July 15 - August 31, 2011

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

FREE

Vol. VII Issue I • July 15 - August 31, 2012

I’ll make you happy

the return of...

HAPPY

HOUR

seveneightfive magazine July 15 - August 31, 2012 | Vol. VII Issue I

| 785 ingredients |

Where there is smoke, there is fire.

3 MENU PROC: smoke burger delights at Burger Stand LOCAL FLAVOR

3 - 5 BEER: Ale Alchemist beats the heat, behind the bar and ODell Brewery 13 happy hour specials 14 Food Porn: Shrimp from Seafood Thyme Lifestyle

11 Doug Ruth: long time champion of local music 18 WREN Radio 28 5Q: Bridges

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

6 NOTO grows 7 Prairie Glass opens 8 Works of Heart

9 Paws in the Park 10 catch-all furniture 21 lit / poetry 23 get fit - lose the beer gut 26 hookah haven

advertisers Support locally-owned businesses and try something unique.

Let them know we sent ya!

SUBSCRIPTION $20

send a check to: P.O. Box 750491 Topeka, KS 66675 Subscribe online:

seveneightfive.com

Publisher/Owner Kerrice Mapes kerrice@seveneightfive.com

Poetry Editor Dennis Etzel Jr. poemslyrical@yahoo.com

Marketing Specialist Weekender Editor Rio Cervantes-Reed rio@seveneightfive.com

Advertising Kerrice Mapes Rio Cervantes-Reed

Layout / Illustrations Aymen Ghali Amanda Reynolds Kerrice Mapes

writers

Amber Bonnett Robin Cremer Tony Davis Dennis Etzel Jr. Kara Garcia Cale Herreman Larissa Keller Gary Piland Patrick Porubsky Rio Cervantes-Reed Kevin Reed Josh Rouse Boone Smith Regina Stephenson Michelle Ullom Tom Wah Janice Watkins Erin Wynkoop

photography

Please take a moment this month to visit and thank all our advertisers. Because of them, this publication is made possible.

seveneightfive direct

| staff |

COVER

by Colin MacMillan, Nathan Ham Photography.

Models: seveneightfive’s own Erin Wynkoop and EJ Drake

@seveneightfive

Tiffany Bonnewell EJ Drake Amber Farmer Linnzi Fusco Adam Koger Gary Krohe Colin MacMillan Amber O’Dell Josh Rouse

Distribution Rio Cervantes-Reed Larissa Keller Jill Lira

Business Liz Bell

Copy Editing D O’Brien

Bar WArs Jared Hitchens

seveneightfive is a free lifestyle magazine highlighting entertainment, art, local businesses + more in Topeka.

Disclaimer: seveneightfive strives for accuracy in all of our materials, regrets errors, but cannot be held responsible.

We recommend contacting venues to confirm dates and events (sometimes they change).

1

SUMMER @NEW CITY “The ultimate dining experience.”

menu proc

Smoke Burger delights Burger Stand at College Hill diners.

by Josh Rouse • photo by Linnzi Fusco

H

aving never been to the Burger Stand before, I was originally going to try their Tuesday special, the Chicken and Waffles. However, after taking a glance at the menu, I quickly decided that a burger sounded much better. Simply put, every burger on the menu is described beautifully, to the point you have to order one.

I had a hard time choosing between the Smoke Burger and the Fire Burger, partly because I was busy chuckling about the old adage “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” The Fire Burger features fresh avocado and a habanero-cactus jam, while the Smoke Burger features Applewood-smoked bacon, smoked gouda cheese and chipotle-cocoa ketchup. Though both sounded enticing, I decided to go with the Smoke Burger for the simple fact that it had bacon.

4005 Gage Ctr Dr OR 715 S. Kansas Ave. newcityonline.biz | Friend us on Facebook

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

After taking one bite of the burger, I knew I had made the right choice. It was one of the better burgers I’ve tasted in all my 24 years, and it was perfectly cooked with just a slight hint of apple flavoring. The bacon was heavenly, and the gouda cheese seemingly melted in my mouth with each bite. The chipotle-cocoa ketchup, which I thought sounded kind of strange, actually turned out to be the best-tasting ketchup I’d ever had, and complemented the bacon’s flavoring.

Backs By Popular Demand

301 Gage Suite 161

785-234-1548

With my burger, I also ordered some Cajun Fries, which were expertly seasoned and tasted great with the wide array of dipping sauces available (especially the Rojo Ranch).

Aside from the delicious meal itself, the unique style of the restaurant, the ping pong/pinball room and the fact that they sell beer, liquor, and Coca Cola in the classic glass bottles have all made me a believer in the Burger Stand as a great local business for a burger, drinks or just hanging out. aseveneightfive

behind the bar

w/Johanna Greer | Dugout

by Rio Cervantes-Reed • photo by Amanda Reynolds

SUMMER THYME hang out & be wined

785.235.1700 515 SW VAN BUREN RowHouseRestaurant.net

...a high style home furnishings store with an eclectic mix of new designs, antiques and vintage pieces...

J

ohanna at the Dugout has been tending bar for seven and a half years, five and half which have been spent at the Dugout. Her favorite drink to make is the Seafoam Green Monster. Equal parts Bacardi 151, Blue Cuaracao, Midori and Captain Morgan Parrot Bay are poured over ice in a shaker, topped off with a splash of pineapple juice. It is like a very potent Pearl Diver. It’s also available as a shot, if you ask nicely, but we recommend it as a full drink for a truly good time.

What do you like about tending bar at the Dugout? It’s fun! I love my customers. We’re like family, and my customers will do anything for me. I even had one give me a computer when they heard mine had broken down.

www.warehouse414.com

Do you get hit on a lot? Yes. I got a great pick up line the other night. A guy asked, “Do you have a mirror in your pocket? Because I can see myself in your pants.” I just called him, “Silly...” and walked away.

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 11a - 5:30 p by chance or by appointment 414 se second street topeka, kansas 66607 785.232.8008

We ask the male bartenders about their beards, and ask female bartenders about their tattoos. Do you have any? Any you can show us? (Showing the inner wrist of her left arm) I have this one that says, “Friends.” My friend has the other one that says, “Forever.”

Are you still friends with the one who has the “Forever” tattoo?

(Laughing) She’s more of an acquaintance now!

If a famous person, dead or alive, were to fix you a drink, who would it be and what? Marilyn Monroe, and she would fix me a dirty martini.

Johanna will fix you a Seafoam Green Monster or anything else if you stop by during her shift, Saturday, Sunday or Monday from 10a to 6:30p. But, she really recommends you stop in for a burger. The meat is fresh daily from Herman’s Meat Market. Regularly $4.50, they’re on sale for $3.50 every evening from 6p to 9p, and all day on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

3

Monthly networking SocialS Members FREE / Guests $5 / 5- 7 pm / Thursday

July 26: Visit Topeka } 618 S Kansas Ave August 16: Brickyard Barn } 4020 NW 25th Street inSpire SerieS: Dinner Service

Looking for a meaningful community service project that won’t take up too much time? Fast Forward is currently recruiting 4 to 5 volunteers once a month to serve dinner at the Topeka Rescue Mission.

Wednesday, July 26 | 5 - 7 pm

Topeka Rescue Mission | 600 N Kansas Ave

2nD annual golf tournaMent August 3 | Noon - Lunch | 1 pm tee off Lake Shawnee Golf Course Individual: $65 Foursome: $260 Hole Sponsorship: $180 Team of 4 and Hole Sponsorship: $380

fastforwardtopeka.org 785.234.2644

ale alchemist + mug shot • it’s all about the beer

Upcoming Events for YPs

beer+

the formula to beat the heat

I

was born and raised in Kansas. I love it 10 months of the year. To me triple digit temperatures with high humidities make me consider extreme actions like moving to Canada, buying a condo in Siberia, or maybe going on a Arctic adventure. Once I realize that my wife would not be interested in any of these I decide that there is only one other option... Cold refreshing wheat beer. The recipe this issue is my first all grain batch. I used a technique call “brew in a bag.” I recommend it to anyone who wants to do all grain brewing but is not interested in investing in alot of new equipment. More on “brew in a bag” to come.

