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Locally Grown 7
Behind the scenes with Ann Arbor small business owners
Knight’s Steakhouse 14
A contemporary twist on a local classic by Michael Bianco
Lee
Nearing the Pre-dawn 18
Photo by Laura
Misty Lyn & The Big Beautiful by Jeff Milo
Jeff Daniels 20
The man behind The Masks by Brandon Bye
Farewell to a friend:
The Current Magazine staff expresses our condolences to the family of Matthew Phillips, contributing writer for the Ann Arbor Observer and driver for Current Magazine. He will be sorely missed.
contents
August august 2014
vol. 24 / no.8
26 theater feature
The Last Romance In conversation with director Michelle Mountain by Sandor Slomovits
28 art feature
Locally Set: Paint Dexter Plein Air Art Festival by Ann Dwyer
Performance by Andrew Buckshaw
32 High and Inside Dan Epstein talks baseball in the year of America’s bicentenial by Russ Brakefield
34 Sport
Crow Calls: Michigan crow hunters gear up for opening day by Russ Brakefield
38 crossword 39 style sense
current online exclusives Street Soul
In the grand tradition of Ann Arbor street musicians, Olivia Bratton returned to the city July 18 & 19 amidst the lively Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, painting the streets, not with a brush, but with the ethereal musings of her harp.
A Century Plant in Bloom
University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens houses a horticultural phenomenon
Snapshot: Art Fair
Current Highlights the Best of the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair Heather Harris - Metalwork, Photography prints on canvas.
Exclusive features at www.ecurrent.com
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Adams Street Publishing Co. ^ The Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts is relocating from 637 S. Main St. to 1289 Jewett Ave. between August 17th-23rd, affording more space to provide music education and culture to the Ann Arbor community. 734-213-2000 as-spa.org
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Publisher/Editor in Chief
Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) a Woman with a lot of issues
^ The Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau has moved down the block to 315 W. Huron St., Ste. 340. Plans for a six-story hotel in the former AAACVB spot (on the corner of W. Huron and S. Ashley) are in the works. 734-995-7281 visitannarbor.org
Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) A rolling Stone
Editorial
Assignment Editor: Brandon Bye (brandon@adamsstreetpublishing.com) local Arts & Entertainment Coordinator: Joseph Schafer (josephs@adamsstreetpublishing.com) employed and middle class, so far not doing so hot Molly Winer (molly@adamsstreetpublishing.com) as happy as pharrell
^ Ypsilanti staple The Wurst Bar, favoring brats, beers and burgers, will open a second location in Livonia at 28121 Plymouth Rd. this fall. 734-485-6720 wurstbarypsi.com
Calendar Editor: Marisa Rubin (mrubin@adamsstreetpublishing.com) A mortician
^ Bill Brinkerhoff, his wife Kathy Sample, and their business partner Scott Fleck are opening the year-round Argus Farm Stop, at 325 W. Liberty St., allowing farmers to drop off fresh products once a week and profit without being present at the market. Expect seasonal produce, dairy, meats. argusfarmstop.com
Digital Media Specialist: Saul Jacobs (saul@adamsstreetpublishing.com) a big boss Contributing Writers: Michael Bianco, Sandor Slomovits, Russell Brakefield, Ann Dwyer, Louis Meldman, Samantha Balk, Jeff Milo.
Art/Production
Production Manager: Brittney Koehl (adsin@adamsstretpublishing.com) A better Speller
^ Real Baked Goods is looking at an August open date at 1232 Packard St. The “friendly neighborhood bakery,” as owner Alan Caldwell calls it, will sell items like cinnamon rolls, pecan rolls, cookies, pepperoni rolls and spinach rolls—all made from scratch.
Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) debt free Graphic Design: Kyle Iwanicki (kyle@adamsstreetpublishing.com) A cult leader Chelsie Parton (chelsei@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Not so Cute Liz Schafer (freelance@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Famous
^ A new customer-friendly, community-based wine and craft beer store comes to Ann Arbor this fall at 303 S. Ashley St. The Beer Grotto will host tasting/education events, feature an outdoor patio and sell by the bottle. And they take requests: tell them which beers and wines you’d like in stock and, if possible, they’ll provide. beergrotto.com
Production intern: Aaron Covrett
Advertising
Sales Manager: Aubrey Hornsby (ahornsby@adamsstreetpublishing.com) That’s a good question
^ Ypsi’s Korey’s Krispy Krunchy Chicken has closed. A community favorite, providing meals to underprivileged families during the holidays, the Louisiana soul food spot shut down due to overwhelming heating costs this past winter.
Sales Coordinator: Molly Davis (mdavis@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Smarter Customer Service Representative Martha J. Schmitt (martha@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Xena The Warrior Princess Sales Representative Tara A. Patterson (tara@adamsstreetpublishing.com) anna wintour, or Buffy the vampire slayer
^ Intent on increasing foot traffic, Maiz Mexican Cantina has relocated from Pittsfield Twp. to 36 E. Cross St. in Ypsilanti, still serving up sizzling Mexican meals and delicious drinks. 734-340-6010 maizmexican.com
Classifieds: Rachellyn Marsh (classifieds@toledocitypaper.com) A crazy dog lady... oh, wait...
Administration
Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledocitypaper.com) I want to be.....Living comfortably
^ Grillcheezerie Sandwich Shoppe is set to open at 709 Packard St. early this month, slinging 12 versions of the American classic. Spicy, savory, and sweet options include odd offerings like hot wings, pizza, and apple flavored grilled cheese.
Distribution: Michele Flanagan (distribution@toledocitypaper.com) I am 31 and i am still trying to figure this out!
© 2014 by Adams Street Publishing Co., All rights reserved. 3003 Washtenaw Ave., Suite 3, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, Phone (734) 668-4044, Fax (734) 668-0555. First class subscriptions $30 a year. Distributed throughout Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and neighboring communities. Also publishers of: Mature
Audited by
Member
Follow us on Facebook and Twittertwitter.com/ecurrent
^ La Belle Maison at 333 S. Main St. closed on July 31st. The space will likely be filled by Lisa Roberts, owner of Rock Paper Scissors, who plans to open a sister shop featuring home accessories and gift items. rockpaperscissorsshop.com ^ A new chapter begins for Nicola’s Books, as Bill and Cecile Fehsenfeld of Schuler Books, one of the nation’s largest independent bookstores, take over the business. The name of the store, as will Nicola Rooney as a consultant, while having more free time to care for her mother. 2513 Jackson Ave. 734-662-0600 nicolasbooks.com ecurrent.com / august 2014 5
fyi
From the White House, with regards
Ann Arbor’s own Paul Sagniaw, Cofounder and Chief Spiritual Officer (CSO) of Zingerman’s Community of Businesses has acheived national renown direct from the White House as a 2014 Raise the Wage Champion of Change. What has Saginaw championed? A forward-thinking, employee-oriented, supporitve and enriching work environment. Zingerman’s employees are rewarded for their hard work with good wages, health benefits, paid time-off, classes on open book finance and access to the Community Chest— a fund that aids employees during financial emergencies. Kudos to Sagniaw, and to Zingerman’s, for this remarkable acheivement, and to the Ann Arbor community, for nutruring this equalparts ecomonic and humanistic success.—MW
green corner Bee informed
Honeybees are facing extinction. Pesticides, parasites and lack of nutrition are killing them off in hoards. Sure, bees sting, and it hurts, but this decline in the bee population isn’t good news. Humans need bees to pollinate the fruits and vegetables that keep us healthily fed. Matthaei Botanical Garden is offering a crashcourse in beekeeping so that nature lovers can learn more about the species and about beekeeping strategies. Hear the buzz Tuesday, August 12, 6:30pm, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1610 Washington Heights. 734-647-8986. lsa.umich.edu/mbg Free. —MW
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G
rowing anything successfully takes hard work, creativity and luck—and local business owners understand. Navigating the peaks and valleys of our economy, these dedicated men and women have grown their businesses, some of which boasting a long tradition and others just beginning to make their mark on the community. Check out their stories!
Why are we great? The great thing about Arbor Brewing Company is that we get to dabble in so many things we’re passionate about. We operate under a triple bottom-line approach which evaluates our business success against social and environmental as well as financial measures. That and the fact that we are a small owner-operated business means that we can focus on what we love and not just on what is profitable - like local sustainable sourcing, staff-centric management, community involvement, solar and geo-thermal technologies, and sour beer production. Our entire team is involved and energized by what we do and it makes for an amazing work environment. Best piece of advice for local business owners? Get involved! We’re all in this together. We have a great community of local businesses and we are all stronger when we support one-another. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
ton St. ashing 104 W . E 4 48 11 bor, MI r A n n A 3 -139 734-213ewing.com r
arborb
Greff Owner: Rene ess: 19 n si u b in rs at the Yea ployees: 45 em f o y er Number ew at the Microbr Brewpub, 35
We couldn’t do it without? Our staff. We hire nice people that share our values and are rewarded with the most dedicated, creative and interesting team anywhere. It is their hard work, enthusiasm and dedication that make it all possible. Favorite Business quote? Be competitive but don’t compete - looking over your shoulder slows you down. The turning point (When they knew they were a success)? Even after 19 years, success isn’t something we take for granted. After standing on the edge of the precipice, we are grateful for every day that we get to do what we love. But I think the true turning point for us has come within the last few years as people have started to describe Arbor Brewing Company as an Ann Arbor institution. That is just an amazing feeling. Rene and Matt Greff, proud owners of Arbor Brewing Company.
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Continued from pg. 7
216 N. 4 Ann Ar th Ave. bor, MI 734 48
104
-994-917
peoples
4
food.co
op
Owner: Kevin Sharp Years in business: 43 Number of employees: 75 What makes you stand out? This kind of longevity is unusual, especially in this day and age when independent local businesses are increasingly squeezed by the national chains. The fact that we’ve not only survived but thrived says that what we do continues to resonate with people in our community. Really, our cooperative ownership is key. You can find natural foods in lots of places, but we are a co-op, which is an fundamentally different way of doing business. We have multiple bottom lines. We care about not just finances but also doing business sustainably and being good to people too. How did you get started? The late ‘60s and early ‘70s were the height of the environmental movement. People were actively seeking healthier food and more sustainable ways of feeding themselves. A lot of the products that are readily available now were hard to come by then. People pooled their resources and began buying food in bulk and sharing it with each other. What we have now grew out of those efforts. Best piece of advice for local business owners? Hold some greater good, some values, above and beyond just selling something. Work toward ideals. . What are some of your favorite local establishments? In addition to the Ypsilanti Food Co-op with whom we’re philosophically aligned, we love our local suppliers of many of the products we sell, like The Brinery, Ann Arbor Tortilla Factory, River St. Bakery, Mindo Chocolate Makers and so many more. One word to describe your business? Cooperative Favorite Business quote? “Co-op education begins in building a way of thinking about how people should work together and control their affairs democratically... It begins with people who have a firm conviction that consumer and worker cooperation represents fundamentally more humane ways to conduct economic and social life than the current system provides.” -Bob Schildgen, Green Life Columnist, Sierra Magazine The turning point (When you knew that you’d be successful)? It would have been early on. The ‘70s were such a time of growth and consciousness-raising on so many issues, including health and food. Now, every day someone discovers what we do and is turned on to a new food or a whole new way of eating or the concept of a cooperative, and that’s success.
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ty St., 2150 W. Liber 8103 4 I M r, Ann Arbo
734-662-4474 hospital.com narboranimal an
93 Ecorse Rd., 8198 Ypsilanti, MI 4 734-277-4063
m
the-sportsbar.co
Owners: Jackie Walter Years in business: 35 Number of employees: 30 Why we are great? We focus on great service, great food, great drinks, and the ability to watch all sports at all times. We value our customers and make sure we meet their expectations. How we got started? It has been a father son dynamic duo since the late 70’s. We have been in the restaurant business for many years down on campus. They decided that we need a change. Ben is a sports fanatic and thought this was a great fit. He wanted to provide an atmosphere that he was passionate about for our clientele. So we are working on developing that and continuing to expand on what our customers want from us. The best business quote we have heard is: “Ready, Fire, Aim”. A lot of people make decisions before they think. So this quote helps us to think before we fully jump in head first. How many years? We are going on our third year as The Sports Bar Westside and things are looking good. We are excited by how far we have come and look forward to all the new challenges ahead. We couldn’t do it without? All of our dedicated employees and our loyal customers. We have about 30 employees on average and lots of fun loving customers who support us on a regular basis.
Owner: Dr. Linda Griebe Years in business: 32 Number of employees: 48 What makes you stand out? We are truly a fullservice veterinary care facility. We do preventive care for all age ranges of dogs and cats, have advanced dental and surgical abilities, are open 24/hours a day, 365 days a year for critical care and emergencies. We also combine alternative medical modalities like acupuncture, laser therapy, chiropractic and traditional Chinese medicine when we feel patients can benefit. How we got started? The hospital was established in the 1930’s by Dr. Hanawalt, expanded by Dr. Hergot in the 1970’s and 80’s. We moved the practice to the new building in 2003. Best piece of advice for business owners? Constantly strive to be the best. Look ahead to see where the market is going and re-invest as needed to provide what your customer/ client base wants. We couldn’t be successful without? Our experience staff. We hire for expertise in veterinary medicine and work to maintain a dedicated staff. We have many employees who have been with the hospital for 20, 30 and 40 years. Favorite local establishments? Knights Restaurant, Ace Hardware. Favorite Business quote? If you don’t know where you’re going, you won’t know when you get there. The turning point (When they knew they were a success)? When I was able to hire people to help with the management and business aspects of running a growing practice. Continued on pg. 10
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Continued from pg. 9
Owners: Tarek and Rachel Kanaan Years in business: 5 years Number of employees: 9 How we got started? Serendipitously - just a crazy idea Rachel had that, once started, had a life of its own!
