I am writing to express my concerns regarding our state’s public pension fund. I’m urging them to vote for climate action at this spring’s shareholder meetings for the major corporations the pensions are invested in.
As Appalachia recovers from devastating floods in the wake of Hurricane Helene and LA faces down wildfires, it’s clear that it’s all hands-on-deck for stopping the climate crisis.
Our economy—and my retirement savings—depend on a thriving planet. Which is why my pension fund needs to play a leadership role in stopping climate change.
Public pensions are some of the country’s biggest shareholders and should champion sound business practices that respect people and the planet. Holding corporations accountable for their climate-wrecking behavior is a critical way to reduce risk to workers’ retirement savings and protect our future.
I want my pension fund to strengthen its proxy voting guidelines—the policy that outlines their beliefs about what defines good corporate behavior—to tackle the climate crisis.
I want our pension fund to care about our future as much as I do.
Patricia Heath | Mancelona
Locking in Fossil Fuels
The Line 5 Great Lakes tunnel proposal was approved by Gov. Snyder in 2018, allowing Line 5 to operate until the tunnel (expected in 2030) is completed. Line 5 will earn $6 billion in the decade awaiting the tunnel—whether or not it’s built. Enbridge has a land route to the same Ontario destination, safer but less profitable.
This first-in-the-world underwater oil tunnel will be bored directly below stilloperating Line 5: a dangerous undertaking that risks the Great Lakes. Michigan taxpayers must own the completed tunnel bearing responsibility for 99 years of Canadian oil heading to Ontario.
Michigan’s Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy, EGLE, is asked to evaluate the tunnel project to protect the Great Lakes and Michigan, not Enbridge profits. The Michigan Healthy Climate Plan seeks to move away from fossil fuels, not lock them in.
Enbridge has convinced many that the tunnel is for safety when the opposite is true.
Barbara Stamiris | Traverse City
CONTENTS
City area
Northern Express Weekly is published by Eyes Only Media, LLC.
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this week’s
top ten
Deep Freeze Winter Jam
Well, it’s certainly been a cold winter, but the Cheboygan Opera House is ready to warm things up. For its second year, the Deep Freeze Winter Jam returns to the stage featuring local rock bands Alter Ego Rehab (pictured) and The Lonely Pines. This is more than a show; the concert is also a fundraiser for Cheboygan’s St. Thomas Food Pantry, which distributes food supplements every Monday to residents of Cheboygan County. Last year, organizers were able to fill the beds of two Silverados from Wheeler Chevrolet with canned goods to benefit the pantry! Catch the performance on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 7pm (doors). Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for kids under 18—bring along a donatable canned good and get $2 off your ticket. See all the details at theoperahouse.org.
Interlochen Arts Academy hosts their free annual winter festival, Saturday, Feb. 22, beginning at 11am. With both indoor and outdoor activities to choose from, you and the kiddos can enjoy sledding and s’mores, instrument trials, acting, dancing, jazz, painting, and much more. And join a parade to Corson Auditorium to check out a performance showcasing the different art forms represented at Interlochen! interlochen.org/events/winterlochen-2025-02-22
Hey, read It! Somewhere Toward Freedom 4
In 1864, Union General William Tecumseh Sherman gathered his troops and set out on the now-historic march from Atlanta to the port city and Confederate stronghold of Savannah, Georgia. As he and his men made the trek southeast, some 20,000 previously-enslaved men and women followed in the army’s footsteps, trudging across the state’s rolling hills on the uncertain but shining path toward freedom. The way wasn’t without hardships: Many freed people faced exposure and hunger, and even the army couldn’t promise protection from the ever-looming threat of oppression (especially when it lurked among their allies). Just in time for Black History Month, Civil War historian Bennett Parten’s nonfiction debut, sheds vivid new light on America’s largest emancipation movement and the thousands of courageous people who made it possible.
Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but we’re still craving something sweet. Right now, the Lemon-Glazed Molasses cookie ($5) from JoJo’s Cookie Co is speaking our sugary language. Molasses cookies are such a treat in the winter—comforting, warming, and hitting all the cozy notes. The lemon glaze levels up the experience with a hint of brightness and a tart kick that brings something fresh to the cookie-eating experience. JoJo’s is all about making big, gooey, treats, which means you won’t have to go back for seconds…but you’ll definitely want to. Plus, be sure to check out their monthly lineup of new and rotating flavors in addition to the core options always available. Find them in Petoskey (2611 Charlevoix Ave), Traverse City (113 Park Street), or online at jojoscookiecompany.com.
The Big Clothing Swap
According to Earth.org, an international environmental news website, 100 billion garments are produced each year…and 92 million tons of clothing waste ends up in landfills. This week, you can take a step toward sustainability—and have some fun shopping—with Blessed Be Tea and Apothecary’s Big Clothing Swap. Bring gently used, clean clothing (all sizes, all genders) to the downtown TC shop before Feb. 19 and receive one ticket per donated piece, good for any item at the swap. On Wednesday, Feb. 19, from 12-6pm, shop the swap! Use your ticket(s) to find a new-to-you look, and know that all leftover clothing will be donated to the Women’s Resource Center. Find Blessed Be at 116 E Front St. in Traverse City and get more information at blessedbetea.com.
Send Us Your 2025 Iconic Eats!
While we’re thinking about food in this week’s Winter Restaurant Guide, let’s think Iconic Eats! Each year, we pull together five “iconic” dishes from across the North, the dishes that keep customers coming back again and again, snapping a dozen photos for Instagram, and telling all their friends about the best meal they’ve ever had. Last year, you helped us feature The Good Bowl’s Vegan Pho Saigon, Clam Lake Beer Co.’s New England Clam Chowder, The Manitou’s Lake Perch, The Filling Station’s Spartan/Wolverine Pizza, and Doug Murdick’s Chocolate Fudge. What have you been craving this year? Breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert—tell us about your favorite dish in northern Michigan! Send your recommendations to info@northernexpress.com by March 15, and stay tuned for the 2025 list in our Spring Restaurant Guide.
Stuff We Love: Making Sewing Accessible
Wish you could fix that tear in your jacket, patch your jeans, or even create some of your own designs? Sewing has become something of a lost art, and Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey wants to bring it back. Whether you’re approaching sewing from a creative standpoint or just want to make your clothes last longer, their “Make It Sew (Machine)” program can help. Led by costume designer Kristal Taylor, the six-week class is designed for adult beginners and starts Feb. 25 on Tuesdays at 3:30pm at CTAC ($135/$125 members). If you can’t make the commitment, CTAC will offer more sewing skills options in April with a Sewing Machine Workshop on April 15, a Hand Sewing Workshop on April 22, and a Beginners Alteration Workshop on April 29 ($75/$50 members per workshop). Learn more at crookedtree.org/classes/petoskey.
Old-school mixology meets Michigan flair at Muskrat Distilling in Boyne City. Opened in 2022, this small distillery is slinging a menu of pre-Prohibition-inspired cocktails, all featuring their line of craft spirits like the masterful Aperitivo, made with 10 botanicals, including grapefruit peel, earthy gentian root, and a touch of demerara sugar. This ruby liqueur is its own appeteaser, but also serves as a bittersweet component for the effervescent Winter Spritz ($12). This seasonal take on the classic (a dry aperitif with sparkling wine and ice) layers cranberry juice and toasty Cava over an Aperitivo base. Topped off with an ice cube studded with cinnamon, cranberry, and star anise, it’s the perfect balance of bubbles and bite to ward off the last of the winter doldrums. Belly up to the bar at 121 Water St. in Boyne City. themuskrat.com
AUTHENTIC THAI
W I N T E R
C L E A R A N C E S A L E !
PROVING WE NEED IT
spectator
By steven Tuttle
Black History Month is not quite dead. President Trump signed a declaration announcing it and he mentioned several Black people from our history, perhaps the only such folks whose names he knows.
But the Trump ban on all things DEI (diversity, equality, inclusion) was more important to some government departments than was the Trump declaration. The Department of Defense, for example, will not recognize February as anything other than a short month. The Departments of Justice and State and others are similarly eliminating
of notorious gangster Lucky Luciano in 1936.
Lewis Howard Latimer had a knack for making things better. He invented an improved carbon filament for electric light bulbs, allowing them to last much longer, and he invented an improved toilet system for trains. He also invented an evaporative cooling system in 1886 that is conceptually similar to what we still use today and which comes in mighty handy as we warm up.
Donald Trump tried to eliminate Black History Month, then proved why we actually need it.
recognition of any diversity-specific activities in keeping with the Trump Executive Order banning such recognition.
It’s a shame, because there is much for us to learn or be reminded of from these communities we have marginalized over the decades. When it comes to Black history, we know the basics and some of the major figures, but their contribution has been way, way more than just civil rights demonstrations and laws. It’s a shameful truth we likely would never have heard of any of the following without Black History Month.
For example, in no particular order of importance or chronology...
Dr. Charles Drew was an early barrierbreaker and life-saver. A talented surgeon and chemist, Drew created the process of making blood transfusions safe, created a method by which blood could be stored longer, and helped establish the first blood banks, saving untold lives in WWII and thereafter.
(There is a myth surrounding Dr. Drew that claims following an automobile accident he was refused entry to hospitals because of his race and subsequently bled to death. Drew and three colleagues were in a serious automobile accident but the Jim Crow Museum, citing contemporaneous reports from another passenger, Dr. John Ford, says Drew was quickly admitted to the nearest hospital but his injuries were so serious he could not be saved.)
Garret Morgan was an inventor’s inventor, always coming up with something new. The hood he created to protect firefighters from smoke was subsequently used as a gas mask in WWI, saving lives until mustard gas was introduced. Morgan also invented the three position (red, yellow, green) traffic light, versions of which we still use today.
Eunice Carter was one of the first female lawyers in the country, graduating from Fordham Law in 1932, was the first Black prosecutor in Manhattan and one of the first in the country. Notably, she developed the legal strategy that led to the successful prosecution
Bessie Coleman was undeterred by constantly being told “no,” and in 1921 became the first Black woman and first Native American of any gender to receive a pilot’s license. She was also the first Black person from any country to earn an International Pilot’s License.
Frederick McKinley Jones invented the first mechanical refrigeration for trucks in 1935. It changed the way we eat to this day (the same system was subsequently used on trains, boats, and, eventually, planes). The invention saved untold lives in WWII by allowing blood and food to be safely shipped in refrigerated trucks. Jones received the National Medal of Technology and was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
Marie Maynard Daly was the first Black woman to earn a PhD in chemistry but, more importantly, in 1975, she and a colleague discovered the link between cholesterol and clogged arteries. In a separate breakthrough, she also determined the primary building blocks of DNA are the same in all living things, laying the groundwork for identifying the actual structure of DNA.
We continue ignoring these leaders in ways large and small.
When Donald Trump offered essentially free passage and asylum to “Afrikaners in South Africa who are victims of unjust racial discrimination,” it was about as nakedly racist as it could be. Why? White South African folks are welcome—they quickly rejected the offer—but our doors are virtually closed to the people of color from all over the world being discriminated against and displaced due to race or ethnicity.
KFF (formerly the Kaiser Family Foundation) says internationally 40 percent of Black citizens, 30 percent of Hispanics, and 28 percent of Asians say they have been, or currently are, subject to racial discrimination. The UN High Commission for Refugees says a stunning 117 million mostly people of color have been displaced due to discrimination of various forms. But no invitations for them.
Donald Trump tried to eliminate Black History Month, then proved why we actually need it.
BASIC MATH, GOOD INTENTIONS, AND UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES
Guest opinion
by Tom Gutowski
Imagine you’re an appliance dealer and you sell foreign made microwave ovens. You buy them for $80 each and sell them for $100. The $20 difference goes toward your expenses and leaves you with a small profit per machine. If the U.S. puts a 25 percent tariff on these ovens, your cost per unit will go up to $100: $80 for the microwave, plus $20 payable to U.S. customs. Obviously, you’ll need to raise your prices.
That’s the straightforward part. From here on, it gets complicated. The simplest scenario is that you raise the price of each unit by the amount of the tariff. Your competitors who sell microwaves not subject to the tariff (either domestically manufactured or coming from a country not affected by the tariff) would presumably now sell more units while you sell fewer, because yours have become more expensive.
Or, your competitors might raise their prices as much as you raise yours, with the idea that they’ll sell about the same number of units as in the past but make more money on each one. If they do that, consumers will end up paying more whichever one they buy. Or, your competitors could raise their prices, but by less than you do, so they make a little more profit per microwave, but also sell more because theirs are still somewhat cheaper than yours. Or, the foreign maker of the microwave ovens may lower its prices in an effort to remain competitive in the U.S. market. There are no hard and fast rules here.
Governments impose tariffs on foreign countries to make foreign goods more expensive and thus encourage consumers to buy domestically produced products. A government might do this to protect an industry that needs time to establish itself, that’s facing competition from countries with extremely low wages, that’s vital for defense purposes, or that’s being hurt by dumping (other countries selling goods below cost). Tariffs may also be used as a threat against another country to extract concessions that may or may not not have anything to do with trade.
The potential positive outcomes carry some downside risk. Consider, for example, our relationship with China, with whom we have a large trade deficit (meaning we buy a lot more from them than they do from us). If we substantially increase tariffs on Chinese goods, the price of those goods would go up and American consumers would then face a choice: either pay more for the Chinese products, or switch to American made merchandise.
In some cases, there might not be any comparable product made in America. Also, as described in the microwave example above, the price of competing
American goods might go up as well. American manufacturers who use Chinese-made parts would have to charge more for their products unless and until they develop new supply chains, and they’d therefore be less competitive in the world marketplace.
American companies that have products assembled in China (e.g. Apple) would probably seek tariff waivers. If the waivers weren’t granted, they might charge more to compensate for the tariff, or they might move production out of China—but not necessarily to America. India and Vietnam come to mind. And China could impose retaliatory tariffs, reducing the amount of goods we sell to them. China could also work to develop closer relationships with other trading partners, with possible long-term negative consequences for us.
The threat of a major tariff increase can motivate the target country to develop closer ties with other trading partners, and can hurt both country’s economies by introducing uncertainty.
Before Trump recently threatened Columbia with a 25 percent tariff over a dispute involving deportation of Colombian nationals, many American companies had been investing there because of Columbia’s stability and its nearness to the U.S. Now, that process may be slowing while they reassess the situation, and there’s concern in some quarters that Columbia may end up getting cozier with China. Meanwhile the mere threat of a tariff caused already high prices for Colombian coffee to spike.
Tariffs are best used as part of a deliberate, well thought out trade strategy, and not impulsively. They generally ought to be set at moderate levels, lest they trigger unwanted effects. When the U.S. raised its already high tariffs via the SmootHawley Tariff Act in 1930, other countries retaliated en masse; the resulting trade war reduced global commerce by more than 25 percent, deepening the Great Depression.
