Northern Express

NORTHERN

express northernexpress.com

The Accidentals

What’s next after landing a sony record deal?

NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S WEEKLY • January 30 - february 5, 2017 • Vol. 27 No. 5

Shervin Lainez

LOVE IS

IN THE AIR!

Looking for the perfect date for that special someone? On February 14th, bring your sweetheart and treat them to love on the mountain! Get special two-for-one deals on lift tickets, rental equipment, ice skating, fat tire snow biking, snowshoe rental, and laser tag. Enjoy $80 off two 50 or 80-minute spa services, and end your day with a romantic horse-drawn ride or a special Valentine’s Day dinner at the Thistle Pub & Grille.

Make your reservations now at CrystalMountain.com/Events.

8 0 0 .YO U R . M T N C RYS TA L M O U N TA I N .C O M

40135 Northern Express, 1/30, Crystal Valentines Ad V00.indd 1

1/24/17 5:05 PM

Mancelona Public Schools •Vibrant after-school academic enrichment •Technology-Rich Classrooms •Individualized K-12 Academic Support •Early Childhood Programs from infancy through Twelve Years of Age •Free Health Care for Students 5 years through 21 years of age •Industrial Arts, Band, Choir, Art and Music •No pay to play Athletics

mancelonaschools.org • 231-587-9764

2 • January 30, 2017 • Northern Express Weekly

The claim that Republicans will “repeal and replace” the ACA is just code words for denying Americans universal health care so the gravy train keeps flowing to the rich and their political benefactors.

The idea of replacing insanely expensive health care with “health savings accounts” is ludicrous. We have an HSA and it helps with doctor visits and prescriptions, but we could never save what it would take for a major Crime and Rescue Map.......................................7 surgery or extended hospital stay. This plan is simply throwing a bone to people who are A in Vapor........................................................10 The Accidentals............................................13 ignorant of the financial realities.

CONTENTS

features

Benjamin James..............................................14

Bob Downes, Traverse City Siren Hall........................................................16

Shakespeare Goes Improv................................18 Studio Anatomy..............................................19 Seen..................................................................20

A Response to Euro-Ethnic

Bait and Switch?

In the spirit of bi-partisanship, I’ll begin by quoting a Republican: ”Fourscore and seven years ago” (that’s all, folks!) it was 1930. The Great Depression. A time when FDR and his brain trust got things going again with The New Deal – regulatory agencies and jobcreating programs. Other big federal programs – interstate highways, Medicare, Medicaid, assistance for public education, protection of voting rights, environmental protections, and yes, even the Affordable Care Act, followed in later decades. We voted, Congress approved, and Democrat and Republican Presidents signed these into law.

And now farms have electricity, older folks have health care and retirement checks; lowerincome Americans have health care; air, water, and land are cleaner; workplaces are safer; public education gets some federal support; and who doesn’t appreciate our interstate highways?

These public investments We The People made are enduring successes, clear expressions of our common interests, products of democratic (small “d”) decisions we made to provide for ourselves and care for each other.

The currently ubiquitous dogma that “Government is the enemy,” that smaller government is better government is shortsighted and plain wrong. The essence of liberty is having opportunities to live a better life.

Granted, individual effort, families, businesses, churches, and other institutions provide many opportunities for a good life. But downsizing the foundational opportunities our government provides diminishes liberty, and privatizing them endangers liberty. Why? Because private individuals and organizations have their own objectives and agendas, some not congruent with public ones.

This election, we’re told, turned on the promise of jobs for people the recovery missed.

Judging from Republican rhetoric and Trump’s Cabinet picks, we’re facing a serious downsizing and privatizing of our opportunities for a better life. Is that what we voted for?

Ron Tschudy, Central Lake

It’s No Democracy

Readers of the Northern Express might think the United States of America is a democracy.

Many of the letters to the editor and opinion writers call the United States a democracy. Why is this?

The progressive movement for years has tried to destroy the Bill of Rights. Progressive do not like individuals having rights. Some examples: The Obama justice department filed suit in court to have Reason Magazine stop writing that climate change is a hoax. Progressives don’t like free speech!

A recent Express opinion writer is concerned about home rule. Now home rule is a way for the majority of citizens to take away constitutional rights at the local level.

For example, if you own property in Traverse City the majority says you cannot build a 90-foot building on your property. Property rights in Traverse City have been taken away by a vote of the majority. Zoning & building codes are another way progressives use home rule to steal citizens’ rights.

In the United States there is a process to change the Constitution. Progressives are too lazy to amend the Constitution, so they slowly try to tell citizens they live in a democracy.

If you want to know what form of government we have in the U.S., read article 4, section 4 of the Constitution!

Michael Mix, Manton

Republicans Wrecking Healthcare

My wife and I have had ACA/Obamacare insurance for the past year, paying only $41 per month. We’re both very healthy so we only need catastrophic insurance and have a high deductible.

We’re furious with the Republicans for their plan to wreck affordable health care.

They have no plan, no valid ideas, just an ideologically-driven agenda to wreck the ACA and hand unfettered rate increases back to their buddies in the insurance industry.

It’s the insurance industry that should be blamed for the recent sky-high increases in premiums, but as usual, they succeeded in passing the blame to President Obama’s program. If anything, Americans need a single-payer program like Medicare, which would still offer some sort of profit motive to care-givers, but within reason.

A maple tree on my property lost its top several years ago. Since then, some animal scampered up there with a cache of beech nuts for its food. Four of them sprouted and now the tree exists and flourishes with four new tops. Nature’s ability to survive and adapt is amazing, isn’t it?

Maintaining that a majority of one skin color (in this case, the one with inferior melatonin) is desirable for a superior culture is simplistic and limiting; myopic and detrimental to the survival of our species.

If the maple tree had somehow managed to shake off the beech nuts with this ideology, it wouldn’t be alive today.

The greatest strength of our federal democracy and union of states is our diversity and complex cultures and people. Embracing one over all others is based on faulty theory: one, the euro ethnic *ideal” that was touted in the column, disregards the first peoples who inhabited the earth, themselves a blend that proved superior in strength, determination and perseverance to survive, and populated this continent first. Two, the euro-ethnic, with the advent of popular DNA testing, proves itself a blend.

Adapting, in order to survive, ensures the species.

Besides, I truly relish our diversity as a population. I enjoy learning from all the different cultures, the music, the art, the foods, the strengths and the joys. The simple perseverance to get to this melting pot of a country and thrive ensures the strength of our people.

This variety is truly our country’s greatest strength and I embrace the adaptations. Thank you one and all for being here. And thanks to my ancestors for having the strength and tenacity in thriving here.

Chris Convissor, Lake Ann

Final Voter Fraud Word

Regarding the letter “It’s Happening Again”: Former President Obama in his last press conference said, “The whole notion of voting fraud -- this is something that has constantly been disproved.” Mrs. Clinton said, “Not accepting election results is horrifying and a threat to democracy.” And again, on November 9th said, “We must accept this result.” Yet many on the left “believe” the election was stolen. People question how Mr. Trump could possibly have won when he lost the popular vote? One word: California, where Mrs. Clinton won by almost 4.3 million votes. People say no paper trail of votes; did they not vote in Michigan and not notice that there is a paper record of every vote cast?

Lastly, when the vote count was challenged in the State of Michigan, the only county that actually had more votes cast than registered voters was Wayne County (Detroit). Just a guess here, but thinking most of those “extra” votes went to Mrs. Clinton. Well, best not to guess and just deal with facts, as Mrs. Clinton won Wayne County 67 percent to 30 percent for Mr. Trump.

As Mr. Smith (Northern Express opinion

dates...............................................21-23 music FourScore.......................................................24 Nightlife...........................................................26

columns & stuff Top Five............................................................5

Spectator/Stephen Tuttle....................................4 Weird.................................................................8 Style.................................................................9 Modern Rock/Kristi Kates.................................25 The Reel.......................................................27 Advice Goddess..............................................28 Crossword.....................................................29 Freewill Astrology...........................................29 Classifieds......................................................30

Cover photo by Shervin Lainez

Northern Express Weekly is published by Eyes Only Media, LLC. Publisher: Luke Haase 129 E Front Traverse City, MI Phone: (231) 947-8787 Fax: 947-2425 email: info@northernexpress.com www.northernexpress.com Finance & Distribution Manager: Brian Crouch Sales: Kathleen Johnson, Peg Muzzall, Katy McCain, Mike Bright, Michele Young, Randy Sills, Todd Norris For ad sales in Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne & Charlevoix, call (231) 881-5943 Creative Director: Kyra Poehlman Distribution: Matt Ritter, Randy Sills, Kathy Twardowski, Austin Lowe Listings Editor: Jamie Kauffold Contributing Editor: Kristi Kates Reporter: Patrick Sullivan Contributors: Amy Alkon, Janice Binkert, Ross Boissoneau, Rob Brezsny, Jennifer Hodges, Candra Kolodziej, Clark Miller, Al Parker, Michael Phillips, Chuck Shepherd, Steve Tuttle, Tyler Parr Photography: Michael Poehlman, Peg Muzzall Copyright 2016, all rights reserved. Distribution: 36,000 copies at 600+ locations weekly. Northern Express Weekly is free of charge, but no person may take more than one copy of each weekly issue without written permission of Northern Express Weekly. Reproduction of all content without permission of the publisher is prohibited.

Northern Express Weekly • january 30, 2017 • 3

letters Continued from previous page

writer) so eloquently states, “You are not entitled to your opinion, you are entitled to your informed opinion. No one is entitled to be ignorant. Because you believe something to be true does not make it true.”

Brad Mackler, Traverse City

SEARCHING FOR MEANING sentiment I would like to convey to him is that we are his constituents. Perhaps he should follow the example set by our former Representative Bart Stupak, rather than the Tea Party model that Dan Benishek pursued.

A Hastert Rule Republican does not make you a Michigan First District, U.S. Representative.

His address is: U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC John M. Gerty, Jr., Williamsburg

Go Nuclear

Mark Contrucci (Dec. 31) makes my point. He doesn’t know that Germany’s Energiewende is a ruinously expensive, tragic failure; German carbon emissions have gone up both of the last two years. Germany has no plans to ever stop burning lignite, and exports lignite-derived power when it has surpluses. The village of Atterwasch will be bulldozed to strip-mine more fuel. It won’t be the last.

He can’t say why, because he can’t bring himself to even think the N-word: nuclear.

A new age of nuclear is coming. One version, called NuScale, could completely power Traverse City from a single steel pop-can 16 feet across and 79 feet tall, shipped in on a truck.

Surplus heat could heat the city and de-ice all the sidewalks too. All this for two years on one load of fuel that fits in a 6-foot cube...and emits nothing but heat.

We must learn that TMI and Fukushima had zero radiation casualties and saved thousands from lung disease. We must learn to think what some wish to keep unthinkable.

Russ Cage, Williamsburg

Utility Lies

I would like to point out that there is a worldwide controversy regarding “smart” utility meters and other wireless devices. The accumulation of all this wireless technology is starting to have a negative effect on our health.

The media has chosen to ignore the “elephant in the room.” There are over 2,500 independent, scientific, peer reviewed studies proving harm to health by the accumulation of microwave radiation from all things wireless, including “smart” utility meters.

I attended a hearing in Lansing last September and gave testimony to our Public Service Commission on proposed rule changes for Michigan’s utilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act now recognizes electrosensitivity as a qualifying disability, yet the majority of the utilities are continuing to ignore the science and are forcing this technology on all of us! Why is no one in the media shining any light on the growing problems with this new technology? I feel the media is afraid of lost revenue from the utilities provided in the form of ad dollars.

The utilities are lying to us when they tell us this technology is “perfectly safe.” Want the truth? Visit smartmetereducationnetwork.com.

A Postcard To Congress

Whilst walking in Traverse City last Saturday with thousands of my fellow northern Michiganders, the thought struck me: too bad our new U.S. Representative Jack Bergman wasn’t here to enjoy the camaraderie. I decided I was going to make him a postcard with pictures of the march; perhaps everyone who attended the march could follow through this way as well. The

John Kurczewski, Indian River Correction: “A Tale of Two Legacies” in the Jan. 23 edition misstated the publication that described a 2015 donation made by the Tanton family to the Little Traverse Conservancy. It was the Essence of Emmet magazine, not the conservancy’s newsletter.

4 • January 30, 2017 • Northern Express Weekly

opinion

BY Isiah Smith, Jr. “Enlightened statesmen will not always be at the helm” - James Madison I like to start an essay with a touch of humor and -- I hope -- brilliant witticisms. But I just can’t bring myself to this time. Since early November, I’ve endured protracted periods of gloom and despair. My usual sunny optimism evaporated like snowballs on South Beach. For brief moments, I sensed the beginnings of a national nightmare.

Worse, I am not alone; on many of the faces I see I sense a sign of despair. A staggering number of fellow Americans have approached me in the last couple months on the streets, in the shops, everywhere, and asked, “What just happened?”

For solace I turn to the power of the written word, a way to put meaning where none seems to exist.

So what book did I choose to restore my equilibrium and reignite in me some hope for the future? What wise and prophetic writer did I turn to allay my angst, and make me believe again?

Viktor Frankl wrote my choice for an uplifting book many years ago.

When World War II broke out, Viktor Emil Frankl was director of therapy in a large mental hospital in Vienna and the organizer of a group of successful youth guidance centers. Along with his family and many other doctors, he was sent to a Nazi concentration camp. There he spent three harrowing years, where he endured unspeakable suffering and unimaginable pain.

In 1946 Frankl published Man’s Search for Meaning, chronicling his horrific experiences. Between 1942 and 1945, Frankl labored in four different camps, including Auschwitz, where his parents, brother, and pregnant wife all died. During these traumatic times, Frankl labored to find a reason to go on living and to find meaning in the meanness.

What I found most disturbing about Frankl’s account of his imprisonment was not the backbreaking work, the all-pervading fear, nor even the constant, maddening hunger, all of which would be enough to break the spirits of any human being. What has stuck with me across the decades since I first read this hopeful book was the unrelenting degradation the prisoners suffered daily, designed to force them to accept the Nazis’ judgment that they were less than human.

When they were forced to carry heavy tanks filled with human excrement for disposal, some of the sewage would almost always splash in their faces. If the prisoners tried to wipe the waste away, or instinctively react with disgust, they would be punished by the Capos (trusted prisoners, chosen mostly for their brutality) and beaten with a club or whip. Because of this, the prisoners learned to suppress the horror of having human waste splashed in their faces!

Though many Americans report feeling something like this in recent months, no such thing has happened and nor is it likely to.

Frankl argues that we have an incredible power to shape our attitudes and responses to the challenges life presents us, and that we inevitably grow thanks to these challenges.

When I shared with a well-placed and successful friend of mine in Washington D.C. what I was writing and thinking, he reacted impatiently and with great exasperation.

“Things can’t get worse than this. Re-

member, we just elected a reckless, unstable, ignorant, inane, infinitely vulgar, climatechange-denying white-nationalist misogynist with authoritarian ambitions and kleptocratic plans.” “Come on. We don’t know what’s going to happen yet,” I responded. “Re-read Frankl’s book. I can guarantee you that nothing we experience in the next four years will come close to what Frankl and his family suffered in the concentration camps. To think otherwise is to let one’s imagination overrule our common sense.”

“Of course not,” he responded indignantly. “But if that guy implements half the things he’s threatened to, we are in for an awful four years.”

In my resulting gloom, my Swedish son in-law reminded me of a study we had discussed by Jesse L. Pressman and Aaron Wildavsky, titled “Implementation: How Great Expectations in Washington Are Dashed in Oakland; Or, Why It’s Amazing that Federal Programs Work at All.” The study found that implementing sweeping changes in a huge democracy is easier said than done. Often it’s simply a fool’s errand, and people on both sides of the aisle are bound to be disappointed (do the Swedes know us Americans better than we know ourselves?).

But what do I know?

I know this: Frankl’s opus holds timeless wisdom that is still relevant and fresh after all these years. “A man who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how,” he wrote, quoting Nietzsche.

Anyone can choose, under any circumstances, what “will become of him -- mentally and spiritually.”

Frankl argues that the kind of person you are is a result of an “inner decision,” rather than your situation…and that bearing your suffering with dignity is in and of itself a real achievement. “It is this spiritual freedom which cannot be taken away—that makes life meaningful and personal.”

To Frankl’s way of thinking, suffering is an opportunity to make meaning out of life. Regardless of the circumstances that surround us, we can still find deep meaning through the way we handle those circumstances; bravery, dignity, selflessness, and morality are the way.

People who choose to live in the past, lamenting what could have been, turning a blind eye to the reality of the lives we live now, miss opportunities to make something positive our of their experiences and finding ways to contribute to the greater good.

Frankl lived his philosophy. After his release from the camp, he resumed his career and became an esteemed psychiatrist, with many books to his name. His theories are still taught in universities around the world.

We still have the power to change things, and one election in the endless river of time is powerless to change that reality.

Isiah Smith, Jr. is a former newspaper columnist for the Miami Times. He worked as a psychotherapist before attending the University of Miami Law School, where he also received a Master’s Degree in Psychology. In December 2013, he retired from the Department of Energy’s Office of General Counsel, where he served as a Deputy Assistant General Counsel for Administrative Litigation and Information Law. Isiah lives in Traverse City with his wife Marlene.

this week’s

top five A Walk on Lake Charlevoix Andy Poineau has had a hand in several landmarks around Lake Charlevoix. He helped construct the “Last River Draw” statue installed earlier this year on the Boyne River in Boyne City. His company, Andre Poineau Woodworker, Inc. built the Winn residence on the south end of Round Lake, the gargantuan and beautiful home-slash-boat warehouse.

And now he’s been depicted in a photo of Lake Charlevoix ice that’s become instantly iconic.

The photo depicts Poineau standing on crystal clear ice holding a shovel.

The ice is so clear that it is invisible and it looks as though Poineau is suspended above a sandy lake bottom. He posted the photo to his Facebook page and it took off. Poineau said the attention the photograph has received has been unbelievable.

“I’m starting to tire of it, you know? It’s gotten really incredible,” he said.

“Yesterday, it was in National Geographic. It’s been in so many publications it’s unbelievable.”

tastemaker Cuban Black Bean Stew from My Sister’s Bake Shop

boeing, boeing It’s the 1960s, & swinging bachelor Bernard couldn’t be happier: a flat in Paris & three gorgeous stewardesses all engaged to him unbeknownst to each other. Get your tickets to BOEING, BOEING, Northport’s Dinner Theatre, held this Fri. & Sat., Feb. 3-4, as well as Feb. 10-12 at Northport Community Arts Center with cocktails at 5:30pm & seating at 6pm (3:30pm; 4pm on Feb. 12). Tickets, $50. northportcac.org

Stand Up for an LGBT Community Center A northern Michigan comedy troupe is offering a chance to have a laugh and help build an LGBT community center.

Falling Down Stairs Productions will donate proceeds from their standup comedy shows in February, March and April to Polestar, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of the LGBT community around Traverse City. Polestar hopea to raise $25,000 to rent space for offices and a community center, said Ruth Spalding, Polestar board secretary.

David Graves of Falling Down said the group wanted to perform for a worthy cause and they realized Polestar is a group that’s really trying to fill a void in northern Michigan.

The comedy shows are every other Saturday. On Feb. 4, March 4 and April 1, they will take place at 9pm at The Parlor. On Feb. 18, March 18 and April 15, they’ll take place at 9pm at Studio Anatomy.

While the petite but popular My Sister’s Bake Shop on the outskirts of Harbor Springs is best known for its baked goods (try the cinnamon rolls and cinnamon bread, both locally legendary!), it also offers up some savory winter selections perfect for a quick stop-in lunch.

One of those treats is the bakery’s unexpected take on Cuban Black Bean Stew.

