Folk Tales

Health + WELLNESS P15

rrent.com

THE ART OF MODERN WARFARE

DRONES STRIKE!

P20 P28

THEY'RE FRENCH, FLAT, AND FUN

CREPE TO THE PARTY

TALES

Interviews with the Folk Fest's shining stars on the shape of folk to come

Folk

FREE

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contents fyi 6

Go get your growlers, craft beer lovers

green corner 6

A (legal) grow-op in Ypsi?

The Ann Arbor Folk Fest 8 Health & Wellness 15 food features 18 & 20 Get your sauerkraut (pg.18) and crepes (pg.20)

january 2014 vol. 25 / no.1

26 theater feature

Drawing the County Line with playwright David Wells

by Sandor Slomovits

28 art feature:

These are totally the drones you are looking for

by Louis Meldman

32 current reads

Ann Arbor/Ypsi reads dabbles in striking fiction

by Joseph Schafer

35 everything else 37 crossword

by Marisa Rubin & Laura Lubrano

online exclusives Exclusive features at www.ecurrent.com

Come taste the bands Large music festivals present a unqiue opportunity for us to discover new musical artists and expand our tastes in music—but that’s no reason to wait until the end of January to sample the fest’s wares.

From contemporary touring-and-recording artists like Ingrid Michelson and Neko Case to Michigan-based indies like The Crane Wives, Current magazine has you covered, with a playlist featuring every musician on the Folk Fest bill at ecurrent.com

Iron Regan Hyperbolic but family-friendly comedian Brian Regan will bring the funny to The StranahanTheater in Toledo on Thursday, January 9. Brandon Doriot cornered him about getting coffee with Jerry Seinfeld and other questionable acts.

ecurrent.com / january 2014 3

JANUARY FILM SCHEDULE

Daily Film Program Sponsor

KEEPING THE SPIRIT OF SUNDANCE AND CINETOPIA ALIVE ALL YEAR ROUND

SPECIAL FILM EVENTS SATURDAY, JANUARY 11

FREE! 2:00 PM

The UM Nam Center for Korean Studies presents Korean Cinema Now: COLD EYES1 (2013) SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 OPENS IN JANUARY

INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS

>FC;<E >CF9<J EFD@E<< and :8EE<J =@CD =<JK@M8C ALIP GRAND PRIZE WINNER. 8:8;<DP 8N8I;$N@EE<IJ AF<C and ETHAN COEN follow the life of a young singer (FJ:8I @J88:) as he navigates the 1961 Greenwich Village folk scene.

With :8I<P DLCC@>8E, ALJK@E K@D9<IC8B<, and AF?E GOODMAN. 105 minutes. Rated R.

Ç%%%8 9I@CC@8EK D8>G@<ÊJ E<JK F= JLII<8C@JD# G<I@F; ;<K8@C 8E; GFG$:LCKLI< J:?FC8IJ?@G%È –A.O. Scott, New York Times CONTINUES IN JANUARY

SAVING MR. BANKS

Prickly author P. L. Travers (8:8;<DP 8N8I;$N@EE<I <DD8 K?FDGJFE) and tenacious filmmaker Walt Disney (8:8;<DP 8N8I;$N@EE<I KFD ?8EBJ) don’t see eye to eye on the movie adaptation of Travers’ novel, Mary Poppins. With PAUL GIAMATTI, A8JFE J:?N8IKQD8E, COLIN FARRELL, and more.

125 minutes. Rated PG-13.

1:30 PM

The Toyota Family-Friendly Film Series presents THE LAND BEFORE TIME2 (1988) Free for kids 12 & under!

This animated dinosaur buddy film is moving and unforgettable entertainment for the entire family. Presented by the Benard L. Maas Foundation.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14

FREE! 7:00 PM

UM Center for the Education of Women presents

A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN AND FILM Short films by and about women, with a discussion by 8:8;<DP 8N8I;$N@EE@E> =@CD ;@I<:KFI :PEK?@8 N8;<.

Registration required. For more information or to register, visit tinyurl.com/CEWCelebrates-Women-Film.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18

FREE! 2:00 PM

The UM Nam Center for Korean Studies presents Korean Cinema Now: THE BERLIN FILE1 (2013) TUESDAY, JANUARY 21

Tugg presents

ELEMENTAL

7:00 PM

(2012)

All tickets $10. For tickets, visit http://wwww.tugg.com/events/6486.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22

8:00 PM

Tugg presents

LINSANITY (2013)

All tickets $11. For tickets, visit http://wwww.tugg.com/events/6587.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25

S TICKETLE ON SA

NOW!

A8EL8IP *F 7:30PM FESTIVAL PREMIERE:

INFINITELY POLAR BEAR WITH SPECIAL GUEST APPEARANCES!

8 dXe`Z$[\gi\jj`m\ d\jj f] X ]Xk_\i MARK RUFFALO ki`\j kf n`e YXZb _`j n`]\ ZOE SALDANA) Yp Xkk\dgk`e^ kf kXb\ ]lcc i\jgfej`Y`c`kp f] k_\`i knf pfle^# jg`i`k\[ [Xl^_k\ij%

JANUARY 28 & 29 7PM

SUNDANCE SHORTS

A collection of the best shorts from the )'(* Jle[XeZ\ =`cd =\jk`mXc% K@:B<KJ 8K K@:B<KD8JK<I%:FD 8E; 8CC K@:B<KD8JK<I FLKC<KJ% :?8I>< 9P G?FE<1 /''$.+,$*'''% =FI DFI< @E=F1 D@:?K?<8K<I%FI>&J==LJ8(+

FREE! 2:00 PM

The UM Nam Center for Korean Studies presents Korean Cinema Now: ALL ABOUT MY WIFE1 (2012) SUNDAY, JANUARY 26

ANSWER THIS! 2 (2010)

7:00 PM

Special fundraiser for Food Gatherers and the Michigan Theater!

Brothers and Ann Arbor natives :?I@J 8E; D@B< =8I8? shot Answer This! in Ann Arbor in 2009 and the film had its world premiere in 2010; this special screening will also include a Q&A about the Farahs’ new Discovery Channel TV project, currently filming in Detroit.

Visit www.ii.umich.edu/ncks/eventsprograms/filmscreenings for more information.

Advance tickets at ticketweb.com. Charge by phone: 866-468-3401.

1

2

VALENTINE’S DAY FREE MEMBER EVENT

KINSEY

Michigan Theater members are invited to a free screening of FROM (2004) HERE TO ETERNITY on Tuesday, February 14 at 7:00pm. Champagne and 7PM chocolates from Schakolad Chocolate Factory A special screening of this fascinating film about the willpioneer be served at a member reception from 5:30famed in human sexuality research starring LIAM NEESON, The followed by a brief 6:30pm. event is presentation FREE tofrom all members, but retired UM professor DR. SANDRA COLE about the youInstitute mustandhave a ticket to be admitted.

Kinsey the ongoing concerns of sexual health. RSVP

by February 8 to Sarah Madsen at smadsen@ ADVANCE TICKETS AT TICKETWEB.COM.

WED. JAN. 15

A NEW SERIES PRESENTED BY ZOUNDS HEARING | COMING IN FEBRUARY!

:?8I>< 9P G?FE<1 /--$+-/$*+'(%

)+$?FLI @E=F C@E< .*+ --/$K@D< FI NNN%D@:?K?<8K<I%FI> -'* <% C@9<IKP JK% 4

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Adams Street Publishing Co. What’s your NYE Resolution? ^ RoosRoast has expanded by tearing down a wall, adding an arch, new furniture and a wrap around bar. In addition, they now serve low sugar, whole grain pastries to accompany their signature coffee choices.

1155 Rosewood St. 734-222-9202. roosroast. com

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) moderation

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer

Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) To slow down and spend time with family and friends.

Editorial Assignment Editor: Matt Breneman (editor@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Drink more.

Arts & Entertainment Coordinators: Joseph Schafer (josephs@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Nuclear Armistace

^ After 31 years in downtown Ann Arbor, the Selo/Shevel Gallery plans to sell the three-story building at 301 S. Main St. and close in early 2014. 734-761-6263.

Seloshevelgallery.com

Jan Thomas (jthomas@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Make more art.

Staff writer: Griffin Messer-Kruse (griffin@adamsstreetpublishing.com) My resolution is to ride an albatross over the grand canyon while hammered on grain alcohol.

Calendar Editor: Marisa Rubin (mrubin@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Own a diamond

^ The owners of the State Theater are exploring the possibility of transforming the upstairs, two-auditorium space into either a renovated theater, a commercial office space or a residential space. It’s just an idea at this point, but, the State Theater could begin a transformation within the next few years. 233 S. State St. 734-761-8667. www.michtheater.org/state/

Digital Media Specialist: Brandon Doriot (aspcmedia@gmail.com) 1920x1080 Contributing Writers: Louis Meldman,, San Slomovits, Nan Bauer, Jeff Milo, Lucy Huber

Art/Production Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Save more money.

The former Hollywood Video store at 1480 Washenaw, vacant the last 4 years, will now be occupied

by Nankin Hobby. The business is a children’s toy and craft store. 734-961-7575.

Graphic Design: Brittney Koehl (adsin@toledocitypaper.com) KEEP BEING AWESOME Megan Anderson (manderson@toledocitypaper.com) #YOLO more often. #universe #NYE #Resolve Jameson Staneluis (jameson@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Reduce, Reuse, Recycle or Learn something new Kyle Iwanicki Listen to more Three 6 Mafia

^ Renovatio Woodworks, a business that sells pieces made of re-purposed rustic wood, has opened above Smokehouse Fiftytwo at 125 S. Main St. in Chelsea. 734-475-0985.

Facebook.com/pages/ Renovatio-woodwork

Advertising Sales Manager: Aubrey Hornsby (ahornsby@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Why try to improve perfection?

Sales Represntative: Melinda Prince (melinda@adamsstreetpublishing.com) be more active outdoors in the way of sports. Not so much camping, as I feel like that’s just practice for being homeless which I never plan on being.

Sales Coordinator: Emily Gibb (classifieds@toledocitypaper.com) Work on my flexability. Yoga B*tch!

^ Ginger Deli, a Vietnamese sandwich shop owned by Ann Arbor entrepreneur Te Phan, is slated to open this month on the corner of South Division and East Liberty. The takeout business will have ranging from pho (noodle soup) to classic banh mi sandwiches.

Customer Service Representative Lauren McLaughlin (lauren@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Drink more H20.

Administration Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledocitypaper.com) to quit breaking my New Year’s resolutions!

Distribution: Michele Flanagan (distribution@toledocitypaper.com) try to be more outgoing.

© 2014 by Adams Street Publishing Co., All rights reserved. 3003 Washtenaw Ave., Suite 3, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, Phone (734) 668-4044, Fax (734) 668-0555.

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ecurrent.com / january 2014 5

fyi

Bottoms up

If you are a craft beer enthusiast, then you probably have noticed that many of A2’s bars are now selling growlers—a large, to-go jug of beer. Now on tap are several more legislative bills that will loosen brewery and brew pub restrictions, from increasing the barrel threshold for microbrewers to allowing certain businesses to obtain temporary liquor licenses before they receive final approval. The proposed bills would also prohibit bars from advertising a glass of beer as a pint unless the glass contains 16 ounces of beer but would permit small breweries, that produce fewer than 1,000 barrels a year, to self-distribute in restricted areas. So far, the bills have all passed the House, and will now go to the Senate for consideration.

green corner Dr. Green Thumb

Resurrected plans abandoned by an entrepreneur will lead to a second medical marijuana growing facility in Ypsilanti. The project, located at 834 Railroad St., first came before the city planning commission in December of 2012, where is was turned down due to landscaping and parking deficiencies. The new applicant, Mo Chammout, has been granted approval for his site plan, but still must obtain a medical marijuana license before opening the facility. In August, the city approved a limit on medical marijuana grow facilities and dispensaries that will only allow for one more grow facility to open within city limits. —GMK

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feature

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How do you feel about the increasingly mainstream appeal of folk music?

