JUNE 2018| FREE CELEBRATE WITH THE WINNERS SEE DETAILS ON P20
MUSIC | ART | CULTURE
BEST of 2018
WASHTENAW
s r e n Win
SEELEY FARM
Organic gem on Ann Arbor’s Northside p.21
THE STANDARD BISTRO & LARDER Exquisite French cuisine p.22
2
june
2018 / ecurrent.com
contents
BEST of 2018
June 2018 vol. 28/no. 06
2018 Readers’ Choice Best of Washtenaw
WASHTENAW
Winners
21 Seeley
5
Farm
An organic gem on the Northside by Trilby Becker
22 food: The Standard
Nothing typical about this Bistro & Larder by Jeff Kass
28 music: Fuzz Fest 5
Get weird at the Blind Pig June 21-23 by Jeff Milo
35 theater: Heathers The 1989 film finds its clique by Emily Slomovits
36 lit: Hired Man
Mark Beyer’s debut novel thrills by Patrick F.S.
42 Person of Interest
Ann Arbor Planning Commission Recommends NO for housing complex off Pontiac Trail By a vote of 7-2, the Commission rejected plans to build a 710-bed student apartment complex intended to be called The Cottages at Barton Green. Fierce opposition to the project from residential neighbors highlighted concerns about traffic, pedestrian and bicycle safety, property values, and other issues, including flooding. The plan, without a positive recommendation from the Commission, will still have the chance to face a vote from the full City Council. Vogel Lock and Safe Closing after a Hundred and Five Years The longtime Ann Arbor business at 113 W. Washington shut its doors on March 30th. A note on the door written by fourth-generation owner Robert Vogel, also the part-time Fire Chief in South Lyon, stated, “Dear Valued Customer: As of March 30, 2018, Denise and I will be retiring and Vogel’s Lock & Safe will be going out of business. We also wanted to take the time to thank you for being a loyal customer.” It’s a lock. Liv Café N Wellness Medical Marijuana Dispensary Officially Approved The Ann Arbor City Council Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve a special-exception use permit for Liv Cafe N Wellness, a 1,500-square-foot second floor loft space at 603 E. William St., next to New York Pizza Depot. Liv Café is described as a spot for a “refreshing, educational and better health environment, providing a mix of medicinal and non-medicinal products and services, including medical-grade marijuana for registered patients.”
Kristie Brablec crafts the Zingerman’s experience by Cammie Finch
23 27 29 37
food events chef’s corner music events arts & culture
43 45 46 47
cannabis astrology crossword classifieds
MAY 2018| FREE
MUSIC | ART | CULTURE
PATIO Find Your Summer Spot p.6
APPROACHABLE MINORITIES Hip Hop Fusion p.17
NAMASTE FLAVOURS
Indian Kitchen p. 12
Last Month’s most read stories on
ECURRENT.COM
1. Louis Picasso Keeps Climbing ‘Hiiigher’ 2. Holmes and Watson in Eerie On-stage Search 3. Person Of Interest: Morris Lawrence III
New Gym Offers Fitness from the Inside Out 3N1 Fitness Revolution marks its Grand Opening with a full day of class demos, live music and more. 3N1 is committed to the health of the whole person, offering psychological services as well as consultations with a staff nutritionist to complement your exercise regime. 3N1 specializes in three key classes in addition to their full service weight and cardio training equipment. www.3n1fit.com June 9 10am. 3N1 Fitness Revolution 1952 S. Industrial Hwy Suite G. 734-369-3890 info@3N1fit.com ecurrent.com / june 2018 3
Adams Street Publishing Co.
green corner Learn About the Future of Sustainability at the Ann Arbor Green Fair The Ann Arbor Mayor’s Office is cordoning off Main Street for the 18th annual Green Fair, showcasing the best of our community’s environmental leadership. Businesses, nonprofits and government agencies will display green building materials and alternative transportation, and provide engaging natural science-based activities for all ages, including live demonstrations with birds-of-prey. Have your bike valet- parked for free so you can dance to live music from Paul’s Big Radio!
Free. Friday, June 8, 6pm-9pm. A2gov.org 734.794.6161, ext. 41602
fyi Mobility Summit June 14 Transportation in the Present Future Tense Meeting of the Minds, in partnership with Ann Arbor SPARK and Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti SmartZone, is convening a unique one-day thought leadership summit in Ann Arbor focused on mobility and smart cities. Participants will get a first look at the new American Center for Mobility (formerly Willow Run) This summit is a natural lead-in to Ann Arbor’s TechTrek on June 15th, which showcases the local tech scene with over 70 companies working on innovations in transportation and urban living. Live demos of leading edge mobility will be followed by discussions and workshops. Stay for the reception and networking session and pitch your vision for the future of things that go. Speakers include Kirk Steudle, Michigan Dept of Transportation, Roger Millar, Washington State Secretary of Transportation, and Regina Clewlow, CEO, Populus. Lunch and reception included.
General Admission $350, nonprofit $250. Scholarships available. June 14. 8:30am - 5:30pm. Reception 5:30pm - 8pm. Graduate Hotel, 615 E. Huron St. meetingoftheminds.org/events/ann-arbor 734-769-2200. Techtreck: Free, registration required. Techtrek.annarborusa.org techtreck@annarborusa.org
How would you spend a Saturday night in Washtenaw County?
Publisher/Editor in Chief
Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@adamsstreetpublishing.com) DINNER AT MIKETTE AND A SHOW AT THE ARK.
Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer
Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@adamsstreetpublishing.com) STOP AT PIZZA BOB’S FOR A CHIPATI AND HEAD TO GUY HOLLERIN’S FOR SOME BLUES.
Editorial
Assignment Editor: Trilby Becker
(annarboreditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com)
SHARING A BOTTLE OF ROSÉ FROM EVERYDAY WINES, SWIMMING BEHIND THE DAM IN ARGO LAKE, THEN DINNER AT SPENCER. Calendar Editor: Estar Cohen (calendar@adamsstreetpublishing.com) COCKTAILS AT A2 DISTILLING & A SHOW AT POINTLESS. Editorial Assistance: Athena Cocoves
(editor@adamsstreetpublishing.com)
TAKEOUT FROM GOLDEN WALL SHOTS AT THE EIGHTBALL. Courtney Probert
(cprobert@adamsstreetpublishing.com)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE BLIND PIG. Contributing Writers: Cammie Finch, Patrick F.S., Emily Slomovits, Jeff Milo, Jeff Kass, Saul Jacobs, Sonny Forrest, Rob Brezsny, and Brendan Emmett Quigley.
Digital Media
Tech Manager: Saul Jacobs (saul@adamsstreetpublishing.com) RAVENS CLUB > BABS > ALLEY BAR > FLEETWOOD. Web Guru: Deanna Woods (digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com) AN EVENING AT HAYMAKER AND THEN FAIRY DOOR HUNTING.
Art/Production
Production Manager: Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) STROLLING THROUGH THE DOWNTOWN AREA. Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) HANGING OUT AT THE EIGHTBALL. Designers: Kelli Miller (kmiller@adamsstreetpublishing.com) AT THE EIGHTBALL, OF COURSE. Anita Tipton (atipton@adamsstreetpublishing.com) RESTAURANT NIGHT ON MAIN STREET. Norwin Lopez (nlopez@adamsstreetpublishing.com) GEOCACHING.
Advertising
Sales Catherine Bohr (a2sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) LATE NIGHT HAPPY HOUR AT RED ROCK BBQ. Ron Katz (rkatz@adamsstreetpublishing.com) A GAME AT THE BIG HOUSE. Walker Barnes (wbarnes@adamsstreetpublishing.com) ENJOYING THE FLAVORS OF KERRYTOWN. Sales Coordinator Jen Leach (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com HAVING A LAUGH AT THE ANN ARBOR COMEDY SHOWCASE.
Administration
Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@adamsstreetpublishing.com) DINNER AT BLUE MILE THEN SHOPPING AROUND TOWN.
© 2018 by Adams Street Publishing Co., All rights reserved. 3003 Washtenaw Ave., Suite 3, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, Phone (734) 668-4044, Fax (734) 668-0555. First class subscriptions $30 a year. Distributed throughout Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and neighboring communities. Also publishers of: Mature
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4
june
2018 / ecurrent.com
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BEST of 2018
WASHTENAW
Winner
SHOPPING & SERVICES NEW BUSINESS HOMES BREWERY
homesbrewery.com RUNNER-UP: Brick and Mortar Modern General Store GREENHOUSE/GARDEN STORE DOWNTOWN HOME & GARDEN
downtownhomeandgarden. com RUNNER-UP: YpsiPlanti Garden and Supply HOME BOUTIQUE ROCK PAPER SCISSORS
rockpaperscissorsshop.com RUNNER-UP: The Eyrie ANTIQUE STORE TREASURE MART
treasuremart.com RUNNER-UP: Salt City Antiques THRIFT STORE ANN ARBOR PTO THRIFT SHOP
SHOE STORE MAST SHOES
mastshoes.com RUNNER-UP: Ann Arbor Running Company JEWELRY STORE ABRACADABRA JEWELRY/ GEM GALLERY
abragem.com RUNNER-UP: Lewis Jewelers
NATURAL FOOD STORE YPSILANTI FOOD CO-OP
ypsifoodcoop.org RUNNER-UP: Argus Farm Stop FARMERS MARKET ANN ARBOR FARMERS MARKET
facebook.com/a2market RUNNER-UP: Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace
ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE CASTLE REMEDIES 2345 S. Huron Pkwy., 7346451395 castleremedies.com,
Ever wonder what happened to those beautiful old Queen Ann homes on the corner of Packard and Main? They were moved to 2345 S Huron Parkway in 1988, and are home to several medical practitioners and Castle Remedies, formerly Ann Arbor’s best kept secret. But not anymore. Castle Remedies, available to the public for over thirty years, is a primary source for homeopathic medicines, carrying remedies potentized from 3X to CM and a large variety of topical preparations. In addition, botanicals and nutritional supplements that have been researched and found to be of the highest quality, are available along with a full line of herbal tinctures, flower essences and aromatherapy oils Castle invites you to come visit and meet the friendly, knowledgeable staff. HOTEL WEBER’S RESTAURANT & BOUTIQUE HOTEL
webersinn.com RUNNER-UP: Graduate Ann Arbor FLORIST ENCHANTED FLORIST
AUTO REPAIR RON’S GARAGE
ronsgaragea2.com RUNNER-UP: Ann Arbor Muffler Brakes & Shocks BICYCLE SHOP WHEELS IN MOTION
enchantedfloristinc.com RUNNER-UP: Chelsea Flower Shop
wheelsinmotion.us RUNNER-UP: Sic Transit Cycles Cont’d on p6
AUTO DEALER DUNNING TOYOTA
dunningtoyota.com RUNNER-UP: Varsity Ford
CATERER ZINGERMAN’S CATERING
a2ptothriftshop.org zingermanscatering.com RUNNER-UP: The Salvation Army RUNNER-UP: Eat Ann Arbor WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE V2V
shopv2v.com RUNNER-UP: Dear Golden MEN’S CLOTHING BIVOUAC
PARTY/WINE STORE MORGAN & YORK
morganandyork.co RUNNER-UP: A & L Wine Castle
bivouacannarbor.com RUNNER-UP: Today Clothing ecurrent.com / june 2018 5
BICYCLE SHOP WHEELS IN MOTION
3402 Washtenaw Ave., 734-971-2121. wheelsinmotion.us Wheels In Motion is celebrating its 85th year in business serving the Ann Arbor community. Three generations strong with a fourth just starting to pedal, the owner’s grandparents strongly believed in creating a great customer experience, serving, growing, and supporting a local Ann Arbor community. Those values were passed down, and now the entire family rides and loves to participate in events. Wheels In Motion holds a bike ride every day of the week. They don’t sell bicycles, they sell passion, and a lifestyle. Whether you like to ride around the block or ride a century they want to be your bike shop. When you shop here you’re not just a customer you’re family. Bicycles represent health and freedom, giving you the ability to explore the world on two wheels. Cont’d from p5
USED BOOKS DAWN TREADER BOOK SHOP
dawntreaderbooks.com RUNNER-UP: Aunt Agatha’s Mystery Bookshop INDEPENDENT BOOKS LITERATI BOOKSTORE
literatibookstore.com RUNNER-UP: Nicola’s Books COMIC STORE VAULT OF MIDNIGHT
mbgna.umich.edu RUNNER-UP: Zingerman’s Cornman Farms
GOLF COURSE LESLIE PARK GOLF COURSE
RUNNER-UP: The Pet Emporium
campbowwow.com RUNNER-UP: Karnik at Maple Village PET SALON GROOM N GO
See “Groom n Grow” on Facebook RUNNER-UP: Rox’s Ruff Cuts RECORD STORE ENCORE RECORDS
2018 / ecurrent.com
WEDDING VENUE MATTHAEI BOTANICAL GARDENS
LOCAL PET SHOP HUMANE SOCIETY OF HURON VALLEY
DOGGY DAY CARE CAMP BOW WOW
june
bloomcityclub.com RUNNER-UP: Depot Town Dispensary
vaultofmidnight.com RUNNER-UP: Fun 4 All Comics & Games
734-794-6245 | a2gov.org RUNNER-UP: Eagle Crest Golf Club
6
DISPENSARY BLOOM CITY CLUB
encorerecordsa2.com RUNNER-UP: Underground Sounds
hshv.org
SMOKE/VAPE SHOP BONGZ & THONGZ
See “Bongz & Thongz” on Facebook RUNNER-UP: Wild Bill’s Tobacco TATTOO SHOP LUCKY MONKEY TATTOO
luckymonkeytattoo.com RUNNER-UP: Depot Town Tattoo ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE
annarborrestore.org RUNNER-UP: Materials Unlimited Cont’d on p8
ecurrent.com / june 2018 7
Cont’d from p6
DINING & DRINKING SEAFOOD REAL SEAFOOD COMPANY
realseafoodcoannarbor.com RUNNER-UP: Monahan’s Seafood Market STEAKHOUSE KNIGHT’S STEAKHOUSE
knightsrestaurants.com RUNNER-UP: The Chop House Ann Arbor CHINESE TK WU
tkwurestaurant.com RUNNER-UP: Evergreen Restaurant JAPANESE YOTSUBA
yotsuba-restaurant.com RUNNER-UP: Ichiban
8
june
2018 / ecurrent.com
KOREAN TOMUKUN KOREAN BBQ & NOODLE BAR
tomukun.com RUNNER-UP: Miss Kim
THAI TUPTIM THAI CUISINE
tuptim.com
RUNNER-UP: No Thai! VIETNAMESE PHO HOUSE
phohouseypsi.com RUNNER-UP: Dalat Restaurant ITALIAN MANI OSTERIA AND BAR
maniosteria.com RUNNER-UP: Paesano Restaurant
MIDDLE EASTERN JERUSALEM GARDEN
jerusalemgarden.net RUNNER-UP: Palm Palace
INDIAN CARDAMOM
FINE DINING LOGAN RESTAURANT
MEXICAN
COFFEE HOUSE ROOSROAST COFFEE
cardamoma2.com RUNNER-UP: Shalimar MAIZ Mexican Cantina maizmexican.com RUNNER-UP: Chela’s Restaurant &Taqueria BBQ RED ROCK DOWNTOWN BARBECUE
redrockypsi.com RUNNER-UP: Ricewood VEGETARIAN THE LUNCH ROOM
logan-restaurant.com RUNNER-UP: The Chop House
roosroast.com RUNNER-UP: Cultivate Coffee and Tap House BREAKFAST PLACE BOMBER RESTAURANT
DINER FLEETWOOD DINER
thefleetwooddiner.com RUNNER-UP: Northside Grill NEW RESTAURANT OLLIE FOOD + SPIRITS
LGBTQ BAR AUT BAR
thelastwordbar.com RUNNER-UP: Ollie Food + Spirits
autbar.com
RUNNER-UP: Tap Room
TEA SHOP TEAHAUS
SPORTS BAR WOLVERINE STATE BREWING CO.
DESSERT GO! ICE CREAM
zingermansdeli.com RUNNER-UP: Dimo’s Deli & Donuts
COCKTAIL BAR THE LAST WORD
BREWPUB/BREWERY HOMES BREWERY
LOCAL FARM WHITE LOTUS FARMS
PRE-GAME HANGOUT FRASER’S PUB
fraserspub.com RUNNER-UP: Wolverine State Brewing Co.
teahaus.com RUNNER-UP: Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tea Room
homesbrewery.com RUNNER-UP: Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse
DELI ZINGERMAN’S DELICATESSEN
sidetrackbarandgrill.com RUNNER-UP: Bar Louie
bomberrestaurant.net RUNNER-UP: Northside Grill
thelunchrooma2.com RUNNER-UP: Seva
whitelotusfarms.com RUNNER-UP: Dawn Farm
HAPPY HOUR SIDETRACK BAR AND GRILL
wolverinebeer.com RUNNER-UP: The Session Room
TRIVIA NIGHT TINY LIONS LOUNGE & ADOPTION CENTER
tinylions.org RUNNER-UP: Wolverine State Brewing Co.
