current august 2015

August 2015 | FREE

Point of ViewTree Town’s TiniesT: The Annual Ann Arbor Bonsai society show P.32

Hometown HeroesLocal entrepreneurs andprofessionals get personal p.13

LocaL coLorCupcakes with a pinch of politicsp.33

Rising and shining in

Washtenaw County

Breakfast Odyssey

P.8

2 august 2015 / ecurrent.com

ecurrent.com / august 2015 3

8 Washtenaw County Breakfast Odyssey By Nick Roumel

13 Hometown HeroesArea professionals get personal

18 Restaurant ReviewricewoodBy Brandon Bye

21 MusicGhouls and BombshellsBy Jeff Milo

contents august 2015 vol. 25 / no.8

online exclusivesECURRENT.COM

On the road with Breathe Owl Breathe

By Rose CarverExclusive interview with the folk-centric threepiece Michigander band Breathe Owl Breathe, who plays The Ark on Friday, August 14.

26 Theater FeatureInto the Woods, a previewBy Sandor Slomovits

32 Point of ViewAnn Arbor Bonsai Society: Tree town’s miniature residentsBy Stephanie Carpenter

33 Local ColorHail to chef Sherlonya TurnerBy Sue Dise

Weekly What’s UpMusic writer Jeff Milo is on the scene, and his beat is correct. Tune in to ecurrent.com for Milo’s Weekly What’s Up column—a curation of concerts and music news in Washtenaw County.

Photo by John Hanson

2030 COMMERCE BLVDANN ARBOR, MI 48103

734.216.4006

LIVING THE LIGHT WITHIN™

For more information & registration visit www.A2yoga.net

COME ON IN,GET OUT OF THE SUN

& HAVE SOME YOGA FUN!

COME ON IN,GET OUT OF THE SUN

& HAVE SOME YOGA FUN!


Panchero’s in Pittsfield PlacePanchero’s Mexican Grill has recently opened in a new location at Pittsfield Place Shopping Plaza, with another Ann Arbor Panchero’s location at 1208 S. University Ave. The burritos, tacos, burrito bowls, quesadillas and salads will add some spicy flavor to the brand new shopping plaza. Expect more restaurant favorites coming soon to the location. 3155 Ann Arbor-Salne Rd. 734-332-4640. pancheros.com

Shop like it’s 1991 Friend’s Closet is the name of the store, cleverly named for when people ask where you got your Space Jam T-Shirt. A new colorful 90s clothing store in Ypsi. 36 N. Washington St. facebook.com/shopfriendscloset

New Women’s Clothing Maurice’s women’s clothing store opened its first Ann Arbor location last month. Taking up former old Old Navy space in Arborland, Maurices’s 6000 square foot space is located next to Five Below. 3600 Washtenaw Ave. maurices.com

Purse Junki is a new high-end fashion boutique in Ypsi. Quality dresses, jumpsuits, shorts, skirts, pants, bracelets, rings and necklaces (no shoes, though). 11 S. Washington St. 734-340-2418. pursejunkistores.com

Pizza Pie A new pizza joint has opened on Liberty—in the former Borders building. The best part of Pieology Pizzeria? Flat rate 11.5 inch pizzas, small pies for $7.95, no matter how many toppings you desire. 620 E. Liberty St. 734-222-0034. pieology.com

Mighty Good Coffee’s Triple Shot Just six months after opening a second Mighty Good Coffee location on South University, the cafe is opening its third in the shuttered Glassbox Coffee space in Arbor Hills shopping Center. 3010 Washtenaw Ave. 734-222-4514. mightygoodcoffee.com

Pop-up Restaurant At J Gardens The former Jerusalem Garden space has been taken over by a temporary restaurant, serving Thai street-food. Katoi in Exile is the name of the pop-up, which will be open through the summer. Thursday through Saturday.307 S. Fifth Ave. 313-600-9567. katoidetroit.com

Old Carolina Closes Cart Mark’s Carts has lost a tasty member. The owners of Old Carolina Barbecue have decided to close up the cart that held a spot at the popular food cart destination for the past year. Don’t fret, you can still get the same old BBQ goodness from the Cranbrook Shopping Center. 980 W. Eisenhower Pkwy. 734-389-7100. oldcarolina.com

Songbird Cafe’s New Nest The former Great Lake’s Chocolate & Coffee spot is now occupied by The Songbird Cafe’s second location. This “grab-n-go” location offers the same specialty coffee and breakfast sandwiches, along with a lunch menu and expanded baked goods menu, as the Northside Ann Arbor location. 2891 Jackson Ave. thesongbirdcafeannarbor.com

Ann Arbor Needs a Cheese Bar And it’s getting one this coming Fall. Spencer is a restaurant and cheese bar, born from a partnership of two former Zingerman’s employees, Steve Hall and Abby Olitzky. The restaurant will take pride in offering seasonal produce in the wintery off-season. Hall is an award winning cheesemonger, and will be the foodie behind the gourmet cheese bar. 113 E. Liberty St.

Adams Street Publishing Co.

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© 2015 by Adams Street Publishing Co., All rights reserved. 3003 Washtenaw Ave., Suite 3, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, Phone (734) 668-4044, Fax (734) 668-0555. First class subscriptions $30 a year. Distributed through-out Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and neighboring communities.

Publisher/Editor in ChiefCollette Jacobs ([email protected]) Precognition

Co-publisher/Chief Financial OfficerMark I. Jacobs ([email protected]) clairvoyance

EditorialAssignment Editor: Brandon Bye ([email protected]) dumb luck

Staff Writer: Rose Carver ([email protected]) enlightenment on demand

Calendar Editor:Marisa Rubin ([email protected])Flying

Digital Media Specialist:Saul Jacobs ([email protected])underwater breathing

Contributing Writers:Nick Roumel, Sandor Slomovits, Louis Meldman, Stephanie Carpenter, Sue Dise. Jeff Milo

Art/ProductionProduction Manager: Brittney Koehl ([email protected])clairvoyance

Senior Designer:Leah Foley ([email protected])mind reading

Graphic Design:Imani Latief ([email protected])SuPer intelligence

Contributing Designer: Stephanie AustinFinding thingS

AdvertisingSales Manager Zack Mintzias ([email protected])who’S to Say i don’t already have one?