It’s Hella Hot Out Honey Wheat 5 lb 2-row pale malt 5 lb white wheat malt 2 lb Kansas honey (5 min boil) 2 oz willamette hops (1 oz - 60 min boil, 1 oz - 5 min boil) 1 pouch of Nottingham ale yeast 3/4 cup corn sugar Mash the grains at 160F for one hour.

Remove grain bag, heat to a boil, and add first hop addition. With 5 minutes remaining add additional hops and honey.

Cool wort, pitch yeast, and allow to ferment for about two weeks. Prime with corn sugar and bottle. Serve cold with a thick lemon wedge. Bottoms up my friends. aseveneightfive Patrick is a Topeka native with chemistry degrees from Washburn and KU. He currently works as compound curator and purification chemist at KU and is an part-time adjunct professor at Washburn.

He loves spending time at his family’s deli with his wife and two sons. Email questions and feedback to alealchemist785@gmail.com.

4

a drinkable adventure: odell O

n a recent trip to Colorado, I had the opportunity to do some extensive hiking in the mountains. I could easily spend the rest of this article writing about the view, but it would pale in comparison of experiencing it first-hand.

A more accessible experience you should try is a sampling of the Odell Brewing Company. Founded in 1989 by Doug Odell, his wife Wynne, and his sister Corkie, and located in Fort Collins, this is a Colorado adventure that is now a little closer to home. The only travel required is to your local bar or restaurant.

The trailhead starts with their flagship beer, 90 Shillings. This lightened version of a Scottish Ale gets its name from a tax that was imposed on only the highest quality of ales. The result is a mediumbodied amber ale, brown in color, with balanced carbonation that goes down easy.

MUG SHOT: A quick word about beers found around town. by Kevin Reed • above photo by Amanda Reynolds

foot print Odell Brewery is not only beer-centric, but they are also communitycentric. As a way to show their appreciation they created a beer, "Foot Print," which contains ingredients from each of the ten states in which their beer is available. Of course, in Kansas this means "wheat." Check out the other nine states and what they contributed: Colorado - Hops & Barley Arizona - Prickly Pear Idaho - Barley & Hops Minnesota - Wild Rice Missouri - Oak Barrels Nebraska - Corn New Mexico – Green Chilis S. Dakota – Barley & Honey Wyoming - (Also) Wheat Foot Print can be found locally at Fleming Place Wine & Liquor at 10th & Gage, and Devlin's Wine & Spirits at 29th & Wanamaker. 9.5%Alc.

by Vol.

For those who want a little more hop in their climb, I suggest the Odell India Pale Ale. Using American hops to provide a distinctive bitterness, this beer pours a light golden glass and is a great example of what an IPA should taste like, hoppy and citrus-y.

For something heartier and as pleasing to behold as a cold mountain lake, please try the Cutthroat Porter. Dark brown with tan foam, this London Porter-inspired drink is named after the Colorado State Fish, the endangered Cutthroat Trout.

Emanating dark chocolate and coffee aromas, this borderline stout is very filling.

The peak of the Odell selections, the unconventional 5 Barrel Pale Ale should please the more discerning taste. The name derives from adding hops to the beer on five separate occasions during the brewing process, which extracts essential oils from the select hops. Pale copper in appearance, with a taste of pine and bread, and a dry finish, it makes a fine choice for the mountain trail less traveled.

Perhaps when I return to the mountains, I should toast the ascent with a selection from Odell. I urge you to find your favorite, because each experience is a wonderful, drinkable adventure. aseveneightfive

seen + noted

NOTO GROWS

A fun evening benefitting Positive Connections.

8.18.2012 Ramada Inn | 6p Tickets :$50 (‘til 8.10) topekaaidsproject.org 785.232.3100

seen + noted | cool things you should know about

by Rio Cervantes-Reed

NOTO Arts District grows with addition of open market and new shops.

Had such a great time in NOTO for the #FFAW it is THE place to be. @jillian_lira

NOTO is bursting at the seams! I’ve never seen the district so busy. @karlfun

______________________________ The outdoor art market takes place along the newly completed Veteran’s Park Entryway, which is located to the east of the NOTO businesses in the 800th block of North Kansas Avenue.

This area also serves as convenient parking with space for 250 cars.

The July 6 Art Walk also saw the openings of five new businesses.

The NOTO Arts District is on North Kansas Ave (just over the bridge) … a VERY cool part of town! @TopCityLive

6

S

ince the first Saturday in April this year, the NOTO Arts District has hosted vendors and visitors to the area with the Saturday Market. With a focus on arts, it made sense to combine the Saturday Market with the First Friday Art Walks to better serve its visitors. This move started with the July 6 Art Walk and proved to be successful, judging by the crowds of people who moved through NOTO during First Friday and the chatter on social media sites.

1. Gravity Gallery and Shops at 822 ½

N. Kansas Ave. features Tobias Designs, custom jewelry by Britta McKee and Trees & Bees photography.

2. Yeldarb Gallery at 909 N. Kansas

Ave. is owned by Ruby and Chuck Bradley, who plan to showcase an eclectic mix of art and antiques.

3

Mayking Cakes & Confections opened its second Topeka location at 822 N. Kansas Ave. A full-service artisan bakery, they will offer freshbaked bread along with cakes, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls and more, as well as PT’s Coffee.

4. The Scarlet Window, 902 N. Kansas

is owned by artist Lisa Adame, the 2012 Aaron Douglas Art Fair featured artist. The Scarlet Window will feature art by Adame as well as by other local artists. Handmade candles, soaps and other unique gift items will also be available for sale.

5 Vintage Vibe at 920 N. Kansas Ave.

is owned by mother/daughter team Karen and Tiffany Robben. Their merchandise will include furniture, kitchen gadgets, vintage linens, ephemera, home décor, rusty and repurposed items, and some art.

If you missed the July 6 Art Walk and Market in NOTO, mark your calendar now for August 3. You don’t want to miss a minute of it as the Arts District continues to grow. aseveneightfive Tweet during First Friday ArtWalk #FFAW

20% off retail w/highlights! aCivicThea Topek tre. c

785.357.5211 om

* Contains Adult Humor

TCT’s Own Improvisational Comedy Troupe

Cold drinks.

Belly laughs.

Good times.

AUGUST 17 & 18 DOOR 7P | SHOW 8P | $10

Sarah Caleb, Stylist

styleseat.com/sarahcaleb Facebook @CasaBellesaBeautyBar Twitter @casabellesa

Casa Bellesa We care about you.

2500 W 17th St

233-2371

prairie glass

D

owntown Topeka, Inc. recently welcomed a new business, Prairie Glass Studio to the Hatcher building at 110 SE 8th Avenue. In their comments to the gathered crowd, owner Kymm Hughes, DTI Executive Director Vince Frye, Mayor Bill Bunten and District 2 Councilperson Karen Hiller all shared the same theme: downtown Topeka was right where the studio needed to be.

With pockets of artists and studios around Topeka, including Westboro Mart and the NOTO Arts District, Hughes explained why she picked downtown Topeka, “This was the only place that was going to work. I wanted to be somewhere with lots of energy, a creative place, some place that was a destination.”

Like Goldilocks, Hughes said she checked out other places, only to find them too large, too small, and just not right. “This was the perfect fit,” she says about her new space.

The Hatcher building, which was renovated by Jeff Carson and Greg Ready, houses their business Gizmo Productions and the Blue Planet Cafe. Prairie Glass Studio, has room to display fused glass art pieces for sale, and for Hughes to hold classes for aspiring glass artists. She also hosts parties and gatherings where guests can make fused glass projects, and are welcome to bring food and beverages.aseveneightfive

Prairie Glass Studios T, W+ F: 10a-5:30p Thurs: 10a - 8p Sat: 10a-2p 271-8006

7

ART • Mary Huntoon | FSGC Works of Heart Art Event & Auction

Works of Heart highlighted by mental health pioneer

by R.W. Webster

A

n art piece created by a pioneer in Topeka’s rich mental health history will highlight Family Service + Guidance Center’s 6th annual Works of Heart Art Event and Auction, Friday, August 24th.

A pencil etching by Topeka native, artist and leader Mary Huntoon will be up for bids at this year’s event, and those connected to the event are ecstatic.