Tariffs can be used to generate revenue, but the constraint is that if tariffs are set high enough to be a major revenue source, they may be high enough to cause unintended and unwelcome consequences. Besides, the revenue comes from our own citizens, not from foreign countries, despite what Trump keeps saying on this subject.
Perhaps the biggest lesson is that tariffs are complicated. Anyone proposing to use massive tariff increases to produce rapid, major, and neatly targeted changes in trade patterns or relations with trading partners stands a good chance of being unpleasantly surprised.
Tom Gutowski holds a BA in Economics and a PhD in History.
OURS TO LOSE
Guest opinion by
Cathye Williams
I like a February column. February is a beautiful in-between place. We are past the hustle of the holidays, but spring is still a ways off. And this year, at least, we are kneedeep in the white stuff.
For those curled up indoors with a good book, the snow is quiet and beautiful. For the more adventurous, it provides a wonderland to trek, ski, and sled through. Normally, in February, I would write about the snow. I might also write about Restaurant Week, encouraging folks to get out and support local eateries. I could be cheering for the small farms featured on menus, and discussing how they nourish us. I might suggest that you plan out your dream garden, or order a summer farm share as a way to shake off the cold.
already enacted and funded. What could motivate the wealthiest man in the world to bother with all this? It’s hard to imagine someone like him wanting still more.
Yet there he is—working at the highest level in the very government from which he, along with other oligarchs-in-waiting, stand to earn lucrative government contracts and tax cuts via the Trump controlled legislature.
The rollout of these executive actions has been poorly planned and must be a disappointment to the Republican base, to whom Trump promised to restore American greatness, not a concentration of wealth and power far above them. I’m not sure what his voters wanted from him, but I don’t think it was that.
The constitutional crisis is at our door. Right, left or center, it’s time to speak out. Democracy is ours to lose.
Normally I might write these things in February. But this February I can’t, because right now, nothing is normal. And we should resist any urge to normalize in any way what is happening.
In his first weeks in office, the president has unleashed a flurry of executive actions, including orders to restore “biological truth,” end birthright citizenship, and “eradicate anti-Christian bias” in government. He has threatened tariffs and deportations and enlisted Marco Rubio as Secretary of State to cut off life-saving aid in developing countries.
He also offered two million federal employees severance packages for leaving their positions, thus laying the groundwork for them to be fired if they failed to pledge fealty, not to the country, but to Donald Trump himself. Such a shift could end jobs, services, and programs that millions of Americans are entitled to and rely on. Efficiency is unlikely to improve with the loss of so much institutional knowledge, especially with unqualified, unvetted political cronies filling the void.
These orders are clear in their intent, but muddled as to implementation, and have caused confusion and fear in equal measure. Thankfully, they are facing multiple legal challenges, with many having been blocked or put on hold by the courts, for now (The New York Times).
Another anticipated outcome of Trump’s return is the power and access that he has bestowed upon Elon Musk.
This unelected multi-billionaire is attempting, under the guise of “government efficiency,” to undo that which Congress has
www.rpmrecordstc.com
My plan is to keep talking about the harm. And think beyond the acronyms. I won’t talk about cuts to the EPA. I’ll talk about losing the public servants who have kept our drinking water clean. I won’t talk about the NIH. I’ll talk about ending cancer research that could save a child’s life someday. They didn’t shut down the CPA, they left vulnerable consumers without protection from predatory lending and unreasonable fines and fees.
They are undoing so much good for so many people.
While Trump bombards us with improbable distractions, his surrogates are laying the path to authoritarian rule. He has no solutions and his only plan is to keep everyone mad and “owning the Libs.”
While he is going on about buying Greenland, invading Panama, or annexing Canada, listen to the rest of the gang. They continue to say the quiet part out loud. Vice President Vance and Speaker Johnson have both warned the Courts to leave the Executive branch and Congress alone. They have asserted that the courts lack the power to check them, when it is actually only the courts that can.
No matter what they say, we know and they know what the right thing to do is.
The constitutional crisis is at our door. Right, left or center, it’s time to speak out. Democracy is ours to lose.
Cathye Williams is a local climate activist. She writes from the northern corner of Manistee County.
The Influence of an Influencer
How one video turned Glendale Burger Shop into an online sensation
By Karl Klockars
“This is the Junction. Oh my god … this thing is phenomenal.”
Those are the words that plunged Glendale Burger Shop into weeks of frenzied burgermaking, thanks to the influencing powers of Seoung Lee and Chow Down Detroit. Hundreds of thousands of people across every social media channel watched Lee dig into a delicious looking smashburger from the front seat of his car … but after that 0:59 second clip is over, what does it mean for the restaurant that smashed said burger?
This is the story of what happened to one restaurateur—Bray McCabe, who runs Glendale with his wife Brittany—who felt the white-hot power of social media influence … and lived to tell the tale.
The Impact
It was an average August Wednesday, and business was a bit sluggish at Glendale Burger Shop thanks to the nearby Grandview Parkway construction project.
“When that video came out, we were just closing up the shop, and I saw that we got tagged. I was like, ‘Oh, sick. That’s cool,’” Bray says. “And then we started getting followers”—hundreds, almost immediately—and Bray thought, “I wonder
if it’s gonna affect business. Because he’s in Detroit, and we’re up here.”
The next day? “Pretty busy.”
The day after that? “Two days in … we had done double [the business] that we did the week before. On that same day.”
That weekend? “Out in the dining room, you’re just hearing the video being played at tables. And [we were] like, ‘Oh…this is a thing.’”
The rest of August? “A blur. Truly. We were hanging on for dear life.”
Over the coming weeks, their work hours increased. They added a couple people to help bus tables, so payroll increased. Their deliveries increased. (“We get all our meat from Maxbauers, and we had to call and ask: ‘Do you have any meat left?’”)
They had to close early on some days due to demand. Their days off turned into prep days to get ready for the flood of visitors that would be driving in the next day from places like Petoskey, Lansing, Grand Rapids, and beyond. Just for a burger people saw on the internet.
Behind the Scenes
Lee, for his part, is well aware of the power accounts like his can have. He’s been doing this since long before the rise of TikTok—his coverage started anonymously
in the days of Yelp and FourSquare—and knows his videos can bring a lot of people to a restaurant, but rarely like this.
“With these videos, you never know. It was definitely one of my highest. It just went crazy. On all of them. I posted it on Facebook, it went nuts. On Twitter, YouTube Shorts, whatever.” (As of press time, the video had well over 200,000 views and likes across social platforms.)
The original trip that prompted the video was pretty low key. “I usually never go to TC in the summertime, but when I went with my family from Korea, I said, you know what? I’m gonna get [a Glendale burger]. I went there, got the food, paid for it, chatted with [Bray] for a few seconds because he was really busy. And that was it,” Lee tells us. “And then I ate … and then didn’t post it for a year.”
Yes—a year. While thousands of people were digitally experiencing a Glendale Junction burger for the first time, that burger was actually consumed 11 months prior, and that delay was definitely a godsend for Glendale.
“We couldn’t have handled it when he filmed it. There’s not a world where we could have handled it within two months of opening,” Bray says. “It’s great that he took his time with it. It came when we needed it.”
Lee had in fact stopped by in September of 2023, and circumstances in Traverse City had changed a bit since his visit. “When that video came out, Parkway construction had just moved down and everyone was talking about how terrible it was,” Bray says. “Every local was kind of avoiding it, [but] tourists don’t care about construction.”
The Keith Lee Effect
A professional photographer by trade, Lee’s food coverage has earned him awards from publications like Zagat and Hour Detroit. He stopped at Glendale with his family on a trip to Traverse City mostly because of a personal relationship: Bray and Lee knew of each other from Bray’s time at Folgarelli's Market & Wine Shop. (Bray is probably also one of the more savvier restaurateurs when it comes to storytelling on social media.)
2024 was also the year where people became familiar with the idea of “the Keith Lee effect,” so named for the massively popular TikTok restaurant reviewer who often dines in his car at restaurants nationwide, reviewing takeout orders and delivering massive waves of customers following his visits.
The Keith Lee effect is real, and in Michigan, the Chow Down Detroit/Seuoung
The Junction ($11) is made with two smashed beef patties seared in mustard with sliced onions, American cheese, and a generous portion pickles on a brioche bun.
Lee effect is also clearly a presence, though mostly in the southeast part of the state. For that reason, the response to the Glendale Burger review was extra surprising.
“I didn’t think it was going to go viral, because it’s in Traverse City and not in Detroit,” Lee says. “It’s all about the algorithm. I don’t understand it, but, you know, it does its job.”
And in spite of the added workload and influx of customers, looking back, Bray doesn’t have any complaints.
“Hard work … it’s the industry, right? If a Little League tournament was in town and we got crushed for the weekend, I’m not
gonna get mad at the tournament,” he says.
“I subscribe to the notion that rising tides raise all ships. Suddenly these people come up because they saw this review, and while they’re here, maybe they stayed the night at a hotel. Maybe they popped in and bought some fudge. It was good. We’re happy. It was a lot of work, but whatever—that’s the job.”
The Staying Power
As for the long-term impact of that video?
“We still get people coming in and talking about the video,” Bray says, and notes that the post exposes them to a lot of new
faces that otherwise might not have known about Glendale. “With our point of sale system, I can tell first time customers versus return customers. For August, it ended up being like 80 percent first-time customers.”
There was another “tell” of who might be a first timer as well: “Everyone was like, ‘I want the thing that the guy got with the sauce on the side.’”
Some of those guests still come to mind today.
“ There were people [who said] ‘We’ve been at home for every one of our anniversaries for the past 25 years. But this year we saw the review and we
had to come in and get a burger on our anniversary.’ It’s those little things you hear, and you’re like, ‘Because this guy ate a burger in his car, this is now a part of your story,’” Bray says with disbelief. “You take the good with the bad, you forget the bad, and remember the good.”
The effects are lingering for Lee as well. “I still get people commenting on that video,” he says. “I’m happy for [Glendale]. I’m glad it worked out, you know?”
That’s just the power of a good smashburger apparently…and Lee is happy to take recommendations for another TC visit later this year.
Lee had glowing things to say about Glendale's burger.
THE HOMEBODY GOES GOURMET
Inside the Ingredients
By Nora Rae Pearl
Cold winter nights sometimes leave us with no other option than to seek comfort for our hearts and souls, and for me that comes in the form of food. We’ll take a look at two recipes we can make all year round, but this time with a few winter wonderland change-ups.
Inspired by Cheese and Company in Petoskey (mark your calendars for opening day April 12!), we’ve made a Three Cheese Cavatappi to bring warmth to your winter table. We shopped at The Cheese Lady in Traverse City for our favorite sharp cheddar and also found varieties like Dubliner, Gruyère, or Gouda to be especially complementary in this dish.
And for dessert, if you can’t decide between chocolate or coffee, settle for both in the Tiramisu Brownie. For chocolate, we sourced the finest at The Grocer’s Daughter in Empire. Their 70 percent cacao chocolate discs are perfect for this recipe—and don’t forget to pick up some of their famous truffles while you’re there!
To make the cavatappi: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour. Cook for one minute while
whisking constantly. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and milk. Cook until thickened and mixture begins to bubble, stirring often. Mix in the salt through the nutmeg. Add half of your sharp aged cheese of choice, stir until melted. Take off the heat and set aside.
Cook noodles until al dente. Drain, then add to sauce. Stir until noodles are well coated. Pour into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle over the remaining sharp aged cheese, Parmesan, and Romano. Bake for 25 minutes, then broil until the top is golden. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
To make the breadcrumbs: In a microwave safe bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs through the red pepper flakes. Microwave for one minute, then stir. Continue to microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until the breadcrumbs are lightly toasted. This should not take longer than 2 to 3 minutes. Serve atop Cavatappi.
and chocolate are perfect together in this
Brownie Ingredients
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 11 oz. Grocer’s Daughter 70 percent Esmeraldas Chocolate Discs
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
• 5 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Espresso Mousse Ingredients
• 8 oz. mascarpone
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup sugar
• pinch of kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder, for dusting
To make the brownies: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Turn off the heat and add the chocolate.
Stir until all the chocolate is melted, turning on the heat very briefly if needed. Set aside to cool. In a small bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and espresso powder. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine the eggs through the vanilla. Beat with a hand mixer on high until the mixture thickens and becomes pale in color; it should be doubled in size. Gently fold the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Add the flour mixture, and fold it gently but quickly to avoid over mixing. Pour into the prepared pan, smooth top. Bake until the top looks slightly cracked and feels soft to the touch, 25 to 28 minutes. Let cool completely.
To make the espresso mousse: In a large bowl, beat together the mascarpone and heavy cream until combined. Add the remaining ingredients. Beat until you have a whipped cream texture. Spread evenly over the cooled brownies. Dust with cocoa powder. Chill until ready to serve, then slice into small bites.
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Dining with the Kosch Brothers
The trio’s lasting impact on the NoMi dining scene
By Ellen Miller
Everyone has a story for how they got started in their careers. For Gary, Gordie, and Doug Kosch, the story is simple: early experiences working in hospitality led to opportunities and knowledge that they could invest back in their communities.
Getting Their Start
A career in the restaurant industry came calling for Gary following a brief stint at a desk job after graduating with a degree in accounting. “I didn’t realize I sat at a desk all the time,” he reflects, laughing. “That did not work with my personality.”
When his brother Gordie graduated a year later, the two took the leap into the dining world together, opening their first restaurant in 1981. “We were business partners for 39 years, and we had a great journey together,” Gary says. (Gourdie passed away from ALS in August of 2022.)
The brothers started with one restaurant in the Detroit area before pivoting into contract cafeterias in office buildings, which they would manage for three to five years. At their height, the brothers were managing about 45 different operating units throughout southeast Michigan and Toledo.
In 1994, Gary decided to make the move to northern Michigan, where his wife was from. Up North, the journey continued with a sports bar Gordie Howe’s Tavern & Eatery, and ultimately other local establishments across the region including restaurants in Kalkaska and Gaylord.
Doug Kosch didn’t expect to spend his career in restaurants either. “I grew up working in restaurants and was in business with my brother down state for a little bit,”
he says. “When my wife and I moved up to northern Michigan, I vowed to never get in again, but”—he jokes—“I realized I didn’t have any other talents.”
Doug ended up as the vice president of food and beverage at Shanty Creek Resort before purchasing The Boathouse restaurant on Old Mission Peninsula in 2004.
More Family Ties
Over the years, Doug says The Boathouse has weathered the industry’s many changes well and seen its strong summer business stretch throughout the year as Traverse City became more of a year-round destination and place to live.
“Back in the day in the middle of winter, there were times you’d maybe have zero or two customers. We were just talking about this, and we haven’t had a goose egg in years,” he says.
