Metro Times 12/27/2023

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Vol. 44 | No. 9 | DECEMBER 27, 2023-JANUARY 2 , 2024

EDITORIAL

News & Views

Editor in Chief - Lee DeVito

Feedback ............................... 6

Investigative Reporter - Steve Neavling

News .................................... 10

Digital Content Editor - Layla McMurtrie

Lapointe............................... 14

Staff Writer - Randiah Camille Green

ADVERTISING Associate Publisher - Jim Cohen Regional Sales Director - Danielle Smith-Elliott

Cover Story

Sales Administration - Kathy Johnson

New Year’s Eve Guide ......... 22

Account Manager, Classifieds - Josh Cohen

BUSINESS/OPERATIONS Business Support Specialist - Josh Cohen

What’s Going On

Controller - Kristy Dotson

Things to do this week ........ 26

CREATIVE SERVICES Creative Director - Haimanti Germain Art Director - Evan Sult

Music

Graphic Designer - Aspen Smit

Local Buzz ............................ 30

CIRCULATION Circulation Manager - Annie O’Brien

Food

DETROIT METRO TIMES

Review ................................. 32 Chowhound ......................... 34

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NEWS & VIEWS Feedback Yeah, I have a tip for you: get someone to edit Joe Lapointe’s stories before you publish them next time, especially when you’re giving an opinion piece the tags of “crime” and “news.” What is going on with this article about Samantha Woll (“Lapointe: In the Samantha Woll murder case, city uneasy despite arrest”) that for reasons unknown mentions Trump over and over again? And to call Hamas’s October 7 action against its apartheid state oppressors a “pogrom” is reductionist at best, completely false in actual. A pogrom is an organized attack based on a person’s religion being Jewish. To say Hamas attacked Jewish settlers because they are Jewish erases the history of the violence of

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the Israeli state over last 75 years since the first Nakba. Not to mention how insulting this piece is to the people of Detroit who don’t live in “...an upscale and wellpoliced neighborhood near downtown...”

According to Lapointe, I guess those neighborhoods aren’t supposed to be safe.

Words matter and I can usually turn to my local independent news source to at least attempt to publish the truth. This piece is bombastic and if you’re short on editors, call me up. Don’t publish this guy’s words just because you get to put “former reporter for the New York Times” under it, because it’s not the flex you think it is.

—Samantha Scannell, email Comments may be edited for clarity. Sound off: letters@metrotimes.com.

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NEWS & VIEWS

The Mike Morse Law Firm is bringing back its “Ride Free NYE” campaign.

COURTESY PHOTO

Mike Morse is giving free Uber rides for NYE While you’re figuring out where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in metro Detroit, don’t forget the most important thing of all — how to get home.

To that end, the Mike Morse Law Firm is bringing back its “Ride Free NYE” campaign for a second year to help metro Detroiters ring in 2024 safely.

The company, which has been running in Michigan for over 30 years,

helps protect the rights of auto accident and injury victims. On one of the most dangerous nights of the year for drivers, this promotion preemptively aids that work, the firm says.

“As we approach New Year’s Eve, a time of celebration and reflection, our firm wants to do our part to help everyone have a safe and responsible way to ring in the new year,” Mike Morse, founder of Mike Morse Law

Firm and the guy on the those ubiquitous billboards around town, said in a press release. “By offering complimentary Uber rides, we hope to reduce the number of accidents and injuries on our roads during this festive time. I truly believe in not only advocating for our clients but also taking proactive steps to prevent accidents, promote responsible behavior, and try to ensure everyone has a safe and happy start to the new year.”

The law firm will provide 1,000 vouchers for people who plan to go out in the Detroit area for the holiday.

Through Dec. 31, anyone who wants a $20 Uber voucher can obtain one online at 855mikewins.com/ridefreenye, while supplies last.

To use the voucher, rides must be taken in metro Detroit between 5 p.m. on Sun., Dec. 31, and 5 a.m. on Mon., Jan 1.

—Layla McMurtrie

Majority of Detroit-area voters support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, poll finds

nent ceasefire, as well as for providing humanitarian aid to the region.

The new survey found that 53% of Detroit-area voters disapprove of President Joe Biden’s handling of the Israel-Palestine conflict, including 40% of Democrats, 55% of independents, and 69% of Republicans. These are similar findings to a recent New York Times poll, which found that 57% of registered voters disapprove of Biden’s handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while just 33% approve. The voters polled also said they would trust Republican Donald Trump more than Biden on the issue.

Out of the Detroit-area voters, 44% feel that Biden has been too pro-Israel, while 30% believe that he has been too pro-Palestine or pro-Hamas. Many vot-

ers said that if Biden did call for a permanent ceasefire though, they would approve of him more, a hypothetical situation that jumps his Detroit-area approval rating up by 34 points.

Also in the survey, slightly more people said that they were concerned about civilian casualties in Israel than civilian casualties in Gaza. When asked if the U.S. should increase, decrease, or keep funding to Israel the same, most people said it should be decreased, while keeping the funding as is scored almost the same amount of points.

U.S. Rashida Tlaib, the sole Palestinian-American in Congress, faced controversy for calling for a ceasefire. She is now part of a small but continually growing list of congressional supporters.

—Layla McMurtrie

In Michigan, the state with the largest Arab population in the nation, most voters strongly support the U.S. calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, according to a new survey conducted by Data for Progress and We the People-Michigan.

The findings follow the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Palestinian Gaza Strip that has now led to nearly 20,000 dead, with fears of it escalating into a larger war in the Middle East.

Surveying voters in Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties, the study found that two-thirds of Detroit-area voters support a de-escalation of violence in Gaza. This included 80% of Democrats, 66% of independents, and 49% of Republicans.

An earlier Lake Research Partners’ poll found that 71% of Michigan Democrats support a ceasefire.

According to a press release, previous Data for Progress polling has also found strong national support for a perma-

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Nandi’s Knowledge Cafe wants to build an ‘Agri-hood’ in Highland Park

Dang, that’s a lot of K.

Man busted smuggling $4M worth of ketamine into DTW Authorities say they prevented a United Kingdom man from bringing about 110 pounds of the drug ketamine into Detroit Metropolitan Airport, a haul which they estimate has a street value of $4 million.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection say the incident happened on Dec. 13, when an X-ray scan detected suspicious packages in two large suitcases belonging to a man who arrived on a flight from France. When questioned, the man claimed the suitcases were given to him by a family member. A physical inspection found the luggage was full of plastic bags filled with white crystals, which field tests later revealed to be ketamine, valued at $90 per gram.

1960s green and white ‘Water Wonderland’ license plate is back Another vintage license plate is returning to Michigan in

2024. The state will begin offering a green and white “Water Wonderland” license plate similar to the one from 1963 starting Jan. 27.

The green and white plate is a tribute to 1963 and the civil rights advancements that happened that year including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and UAW President Walter Reuther leading the Walk to Freedom in Detroit. King delivered a version of his “I Have a Dream” speech at then-Cobo Hall during that visit, two months before he gave it on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial at the March on Washington.

This year marked the 60th anniversary of King’s Detroit historic visit.

“I am proud to bring back a green

U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION

CBP officers say they seized the contraband and the traveler was sent back to France.

“Our drug interdiction mission is vital to protecting our nation and our communities from the dangers of illicit substances,” CBP acting port director John Ammons said in a statement.

A Schedule III controlled substance, ketamine can be used as an anesthesia and treatment for depression.

As a street drug, ketamine is used to produce a dissociative state, and at high enough doses, users may experience what is called the “K-hole,” or visual and auditory hallucination. Billionaire Elon Musk is said to be a fan of ketamine, which honestly would explain a recent Last Week Tonight with John Oliver segment.

The CBP says it seizes an average of 2,895 pounds of illegal drugs every day.

—Lee DeVito

and white plate that pays tribute to the civil rights advancements of 1963 along with a new, more secure Michigan driver’s license and ID,” said Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in a statement.

“The new plate will serve as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve full equality and justice for all. The new ID design will protect Michiganders from identity theft, fraud, and other criminal activity.”

Michigan will also be rolling out a new driver’s license and state ID design next year featuring the Michigan coat of arms and the names of the five Great Lakes when held at certain angles.

Another vintage plate, the 1965 blue and yellow “Water-Winter Wonderland,” made a comeback in December of 2021 and has proven to be extremely popular with more than 1.2 million issued through November 2023.

You can order the green and white plate via Michigan.gov/SOS or when purchasing a vehicle through a dealership.

—Randiah Camille Green

Highland Park could be home to an extensive urban farm and outdoor classroom next spring.

It’s being called an “Agri-hood” and would be located on three vacant lots next to neighborhood staple Mama Nandi’s Knowledge Cafe. Plans for the Argri-hood include a micro orchard and berry patch, greenhouse, pollinator garden, and an outdoor kitchen with a woodfire brick oven.

Dawn Folsom is organizing a GoFundMe campaign for the project on behalf of cafe owner and community steward Mama Nandi. It has a lofty $150,000 goal including $35,000 for the outdoor classroom and $30,000 for an immersive playground.

Folsom says she’s spent the last 14 years building urban farms for underserved youth in places like Indiana, Arkansas, and Florida. She also runs A New Dawn Farm in Fort Wayne Indiana, where she is currently based. She’s originally from Florida but met Mama Nandi in 2021 when she lived in Detroit briefly.

“She helped me out at a point in my life when I was starting over,” Folsom says. “I had baby twins and we had been abandoned in Detroit.

If anyone in the neighborhood needs help, it’s her.”

She adds, “It feels like Highland Park has been forgotten, like Detroit has turned its back on Highland Park, but it has such a rich history of urban farming.”

Folsom’s project in Indiana, in partnership with the Garrett Public Library, included an outdoor classroom similar to the one she wants to build at Nandi’s and a meditation pathway.

“It provided the children in the neighborhood the opportunity to take ownership in something and we ended up serving 3,000 people that first year,” she says.

Mama Nandi tells us, “I deal with the children [in the neighborhood] a lot and if the children can be out in nature, maybe it will help them learn. I’m here to teach the children to learn and better themselves.”

Mama Nandi has owned the lots next to the cafe for three years and has built a few raised beds on the land to teach local kids about growing their own food. She says she never had the funds or resources

to build out the space and Folsom convinced her to start the fundraiser.

“I just do things the best I can if I have money for it,” she says.

“But I’ve had this land for a long time and the block is empty so I’ve always thought about using it to do something for the children.”

She moved Nandi’s Knowledge Cafe at 71 Oakman Blvd. from its former spot on Woodward Avenue in 2017. It functions as primarily an African-centric bookstore and cafe, but is considered a community haven with weekly events like poetry nights.

During Kwanzaa, which starts on December 26, Mama Nandi hosts a nightly gathering for neighborhood children to light a candle for each of the holiday’s seven days.

Mama Nandi tells Metro Times a large part of the Agri-Hood project will be planting fruit and nut trees to give Highland Park children a chance to interact with nature.

“I want to have a nature walk and be able to do something as simple as showing them how to climb a tree,” she says. “I’m in my sixties and when I was growing up, you used to be able to go anywhere in the city and eat grapes and berries.

That doesn’t exist anymore, but if you plant it will grow, just like if you build it it will grow.”

For the outdoor classroom, Mama Nandi plans to focus on teaching children aged 5-10 reading, writing, science, and math. She also wants to have retired elders in the community teach skilled trades like carpentry.

“All of my grandchildren are 11 and under and these children are just brilliant,” she says. “The things that are running through their heads… they need to be encouraged and they need hands-on activities.

I feel like a lot of hands on things have been taken out of schools and they’re just on the computer. At this young age, they can grab things quickly and decide where they wanna go. I want them to be their own bosses and be able to build their own businesses.”

Folsom expects to be back in Highland Park to build the AgriHood from May 16-19.

—Randiah Camille Green

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A display of art for sale at the Amber Collective’s brick and mortar store.

COURTESY PHOTO

The Amber Collective works to highlight underrepresented artists When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, similar to many industries, the art world found itself plunged into unprecedented depths. Stripped of social interactions and devoid of in-person shows or galleries, artists grappled to redefine their place and find their footing.

Amid this challenging landscape, groups like Detroit’s new Amber Collective are striving to reunite the city’s artistic community, pooling resources and materials to unearth opportunities for both themselves and other underrepresented artists of the city.

“Out of [COVID], all of us kind of went into silos. Still doing our work, still trying to get our messages out there, but no real avenues to do that,” Dianetta Dye, a founding member of the Amber Collective, says. “I think our goal is to just kind of get back out there, find some avenues for growth and improvement and a way to have some revenue come in as well. We’re stronger in numbers than we are individually.”

Back in June of 2023, Daejona Gordon, a photographer and graphic designer, was working at Michaels when she ran into Dye, whose focus is printmaking and mixed-media art. The pair hadn’t seen each other in awhile, and began to discuss their work life at the time and the state of art in Detroit, soon adding a few other local artists to the mix.

Quickly, the group met and started the Amber Collective with six founding members, all of whom are Black femmes.

On Small Business Saturday, which was Nov. 25, the collective opened a brickand-mortar store at 19372 Livernois Ave. on Detroit’s “Avenue of Fashion.” The shop is currently open Thursday through

Sunday from 11 a.m.- 7 p.m, featuring 15 local artists and a variety of mediums including sculptures, hand blown glass, original art cards, prints, photography, graphic design, repurposed leather jewelry, fiber art, and more.

On Monday nights, the collective hosts a group discussion and cocktail hour for artists and art lovers.

“Those have been going really well, we have a nice group of people that show up and they come out, they look at the work, we talk about art, the state of art in Detroit, some of our goals, we connect with people,” Dye says. “It’s just been really nice to kind of get together and have those candid, casual conversations, and just the camaraderie. It’s been really, really nice.”

