Current September 2014

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e e B y e n Ho The Buzz on Ypsilanti’s

F e s t i va l

INSIDE The 2014 Blue Book Grad Student Survival Guide

Ann Arbor Abides Big Lebowski culture

Pg. 18

Eco-poetry

Robert Hass & Forrest GANDER COME to A2

Pg. 24

4th and 10 U of M football on the brink

Pg. 26

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contents contents

august September 2014 2014 vol. 24 / no.9

20 theater feature

Honey Bee Festival 8

By Michael Bianco

America’s preeminent Improv troupe takes The Ark

by Brandon Doriot

22 art feature

UMMA’s “Changing Hands” Feels like no change at all

by Meade Bailey

24 book feature music feature 14

The Growlers come to town, and they mean business

by Jeff Milo

film feature 18

Big Lebowski culture in A2

by Nan Bauer

One Pause Poetry brings four celebrated poets, activists to Ann Arbor

by Russ Brakefield Michael Massie, pompos Photo by Kenji Naitea. gai,

26 sport

U of M Football on the brink

by Nick Roumel

30 crossword Corrections:

Cover Credit:

Illustration by Sean Bieri

current online exclusives

n The photo and contact information we used for The Sports Bar Ann Arbor Westside in our Locally Grown issue last month is incorrect.

5510 Jackson Rd. Ann Arbor 48103 734-668-7800 Ben Buhr Years in operation Three

:

n The photo we used to represent A2 Yoga in last month’s Locally Grown issue is not Ana Hough, founder.

The Old West Side Homes Tour

An historic neighborhood on display

Toledo Museum of Art presents

“The Art of Video Games” But is it Art? Yes!

Super Mario World, Hiroshi Yamauchi, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, 1991, Nintendo of America, Inc.

In review:

Jeff Daniels plays The Ark Exclusive features at www.ecurrent.com

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Adams Street Publishing Co. If you taught a college course, what would it be?

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) Balancing multiple issues 101

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) The Benefits of a System

Editorial

Assignment Editor: Brandon Bye (brandon@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Plate Spinning 501 Calendar Editor: Marisa Rubin (mrubin@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Avante Garde Accessories Digital Media Specialist: Saul Jacobs (saul@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Philosophy 420: The Answers to Life Contributing Writers: Russell Brakefield, Jessica Knap, Nan Bauer, Jeff Milo, Brandon Doriot, Michael Bianco, Nick Roumel

Art/Production

Creative Director: Margaret Kelly (mkelly@adamsstretpublishing.com) The Economics of Fun Production Manager: Brittney Koehl (adsin@adamsstretpublishing.com) Intro to abbreviations (ABbrevs)

^ By the end of the month, both Ann Arbor Mattress & Futon Shoppe locations, 4563 Washtenaw Ave. (734-975-9200) and at 2131 W. Stadium Blvd. (734-222-9472), will close. Catch the clearance sale. mattressandfutonshoppe.com ^ Named the #1 Brewpub in the U.S.

by RateBeer.com, Grand Rapids’ HopCat bar and restaurant will open a new location in Ann Arbor by January 2015 at 311-315 Maynard St. hopcat.com/ann-arbor ^ Canadian franchise Taylor & Colt barber shop and spa opens at 601 E. Liberty St. this fall, offering haircuts and shaves, laser hair removal, teeth whitening, manicures and pedicures.

Customers can entertain themselves while waiting for their appointment with in-house iPads. A juice and coffee bar is also included in the business model. taylorandcolt.ca ^ Motawi Tileworks is teaming up with Ann Arbor Art Center to open a retail shop downtown.

While the store at 170 Enterprise Dr. will remain open, the new room takes root at 117 W. Liberty St. in the Art Center’s gallery. Motawi Tileworks: 734-213-0017. Ann Arbor Art Center: 734-994-8004

Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Fun 101 Graphic Design: Chelsie Parton (chelsei@adamsstreetpublishing.com) The Dos & Don’ts of Life

Advertising

Sales Manager: Aubrey Hornsby (ahornsby@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Sales Sales Coordinator: Molly Davis (mdavis@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Smarter Sales Representative Tara A. Patterson (tara@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Classifieds: Rachellyn Marsh (classifieds@toledocitypaper.com) Dissecting the social behaviors and quotes of the movie “Mean Girls”

^ Attention Chocolate Lovers: Godiva is opening a shop inside the Kroger store at 400 S. Maple Rd. in early September.

734-213-2340. kroger.com; godiva.com ^ After five years of culinary education, Ann Arbor Cooks! has closed the kitchen. Owner Natalie Marble halted all operations on August 31 in order to spend more time with family. ^ Chinese American restaurant chain P.F. Chang’s plans to open a new location at Briarwood Mall before the clock strikes 2015.

100 Briarwood Cir. 734-761-9550. simon.com/mall briarwood-mall

Administration

Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledocitypaper.com) Beer Pong 101 Distribution: Michele Flanagan (distribution@toledocitypaper.com) Generalized Functions

© 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

^ Main Street imprenditore Lisa Roberts, owner of Rock Paper Scissors, plans to open Bed & Butter — a home goods, kitchen and baby shop —this fall. The new place takes over the former La Belle Maison, which closed in July. 333 S. Main St., 734-5316264, shopbedandbutter.com ^ Appeal to your “inner caveman” says Patrick Daly and Harold Tramazzo, owners of Wings Over, a new-to-town delivery and takeout franchise. 1758 Plymouth Road in the Plymouthview shopping center.

To open soon.

Follow us on Facebook and Twittertwitter.com/ecurrent

ecurrent.com / september 2014 5

green corner

fyi

Bark at the moon

In 2012 wolves were officially removed from the endangered species list in Michigan when the state’s wolf population exceeded 650. Since then there have been numerous reports of wolves preying on dogs and livestock, and Gov. Rick Snyder and Sen. Tom Casperson have signed two public acts allowing for the creation of a wolf hunting season in the Upper Peninsula.

One puts the issue to a vote and the other would give the state legislature the right to establish a wolf-hunting season. Snyder and Casperson claim that opposition to wolf hunting is from environmentalists outside the state. The Audubon Societies of Detroit and Kalamazoo are among those opposing the plan, claiming that wolf hunts were what put the animals on the endangered list in the first place. Tree City residents will have a say in the fate of the UP’s wolf population at the ballot box on November 4, 2014.—JS

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Harvest Festival at White Lotus Farms

On September 27, play farmer for the day at White Lotus Farms. To close out the farming season, the White Lotus Farm crew invites you to roll up your sleeves and pull on your gardening gloves for a day of harvesting before enjoying a truly farm-fresh lunch. Jeffrey Sartor, Executive Chef of Vellum restaurant in Ann Arbor, comes to the farm to prepare lunch for the harvesters, including the veggies you pick and dig with your own hands, fresh baked White Lotus Farms bread, and White Lotus Farms cheese. September 27, 9am. $10, includes lunch. Work clothes, hat and work gloves recommended. Registration closes at 5pm, September 13. White Lotus Farms, 7217 West Liberty Road, Ann Arbor, MI. whitelotusfarms.com—BB

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feature

e e B y e on

The Buzz

on Ypsilanti’s

H

F e s t i va l

An interview

with Jamie Berlin

by Michael Bianco

You might have heard the murmurs about the international crisis concerning honeybees.

Since 2005, honeybees around the world have been dying off in unsustainable numbers. Since honey bees are responsible for pollinating 70 out of the top 100 human food crops, supplying about 90 percent of the world’s nutrition, people everywhere are responding to the crisis. From Brooklyn, NY to Donna, TX, positive, grassroots activism is being used to try to change the situation. I recently spoke with Jamie Berlin, a beekeeper and co-founder of the Ypsilanti Festival of the Honey Bee, to find out more about what she’s doing to raise awareness about the crisis.

Current: Jamie, tell me how you got into bees.

Jamie Berlin: In 2009, I saw a PBS episode of Nature called “The Silence of the Bees.” I was stunned by what was going on with the honey bees.

A month or two later, a community member, Lisa Bashert, had been cited for illegally keeping bees and was mounting a campaign to legalize beekeeping in Ypsilanti. I joined her campaign and spoke in favor of bees before city council. The ordinance was passed in November, 2009, and the following spring, the Ypsi Food Co-op (where Lisa Bashert works) started the Local Honey Project (LHP). I learned how to be a beekeeper by participating in the project.

ILLUSTRATIONS

BY SEAN BIERI

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Are there other forms of bee activism you’re involved in?

I spent three years learning in the LHP, and then in the last two years I have formed a bee stewardship project called Ypsi Melissa. The program allows

feature

Festival of the Honey Bee Ypsilanti MI, September 5-7 Ypsilanti District Library 229 West Michigan Avenue Ypsilanti, MI 48197

Artist’s reception Friday, September 5, 7pm-10pm

Bona Sera Cafe

200 W. Michigan Avenue Ypsilanti, MI, 48197 BIKE2BEES and BEE BAZAAR VenDor’s FaiR Sunday, September 7

Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery 720 Norris St Ypsilanti, MI 48198

me to mentor new beekeepers and keep bees in partnership with community members throughout Ypsilanti. I’m working with about 12 hives in the city in a number of styles including Top bar, Warre and Langstroth. One of the folks I mentor is a sculptor and that’s how the festival was born.

Honey Bee fest sample table

Who is this sculptor/mentee/collaborator of yours? How did you start working together?

Her name is Elize Jekabson.

She asked me for some old comb because she wanted to make a bronze sculpture of the comb. It’s stunning, dead bees and all! She brought the sculpture to a talk that I did, and I was so struck by the weight and significance of the work. It was like a bronze sculpture to memorialize those who’ve died in battle.

It inspired the idea of a bee art show, which quickly expanded into an idea for an entire festival.

How did the community respond to the festival?

