July 2015 - Nine Years of seveneightfive

Topeka’s guide to art, entertainment, lifestyle + local flavor

CELEBRATING NINE YEARS

July 2015 • Vol. X Issue I

a decade of art changes a city

Aaron Douglas Art Fair Latest Mural Project Artist J.E.B. + more!

FREE EVERYTIME

in your seveneightfive VOL X Issue I | June 15 - July 31, 2015 | 9th Anniversary Issue

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cover art photo by Gary Krohe

#785ART

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#785FLAVOR

theatre topeka I

new mural art

jordan brooks artitude

a decade of art changes a city

#785LIVE 8 calendar of events 20 ebony tusks

#785LIFE 16 outdoor movies 25 zorb football

SUPPORT

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mug shot

summer brews

food truck fest food truck review

front door catering

food ninja: cook’s

#785SHOP 3 aoz boutique

beach wear for women

EXTRAS 5 rup - psychic chicken 17 specials

THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES

Back Cover: Pigskins Inside Covers: Spirit of Kansas Blues Festival, Oddfellow’s Fine Books + Collectables Inside Back B+B Backyard, Topeka Metro Bikes Ads Inside: The Dutch Goose, RowHouse Restaurant, Topeka Beer, Strathman Sales, Governor’s Rowhouse, ARTSConnect #FFAW Map, The Brass Rail, 4 Girls Garage, Knockerball Topeka, Auburn Theatre, Backs by Popular Demand, Sundown Film Fest. - KS Museum of History, Blues 4A Cause, LINKS Fashion Show, Topeka + Shawnee County Public Library, ArtPrint Express, Movies on the Lawn, Ad Astra DJ, Ali Rene Photography, The Banner Ninja, TopCon 2015, Capital City Crushers, Fiesta Mexicana, Anytime Fitness.

Specials: Abigail’s, Dutch Goose, Joletta’s, Pigskin’s, PT’s @College Hill, Tailgators

contributors PUBLISHER/OWNER

Kerrice Mapes kerrice@seveneightfive.com

PHOTOGS | WRITERS | DESIGN | RESEARCH

Stepan Burrell, Rio Cervantes-Reed, EJ Drake, Ali Hanlon, Gary Krohe, Michelle Leivan, Noah Neff, Gary Piland, Amanda Reynolds, Ashley Reynolds, Martie Rison, James Robinson, Tom Wah, Matt Wasserstein + Stephanie West

DISTRIBUTION

Michale Howe, Travis Owens Ni’Cole Revell + James Robinson

BUSINESS DIRECTOR Liz Bell

EDITING

D O’Brien + Rebecca Radziejeski

ADVERTISING

Kerrice Mapes + Ni’Col Revell

about us seveneightfive magazine is a free niche magazine highlighting entertainment, art, local businesses and more in Topeka, Kan. seveneightfive was created in June 2006 to inform area residents and visitors about a+e events in Topeka. Today, we continue to be a catalyst for cultural and art enhancement in Topeka. seveneightfive is made possible due to ad revenue and only allows locally owned businesses to be represented in print. seveneightfive magazine and its social media incarnations are not intended for readers under 18 years of age.

@seveneightfive

pick up 21 places to pick up 785 next issue: • • •

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Pigskins Boom Comics Dutch Goose

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Joletta’s The Brass Rail Oddfellow’s Books + Collectables Topeka + Shawnee Public Library Absolute Fitness on Gage Pizagels

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Topeka Civic Theatre KS Expo Center ArtPrint Express 4 Girls Garage PT’s College Hill Envy Salon

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Mulvane Art Museum Backs by Popular Demand Rowhouse Restaurant Downtown Topeka Inc. Mad Eliza’s Kirk & Cobb / Helen Crow

#785SHOP

A BEACHY BOUTIQUE Resor t wear for Topeka women.

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love for Jamaica and traveling to exciting and exotic destinations was the impetus for AOZ, Topeka’s newest gallery and boutique located at 1406 SW Topeka Blvd. Owner Amber O’Dell is a photographer, artist and owner of AOZ, the annual magazine and now boutique.

“I know how fun it is to have unique swimwear and clothing for my vacations, so I wanted others to be just as excited about having a colorful and exotic wardrobe,” said O’Dell about the driving force behind opening the store.

AOZ’s exotic offerings are for women of all shapes, sizes and ages with pieces ranging in sizes six to 22. “My goal is to make sure women have a place to shop for swimwear and resort wear year round.” Her unique pieces come from places like Colombia, California, Jamaica and Miami - soon to be Australia and Europe as well. Located in the store is a Wishlist Board, where people can request O’Dell to hand pick items for them. While you’re shopping, make sure to stop by her Art Gallery and Photography Studio, also housed in the boutique. Open Thursday through Saturday from 11a to 6p. aseveneightfive

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#785FLAVOR #785MUGSHOT

BREW EVENTS

July 11: Brew at the Zoo July 22:Defiance Brewing Tap Takeover | Burger Stand | 6p beer releases, local beer events + more @TopekaBeer

They added blackberry juice during fermentation for a balancing sweetness. The finish is clean, crisp and refreshing.

NEW BELGIUM | LONGTABLE SAISON | JULY 13

SUMMER BREWS TALLGRASS BREWING CO. | GINGER PEACH SAISON AVAIL ABLE NOW The opening riff in their Saison Medley turns it up to eleven. (If you don’t get the reference, look it up and call us later. Anaconda.) The ginger peach is refreshing and makes this light to medium body brew perfect for the pool or patio. It will make you sing.

ODELL BREWING | BL ACKBERRY BROMBEERE | AVAIL ABLE JULY 13 Odell Brewing will release its newest - Brombeere, a Gose (Goes-uh) brewed with blackberries.

Originating in Germany, Gose is a soured wheat ale brewed with salt and spices. The Odell Brewing team used a house culture for natural souring along with coriander in the kettle to give the beer its tartness.

An ode to the communal Saison, Longtable Farmhouse Ale brings together the juicy flavors of Belgian yeast and Nelson Sauvin hops with the spicy and toasty notes of Munch and Rye grains. Grab a seat!