Gordon says that to her, the Amber Collective is all about support. “We were all a group of women who have been going through lots of different things in our individual lives,” she says. “It’s really about expanding our opportunities to others and figuring out a way to nurture the artists that don’t really get as much shine in Detroit right now.” As someone who is not super vocal about her own art and was beginning to create less, starting the collective encouraged Gordon to continue her creative journey.

While all six of the Amber Collective’s founding members are Black femmes and Gordon feels that is something important to highlight, the collective is open to any artists who aren’t often given a platform.

“Right now, there are only Black femme artists in our group, but if we were to come across someone who would also fit our mission, they can also join,”

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Gordon says. “But, I think it really is important to highlight Black femininity, because a lot of the time in Detroit or in the bigger art groups, they don’t really highlight Black femmes. A lot of them focus on men. When it comes to [race], Black people get the short end of the stick a lot of the time, so right now, I thought it was important to highlight that we are a group of Black femmes who started this. However, if other people wanted to join, it’s absolutely OK, but we started this.”

Adding to this point, Dye adds that it is essential for everyone to tell their personal stories unapologetically through their art, especially when those stories aren’t always told mainstream. She says that all of the members have similarities as people and in their work, but they are very different in many ways as well.

“So many times we’ve been somewhat passive about telling our story and I’m encouraging the group to be a little bit more militant about it, to talk about some of those painful things and to highlight some of the rough edges of our work. I think it’s important, kind of cathartic, and it draws us closer together,” Dye says. “A lot of our stories are similar and different all at the same time. We have age differences and our backgrounds are different, we all may be of a certain race, and we’re femmes, but there’s a lot of diversity in all of us.”

Within the shop, Dye hopes to spread this mission to everyone with her project “Remembering Ancestors,” a series of cards and bookmarks that currently feature old photos of her family. She wants to have outside people bring in their own old family photos as well, so that

she can create special personalized items for them, to have themselves, or to give relatives on birthdays and holidays as a way to stay connected to ancestors and people who have passed away.

Looking forward, Amber Art Collective also hopes to find other revenue streams through fundraising and grants, plus connecting with other art organizations, not only in Detroit, but in other states as well. Additionally, the group’s goal is to continue getting more artists involved, do group shows, and offer workshops to teach people about dying, printmaking, drawing, painting, sculpture, digital photography, and more.

Since opening the brick-and-mortar store, the collective has been in an experimental phase, able to find their shortcomings and figure out ways to improve. In the coming weeks, the group will be discussing if they will close the full-time store on Jan. 5, so they encourage people to visit soon. If the store closes, the group may take a couple of months to replan and reopen in the same space or a new one. Regardless, the collective will keep in contact with the connections they’ve made so far to continue expanding with more programming and pop-ups.

Through Jan. 1, the shop will be open everyday for a big Kwanzaa celebration, with an open mic event on Friday, Dec. 29 for performers. In 2024, the collective hopes to host activities centered around Black History Month and Women’s History Month.

To stay up to date on The Amber Collective’s journey, you can follow @amberartscollective on Instagram.

—Layla McMurtrie

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NEWS & VIEWS

Among the positives: The UAW, the Lions, and Karen McDonald.

CAL SPORT MEDIA / ALAMY STOCK PHOTO

Lapointe

From a Detroit point of view, the winners and losers of 2023

By Joe Lapointe

Some Winners and Losers for 2023, and we’ve tried to keep them as local as possible.

WINNERS

Shawn Fain, United Auto Workers After winning election on a union reform platform, the president of the UAW led a significant and successful strike against the Detroit Three of General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis.

Now, he hopes to organize non-union auto companies under the Solidarity House umbrella. It is too early to tell if Fain’s militant labor movement spreads among those employed in the gig economy or simply those not sharing in the prosperity of the recovery. But when a labor leader wears an “Eat the Rich” T-shirt, it indicates that the mood in the land might be moving toward a more equitable distribution of wealth.

Detroit Lions Their 10-4 record has inspired wary optimism among the fans of a bedrock NFL franchise that has not won a league

championship since 1957, a decade before the Super Bowl era. So they have rewarded their loyal customers with an enormous ticket-price hike (Merry Christmas!) at Ford Field under the current acting owner, Sheila Firestone Ford Hamp. She is the daughter of William Clay Ford the elder. Their coach, Dan Campbell, looks like the bouncer you don’t want to mess with at the nightclub. His gruff charm plays well in this market, where the home team’s uniform collars are a bright hue of blue.

Jim Harbaugh Speaking of blue, the head coach of the Michigan Wolverines next takes his Big Ten champions to the college football final four in the Rose Bowl against Alabama on January 1. Harbaugh led the Wolverines to an undefeated season of 13-0 despite two suspensions, each of three games, the first at the beginning of the regular schedule from his school, the second at the end of the regular schedule from his conference. (And be sure to read the other half of this listing).

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Barbie The best film of the year is a treat for your grandparents and your grandchildren and everyone in between.

They may laugh at different jokes for different reasons at different times because the humor and satire work on multiple levels. Warning: You may have to see this movie more than once because laughing at one gag might make you miss the next one or two. It’s that good.

Indy Cars Downtown After too many years on Belle Isle, Detroit’s annual auto race returned downtown, safe and successful, with racers speeding past City Hall at Woodward and Jefferson at close to 200 miles per hour and then turning down toward the Detroit River and around the Renaissance Center.

This late-spring event works well in counterpoint to the late-summer Dream Cruise, on the north end of Woodward. It’s all about yin and yang, right?

Karen McDonald The Oakland County prosecutor recently completed the first part of the mission with the murder conviction of Ethan Crumbley and his sentence of life without parole for the gun massacre of four fellow students at Oxford High School in 2021. The next challenge is to convict his parents of involuntary manslaughter for buying him the gun as an early Christmas gift and training him to use it as if it were a toy despite knowing that their son was a troubled teen.

Taylor Swift Two sold-out concerts at Ford Field.

A record-smashing American tour. A successful concert film for the holidays.

Oh, and that romance with that hunky football guy, too. (Come to think of it, “Taylor Swift” also would work well as a football name.)

Major League Baseball After two decades of decay, the National Pastime finally fixed part of its problem this year with the pitch clock

and the banning of the extreme infield shift. The clock knocked 24 minutes off the average game time, dropping the length to a tolerable two hours and 40 minutes. That’s a better tempo. At midsummer, a couple night games at Comerica Park actually ended before the sun set. The ban of the shift means hard-hit balls again find holes for base hits. Now, the next goal should be turning down the volume of the recorded noise which pollutes stadium air with fake enthusiasm so loud you can’t converse with the person next to you.

The Riverwalk They opened another portion on Detroit’s near east side, this one connecting Belle Isle and its bridge to the walking-running-bicycling path on the waterfront that takes you west to the Renaissance Center, through Downtown and beyond. Soon, more portions on the western side will stretch toward the Ambassador Bridge. A large new sign now shows walkers the way to the Dequindre Cut, which intersects the Riverwalk east of the RenCen. On these interconnected paths, some bicyclists can be rude about sharing space with pedestrians. But, overall, these areas are safe, well-groomed and friendly, a delightful respite within the urban environment.

Works in progress Their full construction may be delayed, but the Gordie Howe Bridge to Canada and that skyscraper on the old Hudson’s site downtown are a sight to see, even as we witness their infrastructure slowly come together. Detroiters are patient. We can wait. Look how long we’ve waited for “The District Detroit.”

LOSERS

Jim Harbaugh The Michigan football coach jerked around his bosses again last winter with another flirtation with the National Football League. Since then, Harbaugh has served two suspensions.

Several staff members have departed for various violations of team, school or Big Ten policies. Rarely does a coach enjoy such success while degrading the reputation and image of his school to the extent that Harbaugh has done in Ann Arbor. For these contradictory reasons, Harbaugh makes both lists as both a winner and a loser for 2023. His departure would not be mourned. He wears people out.

Michigan’s Republican Party They screech at each other in public settings and exchange shoves at GOP meetings. They purge their enemies within the party. They close their Lan-

sing office and wonder why the money spigot drips dry. They are the Michigan Republican Party, under the leadership of Kristina Karamo, a Trumpist and election denier who, according to Bridge, recently killed “a controversial conflict resolution panel she said had ‘turned into a massive conflict itself’” within the state party. Despite this mess, Michigan will elect a U.S. Senator to a vacant seat in 2024. Despite its self-destructive tendencies, the red team might score a victory here.

Speaker Johnson For taking bribes as head of the Michigan Medical Marihuana Licensing Board from 2017 through 2019, the former Republican Michigan House Speaker Rick Johnson was sentenced to 55 months in a federal prison. The judge told him: “You did all (this) to pad your pockets, feast on free meals and satisfy your sexual desires.” Johnson was allegedly known to sex workers by the code name “Batman.”

Detroit Pistons Is this the worst team ever in the history of professional sports? A 25-game losing streak (at this writing) is the biggest blot thus far in the 13-year ownership of Tom Gores. Last season, they were the worst team in the National Basketball Association with 17 victories. This season, they may struggle to reach even that level of success. Gores bought the team in 2011. In the intervening years, the franchise has regressed, despite his active participation and best intentions.

The decline has accelerated in the four seasons with Troy Weaver as the general manager. According to Forbes, the Pistons are worth $3.08 billion.

That is not bad, but it is only 23rd in a 30-team league, less than half of the Golden State Warriors value of $7.7 billion.

The Crumbleys Now that their son has been convicted of mass murder, James and Jennifer Crumbley of Oakland County will next face separate trials for involuntary manslaughter because they were their son’s gun groomers. Convictions would break new legal ground in the fight for gun safety because direct blame for shooting massacres would extend beyond the trigger-pullers. If the parents get part of the blame, what about the people who sold the gun and those who made it? A hand-held murder machine collects plenty of fingerprints.

Asphalt contractors Next time a wheel on your car gets ruined in a pothole, consider this. In a

federal antitrust case involving bids of $25.3 million, federal prosecutors have charged four Michigan executives in what the Detroit News reported as an “on-going investigation of bid-rigging and corruption within Michigan’s asphalt paving industry.” Stuff like this is not the only reason Michigan has some of the worst roads in the nation. But it is part of the problem when it discourages new investors and citizens.

Charlie LeDuff The Detroit News didn’t fire this veteran journalist from his weekly column for his recent rightward drift.

That’s just fine for an op-ed at the News. They dumped LeDuff for using a social media post to insult Attorney General Dana Nessel with a sexist slur.

Then things got worse. Perhaps he will use his podcast (No BS News Hour with Charlie LeDuff) to explain last week’s misdemeanor charge of domestic violence in Oakland County for a disagreement with his wife. Curiously, until Tucker Carlson was fired by Fox News Channel, LeDuff had become a regular guest at the right-wing propaganda factory.

Tucker Carlson Brother Tucker was the biggest mouth on Fox, spreading false conspiracy theories, cozying up to foreign dictators, sucking up to former President Donald Trump, and giggling like a little child at inappropriate moments into an open microphone. Then he got fired for reasons that remain vague shortly after Fox paid off a defamation lawsuit by Dominion Voting Systems ($787.5 million).

WJR Radio (760-AM) Once dominant on the Detroit dial, the “conservative” radio station rests in 16th place in the Nielsens with a news-talk format that ranges from Far Right to Right Lite. The recent layoff of Sean Baligian could be a hint of what is to come for a station in transition. With Paul W. Smith shoved from morning drive time to a less consequential segment in the afternoon, you have to wonder about who gets moved next in the next round of shuffles.

Michigan State University The year began with a gun massacre on campus and ended with a protracted board battle over the hiring of yet another school president. In between, the head football coach got fired after allegations of a sexual nature voiced by a woman who counsels athletes against rape. All this amid residual shockwaves resulting from the serial sexual molestations of Dr. Larry Nassar.

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NEWS & VIEWS

Samantha Woll pictured at Detroit’s Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, where she served as president.

DAVID GURALNICK/AP

A dark Festival of Lights

When a Jewish leader was stabbed to death in Lafayette Park, many feared the worst. Details are expected to play out in court in 2024.

By Eddie B. Allen Jr.

A drive down the tiny stretch

of road that forms Joliet Place on Detroit’s east side barely qualifies as a tour. Less than 20 seconds after turning onto the secluded path it deadends at the grassy playground to the rear of Chrysler Elementary School.

Most residents in the adjoining townhomes that line Joliet have become accustomed to the lack of traffic in the 1300 block, where vehicles rarely travel past a parking space along the curb or inside one of two private lots.

In fact, neither vehicles, noise, nor other occurrences seem to draw much attention on an average day — which is why the bloodied figure of a woman discovered outside around 6 a.m. on Oct. 21 shocked neighbors.

Along with the location of the body in proximity to her home, a head covered with dark, curly tresses and a face

appearing younger than its 40 years soon identified Samantha Woll as the victim of a fatal stabbing. She was socially and politically engaged, a force for good in the city, press statements and countless social media sentiments would reveal.

“I am shocked, saddened and horrified to learn of Sam’s brutal murder,” read a post by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, whose reelection campaign Woll supported.

“Sam was as kind a person as I’ve ever known. She was driven by her sincere love of her community, state and country. Sam truly used her faith and activism to create a better place for everyone.”

Two months after the killing Detroit Police had made no arrests, saying only that they investigated a suspect on one occasion, and most recently,

16 December 27, 2023-January 2, 2024 | metrotimes.com

a “person of interest” — before announcing Dec. 13 that Michael Manuel Jackson-Bolanos, 28, was charged with felony murder during attempted larceny or home invasion.

Despite the charges, which bring some relief to many of Woll’s loved ones and friends, public speculation and curiosity about her life and why she met such a violent death remain throughout much of the city and far beyond.