It went great, phenomenal actually. Everything came together, thanks to all the volunteers and sponsors. Hundreds of people attended the events over the course of three days. Ypsi Continued on Page 10 ecurrent.com / september 2014 9

HONEY BEE Festival Continued from Page 9 beekeepers turned up. Detroit beekeepers and folks from Jackson and the Flint area came. We have a really great maker culture here in Ypsi, and everyone seemed to really want the festival—an opportunity to celebrate bees.

Do you get the sense that Ypsi is becoming more “bee friendly” as a result of the festival?

Yes. It was great to meet some of Ypsi’s and Ann Arbor’s “beeks” (Bee Keeper Geeks) through this event. Community is one of the important aspects of beekeeping and I’d like to think that the festival is some of the glue holding it together!

What are some of the events that will be happening at the festival this year?

This year’s festival kicks off Friday evening, September 5, with a bee art show presented in partnership with Ypsilanti’s monthly art walk—First Fridays. Saturday morning, the Ypsilanti District Library will present a children’s program celebrating bees and will host an afternoon program for adults.

Sunday is the Bike2Bees Urban Hive Tour from 10:30am-Noon, and the Bee Bazaar Vendor Fair from 1-5pm. In addition, a special Ypsi honey beer, brewed

by Arbor Brewing Co., will be available at the Vendor Fair site. We also have a honey harvesting demo at the vendor fair and a raffle with door prizes. The idea behind the raffle is to help make it cheap and easy for people to start out if they’re curious about bees.

The complete festival schedule can be found at www. facebook/FestivaloftheHoneyBee.

Call Now to Reserve Your Spot

It sounds like its going to be an amazing event.

Is there anything else you want readers to know?

I’m grateful to the community for supporting the work that I do. Folks who are interested in getting involved should email me at festivalofthehoneybee@gmail. com. To everyone who is concerned about bees, please plant bee forage, buy organic, and don’t use yard chemicals! Thank you!

Honey Bee enthusiast sharing his wares

See Pg. 17 for submission details

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food 2 tuesday Release Party: Violin Monster Autumn Ale

6-7pm. $10. Arbor Brewing Co., 114 E. Washington St. 734-213-1393. arborbrewing.com

Celebrate the 1 year anniversary of the release of Arbor Brewing Company’s Autumn Ale created with Ann Arbor’s own Violin Monster. Includes light snacks and ale samples.

Release Party: Hoptown Brown Ale

6-8pm. $10/ Mug Club members, free. Corner Brewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti. 734-480-2739. arborbrewing.com

A robust brown ale that drinks like an IPA. Enticing citrusy hop aromas lead into a rich and complex palate of caramel-y, nutty, and toasty malts perfectly balanced by a big full hop flavor. Includes beer samples, light snacks and a discussion with a brewer.

4 thursday The Nature of...Beer

7-8:30pm. $8. Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org

Join Brandon Groff, local science teacher, as he presents the process of brewing beer, the ecology of the ingredients used and the history of this innovative drink. Registration required.

6 saturday 7th Annual HomeGrown Festival

6-10pm. Ann Arbor Farmers Market pavilion, 315 Detroit St. homegrownfestival.org

The HomeGrown Festival celebrates local food see note pg. 13.

7 sunday Mini Mambo Italiano: Italian Breads

1-5pm. $100. Zingerman’s Bakehouse, 3711 Plaza Dr.734-761-7255. bakewithzing.com

Learn how to make delicious breads with recipes straight from Italy. Registration required.

Canning Tomatoes: Kitchen Traditions/ Pittsfield Union Grange

2-5pm. $10 suggested donation.

Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor Saline Rd. 734-769-1052.

Join a group canning session.

Bring your own tomatoes, jars, and lids. All experience levels welcome. Registration required.

ood ecurrent.com/f

8 monday Harvesting Seeds and Preserving Herbs

7-9pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. 734-647-7600. lsa.umich.edu/mbg Free

Tips on harvesting seeds from herb plants and on preserving your herbal harvest. Plus, recipes using herbs.

9 tuesday Learn Benefits of Raw Vegan Diet

7-8:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-994-4589. peoplesfood.coop Free

Learn how you can rid yourself of bothersome symptoms, lose excess weight easily and take charge of your health with a raw vegan diet. Registration required.

11 thursday Twitter Chat: Let’s Tailgate

6-7pm. Twitter. wholefoodsmarket.com Free

College football and tailgating is a quintessential part of fall.

Follow #WFMdish to share recipes, menu ideas and more to ensure you have the best bash in the parking lot.

Beer Tasting: Michigan Made

7-9pm. $25, advance/$30, day of.

Arbor Brewing Co., 114 E. Washington St. 734-213-1393. arborbrewing.com

Classics, seasonals and innovative brews from breweries across the great mitten state including Bells, Founders, Shorts, OG, New Holland, Viviant, Jolly Pumpkin and Dark Horse.

13 saturday Raspberry Festival

11am-6pm. Free admission/$5 wine tasting. Sand Crane Vineyards, 4724 Walz Rd., Jackson.

517-764-0679. sandhillcranevineyards.com

Celebrate all things raspberry, with raspberry wines and delicacies. Live music from Two Piano Guys and The 127s.

Harvest of Hope

6:30-10pm. $150. Polo Fields Golf & Country Club, 2955 Packard Rd., Ypsilanti. 734-662-2265.

OzoneHouse.org

Guests will be treated to a dinner featuring a delicious autumnal menu, hearty drinks, live music, silent auction, and most importantly, everyone will learn more about the lifechanging work Ozone House does with youth and families.

17 wednesday Rat Pad Beer Release

ie

6-9pm. Corner Brewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti. 734-480-2739. arborbrewing.com

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Local amateur and professional brewers create imaginative beers on a 10-gallon Rat Pad brew system.

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food food HomeGrown

An Ann Arbor food community favorite, HomeGrown features food vendors with all primary ingredients (produce, grain, meat) grown or raised sustainably in southeast Michigan. And don’t forget the drinks—HomeGrown hosts a HomeBrew competition with beer, mead, wine and cider entries due September 2. The festival also holds a songwriting competition, serves local brews and spirits, and promotes local nonprofits. Saturday, September 6, 6-10pm. Kerrytown Pavilion, 315 Detroit St. hgfest.blogspot.com

Will bike for tacos

The only thing better than a bike tour is a bike tour with tacos.

Bike Ypsi hosts a day of cycling to six taquerias, with vegan and vegetarian options available. Sixteen miles, six tacos, one beer and one custom water bottle are included in the price.

Bring friends or make some new ones. Registration is required. Sunday, September 14. 1-5pm. $20.

Corner Brewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti. bikeypsi. org; visitypsinow.com/events/bike-ypsi-taco-tour

19 friday Hurray for Challah

1-5pm. $100. Zingerman’s Bakehouse, 3711 Plaza Dr. 734-761-7255. bakewithzing.com

Lean how to create a traditional six strand braid and a seeded Moroccan challah bread. Registration required.

21 sunday A Musical Taste of Dexter 2pm. $7. K of C Hall in Dexter, 8265 Dexter-Chelsea Rd., Dexter. musicaltaste.dextercommunityorchestra.org

Enjoy tastes of fabulous food from Dexter area restaurants and caterers while enjoying the music of the Dexter Community Orchestra’s Chamber Ensembles.

27 saturday Saline Oktoberfest

a whack at Hammerschlagena traditional betting game that measures precision and strength with a hammer and nail.

28 sunday Legally Magic Brownies 8am-noon. $125. Zingerman’s Bakehouse, 3711 Plaza Dr. 734-761-7255. bakewithzing.com

Learn how to make four varieties including Zingerman’s very own magic brownie (called one of the top 20 recipes of all time

by Midwest Living Magazine) and pecan blondie. Registration required.

Brewery Tours

1pm. Wolverine State Brewing Co., 2019 S. Stadium Blvd. 734-369-2990. wolverinebeer.com Free

See how the magic happens at Wolverine State Brewery with an exclusive behind-the-scenes hop-tastic tour.

10am-11pm. Downtown Saline. salinemainstreet.org/oktoberfest

Catch the ceremonial keg tapping, drink in the beer garden, eat some schnitzel and take

Go Greek

Southeast Michigan loves Mediterranean food. Former owner of Cottage Inn, Sam Romanis and his children Dimitri and Aphrodite are catering to these tastes with the new causal-but-authentic Mezes Greek Grill.

Gyros, salads, kafta, shish kebabs, and more Mediterranean delights are all made with a mix of local ingredients and prime imports from Romanis’ motherland—Greece. The new restaurant is open at 715 N. University Ave. 734-369-2204. mezesgrill. squarespace.com—MW

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music

The Growlers take in the sun

The Growlers Come to Town And they mean business

By Jeff Milo

The Growlers weren’t serious at the outset. And after seven years together, they say that hasn’t changed much.

But with a newly minted record on the shelf and a European tour on the books, The Growlers are as serious as ever. The Costa Mesa-based rock quintet, led by Brooks Nielson and Matt Taylor, release their fifth full length record, Chinese Fountain (Everloving Records) this month and are coming to the Blind Pig to support it.

“Yeah, being in a band really stunts your growth,” laughs Nielson, “we’re being pickled by alcohol and preserved by not changing our scenery. We just play shows and make music. And as far as free time, we still do the same things we love: hang out with friends and family and surf as much as we can.”

The group, with Scott Montoya, Kyle Straka and Anthony Perry, have become known for their surfy tempos and raspy, lilting vocals. Some call it ”Beach Goth”—a label the group has taken and used as the title for the SoCal music festival they’ve been curating for three years.

“Some things don’t need words / you know you’re living / when it all becomes a blur.” This lyric shines amid the organ hooks and bass tones of “One Million Lovers,”

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Photo by Taylor Bonin

a single from Chinese Fountain. It’s exemplary of many of Nielson’s disarmingly contemplative and philosophical lyrics.