93 Ecorse Rd ., Ypsilanti, MI 4
734-277-4063
8198
unityvibratio
nkombucha.
com
Best piece of advice for local business owners? If it’s your passion, and you are tenacious and determined, anything can happen. There are no problems, only solutions.absolutely necessary. Favorite Business quote? What we are trying to spread out into the world, of course: “Love, Health and Possibility!” One word to describe your business? Exciting! The turning point (When they knew they were a success)? There are small successes all the time, especially with a new business like ours. The ability to hire people, winning awards, staying in business, etc. Success isn’t an end-point but a process. What are some of your favorite local establishments? In addition to the Ypsilanti Food Co-op with whom we’re philosophically aligned, we love our local suppliers of many of the products we sell, like The Brinery, Ann Arbor Tortilla Factory, River St. Bakery, Mindo Chocolate Makers and so many more.
Owner: Julia Collins 208 W. Ypsilan Michigan Ave. Years in business: 10 years in October! ti, MI 4 , Number of employees: 15 8197 734-845 -0
ypsistu
542
Why are we great? We have a team of committed, educated instructors who know how to help members from every fitness level. They are also just as fantastic at creating a sense of community by forming authentic relationships with their students.
dio.com
Best piece of advice for local business owners? Reach out to other business owners and do NOT fear self-promotion. Assuming that you will be making a profit the first year might be a mistake. So, limit extremely high priced purchases for the business unless they are absolutely necessary. We couldn’t do it without? Happy, enthusiastic members who want to work out with their friends. Word of mouth advertising has been crucial to our success. One word to describe your business? Community Favorite Business quote? I don’t promise it will always be fun or easy but, it will definitely be worth it.
Owner: Jesse Thomason Years in business: 6 years Number of employees: 6
517. C Ypsila ross St. nti, M I 48 745 -340-5
597
197
Why are we great? We are great because we provide an environment that is different from all of the other bars and music venues in town. We have an open space that has the ability to feel like a giant party, or an intimate night out, depending on what event we have going on. How we got started? I moved on to the property six years ago, And I’ve been working on the place ever since. Best piece of advice for local business owners? This is a tough town. It’s important to keep moving forward no matter what. Be frugal with your expenses and overhead. We couldn’t do it without? The Locals, Townies, And Students who visit us daily. Favorite local establishments? I’m a fan of everything Ypsi. Each place has its own little unique way of making it stand out. One word to describe your business? Neighborly Favorite Business quote? We may not always have what you want, but, we will make you want what we have :)
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The turning point (When they knew they were a success)? When we were able to expand and continue on with building and renovating.
415 N. 4th Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 734-769-2999
kerrytownconcerthouse.com
Owners: Deanna Relyea Years in business: Kerrytown Concert House (KCH) opened September 1984. We will be starting our 30th season this fall! Number of employees: We have 3 fulltime employees and 2 part-time. What makes you stand out? KCH is the only professionally managed concert space in Ann Arbor outside of U of M, presenting hundreds of classical, jazz, cabaret, and avant-garde concerts each year. Since 1997 KCH also presents an annual, internationally recognized creative music festival, Edgefest, which features an international roster of cutting-edge jazz improvisers. Additionally, KCH is a community resource, providing space for students and their teachers, and to local organizations for meetings and fundraising events. We couldn’t be successful without….? The dedicated support of our patrons and members. Favorite local establishments? There are small successes all the time, especially with a new business like ours: the ability to hire people, winning awards, staying in business, etc. Success isn’t an end-point but a process. What are some of your favorite local establishments? As a member of the Kerrytown Historic District, we love all of the Kerrytown neighborhood businesses and especially appreciate the mutual support from Sparrow Market, Fustini’s, and Sweetwater’s Cafe. One word to describe your business? Creative. Why are we great? The studio offers over 45 classes a week, and 5 free or donation-based classes. 100% of the donations go to support local non-profits. We enjoy supporting the community that supports our business. Thank you for voting us #1 Yoga Studio in Washtenaw County! How did you get started? Ana started working with our guru, Frederic Ferri of YogaPro to help correct her scoliosis. She opened her first small yoga studio on the second floor of the Mail Shoppe, our parent’s downtown business. Ana founded A² Yoga over ten years ago and moved the studio to Commerce Blvd. in the fall of 2009 to accommodate the growing number of students. Dina took over operations in 2013 to help continue the growth of the studio.
2030 Commerce Blvd. Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734-216-4006
www.a2yoga.net
Best piece of advice for local business owners? We recognize that yoga is a study. Teaching people to live in a healthy way is so important. It’s opening a door to the idea of taking care of their body and a way for them to remember who they are--body, mind, emotion, spirit. This is the same approach we take with our studio. As a champion of “sustainable development” we use a “triple bottom line” approach based on the tripod of Ecology, Equity, and Economy. We are always learning! . We couldn’t do it without? Our wonderful students! Our knowledgeable, amazing teachers and staff! The love and support of our family! Favorite local establishments? Mail Shoppe (not only because it’s our mom’s business). Too many to list because we grew up here in Ann Arbor! One word to describe your business? Caring. Favorite Business quote? “There is no single, right way to be a leader. Finding the style and routine that’s suited to you, and to the particulars of your environment, is not easy.” -Ari Weinzweig, Managing by Pouring Water.
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Owner: Kelly MacArthur and William MacArthur Years in business: 8. Number of employees: 15
2117 West Stadium Blvd. Ann Arbor, MI 48103
(734) 926-0114
How we got started? We started from scratch as a small one vet practice on the Old West Side with the goal of providing high quality veterinary care at reasonable prices. We started with zero clients but were welcomed into the community and have grown over the last eight years to employ four additional vets besides Dr. Bill and currently have over ten thousand dogs and cats in the practice. Favorite local establishments? Washtenaw Dairy of course!! The turning point (When you knew that you were a success)? When we were forced to relocate into a new building that was three times the size of our previous clinic and filled up the entire space instantly.
1950 S. Industrial Hwy., Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-665-4474
coloniallanescubsac.com
Owner: William Wood Years in business: Let’s say we began in 1962 Number of Employees: 50 Why are we great? I think we stand out because we have an excellent staff dedicated to customer service. It also doesn’t hurt that we’re located near the center of Michigan athletics. The turning point (When they knew they were a success)? CLAA was successful from the beginning. Favorite Business quote? In the immortal words of Henry Ford, “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.”
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food food
Knight’s An American Classic updated for the next generation
Knight’s Downtown Steakhouse
600 E. Liberty St. Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104 734-887-6899 www.knightsrestaurants.com Open Sunday - Saturday, 11am - Midnight
By Michael Bianco The dining landscape is loaded with chain restaurants promising homestyle cooking and gracious service but delivering factory-farm foods from underpaid workers. Mainstreet values are being eroded by corporate interests, and finding a family-owned fine dining restaurant with roots in the community seems increasingly rare. That is why Knight’s is important, not only at the local but on the national level. Founded in 1952 by Ray Knight, the Knight family businesses, consisting of three steak houses and a neighborhood grocery, have been serving Southeast Michigan for over sixty years. The family proudly declares a philosophy of providing customers with “good value, exceptional service and excellent food and drinks.” The paneled walls of Knight’s on the west side of town have sheltered fond memories for generations of Ann Arborites. And while you won’t find a celebrity chef with a hot show on the Food Network, or some wild innovation in post-modern cuisine, you will find, in every bite, the antithesis of exteriority: soul. This is why the new Knight’s on the eastern end of Liberty Street is interesting; it’s a contemporary twist on a local classic. The area surrounding the Michigan Theater is going through revitalization, with a few restaurateurs featuring “hip” and “ethnic” cuisine that appeals to the University crowd. And while I deeply enjoy innovative and international flavors, I also love a restaurant that serves up dinner and pie just like Grandma used to make. The new Knight’s is the go-to spot for anyone craving classic food and good value in a tastefully designed, contemporary space.
Timeless Design
A gridded installation of portraits complements a space that typifies the current zeitgeist of restaurant design – elegant lines and simple colors. And while the space certainly feels fresh and contemporary, it retains
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the qualities of a classic bistro. White subway tile, a wraparound bar, “antique” fans, and little touches of turquoise paint are all elements of timeless design. And although the nostalgic composition explicitly aims for a retro-chic vibe, it does so without irony or superficial execution. The interior of the new restaurant is not the only aspect that has been updated to satisfy customers of a new generation. The menu features an array of dishes appealing to older and younger tastes. While you can still order a Porterhouse and a pint of Guinness, customers can also dine on items such as gazpacho or hand-pattied black bean burgers, all while sipping Michigan micro-brews and local spirits. These are welcome additions for those who lack places to dine with their vegan companions. The seasonal fruit pie is still made at Knight’s HQ, and the All American Burger (still just under eight bucks) is cooked to perfection just as it was before - only now you can add a side of crosscut sweet potato fries to go with it. And if the tasteful design, delicious food and wellframed view of the Michigan marquee across the street aren’t enough to make you a regular, the service will. The one thing that Knight’s does better than any other restaurant in town is provide excellent service. Just like the Knight’s of old, the staff at the new Knight’s is attentive and kind, knowing when to make an appearance at the table and how long to stay. If the new Knight’s has any competition, it’s from the mother ship on the west side of town. And while I intend to regularly try the rotating specials at the Knight’s on Liberty with new friends, I eagerly await another family gathering for classic American cuisine at the Knight’s of old on Dexter Rd. Good drinks, good food, and good service at a fair price: you can’t go wrong.
Anniversario Italiano
5 tuesday
What’s to celebrate? Just ask Paesano’s owner, Mike Roddy: “My wife Bridget and I opened [Paesano’s] in 1984 with a concept for a simple Italian Restaurant. Fast forward 30 years and we now offer Italian Language classes, an annual trip to Italy, movie nights, winemaker dinners and wine tastings. We have grown and evolved thanks to our loyal customer base, many who have become our good friends. We are so proud to be a part of this wonderful community.” Become a part of the Paesano community on Thursday, August 14, 6:30 pm for an Italian feast and festivities and on Friday, August 15, 6:30pm for a 30th Anniversary retro dance party, with old favorites on the set list, and on the plate. Paesano’s, 3411 Washtenaw Ave. 734-9710484. paesanosannarbor.com—MW
Grizzly Peak Brewer’s Night
6-9pm. Grizzly Peak, 120 W. Washington St. 734-741-7325. grizzlypeak.net
Tour the brewery, meet the brewers and try all breeds of beer.
9 saturday The Wine Days of Summer Picnic Trail Noon-6:00 pm. $30/ Designated drivers eat free. Pioneer Wine Trail Vineyards. 517-592-4663. sandhillcranevineyards.com
A self-driving tour of the wineries of the Pioneer Wine Trail. At each stop you’ll be served good eats prepared by a local chef or restaurant. Each winery will provide wine. Also Sunday, August 10.
10 sunday Artisan Food Vendors
11am-4pm. The Sunday Artisan Market in Kerrytown, 315 Detroit St. 734-913-9622. artisanmarket.org
Artisan Food Vendors are featured at The Sunday Artisan Market.
Cornman Farms Tomato Dinner
August is all about harvesting. And what better way to celebrate than by eating a variety of locally grown tomatoes? Zingerman’s is back with its 2nd Annual Cornman Farm’s Tomato Dinner. If the caprese salads from the all-you-can-eat tomato bar don’t fill you up, Cornman Farms’ beef and pork dishes will. 7-9pm on Tuesday, August 26. Reservations. $75/person. Zingerman’s Roadhouse, 2501 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-663-3663. zingermansroadhouse.com—AR
14 thursday
food tainment, Games and Food in Italy. Paesano’s version boasts an appetizer buffet featuring Italian favorites, paired with a variety of summer Italian wines and Peroni beer.
Beer Tasting: Micro Madness
7-9pm. $25 adv/ $30 day of. Arbor Brewing Co., 114 E. Washington St. 734-213-1393. arborbrewing.com
Tickets include beer samples, an appetizer buffet, a complete event program with tasting notes and entry in a prize drawing.
15 friday Mozzarella and Cornman Farm Tomato Party 6-8pm. $30. Zingerman’s Creamery, 3723 Plaza Dr. 734-929-0500. zingermanscreamery.com
Farm Manager Mark Baerwolf talks about the beginnings of Cornman Farms, and their wide variety of delicious heirloom tomatoes. Taste smoked mozzarella, fiore di latte, burrata, and mozzarella rolls, along with a nice sampling of heirloom tomatoes. Registration required.
Ferragosto Fest
6:30pm. $60. Paesano’s, 3411 Washtenaw Ave. 734-971-0484. paesanosannarbor.com
An old Italian holiday that celebrates Art, Music, Enter-
cont. on page 16
Beer is Here
Motor City Brew Tours, a statewide service offering bus and walking tours of Michigan breweries and bus transportation to Michigan beer festivals is making a stop in Ann Arbor for an on-foot excursion through some of the city’s breweries: Blue Tractor, Arbor Brewing Co. and Grizzly Peak. Tickets include guided brewery tours, beer samples and BBQ lunch. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at beer, from the brewery to the belly. 11:30am-3:30pm. $40. Blue Tractor BBQ & Brewery, 207 E. Washington St. 248-850-2563. MotorCityBrewTours.com—MW
1 friday Release Party: Fraser’s 50th Anniversary Beer Fraser’s Pub, 2045 Packard St. 734-665-1955. fraserspub.com
Celebrate 50 years of ale excellence at Fraser’s Pub.