Sales CoordinatorCassie Haddad ([email protected])to change PeoPle’S emotionS

Sales Executive:Carrie Cavanaugh ([email protected])wiSh granting

Victor Foshion ([email protected])ShaPeShiFting

Classifieds:Catherine Bohr ([email protected])telePortation

AdministrationAccounting: Robin Armstrong ([email protected])weather control

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Downtown hotel proposalChicago-based AJ Capital Partners, in coordination with Graduate Hotels, a high-end hotel chain focused on university-anchored markets, has proposed a 15-story, 179-room hotel with office, restaurant, and retail space. The behemoth would land in the center of Ann Arbor, on Fifth Avenue above the Library Lane underground parking garage. The central location of the proposed hotel and conference center, steps away from the U-M campus, would be close to the bus depot and downtown establishments. Existing downtown hotels include Bell Tower Hotel on Thayer Street and Dahlmann Campus Inn on Huron Street. AJ Capital Partners has offered the city $8.5 million for the property.

Bee CityYou’ve heard of Ann Arbor being called Tree City. Now it’s Ypsi’s turn to pick up a cute nickname: Bee City. Both an honor and a responsibility, Ypsilanti has joined the ranks of Asheville, North Carolina and Seattle, Washington, becoming a certified “Bee City.” The Bee City USA program endorses a set of standards, defined in a resolution, for creating sustainable pollinator habitats. Did you know one in every three bites of food we eat is courtesy of pollination? Ypsilanti Township has allotted $4,500 to install an apiary outside township hall with hives, a water source, sunflowers and native perennials. Plans include offering classes at the apiary and getting community members engaged in learning and caring for the hives, as well as offering educational activities for kids. More information at beecityusa.org.

green corner

fyi

feature


Current’s “Breakfast Odyssey” team also wanted to start the journey with an exciting breakfast. The question was, where to go? There are scads of places in Washtenaw County, but we had neither the time nor the wherewithal for more than a handful. We ruled out hotels and chains, places that did not focus on breakfast, or did not actually serve breakfast in the morning. There were still too many. We ultimately chose a sampling of traditional diners and more specialty restaurants, ultimately visiting Nick’s Original Pancake House, Beezy’s, Juicy Kitchen, Angelo’s, Northside Grill, the Broken Egg, Benny’s, Bomber Restaurant, and the Uptown Coney Island. Let our Odyssey begin.

feature

Breakfast Odyssey Cr

ew

Rising and shining in

Washtenaw County

On the cover Nick’s Pancakes

From left to right: Nick Roumel, Lisa Gottlieb, Cynthia Hodges, Heather Leavitt, Brad Wicklund, Ken “Sky” Walker

Breakfast Odyssey

by Nick Roumel

A. A. Milne once recounted this conversation:“When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,”

said Piglet at last, “What’s the first thing you say to yourself?”

“What’s for breakfast?” said Pooh.“What do you say, Piglet?”

“I say, I wonder what’s going to happen

exciting today?” said Piglet.Pooh nodded thoughtfully.

“It’s the same thing,” he said.”

Nick’s Original Pancake House

3030 Lohr Cir, Ann Arbor, MI 48108734-622-6425

nickshouseofpancakes.com

Best overall; best spinach/feta omelette; best hash browns; best eggs benedict; best carbo item -

pecan/banana pancakes.

Restaurateur Nick Panos has transformed a former Big Boy into a open, cheery space with wide, comfortable booths, seating for large parties, and hip touches like artist David Zinn’s rotating chalkboard drawings. And he’s unafraid to take on a huge menu, with twenty-eight types of pancakes, waffles and French toasts—not including seasonal specials. Nick’s also features omelettes, skillet breakfasts, and more traditional breakfast specialties.

Nick’s delivers. Portions are huge and beautiful, and we ate like starving castaways.

The spinach-feta omelette included fresh spinach, tomato, onion, and perhaps just a few too many Kalamata olives. The accompanying hash browns were a massive folded pillow of fluffy flavor and crispy crust.

The cooks take care to put a different spin on the corned beef hash, shredding the potatoes more finely with the corned beef. Heather called it “beautifully caramelized, not too salty; the fried egg was cooked perfectly.” (Frank’s is available to spike it up, along with Cholula and what I call “devil’s spittle,” a.k.a. Tabasco).

A hearty English muffin sat beneath a well-poached egg smothered with buttery Hollandaise. Bacon and sausage were high quality with good flavor, though the bacon was a tad burnt. The coffee was workaday diner fare, good and plentiful.

The star of the show, naturally, was the restaurant’s namesake, in a pecan banana variety, a pancake with the ingredients expertly mixed into a fluffy, tender cake served with maple syrup. Sky gave it “10” across the board.

Sky added, “Friendly staff, customers were loyal, knew people by name. Definitely worth coming back – quintessential diner – scary good!”

ecurrent.com / august 2015 9Continued on p.10

The Dishes

The Scoring

Our Seekers

1.Firstplace

Our Odyssey team consisted of all veterans: Nick Roumel, Ken “Sky” Walker, Cynthia Hodges, Heather Leavitt, Lisa Gottlieb, and Brad Wicklund. Patti Smith and Ken Anderson even managed a few visits on the eve of their wedding. We don’t let any restaurant know in advance that we are reviewing.

Team members scored each item on a ten-point scale (“10” reserved for food that you’d “shove your mama aside” to eat; “6” was average; and “1” for a substance “not fit for beast nor compost”). We gave scores for appearance, aroma, portion size, ingredients, and flavor, and encouraged frank comments across the board.

We chose representative dishes from basic to fancy and tried to order the same thing everywhere, substituting when necessary.

Spinach/feta cheese omelette. Feta’s briny sweetness really brightens up eggs. Some cooks blend the ingredients together; others take the extra step and fold them into the center. We were looking for fresh spinach and tender eggs that were not overcooked.

Hash browns. There is nothing more sublime than hand-shredded potatoes, crisp on the bottom and fluffy inside. They are much trickier than home fries, simply cubed potatoes browned in a pan.