“It really does turn into a blur, non-stop,” he admits of his experience as a full-time touring musician. “But I know what I’m doing. I’m able to step back and realize that I’m creating something. It’s better than working aimlessly without knowing. I can focus all my energy into one thing and I can take a step back and see that we’re making people happy.”

Five years ago, Nielson admits, he might have felt uncertainty. Thoughts like “what the fuck am I doing in a band?” suggested that he considered the possibility of getting “a normal job.”

“I know now there’s no backing out. I’m gonna make music till I’m dead… I know how easy it is to make music.

But for me, lyrics put musicians into a different category; they make them great.”

Lyrics aside, the band does focus, now more than ever, on fine tuning their musicality. “We stepped it up on the audio level for Chinese Fountain,” said Nielson. “Sonically, it’s better, and the band is performing better than ever. We opened it up more to see what would happen and I have faith in these songs. And I was never deliberately trying to make music that wasn’t accessible to ‘everyone.’

It’s just we write songs ‘in a mood.’ But, I think it’s a good step for The Growlers to have a record that’s sonically competitive, beyond a ‘garage record.’”

Thursday, September 11, doors 9pm, $15. The Blind Pig, 208 N. First St. blindpigmusic.com; thegrowlers.bandcamp.com

4 thursday Mandolin Orange The Ark

Using acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin and a hand-medown fiddle, their original songs are drenched in a mastery of genres. 8pm. $15.

5 friday Sarah Jarosz - The Ark

Nominated for a 2014 Americana music award, this bluegrass artist sings in tones that blur the folk-pop boundary.

8pm. $25.

Spencer Michaud Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tearoom

Local favorite Spencer Michaud is a narrative singer-songwriter that uses an elastic tenor voice to cover an incredible range of genres and emotions. 8:30pm.

Free

6 saturday Indian Tabla Music with John Churchville Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tearoom

John Churchville hosts an evening of Indian classical and folk music. 8:30pm. Free

The Crane Wives - The Ark Using three-part vocal harmonies, eclectic instrumentation and a knack for unusual shifts in dynamics, they create organic music that is both accessible and innovative. 8pm. $15.

7 sunday Ellis Paul & Rebecca Loebe - The Ark

Ellis’ passionate, literate character sketches, delivered in a soaring, lyrical voice, have influenced a generation of folksters toward the shamelessly poetic.

7:30pm. $15.

8 monday Elvis Costello Michigan Theater

Rescheduled from June 13, Elvis Costello gives a solo show as part of the Legends of Rock and Roll concerts series. 8pm. $60-$113.

Ramblin’ Jack Elliott The Ark

Ramblin’ Jack’s career has crossed paths with musicians ranging from singing cowboys to Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan. 8pm. $20.

9 tuesday Steve Rich and Tim Prosser - Silvio’s

Tim Prosser (the mandolin maniac) and Steve Rich bring listeners a cornucopia of acoustic music with voice, guitar and mandolin. 7pm. Free

music 10 wednesday Leftover Salmon - The Ark

This rootsy, string-based group, Leftover Salmon, are a pillar of the jam band scene and unwitting architects of the jam grass genre. 8pm. $25.

11 thursday Shawn Colvin & Steve Earle - Royal Oak Music Theater

This South Dakota-born folk-rocker puts herself under the microscope with a set of memorable pop hooks. 7pm. $39.50.

12 friday Michael Joseph - Silvio’s

Listen to acoustic, sometimes jazzy covers of everything from Badfinger to Cowboy Junkies to Smashing Pumpkins, with a few originals in between.

7pm. Free

San, Emily & Jacob - Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tearoom

This concert will feature a range of traditional and contemporary folk, jazz and classical music, as well as Broadway show tunes. 8:30. Free

Martin Sexton - The Ark

This rare virtuoso can blend songwriting and amazing vocal chops into a whole that’s greater than the sum of the parts. His original songs reconstruct the spirited sound and unpretentious attitude of classic 1970s FM radio for a new generation. 8pm. $40.

13 saturday Robin Monterosso Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tearoom

The proprietor of twangy Americana, Robin fills the air with a bluesy crush and a sentimental soul. 8:30pm. Free

14 sunday Itzhak Perlman Hill Auditorium

The talented violin virtuoso will be performing with pianist John Root. 6pm. $14.

Gaelic Storm - The Ark

This band combines influences from rock, bluegrass, Jamaican, African and Middle Eastern music that may surprise those expecting purely traditional Celtic music.

7:30pm. $25.

cont. on page 16

ts More event a e n onli com ecurrent.

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music

cont. from page 15

17 wednesday Comas - The Ark

Comas is a band firmly rooted in Irish music, but with enough space to allow for original compositions. 8pm. $15.

18 thursday Joe Crookston & the BlueBird Jubilee with Peter Glanville & RJ Cowdery - The Ark

Together as the BlueBird Jubilee, Joe and Peter have played to full houses at Festivals and Performing Arts Centers across the U.S. Ohio troubadour Rj Cowdery, who worked in the health-care field for many years before beginning to rack up songwriting awards, opens the show. 8pm. $15.

19 friday

22 monday Jill Barber - The Ark

Inspired by the great ladies of song like Ella Fitzgerald and Edith Piaf, Jill charms her audiences while weaving a romantic spell. 8pm. $15.

23 tuesday Take a Chance Tuesday with Chris Good - The Ark

Chris mixes an eclectic sound full of positivity and spirit-filled energy with poignant, humorous, and engaging lyrics. 8pm.

Free

24 wednesday Storyman - The Ark

The songwriting partnership of Kevin May and Mick Lynch encompass multi-instrumental sound to support what has become one of the most unique, identifiable and chilling vocal marriages. 8pm. $15.

Ari Hest - The Ark

Janiva Magness - The Ark

Peter Lynch wsg Kiana Weber - Silvio’s.

Nominated for a slew of 2013 Blues Music awards, Janiva (JAN-iv-a) Magness set the blues world on its ear with her last album, Stronger for It. 8pm. $21.

20 saturday Iris DeMent & Pieta Brown - The Ark With a heartfelt, homespun voice, Iris sings some of the most powerful roots sounds from the 1990s. 8pm. $35.

Global Steel Pan Music of the Southpaw Isle Steelband- Pittsfield Library

The rhythm-driven Global Steel pan music of the Southpaw Isle Steelband goes beyond jazz, classical, samba, and calypso.

2pm. Free

Monday, September 8 / Michigan Theater

After rescheduling the June 13 show due to illness (nothing serious, Current confirmed), Elvis Costello will perform at the Michigan Theater once again. Previous ticket purchasers for the earlier scheduled concert can attend and retain their seat assignments, but any refunded tickets of the previously sold-out show are up for grabs. 8pm. $60-$114. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org— MW

25 thursday

moe. - Royal Oak Music Theatre

moe. is a quintet of world-class musicians whose creative output equals that of their longevity with a remarkable career that has touched three decades and produced a discography of 24 albums. 8pm. $25/$45.

Elvis CostelloRescheduled

Ari Hest fills the building with haunting melodies and guitardriven original songs. 8pm. $20.

26 friday Cajun violinist Peter Lynch from Sel De Terre will be joined by special guest Kiana Weber from Gaelic Storm. 7pm. Free

Dr. Mike & the Sea Monkeys - Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tearoom

This folk and acoustic blues trio makes for a high-energy musical evening. 8:30pm. Free

27 saturday Emerson String Quartet Rackham Auditorium

More than 30 acclaimed recordings, nine Grammys, three Gramophone Awards, the Avery Fisher Prize, Musical America Ensemble of the Year and collaborations with many of the greatest artists of our time. 8pm. $26

The War On Drugs Tuesday, September 16 / St. Andrew’s Hall, Detroit

Formed in Philadelphia in 2005 by Adam Granduciel and Kurt Vile, The War On Drugs brings a new brand of Heartland rock to the Heartland. From melodic piano parts and horn sections to dreamy guitar soundscapes and barnstorming drum machine beats, this four-piece outfit brings Big Sound to the rooms they play. Some critics label their style as “shoegazing.” Some call it “indie.” Some liken it to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, while others put the group’s latest album Lost In the Dream in the same family as Wilco’s A Ghost Is Born. Any way you slice it, The War On Drugs has struck the right chord with this one, and their live shows promise just as much as their studio recordings offer. 7pm $29. St. Andrew’s Hall, 431 E. Congress St., Detroit.

313-961-8961. livenation.com—BB

Iris DeMent

Saturday, September 20 / The Ark

With influences like Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, Iris DeMent balances country, rockabilly and folk like no other. After debuting in 1992 with the album Infamous Angel she received a Grammy nomination in 1994 in the category of Best Contemporary Folk Album for her 1993 release My Life. She’s shared the stage with John Prine, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, her husband Greg Brown, and many other country and folk legends. The woman is a legend herself. 8pm. $35. The Ark, 316 S. Main St. 734-761-1451. theark.org—MW

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ecurrent.com / september 2014 17

film film I Can Get You a Toe

The Dude comes to town

By Nan Bauer

Bowling alleys? Check. White Russians? Also check. Guys dressed up in bathrobes with barrettes in their hair?

Really big check.

Those were some of the things that blogger Ryan Nickum looked for as he prepared his “11 Most Friendly Big Lebowski Cities” post for Estately, a real estate blog based in Seattle. Ann Arbor made number 10, topped by Nickum’s home city but beating out Louisville—despite the fact that Louisville plays home to one of the top Lebowski Fests in the country. In addition to bowling alleys, White Russians, and bathrobes, Ann Arbor won its position with help from a citation in High Times magazine, which called the town a fine place to score weed. Add to the list the opportunity to study pacifism, the Dude’s worldview, at U of M, and we are, to quote Nickum, “in completely primo Dude territory.”