3 sunday Backyard BBQ Fundraiser
Zingerman’s Cornman Farms, 8540 Island Lake Rd., Dexter. 734-433-7782. purplerosetheatre.org/bbq
The Purple Rose Theatre Company is proud to announce its 3rd annual Backyard BBQ Fundraiser, featuring a farm-to-table dinner created by Zingerman’s Roadhouse with vegetarian options, cocktails, live music and auction activities.
4:30pm. $70; $100 includes theatre ticket to The Last Romance.
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food
cont. from page 15 30th Anniversary Party
6:30pm. $30. Paesano’s, 3411 Washtenaw Ave. 734-971-0484. paesanosannarbor.com
Paesano’s celebrates its 30th Anniversary, with music from each decade going back to 1960, a special retro menu, dancing and a few surprises. Former Paesano’s employees are invited back to share good times with old friends.
16 saturday 10th Annual Piazza Zingermanza
11am-3pm. Zingerman’s Deli, 422 Detroit St. 734-663-3354. zingermansdeli.com
The tradition of transforming the Deli’s Patio into an Italian Street Food Fest is one of the highlights of the year. There will be good food, good music, good demos, good deals and good company. Also Sunday, August 17.
20 wednesday Rat Pad Beer Release
6-9pm. Corner Brewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti. 734-480-2739. arborbrewing.com
Local amateur and professional brewers create imaginative beers on a 10-gallon Rat Pad brew system and serve them up to beer lovers (that’s you).
Italian Wine and Cheese 6:30-8:30pm. $40. Zingerman’s Deli, 422 Detroit St. 734-663-3354. zingermansdeli.com
Spend a late summer evening celebrating and tasting the wonderful flavor combinations of wine and cheese. Embark on a culinary tour that highlights Italy’s different regions and the tasty combinations they produce. Registration required.
Successful Farm Enterprises Using Permaculture Design
7-8:30pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. 734-647-7600. lsa.umich.edu/mbg Free
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Permaculture design expert Darren Doherty discusses the ecological and economical benefits of organic farming.
26 tuesday Cornman Farms’ Tomato Dinner
7-9pm. $75. Zingerman’s Roadhouse, 2501 Jackson Ave. 734-663-3663. zingermansroadhouse.com
A harvest feast featuring Cornman Farms’ fresh tomatoes, fresh handmade mozzarella, beef and pork. Registration required.
30 saturday Milk: The Foundation of Cheese Making
1-4pm. $50. Zingerman’s Creamery, 3723 Plaza Dr. 734-929-0500. zingermanscreamery.com
Join Creamery managing partner Aubrey Thomason for the first in a series exploring what it takes to make cheese. Aubrey will lead a tasting of several different cheeses, and talk about how milk influences the consistency, the texture and the overall flavor of the cheese.
31 sunday August Brunch Fundraiser
10-2pm. $19.95 adults; $15.95 seniors; $9.95 children; 5 and under free. Chelsea Comfort Inn & Village Conference Center, 1645 Commerce Park Dr. 734-433-8000. comfortinnchelsea.com
Support the Cancer Care Center at Chelsea Community Hospital. Brunch includes: grill station, omelet station, waffle station, assorted salads, assorted desserts, juices, lemonade, iced tea and soft drinks. Bloody Mary and Mimosa cash bar.
ie
ecurrent.com/food
food
Five Questions for the Bartender
Ypsi-Arbor Beer Week August 1-9
Celebrate craft beer with an eclectic range of beer events to educate and inebriate. For more info and a full list of tastings, check out visit ypsinow.com/yabw
With booze wiz Zack Zavisa By Brandon Bye
1 friday
Monster Bash - Street performer and Ann Arbor favorite, the Violin Monster performs at a complementary sampling of Arbor Brewing Company’s fall releases.
3pm. 8088. buschs.com Free 4 monday
Burger and a Beer - A Bell’s Beer and burger pairing. The beer list will include Black Note and several other tasty brews.
7-10pm. $30. Sidetrack Bar & Grill, 56 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti. 734-483-5230. sidetrackbarandgrill.com While picking up a few shifts at the legendary (and now departed and sorely missed) Del Rio Bar, Zack Zavisa found his higher calling: sustaining thirsty Ann Arborites, one perfect cocktail at a time. Now as lead barman at The Ravens Club, past the mini museum of bar tools, between the moody bartop lamps and the handsome barback mirror, Zavisa answers his calling, serving up first-rate classics, mixing regional spirits, and doing some seriously delicious things with raw eggs. What’s your favorite Ann Arbor bar (other than TRC)? Without a doubt, the bar at 327 braun court. Everything there, as far as quality goes, is on par with or trumps any bar program around, period. But its the bar’s personality that sells me. It can be hard to find a bar these days that isn’t a conceptual model of something or a place that doesn’t play on a theme. 327 is a reflection of the people who spend time there and the folks who work at the place. And by the look and feel of the space, they’re totally rad folks. What’s the most underrated spirit? Three years ago I would have said something like Benedictine. Two years ago I would have said Laird’s Apple Brandy. One year ago, maybe Averna. But these days, the public’s product knowledge and spirit awareness are at an all time high. Right now I’m into something that has gone by the wayside a little bit: Amaretto. You really don’t see it on many menus in cocktail bars, but its a guilty pleasure of mine. Try an Amaretto Sour with equal parts Bonded Whiskey and you might agree with me. What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever seen happen in a bar? I’ve been working behind bars for well over ten years now, and certainly you get to observe lots of, say, obscure and different behaviors on every level of legality and comfort. That kind of stuff gets lumped together and goes to a dark private place that really needs no attention, just a part of the job I guess. I love what I do and the craziest thing I’ve seen (positive stuff here, people) is, by far, Wynton Marsalis strolling in The Ravens Club one Sunday night and joining the Heather Black Project for a 50 minute set. I couldn’t have been more proud of and excited for my friends who went note for note with the Jazz legend. What’s your preferred hangover cure? My dogs, my couch, windows open and the Tigers on a Sunday day game… and a Tigers win, if I can have it all my way. What is everyone ordering at TRC these days? We sell a ton of Old Fashioneds—six cases worth of whiskey a week. From 5-6pm you can get one for $4, a gin and housemade tonic, too. While its always that Old Fashioned time of year at TRC, gin season is upon us now, and Gin and Tonic is definitely suggested and ordered... and reordered.
Craft Beer Trivia Night - Flaunt your knowledge of craft beer at this special trivia night, while tasting great brews from Great Lakes Brewing Company. 8:30-11pm.
Conor O'Neill's, 318 S. Main St. 734-665-2968 conoroneills.com 5 tuesday
Bingo with a Brew - Enough said. 9pm.
The Wurst Bar, 705 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti. 734-485-6720. wurstbarypsi.com
Tap Room Road Trip - East meets west as Chris Michner, brewer and owner of one of Michigan’s newest and fastest growing breweries, Odd Side Ales in Grand Haven, brings a number of their beers and cask ales to town. 6pm. Ashley's, 338 S. State St.
734-996-9191. ashleys.com
Five Course German Dinner - 5-course Traditional German dinner with American Craft Beer from Victory Brewing. 7pm.
$35. The Heidelberg, 215 N. Main St. 734-663-7758. heidelbergannarbor.com 6 wednesday
Blind Tasting - The ultimate throw down between Michigan and Ohio beers.
6pm. Bill's Beer Garden, 218 Ashley St. 734-369-8001. billsbeergarden.com 7 thursday
The Trappist Experience - Each session includes beer samples from Belgian heavyweights Orval, Rochefort and Westmalle, some of the finest breweries in the world—find out why. 6:30pm and 8pm.
$10. Ashley's, 338 S. State St. 734-996-9191. ashleys.com
Food Gatherers Charity Event - Indulge in some great beer from Lagunitas while benefiting Food Gatherers and joining their fight against hunger. 7pm. The Wurst Bar,
705 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti. 734-485-6720. wurstbarypsi.com ; foodgatherers.org
Belgian Cuisine a la Biere - In Belgium, beer and dining go hand in glove. Sample from a menu of Belgian beer-infused cuisine and special beer-food pairings. 6-10pm. Ashley's,
338 S. State St. 734-996-9191. ashleys.com
ecurrent.com / august 2014 17
music
Nearing The Pre-Dawn
Misty Lyn & The Big Beautiful finishing up third album By Jeff Milo
Misty Lyn and her big beautiful bandmates
Misty Lyn Bergeron is eager to get things rolling, both literally and figuratively, because the Ypsi-based singer/ songwriter is not only focused on wrapping up her third full-length album in time for autumn, but she also admits she’s never owned a bicycle in her adult life and she feels the time is now. Sorry, she’s been busy. After 10 years of writing, recording and performing her music with The Big Beautiful and releasing two impressive full length albums, she has established herself as a fixture in the Washtenaw music community. “My experiences take a long time to ferment,” admits Bergeron, the lead singer/songwriter and guitarist in front of The Big Beautiful. The appraisal demonstrates her meditative approach to making music, as the new album (tentatively titled Alms For Sots) features songs which draw upon memories and locations, from experiences in and around her home state of Michigan.
UpBeat
She uses the word upbeat to describe her new material, which she’s been refining inside Backseat Studios in Ann Arbor with producer Jim Roll, who doubles as bassist for The Big Beautiful. “I love this record so far and I think that’s the first time I’ve been able to say that while I was in the middle of making one. It has a very different vibe from that last two.” Her prior two releases are wistful, yet still wonderful; a forging of whimsy and soulfulness, bridging rock, folk and Americana. The songs are indeed more upbeat, more hopeful. “Even the songs that aren’t, lyrically speaking, necessarily hopeful. The feel of the song is still more peppy, ya know?” The song “Twinkle Twinkle” demonstrates her latest tract, where she dovetails dark contemplative moods
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into a more playful nexus, with nursery-rhyme lyricisms spliced with cosmic terminologies over a guitar that politely waltzes through verses, only to fitfully cartwheel through the bridge. “I don’t think anybody goes night-to-day,” Bergeron said when asked to quantify how stark of a shift she’s made since she started recording, “but I feel like we might be in the…pre-dawn?” She chuckles. “I feel like my perspective may be much different than yours; so I feel like the songs have to be taking on lighter qualities.”
More than bandmates
Roll has been with Bergeron since she started the project, along with drummer Matt Jones. But then, characteristic of this community’s healthy crop of creators, her rhythm players are singer/songwriters in their own right. “I feel at home when I’m in the studio,” Bergeron said. “I feel like it’s what I’m supposed to be doing and I’ve enjoyed that. That confidence comes with doing something over and over.” Singing, songwriting, making music and making art are not just like riding a bike. You can’t drop it and pick it back up. But, there’s something to be said, too, for her band, with Carol Catherine Gray (strings/ vocals) and Ryan Gimbert (guitar), as each player provides Bergeron with a consistent renewal of motivation. “I’m motivated even by the fact that I consider them all a family. That’s where the power lies,” she said, “in the art, itself. If you can help one person, that’s what art is there for.” Even if it’s just as a reminder to “keep putting one foot in front of the other.” Misty Lyn & The Big Beautiful, Friday, August 22, The Ark, 316 S. Main St, Ann Arbor, 8pm, $15. theark.org.