The traditional version of this classic dish from the Caribbean blossoms the longer it’s cooked, and My Sister’s Bake Shop keeps its version simmering in the crock pot for that perfect flavor, marrying tender black beans with pork, spicy chicken sausage, rice, roasted red peppers, fresh carrots, onions and garlic all in aromatic harmony.

Get a hot bowl of stew – and pick up some fresh-made granola bars, scones or those cinnamon rolls while you’re at it – at My Sister’s Bake Shop, 107 Franklin Park, Harbor Springs. The proprietors keep winter hours and are open Wednesdays through Saturdays. You can also visit online or call (231) 838-3882.

Northern Express Weekly • january 30, 2017 • 5

Warm Vacation?

YOUR N VACATIOEXT BEGIN N WITH U S S!

Time to call Talon!

Booking winter & family spring break vacations now.

• Resorts • Cruises • All inclusive • Destination weddings & Honeymoons

Talon TRAVEL AGENCY

TalonTravelAgency.com 231-930-4770 877-211-9377

THE FINEST SKI TUNES AND CUSTOM BOOT FITTING, PERIOD. From novice to racer, our professional technicians will get the job done.

24 hour turn around on most services.

231-946-8810 800-346-5788

890 Munson Ave. • Traverse City www.donorrskihaus.com

Celebrating 60 Years!

Pizza + a Pint

At North Peak our pizzas are made to your order on hand-stretched dough, and hearth-baked in our open flame oven for a smoky flavor and a thin crisp crust. Available Sunday through Thursday nights

at special prices which include a pint of our fresh, handcrafted beer!

Brie Fig Pizza

French brie cheese, dried black figs, caramelized onions, prosciutto, balsamic syrup 15

Stout Buffalo Taco Pizza

refried beans, browned bison, bell peppers, lettuce, red onions, pepperjack cheese, tortilla chips, chipotle ranch dressing 15

Broccoli Feta Pizza

creamy feta cheese spread, steamed broccoli, red onion, fresh basil, cheddar cheese 13

Porter BBQ Chicken Pizza

Cherry Porter BBQ sauce, mozzarella, jalapeños, red peppers, red onions, braised chicken 14

400 W. Front • Traverse City • 231.941.7325 northpeak.net • facebook.com/northpeakbrewingcompany

6 • January 30, 2017 • Northern Express Weekly

THE MARCH spectator by stephen tuttle That was a pretty impressive beginning as protests go. Millions of women -- and men too -- gathered all over the country, including thousands here in northern Michigan.

There were plenty of issues in evidence, but mostly they were protesting the manifest misogyny of President Donald Trump.

Having gotten the attention of the country and the world – there were also marches in many other countries – the logical question becomes: what now?

It is unlikely the new president was much moved by the demonstrations. His instincts are to demean and attempt to diminish opinions other than his own as evidenced by his mistaken assumption the marchers didn’t vote. The next step, as is his wont, will be late night “mean girl” tweets.

This is a movement that will now have to decide what it wants to be, if anything. If it

latures have the authority to redraw congressional and legislative district maps every ten years. When they dominated the 2010 elections they won the right to control district boundaries. It’s a fairly significant advantage.

Seven states have no congressional redistricting because they have but a single congressional district. But they all redraw legislative lines. In 37 states the state legislature has the sole power and authority to do so. Republicans control both houses in 30 of those states.

Any progressive agenda, partisan or not, has to be pushed locally. It starts by electing people least likely to redistrict that agenda into oblivion. There are only two election cycles until the next round of redistricting, so there should be a certain urgency.

The march was exciting and must have been invigorating and empowering for the participants. But it will mean little for their

The march was exciting and must have been invigorating and empowering for the participants.

But it will mean little for their cause if those who oppose most everything they favor continue their dominance in state legislatures. was a one-off, it was a good one but the story will have ended when the marches did.

Is it just anti-Trump? Is it gender-specific? Is it the new leadership of a progressive agenda? Is it rank partisanship?

Trump is not likely to be dissuaded from any notion he has ever had – he equates changing his mind or compromising with losing – so his social and legislative agendas will need to be resisted elsewhere.

Congress, where partisanship and the money that flows with it are more important than issues, is almost a lost cause. A handful of GOP senators were vocal in their criticism of Trump during the campaign, so it’s possible public pressure could move them on some issues. But it isn’t that likely.

If the agenda here was the protection of progressive ideas instead of just not liking Trump, the battles will have to be fought at the local level. The smorgasbord of issues evident on signs during the march all have their genesis in state legislatures. Issues like reproductive rights, violence against women, LGBT legislation, protecting the environment and others can be more easily supported, or opposed, in smaller legislative races. That’s where votes, and pressure, have the most impact.

Democrats, who currently carry the banner of what passes for progressive politics, have been taking a beating at the state level since 2010.

There are 98 state legislative bodies, 49 states with both a house of representatives and senate (Nebraska holds non-partisan elections and has only one legislative body in their unicameral system). Republicans control both houses in 32 states.

That’s important because most state legis-

cause if those who oppose most everything they favor continue their dominance in state legislatures.

The criticism of the march was quick, pointed and wrong. While it’s true enough the likes of Madonna trying to out-vulgar our Vulgarian-in-Chief and some acts of violence didn’t accomplish much, the idea that protest movements don’t work defies history.

The civil rights movement and the antiVietnam war movements, both of which were rife with large marches, were instrumental in the enactment of the Civil Rights Act and ending the war in southeast Asia.

Those protests lasted years and were accompanied by legislative action items, but neither started with anything near the size or exuberance of the Women’s March.

To be fair, not every woman is on board with the anti-Trump group. After all, while Hillary Clinton won handily among all women voters, nearly 54 percent of white women voted for Trump. Like all movements, this one will ignite opposition, counter-protests and backlash.

Successful movements require persistence, patience, ongoing communications and a clear objective. Social media will be helpful to that cause and one assumes many such addresses were exchanged and recorded. Politics will have to be played if marchers want a voice loud enough to influence legislative outcomes.

The simultaneous marches around the country were, by any standard, extraordinary. But they will be just a pleasant memory unless the movement continues to actually move. This could be the moment a new social and political force was born. If so, the next chapter will be worth reading.

Crime & Rescue HOME VISIT BECOMES METH CASE A 32-year-old Texas man accused of stuffing meth ingredients into a dumpster near Cadillac was arrested on drug charges.

State police had been called to a Vacation Lane cabin rented by Levi Dougherty to assist Department of Health and Human Services workers conducting a wellness check for Dougherty’s girlfriend’s 5-year-old son.

There was no answer at the cabin, but state police soon made a traffic stop and located the mother and child. While that was happening, police received a call about a suspicious duffle bag Dougherty had allegedly put in a Vacation Lane dumpster and troopers returned and arrested him after they found meth-making items in the bag.

Traverse Narcotics Team officers said they found the makings of three one-pot methamphetamine set-ups.

SUICIDAL MAN CAUSES STANDOFF Cheboygan County Sheriff’s deputies were called to Wolverine where a suicidal man was firing a weapon inside and outside his home.

Sheriff Dale Clarmont said deputies were called at 1:17pm Jan. 21 to contend with 49-yearold Dwayne Edward Gagnon on the 5000 block of Fourth Street. Other occupants of the home were able to escape.

Deputies cordoned off the property and the state police Emergency Support Team was called in.

Gagnon emerged from the house with a shotgun, apparently in an effort to get police to take his life, but D/Lt. Michael Brege talked to the man for an hour and he was arrested.

Gagnon faces seven felony charges stemming from the incident.

HOUSE SAVED FROM GARAGE FIRE Firefighters saved a Missaukee County home from a mid-morning fire.

Someone had been working on a vehicle in a garage and when they returned at 11am Jan. 23, the garage was filled with smoke. By the time firefighters arrived, the garage was ablaze and siding on an attached house was melting, said Merritt Area Fire Chief Ed Nettle.

Firefighters from Merritt Area and two other departments helped save the house. There were no injuries. Nettle said aid from neighboring departments is critical for volunteer departments, especially in the daytime when many volunteers are unavailable.

WOMAN GETS TASED GOING FOR GUN A 38-year-old homeless woman was arrested after she struggled with Traverse City Police and tried to grab an officer’s gun.

Police were called to Central United Methodist church on Cass Street at 4pm Jan. 21 because the Grand Rapids woman had refused a request to leave the Safe Harbor homeless shelter for violating rules.

The woman punched an officer and was taken the ground; she went for the officer’s handgun and an officer tased the woman, Capt. Kevin Dunklow said. The woman was taken to jail.

TIP LEADS TO FOUR HEROIN ARRESTS Police arrested four people they say were part of a significant heroin-peddling ring.

Traverse Narcotics Team officers got a tip Jan. 19 that people were dealing drugs out of houses at 813 Hannah Avenue and 2001 Chippewa Street in Traverse City. Detectives monitored the homes, watched people come and go through the day, got search warrants and raided the houses that night.

by patrick sullivan psullivan@northernexpress.com

TNT seized “a substantial amount of heroin, approximately $1,600 in suspected narcotics proceeds, and numerous uncapped syringes ... containing suspected heroin that were ready for immediate use.”

Police arrested a 55-year-old Detroit man, a 48-year-old Traverse City woman, a 45-year-old Traverse City man, and a 40-year-old Kalkaska man.

VINTAGE SNOWMOBILER BUSTED A downstate man visited Houghton Lake’s Tip-Up Town, bought a vintage snowmobile and got arrested for drunk driving.

State police arrested the 20-year-old Adrian man after he was spotted driving the antique snowmobile on a snowless roadway, spitting up sparks from under the sled. The man was stopped Jan. 22 on M-55 and arrested for drunk driving and underage drinking.

MAN CHARGED WITH SEX CRIMES A Copemish man is accused of molesting a minor girl.

Manistee County Sheriff’s deputies were called to Maple Grove Township Jan. 15 to investigate a sexual assault complaint involving a 42-year-old man and a minor female victim.

Deputies arrested Gregory Bulerski on a two counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct and he was held on a half million-dollar bond.

BOYNE ARSON SUSPECT CONVICTED The 31-year-old man connected to a late-night fire at Boyne Highlands Resort that injured a dozen hotel guests has pled no contest to arson charges.

Petoskey resident David Gerald Soltysiak pled on Jan. 20 in Emmet County to seconddegree arson for the Dec. 11 fire and one count of felonious assault for attacking a security guard with a fire extinguisher in the immediate aftermath.

The arson charge carries up to 20 years in prison and the assault charge carries four.

Soltysiak reached a deal early in his case to plead in exchange for the dismissal of a firstdegree arson charge, which could have carried life in prison, Prosecutor James Linderman said.

ARRESTS IN DOZENS OF BURGLARIES More than 40 burglaries around Roscommon County in late 2016 are believed solved with the arrests of two suspects.

The Houghton Lake state police post commander said it took police from agencies from around the area to crack the case.

F/Lt. Josh Lator said a team of investigators looked into the break-ins that occurred in the southern part of the county between September and November and zeroed in on a suspect in Saginaw County, leading to a search warrant for his residence which turned up stolen property.

Police arrested two Saginaw County men, ages 20 and 62, and more arrests were expected, Lator said.

Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid used as a tranquilizer for elephants and other large mammals.

The department issued a warning urging the public to use “extreme caution when encountering any unknown substance suspected to be an illicit narcotic, especially those believed to contain fentanyl or a fentanyl-related compound.”

TOXICOLOGY RESULT PROMPTS WARNING A man found dead in a vehicle parked in a grocery store parking lot overdosed on elephant tranquilizer.

Traverse City Police said the Dec. 4 death of 32-year-old Nathaniel Glen Clark was caused by carfentanil, a dangerous narcotic that is 40 or 50 times as potent as heroin. Toxicology results from Clark’s autopsy were released Jan. 25, prompting police to issue a safety warning about the drug.

emmet cheboygan charlevoix

antrim

otsego

Leelanau

benzie

manistee

grand traverse

wexford

kalkaska

missaukee

crawfor D

roscommon

Northern Express Weekly • january 30, 2017 • 7

sleeping mother’s thumbprint onto her phone to unlock the Amazon app and order $250 worth of Pokemon toys. Mom later noticed 13 email confirmations and asked Ashlynd if something was amiss. According to the Wall Street Journal report, Ashlynd said, “No, Mommy, I was shopping.”

Suspicions Confirmed Schools’ standardized tests are often criticized as harmfully rigid, and in the latest version of the Texas Education Agency’s STAAR test, poet Sara Holbrook said she flubbed the “correct” answer for “author motivation” -- in two of her own poems that were on the test. Writing in Huffington Post in January, a disheartened Holbrook lamented, “Kids’ futures and the evaluations of their teachers will be based on their ability to guess the so-called correct answer to (poorly) made-up questions.”

Compelling Explanations -- In December, James Leslie Kelly, 52, and with a 37-conviction rap sheet dating to 1985, filed a federal lawsuit in Florida claiming that his latest brush with the law was Verizon’s fault and not his. Kelly was convicted of stealing the identity of another James Kelly and taking more than $300 in Verizon services. He bases his case on the Verizon sales representative’s having spent “an hour and a half ” with him -- surely enough time, he says, to have figured out that he was not the James Kelly he was pretending to be. He seeks $72 million.

-- In Hong Kong in December, Mr. Lam Chung-kan, 37, pleaded guilty to stealing a bottle of a co-worker’s breast milk at work and drinking it -- but only to help with “stress” in his job as a computer technician. Undermining the health-improvement explanation was a photo Lam sent the woman, showing himself in an aroused state.

Ironies London’s The Guardian reported in January that “dozens” of people have been charged or jailed recently for “defaming” the new Myanmar government, which has been headed (in a prime-minister-like role) since April by Aung San Suu Kyi, who was elected after her release from house detention following two decades of persecution for criticizing the longtime military regime. For her struggle for free speech, Suu Kyi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. Said the wife of the latest arrestee, Myo Yan Naung Thein, on trial for “criminal defamation” of Suu Kyi’s regime, “This is not insulting -- this is just criticizing, with facts. This is freedom of speech.”

The Litigious Society High Finance: Sometime in 2006, a photographer on assignment roamed a Chipotle restaurant in Denver, snapping photos of customers. Leah Caldwell was one person photographed, but says she refused to sign the photographer’s “release” -- and was surprised, nevertheless, to see a photo of herself in a Chipotle promotion in 2014 and again in 2015 (and on her table in the photo were “alcoholic beverages” she denied ever ordering). In January, Caldwell said the misuse of her image is Chipotle’s fault for ignoring her non-”release,” and thus that she is entitled to all of the profits Chipotle earned between 2006 and 2015: $2.237 billion.

Precocious In December, Ashlynd Howell, age 6, of Little Rock, Arkansas, deftly mashed her

8 • January 30, 2017 • Northern Express Weekly

Leading Economic Indicators -- The British think tank High Pay Centre reported in January that the average CEO among the U.K.’s top 100 companies (in the Financial Times Stock Exchange index) earns the equivalent of around $1,600 an hour -- meaning that a 12-hour-a-day boss will earn, by mid-day Jan. 4, as much money as the typical worker at his firm will earn the entire year. (Around the same time, the anti-poverty organization Oxfam reported, to an astonished press, that eight men -- six Americans, headed by Bill Gates -- have the same total “net worth” as the 3.6 billion people who comprise the poorest half of the planet.)

-- An organization that tracks “high net worth” investors (Spectrem Group of Lake Forest, Illinois) reported recently that, of Americans worth $25 million or more, only about two-thirds donate $10,000 or more yearly to charity. And then there is Charles Feeney, 85, of New York City, who in December made his final gift to charity ($7 million to Cornell University), completing his pledge to give away almost everything he had -- $8 billion. (He left his wife and himself $2 million to live on, in their rental apartment in San Francisco.)

A January New York Times profile noted that nothing is “named” for Feeney, that the gifts were mostly anonymous, and that Feeney assiduously cultivated his low profile.

-- A “disturbingly large” (according to one report) number of smartphone apps are available devoted to calculating how much the user has “earned” per day and per year during restroom breaks answering nature’s calls while at work. Australia’s News Limited’s rough calculation estimated $1,227 for someone

making $55,000 a year, but results might vary since there are so many apps: Poop Salary, ToiletPay, Log-Log, Paid 2 Poo, Pricy Poop, Poop Break and perhaps others.

People Different From Us “Every major event in my life has been about insects,” Aaron Rodriques, 26, told The New York Times in December, home in New York City during a winter break from his doctoral research at Purdue University on the “sweet tergal secretions” of German cockroaches, and on his way to buy a supply of crickets and hornworms. (“Hornworms,” he said, have an “amazing defense” where they “eat tobacco for the nicotine, which they exhale as a gas to scare away predators.”) “When I’m feeling stressed out,” Rodriques said, he might take one out to “calm me down.” He met his first girlfriend when she was attracted to his pet giant African millipede (as long as a human forearm), but admits that “for the vast majority” of time in school, “I was alone.”

Updates Two years ago, News of the Weird updated previous entries by noting that China’s Ministry of Culture had cracked down on the centuries-old tradition of festively overthe-top funerals (ceremonies to assure the family that the deceased did not die “faceless”) -- by arresting the song-and-dance people (including strippers and pole-dancers) peddling their services to mourners. Even though that ban has been working, nostalgic Chinese can still see great funeral poledancing -- in Taiwan -- according to a January report on the death of Chiayi county official Tung Hsiang, featuring 50 “scantily clad” entertainers. (Pole-dancing, itself, is still big in China, where the national pole-dancing team recently performed its annual outdoor show, wearing shorts and halter tops, in the country’s northernmost village, Beiji -- where the temperature was minus 33 Celsius.)

Pleats

by candra kolodziej

STREET STYLE

blAck violin

Thursday, February 16, 2017 ELLA’S $332.50

Classically trained violin and viola musicians, Wil B and Kev Marcus, fuse classical, hip-hop, rock, R&B, and bluegrass into a groundbreaking sound that’s topping Billboard charts.

EYVONNE MYERS, Traverse City

Pleats aren’t just for outdated khakis and itchy Catholic school skirts.

Done right, they can be fashion forward and totally fresh. For winter, layer a peplum top with some leggings and a cozy sweater, look for loose pleats to give a fresh silhouette to the traditional pea coat or trench, and let wide flat pleats class-up that cocktail dress.

old friends: A simon & gArfunkel tribute Saturday, February 18, 2017

Old Friends is a stunning recreation of Simon & Garfunkel’s 1981 Concert in Central Park. Remember the songs, remember the harmonies, remember the mood and the magic…

one-mAn stAr wArs trilogy Friday, March 10, 2017

Charles Ross single-handedly plays all the characters, sings the music, flies the ships, fights the battles and condenses the plots into one hilarious show!

LINDA GARSHAW Traverse City

MELINDA MARTIN Buchanan, MI

Northern Express Weekly • january 30, 2017 • 9

Up in Vapor Smokers turn to vaping as a healthier alternative, but are the candy-flavored nicotine juices also luring teenagers?

By Patrick Sullivan Once, Steve Haselton’s life revolved around cigarettes. He smoked for 37 years and managed Admiral Tobacco on Garfield Avenue in Traverse City.

Then, four years ago, his mother bought tickets for her family to see the National Cherry Festival Open Space concerts. Since the venue was smoke free, Haselton’s sister arrived from out of town with e-cigarettes for him and his mom so they could get their nicotine fixes without lighting up.

Hazleton tried his first e-cigarette. Within seven days, he found himself at home one evening, surprised to be lighting his first cigarette of the day. He took a couple of puffs, put it out, and hasn’t touched a combustible smoke since.

SALES TO CHILDREN BARRED Haselton is among a growing number of former smokers who have switched to vaping, or electronic cigarettes. Nine million adults used e-cigarettes in 2014, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Vaping has also caught on among young people. The CDC said the number of high schoolers who vape increased from 1.5 percent in 2011 to 16 percent in 2015 – that’s three million students.