Friends and family say Woll’s many titles, including co-chair of the American Jewish Committee’s ACCESS Detroit Young Leadership Program, a founder of the Muslim-Jewish Forum of Detroit, and one of Jewish News’s 2017 “36 under 36” gave just a glimpse of her drive and commitment. Woll’s brother-in-law, Benjamin Rosen, told mourners at her Oct. 22 Hebrew

Memorial Chapel funeral service he was reminded of the biblical Noah, who let no one leave the ark until he was sure the earth was safe, following a flood described in the Book of Genesis.

“When the world flooded around her, Sam took charge,” said Rosen, glancing toward Woll’s casket. “She did not wait for God to make things right, even if she had faith that God would.”

For all of Woll’s widely acknowledged selflessness and dedication to supporting others, those who publicly mourned her grew more silent weeks after the crime. Multiple Metro Times interview requests of Rabbi Ariana Silverman and executive director Rachel Rudman at the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, where Woll served as board president, received no

Lafayette Park’s Mies Van der Rohe Townhouses, where Samantha Woll lived.

response. An email message sent to an address associated with the MuslimJewish Forum of Detroit also went unanswered.

The time between the police announcement that there was no evidence of religious hate crime — amid a rise in antisemitism reports as Israel wages war in Gaza — and the charges against Jackson-Bolanos felt anxious for many in Woll’s sphere: Social media posts from as far away as the Middle East expressed dismay or posed questions about updates in the investigation.

Among rumors circulating were that a member of Woll’s Jewish faith might be involved, or that her community activism might have made her a target of violence. Details of the true crime are expected to play out in widely observed criminal proceedings for Jackson-Bolanos that will be held in 2024. The setting will be a courthouse in the same downtown Detroit vicinity where Woll lived, often worked, and worshiped. <SUB>Historic land Lafayette Park, as the neighborhood has long been known, sits in the tall shadow of Hollywood Casino at Greektown’s hotel. A national historical marker at Rivard and Joliet designates the area, renowned for its glass mid-century modern townhouses designed by German-American architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. On a chilly Monday afternoon in December, Joliet reveals no sign of the gruesome violence Woll suffered there, or of the

terror present in its immediate aftermath. A lone dog-walker approaching the street gently pulls his pet’s leash towards the corner before disappearing down a short path toward a building’s inner complex. The most ostentatious window on either side of Joliet displays a rainbow-colored pride flag, while a few other facades are adorned with modest Christmas decorations.

It’s the fifth day of Hanukkah and the city’s annual “Menorah in the D” celebration is scheduled to continue hours later in Campus Martius, less than a mile from Woll’s old address.

Residents such as “Tori B.,” who posted a comment on the trulia.com website’s “neighborhood overview,” have grown accustomed to Lafayette Park’s calm surroundings.

“Very nice and quiet,” Tori B. wrote three years ago. “No violence and very peaceful. Love the ambiance, never have to worry (about) disruption or dangerous events occurring. Neighbors are pleasant and nobody really bothers one another.”

To Woll’s misfortune, it appears that Jackson-Bolanos was never one of her pleasant neighbors, prosecutors say. He’d been linked to thefts from cars parked in the area and apparently grew bold enough to break into the home of an unsuspecting Woll.

“There are no facts to suggest that this defendant knew Miss Woll,” Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said during the media announcement of Jackson-Bolanos’s arrest.

“There was an incredible amount of

FLICKR CREATIVE COMMONS, NATHAN BISHOP

work that was done in the investigation,” she added. “In this case, it was not easy. But again, there was a lot to look at.”

Jackson-Bolanos is also charged with making false statements to police during their investigation, which located him in the area near the time of Woll’s murder.

Susana Dean, president of J.S. Dean & Associates property management, is familiar with the neighborhood.

Her company had served Joliet Co-op, where Woll resided in unit 1366, for about a year before she realized the friendly face she recalled from another building she manages had moved in.

“I remember running into her in the lobby and she’d be on her way in, or on her way out,” Dean says. “If you said ‘hi’ to her she wouldn’t just say ‘hi” and keep walking, she’d stop.

She’d kind of bow and say, ‘Hi, how are you?’”

When she wasn’t out in the community, Broderick Tower’s lobby might seem a logical place to catch a glimpse of someone as active as Woll. She was “always in a hurry,” despite her willingness to exchange greetings, Dean says, adding that Woll had a “beautiful, joyful” spirit. Woll was known to be generous toward staff at Broderick Tower, giving tips or gifts during the holiday season, and socializing at the annual Christmas party for residents.

Moving the short distance to Joliet Co-op from the 124-unit, high-rise environment at Broderick, in the heart of downtown, marked a change

Michael Manuel Jackson-Bolanos, 28.

DETROIT POLICE DEPARTMENT

of scenery for her. Either direction on Woodward Avenue leads to clubs, restaurants, concert venues, and shopping outlets within strolling distance of Broderick’s front door, in contrast to Joliet Place’s tucked-away subdivision.

“It’s very woodsy,” Dean adds.

“There’s tons and tons and tons of trees over there. It’s kind of lush.”

There were occasional, petty crimes reported in the neighborhood, but break-ins like the one that allegedly led to Woll’s death were not a major concern, Dean says. What the co-op and other nearby properties have lacked is secure fencing or similar barriers, she adds: “If people can walk onto your property with ease, it’s

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never good.”

But no matter where Woll had chosen to live, Dean never fathomed her falling victim to violence.

“We were all shocked,” she says.

“I can’t imagine her having even one enemy. It was very hurtful to hear about that.”

‘Beautiful Sam’ From an investigative standpoint, many crime experts would find Jackson-Bolanos’s arrest surprising.

Woll was stabbed multiple times and stabbing is generally viewed as a more emotion-driven form of violence associated with personal familiarity between the victim and attacker.

Unlike shooting, stabbing requires the type of direct contact more typical of vengeance or passion, experts say.

Slashing, choking, or beating are also more common in domestic conflicts when the victim and attacker share physical space than when an attacker preys upon a stranger.

“It’s a very complex case, as the prosecutor has indicated,” Detroit Police Chief James White said at the announcement of Jackson-Bolanos’s charges. “This is not a case that you can solve, like on television, where you’re 30 to 45 minutes into the storyline, you know who did what and how the case is going to end. We follow evidence.”

Regardless of the case’s eventual outcome, Woll’s friends and admirers say her death is senseless. Property manager Dean wasn’t the only acquaintance who couldn’t conceive of anyone wanting to harm Woll, let alone kill her.

“Sam. Beautiful Sam,” writes a friend from college, Jenny Nathan Simoneaux, in “Sam Woll Changed the World.” The tribute is published online at Nu?Detroit.

Nathan Simoneaux recalls spending time with Woll at the University of Michigan that consisted of advocating and organizing, even before Woll began a career rooted in service. Their student years also included “way too much fun giggling the night away in her third-floor bedroom at the top of the stairs” Nathan Simoneaux writes, and “riding around Ann Arbor at all hours, because we needed Slurpees or apple pie.”

“Being in Sam’s life meant being family,” she adds. “It meant Passover Seders in her parents’ West Bloomfield basement that would go late into the night and include the most fascinating collection of relatives, friends and, most likely, an acquaintance or two she’d recently met.”

Nathan Simoneaux recounts frequent “drama,” arguing and reconcil-

18 December 27, 2023-January 2, 2024 | metrotimes.com

ing with Woll, while also crediting their friendship with having a lasting, positive impact on Nathan Simoneaux’s character.

“We won’t stop caring, and we won’t stop loving each other and believing in humanity — even in light of this brutal tragedy,” she concludes, “because her life meant more than that, and we will carry her with us as we find a way to carry on.”

Dr. Meier Muller, an ordained rabbi and a professor at the University of South Carolina, agrees that a proper way to memorialize Woll is to follow her life’s example. Muller didn’t know Woll or her family, but learned about her death through the widespread media coverage it generated.

“Judaism is a religion of deeds over creeds,” says Muller. “Judaism has directives that have been followed for thousands of years.”

While Jewish tradition prescribes practices for mourning Woll, the rabbi says an ability to move beyond mourning could include engaging with folks of different backgrounds, as Woll was said to do.

“I am remembering that this person was also involved in interfaith relations between Jewish and Muslim people,” he says. “So we lost someone on a personal level, on a community level, someone who is so desperately needed between Jewish and Muslim people.”

“Thinking, ‘How can we be better?’” is a starting point for honoring Woll, Muller says.

Being more generally mindful of dialogue with others is also a step in the direction of the unity she promoted, Muller adds. Conscious thoughts, such as “Wait, that’s not the kind of tone we should have,” or “Those aren’t the kinds of things we should say,” are meaningful, he says.

The news of an arrest in the killing brought a public statement of gratitude from Woll’s family, which also requested privacy.

Jackson-Bolanos was charged midway through the eight-day observance of Hanukkah, known as the Festival of Lights.

“Obviously, like a death that takes place close to any festival, it creates a bittersweet atmosphere where you have the laws of the holiday and the family is lighting their holiday candles,” says Muller, “but the joy is gone.

“It’s a very joyous date on the Jewish calendar. I worry that, for quite a while, Hanukkah will be a sad holiday for that family.”

Lee DeVito contributed reporting to this story.

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Goodbye 2023, hello 2024

Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in metro Detroit BY

Parties 00 Bar Nightclub Dress to impress.

From 9 p.m.-2 a.m.; 00 Bar Nightclub, 208 W. 5th Ave., Royal Oak; eventbrite.com. Tickets are $50-$75.

29 Nightclub Hosted by JNeely and Mikey Pugh, with music from DJ Renzo.

From 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m.; 43155 Main St., suite 208, Novi; eventbrite.com. Tickets are $15-$1,200.

220 Ultra: Latin NYE Sounds by DJ Trippy.

From 10 p.m.-3 a.m.; 220 Ultra, 220 Bagley St., Detroit; eventbrite.com. Tickets are $15.

526 Main and Tequila Blue Tickets grant access to both venues, plus buffet, party favors, late night pizza, and more.

From 6 p.m.-4 a.m.; 526 S. Main St., Royal Oak; eventbrite.com. Tickets are $39.95.

Big Pink: Champagne Supernova NYE Celebration DJ Killa Squid, Big Pink founder Munch, DJ K Dirty, and Sky Jetta will be spinning sounds to bring in the new year. A complimentary glass of champagne will be provided with every ticket purchase.

From 9 p.m.-4 a.m.; Big Pink, 6440 Wight St., Detroit; ra.co; $30.

Book Tower Enjoy music by crooner Ben Sharkey in Detroit’s renovated Book Tower. Packages include food, party favors, champagne toast, and more.

From 8 p.m.-1 a.m.; Book Tower, 1265 Washington Blvd., Detroit; eventbrite.com. Tickets are $150-$250.

Centerpoint Marriott of Auburn Hills: Red Rendezvous NYE Gala This black-tie event, billed as the “most exclusive New Year’s Eve celebration,” includes a midnight

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champagne toast, a cigar bar, desserts, food, and a red-carpet arrival. VIP options are also available if you want access to a more intimate experience in the Red Room, private bars, and more.

Starts at 7 p.m.; Centerpoint Marriott of Auburn Hills; 3600 Centerpoint Pkwy., Auburn Hills; 248-2539800; ticketspice.com; $150.

The Daxton Hotel: Casino Royale NYE This James Bond-themed event includes DJs and dancing, live entertainment, VIP booths, and optional discounted overnight rooms. Dress to impress.

From 9 p.m.-2 a.m.; The Daxton Hotel, 298 South Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham; eventbrite.com; $125$4,250. Ages 21+ only.

Detroit Fleat: Burlesque NYE Burlesque performances from Miss Holly Hock and Josephine Shaker, plus shareable bites, champagne toast, and swag.

From 8 p.m.-1 a.m.; Detroit Fleat, 1820 E. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; exploretock.com; $90–$1,500 per party.

Eastern Market Brewing Company DJ, unlimited EMBC beverages, food truck, and a midnight Underberg toast.

From 8 p.m.-1 a.m.; 2515 Riopelle St., Detroit; eventbrite.com. Tickets are $30-$50.

Eastern Palace Club: Happy Endings DJs Mike Trombley and Udenjoe spin classic alternative, synthpop, post-punk, shoegaze, and more.

From 9 p.m.-2 a.m.; Eastern Palace Club, 22634 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; facebook.com. No cover.

El Club: Jerk X Jollof Sounds from Blakito and Summer Knocks (Toronto), with food by Yum Village included with ticket price while supplies last.

Starts at 10 p.m., El Club, 4114 Vernor Hwy., Detroit; dice.fm; $17

Elektricity: Channel 95.5 Get pumped with dance DJs and complimentary

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sliders when midnight strikes at this party.

From 8 p.m.-4 a.m.; Elektricity, 15 S. Saginaw St., Pontiac; prekindle.com; $25.

Legends Gentlemen’s Club Enjoy the beautiful ladies of Legends, plus three floors of entertainment, complimentary sliders at midnight, a champagne toast, and more.

From 6 p.m.-4 a.m.; 415 E. Congress St., Detroit; eventbrite.com. Tickets are $25-$899.

Leland City Club The main room features house music from Golf Clap, DEEPFAKE, and Wave Point, while the bar room will host Jay Misanthropia and Parallax.

Starts at 9 p.m.; Leland City Club, 400 Bagley St., Detroit; dice.fm; $23.69.

Liberian Hall: Afrobeats NYE party Enjoy afrobeats, reggae, hip-hop, soca, amapiano, and other multicultural music.

From 10 p.m.-5 a.m.; Liberian Hall, 13300 Puritan St., Detroit; eventbrite.com. Tickets are $20-$800.

Love and Tequila Watch the ball drop at one of the city’s newest spots with music, drinks, food, bottle service, and party favors.

From 8 p.m.-3 a.m.; 18 W. Adams St., Detroit; eventbrite.com; $5-$10.

