Toledo Free Press STAR – Nov. 9, 2011

INSIDE: Bobcat Goldthwait n Blarney turns 5

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NOV. 9, 2011

Cosette in the Glass City Coming soon:

The NEW STAR BAR 5215 Monroe St.

Revolutionary ‘Les Misérables’ hits the Stranahan Theater Opening for Lunch & Dinner & Late Night Entertainment

2 n NOV. 9, 2011 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

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”There are many tongues to talk, and but few heads to think. “ — “Les Misérables”

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CLUBS: Blarney Irish Pub turns 5 4 EDUCATION: Anti-bullying speaker in Toledo 6 MEDIA: The new Face of FOX Toledo 8 lilD: Avoiding traps of success 12 THEATER: ‘Les Mis’ at Stranahan 14 THE PULSE: Calendar of Events 16 EXHIBITS: UT faculty show 22 VIDEO GAMES: ‘Arkham City’ rocks 26

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Andrew VaRELa in ‘Les Mis’ • Jon Hendricks at 90 • BOBCAT GOLDTHWAIT • ‘Arkham City’

NOV. 9, 2011 • Episode 2 Chapter 45 • Toledo Free Press Star, Toledo, OH: “24601” — “Les Misérables”

Bobcat Goldthwait returns to Toledo

By Jeff McGinnis

Toledo Free Press STAR Staff Writer PopGoesJeff@gmail.com

Just when he thinks he’s out, he gets pulled back in.

Bobcat Goldthwait has announced his retirement from stand-up comedy more than a few times during the course of his 30-plus years in the business. And yet here he is, ready to return to Toledo on Nov. 11, performing for two nights at Connxtions Comedy Club — and with a new Showtime comedy special recorded.

“I always jokingly refer to it as the ‘Alimony Tour,’ but I will say this time coming back hasn’t been as painful,” Goldthwait joked during an interview with Toledo Free Press Star. “I actually have been enjoying stand-up again for the first time in years.”

What’s changed? Well, for one thing, his character. Yes, the manic, crazed persona that Goldthwait had patented for decades of fame has been jettisoned. “You know, not because I’m embarrassed of that character, it just gets very boring for me to play over and over again,” he said.

Goldthwait’s comedic sensibilities and comic targets have matured, so maybe it was time to lay the crazy-eyed, rough-voiced squealer to rest. Not that Goldthwait has thought too much about the reasoning behind the change. “I’m not a guy with an agenda, where I think about how people perceive me. I’m always doing the things that have interested me,” he said.

Of course, as Goldthwait changes, so does comedy. Looking at a landscape where celebrities are expected to be more public than ever before, a veteran performer like Goldthwait said he has trouble adapting to the new expectations of fame.

“You’re supposed to reduce yourself to being a reality TV star. You’re supposed to blog, and tweet, and Facebook and post. And unfortunately, I’m not that driven as a stand-up comedian. I take the kind of energy that that would take, and I like to make new stuff, like write a new screenplay, or even if it’s not making a movie, making a new short,” he said.

One of the most telling changes in Goldthwait’s career has been his maturation into a director, and a good one at that.

His films have tackled increasingly interesting and risky material, bringing dark comedy to dangerous subjects.

“When I realized how little the performer in front of the camera has to do with storytelling, I think that’s when I got my interest,” Goldthwait said of his directing career. “I made a talking horse movie where I think the horse had more creative input than I did. So, after that experience, I went out and made my first short and that set me on the path.”

His most recent film, “God Bless America,” is a very dark comedy about a middle-aged man who goes on a killing spree aimed at reality show stars.

The movie was a big hit at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.

“I think people get confused when they think that I sat down and wrote all these things in pop culture, and all these people in pop culture that I hate, and then shoot them in the face. And that’s only true with a few of the people in the movie,” Goldthwait said with a chuckle. “The rest of the people, it’s about us. That’s what I’m trying to address, our appetite for these people.”

The film is scheduled to come out in the spring of 2012, and Goldthwait is already planning his next film: A musical based upon the Kinks’ 1976 album “Schoolboys in Disgrace.” Yes, really.

“I know what it takes to get a movie finished, so if I’m gonna be that devoted to something at this point in my life, I really kinda want something that says something about something. I’m never really too interested in mass appeal in these movies I make, because I don’t make them for a broad audience,” Goldthwait said.

This may be why Goldthwait has been publicly cool toward the idea of the long-rumored new “Police Academy” movie.

He said the franchise would benefit from a reboot, rather than revisiting the same characters.

“If one came along, I would probably do it, because for the people who are fans of that movie — when someone doesn’t show up, it’s like when someone doesn’t show up for a ‘Brady Bunch’ reunion,” Goldthwait said. “But I think probably at this point, I’ve pissed off the producers of that movie so much, that they wouldn’t ask me back anyway.”

Goldthwait reiterated that he is looking forward to appearing in the Glass City once more.

“I know it’s the butt of a lot of jokes, and maybe there’s something wrong with me, but I actually enjoy performing in Toledo,” he said with a laugh.

Goldthwait will perform at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Nov. 11-12. Tickets are $17.50. O

Star of the Week

Bobcat Goldthwait.

PHOTO COURTESY AVIDITY

4 n NOV. 9, 2011 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

”How frightened hypocrisy hastens to defend itself.” — “Les Misérables”

Breithlá sona The Blarney Irish Pub celebrates five years.

By Zach Davis Toledo Free Press STAR Staff Writer zdavis@toledofreepress.com

On Nov. 6, 2006, restaurant owner Ed Beczynski opened The Blarney Irish Pub on an empty street in Downtown Toledo. Since then, the restaurant and the area have flourished; The Blarney celebrated its five-year anniversary this week.

“It’s went really, really well,” Beczynski said.

“Every year we have increased sales and we have done a lot of different things, including street parties for Oktoberfest and St. Patrick’s Day; we close the street down for two or three days.”

More than five years ago, Beczynski was looking to own a bar. Toledo was ripe with them, however, so Beczynski decided to bring something the area had not seen and a personal favorite, an Irish pub.

“I like to travel a lot and when we go to different cities we always look for a great Irish pub,” Beczynski said. “When I decided to open some kind of bar or restaurant, I thought of an Irish pub because it is always fun; I love live music and Guinness and all the kinds of craft beer. Downtown Toledo needed a place with live entertainment and a great atmosphere for people to have fun.”

Before he opened the pub, Beczynski did his research. He traveled to Ireland and visited 35 different Irish pubs to study the atmosphere, decorations, food and beverages.

“It wasn’t to see all the touristy things, it was to go over there and get a feel of a true [Irish pub],” Beczynski said. n Blarney CONTINUES ON 5

Ed Beczynski visited 35 pubs in Ireland to plan the atmosphere for The Blarney Irish Pub. STAR PHOTOS BY JOSEPH HERR

“Let us never fear robbers nor murderers. Those are dangers from without. Let us fear ourselves.” — “Les Misérables” n BLARNEY CONTINUED FROM 4 “We didn’t go into the big cities. We wanted to go into the heart of Ireland. We just talked to the pub owners and employees. The one thing that was the same in all the pubs was how hospitable they were and the service.

“Their motto is ‘You are only a stranger once’ and that’s exactly how I felt when I was there. I would be there just for an hour or two telling my story and everybody is hugging me goodbye and literally taking things off their wall and giving to me to have it up in The Blarney.”

Those items, which now hang on the walls of The Blarney, weren’t the only things Beczynski brought back from Ireland. He also bought all the pub’s furniture there and had it shipped back to Toledo, giving customers as close to an Irish experience as possible.

“When I went to Ireland to check out the Irish pubs, I brought back a little piece of Ireland to Toledo,” Beczynski said. “There is a lot of stuff in The Blarney that came from different pubs in Ireland from their walls, because they were excited that I was opening up a pub in Toledo and they wanted to be a part of it. It just gives you a feel of what an Irish pub in Ireland is. That’s what we were trying to create.”

The correct location

Beczynski, who opened up restaurants Eddy B’s, Focaccia’s Delicatessen and Mojo Coffee during the past 15 years, knew that building the bar wouldn’t just depend on the décor and food.

He also needed to choose the correct location for the business to become a success.

After looking at other spots that weren’t quite what he was searching for, Beczynski ran into Toledo Free Press and Toledo Free Press Star Publisher Tom Pounds, who was looking for a building for his company. Pounds found a location on the corner of Monroe and Huron streets that he proposed could share, but the area lacked other establishments to draw people in.

“I went over with Tom and as soon as I walked in I fell in love with the building,” Beczynski said. “Everyone thought I was crazy when I opened up on that corner because at the time everything was located [elsewhere]. When I did decide to put it on Monroe and Huron, I heard a lot of people saying, ‘Wow, I can’t believe you are putting it there’.”

The Blarney took the downstairs portion of the building while Toledo Free Press sits above it. Since the move, two other restaurants have

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / NOV. 9, 2011 n 5

moved in nearby, PizzaPapalis and Table Forty 4. An Italian restaurant is being built on the same block. The location is across the street from Fifth Third Field, home to the Toledo Mud Hens since 2002.

Nearly three years after The Blarney opened, the Toledo Walleye hockey team and the $105 million Huntington Center moved in right down the street.

“We didn’t have any idea that Huntington Center was going to be built there, just a block away,” Beczynski said. “That was awesome once they announced that. Not only do we have Fifth Third Field right next door but we have Huntington Center and SeaGate Centre and some big traffic coming down Monroe Street. It’s a great corner, probably the hottest corner Downtown.”

The Blarney Bullpen

The Blarney expanded when Beczynski bought the building next door and named it The Blarney Bullpen. It is is used for big events and parties of 50 or more people. It was full Nov. 5 when the company celebrated its fifth anniversary with a party that included a roast of Beczynski.

“I got roasted. That was something else,” Beczynski said. “It went great and Tom was one of the ones who roasted me. Everyone who roasted me roasted Tom as well. It was funny and we had a great turnout. We have had a lot of parties but to be honest that was probably the best party we have had in the last five years.”

That celebration included proclamations of congratulations from Toledo City Council and Mayor Mike Bell’s office.

The Blarney opens at 11 a.m. and the bar closes at 11 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 1 a.m. on Thursday and 2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday. It is also open for special occasions on Sundays. “[The Blarney] has great food for a great price with great atmosphere and just a fun time,” Beczynski said. “If you are just looking for a place to have a beer and go home and you don’t care about that stuff then The Blarney is not it, but if you want to have a great experience in great surroundings with live music from Thursday through Saturday, then The Blarney is the place to come.”

For more information on The Blarney Irish Pub, including its menu and event schedule, visit www.TheBlarneyIrishPub.com. O

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”Thus, during those 19 years of torture and slavery, did this soul rise and fall at the same time.” — “Les Misérables”

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Ralph Mahalak Jr., left and Ronnie Bachman.

STAR PHOTO BY BRIGITTA BURKS

Speaker brings anti-bullying message to ‘Walk this Way’ tour of local schools

By Brigitta Burks Toledo Free Press Star Staff Writer star@toledofreepress.com

Inspirational speaker Ronnie Bachman will bring his anti-bullying message to several Toledo-area middle-schoolers this week as part of his 11-state tour.

Bachman had a birth defect that led to his legs being amputated when he was 4 years old.

Although he had prosthetics, Bachman abandoned them in favor of walking on his hands by the time he turned 18.