To my ears, folk is not pop music. It doesn't feel as if it was born in a laboratory—it's more organic than that. It's good to see people responding to this Americana explosion, if you will, listening to artists who are actually playing instruments.

Seth Wa l k e r

Is there anything in particular you're doing to get ready for the folk festival?

I will be performing some songs off the new album that I am working on. I've been working with The Wood Brothers. It won't be released until after the Folk Fest, but I'll be doing some sneak peeks.

What will you be doing during your down-time at the festival?

I'm originally from North Carolina, so I need to bring my coat. I’ll be spending most of that time indoors! [laughs] Well, I will make it down to the 107one radio station—I hope to stop by and see those guys. I need to stop by the Arbor Brewing Company to get a pint and some nachos.

If you could sit in with any one artist playing this year at the festival, who would it be and what song would you play?

It would need to be Patty Griffin, she's so soulful.

There's this tune of hers, "Heavenly Day," that someone's requested me to sing at a wedding. I'd love to help her with that.

If you could curate your own festival of folk music—or any kind of music, for that matter—what artists would you include in the lineup?

The Wood Brothers, of course. I think The Mavericks are a great band that encompass all kinds of genres of music. If I could shoot for the moon I'd definitely put Bob Dylan in there, Guy Clark and Nick Lowe for sure.

This Austin-based singer-songwriter has been mixing honky-tonk blues and New Orleans soul since 1997.

The 37th Ann Arbor

Folk Festival.

Friday,

February 1

I RON AND WI NE NEKO CASE J UST IN T OWNES E ARLE WILLIE NI LE PE ARL AND THE BE ARD T HAO AND T HE GET DOWN STAY DOWN THE APPLESEED COLLECTIVE SET H WALKER, MC

PAT T Y GRI FFI N INGRID MI CHAELSON J EFF DANIELS BIG SANDY AND HI S FLY-RI T E BOYS J OHNNYSWI M PIGPEN T HE AT RE CO. T HE CRANE WIVES SET H WALKER, MC

January 31

Saturday,

6:30pm each night. $35-47.50 (one night) $60-85 (both nights). Hill Auditorium, 825 N University Ave. 734-761-1818. theark.org/ann_arbor_folk_festival.html

ecurrent.com / january 2014 9

Thao n e y u Ng

feature

S ta y D o w n n w o D t e G e h T m fro Nguyen released her first record as guitarist, singer and songwriter with San Fransisco's psychedelic rock collective The Get Down Stay Down in 2005.

What does "folk" music mean to you?

Folk music to me feels familiar and nostalgic but does not get old.

Why, do you think, Ann Arbor has become the base of this beloved, annual festival?

I've had the pleasure of playing Ann Arbor once, I am really looking forward to the second time at the Folk Festival. I remember it as one of the most enjoyable, connected shows we've ever played, with an incredibly kind and present audience. That is the best thing a performer can hope for.

I r e m e m b e r it as o n e o f th e m o st e n j o y a b l e , c o n n e c t e d sh o ws we've ever played

Is there anything particular or special you're doing to prepare for your festival performance?

I'm going to dust off my chops and we're going to rehearse our older more folksy songs and... I'm going to listen to the Louvin Brothers and the Carter Family.

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What's the best concert you've seen this year?

Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings at the San Fransisco Symphony Hall because they are incredible musicians and entertainers and Sharon Jones is a marvel. I would never want to perform before or after her.

How are you going to spend your time when you're not onstage at the Festival?

Catching other sets and trying to get Neko Case to hang out with me.

Folk music is evolving in many directions, these days— blending with pop music, country, metal and mainstream electronic—where do you see the genre growing in the coming decade?

I think people with respect for the tradition (of which there are many) will embrace the new directions with grace and discretion and preserve and protect the heart and bones of folk music forever.

The Appleseed Co l l ect i v e What does "folk" music mean to you?

To me, folk music is the true music of the masses. It has deep roots and a tangible connection to the past. There is a sense of carrying the torch in the folk community, of maintaining and re-imagining, evolving while keeping sight of where we've been. I think historically folk music has taken on the struggles of the lower classes, fostering a strong community. Folk music is about more than just the music. But purely in relation to the music, I think the presence of acoustic instruments is often considered a defining characteristic of folk music.

How do you feel about the increasingly mainstream appeal of folk music?

I think it's promising. The current state of the music industry is in some ways an open door, and a lot of musicians are taking advantage of the opportunity. There are so many dedicated and talented musicians that have been drowned out by pop-culture. It's such a shame that more people know The Jonas Brothers than know The Punch Brothers. But I think that trend is changing, even if just a bit.

Why has Ann Arbor become the base of this beloved, annual festival?

I think Ann Arbor is the base of the festival because there are people here to support it. Ann Arbor has an amazing community of arts supporters, people who want to enrich their own lives and the lives of those around them and are willing, quite frankly, to put their money where their mouth is.

Do have any influences or roots here in Ann Arbor, or in Michigan?

Innumerable. I'm sure each one of us could go off at length about our Michigan and Ann Arbor heroes. [Folk duo] Seth Bernard & May Erlewine lead the way for musicians everywhere. [They] help us keep focused on what is really

Brandon Smith ( v i o l i n / ma n d o l i n / v o c a l s )

Ann Arbor's own gypsy folk-plusragtime crusaders The Appleseed Collective began performing in 2010. They will release their new album, Young Love, this winter.

important. Josh Davis and the gents of Steppin' In It are songwriting/shredding monsters. Breathe Owl Breathe reminds us to stay light and play with it.

Folk music is evolving in many directions, these days— blending with pop music, country, metal and mainstream electronic—where do you see the genre growing in the coming decade?

Who knows! I'm very interested in pushing the limitations of what can be done with acoustic instruments—there are a couple bands out there bravely exploring this territory.

Punch Brothers' cover of Radiohead's “Kid A” is a good example. ecurrent.com / january 2014 11

Jocelyn Mackenzie (L) Emily Hope Price (C) and Jeremy Styles (R)

feature

Pearl &

the Beard.

Photo by Kate Daigneault

What does "folk" music mean to you? Does it have a definition or defining characteristics?

Styles: To me now, in current 21st century speak, the term "folk" is probably trademarked by Billboard magazine and used to easily catalog music for our iTunes playlists for easy tracking. Other than that, I believe at one point it had something to do with acoustic guitars, songs, about everyday things and general hardships by common people or "folk."

Mackenzie: The term "folk" music is just as nebulous as the term "pop" music. The sonic variety is so different within the genre that I think the term "folk" has mostly just come to signify a type of music that makes you really connect with your feelings, whether you want to or not.

Why, do you think, Ann Arbor has become the base of this beloved, annual festival?

Mackenzie: Michigan (and Ann Arbor specifically) is home to some very passionate people. Passionate about sports, passionate about the arts, passionate about beer, passionate about music. It seems that anything people get into here, they get into all the way, and a community forms to experience joy together through that common cause. It's a great way to live.

What's the best concert you've seen this year and why?

Styles: Jocelyn and I saw Frightened Rabbit at Webster Hall and that was phenomenal. Those guys have been around for years and I'm glad they're getting some recognition. Their banter was great. Their performance was tighter than a baby's wallet. The stage set up was awesome with great lighting, which I am beginning to appreciate more and more in a live performance.

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Jeremy Styles (guitar and vocals)

Jocelyn Mackenzie, ( p e r c u ss i o n , k a z o o a n d v o c a l s )

New York City’s own popfolk trio Pearl and the Beard released their debut EP in 2009. Their three-part harmonies recall the golden age of pop-rock music.

How are you going to spend your time when you're not onstage at the Festival?

Styles: I'm super pumped to see Neko Case. Also it will be nice to see Thao. We played with her a few years back in New York and it's always great to reconnect with people. Mostly just enjoying the music.

If you could sit in with any one artist playing this year at the festival, who would it be and what song would you play? Why?

Mackenzie: Emily (Hope Price, cello and vocals) has been dreaming up a cover version of Iron and Wine's "Evening on the Ground" for ages. If we could sit in on that song, or any song, with them, that'd be incredible.

Johnnyswim

feature

Amanda Sudano

( v o c a l s , m u l t i - i n s t r u m e n t a l is t )

Sudano and now-husband Abner Ramirez founded Johnnyswim in Nashville in 2005. The daughter of Diana Ross, Sudano’s crystalline voice comes with a pedigree.

Amanda sudano (L) & Abner Ramirez (R).

How do you feel about the increasing mainstream appeal of folk music?

What's exciting about it is that it shows people are hungry for music that is a little more "real" than what they've been fed generally with recent "pop" music.

Is there anything particular or special you're doing to prepare for your festival performance?

We are massive fans of all the folks playing so we've been geeking out listening to the music of all the other artists playing the festival.

How are you going to spend your time when you're not onstage at the Festival?

I'm sure we'll spend our time completely fanning out over all the other artists performing! We'll either be side stage or trying to find seats in the front to get the best vantage point!

What are your past experiences with the Ann Arbor Folk Festival?

through the roof and everything we've heard about the festival, the performers and attendees has added to both our excitement and nerves!

If you could sit in with any one artist playing this year at the festival what would it be, and what song would you play?

Patty Griffin's “Moses.” This is one of the songs that made me want to write songs.

Folk music is evolving in many directions, these days— blending with pop music, country, metal and mainstream electronic—where do you see the genre growing in the coming decade?

I see it infecting other genres with its sense of earnestness, honesty and heart. I think music will be better as a whole in the next decade, and that its growth will be pointed back to the influence of folk music.

This will be our very first experience and the anticipation is killing us. Our expectations are ecurrent.com / january 2014 13

The

Crane

Wives (L-R) Dan Rickabus, Emilee Petersmark, Ben Zito, Kate Pillsbury, Tom Gunnels

What does "folk" music mean to you?

To me, "folk" music means colloquial music, honest music written from raw emotion, conceived naturally and performed organically. Music that is representative of a moment of human life. Music that is written from the heart-home of a person living a journey. It's the age old tradition of open-hearted expression.

Why do you think Ann Arbor has become the base of this beloved, annual festival?

In my experience, Ann Arbor is an incredible, eclectic place of vibrant Michigan culture. We've had the pleasure of meeting so many friends in Ann Arbor who are doing so many truly inspiring things with music and the artistic community. It's a great place for experiencing art. As both a listener and a performer, I'm continually blown away by the city's incredible acoustic spaces and listening rooms as well.

Do you have any influences or roots here in Ann Arbor, or in Michigan?

We have influences that come from everywhere, but our roots are here in Michigan, and that's something we are very proud of every day! What a truly real-worldincredible home we have!

If you could sit in with any one artist playing this year at the festival who would it be, and what song would you play?

I would sit in with Iron & Wine on the song "Singers and the Endless Song." Sam Beam's albums have been, and continue to be, an enormous inspiration to me and

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my bandmates. The performance from the rhythm section on the new record, especially on that tune, is absolutely mindblowing. I'd love to be a part of that groove while it's happening live.

Folk music is evolving in many directions, these days—blending with pop music, country, metal and mainstream electronic—where do you see the genre growing toward in the coming decade?

Dan Rickabus

( dr u m s / p e r c u s s i o n / v o c a l s / c o - p r o d u c e r / t h ird s o n g wri t e r )

This Grand Rapids quintet has been mixing emotional folk with pop music since 2010. In 2012, Paste Magazine called them one of “12 Michigan Bands You Should Listen to Now.”