Cont’d on p10
goicecreamgo.com RUNNER-UP: Blank Slate Creamery BURGER SIDETRACK BAR & GRILL
sidetrackbarandgrill.com RUNNER-UP: Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger
BARTENDER GIANCARLO, THE LAST WORD
thelastwordbar.com RUNNER-UP: Megan Ewing, Dan’s Downtown Tavern
ollieypsi.com RUNNER-UP: Buddy’s Pizza
ecurrent.com / june 2018 9
LOOKING GOOD, FEELING GOOD SALON PURA VIDA COLOR STUDIO
mypuravida.com RUNNER-UP: West End Hair BARBER SHOP ARCADE BARBERS
arcadebarbers.com RUNNER-UP: Coach & Four Barber Shop
MASSAGE THERAPY RELAXSTATION MASSAGE
relaxstation.com RUNNER-UP: Jessica’s Skin & Body Apothecary DAY SPA JESSICA’S SKIN & BODY APOTHECARY
FITNESS CENTER ANN ARBOR YMCA
NAIL SALON DIVA NAIL SPA
TRAINER DANIEL ROTH, BLUE LION FITNESS
LATE NIGHT GRUB FLEETWOOD DINER
annarborymca.org RUNNER-UP: Level 10 Fitness
jessicasapothecary.com RUNNER-UP: Bellanina Day Spa & Gift Boutique
bluelionfitness.com RUNNER-UP: Mike O’Brien, Wolverine Strength and Conditioning
SKINCARE JESSICA’S SKIN & BODY APOTHECARY
COOL EYEWEAR SEE
jessicasapothecary.com RUNNER-UP: Lily Grace Cosmetics
divanailspaannarbor.com RUNNER-UP: Bebe’s Nails & Spa
thefleetwooddiner.com RUNNER-UP: The Wurst Bar
seeeyewear.com RUNNER-UP: Bennett Optometry
YOGA TINY BUDDHA YOGA
tinybuddhayoga.com RUNNER-UP Tiny Lions Lounge & Adoption Center
Celebrate with the Winners Thurs June 21 see details page 20
Voted Voted 2018 2018 Best Best Dispensary Dispensary by by Metro Metro Times 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
10
june
2018 / ecurrent.com
Returning Members, come see us! Free Parking
Will receive an exclusive gift package free with purchase (*once per customer)
PeoplesChoiceOfAnnArbor.com
LOCAL FARM WHITE LOTUS FARMS 7217 W. Liberty Rd., 734-707-1284. whitelotusfarms.com
STUDENTS DELIVERY FOOD PIZZA HOUSE
pizzahouse.com RUNNER-UP: Insomnia Cookies STUDENT HANGOUT CULTIVATE COFFEE & TAPHOUSE
White Lotus Farms thanks Ann Arbor for voting cultivateypsi.com them Best Farm in Current’s Best of Washtenaw three RUNNER-UP Tiny Lions years in a row! It means so Lounge & Adoption Center much to know Current’s readers appreciate the work they do. Once again, White Lotus is up to new and exciting things on the farm. New this spring is White Lotus Botanicals— a new line of handcrafted lip balms, lotions, body bars and more, infused with botanicals from the farm— that brings you skincare the way nature intended. Stop by the Farmcart, open Saturdays from 9:30-1:30 at White Lotus Farm, to shop items like grass-fed meats and cut flowers from other local, like-minded farmers. This summer find berries and fruits that supplement their certified organic specialty produce. In addition, shop bakery items and dairy goods from their creamery, sourced from local grass fed cows and their herd of goats that live right next next to the dairy. Everything is of premium quality. Creating with mindfulness is their joy.
PLACE TO STUDY CULTIVATE COFFEE & TAPHOUSE
cultivateypsi.com RUNNER-UP Tiny Lions Lounge & Adoption Center 21ST BIRTHDAY SPOT GOOD TIME CHARLEY’S
charleysannarbor.com RUNNER-UP: MAIZ Mexican Cantina
Cont’d on p12
ecurrent.com / june 2018 11
HOME BOUTIQUE ROCK PAPER SCISSORS
Cont’d from p11
MUSIC
216 S Main St., 734-531-6264. rockpaperscissorsshop.com At Rock Paper Scissors, they’re passionate about a few things— saving the handwritten note, sending invitations and greeting cards, love for the great state of Michigan and the art of giving a great gift. Located on Main Street in the heart of Ann Arbor, you’ll find fun locally made Michigan products (like the best selling Damn it Feels Good to Be a Michigangster Mug), hilarious cards and goods and wonderful baby and kids gifts. Shop and say “hi” today!
STREET MUSICIAN VIOLIN MONSTER
violinmonster.com RUNNER-UP: Eddie Powell NEW ARTIST/BAND LITTLE TRAPS
facebook.com/littletraps RUNNER-UP: Funkwagon
LOCAL ALBUM PEE ON THESE HANDS’ PLATONIC BOYFRIENDS
platonicboyfriends.bandcamp. com RUNNER-UP: Stagefright - Wild Savages
Homeopathic Pharmacy Homeopathic Remedies, Medicinal Herbs, High Quality Nutritional Supplements, Aromatherapy, Distinctive Gifts & Jewelry.
DJ/ELECTRONICA MC YODA (aka DJ Knowledge)
facebook.com/ BassDaddyOfficial/ RUNNER-UP: Nicole Myint FOLK/COUNTRY THE RAGBIRDS
theragbirds.com RUNNER-UP: Matt Jones HIP-HOP DUKE NEWCOMB
Best Alternative Health Care
dukenewcomb.bandcamp. com RUNNER-UP: Flower Child
JAZZ/BLUES LAITH AL SAADI
laithalsaadi.com RUNNER-UP: Dani Darling ROCK SCISSOR NOW!
scissornow.bandcamp.com RUNNER-UP: Stormy Chromer OPEN MIC THE ARK
theark.org
RUNNER-UP: Pointless Brewery
& Theatre
LIVE MUSIC VENUE THE ARK
theark.org
RUNNER-UP: The Blind Pig DANCE CLUB NECTO NIGHTCLUB
necto.com
RUNNER-UP: LIVE PICK-UP BAR NECTO NIGHTCLUB
necto.com
RUNNER-UP: Rick’s American
Cafe
KARAOKE BLUE KARAOKE
bluekaraoke.com RUNNER-UP: Circus Bar & Billiards BOWLING ALLEY REVEL & ROLL
revelandroll.com RUNNER-UP: Bel-Mark Lanes
2345 S. Huron Pkwy. | Ann Arbor | 734-973-8990
CastleRemedies.com
chef-owned & operated since 2004
offering
Thanks for Voting us Best Fine Dining!
chef tasting menu • local farm produce small estate biodynamic wines & craft cocktails Hours: Tue-Sat 5pm-10pm 115 W. Washington Downtown Ann Arbor • 734.327.2312 • logan-restaurant.com
12
june
2018 / ecurrent.com
LOCAL COLOR
LOCAL NON PROFIT HUMANE SOCIETY OF HURON VALLEY
hshv.org
RUNNER-UP: Food Gatherers PUBLIC SERVANT BETH BASHERT (Gay Rights Activist and Ypsilanti City Council Member)
washbar.org/members/niklulgjuraj/ RUNNER-UP: Susan M. Kornfield OPTOMETRIST U-M KELLOGG EYE CENTER
umkelloggeye.org RUNNER-UP: Bennett Optometry
DENTIST DR. DANIEL KENNEDY, DDS of Ann Arbor Smiles Dental Group
bashert.us/beth RUNNER-UP: Mayor Christopher Taylor
annarborsmiles.com RUNNER-UP: Dr. Lindsey Wurtzel, DDS of Wurtzel Family Dentistry
SUBURBAN DOWNTOWN ANN ARBOR
DOCTOR IHA FAMILY & INTERNAL MEDICINE - WESTARBOR
visitannarbor.org | a2gov.org RUNNER-UP: Ypsilanti ANNUAL EVENT ANN ARBOR SUMMER FESTIVAL
a2sf.org
RUNNER-UP: Ann Arbor Art Fair REAL ESTATE AGENT HINTON REAL ESTATE GROUP
Services
www-personal.umich. edu/~fiesole/ RUNNER-UP: Shelly Schreier (Professor in the Psychology Deparment at the University of Michigan)
www.enchantedfloristinc.com
M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S. of BOYD Beauty boydbeauty.com RUNNER-UP: Dr. Pramit Malhotra MD of Ann Arbor Plastic Surgery
BANK/CREDIT UNION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN CREDIT UNION (UMCU)
PROFESSOR RALPH WILLIAMS (Professor in the Department of English, Language and Literature at the University of Michigan)
734.547.9230
PLASTIC SURGEON DR. CHARLES M. BOYD.
VETERINARIAN HUMANE SOCIETY OF HURON VALLEY
RUNNER-UP: Bank of Ann Arbor
enchanted florist Inc. 46 east Cross st. Ypsilanti, MI 48198
ihacares.com RUNNER-UP: U of M Health
teamhinton.com RUNNER-UP: Tyler Weston: Ypsilanti Real Estate Guy
umcu.org
We would like to thank all our loyal customers for voting us best floWer shop!!!
LAWYER NIK LULGJURAJ
hshv.org
RUNNER-UP: Affordable Vet TRAVEL AGENT CONLIN TRAVEL
conlintravel.com RUNNER-UP: Wanderlark ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE CASTLE REMEDIES
castleremedies.com RUNNER-UP: People’s Choice Alternative Medicine Cont’d on p14
ecurrent.com / june 2018 13
Cont’d from p13
CHIROPRACTOR ANN ARBOR CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS CENTER
annarborchiropractic.com RUNNER-UP: Synergy Chiropractic Center
BUDTENDER BLOOM CITY CLUB
bloomcityclub.com RUNNER-UP: Patrick Shepard of Arbors Wellness
PHOTOGRAPHER MELANIE REYES PHOTOGRAPHY
melaniereyesphotography. com RUNNER-UP: BPrice Photography DERMATOLOGIST GANGER DERMATOLOGY
Affordable Vet Services
Celebrating 11 years
gangerdermatology.com RUNNER-UP: Ann Arbor Dermatology
ART GALLERY UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MUSEUM OF ART
Affordable Vet Services
Dr. Maja Fontichiaro • Dr. Tara Hansen Dr. Paul Glineburg • Dr. Courtney Cutright
2117 West Stadium St., Ann Arbor 734.926.0114 • affordablevetservices.com
14
june
2018 / ecurrent.com
michtheater.org RUNNER-UP: Emagine Saline ARTIST DAVID ZINN
zinnart.com
RUNNER-UP: Helen Gotlib
MUSEUM DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS
artfair.org
On Museum
WASHTENAW
MOVIE THEATER MICHIGAN THEATER
PLACE TO BUY LOCAL
RUNNER-UP: Ann Arbor Hands-
Winner
smtd.umich.edu/ departments/dance RUNNER-UP: Ballet Chelsea
umma.umich.edu RUNNER-UP: Riverside Arts Center
dia.org
Full Medical and Wellness Services Teeth Cleaning ◆ Radiology Surgery ◆ Vaccines Heartworm and Flea Preventative Comprehensive Laboratory Fully Stocked Pharmacy Prescription Diets
DANCE COMPANY DEPARTMENT OF DANCE AT U-M
LIVE THEATRE THE PURPLE ROSE THEATRE COMPANY
purplerosetheatre.org RUNNER-UP: Pointless Brewery & Theatre THEATRE TROUPE NEIGHBORHOOD THEATRE GROUP
ntgypsi.org
RUNNER-UP: Young People’s
Theater
ART ANN ARBOR STREET ART FAIR RUNNER-UP: The Eyrie POET KYNDALL FLOWERS
Two-time winner of the Ann Arbor Poetry Slam RUNNER-UP: Laura Kasischke WRITER EVE SILBERMAN
Senior Writer at the Ann Arbor Observer RUNNER-UP: A.M. Dean
ecurrent.com / june 2018 15
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16
june
Specials everyday!
Consultations available at Blue Sage Health. Find your perfect natural health alternative. 734-585-7063.
bluesagehealth.com
Order online or call ahead for fast pick up
734-585-0621 423 MILLER AVE, ANN ARBOR, MI 48103
bloomcityclub.com
2018 / ecurrent.com
Cont’d from p14
NATURAL FOOD STORE YPSILANTI FOOD CO-OP
312 N. River St., 734-483-1520. ypsifoodcoop.org The Ypsilanti Food Co-op, along with hundreds of other co-ops around the country, have been trail blazers in bringing awareness and making changes to our food system and how it’s grown. Our interest in food has many facets including the effect it has on eaters, on the environment and on the workers in all aspects of its growth and distribution. The terms have become common: Organic. Local. Community. Fair Trade. Those terms are used everywhere by many businesses… but our roots in them are what has made us sustainable in our community for over 40 years. We sell good food, but we are also involved in other aspects of our community, supporting and participating in several area Farmers Markets, local festivals, and school events. We welcome community volunteers through various youth programs and support other organizations doing great work in our community! Come visit us and try real food… from locally grown produce to fresh baked bread in our wood fired oven, it’s an experience worth checking out! Cont’d on p18
Thank You Current Readers for your support! Voted Best Middle Eastern Cuisine in Washtenaw County for 20 years! Place your order online:
jerusalemgarden.net/order-online
314 E. Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI 734.995.5060
COME JOIN THE BEST Now Looking For New Team Members
Thank you for voting us Best Salon! Balayage Experts Masterful gray Coverage Cezanne Keratin Smoothing Sassoon Trained Cutting Davines Partner Salon
207 S. 4th Avenue
734.757.6210
www.mypuravida.com
ecurrent.com / june 2018 17
Cont’d from p17
STUDENT HANGOUT PLACE TO STUDY CULTIVATE COFFEE AND TAPHOUSE,
307 N., River St., Ypsilanti. 734-249-8993. cultivateypsi.com
Searchable lists updated daily at
ecurrent.com
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Cultivate Coffee and Taphouse, located in the heart of Depot Town is a business committed to social good in the city of Ypsilanti. Cultivate works to use their space and their team to serve house roasted coffee, delicious and fresh sandwiches & snacks as well as a full lineup of seasonally crafted cocktails. They recently began brewing their own beer through collaboration with breweries around the state and are proud to offer over a dozen Cultivate Brews on rotation. Come visit their open air beer garden, perfect for gathering with friends and checking out their on site donation garden. All produce grown in their raised beds is donated to Food Gatherers, one of their many community impact partners along with folks like Ypsi Meals on Wheels, Growing Hope, Hope Clinic and many others. Over 75 free meetups, groups, concerts and events take place each month at this gem in Ypsilanti so come check them out today!
ecurrent.com / june 2018 19
Open 10a - 8p 7 Days a Week 300 W. Huron, corner N. First
(734) 623-1951
Appointments Available FREE PARKING relaxstation.com
VOTED B MASS EST 11 YEAARGE RUNNIN S G!
Walk-ins Welcome Full Body Massage in Individual Rooms at our Second Location
THANKS FOR VOTING US BEST NATURAL FOOD STORE!
Locally-grown Produce Michigan Beer & Wine Fair Trade Coffee & Chocolate Frozen & Dairy Foods Artisan Breads & Pastries & Much More! ALL SHOPPERS WELCOME!
312 North River Street | Ypsilanti | (734) 483-1520 | ypsifoodcoop.org
celebrate with the Winners!
BEST of 2018
y t r a P
WASHTENAW
Thursday, June 21st 6:30pm-9:00pm Award presentation for winners in attendance • Meet Current staff • share ideas • Food • Drinks for info: 734-668-4044 or mjacobs@ecurrent.com
Ypsilanti’s Historic Freighthouse • 100 Market place • ypsilantifreighthouse.org 20
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feature Organic gem tucked away on Ann Arbor’s North Side Couple leaves New York to take chance on farming life by Trilby Becker
Bouncing down the rutted dirt road to Seeley Farm, it’s hard to remember downtown Ann Arbor is less than five miles away. Large trees block the big field and hoop house from view, and only a small sign on the mailbox announces the farm’s presence. Alex Cacciari and her husband, Mark Nowak, rented the 30-acre farmstead in 2012, and bought it the following year. Quickly, they knew it was home. That might have come as a shock to the couple during their “previous lives” in New York City where they pursued art and held a variety of other jobs, from journalism to dog-walking to printmaking. But after three years in the Big City, they felt the call of the wild.
