Top Ten

this week’s top ten

Traverse City’s Newest University

No, Michigan Tech isn’t relocating from the UP to TC. But the university has planted a flag in Traverse City, officially opening a research hub on the second floor of the Traverse Connect building. Initial plans call for an expanded partnership with Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) and other area educational partners. But eventually, says Tech’s Jay Meldrum, the Traverse City location could explore renewable energy projects, conduct freshwater research, test autonomous vehicle, help establish a pipeline of tech-centric college-educated talent, and grow i the number of four-year college degrees available locally. “If somebody comes up with a good idea that could be a nationwide innovation – an idea that they could sell – Houghton is probably not the right place to be centered to do that, whereas Traverse City might be perfect,” Meldrum says. One immediate plan is to grow the NMC/Michigan Tech “2+2 program,” which offers a pipeline for students to start their engineering studies at NMC, transfer their credits to Tech after two years, and finish their bachelor’s degrees in Houghton.

tastemaker Carlson’s Whitefish “Caviar” at MAWBY

Scream In The Dark!

With five attractions in one location, you’ll get your share of screams this October! Screams In The Dark is held at the Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds just south of Traverse City through the month on Fridays and Saturdays from 7-11pm and Sundays from 7-10pm. Option 1 ($7) features the haunted wagon ride & trail, including The Mausoleum and corn maze. Or, see all of the attractions with Option 2 ($17 for 12 and up; $12 for 11 and under): haunted wagon ride & trail, Pandemonium, Swamp of Suffering, and Dreadmoore Manor. Find more at evernighthaunt.com

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Hey, read it beautiful world, where are you

The third of bestseller Sally Rooney’s distinctively cerebral novels, Beautiful World, Where Are You?, is a familiar question for many millennials - least of all, the author herself. It’s also the question her characters ask as they struggle to find their place in a world that feels as though it’s approaching its end. Wrapped up in Rooney’s no-nonsense prose, readers follow the plight of college pals Alice Kelleher and Eileen Lydon. On the brink of 30 and a full-blown breakdown, Alice is a successful author seeking escape in a Tinder fling. Eileen, still reeling from a breakup, leans on an old friend in more ways than one. A compendium of human connection, this read reminds us that beauty abounds -- as long as we know where to look.

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Suttons Bay sparkling wine producer MAWBY has teamed with Carlson’s Fishery of Leland to offer a taste of a Great Lakes delicacy available locally for the first time. Fishmonger Mike Burda explains that typically Carlson’s only processes and ships the golden-orange whitefish eggs (technically the term caviar only applies to fish roe in the sturgeon family) frozen for the European market. “It’s really popular there, and at peak season we ship a couple hundred pounds a week.”

Luckily for us locals, the 5th generation fishery started selling the roe — fresh from the lake — to MAWBY this fall. The winery is serving it in the tasting room as a causal $10 “snack” alongside water crackers, sour cream and fresh chives. “It is a beautiful color, about as local and fresh as you can get,” says Mawby’s Claire Lepine. Don’t sleep on this caviar dream, though: “We basically see whitefish eggs for a short season in the fall when they are ripe — from late September through October,” says Burda. Taste it at MAWBY, 4519 Elm Valley Rd., Suttons Bay, (231) 271-3522 or https://mawby.wine/.

Entertainment! your for 21/22

FRANC D’AMBROSIO’S BROADWAY: BEYOND THE CHANDELIER october 15 | 8PM

Franc D’Ambrosio’s BROADWAY: Beyond the Chandelier is a musical journey with one of the world’s most beloved Phantoms — from Broadway’s golden age to current hit sensations — from beloved classics to popular revivals.

CITYOpERAHOuSE.ORg 231.941.8082

Jazz at the Circuit

The Circuit on Fourteenth Street in TC will host two jazz performances this month. Jeff Haas and his trio – Jack Dryden, Randy Marsh and Laurie Sears – will headline the show. Together, they are welcoming the Northwestern Michigan College Big Band and Lab Band (directed by Sears) Oct. 14 and Oct. 28, respectively. Haas and company held a regular Thursday night fall/spring residency for many years, first at Cambria Suites and then at West Bay Beach (now the Delamar). A lack of staff precluded that this year. Haas says he’s grateful to the audiences who have supported him over the years, and he’s still hopeful he’ll find a venue to continue the tradition. These will be the first shows for the NMC groups since January 2020. Wine from Chateau Chantal (where Haas and company perform Thursdays in the summer) and edibles from the Good Bowl will be available. Donations of $10 are suggested; masks are required.

Yes, Your Pet Can Be A Model!

Hey pet owners! It’s almost time for our annual pet issue, and we’re looking for a few (or a hundred) models! Please send along your photos of you and your furry friend enjoying life together in northern Michigan. We’ll have a special section in our upcoming Pets & Halloween issue October 25 showcasing the best photos — and bonus points if your pet is in a Halloween costume! Email your pics to info@northernexpress. com. Give your best furry (or feathered, or scaled) friend the fame he/she deserves.

WOMEN OF THE NIGHT

10.16 - 11.15

Opening Reception: 6-8pm Saturday October 16th HIGHER ART GALLERY

Stuff We Love: Swing Away!

Ever imagine what a raw thrill it would be to — maybe after a particularly bad day at work — take a sledge hammer to few lamps and a home stereo? Don’t feel guilty! And better yet, stop imagining. Northern Michigan’s first and only “rage room” has arrived: Smash Club in Alanson. Go alone, schedule some time with friends or co-workers, or even plan a team bonding or bachelorette party, but regardless, get ready to take some swings. First, pick your favorite from the “wall of weapons” and maybe some extra things to break. Then head inside and go berserk. They’ll even play your favorite rage music while you swing away to your heart’s content. There are also options for kids’ parties, ensuring people of all ages can let off some steam. Learn more and schedule your smash session at smashclubmi.com.

bottoms up

Grand Traverse Brewing Company’s Glen Lake IPA

Since moving to Traverse City and opening Grand Traverse Brewing Company in 2018 – bringing over 20 years of brewing experience with him from the Pacific Northwest – Michigan native Pete Bishop has been quietly producing high-quality craft beer at a local production facility on Cass-Hartman Court in TC. Customers can visit by appointment for tastings and a selection of pints, growlers, and kegs. But for those who can’t make it, several of Bishop’s brews are available in 16-ounce tall boys at local stores. The Glen Lake IPA – with its eye-catching, psychedelic artwork of a bear in a nod to Sleeping Bear Dunes – is hard to miss on the shelf. The American IPA is intended to have notes of “floral citrus, sun, and fun, a beer that’s smooth yet assertive with a diverse arrangement of six hop varieties.” At 6.2 percent ABV, the Glen Lake IPA has bold aromatics but remains flavorful and easy sipping on the palette. It’d make a great accompaniment on a fall hike or that final boat cruise for the season; Bishop promises the beer is “almost as fun as a day on Glen Lake!” Still relatively under the radar, Grand Traverse Brewing Company is an up-and-coming player on the brewery scene. Find the Glen Lake IPA tall boys and other brews at Tilley’s Party Store in Traverse City – where they’re available in single cans and four-packs – or other locations and info at GTBeer.com or on Instagram at @GT.Beer. Northern Express Weekly • october 11, 2021 • 5