When the Food and Drug Administration enacted regulations in August that bar the sale of vaping materials to people under age 18, Michigan and Pennsylvania were the only

states affected. Every other state had already outlawed the sale of e-cigarettes to minors.

“Prior to that, literally in the state of Michigan, you could have sold to a 15-yearold,” Haselton said. “Since the regulations took over, it’s definitely 18 now.”

Haselton opened his store, All About Vapor, on South Airport Road in Garfield Township three years ago. He said he’s always been against the sale of nicotine products to minors and would not sell to them in his store even when it was legal.

He said he promotes vaping as an alternative for smokers who want to quit, although those same FDA regulations that bar sales to minors also prevent him from making any health claims about e-cigarettes.

Haselton and others in the industry walk a fine line on that – he said that since he stopped smoking real cigarettes and has gotten nicotine exclusively through vapor, he’s felt healthier and stronger.

“I smoked for 37 years and haven’t had a cigarette in four. I just had a chest e-ray and my lungs are clear, remarkably,” he said.

Though he agrees that minors shouldn’t vape, Hazleton said he hates the new regulations – he believes they were designed by cigarette company lobbyists to hurt the vaping industry. The regulations have made it much harder and more expensive for the producers of liquid nicotine to get their products approved for sale, he said.

10 • January 30, 2017 • Northern Express Weekly

IN IT FROM THE EARLY DAYS A pioneer of vaping and a large-scale producer of nicotine juice happens to live in Gaylord.

M. Daniel Walsh moved to northern Michigan from California nine years ago and started his company Purebacco.

Walsh’s company may have gotten going in earnest almost a decade ago, but he started trying to figure out how to vaporize nicotine five years before that.

He was working in San Francisco in 2002 in public education and municipal development when he decided he wanted to start his own company and somehow create a “lifeenhancing technology.”

Walsh, a smoker, couldn’t think of many things that would enhance his life more than a good alternative to cigarettes.

He got together with a couple of friends, one with a nutrition background, the other from healthcare, and they settled on trying to develop a pure nicotine product. Walsh’s goal was to separate nicotine from all the chemicals that come from burning tobacco.

“We said if we could do that, we could change the world,” Walsh said. “We set the objective [for the product] to be intrinsically better than smoking; we wanted to give smokers the device and have them want to use it because they liked it better than smoking. It was a little tricky because nobody had done it before – there was nobody out there for us to follow.”

They spent a few years developing a pro-

totype device and working out the bugs in the nascent industry, but having no lead to follow didn’t mean there wasn’t a race on. It turned out that many people, especially around the tech hub of San Francisco, were trying to turn nicotine into an inhalable vapor.

“We were definitely on the cutting edge,” Walsh said. “I wouldn’t say we were the creators, but I would definitely say we were pioneers.”

Others got their products to market before Walsh. The first e-cigarettes went on sale around 2006. By 2010, there were 50 manufacturers in the vaping industry. Two years later, there were a thousand.

Around that time, Walsh and his partners decided to switch directions.

“Basically, what we saw happening was a lot of lot of people were working in hardware, and we felt that innovation was not occurring on the liquid side of it,” Walsh said.

They decided to get out of making vaporizers and to focus entirely on manufacturing the flavored nicotine juice that generates the vapor.

PURE GAYLORD By then, Walsh had moved to northern Michigan, following his wife, Molly, a Gaylord native.

“My wife is from here and her family lives here; she wanted to be close to her family,” Walsh said of the move. “I liked the mountains. I don’t really like being in super

dense cities. So it was kind of a no-brainer.”

The Walshes live in the woods halfway between Gaylord and Boyne City, and Walsh likes the quiet, rural character of his adopted home.

Walsh’s company has brought several Ph.D.s to Gaylord, including molecular chemists and biologists. In 2016, Walsh said Purebacco was rated the fourth fastest growing company in Michigan by Inc. magazine.

It currently employs 12 people.

Walsh said that while he isn’t allowed to make health claims about his product because of FDA regulations, he likes to talk about the purity of what he makes.

“We’re not allowed to make safety claims, but that doesn’t mean we can’t research the safety of the product,” he said.

He said he’s identified 10 times as many possibly harmful molecules that could wind up in the juice from flavorings than the FDA tests for. He said his product is kept free of those chemicals. Walsh said Purebacco has partnered with other manufacturers, and collectively they’ve spent tens of millions of dollars studying the effect of vapor on the human body; he said they’ve gone so far as to grow human lungs out of lung tissue at a university research lab to test the effects of vapors that contain different molecules.

Walsh said he’s always been adamant about keeping the product out of the hands of youth and helped lead a movement in the industry to self-regulate.

“This product is for smokers – if a person didn’t smoke, you wouldn’t encourage them.

Even smokers wouldn’t encourage their friends to start smoking,” he said. “While there are bad actors, and I think those bad actors shouldn’t be allowed to do what they’re doing, the dominant body of manufactures is very ardent about avoiding youth access and not marketing towards youth. Personally, at our company, we have no models under 25. We don’t want our models to look young in our marketing materials.”

“THEY DON’T BURN YOUR THROAT” Walsh said that when he switched from smoking to vaping in 2011, his health improved in unexpected ways. He said people who smoke tend to take on other bad behaviors with the justification that they don’t have anything to lose.

Since Walsh quit using cigarettes, he said he’s eaten better and been more active. He’s lost 45 pounds. His skin looks better. And he’s stopped coughing.

“I look younger now than I did five years ago, so I would say a very large body of people like me have seen a lot of secondary benefits,” he said.

Haselton said that among the hundreds of juice flavors he carries, one of his main suppliers is Walsh’s Purebacco.

“They are an awesome company, and they offer a quality product,” Haselton said.

“They don’t burn your throat.”

Haselton said there are good juices and bad juices, and he researches the ones he sells carefully.

“It being my store, I’m really concerned about the product I carry. It goes through a really long vetting process,” he said. “The product I sell is high quality stuff. I mean, you can get a lot of really cheap juices.”

The worst stuff, Haselton contends, comes from China. He said vapors can tell when they’re using cheap juice because it burns the back of their throats. The good stuff, he said, feels clean.

Since his products are premium, Haselton said a 60ml bottle of juice costs $25 at his store. He said he doesn’t know how to calculate the equivalent number of packs of cigarettes that would equal because everyone vapes and smokes differently, but it’s a goodsized supply.

A PATCHWORK OF LAWS Michigan doesn’t have any laws that regulate the sale or use of e-cigarettes.

Tom Buss, director of environmental health at the Grand Traverse County Health Department, said he was unaware of any local restrictions on vaping.

“I haven’t ever heard of it being an issue, to tell you the truth,” Buss said. “I don’t remember ever seeing any complaints about people using it in restaurants.”

Angela Minicuci, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services spokeswoman, said while there is no state law that regulates where people can vape, some localities have adopted ordinances that prohibit vaping where smoking is not allowed. She said Washtenaw, Luce, Mackinac, Alger and Schoolcraft counties have enacted regulations.

Angela Clock, executive director of Tobacco Free Michigan, said most high schools and colleges have included vaping in their non-smoking policies. Otherwise, in bars and restaurants across the state, it’s up to management to decide whether to allow it.

Clock said her organization doesn’t view vaping as a healthier alternative to cigarettes because e-cigarettes still deliver nicotine, which has negative health effects on its own, and the water vapor contains chemicals that may be harmful.

E-cigarettes pose a dilemma for public health officials.

Last April, the Royal College of Physicians, a British medical organization, split from American’s cautious approach to vaping and announced that the benefits from switching to vaping from smoking far outweigh potential harms. The organization said vaping is 95 percent safer than cigarettes and that smokers should be encouraged to switch.

Officials in the U.S. have taken a different approach. While vaping is likely a healthier alternative to smoking, they believe it also might open up a new pathway for young people to try nicotine and become addicted at a time when adolescent smoking is in decline.

A spring 2015 article in Harvard Public Health calls for tighter regulation of e-cigarettes to keep them out of the hands of youth.

The article concludes that e-cigarettes are marketed to youth and that vaping is skyrocketing among high school students; consequently, in order to achieve any benefit vaping might offer as an alternative to adult smokers, use of the product by youth has to be stopped.

LIKED THE SMELL OF IT Patrick Rassett, who opened The Brotherhood Vape Company on Garfield Avenue a year ago with his brother Justin, said he doesn’t believe there is anything intrinsically attractive to young people about vaping.

They are just as likely to try cigarettes.

And those candy-flavored juices packaged in bright colors that critics point to as proof the industry is marketing to children?

Like, for example, PBLS Donuts E-Juice, packaged in a small box covered in dabs of yellow, orange, purple and green that make it look like a children’s cereal? Rassett said those are marketed toward adults who like different flavors of vapor.

Cameron Mouland, an 18-year-old hanging out at Brotherhood on a recent afternoon, said he never smoked cigarettes and recently started vaping because his friends got into it. He said the nicotine rush feels good but that he’s not addicted.

“My buddies were doing it, and it’s not a great thing to say, but I did enjoy the smell of it,” he said. “I don’t think I’m addicted. I use the lowest nicotine possible.”

EXPERIENCE INTERLOCHEN

Feb. 14 An Evening with Julian Lage & Chris Eldridge | Aoife O’Donovan and her band

Aoife O’Donovan, the talented vocalist praised by national publications like the Washington Post, The New York Times, Rolling Stone magazine and more, teams with Grammy nominees Julian Lage and Chris Eldridge for an evening of music you won’t want to miss.

tickets.interlochen.org 800.681.5920

STARLING HATS

Handcrafted in Poland using faux fur and quality materials.

FEBRUARY OPEN FRIDAY & SATURDAYS ONLY Shop online at www.hullsoffrankfort.com

Northern Express Weekly • january 30, 2017 • 11

Meet Northern Seen Like nothing you’ve seen before

A real-time, 24/7 online feed of social media posts we love from throughout northern Michigan Incorporating Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter An endless scroll of posts, accounts, friends and hashtags we follow Also now available: secure one of the top three positions for your company (ask us at info@northernexpress.com)

Check out Northern Seen at northernexpress.com

12 • January 30, 2017 • Northern Express Weekly

Signed: The Accidentals Land Sony Deal ACCIDENTAL FAVORITES

By Kristi Kates On the way to Tucson, Arizona, last week while on tour, a van broke down, the battery spent and the trailer hitch nearly severed. But the van’s inhabitants – Traverse City-based band The Accidentals with band members Savannah Buist and Katie Larson, traveling with their touring and studio bandmate drummer Michael Dause – took everything in stride.

They stopped for the night to get their transportation repaired and made use of the time to get some unexpected rest, check out their temporary surroundings and do a few interviews by phone. “Well…at least we’re in the chile capital of the world!” Buist quipped.

The reason for this journey is a big one for the musical friends. Buist and Larson met in high school, where they both performed in school ensembles. Mixing together a wide range of instruments – between them, they play violin, cello, mandolin, banjo and kazoo, to name just a few – they released their first self-produced album, Tangled Red and Blue, in 2012. They met Dause in 2014 at the local music festival Blissfest and added him as their drummer (“Sav and I both still own The Accidentals, but Michael is definitely part of the band,” Larson said.)

The accolades started arriving fast and furious for The Accidentals, with many finding it difficult to believe music as complex as theirs was being crafted by musicians still in high school. Once they both graduated (Larson in 2012 and Buist in 2013, a year Larson spent studying audio tech at Northwestern Michigan College), things really took off. They’d managed to catch the ear of ‘80s singer-songwriter Marshall Crenshaw and music producer Stewart Lerman and signed a production deal with them.

“That deal ended last spring, and we decided to pursue our music independently,” Larson explained. In 2016 alone, The Accidentals played 240 live shows, steadily gaining fans and causing a buzz about their music. “Then we released a new EP, and it started getting some interest from the labels,” Larson con-

tinued. “Sony Masterworks really liked it and liked the way we were marketing ourselves, so we flew out and met with them so we could all talk and get to know them.”

Those conversations went well, to say the least. The Accidentals just signed a deal with Sony Masterworks, a division of Sony devoted to non-mainstream music. That makes The Accidentals brand new labelmates with such talent as trumpet player Bria Skonberg, new age artist Yanni, opera singer Jonas Kaufmann, ‘80s vocalist Bobby McFerrin and Trump inauguration performers Jackie Evancho and The Piano Guys.

Then things went crazy, making the last few months of 2016 a whirlwind for the band.

“We started recording a new album at Echo Mountain Recording in Asheville, North Carolina; then we drove 14 hours north for a gig in Traverse City; then out to the East Coast for a tour with (Virginia alt-country band) Carbon Leaf; then back to Nashville to record more at Addiction Sound and at the House of Blues Studio,” Larson related.

“And all of that happened over just three months, so it went like Halloween, Election Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and then New Year’s, and us doing all that stuff in the middle!” Buist added. “It was crazy.”

Meanwhile, rumors were running rampant locally. Which label had The Accidentals signed with? Were they already on tour in different countries? When would the album be out?

“Some people thought we’d actually moved to Nashville,” Buist laughed. “But nope, we’re still in Traverse City – we just go to Nashville a lot, because we have team members based there.”

Those team members are now helping The Accidentals with their next steps – mixing the new album, getting album and promotional materials together and figuring out how to translate the album’s new songs into their live show.

The title of the album and first single are as yet undecided, although fans can expect to hear that first single surfacing some time this March. “The album release date depends on how well the single is received,” Buist said.

“But the full album will be out in 2017, for

sure. This album is a representation of the past couple of years of touring for us – there have been hard times, but we’ve come out on the other side stronger, so we’re calling 2017 ‘the year of no fear.’ That’s not to say we’re don’t have any fear,” she laughed, “but we’re working to be powerful, brave and strong, and we’re trying to infuse that into our new music.”

The songs on the album draw on much of their past efforts in both writing and performance. “Some of the songs on the new album go back three, four years,” Larson said. “They really capture the evolution of our sound.”

And they have quite a supporting cast helping them perform those songs. On the album will be special appearances from Jack White’s bass player, Detroit native Dominic Davis; Carbon Leaf ’s steel guitar player Carter Gravatt; The Decemberists’ Jenny Conlee; and Keller Williams, who plays on a song The Accidentals wrote specifically for him titled simply “KW.” A separate single was also recorded during these sessions with Lily and Madeleine, upand-coming Nashville musicians who could be Accidentals dopplegangers. “We recorded a special cover song with them,” Larson said.

“We can’t tell anyone what it is yet, but it will be released separately from the album.”

While all these things simmer on the back burner with their respective debuts coming a little later this year, the band is wrapping up its West Coast tour before heading back to Traverse City in February for some quiet time prior to hitting the road again for another series of tour dates in anticipation of the major label album release. If you thought The Accidentals was a band to keep an eye on a few years ago, you’d better pay even more attention now.

“Every time we drive into our state and see that ‘Welcome to Michigan!’ sign, we get a happy feeling,” Larson said. “It’s always so good to come back here, even as something wildly different and amazing is happening every day.”

To find out more about The Accidentals and the band’s upcoming new album, visit its official website at Moreaccidentals.com.

Favorite instrument to play on stage: Buist: “Bass! It’s fun because it functions like an upside down violin.”

Larson: “My weird electric cello. Plus it’s got a harness so I can jump around.”

Favorite place they’ve performed so far: Buist: “Colorado – we played a great folk festival there, and I really like the mountains.”

Larson: “We did some awesome shows in Portland, Oregon – we’re actually heading back there now, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Favorite band/artist they’ve opened for: Buist: “Keller Williams. Everyone in his band is incredibly talented.”

Larson: “Last January, we played the Ann Arbor Folk Festival and shared the stage with Joan Baez. She held my hand when we walked off stage, and it was so cool!”

Favorite road food: Buist: “I’m really, really bad about buying jalapeños and anything with hot sauce.”

Larson: “I try to buy a weird kind of candy that I’ve never seen before at every gas station we go to.”

Favorite travel item: Buist: “Noise-canceling headphones and my journal; I’ve been keeping a journal this entire time, and I’ve gone through 400 pages already.”

Larson: “I’m glued to my phone when we’re on the road, and I also have my knitting projects along; I’m usually making socks or gloves.”

Favorite thing they miss about Michigan: Buist: “I really miss the way Traverse City looks.

The architecture of other places wigs me out.

It’s culture shock in a big way. But I miss family and friends most.”

Larson: “Definitely family and friends. All the people who support us, but every time I’m back in Traverse City, I also have to go to Moomers to get ice cream.”

Northern Express Weekly • january 30, 2017 • 13

By Kristi Kates MEET THE MUSICIAN: Traverse City’s Benjaman James started playing music in sixth grade band, taking on the trombone and even giving up varsity football to pursue his music. He continued to hone his skills in college, performing in the Michigan State University jazz orchestra and other college ensembles. By his second year of university, he found himself studying abroad in Australia. He learned guitar at this time as therapy for an injured hand, later busking on the beaches of Sydney to further hone his performance skills.

After graduating from MSU with an engineering degree, he returned to Traverse City and formed the local band Old Mission Collective.

YOU MIGHT HAVE HEARD HIM While with Old Mission Collective, James was known as Benjaman Bennetts; the band played at a plethora of local venues and events, although James was often the only consistent member in the evershifting lineup. He also performed with other local outfits as a session trombonist in his off hours. Transitioning back Up North was something of a challenge, as he found the music scenes in Lansing and Traverse City to be polar opposites.

“TC has a wonderfully eclectic music scene,” he explained, “but most musicians here are focused on making money. I’m focused on growth and opportunity, so sometimes it’s easier working with musicians from downstate – they’re usually okay playing a few free shows because they consider it an investment.”

Now stepping out on his own, James is hoping to diversify his sound, find more ambitious local musicians to collaborate with as well as his downstate crew and express his music on a more personal level. “I love the place of an artist in a community,” he said.

LOCAL MUSIC

HIS INSPIRATION James grew up in a small household that was constantly filled with music and is influenced and inspired by pretty much everything he hears. “The melting pot of what I personally listen to definitely shows up in my own music,” he said. “I grew up listening to stuff like MC Hammer and Run-D.M.C., then later jam bands like the Dave Matthews Band. So it’s a real mix of singer-songwriter pop with dance music, funk and hip-hop. Right now, I’m listening to a lot of Lettuce, Allen Stone and L.A. singer-songwriter Theo Katzman.”

His jazz trombone background, the musician added, has inspired him to always carefully structure his music, starting with tune and lyrics and then working out the supporting instruments and arrangements.

“I want listeners to feel the same groove and message of the song that I put into it,” he said.

CURRENT PROJECTS He’s just entering the promotional phase for his new solo album Growing Pains, which he’s been working on for the past year, recording at Troubadour Studios in Lansing and Runyan Media in Bellaire. “It’s been a little tough splitting time between studios and musicians,” James said. “But I’m trying to keep a regular backing band – right now we have six members, some from Traverse City and some from MSU.” He debuted the album at December’s Christmas tree lighting in Traverse City and then at a release party at Rare Bird Brewpub, also in TC, an event that he said felt like “coming home.” And he’s already snagged some great Michigan support for the album

BENJAMAN JAMES GROWS UP

from Local Spins in Grand Rapids and several radio stations including NPR, WYCE and WNMC in Traverse City. Growing Pains is stuffed with funky, soulful pop tracks, from the danceable “Check, Please” to the memorable duet “Maybe” with Chloe Kimes and the pensive “30.”

GROWING PAINS The title of the album, according to James, is very literal. He “found” the name while on a flight back to Traverse City, just after getting the masters back from the recording studio. “There are definitely parallel themes running through the album,” he explained. “So I was sitting there on the plane trying to decide what to call it, and

14 • January 30, 2017 • Northern Express Weekly

I was thinking about all the experiences I went through – finishing college, getting a job, moving back to Traverse City, losing personal relationships and trying to support my professional life while maintaining other relationships.” When he looked over at his seatmate’s book on the plane and saw that the chapter she was reading was called “Growing Pains,” he decided – fortuitously – that was it.

