Current - May 2018

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

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contents

May 2018 vol. 28/no. 05

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13 food events 37 astrology 18 music events 38 crossword 30 arts & 39 classifieds

culture 34 cannabis

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Happy hour specials, sunny spots, shady retreats, and more. p6

12 food: Namaste Flavours New tastes move into the former Raja Rani space

by Jeff Kass

17 music: Approachable Minorities The Ypsi trio offers party-energy harmonies

by Jeff Milo

Waiting for Identification Huron Teacher RJ Fox Publishes Third Book

by Patrick Flores Scott

exclusively at

ECURRENT.COM

25 theater: Big Fish

Dexter Encore Theatre brings a big story to a small stage

by Emily Slomovits

27 Person of Interest

Morris Lawrence III: Instructor at the Ann Arbor Karate Club

by Cammie Finch

28 art: Artic Art

Inuit collection donated to UMMA

by Karen Smyte

ecurrent.com / may 2018   3

Adams Street Publishing Co.  Aunt Agatha’s Closing After 26 years, Ann Arbor’s fabled home for mysteries, thrillers and true crime books on S. 4th St. will shut its doors this August. An email to customers expained “As in the great Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, there are many culprits (contributing to) our demise – we are getting older; constant street construction; Amazon; and fierce local competition.” All remaining books are 20 percent off in May, 30 percent off in June, 40 percent off in July and 50 percent off in August.

What’s your favorite kick back and chill song for a sunny afternoon?

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@adamsstreetpublishing.com) KATRINA & THE WAVES - “WALKING ON SUNSHINE.”

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@adamsstreetpublishing.com) MUNGO JERRY - “IN THE SUMMERTIME.”

Editorial

Assignment Editor: Jeff Kass

(annarboreditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

VAN MORRISON’S - “INTO THE MYSTIC.”

 Bead Gallery Shutting its doors After a 32-year run at 311 E. Liberty St., The Bead Gallery in Ann Arbor is closing. A Facebook post says “We have loved being a part of the downtown Ann Arbor community... We want to thank all of you for your continued support over the last three decades, as we have grown and changed.”

Editorial Assistance: Athena Cocoves

(editor@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

VIOLENT FEMMES - “AMERICAN MUSIC.” Calendar Editor, Staff Writer: Estar Cohen (calendar@adamsstreetpublishing.com) NICK DRAKE - “TIME HAS TOLD ME.” Staff Writer Trilby Becker (tbecker@adamsstreetpublishing.com) BABY BASH AND FRANKIE - “SUGA SUGA.” Contributing Writers: Emily Slomovits, Jeff Milo, Cammie Finch, Karen Smyte, Vic Tanny, Rob Brezsny, Brendan Emmitt Quigley,

Digital Media

 Terry B’s Becomes Fillmore Bar & Grill Following its brief shutdown in March, Terry B’s in Dexter has reopened as the Fillmore Bar & Grill. The new menu promises a variety of exciting dishes with fresh, locally sourced ingredients made from scratch.  Glasshouse Brewing Closes, Sells Site Just short of its second anniversary, the Ann Arbor brewpub has closed and is finalizing an agreement to sell its 4,000 square-foot space on Liberty between Stadium and Maple. No word yet on the buyer or future plans.

Tech Manager: Saul Jacobs (saul@adamsstreetpublishing.com) SUBLIME - “GARDEN GROVE.” Web Guru: Deanna Woods (digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com) THE AVETT BROTHERS - “FEBRUARY SEVEN.”

Art/Production Production Manager: Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) THE ROOTS - “LAZY AFTERNOON.” Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) SINATRA OR 70’S & 80’S CLASSICS. Designers: Kelli Miller (kmiller@adamsstreetpublishing.com) THE GRATEFUL DEAD - “RIPPLE” Anita Tipton (atipton@adamsstreetpublishing.com) THE BEACH BOYS - “I GET AROUND.”

 Nexient earns $1.5 million grant, looks to hire hundreds The Pittsfield Township software development company seeks to hire 300 people over the next three years. In addition to the grant from the Michigan Economic Office, the company will concentrate on the hiring effort as well as building additional infrastructure and expanding equipment at its Oak Valley Drive site.

Norwin Lopez (nlopez@adamsstreetpublishing.com) SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE - “HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME”

Advertising

Sales Catherine Bohr (a2sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com) ALT-J - “PANDORA STATION.” Sales Coordinator Jen Leach (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com THE DOORS - “LIGHT MY FIRE.”

Administration Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@adamsstreetpublishing.com) COLDPLAY - “HYMN FOR THE WEEKEND OR AMAZING DAY.”

Also publishers of: Mature

Member

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© 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.

green corner UM Composting plans for less waste While UM has been making great strides towards its ambitious 2025 Campus Sustainability Goals through its Planet Blue program, waste reduction has been difficult to achieve. UM is piloting a composting project that, if successful, will divert up to 1/3 of typical landfill waste to the Ann Arbor Compost Center. The Zero Waste Game Days program now employs compostable containers which, at 88.17 percent,is closing in on the goal of diverting 100 percent of Big House game-day waste to composting and recycling facilities. Progress toward the campuswide goal of reducing waste to 40 percent of 2006 levels is on the horizon. Let’s Go (Planet) Blue! - TB

fyi DTE Doubles Renewable Energy Capacity DTE plans to double Michigan’s renewable energy capacity by 2022, investing over $1.7 billion dollars into multiple projects across the state. The rapid increase in renewables is part of DTE’s plan to phase out coal and reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. Most of the projects slated for development are wind parks, including the first offshore wind park in the Great Lakes, which is nearing approval. Many Ann Arbor businesses and residents have already joined DTE’s MIGreenPower program, where DTE customers pay slightly more to offset the cost of renewable energy investments. - TB

Residential customer service 800-477-4747.

Newlook.dteenergy.com

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Avalon Café & Kitchen

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What better place to chill out on a summer afternoon or evening than a happening outdoor patio? Grab a drink and tasty morsels, soak up some rays or look at the stars, and kick back with Current’s Patio Guide.

Michigan Patio Beers To Try This Summer Wet your whistle with these summer sippers

WHANGO Atwater Brewing

Company—Detroit, Michigan 4.9% ABV

German Pale Wheat malt lends this clean offering a lightly citric crispness at the back of the palate. The addition of real mango adds a soft, sweet roundness to the body and natural mango flavoring lifts the aroma to match.

EL LIGERO Griffin Claw Brewing

Company—Birmingham, Michigan 4.5% ABV

JUICY Petoskey Brewing

Company—Petoskey, Michigan 5.7% ABV

Bursting with rich, mouth watering El Ligero is a clean and crisp Mexican citrus and tropical hop aromas, this Lager that Griffin Claw brewed with fresh New England style IPA is a melange of lime juice to give it that true vacation juicy flavors. flavor.

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120 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor 734-263-2996 avalonbreads.net/avaloncafe-and-kitchen-annarbor/ What’s unique or exciting about the patio experience at your restaurant? Our patio is

100% dog friendly! We open it at 7am on weekdays and 8am on weekends so you can start your day bright and early.

What’s the view like from your patio? We’re on the

corner of Fourth and Liberty in downtown Ann Arbor!

Do you offer any specialty food or drink items for patio season?

We have our all new $5 Happy Hour Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm. It includes $5 food, cocktails beer and wine.

Speciality menu coffee is only $3.

Do you have any specials or patio events scheduled for this summer? We’ll be

hosting Taco Tuesdays and Wednesdays – three tacos, rice and guacamole for only $10. Also beer and margarita specials!

Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina

3050 Washtenaw Ave, Suite 112, Ann Arbor 734-971-2442 bigalora.com What’s unique or exciting about the patio experience at your restaurant? You’re

surrounded by a wooded area, totally secluded from the restaurant.

Are dogs permitted? Yes.

What’s the view like from your patio? Part of the view

is seeing inside the restaurant, but also a wooded area—you’ll hear birds chirping and kids playing at the daycare/preschool located behind us.

Northside Grill

Do you offer any specialty food or drink items for patio season? Everything

is special here. We serve the same full menu inside and out, including our special summer drinks and our famous Gazpacho!

Do you have any patio events scheduled for this summer? Summer is special, 1015 Broadway St., Ann Arbor 734-995-0965 northsidegrill.com What’s unique or exciting about the patio experience at your restaurant?

It’s a whole other world out there, with plants by Master Gardener David Ruby! And few other places are serving breakfast everyday on a patio.

Are dogs permitted? Sorry, only certified service dogs.

They are specially trained, certified with their own ID card and serve an important service to our handicapped brethren. We want to make the patio welcoming for everyone in our community and there are people who don’t like dogs, or are even scared of them.

Besides, Turkey the Cat told me NO!

when it eventually gets here.

We do have specials for the entire restaurant on Memorial Day, 4th of July and don’t forget Elvis Sunday in August with an Elvis Impersonator certified by Graceland!

What’s the view like from your patio? The bees are

a buzzing, the birds are a chirping and the sounds of an enjoyable breakfast are being experienced by all with jazz and blues in the air.

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Sava’s

216 S. State St., Ann Arbor 734-623-2233 Savasrestaurant.com What’s unique or exciting about the patio experience at your restaurant? We offer a spacious patio with beautiful views

of State Street while still providing intimacy for warm weather social gatherings. There’s privacy as it runs along the side of the building. However, guests still have a great view of State Street– fabulous for people watching!

Are dogs permitted? Of course! We love dogs.

Do you offer any specialty food or drink items for patio season? Creative seasonal cocktails and a lively Summer wine

selection. Our Happy Hours (Monday through Friday 9–11am and 3–6pm plus Sundays from 10pm–midnight) also extend onto the patio.

Do you have any patio events scheduled for this summer? Not yet–but we’re positive there will be something!

Possibly a Sava’s Uncorked wine tasting event. We’ve always got something in the works so check our website for updates.

Any interesting stories about a past patio happening?

Last year on our patio, we held a Sava’s Uncorked event called “Red, White, and Blues.” We grilled delicious food outdoors and had a live blues band playing. It was a wonderful experience for guests to sip on wine and enjoy the atmosphere.

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216 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor 734-369-3153 aventuraannarbor.com

Aventura

What’s unique or exciting about the patio experience at your restaurant? Our

back patio is enclosed so it makes you feel like you’re in another world when you’re out there! It’s nice to be outside on a patio but not having to be seated next to parked cars on the street.

Are dogs permitted? Yes,

preferably on the front patio because there’s more room for a pup!

Do you offer any specialty food or drink items for patio season? We offer our

Happy Hour, Monday through Friday from 3-6pm. Sangria Monday is also a fan favorite, with $5 pours all day.

Do you have any patio events scheduled for this summer? Our Paella Master

Class, an Aventura speciality, will be offered on the patio this summer. We will also likely be hosting a wine-tasting featuring a Spanish winemaker and hopefully some wine dinners.

We’ve always got fun events up our sleeves so make sure to check our website for updates.

What’s the view like from your patio? The back patio is

enclosed with sails above so the sun isn’t beaming in your eyes.

There’s upbeat music playing that makes you feel like you’re in another world. It’s just you and the folks at the neighboring tables, the smells of paella, and the clinking of sangria glasses!

Any interesting stories about a past patio happening? Our first ever

Paella Master Class took place on Aventura’s patio and transported guests right to Spain with the alluring aroma of paella, delicious Spanish wine, and warm weather— what more could you ask for?

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2017

2018

BEST OF

JUNE 2018 CALL TO ADVERTISE

734.668.4044

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Heidelberg, Agave Tequila Bar, Siris

200 Block N. Main St., Ann Arbor The200Block.com dine@the200block.com What’s unique or exciting about the patio experience at your restaurants? We have five floors of

parking right behind our restaurants, and the vibe on our block is less cramped and noisy than on the South end of Main Street!

