this week’s
top ten Big Beautiful Balloons Over Bellaire Aug. 27 & 28 Comedy Club to Debut in TC With the future of the two-years-dark Traverse City Film Festival in question, and the short-lived Winter Comedy Festival long gone, a group of local comedians has just announced plans to launch the Traverse City Comedy Club inside the Grand Traverse Events Center this October. “We’re bringing funny back to Traverse City,” proclaims Stuart Lazar, owner of the Traverse City Comedy Club. “And after the past year and a half that we all have experienced, funny is something that this area desperately needs.” The newly renovated 4,000-square Events Center, located at 738 S. Garfield Avenue in Traverse City, seats about 150 — a just-right size that’ll enable the club to attract some bigger names without compromising its intimate feel, says Lazar. The debut shows kick off Oct. 8 and 9 with comedian Mike Getter (Traverse City’s own Marti Johnson will serve as MC) and continues with dates through New Year’s Eve. Attendees should expect the comedic lineups to feature a mix of comedians from around the country, the vast pool of Michigan talent, and many local names. The club also plans to host open mic nights and offer comedy classes. Tickets generally will be priced between $15 and $25 per person. For more information, and to purchase tickets for any of the shows scheduled through 2021, see www.traversecitycomedyclub.com or call (231) 421-1880.
Take your lofty ambitions anywhere with a view of the sky over Lake Bellaire Friday and Saturday, Aug. 27 and 28. At 6:30pm both nights, the annual and awe-inspiring Balloons Over Bellaire will launch more than 15 hot air balloons from the alpine tubing hill behind The Lakeview Hotel at Shanty Creek Resort. There are plenty of locations to watch from, so organizers ask skywatchers to please keep social distancing and masks in mind. Early risers, you might want to grab your coffee and put in at Torch Lake at 7:30am Saturday instead; the balloons will also do a flyover there. Free event. shantycreek.com
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Hey, watch It Reservation Dogs
There are a lot of things that make FX on Hulu’s new series RESERVATION DOGS notable. That it is co-created by Oscar-winning genius Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit). That it’s set within an indigenous community in Oklahoma. Or that it has a groundbreaking all-indigenous writers’ room. But what really makes it stand out is that it is simply one of the best debut series of the year. With a lived-in, lowkey feel, this coming-of-age comedy caper follows four misfit friends with a propensity for petty crime as they drift through their small town and dream of escape. Peppered with playful film references (see the Tarantino inspiration of its title), the show balances its absurdist and distinctive sense of humor with something grounded and real. And its rich, oddball characters, played by a breakout cast of unknowns, bring us something with a profound sense of identity and place.
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2
tastemaker Barrel Back’s Chicken Wings
Named for the signature “barrel back” boats that once dotted the coasts of Charlevoix County, Barrel Back Restaurant in Walloon Lake tops any proper “Up North” to-do list. Since this hidden gem of an upscale eatery first opened its doors in June 2013, its scratch-made menu and impeccable service have made it a fast-growing local favorite. Featuring the area’s only “open air” dining experience, complete with sliding glass garage-style doors, Barrel Back diners can enjoy a meal inside, or simply tie their boat to the dock! And what better end to a bayside cruise than a little finger food from the grill? You guessed it: chicken wings. Featuring 12, locally sourced wings per order, these sassy little starters are smoked in the kitchen’s own wood-fired rotisserie before being drizzled with one of three homemade sauces; traditional Buffalo, tangy Chipotle Barbeque, or Korean Chili Glaze. Finished with a few stalks of celery and classic Bleu Cheese dressing, we dare you not to lick the plate. $32 for 12 wings,or $18 for 6. Find Barrel Back restaurant at 4069 M-75 in Walloon Lake (231) 535-6000, www.barrel-back.com
4 • august 23, 2021 • Northern Express Weekly
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