“Mary Huntoon was a major player in the development of art therapy,” Amy Burns, FSGC Foundation vice president of development, said.

“Sixty years later, therapists still follow her lead. She was amazing.”

Huntoon was born in 1896. She was a 1916 Topeka High School graduate and completed her art degree at Washburn in 1920. She moved to New York to study art, and it was there that one of her teachers encouraged her to travel to Paris where she sketched and painted nearly everything and everyone she saw. “She traveled the world, drawing and showing her artwork. She totally immersed herself in her work,” Kerrice Mapes, FSGC marketing coordinator, said.

Through art, Huntoon gave mentally ill people a voice.

A few years after Huntoon returned to Topeka in 1931, mental health giant Dr. Karl Menninger hired her to teach painting to patients at the Menninger Clinic. Menninger was making advances in various activity therapies, and art therapy was beginning to catch on around the world.

Works of Heart

Art Event & Auction August 24 | Ramada Hotel + Convention Center | 6p Reserve your tickets, call 270.8996 VIEW ARTWORK: Fidelity Banks | Dowtown KS | July 9 - 27 August First Friday | August 3 | Warehouse 414

Huntoon didn’t just teach art, however: she gave mentally ill people a voice. Her work was groundbreaking. Mentally ill people had a means of expressing themselves that many of them had never experienced Foundation. The children whose artwork was selected attend the event with their families. before.”

Menninger was impressed: in 1946, he charged Huntoon with starting “Our young artists are the stars that night,” Burns said. “The one of the first art therapy studios in the U.S. at the Winter Veterans event celebrates them and their immense talent. You can’t Administration Hospital, now Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center. She imagine what that does for their self-esteem.” helped administer the program until 1959. She passed away in 1970.

A few tickets for the Works of Heart Event are still available Burns said, “(Huntoon’s) contribution to mental health can’t be for $125 each and can be purchased by calling 270-8996. overstated. Thousands of people have experienced healing because of The children’s artwork will be on display July 9-27 at The Fidelity Banks downtown branch, 600 S. Kansas, and also at her creativity and innovation.” the August 3rd First Friday ArtWalk at Warehouse 414, 414 That spirit of healing and creativity will be marked at FSGC’s 6th annual SE 2nd. Mapes said their art pieces are well worth the trip Works of Heart Event. This truly unique event features selected artwork downtown. created by children who are clients at FSGC, a community mental health center. Their artwork will be auctioned off alongside works by “Each year, hundreds of community leaders and art professional artists from across the country. Proceeds benefit the FSGC enthusiasts rave about the quality of the children’s art. It’s incredibly compelling and honest, and that honesty touches all of us.” aseveneightfive

your dog’s day of summer

paws in the park O Paws in the Park

@Gage Park

by Kara Garcia | Image provided

f all the great events a r o u n d town, not many are pet-friendly. However, there is one place each year where pets and their owners are invited to celebrate their love of animals.

On Saturday, August 25th, Paws in the Park will take place at Gage Park. Paws in the Park is an annual fundraiser for Helping Hands Humane Society.

The event is family oriented; children and pets are encouraged to attend. A one mile dog walk around Gage Park will kick off the event. Don’t fret if you don’t have a dog to walk; a rent-a-dog booth will have dogs from the shelter available for the walk.

Following the dog walk, guests will have the opportunity to visit a variety of vendor booths, a silent auction, and pet contests.

Some of the contests for the day will include: biggest dog, smallest dog, best kiss, and best trick. All pets are welcome to participate in contests, and the winners will receive trophies.

Food will also be available, with Perkins Restaurant & Bakery providing pancakes and sausage to those in attendance, while some of the vendors may have snacks for pets.

All proceeds from this event go towards the operation costs of Helping Hands Humane Society. HHHS currently admits over 9,000 animals each year. Their new shelter, located at 21st and Belle, is scheduled to open at the end of this year.

The larger building will have better ventilation, more room for housing animals, play rooms for cats, an outside play area for dogs, and many other improvements.

Registration for Paws in the Park is currently $30, and will increase to $40 on the day of the event. Everyone registered will receive a Paws in the Park t-shirt, goodie bag, and dog bandana. No animal lover should miss out on this fun, furfilled day.aseveneightfive

Gage Park Annual Fur-Filled Fundraiser for the Helping Hands Humane Society *** Don’t have dog, no worries; stop by the rent-a-dog booth.

August 25

y l n o s ’ a k e p o T e v i d r 5-sTa Where you are

happy

every hour Cold beer Good Food Great people SpaCiouS patio 3203 SW 10th | 785-357-8474 @thedutchgoose

seen + noted

catch-all furniture

by Rio Cervantes-Reed

Re-use.

Recycle. Re-purpose. If you want to live this mantra, then certainly a visit to your local flea market is in order. A

recent visit to the Catch-All Furniture and Flea Mart at 1929 S Kansas Avenue found everything for a great summer party: tiki torches that just needed refills, large outdoor blinds to shield the sun, giant copper tubs perfect for filling with ice and your beverages of choice, and even a big wine rack that can hold so many wine bottles that I’ll be buying some Two-Buck Chuck to keep it filled properly.

The main building, which once housed a soul food restaurant, is operated by Jenny Guerrero and her husband Mario, who opened up the space on April 1 of this year. According to Jenny, “I was recovering from cancer, and to distract himself, Mario started buying and selling furniture on Craigslist. This just felt like the natural next step.”

The Catch-All Furniture and Flea Mart are open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and you may find the surrounding spaces open as well. However, on the second and fourth weekend of each month the whole lot is full with vendors set up for the flea market.

Hello

Don’t be afraid to haggle. The prices are fair, but if you’re buying more than one item, you can save a dollar or three just by asking. I saved enough to justify my first bottle of Two Buck Chuck and a can of white spray paint for a small Spring hanging shelf. aseveneightfive

SUMMER SPECIALS

10%

off hair extensions

OPI Gelcolors | Mani or Pedi No chip for two weeks*

10% off

Obtain what you desire

2601 SW 17th |233-5577 | Fan Us on Facebook for more specials

10

Catch-All Furniture + Flea Mart 1929 S Kansas Ave. 215.6355 Tues-Thurs: 11a - 6p Open 2nd + 4th Weekend of each month for the “Flea Market” which includes additional vendors.

by Tom Wah • photos by EJ Drake Photography

long-time champion of topeka’s music scene I

n 2005, Kerrice Mapes envisioned a magazine that would highlight the art, music, food and entertainment scene of Topeka. In the summer of 2006, the inaugural issue of seveneightfive was published. Since then, in its six-year history, 50 issues have featured the best of Top City’s eats, bands, writers, performers and other artisans.

However, Kerrice wasn’t the first to have the vision of championing the local music scene. Several years earlier, Doug Ruth established TopekaTonight on the Web as the go-to place for the latest on Topeka musicians and venues. “There wasn’t any current resource that identified the individuals and bands involved in the live music scene in Topeka. Using my photographic skills continued on next page >>

more from Doug Ruth....

Advice for new musicians: Enjoy music in and of itself. Practice. Find others with the same passion for their music. The only condition of a musician is that they’re “in tune.”

Age, color or whatever is not important. It’s enjoying the music with others.

Can interest in live music in Topeka be increased?

along with my interest of live music, I started TopekaTonight … to promote live music in Topeka.” Visit topekatonight.com and you can see Doug’s great photographic eye, which can be traced to his days serving in Vietnam where he was assigned to a photographic squadron. There are over 10,000 pictures that track the many iterations of bands and solo artists that have played Topeka the last decade.

Doug had moved to Topeka from Lansing, Michigan in 1968 when the Air Force assigned him to Forbes Air Field. Although he was involved in the music scene when he was younger, it wasn’t until 2003 that he became involved in music again. “I was leaving for lunch from the company I was working for and crossed paths with another employee who had a guitar. I found out that he and two others jammed over lunch hour. They invited me to join them. One thing led to another, and soon I was booking our little group, The Boiler Room Boys. Then, I started going to the area jams. I met the performers and realized music, not accounting, was my calling.”

No only did Doug create TopekaTonight, he was an early Topeka pioneer in promoting musical events featuring local talent.