music
Milan Bluegrass Festival
Thursday, August 14 Saturday, August 16 / KC Campgrounds
Established in 1979, the Milan Bluegrass Festival brings nationally renowned artists, community members and bluegrass Rhonda Vincent: lovers from all over Michigan, pickin’ and grinnin’ Indiana, Ohio and Canada to the KC Campgrounds for a weekend of great music and good times. “It’s one of the best bluegrass festivals in the area. I say it’s the finest of them all,” said Mark Gaynier, campground owner and Festival promoter. When asked if the festival had any special features, Gaynier simply replied, “live bluegrass music, that’s what they come for.” International Bluegrass Music Association Award-winners Rhonda Vincent and Russell Moore will bring their bands to headline a weekend of boots, roots and harmony. Noon-11pm. Day pass $20-$35; Weekend pass $75 adv/ $85 at gate; Camping $12 per day. KC Campgrounds, 14048 Sherman Rd., Milan. 734-439-1076. kccampgroundmilan.com—MW
Detroit Jazz Festival
August 29 - September 1 /Detroit
From Donald Byrd to Kenny Burrell, Elvin Jones to Yusef Lateef, Jazz roots run deep in Detroit, and this year’s Jazz Festival, the 35th of its kind, is sure to play in tune with tradition. Saxophonist Joshua Redman is slated to perform with piano-driven trio The Bad Plus. Bassist Dave Holland plays with Kevin Eubanks, Eric Harland, Craig Taborn. And trumpeter Tom Harrell’s band Colors of a Dream, with Esperanza Spalding, Jaleel Shaw, Jonathan Blake, Ugonna Okegwo, Wayne Escoffery, will also take the stage. Of course, a number of tribute acts will pay homage to some of the legends— Nat King Cole, Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Dave Brubeck. These acts and more will perform across the four main stages in and around Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit. Daily schedules vary, see website for details. Free. 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI 48226. 313-447-1248. detroitjazzfest.com—BB
e too! in l n o e 'r e int. W Not just pr ecurrent.com
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music
In conversation with Jeff Daniels A master behind The Masks By Brandon Bye
Perhaps best known for his career in Hollywood, Chelsea native Jeff Daniels has been honing his musical career in front of local audiences here in Michigan for years. And his roles in Hollywood, ranging from Harry Dunne in Dumb and Dumber to Will McAvoy in HBO’s The Newsroom, match the sweep of his song selection, which goes from light-hearted, crowd participation songs like “How ‘bout We Take Our Pants Off And Relax” to sentimental, introspective tunes like “The Michigan In Me.” Current recently spoke with Daniels, who, backed by The Ben Daniels Band, headed by his son, plays The Ark on August 17. He discussed his origin story as a musician, connecting his concert performances to his history with musicals. He drew contrast between performing as a musician and performing as an actor. And he told us about the time he sat in with John Hiatt, Joe Healy, and Guy Clark. You’re in LA right now working on The Newsroom? Yeah I go to work actually in about an hour. We’re about a little over halfway through Season 3. You have your guitar with you? I do. Actually, last night the American Film Institute did a tribute, a lifetime achievement award, to Jane Fonda, a pretty heavy affair, and I had written a song for Jane about a year and a half ago. She was getting honored at the LA Press Award thing, and they called and said “we hear you write songs, can you write one for Jane to surprise her” (laughs). Well I wrote this song called, “Abs, Buns, and Thighs,” basically saying that while everyone else reveres her for Julia, China Syndrome, Coming Home, you name it, my number one Jane Fonda favorite is Abs Buns and Thighs, the workout video. So it was very funny and then when Jane was going to get the AFI tribute she
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asked if I’d play it, so I did last night in front of about 2,000 Hollywood industry folks. I looked out in the audience and there was Clive Davis, Mel Brooks, Cameron Diaz, Lily Tomlin, Jane, you know, on and on and on. It was a heavy crowd but it went really, really well, and I cracked them up. So that was fun. A lot of your shows and your songs are really well scripted. Each song has a story, and each song is a story. Can you talk a little bit about how narrative informs your songwriting? Yeah, it’s a really good point. I came out of Circle Rep, Circle Repertory Company in New York City, a Broadway theater company that had living breathing playwrights walking around. One of them was Lanford Wilson. And so this Midwestern actor right out of college was thrown into this beehive of writers. I think that just by being with them, narrative became part of what I was going to do as a writer. So I’m picking at my guitar with 3 or 4 chords, and while writing some bad songs to get there I was heading towards narrative, I was heading towards a beginning, middle and end, and how to do that. There’s a song that I did called “Across the Way,” a straight story song that I wrote, I want to say, in 1982. I’d been in New York for six years and that song comes from people like Lanford. Also, in high school and college I did a lot of musicals. And in some ways each song, it’s almost like a musical number. Right, there is always the set up before they start singing in a musical. Yeah, there’s a scene in front, or an intro, and the song supports the story point of that first scene. So I think that influenced the selection of what a song could be in the set. It’s kind of the process I have to go through in order to get the song in front of an audience, and it’s definitely, you’re right, it’s definitely narrative. It’s standing there like the security guard at the gate. Your songs are, by turn, heartfelt and humorous. I looked into what kind of guitar you played and I found out that it has a story, too. I love the 12th fret inlay. Dick Boak and I, Dick Boak of Martin [Guitars], were kicking around what to do, and he said a lot of signature artist guitars sign their name in the 12th fret, but even Clapton said “do you really want to be playing a guitar that has an Eric Clapton signature across the 12th fret? So we had to do something, and I said “the masks, the two masks.” Comedy and tragedy: that’s an actor’s guitar. Do you write Michigan songs when you’re on the road feeling nostalgic, or are you writing them at home feeling inspired by your surroundings? Initially, when I walked out on stage with a guitar it was to raise money for the Purple Rose. I knew the audience I was playing for and I knew it when I’d written the Escanaba plays, which were specifically written to get that audience into my theater. And I said, well, it’s the same crowd, we’re not trying to write hits, we’re not trying to, you know, make anyone outside of our corner of the country notice, so here come the Michigan songs. “State Trooper,” “Michigan, My Michigan” all that stuff was for the people sitting in those Purple Rose seats. My team said, you know you can do this elsewhere if you wanted. I said oh ok, and the Michigan songs get put in the drawer and I had to come up with stuff that could travel. And then we get into “How ‘bout We Take Our Pants Off and Relax,” “Grandfather’s Hat” can travel. “The Michigan in Me,” that was definitely turning 50, having driven across the country sitting on the U.P. beach right before the bridge, saying this is where you’re from; this is your home.
music Could you talk a little bit about your fondest musical memories? Let me think…. a few of them…. I remember the Wharton Center in East Lansing with Lyle Lovett. I met Lyle on the couch of the Johnny Carson show, and we were friends over the years. He came through Lansing with John Hiatt, Joe Healy and Guy Clark. They sold the place out. I went backstage to see him before the show, and he says “I hear you play.” And I said “well define play.” He said “do you want to sit in.” Aw Jesus (laughs), I said “of course, yes.” Now what, I thought. And so halfway through the show he does this long introduction, and then out I come. Guy Clark, I mean Guy Clark, hands me his guitar and then walks off stage like “go head, kid, kill ‘em.” And I sit down and I look to my right and there’s Healy and Hiatt and Lovett going “go ahead.” And I march into “If William Shatner Can, I Can Too.” Perfect. Yeah, we have a picture, a picture of Hiatt biting his finger, laughing. That was a turning point. If you could do it in front of those guys, get them to go “yep you know what you’re doing,” you knew you were doing right. And that opened the door to the rest of my life feeling good every time I walked out. Guy Clark. Incredible. There must have been some nerves happening for you. Yeah it’s terrifying. It certainly existed in the first couple of years doing those Christmas shows at the Purple Rose. I would start working on those shows in October. You know, I can walk in front of a movie camera and it’s my second home. And I couldn’t figure out the difference. Then I realized there’s no character. As an actor you’re protected with the filter of a character. You walk out with a guitar and your song, it’s just you, and there’s a nakedness to that. It’s the same thing with a talk show. It’s the fear of “oh my god it’s just me.” The character I have to play is Jeff in a good mood. It sounds trite, but that’s it. Boom, out you go and you can make them laugh, make them cry, and then you can let them in. Same thing with Hiat and Lyle... The trick is to play within a bubble around you, where it’s just your eyes, your fret board. You don’t have to try to jump out into the audience. Keep it right on stage and it will travel. That took a while to learn. And then you go out there, it doesn’t matter who’s sitting there. You’re playing at The Ark with your son’s band. I’m curious about the dynamic you guys have in the rehearsal room and on stage. So am I. I’m curious as to what that’s going to be. I know the show where it’s just me and an acoustic guitar. I can do that show tomorrow. But I don’t know this show yet. And for the past month or two, I’ve been going through set lists and working up stuff that’s band-friendly. The show is going to feature them (The Ben Daniels Band) as much as any show I’ve done with anyone. I’ve written six songs specifically to be played with the band. There’s one that I hope comes up. We were in Georgia and met this guy named Mike Snowden, this guy who builds these cigar box guitars. They’re sturdy and you can plug them in. So I got three of them. It’ll be almost like ZZ Top. We’ll do this song called “Oh So Close, But No Cigar.” And there’s a song I wrote when Ben was three years old about what’s important: being famous or being a father. We’re hoping to play that one, too. It’s going to be a good show. By the time we get to the Ark, it’s going to be a show that we’ll have in our back pocket.
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music 1 friday
JAZZ, BLUES & R&B The Heather Black Project- Kerrytown Concert House
Travel back in time to the smoky jazz halls of the 1920s with Heather Schwartz, Ingrid Racine, Michael Malis, Josef Deas and Jesse Kramer. 8pm. $25 Rows 1-2/ $15 Rows 3-5/ $10 general/ $5 students.
2 saturday ACOUSTIC, FOLK & ETHNIC Mustard's RetreatThe Ark
From their start at an open mic at The Ark in the summer of 1974, this award-winning duo consisting of David Tamulevich and Michael Hough has become a perennial favorite, not only in Michigan but all over the folk singer-songwriter circuit. 8pm. $20.
The SurefiresCrazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tearoom
Comprised of vocalist extraordinaire Shannon Lee Linsea and singer/songwriter/multiinstrumentalist Bill Edwards, the Surefires dip deep into the cool well of Americana duet singing. 8:30-10:30pm. Free
3 sunday
7 thursday
ACOUSTIC, FOLK & ETHNIC
JAZZ, BLUES & R&B
Concerts in the Park: Kitty Donohoe- Burns Park
Kitty Donohoe uses her Celtic heritage and American roots to craft a beautiful combination of words and melody. 1pm. Free
ROCK, POP & HIP-HOP Liz Larin- The Ark
Detroiter Liz Larin returns to The Ark with a new project, Hurricane. Special guest: Soleil Moon. 7:30pm. $15.
4 monday
CLASSICAL & SPIRITUAL
Summer Bells- Burton Memorial Tower
Bring lawn chairs and picnic dinners to Ingalls Mall to enjoy a program of music performed on the third-heaviest carillon bells in the world. 7pm. Free
JAZZ, BLUES & R&B A.J. Croce- The Ark
Son of Jim Croce, A.J. was influenced most by Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder- the other blind piano players. His new album Twelve Tales promises the same degree of soul and skill as past projects. 8pm. $20.
Laith Al-Saadi- Sonic Lunch, Liberty Park Plaza Crowned “King of the Blues” by Guitar Center making him one of the top 4 Blues guitarists in the Country, Laith has been a staple of the Michigan music scene for most of his adult life. He has shared the stage with greats like Buddy Guy and BB King. Noon. Free
8 friday
COUNTRY & BLUEGRASS
The RFD Boys- The Ark
One of southeastern Michigan’s most durable musical ensembles, they’re very much a local tradition. If you’re new to the area, come and check ‘em out & you’ll find a real slice of musical Ann Arbor, and probably make some new friends. 8pm. $11.
9 saturday
COUNTRY & BLUEGRASS
Lyle Lovett and his Large Band- Michigan Theater
Grammy Award winner and genre bending all-American music man Lyle Lovett and his Large Band come to Ann Arbor. 8pm. $60-$90.
10 sunday
COUNTRY & BLUEGRASS Carlene Carter- The Ark
Daughter of country singers Carl Smith and June Carter Cash (step daughter of Johnny Cash), Carlene wears her heritage on her sleeve. Her album, Carter Girl consists predominantly of tunes from the Carter Family canon, and features musicians such as Jim Keltner and Sam Bush, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Elizabeth Cook and Vince Gill. 7:30pm. $20.
13 wednesday
ACOUSTIC, FOLK & ETHNIC Andy Irvine & Dónal Lunny- The Ark
Andy Irvine is one of the great Irish singers, whose voice gets to the very soul of Ireland. Andy is joined by string player Dónal Lunny, his partner in the unique Celtic-world music fusion band Mozaik. 8pm. $20.
14 thursday
ACOUSTIC, FOLK & ETHNIC
The Ragbirds- Sonic Lunch, Liberty Park Plaza
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Led by dynamic, energetic front woman and multiinstrumentalist Erin Zindle, Ann Arbor’s The Ragbirds utilize an arsenal of instruments from around the world, a fusion of august
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folk rock and pop hooks over danceable world rhythms stirred with a Celtic fiddler’s bow. Noon. Free
16 saturday
ACOUSTIC, FOLK & ETHNIC
Indian Tabla Music with John Churchville- Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tearoom
Local tabla player John Churchville hosts an evening of Indian classical, light classical, fusion and folk music. Come hear the sounds of a musical tradition that dates back over 2000 years. 8:30-10:30pm. Free
17 sunday
JAZZ, BLUES & R&B
Plymouth Blues FestivalElks Lodge
Delta, Chicago, South Western Swing, R&B, Rock and Detroit blues in the warm summer air. 1:30-8pm. $10.
ACOUSTIC, FOLK & ETHNIC
Jeff Daniels & The Ben Daniels Band- The Ark
Michigan’s hometown hero, actor/playwright/musician Jeff Daniels is joined by his son’s folk ensemble The Ben Daniels Band. 8pm. $45. Also on Monday, the 18th.
19 tuesday JAZZ, BLUES & R&B Candye Kane- The Ark
Always “Coming Out Swingin’” Candye Kane is an evocative performer with a colorful past. 8pm. $15.
21 thursday
ROCK, POP & HIP-HOP
Michelle Chamuel w/ Theo Katzman- Sonic Lunch, Liberty Park Plaza
Michelle plays with rock, pop and electronic sounds, and you may have seen her on NBC’s The Voice. U of M Music School grad Theo Katzman is a singer/songwriter with local ties and growing national recognition. Noon. Free
COUNTRY & BLUEGRASS
Nashbash 2014Kerrytown District
The heart of Nashville in the comfort of Ann Arbor. The 8th Annual Nashbash returns to Kerrytown, showcasing nationally and locally renowned singer/songwriters, with twang. 5-9pm. Free
23 saturday
JAZZ, BLUES & R&B
Jazz Master Series- Kerrytown Concert House
Barbara Morrison, vocalist, Tad Weed, pianist, Kurt Krahnke, bassist and drummer Sean
cont, on page 24
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music
cont, from page 22 Dobbins complete an evening of soulful Jazz. 8pm. $30 Rows 1-2/ $20 Rows 3-5/ $15 General Admission/ $5 Student.
24 sunday
COUNTRY & BLUEGRASS
Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys- The Ark
With a new EP, Here Between, Michigan native (and MSU grad) Lindsay Lou brings her band to The Ark for a lively bluegrass show. 7:30pm. $15.
