Northern Express - September 04, 2023

Photo by Celeste Lovely Photography

LIVE MUSIC LINEUP

LIVE MUSIC LINEUP

SUNDAYS @ 5 PM | DLC TRIVIA NIGHT

MONDAYS @ 7 PM | KARAOKE & OPEN MIC

TUESDAYS @ 7 PM | DOMINIC FORTUNA

WEDNESDAYS @ 7 PM | LEE MALONE

THURSDAYS @ 7 PM | NICK VASQUEZ

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS @ 8 PM LEANNA COLLINS & IVAN GREILICK

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There They Go Again

letters CONTENTS feature

If you want more sprawl, and more traffic, the Grand Traverse County Road Commission has the answer: another bridge across the Boardman/Ottaway River to open lands to more development. Not only would this proposed project cost over $3 million, it would also be perpetuating air and water pollution and desecrate the Boardman Valley, a place that is so precious for our mental and physical health.

It is a fact that you can’t build your way out of congestion. And now with the Climate Breakdown, we need to be taming traffic, not increasing it. Repairing roads with less toxic materials, replacing culverts to protest wetlands, and encouraging other modes of transportation would help. It used to be you could walk to a local grocery, and soon that will be imperative again.

What happened recently in Macomb and Wayne Counties can happen here. Unpredictable weather there, caused by a changing climate, brought wind, flooding, and baseball-sized hail, causing power outages to thousands. Working to make our communities more sustainable and resilient is critical. Are we prepared? I think not.

Ann Rogers | Traverse City Earth, Wind, and Fire

In “The Lessons of Lahaina” (Aug 26), Stephen Tuttle discussed the deadly and destructive Maui wildfires that destroyed Lahaina. Tuttle blamed climate change in part for creating conditions conducive to wildfires. “Certainly climate change has increased the incidence and severity of both drought and high intensity wind events,” claimed Tuttle.

Regarding drought, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has “low confidence in a global-scale observed trend in drought or dryness (lack of rainfall) since the middle of the 20th century….” (6th AR, 2021).

As Tuttle pointed out, 60-mph winds fueled the Maui wildfires. A Pacific hurricane that passed north of Hawaii spawned those winds. So, did anthropogenic climate change cause that hurricane, or make it worse? The evidence indicates not. The entire satellite record of tropical cyclone (TC) strength and frequency beginning in 1980 shows no trend, leading the IPCC to conclude: “There is low confidence in most reported longterm (multidecadal to centennial) trends in TC frequency- or intensity-based metrics.” (6th AR, 2021)

Turning to global data on wildfires, Bjorn Lomborg summarized: “The reality is since NASA satellites started accurately recording fires across the entire surface of the planet two decades ago, there has been a strong downward trend.” Specifically concerning the Maui wildfires, Lomborg opined: “[I]t is lazy and unhelpful for pundits to use the tragedy to incorrectly blame climate change.” (New York Post, Aug 28, 2023)

The IPCC has determined that no signal of climate change has emerged beyond natural variability for droughts, wind storms, tropical cyclones, and other extreme weather events. (6th AR, 2021) Climate researcher Roger Pilke concluded that “the IPCC is badly out of step with today’s apocalyptic zeitgeist.” Not so Tuttle, who uses the alarmists’ technique of cherrypicking extreme weather events to evince anthropogenic climate change.

Neal Stout | Charlevoix

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top ten this week’s

For the fifth year, Higher Art Gallery in Traverse City is hosting a community fundraiser, with proceeds to benefit Safe Harbor of Grand Traverse, an emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness. “Higher Art chose Safe Harbor this year because there is a real need to support them,” says gallery owner Shanny Brooke. “They do save lives; Safe Harbor is necessary to the unhoused community members.” This year’s fundraiser will take place Sept. 8 from 6-8pm at Higher Art’s storefront at 219 E. Front Street. A $20 donation—which goes straight to Safe Harbor— at the door gets you entry to the event, which offers hors d’oeuvres and beverages alongside an opportunity to mingle and explore the gallery’s many works. Twenty percent of the sales from the artwork in the exhibit will also be donated, as will proceeds from a silent auction and raffle items. Safe Harbor volunteers will be on hand throughout the evening to talk about the work of the organization. Learn more at higherartgallery.com/tickets.

Bridge Walkers

Be a part of history in the 2023 Annual Bridge Walk this Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4. Beginning at 7am, start either in St. Ignace at the north end of the Mackinac Bridge in the U.P. or in Mackinaw City at the south end of the bridge in the L.P. The bridge will be closed to public traffic from 6amnoon. Walk halfway, all the way across, or there and back! There are cut off and turn-around times required, but the walking is free. For more info visit: mackinacbridge.org/events/walk

Hey, watch It! Heartstopper 4

When one of your favorite books gets turned into a movie or TV show, there’s always a little bit of trepidation to temper your excitement. Will they do it justice? Stay true to the story you fell in love with? In the case of Heartstopper, a webcomic turned graphic novel turned Netflix dramedy, the answer to all those questions is a resounding yes. (And a 98 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes means we’re not the only ones impressed by this adaptation.) The second season of the show just dropped, so now’s the perfect time to binge this Emmy-awardwinning gem. The series follows the love story of Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson, along with the adventures of their friends and classmates, and hits all the coming-of-age and falling-inlove feels you remember from high school. (P.S. A third season has already been confirmed, and if you want to catch up on the books, the fifth volume is set to release in December 2023.)

When the people want tacos, you give them tacos! At least, that’s how the menu at Bull and the Bear Kitchen in Traverse City was born, and we just can’t get enough of their rich and roasty Beef Barbacoa. Served on a 6-inch corn tortilla, each taco is packed with Michigan beef braised on high alongside tomatoes, chili powder, garlic, and cumin (and the secret ingredient: Coca-Cola!) until every bite is pull-apart tender. To finish, each still-steaming taco is topped with diced white onion, fresh cilantro, Cotija cheese, and avocado crema and served with a side of house-made hot sauce. Mix and match as many as you’d like, and be sure to cap off your feast with a pint of Silver Spruce’s crisp Pivo pilsner. Taco coma, commence! Find Bull and the Bear Kitchen and its famous tacos ($5 each) at Silver Spruce Brewing in Traverse City (439 E. Eighth Street). For current menus and hours of operation, visit bullandthebearkitchen.com.

Pictured: “Lake View from Home” by Edward Duff

Photo by @michiganskymedia

6 A Fall Mushroom Foray

If you thought spring was the only time for mushroom mania thanks to the morels, think again. It’s time for the Annual Fall Mushroom Foray! From 9am to 12pm on Saturday, Sept. 9, join HeadWaters Land Conservancy and the Pigeon River Country Discovery Center for a mushroom identification adventure. Dianne Farner, a mushroom expert, will lead the outing, which starts at the PRC Discovery Center at 9984 Twin Lakes Rd. in Vanderbilt. (Park in front of the DNR Headquarters or at the trailhead near the entrance of the parking lot.) No promises as to what you might find, but September woods are known for edible delicacies like lobster mushrooms, porcini, and chanterelles, as well as plenty of their not-safe-for-eating but coolto-look-at cousins. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfy shoes and bring water for the walk. The event is free, though RSVPs are appreciated. Head to pigeonriverdiscoverycenter. org/event/mushroom-foray or headwatersconservancy.org/calendar/events for more details and the sign-up form.

Stuff We Love: Scenes from Michigan

Photographers, this one is for you! International nonprofit The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has opened entries for their 2023 Global Photo Contest, which offers photographers a “chance to help give voice to nature and make protecting and restoring it a priority.”

(Last year, the contest received more than 100,000 entries from 196 countries and territories!) For 2023, TNC is putting on free local contests in Michigan and two other states. Categories for the local contest are flora and fauna, landscape, water, and people and nature. According to a TNC press release, “The [Michigan] grand prize winner will receive a $300 gift card and category winners will each receive a $150 gift card for Carhartt, Merrell, REI or Moosejaw (winner’s choice).” Not too shabby! You can also submit to the global contest in 12 different categories for a chance at $25,000 in prizes. Photos will be accepted through Sept. 29 and can be submitted at nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/photo-contest.

The Essential Need for Food

The Father Fred Foundation, which serves Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Leelanau with immediate needs like food and clothing, has launched an Essential Need for Food campaign. The nonprofit reports nearly 8,000 visits to their food pantry over the course of 2023, a figure that is up 71 percent over this time last year. “Families are impacted by increased costs of food, the reduction of SNAP benefits, and other essential needs such as rent and utilities,” Erin Krueger, communications manager for Father Fred, wrote in a press release. The increased cost of food has also affected Father Fred—along with the growing need in the community—resulting in a 107 percent increase in the foundation’s food budget. The nonprofit has set out to raise $150,000 by Oct. 1, a sum that will cover seven weeks of food costs. To learn more about the campaign, visit fatherfred.org.

In An Immense World, Pulitzer Prize-winning science author Ed Yong coaxes us beyond the confines of our own senses. We listen to stories of pivotal discoveries in the field, while looking ahead at the many mysteries that remain unsolved. Funny, rigorous, and suffused with the joy of discovery, you will be amazed at what you will learn!

Join NWS on Tuesday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m., in-person at the City Opera House and livestreamed, for a conversation with Ed and guest host Ed Ronco, Interlochen Public Radio news director.

bottoms up Poppycocks’ Lavender Haze

We know we’ve been throwing a lot of T. Swift references at you during this cruel summer. (Sorry, not sorry.) We can’t promise this will be the last, but we couldn’t help but give five stars and all the friendship bracelets to the Lavender Haze cocktail ($15) at Poppycocks. Just like Tay’s song, this drink is purple, dreamy, and a little bit out there. There are the usual suspects—lavender honey, lemon, and Long Road Sovereign gin—given an elevated touch with a slosh of BOS Wine’s Riesling. But then there’s the vegan foam and the edge-to-edge, glass-topping aroma bubble, which honestly, you have to see to believe. This domed drink looks like something directly out of the “Lavender Haze” music video, and we will be singing its praises as long as it’s on the menu. Enjoy your love spiral at 128 E Front Street in Traverse City. (231) 941-7632; poppycockstc.com

Pictured: Dominique Braud/TNC Photo Contest 2022

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spectator

By steven Tuttle

The college football season has begun in earnest and almost everything about it, and college sports in general, is wildly different than it was just a decade ago. The goal of the game is essentially the same, but everything surrounding the game and college athletes has changed.

College football goes back a very, very long way. The first official game took place on November 6, 1869, between Rutgers and the College of New Jersey (now Princeton). Rutgers, by the way, won that first game 6-4, with the rules being closer to rugby than modern day football.

In 1896, the Big Ten became the first group of what are now Division 1 schools to form a conference, originally called the Intercollegiate Conference of Faculty Representatives. Its members were geographically close, with Iowa bracketing the west, Minnesota and Wisconsin the north, and Ohio the east. Other schools quickly followed suit, creating their own geography-based conferences in the east, the southwest, the Atlantic coast, and the Pacific coast.

College athletics of all sorts were more or less self-regulating with conferences creating some rules, but football had become brutal—in the 1904 season there were an astonishing 18 deaths on the field according to the Chicago Tribune—and it wasn’t clear what the requirements for student athletes were or how they could or should be enforced. Some schools were recruiting athletes who were not even enrolled in school.

By 1905, many schools were dropping football when President Theodore Roosevelt gathered athletic leaders from universities around the country in what was really an attempt to save the sport. What ultimately resulted from Roosevelt’s intervention was the creation of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to both establish eligibility rules for college athletes (especially as they applied to academic requirements and amateur standing) and to better protect those athletes.

At least that was the idea. Enforcement of any of those rules has been a source of contention and controversy ever since. Additionally, conferences and individual schools often struggled with the autocratic control exercised by the NCAA in many areas. For example, all television broadcast rights were granted by the NCAA and network contracts had to be negotiated through them. They also controlled the postseason system of bowl games.

Then, in 1984, the University of Oklahoma, with the University of Georgia joining them, sued the NCAA over television broadcast rights, arguing they should be allowed

to negotiate their own packages and the NCAA was restraining their right to do so. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately sided with Oklahoma, and conferences began negotiating their own deals, leading to an ever increasing financial bonanza for most Division 1 schools. Fast-forward and in 2022, the Big Ten signed a seven-year, $8 billion deal with CBS, NBC, and Fox to broadcast their football games. That's $8 billion

The conferences followed the money, and the schools followed the conferences that followed the money.

Those conferences, the beneficiaries of that 1984 decision, are today unrecognizable. The Big Ten now has 18 members, the Big 12 16 members, the Southeast Conference 14 members reaching as far west as Texas, and the storied Pacific Athletic Conference (PAC) 12 is down to four teams…wait, two teams as Stanford and Cal-Berkely are reportedly heading to the Atlantic Coast Conference. Yes, two schools within 20 miles of the Pacific Ocean are heading to a conference originally based on proximity to the Atlantic coast.

The money in those television contracts is the reason. The NCAA is no longer even involved. Nor can they stop student athletes from making money on their own name, image, and likeness (NIL) which was forbidden until just a couple years ago. But a unanimous 2021 Supreme Court ruling said the NCAA could not limit educationrelated payments to student athletes. Many states subsequently passed laws allowing such payments.

Some athletes have taken full advantage of the opportunity, though the most lucrative NIL deals, according to Business Insider, have benefited basketball prodigy Bronny James, who is reported to already be worth $7.5 million despite having not yet played a second of college ball. (It might help that he’s the son of superstar LeBron James.)

Last year, according to the same source, the richest male athlete actually playing at the college level was quarterback Bryce Young of Alabama, reported to be worth $1 million. But the richest NIL college athlete played neither basketball nor football.

Olivia Dunne is a gymnast at Louisiana State University, receiving about $3.5 million annually for her NIL. She also has 7.5 million TikTok and 4.5 million Instagram followers. Good gymnast? Good enough to make a significant contribution to her team, but her appearance has also helped considerably.

Whether you win or lose has become less important than how much you make; success is now measured by bank accounts, not scoreboards.

HIGH POINTS

CHASING THE RUNNER'S HIGH

Are you familiar with the term “runner’s high”? You may be surprised to find out many athletes are getting high before they compete, giving a whole new meaning to the phrase.

In 2019, researchers found that 80 percent of cannabis users mix weed with working out. A more recent meta-analysis of 11 studies—representing over 46,000 athletes of varying age and ability—suggests that form of cannabis in the past year (“Cannabis use and sport: a systematic review,” Sports Health, 2020. That contradicts the lazy stoner stereotype!

Cannabis may possess anti-anxiety effects and have a variety of other beneficial effects such as improvements in sleep, exercise recovery, and pain. These factors motivate the use amongst athletes.

NFL rules ban the use of CBD and cannabis; however, last year, the NFL awarded $1 million to researchers to study cannabinoids’ effects on pain and concussions. Many bone-crushing sports have more and more players turning to cannabis for relief.

