3/18 - Current

MARCH 2018| FREE

MUSIC | ART | CULTURE

Women-Owned

BUSINESS How Washtenaw’s leading women make their mark, p6

AAFF HITS 56

Volunteer screeners push festival limits, P16

FRANNY CHOI & SAM SAX Dynamic poets light up literati, P34

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contents

March 2018 vol. 28/no. 03

Women-Owned

BUSINESS Local Business Women Make Their Mark in 2018, P6

A2 Film Festival Hits 56 P16

Chris Peters dishes on the film-screening process

By Mary Gallagher

19 food: Trying Again at the Corner of State and Packard Craft Breww City offers food, beer, fun

By Jeff Kass

23 chef’s corner: Annette Weathers

 Poke Fish Offers Fast Seafood Option

Poke Fish has opened at 3500 Washtenaw Ave. in the shopping center on the south side of Washtenaw across from Arborland.

The casual eatery offers poke bowls, sushiritos (think sushi burritos) and ramen. Poke (Hawaiian for “to section” or “to slice or cut”) is a raw fish salad served as an appetizer or main course Hawaiian cuisine.

 Two Jerks Records Closing

The Ypsilanti purveyor of classic vinyl records is closing due to complications after the store was flooded by a broken pipe. The store, open since 2014, announced its closing in a February Facebook post thanking everyone who helped him make his “lifelong dream of owning a record store”possible.

By Sonny Forrest

25 music: Empathic Beings Transmitting Feeling

Catching up with Theo Katzman

By Jeff Milo

31 theater: “First Date” Fine-Tooth-Combs Romantic Fears

By Emily Slomovits

33 art: Return of the Threads Festival

By Mary Gallagher

34 lit: Franny Choi and Sam Sax Write Words to Wake the World

By Jeff Kass

35 Person of Interest Omari Rush:

Chairman of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs

By Cammie Finch

36 arts & culture 43 cannabis 45 astrology

46 crossword 47 classifieds

 Ricewood Barbecue Opens Inside Morgan & York

The popular food truck that garnered much success parked in the Morgan & York parking lot off Packard is now building a permanent space inside the popular wine and cheese shop. The menu will be identical to what was served from the food truck, but there will be additional seating available and the Chamorro-style dishes will be available year-round. In addition, the original Ricewood food truck will be converted to PoCai (still parked outside M & Y), and will serve poke bowls, acai smoothie bowls and offerings like banana-chia seed toast. A second truck is also in the works, slated to open in April called Kumite that will offer Pacific-Islander Cuisine.

 Dolores Mexican Restaurant Opens After Long Wait

Dolores, run by husband and wife Andrew Epstein and Marcela Rubio, has opened at 6 S. Washington St., the former home of the Elbow Room in downtown Ypsi. It offers authentic Mexican specialties including tacos, tostadas, flautas, and a variety of mezcal and tequila.

 Friend’s Closet Closing

The vintage thrift and consignment shop at 731 W. Cross St. in Ypsilanti has shut its doors, but owner Tay Doss is looking to open up a gallery space.

ecurrent.com / march 2018 3

green corner

Adams Street Publishing Co. What’s your favorite film of all time?

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) SOMEWHERE IN TIME.

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) SCENT OF A WOMAN.

Editorial

The Treeline: Ann Arbor’s First Urban Trail* Late in 2017, Ann Arbor City Council officially adopted the Master Plan for the Treeline: Allen Creek Urban Trail.

The 2.75 mile trail is slated to run along the railroad tracks on the Western edge of Ann Arbor, loosely following the path of the now-buried Allen Creek. Discussed as a potential urban bike and pedestrian trail since the 1980s, the Treeline Trail now has an actionable development plan and a strategy to raise the $55 million budget spearheaded by the nonprofit Treeline Conservancy. The trail will cross the 35-mile Border to Border Trail, linking Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, while providing direct connections to existing parks and natural areas. Several new urban parks are also planned along the trail’s route. - TB

For more info, go to a2gov.org. *Note that the Treeline does not link Ann Arbor and Yipsi, that is the Border to Border trail. The Treeline crosses the B2B trail but it is exclusively based in Ann Arbor, only 2.75 miles long.

fyi

Assignment Editor: Jeff Kass (annarboreditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com) “CITY OF HOPE” BY JOHN SAYLES IS PRETYY GREAT. ALSO LOVE “FINDING FORRESTER.” Associate Editor: Athena Cocoves (editor@adamsstreetpublishing.com) BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL NEW ORLEANS. Calendar Editor: Estar Cohen (calendar@ecurrent.com) HAROLD & MAUDE. Staff Writer: Trilby Becker (tbecker@adamsstreetpublishing.com) MOONSTRUCK. Contributing Writers: Mary Gallagher, Sonny Forrest, Jeff Milo, Emily Slomovits, Cammie Finch, Vic Tanney.

Digital Media Tech Manager: Saul Jacobs (saul@adamsstreetpublishing.com) THE BIG LEBOWSKI. Web Guru: Ashley Boardman (digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com) KRAMPUS.

Art/Production Production Manager: Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) DO THE RIGHT THING. Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) THE WARRIORS. Designers: Kelli Miller (kmiller@adamsstreetpublishing.com) THE BURBS & PECKER. Anita Tipton (atipton@adamsstreetpublishing.com) A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN.

Advertising

Sales Catherine Bohr (a2sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) SCHOOL OF ROCK.

Lewis Andrews (landrews@adamsstreetpublishing.com) THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON. Sales Coordinator Jen Leach (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com THE GODFATHER.

One Community Initiative Tackles Income Inequality “One Community: Advancing Racial Equity in Ann Arbor & Washtenaw County” is being spearheaded by local government leaders inspired by some grim statistics. While Washtenaw is one of the wealthiest and healthiest counties in Michigan, it ranks 80th out of 83 counties for income inequality. In fact, it’s part of one of the most economically segregated metropolitan areas in the country. One Community focuses on incorporating equity into an array of government contracts and services. - TB

Learn more at www.OneCmty.org

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Sales Manager Amy Ressler Rough (arough@adamsstreetpublishing.com) CASABLANCA.

Administration Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@adamsstreetpublishing.com) FORREST GUMP.

© 2018-2019 by Adams Street Publishing Co., All rights reserved.

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

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

Also publishers of: Mature

Member

Audited by

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ecurrent.com / march 2018 5

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Women-Owned

BUSINESS Meet some of the most impressive women in Washtenaw County who are making their mark by doing innovative, creative things in their fields. Get ready to get inspired.

Sava Farah

CEO/Founder, SavCo, Owner Sava’s, Aventura & Tavolina Catering & Events

301 E. Liberty St., Suite 200, Ann Arbor 734-669-3310. savcohospitality.com

Describe your business and your unique vision for it. We’re a hospitality group that operates and continuously

develops inspiring and caring businesses. My vision is to become a national leader in the hospitality industry, spreading the positive impact of our unique hospitality and team development style throughout the Ann Arbor area and beyond.

What’s one of the best days at work you’ve had?

It’s hard to pick a best day, because more and more lately there are so many GREAT days. Generally, it’s walking into one of the restaurants, feeling the energy as its operating in full swing... people celebrating all over the place, everyone happy!

What’s one of the most important lessons you’ve learned in your career? Keep learning more lessons, be

open to learning and even more open to solving problems more artfully and thoughtfully the next time.

Mara Evenstar Co-owner Evenstar’s Chalice

36 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti 734-903-7980 evenstarschalice.com

Describe your business and your unique vision for it.

Evenstar’s Chalice is an enchanting, inspirational retail shop & gallery offering shopping, gallery arts, classes, workshops, special events and more. Our experiences and products support your journey to wholeness – body, mind and spirit. My vision for Evenstar’s Chalice is a space that is aesthetically beautiful, seductive, sensory-rich and deeply honoring of our unique paths to wholeness. I see Evenstar’s Chalice as a playground for the Soul where the everyday becomes sacred.

What’s your take on the current #metoo moment?

Well, first of all, #metoo. I’m thankful for these moments and movements that shine light on our collective shadows. Until we bring it out into the open, we can’t heal. Are some people uncomfortable and don’t know where the boundaries are now? Well, good … let’s start there.

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What advice would you give a woman who wants to own her own business? Just do it, baby!

What’s a favorite thing to do when you’re not at work? Hang out with my boys, my hubby and 18 month old,

home-chef’n!

What’s one of the best days at work you’ve had?

Almost every day we have someone come into the shop and fall in love. We’ve had people tell us they want to live there, that they’ve been praying for a space like this, and many express gratitude for our mere existence. This makes every day a best day!

What’s a favorite thing to do when you’re not at

work? I love immersing myself in great storytelling; so, reading

or watching movies, or dream-weaving with my peeps.

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Irene Patalan Owner Collected Works

303 Detroit St #107, Ann Arbor 734-995-4222 collectedworksannarbor.com Describe your business and your unique vision for it. The mission statement

for Collected Works is to bring beautiful clothes to beautiful women of all sizes in a comfortable setting, and featuring many price points.

It’s a delight to be part of this community. Collected Works is like shopping in your best friend’s closet. We are relaxed and feature items you cannot find anywhere else.

Collected Works encourages women to live artistically, and thoughtfully, each woman finding her own style. We love our customers!

What’s one of the most important lessons you’ve learned in your career? I am so fortunate to have been a

small business owner for 40 years in the heart of Ann Arbor.

Have you any idea how grateful that makes me? So, my number one lesson is : yes! to be grateful. Some other lessons I hold dear are never to take anything for granted, to be always learning, and to listen to your clients!

What’s your take on the current #metoo moment?

Every woman has numerous examples of situations where men made them uncomfortable, frightened, harassed. Let me repeat that: EVERY woman has NUMEROUS examples. My hope is the #metoo movement can change for the better the behavior of privileged men who do not see women as human beings. Some men will listen and think about this message. The good guys already out there will hopefully speak to this when situations arise. My hope is more women will find their voices to say what they need to say. If we can be kinder to all of us that is a good thing.

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Visit website for class schedule and additional pricing: itayogastudio.com 2745 Plymouth Rd. Ann Arbor, MI

734-531-9482

ita@itayogastudio.com

ecurrent.com / march 2018 7

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Sarah Kreiner & Dana Smith​ The Mix Studios

2007 S. State Street, Ann Arbor 734-786-1260 the-mix-studios.com

Describe your business and your unique vision for it. We believe fitness

and health should be fun and enjoyable.

Yes, you need a certain amount of cardiovascular activity and you should do something that strengthens your muscles every week, but it doesn’t have to be a specific type of exercise. It can be through a mix of fun personal training, circuit workouts, dance, yoga, or whatever you find that you love. We also believe our bodies should be subject to a mix of types of movement. That’s what The Mix is all about – creating a mix of things you enjoy that keep you fit and healthy and happy.

What’s one of the most important lessons you’ve learned in your career?

Everyone is different. What motivates one person will not motivate the next. One exercise program will have great results for some but just will not work for others.

Individualization is so important.

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What advice would you give a woman who wants to own her own business? You have to be really

passionate about what you do and be willing to make sacrifices. But it is all worth it!

What’s your take on the current #metoo moment? I think the movement

is really powerful. It has really brought attention to the fact that most of us have experienced something along the lines of objectification, harassment, abuse or assault.

It makes us all aware it is not to be accepted or normalized. I also believe it will make men more aware of their actions and how those actions may be perceived.

An Ann Arbor Original since 1977 SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Grace Adams

Owner of Body Conscious Massage Therapy

2201 Medford Rd., Ann Arbor 734-929-5930 bodyconsciousmassagetherapy.com

Describe your business and your unique vision for it. Body Conscious is a

Massage Therapy clinic that focuses on pain management and sports massage as well as the more traditional massage modalities such as relaxation and hot stone massage. We work with people experiencing specific and chronic pain conditions, trying to heal the body and get their musculoskeletal system balanced. My vision is to create a medical massage therapy clinic with the highest standards in our industry. We only hire massage therapists with years of training and experience and we help them set and achieve career goals.

By having this highly qualified staff, we can offer a higher quality massage to our clients as well.

What’s one of the most important lessons you’ve learned in your career?

How to be patient. It’s easy to set an unrealistic standard for yourself, thinking you must get everything done, and get it done now, but in the end, it’s important to be patient and be able to let go of things outside of your control.

What advice would you give a woman who wants to own her own business? Two simple strategies:

Brain-dumping and backward goal-setting. Brain-dumping

is a technique where you sit down with a pen and paper and just dump all the ideas swirling around in your head onto the paper. This allows you to get your ideas into one place to look at them more closely.

Then you can sift through those ideas and take the things that really make sense and write out your big vision. Once you have a vision, you can do some backward goal-setting. You start with the biggest things you need to do to get to your vision and create lists of things you need to achieve each of these things.Then write down the smaller things you need to do and lists of things you need to do to achieve these things.

As you start to separate these ideas into smaller lists, you can set yearly, quarterly, monthly, and daily goals to get to your end vision.

(Across from Detroit St. Filling Station)

734.995.4222 | collectedworksannarbor.com

Live pain and stress free

New Client Special

$20 off your first massage

What’s a favorite thing to do when you’re not at work? Cook healthy and

delicious food at home. I grew up in a large family and I find sharing delicious food with those you care about very rewarding. I find the process of cooking to be relaxing and somewhat meditative as well, allowing me to shift from work mode into home mode more easily.

Pain Management | Relaxation | Pre-Post-Natal | Sports Massage Lymphatic Massage | Ashiatsu | Craniosacral Therapy

Body Conscious LLC

2201 Medford Road • Ann Arbor, MI 48104 BodyConsciousMassageTherapy.com • (734) 929-5930 ecurrent.com / march 2018 9

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Happy

St. Patrick’s Day

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

No Preservatives 100% NON-GMO Gluten Free

Rebecca Kaufman Owner A2BBQ LLC.

DBA Dickey’s Barbecue Pit of Ann Arbor 3500 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor 517-667-4264 dickeys.com What’s one of the best days at work you’ve had?

I really enjoy when our military, police and firefighter members come through (I give 50% off their meal) as I know they are out there protecting and serving our community, along with the various families that choose our establishment for birthday parties and large meals to go.

What’s one of the most important lessons you’ve learned in your career?

Focus on the long-term goal, don’t let bumps in the road derail your path. If you focus on the little things, you won’t see the forest for the trees. Always ask yourself, is this moment what you will always experience or is it just temporary and is something that can be improved upon?

What’s your take on the current #metoo moment?

I feel it has been a long time coming, and there are many victims of both genders. I am glad there is now more awareness and the conversations have been started. It is time for those who perpetuate these crimes to be held accountable. When you hear a sentence (such as Dr. Nassar), don’t compare his crimes and sentence to those convicted of other things and

215 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

(734) 665-2796 • threechairs.com

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lament how he has a longer incarceration. Instead, question why other crimes are not punished to the proper degree.

A murderer may get less time, based on how many lives were taken, however, abuse takes many lives and can run through generations as a dirty family secret. Sexual abuse is compounded as the victim may be physically abused for saying no, or mentally abused to think it is NORMAL or is their own fault.

What’s a favorite thing to do when you’re not at work? I enjoy riding my

motorcycle, and I do a yearly charity run for the Special Olympics during the summer with dreamride.org. I also support many other charities through donations and rides.

When it isn’t feasible to ride, I enjoy reading fiction, watching movies, and socializing.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Dori Edwards CEO & Wellness Coach

Blue Sage Health and Blue Sage CBD, Ann Arbor 734-585-7063 bluesagehealth.com and bluesagecbd.com Describe your business and your unique vision for it.