Are dogs permitted? As long as they

mind their manners!

Do you offer any specialty food or drink items for patio season? We do

indeed! We’ll have brat & beer specials at Heidelberg, millions of margarita choices and lighter summer fare at Agave, and we’ll be doing BBQ specials at Siris.

Logan

What’s the view like from your patio? It’s a little less hectic than the

central part of downtown. The old county building is across the street, so there’s less retail bustle, and while there’s still plenty of people-watching, it feels less like a circus.

Any interesting stories about a past patio happening? One day a fellow

pulled up in a shiny new BMW and got out to say “hi” to one of our guests at Agave’s outside tables, leaving the engine running.

Another of our guests sneaked over to the car, and drove it away, with the owner chasing the car and yelling! A minute later, the car came back around the block, and the owner realized it was a pal from college he hadn’t seen in ten years.

115 W. Washington st., Ann Arbor 734-327-2312 logan-restuarant.com What’s unique or exciting about the patio experience at your restaurant?

We do not reserve the patio so it’s great for people when they decide at the last minute that they want to eat at Logan.

Are dogs permitted? Of course dogs are welcome. We will even bring some water for your pooch.

Do you offer any specialty food or drink items for patio season? We’ll

be rolling out our warm weather cocktails soon! Hopefully the weather will soon match our menu. Our patio is always a special way to enjoy Logan’s fine cuisine with the sights and sounds of summer in the city.

What’s the view like from your patio? My favorite thing to see on our

Do you have any patio events scheduled for this summer? We’ll be

patio is people unexpectedly joining friends for dinner. We often have someone dining and when some friends walk by, they get to talking, and the next thing you know, they’re asking for a menu.

featuring a “Hump Day Happy Hour Block Party” every Wednesday, with specials at various times of day at all three of our restaurants - Siris, Agave, and Heidelberg.

chef-owned & operated since 2004

offering

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 ecurrent.com / may 2018 11

food

Say Goodbye to Raja Rani and Hello to Namaste Flavours New Indian restaurant offers similar funky vibe

by Jeff Kass

When I moved to Ann Arbor in the mid-nineties, Raja Rani served as an important landmark. The quirky-looking, white house on the corner of Division and William was my gateway to downtown.

When I drove past it I knew I was entering the funky heart of Ann Arbor. Nearby was the State Theater, the Michigan Theater, David’s Books, The Diag, Shaman Drum.

I would drive (or bike) in about once a month, park near Raja Rani, grab a savory but relatively inexpensive Indian meal, then walk to a movie, concert, or to browse one of the bookstores.

Over the twenty years I’ve lived in this community— exploring the rest of Washtenaw County— Raja Rani has undergone a number of iterations. Still, I’ve always viewed the old white house fondly whenever I’ve driven past, seeing it as my transition to the bustling activity of downtown.

Now Raja Rani is no more. As of March 1st, it reopened as Namaste Flavours Indian Kitchen. While still finding its legs in terms of redecorating and staffing, I’m hopeful it will become an iconic destination.

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chewy naan; a pungent, but not too spicy Palak Paneer; a wonderfully creamy and zesty butter chicken; a super-spicy red chilli baby corn; a special chicken biryani (also quite spicy); a lightly spiced navratan korma (mixed vegetables); a lamb vindaloo; and a tandoori chicken. And for dessert, a fruit puddingt, light and slightly lemon-flavored with fresh blueberries, grapes and apple slices.

Balancing hot and cool

A buffet option for dinner

According to ownership group member Uma Thotakura, taking over Raja Rani is the group’s attempt to expand via a third restaurant following a successful ten-year run with an initial restaurant in Farmington Hills, and the opening of a second location in Canton. Part of the reason Ann Arbor was chosen for the new endeavor is because Thotakura’s son attends UM. “Our goal is quality service and authentic and affordable food,” he says.

“We’re here for everyone, of course, but we want students to be a strength for us.”

On a recent Monday evening (the restaurant, open Mondays, is closed Tuesdays), I was greeted by a friendly host who led me to a table in one of the house’s cozy side rooms and asked if I was interested in the buffet. Turns out, I definitely was.

Look, I’m a buffet guy. I like having lots of options and mixing and matching with varied portion sizes. Offerings included a fresh Indian bean salad, with chopped beans, garbanzos, lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes and onions, along with a more conventional garden salad; a colorful array of fresh fruit; a couple fresh-baked bread options, including a flavorful and

Overall, the buffet provides a nice blend of spicy and mild options so if you choose something particularly adventurous (like the chilli baby corn) which sets off sparks in your mouth, you’ll be able to follow it with something cooler and creamier to soothe your tongue. “One mild, one spicy,” Thotakura says when describing how the selections for the buffet are chosen. “Everybody wants mild at first, but slowly grows to spicy.” Perhaps, that’s why each table is furnished with its own pitcher of water.

The buffet is offered daily from 11:30am - 3pm, and on Monday evenings, which was perfect for this erstwhile high school teacher, dining alone and grading essays at his table. Oh, and, yes, the price was absolutely right at $10.95.

Of course, one can also order off the comprehensive regular menu which offers a full slate of reasonably priced vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including numerous tandoori, vindaloo, masala, dosa and biryani options. All the meat and vegetable dishes are freshly prepared each day. “We don’t keep anything frozen,” Thotakura says. It looks like the funky white house on the corner of Division and William is in good hands with Namaste Flavours and will continue to serve terrific and affordable Indian food.

400 S. Division St., Ann Arbor.

734-995-1545.

Namasteflavoursarbor.com

Dablon Vineyards Pouring 4pm-7pm. Blue Front Ann Arbor. bluefrontannarbor.com. Free

Enjoy a free tasting of exceptional wines by Dablon Vineyards of Baroda, Michigan.

2 Wednesday Open Lunch Counter

11am-2pm. $10. Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars. fustinis.com

Bounce into the New Holland Beer Dinner The Session Room’s monthly beer dinner for May features Chef Lucas concocting four courses and pairing them with four craft beers from the New Holland Brewing Company. These highly popular monthly bashes often sell out. Hustle out and reserve your spot @ sessionrooma2.com and see what the (foamy) fuss is all about. - JK

$55 per person. 7pm, Weds. May 23. 3685 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor. 734-585-7300, sessionrooma2.com.

Come for a drop-in class (no sign up required), where you can ask Chef Andy anything related to Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Balsamic Vinegars. Enjoy foods from a menu that will include a Vegetable Quesadilla, Jicama and Orange Salad, and Grapefruit Granitee.

Food Truck Rally

5pm. Ann Arbor Farmers Market. a2gov.org. Free

With 13+ trucks and carts, there will be wood fired pizza, tacos, crepes, paella, Israeli street food, hand rolled ice cream, and more!

Dogfish Head Tap-Takeover

Ongoing Mondays

Pizza Monday

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

Free

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

Tuesdays

Wine Special

All Day. Bigalora. bigalora.com

Enjoy 1/2 off all wine bottles.

Wednesdays

Wing Wednesday

11am-1pm. Lucky’s Market. luckysmarket.com

Get over hump-day with housemade wings! Dine in the cafe with a beer, or take home for a ready made meal! ​Wine Night Wednesdays 4-10pm. E​ vans 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.

Fridays

Pub Food Fridays

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

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

Drink & Draw

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

Unwind from the workweek and flex your creative muscles while enjoying exclusive Pointless craft beers. There will be writing and drawing prompts, colored pencils and markers provided.

Sundays

Beer & Board Games

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

Play board games while enjoying brewed-on-site craft beer!

Games are provided, but feel free to bring along your own.

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.

1 Tuesday Bangerz Only

All Day. HopCat. hopcat.com. Free

HopCat will raid their cellar and tap one of the rarest, special, or most delicious beers they can find. This month will feature Brewery Vivant of Grand Rapids, MI.

Dinner Fundraiser

4pm-8pm. Chipotle Mexican Grill. jimtoycenter.org. Free

Come in to the Chipotle at 235 S. State to support the Jim Toy Community Center & Ann Arbor Pride. Tell the cashier you’re supporting the cause and 50 percent of the proceeds will be donated!

6pm. Beer Grotto. beergrotto.com. Free

Dogfish Head is known for brewing “off centered ales for off-centered people”. Enjoy a few of their special beers on tap including an Oak-Aged Vanilla World Wide Stout and 120 Minute IPA.

Spaghetti Dinner

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

Join for an all you can eat spaghetti dinner. The chef will prepare two sauces (red with meat and vegetarian) with salad and garlic bread.

3 Thursday Freemark Abbey TasteMaker Wine Dinner

6:30pm-9:30pm. $105. Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Ruthschris.com

Savor a special five-course dinner featuring Freemark Abbey wines.

Courses will include Crispy Coconut Shrimp, Beet-Cured King Salmon, Beef & Vegetable Soup, Petite Filet, and Banoffee Torte.

4 Friday May the Short’s Be With You 11am - All Day. Hop Cat Ann Arbor. hopcat.com. Free

Short’s is brewing exclusive beers inspired by Star Wars & Space Balls for Star Wars Day! Have fun with this interactive tap event, and indulge in beer and film nerdom. Some of the beers will include The Empire Hops Back, Local’s Lightsaber, and Evil Will Always Triumph.

Founders Tasting

5pm. Blue Front Ann Arbor. bluefrontannarbor.com. Free

Enjoy a free tasting featuring beer from the Grand Rapids Founders brewery.

CONT’D ON P14

Cuatro de Mayo Party

6:30pm. $10. Zal Gaz Grotto. zalgaz.org

Enjoy dinner and dancing with Afro-Cuban band Tumbao!

Bravo. The menu will include Quesadillas (Chicken, Beef and Cheese), beans, chips with salsa, and fresh guacamole. Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Huron Valley and Zal Gaz Grotto.

5 Saturday Zingerman’s Southside Eat & Greet 7am. Zingerman’s Bakehouse. zingermans.com. Free

Come to a housewarming party of sorts at Zingerman’s Southside, the collection of Zingerman’s businesses on Plaza Drive including the Bakehouse and BAKE!, Creamery and Cream Top Shop, Candy Manufactory, Coffee Company, and ZingTrain.

Shop the row of Zingerman’s artisan food producers, check out new shops and eating spaces, enjoy free samples, free demonstrations, weekend exclusive batches, and special sale prices. Also on May 6.

Cinco de Mayo

1pm. $75. Sur La Table. surlatable.com

Master the art of tamales. From creating masa and fillings to wrapping and cooking techniques, it’s going to be delicious.

Plus, round out the meal with a soul-satisfying stew and spicysweet shortbread cookies.

Cocktail Class: The Italian Connection 5pm. $45. The Last Word. tammystastings.com

In this class, explore Italy’s many contributions to both classic and modern mixology. Talk about and sample cocktails made from many indispensable Italian ingredients, Campari, Amaro, sweet vermouth and liqueurs like Maraschino, and even Prosecco, limoncello, and grappa. Also on Sunday, May 20.

Derby de Mayo

12pm. Graduate Ann Arbor. graduatehotels.com. Free

Join in the Allen Rumsey Cocktail Lounge for the broadcast of the Kentucky Derby and celebrate Cinco de Mayo with drink specials, games and more!

6 Sunday Pueblo on the Patio

7am-12pm. Zingerman’s Deli. zingermansdeli.com. Free

Drop in for a taste of New Mexico on the patio! Please RSVP to help the deli determine how much food to prepare.