Despite the reported widespread use of cannabis and CBD amongst athletes, there is no clear consensus about the general efficacy of use. At present, according to the World Anti-Doping Agency, cannabis is in violation of the principles of acceptable use because it has the potential to enhance sports performance, represents a health risk to athletes, and violates the spirit of sport. Consequently, cannabis and all other cannabinoids (with the exception of CBD) are prohibited in competition.

Amidst the current evidence, this remains a controversial topic in the anti-doping realm. Compared to data on other performance-related drugs and supplements, the evidence regarding cannabis and THC use is lacking. While the volume of data is sparse, it is worth noting that the most relevant literature was published 35–45 years ago, with little progress since.

Over here at Dunegrass, we have your pre- and post-workout needs covered. We also have something for those who are spectating and tailgating to enjoy the game. Visit our newest location on the outskirts of Traverse City!

If you enjoy gardening, flower arranging, being outdoors, and the joy that giving back to your community brings, you may want to join us by visiting one of The Friendly Garden Club’s “Open” meetings, that are held the fourth Tuesday from March to November.

To learn more about our 100 year old charitable organization, please visit our website, www.thefriendlygardenclub.org.

But Why?

Seattle police were called to a home on Aug. 18 for a reported burglary, KOMO-TV reported. A young woman inside the home said someone was trying to break in with a stick. Officers went into the home and found the victim hiding upstairs. The suspect, who was identified only as a 40-year-old male, was discovered in the garage, in one of the homeowner's vehicles, where he was guzzling gasoline from a jerrycan. He refused to leave the car, so police broke the driver's side window and took him out. He was charged with attempted burglary.

It's Come to This

United Airlines pilot Kenneth Henderson Jones, 63, told police that he had "hit his breaking point" on Aug. 2 after he took an ax to an employee parking lot gate at Denver International Airport, Denver7-TV reported. Video of the incident showed Jones hacking away at the gate with little effect, until he realized the sheath was still on the blade. With about 15 more seconds of striking it with the sharp blade, the gate broke. Jones then returned to the parking lot with a security guard in pursuit. After a brief struggle, Jones was detained in a nearby field by police officers. He was charged with misdemeanor criminal mischief and later released; United said he was "removed from the schedule." Jones told deputies was "trying to get rid of issues for everyone waiting" in the exit lines.

Crime Report

Porch pirates, meet your leader. Robin Swanger of Arnco, Georgia, was charged with felony theft after he allegedly stole an entire porch from a neighbor's yard, Fox News reported on Aug. 22. The 8-by-10-foot wooden porch was left on the property when the house was moved away, but investigators said Swanger ignored "no trespassing" signs and removed the "very well-constructed" structure. "Some people may shrug their shoulders and say it's not a big deal," said county investigator Chris Stapler, "but when you take someone's property without their consent and the value of this porch is $3,000, you can't just go and take stuff off someone's property." Well said.

Bad Dog

Magda Mazri and Donato Frattaroli of Boston are set to tie the knot on Aug. 31 in Lake Garda, Italy, Fox News reported, with almost 100 guests in attendance. But on Aug. 17, as the couple dined out to celebrate getting their wedding license, their golden retriever, Chickie, chewed up Frattaroli's passport. "I can't be mad at Chickie because I'm the idiot who left the passport out where she could get it," Frattaroli said, adding that he can't sleep. Mazri jumped into action, contacting local officials and the passport agency. "It's been a complete whirlwind," she said. While they're hopeful that a new passport can be issued in time, Frattaroli is prepared for the worst. "Tell everybody that's going to have a great time enjoying the beautiful event that Magda spent the last 18 months planning. I'll see everybody when they get back," he said.

News That Sounds Like a Joke

Dog ownership in Iran is frowned

upon in many circles (dogs are considered "unclean"), but authorities took their biases to another level after a couple transferred the title to their apartment to their little white dog, Chester. The couple have no heirs, and Chester "signed" with an ink-covered paw. Yahoo! News reported that on Aug. 19, Iranian police "arrested the head of the real estate agency and shuttered the firm," according to deputy prosecutor general Reza Tabar. The sale "seeks to normalize the violation of the society's moral values" and "has no legal basis."

News You Can Use

Along with all the other natural oddities going on this summer, people are reporting exploding watermelons, NBC New York reported. What? "My melon was on the counter and it must have already been bad when I got it and the next day I came down to an awful smell and rotten melon everywhere," one person commented on a Facebook post about the phenomenon. Keith Schneider, professor in the Food Science and Human Nutrition Department at the University of Florida, said the explosions are "probably due to the heat. The fruit, if slightly damaged, can begin fermenting. If enough fermentation occurs, which produces gas, enough internal pressure may build up for the watermelon to crack or pop." And don't eat it! "The watermelon is undergoing decay, so it's best to bring it back to the store and get a replacement or just toss it," Schneider added. Put that melon in the refrigerator before and after cutting it, experts advise.

Ewwwww

Thomas Howie of Madison Heights, Michigan, has become "increasingly depressed" and "paranoid about food served by others" since a March incident at a Detroit Olive Garden restaurant, The Detroit News reported. Howie filed a lawsuit on Aug. 18 against the restaurant for "tangible and intangible harm" to the tune of $25,000 in Macomb Circuit Court, claiming that he ate a spoonful of minestrone soup with a foreign object in it. When he felt a "stab," he spit out the offending object, which appeared to be the foot of a rat with fur and claws. "My stomach just heaved; I threw up right in the restaurant," Howie said. "Until this happened, this was my favorite restaurant. I still can't believe it." Olive Garden isn't buying it: "We have no reason to believe there is any validity to this claim," a representative said. Howie had a tetanus shot to treat the cut in his mouth and took the foot to police.

It's Come to This

Suffolk (England) police have issued a special request to the town council as it considers its "Turning Our Town Around" project, the BBC reported. The area of focus, Arras Square, includes St. Stephen's Church and graveyard, which police say is a site with "high levels of crime" and antisocial behavior. In particular, the tombstones are being used "as tables to consume alcohol and drugs ... (and) sometimes the site of sexual activity." Police recommended that individual tombstones be enclosed or surrounded by small railings along the top edge to deter such activity. The council said the recommendation is under consideration.

The Friendly Garden Club of Traverse City is always welcoming new members.

COHABITATION VS. THE LONELINESS OF LIBERTY

opinion columnist

by Mary Keyes Rogers

For all our differences, as a nation of over 300 million people, we all believe in one thing: personal freedom. Americans expect nearly unlimited liberty to be left alone to do as they want with as little intervention as possible. We can take care of ourselves without assistance; we should not have to bend to compromise; we may decide with whom to keep company; and we enjoy the freedom to speak freely against authority.

Depending on your tone of voice, these can be admirable or unrealistically isolationist personal values. Either way, they make for a lousy roommate.

avoidable, yet the cure carries an odd social stigma. Moving into our first solo space is the ultimate milestone of personal responsibility and accomplishment. To later become a roommate is to fall from grace. Aside from the stigma, we are unwilling to accommodate differing needs or desires in our living space. Our determined independence keeps us from learning to get along with each other in our most intimate setting. We would rather be lonely than adjust our ways.

Change is needed today. The two-parent household is a rarity; fewer than half of

Our determined independence keeps us from learning to get along with each other in our most intimate setting. We would rather be lonely than adjust our ways.

Roommate? Yes. I am suggesting that an updated approach to how and with whom we house ourselves could pleasantly address many of our current social and civic troubles, including crisis-level shortages in housing, childcare, and available service workers, coupled with record-breaking loneliness, social isolation, and children being raised by financially and timestressed single parents. What might personal liberty have to do with solving these problems? I think it has created them.

Rather than tiptoeing around the point I’m aiming at, let me share my thinking at its most extreme, and then we can scale it back to more reasonable and palatable ideas. Kibbutz. Commune. Intentional communities. Cohousing. Coliving. Nontraditional housing arrangements.

I’m not talking about hippies; I’m talking about The Golden Girls! Let’s open up to living with people we may or may not be related to. Humans are meant to be interdependent, but we have lost our connection as we have created communities based on single-family homes, which now house single individuals in many cases.

Most adults insist on living alone. We’ve been programmed to believe that everyone within the family needs to be living independently unless they are a minor child, legally married, or have a significant other. Otherwise, they are clearly a failure, unable to pay for their own place. We want our young adult kids out of the house as soon as possible and our aging parents to take care of themselves in the original family home for as long as possible before we force them into a dreaded community living arrangement. This is how we’ve been taught to think.

The loneliness of social isolation at any age is not healthy and completely

American kids live in a so-called traditional family environment, with two married parents on their first marriage. With our family members scattered across the country, it is time to think unconventionally about how we arrange our personal lives, who we live with, and who helps us raise our children and care for our parents.

At all stages of adult life, our friends become our families. Why not live together if it creates convenience, supports a friend in need, or allows you to pool your resources to share a more desirable home?

1990s TV solved the single working mom struggle with Kate and Allie pooling their resources and moving in together. Similarly, Full House showed it took three adult men to cover the child-rearing duties of helping with homework, school projects, and broken hearts. In Two and a Half Men, Charlie’s playboy Malibu lifestyle is cramped when his divorced brother Alan moves in with his 10-year-old son.

In all of these co-living arrangements, everyone benefited from living together. It may have derived from a crisis, but in the end, the living arrangement was preferable to the American standard of the singlefamily home, two-parent experience, which does not exist in great numbers.

If we stop our griping and get a roommate, will everything be okay? Well, maybe. Consider two or three. Not because you have to, but because you want to.

Mary Keyes Rogers is a resident of Traverse City providing private consulting services to small business owners. Her career has included her morning talk radio show Mary in the Morning, Marigold Women in Business, Regional Director of the National Assoc. of Women Business Owners, and The Michigan Small Business Development Center.

Our mission at Authentic Health is to facilitate healing by serving the whole person nutritionally, structurally, and energetically, using nutritional therapy, chiropractic care, and cold laser.

EIGHT EXCEPTIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES TO WATCH IN 2023-24

By Craig Manning

A football player bound for a Big Ten powerhouse. A basketball star breaking high school records set decades ago by an eventual NBA legend. A golf prodigy who was already one of the state’s best players during her freshman and sophomore seasons. These sentences describe just a few of the marvelous student-athletes that northern Michigan gets to count among its ranks.

With fall sports underway and another school year in the offing, here are eight local athletes that we’ll be following closely throughout the 2023-24 school year.

NATALIE BOURDO

School: Traverse City Central High school

Sports: Tennis and volleyball

Graduation year: 2024

Proudest accomplishment: Given that Bourdo is one of those rare star high school athletes who excels almost equally in two different sports, it’s hardly surprising that she says her proudest accomplishment so far is “being a four-year varsity player” in both tennis and volleyball.

Goal for the year: “My goal is to keep improving and grow as both a player and a leader,” Bourdo tells Northern Express.

Next steps: Bourdo isn’t ready to give up either of her athletic pursuits. “I am planning on playing club volleyball in college and continuing to play tennis for the rest of my life,” she says.

Why we’re watching: On the tennis court, Bourdo was one-half of an exciting dynamo of talent last season, teaming with her best friend—2023 graduate Isabella Fochtman—as the Trojans’ top doubles team. Together, the two tallied a 23-6 season, clinching the Big North Conference championship and a regional title before losing to Troy in the quarterfinals of the Division 1 state championships. Their strong performances were instrumental in adding a 41st year to Central’s streak of consecutive state finals appearances.

In addition, Bourdo was part of a Trojan volleyball team that made it all the way to the regional finals last season. Rockford ultimately kept Central from a win, but Bourdo and her teammates—many of whom are returning from last year’s lineup—are adamant about building an even better season this fall. If they can win a regional title, it would be a historic first for the Central volleyball program.

In both sports, we’re excited to see whether Bourdo can improve upon strong junior seasons to reach even higher highs this school year.

AIDEN HARRAND

School: Buckley High School

Sports: Cross country, basketball, softball, track and field Graduation year: 2024

Proudest accomplishment: Harrand’s favorite feat so far, she says, is “pulling off the distance triple”—that is, winning titles in the 800, 1600, and 3200-meter races at last year’s Division 4 state track and field finals—to lead Buckley to its first-ever state title in track.

Goal for the year: “Last year I was aiming for the goal of running 4:49 in the 1600, and I accomplished that,” Harrand says. The goal for this year? Simple: Run even faster!

Next steps: Next year, Harrand will join another northern Michigan running phenom—2023 Benzie Central grad Hunter Jones—at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, where she’ll run cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track.

Why we’re watching: Last season’s distance triple—and the historic state title it helped bring home to Buckley—are reasons enough to be excited for Harrand’s senior season. But the star runner is also much more than that one (very consequential) track meet. Harrand tallied four personal bests during the 2023 track season (58.88 in the 400 meters, 2:11.46 in the 800, 4:49.71 in the 1600, and 10:54.9 in the 3200), and all of that was after a 2022 cross-country season that saw her win 11 out of 12 races—including a Division 4 individual state title.

As the latest in a recent crop of superb local runners—from Benzie Central’s Jones to 2022 Traverse City Central grads Luke Venhuizen and Julia Flynn—Harrand is keeping the region’s presence at the top of the state running hierarchy alive. All three of those athletes clocked best-ever performances during their senior seasons, so it stands to reason that Harrand’s final high school year should be something to behold.

BRANDON MEYERS

School: Traverse City West Senior High Sport: Hockey

Graduation year: 2024

Proudest accomplishment: Meyers shares two accomplishments he’s particularly proud of in the context of Titan hockey: being named captain of the team and making the Division 1 all-state second team last season

Goal for the year: “As a team, my goal is for us to win the Big North Conference—and win a regional championship,” Meyers says. “Individually, my goals are to be all-state first team, make Team Michigan, and sign to a junior hockey team for next season.”

Next steps: Meyers has his eyes on a junior hockey career immediately after high school, in hopes of eventually receiving an offer to play for a D1 college program. “When my playing career is over, I would like to pursue coaching,” he adds.

Why we’re watching: Last year, West got off to a rocky start, losing six games straight to start the season and only scoring nine goals combined across those contests. But the Titans found their groove as the season went on, notching huge victories over schools like Gaylord and Petoskey (both 8-0 shutouts) and winning their “Battle of the Paddle” rivalry against Big Rapids 4-1 to end the season.

Meyers was instrumental in that turnaround, leading the Titans in goals scored (19) and adding 20 assists, to participate in a total 39 points across West’s 25-game season. The Gaylord game was the crowning achievement, with Meyers scoring five of the eight goals and assisting in the other three.

Now a captain, Meyers is hoping to use last season’s promise as a springboard for an even better year. His lofty ambitions to make Team Michigan—the combined state squad that “represents Michigan high school hockey against the top high school hockey states (Minnesota, Wisconsin, & North Dakota) at the CCM NIT Tournament in Minnesota”— should make the senior forward’s year even more exciting. That tournament draws scouts from the NHL, junior hockey leagues, and Division 1 university programs, so it could be just the opportunity Meyers is looking for.