“I’m not a Lebowski freak or anything,” says Nickum.

“I like it, but the thing is when I was in the Peace Corps it was the only movie we had.” Estately’s CEO noticed the compelling cult of The Dude, made immortal through Jeff Bridges’ performance, and Nickum started googling and analyzing cities based on their Dude-liness. Soon he discovered the movie’s regular midnight showings at the State Theatre.

“It really is pretty much the ideal midnight movie,” says Brian Hunter, facility and program manager at the Michigan Theater. “It predates me. It’s one of those movies that’s more fun to watch with other people, and you know that people will always show up for it.” The movie hasn’t quite reached Rocky Horror Picture Show status yet; Hunter says, “I think we could probably do things to make it more like that, but we never get around to it,” a suitably Lebowski-esque attitude. But slowly, more people have begun to dress up for the screenings: lots of Dudes and John Goodmans, the man who promises to get us that toe. Julianne Moore’s character, a severe performance artist who floats high above The Dude in a Valkyrie costume, is more rare. “It does skew a little male,” Hunter admits. One interesting phenomenon:

John Goodman and Jeff Bridges in The Big Lebowski, midnight showing at The State Theater.

“So many of the twenty-year-olds who work at the theaters are into bowling, and I wonder if that’s because they saw Big Lebowski at some point.”

Negotiating the “strikes and gutters” of life is integral to the movie, much of which takes place in a bowling alley.

Although there are four alleys in A2, no bona fide Big Lebowski-inspired league exists. However, Marc at Belmark Lanes—no last name given, just ask for Marc—said they’d be happy to accommodate one. “You can have pretty much any type of bowling league you want.”

Of course, even when under the influence of The Dude, one must bowl responsibly. For The Dude’s beloved tasty beverage, a White Russian, you’ll need to hit a bar; you can get a great one at Bar 327 Braun Court, where the bartenders use fresh whipping cream.

A few games of bowling followed by White Russians at Bar 327 before the midnight showing at The State Theater? You said it, man.

But given the heights of boozing and toking, which the movie may inspire, perhaps the best place to watch may be in your own living room. That’s the preference of Andy Tanguay, who cites “local guy” as his professional listing.

He’s only gone to the midnight screening once. “It’s an incredibly quotable movie, which is part of the joy of it. But basically, everyone in the audience is kind of mumbling the lines, and we ALL know the dialog, so I found it pretty distracting. I really want to enjoy the movie when I watch it. It’s wonderful.” After all, The Dude can abide pretty much anywhere, including your heart. Or your home, particularly if you have a rug that really ties the room together. Take comfort in that.

The Big Lebowski, Saturday, September 6, The State Theater, 233 South State St. Ann Arbor, 734-761-8667. www.michtheater.org

Whoomp!

(There It Is)

Michael Jordan had some pretty impressive accomplishments throughout his career, and teaming up with Bugs Bunny and the rest of the Looney Toons crew definitely nears the top of the list. For a midnight movie full of nostalgia, basketball, and R. Kelly songs, catch the 90s cartoon classic Space Jam at the State Theatre. Saturday, September 20.

11:59pm. $7. State Theatre, 223 S. State St. 734-761-8667. michtheater.org/state —MW

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1 monday Land Ho!

TBA. $7-10. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

A story of friendship, adventure, aging, and Iceland. Check schedule for movie times.

Through September 4.

2 tuesday Life of Brian

7pm. $7-10. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheather.org

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life. The Monty Python gang (Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Eric Idle and Terry Gilliam) lead this twisted tale of Brian, a (false?) messiah.

4 thursday Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life

10pm. $7-10. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheather.org

A gross-out, laugh-your-face-off film. Part of the Summer Classics After Dark Series.

6 saturday The Big Lebowski

11:45pm. $7. State Theatre, 223 S. State St. 734-761-8667. michtheater.org

Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi. Roll into the theater after shabbos ends and catch this Cohen brothers classic.

7 sunday Pulp Fiction

1:30pm. $7-10. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

Quentin Tarantino presents a star-studded film full of violence, drugs, dancing and bible verses.

Part of the Summer Classics Film Series. Also on Tuesday, September 9 at 7pm.

8 monday The Last Day of Summer & Innocent Sorcerers 7pm. $7-10. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

A man and a woman who cannot communicate meet on an empty beach in this subtle tale of a confrontation of two lonely people from which a true closeness cannot result. Part of Martin Scorsese Presents: Masterpieces of Polish Cinema.

11 thursday Mommie Dearest

10pm. $7-10. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

Based on the autobiography of the same name by Christina Crawford, this movie will make you so disturbed and uncomfortable, that you can’t help but laugh.

film

14 sunday

Selections from “A Future Past”

3:15pm. UMMA: Helmut Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free

This selection of films references the history of colonialism and its contemporary, intergenerational legacy through stories about survival, power, resistance, beauty, and cultural continuity and transformation.

15 monday Night Train

7pm. $7-10. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

A subtle game of emotions between two travelers. Part of Martin Scorsese Presents: Masterpieces of Polish Cinema.

18 thursday Gasland Part II by Josh Fox

6pm. $7-9. Downtown Library, 343 S. Fifth Avenue. 734-327-4265. aaadl.com

Gasland Part II, which premiered at the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival, shows how the stakes have been raised on all sides in one of the most important environmental issues facing our nation today.

21 sunday Central Asia Film Series 4pm. University of Michigan, Rackham Amphitheater. lsa.umich.edu

The Light Thief (Svet-Ake).Aktan Arym Kubat,director. In Kyrgyz with English subtitles (80 min., 2010).

22 monday A Short Film About Killing 7pm. $7-10. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

The paths of three men a cabbie, a lawyer, and a killer cross on a somber March day in this psychological and ethical study of murder. Part of Martin Scorsese Presents: Masterpieces of Polish Cinema.

29 monday Jump

7pm. $7-10. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

Jump is a tantalizing existential mystery that hops nimbly between allegory and black comedy. Part of Martin Scorsese Presents: Masterpieces of Polish Cinema.​

ts More event a e onlin com ecurrent. ecurrent.com / september 2014 19

theater

Happily Ever Laughter America’s preeminent Improv troupe takes The Ark

By Brandon Doriot

Chicago’s Second City Improv theater is an institution in comedy and has been for more than 50 years. Serving as the training grounds for countless comics and writers, the improv school has been the launch pad for the careers of comedy classics such as Jim Belushi and Bill Murray, as well as today’s comedic titans Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell, to name just a few.

The “School” is bursting with so much talent that it only makes sense to take the show on the road and let tomorrow’s stars cut their teeth with some off the cuff comedy for audiences nationwide. We sat down with Second City grad and touring improv master, Jasbir Singh, to discuss his troupe bringing the Happily Ever Laughter show to the Ark. Jasbir Singh: man of constant smiles Current: Audiences are used to a more passive experience with traditional stand up, what should they expect from your show?

Jasbir: It’s a mixture of improv games and sketch comedy.

What makes a good It has the feel of what you’d see on SNL. You’ll see an en- sketch or improv game?

A good tip is to get out of your semble of six of us. It’s not like stand up comedy, there’s a head.

It’s easy to say but one of lot more going on than just a person with a microphone. the hardest things to do. Because Does the material evolve from city to city or if you can relax and get in the is it a pretty set routine? moment, then you’re available to We try new material all the time but we also mix listen, and listening is the most in classic archive stuff. So even though every show is important thing in improv. unique to the crowd, you might see some sketches writI’m sorry what was that? ten by someone 30 years ago, or originals that we’ve put [Laughs] And stuff like that together. The thing that is most constant is change, and is the beauty of improv, is the it’s exciting having a new idea or improv opportunity range of what you can use, anycome out of a sketch that you’ve done 20 times. We get thing can be a gag. I can go from making some goofy or a chance to interact with the audience, and make differvulgar sexual pose and then in the next few minutes it can ent choices based on what’s happening in the room. We turn on a dime into some hip extremely savvy political aren’t scared to pull people out of the audience either, it reference. Where else can we jump from a sketch about can be risky but we roll with the punches as they come.

Has an audience member ever derailed a sketch? fornicating with an animal to insightful satire about the The cast we have is so good it’d be pretty impossible educational situation in America? In improv stuff like that to throw something at us that we couldn’t turn around. is common and with the talented writers we have behind There’s so much trust between the team that even though us, it just makes my job that much more fun. sometimes something crazy will come at us, it’s more of a Friday/Saturday, September 26-27, Door 7:30pm. TheArk.org Tickets: $27 / Door $27 vendini.com challenge to raise the bar. The weirder the better.

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Happily ever after with a twist

Fiona, Donkey & Shrek: Katrina Linden, Arjun Nagpal and Jeff Steinhauer

theater

tuesdays Comedy Open Mic Night

8pm. Joey’s Comedy Club, 36071 Plymouth Rd., Livonia. 734-261-0555. joeyscomedyclub.net

Joey hosts The World Greatest Open Mic! This is where the funny (and not so funny) get their start. You be the judge.

sundays Comedy Open Mic Night 8pm. $5 donation. The Mix Studio Theater, 8 N. Washington St., Ypsilanti. ChiliChallis.com

Chili Chalis UNclub comedy open mic night with Emcee Mark Sweetman

6 saturday Acting Classes

3pm. $175 for the semester.

1101 Ravenwood. 734-663-7167. redbudproductions.com

Redbud Productions sixteenth season of their Fall Acting Class for Adult High School Actors, taught by local teacher, director and actress Loretta Grimes uses the techniques of acclaimed acting teacher Sanford Meisner, focusing on emotion, improv and scene study.

Through November 15.

11 thursday Shrek The Musical

8pm. September 13 and 14, 2pm. $13-$25. Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 N. University Ave. 734-971-2228. aect.org/shows/shrek

See note above.Presented by the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre.