The Detroit native doesn’t let his disability slow him down physically or emotionally. He encourages middle-school students to do the same.

“Often I’ll say to them, ‘It’s not important what happens to you, it’s important how you handle what happens to you,’” he said.

Bachman attended Cody High School and Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts in Metro Detroit because he wanted to be a radio personality. When he was trying to break into the business, he became the subject of the documentary “Walk This Way,” which received several awards.

The documentary was co-produced by Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, who also makes a cameo.

Bachman counts Tyler as a friend of 36 years.

“I was walking around on my hands, messing around with [Tyler’s] stuff backstage in his dressing room and a guy came in and said, ‘Wow, dude, look how you get around.’ And without missing a beat, Steven said, ‘We walk like this (gestures at feet), but Ronnie walks this way.’ And it was like a new thing was born,” Bachman said.

Kathryn Vander, director and producer of the documentary, first asked Bachman to speak to middle-schoolers in the ’90s. Bachman was re-

luctant, but once he made his first presentation, he was hooked.

“As soon as I was done, someone asked me to do it again. And I did it again. And to make a long story short, that’s well over 1,000 shows ago.”

“Walk This Way” is also the name of Bachman’s book, which is slated for release this winter. In addition, Jeff Thomas of Rainstorm Pictures in Monroe shot a pilot for a potential Bachman reality TV show. Thomas is trying to sell it to networks, Bachman said.

Monroe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Superstore sponsored the local section of Bachman’s tour. The Superstore is part of the Dodge 20 group, a network of dealerships that help support each other. Dodge 20 members along with Linamar Corporation are sponsoring Bachman’s other stops, including those in Canada. Bachman’s tour stops for Nov. 7 to 11 include Washington Junior High, Whiteford Middle School, Monroe-area Catholic schools, Dundee Middle School, Ida Middle School, Wagar Middle School and Carleton/ Newport-area Catholic schools.

Ralph Mahalak Jr., owner of Monroe Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Superstore, met Bachman about 12 years ago. He brought Bachman to speak for the Dodge 20 group in Detroit a couple of years ago.

“Unilaterally, 100 percent of them (in Dodge 20) signed up to invite Ronnie to their communities so Ronnie could get into the schools in their areas,” Mahalak said. “We need to get his message out as quickly as we can and to as many kids as we can. It certainly seems bullying has gone to a new level with these teenagers and you’re seeing more suicides and more kids getting hurt.

All I can say is we can’t save everyone, but we can certainly try.” O

“Table talk and lovers’ talk equally elude the grasp; lovers’ talk is clouds, table talk is smoke.” — “Les Misérables”

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / NOV. 9, 2011 n 7

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”She drowned what little brain she had in [cheap novels].” — “Les Misérables”

toledo free press star photo by joseph herr

8 n NOV. 9, 2011 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

Cruz control Former UT homecoming queen is named new ‘Face of FOX Toledo.’

By Jason Mack Toledo Free Press STAR Web Editor jmack@toledofreepress.com

Jocelyn Cruz is all smiles after winning the title of the 6th Face of FOX Toledo, a position representing the station on-air and online.

“I’m honestly so happy, excited, humbled and grateful,” Cruz said. “I’ve always wanted to do something like this. I’ve always dreamed of being on TV, so I see it all falling into place now.”

Cruz said she nearly missed out on the opportunity to compete for the position.

“I’ve always known about it, but I didn’t know about the deadline until the day of the deadline,” Cruz said. “I made my video an hour before the deadline at midnight. It was just a plain wall and me talking about why I want to be the Face of FOX Toledo.”

The video was effective and landed her a spot in the top 10.

“It was very competitive,” Cruz said. “There were so many good people in the top 10 that even making the top five felt surreal.”

“We had such incredible talent in our top five, so choosing our winner was extremely difficult,” FOX Toledo General Manager Gary Yoder said. “We think Jocelyn Cruz has all the qualities and

abilities that we were looking for to take the Face of FOX Toledo to the next level and make this a fantastic year.”

Cruz is no stranger to winning contests. She graduated in May from the University of Toledo, where she was crowned homecoming queen in 2009.

“That was an amazing experience, and not just because of the popularity contest,” she said. “It was awesome because I was representing a student organization that has never been in the top five or crowned king or queen. It felt really good to represent the Latino Student Union.”

While attending UT, Cruz got her first experience with television as an intern with Black Entertainment Television.

“I always told my ex-boyfriend sophomore year of college that one day I would be interning at BET,” Cruz said. “I applied last-minute for that, too. They called me when I was in the middle of getting my hair done at the salon. There was dye in my hair. The dye was on too long, but I was screaming up and down that I got it.”

During her internship, she helped out behind the scenes on the show “106 & Park.”

“I always watched ‘106 & Park’,” Cruz said. “I always wanted Rocsi’s job. She’s the host. It’s your personality and creativity and you can

be yourself. It was really cool to intern for that show specifically.”

The experience helped Cruz realize her passion for working in the entertainment industry.

“I don’t see myself as being serious and that type of personality to do the news,” she said. “I want to be myself and let people get to know who I am while getting to know them.”

She is getting a head start on that dream with her position at FOX Toledo.

“The job has been awesome,” Cruz said. “It has been kind of like the contest. We had to post on Facebook and be creative. Do things your way but find a way that people can relate to it. That’s what I’ve been doing so far and it’s been amazing. I can’t wait to get my hands more into it.”

Cruz was encouraged by the advice of former Face of FOX Toledo Heather Cook.

“She just said be myself and work hard,” Cruz said. “When you come into this position, a lot of people think you have to be a certain way or be like the first Face of FOX Toledo or the last one. She just said be myself, and I think that’s the best advice someone can give you.”

Follow Cruz online at Facebook.com/FaceofFOXToledo and at Twitter.com/FaceofFOXToledo. O

“To be wicked does not insure prosperity.” — “Les Misérables”

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / NOV. 9, 2011 n 9

90 years young

By Vicki L. Kroll Special to Toledo Free Preess Star

Jon Hendricks

PHOTO COURTESY UT

On Sept. 16, Jon Hendricks turned 90. And he was busy planning for a party Sept. 24, when he helped open the season for Jazz at Lincoln Center.

“I had an unofficial celebration at Lincoln Center.

We had a full house. We had Dianne Reeves and Bobby McFerrin and my daughter, Michele, flew in from Paris. And it was reviewed in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. Rave reviews — well, they better,” he said and then laughed.

The media and music fans continue to extol the superstar, who wrote a new chapter in the world of jazz.

Hendricks, who was born in Newark, Ohio, but grew up in Toledo, is considered the father of vo-

calese — the art of setting lyrics to established jazz standards. Time magazine dubbed him “the James Joyce of jive,” and music critic Leonard Feather called him “the poet laureate of jazz.”

In 1957, he formed the jazz vocal group Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. The trio refined vocalese, whereby voices are arranged to sing the parts of instruments. Vocalists McFerrin and Al Jarreau and vocal quartet The Manhattan Transfer all cite the group’s work as a major influence.

The jazzman, who said he’s a Virgo ruled by Mercury, the fastest planet, continues to work and be a force in the music world.

“Miles Davis had an album arranged by Gil Evans, ‘Miles Ahead,’ with Miles Davis soloing with 18 musicians, one of the greatest jazz albums of all time. I’m lyricizing it to be sung,” Hendricks said during a call from his New York City home.

And he’s still writing his autobiography, “Mind on Fire.”

What is the legend most proud of?

“I had an open, free and constant invitation to sing with Duke Ellington’s Orchestra and Count Basie and His Orchestra. In other words, wherever they were, if I walked in, I could walk right up on the bandstand and sing,” said the Univer-

Jazz legend Jon Hendricks celebrates in Toledo. sity of Toledo distinguished professor of jazz.

“And that kind of invitation, that was fantastic.”

Hendricks marveled at the magic.

“With Duke Ellington, I would just go up on the bandstand and I would turn to his saxophone player, Paul Gonzalez, the tenor player, and I would ask him, ‘What do I sing?’ And he’d say, ‘Anything.’ And I’d say, ‘What do you mean?’ And he said, ‘Just sing anything, we’ll be with you.’

“And I thought this man was crazy, and I started singing a song. And after the first note, the entire band came in, each on his part: The first tenor saxophone on his part, the second tenor saxophone, the third, the first alto, the second alto, the baritone, the three trombones and four trumpets, all on their parts as a part of an arrangement. It was the most magnificent thing I ever heard in my life, and I haven’t heard it from anybody [else] ever.”

Area residents will have the chance to hear the Grammy Award winner at Crystal’s Lounge at the Ramada Inn, 3536 Secor Road, for a belated birthday celebration and concert Monday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m.

The UT Faculty Jazz Ensemble and Vocalstra are among the acts slated to perform.

Tickets are $5. O

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”A good mayor is a good thing. Are you afraid of the good you can do?” — “Les Misérables”

Spider-Man swings in new series

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Comic book aficionado Jim Collins of JC’s Comic Stop checks in this week with two picks for comic fans, one that continues the adventures of a certain wall-crawling wonder and one that might just have you crawling the walls.

“Avenging Spider-Man No. 1 is the new version of Marvel Team-Up,” Collins said. “Written by Zeb Wells and penciled by Joe Madureira, the first story arc will feature the Red Hulk and the Mole Man’s mindless minions, the Moloids. Hopefully this series proves itself worthy of the original Marvel Team-Up. Madureira has been out of the comic book game for some years now and we’ll see if he still has the fanbase he once had with his 1990s Battle Chasers series. This is the first new ongoing Spider-Man series in over four years.”

The famous Marvel Comics hero celebrates his 50th anniversary next year with this new comic and the first of a new series of feature films. Expect a web-load of shameless

Spider-Man merchandising and marketing in the months to come.

On that same score, there’s also another comic hero-turned-movie star with a new project.

“Hellboy: House of the Living Dead is by creator Mike Mignola with art by the legendary Richard Corben,” Collins said. “This original graphic novel was inspired by the Universal Monsters films and the Mexican wrestler films with Santos.

It’s Hellboy in 1952 Mexico, dealing with the guilt over killing a brother that was turned into a vampire.

“He’s approached by someone that makes an offer he cannot refuse, as an innocent victim is used to force his compliance. As Hellboy goes into the squared wrestling circle to battle the Frankenstein Monster, things go very wrong. Filled with vampires, werewolves, ghosts and ghouls, this has it all for Hellboy and horror fans and Corben gives it a great Hammer Films feel, too.”

Collins would like to dedicate his picks this week to his friend, GWAR guitarist Cory Smoot, who recently passed away. Smoot was from the Bowling Green area. O

“The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved.” — “Les Misérables”

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / NOV. 9, 2011 n 11

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”She would have softened a heart of granite; but you cannot soften a heart of wood.” — “Les Misérables”

Avoiding traps

Y

ou’re not too gangsta to have never heard of Justin Bieber.

That being said, I know you know all about his “baby mama drama.” Regardless of whether Bieber really did father a child with a woman he hardly knows, it raises an interesting question for artists: are you taking preventative steps to secure your future?

Toledo may not be a huge city, and with Cleveland just up the street it seems that the artists here are often overlooked. But that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare yourself for all the things you will face in the industry. Artists from Toledo have signed record deals before and have been successful, so if you’re going to be the next artist who blows up, I suggest you be careful about your actions now.

