The Spice of Life

New Szechuan restaurant brings the heat in Traverse City

By Anna Faller

Patrick and Michael Evans are not your typical brothers.

Both graduates of the Great Lakes Culinary Institute (GLCI), the two have been cooking for most of their lives and share a background in haute cuisine. Their Michelin Star-studded resumes include experience in world-class kitchens, from local hot spots like Trattoria Stella to San Francisco’s Atelier Crenn and the iconic Restaurant Gary Danko.

For these two Michiganders, though, accessibility is a primary factor in creating exceptional cuisine. “The main thing we’ve always wanted to do is offer good food for everyone,” says Patrick Evans. And that’s exactly what the pair aim to achieve with their new Szechuan restaurant, Crocodile Palace, in Traverse City.

Conifers and Crocodiles

The concept was born before the pandemic in collaboration with Ryan Corbin—then sous chef at The Cook’s House and the third member of the Crocodile Palace team. “It all started with us talking about Chinese food and how we really enjoyed the spiciness and full, warming flavors it offers,” says Evans.

From there, they began to experiment, poring over cookbooks and sampling each other’s plates. Meanwhile, the Evans brothers were pursuing a permanent space for Conifer, their debut dining concept that was originally slated to take over The Dish’s storefront on South Union Street. But when The Little Fleet approached them about a fine-dining pop-up last winter, they felt the Conifer format didn’t fit.

“So, we came up with a new concept,” says Evans, “where we would just cook Chinese food for a night and have lots of fun with it.”

That concept, of course, was Crocodile Palace. Named in homage to several of the pair’s go-to San Francisco spots, the menu was—and is—largely inspired by dishes they loved enough to replicate while also offering a style of cooking not easily found in northern Michigan. The event, according to Evans, was a roaring success. “[It] was the catalyst to our understanding that the concept could be an actual space.”

This, he says, is where running a kitchen with his brother comes in especially handy. For starters, Michael did much of the legwork involved in organizing the restaurant’s buildout. The two also have contrasting palettes, allowing each cook to play off of the other.

“He’s the first person I [ask] to taste [a dish] if I’m doubting something,” and vice versa, says Evans. And while he does admit that working with a sibling naturally comes with some frustration, he credits their open communication as the key to keeping the workplace peace.

That balancing act came straight to the fore when the Conifer deal fell through last spring, which left the brothers looking to find an alternative spot for a kitchen.

“We were driving by that empty unit [left vacant by Café Habibi] one day,” says Evans, “and I half-jokingly pointed out that it would be a cool spot to do Crocodile Palace.”

Within an hour, Michael had contacted the landlords for numbers and building specifications. “It turned into reality quickly,” Evans says. “We had a conversation, and I said, ‘let’s go.’”

Tradition and Innovation

Opened in late January, Crocodile Palace now occupies the Cochlin Street unit adjacent to the Super 7. The building is quite small—just a few hundred square feet, Evans estimates—including a bathroom, prep space, and order counter. Consequently, the brothers have had to adjust their design from table-service to a carry-out model (this includes online ordering options, as well as in-person and via phone), though they do plan to implement limited outdoor seating when the weather allows.

The menu, says Evans, features a selection of Chinese and Szechuan-inspired fare— cuisine from China’s Sichuan Province, known for its use of garlic and chilis—and is largely based on traditional street food in order to make each dish more approachable.

“I think it became important to us that our food be [within reach] for a wide range of people,” Evans says. “When people come in, they can see us cooking their order and [smell] the flavors coming off the wok. I think that’s exciting.”

The team has pared down their menu to a handful of elevated plates, which incorporate seasonally-rotating options in addition to a couple of staples. Of these, the Dan Dan Noodles ($15) are a fan favorite: a deliciouslytingly ramen dish featuring numbing bark spices and rich ground pork, topped with pickled vegetables and tahini. “People specialize in them [in China]” says Evans. “[They’re] like chocolate chip cookies in the U.S., where everyone has a different version.”

Evans, however, maintains that the unsung hero of the menu is the Beef Tendon Salad ($10). A riff on a similar dish he discovered at Shanghai Dumpling King in California, Crocodile Palace’s iteration features braised and paper-thin beef tendon slices accompanied by shaved celery with sesame, cilantro, peanut, and plenty of seasoning.

“I can’t think of anywhere else in Michigan that has something like that on the menu,” he says. “It makes me really happy that people are responsive and willing to try something new.”

Other menu standouts include the Salted Cod and Chicken Fried Rice ($12), which Evans calls a “sleeper,” as it’s one of few selections that isn’t spicy. “It’s inspired by two fried rice [dishes] in San Francisco that I absolutely loved,” he says, and incorporates a Cantonese recipe with salted cod and Lap Cheong sausage, with flavor straight from the wok.

He also highlights the Boiled Pork Wontons ($12), each of which is crimped by hand. Stuffed with pork and napa cabbage, and served with black vinegar and chili oil, the wontons are surprisingly simple. “But once you top [them] with the scallions and cilantro, it becomes this whole different thing,” Evans adds.

As for the future of Conifer, Evans tells Northern Express that the concept is still on the backburner, though he doesn’t discount it as something he and his brother might revive down the line. For now, though, Crocodile Palace is more than enough potential to play with.