And summer has only gotten busier. “Summer has more tourism, more people on vacation, more celebrations, and more people wanting to go out for a nice meal on the water and enjoy as much of the day as they can on vacation. There’s so many people I see once a year and I have been seeing them for years. They tell me they rent the same place, they go to a winery, see the lighthouse, go take a family pic, and then come to The Boathouse,” Doug says.
The Boathouse has become a family business too; Doug’s daughter now works with him at the restaurant.
Gary’s restaurants have also brought in the next generation; his daughter Stacey and her husband Jerry McCleave took over Alpine Tavern & Eatery and C.R.A.V.E. in Gaylord at the start of this year. Gary, who has slowly been selling off his restaurants for the
past few years, is looking forward to having fewer restaurant-related responsibilities.
“The restaurant biz I’ve loved, it’s a great business, but after being in it for 40odd years, it wears on you,” he says. “My daughter has three sons, and I go over there and play grandpa more than I do anything these days.”
Times They are A-Changin’…
In the three-plus decades since the Koschs opened their first restaurant, the business has needed to evolve along with its customers. The switch from cash to credit and the proliferation of chain restaurants are two big changes Gary notes. Prices have also changed. Gary points to the prices on one of his early restaurant menus; finding a meal that cheap these days would be near
impossible.
But both brothers say that the biggest change is labor.
“Today’s employment market is vastly different. Years ago, old-school Gary would put an ad in the newspaper for help wanted and have numerous applicants to choose from. In today’s world, it’s harder and harder; an ad could run forever and not get an applicant,” says Gary.
“Demographics are changing, housing is an issue… it’s hard work, and it’s getting harder to find kids or younger people who want to make that a career,” Doug agrees.
He explains that the rise of glamorous portrayals of chefs on the Food Network don’t always align with the reality of the hard work that goes into being in the kitchen. He says he’s lucky to have a solid front and back
of house staff, but “like everyone else, we’re a little short in the summertime.”
…But Some Things Never Change
“You’re only as good as your last customer experience,” says Gary, pointing to a philosophy that followed him throughout his career. “That is definitely a constant.”
“At a restaurant, unlike other businesses like a doctor or an attorney, people don’t come to us with a problem—they come to have a happy experience,” Gary adds. “That
starts in the parking lot, when you walk in and see the building, then you have service and food and follow up. It’s an easy thing to say and sometimes a hard thing to do. I always felt very good when we were able to accomplish that.”
For Doug, “The customer has stayed the same—someone who just enjoys coming to us for a special occasion or just for dinner. I have been seeing the same people for 15-20 years who have seen us grow. They are happy to see us grow and are really good people.”
on Characters Created by Charles
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FEELING HUNGRY?
The Boathouse
The Boathouse is nestled on the shores of Bowers Harbor Marina, with waterfront views from just about every seat in the place. Tourists return to this “upscale casual” restaurant year after year on their summer vacations, but winter shakes things up as it becomes more of a locals’ scene, with Peninsula residents gathering for a glass of wine or a burger near the fireplace indoors. Pro tip: Don’t miss the oysters! Last year Boathouse went through 60,000 of them. Doug says the Wagyu beef and summertime’s seasonal fresh halibut are other winners.
This month, The Boathouse will participate in Traverse City Restaurant Week Feb. 22-March 2. Their menu is $45 for three courses.
C.R.A.V.E.
Located on Main Street in Gaylord, C.R.A.V.E. is home to brick oven pizza and pasta. One unique option to sample is the Salty Hog, a pie with bacon onion jam, house cheese blend, pulled pork, and a balsamic drizzle. (Note: They also offer cauliflower crusts for gluten-free diners!) C.R.A.V.E. runs a happy hour Monday through Friday from 3-6pm, offering 25 percent off all beer, wine, liquor, and appetizers.
Alpine Tavern & Eatery
Just one block south of Main Street in downtown Gaylord, Alpine Tavern & Eatery is a family-friendly sports bar offering burgers, fried fish, and more. They regularly host live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and are the perfect spot to catch all of the big games. Gary says you shouldn’t miss the award-winning chili.
Two Sons Pizza
Traverse City
Until Two Sons Pizza opened on East Front Street in Traverse City, there was no authentic New York-style pizza in town. Well, at least none that matched what Steve Tyson remembered from his professional years in NYC.
“That’s why Two Sons Pizza exists,” says Tyson, who opened the pizzeria with his wife, Jen, a short time after they moved their family to Traverse City and realized there was a niche to be filled in the local market. “I could not get the pizza here that I wanted. In New York, I ate pizza multiple times a week.”
Although he considers himself a pizza geek, Tyson concedes he knew nothing about making New York-style pizza beforehand. Looking to replicate the style, he reached out to the owner of his favorite pizzeria back in New York and hired him as a consultant.
Tyson learned from his mentor but also tinkered, slightly changing the dough and the sauce. He calls his pizza a hybrid of New York-style and Neapolitan. His crust is firmer on the bite but chewy on the inside. His pizzas can also be super crispy on the outside with that perfect char.
On the Menu
Grand Pepperoni is the most popular classic pie. Mushy Madness, one of their two vegetable pizza offerings, is a mushroom pizza topped with sauteed mushrooms, ricotta, basil, and truffle oil, and is a big hit. Specialty pies are crafted each month as well.
Among the signature pizzas are the TC Pie, consisting of house-smoked pulled pork, Two Sons Signature Cherry Barbecue sauce, and red and green onion, and the Smokehouse Chicken, with house-smoked chicken, bacon, and house ranch. Several pies are available by the slice every day. The sides include French fries, garlic knots, and Zeppelis, homemade doughnuts with powdered sugar and a Nutella drizzle.
Two Sons makes almost everything from scratch, including their dough and sauce. Some pizza staples like mozzarella and pepperoni come from suppliers, but nearly all other toppings come from fresh ingredients, chopped and cooked daily by the kitchen staff. “There’s not a freezer in our shop,” Tyson says. “We’re fast and casual, an open-scratch kitchen.”
Find Two Sons Pizza inside The Coin Slot at 346 E. Front St. in Traverse City. (231) 4636887; twosonspizza.com
By Northern Express Staff & Contributors
A key part of any bear’s hibernation strategy is to fill up on plenty of food to last the winter. We writers take a similar approach, dining out whenever we can in the fall and winter months at new restaurants (seven of them on this list!) and old favorites (one with a history dating back more than 100 years).
Let us help you on your hibernation journey, with pizza, tacos, barbecue, soul food, small plates, and fine dining options throughout the North. Welcome to the 2025 Winter Restaurant Guide!
Walloon Lake Inn
Walloon Lake
Starting in 1981, when it was given its current name, the Walloon Lake Inn enjoyed a long run as a highly regarded, upscale but unpretentious dining destination. In 2014, the Inn changed hands and underwent a total renovation as part of the overall renaissance of Walloon Lake Village.
The bar, “appropriate for a true speakeasy… from the 1920s” per designer Kathryn Chaplow, is finished in cerused oak and seats six on red leather and brass stools. A stunning—and capacious—wine wall separates the area from the dining room and keeps around 90 vintages under perfect conditions.
Upstairs, the Varnish Room offers private dining in a gleaming mahogany space honoring the historic wooden hull boats common to Walloon. The handiwork of skilled woodworkers and boat finishers and the onsite builder, this area gleams like the boats that inspired it and feels like the grand salon of a vintage Great Lakes yacht. “It was a real labor of love,” explains Chaplow.
On the Menu
Truffle Fries are the favorite house appetizer, with parmesan and Romano, organic herbs, and truffle aioli. Among the fresh salads, the top seller is the Cauli-Brussels salad, with warm naan bread, hummus, baby arugula, roasted curry-spiced cauliflower and brussels sprouts, feta and tzatziki.
It should come as no surprise that the favorite entree is the northern Michigan delicacy, John Cross Whitefish, in parmesan panko crust, with an array of roast vegetables, lemon beurre blanc, and capers.
Seafood is a specialty of the Inn, like the Seafood Risotto, with scallops, shrimp, and vegetable risotto in herb butter wine sauce. The Butter Poached Lobster Tail is a welcome traditional offering. Meanwhile, beef lovers can choose from a fine filet, New York strip, or braised short rib. Sun-dried Tomato Falafel with wilted spinach, pearl couscous risotto, and tzatziki sauce is a delicious meatless option.
Find Walloon Lake Inn at 4178 West Street in Walloon Lake. (231)-535-2999; walloonlakeinn.com
Steve’s Smokin’ BBQ and Firebird Pizza
Traverse City
For more than 20 years and through thousands of
smoked turkey legs, Steve’s Smokin’ BBQ has been a landmark at fairs and festivals from Traverse City to Arizona and back, not the least of which is the National Cherry Festival. This summer, owner Steve Randell and his son Logan both added a new line to their resume: brick-and-mortar restaurateurs.
The Randells acquired a space in the Garfield Center in Traverse City all the way back in 2019, but it wasn’t until this past July that they opened a two-concepts-inone combo: The brick-and-mortar version of Steve’s Smokin’ BBQ plus a new concept called Firebird Pizza.
For first timers, you’ll quickly learn that part of being treated right with the Randells involves generous portions—plus some powerful aromas. Even if you’re stopping in for a quick pizza and salad, the scent of wood smoke will often hit you as soon you open the door.
On the Menu
On the pizza side of things, you might find a bit more variety than you’re used to. Nearly four dozen options are on the menu from crusts (including a gluten-free and cauliflower options) to sauces to cheese to finishing flavor drizzles of hot honey, pesto, or even a sprinkle of their house rib rub. Build your own or opt for house specials with names like the Booyah Supreme, the Brody Beefy Brisket, or the Adam Peppy Pickle topped with bacon, red onion, confit garlic, and dill pickles.
After your pizza is dressed before your eyes, it’s popped into a huge oven with a rotating deck, which cooks as it spins, turning out completely cooked Neapolitanstyle pizzas in about 180 seconds.
Meanwhile, on the barbecue side, you’ll see dishes like Steve’s Smokin’ Mac (three cheeses plus options for smoked brisket, pork, or chicken), a Smoke House “Steak” Salad with brisket, and platters that include everything from ribs to half a smoked chicken.
Even though Steve’s is a well-known name for barbecue in Traverse City, both sides of the business have been doing well. “The pizza was a complete unknown,” Logan says. “We didn’t know how that was going to go over, and the response has been overwhelmingly good.”
Find Steve’s Smokin’ BBQ and Firebird Pizza at 831 S Garfield Ave in Traverse City. stevessmokinfast.com; firebirdfast.com
FARO
Northport
Northport’s culinary landscape has always had its hidden gems, but few restaurants carried the beloved weight of The Tribune. Known for its community atmosphere and mouth-watering dishes like the iconic pancakes and fried chicken sandwich, The Tribune was more than just a dining spot—it was a cornerstone of local life. When the building The Tribune called home was sold, change came calling. Though the new owners wanted The Tribune to stay on, owner Eric Allchin decided to close on a high note. He chose to rebrand instead of cashing in on the brand he built, and as FARO took shape in 2024, the vision was clear: to honor the legacy of The Tribune while creating something new and exciting for Northport.
“Everything here moves a little slower in the best way possible,” Allchin says. “It’s not that time stops, but rather that time becomes more valuable and cherished. Everybody is a little calmer and willing to slow down and enjoy the moment—that speed allows for quality and atmosphere.”
On the Menu
The transformation into FARO has been met with enthusiasm from both new and returning customers. Regulars from The Tribune still flock to the restaurant, especially for Sunday brunch, with favorite meals carried over from the previous menu. Dishes like Eggs Benedict, classic biscuits, and Huevos Rancheros have become brunch staples, offering comfort and familiarity amid the change.
The current star of FARO’s menu is pizza, and it’s no wonder, given the level of care that goes into every aspect of its preparation. As Allchin mentioned above, each dough takes 72 hours to ferment, ensuring a flavor and texture that’s hard to match. The dough starters, cherished by Allchin and his team, are even named—Dough-loris and Danny Dough-vito.
Across the board, the menu reflects the restaurant’s commitment to local ingredients and seasonal flavors. One of the current standouts is the Potato Raclette Pizza, which has become a fast favorite. It features locally sourced potatoes and the world renowned raclette cheese from Leelanau Cheese Company.
Find FARO at 107 E Nagonaba St. in Northport. (231) 386-1048; faronorthport.com
Walloon Watershed
Walloon Lake
From the design of the space to the cocktails, and from the food menu to the beer and wine program, Walloon Watershed is not quite like anything else in northern Michigan.
From the start, that was the goal husbandand-wife team Matt and Meghan Thatcher were chasing with Walloon Watershed, a new restaurant and bar that opened Walloon Lake in September.
The idea of bridging the gap between the existing offerings in Walloon Lake informed many of the decisions the Thatchers have made about their new business. Take the design of the space, which Matt describes as “if Ralph Lauren had a baby with northern Michigan”— in other words, a mix between swanky upscale and relaxed, lakeside approachability.
On the Menu
The Thatchers have tried to strike a similar balance between upscale and approach with their food and drink menus.
The food is all “elevated shared plates” with a seasonal spin. Autumn inclusions include a house-made chili, nachos made with seasoned short rib meat, and a trio of pizza-like flatbreads. Spring and summer menus, meanwhile, will likely pivot more toward seafood; think oysters, caviar, shrimp, and light sandwiches made to be enjoyed on Walloon Watershed’s 1,300-square-foot patio space.
On the beer and wine side, Matt tells Northern Express that his goal was to take customers on a journey and “expand their horizons.” The goal with the cocktail line, meanwhile, was to find ways to spotlight the distilleries that exist right out Walloon Watershed’s back door.
“We have so many good distilleries in the area, whether it’s Foggy Mountain over in Boyne Falls, Mammoth Distillery down in Central Lake, or Gypsy Distillery and High Five Spirits, both in Petoskey,” he says. “We really wanted to showcase as much local stuff as possible.”
Find Walloon Watershed at 4128 M-75 in Walloon Lake. (231) 535-6048; walloonwatershed.com
Bushell’s Kitchen + Cocktails
Traverse City
On the Menu
That past and the connection to food are reflected in offerings such as southern cornbread, grits, and pork rinds, and the various soul plates, which include fried chicken, pork belly, and shrimp.
For Bushell, the collard greens, offered as a side, are a highlight. “I love collard greens. They’re done very well. I taste my grandma’s when I’m making them,” he says.
Another standout is the pork belly, which Bushell sees as an elevated version of pulled pork, a staple of his childhood. The pork belly is braised for six hours, with a depth of flavor because of various spices. The dish, served with cabbage and butternut squash, includes micro greens as a garnish, offering a bit of freshness.
Bushell’s attention to cocktails matches the intentness of the food. Syrup infusions are made in house. There is a full list of classic cocktails, including Sazerc, Old Fashioned, and Negroni. The specialty cocktails reflect the “connection to the South and some of the things I grew up with,” Bushell says.