26 tuesday
ACOUSTIC, FOLK & ETHNIC
Take a Chance Tuesday with The Sea The Sea- The Ark
Folk-pop duo Chuck E. Costa and Mira Stanley have an easy
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sound with involved, exciting lyrics. 8pm. Free
28 thursday
ROCK, POP & HIP-HOP
The Alternate RoutesSonic Lunch, Liberty Park Plaza
With tear-jerking ballads, in-your-face rock anthems, experimental songs, campfire sing-alongs and futuristic space jams, they’ve been the musical guest on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and opened a tour for O.A.R. Noon. Free
29 friday ACOUSTIC, FOLK & ETHNIC
Michelle Held & Audra Kubat- Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tearoom
Michelle Held and Audra Kubat are each musically and vocally
wonderful in their own right, but together on a split bill, the listeners will receive a double dose of pure musical pleasure. 8:30-10:30pm. Free
30 saturday
Alejandra O’Leary CD Release Event- Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tearoom
Alejandra O’Leary & The Champions of the West will be holding a CD Release for their latest album, Heartspace Timepiece. Alejandra is known and loved throughout the state, and Ann Arbor is delighted to welcome her return. 8:30-10:30pm. Free
ts More event a e n onli com ecurrent.
2 saturday The Italian Job
Paesano’s, 3411 Washtenaw Ave. 734-917-0484. paesanosannarbor.com
Watch The Italian Job on the patio at Paesano’s at dusk. Eat, drink, watch Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron on an overseas gold heist.
3 sunday Rebel Without a Cause 1:30pm. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org
James Dean gives an electric performance in this ”live fast, die young” film that marked the peak of his brief but iconic career. Also Tuesday, August 5 at 7pm.
7 thursday Back to the Future Part III 1pm and 7pm. $3. Penn Theatre, 760 Penniman Ave., Plymouth. 734-453-0870. penntheatre.com
A divergence from the first two installments of the Back to the Future trilogy, Doc Brown finds himself in the Wild Wild West. See how it all ends by traveling back to the past.
Big, Loud & Live
6:30pm. Goodrich Quality 16, 3686 Jackson Rd. 734-623-7469. goodrichqualitytheaters.com
Don’t miss a beat. Catch the 2014 Drum Corps International World Championship Preliminaries live.
The Man Who Fell to Earth 10pm. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org
A space alien (David Bowie) crash lands on Earth, seeking help for his drought-stricken planet. Part of the Summer Classics After Dark Series.
9 saturday Mid-August Lunch
Paesano’s, 3411 Washtenaw Ave. 734-971-0484. paesanosannarbor.com
Watch this Italian-language dramedy film on the patio at Paesano’s with Italian food and drink.
10 sunday Godzilla (Gojira, the Japanese original)
1:30pm. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org
See spotlight to right.
14 thursday The Nutty Professor (1963) 1pm and 7pm. $3. Penn Theatre, 760 Penniman Ave., Plymouth. 734-453-0870. penntheatre.com
Remember the Eddie Murphy remake? Jerry Lewis does not play every character in this movie, but he does go from nerdy, nutty professor to chemically-altered stud, hilarity ensues.
Rifftrax Live: Godzilla
8pm. Goodrich Quality 16, 3686 Jackson Rd. 734-623-7469. goodrichqualitytheaters.com
The 1998 version of Godzilla starring Matthew Broderick (and Godzilla) is commentated by comedians and Mystery Science Theatre 3000 icons Mike Nelson and Kevin Murphy. Also Tuesday, August 19 at 7:30pm.
Alphaville, A Strange Adventure of Lemmy Caution 10pm. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org
In Alphaville, Jean-Luc Godard fuses a hardboiled detective story with science fiction. Part of the Summer Classics After Dark Series.
16 saturday Pink Floyd The Wall
Midnight. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org
This explosive rock opera teaches audiences to speak out, question the government, and most importantly, “if you don’t eat your meat, you can’t have any pudding.”
17 sunday Lolita
1:30pm. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org
A taboo tale of a middle-aged man’s illicit affair with his 14-
film
The dragon and the samurai
In 1954, Toho Studios, a littleknown picture company in Japan, had a good year. The studio pumped out not one, but two of the most well-known (and well-loved) Japanese language films in cinema history, and as part of its Summer Classics Film Series, Michigan Theater is screening both. The first, Gojira, better known in the US as Godzilla, spawned an incredibly popular series of giant monster movies. The original is an incredibly dark film, at once the best monster movie ever made and a sobering meditation on the horrors of the Atomic bomb. After that, catch Seven Samurai, which many consider to be the first Action movie. This three-hour epic, directed by the legendary Akira Kurosawa, chronicles the story of seven down-and-out samurai who have to defend a helpless village from an army of bandits. The nearly hourlong final battle sequence is still thrilling, sixty years after its creation. Gojira: Sunday August 10, 1:30pm; Tuesday, August 12, 7pm. Seven Samurai: Sunday, August 24, 1pm.; Tuesday, August 26, 7pm. $10. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org—JS year-old step-daughter. Also Tuesday, August 19 at 7pm.
21 thursday Abbott & Costello in Buck Privates
1pm and 7pm. $3. Penn Theatre, 760 Penniman Ave., Plymouth. 734-453-0870. penntheatre.com
In this 1941 comedy, Abbott and Costello play two goofs who enlist in the army to avoid a prison sentence.
A Clockwork Orange
10pm. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org
A classic Stanley Kubrick film of camp, quirk, and truly twisted “ultraviolence.”
24 sunday Seven Samurai
1:30pm and 7pm. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org
See spotlight above.
28 thursday Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
1pm and 7pm. $3. Penn Theatre, 760 Penniman Ave., Plymouth. 734-453-0870. penntheatre.com
For you creative class-skippers and fun-seeking fiends, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is the ultimate adventure.
The Visitor
10pm. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org
A dark sci-fi drama that pushed boundaries in Hollywood in the 1970s. Part of the Summer Classics After Dark Series.
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theater
Playful rom-com The Last Romance reminds audiences that love happens— any time, anywhere.
Franette Liebow, Blue Bell and Will David Young
The Last Romance
Priscilla Lindsay and Will David Young Photos by Sean Carter Photograp hy
In conversation with director Michelle Mountain By Sandor Slomovits
The Purple Rose Theatre’s summer offering is, of course, a rom-com. The Last Romance, running through Aug 30, is Joe DiPietro’s latest work, following such Broadway smash musicals as I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and Memphis. The Last Romance is not a musical, though music does play an important role in the play. But we began our conversation with director, Michelle Mountain, by asking about another important ingredient of the play. I’m sorry to start with this, but is there really a live dog in the show? No, no it’s fine. After all, there is a dog on the poster. Yes, there is a dog. We had dog auditions, and we have two dogs, and they trade off so they, and their owners, are not tied up for the entire summer. They’re both great dogs, they’re hysterical. Our design office is now Peaches’ dressing room. (Laughter) OK, now that I have that out of my system, let’s talk about the play. It’s about an older gentleman, Ralph, who doesn’t feel well enough one morning to take his usual walk. He takes the same walk every day. He and his sister live together, they eat dinner at the same time every day, he’s got a routine. But that afternoon he feels better so he goes for his walk and thinks, “What the heck,” and goes a different way. And sees someone. What’s appealing about the play, I think, is that it takes the notion of falling in love seriously. You don’t have to be twelve, or twenty, or forty. It can knock you sideways
Kevin James
Michigan Theater, August 22
Funnyman Kevin James, producer and star of the CBS hit show King of Queens, comes to town to joke about aging, marriage, children, obesity, awkward celebrity moments, and whatever new material he’s added to his bag of tricks. 8pm. Tickets starting at $60. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., 734-668-8463. ticketmaster.com
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at any point in time. There are so many different kinds of relationships in the play, brother-sister, man-woman, along with memories… when he was younger, Ralph had an audition at the Met, so in the show there’s a young man who sings opera. He’s revisiting things you normally associate with youth, falling in love, opportunity, the road not taken… Yes. Nothing’s ever over, or without hope. This play isn’t about old people in love. This is about people. We’ve had 20 year olds in the audience, and older people, and they all love it. In fact, one of our apprentice’s friends from high school came to a preview with her boyfriend. I noticed them because the young man wore a coat and tie, and she was dressed up too, and I thought, “Wow, for a preview…” Our apprentice told me later that she saw on Facebook, that after the show, he proposed. Wow! All right! It’s such a beautifully constructed play, and the opera stuff lends a grace to it that is pretty remarkable. At one point the woman Ralph’s fallen for asks him, “Why are the singers so fat?” And his response is, “Everything in life is so small. Everything in opera is big. You walk across the stage, you sing an aria; you open a door, you sing an aria. Big people, big emotions, big, big, big.” And she says, “Life should be like that.” The Purple Rose, 137 Park St., Chelsea. June 12-August 30. 734-433-7673. purplerosetheatre.org
1 friday Jeff Dwoskin stand-up
9pm. $16; $29 with dinner. Joey’s Comedy Club, 36071 Plymouth Rd., Livonia. 734-261-0555. joeyscomedyclub.net
Comedian by night, executive by day, author, family man, entrepreneur - mostly he prefers making people laugh. With Special Guest: Khuram Shiek. Also Saturday, August 2.
4 monday The Importance of Shakespeare and Classic Theater
7-8:30pm. Pittsfield Branch Library: Program Room, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. 734-327-4555. aadl.org Free
Join Janice L Blixt, awardwinning Artistic Director of the Michigan Shakespeare Festival, as she discusses why we still produce and attend classical theatre and why it is important to have Shakespeare in our schools.
6 wednesday Dave Landau stand-up
8pm. $10-$12; $20-22 with dinner. Joey’s Comedy Club, 36071 Plymouth Rd., Plymouth. 734-261-0555. joeyscomedyclub.net
The mark of a great comedian, it is said, is the ability to find jokes where others would find tears. Dave finds jokes everywhere; with his own foibles and faults, from his family, to pop culture and the state of the world today. Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm. Friday and Saturday at 9pm, $16; $29 with dinner.
7 thursday A Midsummer Night’s Dream
8pm. 15 General Admission/ $5 Student. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. 4th Ave. $734-332-6046. kerrytownconcerthouse.com
Brass Tracks Ensemble presents one of Shakespeare’s most majestic plays, with fairies and folly, potions and Puck, lovers escape to the forest and remind audiences that “the course of true love never did run smooth.” Showing Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, 8pm. Saturday Matinee, 2pm.
10 sunday Twelfth Night Auditions
2pm. A2CT Rehearsal Studio, 322 W. Ann St. 734-971-2228. a2ct.org
A2CT is holding auditions for the gender-bending, foolish fun Shakespearean romantic comedy Twelfth Night. Roles for 7-9 men and 4-6 women, ages 16-80. Prepare a oneminute monologue from any Shakespeare play. Rehearsals also held Monday, August 11 at 6:30pm.
13 wednesday Mike Stanley stand-up
8pm. $10-$12; $20-22 with dinner. Joey’s Comedy Club, 36071 Plymouth Rd., Plymouth. 734-261-0555. joeyscomedyclub.net
Wry, witty, cunning and crass, hot-shot comedian Mike Stanley is all of these things. Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm. Friday and Saturday at 9pm, $16; $29 with dinner.
14 thursday Elemental Creatures
7:30pm. $5-$15 suggested donation. Island Park, 1450 Island Dr.
A performance of dance, music, poetry and storytelling, invoking a realm where human imagination melds with Nature. The audience will move with performers to various locations, within easy walking distance, each a graceful and interactive frame for a scene.
The Cat Who Ran: Opening Night
2pm and 8pm. $10 suggested donation. Carriage House Theatre, 541 Third St. 734-546-6441. carriagehousetheatre.org
theater Based on a beautiful Japanese tale by Naoko Kudo. It centers on the unlikely meeting of a cat and a fish and follows them through a joyful friendship and beyond. Puppetry, movement, and music combine to bring this moving story to life for the entire family. Runs ThursdaysSundays, through August 24.
18 monday Three-Day Master Class $250. The Encore, 3126 Broad St., Dexter. 734-268-6200. theencoretheatre.org
Broadway veteran, Naz Edwards returns for the third year teaching an amazing three-day vocal transformation class. Work with Naz on songs you want to perfect and watch classmates learn. Ages 14-20.
20 wedneday Mo Alexander stand-up
8pm. $10-$12; $20-22 with dinner. Joey’s Comedy Club, 36071 Plymouth Rd., Plymouth. 734-261-0555. joeyscomedyclub.net
Intelligence, debauchery and all around entertainment. Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm. Friday and Saturday at 9pm, $16; $29 with dinner.
27 wednesday DJ Dangler stand-up
8pm. $10-$12; $20-22 with dinner. Joey’s Comedy Club, 36071 Plymouth Rd., Plymouth. 734-261-0555. joeyscomedyclub.net
DJ understands that people are pretty much the same everywhere, and if you can get enough of those people to laugh, you don’t have to get a real job. Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm. Friday and Saturday at 9pm, $16; $29 with dinner.
28 thursday River and Dream
7:30pm. $5-$15 donation suggested. Island Park, 1450 Island Dr. 734 996-1772.
A spiritual performance of dance and poetry with optional audience participation. Arrive by 7 PM to learn simple structured improvisation for a water dance. Bring water shoes.
29 friday Shifting Gears Auditions
7pm. A2CT Rehearsal Studio, 322 W. Ann St. 734-971-2228. a2ct.org
An original musical by local playwright Lori Reece exploring the dynamics of a group of women with breast cancer as they learn to not only cope, but live life fully, with humor and determination. Prepare 16 bars of a Broadway or pop song. Roles for 5 women ages 30-60 and one man, age 30-50. Rehearsals also held Saturday, August 30 at 1pm.
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art
Locally Set
Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival By Ann Dwyer
Local artists, local lanscapes, Dexter.