Journey into farming
Their first stop was a sheep farm in the Hudson Valley belonging to an eccentric wealthy couple that sold art in the city. That farm is located on a pretty country lane, named Seeley Road, which they have named their own farm after. Alex and Mark lived in the caretaker’s cottage and tended the sheep and the couple’s extensive kitchen garden. The owners were rarely present, and the beautiful 120-acre farm felt like their own. Then Mark and Alex traveled the world. Alex flirted with a career in journalism, but it was her experience working on farms that stuck with her. “Mark and I grew up in suburbia. It’s hard to tell your parents that you want to be a farmer,” she recalls. But shortly after she and Mark moved to his native Michigan, they decided to take the plunge.
(Clockwise from right) Mark, Alex, Nina, and Henry raising children and vegetables.
five, and Nina, not yet two. This summer the kids will be with a nanny, instead of attending camp and daycare, so they’ll be on the farm. “We didn’t choose farming for the money, we chose it for the lifestyle,” Alex says. “We want our kids to feel connected and curious about the farm and what we do here.” She acknowledges that while there is no guarantee their kids will want to take over the farm one day, the more quality time they spend there, the better the chances. And since their land was recently approved for a conservation easement, it will be safe from development for future generations.
JUNE 30 TH • JULY 28 TH • AUG 25 TH $5 ADMISSION (12 & UNDER FREE)
Early experiments
Seeley Farm began at the Tilian Farm Development Center in 2011, a farm incubator on Pontiac Trail in Ann Arbor where the couple tested their model for two years before moving to their current Warren Road location. Seeley Farm, certified Organic since 2013, lends a core business of salad greens. Over the years, they’ve expanded to include dozens of other vegetables to sell at farmers markets, grocery stores, restaurants, and through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), a farm subscription service where members buy vegetables in advance, giving farmers the money they need to fund the season. Flowers are a small but growing part of Seeley Farm’s business, overseen by Alex, who enjoys the artistic outlet. In 2016, she co-founded the Michigan Flower Growers’ Cooperative, a wholesale cut-flower market at YpsiPlanti, Growing Hope’s farmers market space in Ypsilanti.
Planning for the future
Work-life balance is a moving target for the couple. “You want to come home to your partner and talk about what happened at work. But in our case, we already know!” says Alex. “And it’s hard not to slip into business conversations in the evening, when we just need to relax.” Two children are now part of the family: Henry,
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AUTHENTIC GERMAN DINNERS, TRADITIONAL FARE, & DANCE BAND BEGINNING AT 4 P.M. Live Entertainment by German Dancers 21 and under must be accompanied by parent. Photo ID required. No pets, picnic baskets, coolers, food or beverages may be brought into the park. No admittance after 9 pm. 5549 PONTIAC TRAIL – 7 Miles North of Ann Arbor WWW.GERMANPARK.ORG
ecurrent.com / june 2018 21
food Modern French Cooking on Jackson Rd New restaurant sets high standards by Jeff Kass
Typically, the word “standard” connotes one of two things — either “nothing extraordinary, just kind of standard” or raising the bar, like “setting a new standard.” Clearly, the recently opened Standard Bistro & Larder in Ann Arbor conjures up the latter. When diners enter the doors (to what is essentially an all-new building) at the location of the former Creekside Grill, “we want them to know they have arrived somewhere special,” says owner Alex Young, affectionately known to his staff as Chef Alex. Young worked for 15 years as a chef with Zingerman’s and helped start the Zingerman’s Roadhouse. He opened Standard because he wanted to try something new and “return to (his) French culinary roots.”
olive tapenade, and the handcrafted ice cream which, by the way, is absolutely delicious. Airy and creamy at the same time, the ice cream tastes both fresh and refreshing, with just the right level of sweetness.
Whole animal butchery
The careful attention to detail extends to the lengthy process the restaurant uses to develop its many meat-based dishes. Adhering to a comprehensive, whole animal butchery regimen focused on local growers and dry aging, benefits both the restaurant and the larder (the retail counter offering take home cuts of meats and sausages as part of our fully comprehensive, whole animal butchery program focusing on local growers and dry aging). One result is that the stocks used in the broths, soups and sauces are exceptionally wellflavored. The French Onion Soup, for example, boasts a three-cheese gratin, well-balanced with a light but savory broth that hints of smoked meat origins, American Haute Cuisine and a proper, but not overly dense, sautee Every detail in Standard is carefully of onions and chunks of thoroughly cultivated — the sleekly appointed soaked baguette. It’s everything you want decor, the wine, beer and spirits lists, the your French Onion Soup experience to be tuxedo-clad serving staff and each dish and a solid precursor for a main entrée. on the menu. “We intend to celebrate Another dish where the superior stockAmerican Haute Cuisine,” Young says, rendering process is spotlighted, the Pan defining the term as “modern French Roasted Blue Hill Mussels, is available cooking brought to America to create a as either an appetizer or, with the slightly Americanized food.” Everything addition of white beans and pomme frites served is homemade on the premises, (french fries), as an entrée titled Mussels including the freshly baked baguettes Frites. Either way, you’re in for a treat. with accompanying butter and flavorful Nestled in a delicious broth with a suggestion of white wine, the mussels are satisfying and 2 FREE Cannolis • Order SilviosItalianFood.com only perfectly steamed, and Delivery or Pickup you’ll find treasures of fresh tomatoes, preserved lemon and a spicy lamb sausage that will make your mouth water. After you’ve finished the mussels, you’ll want to dip a baguette into the 734-214-6666 broth to savor whatever remains. 715 N University Ave, Downtown Ann Arbor
Order Online at: silviositalianfood.com
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The larder and a long-term goal
Vegetarian options exist as well, in the form of a Buckwheat Crepe with artichoke and black chanterelle mushrooms, or a Wheat Berry Pilau with carrot, radish, almond and squash oil. But no need to wait to return another time to enjoy handcrafted sausage and fresh cuts of meat. They can also be purchased for take-home at the restaurant’s larder, a glass butcher’s case near the restaurant’s entrance where to-go orders can be picked up, as well as house-made pastas, other ready-to-eat items, and breads. Ultimately, according to Chef Alex, who reminds us that private banquet seating is also available for up to 120 people, the hope is to become “an integral part of the community, both an anchor of, and a destination for, the West Side of Ann Arbor.”
5827 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor. 734-263-2543. Thestandardbistro.com.
food
Ongoing
On Broadway Spring Fundraiser
Mondays
Bring Your Own Game Night
6:30pm. $75. The Encore Musical Theatre Company. theencoretheatre.org
7pm-10pm. Black Diesel Coffee. blackdieselcoffee.com. Free
Come for a Broadway concert featuring Dan Cooney and Jessica Grove! Enjoy an open bar, hor-doeuvres from Zingermans, and a strolling auction. Proceeds benefit Encore Theatre.
Bring Your Own Game (and some pals) for a night of fun and free coffee. 1 game supplied = 1 coffee provided.
Pizza Monday
7:30pm. Beer Grotto. beergrotto.com. Free
Grab a free slice of Domino’s Deep-Dish Pizza while enjoying a wide beer selection, inside or out on the summer patio!
Tuesdays
Wine Special
All Day. Bigalora. bigalora.com
Enjoy 1/2 off all wine bottles.
Wednesdays
Wine Night Wednesdays 4pm-10pm. Evans Street Station. evansstreetstation.com
Enjoy 1/2 off bottles of wine from the Evans Street List! Can’t finish the bottle? You can have it corked and wrapped up to take home. Bottles available for retail purchase as well.
Milan Farmers Market
5pm-7pm. Original Gravity Brewing Co. ogbrewing.com. Free
Original Gravity has an extended happy hour until 7pm, so you can enjoy a pint and grab some fresh fruit, veggies, flowers, and more!
Thursdays
Pittsfield Township Indoor Farmers Market
3pm-7pm. Pittsfield Charter Township. pittsfield-mi.gov/farmersmarket. Free
Shop for seasonal produce, locally produced food and artisan goods. There will also be free activities for all ages. Bridge Card, Double Up Food Bucks and Prescription for Health accepted.
Summer Patio Nights
4pm-12am. Graduate Ann Arbor. graduatehotels.com. Free
Summer weather means patio season! Every Thursday, join for outdoor games, music, summer bites, and a specialty cocktail cart.
Fridays
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. There will be writing and drawing prompts, colored pencils and markers provided.
Tasting New Holland Beer at Blue Front As part of its series of free beer tastings, Blue Front Ann Arbor (at the intersection of Packard and State) offers samples from New Holland Brewery based in Holland MI. Known for its Dragon’s Milk Bourbon Barrel-Aged and Poet Oatmeal stouts, as well as Mad Hatter American and Hoptronix Double IPAs, the brewer’s seasonal brands include a Spring White Hatter Belgian Pale Ale and a Summer Tasmanian Hatter. - JK
Free, 5-7pm, Tuesday, June 12th. 701 Packard St., Ann Arbor. 734-929-4618. Bfa2.com.
Saturdays
Yoga & Beer
11am. $10. Canton Brew Works. cantonbrewworks.com
Grilled & Smoked Cheeses
6pm-8pm. $45. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com
Join for Yoga with Katie and take advantage of a $1 off a pint after! Canton Brew Works is known for their unique and quality craft beers.
Sample a wide array of artisan cheeses and indulge in a speciality bacon pimento. Additionally, enjoy adult beverage pairings along with bread and additional accompaniments.
Sundays
Fiddlers on the Roof
Saline Farmers Market
8am-12pm. Saline Farmers Market. cityofsaline.org. Free
Explore a wide variety of local vendors every Saturday in downtown Saline, 1/2 block south of Michigan Ave.
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 Friday Dine & Dash BBQ
11:30am. Waltonwood Cherry Hill. waltonwood.com. Free
Join for some mouth-watering barbecue at this casual gathering! Feel free to join for lunch or take your BBQ to go. Community tours available and gift favors for those that RSVP.
First Friday at the Farm
5pm. Petting Farm at Domino’s Farms. pettingfarm.com. Free
Come for extended hours with food trucks and activities throughout the farm. Visit the pavilion to enjoy local food vendors, Cherry PIt BBQ and Shredderz.
5:30pm-7:15pm. Zingerman’s Deli. zingermansdeli.com. Free
The Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic will put on an energetic performance on the rooftop patio! RSVP for free via the website.
New Beer Release
6pm-7pm. YpsiAlehouse, Ypsilanti. ypsialehouse.com. Free
Join YpsiAlehouse brewers Ted and Tim as they discuss and release their newest beer, Streetcar No. 10. This unique take on an easy drinking American Pilsner makes for a perfect summer beer!
2 Saturday Ann Arbor African American Downtown Festival
9am-8pm. Downtown Ann Arbor. Free
Join for the 23rd annual African American Festival in downtown! There will be food, vendors of all kinds, live entertainment, and activities catering to all ages.
Camp Bacon Main Event
9am-5pm. $195. Cornman Farms, Dexter. events.zingermanscommunity.com
Enjoy a day dedicated to bacon! There will be guest speakers, breakfast and lunch, and presentations by bacon producers and food experts.
3 Sunday Biscuit Love Breakfast
9:30am. $50. Greyline. events.zingermanscommunity.com
Karl Worley, owner Nashville’s beloved breakfast spot, Biscuit Love, will present his hometown favorites for this special meal. Dishes will include buttery biscuits stuffed with Nashville hot chicken, candied Chronic Bacon, and more. $10 of the ticket price will be donated to Southern Foodways and $10 to the local 4-H chapter.
Buffalo Wild Wings Fundraiser
11am. Buffalo Wild Wings. creatingbrighterfutures.com. Free
Dine at Buffalo Wild Wings to support Creating Brighter Futures, a local family-based autism clinic. 20% of purchases will be donated to CBF!
Camp Bacon® Street Fair 11am. Ann Arbor Artisan Market. events.zingermanscommunity.com. Free
This street fair will celebrate all things bacon! Treat yourself to lunch and sample new bacon fares. Admission is free, but a donation to Washtenaw 4-H is suggested.
Yoga at BLØM
11am. $20. Bløm Meadworks. drinkblom.com
Relax with a class open to yogis of all experience and interest levels. After you work up a sweat, enjoy a refreshing draft pour, included in the price of the class!
Classics with a Twist
5pm-7pm. $45. The Last Word. thelastwordbar.com
Craft your own delightfully refreshing drinks with guidance from Robyn Cleveland, named one of the top 21 bartenders in America by thrillest.com. Start with the classics while learning simple ways to put unique spins on them. Light snacks will be included.
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4 Monday Summer Macaron Workshop
Join Illusionist for an intimate dining experience The Ann Arbor Summer Festival presents “At the Illusionist’s Table,” a candle-lit three-course meal hosted by world-renowned Scottish mentalist and storyteller Scott Silven. Twenty-two participants will share the table, from cocktails through dessert, as the illusionist enchants with tales from a childhood in Scotland’s Ochil Hills. Silven, 29, began by studying hypnosis at age 15 and seeks to create stylish, clever, and uniquely immersive performances that invite audiences to look at the world, and themselves, in an extraordinary way. The New York Times review of the show exclaimed “Wow. Wow. Wow.” - JK
$200, Tuesday, June 26 and Wednesday, June 27 at 6:30 PM, Thursday, June 28, Friday, June 29 and Saturday, June 30 at 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM, Sunday, July 1 at 4 PM and 7 PM, Monday, July 2 at 6:30 PM. The Ann Arbor Club, 103 E. Liberty St., Third Floor, Suite 300, Ann Arbor. 734-764-2538, a2sf.org.
6pm-8pm. $65. Tios Mexican Cafe and Tequila Bar. tiosmexicancafe.com
9am-12pm. $75. Sur La Table. surlatable.com
Break down the steps in making a delectable macaron cookie, from whipping meringue and mixing batter to baking crisp shells with perfect feet. Add in a pair of tasty fillings including homemade marshmallow cream.
Each course will be paired with one of El Mayor’s artisan tequilas and one of Bell’s unique craft beers. Owner Jeremy Seaver will present on tequila and the process by which it is made, and Andy Ludwig from Bell’s Brewery will be there to offer insights into the beers.
Tap Take Over
Rose Wine Tasting
Austin Brothers Brewing (Alpena, MI) will be featured all night in the World of Beer taproom.
Sample 20 different wines at this popular Rose tasting event, perfect for a night out downtown.
4pm-11pm. World of Beer, Canton. worldofbeer.com. Free
5 Tuesday Ask the Doctor Breakfast 7am. Zingerman’s Roadhouse. curemultiplemyeloma.org. Free
Craig Emmitt Cole, MD of the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, will be available to discuss myeloma and answer questions about the disease in an informal atmosphere over breakfast. Call Michele MacWilliams at 248-625-0070 for reservations.
Bangerz Only
All Day. HopCat. hopcat.com. Free
On the first Tuesday of every month, HopCat taps a rare, special, or just downright delicious beer from their cellar. This month will feature Rogue Ales & Spirits (Newport, OR), Rolling Thunder, and Dead Guy Whiskey BA Imperial Stout.
6 Wednesday Bløm Meadworks Tour and Tasting 7pm. $27. Bløm Meadworks. tammystastings.com
Learn all about how mead is made from the meadmakers themselves. Get a chance to taste Bløm’s meads, hard ciders, and cysers, and enjoy some snacks from Tammy’s Tastings.
6pm-8pm. $40. Vinology Wine Bar and Restaurant. Vinologya2.com
Ice Cream & Sorbet with Keegan Rodgers
7pm. Traverwood Branch Library. aadl.org. Free
Learn basic recipes to make ice cream, sorbet, and gelato at home. Incorporate fruit and other flavors so you can enjoy a great summertime treat! This session will also include vegan recipes.
8 Friday Yoga & Tea Social
10:30am. $20 - $30. Finding Roots.
Build strength and flexibility with very gentle yoga. Participate in a Q&A and tea social after. Participants will receive a 50% off coupon for a personal, private yoga class, and a small handmade gift.
Beer Tasting with Griffin Claw
5pm. Blue Front Ann Arbor. bluefrontannarbor.com. Free
Come out to sample some unique craft beers from Griffin Claw Brewing Company! Located in Birmingham, MI, Griffin Claw is known for their delicious, award winning beverages.
EBW Ice Cream Social
5:30pm-7:30pm. Eberwhite Elementary. a2schools.org. Free
Food Truck Rally
Families, friends, and alumni of Eberwhite Elementary are welcome to join for an ice cream social, cake walk, and silent auction!
Enjoy live music and food from a variety of Michigan food trucks that offer everything from coffee and crepes to ice cream, pizza, sandwiches, salads and more.