WINDMER BROS. HEFE SHANDY A brew as sweet as the spring blossoming trees and as refreshing as a summer morning rain. Hefeweizen serves as the base for this beer and Lemon Drop hops and lemonade flavor are added to create the bright, crisp front flavor and aroma. Complemented well when served with an orange slice.

DESCHUTES | PINEDROP IPA | JULY This lively IPA delivers a crisp and light malt body with ample citrus and pine notes from Chinook and Equinox hops. It is inspired by the aromas and silence you might experience when exploring the scenic pine forests just up the road from the Deschutes brewhouse.

For us Topekans, who might not get there, grab a sixpack and watch for the draft to be available all yearround, starting this summer. aseveneightfive Follow Strathman Sales on Facebook for even more local beer news.

Prognosticatio with

Ruprecht Roosterdamus, The Psychic Chicken TM

Jun 15 - Jul 31

2015 Chicken Chicken Person, Person, Please Please stop stop making making funfun of my of my administration. administration.

I am I am doing doing mymy best best for for mymy buddies buddies who who buybuy meme drinks drinks andand vacations vacations andand stuff stuff andand paypay to get to get meme (barely) (barely) reelected. reelected.

- Sam - Sam B. B. Dear Dear Sammy, Sammy, Yes,Yes, wewe both both know know Citizens Citizens United United is ruining is ruining ourour elections, elections, butbut whywhy notnot justjust do do your your jobjob andand help help Kansans?

Kansans?

YerYer a such a such a a silly,silly, sadsad little little governor. governor.

- RR- RR ____________________________ ____________________________

The Dutch Goose | 3202 10th St | 357.8474

A R A IR EI SE S Please!

Please!

Adult Adult diapers diapers areare for for people people with with certain certain medical medical conditions, conditions, Bucko.

Bucko.

Don’t Don’t wear wear them them justjust because because yeryer afraid afraid yeryer gonna gonna miss miss partpart of yer of yer favorite favorite “reality” “reality” show. show.

Icky!

Icky!

GetGet a DVR. a DVR. T AT U AR UU R SU S Ya strive Ya strive so hard so hard to be to be a hottie, a hottie, andand style style is aispersonal a personal thing. thing.

Still,Still, sometimes sometimes it’s it’s best best notnot wear wear oldold hooker hooker outfits outfits yeryer little little sister sister threw threw away. away.

NotNot judging! judging!

G EG M E M I NI IN I In the In the future, future, when when space space travel travel to distant to distant galaxies galaxies is common, is common, I I kinda kinda doubt doubt anyone anyone is going is going to to spend spend their their summer summer vacation vacation in in Topeka.

Topeka.

JustJust sayin’. sayin’.

C AC N A C N EC RE R WasWas thethe sexsex really really thatthat horrible horrible or was or was it just it just badbad sushi? sushi?

L EL OE O Dating Dating Rule Rule #199.3: #199.3: Hooking Hooking up up with with a total a total stranger stranger to get to get even even with with someone someone elseelse for for hooking hooking up up with with a total a total stranger stranger is like is like crashing crashing yeryer car car to test to test thethe air air bags bags without without wearing wearing yeryer seatseat belt. belt.

Ya might Ya might be be fine. fine.

Or Or ya might ya might endend up up with with a few a few missing missing teeth teeth andand scars scars in places in places ya can’t ya can’t show show yeryer best best friend. friend.

V IVRI G RO G O Why Why do do wewe callcall kidskids “pre-teens” “pre-teens” or (and or (and I HATE I HATE this) this) “tweens” “tweens” when when in actuality in actuality they they areare justjust greedy greedy little little beasts beasts with with badbad hygiene hygiene andand no no social social skills skills justjust likelike thethe teens teens they they eventually eventually become. become.

If we If we don’t don’t kill kill them, them, thatthat is. is.

L IL BI R BA R A It’s It’s notnot what what ya said ya said about about what what ya said ya said or what or what ya said ya said about about what what ya didn’t ya didn’t say.say.

IT’SIT’S WHAT WHAT YA YA SAID. SAID. Hope Hope thisthis helps. helps.

S CS OC R O PR IP OI O Please Please keep keep doing doing exactly exactly what what yeryer doing doing now. now.

It really It really makes makes thethe restrest of us of better us better humans humans or, or, uh,uh, chickens. chickens.

S AS G A IGTI TT AT R A IR UI SU S Nobody Nobody wonders wonders whywhy when when circumstances circumstances help, help, butbut they they sure sure do do whine whine andand cry cry about about conspiracies conspiracies when when they they hurt. hurt.

C AC P A RP IR CI OC R ON R N Yes,Yes, mymy dear dear Capricorn, Capricorn, thethe term term “frothy “frothy sauce” sauce” cancan have have multiple multiple meanings meanings depending depending on on context. context.

Something Something to consider to consider nextnext time time before before yelling yelling something something outout at aat a friend’s friend’s wedding. wedding.

A Q AU QA UR A IR UI SU S WeWe hadhad a secret a secret meeting meeting andand it it hashas been been decided decided to limit to limit yeryer latelate night night jammy jammy pants pants forays forays to WalMart. to WalMart.

I know I know everyone everyone elseelse is doing is doing it and it and yeryer jammy jammy pants pants areare veryvery stylish, stylish, butbut wewe do do have have standards standards to maintain. to maintain.

P IP SI CS EC SE S It’s It’s never never good good to be to be icky.icky. ___________________________ ___________________________ Question Question forfor thethe Blue Blue Guru?

Guru?

Something Something on on yeryer mind? mind?

Need Need an an answer answer to atoburning a burning (and (and itching) itching) personal personal question? question?

I I saysay wewe findfind outout before before it’s it’s tootoo late.late.

Don’t Don’t wait! wait!

Email Email me!me!

Ruprecht@PsychicChicken.com Ruprecht@PsychicChicken.com ___________________________ ___________________________ * Astrological * Astrological predictions predictions are about are about as as helpful helpful as Governor as Governor Sammie Sammie refusing refusing to admit to admit his economic his economic policies policies are a are a complete complete andand abject abject failure. failure.