When it comes to local art fairs, it is natural to first think of the mammoth event that chokes the streets of Ann Arbor. But one (nearby) community has found a way to use art to celebrate its quiet beauty and charm. The Paint Dexter Plein Air Festival brings artists together for a six-day painting/art show in an outdoor setting. En plein air, French for “in the open air,” refers to the art of painting outside, on location, in natural light. Artists across the ages have trekked their field easels and palettes up hillsides and down river banks to capture their world firsthand, but painting en plein air hit peak popularity in the late 19th century during the Paris-based Impressionist movement. More than landscape painting,
however, plein air also includes architecture, industrial sites or whatever draws the artist’s eye. This is the sophomore year for the affair and already it has expanded by adding new events that cater to the artist but are also geared towards art lovers or those who just love a good community gathering. The Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee organizes the event. The committee, decidedly Francophile, was established by the Dexter Village Council to bring attention to the development of those three elements. Committee Chair Victoria Schon said by catering to the artists, they are doing just that. “More artists grow from a strong artists base. We want to help bolster the artistic community here,” she said.
Community Awareness
It is not unusual to see artists armed with their supplies seated by the river, the old railroad station, in neighborhoods or any of the many picturesque nooks and locales throughout Dexter. “You start seeing the area through the artists’ eyes. I think it has created more pride in the community,” Schon said. To aid the artists in selling their work, organizers have added an “Evening with the Artists” collectors party on Thursday, Aug. 14 from 5-8 pm. Patrons mingle with the artists while enjoying refreshments, wine and musical entertainment in the Monument Park tent. Artists will show what they have completed over the week. Schon notes that there is enough of a price range that even the most novice collector can walk away with a piece of original, locally set art. Internationally acclaimed artist Kenneth Cadwaller will serve as a judge for the Wet Paint Silent Auction on Friday, furthering what Shon believes is a prestige to the event that will draw more artists. She anticipates roughly 50 artists will participate in the event. Other new events to the festival include children’s entertainment and events like a “Paint in the Park” session on Wednesday and chalk art on Saturday. Unlike other art fairs, Schon believes they are most successful due to their specific niche. “We don’t want to get too big.” Keep an eye on the coffee shop bulletin boards for a plein air sister festival flyer: Paint Dexter Trompe-l’oeil. Wednesday, August 13 -Saturday, August 17 , Dexter 734-426-8303 dextermi.gov/news/paint-dexter-plein-air-festival
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1 friday Brighton Fine Arts Festival
5pm. Downtown Brighton. brightoncoc.org
tists Call for Ar Arbor will select an artist,
The City of Ann e and install or fine art foundry, to complet l of Mr. oria mem in e, piec ze a large bron sed away in Coleman Jewett, who pas longtime 2013, an area educator and more inforFarmers Market vendor. For mation, visit: a2gov.org
As one of the most prestigious juried art festivals in Southeast Michigan, this event draws highly talented artists who travel from across the state and nation to participate. Visitors are able to speak one-on-one with artisans about their original works in glass, watercolor, oils, sculpture, photography, pottery, jewelry, woodcarvings and more. Through August 3.
Michelle A. Hegyi Opening Reception
7-10pm. WSG Gallery, 306 S. Main St. 734-761-2287. wsg-art.com
Michelle A. Hegyi’s paint abstractions of color and light have been described by one reviewer as “landscapes of the soul.” An award-winning artist, she is co-owner of the artistowned WSG Gallery since 2000, and member of the Ann Arbor Women Artists. Exhibit through September 6.
2 saturday Still Life Art Class
4:30pm. Ypsilanti District Library- Michigan Ave., 229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org
Join local artist Casey Dixon for classes in fine art techniques. Learn to draw, shade, use oil pastels and gouache paint to create still life art of food while listening to music in a casual, fun setting.
3 sunday 4th Annual Fairy Festival
11am-4pm. The Sunday Artisan Market in Kerrytown, 315 Detroit St. artisanmarket.org
The Sunday Artisan Market offers an info session on all things fairy, with book signings, face painting, crafts, live Irish fairy music and a dance floor for little fairies to flutter. Dress up and browse the fairy-inspired one-of-a-kind handmade merchandise.
Engaging with Art Guided Tour
2pm. UMMA, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free
UMMA docents guide visitors through the galleries on tours as diverse as their interests and areas of expertise. Each docent plans a theme and includes a variety of styles and media to illuminate his or her ideas.
5 tuesday Happy Art Hour
7-9pm. $50. Spotted Dog Winery, 1100 E. Woodland Dr., Saline. twotwelvearts.org
Make a Koi Fish acrylic painting while sipping on the first wine from Spotted Dog Winery.
10 sunday Guided Tour: Changing Hands
2-3pm. UMMA, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free
Explore the basketry, beadwork, textiles, wood, metalwork and stone, as well as contemporary media such as photography, performance and installation art.
17 sunday Featured Artists: Ceramic Artists
24 sunday Featured Artists: Sculptors/ Assemblage Artists 8am-5pm. The Sunday Artisan Market in Kerrytown, 315 Detroit St. 734-913-9622. artisanmarket.org
Sculptors and Assemblage artists are featured at The Sunday Artisan Market. Browse fun found-object art and recycled art sculptures among other great pieces.
Guided Tour: Changing Hands
2-3pm. UMMA, 525 S. State St. 734764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free
Explore the basketry, beadwork, textiles, wood, metalwork and stone, as well as contemporary media such as photography, performance and installation art.
29 friday
8am-5pm. The Sunday Artisan Market in Kerrytown, 315 Detroit St. 734-913-9622. artisanmarket.org
Artscapade!
Guided Tour: Artistic Impositions in the Photographic Portrait
UMMA and Arts at Michigan celebrate Welcome Week by introducing new U of M students to the possibilities for arts participation on campus. This evening event will feature live music and performances, dance, poetry, film, games, prizes and a variety of art-making activities.
Ceramics artists and ceramic works are featured at The Sunday Artisan Market.
2-3pm. UMMA, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free
UMMA docents share this suite of remarkable and entertaining photographs. Witness the surreal to the seemingly straightforward, to artists becoming compelling participants in their own compositions.
8-11pm. UMMA, 525 S. State St. 734764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free
art
30 saturday Exhibit Opening: Paramodel
11am-5pm. UMMA, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free
An art collaborative established by two contemporary Japanese artists working in a variety of media, including painting, sculpture, video, and photography, often combining pieces in site-specific installations that seek to construct a parallel world.
31 sunday Featured Artists: Toy Makers
8am-5pm. The Sunday Artisan Market in Kerrytown, 315 Detroit St. 734-913-9622. artisanmarket.org
Toy Makers are featured at The Sunday Artisan Market. Bring the kids, or keep the toys yourself.
Guided Tour: Engaging with Art
2-3pm. UMMA, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free
UMMA docents will guide visitors through the galleries on tours as diverse as their interests and areas of expertise. Each docent plans a theme and includes a variety of styles and media to illuminate his or her ideas.
cont. on page 30
19 tuesday Abstract Expression Landscape
9am-Noon. $45 for 9x12 sanded pastel paper & foam core board, $5 studio fee. Two Twelve Arts Center, 216 W. Michigan Ave., Saline. 734-944-2787. twotwelvearts.org
Create a summer waterscape inspired by Monet’s Japanese pond and water lilies. Bring a sketch pad and pastels.
23 saturday DIYpsi INdie Art Fair 11am. Corner Brewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti. diypsiartfair.weebly.com
Support local arts at this lowkey homegrown fair. Through Sunday, August 24.
Introduction to Flash Photography
1-4pm. $50; members $35. Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History, 3225 4th St., Jackson. 517-787-2320. ellasharpmuseum.org
Do you fear using flash? Some photographers specialize in available light photography because they haven’t mastered the subtle quality of flash photography. Learn how to control your exposures through various flash techniques and accessories and create natural looking photographs.
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art
It’s pronounced “dipsee”
Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24. Corner Brewery
More intimate than the acclaimed Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, DIYispy is a small, low-key art fair that makes a big impact on the community. 40 local indie artists will sell one-of-a-kind creations from ceramics to stationary, home goods to handmade clothing. In the beer garden of the Corner Brewery, breeze through a sculpture park full of funky 3D pieces, including interactive arcade games designed by Detroiter David Gazdowicz. Hosted by Cre Fuller of Tin Angry Men (found art robots), Sherri Green of the Library Lab (turning old books into planters) and Marcy Davis of All Things Grow (graphic design), and sponsored entirely by local businesses, DIYipsy is a hometown event made complete with food, craft beers, cocktails, and you. Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24. Corner Brewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti. Under 21 accompanied by an adult. diypsiartfair.weebly.com—MW
cont. from page 31
Ongoing: Thursdays
Ella’s Patio Party
5:30-7:30pm. $3; members free. Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History, 3225 4th St., Jackson. 517-787-2320. ellasharpmuseum.org
Live music, drinks (cash bar), a snack, and the opportunity to wander the galleries and sculpture-filled grounds. The party is on, rain or shine.
Gifts of Art, August 18- October 6
Ecosystem 1952-2014: Collage
8am-8pm. University Hospital Main Corridor: Floor 2, 1500 E. Medical
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secrets of the night. Center Dr. 734-936-2787. med.umich.edu/goa Free.
Artist Brenda Miller-Slomovits has a BFA from EMU, past exhibits with Chelsea River Gallery and Ann Arbor Women Artist shows, and works at the Mott Newborn Intensive Care unit, developing support programs for parents and families.
Illuminations: Painting The Night With Light
8am-8pm. Taubman Health Center: North Lobby Floor 1, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr. 734-936-2787. med.umich. edu/goa Free
This long exposure landscape photography by Darlene Yeager-Torres illuminates the
2014 / ecurrent.com
Forest Patterns: Functional Porcelain 8am-8pm. Taubman Health Center: North Lobby Floor 1, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr. 734-936-2787. med.umich.edu/goa Free
Tom Kendall’s pottery is functional, and designed with woodland whimsy. Leaf patterns surround each piece to connect light, color and movement, in a beautifully 3-dimensional way.
Local Color: Pictorial Art Quilts
8am-8pm. University Hospital Main Lobby: Floor 1, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr. 734-936-2787. med.umich. edu/goa Free.
A professional artist for over
forty years, with an MFA in fibers from U of M, Sue Holdaway-Heys uses fabric paints and knitted techniques to create her quilts.
Annual UMHS Employee Art Exhibition
8am-8pm. Taubman Health Center: South Lobby Floor 1, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr. 734-936-2787. med.umich.edu/goa Free
Each year Gifts of Art presents an exhibition of artwork by U-M Health System faculty, staff, students, volunteers and family members. It showcases the exceptional talent, creativity and accomplishments of artists in the extensive UMHS community.
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current reads High and Inside
Dan Epstein talks baseball and culture in the year of America’s Bicentennial By Russ Brakefield
Dan Epstein is an award-winning journalist and the author of Big Hair and Plastic Grass: A Funky Ride Through Baseball and America in the Swinging ‘70’s. His new book Stars and Strikes: Baseball and America in the Bicentennial Summer of ’76 was released in April and takes a deeper look at baseball and culture in the year of America’s 200th birthday. Epstein spent his 1970’s at Burns Park Elementary School in Ann Arbor, where he first became a fan. “I was ten years old at the time,” said Epstein in an interview with Current, “when I got hit with the one-two punch of The Bad News Bears and the antics of Mark ‘The Bird’ Fidrych in his amazing rookie season for the Tigers.” Epstein will read from his new book at Nicola’s on August 16. Why did you choose to focus on the 1970’s, and why specifically 1976 for this new book? I don’t think there is any other decade in the history of baseball that has seen more changes to the game and at the same time seen such a wealth of amazing characters. We haven’t seen that kind of personality in players as much in recent decades. One of the reasons is that it was the first decade where the sport collided with pop culture. What was happening in the rest of America, whether it be the Black Power movement or changes in male grooming styles, affected the game in one way or another. It’s also a decade that is given short shrift by baseball historians because it was so weird, because it doesn’t fit with the heartwarming, sepia tone narratives of baseball we usually get. How did these changes coincide with the Bicentennial Celebration of 1976? The bicentennial itself was such a fascinating time. As a kid it was exciting because I was really into history […] I didn’t realize at the time the greater context, that this was kind of an excuse for Americans to feel good about themselves and about their country after a really divisive period, starting with Kennedy’s assassination on through the Vietnam War, the campus unrest, and the race riots. 1976 is the first full year that we are out of Vietnam, we are just about free of the Nixon administration and its various corruptions, and Gerald R. Ford is running to hang on to the White House. There couldn’t have been a more perfect time for a nationwide party. On one hand it was forced patriotism, but on the other hand I can’t think of a time when Americans came together like that in a situation that wasn’t motivated by war or terrorism or disaster.
The F Word
What were some of the outstanding moments for baseball in 1976? The 1976 season tends to be overlooked because, with the exception of the American League West, there weren’t any great pennant races happening and the World Series was a real one-sided affair. But you have all kinds of fascinating things going on during the season. It’s Mark Fidrych’s rookie year. Ron Leflore of the Tigers is three years out of serving time for armed robbery at Jackson State Penitentiary and he’s got a thirty game hitting streak and is playing on the American League All Star Team. Mike Schmidt hits four home runs in a single game at Wrigley and goes on to lead the Phillies in their first post-season appearance since 1950. […] Free Agency is the big specter that hangs over the entire season. This is the first year that the reserve clause has been struck down and all these players are free to walk at the end of the season. So at the end of the season all these teams start throwing gobs of money at players and the whole hyper-inflated economics of baseball today begins in 1976. The chapters of this book are all titled after hit songs from 1976. What do you see as the relationship between music and baseball in the ‘70’s? 1976 was an incredibly transitional year for both baseball and music. Punk rock emerges in the form of the Ramones’ first album, disco is starting to break through, Hip-Hop is happening in the Bronx, and at the same time the album-oriented rock like Frampton and Boston is dominating the airwaves. As a baseball fan in 1976, I spent a lot of time listening to AM Radio. Casey Kasem’s Sunday countdowns were as important as the box scores I was reading in the papers. […] I wanted Stars and Strikes to be a time capsule for what it was like to be a baseball fan in 1976. August 16, 4pm, Nicola’s Books, 2513 Jackson Ave. 734-662-0600. nicolasbooks.com
Feminists will rejoice in Roxane Gay’s new collection of essays, Bad Feminist. Hilarious and thorough, with gripping explorations of gender, race, fairy tales, The Hunger Games and contemporary life, the book is for “those of us who constructed our feminism from the pages of teen chick lit as much as from the musings of postmodern theorists,” notes MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry. Roxane Gay is known for articles in The New York Times Book Review, The Wall Street Journal’s Speakeasy culture blog and many others, including a popular personal tumblr, Roxane is Spelled With One “N”. Reading on Thursday, August 7, 7pm, Literati Bookstore, 124 E. Washington St. 734-585-5567. literatibookstore.com—MW
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current reads Local Reads
4 monday Linwood Barclay Reading & Signing
7pm. Nicola’s Books, 2513 Jackson Ave. 734-662-0600. nicolasbooks.com
J.A. Jance Reading
7-8:30pm. Pittsfield Branch Library: Program Room, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. 734-327-4555. aadl.org
A reading and signing of his new thriller, No Safe House, a darkly comic novel of suspense.