Seats the day of will be firstcome, first-served. The menu will include blue corn atole, blue corn jalapeño muffins, fruit, new Mexican breakfast bowls, carne adovada, and more.

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Breakfast at Tiffany’s Wine & Dine 1pm. $65. Wines on Main. winesonmainchelsea.club

Join for a four course brunch just in time for Mother’s Day. Author and chef Lisa Howard prepares organic foods and Shane Nicholson of Eagle Eye presents wine selections.

7 Monday Dine n’ Donate

11am-11pm. Little Caesars Pizza, Ypsilanti. littlecaesars.com. Free

Stop in to Little Caesars at 1783 Wastenaw Ave. and mention Ypsi-Arbor Little League when you order! 20 percent of your order will benefit the league.

8 Tuesday Laft Series: Dinner & A Movie

6:30-9:30pm. St. Mary Student Parish. events.umich.edu. Free

Share a delicious dinner and watch a film pertaining to current Latin American Issues. This month’s film will be The Other Side of Immigration. RSVP to reserve a Pilar’s tamales meal for $8.

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Descorchado: Mix & Mingle Wine Tasting 6-8pm. $40. Aventura Ann Arbor. aventuraannarbor.com

Highly regarded Spanish winemaker Ana Martín Onzain will curate a night of hand crafted wines and tapas. Ana’s beautiful life story will inspire a menu worth tasting.

9 Wednesday

10 Thursday Puppies & Pints

6-8pm. $30. Hyatt Place Ann Arbor. annarbor.place.hyatt.com

Get a sneak preview of Wolverine State Brewing Company’s newest beers before they hit the shelves. Unwind in the lounge with adorable, adoptable puppies and enjoy appetizers along with the beer!

Laurentide Winery at the Roadhouse

YMOW Meals on Heels Great Gatsby Fundraiser

Celebrate Michigan Wine Month with Laurentide Winery. The Roadhouse will feature three exclusive wines meant for this event only. There will also be specials on the menu to pair.

This is not a ticketed event, but reservations can be made.

Benefit Ypsilanti Meals on wheels with a Great Gatsby party! There will be craft brews, wine, whiskey, cigars, catered appetizers, live jazz, and an auction.

6pm. Zingerman’s Roadhouse. zingermansroadhouse.com. Free

Bordeaux’s Sensational 2015 Vintage 6:30pm. $40. Plum Market. plummarket.com

Get ready for an incredible Bordeaux tasting! The line-up will include Château Gazin, Montrose, Domaine de Chevalier Blanc, Durfort Vivens, Smith Haut Lafitte, Senejac, Haut Bages Libéral, Lafon Rochet, Coutet, Branaire Ducru and much more.

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5-9pm. $75-$150. Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, Dexter. jollypumpkin.com

11 Friday Yoga & Tea Social

10:30am. $20-$30. Finding Roots, Howell. findingroots.net

This class will focus on gentle yoga to build strength and flexibility. There will be a special Q&A session and tea social after.

Participants will receive a 50 percent off coupon for a personal private yoga class.

Ellison In Store Tasting at Holiday Market Canton 3pm. Holiday Market Canton. holidaymarkets.com. Free

Join for a fun afternoon of sampling all the Ellison beer available in cans across the state! Enjoy the tasting, and meet others who are passionate about all things beer-related!

12 Saturday Mother’s Day Macarons 9am-12pm. $75. Sur La Table. surlatable.com

Spend Mother’s Day making wonderful macarons featuring the flavors of strawberries and Champagne. Learn all of the proper techniques, from mixing batter and baking macarons to infusing cream with basil and preparing ganache and buttercream fillings.

11th Annual Michigan Cask Ale Festival

2pm. $15-$35. Ashley’s Beer & Grill, Westland. ashleys.com

Be a part of the region’s largest cask ale festival. Cask ale is known as ‘the craft beer of craft beer.’ Over 20 casks of real ale from around the country will be available all at one time. Many are one-of-kind craft beers only available at this festival.

13 Sunday Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk & Brunch

9am. $3-$8. Hudson Mills Metropark, Dexter. metroparks.com

Enjoy a relaxing walk in the park with the family. Walks will be at 9am and 11am with a pancake brunch offered at 10am. Free admission for moms.

Mother’s Day Buffet

10am-4pm. $12.95-$34.95. Evans Street Station. evansstreetstation.com

Relax with a beautiful meal for Mother’s Day. The menu will include artisan cheese, shrimp cocktail, spring salad, prime rib, and more. Don’t forget the cocktails!

Beer Cocktails

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

Why choose between a cocktail and a beer when you can have both? When it comes to cocktails, beer offers flavor, fizz, and fun! From dark stouts to malty ales and hoppy IPAs, explore beer’s many applications in the cocktail realm.

Mother’s Day Brunch

10am. $9-$23. Bona Sera, Ypsilanti. bonaserarestaurant.com

Enjoy a beautiful brunch buffet in celebration of mothers everywhere! Popular Bona Sera brunch items include their shrimp & grits, biscuits & gravy, classic French toast, and a bloody mary bar.

14 Monday American Craft Beer Week Kick-off 11am - All Day. HopCat. hopcat.com. Free

Celebrate the 13th annual American Craft Beer Week with a brewery showdown between Arbor Brewing Co. and Revolution Brewing of Chicago. There will be five beers from each brewery all week long.

Savoring Seasonal Flavor 1pm. Hope Clinic, Ypsilanti. thehopeclinic.org. Free

15 Tuesday

Spring Detox with Ellen Livingston

Raise the Bar with Shawn Askinosie

7pm. AADL Pittsfield Branch. aadl.org. Free

6:30pm. $35. Zingerman’s Deli. zingermansdeli.com

Shawn is a leader in the industry for his chocolate, packaging, and business model, which includes directly sourcing cacao beans & gainsharing with the farmers.

Listen as Shawn shares his story and guides us in a tasting of his bean-to-bar chocolates. Attendees receive a 20 percent off coupon to use after the tasting.

Exploring Appalachian Cooking with Ronni Lundy 7pm. $75. Zingerman’s Roadhouse. events.zingermanscommunity.com

James Beard Award-winning author Ronni Lundy will present a delicious meal from Appalachia. Menu items will include Palisades hominy salad, Shelly Cooper’s grilled trout, and sweet potato sonker.

Learn how a raw diet can be a safe way to cleanse your body and start feeling great! This event is in partnership with the People’s Food Coop.

16 Wednesday Guest Chef Cooking Demo 11am. Ann Arbor Farmers Market. a2gov.org. Free

Join Ann Arbor Chef Ji Hye of Miss Kim who will perform a cooking demo using seasonal ingredients from local vendors.

Meet the chef and learn how to create recipes using local ingredients from the market.

Participate in a cooking class demonstrating quick tips and tricks for preparing fresh produce. Enjoy samples and receive coupons to shop with the new Ypsi Fresh participating program.

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International

Cuisine

Ann Arbor’s diversity is reflected by the number of fine ethnic restaurants and unique imported food stores in our area. Call 734.668.4044 to be a part of this page.

Mother’s Day Brunch!

Sunday, May 13th • 12-4pm • Enjoy a special menu!

734-214-6666 715 N University Ave, Downtown Ann Arbor Order Online at: silviositalianfood.com

Mother’s Day Brunch

Sun., May 13th

Father’s Day Dinner

Sat., June 16th

Celebrate with us!

Lunch

Dinner

11am-2pm • m-F 5pm-9pm • m-sat

1703 Plymouth Rd, Ann ARboR aysescaFe.com | ayse@aysescaFe.com

Call for Reservations!

734-662-1711

Find us on

ecurrent.com / may 2018 15

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27 Sunday

The 23rd Annual Dining For Dollars

SE Michigan Wine Tour

Gather with community leaders, business supporters, and friends for a night of festivities. The night will include a silent auction and raffles to support the care and prevention programs of comprehensive HIV/AIDS service organizations serving ten counties in Southeastern Michigan.

Take a nostalgic ride through the Irish Hills on a vintage Trolley to some of Southeast Michigan’s ‘ outstanding wineries. Stops for tastings at Cherry Creek, Pentamere, St. Julian, Chateau Aeronautique, and Flying Otter. Learn about the winemaking process and get a behind-the-scenes look at Pentamere Winery. For more information call 517-423-3335.

12pm. $70. Dundee Park and Ride. eventbrite.com

6pm. $10-$135. Ann Arbor City Club. annarborcityclub.org

17 Thursday Wine Club Intimate Wine Tasting

5pm. Vinology. vinologya2.com. Free

Wine club members will enjoy this all-inclusive tasting, with light appetizers and wine for purchase afterward. For information on becoming a part of the wine club, visit the website.

Vine & Dine

5:30pm. $300. Ann Arbor Art Center. annarborartcenter.org

Spend an evening in support of Ann Arbor Art Center programming and youth scholarships!

Start with a cocktail reception and silent art auction at the Art Center, with a signature cocktail created by the Ann Arbor Distilling Company. Following will be a dinner at Zingerman’s Greyline with entertainment by pianist Cliff Monear and bassist Paul Keller, visual art by Noah Kaplan, and a live auction of uniquely curated experiences.

KBS Release

6pm. Beer Grotto. beergrotto.com. Free

Enjoy KBS on tap with their Lizard of Koz (barrel-aged blueberry stout) Green Zebra (watermelon gose) and a Rubaeus slushy!

18 Friday Cheese 101

6pm-8pm. $40. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com

Join for a delicious introduction to the world of cheese. Learn about what makes each style of cheese unique, enjoy samples, gain tips for how to build a rounded cheese board, and discuss the basics of pairing cheese with beer & wine.

19 Saturday Kitchen Favorites Plant Sale 10am-4:30pm. Campus Farm at U-M. sustainability.umich.edu. Free

Taste Beer Cocktails with Tammy at The Last Word Ever been flummoxed with the choice between ordering a beer or a cocktail? Well, why choose when you can have both? When it comes to cocktails, beer offers flavor, fizz, and fun! From dark stouts to malty ales and hoppy IPAs, explore beer’s many applications in the cocktail realm. Your booking with Ann Arborbased Tammy’s Tastings includes light snacks (pretzels, nuts).

Class includes a combination of history and stories, technique instruction, and hands-on making and sampling of cocktails.

Total consumption is equivalent to 1.5-2 cocktails per person over the 90 minute class. - JK

$45, 5pm, Sunday, May 13, The Last Word, 301 W Huron St. $45. 734-2763-215. Tammystastings.com.

20 Sunday Farm Meals: Ypsilanti Farm Diaries

3pm-5pm. AADL Malletts Creek Branch. aadl.org. Free

Local author and historian Laura Bien will present research on handwritten diaries that reflect the everyday work farm women performed, with a focus on 19th and 20th centuries.

21 Monday Vegan Buddhist Dinner

6:30pm-8:30pm. $75. Miss Kim. events.zingermanscommunity.com

This special vegan dinner features dishes inspired by Chef Kim’s research of ancient cookbooks and love for vegetables, and Buddhist philosophy. Savor foods with an emphasis on foraged and fermented flavor.

22 Tuesday

may

5pm-7pm. Blue Front Ann Arbor. bluefrontannarbor.com. Free

Drop in to enjoy free samples

by Short’s Brewing of Bellaire!

Short’s is known for their unique and off-kilter craft beers.

23 Wednesday 2018 Equality on Tap 6pm. Bill’s Beer Garden. billsbeergarden.com. Free

Bill’s Beer Garden is donating $1 to the Jim Toy Community Center for every drink sold. Have a drink for a good cause!

New Holland Beer Dinner 7pm. $55. The Session Room. sessionrooma2.com

Chef Lucas takes 4 courses and pairs them with four craft beers from New Holland Brewing Company.