“A lot of our dishes resonate well within the African American culture and the history of that,” Bushell says. “These dishes are curated with local farming ingredients. The menu highlights a lot of food enjoyed in African American homes. We’ve created some diversity in the local restaurant environment.”
Find Bushell’s Kitchen + Cocktails at 127 South Union St. in Traverse City. (231) 7531200; bushellskitchenandcocktails.com
Bay Pizzeria
Suttons Bay
For Kristine Ingrao and Desmond Berry, running a business is all about family. First the owners of Suttons Bay’s Bay Burrito, the two recently took on a new local restaurant, opening Bay Pizzeria in September.
The decision to jump into the pizza business was a leap of faith. “What we knew about pizza: we like to eat it,” Berry says, laughing. When the opportunity arose to acquire a restaurant that was for sale, they dove in headfirst. They had known the owners for a couple of decades and bought the place trusting they could figure it out.
readily available locally. The pizzeria also offers breadsticks, cheese bread, and a few salad options.
The previous iteration of the pizza shop was known not only for its pizzas but for its in-house baked goods, so Bay Pizzeria is also expanding in that direction. Don’t miss the newest addition to the menu, which “ties back to my history, and Kris’s,” Berry says. “In the U.P. you can find these paper plate-sized cinnamon rolls. We’re going to do that here, one of the biggest cinnamon rolls. We want the wow factor.”
Find Bay Pizzeria at 100A Cedar St. in Suttons Bay. (231) 866-4494; bay-pizzeria.com
Taqueria Las Lagunas Traverse City
Taqueria Las Lagunas in Traverse City is more than a restaurant— it’s the realization of a family’s long-standing dream. What began with a few family recipes has showcased the Guillén family’s dedication to authentic, homemade Mexican cuisine…and created a loyal following that continues to grow.
Today, Taqueria Las Lagunas operates from both its brick-and-mortar location at the Cherryland Center and their original Suttons Bay food truck. For six years, the food truck was a local favorite, serving everything from tacos to enchiladas to hungry customers at events and catering gigs.
Despite its success, the family always envisioned a larger venture. That dream became a reality when they had the opportunity to jump on a space in the upand-coming Cherryland Center.
On the Menu
“The sauces and marinades are our claim to fame,” Juan “Junior” Guillén says, emphasizing the importance of small-batch preparation for freshness. Every marinade, salsa, and sauce is crafted with care using recipes that have been passed down through generations. “My mom is the sauce and salsa queen.”
The recently opened Bushell’s Kitchen + Cocktails is the newest guest at Traverse City’s dining table, offering a diverse selection of comfort food staples and southern-inspired dishes, along with classic and specialty cocktails.
The carefully curated menu reflects the African and Southern heritage of proprietor Andre Bushell, who has opened the restaurant and lounge along with his wife and partner, Kelci. It’s the third enterprise for Bushell, whose other enterprises include the Foundry Craft Grillery in East Jordan and Elk Rapids and Dreloco Taco on East Front Street in Traverse City.
“It’s all about connecting this food to the North,” says Bushell, who moved to the region eight years ago. “This food is connected to my past, my family, my culture. I wanted to bring something to northern Michigan to remind me of my early childhood memories , the love of my family and the love of the traditional foods we ate back then.”
The new pizzeria owners brought in Walt Rowen to help. Perhaps best known for his roles in the Dogman film franchise, Rowan also boasts four decades of pizza prowess. He put together the restaurant’s recipes, hired and trained the staff, and trained Berry and Ingrao, too. “You’ve got to know how to do it if you’re going to do it yourself!” Berry says.
Bay Pizzeria officially opened its doors on September 15, heading into the shoulder season. Business has been good so far, especially considering the slower time of year, Berry says.
On the Menu
The Cudighi Sub is the No. 1 selling sandwich. In addition to the Italian sausage, it features pizza-lover ingredients like marinara, mozzarella, parmesan, red pepper, green pepper, and onion. The restaurant offers several other classic sandwiches like a Meatball Sub and a Club Sub.
Pizzas have naturally been popular; Bay Pizzeria offers them up by the slice as well as selling whole pies. Go for the Deluxe, Meat Lovers, or Cheese, or build your own with nearly 20 topping options. Calzones have also been a hit; they aren’t common or
The menu features several standout dishes that Junior says have become customer favorites. The Fish Tacos are made with fresh fish sourced from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, served grilled or breaded with cabbage, pico de gallo, and a tangy cilantro sauce. Meanwhile, the Carne Asada Tacos offer a classic Mexican dish with tender, flavorful steak and a marinade that will leave you ordering seconds.
Also popular are the chimichangas and enchiladas—hearty, satisfying options for those craving traditional comfort food. And the Sombrero Platter is a staff favorite. This fajita look-alike is topped with melted Chihuahua cheese for a rich, indulgent flavor providing the perfect twist on a classic.
And, of course, each dish is complemented by homemade salsas, ranging from mild to fiery, and prepared fresh daily.
One of the most exciting additions to their operation is the introduction of chef’s choice specials every Friday. “My dad has a deep passion for cooking,” Junior says. “The Friday specials are his way of staying creative and sharing something new with our customers.”
Find Taqueria Las Lagunas at 1752 S Garfield Ave in Traverse City. (231) 943-1101; laslagunastc.com
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Indian Spice, and Everything Nice
New Cadillac restaurant off to a soaring start
By Geri Dietze
What explains the popularity of Indian food? It’s simple, according to Sam Chugh, co-owner with nephew Paul Singh of Indian Spice, Cadillac’s newest eatery.
Beyond the variety of flavors, colors, and textures, Chugh explains that “It’s fresh and healthy, [and] every spice has medicinal values.”
The origin of Indian Spice took shape in the tiny kitchen at NJ’s Grocery in Lake Leelanau, managed by Chugh and owned by his brother Raj. NJ’s is a goto mini supermarket—operating in the same location since 1918—supplying the staples and the extras for local and seasonal residents.
But it was Sam Chugh’s sister Rosie, using the cooking skills she learned from her mother, who took over the kitchen, selling freshly-made Indian take-out under the name India’s Kitchen.
Originally, the dishes were cooked for the employees, but the siblings were convinced to start selling to NJ’s customers. The pre-packaged take-out was a hit, with a substantial menu ranging from snacks and dips to mains, all at very reasonable prices, and Chugh says that sales have been going up every year. The positive response to India’s Kitchen led to cooking classes and catering, as well.
That success inspired the new restaurant. In a tight and pricey real estate market, Chugh and Singh found a space in Cadillac which fit the bill.
“Luckily, we found this building,” says Chugh. The site began life as a Bonanza
Steakhouse, and then a Ponderosa, before it became Cast Iron Kitchen in 2021, closing in 2024. The building required plumbing and electrical upgrades, parking lot improvements, and work on the interior and exterior.
Inside, 32 tables and booths provide seating. Future plans include the addition of interior décor featuring authentic Indian designs, making it an immersive cultural experience.
Customer Cravings
For the experienced foodies and the cuisine newbies who lined up to try Indian Spice upon its opening in January, flavor is what puts the menu over the top.
And, despite the eatery’s name, the dishes are not overly spicy, using red chili pepper, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and fenugreek leaves to impart more depth than just heat. Yes, Indian food can be hot, hot, hot, but there are five levels of heat to appeal to every taste and palate.
Chugh and his siblings grew up in India’s northwest Punjab province, known for its distinctive flavors influenced by the region’s farming and agriculture products, including rice, wheat, and dairy products. Punjabi cuisine is rich and creamy, with a focus on butter, cream, fresh yogurt, and paneer, or soft cheese, all of which inform the restaurant’s menu.
The menu is like a trip to the subcontinent, showcasing the deep history and culture of India through its cuisine. Meat eaters will love the just-short-of-a-dozen entrees, including these current big sellers: Chicken Tikka Masala, yogurt-marinated chicken
in a creamy, colorful spiced sauce; Chicken Korma, a sweet, rich, yogurt-based curry with warm spice flavors; and Vindaloo, with curry paste and chilis featuring chicken or lamb.
Likewise, vegetarians have an equal number of entrees from which to choose. Two of the most popular are the Dal Makhani, a creamy, buttery combination of lentils, kidney beans, and spices and the Kadhi Pakora, fritters served in a creamy yogurt sauce, served with rice or naan. Or try the Aloo Tikka, crispy Indian-style potato patties made from mashed potatoes, spices and herbs.
Patrons can expect the menu to offer the full experience with the opportunity to try roti, naan, and paratha, all Indian flatbreads, each with its own distinctive flavor and texture. And don’t miss the Cumin Rice, a deeply flavorful side that goes with everything on the menu.
There are also appetizers, including Raita, a savory yogurt condiment for dipping; deep-fried, flaky, mixed vegetable Pakora, made with besan (chickpea flour); and Samosas, deep-fried, triangular wheat flour pastries filled with spiced potato filling.
The drink menu is small but impressive. Chugh recommends sipping on the Mango Lassi, a creamy blend of Indian yogurt (dahi/ curd), mango, and cardamom or opting for or Masala Tea, a potent antioxidant made with black tea and warm spices including cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and black pepper.
And don’t forget dessert, offering a choice of Kheer, sweet rice pudding, or Gulab Jamun, fried dough balls in syrup
flavored with cardamom, rose water, saffron, and cloves.
Right Place, Right Time
In the fickle restaurant business, success is measured by social media buzz, number of patrons served, and quality of the menu. Apparently, there was an anxious population in Cadillac just waiting for some authentic Indian food, because Indian Spice exploded upon its opening in mid-January.
“Every table was full,” says server Courtney Snow, adding that the kitchen probably served more than 300 dinners. “It was a bit of a doozy.”
In fact, the opening week was so busy that the restaurant had to close for a day on Jan. 20 to restock key ingredients. Still, comments on Facebook were glowing, and patrons were very happy about the experience; even those who had a long wait for a table were forgiving.
Daily lunch is buffet-style, featuring a broad selection of mains, with accompanying sauces and sides. Selections might include Tandoori Chicken, Rice, Carrot Pudding, Pakora, Naan, Butter Chicken, Curry Chicken, and Chana Masala, or chickpea curry.
Chugh and Singh are committed to providing the best authentic experience for their customers, so watch for new Instagram and Facebook sites, expanded menu descriptions, and streamlined ordering processes.
Find Indian Spice at 621 South Mitchell St., Cadillac. (231) 468-2171; theindianspicerestaurant.com
The Brutalist
by JOSEPH BEYER
With an elongated running time of 3 hours and 35 minutes (which doesn’t even include the mandated 15 minute theatrical intermission), director Brady Corbet’s epic drama The Brutalist is not for the faint of heart or time.
Should you decide, after 10 recent Academy Award nominations, that it’s finally time to see it on the big screen, I hope you feel it was worth it. For this critic, I left somewhat puzzled, wondering why this period piece demanded all that time and energy.
It’s not that the story of a talented architect fleeing Budapest and struggling to start a new life in America isn’t intriguing, or that the performances aren’t riveting and engaging. And it’s not that the script isn’t accomplished, interesting, or lyrical. The Brutalist is, in fact, all these things and it deserves much praise. Especially for the creativity of pulling it all off with just a $9 million budget, the cost of just one salary on most Hollywood blockbusters.
But, like being asked to read War & Peace in high school, watching the film now feels like a required viewing, as it’s driven by so much critical acclaim and controversy (more on that later).
With a screenplay by director Corbet and cowriter Mona Fastvold, The Brutalist begins in 1947 with a forced exodus as the lead character architect László Tóth is separated from his family during World War II. Tóth is forced to flee and survive and restart in America and as soon as he arrives, he desperately starts the work to bring his wife Erzsébet to join him.
Tóth’s accomplished career in the modern architecture of his time (based on his studies at The Bauhaus in Germany), is now a distant memory as he now has to take any work he can find while struggling to learn the language and customs of this strange and unfamiliar place.
A wealthy American philanthropist discovers Tóth’s talents and commissions a monumental new cultural arts center, aids in bringing Erzsébet to America, and
offers patronage, support, and friendship. When the architect’s secret addiction and uncompromising vision clash with his client’s desires, it leads to a tragic outcome that unravels his life.
If this journey is a dark and metaphorical one about the immigrant experience, it certainly lands and is certainly brutal. It could also be felt as a narrative about the collision of modern and postmodern ideas. Or a grand dramatic biography of one man’s tortured and flawed life, and how small and insignificant it is.
I felt the existential crisis of something throughout—punctuated by the sometimes melodic, sometimes massive score by British musician Daniel Blumberg (his talented work is recognized in one of the many Oscar nominations).
At the center of what many are calling a masterpiece are the actors Adrien Brody as the architect Tóth, Felicity Jones as his wife Erzsébet, and Guy Pearce as the wealthy Yankee baron. All three are nominated for Oscars; two have been tainted by the revelation that AI was used by the director to “enhance” their Hungarian accents.
To me, it hardly mattered as it cannot take anything away from what are essentially raw, brave, and committed performances that you will inevitably be drawn into (even in the film’s darkest moments, and there are many).
There is an obvious artistic vision at work within The Brutalist that creates a cohesive feeling of epic importance, but days after viewing it, I was lost trying to remember many details. The plot blended together in my mind and became a kind of muddled memory. Not a bad one, just not one I was terribly anxious to return to, even as accomplished as it was.
Rated R for strong sexual content, graphic nudity, depictions of rape, drug use, and adult language. Currently in theaters, available to stream and on-demand starting Feb. 25, 2025.
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(Mostly) Sweet Memories
Inside “Sugar Loaf: A Retrospective” at the Leelanau Historical Society
By Art Bukowski
Assembling historical exhibits often involves piecing together items from the distant past. A few grainy photographs, perhaps. Records gathered from old, dusty cabinets or dresser drawers. Artifacts that seem too fragile to touch. The lens through which history is viewed seems to get more fragile and opaque the farther back in time we look.
That’s a big reason why folks at the Leelanau Historical Society are particularly excited about “Sugar Loaf: A Retrospective,” which is open now through the end of 2025 at the society’s museum in Leland. The exhibit focuses on the history of the cherished ski hill that was at one point the largest employer in Leelanau County and that remains a topic of local conversation nearly a quarter century after it closed.
Dozens of firsthand accounts from those who worked and played at Sugar Loaf bring the relatively recent history of this special place to life. Combine that with communitysourced artifacts that are continuing to pour in from local residents, and you get an action-packed exhibit that has become the society’s most popular in years.
“We’re very proud of the exhibit,” says historical society Executive Director Kim Kelderhouse. “We get the most satisfaction now from hearing from all of the former Sugar
Loafers. Hearing from them that they think we’ve done a great job is the highest praise.”
Mountain of Impact
One would be hard pressed to find a business more influential in the modern history of Leelanau County than Sugar Loaf, which opened as a community hill in 1947 and later operated as a full-fledged resort before closing for good in 2000. Everyone in the county skied there, it seemed like at least half the county worked there, and tens of thousands of people from across the Midwest came to its slopes year after year. It was truly beloved; a place where people gathered, grew up, celebrated and made heaps of lifetime memories.
