iSPY // April 2012

M A G A Z I N E April 2012 // ispymagazine.co

Festifools Gotye John Sinclair Lizerrd

Horsefeathers

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contents

APRIL

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[the buzz] 06

Cloud Nothings, Mac Miller, The Naked and Famous, The Cribs

Rodrigo y Gabriela, fun., Bela Fleck and the Flecktones

Cults, Seth Glier, Sleigh Bells, Ingrid Michaelson

Spring is Here

Gotye

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Five Year Engagement, Devin the Dude

Adventures in Local Food + pg 13

[style]

Retyi. Set. Go. + pg 20

[scene] 12

Festifools

Retyi. Set. Go. // Get in Shape

John Sinclair // Hash Bash

[features]

18 Horse Feathers

22 Lizerrd // Child Bite

Lizerrd + pg 22

Rate It + pg 26

[foodie]

13 Adventures in Local Food #16 14

The Dish: The Wurst Bar, Local Food to the Rescue

[around you]

16 April Events Calendar

[review] 26 28

Rate it! - Sounds Rate it! - The Cut

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PUBLISHER + tim adkins

EDITORIAL +

[editor in chief] amanda slater [writers] amanda slater, tim adkins, stefanie stauffer, richard retyi paul kitti, marissa mcnees, aimee mandle, mary simkins, david nassar, ian cruz, jeff milo

ART +

[designers] tim adkins, jennifer oliphant [photographers]

The Washtenaw County Events and Entertainment Guide Pakmode Media + Marketing 124 Pearl st. Suite 407, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Office: 734.484.0349 Email: ispy@pakmode.com

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THE BUZZ //

Cloud Nothings // Magic Stick / April 4 BY IAN CRUZ

Let me start off by saying that the Cloud Nothings’ third album “Attack on Memory” has grown to be one of my top picks for Best New Music in 2012. This band has more momentum than most of the music reviewed in any publication. Having been a side project and solo effort for frontman Dylan Baldi, Cloud Nothings have grown from being an almost pseudo, pop-punk outfit into a group of guys who just want to rock without being taken too seriously. To think they pulled off this much in only three years is a bit overwhelming, even to their listening audience. But what this means is more music, and it just keeps getting better with each new record. Having watched hours of video footage of their live performances on YouTube, Cloud Nothings are one of those bands worth catching at your local bar. Unlike some of the bands I’ve seen lately, these guys actually move on stage! Songs like “Wasted Days” come to life when they are played to the crowds of people who come to the shows. And now you’ll get your chance, as they will be playing the Magic Stick in downtown Detroit on April 4. Tickets are available online for $10 via TicketWeb. Hey scenesters, did the last album from The Strokes leave you feeling a little displaced? Are there not enough minimalistic retro-punk “The-somethings” type bands on tour this season? Well don’t put your Velvet Underground t-shirts into storage just yet because The Cribs are coming to town. Ok, I had my tongue pressed against my cheek while I was writing that. Insulting your own audience typically doesn’t illicit the most positive response, unless you’re a group of nothing-to-lose UK punkers with not only a garage band sound, but a garage band mentality. Their intentionally lowbrow joke of a catchy single “Hey Scenesters” was told and retold on British

i SPY APRIL 2012

Mac Miller // EMU Convocation Center / April 4

The Naked and Famous // The Crofoot / April 6

BY AIMEE MANDLE

Pittsburgh native Mac Miller is making his way through Michigan once again – and just in time to introduce fans to his newest project “Macadelic.” Releasing his latest mixtape just a few weeks before the show hits town, Miller will be expanding his musical repertoire to more than just party jams. Opening acts also include The Come Up and The Cool Kids. Since his solo start in 2009, Miller has released several mixtapes that have helped him gain a substantial following of fans all over the world. But it wasn’t until he signed with Rostrum Records in 2010 and released “K.I.D.S.” that he began to make his mark. In November 2011, Miller debuted his first studio album, “Blue Slide Park,” which featured content based on places and faces from his hometown. No doubt fans will be looking forward to hearing hits “Donald Trump” and “Party on 5th Ave” as well as his latest creations. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.emutix.com for $30. airwaves in 2005, but I think most people got it right away. Not only did it avoid alienating their genre’s fan base, it garnered such a positive response so that now, seven years later, The Cribs are alive and well and coming to Pontiac. And you don’t have to be a scenester to gain entrance, by the way. You just gotta have a soft spot for Britpop with a dogged attitude and crystal-clear hooks (and a ticket wouldn’t hurt). The Cribs will be playing at the Crofoot on April 10, and tickets can be purchased at the venue’s website for $12. I’ll end with an understatement: you can expect this to be energetic.

Chances are you’ve probably heard at least one song from New Zealand band The Naked and Famous already. The group has been featured in a variety of television shows, movies and commercials over the last few years and continues to pop up all over the map. The Naked and Famous formed in 2008 and immediately released two EPs on an independent label. After adding two more band members, the group debuted single “Young Blood,” which created a growing buzz among critics and listeners alike. Once signed with UK label Fiction Records, they released studio album “Passive Me, Aggressive You.” Since then, the band has garnered great deal of attention that has earned them several awards. The Naked and Famous will be performing on Friday, April 6 at The Crofoot in Pontiac. Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets start at $15. Opening acts are Now, Now and Vacationer.

The Cribs // The Crofoot / April 10 BY PAUL KITTI facebook.com/ispymagazine // www.ispymagazine.co

// THE BUZZ

fun. // St. Andrew’s Hall / April 15 BY PAUL KITTI

Rodrigo y Gabriela // Royal Oak Music Theatre / April 14 BY MARISSA MCNEES

International music duo Rodrigo y Gabriela, known by their fans as Rod and Gab, will be making their way through the Midwest this April. One of their few stops will be the Royal Oak Music Theatre on Saturday, April 14. Known for their unique, acoustic sound, what really sets this group apart is their devotion to hard rock. Since their self-released album in 2001, the duo has sold over one million records and sold out tours around the world – one of which including a trip to the White House to play for President Barack Obama. Earlier this year, Rodrigo y Gabriela released their newest album, “Area 52,” as their first ever collaboration with another group of musicians. For this project, the duo teamed up with a thirteenpiece Cuban orchestra, collectively known as the C.U.B.A. The album won 11 Latin Grammys. For more information on Rodrigo y Gabriela or to purchase tickets for the show at the Royal Oak Music Theatre on April 14, please visit rodgab.com.

They came in droves some ten to twelve years ago and, while many have since disappeared, others have slid into their place like top-of-the-pile gumballs at the turn of the crank. There never seems to be any shortage of bands in the bubblegum-poprock machine, but finally here’s one that brings some charisma and inventiveness to the mix. I’ll go ahead and warn you right away: if you want to see the anthemic indie darlings make good on their slowly accumulating critical buzz at St. Andrews Hall on April 15th, you may have to Stubhub your way in because it sold out weeks ago. But this tuneful trio is sure to make any extra navigation worth it. Their second album “Some Nights” was released in February with the single “We Are Young” debuting at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s rousing and, under the right conditions, chillinducing, with singer Nate Ruess (formerly of The Format) coming through loud, smooth and empathetic. After years in pop-rock rotation it seems that he’s found a sort of soul project in this new band – where the lesson is that you can have fun and be smart about it.

Bela Fleck & The Flecktones // Michigan Theater / April 19 BY DAVID NASSAR Really, what can you say other than, “He’s the man.” Perhaps no one since Jimi Hendrix has done more to redefine the possibilities of what a single instrument can do. For decades, Bela Fleck has used his finger-picking prowess to wow audiences with his banjo-laden bluegrass, jazz and world music. Now, for the first time in 20 years, the original lineup of Bela Fleck & the Flecktones reunites and hits the road. Hot off the heels of their Grammy-winning 2011 release, “Rocket Science,” Bela and the boys blast off on a world tour that will land them at the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor. If you’ve never seen Fleck perform live, it is truly one of the most awe-inspiring musical experiences you can have at a live show. Few can hold a candle to the artistry of Bela Fleck & the Flecktones. To put it simply, they are in a league of their own. Tickets are available starting at $29.50, and the show starts at 8:00 p.m. For tickets and information, visit MichiganTheater.org.