CARISSA MUSTA

School: Cadillac Senior High School

Sport: Volleyball

Graduation year: 2024

Proudest accomplishment: The Cadillac volleyball team had its best season in history last year, with the Vikings taking their first trip ever to the Division 2 state championship finals. The team ultimately fell to North Branch in the big game, but Musta still points to the banner season—and specifically, the runner-up state finish—as the biggest athletic accomplishment of her career so far.

Goal for the year: This season, Musta has her mind set on winning a conference title for Cadillac and “making it down to Battle Creek again” for another crack at a state title.

Next steps: “I have no definite future plans, but may end up playing at the college level,” Musta tells Northern Express.

Why we’re watching: Cadillac’s opponents—including North Branch in the state finals—consistently struggled to find a way to get around Musta, who stands 6-foot-4 and plays as middle hitter. In the championship match alone, she recorded 16 kills and seven blocks. She was even more dominant (17 kills and nine blocks) against Divine Child in the semifinals, which Cadillac won in five sets. Musta ultimately ended the season with 505 kills, 189 blocks, and D2 allstate honors.

Even though the Vikings went home without a trophy last year, the state tournament weekend was a big one for Musta—especially after she’d watched from home the previous season, recovering from COVID-19 as her team got eliminated in the semifinals. Now, the question is whether Musta can lead a talented Cadillac team to the state championship title that eluded the Vikings last season. If we were betting types, we’d bet yes.

BRADY PRETZLAFF

School: Gaylord High School Sports: Football and basketball Graduation year: 2024

Proudest accomplishment: A superb 2022 football season earned Pretzlaff first-team all-state honors from the Associated Press and, eventually, a full-ride athletic scholarship from the University of Minnesota. He points to both as high-water marks of his sports career so far.

Goal for the year: “I want to win as many games as possible this season,” Pretzlaff says. At minimum, he’s hoping Gaylord can clinch a conference title and make it back to the playoffs. “And from there, we are just looking to make as deep a playoff run as possible,” he adds.

Next steps: As mentioned above, Pretzlaff is off to Minneapolis next year to play Division 1 college football for the University of Minnesota.

Why we’re watching: Gaylord football had something to prove last season. The Blue Devils hadn’t had a winning football record since 2018 and entered the 2022-23 school year with three rough campaigns—a pair of 2-7 seasons in 2019 and 2021 and an abbreviated 1-6 run in 2020—fresh in their collective memories.

Fortunately for Gaylord, the football program had a few exceptionally gifted juniors come into their own last season, Pretzloff included. The star linebacker led a stellar defensive line (coached, incidentally, by Brady’s dad) that allowed just 157 points across 10 games—compared to over 240 points allowed on average for the previous three seasons. Pretzloff himself racked up 115 tackles, five sacks, and two interceptions, including a late-in-the-game interception in the season opener that allowed the Blue Devils to win a 15-14 comeback thriller against Lake Fenton.

Now, with 21 of last season’s 22 starters returning for 2023, we have a feeling Gaylord might be in for its best football season.

We won’t be the only ones watching Pretzloff this season. The senior was recently dubbed “northern Michigan’s most elite football talent” and “one of the top 20 best players in the entire state,” by MLive, and his status as a committed recruit (and scholarship athlete) for a Big Ten football powerhouse will surely draw eyes.

ANTHONY RIBEL

School: Traverse City Central High School

Graduation year: 2024 Sport: Basketball

Proudest accomplishment: Ribel has a few feathers in his cap that he’s particularly proud of. One is starting for the Trojans as a Division 1 basketball star every year of high school. Another is making the Associated Press all-state second team last season. His proudest accomplishment, though? In March, Ribel eclipsed 1,000 points in his high school basketball career.

Goal for the year: Last season, the Trojans beat Petoskey 71-64 in a thrilling overtime game to clinch their first Division 1 district championship in 17 years. That win followed a last-minute comefrom-behind win over Sault Area to win the quarterfinals and a double-overtime victory against Marquette in the semifinals. Central’s season ultimately ended in a 64-47 loss to Mount Pleasant in the regional semifinals, despite 22 points, four rebounds, and two assists by Ribel. This season, he’s dedicated to taking the next step and winning the Trojans a long-awaited regional championship.

Next steps: Ribel says he’s looking forward to “playing college basketball in the future,” though he doesn’t know where just yet. “I also plan to study business, possibly finance,” he adds.

Why we’re watching: Are you familiar with the name Dan Majerle? Of course you are. As perhaps the most famous alumnus of any northern Michigan high school, “Thunder Dan” went from a successful career with the Trojans to an All Star NBA career and even an Olympic bronze medal. Well, last season, Ribel scored over 600 points to break Majerle’s junior season scoring record. He’s one of the few players in Central history to pass the 1,000-point threshold, and to do it as a junior. With those stats—and numerous games last season with more than 30 points in a night—we can’t wait to see what senior year holds for TC Central’s new god of thunder.

GRACE SLOCUM

School: Traverse City St. Francis High School

Sport: Golf, cross country, track, hockey

Graduation year: 2025

Proudest accomplishment: Slocum says her proudest accomplishment so far is simply “being able to balance several sports while also maintaining a high academic focus.”

Goal for the year: “For this golf season, I would like to lower my tournament average and improve my performance in the larger tournaments,” Slocum says.

Next steps: The only underclassman on this list, Slocum still has another two years of high school—and thus, a lot of time to figure out her post-graduation plans. “But I would love to keep playing golf in college if there is a good fit,” she shares.

Why we’re watching: We’re going to make a prediction: Grace Slocum will bring home an individual state title by the time her high school golf career is over.

The St. Francis phenom very nearly did just that last fall, shooting 72 and 79 over two rounds to clinch third place in the MHSAA Lower Peninsula Division 4 girls golf finals— just two strokes off the lead.

Though Slocum was just a sophomore last year, that podium finish was her second top-10 state finals performance. As a freshman, she shot 81 and 85-stroke rounds—good for eighth place. With two seasons left to go—and with the strong improvement Slocum showed between freshman and sophomore year—the sky seems to be the limit for this St. Francis standout. Slocum’s strong play is also helping to elevate her team. At last year’s D4 finals, the Gladiators finished 10th, tying the best result in program history.

While golf is her forte, Slocum somehow finds time to be a four-sport athlete. For instance, while golf and cross country are each fall sports, she competes in both. Last fall, she even finished 33rd in the Division 3 cross country state meet—and third for the Gladiators—to help St. Francis claim a state championship title. She also runs track and plays hockey for the K-Stars, a club team based in Kalkaska.

DANNY WALLINGTON

School: Benzie Central

Sports: Football, baseball, and wrestling

Graduation year: 2024

Proudest accomplishment: Though he’s a busy three-sport athlete, Wallington is proudest of being named an all-state catcher last season; he was the lone all-state athlete on Benzie’s baseball team, which had a banner year and is eyeing an even better one in 2024.

Goal for the year: Wallington wants to “bat over .500” during the upcoming baseball season, which would mean getting a hit during at least half of his at-bats.

Next steps: Baseball is Wallington’s top focus this school year. He says he’s ready to start contacting “a bunch of coaches,” with the hopes of landing an offer to play college ball next year.

Why we’re watching: Benzie Central is quietly becoming an athletic powerhouse. During the 2022-23 school year, the school achieved some of its best-ever performances in multiple sports, baseball included. Wallington led the Huskies to a 22-16 winning record, a district championship title, and a spot in the regional championship game. He batted 0.478—the best on the entire team—and scored 30 runs while driving in an additional 35 runs. Allstate honors followed, and Wallington is ready to repeat them and improve upon last season’s successes when baseball rolls back around in the spring.

In the meantime, though, Wallington has some other work to do—first, as starting quarterback for Benzie’s varsity football team. On the gridiron, Wallington stepped into the quarterback position for the first time ever last season, and the result was the Huskies’ first appearance in a district championship in 19 years. This year, with more experience as QB under his belt, Wallington has his mind set on taking things a step further and winning that district title.

An enchanting brew that captures the essence of autumn in every sip. Immerse yourself in a symphony of warm spices and velvety pumpkin, harmonizing to create a spellbinding spirited elixir of flavor.

JOIN US FOR A Garden Party Recess

AT THE Botanic Gardens!

Live music performed in the Walled Garden by Blair Miller

Tractor pull tours - Bonsai Demonstration from the Sakura Bonsai Society

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 6 • 5-7PM

Food provided by Anavery Fine Foods of Interlochen. Drinks served by Roaming NoMi Mobile Bar, provided by Left Foot Charley and Silver Spruce Brewing. $10 entry

Prizes including floral center pieces • $50 gift card to the gift shop plus a family membership and a sculpted bonsai • 1917 map of commons and gardens professionally printed • An evening botanizing with the Executive Director of the BG at Sleeping Bear Dunes for four and a family membership.

1490 Red Drive, Traverse City

HAPPYHOUR

At the Top of Their Game

Inside the world of board and arcade games in Traverse City

By Brighid Driscoll

Step into a world where phones, tablets, and TV screens take a back seat to a couple of well-loved throwbacks: board and arcade games. At The Coin Slot and Tabletop Underground, all the action happens in real time around a table or a pinball machine. Choose your player, stack your decks, and crack your thumbs. It’s game time.

The Coin Slot

Pinball began as a board game in the 18th century called “bagatelle” and involved rolling a ball across a slanted board filled with pins, trying to land it in scoring pockets. When pinball made its way to America a century later, coin-operated versions quickly emerged in bars and amusement parks. At the time, there were no flippers, and players often physically moved the board to shift the ball.

Back then, that kind of physical intervention would draw claims of cheating. Scott Pierson, owner of The Coin Slot, says that’s not the case today. “Moving the game and nudging the game is 100 percent part of becoming a good player,” Pierson says. “But when they pound or slam on the game because of frustration, I call that a pout slam and you’ll get a comment from me.”

The Coin Slot was born seven years ago from Pierson’s extensive personal collection of pinball machines. (There are now around 20 machines at the bar, and even more at home, with the Lord of Rings machine being his favorite.) Today, you’ll find plenty of

pinball machines, skeeball, a variety of other vintage arcade games, a bar stocked with a wide variety of canned beverages, and food trucks in the parking lot of 346 E Front Street.

It’s easy to spend a date night or evening with friends here with only a handful of quarters and a sense of curiosity. The arcade is also kid friendly, at least until 9pm when the 21+ rules fall into place.

Though playing pinball is a solitary experience, that doesn’t mean there isn’t some competition to be had. “The International Flipper Pinball Association is where players all over the world can get a ranking. And the number of tournaments that the IFPA has certified has really blown up over the last few years. Competitive pinball is becoming a big thing,” Pierson says.

An IFPA certified women’s group called Belles and Chimes has chapters all over the world, including one in Traverse City. Head of the local chapter Maddy Marley encourages all to join.

“Belles and Chimes TC is open to all cis and trans women, as well as fellow nonbinary friends. We encourage all skill levels to join and pride ourselves on our supportive and very wholesome environment to get together and slap some pins.”

Group member Christal Frost Anderson tells us she’s glad she reached out to join up. “I love the camaraderie and support the group offers to players of all abilities. The unique thing about Belles is that we are all incredibly supportive of one another. Personally, I love pinball because it forces me to be focused and

in the moment. It’s like mindfulness—only with bonus points and high scores!”

Every other week, the Belles and Chimes switch between meeting at The Coin Slot and meeting at Right Brain Brewery, another hotspot for pinball and arcade game fanatics.

Find The Coin Slot at 346 E Front Street in Traverse City. thecoinslottc.com

Tabletop Underground

Whether you’re a traveler, warrior, settler, or adventurer, you’ll find a worthy quest with Tabletop Underground. Owner Kyle Delgado has been a board game fan since childhood, bringing his passion to life in downtown Traverse City.

“As a kid I remember wanting to play board games, but my sister was six years older than me, and by the time she was in high school, probably didn’t want to be playing board games with her little brother,” he says with a laugh. “But when I was in my mid-twenties, a friend helped me rediscover boardgaming through a game called Bohnanza, and it’s so much fun.”

Delgado wanted to bring that excitement to others in the area, knowing full well that multiple players are often required to play any board game. He knew that building a community of players would ensure game play, new friends, and fun for all.

“[Tabletop Underground] started around 10 years ago as a social meet-up called the Traverse City Board Gamers. We’d meet at a brew pub once a week. I’d bring a curated

selection of my games and so would the others, and it grew very large over the years.”

In fall 2019, Delgado opened the doors of Tabletop Underground. But this August, after more than three years in their basement location under The Coin Slot on E. Front Street, Delgado announced on Facebook that the board game emporium would be seeking a new home. A 30-percent-off sale helped pare down the shop’s impressive collection, and the game center is currently transitioning to a new location at the Commongrounds building on Eighth Street.

When that day comes, Delgado is excited to

The Belles and Chimes TC gather regularly at The Coin Slot.

offer folks the chance to try out games they love and ones they’ve never played before. As it did in the old location, Tabletop Underground will continue to host game nights, tournaments,

Delgado explains.

Some of those benefits include memory building, stress reduction, and positive social interactions. As the group has grown,

months ago. We wanted to get involved with this group we were hearing about who play board games. We’ve really come to love Sunday game nights at Tabletop.”

Local Jim Muratzki has been playing with the group since its inception. “I’ve been nterested in games for a long time. My wife and I actually published a game about nature inspired by Mackinac Island. So I kind of came into the group backwards, because I published a game and then started learning more about

other games and wanted to play. I’m not the most social person, but tabletop games give you an opportunity to have a structured, social interaction with people. Part of it was I wanted to get out into the community more.”

These experiences are exactly what Delgado envisioned when he began the group.

Stay tuned on Tabletop Underground’s Facebook page, @Tabletopundergroundtc, for more information on the reopening.

NEW COACHES ON THE BLOCK

Five dynamic coaches share their love of the game and plans for the season

By Deb Dent

Fresh faces. Former players. Tried-and-true mentors. Northern Express talked with five coaches who are stepping up to the plate to help guide high school athletes toward victory (and helping them learn a few life lessons along the way.)

These folks have come full circle with the sports they loved and, in some cases, are even returning to the coaching game after time away. Let’s get to know Emily Wilbert, Sam Mullet, Ethan Goss, Mike Wilson, and Nick Winkler, who are all in their first or second season of leading their teams.

COACH: EMILY WILBERT

Sport: Volleyball

School: Traverse City Central High School

First season: I started coaching JV Volleyball at TC Central in 2010-2013, then I coached TC West JV from 2014-2017. Then I took a small break as I had twins in the fall of 2017. I took over the Traverse City Central program as the head varsity volleyball coach in 2022.

Connection to the game: I love the game of volleyball. I have played since I was a little kid, in college, and still to this day. I am a competitive person and love team sports—in my opinion, volleyball is the best team sport that exists! Volleyball has always been something I have been able to enjoy with friends and family. Now, being able to coach the team that I played for in high school is surreal. I’m grateful for the opportunity to teach a game that I am passionate about, inspire young women to believe in themselves, and help them reach their full potential.

