December Current

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Ypsi rocks for a cause Mittenfest 8 brings local rock for local literacy P.8

The belly of the feast

Belly Deli delivers on pan-asian treats P.18

Current's top albums of the year

Our staff picks the hits‌ from Artpop to Surgical Steel P.22

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december 2013 / ecurrent.com

contents fyi 6

Crossing paths with the Pedestrian Safety Ordinance

green corner 6

UM will bring self-piloted cars to Ann Arbor

Mittenfest VIII 8

by Jeff Milo

holiday gift guide

December 2013 vol. 24 / no.12

28 theater feature The classic mix-up of The Comedy of Errors

by Sandor Slomovits

30 art feature:

Community art in community space: The Yellow Barn

by Jacob Axelrad

12 34 current reads

tips and tricks on the perfect local gifts

food feature 18

Belly Deli—what’s in a name?

music feature 22

Current staff’s top albums of 2013.

Tree Town’s beer bard, David Bardallis

by Molly Schoen

35 everything else 37 crossword

ON THE COVER Mittenfest

contributors (left to right): Jeremy Peters, Autumn Maison, Hasan Mihyar, Catherine Calabro, and Jen Harley.

Photo by Joe Gall

online exclusives Exclusive features at www.ecurrent.com

What’s Eating Gilbert Gottfried?

Gilbert Gottfried is squeaky sure, but definitely not clean. The comedian whose grating voice squawked it’s way into my heart circa 1992 in Disney’s Aladdin, is a veteran of stand-up with a style so filthy his last special was coined “the dirtiest joke of all time.” Fresh off a stint of reality TV appearances, Gottfried unleashes his heinous humor on The NE GOTTFRIED Magic Bag stage Friday, December 6.

LE AR BY O PHOT Current sat down with Gottfried to talk about the origin of his signature screech, the nature of offensive humor, and how to walk the tight rope between Saturday morning children’s programming and hardcore porn.

Riffing with Lamb of God Armed with killer musicianship and razor-sharp socially critical lyrics, Richmond VA’s Lamb of God have been bringing superior heavy metal to the masses since 1990. Hard work has rewarded the band with critical acclaim—they’ve been nominated for multiple Grammy awards. The band is currently touring the United States. We surprised Lamb of God’s bassist, John Campbell, with an interview before their tour date at The Fillimore in Detroit. ecurrent.com / december 2013 3

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Adams Street Publishing Co. What single thing gets you in the holiday spirit?

^ Legion, a new designer menswear boutique, opening in the former Edible Arrangements building at 205 N. Main St., will also showcase artwork from local Michigan artists.

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) WATCHING POLAR EXPRESS

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) LANDING AT THE AIRPORT IN CANCUN

Editorial

^ Two businesses are expanding into the space formerly occupied by Seyfried Jewelers. A Life is Good retail shop is opening in the front portion of the space at 304 S. Main St. in March of 2014. Additionally, The Black Pearl, a seafood and martini bar located next door, plans to move into the back portion of the building and renovate it into a private events room. Life is Good, ligannarbor.com. The Black Pearl, 302 S. Main St. 734-222-0400. blackpearlonmain. com

Assignment Editor: Matt Breneman (editor@adamsstreetpublishing.com) NON-ALCOHOLIC EGG NOG Arts & Entertainment Coordinators: Joseph Schafer (josephs@adamsstreetpublishing.com) CRACKS IN THE ICE Jan Thomas (jthomas@adamsstreetpublishing.com) HOLIDAY SPIRITS Staff writers: Griffin Messer-Kruse (griffin@adamsstreetpublishing.com) WATCHING ARNOILD SCHWARZENEGGER SPEAK IN “JINGLE ALL THE WAY” Russ Axon (russ@adamsstreetpublishing.com) DIE HARD Events Coordinator: Marisa Rubin (mrubin@adamsstreetpublishing.com) WATCHING THE GRINCH Digital Media Specialist: Brandon Doriot (aspcmedia@gmail.com) WATCHING A CHRISTMAS STORY Contributing Writers: Louis Meldman,, San Slomovits, Nan Bauer, Jeff Milo, Lucy Huber

^ Four local food carts have come together to create an outdoor food courtyard called Eat the Hub. Located at 1214 S. University Ave. in the spot where the old Pinball Pete's burned down, participating carts include The Beet Box, Cheese Dream, Hut-K Chaats and Sottini's Sub Shop. Open everyday at 11AM. Closing times — Monday at 10pm, Tuesday at 2:30am, Wednesday at 10pm, Thursday - Saturday at 2:30am, and Sunday at 10pm. 734-707-1315. eatthehub.com

Art/Production Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) CHRISTMAS MUSIC. SINATRA. Graphic Design: Brittney Koehl (adsin@toledocitypaper.com) PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE...

Megan Anderson (manderson@toledocitypaper.com) EGG NOG Jameson Staneluis (jameson@adamsstreetpublishing.com) SEEING ALL OF MY FRIENDS TOGETHER Kyle Iwanicki RUN DMC’S “CHRISTMAS IN HOLLIS”

^ The Paint Station, a brand new art and entertainment venue owned by Kendra Wilkins and Catrina Vaughn, is now open. Located in the Huron Village shopping center at 3255 Washtenaw Ave., the store lets patrons come and create an original piece of artwork in two to three hours.

734-477-6963. thepaintstation1.wix.com

Advertising Sales Manager: Aubrey Hornsby (ahornsby@adamstreetpublishing.com) ONE WHISKEY, ONE BOURBON, ONE BEER Sales Coordinator: Emily Gibb (sales@toledocitypaper.com) HOMEMADE PEPPERMINT INFUSED VODKA Classifieds Coordinator: Lydia Schaefer (classifieds@toledocitypaper.com) FRANK SINATRA Customer Service Representative Lauren McLaughlin (lauren@adamsstreetpublishing.com) CHRISTMAS MUSIC!

^ Washington D.C-based beauty products and spa retailer Bluemercury opened on Friday, October 18 at the new Arbor Hills Shopping Center.

The full service spa is located on the eastern side of the Center with Lululemon Athletica and Hot Mama Boutique. 3070 Washtenaw Ave., Suite 103.

734-477-9000. bluemercury.com

Administration

Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledocitypaper.com) GIVING TO THE LESS FORTUNATE WHETHER IT’S THE KETTLE OR COATS FOR KIDS Distribution: Michele Flanagan (distribution@toledocitypaper.com) PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE

© 2013 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 $28 a year. Distributed throughout Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and neighboring communities.

Also publishers of:

Audited by

^ Luciano Del Signore, an acclaimed chef from the Metro Detroit area, has opened a brand new restaurant called Bigalora: Wood Fired Cucina. Located in the Arbor Hills shopping center on Washtenaw Avenue, the restaurant serves pizza made using all-natural dough and authentic wood-fired ovens. Bigalora opens at 11am seven days a week.

Member

^ Detroit Dog Company, a new restaurant specializing in gourmet hot dogs and sides sourced from local ingredients, has opened in downtown Saline. Located at 103 N. Ann Arbor St., the Chicago inspired eatery is open from 11:30am7:30pm Tuesday through Sunday.

ecurrent.com / december 2013 5

green corner

fyi

Look both ways Hands on the Wheel

With technology progressing at such a rapid rate, it can be difficult to keep up with all of the innovation. The University of Michigan, always at the forefront of cutting edge research, has proposed a $6.5 million track to test automated vehicles. The facility will be a part of the Mobility Transformation Center, which launched in May, and will likely be the first of its kind. Selfpiloted vehicles will navigate through a city like setting, avoiding obstacles while merging between lanes. Officials hope the new track will help solidify Ann Arbor as a major hub of automotive technology. —GMK

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The Ann Arbor City Council has taken the first step towards repealing the city's controversial crosswalk law, voting 8-3 in preliminary hearings to scale back the ordinance. The "pedestrain safety ordinance" requires motorists to stop for pedestrians waiting at the curb to enter a crosswalk—a final vote on the repeal is on Monday, December 2. Local officials argue that the unique local law only causes confusion and places pedestrians at unnecessary risk. The repeal would require motorists to yield only if the pedestrian is in the crosswalk. Officials have proposed focusing on better paint and signage, claiming that pedestrian safety has not improved since the ordinance passed in 2010. The council has also created a Pedestrian Safety and Access Task Force, a group that will explore strategies to improve pedestrian safety—applications from citizens interested in serving on the task force are due to the mayor's office by 4pm on December 2. —GMK

get healthy Butt out

City Council Member Chuck Warpehoski is working on an exciting yet controversial new piece of legislation—an outdoor smoking ordinance for A2.

The ordinance would mirror the existing county language that limits where people can smoke outdoors—away from building entrances, transit stations, etc.—but with a twist. The city ordinance would also allow the city administrator to designate whole sections of city parks as nonsmoking areas. The proposed ordinance is currently undergoing review and will be voted on by city council before the end of the year. Direct your input to the councilman at cwarpehoski@a2gov.org.

ecurrent.com / december 2013 7

Unite musicianship and fundraising with Mittenfest.

Photo by Joe Gall

feature

The soundtrack of

826 MICHIGAN The annual Mittenfest Music Festival

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by Jeff Milo

feature

Five nights, forty bands, zero ego, infinite joy. Ypsilanti's annual holiday music festival, currently in its ninth year, is not only a spectacular survey of the entire Michigan music community, but also a fundraising celebration boosting 826Michigan, Ann Arbor’s non-profit writing lab for local students. At Mittenfest, local rock heroes elevate their exuberance levels on stage. There’s somethingelectric charging the air in Woodruff’s.

“There is so much love in the room, every night, at Mittenfest,” said singer/songwriter Misty Lyn Bergeron.

That’s the key that keeps fans and bands alike continually returning, year after year, often for all five nights consecutively. “And it all started with Brandon Z sort of singlehandedly creating a music scene in his back yard,” Bergeron said.

Origin story

From 2004-2006, Zwaggerman immersed himself into the Arbor/Ypsi scene, hosting bi-weekly concerts at his house—concerts that served, unknowingly, as Mittenfest prototypes. He worked with the local-culture enthusiasts at the East Quad Music Co-Op and Arbor Vitae. He fondly recalls shows with Actual Birds, Canada, Saturday Looks Good To Me and Great Lakes Myth Society, “…all of that was my life.”

Zwagerman’s friend Amy Sumerton toured through New York with Canada during his first autumn away from home. He knew he’d be coming home to Michigan for the holidays and was yearning to reconnect. He suggested organizing a show to get the bands back together. Sumerton had just started volunteering with 826 at that point, and immediately suggested it become a benefit-concert. Thus, the initial idea for Mittenfest, a now-annual end of the year event that’s grown into a five day music festival, was born.

Zwagerman talked the Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti into letting him host fourteen performers, playing acoustic sets throughout a night splashed with lots of beer and warmed by cheery thrift-store sweaters.

Zwagerman stresses that it’s “not about” him. Mittenfest is “about the music, it’s about 826, about the holidays and friends.”

“I believe, in (Zwagerman)’s own words, he’d selfishly wanted to see as many of his favorite Michigan bands as possible, in one place, that year,” said Sumerton, current 826 program director and manager of the Liberty Street Robot Supply/Repair store. She recalls lots of sweaters, lots of beer, lots of hugging and lots of great music. “We were sort of, accidentally, onto something.”

A piece of something bigger

“I loved that first Mittenfest,” said Peters. “I’d just started at Qui-Sci Records with my brother (Brian) and a friend [...] Our label eventually released records by numerous artists on that first line-up (Frontier Ruckus, Fred Thomas). So, after Brandon graduated and took the job in NYC, I helped keep tabs on what was new and awesome in the Arbor/Ypsi/Detroit scene. I got involved from there and helped it grow into the five-day event it is today.”