“There’s a lot [we] still love about the Conifer idea, but I also love eating Szechuan food,” he explains. “[Crocodile Palace] is something we’re doing because it makes us happy, and it’s been really nice knowing that people are enjoying [it].”

Crocodile Palace is open WednesdaySunday, 3-9pm. Find them at 124 Cochlin Street, Traverse City. (231) 421-3555, crocodilepalace.com

Can't Possibly Be True

A newly released report from the U.K.'s Air Accidents Investigation Branch has determined that an inflight incident on June 29, 2022, could have turned out "very different," CNN reported. On that day, a flying instructor slumped over on a pilot's shoulder as they flew a small plane above Lancashire, England. The pilot, who had asked the instructor to accompany him because of wind conditions that day, thought his cohort was "just pretending to take a nap" as a joke, but after landing the plane, he realized the instructor had died. The report noted that the instructor likely "suffered a cardiac arrest as the aircraft took off."

Unclear on the Concept

Neurosurgeon Charlie Teo, 65, appeared before Australia's Health Care Complaints Commission in February to defend himself against charges relating to a brain tumor surgery he performed on a woman, ABC News reported. "I took out too much. I took out the wrong bit of the frontal lobe," Teo said. "I actually didn't know at the time. I'm learning from this case. It wasn't negligence. Maybe some ignorance on my behalf." The woman was left in a vegetative state and died several weeks later. Teo said one of the complainants against him had been "hoodwinked" and "coerced" into filing the charge by Teo's "enemies." "I did the wrong thing. Was that my intention? Absolutely not," he said.

Least Competent Criminal

Quanisha Manago, 28, of Kershaw, South Carolina, got a special delivery on Feb. 13, but it wasn't from Amazon. WHNS-TV reported that Lancaster County Sheriff's officers were tipped off about a package coming Manago's way with valuable contents: two large bricks of cocaine, weighing over 6 pounds. Working with other agencies, an undercover agent delivered the box to Manago's home, then watched as she stored it in her car and started to drive away. That's when she was arrested. Sheriff Barry Faile said the cocaine had a street value of more than $180,000. "Thanks to all who participated, it will never hit the street," he said, adding the packaged was shipped from outside the United States.

Government in Action

On Jan. 19 in Austin, Texas, Chris Newby was sleeping when "the whole house shook," he said. "It sounds like a plane hit the house." Instead, according to KXAN-TV, it was a car -an impaired driver barreled through Newby's spare bedroom wall. "The entire room was just crunched," he said. Ten days later, Newby received a letter from the city informing him that he was in violation of two codes: "One for having a hole in my house and one for having no window," Newby said. The letter was dated the day of the crash and stipulated that he had 30 days to get repairs completed or face fines of up to $4,000 per day. "It felt tone-deaf to me," he said. "I'm in violation for being a victim." But Matthew Noriega, a division manager at the code department, said Newby has time: "If an extension is needed, we will give them that extension," he clarified. Still, Newby said Austin "feels a little less like home every day." Sad emoji.

In Florida, the state senate Democratic leader and canine fun-ruiner Lauren Book filed a piece of legislation that would make it illegal to let a dog "extend its head or any other body part outside" a moving car window, WTSP-TV reported on Feb. 21. The bill has other pet-related provisions relating to animal safety, including prohibiting pets riding in the open beds of pickups and drivers holding a dog in their lap. If passed, the bill will become law on July 1.

Weird Science

Just looking for a few minutes of peace and quiet? You might be tempted to step inside the anechoic chamber at Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Washington, Oddity Central reported. However, even if you were allowed to try it, you might find it unbearable -- it is the world's quietest place, at -20.3 decibels. (Calm breathing clocks in at 10 decibels.) "As soon as one enters the room, one immediately feels a strange and unique sensation which is hard to describe," said Hundraj Gopal, a speech and hearing scientist who helped design the chamber. "When you turn your head, you can hear that motion. The longest continuous time anyone has spent inside the chamber is 55 minutes," Gopal said. Microsoft uses the room to test microphones, receivers, headphones and speakers.

Awesome!

When friends presented tattoo artist Karen Green with a brand-new iPhone in 2007, she never even opened the box, CNN reported. She had recently upgraded her unsmart phone and didn't want to switch carriers, "and I figured it's an iPhone, so it'll never go out of date," Green said. On Feb. 19, Green's still-shrink-wrapped first-edition iPhone sold for more than $63,000 through an online auction with Louisiana-based LCG Auctions. Featuring a 2-megapixel camera and "sharp corners front and back," the phone sold originally for $599. Green will use the funds to support her tattoo business.

(Not a) Fetish saturday

Don't call Aakash Majumdar's attraction to balloons a fetish. The 28-year-old resident of Mumbai, India, identifies as "objectum sexual," meaning he's attracted to inanimate objects -- but not just sexually. News.com. au reported on Feb. 16 that Majumdar wakes up every morning and "makes out" with his balloons, which he sleeps beside. "I like their presence and warmth, and share intimate feelings with my balloons and vice versa," he said. "When you're in love, you spend a lot of time together and accept all kinds of flaws." Of course, being balloons, they're vulnerable: "One day while inflating a few balloons with a pump, a balloon got popped," he said. "I cried for the loss and after that, I became more careful."

Great Art!