Making it in Toledo

We’ve all seen it. The artist who becomes wildly successful — in Toledo — and thinks he’s “made it.” He gets into the clubs for free, women practically throw themselves at him and he gets free fast food at that one spot. Oh, yes, he iscertainly doing well for himself.

But then what happens?

He gets comfortable.

Let’s be real: Toledo isn’t that big, and the urban music circle is like a small high school. Everyone knows each other, and if you’ve “gotten around,” there’s a great chance that you’re not the only person who’s “gotten around” to these women.

The problem is that some artists want to be famous so badly, once they become famous in their city, they start acting like they think famous people act. Responsibility goes out of the window, leaving room for the negativity of drugs, arrogance and unprotected sex. But you must never forget the most important rule in the music industry: Trust no one.

Many music industry pitfalls are already set for you.

Famous, not rich

If you can live like a celebrity in Toledo, what makes you think the women who are so willing to be with you don’t view you as a celebrity as well?

I refuse to bash every woman in Toledo, but I call it like I see it.

There are those women who feel that instead of working, they’ll just have a baby by someone “famous” and be set for life.

I guess they don’t realize that “famous” doesn’t always equate to “rich.”

Take a kid who sat at the lunch table alone in high school. He never really had any friends and his clothes were never upto-date. Then he discovers Hip-Hop, and to his surprise, people love his

d THE LIL

WORD I HEARD

music. Give him six months, and he’s officially turned out.

You see, popularity doesn’t change anyone; it only solidifies that person’s characteristics. So I hope I catch you before you begin your real rise to the top.

Be careful what you wish for; you must be able to handle it if you get it. A wise man once told me that my only real friends are the ones who knew my government name before I had an alias. I challenge you to adopt the same philosophy, and always have your guard up with those who’ve come into your life after you’ve gained a little fame.

You must always be careful with those you deal with, because not all of them have your best interest at heart.

Live by these principles now, so that when you actually do get famous (because “Toledo famous” does not count), you hopefully won’t fall in the traps already set and waiting for you. O Email Toledo Free Press Star columnist lilD at star@toledofreepress.com.

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Suite #4, Toledo, Ohio 43604

419-349-5239

bellasartinthedistrict.com

“Great grief is a divine and terrible radiance which transfigures the wretched.” — “Les Misérables”

Ohio seeks artists for Cleveland murals CLEVELAND (AP) — Ohio transportation officials think a massive new bridge project in Cleveland could use an artist’s touch.

More precisely, the Ohio Department of Transportation is looking for three artists to design murals for underpasses beneath the new Innerbelt Bridge on Interstate 90 just south of downtown.

Cleveland’s director of public art, Greg Peckham, tells The Plain Dealer the murals

will create two entryways for the Tremont neighborhood and one for the city’s Historic Gateway district. The art budgets for the three sites range from $44,800 to $79,000.

Bridge project spokeswoman Jocelynn Clemings says public art helps foster community pride that can lead to less vandalism and graffiti.

The $450 million bridge will be named in honor of former U.S. senator and ex-Cleveland mayor George Voinovich. O

The Best of Broadway at the Stranahan just in time for the

holidays!

Perrysburg salon to host Christmas bazaar Area residents looking to get a head start on their holiday shopping can stop by Perrysburg’s Salvatore Capelli Salon on Nov. 12.

The salon will host its second annual Christmas Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 12 in the community room of the salon, located at 114 W. South Boundary St., in Perrysburg.

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / NOV. 9, 2011 n 13

Among the items sold by local vendors will be vintage handbags, jewelry and antiques, glass lampwork beads made by local artist Chris Sanderson, recycled pop can hair ornaments and jewelry, painted ornaments, specialty soaps and more.

For more information, call (419) 873-5483 or visit www.salvatorecapelli.com. O

Blarney Bullpen to host Make-A-Wish benefit To help celebrate a new CD benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a “Holiday Wishes” concert will take place form 6-11 p.m. Dec. 1 at The Blarney Bullpen in Downtown Toledo.

“Holiday Wishes” is a collection of 25 tracks recorded by Northwest Ohio artists. It includes contributions from Mannheim Steamroller, Jamie Farr, Crystal Bowersox, Alyson Stoner,

Kerry Patrick Clark and the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, among many others. Several of the performers on the CD will perform at the benefit.

There will be a cover charge of $5, with all funds benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. A grazing station and special opportunities to purchase the CD, which will be in Panera Bread locations Nov. 25, will be available. O

Diamond Event

November 14-19, 2011

FREE Engagement Ring with the purchase of a 1 carat or larger Center Stone Diamond!

Best Seats Available Tue / Wed / Thu!

NOVEMBER 8 -13

STRANAHAN THEATER 800.982.2787 • 3435 Secor Rd • 419-531-1223 • leomarksjewelers.com With over 150 Engagement Rings to choose from, you don’t want to miss this Special Diamond Event! Free in-stock engagement ring valued up to $3,000 with purchase of 1 carat or larger center stone diamond. 150 select mountings available for promotion. See jeweler for complete details.

.com

•

Tickets available at the Stranahan box office and all Ticketmaster locations Groups of 15+, call 1.866.314.7687

LesMis.com

facebook.com/ToledoTheaterLeague

fter years of performing the role of reformed convict hero Jean Valjean on Broadway and with touring productions of “Les Misérables,” actor Andrew Varela has gone to the dark side.

For the 25th anniversary tour of the iconic musical, Varela will instead portray Javert, the police inspector who makes it his life’s work to hunt down Valjean and bring him to justice.

“When I was a kid I liked Darth Vader more than Luke Skywalker,” Varela told Toledo Free Press Star during a phone call from a tour stop in Providence, R.I. “So the idea of playing a bad guy always appealed to me.”

However, Varela said he doesn’t like to think of Javert as a bad guy; instead he enjoys the chance to humanize the character.

“One of the things I try to do is make it clear he’s not

A

sottney@toledofreepress.com

TOLEDO FREE PRESS SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR

By Sarah Ottney

Valjean steals his silverware. He is caught and arrested, but released after the bishop tells police the silverware was a gift. Touched by the gesture, Valjean vows to turn his life around, changing his name and becoming successful. But when Inspector Javert later discovers Valjean’s true identity, he makes it his life’s work to bring him to justice.

J. Mark McVey will portray Valjean. McVey’s 7-year-old daughter, Kylie McVey, is also a member of the cast, part of a new ensemble created for the anniversary production. She will also be part of the larger chorus numbers and portray Little Cosette and Young Eponine.

Varela said the 25th anniversary production maintains the elements that people loved in the original version while adding elements that allow the show to grow.

“This version is a wonderful update with new costumes and new orchestrations,” Varela said. “It’s really an amazing, amazing piece of theater.”

The new production features a high-tech projection system that projects images on the back wall of the set.

‘Les Misérables’ 25th anniversary tour hits Toledo for eight-show run.

”Violets are blue. Roses are red.” — “Les Misérables”

COSETTE IN THE GLASS CITY

14 Q NOV. 9, 2011 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

PHOTOS P PHOT H O HOTOS HOT OS SC COURTESY OU TES OURT ESY E SY Y THEATER THEATER THEA H TER ER R LEAGUE LEA UE LEAG UE MUDDY MUD TOLEDO MUDDY M MUDD MU UD HEN HE H EN LOGO LOGO GO COURTESY COURT COURT O RTESY OUR ES SY Y TOL TOLE T TO OLEDO O MUD MUD DH HENS ENS EN S

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Jenny Latimer will play Cosette in the Toledo production.

The beggars seek a bargain.

trying to be a bad guy; he’s just trying to do his job. He’s just doing what he thinks has to be done,” Varela said. “The reviews have noticed that and people always comment after the show they were struck by VARELA the humanity I brought to the role. Jean Valjean himself says ‘You’re just doing your job, I know.’ I hope I’m bringing not only life but humanity to the character. I’ve found playing him has been wonderful.”

Varela said one of his favorite parts of portraying Javert is singing “Stars.”

“It’s one of those songs you just get to belt out and has so much meaning,” Varela said. “It’s such an important plot point for my character. As an actor, you love the idea you get to sing this huge show-stopping number.”

“Les Misérables” opened Nov. 8 at the Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., as part of the Broadway Series presented by the Theater League.

Performances are set for 8 p.m. Nov. 8-11, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Nov. 12, and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13.

“It’s been going great,” Varela said of the tour, which started in Seattle in August. “We are the second-highest grossing show in the country right now, so that’s pretty good. The audiences have been huge, the response has been huge and the tickets sales have been even huger.”

Based on the classic novel by Victor Hugo, “Les Misérables” is set in 19th century France, a decade after the French Revolution, and focuses on the struggles of ex-convict Valjean and his experience of redemption.

Released from prison after serving 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread and subsequent escape attempts, Valjean can’t find anyone willing to give him a place to live. Finally, a bishop takes him in but

“It makes the entire thing feel cinematic,” Varela said. “For example, during the battle of the barricade, it rocks with each gunshot and each cannon blast. It makes the scenery a character.”

Producer Cameron Mackintosh drew inspiration from the drawings and paintings of Hugo.

“I’m delighted that 25 years after ‘Les Mis’ originally opened in London the audience for this marvelous show is bigger and younger than ever before,” Mackintosh said in a news release. “The new ‘Les Mis’ is a magnificent mix of dazzling images and epic staging, driving one of the greatest musical stories ever told.”

“Les Misérables,” which originally opened in London in 1985, has been seen by nearly 60 million people worldwide in 42 countries and in 21 languages, according to the release.

In 2006, it became the world’s longest-running musical, surpassing the record previously held by “Cats.” To date, “Les Misérables” remains the thirdlongest-running Broadway production of all time.

The score includes the classic songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “Do You Hear the People Sing?,” “One Day More,” “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables,” “Master Of The House” and many more.

Varela said people will regret not taking the opportunity to see “Les Misérables” while it’s in Toledo.

“It’s just such a fulfilling theatrical experience.

If you don’t come see the show, you’ll never forgive yourself. You’ll have lived a life half-lived,” Varela said. “If you can’t watch ‘Les Mis’ and love it, then you have no heart, then you’re probably not a human being because it’s probably the most magnificent piece of theater that’s ever been written.”

Tickets are $23 to $80 not including fees and taxes and are available by calling the Stranahan Theater box office at (866) 381-7469, Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787, or online at www.theaterleague.com. 2

16 n NOV. 9, 2011 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

Compiled by Whitney Meschke Events are subject to change.

MUSIC

”Napoleon ... mighty somnambulist of a vanished dream.” — “Les Misérables”

O Keller Williams: 9 p.m. Nov. 10, $20-$23.

O Blind Pilot, Gregory Alan Isakof: 9 p.m. Nov. 11.

O The Hood Internet, Only Children, Ex Best Friends: 9:30 p.m. Nov. 12.

O Ron Pope, Zach Berkman, Alexis Babini: 8 p.m. Nov. 15.

O Toubab Krewe: 9 p.m. Nov. 16.

The Ark

local jazz performers. 301 River Road, Maumee. $5 weekends for cafe seating. (419) 794-8205 or www. degagejazzcafe.com.

O Gene Parker & Friends: 7-10 p.m. Nov. 9 and 16.

O Michael Peslikis: 7 p.m. Nov. 10 and 17.

O Skip Turner Band: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11.

O Mark Williams Group: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12.

O Leo Darrington: 7 p.m. Nov. 15.

