are old, ya know?” He lets out his infectious laugh, which is musical in its ebullience. Another reason he’s feeling exuberant is that July 10 he’ll be on The Ark’s stage, accompanied by singer/ songwriter Mike Vial, to celebrate his first album as a solo artist. “I tried to make a really plainspoken, introspective, sentimental, low and slow kinda record,” said Gentry. “One that doesn’t overly demand your attention but allows your imagination a space to drift wherever it may go. It’s a record about loss and resilience, and about maintaining your sense of humor and optimism. I’ve always been really optimistic and an habitual bright-side-of-life kinda person.” He lets another of his signature chuckles go and it hangs in the air as he adds, “It’s a terrible habit.”
An emotional high
We all experience emotional highs in life (like falling in love, etc) that those enchantments may diminish as we grow up, but, as Gentry said, music is and always has been the one constant fascination, the charm, the high, the creative trance, that consistently leaves him shaking. He never sought a spotlight, he was never a virtuosic guitar player and it wasn’t until college that he refined his singing voice, and yet he couldn’t stop writing songs. It’s all about emotional content, for Gentry. “Allow the songs to just get the best of you and hope that the sounds you’re making” are relatable for an audience. Gentry’s music is essentially an artful depiction of the human experience, yours as well as his own. “It’s about trying to get your life out in songs,” said Gentry. “I love performing, but I love people, probably most of all. I like to hear people’s stories. I want to hear what their trip is. I don’t care if people say: ‘Oh, yeah, that Mike Gentry guy is cool…’ No, what I’m trying to do, most of all, is create interactions, so that when they leave (from a show) they feel like they were a really good version of themselves during our time together.
That’s what’s most satisfying to me about performing.” He stops again for a quick chuckle. “I talk a lot, live…” Gentry creates a harmony in the rooms where he performs, not necessarily musically (since he’s solo,) but interpersonally. “I love to see people enjoying their lives,” said Gentry, often working to achieve that result from his position on a stage, with a guitar, and with a melodic arrangement of poetry. “We probably need music and art more than ever, cuz life is hard, man! And so people can come and not have to think about that for a minute, or four minutes. I don’t understand how it works, but I’m always amazed that it does.” Gentry’s self-titled album was recorded with David Roof of Rooftop Recording. He’ll perform with a full band, featuring the musicians who contributed to the recording process.
Mike Vial & Mike Gentry Album Release Show 8pm. Tuesday, July 10. $15. The Ark , 316 S. Main St., 734-761-1451. mikegentrymusic.com mikevial.com
ecurrent.com / july 2018 23
Award-Winning Jazz Trio The AMP Trio will bring their award-winning Jazz ensemble featuring vocalist Tahira Clayton to Kerrytown Concert House on July 19. The trio exemplifies how Jazz is reaching a generation of young people throughout America. Pianist Addison Frei, drummer Matt Young, and bassist Perrin Grace, all accomplished musicians in their own right, create a sound that honors improvised music while remaining accessible to listeners new to the genre. The three brought Clayton into the group in 2015, allowing the band to explore the use of voice as an instrument, along with having the ability to present powerful, uplifting lyrics. Whether you are a great appreciator of jazz, or a new listener, this concert is worth seeing. -EC
Thursday, July 19. 8pm. Kerrytown Concert House. 415 N. 4th Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytownconcerthouse.com
music Ongoing Sundays The Wes Fritzemeier Jazz Experience 6pm. Chelsea AleHouse. chelseamich.com. Free
End your weekend on the right note with Jed Fritzemeier, Brian Brill and Wes, and the occasional special guest.
Rob Crozier Trio
6:30pm. Weber’s Inn. Free
Enjoy jazz standards and originals by this area bassist/vocalist and a rotating cast of local musicians.
The Heather Black Project 8pm. Ravens Club. ravensclub.com. Free
The Heather Black Project plays inspired renditions of classic Jazz repertoire every Sunday with rotating special guests. $5 suggested donation.
Monday Paul Keller Orchestra
7pm. $10. Zal Gaz Grotto. zalgaz.org
The Paul Keller Orchestra performs swingin’ big band jazz!
Open Mic Mondays at the Plymouth Coffee Bean 7:30pm. Plymouth Coffee Bean. plymouthcoffeebean.com. Free
Join this weekly celebration of original songwriters and poets. Come to listen or to participate.
Jesse Kramer Trio
9pm. Ravens Club. ravensclub.com. Free
Local drummer Jesse Kramer leads his trio featuring bassist Rob Bickley and pianist Rick Roe. $5 suggested donation.
Tuesdays Open Mic Night
7:30pm. Club Above. club-above.com. Free
Come show your talents every week over the summer at the Club Above. Musicians, comics, poets, and all other creative arts are welcome.
Wednesdays The Anderson, Hammonds, & Tripathy Trio
7pm. Beer Grotto. beergrotto.com. Free
Come and enjoy a night of live jazz with The Anderson, Hammonds and Tripathy Trio
Thursdays Jazz & Cocktails
7pm. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse. cultivateypsi.com. Free
Live jazz performed by local artists and a special cocktail menu.
24
july
2018 / ecurrent.com
Sundays Brennan Andes & Friends
5:30pm. Ann Arbor Distilling Company. annarbordistilling.com. Free
Macpodz bassist Brennan Andes plays a variety of music with a rotating cast of stellar local musicians.
1 Sunday Amy Petty
5pm. Top of the Park. a2sf.org. Free
Detroit-based artist, Amy Petty, will bring her compelling blend of folk, pop, rock, and blues to the O&W Acoustic Stage.
Center Stage Strings
6pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art. umma.umich.edu. Free
Center Stage Strings is one of the MPulse Summer Performing Arts Institutes at the U-M School of Music Theater and Dance. Hear the nation’s finest young musicians as they present a program of chamber pieces written throughout the centuries.
Randy Napoleon Quartet
8pm. $20. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com
Enjoy a concert by Jazz guitarist and Michigan State University professor as he leads his quartet featuring Rodney Whitaker (bass), Quincy Davis (drums), and Xavier Davis (piano).
2 Monday Music Mondays: The Banana Migration
7pm. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery. arborbrewing.com. Free
Enjoy live ska, roots, and reggae with The Banana Migration!
Marcia Ball at The Ark 8pm. $30. The Ark. theark.org
Experience a night of true rhythm and blues with Marcia Ball, the 2018 Texas State Musician Of The Year.
3 Tuesday Donald Sinta Quartet
8pm. $20. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com
Hailing from across the country, DSQ is named for legendary University of Michigan Saxophone Professor Donald Sinta, the group’s mentor.
Opera On Tap
8:30pm. Sidetrack, Ypsilanti. operaontap.org. Free
This special classical music event brings opera to the tap room! Enjoy tasty food and drink while you take in this month’s theme, Let Freedom Sing.
4 Wednesday Funkwagon
10pm. W. Cross Station, Ypsilanti. facebook.com/W.CrossStation. Free
Singers, rappers, and instrumentalists are all welcome to come jam with Ypsilanti’s Funkwagon for an open stage. There will be backline drums, keys, and a bass amp. Guitarists should bring their own amp.
5 Thursday The Raisin Pickers
12pm. University Hospital. med.umich.edu. Free
Enjoy the rustic Appalachian, old time swing, bluegrass, and Louisiana music of the Raisin Pickers! They were the first place winner in the Appalachian Stringband Festival Non-Traditional Band Contest in West Virginia.
The Holly Bernt Band
Tiny Corner Concerts: RAKA
Hear the original music of Detroit three-piece, the Holly Bernt Band, with songs on their love of rock, blues, and soul.
The Tiny Corner Concert series presents RAKA with Dave Sharp, Pete Larson, and Mike List.
10pm. Mash Bar. mashbar.net. Free
Paddlebots, Pajamas, Melophobix 9pm. $8-$11. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
A night of full-fledged, dynamic music of funk blending with soul, jazz, and pop!
6 Friday Jazz Manouche Night
7pm. Detroit Street Filling Station. thelunchrooma2.com. Free
Featuring Andrew Brown, Michael Harrington, Ryan Shea & Jordan Adema, this quartet will play Hot Jazz and Swing Music in the vein of Django Reinhardt.
7pm. Ann Arbor Distilling Company. annarbordistilling.com. Free
Kubat, Finlay, & Rose 8pm. $15. The Ark. theark.org
Hear this collective of songwriters who come together to create beautiful harmonies and bring each other’s music to life.
Shawn Maxwell’s New Tomorrow 8pm. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com
Shawn Maxwell’s New Tomorrow is a quintet made up of some of Chicago’s finest musicians. Performing all original material, they specialize in a style of jazz that is heavily influenced by the music of today.
7 Saturday
Birkett & Young
Mary Fahl
Grab a cup of tea and listen to original songs and classic covers by duo Birkett & Young!
Mary Fahl, former lead singer of the October Project, will bring her powerful vocals and songwriting to the Ark.
8pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tearoom. crazywisdom.net. Free
8pm. $25. The Ark. theark.org
Nadim Azzam
8pm. The Session Room. sessionrooma2.com. Free
Folk rock/Hip Hop artist Nadim Azzam returns to the beer garden!
ecurrent.com / july 2018 25
Michigan’s Leading Latin Jazz Ensemble Tumbao Bravo, an Afro-Cuban ensemble, features an impressive lineup of local Jazz musicians including saxophonist Paul Vornhagen, bassist Patrick Prouty, trumpeter Paul Finkbeiner, pianist Brian DiBlassio, and percussionists Dr. Olman Piedra, Pepe Espinosa, Gregory Freeman, and Alberto Nacif. Come to dance or just sit back and enjoy at Chelsea’s newest listening venue, The Rumpus Room on July 21. Winner of three Detroit Music Awards, Tumbao Bravo presents an exciting repertoire with infectious grooves and spirited improvisation. Experience a night of truly engaging original music with Michigan’s premiere Latin Jazz ensemble. -EC
Saturday, July 21. 8pm. $10. The Rumpus Room, Chelsea. 510 N. Main St. 734-433-9700. therumpusroomchelsea.com Grateful Dead Night
8pm. $6. The Rumpus Room. therumpusroomchelsea.com
Enjoy the psychedelic sounds of Deadicated, a jam band that plays sing-along favorites from the Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia Band, Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Ryan Adams, and more.