25 Friday

2018 Kick-Off Market

Gelato 101

Join for the very first Cobblestone Farmers’ Market of the season! There will be a variety of local vendors to explore.

Satisfy your sweet tooth as you taste through some of the creamery’s favorite flavors of gelato and sorbet. Learn the process behind choosing ingredients and techniques used to create the refined treats.

4pm-7pm. Cobblestone Farm Market. cobblestonefarmmarket.org. Free

Come and stock up on heirloom vegetables and herbs grown

by U-M student volunteers.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit Campus Farm and the U-M Sustainable Food Program. Also occurring on Sunday, May 20.

16

Beer Tasting with Short’s

2018 / ecurrent.com

6pm-8pm. $35. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com

29 Tuesday Bell’s Beer Dinner

7pm. $30. HopCat. hopcat.com

Enjoy a special dinner with each course paired with one of Bell’s craft beers. Dishes will include an asparagus & arugula salad, spanish sausage & lentil soup, seared pork, and cinnamon rolls with cherry icing.

30 Wednesday Rick Bayless: Growing Community, One Plate at a Time

8am. $50. ZingTrain. zingtrain.com

James Beard Award-winning Chef Rick Bayless will discuss the growth of his successful restaurant group along with a number of other business ventures and non-profit work.

Braided Bread Workshop

10am. $75. Sur La Table. surlatable.com

Try your hand at making highratio yeasted dough, braiding challah and creating a sweet filling for the ultimate chocolate babka.

Puppies & Pints

4pm. Session Room. sessionrooma2.com. Free

Have a craft beer and meet some of the area’s most lovable, adoptable pups.The Asher House is an organization that travels to cities to help animals in need find forever homes.

31 Tuesday Korean Fried Chicken Dinner 7pm-9pm. $75. Sur La Table. surlatable.com

Learn the techniques to make crave-worthy Korean fried chicken with garlic glaze, Koreanstyle potato salad, and soy & kimchi-braised kale.

music

Party-energy harmony: Approachable Minorities Hip-hop metal fusion crew merges perspectives

by Jeff Milo

This Ypsi trio forges two kinds of harmonies: first is their friendship and collaborative chemistry; the second happens with the audience at their shows. In fact, we could probably call their appearances parties. If you’ll be catching them at the Blind Pig later this month, for what will be structured as a typical “show” or “concert,” Approachable Minorities manifests a party-energy for every performance.

Making the melting pot bounce

Lyricists Drew Denton (aka OGspunkysmith) and TJ Greggs (aka Lewy Seifer) trade raps over the mixes of Marcus McKinney (aka DJ OnDemand); they’ve known each other for almost 10 years, the group’s first iteration (La Merda) came about in 2014.

Their respective musical experiences blend the worlds of modern metal, EDM, dubstep and hip-hop, making for an eclectic composite of sensibilities captured on their debut album, 2016’s AfroAmerican.

“The beautiful thing about growing up being multiracial in Ypsi,” says Denton, “is that (this city)’s a melting pot. It’s like a real small family; you have people from all different walks of life.

What we pride ourselves on with our shows is that just because we have people from the metal scene, people from the rap scene, we like to throw multi-genre shows and get everyone in the same building at the same time so they realize that, at the end of the day, everyone’s just trying to have a good time! That’s always the vibe behind (our shows). I mean, we wouldn’t exist as people if different races weren’t able to get along…”

(L-R) Lewy Seifer, OGspunkySmith, and DJ OnDemand comprise the Ypsi-based hip-hop trio.

The energy and subject matter of their raps/production ricochet between social commentary and celebratory escapism—for this trio, it doesn’t have to be one or the other—it’s about making music that merges perspectives, not just their own, but their audience’s as well.

Their spreading harmony extends to other contemporary artists as well, an embrace best demonstrated through their live event coordinating enterprise: Northern Threat Entertainment. They’ve also established close camaraderie with Keep It G Records, and expressed admiration for artists like DaG, Dayz, Black Alfalfa and (Keep It G’s) Dye Low. Denton expresses pride for the Ypsi hiphop scene: “I’m seeing a lot of people working together.”

$7 adv / $10 day-of-show. 9pm, Thurs., May 31. Includes performances by Keep It G, Lunacy @ The Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor. 734- 996-8555, blindpigmusic.com

Almost like therapy

They’re each sensitive to the recent strife which has been stirred up across our society, exacerbating divisions and even reigniting racial tension just from metastasizing social media feeds. “But if we can accomplish anything,” Denton says, then, at the very least, Approachable Minorities can “just get people out of their house for a night and have them be around people they’d otherwise be uncomfortable around and realize we’re all pretty similar.”

“The energy’s amazing,” adds Greggs. “I would never have expected people stopping me and asking me for a CD after a show, after actually coming from where (Denton and I) started out— which was recording from between two chairs under a blanket. I mean, I grew up in poverty and it was hard for me to accept how to be happy with what I had. But now, to be able to put myself out there and watch people enjoying themselves off what I’m doing, or having a song connect with someone who can relate to it? That’s almost like therapy.”

Embracing community

“I keep things fresh every time for people who see us multiple times,” says McKinney, who came to DJing through Ypsi’s metal scene. “I change up the instrumental tracks each time, and it’s made (the band) that much more energetic for live shows.”

ecurrent.com / may 2018 17

Perfect Parlour Game Violinist Jenny Scheinman and percussionist Allison Miller bring their newly formed quartet, Parlour Game, to Kerrytown Concert House. Featuring renowned improvisers, pianist Carmen Staaf and bassist Tom Scheer, all band members are known for their genre-pushing innovations in American music.

While this group could comfortably exist in the avant-garde, Parlour Game is instead focused on reaching the audience through palatable melodies and connective grooves. Kerrytown’s intimate venue mirrors parlours of the past, making it the perfect setting to hear this collaboration. - EC

$5 students, $15 general, $20-$30 reserved front rows. 8pm, Thurs. May 3, 415 N. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-769-2999.

Kerrytownconcerthouse.com.

music CONT’D FROM P17

Ongoing Sundays Brennan Andes & Friends

5:30pm-7:30pm. Ann Arbor Distilling Co. annarbordistilling.com. Free

Macpodz bassist and vocalist Brennan Andes collaborates with the best of local talent for this intimate music series. Sunday means service industry happy hour all day.

The Heather Black Project 8pm. Ravens Club. ravensclub.com.

Free

The Heather Black Project plays inspired renditions of classic jazz repertoire every Sunday with rotating special guests. $5 suggested donation.

Mondays Paul Keller Orchestra

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

2018 / ecurrent.com

Local drummer Jesse Kramer leads his trio featuring bassist Rob Bickley and pianist Rick Roe. $5 suggested donation.

Wednesdays Bluegrass Wednesdays

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

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

Thursdays Jazz & Cocktails

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

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

Open Mic w/the Martindales

Open Mic Mondays at the Plymouth Coffee Bean

Sign up sit in for three songs with host band the Martindales!

All styles and full bands welcome. Drums, keyboard, guitar amps and PA provided.

Join this weekly celebration of original songwriters and poets.

Come to listen or to perform!

may

9pm. Ravens Club. ravensclub.com.

Free

The Paul Keller Orchestra performs big band jazz every Monday night!

7:30pm. Plymouth Coffee Bean. plymouthcoffeebean.com. Free

18

Jesse Kramer Trio

9pm-12am. Tap Room. taproomypsi.com. Free

Jazz Night

Sugartips Acoustic

Enjoy live jazz from some of the area’s finest musicians every Thursday!

Sit back, enjoy a beer, and listen to the sounds of rock band, Sugartips Acoustic!

9pm. Tower Inn Cafe. towerinncafe.com. Free

Saturdays Guy Hollerin’s Blues & Brews 8pm. $5. Holiday Inn Ann Arbor. hiannarbor.com

Check out this established blues series with drinks and dancing!

1 Tuesday The Happy Fits

7pm. YpsiAlehouse. ypsialehouse.com. Free

Tom Rush

8pm. $30. The Ark. theark.org

Listen to classic folk and blues legend Tom Rush as he presents an evening of spell-binding storytelling and expressive singing.

DJ Drama at Necto

10pm. $10-$20. Necto Nightclub. necto.com

7:30pm. $5-$8. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

It’s time for Take Off Thursday featuring DJ Drama and DJ Liftoff. Dance to the hottest Top 40, Hip-Hop, and Party hits all night long.

Opera on Tap: Divas Have Mothers Too

Marco & Asim

Hear the catchy melodies and raw instrumentals of indie-rock band The Happy Fits with The Kelseys, After Hours Radio, and Fangs and Twang.

7:30pm. Sidetrack, Ypsilanti. operatontap.org. Free

Mothers in opera are sometimes sweet and kind, sometimes protective, and sometimes a little unhinged. In any case, they deserve a moment in the spotlight!

Opera on Tap is devoted to combating opera’s snooty reputation by performing in fun venues.

2 Wednesday Open Mic Night

5pm. Songbird Cafe. thesongbirdcafeannarbor.com. Free

Celebrate Spring with an evening of music, poetry, and more. To reserve a 10 minute spot to perform, contact thesongbirdcafemusic@gmail.com.

Hot Club of Cowtown 8pm. $25. The Ark. theark.org

Austin-based Hot Club of Cowtown bring their Western swing at a sublime level of expertise to The Ark stage!

Ska Night With Chris Murray/The Dekkers

9pm. $8. W. Cross Station. facebook.com/W.CrossStation

Ska legend Chris Murray will perform with special guests The Dekkers and Shotka Ford Soundsystem for a night of ska, funk, soul, & R&B.

3 Thursday Gypsy Jazz with Harrington-Brown

12:10pm. University Hospital. med.umich.edu. Free

Enjoy the gypsy jazz stylings of Harrington-Brown. One of the first and most comprehensive arts in medicine programs nationwide, Gifts of Art brings the world of art & music to Michigan Medicine.

4 Friday 6pm. People’s Food Co-op. peoplesfoodcoop.com. Free

Enjoy an evening of blues with the Marco and Asim trio featuring guitar, bass, and percussion as they play in the co-op’s Cafe Verde.

Return to Roots New York-based Americana/Roots band The Mammals join Michigan folk-rock powerhouse Seth Bernard for a dynamic double bill at The Ark on May 4. After a nine-year hiatus, Mammals’ multi-instrumentalist Mike Merenda & fiddle-playing vocalist Ruth Ungar will lead their fiery string band in the release of Sunshiner, a celebrated new album of original songwriting. Tying the night together will be Seth Bernard, known for his charismatic performances ranging from heart-wrenching ballads to psychedelic jams. -EC

$20. 8pm. Friday, May 4. The Ark. 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 734-761-1800. theark.org.

Robert Johnson

6pm. Mash Bar. mashbar.net. Free

Live music with singer/songwriter Robert Johnson!

Crimson Eyed Orchestra

9pm. Club Above. club-above.com. Free

Enjoy a night out with three incredible bands including Lotus Mortem, The Crossed Lines, and the Jim Roll Band.

5 Saturday UMMA Pop Up: Fiddle and Banjo music with Aaron Jonah Lewis

1pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art. umma.umich.edu. Free

This pop-up concert will feature Aaron Jonah Lewis, an awardwinning multi-instrumentalist performer and educator. He has won awards at the Clifftop Appalachian String Band Festival, and at the Galax Old Fiddlers Convention, including First Place Bluegrass Fiddle in 2007.

Brandon Bonine Album Release Show wsg: Lilly MacPhee 8pm. $10. The Ark. theark.org

Join for Brandon Bonine’s release show for his much anticipated new album, Warranted Worries.