FUTURE BENJAMAN “The main goal right now is to bring my full band to all the shows,” James said. “When we started, we were playing small shows and coffee shops, squeezing the band into tiny restaurants and such to get exposure. Now we’ve got great people and places support-

ing us, so I’m making really structured set lists with transitions, so it’s a full experience for the listener, not just something thrown together.” He’s also working to get an EP out before this coming summer.

“We’re promoting Growing Pains right now, but there will be more!” he said. “This album focuses on my personal growth, to reflect hope and inspire others, and parts of it also speak out against inequality in the world.”

Ten years from now? “I’d love to be opening for bands and people I look up to,” he said, “but right now, I’m playing fun shows and having good relationships, so life is pretty okay.”

Find out more about Benjaman James at his official website, Benjamanjamesmusic.com.

ion dat ther

un

FROSTBIT

Fa

E

D O D O RIV F E

o F Fred

Help us Help others

Jan 28 - Feb 5 2 Donation sites

Fox Motors & Team Bob’s (S. Airport/Park) Northern Express Weekly • january 30, 2017 • 15

SIREN HALL A FRESH SEAFOOD DESTINATION ON THE INLAND SEAS

By Janice Binkert Elk Rapids feels very much like one of the small harbor towns dotting the northeastern coast of the United States, and Siren Hall feels very much like one of the restaurants you might encounter there, not just because of its seafood-centric menu but also because of the historic location it occupies and the personal and professional odyssey of chef and owner Michael Peterson. Having grown up on the Old Mission Peninsula surrounded by Lake Michigan’s East and West Grand Traverse Bays, Peterson showed promise as a budding cook at an early age. Eventually, he was lured by the proverbial “siren’s call” to more distant waters to hone his craft.

His first stop after high school (on the recommendation of his mentor and chef instructor Karl Malin at the TBA Career TechCenter) was the famed Culinary Institute of America (CIA) located on the Hudson River in Hyde Park, New York, less than three hours from the Atlantic Ocean. An internship during Peterson’s studies took him to the seaside Westin Resort and Spa in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Upon graduating from the CIA, he landed a job as sous chef at the legendary Black Bass Hotel just outside Philadelphia, where the Delaware River flows to the ocean. During his time on the East Coast, Peterson developed a deep love of seafood. Later years took him to the Pacific, with extended stays in San Francisco, Australia and Maui. He was inspired by the cultures and cuisines of everywhere he traveled and worked, but the sirens couldn’t capture him, even when a colleague in Maui offered him a key position in his restaurant there.

THE COMPASS POINTS HOME Returning home to Northern Michigan at age 23, Peterson again was drawn to the water – this time to Torch Lake and the fine dining restaurant Spencer Creek Inn in Alden, which he operated for seven years. Peterson closed Spencer Creek in 2000, but by 2001, with the help of investors, he already had a new venture, Lulu’s Bistro in Bellaire.

“It was an instant success,” he said. “I didn’t even have to advertise.”

In the middle of his 15-year run with Lulu’s, Peterson heard the siren’s call again, and this time it was impossible to resist.

He had long envisioned opening a seafood restaurant, and in 2006, when a historically and architecturally intriguing property came up for sale in the water-ringed Village of Elk Rapids, he felt instinctively this was the place it was meant to happen.

Since the late 1800s, the property had been the site of a hotel, gas station and service garage. Most recently, it had been an antique mall. “The building was just one big empty room, but it still had the exposed steel ceiling beams from the old Elk Rapids Ironworks and exterior walls made of brick reclaimed from the Elk Rapids Portland Cement Company,” said Peterson. “We knew we wanted to keep those original elements intact and to create an industrial yet elegant feel around them.”

The transformation was achieved with polished concrete floors, sleekly modern leather-and-metal seating, unfinished concrete half walls, wooden tabletops, spare decorations and understated lighting, including the black pipes sprouting vintagestyle filament bulbs behind the gleaming 30-foot bar hewn from a single solid plank of Douglas fir. By 2008, the appropriately named Siren Hall had been born.

The minimalism of the dining room and bar/lounge area allows the restaurant’s food to take center stage. Seafood plays the starring role, as Peterson intended from the start.

“I have always had a thing for working with seafood and fish,” he said. “We work with the best suppliers, and these days, you can get pretty much anything you want fresh – that’s a wonderful thing. When our shipments from the East and West Coasts come in, it’s like Christmas every time for me.”

Oysters – a Peterson favorite – feature prominently on the menu. “We always have four to six kinds, and we sell a lot of

16 • January 30, 2017 • Northern Express Weekly

them,” he said.

Clams, mussels, scallops, crab, shrimp and lobster are also well represented. One particularly impressive menu staple is the Fruits de Mer (Fruits of the Sea) Tower, an assortment of several of those saltwater delicacies artfully arranged on a three-tiered server. Other standouts include cioppino (fish and seafood in a tomato-saffron broth) and mussels bathed in tomatoes, herbs, white wine and ale, accompanied upon request by French fries and malt vinegar aioli.

FROM LOBSTER TO PIZZA As much as he likes to prepare and promote his “stars,” Peterson realizes his audience demands strong and interesting supporting players. “I believe you have to adapt your menu to the community around you,” he said, “and that means offering a wide variety of choices.

People can come in here and have a great pizza and a beer, a steak and salad, or any number of non-seafood items if they like. They can come dressed to the nines or in jeans and a T-shirt.

Everyone should feel comfortable.”

The regular menu changes about three times a year, as do preparations of main ingredients. Summer dishes boast a bounty of local produce. Peterson takes pride in his weekly feature sheets as well, which allow him to offer products with limited availability.

A recent one listed items as diverse as blackened tuna, braised lamb shank and a charcuterie board. Specials during the winter months are promoted on a large chalkboard and currently include a three-course chef ’s dinner for $25 Tuesdays through Thursdays, fish and

chips and a pint of PBR for $13 on Thursday nights, Lobster Saturdays in January and February (reserve your 1½ pound lobster by noon on Tuesday for $35), and Fondue Nights on Fridays and Saturdays in March and April.

As for the separate and ever-changing bar menu, Peterson revealed that it’s a sort of “playground” for new dishes. Indeed, items that are well received might end up on the main menu. The current version tempts with Thai coconut-curry shrimp, an ancho pork belly sandwich with chili-lime slaw and grilled salmon with herb risotto and calamari.

“I have such a great crew here, and I value their contributions and input above everything,” said Peterson. “Mindy Bisson, my GM and wine list curator, and Clif Wilson, who has been with me in the kitchen since the Spencer Creek days, deserve special mention, but I’m lucky to have good people in every position. The longer I’m in this business, the more I realize that although I own the restaurant, it’s not about me. What they do allows me to do what I do. I always tell them, ‘It’s like a long-running play – it takes everyone putting forth their best performance every day. It doesn’t matter how good the food was or how great the accolades were yesterday – that doesn’t mean anything to the guest who walks through that door today.’ Every part is important, so everyone on staff is trained to be versatile. And I believe in leading by example, doing whatever it takes – including washing dishes if necessary – to make the show run smoothly.”

Siren Hall is located at 151 River Street in Elk Rapids and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays, with lunch from 11am to 2:30pm and dinner from 5pm to 9pm. For reservations or more information, call (231) 264-6062 or visit Sirenhall.com. Price rating: $$

IDEAS. OPINIONS. LEADERS. 2017 Opinion Writer Lineup

Northern Michigan’s Newspaper

CARLIN SMITH

Emmet County Supports a pro-business agenda I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.

And so it is with you, we are in charge of our own attitudes. (Charles Swindoll)

STEVE TUTTLE

Grand Traverse County Registered Unaffiliated Voter “Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.”

ISAIAH SMITH

Grand Traverse County Independent “You are not entitled to your opinion. You are entitled to your informed opinion. No one is entitled to be ignorant.”

CHRISTIE MINERVINI

Grand Traverse County Critical Thinker, Independent Voter “We will never have true civilization until we have learned to recognize the rights of others.” (Will Rogers)

MARK PONTONI

Emmet County Proud Progressive “Where fair and balanced came to die.”

JACK SEGAL

Grand Traverse County Progressive Internationalist “Ending the violence is never a bad strategy. “

TOM KACHADURIAN

Grand Traverse County None Of The Above “People can only be found in what they do.”

AMY HARDIN

Grand Traverse County Progressive “Our great democracies still think that a stupid man is more likely to be honest than a clever man, and our politicians take advantage of this prejudice by pretending to be even more stupid than nature made them.” (Bertrand Russell)

MARY KEYES ROGERS

Grand Traverse County Equally Disgusted By Both Parties “The world is run only by the people who take the time to show up”

CHRISTOPHER STRUBLE

Emmet County “Live the full life of the mind, exhilarated by new ideas, intoxicated by the romance of the unusual.”

GRANT PARSONS

Grand Traverse County Milliken Republican Democrat “One never knows, do one?”

(Fats Waller/Tony Berry)

Northern Express Weekly • january 30, 2017 • 17

SHAKESPEARE GOES IMPROV

By Kristi Kates STAGE DIRECTION: The stage is empty, save for a chair, a small table and a telephone.

The PHONE rings.

BRENDAN DOWLING walks across from stage left and picks up the phone. It’s a NEWSPAPER EDITOR wanting to hear his story.

DOWLING settles into the chair with a freshly peeled banana and begins to speak.

This could be the beginning of any night at a performance of The Improvised Shakespeare Company, the unique Chicago-based take on William Shakespeare’s stage plays and writings that requires quick wit from its actors and participation from its spectators (well, perhaps minus the telephone, a convenience of modern times.) Then again, these Elizabethan-inspired performances could start with anything, really: a shark attack, the three witches from Macbeth or, as popped up at a recent show, “The Real Housewives of Windsor.”

Each performance by The Improvised Shakespeare Company begins with the audience. “We don’t know what the play will be when we step on stage – we get the title of each night’s play directly from the audience,” explained Dowling, actor and associate director with the company. “We just ask them to yell things out, we pick a title and then we act the entire thing out as if it’s an actual Shakespearean play, with Shakespearean archetypes and characters and language. It’s funny and goofy as much as it’s improv, but in the end, it’s also a love letter to Shakespeare.”

18 • January 30, 2017 • Northern Express Weekly

Executing these performances is definitely tougher than this talented team of actors makes it look. Not only do they have to have a working knowledge of all of Shakespeare’s plays and verbiage, but they also have to have exceptional improv ability so that they can take often archaic wordplay (think “thees,” “thous” and “forsooths”), infuse it into modern situations and have it all make sense.

“I started with the company in 2008,” Dowling said. “I’d heard about it from my friend Joey Bland – he was telling me about this new show he was in and how it was his favorite thing that he’d ever been part of. I, of course, got jealous right away,” he laughed. “And now I’m thrilled to be part of it, too. (Bland is also still with the company.) It’s actually really satisfying to improv a show that feels like legitimate acting work – to ‘write’ it as you go, even in your mind, and act it out at the same time is so much fun, and I get to play with such amazingly talented people. When everything goes together well on stage, it’s like a magic trick.”

The Improvised Shakespeare Company does five shows a week in Chicago in the spring and summer and tours throughout the fall and winter around the world. “I feel like I’m performing a lot,” said Dowling. The group has also started doing festival performances, proving to be a popular draw on stage at big-name concert events like the Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, and Bumbershoot festivals.

To keep up with the material and make sure they can “stay in the language” no matter where they are, the whole cast works continuously to improve. “In our rehearsals early on, especially, we’d read the plays all together and take quizzes,”

Dowling said. “We still read as much as we can independently – it’s not uncommon to see one of us reading one of the plays while we’re traveling.”

Fortunately, Dowling pointed out, Shakespeare invented words all the time – many of which have made their way into today’s popular language. “So even if you do mess up, we don’t treat it as a mistake,” he said. “It’s more like an opportunity we can twist into something interesting!”

But still, considering the speed and complexity of their performances, how do these ambitious actors keep the whole thing from derailing? “We all have an agreement that we’re going to play as if it really were the 1590s and we’re really in a play that Shakespeare wrote,” Dowling explained.

“We all stay in that mindset, so even if we do get derailed, it can still fit. Let’s say if your character gets unexpectedly killed halfway through – well, that fits right in with Julius Caesar.

“Plus, you can’t really out-crazy Shakespeare,” he laughed.

The Improvised Shakespeare Company will be improvising at the Crooked Tree Arts Center Theater in Petoskey on February 4 at 7:30pm. For tickets and more information, visit Crookedtree.org or call (231) 347-4337.

WHERE LOCAL TALENT GETS GOING TC’S STUDIO ANATOMY HITS ITS GROOVE

By Kristi Kates Since the InsideOut Gallery closed, Traverse City’s music community has been turning even more of an eye – and ear – toward Studio Anatomy, the local music venue/recording studio that was converted from the Good News music store space in downtown TC by musician and recording engineer Brian Chamberlain. The venue serves soft drinks and snacks (it’s an alcohol-free venue) and is a huge advocate of local music and up-and-coming bands and solo performers, while the recording studio is the next step for many of them, who return to Studio Anatomy to turn their songs into albums.

Chamberlain has seen a wide range of genres come through his doors and behind his boards since he opened the studio in 2012, most recently the local hip-hop artist Trey Wilcox, who goes by the rap moniker Duble U, a play on the first initial of his last name.

“Trey’s only 16 – he came to me with his lyrics and his vision, but he didn’t know how to create tracks for himself,” Chamberlain explained. “So we put together beats and made tracks for him and helped him put out his EP, Unstable, which we also helped him promote with a couple of live shows here; he’s currently working on his second album with us.”

Nik Carman, the 10-year-old bluegrass prodigy from Suttons Bay who plays mandolin, banjo and guitar, will also be visiting Studio Anatomy soon. “He’s recording his second album here,” Chamberlain confirmed.

And Petty Crime, another youthful outfit of high school students, is a third aspiring band

getting its start at the studio. “They’re a rock duo, a bassist who sings and a drummer,” Chamberlain said. “We recorded an EP for them here, their first ever, called Stolen.”

Yet another band right out of high school is a combo called Goats of Death, which will be starting its own recording process at Studio Anatomy the first week of February. “The band is actually on its second album – [band members] recorded the first themselves,” Chamberlain said. “And it’s a really interesting band; the name itself tricks people, who think it’s a death metal band or something like that, but it’s actually a mix of indie rock, post-punk, garage rock and experimental music, a little weird but very cool.”

This might sound like a lot of projects for the Studio Anatomy recording studio, but it’s only a sampling of the new artists Chamberlain has his audio eye on. He’s even hired two new recording engineers to help with the workload, a testament to the ever-growing music scene in the region.

“It’s been so great – we’re recording, mixing and mastering constantly,” he said. And that’s just the studio – the venue, with its excellent sound system, colorful lights and intimate setting, is also keeping a regular schedule of live shows, including recurring comedy nights and performances by such local bands and solo artists as Mellow Out, Parking Lots, J. Marinelli, Parsec, In My Restless Dreams and The Droogs.

Finally, Chamberlain is pursuing a brand new goal for the facility itself. “I want us to be a net zero energy business,” he said.

“From each session and each show, a portion of the income [will be put] into an account

used to pay for renewable and sustainable sources. Arriving at a zero-carbon footprint is our goal. We’re looking at small-scale solar and wind to offset so we can generate the amount of power we consume in an environmentally friendly way. That’s my goal by the end of this year – more music, less energy consumption.”

For more information on Studio Anatomy’s recording studio, associated artists and concert/show schedule, visit Studioanatomy.com.

ONES TO WATCH

Straight from the thick of things in Traverse City’s burgeoning music scene, here are Brian Chamberlain’s picks for bands and performers to watch in 2017.

STAY FAST - punk rock/grunge from Traverse City This band comprises five very skilled musicians who know how to put on a show. Their forthcoming full-length release Make It Worse, due out in February, showcases their musicianship and songwriting skills; I’m proud to have had the opportunity to be a part of it. They bring a ton of energy with a huge guitar sound, powerhouse drumming, solid bass grooves and a combo of vocal melodies and in-your-face punk rock bellowing.

Find out more at Stayfastband.com.

GOATS OF DEATH - indie/garage from Traverse City Goats of Death performs a very dynamic set and taps into a broad spectrum of sounds. The band recently added a new member and will be lining up shows to support a new album this winter/ spring. This is “apathy rock” at its finest. Find out more at Facebook.com/goatsofdeath.

CHEAP EMOTION – emo rock from Grand Rapids These guys create a lot of atmosphere with their dreamy guitar riffs, explosive percussion and complex arrangements. See their name on a flyer? Go see them and take in the sonic splendor.

Find out more at Cheapemotion.bandcamp.com.

ZEKE CLEMONS – acoustic rock from Traverse City Clemons just released a new solo album titled My Message. It’s one of the best acoustic album performances out there with songs that are super groovy and thought-provoking lyrics that are very personal and real. Find out more at Reverbnation.com/zekeclemons.

HONORABLE MENTION: I’d also encourage people to check out the hiphop outfit Mellow Out and the metal band Parsec, both from Traverse City, as well as The Good Die Young, a punk band from Gaylord, and a pair of bands from Detroit, Against the Grain and Undesirable People.

Northern Express Weekly • january 30, 2017 • 19

1

3

2

4

5

6

NORTHERN SEEN 7

1. John McGee (far right) celebrates the grand opening of the new McGee’s 31 restaurant and bar with friends.

2. Karlee Philp and Mark Snyder relax after a busy evening at Lake Charlevoix Brewing.

3. It was quite a turnout at Business After Hours in Petoskey, held at the new Pour Public House.

4. Joshua Davis chats with the audience during a performance at the second “Live From Charlevoix” event.

5. The signs were plentiful and colorful at the Women’s March in downtown Traverse City.

6. As many as 3,000 women, men, and children packed the streets of downtown Traverse City to march following the presidential inauguration on January 21.

7. Petoskey Plastics’ Jason Keiswetter welcoming Mike and Sherry Holifield to town at Tap 30 in Petoskey.

20 • January 30, 2017 • Northern Express Weekly

jan 28

saturday

CHEBOYGAN LGBTQ FRIENDS GROUP: 10-11am, Purple Tree Coffee, Cheboygan. 231-268-8709. Find ‘LGBTQ friends in Cheboygan, MI’ on Facebook.

-------------------“THE STREIF”: This Warren Miller movie will be presented by the Northcoast Snowsports Club at the Bay Theatre, Suttons Bay at 8:30pm. Tickets available at door: $10. thebaytheatre.com

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

4TH ANNUAL VETERAN’S CUP HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY CHALLENGE: Bay Reps vs. TC Central Trojans at Centre Ice, TC at 6pm. Donations will benefit Mid-MI Honor Flight & GT Area Veteran Coalition. Admission, $5. centreice.org

-------------------COMEDY NIGHT WITH DAVE LANDAU: 8pm, Oak Room in the Lodge, Treetops Resort, Gaylord. Dave has been featured on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” & Comedy Central’s “Live at Gotham”. Must be at least 18.

Tickets: $15 advance, $20 door. treetops.com

-------------------NORTHWOODS FAMILY NATURE CLUB: 10am-noon. Play on the snowy hills at Wagbo Farm, East Jordan. 231-536-0333.