Our vision as educators and health professionals is to provide vital information to individuals, families and communities about holistic health as it relates to our endocannabinoid system. There’s a gap in information for medical marijuana patients. Their primary care physician won’t talk to them about cannabis as a safe and viable choice, the doctor who will take a chance and write them a recommendation usually doesn’t know much about cannabis dosing and administration methods for their condition, and the budtenders at the dispensaries don’t know how to talk to them about it either, unless they work at Bloom City Club.

Here lies the need for Blue Sage Health Consulting. After a consult, patients feel very supported and informed and can make educated decisions regarding their health and choice to use cannabis.

What’s one of the best days at work you’ve had?

One day a woman came into the office and put a large bag of prescription opiates and pharmaceuticals on my desk. She said she was off all 10 of the drugs that made her feel out of it and unable to connect with her children because cannabis worked for everything. She was feeling empowered as a mother, focused as a business woman, and alive again!

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What’s one of the most important lessons you’ve learned in your career? A team focused on positivity and

support makes everything run smoothly. A team or partner who is negative and jealous will make you wither and eventually kill the life inside you and your projects.

What’s your take on the current #metoo moment?

I love it and I am astounded that according to the EEOC, companies are 75% more likely to have an employee file a claim because of the celebrity attention and 1 in 5 employees files some form of harassment claim. It’s a huge problem and I’m happy the tide is turning.

What’s a favorite thing to do when you’re not at work?

Teach someone we have an endocannabinoid system. We are hard-wired for cannabis. This is something to celebrate but mostly it inspires a reaction of anger because we’ve been lied to. Wisdom is freedom and I love to spread it.

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First Class is

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734.786.1260 2007 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Ita Reyes E-RYT Owner/Founder Ita Yoga Studio, Owner Carpenter Bros. Hardware & Rental

2745 Plymouth Rd Ann Arbor 734-531-9482 Itayogastudio.com

Personal Training Semi-Private Training Trampoline Fitness Strength Classes Mix Total Body Zumba Yoga

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Describe your business and your unique vision for it.

Ita Yoga Studio is a home away from home. We strive to treat our students as guests at our home. It’s very important that people feel welcomed and supported to go through their journey on their mats.

We offer classes for all levels and encourage self-exploration and growth. The studio uses infrared heat to create a warm environment for practice and, although temperatures reach 90 degrees, the open space and large practice area make it so the heat does not feel oppressive or suffocating.

What’s one of the most important lessons you’ve learned in your career?

Established 1960

Everything on Consignment

www.treasuremart.com 529 Detroit Street • Ann Arbor 734-662-1363 • Office 734-662-9887

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To trust my instincts. They’ve never failed me.

What advice would you give a woman who wants to own her own business?

The only obstacle to following one’s passion is fear. Let go of fear. Always do right by others.

Be truthful. Work hard and be an example.

What’s your take on the current #metoo moment?

It’s about time. Speaking up takes a tremendous amount of courage. We are finally at a place where we can do just that. Speak up. Call out what is wrong, and support those who are doing so.

What’s a favorite thing to do when you’re not at work? Spend time with my

husband, our two boys and all five of our pets. There’s a lot of love to give and receive. We always have a good time!

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Susan Mitchell Monroe President, Three Chairs

208 S. Ashley Street, Ann Arbor 734-637-6255 Threechairs.com Describe your business and your unique vision for it. Retail home furnishings

with a contemporary flare.

Staffed entirely by Interior Design professionals.

What’s one of the best days at work you’ve had?

What advice would you give a woman who wants to own her own business?

The independence is priceless, but you must prepare for it.

What’s your take on the current #metoo moment?

Seeing my sales staff exceed expectations. Celebrating 22 years in business.

Thank goodness it is happening. It’s been a long time coming and there is a great deal of healing to do on all sides.

What’s one of the most important lessons you’ve learned in your career?

What’s a favorite thing to do when you’re not at work? Yoga and travel.

Hire the smartest person you can and then don’t micromanage them. You might learn something!

OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATIVE MEDICINE

Where the Science of Medicine Meets the Art of Touch Osteopathy:

True Holistic Medicine.

By restoring structural health, the whole being begins to heal.

Susan M Rose, DO

See an article about Dr Rose at: http://bit.ly/susanrose

Board Certified: • Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine • Performing Arts Medicine (1 of 3 physicians in MI) • Integrative Pediatrics Treats pain & imbalances anywhere in the body with gentle manual medicine techniques, including headaches/TMJ, head injury, sports injury, acute & chronic pain from injury, misuse or overuse.

Treats all ages from pregnancy & newborn to elderly

NOW IN ANN ARBOR

The Parkway Center

2345 S. Huron Parkway Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (810) 588-6911

DrSusanRose.com ecurrent.com / march 2018 13

Eileen Bristol Owner, RelaxStation Massage

300 W. Huron, Ann Arbor 734-623-1951 relaxstation.com

Describe your business and your unique vision for it. I opened RelaxStation

in 2002 because I knew we needed a place in Ann Arbor where you could get great quality massage walk-in or same-day appointment. We created a relaxed, holistic atmosphere with beautiful surroundings including an organic/biodynamic flower garden.

What’s one of the best days at work you’ve had?

A super-busy day one summer, there must have been 8 of us therapists massaging outdoors under the portico. This was before we enclosed the front half of the building. We were playing some Bob Marley tunes and everyone was so happy!

Julie Hill Owner and Hairstylist, Imagine Three Beauty Studio

201 East Liberty, Suite 1, Ann Arbor 734-528-0922 i3beautystudio.com Describe your business and your unique vision for it.

I started an organic and natural salon with a secondary focus on wedding hair and makeup. We are the only salon in Ann Arbor to provide organic hair color. Our environment is welcoming and safe for those looking for fewer chemicals in their lives. Typically in the salon industry, it is a very cut-throat environment and super competitive. My goal was to start something that was a happy place to work and where each individual could thrive and reach their goals. Education is a huge key to growth and my goal is to make sure we have a very educated team. We consistently have educational classes within the salon to keep us up to date and so we can hand down years of experience to the next generation of stylists.

What’s one of the best days at work you’ve had?

Creativity is a huge part of my job and my best day is when I get to let my artistic side flow, which is usually something for a photo shoot or editorial work. More recently we have worked with a local floral artist, Passionflower, where she had an inspiration board for us and we created a look for her to showcase her work.

That’s my best day, I would do it all day, every day, if I could.

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What’s one of the most important lessons you’ve learned in your career?

Letting your staff know how much you appreciate them is super important.

What advice would you give a woman who wants to own her own business?

Make sure you take time for exercise, meditation, time in nature, and, of course, massage! Manage your stress level and maintain your health.

What’s a favorite thing to do when you’re not at work? Play electric bass in

two bands!

What’s one of the most important lessons you’ve learned in your career?

Through

my 25 years in the industry, I have worked for people who do not value you as an individual and worry so much about your growing past them. I’ve worked in extremely toxic environments that do not allow you to thrive. I value what I have learned from these experiences but also have tried my hardest not to create them. I want to help individuals grow and reach their greatest potential. My desire is to lead by example.

What’s a favorite thing to do when you’re not at work?

Crossfit at Level 10 fitness keeps me sane. It’s a goal of mine to compete at some point in weightlifting and I love to get better so this is food for my soul. I love a good drink and good food so you might often see me at Isalita or Zingerman’s Roadhouse. But most of my spare time is spent with my rescue poochie and my supersupportive husband just hanging out.

Susan M. Rose DO, PLC

2345 S. Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor 810-588-6911 drsusanrose.com

Describe your business and your unique vision for it. Osteopathic Manipula-

tive Medicine. There are approximately 1000 osteopathic physicians across the country who are board-certified in the specialty, making us a rarity. Most patients I see have long-standing pain that has not resolved with other treatment modalities – conventional & alternative. It’s common for my patients to have seen many other practitioners before coming. I established my own solo practice because practicing OMM does not fit well into the typical medical practice model where there is pressure to see several patients in an hour, whereas my initial patient visit is one hour. I do not generate a large sum of dollars for highpriced testing and procedures as is encouraged in many large-group or corporate-based medical practices. I emphasize my relationship with the patient and my skills as an OMM specialist.

What’s one of the best days at work you’ve had?

My best days at work are always when a patient who has had long-standing pain and has been to many other healthcare providers, improves quickly with my treatment. There is generally significant improvement after 1-2 treatments. I am thrilled when I am told, as I was just recently, "This is the first time in 3 years (since immediately after the delivery of her baby) that I woke up with no pain in my groin." Her pain was permanently gone after 4 treatments, whereas she had previously been to multiple other practitioners over the previous 3 years without relief.

What’s a favorite thing to do when you’re not at work? Partaking in the

cultural & sporting events available in Ann Arbor. I am a season-ticket holder for University Musical Society and UM football and basketball.

I also enjoy productions by students of UM School of Music Theater & Dance.

The quality of the student productions is incredible.

Laurie Gross President, Gross Electric

2232 S. Industrial Hwy., Ann Arbor 734-665-8676 grosselectric.com Describe your business and your unique vision for it.

We sell lighting fixtures and electrical supplies to contractors, builders, and end-users. We offer two important benefits our customers won’t find in the big box stores or on the internet – knowledge and experience.

What’s one of the best days at work you’ve had? When

we ran our “Let’s Make a Deal Sale,” and we were extremely busy! I got to negotiate prices with customers.

What’s one of the most important lessons you’ve learned in your career? Patience.

What advice would you give a woman who wants to own her own business? Go for It! You can do it...just have

confidence in yourself and what you’re doing.

What’s your take on the current #metoo moment? I feel

bad it took so long for so many to speak out, and the ones who did weren’t believed.

What’s a favorite thing to do when you’re not at work?

Take walks in the park with my new puppy.

ecurrent.com / march 2018 15

feature

Ann Arbor Film Festival hits 56 Volunteer screeners help festival push limits

by Mary Gallagher

t

he Ann Arbor Film Festival was founded in 1963, making it the oldest avant-garde and experimental film festival in North America. Chris Peters is one of the crew of volunteers who helps whittle down 3000 submissions from more than 65 countries to a list of fewer than accepted 200 films.

This is Peters’ second year screening films for the AAFF, although he attended the festival for years before taking on that role. His artistic background is in music, not film – he was in a band, Getaway Cruiser, that had a deal with Sony in the 90’s. “I’m no expert on the history of cinema, so that’s slightly intimidating walking into this,” he says. “But then I recognize that I’m just another human being experiencing the world around me and experiencing these films. I think that [the directors] value that kind of person in the mix, without the historical context.”

New Digital Screening Process

Submissions typically begin to flood in on July 1st, but this year, the process for screeners like Peters began in midSeptember. There was a slight delay getting the new online review platform (a collaboration with local tech company InfoReady, which designs software to help universities evaluate grants) up and running, but according to Leslie Raymond, the Executive Director of the Festival, the new platform has made the selection process more efficient. “On the screener side, it’s a lot simpler, and for the administrators, it’s easier to manage.”

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Screenwriter Chris Peters evaluates 80-100 films each year.

The 50 volunteer screeners go through an orientation where they commit to an ethical selection process, and also learn the Film Festival’s selection criteria. For Peters, that means looking past his own personal taste. “Sometimes you know right away that something is not right for the festival,” he explains, “ because the AAFF is an experimental festival.

If I’m watching something I could easily see on PBS or Vice news – and sometimes those pieces are really great, conventional documentaries – I have to set them aside.”

In the new system, all the films are on a centralized website, next to a short description of the film and an evaluation form. Each film is ranked on a scale of 1-10 in different categories, with space for the screeners to explain their evaluation. That blank space, for Peters, is the hardest part of the process. “When you’re watching experimental film, you’re often stepping into more of a dreamlike world than, say, a straight narrative world, so (when I) pivot over and (am asked to) write coherent sentences that get at how I feel…. words fall short. This sort of creativity (in the submitted films) is something that transcends language.”

Peters says this year he watched 4 to 5 batches of 20 films, standard for a volunteer screener. A few of the submissions are over an hour, but most are far shorter. The directors of the Festival provide suggested deadlines to complete the viewing but, Chris explains, if a volunteer has trouble meeting the deadlines, the Festival administrators tend to be flexible.

Screening these film submissions is not something for those who might consider it a chore. “You want people who want to be doing it. I blew a few deadlines this year and didn’t get thrown in jail for it,” he says.

Increased levels of screening

When Leslie Raymond first got involved with the film festival in the nineties, there was no need for levels of screening; everyone watched each film together, in the same room, and discussed them immediately. It took every evening over the course of six weeks – and that was when the festival was only open to 16mm films. When it opened up to digital submissions in the early 2000s, the number of submissions caused that process to become unmanageable. Now, films have to survive four screening levels in order to get into the festival.

At the first level, two volunteer screeners have the option of recommending a film; if either screener recommends it, it moves forward in the process. Raymond sends a list of films declined by the screeners to an advisory board made up of film experts; if any of them recognize any standouts among the rejected submissions, these experts can override the declination and keep the submission in contention to be screened during the Festival.

On the second and third levels, volunteers with expertise on cinematic history evaluate the film. The submissions are then passed to the Festival directors, Raymond and Katie McGowan, who make the final decisions, based on input from the process, on what makes it into the Festival.

Dialogue between screeners

Some of the intimacy of the old process is retained through regular “salon” viewings for staff and screeners, where they watch and discuss some of the submissions together. Raymond says of the salons, “The ability to be in the same space, and to have that dialogue, is incredibly valuable.”

Peters enjoys the salons because they give him a chance to hear how others respond to the work. The hardest part of the process is articulating what he likes or doesn’t like about each film, and that each person is going to see something different.

“I’m very aware that I can watch a film on a Tuesday and think it’s amazing,” he says, “and then watch it on a Thursday and think that it sucks. That’s just the way the brain works.”

Despite these inherent biases, Peters feels the selection process ultimately does the job of maintaining the festival’s excellence. He does his best to standardize, and keep consistent, his experience as he watches the films in chunks of an hour or two, on his big TV – never his phone or laptop – curled up under a big maroon comforter. “How can you do justice for somebody’s creative work?” he says. “I try not to watch too many films at once. If I find myself losing focus, I stop the film and come back to it another day.”

In terms of the kind of work he evaluates, Peters recalls screening, “Socrates of Kamchatka,” a Russian documentary told partially through the inner thoughts of a horse. “The horse is narrating certain portions of this film,” he explains, “which might sound corny, but it worked. The horse is kind of the truth-teller, seeing the world from outside of the human way of thinking.” It might seem like an unconventional move for a documentary, but Peters says, that that kind of

AAF Executive Director Leslie Raymond is excited about the new digital screening platform.

experimentation is what makes the AAFF special, saying “I like when the genre is blurred. When you’re blurring category and functioning beyond categories. That’s where the good stuff really happens.”

A chance for growth

The most important part of the experience for Peters is that it’s a way to expand his intellectual world. “I do this so I can be exposed to ideas that spoonfed American culture isn’t going to give me,” he says. He also volunteers to drive the filmmakers from the airport to Ann Arbor for the Festival, which is what he enjoys most. “I force them to write out the last 3 films or the last 3 books that they loved. That’s what I see as the exchange.”

Peters says getting involved as a screener is less intimidating than first-timers might expect. As a volunteer, you don’t need any special expertise. “You just gotta be curious,” he says. “If you want to see storytelling from all over the world, then I would recommend you get in the mix and take it on. I see amazing stories. I’m very grateful for that – I get to see all this stuff I would never see.”