Not only did Doug create TopekaTonight, he was an early Topeka pioneer in promoting musical events featuring local talent. Long before there was Jam4Dan, Rock The Block, LoudsoftLoud and the Singer/Songwriter Showcases, Doug produced his first Wheatstock, held at the Gage Amphitheatre on August 16, 2003. “ It was at this time in my life that I was able to retire after thirty years auditing hospitals. Wheatstock came about with the idea of celebrating the music attitude of Woodstock back in 1969.”

After a move from Gage Park to the downtown Ramada, Wheatstock celebrated its third year in Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Park this past June. The music festival featured a number of hot new artists in town as well as established standouts. “The individuals and bands that have been involved over the years are some of the best talent we have in the area,” Doug says.

“The music can be described as ‘Americana.’ Basically everything from folk to bluegrass, but mainly acoustic music.” Doug recognized the long-term 12

Yes. Increased promotion of non-alcoholic events such as the area bluegrass jams, Wheatstock, Meade Park summer music festivals, and other similar events can make a major difference. But that goes without saying for any activity. Of course, the talent has to be there to bring out the people. And alcohol does not have to be involved to enjoy music. I believe that live music is alive and well in Topeka. The performances at the recent Wheatstock 8 concert confirm it!

The problem I have in defining the state of music in Topeka is whether it is defined by the number of alcoholic venues that offer live music or whether it is a matter of the number of young people who are getting involved in music as musicians and singers. I believe the interest in music by young people learning an instrument is growing.

Past Wheatstock award recipients: Teresa Cuevas, Glen Osborn, Kerry Livgren, Andy McKee, Judy Coder and the Pride of the Prairie and Greg Fox. local influence of Kenny Smith of Bridges and Randy Wills and named them as this year’s honorees of the Lifetime Achievement Award and Performer of the Year, respectively. (See Bridges 5Q article on the back page.)

Doug has narrowed his focus the last several years.

The website is likely to reference other websites for information rather than gathering it all himself. He doesn’t visit three or four venues each Friday and Saturday night for photos, which was common practice 3-4 years ago. But his belief in the musical potential in the Top City is as strong as ever, even though he notes the decreasing number of live music venues in town.

Through his community involvement and personal physical achievements (Doug lost an astonishing 80 pounds in eight months back in 2007 and has kept it off), Doug is a great model for others who want to make changes for the better. aseveneightfive

600 NW Paramore | 232.5511 FB: Joletta’s Bar

Joletta’s

3203 10th St. | 357.8474 FB: Dutch Goose @thedutchgoose Established 1935

Dutch Goose

435 S Kansas Ave www.boscosdowntown.com

Bosco’s Streetside

118 SW 8th Ave | 235.2138 FB: The Celtic Fox www.boscosdowntown.com

The Celtic Fox

1417 SW 6th Ave | 221.5193 FB: TheTrapBar Topeka’s Home to Live Music

Boobie Trap

555 SW 39th Street | 266.0020 FB: The39thStreetBarAndGrill

39th St. Bar

$3 Big Cans | Karaoke 7:30p Free Pool 12 - 5p

$3 Dom Headaches $2 Dom Pints or Bottles 75c tacos

Open for special events only

FREE Popcorn baskets daily

HH 6-9p: $.75 draws

$3.5 Dom Big Draws HH 4-7p: $3 Big Draws

$2 Dom Bottles $4.5 Red Bull Bombs $4.5 Goose Sandwich + Fries

HH 4-6: $3 You Call It (Excluding Top Shelf + Martinis)

HH 4:30 - 6p: $2 Bud / Bud Light Btls

HH 6-9p: $.75 draws BOMB NIGHT: $2.5 Jager / UV Bombs

$2.75 Alum. Bottles HH 4-7: $1 off all drinks (excluding pop)

$4.5 Dom Pitchers $2.75 Import Bottles $3 Wellers + Coke $5 Cheeseburger + Fries Karaoke 9p

HH 4-6: $3 You Call It (Excluding Top Shelf + Martinis)

HH 4:30 - 6p: $1 OFF Irish Pints Fox brothers tend bar

HH 6-9p: $.75 draws Karaoke Returns!

$2.5 Dom 12oz Bottles HH 4-7: $1 off all drinks (excluding pop)

HH 6-9p: $.75 draws LIVE MUSIC

$3 Dom Headaches $2 Dom Pints $5 Chicken Strip Meal

HH 4-6: $3 You Call It (Excluding Top Shelf + Martinis)

$2.5 Dom Aluminums $4.5 Red Bull Bombs $5 Corona Beer Battered Fish + Fries

HH 4-6: $3 You Call It (Excluding Top Shelf + Martinis)

Gently remove this spread for a pull down guide of all the specials.

Cheers! >>>> More specials on following page...

$3.50 German Bierocks Live Music 9p | No Cover

$2 Dom Bottles $5 Jumbo Wing’s Basket (8)

HH 4-6: $3 You Call It (Excluding Top Shelf + Martinis)

LIVE MUSIC

HH 6-9p: $.75 draws LIVE MUSIC

$3 Import + Craft Bottles $4 Bombs HH 4-7: $1 off all drinks HH 4-7: $6.5 Dom Pitchers LIVE MUSIC (excluding pop) LIVE MUSIC

HH 4:30 - 6p: HH 4:30 - 6p: $1.50 12oz Dom Drafts $1.50 12oz Dom Drafts Beer Garden / Live Music $2 Wells Top City Thursday: 5-8:30p Karaoke 9 - midnight

HH 6-9p: $.75 draws $2 Wells Resistance DJ Showcase

$2.5 Wells HH 4-7: $1 off all drinks (excluding pop) Jam w/Jeff Toda

$2.5 Dom Longnecks $1.5 Pint Draws $3 Headaches $3 Big Bottles $3.5 German Bierocks $4 Frozen Drinks Karaoke 7:30p - 12:30a $3.5 German Bierocks $4 Frozen Drinks Live Music 9p | No Cover Happy Hour: Monday - Friday | 4-7p: $.75 draws, $2.5 Wells $1 Apple Pie Shots. Tuesday: $3 Frozen drinks.

$2 Wells $1.5 Rolling Rock $5 Cheeseburger + Fries

HH 4-6: $3 You Call It (Excluding Top Shelf + Martinis)

HH 4:30 - 6p: $1.50 12oz Dom Drafts

HH 6-9p: $.75 draws

$3 Dom Big Draws HH 4-7: $1 off all drinks (excluding pop)

food | drink | happy hour

seveneightfive specials

Food Porn { an expedition into the food scene of Topeka

B

eing comfortable in one’s place in the world isn’t something that comes easily when you’ve been yanked out of the soil where you used to grow, and plunked down into a new garden. After 20 years as a Topeka transplant, I am finally at home. One of the biggest reasons is I have put down my foodie roots into the awesome culinary offerings of our community.

One of the most important underpinnings of great cooking is sourcing exceptional ingredients.

Sometimes what you need can be found at the traditional grocery store.

Cooking Notes:

Elizabeth Lumpkin, a lifelong foodie and travel enthusiast, is a 20-year Topeka transplant. She is the founder and owner of Boss Hawg’s Barbeque & Catering Co.

Other times you need to look a little further afield to find the ingredients that will make an incredible meal.

For the first installment of Food Porn, we are going to do some summer grilling of shrimp from an awesome new addition to the Food Scene in Topeka: Seafood Thyme is a fresh seafood market at Huntoon and Gage. The fish and shellfish here are bought-it-off-the-dock fresh and flavorful.

Grilled Shrimp from Seafood Thyme

how I fixed it:

2 pounds of shrimp to serve 4 - 6 Whisk together: • • • • • • • •

Shell shrimp. Leave tails on. Devein, wash, pat dry, and dump into the marinade for an hour or two. Use the marinating time to fix some rice and asparagus for side dishes. Finish drinking the dry white wine you opened for the marinade.

When the shrimp has marinated long enough, or everyone gets too hungry to wait, thread shrimp on bamboo skewers (pre-soak in water so they don’t burn). Put on a hot charcoal grill that’s been oiled prior to heating up. Grill 4 or 5 minutes per side, or until opaque, slathering the remaining marinade over the shrimps as they cook. Don’t over cook!! Watch closely, turn frequently, and just as they become opaque, take them right off the grill.