(And(And thatthat everyone everyone knew knew this this would would happen happen sincesince these these exact exact same same policies policies failed failed miserably miserably for Ronnie for Ronnie Reagan Reagan in the in 1980s.) the 1980s.)

- Ruprecht - Ruprecht

‘‘

#785FLAVOR

Eleven food trucks and over 5,000 people equaled a flavor explosion at Gage Park.”

truck fest

this time on Friday everyone was out of food so I made plans for Saturday.

a review of Topeka’s inaugural event

by Stefan Burrell

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pork, and mild BBQ sauce all topped with green chilies. The cheese sauce was cold, but that helped in its pairing with the pork and slight heat of the BBQ sauce. The saltiness of the corn chips matched the seasoned pork well. This dish made me happy; I would easily pay $8 again.

I started my flavor festival at HHB BBQ (check out their new location in downtown Topeka next month). Upon seeing theirs and others’ prices, I concluded that HHB was competitive. I ordered the HHB’s Pulled Pork Nachos, $8 a serving.

What you get is a doggie bag filled with corn chips, a slathering of cool cheese sauce, pulled

Ice and Olives came next. Their menu was impressive, but unfortunately they were out of all items except for a few plates. I got the Dagwood Slider for $3. The slider is on a toothpick with a layering of salami, pepperoni, Colby cheese and a meatball.

The Dagwood has a white sturdy crisp bun. I took the lower bun off and ate my cheese, pepperoni and salami first. The meatball, which I ate last, I removed from the toothpick and made a mini-meatball sandwich. There’s no sauce, but the meatball is really good. All in all, you get your money’s worth from the Dagwood slider. By

major event for Topeka transpired last month, the inaugural Capital City Food Truck Festival, a twoday flavor explosion in Gage Park, presented by Visit Topeka.

Eleven food trucks rolled into the park to an unpredicted turnout of over 5,000 hungry people, plus me. Consequently, many trucks ran out of food before 9p the first night. My thoughts on this are good, however. The proprietors were getting some good business and a turnout of that magnitude leads me to equate that either more food trucks will be at next year’s event or Topeka will see more events.

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The next afternoon I got in line for the Noble House Hawaiian truck, which I’ve been told to try. The wait for Noble House was long, about 90 minutes to reach the truck. (I got up to HHB BBQ’s window in 15 minutes and Ice and Olives’ in five minutes the night before.)

This is just what happens when everyone gets told to try the same truck, I guess. I wanted to try the Katsu Chicken, which the owner’s son pushed. When I reached the truck’s window only two options remained: Pork and Cabbage or Teriyaki Beef. I placed one order for Pork and Cabbage; total price was $12. The pork was tender, salty, and buttery from the cabbage. It was served with white rice.

The combination worked well, but I really wanted the Katsu Chicken so that lowered my satisfaction.

Overall the event was a major success, by my records. And now I have a list of food trucks to visit over the summer.

Stay tuned to seveneightfive.com for reviews of all these trucks and to find their locations and menus. aseveneightfive

Fiest a Me

5 1 0 2 a n xic a

July 14-18

www.olg-parish.org/fiesta

www.facebook.com/TopekaFiestaMexicana

#785LIVE

WEEKENDER EVENTS MONTHLY EVENTS 3RD WEDNESDAY JAZZ NIGHT

highlights for july + august Need more (and we know you do), sign up for the seveneightfive weekender at seveneightfive.com.

The Breakroom | 6p

1ST TUESDAY OPEN MIC POETRY NIGHT

Skivies Bar | 8p

2ND FRIDAY MOTO IN NOTO Bike Night | 5p

EVERY SUNDAY

DRAG SHOW Skivies Bar | 10p 4TH WEDNESDAY WAKA WAKA COMEDY NIGHT

The Breakroom | 7p

TRIVIA

JAM

The Brass Rail | 8p

Speck’s Bar + Grill | 8p

TUESDAY

TUESDAY BLUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Quinton’s | 7p Pigskins | 8p The Burger Stand | 8p

THURSDAY

AJ’s Pizza | 8p *Watch TSCPL for Friday Trivia Nights

Lazy Toad | 7p

SUNDAY

B+B Backyard | 2-8p Speck’s Bar + Grill All Ages Jam | 5p Late Night Jam | 9p

Joletta’s | 7:30p

WEDNESDAY

Lazy Toad | 9p Skivies | 9p The Boobie Trap | 9p

THURSDAY

Abigail’s | 9p Landmark Grill | 7p The Brass Rail | 8p

PARTIES FOR CAUSES

Bring your own lawn chair. Benches are available.

Admission is FREE. Sponsored by Topeka Blues Society “Keeping Music Live in Topeka.” Kudos to Kyler Carpenter for arranging / teaching youth opening acts.

JULY 11

CONCERTS @GAGE PARK AMPHITHEATER EVERY THIRD WEDNESDAY FROM 7-9P

JULY 15

JAVIER MENDOZA

Opening: Shawna Willis - French MS

AUGUST 19

First Friday OUTDOOR CONCERTS In front of The Celtic Fox. Presented by Downtown Topeka Inc. Sponsored by Strathman Sales, BUDWEISER and COX Communications.

Aaron Kamm + The One Drops | 8p

MUSIC IN THE PARK

Pigskins | 9p The Dugout | 9p

GAGE PARK AMPHITHEATER | SUNDAY 7P

SATURDAY

JULY 5 Santa Fe Band JULY 12 Marshall’s Civic Band JULY 19 Topeka Jazz Workshop JULY 26 Santa Fe Band AUGUST 2 Kaw Valley Cornet Band

Abigail’s | 9p

SUNDAY

Joletta’s | 7:30p Boobie Trap Bar | 9p

JULY 17

BLUES FOR A CAUSE

Benefit: Women Empowerment See ad to right.