The 56th Ann Arbor Film Festival will run from Tuesday, March 20 through Sunday, March 25, based at The Michigan Theater (603 E Liberty St.).

Ticket prices and times vary.

For more information, visit aafilmfest.org

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a2 film fest

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food

Trying Again at the Corner of State and Packard Craft Breww City hopes to defy history of short-lived restaurants

by Jeff Kass

Let’s hope it’s time to break the curse.

The space at 640 Packard Street in Ann Arbor, fronting the triangular intersection of State and Packard Streets, has not been kind to businesses. Back in the 70’s the location was the home of Delta Pizzeria and Restaurant. Since that time, it’s gone through several fleeting incarnations including an Espresso Royale Cafe, The Southside Grill, Artisan Bistro, The Atlanta Bread Company, and most recently Packard Pub (2009-2011), R.U.B. BBQ Pub (2013-2015) and Happy’s Pizza (2015-2017).

The formula the new Craft Breww City (which has an original location in Farmington Hills) hopes will break the string of too-temporary-tenancies is that of self-proclaimed “next level” sports bar with “a delicious restaurant menu with one of the biggest selections of craft brews and beers anywhere.” Personally, being the kind of sports fan who can voraciously watch the gamut from boat-racing to bowling to baseball to billiards, and who further adores the combination of sportswatching with eating, I love the idea. It seems like a smart plan to try and capitalize on the craft brewery zeitgeist and open a comfortable spot to catch a game that’s an easy walk to The Big House, Crisler and Yost. So I’m rooting for success, not least of all because I can imagine my ticketless self watching the Wolverines from a cozy seat at the bar next fall.

Beer worth savoring

The beer & brew selection definitely lives up to its billing. With 150 different beers, and 40 of them on tap, you’re definitely going to find an option to slake your thirst.

Regional favorites are abundant, including Hopslam Ale and Two-Hearted from Bell’s, Massacre Lager from Wolverine State Brewing Co., This Guy from South Lyon’s Witch’s Hat Brewing Co., and a 51K IPA

from Blackrocks Brewery in Marquette. If you want to venture farther afield, you can opt for something called “The Limits of My Language Are The Limits of My World” which hails from Evil Twin Brewing in Brooklyn NY, or taste-journey overseas for La Fin du Monde, a triple-fermented brew from Belgium.

Convincing cuisine

In terms of gastronomic delights, there’s a full slate of standard appetizers including tasty fried pickles (spears not chips) for six bucks, and duck poutine (roasted duck, cheese curds, gravy, twist fries) for $10.

A beer/onion concoction highlights a trio of soups, and along with a standard array of salads with fresh ingredients available in half or full size (House, Greek, Caesar, Spinach, Michigan Cherry), you can choose from a pair of specialty salads, the Bloomfield (mixed greens, grilled chicken, bacon, egg, cherry tomatoes, avocado, blue cheese, croutons, choice of dressing) or the Memphis (mixed greens, handbattered chicken tenders, cheddar, tomato, cucumbers, bacon bits, ranch) for $12 each.

Pizza is Detroit-style (deep dish and square) and comes in small (4 slices, $7.95) and large (8 slices, $11.95). The crust, cheese and toppings are definitely tasty; though, to be honest, while the sauce had a surprising and interesting tang, the pie, in general, was a bit over-sauced. Burgers were terrific. We tried the pretzel burger (maple glazed bacon, cherry bbq, cheddar, pretzel bun, chips) which offered a wonderful mix of juicy, savory and slightly sweet. Among several burger options, the menu offers a peanut butter and sriracha burger and a green chile burger, as well as a veggie burger and turkey burger. You are in quality burger hands at CBC, no question.

Sandwiches, all under ten bucks, also look enticing, and include such notables as a Texas Toast grilled cheese which comes with a bowl of tomato bisque, and, for latenight recoverers, a Hangover Sandwich (fried egg, maple glazed bacon, cheddar, tomato, chipotle aioli, sriracha, brioche bun, tater tots). Slightly more expensive entrees include a taco platter (three grilled

fish, pulled chicken or pork carnitas served with black beans, slaw, tri pepper salsa, jalapeno-avocado crema, Chihuahua cheese, guacamole) for $12.75, and, for $16, grilled salmon in a citrus bbq glaze.

Yes, parking is a challenge, but...

All in all, the food offers satisfying, tasty quality at reasonable prices. The atmosphere is basic sports bar – high tables, multiple TVs easily viewable from any seat – though the standard motifs of signed jerseys and iconic photos (say, a young Cassius Clay standing above a downed Sonny Liston, or a requisite Bo Schembechler storming the UM sideline) are conspicuously absent. Nonetheless, CBC is a relaxing, fun place to watch a game or hang out with friends.

The food is good, the beer selection is top-notch. Darts and pool are free, with the pool table situated in a cozy, more UM-themed downstairs space that seems like it would make a great hangout for students, or really, any fun-loving crew.

The parking’s horrible.That’s just the reality, and could be a big reason why so many businesses have failed in this space in the past. But CBC is worth the walk if you live (or can park), say, within a mile.

If you want a place to watch a game or just meet friends and enjoy good food and drink in what could potentially grow into a new Cubs AC – except with better beer and absent the sound of bowling pins being knocked around in the background – give Craft Breww City a chance.

11am-midnight, Monday-Thursday.

11am-2am, Friday-Saturday.

11am-11pm, Sunday.

640 Packard St., Ann Arbor.

734-585-0165, craftbrewwcity.com

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Ongoing Mondays Marinara Mondays

5pm. Lucky’s Market Ann Arbor. luckysmarket.com. Free

Every Monday, Lucky’s will have made In-house Italian goodness for the whole family. Marinara with or without meatballs, and a chunk of hearty garlic bread.

Pizza Monday

7:30pm. Beer Grotto. beergrotto.com.

Free

Enjoy a free slice of Domino’s Deep-Dish Pizza and a wide beer selection.

Tuesdays Wine Special

All Day. Bigalora. Bigalora.com.

Enjoy 50% off all wine bottles.

​Wine Night Wednesdays

4-10pm. E​ vans Street Station, Tecumseh. 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. Bottles available for retail purchase as well.

Thursdays Cantina Thursdays

4pm. Lucky’s Market Ann Arbor. luckysmarket.com. Free

House-made tacos and great craft beer!

Fridays Pub Food Fridays

11am. Lucky’s Market Ann Arbor. luckysmarket.com. Free

Pub food specials including Beer Battered Fish n Chips, the House Smoked Turkey Reuben, House Cut Fries, and pints!

Drink & Draw

4pm-7pm. Pointless Brewery & Theatre. pointlessbrew.com. Free

Unwind from the workweek and flex your creative muscles while enjoying exclusive Pointless craft beers. Writing and drawing prompts, doodle starters, colored pencils and markers all provided.

Woodfired Pizza at Cultivate

5pm. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse. cultivateypsi.com. Free

Enjoy special pop-up Wood Fired Pizza at Cultivate on Friday evenings.

Casablanca Wine Tasting

“You must remember this…”

Rick’s Cafe in Casablanca was more of a gin joint than a wine bar, but that won’t stop Wines on Main from commemorating the 75th birthday of a cinematic masterpiece. This evening features two wines from each of the regions seen in Casablanca: France, Germany, and North Africa. Between sips, test your knowledge of Casablanca trivia, learn what makes the wines from each region distinctive, and enjoy tributes and music from the classic film. - TB

$25. 7– 9pm, Saturday, March 3. Wines on Main, 110 N. Main St. Chelsea. 734-562-2264, winesonmainchelsea.club.

Saturdays Yoga & Mimosas

11:30am. $5. The Pretzel Bell. viefit.com

Vie pairs up with Captain’s Room for a special brunch activity: an invigorating yoga class followed by discounted brunch drinks.

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 Thursday Ooh La La Croissants

10am. $125. Bake! bakewithzing.com

6:30pm. $99. Ruth’s Chris Steak House. ruthschris.com

Kick off this year’s Ruth’s TasteMaker Dinners with the extremely popular Prisoner Wine Company. This 5-course dinner will feature delicious pairings from their defiantly different line of wines to savor and love. Must be 21 or older to participate.

2 Friday

Legally Magic Brownies

1pm. $125. Bake! bakewithzing.com

In this class, make four different varieties including Zingermans’ own magic brownie, a fudgy brownie, buenos aires brownies, and pecan blondies. After tasting all of these brownies, you’ll leave feeling magical!

Detroit Whisky Festival

Arcadia Whitsun Release

Food & Beverage Night: Pad Thai

11am. Hop Cat Ann Arbor. hopcat.com. Free

Enjoy the release of this seasonal favorite brewed with copious amounts of wheat, Michigan honey, orange peel & coriander.

Bring spring to your glass!

ecurrent.com march

The Prisoner Wine Dinner

There are very few places in the world outside of France where you can get a good, truly flaky, buttery croissant. In this class, learn the basic techniques of creating traditional butter laminated dough. Make a plain butter croissant recipe, as well as almond and chocolate filled!

Searchable lists updated daily at

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7pm. $25. Wines on Main. winesonmainchelsea.club

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6-10pm. $25-$50. Eastern Market. detroitwhisky.com

Pulp Detroit brings you a bold tasting experience featuring the best Whiskeys, Bourbons and Ryes from around the world.

Admission includes 12 beverage samples.

6pm-8pm. $35. Robin Hills Farm. robinhillsfarm.com

Chef D.A. Reid will lead participants through preparing the perfect Pad Thai and spring rolls. Simply bring your favorite beverage, a friend or two, and an appetite! Session will culminate in a sit-down dinner with the food cooked during class.

Explore the wine regions of France, Germany and Africa – six wines, two from each regionwith tour guide, Lori Moss of Woodberry Wines. There will be tributes to the movie, quotes, a costume contest, and of course, great wines to be shared!

Ice Cream Sandwiches & Floats w/Go!

8pm. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse. cultivateypsi.com. Free

Go! Ice Cream and Cultivate join forces to bring you the tastiest beer and ice cream treats!

3 Saturday Namaste and Have a Beer at Ascension Brewing Company 10:30am. $10. Ascension Brewing Company. ascension.beer

Join Ascension and Northville Yoga Room for a Slow Flow Yoga Class. This class is open to all levels and pricing includes a onehour session and one full pour of any draft beer. Must be 21 or older to join. Bring yoga mat, water and yoga block (optional).

4 Sunday Speedy Seafood

10am. $85. Sur La Table. surlatable.com

For spectacular meals in minutes, seafood is a go-to favorite.

Learn speedy techniques for steaming mussels, grilling shrimp and searing scallops.

Comparative Cupping

12pm. $30. Zingerman’s Coffee. events.zingermanscommunity.com

Sample coffees from Africa, Central and South Americas, and the Asian Pacific. Taste and evaluate these coffees using the techniques and tools used by professional tasters.

Fondant “Fondamentals”

1pm. $125. Bake! bakewithzing.com

Ever wonder how those smooth fancy fondant-covered cakes are made? In this class, learn the steps of making your own fondant that actually tastes good. Learn basic techniques for coloring, shaping and cutting out fondant. Then split, fill, cover and decorate your own cake to take home.

Square Pizza Workshop

4pm. $75. Sur La Table. surlatable.com

Learn how to create a yeasted, par-baked square pizza dough that’s straight out of Sicily. Try your hand at making super-easy tomato sauce and pesto, add some creative toppings and bake to cheesy, bubbly perfection.

6 Tuesday Nosh and Network Plymouth

6pm. $5. EG Nicks. egnicksdtp.com

IN3 Network’s signature event has been a Plymouth mainstay for 7 years! Join great area businesswomen for dinner, drinks, and networking.

Food Literacy for All: Fernando Funes Monzote 6:30pm. Angell Hall - Aud B. events.umich.edu. Free

The community course aims to ignite new conversations and deepen existing commitments to building more equitable, healthpromoting, and ecologically sustainable food systems.

Opera on Tap: Beware the ARIAS of March 6:30pm. Sidetrack Bar and Grill. operaontap.org. Free

Enjoy wonderful arias that may or may not be sung by backstabbers. Opera on Tap is a group of artists devoted to combating opera’s snooty reputation by performing in fun venues. Dinner begins at 6:30pm with the program starting at 8:30pm.

7 Wednesday

8 Thursday K-Town Cooking Class

6:30pm. $75. Sur la Table. surlatable.com

Love Korean food but think it’s too complicated to make at home? Practice braising poultry and vegetables, making a kimchiforward fried rice and achieving the ultimate sunny-side up egg.

Plus, learn how to churn an eggfree ice cream.

Basic Cake Decorating

7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. aadl.org. Free

Keegan C. Rodgers, Head Baker at the People’s Food Co-Op, leads this hands-on and lively workshop. Students will learn how to make a variety of frosting with pastry bags, piping tips, and other equipment.

The Black Pearl: Wine Tour Dinner 7pm. $35-$145. Black Pearl. blackpearlannarbor.com

Enjoy a coursed dinner, paired with the five wines. Food will be prepared by Executive Chef James Wilhelm and guest Executive Chef Cody Wiseley from The Red Brick in Dexter. Smell, Taste, Savor!

9 Friday

Spaghetti Dinner

Dinner & A Movie Night

Enjoy a special, classic, all you can eat spaghetti dinner!

Enjoy a special dinner menu with a movie to follow. Visit the website for further details.

6pm. $7. Zal Gaz Grotto Club. zalgaz.org

Brewing Kombucha for Beginners

7pm. Chelsea District Library. chelseadistrictlibrary.org. Free

While kombucha may be experiencing a resurgence in popularity, this fermented tea beverage has a long history in cultures all over the world. Learn how to safely experiment with making your own kombucha at home, what equipment you will need, how to prevent contamination of your brew, and how to experiment with different flavors.

7pm. Zal Gaz Grotto. zalgaz.org. Free

10 Saturday Olde Time Maple Sugar Festival 10am-4pm. Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center. wnha.org. Free

It’s time for that traditional rite of spring – tapping maple trees.

Watch a short film about how maple syrup is made, and enjoy a guided walk to see various methods of making syrup. Antique equipment will be on display from the Waterloo Farm Museum, and maple products will be available for purchase.

Night Out: Dumplings 101 4pm & 7pm. $85. Sur La Table. surlatable.com

13 Tuesday Ypsilanti Indoor Farmers Market

Can’t get enough dumplings?

Learn how to create tasty varieties from Korea and Vietnam.

You’ll get hands-on practice mixing dough and creating fillings—then frying and steaming dumplings to tender perfection.

3pm. Ypsilanti Farmer Markets. growinghope.net. Free

Michigan International Festival

LATF Series: Dinner and a Movie

4:30pm. $15-$25. Towsley Auditorium. michiganinternationalfestival. weebly.com

Enjoy this International festival that encompasses performances from all over the world, food vendors from various countries, a silent auction and a cash bar!

11 Sunday Livonia Symphony Orchestra’s Shamrocks and Tea 1:30-4pm. $35. Livonia Marriott. ci.livonia.mi.us

Livonia Symphony Orchestra’s: Shamrocks and Tea join the LSO for a lovely afternoon of music, food, prizes and fun.

Baking Class: Breads & Macarons 2-4pm. $50. Evans Street Station, Tecumseh. evansstreetstation.com

Famed local pastry chef Elizabeth Gentry, whose resume includes Daniel and Nomad (NYC), Blackbird and L2O (Chicago), and Torc in Napa, will host the class.

Indulge in glorious baked goods, observe the process with recipes to take home, and enjoy mimosas, wine, and beer.