Nick Stoeberl, 33, was awarded a Guinness world record in 2012 for the male with the longest tongue (3.97 inches), United Press International reported, and now he's putting it to good use. Stoeberl, who's been dubbed Lickasso, is making paintings with his organ, selling them for up to $1,200 each. The California man said he wraps his tongue in plastic wrap first, then plies his art on canvas. "Why not express myself through that medium?" he asked.

MACKINAW CITY’S 30TH ANNUAL WINTERFEST: (Postponed to today.) Featuring Outhouse Races, Big Freeze Obstacle Course, party at the Dixie Saloon, & much more. mackinawcity.com/events/29thannual-winter-fest

HARBOR SPRINGS RESTAURANT

WEEK: Feb. 24 - March 5. Enjoy special menus at each participating restaurant, designed just for these 10 days. harborspringschamber.com/events/details/restaurantweek-2023-12461

TOOL SHARPENING CLASS: 9am-noon, Maritime Heritage Alliance, TC. Learn how to sharpen hand tools, planers, chisels & knives in this hands on experience. You are welcome to bring your own tools, or to practice on some at the class. This class is limited to 12 people, taught by Captain Rod Jones, Schooner Madeline’s chief carpenter. The class is located in building 1. Please email heather@maritimeheritagealliance.org or call 946.2647 to reserve your spot. Suggested donation: $20. maritimeheritagealliance.org ----------------------

FAMILY STEAM DAY: 10am-noon, Interlochen Public Library. Participate in a variety of activities that showcase the different foundations of STEAM; Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Mathematics. 231-276-6767.

GAYLORD RV SHOW: 10am-6pm, The Ellison Place, Gaylord. Cherry Capital RV is showcasing some of their most popular units. Includes motorhomes, teardrops, travel trailers, 5th wheels & more. gaylordrvshow.com

MAPLE SUGARING DAYS: 10am-3pm, Dechow & Olsen Farms, Port Oneida Rural Historic District, Empire. Hosted by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Learn the history of maple sugaring & the process of making maple syrup from start to finish. There will be a guided hike, demonstrations, kid’s activities, maple syrup sampling, & goodies to take home. Free with a park pass. nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/maple-sugaringdays.htm

OPEN STUDIO: 10am-1pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Visual Arts Room, Petoskey. Drop-in free arts & crafts for the whole family.

TRI 45 WINTER TRIATHLON: 10am, Treetops Resort, Gaylord. 5K Cross Country Ski: 3.12 mile classic ski only, groomed trail. 10K Fat Tire: 6 mile fat tire mountain bike, off road in the snow. 5K Run: 3.12 mile mixed road & trail. gaylordalloutdoorswintertriathlon.com

MARDI GRAS AT THE MOUNTAIN: 11am11pm, Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. Enjoy slope side BBQ on the Lodge Deck, live music, find the Crystal Mountain Court Jester skiing on the mountain, enjoy the OnSlope Scavenger Hunt, take part in Mardi Gras mask making, & much more. crystalmountain.com/event/mardi-gras

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TRAVERSE CITY RESTAURANT WEEK:

Feb. 26 - March 4. Participating restaurants will have either a $25, $35, or $45 3 course meal. Call & make your reservations online at the restaurant(s) of your choice. downtowntc.com/traverse-city-restaurant-week

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WALK + TALK THE EXHIBITIONS: 11am, Glen Arbor Arts Center. A guided walk-andtalk through the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s Telling Stories & A Feral Housewife exhibitions. Sarah Bearup-Neal, GAAC gallery manager, leads a conversational tour of these exhibits about visual storytelling. Free. glenarborart.org

16TH ANNUAL SUDS & SNOW: 1-6pm, Timber Ridge Resort, TC. “The Ultimate Party in the Woods.” This event starts with a half-mile hike to the backwoods where the event takes place. This year’s theme is Mardi Gras & will feature live music by Botala, the Daylites, Funky Uncle & 2BaysDJs. There will be over 24 beverage vendors & two food vendors. Tickets are $40 in advance. eventbrite.com/e/suds-snow2023-tickets-473673579427

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THE VILLAGE JIGSAW PUZZLE COMPETITION: 1-5:30pm, The Village at GT Commons, Kirkbride Hall, TC. Teams of 2-4 people. Snack & NA beverages provided. BYO adult beverages. Register. thevillagetc.com/ the-village-jigsaw-puzzle-competition ----------------------

BELLAIRE ART IS SWEET: 2-5pm, Downtown Bellaire. Bake Off: Taste samples from each participating business’s sweet treats & vote. Art Stroll: View & purchase local arts & crafts. Student artwork also on display.