Wine & Dine featuring Chef Patrick Kande & Patrick O’Sullivan
5pm. Parks and Recreation Facilities. calendar.a2gov.org. Free
BREWED BY VETERANS TO SUPPORT VETERANS
7 Thursday El Mayor Tequila and Bells Tasting Dinner
7pm. $65. Wines on Main. winesonmainchelsea.club
This special dinner will feature the culinary expertise of Chef Patrick Kander with wine pairings by Patrick O’Sullivan. Enjoy six delicious courses with an exciting array of wines to complement the meal. www.abwholesaler.com CONT’D ON P25
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9 Saturday Icebreakers ^2
4pm. Pointless Brewery & Theatre. pointlessbrew.com. Free
Break the ice and meet new people with low-key interactive games and craft beer. Bring your friends or make some new ones!
Rosé & Cheese
3pm-5pm. $45. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com.
Treat yourself to a relaxing evening with pairings of crisp rosé with various delectable cheeses from the Creamery. Bread and other accompaniments will be provided from the Cream Top Shop.
Kombucha Class 101
5pm-6pm. $20. Unity Vibration, Ypsilanti. unityvibrationkombucha.com
Learn how to brew classic Kombucha tea with Brewmaster and Co-founder of Unity Vibration. The class will include a tasting and tour.
10 Sunday Easy as Pie
2pm-5pm. $60. The Lakehouse Bakery. thelakehousebakery.com
Learn how easy and truly versatile pies are in this hands on class! Make your own pie dough, crumb topping and delicious fruit filling. Leave with a recipe packet along with enough materials to make 2 pie doughs at home.
Grillin’ for Food Gatherers
3pm. $10-$85. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds. foodgatherers.org/grillin
Join for this annual community gathering featuring live music, 30 local food vendors, a selection of regional beer and wine, and a silent auction. The event will raise awareness and support for Food Gatherers’ food rescue program and food bank.
Cocktail Class: Yo-Ho-Ho! 5pm-7pm. $45. The Last Word. tammystastings.com
Learn how to mix up cocktails that explore rum’s versatility. The class will include a combination of history and stories, technique instruction, hands-on making of cocktails, and sampling!
11 Monday Savoring Seasonal Flavor
1pm. Hope Clinic. thehopeclinic.org. Free
A cooking class demonstrating quick tips and tricks for preparing fresh produce. Enjoy samples and get coupons to shop at our new Ypsi Fresh participating program.
12 Tuesday Beer Tasting with New Holland 5pm. Blue Front. bfa2.com. Free
Join for a free tasting featuring beer from New Holland Brewing Company! The regional brewing company is committed to crafting their beers with artistry.
Preserving the Food of German-Jewish Culture
7pm. $75. Zingerman’s Roadhouse. events.zingermanscommunity.com
Mother-daughter writing team, Sonya and Gabrielle Rossman Gropman, have rescued recipes from a nearly vanished culture in their new book, The GermanJewish Cookbook: Recipes & History of a Cuisine. Some dishes will include Sauerbraten (sweet & sour braised beef served with spaetzle) and Kartoffel Kloesse (potato dumplings topped with a rich beef gravy).
Wine Dinner: Guess the Grape
7pm. $45. Downtown Main Martini Bar & Grille. downtownmain.com
Indulge in 5 delicious courses made by Chef Joe, with a perfect wine pairing for each, in this upscale restaurant, cigar lounge, and bar.
13 Wednesday Clear the Cellar
6pm. $50. Graduate Ann Arbor. graduatehotels.com
Sample a selection of high-end wines and try Graduate’s new wine menu courtesy of Vintage Wines. Tickets will include unlimited wine samples and sample bites from the Allen Rumsey Cocktail Lounge.
Wine Gala Wednesday
7pm. $50-$175. Cobblestone Farm & Museum. cobblestonefarm.org
Join for Pure Existence Dance’s inaugural fundraising gala! There will be a silent auction, raffles, hor d’oeuvres, a wine & beer cash bar, and live entertainment.
SE Michigan Magazine Release Party
6pm. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse. cultivateypsi.com. Free
Celebrate the release of the Southeast Michigan Guide to Local Food with music, drinks, and free local food!
Women Igniting Chocolate 7pm-9pm. $35. ZingTrain. events.zingermanscommunity.com
Join in for a panel led by women in the professional chocolate industry, answering questions about the craft chocolate movement and efforts to build sustainable business models for farmers, producers, and the environment while making the most delicious chocolate possible.
15 Friday Fried Chicken 101
10am-12pm. $75. Sur La Table. surlatable.com
Learn the techniques to make crispy fried chicken. The menu will include classic fried chicken, Nashville hot chicken, and buttermilk biscuits with honey and butter.
Beer & Cheese
6pm-8pm. $45. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com
Join in an informative discussion about the brewing process, major styles of beer, and how to pair cheese with the perfect beer. End the night with a tasty beer and gelato float.
16 Saturday Get EggCited
10am. Downtown Home and Garden. downtownhomeandgarden.com. Free
Stop by to sample delicious smoked meat & grilled veggies, and find out how easy it is to be a gourmet grill artist at home!
Nucleate Beer Festival 1pm. $80. HOMES Brewery. homesbrewery.com
Drop in for a relaxed class where you can sit, eat, and ask Chef Andy anything relating to Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Balsamic Vinegars. The menu will include pecan chicken salad, asparagus gazpacho, and strawberry shortcake.
Join for the inaugural Nucleate Beer Festival! Enjoy beer samplings, food trucks, live entertainment, and take home a custom Nucleate tasting glass. A portion of each ticket will be donated to A2A3 (activeagainstals. org). A few featured breweries are HOMES Brewery, Speciation Artisan Ales, Transient Artisan Ales, Watermark Brewing Co, and Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, among others.
14 Thursday
17 Sunday
Open Lunch Counter
11am-2pm. $10. Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars. fustinis.com
36th Annual LobsterFest
Baconfest!
All you can eat Maine Lobster dinners will be available all Father’s Day weekend! Pricing will be set the week before, due to market conditions.
Everyone is welcome to join for a bacon extravaganza. Bring your favorite bacon-centric dish to share!
4pm. Ashley’s. ashleys.com. Free
12pm-2pm. Huron Hills Church. huronhills.org. Free
food Brewing Methods
12pm-2pm. $30. Zingerman’s Coffee. events.zingermanscommunity.com
Learn the keys to successful coffee brewing using a wide variety of brewing methods from filter drip to syphon pot. This tasting session will explore a single coffee brewed 6 to 8 different ways, each producing a unique taste.
18 Monday Secrets of Summer Paella 7pm-9pm. $75. Sur La Table. surlatable.com
In this hands-on class, you’ll be introduced to authentic Spanish ingredients that make paella incredibly savory and satisfying. Learn how to prepare a sofrito or flavor base and make perfectly cooked rice. Dishes will include Paella with Chicken and Chorizo, Paella Mixta (with Shellfish), and Heirloom Tomato Salad.
19 Tuesday Dragonmead/M-Brew Belgian Beer Dinner
6:30pm. $45. Dragonmead Brewery, Warren. dragonmead.com
Enjoy a four course meal with beer pairings for each! The menu will include shrimp croquette with a Belgian-style pale ale, chicken & waffles with a Belgianstyle dubbel, Carbonnade a la Flamande with a Belgian dark strong, and cheesecake with a Belgian-style tripel.
Roughneck Rescue & Sanctuary Benefit
5pm-9pm. Salt Spring Brewery, Saline. saltspringsbrewery.com. Free
Gather for great food, beer, and music to benefit the Roughneck Rescue & Sanctuary, a non-profit organization that rescues and rehabilitates dogs in need.
20 Wednesday Bell’s Summer Soiree Beer Dinner
6pm. $65. Karl’s Cabin, Plymouth. karlscabin.com
Relax and enjoy a 6 course culinary dinner paired with beers from Bell’s, one of Michigan’s most iconic craft breweries.
21 Thursday Chinatown Favorites 7pm-9pm. $75. Sur La Table. surlatable.com
Learn all about Chinese ingredients and techniques to create favorite Chinese dishes at home. The menu will include savory pancakes, spicy-sweet ribs, and a dim sum sweet custard tart. CONT’D ON P26
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Taste of Ann Arbor
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22 Friday
24 Sunday
For the Love of Goat Cheese
Summer Berry Desserts
Learn about the delicious world of goat’s milk! Taste the creamery’s favorite goat’s milk cheeses, featuring housemade specialties inspired by collaborations with other small American artisan cheesemakers.
Learn how to make three perfect summer desserts! The menu will include buttered raspberry hand pies, frozen blackberries in labne with honey, and strawberry shortcake cobbler.
6pm-8pm. $40. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com
10am-12pm. $75. Sur La Table. surlatable.com
25 Monday
Velvet Hammer Release & Vertical Pairing
Dinner in Provence
Enjoy a 5-course vertical pairing of Velvet Hammer (Barrel-aged Sour Brown Ale) and a menu prepared by Chef Luciano DelSignore and Chef Jeff Condit. Each attendee will receive a 750ml bottle of Velvet Hammer.
Use techniques to recreate flavors from the south of France. Prepare perfectly seared steak with a peppercorn crust, dress up potato salad with a vinaigrette, and make a Provençalinspired ice cream.
6:30pm. $100. Arbor Brewing Company. arborbrewing.com
Wine, Brews & Tunes 7pm. $15. Livonia Spree. livoniaspree.com
Enjoy live entertainment, wine, and a huge variety of Michigan craft beer! Some Michigan Breweries participating this year are Austin Brothers, Blake’s Cider, Elk Brewing, Petoskey, and Right Brain, among others.
23 Saturday CornerFest
12pm. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery. arborbrewing.com. Free
Celebrate Corner Brewery’s 12 year anniversary with the public release of Velvet Hammer (Barrel-aged Sour Brown Ale), limited sour bottle releases, and live music with Chirp, Stormy Chromer, and The Macpodz.
Tea With Flair
1pm. $10. Historic Gordon Hall. dexterhistory.org
26 Tuesday ECIR Summer BBQ 6pm. ECIR. ecir.org. Free
Join ECIR, a welcoming community for students/scholars of all nationalities, for their Annual Summer BBQ. There will be burgers, hot dogs, veggie dogs, veggie burgers, and plenty of sides.
Vinyl Tuesday
6pm. Arbor Brewing Company. arborbrewing.com. Free
Purchase a record from Encore Records, Underground Sounds, or Wazoo Recs and receive a coupon for $1 off a 16oz draft! DJ Batzdorfer will be spinning records in the Brewpub game room. Feel free to bring your own vinyl to play, sell, or trade.
Gluten-free Beer Dinner Feat. Blake’s Hard Cider Co. 7pm. $30. HopCat. hopcat.com
Join for a totally delicious, totally gluten-free 4-course dinner paired with Blake’s Ciders. Dishes will include Roasted Winter Butternut Squash Soup, Kale and Apple Salad, Chipotle Lime Rubbed Pork Loin, and Baked Sugar Glazed Chocolate and Vanilla Doughnuts.
TAPPED IN THE VILLE
7pm-9pm. $85. Sur La Table. surlatable.com
Enjoy a variety of local and regional craft beers in a relaxed outdoor setting. There will be outdoor games, food trucks and an outdoor art fair.
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Visit Main Street to get a taste for what 40 local restaurants do best! Tickets for food samples can be purchased at the event for $1 each, with samples ranging in price from $1-$4. There will be music throughout the day with artists like Sam Corbin, RHYTA MUSIK, Fangs and Twang, and more.
7pm-9pm. $75. Sur La Table. surlatable.com
Enjoy an afternoon on the grounds of Gordon Hall with hot or iced tea and elegant desserts. Prolific local author Cynthia Furlong Reynolds will join actress Susan Craves to tell on-stage and behind-the-scenes stories about the Purple Rose Theater and its founder, actor Jeff Daniels. Reservations are recommended. All proceeds support the Dexter Area Historical Society. 2pm. $30. Millennium Park, Northville. northville.org
11am. Downtown Ann Arbor. mainstreetannarbor.org. Free
27 Wednesday Great Summer Cooking Learn techniques for making great summer meals like mixed summer beans with chiles, swordfish skewers, and chilestone fruit crisp with mascarpone cream.
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28 Thursday Street Tacos
7pm-9pm. $75. Sur La Table. surlatable.com
Learn how to create street-style taco favorites in your own kitchen. Master skills for making your own corn tortillas and sauces. Plus, learn how to grill shrimp and recreate the flavor of pork al pastor without a rotisserie.
29 Friday Grill Fest
11:30am. Busch’s Fresh Food Market. buschs.com. Free
Come out to Grill Fest to enjoy some tasty barbecue right outside of Busch’s! Menu items include pulled pork sandwiches, nachos, ribs, hot dogs, corn on the cob, and more.
Red, White, & Blue Tasting 6pm. $45. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com
Tour the map of artisan cheese in the USA and enjoy a perfectly paired wine to go with each. Leave with a new appreciation for red, white, and blue! Bread and additional accompaniments from the Cream Top Shop will be provided.
Mac. Cheese & Beer
7:30pm. $35 - $50. Market Center Park. ci.southgate.mi.us
Join for some of the best Mac N’ Cheese in Downriver & Metro Detroit! There will be delicious food and dessert samples, 15 different breweries present, and live entertainment from dueling pianos.
30 Saturday Mastering Mozzarella
2pm-5pm. $75. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com
Learn the secret to making terrific fresh mozzarella from the experts! In this fun-filled class, dive into the ins and outs of making this simple, yet delicious cheese. You’ll learn how to pull balls of fresh mozzarella from curd and milk, stretch string cheese, and create rich, creamy burrata.
German Park Picnic 4pm-9pm. German Park. germanpark.org. Free
Everyone is welcome for this monthly summer picnic hosted by the German Park Recreation Club. Enjoy live music, authentic German food and beer, and live German dance performances!
chef’s corner A peek into the minds of Ann Arbor’s culinary arbiters and their unique perspective on Washtenaw County’s dining and hospitality culture.
Eve Aronoff Fernandez
dessous (formerly Mélange) by Sonny Forrest
Known for animating Frita Batidos with distinct, approachable flavors, Chef Eve Aronoff Fernandez now provides the menu direction as Consulting Chef at the all-new dessous (312 S Main St), lending the reconcepted restaurant’s menu intercontinental inflections informed by her classical French training along with a Mediterranean component from the chef’s formative years in Israel. Catch up with Aronoff Fernandez as she reminiscences about dishwashing clams, shares her earliest memory of cooking and divulges her lasting affinity for spaghetti with parmesan cheese. The craziest thing that’s ever happened to you in a kitchen? I
once asked one of our cooks to wash some clams and soon after saw them coming out through the conveyor of the dishwasher.
What metaphor would you use to describe your cuisine?
A woven blanket.
Which countries or environs do you find yourself turning to for culinary inspiration? North Africa, West Africa,
India, Cuba, and France, because that is where I formally studied. Your earliest memory of cooking?
Learning how to make eggs from my Grandma. She got me an egg spatula which was very special to me. Aside from your home restaurant, which eatery is your favorite in Washtenaw county? I like casual, tasty,
neighborhood places. To name a few, Spencer, Juicy Kitchen, El Harissa Market Café and Kosmos for Bi Bim Bap.
What’s your favorite all-time meal and what drink did you pair it with? One of my favorite meals was
years ago on the terrace of a restaurant called Sassi in Scottsdale, AZ. The myriad flavorful dishes included a spicy poached octopus with cucumber which was unexpected but absolutely delicious. I also tried one of my favorite wines with that meal for the first time, Paternoster’s Aglianico del Vulture. Your last chosen meal on Earth would be what? A big bowl of spa-
ghetti with parmesan; I just can’t ever pass that up.
This interview has been edited for length, content and clarity.
Celebrate with the Winners, Thurs June 21, see details page 20 ecurrent.com / june 2018 27
Fuzz Fest features 11 bands per night, including Detroit breakout acts like TART, and legendary grimy punk auteurs like Timmy’s Organism ...
music
Fuzz Fest 5 Jeff Milo
All about the bands
Chris Taylor grew up in a time when rock fans ferociously took up factions. Punk, hair metal, jock-rock, noisy lo-fi, it’s like you had to choose a side. “If you were a punk rocker downtown in Ann Arbor in the 80’s on a weekend night, you were kinda scared cuz some jocks might roll up and beat your ass,” Taylor recalls. “For somebody like me, an artsy-kid who wasn’t in to sports, (rock/punk music) was essential. It was like, suddenly, I found a tribe. It was way more intense back then, pre-Nirvana. But it also seemed way more honest.” The fourth annual Fuzz Fest takes place June 21-June 23 at the Blind Pig. Taylor, a punk/rock/metal journeyman from groups like Blue Snaggletooth, Mazinga, and Scott Morgan’s Powertrane, founded the festival to celebrate some of the gnarlysounding, pedal-blazed, low-end pulsing, echo-splashed, reverb-soaked, drumheavy outfits that might not get enough of the spotlights they deserve. “One of the main reasons I do Fuzz Fest is that, in Ann Arbor, in Ypsilanti, and throughout Washtenaw county, there are so many bands here, as well as in Detroit and Michigan, that deserve more exposure. I remember back in the 90’s, trying to get on to the Ann Arbor Art Fair and a dude saying to me, ‘Wait, doesn’t your band usually play in dark, smoky bars?’