Featuring American Designers

remiere e p s r’ o b r A n n A ing Boutiqu th o l C s n’ e m o W CUSTOMER APPRECIATION SUNDAY! May 20, 2018 1pm to 5pm • Storewide Sales • Refreshments & Celebration!

Clothing asArt

Together We Sound: Yak & Akropolis Reed Quintet 8pm. Kerrytown Concert House.

New Music trio YAK will join forces with the Akropolis Reed Quintet for a truly unique electroacoustic concert!

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303 Detroit St., Ann Arbor

(In the Marketplace Bldg Across from Detroit Street Filling Station)

734.995.4222 | collectedworksannarbor.com

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The Dirty News

9:30pm. $7-$10. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

A night of rock, jam, and alternative music with The Dirty News, Liquid Thickness, Jive Colossus, and Honey Monsoon.

6 Sunday Ann Arbor Concert Band: Symphonic Broadway!

2pm. $5-$10. Michigan Theater. aaband.org

Opera, Wicked, and more! This concert will feature 2018 Andrew J. Lum & David R. Juillet Young Artist Scholarship Competition winner, clarinetist Annie Li.

Water Hill Music Festival 2pm. Water Hill Neighborhood, Ann Arbor. waterhill.org. Free

Experience a unique neighborhood festival focused on neighbors sharing homemade music with passersby. Explore and enjoy intimate concerts in yards and on porches!

Dive into Broadway favorites including selections from Chicago, A Chorus Line, Phantom of the

One of Fodor’s 10 Best U.S. Flea Markets

David Power & Willie Kelly 5:30pm. $16-$18. Conor O’Neill’s Pub. conoroneills.com

Hear this incredible collaboration between Ireland’s David Power who plays uilleann pipes and New Jersey-based fiddler Willie Kelly. The two are embarking on a selective tour throughout the United States.

Drummer Nick Collins leads his quartet for this weekly series featuring the best in local jazz.

7 Monday Arie & Friends

1:30pm. $10. JCC of Greater Ann Arbor. a2so.com

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

Bay area funk, blues, and soul band The California Honeydrops will play music from their new double album, “Call It Home: Vol. 1 & 2.”

9 Wednesday Pete Siers Trio

7pm. Beer Grotto. beergrotto.com. Free

215 S Ashley St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

(734) 665-2796 • threechairs.com

20

may

2018 / ecurrent.com

The Wax Kings Sessions will feature DJ Damon, Sleezy Hamilton, Charles English, and Prophet Ecks!

Grand Rapids indie/pop/folk sensation The Crane Wives come to Chelsea for a night of seriously great original music!

The California Honeydrops w/ Javier Matos at The Ark

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

8pm. Ziggy’s. ziggysypsi.com. Free

Nick Collins Quartet

8pm. $10. The Rumpus Room, Chelsea. therumpusroomchelsea.com

8 Tuesday

Everything on Consignment

Wax Kings Sessions

The Crane Wives

Take in a beautiful chamber recital played by A2SO musicians and guests. Wind, string, and brass soloists and ensembles will perform new pieces along with the classics.

Established 1960

local acts including Judy Banker, Chris Buhalis, Annie & Rod Capps, Dick Siegel, Gemini, and more.

Drummer Pete Siers leads his Jazz trio featuring James Dapogny on piano and Ray Heitger on clarinet. The trio will bring New Orleans style jazz and popular pre-40s American music to the patio!

For Pete’s Sake: Seeger Birthday Tribute 8pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org

Celebrate the life and music of Pete Seeger with tributes by

8pm-10pm. Old Town. oldtownaa.com. Free

10 Thursday Bob Sweet Trio

12:10pm. University Hospital. med.umich.edu. Free

Local drummer Bob Sweet will lead his Jazz trio featuring pianist Tad Weed and bassist Kurt Krahnke. Gifts of Art brings the world of art & music to Michigan Medicine.

Banjo John & the Nit-Pickers 7pm. Ypsi Alehouse. ypsialehouse.com. Free

Banjo John brings his raucous bluegrass and traditional folk songs to the Alehouse for a night of finger-pickin’ fun.

Marsha Gayle

7pm. Beer Grotto. beergrotto.com. Free

Marsha Gayle plays soulful interpretations of motown, blues, pop and jazz standards.

Ypsilanti Community Choir Spring Concert 7:30pm. Towsley Auditorium, Morris Lawrence Building, WCC. Free

Celebrate Spring with a peaceful concert of choral music.

Bob Schneider

8pm. $17-$20. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Enjoy Bob Schneider’s captivating original songwriting along with special guest Mobley.

11 Friday

Tristan Cappel Trio

8pm-10pm. Old Town. oldtownaa.com.

Free

One Life Beautiful: A Celebration of Mothers

Saxophonist Tristan Cappel will lead his trio for this weekly series featuring the best in local Jazz.

7:30pm. Towsley Auditorium, Washtenaw Community College. wccband.org. Free

This special concert is dedicated to celebrating women and will feature women composers.

17 Thursday Kevin Devine

Karla Kane

8pm. Common Cup Coffee. commoncupcoffee.com. Free

Enjoy an intimate concert by California singer/songwriter Karla Kane of the Corner Laughers.

Michael Joseph Live

8pm. Unity Vibration. unityvibrationkombucha.com. Free

Michael Joseph returns to the Unity Vibration stage with covers and nu-jazz/synth-pop originals.

Tom Chapin

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

Grammy-award winning singer/ songwriter Tom Chapin has gained a reputation for insightful, heartfelt songcraft and charismatic live performances.

Randy Napoleon Quartet 8:30pm. Concordia University. emsweb.cuw.edu. Free

Guitar virtuoso, Randy Napoleon, will perform with his quartet for an evening of sensational jazz!

12 Saturday UMMA Pop Up: Alena Carter

3pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art. umma.umich.edu

Join Alena Carter for an program of fiddle tunes from the British Isles and America. Alena is a local violin teacher and performer with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and the A2SO String Quartet.

Julianne Ankley & Gary Hannan

8pm. $15. Stony Lake Brewing Co. stonylakebrewing.com

Multi-Platinum selling songwriter Gary Hannan and six-time Detroit Music Award winner Julianne Ankley will collaborate as an incredible duo for this special concert.

Chris Smither

8pm. $30. The Ark. theark.org

Hear new music from seasoned folk and blues artist Chris Smither, known for his original sound and engaging live performances.

7pm. Beer Grotto. arborbrewing.com.

Free

Forefront of Fusion

Kevin Devine will play Americana & original music live on the patio.

Progressive Jazz-Rock outfit Marbin brings their dynamic fusion to Ziggy’s on May 11. The quartet, originally formed in Israel and now based in Chicago, boasts a high energy performance that has garnered a dedicated International following. Joining the bill will be Ann Arbor native Nadim Azzam, whose original songs are driven by catchy pop-hooks, spoken word, and his powerful singing voice.

Enjoy a memorable night with the varied styles of these two unique artists. - EC

$10-$15. 8pm. Friday, May 11. Ziggy’s.

206 W. Michigan Ave. 734-221-3961. facebook.com/ziggysypsi Disaster Relief Album Release Party.

Jive Colossus opens

9pm. $10. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Led by local guitarist/producer, Darrin James, this new jazz-funk band celebrates the release of their debut album featuring an all-star line-up of local musicians, including a large horn section.

Jive Colossus opens.

The Randy Brock Group 9pm. Conor O’Neills. conoroneills.com. Free

Check out the Randy Brock Group, a staple of Detroit’s live music/rock scene for the past 20 years.

13 Sunday All About The Trio

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

Ellen Rowe, jazz pianist and composer, is currently Professor and Chair of the Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation Department at U-M. Hear her lead a trio with bassist Paul Keller and drummer Pete Siers.

The Raisin Pickers

2:30pm. $5-$20. Stone Chalet Bed and Breakfast Inn. events.stonechalet.com

Michigan based string band, The Raisin Pickers, will perform a deft mix of rustic Appalachian music, old time swing, bluegrass, and swamp driven Louisiana sounds.

7:30pm. $10-$15. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

The Ann Arbor Guitar Trio features local musicians Alex Anest, Evan Veasey, and Adam Kahana.

The group will play selections from their new debut album, “Tides,” as well as other works written or arranged by the trio.

18 Friday Phil DeGreg Trio

VAE and Viola

4pm. $20. First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor.

Renowned violist John Madison will join the Vocal Arts Ensemble for a program featuring choir, viola, piano and organ. Music will include Brahms, Puccini, and more.

14 Monday Music Mondays: Wire in the Wood

7pm-10pm. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery. arborbrewing.com.

Free

Music Mondays presents local bluegrass favorite Wire in the Wood.

Kat Edmonson w/Matt Munisteri 8pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org.

Singer/songwriter Kat Edmonson will present music from her new album, “An Old-Fashioned Gal.”

15 Tuesday Rise Up Singing

7pm. $5. Parks and Recreation Facilities. calendar.a2gov.org

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

Jazz pianist Phil DeGreg leads his trio with bassist Paul Keller and drummer John Taylor.

Elizabeth Cook

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

Join for a night of infectious Americana and Country music with Nashville singer/songwriter Elizabeth Cook.

The Heartless Artichokes Album Release Party 8pm. Unity Vibration. unityvibrationkombucha.com. Free

The Heartless Artichokes will play a special release party for their new album, Echo Echo.

19 Saturday Voices Valiant

2pm. Earl V. Moore Building. smtd.umich.edu. Free

Hear the breathtaking vocals of U-M’s premiere adult choir as they take the stage for an engaging performance of classic and modern choral works.

Sam Corbin

All are welcome to join in on a fun, community sing program!

Connect with others through the power of music and singing.

16 Wednesday The Ark’s Open Stage

8pm. The Ark. theark.org. Free

Ann Arbor Guitar Trio CD Release Concert

Sign up at 7:30pm for a chance to perform on the renowned Ark stage. Names will be drawn at random for eight minute sets.

7pm-9pm. Ann Arbor Distilling Co. annarbordistilling.com. Free

Sam Corbin brings his heartfelt original songwriting and vocals to the distilling company’s intimate concert series!

The Roundabouts 7pm. YpsiAlehouse. ypsialehouse.com. Free

Local band The Roundabouts will play popular songs and original music at the Alehouse!

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Rose Cousins

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

Enjoy songs of deep authenticity and conviction by Nova Scotia’s Americana band, the Rose Cousins.

20 Sunday Steppin’ In It Turns 20!

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

With the approach of their 20th Anniversary, Roots band Steppin’ In It will celebrate by playing one of their favorite venues.

21 Monday Music Mondays: John Latini 7pm. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery. arborbrewing.com. Free

Enjoy Music Mondays with blues musician John Latini!

22 Tuesday Take a Chance Tuesday w/Channing & Quinn 8pm. The Ark. theark.org. Free

Hear a concert by indie/folk duo Channing & Quinn. Non-perishables will be accepted for Food Gatherers at the door!

23 Wednesday Kevin Devine

7pm. Beer Grotto. arborbrewing.com.

Free

Kevin Devine will play Americana and originals live on the patio.

22

may

Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet 8pm-10pm. Old Town. oldtownaa.com.

Free

Bassist Dave Sharp’s Worlds Quartet is known for their highly original compositions influenced by music throughout the world. Enjoy the band at this weekly jazz series.

24 Thursday U-M Life Sciences Orchestra Ensembles 12:10pm. University Hospital. med.umich.edu. Free

LSO ensembles will perform works

by Bach, Copland and Ewazen.

Gifts of Art brings the world of art and music to Michigan Medicine.