Live music by itself can be an inspiring spectacle. But it’s doubly inspiring to see the camaraderie stoked by Mittenfest’s inherent mixing bowl effect – bridging scenes and styles from around the state into one room.

“It’s inspiring,” says Sumerton, “the way Mittenfest has very organically expanded the idea of community.” That notion, how to build, support and strengthen community, is a focus of 826’s efforts. Their staff is constantly reaching out to area adults for volunteering. “When the community at large came out to Mittenfest and everyone was learning about (826)’s work and getting excited, that had a pleasant ripple effect,” says Sumerton.

Matthew Milia has been at every Mittenfest with Frontier Ruckus.

In 2007, at the second The face of Mittenfest ‘fest, Frontier Ruckus founder Brandon Z performed outside on the sidewalk before their set, serenading underage fans who drove in from out of town, frosty weather be damned.

Milla's troupe has headlined the last several years. “Each year it grew, becoming an annual thermometer of how these interconnected musical scenes, from Detroit to Ann Arbor, Lansing to Grand Rapids, even Kalamazoo, Traverse City and the U.P., how they were all doing, independently, but also how well they stayed in touch.”

“I’d never guess this would become such an important part of the entire Midwestern music scene,” said Colette Alexander. The cellist has collaborated with Matt Jones, Misty Lyn & the Big Beautiful, Chris Bathgate and many more.

PHOTO BY LAURA GOINS

M ittenfest:

PHOTO BY DOUG COOMBE

(They are) the road crew

Organizing a single event, however, is not enough to keep an enterprising man like Zwagerman occupied yearround. Zwagerman currently works for an urban design firm in New York. “I essentially left my life behind,” said Zwaggerman. “I missed the people, I missed music.

CONTINUED ON P. 10

ecurrent.com / december 2013 9

feature

ALL PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE BY DOUG COOMBE

Above, left to right: Frontier Ruckus, Electric fire babies, Glms. Right: Misty Lyn

CONTINUED FROM P. 9

I missed the shows and I missed that community.”

Zwagerman returns each holiday season to help put on Mittenfest, with 826Michigan’s Executive Director Amanda Uhle and project manager Jeremy Peters (of Quite Scientific and Ghostly International).

Peters and Zwagerman recruited WDBM Music Director Autumn Maison as a project manager, this year. “Working with (Uhle) at 826 and seeing the creative writing services provided is a big motivation,” said Maison. “I have a special place in my heart for their work, as someone who wanted to be a novelist at six years’ old.”

Mittenfest has expanded and evolved. From the first shows at the Corner Brewery, they aligned with Elbow Room operator Andy Garris, who eventually helped set up Mittenfest’s home inside Woodruff’s.

“Hasan Mihyar is at the helm at Woodruff’s now,” said Uhle. “And, we’re so grateful that he not only helps put on such a major event in the wintertime, but that he’s thinking of us and supporting us all year round.”

The kids are alright

826 MICHIGAN

“At the end of the day,” said Mihyar, “it's about the kids.

Woodruffs understands the big picture and how important this fest is to 826. The cause is amazing. What’s beautiful is knowing that you ended the year being involved in a substantial donation. Mittenfest is my rush, especially when announcing the total donation.”

“It took on a life of its own and traded intimacy for “epic,”” said Sumerton. “But, from 826’s perspective, this is the best possible outcome.

“To me,” said Maison, “it still represents coming

10

together over the holiday season to celebrate friendship over music, which is why I'm happy to be a part of it.”

“All of this engagement and self-discovery that benefits our musical community serves to make the next generation of writers and readers and art-appreciators in the area more literate and more curious,” Milia said.

The allure of Mittenfest is its unique fusion of activistm and celebration. In between folk and rock, traditional holiday songs belted amid midnight whiskey toasts, Emergence-C-beer cocktails swigged on stage between sweaty sets. Or even just the gosh-wow moment when you find your new favorite band, having never heard them before. Best of all, the heartening visual of 826 members being handed a giant cardboard check at the end, with enthusing numbers and a dollar sign. In Ypsilanti, once a year, rock music finances the future of creativity.

Mittenfest’s fundraising goes directly to creative writing programs in the city where 826michigan was born. The organization, non-profit, volunteer-run and serving 2,700 local students, started in San Francisco in 2002, cofounded by author Dave Eggers.

It has chapters in Chicago, Boston and is currently expanding to Detroit (from the local chapter’s Ann Arbor base).

This fall, 826michigan offers free tutoring at Beezy’s Café. A generous grant from Detroit Edition (DTE) allowed 826 to start Detroit-area programming, with in-school residencies and teaching Drop-in-Writing at community centers. Family Writing Night started in Detroit’s Eastern Market this season, along with an after-school writing club at the Boggs Center.

Not counting in-kind donations of volunteers, event planners, musicians, sound engineers, bartenders, Uhle assesses the total funds raised nearing $75,000.

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Special Advertising Section

THE HOLIDAYS HAVE ARRIVED! In the spirit of the season, we've located great local gifts and services.

The best presents to give don't necessarily satisfy materialistic desires — they give us a chance to show our friends and family that we truly know them. We've found local experiences, presents and goodies to help you demonstrate your gift-giving prowess.

Loose Up n

Know someone who can’t stand the cold? Maybe their joints could use a rubdown to loosen them up. A therapeutic massage from Body Conscious integrates a number of massage modalities to soothe daily aches and pains and also offer preventative advantages as well.

Therapeutic Massage by Body Conscious 2454 E. Stadium Blvd. Suite B 734-929-5930 bodyconsciousmassagetherapy.com M-Su 9a-9p by appointment only

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Special Advertising Section Have an ugly Christmas sweater party coming up? Thinking about hosting one? Ragstock has the best selection of ugly Christmas sweaters in town. Pick up a sweater in all different colors and sizes. Prices range from $25 - $75.

The Good, the Gaudy and the Ugly

Ragstock 337 E. Liberty St. 734-997-0932 ragstock.com M-Sa 10A-9P • Su 11A-8P

Make it Yourself These Swarovski earrings are just a sample of what you can learn to make at Stony Creek Bead. Schedule a time to go learn from the experts at Stony Creek to learn how to bead. They provide the tools you need to create the best gifts of all – the ones that come from your heart and are made by you.

Stony Creek Bead

2060 Whittaker Rd., Ypsilanti 734-544-0904 stonycreekbead.blogspot.com T-F 10a-6p • Sa 10a-4p • Su 10a-2p

continued on pg. 14 ecurrent.com / december 2013 13

Special Advertising Section continued from pg. 13

JACKLL OF ADES TRA

Right in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, this hundred-yearold shop has evolved from a livery stable and feed mill into an urban mecca of garden supplies, housewares and gourmet kitchenware. This is the perfect place to pick up unique ornaments and cool gifts for the holidays.

Downtown Home & Garden 210 S. Ashley St. 734-662-8122 downtownhomeandgarden.com M-F 7:30a-7p • Saturday 7:30a-5p • Sunday 10a-4p

t i H e h t e B th Chips wi By only using three ingredients in the creation of their tortilla chips, the flavor and texture of these chips are the perfect snack. Be the hit of your holiday party by offering non-gmo corn, preservative free, gluten-free chips.

A2 Tortilla Factory

727 W. Ellsworth Rd. # 6 1-888-479-3587 annarbortortilla.com Hours vary

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Special Advertising Section

Stay Soft With old man winter blowing around the corner it’s important to protect your skin. A salt scrub gift set ($38/3 4oz jars) made in house, uses pink Himalayan salt, organic sunflower oil and organic wild crafted essential oils. Try it once a week in the shower. Follow up with one of Jessica’s Body Oils to protect the skin against the elements for that soft, sensual skin.

Jessica’s Skin & Body Apothecary 301 N. 5th Ave. 734-545-4303 jessicasapothecary.com M-F 10a-8p • Sa 10a-5p • Su 12p-5p

EXERCI BODY. E SE YOUR YOUR MXERCISE IND.

A² Yoga is dedicated to healing your soul as you explore movement and ease your way into a greater body and life. They’re open every day allowing you to stay in shape as the sweets of the holidays taunt us. Through a variety of traditional yoga styles, they cherish awareness of the vital energy within you and inspire you to harness it to promote health and healing.

The packages below include access to any class on our schedule • 30 Day Unlimited Classes $115 • 90 Day Unlimited Classes $325 • 6 Months Unlimited Classes $625 • 1 Year Unlimited Classes $1200

A2 Yoga

2030 Commerce Blvd.

734-216-4006 a2yoga.net Sa-M 8a-1p • Su-F nights 4p-9p • T-F 7a-12:30p

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Special Advertising Section continued from pg. 15

For thse Bird Want to fly? The Aviary is the place to learn and hone your skills. They offer classes in aerial silks, static trapeze, lyra and conditioning, as well as open gym hours to perfect your technique. Whoever said exercise is boring needs to get off the treadmill and in the air.

A2 Aviary

4720 S. State Rd. 734-726-0353 a2aviary.com

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X Marks the Spot

Special Advertising Section

With 8500 square feet of antique collectibles and household items, Treasure Mart has something even for that hard-to-buy-for person.

The hundreds of thousands of peculiar items to peruse makes stopping in worth a visit. What makes the Treasure Mart more worthwhile? Selling on consignment means the dollars spent go back into the local community.

Treasure Mart

529 Detroit St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (734) 662-1363 M-S 9a-5:30p

r

la u c a

t

ke o p S

Everyone knows that person that loves wearing spandex and riding their bicycle like there’s no tomorrow. Maybe you’re that person. Wheels in Motion offers the best deals in bikes and gear and will meet or beat any SE Michigan bike shop deal.

Stop in and get the gear you need to keep on riding, even in the cold.

Wheels in Motion

3400 Washtenaw Ave. 734-971-2121 M-F 10A-7p • Sa 10a-6p • Su 12p-6p

You’re walking through the woods with your loved one as you enjoy the calmness of the cool air. Snow begins to fall. Suddenly it’s like you two are the only people in the world, frozen in time in the picturesque snow globe of love. Abracadabra has a great love of working with customers to design custom jewelry. They design rings, pendants, earrings, bracelets, pins and more. No gift conveys love more than jewelry.

Ring Bling

Abracadabra

205 E. Liberty St. 734-994-4848 abragem.com Tu-Th 11A-6P • F 11A-8P • S 11A-6P

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food

food Pan-Asian delights Get past the name, this is good food

Belly Deli

by Lisa Leutheuser & Joe Saul We don’t understand the current trend for alliterative but unappealing restaurant names—Slurping Turtle, Belly Deli—but don’t let it chase you away. Bulgogi subs, kimchi fried rice balls, salads piled with Szechuan chicken— originally billed as No Thai’s foray into the world of banh mi sandwiches, Belly Deli is a pan-Asian student comfort food joint. This isn’t subtle or especially “authentic” food, but it is tasty and inexpensive, especially considering the portions they deliver.

The interior is minimalist, with lots of brushed stainless steel, graffiti art, and a large shared table surrounded by counter seating. Most of the business seems to be takeout, so you should have no trouble finding a place to sit.

Sides

Bokum Balls: Think of these kimchi pork fried rice balls as

Korean fusion arancini; you get three of them in an order, with Sriracha ketchup for dipping. The coating is beautifully brown and crispy, and despite the kimchi, the flavor is mild. But they’re addictive.