Through September 13.

11 thursday Anna Deavere Smith Lecture

5pm. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. stamps.umich.edu/stamps Free

Launching the Penny Stamps Distinguished Speaker Series, actress and playwright Anna Deavere Smith will give a lecture/performance based on her recent one-woman show Let Me Down Easy.

14 sunday Mike Birbiglia – Thank God for Jokes Tour

8pm. $37-$47. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

Award-winning comedian, actor, and filmmaker Mike Birbiglia returns to the stage with more painfully awkward stories in his all-new show about jokes, and how they can get you in trouble.

18 thursday

Photo by Lisa Gavan

“Let your freak flag fly” with Shrek The Musical, a fairy tale about acceptance, friendship and love. The Dreamworks film comes alive onstage with fantastical costumes and original Broadway songs. Audience members of all ages will be tapping toes and laughing aloud throughout the night. Presented by the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre. Directed by Wendy Sielaff and starring Jeff Steinhauer as Shrek, Katrina Linden as Fiona and Arjun Nagpal as Donkey. September 11-14: Thursday-Saturday at 8pm and Saturday & Sunday at 2pm. $13-$25. Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 N. University Ave. 734-971-2228. a2ct.org/shows/shrek—MW Spamalot

Thursdays at 7pm. Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm. Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm. Thursday, October 9 at 3pm.

The Encore, 3126 Broad St., Dexter. $22-$32, student rush tickets: $15 one hour before performance.

734-268-6200. theencoretheatre.org

The Tony Award Winning Best Musical, Spamalot is lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Spamalot retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

19 friday Nick Swardson: Taste It Tour

8pm. $40-$50 Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

A stand-up show by comedian, actor, screenwriter, producer and total goof, Nick Swardson.

20 saturday Mystery Dinner Theater, Murder in the Caribbean 6pm. $75. New Grace Apostolic Temple, 2898 Packard Rd. 734-368-8897. aamysterydinnertheater.com

This mystery dinner theater, presented by the Ann Arbor Drama Troupe features a four course dinner and a fantastic performance. Appetizers, performance and dinner begins at 6:45.

26 friday The Second City

8pm. $20/$27. The Ark, 316 S. Main St. theark.org

An evening with The Second City provides audiences with hilarious satire, cutting-edge improvisation, and the chance to see comedy stars in the making. Night two is on Saturday, September 27.

Grace & Glorie

8pm. $18/$12 students and seniors.

Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. 734-480-2787. riversidearts.org

Ninety-year-old Grace loves her country, mountain home and her way of life. But developers are threatening her home and cancer is threatening her life. Gloria, a volunteer hospice worker, arrives at her doorstep one day to help, or so she thinks. Times vary. Through September 27.

More events online at ecurrent.com

ecurrent.com / september 2014 21

Feels like no change at all The current UMMA exhibition Changing Hands: Art Without Reservation 3/Contemporary Native Art from the Northeast and Southeast should have been a landmark exhibition at the University of Michigan. While I recognize Changing Hands is a traveling exhibition, I am deeply disappointed by it’s poor installation and the show’s inability to respond to the tremendous social and historical context that surrounds Native American issues at the University.

Execution

From a technical perspective, the exhibition is overhung. While the show proudly boasts 130 works, there has been no tailoring to accommodate the exhibition’s post-New York venue. I can only ascribe this bric-a-brac aesthetic to a kind of curatorial guilt requiring an exhibition of this nature to be completely “inclusive.” Intriguing works by David Hannan, Michelle Lavallee, Marie Watt, and Jason Wesaw—four artists that likely could have gracefully held the gallery entirely on their own—are suffocated by a mass of works of average quality. While the artists in Changing Hands seem to be asking a plurality of important questions, such as Tom Jones’ statement on “Identity Genocide” or Skawennati’s new media work Timetraveller and its meditation on identity and territory in a post-cyber world, one can’t help but feel that the allinclusive nature of the exhibition feels like a form of tokenism antithetical to the exhibition’s thesis. However, the real injustice in this exhibition is not the show’s technical failings, but the inability of the organizers to respond to the painful history of Native American representations at the University of Michigan.

The exhibition of Native American artists is intended to “acknowledge the long and diverse cultural legacies while overtly and simultaneously exploring, and often confronting, the many ongoing issues inher ent to their cultural heritage.” However, this acknowledgment did not seem to be aware of the 1817 land gift by the Odawa, Ojibwa, and Bodewadimi tribes that helped establish the University of Michigan. The gift was made with the expressed intentions for the tribes to have “their children hereafter educated," and that the University has historically failed to actively reciprocate the generosity of the tribes. This failure is demonstrated through the low enrollment of members from the three tribes, despite a wide recognition that the 1817 gift constitutes a significant portion of the University’s endowment and, therefore, UMMA’s existence.

History

The University has a dark legacy of representing many Native American identities under a single “tribe” called

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Peter B. Jones, Portrait

by Meade Bailey

Last Chance: the exhibition packs up on September 14

The Michigamua—a nearly all white male secret society (who’s alumni include figures such as President Ford) that quietly influenced the school for almost the entirety of the 20th century. I want to believe that contemporary institutions are willing and able to use site-specificity for their exhibitions, and that the organizers of Changing Hands would have engaged the Michigan Union tower, the iconic University structure located directly across the street from UMMA, that was explicitly constructed as a “wigwam” for Michigamua meetings. I wish the organizers of this exhibition would have addressed the Tappan Oak, located at the rear entrance of the UMMA, the bark of which is stained by nearly a century of ritualistically transforming Michigamua initiates into tribal members by painting their skin red and forcing them into submission as they collectively clung to the tree.

To elaborate

I would like to think that the organizers of an exhibition of contemporary Native American work would have considered all of this as they approached the stairs to the second floor gallery, flanked on either side by the historical depictions of Native Americans in Benjamin West’s The death of General Wolfe and Charles Ferdinand Wimar’s The Attack on an Emigrant Train. Perhaps I am advocating for the explicit when the subtle is less than sufficient.

I can only hope the exhibition’s curator, Ellen Taubman, will discuss these issues when she speaks with Native American Studies professor Phill Deloria and the exhibitions artists Church, Parrish, Skawennati, and Wesaw at the upcoming UMMA dialogue on September 4th.

Thursday, September 4 at 6:30 pm at UMMA, 525 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, 734.764.0395, umma.umich.edu David L. Pruitt, Hands of the Real People – The Past Present and Future, 2011.

Photo by Cora Lathrop,

Jeffrey Gibson, Everlast. Photo by

Jar. Photo by Warren Wh

UMMA's "Changing Hands"

Ed Watkins

eeler

art

Candace Compton Pappas’s “Landing” September 9-October 18/ WSG Gallery

art

A note from the artist: “I work at home in Michigan, in a studio overlooking a beautiful landscape with a lot of bird and wildlife activity. My work is influenced by this landscape, as well as the quiet and space that surrounds me in my studio. The birds outside my studio have shown me what flight and return, character and persistence can be. Chairs represent a solitary place, a throne, a place to land. The search for home, both literally in my surroundings, and metaphorically in my self has been a constant theme underlying my work.” WSG Gallery, 306 S. Main St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104, 734-761-2287, September 9-October 18, 2014. Opening reception: Friday, September 12, 7-9pm.

3 chairs

4 thursday Changing Perceptions and Practices in Contemporary Native Art

6:30-9:30pm. UMMA: Alfred Taubman Gallery I, 525 S. State St., 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free

This dynamic gathering will explore the ways in which contemporary Native art engages or challenges today’s global art world. Refreshments and late gallery hours after the conversation.

7 sunday Sunday Artisan Market

Every Sunday in September.

11am-4pm. Kerrytown District, 315 Detroit St. 734-913-9622. artisanmarket.org Free

Over 60 artists and craftspeople working in a wide variety of media including: textiles, ceramics, metalwork, glass, painting, drawing, jewelry, woodworking, mixed media, basketry, photography and more.

12 friday Unseen’s Opening Reception

6-8pm. A2 Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St. 734-332-1570. annarborartcenter.org

Gallery Project presents Unseen, a dual-site, multi-media exhibition in which over 50 local, regional, national, and international artists and scientists explore the thresholds of visibility, revealing crucial, unseen phenomena that impact, inform and enrich our daily lives. Exhibit runs through October 12.

Funky Ferndale Art Fest

3-8pm. 9 Mile Rd. and Woodward Ave., Ferndale.

MichiganArtShow.com

A city known for its arts culture presents a funky and fabulous art fair. Through Sunday, September 14.

ts More event a e n onli com ecurrent.

13 saturday Try It Once on the Wheel

1-2:30pm. $40. Yourist Studio Gallery, 1133 Broadway St. 734-662-4914. youristpottery.com

An opportunity to sit down at the pottery wheel and see how it feels to try throwing a pot.

Demonstrations and guidance provided.

14 sunday a2modern Modern Living Series

1-2:30pm. $10. 910 Heather Way. 734-764-0395. a2modern.org

This walking tour will look at several modern homes located in Ann Arbor Hills, exteriors designed by Robert Metcalf, George Brigham, William Muschenheim, Edward Olencki, Joseph Albano and David Osler. Registration required.

LAST DAY ON VIEW: Changing Hands 3: Art Without Reservation

11am-5pm. UMMA: Alfred Taubman Gallery I, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free

The culmination of a decadelong investigation and exploration into fine art created by Indigenous artists from North America.

19 friday Ordinary People by Extraordinary Artists

10am. Free for local residents and DIA members/ $8 adults; $6 seniors; $4 children. Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit.

313-833-7900. dia.org

The DIA opens this exceptional new exhibit featuring works on paper by Degas, Renoir, and their contemporaries. Through March 29, 2015.