DJ Silas Green

8pm. Dolores, Ypsilanti. instagram.com/dolores.ypsi. Free

DJ Silas Green will spin the best in pop, funk, house, jazz, fusion, Afrobeat, and more at Ypsi’s newest Mexican restaurant and bar! 18+

25 Friday The Decemberists

7pm. $32-$202. Hill Auditorium. Ums.org.

Come for a concert by captivating indie/folk band The Decemberists (Portland, OR) as they take the Hill stage. VIP tickets are available with options for premium reserved tickets, autographed merchandise, an invitation to a pre-show Q&A, and more.

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Escaping Pavement

7pm-9pm. Ann Arbor Distilling Co. annarbordistilling.com. Free

Have a Friday night out with Americana duo Escaping Pavement, led by singer/songwriter Emily Burns and Aaron Markovitz.

The Cavani Quartet Gala Concert & Champagne Reception

8pm. $25-$50. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Hailed as brilliant and passionate performers, as well as ambassadors for chamber music, the Cavani String Quartet will share their thoughts on the art of the string quartet in this gala setting.

Ethan Setiawan Band 8pm. Canterbury House. canterburyhouse.org. Free

Hear this special concert by Boston-based award-winning mandolin player Ethan Setiawan!

Ethan has won such accolades as the National Mandolin Championship, the RockyGrass Mandolin Championship, and a full-ride scholarship to Berklee College of Music.

26 Saturday Laura Rain Duo

6pm. Mash Bar. mashbar.net. Free

Live soul/funk with the Laura Rain duo!

Matt Costa

8pm. $15-$18. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Southern California songwriter Matt Costa brings his thoughtful original music to the stage along with acclaimed singer/songwriter Elizabeth Ziman of Elizabeth and the Catapult.

27 Sunday Summer Dreams Release Show

7pm. $10. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Pop songwriter and musicians Chris Gardner will play a special concert in celebration of his new album, Summer Dreams! Special guest Kevin Allan will open the show.

28 Monday Music Mondays: Doug Horn Trio

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

Music Mondays presents live Jazz with the Doug Horn Trio.

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Big Fish Lands on Small Stage Sweeping musical fairytale adapts to cozy environs

by Emily Slomovits Dexter’s Encore Theatre has a history of beautifully fitting large, epic musicals such as Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods and Fiddler on the Roof into its small, intimate space. While Andrew Lippa’s Big Fish, which opened on April 26th, is smaller than some shows Encore has produced, it maintains a visual grandeur that bigger shows achieve. The charming musical flows between two epochs, and indeed two worlds: the larger-than-life realm of traveling salesman Edward Bloom and his fantastical, grandiose tales; and the more introspective sphere of his son Will, who tries to figure out the meaning of his father’s stories as he himself hovers on the cusp of fatherhood. Current spoke with Thalia Schramm, director of the production.

Why did Encore decide to produce this show? We

absolutely love the score and think the small, intimate nature of our space will lend well to this beautiful story.

Big Fish was adapted from Daniel Wallace’s 1998 novel and Tim Burton’s movie, both of the same name, but hasn’t achieved as much widespread success as its progenitors. What, if any, challenges does that pose? The

challenge with doing a small musical is people tend not to want

u o y k n Tha

theater to take a chance on a show they don’t know. I can tell you I cried and laughed in just the casual table-read, so give it a chance! The movie has a cult following, and it’s been one of my favorite movies since it came out when I was in high school.

There are two versions of the show; the one you’re doing is a consolidated version called the “12 chair version,” while the other has a larger cast. Did you pick the smaller version because of the intimate nature of the Encore, or for other reasons as well? I chose the 12-chair version of the show because it

fits our theatre better. It’s a smaller cast, the orchestration is smaller and has a bit more of a country feel (a guitar player also doubles on the mandolin and banjo), and the story is changed a bit to focus more on the central father-son storyline. You still have fantastical elements, but it’s a much more relationship-based story in this version.

What are some of the challenges and rewards of doing a show that is at once intimate and humble, and also a sweeping, epic fairytale? The challenge is making a traditionally

huge show feel natural in our small space. I have an extremely talented cast, and our mostly-female production team is insanely creative (Leah Fox is music-directing and Rachel Costantino is choreographing). We’ve only just started the rehearsal process, and I can’t wait to see where we go!

$24 and up, Thursday-Sunday, through May 20.

7:30pm, Thursday - Saturday evenings; 2:00pm, Saturday and Sunday matinees. 3126 Broad St., Dexter MI. 734-268-6200, theencoretheatre.org.

to our

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h4h.org/bidtobuild ecurrent.com / may 2018 25

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person of interest Morris Lawrence III Occupation: Instructor at the Ann Arbor Karate Club

by Cammie Finch

How did you first get involved with karate? My father took us to see Bruce Lee movies at the drive-in movie theater.

When I was sixteen, my brother and I decided to start karate. We used to go to the YMCA as kids, so we checked there first and have been there ever since. My start date was January 26, 1981. I will always remember my very first karate class. I was both scared and excited…in that order! It’s very important for martial artists to never forget what it was like to be a beginner.

Even though you are a chief instructor, we all have something we could improve on. What can you still learn about karate? Oh man, everything! There’s still so much

to do and learn…the list would be too long! Sensei (teacher) in my opinion means, “Been there, done that, do it again, one more time, keep at it, keep learning, keep training.” I’m still a student and always will be.

Your father, Morris Lawrence Jr., was the jazz director of Washtenaw Community College. Did his music influence your life growing up? We called him “Doc!” My

father was known as the man with the “infectious smile.” His music did influence me, but even more of an influence was his character—my mom’s, as well. They worked together, always.

His music not only included the performers, but also the listeners.

“To be one in feeling, thought and deed,” is our Lawrence Family Motto. “Be masters of what you do,” my father would teach us all.

It’s the same for karate, and how I instruct. Everyone is important and we all come up together.

If you could change, improve, or add something to the city/culture of Ann Arbor, what would it be? THE

ROADS! More seriously, we are lucky to live in the city of Ann Arbor, where it’s diverse, atypical (as my father would say), and you can be you. That said, we have to make sure we treat each other well, listen to each other, and be even more understanding during the crazy times. Bottom line: be nice!

Meet Morris Lawrence and kickstart your way to fitness at the Ann Arbor Karate Club. See class schedules @ annarborymca.org/classes/adult/martial-arts

ecurrent.com / may 2018 27

art

UMMA Gains Spectacular Inuit Art Collection Power family donation largest of Victors for Michigan alumni campaign

by Karen Smyte

Ann Arbor civic leaders Philip and Kathy Power have created the Power Family Program for Inuit Art at the University of Michigan Museum of Art. Building on the Power family’s legacy of advancing awareness and appreciation of art created by the Inuit – indigenous people living in the Arctic – the generous gift is the largest to UMMA during the Victors for Michigan campaign and includes the family’s collection of more than 200 stone sculptures and prints. In addition to the artwork, valued at more than $2.5 million, the Powers have donated $2 million to endow the program and support staff training, outreach programs, research, and alliance building with Canadian and Inuit institutions.

“Over the years, our family built a collection of Inuit art that ranks among the best in the world,” Philip Power says. “Kathy and I decided to gift it to UMMA so as many people as possible could experience it and understand how Inuit people understand and cope with their harsh Arctic environment, now under dire threat from climate change.”

Origins of the collection

The collection, primarily mid-20th century pieces, showcases an important time in the development of Inuit art created by people living on Baffin Island in Northeastern Canada as they explored innovative techniques in stone-cutting and seal-skin printmaking.

In 1953, Eugene Power, encouraged by his friend James Houston, an artist and educator with deep ties to the Inuit, founded the nonprofit gallery Eskimo Art Inc. with his son, Philip. After Eugene Power’s death in 1993, control of the organization was transferred to the Inuit, but the family’s desire to raise awareness of Inuit art and culture continues.

A new platform

“Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Phil and Kathy Power, UMMA will establish itself as a national center for Inuit art,” says UMMA Director Christina Olsen. “The Powers’ Inuit collection, one of the most important of its kind in the country, will serve as a platform for UMMA to develop a broad program of engaged learning around the artwork of the Canadian Arctic and related issues, such as climate change. We look forward to sharing this remarkable collection with the community and nation.”

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UMMA will inaugurate the Power Family Program for Inuit Art in the spring of 2019.

arts & culture The Eye as Trickster The explanation of a perceptual illusion is “the perception of something objectively existing in such a way as to cause misinterpretation of its actual nature.” A literal illusion, on the other hand, is an image created by smaller images in no way related to the larger, overall image. Those definitions, however, cannott convey what the eye thinks it sees. For deeper understanding of the eye’s mischief, come to the elegant Saline District Library for physics professor Jesse Mason’s exhibition: “Your Lying Eyes: Perceptual Illusions and Other Psychological Trickery,” where the professor will explain the meaning of illusion while you view his wonderfully strange collection of images.

TB

Free. 7-8:30pm. Weds. May 2, Saline District Library. Brecon Room 555 N. Maple Rd, Saline. 734-429-5450. Salinelibrary.org.

The Devil’s Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith Angelo Parra’s hit 2001 Off-Broadway musical premieres in Michigan. Set on the evening of her death in 1937, Bessie Smith holds court in a gin joint as she muses about her life and career as a cultural icon in a deeply segregated society. Features 13 of Smith’s most famous songs, including “I Ain’t Got Nobody,” “St. Louis Blues,” and “Tain’t Nobody’s Bizness If I Do.” Stars K Edmonds, Directed by Lynch Travis. - JK

$20 suggested donation. Every Thurs.-Sun., March 30-April 22. 8 p.m. (Thurs.-Sat.) & 2 p.m.

(Sun.), The Yellow Barn, 416 W. Huron, Ann Arbor. theatrenova.org

Eat, Drink and Cheer For Horses to Support UMS Get carried away in style with Kentucky Derby excitement. Enjoy mint juleps, craft cocktails, and a strolling dinner while sporting your best derby-style headwear. Discover artistic surprises and select items to “bet” in the beautiful greenery of the sun-splashed atrium of the Taubman Biomedical Science Research Building. Hats off to support UMS Education and Community Engagement Programs! - TB

$250/person. Saturday May 5th 5:30pm, 109 Zina Pitcher Place.

734-764-2538. ums.org/performance/ovation-2018

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arts & culture

Ongoing Sundays

Tuesdays

4pm-7pm. Graduate Ann Arbor. graduatehotels.com. Free

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

[misc] Game Night

[health & wellness] “Being in Tune” Community Meditation Free

Play board games and cards in the lobby! Relax with an extended happy hour and 25 percent off appetizers in the Allen Rumsey Cocktail Lounge.

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

Mondays

Wednesdays

[misc] Knitting Night at Cultivate 6pm. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse. cultivateypsi.com. Free

All ages and levels welcome at this weekly craft gathering!

[health & wellness] Weekly Meditation Sitting

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

A group meditation sitting with a short discussion of topics of interest to follow. Everyone welcome.

[misc] Trivia Night at Corner

7pm. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewry. arborbrewing.com Free What better way to relax than with trivia and craft beer? Two games at 7pm and 8pm.

2 Wednesday [theater] Sherlock Holmes & The Adventure of the Elusive Ear 3pm. $30. Purple Rose Theatre. purplerosetheatre.org

Dive into a mystery with the world’s greatest detective as he dashes forth to solve one of the most audacious crimes of the Victorian era. Visit the website for additional showtimes.

[misc] International Spotlight Series feat. Ten Thousand Villages 7pm. Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea. sweetwaterscafe.com. Free

Celebrate World Fair Trade Day with local business Ten Thousand Villages! They will bring sample products and give a presentation on local and international Fair Trade.