Hopes for the 2023/24 season: Last year we won the Big North Conference Championship for the first time since 2004. We had a record-breaking year in 2022 making it to the Regional Finals. Now, we have set the bar higher for our program and the standards have been raised. Last year, we spent a lot of time establishing trust and creating a positive culture and inclusive environment that student athletes want to be a part of. This year, we have a great foundation based on our experience, which will allow us to focus more on building player confidence and specific skill progression. It will take a lot of hard work and determination, but we have the talent to do big things this year, and I’m excited about the young talent coming up.

COACH: SAMANTHA (SAM) MULLET Sport: Football School: Bear Lake High School

First season: 2017, but back again for 2023

Connection to the game: I attended my first NFL game when I was five months old, and my love of the game has been growing ever since. My house is divided, and though we have had Michigan State season tickets my entire life, I will always cheer for Michigan when Paul Bunyan is on the line. In 2017, I began coaching at my high school alma mater, Bear Lake. Since, I have spent time coaching the Tift County High School Blue Devils in Georgia, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Buffalo Bills. I am now back in Bear Lake as the head coach for the Lakers.

Hopes for the 2023/24 season: We want to be competitive. Not only do we want to compete strongly with our opponents on a weekly basis, but we also want to compete with ourselves and each other on a daily basis. We’re striving to give the best effort we can on every rep of every practice, every down of every game, so that win or lose, our season is something we can be proud of. We have specific goals written out, but in the end, it comes down to leaving it all on the field and sending our seniors off with a season to remember.

COACH: ETHAN GOSS

Sport: Nordic Skiing School: Vasa Ski Club

First season: I began coaching Nordic Skiing in Vermont after graduating college in 2016. For the past four years, I have been coaching in Traverse City and recently assumed the role of head coach.

Connection to the sport: Nordic skiing has a deep-rooted tradition in my family. I have pictures of myself skiing and tromping through the backwoods of Vermont with my mom, even when I could barely walk. Skiing, for me, has always been a passion driven by my love for nature and the joy it brings. The camaraderie and competitive spirit that racing adds to the sport further enriches the experience. Nordic skiing is challenging, and having a supportive group to train and compete with makes it even more enjoyable and fulfilling. It’s definitely “Type 2” fun. I coach because I derive immense satisfaction from witnessing and nurturing a love for Nordic skiing in others.

Hopes for the 2023/24 season: We are coming off of a historic season on a state level. The Vasa Raptors had multiple state champions. I would like to build on this success and bring our success to the regional and national level. On a wider scope, I would like to help grow Michigan skiing as a whole. We are a large state, but participation in Nordic Skiing is low in comparison to states like Wisconsin and Minnesota. I am collaborating with other clubs to develop a Michigan Junior Nordic Skiing Association to drive growth in the sport.

COACH: MIKE WILSON

Sport: Girls’ Varsity Basketball School: Boyne City High School

First season: 2023/24

Connection to the sport: Over the past 35 years, I have enjoyed playing, directing, coaching, and developing basketball programs at various levels. Being a student of the game has ultimately shown me the importance of connection-building and taking the game past the court. I thoroughly enjoy working with our kids; basketball, a game that is very dear to me, allows me to make positive life impacts on our students while competing in this great sport.

Hopes for the 2023/24 season: We will have a few goals as a team heading into this season, but my one main hope is that each athlete, coach, and parent supports this program to the highest extent possible. This program has the ability to do great things with all stakeholders supporting the mission. This, of course, does not mean everyone is going to agree with every decision that is made on the court. What it does mean is that at the end of the day, each person, win or lose, sees the value and importance in our program development. Actions and words will speak volumes!

COACH: NICK WINKLER

Sport: Football School: Cadillac High School

First season: 2023

Connection to the sport: I played at Saginaw Valley State University from 2006-2010, [and was] a student assistant there from 2010-2011. Afterward, I coached in Alaska until 2017, [at which point] I became the head coach at Gallup High School until May of 2020. Following that experience, I was the head coach at Clintonville High School until May of 2023. Now, I am looking forward to my first season as the Vikings head coach.

Hopes for the 2023/24 season: I'm looking forward to seeing our team compete against some great competition!

Waterfront Field of Dreams

Boyne City volunteers work to restore

60-year-old baseball field

By Ross Boissoneau

If you rebuild it, they will come back. That’s the plan in Boyne City, where a group of dedicated volunteers are working hard to refurbish the Little League baseball field on the shores of Lake Charlevoix dubbed the Waterfront Field of Dreams.

“The goal is to maintain the tradition. It’s a special spot,” says Al Aown, a member of the committee working to reestablish the field. The group formed in October 2020, at which point the field that had served generations of ballplayers was unplayable.

“Portions were underwater, the concession and announcer’s box was falling down, you couldn’t run in the outfield because of the holes,” says Lisa Alexander, another member of the Waterfront Field of Dreams organization, which formed as a nonprofit. “We don’t want to see children lose the use of this beautiful site.”

A Baseball Town

The lease with the city specified that Little League could use the field for $1 a year, a fee which was waived as long as the field was maintained. The problem was that over the years, the number of volunteers who worked to keep the field in shape had dissipated, and the field had subsequently fallen into disrepair. “There was a risk of the city taking it back,” Alexander says.

The site is prime waterfront. Should the property be surrendered, it could become a waterfront park…or be sold off for development. Why not just let that happen and build or renovate a baseball field elsewhere?

One word: Tradition. “Boyne City has always been a baseball town,” says Aown. Ever since the field was originally built, it’s been part of the fabric of Boyne City. Many of those on the committee played there themselves or had children who did—or both.

Indeed, one of the historic photos on the group’s website shows John Schmittdiel, who was president at the time of the Boyne City Little League, throwing out the first pitch at the new waterfront park in the early 1960s. His son, Dan, is now part of the volunteer board working to restore the field.

The hope is that not only will the field once again be home to youngsters running, pitching and hitting, but it becomes a hub for community activities. “We’re hoping to use it for concerts, public events, enjoying the lakefront sunsets,” says Dan Schmittdiel.

He says his father was the one who

The Waterfront Field of Dreams origins date back to 1958.

chose the lakefront location. “My dad … promoted the spot as a magnet for the community,” he adds.

What’s On Deck

The committee of baseball enthusiasts has a number of goals it hopes to accomplish, one of which is to make the final product low-maintenance so the field doesn’t fall by the wayside again.

To that end, they are planning to install new artificial turf. While the committee members acknowledge that it would have been less expensive to use real grass instead of artificial turf, the installation of turf allows for more and varied uses, as well as coming with the bonus of being practically maintenance-free. Schmittdiel says the turf choice opens the field up to softball, fast pitch, and youth baseball, particularly with the addition of a portable mound system.

Alexander says that is also a positive for possible use by those with disabilities. “I was recently in touch with a gentleman who asked about [players with] special needs. That’s a great idea. You can take a wheelchair” on artificial turf, she says.

Aown says there’s lots of interest in using the finished field, especially with youngsters, but also with potential adult leagues. He says installing proper drainage and turf means it can even be used when raining or immediately afterward. Another bonus: What maintenance will be needed can be done by the smaller pool of those volunteering.

facility housing concessions, scoring and announcing spaces, and restrooms, as well as installing new lights. The existing scoreboard will be maintained.

The Bases Are Loaded

The cost estimates for the field have varied widely as prices have increased over

We’ve gotten donations throughout the life [of the project],” says Aown.

As the fundraising co-chair, Alexander has hosted several events and opportunities to bring in the needed funds to support grants and community donations. The organization is also selling commemorative bricks, which will match the décor of the nearby city hall and pavilion. She says such efforts, including the golf tournament which took place in mid-August, spread awareness about the

project as well as raising money for it.

Schmittdiel says the project is being divided into phases. Once the majority of the work is done, he estimates a retail value of $1.3 million without lights, or $1.5 million with the lights.

Which begs the question: When will the field be done? The turf is scheduled to be installed sometime in September, and the hope is there will be time for an inaugural game this fall, before play begins—again—in earnest next summer.

Where Old and New, Renovation and Regeneration, Meet Step inside—or

By Geri Dietze

Something’s been blooming on the corner of Northport’s Mill and Third streets, and it’s not just the gardens. Yard & Lake, an eclectic, quirky, wonderfully inventive collection of spaces and experiences, is the result of a four-stage business plan, thoughtfully planned out over the last five years. Emerging from a repurposed 1920’s gas station and garage, Yard & Lake is the brainchild of visionary team Shawn Santo and Kevin Borsay. The Detroiters have backgrounds in design, art, architecture, and urban planning, among other things, and they have had an outsized impact on the restoration and repurposing of buildings and materials in their hometown of Detroit.

They found Northport to be a magical place with untapped potential. “Northport reminded me of Detroit in the 1990s, with a lot of vacancies and underutilized buildings,” Santo explains. “Our passion and our mission are to use underutilized spaces.”

Phase 1 & 2: The Reno and the Shop Yard & Lake’s journey began with the renovation of the 1,000-square-foot property, which had most recently been the North End Eatery & Pizzeria from 2011-2017. This included refurbishing the courtyard,

adding ecological gardens with generational planting beds (wherein “plantscapes are utilized to support biodiversity, absorb and filter rainwater and create naturalistic perimeter borders”), and the conversion of the North End guest house. The guest house can be rented via Airbnb—check out @northend_guesthouse on Instagram for a peek at the renovation process.

A mural by artist WC Bevan, whose work can be found in Memphis, New York, and Detroit, completes the space. We’re told Bevan needed a four-hour dune walk for inspiration, and upon his return, the design just flowed automatically.

Then came Yard & Lake’s clever logoand lake-themed boutique. The gift shop is home to many treasures, but our favorite find is Hidden Toys, a store-within-a-store concept for kiddos.

“It’s called Hidden Toys, because it’s ‘hidden’ behind a door made of nautical rope at the back of Yard & Lake,” Santo told The Leelanau Ticker, sister publication to Northern Express, last summer. “Kids can ring a ship bell next to the door at kid height, and we will welcome them in. We placed the bell about three feet high.”

Phase 3: The Food and the Drink

Newly opened in June is the Yard & Lake craft cocktail bar and small plates

eatery. The interior, open to the outside with sleek garage-style doors, is flooded with light, tactile surfaces, and modernist décor. Chicago-made bar stools in a white glittery Naugahyde—a beautiful splurge— face a wooden bar made from repurposed old-growth lumber saved from a historic Detroit building and resting atop a base of decorative cement blocks. (Tables, too, are fashioned from reclaimed lumber.) The back bar features a wall of raw-cut white marble tiles, and the cement floor is the restored original.

Step outside under the beer garden pergola with specially-designed Airstream service bar for American-style al fresco. The entire outdoor space is dotted with aluminum webbed lawn chairs in gorgeous colors. Remember those? Well, they’re back and they’re for sale, if you want to take one home with you.

Craft cocktails, created by TC native Roman Albaugh (owner of The Bartending Co. and co-founder of Audacia Elixirs) are as fresh as can be, with an array of botanicals, including flowers from Yard & Lake’s own gardens. The Y&L Margarita is tequila and lime, of course, but punched up with honey, grapefruit, and orange juice. The Rose Street Martini blends gin with Peychaud’s bitters, Italicus liqueur, sugar, and grapefruit. And the Blueberry Lavender Mojito has garnered

high praise on social media.

You’ll also find fine local wines from Brys Estate, Mari Vineyards, Baia Estate, Bonobo Winery, and BOS Wine, plus hard and soft ciders and a nice selection of beer—local, downstate, Delaware, Czech Republic— alongside the old-school classics beloved by Michiganders: Stroh’s, Hamm’s, Altes, and Molson.

On the food side, the menu has evolved over the summer, highlighting fresh local ingredients: cheese boards featuring awardwinning chevre, made from Idyll Farms pasture-raised Certified Humane® Alpine farmstead goat milk, (where the goats are treated like family), served with locallysourced accompaniments. Seasonal salads, called Little Jewels, were resplendent with strawberries in early summer, then cherries with almonds, and now blueberries and peaches, all mixed with greens from local growers.

Just added, visitors will find grilled smash burgers and brats served on the patio. Fresh rustic pies, made with Leland fruits, hit the sweet spot. And because it’s still officially summer, there are floats made with Rock & Rye Faygo, root beer, and limitededition Vernors Black Cherry soda.

To supplement the on-site fare, Yard & Lake has teamed with Taqueria Mosqueda every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, starting

outside—Northport’s Yard & Lake

at noon until evening. The owners, hailing from an area northwest of Mexico City, are purveyors of truly authentic Mexican street food—including the only handmade tortillas on the Leelanau Peninsula. Santo describes the addition of Taqueria Mosqueda as a “smash hit,” and it’s not unusual for the truck to sell out.

Phase 4: The Events

As Yard & Lake continues to expand their offerings, expect great entertainment thanks to their recently acquired music license. Hear Elizabeth Landry on Sept. 2 and 9, and welcome DJ Ras Marco’s reggae and Latin sounds in September and October (dates TBD).

In September, Elk Rapids’ Ryan Mateling will bring his AIKO food truck for two Y&L appearances. Enjoy Japanese street food, Izakaya-style, (the Japanese version of small plates) using traditional methods, with inspiration from world cuisine.

You can bet that Oktoberfest, Y&L-style, will be something to remember, and not just for the handmade bratwurst and Peninsula Winery ciders.

But wait—there’s more! Santo teases that a chefs series with pop-up suppers and small

cooking classes, wine tastings, visiting artists, music, special events, and venue rentals will keep staff busy. (Weddings and engagement parties are also an important part of the Yard & Lake business, and Santo says brides are loving the venue.) The North End guest house, with the gorgeous Bevan mural, has an upstairs rental, and the lower level will house the chefs, artists, and musicians who come to Yard & Lake.

A winter schedule has yet to be decided upon. January through March is a slow time, especially at the tip of the peninsula.

“We’ll decide if we’ll stay open on weekends or hibernate, deep clean, and rest up,” Santo says. But this entrepreneur is already thinking: “There’s a fireplace in the store,” she says. “We’ll watch closely and [see if] there are enough people to support [Y&L in the winter.]”

Don’t be hindered by the lack of phone numbers. Cell service at the top of the peninsula is patchy, so use the website for communication, and follow Yard & Lake on Instagram (@yard_and_lake) and Facebook (@yardandlake) for announcements and upcoming launches. Find Yard & Lake at 215 Mill St. in Northport. yardandlake.com

GREAT LAKES, GREAT MOVIES

10th annual Soo Film Festival puts Michigan filmmakers in the limelight

By Ren Brabenec

Many northern Michigan residents are still feeling a bit forlorn about the loss of the Traverse City Film Festival. But in classic Yooper fashion, our neighbors to the north are more than willing to lend a hand and save the day. Case in point: This year’s Soo Film Festival, to be held in Sault Ste. Marie September 13-17, will feature more Michigan-made films than ever.