6:30pm. St. Mary Student Parish. icpj.org. Free

Join LATF on the second Tuesday of the month to share a delicious dinner and a film pertaining to current Latin American issues.

Dinner option for $8 includes one Tamale with salsa, organic casamiento, fried plantains, and curtido (veg. available). Please RSVP to reserve a meal.

14 Wednesday Pi(e) & Pint Day

3:14pm. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse. cultivateypsi.com. Free

Join for the 2nd Annual Pi Day with Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels featuring River’s Edge Brewing Co. and Go Ice Cream! There will be pie, pizza, pasties from Terry’s Bakery, and cake by the slice.

KBS Beer Dinner

7pm. $55. The Session Room. sessionrooma2.com

Chef Lucas will pair four courses with four craft beers from Founders Brewing Company.

KBS will be one of the beers featured with the dinner.

15 Thursday

Cocktail Class: Drink Me, I’m Irish!

5pm. $45. The Last Word. thelastwordbar.com

Continue to enjoy local goods when the market moves indoors! Find seasonal produce, eggs, baked goods, jewelry and more!

Vietnamese Kitchen Techniques

In honor of St Patrick’s Day, explore cocktails with ingredients from Ireland. Sample Irish Whisky and understand what makes it different from bourbon or Scotch, and use it in cocktails along with other Irish ingredients, including Bailey’s Irish Cream and Guinness Stout.

6:30pm. $75. Sur La Table. surlatable.com

Explore incredible Vietnamese flavors and get hands-on practice with three essential techniques—steaming, stir-frying and grilling. Dishes will include Stir-Fried Lemongrass Chicken with Chili and Roasted Peanuts, Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro, Scallions and Lime, and Pork and Shrimp Banana Leafwrapped Rice Dumplings.

CONT’D ON P22

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CONT’D FROM P21

17 Saturday St. Paddy’s Day Bash

8am. The Session Room. sessionrooma2.com. Free

St. Patrick’s Day calls for an early opening! Hang in the beer tent (weather permitting), breakfast, and drink specials all day.

Michigan Maple Weekend

10am-4pm. H & H Sugarbush. Free

Ever wonder how maple syrup is made? Enjoy a free tour, watch syrup being made, and receive free syrup samples on Fri. and Sat. A new addition this year, Maple Cotton Candy! For more information, call 734-323-5378.

Ann Arbor Death Cafe

10:30am. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room. crazywisdom.net. Free

Eat cake, drink tea, and talk about death. This event has no agenda and participants guide the conversation. This is not a grief support group, but a way to further the cultural conversation about the one thing everyone has in common.

St. Patty’s Day: Founders KBS Release

22 Thursday Michigan Spirits Cocktail Class 4-5:30pm. $45. Evans Street Station, Tecumseh. evansstreetstation.com

The most popular person at any good gathering is the bartender!

Learn the tricks of the trade from Bill Weidner in this handson class. Guests will receive a welcome cocktail and work with a small group to create and sample more drinks throughout the class.

18 Sunday Hops for Hope 2018

12pm. $10-$25. Canton Brew Works. rabbitrr.org

Hops for Hope includes a beer tasting, coffee, an appetizer buffet, and a silent auction featuring gift baskets. This event supports the work of Midwest Rabbit Rescue & Re-Home.

21 Wednesday Witch’s Hat 6 Course Beer Dinner

6pm. $59. Karl’s Cabin Restaurant & Bar. karlscabin.com

Enjoy a delicious six course beer dinner with Witch’s Hat 6.

11am. Karl’s Cabin Restaurant & Bar. karlscabin.com. Free

Enjoy this special KBS Release from Founders Brewing!

Girl Scout Cookie Bake-off Benefit

6pm. $45-$325. The Kensington Hotel. gshom.org

This benefit will help low-income and at-risk girls in the community to become Girl Scouts. Local chefs will use Girl Scout Cookies to create brand new desserts for you to sample! A silent and live auction will be held throughout the evening.

Throwback Thursday: Americana 6:30pm. $75. Sur La Table. surlatable.com

Learn how to create a menu of retro favorites that are even tastier than you remember.

Dishes will include the ultimate chicken pot pie, crunchy salad featuring rich, creamy blue cheese dressing, and a doubly decadent chocolate brownie made in a skillet.

25 Sunday Creamery Production Tour

11am-12pm. $10. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com

On this tour, observe mozzarella stretching and taste freshly-made gelato. Enjoy samples of cow’s milk and goat’s milk cheeses while learning about the process directly from the makers.

Cocktail Class: Fortify Me 5pm. $45. The Last Word. thelastwordbar.com

Fortified wines like vermouth and sherry are indispensable classic cocktail ingredients and can liven up any beverage with their complex flavor profiles. In this class, taste and learn about vermouth, sherry, and other styles of fortified wine, and use them to craft an assortment of delicious cocktails.

26 Monday Oberon Day

12pm. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse. cultivateypsi.com. Free

This day has been long coming!

Every year Michiganders wait for the first arrival of spring with a glass of Oberon and an orange slice.

27 Tuesday Vinyl Tuesday

6pm. Arbor Brewing Company. arborbrewing.com. Free

ABC partners with Encore Records, Underground Sounds, and Wazoo Recs to present Vinyl Tuesday. Visit any of these three record shops to receive a coupon for $1 off a 16oz draft when you purchase any vinyl record from them!

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.

FIND US ON

Lunch

11AM-2PM • M-F

Dinner

5PM-9PM • M-SAT

1703 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor aysescafe.com | ayse@aysescafe.com

734-662-1711

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chef’s corner

Peek into the mind’s of Ann Arbor’s culinary arbiters when, each issue, a new local chef shares their unique perspective on Washtenaw County’s dining and hospitality culture.

Annette Weathers Bona Sera

by Sonny Forrest

Born from an underground supper club captained by pseudonymous cooks, Bona Sera (200 W Michigan Ave) boasts self-described “colorful comfort” cuisine responsible for establishing the restaurant as a downtown Ypsilanti culinary mecca. Picture dishes like the Italian-inflected bibimbap variant Bi Bada Bing or the Chicken Dijon Shepherd’s Pie with dijon goat cheese cream sauce (gluten-free, no less). This month, the restaurant’s chef/owner Annette Weathers explores kitchen car crashes, local daikons and the moment she decided to stake her livelihood on professional cheffing.

What’s the craziest thing that’s ever happened to you in a kitchen? A car

crashed into the front door of the building and poured transmission smoke into the kitchen. We opened for lunch.

What’s your go-to local grocery store when cooking at home?

Plum Market.

What’s your earliest memory of cooking?

Watching my grandmother make dinner rolls.

What local ingredients do you use in your restaurant? Beautiful

daikons from Growing Hope, heirloom tomatoes from many local farmers and freshsmoked rainbow trout from Indian Brook Trout Farm in Jackson.

Where do you go for a night out? To bed, but

if socializing is required: Knight’s, Sushi Town, Encuentro or Selden Standard in Detroit.

Where do you get your culinary inspiration? The

great and varied foods of Italy, the American South, France, Latvia, Vietnam and Japan.

What’s your favorite all-time meal with drink pairing? Frutti di Mare

made with local seafood from Campo Santa Margherita in Venice and local red wine from a neighboring campo.

What would you want for your last meal on Earth?

Beef bourguignon, carbonara, Barolo, RoosRoast coffee and a perfect peach.

Describe the moment you decided to become a chef.

I’m still thinking about it.

ecurrent.com / march 2018 23

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Mardi Gras on Wheels!

Boober Tours is hosting a Mardi Gras pub crawl extravaganza, and you don’t have to walk! Boober Tours pedicabs will pedal you from bar to bar as you enjoy Mardi Gras-inspired cocktails, eat traditional food, enter contests, cover yourself in beads, and pretend it’s warm out. -TB

$15, 3-10pm, Saturday, March 3. 416 W. Huron St., Ann Arbor. 734-686-2087, facebook.com/boobertours.

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Tuesdays:

$2 Coronas, $2 Tequila Shots & $2 Tacos, Live DJ

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Harvest Kitchen Delivers Locally Sourced Home Cooking Love a home-cooked meal made with fresh local ingredients but don’t have time to make it? Harvest Kitchen is Washtenaw County’s only prepared food subscription service. You can order one meal, or meals for a year and heat them up whenever you like. Pick meals up from locations in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.

Harvest Kitchen sources all its ingredients from within 100 miles, and uses baked and fermented goods from businesses located in the Washtenaw Food Hub on Whitmore Lake Road.

Signature dishes include tasty quiches and hearty soups. - TB

For more info, visit harvest-kitchen.com

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music feeling of heartbreak, and when you’re swimming in those feelings of loss, or feeling letdown, writing music can then be a necessary tool to process your emotions.

But when you’re not having those feelings, you can still write songs. Songs can also be imagined and exaggerated out of an experience that the creator never had personally—but since we’re still empathic beings, we can still relate!

What did you appreciate most about your time here in the A2 music scene? I absolutely cherish my time in

Empathic Beings Transmitting Feeling Catching up with Theo Katzman

by Jeff Milo

Theo Katzman knows how to strike a chord. Or maybe it’s more like pluck a heartstring. The best songwriters, whether rock, pop, funk, or jazz (and, with Katzman, it can be all four), appreciate that their craft requires getting in tune with an emotion.

This L.A. based singer/songwriter & producer will forever be considered extended family of the Michigan music scene because of his time here in Ann Arbor, where he studied jazz at U-M and eventually launched national tours with the genre-splicing A2 band My Dear Disco (which became Ella Riot). After the disco-pop & electro-rock synergies of My Dear Disco/Ella Riot came to an end, he launched a solo career, and eventually joined the seriously-funky and seriouslyfun ensemble Vulfpeck. When his tour swings back to his old college town on March 17th, he’ll be bringing his batch of solo tunes, particularly the sharp and scintillating rock riffers and melodic loved-wrong love songs from his most recent album Heartbreak Hits.

Released in early 2017, Heartbreak Hits was recorded in Ann Arbor with producer Tyler Duncan, before being finished up in L.A. The album’s breakout single, “Hard Work,” features Katzman’s fiery and frenetic rock n roll riffs under a voice that’s a natural fit for neo-soul or R&B, with a percussive arrangement fitting funk and an indelible chorus that catches on quickly.

Current talked to Katzman about putting in all that hard work and the emotional experience of writing Heartbreak Hits.

Why are songs about heartbreak so compelling? Because they combine

literal words that transmit feelings, with music which also can transmit feeling.

Songs can really be supercharged vessels of emotion. As a creator, if I take my own feelings and put them into a song, I think it forces me to lean in to the feelings in a way that helps me process and accept them.

So, it can be cathartic to write a song that stems from personal feelings. There can be a certain amount of fire involved in the

Ann Arbor. It’s where I feel like I came into my own as a person: going to school at U-M and playing in everybody’s band, walking down Catherine Street with my guitar, going from rehearsal to rehearsal at different houses, playing shows in basements, that was the bomb! I fell in love with the Ann Arbor Music Center; I worked there as a teacher and learned a ton about life, music, and myself. Ann Arbor is where I met the friends that are the foundation of my community to this day. It’s a city with a big heart, a ton of creativity and talent, and a small town feel. A truly special place!

“Making it” in the music industry requires some daunting leaps, life-changes, and constant work.

Any advice to musicians who are just starting out? First we must ask

ourselves what we mean by “making it…” in the music industry. I like to tell people that rather than focusing on “making it,” try focusing on “MAKING it…,” which is to say, “making music.” Get good at your craft and try not to worry too much about the outcome. Focus on the process. I also think it’s important to have a community as an artist. My favorite art always grows out of scenes of people. Find your community and get to work. Or, get to work…and find your community along the way.

$20. 18+ only. 9pm.

Saturday, March 17.

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

Searchable lists updated daily at

ecurrent.com ecurrent.com / march 2018 25

music

Estar Cohen & Rob Clearfield

8:30pm. $15. Willis Sound. estarcohenmusic.com

Attend a rare studio concert with awardwinning Modern Jazz/Folk composer Estar Cohen and renowned Chicago-based pianist Rob Clearfield. Rob starts off with an intimate solo set, and then joins Estar’s sextet for an evening of all original music. Tickets must be purchased in advance to reserve a seat.

Ongoing Sundays The Wes Fritzemeier Jazz Experience

6pm. Chelsea AleHouse. chelseamich.com. Free

3 Saturday

End your weekend on the right note! Featuring Jed Fritzemeier, Brian Brill and Wes with the occasional special guest.

Nathan Flanders & Neal Anderson 5pm. Avalon Ann Arbor Cafe & Kitchen. avalonbreads.net. Free

The Heather Black Project

Live music with Nathan Flanders (Keyboard) and Neal Anderson (Flugelhorn).

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.

Mondays Paul Keller Orchestra

7pm. $10. Zal Gaz Grotto Club. zalgaz.org

The Paul Keller Orchestra performs Big Band Jazz every Monday night! Keller’s groups are highly regarded throughout Michigan.

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.

Wednesdays Thunderwüde

8pm. Chelsea AleHouse. chelseamich.com. Free

Wes Fritzemeier, Jason Dennie, and Tommy Reifel take the stage to deliver a down-home bluegrass sound.

Bluegrass Wednesdays

Singular Voice in Solo Piano Fred Hersch is truly a giant in the world of jazz piano. He brings his innovative solo performance to Kerrytown Concert House on March 27. Kerrytown’s intimate setting is the perfect way to experience Hersch, who has worked with legendary artists like Joe Henderson, Stan Getz, and Charlie Haden and has since influenced an entirely new generation of creative, improvised music. The opportunity to hear this remarkable pianistic voice is a rarity not to be missed. - EC

$10-$35. 8pm. Tuesday, March 27. Kerrytown Concert House.

415 N. 4th Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

8pm. Detroit Street Filling Station. thelunchrooma2.com. Free

Local string band Wire in the Wood hosts this weekly performance and jam session. Enjoy interactive music, drink specials, tasty snacks and fun people!

Thursdays Jazz & Cocktails

Enjoy live Jazz from local artists and a special cocktail menu.

EMU Jazz Night

9pm. Tower Inn. towerinncafe.com. Free

Join Ypsilanti Jazz veterans and students for this weekly jam session.

1 Thursday Acoustic Duets: Jake Blount and Laura Premo 7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. aadl.org. Free

Enjoy this program by roots musicians Jake Blount (Ithaca, NY) and Laurel Premo (Kalamazoo, MI) who have joined forces to shine a light upon the traditional fiddle and banjo music of Black and Native American communities.

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6pm. Mash Bar. mashbar.net. Free

Live music with Zander Michigan!

Guy Hollerin’s Blues & Brews: Luther Badman Keith

8pm. $5. Holiday Inn Ann Arbor. hiannarbor.com.

Live blues music and dancing on Saturday nights!

4 Sunday Cabaret Night with the Vocal Arts Ensemble 5pm. $50. The Ark. theark.org

This celebratory concert revolves around songs named for people, from the courtly Elizabeth to the ordinary Joe. Genres will span across pop, Hollywood and Broadway.

5 Monday Music Mondays: Abigail Stauffer

7pm. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery. arborbrewing.com. Free

Music Mondays presents local singer/songwriter Abigail Stauffer.

2 Friday 27: Opera

7:30pm. $30. Arthur Miller Theatre. michiganopera.org.

7pm. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse. cultivateypsi.com. Free

Zander Michigan

Travel back in time to the inspired gatherings at 27 rue de Fleurus in Paris, where luminaries of art and literature such as Pablo Picasso, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Henri Matisse and Ernest Hemingway were featured. This opera explores themes of love, loss, change and art set throughout two World Wars.