Fridays

[dance] Swing Dance Party

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

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.

3 Thursday Writers Workshop [literature]

7pm. YDL-Whittaker. ypsilibrary.org.

Free

Focus on your writing skills with Dr. Heather Neff, EMU English Professor and author of eight books. Discuss plot, character development, dialogue, settings, narrative arcs, and tone. Registration required.

4 Friday [art] Abstract Ancestry: Machine-Works on Paper

9am. Institute for the Humanities. lsa.umich.edu. Free

For his solo show, Detroit-based artist Matthew Angelo Harrison will produce a suite of mechanical drawings with his homemade 3D printer.

[art] 11th Annual Art Walk

6pm-9pm. Downtown Tecumseh. downtowntecumseh.com. Free

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Meet actor and comedian H. Jon Benjamin, the voice of “Sterling Archer” in FX’s Archer and Bob’s Burgers. He’ll be giving an exclusive talk and signing for the release of his new book, FAILURE IS AN OPTION: An Attempted Memoir!

5 Saturday [misc] Free Comic Book Day

10am. Vault of Midnight. vaultofmidnight.com. Free

Once a year, Vault of Midnight and comic shops around the globe team up to offer free comic books to the masses! Stop by to pick out your free copy!

[theater] Purple Rose Concert Reading

10:30am. Chelsea District Library. chelseadistrictlibrary.org. Free

Join for a reading by Purple Rose performers! Share your feedback with the cast, playwright, and Artistic Director Guy Sanville.

[misc] Derby de Mayo

12pm. Graduate Ann Arbor. graduatehotels.com. Free

Gather in the Allen Rumsey Cocktail Lounge for the broadcast of the Kentucky Derby and celebrate Cinco de Mayo with drink specials, games and more!

[misc] Inaugural Derby Day Soiree

4pm. $200. The Historic Earhart Manor. elesplace.org Celebrate Derby Day with a fun filled afternoon including prederby coverage and friendly mock wagering leading up to the actual “Run for the Roses.” Enjoy mint juleps, a bourbon tasting, an official Hat Parade with prizes, silent auction, wine pull and other derby inspired fare.

[misc] Show & Shine Car Show

[comedy] Ben Moore

Stop by Riverside Park to observe an eclectic mix of unrestored, restored, and modified cars and trucks. The show is sponsored by the Ypsilanti Area Street Rods.

Enjoy a night full of laughter with national touring comedian Ben Moore! Ben’s comedy has been featured on the WGN network and tbs.com.

may

8pm. $34.50-$75. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org

Visit with local artists who will be on hand to greet people and talk about their work, ranging from pottery to photography to jewelry and more. Merchants will offer extended hours and refreshments for the public to enjoy.

8pm. $12. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. aacomedy.com

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[comedy] H. Jon Benjamin

6 Sunday 9am. $2-$20. Riverside Park, Ypsilanti. ypsiautoheritage.org

arts & culture

[nature] Mother’s Day Wildflower Hike

14 Monday

1pm. $5. Leslie Science and Nature Center. lesliesnc.org

Straight Up with Lyse Cook Self-proclaimed “Designer, artist, lover of hot drinks and cold mornings,” Lyse Cook is the featured artist at the May edition of the Ann Arbor Art Center’s Straight Up Pop-Up art show.

Lyse’s art is minimal, utilizing watercolor, pen and ink to create images that compliment any space with a touch of modern chic.

Come out to meet Lyse and pick up some of her art while you sip cocktails and listen to a live DJ at Alley Bar.

Free, 7 -10 PM, Monday, May 21st, Alley Bar, 112 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor. annarborartcenter.org, lysecook.com [art] Outside In: A Tour of Cosmogonic Tattoos with Jim Cogswell 3pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art. umma.umich.edu. Free

Enjoy a walking tour with artist Jim Cogswell as he describesthe purpose and process of his installation on a compelling story about the movement of people and objects throughout history.

8 Tuesday [literature] Irene Butter: From Holocaust to Hope 7pm-8:30pm. Ann Arbor District Library. aadl.org. Free

Irene Butter has shared the stage with the Dalai Lama, Elie Wiesel, Desmond Tutu, and other peacemakers. She is one of the few Holocaust survivors still alive and she will discuss her moving life story.

10 Thursday [literature] Jenny Milchman

7pm. Aunt Agatha’s Bookshop. auntagathas.com. Free

Author Jenny Milchman discusses and signs her new thriller, Wicked River.

[theater] The Crucible

8pm. $12-$18. Riverside Arts Center. riversidearts.org

Come for the opening night of RAC’s production of The Crucible. The classic play takes place during the Salem Witch Trials of the 1690s, a time when paranoia and distrust were high. Other showtimes include Friday and Saturday at 8pm, and Sunday at 2pm.

11 Friday [theater] Talk to Me, Baby!

8pm. $15-$20. Arthur Miller Theatre. olconline.org

This Out Loud production is all about interpersonal communication or the lack thereof. Enjoy classic selections all the way from Gershwin to Joni Mitchell!

12 Saturday [theater] Bring Your Characters to Life Workshop

1pm. $25-$30. Ann Arbor Civic Theatre. a2ct.org

Treat the mothers and mother figures in your life to a guided wildflower hike through Black Pond Woods and the LSNC grounds, or take the hike yourself in their honor! Enjoy a short presentation on local wildflowers and then get outside to see what is blooming at LSNC.

[misc] Sweet Stories

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

Are you a fan of storytelling?

Then this new series is for you.

A featured reader will kick off the night with an open mic to follow.

17 Thursday

[film] Lives Well Lived

[art] Exercising the Eye: The Gertrude Kasle Collection

2pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art. umma.umich.edu. Free

Join for a guided tour that celebrates Gertrude Kasle, a key figure in the formation of Detroit’s contemporary art community in the 1960’s and ‘70’s.

[art] In Conversation: Reimagining Artist Identities in Africa

7pm. $15-$60. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org

Join for the Ann Arbor theatrical premiere of Lives Well Lived, a film that celebrate the incredible wit, wisdom and experiences of adults aged 75 to 100 years old.

Through their intimate memories and inspiring personal histories, forty people share their secrets and insights to living a meaningful life.

3pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art. umma.umich.edu. Free Join Allison Martino, exhibition co-curator, for an introduction to artworks that focus on the historical and contemporary issues surrounding the attribution of African artists.

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Join this workshop all about characters! Practice creating postures, gait, and gestures to make your character convincing. Bring a specific role you wish to characterize, and wear movement clothing and flexible, soft-soled shoes.

Celebrating 11 years

[art] Opening Party: Matter, Matter, Object, Wall 6pm. Ann Arbor Art Center. annarborartcenter.org. Free

Stop in for a party at the opening installation “Matter, Matter, Object, Wall.” Admire the art and enjoy complimentary beer provided by O&W Distributors.

13 Sunday [misc] Ann Arbor Goddess 5k & Mile Fun Run

8am. $12-$47. Downtown Ann Arbor. epicraces.com

Celebrate a day for all women with this special 5k and untimed mile fun run. Create a team of your family members, coworkers, neighbors, or friends and wind your way through the city’s scenic downtown district to the finish line.

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ROAD TRIP

arts & culture

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19 Saturday [misc] Ann Arbor Antiques Market

8am. Ann Arbor Antiques Market. visitannarbor.org. Free

Join for May’s antique show to find quality jewelry, paintings, industrial design, folk art, and more!

Youth Poets Take Over Wayne State with Louder Than a Bomb!

Be inspired by young people speaking up and speaking out in imaginative, insightful and magical ways as teens representing over twenty schools and organizations across Michigan (including Ann Arbor’s Neutral Zone) compete for the statewide poetry slam title. Two rounds of poetry slams (1-3 PM & 3:30-4:30 PM) will take place over the course of the afternoon and the top four teams will advance to the LTAB Grand Slam at Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (7pm) - MOCAD (Ann Arbor made it to the finals and finished second last year). - JK Saturday, May 5th, Wayne State University, 42 W. Warren Ave., Detroit. 313-577-4601, insideoutdetroit.org.

[art] Westside Art Hop

10am. Ann Arbor’s West Side. westsidearthop.com. Free

Enjoy a walk around Ann Arbor’s Old West Side to find over 40 artists displaying their painting, photography, glass, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, and more!

20 Sunday [nature] Huron River Day 1pm. Gallup Park. a2gov.org. Free

Ann Arbor’s Mayor Christopher Taylor will kick off this festival at 1pm! Come for $5 boat rentals, live music, river exhibits, fishing, antique boat show, local food vendors, demonstrations and much more! Sponsored by DTE Energy Foundation.

[misc] Eats & Beats Block Party 2pm. Downtown Saline. salinemainstreet.org. Free

Enjoy a block party to kick-off the Eats & Beats Restaurant Week in downtown Saline. There will be sampling tables featuring local food, goods from speciality stores, and live music with Jake Kershaw!

21 Monday [misc] Wool Gathering

7pm-8:30pm. Ann Arbor District Library. aadl.org. Free

Bring your knit and crochet projects for an afternoon of fiberinspired companionship. Learn a new art form, troubleshoot your latest tangles, and enjoy crafting with others!

22 Tuesday [poetry] Iain S. Thomas

7pm. Nicola’s Books. nicolasbooks.com. Free

Join for a talk & signing with New York Times best-selling poet Iain S. Thomas.

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24 Thursday [misc] Silver Maple Rummage Sale

8:30am-3pm. Silver Maples of Chelsea Retirement Neighborhood. silvermaples.org. Free

Peruse thousands of donated items, including collectibles, kitchen and household items, small furniture, appliances, jewelry and accessories, craft items, sports equipment, electronics, books, art, and more. Shop to support student scholarships and the free Kaleidoscope Concert Series.

28 Monday [film] Quaker Oats Makes a Movie: A Scrumdiddlyumptious Wonka Adventure 10am. University Library. lib.umich.edu. Free

Explore an exhibit dedicated to Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. Go behind-the-scenes and learn about one of the most beloved films of all time.

29 Tuesday [literature] African American Authors Book Group 7pm. YDL-Whittaker. ypsilibrary.org.

Free

Join for lively discussions of books by African American Authors. This month’s title is Black Detroit, by Herb Boyd.

30 Wednesday [film] Camp Bacon Film Festival

6:30pm. $35. Zingerman’s Greyline. zingermanscampbacon.com

If you are interested in the cultural significance of recipes and how they influence the culture, don’t miss this unique event!

The Camp Bacon Film Festival celebrates southern food traditions and culture through film. $10 of the ticket price will be donated to Southern Foodways.

31 Thursday

[theater] Redbud Productions: IF I FORGET 8pm. $15-$25. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Redbud Productions continues its 19th year with this critically acclaimed new play, winner of the 2017 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New OffBroadway Play.

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Cannabis

Take the Cannabis IQ quiz and see how you stack up: How many naturally occurring Chemicals are in cannabis? a) Over 400 b) 250 c) 75 d) 350 Which of the following is not a qualifying condition for medical marihuana in the state of Michigan? a) Trigeminal Neuralgia b) Cancer c) Nail-patella syndrome d) Hepatitis C

How many plants can a single registered patient grow in Michigan. a) 9 b) 12 c) 10 d) None of the above Which of the following is not a strain of cannabis? a) Donkey Butter b) Bootylicious c) Alien Hallucination d) Fruity McChicken Answers: a, a, b, d

To see how you stack up, take the full exam at ecurrent.com.