1 cup of virgin olive oil Whole head of garlic minced 2 tbl Frank’s Hot Sauce of chopped TheRed “handful” beand changed Serveparsley with rice,should asparagus, a chilled to 2 tsp fresh dried oregano bottlesame of an sized off-dryhands.

Riesling or a buttery cup. Not everyone has the Juice of one ripe lemon, quartered oaky Chardonnay. Pinot Gris fans and Slosh of dry white wine Sauvignon Blanc enthusiasts should feel Also, in the cooking notes chopping herbs, a note Slosh of tomato sauce free about to indulge their choices with this 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley should be added that herb stems, are what is recipeleaves, as well. not aseveneightfive

1/4

used for food.

D

I’ll send youshallow a photo a bit.

Probably photo I on’t buy flavorless dried oregano. You can make your own in a very cut.in This will expose a darkstock vein that you that can rinse purchase rights to folks for ata Seafood coupleThyme of dollars.

I have with fresh oregano from the herb lady at the Downtown out or the pull out.

Or the are happy to do it foran you.acTopeka Farmers Market. Tie in a small bundle, and hang countRemember and it’s that where get should most of images. yourI grill notmy usemarketing any self-lighting charcoal upside down with a brown lunch bag as a covering to keep dust and or starter fluid. These will give your food a chemical taste. Use plain sunlight off your drying herbs. After a couple of weeks, the oregano ol’ charcoal (I like Kingsford original) and try some hardwood chips should be dry. Store whole and on the stalk in a zipper bag or in a for kindling to start your fire. The chips can be found in the charcoal Mason jar. For best flavor, don’t pull leaves from stem or crumble until section or can be purchased at the farmer’s market direct from the just before you put it into your recipe. man who cuts them. Good choices for shrimp are cherry, apple, oak, You can store fresh parsley for 1-2 weeks in this fashion: cut the stems with a sharp knife and place in an inch of water in an 8 oz juice glass or rocks glass. Every few days, recut stems and put in fresh water. The parsley will drink the water, so be sure you don’t let them go thirsty.

Store in the refridgerator. If they start to wilt, take them out and dry them in the same fashion as the dried oregano.

Chopping herbs is easiest if you do it like this: toss the herbs to be chopped into a small cup or ramekin. Stick the tips of your clean sanitized kitchen shears straight down into the pile of herbs and start scissoring.

Deveining shrimp is easy once you get the hang of it. After shelling, run a small sharp knife down the middle of the top side of the shrimp

or grape vine trimmings. Hickory and mesquite can be too strong flavored for shrimp.

Resource list 1.

Downtown Farmer’s Market 12th St & Harrison 249-4704 - Betty Lane Saturday 7:30a - noon topekafarmersmarket.com Get there early for best selections; the exceptional vendors tend to sell out of their choice offerings in fairly short order.

2. Seafood Thyme Gage + Huntoon 215-6301 M-F: 10:30a - 6:30p Sat: 10:30a - 5p seafoodthyme.com

3. Meyer’s Wines +

Spirits 5610 S.W. 29th 289-5989 M-Th: 9a - 10p Fri-Sat: 9a - 11p Sun: noon - 7p www.meyersliquor.com

Next issue: My favorite little restaurant “find” in T-Town

the return of...

HAPPY HOUR

by Kerrice Mapes photo by Erin Wynkoop

F

or 26 years, Happy Hour specials have been prohibited in Kansas. No surprise; in this writer’s opinion alcohol laws in Kansas are among the strictest of any U.S. state. This changed on July 1 when the prohibition of temporary drink discounts was released. Oh, Carrie Nation is rolling in her grave.

“Because every hour should be Happy Hour,” was a slogan adopted by seveneightfive six years ago to encourage all-day specials. For Kansans, the idea of Happy Hour (a special offered for only a short time during the day, food or drink) has only been quenched when traveling out of state. Until now.

Others are keeping with their regular food and drink specials. “We have chosen to be retroactive instead of proactive,” said Chris Profitt, Tailgator’s Pub & Grub. No doubt their pre-existing 75c Taco Tuesday night is in and of itself a Happy Hour.

The new legislation now allows for Happy Hours to occur in bars and restaurants, but also allows for retail liquor stores to host tastings on premise.

“Because of our monthly ‘Wine Wednesday’ tastings at Ice & Olives, for which we received approval from the [Kansas Department of Revenue] Alcohol Beverage Control many months ago, not much will change for us,” continues Busch.

Any 26-year rule is hard to change and comes with excitement and anxiety for many Topeka bars. What it means for seveneightfivers is still a cocktail formula to be perfected, but many are jumping on the wagon (or off the wagon) and giving it a ride.

“I think there will be a big boost in Happy Hour business in the beginning and then it will taper off as people get used to it, but there is no doubt it will boost business,” said Brian Chambers, owner of the The Boobie Trap Bar. “We have a late night crowd, but for the first time I will have the ability to build a clientele during the early evenings.”

The Boobie Trap will offer 75c beers from 6p to 9p, enticing patrons to arrive hours before the normal height of a Boobie Trap night. “[The new Happy Hour law] represents a shift in the paradigm of the way we think about drinking at a bar,” said Elizabeth Lumpkin, Pigskin’s Sports Bar & Grill.

Pigskin’s is introducing an after-work happy hour as well as late night specials to benefit the two different clienteles that frequent the bar.

regulations now allow for our vendors to participate and create new opportunities for our customers to sample a wider variety of products throughout the year. This should be good for all concerned, and particularly for the consumer who will have an opportunity to sample wines and other esoteric alcoholic beverages which they might not otherwise ever enjoy. This can help broaden the market and, in the long run, create a greater selection of global products statewide through increased demand.”

Then there are bars like Maddie’s, on the main floor of Ramada, who is using the new Happy Hour as a push for the bar as a whole.

“It’s a great way to introduce our bar to a new audience,” said Jared Hitchens, assistant marketing coordinator.

In addition to the Happy Hour law is the new provision that allows for liquor stores to do tastings. No doubt this is a great opportunity for direct point of sales, especially for local distributors like Strathman Distribution.

“Lakeside will begin to work in tandem with our distributors and brokers to conduct scheduled in-store (and adjacent) tastings beginning later this summer,” said Barry Busch, Lakeside Wine & Spirits. “The new

“Right now you see people gathering for $1 margaritas around town,” said Chambers.

“Now you will have choices as Happy Hours pop up everywhere. I think more bars will beef up their food menus. Offering cheap drinks will be just the incentive people will need to come out early for dinner. You need traffic to turn food profits and this new law will go a long way in providing the numbers to keep bars and restaurants alive.”

“Happy Hour? No question it will have a major impact on marketing and promotion for on-premise locations. You will see daily promotions and significant changes in pricing during promotional periods,” said Busch. “[In my opinion] it won’t change consumption, however. I think it is a good thing because it will entice people to dine out and entertain, which is good for the economy in general.” aseveneightfive 15

$2.5 Bloody Marys $2.5 24oz Dom Draws $5 Wings

$1.5 12oz Cans

PBR, Busch + Natural Light

$3 Aluminums $2.5 Miller / Coors Light $3.5 Naked Jay Vodka $6 Pulled Pork Sand

$2.5 Bourbon + Cola $4.89 Chicken Sandwich w/Homemade Chips

Thursday

$2.5 Gin + Tonics $3 Bud Light Platinum $4.99 1/2lb Burger w/Homemade Chips

Friday

saturday

$2.5 Juarez Margaritas $2.5 Dom Bottles $5 Taco Burger $6 Taco Salad $.75 Tacos

$3 Import Bottles $3.5 Dom Headaches $6.5 Philly Sand

$3 Aluminums $3.5 Skol Vodka + Energy $6 Chicken Fried Steak

$2.5 Dom Bottles $4 Jack Daniels $6.5 Brisket Sand

Missing your favorite bar? Have them contact us at seveneightfive.com to be part of the next special list. Listings are also on www.seveneightfive.com

$2.5 Dom Pints $3 Wells $5.5 Cheeseburger

$3 Double Wells $2.5 Dom Pints

$2.5 Bud/Bud Light Mugs $2.5 Rum + Cola $2.5 Wells $2.5 PBR Mugs $4.29 BBQ Pork Sandwich $4.19 1/4lb All Beef $5.29 Homemade Pork w/Homemade Chips Hotdog, Cheese filled, Tender w/Chips Bacon wrapped w/ Chips

“Home of the 3# Speckburger Challenge!”