BUZZ CONTINUED ON PG. 8

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APRIL 2012

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THE BUZZ //

Five Year Engagement PreScreening // Michigan Theater / April 20 BY ISPY STAFF

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. // Majestic Theater / April 21 BY PAUL KITTI

If making good music isn’t enough to amass attention, donning a peculiar moniker and performing in NASCAR suits should get the job done. Michigan’s own Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. plays it safe with all three, proving to be one of the most interesting acts to come out of the mitten in the last year. Daniel Zott and Joshua Epstein are indie-pop technicians whose production-savvy instincts fuel their charming, if not calculated, sound, but with a reputation for quirky stage antics and occasionally blazing energy, they’re as strategic on the stage as they are in the studio. Check out their debut album “It’s A Corporate World” if you haven’t already, because that’s the first half of getting to know this exciting new band. The second will be when these guys come to play in their home state on April 21 in what I expect will be an amusingly bizarre and rocking experience. You can get your tickets from ticketmaster for $15. And, in case you’re wondering, their namesake is reportedly a fan.

i SPY APRIL 2012

Imagine, if you will, a red carpet. Imagine those weird rotating spotlights that always go along with red carpets. Other possible elements: the glitter of flashbulbs, screaming crowds, the scent of really good popcorn. Now imagine that you are at the Michigan Theater on April 20 for a special pre-release screening of The Five-Year Engagement with writer/director/producer Nicholas Stoller and producer Rodney Rothman. This filmed-in-Ann-Arbor, set-in-AnnArbor, featuring-such-Ann-Arbor-things-asZingerman’s-and-Liberty-Square movie has been greatly anticipated by many Michigan natives who are both fans of Stoller, Jason Segel and Emily Blunt and all things local. Beginning where most romantic comedies end, this new film from director Nicholas Stoller, producer Judd Apatow and Rodney Rothman looks at what happens when an engaged couple (played by Segel and Blunt) keeps getting tripped up on the long walk down the aisle. The night will also feature a Q&A session with Stoller and Rothman at the Michigan Theatre. General admission tickets are $20. Or bump yourself up to VIP status with tickets including movie admission with reserved seating and a special post-screening, catered-by-Zingerman’s wine and cocktail party with Stoller and Rothman. (And when you’re thinking Hollywood, you can never tell which A-list friends might show up . . .)

Devin the Dude // Blind Pig / April 20 BY MARISSA MCNEES Fans of underground hip-hop looking for something to do on Friday, April 20 should be sure to check out rapper Devin the Dude as he makes his way to the Blind Pig. Often viewed as rap’s best kept secret, Devin Copeland, as he’s known when he’s not performing, will be bringing special guests Coughee Brothaz North, his former hip-hop group formerly known as the Odd Squad. Copeland has released seven solo albums to date, his most recent being “Gotta Be Me” in 2011. On top of taking over the underground hip-hop scene, he has worked with artists such as Young Jeezy, Tech N9ne and Dr. Dre. Tickets for the show are $20 and can be purchased at blindpigmusic.com with doors opening at 9 p.m. on the night of the show. The Blind Pig is an 18-and-older venue.

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// THE BUZZ

The brother-sister duo (which they aren’t, but sometimes like to say they are in interviews) known as Cults will be bringing their 60’s pop outfit to Ferndale’s the Magic Bag. And since I am sure most of our readers adore Cults’ self-titled debut, to see them live would mean you are going to hear that album in almost its entirety – and probably not much else. I say this because in a recent interview on Pitchfork. tv’s video series +1, guitarist Brian Oblivion went on to say that today’s standard of playing new songs before they are released is a bad idea – why? Because of cellular phones.

Cults // Magic Bag / April 22

Seth Glier // The Ark / April 7

BY IAN CRUZ

BY MARY SIMKINS

“If you play a new song ever, it’s like 500 crappy versions of that song and they’re making their rounds all over the places,” said Oblivion. “Some shitty version of a new song is not how we want that new song to be heard or be seen, ya know? You want to give people something that’s going to be good for them.” Cults recently played the infamous South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas. Their show in Ferndale will be on April 22 at the Magic Bag. Tickets are available at the venue and can be purchased online at TicketWeb for $15.

Emmy-nominated Seth Glier will be at Ann Arbor’s the Ark on April 7 as part of a nationwide tour. While this is not Glier’s first time at the Ark, it will be his first show as headliner, and crowds can expect thoughtful songwriting and skillful instrumentals as the Massachusetts native takes the stage. Working as both musician and producer, Glier records his vocals at a project studio which he owns. Compared to singing/songwriting

Sleigh Bells // St. Andrew’s / April 25

Ingrid Michaelson // Royal Oak Music Theatre / April 11 BY MARISSA MCNEES

BY AMANDA SLATER Hot off their new album “Reign of Terror,” Sleigh Bells are going to be back in the D and ready to rock. For those unfamiliar with the Brooklyn-based pop meets hardcore duo, Sleigh Bells consists of Alexis Krauss (formerly a member of the teen pop group Rubyblue) and Derek Miller (formerly the guitarist for hardcore band Poison the Well). The two met in 2008 at a Brazilian restaurant in Brooklyn where Miller was waiting tables. The result was a success almost overnight. Their debut album “Treats” featured easily stuck-in-your-head tracks such as “Crown on the Ground,” “Infinity

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greats Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel, Seth Glier brings a unique vocal style to his piano pop music. His music alternates between sedately lyrical and soulfully bluesy, with the track “The Next Right Thing” earning national attention. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available online at theark.org. You can check out a sampling of Glier’s songs at myspace.com/sethglier.

Guitars,” “Rill Rill” and “Kids,” which have been featured in various commercials and promos. Now, with new album “Reign of Terror” having been recently released along with single “Comeback Kid,” Sleigh Bells are ready to continue doing what they do best – making music that’s as catchy as it is loud and putting on fantastic shows that ooze with energy and make audience members practically want to jump on stage to sing along. Catch them at 7 p.m. on April 25 at Saint Andrew’s Hall in Detroit. Tickets are $22.

Ingrid Michaelson will be playing to a sold-out crowd at the Royal Oak Music Theatre on April 11. Even if you don’t think you’re familiar with Michaelson’s music, odds are good that you’ve heard one her songs on any number of television shows or advertisements. Best known for her stirring songwriting and sweet melodies, Michaelson has been on in the indie-pop scene and releasing albums since 2005. Michaelson hasn’t exactly rushed onto the indie music stage and stolen the spotlight. Singing backup vocals on PlayRadioPlay’s album “Texas”

and collaborating with Sara Bareilles have helped create a wideranging and eclectic presence. Michaelson’s latest album, “Human Again” was released in January 2012 and took the Number Two spot on U.S. Rock charts (Number One in the indie category). Although the April 11 show is sold-out, there’s still a chance you’ll be able to pick up some tickets from Stubhub – or at the very least you can sample some of Ingrid Michaelson’s music and learn more about her at ingridmichaelson. com. Doors are at 7 p.m.