Zilch
9pm. $7-$10. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
Catch a set of noise, pop, and garage rock from Detroit trio Zilch. Joining them on the bill will be Ghost Realms and Astra Belladonna.
The Afterparty
11pm. $10-$15. Club Above. club-above.com
The Final Five Agency will present an epic night of electronic music with supa Emcee, CJ Money, and Alexis Allon.
8 Sunday Frontier Ruckus
6pm. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse. cultivateypsi.com. Free
Join for Cultivate’s “Sundays in the Garden” series with a double bill by Michigan folk/rock outfits Frontier Ruckus and Little Traps. A portion of beer sales benefits the Washtenaw ID Project and WICIR Washtenaw.
The Kruger Brothers
7:30pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org
26
The Kruger Brothers presents songs from their new album, “Roan Mountain Suite.” july
2018 / ecurrent.com
9 Monday Summer Carillon Concert Series
7pm. Ingalls Mall. arts.umich.edu. Free
Hear a truly unique concert by Steven Karp who will kick off this summer series featuring the carillon, a musical instrument featuring bells.
Ken Vandermark’s MARKER 8pm. $15. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com
The music of Marker expands the conventional orchestration for an improvising quintet, and is inspired by Parliament Funkadelic and Talking Heads, contemporary classical music, post-punk groups like Wire and The Ex, and groove methodologies from Brazil, Afro-Beat, and funk.
10 Tuesday The Randaliers
5pm. Cobblestone Farm Market. cobblestonefarmmarket.org. Free
The Randaliers are local seasoned musicians who thrive on breathing new life and a unique twist into old favorites, as well as lesser known rock, blues, alt country and R & B tunes.
Michelle & Steve Live
7pm. Beer Grotto. beergrotto.com. Free
Relax on the patio with singer/ songwriter duo Michelle & Steve!
Summer Balkan Dance Party 7:30pm. $5. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
Rhyta Musik continues the tradition of Balkan Dance Parties every 2nd Tuesday of the month! Join for a dance lesson at 8pm. The dance party will begin at 8:30pm!
11 Wednesday Markus Leo
6:30pm. Beer Grotto. beergrotto.com. Free
Join Markus Leo on the patio as he plays Americana, folk, delta blues, and country music!
Bluegrass Night
7pm. Detroit Street Filling Station. thelunchrooma2.com. Free
Join for the best in local bluegrass! Weather permitting, music will be on the patio. Food and drink specials throughout the night!
The Concordia Choir
7pm. $5. Hill Auditorium. ums.org
Join world-renowned composer René Clausen as part of the Summer Sings series. All singers are invited to this popular choral reading session! No audition required! Register via the website for an evening of memorable music-making.
Kenji Lee Trio
8pm. Old Town. oldtownaa.com. Free
The Wednesday Jazz Series features the best in local Jazz music. This week, hear the sounds of saxophonist Kenji Lee and his trio.
12 Thursday The All Directions Band 12pm. University Hospital. med.umich.edu. Free
The Gifts of Art series brings the world of art & music to Michigan Medicine. Join for a night of powerful R&B and classic Motown with All Directions, a fixture in the southeastern Michigan music scene.
Doug Horn Trio
6:30pm. Nagomi Sushi. nagomiannarbor.com. Free
Saxophonist Doug Horn is joined by Cary Kocher on Vibes and Kurt Krahnke on Bass for Jazz Classics from the American Songbook.
Pajamas
10pm. Mash Bar. mashbar.net. Free
Come hear local trio the Pajamas! The Pajamas create a unique blend of improvisational rock and funk music, with strong vocal harmonies.
13 Friday Tiny Corner Concerts: Jory Lyle
7pm. Ann Arbor Distilling Company. annarbordistilling.com. Free
Enjoy an artisan cocktail and hear the sounds of singer/songwriter Jory Lyle at this intimate concert series!
Jazz Masters Series with Sean Dobbins 8pm. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com
Join for a concert by one of Detroit’s most sought-out Jazz drummers, Sean Dobbins.
Nathanael Romero
8pm. Unity Vibration. unityvibrationkombucha.com. Free
Relax in the cozy kombucha tap room and hear the sounds of local musician, Nathanael Romero.
Rock Jones
10pm. Mash Bar. mashbar.net. Free
Rock Jones will play a variety of rock, blues, country, and Motown!
14 Saturday Ed Dupas
1pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art. umma.umich.edu. Free
Enjoy an afternoon with Americana singer/songwriter Ed Dupas! Dupas’ original music focuses on reflective, relatable lyrics.
Indie-Folk Favorite to play Sonic Lunch Named one of Yahoo’s Top Ten Bands to Watch in 2017, The Accidentals have been taking the nation by storm with their energetic fusion of alternative rock, folk, and pop music. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear the talented trio at Ann Arbor’s outdoor music series, Sonic Lunch, on July 26. Hailing from Traverse City, the band got an early start when Savannah Buist met Katie Larson in their high school orchestra program. The two songwriters/multi-instrumentalists later met percussionist Michael Dause at a musical festival, completing a group that boasts cello and violin, as well as guitar, beautiful vocal harmonies and an impressive live performance. - EC
Thursday, July 26. 11:30am. Liberty Plaza. 310 S. Division. 734-794-6000. soniclunch.com
Junior Brown
8pm. $25. The Ark. theark.org
Experience the one-man musical machine, Junior Brown! He’ll be playing his unique brand of raucous country for a great night of live music.
CD Release Show with Jesse Kramer, Rob Bickley & Rick Roe 8pm. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com
Award winning drummer, composer, educator, and band leader, Jesse Kramer was born and raised in Ann Arbor, MI. He’ll be holding an album release concert at Kerrytown’s intimate listening room with bassist Rob Bickley and pianist Rick Roe.
Honey Monsoon & Bigfoot Buffalo 8pm. $5. The Rumpus Room. therumpusroomchelsea.com
Don’t miss this great double bill featuring two Michigan groups! Honey Monsoon is a jazz inspired indie band bringing creative original songs that focus on unique compositions and style to metro Detroit. Bigfoot Buffalo is a psychedelic roots band from Grand Rapids, MI that draws from classic American genres and explores them through improvisation.
ecurrent.com / july 2018 27
16 Monday
Luther Badman Keith
8pm. $5. Holiday Inn Ann Arbor. hiannarbor.com
The Cult Heroes, the Rats, Halflife
Stephen Boegehold Trio
Hear progressive rock, funk, and fusion with Chirp at the microbrewery!
Michigan native/drummer Stephen Boegehold will return from NYC for an intimate trio performance at this weekly jazz series.
17 Tuesday
9pm. $10-$13. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
Live music with The Cult Heroes, The Rats, and Haflife!
15 Sunday Aplus & Rebekah Delphonse
6pm-8pm. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse. cultivateypsi.com. Free
Gather in the beer garden for a concert by award-winning songwriters Aplus & Rebekah Delphonse! This installment of Cultivate’s summer concert series will feature craft beer from Odd Side Ales with a portion of beer sales benefiting SOS Community Services.
TIN/BAG
6pm. West Branch Library. aadl.org. Free
Music Mondays: Chirp
7pm. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery. arborbrewing.com. Free
Kick back with some local blues, brews, and dancing with Luther Badman Keith!
18 Wenesday
West Park Music Society 5pm. Cobblestone Farm Market. cobblestonefarmmarket.org. Free
The West Park Music Society plays a variety of original songs from the worlds of jazz, pop, and country as well as re-imagined classics.
Ron Asheton 70th Birthday Celebration 8pm. $35-$40. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
As a founding member of the legendary Stooges, guitarist Ron Asheton forever changed the face of rock & roll. Celebrate his birthday with performances by J Mascis, Don Fleming, Mark Arm, Kim Gordon, Mike Watt, Mario Rubalcaba, Jennifer Herrema, and more!
Spend an evening with the music of TIN/BAG, the bi-coastal duo of California trumpeter Kris Tiner and Tennessee guitarist Mike Baggetta. TIN/BAG explores genres that cross between jazz, folk, and traditional music in their original composition.
Affordable Vet Services
8pm. Old Town. oldtownaa.com. Free
Adam Lebeaux
8pm. Mash Bar. mashbar.net. Free
Hear the improvisational folk-rock and soul of singer/songwriter Adam Labeaux!
19 Thursday The Blue Rays Trio
6:30pm. Beer Grotto. beergrotto.com. Free
Spend an evening with The Blue Rays Trio featuring bassist/vocalist Ralph McKee, guitarist/vocalist Peter Holland, and harmonica player Tim Douthit. They’ll play a wide variety of blues and cover bands like The Beatles and Bob Dylan.
Otto Parts
8pm. Club Above. club-above.com. Free
Otto Parts will play a night of all hits by The Ramones, AC/ DC, Motorhead, KISS, Iggy Pop, DEVO, Black Flag, and more.
D.O.A., Kevin Seconds, Rebel Spies, Lily Livers 8pm. $17-$20. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
Don’t miss legendary Canadian punk rockers D.O.A. To celebrate their 25th anniversary, the band has released a definitive album, “War and Peace,” featuring 25-tracks of D.O.A.’s greatest recorded moments.
20 Friday Isaac Ryder
Celebrating 12 years
Full Medical and Wellness Services Teeth Cleaning ◆ Radiology Surgery ◆ Vaccines Heartworm and Flea Preventative Comprehensive Laboratory Fully Stocked Pharmacy Prescription Diets Ultrasound
WASHTENAW
Winner
Affordable Vet Services
Dr. Maja Fontichiaro • Dr. Tara Hansen Dr. Paul Glineburg • Dr. Courtney Cutright
2117 West Stadium St., Ann Arbor 734.926.0114 • affordablevetservices.com
28
july
2018 / ecurrent.com
7pm. Ann Arbor Distilling Company. annarbordistilling.com. Free
Lady Sunshine and the X Band 8pm. $5. Holiday Inn Ann Arbor. hiannarbor.com
Spend a Saturday night enjoying great beer, dancing, and blues with Lady Sunshine and the X Band!