Breakfast meats. Bacon strips and sausage links. Nothing complicated—we looked for good flavor and nothing burnt.

Corned beef hash. Make sure this diner mainstay is homemade and not canned Alpo. It’s not difficult to fry up corned beef, potatoes, and onions in butter. Served with two eggs “over easy,” rye toast and Frank’s hot sauce, it can be breakfast perfection. We found this the most inconsistent item in our Odyssey.

Eggs Benedict. The classic recipe of disputed origin consists of poached eggs over Canadian bacon on a buttered English muffin and topped with Hollandaise sauce. It has many variations. Many restaurants avoid serving this because making and (especially) maintaining a Hollandaise is tricky.

Bread and toast. Most restaurants offer the staples: white, wheat, rye, and English muffin. Those that take the time to make their bread in-house really impressed us.

“Carbo item.” This was our wild card. We ordered whatever pancake, waffle, or French toast that seemed to be a house specialty. Real maple syrup was a plus.

Coffee. While many places offered constant refills of ordinary restaurant brands, we were pleasantly surprised that more and more restaurants are pouring specialty and local roasts.


“JK” grew from owner Susan Todoroff’s catering operation and still offers a full catering menu and occasional pop-up dinners, along with

its homey café fare. Susan’s target audience is “health conscious foodies.” Her ingredients are fresh and seasonal, her dishes light and bright

with flavor. Heather said, “It feels like eating at a friend’s house. I like how balanced and thoughtful all the

dishes are.” Lisa coincidentally wrote, “Feels like eating an amazing breakfast at a friend’s house.”

Like Beezy’s, JK does not offer traditional diner fare. So we substituted a breakfast burrito and tempeh hash, as well as other dishes: the omelette was made with seasonal vegetables and white cheddar, and the “Benedict” was really a unique riff with corn cakes with a red pepper goat cheese sauce.

Most everything was delicious. Cynthia rhapsodized about small touches, like the fennel in the fluffy, tender omelette, the big burrito with “homemade salsa with a dash of Brinery hot sauce, served with a salad,” and the whole-grain, healthy and delicious bread from Crust bakery in Fenton. The latter was the basis for the French toast, stuffed with cream cheese, apples and raisins, topped with walnuts and maple syrup. Orange juice is fresh squeezed, and the chicken sausage was outstanding. Coffee is locally roasted at Mighty Good—one free refill.

It was a strain to find misses. The tempeh hash was good but uninspiring. The bacon was bland and slightly burnt. Cynthia theorized: “it might be some kind of natural uncured low salt bacon or something.” Yet on a separate visit, Patti and Ken found the bacon “perfectly cooked.”

Patti also appreciated that Susan recognized her and they had a warm conversation, but it was not as interesting as the conversation at the next table, covering standardized testing, “anti-vaxxers,” trips to Hawaii and Tanzania, mountain climbing, and gluten. This is Juicy Kitchen: quintessentially Ann Arbor, quirky, healthy and delicious.

Continued from p.9

Juicy Kitchen1506 N Maple Rd.

Ann Arbor, MI 48103(734) 585-5562

www.juicykitchen-a2.com

Heather Leavitt, Odyssey judge, thinks

you should try Juicy Kitchen too.

second place tie

second place tie

Best overall.

Angelo’s has been around nearly 60 years. Local music legend Dick Siegel even wrote a song about it: “We’ll go to Angelo’s cause the place really hops, We’ll go to Angelo’s where the service is tops, We’ll go to Angelo’s we’ll be licking our chops.” Weekend brunch lines are long, and with good reason: this is the granddaddy of them all, the standard by which all local diners are measured. If it weren’t for two categories that dragged it down, Angelo’s probably would have edged into a four-way tie for first place.

Angelo’s1100 Catherine St.Ann Arbor, MI 48104734-761-8996angelosa2.com

Best breakfast meats.

4.

2.


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Its diced, fried potatoes seemed to be an afterthought, and the Paramount institutional coffee blend, while fresh and generously poured, was nothing special. Everything else at Angelo’s was first rate.

Start with the homemade bread. Brad called it “the star of the show,” and Patti termed it “glorious.” The raisin bread is perhaps more famous, but it was the wheat bread that really impressed us—dense and chewy, still warm, with great flavor. Heather always “plans her meals around the bread” when she comes here for breakfast.

That homemade bread is the base for the Eggs Benedict, with a slice of Canadian bacon (or spinach/tomato), a silky Hollandaise, and brilliantly complemented by green pepper. The bread mostly does well as French toast, too, but on

Continued on p.12

second place tie

second place tie

Best bread & best coffee.

Best overall.

Hard to believe this super-hot breakfast (and lunch) spot is already seven years old. Dynamo owner Bee Roll has nurtured this sunny space into a hub for Ypsilanti’s movers and shakers, a quiet spot to get some work done, or anyone wanting fresh, made-from-scratch breakfasts, bread and baked goods, soups and sandwiches.

Because Beezy’s does not have a traditional breakfast menu, we had to substitute freely. The omelette became the scrambled egg plate, the Benedict was transformed into a breakfast burrito, and the corned beef hash was made with tempeh. Everything was very good to excellent. Lisa said “the eggs were perfectly cooked, soft and flavorful,” and the homemade bread was “buttery and comforting.” She rhapsodized over the burrito: “toothsome and flavorful, the chorizo rocks, homemade salsa!” We also

loved the cumin-flecked roasted potatoes, caramelized on the outside, fluffy and tender inside.

Beezy’s has a delicious, proprietary blend of Intelligentsia coffee, but be warned: no free refills. Still, Beezy’s value is excellent, with prices significantly lower than Ann Arbor counterparts. And they offer a variety of hot sauce.

But it’s not just the food; Beezy’s has personality, a je ne sais quoi that makes even waiting in line a fun experience: “People ARE well treated, ARE well fed and ARE very happy. It’s a lovely thing to behold.”

Patti concludes, “I guess my only complaint is that it isn’t closer to my house ... but then I would eat there for every meal and my ass would expand all the way to Ypsi.”