Freestyle Wrap: Vietnamese-style chicken spring rolls,

served with lettuce leaves for wrapping, basil and sweet pickled daikon and carrot. The spring rolls by themselves are nice, but wrapped up in the lettuce leaf with pickles and basil makes for a great flavor combination. The basil in particular really adds a fresh note.

Taro Chips: Uncontent to pair their sandwiches with

mundane potato chips, Belly Deli thin-slices and fries their own taro chips. These are excellent, lightly salted with a perfect crunch.

Sandwiches All of the sandwiches (called “Sammies”) are massive banh mi-esque subs, served on big, fluffy sub buns.

Bulgogi Beef Sammy: This sandwich pairs a generous por-

tion of their sweet bulgogi beef with Vietnamese pickled carrots and daikon, jalapeños and cucumbers to make one of the must-have sandwiches in Ann Arbor. (That is, if you pay the upcharge to have them add paté to it; this banh mi-inspired touch really takes this sandwich to the next level. If you like heat, spring for extra jalapeños.)

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Kimchee Sausage Sammy:

1317 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor 734-669-8888 a2bellydeli.com Mon-Sun: 11:30am-10pm

A Dearborn red hot with grilled onions, peppers, kimchee and cheese. A lot of the other choices tend toward the sweet side, but this doesn’t—it’s a little lighter on the kimchi than we’d prefer, but it’s spicy and robust.

Char Su Pork Sammy: Asian-style BBQ pork (like the pork

in a Chinese steamed pork bun), but piled on a crusty sub bun with the aforementioned pickled carrots and daikon, cucumbers, cilantro, and jalapeno. The pork was well flavored, but again this sandwich is on the sweet side, which is only to be expected with Char Su style pork. They say this is the most popular sub, and we can see why, though we generally favored the Bulgogi one.

Salads

Szechwan Stir-Fry Salad: The woman who took our order

recommended the chicken, and so do we. The chicken was stir-fried with a glossy sweet-spicy sauce and served on a generous mound of lettuce, cabbage, green beans, carrots, and more. Soy-garlic vinaigrette, which goes well with the greens, is on the side, so you can dress it to your own tastes.

Buns Large, soft, steamed, open-faced Chinese buns filled with your choice of meat, lettuce, pickles and sauce. Probably three would make a meal.

Bulgogi Bun: Belly Deli does a nice job with their bulgogi

beef, which is on the dry and crispy side. Pickled cucumbers and onion add contrast along with the sauce.

Pulled Pork Bun: Shredded pork, simple and not over-

dressed, with good texture. In terms of flavors, this was perhaps the “plainest” of the buns as the pork wasn’t sauced up. Pickled carrots and cucumber provided the main contrast.

Lisa and Joe have been blogging about food in the Ann Arbor area (and points beyond) since 2004.

Check them out at www.kitchenchick.com.

food

food

Winter candyland

Nothing tastes sweeter than homemade candy. On Wednesday, December 11, join Ann Arbor Cooks as they work with sugar and chocolate at The Holiday Candy Workshop. Attendees recieve a hands-on demonstration for creating beautiful caramels, toffee, brittle, peppermint bark and cranberry pate de fruit. Take home the delicious confections to share with loved ones and friends. Registration required. 6-10pm. $80 per person. Ann Arbor Cooks!, 5060 Jackson Rd. 734-645-1030. annarborcooks.com—MLR

ONGOING

has been an A2 institution for over 90 years.

Grange Sunday Brunch

Fabulous French Baguettes

SUNDAYS

10am-3pm. Grange Kitchen & Bar, 118 W. Liberty St. 734-995-2107. grangekitchenandbar.com

Relax on Sunday and enjoy this eclectic brunch menu featuring local farm produce.

Saline Indoor Farmers Market

9am-noon. Liberty School, 7265 Saline Ann Arbor Rd., Saline.

734-429-3518. cityofsaline.org/farmersmarket

Shop an abundance of fall produce, delicious baked goods, eggs, local cheese, and much more.

SATURDAYS Ypsilanti Winter Farmers Market

10am-2pm Adams STEM Academy, 503 Oak St., Ypsilanti. 734-786-8401. growinghope.net

Ypsilanti's farmers markets, run by Growing Hope, moves indoors for the fall and winter.

Shop a wide variety of fresh seasonal products­­—all grown or made in Michigan. Through December 14.

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

Learn how to make traditional baguettes. Imagine serving breakfast to out-of-town guests and bringing out a perfect baguette that they swear must have been airlifted from Paris. Reservation required.

2 monday Corner Brewery Holiday Sale

2pm. Corner Brewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti. 734-480-2739. arborbrewing.com

Stock up on delicious holiday beer and glassware at this holiday sale, featuring items from 10-30 percent off regular price.

Mug Club memberships will be $25 off and Lifetime Mug Club memberships will be $100 off!

Discounts on cases of beer, too. Daily through December 8.

3 tuesday

Ann Arbor Farmers Market

Mr. Delicious Double IPA Release Party

Take a stroll on down to Kerrytown to enjoy the fantastic Ann Arbor Farmers Market.

This incredible open-air market

Ann Arbor Brewing’s final release party of the year! This 10.5% ABV and 90 IBU beer

7am - 3pm. 315 Detroit St. 734-7946255. facebook.com/a2market

6-8pm. $10. Corner Brewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti. 734-480-2739. arborbrewing.com

cont. on pg. 20 ecurrent.com / december 2013 19

food

food

cont. from pg. 19 was inspired by ABC founder and head brewer Matt Greff.

Chocolate Passion

6-10pm. $80. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Rd. 734-645-1030. annarborcooks.com

Learn various techniques specially designed to incorporate chocolate into your dishes for sweet treats.

4 wednesday Holiday Wine Affair

6:30-9pm. $50 (+tax & gratuity).

Paesano's Restaurant & Wine Bar, 411 Washtenaw Ave. 734-971-0484. paesanosannarbor.com

Don't miss this delicious event featuring Italian wine specialist Roberta Perillos from Dreyfus, Ashby & Company. She will bring wines from Italy's acclaimed wineries, including Chianti producer Barone Ricasoli, the oldest winery in Italy and the second oldest in the world.

9 monday Wine Tasting: 'Tis the Season to be Bubbly

6-8:30pm. $45. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Rd. 734-645-1030. annarborcooks.com

Taste five different samples of dry sparklers from all over the world, with good values.

Champagne samples will also be offered during the tasting.

10 tuesday Oyster & Beer Dinner

7pm. $70. Zingerman's Creamery, 3723 Plaza Dr. 734-929-0500. zingermanscreamery.com

Enjoy a dinner pairing fresh oyster meals with complimentary beers. As an educational bonus, meals will include East and West coast oysters. Can you taste the difference?

Navigating Winter with Raw Foods with Ellen Livingston

7-8:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net Free

Life coach Ellen Livingston will share great tips for staying on a healthy track all winter long.

Holiday Potluck

5:30-7:30pm. Cancer Support Community, 2010 Hogback Rd., Suite 3. 734-975-2500.

Join your friends and family at the Cancer Support Community for cookie decorating, crafts, hot cocoa and a reading of the holiday classic The Polar Express.

12 thursday Beer Tasting: Holiday Ales 7-9pm. $25, advance/ $30, day of.

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

Let your love of beer and holiday spirit come together at this fantastic beer tasting.

The tasting features two dozen of the season's most popular brews from around the globe.

Appetizers included.

13 friday Local Jams & Local Cheese

7-9pm. $30. Zingerman's Creamery, 3723 Plaza Dr. 734-929-0500. zingermanscreamery.com

Shannon Byrne, owner of Slow Jams, will discuss and offer samples of her traditional jams, made from Michigan fruits and paired with Michigan-made cheese.

17 tuesday Holiday Cookie Class

5:30-8pm. $75. Sweet Heather Anne, 920 N. Main St. 734-913-2025.

Unwind from holiday stress and learn to decorate cookies for the holidays. The cookies are already baked, and you leave with two dozen delicious cookies. Also on December 21 at 10:30am.

18 wedneday Ann Arbor Cooks!

Buche de Noel

6-10pm. $75. Ann Arbor Cooks Main Dish Kitchen, 5060 Jackson Rd. 734-645-1030. annarborcooks.com

Create the classic French dessert, Buche de Noel, also known as a yule log, a holiday tradition for many families.

Learn to make everything from the chocolate almond sponge cake.

19 thursday International Tea Party: International Neighbors

1-2:30pm. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1500 Scio Church Rd. 734-761-9320. westpresa2.org Free

Women are invited to a tea party where they can sample and view a variety of custom teas from around the world.

Reservations required by December 13.

21 saturday Krampus Costume Ball

8pm. Corner Brewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti. 734-480-2739. arborbrewing.com

Celebrate the naughty side of Christmas! Get into mischief with Krampus, St. Nicholas' evil sidekick. Dress in your craziest holiday costume for a night of drinking and dancing.

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food A trip to the Mediterranean

Delicious traditional cuisine with an A2 twist

by Marisa Rubin Invited to have lunch at Haifa Falafel, a fantastic Ann Arbor Mediterranean restaurant, Current staffers were ready for an adventure.

We walked in and were greeted by the fragrance of delicious cumin and coriander spices that lit up our taste buds. A large menu directly above the counter highlights a variety of entrées including vegetarian options, along with nostalgic photos of the Middle East.

The atmosphere was comfortable and cozy, meshing with the positive energy of those working there.

Ali and Fiq Usman, co-owners and brothers, opened the restaurant five years ago. They realized that there was a need in A2 for falafel made the "Haifa way." What does that mean? We asked the same question. The "Haifa way" means small, fried falafel made of 100 percent chick peas.

What to order? Well, we had to start with the falafel. We also ordered a chicken shawarma sandwich, grape leaves, beef shawarma and majadara, a side dish of cooked brown lentils, crushed wheat and sautéed onions. Beautifully plated, each of these entrées arrived as a large serving, along with a variety of dipping sauces.

Every bite was full of flavor. The shawarma (meat placed on a spit and grilled for hours), both the chicken pita bread sandwich and the beef atop majadara, were tender and flavorful. The grape leaves stuffed with rice and meat, were exquisitely rolled into form like that you would expect from a seasoned chef.

Ali informed us that the restaurant only utilizes organic and locally sourced meat and produce—health conscious locavores of Ann Arbor would approve. We left, our appetites satisfied but eager to return for more.

Haifa Falafel is open Monday through Thursday, 10am-10pm; Friday & Saturday, 10am-11pm; and Sunday, 11am-9pm. 4585 Washtenaw Ave. #2. 734-677-4410 haifafalafel.com

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music

Joseph Schafer —

Our top albums of 2013 Current magazine staff picked their favorite albums of 2013 (along with runners-up). Share your thoughts and offer your own choices on our facebook page, facebook.com/currentmagazine Emily Gibb — Sales

Coordinator

ent Coordinator

Arts & Entertainm

Carcass — Surgical Steel After seventeen years of silence, guitar villain Bill Steer and screaming vegan Jeff Walker (and their new young-gun drummer Dan Wilding, formerly of Aborted) released maybe the best album of their career. Razor-sharp yet melodic, armed with killer guitar riffs and some of the darkest, most sly lyrics in extreme rock music, Surgical Steel is a perfect death metal album from start to finish.

Runner up: The Weeknd — Kiss Land

Daft Punk — Random Access Memories This was the first album in a LONG time that I could listen to all the way through, over and over and over again, without getting sick of it—until , of course, it was on the radio, because I'm a snob like that. But seriously, I'm still regularly grooving' to "Doin' It Right."

Runner up: Capital Cities - In a Tidal Wave of Mystery Russ Axon - Staff

Writer

Shugo Tokumaru — In Focus?