The Loving Touch: Glam Rock NYE Dress up with platform shoes, spandex, and velvet for this event, and get ready to jam to David Bowie, Elton John, and other ’70s glam rock favorites spun

by DJ Bryan Foreman. Detroit’s own Bad Magnets will also be performing a set of glam rock hits before the clock strikes midnight.

Starts at 9 p.m.; the Loving Touch, 22700 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; ticketweb.com; $12.

The Magic Bag: ’90s vs. ’80s NYE Get your best ’80s or ’90s attire ready for this event, hosted by Class of ’98 and Mega 80’s for a clash of

two eras.

Starts at 8 p.m., The Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., ticketweb.com; Ferndale; $35.

The Magic Stick: supertask Music from supertask, Chief Kaya, and Common Creation, as well as locals Major Arcana and Selyna Alvarez.

From 8 p.m.-4 a.m.; Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit; ticketweb.com; $18.75-$25.

Marble Bar: An Interdimensional New Years With Mike Servito, Mark Grusane, Erika x Antenes, BMG, Father Dukes, Whodat, Scott Zacharias x Bill Spencer, and DJ Etta.

Starts at 9 p.m., Marble Bar, 1501 Holden St., Detroit; ra.co; $43.40-$86.85.

Masonic Temple: Resolution Ball Celebrating its 20th year, this “Chicago-Vegas”style event bills itself as “Detroit’s largest and most exclusive New Year’s Eve party since 2003.” All ticket holders will get access to a champagne reception upon arrival and a midnight snack station.

Starts at 9 p.m.; Masonic Temple, 500 Temple St., Detroit; eventbrite.com; $40-$195.

The Narthex: New Year’s Eve 2023 Unholy Cowntdown Hosted in a revamped church by Syncytium, this “moo-mentous” occasion features performances, DJs, a champagne toast, and more.

From 9 p.m.-2 a.m.; The Narthex, 4103 Cadillac Blvd., Detroit; eventbrite.com;$25-$35.

Niki’s Lounge: NYE party hosted by Lil Meech DJs, party favors, money drop, buffet, and champagne toast. Hosted by Lil Meech from the hit TV show BMF. From 8 p.m.-4 a.m.; Niki’s Lounge, 735 Beaubien Blvd., Detroit; eventbrite.com. Tickets are $25-$40.

Northern Lights Lounge: Playboy After Dark - Detroit Edition This evening of rock ’n’ roll, presented by Old Soul Vintage, features sounds by Detroit-based bands Shadow Show ( who plan to release their sophomore LP Fantasy Now! Feb. 16), as well as the Stools, Toe Heads, and Sugar Tradition. Formal ’60s and ’70sinspired attire is encouraged.

Starts at 9 p.m.; Northern Lights Lounge, 660 W. Baltimore St., Detroit; eventcreate.com; $10-20.

The Norwood: The Surrealist Ball presented by Haute to Death Haute to Death’s NYE party is back at new venue the Norwood, with Charles Trees, Deon Jamar, Julion De’Angelo, Tammy Lakkis, and, of course, H2D. From 9 p.m.-4 a.m.; The Norwood, 6531 Woodward Ave., Detroit; h2dsocial.club. Tickets are $34.

One Mike Detroit: Detroit NYE Bar Crawl Meet at One Mike Detroit to embark on a NYE Detroit bar crawl presented by pubcrawls.com. Includes drink specials, DJ, champagne toast, and more.

Starts at 5 p.m.; One Mike Detroit, 1331 Broadway St., Detroit; eventbrite.com. Tickets are $24.99.

Saint John’s Resort: Wine Down to Countdown at The Wine Grotto An open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, a live DJ at this recently opened wine bar.

From 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; Saint John’s Resort, 44045 Five Mile Rd., Plymouth; exploretock.com; $125.

Soho DJ Kenny Truth, late-night pizza, and champagne toast.

Starts at 9 p.m.; Soho, 215 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; eventbrite.com. Tickets are $10.

Spot Lite: House Party New Year’s Eve Detroit DJ duo House Party will join other local DJs for a New Year’s Eve party with a black-tie, masquerade theme. There will be a champagne toast and party favors.

From 9 p.m.-4 a.m.; Spot Lite, 2905 Beaufait St., Detroit; ra.co; $50.

Tangent Gallery: Much Love NYE Music from Distinct Motive, Zen Selekta, and more than 30 artists, and a free buffet from 8-10 p.m. and champagne toast at midnight.

Starts at 7 p.m., Tangent Gallery & Hastings Street Ballroom, 715 E. Milwaukee Ave., Detroit; eventbrite. com; $25.

Trust DJs with state of the art lights and sound systems and cryo show. Tickets include hors d’oeuvres and champagne toast.

Starts at 10 p.m.; Trust, 205 W. Congress St., Detroit; eventbrite.com. Tickets are $20.

TV Lounge Music from Eddie C, Loren, Mike “Agent X” Clark, Mister Joshooa, Tony Foster, and more.

Starts at 10 p.m., TV Lounge, 2548 Grand River Ave., Detroit; ra.co; $22.85-$34.30.

Velvet Cabaret at the Historic Motown Mansion LGBTQ+ NYE event with burlesque and cabaret at the Historic Motown Mansion and an open bar.

An afterparty at the Eagle features music by Stacey “Hotwaxx” Hale, Tyler_, and DJ Rekt. All proceeds benefit nonprofit Geared for Life.

From 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m. at the Historic Motown Mansion, 918 W. Boston Blvd., Detroit | afterparty from 1-6 a.m. at the Eagle, 940 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit; gearedforlife.us. Tickets are $35-$500 with VIP packages available.

Willis Show Bar: The At-Will Band This all-inclusive party will provide live music from the At-Will Band with Al’Exist and other special guests, hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast, and other surprises.

Starts at 9:30 p.m.; 4156 3rd St., Detroit; sevenrooms. com; $150.

Ypsi Cocktail Club: New Year’s Eve Burlesque Show Tickets include performances and two craft cocktails.

From 7-11 p.m.; Ypsi Cocktail Club, 102 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanati; eventbrite.com. Tickets are $50.

Dining Andiamo This local Italian chain is celebrating NYE with variations of a special menu, party favors, champagne toast, and more. Contact your local Andiamo for full details of their individual NYE plans.

Multiple locations; see vicarirestaurants.com for more information.

Bar Louie Four-course prix fixe dinner menu available for $75, with a “24k Gold” event starting at 10 p.m. at $100 for two tickets; includes two appetizers, six drink tickets, and midnight champagne toast. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite or at the door.

Multiple locations; barlouie.com

Coeur Voted Oakland County’s best new restaurant in our Best of Detroit poll, this new spot is hosting a special seven-course NYE dinner with curated wine pairings.

Seatings at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Coeur, 330 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale; 248-466-3010; coeurferndale.com.

Tickets start at $145 for wine pairings and $45 for non-alcoholic options.

Flood’s Bar and Grille: Flood the New Year Kitchen open until 1 a.m.

From 9 p.m.-3 a.m.; Flood’s Bar and Grille, 731 Saint Antoine, Detroit; eventbrite.com. Tickets are $30.

FRAMEbar: New Year’s Eve STEAKbar Chef Michael Barrera will be curating an a-la-carte menu experience for the occasion. The spot will feature martinis alongside a mid-century ’70s vibe in low light.

From 4-10 p.m.; 23839 John R. Rd. #1, Hazel Park; Reservations recommended; $25.

The Godfrey: Hamilton’s Enjoy a curated five-course prix fixe menu.

Starts at 5 p.m. (last seating at 9:45 p.m.); The Godfrey, 1401 Michigan Ave., Detroit; resy.com; $95.

The Godfrey: I|O Rooftop Midnight Perrier Jouet Toast with passed hors d’ oeuvres throughout the evening.

Starts at 8 p.m.; The Godfrey, 1401 Michigan Ave., Detroit; resy.com; $50.

Oak & Reel If food is what you fancy going into the new year, Oak & Reel has got you covered with a four-course Michelin-star experience. Chef Jared Gadbaw will be serving dishes from his seasonal menu such as homemade pasta, crudo, and fresh seafood, as well as holiday specials to choose from.

Multiple time slots available; 2921 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit; exploretock.com/oakandreel; $135.

Miscellaneous Detroit Red Wings vs. Boston Bruins If you enjoy hockey, you can hit this Red Wings game on New Year’s Eve to pregame before going out to a party.

Starts at 5 p.m.; Little Caesars Arena, Detroit; ticketmaster.com; varying prices.

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WHAT’S GOING ON Select events happening in metro Detroit this week. Be sure to check venue website before events for latest information.

Add your event to our online calendar: metrotimes.com/AddEvent.

MUSIC Wednesday, Dec 27 MURUGA’S 81st Birthday Party 7:30 p.m.; The Token Lounge, 28949 Joy Rd., Westland; $15.

Yellow Brick Road, Elton John Tribute 8 p.m.; Sound Board, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit; $31-$46.

Thursday, Dec 28 MJ LIVE - Michael Jackson Tribute 8 p.m.; Sound Board, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit; $31-$46.

Queen: From Mercury with Love 8-9 p.m.; Longway Planetarium, 1310 Kearsley St., Flint; $8.

Vag Against the MaSHEine, the Antibuddies 8 p.m.-midnight; Bowlero Lanes & Lounge, 4209 Coolidge Hwy., Royal Oak; no cover.

Friday, Dec. 29 Queen: From Mercury with Love 8-9 p.m.; Longway Planetarium, 1310 Kearsley St., Flint; $8.

Andy and the Pandys, Wallydogger, Mango Star, Talkback 7 p.m.; The Loving Touch, 22634 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; $12.

Bohemian Queen, The Music of Queen 8 p.m.; Sound Board, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit; $31-$46.

Dirk Kroll Band, DJ E.M. Allen 9 p.m.-midnight; Bowlero Lanes & Lounge, 4209 Coolidge Hwy., Royal Oak; no cover.

Greensky Bluegrass, Full Cord 7 p.m.; The Fillmore, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit; $29.50-$75.

Larry McCray, Jim McCarty 7:30 p.m.; The Token Lounge, 28949 Joy Rd., Westland; $25-$140.

PBM - Peanut Butter Mosquito, Vandalay 7 p.m.; Crofoot Ballroom, 1 S. Saginaw, Pontiac; $20.

Earth Engine, Masha Marjieh, Waunband 6 p.m.; Sanctuary Detroit, 2932 Caniff St., Hamtramck; $15.

Saturday, Dec. 30 Queen: From Mercury with Love 8-9 p.m.; Longway Planetarium, 1310 Kearsley St., Flint; $8.

Arcadia Grey, Anita Velveeta,

Sunday Cruise, Summerbruise, Darcy Moran 6 pm; Sanctuary Detroit, 2932 Caniff St., Hamtramck; $15.

BLACK CHRISTMAS 2023 4 p.m.; Majestic Theatre Complex, 4140 Woodward Ave., Detroit; $24.99-$69.50.

Free Fallin, The Tom Petty Experience 8 p.m.; Sound Board, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit; $31-$46.

PURPLISH - Deep Purple tribute, Powerage - AC/DC tribute 7:30 pm; The Token Lounge, 28949 Joy Rd., Westland; $20-$100.

Seven Songs of Kwanzaa 7-10 p.m.; Aretha’s Jazz Cafe, 350 Madison St., Detroit; $25 (use promo code “SpecialGuest” for $5 off per ticket).

Stormfeldt, Haus Arrest, DJ E Machine 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; Bowlero Lanes & Lounge, 4209 Coolidge Hwy., Royal Oak; no cover.

Sunday, Dec. 31 90s vs 80s - Class of ’98 vs. Mega 80’s 8 p.m.; Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; $35.

Eastside Elvis & The Motor City Mafia 9 p.m.-2 a.m.; Bowlero Lanes & Lounge, 4209 Coolidge Hwy., Royal Oak; no cover.

Glam Rock NYE with Bad Magnets, DJ Bryan Foreman 9 p.m.; The Loving Touch, 22634 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; $12.

Meijer presents WYANDOTTE ROCKIN’ NYE - The Prince Experience wsg Wisteria 7 p.m.; District 142, 142 Maple St., Wyandotte; $25-$40.

New Year’s Eve 2023 9 p.m.; Tin Roof, 47 E. Adams Ave., Detroit; $75$450.

New Years Eve Grown & Sexy Party starring Charlie Wilson, Tank, and Ro James 9:30 p.m.; Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; $74-$224.

Old Soul Vintage Presents: Playboy After Dark ~ Detroit Edition with Shadow Show, the Stools, Toeheads, Sugar Tradition 9 p.m.2 a.m.; Northern Lights Lounge, 660 W. Baltimore St., Detroit; $10 advance $15 door.

Sky Covington’s Sunday Night Jam Sessions every Sunday with band Club Crescendo 8 p.m.-midnight; Woodbridge Pub, 5169 Trumbull St., Detroit; suggested donation.

DJ/Dance INZO, Moore Kismet, 1788-L,

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Able Grey, Acemyth, Luminyst, Ruvlo, Stratus, Computa, Skinz, Remorse, Aussboss, Space Cadet, Onyx, Demise, Sqvirtle, Strutz, Psychorot 8 p.m.; Crofoot Ballroom, 1 S. Saginaw, Pontiac; $30-$35.

New Years Eve with Golf Clap 9 p.m.; Leland City Club, 400 Bagley Street, Detroit; $20.

NYE with Karriem Riggins, DJ Ro 9 pm-2 am; Red Door Digital, 7500 Oakland Ave., Detroit; $25. supertask New Year’s Eve with Chief Kaya, Common Creation, Major Arcana & Selyna Alvarez 8 p.m.; Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward Ave., Detroit; $20-$25.

Monday, Jan. 1 Adult Skate Night 8:30-11 p.m.; Lexus Velodrome, 601 Mack Ave., Detroit; $5.