“We’re really excited for this year’s lineup,” says Soo Film Festival president Jason Markstrom. “Our mission has always been to showcase the work of independent and emerging filmmakers from the Great Lakes region while bringing movies back to downtown Sault Ste. Marie and the historic Soo Theatre. This year, we’re proud to put Sault Ste. Marie on the map as a place for Michiganders—and our Ontario friends across the river—to see films made by someone they might know, filmed in locations they’ve probably been to before.”

The Schedule

2023 marks the 10th annual Soo Film Festival, with films set to screen at the historic Soo Theatre and Bayliss Public Library. This year’s film lineup includes three narrative features, four documentary features, 37 narrative shorts, 12 documentary shorts, and 17 animations.

Films screened at the Bayliss are free of charge, while ticket prices are $7 general admission or $5 seniors and students. You can also spring for the $20 Daily Pass (admission to all blocks on a single day) or the $50 Festival Pass (admission to all films and shorts programs, all days). On Saturday, Sept. 16, after the last film of the day has been shown, Soo Film Fest organizers will host a light reception in the lobby of the

theater for film-goers to get a chance to chat with filmmakers and ask questions.

While the volunteers who make up the festival’s organizing committee accepted film submissions from across the country and world, the focus this year was to include as many Michigan-made films as possible, like director JohnPaul Morris’s Quicksand, a film about co-best men Ray and Paul who, after losing their best friend’s ring days before the wedding, embark on a secret do-or-die adventure to reclaim it as they are forced to navigate questions about life, love, and how to escape a gang of murderers.

Quicksand—which just got the green light for an Apple TV+ and limited theater release—is an excellent example of what the Soo Film Festival is going for, as the entire Quicksand production team and most of the post-production team are Michiganders, and the film was shot and produced in Traverse City, Grand Rapids, and the Upper Peninsula.

“I wasn’t sure my first feature should be a comedy, but Quicksand was the film we had to make,” says Morris. “It would have haunted us not to do it. We wanted to make a movie about surviving your 20s, a feat that half our team had just accomplished and the other half was still undertaking. And just like your 20s, we wanted the film to be fun and unceasingly surprising.”

The Venue

Almost as interesting as the films is the venue they’ll be shown in. The historic Soo Theatre, built in 1930, is an iconic vaudeville theater undergoing meticulous restoration.

Over the years, the theater had fallen into disrepair and was closed in 2003. That same year, the Soo Theatre Project was formed to begin restoration efforts. Unlike other restoration projects, which generally rely on federal or state funding or outside

money, the Soo Theatre’s restoration has been almost entirely locally funded.

“We’ve had more than 100 individual and corporate donors, almost all of them local, from the Eastern Upper Peninsula and from Sault Ste. Marie in particular,” says project coordinator Justin Knepper. “Right now, 90 percent of the Soo Theatre restoration has been funded not by state or federal grants or anything like that, but local, private, corporate, and organizational donors that are really making the project happen, which is amazing. It’s old-fashioned fundraising.”

Given that the project has been undertaken with the utmost care to restore the theater to its former glory, that means returning visitors who come back each year to see films at the festival get to see a slightly different theater each time, one which more closely resembles the original 1930s playhouse.

Some major renovations included replacing large portions of the interior, including holes in the lobby, painting walls, and sealing and restoring old plaster in the auditorium. Several structural and functional improvements have also been made, like a new roof and all-new wiring.

The latest project success was the completion of the theater’s iconic art deco marquee. On Feb. 24 of this year, Sault locals gathered at the theater for the ribbon cutting and to see the marquee light up for the first time.

“It took me right back to my childhood,” says Markstrom, who was present. “I hadn’t seen that marquee lit in decades. Restoring the marquee was just one of the many tasks the Soo Theatre Project has completed in recent years, but this one felt different. I guess there was something symbolic about it.”

The Future

“Great Lakes, Great Movies!” is a perfect

tagline, and supporting the historic theater a noble goal, but there’s an even deeper message and mission behind the Soo Film Festival.

“Michigan has real potential to be the next ideal location for filmmakers to live and work, to create beautiful art right here in the Great Lakes State,” says Markstrom, referring to the opportunity for film incentives to return to Michigan.

In 2008, Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed legislation designed to grow the film industry in Michigan, setting the stage for hundreds of millions of dollars in private investment that created jobs for residents. “Michigan’s film incentive program is now the most aggressive in the nation,” she had said in a press release. However, those film incentives were removed in 2015 under Gov. Rick Snyder’s leadership.

Today, two bills are making their way through the Michigan Senate, referred to as the Michigan Multimedia Jobs Act, which would provide state tax credits to films and media made in Michigan by Michigan companies.

“What that means is that [the credits] can only be used to offset Michigan taxes, so only a Michigan company can benefit,” says Michigan Film Industry Association’s Legislative Action Committee Chair Alexander Page.

Markstrom hopes the legislation will pass. After all, if Atlanta can become the next Los Angeles in film production, why not Michigan? Markstrom knows the spark has already been lit; now it just needs some oxygen, and the volunteers and film enthusiasts working to put on this year’s Soo Film Festival are happy to provide the bellows. Visit soofilmfestival.org to reserve tickets and view film selections and showtimes.

The theater's

A glimpse into the Soo Theatre's past.

Michigan-made film Quicksand is slated for this year's festival.

by Joseph Beyer

American Graffiti - 50 Year Anniversary

The cinema event that caught my eye this month was the 50-year anniversary edition of the classic coming-of-age comedy American Graffiti, #62 on the American Film Institute’s Top 100 list of U.S. movies everyone should see. The film that launched George Lucas as a bold new director not only stands up now, but in some ways reveals itself as more relevant with age. It is being showcased across streaming services and VOD in celebration of the milestone.

Beginning with the sounds of Wolfman Jack on the radio followed by the hilarious reveal of Mel’s Drive-In (the film’s epicenter with an Anywhere, California, vibe actually shot north of San Francisco), the movie quickly showcases the art and wheels of a cruising culture through what Lucas called his “anthropological lens.”

Set in the early 1960s but feeling ultimately like a treatise on the ’50s, it’s a study of distinctly American dating rituals and an era with apparently no curfews. The idea no studio loved required Francis Ford Coppola lending his weight as a producer to get it made, saying “now go make a normal movie George, one people will like.”

The simple narrative itself takes place entirely on the last night before a pack of friends separates. They’re on the edge of change from teenagers to the mysterious dreams and freedoms of adulthood and possibly college. The concept was so “plain” that Universal Studios told Lucas it would never work. But it did, becoming a genuine hit even when it was released in 1973.

Featured here are tough guys, the bullied, dolls and gals, and characters with a social intelligence and sensitivity to emotions that might have been quasi-woke before its time. (Though there is some vernacular language that could still shock.) Most of all, American Graffiti features the acting intensity and remarkable talents of an ensemble of newcomers-turnedstars like Cindy Williams, Ron Howard, Richard Dreyfuss, Charles Martin Smith, and Harrison Ford, among others.

The surprising conclusion I had revisiting American Graffiti was just how realistically it portrays teenage angst and sexual politics— mainly in backseats that test the limits of bodies and libidos.

Hormone-driven partners jump hotrods and hook up with new flames or exes in a constant swap of success and failure in a realworld version of Match.com. Given the age of the film, you might be shocked to see most female characters stand up for themselves, choose and use their boyfriends, or—when they want—ultimately discard them.

Testing manhood like the engines they literally and metaphorically rev, most of the men also surprisingly display alter egos of kindness and loyalty and express their own Iron John energy as newbies in the complexities of relationships. Yes, they discharge cherry bombs in the boys’ room, purchase liquor sheepishly while underage, and encounter the fears and thrills of taking risks at a moment when most of us remember feeling somewhat invincible— but they are also shy, unsure, and afraid, too.

Like a pre-Uber bromance, a Wizard of Oz where Wolfman Jack lives in a radio booth, or a love letter to a nostalgic idea of youth, American Graffiti is an interesting pick to watch right now, as it feels perfectly dated and familiar at the same time.

With amazing sound design that also chooses the power of silence over piercing Dolby effects, American Graffiti’s score and cinematography will haunt you with a masterful sense of motion and its layers of sonic and visual storytelling powers.

By the time a street race and a crash with remarkably few injuries starts the final act, you might feel a bit dizzy with all the tidy conclusions that come rapidly toward the finale. But if you let the ending linger, I think you’ll be rewarded with a sense of experiencing something special: a moment in time and a timeless story…maybe even the very first summer blockbuster.

saturday

BOYNE CITY KIWANIS LABOR DAY WEEKEND CAR SHOW: Free drivein preview on Fri., Sept. 1 from 6-9pm on the first two blocks of E. Water St. On Sat., Sept. 2 there will be a judged car show in Veteran’s Park from 8am-4pm. Registration will open at 8am, judging will begin at 10am, & winners announced at 3pm. Registration is $20 through Fri. Sept. 1, & will be $25 day of. Proceeds benefit children of the Boyne area. facebook.com/KiwanisBoyneCi ty?mibextid=2JQ9oc

BRETHREN DAYS: 8am, Brethren. Today features the High Bridge Hustle - 5K run or walk; Pancake Breakfast under the Gazebo; Dragster Car Show; Horseshoe Pitching Contest; live music with Feral Cats, Busted Balloon, The Hangup & others; fireworks, & much more. facebook.com/BrethrenDays

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CADILLAC FESTIVAL OF RACES: 8am, Cadillac Rotary Pavilion. Featuring a 1/4 Mile Lake Swim Race, 7 Mile Team Relay Run, & 5K/10K. $35. rfeventservices.redpodium.com/2023-cadillac-festival-of-races

FALL HORSE SHOW TC - TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS: Flintfields Horse Park, Williamsburg. CSI 2*, USHJA National Hunter Derby, National Hunters / Jumper 6 / Equitation. traversecityhorseshows.com/events

MINNEHAHA BREWHAHA MUSIC FESTIVAL: Arcadia Marine, Arcadia. Sample over 70 varieties of domestic & craft brews, taste creations from 6 food vendors & enjoy games & activities. Music by Barefoot, JR Clark, Nick Veine, The Handstanders, The Smokin’ Dobroleles & many others. Ticket prices are $5 on Friday night to enjoy two bands, the brew tent, & food vendors. Saturday’s event is $45 pre event & $50 day of for all day admission to hear 6 bands, receive 5 brew tasting tickets & a souvenir tasting glass. A 5K & 15K run will be held on Sat. music-moves-me.org

DOWNTOWN ALDEN SIDEWALK SALES: 10am-5pm, Downtown Alden.

ELK RAPIDS ARTS & CRAFT SHOW: 10am-4pm, River St., Downtown Elk Rapids. More than 60 artisans & crafters displaying & selling their work. Pet-friendly, family-friendly. elkrapidschamber.org/arts-crafts-show

LABOR DAY WEEKEND: SIDEWALK

SALES - GLEN ARBOR: Downtown Glen Arbor, Sept. 1-4. Participating local businesses in & around Glen Arbor offer specials.

TORCH LAKE LABOR DAY ART & CRAFT

SHOW: 10am-5pm, Alden Depot Park. Sept. 2-4. ----------------------

WALK + TALK THE EXHIBITS: 11am, Glen Arbor Arts Center. Enjoy a guided walk-andtalk through the new exhibit, “In Translation.” The Walk + Talk will also include conversation about “The Side Of The Road,” an exhibition of abstract landscapes by Alice Moss. Free. glenarborart.org/events-page/events-all ----------------------

THE BOLT 4: Northport Bay Marina. The 4th annual Bay to Braman Bolt: A Race to Preserve History is a challenging, familyfriendly, competitive 1.1 mile foot-race from Northport Bay Marina, up town, through Nagonaba Foot, to the top of one of Leelanau’s highest peaks - Braman Hill. Register online beforehand or the day of. Registration is open from 10-11:30am on Sept. 2, with the race starting at noon. $25 for ages 1018; $30 for ages 19+. bit.ly/thebolt4register

WATER IS LIFE FESTIVAL: Noon-9pm, Festival Park near Breakwall, 200 Wachtel Ave., Petoskey. Live music by Alice Sun, Bad River Youth Drum, Eliza Thorp, Ellie + Haley, Michelle Chenard, Robin Lee Berry, Seth Bernard, The Thirties, & many others. Guest speakers, arts & crafts tent, food trucks, family fun & more. waterislifefestival.org

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BOOK SIGNING: 1-3pm, Horizon Books, TC. Author John Borkovich will sign his book “Nature 911: The Path.” horizonbooks.com/ event/nature-911-path-john-borkovich-booksigning ----------------------

“STRINGS IN THE SKY”: This event is accessible through SkyBridge Michigan, the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge located at Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Falls. Take a chairlift ride to the mountain’s summit, followed by a walk across the 1,200-foot long & 118-foot high pedestrian bridge. Make your way to Disciples Overlook, where there will be live music performances. Enjoy hearing Dixon’s Violin perform tonight from 6-8pm. Tickets start at $25. boynemountain.com/upcoming-events/ strings-in-the-sky ----------------------

HORTON CREEK BLUEGRASS: 6-9pm, Lavender Hill Farm, Boyne City. Enjoy this band’s sound that incorporates traditional/ progressive bluegrass, country western, a little bit of rock n’ roll, all while keeping the core around the roots music. $15-$30. lavenderhillfarm.com

THE CARPENTER ANTS: 7:30pm, BIC Center, Beaver Island. Enjoy R&B, soul & gospel artists The Carpenter Ants wsg John Ellington & Larry Groce. $10 - $25. store.biccenter.org/product/the-carpenter-ants

sept

sunday

FALL HORSE SHOW TCTOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS: (See Sat., Sept. 2) BRETHREN DAYS: Today features arts & crafts vendors; Cornhole Tournament; Grand Parade; live music with Truck Driver Bingo, The Nephews, & Duke and the Studebakers; & much more. facebook.com/ BrethrenDays ----------------------

DOWNTOWN ALDEN SIDEWALK SALES: (See Sat., Sept. 2) ----------------------

LABOR DAY WEEKEND: SIDEWALK ----------------------

SALES - GLEN ARBOR: (See Sat., Sept. 2) ----------------------

TORCH LAKE LABOR DAY ART & CRAFT

SHOW: (See Sat., Sept. 2) ----------------------

“STRINGS IN THE SKY”: This event is accessible through SkyBridge Michigan, the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge located at Boyne Mountain Resort, Boyne Falls. Take a chairlift ride to the mountain’s summit, followed by a walk across the 1,200-foot long & 118-foot high pedestrian bridge. Make your way to Disciples Overlook, where there will be live music performances. Enjoy hearing Streetlight Cadence perform today from noon-3pm. Tickets start at $25. boynemountain.com/upcomingevents/strings-in-the-sky ----------------------