INLAND SEAS: ROV PRESENTATION: 2pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Join Inland Seas to learn about their remotely operated vehicles (ROV) & how they are used in the Great Lakes. After the overview, participants will have the opportunity to build a ROV & get more info about the Inland Seas program. This event is intended for adults & families with youth in 6th-12th grades. Free. tadl.org/ event/inland-seas-rov-presentation

FLY FISHING FILM TOUR: 7pm, City Opera House, TC. Brought to you by The Northern Angler Fly Shop in TC. Featuring locations from Cuba to Patagonia, Mexico to Australia, Alaska, Wyoming, the Deep South, Massachusetts & beyond. $25. cityoperahouse. org/node/497?mc_cid=9e2873a71f&mc_ eid=36a666ea46

“GRIMM’S ALTERNATIVE FAIRY TALES”: 7:30pm, The Alluvion, TC. Tickets: $28 GA; $38 VIP Reserved Front Row. Mashup Rock & Roll Musical is reviving their 2014 show “Grimm’s Alternative Fairy Tales.” The story is a twisted romp through magical woods, where creatures, royalty, & lost children are mashed up with New Wave & Rock stars from the 1980s. mashuprockandrollmusical. com/upcoming-shows-tickets ----------------------

BLISSFEST PRESENTS: GINA CHAVEZ

WITH THE CRANE WIVES (DUO): 7:309:30pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Theater, Petoskey. Gina Chavez refuses to fit into a box. From her Mexican & Swiss-German raices to her life as a queer, married Catholic in Texas, to her bilingual music, the Latin Grammy nominee is unapologetically herself. The Crane Wives will open for her. $25 Blissfest members; $30 GA. showclix.com/ event/blissfest-presents-gina-chavez-/listing

COMEDY W/ JOSH ADAMS: 7:30-9pm, Traverse City Comedy Club, TC. BET Apollo Live winner, Fox Laughs, Thrillist Top 50 undiscovered comedians, HBO NFL HardKnocks. $30-$35. mynorthtickets.com/ events/comedy-wjosh-adams-3-4-2023 sunday

HARBOR SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., March 4)

GAYLORD RV SHOW: (See Sat., March 4, except today’s time is 10am-4pm.)

MAPLE SUGARING DAYS: (See Sat., March 4)

“GRIMM’S ALTERNATIVE FAIRY TALES” PAY WHAT YOU CAN PERFORMANCE:

6:30pm, The Alluvion, TC. In partnership with Up North Pride, this special performance of Mashup Rock & Roll Musical’s “Grimm’s Alternative Fairy Tales” will be shown with a minimum $5 ticket price. Half of the proceeds will be donated to Up North Pride. Mashup Rock & Roll Musical is reviving their 2014 show, “Grimm’s Alternative Fairy Tales.” The story is a twisted romp through magical woods, where creatures, royalty, & lost children are mashed up with New Wave & Rock stars from the 1980s. mashuprockandrollmusical.com/upcoming-shows-tickets

THE ACCIDENTALS - TIME OUT 3: EP RELEASE CONCERT: 7pm, City Opera House, TC. This night of stories & songs will be hosted by The Accidentals, & will feature musical guests Mary Bragg, Gary Burr, & Georgia Middleman. VIP Seating Package includes early admission for a pre-show meet & greet, premier seating, exclusive merchandise & one entry per ticket to win a Fender guitar. $30, $20; VIP: $100. cityoperahouse.org/ node/495 monday

ANIME CLUB: 5:30-7:30pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Enjoy talking about anime & manga, & do an anime related activity. At 6:15pm you will preview the first few episodes of an anime. This program is intended for ages 13+. Free. tadl.org/events

PRESCHOOL ADVENTURES IN ART: 9:30-10:15am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, TC. Drop in for hands-on fun for preschoolers & their grown-ups. Register early. $5. crookedtree.org/class/ctac-traverse-city/ preschool-adventures-art-march-6

KID’S CRAFT LAB: PULL SOME STRINGS: 1pm & 3:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Make a great picture with watercolor paint & string! Sign up when you reserve your attendance at the Museum. greatlakeskids.org tuesday

COFFEE & CONVERSATION AT THE CHAMBER: 8-10am, Harbor Springs Police Station. Enjoy conversation & connections with chamber staff & other members. Have a donut with your local officers courtesy of Johan’s Pastries. Free.

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30am, Suttons Bay Bingham District Library, lower level Community Meeting Room. Free. sbbdl.org

STORYTIME ADVENTURES: 10:30am, 1pm & 3:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Featuring “The Little Blue Truck” by Alice Schertle. Sign up when you reserve your attendance at the Museum. greatlakeskids.org ----------------------

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: 11:30am-1pm, Treetops Resort, Gaylord. Gaylord Area Chamber of Commerce presents “Keeping Up with the Growth of Your Business.” Register. $20 members; $25 non-members. gaylordmi.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/6690

TCNEWTECH PITCH & NETWORKING

EVENT: City Opera House, TC. Select startups will be allowed 5 minutes to present their pitch & 5 minutes of questions & answers from the audience. The audience is made up of technology-minded people. Cash bar & networking at 5:30pm; investor pitches at 6pm; & winners announced at 7pm. tcnewtech.org/?mc_cid=1ceeda551e&mc_ eid=36a666ea46 wednesday

WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS: 1-5pm, Traverse Area District Library, Study Room D, TC. If you need health resources/referrals, have immediate housing or food needs, &/or need crisis assistance or parenting/family support, the Traverse Health Clinic’s outreach team is available for free, walk-up, confidential consultations each Weds. afternoon. You can find their vehicle in the parking lot & team members will also be available inside the library. Additional services include blood pressure checks, vaccinations, & take-home COVID test kits. tadl.org/events

TEEN LEADERSHIP GROUP: 4:30pm, Traverse Area District Library, Teen Services, TC. Volunteer at the library! The Teen Leadership Group helps plan library programs for teens, advises the library on trends & hot topics, assists various departments with their volunteer needs, & learns a lot. And if you finish your work early, you socialize & play games. tadl.org/events thursday

GAYLORD BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: 5pm, Big Buck Brewery, Gaylord. Co-sponsored by Otsego-Antrim Habitat for Humanity, Big Buck Brewery, & Habitat for Humanity Ambassador Katie McPartlin. $5 members; $10 non-members.