Livingston Taylor

8pm. $20. Green Wood Coffee House. greenwoodcoffeehouse.org.

Livingston Taylor’s 50-year career has encompassed performance, songwriting and teaching.

Richard Dowling’s All Scott Joplin

8pm. $5-$25. Stone Chalet Bed and Breakfast Inn. stonechalet.com

Renowned pianist Richard Dowling will be performing all Scott Joplin pieces. The writer composed “The Entertainer” used in the Academy Award winning movie, “The Sting”.

6 Tuesday Scythian: The Old Time Good Time Tour 8pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org

Named after Ukrainian nomads, Scythian plays immigrant rock with thunderous energy, technical prowess, and storytelling.

7 Wednesday Wednesday Jazz: Ben Rolston Trio 8pm. Old Town. oldtownaa.com. Free

Bassist Ben Rolston leads his trio for this weekly Jazz series.

8 Thursday Pegboard Nerds: Supersonic Tour 9pm. $10-$15. necto.com. necto.com

Electronic duo Pegboard Nerds concocts an exuberant bass fit for dancefloors, bright anime, and kinetic video games, a major influence on their visual aesthetic.

9 Friday ReSet: Corn Daddy

6pm-9pm. $5. Greyline. zingermansgreyline.com

Enjoy local band Corn Daddy at the Greyline. Grab a drink and start celebrating the weekend!

A Celtic Celebration with the Detroit Concert Choir

8pm. $10-$20. Cherry Hill Presbyterian Church. cherryhillchurch.org.

Get your feet and hearts moving with this joyful and expressive celebration of Scottish, Irish, and Gaelic songs and traditions.

Joe Pug

8pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org

Enjoy folk sensation Joe Pug who has played Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and the Newport Folk Festival.

10 Saturday Sally Fleming Masterclass Series: Simon James, violin 10am. Earl V. Moore Building. smtd.umich.edu. Free

Attend this masterclass by Simon James, one of the most distinguished teachers in the violin world.

Threads All Arts Festival

1-10pm. $8-$40. Ypsilanti Historic Freighthouse. threadsfestival.com

Enjoy a festival of all arts March 10-11. Threads is about sharing, exposing and supporting artists so that they can continue to do what they do. The festival will showcase mediums of installation, performance, and local food and drinks. All ages welcome!

Dave Sharp World’s Quartet

8pm. $5-$30. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Dave Sharp brings both his upright and electric bass skills to his World’s Music Quartet featuring Henrik Karapetyan (Violin), Igor Houwat (Oud), and Mike List (Percussion).

Mary Gauthier

8pm. $20. Green Wood Coffee House. greenwoodcoffeehouse.org

Hear Mary Gauthier’s highly personal songs that infiltrate the souls of her listeners, no matter how the paths they’ve followed through their lives differ.

11 Sunday An Afternoon with The Blue Water Ramblers 3pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. aadl.org. Free

The Blue Water Ramblers’ repertoire comes right out of Michigan life experiences and the history of the Great Lakes region. Enjoy lake shanties, lumberman ballads, union rallying cries, farmers’ paeans, ‘60s protest music, gospel music and children’s ditties.

Amy Porter: Bach Sonatas

4pm. $10-$20. St. Andrews Episcopal Church. standrewsaa.org

Amy Porter (flute) presents the sonatas of Bach with Joe Gascho (harpsichord), and Victor Huls (cello). Proceeds benefit the St. Andrews Organ building fund.

The California Guitar Trio

7:30pm. $25. The Ark. theark.org

Enjoy the diverse talents of The California Guitar Trio, known for playing everything from progressive rock, to explorations in traditional North African and Asian sounds.

The Joy and Sorrow of Piedmont Blues Gerald Clayton’s Piedmont Blues takes inspiration from the most authentic, stripped-down blues recordings, stretching it onto a canvas with an 8-piece band. Revered improvisers of Modern Jazz will bring the pianist’s vision to life on March 14 at the Michigan Theater. Clayton’s compositions and arrangements provide a unique perspective while paying homage to deeply historical music. Though this project is multi-layered, it carries a simple message; when faced with adversity, sing a song.

- EC

12 Monday

$26-$54. 7:30pm. Wednesday, March 14. Michigan Theater. 603 East Liberty St. 734.668.8397. michtheater.org

Guest Master Class: Jazz Pianist Gerald Clayton

2:30pm. Frederick Stearns Building. smtd.umich.edu Free

The four-time grammy-nominated pianist/composer will provide a free masterclass at University of Michigan.

Affordable Vet Services

Music Mondays: Wire in the Wood

Nominate Us as Best Vet of Washtenaw!

7pm. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery. arborbrewing.com. Free

Music Mondays presents local bluegrass favorite Wire in the Wood.

13 Tuesday

Celebrating 11 years

The High Kings

8pm. $22. The Ark. theark.org

Recently named Ireland’s Folk Band of the Year, the High Kings all grew up in households soaked in the Irish musical tradition.

They have a reputation as a phenomenal live band, serving up laughter, and even the odd singalong.

Tenebrae and the U-M Chamber Choir

8pm. $35-$45. St. Francis Church. smtd.umich.edu

Enjoy the beautiful sounds of the U-M Chamber choir performing Talbot: Path of Miracles.

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CONT’D FROM P27

14 Wednesday Exercising the Ear: Music and Conversation with Augusta Read Thomas 7pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art. smtd.umich.edu Free

Augusta Read Thomas, one of today’s most acclaimed composers, joins U-M composition professor Roshanne Etezady for conversation about music, art, and the creative process.

Argus Quartet with Students 8pm. Earl V. Moore Building. smtd.umich.edu. Free

Renowned musical group the Argus Quartet returns to campus for a side-by- side concert with SMTD students. The program will include works by Witold Lutosławski, Felix Mendelssohn, Augusta Read Thomas, and Charles Wourinen.

Wednesday Jazz: Tim Flood Quartet

8pm. Old Town. oldtownaa.com Free

Bassist Tim Flood leads his quartet featuring Justin Walter (trumpet), Tim Haldeman (tenor saxophone) and Jonathan Taylor (drums).

15 Thursday March Madness Ft. Riff Raff 8pm. $10-$65. Necto. necto.com

Necto welcomes Riff Raff, a rapper and TV personality, for a night of wild entertainment.

16 Friday

Irish Knights: A Tribute to Irish Music 9pm. Conor O’Neills. conoroneills.com. Free

Michigan musicians come together on St. Patrick’s Day Eve to celebrate the songs of legendary Irish artists like U2, Van Morrison, the Cranberries, the Pogues, and more! Donations will be collected for organization Children’s Rights.

17 Saturday Third Place Concert Series 7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free

This concert will feature chamber music with a special focus on pieces written by female composers. Celebrate female composers who are based in Southeast Michigan!

Ann Arbor Symphony: Blue Cathedral

8pm. $33-$70. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org

Hear for yourself why American orchestras perform the music of Jennifer Higdon more frequently than scores by any other contemporary composer. The program will include music by Higdon, Beethoven, and Schumann.

Department of Performing Arts Technology Showcase 8pm. Earl V. Moore Building. smtd.umich.edu. Free

Showcase of new compositions, performances, recordings, research, and sound art by students in the Department of Performing Arts Technology.

UMMA After Hours

St. Patrick’s Day with Nessa!

Enjoy this season’s special exhibitions, hear from UMMA curators in the galleries, and groove to live jazz-funk fusion with Impulse!

Nessa is a Celtic fusion band that re-imagines the ballads and dances of the U.K. and Europe, uniquely blending elements of classical, folk, jazz, funk and world music.

7pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art. umma.umich.edu. Free

Joel Mabus

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

Wielding guitar, fiddle, banjo, and mandolin, Joel Mabus has played everything from traditional folk tunes to bluegrass, blues, and original songs.

8pm. Stony Lake Brewing Co. stonylakebrewing.com. Free

18 Sunday Aeolions Spring Concert

3pm. $28.45. WCC - Morris Lawrence Building. oakwood.edu

Join for a spirit filled afternoon of songs of worship with the award winning Aeolions gospel choir from Oakwood University.

Michigan Youth Women’s Chorale & Youth Chamber Singers 4pm. Stamps Auditorium. smtd.umich.edu. Free

Hear the Michigan Youth Women’s Chorale & Michigan Youth Chamber Singers for this wonderful program featuring music by Pascual, Brahms, and more.

19 Monday Dede & The Dream

7pm. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery. arborbrewing.com. Free

Music Mondays presents singer/ songwriter Dede and the Dream.

A Time to Plant: A Benefit Concert for Dawn Farm 7:30pm. $25-$35. The Ark. theark.org

Help Dawn Farm to provide treatment for those suffering from addiction in the community. Join for a night of folk style music featuring Ben Balmee, Chris Buhalis, Heidi Burson, Jaimee Harris, Peter Madcat Ruth, and Abigail Stauffer.

Donald Sinta Quartet

8pm. Kerrytown Concert House. smtd.umich.edu. Free

Donald Sinta Quartet brings an eclectic program of string quartet masterworks, saxophone quartet standards, folk music, and DSQ’s own commissions from contemporary composers–all showcasing the entirety of their mission as a saxophone ensemble.

20 Tuesday Guest Master Class: Patricia Terry Ross 12:30pm. Earl V. Moore. smtd.umich.edu. Free

Learn from Patricia Terry-Ross, adjunct associate professor of harp and choral conducting at Wayne State University, and principal harpist for the Michigan Opera Theatre. Ross has played the harp on the recordings of many artists, including Marvin Gaye and The Temptations.

21 Wednesday University Symphony and Philharmonia Orchestras 8pm. Hill Auditorium. smtd.umich.edu. Free

The University orchestras join forces to perform the magnificent music of Gustav Mahler.

The program will feature Baritone soloist Samuel Kidd, winner of the 2017 SMTD Concerto Competition.

Wednesday Jazz: Carl Michel Quartet

8pm. Old Town. oldtownaa.com. Free

Guitarist Carl Michel leads his quartet for this weekly Jazz series.

22 Thursday Ethel V. Curry Distinguished Lecture: Tim Carter & Annegret Fauser 5pm. Earl V. Moore. smtd.umich.edu.

Free

Musicologist Annegret Fauser and prolific music writer Tim Carter will join in this enlightening conversation regarding their work.

The Marriage of Figaro

7:30pm. $12-$30. Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre. smtd.umich.edu

The perfect welding of words and music in a comic masterpiece. Sung in Italian with projected English translations.

For more showtimes, visit the website.

23 Friday Ji Hoon Kang & Neal Anderson

5pm. Avalon Ann Arbor Cafe & Kitchen. avalonbreads.net. Free

Live music with bassist Ji Hoon James Kang and trumpet player Neal Anderson.

Cavatina Duo

8pm. $5-$25. Stone Chalet Bed and Breakfast Inn. stonechalet.com

The Cavatino Duo has become one of the most impressive combinations of its kind in the world. The flute and guitar duo’s repertoire includes music from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic and contemporary periods.

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The Elegant Sounds of Elias String Quartet John Ford Coley

8pm. $20. Green Wood Coffee House. greenwoodcoffeehouse.org

John is most revered as half of the duo England Dan and John Ford Coley. The classicallytrained pianist and talented guitarist continues to perform the gold and platinum record hits for audiences around the world.

24 Saturday YDL Guitar Club

20 Friday

The Elias String Quartet is hailed internationally as one of the leading ensembles of their generation. Their inspired, vivacious interpretations of Franz Schubert and Antonín Dvorák will fill Rackham Auditorium on March 11. Though the Quartet’s members come from distinctly different backgrounds, their unity lies in a shared passion for Classical and New Music. Immerse yourself in the harmony as the London-based quartet elegantly moves through some most cherished and timeless music. - EC

$24-$46. 4pm. Sunday, March 11. Rackham Auditorium. 915 E. Washington St. 734-764-2538. ums.org

2pm. $5-$30. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Jazz Pianist Ellen Rowe is Professor and Chair of the Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation Department at U-M. She leads her trio with bassist Paul Keller and drummer Pete Siers.

Ann Arbor Film Festival Afterparty w/Saajtak

8pm-11pm. Babs’ Underground. babsundergroundlounge.com. Free

Immerse yourself in the unique sounds of Detroit-based band Saajtak at this official afterparty.

26 Monday Music Mondays: Dave Menzo

7pm. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery. arborbrewing.com Free

Music Mondays presents singer/ songwriter Dave Menzo.

This Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning first installment of Kushner’s epic tale of AIDS and homosexuality in the Reagan era.

Laura Rain Duo

Celebrate the spring equinox with this extraordinary ensemble featuring Andrew Bishop, Tad Weed, Kurt Krahnke, and Bob Sweet.

All About The Trio

8pm. $12-$30. Arthur Miller Theatre. smtd.umich.edu

31 Saturday

7pm. $10. Zal Gaz Grotto Club. zalgaz.org

25 Sunday

Angels in America: Millennium Approaches

Soulful folk duo The War and Treaty plays music inspired by darkness and despair that ultimately finds a higher spiritual purpose.

Bob Sweet Quartet Spring Equinox Celebration

Live blues music and dancing with Booker Plays Hooker and special guest Billy Davis.

Live music with Water Fountain Coins, Celebration Sun, Yellow Paint, and Sons of Sabotage.

8pm. $25. The Ark. theark.org

Teach songs, listen, collaborate and learn to play guitar with others. All skill levels welcome.

Bring your own instrument, acoustic or electric. Ages 18+.

8pm. $5. Holiday Inn Ann Arbor. hiannarbor.com

7pm. $10. Maidstone Theatre. facebook.com/maidstonetheatre

The War and Treaty

10am. Ypsilanti District Library. ypsilibrary.org. Free

Guy Hollerin’s Blues & Brews: Booker Plays Hooker ft.

Billy Davis

Music at the Maidstone

6pm. Mash Bar. mashbar.net. Free

Live music with the Laura Rain duo!

Bahar: PSA’s 20th Annual Cultural Show

27 Tuesday Vinyl Tuesday

6pm. Arbor Brewing Company. arborbrewing.com. Free

ABC partners with Encore Records, Underground Sounds, and Wazoo Recs. Visit any of the three record shops listed above to receive a coupon for $1 off a 16oz draft when you purchase any vinyl record from them!

DJ Batzdorfer will be spinning records in the Brewpub game room.

Fred Hersch

7pm. $10-$13. The Power Center for the Performing Arts. smtd.umich.edu

Wednesday Jazz: Andrew Bishop Trio

8pm. Old Town. oldtownaa.com. Free

Saxophonist Andrew Bishop leads his trio for this weekly Jazz series.

29 Thursday Spring Choral Concert

7:30pm. Pease Auditorium. emich.edu. Free

The EMU Choir will present interpretations of vocal music both new and old for this Spring concert.

Join the Persian Students Association at U-M to celebrate the Persian New Year with exciting dance performances, singing, traditional music and several guest acts! All ages welcome.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra: The Music of Chick Corea 8pm. $14-$60. Hill Auditorium. ums.org

This perennial favorite is back, but this time with jazz pianist Chick Corea at the helm. Corea’s staggering career, spanning more than 50 years, is a torrent of creative and professional highlights.

8pm. $10-$35. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Take advantage of this rare opportunity to see award winning Jazz pianist Fred Hersch play solo in the intimate setting of Kerrytown Concert House.