Tickets $50pp | Downtown Ramada Inn | 6p

JULY 3

Jarrod Guth - Acoustic | 5:30p Top City Ramblers | 8p

FRIDAY

BREW AT THE ZOO

Benefit: Topeka Zoo Enjoy beer and refreshments while wandering around with the animals (the real animals, not just all those beer drinkers).

Tickets $40pp | Topeka Zoo | Gage Park | 6p

RED STATE BLUES BAND

Opening: Rachel Taylor, SHHS

AUGUST 7

KARAOKE TUESDAY

SUMMERTIME BLUES

JULY 25

ARTY AWARDS

Benefit: ARTSConnect Topeka Honoring arts award recipients and having a blast.

Tickets $75pp | TPAC | 6:30p

AUGUST 8

TOPEKA ACTIVE 20/30 GALA

Benefit: Hundreds of children’s organizations around Topeka.

Last year the club donated almost a quarter of a million dollars.

More info. to be released on their Facebook page.

BROWNBAG LUNCH CONCERT SERIES EVERY WEDNESDAY AT NOON IN DOWNTOWN TOPEKA

Located at TPAC (west lawn), 8th + Quincy or otherwise noted on their website.

Concerts 11a - 1p. Sponsored in part by Mize Houser + Company.

JULY 1

Big Harry + the Back Alley Blues [Jazz/Blues]

JULY 8

Nicolette Paige [Singer/Songwriter]

JULY 15

Jacob Hodge [Acoustic/Rock]

JULY 22

Judd Henry Mason [Folk/Americana]

JULY 29

Ryan Wills [Traditional Folk/Modern Pop]

AUGUST 5

Greg Fox [Folk/Americana Singer/Songwriter]

AUGUST 12

Jessica Paige Band [Soul/Pop]

AUGUST 19

Ashley Reynolds [Pop/Rock]

AUGUST 26

Waterdog Nation [Alternative/Country/Rock]

AUGUST 26

Slow Ya Roll [Funk/Soul]

SOME SPECIALS YOUR

TASTE BUDS + WALLET WILL LOVE

Share your favorite specials with us at @seveneightfive

MONDAY

$1 Chili Dogs | Terry’s $3 You Call It | The Brass Rail $5 Cheeseburger/fries | Dutch Goose BOGO 1/2 off Burgers | Henry T’s

TUESDAY

Taco Tuesdays | Tailgator’s | The Breakroom | NOTO Burrito 99c Margaritas | El Mezcal 99c Margaritas | El Centenario $3 Espresso >12p | PT’s College Hill $1.50 draws | Joletta’s

WEDNESDAY

$3.75 Bierocks | Joletta’s Ladies drink 1/2 price | The Brass Rail

THURSDAY

$2 Wells | Abigail’s $2 Craft Beer Night | Blue Moose

FRIDAY

$1 Pan Fried Tacos (not every Fri) | Cafe Holliday 75c Tacos | Oscar’s

SUNDAY

75c Tacos | The Dutch Goose $1.25 Tacos | Weller’s

DAILY

1/2 price apps 10-midnight | Pigskins 1/2 price apps M-F 4-6p | Pigskins $2 beers after 10p | Reeds

OVER 4,000

people get it.

DO YOU?

sign up at seveneightfive.com

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north topeka (noto)

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First Friday

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artwalk map

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STREET

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& shopping guide

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complete exhibit information available at artsconnecttopeka.org

GORDON

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downtown topeka 1 2

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GAGE BLVD

OAKLEY

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HUNTOON

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CALIFORNIA

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New Date!

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1 NOTO 5:30 5:45 6:00 6:15 6:30 6:45 7:00 7:15 7:30 7:45 8:00 8:15

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Warehouse 414 5:34 5:49 6:04 6:19 6:34 6:49 7:04 7:19 7:34 7:49 8:04 8:19

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Downtown 8th & KS 5:39 5:54 6:09 6:24 6:39 6:54 7:09 7:24 7:39 7:54 8:19 8:24

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Downtown 10th & KS 5:40 5:55 6:10 6:25 6:40 6:55 7:10 7:25 7:40 7:55 8:10 8:25

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TSCPL 5:45 6:00 6:15 6:30 6:45 7:00 7:15 7:30 7:45 8:00 8:15 8:30

Westboro 5:49 6:04 6:19 6:34 6:49 7:04 7:19 7:34 7:49 8:04 8:19 8:34

The Hub Home At Last Sweet!

Kitchen Gallery Cafe Barnabas Topeka Art Guild Yak 'N Yarn

surrounding 4

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Alice C. Sabatini Gallery | 1515 SW 10th Ave Beauchamp’s Gallery | 3113 SW Huntoon Mulvane Art Museum | 1700 SW Jewell Soho Interiors | 3129 SW Huntoon St PT’s Cafe College Hill | 1635 SW 17th Ave Porterfield’s | 3101 SW Huntoon

fairlawn plaza

29TH

First Friday Art Walk Shuttle Schedule

JUN

5

6

29TH

2

4

21ST

FAIRLAWN

1

5 3 4

GAGE BLVD

TOPEKA! 21ST

Oddfellows Fine Books | 117 SW 6th Ave Constitution Hall | 429 S KS Ave Boho Mojo | 631 S Kansas Ave Absolute Design | 629 S Kansas Ave The Merchant | 913a S KS Ave NexLynx | 123 SW 6th Ave Prairie Glass Studio | 110 SE 8th Ave Warehouse 414 | 414 SE 2nd St Kelly Gerhard, American Family | 119 SW 6th Wolfe’s Camera | 635 S KS Ave Capitol Federal | 700 S KS Ave Quincy Street Event Center | 707 SE Quincy Creative Corners Gallery & Gifts | 115 SE 6th Skin Art Creations Tattoo | 114 SW 8th St Topeka Performing Arts Center | 214 SE 8th H&R Block | 726 S Kansas Ave Cashmere Popcorn | 1003 SE Quincy

westboro/midtown 2

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Two Days Monthly Market | 829 N Kansas Rusty Haggles Antiques | 826 N Kansas 4 Girls’ Garage | 837 N Kansas Studio 831 | 831 N Kansas Stonewall Gallery | 826 N Kansas Vintage Vibe | 833 N Kansas Two Wolves Studio & Den | 837 1/2 N Kansas Rewind Antiques | 840 N Kansas Robuck Jewelers | 845 N Kansas The Eclective | 900 N Kansas Generations Antiques | 918 N Kansas Yeldarb Gallery | 909 N Kansas NOTO Arts Center | 935 N Kansas aMUSEd Gallery | 115 NW Laurent Street Matryoshka Tattoo | 902 N Kansas Ave Portico | 802 N Kansas Ave Ballet Folklorico | 814 N Kansas Ave The Open Window | 927 N Kansas Ave Curiosity | 1209 N Kansas Ave