KID’S CRAFT LAB: PULL SOME STRINGS: 10:30am, 1pm & 3:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Make a great picture with watercolor paint & string! Sign up when you reserve your attendance at the Museum. greatlakeskids.org

STATE OF THE COMMUNITY LUNCHEON: 11:30am-1pm, Stafford’s Pier Restaurant, Harbor Springs. Featuring Harbor Springs Chamber Board Chair Elaine Warner, HS Chamber Foundation Board President Gregg Garver, Harbor Springs Public Schools Superintendent Brad Plackemeier, PetoskeyHarbor Springs Area Community Foundation Executive Director David Jones, & Harbor Springs City Manager Victor Sinadinoski. $25 chamber members; $30 non-members. harborspringschamber.com/events/details/ state-of-the-community-2023-12347

“SMELT: THE FISH THAT MADE BEULAH FAMOUS”: 4pm, The Mills Community House, Benzonia. Presented by the Benzie Area Historical Society. Local historian Jerry Heiman will explain that one of the main reasons for the fame of Beulah as a tourist destination in the 1920’s-1930’s was a sixinch silvery fish, the Atlantic Rainbow Smelt. Donation. benziemuseum.org

BEN TRAVERSE: TRADITIONAL FOLK FROM THE MITTEN LAND: 5:30pm, Kingsley Branch Library. Northern Michigan musician Ben Traverse is bringing his best folk music & sea shanties to Kingsley. Enjoy an interactive good time, & get ready to stomp & clap. Free. fb.me/e/3ZZCyEIv8 ----------------------

PARALLEL 45 THEATRE PRESENTS

“MARIE ANTOINETTE”: 6pm, The Alluvion, TC. A theatrical & stylistic retelling of the life & final days of Marie Antoinette. $0-$50. parallel45.org/reading-series-2023 erschools.com/schools/cherryland-middleschool/enrichments/musicals

ELK RAPIDS HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS THE MUSICAL GREASE!: 7pm, Elk Rapids High School, Peterman Auditorium. Buy tickets online. $5 students; $10 adults.

HARBOR SPRINGS FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK PRESENTS ONE BAY ONE BOOK

W/ PORTER FOX: 7pm, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Government Complex, Harbor Springs. Book Discussion Group for “The Last Winter: The Scientists, Adventurers, Journeymen, and Mavericks Trying to Save the World” by Porter Fox. Free; tickets required. tickettailor.com/ events/hsfotb/830861

CHEBOYGAN HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S “CINDERELLA”: 7:30pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. This Enchanted Edition is inspired by the 1997 teleplay. Tickets are $15 in advance, $17 at the door. theoperahouse.org/tickets

Friday

MORE TO EXPLORE: MAKIN’ MUSIC!: 9:30am, noon & 2:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Experiment with an incredible collection of rhythm band instruments. greatlakeskids.org

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STORYTIME AT LELAND TOWNSHIP LIBRARY: 10:30am, Leland Township Library. Stories & more for children aged 0-6 & their caregivers. Free. lelandlibrary.org/programsevents

THE WHOLE WOMAN COLLECTIVE PROVIDER & COMMUNITY NETWORKING NIGHT: Each networking night will be hosted by a different wellness provider in the Collective. This month’s host is Better Balance Wellness at Jovia Wellness, located at: 226 E Sixteenth St., TC. Stop in between 5:30-7:30pm. Free. eventbrite.com/e/ provider-community-networking-night-tickets-559608362677

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“ENCHANTMENT ON ICE”: 7pm, Centre Ice Arena, TC. Presented by the Traverse City Figure Skating Club. Featuring the classic tales of Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Tangled & Encanto. $20. gofiguretc.org

30 NEO-FUTURIST PLAYS FROM “TOO MUCH LIGHT MAKES THE BABY GO BLIND”: 7pm, Charming North, Downtown Cadillac. Thirty plays in 60 minutes. Presented by Cadillac Footliters. A madcap collection of mini-plays where the audience picks the order each night. Stay tuned for ticket prices. facebook.com/CadillacFootliters

ELK RAPIDS HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS THE MUSICAL GREASE!: (See Thurs., March 9)

HARBOR SPRINGS FESTIVAL OF THE BOOK PRESENTS ONE BAY ONE BOOK W/ PORTER FOX: 7pm, Nub’s Nob, Harbor Springs. In Conversation with guest host, Ann Baughman, associate director, Freshwater Future. Free; tickets required. tickettailor.com/events/hsfotb/830861

NWS: DAN EGAN: City Opera House, TC. This bestselling author will discuss “The Devil’s Element: Phosphorus and the World Out of Balance.” Guest host is Patrick Shea of IPR. Doors open at 6pm with live music & a cash bar. The event starts at 7pm, followed by a book signing. $5-$25. cityoperahouse.org/node/488

“GRIMM’S ALTERNATIVE FAIRY TALES”: (See Sat., March 4)

“SUN IN YA HANDS”: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Phoenix Theatre.