22 Sunday Impulse & Mic Write
6pm. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse. cultivateypsi.com. Free
Join soul/fusion quintet Impulse and award winning poet/emcee Mic Write for a night of great music in the beer garden. The featured brewery will be River’s Edge Brewing Co., with a portion of beer sales benefiting Dawn Farm.
23 Monday Paul Keller Orchestra
7pm-10pm. $10. Zal Gaz Grotto. zalgaz.org
Sit back and enjoy the sounds of Ann Arbor’s premiere big band, the Paul Keller Orchestra!
24 Tuesday Take A Chance Tuesday with The Novel Ideas 8pm. The Ark. theark.org. Free
Join for a concert with Massachusetts roots songwriters, The Novel Ideas.
25 Wednesday Bebel Gilberto
8pm. $35. The Ark. theark.org
Brazilian legend Bebel Gilberto takes the traditions of bossa nova and samba and adds subtle electronics and American pop influences to make a sound entirely her own.
Treetown Swingtette
8pm. Old Town. oldtownaa.com. Free
Hear the heartfelt original songs of Isaac Ryder, who takes inspiration from soul, fusion, jazz, funk, jam, and progressive rock music.
Enjoy traditional swing and jazz standards with the Treetown Swingtette!
Violet Sol
8pm. Mash Bar. mashbar.net. Free
10pm. Mash Bar. mashbar.net. Free
Don’t miss Violet Sol, a soulful music collective from Ann Arbor!
21 Saturday Road to Natural Land w/ jPhelpz & Cherney 9:30pm. $13-$18. W. Cross Station. facebook.com/W.CrossStation
A night of electronic, dubstep, and dance music with jPhelpz and Cherney.
Tiny Corner Concerts: Tbone Paxton & RJ Spangler Quartet
7pm. Ann Arbor Distilling Company. annarbordistilling.com. Free
Tiny Corner Concerts will feature live jazz with the Tbone Paxton and RJ Spangler Quartet!
Robert Johnson
Singer/songwriter Robert Johnson will play a mix of acoustic rock, blues, and alternative country!
26 Thursday David Roof & Friends 12pm. University Hospital. med.umich.edu. Free
The Gifts of Art series brings the world of art & music to Michigan Medicine. Whether it’s early jazz, blues, rock-a-billy, or British invasion rock, David Roof brings an incredible energy to all of his performances!
The Magic of Hollywood
Bobby Murray Band
The Washtenaw Community Concert Band will present their last concert of The Magic of Music series. Enjoy a program drawing inspiration from Hollywood.
The Bobby Murray Band will be bringing high energy blues to Guy Hollerin’s! Enjoy a night of great music, beer, and dancing.
7:30pm. Washtenaw Community College. WCCBand.org. Free
Mustard’s Retreat
8pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org
Spend a night enjoying classic folk music with Michigan’s legendary songwriting outfit, Mustard’s Retreat.
27 Friday Anderson Hammonds Tripathy Trio
7pm. Ann Arbor Distilling Company. annarbordistilling.com. Free
Enjoy original Jazz and covers with composer/trumpet player Neal Anderson and his trio featuring Jonathan Hammonds on bass and Cory Tripathy on drums.
Greg Brown
8pm. $35. The Ark. theark.org
Join Iowa’s master songwriter, Greg Brown, as he returns to The Ark stage!
Nadim Azzam with Jacob Sigman
9pm. $7. The Rumpus Room. therumpusroomchelsea.com
Join for a double bill of two Ann Arbor songwriters! Acoustic Nadim Azzam blends modern pop music with hip-hop, funk, & alternative styles. MultiInstrumentalist Jacob Sigman combines influences of Motown, Soul, and Contemporary Pop in his original sound.
28 Saturday Broken Branch Breakdown 12pm. Broken Branch Ranch. adamlabeaux.com. Free
This unique Michigan-centric music festival is in its 5th year with an incredible lineup of Ann Arbor performers, as well as folk, rock, and bluegrass acts from all over Michigan and surrounding states. Cash donations and non-perishable goods will be collected to benefit Food Gatherers.
Summer Jazz Institute Showcase
2pm. Community Music School of Ann Arbor. aa-spa.org. Free
This special Summer Jazz Institute Showcase features students under the direction of Paul Finkbeiner from the Community Music School!
8pm. $5. Holiday Inn Ann Arbor. hiannarbor.com
Junglefowl
9pm. $7-$10. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
Catch garage rock duo Junglefowl! Hailing from Ann Arbor, Junglefowl brings an electric energy to the stage with influences of punk, blues, and heavy-metal. Joining on the bill are AntiGhost, North by North, and Electric Huldra.
Eddie Fowlkes
9pm. $10-$15. Ziggy’s. facebook.com/ziggysypsi
Eddie Fowlkes, “Godfather of Techno Soul,” will bring his legendary DJ set to Ziggy’s. Joining on the bill is Prophet Ecks, founder of the Ypsi DJ crew the Wax Kings.
29 Sunday Songwriter Session with Dan Hazlett
3pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art. umma.umich.edu. Free
Join for a pop-up concert with Dan Hazlett, an original singer/ songwriter who blends folk, jazz, blues, and pop.
Sophiyah E. & Frankie P.
6pm-8pm. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse. cultivateypsi.com. Free
Support non-profit Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels with a concert by Sophiyah E. & Frankie P. in the beer garden. Transient Artisan Ale will be featured along with food from Wood Fired UP and Go Ice Cream.
31 Tuesday Michael Joseph
5pm. Cobblestone Farm Market. cobblestonefarmmarket.org. Free
A rocker at heart, Michael does acoustic covers of Everything from Badfinger to Cowboy Junkies to Smashing Pumpkins, with a few originals in between.
Vinyl Tuesday
6pm. Arbor Brewing Company. arborbrewing.com. Free
Purchase a record from Encore Records, Underground Sounds, or Wazoo Recs and receive a coupon for $1 off a 16oz draft! DJ Batzdorfer will be spinning records in the Brewpub game room. Feel free to bring your own vinyl to play, sell, or trade.
Locally
grown issue date august 2018
Searchable lists updated daily at
ecurrent.com
CALL TO ADVERTISE 734.668.4044 ecurrent.com / july 2018 29
theater Channeling Young Frankenstein Classic comedy, now as a musical By Emily Slomovits
The Penny Seats Theatre Company will perform “Young Frankenstein”, the Mel Brooks musical based on his classic 1974 movie of the same name, at West Park from July 12th-28th. The musical tells the tale of Frederick Frankenstein (“Frahn-kinschteen”), who tries to escape his grandfather Victor’s infamous legacy, but is drawn in by Victor’s notes, which detail the steps to bring a dead body back to life. Brooks and Thomas Meehan adapted “Young Frankenstein” into a musical after the success of their 2001 musical adaptation of “The Producers”. Opening on Broadway in 2007, “Young Frankenstein” ran for just over a year, and was nominated for three Tony awards. “Young Frankenstein” is the second in Penny Seats’ two-part Frankenstein-themed shows this summer, beginning with Joseph Zettelmaier’s “The Gravedigger” in June. Current spoke with Dale Dobson, who plays Victor Frankenstein.
Dale Dobson plays the infamous Victor Frankenstein in the Penny Seats staging of the Mel Brooks musical. Current: The musical is based on Mel Brooks’ popular movie. Is there any pressure involved in doing a show which comes from something so iconic? Dobson: Personally, since my character of Victor Frankenstein
doesn’t appear in the movie — only his voice is heard, briefly — I don’t have to deal with a specific performance. The challenge with existing, well-known interpretations is finding a way to start with the script and make the character your own, without disappointing audience members who are expecting to see something familiar. You can’t just do an imitation, you need it to be fresh, but if you have seen the original performance you will probably echo some aspects of that interpretation. As an actor, I think you put your trust in the casting, your instincts and the director and just do your best work as that character.
Can you talk about the unique qualities Mel Brooks comedies possess, and what it’s like to get to do a show in such a specific comedic style?
Mel Brooks’ style came out of a long, specifically American comedy tradition, and the score is a little old-fashioned which suggests a vintage comedic approach makes sense. Dialogue and pacing are important, but some gags only work if you play them straight without commenting on them, while others are meant to be played broadly and not taken “seriously.” We have to find the right tone through direction and collaboration, and honestly, we won’t really know if it works until we get it in front of an audience. What are some of the challenges and rewards of performing outside? If you haven’t been in a summer show with Penny Seats, what are you most looking forward to about this experience?
The challenges! Rain, heat, mosquitoes, audience discomfort — these are the forces of nature arrayed against us! But we shall fight to the death, if we must, for each and every laugh!
“Young Frankenstein” runs July 12th-28th at West Park, 215 Chapin St. in Ann Arbor. For tickets and more information, please visit pennyseats.org.
30
july
2018 / ecurrent.com
ecurrent.com / july 2018 31
art Unrecorded
Reimagining artists’ identities in Africa By Beth Soldberg
PHOTO CREDIT: CHARLIE EDWARDS.
PHOTO CREDIT: CHARLIE EDWARDS.
In a self-reflective move, on May 12 the University of Michigan’s Museum of Art opened the exhibition Unrecorded: Reimagining Artist Identities in Africa. An exhibition that addresses the “complex history of attribution and its impact on ideas about Africa and African art still today,” focuses on problems created by non-African representation of African art objects. It starts from the premise that most historical non-African collectors of African art tended not to attribute artworks to individuals; instead, they might include the date and place of collection and the name of a tribe in identifying a piece. Unrecorded notes that in the eyes of 19th and early 20th century Westerners, art from Africa was less the creative expression of specific individuals than the expression of a collective.
Yinka Shonibare MBE, Untitled (Dollhouse), 2002.
Osei Bonsu, Parlor piece. 1950, wood.