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

EXCERPTS FROM “THE PRINCESS PEONY”: 11am, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Featuring dancers in full costume & make up. Presented by the Northwest Michigan Ballet Theatre. The full-length ballet will take place on Feb. 4 in Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC at 2pm & 7pm. mynorthtickets.com

-------------------AUTHOR SIGNING: Noon-2pm, Horizon Books, TC. Featuring Aaron Stander, author of “Gales of November”. horizonbooks.com

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

YETIFEST: Begins at 11am in Suttons Bay. This festival & fundraiser includes a Yeti Discovery Program at the Suttons Bay Bingham District Library, a scavenger hunt hosted by Downtown merchants, free movie “Frozen” at the Bay Theatre, chili cook-off at Hop Lot Brewing Co., snowman building contest, variety show & much more. Find ‘YetiFest 2017’ on Facebook.

-------------------WINTER HIKE: 10am, Arcadia Dunes Chestnut Loop at C.S. Mott Nature Preserve. Hike/ snowshoe along the trails. gtrlc.org

BECOMING A HABITAT HOMEOWNER INFO SESSION: 10am, Thirlby Room, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Registration required: Call 941-4663, ext. 121 or email: kwise@habitatgtr.org

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

VALENTINE CARD MAKING: 12-3pm, SCRAP, TC. Cost, $5; includes materials for up to 4 cards. scraptc.org

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

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

FROZEN FOOT RACE: Starts at Eastern Elementary, TC. Kids 1 mile, 9am; 5 mile, 9:30am.

Goes through neighborhoods at the base of the Old Mission Peninsula. frozenfootrace.com

-------------------COMEDY NIGHT FEATURING DAVE LANDAU: 8pm, Oak Room, Treetops Resort, Gaylord. Tickets: $15 advance, $20 door. treetops.com

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

KIDS MOVIE NIGHT: 7:30pm, Aspen Room or Alpine Room, Treetops Resort, Gaylord. Tonight will feature “Bee Movie”. Free. treetops.com

-------------------“COMPANY”: 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. Tickets for this Tony Award-winning show are $28 adults, $15 youth under 18. oldtownplayhouse.com

-------------------GRASS RIVER SHIVER: 10am, Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. 5K & 10K snowshoe races. $20 in advance or $25 day of. Includes race & chili-cookoff lunch. grassriver.org

jan 29

sunday

ANNUAL WINTER CONCERT: With the Crooked Tree Youth Orchestra. 3pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center Theater, Petoskey. Free. crookedtree.org

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

LEGO MANIA EVENT: 9am-noon, Peninsula Community Library, Old Mission Peninsula School, TC. Free play with a large collection of Legos, & enjoy Lego crafts & activities. peninsulacommunitylibrary.org

“PDQ BACH”: The Traverse Symphony Orchestra will perform Peter Schickele’s most recent composition at 3pm in Corson Auditorium, Interlochen Center for the Arts. Tickets start at $25. traversesymphony.org

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

PARTNER PROGRAM: All local parents, grandparents, nannies & caregivers can bring their children ages 2-8 to the Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC from 10am-1pm. Representatives from the Maritime Heritage Alliance will share info about their organization & do a fun water related craft. greatlakeskids.org

-------------------PRE-VASA TRAINING PROGRAM: Today includes the cross country ski session. Meet at the Timber Ridge Banquet Hall, TC at noon.

A post event gathering will be held in the banquet hall featuring music & light snacks.

Timber Ridge trail pass required. vasa.org

-------------------TORCHLIGHT SNOWSHOE DEMO: 5-9pm, Camp Daggett, Petoskey. Presented by Bearcub Outfitters. Experience the snowcovered trails illuminated by more than 100 torches. Aferwards enjoy hot chocolate & cookies. Free. campdaggett.org

send your dates to: events@traverseticker.com

MARTY STUART: 8pm, Leelanau Sands Casino Showroom, Peshawbestown. A fivetime Grammy winning multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, photographer & historian, this country music star’s latest release with his band The Fabulous Superlatives is “Saturday Night & Sunday Morning”. Tickets, $30. ticketmaster.com

ALDEN MEN’S CLUB BREAKFAST/BUSINESS MEETING: 8am, Alden United Methodist Church, Downtown Alden. 231-322-6216.

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

28-04

CHINESE SPRING FESTIVAL: 6:30-8:30pm, TC West Senior High School Auditorium.

Includes traditional Chinese dance, musical performances & food. Free. tcaps.net

FROZEN NORTH CONCERT SERIES: Blissfest Folk & Roots Mini Concerts Series with breathe owl breathe. 7pm, Red Sky Stage, Petoskey. Tickets: $10 advance, $15 night of; students, $8; 12 & under, $5. redskystage.com

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

jan/feb

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

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

-------------------GREAT LAKES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA’S SUNDAY SERIES: Woodwinds & Brass.

4-5:15pm, First Presbyterian Church, Boyne City. Free will donation. glcorchestra.org

jan 30

monday

WINTERFOLK: 6:30pm, Charlevoix Public Library.

Featuring The Deepest Heights, whose covers include The Decemberists, Neil Young, Tom Petty, Simon & Garfunkel, & many others, along with traditional tunes. Open mic afterwards. 231-547-2651.

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

AUDITIONS: For “Collected Stories” by Donald Margulies. Presented by Old Town Playhouse Studio Theatre. 7pm, Schmuckal Theatre, lower level of Old Town Playhouse, TC. There are roles for two women: one able to play someone between ages 55 & 61, & the other between ages 26 & 32. oldtownplayhouse.com

Celebrate women, winter & chocolate at the Women’s Winter Tour on Sun., Feb. 5. Snow bike, snowshoe or cross-country ski at Timber Ridge Resort, TC starting at 10am. Enjoy L. Mawby Sex, sandwiches by The Cheese Lady, Oryana chili, Fresh Coast Chocolates & more. Tickets: $40 advance, $50 at door. Register online at womenswintertour.com or pick-up an application at Brick Wheels & Einstein Cycles.

jan 31

tuesday

SPECIAL OLYMPICS MICHIGAN STATE WINTER GAMES: Jan. 31 – Feb. 3. Events take place at GT Resort, Acme; Shanty Creek Resort, Bellaire; & Howe Ice Arena, TC. For a schedule, visit: somi.org/ events/wintergames.html

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

GET CRAFTY: 11am & 2pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Create a Groundhog’s Day weather chart. greatlakeskids.org

-------------------PROGRESSIVE POTLUCK: 6-8:30pm, The Little Fleet, TC. Presented by the GT Democratic Party. Includes a presentation

by Planned Parenthood. The Little Fleet will donate 10% of all drink sales to the guest organization each month. Bring a friend & a dish to pass.

-------------------AUDITIONS: (See Mon., Jan. 30) --------------------

COFFEE @ TEN: 10am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey. Join “Tinker, Tailor, Welder, Weaver: The Art of Assemblage” artist Stephen Palmer. crookedtree.org

feb 01

wednesday

SPECIAL OLYMPICS MICHIGAN STATE WINTER GAMES: (See Tues., Jan. 31)

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

SPEAK UP KALKASKA!: Kalkaska residents & business owners can help plan for the future of the community at this meeting at 6pm in Kalkaska High School Auditorium. Info: 929-5057.

“Take the Mystery out of Taxation & Budgeting”: Noon, Leelanau County Government Center, lower level, Suttons Bay. Presented by the League of Women Voters Leelanau County. Featuring former MI Treasurer Robert Kleine. LWVLeelanau.org

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

RECESS: Join The Ticker for socializing, Mediterranean appetizers, beverages provided by Olives & Wine & Beards Brewery, & prizes at Olives & Wine, TC from 5-7pm. Presented by Remax Bayshore Properties. Admission, $10. traverseticker.com

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

FREE KIDS DENTAL SCREENINGS: 8:30am7pm, Northwest Michigan Health Services, TC. Featuring insurance enrollment specialists, goodie bags, a raffle & the Tooth Fairy. No appointment necessary. 947-0351.

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

AMERICAN CHESTNUTS TODAY: 7-8:30pm, Boardman River Nature Center, TC. Presented

by Professor Emeritus from Michigan State University’s Department of Plant, Soil & Microbial Sciences Dr. Dennis Fulbright. 231-256-9783.

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

PICNIC AT THE OPERA: Noon, City Opera House, TC. Live TV variety show. Today features Song of the Lakes, Seth Bernard, The Dance Center, Anne-Marie Oomen, Younce Guitar Duo, Here:Say Storyteller Jen Loup, Cold War Boys & Mash-Up Rock ‘n Roll Musical. Hosts are Miriam Pico & David Chown.

Attendees are part of a live studio audience.

Free; donations encouraged. Bring a lunch. cityoperahouse.org

feb 02

thursday

BARRY VAN GUILDER THE BANJO MAN: 5:45pm, Crawford County Commission on Aging & Senior Center,

Northern Express Weekly • january 30, 2017 • 21

Grayling. Enjoy bluegrass, old country, folk & western swing. Free. crawfordcoa.org

-------------------NORTH AMERICAN SNOW FESTIVAL: Feb. 2-4, Cadillac Commons, Cadillac. Tonight is the Kick-Off from 5-11pm. Includes the kids game zone, the Great American Chili Cookoff, live music by Squad Car Jazz Town & Pair O’ Jacks, Miss NASF Pageant, & more. nasfcadillac.com

-------------------SPECIAL OLYMPICS MICHIGAN STATE WINTER GAMES: (See Tues., Jan. 31)

-------------------ELK RAPIDS WOMEN SELF DEFENSE SEMINAR: 5:45-7:45pm, Elk Rapids High School Cafeteria. Preston Taylor of the Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Department will provide information & hands-on self-defense demonstrations. Free. Reserve your spot. 231-633-0305.

-------------------HEART & HEALING: 7pm, John & Marnie Demmer Wellness Pavilion & Dialysis Center of McLaren Northern Michigan, Petoskey. Discuss & experience Zen Tangle art as a mindful practice. Free. northernhealth.org

-------------------OLD MISSION PENINSULA HISTORICAL SOCIETY MEETING: 7pm, Old Mission Township Hall, TC. After a short business meeting, a presentation by Dennos Museum Executive Director Eugene Jenneman will take place: “The Dennos Museum Center – 25 Years & Growing”. 947-0947.

-------------------HOSPICE OF MI FUNDRAISER: 6-8pm, Painting with a Twist, TC. $35, reservations required. paintingwithatwist.com

-------------------BECOMING A HABITAT HOMEOWNER INFO SESSION: 6pm, Thirlby Room, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Registration required: Call 941-4663, ext. 121 or email: kwise@habitatgtr.org

-------------------GAYLORD ALPENFROST: Feb. 2-4, under pavilion & tent. Today includes registration & free food at 5pm, & the Pageant at 6pm. gaylordalpenfrost.com

feb 03

friday

HORIZON BOOKS, TC EVENTS: 10-11am: Story Hour – Penguin. 8:3010:30pm: Live Music with Zach Power. horizonbooks.com

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

WEATHER PRESENTATION: Celebrate National Weatherperson’s Day at the TC Senior Center at 9am. Meteorologist for WBPN/ WTOM TV 7&4 Joe Charlevoix will explain how forecasting is done & how it’s changed over the years. Register in advance: 922-4911.

-------------------“THE FOREIGNER”: Held at Audie’s Restaurant, Mackinaw City, dinner is at 6:30pm & the show at 7:30pm. Dinner theatre & a comedy in two acts. Presented by the Northland Players, Inc. Tickets, $26. 231-436-5744.

-------------------SPECIAL OLYMPICS MICHIGAN STATE WINTER GAMES: (See Tues., Jan. 31)

-------------------CABIN FEVER ARTIST TALK SERIES: Kurt Swanson of Beulah will discuss how he went from working on a computer in Grand Rapids to starting his own woodworking business in northwest MI. 5:30pm, Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. Free. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org

-------------------NORTH AMERICAN SNOW FESTIVAL: Feb. 2-4, Cadillac Commons, Cadillac. Today includes snowmobile drag racing in Boon, 4 DJ Silent Disco Rocking Dance Party, Snowmobiler’s Ball, live music by Peter Mad Cat Ruth, & much more. nasfcadillac.com

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

CINEMA CURIOSA: Presents “The Connection”. 8pm, McGuire Community Room, Traverse Area District Library, TC. An open look at the drug subculture & value system. tadl.org

GOOD MORNING GAYLORD: 8am, Main St. Market & Bistro, Gaylord. Tickets: $10, includes breakfast buffet.

-------------------NORTHPORT’S DINNER THEATRE PRESENTS “BOEING BOEING”: Held at Northport Community Arts Center, cocktails are served at 5:30pm, with seating at 6pm. Tickets, $50. northportcac.org. 231-386-5001.

-------------------SONGWRITERS’ WORKSHOP: Presented by nationally renowned artist Ellis Paul at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, Manistee from 3-5pm. Cost, $20. To reserve your spot, email: bveine12@gmail.com.

-------------------ELLIS PAUL: This singer, storyteller & songwriter has created 19 albums, won 15 Boston Music Awards, & has been included in several commercials, TV shows & movie soundtracks.

He will present his concert “The World Ain’t Slowin’ Down – Ellis Paul Celebrates 25 Years on the Road” at the Ramsdell Theatre, Manistee at 7:30pm. Opening for him will be Nick Veine. Tickets: $15 advance, $20 door. mynorthtickets.com

-------------------GAYLORD ALPENFROST: Feb. 2-4. Today includes music by DJ Combs & Scarkazm, ice skating, a laser light show & much more. gaylordalpenfrost.com

-------------------KIRBY WSG GARRISON LEWIS & AL THAYER: Blissfest Folk & Roots Mini Concert Series. 7pm, Red Sky Stage, Petoskey. Tickets: redskystage.com. 231-487-0000.

feb 04

saturday

“THE FOREIGNER”: (See Fri., Feb. 3)

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

TRACKING IN THE SNOW: 1pm, Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Track mammals in the snow. Free. Donations appreciated. grassriver.org

-------------------NORTH AMERICAN SNOW FESTIVAL: Feb. 2-4, Cadillac Commons, Cadillac. Today includes youth snowmobile races, ice fishing tournament, Snowmobile Drag Racing Shootout, Yeti Redi 5K Run, Cadillac Arm Wrestling Championships, live music by Brotha James, NASF’s 1st Winter Beer Festival, & much more. nasfcadillac.com

-------------------TC PULMONARY FIBROSIS SUPPORT GROUP MEETING: 10-11:30am, Espresso Bay Community Room, TC. RSVP: ldtalb@ gmail.com or 608-234-0554.

-------------------MI LAW ENFORCEMENT POLAR PLUNGE: 9:30am-noon, North Peak Brewing Co., TC. Donations benefit Special Olympics. firstgiving.com/polarplunge/TCpolarplunge2017

-------------------“THE PRINCESS PEONY”: This full-length ballet is presented by the Northwest Michigan Ballet Theatre at Milliken Auditorium, TC at 2pm & 7pm. Tickets: $15 adults, $10 students & seniors. mynorthtickets.com

-------------------WRITER’S WORKSHOP: With local author Aaron Stander. 2-4pm, Elk Rapids District Library. Free. 231-264-9979. elkrapidslibrary.org

-------------------WINTER GLOW SKATE: 7-10pm, Harbor Springs Sk8 Park / Ice Rink. 231-838-5220.

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

KALKASKA WINTER BASH (WINTER DERBY): 2-5pm, Kalkaska Fairgrounds Arena. $5 admission. Also includes a swap meet for cars, parts & tools. Find ‘Kalkaska Winter BASH’ on Facebook.

-------------------125 YEARS! COLLAGE CONCERT: Hosted

by Ron Jolly & featuring Grammy award-winner Bob James, plus performances by OTP, NWS – Front Street Writers, TSO Ensemble & more. 8pm, City Opera House, TC. Celebrat-

22 • January 30, 2017 • Northern Express Weekly

ing 125 years of City Opera House. Free, but reserved tickets required. cityoperahouse.org

-------------------THE IMPROVISED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY: 7:30pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey. Based on one audience suggestion (a title for a play that has yet to be written), the company creates a fully improvised Shakespearean masterpiece. Tickets: $25 CTAC members, $35 non-members, & $10 students. crookedtree.org

-------------------LAUGH FOR A GOOD CAUSE! COMEDY SHOW: 8pm, The Parlor, TC. Presented by Falling Down Stairs Productions who will donate proceeds to help Polestar LGBT + Community Center launch itself as a new nonprofit. tcpolestar.org

-------------------4TH ANNUAL GUNS N HOSES HOCKEY GAME: 6pm, Centre Ice Arena, TC. Local law enforcement & firefighters/EMS will battle it out to benefit Sean McDonald, 34, who has recently been diagnosed with non-small cell Stage 4 lung cancer. He has a wife & four daughters & is now unable to work. Tickets, $5. gtgunsnhoses.com

-------------------MI WILD GAME DINNER: 6:30pm, The Boathouse, Old Mission Peninsula, TC. The Boathouse will donate $15 from each meal to Conservation Resource Alliance. Cost: $75/person. Featuring wine pairings for each course from Bowers Harbor Vineyard. boathouseonwestbay.com. 231-223-4030.

-------------------NORTHPORT’S DINNER THEATRE PRESENTS “BOEING BOEING”: (See Fri., Feb. 3)

-------------------NMC EXTENDED EDUCATION: Festival of Foods: 10am, NMC Hagerty Center, TC. Area chefs & specialty food businesses will offer cooking tips & techniques, while you enjoy samples. Select 4 of 16 workshop options.

Call 995-1700 to enroll or visit nmc.edu.

-------------------41ST ANNUAL WHITE PINE STAMPEDE: 8am, Mancelona High School. Michigan’s longest & oldest point-to-point cross country ski race. Featuring 10K, 20K & 50K. Benefits Children’s Hospital of Michigan. whitepinestampede.org

-------------------SUPER SOUP CONTEST: 11am-3pm, The Homestead, Glen Arbor. Admission, $10; $5 seniors & children under 12. Includes 4-ounce samples of soup. Vote for your favorite soup.

Benefits Buckets of Rain. Find ‘Super Soup Contest’ on Facebook.

-------------------KIDS MOVIE NIGHT: 7:30pm, Aspen Room or Alpine Room, Treetops Resort, Gaylord. Tonight will feature “Lilo & Stitch”. Free. treetops.com

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

GAYLORD ALPENFROST: Feb. 2-4. Today includes the Polar Express Trackless Train, Frosty 5K, Downtown Frosty Plunge & Parade, Soup Cook-Off, Winter Dog Sports, Kids Snow Art, Cardboard Sled Race, & much more. gaylordalpenfrost.com

-------------------TREETOPS BEER & WINE FESTIVAL: 6-10pm, Treetops Resort Convention Center, Gaylord. Featuring a variety of breweries & wineries. Sample cards are discounted if you show your Alpenfrost pin at the door. 866-7089932. treetops.com

-------------------WINTER CONCERT & DANCE WITH JAZZ NORTH: 7-10pm, Mountain Flowers, The Homestead, Glen Arbor. Advance tickets: $15; $20 at door. The Glen Arbor Art Association will have auction items for guests to bid on, & proceeds benefit the GAAA. 231-334-5100.

feb 05

sunday

WOMEN’S WINTER TOUR: Women of the North unite to celebrate women, winter & chocolate! Snow bike, snow-

shoe or cross-country ski at Timber Ridge Resort, TC at 10am. Enjoy L. Mawby Sex, sandwiches by The Cheese Lady, Oryana chili, Fresh Coast Chocolates & more. Tickets: $40 advance, $50 at door. Register online at womenswintertour.com or pick-up an application at Brick Wheels & Einstein Cycles.

WOMEN’S HISTORY PROJECT’S SOUPER SUNDAY: 12:30-2:30pm, McGuire Room, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Enjoy a soup luncheon & participate in a discussion of the Women’s March on Washington, Jan. 2017. $5 donation. Reserve your spot: 231-421-3343. whpnm.org

ongoing

LIVING ON: LOSS OF SPOUSE: First & third Tues. of every month, 12-1:30pm, Hospice of Michigan office, 10850 E. Traverse Hwy., Ste. 1155, TC. Free. For more info: 929-1557 or kholl@hom.org.