Detroit-based theatre artist & University of Michigan playwriting instructor Emilio Rodriguez brings a modern spin of the Brothers Grimm’s classic fairy tale “The Frog Prince” with “Sun in Ya Hands,” set in the Caribbean with production design inspired by Disney films “Pocahontas” & “Moana.” Presented by the Interlochen Arts Academy Theatre Division. $22 adults; $17 children through college. interlochen.org/events/sun-in-yahands-2023-03-10

CHEBOYGAN HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S “CINDERELLA”: (See Thurs., March 9)

MITTEN SMITTEN: ANNIE CAPPS & A BADASS BAND OF WOMEN: 7:309:30pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Theater, Petoskey. An all-women supported project spanning the U.S. & into Canada, “HOW CAN I SAY THIS” came to life with contributions from over 40 artists whose talents came together in an emotionally charged production. Opening act Keynote Sisters perform Americana music with storytelling lyrics that give you a glimpse into their lives. GA: $15. blissfest.org ----------------------

OTP POP UP THEATRE PRESENTS “CRY IT

OUT”: 7:30pm, Grand Traverse Event Center, TC. Two moms meet for coffee during naptime in their adjoining yards & a fast friendship is born. When a stranger who lives in the mansion up on the cliff appears in the yard, asking if they would include his wife, the duo tries to become a trio, but with very mixed & surprising results in this comedy with dark edges. $18 (plus fees). oldtownplayhouse.com/performances/ pop-up-studio-theatre/cry-it-out.html saturday

HBA GRAND TRAVERSE AREA HOME EXPO: 9am5pm, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, Acme. One of the largest building industry events in northern Michigan, drawing residential construction industry professionals to showcase their products &/or services in just one weekend. $10 Pre-Expo; $12 at the door; $25 family passes. hbagta.com/home-expo

BEE WELL CHILI COOK-OFF: 5pm, Bee Well, Bellaire. Set up at 4:30pm. Cost is $8 to enter your chili & $8 tastings (or whatever you feel comfortable with, donation wise). Money goes to the winners. Traditional chili only; no soups. To register or any questions, call 248755-4164.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR TO SUPPORT TEEN WELLNESS & INCLUSION WITH POLESTAR: 10am-4pm, Traverse Area District Library, Atrium, TC. Join Polestar, in partnership with the Traverse Area District Library, & a variety of community organizations for a Community Resource Fair in support of LGBT+ youth & families. There will be info, resources, & giveaways for all attendees. Free. tadl.org/events

SPRING CARNIVAL: 9am-11pm, Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. Enjoy snow-filled fun! Fun-in-the-sun costumes are encouraged. Includes the Cardboard Classic Race, Creative Sled Contest, On-Slope Scavenger Hunt, Slush Cup, live music & more. crystalmountain.com/event/spring-carnival ----------------------

FREE DROP-IN FAMILY ART: 10am-noon, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Cornwell Gallery, TC. Stop by for a fun, free art activity for all ages. crookedtree.org/class/ctac-traversecity/free-drop-family-art-march

GRAND TRAVERSE BAY POLAR PLUNGE & FROZEN 5K CHARITY WALK: Center- pointe Marina, Visions Banquet Center, TC. Participants brave the cold & plunge into Grand Traverse Bay. A Frozen 5K Walk will also be part of the festivities. Plunge, walk or watch the fun. Proceeds benefit the Special Olympics. 10am: Pre-Plunge Party & Check In; Noon: Plunge. classy.org/event/grandtraverse-bay-polar-plunge-2023/e442410

LITTLE WAVES: 10:30am, Petoskey District Library; 1pm, Charlevoix Public Library. “Musical Adventures”: Aimed at children 4-10 years of age & their families, this program features a multimedia storybook time with Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra (GLCO) percussionist & program director Tim Mocny, an opportunity to hear one or more GLCO musicians demonstrate & explain how their instruments work, & fun music-related activities for kids. Free. glcorchestra.org/education/little-waves

M-22 CHILI CHALLENGE: 1-5pm, Leelanau Sands Casino, Peshawbestown. With local participating restaurants including Big Dex’s Restaurant, Bogeys at The Leland Lodge, Lylahs, & more. Enjoy tastings, outdoor yard games, bonfire, & live entertainment with the Broom Closet Boys. $20 adult ticket ages 18+ includes 8 tastings, 3 voting tickets, one e-credit voucher, & one beverage (alcoholic beverage choice for ages 21+). $10 guests up to age 18 includes 8 tastings & 3 voting tickets. leelanausandscasino.com/play/m22chili_challenge

MEET THE AUTHORS OF “BIGFOOT AND THE MITTEN”: 1pm, Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts, Petoskey. Karen Bell-Brege & Darrin Brege are award-winning husband & wife bestselling children’s book authors, voiceover artists & comedians. They will share art & writing secrets & some voice impersonations. petoskeyarea.com/events/meet-theauthors-of-bigfoot-and-the-mitten

“GRIMM’S ALTERNATIVE FAIRY TALES”: (See Sat., March 4, except today’s times are 2pm & 7:30pm.)