Lacking attribution
The exhibition suggests a nuanced position on the question of attribution. It presents examples of African artworks about which little is known except for where, when and how they were collected, featuring a plaque that says, “Artist unrecorded.” The frequent repetition of the phrase “artist unrecorded” starts to feel strange, noteworthy. These unattributed artworks include carvings
32
july
2018 / ecurrent.com
from Central Africa depicting ancestor figures, a Nigerian fabric coronet, Nigerian bridal attire, several religious manuscripts, statuettes and a mask. There is also an ornate pen box, whose collectors could have provided much more information about its creator and origins had they paid closer attention to the item. Unrecorded does not seek to upend the idea that 19th and early 20th African artists were firmly embedded in their social contexts, just that they were anonymous, treating the individual as unimportant. Many plaques offer useful information on the meaning of, for example, the colors used in the fabric of the Nigerian bridal wear, and the gender of the figures in the Central African work depicting a chief and his two wives (“ancestor figures”). In a certain way the explanatory plaques reinforce a feeling that the artworks come
from a communal and foreign context, but without the plaques it would be hard for the average museum visitor to appreciate them.
Contemporary recognition
Finally, Unrecorded makes a nod to contemporary African artists William Kentridge and Yinka Shonibare, noting that both have made clear their preference to be regarded first as individual artists rather than African artists, likely reflecting their awareness of how Westerners have represented African art. A plaque in the exhibit directs visitors to a Yinka Shonibare piece, on display in the modern and contemporary gallery, a bridge to further reflect on the nature of attribution and categorization in art.
Literary Agent, Eric Smith, comes to Ann Arbor Philadelphia native focuses on young adults By Patrick Flores-Scott
lit in the LGBTQ community, writers who are disabled. Those voices were impossible to find on bookshelves when I was a kid. They’re a little more prevalent now, but not as much as they should be. I’m in a position to change that a bit, so those are the books that get me. Your new book, Girl in the Grove, is such a big-hearted novel. There’s a transition from realistic contemporary adoption story, to magical adoption story. And that moment of transition is seamless and gripping and it carries beautifully throughout the novel. I almost rewrote
the whole book because my agent wasn’t getting any bites. The story deals with a teen becoming an activist trying to save a park, as she struggles to accept her adoptive parents. Editors came back saying that the magic wasn’t working and maybe it’s just a contemporary story about a girl trying to save a park. I didn’t want that. Adopted kids don’t get to grow up feeling like they’re magical in the stories that they see and I wanted to keep that. My publisher, Flux, was willing to take a chance with the quirkier story. Tell us about Welcome Home. Welcome Home is a collection
of adoption stories by authors who are adoptees or who have adopted children or they work with foster kids or have an adopted sibling. We wanted to explore as many aspects of adoption as we could. We’ve been using the royalties to do some good. The first check came in and I’m sending over 300 books to centers that work with foster youth who are aging out of the system. We’ve connected to six agencies and we are looking for four more.
Find out more about Eric Smith at ericsmithrocks.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ericsmithrocs.
About a year ago, Young Adult (YA) literary agent and author, Eric Smith, moved to Ann Arbor from Philadelphia. It’s been quite a year. With a growing client list, including a New York Times bestseller, Smith assembled and released a YA anthology, Welcome Home, with top authors, writing on the subject of adoption. He also released his own YA novel, Girl in The Grove, while launching a podcast, Hey YA, with book blogger Kelly Jensen. Also, Eric, and wife Nena, brought a new baby, Langston, into the world. Current sat down with Eric to talk about his insanely productive year in Ann Arbor. So what brought you to A2? My wife, Nena, and I were
planning to have a baby, and when we realized the time had come, we wanted to get closer to her family in Lansing. And I wanted to live some place that felt “bookish’. Ann Arbor has an amazing literary community and it’s only forty minutes away from Nena’s family. I like Ann Arbor a lot. It’s been great getting to know people. I like lurking around the bookstores and rummaging through the Ann Arbor District Library used bookshop. I buy way too many books there! I like Roos Roast and Sweetwaters and New York Pizza Depot, which is the closest pizza I’ve found to home (New Jersey). When did you become an agent? Coming up on three years.
I had three books released in 2017. This year I had ten released. Next year I’ll have twelve and I have a couple lined up for 2020 as well. It’s been good. I had my first New York Times best seller earlier this year, Love, Hate and Other Filters, by Samira Ahmed. What makes you want to represent an author? If you look
at a lot of the books I work on, they’re by people of color, writers
ecurrent.com / july 2018 33
arts & culture
Chalk it up in Chelsea and Sights and Sounds Festival Chelsea invites you to cover the streets with color this summer. The Chalk Art Contest features fanciful chalk art creations by artists young and old, novice and master, in a vibrant display of city love. The event is part of the Chelsea’s Sights and Sounds Festival, July 26-28. Competing artists get one 5’x5’ pavement space, a t-shirt and a box of chalk. Pre-Registration required by July 13, 2018 to be eligible for prizes. - TB
$25 for competing artists. Saturday, July 28 8am-4pm. Downtown Chelsea. Register at www.chelseafestivals.com/chalk-art.
Telling Tall Tales of the Midwest According to journalist Edward McClelland, who appears at Literati this month, the first superheroes hail from the Midwest. For instance, Nanabozho, an Ojibway man-god, conquered the King of Fish and gained control of the North Wind, inspiring Longfellow’s The Song of Hiawatha. And don’t forget mongo-giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan, who created Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes with his enormous footsteps. These stories and more are collected in McClelland’s Folktales and Legends of the Middle West, a compendium of folklore, music and legends by the Chicagobased author who also wrote How to Speak Northwestern, and Young Mr. Obama. Beware the Lake Erie Monster and Wisconsin’s fearsome Hodag – known to have the head of a frog, the face of a giant elephant, thick short legs set off by huge claws, the back of a dinosaur, and a long tail with spears. – JK
Free, 7pm, Friday, July 6th. 124 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor. 734-585-5567. Literatibookstore.com.
COME JOIN THE BEST Now Looking For New Team Members Balayage Experts Masterful gray Coverage Cezanne Keratin Smoothing Sassoon Trained Cutting DAVINES PARTNER SALON 207 S. 4th Avenue • 734.757.6210 www.mypuravida.com
34
july
2018 / ecurrent.com
THANKS FOR VOTING US BEST NATURAL FOOD STORE!
Huge Selection of Craft Beers Including Top Michigan Brands Locally-grown Produce Artisan Breads and Pastries & Much More! ALL SHOPPERS WELCOME!
312 North River Street | Ypsilanti | (734) 483-1520 | ypsifoodcoop.org
arts & culture Ongoing Sundays
[film] Mary Poppins
11am. $20. Bløm Meadworks. drinkblom.com
Come see a special screening of the classic Mary Poppins as part of Ann Arbor Summer Festival series, Movies After Dark.
[health & wellness] Yoga at BLØM
This is an all levels class open to yogis of all experience and interest levels, ages 21+. To top it off, one draft pour is included!
Mondays
[misc] Knitting Night at Cultivate
6pm. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse. cultivateypsi.com. Free
All ages and levels welcome at this weekly craft gathering!
Wednesdays [misc] Trivia Night at Corner
7pm. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery, Ypsilanti. arborbrewing.com Free
What better way to relax than with trivia and craft beer? Two games at 7pm and 8pm. Make a night of it and stay for both!
Thursdays
[comedy] Shadow League Show
7:30pm. $8. Pointless Brewery & Theatre. pointlessbrew.com
Come see some of the best up-and-coming improv talent in the area with Pointless Brewery’s newest Shadow League, This Is A Quiz.
Summer Comedy Jamm [comedy]
8pm. $5. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. aacomedy.com
See 12 of the area’s rising star comedians, from beginners to comic vets, as they let loose on the Showcase stage!
Fridays
[dance] Swing Dance Party
8pm. $4-$5. Riverside Arts Center. riversidearts.org
This weekly swing dance party is beginner friendly! Come for a free beginner lesson from 8pm9pm which will covers the swing basics. Open dancing follows at 9pm, featuring two different swing DJs.
Saturdays [misc] Icebreakers
4pm-7pm. Pointless Brewery & Theatre. pointlessbrew.com. Free
Meet new people by playing some low-key interactive games and enjoying craft beer. Bring your friends or make new ones!
1 Sunday
10pm. Ingalls Mall. a2sf.org. Free
2 Monday
[misc] Center Stage Strings Master Class
7pm. Earl V. Moore Building - McIntosh Theatre. events.umich.edu. Free Join for a behind-the-scene look at the making of a young artist, violist Eric Nowlin.
Walking Tour of the Herb Garden [environment] 7pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens. mbgna.umich.edu. Free
Madolyn Kaminski of Herb Study will give a walking tour of the fragrant Alexandra Hicks Herb Knot Garden at Matthaei. Enjoy complimentary tea and learn about wild herbs in a beautiful natural setting.
3 Tuesday
[film] 8 Ball Movie Night
8:30pm. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com. Free
Come out for a double feature of America 3000 and Idiocracy. There will be popcorn and drink specials all night, plus a bonus mixtape from Secret Lair and a round of trivia with prizes during Intermission. Ages 21+
4 Wednesday
[misc] Ann Arbor Jaycees Fourth of July Parade 10am. Downtown Ann Arbor. A2jaycees.org. Free
Celebrate Independence Day with a vibrant parade! The parade line-up will start at 8 a.m. for all registered participants. Be in line by 9am to be eligible for the annual spirit contest!
The Capitol Steps [comedy]
4pm-6pm. $40-$55. Power Center. a2sf.org.
America’s foremost political satirists are gracing the Power Center stage with this year’s biggest stars—Mike Pence, Hillary Clinton, Vladimir Putin, Bernie Sanders, and those who were gone too soon—Sean Spicer, Tom Price, Rex Tillerson, and, of course, the Mooch. One show only!
5 Thursday
7 Saturday
[art] Paint Party
[misc] Grind for Life Series
Have fun with creating your own artwork in a group setting with step by step instructions! Participants are invited to bring food and adult beverages.
The GFL Series is a national, all ages and skills series in both street and bowl skating, benefiting the Grind for Life Organization, a non-profit that assists cancer patients with travel expenses.