APRIL 2012

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SCENE //

Gotye

BY AMANDA SLATER

Somebody That We’re Getting to Know BY PAUL KITTI

i SPY APRIL 2012

Gotye is a somewhat scraggly Australian pop artist (emphasis on the artist part), but kind-looking, with a name that’s easy for us Americans to Google but near impossible to pronounce correctly. He’s long since made that name for himself down under in a big way, but it wasn’t until his hauntingly catchy single “Somebody That I Used to Know” perked the ears of millions of Youtubers that he found a second home in the states. And we’re glad to have him – that single perfectly satiates our current musical cravings for sincerity, attitude and indie-pop experimentation – and it’s only one of many colorful bends in his origami-like U.S. debut “Making Mirrors.” It’s an abstract creation, a little weird at times and incredibly

diverse, but always interesting. It’s an album that kind of blooms as you hear it, and it’s fun trying to predict the shape it’s gonna take. As for Gotye himself, his real name is Wouter De Backer, and he’s a slightly nerdy, self-proclaimed “music-making mutant” with a penchant for new sounds (really, new, like the bass line in “Eyes Wide Open” recorded on the Winton Musical Fence) and a tendency towards brilliance. If you’re interested in hearing more about him, you should read his skittish mini-autobiography on his website. You’ll basically have to squeeze out the information and imagine your way around some intentionally neglected punctuation, but it’s worth the ten minutes and sheds some

light on his creative process (and it explains what that fence thing is). I don’t know anything about what to expect from him live – like I said, he’s still pretty new around here. But his reputation in Australia precedes him as a sell-out audience counts down the days until he arrives at EMU’s Pease Auditorium on April 2. If you don’t have tickets and aren’t inspired enough by this preview to will yourself into the auditorium, check out the video for “Someday That I Used to Know” in the meantime if you haven’t already (I’ll bet you become attached to the captivating Kimbra as well). And keep an eye out for our review of the show.

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Spring is Here

// STYLE

BY LACEY LAKE At the first sign of sunlight all of Ann Arbor-Ypsi’s locals traded their boots for sandals in the beginning of this spring season! These ladies took to the streets in two very laid-back, cool ensembles. Cropped leggings and light cardigans are closet essentials for layering for warm days with cool breezes. Styles with hints of vintage flare pop up all over Washtenaw County in the spring, as seen on Kristen – she pairs high waisted shorts and a cropped top. Keep color in mind this spring as you dash out to the park or to an outdoor beer garden. Prints and stripes are also a big trend this season, so don’t be afraid to try out a new style. Spring clean that wardrobe, and get prepared to enjoy the outdoors! to freshen up any menswear look! Hannah Denim jeggings Blue horizontal striped tank Taupe cardigan

THURSDAY, APRIL 19

nted

e pres

TicketMaster.com w 800-745-3000

FLECKTONES.COM

Kristen Denim high waisted shorts Boat shoes Basic white cropped top

THEARK.ORG

ANN ARBOR’S DOWNTOWN CENTER FOR FINE FILM AND THE PERFORMING ARTS

603 E. LIBERTY ST. • (734) 668-TIME • MICHTHEATER.ORG

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APRIL 2012

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SCENE //

Acting a Fool FestiFools hits downtown Ann Arbor BY ISPY STAFF

FestiFools’ website gives the following “urgent health warning,” warning that those who suffer from “irritability, lethargy, phantom-limb pain, werewolf-limb pain, enuresis, senor wences, fever, persistent cough, dyslexia, affect a limp, problems with short-term membory, prickly sensation on back of neck and/ or problems with short-term memory” may be suffering from “Artistic Expression Deficit Disorder(AEDD)” and says to “ask your doctor whether FestiFools may be right for you.” FestiFools is a new local tradition – a gigantic public art spectacular created by members of the community and U of M students that kicks off Ann Arbor’s outdoor festival season. A non-profit production of the START Project, a University of Michigan Lloyd Hall Scholars Program initiative, FestiFools brings students and community volunteers together to create unique public art that is free and accessible to everyone. During FestiFools, Magnificent, huge, bizarre, politically incorrect human-powered paper-mache puppets join thousands of people frolicking about downtown for one fun-filled hour. The idea for the festival was born when Mark Tucker, who teaches art at U of M began his professional artistic career for the Michigan Thanksgiving Parade. While in this role, he traveled to Europe to learn the art of carta pesta (papier-mache) from esteemed float builders in Viareggio, Italy. Inspired by what he saw, Mark decided to see if this kind of creative energy could find an audience back home. In 2006, he teamed up with Shoshana Hurand,

a former LHSP student, who saw the hands-on creation of public art as a great opportunity for people of different backgrounds to build relationships, learn from one another and make their voices heard by the world. The two set out to turn a whimsical idea into a reality. Starting with a class of 20 non-art majors in Mark’s LHSP “Art in Public Spaces” class, they went to work – welcoming students, community members and anyone looking for a chance to be creative and meet new people. Ann Arbor City Council member Margie Teall, Main Street Area Association leads Ellie Serras and Maura Thomson and Main Street Ventures co-owner Dennis Serras saw the wonderful potential of all this Foolishness and provided FestiFools with the initial support it needed to get off the ground. The festival went to the streets on April 1, 2007 and was a resounding success with enormous paper mache creatures, stomp-like music courtesy of U of M student GROOVE and hundreds of participants from across the community. Don’t miss out on this sixth annual celebration of foolishness from 4 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 1 on Main Street between William and Washington. Also, be sure to check out the Full Moon event on March, 30 featuring luminous sculptures and shadowy figures. If that’s not enough foolishness for one year, you can’t miss Foolish Acts at the Blind Pig on March, 31 featuring Third Coast Kings, Appleseed Collective and a once in a lifetime performance as LMFA2O and The Funky Farmer break it down. For more information, visit festifools.org.

PHOTO BY MYRA KLARMAN

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// FOODIE

Adventures in Local Food #16 ARTICLE AND PHOTO BY STEFANIE T. STAUFFER

Green Commodoties Spring is officially here (although I thought we were still waiting for winter), and for many growers and local food enthusiasts that means being gripped by planting mania. For me it manifests itself in attending events like the 8th annual Toledo Grows seed swap or having way more seeds than space to plant them in – like 40 varieties of chili peppers this year! So, with all the enthusiasm people have right now, it is clear that we are steadily building the future of food one garden, one plant and one person at a time. The popularity of local food is now clearly undeniable, although it’s still hard to believe that just a few short years ago local food remained a pretty obscure concept. Local food has gone mainstream, it’s true. And the popularity of locally raised and produced food has actually helped a wide range of people better understand how their purchases can affect not only their health, but also the local economy and other people’s job prospects. In this way, purchasing food from local producers has encouraged people to not only alter how they think about food, but also how they approach buying in general. Both are super

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“ethical” or green consumption. And that would be good, if it weren’t for the fact that many labels are misleading. Unfortunately, many of these operations see local food more as dollar signs and less as an opportunity to strengthen the local economy or build community ties, so they are more willing to cut corners when it comes to labeling. Not to mention that in the U.S., it is not legally required to even identify genetically-modified ingredients (GMOs) in food (although that soon may change in California: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/mar/12/ californian-campaign-labelling-gm-food). The point is not to depress us further but to remind us that we need to be aware of the difference between businesses who claim to do good works and have ethical and/or locally-sourced products and those that actually do them. That may sound cynical, but local positive developments. In fact, after starting to food and other “green” products have hit the level of grow your own food, the learning curve tends to popularity now that entrepreneurs are coming out of bend in the direction of making more and more seemingly everywhere to turn some aspect of local basic consumer goods yourself at home and/ food and sustainability into new engines for their own or repurposing or re-using other goods in some personal economic growth. Don’t get me wrong, as capacity. there are some amazing organizations out there that do So what happens when the very thing you vital work for local food, urban farming and community are doing to have more control over your sustainability. consumption decisions itself becomes the next All I’m saying is that experiences I’ve had recently hot commodity? When an independently-owned have reminded me of the importance of doing your organic brand turns out to be a subsidiary of a background research and offering support only to subsidiary of Monsanto? Or just when the organic those organizations whose goals and methods match produce that has the potential to transform the your own. In this case, actions actually do speak way people eat is so expensive at the grocery louder than words, so lucky for us we have websites store that it encourages people to rationalize like Real Time Farms, Local Harvest and Yelp to help the purchase of only microwaveable, processed us gather information about growers, producers and foods? These are just some of the food other suppliers of our food. After all, the way to truly contradictions of our life in the industrial food know your food is to know your farmer, and next time system. I don’t have the answers, but I’ve had we’ll help you do just that with a preview of farmer’s countless experiences that lead me to ask these markets, vendors and even a few words about CSAs. questions. Overall, since organic and local food has become so popular, there are many businesses that are using those very labels to their benefit, trying to tap into what they see as a trend of