Musical styles have blended so wildly that music is becoming increasingly hard to define with genre descriptors. I think that allows for a really adventurous environment where artists are free to stand out. My favorite bands are those that you have to experience for yourself to understand, you can't draw a solid bead on what they sound like until you hear them.

s s e n l l e W Health +

feature

Everybody has broken a New Year’s resolution in the past. But this is the year to become the “you” that you can be. Sure, you can’t sport a six pack of abs after one week but there are quick changes you can make to become healthy for 2014. Those highlighted in this guide will make you happy, fit and ready to take on anything this year throws at you. my specialty, the one health tip that I “ canInoffer to help someone change their life is: regular skin exams and sun protection.

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“My dermatology practice brings a unique blend of medical and aesthetic skincare; Treating patients of all ages with diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to skin, hair, and nails. I take pride in the ability to help my patients look, feel and become a healthier individual.” says Dr. Desjarlais.

Healthy skin is beautiful skin. It supports that inner confidence that you wear every day. Doctor Desjarlais says he finds it very rewarding to follow his patients and help them through their journeys. One of his most rewarding cases “was helping a young lady with a scar she suffered from a dog bite on her face. With the latest laser technology we were able to markedly improve the appearance of the scar and increase her selfesteem at a very critical age for her.”

Dr. Lawrence Desjarlais, MD, FAAD

drdesjarlais.com 734-619-6047

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2350 Washtenaw Suite #3 Ann Arbor MI 48104 Continued on pg. 16

ecurrent.com / january 2014 15

feature Continued from pg. 15

Therapeutic Massage by Body Conscious a lot of medical treatments people might “ With feel better later. People leave our studio and

“

instantly feel better.

Everyone needs a place that they can relax and regenerate. The owner, Grace Adams said “We’re trained in dealing with underlying problems and getting rid of pain as well as promoting relaxation.” Grace was drawn into the field because she herself suffers from chronic pain and she wanted to have a better understanding about it. Stress plays a big role in a lot of disease, illness and pain. Finding ways to really focus on yourself and your own wellbeing is important and makes a huge difference. A massage does more than just relax you though. Grace says she has “a patient who has chronic headaches and TMJ dysfunction that caused constant jaw pain and discomfort. With regular treatment we have been able to reduce her pain significantly and she has much fewer headaches than before.”

Grace Adams NCTM, Owner

734-929-5930 bodyconsciousmassagetherapy.com

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2454 E Stadium Blvd Suite B Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104

People’s Food co-op

over their food supply into people’s peoplesfood.coop 734-994-9174

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a fundamentally different way of “ It’s doing business that puts more control 216 N. Fourth Ave. Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Kevin Sharp, Marketing Do you know where your food comes from? It’s tricky these days. There is an increased awareness about food, health and sustainability, more than ever before. These are all fundamental to the co-op’s mission. Kevin Sharp, the Marketing and Member Services Manager says, “A fundamental difference between the People’s Food Coop and other grocery stores is cooperative ownership… the co-op is open to the general public as well. Everyone is encouraged to shop and benefit from what the co-op has to offer.”

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A2 Yoga you happy. Happiness is contagious!

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Create healthy habits everyday “(H2E).

If it’s a habit, it will make Once considered a fad left over from the hippy-60’s, yoga is now considered to help create healthier lifestyles. At A2 Yoga the diversity and the quality of classes offered not only attests to the quality of the teachers, but to students of all levels.

They live the essence of an article written by business Guru, Ari Weinzweig, Striving for Third Place. “First place is home, second place is work or school, and third place is that place in the community that you fit in, a place you feel welcomed.” It’s also been a mission of the owner, Diana Hough to give back to the community, “each quarter a non-profit organization is chosen to be sponsored by A2 Yoga’s Program: Change into Dollar$ - Makes more Sens¢. In this way, we offer the classes and 100% of the donations go to charity.”

Diana Hough, MS, L.E., CHE

A2Yoga.com 734-216-4006

+

2030 COMMERCE BLVD ANN ARBOR, MI 48103

ecurrent.com / january 2014 17

food

A trip to Deutschland German history in Ann Arbor

Photos by Marisa Rubin

by: Marisa Rubin

Spätzle, Knödel and Essen Roulades, might sound like spells cast by Harry Potter, but the only magic being served up at Metzger’s is authentic German cuisine. Since 1928, the German restaurant has been temptng the palate of Tree City residents with rustic southern German cuisine, such as the world famous “Frankfurter” of Frankfurt, Germany and Spätzle (tiny dumplings) which are the southern version of northern Knödel (potato dumplings). Bavarian influence is evident throughout the menu. Southern Germanic foods are not complex, yet they are robust with flavor and heartiness. For four generations, the Metzger family has kept the tradition alive, complete with European ambiance and loyal customers.

The menu includes many classic entrees as well as some new fan favorites. The classics include Wiener Schnitzel (a breaded pork cutlet), a variety of wursts and roulades (a hand cut round of beef, rolled and stuffed with bacon, onion, pickles and spices). The house specialty, Sauerbraten, is a delicious roast beef marinated in a sour cream wine sauce. The fan favorites include the Käsespätzle (cheese Spätzle), which is an appetizer serving of warm dumplings served over sauerkraut, smothered with onions and melted Swiss cheese. Another favorite is the delicious Bavarian red cabbage, dished-out alongside an entree.

The menu also includes side dishes like German potato salad, spätzen (German noodles), sauerkraut and potato pancakes. Metzger's also takes pride in their selection of genuine German beer as well as a wine list complete with regional items and the famously aromatic German wine, Gewürztraminer .

Metzger's serves soul-satisfying family recipes from an authentic German kitchen, complete with European flavor and inspiring meals. The decor is filled with German memorabilia that takes you straight to Deutschland. More than just a local eatery, Metzger’s is a trip to Germany.

Monday-Wednesday, 11am-9pm; Thursday-Saturday, 11am-10pm; Sunday, 11am-8pm. Metzger's, 305 N. Zeeb Rd. 734-668-8987. metzgers.net

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Baking with Beer

Add a new twist to baking—beer! Join Zingerman’s Bakehouse on Thursday, January 23, and learn how to make delicious beer bread, beer scones and beer crackers that will be your go-to party food. This fun, easy technique will definitely impress your friends. Leave the class with fantastic recipes and skills you can use to recreate these items at home. Registration required. 5:30-9:30pm. $100. Zingerman’s Deli, 422 Detroit St. 734-663-3354. zingermansdeli.com—MLR

ongoing Saturdays

Ann Arbor Farmers Market 8am-3pm. 315 Detroit St. 734-794-6255. a2gov.org

Take a stroll on down to Kerrytown to enjoy the fantastic market. This incredible open-air market has been an A2 institution for over 90 years.

Saline Indoor Farmers Market

9am-noon. Liberty School, 7265 Saline Ann Arbor Rd. 734-429-3518. cityofsaline.org

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

Sunday

Grange Sunday Brunch

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.

1 friday 2014 NHL Winter Classic

3-9pm. Grange Kitchen & Bar, 118 W. Liberty St. 734-995-2107. grangekitchenandbar.com

Watch the Detroit Red Wings as they host the Toronto Maple Leafs on the field at Michigan Stadium. Then join Grange for dinner, snacks and drinks.

4 saturday American Legion Steak Fry

5pm. $10. American Legion D.W. Cassard #208, 133 44th St., Kentwood. 734-309-8881.

The first Saturday of every

month come and enjoy superb steak, baked potato, salad, garlic bread, mushrooms and onions.

5 sunday Fondant Foundamentals

1-5pm. $100. Zingerman’s Bakehouse, 3723 Plaza Dr. 734-761-7255. bakewithzing.com

In this class you will learn to make hand-made fondant along with the techniques to shape it. Attendees will decorate a 6 inch cake to take home.

7 tuesday Jackhammer Release Party

6-7pm. $10. Corner Brewery, 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti. 734-480-2739. arborbrewing.com

Join Corner Brewery for the annual release of Jackhammer Old Ale. This event includes snacks, samples of this year’s batch and a discussion with one of the brewers.

Raw Foods: Learn the Many Benefits of a Raw Vegan Diet

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

Ellen Livingston will talk about how to rid yourself of bothersome symptoms and how to take charge of your health with a raw food diet.

8 wednesday Cinn-ful Cinnamon Rolls 5:30-9:30pm. $125. Zingerman’s Bakehouse, 3723 Plaza Dr. 734-761-7255. bakewithzing.com

Learn the basic techniques of creating sweet dough and form hand-shaped cinnamon rolls to take home.

cont. on page 20

ecurrent.com / january 2014 19

food

Serving up a bit of France in Ann Arbor

By Laura Lubrano

What Crepe?

241 E. Liberty St. 734-369-3207 whatcrepe.com Monday, closed; 11am-9pm; Tuesday-Thursday, ; pm -11 am 11 y, Frida ; Saturday, 8am-11pm m 4p m8a , ay Sund

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Often thought of as just dessert or breakfast food, crepes aren’t expected to be the foundation of a restaurant, but that’s exactly what downtown Ann Arbor’s What Crepe? is doing – and it works.

The idea behind What Crepe? was conceived when owner Paul Jenkins Jr. fell in love with crepes while visiting Toronto, inspiring him to bring a crepe-only restaurant to Michigan. The Royal Oak and Birmingham locations came first, and their success led to the Ann Arbor location, which opened in 2013.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is both cozy and elegant with reclaimed wood paneling alongside chandeliers and French décor touches. A television over the bar playing a black and white movie (instead of the omnipresent sports programming) adds to the vintage-chic ambiance.

Choose from several different savory and sweet crepes on the menu, or build your own. The list of ingredients includes items like artichoke hearts, chorizo and brie cheese for savory crepes, as well as caramelized apples, peanut butter, and various fruit sorbets for the sweeter version.

What Crepe? is also friendly to vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free diners. Any of the crepes can be made with vegan or gluten-free batter, and there are enough vegan and vegetarian filling options to satisfy those with even the strictest dietary restrictions.

“That’s the great part about our menu,” said Nicole Myint, General Manager/Manager of Marketing and Events, “there’s something for everyone.”

Although its name implies otherwise, What Crepe? serves more than just crepes. The menu features soups and salads, as well as What Crepe? Crispies (crispy chiplike crepe pieces) served with one of their many dips as an appetizer.

No matter what you decide on, “everything is homemade and cooked to order,” Myint explained. That extra effort definitely shows.

I decided on The Standby Crepe. It arrived at the table wrapped like a burrito and stuffed full of baby spinach along with grilled asparagus, grape tomatoes, avocado and melted Swiss cheese. It was tasty, fresh and filling.

My companion ordered some of the Spicy Chicken Truffle (spicy chicken, spinach, Swiss cheese and a truffle “zip” sauce), which I sampled. It was hearty and had a pleasant – but not overpowering – kick. It’s no surprise it’s one of the most popular menu items.

As satisfying as the entrée crepes were, the dessert crepes were the true stars. The Nutty Monkey—with bananas, candied pecans, Nutella and powdered sugar, all topped with a baseball-sized scoop of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream was deliciously decadent and big enough to split.

What Crepe? is also heavily involved in the local community and often sponsoring community events and programs. The focus on the local community also plays out in the bar menu. The only location with a full bar, Ann Arbor’s What Crepe? features several specialty cocktails with local liquors, as well as local beer and wine.

What Crepe? provides an intimate, unique dining experience with menu options that ensure you’ll always have something new to try.

food 9 thursday Gluten Free: The New Frontier

1-5pm. $125. Zingerman’s Bakehouse, 3711 Plaza Dr. 734-761-7255. bakewithzing.com

After countless customer requests, BAKE! is exploring the area of gluten free baking!

Create a muffin, a flat bread, a quick bread, and a brownie using grains and flours with no gluten.

11 saturday Date Night: Chinese Takeout

6:30-10pm. $150/pair. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Rd. 734-975-2500. annarborcooks.com

Bring your special someone and have some fun in the kitchen cooking up this Chinese takeout menu. Bring a bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal.