This small venue offers a showcase for lesser-known acts.

316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. (734) 761-1451, (734) 761-1800 or www.theark.org.

O Jeffery Broussard & the Creole Cowboys: 8 p.m. Nov. 9, $15.

O May Erlewine & Seth Bernard: 8 p.m. Nov. 10, $17.50.

O The Ragbirds, Appleseed Collective: 8 p.m. Nov. 11, $15.

O Dick Siegel, the Brandos: 8 p.m. Nov. 12, $15.

O Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13, $20.

O The Sweetback Sisters: 8 p.m. Nov. 15, $15.

Bronze Boar

Bar 145

Caesars Windsor

Doc Watson’s

If you have your passport, consider hopping the Detroit River for this casino’s entertainment offerings. Ticket prices, in Canadian dollars, are for the cheapest seats; attendees must be 19 or older. Caesars Windsor Colosseum, 377 Riverside Dr. East, Windsor, Ontario. (800) 991-7777 or www. caesarswindsor.com.

O Battle of the Blues bands: 7:30-11 p.m. Nov. 9.

Named in honor of the owners’ forefather, this bar and restaurant serves a variety of dishes and entertainment. 1515 S. Byrne Road. (419) 389-6003 or docwatsonstoledo.com.

O Jeff Stewart: 10 p.m. Nov. 11.

O Andrew Ellis: 10 p.m. Nov. 12.

Cheers Sports Eatery

Serving blues and similar sounds, as well as bayoustyle grub. Levis Commons, 6140 Levis Commons Blvd., Perrysburg. (419) 931-3474 or fatfishfunnybonetoledo.com.

O Bourbon Street: 9:30 p.m. Nov. 11 and 8:30 p.m. Nov. 12.

This new venue features burgers, bands and bourbon, if its slogan is to be believed. 5304 Monroe St. (419) 593-0073 or bar145toledo.com.

O Dan Fester: Nov. 9.

O Downstroke: Nov. 10.

O Nine Lives: Nov. 11.

O The Brave Youngster: Nov. 12.

O Jeff Stewart: Nov. 15.

O 88 Keys Dueling Pianos: Nov. 16.

The Blarney Irish Pub

Be sure to check out this Warehouse District tavern’s namesake, overhead near the entrance. 20 S. Huron St. (419) 244-2627 or www.bronzeboar.com.

O Open mic night with Chris Knopp: Mondays.

O Luke James: Tuesdays.

O DJ Jerod: Wednesdays and Thursdays.

O Swampkings: Nov. 11.

O Bush League: Nov. 12.

7131 Orchard Centre Drive, Holland.

O Mak Mikel Band with Chris Shutters. 9 p.m. Nov. 12.

Catch local acts while taking in the pub’s modern Irish and American fare. 601 Monroe St. (419) 418-2339 or www. theblarneyirishpub.com.

O Jeff Stewart: Nov. 10.

O Toast and Jam: Nov. 11.

O Venyx: Nov. 12.

Cheetah’s Den

Blind Pig

This home to all things vinyl and cool will host a free show

by Boogaloosa Prayer. 3:30 p.m. Nov. 12, 4020 Secor Road.

(419) 536-5683 or www.thecultureclash.com.

A variety of rock, soul, pop and alternative acts perform at this bar. 208 S. First St., Ann Arbor. $3-$20 unless noted.

(734) 996-8555 or blindpigmusic.com.

O Karaoke: 9:30 p.m. Mondays, no cover.

O The Meat Puppets, the Black Box Revelation: 8 p.m. Nov. 9.

OSU

A different band performs each week. 702 E. Broadway St. (419) 754-1903.

O DJ Lamont: Tuesdays.

O Devious: Thursdays (also open mic night)-Saturdays.

Culture Clash Records

Dégagé Jazz Café Signature drinks, such as pumpkin martinis, plus live

Dan “Boom” Herron, the Buckeyes” starting senior tailback, helped lead Ohio State to a 34-20 victory over Indiana in front of 105,195 at Buckeyes’ Stadium.

Herron carried the ball 14 times for 141 yards and a TD. The Buckeyes are now 6-3 and travel to Purdue this weekend. We congratulate Dan Herron and the Ohio State Buckeyes for their outstanding performance.

The Distillery Karaoke is offered Tuesdays, but paid entertainers rock out Wednesdays-Saturdays. 4311 Heatherdowns Blvd.

(419) 382-1444 or www.thedistilleryonline.com.

O Nathan Cogan: Nov. 9.

O The Bridges: Nov. 10-12.

O Kyle White: Nov. 16.

Fat Fish Blue

French Quarter J. Pat’s Pub Live entertainment after 9:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Holiday Inn French Quarter, 10630 Fremont Pike, Perrysburg.

(419) 874-3111 or www.hifq.com.

O Noisy Neighbors: Nov. 11-12.

ICE Restaurant & Bar This local, family-owned enterprise offers food, drinks and music in a sleek atmosphere. 405 Madison Ave. (419) 2463339 or icerestaurantandbar.com.

O Dan and Don: 8 p.m. Nov. 11 and 18.

O Berlin Brothers: 8 p.m. Nov. 12.

Doc Watson’s

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

1515 South Byrne Road ✧ (419) 389-6003

UofM

JJ’s Pub Live music is on Saturday’s menu; the genre varies, along with the cover charge. Karaoke is on tap 9:30 p.m. Thursdays, and a DJ starts spinning at 9 p.m. Fridays. 26611 N. Dixie Hwy., Perrysburg. (419) 874-9058 or jjsperrysburg.com.

O John Barile and Bobby May: 8 p.m. Nov. 15.

Kerrytown Concert House This venue focuses on classical, jazz and opera artists and music. 415 N. Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor, Mich. $5-$30, unless noted. (734) 769-2999 or www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com.

O Mostly Sondheim: 8 p.m. Nov. 10-11 and 7 p.m. Nov. 12.

O Robert Demaine, Pauline Martin: 4 p.m. Nov. 13.

Manhattan’s This “slice of the Big Apple” in the Glass City provides entertainment most weekends. 1516 Adams St. (419) 243-6675 or www.manhattanstoledo.com.

O Open mic: 9 p.m. Monday nights.

O Jam session hosted by Tom Turner & Slow Burn: 8 p.m.

Tuesdays.

O The Eight Fifteens: 7 p.m. Nov. 9.

O Quick Trio: 6 p.m. Nov. 10.

O Tom Turner & Slow Burn: 9 p.m. Nov. 11.

O Jeff Williams Group, Isis: 9 p.m. Nov. 12.

O Dan Grunkhe: 7 p.m. Nov. 16.

Mickey Finn’s A variety of genres to wash your drinks down with. Open mic nights, 8 p.m. Wednesdays, no cover; $5-$7 cover other nights.

602 Lagrange St. (419) 246-3466 or www.mickeyfinnspub.com.

O Open mic: 8 p.m. Wednesdays.

O Rock the Stage, featuring local bands: 9 p.m. Thursdays, free.

O Human Juicebox: 9:30 p.m. Nov. 11.

O Dragon Wagon, Decent Folk: 8:30 p.m. Nov. 12.

Mutz @ The Oliver House Handcrafted brews … and live entertainment. 27 Broadway.

(419) 243-1302 or www.oh-maumeebaybrewingco.com.

O Open mic hosted by Breaking Ground: 10 p.m. Wednesdays.

O Karaoke: 10 p.m. Thursdays.

O DJ Nate Mattimoe: 10 p.m. Saturdays.

O Triggernomotry, Highbinder, Meaghan Roberts: 9:30 p.m. Nov. 11.

Kenny Demens, the Wolverines’ e starting junior LB, had 11 tackles as Michigan lost to Big Ten rival Iowa 24-16. The Wolverines are now 7-2 and travel to Illinois this weekend.

We congratulate Kenny Demens and the Michigan Wolverines for their outstanding performance.

“What is that to the Infinite?” — “Les Misérables” Omni

urday nights. 702 Monroe St. (419) 241-1118.

This club is a venue for music (and music lovers) of all types.

2567 W. Bancroft St. (419) 535-6664 or omnimidwest.com.

O Framing Hanley: 7 p.m. Nov. 9, $10-$12.

O Yellow Dubmarine: 8 p.m. Nov. 12, $7.

O DJ Ghost or DJ MZ Ghost: Saturdays.

One2 Lounge at Treo Live music starts at 7:30 p.m. 5703 Main St., Sylvania. (419) 882-2266 or treosylvania.com.

O Andrew Ellis Duo: Nov. 11.

O Estar Cohen Trio: Nov. 12.

Ottawa Tavern Casual meals with weekend entertainment. 1815 Adams St. (419) 725-5483 or www.otavern.com.

O The Loom: 10 p.m. Nov. 9.

O Boogaloosa Prayer, Joey & the Traitors: 10 p.m. Nov. 10.

O Icarus Himself, Miracle Vitamins: 10 p.m. Nov. 11.

Take in a movie with margaritas on Mondays, or laugh at Thursday comedy nights … but music takes center stage most nights. 233 N. Huron St. www.ourbrothersplace.com.

O Wayne: 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

O DJ: Fridays.

O Smooth jazz and R&B: Saturdays and Tuesdays.

O Karaoke with Walt McNeal: 4 p.m. Sundays.

LIVE MUSIC: THIS WEEK AT THE BLARNEY

The Village Idiot

Woodchucks The place to go for an eclectic mix of people and music.

224 S. Erie St. (419) 241-3045.

O Against the Grain, Bathhouse Betty, Lost in Chicago: Nov. 12.

Country and rock with a little “Coyote Ugly” style. 3150 Navarre Ave., Oregon. (419) 691-8880 or www.yeehas.com.

O The Websters: Nov. 11.

O MAS FiNA: Nov. 12.

A home for the avant garde and untraditional, this Old West End venue hosts artists on the experimental end of the musical rainbow. 9 p.m., 2564 Robinwood Ave. $5 donation, unless noted. www.toledobellows.wordpress.com.

O Travis Laplante: Nov. 16.

Zia’s

Spicy Tuna

This premier dance band plays bossa novas, tangos, mambos, waltzes, polkas and fox trots. 7:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesdays, South Briar Restaurant, 5147 S. Main St., Sylvania. $3-$5.

(419) 517-1111, (419) 471-1560 or www.southbriar.biz.

Upscale dining plus live entertainment is a welcome combination. Bands start at 6 p.m. Fridays and 9 p.m. Saturdays.

610 Monroe St. (419) 725-0044 or www.tableforty4.com.

O John Barile and Bobby May: 6 p.m. Nov. 11 and 18.

Tequila Sheila’s A corner bar-type hangout with DJ-provided tunes on Sat-

This Italian restaurant hosts magician Andrew Martin on Sunday nights. The Docks, 20 Main St. (419) 697-7138, (888) 456-3463 or www.ziasrestaurant.com.

Night Session Big Band

Ragtime Rick and the Chefs of Dixieland These Toledo jazz legends perform weekly gigs. 8-10:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Trotters Tavern, 5131 Heatherdowns Blvd.

(419) 381-2079.

Raq the Casbah This band makes the world its cabaret, mixing French, German, Russian, Greek, African and Arabic sounds into fresh dance music. 8-11 p.m. Thursdays, Club Soda, 3922 Secor Road. (419) 473-0062 or www.toledoclubsoda.com.

Go a W lleye!