7pm-9pm. $35-$45. Paint and Pour, Ypsilanti. thepaintandpour.com
6 Friday
9am-6pm. Ann Arbor Skatepark. theboardr.com. Free
Drum & Dance Jam [dance]
[misc] Michigan Elvisfest
10am-7pm. $25-$45. Depot Town, Ypsilanti. Mielvisfest.org.
Be a part of the largest Elvis Presley tribute event in the state! The two day event will include a classic car show, food, beer, raffles, and plenty of Elvis impersonators!
Ann Arbor Women Artists Opening Reception [art]
7:30pm-9pm. Interfaith Center for Spiritual Growth. Interfaithspirit.org. Free
Gather for an open jam session that brings live drumming and dance together. Drums will be provided, but feel free to bring your own instrument. Admission is free, but there is a suggested donation of $5-$10.
8 Sunday
6pm. Riverside Arts Center. riversidearts.org. Free
[environment] Summer Care of Roses
Night of Impossible Flowers: Nightfire Dance Theater and Storydance [theater]
Learn how to care for your own beautiful roses in the summertime! The Huron Valley Rose Society will hold a Q&A along with a helpful presentation. Refreshments will be provided.
Join for a public reception featuring the work of local women artists!
7:30pm. Island Park. a2gov.org. Free
Experience a night of music, dance, theater and story based on the North European legend of a night-flowering fern, a blossom of fire sought for during nocturnal celebrations. There will be audience participation, open dancing, and more. There is a $5-$15 suggested donation. All ages welcome.
Edward McClelland: Folktales and Legends of the Middle West [literature] 7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free
Journalist Edward McClelland will be discussing his new book book Folktales and Legends of the Middle West, a history of the region as told through its folklore, music, and legends. McClelland’s writing has appeared in publications such as the Columbia Journalism Review, Los Angeles Times , New York Times, and Salon.
Nate Fridson [comedy]
8pm. $12. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. aacomedy.com
Nate Fridson is a fast rising star out of the rich comedy scene of Detroit. Featuring well-crafted jokes and an inviting, accessible style, Nate has performed at festivals and clubs both nationally and internationally.
2pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens. mbgna.umich.edu. Free
8 Pointless Minutes: A Long Form Improv Jam [comedy] 7:30pm-9:30pm. Pointless Brewery & Theatre. pointlessbrew.com. Free
Play in a long form jam! Sign up for a spot when you arrive. Each group will be formed by the host and will get eight “pointless” minutes on stage. All experience levels welcome. Come to watch or to play.
9 Monday
[misc] Sweet Stories at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea 8pm. Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea. sweetwaterscafe.com. Free
This new series focuses on storytelling! A featured reader will kick off the night with an open mic to follow.
10 Tuesday
[literature] Local Learning: Learn to Knit with the Good People of Spun 7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free
Learn to knit using summerweight yarns, and take home skills that will be useful all year round. To register, fill out a form via the website.
ecurrent.com / july 2018 35
arts & culture CONT’D FROM P35
Pub Sing [misc]
7pm. Wolverine State Brewing Company. aactmad.org. Free
Join the Ann Arbor Morris dancers for an evening of rousing choruses, drinking songs, sea shanties, and English folk songs. This is a participation event, not a concert! Come lead a singable chorus, or come to sing along.
Doug Benson [comedy]
8pm. $22. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. aacomedy.com
Come for a special comedy show with Doug Benson, who has appeared on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, VH-1’s Best Week Ever, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and The Sarah Silverman Program, to name a few. He is also well known for his documentary, Super High Me.
11 Wednesday
[misc] Manoomin: The Story of Wild Rice in Michigan
6pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens. mbgna.umich.edu. Free
One of Fodor’s 10 Best U.S. Flea Markets
Join author Barb Barton who will discuss the historic wild rice beds that once existed in Michigan, why many disappeared, and the efforts to restore and protect them. Stay for a book signing following the talk.
An Evening of Poetry and the Written Word [poetry]
7pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room. Free Join for this inclusive poetry workshop. All writers are welcome to share their works of poetry and fiction.
Fiction at Literati: Brooks Rexroat [literature] 7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free
Meet author Brooks Rexroat as he presents his new collection, Thrift Store Coats, which transports readers to the postindustrial Midwest and explores the lives of those living on its quiet edge.
Established 1960
Everything on Consignment
www.treasuremart.com 529 Detroit Street • Ann Arbor 734-662-1363 • Office 734-662-9887
36
july
2018 / ecurrent.com
12 Thursday
[literature] Book Sale
9am-6pm. Jay Lee Court. facebook.com/jayleecourtbooksale. Free
Come to 6 Jay Lee Ct. for a gigantic sale with up to 10,000 books. All books are just $1! Buy 10 and get up to 10 for free. The sale will run through July 14.
[literature] Studebaker, Packard, Nash, and Hudson 7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. aadl.org. Free
Automotive writer, Russell Doré, will discuss the origins of four major automobile companies of the 20th Century.
Young Frankenstein Opening [theater] 8pm. $8-$12. West Park. pennyseats.org
Enjoy this new musical adaptation of cult classic, Young Frankenstein by comic geniuses, Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan! The show will run July 12-28. For additional showtimes, please visit the website.
13 Friday
[misc] Rolling Sculpture Car Show 2pm. Downtown Ann Arbor. mainstreetannarbor.org. Free
Discover over 300 exotic, antique, and classic cars during this annual public display taking place on Main, Washington, and Liberty St. Hot Rod DJ, Surfer Joe will be spinning classics all day!
Saline Celtic Festival [misc]
5:30pm. $5-$15. Mill Pond Park. salineceltic.org
Spend a weekend enjoying live music, dancing, workshops, food, beer, and ancient athletic demonstrations! Pub Night is July 13 featuring a fire performance, dance and music workshops, and a variety of craft beer on site. The main festival begins at 11am on July 14 with an opening parade.
Guys and Dolls Opening Night [theater]
7:30pm. $16-$20. Dexter Center for the Performing Arts. dextercommunityplayers.com
Dexter Community Players presents oddball romantic comedy, Guys and Dolls! Considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, Guys and Dolls ran for 1,200 performances when it opened on Broadway in 1950.
Maija DiGiorgio [comedy]
8pm. $13. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. aacomedy.com
Maija DiGiorgio is a comedian, actress, and film director from New York City. Maija’s comedy is known for being edgy and politically incorrect, as she shares her personal commentary on dating, relationships, heritage, politics, culture and more that keeps audiences coming back time and again.
14 Saturday
[theater] Rustic Rose Benefit
5pm. $59. Nixon Farms. purplerosetheatre.org
Join for a benefit supporting the 27th Season of American plays and renowned educational programs of the Purple Rose Theatre. Enjoy strolling hors d’oeuvres, a sophisticated dinner buffet, live auction, and a performances by Purple Rose Resident Artists.
Coloring with Cats [art]
7:30pm. $10. Tiny Lions Lounge and Adoption Center. tinylions.org Help homeless cats from the community by coloring, petting cats, and enjoying complimentary snacks and soft drinks. Registration required via the website.
15 Sunday
[health & wellness] Stomp Out Sarcoma Fun Run/Walk
8am. Hudson Mills Metropark. friends.umich.edu
Support the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center in this annual fun run that brings community members together to raise awareness and fight sarcoma.
World Cup Final Watch Party [misc] 10:30am. West Branch Library. aadl.org. Free
2pm. $10-$12. Concourse Hall. aactmad.org
Spend an afternoon dancing with New England musician and composer Larry Unger, composer of more than 600 tunes. Begin with a waltz workshop from 2pm2:45pm, followed by open dance for the rest of the afternoon.
Bingo at the Brewpub [misc]
6pm. Arbor Brewing Company. arborbrewing.com. Free
Come to enjoy a drink, play BINGO and win prizes including gift cards or ABC’s “mystery prize.” From 6pm-8pm, all BINGO players will get $1 off draft beer. From 8pm-11pm, it’s half off draft!
Movie Night [film]
6pm. $15. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com
Explore the behind scenes of some of Zingerman’s favorite cheese producers and how they make their renowned aged dairy creations. This movie night will include tastings of a variety of cheeses from the makers provided in the videos. Popcorn will be provided!
16 Monday
[art] Explore the DIA’s AfricanAmerican Art Collection 7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free
Who will bring home the coveted FIFA World Cup Trophy and glory for the next 4 years? Gather to view the most-watched sporting event in the world as this month-long competition comes to a close.
The Detroit Institute of Arts has one of the largest and most significant art collections in the United States. Join for a talk that will provide a lens to examine issues of race, gender, politics, and culture.
Dianne Freeman [literature]
Emerging Writers Presents: Local Writers Live [literature]
2pm. Aunt Agatha’s Bookshop. auntagathas.com. Free
Attend a launch party for author Dianne Freeman and her first book, A Lady’s Guide to Etiquette and Murder. Refreshments will be provided.
arts & culture
Mostly Waltz with Larry Ungar [dance]
7pm. West Branch Library. aadl.org. Free
Join for an evening with local authors, Emily Siwek, Rebecca G. Biber, and Andy Gutman, who will read from their books, and be available for book signings.
17 Tuesday
[misc] Michigan Ladder Co. Tour
5:30pm. $10. Michigan Ladder, Ypsilanti. events.umich.edu
Spend a unique evening exploring a hidden, historic treasure of Ypsilanti. The Michigan Ladder Company has been in operation since 1901!
12pm. University Hospital. med.umich.edu. Free
Learn dance and aerobic movements to energetic music from a MHealthy instructor.
Exploring the Spectrum of Gender Expression [misc] 7pm. $10. Kellogg Eye Center 1000 Wall St. events.umich.edu
Stella Parks: BraveTart [literature]
7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free
Meet renowned pastry chef, Stella Parks, as she shares her new book, BraveTart, a New York Times Bestseller, and named Best Baking Book of the Year by the Atlantic, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, Bon Appetit, the New York Times, and others.
18 Wednesday
[poetry] Poetry Book Club
Join for a discussion on gender perspectives with a panel that will share stories about personal struggles and rewards, including a married transman who is the father of two young children, a female Native American Shaman healer, and a woman who identifies as gender non-conforming.