-------------------HELP PRESERVE HICKORY HILLS: $1 of every pint of Double H Double IPA purchased at Jolly Pumpkin, TC through Jan. will be donated to the Preserve Hickory Campaign. preservehickory.com

-------------------WINTER WALK WEDNESDAYS: Walk to school every Weds. this winter through March 15. elgruponorte.org/winter/walk

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

SNOWSHOES, VINES & WINES!: Explore the easy to moderate trails at Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay & then warm up with a glass of mulled wine & a bowl of chili. Held every Sat. & Sun. through Feb. 25-26 from noon-4pm. blackstarfarms.com

-------------------SUPPORT NORTE! For the month of Jan., Morsels Espresso + Edibles, TC will feature a unique morsel, “bocado” with dark chocolate cake with signature Norte! orange frosting & blue sugar sprinkles. For each one sold, Morsels will donate $.25 to Norte! at the end of the month. morselsbakery.com

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

SUNDAY SKIING FOR FAMILIES: Held on Sundays through Feb. 5 at 2pm, Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Donations appreciated. Call ahead to reserve kids’ XC skis. grassriver.org

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

SUNDAY SNOWSHOE HIKES: Meet at the Michigan Legacy Art Park trailhead, Thompsonville at 2:30pm on Sundays through Jan. 29. $5/adult. Free for youth 17 & under with paying adult. michlegacyartpark.org

-------------------SNOWSHOE, WINE & BREW: Sundays through March 5, Old Mission Peninsula, 10:40am-noon. Park at Jolly Pumpkin to board the TC Brew Bus & start your trek. $20. tcbrewbus.com/events

-------------------ICE SKATING GAMES: Saturdays through March 11, 1-3pm, Harbor Springs Sk8 Park/ Ice Rink. Find ‘Harbor Springs Sk8 Park’ on Facebook.

-------------------FREE COMMUNITY CLASS: Every Weds. at 7:30pm at Bikram Yoga, 845 S. Garfield Ave., TC. bikramyogatcgr.com

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

SATURDAY SNOWSHOE HIKES AT SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE: Held on Saturdays through March 11.

Meet at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, Empire at 1pm. Free, but reservations required: 231-326-4700, ext. 5010.

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

OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: No dues, fees, weigh-ins, or diets. Meeting Tues. at 12:15pm; Thurs. at 1:30pm; Fri. at 8am; & Sat. at 10:30am. Call Pat: 989-448-9024; Tom: 231590-8800; or Genie: 231-271-1060.

-------------------ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - YOUNG PEOPLE’S MEETING: Fridays at 8pm, Grace Episcopal Church (basement), TC. www. district11-aa.org/

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS - OPEN SPEAKER MEETING: Saturdays at 8pm, Munson Medical Center (basement), TC. www. district11-aa.org/

-------------------SECULAR A.A.: Thursdays: The Porch, TC, 5:30pm. Fridays: By the Bay Alano Club, TC, 7pm. SecularAAinMichigan.org

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

COMPULSIVE EATERS ANONYMOUS - HOW: Held every Thurs. from 5:30-6:30pm at Friends Church, 206 S. Oak Street - at 5th Street, TC. For more info: traversecityCEAHOW.org

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

YOGA 1-2: With Kelly Stiglich 500-ERYT at GT Circuit, TC on Tuesdays at 5:30pm. $10 suggested donation. gtcircuit.org

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

ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS (ACA): 5:30-7pm, Thursdays in the basement of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, TC. For those who seek to address the residual effects of having been raised in dysfunctional household. adultchildren.org

-------------------OM GENTLE YOGA: With Kelly Stiglich 500-ERYT at GT Circuit, TC on Saturdays at 10:30am. $5. gtcircuit.org

-------------------MCLAREN NORTHERN MI DIABETES SUPPORT GROUP: Meets the second Mon. of each month from 7-8pm at the John & Marnie Demmer Wellness Pavilion & Dialysis Center, Petoskey. northernhealth.org/wellness

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

DEBTORS ANONYMOUS (NEW LOCATION, NEW TIME): 6:30-7:30pm on Tuesdays, Cowell Cancer Center (Munson), room B031, Sixth & Madison streets, TC. 12-Step Recovery Meeting for those with money issues. More info, call John P at (973) 476-7384.

-------------------ADOPTION SATURDAYS: Pets Naturally, TC hosts one dog & one cat from the Cherryland Humane Society on Saturdays from 11am2pm. www.petsnaturallytc.com

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

INDOOR FARMERS MARKET, THE VILLAGE AT GT COMMONS, TC: Held in The Mercato on Saturdays through April 29 from 10am-2pm. thevillagetc.com

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

CTAC ARTISANS & FARMERS MARKET: Fridays, 10am-1pm, Bidwell Plaza during good weather, or Carnegie Building, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey. crookedtree.org

-------------------BLISSFEST JAM SESSIONS: Every Sun., 1-4pm, Red Sky Stage, Petoskey. Bring your instruments or just sing along or listen. www. redskystage.com.

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

BOXING FOR PARKINSON’S: Parkinson’s Network North meets at 10am every Mon. at Fit For You, TC for these free sessions. gtaparkinsonsgroup.org

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

“JUST FOR US” BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: Meets the first Tues. of every month from 6:30-8:30pm at the McLaren Northern MI John & Marnie Demmer Wellness Pavilion & Dialysis Center, Petoskey. 800-248-6777.

-------------------SONG OF THE MORNING, VANDERBILT: Free yoga classes, Tues. – Fri., 7:30-8:30am. songofthemorning.org

-------------------PETOSKEY FILM THEATER: Showing international, indie, art house & documentary films on Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays. Carnegie Building, 451 E. Mitchell St., next to Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey. Donations welcome.

For schedule find ‘Petoskey Film Theater’ on Facebook. 231-758-3108.

-------------------DEPOT COFFEEHOUSE: Fridays from 6-7:30pm at After 26 Depot Café, Cadillac. Enjoy coffee with dinner or dessert while listening to live entertainment. 231-468-3526.

art

Mon -

Ladies Night - $1 off drinks & $5 martinis

ANNUAL FURNITURE, FIBER, PHOTOGRAPHY, & SCULPTURE EXHIBITION: Through Feb. 24, Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org

-------------------6TH ANNUAL GRAND TRAVERSE ART BOMB: Through March 25, Right Brain Brewery, TC. Artists of all media in & from the GT region will display & sell their work commission-free. Encore Reception/Art Bomb Prom on Feb. 11, & Closing Reception on March 25.

Featuring live music & performance art. facebook.com/GrandTraverseArtBomb

-------------------THROUGH THE WINDOW, ALL MEDIA: Through March, Three Pines Studio, Cross Village. threepinesstudio.com

-------------------MIDWEST TWILIGHT: This painting by Glenn Wolff has been installed on the south wall of the Omelette Shoppe, Cass St., TC. dennosmuseum.org

closed at 9pm

Tues - $2 well drinks & shots OPEN MIC WITH HOST CHRIS STERR Wed - Get it in the can for $1 Thurs - MI beer night $1 off all MI beer

Happy Hour: Jamz North Then: DJ DOMINATE (NO COVER)

Fri Feb 3:

Sat Feb 4: DJ FASEL (NO COVER) Sun Feb 5:

KARAOKE (10PM-2AM) 941-1930 downtown TC check us out at unionstreetstationtc.net

-------------------CALL FOR ARTIST SUBMISSIONS: For the spring show “Sacred Spaces” at Higher Art Gallery, TC. Deadline to apply is Feb. 20. Visit higherartgallery.com for info.

-------------------PROTECTION: This Woodland Indian screenprint by Jackson Beardy is installed on the east wall of Cuppa Joe, 1060 E. Front St., TC. dennosmuseum.org

-------------------“MAKING ART TOGETHER”: The Northport Arts Association hosts this open studio every Thurs. from 10am-1pm in the Village Arts Building, Northport. northportartsforall.com

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

GAYLORD AREA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS, GAYLORD: - Black & White with a little Red Exhibit: Through March 4. A reception will be held on Sat., Feb. 11 from 5-7pm.

- Artful Afternoons: Every Weds. through April 26 at 1pm. Free. gaylordarts.org

THURSDAY

Trivia nite • 7-9pm

FRIDAY FISH FRY

All you can eat perch $10.99

FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS for all Home Team Sporting Events.

231-941-2276 121 S. Union St. • TC. www.dillingerspubtc.com

231-922-7742 121 S. Union St. • TC. www.dillingerspubtc.com

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

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETOSKEY: - Crooked Tree Photographic Society Exhibit: Runs through March 17 in the Atrium Gallery.

Featuring diverse digital works from more than 30 members.

- 2017 Juried Photography Exhibition: Runs through March 23 in Gilbert Gallery. Juried by renowned photographer Howard Bond.

Includes works selected from 140 submissions.

- Tinker, Tailor, Welder, Weaver: The Art of Assemblage: Runs through March 23 in Bonfield Gallery. crookedtree.org

-------------------CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, TC: - Hygge: A Winter’s Glow: This multimedia exhibition celebrates all the ways those in the northern latitudes embrace & find contentment during the winter months. Runs through Feb. 25.

- Art History Talk: Fridays through March 17, noon-1pm. Each week will cover a decade of the 1800’s. $5 suggested donation. crookedtree.org

Central High School's

Bill & Laurie

February 2nd

February 9th

Robert Mulligan

Janice Keegan

Sears

Minor Six

-------------------DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC: - Permanence & Impermanence: Iceland – a Land of Temporal Contrasts. By Jean Larson.

Runs through Jan. - Grandmother Power: A Global Phenomenon: The works of renowned photographer Paola Gianturco. Runs through Jan. dennosmuseum.org

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

ART COMPETITION – WINE LABEL DESIGN NEEDED: Deadline for art entry is March 10th!

Attention artists: Design a wine bottle label for the Mission Point Lighthouse fundraiser. Support Mission Point Lighthouse Friends nonprofit - preserve the lighthouse. Winner will have their design on the label for the 2nd Annual Lighthouse Wine Fundraiser. Go to events at www.missionpointlighthouse.com for application. Or email mplfmedia@gmail.com

Latin dinner specials February 16th

Every Thursday

February 23rd

7-9:30pm

Northern Express Weekly • january 30, 2017 • 23

DOWNTOWN

TRAVERSE CITY A Record 14 Oscar Noms!

FOURSCORE by kristi kates

SUNDAY - TUESDAY 1:30 • 4:30 • 7:30 PM WEDNESDAY 1:30 • 4 • 6:30 • 9:15 PM THURSDAY 1 • 3:45 • 9 PM •••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••

RACENR

WED 10:30 AM Black History Month 25¢ Matinee

GROUNDHOG DAYPG

THU 6:30 PM - Gobbler's Knob Party - $5 Special

SENSORY FRIENDLY FAMILY SURPRISE

Traverse CiTy

231-929-3200 • 4952 Skyview Ct.

Charlevoix

231-237-0955 • 106 E. Garfield Ave.

FRIDAY 10:45 AM - 25¢ Kids Matinee

THE SHININGR

Peter Doherty – “Hamburg Demonstrations” – BMG

From The Libertines to Babyshambles to his solo projects, Doherty has long been the subject of both scandal and scoffery, derided as a party boy who simply couldn’t focus. But you can’t deny his ability to craft a hook worthy of The Clash or The Ramones, and now that he’s stepped away from substance abuse, his inherent skills are slowly re-emerging. This album is a testament to that, with standouts being the sly first single “I Don’t Love Anyone (But You’re Not Just Anyone)” and the surprisingly sentimental “She Is Far.”

FRIDAY NIGHT FLICKS - $3 or 2 for $5 - Room 237 Party!

DOWNTOWN

IN CLINCH PARK

Hope Sandoval – “Until the Hunter” –

3 Oscar Noms!

www.schulzortho.com

Perhaps Hope Sandoval isn’t the most prolific singer-songwriter; her most notable project, the shoegazy, slow-moving band Mazzy Star, admittedly only released four albums over 23 years. But at least when an album finally does surface from Sandoval, it’s worth the listen.

Her latest, with her newest band The Warm Inventions, pulls more emotion and ambition out of her vocals than has been heard previously, most notably on the adroitly repetitious “Hiking Song,” the heartbreaking melodies of “The Peasant” and Sandoval’s perfectly matched, countryinflected duet with Kurt Vile titled “Let Me Get There.”

SUNDAY - TUESDAY 1 • 4 • 7 PM WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY 12:30 • 3:15 • 6 • 8:45 PM 231-947-4800 Trim size: 5.1 x 6.041

Alejandro Escovedo – “Burn Something Beautiful” – Concord

Financing to make you feel at home

Escovedo’s unusual mix of Tex-Mex music, classic West Coast punk, Americana and a touch of Springsteen makes his sound difficult to classify, and that’s what’s so cool about him, including the tracks he’s recorded for this 15th album. With assistance from stalwart R.E.M. associate Peter Buck and The Minus 5’s Scott McCaughey, the instrumental focus is an even balance of forceful beats and guitars on one side and haunting balladry on the other. Highlights include the faintly eerie “Beauty and the Buzz” and the storytelling “Suit of Lights.”

Call or stop by one of our two locations.

231-947-9355 830 E Front Street, Suite 250 Traverse City, MI 49686 231-439-1119 and 231-439-1124 3890 Charlevoix Avenue, Suite 360 Petoskey, MI 49770 Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2014 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved.

NMLSR ID 399801. AS3009679 Expires 03/2017

24 • January 30, 2017 • Northern Express Weekly

The Courteeners – “Mapping the Rendezvous”

By contrast, The Courteeners’ more ambitious songwriters and band members are releasing their fifth album in eight years. This fan-focused effort pays homage to their followers and showcases their determination in the face of indifferent radio hosts. The band is definitely capable of filling venues in spite of the latter, and this set should pull even more SRO shows. Opening title “Lucifer’s Dream” maximizes the band’s garage-rock side, while “De La Salle” features Smiths-esque wordplay and lush synths and “No One Will Ever Replace Us” conjures up the most appealing choruses of The Stone Roses.

SHERYL CROW’S READY TO BE HERSELF Sheryl Crow has been fairly quiet for the past year or so, but that’s about to change – she’s been busy working on a brand new album that will take her fans back to her early radio-hit days. Three years ago, Crow made a venture into country with her debut album in that genre, Feels Like Home, but apparently it didn’t. Crow didn’t find creating this album as fulfilling as her poprock efforts, so she resumed working with her ‘90s collaborators Tchad Blake and Jeff Trott, who were responsible for several of her chart hits. Now she’s prepping for the release of her new pop album, the tellinglytitled Be Myself, which will be out early this year. Crow also plans to promote the new album with an extensive tour.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are returning to Michigan – specifically, to Peppers’ frontman Anthony Kiedis’ hometown of Grand Rapids, where he lived in Lowell before moving to Los Angeles with his father at age 11. The band’s Grand Rapids date at Van Andel Arena on June 25 will be the second-to-last concert on its current tour in support of its new studio album The Getaway; prior to the hometown show, the Peppers will also be performing at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit on February 2.

More festival lineups are being

MODERN

Sheryl Crow The Shins

ROCK

BY KRISTI KATES

announced as the first quarter of the year gets moving, with Boston Calling being the latest to unveil its 2017 performers. Among the list for this year’s edition of BC scheduled to run May 26–28 are Mumford and Sons, Cage the Elephant, The 1975, The xx, Bon Iver, Weezer, and more. Also on the festival list is Atlanta’s Shaky Knees Music Festival, which will run May 12–14 and include sets from Cage the Elephant and The xx as well as LCD Soundsystem, Phoenix, The Shins, Bleachers, Pixies and more.

Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor have been tapped to compose new music for the upcoming Ken Burns/Lynn Novick PBS documentary The Vietnam War. The 10part series will begin airing this September and will encompass 18 hours, including testimony from nearly 100 witnesses, including Americans who fought at Vietnam as well as those who opposed the war. Reznor and Ross both said in a press statement they feel “incredibly honored” to be part of the large-scale project.

MODERN ROCK LINK OF THE WEEK A-Trak has an audio gift for you in the form of Cut It Out!, a 74-minute DJ mix of artists ranging from A Tribe Called Quest and Kanye West to Justin Timberlake, Jean-Luc Ponty, Soulja Boy, Paul Simon, Laura Nyro and Ryan Tedder. You can listen

to the entire extravaganza at Soundcloud. com/a-trak/cut-it-out-a-74-minute-dj-mix.

THE BUZZ Detroit rapper Big Sean, fresh from his appearance on Saturday Night Live, will go on tour this spring in support of his new album I Decided due out February 3; the trek will begin March 17 in Houston, Texas.

Ann Arbor singer-songwriter and producer Fred Thomas is dropping a new album this month called Changer that features a youthful image of his wife, Emily Roll of Haunted/The Vitas, on the cover.

Motor City musician Sheefy McFly has been on hiatus the past few months to focus on his visual artwork, but now he’s back on the music scene and hard at

work on an upcoming hip-hop album he’s dubbed Murals.

To the delight of Michigan heavy rock fans, it’s been confirmed that Mastodon will perform at the Royal Oak Music Theater May 16 with special guests Eagles of Death Metal and Russian Circles.

And for you indie-rock fans, you can look forward to a show from The xx, which has confirmed a North American tour and May 2 performance at the Masonic Temple in Detroit in promotion of its newest album I See You…And that’s the buzz for this week’s Modern Rock.

Comments, questions, rants, raves, suggestions on this column? Send ‘em to Kristi at Modernrocker@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1 • 5-7PM

Taste of the Mediterranean AT

$10 cover charge for mediterranean cuisine, beer/rum punch/soda, and great networking!