NOW ! p pen OPEN Blarney Bullpen

www.theblarneybullpen.com

6601 01 M Monroe nrroooee SSt.

TUESDAYS Famo us White Chicken Chili New England Clam Chow der

Venyx Venyx

For Fo or m music usic listin listings, ngs, gs drink d k spe specials, & weekly dining specials, go to:

A huge variety of beers helps wash down the entertainment.

1201 Adams St. (419) 255-3333 or wesleysbar.com.

O DJs Folk, Mattimoe and Perrine: Fridays.

O Jeff Stewart: Nov. 12.

Yeeha’s

Table Forty 4

TToast oastt & JJam am

Wesley’s Bar & Grill

Get slices with a topping of entertainment. 519 Monroe St. (419) 244-7722 or www.pizzapapalis.com.

O Don Coats: Nov. 12 and 18.

This sushi bar offers occasional entertainment to accompany the fishy dishes. 7130 Airport Hwy. (419) 720-9333 or spicytunasushi.com.

O Karaoke: 10 p.m. Saturdays.

O Kyle White: 6-10 p.m. Nov. 10.

Saturday, November 12th

RRight Ri Rig ight Ac Across cro rosss ss ffro from room FiFFif Fifth iftfth Th Thi Third i Field

Pizza Papalis

Robinwood Concert House

Friday, y, November 11th

Tunes combined with pizza and booze, some would say it’s a perfect combination. 309 Conant St., Maumee. (419) 8937281 or www.villageidiotmaumee.com.

O Rick Caswell’s House Band: Friday afternoons.

O The Bob Rex Band: Sunday afternoons.

O The Eight Fifteens: Sunday evenings.

O Frankie May & Ben Barefoot: Mondays.

O Mark Mikel, Chris Shutter Band: Tuesday nights.

O Old West End Records: Nov. 9, 16 and 30.

O Wilbur Shaw: Nov. 10.

O Hullaballo: Nov. 11.

O Pete Anderson: Nov. 12.

SIDELINES

Our Brothers Place

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / NOV. 9, 2011 n 17

Ho mema de So ups Panini Grille d Sandwiches

7723 Airport Highway • Holland 419.491.0098

1/2 LB. LOADED BURGERONLY DINE-IN

$2.99

Happy Hour Live Entertainment Mon-Fri 4-7 pm Thurs - Fri - Sat theblarneyirishpub.com m

Voted BEST Irish Pu & Downtownb Ba in Toledo! r

YUENGLING

BEER

Now on tap at Sidelines II on Mellwood at Laskey

All Three Stlyes:

• Yuengling • Yuengling Light • Yuengling Black & Tan

BORDER BASH!

Don’t miss our Ohio State vs. Michigan Party D rty tyy

Saturday, Nov. 26th!

www.sidelinessportseatery.com

ENJOY SIDELINES OWN SLOW BRAISED AWARD-WINNING BBQ

MONDAY NIGHTS BEEF CHICKEN FAJITAS MARGARITAS

$2.00

FRIDAY NIGHT DINNER

1/2 LB. PERCH FRIES & SLAW INCLUDED

$14.99

(REGULAR ONLY)

DAILY LUNCH SPECIALS

www.chowdersnmoor.com

312 South Street • Waterville 419.878.9105

18 n NOV. 9, 2011 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

Open Sunday forOpenBrunch 10 a.m. til 2 p.m.

®

50 ft brunch line, including all the Red Wells Favorites

Jazz Café & Fi F Fine ine ne D Din Dining in niin ng gR Restauran Restaurant esta aura an ntt n This Weekend: Nov. 11th & 12th

Skip Turner Band

Upcoming Jazz Schedule

Now No N ow Open Oppen O n at at 5 p.m. p.m .m m.. - N Noo Cover Coover veerr T Tues., Tu ueess.., Wed. We & Thurs.

W

301 River Road at The Historic Commercial Building Maumee

”He caught glimpses of everything, but saw nothing.” — “Les Misérables”

Nov. 18th & 19th: Bob Rex Trio Nov. 25th: Skip Turner Nov. 26th: Mark Williams Group

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With its focus on swing music, Jeff McDonald’s group of musicians provides a peek into another era, with music from bandleaders such as Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, the Dorseys and more. With combos from trio to full orchestra, the performers provide music for all occasions. (419) 708-0265, (419) 874-0290 or www. swingmania.org.

O Swing Revival Party: 8 p.m. Thursdays, South Briar Restaurant, 5147 S. Main St., Sylvania. (419) 517-1111 or (419) 708-0265.

O Big Band All Stars: Dancing is encouraged. 8-10:30 p.m.

Tuesdays, Trotters Tavern, 5131 Heatherdowns Blvd. (419) 381-2079 or (419) 708-0265.

Visual and audible arts combine for a new experience.

Great Gallery (unless noted), 2445 Monroe St. (419) 2558000 or toledomuseum.org.

O Academy Brass Quartet: 7 p.m. Nov. 11.

AnDa Union

Wee Rock concert series

The Inner Mongolian group digs into its native traditions to unearth forgotten sounds — music as it might have been played in the camps of Genghis Khan. 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 9, Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. $18-$42. (734) 764-2538 or ums.org.

While the little ones dance, sing and get something special to take home, Mom and Dad can relax. 4-6 p.m. Saturdays, Westfield Franklin Park food court, 5001 Monroe St. (419) 473-3317 or westfield.com/franklinpark.

O Just Kiddin’ Around: Nov. 12.

‘Elijah’

Motown Memories Tour

The Perrysburg Symphony Chorale and SonoNovo Chamber Ensemble will provide a musical narration of the Biblical figure’s life, as written by Mendelssohn. 7 p.m. Nov. 11, Trinity Episcopal Church, 1 Trinity Plaza. $8-$10. (419) 243-1231 or www.trinitytoledo.org.

The Contours with Joe Bilingslea of “Do You Love Me?” fame; the Original Jr. Walker Allstar Band (“Shotgun”); and the Shades of Blue, who sang “Oh How Happy,” will perform. 8 p.m. Nov. 12, Maumee Indoor Theater, 601 Conant St., Maumee. $25. (419) 897-8902, (248) 921-7000 or www.greateasterntheatres.com/maumeehome.asp.

‘Christmas Bells Are Ringing’ Lorie Line will stage one of her amazing Christmas productions. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 , Franciscan Theatre & Conference Center, Lourdes University, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. $45. (419) 824-3999 or www.franciscancenter.org.

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In the Mood America’s “greatest generation” will get its due through the music of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Erskine Hawkins, the Andrews Sisters, Frank Sinatra and others. 2 and 7 p.m. Nov. 12, Franciscan Theatre & Conference Center, Lourdes University, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania. $30$35 (419) 824-3999 or www.franciscancenter.org.

‘Rigoletto’ The Ann Arbor Symphony will play excerpts of the Verdi opera and Debussy’s “La Mer.” 8 p.m. Nov. 12, Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. $10-$53. (734) 9944801, (734) 768-8397, a2so.com or www.michtheater.org.

Billed as “America’s premiere 19th century brass band,” this group will perform as a tribute to veterans and the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. 7 p.m. Nov. 11, Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 400 N. Maumee St., Tecumseh. $5.

(517) 423-6617 or www.thetca.org.

Matthew Bell

Ryan Behan

Sunday Night Dances

This pianist will perform works by Franz Liszt in honor of Dorothy MacKenzie Price’s donation of a Yamaha C6 concert grand to the theater. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11, Valentine Theatre, 400 N. Superior St. Free, but ticket required: (419) 242-2787 or www.valentinetheatre.com.

Night Session will provide big band music for dancers and listeners alike. A 30-minute dance lesson will precede the music. 5 p.m. Nov. 13, Paulette’s Studio of Dance, 4853 Monroe St., Building B. $10. (419) 6543262 or www.dancetoledo.com.

Rebirth Brass Band

Magical Musical Tales

This band will celebrate the birthplace of the Crescent City’s brass band tradition in “A Night in Treme: The Musical Majesty of New Orleans.” 8 p.m. Nov. 11, University of Michigan, Hill Auditorium, 825 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor. $10-$46.

(734) 764-2538 or ums.org.

The Ann Arbor Symphony will tell the tale of elephant Babar and “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” then let children on stage to play “toys” for “Kindersymphonie.” 2:30 p.m. Nov. 13, Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. $10. (734) 9944801, (734) 768-8397, a2so.com or www.michtheater.org.

This Midwestern boogie pianist will tickle and skip over the ivories. 2 p.m. Nov. 13, Collingwood Arts Center, 2413 Collingwood Blvd. $10. (419) 244-2787 or www.collingwoodartscenter.org.

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“Sought for, he might be, but followed he was not.” — “Les Misérables” UT concerts The university’s music students and friends will perform the pieces they’ve been perfecting. (419) 530-2452 or www. utoledo.edu/as/music.

O Guest pianist William Wellborn: 3 p.m. Nov. 13, Center for Performing Arts Recital Hall, Tower View Boulevard and West Campus Drive. (419) 530-2452.

O Jon Hendricks’ 90th birthday celebration/Jazz Night: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14, Crystal’s Lounge, Ramada Hotel & Conference Center, 3536 Secor Road. $5. (419) 535-7070.

O Jazz Lab Band and Vocalstra: 8 p.m. Nov. 15, Center for Performing Arts Recital Hall, Tower View Boulevard and West Campus Drive. $3-$5. (419) 530-2452.

Scholars of a Different Note This concert series features BGSU vocal and instrumental music students. 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15, Wildwood Preserve Metropark Manor House, 5100 W. Central Ave. (419) 4079700 or metroparkstoledo.com.

Toledo School for the Arts concert The young singers will join voices under the direction of instructor Jamie Dauel. 7 p.m. Nov. 15, Trinity Episcopal Church, 1 Trinity Plaza. (419) 243-1231 or www.trinitytoledo.org.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra These rockin’ masters of musical theater will bring their Winter Tour to town. 4 and 8 p.m. Nov.16, Huntington Center, 500 Jefferson Ave. $29-$57.50. (419) 321-5007, (800) 745-3000 or www.huntingtoncentertoledo.com.

Gerstein Returns for Rachmaninoff Kirill Gerstein will perform interpretations of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerti 1 and 4 with the Toledo Symphony, which also will take on Weber’s “Overture to Oberon” and Narong Prangcharoen’s “Phenomenon.” 8 p.m. Nov. 18-19, TMA Peristyle, 2445 Monroe St. $21-$51. (419) 246-8000, (800) 348-1253 or www.toledosymphony.com.

Fall Festival of Music Toledo Swiss Singers present a cornucopia of music, under the direction of Micah Graber. Doors open at 5 p.m. with authentic Swiss dinner from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Concert at 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 19, Oak Shade Hall, 3624 Seaman Road Oregon. $22 for dinner and concert (advance sale only). $10 concert only.

Ages 12 and under, $8. Call Elaine for tickets (419) 206-0975.

Gala New Year’s Eve Benefit Party A dinner/dance featuring music by the Duane Malinowski Orchestra will benefit the Toledo Police Museum in Ottawa Park. Appetizers, chicken and steak buffet, countdown couture, champagne and send-off snacks are included.

6:30 p.m. Dec. 31, Conn-Weissenberger American Legion Post 3587, 2020 W. Alexis Road. $60. (419) 450-5060, (419) 866-0665 or (419) 536-7606.