New York Times Bestselling Author J.A. Jance discusses her new mystery Remains Of Innocence.
5 tuesday Sara St. Antoine Reading & Signing
7pm. Nicola’s Books, 2513 Jackson Ave. 734-662-0600. nicolasbooks.com
7pm. Nicola’s Books, 2513 Jackson Ave. 734-662-0600. nicolasbooks.com
A reading and signing of her new book for children age 10 & up, Three Bird Summer. An introspective boy and an adventurous girl uncover a poignant family mystery during a summer on the shores of Three Bird Lake. 7 thursday Roxane Gay Reading
7pm. Literati Bookstore , 124 E. Washington St. 734-585-5567. literatibookstore.com
Feminists will rejoice in Roxane Gay’s new collection of essays Bad Feminist, with gripping explorations of gender, race, fairy tales, The Hunger Games and contemporary life. Emerging Writers Workshop: Marketing Your Book
7-8:45pm. Traverwood Branch: Program Room, 3333 Traverwood Dr. 734-327-4200. aadl.org
Matching your book with its target audience can be daunting, but it can be done. In this workshop, local authors Lara Zielin and Margaret Yang discuss social media for writers, how to set up a blog or a website, how much a publisher will do for you, and effective ways to market yourself. 9 saturday Mother to Motherless Author Signing
1pm. Barnes & Noble, 3235 Washtenaw Ave. 734-973-0846. barnesandnoble.com
Welcome Mama Zipporah, author of Mother to Motherless, an inspiring memoir about rising from the depths of abuse and poverty and founding one of the most successful children’s shelters in Kenya. 13 wednesday Harry Skrdla Reading & Signing
7pm. Nicola’s Books, 2513 Jackson Ave. 734-662-0600. nicolasbooks.com
Author Harry Skrdla, who is senior engineer at the historic Fox Theatre in Detroit, will discuss and sign his new book, Michigan’s Drive-In Theaters. Relive the days of watching movies from your car while eating homemade popcorn and fighting off mosquitoes with this thorough and nostalgic look back at drivein glory days.
ts More event a online com ecurrent.
14 thursday Bill Morris Reading & Signing
Detroit native Bill Morris will read and sign his new novel, Motor City Burning. Detroit comes alive in a powerful and thrilling novel set amidst the chaos of the race riots and the serenity of Opening Day. Friends with Pens
7-8pm. Ypsilanti District Library- Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org
Bring your writing projects to YDL’s Creative Writing Group, facilitated by author and EMU Professor Heather Neff. Take part in welcoming, personal discussions of writing projects in a shared, supportive environment. 16 saturday Dan Epstein Reading & Signing
4pm. Nicola’s Books, 2513 Jackson Ave. 734-662-0600. nicolasbooks.com
See note pg. 32
19 tuesday Gae Polisner Reading & Signing
7pm. Nicola’s Books, 2513 Jackson Ave. 734-662-0600. nicolasbooks.com
Her second novel for young adults, The Summer of Letting Go tells the story of Francesca, four years after her brother Simon drowned. Now fifteen, she begins to move on by caring for Frankie, who seems to be Simon reincarnated, and by getting closer to her best friend’s boyfriend. 20 wednesday Kathleen Flinn Reading
7pm. Nicola’s Books, 2513 Jackson Ave. 734-662-0600. nicolasbooks.com
A reading and discussion of her book, Burnt Toast Makes You Sing Good: A Memoir of Food and Love From an American Midwest Family. Full of warmth and wit, this memoir explores the very beginnings of the author’s love affair with food and its connection to home. 25 monday Historic Ann Arbor Architecture
7-8:30 pm. Pittsfield Branch Library: Program Room, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. 734-327-4555. aadl.org
Learn more about the Ann Arbor’s fascinating history when authors Susan Wineberg and Patrick McCauley discuss their new book Historic Ann Arbor: An Architectural Guide.
ecurrent.com / august 2014 33
sports
Crow Calls
Michigan crow hunters gear up for opening day By Russ Brakefield
In the final scene of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 classic The Birds, Tippi Hedren opens her attic door to a murder of hostile gulls and crows thrashing toward her. This scene from the cinematic lexicon is not the only reason the crows that stud the often-gray Ann Arbor sky give students and residents reason to shudder. The American crow, part of the Corvid family, gather in flocks numbering in the hundreds and are attracted to the slightly warmer, slightly safer roosts in city centers. They gather in particularly large numbers in the fall and winter, casting ominous clouds over central campus and the Nichols Arboretum, converge in trees and on campus buildings, flooding the skies with their high-pitched chatter. “They are very clever creatures,” said Holly Vaughn, Wildlife Outreach Technician with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “In fact they are one of the most intelligent in the animal kingdom. They are able to use tools and problem solve similar to monkeys and apes. They’ve even been known to mimic human speech.” Recent studies have also shown crows to have the ability to recognize and remember human faces.
Controlling crow populations
Yet despite their active intellects and facial recognition abilities, crows are still largely seen as a nuisance. They have a long-standing reputation as farm scavengers in agricultural areas and as pests inside the city limits. Because of this, crows are natural targets for hunters. “Crow hunting has been put into place mostly to control agricultural damage and to keep crow populations at socially acceptable levels,” said Vaughn. Hunters also attribute exceeding crow populations to the spread of the West Nile Virus and claim that an increase in the number and size of roosts has had adverse effects on waterfowl and songbird populations. Along with farmers protecting their crops, there is also a large population of recreational crow hunters in Michigan, drawn to the sport because of its flexible season and the particularly challenging nature of the hunt. “They are a great sport bird as you must outwit them to be successful,”
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A crow hunter takes aim at his elusive prey.
said Vaughn. “And some say that crows are quite tasty!” There are over 15,000 crow hunters in the state of Michigan, with hunters harvesting between 72,000 and 109,000 crows annually. Crow hunters use thorough camouflaging techniques, covering the entire body and head with camouflaged clothes and netting. Crows are not only able to recognize faces, but also shapes, silhouettes, and unnatural shifts in terrain or landscape. Hunters use owl decoys, dead crows, and electronic crow distress calls to lure the birds into range. While most hunters come home with few crows per hunt, some avid hunters tell gothic fish stories, reporting taking hundreds of crows in one day.
Crowing season
Michigan’s crow season runs from August 1 to September 30 and again from February 1 to March 31. There is no bag limit for crows and there is a special clause in the Michigan crow hunting regulations that states that “crows may be taken outside the open hunting season during hunting hours in compliance with federal regulations if these birds are causing a nuisance or creating a health hazard.” These regulations allow farmers to protect their crops while still assuring the birds room to breed and migrate. Hunters need an $11 base license to hunt crows, available to Michigan residents from the DNR. Historically, hunting crows has been more acceptable than hunting animals such as wolves and doves, whose hunting practices have produced public controversy and upheaval by animal and environmental groups. “It seems that the relative value we put on crows is not as high as other species,” said Vaughn. “They’re generally considered a bad omen, and let’s face it, they’re noisy!”
everything else
Community Affair Chelsea Community Fairgrounds / Tuesday, August 19 Saturday, August 23
Now and Then Downtown Saline/ Friday, August 8 Saturday, August 9
The Saline Summerfest is not your average backyard barbecue. In addition to the food, games and live music, the fest will feature a 5k run, bike tours, trolley tours and an electric car show, highlighting Saline’s industrial past and looking forward to an eco-friendly future. Historical trolley tours will circle the town, stopping at the Saline Railroad Depot Museum where visitors can learn about 19th century technology and travel, and how the Saline railroad integrated the small town with neighboring cities and helped to boost the economy. At the electric car show, view, test-drive and talk to owners of the latest electric vehicles and celebrate the family-friendly, forward-thinking town of Saline. salinesummerfest.org
ONGOING: Wednesdays
The Chelsea Community Fair lives up to its name, celebrating the community through fun homegrown events. Livestock competitions, livestock auctions and agricultural displays (with awards for Photo by Sara accomplishments like “Largest Tomato”) celebrate local farming. h Norr is Chelsea also crowns a Fair Queen, and provides college scholarships to both the pageant winner and the First Runner-Up. And no Chelsea Fair would be complete without the annual Demolition Derby, where adrenaline-pumped drivers can, well, smash into each other with cars. Experience Chelsea like a local: Wednesday, August 19 - Saturday, August 23. 10am-10pm. Chelsea Community Fairgrounds, 20501 Old US-12 Hwy., Chelsea. 734-475-1270. chelseafair.org
The Great State
Suburban Collection Showplace/ Friday, August 29 - Monday, September 1
Since 1849, the Michigan State Fair has been bringing joy to the Metro Detroit area and Michiganders from the all over the mitten. The traditional Carnival Midway houses all your favorite rides and games; food vendors Photo by D. Balon and craft beer will be ready and waiting. And this year, as a special treat, check out the Friday Night Singer-Songwriter Showcase. Detroit Music Award winners and some Ann Arbor natives like Jason Dennie and John Holkeboer round out a night of folk, bluegrass, country and gospel. Also be sure to stop by the Beginning of Life: Baby Animal Exhibit—cute, cuddly new additions to the animal kingdom. Friday-Sunday: 10am-11pm. Monday: 10am-9pm. Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi. 248-348-6942. michiganstatefairllc.com—MW
1 friday
Music Trivia
Milan Summerfest
Not your average trivia night, Conor O’Neill’s quizzes you on all things music.
A 2-day family fun festival with events like a Rotary Club pancake breakfast, arts and crafts vendors, Backstreet Cruizers car show, bingo, corn hole tournament, live music and more. Through Saturday, August 2
8:30pm. Conor O’Neill’s, 318 S. Main St. 734-665-2968. conoroneills.com
Thursdays
Pittsfield Township Farmers Market
3-7pm. Pittsfield Township Farmers Market, 6201 W. Michigan Ave. 734-822-3152.
A weekly summer market that features local and regional food and agricultural businesses, artisans and entertainers. Fun for the whole family.
Sundays
Sunday for the Sunset
The Yellow Barn , 416 W. Huron St. ouryellowbarn.com Free
Come for the sunset. Bring your instruments and pot luck food. This event honors community, music, art, food and friendship.
Kempf House Museum Guided Tours
1-4pm. Kempf House Museum, 312 S. Division St. 734-994-4898. kempfhousemuseum.org Free
Visit this 1853 Greek Revival home of German-American musicians Reuben and Pauline Kempf. See Victorian period furnishings, including an 1877 Steinway piano, the first grand in Ann Arbor.
5pm. 45 Wabash St., Milan. 734-439-1044. milansummerfest.com
3 sunday Summer Fun Day Fundraiser at SASHA Farm
Noon-4pm. $25 adults; $20 kids under 10. SASHA FARM Animal Sanctuary, 17901 Mahrle Rd., Manchester. 734-428-9617. sashafarm.org
A relaxing day at the farm. Meet the rescued animals of SASHA Farm and hear their stories. From heartbreaking circumstances to a life of safety and freedom. Help raise money to care for the animals and save lives. Includes a vegan lunch.
5 tuesday Mail Merge
7-8:30pm. Ypsilanti District Library- Whittaker: Computer Lab, 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free
Learn how to use mail merge in Microsoft Word to produce
cont, on page 36
ecurrent.com / august 2014 35
everything else cont, from page 35 letters, envelopes and labels for mass mailings. Knowledge of MS Word along with basic PC, keyboard and mouse skills required.
Geometric Origami 101
7-8:45pm. Pittsfield Branch Library: Program Room, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free
Crafter Beth Battey demonstrates the basics of Japanese paper folding, focusing on geometric shapes and boxes.
7 thursday LEGO contest
9am-3pm. Kensington Court, 610 Hilton Dr. 734-327-4200. aadl.org
Did you think The Lego Movie was awesome? Have you always had a love for the art of LEGO construction? Enter your best LEGO project. All ages welcome.
8 friday US 12 Statewide Yard Sale 9am-5pm. Rentschler Farm Museum, 1265 E. Michigan Ave., Saline. 734-944-0442.
This fundraiser for Saline’s museums includes over 25 vendors, antique dealers and booth renters offering everything imaginable: Antiques, furniture, glassware, lamps, books, linens, jewelry, architectural elements, odds and ends. Through Saturday, August 9.