3 4 5 6

Colorfields | 6826 SE Stubbs Rd (Berryton) Paint Therapy Uncorked | 5130 SW 29th St Southwind Gallery | 3074 SW 29th St Prairie Meadow Greenhouse | 7321 SE 45th Bedsprings & Burlap | 4008 SW Topeka Blvd.

Glaciers Edge Winery | 1636 SE 85th St (Wakarusa)

* Times subject to change Topeka Metro shuttle buses will begin at NOTO at 5:30 p.m. and will follow the schedule shown above with a new shuttle arriving every 15 minutes. The final shuttle will leave NOTO at 8:15 p.m. arriving at Westboro Mart at 8:34 p.m.

Help Topeka’s thriving art community!

www.artsconnecttopeka.org/donate

This isn’t heaven, it just feels like it.

Backs By Popular Demand

301 Gage Suite 161

785-234-1548

785_ACT_Nunsense_2_Ads.pdf 1 6/23/2015 8:22:15 PM

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MY

CY

CMY

Fish, for a compliment.

For eight years, Rowhouse owner, Greg Fox and crew, have been dishing up a dining experience thatts truly one of a kind. e ever-evolving tasting menu ensures that every time you visit, it will be like meeting for the rst time.

K

#785ART

TOPEKA I

mural representing Albin K. Longren’s 1920s airplane soars at 6th + Lincoln

A

rtist Jamie Colón is at it again, beautifying and diversifying Topeka one mural at a time. His latest project is the mural on the side of Joe Gutierrez’s building (State Farm Ins.) at 6th and Lincoln. The image is one of his featured art pieces from the 2013 Aaron Douglas Art Fair, with a few embellishments.

Colón originally got into mural work as a way to cover up graffiti through his connections with the Topeka Police Department and Lt. Joe Perry and through ARTSConnect. Colón wanted to get back to this type of art for community service and approached Gutierrez about covering up the graffiti that landscaped his office. “I was very, very lucky in the respect that he gave me carte blanche,” said Colón about the piece. “That is very difficult to find as most want to control the image and can be very untrusting when it comes to an artist’s vision.” Gutierrez has four different areas on his building and Colón plans to create four different murals to create a gallery of art, one of them being a small mosaic.

The current mural is a loose representation of the “Topeka I,” an airplane that was designed and built in Topeka by Albin K. Longren in the ’20s.

Topeka I | Mural at 6th + Lincoln | Inspired by Albin K. Longren’s 1920s airplane, designed and built in Topeka. Art featured at Joe Gutierrez State Farm Inc., created by Jamie Colón

Colón’s Topeka mural art orginated at the 1400 blk of Arter in Oakland, then moved to 5th and Jackson where his signage is still on the front of the building. The next mural, following Guitierrez’s building, will be at Huntoon and Lane and feature Jordan Brooks (read more about him on page 14). Colón’s function will be to assist Brooks on application. aseveneightfive

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AARON DOUGLAS ART FAIR FEATURED ARTIST

J.E.B.

socially conscious and provocative works 14

AMERICANS | Acrylic on canvas | 24’ x 36’

J

ordan E. Brooks, the featured artist for the Aaron Douglas Art Fair, is influenced by a wide variety of work ranging from classical to ‘90s comic book greats. Brooks’ work focuses on the social awareness and the overriding power of social media on our environment, and aims to remind people of their inherent humanity. “I try to think of art like music,” says Brooks about his art. “Colors are like notes or harmonies to back the designs that supports our bones or scales that we use to help build our composition or story of focus. In this social instant friend-able world, original ideas or patterns can be hard to find when much of our media is on rinse, repeat, and rewind. The goal is always to leave an impression in your heart that can’t be ignored or defined, hopefully felt in time.” -J.E.B. Brooks’ first international group exhibition was four years ago at Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Arts in Las Vegas and is now part of their permanent collection with “Gallery of Hearts.” Two years ago, Brooks was among 100 international contemporary artists to be

Even in the Choas | Acrylic on canvas | 24’ x 20’

featured in Historical downtown Harlem, New York.

“Power of Perception” was the publication produced by the inspiring collection. Currently, before and after ADAF, Brooks is working on a number of illustration projects with MixTape Comic Books + Illustrations.

Additionally, he has an active, creative website which he feels has allowed him to display his own mix of academic design with modern, conceptual and provocative socially conscious works.

Stay tuned for Brooks’ first artistic book, titled “C.O.L.O.R.S.” out this winter. The book will display his own arrangement of creative talents from drawing and illustrations to layout and print. “I guess you could say its a little like a mixtape of my best work in the last few years.”

FEATURING THE

MODELS OF CHICAGO SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2015

TOPEKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

View Brooks’ works at JordaneBrooks-com.webs.com. aseveneightfive

call for artists: AARON DOUGLAS ART FAIR The call for artists is open until July 31. Selected artists will be showcased at a sneak peek showing at the Quincy Street Conference and Event Center during a First Friday Art Walk.

Have a chance to win one of six awards including the opportunity to showcase your work at a local gallery during a future First Friday Art Walk. To apply, go to AaronDouglasArtFair.com.