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ArtTalks Various artists will discuss their work, techniques and topics in the world of art. BGSU Fine Arts Center (unless noted), between Ridge and Wooster streets, Bowling Green. (419) 372-8525 or art.bgsu.edu/galleries.

O Tamara Brantmeier, painter and art department chairman at the University of Wisconsin-Stout: 7 p.m. Nov. 10, Room 1101.

BGSU concerts The university’s ensembles, choirs, quartets and more — and their friends — will present the music they’ve been perfecting.

Halls are located in Moore Musical Arts Center, Willard Drive and Ridge Street, Bowling Green. (419) 372-8171, (800) 589-2224, (419) 372-8888 or www.bgsu.edu/colleges/music.

O Vocal Jazz Ensemble: 8 p.m. Nov. 10, Bryan Recital Hall.

O University Men’s Chorus: 8 p.m. Nov. 12, Kobacker Hall, $7-$10.

O Sounds of the Stadium: 3 p.m. Nov. 13, Kobacker Hall, $7-$10.

O Praecepta: 8 p.m. Nov. 14, Bryan Recital Hall.

O Jazz Lab Band II: 8 p.m. Nov. 15, Kobacker Hall.

Located just minutes from the Stranahan Theater

BGSU football The Falcons will use their talons on their gridiron opponents. Doyt Perry Stadium, Wooster St., Bowling Green. $13-$18; season tickets, $80-$150. (877) 247-8842 or www.bgsufalcons.com.

O Ohio University: 8 p.m. Nov. 16.

Grounds for Thought This BG coffeehouse serves a mean brew of blues, jazz, rock and more by the world famous and locally renowned in an intimate setting. 174 S. Main St., Bowling Green.

(419) 354-3266 or www.groundsforthought.com.

O Frank Vignola: 8 p.m. Nov. 17.

O Gang of 35 photo opening, Joe Baker Band: 8-11 p.m.

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Grumpy Dave’s This venue offers humor-fests (maybe to make up for the crankiness) on Tuesdays, and the occasional musical diversion. Above the Easy Street Cafe, 104 S. Main St., Bowling Green. $3-$5, unless noted. www. grumpydavespub.com.

O Open mic comedy: 9 p.m. Thursdays.

Experience

Howard’s Club H Bowling Green comes alive at this venue for rock and more.

Doors typically open at 9 p.m., with the show starting an hour later. 210 N. Main St., Bowling Green. (419) 352-3195 or www.howardsclubh.com.

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”We bow to the man who kneels.” — “Les Misérables”

High demand Hard work paying off for Middle Class Rut.

By Mike Bauman Toledo Free Press Star Staff Writer mbauman@toledofreepress.com

Since he was a child, drummer/vocalist Sean Stockham of the rock two-piece Middle Class Rut has been drawn to music.

“I was really into Michael Jackson growing up, and I actually wanted to be Michael Jackson,” Stockham said. “I was really angry that I was white because this was back of course when Michael Jackson was still relatively black, and I just felt cheated, basically, that I was a little white boy.

And then I wanted to be Bruce Lee, and I felt even more cheated that I wasn’t Chinese, so it’s been very, like, a tormented childhood.”

Stockham jokes, but he did have an early passion for music that he refused to quit as he grew older. That’s a big reason he and fellow Middle Class Rut member Zack Lopez (guitars/vocals) are still jamming together and will perform at Frankie’s Inner City on Nov. 15.

The duo first met as teens in Sacramento.

“He was living in Oakland and then coming

in Sacramento because his parents had a house there,” Stockham said. “They’d come over there on the weekends, so we just kind of met through a mutual friend who was also kind of into music at the time, and we wanted to get something together with some people and start trying to play music in their garage.

“So that’s kind of how Zack and I were introduced, and I think we pretty much started playing music, like, that day and kind of haven’t really stopped.”

The pair became part of the band Leisure, which got signed to Dreamworks. However, that group disbanded in 2003, and the friends put their musical aspirations on hiatus as Lopez went to work in construction and Stockham to studios in Los Angeles, tuning drums for people making records. Once his first son was born, Stockham moved back to Sacramento to be closer to his parents.

After a few years apart, Lopez started making trips back up to Sacramento from LA to jam with Stockham. n MIDDLE CLASS RUT CONTINUES ON 21

Middle Class Rut will play at Frankie’s Inner City on Nov. 15.

PHOTO COURTESY BRIGHT ANTENNA

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“In the gloom, some mighty angel was standing, with outstretched wings, awaiting the soul.” — “Les Misérables” n MIDDLE CLASS RUT CONTINUED FROM 20 They eventually had a collection of songs and decided to form Middle Class Rut with just the two of them.

“Anybody can go and get a job and get the old nine-to-five, and we did that,” Stockham said. “Obviously it’s not very fulfilling, especially when you’ve spent the better part of six, seven, eight years, like, grinding away, trying to make the music thing work. To try to just flip it around and now try to be just the average dude that goes to work every day, it just doesn’t work. It doesn’t feel right. I think we just knew that we had something left.”

Middle Class Rut put out three EPs between 2007 and 2009 and sent the song “New Low” to a Sacramento radio station, where it quickly became popular.

“That just kind of started a fire that I don’t think we were even really ready for,” Stockham said.

Soon after, Middle Class Rut was in high demand. The band decided to sign with Oakland indie label Bright Antenna. Its first album, “No Name No Color,” a compilation of 12 songs the pair recorded, was released in October of 2010.

Trips to Europe followed, as well as tour slots with the likes of Alice in Chains, Social Distortion, Them Crooked Vultures and 30 Seconds to Mars.

“I think generally speaking, everybody’s really kind of impressed by it and excited to see two people up there kind of going off,” Stockham said of their being a two-piece.

“Obviously we’re not insecure about any-

thing, and we don’t care that we don’t have a bass player or that we don’t have some singer in spandex doing gymnastics all over the place and swirling a microphone around.

And I don’t think anybody else really misses that, either.”

The video for “New Low” has more than 2.5 million views on YouTube, and the song peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart and No. 12 on the Rock Songs chart. Middle Class Rut’s second single — “Busy Bein’ Born” — has reached Top 25 radio airplay, including multiple appearances on “The Hitlist with Cal Cagno” of Detroit’s 89X. After years of persistence, Stockham and Lopez are finally getting to where they want to be musically.

“We’re not glossy individuals,” Stockham said of Middle Class Rut’s music and live performances. “We don’t put on makeup or put on a different outfit to go up on stage. It’s just kind of real. It’s just who we are. I think people that like that kind of thing just have responded to it really well.”

On Nov. 15, Middle Class Rut and Toledo’s own I of Radio will perform at Frankie’s Inner City, located at 308 Main St. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door the night of the show and can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets, as well as locally at Culture Clash (419536-LOVE) and RamaLama Records (419531-ROCK). Doors are at 7 p.m. and all ages are welcome.

For more information, call (419) 693-5300 or visit the website frankiesinnercity.com. O

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / NOV. 9, 2011 n 21

November 18, 2011–March 25, 2012 Canaday Gallery toledomuseum.org 419-255-8000 2445 Monroe St. Toledo, OH 43620

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”A faith is a necessity to man. Woe to him who believes in nothing.” — “Les Misérables”

Landscape and Reclamation New UT faculty artists featured in exhibit.

By Nathan Elias Toledo Free Press Star Staff Writer star@toledofreepress.com

The Center for Visual Arts at the University of Toledo recently opened its newest exhibition, featuring work by new faculty members. The works of Ben Pond, Barry Whittaker and Seder Burns are showcased in the theme of “Landscape and Reclamation.”

Pond, lecturer for the department of art at UT, said a portion of his work focuses on Toledo and his perception of the city.

“What I find about Toledo is that it’s a combination of beauty and ugliness,” he said. “I’m very much inspired by how Toledo looks in certain areas, such as the beautiful buildings Downtown and nice metroparks.”

Pond’s most recent work is a conglomeration of moving images composed as drawings. The work was prompted by a concern for things that are always in flux, he said.

He expressed an attraction to the media and how it influences his creative process. He said he draws as he watches television, films and online media, and tries to capture the moving images into one beautiful mess.

“It seemed like an impossible task —

to document something that is constantly moving or changing,” Pond said.

Whittaker, assistant professor of new media in design practices at UT, incorporates various forms of media into his work, depending on the concept at hand.

“I’m interested in whatever tool is most appropriate to the idea,” Whittaker said. “It’s not about locking myself into any specific media.

I’m not completely for or against any media.

I’m more interested in what’s most appropriate for the idea.”

One of Whittaker’s collaborative pieces is an interactive video game that responds to voice.

“You either sing or yell,” he said. “Your voice activates the landscape.”

For the theme of “Landscape and Reclamation”, Whittaker is concerned with the mapping of landscape based on language.

“I’m interested in miscommunications — things get confusing when they are translated the wrong way,” he said. “The pieces all relate to language and its effect on the landscape.”

Some of his work focuses on simple phrases, type and text.

Whittaker said he takes inspiration from maps and signage when exploring textbased projects. n LANDSCAPE CONTINUES ON 23

PHOTO COURTESY SEDER BURNS

St. Ursula Academy Open House Girls Grades 6-12

Sunday, November 13, Noon – 3 p.m.

Join us and meet the students, parents, faculty, and staff of St. Ursula Academy. We’ll answer your questions about SUA — academics, scholarship availability, activities, and student life. There’ll be tours, classroom visits, and refreshments.

High School Placement Test Prep/Parent Info Sessions Saturday, November 19, 9:00 –10:30 a.m.

Reservations required. Call 419-329-2209.

Announcing Grades 6-8

Middle School tours and information available at Open House

High School Placement Test at St. Ursula Academy Saturday, December 3, 8:30 a.m.

Take this required test at SUA for an opportunity to compete for scholarships.

No reservation is required. $20 test fee is payable on Dec. 3.

Technology for the 21st century — All students receive Apple MacBook laptops.

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my God, my Family, my Friends, my School, my Community, my World. www.toledosua.org

Call 419-329-2209

Scan this QR Code for quick access to our website.

“Those who pray always are necessary to those who never pray.” — Les Misérables” n LANDSCAPE CONTINUED FROM 22 Burns, visiting assistant professor of new media at UT, works primarily with photography.

“Doing photography allows you access to things and gives you a cause to explore,” he said.

For the “Landscape and Reclamation” theme he tried to capture landscapes that were actually reclaimed. One example is a shopping plaza in Michigan built over a landfill.

“It’s where I go do all my shopping,” he said.

“I feel it’s very important to respond to your own life and what is relevant to it. These are the things you have something to say about.”

Burns visited three locations that are part of his regular commute. Two of them are reclaimed landfills. The third location hosts salvaged concrete that is ground up and used as road aggregate.

He stressed the importance of artists utilizing the space around them as inspiration for their work.

“This is where you’re at,” he said. “This is your landscape. This is your life.”

The exhibition runs Nov. 7-Dec. 11. The reception will be from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 19 at UT’s Center for Visual Arts. O

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / NOV. 9, 2011 n 23

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ProMedica offers free diabetes testing ProMedica will offer free blood sugar checks from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 11 at Westfield Franklin Park. November is American Diabetes Month; experts suggest it is a good time to talk to your family doctor if you are diabetic to ensure that you are properly managing your medical condition.

ProMedica offers diabetes education services at offices in Fostoria, Maumee, Oregon, Tecumseh and Toledo. All programs are recognized by the American Diabetes Association.