12 sunday Ann Arbor Restaurant Week Ann Arbor Area

Experience cuisine that delights your palate and defines the art of dining in Ann Arbor.

Now is your chance to discover new restaurants and enjoy favorites at a discounted price.

Make reservations early at participating restaurants. Tables fill

fast during this gastronomically great event. Through January 17.

14 tuesday Yoga and Wine

6:30pm. $25. Sandhill Crane Vineyards, 4724 Walz Rd., Jackson.

517-764-0679. sandhillcranevineyards.com

Relax with a yoga session taught by Amy Reamer followed by a glass of wine, and a chocolate and cheese plate.

Bring your own yoga mat, if you need to borrow a mat, mention so when making reservation. Also on January 28.

21 tuesday Satisfying Winter Soups

6:30-9:30pm. $75. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Rd. 734-645-1030. annarborcooks.com

Learn to cook up delicious soup recipes from around the globe. Each soup will be paired with a bonus recipe for a soup or salad accompaniment. Bring your own carryout containers.

Herbal Wisdom: The Liver - Herbs That Nourish and Support This Critical Organ

7-8:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room, 110 S. Main St. 734-994-4589. peoplesfood.coop Free

will have greater appreciation for the hundreds of functions of the liver, the importance of keeping it healthy, how to support great liver functioning, and the many myths and misunderstandings associated with liver cleansing.

23 thursday Baking with Beer

5:30-9:30pm. $100. Zingerman’s Bakehouse, 3711 Plaza Dr. 734-761-7255. bakewithzing.com

In this class BAKE! will instruct you how to make a beer bread, scone and crackers that are sure to become your favorites to make at home. You’ll want to throw a party to impress your friends right away.

31 friday Who You Calling A Cream Puff?

9am-1pm. $100. Zingerman’s Bakehouse, 3711 Plaza Dr. 734-761-7255. bakewithzing.com

Learn how to make cream puff shells, and basic techniques of creating these sweet and savory pastries. You’ll make your own dough and pipe eclairs, and cream puffs. The cream to fill these products will be provided for you. You’ll go home with your sweet tooth satisfied and the knowledge to make these treats at home.

29 wednesday Thai One On!

6:30-9:30pm. $75. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Rd. 734-975-2500. annarborcooks.com

Thai food is a great way to awaken your senses in the dead of winter. So come cook up some tasty fun!

ecurrent.com/Food

By the end of this talk, you

ecurrent.com / january 2014 21

music music

Mountain Heart

Friday, January 10 / The Ark

What do you get when you combine bluegrass, southern rock, delta blues and country? The answer is Mountain Heart, a genre shape-shifting rock band, known for their raucous live show. Formed in 1998, their sound has been described as “acoustic overdrive” and “folk rock on steroids,” but they aren’t afraid to delve into lengthy passages of jazzy improvisation as well. Their signature tunes have a little something for everybody with an appreciation for American music. 7:30pm. $30. The Ark, 316 S. Main.

734-761-1451. theark.org—GMK

More events online at ecurrent.com

3 friday Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic

Kim Gnagey and Karlye Walker - Silvio’s Organic Pizza Kim Gnagey is a local singersongwriter, whose pop-style songs encompass a variety of musical flavors. Karlye Walker’s pop-style vocals are smooth, yet fiercely impressive. 7pm. Free.

4 saturday Jazz, Blues & R&B

The Pete Siers Trio Downtown Library MultiPurpose Room

Percussionist Pete Siers, clarinetist Dave Bennett and pianist Tad Weed pay tribute to Gene Krupa, the famous drummer and bandleader. 8pm. $5.

5 sunday Classical, spiritual Bill Bolcom & Joan Morris - Kerrytown Concert House

The internationally renowned husband-and-wife duo of composer-pianist William Bolcom and mezzo-soprano Joan Morris perform Bolcom’s cabaret songs plus a program drawing on their vast repetoire of classics and obscure gems spanning the history of American popular song. 4pm. $15 - 50.

8 wednesday Rock, Pop & Hip-hop Aeris - The Blind Pig

Aeris is a popcore band from Oakland County—picture Attack Attack but without breakdowns. Their sound is a mixture of catchy melodies and more aggressive hardcore music. 9:30pm. $5.

9 thursday Rock, Pop & Hip-hop

The Vonneguts- The Blind Pig The Vonneguts are a straight forward rock band from Detroit that plays guitar driven grooves with no gimmicks.

9:30pm. $5.

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Brother Sun - The Ark

Pat Wictor, Greg Greenway, and Joe Jencks have formed a dynamic new male trio. Their harmonies, as much as their lyrics sound warm as a campfire, stirring as a gospel church and rousing as a call to arms.

8pm. $20.

10 friday Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic

Kinderconcert - Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room Learn about the charming cello from Eric Amidon; about the piano from Kathryn Goodson, and listen, dance and hear a story with Gari Stein. Performances at 9:30am and 10:30am. Free.

Tim Prosser and Steve Rich - Silvio’s Organic Pizza

Tim Prosser (the mandolin maniac) and Steve Rich bring listeners a cornucopia of acoustic folk, pop, and originals with voice, guitar, and mandolin. Plus a surprise special guest every time. 7pm. Free.

Rock, Pop & Hip-Hop

Mountain Heart - The Ark

This band can go from highspeed harmonic turns to straight ahead ballads with soul and feel like no others. They have appeared on the revered stage of Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry nearly 130 times in their 16+ year career, to standing ovations and roaring applause.

8pm. $30.

11 saturday Rock, Pop & Hip-hop Pocket Vinyl Plus Jim Cherewick and the Wicker Chairs

This unique live show consists of an energetic one-man-pianoband coupled with a live painter who creates a work of art on stage and is auctioned off at the end of the show. 8pm. $10 or free with Yellow Card.

Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic

Jill Jack Birthday Bash The Ark

Jill Jack’s magical connection to her audience is the result of her generous artistry. By

The Whigs

Wednesday, January 15 / The Blind Pig

music

Photo by Joshua Black Wilkins

Formed in 2002, The Whigs, a garage rock power trio in the vein of The Black Keys and Kings of Leon, never stray far from their rock and roll prototype, though many of their songs do feature a horn section and pseudo-soul vocals. Their live performances as a trio boast a massive sound that is greater than the sum of its parts. Expect amps cranked to 11 and lots of distorted guitar—earplugs not included. 9pm.

18+. $10 advance / $12 doors. The Blind Pig, 208 S. 1st St. 734-996-8555. blindpigmusic.com —GMK

combining her gifts as a conceptual visionary with a warm gathering of musical influences, Jill touches that secret heart of ours with her melodies and lyrics. 8pm. $25.

12 sunday Rock, Pop & Hip-hop Dr. Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys The Ark

Ralph Stanley’s voice is not of this century—nor of the last one, for that matter. Its stark urgency is rooted in a time when a short life of trouble was the common lot, when storytelling songs and laments had the grandeur of tragedy. 7:30pm. $45/$70.

Classical, spiritual Kimiko Ishizaka Kerrytown Concert House

A brilliant pianist of Japanese heritage born in Germany, Kimiko Ishizaka believes that music should be accessible to everybody, especially the works of the great masters such as Johann Sebastian Bach. 4pm. $5-$25.

15 wednesday Rock, Pop & Hip-Hop

mances spanning from medieval chamber works to world premieres of operatic and solo literature. 8pm. $5 - $25.

Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic

Mikaela Davis - The Ark

Mikaela Davis is a harpist/singer-songwriter from Rochester, New York. Her musicianship became clear at age eight when she began to study the harp with Grace Wong, principal harpist of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. 8pm. $12.50.

17 friday Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic Dixon’s Violin Yellow Barn

The world’s premier digital violinist, Dixon’s life mission is to inspire people! And he has done so across North America, captivating audiences from intimate shows to crowds of thousands, including Burning Man, two TED talks/performances, plus radio and TV. 7:30pm. $10 or free with Yellow Card.

Jazz, Blues & R&B Kronos Quartet Power Center

The Whigs - Blind Pig

For 40 years, the Kronos Quartet has pursued a singular artistic vision, combining a spirit of fearless exploration with an ongoing commitment to re-imagining the string quartet experience. 8pm.

Jazz, Blues & R&B

18 saturday

American garage rockers The Whigs are a southern rock power trio that has toured with Kings of Leon, The Black Keys and Drive-By Truckers. See note above. 9:30pm. $12.

Colin Stetson - Arthur Miller Theatre

Ann Arbor-born saxophonist Colin Stetson is a touring member of Arcade Fire, Bell Orchestre and Bon Iver—and an impressive solo artist in his own right.

In addition to saxophone, he plays clarinet, bass clarinet, french horn, flute, and cornet.

Encore performance on 1/16.

7pm. $20-$45.

16 thursday Classical, spiritual Liz Pearse - Kerrytown Concert House

Soprano Liz Pearse finds joy in variety, reflected in perfor-

Rock, Pop & Hip-hop Justin Roberts - The Ark

Justin and his band, the Not Ready for Naptime Players, dish out intelligent and whimsically rocking music for kids and their parents. Roberts started out in the Minneapolis indie rock band Pimentos for Gus, which inspired a devoted but small following. 1pm. $12.50

19 sunday Jazz, blues & R&B

The Whammies Kerrytown Concert House

The Whammies (named after a Steve Lacy tune) bring together musicians from three cities,

united by an interest in creating adventurous improvisational forms. 7:30pm. $5 - $30.

20 friday Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic

Biakuye Percussion Group - Downtown Multi-Purpose Library AADL presents a special concert event on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, featuring the acclaimed percussion group Biakuye with a concert grounded in American innovation and African traditions. 1pm. Free.

23 thursday Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic

James Hill - The Ark

With the release of “Man With a Love Song,” James, recognized as one of the world’s foremost ukulele players, stands poised and ready to take his place in the ranks of today’s best young songwriters. 8pm. $20.

Rock, Pop & Hip-Hop

Blueline Brass Band - The Blind Pig

Folk the Police The Blind Pig

An all-night allstar jam featuring The Ragbirds & Macpodz Colloboration alongside Black Jake & The Carnies, Joshua Davis, The Ben Daniels Band and much more. 9:30pm.

Classical, spiritual Denis Matsuev Hill Auditorium

Siberian pianist Denis Matsuev, winner of the 1998 International Tchaikovsky Competition and a relatively recent UMS discovery, has wowed UMS audiences as featured soloist with the Mariinsky Orchestra in October 2010 and in a powerful solo recital in January 2012. 4pm. $20-$44.

27 monday Classical, Spiritual

A Window To Medieval Music w/ Benjamin Bagby - Downtown Library MultiPurpose Room

Vocalist, harper and scholar Benjamin Bagby, ensemble leader of Sequentia, an international group of singers and instrumentalists of medieval music, will discuss the life and music of Saint Hildegard von Bingen, a unique mystical voice from 12th-century Germany. 7pm. Free.

cont. on page 24

Led by sax-man T.J. Wolfgram and trombonist Chris Plaskota, BlueLine plays all groove-able music—from pop to funk and even hip-hop. 9:30pm. $10.

24 friday Rock, Pop & Hip-Hop Michael Joseph - Silvio’s Organic Pizza

A rocker at heart, Michael does covers with an acoustic, sometimes jazzy, twist. Everything from Badfinger to Cowboy Junkies to Smashing Pumpkins, with a few originals in between.

7pm. Free.

26 sunday Rock, Pop & Hip-Hop The Revelers - The Ark

A Louisiana counterpart to Los Lobos, with musicianship and style. 7:30pm. $15.

ecurrent.com / january 2014 23

music

cont. from page 23

30 thursday

Jazz, BLues & R&B

Fred Hersch Trio - Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre

Proclaimed by Vanity Fair as “the most arrestingly innovative pianist in jazz over the last decade,” Fred Hersch balances his internationally recognized instrumental and improvisational skills with significant achievements as a composer, bandleader, and theatrical conceptualist. 7:30pm. Free.