28 Wednesday Artists Meet & Greet: Contracts & Copyrights for Artists 6pm. West Branch Library. aadl.org.

Free

This series is for artists to connect with the Ann Arbor Art Center, network with other artists, and attend talks by guest speakers. This month’s topic is Contracts & Copyrights.

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“First Date” Fine-Tooth-Combs Romantic Fears 2012 musical plumbs perils of contemporary courtship

by Emily Slomovits

theater What are the benefits/challenges of a nine-person cast — small for a musical? Small musicals are slowly coming into

the norm; you see similar successes with such shows as “Next to Normal” and “Now. Here. This.” Making the cast smaller allows an audience to have a closer connection to the characters. We have a cast of nine (which was grown from the originally prescribed seven); we might have had fewer but I wanted to cast women of appropriate age to portray a mother and a grandma. In a cast this size, everyone has several moments to stand out and shine.

Why should people come see this show? Turning movies

into musicals is becoming a trend, and original scripts are suffering because of that. “First Date,” an original script, lasted five months on Broadway, which is good, but it fell into obscurity. Audiences need to see this show and understand how good the music is, how true the characters are, how funny life at its chaotic core really is.

Some moments in this story are so beautiful or sad that you can’t keep from crying. It deserves a broad audience, and I hope I can help others see how great this musical is.

March 8-11.

Thursday: $20/general, $15/students.

Friday-Sunday: $26/general, $23/seniors, $14/students.

7:30pm, Thursday. 8pm, Friday-Saturday. 2pm, Sunday.

Arthur Miller Theatre at Walgreen Drama Center, 1226 Murfin Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-971-2228. a2ct.org.

Musicals often deal with situations and time periods far removed from our own. That’s not the case, however, with “First Date,” written by Austin Winsberg, Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner, and produced by the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre. The show explores the harrowing dating scene in our present technological moment, and the ways in which our insecurities can get in our way. Current spoke with Director Aaron C. Wade about this refreshingly contemporary musical.

Tell us about the show’s premise. “First Date” is about a

blind date between a self-made but socially insecure man and a street-wise but emotionally wounded woman; they are in constant conflict with the voices in their heads who take on the shape of family, friends, and exes. The show turns what would be a painfully awkward conversation into a hilarious mystery of wits with plenty of welcome and unwelcome interruptions.

Who decided to produce “First Date” at A2CT? I discov-

ered the music on Pandora. After hearing three songs I took it upon myself to hunt down the soundtrack. Then, after discovering the script and realizing there’s so much more to the story than just a ‘90s era romantic comedy, I was compelled to flex what muscle I had developed in my brief three years of exposure to community theatre to pitch the show.

The dreaded first date – good or bad – is a universal subject. Does that help you as a director? Several shows

produced by A2CT this season have been startlingly topical, and this is no different. In fact, the story is more relevant now than when it was written in 2012 due to the tremendous influence of the Internet on relationships. The show highlights the slightly comedic, but also very serious consequences of prolonged psychological trauma. This is something I feel needs to be addressed.

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art

Threads Festival Returns Second iteration commits to being Ypsi-artist friendly

by Mary Gallagher The initial Threads All Arts Festival was born in 2016 out of casual conversation between a group of friends. “We were either always going to shows, or playing in shows, or putting on shows,” says Nicole Patrick, one of the founding members. “It was always a little sad after seeing such an inspiring show, to see such a little turnout.” Looking for a way to expose a larger audience to emerging local artists, she and friends founded Threads to reach more people with a two-day celebration of southeast Michigan talent. After the 2017 festival fell through due to last minute complications, Threads returns March 10th and 11th for its second iteration, at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse.

Threads 2018 features an eclectic collection of over 70 visual artists and stage-performers, including musicians, singers, dancers and poets. Artists include: becausefish, the Ali Bey quartet, Sunny Dulphi, Kulture Grenade, Aron Kaufman and the Dream Ensemble, ickyboy, Betsy Soukup and Nola Sporn Smith and many more. Local food and drink will also be available.

Learning from the original incarnation

“It would be stretching the truth to say we knew anything about what it would take,” Patrick says of their first year. None of the team members had serious experience producing events, but that lack of expertise had its benefits. Because the organizers weren’t limited by an idea of one right way to run an arts festival, they were able to conceive it based on what they wanted as artists. For instance, they decided the festival should focus on a wide variety of performances with shorter set times, rather than a few long features. That set-up encourages people who might have just come for one act to stay for multiple sets. “My dream is that people are writing down names of acts, putting little stars in their notes, and then going to check out those performers afterward,” Patrick says.

Making the move to Ypsi

After the Yellow Barn in Ann Arbor, the setting of Threads 2016, was sold, the team had a hard time finding another venue with the capacity for their vision. After landing on the Ypsilanti Freighthouse, the Ann Arbor-based organizers encountered concerns that the relocation was taking advantage of cheaper costs in Ypsilanti to give another paid platform to Ann Arbor artists.

Several of the Ann Arbor artists who had been accepted responded by offering their paid spaces to Ypsilanti peers. One Ypsilanti musician who wanted to remain anonymous says of the issue, “Here in Ypsi we cherish the connections between the two towns, and the connections run deep. Yet we also know the differences in wealth and power between Ann Arbor and Ypsi. What’s ‘local’ to a UM student may be a completely different (or only marginally overlapping) world to what is ‘local’ for folks in Ypsi. If a festival is to highlight emerging local artists, maybe it should be organized by emerging and established local artists.”

After hearing those concerns, Threads re-opened its submissions specifically for artists from Ypsilanti, and has been considering what it means for artists to be responsible to local communities.

Patrick says hearing feedback was an important step to the organizing team. “We’re super grateful to hear the concerns,” she explains,” because, luckily, we can change and we’re not set in our ways and in our philosophies. These conversations are probably the most important part of this process for us.”

$5. March 10-11, 2018. Saturday: 1-10:15pm, Sunday: 1-10pm.

Ypsilanti Historic Freighthouse, 100 Market Place, Ypsilanti.

Threadsfestival.com.

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lit

Franny Choi and Sam Sax Write Words to Wake the World Dynamic poetry duo bring their art to Literati

by Jeff Kass

Not so long ago, perhaps even as recently as within the past five years, one could expect to hear during the introduction to a UM Zell Writers Program-sponsored reading, that the featured writer – even if the writer were as deeply political as, say, Martín Espada, Philip Levine or Naomi Shihab Nye – should never be labeled a “political poet.” The implication was political poets were somehow less than poets who were so profound they couldn’t be troubled with mundane, ephemeral concerns like contemporary social justice. That supposition always struck me as coming from a place of intense privilege, a perch where the writer (or critic), free from daily oppression and afforded the luxury to plumb the depths of rainwater sluicing across the windowpane, felt compelled to sneer at the urgency of writers who were exploring racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, economic inequality, the immigrant experience, or any other cogent social issue.

Fortunately, that kind of supercilious attitude seems largely to be going the way of fidget spinners and sequels to American Pie. A generation of poets, schooled in activist writing, has shattered that mode of thought and several writers who would disdain writing about politics have become the dominant voices in elitelevel MFA programs like UM’s. Former Zell students such as Dee Matthews, Vivee Francis, Nate Marshall, francine j. harris and Danez Smith are not only publishing their work with top presses, but earning numerous national awards and recognitions with work that is both superbly crafted and unabashedly political.

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Writing that rumbles

Franny Choi, currently a student in the Zell program, and Sam Sax are two poets from that same up-and-coming generation who firmly believe in the power of poetry to impact the public sphere. Choi, who originally sharpened her poetry teeth in the slam scene in Providence RI, and published the chapbook Death

by Sex Machine in 2017, has a new collection on the way from Alice James Books called Soft Science. In a recent interview with Michigan Quarterly Review, she said, “I feel more than ever that there’s no time for poems that aren’t invested in shaking something up; poems that have no stakes. I don’t think any poem can end capitalism (at least on its own), or make this place as safe or as humanizing of a world as we deserve. But I do believe in the power of poems to shift, rumble, or awaken something on an internal level, and maybe, on a large scale, that can lead to external shifts/rumbles/awakenings, as well.”

Conjuring poetry’s sorcery

Sax, whose book Madness, from Penguin Press, won the National Poetry Series in 2017, is a two-time Bay Area Grand Slam Poetry Slam Champion, and currently resides in Brooklyn NY. He explains that he “came to poetry through community. At first touring around the country, getting to meet people writing in different cities and seeing how poetry could literally organize and move people.” He describes the magic of poems as, “the bearing of witness, the shedding of light upon darkness, and how that can challenge established power, when someone tells their story, or sings their beautifully crafted sadness or outrage–there’s also something about words in the air that calls us back to the enchantment of childhood, a cast spell.”

Sax believes that spell-casting saved his life. “Poems can perform countless functions, they can: embolden, impose, challenge, irradiate, exfoliate, smash, decontextualize, shake up, offer sanctuary, praise, shake, mourn, rage,” he says. “As a depressed queer kid, I surely wouldn’t be here without certain poems.”

7pm. Wednesday, March 28. 124 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor. 734-585-5567. Literatibookstore.com. Free

person of interest Omari Rush

Occupation: Executive Director at Culture Source (an alliance for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations) Chairman of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and arts education champion.

by Cammie Finch You were just appointed to lead the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. Congratulations! What are your goals for the future of Michigan Arts?

Our state arts council has been highly effective and highly impactful in supporting arts and cultural projects, initiatives, and organizations throughout the state. In the last fiscal year, the council made 1,068 grant awards that reached nearly every Michigan county, totaling about $9.7M. With those grants, we’ve funded arts venue facility improvements and brought artists into classrooms to work directly with students, just to name a few. I want to help sustain and grow those impacts. I also would like to see a broadened awareness of the ways arts and culture can drive economic vitality and prosperity in our state, along with more investment in arts and culture by the private sector.

How did you get your start with arts and programming? I’ve always liked organizing people and events, and while

I was a clarinet performance major at Florida State University, I organized a chamber music society, planned recitals, and represented music students on university boards. I realized these affinities could be applied elegantly to a professional career when I discovered the University Musical Society (UMS). I had come to Ann Arbor in Fall 2003 to pursue a master’s degree in clarinet performance at University of Michigan, and my graduate school internship at UMS created a solid foundation for my future pursuits in arts and education.

fun and fascinating people with each other. The format of the Fox Trot was a shop and pub crawl of 30 guys ages 21+. Over six hours of walking around downtown Ann Arbor, we stopped in pre-determined establishments to learn about classic cocktails, the art of shaving, how to tie a bowtie, the differences in wines and cheeses, and the proper technique for lighting and smoking cigars.

People formed friendships, businesses gained new customers, and I hope Ann Arbor felt a bit more lively, cool, and interesting. Unfortunately, I don’t have any plans to restart the crawls. Keeping 30 guys moving and on task was a lot of work!

Do you still play the clarinet? I identify now as a retired

What’s one item on your “Bucket List?” This year I would

clarinetist. The tradeoff for immersing myself in administrative work was that I had less time to practice my technical skills.

Though I don’t actively perform, I take lots of inspiration from the artists and art I’m surrounded by, and one day I may start playing again. My clarinet is just tucked under my bed.

You also are the founder of the local event called Fox Trot (or as it is informally known, “How to be a GrownAss Man”). Can you tell us a little more about this unique social club? The Fox Trot was started to highlight local

businesses, teach the “gentlemanly arts” to guys, and network

like to go paddle-boarding down the Huron River, run the Dexter Ann Arbor half-marathon, learn to golf, and be able to do 20 proper pull-ups (I can only do 7).

You are quite the outdoorsman! Where is your favorite green space in Ann Arbor? With some encouragement from

the getDowntown Program, I’ve spent more time on my commuter bicycle in the last year, and I particularly enjoy riding and taking breaks along the Border-to-Border trail. I also like talking to my dad on the phone while walking around Wheeler Park.

Searchable lists updated daily at

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arts & culture

How Should A Body Be? Ann Arbor native and master storyteller Bethany Meloche returns to the city where she was raised to read from and talk about her memoir How Should a Body Be?, a coming-of-age story about growing up in Michigan and discovering she suffers from Charcot-Marie-Tooth, an inherited genetic disorder that affects her ability to walk, run and grasp onto objects. Now a global adventurer, Meloche shares how life’s most valuable lessons can be learned through the simple acts of buying a slice of pizza, going on a first date, or crossing a busy street.

Known for her sense of humor and brutal honesty, Meloche tells stories about living, and thriving, with whatever life-cards we’re dealt. - JK

Borderline Aerial Dance Soars into Power Center

Free. 7-8:30pm, Thursday, March 15.

Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S. 5th Ave., Ann Arbor.

734-327-4200. Aadl.org.

Husband and wife creative partners Sebastien Ramirez and Honji Wang bring their divergent cultural and dance backgrounds together to lead this athletic ensemble piece, using gravity-defying visual metaphors to explore the mysterious forces that constrain and liberate us, that bind and tear us apart. With the help of aerial rigging, the troupe of six dancers explores all dimensions of the stage as they challenge audiences to consider the opposing needs for freedom and belonging in our most intimate relationships. Q&A after March 9th performance- TB

$30 - $52. 8:00 pm, Friday, March 9; 8 pm Saturday, March 10.. The Power Center 121 Fletcher St., Ann Arbor. 734-764-2538. ums.org/ performance/company-wang-ramirez/

70’s Soft Rock Icon Throws Back to the Classics If you’re like me and you misheard the lyrics to the 1976 love anthem, “I’d really love to see you tonight” as “I’m not talking about Bolivia/ And I don’t want to change your life/ But there’s a warm wind blowing the stars around/ And I’d really love to see you tonight” instead of “I’m not talking about moving in/ And I don’t want to change your life/ But there’s a warm wind blowing, the stars are out/ And I’d really love to see you tonight,” now’s your chance to clear up your confusion as John Ford Coley, one half of the iconic British duo England Dan and John Ford Coley will be bringing his gold and platinum record hits to the Greenwood Coffee House for an intimate one-night only performance. Other popular tunes include “Nights are Forever Without You,” “Love is the Answer,” and “We’ll Never Have to Say Goodbye Again.” - JK

$22, 8-10pm, Friday, March 23. 1001 Green Rd., Ann Arbor.

Greenwoodcoffeehouse.org.

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Michigan International Festival Showcases Washtenaw Diversity Korean flag-dancing, Irish fiddle music, and Brazilian samba highlight the Michigan International Festival. Spend an evening celebrating the surprising wealth of cultures in our backyard through music and dance performances, poetry, storytelling, a crafts market and auction and an array of delicious cuisines prepared from traditional recipes. The event is sponsored by the Rotary Club in partnership with Washtenaw County businesses and cultural centers. Proceeds support the Hope Rising project for the education of girls. - TB

$15, 4:30 pm, Saturday March 10th, Towsley Auditorium, Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River Drive.

734-973-3300, michiganinternationalfestival.weebly.com.

Ongoing Mondays

[misc] Knitting Night at Cultivate

6pm. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse. cultivateypsi.com. Free

All ages and levels welcome at this weekly craft gathering!

[health] Weekly Meditation Sitting

7pm. Washington Street Education Center. chelseamich.com. Free

A group meditation with a short discussion on topics of interest.

Everyone welcome.

Tuesdays

[health] “Being in Tune” Community Meditation

Noon-12:30pm. The Ark. aacfm.org.

Free

Drop in for a weekly 30-minute mindfulness meditation in the warm, inviting environment of The Ark. Teachers from AACFM rotate leading each week.