Easily the best Japanese import this year, this is incredibly playful album is also this year’s most original release. Singer/songwriter Tokumaru employing lots of unconventional instruments, including rain sticks and rubber ducks. Even with the plethora of instruments, the compositions are effortless and deeply layered. There's something new to discover with every listen.

Runner up: Butch Walker Peachtree Battle EP

aphic Designer

Kyle Iwanicki — Gr

A$AP Rocky — Long.Live.A$AP A$AP Rocky was a breath of fresh air for the beginning of 2013. With unique beats and hyphy tracks such as "F--n' Problems", "Wild for the Night", and his star studded track "1 Train" (best on the album). It's hard not to get excited when you can play a rap album from start to finish without getting bored.

se — Staff Writer

Griffin Messer-Kru

Tedeschi-Trucks Band — Made Up Mind This amazing album is a southern soul revue featuring the commanding vocals of Susan Tedeschi alongside the virtuoso slide guitar of her husband, Derek Trucks [Allman Brothers Band, Derek Trucks Band, and nephew of original Allman Brothers drummer, Butch Trucks]. Made Up Mind is evidence that rock and roll is alive and well—you just have to know where to look.

From the sultry funk of “Misunderstood” to Tedeschi’s powerful vocal delivery on “It’s So Heavy”, Made Up Mind perfectly encapsulates the spirit and sound of the American South.

Runner up: White Denim Corsica Lemonade lendar Editor

Marisa Rubin — Ca

Lady Gaga — ARTPOP This is my favorite album of the year because every song is unique from the beat to the lyrics. She seems to have really gone into a different galaxy to write this record. Love it!

Runner up: Sigur Rós: Kveikur

Runner up: Lucius - "Wildewoman"

Megan Anderson

r

— Graphic Designe

Arcade Fire — Reflektor It's numero uno, but in a close second...

Runner up: Deerhunter — Monomania

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ts & Entertainmen

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Jan Thomas — Ar

Elvis Costello & The Roots — Wise Up Ghost Elvis can do no wrong, and The Roots are incredible!

Runner up: Pat Metheney - Unity Band

7:30pm. $40.

JAZZ, BLUES & R&B Percussion Ensemble McIntosh Theatre

Joseph Gramley and Jonathan Ovalle, directors of The University of Michigan Percussion Studio will close the semester with a rousing concert of jazz and world fusion music arranged for percussion ensemble. 8pm. Free.

Gemini

CLASSICAL, SPIRITUAL

The Ark / Wednesday, December 11

Gemini, symbol of the twins, it's more than a sign of the zodiac—it's also the name of a fraternal Ann Arbor folk duo. Comprised of brothers Sandor and Laz Slomovits.

The brothers are known for their wistful iterations of folk standards by Pete Seger, Bob Dylan, and even a few Beatles tunes. They'll take the stage at The Ark with the assistance of a few guests, including San's daughter, Emily, Emmy award-winning pianist Brian Brill, and Grammy award-winning Harmonica player Peter Madcat Ruth. With a solid lineup, Gemini's show promises to do their folk forefathers great justice. 8pm. $12. The Ark, 316 S. Main St. 734-761-1451. theark.org—JS

1 sunday

3 tuesday

ACOUSTIC, FOLK & ETHNIC

CLASSICAL, SPIRITUAL

Tom Paxton once listed his influences as Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie and Mississipi John Hurt—but even that list of artists doesn’t encompass his music. 7pm. $25.

Directed by Kay Castaldo.

Graduate students perform scenes and romantic duets.

5:30pm. Free.

Tom Paxton - The Ark

2 monday JAZZ, BLUES & R&B

Rob Crozier - Downtown Library

Get in the winter mood with this delightful evening of jazz, as the Rob Crozier Trio plays a combination of winter-themed music and jazz standards. Free.

7pm.

Mississippi Heat - The Ark

Chicago-based blues band Mississipi Heat has ten full-length albums and counting. Their fiery brand of the blues is as Americana as it gets. 7:30pm. $15.

Graduate Opera Scenes McIntosh Theatre

Lee Murdock: The Christmas Concert - The Ark

Lee Murdock has uncovered a boundless body of music and stories of the Great Lakes, songs made of hard work and hard living, of ships that come in and ships that have gone down. 7:30pm. $15.

4 wednesday ROCK, POP & HIP-HOP Hot Tuna- The Ark

Led by Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, Hot Tuna has been churning out classic American rock for over 50 years. Formerly of Jefferson Airplane, the band combines blues, jazz, bluegrass and folk to create their unique style.

Mad About Chamber Music - Kerrytown Concert House Join Students from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater and Dance as they perform a variety of chamber music works. 8pm. Free.

5 thursday ROCK, POP & HIP-HOP The Hive Stings The PigThe Blind Pig

A night of music, poetry and general revelry! Featuring Acoustic Resonance, Jo Pie Whyld and Nick Bertsos and Little Traps as well as EMU poets from Body Electric, TAC and EOSS. 8pm. $10.

Chicago Afrobeat Project The Yellow Barn This giant world music ensemble explores a mind-boggling amount of genres. From afro-cuban funk to jazz and juju music, their latest work shows the group defining and redefining their signature sound. 8pm. $10 students / $15 public.

CLASSICAL, SPIRITUAL Faculty Recital: Yeonjin Kim & Christopher Harding

Program to include the Beethoven Sonata for Cello and Piano in D Major, Op. 102 no.

2; the Prokofiev Cello Sonata, and the Chopin Sonata for Cello and Piano. 8pm. Free.

6 friday ROCK, POP & HIP-HOP

Black Jake & The CarniesThe Ark Black Jake & the Carnies set fierce murder ballads, dark

music warnings, and a certain tough rust-belt revivalism to the beat of an old-time string band. This octet offers a unique blend of Americana, bluegrass, and punk. 7:30pm. $15.

ACOUSTIC, FOLK & ETHNIC

Bliss - Silvio’s Organic Pizza

Ann Arbor based folk group Bliss! fuses a unique blend of guitar, keyboard and world percussion into a style they like to call Folklectic World Pop. 7pm. Free.

7 saturday ROCK, POP & HIP-HOP

The Paul Thorn Band - The Ark Dubbed by Kris Krisofferson as “the best-kept secret in the music business,” Paul Thorn is a bastion of modern Southern rock. 7:30pm. $25.

CLASSICAL, SPIRITUAL Handel’s Messiah - Hill Auditorium

An Ann Arbor tradition, Handel’s Messiah is a cornerstone of UMS. Featuring the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra alongside the Grammy Awardwinning UMS Choral Union and conductor Jerry Blackstone.

8pm. $10-$36.

Sing-Along With Santa Bethlehem United Church of Christ Each year Santa sleds down from the North Pole to meet the children of Ann Arbor at the Sing-Along. He loves to read ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, and sing all his favorite carols with the kids.

4pm. $8-$12.

Annual Croissant Concert - Kerrytown Concert House

For 29 years, the annual Croissant Concert has entertained KCH audiences as the kick-off to the holiday season. Expect great performances, great croissants and coffee—this year’s theme is ‘The Kid in All of Us.’ 11am. $10-$30.

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Continued from pg. 23

The Ragbirds and friends Holiday Special The Ark / Friday, December 13

Led by singer/multi-instrumentalist Erin Zindle, local legends The Ragbirds have toured across the country.

On that journey, they've spread their constantlyevolving fusion of folk, world music and progressive rock to a dedicated—and growing—fan-base. The jamming collective is returning to the Ark this holiday season to kick off this 6th annual musical celebration.

Expect a set filled with surprise guest appearances from other notable local musicians. 8pm. $20. The Ark, 316 S. Main St. 734-761-1451. theark.org—JS

8 sunday JAZZ, BLUES & R&B

The Dave Douglas Quintet - Kerrytown Concert House

Dave Douglas, a prolific trumpeter, composer and educator from New York City, is a master of improvisation. Fresh off two Grammy nominations, Douglas will be performing with his new quintet. 7pm. $5-$35.

Trombone Studio Recital Stamps Auditorium

Students of Professor David Jackson will perform works by Casterede, Grondahl, Guilmant, Lebedev, Martin, Simons, Tomasi and Wagenseil. 7pm. Free.

9 monday ACOUSTIC, FOLK & ETHNIC

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder - The Ark

Ricky Skaggs is a true master of bluegrass. From his early days as a sideman in Ralph Stanley’s band to his stint as a Nashville superstar, Ricky Skaggs has done it all. 7:30pm. $40 - $60.

CLASSICAL, SPIRITUAL University Philharmonia Orchestra Hill Auditorium

Christopher James Lees, conductor Orchestral Singing: The UPO closes the term with instrumental music of composers specializing in vocal music, both Leider and Opera, featuring Associate Professor of Bassoon, Jeffrey Lyman, and concluding with Strauss’ lavish and colorful suite from Der Rosenkavalier. 8pm. Free.

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11 wednesday CLASSICAL, SPIRITUAL University Philharmonia Hill Auditorium

The USO and Kenneth Kiesler celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the great British composer, Benjamin Britten, with a gala program and illustrious faculty guest artists: pianist Logan Skelton, and tenor Stanford Olsen. 8pm. Free.

David Small - Kerrytown Concert House

Baritone David Small will perform Schumann’s Dichterliebe alongside Steve Wogaman (piano). 8pm. $5-$30.

ROCK, POP & HIP-HOP The Dang Deluge - Live

Deep music for your mind and feet from this Ann Arbor psychedelic rock band. 7pm. Free.

12 thursday JAZZ, BLUES & R&B Keith Kaminski Trio Vinology

Vinology welcomes the excellent jazz saxophonist Keith Kaminski. A well traveled and experienced musician, Kaminski is the leader of the Motor City Horns, heard on their Motor City Music Awards winning CD “Local Boys.” 9pm. Free.

To Hit Kerrytown Concert House

To Hit is a marimba, world percussion duet that utilizies a computer with live looping to create a totally unique performance. 8pm. $5-$25.

ROCK, POP & HIP-HOP Trembling Earth The Blind Pig

Blues-rockers Trembling Earth hail from Manchester, Michigan by way of Athens, Georgia.

Their soulful southern rock combines jazz and psychedelic guitar solos to create an ever-

Photo courtesy Czarnecki/Dempsey

Conductor Arie Lipsky conducting at the first annual holiday pops last year.

Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra

Hill Auditorium / Friday, December 13

The 'Holiday Pops' concert, now in its second year, continues the recent practice of the Symphony hosting a holiday concert in December. The family-friendly concert will feature the songs of the season including songs from The Nutcracker and uplifting choral performances by Measure for Measure and Skyline High School's Bel Canto and A Cappella Choruses. Gather the whole family for a night of warmth, joy and seasonal celebrations—holiday cheer not included. 8pm. Child and student tickets $22.50, seniors $43 and adults $45.

Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave. 734-994-4801. a2so.com—GMK expanding sound. 9:30pm. $10.

13 friday ROCK, POP & HIP-HOP Anamanaguchi The Blind Pig

Anamanaguchi is an American chiptune rock band from New York City—which means they create music using video game hardware from the mid-to-late 1980s. Still not interested?

They composed the music for the video game adaptation of the Scott Pilgrim Novels, which debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard’s “Heatseekers” chart.

9pm. $15.

Nutshell Silvio’s Organic Pizza

The Ann Arbor-based group Nutshell call themselves a “Celtic Roots Band.” They use the traditional music of Ireland, Scotland, and Cape Breton as a starting point for creating their own sound. 7pm. Free.