APRIL 2012

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FOODIE // THE DISH

The Wurst Bar ARTICLE AND PHOTO BY STEFANIE STAUFFER

706 W. Cross St., Ypsi

Back in January, Mark Maynard interviewed Wurst Bar owner Jesse Kranyak ( http://markmaynard.com/2012/01/an-interview-with-the-worst-bars-jesse-kranyak) and had only positive things to say about Ypsi’s newest bar (other than that their “straws are too damned long”). So, we figured we needed to check out the place half of Ypsi is already raving about and headed over to taste some of the usual (and unusual) food at this self-proclaimed dive bar/gastropub. Open from 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. in the space that used to be Theo’s Bar at 705 W. Cross Street, The Wurst Bar still has that divey dark bar feel – but that being said, you’ll hardly believe that it’s the old Theo’s, as the space has been entirely transformed. Boasting an ambitious beer selection and a multiplicity of sausages and burgers made in-house, the Wurst Bar is one of a kind. In fact, when we walked in, we were greeted by a display case filled with sausages like Rabbit & Fig Viognier, Vegetarian Hot Italian (with seitan, and PBR poached bratwurst. We ended up ordering the Bison & Lamb Merguez, the Rattlesnake Chorizo and the Vegetarian Apple & Pecan. As for the tater tots, I must admit that at first I was skeptical, but the tasty vegetarian nacho tots (totchos?) won me over. We also really liked their Wurst Beer, a Scottish Ale made for them by the Arbor Brew Co. As for the brats, our top choice was the Bison & Lamb on pretzel bread – and we liked the Rattlesnake on Zingerman’s brioche (although we wished it was a little spicier). We’ll probably skip the veggie one next time, but whatever we do get will definitely be topped with that scrumptious kimchi-kraut and some horseradish mustard! For more info on food and drink specials, check out www.wurstbarypsi.com.

Local Food to the Rescue BY STEFANIE STAUFFER

“Everything I want to do is illegal” says author (& farmer) Joel Salatin, who will be giving a talk called “Local Food to the Rescue” on April 24 at the Michigan Theater. Salatin returned full-time to his family farm Polyface, Inc. in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia in 1982. He is a third generation farmer, the author of nine books and has been featured in Michael Pollan’s “Omnivore’s Dilemma” as well as in the films “Food, Inc.” and “Fresh.” The Polyface, Inc. website notes that “the farm currently services more than 3,000 families, 10 retail outlets and 50 restaurants through on-farm sales and metropolitan buying clubs with salad bar beef, pastured poultry, eggmobile eggs, pigaerator pork, forage-based rabbits, pastured turkey and forestry products using relationship marketing.” Back in 2009, I had the privilege to meet Joel Salatin in Santa Barbara at a talk he gave before leading a week-long workshop

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on sustainable ranching just north into Santa Barbara County. He has the type of nononsense, yet humorous, style of conveying his message that is only more infectious because he represents an undeniable success story of local food. At the talk in 2009, he spoke a lot about how disconnected we have become not just from how our food is produced, but also from each other, from local economies and from the land. “Local Food to the Rescue” will highlight the solutions he sees to those issues while also illuminating how local food production can reshape the food system of Washtenaw County. “Local Food to the Rescue, a talk by Joel Salatin” will begin at 8 p.m. and is presented by the People’s Food Coop (PFC). Tickets are $15 general admission and $13 for students or PFC members and are available through ticketmaster.com or surcharge free in a limited quantity at the People’s Food Coop.

A Talk by Joel Salatin

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CALENDAR // AROUND YOU

march //april

BY AMANDA SLATER

music 3/27: • Rebellion, 7 p.m., Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit • Cursive, 9 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor • Needtobreathe, 7 p.m., Royal Oak Music Theatre • Bradley Hathaway and Nathan K, 7 p.m., Ann Street Music Room, Ann Arbor 3/28: • Housse De Racket, 8 p.m., Magic Stick Lounge, Detroit • Rhyton, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti • A. K., 9:30 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor 3/29: • Grand Funk Railroad, 8 p.m., Sound Board at Motor City, Detroit • Hairy Karaoke, 11 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti • The Juliets, 9:30 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor 3/30: • Buzzin’, 8 p.m., Shelter, Detroit • Mansions on the Moon, 8 p.m., Clutch Cargo’s, Pontiac • The Handgrenades, 8 p.m., Magic Stick, Detroit • Hunx, 9 p.m., PJ’s Lager House, Detroit • Dan Bennett, 6 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti • Easy Action, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti • Professa P, 10 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor 3/31: • Hospin, 6 p.m., Harpo’s, Detroit • Echoes of Pink Floyd, 8 p.m.,

i SPY APRIL 2012

• Turqoise Jeep, 9 p.m., Magic Stick, Detroit • White Ryno, 9 p.m., The Vernors Room, Pontiac • Allan Holdsworth, 10 p.m., Jazz Café, Detroit • Legendary Wings, 8 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti • Appleseed Collective, 9 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor • Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, 7:30 p.m., Royal Oak Music Theatre 4/1: • Comeback Kid, 6 p.m., Magic Stick, Detroit • Ghostlady, 5 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti • Todd Osborn, 11 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilani • David Choi, 8 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor • Feed Me with Teeth, 7 p.m., Royal Oak Music Theatre 4/2: • Band of Skulls, 7 p.m., Saint Andrew’s, Detroit • Quilt, 8 p.m., Magic Stick, Detroit • Laith Al-Saadi, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti • Gotye, 7 p.m., Pease Auditorium, Ypsilanti • Slaughterhouse, 7 p.m., Royal Oak Music Theatre 4/3: • Bright Light Social Hour, 8 p.m., Magic Bag, Ferndale • Dom Kennedy, 8 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor 4/4: • Paganfest 2012, 6 p.m., Blondies, Detroit • Mac Miller, 7 p.m., EMU Convocation Center, Ypsilanti • Cloud Nothings, 8 p.m., Magic Stick Lounge, Detroit • Deep Fried Pickle Project, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti

2012

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• Margot & The Nuclear So and So’s, 9 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor • Dragon Wagon, 10:30 p.m., Circus, Ann Arbor 4/5: • Say Anything, 6 p.m., Clutch Cargo’s, Pontiac • The Ting Tings, 7 p.m., Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit • John Holk, 8 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti • Runeship of the Time Traveler, Blind Pig, Ann Arbor • Shelly Berg, 5:10, Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor 4/6: • Saturday Looks Good To Me, 8 p.m., Pike Room, Pontiac • The Naked and Famous, 8 p.m., The Crofoot Ballroom, Pontiac • Dan Bennett, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti • Third Coast Kings, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti • Ann Arbor Soul Club, 9:30 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor 4/7: • Our Lady Peace, 8 p.m., Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit • The Revival Tour, 8 p.m., Magic Stick Lounge, Detroit • The Macpodz, 8:30 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor 4/8: • Charlie Wilson, 7 p.m., Fox Theatre, Detroit • Legendary Wings, 8 p.m., Woodruff’s. Ypsilanti • Todd Osborn, 11 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti 4/9: • Frankenstein Brothers, 8 p.m., Majestic Theatre, Detroit • Rasputina, 8 p.m., Magic Stick, Detroit • Laith Al-Saadi, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti

ispymagazine.co • The English Beat, 8 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor 4/10: • Gramatik, 8 p.m., The Crofoot Ballroom, Pontiac • The Cribs, 8 p.m., Pike Room, Pontiac • The Bronze Way, 9:30 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor 4/11: • All Shall Perish, 5 p.m., Harpos, Detroit • Protest the Hero, 6:30 p.m., Magic Stick Lounge, Detroit • Enter Shikari, 7 p.m., iLounge, Pontiac • The All-American Rejects, 7:30 p.m., Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel, Detroit • Ingrid Michaelson, 8 p.m., Royal Oak Music Theatre • Caveman, 9 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor • Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys, 10:30 p.m., Circus, Ann Arbor 4/12: • Shinedown, 6 p.m., The Fillmore, Detroit • Marianas Trench, 6:30 p.m., Shelter, Detroit • Gym Class Heroes, 7 p.m., Meadowbrook Music Festival, Rochester Hills • Bruce Springsteen, 7:30 p.m., The Palace, Auburn Hills • Bobby Bare Jr., 8 p.m., Pike Room, Pontiac • Janiva Magness, 8 p.m., Magic Bag, Ferndale • The Mary Guirey Thrive, 8 p.m., Magic Stick, Detroit • Beats Antique, 8 p.m., Royal Oak Music Theatre 4/13: • Heavy on the Hope, 7 p.m., Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit • Greensky Bluegrass, 8 p.m., Magic

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AROUND YOU // CALENDAR 4/14: • Nickelback, 6 p.m., Joe Louis Arena, Detroit • Excision, 6:30 p.m., The Fillmore, Detroit • Detroit X Detroit, 8 p.m., Magic Stick, Detroit • Frontier Ruckus, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti • Disappears, 9 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor • Rodrigo y Gabriela, 7 p.m., Royal Oak Music Theatre • Charles Lloyd Quartet, 8 p.m.,

Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor 4/15: • Sunday Morning Antics, 5 p.m., Pike Room, Pontiac • fun., 7 p.m., Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit 4/17: • Said the Whale, 9 p.m., PJ’s Lager House, Detroit • Space Cadet, 9:30 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor • The Moth, 7:30 p.m., Circus Bar & Billiards, Ann Arbor 4/18: • Blood On the Dance Floor, 5 p.m., The Crofoot, Pontiac • The Appleseed Collective, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti • Encanti, 9:30 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor • Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys, 10:30 p.m., Circus, Ann Arbor 4/19: • Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, 8 p.m., Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor • The Werks, 9 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor 4/20: • Kottonmouth Kings, 6 p.m., Emerald Theatre, Mt. Clemens • Snow Patrol, 6:30 p.m., The Fillmore, Detroit • IV XX Spring Bash, 7 p.m., Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit • Crashing Cairo, 8 p.m., Pike Room Pontiac • Dead Again, 8 p.m., Magic Bag,

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Ferndale • Drunken Barn Dance, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti • Devin the Dude, 9 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor • Nerdist Podcast, 7 p.m., Royal Oak Music Theatre 4/21: • Cowbar, 5 p.m., Harpos, Detroit • Hed P.e., 6:30 p.m., Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit • Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., 8 p.m., Majestic Theatre, Detroit • The Fab Faux, 8 p.m., Michigan

Theater, Ann Arbor • Elbow Deep, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti • Chris Bathgate, 9:30 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor • Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, 8 p.m., Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor • Abbie Stauffer with Chris DuPont, Ann Street Music Room 4/22: • Knarle Tide, 5 p.m., Pike Room, Pontiac • Melissa Etheridge, 7:30 p.m., Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel, Detroit • Cults, 8 p.m., Magic Bag, Ferndale • Eli Paperboy Reed, 8 p.m., Magic Stick Lounge, Detroit 4/23: • The Mongoloids, 6:30 p.m., Magic Stick Lounge, Detroit • Vinny Vegas, 7 p.m., The Vernors Room, Pontiac 4/24: • Overkill, 6 p.m., Blondies, Detroit • Dead Melodies, 9:30 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor 4/25: • Origin, 5 p.m., Harpos, Detroit • Sleigh Bells, 7 p.m., Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit • Acid Mothers Temple, 8 p.m., Magic Stick, Detroit • Fountains of Wayne, 8 p.m., Magic Bag, Ferndale • Whistle Pigs, 10:30 p.m., Circus,

Ann Arbor 4/26: • Set It Off, 6 p.m., Pike Room, Pontiac • Hot Chelle Rae, 6:30 p.m., The Crofoot, Pontiac • Saliva, 7 p.m., Emerald Theatre, Mt. Clemens • Eric Hutchinson, 8 p.m., Magic Bag, Ferndale • The Barstool Blackout Tour, 9 p.m., Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit • Charlie Slick, 8 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti

• Steel Panther, 8 p.m., Royal Oak Music Theatre 4/27: • The Annual Detroit Music Awards, 6 p.m., The Fillmore, Detroit • Pioneer Entertainment, 7 p.m., Pontiac Silverdome, Pontiac • Gauntlet Hair, 8 p.m., Magic Stick, Detroit • Leaders of the New Skool, 8 p.m., Shelter, Detroit • Beggars, 10 p.m., Woodruff’s, Ypsilanti • Tortoise, 9 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor 4/28: • Danny Brown, 7 p.m., Emerald Theatre, Mt. Clemens • Sabrina’s Voice Fundraiser, 7 p.m., Majestic Theatre, Detroit • Boom Box, 9 p.m., Magic Stick, Detroit • We Were Promised Jetpacks, 9 p.m., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor • Bo Burnham, 7 p.m., Royal Oak Music Theatre • Vitek with Adam Plomaritas, Ann Street Music Room 4/29: • Lil Wyte, 5 p.m., Emerald Theatre, Mt. Clemens • Ready, Set Rendevouz, 5 p.m., Pike Room, Pontiac • Nancy Ajram & Ayman Zbib, 8 p.m., Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel, Detroit3/16: • Mythbusters, 4:30 p.m. and 8

p.m., Fox Theatre, Detroit • Kevin Nealon, 7 and 10 p.m., Magic Bag, Ferndale 4/30: • DJ Hoodie Allen, 7 p.m., Shelter, Detroit • School of Seven Bells, 8 p.m., Magic Stick, Detroit

comedy

4/12: • Billy Gardell, 8 p.m., Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel, Detroit 4/28: • All-star Comedy Festival, 8 p.m., Music Hall Center, Detroit

FILM

3/27 – 4/1: • 50th Ann Arbor Film Festival, Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor 4/20: • The Five Year Engagement pre-release screening, 7:30 p.m., Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor

COmmunity

3/30: • FoolMoon, Dusk to Midnight, Washington Street, Ann Arbor 4/1: • FestiFools, downtown Ann Arbor 4/7: • 41st Ann Arbor Hash Bash, Noon, U of M Diag, Ann Arbor 4/22: • Earth Day Festival, Noon – 4 p.m., Leslie Science & Nature Center, Ann Arbor 4/24: • Local Food to the Rescue with Joel Salatin, 8 p.m., Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor 4/29 – 5/3: • Jewish Film Festival, Jewish Community Center, Ann Arbor