ALL CALL MUSIC FESTIVAL: 3-10pm, The Little Fleet & adjacent street, TC. Two stages will host six bands & a DJ: NOMO, Tunde Olaniran, VV Lightbody, Molly, Stoop Lee, MRKT, & SuperNuclear. There will also be food & beverages available for purchase. $30-$45. allcallmusicfestival.com

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PARTY BETWEEN THE LINES: REO

SPEEDWAGON & JOAN JETT AND THE BLACKHEARTS: 5:30pm, Turtle Creek Stadium, TC. Field GA: $89 + fees; Premium Pit Admission: $129 + fees. bandsintown. com/e/1028811984-reo-speedwagon-atturtle-creek-stadium?came_from=252&utm_ medium=web&utm_source=venue_ page&utm_campaign=event

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BOTH SIDES OF JONI: 7:30pm, The Garden Theater, Frankfort. A reimagined set of Joni Mitchell’s music arranged by pianist Monika Herzig, interpreted by award-winning vocalist Janiece Jaffe, & recorded with a group of renowned jazz musicians including Greg Ward on saxophone, Jeremy Allen on bass, Carolyn Dutton on violin, & Cassius Goens on drums with guest bassist Peter Kienle. Featuring renowned New York vocalist Alexis Cole. GA, $15. prod5.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info. aspx?evtinfo=292210~6a3269ca-7978-417d9903-ca1548ad1f5e&epguid=9b08ea58921e-4c3a-828b-be5c1e210466&

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THE MUSIC OF BILLY JOEL & ELTON

JOHN STARRING MICHAEL CAVANAUGH: 8pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Featuring the greatest hits of the piano-rocking pop icons of the modern era. Songs include: “Rocket Man,” “I’m Still Standing,” “Candle in the Wind,” “Movin’ Out,” “My Life,” “Piano Man,” & many more. Michael Cavanaugh was handpicked by Billy Joel to star in the hit Broadway musical “Movin’ Out.” $42, $57, $62, $76, $92. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/michael-cavanaugh

sept

monday

ANNUAL LABOR DAY MACKINAC BRIDGE WALK: 7am, Mackinac Bridge. Start from either the north end of the bridge in St. Ignace or from the south end of the bridge in Mackinaw City. The governor’s party will start the walk. For more details visit the web site. Free. mackinacbridge. org/events/walk ----------------------

BARBARA ROBERTS MEMORIAL BRIDGE WALK: Meet at Richardi Park in the white gazebo at 10am. Then walk across the three bridges of Bellaire: Trestle, Warner, & Bridge St. ----------------------

LABOR DAY WEEKEND: SIDEWALK

SALES - GLEN ARBOR: (See Sat., Sept. 2)

TORCH LAKE LABOR DAY ART & CRAFT SHOW: (See Sat., Sept. 2)

CHARLEVOIX’S 35TH ANNUAL LITTLE BUT MIGHTY BRIDGE WALK: T-shirt sale in front of the Town House Bar at 11am. Gather in front of the Town House Bar at 12:30pm, & then walk to the north side of the bridge. Walk bridge at 1pm after the bridge is raised for boats. More info: 231-675-5993. Donations for the Charlevoix Food Pantry.

FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES - JAMMIN’ MONDAYS ON BETSIE BAY: 4-6pm, Waterfront Park Amphitheater, Elberta. Enjoy traditional roots blues with a contemporary

ers. Free.

edge with Nikki T & the Snake Charm-

With five Grammy wins and 20 acclaimed studio and live albums under his belt, Robert Cray has been performing his mix of American roots, blues, soul and R&B since 1974. The Robert Cray Band is touring for the first time since the 2020 release of his album, “That’s What I Heard,” and will stop at Great Lakes Center for the Arts in Bay Harbor on Sat., Sept. 9 at 8pm. Tickets range from $47-$102.

greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/robert-cray

tuesday STORYTIME ADVENTURES: 10:30am, 1pm & 3:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Featuring “Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes” by Eric Litwin. Sign up when you reserve your attendance at the Museum. greatlakeskids.org

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TCNEWTECH: 6pm, City Opera House, TC. Five presenters will be allowed five minutes to present a new tech product or business venture they are working on, & five minutes of Q&A. The audience is typically made up of technologyminded people. Free. tcnewtech.org

wednesday

INTERLOCHEN WOMAN’S CLUB: Interlochen Public Library. Metics & Tory Caviston from Traverse Regional Foundation will present an overview of their organization. Business meeting at 11am; lunch at noon; program at 12:30pm. 810-869-1450. Free. ----------------------

FALL HORSE SHOW TC - TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS II: Flintfields Horse Park, Williamsburg, Sept. 6-10. traversecityhorseshows.com/events ----------------------

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF LEELANAU COUNTY FORUM: Noon, The Leelanau County Government Center, Suttons Bay. “Microplastics in the Great Lakes.” Microplastics: An emerging water quality crisis impacting human health, aquatic & terrestrial environments & the Michigan economy. Register. Free. my.lwv.org/michigan/leelanau-county ----------------------

USHJA YOUNG JUMPER CHAMPIONSHIP: Flintfields Horse Park, Williamsburg, Sept. 6-10. traversecityhorseshows.com/ events

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SEPTEMBER GARDEN PARTY RECESS:

5-7pm, Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, TC. After-work happy hour for adults. Drinks, food, prizes & networking. Enjoy food provided by Anavery Fine Foods & drinks served by Roaming NoMi Bar Cart. Free tractor tours of the grounds will be available every 30 minutes. Guests will be entered into a drawing to win prizes including: a Botanic Garden package containing a family membership, $50 gift card to the gift shop, & a shrub or tree. An evening for four botanizing with the Botanic Garden executive director at Sleeping Bear Dunes, with light refreshments served. This prize will also include a family membership. Floral centerpieces created by Old Mission Flowers. A professionally printed 1917 map of the Grand Traverse Commons and Gardens. $10. traverseticker. com/recess

INTRODUCTION TO AMATEUR RADIO: 6pm, Traverse Area District Library, Thirlby Room, TC. Hear local communications, international broadcasts & two-way communications, as well as satellite & international space station communications. Free. tadl. org/event/introduction-amateur-radio

thursday

KID’S CRAFT LAB:

FIZZY APPLE PAINTING: 10:30am, 1pm & 3:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Paint an apple! Then make it fizz! Sign up when you reserve your attendance at the Museum. greatlakeskids.org

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FALL HORSE SHOW TC - TOURNAMENT

OF CHAMPIONS II: (See Weds., Sept. 6)

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USHJA YOUNG JUMPER CHAMPIONSHIP: (See Weds., Sept. 6)

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ORCHARD BEACH AUTUMN OLIVE WORKSHOP: 5:30-7:30pm, Orchard Beach State Park, Manistee. Join ISN at Orchard Beach State Park for this Autumn Olive Workshop where landowners struggling with this rampant invasive species can learn different at-home management options. Registration is required. Free. habitatmatters.org/ autumn-olive-community-workshop.html

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POETRY WORKSHOP WITH DR. GORDON HENRY: 6pm, Glen Lake Library, Empire. Held on four Thursdays from 6-7pm: Sept. 7, 14, 21 & 28. Assigned readings in poetry, writing theory & technique & creative invention will add to workshop discussion, as will writing exercises & group activities. Limited to 10 people. Register: 231-326-5361.

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FUNNY BUSINESS COMEDY SHOW:

9-10:30pm, Odawa Casino Resort, Victories, Petoskey. Featuring Brian Hicks & Todd Glover. $5. odawacasino.com/entertainment

sept

friday

2ND ANNUAL PERENNIAL FARM ECOSYSTEM CONFERENCE: 9am-4pm, The Leelanau County Government Center, Community Room, Suttons Bay. Learn about systems to improve soil & plant health, fruit quality, & overall profitability of your orchard or vineyard. Featured speakers include Robert Kremer, Deborah Aller, Stephanie Frischie, & Scott Wall. Register online. $25. leelanaucd.org ----------------------

MORE TO EXPLORE: TENTS & TUNNELS:

9:30am, noon & 2:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. greatlakeskids.org ----------------------

AIR PRESENTATION: KATHY MOHL: Noon, Glen Arbor Arts Center. Kathy will use her Glen Arbor Arts Center residency to create a plein air immersion project. She’ll experiment with different paints & media, & explore the quality & changes in light when she paints at different times of day. Mohl will talk about her project during this public presentation. Free. glenarborart.org/events/airpresentation-kathy-mohl ----------------------

FALL HORSE SHOW TC - TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS II: (See Weds., Sept. 6) ----------------------

USHJA YOUNG JUMPER CHAMPIONSHIP: (See Weds., Sept. 6) ----------------------

ARTIST TALK WITH KAREN CLARK ANTRIM, FRANK GALANTE & PAULA DEGREGGORIO: 4-6pm, Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. Welcome back the artists from the current show for an artists talk. Learn how Galante, DeGreggorio, & Clark Antrim find inspiration, what struggles they face & how they overcome them, & other trade secrets they are willing to share about their artistic journeys. Register. Free. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org

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THE RED DRESSER BARN MARKET: 4-8pm, Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds, TC. A Vintage & Makers Market. Featuring more than 100 vendors, local food trucks, local musicians, florals, makers & much more. Fri., Sept. 8: First Pick Tickets are $10/person. The ticket gains you free entry on Sat. Tickets may be purchased at The Red Dresser (cash or check), online through Ticketleap or at the gate. Sat., Sept. 9 entry is $5/person & is available at the gate (cash or check only). Children 10 & under are free

for both days. thereddressertc.com

5TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER

BENEFITING SAFE HARBOR OF GRAND

TRAVERSE: 6-8pm, Higher Art Gallery, TC. An evening of art, community, libations & hors d’oeuvres. Sixteen artists have created works for this show, & the artwork reflects the theme of the evening: Warmth, Hope and finding a Safe Harbor. $20 donation at door. higherartgallery.com

PLAY IT FORWARD FEATURING MAY ERLEWINE: 6-9pm, Lavender Hill Farm, Boyne City. This fundraising event includes an auction to support arts education at CTAC. The auction will feature a work of original art by local artist Kevin Barton. His piece will be auctioned off live at the event on stage. $15$75. crookedtree.org/events/petoskey ----------------------

THE GODDESS WORKOUT® BEGINNER

BELLY DANCE: STAR TREK DAY: 6pm, The Garden Spa, TC. These are the moves of the dances of the Original Series. Explore strange new dance steps & seek out new music & combinations. Free. AmiraHamzarRaks.com

TC SACRED DRUM CIRCLE: 7pm, House of Bear, 4242 Co. Rd 633, Grawn. Held the 2nd Fri. of the months (through Oct.). No experience necessary. No drum necessary, but feel free to bring an acoustic item of your own making. Dress for outside. Children must stay with adults. 231-383-0803. Free. facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065646933215

NORTHERN LIGHTS 5K FUN RUN: 8pm, Munson Medical Center campus, parking lot K, TC. Hosted by Thomas Judd Care Center to raise awareness of the HIV care & prevention resources in northern Michigan. Racers are encouraged to dress in the spirit of the Northern Lights nighttime run & let the brightness shine with the best glow-in-thedark, creative, &/or lit-up swag. Three prizes of $50 will be given to the most enthusiastically adorned registrants. $20. runsignup. com/Race/MI/TraverseCity/ThomasJuddCareCenter5K

COUNTRY CONCERT SERIES: HANNAH

ELLIS W/ DJ TO FOLLOW: 9pm, Odawa Casino Resort, Victories, Petoskey. $10. odawacasino.com/entertainment

saturday

THE RED DRESSER BARN MARKET: (See Fri., Sept. 8)

TRAVERSE CITY MUSIC BOOSTERS USED INSTRUMENT SALE: TC West Middle School Cafeteria. Instruments can be dropped off (& appraised, if needed) between 9-11am. The sale is from 12-2pm. Those who dropped off an instrument can pick up their check or unsold instrument between 2-3pm. sites.google.com/traversecitymusicboosters.com/tc-music-boosters/ events?authuser=0

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FREE DROP-IN FAMILY ART: 10am-noon, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Cornwell Gallery, TC. Fun art activity inspired by exhibit in the gallery. crookedtree.org/class/ctac-traversecity/free-drop-family-art-september ----------------------

LAKE LEELANAU STREET FAIR: 11am6pm, Lake Leelanau. Enjoy music, food & fun. Featuring more than 50 vendors, three live music acts, & several free kids activities. Free. lakeleelanaustreetfair.org

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FALL HORSE SHOW TC - TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS II: (See Weds., Sept. 6)

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USHJA YOUNG JUMPER CHAMPION-

SHIP: (See Weds., Sept. 6)

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ICE CREAM SOCIAL: 1pm, East Bay Branch Library, TC. All ages are invited to enjoy free ice cream, live music with Jesse Jefferson, face painting by The Painted Lady, a used book sale, & more. tadl.org/event/annualice-cream-social-0

NATIVE FOODS IN THE GREAT LAKES: 1pm, Platte River Picnic Area, Honor. This talk not only discusses the history & importance of indigenous foods of the Great Lakes to the Anishinaabek but samples of native food will be provided to the audience. All programs are free with a valid park entrance pass. nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details. htm?id=DFD801C7-A5BB-24D8-A130642FAEBA6C22 ----------------------

HIGH SCHOOL PORTFOLIO SCHOLARSHIP REVIEW: 2-5pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Kitchen, Petoskey. Share your work with three professional artists who will offer feedback & evaluate your portfolio for meritbased scholarships. Select a 50-minute time slot through SignUpGenius. crookedtree. org/event/ctac-petoskey/high-school-portfolio-scholarship-review ----------------------

NATIVE AMERICAN BOARDING SCHOOLS: 5pm, Platte River Campground

Amphitheater, Honor. Native American populations were subjected to laws & policies forced to assimilate them into American culture & society. These policies accumulated into Native American boarding schools. This talk will look at the creation of the schools & the impacts it has had. All programs are free with a valid park entrance pass. nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=DFE17B19AE97-AA68-9534D025070742E3

JAKE OWEN - LOOSE CANNON TOURWSG DAVES HIGHWAY: 8-10:30pm, Little River Casino Resort, Manistee. $120, $130, $135. lrcr.com/event/jake-owen

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THE ROBERT CRAY BAND: 8pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Since 1974 Cray has been performing his mix of American roots, blues, soul & R&B. He has five Grammy wins & 20 acclaimed studio & live albums. The Robert Cray Band is touring for the first time since the 2020 release of his album, “That’s What I Heard.” $47-$102. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/robert-cray ----------------------

FIRST INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS CHAMPIONSHIP: SOLD OUT: 9:30pm, Turtle Creek Stadium, TC. Fireworks synchronized to music. The competition is tough as these best-of-the-best teams will all have to follow specific guidelines that will challenge their creative & artistic abilities. Judges & the public will have the final say on the winner of the competition. $50. traversecity.com/internationalfireworkschampionship

sunday

BIRDWATCHING: 1011:30am, Michigan Legacy Art Park, Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. Join Michigan Legacy Art Park’s Executive Director & birding guide Angie Quinn on a birdwatching hike through the Art Park. Free with Art Park admission. crystalmountain.com/event/birdwatchingseptember

2ND ANNUAL GRANDPARENTS DAY EXTRAVAGANZA: Noon-4pm. Held along the river behind Hudson Wealth Management, TC. A day of grandparent-grandchild delight. Featuring a bounce house, hot dogs, Snow Cones, games, prizes, Pie Eating Contest, craft activities, a photo booth, & much more.