Impressionism/ Post-Impressionism Prints and Drawings

$8 adults; $4 kids; $6 seniors. DIA members and local residents FREE. Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit.

313-833-7900. dia.org

Over 75 works on display, featuring the drawings of Edgar

Degas as well as pieces

by Edouard Manet, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Pierre Auguste Renoir, Henri Bonnard, Edouard Vuillard and more. Museum hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 9am-4pm; Fridays, 9am-10pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm. Through March 29, 2015.

20 saturday Birmingham Street Art Fair

10am-6pm. S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham. theguild.org

Renamed from Art in the Park, the Common Grounds Birmingham Street Art Fair has moved from Shain Park to Old Woodward to incorporate the downtown cityscape into the iconic art event. Also Sunday, September 21.

21 sunday SculptureWalk Guided Tour 2-4pm. Chelsea District Library, 221 S. Main St., Chelsea. 734-433-0826. chelsearivergallery.com Free

View the brilliant sculpture works displayed around Downtown Chelsea (through May 2015) with some insight into each piece.

ONGOING:

Forest Patterns: Functional Porcelain Daily 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. Through October 6.

Ecosystem 1952-2014: Collage

Daily, 8am-8pm. University Hospital Main Corridor: Floor 2, 1500 E. Medical 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.

Through October 6.

Call for Artists

Riverside Arts Center $25 for two pieces; $5 for each additional piece. Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. 734-480-2787. riversidearts.org

Open to anyone ages 18 + residing in any of the eight Great Lakes states, submit work under 12 inches for a 2D and 3D juried exhibition.

Ann Arbor Art Center Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St. 734-926-4128. annarborartcenter.org

Submit your work for the juried, annual All Media Exhibition. Open to all artists, regardless of residency. Submission deadline is September 15. center.org Reaching for the Light Chelsea River Gallery, 120 S. Main St., Chelsea. 734-433-0826. chelsearivergallery.com

The fall 2014 exhibition will focus on wall-mounted art that interprets the botanical world. All media accepted.

Submission deadline is September 8th 2014.

Changing Hands: Art Without Reservation 3 / Contemporary Native North American Art from the Northeast and Southeast

UMMA, 525 South State St. 734-7640395. umma.umich.edu Free

This exhibit explores the work of contemporary artists of indigenous origin working in both traditional and new media, acknowledging their long and diverse cultural legacies while overtly and simultaneously exploring, and often confronting, the many ongoing issues inherent to their cultural heritage.

Open through September 14.

SculptureWalk

Downtown Chelsea, Chelsea. 734433-0826. chelsearivergallery.com

Outdoor sculptures made of various mediums are displayed around downtown Chelsea through May 2015.

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. Through October 6.

ecurrent.com / september 2014 23

current reads

Can Poetry Be Ecological?

BookFest 2014

On September 7, the 12th annual Kerrytown BookFest will provide readers and writers with a series of events to enrich the mind and inspire creativity. The line-up includes:

The Art of Illustration.

Noon. A panel of four Caldecott Medal-winning illustrators of children’s books—Brian Floca (Locomotive) along with Ann Arbor natives Erin and Philip Stead (A Sick Day for Amos McGee) and Chris Raschka (A Ball for Daisy)—discuss professional illustration.

Writer in Residence.

By appointment, Tim O’Mara, awardwinning author of the mystery novel Sacrifice Fly, will be available for 15 one-on-one sessions with aspiring writers. Submit the first 20 pages of your manuscript to wengas@aol. com for a chance to spend 20 minutes with O’Mara as he workshops your latest work and lends guidance for future success.

The Art of the Graphic Novel.

2:30pm. Jim Ottoviani (Primates), Dave Coverly (Speedbump), Matt Phelan (Bluffton: My Summers with Buster Keaton) and Matt Faulkner (Gaijin-American Prisoner of War) will discuss and answer questions about the creative process of writing a graphic novel.

Attend these and other book-tastic events on Sunday, September 7th, 11am5pm.Kerrytown Pavilion, 315 Detroit St. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. 4th Ave. 734-353-0872. kerrytownbookfest.org

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One Pause Poetry brings four celebrated poets, activists to Ann Arbor

By Russ Brakefield

I’ve been thinking recently about the Robert Hass poem “Story of the Body,” which envisions a young composer who becomes infatuated with an older woman who is a painter. The painter offers herself up to the young composer, but she first reveals the loss of her breasts, the result of a double mastectomy. The young composer’s attraction “withers” and he returns to his cabin to find a bowl full of flower petals at his door, presumably left by the scorned painter.

Underneath the petals the bowl is full of dead bees. The image that ends the poem is both evocative and troubling.

The reader feels at once implicated and filled with an implacable sense of sadness. What do the petals and the bees say exactly about the body, gender, and human nature?

Most recently this poem’s sharp natural imagery came up in a different way. I was sitting with a colleague, another poet, at a picnic table tucked beneath a bunch of white birch trees, looking out over a sun-flat lake. We recalled the poem at first reverently, but then with some hesitation. My colleague was asking about our duty as instructors. Is it our job, she asked, to expose students to poetry in which elements of nature don’t exist simply as symbols or images or metaphors, but possibly as a way to reveal values about environmental issues? And where does this poem fall along those lines? I was reminded then, again, of helplessness, of the old adage about poets being akin to the violin players on the sinking Titanic.

The crux

Forrest Gander, in his 2012 book Redstart, asks plainly, “Can poetry be ecological?” He means not natural or pastoral, but interested in ecological consciousness. Gander and Hass are both poets who identify as members of the “Ecopoetry” movement, poets whose work expresses a clear ecological focus or message. Robert Hass wrote the introduction to The Ecopoetry Anthology, released last year. In September, One Pause Poetry brings four of these poets—Forrest Gander, Robert Hass, Brenda Hillman, and C.D. Wright—to Ann Arbor for a series of readings and discussions about their work in relation to ecology and the environment.

Who?

One Pause Poetry was established in 2010 as part of the nonprofit arts

2014 / ecurrent.com

Brenda Hill and Robert Hass Forrest Gander and C.D. Wright

organization Copper Colored Mountain Arts. Since 2012 One Pause has become the main program for CCMA, working to bring free poetry events to southeast Michigan.

One Pause takes its name and inspiration from the medieval Japanese poet Ikkyu Sojun, who revolutionized many forms of Japanese artistic culture. Many One Pause events are held at White Lotus Farms, an organic farm, bakery, and creamery on West Liberty Road that also hosts art, music, and agricultural events.

One Pause also aims to bring different Ann Arbor communities together. Over the past several years they have partnered with METAL, pot & box, Literati, and Nicola’s to host events. “Recently we have shifted our efforts,” said Messer, “we are doing fewer readings, so that we can bring in bigger name poets or poets that haven’t been to the area in a while.” Messer also noted One Pause’s sustained relationship with White Lotus Farms as integral to the organization’s growth.

Sponsorship for the September events is split between One Pause, the Michigan Arts Council, White Lotus Farms, and the Helen Zell Writers’ Series, and the conversations will be oriented largely around questions of the aesthetics and responsibilities of Ecopoetry. Conversations with the poets will take place separately at the Helmut Stern auditorium as part of the Helen Zell Visiting Writers’ Series. Readings will be held outside at White Lotus Farms, where attendees can experience the cross-pollination of art and ecology in a venue that is both beatific and ecologically minded. Perhaps those of us in attendance—artists, ecologists, teachers, readers—can continue to investigate our roles and responsibilities in relation to art and the environment.

Reading with Forrest Gander and C.D. Wright, Saturday, September 12, 7pm, White Lotus Farms, 7212 W. Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 Reading with Robert Hass and Brenda Hillman, Saturday, September 26, 7pm, White Lotus Farms, 7212 W. Liberty, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 www.onepausepoetry.org/ www.lsa.umich.edu/writers/ readingsevents

Local Reads

5 friday Kerrytown BookFest Preview 7-8pm. Downtown Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. aadl.org Free

A reading and signing of his new thriller, No Safe House, a darkly comic novel of suspense.

7 sunday Kerrytown BookFest

11am-5pm. Ann Arbor Farmers Market, 315 Detroit St., 734-794-6255. a2gov.org

Featuring: Three Caldecott Medal-winning illustrators of children’s books, authors, topic panels, letterpress printers, book arts workshops as well as story tellers and crafts for children. See pg. 24.

10 wednesday An Evening of Poetry and Written Word

7-8:45pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. cwpoetrycircle.tumblr.com Free

All writers are welcome to share and discuss their poetry or short fiction. Bring about six copies of your work, copies will be returned to you. Also on September 24.

11 thursday Poets Forrest Gander & C.D. Wright In Conversation

5-6pm. UMMA: Helmut Stern Auditorium , 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free

As part of the Zell Visiting Writers Series, Pulitzer Prize finalist Forrest Gander and multiple award-winning poet C.D. Wright visit the UMMA.

16 tuesday Lisa Lenzo and Andy Mozina Reading

7pm. Nicola’s Books, 2513 Jackson Ave. 734-662-0600. nicolasbooks.com Free

Michigan authors Lisa Lenzo and Andy Mozina will be at Nicola’s Books for a reading and signing of their new short story collections.

17 wednesday Comics Literary Society

pm. Ypsilanti District Library, 229 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free

Explore graphic novels, graphic nonfiction and comic strips from different countries and different subcultures.

18 thursday Chad Harbach Fiction Reading

5-6pm. UMMA: Helmut Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free

Chad Harbach is the author of The Art of Fielding, chosen as one of the top 10 books of 2011

by The New York Times. Part of the Zell Visiting Writers Series.

ts More event a e onlin com ecurrent.

current reads 22 tuesday Banned Books Week: Create “Censored” Poetry 7-8:30pm. Traverwood Branch, 3333 Traverwood Drive.