31 january Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic

Ann Arbor Folk Festival Hill Auditorium

For in-depth coverage and interviews with Folk Fest artists, visit pg. 8 - 14.

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january

Mozart Birthday Bash

Saturday, January 25 / Michigan Theater

Who doesn’t love a bit of the ol’ Wolfgang? The Ann Arbor Symphony will celebrate master Mozart’s birthday with a semi-staged performance of one of his classics, Cosi Fan Tutte. Loosely translated as “The School for Lovers,” this humorous opera employs comedy, with a plot full of Italian fiance-swapping. The performance’s raucous, libertine dramedy celebrates Mozart at his best. 8pm.

Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. $12-60. 734-994-4801. a2so.com—JS

2014 / ecurrent.com

11 saturday Cold Eyes

2pm. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8643. michtheater.org Free.

Ha Yoon-ju becomes the newest member to a unit within the Korean Police Forces Special Crime Department that specializes in surveillance activities on high profile criminals. She teams up with Hwang SangJun, the veteran leader of the unit, and tries to track down James who is the cold-hearted leader of an armed criminal organization.

14 tuesday CEW Celebration of Women and Film

7pm. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8643. michtheater.org Free.

The evening will include a free program of short films by and about women. Oscar-winning director, Cynthia Wade will be on hand to discuss the films, especially her documentary, Mondays at Racine. The event is free, but registration is requested.

15 wednesday Kinsey

7pm. $8-10. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8643. michtheater.org

Written and directed by Oscarwinner Bill Condon, Kinsey examines sex researcher Alfred Kinsey. Following the film screening, Sandra Cole, Ph.D.,will give a brief presentation on a wide variety of topics relating to the Kinsey Institute and the ongoing cultural concerns of sexual health.

18 saturday The Berlin File

2pm. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8643. michtheater.org Free.

Ung Jin-soo, a South Korean intelligence agent, comes across an unidentifiable operative, while surveilling a North Korean weapons deal in Berlin. The mystery figure is a North Korean secret agent, Pyo Jong-seong, whose information cannot be found on any intelligence database.

21 tuesday Elemental

7:30pm. $10. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8643. michtheater.org

film

the most pressing ecological challenges of our time. The film follows Rajendra Singh, an Indian government official gone rogue, on a 40-day pilgrimage down the once pristine Ganges river, now polluted and dying.

23 thursday Sundance Film Festival Award Winner: American Promise

6:30pm. Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free.

American Promise is an intimate and provocative account, recorded over 12 years, of the experiences of two middle-class African-American boys who entered a very prestigious and historically white private school on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

26 sunday Answer This!

7pm. Donations accepted. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-6688643. michtheater.org

A special fundraising screening with proceeds to benefit Food Gatherers and the Michigan Theater. Brothers and Ann Arbor natives Chris and Mike Farah shot Answer This! in Ann Arbor in 2009 and the film had its world premiere in 2010.

28 tuesday Sundance Shorts

I am Jack’s smirking revenge

This 90’s cult classic by Oscar-winning director David Fincher [Se7en, House of Cards] introduced a generation of young men to the joys of bare-knuckle boxing, nihilism, and the process of making soap. Yes, Fight Club, based off the Chuck Palahniuk novel, is a gritty psychological drama set apart by its black humor, witty dialog and unprecedented sense of gritty style. The film stars Edward Norton as an unnamed narrator drawn into the world of underground boxing by the charismatic Tyler Durden, played by Brad Pitt. Helena Bonham Carter, Jared Leto and Meat Loaf also join Fincher’s cast of whimsical goons and junkies. No self-respecting film buff can go without seeing this hyper-quotable masterpiece. Saturday, January 11, Midnight. $7. 233 South State St. 734-761-8667. michtheater.org—JS

7pm. $15. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8643. michtheater.org

To round out the Sundance experience the Michigan Theater will screen Sundance Shorts, a collection of the best shorts from the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. Tickets on sale now at ticketmaster.com. Also screening Wednesday, January 29.

30 thursday SFFUSA 2014: Infinitely Polar Bear

7:30pm. $19.45. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8643. michtheater.org

A manic-depressive mess of a father who tries to win back his wife by attempting to take full responsibility of their two young, spirited daughters, who don’t make the overwhelming task any easier. As in previous years, cast and crew members from the film will attend the event and answer audience questions after the screening.

Elemental tells the story of three individuals united by their deep connection with nature - driven to confront some of

More events online at ecurrent.com ecurrent.com / january 2014 25

theater

Artistic Director, David Wolber. He directed David Wells' "Brill" last season and worked with County Line's set designer and costume designer on the critically acclaimed Dead Man's Shoes.

Theater of maturity County Line offers a real coming-of-age story

by Sandor Slomovits

David Wells’ new play, County Line will run at the Performance Network from January 16 (Thursday) to February 16 (Sunday). The play has already received national recognition. It has earned an Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award, and is one of six plays selected for the upcoming National New Play Network Showcase.

Last year, Performance Network staged another Wells play, Brill.

The description of County Line calls it a coming-of-age story. Brill was, in a sense, also a coming-of-age story.

Wells: You’re right, there are elements of that in both plays. The thing is, though, I wasn’t thinking in those terms for either play, though. It seems that most stories with a protagonist in his/her formative years could get the ‘coming of age’ label. Both plays are similar in that they feature a young woman going through life-affecting situations.

Phil Powers had the lead role in Brill and he’ll also be in County Line. Did you have him in mind as you were writing the play?

I had not been picturing Phil while writing County Line, but I was picturing Alissa Nordmoe, who plays Lois, the young woman telling the story. Alissa has this great authenticity and honesty, which is something I was really shooting for in the character of Lois.

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How did you know of her work?

Alissa auditioned for Brill. At the time, I was thinking quite a bit about County Line, and I had a pretty specific voice in mind for the main character. When I heard Alissa read, all my ideas about County Line really crystallized around her. After Sarah Leahy was cast as Brill, I got in touch with Alissa and told her I was writing something with her in mind.

Can you talk about who/what you drew on for these rich characters and their interactions?

I don’t have kids and I was never a teenage girl; so it’s not a relationship I’ve experienced. I know I don’t tend to think in terms of gender differences when I’m writing, but rather about commonalities. I think there’s a lot more overlap between people than there is distance, so that may be part of it.

Lois has not had it easy even before the play begins, and endures a great deal in the course of the play...

I find that the stories that resonate most with me are ones in which people ultimately come together, rather than wind up isolated. While Lois spends the bulk of the play being failed by the institutions designed to protect her, she survives because of her relationship with Darius that leads to her connection with her uncle. The characters who don’t fare as well are isolated, without that overall connection.

theater 7 tuesday Bullet Catch

8pm. $40. Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin Ave. 734-763-3333. ums.org/ performances

A stunt so dangerous that Houdini refused even to attempt it, the magic trick known as the Bullet Catch has claimed the lives of at least 12 illusionists, assistants, and spectators since its conception in 1613. Writer and performer Rob Drummond explores the history of the Bullet Catch. Runs through Sunday, January 12

9 thursday

Daddy issues

A young girl—a child born from the union between a Vietnamese woman and an American GI— searches high and low for her father. So begins the story of Lanford Wilson’s Redwood Curtain. When she finds a homeless veteran living in the redwood forests of Northern California, her obsession and his reclusiveness collide. Wilson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, and Redwood Curtain is a shining example of sharp wit, taking a scalpel to the harsh realities of life in America for our veterans. Opens Thursday, January 16 through March 15, 8pm. $27-42. The Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St. Chelsea. 734-433-7673. purplerosetheatre.org—JS

2 thursday Bill Bushart

8pm. $6-$12. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 314 E. Liberty St. 734-9969080. aacomedyclub.com

Bill Bushart is one of the top acts in the Detroit area; A Michigan native, Bill has traveled the Midwest comedy circuit for the past five years. His repertoire of one-liners and high-energy stage shenanigans are one-ofa-kind. Runs through Saturday, January 4

5 sunday Auditions for Reckless

A2CT Rehearsal Studio, 322 W. Ann St. 734-971-2228. a2ct.org

Ann Arbor Civic Theatre will be holding auditions for the comedy Reckless. Anyone auditioning only needs to show up for one audition, but should be available for call backs. Call to schedule an audition. Auditions held through Wednesday, January 8.

Marc Ryan

8pm. $9-$14. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 314 E. Liberty St. 734-9969080. aacomedyclub.com

Comedian Marc Ryan’s live stand up show incorporates his unique take on the world communicated through hilarious personal observations. Runs through Saturday, January 11.

Additional Friday and Saturday shows will be starting at 10:30pm.

16 thursday Kira Soltanovich

8pm. $10-$15. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 314 E. Liberty St. 734-9969080. aacomedyclub.com

Born in the former Soviet Union, and raised by immigrant parents in San Francisco, Kira Soltanovich has plenty to laugh about. Whether it’s stand-up comedy, sketch, hidden camera or improv, Kira keeps nightclub and television audiences laughing. Runs through Saturday, January 18. Friday and Saturday later showings will be at 10:30pm.

23 thursday Peter Berman

8pm. $9-$14. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 314 E. Liberty St. 734-996-9080. aacomedyclub.com Peter Berman wanted to be a stand up comic since a very young age; He started his comedy career at open mic nights at the Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. Eventually he was opening shows for Tim Allen, Paul Reiser, and Jerry Seinfeld.

Runs through Saturday, January 25. Additional Friday and Saturday skits will begin at 10:30pm

24 friday Irrational

7pm. $7. Eastern Michigan University Quirk Theatre, 124 Quirk Hall, Ypsilanti. 734-487-1220. emich.edu/ emutheatre

The world premiere of a true ancient Greek mathematician love-and-death musical. Also runs Saturday, January 25.

30 thursday Next to Normal

8pm. Thurs. $19, F-Su. $25, $22 seniors, $13 students. Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin Ave. 734-9712228. a2ct.org

This Pulizer Prize and Tonywinning rock musical explores the lives of a suburban family as it copes with crisis and mental illness. Runs through Sunday, February 2.

Events updated daily!

Go ONLINE to see more EVENTS ecurrent.com

ecurrent.com / january 2014 27

artart

Deteriorating drone by Adam Shiverdecker

Learning to love the drone The visuals of the vicious drone

by Louis Meldman

The Ann Arbor Art Center, founded in 1909, is one of Michigan’s oldest visual arts organizations, and, maybe, its most vibrant. It hosts monthly art exhibitions for the public, teaches studio art and art appreciation courses, organizes youth art camps throughout the year, runs an outstanding Gallery Shop promoting regional artists, and puts on special events—parties, really—such as Artini, Paint the Town and the Ann Arbor Art and Brew. Opening on Friday, January 3 and running through Sunday, February 16 is perhaps the edgiest, most politically charged show in the Art Center’s history: “DRONES.” Yes, those drones, the ones that are blowing up bad guys and—oops—sometimes an innocent bystander by mistake. They’re also ideal for surveillance at home and abroad to an extent that would have given George Orwell cold sweats. And there’s so much more to learn and think about drones, which is the purpose of this exciting, must-see exhibition.

Drones may be a technology just as disruptive as were the train, steamship, automobile and computer. Their flight can be controlled remotely or pre-programmed with global positioning like the Amazon Books drones featured recently on “60 Minutes.” Same day delivery! There are Micro Air Vehicles that are bird or even insect size that can work in “swarms.” So-called hummingbird drones are the size of quarters and predator drones are 68 feet long. Drones can monitor pipelines and water levels, map archeological digs, pollution and forest fires. They can track wildlife and poachers, search for fugitives or people who are lost, and drop supplies. Someday, no doubt, we’ll see them in the Big House giving us up close and personal gridiron shots of our Wolverine Victors Valiant.