“SCENES FROM A PARK”: 2pm & 7pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. Presented by the Northwest Michigan Youth Ballet Company, featuring 19 dancers, ages 11-22, along with professional mime Tom Johnson, & other performers. This Ballet meets Broadway production features costumes of stylish dresses & suits, knickers & vests, military uniforms & even the rags of a bag lady. It tells the story of the characters & everyday occurrences in a city park over the course of a year during the 1940’s. $15-$20. mynorthtickets.com/ events/scenes-from-a-park-3-11-2023 ----------------------

ELK RAPIDS HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS

THE MUSICAL GREASE!: (See Thurs., March 9, except today’s times are 2pm & 7pm.) ----------------------

“PICTURES AT AN EXHIBITION”: 3pm, City Opera House, TC. Join the musicians of the Traverse Symphony Orchestra & IPR Kids Commute’s Kate Botello as they tell the story of Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition. Free. cityoperahouse.org/ node/500

“ENCHANTMENT ON ICE”: (See Fri., March 10, except today’s times are 11:30am & 4:30pm.)

30 NEO-FUTURIST PLAYS FROM “TOO MUCH LIGHT MAKES THE BABY GO BLIND”: (See Fri., March 10)

BAYSIDE TRAVELLERS CONTRA DANCE: Solon Township Hall, Cedar. Family friendly dance event. 7pm: Learning Workshop; 7:30pm: Contra Dancing. The live band will be Woodland Celtic & the caller will be Pat Reeser. No partner or experience neces- sary. Masks required when dancing. Info: 231-313-2596. Donations only. dancetc.com

GOPHERWOOD CONCERTS PRESENTS

WILLY PORTER: 7-10:30pm, Cadillac Elks Lodge. Willy’s musical career has spanned over two decades, 11 albums, & multiple continents. He plays contemporary American rock & his songs weave a universal perspective about the questions, struggles, & triumphs of human existence. $10-$20. mynorthtickets. com/events/willy-porter-3-11-2023

“SUN IN YA HANDS”: (See Fri., March 10)

CHEBOYGAN HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S “CINDERELLA”: 7:30pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. This Enchanted Edition is inspired by the 1997 teleplay. Tickets are $15 in advance, $17 at the door. theoperahouse.org/tickets

OTP POP UP THEATRE PRESENTS “CRY IT OUT”: 7:30pm, Grand Traverse Event Center, TC. Two moms meet for coffee during naptime in their adjoining yards & a fast friendship is born. When a stranger who lives in the mansion up on the cliff appears in the yard, asking if they would include his wife, the duo tries to become a trio, but with very mixed & surprising results in this comedy with dark edges. $18 (plus fees). oldtownplayhouse.com/performances/pop-up-studio-theatre/cry-it-out.html sunday HBA GRAND TRAVERSE

AREA HOME EXPO: 11am3pm, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, Acme. One of the largest building industry events in northern Michigan, drawing residential construction industry professionals to showcase their products &/or services in just one weekend. $10 Pre-Expo; $12 at the door; $25 family passes. hbagta.com/home-expo

“SUN IN YA HANDS”: 2pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Phoenix Theatre. Detroitbased theatre artist & University of Michigan playwriting instructor Emilio Rodriguez brings a modern spin of the Brothers Grimm’s classic fairy tale “The Frog Prince” with “Sun in Ya Hands,” set in the Caribbean with production design inspired by Disney films “Pocahontas” & “Moana.” Presented by the Interlochen Arts Academy Theatre Division. $22 adults; $17 children through college. interlochen.org/ events/sun-in-ya-hands-2023-03-10

CHEBOYGAN HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S “CINDERELLA”: (See Thurs., March 9, except today’s time is 2pm.)

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OTP POP UP THEATRE PRESENTS “CRY IT OUT”: (See Sat., March 11, except today’s time is 2pm.)

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ENCORE WINDS SYMPHONIC BAND CONCERT: 3pm, First Congregational Church, TC. Winds of Spring: Featuring works by E. Strauss, R. Vaughan Williams, Giannini, Elgar, Percy Grainger, & a flute feature by Leroy Anderson. Tickets at the door: $5-$15; kids 12 & under, free. encorewinds.org

FRESHWATER CONCERTS PRESENTS: WILLY PORTER: 7pm, Freshwater Art Gallery & Concert Venue, Boyne City. Willy’s musical career has spanned over two decades, 11 albums, & multiple continents. He plays contemporary American rock & his songs weave a universal perspective about the questions, struggles, & triumphs of human existence. $40. petoskeyarea.com/ events/freshwater-concerts-willy-porter

Ongoing

GREAT DECISIONS DISCUSSION

GROUP: Tuesdays through March, 1:30pm, Leelanau Township Library, Northport. 2023 Great Decisions with the Foreign Policy Association. Pick up a briefing book at the library & join for a deep dive into foreign affairs. leelanautownshiplibrary.org/newsevents/lib-cal/great-decisions-in-library-2

SNOWSHOES, VINES & WINES: 12-4pm, Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay. On Saturdays through the winter, explore easy to moderate trails & then warm up on the heated Terrace Patio & Hearth & Vine Café with wine & snacks. Onsite snowshoe rentals are available from noon - 4pm. blackstarfarms. com/snowshoes-vines-wines