734-327-4265. aadl.org Free

Using old book pages, markers, and pencils, create poems by highlighting certain words and blacking out others.

23 thursday Author Event: Howard Willens

7:30pm. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library, 1000 Beal Ave. 734-205-0555. fordlibrarymuseum.gov Free

Willens, author of History will Prove us Right: Inside the Warren Commission Report on the Assassination of John F. Kennedy, will speak about the true and complete story about the investigation into one of the century’s most shocking events. Book sale, signing and reception follow the program.

26 friday Art in the Garden: Ecopoetics

7-9pm. White Lotus Farms, 7217 W. Liberty Rd. 734-707-1284. whitelotusfarms.com Free

One Pause is partnering with White Lotus Farms and the Zell Series at U of M to bring Robert Hass and Brenda Hillman to read in the gardens of White Lotus Farms. Both poets are active in the Ecopoetry

movement, which searches for ways to use language to better appreciate and understand the interconnectedness of human, animal, mind, matter and nature’s language not as an object, but as a motion. Book signing to follow.

28 sunday 100 Thousand Poets & Musicians for Change

6:30-10pm. The Wurst Bar, 705 W. Cross St. , Ypsilanti. 954-607-8428.

100tpc.org Free

Musicians, comedians, poets and other spoken word performers are encouraged to participate in this eclectic acoustic event. By gathering like-minded friends, Combs hopes to start a worldwide collaboration to promote peace and sustainability and to call for serious social, environmental and political change.

30 tuesday African American Authors Book Group

7pm. Ypsilanti District Library- Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org Free

Meet new people and experience the fun of discussing a book together. Explore the works of great African American Authors in a group setting.

ecurrent.com / september 2014 25

sports

U of M Football On the brink

By Nick Roumel Michigan Stadium opened in 1927 with head coach Elton “Tad” Wieman at the helm. Among his 9 career victories were the first-ever game at the Big House, beating Ohio Wesleyan 33-0 on October 1, 1927. Three weeks later, for a game against Ohio State, the stadium held its official dedication ceremony, before an astounding standing-room-only crowd of 84,401.

There is a remarkable film of that dedication on YouTube. It shows Michigan Stadium surrounded by open fields. Cars lined the streets, and well-dressed people streamed through the gates. Men wore suits and hats, and women sported furs.

Vendors sold flowers, pennants, pins and programs.

The ceremony before kickoff featured more men in hats, shaking hands and posing for photos.

Among them was U of M President Clarence Cook Little, who boldly predicted a Michigan victory.

They removed their hats for the flag-raising and national anthem.

There was no flyover.

Beyoncé (in those days, it would have been Josephine Baker) did not address the crowd. Louis Armstrong’s music was not piped through the P.A. system. The band played “The Victors.” Michigan beat the Buckeyes, 21-0.

The video is a silent one, but is backed by the Glee Club’s dramatic rendition of the complete version of the official Michigan fight song. As they build into the familiar refrain, it is guaranteed to give you chills.

For many years, this was Michigan football. The stadium capacity steadily expanded; the first 100,000 crowd was recorded in 1956. Longtime radio announcer Bob Ufer famously called Michigan Stadium “The hole that Yost dug, Crisler paid for, Canham carpeted, and Schembechler fills every cotton-pickin’ Saturday afternoon.” Not since 1975 have fewer than 100,000 attended a game.

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Nearly 40 years later, that streak is threatened.

A perfect storm of an average football team, uninspiring home schedule, and arrogant athletic leadership has led us to this brink. Many observers have lamented the athletic department’s basic repudiation of customer service. The most glaring example was last year’s decision to end nearly 100 years of seating tradition, treating students as cattle herded into penned areas. It is no wonder student season ticket requests dropped from 21,000 to 13,000 in one year. Yet administrators blame not themselves, but big screen TV and the lack of cell phone coverage in the stadium.

Their brilliant marketing ideas run the gamut from fi- to fl-, fireworks to more flyovers.

The Michigan fans I know are all trying to rid themselves of their season tickets. Good luck getting anywhere near face value. Even charitable donations may be difficult. The hottest ticket in town was the August 2 Real Madrid/Manchester United soccer match, and it’s all downhill from there.

After viewing the 1927 dedication, I watched more football highlights. From Tom Harmon to Anthony Carter, Desmond Howard to Charles Woodson, and my favorite Wolverine of all – Denard Robinson – I started to remember why Michigan football was so thrilling.

But if anyone wants three together this year, give me a call.

Ein Prosit!

everything else

Friday, September 26 Saturday, September 27 / Downtown Saline

Larry McCray

Brighton’s Smokin’ Jazz and BBQ Blues Festival Friday, September 5 Saturday, September 6/ Downtown Brighton

Whether you prefer to accessorize your BBQ with mac and cheese, collard greens, mashed potatoes, cornbread and coleslaw or you prefer to save room for the main event, the smoked and sauced meat, this 9th annual BBQ festival is for you. Whether you enjoy the modal dissonance of the dorian and locrian scales or you stick to the predictability of the pentatonic scale, this 9th annual Jazz and Blues fest is for you. And if you like sides, BBQ, Jazz and Blues music, then this fest is especially for you. Downtown Brighton, Friday, September 5, 5:00pm-Midnight; Saturday, September 6, NoonMidnight. brightoncoc.org—BB

ONGOING: Thursdays

Pittsfield Township Farmers Market

3-7pm. Pittsfield Township Farmers Market, 6201 W. Michigan Ave. 734822-3152. Free.

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

Bring your instruments and pot luck food. This event honors community, music, art, food and friendship.

3 wednesday Dog Swim

3-8pm. First dog $7.50/ second dog $3.75. Buhr Park Outdoor Pool, 2751 Packard Rd. 734-794-6234. facebook. com/pages/Buhr-Park

Bring your canine friends for a fun day of swimming in the pool. Registration required.

Also on September 4. Rain dates are Sept. 5 and Sept. 6.

4 thursday Take a Hike

7-8:30pm. Malletts Creek Branch , 3090 East Eisenhower Pkwy.

734-327-4265. aadl.com Free.

Celebrate National Wilderness Month with a hike along Malletts Creek, through the woods and wetlands of this 81.4 acre park.

It may not be Munich, but Saline’s Oktoberfest doesn’t skimp on German beer festivities. Catch the ceremonial keg tapping, drink Bock in the beer garden, eat some schnitzel and take a whack at Hammerschlagen (also known as stump)—a traditional betting/ drinking game that measures precision and strength with a hammer and nail. Pay $5 to enter the Hammerschlagen contest for a chance to win a prize. Friday, September 26 from 6-11pm and Saturday, September 27 from 10am-11pm.

Downtown Saline. salinemainstreet.org/oktoberfest—MW

The times they are a’changing Sunday, September 28 / The Wurst Bar,

Local poet and event promoter, Craig A. Combs invites all artists and purveyors of peace to the 4th annual 100 Thousand Poets & Musicians for Change event. Musicians, comedians, poets and other spoken word performers are encouraged to participate in this eclectic acoustic event. By gathering like-minded friends, Combs hopes to start a “worldwide collaboration to promote peace and sustainability and to call for serious social, environmental and political change.” Be a part of the movement Sunday, September 28.

6:30-10pm. 21 and over after 9pm. The Wurst Bar, 705 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti. 954-607-8428. 100tpc.org Free—MW

Lecture And Hands-On Writing Workshop

7-8:45pm. Traverwood Branch, 3333 Traverwood Dr. 734-327-4265. aadl.com

This is part of the monthly series of writing and publishing events called the Emerging Writers Workshops, featuring perspectives from both traditional publishing and indie publishing.

6 saturday HomeGrown Festival

6-10pm. Kerrytown Pavillion, 315 Detroit St. homegrownfestival.org

A grassroots community event showcasing the best of our region’s locally grown food, drink, music and fun.

Monarch Migration Festival

1-3pm. $9/person or $34/family nonmember; $8/person or $30/family LSNC members. Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org

Come celebrate these beautiful butterflies as the science center releases tagged Monarchs to bolster their threatened populations. You’ll learn more about how you can help these important pollinators and all about their role in the environment. Registration is encouraged. Ages 4+.

cont, on page 28 ecurrent.com / september 2014 27

everything else cont, from page 27

Run for the Arb

Urban Environmental Education Center, 1610 Washington Hts. 9am. $25 registration fee includes t-shirt.

734-647-7600. lsa.umich.edu/mbg

A 5K family run through the trails of Nichols Arboretum and a funds benefit Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. Dogs welcome.

7 sunday Dawn Farm Jamboree

1-6pm. Dawn Farm, 6633 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti. 734-485-8725. dawnfarm.org Free

Have a great time while supporting a great cause at the annual Dawn Farm Jamboree!

The Jamboree will include live music, hayrides, crafts and activities as well as live and silent auctions. Funds raised from the sales and auctions will help provide compassionate and hope-filled professional care for individuals who need help and lack resources.

8 monday Harvesting Seeds and Preserving Herbs

7-9pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. 734-647-7600. lsa.umich.edu/mbg Free

Tips on harvesting seeds from herb plants and on preserving your herbal harvest. Plus, recipes using herbs.

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september

9 tuesday Backyard Beekeepers

6:30-8:30pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. 734-647-7600. lsa.umich.edu/mbg Free

Topics include honeybee management, care, and production and how to protect and enhance our local bee population.

10 wednesday The Amazon River

6:30pm. Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor- Saline Rd. 734-769-1052. pittsfieldgrange.com Free

The Grange members Dave and Marty Wilson will speak on their recent travel to the Amazon River in Peru.

Preceded by a potluck supper at 6:30.

12 friday Star Party with the University Lowbrow Astronomers

8-11pm. $5/members free. Leslie Science & Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org

View stars, planets, nebulae and other celestial objects that are hard to see without the use of telescopes. If you have them, bring your binoculars.