The swarm

“DRONES” is a multimedia spectacle featuring 41 local, regional, national and international artists who explore the phenomenon of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from 41 unique perspectives. The show includes “Drone Shadows 004” by British artist, James Bridle, which appeared recently at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., just a few blocks away from the White House. It is an eerie, lifesize, crime-scene-like white outline of a reaper drone.

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Also in the show is a selection from Adam Harvey’s Stealth Wear, a drone-proof clothing line. It’s made of lightweight, flexUnknown Site No. 11 ible metalized fabric

by Viktor Witkowsk to reflect heat and conceal the wearer’s thermal signature, and lined in silk to add to the flowy effect. Stealth Wear is a real collection, including a burka, a hijab and a hoodie.

How real is it? The garments cost from $500 to $600 each.

Drones for thought

“DRONES” is brought to us by the Gallery Project, now in its eighth year, a flourishing contemporary art collective run by artist volunteers. The show is curated by Rocco DePietro and Gloria Pritschet, Gallery Project founders and contributors to the exhibit. The Art Center is the second stop for “DRONES” which was a smash hit when it appeared in Detroit’s Eastern Market last year.

Perhaps my personal favorite of the show is by Adam Shiverdecker, a potter and currently professor at the University of Toledo and Resident Artist at Greenwich House Pottery in New York City. He has his Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of South Carolina and has exhibited as far afield as China and Australia. Although he appreciates the sleekness, power and materiality of machines of war, Adam is a dyed in the wool pacifist and envisions a world in which all military arsenals are pushed into the sea. For this exhibition he has taken the form of a predator drone and denatured its surface with irregular amounts of clay, thus allowing for an arbitrary but inevitable process of decay. It works for me, even as we are being ushered into an unpredictable and as yet unfathomable era of the drones.

“DRONES” will be on display at The Ann Arbor Art Center from Friday, January 3 through Sunday, February 16. 117 W Liberty St. 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org Free.

art

11 saturday Affecting the Audience: Anthony Discenza, Aurélien Froment, and Dora García

3pm. UMMA, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free.

Dennis Turner

ongoing Dennis Turner Exhibition

Chelsea Center for the Arts, 400 Congdon St., Chelsea. 734-531-6565. dancingdoggallery.biz Free.

View concepts and drawings for Dennis Turner’s new book Before Once Upon a Time.

Dennis’s art reflects an inner world populated by people and creatures you don’t normally see walking down Main Street, USA. Runs through Saturday, January 25.

6 monday Table of Contents

Clay Gallery, 335 S. Main St. 734-662-7927. claygallery.org Free.

Clay Gallery is hosting an exhibition of dinnerware by artists from Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and Indiana juried by

Dr.Margaret Carney, founder of the Dinnerware Museum. See Art Note on pg. 30.

10 friday

DRONES: Opening Reception

7pm. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St. 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org Free.

See feature on Pg.29 for more details. Opens Friday, January 3 and runs through Sunday, February 16

!6 + 16 Opening Reception

7pm. WSG Gallery, 306 S. Main St.734-761-2287. wsg-art.com Free.

This exhibit features the art of the WSG members and the work of 16 other artists chosen to partner with them. Exhibit opens Tuesday, January 7 through Saturday, February 15.

The three works selected for Affecting the Audience: Anthony Discenza, Aurelien Froment, and Dora Garcia emphasize the construction of images and effects as an experience in the cultural domain. Runs through Thursday, April 17.

12 sunday In Conversation: Reconstructing Fragments

3pm. UMMA, Irving Stenn, Jr. Family Gallery, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu Free.

Enjoy an exploration of the Islamic world through a unique selection of artifacts on loan from the Kelsey Museum of Archeology. Courtney Lesoon, Masters student in Middle Eastern and North African Studies at UM, will lead an investigation of how historical narratives can be reconstructed by considering earthenware, glass, lustreware, and metalwork.

16 thursday Rafael LozanoHemmer

5pm. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8643. michtheater.org Free.

Mexican-Canadian media artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer creates interactive installations that are at the intersection of architecture and performance art. Using technologies such as robotics, computerized surveillance and telematic networks his light and shadow works are antimonuments for alien agency.

17 friday Table of Contents Opening Reception

6pm. Clay Gallery, 335 S. Main St. 734-662-7927. claygallery.org Free.

See note on pg. 29. Runs through Saturday, February 15

All is Well: Mixed Media Works of Sue Finley

Opening 7-10pm. Dancing Dog Gallery 302 E. Liberty. 734-531-6565 dancingdoggallery.com Free

The opening reception for Sue Finley, a locally and nationally recognized photographer and mixed media artist. Exhibit runs through Saturday, February 22.

cont. on page 30

ecurrent.com / january 2014 29

art

cont. from page 29 fascination with Islamic art, her extensive travels in Muslim countries. Runs through Sunday, May 4.

26 sunday Encounters with Islamic Art Lecture

by UM Professor Christiane Gruber Calla Lillies (for Frida)

18 saturday John Schwarz: New Work

Serving it Up With Style

In conjunction with Ann Arbor’s Restaurant Week, the Clay Gallery has organized an exhibition of artist-made dinnerware to whet your appetite. Place settings from thirteen ceramic artists were chosen to be included in the regional ceramic competition, Table of Contents, juried by Dr. Margaret Carney, ceramic historian and founding director of Ann Arbor’s new Dinnerware Museum at 500 N. Main Street.

As Carney says in her juror’s statement, “Dinnerware is ubiquitous. It provides a window on our material culture, norms and attitudes towards food and dining.” The show will run from Monday, January 6 through Saturday, February 15: an artist reception will be held on Friday, January 17, 6-8pm. Clay Gallery, 335 S. Main St. 734-662-7927. claygallery.org Free—JT

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Opening 5-8pm. River Gallery, 120 S. Main St., Chelsea. 734-433-0826. chelsearivergallery.com Free.

For more info, see pg. 31.

25 saturday Doris Duke’s Shangri La: Architecture, Landscape, and Islamic Art

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

This is the first exhibition to present Duke’s five-acre Honolulu estate and its collections to audiences throughout the continental United States. The exhibition illustrates Duke’s

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

Dr. Christiane Gruber will introduce audiences to looking at Islamic art with particular attention to cycles of revival and innovation, as seen in the UMMA exhibition of Doris Duke’s Shangri La: Architecture, Landscape, and Islamic Art.

art We have liftoff The metallic brain-children of John Schwarz

by Jacob Axelrad

John Schwarz makes big sculptures. Among those familiar with his work, there’s a running joke: If it’s not heavy, John didn’t make it.

“Everything I make is heavy,” he said with a laugh.

Schwarz, 54, has sculpted space men, exotic deep-sea fish and even flying dragons—winged creations reminiscent of Leonardo Da Vinci’s flying machines. The materials he’s used have ranged from golf clubs and old skis to glass bottles and a snow blower. All of which he gathered from garage sales, recycling centers or by walking down the street.

“I’m always looking. I’m always collecting things,” he said.

His latest exhibition—on display at the River Gallery in Chelsea—features a series of robots built from assembled parts, over 90 percent of which is recyclable.

Though his pieces can have a random, chaotic feel, he applies the same discipline and technique he learned studying ceramics in art school, first at Eastern Michigan University and later, for his Master of Fine Art degree, at the University of Michigan. For Schwarz, assembling objects is often no different than a painter deciding which color to select from his pallete.

“You have to think it through. Folks assume you can just put anything together, and you really can’t,” he said.

A real iron man

His passion for machines began at a young age. With a NASA engineer for a father, it was instinctual for him to bolt together incompatible items, learning what looked good and what didn’t—a practice that serves him well to this day.

As an avid science fiction fan who found refuge in making art, the seeds for his current mechanical work were planted long ago.

Still, for most of his artistic career, he kept art and machines separate. He stuck with clay, the medium he studied in school.

That is, until his wife Patti co-created the River Gallery in 2000 to showcase her husband’s work. Shortly after the gallery opened, Patti turned to John with an unusual request.

“We’re going to need some funky stuff,” he remembers her telling him. His response was ca- s u a l .

“Well, I can make funky stuff out of anything,” he recalls saying.

He began bolting and welding objects together, employing skills honed from years of sculpting experience, creating structures befitting a scene from the Star Wars films or the Star Trek television series, both of which he loved as a kid.

From there, pieces began to sell. Soon, he was responsing to requests for his pieces from places as far away as Florida and South Korea.

Schwarz did not stop. “I thought, ‘Oh my gosh. I need to keep making these things,’ ” he said.

One piece of his wound up in the Ripley’s Believe or not International Museum. His piece “Reluctant Hero,” which depicts a robot morphing into a flying super hero, found a local home in the University

of Michigan Ross School of Business, where the piece has taken on a bit of mythic significance for business students: They touch the sculpture before final exams for good luck.

Switching media

Had he not switched mediums, he might never have seen this type of notoriety.

“I never would have done this with clay. There’s a potter under every rock between here and San Diego,” he said, adding that though others do similar work with found objects, he distinguishes himself by incorporating clay, maintaining his roots even while constructing metallic, futuristic designs.

“There are a lot of artists who assemble robots with cans and vacuum cleaners,” he said. “The thing that I do differently is I use clay in a lot of mine. I’ll use clay fins for a dinosaur or a fish sculpture.”

Schwarz says one of the hardest obstacles to overcome is the eventual distance between him and the work. After all that time spent scavenging, collecting, assembling, reassembling and deciding, say, which pair of car headlights make the best eyes for a giant-squid sculpture, it can be difficult to let go.

“You have this sense of loss,” he said. “Most of [my sculptures] I’ll never see again. It’s a weird detachment that you go through with art.”

“New Work” on display Saturday, January 18 through Saturday March 1. Opening Reception Saturday January 18, 5–8 pm. River Gallery, 120 S Main St., Chelsea.

734-433-0826. chelsearivergallery.com

ecurrent.com / january 2014 31

current reads

Between Shades of Gray, live Michigan’s Ruta Sepetys, and her literary success

by Joseph Schafer

Each year, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads launches a two-month literary awareness campaign, spearheaded by a single book. Normally, the program features a work of nonfiction—not so this year. 2014’s selection is Between Shades of Gray, the debut novel by Michigan native Ruta Sepetys, exploring her Lithuanian heritage. The novel became an international bestseller in 2011, and racked up awards including being named a New York Times Notable Book, a Carnegie Medal Nominee and the winner of the Golden Kite Award. Current exchanged words with Sepetys about the origin of her story—and herself.

Were you born in the mitten? Where did you attend school?

Yes, I was born and raised in Michigan. I attended Harrison High School in Farmington Hills and graduated from Hillsdale College. I am very proud to be from Michigan!

Can you outline a particular moment, or spark of insight behind Between Shades of Gray?

Growing up with the name ‘Ruta Sepetys’ always raised questions. People constantly asked about the origin of my name, so discussion of my Lithuanian roots has been a strong part of my identity since childhood. In 2005, while visiting family members in Lithuania, I was told that some of my grandfather’s family had been deported to Siberia during Stalin’s reign. At that time, I was not aware of the Baltic deportations. I began to research the topic and was shocked when I discovered how many Lithuanians, Latvians, and Estonians had suffered, yet somehow the history was still fairly unknown. I became inspired to share this part of history.

What was the most difficult part of writing the novel?

The interviews with the survivors were the most difficult, who would share experiences and information that they had kept as secrets for half a century. I sat down

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Each year, Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads designates a book for the local literary community to gather around and discuss during January and February. At the opening event, the program welcomes Ruta Sepetys, author of Between Shades of Gray. Sepetys will be on hand for signings and to discuss to her award-winning international bestseller. Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads will also schedule further discussions throughout January and February. Tuesday, January 21, 7pm. Townsley Auditorium, Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E. Huron River .734-973-3300.