$2.5 Bud/Bud Light Mugs $2.5 PBR Mugs $3.19 1/4lb Cheeseburger w/Homemade Chips

happy 6th bday 785!

21st + Urish | 272.1432 FB: TailgatorsTopeka Everyday: $3.5 Jager bombs $2 Apple Pie shots

Tailgators

$3 Pints $4 Jumbo Prem Drafts $3 Fireball Shots $3 Long Island Ice Teas $3 Long Beach Ice Teas HH 9p - Last Call: $3 Tuaca, Jager + Fireball

Wednesday

$3 Captain Morgan $3 Dom Jumbo Drafts $6 Dom / $8 Prem Pitchers $2 Boulevard Wheat Pints $4 Crown Royal $3.5 Summer + Berry Brews $3 Guinness Draws $2 Pinnacle Vodka Shots $3 Leinenkugel Pints $2 Lemon Drop Shots HH $2.75 Dom Bottles $3 Washington Apple 9p - Last Call: Shots $1.5 Dom Draws HH 9p - Last Call: $6 Bucket of Beers $3 Strawbery Margaritas + Malibu drinks Happy Hour: Monday - Friday | 4-6p: Double for the price of single | 1/2 price appetizers

$2.5 Wells $3 Blue Moons Pints $3 Prem Bottles $4 Tuaca and Jager Bombs BOGO Free Appetizers HH 9p - Last Call: $3 Jack, Cap’n + Crown

Tuesday

$1 off all Bottles $3 Big Dom Draws $3.5 Double Vodkas $4 ALL Big Draws $3 UV Drinks $2 Wells $5 Double Captain $2 Kamikazi Shots $2 SoCo Lime HH 7-11p: $1 John Daly $2.5 Bud Light, Miller Lite, 1/2-price Burgers, 5-10p HH: 8-10p: 1/2 off Coors Light Bottles HH 7-11p: $1 John Daly appetizers HH: 8-10p: 1/2 off appetizers Happy Hour: Monday - Friday | 4-7p: All Daily Specials Available PLUS $4 Bombs All Day. Every Day.

$2.5 Dom Bottles $3 Fireball Shots

All weekly SPECIALS Honored $12.99 Baby Back Ribs Dinner HH 9p - Last Call: $2 Blue Moons

$3 Bloody Marys All Weekly Specials honored $12.99 Spare Ribs Dinner HH 9p - Last Call: Service Industry Night $1.5 Wells + Domestics $4 Bloody Marys $3 Big Dom Draws HH 7-11p: $1 John Daly

Monday

Sunday

$2.5 Bud/Bud Light Mugs $2.5 PBR Mugs $3 Bloody Marys 2105 SW Mission Ave | 272.9749 Made from scratch www.specksbarandgrill.com

Speck’s Tavern

4121 SW Huntoon 215.8172 @TopekaQuintons

Quinton’s

2833 SW 29th St | 273.7300 FB: Boss-Hawgs-BBQ-andPigskins-Sports-Bar

Pigskin’s

weekly

food | drink | happy hour

seveneightfive specials

h+n

@785heardnoted

?*@! overheard out+about

compiled by Erin Wynkoop illustration by Amanda Reynolds

“Oh, I remember that. That was from that one time, you know, when I was really wasted.” @Skivvies “I don’t know why, but I just want to give her piggyback rides everywhere.” @The Trap “Yes, I have no doubt in my mind that numerous tears will be shed during the Olympics this summer.” @Speck’s Tavern “Let’s drink tequila and forget all our problems...untill tomorrow morning.” @Abigail’s “Cheers to me. I’ve only been celebrating the same birthday for the last four years.” @Skinny’s “Oh, you know, that dude in that band? “ @Pigskins “She looks busted.” @The Dutch Goose “Oh, I see how this is all going to go down.” @Tailgators “Can vacation last all summer? Yeah, it’s called being a teacher.” @Blackbird “She’s been texting everyone the 101...” “Excuse me? The 411?”

“The what?” @Bosco’s

Be sure to RT + Tweet @785HeardNoted with all your favorite witty tweets you hear out-and-about

WREN RAdio

www.wrenradio.net Schedule: 24/7 Oldies [from mid-50s through mid-70s] Les Glenn “live” 3-6p Monday-Friday Wings Kalahan Hot Rod Radio Friday 6-9p Blues Influence with JD Nash, 6-9p, Sunday.

Way Back Tuesday, every 2nd Tuesday in the LazyToad.

Live music and DJ’s for dancing, dining, listening.

Studio: Located in Lazy Toad, 5331 SW 22nd Place

1926 radio station returns with new format

D

by Richard Kelly • photos by Adam Koger

riving north on Topeka Boulevard and entering the outskirts of downtown Topeka, one may notice a large replica bird on the east side of the street. What many may not know, however, is its history.

The large replica is actually the world’s largest Wren, and it hasn’t always been in its current location. It formerly belonged to WREN, a radio station that started in Tonganoxie, Kan. in 1926. The station then moved to Lawrence before settling in Topeka in 1947. The replica followed.

Fast forwarding to 1988, WREN closed its doors and after the building was purchased by another radio station, the bird was put up for auction. It was purchased and preserved by Topekans and placed in its current location in downtown.

“We’re gaining more and more interest every day,” said Carmona.

When you’ve been in radio, you always dream of owning a station. So I said, let’s give it a shot.

Moving forward again to the present day, the bird now has regained relevance. The reason is due to a reestablishment of WREN in February 2012. The station now broadcasts in an online format at wrenradio.net. Frank Chaffin, co-owner and general manager of WREN, said he started formulating the idea to reestablish the station close to two years ago. He worked with Les Glenn, fellow co-owner and program manager, to make the station a reality.

Glenn now works as the current voice of WREN when it broadcasts live from 3 to 6p, Monday through Friday. He formerly was a program and operations manager for a station in Burlington, Kan. and also worked for KTOP, KMAJ and more in Topeka. Chaffin has 30 years in television and radio, including work with WREN as a DJ, sales manager and general manager.

Chaffin said the change to an online format will decrease overhead significantly and that online radio is likely a stepping stone towards future radio success. It has also opened their eyes to where the music is being heard, as listeners have tuned in from Ukraine, Scotland, England, Sweden and more.

“We’re ahead of the curve,” said Chaffin.

WREN staff knew, despite lower overhead and an all-volunteer staff, they would have to sell ads. They were able to recruit Topekan Ed Carmona for sales management. Carmona said he thinks the station’s popularity is continuing to increase.

One of the main curiosities to be had was why the group had an interest in reestablishing WREN at all. Glenn explained when Oldies 99.3 changed its format in 2004, it created a void for those who wanted to listen to music from the 1950s and 1960s.

“There was a whole generation of music that wasn’t getting heard [after the format change,]” said Glenn.

The library of music to choose from consists of roughly 3,000 songs, according to Glenn.

He also said that it’s not likely to ever hear the same song twice in a day, so listeners always have something new to enjoy. Chaffin also said if he wanted to play a certain song, it would be literally a button click away.

WREN is currently operating out of a small corner of the Lazy Toad, 5331 SW 22nd Place. The location has been modified now to include a window which looks out to the walking portion of the mall. Inside the small room are the computers which hold the music as well as old memorabilia from Topeka radio stations, including a newspaper clipping from the day the replica Wren was first seen publicly in 1932.

Only a few months in, Chaffin is glad he made the decision to help give WREN its revitalization. He states that individuals including Nancy Sinatra, have tweeted the station to thank them for playing their music. His hope is the success will continue.

“When you’ve been in radio, you always dream of owning a station,” said Chaffin. “So I said, ‘let’s give it a shot.’”