Prizes include:

• OLIVES & WINE GIFT CERTIFICATES • BEARDS BREWERY GIFT PACK

Northern Express Weekly • january 30, 2017 • 25

nitelife

Jan 28 - feb 5 edited by jamie kauffold

Send Nitelife to: events@traverseticker.com

Manistee, Wexford & Missaukee

• 522 - MANISTEE Tues. -- Karaoke Thurs., Fri., Sat. -- DJ • BUCKLEY BAR - BUCKLEY Fri. -- DJ Karaoke/Sounds - Duane & Janet • CADILLAC SANDS RESORT Porthole Pub & Eatery: Thurs. -- Live music SandBar Niteclub:

Fri. & Sat. -- Phattrax DJs Fri. -- Karaoke/line dancing, 8:30 Sat. -- Dance videos, 8:30 • COYOTE CROSSING HOXEYVILLE Thurs. -- Open Mic Sat. -- Live Music • DOUGLAS VALLEY WINERY MANISTEE

Sun. -- Live music, 1:30 -4:30pm • HI-WAY INN - MANISTEE Wild Weds. -- Karaoke Fri.-Sat. -- Karaoke/Dance • LOST PINES LODGE HARRIETTA Sat. -- Karaoke, dance videos

Grand Traverse & Kalkaska • ACOUSTIC TAP ROOM TC Tues. -- Open & un-mic'd w/ Ben Johnson, 7-9 • BUD'S - INTERLOCHEN Thurs. -- Jim Hawley, 5-8 • FANTASY'S - GRAWN Adult Entertainment w/ DJ • GT RESORT & SPA ACME Grand Lobby: 1/28 -- Blake Elliott, 7-11 2/3-4 -- Blake Elliott, 7-11 • HAYLOFT INN - TC Thurs. -- Open mic night by Roundup Radio Show, 8 Fri. - Sat. thru Jan. -- The Cow Puppies Fri. - Sat. thru Feb. -- Two Old Broads & 3 Buddies • HORIZON BOOKS - TC 2/3 -- Zach Power, 8:30-10:30 • LEFT FOOT CHARLEY TC Mon. -- Open mic w/ Blake Elliott, 6-9 • LITTLE BOHEMIA - TC Tues. -- TC Celtic, 7-9 • NOLAN'S CIGAR BAR TC 2/3 -- The True Falsettos, 9-11:30 • NORTH PEAK - TC Kilkenny's, 9:30-1:30: 1/27-28 -- Honesty & the Liars 2/3-4 -- Risqué Mon. -- Michigan Team Trivia, 7-9; Toxic Trivia, 9-11 Tues. -- Levi Britton, 8-12

Weds. -- The Pocket, 8-12 Thurs. -- 2 Bays DJs, 9:301:30 Sun. -- Geeks Who Drink Trivia, 7-9 • PARK PLACE HOTEL - TC Beacon Lounge: Thurs. - Sat. -- Tom Kaufmann, 8:30-11:30 • PARKSHORE LOUNGE TC Fri. - Sat. -- DJ • RARE BIRD BREWPUB - TC Mon. -- Open Mic/Artist Night, 7:30-11:30 Tues. -- Trivia night, 7 • SAIL INN - TC Thurs. & Sat. -- Phattrax DJs, karaoke, dance videos • SIDE TRAXX - TC Weds. -- Impaired Karaoke, 10 Fri.-Sat. -- DJ/VJ Mike King • STUDIO ANATOMY - TC 1/28 -- ACLU Benefit featuring J. Marinelli, Goats of Death, Parking Lots, Fuzzbuster, & Mellow Out, 7 • TAPROOT CIDER HOUSE - TC 1/28 -- May Erlewine, 7-10 Tues. -- Turbo Pup, 7-9 1st Weds. of month -- EMinor open mic, 7-10 Thurs. -- G-Snacks, 7-9 Fri. -- Rob Coonrod, 7-9 Sun. -- Kids Open Mic, 3 • THE OL' SOUL -

KALKASKA Weds. -- David Lawston, 8-12 • THE PARLOR - TC 1/31 -- Clint Weaner, 7:3010:30 • THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO. - TC 1/28 -- Wink, 8-11 2/3 -- David Graves' New Vinyl, 8-11 2/4 -- Kyle Brown, 8-11 Mon. -- Rotten Cherries Comedy Open Mic, 8-9:30 Weds. -- WBC Jazz Society Jam, 6-10 • TRATTORIA STELLA - TC Tues. -- Ron Getz, 6-9 • UNION STREET STATION - TC 1/28 -- Brett Mitchell & The Giant Ghost 1/31 -- Open mic w/ Chris Sterr 2/3 -- Happy Hour w/ Jamz North, then DJ DomiNate 2/4 -- DJ Fasel Sun. -- Karaoke, 10-2 • WEST BAY BEACH RESORT - TC 1/27-28 -- The Muze, 9-2 2/3 -- East Bay Blues Band, 7-9:30 View: 1/28 -- DJ Motaz, 9-2 2/3-4 -- DJ Veeda, 9:30-12 Thurs. -- Jazz w/ Jeff Haas Trio & Laurie Sears; 2/2 includes Minor Six, 7-9:30

Antrim & Charlevoix • BRIDGE STREET TAP ROOM - CHARLEVOIX 1/28 -- Ben Overbeek, 8-11 1/29 -- Pete Kehoe, 6-9 1/31 -- Nelson Olstrom, 7-10 2/3 -- Eric Jaqua, 8-11 2/4 -- Chris Koury, 8-11 • CELLAR 152 - ELK RAPIDS 1/28 -- Jim Moore, 7:30-9:30 2/3 -- Jeff Brown, 7:30-9:30 2/4 -- Blair Miller, 7:30-10:30 • JORDAN INN - EAST JORDAN Tues. -- Open Mic w/ Cal Mantis,

7-11 Fri. & Sat. -- Live Music • MURRAY'S BAR & GRILL EAST JORDAN Fri. & Sat. -- Live Music • QUAY RESTAURANT & TERRACE BAR - CHARLEVOIX Weds. -- Live jazz, 7-10 • RED MESA GRILL - BOYNE CITY 1/31 -- Blake Elliott & The Robinson Affair, 6-9 • SHORT'S BREWING CO. BELLAIRE

26 • January 30, 2017 • Northern Express Weekly

1/28 -- Steve Leaf & The Ex Pats, 9-11:30 1/29 -- Short's Battle of the Bands Week 2, 4-6:30 2/3 -- May Erlewine w/ Michael Shimmin & Max Lockwood, 8:30-11 2/4 -- Oh Brother Big Sister, 8:30-11 • VASQUEZ' HACIENDA - ELK RAPIDS Acoustic Tues. Open Jam, 6-9 Sat. -- Live music, 7-10

Folk, Americana, country & soul singer May Erlewine also plays the guitar, fiddle, viola, piano & a few other instruments & is a member of the Earthwork Music Collective. She will be joined by Michael Shimmin & Max Lockwood at Short's Brewing Co., Bellaire on Fri., Feb. 3 from 8:30-11pm.

Erlewine also plays Taproot Cider House, TC on Sat., Jan. 28 from 7-10pm.

Leelanau & Benzie • BELLA FORTUNA NORTH - L.L. Fri.-Sat. -- Bocce e DeRoche, 7-10 • BLACK STAR FARMS - SB Third Weds. of ea. mo. -- Jazz Café w/ Mike Davis & Steve Stargardt, 7-9 • CABBAGE SHED - ELBERTA Thurs. -- Open mic, 8 • DICK'S POUR HOUSE - L.L. Sat. -- Karaoke, 10-2 • JODI'S TANGLED ANTLER BEULAH Fri. -- Karaoke, 9-1 • LAKE ANN BREWING CO. LAKE ANN 1/31 -- CSN Tribute: Kumjian, Skellenger, Niemisto, 6:30

• LAUGHING HORSE THOMPSONVILLE Thurs. -- Karaoke, 9 • LEELANAU SANDS CASINO - PESHAWBESTOWN 1/28 -- Marty Stuart, 8 Tues. -- Polka Party, noon-4pm • LUMBERJACK'S BAR & GRILL - HONOR Thurs., Fri., Sat. -- Phattrax DJs, karaoke, dance videos • MARTHA'S LEELANAU TABLE - SB Weds. -- The Windy Ridge Boys, 6-9 Sun. -- The Hot Biscuits, 6-9 • ROADHOUSE - BENZONIA Weds. -- Jake Frysinger, 5-8

• ST. AMBROSE CELLARS BEULAH 1/28 -- Fremont John, 6 Thurs. -- Open mic night, 6-8 • SPICE WORLD CAFE NORTHPORT 2/3 -- Jeff Haas Trio w/ Laurie Sears, 7-10 • STORMCLOUD BREWING CO. - FRANKFORT 1/28 -- Blair Miller, 8-10 2/3 -- Chris & Patrick, 8-10 2/4 -- The Whiskey Charmers, 8-10 • WESTERN AVE. GRILL - GLEN ARBOR Fri. -- Open Mic Sat. -- Karaoke

Emmet & Cheboygan • BARREL BACK RESTAURANT - WALLOON LAKE VILLAGE Weds. -- Michelle Chenard, 5-8 • BEARDS BREWERY - PETOSKEY Weds. -- "Beards on Wax" (vinyl only night spun by DJ J2xtrubl), 8-11 • BOYNE CITY TAPROOM 1/28 -- Sean Bielby, 7-10 2/3 -- Pete Kehoe, 7-10 2/4 -- Sean Bielby, 7-10 • BOYNE HIGHLANDS - HARBOR SPRINGS Zoo Bar: 1/28 -- Teabags, 5:30-9:30 2/4 -- Metro Rockway, 5:309:30 • CAFE SANTE - BOYNE CITY 2/4 -- Randy Reszka Mon. -- Nathan Bates, 6-9 • CITY PARK GRILL - PETOSKEY

2/2 -- Open Mic Night w/ Lee & Tai, 9 2/4 -- The Greg Nasty Trio, 10 Annex: 2/3 - Karaoke, 10 • DIXIE SALOON - MACKINAW CITY Thurs. -- Gene Perry, 9-1 Fri. & Sat. -- DJ • KNOT JUST A BAR - BAY HARBOR Fri. -- Chris Martin, 7-10 • LEO'S TAVERN - PETOSKEY Weds. -- Karaoke Night, 10-1 Sun. -- S.I.N. w/ DJ Johnnie Walker, 9-1 • MOUNTAINSIDE GRILL BOYNE CITY Fri. -- Ronnie Hernandez, 6-9 • MUSTANG WENDY'S HARBOR SPRINGS

1/28 -- Bill Oeming • OASIS TAVERN - KEWADIN Thurs. -- Bad Medicine, DJ Jesse James • STAFFORD'S PERRY HOTEL - PETOSKEY Noggin Room: 1/28 -- Michelle Chenard, 8 2/3-4 -- Morgan Alexander • STAFFORD'S PIER RESTAURANT - HS Pointer Room: Thurs. - Sat. -- Carol Parker on piano • UPSTAIRS LOUNGE - PETOSKEY 1/28 -- Biomassive, 10 2/4 -- DJ Jimmy Hotkeys - Hot Mix, 10

Otsego, Crawford & Central • BENNETHUM'S NORTHERN INN - GAYLORD 1/30 -- Randy Reszka • MAIN STREET MARKET GAYLORD 7-9:30: 1/28 -- Zeke Clemmons

2/3 -- Adam Hoppe 2/4 -- Holly Keller Thompson • TIMOTHY'S PUB GAYLORD Fri.-Sat. -- Video DJ w/Larry Reichert Ent. • TREETOPS RESORT -

GAYLORD Hunter's Grille: 1/27-28 -- CP2 2/3-4 -- Acoustic Bonzo Oak Room in the Lodge: 1/28 -- Comedy w/ Dave Landau, 8

The reel

by meg weichman

the founder patriots day

“P

atriots Day,” the first of supposedly three forthcoming films about the Boston Marathon bombing of 2013, is efficiently directed by Peter Berg (“Friday Night Lights”) and tells the story of the bombing from before it starts all the way to a moving and pseudo-satisfying conclusion. To shepherd us through the events and the subsequent search for the perpetrators, Berg mainstay Mark Wahlberg (“Deepwater Horizon”) stars as a police sergeant who somehow manages to be present for all the major moments of the case. But Wahlberg’s Tommy Saunders, unlike pretty much everyone else we meet in this film, isn’t real; he’s a composite of several officers and their experiences. He’s a compelling audience surrogate, but it’s disappointing that the film decided it needed so simplistic a device to connect with the audience. The real people depicted here – including Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis (John Goodman), Sergeant Jeffrey Pugliese (J.K. Simmons), and Special Agent Richard DesLauriers (Kevin Bacon) – are compelling and would have sold the story just fine. The film does a solid job encapsulating the events in an exciting and respectful manner, and we get to know the victims, investigators, and even the bombers in thoughtful ways. The rah-rah jingoism of, say, a Michael Bay film of the same type is for the most part absent. Nothing new is said here though.

The bigger, more upsetting questions remain unanswered. Love Triumphs Over Hate™, like Saunders says, but what else is new? “Patriots Day” tells a tragic, riveting story adequately, but it misses the big picture.

How did one little restaurant in quiet Bakersfield, Calif. grow to have over 36,538 locations in 119 countries serving 68 million people daily (with its billions in sales making it the 90th largest economy in the world)?

That’s the question behind “The Founder,” a film that’s part biopic, part corporate origin story, part myth, and made from 100 percent American values.

That restaurant in question is of course McDonald’s, and the story behind its unparalleled success is a fascinating one that some might even say involves its own reallife hamburglar.

That it’s such an inherently compelling story, though, is the film’s central problem.

It’s good, entertaining, and pretty much gets the job done. You’ll just be crestfallen that where it could’ve strove for “The Social Network” style bite, it settles for satisfactory and satisfying procedural fineness. Which I suppose is exactly that, a perfectly fine thing to do.

See, despite its allures and an outstanding lead performance from Michael Keaton, being released at this time of the year, it plays out like an awards season also-ran instead of what would feel like a breath of smart, thinking fresh air in the spring and summer doldrums. To be clear, this is an interesting, measured, worthwhile, and, insidery look at the business world and consumerism; it’s just that I’m not quite “lovin’ it.”

It’s 1954 and our Horatio Alger figure Ray Kroc is a struggling salesman carting his cumbersome five-spindle milkshake mixer along with the weight of one too many get rich quick schemes from one roadside diner to the next. He also carries with him a motivational record, “The Power of the Positive,” and faith that with persistence this fifty-something man can have a second act.

Destiny comes calling in the form of an outrageous order for eight of his milkshake machines (he first assumes it’s a mistake).

So with his interest sufficiently perked, on basically a whim he is moved to drive all the way from St. Louis to California to see firsthand just what kind of operation could possibly be in need of that many machines.

What he discovers is McDonald’s, a joint that eschews plates for paper wrapping, pares down its menu to the essentials in the name of expedient service, and gleams with modern efficiency and community friendliness. He thinks it’s pretty much the greatest thing since sliced bread.

And to the viewer it’s boggling to be reminded how going to a fast food restaurant was a behavior that once had to be learned.

The scene where we get to see McDonald’s uber-productive propriety “Speedee Service System” in action sings like a symphony.

McDonald’s is run by two salt of the earth guys, Mac and Dick McDonald (John Carroll Lynch and Nick Offerman, both wonderful), and Kroc convinces them to let him franchise the place. He envisions a world where “Golden Arches” are as iconic as the cross on the town church or the courthouse flag (and you know what? He wasn’t wrong).

The warm and kind-hearted brothers sense something amiss with Ray, but they have a signed contract, so Kroc is set loose (under their strict guidelines) to take McDonald’s back to his home of Chicagoland and then beyond.

But that contentious relationship with the craftsmanship-oriented brothers never goes away, and Kroc bristles under their control that impedes growth, profits, and progress.

So even when Kroc is shown to be a slimy narcissist he remains entirely likable due to the strength of Keaton’s performance. How impressed you are with his empire building gall, and how much you sympathize with him as the outmoded brothers fight him at every turn in his quest for success (because you’re an American, goddammit!).

Robert Siegel’s script presents Kroc as a deliciously complicated man. No one is the clear hero or villain. No one holds the higher moral ground. And what at first seems like a laudatory corporate-endorsed puff piece about Kroc’s vision and leadership takes that dark turn found in so many American success stories (a turn it probably should’ve taken sooner).

Both celebrating American ambition and condemning its ruthlessness, it is neither a takedown nor ode to the Golden Arches, an indeterminateness felt most at the film’s end.

It doesn’t conclude with profound ambiguity, it just stops without sufficiently following through on the obvious setup to interrogate capitalism’s ideals.

But if it leaves you with one thing, it may be one particular hankering. I’ll give you one guess as to what I had for dinner the night after I saw this.

Meg Weichman is a perma-intern at the Traverse City Film Festival and a trained film archivist.

Hidden figures

T

his might not be the greatest “cinematic” achievement you’ll see this year, but gosh darnit if it isn’t one of the most enjoyable and rewarding. From the incredible performances and ebullient spirit, to its warm tenacity and overflowing heart, this is Hollywood entertainment at its finest – gleaming, accessible, and delightful with a message that illuminates and inspires. It’s not just feel-good, it’s feel great.

“Hidden Figures” tells the extraordinary true story of a trio of impressive African-American women (Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe) whose incredible contributions to NASA have long gone unheralded. Working at the Langley Research Center in the segregated South of the early 1960s, all three were “colored” computers, using adding machines to run the complex calculations needed for space travel in the pre-computer age. With his pure, character-driven storytelling style, director Theodore Melfi (“St. Vincent”) doesn’t try anything ambitious. But with a story as incredible as this and with characters as ambitious, he doesn’t need to. Ultimately told in an unsurprising way with a highly conventional arc, it’s still unlike anything I’ve seen before. I mean who would’ve dreamt that a film about Black female mathematicians would top the box office? That alone is worth celebrating.

la la land

I

In marvelous Cinemascope and like a Technicolor dream comes “La La Land” — a swooning love letter to a bygone era of studio filmmaking that will make your spirits soar and your heart sing. The wonderstruck giddy glee of MGM’s Freed Unit pictures of the ’40s and ’50s combines with the thoughtful drama and candy-colored confections of Jacques Demy (“The Umbrellas of Cherbourg,” “The Young Girls of Rochefort”) to bring the story of a couple of dreamers, actor Mia (Emma Stone) and jazz pianist Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), as they navigate the unforgiving landscape of Tinseltown. With the most contemporary of artistry and sensibilities, 31-yearold wunderkind director Damien Chazelle (“Whiplash”) will make even the musical-averse believe in its vitality, proving his film to be more than a nostalgic artifact. And that the script is so hilarious, affecting and true; that the costumes and visuals are so bold, beautiful and bright; and that the music

by Justin Hurwitz is so catchy and lovely — it feels like we got impossibly lucky. But when you pull it apart, “La La Land” isn’t perfect. It drags in sections and is rather predictable. Yet these shortcomings are hardly noticeable in the face of the sheer amount of joy and pleasure it delivers. It all comes down to the fact that for the two hours you get to bask in “La La Land’s” sun-kissed rhapsody, you’ll have a smile on your face.

It’s sheer cinematic bliss you won’t want to end.

Northern Express Weekly • january 30, 2017 • 27

An award winning community where

Nature is Your Neighbor Stop by… you will never want to leave!

Community Features • Outdoor pool • Tennis court • Community lodge • Community activities • Pets welcome

• Snow removal, lawn & home maintenance services available • City water and sewer • New, pre-owned & custom homes from the $70’s to the $100’s

the ADViCE GOddESS Get Off My Yawn!

Q

: I’m a 61-year-old guy who’s been married four times. I love the security and acceptance of marriage, but after several years, either my wife du jour or I will get bored, and we’ll agree to move on. Clearly, I like being a husband, but I do a poor job of remaining one. Can I change that?

— Chairman Of The Bored

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL CHARLEEN AT 231-933-4800 OR CINDY AT 231-421-9500. www.woodcreekliving.com Conveniently located on South Airport Rd, a quarter mile west of Three Mile in Traverse City

DeDicateD expertise results

A

: So, you just want the security of marriage with all the excitement of dating somebody new — which is kind of like wanting a latex hood and ball gag that are also a comfy old pair of slippers.

Though, no, you can’t have it all, you might manage to have a good bit of it all — the security and the excitement — by bringing in the neurochemistry of the chase when you’re in the cuddly-wuddly long-term attachment stage. This probably sounds complicated, but it’s basically the brain version of how your freezer can serve as both an ice cube manufacturing area and a makeshift morgue for Squeaky the hamster, until you can give him a proper burial.

It turns out that the goo-goo-eyed “Granny and I are still so in luvvv!” and the bug-eyed “Wowee, that’s new and exciting!” can have some brain parts and neurochemicals in common. Social psychologist Arthur Aron and his colleagues did a brain imaging study of couples who were still passionately in love after being married for 10 to 29 years. Surprisingly, the results looked a lot like their previous results on couples who’d just fallen madly in love, with intense activity in regions of the brain “associated with reward and motivation.”

The neurotransmitter dopamine is a central player in this reward circuitry. Though dopamine is still widely known by its outdated nickname, the “pleasure chemical,” current research by neuroscientist Kent Berridge suggests that it doesn’t actually give you a buzz (as opioids in the brain do). It instead motivates you to do things that might -- like eating cake, smoking a doob, and making moves on that girl with the hypno-hooters.

Contact Call Chris Chris AmeelAmeel for all all your northern Michigan for your real estate needs. ctameel@gmail.com real estate needs.

231-633-1010 231-668-6303

231.633.1010 ctameel@gmail.com

28 • January 30, 2017 • Northern Express Weekly

R E A L T Y

Dopamine-secreting neurons are especially on the alert for what researchers call “novel rewards” — any yummy, sexy, feel-good stuff you haven’t tried before. Neuroscientist Wolfram Schultz finds that “unpredictable rewards” may be even three or four times as exciting to us as those we’re used to.