Beezy’s Café20 N Washington St.Ypsilanti, MI 48197734-485-9625beezyscafe.com

two visits the raisin toast was too heavy and dry. Opt for the homemade wheat instead.

Eggs are another specialty of the house. The fresh, runny eggs helped the corned beef hash, and were cooked perfectly in the omelette, with plenty of feta, and fresh spinach. Patti surmised that “a happy chicken shat them from her organic, free-range ass.” The sausage was outstanding, fat, spicy and juicy, and Cynthia found the bacon “cooked perfectly, not too fatty.”

Angelo’s suffers from limited parking, and crowded weekends can be a bit hectic. For the true experience, go on a weekday when it opens at 6am (one of only two diners to open this early), soak up the history, and eat enough to keep you fat and happy through the whole workday.

Best breakfast meats.

3.


The Northside Grill1015 Broadway St, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

734-995-0965northsidegrill.com

Anyplace that is raved about by “Roadfood” writers Jane and Michael Stern—and yet doesn’t win our Odyssey—speaks to the exceptional quality of local restaurants. We agree with what Stern called an “elevated consciousness at work in the kitchen.” Northside is a perennial winner in Current’s “Reader’s Choice” awards, and with good reason, as everything is done with just the right touch. They serve cage-free eggs, Roos Roast coffee, home baked goodies, free coffee for those waiting outside on weekends, and warm, personal service from staffers who have become like family.

Northside straddles the divide between a traditional diner and a specialty restaurant. You can get your eggs ‘n’ sides, but there are skillet breakfasts and breakfast sandwiches (like the “Morning Eggdition,” a portion of the sales of which support WEMU). Its menu featured almost all the dishes on our scoresheet, except for Eggs Benedict (we subbed biscuits and gravy). We also skipped the non-homemade corned beef hash, opting instead for the “Big Easy,” an outstanding skillet breakfast with hash browns, vegetables, cheese, andouille sausage and Cajun spice, along with two eggs any way. Cynthia gave it a rare “10.”

Its best known item, the blueberry-oat bran pancakes, is what caused Stern to put this place on the map, and along with the Big Easy, it was our favorite. Sky called the pancakes “the dish to have.”

The dark roast coffee is from Roos Roast, and was the best on our Odyssey, but make sure you ask for it specifically. (“Coffee, please” will get you a fair light blend.) Don’t forget to stop by the counter for a homemade bakery goody for later, like the dense and chewy chocolate-walnut brownies. You’ll see why Current’s readers and Michael Stern rhapsodized, especially if you have the house specialties.

feature

Best of the RestBomber Restaurant in Ypsilanti is a rich repository of

World War II history, honoring the men who served our country overseas, and the women who kept our factories humming. Their collection of model war planes and memorabilia is as astounding as the size of the portions they serve for breakfast. The Food Network once featured their “Bomber Breakfast” on their “Top Five Overindulgences” segment. Their corned beef hash is excellent, and was the best in our Odyssey.

Benny’s in Ann Arbor is the famous locale of swimmer Michael Phelp’s post-workout “Hungry Man” breakfasts, helping him to become the most decorated Olympian of all time (22 medals). Always reliable diner food, we especially recommend the pancakes.

The Broken Egg is the place to see and be seen in downtown Ann Arbor. Owner Gina Pantely once politely declined the advance invitation to host President Obama and his

entourage, because she didn’t want to deal with the security, and business was good enough

that the publicity was unnecessary.

Uptown Coney Island (Ann Arbor and Chelsea) is more renowned for its Coneys than breakfast, once winning a local paper’s contest for its savory dogs. The restaurant prides itself on its loyalty not only to customers, but to its staff. Breakfasts are filling and satisfying; we especially liked the cinnamon raisin French toast.

ConclusionsWhat makes a great breakfast experience? Fresh eggs

and vegetables, real butter, high quality meats, homemade bread or at least good local bread. Basic touches are critical too, like keeping a clean grill, not letting items burn, and serving them piping hot. Cooks missing steps were a no-no: not draining the spinach for the omelette, failing to properly season items like potatoes, or even not having certain items ready when the restaurant opened. And having plenty of Frank’s hot sauce on hand, of course!

Ambience and service also made a big difference. Was the diner cluttered, or did it offer comfortable seating and accommodate more than a four-top? Was it clean and sunny inside? Did the staff treat you like family, remember who ordered what, keep your coffee filled, and call you “hon?”

Until the next Odyssey, your intrepid seekers leave you with this thought from comedian Steven Wright: “I went to a restaurant that serves “breakfast at any time” so I ordered French toast during the Renaissance.” Maybe, just maybe, you can find an experience like that in one of Washtenaw County’s fantastic diners.

5.

Continued from p.11


feature

We are here to celebrate local heroes of a more ordinary variety—the innovative entrepreneurs, great

managers, and caring professionals who live and work in Washtenaw County.

Check out their stories and see what they have to offer you.

What I do: From prepping our famous pies and catering items to taking orders and cleaning bathrooms, along with gardening our 150+plants, herbs, and flowers.

How I started: We moved to A2 after Eastern Michigan University in 1996. Signed a purchase agreement for current location. We had aSoft open of Holiday’s in late February of 1997, with our official opening on St. Patrick’s Day 1997.

Hardest lesson learned: Never start a business with insufficient capital.

I couldn’t be successful without: Wonderful, hard working and caring staff.

Best part of my job: Interacting with the best customers in the world.

Favorite local establishment: Besides Holiday’s, Stadium Hardware.

Holiday’s Restaurant2080 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor

(734) 668-1292holidaysrestaurant.com

Rob TurushOwner, GM

Hometownheroes

washtenaw cty

Tortilla Factory727 W Ellsworth Rd, Ann Arbor

(734) 973-9824annarbortortilla.com

What I do: I make tortillas from scratch and corn chips using Non-GMO ingredients.

How I started: We had the desire to make fresh, healthy tortillas and went to Mexico to learn how to make them.

Hardest lesson learned: Business is a different world from that of a stay-at home mom!

I couldn’t be successful without: The encouragement of my family, friends and customers.

Best part about my job: Dealing with all kinds of people, most of them really wonderful.