2014 / ecurrent.com

4th Annual Pistol & Trap Shoot

15 monday

9am. Tri-County Sportsmen’s League, 8640 Moon Rd., Saline. 734214-0105. a2ychamber.org

The clay pigeons will take flight in addition to recognizing community law enforcement.

A portion of event proceeds benefit the Washtenaw 100 Club, which supports the families of active police officers and fire fighters in Washtenaw County. Registration required.

13 saturday Colors of Cancer 5K Run

10am. $40. Rolling Hills County Park, 7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti. 734484-9676. colorsofcancer5k.org

100% of proceeds will benefit American Cancer Society and Relay for Life.

16 tuesday Don’t Frack Up Our Future 7:30-9pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. 734-647-7600. lsa.umich.edu/mbg

Free

Craig Brainard talks about fracking and the pollution threat it poses to Michigan’s fresh water.

ts More event a e n li n o com ecurrent.

Climate Crisis: A call to arms

According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, a nonprofit science advocacy organization based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Michigan summer of 2095 will resemble that of a current-day Arkansas summer—dry as a cactus needle and considerably warmer than what we get here in the Mitten. And while that future may be irreversible, U-M grad, author, and activist Tom Hayden believes something can and should be done. He also believes Michigan and the Great Lakes region should be at the forefront of the clean energy economic movement.

The problems of the economic recession and climate crisis must be addressed in a Global Green New Deal, he says.

Hayden returns to Ann Arbor on Monday, September 15 at 7 pm at the downtown library, at 343 S. Fifth Ave. for a call to arms against the climate crisis.—BB

health

Huron River Watershed Council Paddle And Pedal Trip / Sunday, September 21

Before the cold sets in, enjoy the quiet waters of the Huron River one last time. Expert paddlers Ron Sell, Barry Lonik and the HRWC staff guide a canoe and kayak trip from Hudson Mills to the Dexter-Huron Metropark (and biking back), including a discussion of the river’s water ecology and history. Shuttle transportation is provided. Bring your own watercraft, bike, gear, food and water. Every paddler must wear a flotation device– bring that, too. Exact location of the put-in will be sent to participants upon registration. 10am. $25 HRWC members; $35 non-members. hrwc.ejoinme.org—BB

21 sunday What’s New in the Old West Side

Noon-5pm. $12 day of tour/ $10 advance purchase/ $8 seniors 65+.

St. Paul Lutheran Church, 420 W. Liberty St. 419-344-9170.

Historic homes, new designs, so much to see. Tour six private homes on the Old West Side and then swing by Argus Farm Stop and shop the market for fresh local produce.

24 wednesday African Culture: A Royal Perspective

7-8:30pm. Downtown Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4265. aadl.com Free

AADL is proud to welcome two members of African Royalty who will offers their perspectives on the culture of their country in this special lecture, consponsored by AADL, the UM Center for World Performanc Studies and the UM Strearns Collection of Musical Instruments.

27 saturday Webster Fall Festival

7-8:30pm. Ypsilanti District 8am-7pm. Webster United Church of Christ, 5484 Webster Church Rd., Dexter. websterfallfestival.org Free

Enjoy music, crafters, a rummage sale, auctions, food and even an old time baseball game.

road trip Tour de Troit

Saturday, September 20

Last year more than 6,000 cyclists took over the Motor City to peddle through approximately 30 miles of closed-off streets. Saturday, September 20, the streets will be closed to automobiles once again. The annual ride, now in its 13th year, takes cyclists of all kinds on a ride through the city’s historic and scenic areas. A portion of the proceeds goes toward the generation of bike paths and greenways in the city. The ride begins and ends at Roosevelt Park, 2405 W. Vernor Hwy., Detroit.

Advanced registration: $50.

Day of registration: $70. tour-de-troit.org—BB.

6 saturday

Palmistry Readings

3-6pm. $1.50 per minute. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net

What do the lines of your hand reveal about your life?

Vijayalaxmi Shinde can reveal the hidden truths. Also on September 20.

The Super Run

8:30-11:30am. 1k: $10; 5k $25, advance/$30, day of. Gallup Park, 3000 Fuller Rd. thesuperrun.com/ locations/ann-arbor-michigan

Bring your cape and costume to The Super Run and participate in a 1k or a 5k run in support of your favorite family-oriented and children’s foundations.

9 tuesday

Natural First Aid #3

10:30-11:30am. Indigo Forest, 4121 Jackson Rd. 734-994-8010. theindigoforest.com Free

health events

HRWC

Ongoing mondays

Fevers ‘N Flu

10:30-11:30am. Indigo Forest, 4121 Jackson Rd. 734-994-8010. theindigoforest.com Free

Boosting immunity, staying healthy, avoiding the media hype, and the practical and naturopathic approaches to cope with The Flu Season.

18 thursday

Acupuncture Basics

1-2pm. Cancer Support Center of Greater Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor.

734-975-2500. Free

Curious about how acupuncture works? Learn the basic science behind the use of this technique and how it is used for the side effect management of cancer.

Candlelight Yoga

7:45-8:45pm. $10. Peachy Fitness, 2385 S. Huron Pkwy. 734-681-0477. peachyfitness.com

A luminous Yin Yoga session.

Great for relaxation, meditation and getting ready for a deep peaceful sleep.

Basic Aerobics

9-10am. $52 adults/$41 seniors. Meri Lou Murray Recreation Center, 2960 Washtenaw Ave. 734-971-6355. ewashtenaw.org

Entry-level workout for all ages.

thursdays

Free HIV Testing

2-8pm. S3 Safe Sex Store, 1209 S. University. 734-741-1434. s3safesexstore.com Free

Walk-ins welcome, or call to schedule an appointment.

Test takes approximately 20 minutes. Testing is performed

by HARC staff.

This course continues the natural first aid series, learning about essential oils, homeopathy, herbs and acute care.

15 monday

Catching Your Breath

10-11:30am. Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. 734-936-8803. alzheimers.med. umich.edu Free

This is a program for caregivers of adults with memory loss. Designed for learning skills for continued health and well-being. Registration required.

16 tuesday

Addiction 101

9pm. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital: Education Center, 5305 Elliott Dr., Ypsilanti. 734-485-8725. dawnfarm.org Free

This program will examine the dynamics of drinking and drug use, review addiction as a brain disease and describe the process of recovery from chemical dependency.

Distinguishing between Nourishing and Medicinal Herbs

7-8:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-994-4589. peoplesfood.coop

Free

Traditional herbology includes nourishing systems of the body as well as addressing symptoms. This class by Linda Diane Feldt introduces herbal approaches and preparations, and clarifies misunderstandings.

ecurrent.com / september 2014 29

Across 1. Campaign issue 5. Milwaukee Bucks coach Jason 9. Members of Hamas, e.g.

14. In an adroit manner 15. The neighborhood 16. Capital served by Noi Bai International Airport 17. Dutch cheese that blows up in your mouth?

19. UN head before Ki-moon 20. Take in 21. Send to one’s room without supper, say 23. With 50-Across, McCartney’s title when he was in India?

24. Toll hwy.

26. Yellow signs 28. Fashion for the undead set?

33. Canadian clam 34. “Phooey!”

35. Do some landscaping work, say 38. Hill denizens 39. “Start playing” 40. In the ___ (firing on all cylinders) 41. Exclamation said while shrugging 42. Memphis street noted for the blues 43. Following forwardly 44. High-end sandwich belonging to an Italian fashion house?

46. Use a binder clip 49. Psyche’s lover 50. See 23-Across 51. Day to spend with your Peeps 55. “Check back later” in listings 58. Tie often fastened with a tack 60. Viscous chowder?

62. Fact-finding mission 63. Coastal eagle 64. Makes a boo-boo 65. “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin’” singer Travis 66. Construction paper?

67. Use, as an Underwood

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40. Round number?

42. Raymond James Stadium athlete 43. “There’s not a minute to spare!”

44. Big ape 45. Signaled completion, as a microwave 46. Put away from everything 47. Zapping device

2014 / ecurrent.com

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Down 1. Some British sports cars, briefly 2. Reed with 10 keys 3. Wireless linking protocol 4.”The Madcap Laughs” singer Barrett 5. Theatrical genre with heavy makeup 6. Pressing need 7. Singer Lovato 8. Applications of hair gel 9. “I shoulda guessed that” 10. Hot spots?

11. Make void 12. Business people?

13. Cold spot?

18. Put to use 22. Wyndham rival 25. Sisters 27. Those with connections 28. Queen’s style 29. Sharpen the carver 30. Computer that had 17,468 vacuum tubes 31. “The Expendables 3” star 32. Iroquois tribespeople 35. “Don’t even ask” 36. Singly 37. Contemporary 39. Anne of TV’s “Hung”

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48. Stanley who appears in the “Hunger Games” franchise 52. Worse for wear 53. Hot under the collar 54. “I don’t like your ___!”

56. [I drank too fast] 57. Altar spot 59. Red sticks, briefly 61. Broadway production?

for crossword answers, go to ecurrent.com

BABY TALK

1

©2014By Brendan Emmett Quigley (www.brendanemmettquigley.com)

crossword

classifieds PAYMENT Payment must be received before an ad can be placed. We accept checks, cash, money orders, and credit cards (MasterCard, American Express, or Visa) Sorry, no refunds. Misprint results in credit toward next ad.

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Services

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Massage: Walk-in appointments available. Free parking. Make some time for yourself! Come in stressed leave refreshed. RelaxStation.

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EVENTS

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Stargazing Peach Mountain Observatory Ann Arbor September 20th Directions: http://www. umich.edu/~lowbrows/calendar/ regular.html Observatory Opens at Sunset, Free admission and parking -------------------------------------

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419.244.9859 to sell your stuff today ecurrent.com / september 2014 31