APRIL 2012

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FEATURE //

Horse Feathers Take Their Hushed Beauty on the Road BY PAUL KITTI

i SPY APRIL 2012

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// FEATURE Listening to “Thistled Spring,” Horse Feathers’ 2010 slow-burner, in the dead center of a Michigan March gives somewhat of a cinematic quality to things, as if the music itself is forcing winter’s turn into spring like one of those artsy transitional sequences in an indie film. An album about burying last year’s rotting memories and picking beauty out of the present, deciphering Justin Ringle’s depressive, nature-tinged musings over cellodriven chamber-pop orchestration is something like spotting hidden road kill in a Thomas Kinkade painting. Ringle’s oh-so-soft vocals – only a couple notches above folk legend Nick Drake’s – nearly match the beauty of the music itself, which is articulately arranged, organically winding folk with no percussion to be found in its many layers. Like a slow but persistent snowfall, Horse Feathers albums are initially light and airy, building upon themselves with each listen until you’re ankledeep in their thematic substance. If the title is any suggestion, their new album “Cynic’s New Year” could prove to be the most weighty and immediate, but I’ll let Ringle himself drop some more clues about the April 17 release. I had the chance to talk with Ringle a few days before he joined the rest of Horse Feathers on stage at SXSW: How would you describe your music to someone who is unfamiliar with Horse Feathers? It’s kind of based in songwriting, but at the same time there’s a lot of developed orchestration, I guess. To put it in a nutshell. How did you first get into music and what drives you to create it? I’m originally from Idaho, and I kind of got into music because it’s pretty sparsely populated and there wasn’t a whole lot to do. I had gotten into music as a fan and when I started to play it and write songs it became a way to entertain myself and pass time, and there was plenty of time to do that growing up. I did that for a long period of time and that’s how I developed into playing music and writing songs. In terms of what keeps me doing it, every time I do a record there’s different motivations. There’s different things to say – and eventually when you write songs long enough, it becomes how you end up expressing yourself in general. You kind of keep on topping, it’s the same process over and over. You get to a point when you’ve made enough music and that kind of becomes who you are, so you make music regardless of how it’s going to be received or how it’s going to be put out. You mentioned that you started out as a fan – do you remember some of the first bands you were into?

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Oh man, that was when I was fifteen or something… I was very intrigued by the idea of all underground music at that age – particularly stuff from the Northwest. You probably couldn’t tell that much from my music now, but I started out listening to everything from the grungier stuff like Mudhoney and Nirvana, then moving onto Built to Spill, Modest Mouse, all the Up Records stuff from Seattle, also Unwound who were on Kill Rock Stars at the time, and stuff that was happening with K records… That’s what I grew up with – indie rock in general – then it slowly evolved as I got older and I got more into acoustic and roots music. Many of your songs tell stories. Do you write directly from experience, or more from combinations of experiences and feelings? I’d say both. I think the newest record we have coming out, as far as the songwriting goes, feels a little more personal and literal. I kind of cherrypicked a little bit more from my life, but then there’s also places where it’s somewhat of a fictionalized account of something that’s interesting, or places where I feel like I can express emotion through the story more accurately when it becomes a device for that. But it’s never the same all the time – it constantly changes depending on which way the song goes. I read that you began focusing on acoustic music sometime in 2004. What drew you to a more soft and intimate sound? I played in rock bands since I was fifteen years old and did that for a number of years. Eventually I kind of started to gravitate towards the song being the most important part of the whole process, and I was being attracted to that even before moving to Portland. I became way more interested in songs themselves, and eventually what happened was I moved here to Portland, Oregon, and didn’t have the means to be in a band and couldn’t get a job. I ended up just starting from scratch playing acoustic music completely. So part of it were the practical reasons, the other part was just interest as well. I kind of just tired of playing with guitar, bass, drums, and wanted to try different things. Can you tell me about “Cynic’s New Year” as far as what we can expect to hear as it compares to your previous work? This record, for me, felt a little more personal. Also, it expands on different things that people are probably familiar with from the other records. It’s not going to be like a total non sequitur. It expands on some of those same themes and sounds but, to me, it has this slightly different feel. The process was different to make it. As far as expectations for what you’ll hear, I don’t know, I feel like it’s more of an album, even more than the last one. It’s kind of a

“You get to a point when you’ve made enough music and that kind of becomes who you are, so you make music regardless of how it’s going to be received or how it’s going to be put out.” musical idea from beginning to end in one way, but at the same time the songs are a little snappier and more concise. You’re currently on a pretty extensive tour throughout the U.S. and Canada. What would you say are some of the pros and cons of spending so much time on the road? Obviously it can take a toll on setting roots at home. It can be hard on your personal and social life because you’re constantly uprooted and moving to a different city every day. But I look at it a couple different ways now. I’ve done it enough so that I kind of know what to expect, and I’m kind of lucky because you’re going to work in a different city each day, so there’s the dynamic element of that. To have travel be a part of what you do is really refreshing – although sometimes it can be really annoying, too. It just depends on where you are and how you’re received sometimes. But that’s the best thing about it – it constantly changes. Have you been to Ann Arbor before? Yeah, we’ve actually played The Ark one time before, but that was about two and a half years ago. I really liked it – it’s definitely a listening room and has the intimate thing and stage, for sure. It was comfortable for me, and seemed like a place that had a lot of history. If you could spend a day with any musician, who would that be? My kneejerk reaction is that I wanna say Bob Dylan, but that’s so ridiculously cliché. On one hand, I think everybody would. I wouldn’t mind spending the day with Graham Nash. I think he’s an incredible songwriter in a lot of regards, and his perspective on things is really interesting from the interviews I’ve read. Horse Feathers will be performing at The Ark on April 27. Tickets can be purchased at theark.org.

APRIL 2012

i SPY

SCENE // RETYI. SET. GO.

Get in Shape Gender Non-Specific Biped BY RICHARD RETYI I don’t want to alarm you, but the thermometer hit 80 degrees in March. Beach season is fast approaching and you know what that means? Bikinis, floppy hats and wearing whatever style of khaki cargo shorts this year’s Old Navy commercials tell me to! I’ve been in training since December, sculpting the perfect beach body – a careful combination of nutrition, fitness and hours of playing Arkham City, because who gets more exercise than Batman? My regimen is too intense for most, so to give back to my community, I took a tour of the area to find the places you can go that will make you proud to walk around in public without your shirt on this summer. The Ypsi Studio at 208 W. Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti offers everything from personal training, indoor cycling, yoga, pilates and something called willPower and grace®, which is either a highenergy cardio class or watching an old TV show and drinking smoothies. (I can actually speak from experience on this one – it’s the former, and this class will kick your ass.) Owner Julia Collins and her team of taskmasters will have you sweating off the pounds in no time, getting you ready to tiK toK like Ke$ha this summer. Ypsi Studio also has massage services, which is kind of like working out, right? Deep tissue, relaxation, lymph drainage (weight loss!) – you name it, they offer it. Check for monthly specials and give all their services a try. If you’re having trouble touching your toes and think room temperature yoga is for babies, Bikram Yoga Ann Arbor at 3227 Washtenaw Ave. is for you. Bikram is hot yoga – 26 postures over 90 minutes in a room heated to 105 degrees. That’s 105

i SPY APRIL 2012

PHOTO COURTESY OF YPSISTUDIO.COM degrees – not accounting for the 15 other people breathing hot ass in the room right next to you. The temperature is designed to loosen muscles, allowing you to stretch deeper into each posture and making everyone smell like a Cornell lacrosse player’s equipment bag. Some are intimidated by the heat, which really isn’t that bad. There are plenty of water breaks, lying down and since everyone looks like a sweaty mess, you don’t need to be self conscious about your appearance. Just bring a towel. Maybe two. Just to be safe. Nestled in a courtyard in Kerrytown is a sweatbox called Sparrow Gym run by former Abercrombie model (no joke) and workout freak Josh Johnson. Johnson struggled with being a pudgy teen until he just decided to get in shape one day and boom – hasn’t missed a workout since. Johnson sets up a workout plan for everyone at Sparrow, generally five or six exercises repeated four or five times each visit. A lot of grunt work exercises like lunges, push-ups and side-crunches along with some badass reps involving chains, giant tires and 45-lb. weight plates. It’s a supportive atmosphere, and by the end it will hurt so good. There you have it. Some suggestions for you to begin the long, arduous process of winning Beach Body 2012 at your local municipal pool. If all else fails, there are plenty of books at your local library that will help you craft a home workout program in which you need nothing more than a jump rope, a broom handle and cans of paint to chisel a body of marble. There are also tapeworms. Those work really well too.