4.5" x 7.25" Ad.indd 1

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6/24/15 10:21 AM

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS Summer Movies @ Mulvane Art Museum

Sundown Film Festival @ KS Museum of History

Charlotte’s Web | Tuesday, July 21 | 6p Animal Farm | Tuesday, July 28 | 6p

Lincoln | Friday, July 10 | 8p Gone With the Wind | Friday, August 10 | 8p

Corresponds with Mulvane’s Art Exhibit Animal Farm: Selections from the Permanent Collection. “Animal Farm” is based on George Orwell’s 1945 novel; this animated 1955 film satirizes the 1917 Russian Revolution, the founding of the Soviet Union and its transformation under Stalin, with barnyard animals playing the roles of humans. Still relevant today, it illustrates the age-old maxim “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

For the most current events, sign up for the seveneightfive weekender at seveneightfive.com

Corresponds with the KS Museum of History’s Civil War exhibit.

The Archives research room is open 5-9p with free admission prior to the movies.

The Great Soldier State: Kansas and the Civil War will open October 3 at Kansas Museum of History in the special exhibit gallery. The exhibit tells the Kansas story of the Civil War and its aftermath when hundreds of thousands of veterans settled in the state. Objects on display include the saddle and saber of Colonel John Conover, Eighth Kansas Infantry; desk used by the Sixth Kansas Cavalry; Kansas regimental muster rolls and photographs; horn from the Seventh Kansas Cavalry; and several pieces of the Kansas Historical Society’s extensive regimental flag collection. Exhibit runs through January 3, 2016. Look for more information in a future seveneightfive magazine. aseveneightfive

MOVIES BY THE LAWN Location venue may change, check for the latest info at tscpl.org

The Sandlot - Sept 19 The Lego Movie - Oc t 3 Movies Start at 8pm

16

Have fun downtown watching movies by the Statehouse lawn.

Dress as your favorite movie character.

Bring a blanket and your friends. details at tscpl.org Brought to you by:

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#785ART

HOW A DECADE OF ART CHANGES A CITY T

by Michelle Leivan, the Artist’s Artist | ArtPrint Express.com

he Aaron Douglas Art Fair (ADAF) celebrates a decade of their annual art festival on September 26, 2015. The fair was inspired by the completion of the Aaron Douglas Celebration Mural which is located at the Aaron Douglas Art Park at 12th and Lane. Since the installation of the mural, the art culture in Topeka has expanded to many areas throughout the city. To get a perspective on the impact of this event I talked to Gypsy George, who is the Art Director for the fair. “Topeka has always had a rich tradition in the arts from famous fine artists from Topeka (Aaron Douglas), to famous fine artists that called Topeka home (Harry Roth). Fine Art, Literary Art, Musical Art and Architectural Art has always, since our

18

‘‘

Indeed Topekans have always been proud of their place on the world art stage.”

events being the Aaron Douglas Art Fair. “The ADAF has given Topeka area artists, who had previously either kept their works private or had felt that they had nothing to offer the world of art, an outlet to display, share, see and be seen,” George explains, “The fair has been responsible for launching the careers, onto the world stage, of many fine artists.

“But its most important place in Topeka Art History is to inspire and present artists that might have never had the chance to be known. The ADAF has inspired to such a point that Art - Fine, Literary, Theatrical and Music - now is found in every corner of our city and all points in between.”

Now that 10 years have passed, the fair serves as a significant debut opportunity for emerging area artists. Each year a featured artist is selected from the participating artists from the year before. This year home grown artist Jordan Brooks received this honor with his piece “Social Networking,” which is a fitting juxtaposition to the mural representing the event as the main theme on posters and postcards for this year’s fair.

From a single spark, a blaze of artistic fervor has swept Topeka, and the Aaron Douglas Art Fair plays no small part in our artistic endeavors.

beginnings, been a cornerstone of our rich heritage,” explains Gypsy. “Who can look at our State House and not see a work of art unrivaled within the world? Indeed Topekans have always been proud of their place on the world art stage.”

The Great Mural Wall in the Chesney Park neighborhood developed shortly after the park, sparking the murals all over the city, including utility boxes through the Safe Streets movement. The NOTO Arts District in North Topeka started five years ago, quickly becoming a vibrant place for studios, galleries and art events. Not to mention periodic outdoor music festivals in area neighborhoods including Ward Meade Park, Hi-Crest, Cushinberry Park and other venues in Downtown.

This growth has a lasting impact on how we view ourselves as a city. As George points out, “It was not until the birth

of the Aaron Douglas Art Fair 10 years ago that Topekans turned their focus inwards, towards themselves and saw their worth as Artists on a more individual and creative force.”

It could be argued that Topeka is becoming a great arts town filled with vibrant visual arts and music with one of the initial

Centrally located in the heart of Topeka, the community event is free and offers a variety of activities for all ages to enjoy. There will be more than 50 local artists who will be showing work in various categories in addition to main-stage music, a second stage for acoustic music and other performing arts, a Kids Zone with a wide variety of art activities, an interactive art activity for all fairgoers, and a variety of food booths hosted by neighborhood groups. Over 2,500 art enthusiasts attend the fair each year and this year it is anticipated to break all previous records. So go to the fair and become a part of history. aseveneightfive

#785LIVE

Three men creating art with two turntables, two microphones and a collective genius of on-point street poetry matched with fresh beats.

This is Ebony Tusks.

Travis Youngblood Tradepost Entertainment

mic check 7-8-5

O

n a cool November evening, a crowd of about 40 people gathered in front of a make-shift stage at Rundown Studios for a live filming put together and orchestrated by George Valyer, Ad Astra Mobile DJ’s and Event Solutions, and several camera operators.

It all started with a Facebook invite, and those who accepted would soon witness hip-hop reborn. If Ebony Tusks were considered a side project of sorts, this would be their coming out party as an established entity not to be reckoned with. You could feel the anticipation as everyone gathered toward the front of the stage in a celebration of classic hip-hop sounds of the past, mixed with the innovation and exuberance of three men creating art with two turntables, two microphones and a collective genius of on-point street poetry matched with the freshest of beats. I personally felt like an inner city 7th grader that had hit play on my Walkman and heard Public Enemy’s “Fear of a Black Planet” for the first time.

I was witnessing real Hip-Hop in Topeka, and it made me damn proud.