14 saturday ACOUSTIC, FOLK & ETHNIC

Classical Bells Concerts Downtown Library

Classical Bells returns to the Library for their annual concert.

1pm. Free.

Seth Bernard & May Erlewine The Yellow Barn

Local favories, Samuel Seth Bernard and May Erlewine, a pair of Michigan-based contemporary folk performers have recorded and performed extensively both as a duo and

as solo artists. 7pm. $10.

Ekoostik Hookah The Blind Pig

Veteran jam-rockers Ekoostik Hookah still hit the tour circuit hard year after year. 9pm. $15.

15 sunday JAZZ, BLUES & R&B

All About The Trio Kerrytown Concert House An afternoon devoted to the Modern Jazz Quartet featuring the beautiful vibraphone playing of Cary Kocher. 2pm. $5-$35.

18 wednesday ROCK, POP & HIP-HOP Ann Street Soul The Blind Pig

Rooted in Motown and classic R&B, Ann Street Soul brings the fresh funk night in and night out. Feel good soul is the name of the band with this soulful octet. 9:30pm. $15.

19 thursday JAZZ, BLUES & R&B Brad McNett Trio Vinology

Vinology welcomes up-andcoming jazz vocalist Brad McNett, whose style reflects masters like Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme and Tony Bennett, while putting his own twist on swinging singing. 9pm. Free.

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music Continued from pg. 25

20 friday ROCK, POP & HIP-HOP

Eddie From Ohio - The Ark Contrary to their name, Eddie from Ohio actually hails from Virginia. Their high-octane brand of pop-rock is as much Ani DiFranco as it is Dave Matthews. 7:30pm. $30.

Isosceles Silvio’s Organic Pizza

Isosceles will present a special holiday themed show featuring standards and originals, including “Santa’s Got A Case Of The Blues.” 7pm. Free.

21 saturday Light Of Life Trio Kerrytown Concert House

Solstice Concert at Kerrytown Concert House featuring Robert Spalding Newcomb, James Aikman and Ken Kozora. 8pm. $5-$25.

The RFD Boys - The Ark

The RFD Boys have been delighting southeastern Michigan audiences since 1969 with their fabulous musicianship and exquisitely timed between-song humor. 7:30pm.

26 thursday JAZZ, BLUES & R&B

Paul Keller Trio - Vinology

Vinology welcomes nationally and internationally known bassist Paul Keller, returning to Ann Arbor after a tour of Taiwan with vocalist Irene Atman, and a performance at Carnegie Hall with clarinetist Dave Bennett.

9pm. Free.

The third annual Winter

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27 friday ACOUSTIC, FOLK & ETHNIC

J. Washburn Gardner Silvio’s Organic Pizza

J. Washburn Gardner will bring you songs of love, pain and coffee. 7pm. Free.

28 saturday ROCK, POP & HIP-HOP Third Coast Kings The Blind Pig

A2-based funk masters Third Coast Kings are one of the deepest funk outfits to ever come out of the mitten. Don’t miss this post-Christmas soul throwdown. 9:30pm. $12.

film 1 sunday A Christmas Story

This deadpan Christmas classic centers on Ralphie Parker, a young boy in 1940's Indiana who yearns to get a Red Rider BB gun for Christmas.

A pitch-black 2003 comedy about two thieves who take a job as a mall Santa to cover for an upcoming heist. This film features Billy Bob Thornton, Bernie Mac, and Lauren Graham.

1:30pm. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8397. michtheater.org Free.

2 monday Film & Discussion: Perseverance: The Story of Dr. Billy Taylor

6:30pm. Downtown Library, 4th Floor Meeting Room, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4555. aadl.org

I don’t know, Julian...

The Trailer Park Boys—the comedic troupe behind the hilarious Canadian mockumentary series of the same name—is bringing their “Dear Santa Claus, Go F**k Yourself” tour to the Michigan Theater on Tuesday, December 10. Featuring Ricky, Julian, Bubbles, Mr. Lahey and Randy, the live performance will focus on the misadventures of the fictional trailer park residents as they celebrate Christmas, white trash style. Rumor has it that even Santa Claus himself will be making an appearance. Expect drinking, drug use and seriously inappropriate jokes—not for the faint of heart. 8pm. $39.50-$55. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org.—GMK

9 monday Bad Santa

Come see the fall of UM football star, Billy Taylor and the inspiring story of his recovery.

Following the film there will be a discussion with Taylor and the film's producer, Dan Chance.

Love Actually

7pm. $10. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8397. michtheater.org

Tis the season to be in love in London. This story follows over a dozen main characters’ romances on this eventful Christmas day.

More events online at ecurrent.com

7pm. $10. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8397. michtheater.org

10 tuesday 5 Broken Cameras

Downtown Library, 4th Floor Meeting Room, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4555. aadl.org Free.

The first ever Palestine film to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature. 5 Broken Candles is a first- hand account of non-violent resistance in Bil'in.

14 saturday Gremlins

12am. $7. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8397. michtheater.org

There are three simple guidelines to caring for the "Mogwai" that a father purchases for his son for Christmas. Don't expose him to bright light. Don't ever get him wet. And don't ever, ever feed him after midnight."

Chaos follows when this advice is broken in this Christmas-time horror-comedy.

ecurrent.com / december 2013 27

theater theater

Director John Neville-Andrews (in all black) works with students during a rehearsal of "The Comedy of Errors."

Third time’s the charm John Neville-Andrews and his longstanding love of

Photo by Peter Smith Photography

The Comedy of Errors

By Sandor Slomovits

The University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance will present William Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors on December 5-8 at the Power Center in Ann Arbor. John Neville-Andrews, Professor of Theatre (Acting and Directing) Head of Performance will direct.

He has worked as an actor, director, producer and teacher in many different settings in the US and in Europe for more than forty years. Recognized by The American Theatre Association with an award for “contribution to Theatre as an Author, Actor and Director,” for the last twelve years he has been the Artistic Producer of the Michigan Shakespeare Festival. Neville-Andrews has also directed The Comedy of Errors three times before. In this production, he’s “focusing more on the farcical aspects of the play than in the past.”

Neville-Andrews: The Comedy of Errors is reputed to be

Shakespeare’s first play and for him to write, what is considered in today’s theatrical world, a farce, really shows how forward thinking and innovative Mr. Shakespeare was.

Speaking of forward thinking and innovative, I understand that you’ll be setting this production of The Comedy of Errors in New Orleans during Mardi Gras—in the Age of Aquarius, no less!

Is that to help the audience suspend disbelief, since many of us probably imagine, or have heard, that anything goes—or went—then and there?

Neville-Andrews: I’m not actually using the location of New Orleans; I didn’t want people to question why we weren’t using authentic accents. But the show is during Mardi Gras in the late 60’s. (This is the first time I’ve set

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this play during Mardi Gras.) I selected Mardi Gras for exactly the reason you mentioned—”The Comedy of Errors, Mardi Gras, Anything can happen; and it does!” is our mantra.

Keeping with the Mardi Gras theme, will your actors wear masks to help create and maintain the double twin confusion around which the plot spins?

Neville-Andrews: We will, to help accentuate the celebratory Mardi Gras atmosphere, at various times be wearing masks, plus wearing those ubiquitous beads, bunting and colored lights on the set. Although, at this stage, there are no plans for anyone “baring breasts for beads,” another Mardi Gras tradition.

We strongly associate Mardi Gras with music.

Will you have music in this production?

Neville-Andrews: Yes, we have a faux Zydeco Traveling Band in the show—Accordion, Trombones, Guitar and Washboard. And, of course, to go along with that, dancing.

In last year’s U of M School of Music, Theatre & Dance production of Midsummer Night’s Dream there was a fair amount of gender bending, actresses taking male roles and vice versa. Do you plan anything like that this time?

Neville-Andrews: No there is no cross gender casting, the show is crazy and complicated enough as it is. But... there is some drag act going on.

The Comedy of Errors premieres Thursday, December 5.

7:30pm. $28/$22/$10 with student ID. The Power Center, 121 Fletcher St. 734-764-2538. umich.edu

3 tuesday Graduate Opera Scenes

Moore Building, McIntosh Theatre, 1100 Baits Dr. 5:30 pm. 734-764-0594. music.umich.edu Free.

Talented U of M Graduate students will perform scenes and romantic duets, directed by Kay Castaldo.

For You My Door is Always Open: A One-Woman Show On Golda Meier

7pm. Downtown Library, Multi-Purpose Room, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4555. aadl.org Free.

This one woman show features RoseLynn Katz in a one hour production that takes you on a journey through the dramatic events of Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meier's life.

5 thursday The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

7pm. School matinee showings at 10am, Dec. 4 and 5; afternoon performance at 2pm, Dec. 8. $7-$15. Quirk Theatre, 103 Quirk Hall, Ypsilanti.

734-487-1220. emich.edu/convocation/emu-theatre-tickets.html

Worlds and stories collide in this classic, Christmas comedy.

When the notorious Herdman kids are cast in the town's annual holiday pageant, everyone tries to keep the show from going downhill, often with hilarious and ultimately heartwarming results.Recommended for ages 6 and up.

The Teen Experience: Stories of Strength

7pm. $5. The Neutral Zone, 310 East Washington St. 716-527-5753.

A dramatic presentation of anonymous but true stories of teens' experiences with relationship violence. This performance has been researched, written, produced, and directed

by Yael Silver.

Into the Woods (junior version)

7:30pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 2pm Sunday. $7.

Community Theatre of Howell, 1400 W. Grand River Ave., Howell.

517-545-1290. cththeatre.org

Combining popular stories by The Brothers Grimm and music from Stephen Sondheim, Into the Woods tells the magical tale of a group of literary characters’ journey to break a witch's curse. This modern classic will have audiences rethinking their favorite classics. Runs through Sunday, December 8.

The Comedy of Errors

8pm Thursday, 7:30pm Friday and Saturday, Sunday 8 2pm. Reserved seating, $28, $22/ Student ID, $10.

Power Center, 1100 Baits Dr. 734-764-2538. music.umich.edu

This comedy by William Shakespeare, involves intricate intrigue and brilliant wordplay.

Runs through Sunday, December 8. See feature on Pg. 28.

theater

6 friday Dance & Related Arts Concert

8pm. $7. Dance Building, Betty Pease Studio Theatre, 1100 Baits Dr. 734-764-0594. music.umich.edu

This collaborative dance concert was composed by the creative students of the School of Music, Dance Department, Theater Department and School of Art. Runs through Saturday, December 7.

7 saturday The Nutcracker

Saturday 7 at 2pm and 7pm, Sunday 8 at 2pm. Adults $18, Seniors $15, Students $12. Chelsea High School Auditorium, 740 N Freer Rd., Chelsea.

734-475-3070. balletchelsea.org

This family holiday favorite is a full-length, narrated ballet, choreographed by Artistic Director Wendi DuBois. Accomplished area dancers, aged 8-18, delight audiences as they bring this classic story to life. Professional choreography, lavish costumes, pyrotechnics, and stunning sets make this performance a cut above other productions. Runs through Sunday, December 8.

12 thursday Christmasville

8Pm Thursday 12 and Friday 13, 2pm Saturday 14 and Sautday 21. General Admission, $15/Seniors and Students with ID $12. The Mix Studio Theatre, 8 N. Washington St., Ypsilanti.