Aaypsireads.org Free.—JS

with people who had been sentenced to death, brutality, and torture, yet somehow managed to survive. It was extremely emotional when they finally shared their stories.

The cleansing of the Baltic people was not discussed in America until the 90’s. Why? After the war, the Baltic countries remained Soviet occupied for fifty years. People weren’t able to speak about what they had experienced. If they did, they risked arrest or recrimination by the Soviets. The Baltic countries regained their independence in the early 1990’s and fifty years of silence had taken its toll. Many survivors have written incredible memoirs and accounts of their time in exile, but very few are written in English. I hope that the real stories will soon be translated into additional languages to allow a wider audience to read them.

Did you imagine that your first novel would win prestigious awards and go on to be an international bestseller?

Never! I can’t express how grateful I am. I wanted to share the story of a hidden piece of history and I thought the audience would be very limited. Teachers, librarians and booksellers have put the book into the hands of many readers who would never choose to read historical fiction.

Between Shades of Gray is only the second work of fiction to win Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti Reads in twelve years—why do you think that is, and what makes a good work of fiction?

I’m so honored that Between Shades of Gray was chosen. Perhaps non-fiction is a popular choice because it often speaks to human experience rather than trend?

In terms of Between Shades of Gray, I tell people that I wrote the book, but history wrote the story. This story belongs to the Baltics and those who experienced Stalin’s terror. In terms of what makes good fiction, I enjoy stories that raise questions but don’t necessarily give all of the answers. I appreciate fiction that inspires me to research a topic and discover further information on my own.

Local Reads wednesday 8

An Evening of Poetry and Written Word

7-9pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tea Room, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. cwpoetrycircle.tumblr.com Free.

Poetry workshop. All writers welcome to share and discuss their poetry or short fiction. Hosted by Joe Kelty, Ed Morin, and Dave Jibson (blogmaster). Bring six copies of your work.

thursday 9

Author Event: Harry Dolan

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

Local author, Harry Dolan will be at Nicola’s Books for a reading and signing of his new mystery, The Last Dead Girl.

monday 13 Laurie Halse

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

Bestselling young adult author, Laurie Halse Anderson will be at Nicola’s Books for a discussion and signing of her new book, The Impossible Knife of Memory, in which a young girl and her father deal with his PTSD after he returns from Iraq. Halse Anderson is also the author of the National Book Award finalists, Speak and Chains.

thursday 16 Kevin Roberts

7-8:30pm. Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room, 343 S. 5th Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free.

Kevin Roberts will discuss his book, Movers, Dreamers, and Risk Takers: Unlocking the Power of ADHD, as well as recent ADHD research. This event will include a book sale and signing.

saturday 18

Writing Workshop: The Fundamentals of Plot 2pm. Pittsfield Branch: Program Room, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. Free. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free.

Local science fiction writer Margaret Yang will discuss how to structure a novel or shorter work, how to see the big picture story arc, how to start and end a story in the right place, and how to avoid common writing traps like infodumps and other dull spots. Participants will make a five-sentence outline providing a blueprint for a story.

wednesday 22

An Evening of Poetry and Written Word: Featured Reader: M. L. Liebler 7-9pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tea Room, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. cwpoetrycircle.tumblr.com Free.

M. L. Liebler, author of 13 books including the award winning Wide Awake in Someone Else’s Dream, will read. All writers welcome to read their own or other favorite poetry or short fiction afterward at open mic.

sunday 26

4pm. Nicola’s Books, 2513 Jackson Ave. 734-662-0600. nicolasbooks.com Free.

The Ann Arbor Storyteller’s Guild meets the fourth Sunday of every month to share stories. Tellers and listeners welcome.

monday 27

Author Event: Malcolm Gladwell 7pm. $15-$150. Michigan Theater, 603 East Liberty St. 734-668-8643. michtheater.com

Nicola’s Books presents an evening with NYT bestselling author Malcolm Gladwell at the Michigan Theater. The bestselling author of The Tipping Point and Outliers will be discussing his latest book, David and Goliath.

thursday 30

Author Event: James Mitchell Discusses His New Book: The Walrus and the Elephants: John Lennon’s Years of Revolution 7-8:30pm. Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free.

Join author and journalist James Mitchell to celebrate the release of The Walrus and the Elephants: John Lennon’s Years of Revolution. A reading and discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A and book sale and signing.

ecurrent.com / january 2014 33

get healthy

Photos by Marisa Rubin

Your home stretch Bro-ga and more at A yoga 2

Russ Axon

The ancient art of yoga was developed to achieve physical, mental and spiritual harmony. But a typical American man may say something about “silly poses” and chanting “Ohm.” A2 Yoga challenges those misconceptions.

The local yoga studio offers over 40 different classes each week, including a men's yoga—humorously called “broga,” a class designed just for men.

Dina Hough, co-owner and instructor at A2 Yoga, says the YogaMAN class helps dispel prominent stereotypes associated with yoga and gives guys a chance to actually try it. “The primary benefit is to create a healthy environment for men to learn about how to adjust their bodies without social stereotypes or physical contradictions,” she says. Dina explains that the poses and movements in the class cater to the male body, which has a unique anatomical structure and center of gravity.

The class is a challenging workout that requires firm balance and strong muscles. Though it leaves many practitioners exhausted afterwards, it also helps clear their mind of daily stresses and clutter.

Dina says the class is part of the studio’s commitment to variety and acceptance. “It honors the history of yoga and the diversity of desires students have for different styles of classes and teachers,” she says.

Variety and purpose

A Yoga employs 20 teachers who work in almost every aspect of yoga, including classes focused on women only, athletes, cardiac health, beginners, pre-natal and prana vinyasa (an advanced form). “We understand that many individuals want to take care of themselves physically but don’t know 2

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2014 / ecurrent.com

where to start may not be able to afford it,” Dina says.

Many of the classes are also free as part of the studio’s Community Commitment program, which supports local non-profit organizations.

The idea started with the A2 Yoga’s founder, Ana Hough (Dina’s sister), who opened the studio 10 years ago as Downtown Yoga. The original space was in the second floor of The Mail Shoppe, their mother’s small business.

With the help of their parents, the sisters moved the studio to its current location, a former furniture factory on Commerce Boulevard.

“It’s truly a family-run business,” Dina says. During those formative years both she and her sister received a lot of support from the Ann Arbor community while they were training for their yoga teacher certifications. “[My sister and I] have both lived moments of great struggle financially. Not only were there services in the community that helped us to not give up but I was, thankfully, encouraged to use them,” Dina says. “I knew one day I would be able to give back.”

Through the studio’s Community Commitment classes, practitioners can donate to A2 Yoga, and each business quarter the studio gives 100 percent of those donations directly to a local nonprofit. Dina says that charity is also an overlooked but important branch of yoga, and she hopes that the community will gain much from A2 Yoga’s classes and charity. “By giving back, we are supporting the community that supports us.”

Classes at A2 Yoga last 60 to 90 minutes; prices and start times vary. Sign up online or call for more information.

2030 Commerce Blvd. 734-2164006. a2yoga.net

health events 14 tuesday

Frankly Speaking about Multiple Myeloma 6-8pm. University of Michigan Cancer Center, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr. 734-975-2500. mcancer.org Free This workshop will cover the latest treatments for multiple myeloma.

In addition to discussing the most recent discoveries, learn about side-effects and side-effect management. Please RSVP for this event.

17 friday

Aerial Fabric Workshop Series 7-9pm. $70. The Aviary, 4720 S. State St. 734-726-0353. a2aviary.com This two-part workshop will focus on precision and technique to help you become more graceful and add more personal expression to your work. Learn how to work with gravity with spinal propulsion, momentum, and economic movement. Bring a water bottle.

Participants should have at least one year of serious study. Also on Friday January 18.

25 saturday

Twerkshop 6-7:30pm. $20. The Aviary, 4720 S. State St. 734-726-0353. a2aviary.com Twerking is all over the internet and has made its way into the clubs, and party scenes. Learn basic twerk moves as well as more advanced ones. Each move will be broken down and then put together into a mini routine. Booty shorts or leggings are recommended, and don’t forget to bring a water bottle.

Reservations can be made online.

28 tuesday

Addiction and Suicide Prevention 7:30-9pm. St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center, 5305 Elliott Dr., Ypsilanti.

734-485-8725. dawnfarm.org Free This program will raise awareness of the signs of suicidal thinking and describe ways to offer support and obtain help for those contemplating suicide. Part of the Dawn Farm Education Series.

get healthy

everything else Draw something

Professional relief

Michigan lawmakers are considering enhancing a student loan repayment program for doctors and dentists to keep more primary care providers in the state. Senate Bills 648 and 649 would give graduates of various dental and health care schools in Michigan more money to pay back their student loans if they agree to practice in the state's underserved areas. The bills’ supporters believe the program addresses both the shortage of health care professionals in Michigan as well as sky-rocketing student debt. This year alone, the state has increased the program's budget from $1 million to nearly $2.5 million.

-GMK

Comic Artist Jay Fosgitt is the creator of popular comic books such as “Bodie Troll” and online graphic novels like “Dead Duck”.

On Sunday, January 5 he will host a Comic Artists Forum in the 4th Floor Meeting Room of the Downtown Library. This is a forum for comic enthusiasts and cartoonists—from beginners to professionals. Fosgitt, who has contributed illustrations to Dreamworks’ Animation Magazine and the forthcoming Seasme Street comic book, will assist the class in learning better techniques for drawing and story creation. Don’t forget your drawing tools and be prepared to learn—even advanced illustrators can take away knowledge from this special event. 1pm.

Free. Intended for adults and teens (grade 6 and up).

343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org—GMK

1 wednesday Poker Tournament

5pm. $10-$500. Heidelberg Poker Room, 215 N Main. St. 734-834-2237.

1800letsplay.net.

Texas hold ‘em and blackjack for players of all levels. With tournaments, free dinners each night, and other nightly specials. Net proceeds donated to a different charity each week.

Also on January 3 & 4.

5 sunday Comic Artists Forum with Jay Fosgitt 1-3pm. Downtown Library: 4th Floor Meeting Room, 343 S. 5th Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org

Jay Fosgitt, creator of the graphic novel Dead Duck and a previously contributing artist to Dreamworks’ Animation Magazine, will discuss his comics, inspirations and common themes. See above for more info.

ecurrent.com / january 2014 35

everything else 11 saturday New Year’s Workshop for Mindful Parents 2-4pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net

Chuck Barbieri, Mindful Parenting Coach for the past 10 years, will present a workshop that will explore how to become a more mindful parent from the inside out. Examining obstacles and opportunities to become more mindfully present with children. Identify specific new year’s resolutions to help you become the parent you want to be! Register by e-mailing pippibarbieri@gmail. com or phone 734-686-2834 by January 8.

12 sunday DIY Spa

2-3pm. Pittsfield Branch: Program Room, 2359 Oak Valley Dr. 734-3274200. aadl.org Free

Learn how to make relaxing homemade spa items that will impress your friends. This event is intended for adults and teens.

14 tuesday

month, enjoy an evening of spoken word, music and an all-around variety show. This month’s show features Julie Babcock, Andrew Sigworth, Luis Anderson, Jess Salisbury and Craig Combs. Open mic signup at 7pm. If interested in performing, contact Craig at craigcombs@me.com.

16 thursday Networking for Small Businesses

6-8pm. Cleary University, 3750 Cleary Dr., Howell. 734-929-9091. annarborscore.com Free

This workshop will be perfect for small business owners who are looking for tips on networking. Use social media to network while reducing marketing costs.

Lecture and Gallery Opening: 4,000 Years for Choice: Changing Culture, Creating History, and Honoring Stories of Reproductive Freedom 4pm. 2239 Lane Hall, 204 S. State St.