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And it’s like, well, yeah, BUT…it bothers me that the heavier or weirder kind of rock music gets regulated to that.” Taylor’s aim is to create an inclusive rock fest that allows for artists utilizing synthesizers and those surging mighty Marshall Stack amps, as well as those that specialize in metal, neo-psychedelia, punk-revivalism, or even guitar-centric , surfy indie-pop.
The lineup
Fuzz Fest features 11 bands per night, including Detroit breakout acts like TART, legendary grimy punk auteurs like Timmy’s Organism, epically spacey electronicrock from Voyag3r, and doom-metal from Temple of the Fuzz Witch. “I try to mix it up with all different types of rock,” said Taylor, which defies the doctrinaire divides that he grew up with. More than that, he wants to foster the same sense of community and acceptance he felt at DIY basement shows in the underground/hardcore-punk scene of the 80’s. And then there’s the inspirational factor of just flying one’s freak flag, as it were – or continuing the spirit of the Stooges and MC5 by passionately scorching through 3 chords and a 4/4-drum rhythm—and coming under the spell of the kind of energy that can create in a room; a very amplified room, (like the Blind Pig).
Rock formations
It can be inspiring to hear Taylor talk about the unique enchantment of edgy/ intense/eclectic rock n roll music, because as a lifelong follower of comic books, a skateboarder, bassist, guitarist, metal-enthusiast and a significant sci-fi/fantasy fan, he understands valiancy that comes along with an intense group of artists creating a voluminous harmony of riffs and drum hits under boomlights. It doesn’t matter where your journey in rock music begins… (Taylor would advise it not to begin with the actual band, Journey, fyi)…, but as long as that journey takes you to a place where you feel welcomed and encouraged to let out your wilder sides, then that’s all that matters. That’s what Fuzz Fest is all about—celebrating the all the gnarly, nifty, noisy sides of rock and bringing them together under one roof.
Fuzz Fest starts on Thurs., June 21st and continues throughout the weekend at the Blind Pig. Music starts each night at 7pm each night. Follow online at facebook.com/fuzzfestmichigan/ for updates, schedule and more information.
Ongoing
music
Sundays The Wes Fritzemeier Jazz Experience 6pm. Chelsea AleHouse. chelseamich.com. Free
Hullabaloo
8pm. The Session Room. sessionrooma2.com. Free
End your weekend on the right note! Featuring Jed Fritzemeier, Brian Brill and Wes with the occasional special guest.
Spend a summer night out in the Beer Garden with local favorite Hullabaloo. Grab a sensational craft beer and enjoy Hullabaloo’s powerful vocals and engaging jams.
The Heather Black Project 8pm. Ravens Club. ravensclub.com. Free
The Heather Black Project plays inspired renditions of classic Jazz every Sunday with rotating special guests. $5 suggested donation.
Sundays Brennan Andes & Friends
5:30pm. Ann Arbor Distilling Company. annarbordistilling.com Free
Macpodz bassist Brennan Andes plays a variety of music with a rotating cast of stellar local musicians.
Mondays Paul Keller Orchestra
7pm. $10. Zal Gaz Grotto. zalgaz.org
The Paul Keller Orchestra performs swingin’ big band jazz!
Open Mic Mondays at the Plymouth Coffee Bean 7:30pm. Plymouth Coffee Bean. plymouthcoffeebean.com. Free
Join this weekly celebration of original songwriters and poets. Come to listen or to participate.
Jesse Kramer Trio 9pm. Ravens Club. ravensclub.com. Free
Local drummer Jesse Kramer leads his trio featuring bassist Rob Bickley and pianist Rick Roe. $5 suggested donation.
Wednesdays The Anderson, Hammonds, & Tripathy Trio
7pm. Beer Grotto. beergrotto.com. Free
Live Jazz with The Anderson, Hammonds, & Tripathy Trio!
Bluegrass Wednesdays
Paul McCandless w/ Charged Particles
Award-winning Jazz Vocalist Grammy-nominated Jazz artist Jazzmeia Horn will grace the Power Center Stage with her critically acclaimed vocal stylings. Having won both the Thelonious Monk and Sarah Vaughan Jazz Vocal competitions, Jazzmeia has earned a reputation for honoring the traditions of Jazz and Gospel music, while making her performance uniquely her own. Experience lively interpretations of standard repertoire, powerful storytelling through lyrics, and uplifting original compositions as part of the Ann Arbor Summer Fest.
$25-$35. 8pm. Thursday, June 28. Power Center. 121 Fletcher St. 734-647-3327. a2sf.org
1 Friday Rick Straub
6pm. Mash Bar. mashbar.net. Free
Start off the weekend with live music by local singer and guitarist Rick Straub!
Chirp + Andrew Brown Family Band 7pm. $7. The Rumpus Room. therumpusroomchelsea.com
Catch a great night of original, local music with jam/fusion band Chirp and singer/songwriter Andrew Brown of the Appleseed Collective.
Darrin James
7pm. Ann Arbor Distilling Company. annarbordistilling.com. Free
Join local singer/songwriter Darrin James for a night of original music in an intimate setting.
8pm. Detroit Street Filling Station. thelunchrooma2.com. Free
Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives
Thursdays Jazz & Cocktails
Five-time GRAMMY winner Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives are rolling their ‘Way Out West’ tour with special guest Jill Jack. The event includes a food drive for Gleaners Food Bank, and attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable item.
Local string band Wire in the Wood hosts this weekly performance and jam session. Enjoy the music, along with drink specials, and a delicious menu.
7pm. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse. cultivateypsi.com. Free
Enjoy live Jazz from local artists and a special cocktail menu.
Jazz Night
9pm. Tower Inn Cafe. towerinncafe.com. Free
Enjoy live Jazz from some of the area’s finest musicians every Thursday!
7:30pm. $20-$50. Brighton Center for the Performing Arts. brightonperformingarts.com
Chuck Ragan
9pm. $15. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
Hear compelling songwriter Chuck Ragan as he plays music from his new album, “Till Midnight.” Joining on the bill is rockabilly Detroit native, Timmy Reynolds.
8pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org
Don’t miss Paul McCandless, the landmark saxophonist and multiinstrumentalist from the innovative Jazz quartet, Oregon. Paul has appeared with renowned musicians such as Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius, Wynton Marsalis, Lyle Mays, Mark Isham, Steve Reich, Al Jarreau, and many more.
3 Sunday Peony Blossoms and Pure Melodies
2pm-3pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. mbgna.umich.edu. Free
Talking Ear
8pm. Ziggy’s. talkingear.net. Free
Celebrate Ypsi Pride with live, original music by Modern Jazz quintet Talking Ear (w/Ypsilanti’s Estar Cohen and Travis Aukerman) and experimental Jazz ensemble Bonzo Terks (Chicago).
2 Saturday Summer Blowout Party w/ Andrew Brown & The Family Band
6pm. Detroit Street Filling Station. thelunchrooma2.com. Free
Live music with Andrew Brown & The Family Band for this Summer celebration featuring drink specials, dancing, drawings for prizes, and more.
Victory Vertical Piano Project
7pm. Knox Presbyterian Church. victoryvertical.org. Free
The Victory Vertical Piano Project presents the history of pianos built for the military during World War II through words, pictures, and music. Garik Pedersen, a concert pianist and Steinway Artist, will perform music by Samuel Barber, Roy Harris, Duke Ellington, Serge Rachmaninoff, Glenn Miller, and many others for this unique concert.
Guy Hollerin’s Blues & Brews 8pm. $5. Holiday Inn Ann Arbor. hiannarbor.com
Celebrate your Saturday with infectious live music, tasty brews, and dancing with local Blues band, Root Doctor!
Bring a blanket to the peony garden for this 7th annual vocal concert, featuring Chinese flower songs performed by the CIUM Singers.
Bernstein and Beyond
3pm-5pm. Pioneer High School. a2schools.org. Free
Enjoy the popular music of Leonard Bernstein in honor of the centenary of his birth. Other American composers featured will be Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber, and local composer Theo Morrison.
4 Monday Music Mondays: Box of Soul 7pm-10pm. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery, Ypsilanti. arborbrewing.com. Free
Arbor Brewing Company presents the best in live, local music every week! Enjoy ABC’s unique craft beer and relax to the sounds of Box of Soul.
5 Tuesday Music at the Cobblestone Farm Market 5pm. Cobblestone Farm Market. cobblestonefarmmarket.org. Free
Shop the market and enjoy music in the summer weather! Isosceles consists of bassist Tim Berla, guitarist Jim Cooney, and vocalist Shekinah Errington joining forces for a fun and unique blend of originals and covers from the worlds of jazz, swing, country, pop, and folk. CONT’D ON P30
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The Lunar Octet The Lunar Octet is bringing their award-winning high energy performance to Kerrytown Concert House on June 3. Formed in 1984, the band began as a forum for Ann Arbor based performers to present their original music, drawing on jazz, Cuban, Puerto Rican salsa, and other eclectic musical traditions. Since, the ensemble has played over 200 concerts, with highlights including the Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival, Ann Arbor’s Top of the Park, and The Ann Arbor Art Fair, along with countless clubs throughout the Midwest. The band currently features some of the area’s most revered and promising jazz artists including Paul Vornhagen, Aron Kaufman, Jon Krosnick, Steve Hiltner, Brandon Cooper, Jeff Dalton, Sam Clark, Keaton Royer, and Olman Piedra.
$5-$30. 8pm. Sunday, June 3. Kerrytown Concert House. 415 N. 4th Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytownconcerthouse.com
music Ani DiFranco
7:30pm-9:30pm. $35-$55. Power Center. a2sf.org
Don’t miss iconic singer/songwriter Ani DiFranco as she headlines Ann Arbor’s Summer Festival in support of her new album, Binary.
6 Wednesday Adam Miller
7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. aadl.org. Free
Join singer/instrumentalist Adam Miller as he plays his Folksongs of the Great Lakes, a sing-along program of traditional folksongs and ballads about shanty boys, freshwater sailors, miners, log drivers, and more.
Red Wanting Blue: “The Wanting” Spring Tour 2018 7pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org
Experience the highly engaging live show of pop/rock band Red Wanting Blue from Columbus, OH. Joining them on the bill is Memphis Americana singer Liz Brasher.
Justin Walter Quartet
8pm. Old Town. oldtownaa.com. Free
Every Wednesday, Old Town features the best in local Jazz. Hear renowned trumpet player Justin Walter as he leads his talented quartet.
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Abigail Stauffer
9pm. Mash Bar. mashbar.net. Free
Abigail Stauffer is known for her beautiful vocals and songwriting abilities. Enjoy her captivating mix of folk, pop, and neo-soul!
7 Thursday Sonic Lunch: Moon Taxi 11:30am-1pm. Liberty Plaza. visitannarbor.org. Free
Come out to the first Sonic Lunch with Alternative/Indie Rock band Moon Taxi, as they make their way to Ann Arbor from Nashville. Joining will be Ann Arbor native Nadim Azzam.
ClusterPluck
7:30pm. The Rumpus Room, Chelsea. therumpusroomchelsea.com. Free
ClusterPluck is an eclectic blend of bluegrass, folk, rock, and country. This four piece band from St. Louis produces an upbeat, grassy energy with a little country jam for listeners of all ages to love.
Paul Thorn
8pm. $25. The Ark. theark.org Southern Roots musician Paul Thorn will play music from his new album, “Don’t Let the Devil Ride,” on Ann Arbor’s cherished Ark stage.
Tarantino Party
9pm. $3. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
Slide Guitar Sensation Renowned Americana artist Ry Cooder was ranked eighth on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. Hear his celebrated slide guitar playing and original songwriting at the Michigan Theater on June 22. Cooder has collaborated with a huge variety of acclaimed musicians including Captain Beefheart, The Rolling Stones, Randy Newman, Eric Clapton, among many more. His solo work crosses and blends many genres like blues, country, gospel, and world music, earning him an impressive six Grammy Awards over the course of his long career.
$29-$50. 7:30pm. Friday, June 22. Michigan Theater. 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org
Dress up like your favorite character from a Quentin Tarantino film and dance to the music from his movies’ soundtracks all night! There will be a drink menu specially curated for the party. Admission is free before 11pm.
8 Friday Sam Corbin
7pm. Ann Arbor Distilling Company. annarbordistilling.com. Free
Catch local singer/songwriter Sam Corbin and grab a craft cocktail in this intimate setting!
The RFD Boys
7:30pm. $10-$11. The Ark. theark.org
Catch this delightful bluegrass quartet at this perfect space for acoustic music. The RFD Boys have been playing for Michigan audiences since 1969! CONT’D ON P32
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Young Pioneer Journeys to Blind Pig
City of Lakes
8pm. Unity Vibration. unityvibrationkombucha.com. Free
Enjoy both original music and well-known covers by City of Lakes!
PRIDE 2018 Celebration 9pm. $25. Necto. necto.com
Sharon Needles is the stage name of Aaron Coady, an American drag performer and recording artist. Needles is known for her appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race, where she was crowned “America’s Next Drag Superstar.”
The Detroit-based pop band is known for a range of songs, from their upbeat pop rock single “Playing Pretend” to soaring ballads like “Let’s Be Alive” and “Last Words.” Currently working on a second album, the band focuses on telling stories about growing up and looking for, and finding, hope in unlikely places. Opening acts include Valley Girl, Vandalay & Inner Circle Avenue. - JK
$8, 9pm, Friday, June 29th. 208 S. 1st St., Ann Arbor. 734-996-8555. Blindpigmusic.com
Relax with a drink and listen to the acoustic music of local artist Matt Boylan. 8pm. Unity Vibration. unityvibrationkombucha.com. Free
JIVA
8pm. The Session Room. sessionrooma2.com. Free
Live rock, soul, and funk with JIVA!
Thollem McDonas Trio
8pm. $20. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com
Keyboardist, composer, and improviser Thollem McDonas teams up with area improvisers Piotr Michalowski and Abigail Alwin for an evening of spontaneously composed chamber music.
Let’s Go Crazy - Prince Dance Party 9pm-2am. $5. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
Get crazy with the music of Prince featuring Dante LaSalle, Scotty D, and DJ Psycho of Detroit Techno Militia. Free admission anytime before 10pm.
10 Sunday Shout Glory! Boychoir of Ann Arbor Spring Concert 5pm. St. Paul Lutheran Church. Free
The Boychoir of Ann Arbor presents Shout Glory! featuring three choirs singing a variety of selections. This final concert of the season features a performance of John Rutter’s vivacious “Gloria,” a joyous work in three movements, sung in Latin.
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Darwin Mamassian
6pm. Mash Bar. mashbar.net. Free
Support local music with singer/ songwriter Darwin Mamassian!
The Switchbacks
8pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org
Beanstalk
Fill your night with some Blues, brews, and dancing with Ralph McKee’s Blues and Soul Project!
Enjoy a beautifully crafted cocktail in the tasting room while listening to the sounds of local folk/blues musician Danny Kroha.
The Slambovian Circus of Dreams
6pm. Mash Bar. mashbar.net. Free
8pm. $5. Holiday Inn Ann Arbor. hiannarbor.com
7pm. Ann Arbor Distilling Company. annarbordistilling.com. Free
Groove to the sounds of captivating local favorite, The Switchbacks!
Matt Boylan
Guy Hollerin’s Blues & Brews
Danny Kroha
7:30pm. $5. The Rumpus Room, Chelsea. therumpusroomchelsea.com
9 Saturday
Try some kombucha in the tasting room and enjoy live music with Beanstalk!
15 Friday
Al Stewart “Year of the Cat” Classic Album Concert 7:30pm. $40. The Ark. theark.org
Legendary rock musician Al Stewart will appear with his band, The Empty Pockets, to play his platinum album “Year of the Cat” from start to finish.
11 Monday Music Mondays: Wire in the Wood
7pm-10pm. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery, Ypsilanti. arborbrewing.com. Free
Bluegrass favorite Wire In The Wood plays this weekly series featuring the best in local music!
12 Tuesday Amy Grace
5pm. Cobblestone Farm Market. cobblestonefarmmarket.org. Free
Enjoy the music of Amy Grace, a southeast MI singer-songwriter of folk and acoustic pop roots. Amy’s sound is influenced by the music of The Accidentals, Joni Mitchell, and Ed Sheeran.
13 Wednesday Harris Jazz Quartet
7pm. Beer Grotto. beergrotto.com. Free
Hear the sounds of The Harris Jazz Quartet, an Ann Arbor based improvisational group playing jazz standards, funk and blues.
Paul Keller Quartet
8pm. Old Town. oldtownaa.com. Free
Live Jazz with highly regarded local bassist Paul Keller and his band!