Meet Ebony Tusks, fronted by Martinez “Marty” Hillard (known primarily for his part in the indie-rock hometown legends Cowboy Indian Bear) and backed by Hype Man extraordinaire Nathan “Geese” Giesecke and DJ Daniel B. Smith.

Marty and Daniel met around the campus at KU several years ago. They shared a bond as visual artists and musicians that would culminate with a creative energy that they’d later turn into the beginnings of Ebony Tusks. Dan had recently turned his love of Graffiti Art into a more legal form of artistic expression by venturing into creating and engineering his own brand of Electronic music.

20

Ebony Tusks breathe new life into the local hip-hop scene

by Noah Neff

While Marty continued to tour with Cowboy Indian Bear, the fire was burning within him to turn what was churning in his mind onto paper and into production to finally get the chance to take Ebony Tusks to the streets. Geese later came along after working with the bands as a lighting engineer and artist. Through being around during the writing process, Geese would take the stage with Ebony Tusks and the line-up would be solidified.

With a line-up fully intact, the group is currently working on new material for a CD release. They hope it will be within the next year. They’ve expressed that they have more than enough material to release the music now but they want to spend their time fine tuning their material, production values, and really investing into the process.

Through a lyrical tapestry of spoken word poetic majesty, tales of an inter-city upbringing, the struggle for political justice and equality for all, this group takes old school beats and combines them with new school flavor; Ebony Tusks are a hip-hop group that needs to be experienced. While Ebony Tusks agree that they want to raise awareness on social matters that plague our society, they also want you to enjoy the show, celebrate life and maybe groove along to the beat. aseveneightfive

Ebony Tusks

Marty Hillard, Nathan Giesecke, DJ Daniel B. Smith

Upcoming shows: Granada July 11 Follow on Facebook for more events Listen Live: Soundcloud.com/ebonytusks Music Video: “Everybody Run” Vimeo/35138426

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#785FLAVOR

THREE REASONS: 1: The chicken wrap.

2. The Cubano.

3. Uncle Sunny’s BBQ Sauce.

shut the T front door

hree years ago Nicole DeGennaro and Mike Weibel started Front Door Catering, LLC. The full service catering company specializes in homemade style bbq and has a great reputation of catering events from a few friends in your backyard to corporate lunches and dinners. When the duo are not fulfilling catering requests, they compete in bbq tournaments around the region and place high, very high. (Check out their website at frontdoorgang.com to see photos, which have the disclaimer “We are not liable if you start to drown in your own saliva.”)

the bbq truck is good

by Kerrice Mapes | photos by James Robinson

22

But what makes Front Door Catering a stand out from the others, at least for this bbq purveyor’s stomach, is what they are dishing up out of four wheels every week.

Front Door Catering food truck launched last spring and has midtown lunch goers in a frenzy.

May 23–August 2 2015 ALICE C. SABATINI GALLERY

From pork nachos slathered in sauce, meat, jalapeños and nacho cheese sauce to their cheesy crack potatoes, from Asian slaw to cold pasta salad, the options are numerous. But there are two stand out menu items for me. Two reasons why you must try Front Door Food Truck, and the reasons are simple and refreshing.

Revisit a decade on the brink of the future

Reason #1: Smoked Chicken Wrap The smoked chicken wrap is made with a Pesto Aioli that makes Miracle Whip crumble at its knees. But it’s only complementary to the perfectly smoked chicken and crisp leafy greens all wrapped in a sundried tomato tortilla.

Reason #2: The Cubano A good Cuban sandwich is hard to come by in Topeka (in my opinion there are only two other places to get a good Cubano: Ice & Olives and Luis’ Place.) Nicole’s perfected her Cubano with homemade bread (game changer) and her amazing Mojo sauce that consists of cilantro, lime, orange juice, orange zest and garlic. The pork is sliced thin and topped with ham and cheese, making this a go-to for a Cubano traditionalist. I also appreciate their food truck menu states that this sandwich will take around four minutes to make, for the speedy luncher. Cost: $7.

The last reason, and it’s certainly another strong selling point, is that Front Door Catering uses Uncle Sunny’s BBQ Sauce. We LOVE Uncle Sunny’s sauce (go to seveneightfive.com for past articles) and appreciate the partnership. “We can do BBQ Sauce, it’s not that. But why spend all that extra time when you can partner with someone as great as Uncle Sunny’s. It complements our award-winning meat and it’s dang good,” said Nicole. “Plus it helps support another local business. It’s a win-win all the way around.” aseveneightfive

FRONT DOOR CATERING FOOD TRUCK FrontDoorGang.com | 220.1209 Thursday @ 7th + VanBuren Friday @ 7th + Quincy

Searching for the Seventies: The DOCUMERICA Photography Project is an exhibition created by the National Archives and Records Administration and organized for travel by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.

Check out their Facebook for location + news

Uncle Sunny’s Gourmet BBQ Sauce If you’re serious about your BBQ, then you have to be serious about your sauce. Uncle Sunny’s, It’s Dang Good!

UncleSunnys.com | 260.5894

1515 SW 10th Ave. | 785 580-4515 | tscpl.org 23

#785FLAVOR

FOOD NINJA Cook's American Grill

I

confronted eighteen foes at once, 3.7 Fists conquered them all, and came away with a warrior’s hunger for an American classic. I traverse terrain too treacherous for any ordinary ninja; this is an infiltration only for… The Food Ninja! Menu The menu is quite extensive, offering all the classic American diner staples you can Friendliness I am greeted promptly upon arrival with imagine, though it lacks a selection of a smile and the delicious aroma of the healthy choices. However, something tells grill. The service is friendly and I feel me one does not frequent this establishment comfortable with small talk. This is unusual for a selection of vegan options… so I am momentarily thrown off balance, but I regain my ground and continue my quest. Food The experience of this food is like none other. Succulent flavor and a pleasant Atmosphere Bustling and filled with the din of patrons mixture of ingredients that complement seeking nourishment, Cook’s is alive. The décor each other well give this food a good name. is somewhat dingy and outdated, but for this It is filling, but not overly so, and does not establishment it works. Conversations of the sit too heavy for this ninja to continue battle regulars are all around creating a cacophony when the meal is over. I whole heartedly of entertaining distraction that, again, throws believe the secret is in the cheese. This is me off balance. I realize I am losing this battle. quite possibly the best American burger I have ever tasted. I am nearly defeated.