RSVP. 231-421-7391. Free. ----------------------

FALL HORSE SHOW TC - TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS II: (See Weds., Sept. 6)

USHJA YOUNG JUMPER CHAMPIONSHIP: (See Weds., Sept. 6)

FOR LOVE OF WATER: 2pm, Helena Township Community Center, Alden. FLOW (For Love of Water) Executive Director & environmental attorney Liz Kirkwood will give an informative talk about the conservation, legal, & policy work that is being done to protect the Great Lakes, & how we can all be good stewards of this irreplaceable natural resource. 231-331-4318. Free.

HEADSTONE CLEANING: 2pm, Gilmore Township Cemetery. The Benzie Area Historical Society is offering this program with historian Jane Purkis to train volunteers in the correct methods of cleaning cemetery gravestones. Bring a cleaning kit: bucket, gallon or two of water, stiff natural brush, stiff sponge, old toothbrush, trowel, trash bag, & plastic or wood scraper. 231-882-5539.

ongoing

THE ALIVE POETS SOCIETY: Saturdays, 9-11am, Poetess and Stranger, 445 E. Mitchell Street, Unit A, downtown Petoskey. Read, discuss & write poetry together. Ages 17+. poetessandstranger.com

BLOOMS & BIRDS: WILDFLOWER WALK: Tuesdays, 10am through Sept., Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents to find & identify the unique wildflowers at Grass River Natural Area. Along the way look & listen for the birds who call Grass River home. grassriver.org

farmers markets

BELLAIRE FARMERS MARKET: Fridays, 8am-noon, ASI Community Center & Park, Bellaire.

BOYNE CITY OUTDOOR FARMERS MAR-

KET: Wednesdays & Saturdays, 8am-noon through Oct. 14. Veterans Park, Boyne City. Shop local produce, artwork & artisan foods at over 50 vendors. There will also be live music & kids activities. The Sept. 2 market will feature live music by Chris Michels. The

DOWNTOWN PETOSKEY FARMERS MAR-

KET: Fridays, 8:30am-1pm through Sept. 29. Howard St., between Mitchell & Michigan streets, Petoskey.

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ELK RAPIDS FARMERS MARKET: Next to Elk Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, on US 31 by the swan. Every Fri. through Oct. 6, 8am-noon. Local growers & producers from all around northwestern Michigan. elkrapidschamber.org/farmers-market

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FRANKFORT FARMERS MARKET: Saturdays, 9am-1pm through Sept. 9. FrankfortElberta Area Chamber of Commerce, 231 Main St., Frankfort.

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HARBOR SPRINGS FARMERS MARKET: Saturdays, 9am-1pm through Oct. 14. Corner of State & Main streets, Harbor Springs.

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OLD TOWN EMMET FARM MARKET: Sat., 9am-2pm through Oct. 7 at Friendship Senior Center parking lot, Petoskey. Local homemade & homegrown products. Special events throughout the season include donation based cookouts, food trucks on site, & more. Follow the Facebook page for the schedule: @oldtownemmetfarmmarket.

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SARA HARDY DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET: Sat., 7:30am-noon; & Weds., 8am-noon. Parking lot “B” at southwest corner of Cass & Grandview Parkway, TC. dda. downtowntc.com/farmers-market

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THE VILLAGE AT GT COMMONS OUTDOOR FARMERS MARKET: The Village at GT Commons, The Piazza, TC, Mondays from 1-5pm. Farm fresh eggs, fruits & veggies, meats, honey, maple syrup, & more. facebook.com/events/643530983769466/64 3530997102798/?active_tab=about

art

“INTERLACEMENTS: THE FINE CRAFT OF WEAVING”: Crooked Tree Arts Center, TC. Featuring nine Michigan artists including Boisali Biswas, Martha Brownscombe, Deb Cholewicki, Sharon Gill, Carol Irving, Jasmine Petrie, Carol Madison, Nancy McRay, & Shanna Robinson. A range of fiber art practices are explored. Runs Sept. 8 - Oct. 28. An opening reception will be held on Fri., Sept. 15 from 5-7pm. CTAC - TC is open Tues. through Fri., 11am-5pm, & Sat., 10am-4pm. crookedtree.org

ery, TC. Original artwork by plein air/studio artist Barbara Reich, featuring “Paintings from Around the Peninsulas.” Runs through ----------------------

Jordan River -

es the work of many Jordan River Arts Council members. Runs through Sept. 23. Check web site for days & hours. jordanriverarts.com

ANTRIM, DEGREGORIO, GALANTE: Runs through Sept. 8 at Oliver Art Center, Frankfort. Featuring the work of three Michigan artists: Karen Antrim, Paula DeGregorio, & Frank Galante. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org

ALAN MACIAG EXHIBIT AT MARI VINEYARDS, TC: Plein Air painter Alan Maciag exhibits gorgeous Michigan landscapes. Runs through Sept. twistedfishgallery.com/ event/alan-maciag-exhibit-at-mari-vineyards-with-twisted-fish

CHARLES CULVER PUBLIC ART EXHIBITION: On display throughout downtown Bellaire through Oct. Each piece of art will display a QR code to access an audio presentation providing history & background of the particular piece. bellairelibrary.org/programs/charles-culver-public-art-display-2023

CHARLEVOIX CIRCLE OF ARTS:

- SUMMER SALON: Runs through Sept. 2. 4th annual salon-style exhibit showcasing regionally inspired work by local & area artists. Gallery is open Mon. through Fri., 11am4pm, & Sat., 11am-3pm or by appointment. charlevoixcircle.org/exhibits-2023

- HANS WIEMER MEMORIAL DISPLAY: Celebrate the work of local artist & architect Hans Wiemer, on display through Sept. 2. Select pieces from Wiemer’s portfolio are on loan from his family. The curated selection of paintings & architectural renderings show off his various styles, from impressionism to abstract & various mixed mediums. Charlevoix Circle of Arts is open from 11am-4pm, Mon. through Fri., & 11am-3pm, Sat. charlevoixcircle.org

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETOSKEY:

- THIS IS US: RECENT PAINTINGS BY THE KITCHEN PAINTERS: The Kitchen Painters is a group of area artists who meet weekly at Crooked Tree Arts Center - Petoskey to share their love for painting. Each year they have an opportunity to exhibit their work in an annual display. Runs through Sept. 5 in Atrium Gallery. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/us-recent-paintings-kitchen-painters

- ANIMAL - VEGETABLE - MINERAL: PAINTINGS BY NANCY ADAMS NASH: Held in Bonfield Gallery. Enjoy new paintings from Nash, as well as select works from the past. Runs through Sept. 2. CTAC hours are Tues.Sat., 10am-5pm. crookedtree.org/event/ctacpetoskey/animal-vegetable-mineral-paintingsnancy-adams-nash-opens-may-25

- TRISHA WITTY: PILGRIMAGES IN PAINT, A RETROSPECTIVE 1988 TO PRESENT: Runs through Sept. 2 in Gilbert Gallery. Retrospective exhibition highlighting Trish Witty’s paintings from the past 35

years. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/ trisha-witty-pilgrimages-paint-retrospective1988-present-opens-may-25

DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC:

- A NEW PERSPECTIVE: LANDSCAPES FROM THE DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER: Runs through Sept. 3. Hours are Tues.Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org

- JERRY’S MAP: This exhibition is comprised of over 4,000 individual eight by ten inch panels. Its execution, in acrylic, marker, colored pencil, ink, collage, & inkjet print on heavy paper, is dictated by the interplay between an elaborate set of rules & randomly generated instructions. Runs through Sept. 3. Hours are Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org

- LUSTER: REALISM & HYPERREALISM IN CONTEMPORARY AUTOMOBILE & MOTORCYCLE PAINTING: Runs through Sept. 3. This is a traveling exhibition comprised of over 55 paintings by 15 leading photorealists & hyperrealists who specialize in automobiles & motorcycles as their primary subject of choice. Featuring paintings that encompass a broad range of vintage vehicles, recent classics, off-road vehicles, exotics & more. Hours are Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org

GLEN ARBOR ARTS CENTER:

- “IN TRANSLATION”: Held in Main Gallery. A multi-pronged project that explores how humans employ creativity & the arts to translate the world, contemporary life, contemporary social & political issues, & the world in which they live. The exhibit features the work of 32 visual artists from throughout Michigan, the Midwest, & California. Runs through Oct. 26. Hours are: Mon. through Fri.: 9am-3pm; Sat. & Sun.: Noon-4pm. glenarborart.org/events/ exhibit-in-translation

- BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD: Held in Lobby Gallery. A series of abstract landscapes out of the imagination of painter Alice Moss. This small show runs through Dec. 15. Moss’ focus is on Leelanau County roadways, woodlands, & beaches, all of which she has been walking, watching, & visiting since childhood in the early 1960s. glenarborart. org/events/exhibit-by-the-side-of-the-road

RAVEN HILL DISCOVERY CENTER, EAST JORDAN:

- SMITHSONIAN TRAVELING EXHIBIT: Enjoy the newest Smithsonian Museum’s national traveling exhibit, “Spark! Places of Innovation” through Oct. 7. The exhibit features stories gathered from diverse communities across the nation. Includes photographs, engaging interactives, objects, videos, & augmented reality. Free.

- “YOUTH INNOVATION IN RURAL AMERICA”: Community-based youth design projects by local students. Runs through Oct. 7. miravenhill.org

Grand Traverse & Kalkaska

ALEXANDER INN, TC BLUSH, ROOFTOP TERRACE:

9/2 -- John Piatek, 6-9

BONOBO WINERY, TC PATIO:

9/8 -- Jesse Jefferson, 6-8

BRADY'S BAR, TC

6:30-9:30:

9/3 -- Timothy Michael Thayer

9/8 -- Blair Miller

ENCORE 201, TC

9/2 -- Equality Show Band, 6:30-9;

DJ Ricky T, 10

9/8 -- The Truetones, 7-9; Frank

Bang, 10

9/9 -- Jon Archambault, 7-10

FANTASY’S, TC

DJ

HOTEL INDIGO, TC

Wed -- Trivia Night, 7-8:30

JACOB’S FARM, TC

6-8:30:

9/3 – Medicinal Groove

9/8 – Botala

9/10 – Doc Probes

KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING

Mon. – Trivia, 6-8

9/5 – Open Mic, 6-8

9/9 – Polka Fest w/ Northern Lower

Brass Quartet, noon-4

LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC

BARREL ROOM:

9/4 -- Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod,

6-9

TASTING ROOM:

9/8 -- John Piatek, 5-7

LIL BO, TC

Tues. – Trivia, 8-10

BEARDS BREWERY, PETOSKEY ROOT CELLAR:

9/2 — Owen James Trio, 7-10

BIÉRE DE MAC BREW WORKS, MACKINAW CITY 7-10:

9/2 -- Kirby

9/3 -- Duffy King

9/8 -- The Lonely Pines

9/9 -- The Mighty Hiawatha Band

9/10 -- DJ Clark After Dark

BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS, PETOSKEY PATIO:

9/2 -- Tyler Parkin, 2-6

9/8 -- Jelly Roll Blues Band, 4-7:30

CITY PARK GRILL, PETOSKEY

9/8 -- Annex Karaoke, 9:30

CROOKED VINE VINEYARD & WINERY, ALANSON

9/2 -- Randy Reszka, 1-4

DIXIE SALOON, MACKINAW CITY

9/1-2 & 9/8-9 -- Pete 'Big Dog'

Fetters, 8

DOUGLAS LAKE BAR, PELLSTON

9/3 – Jeff Tucker, 6-9

GABRIEL FARMS & WINERY, PETOSKEY

9/6 – Sean Bielby, 3-6

Weds. – Open Mic Night w/ Aldrich,

9-11

Sun. – Karaoke, 8

MAMMOTH DISTILLING, TC

9/2 – Andrew Lutes, 7-10

9/7 – Chris Smith, 7:30-10:30

9/8 – Clint Weaner, 7-10

9/9 – Andrew Lutes, 7-10

MARI VINEYARDS, TC

4-6:

9/5 -- John Paul

9/7 -- Levi Britton

MIDDLECOAST BREWING CO., TC

PATIO, 6-9:

9/2 -- Sean Megoran

9/8 -- Chuck Light

NORTH BAR TC

9/3 -- Rob Coonrod, 1-4

OLD MISSION DISTILLING, TC

9/10 -- Swingbone North, 5-8

SORELLINA'S, TC

SLATE RESTAURANT:

Thurs. -- Tom Kaufmann on Piano, 5-8

Fri. & Sat. – Tom Kaufmann on Piano, 6-9

TC WHISKEY CO.

Sat -- Ben Richey, 6-8

THE ALLUVION, TC

9/2 -- Scott Cook & Pamela Mae, 7-9

9/7 -- Thursday Night Jazz, 6-8:30

9/8 -- Gregory Stovetop, 7-9:30

THE COIN SLOT, TC

9/2 & 9/9 – Protea, 7-10

9/6 – BYO Vinyl, 8

THE LITTLE FLEET, TC

9/3 -- All Call Music Festival w/

Nomo, Tunde Olaniran, VV Lightbody,

Emmet & Cheboygan

9/9 – Radel Rosin Acoustic Experience, 1-4

HIGH FIVE SPIRITS, PETOSKEY TASTING ROOM:

9/2 – End of Summer Bash w/ Joe Hertler, 8-12

INN AT BAY HARBOR CABANA BAR:

9/3 – Sean Bielby, 3-6

MAMMOTH DISTILLING, BAY HARBOR

7:30-10:30:

9/2 – Jessica Dominic

9/8 – Bill Oeming

9/9 – SAXA4IAv

NOGGIN ROOM PUB, PETOSKEY 7-10:

9/2 -- Tyler Parkin

9/8 -- Kyle Brown

9/9 -- Michelle Chenard

NORTHLAND BREWING CO., INDIAN

RIVER BACKYARD:

9/2 -- Galactic Sherpas, 7

ODAWA CASINO RESORT, PETOSKEY VICTORIES:

9/8 -- Country Concert Series: Hannah Ellis, followed by DJ, 9

Molly, Stoop Lee, MRKT Visuals by Super Nuclear, 3-10

THE PARLOR, TC

9/2 -- John Pomeroy, 9

9/3 -- Empire Highway, 8-11

9/5 -- Jesse Jefferson, 8-11

9/6 -- Wink, 8-11

9/7 -- Jimmy Olson, 8-11

9/8 -- Blue Footed Booby, 8-11

9/9 -- Brett Mitchell, 8-11

THE PUB, TC

9/2 – Nick Vasquez, 1-4

9/3 -- John Pomeroy, 1-4; Wink,

4:30-7:30; Slim Pickins, 8-11

9/6 – Tyler Roy, 8-11

9/7 – Steve Clark, 8-11

9/9 – Empire Highway, 8-11

THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC

9/5 -- Open Mic Night, 7-9

9/8 -- The Reverend Jesse Ray, 8

9/9 -- Cold Leather Seats, 8-10

THIRSTY FISH SPORTS GRILLE, TC PATIO, 6:30-9:30:

9/2 -- 4 Horsemen

9/7 -- Matt Mansfield

9/8 -- Protea

9/9 -- The Time Bombs

TRAVERSE CITY WHISKEY CO.