Tuesday, Jan. 2 B.Y.O.R Bring Your Own Records Night 9 pm-midnight; The Old Miami, 3930 Cass Ave., Detroit; no cover.

THEATER Performance AXIS Lounge Dueling Pianos: An Interactive Entertainment Experience.

Thursdays, 8 p.m.-midnight.

Musical The Year Without a Panto Claus.

Fridays, Saturdays, 7:30-8:45 p.m., Saturdays, 3-4:15 p.m., and Sundays, 2-3:15 p.m.; Theatre NOVA, 410 W. Huron St., Ann Arbor; $30 for adults, $12 for kids 16 years and under.

COMEDY Improv Go Comedy! Improv Theater Pandemonia The All-Star Showdown. $20.

Fridays, Saturdays, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m.

Stand-up Fox Theatre John Oliver Live $59.50$149.50 Friday 7:30 pm.

Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle Phil Palisoul with Nora Lynch and Greg Sharp. $20.Thursday, 7:30-9 p.m., Friday, 7:15-8:45 & 9:45-11:15 p.m., and Saturday, 7-8:30 & 9-11 p.m.

Continuing This Week Stand-up Blind Pig Blind Pig Comedy FREE Mondays, 8 p.m.

The Independent Comedy Club at Planet Ant. Tonight vs Everybody:

Thursday Open Mic at The Independent Comedy Club at Planet Ant. Sign up starts at 10:30 p.m. and the show begins at 11 p.m. $5 suggested donation.The evening always ends with Karaoke in the attached Ghost Light Bar.

ARTS Art Exhibition Berkley Public Library ARTICIPATE Studio Portrait Show Through.

Blackbird Gallery at Centric Place Solo Show by Abstract Artist, Dawn Stringer, “HANGIN’ ON A STRING” “Hangin’ on a String” is a collection of paintings created by Abstract Expressionist Dawn L. Stringer. These works offer bold colors, depth, layers and texture. Through an intuitive creative process this collection depicts Dawn’s relationship with GOD, family, relationships, healing and trauma, pop culture as well as other visual responses to the current climate of the world. Dawn’s work includes vibrant color pallets, powerful strokes, layers of curiosities and strong texture. Her signature pulling and scraping techniques allows the opportunity for viewers to develop their own interpretations of what they see and feel based upon their personal experiences, imagination anderception. Free Through Jan. 12, 2024, 5-8 pm.

Cranbrook Art Museum Constellations & Affinities: Selections from the Cranbrook Collection This series of original exhibitions at Cranbrook Art Museum this fall and winter examines the importance of legacy within the artistic community of Detroit. By showcasing artists of the city’s past, present, and future, these exhibitions identify the threads that connect them across generations. The museum will also highlight the career of a former Artist-in-Residence of Cranbrook Academy of Art, whose work and teaching inspired hundreds of students over his decades-long tenure.

On view: “Skilled Labor: Black Realism in Detroit” “LeRoy Foster: Solo Show” “Carl Toth: Reordering Fictions” “Ash Arder: Flesh Tones” Museum Admission, Free on Thursdays Thursdays, 11 am-8 pm and Wednesdays, Fridays-Sundays, 11 am-5 pm.; “Constellations and Affinities: Selections from the Cranbrook Collection” is now open at Cranbrook Art Museum!

Sampling from the Cranbrook Collection, this ongoing exhibition gathers a broad and eclectic sampling of objects made by artists, architects, and designers associated with Cranbrook Academy of Art. Arranged like a contemporary curiosity cabinet, the works on view span numerous media and represent a broad range of practices taught at the Academy.

Works have been arranged in various

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constellations to compare and contrast certain affinities in materials, processes, and approaches among the artists while acknowledging the singular artistic vision of each maker. Museum Admission, Free on Thursdays Wednesdays-Sundays, 11 am-5 pm.

Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) Thursdays at the Museum: Highlights of the Permanent Collection Through Jan. 7, 2024.; Through March 3, 2024.; Free Tuesdays-Sundays, 1 pm, Fridays, 6 pm and Saturdays, Sundays, 3 pm.; Free Thursdays, 1 pm.

Flint Institute of Arts American Realism: Visions of America Drawing primarily from the collections of the Flint Institute of Arts, Muskegon Museum of Art, and the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, American Realism highlights paintings, works on paper, and sculpture from 1900–1950 that capture the evolving experience of 20th century America. Through.

Library Street Collective Akea Brionne: Trying to Remember Library Street Collective is pleased to present a solo exhibition with Akea Brionne, titled Trying to Remember and opening November 17th, 2023. Brionne is an interdisciplinary researcher and artist whose practice explores the relationship between history and contemporary society. Working in lens-based media and textiles, her work analyzes the impact of colonial systems on cultural storytelling, memory, assimilation and the African Diaspora primarily with American and Caribbean society.

Through Jan. 6, 2024.

Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) Intimacy: The Artistic Community of PASC MOCAD is partnering with Progressive Art Studio Collective (PASC) to produce Intimacy: The Artistic Community of PASC, an exhibition surveying the past three years of PASC’s growth in fostering artists with developmental disabilities and mental health differences. This exhibition delves into the interior worlds of over 30 PASC artists, representing personal imagery, art historical and cultural referents, and states of emotional intensity.

Intimacy: The Artistic Community of PASC celebrates the uniqueness of this artistic workshop model, which gives rise to unconventional artistic styles and a powerful, supportive community of artists and allies. Presented through Mike Kelley’s Space for Public Good, a series of exhibitions and programs dedicated to community engagement and care, this exhibition highlights the need for cultural institutions to claim spaces for artists with disabilities, who influence the style and subject matter of contemporary art yet are frequently omitted from the artistic canon. Launched in 2021, PASC is the first progressive art and design studio and exhibition program in

Detroit and Wayne County dedicated to supporting artists with developmental disabilities and mental health differences to advance artistic practices and build individual careers in the art and design fields. PASC runs three studios in Detroit, Westland, and Southgate and works with over 170 artists across Wayne County. PASC is a program of Services to Enhance Potential (STEP), a non-profit service organization founded in 1972 that provides services and supports for more than 1,400 individuals with disabilities and mental health differences across Southeastern Michigan. Participating artists: Darmeka Bailey, Manual Bart, Ruben Bates, Stanley Brown, Sherri Bryant, Shawna Campbell, Sereal Crawford, Santina Dionisi, Julieann Dombrowski, Chantell Donwell, Robert Duncombe, Zainab Elhasan, Lewis Foster, Eric Green, Ronald Griggs, DeRon Hudson, Lonnie Lowrey, Joseph Lucas, Richard Marshall, Ryan McDonaugh, Keisha Miller, Alsendoe Owens, John Peterson, Justin Pollard, Deanna Poppenger, Angie Rhodes, Jocelyn Rice, Dale Roberts, Marquise Rucker, Rodney Stevens, Jeremy Taylor, Donald Thomas, Roger Toliver, Detroit Angel Tweety, Chris Wansac, Lauren Williams, and Alexis Young. Through Jan. 14, 2024.

PARC Art Gallery The Gift of Art Exhibit & Sale With 25 artists and 77 pieces, this exhibit should be called the BIG SHOW! Described as having a peaceful vibe, the show ends January 3, 2024. Call for holiday hours. Participating artists are Christine Walters, Patrica McAtamney, Catherine Washington, Wendy Scarbrough, Kseniya Hauptmann, Susanna Booth, Brian Fritz, Allen Brooks, Jen Muse, Victoria Fritz, Debbie Lim, Destanee Melchor, Terri Haranczak, Mint Artists Guild, Susan Aitken, Cheryl Chidester, Bill Schahfer, Molly McNeece, Molly Bell, Mike Kroll, Christopher Dragan, Tina Creguer, Kelli Kane, Mary Lane, and Virginia Masson. FREE Through Jan. 3, 2024, 10 am-9 pm.

Pewabic Pottery Pewabic Holiday Showcase Shop new Pewabic work included in our Winter 2023 Collection alongside Independent Artist work from across the country. Our showcase is free and open to the public! Explore the current exhibition in our secondfloor gallery entitled “Pewabic: Detroit’s Pottery” when you visit. Extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am - 6pm starting after the Winter Collection launch on Thursday, November 2 through the weekend before Christmas.

We will be open Sundays from 12pm 4pm after Thanksgiving through Sunday, December 24. We’re decking the pottery out in holiday decorations, and offering special programming onsite every Saturday in December. FREE Through.

Critics’ picks Storytime with Rashida and Adam Tlaib BOOKS: If you want your kid to hear stories of empowering women, or even just an excuse to check out an awesome new-ish bookstore and meet Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, this is your chance. Next Chapter Books, which opened on Detroit’s east side in September, is hosting a children’s storytime with Tlaib and her son Adam. The U.S. Representatives from Detroit will be reading Mama in Congress, her children’s picture book that tells the story of one of the first Muslim women elected to the House of Representatives and her family. Tlaib is also the only Palestinian in Congress. The bookstore, which hosts a children’s story time every Saturday morning, says the upcoming event will be “perfect for readers of books that celebrate trailblazing women and social activists as well as those looking for an introduction to civic engagement and how government works.”

Anyone interested in attending can RSVP at nextchapterbkstore.com.

—Layla McMurtrie From 10-11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 30, Next Chapter Books, 16555 E. Warren Ave., Detroit; nextchapterbkstore.com. No cover.

Psychic and Holistic Fair MAGIC: Who knows what 2024 will bring. It’s a common misconception that psychics and tarot card readers can predict the future, but what they really provide is a meditation and reflection on the present that can offer insights into where things are possibly heading.

If you’re into this sort of thing, this two-day end-of-the-year festival might be for you. Aside from psychics and tarot card readers, there will also be mediums, reiki energy healers, reflexology massage therapists, aura photographers, and more. All guests also receive a free crystal at the counter.

—Lee DeVito From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m on Saturday, Dec. 30 and noon-6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31; Rock Your World Crystal Store at Laurel Park Place Mall, 37700 Six Mile Rd., Livonia; 313-4127690; eventbrite.com. No cover.

Rashida Tlaib’s children’s book. COUR-

Black Christmas MUSIC: Into that dark void between Christmas and New Year’s Eve comes Black Christmas, an annual takeover of punk, hardcore, metal, and all kinds of other heavy music at Detroit’s Majestic Theatre complex. This year’s fest features more than 30 acts, including Mustard Plug, Koffin Kats, Earthmover, and the Boreouts, a new band featuring Ko Melina (the Dirtbombs), Jay Navarro (Suicide Machines), John Bunkley (Gangster Fun, Atomic Fireballs), and Rob Paul, among plenty of others.

—Lee DeVito Starts at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 30, the Majestic Theatre Complex, 4140 Woodward Ave., Detroit; majesticdetroit.com. Tickets are $34.99.

New Year’s Eve Eve Pajama Party MUSIC: Everyone’s favorite Eastside bar and record store Spot Lite will have a New Year’s Eve Eve pajama party again this year on Saturday. Hosted by The Detroit I Love, it will feature three back-to-back DJ sets with Andrea Ghita b2b Jorrisen, TYLR_ b2b Jaco Matthews, and Ben Scott b2b Jesse Cory. This party is for those of us who can’t be bothered to dress up on the real NYE in a suit and tie or ridiculously fancy dress just to have someone spill a drink on it.

Plus, pajamas are easier to dance in and we can just roll into bed afterward. With tickets for only $10, it’s also for those of us who aren’t trying to spend a bunch of money or are just flat-out broke. Tickets will increase closer to the date, though, so don’t wait.

—Randiah Camille Green Starts at 8 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 30; Spot Lite, 2905 Beaufait St., Detroit; thedetroitilove.com. Tickets are $10.

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MUSIC

and his recent rap EP P.E.R.M. (which stands for (“Painting Encourages Real MF’s”) is a potent reminder. With production by Chuck Inglish of the Cool Kids and Soulection’s very own Sango, as well as a verse from Detroit heavyweight Boldy James, the project deserves recognition for the collaborations alone. On top of that, Sheefy’s vocals effortlessly dance over a wide stylistic range in production, all while maintaining his signature recipe of casual braggadocio and smooth, clever wordplay. It’s not easy for an artist to assert themselves as both an up-and-comer and a burgeoning OG, paying tribute to the past while paving the way for their future all in one brush stroke, but Sheefy McFly has found a way to do just that. —Broccoli

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR PATRONAGE & THANK YOU VETERANS! WE WISH YOU THE BEST IN 2024!

Fri 12/29

Joel Douglas Gray/ Brion Riborn/Boy Blue (funk/soul/alt-rock) Doors@9p/$5cover

Sat 12/30

Vendors/The Wrenfields/Hung Up (rock ‘n’ roll/alt-country/ alt-rock) Doors@9p/$5cover

Happy Birthday, CHARLIE O! Sun 12/31

OPEN NYE NOON - 4AM Annual NYE Dance Party! w/ BANGERZ & JAMZ playing those 90’s & 2000’s bangerz!

Doors@9p/$10cover

Mon 01/01

HAPPY NEW YEAR! OPEN NOON-2AM FREE POOL ALL DAY Tues 01/02

B. Y. O. R. Bring Your Own Records (weekly)

Open Decks@8PM NO COVER IG: @byor_tuesdays_old_miami

Happy Birthday, ALAN HOOVER! Coming Up:

01/05 SUEDEBRAIN/Cherry Drop/ Snakehandler Church 01/06 Detroit Blues w/ Howard Glazier (Dan & Julie attending) 01/12 Jens Apartment/ Fremont Pike/Junior Smith 01/19 3148s/Escape Plan/Sean Anthony Sullivan 01/20 Lausten Found/ Libby De Camp /Sancho 01/27 My Ways/Fabulous Henhouse Boys/Brain Waves 02/02 Sea Hag/Scum Queens/ Velvet Snakes/ Debbie 02/03 THE OLD MIAMI TURNS 44!