My favorite local establishment: Too many to pick one :)

Lupe quetglasOwner

continued on p. 14

203 E Washington St, Ann Arbor(734) 222-9999

thearenaa2.com


What I do: Jewelry sales and design for almost 20 years.

How I started: I was 19 and switched from selling shoes to jewelry at Briarwood Mall.

Hardest lesson learned: How to keep employees motivated.

I couldn’t be successful without: 1) A great owner who believes in their people and let’s them do their job. 2) A great team environment, non-

commissioned so everyone has the client’s best interest at heart.

Best part of my job: For me, jewelry is a way of keeping memories alive. I am entrusted with items from our customer’s past, which is an honor to be a

part of.

My favorite local establishment: Knights, both old location and new location.

Keith LarginAsst. Manager, Custom Jewelry

Specialist

What I do: Name it. Everything from dishes to ordering to cooking to maintenance. And wine tasting,

of course.

How I started: We began as an underground supper club in 2009 and found our space here in Ypsi while

searching for a venue for an underground dinner party.

Hardest lesson learned: That you can’t do it all. You need great support from the people around you.

I couldn’t be successful without: My staff and customers and gracious help of other small business

owners in my area.

Best part about my job: Providing employment is hugely satisfying. And creating specials keep us in touch

with the wild side of food!

My favorite local establishment: Sidetracks, Wolverine, Tap Room, Mix, and many more.

Bona Sera200 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti

(734) 340-6335, eatypsi.com

Annette WeathersOwner

What I do: I run the best sports bar/restaurant in Ann Arbor. I cook, I bus tables, I bartend, I mop floors, I wait

tables, I do everything when it is needed and nothing when I’m not needed.

Hardest lesson learned: Everything is my fault, whether I did it or not.

I couldn’t be successful without: My understanding wife and my great employees.

Best part of the job: The people I meet. Over the years a lot of them have become like family.

My favorite local establishment: Mine, I think I would be crazy to not say that, right?

Lewis Jewelers2000 W Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor(734) 994-5111, lewisjewlers.com

Mike FloreOwner

The Arena Sports Bar

continued from p. 13


What I do: I am an Associate Veterinarian at Ann Arbor Animal Hospital. I manage health issues for dogs and cats, seeing both sick animals, and overseeing long term problems and routine care for dogs and cats in the Ann Arbor area.

How I started: I have been a small animal veterinarian at Ann Arbor Animal Hospital since 1986. I spent my first year after graduating from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in a Food Animal Internship at Michigan State University. My first private practice experience, starting in 1979, was a mixed practice in Monroe County, seeing dairy cows, horses, llamas, as well as dogs and cats. I continued a part time farm animal practice of horses and llamas until 2 years ago.

Hardest lesson learned: The hardest part of working is not working. This spring I took 2 weeks vacation to be with my oldest daughter during the birth of twins. That was the first two weeks off I have taken in many years.

I couldn’t be successful without: Our Animal Hospital is a 24 hour facility with terrific diagnostic facilities. This means I can take a sick animal in for treatment, or planned surgery at any time of day. Lab work can be done in house, for immediate answers or sent out to a great national laboratory for overnight results.

Best part of my job: I get to play detective, finding out what’s wrong and fixing it. The tools of physical exam, x-ray, ultrasound, and blood and urine tests can often change a sick cat losing weight into a pet with a treatable medical condition.

My favorite local establishment: Dunning Toyota, A2 Yoga, and Zahn’s Autobody.

Jess FranklinD.V.M.

What we do: Over twenty teachers and staff share their passion for yoga and Nia teaching over thirty five weekly classes, including three free community donation based classes that support local non-profits.

How we started: I was discovered as a yoga model for a local business, YogaPro when I was 17. However, I decided at the time to pursue my college degree, I encouraged my sister to start her practice. She blossomed as a yogini and business entrepreneur, starting A2 Yoga over 15 years ago. When I finished my Masters at Eastern, I took over the helm. As a sister duo, we make a great team.

Hardest lesson learned: Balancing a business and breast cancer diagnosis. Life got "real" fast and it's awesome to work at the best place to heal.

Advice for local business owners: Remember to love and support our local community.

We couldn't be successful without: The phenomenal teachers and dedicated staff encouraging students both on and off the mat.

Best part about owning your own business: The relationships. It's humbling when the people you support by being in business rally around you when you need it most. With sincerity, thank you for all the wonderful energy.

A2 Yoga2030 Commerce Blvd, Ann Arbor

(734) 216-4006a2yoga.net

Diana “Dina” SheldonOwner

Ann Arbor Animal Hospital

2150 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor(734) 662-4474, annarboranimalhospital.com

continued on p. 16


What I do: I manage two dealerships—184 staff and 17 managers. We are in the people business! How I started: I was a manager for Art Van and one of my sales people was a little older than I was and had been a manager in a car dealership and told me I needed to get in the car business. After a few years of hearing that, I took a run at it and the rest is history. Hardest lesson learned: I was 19 and left my family to go into the Army. I couldn’t be successful without: My wife. She has a background in executive training and development, and through the years I have used her knowledge in my career. Best part about my job: I get to take care of people. I also get to be a part of a great community and have the opportunity to give back to the community we live and work in.

Mike MosserGeneral Manager, Executive Manager

Chevrolet Cadillac3515 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor(734) 663-3321

What I do: I book the artists for The Ark and the Ann Arbor Folk Festival.

How I started: I grew up (literally!) at the first Ark on Hill Street. After working other jobs I came back home to The Ark. 21 years ago and worked in various roles before becoming Program Director in 2007.

Hardest lesson learned: Every venue’s audience is different. A fabulous artist selling well in one placedoesn’t guarantee the same sales in your venue.

I couldn’t be successful without: My colleagues at The Ark and the booking agents and managers I work with.

Best part about my job: Meeting wonderful artists, getting to hear the music and sharing it with the community as a nonprofit organization.

My favorite local establishment: The Ark, of course, and I love so many of our neighbors in the Main Street area.

The Ark316 S Main St, Ann Arbor(734) 761-1451, theark.org

Anya SiglinProgram Director at The Ark

What I do: I try to learn how to love better. I share the world of music. But anyone can do that.