“It really was a community hub,” says J. Carl Ganter, whose parents, Jim and Pat Ganter, founded the modern resort in 1963. “It meant a lot of things to a lot of people.”
Sugar Loaf’s impact on the community was so significant that even 25 years later, its closure (and multiple failed reopening attempts over the years) remain sore topics in the community and leave certain key elements of the Sugar Loaf story up for considerable debate.
“The nostalgia is amazing, and there were people who wanted to talk about it, but there were people who were too emotional and weren’t ready to talk about it, because it was so hard to see that beloved place close,” Kelderhouse says. “It’s both sides of the coin there.”
Ultimately, the society’s exhibit doesn’t attempt to explain why the resort closed, though it touches on factors that likely contributed.
“[When you ask] ‘Why do you think the resort failed?’ That’s where you get a lot more complicated answers that run a huge spectrum,” Kelderhouse says. “We had to balance that in this exhibit— staying grounded in the facts and not the speculation. Something that everyone wants to know when they come to the exhibit is what actually happened. We tried to present the facts, and people can draw their own conclusions.”
What do we know for sure about the end days? In February 2017, John Clary Davis wrote a profile on Sugar Loaf for POWDER ski magazine, noting, “After a couple of bad winters, it defaulted on loans and the bank took over, eventually selling to John Sills in 1981. In 1997, the bank reacquired Sugar Loaf and sold it to hotelier Remo Polselli. Polselli ran Sugar Loaf until it closed.”
The property remained in a state of limbo—“leaving beds still made, banquet mugs still in dishwasher trays, phones still on desks” (Bridge Michigan)—until the 2021 demolition.
The Ties That Bind
Although there are still tough emotions surrounding Sugar Loaf, it’s safe to say that the majority of people who think back
to time spent there are awash in good memories, and the exhibit “hooks on to that nostalgia,” Kelderhouse says.
“We have noticed a really big uptick in our visitation since we launched the exhibit [last summer], so it definitely resonates with people,” Kelderhouse says. “People want to relive happy memories.”
Ganter, who grew up at the resort, says visiting the exhibit was an “emotional journey” that he’s glad others like him can partake in. In a society in which people tend to be much more isolated from their peers than in years past, it’s vitally important to hold onto those “threads that tie us together,” he says.
“What the historical society has been able to do is curate a journey we can all join in—take ourselves back there, hear the voices, smell the smells, hear the sounds that were such a big part of our lives and the history of the county,” he says. “Those were real, visceral experiences, and it’s so much fun to see and hear how many ways Sugar Loaf touched people’s lives.”
It’s a living exhibit in more ways than one. The exhibit itself is growing as people bring in various trinkets and artifacts, something organizers planned on happening and left space for.
“We keep changing things and adding as people bring us all of these wonderful treasures,” says Elizabeth Adams, the society’s engagement and collections manager.
Ganter, one of dozens of people
interviewed by a historical society committee over four years of work on the exhibit, is delighted to see all of the artifacts and stories that have come out of the woodwork.
“The historical society really sparked a community movement for people to dig deep into their closets and their treasure boxes, to find ski pins or old skis or boots,” he says. “And they’re not only just curating hard pieces of history, but the stories [people have to tell].”
Preserved for the Future
Those stories, carefully recorded and collected, will be preserved in perpetuity long after the historical society moves on from the Sugar Loaf exhibit.
Adams says some people approached
for interviews as part of the exhibit were surprised the historical society was doing anything at all. It still felt too fresh, too new, not yet the realm of history. But those voices allowed the society to compile an incredibly detailed, firsthand account of one of the county’s most impactful businesses—a time capsule of sorts—that will be a resource for future generations.
“When it’s all said and done, it’s all going to be part of a digital collection with correct dates, names, stories, and actual recordings of all of these memories, and that’s something that’s kind of hard to do in the history field,” Adams says.
Exhibit committee member and historical society board member Laura Paine is among the many folks who are glad
that all of this history has been carefully documented and preserved.
“Living up here, there’s a lot of people still around that worked there or skied there, and it was so important to the community for so long,” she says. “Without doing something like this, all of this would have just gotten lost.”
As for the hill itself, no one knows exactly who owns it. Demolition work began in 2021 about a year after an entity by the name of SPV 45 LLC bought the site. This came after two decades of revolving ownership and a grab bag of proposed plans for the site. Local residents and county officials are largely in the dark about future plans there.
“I just don’t know why it’s been kept secret for so long,” Paine says.
SUGARLOAF TIMELINE
1942:
1947: Hill opens to the public
1964:
1967: Sugar Loaf golf course opens (remains open today as Sugar Loaf: The Old Course)
1969: Iconic bell tower added outside of lodge
1980: Bavarian Village ski shop opens
2000: Resort closes
2021-22: Buildings demolished and lifts removed
Leelanau County Chamber of Commerce announces purchase of 100 acres for ski hill
Jim and Pat Ganter open Sugar Loaf Mountain Resort at the site
Ganter poses with skis at the exhibit.
LELAND HARBOR HOUSE
SALE
The Neighbors
In Seminole County, Florida, Alan Davis, 69, is famous for all the wrong reasons, ClickOrlando reported. Davis' unsightly property has been the bane of his neighbors' existence for 25 years, and this year, as he celebrates the anniversary of his first county code violation, he's added another element: a 6-foot-tall fiberglass representation of a human butt. Also in his yard: stacks of scrap metal, steel drums, rusted appliances, tarps, junked vehicles and towering weeds. Davis calls the yard a "political protest" against the county government. "I pile it up intentionally to aggravate them," he said. As of midJanuary, Davis owed the county $5.4 million in fines, with more accruing every day. "I'm not going to pay it," Davis said. "I do what I want on my property." Twice, the county has paid to haul away thousands of pounds of junk, but Davis just starts collecting again. "Freedom has a look. This is what it looks like," he said.
Unexpected Guest
On Feb. 4, a guest at the Boulevard 17 hotel in Vlissingen, The Netherlands, returned to her room after taking her dog for a walk and found a gray seal taking a nap on the floor, NL Times reported. "Fortunately, she didn't try to touch it," said Valentijn Damen of the hotel ownership group Pier 7. "She walked up to the restaurant to get help." The Zeeland Animal Welfare Foundation responded, and with assistance from the Sea Animal Rescue Team Netherlands RTZ, they put the seal in a basket and removed it to the beach. Officials said gray seals "look for a place to rest and sometimes lie in the middle of the terrace or on the road."
Smooth Reaction
Things got heated at a Wingstop restaurant in Port St. Lucie, Florida, on Jan. 28, The Smoking Gun reported. Carnael Irene, 19, who worked at the location, told police that two customers -- one a minor -- became "loud and disruptive," and one of them pushed a container of straws off the counter. Irene responded by throwing ranch dressing at them before she went to the kitchen and returned with a bucket of hot grease, which she also threw at the victims. She was charged with aggravated battery and aggravated child abuse, both felonies.
The Golden Age of Air Travel
On Feb. 3, Gloria Omisore of Lagos, Nigeria, was traveling through Nairobi on her way to Manchester, England, when things went a little sideways. Omisore had planned a stopover in Paris, News.com. au reported, but as she checked in, Kenya Airways staff informed her that she didn't have the correct visa to enter France. They offered an alternative route straight to England, but Omisore wasn't having it -- she flew into a "check-in rage" during which she argued with gate attendants and threw three used sanitary napkins at them. "You will provide me a sanitary towel," she screamed. "I will speak with the minister of finance in Nigeria, you will see." An attendant shouted back, "Call the president of Nigeria. You will not fly on the Kenya Airways." "We strongly condemn such conduct," Kenya Airways said of Omisore's tirade. "Our employees deserve to work in a safe and dignified environment." Omisore was deported back to Nigeria.
Suspicions Confirmed
In Douglasville, Georgia, a routine traffic stop on Jan. 29 resulted in a perplexing mystery, Atlanta News First reported. Douglas County Sheriff's officers pulled over an unidentified driver who had a dead body in the passenger seat. The deceased, 21-year-old Malachi A. Mitchell, was allegedly meeting the driver to sell him a gun, Mitchell's mother said, although police say the investigation is ongoing. After questioning the driver, who was cooperative, detectives let him go.
Unclear on the Concept
Ashton Mann, 23, of Kearns, Utah, was arrested after shooting his unnamed friend in the chest, WAFB-TV reported on Feb. 4. On Feb. 2, police were called to a home where they found an unresponsive male. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. Mann told detectives that he and his friend had smoked weed earlier in the evening and started talking about and handling two handguns. The victim told Mann that he could dodge a bullet; while Mann said the guns were unloaded, after about six rounds of the "game," one discharged and struck the victim as he tried to "jump out of the way." Mann was expected to be charged with felony manslaughter.
Sign of the Times Pennsylvania State Police are working to track down the perpetrator of a crime that's no yolk ... or joke. The Associated Press reported that on Feb. 1, 100,000 eggs were stolen from the back of a trailer in Antrim Township, and no leads have come in. "In my career, I've never heard of a hundred thousand eggs being stolen," said Trooper Megan Frazer. But then, egg prices have rarely been so high. "We're hoping that somebody knows something," Frazer said. That would be eggs-cellent.
The Passing Parade
The Harvard Crimson reported on Feb. 6 that a man has repeatedly paraded through the Comstock Hall dormitory on campus wearing nothing from the waist down. Students have seen him entering bathrooms and wandering around the floors. Resident dean Monique A. Roy said the half-streaker "did not appear to be a resident." She urged students to keep their room doors closed and locked. "The entire staff is totally doing their best to get to the bottom of this, make sure it stops, make sure we're all safe," said student Chelsea J. Bohn-Pozniak. Totally.
Inexplicable
A man was captured on video in Palmerston North, New Zealand, using a busy kiddie pool to give himself a bath, News.au.com reported on Feb. 6. The man, who wore swim trunks, had a bar of soap and lathered up his arms and legs before putting his hand down his shorts and vigorously washing his hindquarters. Facebook user Luminus DaGawd let his camera roll as everyone around the pool looked on, commenting, "Bro, it's not a bath. ... All right, kids, get out of the pool." People who viewed the video wondered why no one confronted the man, but others defended him, with one noting, "I've heard children laughing about taking a p--s in the same pool I watched another child drink from. Who's really the yuck one?" Another complained, "Whole pool of people and no one there in that video stood up and told him to stop!"
Saturday
GAYLORD ALPENFROST: Featuring the Frosty 5K, bake sale & princess meet & greet, The Refuge cocoa & chili, meet & greet at GACA, Frosty Dip, Frosty Karaoke, & much more. facebook. com/profile.php?id=61553307124725
2025 HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
NORTHWEST MICHIGAN HOME EXPO:
9am-5pm, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, whole lower level, Acme. Featuring more than 100 exhibitors. The largest home show in northern Michigan is now bigger. $10 before Feb. 14; $12 day of. tickets.eventhub. net/e/2025-home-builders-associationnorthwest-michigan/tickets
HEALTH & WELLNESS FAMILY COOKING CLASS: 10-11am, Interlochen Public Library. Families can learn how to create fresh, scratch-made meals that are easy to prepare & won’t break the bank. Registration required: 231-276-6767.
NATURE DRAWING & JOURNALING: The Sleeping Bear Nature Group will meet for this field trip, led by artist & environmentalist Penny Krebiehl. Meet at the Glen Lake Community Library, Empire at 10am before heading out on a guided hike. Pack pencils/pens, paper or drawing book/journal, water bottle, snacks/lunch, & dress for chilly weather. 231326-5361. Free. glenlakelibrary.net/events
THE BEST YETI FEST THIS SIDE OF THE HIMALAYAS: 10:30am-5:30pm, Suttons Bay. Takes place at various locations in Suttons Bay. Events include Yeti Games, Yeti Zero K, Scavenger Hunt, Kids’ Hunt for Yeti, bonfire pits, Yeti Souper Bowl, & much more. suttonsbaychamber.com/yetifest --------------------
TEDDY FEST: 11am-4pm, Crystal Mountain, Crystal Center Deck, Thompsonville. Presented by the Teddy Knape Foundation, which supports adaptive sports & Crystal Community Ski Club. Hit the slopes for raffles & giveaways, along with music by a live DJ. crystalmountain.com/event/teddy-knape
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PUZZLING IT OUT: Noon-2pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Tweens & young teens gather in teams of two to find out who can put the same puzzle together the fastest. Pizza & prizes. 231-223-7700.
BETSIE BAY FROZEN 5K: 1pm, Elberta Lookout. This race is known for its frosty conditions & gusts off Lake Michigan. Proceeds benefit Grow Benzie. $32 + sign-up fee. runsignup.com/frozen5k
VEGMICHIGAN MONTHLY MEETUPPIZZA PARTY: 1-3pm, Firebird Pizza, TC. Join for a plant-based pizza party. Firebird Pizza features fully vegan pizza options. Enjoy a sampling. Free to attend. meetup.com/ vegmichigan-meetup/events/ ----------------------
ELK RAPIDS HIGH SCHOOL PRESENTS “FREAKY FRIDAY”: 2pm & 7pm, Elk Rapids High School, Peterman Auditorium. A Musical Comedy for the Whole Family! See what happens when a mother & daughter swap bodies for a day... hilarious chaos, heartfelt moments, & a journey of self-discovery. Students: $10; adults: $15. erschools.com/district/services/event-tickets
STEAM CAREERS: CONSTRUCTION: 2-4pm, Interlochen Public Library. Kids & families can work on a project using their carpentry skills with real carpenters. 231-276-6767.