Some of the future plans include a junior disk jockey show on Saturdays as well as live broadcasting from 6a to 6p Monday through Friday. To find out more about WREN, visit their website wrenradio.net. aseveneightfive 19

785Mag_6.25.12_Layout 1 6/25/12 1:52

You Can !

Have It ALL at the

Topeka Masonic Center Weddings n Receptions Rehearsal Dinners Meetings n Seminars Conferences n Banquets Special Events n Ceremonies

785-783-7720 kellyl@topekamasoniccenter.com 2300 SW 30th • Topeka, KS

For all your Topeka Beer News!

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

@TopekaBeer

20

poems for people who can’t get away As summer hangs hot, everyone seems to be going on vacation—either somewhere hotter or cooler, based on preference. However, for people who can’t get away, here are poems about other countries.

I hope they can be part of your fakation—a staycation when you are broke, like I am.

1997

To Understand Chinese New Year Subtract from the 4th of July:

Benjamin Cartwright

dusk as anticipation;

lackluster ground flowers;

bodies of black snakes constricting, touched into birth with the red tip of a smoldering punk;

a Roman Candle aimed like a rifle.

I remember Romania better with my eyes closed. Sour cabbage in tomato sauce, translucent leaves wrapped around spiced meat and rice. Balcony doors off the kitchen, one open, one closed. Fruit flies dancing through a bowl of plums. Bodies perfumed by living; Marius laughs at his friend’s joke: well-sprayed equals half-washed. Yellowed paper hanging loosely over clothes in a honey-colored wardrobe. Mothballs. Yeasty steam wafting up from a bakery below street level, the bread Marius peeled clean of crust on walks home, years gone. A twelve-hour train trip, then and now cigarette smoke mingling in permanency and settling to a sheen of gray on the red fabric seats. My mother-in-law in a miniature kitchen, kneading, beating, chopping. Marble floors cool to my bare feet. A dim bulb in the dining/ TV/living room. My dying father-in-law, shrunken, bald, carries a watermelon for me, ignores my foreignness: Take care of my son.

Add to the 4th of July:

demons unafraid of noonday sun;

firecrackers strung together (woven Sioux breastplates of bang) to punctuate an afternoon;

stick;

candied hawthorn berries pronged on a wooden

snow covering the streets, tinged pink by red paper lanterns.

Bicycle Circumlocution in Tianjin First trip The powdered outline of a human body chalked in yellow in the bicycle lane.

Third trip The forked tracks of birds in wet clay-cuneiform thoughts of gods to Babylonians.

Second trip Yellow characters fill the hollow space between shoulders of multiple chalked bodies outlined in the bicycle lane.

Birds circle the Fukang Lu factory stacks.

I peddle and wonder Mandarin or Cantonese...

Traditional or simplified...

Jennifer Pacioianu lives in Topeka and is working on an MFA at The University of Kansas.

Her work has appeared in Bartleby Snopes.

Benjamin Cartwright is a PhD student at The University of Kansas. His work has appeared in Fract/ons, Prick of the Spindle, Organization & Environment, Blue Island Review, and Pure Francis. His work is forthcoming in The Stinging Fly, Sentence and Stone Telling.

Jennifer Pacioianu

poetry + literature | Poems for people who can’t get away

lit

poetry editor: Dennis Etzel Jr.

Benjamin Cartwright

Fourth trip I peddle with my wife and her tongue for language, to the factory, but the rain has excised all the characters between shoulder and rib, even the outline, even their husk.

Fifth trip The color yellow returns.

A clutch of riders curse me in birdsong, and we collide.

Sixth trip Qian Jing tells me workers have written the names of other workers who have lost limbs.

The return home from the sixth trip She tells me the other workers want the workers missing limbs to leave, because of what they lost for the owner of the factory; for the honor of the factory.

Upcoming Poetry Readings July 27 | Downtown Neon Gallery | 7p Jeffrey Tigchelaar, H.C. Palmer, Jose Faus, Al Ortolani, Chloe Wagner, and Martha Gershun.

KU Woodruff Auditorium 7:30p Nikki Finney discusses the act of “Making Poetry in our Anthropocene Age.”

Get the Hoverboard, because there are over 40 locations each month!

first friday artwalk August 3 With so many great art exhibits each month, it is impossible to see them all.

seveneightfive’s personal artwalk guide

Pick up a map at any gallery or visit www.artsconnecttopeka.org

Follow this guide each month + within the year, you will have visited 90% of FFAW galleries!

Stops 1 - 4: Downtown Topeka

KS RT ce & r ativity R WO HEA ServCi entee creial OF mily nce s th ent

t Fa uidabratet po ren. e y th ts G ele vas hild t b Artis es. r c a c nd r es ild iec a f ou lud rt Ch nal p c n a io o ti ibi f He ess Warehouse 414,

Artwork by Michael Allen Music by Scott Senn, piano 5th + Kansas

Improving children’s lives since 1904

Exh rks o prof Wo d 50+ an

414 SE 2nd, Downtown 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. | 8.3.12

Last stop: NOTO Open Market

First FRiday ARTWALK brought to you by: Streets lined with vendors, musicians and more every Frist Friday.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Serendipity Studio 831 The Eclective Kaw River Mercantile Foole’s Dream Studio TWO DAYS Market Robuck Jewelers Second Chance Antiques Artists Lofts Rusty Haggles Antiques NOTO Community Arts Center Open Market Vendors

*** Suggested flow is location visits at 5, 5:45, 6:30, 7:15 + 8p. Follow ArtWalkers on Twitter #FFAW

Get Fit

W

how some seveneightfivers are losing that beer and wings gut

by Josh Rouse photo by Josh Rouse

ith the recent announcement that Topeka was the eighth most obese community in the United States, some Topekans are becoming introspective about the health risks associated with obesity.

For those who wish to make a significant change in their lifestyle, Jayhawk Pharmacy and Patient Supply offers a new program called Get Fit Topeka Style (GFTS), which kicked off its first community workout June 21 at Hummer Sports Park Stadium.

lifestyle • get fit

“we’re trying to get people excited about doing something healthy. whether it’s diet or exercise, we’re just using this as a tool or a platform to get people in the community to say ‘Hey, I can do that,’” Mike Conlin - owner of Jayhawk Pharmacy and Patient Supply Tice said much of the support for the workouts came from Facebook and promotion by local media.

“It has been a tremendous help that we have Stephanie Lynn from 94 Country and also Kelli Stegeman from Kansas First News involved,” said Tice. “Both 94 Country, WIBW and especially Kansas First News have put a lot of effort into it and really partnered with us to get the word out.”

Kansas First News anchor Kelli Stegeman is one of the 20 contestants involved in the GFTS competition, and said she has already lost 10 pounds and seen a significant difference in her muscle mass.

GFTS originated as a contest for 20 contestants themed after NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” but soon blossomed into a community-wide workout program, thanks to a massive influx of applications to participate in the competition.

“We had almost 200 applicants for 20 spots, so now we have 20 individuals that are competing for six months,” said Mike Conlin, owner of Jayhawk Pharmacy and Patient Supply. “Then we decided we wanted to do something else for the community as well, so now we do this on a monthly basis.”

The first community workout garnered 113 participants, not including the trainers and other volunteers on hand to help organize it.

“I thought it was a great success, for it being the first time out of the gate,” said Lauren Tice, communications manager for Get Fit Topeka Style and owner of Speak, Ink. “We’re still building momentum with the program and it’s definitely growing much bigger than we expected.

The whole program has ballooned beyond our expectations.”

24

“I was so excited,” said Stegeman. “This is something I’ve been looking forward to for so long, and I wasn’t really sure what I would expect. But coming up here, and once everybody got together out on the field, it was more than I was expecting. I just hope that from here on out we can keep this growing and hopefully start a trend in Topeka.”

Rather than focusing on a specific number, Stegeman said her goal is simply to become a better person.

“All it takes is one step,” said Stegeman. “It’s so easy to lay on the couch and do nothing and feel bad about yourself, but the moment you start taking that one step, that leads to the second and the third, and before you know it you’re up and you’re active all day long.”