[misc] Eastside Weekly Euchre Tournament

7pm. $5. Banfield’s Bar & Grill East. banfieldsbar.com

Ages 18 & over are invited to play at a fun and friendly euchre tournament! No partner needed.

Cash prize for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place.

[dance] Tuesday Tango

9:30pm. $5-$10. Studio of Movement Arts. somastories.net

Drop-ins welcome at this Argentine Tango Class! You don’t need to have a partner to attend.

The studio is located above the People’s Food Co-op.

Wednesdays [misc] Trivia Night

7pm-9pm. Arbor Brewing Company. arborbrewing.com. Free

Trivia Wednesdays are in the lounge with two games at 7pm and 8pm.

[comedy] Comedy Jamm

8pm. $5. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. aacomedy.com

See a variety of comedians from beginners to veterans cut loose on stage for this weekly standup open mic!

Fridays

[dance] Swing Dance Party

8pm. $4-$5. Riverside Arts Center. riversidearts.org

Free beginner lesson (8pm-9pm) covers the swing basics and and other dance moves every week.

Open dancing follows at 9pm, featuring two different swing DJs every week. Dance styles include lindy hop, east coast swing, charleston, blues, and balboa.

1st & 3rd Fridays

[misc] Talent Night at Sweetwaters

8:30pm. Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea. sweetwaterscafe.com. Free

Show your unique talent in a supportive environment.

Featured artists perform from 8:30-9:15pm. Open Mic starts at 9:30pm. All submissions must be original and family friendly.

1st & 3rd Sundays [literarature] Ann Arbor Poetry

7pm. Espresso Royale Cafe. espressoroyalecoffee.com. Free

Open mic and feature series hosted by Simon Mermelstein and Garret Potter.

1 Thursday

[lecture] Women’s History Month: Sherri Winston

7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. aadl.org. Free

Young adult author and artist Sherri Winston discusses powerful women—authors, artists, celebrities, and family members—who have impacted her life and helped her realize her dreams. This event is a celebration of African-American women for Women’s History Month.

[health & wellness] Yoga with Cats

7:30pm. $10. Tiny Lions Lounge and Adoption Center. tinylions.org Practice yoga with furry feline yoga masters at the Tiny Lions cat café! Hatha-style classes bring peace to both mind and body.

2 Friday

[art] Rudolf Steiner School Showcase 5pm. Unity Vibration. unityvibrationkombucha.com. Free

All month long, Unity Vibration will feature rotating arts from students of Rudolf Steiner school in Ann Arbor!

arts & culture Mark Normand [comedy]

[art] The Art of Comic Book Inking

See comedian Mark Normand who has appeared on TBS’s Conan, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Learn the basics of comic book inking, as well as a few tricks from a professional comic book artist.

8pm. $14-$16. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. aacomedy.com

3 Saturday

[misc] Great Lakes Shipwreck Festival 8:30am. $30. Washtenaw Community College. greatlakesshipwreckfestival.org

See some of the thousands of wrecks that lay on the bottom of the Great Lakes. Hear their history and what it takes to find and identify the ships from the shipwreck hunters themselves.

[misc] Ann Arbor Alumnae Founder’s Day Celebration

11am. $65. Sheraton Ann Arbor Hotel. annarbordeltas.org

The Ann Arbor Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated will host the Honorable Joyce Beatty for a public Founders Day Celebration.

4 Sunday

[literature] Ann Arbor Antiquarian Book Fair 5pm. $5. University of Michigan Student Union. unions.umich.edu

This annual book fair is celebrating its 40th edition inside the ballroom of the union. Admission benefits the William L. Clements Library of the University of Michigan.

4 Sunday

[comedy] The Arcade Improv Jam

7:30pm. Pointless Brewery & Theater. pointlessbrew.com. Free

Join to play short-form improv games! All experience levels welcome. Come to watch or to play.

5 Monday

[theater] Auditions: Chelsea’s Sounds & Sights

5pm. Chelsea First United Methodist Church. chelseafestivals.com. Free

One of Michigan’s premier summer concert series is holding auditions to be considered for this summer’s entertainment lineup.

5:30pm. $90. Flipside Art Studio. flipsideartstudio.com

[literature] Author Series: Janet Borgerson and Jonathan Schroeder 7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free

Literati presents Janet Borgerson and Jonathan Schroeder, co-authors of the new book Designed for Hi-Fi Living: The Vinyl LP in Midcentury America.

The book explores how record albums and their covers delivered mood music, lifestyle advice, global sounds, and travel tips to mid-century America.

[misc] Beauty & Pain: A Benefit for the Sanville Family 7pm. $50. Purple Rose Theatre. purplerosetheatre.org

Enjoy popular Michigan musicians The Sweetwater Warblers, Brad Phillips, and Purple Rose Resident Artists featuring an evening of music, theatre, poetry and dance. The night’s proceeds will support the family of Nancee Sanville, who is battling stage 3 ovarian cancer.

[environment] Herb Seed Giveaway

7pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens. mbgna.umich.edu. Free

Stock up on Herb Seeds and enjoy a presentation on starting plants from seed.

6 Tuesday

[misc] First Fridays Ypsilanti Infoshop 2018 9am. SPARK East. firstfridaysypsi.com. Free

Are you interested in hosting First Fridays events? Are you a community member that wants to get involved through volunteering? Want to know how to get involved with Ypsi Pride or The Festival of the Honey Bee? This infoshop covers everything you need to know!

[misc] Spring Career Fair

2:30pm. Washtenaw Community College. wccnet.edu. Free

Meet representatives from more than 70 regional employers looking to immediately fill job openings. Pre-registration is requested, but not required, and available through the website.

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arts & culture 9 Friday

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[literature] Fiction at Literati: Chris McCormick

7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free

A luminous debut, Desert Boys

by Chris McCormick traces the development of towns into cities, of boys into men, and the haunting effects produced when the two transformations overlap.

7 Wednesday

[misc] A Brief History of German Clocks 12pm. Kempf House Museum. kempfhousemuseum.org. Free

Andy Anderson (horologist/owner of Northville Watch and Clock Shop), will talk about the history and interesting tidbits regarding clock-making and repair.

[film] Feelings Are Facts: The Life of Yvonne Rainer

5:30pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art. umma.umich.edu. Free

This film explores the life of Yvonne Rainer who exploded onto the performance scene in the early 1960s, and confounded critics. Following the film, University of Michigan professors will discuss their reflections.

[literature] The Jane Austen Project: Kathleen Flynn In Conversation with Laura Thomas 7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. aadl.org. Free

Kathleen Flynn and Laura Thomas discuss Flynn’s debut novel, The Jane Austen Project. Perfect for fans of Jane Austen, this engrossing novel offers an unusual twist on the legacy of one of the world’s most celebrated and beloved authors.

8 Thursday

[environment] 7th Annual EcoJustice and Activism Conference

9am. Eastern Michigan University Porter Building. ecojusticeconference.weebly.com.

Free

Join activists, students, and scholars for a series of presentations, panels, and workshops addressing current social and environmental injustices.

[art] UMMA Dialogue: Think Japan, Act Global

5:30pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art. umma.umich.edu. Free

UMMA’s Curator of Asian Art, Natsu Oyobe, will talk with Franc Nunoo-Quarcoo, graphic designer and professor at the Stamps School of Art and Design, and look at Japan’s long cultural history.

5 Monday

[dance] Company Wang Ramirez: Borderline

8pm. $26-$48. The Power Center for the Performing Arts. ums.org

In Borderline, six dancers toy with the forces of gravity through a subtle and sophisticated use of rigging, creating a powerful evening of breathtaking movement, physical energy, and spiritual serenity.

10 Saturday

[misc] Introduction to Weaving

10am. $71.76. The Guest Room.

This class is an introduction to the basic terminology and process of weaving in a fun and welcoming environment. You will learn the fundamentals of weaving, such as dressing the loom, learning a variety of woven patterns, and exploring color and texture.

[literature] Fiction at Literati: Moriel Rothman-Zecher

[film] Korean Cinema NOW: The Villainess

Moriel Rotham-Zecher is an American-Israeli writer, poet, and novelist. He will be sharing his debut novel, Saddness Is A White Bird.

Honed from childhood to be an elite assassin, Sook-hee embarks on a rampage of violence and revenge to finally earn her freedom and escape her past.

Presented by the Nam Center for Korean Studies at the University of Michigan.

7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free

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1pm. $7-$10. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org

[dance] Contra Dance Party

7:30pm. $5-$11. Concourse Hall. aactmad.org

Frank Buschelmann calls to music by Luke Panning and Debbie Jackson. Wear loose fitting clothing and comfortable shoes.

11 Sunday

[misc] 2018 Shamrocks & Shenanigans 5K & 1K 9:30am. $20-$39. Conor O’Neill’s Traditional Irish Pub. runningfitevents.redpodium.com

Join in on a 5k run to benefit Save A Heart, an organization that raises funds for patients and families who come to the Michigan Congenital Heart Center at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.

There will be a post race party at Conor O’Neills!

[dance] Free Community Dance Class 5:30pm. The Dance Pavilion. thedancepavilion.com. Free

No experience needed to enjoy this community dance class!

[comedy] 8 Pointless Minutes: A Long Form Improv Jam

7:30pm. Pointless Brewery & Theater. pointlessbrew.com. Free

Come to Pointless to play in a long form jam! Sign up for a spot when you arrive, and each group gets eight “Pointless” minutes.

All experience levels welcome.

Come to watch or to play.

12 Monday

[film] CJS Film Series: Yojimbo

7pm. $8-$10. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org

Part of the “Enter the Samurai” Film Series sponsored by U-M Center for Japanese Studies, enjoy the 1961 drama/thriller “Yojimbo.”

13 Tuesday

[environment] Stewards’ Circle

7:30am. Bruegger’s Bagels. a2gov.org. Free

Join for an informal discussion on a monthly topic with volunteer and professional land stewards, plus others interested in nature. This month’s topic: How can cities help save the planet’s biodiversity?

[environment] Establishing a Varroa Resistant Population in the Apiary

6:30pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens. events.umich.edu. Free A talk by Roger Hoopingarner, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Michigan State University Entomology Department. Hoopingarner’s research interests were in apiculture and he has kept bees for 70 years.

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14 Wednesday

[environment] Gifts of the Wild

6:30pm. Pittsfield Union Grange. aactmad.org. Free

Bronwen Gates will discuss the riches available from wild plants - some of them slandered as weeds and pests - and how to enjoy their gifts of nourishment and healing. Potluck supper at 6:30pm, program at 7:15pm.

[literature] Mimi Schwartz: When History is Personal 7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free

Literati is excited to welcome author Mimi Schwartz who will share her new memoir When History Is Personal. She will be joined in conversation with Michael Steinberg, founding editor of Fourth Genre.

15 Thursday

[misc] Ikebana: Japanese Flower Arranging 1pm. $20. Matthaei Botanical Gardens. mbgna.umich.edu

Create your own seasonal Ikebana arrangement with guidance by a certified instructor.

Reservations required.

[literature] How Should a Body Be? Author Discussion with Bethany Meloche

7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. aadl.org. Free

Join for an inspirational, funny and relatable evening of storytelling with writer and motivational speaker Bethany Meloche. Bethany is the author of the memoir, How Should a Body Be?

16 Friday

[literature] Nell David & Franny Choi

7pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art. events.umich.edu. Free

One MFA student of fiction and one of poetry, each introduced by a peer, will read their work.

The Mark Webster Reading Series presents emerging writers in a warm and relaxed setting.

[comedy] Karen Rontowski

8pm. $14-$16. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. aacomedy.com

Karen Rontowski’s fast-paced, quirky and charmingly optimistic comedy has been featured on The Late Show with David Letterman and Comedy Central, along with clubs, radio, and at corporate events all around the world.

arts & culture 17 Saturday

[art] Saline Spring Craft Show

8am. $4. Saline Middle School. salineschools.org

Over 150 creative craft persons, showcasing their most recent and exceptional work, from throughout Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio will travel to this 22nd annual show.

[misc] Ann Arbor Orchid Festival

10am. Matthaei Botanical Gardens. events.umich.edu. Free

Join for one of the most popular events of the year. Program includes orchid displays, orchid raffle, tems for sale from orchid vendors, free presentations and demos on orchid growing.

[misc] Melody on Ice: Love Ann Arbor

2pm. $10-$30. Ann Arbor Ice Cube. annarborfsc.org

The Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club presents its 76th annual Melody on Ice show. This year, celebrate Ann Arbor through the ages. Additional showtime at 7pm.

[misc] Trivia with Cats

7:30pm. $15. Tiny Lions Lounge and Adoption Center. tinylions.org

Cuddle up to cats, drink an adult beverage, and snack on popcorn while you play trivia at the Tiny Lions cat café! Two tickets for beer and wine will be provided with your registration fee!

[dance] Melt into Spring: English Country Dance Ball

8pm. $35-$40. Concourse Hall. aactmad.org

This annual ball will be led by David Millstone to music by Debbie Jackson, Earl Gaddis, and Matt McCoy. Most dances will be quickly taught; a few may only have reminders. Catered dinner available.

18 Sunday

[health & wellness] Restorative Yin Yoga

6pm. $15-$20. Better Living Fitness Center. betterlivingfitness.com

Designed to be stress relieving and focus specifically on restorative breathing, this class will help you sleep better and improve your overall flexibility.

19 Monday

[literature] Poetry Book Club

7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free

Read poems aloud and share reflections. Next to fostering a greater appreciation for poetry, the club ensures that the space is safe, inclusive, and exciting!

Purchase this month’s poetry book club selection and receive 15% off!

20 Tuesday

[film] 56th Ann Arbor Film Festival

6:30pm. Price varies. Michigan Theater. March 20-25. aafilmfest.org

The Ann Arbor Film Festival is the oldest experimental and avant-garde film festival in North America. It runs for six days each March at the historic Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor. The AAFF shows over 200 films from nearly 70 countries, offering approximately $20,000 in awards each year.

[literature] Sweetland’s Writer to Writer 7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free

Hear directly from U-M professors about their challenges, processes, and expectations as writers and as readers of student writing. This month will feature Susan Scott Parrish, a Professor in the English Department and the Program in the Environment at U-M.

[education] Sustainability and Social Justice 7:30pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens. mbgna.umich.edu. Free

Award-winning educator and author Susan Santone, Executive Director of Creative Change Educational Solutions, will show what’s possible if education is built around sustainability and social justice.

21 Wednesday

[art] 23rd Annual Exhibition of Art

by Michigan Prisoners 10am. Duderstadt Center. leadersandbest.umich.edu. Free

PCAP’s Annual Exhibition of Art

by Michigan Prisoners is one of the largest exhibitions of artwork by incarcerated individuals in the world. See the work through April 4.

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arts & culture CONT’D FROM P39

[education] Science Cafe: Postcards from the Anthropocene 5:30pm. Conor O’Neill’s Traditional Irish Pub. conoroneills.com. Free

Science Cafés provide an opportunity for audiences to discuss current research topics with experts in an informal setting.

Explore the history of human influence on Earth and the ideas driving the concept of the Age of Humans.

22 Thursday

[film] Off The Screen! Party

3pm. Ann Arbor Art Center. annarborartcenter.org. Free

Ann Arbor Art Center is proud to partner with the Ann Arbor Film Festival to present a moving images exhibition, featuring exhibiting artists Razan AlSalah and David Olson.

23 Friday

[literature] Poet Mohja Kahf

4pm. Rackham Auditorium. literatibookstore.com. Free

Literati is proud to be partnering with the University of Michigan’s Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies to host poet Mohja Kahf for a reading from her latest collection, Hagar Poems.