ALL YOUR TEAMS PLAYING ON OUR BIG SCREENS! Book Your Holiday Parties at The Old Miami email us: theoldmiamibarevents@gmail.com

Local Buzz

By Broccoli and Joe Zimmer

To round out 2023, we here at the Local Buzz desk would like to highlight some of our favorite releases of the year. Thank you for rocking with us all year long, as we celebrate the rich local music scene in metro Detroit. In the words of Inner City, “we’re having big fun” – see you next year!

Charles Trees: Capturing Animals (Portage Garage Sounds) For the past six years now, Portage Garage Sounds (founded by DJs/producers/brothers Shigeto and Kenjiro) has been pumping out singles, EPs and compilations of some of the deepest, most forward-thinking electronic music in the current Detroit scene. This year, the first LP to ever grace the label is the gorgeous, textured, kaleidoscopic Capturing Animals by Charles Trees (under the simple moniker Trees). The album gurgles, stabs, ascends, crashes, sings and lifts the listener up to the heavenly hellscape that Charles creates for us. A long-time player in the latenight/after-party spots that have ebbed and flowed through the city, Trees comes up for air on Capturing Animals and shares just a sliver of the avant-pop brilliance that he is brimming with.

—Joe Phased Out: Got It EP (Forge Again) Careening in at the end of the year is a

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four-track scorcher from Phased Out. They’re a band that I’ve been lucky enough to catch live on multiple occasions, playing many local bills and offering support to touring acts that roll through the dive bar venues. Phased Out recording their new tape Got It is like making a pie or a cocktail: the ingredients are simple, but when you use that good stuff, you can really taste the difference. The guitar, bass, and drums all mesh together seamlessly, for a noisy, potent wake up call. Dina Bankole lends her vocals on top of it all, recalling her days in Casual Sweetheart (definitely one of the best Detroit bands from the last decade). Grip a cassette while you can, and grab another so you’re prepared when your first copy wears out. —Joe Sheefy McFly: P.E.R.M. EP (WRKSHP) Sheefy McFly is everywhere these days; with such a diverse range of creative output, it’s easy for some to forget that one of his primary mediums is music,

Day Residue: Deadly Walk EP (self-released) Detroit punk has had a pretty solid year in 2023, and Day Residue has been no small part of that momentum. They’ve only been together for a few years, but they’ve put together an impressive run of performances in that time, including opening for Protomartyr last year at the Magic Stick (lead singer Joe Casey also shouted them out in a Loud and Quiet interview earlier this year). Their latest EP Deadly Walk, released in November of this year, starts off with a bang; the title track swells with a siren-like sound before the band launches into a wall of noisy guitars and pounding drums, joined shortly thereafter by distorted vocals courtesy of lead-singer Aleahia. The EP has an interesting range in terms of structure and sound, particularly in the last two tracks with the all-out thrash of “Piss Paradise” juxtaposing nicely with the punchiness of “Insults for Sale.” This is a band to watch in 2024, so go grab the EP and catch a show sometime soon if you dare! —Broccoli Honorable mentions: Andrés ANDR ÉS V, Bonny Doon Let There Be Music, Gulley Gesicht, Ladymonix Welcome 2 My House EP, Milfie Very Pretty EP, The Stools R U Saved?, Tyvek Overground, XV On the Creekbeds On The Thrones, Zilched Earthly Delights.

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FOOD Second helpings The best things we ate in metro Detroit in 2023

By Tom Perkins and Jane Slaughter

Pasta at Tiliani 1002 S. Military St., Dearborn; 313-4448889; tiliani.com It’s all made in-house, either on the extruder machine, soothing to operate, or folded by hand for the pocket pastas.

Chef Hisham Diab makes mafaldine, a wide noodle with wavy edges, dark with squid ink, and stuffs it with shrimp and clams. He fills agnolotti with two sweet fall squashes, and he tops sage-infused tagliatelle Bolognese with comforting blobs of snowy, buttery stracciatella.

—Jane Slaughter

Scallop motoyaki at Basan 2703 Park Ave., Detroit; 313-481-2703; basandetroit.com Basan is one of a limited number of high-end spots that opened in recent years in Detroit and turned out dishes that live up to the price. The restaurant, by the crew behind Grey Ghost, trades in Japanese and Asian-inspired fare.

Perhaps the best plate we tried was the scallop motoyaki with buttery, smoky scallops, miso mayo, lemon, smoked salt, olive oil, smoked trout roe, and garlic chips. The scallops are torched on the grill, imparting even more smokiness.

—Tom Perkins

Sourdough pizza at Sicily’s Pizzeria & Subs 554 Vernor Hwy., Detroit; 313-554-0755; sicilysdetroit.com It’s the fermentation, which takes three days, that produces the sourdough flavor we love, but also the crust’s lightness and crunch. It’s the airiest, holey-est, best-tasting pizza crust you’ll find. You can load it up if you want, but this crust is best suited to minimalist renderings like Tomato Pie, with no cheese: a Detroit-style square pan pizza with plenty of bread on the bottom, that basically tastes of sourdough and crushed tomatoes, freshness itself, with crisp,

The pasta at Dearborn’s Tiliani is exquisite.

wispy edges that rise above the topping (though it also includes olive oil, oregano, Parmesan, and chiles) or the Benchmark Margherita: both fresh and aged mozzarella plus olive oil, Parmesan, and basil leaves.

—Jane Slaughter

Tantanmen ramen at Shun Ramen & Sushi 30491 John R Rd., Madison Heights; 248742-7712; facebook.com/shunramensushi Prior to opening Shun, chef Kevin Chai didn’t spend much time in the kitchen.

He got excited about ramen after watching YouTube videos on how to build a bowl and decided to go to a months-long class in Japan. After completing it and waiting out the pandemic, he opened this Madison Heights spot, which has quickly earned a reputation via word of mouth. Arguably his best bowl is the

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BRANDED CREATIVE STUDIO

tantanmen, which is Japan’s take on the Chinese dan dan noodle dish. Chai’s version holds a rich, complex broth that’s nutty from the sesame tare and heated with chili paste, though it can be made without the latter. Shun prepares it with a slightly creamy, viscous pork broth, as opposed to the more common chicken broth, and the crumbled pork and char siu is excellent.

—Tom Perkins

Mezcal Soup at Mezcal Mexican Restaurant 51 W. Forest Ave., Detroit; 313-974-7441; mezcaldetroit.com The creamy (because of sour cream) golden broth is full of shredded chicken and avocado slices that almost melt. Like every dish I tried there, it has just the right amount of zip, not enough to burn you. And because the soup does not include mezcal, you owe it to yourself

to try one of the many varieties of agave the owners have imported, mostly from Oaxaca. —Jane Slaughter

Bistec tacos at Casa Amado 2705 Coolidge Hwy., Berkley; 248-3983294; casaamado.com At James Beard Award-nominated chef Amado Lopez’s modest downtown taco shop, the menu is packed with big and bright flavors and plenty of fantastic stewed meats. Among the best: the Mexican bistec. He describes it as if pico de gallo was cooked down and simmered with steak. The super-tender beef is braised with a tomato base, onion, garlic, and jalapeño, and spices like cumin or allspice could be added. It’s folded with an acidic nopales cactus and bell pepper slaw. And don’t sleep on the Sonoroan dog, an awesome charred natural casing

Shun in Madison Heights serves some of metro Detroit’s finest ramen.

TOM PERKINS

hot dog with a heavy dose of bacon, green chiles, pickled onion, jalapeño, and chili sauce on a toasted bun. It rivals the bistec.

—Tom Perkins

described “traditionalist” says he doesn’t try to do any stunt barbecuing by using weird woods or trimming all the fat. “I respect the meat,” he explains.

—Tom Perkins

Steamed fish at ShiangMi

Black Tonkotsu at Shiromaru

31519 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills; 248-579-9898; shiangmi.com The emphasis here is on authentic dishes from Hunan; don’t let the server steer you to the “American popular” plates.

Steamed Fish Fillet with Chili Sauce is an enormous deboned basa, a type of Asian catfish, enough for two, served in a candle-warmed dish. As a bonus, it’s Christmasy to look at, with snow-white fish and red and green chilis, floating in a sauce you spoon over the sweet-nutty meat. Even better is complex, throattickling Boiled Basa Fillet with Pickled Cabbage, a little closer to a soup, with the best citrusy broth. It uses lots of red chilis and the famous lip-numbing Sichuan peppercorns, along with bean sprouts.

—Jane Slaughter

5365 Crooks Rd., Troy; 248-792-6015; shiromarutroy.com Pork bones are roasted and then simmered for many hours to produce the rich and creamy broth (not literally creamy; think pork fat) that embraces the slippery house-made ramen. The chef swirls in aged black garlic, some wood ear mushrooms, green onions, half a marinated egg, and best of all, pork belly chashu, braised till it’s chopsticktender. The various mouth-feels alone — slidey noodles, velvety soup — would be enough to make this dish a star, but the lush flavors take it to the mountaintop.

Classic (plainer) tonkotsu and Red, with spicy chili garlic sauce, are also on hand.

—Jane Slaughter

Brisket at Holiday Market

Massaman curry at Basil Babe

1203 S. Main St., Royal Oak; 248-541-1418; royaloak.holiday-market.com This upscale Royal Oak grocery store isn’t the kind of place where one would first think to go for barbecue, but it’s where chef Kirk Churchill produces some of the region’s richest, most decadent brisket. He won’t reveal his secrets, but says he recently learned from a Michelin-starred chef about an ingredient that can be rubbed on brisket to impart a deep richness. It’s something natural and, after learning about it, Churchill and his crew experimented.

“We were like ‘Dude!’” he says of the revelatory moment when they tasted it for the first time. The secret ingredient boosted the richness 10-20%, Churchill says. He smokes the brisket for 14-16 hours using Michigan hardwoods from a local tree company, and the self-

701 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti; 734-487-4000; basil-babe.com Perhaps no dish stands out from this year like the massaman curry at Ypsilanti’s Basil Babe, a collaboration between chef Haluthai Inhmathong and her mom, who opened and owned Ann Arbor’s Siam Square until 2018. The Thai curry dish has some Middle Eastern fingerprints on it, and Basil Babe’s take is practically silky, rich, and deep. Though its flavor is bold, the heat is bearable as it doesn’t seem to contain any of the chilis usually a part of Thai curries.

Inhmathong wouldn’t reveal any Basil Babe secrets, so we’re left to speculate; the dish’s deep red-orange broth can be composed of ingredients like coconut milk, peanuts, palm sugar, star anise, and cinnamon, and, in many versions, fish sauce.

—Tom Perkins

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FOOD Chowhound

The walking dead

By Robert Stempkowski

Chowhound is a weekly column about what’s trending in Detroit food culture.

Tips: eat@metrotimes.com.

January 1 is National Bloody Mary Day. It’s also a virtual zombie apocalypse in the bar business. In hordes all half-dead hungover, countless creatures of the night before drag themselves back onto barstools, practically begging to be put out of their misery. Taking pity on them as an innkeeper over the years, I’ve provided many that service.

Armed with a bartender’s arsenal, I’ve pumped countless rounds of hairof-the-dog ammunition into pale and pasty faces, doing all I could to end — or suspend — as much living death among the cursed ranks of the morning after as humanly possible. I’ve poured heavy, aiming to shotgun-numb pain receptors in brain cells they’d failed to kill-off properly themselves the night previous. Left barely animated by pulsing pain receptors and alcoholaffected capillaries just about bursting inside booze-abused skull caps, they’d come to me for mercy. Like a medic illequipped to save souls on a battlefield, I’ve used bourbon to bandage, strong ales to anesthetize, and tequila shots as tourniquets to triage many a wounded warrior. Some stabilized and recovered.

Others faded after failed efforts to resuscitate. Most just ended up getting loaded again.

Having been to over-imbibing hell and back myself, I feel for these foot-shot soldiers. Having watched so many men, women, and veritable children limp back to my bars for the annual New Year’s Day wound licking, I find them fairly uniform and funny, dressed-down as they are the day after the big, boozy night.

First and foremost, let me hand it to you, ladies, for trying to hide how horrible you’re feeling under a dead giveaway fashion statement ensemble that screams look-at-me-all-cute-and-hungover. I’ve seen you; peeking-out from under pretty little baseball caps with last night’s hair in a ponytail, trying to pass for comfortable, sporting soft pas-

“Dude, I am so hung-over,” is the standard New Year’s Day greeting I’ve come to expect and respect.

tel sweat outfits and girlie sneakers. You can’t fool me, my overindulgent sisters.

The bills of those caps don’t completely cover-up those pretty-pink, bloodshot eyes; their smoked and mascaraed perfection from the night previous still left on and smeared ever so slightly by a few hours of sloppy, drunken sleep. And in those silky sweats and sneakers, bodies you just abused, softly blanketed. And why the pulled-back hair? A practical consideration, perhaps; for lady-like puking, prior to your visit to my bar or, God forbid, during.

As to guys who make less effort to disguise their hungover states, they’ll do the cap thing, too, only backwards.

As someone generationally sandwiched between uncles who played baseball professionally and a son who pitched collegiately, the look makes me laugh, especially when I see guys trying to pull it off who appear far from athletic, are on the wrong side of 40, or who, while looking young and/or fit enough to wear a catcher’s headgear, sport those plastic, snap-strap styles some older men must think make them look more youthfully manly while hiding male pattern baldness and/or bed-head. To me, it’s hilarious. Why don’t you try wearing shin guards, guys? Maybe the ladies will love ‘em. And just think of what a well-padded chest protector might do to cover-up flabby pecs and beer bellies. How about wristbands?

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What athletic type-loving gal could resist a man in wristbands? And don’t even get me started on the possible bad boy appeal of putting on eye black.

Now, there’s a macho get-up, head to toe.

Again, I digress. I guess what men do well when they’re hungover messes is to simply just admit as much.