Its staff of registered dieticians and counselors works with patients and their physicians to design treatment plans, help patients understand their medication and monitor their blood sugar levels. They can also assist with meal planning and developing an exercise routine to help keep

diabetes under control.

The newest location is the ProMedica Diabetes Care Center at 2655 W. Central Ave. in Toledo. The center offers classes on the disease process, medications, meal schedules, exercise, stress management, prevention of complications and blood-sugar monitoring. Medicare and most health insurance providers may cover the cost of diabetes education.

People are advised to verify their insurance coverage. There is also assistance available to people without insurance or those who may not be able to afford diabetes education services.

To contact a ProMedica diabetes education program, visit www.promedica.org (click on “medical services” on the home page, and look for diabetes under “continuing care”). O

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”Not being heard is no reason for silence.” — “Les Misérables”

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In the Forum Bldg. at 4352 Sylvania Ave • Toledo, OH 43623 419-841-1292 • (800) 720-7005 | www.tdacademy.com |

#94-07-1402T

mexico

BRINGING THE FLAVORS OF

t o n o r th w e s t o h i o

experience the

Northwest Ohioans have always enjoyed the hot flavors of Mexico, and our warm hospitality.

Come to one of our restaurants and experience a delicious dining adventure tonight!

Loma-Linda’s

“BIEN VENIDOS AMIGOS”

Specializing in Mexican Food since 1955

419-865-5455

10400 Airport Hwy.(1.2 Mi. East of the Aiport) Lunch & Dinner, 11 a.m. to Midnight Closed Sundays & Holidays

BARRON’S CAFE

Everything Mexican From Tacos to Enchiladas to Delicious Burritos

419-825-3474

13625 Airport Hwy., Swanton (across from Valleywood Country Club) Mon. - Thurs. 11-11 p.m.

Fri. - Sat. 11-12 a.m.

Closed Sundays and Holidays

• 20TH ANNIVERSARY •

THE ORIGINAL MEXICAN RESTAURANTE & CANTINA IN TOLEDO

419-841-7523

7742 W. Bancroft (1 Mi. West of McCord) Mon. - Sat. from 11 a.m.

Closed Sundays & Holidays

ARTURO’S

FRITZ & ALFREDO’S Original Recipes from Both Mexico and Germany

419-729-9775

3025 N. Summit Street (near Point Place) Mon. - Thurs. 11-10 p.m.

Fri. - Sat. 11-11 p.m., Sun. 3-9 p.m.

Closed Holidays

Casual Dining • ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

Crystal Spirits CEO Jim Finke, Chairman Chris Finke and President Tom Rambasek.

PHOTO COURTESY CRYSTAL SPIRITS LLC

Ohio-made Buckeye Vodka expanding across the state

By Sarah Ottney TOLEDO FREE PRESS SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR sottney@toledofreepress.com

A new company operated by a family of fourth-generation Ohioans has been rapidly expanding the availability of its handcrafted vodka across the state, including in Northwest Ohio.

Buckeye Vodka, which launched in April, has been successful beyond its founders’ expectations, with more than 2,000 cases sold in its first six months, said Jim Finke, CEO of Daytonbased Crystal Spirits LLC. “We really hit the ground running and we’ve done something nobody thought we could do,” Finke said. “We didn’t hire a distributor to start with; we just kind of did it ourselves and everybody was telling us we were nuts, but we’ve had a great response. The market has really surprised us. We are more than double our projections. We didn’t think we’d be where we are today.”

Buckeye Vodka is now available at more than 260 locations, with plans to expand into about 80 more stores in the coming months, said Finke, a Dayton native who graduated from Bowling Green State University.

The brand is also available at hundreds of bars and restaurants across the state, including Bar 145, Black Pearl, Chud’s Grille, Dale’s Bar and Grill, The Distillery, Easy Street Café, El Camino Real, Ferdos Mediterranean Restaurant, Fricker’s (Bowling Green, Fremont, Maumee, Perrysburg), Georgio’s, Howard’s Club H, Inverness Club, Mancy’s Italian Grill, Matthew’s Creative Cuisine, Maumee Bay Brewing Co., Parkway Lounge, La Scola Italian Grill, South End Grille, Swig, Trotters Tavern, The Village Idiot, Wesley’s Bar & Grill and Zia’s.

Finke said the quality that most sets Buckeye Vodka apart from other vodkas is that it’s made with distilled water — thanks to his brother-inlaw Tom Rambasek, Crystal Spirits president and

owner/operator of The Crystal Water Company in Dayton.

“Since 80-proof vodka is 60 percent water, water is a key component of vodka,” Finke said.

“We use his distilled water in the vodka, which very few companies do. I don’t know anyone else who does that; it’s too expensive. But it makes for a very clean, pure product.”

Between Rambasek’s water company and Finke’s wholesale distribution business, The Finke Company, manufacturing vodka was a perfect fit for the family, Finke said.

Rambasek converted a company warehouse into a distillery, where the vodka — which is gluten-free and made with regionally grown corn — is filtered 10 times through a high-tech, state-of-the-art, custom-built 20-foot column still to eliminate impurities.

“The logo and the look of it and the fact that it’s made in Ohio gets people to pick it up and try it, but the proof is in the pudding and when they taste it, they go back after it,” Finke said.

Finke and Rambasek, along with Finke’s brother Chris and friend Marty Clarke, developed the Buckeye Vodka concept in 2009 after realizing the spirits market was growing despite the recession.

“Dayton’s a lot like Toledo. People there are friendly, they’re salt of the earth, a lot of bluecollar workers. Everybody’s business was suffering and whole area was just hurting,” Finke said. “We wanted to do something to keep money in Ohio, to keep it local. There’s no reason you can’t make a good vodka here in Ohio or the United States.”

The brothers had always thought about operating a family business and started looking for opportunities, Finke said.

They set out to create an ultra-premium, ultrasmooth vodka they could sell for less than $20 — a goal they accomplished. A 750-milliliter bottle of Buckeye Vodka retails for $19.15 with a 1.75-liter size slated to hit shelves Dec. 1, Finke said. O

“He who is escaping never coughs and never sneezes.â€? — “Les MisĂŠrablesâ€?

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / NOV. 9, 2011 n 25

Wednesday’s Auto

These Dealers Have What You’re Looking For!!

MANAGER’S END OF MODEL YEAR

“BLOW-OUT!�

SALE! 1011 S. Monroe St. (In Monroe, Mich.) 734-243-6900 2011 FORD FLEX SEL

2008 FORD TAURUS X LIMITED

2005 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS GS

2009 FORD FUSION SE

2007 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER

2005 DODGE DURANGO SLT

4x4 – LEATHER – PRICED FOR QUICK SALE! – STK# 119102A – WAS $12,995 ............. NOW $10,995*

$0'#,"*7 $-0" *',!-*,

MONROE STREET LOCATION

419-810-0615 FRANKLIN PARK USED

NO PROBLEM N EM

’08 FORD EDGE SEL LOADED .............$15,985 ’11 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS FULLY LOADED....$16,685 ’08 LINCOLN MKX LOADED, 98K HWY MILES..... $19,999 ’11 LINCOLN TOWN CAR LOADED.....$28,885

419-882-7171 FRANKLIN PARK USED

’06 CADILLAC CTS

$

14,988 Loaded, Low Miles

250 GAS CARD

$

WITH THE PURCHASE OF ANY PRE-OWNED VEHICLE!

’03 MONTANNA Great Condition .............................$4,988 ’02 BUICK LESABRE Well-Equipped, Low Miles ...... $7,488 ’03 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE SPYDER Convertible, Low Miles..... $8,988

’06 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER 4X4........................... $8,988 ’08 MERC. MILAN PREMIERE One Owner ........ $12,988 ’05 FORD 500 Leather, Loaded ...............................$6,988

STANFORD-ALLEN of Monroe

’05 FORD 500

10,998

$

Well-Equipped, 22K Miles

’09 PONTIAC VIBE Great MPG! ................................. $10,988 ’08 CHEVY IMPALA Well-Equipped ........................ $11,988 ’10 CHEVY COLBALT Auto, Air ............................... $12,988 ‘09 PONTIAC G6 Low Miles .................................. $12,988 ’08 CADILLAC CTS Loaded, Nav/AWD ................... $18,500 ’11 CHEVY MALIBU 5,600 Miles, Loaded ................ $19,988

15180 S. Dixie Hwy. Monroe, Mich. 48161

866-826-2281

Names you can trust. www.StanfordAllen.com

E. D

uba

125

Alb

ain

Rd.

r Rd

.

Laplaisance Rd.

CALL NOW!!

FALL CLEARANCE SALE!!

d.

’06 MAZDA MX5 59K, LOADED ............$13,245 ’07 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GT LOADED ......$13,885 BAD CREDIT, NO CREDIT

SAVE BIG!! DURING OURR

ll R

’03 CADILLAC DEVILLE 67K, LOADED ..... $10,985

SEE OR CALL

SaraLeesCars.com

FRIENDLY STAFF • HUGE INVENTORY • EXPANDED SERVICE • OPEN SATURDAYS

FFRANKLIN RANKLIN PARK PARK VALUE LEADERS! Ă˜ DOWN DELIVERS!

PROGRAM

Hu

MONROE STREET LOCATION

2003 FORD EXPEDITION EDDIE BAUER

Ă˜

w.

*Plus Tax, Title and License

CONVERTIBLE – LEATHER – NAV.............................................................................................55,000 MILES

S/CAB – 4x4 – MATCHING CAP – STK# 119032A – WAS $11,995..................................NOW $10,995*

Hy

Plus tax, title and license. Vehicle may not be represented exactly as pictured.

2006 CHRYSLER SEBRING LIMITED

2003 FORD Fďšş150 XLT

DOWN

ie

4x4 – V6 – LEATHER – ROOF – STK# P4760 – WAS $22,995..........................................NOW $19,995*

S/CAB – 4x4 – ONLY 50,000 MILES! – STK# P4805 – WAS $20,995 .............................. NOW $19,995*

4x4 – V6 – LEATHER – ROOF – SPORT PKG. - STK# P4823 – WAS $10,995.......................NOW $9,495*

d.

2008 FORD EXPLORER EDDIE BAUER

2006 FORD Fďšş150 XLT

2004 FORD EXPLORER XLT

hR

2dr – 5 spd – READY TO ROLL! – STK# 123130A – WAS $10,995.......................................NOW $9,995*

4x4 – V6 – SUN ROOF – STK# P4684A – WAS $14,995...................................................NOW $12,995*

4x4 – HEMI – LEATHER – ROOF – STK# 128227A – WAS $13,995 ................................ NOW $12,495*

Dix

2008 FORD FOCUS S

2006 FORD ESCAPE XLT

S.