734-985-0875. emergentarts.com

Holiday hoopla

‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through Washtenaw County people lined up in droves to see a newly minted play. OK, let’s hope the songs in One Sleepy Night, a new Christmas musical, will rhyme better than the last sentence. Composed by Don Hart and Jay Sappington, One Sleepy Night, an original production with a cast of over 30, demonstrates how one grandfather’s bedtime story reunites a family. Structured as a play within a play, the musical recedes from modernity to ancient times and then returns. Premieres Thursday, December 5. 7pm. Runs through Saturday, December 7. Ann Street Music Room, 812 Ann St., Ypsilanti. Special Gala performance, with semiformal garb, featuring a special guest appearance by Blitzen the reindeer on Saturday, December 14. 7pm. Michigan Theatre, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-973-6010. onesleepynight.com —JS

Come see this holiday vaudeville show which will feature a variety of comics, singers, jugglers, acrobats, and other holiday eccentrics.

20 friday Clara & the Nut

7:30pm Friday 20 and Saurday 21, 2pm Sunday 22. $20, $15. Lydia Mendelssohn Theater, 911 N University Ave, Ann Arbor.

734-528-0273. randazzodancecompany.com

Begin your holiday season with the world premiere of Clara and the Nut, a new twist on the classic Nutcracker, performed by the Randazzo Dance Company. With new choreography performed by talented local dancers, this show is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

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art Caring and bearing

Inside the twin hearts of Mondro’s ‘Caregiver’ sculpture.

The medical masterworks of UM’s Anne Mondro

by Jason Axelrad

While pursuing a Master’s of Fine Arts in jewelry and metals at Kent State University in Ohio, Anne Mondro would drive to her family’s home in Taylor, just outside of Detroit, to be with her grandfather, who at the time was dying of cancer. The driving gave her time to reflect—on herself, illness, and perhaps most importantly, the guilt she felt about making art while her relatives became caregivers.

The experience had a lasting impact. Mondro, now an Associate Professor in the University of Michigan Stamps School of Art & Design, shifted her field of study. She began to examine how illness and coping strategies affect not just the patient, but entire communities, laying the foundation for a field of work at the intersection of art and health, both physical and spiritual.

“My work was about different personal experiences of family members with illness and how that affected our family, both the positive aspects as well as the negative,” Mondro, 36, says.

She works mainly in sculpture and digital imaging, focusing on issues of health and wellness, commenting on physical phenomena of the body in times of illness. Often, she uses anatomical images allowing viewers to see human aspect beneath the surface of gender.

At times, she might design a fullbody sculpture crocheted from steel wire, no faces, limbs, or identifying body parts. But, at other times, her work appears on a smaller scale.

“Conjoin,” at (right) a 2013 piece, is a digital image featuring two plastic brain models connected together, indicative of the close bond that develops when you care for someone with an illness.

“You kind of co-exist together much more when there’s illness involved,” she says.

Caregiving as art

With a grant, she has currently embarked on a yearlong research study in collaboration with researchers from the University of Michigan Schools of Public Health and Social Work. Thirty caregivers for patients with memory loss will be trained in “art intervention,” learning to impliment creative projects alongside their more typical routines as caregivers —a process Mondro said strengthens the healthcare bond, which can often be trying.

“It’s enormous stress,” she said. “We can’t eliminate that stress but we can maybe give them some tools and ways to aid the caregiving.”

As a young girl, Mondro suffered from a speech impediment, prompting her to spend hours alone, drawing and coloring. “No one could understand me, so I figured I might as well just be in my own world,” she laughed. “I was always drawing or doing something because I loved that I

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could escape,” she said, nervously playing with her earring. “I was using creativity as a way to escape in a positive way.”

Lately, she’s begun to research another artist, one she says addressed similar emotions of grief and death in her work: nineteenthcentury New England poet Emily Dickinson. “[Dickinson] can capture very intense and serious parts of life in a really delicate manner,” Mondro said.

Mondro aims to create a visual representation of Dickinson’s poetry, a process that will include interpreting how abstract concepts like grief and heaven are portrayed in her poems.

Though it could seem like a departure from her typical repertoire, for Mondro, it’s all connected.

“This Emily Dickinson work … it’s about the vulnerabilities and strengths we have,” she said. “These are issues that surround illness as well as caregiving.”

Mondro’s exhibit, “Biology and Art in Creative Minds,” runs through Friday, December 13. UM Rackham Building, 4th floor, 915 E. Washington St. 734-764-8572. annemondro.com

art Giving the gift of craft Procrastinating gift givers, take note: on Saturday, December 14, two of Washtenaw county’s finest holiday craft shows will showcase their wares.

Enterprising art lovers in need of some last-minute gifts can search at the DIYpsi Indie Art Fair, or at the Tiny Expo Indie & Craft Fair. Annually held at Corner Brewery, the DIYsi fair will let art consumers imbibe fine beer as they peruse. Meanwhile, in Ann Arbor proper, the Tiny Expo will showcase local artists, as well as offer food and cocktails at Kerrytown Market & Shops. Saturday, December 14. D.I.YPSI Indie Art Fair: 1-11pm.

Also, Sunday, December 15 1-7pm. Corner Brewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti. diypsiartfair. com; Tiny Expo Indie & Craft Fair: 10am-7pm.

Kerrytown Market & Shops of Ann Arbor, 407 N. Fifth Ave. facebook.com/tinyexpo2013 Free for both events. —JS

3 tuesday WSG Holiday Show

WSG Gallery, 306 S. Main St. 734-761-2287. wsg-art.com Free.

A festive collection of small and large artworks by local artists, The opening coincides with Midnight Madness on Friday, December 6, 7pm. Runs through Tuesday, December 31.

4 wednesday Exhibit: Steve Coron

Kerrytown Concert House Gallery, 415 N. Fourth Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytownconcerthouse.com Free.

An exhibit of art photography by local artist Steve Coron. Gallery reception on Wednesday, December 11. Runs through Wednesday, January 1.

5 thursday John Marshall: Yes. The space-time continuum.

5pm. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. michtheater.org/series/ penny-stamps

This Penny Stamps Speaker, John Marshall, is a principal with Cezanne Charles in rootoftwo, LLC a hybrid design & art studio that creates hybrid design projects; social objects; experiences; and works for the public realm.

6 friday Teen Arts Festival Opening Reception

5pm. Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. 734-480-2787. riversidearts.org Free.

This celebration of teenage artists runs through Monday, December 16.

Opening Reception: Making a Splash

7-10pm. Dancing Dog Gallery, 302 E. Liberty St. 734-531-6565. dancingdoggallery.biz Free.

Attend the reception for the opening of Dancing Dog Gallery's newest exhibition, featuring intense gestural art

by Sophie Grillet.

7 saturday Flip Your Field

University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free.

Larry Cressman, artist and UM Professor of Art, will present the second exhibition in this popular series, which challenges curators to construct exhibitions outside of their field of specialty. Runs through Sunday, March 16.

cont. on pg. 32

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art cont. from pg. 31 Three Michigan Architects: Part 1David Osler

University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free.

Three Michigan Architects: Part 1- Osler is the first of three art exhibits in its series. Osler's exhibit will display eight of his most recognizable and distinctive architectural works. Runs through Sunday, April 13.

Holiday Sale

10am-6pm. Two Twelve Arts Center, 212 W. Michigan St., Saline.

734-944-2787. twotwelvearts.org Free.

Go to 212 for holiday shopping!

Two Twelve artists will offer a variety of original work for sale from pottery mugs and bowls, jewelry, painting and fiber art. Runs through Saturday, December 14.

Candace Compton Pappas Open Studio Sale

1-7pm. 409 Madison St., Chelsea.

734-475-6059. comptonpappas.com Free.

Candace Compton Pappas, an award-winning Chelsea artist will be opening her studio to the public. On display will be paintings, including a range of media and sizes, as well as

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sculpture; from small cement cups to steel and cement altars. Runs through Sunday, December 8.

12 thursday Art Lover's Single Mingle

7-9pm. Dancing Dog Gallery, 302 E. Liberty St. 734-531-6565. dancingdoggallery.biz Free.

Gather together with other ‘single’ art lovers for an evening of contemporary fine art, music and refreshments in a gallery setting.

13 friday Annual Holiday Sale 5-9pm. Yourist Studio Gallery, 1133 Broadway St. 734-662-4914. youristpottery.com Free.

Find festive gifts for everyone on your list. The sale continues on Saturday, December 14, 10am-6pm and Sunday, December 15, 10am-4pm.

14 saturday D.I.YPSI Indie Art Fair

1-11pm. Corner Brewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti. diypsiartfair.com Free.

Support the arts and the local economy and do your holiday shopping at the DIYpsi, handmade art fair in Ypsilanti's

2013 / ecurrent.com

Corner Brewery. Also Sunday December 15, 1-7pm. See note on pg. 31.

Tiny Expo Indie & Craft Fair

10am-7pm. Kerrytown Market & Shops of Ann Arbor, 407 N. Fifth Ave. facebook.com/tinyexpo2013 Free.

Ann Arbor's biggest little indie arts & craft fair is back again.

See note on pg. 31.

15 sunday

The Yellow Barn Holiday Market

11am -7pm. The Yellow Barn, 416 W. Huron St. ouryellowbarn.com Free..

Support local culture and the creative economy with great art, music, gifts and food with friends in the Yellow Barn. See feature on Pg.33

17 tuesday Around My Table: Paintings by Marcelle Gray

Ann Arbor District Library, Malletts Creek Branch, 3090 E. Eisenhower Pkwy. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free.

These paintings focus on simple objects of the home as a way of exploring the effects of light on color and form. Runs through Thursday, January 30.

DIYpsi Indie art fair to take place December 14 & 15

art

artbeat

Continuing community space Building the Yellow Barn

by Jacob Axelrad

Across from the downtown YMCA on West Huron Street, The Yellow Barn’s wooden doors and wide terrace reflect it’s former use as a general store. Inside, on any given night, you can find a yoga instructor teaching a class, a local band promoting a new single or a writer reading a poem. The goal is to cultivate local artists. And the business model is similar to a CSA—home-grown produce paid for in advance and delivered to your home once a week. Except instead of vegetables, subscribers get art.

“With the CSA model, you pay ahead and then you get those crops every week,” said Alexander Weinstein, 36, a community organizer for The Yellow Barn. “But in our case our crops are music, dance, theater, poetry and fiction.”

Last August, The Yellow Barn was sitting vacant. Bill Gross, the space’s previous renter, with the aid of local artist Britten Stringwell, started monthly music and arts events five years ago called Bizarre Dances in the space, which he used mainly as his private art studio. The bright yellow paint coating the building’s exterior, led to a logical promotional name: The Yellow Barn.

But when Gross left in July, the building’s owners considered what to do with the empty location—it was never intended to be a community center. “That happened organically,” Stringwell said.

Community creativity center

Still, Stringwell and others familiar with the barn’s reputation wanted to preserve the space as a center for creativity in the city. She started writing letters to the landlord, West Huron Properties, detailing how the barn could be transformed into a community space.

She got her wish.

In September, with seven other local artists, she signed the lease. The barn was theirs. Well, sort of, with the task of keeping it funded to fulfill their mission of providing artists the space they need to perform, network and support each other.

“We’re trying to encourage social dialogue that crosses boundaries,” Stringwell, 30, said. “We’re working with literary, performing and healing arts to bring together a diverse group of people.”

Funds are raised in a couple of ways. Subscribers can buy Yellow Cards, which range on a sliding scale from $200 to $500, depending on how much you wish to donate.

Yellow Cards get you into any show for free until January 1, 2015. Pink Cards cost $50 and grant free access to seven shows. Otherwise, admittance is $10 at the door.

But, typically, artists don’t pay to rent the space for the evening; rather, they split the proceeds from admissions with The Yellow Barn.

“The Yellow Barn thrives on the community supporting it,” Weinstein said. “If the community wants a center where they can come together, this is the way they can do that.”