Funds I am able to procure my double bacon cheeseburger, fries, drink, and a cinnamon roll for less than $15 dollars. No fight will I put up on this front. The amount of food I receive for my funds is more than adequate to satiate the appetite of this ninja.

Ninja’s Recommendation Maple Cinnamon Roll 24

Cook’s American Grill 1936 SW Gage Blvd.

271.1415

I manage to escape the clutches of my opponent and almost certain doom in order to fight another day, but I did not go down easy. I took one of their cinnamon rolls with me… I will return to Cook’s, if not to battle then at least to eat another cheeseburger. aseveneightfive

Jessy and Shawnda Holcomb purchased Cook’s in 2002 from the original owners, Jeff and Rhonda Cook. The Holcombs kept most of the original menu, but expanded hours and added dinner and breakfast to the menu.

Cook’s strives to maintain their reputation as one of Topeka’s local eateries that has a variety of great food at great prices. “Local owners employing local people, serving local folks.”

#785LIFE

A person

can quickly turn into a daredevil when they are protected by a bubble of safety.

by Matt Wasserstein photos by Ali Hanlon

ZORB FOOT BALL

S

ome people liken it to a sense of flying.

Some say it gives them a feeling of invulnerability.

Just about everyone agrees it is outrageously fun.

Bubble Soccer, sometimes known as “Zorb Football,� originated in Europe and has been growing in popularity here in the U.S. And now this exciting sport is gaining ground in the Heartland.

‘‘

The strange feeling of being inside a beach ball went away quickly... before long I was doing front-flips and knocking other players to the ground.”

two companies in Topeka are providing the “Zorb” fun

T

he game is played like any other game of soccer, but with one exciting difference: players are surrounded by an inflated ball. Only the legs are free, allowing players to run and kick while also crashing into each other for safe, exciting, hilarious fun.

Bubble Soccer can be viewed all over YouTube and has been featured on late night talk shows. It is popular with television audiences because it is nearly as much fun to watch as it is to play. And as more and more Kansans are learning, Bubble Soccer lives up to its hype.

There are two companies operating in the Topeka area that rent Bubble Soccer equipment, and many leagues have begun to spring up around town for those interested in playing regularly. The game is perfect for corporate team-building exercises, birthday parties or youth events. While it is wild and energetic, it is also safe and fun for people of varying skill levels. Before long, the game tends to devolve from a soccer match into a laughing mess of rolling and crashing. It is truly hard not to love this game.

I recently had the opportunity to discuss this new trend with some men who are working to bring it to Topekans. And, much to my delight, I even had the chance to try it out myself.

Bubble Soccer Kansas 864.986.8532 | BubbleSoccerKansas.com $350 for 10 bubble bump suits for two hours, plus soccer ball and goals. Other packages available.

Bubble Soccer Kansas B

KnockerBall Topeka W

ill Torrez runs KnockerBall Topeka, a company that rents KnockerBall™ brand equipment for Bubble Soccer matches and other related games. Torrez rents KnockerBalls for events such as birthday parties, corporate activities and church youth meetings. He has hosted events at Washburn University and Fort Riley and is reaching out to people in all walks of life to bring them the experience of Bubble Soccer.

Games are typically played using a soccer ball and goals, but Torrez offers a list of other games that can be played with this type of equipment. Each game has different rules and challenges, but all include the root ingredient: KnockerBalls.

Torrez kindly offered me the chance to try out Bubble Soccer for myself. At first, as I climbed into the ball, I felt a bit like an astronaut sealed inside a space suit. The suits are a little heavy but are supported comfortably by shoulder straps and handles. The strange feeling of being inside a beach ball went away quickly as I began to realize all the new powers I now possessed. Before long I was doing front-flips and knocking other players to the ground. A person can quickly turn into a daredevil when they are protected by a bubble of safety. An hour of Bubble Soccer ball flies by all too quickly.

KnockerBall Topeka has been operating in this area for six months. The demand for the game is growing and Torrez has found himself increasingly busy as more Topekans want a chance to play. With opportunities to introduce KnockerBall to university students, parents, kids, and professionals, there is a huge potential for the Bubble Soccer community to grow ; and KnockerBall Topeka is ready.

KnockerBall Topeka

806.2533 | KnockerballTopeka.com

ubble Soccer Kansas is a fast-growing company that came into existence about two years ago, though not initially as a business. Owners Ryan Koontz and Trevor Burdett learned about Bubble Soccer and wanted to play the game for themselves, so they ordered suits to play with their friends. They soon found that a growing number of people were interested in this new sport. Koontz and Burdett began renting suits to eager players.

The duo now has over 40 suits available for rent and has expanded from the Topeka and Kansas City area and now have partners in several cities throughout the Midwest.

Bubble Soccer Kansas rents their suits for games and events, but they also offer suits for sale. They have sold over 600 suits in the past two years as a growing number of people in the area have come to love Bubble Soccer. By renting suits and offering them for sale, Bubble Soccer Kansas is reaching a wide spectrum of KAN with this fun new sport. Renting a suit allows many people can try out the game to learn more about it. For those participating in leagues, buying their own suit might be an excellent option.

As the company continues to grow, they will soon be offering new items available for rent.

These items include Zorbs--inflatable balls, three meters in height, that a person can roll around inside. “Think giant hamster ball!”

Koontz says.

They will also be offering “The Blob,” an inflatable device to be used on the water. One person sits on The Blob while another jumps onto it. The first person is then catapulted into the air before falling into the water.

With a growing line-up of fun products, Bubble Soccer Kansas is an exciting addition to a community that is increasingly interested in unique, active games. aseveneightfive

Walk-in Pricing is $25 per ball, per hour. Price cut starts if you rent 6+.

27

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