20 Friday
[misc] Oberon 5k
6:30pm-9:30pm. $39. Wiard’s Orchard and Country Fair, Ypsilanti. runningfitevents.redpodium.com
7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free
This monthly book club meets to read poems aloud and share reflections. Next to fostering a greater appreciation for poetry, the group aims to ensure that the club space is safe, inclusive, and exciting!
19 Thursday
[art] Art Fair
10am. Downtown Ann Arbor. artfair.org. Free
Zumba & Line Dance [dance]
Participate in a 5k run or walk from Wiard’s Orchard where you’ll enjoy some cold Oberon and receive a bottle opener finisher’s medal along with a t-shirt to commemorate the experience. A fun 3.1 mile course will be set up along with fire pits and sand volleyball.
KissME [dance]
8pm. $5-$75. Concourse Hall. kissmeinannarbor.com.
Don’t miss this nationally recognized and award-winning art fair! Explore and discover the work of 300 artists in Ann Arbor’s downtown. The show will feature contemporary pieces as well as traditional crafts like glass, painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and more. The fair runs through July 22.
Join for the kick off of the Keep It Simple & Swing Midwest Exchange, a weekend long dance event taking place in historic venues throughout Ann Arbor and outside by the Huron River. Live bands will include Chelsea Reed and the Fair Weather Five, the Rhythm Society Orchestra, and more. Visit the website to register and to view a full schedule of events. Tickets are available for individual events or the full weekend.
ecurrent.com / july 2018 37
arts & culture CONT’D FROM P37
21 Saturday
[art] Book Covers: Live Painting
1pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. aadl.org Free
Detroit-based muralist and painter, Marlo Broughton, presents a striking visual showcase. Marlo’s paintings have been featured in numerous galleries, his most notable being a mural for the recent film, “Detroit.”
Czech & Slovak Festival [misc]
1:30pm. Sokol Detroit Cultural Center. sokoldetroit.com
Enjoy one of the largest Czech & Slovak festivals in Michigan July 21-22, 2018 with dance and listening music of the highest quality, ethnic foods, and refreshing imported beers. Admission is $5 a day Adults, 14 & under free.
22 Sunday
[theater] Pulp Presents: Ann Arbor Pub Reading Series
7pm. Conor O’Neill’s. aadl.org. Free
Come hear local actors read aloud from outstanding plays in an informal setting! Circle Mirror Transformation centers on the relationships of a handful of small-town Vermont residents who gather each week for an acting class at their local community center. Ages 21 and up.
Open Stage [misc]
7:30pm. Pointless Brewery & Theatre. pointlessbrew.com. Free
Watch or perform at this relaxed open mic. This is a great opportunity to try out your latest project whether it be music, comedy, poetry, or something entirely different! Free for performers, pay-what-you-can for audience members.
23 Monday
[theater] Shakespeare Unplugg’d
8pm. The Ark. theark.org. Free
Come for a night that promises to be filled with mirth and music—with just a smidgeon of the Bard thrown in. In the past, there has been dancing, monologues, improv sessions, jokes, juggling, rap, poetry, blues, banjo serenades, and more. There’s no telling what will happen when Shakespearean actors are let off the leash!
24 Tuesday
[comedy] Class Showcase
8:30pm-10pm. $5. Pointless Brewery & Theatre. pointlessbrew.com See a showcase of improvised comedy by the Intermediate I and II classes of the Pointless School of Improv!
25 Wednesday
27 Friday
[art] Artist Meet & Greet
[poetry] Poetry at Literati: Keith Taylor
Come connect with the local arts community, the Art Center, other artists, and attend topical talks by guest speakers. The Artists Meet & Greet Series is a series of professional development events for artists, designers, crafters, and freelance creatives.
Poet Keith Taylor will be sharing his new collection Ecstatic Destinations of travels through his neighborhood in Ann Arbor. Taylor is an accomplished writer, having published many books over the years exploring poetry, short stories, and essays.
6pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. aadl.org. Free
Feminist Book Club [literature]
7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free
This book club strives to foster a fun, thoughtful, and safe environment to discuss current issues surrounding feminism and equality.
26 Thursday
[environment] Nature Walk
6pm. Black Pond Woods Nature Area. aadl.org. Free
Named for the dark waters of its vernal pool, Black Pond Woods Nature Area is used as an outdoor classroom by the adjacent Leslie Science and Nature Center. Join NAP staff on a family-friendly walk through the woods. Meet on Tibbits Court, off of Pontiac Trail.
7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free
28 Saturday
[comedy] Dale Jones
8pm. $14. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. aacomedy.com
His machine gun style of delivery and animated facial contortions combined with quick improvisations and non-stop physical comedy leave the audience wishing they had his energy. Forget “high energy”-- this is frantic! His shows are always a night you won’t soon forget.
[dance] LIFT OFF: 3rd Coast
6:30pm. $10. The Ann Arbor Aviary.
Featuring performances from our wonderful students, LIFT OFF is a showcase of their achievements in dance, circus skills, and the aerial arts. A new theme is chosen for each event and unique routines are created to convey what that theme means to the performer.
issue date: sept 2018
CALL TO ADVERTISE 734.668.4044 38
july
2018 / ecurrent.com
[art] Sounds & Sights Festival Chalk Art 8am. Downtown Chelsea. chelseafestivals.com. Free
Growing in popularity, the Sounds and Sights Festival will hold its sixth Sounds & Sights Festival Chalk Art Contest during its line of activities on Saturday, July 28, 2018. Participants of all abilities and ages are encouraged to help transform the streets of Chelsea into vibrant colors and works of art from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
29 Sunday
[art] One-Shot Stranger
1pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. aadl.org. Free
Over the course of his four decades as photographer, Eck Stanger of the Ann Arbor News, captured famous statesmen, princes, and presidents, as well as eminent artists, musicians, scientists, and athletes over his 40-year career. But he spent most of his time capturing Ann Arbor locals with skill and a keen eye. Explore this eye-catching exhibit showcasing his photographs.
The Arcade [comedy]
7:30pm-9:30pm. Pointless Brewery & Theatre. pointlessbrew.com. Free
Sign up for stage time to learn and play short-form improv games! All experience levels are welcome to join in the fun. Come to watch or to play in a friendly, inclusive environment.
30 Monday
[misc] Neutral Zone Golf Classic
31 Tuesday
[art] Art Workshop
7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free
1pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. aadl.org. Free
This creative workshop will introduce collaborative theater games and explore techniques in resin art. Participants are welcome to experiment with unconventional tools and color theory as we create abstract resin pieces.
9am-4pm. $250-$1000. University of Michigan Golf Course. neutral-zone.org
Register as an individual or team at this 17th annual golf tournament benefiting Ann Arbor’s Neutral Zone, a diverse, youth-driven teen center. The fee covers golf, cart, continental breakfast, lunch, and a steak dinner. There will also be auctions and prizes!
Fiction at Literati: Ann S. Epstein [literature]
PJ’ S
Join author Ann S. Epstein when she shares her latest novel, Tazia and Gemma. Spanning 1911 to 1961, the tome is told from the perspective of an unwed mother, whose tale moves forward in time, and her daughter, whose search for her father moves backward.
RECORDS &USED CDS
SELECTION, QUALITY & PRICE ARE ALWAYS OUR TOP PRIORITIES!!!
IBUY-SELL-TRADE-RECYCLEI JAZZ BLUES ROCK SOUL CLASSICAL PUNK FUNK Open 7 Days
617-B PACKARD — NEAR HILL ST.
UPSTAIRS FROM PASTRY PEDDLER — 663-3441 Hundreds of Sealed LPs
ecurrent.com / july 2018 39
person of interest Matt Grocoff By Trilby Becker
Matt Grocoff is an environmentalist, sustainability advocate, writer, speaker, and Founding Principal of the THRIVE Collaborative where he is the strategic vision lead of what will be one of the most innovative and environmentally sustainable communities in the world- Veridian County Farm, on Platt Road in Ann Arbor.
You are a lawyer but did not practice law for long. Why did you switch careers? I began by pursu-
ing environmental law. It’s a game of 1s and 0s- sue people once they’ve done harm, or punish them for falling under a certain bar. Instead, I choose to create positive examples of where we need to go, of “what good looks like.” We started by retrofitting our own Victorian-era home which is now the oldest home to be certified as Net Zero Energy and we’re demonstrating techniques for Net Positive Water and restoration of ecological water flow.
What is net zero energy and net positive water?
Our all-electric home produces more energy than it uses through solar panels and geothermal heating and cooling. My wife and I haven’t paid a utility bill since 2011. Solar costs have fallen 70% since we installed our system in 2010. As the costs of solar and batteries continue to fall, the path to all-electric future powered with renewable energy is becoming clearer. To accelerate the transformation, we need to remove unfair barriers, like Ann Arbor’s taxation on solar panels, and realign incentives with our climate goals. Net positive water is about restoring ecological water flow. It means buildings can operate as elegantly as flowers by harvesting their own water and returning it to the aquifer as clean as when it fell from the sky.
The City of Ann Arbor has committed to meeting the Paris Climate Accord. What are some of the things the City can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Ann Arbor has a huge challenge ahead to retrofit
existing buildings to meet and eventually eliminate carbon pollution. Yet literally all new developments in Ann Arbor are designed to use fossil fuels. We have to convert to electric power sourced from renewable energy. Paris targets and basic physics demand it. Each time the city grants a permit for a new building with an oil or gas line to it, we are essentially creating another building that will require a retrofit. Everything that Ann Arbor needs to meet its climate goals already exists. Nothing needs to be invented. There
40
july
2018 / ecurrent.com
are examples of Living Buildings around the world (including two in Ann Arbor!) What’s stopping us from creating Living Communities and Cities? The rules. For example, there is one scientific definition of potable water but there are dozens of legal definitions and they differ by jurisdiction. Shouldn’t they be the same? We need evidence-based, performance-based simplified building codes that align with our goals and the demands of climate crisis.
How do we encourage people to start thinking more creatively about changing our systems and technologies to become truly sustainable? We need
people with backgrounds in biology and complex natural systems to work across all fields. Businesses, governments, planners, nonprofit organizations, and schools need to fill their teams with a diversity of knowledge, experience, and culture. Biodiversity is a precondition to the success of natural systems. Human organizations are no exception.