SWAN LAKE BALLET: 2pm & 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. Presented by Traverse City Philharmonic & Interlochen Arts Academy Dance Division & Music Departments. $34 adults; $19 child - college. interlochen.org/concertsand-events/all-events?search=swan+lake
MISSOULA CHILDREN’S THEATRE:
“THE WIZARD OF OZ”: 3pm & 5:30pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. $20 adults; $5 students 18 & under. theoperahouse.org
TC BOURBON FEST: Visions Weddings & Banquets, TC. This festival will feature 100+ whiskeys, hand crafted cocktails, & more. There will also be a food truck, live music by The Reverend Jesse Ray, & vendors. Session 1 runs from 4-6:30pm, & Session 2 from 7:30-10pm. $50-$65; $10 for designated driver. traversecitybourbonfest.com
KILTS AND CRIAC: 5-10pm, The Grand Traverse Circuit, TC. A night of Celtic music with three bands: Rigs and Jeels, Grand Traverse Pipes and Drums, & The Hey Makers. Find ‘Kilts and Criac’ on Facebook. Free. --------------------
CANDLELIGHT HIKE: 6-8pm, Dune Climb, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, Empire. Join park rangers & volunteers to experience the park after dark. Hike one mile on flat terrain along a candlelit trail. If there is adequate snow, this will be a snowshoe hike. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own snowshoes. Snowshoes will also be loaned on a first-come, first-served basis. All programs are free with a valid park entrance pass. Passes may be purchased at the Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire, & cost $25 (per vehicle) for seven days, or other options. No advanced registration needed. Bring a flashlight or headlamp & wear layers. Free. nps. gov/slbe/planyourvisit/calendar.htm
LOVE: LOST & FOUND: 7pm, 601 Chestnut St., Cadillac. Northern Lites Readers Theatre presents 3 one act plays to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Visit Facebook page: Northern Lites Readers Theatre. $10. ----------------------
SOME LIKE IT YACHT - A TRIBUTE TO THE SOFT ROCK HITS OF THE ‘70S & ‘80S: 7pm, City Opera House, TC. Featuring Judy Harrison & ReBooted, who performed 15 seasons of Swingshift and the Stars, Remembering Patsy Cline, & all over northern Michigan for the past 25 years. Jump on board with the soft rock hits of the ‘70s & ‘80s: The Doobie Brothers, Olivia Newton John, Hall & Oates, Kenny Loggins, The Eagles & so many more. Doors & full cash bar open one hour before showtime. $30 reserved seating. Valentine couple specialreserved seating, 2/$50 (seats next to each other). Seniors 65 & older, $25 reserved seating. cityoperahouse.org/node/628
LUAU OF LOVE FEATURING ALOHA CHICAGO: 8-9:15pm, Leelanau Sands Casino Showroom, Peshawbestown. A cultural journey with authentic Hawaiian hula, Ori Tahiti drum dances, Maori warrior dances, & a fire knife dance from Samoa. $40 + fees. mynorthtickets.com/events/luau-oflove-2-15-2025
THE FRONTMEN OF COUNTRY: 8-9:30pm, Little River Casino Resort, Manistee. This group features three singers who were the voices of three of the top country bands of the 90’s: Larry Stewart of Restless Heart, Tim Rushlow, formerly of Little Texas, & Richie McDonald of Lonestar. They bring a high energy show with favorites from their three careers, & a few surprise songs from some of the artists who have influenced them. $30-$55. lrcr.com/event/frontmen
Gomez and Morticia are horrified that their dark, macabre Wednesday has fallen in love with a sweet, smart boy from a normal Ohio family! See how this unfolds when Wednesday invites him and his family to their creepy, kooky, and all together ooky home for dinner in “The Addams Family Musical” performed at Old Town Playhouse, TC, Feb. 21 – March 15. See web site for dates, times and tickets ($20-$33). oldtownplayhouse.com
feb 16
Sunday
FROSTY FAMILY DAYS: Ranch Rudolf, TC. Enjoy hayrides with Beau & Knox, a s’more station & hot chocolate, & playing in the snow. Happens with or without snow. Must reserve tickets: 947-9529. $16/ person or $75/family (6 person max). ranchrudolf.com/winter-fun
INDOOR SIDEWALK SALES: (See Sat., Feb. 15)
WINTER WONDERLAND WEEKEND: (See Sat., Feb. 15)
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2025 HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NORTHWEST MICHIGAN HOME EXPO: (See Sat., Feb. 15, except today’s time is 11am-3pm.)
LIFE ON A RESERVATION: 2pm, Helena Township Community Center, Alden. Bob Holtzmann will discuss his experience of growing up on two different Catholic Missions on reservations in North & South Dakota, & will tell the story of how his family ended up living there. 231-331-4318. Free.
LOVE: LOST & FOUND: (See Sat., Feb. 15, except today’s time is 2pm.)
TRAVERSE AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESENTATION: 2pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Featuring “Julius Steinberg, the Bargain Giver: From Peddler to Opera House Proprietor and Beyond” by Zoë Schwartz, historian & library assistant at Traverse Area District Library Local History Collection. Free. tadl.org/ event/traverse-area-historical-society-12102
SWAN LAKE BALLET: (See Sat., Feb. 15, except today’s time is 3pm.)
BENZIE AREA PRIDE NETWORK BOOK GROUP: 5-7pm, Five Shores Brewing, Beulah. Enjoy conversation, snacks & drinks. Featuring “Confessions of the Fox” by Jordy Rosenberg. You do not need to have read the book to join in. benziepride.org
feb 17
monday
INDOOR SIDEWALK
SALES: (See Sat., Feb. 15)
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U.S. COAST GUARD MEET & GREET: 6-8pm, Charlevoix Yacht Club. Drop in & meet members, sign up for a variety of boating public education classes, & a free vessel safety check. Learn how to become involved with the Auxiliary. Find ‘Charlevoix U.S.C.G. Auxiliary’ on Facebook.
feb 18
tuesday
PWR! MOVES: MICHIGAN PARKINSON FOUNDATION EXERCISE CLASS: 4pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. A fun, hour long exercise class based on the PWR! moves for people with or suspected Parkinson’s Disease & their caregivers. The class will be run by a PWR! certified physical therapist. Free. tadl. org/event/pwr-moves-michigan-parkinsonfoundation-exercise-class-16570
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PETOSKEY BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: 5-7pm, Brandy’s Harbortown, Bay Harbor. Enjoy food, a chance to network & a cash bar. Wear your Hawaiian shirts & leis, & bring your business cards for a chance to win prizes. $10 members; $15 not-yet members.
TC PREMIERE OF SAMANTHA BROWN’S “PLACES TO LOVE” (PBS): City Opera House, TC. Samantha Brown’s popular travel television program “Places to Love” will feature Traverse City to a nationwide audience. Enjoy a TC premiere of this show. This event will include conversations with some participants & an interview with Samantha. 6pm with doors opening at 5:30pm. Free, but must reserve a spot. cityoperahouse.org/node/650
TC PFLAG CHAPTER PANEL DISCUSSION: 6:30-8pm, The Alluvion, TC. Enjoy conversation & Q&A about LGBTQ+ stories. Talk about creating a more caring world for LGBTQ+ people, affirmative language & why it’s important, & more. benziepride.org ----------------------
GREAT LAKES CINEMA SERIES PRESENTS: “MINARI”: 7pm, Great Lakes Center
for the Arts, Bay Harbor. This film follows a Korean-American family who moves to a tiny Arkansas farm in search of their own American Dream. $5. greatlakescfa.org/events/ detail/minari
POLAR BEAR PROGRAM: 7pm, Boardman River Nature Center, TC. At this meeting for the Grand Traverse Chapter, Steve Duede will give a presentation of a trip that he & Betsy took in 2023 to Churchill, Manitoba, to view the polar bears as they congregated along the shores of Hudson Bay, awaiting the ice to freeze.
QUEER TALES BOOK CLUB: 7pm, Traverse Area District Library, Nelson Room, TC. Chat about books that are by &/or about LGBTQIA+ people. Reading is not required, & everyone is welcome. Meets on the third Tues. of the month. This month’s book is “All About Love” by bell hooks. Get it from MeLCat or Hoopla. Free. tadl.org/event/queertales-book-club-17687
wednesday
BIG CLOTHING SWAP: Blessed Be Tea and Apothecary, TC. Bring your gently used, clean clothing to Blessed Be any time throughout Feb. Every piece of clothing you donate, you’ll receive one ticket, good for any item at the swap. Stop by on Feb. 19 from noon-6pm to use your tickets & swap your clothing for something new-to-you. All leftover clothing after the swap will be donated to the Women’s Resource Center. blessedbetea.com
“BIKE VESSEL,” AN INDIE LENS POPUP SCREENING: 4pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. Knowing his dad miraculously recovered from three open-heart surgeries after discovering a passion for cycling, filmmaker Eric D. Seals proposes an ambitious idea: Bike together from St. Louis to Chicago. 350 miles. 4 days. Following the film, join in the museum’s sculpture court for light refreshments & informal discussion with various biking organizations & businesses. RSVP. Free. simpletix.com/e/bike-vessel-anindie-lens-pop-up-screening-tickets-197344
STEAM GIRLZ: 4:30-6pm, Interlochen Public Library. Girls in 4th - 8th grades can explore technology & science in ways that resonate with them. 231-276-6767. Free.
TRAVERSE INDIVISIBLE: 6pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Join one of the Interest Groups; Education, Environment, Government/Ethics, Healthcare, Marginalized Communities, Misinformation, & Reproductive Rights, & coordinate action in 2025. Free. traverseindivisible.org
COFFEE @ 10, PETOSKEY: JASMINE LACE: WARP AND WOOF - A JOURNEY INTO FIBER ARTS: 10am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Gilbert Gallery, Petoskey. Jasmine will discuss the timeline of her path into the world of fiber arts - from a crafty childhood in the woods to her studio practice of today, with many unexpected turns in between. Free. crookedtree. org/event/ctac-petoskey/coffee-10-jasminelace-warp-and-woof-journey-fiber-arts ----------------------
KID’S CRAFT LAB: PINECONE CRITTERS: 10am-noon, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, GT Mall, TC. Invent your own special critter to take home & love. Free with price of admission. greatlakeskids.org
ISEA MEETUP: 3:30-5:30pm, Hop Lot
Brewing Co., Suttons Bay. Spend an afternoon with the Inland Seas Education Association. Enjoy good company & conversation around a bonfire. Staff will be there to chat about all things Great Lakes. schoolship.org
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GAME NIGHT: 4-7pm, NCMC Library, Petoskey. Participate in early beta testing for game design students, play classic family games, have snacks & more. All ages. ncmich. libcal.com/calendar/library/gamenightfeb20
BELLAIRE BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: 5:30-7pm, 107 N. Bridge St., Bellaire. Meet, greet & mingle with other business owners & professionals. Snacks, refreshments, door prizes. $5 Chamber members; $10 non-members. bellairechamber.org/2025/02/20/235655/ business-after-hours-2
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SWIRL, PETOSKEY: 5:30-7pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Galleries, Petoskey. Enjoy wines from Great Lakes Wine and Spirit, paired with appetizers from NOMI Kitchen, & live music from Jeff Wynder of Continuous Imposition. Browse the Guild Member Salon Show in the galleries, as well as this year’s Dart for Art featured painting, “Unbridled Spirit,” by Connie Landis, who will be in attendance. $25 member; $30 non-member. crookedtree.org/event/ ctac-petoskey/february-2025-swirl
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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS FORUM - HAITI: CRISIS IN CONTEXT: 6:30pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. Featuring Monique Clesca (remote), writer, journalist, advocate, member of the Commission for the Search for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis, former Advocacy & Communication Officer for UNICEF in Haiti; & Jake Johnston (in person), Director of International Research at the Center for Economic and Policy Research; author of Aid State: Elite Panic, Disaster Capitalism, and the Battle to Control Haiti. Book sales provided by Brilliant Books. Advance in-person tickets recommended. $15 in person; $10 online livestream; free for current students & educators. tciaf.com/event-february-2025
feb 21
friday
HARBOR SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK: Harbor Springs area, Feb. 21 - March 2. Indulge in specially curated menus from local restaurants. Enjoy creative culinary offerings & exclusive deals. harborspringschamber.com/ events/details/2025-restaurant-week15611?calendarMonth=2025-02-01
LUNCHEON LECTURE: PETOSKEY ROBOTICS: 11:30am, NCMC, Library Conference Center, Petoskey. Learn about the robotics program at the Public Schools of Petoskey that seeks to inspire students in science, technology, engineering & leadership. Register. $15. ncmclifelonglearning. com/event-5947299
MEMBERS’ OPEN STUDIO, TC: 1:304:30pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Visual Arts Classroom, TC. Bring your art supplies & drop-in! Free. crookedtree.org/class/ctactraverse-city/member-open-studio-3
FEB. CAFE - BOOKCLUB: 4pm, Inland Seas Education Association, 100 Dame St., Suttons Bay. Featuring “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. You will discuss this book, which has themes of utilizing Indigenous knowledge in complement to western science & exploring the relationship between humans & the land. RSVP. Free. schoolship.org/news-events/2025-publicevent-schedule
SHREK: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: 7pm, St. Francis High School, Kohler Auditorium, TC. This Tony Award-winning show brings your favorite fairy-tale characters to life with humor, heart, & fantastic music. $15. gtacs. org/arts/musical feb 06
ON EIGHTH STREET
170 CAPACITY
WORLD CLASS ACOUSTICS & SOUND SYSTEM, INCLUDING A SEVEN FOOT CONCERT GRAND PIANO
TICKETS FROM $5 TO $40
HOT FOOD & COLD DRINKS
SHOCKINGLY GOOD TALENT
JAZZ • INDIE • ROCK • FUNK CLASSICAL • BLUEGRASS • WORLD PUNK • PROG • FOLK • ELECTRONIC AND TONS OF GENRE-BENDING WEIRDNESS TOO
ALL KINDS OF ART
THEATER • DANCE • OPERA • FILM
POETRY • COMEDY • EXPERIMENTAL ART
VISUAL ART SHOWS & EVENTS
BOOK & JOURNAL LAUNCHES
COMMUNITY GATHERINGS • STORYTELLING
FAMILY SHOWS • EVENTS FOR KIDS
EVENT RENTAL AVAILABLE
SECOND FLOOR COMMONGROUNDS BUILDING
THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL: 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. The Addams family has lived their unique values for hundreds of years. But now, beloved eighteen year-old daughter Wednesday has fallen in love with a respectable boy from Ohio! And to make matters worse, she has invited his family over for dinner. Adults: $33; youth under 18: $20. oldtownplayhouse.com/performances/ mainstage/the-addams-family.html
saturday
BOYNE CITY WINTER FESTIVAL: Veterans Memorial Park, Boyne City. Featuring a pancake breakfast, farmers market, 4th Annual Waterfront Field of Dreams Polar Plunge, Chili Cook-Off, & more. Find ‘Boyne City Winter Festival’ on Facebook.