FWD – SUNROOF – PRICED FOR QUICK SALE! – STK# P4727 – WAS $18.995 .............. NOW $16,995*

4x4 – V6 - LEATHER – ROOF – STK# 128104A – WAS $18,995.......................................NOW $16,995*

CAR LOANS

rap

2008 FORD ESCAPE XLT

LEATHER – LOTS OF ROOM! – STK# 118875B – WAS $9,995 ..............................................NOW $7,995*

leg

20,000 MILES! – CLEAN AS NEW! – STK# P4739 – WAS 17,995.....................................NOW $14,995*

FWD – LEATHER - 7 PASSENGERS – STK# 128218A – WAS $19,995..............................NOW $17,995*

CREDIT

S. Te

FWD – SYNC - LEATHER – VISTA ROOF – DEMO - STK# 118019 – WAS $30,995.......... NOW $27,995*

BAD

2.9% FINANCING AVAILABLE ON ALL CERTIFIED TOYOTAS! *

TOYOTA/SCION *Sale ends 11/30/11, 2.9% Financing up to 60 mos. With approved credit, On all certiďŹ ed pre-owned vehicles. See dealer for details. Offer excludes: Tax, Tag, Title and $250 Doc Fees. Manufactures Program subject to change without notice.

2002 FORD TAURUS SES Auto, Equipped, Silver ..........................Was $4,850 2001 MONTE CARLO LS Loaded, Silver .......................................Was $5,565 2002 HONDA CIVIC SI Well-Equipped, 5 Speed, Silver ..................Was $6,665 2004 CHRYSLER SEBRING LX Loaded, Silver.............................Was $7,350 1998 CHEVY C/K 1500 SILVERADO K Equipped, Maroon.............Was $8,550 2002 DODGE DURANGO SXT Loaded, Burgundy.........................Was $8,995 2004 CHRYSLER 300M Loaded, Merlot......................................Was $10,475 2010 TOYOTA YARIS Equipped, Gray ..........................................Was $16,978 2009 TOYOTA CAMRY LE Fully Loaded, Silver ...........................Was $17,400 2009 TOYOTA CAROLLA LE Loaded, “RED�...............................Was $17,600

Now $3,995 Now $4,995 Now $5,995 Now $6,995 Now $7,495 Now $7,995 Now $9,995 Now $14,960 Now $14,995 Now $16,920

6123 W. Central Ave. • 419-841-6681 •

MANAGER’S SPECIAL

2009 LEXUS ES 350 34K, Loaded Everything,

Smokey Granite Mica ..................Was $30,125 Now $26,995

www.jimwhitetoyota.com www.jimwhitescion.com

26 n NOV. 9, 2011 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

Catch “Jedi of Pop Culture” Jeff McGinnis Tuesday mornings on 92.5 KISS-FM.

Strange days in Gotham

I A publication of Toledo Free Press, LLC, Vol. 2, No. 45 Established 2010.

Thomas F. Pounds, President/Publisher tpounds@toledofreepress.com Michael S. Miller, Editor in Chief mmiller@toledofreepress.com EDITORIAL

Mary Ann Stearns, Design Editor mastearns@toledofreepress.com James A. Molnar, Lead Designer jmolnar@toledofreepress.com Brandi Barhite, Associate Editor bbarhite@toledofreepress.com Sarah Ottney, Special Sections Editor sottney@toledofreepress.com Jason Mack, Web Editor jmack@toledofreepress.com ADMINISTRATION

Pam Burson, Business Manager pburson@toledofreepress.com CONTRIBUTORS star@toledofreepress.com Jim Beard • Amy Campbell • Zach Davis John Dorsey • Matt Feher • Jerry Gray Dustin Hostetler • Stacy Jurich Vicki L. Kroll • lilD • Martini • Jason Mack Jeff McGinnis • Whitney Meschke Rachel Richardson Julie Webster • Don Zellers

Chris Kozak, Staff Writer Emeritus Lisa Renee Ward, Staff Writer Emeritus Darcy Irons, Brigitta Burks, Marisha Pietrowski Proofreaders ADVERTISING SALES

Renee Bergmooser, Sales Manager rbergmooser@toledofreepress.com Casey Fischer cfischer@toledofreepress.com Matt Mackowiak mmackowiak@toledofreepress.com Chick Reid creid@toledofreepress.com DISTRIBUTION

(419) 241-1700 news@toledofreepress.com

Toledo Free Press Star is published every Wednesday by Toledo Free Press, LLC, 605 Monroe St., Toledo, OH 43604 • (419) 241-1700 Fax: (419) 241-8828 www.toledofreepress.com. Subscription rate: $100 /year.

Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content in any manner without permission is strictly prohibited. Copyright 2011 with all rights reserved.

Publication of ads does not imply endorsement of goods or services.

t was a revelation when it was first released two years ago. “Batman: Arkham Asylum,” the best superhero game ever made at that point, told a tale of the Dark Knight as he attempted to quell a rebellion within the walls of Gotham’s infamous institution. Coupled with a great combat system, a slew of JEFF classic characters, secrets galore and genuinely gripping atmosphere, it was the Batman game people had waited years to play.

If there was one thing that could be held against “Asylum,” though, it would be that its setting was somewhat confined.

Enter the sequel, “Arkham City.” Now, a massive chunk of Gotham — turned into a city-sized prison where the inmates are allowed to run wild — is the setting, giving the player an incredible amount of freedom to roam and explore.

The feeling that you are stepping into the Caped Crusader’s shoes is more powerful than ever.

The plot sees Batman traversing the city in an effort to learn the truth behind the institution’s existence, and why a madman like the villain Hugo Strange has been put in charge of it.

There’s also an overriding sense of doom, aided by the returning Joker, who appears to be dying of a mysterious malady.

The original game’s excellent combat mechanics have been retained, as fights with a group of enemies flow with a grace of power and skill.

Also back are all the trademark Bat-gadgets seen the first time, plus oodles more — if anything, the game may be a bit too overpopulated with gadgetry, as it’s a lot to keep up with, but man does it feel cool.

Once the main campaign is finished, “Arkham City” still provides oodles more to do.

In addition to the original game’s Riddler challenges, greatly expanded in number, the game features a vast selection of side missions for a player to find.

These aren’t silly quests, either — these are full-fledged narratives featuring even more classic villains and tremendous set pieces.

Players even get the chance to play as the infamous Catwoman. (Note: Unlocking Catwoman requires a pass code provided with new copies of the game.)

All told, “Batman: Arkham City” does everything a sequel to a successful game should do — it takes what was accomplished, polishes and expands it, and uses it to tell a compelling story. Fans of “Asylum” shouldn’t hesitate to snap this one up — and neither should fans of great games everywhere.

For a second opinion, I invited Toledo Free Press Star video game reviewer Michael Siebenaler to share his review: “Batman: Arkham City,” the sequel to the 2009 video game “Batman: Arkham Asylum,” does not disappoint. It is an amazing oneplayer game experience with up to four profile saves. The Batman and Robin option cannot be too far away.

Great additional elements include add-on content, leader boards and 3-D capability, but the real experience comes from the initial setup, characters and varied gameplay.

Players get a peek of Catwoman early in the story and then can play this counterpart character (using the included code), who basically gets a guest role in this installment. The villain encounters add nice touches, like an optional attack on the Penguin after beating his thugs. This delightful option is subtle, as developers avoided any visual cues or icons, which matches the intuitive experience.

mCGINNIS

POP GOES THE

CULTURE

‘Batman: Arkham City’ does not disappoint.

Some boss characters go down a bit too easily, but the overall challenge level is high.

Grapple, sneak, jump, eavesdrop and fly around the environments as each scenario presents different challenges and thrills. Sometimes the Dark Knight can fall off ledges from player missteps (a common gameplay frustration), but not at highly vital moments, like from the top of a tall building.

The smooth enemy-to-enemy fighting lets players create smooth fisticuff sessions interrupted only when baddies get a lucky hit.

Batman gets a nice technology assist with the detective mode, which is available anytime but does not include the helpful navigation tools.

This game series has now produced one of the few adapted properties where the extra materials (see the included catalog) actually enhance the experience instead of making players cringe with awkward commercialism where game developers just want more money.

Developed by Rocksteady Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive, this game is available on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

The “Batman: Arkham City Collectors Edition” includes bonus game content, art book, music soundtrack, bonus movie, special figure and more.

The Nightwing Bundle Pack is available now while the Robin Bundle Pack releases Nov. 22, which is also the release date for the PC version. A Wii U version is also planned for 2012. O

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“No one ever keeps a secret so well as a child.” — “Les Misérables”

TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM / NOV. 9, 2011 n 27

28 n NOV. 9, 2011 / TOLEDOFREEPRESS.COM

”Happily, God knows where to find her soul.” — “Les Misérables”

Estate Jewelers Needs Your Gold For Its Manufacturing Needs

WE PAY FOR DIAMONDS BIG AND SMALL WANTED:

STERLING SILVER ALL TIME PERIODS, ALL KINDS, ALL TYPES

Costume Jewelry (cont): Sterling Items • Plastic Jewelry Crystal Items • Cufflinks Tortoiseshell Items Rosaries and Etc. Gold-Filled Items • Bracelets Glass Bead • Mash Purses Rhinestone Items • Figural Pins • Garnet Jewelry Watches • Gold Items Plastic Box Purses

STERLING SILVER

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“Estate Jewelers gave me $3200 for my jewelry, Other Buyers Offered only $600 Thank you Estate Jewelers!”

– Mrs. Robinson

• FREE ESTIMATES • FREE TESTING

WANTED: DIAMONDS Paying TOP Dollar for

1/4 to 10 Carats BUY • SELL • TRADE Gold, Silver, Platinum Diamond Jewelry In Any Form

Flatware and Holloware

GOLD & SILVER

(All Kinds And Time Periods) Silver Jewelry, Flatware Sets, Single Flatware Items Tea Sets, Antique Items (All Kinds)

COSTUME JEWELRY 1960 and Older (Buying Only Finer Quality Items)

Paying up to $300 for the following: Necklaces • Amber Items Sets Hat Pens • Compacts Mosaic Items • Cinnabar Items Jewelry Boxes From Jewelry Stores (pre-1940) Marcasite Items • Silver Boxes Bakelite Items • Earrings Glass Beaded Purses Purses (all kinds Pre–1950)

FINE JEWELRY

We are now buying selected pieces of fine jewelry for a future jewelry museum.

All time periods, all kinds, all types.

We are looking for the following: Silver Jewelry • Brooches Pendants • Necklaces Cocktail Rings Charm Bracelets • Earrings Bracelets • Cameos • Victorian Art Deco • Enameled Cufflinks • Pins Gold-Filled Jewelry (1920 & Older) Pearl Items Geometric Design • Ring Art Nouveau • Crossover Rings Lavaliers • Garnet Jewelry Bakelite Items Fillgree Rings • Floral Design.

ESTATE JEWELERS 6455 Monroe St., Sylvania

Between Harroun and Main St. Next to Marco’s Pizza.

(419) 885-9100 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10-6 • Sat. 10-3

WRIST AND POCKET WATCHES Wristwatches and Pocketwatches All Time Periods, All Kinds, All Types Rare Watches Worth A Fortune In Cash!

Looking For : Regular Watches • Dudley Chronograph Watches E. Howard & Co Repeating Watches • Elgin Musical Watches • Frodsham Chiming Watches • Gallet Moon Phase Watches • Gruen Stop Watches • Gubelin Unusual Function • Hamilton Unusual Dial • Illinois Unusual Shape • International World Time Watches Jules Jurgenson Jump Hour Watches LeCourltre • Doctor’s Watches Longine • Pocket Watches Movado • Ladies Watches Omega • A. Lange Patek Phillippe Audemars piquet • Rolex Ball Seth Thomas • Breiting Tiffany & Co • Cartier Ulysse Nardin • Columbus Vach eron & Constantin Corum • All Others • Ditishiem

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