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The 41st Annual Hash Bash Is there more anticipation for a one hour event that many consider a bucket list must do? The Hash Bash and Ann Arbor are almost synonomous, but the Hash Bash is about more than just blowing smoke. While yes, you’re all but guaranteed at least a contact buzz from just being in the crowd, the speakers are full of energy and the people

Noon to 1 p.m. DIAG (U of M)

BY PAUL KITTI

John Sinclair Returns to Ann Arbor

Noon to 5 p.m. Monroe Street Fair Monroe St. GLOWB, ILO, Luis Resto, Shotgun Soul, Fluid Impuls and more including comedy acts between sets.

// SCENE

BY ISPY STAFF

watching is classic. Last year, I saw a 20 foot tall doobie with arms and legs wearing a sombraro. Even if you can’t get off the couch to make the speakers, the whole day and night is filled with entertainment. From the DIAG to the Blind Pig, all of Ann Arbor will be sharing the piece on April, 7.

8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Hash Bash Late Night The Blind Pig The Macpodz, John Sinclair, UV HIPPO and more.

BY ISPY STAFF Legendary poet and activist, John Sinclair is known as the man who guided the rock-and-revolutionary MC5 to fame and as a political prisoner in the early days of the “War on Drugs.” He was sentenced to 10 years in prison after giving two joints to an undercover officer. His 1971 release was secured by high-profile admirers including John Lennon, Allan Ginsberg and Stevie Wonder. A benefit concert was organized and 15,000 attended. Three days later he was set free. Sinclair became a marijuana martyr and helped fuel a movement. On April 1, 1972, he spearheaded the first Hash Bash on the U of M Diag. Now it’s in its 41st year. The goal of the Hash Bash was to defy the law and decriminalize marijuana use in Ann Arbor, reducing the city penalty for possession of small amounts of marijuana to a $5 civil

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infraction – which is still the case today (although first offenses result in a $25 ticket). A native of Flint and U of M Flint alumni, Michigan, Sinclair was also the leader of the White Panther Party, a military anti-racist countercultural group of white socialists seeking to assist the Black Panthers in the Civil Rights movement. For the past 10 years, Sinclair has been criss-crossing the United States and western Europe as a solo performer in duets and with bands of Blues Scholars, collaborating with all sorts of musicians and artists and speaking to audiences on many topics. Don’t miss out on your chance to see John Sinclair live. Check out the 41st Ann Arbor Hash Bash at Noon in the U of M Diag.

APRIL 2012

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FEATURE //

Lizerrd Heavy. Dark. Precise. 22

BY JEFF MILO

i SPY APRIL 2012

PHOTO BY DOUG COOMBE

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// FEATURE This couldn’t be just a one-off thing. In the middle of October, the guys all started talking in these anxious terms regarding “…after Halloween.” When members of various Ypsi-area psyche/ punk acts got together to personify/cover songs by the iconic noise-rock band The Jesus Lizard for a Halloween-themed concert, there was “a palpable chemistry,” said singer Anthony Anonymous (also of Jehovah’s Witness Protection Program (JWPP)). “We felt this unique vibe setting in that I just really loved, even before the show.” This experiment wound up being a weird, noisy, jolting kind of decathlon for each member – guitarist Joshua Tafelski (a.k.a. “FluShot”) and Larry Johnson of Err…, with guitarist James North of All The Wild Children and bassist Jheremie Jacque of Zombie Jesus and the Chocolate Family Band – with each respective act having their own nuances. These players were used to operating with more minimalist means in genres that leaned closer to punk or a more eclectic psychedelic-tinged trip. This band, with five full elements firing together, as a burlier, beastlier, charging rock n roll band, was invigorating. “Invigorating, yeah,” says Anonymous, “…and a little chaotic.” But that’s what they need – they need to find that balance and thrive there – it’s been the main reason they’ve weathered what could have potentially been such an upsurge of volatile (albeit enthusiastic) energy and focus it into a band that has great potential to thrive as its own creature. And, to then, have it strengthen each player. “The fullness of this band,” Tafelski said, “with our different styles coming together, really changed me musically.” Anonymous appoints the provocative, gangly, confrontational essence of the Jesus Lizards’ imposing rock squalls as the gateway to his own musical odyssey. Similar to the sensibilities of Detroit band Child Bite, with whom Lizerrd will perform, on April 13 at Woodruff’s in Ypsilanti, the Jesus Lizard comparably have a sonic sensibility that is “just heavy…and dark…but precise,” says Anonymous. “There’s a strange beauty to their songs,” continues Anonymous. “Even though it was heavy and, yes, dark and noisy, it wasn’t scary. Friends, whom I respect, would have such a mixed response, from horrified to just-couldn’thandle-it to being really into it or dismissing it as something they just didn’t get. I was really interested and attracted to that.” Anonymous (the wild-eyed bearded character pictured here), is the father figure to a close-knit clique of local bands known as The Ghost Family, which included bands with Tafelski, Johnson and North – so Halloween 2011 presented him the chance to fulfill two fantasies: A.) be his raucous hero, singer David Yow – and, more importantly, B.) finally collaborate, directly, with his comrades in a proper band-setting. Since he always keeps his iPhone on “record” during JWPP practices, Anonymous thusly did the same for those initial October sessions. Inevitably, unavoidably, fatefully, members would begin jamming original riff-ideas between-rehearsals. These riffs, these jams, were showing unique potential. Thus, Lizerrd was born. They were invited to play a second show at the Blind Pig in December 2011, and that synched it. Good thing, too. Because if we can stress anything about this band, this new roughhewn, tumbler of finely scorched grunge-transmogrified into swaths of post-hardcore by way of a keyed-up, cutting, rock scrape, it would be their energy. “I see bands that have great music, but I see them live and there’s no movement,” says Tafelski. “Everyone is stiff on stage, and I always leave feeling like I could have listened to the CD in my car and it would have been just as great. I like …no, actually, I love when I see a band or artist on stage

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and they’re dancing and head banging and they’re really into their music.” Another kind of balance (beyond focus-versus-chaos) to maintain would be pushing this project (they hope to record an EP this month and maybe get on the road soon), without neglecting their other “main” bands. Err…has a new album coming while North is energized with All the Wild Children and JWPP are about to start writing the follow up to their 2011 LP. “We’ve found something here,” Anonymous says, “that could really be explored, rewardingly, over the next few years.” We’ll see what happens. Lizerrd and Child Bite will perform alongside Reverend and SNAFU at 9 p.m. on April 13 at Woodruff’s.

CHILD BITE’S MONOMANIA – DESIGN BY SHAWN KNIGHT Detroit’s Child Bite just released a tones and disorienting, detached new stuffed-EP’s worth of songs on rhythm schemes. The blended 10” vinyl entitled “Monomania.” “No elements (guitar, bass, drum, voice) this is not the right place for you,” have, essentially, a ferocity to them the wobbly, almost-sinister-sounding – one that could lead them off a cliff falsetto of singer/keyboardist Shawn and into a droning bog of gristly Knight nibs at your ears in the midst feedback, but they keep their sense of the mesmerizing dissonance and for structure, held tight against the sludgey slaloming plods in “Nab gales and even find some really Munch Is On…” This quartet has a awesome, gnarly grooves, amidst knack for affecting a strange charm (what might only seem-like) tumult. with such bent-up, gnashed-around

APRIL 2012

i SPY

FEATURE //

Young Professionial Spotlight Career Highlight?

Converge Ad

Martin Smith (DJ Graffiti) VP of Marketing A-Side Worldwide

The highlight of my time as a marketer has been the last few years of growth my partners and I have had at A-Side Worldwide. I’m an idea guy, so I often wake up and can’t believe I essentially get paid to think. I help businesses come up with strategies to make more money using social media. I’m also a DJ, and that highlight is pretty easy… opening for Jay-Z at the Palace!