Faster, Higher, Stronger at 2018 Cannabis Olympics Local budtenders ply skills at first ever Washtenaw County Cannabis Competition

by Vic Tanny

On the somehat sunny Sunday of March 25th, local budtenders showed up for the ultimate test of cannabis knowledge and skill.

Competitors were tested on Cannabis IQ, Strain Identification, Eyeball Ability and Joint-Rolling. Ten budtenders from five Ann Arbor dispensaries answered the call to compete.

Event #1: Strain Recognition

The first event asked competitors to identify strains based only on look, feel and smell. Points were given for identifying the strain name and type (i.e. Indica, Sativa, Hybrid). The five strains presented were Cookies and Cream, Jack Herer, San Fernando Valley OG, Tangie and Gorilla Glue #4.

Jason Erwin (ArborSide) jumped to an early lead, scoring 7 out of 10 on Strain Recognition. The next closest competitor, Patrick Shepard (Arbors Wellness) was 3 points back with a 4.5.

Every competitor scored points in round one, which was widely regarded as the most difficult event.

Event #2: Cannabis IQ

The general cannabis knowledge of each competitor was gauged using a 10 question multiple choice exam, with questions spanned topics from cannabis history to cannabis science and laws. Tim Leonard (Om of Medicine) won this event scoring 8 of 10 possible points.

Event #3: Eyeball Ability

This contest assesses the competitor’s ability to weigh a gram, eighth and quarter ounce without the use of a scale. This event proved the closest event of the competition, with most

34

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2018 / ecurrent.com

budtenders averaging less than seven tenths of a gram over or under the target weight. Tim Leonard (OM of Medicine), Megan Coppock (ArborSide) and Jason Erwin (ArborSide) tied for the lead, averaging just .3g margin of error.

Event #4: Joint-Rolling

In what turned out to be ‘the main event,’ contestants had 20 minutes to roll three grams of flower into their best joint, which were scored on smokability, appearance and creativity.

All competitors eventually turned in a joint, but some overly meticulous competitors failed to finish their rolling in the alloted time and were forced to turn in incomplete entries.

The winners of this portion clearly proved their Olympian prowess Jason Erwin (ArrborSide) rolled a cross-joint. Micah Authement (Arbors Wellness) produced a rarely seen tulip joint that included a mouthpiece cover for transportability. Colton Ryder (Bloom City Club), armed with keef and rolling utensils, presented judges with a keef-covered joint that earned first place for its appearance.

Final score

The final overall tally proclaimed Erwin (ArborSide) the Gold Medalist of the first Cannabis Olympics. In second, the Silver Medalist was Authement (Arbors Wellness). Megan Coppock (ArborSide) took home the Bronze.

The Cannabis Olympics brought together the best and brightest in this budding industry and offered a closer look at the professionalism with which Ann Arbor’s dispensaries serve patients. The International Cannolympic Committee plans to bring the event back for a second year next March, with more competitors and events. Until then, make sure to visit the distinguished competitors at their dispensaries!

Participants included: Jason Erwin & Megan Coppock representing ArborSide, Patrick Shepard & Micah Authement representing Arbors Wellness, Colton Ryder, Betsy Furuhjelm & Trisha Stevens representing Bloom City Club, Erick Moir & Austin Barnett representing Greenstone Society and Tim Leonard representing Om of Medicine.

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MAY

free will astrology © Copyright 2018 Rob Brezsny

ARIES (March 21-April 19): I hate rampant consumerism almost as much as I hate hatred, so I don’t offer the following advice lightly: Buy an experience that could help liberate you from the suffering you’ve had trouble outgrowing. Or buy a toy that can thaw the frozen joy that’s trapped within your out-of-date sadness. Or buy a connection that might inspire you to express a desire you need help in expressing. Or buy an influence that will motivate you to shed a belief or theory that has been cramping your lust for life. Or all of the above! (And if buying these things isn’t possible, consider renting.)

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I bet that a healing influence will arrive from an unexpected direction and begin to work its subtle but intense magic before anyone realizes what’s happening. I predict that the bridge you’re building will lead to a place that’s less flashy but more useful than you imagined. And I’m guessing that although you may initially feel jumbled by unforeseen outcomes, those outcomes will ultimately be redemptive. Hooray for lucky flukes and weird switcheroos!

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Born under the astrological sign of Cancer, Franz Kafka is regarded as one of the twentieth century’s major literary talents. Alas, he made little money from his writing.

Among the day jobs he did to earn a living were stints as a bureaucrat at insurance companies. His superiors there praised his efforts. “Superb administrative talent,” they said about him.

Let’s use this as a take-off point to meditate on your destiny, Cancerian. Are you good at skills you’re not passionate about? Are you admired and acknowledged for having qualities that aren’t of central importance to you? If so, the coming weeks and months will be a favorable time to explore this apparent discrepancy. I believe you will have the power to get closer to doing more of what you love to do.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): If you really wanted to, you could probably break the world’s record for most words typed per minute with the nose (103 characters in 47 seconds). I bet you could also shatter a host of other marks, as well, like eating the most hot chiles in two minutes, or weaving the biggest garland using defunct iPhones, or dancing the longest on a tabletop while listening to a continuous loop of Nirvana’s song “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” But I hope you won’t waste your soaring capacity for excellence on meaningless stunts like those. I’d rather see you break your own personal records for accomplishments like effective communications, high-quality community-building, and smart career moves.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Isaac Newton (1643-1727) was among history’s three most influential scientists. Immanuel Kant (17241804) has been described as *the* central figure in modern philosophy. Henry James (1843-1916) is regarded as one of the greatest novelists in English literature. John Ruskin (1819-1900) was a prominent art critic and social thinker. What did these four men have in common? They never had sex with anyone. They were virgins when they died. I view this fact with alarm. What does it mean that Western culture is so influenced by the ideas of men who lacked this fundamental initiation? With that as our context, I make this assertion: If you hope to make good decisions in the coming weeks, you must draw on the wisdom you have gained from being sexually entwined with other humans.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “Every so often, a painter has to destroy painting,” said twentieth-century abstract expressionist painter Willem de Kooning. “Cézanne did it. Picasso did it with Cubism.

Then Pollock did it. He busted our idea of a picture all to hell.”

In de Kooning’s view, these “destructive” artists performed a noble service. They demolished entrenched ideas about the nature of painting, thus liberating their colleagues and descendants from stale constraints. Judging from the current astrological omens, Libra, I surmise the near future will be a good time for you to wreak creative destruction in your own field or sphere. What progress and breakthroughs might be possible when you dismantle comfortable limitations?

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): These days you have an enhanced ability to arouse the appreciation and generosity of your allies, friends, and loved ones.

The magnetic influence you’re emanating could even start to evoke the interest and inquiries of mere acquaintances and random strangers.

Be discerning about how you wield that potent stuff! On the other hand, don’t be shy about using it to attract all the benefits it can bring you. It’s OK to be a bit greedier for goodies than usual as long as you’re also a bit more compassionate than usual.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Mayflies are aquatic insects with short life spans. Many species live less than 24 hours, even though the eggs they lay may take three years to hatch. I suspect this may be somewhat of an apt metaphor for your future, Scorpio. A transitory or short-duration experience could leave a legacy that will ripen for a long time before it hatches. But that’s where the metaphor breaks down. When your legacy has fully ripened -- when it becomes available as a living presence -- I bet it will last a long time.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): When a critic at *Rolling Stone* magazine reviewed the Beatles’ *Abbey Road* in 1969, he said some of the songs were “so heavily overproduced that they are hard to listen to.” He added, “Surely they must have enough talent and intelligence to do better than this.” Years later, however, *Rolling Stone* altered its opinion, naming *Abbey Road* the fourteenth best album of all time. I suspect, Sagittarius, that you’re in a phase with metaphorical resemblances to the earlier assessment. But I’m reasonably sure that this will ultimately evolve into being more like the later valuation -- and it won’t take years.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): According to my analysis of the astrological omens, love should be in full bloom. You should be awash in worthy influences that animate your beautiful passion.

So how about it? Are you swooning and twirling and uncoiling?

Are you overflowing with a lush longing to celebrate the miracle of being alive? If your answer is yes, congratulations. May your natural intoxication levels continue to rise. But if my description doesn’t match your current experience, you may be out of sync with cosmic rhythms.

And if that’s the case, please take emergency measures. Escape to a sanctuary where you can shed your worries and inhibitions and maybe even your clothes. Get drunk on undulating music as you dance yourself into a dreamy love revelry.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “Life never gives you anything that’s all bad or all good.” So proclaimed the smartest Aquarian six-year-old girl I know as we kicked a big orange ball around a playground. I agreed with her! “Twenty years from now,” I told her, “I’m going to remind you that you told me this heartful truth.” I didn’t tell her the corollary that I’d add to her axiom, but I’ll share it with you: If anything or anyone or seems to be all bad or all good, you’re probably not seeing the big picture. There are exceptions, however! For example, I bet you will soon experience or are already experiencing a graceful stroke of fate that’s very close to being all good.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “Enodation” is an old, nearly obsolete English word that refers to the act of untying a knot or solving a knotty problem. “Enodous” means “free of knots.”

Let’s make these your celebratory words of power for the month of May, Pisces. Speak them out loud every now and then. Invoke them as holy chants and potent prayers leading you to discover the precise magic that will untangle the kinks and snarls you most need to untangle.

Homework: What’s the most important question you need an answer for in the next five years? Deliver your best guess to me.

Freewillastrology.com.

ecurrent.com / may 2018 37

Across 1. Shit to do around the house 7. Internet jokey greeting 10. Shaking 13. Kosher-certified 14. Stitching stuff 15. Get sour 16. Stack of computer connections?

18. Singer Rita ___ 19. Wallop 20. Wallop 21. Not really there 23. Camry manufacturer defies authority?

26. Dude on Tinder, likely 27. Nickname for a tall man 28. Punish an alternative reader monetarily?

32. Put in the cloud 35. Pindaric work 36. [Is this mic on?]

38. Answer for “More Grenache and Brie?�

39. Gratin dauphinois ingredient 43. Decorative container at a courthouse?

47. Smartphone pics 49. Going both ways: Pref.

50. Arm bone moments of decline?

54. Without being said 55. Soprano Ponselle 56. Drops a line on Facebook 58. Sense of importance 59. All the latest about the ducts from the kidney?

63. “R U Talkin’ ___. Re: Me?� (Scott Aukerman and Adam Scott’s podcast) 64. Engages in crew 65. Its capital is Taipei 66. Anger 67. Name on a frozen tub 68. Starts off

  may

Down 1. AMD product 2. Dank weed 3. Circumnavigate the world 4. Return to the factory settings, say 5. Mrs. Hitler 6. Emit 7. Poems that are in / A 5 7 5 form like / what I did right here 8. Bean bag toss’s path 9. Come into later in life 10. Half moons?

11. Rich cake 12. Doesn’t go anywhere 14. Rec. center that wouldn’t have made sense for the Village People to sing about 17. Watch lever 22. TV actor Ventimiglia 24. “___ first!�

(Editor’s note: this would have been a better title for this puzzle) 25. Pair in a qt.

28. Dandy dude 29. Words with a ring 30. Bottom line 31. Polish off 33. Port.’s home 34. Loud noise 37. Accolade 40. Berry in a smoothie 41. Thankless neverending job, say 42. Opening number?

44. Gives out 45. Washboard ___ 46. What one is liable to do in their made bed, proverbially 48. Completely madcap 50. Egg holders 51. Pint selection 52. Piles and piles 53. Diving ducks 57. Swing at a fly 60. Sir Stewart 61. Credit card application encl.

62. ___ Bol (toilet cleaner brand)

2018 / ecurrent.com

LEAD THE WAY

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