The problem is, when there’s nothing new on the horizon, there’s no reason for your dopa-

adviceamy@aol.com advicegoddess.com

mine to get out of bed. In other words, there’s a neurochemical explanation for why your marriages often go dullsville. But, there’s also good news: Aron and his colleagues note that “if partners experience excitement” from, say, “novel and challenging activities” that they do together, “this shared experience can reignite relationship passion by associating the excitement with the relationship.”

Obviously, these should be unanticipated good experiences — like alternating who plans date night and surprising each other with the week’s event — not having your spouse find you in bed with the cleaning lady. You might also try to delight your spouse with small unexpected gestures every day. Ultimately, you should find bringing in surprise much more fun than simply hoping the relationship won’t die — kind of like a paramedic just staring down at a heart attack victim: “Not lookin’ good, dude! Hope you didn’t have any big weekend plans!”

Wishful Sinking

Q

: The girl I’m in love with has a boyfriend.

She and I have already fooled around, but she can’t bring herself to break up with this guy. She insists she doesn’t want to lose me and promises we’ll date eventually. I’m confused. Do you think she’s playing me?

— Lost

A

: It’s nice to hope for the best about people — but still put a note, “tofu-kelp casserole,” on that foil-wrapped plate of brownies you stuck in the break room refrigerator.

However, especially when our ego is involved, we’re prone to believe the best about people, because of what psychologists call “optimism bias.” This is a form of selecto-vision that leads us to overestimate that things will turn out wonderfully for us and underestimate the likelihood of our experiencing bad stuff, like being in a flaming car wreck or a flaming car wreck of a relationship. In short, we believe that bad things happen to other people. For example, that cheater we’re in love with is only cheating because the other dude’s such a fuckbuckle, not because she has the ethics of a dust mite.

Because optimism bias is ego-protecting, understanding that we’re susceptible to it typically isn’t enough to dig ourselves out. What might help you, however, is telling yourself your story, but about some other girl and guy. Then advise that guy on his prospects.

For example: Yes, here’s a woman you can trust completely to be faithful -- whenever she’s trapped, totally alone, 2,300 feet below ground in a Chilean coal mine.

aSTRO

lOGY

(Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Who would have guessed that Aquarian Charles Darwin, the pioneering theorist of evolution, had a playful streak? Once he placed a male flower’s pollen under a glass along with an unfertilized female flower to see if anything interesting would happen.

“That’s a fool’s experiment,” he confessed to a colleague. “But I love fools’ experiments. I am always making them.” Now would be an excellent time for you to consider trying some fools’ experiments of your own, Aquarius.

I bet at least one of them will turn out to be both fun and productive.

time, Calvin of the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip made this bold declaration: “Happiness isn’t good enough for me! I demand euphoria!”

Given your current astrological aspects, Aries, I think you have every right to invoke that battle cry yourself.

From what I can tell, there’s a party underway inside your head. And I’m pretty sure it’s a healthy bash, not a decadent debacle. The bliss it stirs up will be authentic, not contrived.

The release and relief it triggers won’t be trivial and transitory, but will generate at least one long-lasting breakthrough.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): ): The coming

"Stuck on You"--so smooth, you can't even tell. by Matt Jones ACROSS

DOWN

1 A-list notable 6 “Big Blue” company 9 Exudes affection 14 Tell jokes to 15 Perrins’s partner in sauce 16 TV host with a book club 17 Slow reaction to making tears?

19 1980s attorney general Edwin 20 157.5 deg. from N 21 Insurer’s calculation 22 Gave bad luck to 23 ___ Lingus (carrier to Dublin) 24 Red-sweatered Ken from a 2016 presidential debate 25 Voracious “readers” of old audiobooks, slangily?

31 Responsibility shirker’s cry 32 Coyote’s cries 33 Gulf Coast st.

35 Bitty amount 36 Test versions 37 Ditch 38 “All Things Considered” co-host Shapiro 39 Ninja Turtles’ hangout 40 ___ and variations 41 Three fingers from the bartender, for instance?

44 John’s “Double Fantasy” collaborator 45 Blackhawks and Red Wings org.

46 Montana moniker 49 1978-’98 science magazine 51 “___ death do us part” 54 Act histrionically 55 What the three longest answers are actually held together by 57 XTC’s “Making Plans for ___” 58 Adjust, as a skirt 59 Corset shop dummy 60 Newspaper piece 61 Creator of a big head 62 React to Beatlemania, perhaps

1 Ill-bred men 2 Auckland Zoo animals 3 Fortune founder Henry 4 Strong following?

5 Doctor’s orders, sometimes 6 Societal woes 7 Bird’s bill 8 Could possibly 9 Franchise whose logo has three pips 10 Letter tool 11 “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” rockers 12 Facility 13 Leave hairs everywhere 18 Britain’s neighbor, to natives 22 Prominent part of a Nixon caricature 23 K2’s continent 24 Haunted house warning 25 Brewer of Keystone and Blue Moon 26 Top floor 27 “Quadrophenia” band 28 Pacific Northwestern pole 29 Craftsperson, in steampunk circles 30 Nickelodeon’s green subtance-in-trade 31 Actress Vardalos 34 “George of the Jungle” creature 36 First name mentioned in “Baby Got Back” 37 Jewish house of prayer 39 Carmichael who coined the phrase “black power” 40 Cannon fodder for the crowd?

42 Seafood in a “shooter” 43 Elsa’s sister 46 Folds and Harper, for two 47 Unreal: abbr.

48 Type of dancer or boot 49 “In My Own Fashion” autobiographer Cassini 50 Sticky note note 51 Pasty luau fare 52 ___ facto 53 “Sex on Fire” group Kings of ___ 55 “Weekend Update” cohost Michael 56 Haul a trailer

BY ROB BREZSNY

AQUARIUS

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Once upon a

“Jonesin” Crosswords

JAN 30 - FEB 5

weeks will be an excellent time to ask for favors. I think you will be exceptionally adept at seeking out people who can actually help you.

Furthermore, those from whom you request help will be more receptive than usual. Finally, your timing is likely to be close to impeccable. Here’s a tip to aid your efforts: A new study suggests that people are more inclined to be agreeable to your appeals if you address their right ears rather than their left ears. (More info: tinyurl.com/intherightear)

pedestrian trudging through the streets as it starts to rain, you may suddenly behold, emerging from the blank grey concrete, Langston Hughes’ poem “Still Here” or Fred Marchant’s “Pear Tree In Flower.” I foresee a metaphorically similar development in your life, Virgo: a pleasant and educational surprise arising unexpectedly out of the vacant blahs.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): When he was in

the rock band Devo, Mark Mothersbaugh took his time composing and recording new music.

From 1978 to 1984, he and his collaborators averaged one album per year. But when Mothersbaugh started writing soundtracks for the weekly TV show Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, his process went into overdrive. He typically wrote an entire show’s worth of music each Wednesday and recorded it each Thursday. I suspect you have that level of creative verve right now, Libra. Use it wisely! If you’re not an artist, channel it into the area of your life that most needs to be refreshed or reinvented.

ScORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Many vintage

words of power for the next two weeks, Gemini.

1. Unscramble. Invoke this verb with regal confidence as you banish chaos and restore order.

2. Purify. Be inspired to cleanse your motivations and clarify your intentions. 3. Reach. Act as if you have a mandate to stretch out, expand, and extend yourself to arrive in the right place. 4. Rollick. Chant this magic word as you activate your drive to be lively, carefree, and frolicsome. 5. Blithe. Don’t take anything too personally, too seriously, or too literally.

American songs remain available today because of the pioneering musicologist, John Lomax. In the first half of the 20th century, he traveled widely to track down and record obscure cowboy ballads, folk songs, and traditional African American tunes. “Home on the Range” was a prime example of his many discoveries. He learned that song, often referred to as “the anthem of the American West,” from a black saloonkeeper in Texas. I suggest we make Lomax a role model for you Scorpios during the coming weeks. It’s an excellent time to preserve and protect the parts of your past that are worth taking with you into the future.

CANCER June 21-July 22): The 17th-

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Here are your five

century German alchemist Hennig Brand collected 1,500 gallons of urine from beerdrinkers, then cooked and re-cooked it till it achieved the “consistency of honey.” Why? He thought his experiment would eventually yield large quantities of gold. It didn’t, of course. But along the way, he accidentally produced a substance of great value: phosphorus.

It was the first time anyone had created a pure form of it.

So in a sense, Brand “discovered” it. Today phosphorus is widely used in fertilizers, water treatment, steel production, detergents, and food processing. I bring this to your attention, my fellow Cancerian, because I suspect you will soon have a metaphorically similar experience. Your attempt to create a beneficial new asset will not generate exactly what you wanted, but will nevertheless yield a useful result.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In the documentary

movie Catfish, the directors, Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, present a metaphor drawn from the fishing industry. They say that Asian suppliers used to put live codfish in tanks and send them to overseas markets. It was only upon arrival that the fish would be processed into food. But there was a problem: Because the cod were so sluggish during the long trips, their meat was mushy and tasteless. The solution? Add catfish to the tanks. That energized the cod and ultimately made them more flavorful. Moral of the story, according to Joost and Schulman: Like the cod, humans need catfish-like companions to stimulate them and keep them sharp. Do you have enough influences like that in your life, Leo? Now is a good time to make sure you do.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The city of

Boston allows an arts organization called Mass Poetry to stencil poems on sidewalks. The legal graffiti is done with a special paint that remains invisible until it gets wet. So if you’re a

mountain won’t come to you. It will not acquire the supernatural power to drag itself over to where you are, bend its craggy peak down to your level, and give you a free ride as it returns to its erect position.

So what will you do? Moan and wail in frustration?

Retreat into a knot of helpless indignation and sadness? Please don’t. Instead, stop hoping for the mountain to do the impossible.

Set off on a journey to the remote, majestic pinnacle with a fierce song in your determined heart. Pace yourself. Doggedly master the art of slow, incremental magic.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Who

can run faster, a person or a horse? There’s evidence that under certain circumstances, a human can prevail. In June of every year since 1980, the Man Versus Horse Marathon has taken place in the Welsh town of Llanwrtyd Wells. The route of the race weaves 22 miles through marsh, bogs, and hills. On two occasions, a human has outpaced all the horses. According to my astrological analysis, you Capricorns will have that level of animalistic power during the coming weeks. It may not take the form of foot speed, but it will be available as stamina, energy, vitality, and instinctual savvy.

PIScES (Feb. 19-March 20): In Shakespeare’s

play MacBeth, three witches brew up a spell in a cauldron. Among the ingredients they throw in there is the “eye of newt.” Many modern people assume this refers to the optical organ of a salamander, but it doesn’t. It’s actually an archaic term for “mustard seed.” When I told my Piscean friend John about this, he said, “Damn! Now I know why Jessica didn’t fall in love with me.” He was making a joke about how the love spell he’d tried hadn’t worked. Let’s use this as a teaching story, Pisces. Could it be that one of your efforts failed because it lacked some of the correct ingredients? Did you perhaps have a misunderstanding about the elements you needed for a successful outcome? if so, correct your approach and try again.

Northern Express Weekly • january 30, 2017 • 29

NORTHERN EXPRESS

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT STYLIST NEEDED The Beehive Salon, Elk Rapids is hiring a part or full time stylist. No clientele needed. Aveda sales commission based pay. Contact Nikki at 231-342-5852 or nikki49648@yahoo.com CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE Join a growing independent insurance agency in scenic Suttons Bay, MI. Bonek Agency is seeking a customer service representative with a preferred candidate having experience in property and casualty insurance. Ability to multi task, positive phone mannerisms, database skills are required. Benefits include health/disability ins, retirement, vacation. Contact (231) 271-3623 susan@bonek.com IT SYSTEMS SUPPORT/ANALYST Efulfillment Service is looking for an individual to join our IT Team to provide implementation, configuration, maintenance and technical support for all IT systems initiatives.

To apply for this position, please visit our careers site: www.efulfillmentservice.com/careers or forward your resume to Hawley.m@ efulfillmentservice.com DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED! Learn to drive for Stevens Transport! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! New drivers can earn $ 900+ per week! PAID CDL TRAINING! Stevens covers all costs!

1-888-748-4133 drive4stevens.com

MASSAGE THERAPIST/WELLNESS PRACTITIONERS Join our cohesive team of integrative wellness providers. Enjoy tranquil office setting, dedicated admin support and flexibility to run your own practice: info@imaginehealthtc.com.

PROGRAM COORDINATOR-FULL TIME Incentive travel & engagement rewards company in TC seeks an individual with 3 years of experience in the hospitality industry. This position supports our program managers in all aspects of the planning, administration and execution of all client programs. The ideal candidate must have a positive attitude, excellent verbal & written communication skills, be a team player, be detail oriented, customer service focused and passionate about a career in our industry.

Competitive wage & benefit package.

Please email resume and cover letter.

HR@VIKTORwithaK.com FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST Leelanau Vacation Rentals in Glen Arbor is seeking a front desk receptionist. Full time, year-round position.

Qualities must include: warm, friendly, personable, patient, outgoing, energetic. Candidate ideally lives in the Glen Arbor/Leelanau area (for carrying rotating emergency line). Excellent computer/tech and communication skills (both written and spoken) necessary. High school degree/hospitality experience required. Competitive wages, med/dental/vision/401k avail.

Fun, fast paced environment! ranae@ lvrrentals.com

HEALTH SERVICES STOP OVERPAYING for your prescriptions! SAVE! Call our licensed Canadian and International pharmacy, compare prices and get $25.00 OFF your first prescription! CALL 1-800259-4150 Promo Code CDC201625 BODY-MIND THERAPY A powerful integrative approach to personal growth and healing, incorporating energywork, dialogue, movement, mindfulness, and a range of holistic therapeutic modalities. Fosters lasting growth and change by addressing your whole self - body, mind, and spirit. For more info, contact Lee Edwards of SoulWays, 231-421-3120, www. soulwayshealing.com YEAR ROUND JOB - Tandem Ciders Production Crew Full time. Tasks include driving truck, cleaning, fixing eqmnt, pressing apples, filling bottles, etc. Wage based on exp. Be part of a great team. Stop by and drop off resume/app.

IF YOU HAD HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY AND SUFFERED AN INFECTION between 2010 - present, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800-535-5727

REAL ESTATE OUR HUNTERS WILL PAY $$$ to hunt your land. Call FREE Base Camp Leasing info et and quote. 1-866-309-1507 BaseCampLeasing.com

BUY/SELL/TRADE CORETEC “LIFE-PROOF” FLOORING SALE!! Now, 45% OFF all CoreTec flooring at Bodamer Brothers!

Luxury vinyl flooring with wood & tile looks that amaze and the durability to last a LIFETIME! 100% water, kid & pet proof flooring that’s practical for all households. 45% OFF suggested retail plus 18 month financing available. Get into Bodamer Brothers today! 3000 Garfield Rd. N. Traverse City. bodamerbrothers.com

OTHER LOCALLY FARM RAISED Black Angus, No-Hormones, Non-Fertilized Grass Fed, Non-GMO Grain Finished, Butchered-Quarters (approx 100 to 124 lbs): Please call 231-330-2028 or 231-388-3836 SEWING, ALTERATIONS, mending & repairs. Maple City, Maralene Roush 231-228-6248.

Log on to submit your classified!

northernexpress.com/classifieds Easy. Accessible. All Online.

30 • January 30, 2017 • Northern Express Weekly

TOP for a packwww.

AKC DOBERMAN PUPS Reds, Blue and Black. Big healthy pups $800.

Great Companions, don’t miss!

LANDLORDS & REAL ESTATE INVESTORS NMRPOA is having a lunch meeting Monday, March 6, at Flap Jack Shack in TC at 12:00 p.m. We are a non-profit organization assisting landlords and real estate investors. Services include leasing forms, how to best screen renters, financial/tax implications of owning rental properties and much more. Contact Kathy at gkroush48@ outlook.com for more information.

FEBRUARY 18TH, 7:00-10:30PM at the Traverse City Elks Lodge * Feat. Grand Traverse Pipes & Drums, The Wild Sullys, and Celtic Fire Highland Dancers * Light Hors d’oeuvres * Cash Bar Admission At The Door Only: 20.00 per adult * 10.00 ages 10 and younger

easy. accessible. all online.

the eighth annual traverse city winter

MICROBREW & MUSIC FESTIVAL saturday, february 11, 2017 • downtown traverse city, mich.

MUSIC PLUS FEATURING

kyle hollingsworth band / the nth power

joshua davis trio / the mainstays / the lucas paul band / the change wi th peter madcat ruth roosevelt diggs / charlie millard band / brotha james / jack pine / deep blue water samba silent disco wi th dj dominate and others 40+ breweries / 200+ flavors of beer CIDer mead & wine / giant bonfires marching bands / 4 stages / rare brew tour / homebrewers challenge food trucks / vintage snowmobiles / fire twirlers / + much more

ALES arbor brewing / arcadia ales / ascension brewing / atwater brewery / ballast point beards brewery / bell's brewery / bonobo winery / burnt marshmallow brewing brewery ferment / dark horse brewing / dragonmead / draught horse brewery founders brewing / flying monkeys / great lakes brewing / jolly pumpkin / kuhnhenn brewing laguni tas brewing / monkey fist brewing / mountain town brewing/ new belgium brewing new holland brewing / nickel brook brewing / north peak brewing / odd side ales RESTAURANT petoskey brewing / roak brewing / saugatuck brewing / shipyard brewing / short's brewing soul squeeze cellars / st. ambrose cellars / starcut ciders / stormcloud brewing tapistry brewing / the mi tten brewing / uncle john's hard cider / + more

www.microbrewandmusic.com

Martin Sexton with very special guests

www.porterhousepresents.com

the accidentals

february 21 / city opera house / traverse city, michigan

RETURNING TO DOWNTOWN 2017

THURSDAY, FEB. 2

LOCAL KICK-OFF W/LIVE MUSIC PAIR O’ JACKS Great American Chili Cook-Off • High School Bands • Silent Disco Kids Game Zone Classic Arcade • Miss NASF Pageant • Kareoke Contest

FRIDAY, FEB. 3

SNOWMOBILER’S BALL WITH WAYLAND, TWICE SHY & MORE Silent Disco • Snowmobile Drag Racing in Boon • Gopherwood Concert • Glowbowling at Parkview Lanes • Fun Run

ALL WEEKEND Heated Tents • Bonfires • Food Trucks offering BBQ, Paella & Wood Fired Pizza • Vintage Sleds • Silent Disco • Semi Trailer Stage • Kids • Tent & Storytime Ferris Wheel • Ice Skating • Game Zone • Downtown Fun!

SATURDAY, FEB. 4

WINTER BEER FEST WITH LOWDOWN BRASS BAND, MAINSTAYS, THE CHANGE W/ GRAMMY WINNER PETER MADCAT RUTH & MORE! Drone Demos • Aerial Art on Lake Hot Air Balloon Rides • Arm Wrestle Competition Chainsaw Carving • Dogsled Rides Frozen Yeti 5K Run • Snowmobile Drag Races Ice Fishing Tournament • Antique Snowmobile Show

100% net alcohol supports nonprofit. 100% of proceeds support CAFE non-profit.

NASF buttons are required for entry to events all weekend. Prices go up at the door the day of concert.

312.636.1590

Northern Express Weekly • january 30, 2017 • 31

Introducing the NEW Players Club Join for FREE today.

1760 Lears Road Petoskey, MI 49770

(877) 442-6464 |

1080 S Nicolet Street Mackinaw City, MI 49701

| odawacasino.com

Standard Promotional rules apply. See Player’s Club for details.

32 • January 30, 2017 • Northern Express Weekly