“Dude, I am so hung-over,” is the standard New Year’s Day greeting I’ve come to expect and respect. It lets me know what I’m dealing with and need to do. Shots. Doubles. Shots and beers.

Shots and bloody marys. Double barrel everything. Most women are content to nurse a hangover one palliative pour at a time. Guys take more of a civil war surgeon’s approach; aggressively amputating pain at its source, albeit a cerebral one, and many are the men I’ve had to cut-off for lacking the brains to know when to say when again. They say the female gender matures at an earlier stage than males do. Assuming “they” represent the collective wisdom of human psychology and/or assorted other behavioral sciences, this longtime student of human nature who’s studied from the field of mixology can only agree.

As to new generations of drinkers I’ve observed coming of age over time, from mine forty years ago until now, the general flow of things seems to continue to go about the same from one to the next.

SHUTTERSTOCK

The just-getting-legally-started seem to fare pretty well for the most part. With their wasted high school and college party days behind them by and large, they mind better manners for their age while fitting themselves into proper adult beverage society. I think what the cost of craft beers and cocktails have come to may help that cause of moderation these days, especially if you’re a young, twenty-something with only so much of a booze budget. Maybe the self-restraint challenges don’t really begin to kick in until that first careerstarting salary offer comes or mom and dad stop paying those credit card bar bills. That’s when you’re really on your own out there in the drinking world; when it’s all up to you to jump or crawl out of bed come morning after a long night out, to make it in to work or call out with some excuse other than the real, hungover, reason for your doing so. Take it from a guy who could fill a book with some of the stories I’ve made up for missing work because of alcohol withdrawal. If anyone out there needs one next week, try my passed-somebloody-stool go-to that no boss ever questioned me further on when I called out with it. As a longtime employer later in life, I’d advise you stay away from the usual phone-in cliches: sick kids, car trouble, sudden deaths of aunts and uncles and such. Be specific. And bleeding hemorrhoids is a winner.

metrotimes.com | December 27, 2023-January 2, 2024 35

CULTURE A look back at Detroit’s art scene in 2023: a year of firsts, censorship, and murals

By Randiah Camille Green

Yeah, yeah we know these

year-end recaps are all over the internet this time of year and it can feel like kind of a cop-out, but actual humans are writing the content on this screen and we need time to slow down at the end of the year, too. Plus, if you don’t know where you’ve been, you won’t know where you’re going. Or, however, the damn saying goes.

With that in mind, we are looking back on some of our favorite and least favorite moments in the Detroit art scene from the “hell yeah,” to the WTF, and the downright shameful. Detroit art saw many firsts in 2023 including the Scarab Club beams getting its first signature from a Latina artist and painters finally getting paid for their work in Murals in Islandview (formerly Murals in the Market). Meanwhile, City Walls celebrated its 200th mural while a separate collection of murals left local artists in an uproar. This year also led us to reflect on the conundrums of art versus profit and censorship undermining artists’ freedom of expression.

Let’s take a look.

We learned how former Cass Tech teachers saved a LeRoy Foster painting from the school’s old building before it was demolished. Thought to be lost forever, Foster’s Renaissance City has been restored by the City of Detroit and is now on display as part of a retrospective of Foster’s work called Solo Show at Cranbrook. It runs alongside a survey of some of Detroit’s best contemporary artists (including our personal faves Sydney G. James, Senghor Reid, Ijania Cortez, and Bakpak Durden) who were influenced by Foster’s legacy, whether they realize it or not.

Cranbrook students and alumni were silenced for showing their support for Palestine after the school removed several Palestinian flag displays on campus. Local artist Caroline Del Giudice, a 2020 Cranbrook graduate, was abruptly dropped from David Klein Gallery for signing an open letter to the school recognizing the concerns of genocide

Sydney G. James became the first Black woman to have a solo show at MOCAD’s largest space, the Woodward Gallery, with Girl from Detroit.

LAMAR LANDERS

in Gaza and condemning the stifling of free speech. So far, David Klein Gallery has not addressed the situation with Del Giudice’s removal.

Fed up with the disinvestment in Detroit neighborhoods among rising service costs, artists came together to blast DTE in a show at Swords Into Plowshares.

Emerging Detroit painter Kaleigh Blevins taught us what it meant to “act natural” when she gave her painting subjects autonomy, positioning gallerygoers as intruders in their personal space.

Detroit’s City Walls program reached its 200th mural milestone with a piece

by Nicole Macdonald celebrating the environmental warriors and land stewards of the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood.

At the same time, a collection of “mystery murals” done by international artists cropped up downtown to the dismay of Detroit painters. The “Be The Change” project sparked calls from within the Detroit art community for a standard process for commissioning public art that would ensure local art-

36 December 27, 2023-January 2, 2024 | metrotimes.com

ists were prioritized with fair pair. The second installment of the project that promised to feature local artists was later canceled. At least we got a killer mural of muralist Bakpak Durden out of it.

Speaking of murals, longtime festival Murals in the Market moved from Eastern Market to the Islandview neighborhood, the new home of parent company 1XRUN, rebranding to “Murals in Islandview.” This year was also the first time all participating artists were compensated for their work.

Ian Matchett penned an unbridled essay on taking a critical and necessary look at corporate sponsorship of public art. Continuing the list of firsts, our girl Sydney G. James became the first Black woman to have a solo show in MOCAD’s largest space, the Woodward Gallery with Girl from Detroit. We almost couldn’t believe this given the number of badass Black women who’ve come out of Detroit.

Nora Chapa Mendoza also made history as the first Latina to sign the Scarab Club beams, an honor that has often felt like an exclusive boys’ club.

The City of Detroit’s Office of Arts, Culture & Entrepreneurship launched a city-wide project called Sacred Spaces during Black History Month to highlight Black-owned galleries. Sacred Spaces is expected to come back for a second installment next year with gallery tours and events across more than 15 venues.

Satori Shakoor took us on her journey through the “change of life” in her hilarious and gut-wrenching one-woman show Confessions of a Menopausal Femme Fatale.

Finally, in the most important lesson for this year, Keto Green made us realize the beauty in life’s turbulence. In his Playground Detroit show Against It All, Green showcased his found object art made from doors and broken banister pieces. In a candid interview, he told me how he persevered through homelessness, abandonment, and his brother’s suicide, still somehow finding reasons to smile.

Here’s to more Detroit artists killing it in 2024 and the perpetual dance of triumph and failure in this beautiful life.

metrotimes.com | December 27, 2023-January 2, 2024 37

CULTURE

Yes, that’s Zac Efron flying high, and his acting is as impressive as his physique.

A24 FILMS

Film

A gut punch

By Kayla McCulloch

The Iron Claw Rated: R Run-time: 132 minutes

How many different sports movies am I summing up in this one sentence? “Against all odds, an athlete claws their way to the top.” Based on a true story or not, this narrative trope has always been a key component of the subgenre and its seemingly limitless appeal.

That said, I’m not sure the basic framework has ever been taken more literally than in The Iron Claw. Inspired by the real-life tragedy of the Von Erich family, one of the most iconic surnames in professional wrestling, writer-director Sean Durkin shows there are still original angles to explore the tried and true sport-drama conceit.

Prior to parenting pro wrestlers Kevin (Zac Efron), Kerry (Jeremy Allen White), David (Harris Dickinson), and Mike (Stanley Simons), Fritz Von Erich (Holt McCallany) was a highly decorated champion in his own right. Earning three world championships and close to two dozen NWA championships before

retiring and transitioning to a career as a savvy promoter, Von Erich made it his mission to train up his sons to surpass his list of accomplishments in the ring.

The family’s greatest challenger? Not another wrestling dynasty, but the so-called Von Erich curse. (Turns out Fritz’s signature finishing move “The Iron Claw” wasn’t the only thing passed down patriarchally.)

The Von Erich boys knew this dark cloud would linger over their heads for as long as they — and any future descendants of theirs — bore the last name. Still, Kevin and David trained hard to follow in Dad’s footsteps while Kerry and Mike set their sights on other equally lofty goals. With luck, the former’s Olympic hopes in track and field and the latter’s natural talent for music would be distinct enough from their old man’s path to skirt the generational smudge they fear awaits them like a Grim Reaper.

Despite these attempts to subvert fate, the steel grip of the Von Erich curse grabs ahold of each boy in turn.

With this, near the midpoint of The Iron Claw, writer-director Sean Durkin’s third feature transitions from a serviceable by-the-numbers biopic to

38 December 27, 2023-January 2, 2024 | metrotimes.com

an exceedingly harrowing melodrama.

What initially felt like an interesting choice for Durkin — the man behind such psychological dramas as Martha Marcy May Marlene (2011) and The Nest (2020) — eventually proves to be right up his alley. This mid-film shift makes for a truly crushing blow as it moves away from standard genre fare and into much more affecting territory.

In shooting a movie of this sort, cinematographer Mátyás Erdély undoubtedly had his work cut out for him.

From the pop culture staying power of the Rocky franchise to the continued success of the Creed spinoffs — not to mention the countless other boxing, wrestling and fighting movies to put audiences on the ropes (or the many stars to come out of the WWE and other professional promoters) — it’s a very cinematic sport he’s dealing with here. Nevertheless, Durkin’s direction and Erdély’s shots manage to present inherently picturesque feats of athleticism in fresh ways.

Editor Matthew Hannam plays a part in this as well. A one-time collaborator with such filmmakers as Denis Villeneuve, Noah Baumbach and the

Daniels, it’s Hannam’s past work with Durkin on The Nest that informs his decisions here. The film avoids feeling like a Wikipedia speed run with the help of some perfectly timed fight scenes and well-spaced breathing room dispersed throughout. These will either get your pulse pounding or bring it back down to a resting rate, just as any good sports epic should do. Even this is elevated above the norm, particularly during the instances where the closing shot of one scene blends with the opening shot of another.

I’ve hardly touched on the cast, which, to be clear, warrants a fair share of praise in all this. Those who already adore Jeremy Allen White from his stints on hit series Shameless and The Bear will not be disappointed by his time on screen here. That’s also true for fans of Holt McCallany from David Fincher’s filmography, who’ll be glad to see the character actor in a deservedly meaty role (even if it’s not a third season of Mindhunter). Maura Tierney and Lily James also earn a mention for doing more with their parts as mother and wife — traditionally two-dimensional archetypes in works about masculine men with unhealthy balances between career and home life.

This aside, I’d say it’s Zac Efron who deserves the most acclaim of all. With his Disney years long behind him (and his torrent of raunchy comedies trickling to a stream as of late), it’s about time he received a chance to shine in something more substantial. I’ve suspected him capable of a performance of this caliber since his supporting role in, strangely enough, Harmony Korine’s The Beach Bum (2019). Underrated and overlooked upon its release, Efron’s committed bit in that film as a party-loving pyromaniac named Flicker stands as a harbinger of the kind of dedication he’d bring to the far less goofy but just as engrossing part of Kevin in The Iron Claw.

From its dependable beats to its winning ensemble to its all-enveloping late ’70s/early ’80s pastiche, The Iron Claw is destined to be a crowd-pleaser — though there’s nothing overtly pleasant about this tragic cautionary tale. From top to bottom, Durkin’s team (both on camera and off) understands the task at hand — to take a well-known true story full of familiar themes and take it to artful new heights — and, as a result, they largely succeed.

There’s no shortage of excellent titles to see this holiday season, but don’t be turned away by what ostensibly appears to be just another sports flick. It’s one of the most surprising gut punches of the year — a rock-solid melodrama rising up moments before the bell rings on 2023.

metrotimes.com | December 27, 2023-January 2, 2024 39

CULTURE Savage Love

Christmas Break

By Dan Savage I’m away for Christmas. Please enjoy these Christmas-themed questions from the Savage Love archives. Ho, ho, ho!

—Dan

Q: I’m a straight married guy who

spends the vast majority of every year working on site overseas supervising a large scientific experiment my business partner and I set up. The location is extremely remote, and my wife of five years prefers to live at our house in England.

Like me, she is 36 and extremely attractive and I was always very suspicious about what she got up to in my absence.

We do not have an open relationship and, until recently, I have been faithful to her. But four weeks ago, my wife’s mother showed up unannounced at my work site and, over the course of two days, she told me in lurid detail about my wife’s many infidelities. It included some pretty shocking behavior, from group sex to gangbangs to escort work.

I felt stunned and betrayed. My wife has lived a life of luxury thanks to my work, and she chose to be the local slut in the community where we live. The stories my mother-in-law told me were confirmed by my business partner’s wife.

This is where the story gets complicated. My mother-in-law is 20 years my senior and one of the most beautiful women I have ever been around. I have always had a strong attraction to her as she has had for me. On the third night she was with me we spent the night in bed together and had the most amazing sex and we have been together ever since.

We have both fallen completely in love with each other. I can’t imagine being without her now, but I am obviously still married to her daughter. I am not totally naive, and I know my mother-in-law used my wife’s confession to break up my marriage but that is something I can easily forgive her for.

We want to go home together around Christmas and spend a few weeks in the U.K. as a couple. How do I tell my wife that this is the new reality?

—Mother-In-Law Fucker

A: Allow me, dear readers: Fake, fake, fake!

As for you, letter writer/problem

maker upper, your “story” was plenty complicated before your bullshit second paragraph rolled around. Implausibly complicated. I mean, you’re conducting a scientific experiment in a place that’s “extremely remote” — so remote your wife refuses to live there — but it’s not so remote your mother-in-law can’t drop in unannounced with hot goss about the wife.

What?

Oh, and before spinning out a story that has everything — cheating, gangbangs, group sex (not all group sex is gangbanging, but all gangbangs are group sex), sex work, intergenerational sex — you pause to assure us that all involved are “extremely attractive,” a detail honest letter writers include when it’s relevant and dishonest letter writers include when they’re spinning out a fantasy they’re gonna wank to later or bullshitting me while they’re wanking. (A scientific experiment in an extremely remote location? Are you sure you’ve been fucking your mother-in-law and not THE THING?!?)