The next community workout takes place July 28 at 8:30a at Hummer Sports Park, and continues Aug. 16 at 6:30p and Sept. 29 at 8:30a before wrapping up with a Crawl, Walk, & Run 5K Oct. 20. For more information, go to www. jayhawkpharmacy.com or check out the GFTS Facebook at Facebook.com/GetFitTopekaStyle or on their Twitter account, @GetFitTopekaKS. aseveneightfive

welcome to

Located in the Historical NOTO Arts District At 900 N. Kansas Ave in Topeka

A Little Funky—A ton of Fun—A Unique Place to Shop for Gifts, Home Décor, and More! All Local Artists and Craftsman!!

Fridays and Saturdays 10AM—3PM or By Appointment, Private Parties Available Extended Hours on First Fridays 9AM—9PM, with LIVE Entertainment at 5:30PM 785-806-7674 or visit www.the-eclective.com

every thursday

▶ Third Thursdays serendipity

|

7 - 11 pm

820 N. KS Ave | 7 - 11 p | $3 | 286,7676

sh wcase

nightlife in noto shops open late | live music

Jeff Toda | Joey Desch | Jarrod Guth | Nate Dingman [ 7 ]

[ 8 ]

[ 9 ]

[ 10 ]

hookah haven

T

opeka’s newest hangout helps culturally enrich our city while giving young people a place to gather and relax. Genie Hookah House, located on 21st just west of Seabrook Tavern, opened its doors mid-June for those seeking refuge from the typical bar or coffee shop. Hookahs are the main focus with a relaxing atmosphere 18+ crowd.

As you step into the renovated space, u-shaped benches, pillows and warm decor welcome you along with a sweet smell of apple and cherry tobacco. Middle Eastern pop music fills the rest of the space with the occasional tune from Sublime, which made me feel right at home.

The menu offers over a dozen of tobacco flavors, desserts, coffee and English tea. seveneightfive photography Colin and I tried the owner’s favorites: mint tea from England, baklava and an apple and cherry tobacco blend. Everything was divine and a welcomed change from the usually scene.

Owner, Sammy Zalloum, knew he wanted to create a place where 18- year-olds would feel comfortable going. His focus on this age group came from polling workers at IHOP when we was the manager.

“I asked them what they did for fun in Topeka,” said Sammy. “One of the gals working told me how she has just been to Hookah House in Lawrence. I checked it out and immediately knew it was something that could be successful in Topeka.”

Sammy’s Middle Eastern background (born in Jerusalem) no doubt helps influence the establishment. He says “the renovations and building of the business, which began just two months prior to the opening, wouldn’t be possible without the help of three good friends.”

Stop by Genie Hookah House and enjoy a new taste in Topeka. aseveneightfive

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GENIE HOOKAH HOUSE 4009 SW 21st Street 408.5952 HOURS OF OPERATION: Sun - Thurs: 5p - 1a Fri + Sat: 5p - 2a Must be 18-years-old

Private room for 20 coming soon.

A Hookah, also known as a waterpipe, is a single or multistemmed instrument for smoking flavored tobacco called Mu’assel.

The smoke is passed through a water basin before inhalation. It is consider non-addictive.

Genie Hookah House has a plethora of hookahs, high-quality and tasty Shisha, specialty loose leaf teas, coffee and treats.

<< [left-right] Kourtney Griffith, Grace Kasper + Dylan Clemmons

<< Sammy Zalloum, owner (second from left) said Genie Hookah House would not be a reality without the help from the following: Adrian Sanchez (left), Fidel Romero (right of Sammy) and Chris Alejos (far right).

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5Q: |five questions with Bridges

5Q A

Bridges b y To n y D a v i s • p h o t o b y A m b e r O ’ D e l l

Kenny Smith – Acoustic Guitar Wyndi Senogles – Acoustic Guitar Glenn Leonardi – Electric Guitar Terry Proctor – Bass Nancy McKenzie – Keyboard Travis Byers – Drums

prominent force in the Topeka music scene for more than 13 years, Bridges is comprised mainly of passionate musicians who have known each other for decades which continue to grow and change. Having just finished their second independentlyproduced record, we can look forward to an album release event at the Fairlawn Classic Bean on September 1st. An event at the Celtic Fox will be held at a date yet to be determined. To get more information on songs, shows, and individual members, check out their Facebook page at BridgesTopeka.

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Where did the name Bridges come from?

How long have you known each other?

Kenny – When I started playing with others, I met Lori Bridges, and we were Bridges & Smith for a while. Then we started adding more people, like Terry. Later, Lori moved to Nashville, but we kept the name Bridges because it represents to us the different generations of musicians in the group as well as the musical generations that inspire us.

Kenny – Terry and I met when we were 12, so that’s 47 years ago…

Nancy – I’ve known Kenny and Terry for over 20 years.

Wyndi – I’ve known Kenny for at least 20 years.

Terry – We’ve been a band for a long time, maybe 13 or 14 years.

Nancy – Travis has been with us for a little over a year.

Wyndi – Glenn is our newest; 3 or 4 months.

What sets you apart?

Terry – We have so much talent, and we do things like have Travis, our drummer, come up and play a song he wrote on the guitar, and Wyndi will go back and do percussion.

It gives us a different sound and that variety keeps things fresh, interesting, and evolving.

Favorite venues?

Kenny – “Home court” is the Classic Bean in Fairlawn Plaza, and The Celtic Fox is a great place where you can play whatever you want.

Nancy – The Mulvane Art Festival is always great.

Kenny – Serendipity, I really like that place – it’s different.

Originals vs. covers?

Wyndi – Probably about 50% original music.

Kenny – We work on covers well enough to get by, but we focus on our originals.

Wyndi – Another band, Borderline, wants to do a cover of one of our songs, Cardinal Hotel. aseveneightfive *** Look for Bridges to play during a 3rd Thursday seveneightfive showcase at Serendipity this Fall.

S T R E E T S Streetside Bar I D M - Sat: 11a - Sunset E 5th & Kansas

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Put something good in your mouthâ&#x20AC;?

Augu st Offic ia TAP Ga l After la party

PIGSKIN’S HAS IT ALL! Nothing is better than BBQ, PATIO cold beer, hot sports Award-winning BBQ,award-winning cold beer, sports, & live music! and toe-tapping music. Join us for the BEST GAME IN TOWN!

SUMMER HAPPY HOUR PARTY AND BAND SCHEDULE: Happy Hour Specials 9 p.m. to Last Call

ol o C Stay INCO DE C day BluesDR_IN_KO

y a d s e Tu MAY 5

Fri.Sat. April 13 Urban Graffiti$3 Party w/ DJ DreuxMargaritas Ladies Night Strawberry Sat. April 14 Knucklehead Jones $3 Malibu Tues. April 17 Bluesday Tuesday w/ Josh drinks Vowell & The Rumble S.I.N. Sunday Service Night Fri. April 20 Pigskin’s Pajama Party Industry w/ DJ Dreux wells Sat. April 21 Josh Vowell &$1.50 The Rumble Tues. April 24 Bluesday Tuesday w/ dom.

Josh Vowell Rumble $1.50 pints&/The bottles Fri.BlueMoonday April 27 Animal HouseBlue Toga Moons: Party w/ DJ Dreux Sat. April 28 The Soul Preachers $2 Draw/$3 Jumbo/$6 Pitcher Tues. May 1 Bluesday Tuesday w/ Josh Vowell & The Rumble Bluesday Tuesday $3 Jack, Cap’n & Crown Fri. May 4 DJ Dreux Kraazy Karaoke!

Humpday Party de Drinko Shot specials Sat .May 5 Cinco May 8 Bluesday Tuesday $3 Tuaca, Fireballs Tues. w/ JoshJager Vowell & & The Rumble

Thirsty Thursday $1.50 dom. draws KRAAZY KARAOKE

$6 buckets of beers

With DJ Dreux: Every Friday night 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. It’s Topeka’s BEST Friday night party!

M-F | 4-6p

BLUESDAY TUESDAY Double for the price of single

Every Tuesday with1/2 Josh price Vowell &appetizers The Rumble

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2833 S.W. 29th Next to Dillon’s at 29th & Oakley | 785.273.7300

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SOUL REBEL & THE B 9 - mid EAST n

DJ DREUXight

12 - 2a