How I got started: Mom sang to us. My folks had a small LP library—Dylan, Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Nat King Cole, Toscanini Beethoven

Symphony cycle.

Hardest lesson learned: I don’t know. Love and mercy. Faith. It’s not about me. Everybody hurts and gets the blues.

You don’t miss your water until your well runs dry.

I couldn’t be successful without: Support from On High. The love and patience and kind help of brother Jeff, Big Steve, and the good-folk

customers who love, support and tolerate me.

Best part of my job: Oh, man! The music! What could be better, right? How about this? When the customers are excited and moved by the music.

Oh yeah!

My favorite local establishment: Nick’s Pancake House. Wonderful people, great food, large portions, terrific coffee. Did I say beautiful people?

Yeah? Good.

Marc Taras(With Jeff Taras, right, Co-Owners)

PJ’s Records and Used CDs617 Packard St # B, Ann Arbor, (734) 663-3441

Suburbancontinued from p. 15


What we do: Provide fresh products and great service to the Dexter community. We not only want to exceed expectations of quality, service, and atmosphere, we also take pride in supporting local schools and charities.

How we started: This is the first franchise of an amazing family owned business. Our goal from the start was to provide top-quality meals at a reasonable price in a casual environment. Our menu began with gourmet pizza, fresh baked breads, salads, pub sandwiches, and burgers. We always take pride in serving our guests like they are family.

Advice for local business: Get involved with your community and help give back to the local schools.

Best part about owning your own business: I love that everyday is filled with new challenges and new opportunities to make my business better. I’m able to provide local jobs in a positive and fun atmosphere.

We couldn’t be successful without: Loyal customers and my wonderful staff.

Favorite local Business: Dexter Bakery.

Aubree’s 8031 Main St #101, Dexter, MI

(734) 424-1400aubrees.com

visit annarbortortilla.com to see where you can find our products

GLUTEN FREE • NON-GMO • NO PRESERVATIVES • CREATED LOCALLY

Thank you to all of our loyal customers!

What I do: Find ways to spread our message of happiness, health, and confidence in our community

How I started: I started as a 16 year old at this school, and bought it from my teacher when I was 22.

Hardest lesson learned: Going back to the early 1970's, we were a hard core fighting school. It took a long time to move away from that and to develop a friendship based approach.

I couldn’t be successful without: My family and my team! My wife Renee, my sons, Jason & Ian, our teaching staff, including Terry Brennan and Joel Dornbush.

Best part about my job: Seeing the joy in the faces of parents as they see their children, as a result of our lessons, grow in self-confidence, focus, and respect.

My favorite local establishment: Downtown itself. I've worked my entire life right here on this block!

Hafner Karate214 S Main St, Ann Arbor

(734) 994-0333karateisgoodforyou.com

Keith Hafner, Owner

Lisa Morden, Rob and Amy Bulszewicz


At 11:45 am, one month after ricewood’s opening day, a line of people, fifteen deep, queued up for an American experience: cuts of meat smoked with wood, combined into a moist, rich meal. BBQ. The red and white gingham basket liner, the smokiness, the black crust, the translucent fat—what Chef Frank Fejeran, formerly of The Ravens Club, Tribute, and Alinea, is creating makes waiting in that line worth your time.

Fejeran keeps it simple. At his food truck, which sits behind Morgan and York with a flat tire and a jack poised under the chassis (perhaps mobility depends on the success of this stationary operation), he and his brother Gabe Golub heap Texas-style ribs, pork shoulder, and brisket over mounds of sticky, perfectly cooked chamorro-style rice—a Pacific island tradition. A bowl costs $12, and the portion is Texas-sized. Servings are available with spicy or “gringo” sauce and come with a small side of crisp and cool cucumber salad. Without all the mac and cheese and collards and cornbread and coleslaw and baked beans, Fejeran leaves room for the main event: the meat.

Tar black and juicy, Fejeran’s brisket, one of the more difficult cuts for BBQ pros to master, hits that magical sweet spot between chewy and tender. Pork shoulder and fall-apart ribs with mouthwatering seasoning round out the protein portion of the menu. Faygo Rock ‘n Rye, Kool-Aid, Diet Coke, and mandarin Jarritos are available to wash it all down.

Under a pop-up canopy, a few picnic tables host the hungry crowd, creating a communal atmosphere for friendly conversation, mostly about how good the food is.

Restaurant Review: ricewoodBBQ for brunchBy Brandon Bye

food

At 12:35, when the pork shoulder ran out, there was still a line at the ordering window. The ribs were 86’ed ten minutes prior. And it wasn’t long before the brisket was gone. Pro-tip: to ensure a plate at ricewood, consider skipping breakfast.

ricewood, (behind Morgan and York)1928 Packard Rd.Monday-Friday, 11am-3pm. (or sold out)

BBQ Brisqet ricebowl with pickled cucumber salad.

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cont. on pg. 20

foodOngOingTuesday through FridayDrink Specials at The Bar4pm-2am. The Bar, 327 Braun Ct. 734-585-5440. brauncourt.com Tues. $2 off All 2oz whiskey pours, Weds. $7 old fash-ioneds, Thurs. $5 punch (til it’s gone), Fri. $5 punch (til it’s gone).

1 saturdayYpsi-Arbor WeekArbor Brewing Company Brewpub, 720 Norris St. 734-213-1393. arborbrewing.com FreeArbor Brewing Company celebrates the beers brewed in Ypsi-Arbor, all week long, with deals and festivities.

2 sundayTour: Zingerman’s Creamery2-3pm. $10. Zingerman’s Creamery, 3723 Plaza Dr. 734-929-0050. zingermanscreamery.comThe cheese masters will lead a tour of the facility and show how the signature Zingerman’s cheese and gelato are made.

4th Annual Backyard BBQ Benefit: Purple Rose Theatre3:30pm. $75. Cornman Farms, 8540 Island Lake Rd. 734-433-7782. purplerosetheatre.orgA benefit for the Purple Rose Theater includes a BBQ party, auctions, music and more.