This lecture expands upon the age-old practices of abortion and contraception as a means to reclaim reproductive freedom.

The Cross St. Chronicles Variety Show & Open Mic

7-9pm. Ugly Mug Cafe & Roastery, 317 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti. 734-484-4684. uglymugypsi.com Free

The second Tuesday of every

17 friday Dinner and a Movie with Out Loud

22 wednesday unemployed people and children under 4. Towsley Auditorium Morris Lawrence Building, 4800 E. Huron River Dr. 734-265-0740. olconline.org

Let Out Loud take you on a musical date night! It will be an evening full of deliciously entertaining music performed

by Washtenaw County’s original mixed LGBT chorus.

Ballroom Dance Party

Group lesson at 7pm, followed by open dancing at 8pm. Entire evening, $15/ open dancing, $10. Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse Dr. 734-644-1485. aactmad.org

Spend an evening dancing the Tango, the Cha Cha, Rumba and more! Become a ballroom expert after learning the Foxtrot. If your birthday is in December or January, open dancing is free. Refreshments are potluck, so bring your favorites to share.

18 saturday 27th Annual Antique Show

9am-4pm. Liberty School, 7265 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. 734-944-0713. salinehistory.org Free

Juried show and sale of American furniture, folk art, postcards, quilts, tableware, kitchenware, pottery, linens, books, jewelry, and more!

Over 40 dealers will be present. Concessions available.

8-10pm. $15, advance/ $18, at door/ $12, for students/seniors/ free, for

The War on Poverty: A Retrospective

4pm. Hatcher Graduate Library Gallery: Room 100, 973 S. University Ave. 734-764-0400. lib.mich.edu Free

Martin Luther King’s final book, Where do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community articulated a critique of the War on Poverty and related programs.

Pointing to the inadequacy of funding and the lack of coordination among federal programs aimed at eradicating poverty, he argued for guaranteed income for all Americans.

On this 50th anniversary of the War on Poverty, we revisit this program and its impact in the context of King’s argument.

25 saturday HAM Radio Course

9am-3:30pm. $10. Ann Arbor HandsOn Museum, 220 E. Ann St. 734-995-5439. aahom.org

Join Dan Romanchik of the amateur radio station WA2HOM, for this class during which attendees will take the examination to receive their technician license. A free study guide is available online at kb6nu. com/tech-manual. Class fee is used to fund improvements at WA2HOM. For registration or information, contact Dan by email at cwgeek@kb6nu.com.

Fourth Saturday Contra and Square Dance: AACTMAD

7pm. $10/ $9, members/$5, students.

Concourse Hall, 4531 Concourse Dr. 734-786-8380. aactmad.org

road trip

Enjoy an evening of contras and squares with music by The Rhythm Billies and calling

by Reuven AnafShalom, Ed Vincent, and Marlin Whitaker.

The Fillimore Detroit / Saturday, January 11

Toledo Repertoire Theater / Friday, January 17

Learn iMovie with CTN

One of Nashville's best-kept Country secrets, Jamey Johnson has written songs for Trace Adkins, George Strait and others, though he keeps his best tracks—rollicking anthems like "The Dollar" and "Rebelicious" for himself. He's earned Grammy nominations for his blend of mainstream rock and outlaw country in the vein of Willie Nelson.

Saturday, January 11, 7:30pm. $25-35. The Fillimore Detroit, 2115 Woodward Ave. Detroit.

313-961-5451, thefillmoredetroit.com

This play-within-a-play chronicles one motley true of actors on tour, while romance and incompetence cause their on-stage performances to implode. With its innovative rotating set, ping-ponging narrative and ridiculous ensemble cast, Noises off might be the most hilarious of all Neil Simon's work.

Friday, January 17, $20 adults, $18 seniors, $10 students, $5 children. 8pm F-Sa, 2:30pm Su. Runs through Sunday, January 26. The Toledo Repertoire Theatre, 16 10th St., Toledo. 419-2439277. toledorep.org

— Detroit & Toledo

Jamey Johnson

Bar 145 / Sunday, January 12 Bar Wars

Live entertainment will be provided at this befit for Paws and Whiskers Shelter of Toledo—come for the charity, but stay for the excellent burgers (veggie and carnivorous) and fine bourbon. To sweeten the pot, Current magazine staff will guest bartend. Put bottoms up with us.

Sunday, January 12, 7-11pm. $5, free with unopened pet item. 5305 Monroe St., Toledo.

419-593-0073. bar145toledo.com

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Noises Off

The Detroit Institute of Arts / Wednesday, January 22 African Art

the Detroit Institute of Arts boasts an impressive collection of African art from across the continent. Volunteer educators will lead tours through the museum's collection, including a chance to see the special exhibition Balance of Power: A Throne for an African Prince.

Wednesday, January 22, 4:30pm. The Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave. Detroit.

313-833-7900. dia.org

28 tuesday 7-9pm. Downtown Library: Training Center, 343 S. 5th Ave. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

The staff from Community Television Network will teach the basic techniques needed to make high-quality videos. Bring some of your own footage.

Intended for Grade 5 - adults.

30 thursday Professional Development Workshop - How Do We Know the Climate is Changing?

9am-3pm. $11. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, 220 E. Ann St. 734-995-5439. aahom.org

Join Susan Kohler of NASA, as she discusses the alarming climate change detected by the use of NASA satellite technology. Learn about the NASA Climate Time Machine: researching air, temperature and sea ice. Attendees will design a satellite using Engineering Design protocols. Registration required.

crossword

Across 1. Mated, as horses 5. “Beat it” 10. Chain with active cultures 14. Rock that cannot, in fact, be contained in a lamp 15. Like most parental tastes, to children 16. Joey Lawrence catchphrase on “Blossom” 17. Place to bake 18. Senator Sam who investigated Watergate 19. The I of I.M. Pei 20. Where a “Gilligan’s Island” hottie moved after striking it rich?

23. “That’s me” 24. Having a high BMI 26. Gloves worn mostly in spring, summer, and fall 29. Heavyweight org. generally assumed to be corrupt 32. Havens 34. “Children of her type contrive the purest philosophies” Nabokov girl 35. Herding sheep?

38. Ready, as fruit 40. Instrument with keys and a bench 41. Talk Like a Pirate Day phrase 42. What Gaia and Athena use to alert other drivers?

45. Child 46. Nick who played John Connor in “Terminator 3” 47. Buddhist school 48. ___ br˚lÈe 50. Copperhead, e.g.

52. South Korea’s fourth-largest company 53. Drag, and a hint to this puzzle’s theme 60. Start to wake 62. Cry at the county fair 63. Ice-T’s wife 64. Small iPod option 65. Grammy-winning Renaissance man Steve 66. Uptight, as it were 67. Doesn’t share 68. Body images?

69. Fall faller

31. Great works, collectively 33. “Humble” living space 36. Some printers 37. Word incorrectly paired with “either” 39. Star and director of the biopic “Pollock” 43. Nevada city whose Shoshoni name means “pile of rocks” 44. CBS drama spun off from “JAG” 49. Big name in mobility scooters 51. U.K. university where Daniel Libe-

skind trained 52. Alan who lost to Obama in 2004 54. Do really well, as it were 55. Explorer on Nickelodeon 56. Depend (on) 57. Actress Skye of “Say Anything ...”

58. Org. with a self-serving category called “student athletes” 59. Eisenhower course sport 60. “Unbelievable,” in online slang 61. Telenovela family member

for crossword answers, go to ecurrent.com

Just toss it

Down 1. Oprah’s Life Lift, e.g.

2. Sitarist Shankar 3. Settled up 4. “Fudge” 5. Word before donor or bank 6. 2006 Pixar hit 7. Say you can make it to the party, say 8. Continent with about twenty cities larger than New York 9. ___ Park, California (site of Facebook’s headquarters) 10. Once bitten, ___ 11. “Q: How does Moses make tea? A: Hebrews it,” e.g.

12. Halloween word 13. “Yes” 21. Right on the map?

22. Certain quatrain pattern 25. Omnipotent one, in Hebrew 26. Colorful Mexican cocktails, in slang 27. Dolts 28. Evading a question, as it were 29. Rachel of “The Constant Gardener” 30. Tycho who taught Johannes Kepler

ecurrent.com / january 2014 37

current trendz

Joshua Smith, Chicago Greg Walker, Ann Arbor Amee Spondike, Ann Arbor

Hats

Jessica Bryant, Chicago

Preserving brain heat on the stacks of Ann Arbor Photos by Natasha Barros

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

Lauren Sonnteiy, Ann Arbor

Andrew Delneky, Chicago

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Tina Smith, 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.

Line Classifieds $20 for 20 words or less. 40¢ per each additional word.

Box Classifieds $25 per column inch. One column = 1.4519" Photos can be placed in box or line ads for an additional $5 per photo.

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.

Phone: 419-244-9859.

Fax: 419-244-9871.

Email to: classifieds@ecurrent.com

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HELP WANTED

------------------------------------We’re looking for a freelance writer and a freelance photographer.

Paid gigs for Current & Ann Arbor Family magazines. E-mail us at aspcmedia@gmail.com

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SERIOUS MOMS WANTED. We need serious & motivated people for expanding health and wellness industry. High speed internet/phone essential. Free online training. www. iworkforfreedom.com

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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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 ------------------------------------

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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Planet Rock WEEKEND BOULDERING SERIES! Jan 18th, 6pm. All levels, ages 17 and up.

Register at the door, cost $15 www.planet-rock.com

Interview by

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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 -------------------------------------

FOR SALE

------------------------------------Queen Size solid oak bed w/side rails, foot board and headboard, a matching 3 drawer side table; An old printers desk, Jasper co, large, as is; Refinished dresser by Northern Furniture co, Antique w/copper pulls, red mahogany color - well made tongue and groove craftsmanship.

Call Kelli 734 265-6749 -------------------------------------

FINANCIAL SERVICE

------------------------------------STRUGGLING WITH YOUR MORTGAGE AND WORRIED ABOUT FORECLOSURE? Reduce your mortgage & save money.

Legal loan modification services.

Free Consultation. Call PREFERRED LAW 1-800-915-4832

call Lydia at 419.244.9859

to sell your stuff today

style sense

By Jordan Killam

Lisa Reyerse

Graphic Designer, Toledo Museum of Art Lisa may look like the girl next door, but her wardrobe suggests otherwise. She’s bubbly and fun to chat with, but also very decisive and serious about her preferences in fashion and style. She works by day to create the brand identity for one of the country’s foremost art institutions, and her clothes indicate that she also has a very strong brand of her own.

Lisa’s spatial intelligence helps her pair unexpected garments together. She mixes eras and materials that transport her back to specific points in her own life history. When you see Lisa, odds are, she can tell you a specific story about everything she’s wearing!

You are a graphic designer by trade. Does this influence the way you put outfits together?

I think my profession has trained my eye to find a simple connection. Whether it it’s color, texture, pattern, etc. I think it also trained me to always carry or wear one thing that really pops. Mixing intensities is something that I like to carry throughout my work and my wardrobe.

What is the most daring ensemble you’ve ever worn to work?

I try not to get too inspired with my wardrobe when I’m in the office. I think just wearing high-waisted pants throw my coworkers off.

Where do you typically shop for original items?

I tend to travel a lot and I make it a goal on my travels to try to find at least one signature item while I’m out and about.

Recently, I took a spontaneous trip to Vermont via NYC. On the way back, random travel mishaps led me to a town called Cold Spring. There, I found the most amazing vintage shop and scored an amazing alligator clutch.

What fashion crime do you often find yourself committing?

My most consistent fashion crime has to do with socks. I think socks are an underestimated accessory. I like to wear patterned socks with cute wedges or wooden clogs. Some people can’t handle it. I say, “Why not?! It’s frickin’ cold out!”

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