What is your specialty?
I’m an unabashed generalist. I try to be the synthesizer that brings together the voices we need for positive transformation.
Cannabis How Much Cannabis Does Ann Arbor Need?
28.7 = Miles Sq comprising Ann Arbor
1
82,116
dispensary per Mile Sq
white people in Ann Arbor
18,862 Asian people in Ann Arbor
120,777 = 4,313 Ann Arbor Population (2016)
residents per dispensary
8,635 Black people in Ann Arbor
5,327
cardholding patients per dispensary
Hispanic people in Ann Arbor
5,390 people of various race in Ann Arbor
61,533 = 2,198
= 308
Black people per dispensary
= 190
Hispanic people per dispensary
= 193
people of various race per dispensary
(2016)
males per dispensary
(2016)
Note that while we acknowledge there are myriad categories of sex and race, we included the largest categories for statistical significance.
59,244 = 2,116 females in Ann Arbor
Asian people per dispensary
(2016)
by Sex males in Ann Arbor
= 674
(2016)
8,709 = 311 (2016)
white people per dispensary
(2016)
by Patients cardholding patients in Washtenaw county
= 2,933
(2016)
by Pop.
By Sonny Forrest As the Ann Arbor City Council moves to finalize the city’s allotted number of medical cannabis dispensaries at 28, up from its 12 current outlets, the change will usher in unprecedented access to legal cannabis for the city’s residents. While some view the legislation as limiting medical cannabis dispensaries in the city at 28, proportionally, it’s a 58% leap in the number of outlets allowed to sell cannabis to medical patients (and likely recreational consumers should the recreational measure pass this November). Public support may soon push city council’s arbitrary limit even higher.
by Race
by Area
females per dispensary
Sources: city-data.com; mlive.com;
(2016)
This drastic increase in cannabis stores prompts the question: how much cannabis does Ann Arbor need? Look at the numbers and judge for yourself based on the infographic below:
Searchable lists updated daily at
ecurrent.com Voted Voted 2018 2018 Best Best Dispensary Dispensary by by Metro Metro Times Times
40% OFF
entire order for all new patients (*No coupon necessary)
2245 W. Liberty St. Ann Arbor, Michigan • (734) 369-8573
Returning Members, come see us! Free Parking
Will receive an exclusive gift package free with purchase (*once per customer)
PeoplesChoiceOfAnnArbor.com ecurrent.com / july 2018 41
Were You Aware? Breaking down the cannabis industry’s current incarnation by the numbers By Sonny Forrest
Between the passionate discourse in city council meetings and whatever your one cousin who grows cannabis tells you about the state of the burgeoning industry, let’s jump beyond anecdotal perception and demystify the rapidly changing cannabis industry through quantitative metrics.
42
july
30 Number of US states (including Washington D.C.) where medical cannabis is legal.
64%
Percentage of Americans polled by Gallup who support adult-use cannabis.
201,345,903 Combined population of the US who live in states where medical cannabis is legal.
172 Number of conditions cannabis has been used to treat.
1,300,000,000 Amount in US dollars of tax revenue collected so far by Washington, Oregon and Colorado, the first three states to legalize adult-use cannabis.
2018 / ecurrent.com
ecurrent.com / july 2018 43
love
I get the anger. I’m angry too. And I see no reason why I should put up with selfish and aggressive behavior from a man. Clearly a lot of other women feel the same way, and our confidence has given rise to the #metoo movement. But is the desire to be free of abuse incompatible with the desire for a strong, assertive, masculine dude?
Out from under the bed
Smash
Love and sex on the local circuit By Nina Swift
As a newly single woman in her forties with young children who is rebuilding her career after staying home for six years, why do I want to talk about sex, when talking about anything complicated these days is asking for trouble? I have wondered how to begin this conversation for some time because I think, in this age of hyper connectivity, it’s important to look at the little picture. We might know what’s trending on Twitter, or what the latest internet memes are, but how do those ideas resonate with our way of living in this particular place on the map? After ten years out of the dating scene, I find myself in a landscape that is totally unlike the one I left when I met my husband. I truly believed that I was done with dating for good. Now that I find myself “on the market” once again, I am fascinated by all of the people who are also “out there,” figuring out what it is that they want and need as sexual beings in this brave new dating world. I am not casting the net wide. I’ve got my eyes on a 50 mile radius, about as far as a tomato can travel and still be considered “local.”
Friction generates heat
I was walking my dogs in the woods the other day when I ran into my neighbor hunting morels. Turns out he also just got divorced, and we started talking about dating. He is about my age and confessed he was approaching the scene in the same happygo-lucky way he did when he was single in college, but was so put off by how “damaged by life” and “angry at men” women our age are that he decided to take a break from dating. I walked away wondering to what extent I may also be haunted by the ghost of my marriage, and how to hold onto the lessons of my past without projecting the last guy onto the next guy.
After a year of mourning the end of my marriage, the sun literally, and figuratively, came out. Had the weather improved, I may have emerged from hibernation sooner, but every day the snow kept falling and my libido cowered under the bed. Then, on the first nice day in April, I found myself creating a profile on OK Cupid. I might have postponed internet dating and tried to meet a man just out and about, but it is next to impossible to catch someone’s eye across the room when everyone is on their stupid smartphones. I had never tried online dating, and found myself going down a rabbit hole of questions. Do I ever deliberately ignore people? Hm, well I guess, in certain situations. Am I attracted to danger? Not consciously, but I have found myself in dangerous situations, so maybe… WTF! Is this really going to help me get a date? Furthermore I think Kim Kardashian needs to drop everything and do an internet dating selfie seminar immediately. I have seen profile pictures of men’s beds, of their trucks, and their beverages, but mostly I see pictures of men’s reflections with their iPhones in front of their faces. So not hot, guys.
Tinder to the rescue?
I found myself rejecting so many men because of their pictures I decided I should really just be on Tinder. Swiping is strangely exhilarating; I can see why people do it over a billion times a day. But it’s also depressing. Perhaps you like each other, but a few texts later one of you might just disappear – poof! Back into the digital ether. I admit I’m not putting a lot of time into this, and I’ve only been on one Tinder date so far. The guy seemed interesting; professor, world traveler, kinda cute if a little dorky, but when we met he was so totally up in his head I could not see how anything could ever happen between us. What can I say? He just wasn’t sexy. My hunt for the whole package— a partner who is both a manly man and a feminist— continues. For my next column I am going to have a talk with a great guy who is uniquely qualified to discuss the topic of masculinity, sex, and what women want. Stay tuned!
Want to dive deep into the local sex scene with me? Please write me with your musings and experiences with sexuality and relationships, and your permission to share them. This is not an advice column, but a reflection on this tricky and oh-so-exciting subject- sex! Contact me at smash@ecurrent.com
Searchable lists updated daily at
ecurrent.com 44
july
2018 / ecurrent.com
JULY free will astrology © Copyright 2018 Rob Brezsny
ARIES (March 21-April 19): According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you have cosmic permission to enjoy extra helpings of waffles, crepes, pancakes, and blintzes. Eating additional pastries and doughnuts is also encouraged. Why? Because it’s high time for you to acquire more ballast. You need more gravitas and greater stability. You can’t afford to be topheavy; you must be hard to knock over. If you would prefer not to accomplish this noble goal by adding girth to your butt and gut, find an alternate way. Maybe you could put weights on your shoes and think very deep thoughts. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You’re slipping into the wild heart of the season of discovery. Your curiosity is mounting. Your listening skills are growing more robust. Your willingness to be taught and influenced and transformed is at a peak. And what smarter way to take advantage of this fertile moment than to decide what you most want to learn about during the next three years? For inspiration, identify a subject you’d love to study, a skill you’d eagerly stretch yourself to master, and an invigorating truth that would boost your brilliance if you thoroughly embodied it. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Playwright and novelist Samuel Beckett won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1969. Four of his works were essential in earning that award: the play Waiting for Godot, and the novels Molloy, Malone Dies, and The Unnamable. Beckett wrote all of them in a two-year span during the late 1940s. During that time, he was virtually indigent. He and his companion Suzanne survived on the paltry wage she made as a dressmaker. We might draw the conclusion from his life story that it is at least possible for a person to accomplish great things despite having little money. I propose that we make Beckett your role model for the coming weeks, Gemini. May he inspire you to believe in your power to become the person you want to be no matter what your financial situation may be. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “A waterfall would be more impressive if it flowed the other way,” said Irish writer Oscar Wilde. Normally, I would dismiss an idea like this, even though it’s funny and I like funny ideas. Normally, I would regard such a negative assessment of the waterfall’s true nature, even in jest, to be unproductive and enfeebling. But none of my usual perspectives are in effect as I evaluate the possibility that Wilde’s declaration might be a provocative metaphor for your use in the coming weeks. For a limited time only, it might be wise to meditate on a waterfall that flows the other way. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Stage magicians may seem to make a wine glass hover in mid-air, or transform salt into diamonds, or make doves materialize and fly out of their hands. It’s all fake, of course -- tricks performed by skilled illusionists. But here’s a twist on the old story: I suspect that for a few weeks, you will have the power to generate effects that may, to the uninitiated, have a resemblance to magic tricks -- except that your magic will be real, not fake. And you will have worked very hard to accomplish what looks easy and natural. And the marvels you generate will, unlike the illusionists’, be authentic and useful. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The coming weeks will be a favorable time to accentuate and brandish the qualities that best exemplify your Libran nature. In other words, be extreme in your moderation. Be pushy in your attempts to harmonize. Be bold and brazen as you make supple use of your famous balancing act. I’ll offer you a further piece of advice, as well. My first astrology teacher believed that when Librans operate at peak strength, their symbol of power is the iron fist in the velvet glove: power expressed gracefully, firmness rendered gently. I urge you to explore the nuances of that metaphor.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): I suggest you ignore the temptation to shop around for new heroes and champions. It would only distract you from your main assignment in the coming weeks, which is to be more of a hero and champion yourself. Here are some tips to guide you as you slip beyond your overly modest self-image and explore the liberations that may be possible when you give yourself more credit. Tip #1: Finish outgrowing the old heroes and champions who’ve served you well. Tip #2: Forgive and forget the disappointing heroes and hypocritical champions who betrayed their own ideals. Tip #3: Exorcise your unwarranted admiration for mere celebrities who might have snookered you into thinking they’re heroes or champions.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): If I were your mom, I’d nudge you out the door and say, “Go play outside for a while!” If I were your commanding officer, I’d award you a shiny medal for your valorous undercover work and then order you to take a frisky sabbatical. If I were your psychotherapist, I would urge you to act as if your past has no further power to weigh you down or hold you back, and then I would send you out on a vision quest to discover your best possible future. In other words, my dear Scorpio, I hope you will flee your usual haunts. Get out of the loop and into the open spaces that will refresh your eyes and heart. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sex education classes at some high schools employ a dramatic exercise to illustrate the possible consequences of engaging in heterosexual lovemaking without using birth control. Everywhere they go for two weeks, students must carry around a 10-pound bag of flour. It’s a way for them to get a visceral approximation of caring for an infant. I recommend that you find or create an equivalent test or trial for yourself in the coming days. As you consider entering into a deeper collaboration or making a stronger commitment, you’ll be wise to undertake a dress rehearsal. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Members of the Dull Men’s Club celebrate the ordinary. “Glitz and glam aren’t worth the bother,” they declare. “Slow motion gets you there faster,” they pontificate. Showing no irony, they brag that they are “born to be mild.” I wouldn’t normally recommend becoming part of a movement like theirs, but the next two weeks will be one of those rare times when aligning yourself with their principles might be healthy and smart. If you’re willing to explore the virtues of simple, plain living, make the Swedish term lagom your word of power. According to the Dull Men’s Club, it means “enough, sufficient, adequate, balanced, suitable, appropriate.” AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In the Georgian language, shemomechama is a word that literally means “I ate the whole thing.” It refers to what happens when you’re already full, but find the food in front of you so delicious that you can’t stop eating. I’m concerned you might soon be tempted to embark on metaphorical versions of shemomechama. That’s why I’m giving you a warning to monitor any tendencies you might have to get too much of a good thing. Pleasurable and productive activities will serve you better if you stop yourself before you go too far. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Please do not send me a lock of your hair or a special piece of your jewelry or a hundred dollar bill. I will gladly cast a love spell in your behalf without draining you of your hard-earned cash. The only condition I place on my free gift is that you agree to have me cast the love spell on you and you alone. After all, your love for yourself is what needs most work. And your love for yourself is the primary magic that fuels your success in connecting with other people. (Besides, it’s bad karma to use a love spell to interfere with another person’s will.) So if you accept my conditions, Pisces, demonstrate that you’re ready to receive my telepathic love spell by sending me your telepathic authorization.