4 tuesdayRaw Foods Series with Ellen Livingston7-8:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore, 114 N. Main St. 734-212-0012. peoplesfood.coop FreeLearn about how raw foods can change your life, brought to you by Ann Arbor’s People’s Food Co-op. Registration is required.

Hoptown imperial Brown iPA6-7pm. Arbor Brewing Company Brewpub, 720 Norris St. 734-213-1393. arborbrewing.com FreeCome taste the first batch of this full-flavored medium-full Brown IPA weighing in at 7.3% with an enticing citrusy hop

Farm-To-Table Dinner with Chef Jeffery Sartor White Lotus Farms invites locally renowned and innovative chefs to use on-premise ingredients for their farm-to-table dinner series. When farmstead cheeses, breads, and produce travel only a few feet from the creamery, bakery, and soil to the dinner table, the term farm-to-table takes on a truer meaning. Chef Jeffery Sartor, formerly of the now-shuttered Vellum, comes to White Lotus to prepare a multi-course meal for local foodies to enjoy in a beautiful setting. 4-7pm, Sunday, August 16, $100, White Lotus Farms, 7217 W. Liberty Rd. whitelotusfarms.com.

aroma and a full hop flavor, and malty goodness.

7 fridayFirst Friday Shabbat6:30-9pm. $10. Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr. 734-975-9872. jewishculturalsociety.org All invited for dinner, preceded by a brief Shabbat observance with songs, candle lighting, wine and challah, and discus-sion on a theme.

Tea-Time With a Twist6-8pm. $30. Zingerman’s Creamery, 3723 Plaza Dr. 734-929-0050. zingermanscreamery.comPair teas with a slice of cheese, which may seem strange, as most associate wine with cheese pairings. But, much like wine, certain teas are the perfect accompa-niment to cheese.

10 mondayCocktail Class: Brunch Drinks7:30-9pm. $45. The Last Word, 301 W. Huron St. tammystastings.com From classics like Mimosas and Bloody Marys to modern creations with eccentric ingre-dients, this class will explore those drinks best drunk with friends in the middle of a lazy weekend day.

13 thursdayMicro Madness7-9pm. $25/in advance, $30/at the door. Arbor Brewing Company Brewpub, 114 E. Washington St. 734-213-1393. arborbrewing.com A chance to sample and learn about a wide variety of beers from microbreweries around the country. Also, a drawing for beer-related prizes. The price of admission includes unlimited beer sampling and a German appetizer buffet.

15 saturday11th Annual Piazza Zingermanza11am-3pm. Zingerman’s Deli, 422 Detroit St. 734-663-3400. zingermans-deli.com FreeThe annual August tradition of transforming the Deli’s Patio

into an Italian Street Food Fest, with good music, food, and demos.

Appreciating Wine With Trader Joe’s Wine Experts2-3:30pm. AADL: Malletts Creek Branch: Program Room, 3090 E. Eisenhower Pkwy. 734-327-4555. aadl.org FreeJoin wine experts from Trader Joe’s as they share their knowledge and tips to help participants build an under-standing of the many varieties of wine. The event includes a sample of finger foods that are great for pairing.

18 tuesdaySummer Harvest Dinner7-9pm. $70. Zingerman’s Roadhouse, 2501 Jackson Ave. Zingerman’s Roadhouse invites to you to the first Cornman Farms dinner of the season, with a buffet loaded with sum-mer favorites. 734-663-3663. zingermansroadhouse.com

19 wednesdayCocktail Class: Farm-to-glass7-9:30pm. $65. Cornman Farms, 8540 Island Lake Rd. 734-663-3663. cornmanfarms.com This cocktail class will highlight the fresh taste of summer on the farm, taking advantage of the delicious abundance of freshly-harvested produce grown just across the field. We will use heirloom tomatoes, freshly-plucked herbs, and other farm offerings in three special craft cocktails, all while enjoying fresh-from-the-farm fare prepared by Cornman Farm’s talented culinary team.

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cont. from pg. 19food20 thursday

Let’s Can Tomatoes6:30-8pm. Chelsea District Library - Mckune Room, 221 S. Main St. 734-475-8732. chelsea.lib.mi.us FreeRobin Hills Farm (Chelsea) education outreach director Emily Springfield introduces the basics of canning toma-toes, including canning safety, equipment, and techniques for water-bath canning.

22 saturdayWine 1017pm. $25. St. Julian Winery, 700 Freedom Ct., Dundee Michigan. 734-529-3700. stjulian.comLearn about wine extensively with tastings and classes, led by experts.

29 saturdayGerman Park Picnic4-11pm. $5. German Park, 5549 Pontiac Trail. 734-769-0048.Old-fashioned German dinner serves a la carte with wine, beer, pop, water, coffee and music by Enzian aus Detroit.

German Picnic Auf wiedersehen, German picnic. The third and final installment of the German Park Recreational Club’s annual lederhosen-heavy party promises buckets of German beer, landjäger, fresh pretzels, bratwurst, knackwurst, spatzen, and strudels. Traditional German music fills the air at this mini Bavaria. Admission gate is open from 4-9 pm; park closes at 11pm. August 29. 5549 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, 734-769-0048. germanpark.org.

South Lyon 248.437.8000

Dexter734.424.1400

aubrees.comIT’S YOUR PLACE!

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3030 Lohr Circle, Ann Arbor

734-622-6425

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ISSUE DATE: OCTOBER 1RESERVE YOUR SPACE BY SEPTEMBER 15

Diningguide

BLUEBOOKBLUEBOOK

An in-the-know guide for

incoming and returning students about all the best Ann Arbor has to offer, from food

to entertainment.

ISSUE DATE: SEPTEMBER 1RESERVE YOUR SPACE BY AUGUST 15


When throwback-pop specialists Blaire Alise & The Bombshells and their fellow Detroiters the spectacular spasmodic garage rattlers the Pretty Ghouls decided to throw a party in Ann Arbor for their respective new al-bums, they knew they had to invite a pair of distinct and dynamic groups to elevate the evening. We were excited to see they chose the cool horrorshow-pop trio Prude Boys and Ann Arbor’s own blues-wrung psyche-rock outfit Buf-falo Coven Party to complete the lineup at the Blind Pig on August 15. We checked in with all four bands to discuss their latest works and the importance of bridging the mu-sic scenes of Ann Arbor and Detroit.Current: What’s new? What are you working on? How are things coming along?