EMPIRE WINTERFEST: 9am: Yoga at the Township Hall; Noon-5pm: Book Sale at the Library; Noon-3pm: Saunas at Empire Beach; 1pm: Polar Plunge at Empire Beach; 2-5pm: Winter activities at Joe’s Friendly Tavern & Sleeping Bear Surf; 2-4pm: Coffee Hour at Tiffany’s Cafe; 4pm: Children’s Winter Storyhour at the Library; 5-7pm: Soup Potluck & music from Chris Skellenger & Paul Koss. All Winterfest activities are free to attend. empirechamber.com/event/empire-winterfest
HEAD DOWNHILL RACE: 9:30am, The Highlands at Harbor Springs. A World Cupstyle downhill race for skiers ages 7+ to compete within age-class divisions, win prizes, & have fun at the awards party. highlandsharborsprings.com/events/the-head-downhill-race
CABIN FEVER HIKE: 10am, Lighthouse West Natural Area, Northport. Join docents Bert, Dave & Keith to celebrate the waning of Feb. at this remote property. The trail through this former farm is easy & you’ll hear & possibly see up close the churning waters (or ice) of Lake Michigan. Come prepared with boots, snowshoes, etc. Free. leelanauconservancy. org/events
ARTIST TALK: TODD MCMILLEN: 11am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Carnegie Rotunda, TC. Todd is the owner of McMillen’s Custom Framing in TC. He will share his insights on how the right frame can elevate your artwork, enhance its presentation, & keep the focus on the art itself. Free. crookedtree.org/event/ctactraverse-city/artist-talk-todd-mcmillen
HARBOR SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Fri., Feb. 21)
WINTERLOCHEN: 11am, Interlochen Center for the Arts. Bring the family & enjoy a day of free indoor & outdoor activities. Go sledding, conduct an orchestra, perform in an acting workshop, learn to swing dance, & much more. End the day with a free kid’s show at 2pm performed by Interlochen Arts Academy students. Free. interlochen.org/winterlochen
8TH ANNUAL WALLOON LAKE WINTERFEST: Noon, The Talcott Event Center, Walloon Lake. Featuring live ice carvings, an antique snowmobile show on the lake, explore snowy trails, enjoy hot chocolate, bean soup & more. Find ‘8th Annual Walloon Lake Winterfest’ on Facebook. GA: free.
SUPER SAMPLE SATURDAY: Noon-4pm, Downtown Petoskey. Enjoy an afternoon of free samples throughout downtown. To see a list of participating businesses that are showcasing products, find ‘Super Sample Saturday’ on Facebook. facebook.com/ events/1113459937109866
BAKE & TELL CHALLENGE: 1pm, Kingsley Branch Library. Fifteen amateur local bakers bring their best to this challenge. Sample their treats & vote for the People’s Choice. This is a potluck event. tadl.org/bake-tell-challenge-2025
BOOK LAUNCH & SIGNING: 1-3pm, Hori-
zon Books, TC. Featuring Brianne Farley & her book “Worm Makes a Sandwich.” horizonbooks.com/event/brianne-farley-booklaunch-signing
PETOSKEY CHOCOLATE CRAWL: 1-4pm, Downtown Petoskey. Indulge in a variety of chocolate-inspired treats from local businesses. Visit Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts to get your passport. If you visit all of the participating downtown businesses & fill up your chocolate passport, you will be entered into a raffle to win one of many $25 gift certificates. Return it to Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts to be entered into the raffle. Free.
YOUTH ICE FISHING PROGRAM: 1pm, Dune Center building, 6748 S Dune Hwy., Glen Arbor. Join park rangers to learn essential ice fishing skills, safety measures, & fishing regulations, culminating in a “Junior Angler” certification & a fishing pole to take home (while supplies last). If ice conditions permit, attendees will have the opportunity to ice fish at North Bar Lake. All programs are free with a valid park entrance pass. Passes may be purchased at the Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire & cost $25 (per vehicle) for seven days, or other options are available. nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/calendar.htm
TORCHLIT SNOWSHOE: 5-8pm, Camp Daggett, 03001 Church Rd., Petoskey. Enjoy Camp Daggett’s snow-covered trails, illuminated by torchlight as you snowshoe through campus. Afterwards, warm up in the lodge with hot cocoa & cookies. Bearcub Outfitters will also be on hand to provide snowshoes & sizing assistance for anyone who needs them. Free. campdaggett.org/events
FAMILY NIGHT HIKES: 6pm, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Families with elementary & middle school-aged children can participate in family focused night hikes. Rangers will guide families through nocturnal landscapes, educating them about animal adaptations & the wonders of the night sky. Reservations required: 231-326-4700, ext. 5005. Dress in layers & wear waterproof boots. All programs are free with a valid park entrance pass. Passes may be purchased at the Phillip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire, & cost is $25 (per vehicle) for seven days, or other options are available. nps.gov/slbe/ planyourvisit/calendar.htm
DEEP FREEZE WINTER JAM 2: 7pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. Featuring local rock bands Alter Ego Rehab and The Lonely Pines. Bring a canned good to help fill the St. Thomas food pantry & get a $2 discount. $18-$20. theoperahouse.org
SHREK: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: (See Fri., Feb. 21)
A TRIBUTE NIGHT TO THE EAGLES: 7:30pm, City Opera House, TC. Featuring Out of Eden. Rock out to all of The Eagles’ top hits, including: Hotel California, Desperado, Take it Easy, The Last Resort, Take it to the Limit, & many more. $39-$59. cityoperahouse.org
DOWNTOWN SOUND W/ THE GASOLINE GYPSIES: 7:30-9:30pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Theater, Petoskey. This group draws influence from the roots of rock, folk, bluegrass, & country to create their own style of Americana rock. They are eight time Detroit Music Award winners. $10-$40. crookedtree. org/event/ctac-petoskey/downtown-soundgasoline-gypsies-february-22 ----------------------
THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL: (See Fri., Feb. 21)
sunday
15TH ANNUAL TRAVERSE CITY RESTAURANT WEEK: From Feb. 23 - March 1 eateries across TC & Grand Traverse County will offer special multiple-
course prix fixe menus priced at $25, $35, or $45 per person. For a list of participating restaurants, & to download your passport dining guide, visit the web site. downtowntc.com/ traverse-city-restaurant-week
HARBOR SPRINGS RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Fri., Feb. 21)
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15TH ANNUAL GREAT INDOOR FOLK FESTIVAL: Noon-5:30pm, The Village at GT Commons, The Mercato, TC. Enjoy live folk & acoustic music with more than 75 musicians performing on four different stages. Additional performances will be held at nearby stages, including Left Foot Charley Winery, The Barrel Room (of LFC), Higher Grounds Coffee, & Kirkbride Hall. Musicians include The Jim Crockett and Co., Song of the Lakes, New 3rd Coast, Riggs and Jeels, Runaway Mule, and STRUM. An open mic stage at Cuppa Joe will also be available for anyone interested in signing up to perform during the festival. Free. bi6700.wixsite.com/dungjen-1/about
SHREK: HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: (See Fri., Feb. 21, except today’s time is 2pm.)
THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL: (See Fri., Feb. 21, except today’s time is 2pm.)
CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETOSKEY:
- DRAWN.: Held in Atrium Gallery. Experience the boundless possibilities of visual storytelling, from traditional mediums to digital works & everything in-between. Featuring: Jen Boehler, Katie Eberts, Nick Nortier, Nicole Ray & Kyria Smith. Runs through Feb. 22. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/drawn
- GUILD MEMBER SALON SHOW 2025: Runs through Feb. 22 in the Galleries. Invitational exhibit featuring the work of CTAC Artist Guild Members. Painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, new media, & more will be on display. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/guild-member-salon-show-2025
- OPEN STUDIO, PETOSKEY: Saturdays, 10am-1pm in Visual Arts Room. Free drop-in art studio for the whole family. New projects are offered weekly. crookedtree.org
CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, TC: - BITTER & BEAUTY: WINTER’S TRUTH IN THE MIDWEST: Runs through Feb. 22 in the Carnegie Galleries. This exhibit delves into the many facets of winter, showcasing how Michigan artists across all mediums interpret the season & its impact. Juried by local gallerist Shanny Brooke, the collection portrays the unique relationship northern Michigan has with winter. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-traversecity/bitter-beauty-winters-truth-midwest
- TRAVERSE AREA CAMERA CLUB: 2024 AWARD WINNERS: Runs through Feb. 22 in Carnegie Rotunda. Explore the works of local photographers in this exhibit featuring awardwinning images from the Traverse Area Camera Club’s 2024 competitions. Celebrating technical excellence & creative vision, these photographs capture diverse subjects. A conversation with some of the featured artists will be held on Sat., Feb. 15 at 11am. crookedtree. org/event/ctac-traverse-city/traverse-area-camera-club-2024-award-winners
- WINTER WIT... THE FUNNIER SIDE OF ART: Runs through Feb. 22 in Cornwell Gallery. Explore the role of humor in visual arts, encouraging you to reflect on what you find funny & how it can be expressed through different mediums. Juried by local artist Mary Fortuna. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-traverse-city/winter-wit-funnier-side-art
DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC:
- “SMALL EXPRESSIONS”: The Handweavers Guild of America, Inc.’s “Small Expressions” exhibit is an annual juried exhibition showcasing contemporary small-scale works using fiber techniques in any media. Works do not exceed 15 inches in any direction, were completed within the last two years, & were not previously published. Runs through May 25. Hours are Tues. through Sun., 11am4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/upcoming-exhibitions/small-expressions.html
- “NORTHWEST MICHIGAN REGIONAL
JURIED EXHIBITION”: Held regularly at the Museum for over 30 years, the exhibition features artwork made by regional artists over the last year & juried by an arts professional outside of the region. This year’s juror is Teresa Dunn. It runs through May 25. Hours are Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/upcoming-exhibitions/northwest-michigan-juried-show-and-call.html
- “ART OF REGENERATION”: This exhibition was inspired by the regenerative powers of axolotl, Ambystoma mexicanum, an aquatic salamander, also known as the Mexican walking fish. They can regenerate multiple body parts throughout their adulthood. Bright-field microscopic images highlighting axolotl limb regeneration process were used as design elements. The exhibit runs through March 30. Hours are Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/upcoming-exhibitions/art-of-regeneration.html
- A STYLE ALL OUR OWN: CANADIAN WOODLAND ARTISTS: Runs through May 25. In the early 1960s, young Indigenous artists from the Great Lakes region created a unique style of painting known as the Woodland School of Art. Early members of this prolific art community included Norval Morrisseau, Carl Ray, Roy Thomas, Sam Ash, Jackson Beardy, & Daphne Odjig. Perhaps the best-known of the group is Norval Morrisseau, who is often referred to as the Father of the Woodland School. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/ now-on-view/canadian-woodland-artists.html
- CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE CERAMICS FROM THE HORVITZ COLLECTION: Runs through Sept. 28, 2025. An array of works by contemporary Japanese ceramic artists, this is a sampler of the great diversity of styles, forms, glazes, & ages. These artworks are drawn from the curated collection of Carol & Jeffrey Horvitz, some of the leading collectors of Japanese contemporary outside of Japan. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/upcoming-exhibitions/index.html
GLEN ARBOR ARTS CENTER:
- “REFLECTIONS IN WATER”: Held in Lobby Gallery. A small exhibit of colored pencil drawings depicting a vital life force by Judith Shepelak. Runs through April 24. Shepelak captures the dynamic, changing, & diverse faces of water as she has encountered it during travels locally & throughout the United States & Canada. The GAAC is open Mon. through Fri., 9am-3pm, & noon-4pm on Sat. glenaborart.org
- “THE SKY IS ALWAYS THERE”: This exhibition moves beyond direct representation, beyond portraits of puffy clouds. Applicants were asked to consider the sky from its atmospheric characteristic to its mythic history. Runs through March 20. The GAAC is open during the week, 9am-3pm, & on Sat., noon4pm. glenaborart.org
OLIVER ART CENTER, FRANKFORT:
- “SHE: HONORING WOMEN IN ART”: Enjoy this exhibition highlighting what it means to be a woman & an artist in today’s world. It focuses on aspects of positivity, strength, resiliency & creativity & highlights the artists’ ingenuity & ability to build community, generate support, creatively problem-solve & create & sustain life & beauty. There will be an opening reception on Fri., Feb. 21 from 5-7pm. An artist talk will take place on Fri., March 28 from 2-4pm. The exhibit runs through March 28. Michigan artists Judy Jashinsky, Melissa Jones, Rebecca Mott & Shelly Taylor will be featured, alongside work in all media curated through an open call. Hours are Tues.- Sat., 10am-4pm; & Sun., noon-4pm. oliverart.org
- PIECE WORK: AN EXHIBITION OF CONTEMPORARY GEE’S BEND QUILTS: Held in the Fisher Room through March 22 in observation of Black History Month. The unique handstitched quilts are from a collection on loan from area resident Patricia Reich, who inherited them from her mother Jan Dolland, who was an advocate for the Quilters of Gee’s Bend in Boykin, Alabama. Oliver Art Center is open Tues. - Sat., 10am-4pm, & Sun., noon-4pm. oliverart.org
ENCORE 201, TC
2/15 & 2/22 -- DJ Ricky T, 9
Grand Traverse & Kalkaska
TASTING ROOM: 2/21 -- John Piatek, 5-7
2/21 -- Somebody's Sister & The GoodFella's, 8-10:30; DJ Ricky T, 10:30-2
HOTEL INDIGO, TC
2/15 -- Zeke Clemons, 6-9
2/19 -- Dominic Fortuna, 6-8
2/21 -- Jeff Socia, 6-9
2/22 -- Rhett & John, 6-9
KILKENNY'S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE, TC
9:30:
2/14-15 -- Risque
2/21 -- Peril
2/22 -- Split Decision
KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING
2/18 – Open Mic Night w/ LaRose Duo, 6-8
2/20 – Trivia Night w/ Marcus Anderson, 6:30-8:30
LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC
LEFT FOOT CHARLEY STAGE:
2/23 -- Great Indoor Folk Fest. w/ Gemini Moon, New Third Coast, Rigs & Jeels, STR8FWRD, & Runaway Mule; starts at noon
BARREL ROOM:
2/17 -- Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9
BARREL ROOM STAGE:
2/23 -- Great Indoor Folk Fest w/ Liz Landry & Co, Luke Woltanski & John Piatek, Jenny Thomas Trio, Trillium Groove, A to Z, Thomas & Hyde, & Hunter Bell; starts at noon
SORELLINA'S, TC SLATE RESTAURANT: Thurs. -- Tom Kaufmann on Piano, 5-8 Fri. & Sat. – Tom Kaufmann on Piano, 6-9
THE ALLUVION, TC
2/15 -- Nate Smith, 7 2/17 -- Funky Uncle - Funky Fun Mondays, 6-8:30 2/19 -- Here:Say StorytellingWhat I Did For Love, 7-9 2/20 -- The Jeff Haas Trio feat. Laurie Sears + Lisa Flahive, 6-8:30
2/22 -- Crosshatch Benefit Party & Concert, 3:30-9
2/23 -- The Alluvion Big Band, 3-5
Antrim & Charlevoix
THE HAYLOFT INN, TC
7:30-11:
2/14-15 -- Sandy & The Bandits 2/21-22 -- East Bay Blue
THE LITTLE FLEET, TC
2/19 -- Endless Summer w/ DJ Dusty Staircase, 3-11
THE PARLOR, TC
2/15 – Rhett & John, 9-12
2/18 – Jesse Jefferson, 8-11
2/19 – Mallory Ramage, 8-11
2/20 – SkyeLea, 8-11
2/21 – Mal & Mike, 9-12
2/22 – Rolling Dirty Duo, 9-12
THE PUB, TC
2/15 – The Fridays, 9-12
2/17 – Karaoke Monday, 8-11
2/19 – Zeke Clemons, 8-11
2/20 -- David Martón, 7-10
2/22 – Empire Highway, 8-12
THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC
2/15 -- Jacob McLeod, 7
2/18 -- Open Mic w/ Zak Bunce, 6:30
2/19 -- Jazz Jam feat. Don Julin & Ron Getz Trio, 6
2/20 -- DJ Trivia, 7
2/22 -- Delilah DeWylde, 7
2/23 -- Full Tilt Comedy Presents Comedy Mixtape #21, 7
UNION STREET STATION, TC
2/14-15 – ZUZ, 10
2/20 -- DJ 1Wave, 9
2/21 -- The Timebombs, 6; The Ampersands, 10
2/22 -- DJ Skin Kwon Doe & Astray, 10
Michigan singer/songwriter/storyteller/multi-instrumentalist Luke Woltanski plays the Fred Kramer Solo Stage from 5-5:30pm at the 15th Annual Great Indoor Folk Festival on Sun., Feb. 23 that takes place at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons in The Mercato and surrounding stages. There will be more than 75 musicians performing at this free event. For a lineup visit: bi6700.wixsite.com/dungjen-1/about. Luke plays the northern Michigan music scene regularly. Keep your eye on the Nitelife listings to find him.