What keeps you in the area?

I’ve traveled throughout the US and abroad, but I always want to come home. When I’m no longer excited to come home I’ll know it’s time for me to leave Ann Arbor/Ypsi. What truly keeps me here is all of the talented people that I work and build relationships with. I continually meet people who inspire me. I also like the pace of life here in Michigan. It’s just the right speed for me.

Why are you involved with the A2Y Chamber / A2YConverge?

I’m involved because the more work I do as a social marketing strategist, the more I appreciate the power of a strong network. I’m here to learn and also to give. I try to view things from a place of abundance, meaning there’s plenty of money, opportunities and resources to go around. If I can help someone else, I feel that’s truly the best way to help myself. Ultimately, I want to make a memorable contribution to the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti business landscape. I feel I have something great to offer, but if other people don’t feel the same way then my thoughts are worthless, so I’m here to get to work!

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REVIEW // SOUNDS

+++rate Andrew Bird isn’t complaining, he’s narrating his coexistence with life’s downsides. The distinction between the two is exhibited perfectly on “Break It Yourself,” a vaguely conceptual album full of mellowy-folk infused with peeled-off-a-blue-cottage-wall daydream sounds, courtesy of Bird’s incredible versatility with a violin and a backup band that epitomizes musical chemistry. I’ll get my one complaint out of the way – he could have made it tighter (with 14 tracks at one hour, it becomes a game of patience in the second half), but saying that feels like wishing a long Sunday afternoon to be shorter. This is an album that needs some room to breathe.

ARTIST: Chiddy Bang ALBUM: Breakfast 4/5 TOWERS BY AIMEE MANDLE

With poetic lyrics full of fragmented stories and poignant ruminations, it’s easy to miss his more biting lines, like in the kindly sarcastic “Eyeoneye” (Go ahead and congratulate yourself…/Made yourself invulnerable/No one can break your heart/So you break it yourself) or in “Lusitania,” his WWI-referencing duet with St. Vincent (You lay your lines along your shore/Through my heart you’ve ripped and torn/We don’t study this war no more). And that’s the key to unlocking the deeper beauty of these songs – while the whimsy of the instrumentation can be wonderfully distracting, it’s packaging something far weightier.

After much anticipation, Chiddy Bang has finally stepped out with an electronic/indie/hip-hop album that is sure to win over music fans that have been holding out on the genre. The Philadelphia duo, Chidera “Chiddy” Anamege and Noah “Xaphoon Jones” Beresin, have been churning out hip-hop fusion tracks that sample from Passion Pit, Sufjan Stevens and MGMT – just to name a few – over the last few years. Upon successfully releasing four mixtapes, the group has finally debuted “Breakfast” as an extension of their attention-grabbing sound. The 14 track album leads listeners down a path that can only be described as infinite energy and youthfulness. For myself, it is the album that I would cruise along to on a road trip and reminiscence about the days before real responsibility and obligations kicked in. And as lighthearted as

the beats get, there is an equal amount of lyrical content that brings the album back down to earth. But beyond the bouncy electro saturated beats, infectious hooks and scattering of genres is a solid album that is a quality example of how to blend different sounds together. Highlights include lively “Mind Your Manners,” that features children crooning the chorus. “Ray Charles” shows off R&B throwback undertones with modernized lyrics about attracting the opposite sex. “Handclaps & Guitars” has Chiddy spitting between lazy guitar laden thumps. “Happening” is a bubbly track that focuses on the realities of life. Even with the few blander tracks, “Breakfast” is worth a listen if you haven’t already accepted this assemblage of hip-hop and electronic/indie. It is a fresh, unique approach to merging two ever growing areas of music.

i SPY APRIL 2012

ARTIST: Andrew Bird ALBUM: Break It Yourself 4/5 TOWERS BY PAUL KITTI

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SOUNDS // REVIEW

rate it+++

ARTIST: fun. ALBUM: Some Nights 4/5 TOWERS BY MARY SIMKINS Most likely if you’ve heard the band fun. (lowercase f, period), it’s the song “We Are Young” that comes to mind. “We Are Young” was featured in an episode of Glee and a national Chevy commercial, bringing the band some much-deserved attention. The single is featured on their sophomore album, “Some Nights,” which will please the eclectic music lover in everyone. Keeping us on our toes from the first track, “Some Nights,” fun. makes sure to weave the unpredictable into almost every song. One moment you might find yourself wanting to get up

to dance when you’re arrested by a suddenly slow and soulful line. In the transition from “We Are Young” to “Carry On,” one begins to wonder if the purpose of the band fun. is solely to create melodically surprising anthems for a generation. Just when you think you’re reminded of Billy Joel or even, vocally, Freddie Mercury, they bring some autotune into the equation and “It Gets Better” begins to have a sound similar to Green Day in its heyday. While not all of the tracks have the same style or the same upbeat rhythms and percussion, they almost all seem to have a positively empowering intention.

www.ispymagazine.co // @ispymagazine

APRIL 2012

i SPY

REVIEW // THE CUT

rate it+++

After George and Linda (Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston) find themselves on hard-times and are forced to move in with George’s brother in Atlanta, they inadvertently stumble upon a hippie commune posing as a roadside bed and breakfast. When things don’t work out in Atlanta, they decide to return to the commune and give life as bohemians a shot. What starts off a dream scenario full of hallucinogenic tea, vegan fare and free love quickly turns into a nightmare when George and Linda find that commune life isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Packed full of all your favorite Judd Apatow-production regulars, Wanderlust is pretty much exactly what you’d expect: slightly stupid, awkwardly funny and more than just a little raunchy. Standout performances from Justin Theroux and Joe Lo Truglio (whose nudist character might show you a little more than you wish) make this somewhat predictable story funnier than it would have been otherwise. Aniston exercises her comedic chops adequately, and Paul Rudd is the same smartly-sarcastic everyman that has made him one of the most consistently funny actors today. No, it doesn’t break the mold as it goes after the same hippie-humor clichés that have been done before, but Wanderlust delivers at least enough to make it worth the eight bucks.

FILM: Wanderlust DIRECTOR: David Wain 3/5 TOWERS BY DAVID NASSAR

i SPY APRIL 2012

FILM: Act of Valor DIRECTOR: Mike McCoy and Scott Waugh 3/5 TOWERS BY RICHARD RETYI

The first trailer for Act of Valor looked like a reboot of the Three Doors Down and Kid Rock National Guard commercials that ran in theaters back in 2008 and 2009. Bad music and lots of hype. Humvees, Apache helicopters, explosions, America. With that being said, I had low expectations despite Act of Valor’s hook that it stars active-duty U.S. Navy SEALs who filmed on location all across the world in between real-life missions. Act of Valor isn’t like those commercials. It’s a closer relative of the Call of Duty Black Ops and Modern Warfare video games, down to fancy map overlays, on-screen dossiers and often boring cut scenes between action sequences. There’s even a real-life “second chance” in the film where, like the video game, a solider bleeding out on the ground can still fire his pistol until his heart stops or an enemy plugs him with a few more rounds. The plot centers on post-9/11 global terrorism with the SEALs looking to thwart the plans of a bloodthirsty jihadi and his wealthy financier. It follows a lot of tropes of the genre like pre-battle bonding scenes and witty banter before parachuting into hostile territory. These SEALs are Jason Bournes, not Dutch’s beefy commandos from Predator, but with high tech weaponry on their side, good aim and excellent endurance trump 24-inch biceps. (Plan to be underwhelmed by their physiques and their acting chops.) Though Act of Valor’s pacing is slow, the action sequences, shot with shaky handheld cameras with a lot of first-person, are riveting. The weaponry and special effects are jaw-dropping. And if that’s what a mini-gun really sounds like, I’m glad I write movie reviews rather than work for a Costa Rican smuggling ring.

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