Homework: Make a guess about where you’ll be and what you’ll be doing ten years from today. Testify at Freewillastrology.com
ecurrent.com / july 2018 45
COUNTER REVOLUTIONS Across 1. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and Mavsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; home 5. Sidled (along) 10. You can get them while fooling around: Abbr. 14. String tie 15. Haggard of outlaw country 16. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot to take inâ&#x20AC;? 17. Docking spot 18. Criminal justice reform, e.g. 19. Underwater killer 20. Where Janet Leigh gets killed in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Psychoâ&#x20AC;? 23. Big oil-producing nat. 24. << function 25. Put into piles 27. Shoe covers 31. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tiny Desk Concertsâ&#x20AC;? airer 34. Energy provider that is filled with an electrolyte instead of an acid 36. YOLO catalyst 37. Vet, perhaps 38. Toward the back 39. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Barefoot Blue Jean Nightâ&#x20AC;? country singer Jake 40. Without ice 41. Thin crispy treat 43. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t act that wayâ&#x20AC;? 44. Informative 45. Turkey Hill rival 46. Sch. for Buckeyes 48. Chess grandmaster nicknamed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mishaâ&#x20AC;? 49. Make a disadvantage an advantage, or another title for this puzzle 56. He plays Heimdall in the Marvel movies 57. Company that buried unsold â&#x20AC;&#x153;E.T.â&#x20AC;?s in a New Mexican desert 58. San Fran train 61. Fitting closely, as a tight jacket 62. Rodeo figure 63. The eyes have it 64. Jobs, metaphorically 65. Make dough 66. Group born in the mid90s
46â&#x20AC;&#x192;
â&#x20AC;&#x201A; july
Down 1. Backyard party, for short 2. Note to hit some one back 3. Sparks genre 4. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chip in!â&#x20AC;? 5. One with opening lines 6. You can shake on it 7. Eats 8. Princess who sang â&#x20AC;&#x153;The cold never bothered me anywayâ&#x20AC;? 9. Tick repellent stuff 10. Talked like a sailor 11. Chucked 12. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;20s art style 13. Did a freestyle 21. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s do lunchâ&#x20AC;? 22. Timecard divs. 25. Sides in an eternal â&#x20AC;&#x153;battleâ&#x20AC;? 26. Gymnast nicknamed the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sparrow from Minskâ&#x20AC;? 27. Throw (about) 28. Orange leftovers 29. Sheikâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home of song 30. Banks on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Got Talentâ&#x20AC;? 32. Chest ___ 33. Cost of living? 34. One holding the door for you, maybe 35. Not wild 36. Divining rod, jokily 42. Dark grayish blue 44. Energy bar morsel 47. Hiccups 48. Classic sporty Ford 49. TV theme composer John 50. Wrist bone 51. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Doest thou heareth that?â&#x20AC;? 52. UK boys school 53. Hipster label format 54. The vicinity 55. Generate interest? 59. Kylo ___ 60. Toon â&#x20AC;&#x153;devilâ&#x20AC;?
2018â&#x20AC;&#x2021;/â&#x20AC;&#x2021;ecurrent.com
FOR CROSSWORD ANSWERS, GO TO ECURRENT.COM
Š2018 By Brendan Emmett Quigley (www.brendanemmettquigley.com)
crossword
classifieds PAYMENT Payment must be received before an ad can be placed. We accept checks, cash, money orders, and credit cards (MasterCard, American Express, or Visa) Sorry, no refunds. Misprint results in credit toward next ad. FREE CLASSIFIED ADS One (1) free 20-word classified ad per issue. Free ads include noncommercial concerns, free services, products being sold for less than $150. Line Classifieds $20 for 20 words or less. 40¢ per each additional word. Box Classifieds $25 per column inch. One column = 1.4519" Photos can be placed in box or line ads for an additional $5 per photo. DEADLINES Ad copy must be received at NOON on the 15th of the month prior to publication. CONTACT INFORMATION Mail: Current Classifieds. 1120 Adams Street, Toledo, Ohio 43604. Phone: 419-244-9859. Fax: 419-244-9871. Email to: classifieds@adamsstreet publishing.com
FOR SALE 14K MEDIUM SIZED LADIES RING FOR SALE. Made in 1940’s. Center white diamond plus 12 diamonds. 419-699-3398
SERVICES
PARTY SERVICES SINGING GORILLA GRAMS FOR HIRE “Surprise Someone You Love” Providing Wacky Shenanigans & Family Fun Anniversaries • Birthdays • Holidays Cheer-Up • Get-Well • Post-Recovery Office • Retirement • Surprise Parties Call today 810-429-4123
ANNOUNCEMENTS STOP OVERPAYING FOR YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS! SAVE! Call our licensed Canadian and International pharmacy, compare prices and get $25.00 OFF your first prescription! CALL 1-877-625-2147 Promo Code CDC201625 WERE YOU AN INDUSTRIAL OR CONSTRUCTION TRADESMAN and recently diagnosed with LUNG CANCER? You and your family may be entitled to a SIGNIFICANT CASH AWARD. Call 1-844-5220818 for your risk-free consultation.
AUTOS WANTED CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Makes/ Models 2002-2018! Any Condition. Running or Not. Competitive Offer! Free Towing! We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-3681016
MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE DISH NETWORK-SATELLITE TELEVISION SERVICES. Now Over 190 channels for ONLY $49.99/mo! HBO-FREE for one year, FREE Installation, FREE Streaming, FREE HD. Add Internet for $14.95 a month. 1-800-219-1271 IRS TAX DEBTS?10K+? Tired of the calls? We can HELP! $500 free consultation! We can STOP the garnishments! FREE Consultation Call Today 1-855-900-5594
LOTS & ACREAGE ESTATE LIQUIDATION 35 ACRES – $54,900 Beautiful woods, springs, great deer hunting. Terms avail. Call 888-7386994 ATTN: HUNTERS – 85 acres – $129,900. Prime whitetail area. Hardwoods & evergreens. Walk to State Land. G’teed buildable. Owner fin avail with min of 20% down. Call 888-431-7214
WANTED TO BUY JULIA BRADEN LCMT. Massage Therapist over twenty years exp. Weekend Appointments available. 2900 Golfside Ann Arbor. Ask for Julia 734.961.9227
HOME SERVICES DEALING WITH WATER DAMAGE REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ACTION. Local professionals that respond immediately. Nationwide and 24/7. No mold calls. Call today! 1-800-730-9790 JEFF’S LIVE-IN HOME SERVICES House Sitting • Property Caretaker Maintenance • Repairs • Security Chef • Chauffeur • Housekeeper Shopping • Organizing • Pet/Plant Care Discreet MMMP • Trimmer/Trimming 810-429-4123 spiritfeather77@yahoo.com
WANTED TO BUY; U.S. Postage Stamps. Any dimension, usable, valid, US Postage Stamps. From Collections or overstock. Paying up to 60% of Face Value. Email; lavern@ibyfax.com Phone 717 327-4065
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS 4 FREE WEEKS OF ADVERTISING when you purchase 4 weeks in over 3 Million homes in the Mid-Atlantic States of Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, and Washington, DC in publications like this one and many more. Visit macnetonline. com or call 800-450-6631 for more details.
Locally
grown issue date august 2018
CALL TO ADVERTISE 734.668.4044 ecurrent.com / july 2018 47