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Tequila Deer, You Rest, You Joy Life, the Real Propaganda 9pm. $10-$13. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
Catch a great local show with Ypsilanti rock band Tequila Deer, You Rest, You Joy Life, and The Real Propaganda.
14 Thursday Rock Jones
12pm-1pm. University Hospital Courtyard. med.umich.edu. Free
Gifts of Art brings the world of art & music to Michigan Medicine. Join for an afternoon of Rock, Blues, and Motown with the Rock Jones Band.
Songs for Optimists with Ray Hough
7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. aadl.org. Free
Enjoy an evening of funny and cheerful songs, plus a few thought-provoking ones. Some music will be familiar, while other songs will be new! Singing along is encouraged!
Patriotic & Pops Concert presented by the Livonia Symphony Orchestra 7pm. Kirksey Recreation Center, Livonia. ci.livonia.mi.us. Free
Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the beginning of the summer season with this popular concert featuring Patriotic music by the Livonia Symphony Orchestra!
Experience the unique sounds of The Slambovian Circus of Dreams. The band has drawn comparisons to The Decemberists, Bob Dylan, and David Bowie, and features mandolin, accordion, and cello.
Paledave Encore Show 8pm. Zal Gaz Grotto Club. zalgaz.org. Free
Hear two original rock bands hailing from Ann Arbor with Paledave and special guests Casey & The Rockwoods!
Chirp
9pm. $7-$10. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
Experience Ann Arbor’s exciting jam/fusion band, Chirp, known for their high energy sets of original music. Chirp takes influence from Snarky Puppy, Steely Dan, Led Zeppelin, James Brown, Yes, Daft Punk, Vulfpeck, to name a few. Joining on the bill will be Flexadecibel and Ma Blake.
16 Saturday Guy Hollerin’s Blues & Brews 8pm. $5. Holiday Inn Ann Arbor. hiannarbor.com.
Spend your Saturday night enjoying dancing, drinks, and live blues with the Terraplanes!
An Evening with Greg Laswell 8pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org
Hear brand new music from San Diego songwriter/producer Greg Laswell!
17 Sunday The Iguanas
7:30pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org
Experience The Iguanas, a truly unique ensemble from New Orleans that blends Americana with blues and Jazz. Members of the band have played or recorded with everyone from Charlie Rich, Alex Chilton, and Willie DeVille to Emmylou Harris, Allen Toussaint, and Pretty Lights.
18 Monday Music Mondays: Sam Van Wagoner
7pm-10pm. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery, Ypsilanti. arborbrewing.com. Free
Hear the best in live, local music at Arbor Brewing Company every Monday night! Enjoy ABC’s delicious craft beer and hear the music of Sam Van Wagoner.
Bill Heid Trio
8pm. $20. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com
Hailing from Pittsburgh, keyboard/vocalist Bill Heid has performed throughout the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe, Japan, and China. He’ll lead his trio featuring Mark “Mr. B” Braun on piano and RJ Spangler on drums.
19 Tuesday
21 Thursday
Music at the Cobblestone Farm Market
The Magic of Patriotic Music
The Randaliers are local seasoned musicians Vicki Dischler, Randy Leer and Phil Campbell who thrive on presenting their unique interpretations of old favorites, as well as lesser known rock, blues, alt country and R&B tunes.
The Washtenaw Community Concert Band will present a special program of Patriotic Music.
5pm. Cobblestone Farm Market. cobblestonefarmmarket.org. Free
20 Wednesday Jazz Manouche Night
7:30pm. Washtenaw Community College. wccband.org. Free
Shawn Mullins
8pm. $25. The Ark. theark.org
Hear Atlanta singer-songwriter Shawn Mullins as he brings his introspective original songs to The Ark stage.
22 Friday
7pm. Detroit Street Filling Station. thelunchrooma2.com. Free
Jamie Register
Drummunity Circle
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer Jamie Register as he plays this charming, intimate venue.
This quartet featuring Andrew Brown, Michael Harrington, Ryan Shea & Jordan Adema will play Hot Jazz and Swing Music in the vein of Django Reinhardt. 7pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tea Room. crazywisdom.net. Free
Add your spirit to the groove. Drums are available for use. No experience necessary to participate!
Heid Krahnke Spangler Trio 8pm. Old Town. oldtownaa.com. Free
Dig into some of Ann Arbor’s best local Jazz with the Heid Krahnke Spangler Trio!
7pm. Ann Arbor Distilling Company. annarbordistilling.com. Free
Ry Cooder
7:30pm. $29.50-$75. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org
Don’t miss legendary master musician, songwriter, and sage Ry Cooder as he presents his first new solo album release in six years.
Chris Dupont Band w/Lizzy Shell
7:30pm. $7. The Rumpus Room, Chelsea. therumpusroomchelsea.com
Enjoy an intimate concert by Ann Arbor-based singer/songwriter Chris Dupont. Chris is known for his heartfelt music and lyrics, and has shared the stage with artists including Lucius, Edwin McCain, Brendan James, along with many other renowned musicians.
23 Saturday Guy Hollerin’s Blues & Brews 8pm. $5. Holiday Inn Ann Arbor. hiannarbor.com
Get down with some live blues, drinks, and dancing with the high-energy performance of Downriver Dan!
Matthew Sweet
8pm. $30. The Ark. theark.org
Seasoned singer/songwriter/ multi-instrumentalist Matthew Sweet will perform music from his acclaimed new album, “Tomorrow’s Daughter.”
Nadim Azzam
8pm. The Session Room. sessionrooma2.com. Free
Enjoy a night out in the beer garden with folk rock/hip-hop sensation Nadim Azzam, as he plays his truly catchy original tunes! CONT’D ON P34
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24 Sunday Michael McDermott
7:30pm. $15. The Ark. theark.org
Michael McDermott brings his infectious pop/rock originals to The Ark!
25 Monday Music Mondays: Doug Horn Trio
7pm. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery. arborbrewing.com. Free
Catch the best of Ann Arbor & Ypsilanti’s music scenes at ABC! Enjoy craft beer and listen to the improvisational sounds of the Doug Horn Trio.
26 Tuesday Team Love
5pm. Cobblestone Farm Market. cobblestonefarmmarket.org. Free
Team Love is a trio featuring Charles Dayringer on congas and clarinets, Kip Godwin on guitar, and Tim Berla on bass and vocals. They will play a variety of classic jazz standards and original songs at the market!
Vinyl Tuesday
6pm. Arbor Brewing Company. arborbrewing.com. Free
Purchase a record from Encore Records, Underground Sounds, or Wazoo Recs and receive a coupon for $1 off a 16oz draft! DJ Batzdorfer will be spinning records in the Brewpub game room. Feel free to bring your own vinyl to play, sell, or trade.
Al Di Meola
8pm. $40-$99.50. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Al Di Meola, a jazz fusion/ world music guitarist from New Jersey. The Grammy award winner has achieved worldwide fame as a solo artist and for his collaborations with Frank Zappa, Jimmy Page, Stevie Wonder, Phil Collins, Santana, Steve Winwood, and more.
27 Wednesday Harrington Brown
8pm. Old Town. oldtownaa.com. Free
Travel back to the days of Django Reinhardt with live Gypsy Jazz from Harrington Brown!
29 Friday Young Pioneer
9pm. $8-$10. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
Hear Michigan pop/rock band Young Pioneer with guests Valley Girl, Vandalay & Inner Circle Avenue.
30 Saturday Mercury Salad Sandwich 7pm. Ann Arbor Distilling Company. annarbordistilling.com. Free
Catch Ypsilanti’s popular Folk Rock/Americana Group Mercury Salad Sandwich in the tasting room!
Barbarossa Brothers w/Billy King
7:30pm. $5. The Rumpus Room, Chelsea. therumpusroomchelsea.com. Free
Hear the Barbarossa Brothers’ unique harmony-driven Americana with special guest, Billy King, who is known for his catchy folk/rock and thoughtful lyrics.
Guy Hollerin’s Blues & Brews 8pm. $5. Holiday Inn Ann Arbor. hiannarbor.com
What better way to spend a Saturday night than with live music, brews, and dancing? Join Steve Nardella for an energetic evening of soulful blues.
The Motor City Beat 8pm. The Session Room. sessionrooma2.com. Free
The Motor City Beat makes their Session Room debut in the beer garden playing classic motown, funk, and jazz!
Sam Lewis
8pm. $15. The Ark. theark.org
Enjoy the incredibly soulful vocals of Sam Lewis, who has collaborated with artists such as Leon Russell, The Wood Brothers, and Chris Stapleton.
The Motown Hoedown 9:30pm. Conor O’Neill’s. conoroneills.com. Free
Michigan musicians will gather to perform the songs from the Motown catalog to raise funds for the Food Gatherers of Ann Arbor.
BEER GUIDE JUL 1 ISSUE
The Doozers, Three Legged Chairs, Funeral Proposals, Seaholm 9pm. $5-$8. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com
Check out four-piece Indie rock band The Doozers with Three Legged Chairs, Funeral Proposals, and Seaholm.
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RESERVE SPACE NOW!! Call 34.668.4044
theater HeathersThe Musical Mean girls get their groove on By Emily Slomovits
“Heathers”, the 2014 musical based on the 1989 movie starring Winona Ryder, will be presentd by Ann Arbor Civic Theatre from June 7th-10th at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre. The musical’s rock/ pop score and lyrics, written by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy, drive the story of Veronica Sawyer, who seeks popularity to avoid the drama of high school. Veronica falls in with the Heathers, three “it” girls, all named Heather, who rule the school. She discovers that popularity isn’t what she expected, and when she meets mysterious loner JD, Veronica finds herself in over her head. Ron Baumanis, the director of AACT’s production of “Heathers”, spoke with Current.
(L-R, Chloe Grisa, Samantha Torres, and Amy VanDyke star as Heather Duke, Heather Chandler, and Heather MacNamara.
Baumanis: I loved the movie, and I had a friend (Encore Musical Theatre owner Dan Cooney) in the New York production of the musical. I knew right away that it was a show I wanted to do in Ann Arbor. It’s a “revenge movie for smart kids”. Current: How does the musical differ from the movie? Baumanis: Our world has changed since
the 80’s but basic high school relationships have not – there are insiders and outsiders; and while it is still present, we have a much better grip on bullying these days. The story is the same, though some characters have been changed – Martha Dunstock is combined with several others to flesh out the “best friend since childhood” archetype. The movie deals with bullying, social politics, and mental health/ suicide. Were these updated for the musical, and are they a reason “Heathers” is relevant today?
Those topics remain relevant in today’s world; what has changed is how we talk about them. We are partnering with the OK2SAY national program; they’ll have information in the lobby about anti-bullying programs. At its heart, the show is a sarcastic look at bullying, social politics, and mental health/suicide, and those topics are used as a means to an end – ultimately, the musical is about supporting each other, being friendly, and making the world “beautiful”.
Tell us about the challenges/ rewards of directing “Heathers”?
What is most rewarding is the remarkable cast – we had a tremendous number of auditioners for the show, more than anything at AACT in decades – and that speaks to how much younger people love this show. They get the sarcasm, the irony, the dark humor. The adult women’s parts are played by one woman, and the adult male parts are played by two men. It makes it fun for those on stage, and funny for the audience. The musical and movie both have ardent fans. What can they and newcomers alike expect from your production?
Nobody is going to leave the theater feeling that they weren’t entertained by one heck of a cast and orchestra. Kudos to musical director Daniel Bachelis and choreographer Patricia Mazzola whose work is intimately entwined with mine.
At its heart, the show is a sarcastic look at bullying, social politics, and mental health/suicide, ... ultimately, the musical is about supporting each other, being friendly, and making the world “beautiful”. It’s a straight-forward production of the show: sets and props are kept to a minimum. Costumes evoke the images and accentuate the stereotypes. As for the musical itself, all the best quotes from the movie are there, but there are also new ones.
“Heathers” plays the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre June 7th-10th, Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 2:00pm. For tickets and more information, visit a2ct.org. ecurrent.com / june 2018 35
lit $2M Mystery
Crime thrills in Mark Beyer’s first novel By Patrick Flores-Scott
June 14-30 Thurs, Fri, and Sat evenings at 8:00 p.m. West Park, Ann Arbor Tickets: pennyseats.org
Supported in part by an award from:
Terry Holbrook heads home from downtown Ann Arbor to Dexter after working his shift as a video editor. It’s a winter night. The highway is icy. The car ahead skids, then crashes. Terry, the everyman in author Mark Beyer’s new page-turner crime thriller, Hired Man, pulls over and rushes to the aid of the injured driver, a wealthy businessman, Michael DeGraaf, who begs Terry to say a prayer. Terry does his best. DeGraaf implores him to save his daughter and hands over a blood-soaked two million dollar check to make it happen. But before revealing any details, DeGraaf succumbs to his injuries. And Terry, the well-meaning, yet bumbling, family man starts on a quest to save the daughter and bank a million for his struggling family.
Life dream realized
In a recent interview, first-time author Beyer revealed that writing a novel has been a life-long dream. “Ever since I was nine years old, I wanted to write a book.” Beyer has worked as an advertising copywriter, produced television shows, and made commercials. He spent time in the theatre—acting in plays and improv— and even did a stint in Hollywood, enjoying each phase of his creative work life. “But,” he said, “publishing this book blows all ( my past experiences) away like they were standing still.” If Hired Man was as fun to write as it is to read, it’s easy to see why. A visceral tour through Beyer’s Michigan: Detroit, Ferndale, wealthy bedroom communities, the rural thumb, Dearborn... includes thrilling, inventive chase scenes and excruciating teases of violence. We’re sucked into wicked blackmail schemes, disgusted by depraved bad guys and introduced to a complex, enigmatic hero (perhaps an anti-hero?), Pearce Butler. Butler weaves mysteriously in and out of Terry Holbrook’s story. The reader is introduced to shady characters who seem to be helping Holbrook and, in turn, DeGraaf’s daughter. Maybe some of those characters are Pearce Butler in disguise…then again, maybe they’re not. They seem to be helping Terry… but then again, maybe they’re working against him. The dark, tantalizing journey to clarity is full of the stuff that makes great mysteries engaging reading. And the idea that the brilliant Pearce Butler is out there in Detroit’s shadows, ready to weave himself through the next Mark Beyer mystery, leaves us, excitedly, wanting more and the author is ready to oblige. “I learned so much, I just want to do it again,” he says. “It’ll go much more quickly next time.” Here’s hoping that’s the case.
Mark Beyer will read from Hired Man and sign copies 5:30-8:00pm on Friday, June 22nd at Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor (124 E. Washington).
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arts & culture Ladies and Gentleman, Step Right Up for the Slambovian Circus of Dreams
Mitten Punk Rock Flea Market Turns Two
This pioneering alt-funk band started over a decade ago in Sleepy Hollow, New York – where at least one other famed legend was born – and have brought their top-hatted Willy Wonka-esque look and musical incarnation of what’s been called “hillbilly Pink Floyd” and “surreal Americana” all over the festival circuit through US, the UK and Canada. Chronogram Magazine calls them “a riveting, mesmerizing, crazy, amazing machine of music.” - JK
$27 reserved, $20 general admission. 8pm, Friday, June 15th. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 734-761-1800. Theark.org
Ongoing
Fridays
7pm. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewry. arborbrewing.com Free
8pm. $4-$5. Riverside Arts Center. riversidearts.org
[misc] Trivia Night at Corner
6pm. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse. cultivateypsi.com. Free
What better way to relax than with trivia and craft beer? Two games, at 7pm and 8pm. Make a night of it and stay for both!
All ages and levels welcome at this weekly craft gathering!
Weekly Meditation Sitting [health & wellness]
7pm. Washington Street Education Center. chelseamich.com. Free
A group meditation with a short discussion on topics of interest. Everyone welcome.
Tuesdays
[health & wellness] “Being in Tune” Community Meditation 12pm-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.
Tuesday Tango [dance]
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.
$2 entry fee. 12pm - 9pm, Saturday, June 23rd. Pittsfield Union Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd., Ann Arbor. 734-769-1052, pittsfieldgrange.org. More info @ mittenpunkrockfleamarket@gmail.com.
Wednesdays
Mondays
[misc] Knitting Night at Cultivate
Spend two bucks and partake of a fun-filled bonanza of live bands, local makers and vendors as this unique mini-festival moves its second iteration indoors. Refreshments, raffles and door prizes all will be in full effect with proceeds designated to develop a youth-focused community center in Inkster, called the High Five Hideout. - JK
Thursdays [misc] Sounds and Sights
6:30pm-8:30pm. Downtown Chelsea. chelseafestivals.com. Free Stroll through downtown for a variety of music, art, comedy, and family entertainment.