L3C-collective

The eight core artists, all of whom work for free, form the collective currently operating The Yellow Barn, classified as an L3C—a for-profit business with a socially conscious purpose not designed to maximize income. Weekly Sunday planning meetings are held from 12:30 to 2:30pm, and are open to anyone with an interest in joining the collective.

“A lot of artists, a lot of writers, a lot of people feel disconnected having to make a living from their art and not having time to connect in the community,” Weinstein said. “So we’re creating a non-commodified art space.”

In its short stint since September, several local artists and a few traveling bands, such as rock duo Graph Rabbit and blues duo Him & Her, have already graced The Yellow Barn stage.

On a recent Saturday evening of brisk activity, Stringwell stood on the front porch of The Yellow Barn. Between theatrical and music performances by students from the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design who had rented the space for the evening, she smiled. The ages of those in attendance varied widely. Making The Yellow Barn a family-friendly environment, she said, is important to the collective of artists running the space.

“It’s hard to find a space for all those creative things while being a mom or a dad,” said Stringwell, a new mother herself. “And it’s hard to find funding to do it, too.” But, that hasn’t stopped Stringwell­—or The Yellow Barn.

Visit www.ouryellowbarn.com for more information and to view upcoming events ecurrent.com / december 2013 33

current readselse everything

Buy it sober, read it tipsy

Local Reads Poetry in Michigan Reading

7pm. Literati Bookstore, 124 E. Washington St. 734-585-5567. literatibookstore.com Free A poetry reading featuring works by Michigan natives and celebrating the publication of Poetry in Michigan.

Local Brews, Local History

David Bardallis intoxicates readers with Ann Arbor beer

by Molly Schoen Ann Arborites are known to love books and beer. Now, thanks to local author David Bardallis, we can enjoy both at once—on a very local level. Bardallis’ new book, Ann Arbor Beer, tells the sudsy history of Tree Town—from waves of German immigrants and their biergartens, to Prohibition-defying students, and more recently to a trendsetting tide of microbreweries. Bardallis has years of experience as a beer columnist, writing for MLive.com, Great Lakes Brewing News, Michigan Beer Guide, and more.

Current recently sat down with Bardallis to discuss the book as well as to find out what’s (literally) on tap in the near future.

What’s your personal background with beer?

Well, I’ve been drinking it for a long time. My oldest brother Mike is a brewer at Grizzly Peak, but he’s been a home brewer since the ‘80s. I’d go over to his house and help him—even if that just meant watching him do everything. In the mid-90s, a friend and I started brewing for a few years. But then I just decided I’d rather drink other people’s beer than make it myself.

What discoveries did you make in your research?

Oh, there were many. 19th century Ann Arbor sounds like a very interesting place. Carrie Nation, the famous Prohibitionist who used to smash up saloons with axes, visited Ann Arbor once and later, wrote about it in her memoirs.

She said, “I have been to all the principal universities of the United States. At Cambridge, where Harvard is situated, there are no saloons allowed. But in Ann Arbor, the places are thick, where manhood is drugged and destroyed.” The students basically heckled her and chased the carriage that took her away. That was her greeting in Ann Arbor. There’s a bunch of other stories like that.

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What makes Ann Arbor’s beer scene different from other cities?

Ann Arbor’s always been friendly to microbrews. Ashley’s has been doing the multi-tap thing before anybody knew what that was.

Another thing that’s unique is that Wolverine [State Brewing] makes all lagers. There’s probably no more than a handful of microbreweries in the whole country that does that, because lagers take longer and cost more to make. We also have the oldest home brewer’s club in the state, The Ann Arbor Brewers Guild, which was started formally in 1986, and today is over 200 members strong.

Do you have any favorite local brews?

I’m drinking one of them right now: the Huxell. It’s the best beer Arbor Brewing Company makes, in my opinion. It’s got a nice hoppy bite to it, but also a nice cereal maltiness.

So it’s well-balanced, and it’s only about 4% ABV. Are there any new beers coming out soon that you’re excited about?

I believe that Arbor released their Phat Abbot Dubbel in November.

That is an excellent beer. It’s dark, kind of malty, not quite sour, slightly chocolatey and kind of boozy too.

But it’s still pretty smooth and easy to drink. Dangerous. And Jolly Pumpkin’s Noel de Calabaza usually comes out around Thanksgiving. It’s a sour beer, but with a nice, malty, chocolate-y depth to it. It’s really good.

Ann Arbor Beer is available at Literati, Nicola’s Books, and Adventures in Homebrewing, and on Amazon. Bardallis will also be signing books at World of Beer,Suite 4, 1300 S. University Ave., on Tuesday, November 5th, 7pm. Bardallis’s informative webpage is live at annarborbeer.com

Marilyn Nelson Poetry Reading

5:15pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art Helmut Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State St. 734-647-0524. lsa.umich.edu Free Acclaimed poet Marilyn Nelson will read and discuss her work as part of the Helen Zell Visiting Writers Series.

Mark Webster

Reading Series 7pm. Helmut Stern Auditorium, University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free The Mark Webster Reading series presents the works of two students, one poetry and one fiction, introduced by a peer followed by the writers reading their works.

Ann Arbor Poetry Slam

8-11pm. $5 suggested donation.

Silvio’s Organic Pizza, 715 North University. 734-985-0736.

All poets are invited to compete to qualify for the April 5 Slam-Off.

Scare Tactics

Sunday, December 8. 2pm.

Malletts Creek Branch of the Ann Arbor District Library.

3090 E. Eisenhower Pkwy.

734-327-4200. aadl.org Free The Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers, along with members of the Three Corpse Circus film festival, will hold a workshop to provide tips on the art of horror writing.

1 sunday "Wonderful and Unusual Gifts": Nature's Expressions 11am-5pm. 3443 Daleview Dr..

734-994-3048.

Look at the large selection of crystalline mineral specimens, fossils, shells, mounted butterflies and insects for sale. Daily through December 8.

3 tuesday 2014 AIA Huron Valley Honor Awards: The Huron Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects 5pm. Ann Arbor District Library: Downtown Library, 343 S. 5th Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

The goal of the Honors Awards Program is to enhance public awareness of architecture through the advocacy of quality design and to recognize excellence and leadership of architects in the Huron Valley Area.

4 wednesday Burlesque Conditioning

5:30-6:30pm. $12. A2 Aviary, 4720 S. State Rd. 734-726-0353. a2aviary.com

Luna will teach you how to be a mermaid, unicorn and so much more through dance.

There will be a jazz based warmup and simple choreographed routines.

Poetry in Michigan Reading

7pm. Literati Bookstore, 124 E. Washington St. 734-585-5567. literatibookstore.com

A poetry reading featuring works by Michigan natives, including Thomas Lynch, Laura Kasischke, Keith Taylor, Alison Swan and Lizzie Hutton, and celebrating the publication of Poetry in Michigan, which includes works from over 90 poets and 30 artists.

5 thursday Keith Alberstadt

Thursday, 8pm; Friday & Saturday, 8pm &10:30pm. $8-$13. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 314 East Liberty.

734-996-9080. aacomedy.com

Keith Alberstadt is a very clever and creative comic. He is also a regular performer for the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Through December 7.

Marilyn Nelson Poetry Reading

5:15pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art Helmut Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State St. 734-647-0524. lsa.umich.edu

Acclaimed poet Marilyn Nelson will read and discuss her work as part of the Helen Zell Visiting Writers Series.

Christmas Wonderfest

Thursday & Friday, 3-10pm; Saturday, 10am-10pm; Sunday, noon-7pm.

Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River, Novi. 248-348-5600. christmaswonderfest.com

everything else

Visit Michigan's very own winter wonderland! This temporary marketplace will feature local and national wares from crafters, cooks and more, perfect for Christmas shoppers. There will also be musical performances, an outdoor carousel, an appearance by Santa Claus and more. Through December 8.

6 friday Disco Skate: Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation

7:15-8:45pm. $6. Buhr Park Ice Rink, 2751 Packard Rd. 734-794-6235.

Come get groovy and skate to 70s disco music. There will be prizes for the best costume.

Mark Webster Reading Series

7pm. Helmut Stern Auditorium, University of Michigan Museum of Art, 525 S State St. 734-764-0395. umma. umich.edu Free

The Mark Webster Reading series presents the works of two students, one poetry and one fiction, introduced by a peer, followed by the writers reading their works. Bring your friends along for an enjoyable, relaxed Friday evening.

Hometown Holiday

Holiday spirit

Photo by Burill Strong

Chelsea / Friday, December 6 - Sunday, December 8 The 26th Annual Chelsea Hometown Holiday is an exciting weekend celebration that

welcomes the start of the holiday season. The fun starts with Santa lighting the Christmas Tree at Pierce Park on Friday, December 6 before winding down with a recital featuring choral groups from churches in Chelsea on Sunday, December 8. The family-friendly activities range from Santa's Workshop to Gingerbread House Decorating and even a "Nutcracker" ballet. For a full schedule, visit chelseafestivals.com/holidays/. Or, call 734-475-1145.—GMK

6-8pm. Pierce Park & Main St., Chelsea. chelseafestivals.com

Illuminate the holiday season with the lighting of Main Street. At 6pm, Santa will arrive on a fire engine and he will light the holiday tree to start the festivities. Visit website for a full list of events. Through December 8.

Midnight Madness

7-9pm. Downtown Ann Arbor, Main Street Area. mainstreetannarbor.org Free

It's party time in the Main Street area! Stores will be open late with holiday sales! Santa Claus and Miss Washtenaw County will be roaming the sidewalks from 7-9pm! Join local business owners as they welcome guests with extra special savings.

Chelsea Hometown Holiday

Various locations, Chelsea.

734-475-1145. chelseafestivals.com Free

The 26th Annual Chelsea Hometown Holiday is a festive, funfilled weekend celebration that kicks off the holiday season.

The activities start with Santa lighting the giant Christmas tree at Pierce Park on Friday night and ends with a holiday carol concert on Sunday evening.

There are many events, activities and attractions all weekend including Santa's Workshop, Gingerbread House Decorating, and the annual Light Parade.

Through December 8.

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everything else

Continued from p. 35

7 saturday

Go Santa Go 5K

9am. Rolling Hills County Park, 7660 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti. Visit website for details. 734-483-4444. visitypsinow.com

All runners will receive either a custom Santa long sleeve shirt, hat and beard, or an Elf long sleeve shirt hat and goody bag.

8 sunday Ann Arbor Poetry Slam

8-11pm. $5 suggested donation.

Silvio's Organic Pizza, 715 N. University. 734-985-0736.

All poets are invited to participate in a poetry slam judged by randomly chosen audience members. Participants will compete to qualify for the April 5 Slam-Off to then determine the team that will represent Ann Arbor in the National Poetry Slam in Oakland, California next August.

13 friday Festive Fridays

7-9pm. Downtown Ann Arbor. mainstreetannarbor.org

Embrace the holiday season and come downtown for Ann Arbor's Festive Fridays. There will be live sidewalk entertain-

ment throughout the Main Street Area and stores will be open late. Also on December 20.

14 saturday Search Your Life for Ideas

2-4:30pm. $25 per person/ $40 for two.

826michigan, 115 E. Liberty St. 734-761-3463. 826michigan.org

Michigan author Bonnie Jo Campbell (American Salvage) will talk about finding inspiration from personal experience, recognizing our own fascinating stories, and working through tough writing sessions.

Biomechanics of Asanas

1:30-3:30pm. $35. A2 Yoga, 2030 Commerce Blvd. 734-216-4006.