Emmet & Cheboygan
BOYNE CITY TAP ROOM
2/20 -- Adam & The Cabana Boys, 7
ETHANOLOGY, ELK RAPIDS
2/15 -- Ron Getz Trio, 7-10
FIRESIDE LOUNGE, BELLAIRE
2/15 -- James Robnett, 6:30-9:30
2/21 -- DJ Bingo, 7-9
2/22 -- Matt Gabriel, 6:30-9:30
FOUNDRY CRAFT GRILLERY, EAST JORDAN Thurs. -- Trivia, 7
JAX NORTHSIDE, CHARLEVOIX
2/19 -- Trivia Night, 7-9
BLACK STAR FARMS, SUTTONS BAY BISTRO POLARIS, 6-8:
2/15 -- Zack Meyers
2/22 -- Jakob Abraham
BOATHOUSE VINEYARDS, LAKE LEELANAU
TASTING ROOM:
2/21 -- Dominic Fortuna, 6-8
CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, THOMPSONVILLE
SLOPESIDE TENT NEAR CRYSTAL CLIPPER CHAIRLIFT, 3-5:
2/15 -- Rhett & John
2/16 -- Luke Woltanski
2/22 -- Weston Buchan
VISTA LOUNGE:
2/15 -- Sydni K, 2-5; Somebody's
Sister & the Goofellas, 8-11
2/16 -- Jesse Jefferson, 2-5; Jim Hawley, 8-11
2/19 -- DJ Trivia, 7-9
2/21 -- Nick Vasquez, 2-5; Knee Deep, 8-11
2/22 -- Blake Elliott, 2-5; Knee Deep, 8-11
2/23 -- Dominic Fortuna, 2-5
FIVE SHORES BREWING, BEULAH 6-9:
2/20 -- Trivia Night w/ Mark
2/21 -- Open Mic w/ Andy Littlefield
FRENCH VALLEY VINEYARD, CEDAR
2/20 -- Highway North, 4
IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE
2/15 -- Jesse Jefferson, 5:30-7:30
2/16 -- JABO, 3:30-5:30
2/21 -- Jakob Abraham, 5:30-7:30 2/22 -- Brett Mitchell, 5:30-7:30
LAKE ANN BREWING CO.
2/15 -- Serita's Black Rose Duo, 6:30-9:30
2/16 -- Chris Skellenger & Pat Niemisto, 5-8
2/20 -- Trivia Night, 7-9
2/21 -- Andy Perrin & The Show Buds, 6:30-9:30
2/22 -- Drew Hale, 6:30-9:30
LITTLE TRAVERSE INN, MAPLE CITY
MUSKRAT DISTILLING, BOYNE CITY 2/21 -- The Shifties, 8-11
SHORT'S PUB, BELLAIRE
2/20 -- Trivia, 6:30
TOWN CLUB, ELK RAPIDS
2/20 -- Mike Ridley, 6-9
BOB'S PLACE, ALANSON
2/19 -- Mike Ridley, 6-9
BOYNE HIGHLANDS, HARBOR SPRINGS SLOPESIDE LOUNGE:
2/15 – David Lawston, 6-9
BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS, PETOSKEY
2-6:
2/15 -- Chris Calleja
2/22 -- Michelle Chenard
CITY PARK GRILL, PETOSKEY
2/15 -- Electric Boogie Night w/ DJs Franck, Yakob & Coffeethot, 9 2/18 -- Trivia Night, 7-9
2/21 -- Annex Karaoke, 9:30
GYPSY DISTILLERY & EVENTS CENTER, PETOSKEY
2/21 -- Thomas & Hyde, 6-9
SHADY LANE CELLARS, SUTTONS BAY
2/21 -- Friday Night Live w/ Luke Woltanski, 4-7
ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH
2/15 – Blair Miller, 5-8
2/20 -- Open Mic Night, 6-9 2/21 -- John Paul, 5-8
STORMCLOUD BREWING CO., FRANKFORT
7: 2/17 -- 90's & Early 2000's Pop Culture Trivia 2/19 -- Winter Trivia Tournament
SWEET’S BAR & GRILL, HONOR Mon. – Music Bingo, 7 Fri. – Music Bingo, 8; Karaoke, 10 Sat. – Karaoke, 8
THE HOMESTEAD RESORT, GLEN ARBOR
WHISKERS:
2/22 -- Billy & The Kid, 6-9
2/22 -- Sean Bielby, 2-4
HIGH FIVE SPIRITS, PETOSKEY
2/15 & 2/22 -- DJ Parker Marshall, 9-11
JUNCTION BAR & GRILL & EVENT CENTER, WALLOON LAKE VILLAGE
2/22 -- Jelly Roll Blues Band, 8
NOGGIN ROOM PUB, PETOSKEY
2/14-15 -- Dueling Pianos - Feat. Piano Bar Detroit, 7-10
2/19 -- Singo Bingo, 6:30 2/21 -- Laura Fullford, 7-10 2/22 -- Mike Ridley, 7-10
NORTHLAND BREWING CO., INDIAN RIVER
2/15 -- Winterfest Comedy Showcase w/ The Midwest Comedy Tour feat. Becky Thompson & Austin Robertson, 7 WARMING HUT: 2/16 -- Lee Fayssoux & the String
2/20 -- Chief Jams - Open Mic with Bee Jay & Nate from Barefoot Music
2/21 -- Lynn Callihan
2/22 -- Ted Bounty
THE GREENHOUSE - WILLOW/ PRIMOS, CADILLAC
2/22 -- Cabin Fever Dance Party w/ 3 DJs, 8
SNOWBELT BREWING CO., GAYLORD
lOGY
FEB 17 - FEB 23
BY ROB BREZSNY
PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): Have you been struggling to summon the motivation to start anew in some area of your life? I predict that sometime in the coming weeks, you will find all the motivation you need. Have you been wishing you could shed the weight of the past and glide into a fresh project with unburdened mind and heart? I believe that destiny will soon conspire to assist you in this noble hope. Are you finally ready to exorcise a pesky ghost and dash jubilantly toward the horizon, eager to embrace your future? I think you are.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In November 1963, the captain of a sardine boat sailing near Iceland noticed a column of dark smoke rising out of the water. Was it another boat on fire? No, it was the beginning of a volcanic eruption. A few days later, steady explosions had created a new island, Surtsey, which still exists today. I suspect you will have a metaphorically comparable power in the coming weeks, Leo: an ability to generate a new creation out of fervent energies rising out of the hot depths. Be alert! And be ready to harness and make constructive use of the primal force.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson was a 10th-century Danish king. He united the tribes of Denmark into a single kingdom. His nickname originated in the fact that he had a prominent dead tooth that turned bluish-gray. More than 10 centuries later, engineers who created a new short-range wireless technology decided to call their invention “bluetooth.” Why? Because they imagined it would serve a variety of electronic devices, just as the king once blended the many tribes. In the spirit of these bluetooth phenomena, I’m urging you Virgos to be a uniter in the coming weeks and months. You will have an enhanced capacity to bridge different worlds and link disparate groups. PS: An aspect that could be construed as an imperfection, like Harald’s tooth, could conceal or signify a strength.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Libran author Ursula K. Le Guin wrote, "Freedom is a heavy load, a great and strange burden for the spirit to undertake." I know from experience there’s truth in that idea. But I’m happy to tell you that in 2025, freedom will be less heavy and less burdensome than maybe ever before in your life. In fact, I suspect liberation will be relatively smooth and straightforward for you. It won’t be rife with complications and demands, but will be mostly fun and pleasurable. Having said that, I do foresee a brief phase when working on freedom will be a bit more arduous: the next few weeks. The good news is that your emancipatory efforts will set the stage for more ease during the rest of 2025.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Always and forever, the world is a delicate balance of seemingly opposing forces that are in fact interwoven and complementary: light and shadow, determination and surrender, ascent and descent, fullness and emptiness, progress and integration, yes and no. The apparent polarities need and feed each other. In the coming weeks, invite you to meditate on these themes. Are there areas of your life where you have been overly focused on one side of the scale while neglecting the other? If so, consider the possibility of recalibrating. Whether you are balancing emotion with logic, rest with work, or connection with independence, take time to adjust. If you honor both halves of each whole, you will generate fertile harmonies.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):The ancient stands of cedar trees on Japan’s Yakushima Island have a special power. They create weather patterns for themselves, generating rain clouds from the water vapor they release through their leaves. This ingenious stroke of self-nurturing provides them with the exact rainfall they require. I propose that we make these cedar trees your power symbol in the coming weeks. It’s an excellent time for you to dream up and implement more of the conditions you need to flourish.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Tardigrades are tiny, eight-legged animals colloquially known as water bears or moss piglets. Their resilience is legendary. They can thrive anywhere, from mountaintops to
the deep sea, from Antarctica to tropical rainforests. They can withstand extreme temperatures, live a long time without water, and even survive in outer space. I propose we make the tardigrade your power creature for the coming weeks, dear Capricorn. Your flexibility and fluidity will be at a peak. You will be hardy, supple, and durable. It will be a favorable time to leave your comfort zone and test your mettle in new environments. Seemingly improbable challenges may be well within your range of adaptability.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In the coming days, playing games could be good practice for life. Breezy exchanges and fun activities could stimulate clues and insights that will be useful in making important decisions. What appears to be ordinary entertainment or social engagement may provide you with profound lessons about strategy and timing. How you manage cooperation and competition in those lighter moments could yield useful guidance about more serious matters.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): The Hindu holiday of Maha Shivaratri is dedicated to overcoming ignorance and darkness in celebrants’ own lives and in the world. This year it falls on February 26. Even if you’re not Hindu, I recommend you observe your own personal version of it. To do so would be in accordance with astrological omens. They suggest that the coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to be introspective, study your life and history, and initiate changes that will dispel any emotional or spiritual blindness you might be suffering from. PS: Remember that not all darkness is bad! But some is unhealthy and demoralizing, and that’s the kind you should banish and transmute.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The blue whale is the most massive animal that has ever lived. You could swim through its arteries. Its heart is five feet high and weighs 400 pounds. And yet, when diving, its pulse slows to four to eight times per minute. I propose we choose the blue whale to be your spirit creature in the coming weeks. May this magnificent beast inspire you to cultivate slow, potent rhythms that serve you better than hyperactivity. Let’s assume you will accomplish all you need by maintaining a steady, measured pace—by focusing on projects that require depth and diligence rather than speed. Your natural persistence will enable you to tackle tasks that might overwhelm those who lack your patience.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Over 10,000 years ago, someone walked for a mile through what’s now White Sands National Park in New Mexico. We know they did because they left footprints that were fossilized. Scientists believe it was probably a woman who mostly carried a child and sometimes let the child walk under its own power. Like those ancient footprints, your actions in the coming weeks may carry lasting significance—more than may be immediately apparent. I encourage you to proceed as if you are making a more substantial impact and having a bigger influence than you imagine.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): What’s the oldest known recipe? What ancient food product did our ancestors write down instructions about how to make? It was beer! The 4,000-yearold Sumerian text included a hymn to Ninkasi, the goddess of beer. It tells how to use the right ingredients and employ careful fermentation to concoct a beverage that lowers inhibitions and brings people together in convivial celebration. In that spirit, Cancerian, encourage you to meditate on the elements you can call on to create merrymaking and connection. Now is a good time to approach this holy task with extra focus and purposefulness.
“Jonesin” Crosswords
"Et Al" --some extra stuff. by Matt Jones
ACROSS
1. Drive-thru drink extra
6. Goblet piece
10. Baby kangaroo
14. Pet problem?
15. Adidas rival
16. Killer whale
17. Valuable item
18. Novel-identifying digits
19. Mister, in M¸nster
20. Pail exclusively for celebrities?
22. Mad Libs prompt
23. Denver clock reading
24. Kong, e.g.
25. Tournament seeding
27. Pond dwellers
29. Encompassed by
33. Roll up
36. "Nick at ___"
38. More wintry
39. German attack craft of WWII
41. Swanson on "Parks & Recreation"
42. Play in the NHL
43. Metronome measurement
44. Italian beach resort
46. "What ___ can I do?"
47. Sneaky kind of horse?
49. One of Santa's reindeer
51. Savage of "MythBusters"
53. Office machine still used by some businesses
54. Text messaging letters
57. On a grand scale
60. Squishy space shuttle propeller?
63. Lean and tall
64. Former Missouri Congresswoman Bush
65. Company behind "Space Invaders" and "Bubble Bobble"
66. Remote button
67. Reunion attendee
68. Acquired relative
69. Coin-op opening
70. Intense fury
71. Honeycomb units
DOWN
1. Twitch
2. Pushes to the limit
3. Held another meeting
4. Affirm with certainty
5. Home beverage center
6. Baby, for instance
7. Walrus feature
8. Add to a website, as a video
9. Repeated phrase
10. The average cricket player?
11. Cookie with a limited-edition Post Malone flavor
12. Grayish earth tone
13. Knitting store supply
21. Fairy tale's second word
26. Author Kingsley
27. Cold-weather wear that'll help you get off the ground?
28. Poker-faced
30. Old phone feature
31. Collectors' completions
32. Ash, e.g.
33. Bounty hunter Boba
34. Over, in Hanover
35. Former Cowboys quarterback Tony
37. Theoretical stopping point
40. Mario Kart character
45. "The Wire" role
48. Org. with pit workers
50. Rare and unusual
52. Slangy cash
54. Expertise
55. Mercury, for one
56. Puts in the overhead
57. Shade providers
58. Singer Anka
59. Engaged by
61. 1960s fad dance
62. Sugar source
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