9/6 -- Craig Jolly, 6-9

TURTLE CREEK STADIUM, TC

9/3 -- Party Between The Lines: REO Speedwagon & Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, 5:30

UNION STREET STATION, TC

Leelanau & Benzie

AURORA CELLARS, LAKE

FIVE SHORES BREWING, BEULAH

9/8 -- Open Mic Night w/ Andrew Littlefield, 7

FRENCH VALLEY VINEYARD, CEDAR

4-7:

Ann Arbor’s Chirp travels around northern Michigan with their progressive rock/funk and jazz-fusion, influenced by Snarky Puppy, Steely Dan, Led Zeppelin, James Brown, Daft Punk, and many others. Start at Ethanology in Elk Rapids on Sat., Sept. 2 from 8-11; travel to TC at Union Street Station on Sun., Sept. 3 at 10; and then hit Short’s Brew Pub on Fri., Sept. 8 from 7-9:30pm.

ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH 9/2 -- SkyLea, 1-4; Jen Sygit, 5:30-

-- Ethan Bott, 5:30-8:30 9/8 -- Lynn Callihan, 5-8

-- Jim Hawley, 4:30-7 9/6 -- Bryan Poirier, 5:30-8 9/10 -- Dominic Fortuna, 4-6

CICCONE VINEYARD & WINERY, SUTTONS BAY 9/3 -- Dolce, 2-4:30 9/7 -- Rhett & John, 5-7:30 9/10 -- Luke Woltanski, 2-4:30

CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, THOMPSONVILLE

BARR PARK, 6-8:

9/2 -- Taylor DeRousse

9/3 -- Nick Vasquez

LEVEL4 LOUNGE: 9/2 -- Izzy Wallace, 8:30-10:30

9/4 -- Rhett & John 9/7 -- Luke Woltanski

FURNACE STREET DISTILLERY, ELBERTA 6:

-- Jerome Forde

-- Sean Miller

HOP LOT BREWING CO., SUTTONS

BAY 9/2 -- Runaway Mule, 5-8 9/9 -- The Shouting Bones, 2-5

IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE 6-8:

– Wink 9/3 – Ethan Bott 9/8 – Brett Mitchell

9/9 – Blake Elliott

SHADY LANE CELLARS, SUTTONS BAY

9/8 -- Friday Night LIVE with Jonathon Stoye, 5-8

STORMCLOUD BREWING CO., FRANKFORT

9/2 -- Great Lakes Brass Band, 7-9

9/4 -- So Long, Summer Party w/ StoneFolk, 4-7

SUTTONS BAY CIDERS 4:30-7:

9/3 – Andre Villoch

9/10 – Brady Corcoran

TWO K FARMS CIDERY & WINERY, SUTTONS BAY 4:30-6:30:

9/2 -- Freer Hall

POND HILL FARM, HARBOR SPRINGS

9/2 – M-119 Band, 4-8

9/9 – Ty Parkin, 4-8

9/10 – Underleaf Band, 3-6

RUDBECKIA WINERY/BURNT MARSHMALLOW BREWSTILLERY, PETOSKEY

9/2 – Terry Coveyou, 5-7

9/3 -- Peter Allen Jensen, 2-4

9/8 – Elisabeth Christe, 6-8

9/9 – John Piatek, 5-7

RUSTY SAW NORTH SMOKEHOUSE, BRUTUS

9/2 -- Peter Allen Jensen, 6

THE BEAU, CHEBOYGAN

9/2 -- Ed Tatum, 8-11

9/7 -- Musicians Playground ‘Open Mic,’ 6-8

9/8 -- Ryan Cassidy, 8-11

THE HIGHLANDS AT HARBOR SPRINGS SLOPESIDE LOUNGE:

9/2 -- Nelson Olstrom, 6

WALLOON LAKE WINERY, PETOSKEY

9/7 -- Eliza Thorp, 6-8

Manistee, Wexford & Missaukee

DICK'S POUR HOUSE, LAKE LEELANAU Sat. -- Karaoke, 10-1

DUNE BIRD WINERY, NORTHPORT

– Luke Woltanski

-- Blair Miller

BARREL BACK RESTAURANT, WALLOON LAKE

9/7 -- Peter Allen Jensen, 6

BIER'S INWOOD BREWERY, CHARLEVOIX

9/7 -- Open Mic Night Hosted by John Eaton: Sign up at 6:15; Music at 7

BOYNE MOUNTAIN RESORT, BOYNE FALLS BEACH HOUSE RESTAURANT, DEER LAKE:

9/2 -- Nelson Olstrom, noon

CAFE SANTE, BOYNE CITY

9/9 -- Blair Miller, 7

ETHANOLOGY, ELK RAPIDS OUTDOORS, 8-11:

9/2 -- Chirp

LAKE ANN BREWING CO. 9/2 -- Jedi Clampetts, 3-6; Fifth Gear,

-- Runaway Mule, 3-6; 1000

-- New Third Coast,

-- Barefoot,

-- Mercury

Antrim & Charlevoix

9/9 -- The Marsupials

FIRESIDE LOUNGE, BELLAIRE

9/8 -- Nick Vasquez, 7-10

JUNCTION BAR & GRILL, WALLOON LAKE

9/2 -- Jelly Roll Blues Band, 8-11

RED MESA GRILL, BOYNE CITY

9/5 -- Peter Allen Jensen, 6

SEVEN HILLS, ELK RAPIDS

9/2 -- Rhythm Theory, 3-6; Jabo

Bihlman, 7-10

9/3 -- Kenny Olson Cartel wsg FlyLite Gemini, 5

SHORT'S BREW PUB, BELLAIRE BEER GARDEN, 7-9:30:

9/2 -- M-22 Live

9/7 – DJ Ras Marco

9/9 – The Duges

YARD AND LAKE, NORTHPORT

9/7 -- Blair Miller, 5:30

9/3 -- Nathan Walton & The Remedy

9/8 -- Chirp

9/9 -- 1000 Watt Prophets

SHORT'S PULL BARN, ELK RAPIDS 6:30-9:30: 9/2 -- Blair Miller

-- Gemini Moon

SPARE KEY WINERY, CHARLEVOIX 9/10 -- Jim Bonney & Peter Allen

Otsego, Crawford & Central

lOGY

BY ROB BREZSNY

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In honor of the Virgo birthday season, I invite you to be exceptionally distinctive and singular in the coming weeks, even idiosyncratic and downright incomparable. That's not always a comfortable state for you Virgos to inhabit, but right now it's healthy to experiment with. Here's counsel from writer Christopher Morley: “Read, every day, something no one else is reading. Think, every day, something no one else is thinking. Do, every day, something no one else would be silly enough to do. It is bad for the mind to continually be part of unanimity.” Here's a bonus quote from Virgo poet Edith Sitwell: “I am not eccentric! It’s just that I am more alive than most people.”

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Do you sometimes wish your life was different from what it actually is? Do you criticize yourself for not being a perfect manifestation of your ideal self? Most of us indulge in these fruitless energy drains. One of the chief causes of unhappiness is the fantasy that we are not who we are supposed to be. In accordance with cosmic rhythms, I authorize you to be totally free of these feelings for the next four weeks. As an experiment, I invite you to treasure yourself exactly as you are right now. Congratulate yourself for all the heroic work you have done to be pretty damn good. Use your ingenuity to figure out how to give yourself big doses of sweet and festive love.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio novelist Kurt Vonnegut testified, "I want to stay as close on the edge as can without going over. Out on the edge, you see all kinds of things you can’t see from the center. Big, undreamed-of-things—the people on the edge see them first." I'm not definitively telling you that you should live like Vonnegut, dear Scorpio. To do so, you would have to summon extra courage and alertness. But if you are inclined to explore such a state, the coming weeks will offer you a chance to live on the edge with as much safety, reward, and enjoyment as possible.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): "Where there is great love, there are always miracles," wrote Sagittarian novelist Willa Cather (1873–1947). In accordance with upcoming astrological aspects, encourage you to prepare the way for such miracles. If you don't have as much love as you would like, be imaginative as you offer more of the best love you have to give. If there is good but not great love in your life, figure out how you can make it even better. If you are blessed with great love, see if you can transform it into being even more extraordinary. For you Sagittarians, it is the season of generating miracles through the intimate power of marvelous love.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn author Alexander Woollcott (1187–1943) could be rude and vulgar. He sometimes greeted cohorts by saying, "Hello, Repulsive."

After he read the refined novelist Marcel Proust, he described the experience as "like lying in someone else's dirty bath water." But according to Woollcott's many close and enduring friends, he was often warm, generous, and humble. I bring this to your attention in the hope that you will address any discrepancies between your public persona and your authentic soul. Now is a good time to get your outer and inner selves into greater harmony.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In 1963, Aquarian author Betty Friedan published The Feminine Mystique, a groundbreaking book that became a bestseller crucial in launching the feminist movement. She brought to wide cultural awareness “the problem that has no name”: millions of women's sense of invisibility, powerlessness, and depression. In a later book, Friedan reported on those early days of the awakening: "We couldn’t possibly know where it would lead, but we knew it had to be done." I encourage you to identify an equivalent quest in your personal life, Aquarius: a project that feels necessary to your future, even if you don't yet know what that future will turn out to be.

PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): "Among those whom like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those whom I love, I can: All of them make me laugh." Piscean poet W. H. Auden said that. After analyzing the

astrological omens, I conclude that laughing with those you love is an experience you should especially seek right now. It will be the medicine for anything that's bothering you. It will loosen obstructions that might be interfering with the arrival of your next valuable teachings. Use your imagination to dream up ways you can place yourself in situations where this magic will unfold.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov says war is “more like a game of poker than chess. On a chess board, the pieces are face up, but poker is essentially a game of incomplete information, a game where you have to guess and act on those guesses.” I suspect that's helpful information for you these days, Aries. You may not be ensconced in an out-anout conflict, but the complex situation you’re managing has resemblances to a game of poker. For best results, practice maintaining a poker face. Try to reduce your tells to near zero. Here's the definition of "tell" as I am using the term: Reflexive or unconscious behavior that reveals information you would rather withhold.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Raised in poverty, Taurus-born Eva Peron became a charismatic politician and actor who served as First Lady of Argentina for six years. The Argentine Congress ultimately gave her the title of "Spiritual Leader of the Nation.” How did she accomplish such a meteoric ascent? "Without fanaticism," she testified, "one cannot accomplish anything." But I don't think her strategy has to be yours in the coming months, Taurus. It will make sense for you to be highly devoted, intensely focused, and strongly motivated—even a bit obsessed in a healthy way. But you won’t need to be fanatical.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini author Ben H. Winters has useful counsel. "Every choice forecloses on other choices," he says. "Each step forward leaves a thousand dead possible universes behind you." I don't think there are a thousand dead universes after each choice; the number’s more like two or three. But the point is, you must be fully committed to leaving the past behind. Making decisions requires resolve. Second-guessing your brave actions rarely yields constructive results. So are you ready to have fun being firm and determined, Gemini? The cosmic rhythms will be on your side if you do.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Journalist Alexandra Robbins was addressing young people when she gave the following advice, but you will benefit from it regardless of your age: "There is nothing wrong with you just because you haven’t yet met people who share your interests or outlook on life. Know that you will eventually meet people who will appreciate you for being you." I offer this to you now, Cancerian, because the coming months will bring you into connection with an abundance of like-minded people who are working to create the same kind of world you are. Are you ready to enjoy the richest social life ever?

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Author Kevin Kelly is a maverick visionary who has thought a lot about how to create the best possible future. He advocates that we give up hoping for the unrealistic concept of utopia. Instead, he suggests we empower our practical efforts with the term “protopia.” In this model, we “crawl toward betterment,” trying to improve the world by one percent each year. You would be wise to apply a variation on this approach to your personal life in the coming months, Leo. A mere one-percent enhancement is too modest a goal, though. By your birthday in 2024, a six-percent upgrade is realistic, and you could reach as high as 10 percent.

“Jonesin”

Crosswords

ACROSS

1. "There's nothing left to add"

16. Era that Historic Williamsburg is supposed to represent

17. "Come see what life is like over here"

18. Fed a line

19. Exigency

20. First Lady after Lady Bird

21. Paintball sounds

27. Deg. for a grad student in film studies

28. Option to go straight to the game

32. Phrase that might introduce bad news

34. Garden gastropod

35. Steamed

37. Like some caulk or baking sheets

42. It's usually only accessible by plane or boat

43. "Srsly" preceder, maybe

46. New England nine

47. Calgary-to-Edmonton dir.

48. Nighttime sound

50. Number associated with the musical "Six"

52. Where to find Merlin

60. Green New Deal focus

61. Well-crafted speech, perhaps

DOWN

1. Heads of England?

2. Quick sellers, proverbially

3. Alaskan chain

4. Act like a sot

5. Author Blyton of "The Famous Five" series

6. Pulitzer winner ___-Manuel Miranda

7. Rested

8. Chess rating system

9. Rotating piece

10. Author Tan

11. Just out

12. Supplement ingredient

13. Fathered, on a ranch

14. Roman-___ (novel genre)

15. When repeated, "eh, you get the idea"

20. Performer of a surprise 2012 hit

21. "Santeria" rock band

22. Personal and vacation days, in the office

23. Bud of Bud

24. Stuff on a wall

25. Antidiscrimination law of 1972

26. Polite Indian titles, way back when

29. "Why Can't I?" singer Liz

30. Private eye, at times

31. University in Quebec City

33. French vessel for preparing an herbal brew

36. "2 Broke Girls" star Kat

38. Chip shop option

39. Some NHL endings

40. Prefix in some music genres

41. Pres. from Denison, Texas

43. Busy place in Chicago

44. Gourmet mushroom

45. "I've ___ idea" ("Beats me")

49. Cavs' home court, once

50. Hawk

51. Disney CEO Bob

53. Cute anime-inspired emoticon

54. "Insecure" star Issa

55. "Son of," in Arabic names

56. Prefix in some music genres

57. School gp.

58. Took command

59. Peptic start

"Words of Longing" or, just some long words across. by Matt Jones

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