Shadow League Show [comedy]
7:30pm. $8. Pointless Brewery & Theatre. pointlessbrew.com
Come see some of the best upand-coming improv talent in the area with Pointless Brewery’s newest Shadow League, This Is A Quiz.
Summer Comedy Jamm [comedy]
8pm. $5. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. aacomedy.com
See 12 of the area’s rising star comedians, from beginners to comic vets, as they let loose on the Showcase stage!
LGBTQ Pride Month Opening Reception [art]
[dance] Swing Dance Party
Free beginner lesson (8pm-9pm) covers the swing basics and other dance moves every week. Open dancing follows at 9pm, featuring two different swing DJs every week.
1 Friday
6pm-9pm. Riverside Arts Center. riversidearts.org. Free
Celebrate the start of LGBTQ Pride Month with this opening reception at Riverside Arts Center!
PULSE Nightclub: 49 Elegies [art]
7pm. 22 North Gallery. 22north.org. Free
[environment] Bird Walk
9am. Argo Canoe Livery. a2gov.org. Free
Join Natural Area ornithologist, Juliet Berger, for a peaceful bird walk around the Argo Cascades and nature area. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather. Meet at the canoe livery.
All Childish Things: The Special Edition [theater] 8pm. $10-$20. Dennis McComb Performance Arts Center, Milan High School. milanareaschools.org
Directed by Joey Albright, this wild tale by Joseph Zettelmaier has seen many productions across the country since its debut in 2006. Come for this comedy set in Cincinnati, Ohio about three life-long friends who plot to steal millions of dollars worth of Star Wars memorabilia.
Artist John Gutoskey will have an opening for his work, PULSE Nightclub: 49 Elegies, a series of mixed-media monoprints made to commemorate each of the 49 people massacred at the LQBTQ PULSE nightclub in Orlando, Florida on June 12, 2016. There will be a 49 minute silent meditation in honor of the victims and for all victims of gun violence.
MRS. FIFTY BAKES A PIE by Linda Ramsay-Detherage World Premiere [theater] 8pm. $5-$20. Theatre NOVA. theatrenova.org
Come for the world premiere of this unique play about a middleaged 1960s housewife who stumbles into a dominatrix’s session and discovers a source of personal power that surprises everyone around her.
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Frank Roche [comedy]
8pm. $12-$14. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. aacomedy.com
Hailing from Detroit, this national headliner is one of the most high energy acts on the comedy circuit today. Fusing rapid-fire antics with dead-on celebrity impressions, Frank has become a crowd favorite coast to coast.
2 Saturday
[art] Potters Guild Spring Sale 10am. Potters Guild. pottersguild.net. Free
Find functional and decorative gifts from over 40 local ceramic artists. After shopping, take in a wheel throwing demonstration.
On Broadway Spring Fundraiser [theater]
6:30pm. $75. The Encore Musical Theatre Company. theencoretheatre.org Come for a Broadway concert featuring Dan Cooney and Jessica Grove! Enjoy an open bar, hordoeuvres from Zingermans, and a strolling auction. Proceeds benefit Encore Theatre.
ROAD TRIP For a slice of Canadiana, check out the Fourth Annual Taste of Tecumseh Festival at Lakewood Park on the shores of Lake St. Clair in Tecumseh, Ontario. The two-day festival features local and regional culinary specialties, a variety of distinctive award-winning wines and craft beers and live entertainment, all in a beautiful waterside setting. Windsor Essex’s favourite (i.e,, “favorite” on this side of the Detroit River) party band Bigg Wiggle headlines both nights. - JK $16.88 for an early-bird weekend pass, Friday and Saturday, June 15-16. Lakewood Park, Tecumseh, OT. tasteoftecumseh.ca.
nicolasbooks.com. Free
Gigi Langer is an award winning Enjoy an elegant cocktail and sushi author, having written six books reception in celebration of the Mat- and hundreds of articles on perthaei Botanical Gardens Bonsai and sonal and professional growth. Penjing Garden. intimate reception Join her as she presents her new is limited to the first 50 registrants. book, 50 Ways to Worry Less Now.
3 Sunday
6 Wednesday
[misc] Smell & Tell | Follow Your Nose In the Great Outdoors
[literature] Richard Russo
Refresh your soul and raise your spirits with plants, flowers, roots and trees that shape the June scentscape using scent mapping, a sensory evaluation technique used by perfumers. Meet at Platt Road Pavilion.
Award-winning author Richard Russo will discuss his newly released personal essay collection, The Destiny Thief: Essays on Writing.
2pm. County Farm Park. aadl.org. Free
4 Monday
7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free
7 Thursday
[misc] Intro to Aerial Arts
[literature] 5,000 Ways You Know You’re From Detroit
Take your first flight on the aerial fabrics, static trapeze, and lyra, in this class designed for absolute beginners. Begin with a heart pumping warm up and brief overview of aerial safety, then fly the skies of the Aviary!
Elaine Weeks and Chris Edwards will show images from their new book focusing on the baby boomer years in the Motor City. A book signing and raffle will close out the event, hosted by 107one’s Martin Bandyke.
6pm. $25. The Ann Arbor Aviary. a2aviary.com
5 Tuesday
[misc] The Moth StorySLAM: Endings
7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. aadl.org. Free
#TBT Comedy Showcase [comedy]
6:30pm. Chelsea District Library. chelseadistrictlibrary.org. Free
In honor of the Chelsea District Library’s long-standing tradition Come to listen or participate in this of Thursday evening comedy, popular storytelling event! Prepare welcome back comedian Kevin a five-minute personal story around Kramis for a night of cheers and laughs. the theme “Endings.”
6:30pm. $10. Zingerman’s Greyline. themoth.org
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7pm. $40. Null Taphouse, Dexter. a2tix.com
CROSS THE BORDER FOR A TASTE OF TECUMSEH
Gigi Langer: 50 Ways to Worry Less Now Bonsai & Penjing Garden Reception [literature] 7pm. Nicola’s Books. [environment] 7pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens. mbgna.umich.edu. Free
Sprout Love Game Night [misc]
2018 / ecurrent.com
Heathers [theater]
7:30pm. $14-$26. Ann Arbor Civic Theatre. a2ct.org
Catch the Civic Theatre’s rendition of this darkly comic musical based on the 1989 cult classic film. Misfit Veronica hustles her way up the high school social ladder, but popularity isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
8 Friday
[literature] David Sedaris
5pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free
Spend an evening with David Sedaris as he tours independent bookstores across the country in support of his latest essay collection, Calypso! Go online to reserve a priority signing line spot.
18th Annual Mayor’s Green Fair [environment] 6pm. Main Street. a2gov.org. Free
Celebrate the community’s environmental leadership as exhibited by citizens, nonprofits, government and businesses. Enjoy displays of green products, live music, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Shakespeare in the Arb: Romeo and Juliet [theater]
6:30pm. $10-$20. Nichols Arboretum. mbgna.umich.edu
Now in its 18th year, U-M students and community players break Shakespeare to the beautiful setting of the Arboretum. This season’s play is Romeo and Juliet, performed for the first time in this series!
Join for a game night to raise money for the Sprout Love Financial Assistance fund. The fund supports families facing cancer and provides free support services at the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor. Games will include a euchre tournament, corn hole, darts, and shuffle board.
Billy Ray Bauer [comedy]
8pm. $12-$14. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. aacomedy.com
From skewed descriptions of growing up in Detroit in the sixties, to the gory details of raising four boys in the new millennium, Billy Ray will leave you laughing and exhausted from his ordeal. Add to the mix some unusual vocal acrobatics including impressions and dialects, and you have some idea of an evening with Billy Ray.
9 Saturday
[environment] 28th Annual Ann Arbor Garden Walk
10am-4pm. $15-$20. Six Private Gardens. annarborfarmandgarden.org
Go for a beautiful walk through six select private gardens throughout Ann Arbor. Experience a variety of perennial plants, unique garden art, and handcrafted merchandise. Proceeds benefit local nonprofit horticultural and environmental organizations. Locations will be announced via the website.
Fourth Annual Recovery Walk For Awareness [misc]
10am. Liberty Plaza. a2gov.org. Free
This walk will be a safe space where members of the recovery community can enjoy and engage with other like-minded individuals. There will be refreshments, t-shirts and other assorted items available to attendants at no cost. In addition, there will be a range of guest speakers present.
Ya’ssoo Greek Festival of Ann Arbor [misc]
11am. $3. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. annarborgreekfestival.org
Enjoy a weekend of Greek Culture! There will be delicious food, live music with Enigma, dance performances, and a raffle grand prize of a trip to Greece for two! A percentage of proceeds will go to Warm the Children, Ann Arbor.
Rhythm Workshop [dance]
Wild Herbs and Plants [environment]
Downtown AA Development [misc]
Enjoy this dance workshop focused specifically on rhythm taught by Jonathan Green.
Madolyn Kaminski of Herb Study will give a presentation about wild herbs in the environment. Learn important facts about collecting, how herbs were used by Native Americans and settlers, and other useful information about these versatile plants!
Attend a presentation by Ed Shaffron, President of Shaffron Companies, who will discuss development in downtown Ann Arbor. Learn about the challenges involved with development, and discuss what the future of downtown could look like.
12:30pm. $30. The Dance Pavilion. thedancepavilion.com
Voice Improvisation Workshop [theater]
1pm-4pm. $25-$30. Ann Arbor Civic Theatre. a2ct.org
Looking for more freedom of expression? Confidence? Expand your freedom of expression, confidence, and communication skills through this vocal improvisation workshop. This class aims to be a joyful safe space in which participants will explore their voices together.
10 Sunday
[art] Chelsea Painters 45th Art Fair 10am. Chelsea Community Fairgrounds. chelseapainters.com. Free
Spend the day exploring this unique art fair! Twenty to thirty highly accomplished artists will exhibit their works using watercolor, encaustic, gouache, acrylic, oil, pastel, colored pencil and mixed media. Come Rain or Shine!
See Through: Reflections on Photography [art]
3pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art. umma.umich.edu. Free Accompany Jennifer Friess, UMMA’s Assistant Curator of Photography for a conversation in the gallery about how windows and mirrors, like the medium of photography itself, expand the limits of the human eye to perceive the world.
11 Monday
[misc] Communicate Compassionately with Lisa Gottlieb 7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free
In this interactive gathering, social worker and certified Nonviolent Communication trainer, Lisa Gottlieb, will share practical tools to increase empathy and connection in daily life.
Michigan Notable Book: Zingerman’s Bakehouse [literature]
7pm. Saline District Library. salinelibrary.org. Free
Master bakers and co-owners of Zingerman’s Bakehouse, Amy Emberling and Frank Carollo, will present their book of 65 famous recipes. Join for a discussion about the book and other tales from the Bakehouse.
7pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens. mbgna.umich.edu. Free
Author John U. Bacon [literature] 7pm. Nicola’s Books. nicolasbooks.com. Free
Join for a book talk and signing with John U Bacon for his new book, The Best of Bacon, with both new and familiar stories, all centered on sports in his home state of Michigan.
Sweet Stories at Sweetwaters [misc]
8pm. Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea. Free This new series focuses on storytelling! A featured reader will kick off the night with an open mic to follow.
12 Tuesday
[film] Dreamgirls
10pm. Ingalls Mall. arts.umich.edu. Free
Come for a movie out on Ingalls Mall! Dreamgirls is a story of greed and romance. The film Dreamgirls revolves around three young women and their journey as backup singers for the legendary James “Thunder” Early.
7pm. $10. Kellogg Eye Center. events.umich.edu
14 Thursday
[misc] A Touch of Magic
6:30pm. Chelsea District Library. chelseadistrictlibrary.org. Free
Enjoy an engaging evening of magic and mystery with Michigan magicians Jeff Wawrzaszek and Ming the Magnificent. The two will delight with sleight-ofhand, illusions, and more.
Try Three Types of Printmaking [art] 7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free
Learn three takes on printmaking from Ann Arbor Art Center instructor and artist Chelsea O’Hayer. Techniques will include Gyotaku Fish Printing, a traditional Japanese method of printing fish, printmaking with manhole covers, and screen printing.
The Sting [film]
10pm. Ingalls Mall. arts.umich.edu. Free
Relax with a movie out on Ingalis Mall! This week’s featured film will be “The Sting.”
15 Friday
[art] Sanctuary Opening Party 6pm. Ann Arbor Art Center. annarborartcenter.org Free
Join for the opening party of the Art Center’s newest exhibition, Sanctuary, featuring the artists of Ypsi Alloy Studios. Beverages for the opening party provided by O&W Inc.
Artist Talk with Maris Wicks [art] 7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. aadl.org. Free
Kick off the Ann Arbor Comic Arts Festival with artist Maris Wicks, who will talk about her exhibit Gorillas, Guts, and Gastropods. Wicks is known for her comics and graphic novels inspired by science.
Joe Bronzi [comedy]
8pm. $12-$14. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. aacomedy.com
Spend your Friday night laughing with standup Joe Bronzi, who has appeared on NBC’s “Night Shift,” “Room for Debate” on ESPN, and “Crowd Rules” on MSNBC.
13 Wednesday
[misc] The Art of the Story
1pm. $395. ZingTrain. events.zingermanscommunity.com
In this half-day workshop, artist and writer Debbie Millman will explore the art of telling a story through a unique combination of images and words. Investigate the ability stories have to honor the diversity and commonality of the collective human experience.
An Evening of Poetry and the Written Word [poetry]
7pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room. crazywisdom.net. Free
Writers are invited to share and discuss their poetry or short fiction. Bring six copies of your work, to be returned at the end of the workshop.
Book Discussion [literature]
7pm. Saline District Library. salinelibrary.org. Free
Join for a friendly book discussion at the library! Call or stop by the library to check on current titles.
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16 Saturday
18 Monday
[art] The Ann Arbor Comic Arts Festival
[literature] E. Lawrence Abel
A2CAF is a celebration of comics, graphic novels, and the people who love them. This year’s event will feature over 50 artists and authors! There will be over 25 cartooning workshops and creative games to participate in.
Join distinguished Wayne State University professor E. Lawrence Abel as he presents his new book, “John Wilkes Booth and the Women Who Loved Him.” Abel has made guest appearances on several national T.V. shows such as The Tom Snyder Show and To Tell The Truth, as well as many radio talk shows.
9am. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. aadl.org. Free
Acting Intensive [theater]
10am-4pm. $115-$125. Ann Arbor Civic Theatre. a2ct.org
This two day workshop will focus on actors who have already learned something about warm-ups, movement, and analysis. Learn how to use that knowledge on stage and translate it into powerful active performance.
CDL’s Local Author Fair [literature]
12:30pm. Chelsea District Library. chelseadistrictlibrary.org. Free
Celebrate Chelsea-area writing talent at CDL’s first Annual fair dedicated to local authors. Writers of fiction, non-fiction, teen, and children’s titles will all be onhand to sell and sign their works.
17 Sunday
[health & wellness] A Day of Silence and Meditation Practice 9am. $30 suggested donation. Michigan Friends Center, Chelsea. chelseamich.com
Take this opportunity to enjoy the quiet of the country while practicing sitting and walking meditation. Appropriate for beginners, experienced meditators, and those in-between. Proceeds benefit the Michigan Friends Center.
7pm. Nicola’s Books. nicolasbooks.com. Free
Fiction at Literati: Lillian Li [literature] 7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free
Author Lillian Li will share her debut novel, Number One Chinese Restaurant, an exuberant and wise multigenerational debut novel about the complicated lives and loves of people working in a Chinese restaurant.
The Historical Background of Juneteenth w/Beverly Jenkins [misc] 7pm. Malletts Creek Branch. aadl.org. Free
Do you know the real story of how Juneteenth came to be? Join local award winning author Beverly Jenkins for a look at the history of this celebratory AfricanAmerican event.
19 Tuesday
[misc] The Moth StorySLAM: Imposter 6:30pm. $10. Zingerman’s Greyline. themoth.org
Come to participate or listen at this popular storytelling event! Prepare a 5-minute personal story centered around the theme “Imposter.”
20 Wednesday
[film] Minority Report
10pm. Ingalls Mall. arts.umich.edu. Free
Enjoy a movie out on Ingalls Mall with action adventure classic, Minority Report.
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21 Thursday
[misc] Buzzed Bee: A Grown-Up Spelling Bee
5:30pm. The Annex - Top of Park. aadl.org. Free
Adults 21+ are invited to participate or watch these absurd spelling challenges! Spelling starts at 7pm, but space for participation is limited. If you want a spot in the bee, come early!
ComedySportz [comedy]
6:30pm. Chelsea District Library. chelseadistrictlibrary.org. Free
Two teams will battle for laughs and points as they make up scenes, games, and songs on the spot. Laugh as the referee calls out the fouls, and then vote for the winners!