Learn the importance of proper musculoskeletal alignment in creating neuromuscular pathways to a proper yoga practice.

Great for yoga teachers!

15 sunday Ypsilanti Holiday Home Tour

Noon-4:30pm. $15. Ypsilanti.

The tour will feature some of the historical homes around the area. Besides supporting the historical community, the tours benefit the Meals on Wheels program.

road trip — Detroit & Toledo

Stranahan Theater / Wednesday, December 4 War Horse

The 2011 Tony award-winning play, War Horse, will hold multiple performances at the Stranahan Theater. Following a young boy and his horse’s dangerous journey through WWI, the play is widely regarded for its elaborate horse puppets. Manipulated by three puppeteers, these expertly designed “horses” appear lifelike, and they showcase creative elements and ideas that can only be expressed on stage. Catch this powerful and unique play before it rides away.

Performances December 4 & 5, 7:30pm; December 6, 8pm; December 7, 2pm & 8pm; and December 8, 2pm & 7:30pm. $33-$68. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo.

419-381-8851. stranahantheater.org—RA

MotorCity Casino / Saturday, December 21 Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin, the undisputed Queen of Soul, is returning to the concert stage after recovering from an undisclosed illness. On Saturday, December 21, Franklin will sing at the MotorCity Casino Hotel's Sound Board in her hometown of Detroit. Franklin, who is currently involved in recording an album for Clive Davis and Sony Music, began her musical career in 1960 at the young age of 18. Singer of number one hits like "Respect" and "Chain of Fools," Franklin won the Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance eight consecutive times from 1968-1975. $65-$95. MotorCity Casino, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit.

313-237-7711. motocitycasino.com—GMK

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19 thursday Nate Fridson

Thursday, 8pm; Friday & Saturday, 8pm &10:30pm. $8-$13. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 314 E. Liberty.

734-996-9080. aacomedy.com

Nate Fridson is a rising star from Detroit. He has a sarcastic style and a surreal worldview.

Also on December 20 & 21.

20 friday 2nd Annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

9pm-1:30am. Conor O'Neill's, 318 S. Main St. 734-665-2968. conoroneills.com Free

Dig out the ugliest Christmas sweater you can find and join the party! Prize for the ugliest sweater and holiday drink specials.

21 saturday Krampus Costume Ball

8pm. Corner Brewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti. 734-480-2739. arborbrewing.com

Get into mischief with Krampus, St. Nicholas' evil sidekick, while dancing, dressing up in crazy costumes and drinking delicious beer. See pg. 20.

22 sunday Yoga 101

1pm. A2 Yoga, 2030 Commerce Blvd.

734-216-4006.

Learn what yoga is all about— terminology, safety, and benefits to help start your practice off on the right foot!

30 monday Partner Acrobatics: Ringstar Studio

6-7:30pm. Single class, $15/ monthly pass, $50. Ann Arbor Ringstar Studio, 3907 Varsity Dr. a2ringstar.com

Partner Acrobatics also known as Acro Yoga, explores partner dynamics through balance postures and movement. Everyone is welcome to join. You can come solo or with a partner.

31 tuesday Speakeasy New Year's Eve Party

8pm-2am. Corner Brewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti. 734-480-2739. arborbrewing.com

Ring 2014 in with style from the 1920s! Wear your favorite flapper dress, put on your fur coat and straighten up your bow tie as you sneak into the local speakeasy! Dance into the new year with jazz, blues and swing music from local musicians Rootstand. Don't forget to taste the specialty brews on tap, before you celebrate at midnight with a flute of champagne, of course.

New Year’s Eve

Ann Arbor

Events

New Year’s Eve with “Ebenezer” by Joseph Zettelmaier

8-11pm. $75. Tipping Point Theatre, 361 E. Cady St. Northville.

248-347-0003 tippingpointtheatre.com Enjoy an evening of delicious appetizers, drinks and a live performance.

The Puck Drops Here: New Years Eve 2013

8pm-2am. Downtown Ann Arbor. visitannarbor.org Free.

Ring in the new year with a street party in downtown Ann Arbor. The evening will feature delicious drinks, live entertainment and a midnight ball drop!

New Year’s Eve Contra and Square Dance 6:30pm. Members, $15/ nonmembers, $18/ students, $8. Central United Methodist Church 215 N. Capitol Ave., Lansing. 517-6145858. contradancelinks.com Dance into the New Year with contra and square dancing. New to this style of dance? Don’t worry! The friendly folks dancing with you will help you learn the steps. No partner needed.

Wear loose clothes, very comfortable shoes, and be prepared to have a great time!

Brew Years Eve

9:30pm-2am. Arbor Brewing Company, 114 E. Washington St. 734-213-1393. arborbrewing.com Free.

Start off the new year in style with hourly releases of small batch brews, starting at 9:30pm, and fantastic live entertainment perfect for a New Year’s Eve dance party!

More events online at ecurrent.com

Across 1. $.99 downloads, often 5. Kid with an antenna on his hat 10. Senders of nasty DMCA letters 14. Ground material 15. Headwear on the cover of Hole’s “Live Through This” 16. Email, as a million strangers at once 17. Gumshoe hired for the case of the missing implant?

19. Pyramid-building civilization 20. Pacific Ocean phenomenon of lower water temperatures 21. Island with many Obama impersonators 23. Subject of a course for lifeguards 24. Short track to start an album, perhaps 25. Fantasy set in a light drizzle?

27. Harsh weed?

29. How school dress code rules might be enforced the day before summer break 30. “That Awkward Moment” actor Efron 31. Longbow shooter of fantasy fiction 33. The Big ___ (U of M conference) 34. Street food magnate who failed despite having food from every continent?

40. Good Grips kitchen brand 41. Initials for punks as well as suburban dads 42. One may be shaved, though shaving the other also is standard practice 44. Pop Secret rival 47. Language of Flanders 50. Heel?

54. Comics genre on the Tokyo Metro 55. One way to lie 56. Bag at the grocery store, perhaps 57. “Call the medic!”

58. Didn’t prohibit 60. People who prefer to woo from the comfort of the couch?

62. Has a bug, say 63. Foul-mouthed comic Lange 64. Therefore 65. Put to the ___ 66. Ticks off 67. Smell like Pig-Pen

37. Ditch the script 38. At this place, colloquially 39. Spew out 43. “No worries” 44. Out of debt 45. Zingerman’s treat 46. Basic beach gear 48. Editor Carmichael of Deadspin, Gawker, and the Hairpin 49. Part of MC or M.A.

51. R.J. Reynolds cigarette 52. They hold babies 53. Celebrations 57. Ominous day 59. Period that ends Nov. 3rd, requiring a shift, and letters that shift in this puzzle’s theme entries 61. Long-tailed ___ (small Eurasian bird)

for crossword answers, go to ecurrent.com

crossword

The Late Shift

Down 1. Campaigning politician’s tactic 2. Feared fish 3. ___ Hall (high school textbook publisher) 4. Indoor flights, often 5. “Rage to Survive” autobiographer James 6. Hat, as it were 7. Royal Oak, MI native Sam who directed the Spider-Man trilogy 8. They’re pretty much all called Shamu, at SeaWorld 9. Native of eastern Siberia 10. Bad thing after sex?

11. Elon Musk company that facilitates travel for money 12. Elon Musk company that facilitates travel for money 13. Sycophantic 18. Little twerp 22. Sits in park, say 25. Sporty Spice 26. Author who “a lot of us ... pick[ed] up ... when we were 17 or 18 and feeling misunderstood,” per Obama 28. Fallon’s predecessor-to-be 32. Short-lived thing 33. “Bye,” in a text 35. Big name in rubber balls 36. Be

ecurrent.com / december 2013 37

everything else current trendz

Maya Gabel, Ann Arbor Sasha Kendre, Ann Arbor Joty Lin, Ann Arbor

Elaine Kussereleis, Ann Arbor

Rain Boots

Keeping toes toasty Photos by Natasha Barros

Want to see more A2 street style? Visit ecurrent.com/ Style

Maria Majo, Ypsi

Lindsey Poppeek, Ann Arbor

Natalie Cari, Ann Arbor

38

december

2013 / ecurrent.com

Nirali Shah, Ann Arbor

Pheobe Rosenpeid, Ann Arbor

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.

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS One (1) free 20-word classified ad per issue. Free ads include noncommercial concerns, free services, products being sold for less than $150.

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DEADLINES Ad copy must be received at NOON on the 15th of the month prior to publication.

CONTACT INFORMATION Mail: Current Classifieds. 1120 Adams Street, Toledo, Ohio 43604.

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Email to: classifieds@ecurrent.com

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HELP WANTED

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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The Newcomers Coterie Club of Ann Arbor provides a friendly social contact for new and returning residents to the Ann Arbor area, as well as a new social outlet for established residents. Visit www. annarbornewcomersclub.com

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DONATE YOUR CAR - FAST FREE TOWING 24 hr. Response - Tax Deduction UNITED BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION Providing Free Mammograms & Breast Cancer Info 866-945-1156

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EVENTS

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CHRISTMAS AT THE MANSION on Dec 7 & 8 from 10:00a -4:00pm at Gordon Hall, 8341 Island Lake Rd., Dexter MI. View displays by the Ann Arbor Railroad Club and visit with Santa while enjoying refreshments. Suggested donation: adults $5.00 and kids ages 1-7 $1.00. Sponsored by the Dexter Area Historical Society & Museum, a 501©3 organization. For more info: www.dextermuseum.org.

734.426.4961

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Bored? Looking for something exciting to do? Then head over to The Paint Station! Have Fun, Unleash Creativity and Create Memories. Conveniently located in the Huron Village Shopping Center in Ann Arbor. 734-477-6963. www.paintstationart.com

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EDUCATION

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Are your children interested in Astronomy?

Do they like observing the moon, planets and stars? GO TO: www.youngastronomer.org ------------------------------------HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FROM HOME. 6 - 8 weeks. ACCREDITED. Get a Diploma. Get a Job! No Computer Needed. Free Brochure 1-800-264-8330 Benjamin Franklin High School www.diplomafromhome.com -------------------------------------

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Feeling older? Men lose the ability to produce testosterone as they age. Call 888-476-0957 for a FREE trial of Progene- All Natural Testosterone Supplement.

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style sense Article and Photo by Natasha Barros

Interview with Felipe Mourao - Vardar Soccer Player How do you describe your personal style?

I would describe my style as more of an athlete style. I wear a lot of running shoes and sweatpants whenever I go to a friends house or the gym.

How do you put your look together?

I always think about my shoes first. If the outfit doesn’t go with the shoes I want to wear that day I usually change to an outfit that does.

What is the most important accessory to complements your look?

The most important accessory that compliments my look are my earrings.

Who or what influences your style?

The person that most influences my style is Cristiano Ronaldo. Cristiano Ronaldo is a soccer player for Real Madrid and an underwear model for Calvin Klein.

What places in ann arbor do you like to shop, especially locally-owned places?

My favorite place to go shopping for clothes is Motivation Boutique. I also really like to shop at Hollister, Abercrombie, and Armani.

How do you mix and match colors?

I usually use a shirt that matches the shoes I’m wearing.

How many times can you wear the same outfit in a month without anybody noticing?

I can wear the same outfit about 3 times a month without anyone noticing.

Are original jeans skinnier than straight leg jeans?

I like to wear tighter jeans when I wear boots and when I wear normal shoes I like to wear straight jeans.

How do you carry your things (wallet + glasses + keys…) when you go to dinner\theatre\exhibition etc?

I don’t usually carry keys or glasses around, but I always have my wallet with me and I usually put it in my back pocket.

ecurrent.com / december 2013 39