And the question you wrap things up with, MILF? Gotta say… it’s pretty disappointing as bullshit questions tacked on at the end of bullshit letters go. Why would you be worried about telling your wife — your cheating, gang-banging-inyour-absence, doing-escort-work-on-theside wife — that you’re leaving her? Even for her mother? If she existed, MILF, your wife would be upset — the scandal, the publicity — but she’s not going to be upset at the thought of losing you… as it seems pretty clear that your fictional wife doesn’t give a single holographic shit about you. So, why would you be worried about upsetting her? Would your chief concern under the circumstances really be the feelings of someone who betrayed you so spectacularly/fictitiously?

Your “new reality,” as you put describe this bullshit/whirlwind romance with the mother-in-law you made up, is far likelier to cause you headaches by scandalizing friends, colleagues, family members, and neighbors — or it would scandalize friends, colleagues, family members, and neighbors, MILF, if they existed, which they don’t. That’s the risk you would be running: Your fake wife did you fake wrong — you were the fake victim — but once it gets out that you’re fucking your wife’s extremely attractive mother, you’re going to be seen as the villain. “How do I convince my friends, colleagues, family members, and neighbors that I am not the bad guy?” would’ve been a much better question to wrap your bullshit question up with, MILF, not an expression of concern for your fake wife’s feelings.

40 December 27, 2023-January 2, 2024 | metrotimes.com

Originally published December 16, 2017.

Q: I’m 19, female, bi, and have been

with the same guy for a year. Things are great. I came home for Christmas, and he went to his parents’ house, and I’ll see him in a few weeks. For Christmas, my mom got me some typical “mom” gifts — socks and underwear — but the panties had Disney princesses on them.

I feel like a pedophile just owning them.

I get it: She doesn’t like the idea that I might be having sex, especially with the alarming rate that babies are popping out of teenage girls. But, come on. What am I supposed to do with these?

—Holiday Blues

A: Wear them.

Even if Mom was trying to send you a coded message — and I am not convinced she was — you can easily turn the lemons of your mother’s disapproval into the lemonade of good, safe, responsible sex.

So, Mom is not happy about her daughter being sexually active? Too bad for Mom. As for feeling like a pedophile, HB, there’s nothing pedo about a 19-yearold bi chick in Disney princess underpants. A girl in those panties is innocent and darling. A sexually active 19-year-old woman in those panties is ironic and daring. (A flash poll of straight men — or straight man, as the sample size in my office is small — revealed that 100% thought 19-year-old bisexual girls in Disney panties were “sexy as hell.” (Please note: my sample was a single 25-year-old straight man, so our survey results aren’t as creepy as they may have sounded.)) So, when your boyfriend eats your pussy through a pair of your new Disney underpants — when he sucks face with Jasmine or Ariel or Belle — he will not only be helping you assert your right to sexual fulfillment despite your mother’s disapproval, HB, he’ll be helping you deconstruct a patriarchal heteronormative discourse that reifies female purity and holds up women’s undergarments as moral status markers! Your boyfriend’s efforts to get you off will symbolically transform these princesses into the fully sexual beings their corporate creators never intended them to be!

To think your boyfriend can accomplish all of that — and strike a blow against repressive monarchical systems — just by eating your pussy while you wear your new panties, HB! And all you have to do is lie back and enjoy!

Originally published January 3, 2008.

Q: I’m a gay man in my mid 20s, and

I’m getting more serious with a guy I met a few months ago. I was surprised to eventually learn that “Michael” is in his late 30s, since he easily passes for my age. I’m comfortable with the age gap, but I’m struggling with how to present this to my parents. Religious and conservative, they were cordial but distant with the last guy I dated (who was my age).

I’m afraid the age gap with my new boyfriend will create even more discomfort for them and that Michael will sense it when he comes along to visit for the holidays. I’m considering lying to my parents if Michael’s age comes up. I’ve challenged my parents’ attitudes for many years — but at this point, I’m willing to trade honesty for the chance to be treated even a little bit more like a “normal couple” at Christmas. Is it selfish to ask Michael for permission to lie about his age? I’m nervous to even share my feelings with him, for fear it will give the impression I’m embarrassed by him.

—Awkward Gatherings Expected Given Age Peculiarity

A: Tell one lie to make your relation-

ship more acceptable to your parents, AGEGAP, and you’ll be tempted to tell more lies — and I don’t know about you, kiddo, but not having to lie to mommy and daddy anymore was one of the chief reasons I came out. And if you want your parents to be comfortable with Michael, if you don’t want them to think there’s anything wrong with their son dating an older man, deceiving your parents about Michael’s age out of the gate is a terrible first move.

And let’s say things work out with Michael. The lie you told that first Christmas will only make things more awkward once you finally tell your parents the truth. And if your parents are like other homophobic parents, e.g., if they’re inclined to believe the worst about the man who sodomizes their son, they may not believe the lie was your idea. They’ll think this creepily youthful older man — this man who showed up in their home wearing a suit made out of the skins of younger gay men — encouraged their son to lie to them so they wouldn’t object to the relationship in the early stages, when their objections might have had the power to derail it.

Originally published December 11, 2018.

Got problems? Everyone does! Send your question to mailbox@savage.love!

Podcasts, columns, and more at Savage.

Love.

metrotimes.com | December 27, 2023-January 2, 2024 41

CULTURE Free Will Astrology

By Rob Brezsny ARIES: March 21 – April 19 Among couples who share their finances, 39% lie to their partners about money. If you have been among that 39%, please don’t be in 2024. In fact, I hope you will be as candid as possible about most matters with every key ally in your life. It will be a time when the more honest and forthcoming you are, the more resources you will have at your disposal. Your commitment to telling the truth as kindly but completely as possible will earn you interesting rewards.

TAURUS: April 20 – May 20 According to tradition in ancient Israel, a Jubilee year happened every half-century. It was a “trumpet blast of liberty,” in the words of the Old Testament book Leviticus. During this grace period, enslaved people were supposed to be freed. Debts were forgiven, taxes canceled, and prisoners released. People were encouraged to

work less and engage in more revelry. I boldly proclaim that 2024 should be a Jubilee Year for you Bulls. To launch the fun, make a list of the alleviations and emancipations you will claim in the months ahead.

GEMINI: May 21 – June 20 “Make peace with their devils, and you will do the same with yours.”

The magazine Dark’s Art Parlor provides us with this essential wisdom about how to conduct vibrant relationships. I invite you to make liberal use of it in 2024. Why? Because I suspect you will come to deeply appreciate how all your worthwhile bonds inevitably require you to engage with each other’s wounds, shadows, and unripeness. To say it another way, healthy alliances require you to deal respectfully and compassionately with each other’s darkness. The disagreements and misunderstandings the two of you face are not flaws that discolor perfect intimacy. They are often rich opportunities to enrich togetherness.

CANCER: June 21 – July 22 Cancerian author Franz Kafka wrote over 500 letters to his love interest Felice Bauer. Her outpouring of affection wasn’t as voluminous, but was still very warm. At one point, Kafka wryly communicated to her, “Please suggest a remedy to stop me trembling with joy like a lunatic when I receive and read your letters.” He added, “You have given me a gift such as I never even dreamt of finding in this life.” I will be outrageous here and predict that 2024 will bring you, too, a gift such as you never dreamt of finding in this life. It may or may not involve romantic love, but it will feel like an ultimate blessing.

Happy New Year’s one and all. We hope it’s prosperous and joyous for all!! Also, it’s an election year so it should be interesting.

Cheers!!

OPEN NEW YEAR’S EVE

3PM-2AM

LEO: July 23 – August 22 Renowned inventor Nikola Tesla (1856–1943) felt an extraordinary closeness with sparrows, finches, pigeons, and other wild birds. He loved feeding them, conversing with them, and inviting them into his home through open windows. He even fell in love with a special pigeon he called White Dove.

He said, “I loved her as a man loves a woman, and she loved me. As long as I had her, there was a purpose to my life.”

I bring this to your attention because I suspect 2024 will be an excellent time to upgrade your relationship with birds, Leo. Your power to employ and enjoy the metaphorical power of flight will be at a maximum.

42 December 27, 2023-January 2, 2024 | metrotimes.com

VIRGO: August 23 – Sept. 22 “All the world’s a stage,” wrote Shakespeare. He was comparing life to a theatrical drama, suggesting we are all performers attached to playing roles. In response, a band called the Kingpins released the song “All the World’s a Cage.” The lyrics include these lines: “You promised that the world was mine / You chained me to the borderline / Now I’m just sitting here doing time / All the world’s a cage.” These thoughts are the prelude to my advice for you. I believe that in 2024, you are poised to live your life in a world that is neither like a stage nor a cage. You will have unusually ample freedom from expectations, artificial constraints, and the inertia of the past.

It will be an excellent time to break free from outdated self-images and your habitual persona.

LIBRA: Sept. 23 – Oct. 22 At age 10, an American girl named Becky Schroeder launched her career as an inventor. Two years later, she got her first of many patents for a product that enables people to read and write in the dark. I propose we make her one of your role models for 2024. No matter how old you are, I suspect you will be doing precocious things. You will understand life like a person at least ten years older than you. You will master abilities that a casual observer might think you learned improbably fast. You may even have seemingly supernatural conversations with the Future You. SCORPIO: Oct. 23 – Nov. 21: Here are excellent questions for you to meditate on throughout 2024.

1. Who and what do you love? Who and what makes you spill over with adoration, caring, and longing? 2. How often do you feel deep waves of love?

Would you like to feel more of them?

If so, how could you? 3. What are the most practical and beautiful ways you express love for whom and what you love? Would you like to enhance the ways you express love, and if so, how?

4. Is there anything you can or should do to intensify your love for yourself?

SAGITTARIUS: Nov. 22 – Dec. 21 Like the rest of the planet, Scotland used to be a wild land. It had vast swaths of virgin forests and undomesticated animals. Then humans came.

They cut the trees, dug up charcoal, and brought agriculture. Many native species died, and most forests disappeared. In recent years, though, a rewilding movement has arisen. Now Scotland is on the way to restoring the ancient health of the land. Native flora and fauna are returning. In accordance with astrological omens, I propose that

you launch your own personal rewilding project in 2024. What would that look like? How might you accomplish it?

CAPRICORN: Dec. 22 – Jan. 19 Capricorn-born Lebron James is one of the greatest players in basketball history. Even more interesting from my perspective is that he is an exuberant activist and philanthropist.

His list of magnificent contributions is too long to detail here. Here are a few examples: his bountiful support for charities like After-School AllStars, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the Children’s Defense Fund, and his own Family Foundation. I suggest you make Lebron one of your role models in 2024. It will be a time when you can have more potent and far-reaching effects than ever before through the power of your compassion, generosity, and beneficence.

AQUARIUS: Jan. 20 – Feb. 18 I propose we make the shark your soul creature in 2024. Not because some shark species are apex predators at the top of the food chain. Rather, I propose you embrace the shark as an inspirational role model because it is a stalwart, steadfast champion with spectacular endurance. Its lineage goes back 400 million years. Sharks were on Earth before there were dinosaurs, mammals, and grass. Saturn’s rings didn’t exist yet when the first sharks swam in the oceans. Here are the adjectives I expect you to specialize in during the coming months: resolute, staunch, indomitable, sturdy, resilient.

PISCES: Feb.19 – March 20 In the 19th century, many scientists believed in the bogus theory of eugenics, which proposed that we could upgrade the genetic quality of the human race through selective breeding. Here’s a further example of experts’ ignorance: Until the 1800s, most scientists dismissed the notion that stones fell from the sky, even though meteorites had been seen by countless people since ancient times.

Scientists also rejected the idea that large reptiles once roamed the Earth, at least until the 19th century, when it became clear that dinosaurs had existed and had become extinct. The moral of the story is that even the smartest among us can be addicted to delusional beliefs and theories. I hope this inspires you to engage in a purge of your own outmoded dogmas in 2024. A beginner’s mind can be your superpower! Discover a slew of new ways to think and see.

Homework: Enjoy free articles and audios from my new book: bit.ly/ lovelifegifts

EMPLOYMENT ENGINEERING Comtech International Design Group Inc. is accepting resumes for Controls Engineer in Detroit, MI. Conduct device programming and PLC programming. Position requires up to 10% domestic travel. Submit resumes via email to: career@ teamcomtech.com. Must reference: Ref# KU-ZHU.

EMPLOYMENT Infection Preventionist needed at Westland to ensure protocols are in place to prevent and contain infection; assess, analyze and documents effectiveness of the program in containing infection. F/T 8:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. U.S. OR Foreign Bachelor’s degree in Health and Sciences/Medicine.

Send resume to G. Camano, Fountain Bleu Health and Rehabilitation Center, 28910 Plymouth Road, Livonia, MI 48150.

EMPLOYMENT Food Service Manager needed at Riverview responsible for selecting cost effective and quality menu; estimates food consumption; oversee all food preparation and cooking; examines quality of food and portion sizes; investigate and resolve patients; complaints regarding food quality and service. F/T 06:00am-2:30pm.

40/hrs/wk. US or Foreign Associate Degree - Hotel & Restaurant Services with 3 years work experience.

Send resume to G. Camano, Belle Fountain Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Inc. 18591 Quarry Rd., Riverview, MI 48193.

EMPLOYMENT Accountant needed at Riverview to analyze and compiles financial information detailing assets, liabilities and capital; prepares balance sheets, profit and loss statements; audits contracts, orders and vouchers. F/T 08:00 am-4:30 pm. 40/hrs/ wk. US or Foreign Bachelors degree in accountancy or business administration.

Send resume to G. Camano, Belle Fountain Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Inc. 18591 Quarry Rd., Riverview, MI 48193.

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