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RANGER-LED SNOWSHOE HIKES: Saturdays through March 11 at 1pm, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, Empire. Rangers will first provide an introduction & basic snowshoeing instructions, & then everyone will travel by car to the trailhead or area of the National Lakeshore pre-selected for that day. Once there, the ranger will help participants learn about the park’s features & winter’s effect on them by exploring & discovering clues on site. Plan to be outside for about two hours. nps.gov/planyourvisit/eventdetails.htm?id=3E7D5940-991F-BB2C-DDC71C23B7DB9C99

VINE TO WINE SNOWSHOE TOUR: Saturdays, noon-4pm. Enjoy a snowshoe adventure through the vineyards & orchards to three wineries. The private vineyard trail connects Suttons Bay Ciders, Ciccone Vineyards, & Big Little Wines. The tour includes your snowshoe

& pole rental, a catered warm lunch of chili & soups overlooking the bay, & a wine purchase pick up service. grandtraversebiketours.com/ vine-to-wine-snowshoe-tour.html

Art

ANNUAL YOUTH ART EXHIBIT 2023: March 7 – April 15, Crooked Tree Arts Center, TC. Celebrating the work of K-12 art students & educators from throughout the Grand Traverse region. crookedtree.org/ event/ctac-traverse-city/youth-art-exhibit2023-traverse-city

“CHARLEVOIX CREATIVES COLLECTIVE – TOOLS OF CREATIVITY”: Featuring artwork by six local artists who are members of the Charlevoix Creatives Collective, an artist group that meets weekly at Charlevoix Circle of Arts. Member artists include Jennifer Carroll, Mary Duggan, Shayla Johnson, Kathie Libert, Ruby Smith & Sharon Smithem. Runs March 10 - April 8. An opening reception will be held on March 10 from 5-7pm to meet the artists & enjoy appetizers from Grey Gables & craft beer from Beards Brewery. Charlevoix Circle of Arts is open Mon. - Fri., 11am-4pm; & Sat., 11am-3pm. charlevoixcircle.org

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REVERBERATIONS: WORK BY NIK BURKHART AND MARTI LIDDLE-LAMETI: Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. This exhibition runs through March. The Oliver Art Center’s hours are Mon. - Sat., 10am-4pm. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org

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A TOAST TO ARTIST JERRY GATES: Mari Vineyards, TC. Twisted Fish Gallery & Mari Vineyards present the abstracted landscapes of artist Jerry Gates. The Jerry Gates exhibit will be on display for two months. twistedfishgallery.com/event/atoast-to-jerry-gates-at-mari-vineyards-oldmission-peninsula

PHANTASMAGORIA ART EXHIBITION FOR THE WEIRD AND WONDERFUL: Right Brain Brewery, TC. Featuring a huge display of the work of local artists. Special reception date of March 4 will include live performances, music, dancing & more. Exhibit runs through March 4. rightbrainbrewery.com/23/upcoming-events

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CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETOSKEY:

- SPECIAL NEEDS ARTISTIC MOVEMENT: Held in the Dance Studio, this class provides the special needs community a chance to expand their artistry & movement creativity while giving the example that the arts are for everyone. This dance & movement class is designed for teens & adults. It includes basic to interme- diate dance education, & is held on Mondays & Fridays from 1-2:30pm through May 12. Register. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/ special-needs-artistic-movement

- GUILD MEMBER SALON SHOW: Hundreds of original works of art by Crooked Tree Arts Center’s artists fill the galleries, including painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, new media & more. Runs through March 4. crookedtree.org/event/ ctac-petoskey/guild-member-salon-show2023-opens-january-14

DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC:

- “A RICH HISTORY: AFRICAN AMERICAN ARTISTS FROM THE MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART”: This exhibit highlights the growing legacy of important African American artists from the Muskegon Museum of Art’s permanent art collection & features over 75 years of artistic excellence. Runs through April 2. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm.

- “US”: Teresa Dunn’s solo exhibition is a collection of her recent narrative painting series that brings voice to stories that people of color, individuals with complex cultural identities, & immigrants shared with her about their daily experience in America. Runs through May 28. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm.

- “VITALITY AND CONTINUITY: ART IN THE EXPERIENCES OF ANISHINAABE, INUIT, AND PUEBLO WOMEN”: This exhibit celebrates some of the critical roles Anishinaabe, Inuit, & Pueblo women fulfill in their families, their communities, the art world, & beyond. Runs through May 19. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org

GLEN ARBOR ARTS CENTER:

- A FERAL HOUSEWIFE: Held in the Lobby Gallery. An exhibition of collages by Leelanau County artist Mary Beth Acosta. Runs through April 21. Acosta uses simple, familiar tools & a range of recycled, vintage papers to create collages about mid-century housewives, bigfinned cars, & labor-saving appliances that were promoted as drudgery-busting machines that would revolutionize the modern home. A video interview with Acosta about her materials & methods can be seen as part of the online version of this exhibition: glenarborart.org/ events/exhibit-a-feral-housewife

- TELLING STORIES EXHIBIT: Held in the Main Gallery. This juried exhibition about the power of visual storytelling runs through March 23. The GAAC’s exhibitors tell their own stories in the media of photography, fiber, clay, paint, wood, collage & more. The themes behind the Telling Stories exhibit are explored in two video interviews with three northern Michigan residents. Winter hours are Mon. through Fri., 9am-3pm, & Sat., noon-4pm. glenarborart.org/events/exhibittelling-stories-fact-fiction-otherwise