[theater] Michigan Prisoners Theatre Performance with Friends from Brazil 7pm. Keene Theater. smtd.umich.edu. Free

Welcome visitors from the theatre departments of two universities in Brazil, UDESC in Florianópolis and UniRio in Rio de Janeiro. Students from Brazil will perform theatre, dance, and music to share some of their phenomenal work.

[dance] Nederlands Dans Theater

8pm. $35-$75. The Power Center for the Performing Arts. ums.org Nederlands Dans Theater has forged a path between classical ballet and American modern dance, creating a modern ballet style that is widely admired across the world.

24 Saturday

[misc] Beyond Resistance: Seizing the Revolutionary Moment 11am. Ann Arbor Art Center. annarborartcenter.org. Free

Join for a panel discussion featuring Ann Arbor Film Festival artist David Olson and a panel of media makers, activists, and organizers.

[film] Film Screening: Little Stones with director Sophia Kruz

4pm. West Branch Library. aadl.org.

Free

Little Stones weaves together the personal stories of four women artists, from across the world, who dedicate their lives to empowering women and survivors of gender based violence. There will be a Q & A with the documentary’s Emmy® Award-winning director, Sophia Kruz, after the screening.

[misc] 46th Annual Dance for Mother Earth Powwow

5pm. Skyline High School. powwow.umich.edu. Free

This weekend long festival welcomes dancers, drummers, craftspeople, artists, and all those interested in a celebration of Native American culture.

25 Sunday

[theater] Heathers AUDITIONS

7pm. Ann Arbor Civic Theatre. a2ct.org. Free

Audition for Heathers the Musical, based on the 1989 darkly comic cult classic.

26 Monday

[literature] Gerry Fialka Roundtable Conversation

6pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room. crazywisdom.net. Free

Artist, writer and pare-media ecologist Fialka will be back in the Tea Room to talk about his new book, Strange Questions: Experimental Film as Conversation.

27 Tuesday

[storytelling] Value the Voice: Triumph

7pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art. umma.umich.edu. Free Explore the theme of triumph at this Moth-style storytelling series. Storytellers include students, faculty and staff, and Voices of Wisdom (alums or community members).

[misc] The Office Trivia

7:30pm. $10. Conor O’Neills Traditional Irish Pub. conoroneills.com

Bring your knowledge to this one-time trivia event dedicated strictly to the NBC t.v. series, The Office. To participate, please call Conor O’Neills and make a reservation for your team.

28 Wednesday

[misc] Artists Meet & Greet: Contracts & Copyrights for Artists 6pm. West Branch Library. aadl.org.

Free

This series is for artists to connect with the Ann Arbor Art Center, network with other artists, and attend talks by guest speakers. This month’s topic is Contracts & Copyrights.

[literature] Poetry at Literati: Sam Sax & Franny Choi

7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free

Literati presents poets Sam Sax and Franny Choi who will be reading from their latest collections Madness and Death By Sex Machine.

29 Thursday

[literature] Paperbacks from Hell with Author Grady Hendrix 7pm. LIVE. aadl.org. Free

Adults 21+ In the early 1970s, three books changed horror forever: Rosemary’s Baby, The Exorcist, and The Other.

Writer Grady Hendrix delivers a mind-melting oral history of this now forgotten world of Nazi leprechauns, skeleton doctors, killer crabs, killer jellyfish, killer babies, and pretty much killer everything.

[film] Women in Film: Our Time Starts Now

7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. aadl.org. Free

What is it like to be a writer, director, storyteller, and woman in the film industry? Join a panel of filmmakers as they discuss their experiences finding, creating, and telling stories, for this special event during Women’s History Month.

village idiot

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[theater] Angels in America: Millennium Approaches

8pm. $12-$30. Arthur Miller Theatre. smtd.umich.edu

This Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning first installment of Kushner’s epic tale of AIDS and homosexuality in the Reagan era.

30 Friday

[comedy] Improv: Draw Duo/Draw Trio 8pm. $15. Pointless Brewery & Theater. pointlessbrew.com

Comedic Improv with a guest troupe and The League of Pointless Improvisers, who will take to the stage in groups and perform with special challenges posed by the other improvisers.

Additional show at 10pm.

31 Saturday

[literature] Fifth Anniversary Reading 7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free

In celebration of Literati Bookstore’s fifth birthday, please join for a reading of poetry and prose by booksellers past and present!

ecurrent.com / march 2018 41

ROAD TRIP

Green Kegs and Eggs Celebrate St. Paddy’s in Clinton

If you want to avoid the crowds of raucous students in downtown Ann Arbor, head out to the Blackfinn Ameripub in Clinton for a St. Patrick’s Saturday of food and fun. Breakfast and two beer tickets for $15. Drink specials, Corned Beef Sliders and Reuben Sandwiches also available for purchase. Beer offerings include favorite local and regional crafts, served three ways – as a Lil Guy, a classic pint, or in a signature Blackfinn Big Boy growler. - JK $15, 10am - 3pm, Saturday, March 17. 17380 Hall Rd., Clinton Township. 596-522-4711. Blackfinnaemripub.com

Voted 2016 Best Dispensary by Metro Times

Current Magazine Exclusive!

New Patients buy one get one up to $60 first visit only (*with coupon)

2245 W. Liberty St. Ann Arbor, Michigan • (734) 369-8573

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Returning Members, come see us!

Free Parking

Will receive an exclusive gift package free with purchase (*once per customer)

PeoplesChoiceOfAnnArbor.com

Cannabis The Science & Politics of Cannabis

A Night with Martin Lee Author, activist and U of M grad to speak at Rackham Auditorium

by Vic Tanney

The University of Michigan’s chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) hosts UM grad, Martin A. Lee, a prominent figure in the cannabis space and the author of several books including Smoke Signals: A Social History of Marijuana – Medical, Recreational, and Scientific.

He is also Co-Founder and Director of Project CBD, a non-profit committed to promoting the medical benefits of cannabidiol (CBD). The organization promotes research and informs doctors and patients on developments in CBD. Lee is no johnny-come-lately to the politics of drug criminalization. He co-authored his first book, Acid Dreams: The CIA, LSD and the Sixties Rebellion, in 1985. It explored the use of LSD during the 1960’s, including mind control experiments conducted by the CIA. Perhaps, based on what he learned about the shady side of policy-making, he went on to co-found Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting (FAIR) in 1986 in order to

eliminate corporate and establishment media bias. His second book, Unreliable Sources: A Guide to Detecting Bias in News Media, in 1990 is an expansion on his work with FAIR. Before founding Project CBD, Lee covered the medical cannabis movement for years in the pages of O’Shaughnessy’s.

The lecture promises to focus on the current political and scientific climate surrounding hemp, cannabis and CBD. The event is free and open to the public.

8-10pm. Friday, March 23.

915 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor. @ssdpatumich. Free

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MARCH free will astrology © Copyright 2018 Rob Brezsny

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In all of history, humans have mined about 182,000 tons of gold. Best estimates suggest there are still 35 billion tons of gold buried in the earth, but the remaining riches will be more difficult to find and collect than what we’ve already gotten. We need better technology. If I had to say who would be the entrepreneurs and inventors best qualified to lead the quest, my choice would be members of the Aries tribe. For the foreseeable future, you people will have extra skill at excavating hidden treasure and gathering resources that are hard to access.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Stories have the power to either dampen or mobilize your life energy. I hope that in the coming weeks, you will make heroic efforts to seek out the latter and avoid the former. Now is a crucial time to treat yourself to stories that will jolt you out of your habitual responses and inspire you to take long-postponed actions and awaken the sleeping parts of your soul. And that’s just half of your assignment, dear Taurus. Here’s the rest: Tell stories that help you remember the totality of who you are, and that inspire your listeners to remember the totality of who they are.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Author Anaïs Nin said, “There are two ways to reach me: by way of kisses or by way of the imagination.

But there is a hierarchy: the kisses alone don’t work.” For two reasons, Anaïs’s formulation is especially apropos for you right now. First, you should not allow yourself to be seduced, tempted, or won over by sweet gestures alone. You must insist on sweet gestures that are synergized by a sense of wonder and an appreciation of your unique beauty. Second, you should adopt the same approach for those you want to seduce, tempt, or win over: sweet gestures seasoned with wonder and an appreciation of their unique beauty.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Are you more inclined right now to favor temporary involvements and short-term promises? Or would you consider making brave commitments that lead you deeper into the Great Mystery? Given the upcoming astrological omens, I vote for the latter. Here’s another pair of questions for you, Cancerian.

Are you inclined to meander from commotion to commotion without any game plan? Or might you invoke the magic necessary to get involved with highquality collaborations? I’m hoping you’ll opt for the latter. (P.S. The near future will be prime time for you to swear a sacred oath or two.)

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In March 1996, a man burst into the studio of radio station Star FM in Wanganui, New Zealand. He took the manager hostage and issued a single demand: that the dj play a recording of the Muppet song “The Rainbow Connection,” as sung by the puppet Kermit the Frog. Fortunately, police intervened quickly, no one was hurt, and the kidnapper was jailed. In bringing this to your attention, Leo, I am certainly not suggesting that you imitate the kidnapper.

Please don’t break the law or threaten anyone with harm. On the other hand, I do urge you to take dramatic, innovative action to fulfill one of your very specific desires.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Many varieties of the nettle plant will sting you if you touch the leaves and stems. Their hairs are like hypodermic needles that inject your skin with a blend of irritant chemicals. And yet nettle is also an herb with numerous medicinal properties. It can provide relief for allergies, arthritis, joint pain, and urinary problems. That’s why Shakespeare invoked the nettle as a metaphor in his play *Henry IV, Part 1*: “Out of this nettle, danger, we pluck this flower, safety,” says the character named Hotspur. In accordance with the astrological omens, Virgo, I choose the nettle as your power metaphor for the first three weeks of February.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): When I was in my early twenties, I smoked marijuana now and then.

I liked it. It made me feel good and inspired my creativity and roused spiritual visions. But I reconsidered my use after encountering pagan magician Isaac Bonewits. He didn’t have a moral objection to cannabis use, but believed it withered one’s willpower and diminished one’s determination to transform one’s life for the better. For a year, I meditated on and experimented with his hypothesis. I found it to be true, at least for me. I haven’t smoked since. My purpose in bringing this up is not to advise you about your relationship to drugs, but rather to urge you to question whether there are influences in your life that wither your willpower and diminish your determination to transform your life for the better. Now is an excellent time to examine this issue.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): *Knullrufs* is a Swedish word that refers to what your hair looks like after sex: tousled, rumpled, disordered. If I’m reading the astrological omens correctly, you should experience more *knullrufs* than usual in the coming weeks. You’re in a phase when you need and deserve extra pleasure and delight, especially the kind that rearranges your attitudes as well as your coiffure. You have license to exceed your normal quotas of ravenousness and rowdiness.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In his “Crazy Lake Experiment” documented on Youtube, Harvard physicist Greg Kestin takes a raft out on a lake. He drops a tablespoon of olive oil into the water, and a few minutes later, the half-acre around his boat is still and smooth. All the small waves have disappeared. He proceeds to explain the science behind the calming effect produced by a tiny amount of oil. I suspect that you will have a metaphorically comparable power in the next two weeks, Scorpio. What’s your version of the olive oil? Your poise? Your graciousness? Your tolerance? Your insight into human nature?

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In 1989, a man spent four dollars on a painting at a flea market in Adamstown, Pennsylvania.

He didn’t care much for the actual image, which was a boring country scene, but he thought he could use the frame. Upon returning home, he found a document concealed behind the painting. It turned out to be a rare old copy of America’s Declaration of Independence, originally created in 1776. He eventually sold it for $2.42 million. I doubt that you will experience anything quite as spectacular in the coming weeks, Sagittarius. But I do suspect you will find something valuable where you don’t expect it, or develop a connection with something that’s better than you imagined it would be.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In the 1740s, a teenage Capricorn girl named Eliza Lucas almost single-handedly introduced a new crop into American agriculture: indigo, a plant used as a dye for textiles. In South Carolina, where she managed her father’s farm, indigo ultimately became the second-most-important cash crop over the next 30 years. I have astrological reasons to believe that you are now in a phase when you could likewise make innovations that will have long-range economic repercussions. Be alert for good intuitions and promising opportunities to increase your wealth.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Would you like to shed unwieldy baggage before moving on to your next big challenge? I hope so. It will purge your soul of karmic sludge. It will prime you for a fresh start. One way to accomplish this bravery is to confess your sins and ask for forgiveness in front of a mirror. Here are data to consider. Is there anyone you know who would not give you a good character reference? Have you ever committed a seriously unethical act?

Have you revealed information that was told to you in confidence? While under the influence of intoxicants or bad ideas, have you done things you’re ashamed of? I’m not saying you’re more guilty of these things than the rest of us; it’s just that now is your special time to seek redemption.

Homework: What’s the best, most healing trouble you could whip up right now? Testify at Freewillastrology.com.

ecurrent.com / march 2018 45

SENIORITIS Across 1. Premsyn target, for short 4. ___ law (computing term stating processor speeds will double in two years) 10. Bud holder?

14. Server’s second chance 15. Riot’s stage 16. Letter sign-off 17. Bird providing lean meat 18. Urge to move the Doomsday Clock closer to midnight?

20. Cadaver’s importance?

22. 2018 NFL Hall of Famer Terrell 23. Military chopper 24. Resistance measurements 27. You can’t find anything in it 28. Shrugged comment?

31. App with a split fare feature 33. Poem’s contraction 34. Show off fancy footwork in a food fight?

39. ___-majeste 41. Show to one’s seat 42. Cutting remark?

43. Demonstrate cold weather?

47. Trio in Turin 48. Pour beers 49. Got angry 52. Tire inflation meas.

55. Whips, chains, etc.

57. Salad or pasta 58. “You don’t need to remind me�

60. All the crap a small amphibian owns?

64. Choice to have Norwegian flatbread with or without lutefisk?

67. Have an outstanding bill 68. Bits at the bottom of a wine bottle 69. South Dakota’s capital 70. Fish on a bagel 71. 2017 World Series winner, for short 72. First-___ (recently elected politician) 73. Electronystagmography specialist

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Down 1. Academy newbie 2. Office document 3. Stallion 4. Toledo minor league ball player 5. Like some jacks 6. “Carmina Burana� composer Carl 7. Right-hand page 8. Spanish “that�

9. Place where 32-Down stops: Abbr.

10. Easy pace 11. Musical sounds 12. Facebook invitation 13. Like a melting ice cream sandwich 19. Stalin’s first name 21. Brief gag 25. Poet Langston 26. Award won by Adele in ‘13 28. Home wrecker of children’s stories 29. Mule’s lack 30. Bumps and bruises 32. Travelers to 9-Down: Abbr.

35. Clock-setting abbr.

36. Overdrawn 37. Kilkenny land 38. Put the pedal to the metal 40. No. that you can dial at any time during a voice menu 44. “What a tangled ___ weave�

45. Not affiliated with any party: Abbr.

46. Return to the original settings 50. Ex-Disney CEO Michael 51. There were nine of them in Super Bowl LII 52. Adderral doses 53. Clay pigeons 54. Read between the lines 56. Quarter-eater on the street 59. ___-buco 61. Unlikely to budge 62. “Bingo!�

63. Reading material 65. Make a choice 66. Thanksgiving dessert

2018 / ecurrent.com

FOR CROSSWORD ANSWERS, GO TO ECURRENT.COM

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

crossword

Homeward Bound Rescue League

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