Building the Modern World: Albert Kahn in Detroit [literature]
7pm. Traverwood Branch Library. aadl.org. Free
In his new book, author Michael Hodges of the Detroit News takes an in-depth look at the life and important architectural contributions of Albert Kahn, whose designs range from iconic buildings such as the Fisher Building to synagogues, homes, churches, buildings, and factories.
Ice Bar: Disability Culture Speculative Fiction [literature]
7:30pm. Aut Bar/Common Language Bookstore. Free
Listen to readings of psychedelic fantasy with a cast of queer, vulnerable, and beautiful characters, where disability becomes an invitation to new lives, new stories, and new opportunities.
22 Friday
Japan Week Craft - Origami [art] 2pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. aadl.org. Free
Learn a bit about the history of this traditional Japanese art form and go through the basics of folding a few models.
Charity Euchre Tournament: Euchre Change A Life [misc]
6pm. $10. 242 Community Center. facebook.com/EuchreChangeALife
Play in a single elimination tournament with prizes to support the education of children in Seguin, Haiti. Bring a snack to share or enjoy refreshments in the cafe.
Mark Beyer [literature]
7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com Free
Join author Mark Beyer who will be reading and discussing his new novel, Hired Man. Beyer is a Detroit-based writer, creative director, and video producer.
Bryan McCree [comedy]
8pm. $12-$14. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. aacomedy.com
Bryan McCree has been seen on Mad TV, Comedy Central, and Comic’s Unleashed with Byron Allen. He has shared the stage with the likes of Sinbad, George Wallace, and the Isley Brothers and was a finalist in NBC’s Stand UP for Diversity contest in 2006.
23 Saturday
[environment] 29th Annual Livonia Garden Walk 10am-4pm. $9-$10. Private Gardens, Livonia. ci.livonia.mi.us Tour five beautiful privately owned gardens throughout Livonia as well as the SimmonsHill House Gardens. Check the website for a map of locations.
Antique and Classic Car Show [misc] 11am. $5. Historic Gordon Hall. dexterhistory.org
Admire some of the area’s most eye-catching antique and classic cars. In addition to the car display, there will be shopping at the Antiques and Vintage Market, tours of Gordon Hall, and old time midway games.
The Animal Lover’s Guide to Changing the World [literature] 3pm. Nicola’s Books. nicolasbooks.com. Free
Join Stephanie Feldstein as she presents “The Animal Lover’s Guide to Changing the World.” Feldstein heads a national program that addresses the connection between human population growth, overconsumption, and the wildlife extinction crisis. Readers will learn how to take action to create a better world for the animals they love!
Life Lessons From the Ballroom [dance] 7pm. $30. The Dance Pavilion. thedancepavilion.com
Kristen Storey will discuss six lessons great for personal and professional wellbeing. The evening will also include a salsa dance lesson, performances, and an open dance party great for networking.
24 Sunday
[literature] AADL Pub Reading Series
7pm. Conor O’Neills. aadl.org. Free
28 Thursday
[environment] Nature Walk
6pm. Bandemer Park. a2gov.org. Free
8pm. Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea. sweetwaterscafe.com. Free
Join NAP staff on a familyfriendly walk through the park to learn more about a variety of wildlife including birds, butterflies, frogs, and toads. Meet at the south end of the park, in the parking lot off Lake Shore Drive (via Main Street). Wear comfortable clothes, and bring water if desired.
This new series focuses on storytelling! A featured reader will kick off the night with an open mic to follow.
26 Tuesday
[literature] Fiction at Literati: Fatima 7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com. Free
Author Fatima Farheen Mirza will read and discuss her new novel, A Place for Us. Mirza’s debut novel gathers the lives of an Indian Muslim family in California on the eve of its eldest daughter’s wedding.
27 Wednesday
[health & wellness] Zen Moon Flow
5pm-7pm. Ann Arbor Summer Festival: Top of the Park. a2sf.org. Free Enjoy an intimate Vinyasa based yoga class synchronized as part of the A2SF. Learn how to tune into deep intuition through reflection.
Aviary Aerial & Circus Arts [misc]
6:30pm. Chelsea District Library. chelseadistrictlibrary.org. Free
Experience the beauty of aviary crew members as they move gracefully through the sky in this visually thrilling, circus-esque aerial performance. Using fabric, ropes, and hoops, these artists will show off stunning moves suspended in the air.
29 Friday
[comedy] John Heffron
8pm. $25. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. aacomedy.com
Acclaimed standup John Heffron is known for sharing an array of relatable experiences from childhood through life as a married father. Long before emerging victorious in Last Comic Standing, Heffron first took the stage at U-M’s Main Street Comedy Showcase, now the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
30 Saturday
[film] When I Stutter
4pm. $10. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org
Enjoy a documentary that reveals the humanity that exists within an often mysterious malady. Over the course of 4.5 years, 19 people shared stories about how stuttering has impacted their lives. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with John Gomez (Director) and Scott Palasik (featured in the film).
Romeo and Juliet
Enjoy a staged reading of “She Kills Monsters” by Qui Nguyen in an informal setting.
25 Monday
[misc] Sweet Stories at Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
Sophie Grillet
Artist
info@SophieArtist.com SophieArtist.com ArborArtConsulting.com ecurrent.com / june 2018 41
person of interest Kristie Brablec by Cammie Finch
Person: Kristie Brablec Occupation: Experience Curator for Zingerman’s Food Tours How and when did you first become involved with Zingerman’s? I have been
with Zingerman’s for just over 14 years. I was working with the city of Ann Arbor before that, with the Natural Area Preservation. It was clear to me about a month into my employment at Zingerman’s that I had found a place that would allow me to learn new things and be myself. It has grown into a very meaningful career.
Now, you are an “Experience Curator” for Zingerman’s Food Tours.
I’ll be honest, I just made that title up. We’re not big on titles here at Zingerman’s, but sometimes they are helpful for others so this is my attempt to try and describe what I do as a service. My job is to make sure that my guests, our vendors, and our partners all feel fully supported for our upcoming programs. Then, my goal is to deliver an experience that is truly unique, service-focused, and educational. I want to share with our guests how history, war, celebration, and environment have shaped our traditional foods, our wine, and our way of life globally. I want to help make connections in a world where connections are becoming few and far between. These trips are designed to take local global.
Where will the next Zingerman’s Food Tour be located? We have just launched
our first trip to France in the fall of 2018. We’ll be spending a good amount of time in Paris learning how their history and values have shaped their food and wine. We’ll spend a day in Normandy learning about cheese with local farmers, sipping oysters by the sea, and will end the trip in the Champagne region, where the rules and regulations have a very strong role in the shape of the future. Where are three places in the world you haven’t been to yet, but are on your list?
Thailand, Georgia (the country), and South Africa. In your bio on the Zingerman’s website, it says you are “an artist, a pilot, and music lover” as well as someone who “loves a good taco and talking about sharks.” What kind of art do you produce/what medium do you use? I am a potter and
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Why did you want to become a pilot?
My father and uncle are both retired commercial pilots. My father taught me to fly on our family farm. It’s in my blood. What song/band do you have on repeat these days?
One artist I keep returning to recently is José González. He centers me. Best tacos in Ann Arbor?
Chela’s.
Favorite shark fact: I think
it’s more important to talk about shark conservation. Nearly 100 million sharks are killed each year which drastically outnumbers the rate of recovery for most species. Just something to think about.
And lastly, if you could eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pasta! It’s versatile and humble.
Cannabis Cannabis on the move in Michigan
Legalization measure on November ballot By Vic Tanny In late April the State Board of Canvassers ruled that the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol has collected enough signatures to qualify for the November 6 ballot. The success follows a previous campaign in which a state-mandated 180-day signature collection window thwarted the petition. The proposal would create a state-regulated system, licensing businesses to cultivate, process, test, and sell cannabis products to adults 21 and older. The measure is estimated to bring the state upwards of $100 million in annual tax revenue, with the bulk of the money going to improve schools and roads. Those over the age of 21 will be able to buy up to 2.5 ounces and keep up to 10 ounces at their home. In 2008, Michigan voters passed a medicinal cannabis measure by a 63%-37% margin, an encouraging statistic heading into November. The State Legislature, however, may not let this issue get to the ballot, as electeds could pass it and make it law prior to the election. Republicans, who won’t benefit from the increased voter turnout in support of the measure, may try to push the measure through early, a move that may prove to be a longshot. Michigan a trendsetter for cannabis legislation in the midwest, could become the first state in this area of the country to end prohibition entirely. If you’ve driven down Washtenaw Ave. recently, it’s hard to ignore the implications that the taxes would have on our aging infrastructure. Will Michigan become the ninth state to legalize recreational cannabis? Keep an eye on the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol as they hit the streets for the upcoming campaign.
More info: www.regulatemi.org
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JUNE
free will astrology © Copyright 2018 Rob Brezsny
ARIES (March 21-April 19): A critic described Leonardo da Vinci’s painting the *Mona Lisa* as “the most visited, most written about, most sung about, most parodied work of art in the world.” It hasn’t been sold recently, but is estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Today it’s kept in the world-renowned Louvre museum in Paris, where it’s viewed by millions of art-lovers. But for years after its creator’s death, it enjoyed little fanfare while hanging in the bathroom of the French King Francois. I’d love to see a similar evolution in your own efforts, Aries: a rise from humble placement and modest appreciation to a more interesting fate and greater approval. The astrological omens suggest that you have more power than usual to make this happen in the coming weeks and months. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): These days, many films use CGI, computer generated imagery. The technology is sophisticated and efficient. But in the early days of its use, producing such realistic fantasies was painstaking and time-intensive. For example, Steven Spielberg’s 1993 film *Jurassic Park* featured four minutes of CGI that required a year to create. I hope that in the coming weeks, you will summon equivalent levels of old-school tenacity and persistence and attention to detail as you devote yourself to a valuable task that you love. Your passion needs an infusion of discipline. Don’t be shy about grunting. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Ninety-five percent of your fears have little or no objective validity. Some are delusions generated by the neurotic parts of your imagination. Others are delusions you’ve absorbed from the neurotic spew of other people’s imaginations. What I’ve just told you is both bad news and good news. On the one hand, it’s a damn shame you feel so much irrational and unfounded anxiety. On the other hand, hearing my assertion that so much of it is irrational and unfounded might mobilize you to free yourself from its grip. I’m pleased to inform you that the coming weeks will be an excellent time to wage a campaign to do just that. June can and should be Fighting for Your Freedom from Fear Month. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): During the next four weeks, I’ll celebrate if you search for and locate experiences that will heal the part of your heart that’s still a bit broken. My sleep at night will be extra deep and my dreams extra sweet if I know you’re drumming up practical support for your feisty ideals. I’ll literally jump for joy if you hunt down new teachings that will ultimately ensure you start making a daring dream come true in 2019. And my soul will soar if you gravitate toward the mind-expanding kind of hedonism rather than the mindshrinking variety. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Everyone has a unique fate that’s interesting enough to write a book about. Each of us has at least one epic story to tell that would make people cry and laugh and adjust their thoughts about the meaning of life. What would your saga be like? Think about what’s unfolding right now, because I bet that would be a ripe place to start your meditations. The core themes of your destiny are currently on vivid display, with new plot twists taking your drama in novel directions. Want to get started? Compose the first two sentences of your memoir. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “Dear Oracle: I find myself in the weird position of trying to decide between doing the good thing and doing the right thing. If I opt to emphasize sympathy and kindness, I may look like an eager-to-please wimp with shaky principles. But if I push hard for justice and truth, I may seem rude and insensitive. Why is it so challenging to have integrity? - Vexed Libra.” Dear Libra: My advice is to avoid the all-or-nothing approach. Be willing to be half-good and half-right. Sometimes the highest forms of integrity require you to accept imperfect solutions.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): On February 17, 1869, Russian chemist Dmitri Mendeleyev had an appointment with a local cheese-making company to provide his expert consultation. But he never made it. A blast of inspiration overtook him soon after he awoke, and he stayed home to tend to the blessed intrusion. He spent that day as well as the next two perfecting his vision of the periodic table of the elements, which he had researched and thought about for a long time. Science was forever transformed by Mendeleyev’s breakthrough. I doubt your epiphanies in the coming weeks will have a similar power to remake the whole world, Gemini. But they could very well remake your world. When they arrive, honor them. Feed them. Give them enough room to show you everything they’ve got.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): You have waited long enough to retaliate against your adversaries. It’s high time to stop simmering with frustration and resentment. Take direct action! I suggest you arrange to have a box of elephant poop shipped to their addresses. You can order it here: tinyurl.com/ElephantManure. JUST KIDDING! I misled you with the preceding statements. It would in fact be a mistake for you to express such vulgar revenge. Here’s the truth: Now is an excellent time to seek retribution against those who have opposed you, but the best ways to do that would be by proving them wrong, surpassing their accomplishments, and totally forgiving them. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Marketing experts say that motivating a person to say yes to a big question is more likely if you first build momentum by asking them smaller questions to which it’s easy to say yes. I encourage you to adopt this slant for your own purposes in the coming weeks. It’s prime time to extend invitations and make requests that you’ve been waiting for the right moment to risk. People whom you need on your side will, I suspect, be more receptive than usual -- and with good reasons -- but you may still have to be smoothly strategic in your approach. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I bet you’ll be offered at least one valuable gift, and possibly more. But I’m concerned that you may not recognize them for their true nature. So I’ve created an exercise to enhance your ability to identify and claim these gifts-in-disguise. Please ruminate on the following concepts: 1. a pain that can heal; 2. a shadow that illuminates; 3. an unknown or anonymous ally; 4. a secret that nurtures intimacy; 5. a power akin to underground lightning; 6. an invigorating boost disguised as tough love. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): When I was a kid attending elementary schools in the American Midwest, recess was a core part of my educational experience. For 45 minutes each day, we were excused from our studies so we could indulge in free-form play -- outdoors, if the weather was nice, or else in the gymnasium. But in recent years, schools in the U.S. have shrunk the time allotted for recess. Many schools have eliminated it altogether. Don’t they understand this is harmful to the social, emotional, and physical health of their students? In any case, Aquarius, I hope you move in the opposite direction during the coming weeks. You need more than your usual quota of time away from the grind. More fun and games, please! More messing around and merriment! More recess! PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): For many years, actor Mel Blanc provided the voice for Bugs Bunny, a cartoon character who regularly chowed down on raw carrots. But Blanc himself did not like raw carrots. In a related matter, actor John Wayne, who pretended to be a cowboy and horseman in many movies, did not like horses. And according to his leading ladies, charismatic macho film hunk Harrison Ford is not even close to being an expert kisser. What about you, Pisces? Is your public image in alignment with your true self? If there are discrepancies, the coming weeks will be an excellent time to make corrections.
Homework: Each of us has a secret ignorance. Can you guess what yours is? What could you do about it? Freewillastrology.com. ecurrent.com / june 2018 45
JUST PATCHING THROUGH Across 1. Bit of profanity 6. Bit of profanity 10. Slug it out 14. With it 15. Good sign? 16. Arm bone 17. Trail of trenches? 19. Welcome financial gift 20. He-Man’s colleague 21. Its capital is Kampala 23. Test in a tube, briefly 25. Mall that can get you a date on Friday? 28. Long times 30. “Well ...?� 31. “There’s Really a Wolf� rapper 32. Running a bit behind 35. Wheel cheese 37. Porn connoisseurs? 43. Bubbly name 44. Grab quickly 45. Planted, as grass 48. Winter hrs. in the Twin Cities 50. Car freshener smell 51. Exam that checks your pliability? 55. Guy from Dallas 56. Dave’s Single restaurant 57. Letter from Crete 59. Product with an Apple Pencil 60. Analog demos? 65. Silencing button 66. “But we should consider this�: initially 67. Orange-yellow 68. Floored it 69. Conservative in Chelsea 70. Beaks
  june
8. RN’s approach 9. Blatherskite 10. Legacy builder 11. Puts (down) 12. Battery parts 13. Attacked 18. Mindless singing babble 22. Maker of the vivosport activity tracker 23. One of the Spice Girls 24. Engine’s sound 26. Bumper sticker word made of many different religious symbols 27. TV personality Kotb 29. “This might take a while� 33. Insubstantial 34. Surgeon General’s org. 36. Mornings: Abbr. 38. Cut into metal 39. Power ___ 40. Grave writings 41. Hard to read letter 42. Eyewear, casually 45. Get to the plate 46. Elaborately decorated 47. Joined together 49. Irritable 51. Goes underwater, maybe 52. 100 beans 53. “Quit talking� 54. Rockie’s range 58. Snack with salsa 61. “Who am ___ you?� 62. Pointed peak 63. Shoe box letters 64. Group that’s not going back to sch.
2018 / ecurrent.com
Down 1. Bummed 2. Conflict under Woodrow Wilson 3. Corrodes 4. Eyebrow shape 5. Fix, as a dress alteration 6. “Well, fudge� 7. They can help you during a breakdown
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