Saline Summerfest
In addition to the food, games and live music, the fest will feature a 5k run, bike tours, trolley tours and an electric car show. Through Saturday, August 9. for more info, visit: salinesummerfest.org
Dexter Daze
Since 1975, enthusiasm, and community growth, has developed this event to include over 100 booths of artisans and crafters, free entertainment for the whole family and a sense of community, with people knowing and caring for their neighbors. Through
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Saturday, August 9. For more info, visit: dexterdaze.org
9 saturday Thunder Over Michigan
8am-5pm. $30 adv/ $35 day of; Parking $10 adv/ $15 day of; Kids 15 and under free. Willow Run Airport , 801 Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti. 734-485-6666. yankeeairmuseum. org/airshow
The Yankee Air Museum hosts this spectacular United States Air Force 2-day air show. Through Sunday, August 10.
Stewardship Workday
9am-Noon. Furstenberg Native Garden, Fuller Rd. across from Huron High School. a2gov.org/NAP
Help weed and preserve this native garden amidst the 38 acres of Furstenberg Nature Area, featuring some of the most diverse flora anywhere in Ann Arbor.
Stewardship Workday
Noon-3pm. Barton Nature Area- Barton Dam parking lot, Corner of Huron River Dr. and Bird Rd. a2gov.org/NAP
Tremendous progress has been made to increase the native habitat in this large preserve; help continue this effort. You’ll be hand-pulling spotted knapweed, and other invasive plant species to give native plants a chance to thrive.
Summer Ice Cream Social 2pm. Ypsilanti District Library- Superior , 8795 MacArthur Blvd., Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free
Meet your neighbors and enjoy some ice cream at this outdoor event featuring activities and a drumming workshop.
12 tuesday Stewards’ Circle: Prairie Restoration
7:30-8:30am. Bruegger’s Bagels, 709 N. University Ave. stewardshipnetwork.org
Less than 1% of Michigan’s native prairie still remains intact. Join the Stewardship Network’s Huron Arbor
2014 / ecurrent.com
road trip Michigan Renaissance Festival Saturday, August 16 - Sunday September 28, Weekends and Labor Day
History buffs and Game of Thrones fans will revel in the chance to dress up and party like lords and ladies, maidens and knights at the 2014 Michigan Renaissance Festival. This year’s festivities include tastings of Michigan meads, feats of strength with sword fighting and arm wrestling competitions, Irish, Scottish, Medieval and other traditional music, fire eaters, jugglers, artisans, and, naturally, a beard competition. Grab a turkey leg and bite right in. 10am-7pm. $11-$22. Michigan Renaissance Festival, 12600 Dixie Hwy., Holly. 248-6345552. michrenfest.com cluster for a discussion about remnant prairies and oak savannas in your area and the many facets of restoring these precious lands.
14 thursday Seed Saving Workshop
6:30pm. Ypsilanti District Library- Michigan Ave., 229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free
Learn how to save your own seeds and find out about the new technology the local seed industry uses with Erica Kempter of Nature and Nurture Seeds, Eric Kampe of Ann Arbor Seed Company and Stefanie Stauffer of Nightshade Army Industries.
15 friday The Ypsilanti Heritage Festival
Noon. Riverside Park , N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. ypsilantiheritagefestival.com Free
Music, merriment, food, games, arts, history and more at the one-and-only Ypsilanti Heritage Festival. Through Sunday, August 17
ts More event a e n li on com ecurrent.
16 saturday Seed Saving and Propagation
2pm. Bloom! Garden Center, 1885 Baker Rd., Dexter. 734-426-6600. bloom-gardens.com
Become a seed saver this year by learning how to choose the best way to preserve genetic lines through seed collection and propagate beloved shrubs not available in the marketplace. Future generations will thank you.
17 sunday Stewardship Workday
9am-Noon. Miller Nature Area, Arborview Blvd. east of Wildwood Ave. a2gov.org/NAP
Help improve the Miller trails by clearing the way, trimming back overgrowth and spreading woodchips. Please bring your own plastic sleds to help with the hauling.
Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social
1-4pm. Weber-Blaess School, 550 Woodland Dr., Saline. 734-429-5922.
This traditional event would have been the kickoff to the school year in the late 1800’s and will feature: ice cream and cake, 19th century crafts, reenactments of a typical day in a one-room school, watermelon seed spitting contests, croquet games and much more.
everything else health
Out of the city and into the woods
Even though morel season is behind us, foraging for late summer goodies can still yield a fine meal, and help with allergies. Join naturalist Rowena Conahan for a walk to learn how to identify, pick and prepare edible and medicinal plants. Find teas like bermagot (deliciously eases the common cold), goldenrod (settles seasonal allergies) and catnip (soothing to humans, but makes your cat go bonkers!). Blackberries and wood nettle (a spinach-like leaf) may also be on the menu. The walk is limited to 20 participants and registration is required. Sunday, August 17. 2-4pm. Scio Woods Preserve, Scio Church Rd., Lakewood. 734-971-6337. ewashtenaw.org Free—MW
19 tuesday Chelsea Community Fair 10am-10pm. Chelsea Community Fairgrounds, 20501 Old US-12 Hwy., Chelsea. 734-475-1270.
Through Friday, August 23. chelseafair.org
Calligraphy Workshop
6:30-8pm. Traverwood Branch: Program Room, 3333 Traverwood Dr. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free
Learn the subtle skills of calligraphy from practiced hand and local artisan, Scott Wettlaufner.
21 thursday Genealogy Resources Online
7-8:30pm. Ypsilanti District Library- Whittaker: Computer Lab, 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free
Learn to do genealogical research using the Internet. Basic PC, keyboard and mouse skills required.
23 saturday Stewardship Workday
9am-Noon. Stapp Nature Area, Huron Pkwy. and Tuebingen Pkwy. a2gov.org/NAP
Much is contained within Stapp Nature Area’s eight acres, including a mature oak-hickory forest and a vernal pond, home to many amphibians and reptiles. Help native plant species thrive by removing invasive plants and disperse native seeds to increase the natural area’s biodiversity.
27 wednesday Saline Community Fair
9am-Midnight. Times vary for events and days. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. 734-429-5901. salinefair.org
A week of rides, games, community events and entertainment. Through Sunday, August 31.
29 friday State Fair
10am. Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi. 248-348-6942. michiganstatefairllc.com
See note pg. 35.
2 saturday
Manchester Run and Festival
9am-9pm. Downtown Manchester. manchesterstreetfestival.org
The 7th Annual Manchester Run and Festival will feature a 10K,5K and 1 mile fun run. The run is open to all and prizes will be awarded in each age category. Then catch the juried art fair, live music and a Vintage Car Show.
7 thursday Nature Hike
7-8:30pm. Furstenberg Nature Area, Fuller Rd. across from Huron High School. a2gov.org/NAP Free
Enjoy wetlands, woodlands, prairie, and oak savannah on this nature walk with a staff naturalist from Natural Area Preservation (City of Ann Arbor).
9 saturday
Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Michigan Conference
health events
fitness levels welcome.
734-327-4200. aadl.org Free
19 tuesday
Health Club: Healthy Aging 10:30-11:30am. Indigo Forest, 4121 Jackson Rd. 734-994-8010. theindigoforest.com Free
Tricks of the trade teach you how to be proactive during your younger years for optimal health as you age. Hula Hoopla
7-8pm. Downtown Library: 4th Floor Meeting Room, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free
Bring your hula hoop to AADL to learn new tricks from experts, teach new tricks and hula hoop with other hoop maniacs. A few extra hoops will be available.
In this Kundalini Yoga class, instructor Victoria Duranona will help identify stressors and their effects, then lead you through a stress-releasing yoga and meditation session.
Ongoing
Sundays: Heart-Centered Hatha Yoga
9am. A2 Yoga, 2030 Commerce Blvd. 734-216-4006. a2yoga.net
Heart-Centered Yoga is a form of hatha yoga with an elegant set of alignment principles, life affirming tantric philosophy and heart-oriented community.
26 tuesday
Using Yoga To Reduce Stress 7-8:30pm. Pittsfield Branch Library: Program Room, 2359 Oak Valley Dr.
7:30am-12:45 pm. $20 for course credit, all others free. Madonna University: Kresge Hall, 36600 Schoolcraft Rd., Livonia. foodallergymiconference.com
Board certified allergists, nurses, a dietician, a lawyer and a teacher speak at this education and awareness event covering food allergy/ anaphylaxis fundamentals, daily management of food allergy, implications of the diagnosis, school food allergy management and research updates.
12 tuesday
Health Club: Back To School Health
10-11:30am. Indigo Forest, 4121 Jackson Rd. 734-994-8010. theindigoforest.com Free
Optimize learning, ease anxiety and even protect against back-to-school illnesses. Learn about ten practical/nutritional things you won’t want to be without. All welcome, including your kids.
16 saturday
Boot Camp Workout to Combat Hunger
8am. $5 donation, generous donations encouraged. Community High School, 401 N. Division St. 734-7612796. foodgatherers.org
AA Rec and Ed, AA Farmer’s Market and Food Gatherers will put on a boot camp workout to combat hunger in Washtenaw County. All
ecurrent.com / august 2014 37
Check your privilege
Across 1. Sudoku constraints 5. Booty 9. Guitarist with a 2014 #1 album “Lazaretto” 14. Closing words? 15. Note with a national face 16. Seal, as a victory 17. Big name in canned fruit 18. Emperor’s reigns, e.g. 19. “___ Gabler” 20. Event to get rid of unwanted goods 23. Fruit used in gin drinks 24. Moscow’s location: Abbr. 25. Scroogean cry 27. Rover’s belts 31. Enjoy the winter outdoors 34. Light reading? 36.Almost fat-free 37. Enjoy the winter outdoors 38. Become pale 41. Regarding, in legalese 42. Something that hangs over you for good? 43. Zoo creature that’s obviously laughing at you 44. Casual “states” 45. Gun ___ 47. Cribbage piece 48. “Oysters ___ Season” 49. What a lens is behind 51. Admits defeat 57. Wine type named after a river in western German 59. “I am so ___ that” 60. Touch cousin 61. Made of wood 62. Syrian singer Souleyman 63. Guatemalan president ___ Pérez Molina 64. Harmless stories 65. Squat 66. “The Fault in Our Stars” fan, likely
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33. Suitcase attachment 35. Her website is imaginepeace.com 37. Unable to pay 39. Sign that extra care went into the cleaning 40. Native American poet/author Alexie 45. Peps (up) 46. ___ Nevada 48. Indian princess 50. Plan B lead-in 51. Often-vandalized Internet page
2014 / ecurrent.com
9
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Down 1. Basketball star turned so-called diplomat 2. Musical instrument in phonetic alphabets 3. Only recipient of a degree in enigmatology 4. Reinforcement material 5. “You made a funny” 6. Healthy glow? 7. Farsi-speaking nation 8. Oceanic Flight 815 series 9. Crusades against the Great Satan 10. It provides many cars to New York City 11. Give up 12. Give someone the business 13. Tropical devil ray 21. Music played on an accordion 22. St. Catherine’s hometown 25. Software versions still being tested 26. Bully’s tactic 28. Fact checker’s well-worn book 29. Black Panther Bobby 30. Wears 31. Refuses to come to? 32. New Hampshire city with an annual Pumpkin Fest
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52. “It’s coming, okay?” 53. “Girls” rating 54. Beer foam 55. Couple of chips, e.g. 56. “You were saying?” 57. The Eternal City resident 58. Movie villain who said “I’m sorry, Dave. I’m afraid I can’t do that.”
for crossword answers, go to ecurrent.com
1
©2014By Brendan Emmett Quigley (www.brendanemmettquigley.com)
crossword
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everything else
Eve & Mother Earths organization’s mission is to recycle. Join us in the celebration! Erase carbon footprints. Visit eveandme.org
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Stargazing: Peach Mountain Observatory Ann Arbor August 23, 30 Directions: http:// www.umich.edu/~lowbrows/ calendar/regular.html Observatory Opens at Sunset, Free admission and parking -------------------------------------
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Emily Frenette Trousers - Vintage Tshirt - Forever21 Shoes - Vintage Tattoos - Spiral
How to: Vintage in a Modern World Incorporating vintage clothing into the modern world can be tricky. Here are five tips from style pro Samantha Mistry to make it easy. Layers: Layering is a great way to showcase several pieces from your wardrobe. Start with a fitted base, then add thin layers. Maybe a bow blouse underneath a dress with tights and leather oxfords. Layering is also a great way to mix patterns. I love plaid or stripes with floral patterns. Staying in the same color family helps, but there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to pattern mixing.
Oversized: Some days it feels great to be grungy. If you’re running a quick errand or grabbing coffee with a friend, throw on an oversized sweater with jeans or leggings. Layer a lace slip underneath the sweater to add a little pizazz. Accessories: Accessories are a
great way to incorporate ‘vintage’ into a modern wardrobe and can complete a “look.” I'm a big hat fan; I almost feel naked without one. Every season I find a new favorite hat and pretty much live in it! One of my favorite accessory trends this season is vintage turquoise jewelry.
High Rise: In the 40s, women
started wearing high rise pants, which, in the 60s, became a massive trend. Something happened in the 90s, a lot happened in the 90s fashion-wise that we should never revisit, and low rise bottoms took over the industry. But the winds of fashion often change and sometimes revert. High rise pants are, well, on the rise once again.
Comfort: Tons of vintage clothing is made out of synthetic fibers, which tend to be uncomfortable. And comfort is everything. Look for natural fibers (wool, cotton, linen). Stay away from polyester and nylon, unless, of course, you’re layering and using lightweight synthetics to finish a look.
Samantha Mistry is a stylist and vintage store owner based out of Ann Arbor, MI. Her online shop, RoseVintage, started when she moved to Montana in 2009. Three years later she relocated to Chicago to gain more exposure. She and her shop have been featured on numerous Chicago fashion and lifestyle blogs.
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