Blaire Alise (of The Bombshells): Another Day is a new four song 45”, and I just signed a deal with a music publisher in Nashville called Carlin, who represents catalogs of James Brown, AC/DC, and my favorite singer, Little Willie John! I’m honored to be part of such an im-pressive catalog. I’m going to be recording new songs for them very soon.

Matthew Snyder (of Buffalo Coven Party): Well, Jeff, this year has seen a lot of changes, Aurora Adams left our band to have a baby. And guitarists Jad Dino Raad left the band to move to Ferndale for work. But we are soldiering ahead, currently with a new vocalist, Ariana Hedrick, and just keeping the music to a three piece (with Dan Gosnell). We’re working on new tunes that go back to the BCP roots, having departed our bluesy-psych style for more of a garage-y surf-y psych feel. We plan to have new songs ready by the end of the month but, we are musi-cians…so, we’ll see how those best laid plans work out.Ghouls…Blaire…tell us about your new stuff.

Mz. Mockery (Pretty Ghouls): To me, this 45 repre-sents our growth. These songs time-stamp our progress as a band. I never really came into this expecting anything beyond loud crazy fun and I guess it’s still loud crazy fun, but we keep growing.

Li’l Queenie (Ghouls): “Outlaw Blues” (a Bob Dylan cover) is my favorite. It’s one of the first we practiced, with just TJ and I and the mic hanging from the ceiling because we had no stands yet. Our version is insanity. I love it.

Blaire Alise: I recorded with Jim Diamond at good ol’ Ghetto Recorders, which is great because we're always on the same wave length and can communicate through telepathy. This time, I played all of the instruments except for drums (the Bombshells were busy that day). The songs definitely have a different vibe than my first album. As I've been writing more and more, I've been coming into my own as a songwriter and I feel like I'm getting in touch with my own sound.Prude Boys, you’ve been releasing special cassettes as a series. Tell us about that and the experience of finding inventive new ways to release music.

Quennton Thornbury: I mean, really, these days, the prospect of being a big name seems out of reach and, also, undesirable, ya know? And lots of bands get that these days, so it’s less D.I.Y. and more D.I.T(ogether). The cas-settes were just the cheapest way we could put out music, physically, and you just really have to have stuff out there. It's funny how small of a scene independent music is be-cause we all have to support each other. We’re definitely looking at working with a local label to put out the tracks we recorded recently. We just finished four songs with our friend and musical engineer Ben Collins.This show really bridges the scenes together, talk about how that adds to the celebration.

Dan Gosnell (BCP): We played our first show with Prude Boys, actually, and I feel like they just keep getting better and better. Pretty Ghouls really leave it all on the stage. Blaire Alise is just so solid. This is going to be killer.

Blaire Alise: Ann Arbor and Detroit can almost feel like two different states sometimes. We wanted to make sure everyone, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Hamtramck, were included in all the record release fun! On the surface, we (Pretty Ghouls / Bombshells) seem like such different bands, too. But we come from the same source of inspira-tions, we just do different things with it. It oddly works!

Dual Release Show for The Pretty Ghouls and Blaire Alise & The Bombshells9:30pm on Saturday, August 15 at The Blind Pig. Ft. Buffalo Coven Party and The Prude

Boys. $7 ($10/under 21) Visit blindpigmusic.com/calendar

music

Ghouls & Bombshells Dual Release PartyBy Jeff Milo

Lounging around with Pretty Ghouls

Blaire Alise and the Bombshells


music

Lyle Lovett and His Large BandAugust 4 / Michigan TheaterThis Texan tall-drink-of-water brings a special brand of cowboy charm back to the Michigan Theater stage, with a combination of bluegrass and big-band western swing. Lovett’s Grammy winning collection of music has been revered for decades by listeners all over the world. Lucky for us, he enjoys playing Ann Arbor. 7:30pm. $29.50-$49.50. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

Milan Bluegrass FestivalAugust 6-8 / KC CampgroundThe 18th annual Milan Bluegrass Festival presents three days of foot-stompin’ and tear-jerkin’ melodies from the genre’s big and small names. Hosted by Mark Gaynier, the headliner list includes The Spinney Broth-ers on Thursday, Dailey & Vincent on Friday, and Rhonda Vincent and the Rage on Saturday. Other performers include Mountain Faith, Flatt Lonesome, Sugar Creek Bluegrass, Volume Five, and many more. $35/day pass, $65/two-day pass, $85/three-day pass at the gate. 14048 Sherman Rd., Milan. 734-439-1076. kccampgroundmilan.com

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music1 saturday

Snow Tha Product9pm. $14. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. 734-996-8555. blindpigmusic.com22-year old Claudia A. Feliciano could be put up against any female MC in the game, and we’re confident she’d give anyone of them a run for their money. or take their money. She’s a versatile, bilingual lyricist who fluently chops you up in English or Spanish, so take your pick.

Judy Insley8:30-10:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Book-store & Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net FreeThe music of acoustic folk singer-songwriter Judy Insley is both insightful and poetic. Her comfortable, instinctive vocals and skillful guitar and mandolin playing provide a strong founda-tion for heartfelt lyrics and flowing melodies.

Steve Nardella9pm. $5. Holiday Inn Ann Arbor, 3600 Plymouth Rd. 734-769-9800. hiannarbor.com Part of the Local Blues, Local Brews line-up.

2 sundayErik Asgiersson & mPauline Martin4pm. $5/student, $15/general admission, $20-$30/assigned rows. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. 4th Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytowncon-certhouse.com Cello Sonatas by Debussy & Shostakovich with award win-ning cello and piano players.

4 tuesdayThe Free Life and The Tripels9:30pm-Midnight. Crossroads Bar & Grill, 517 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti. facebook.com/pages/the-crossroads-bar-grill FreeLocal music is the focus, in part of Crossroad’s Local Music Showcase. 21 and up.

Andre Mehmari8pm. $5/student, $15/general admission, $20-$30/assigned rows. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. 4th Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytownconcerthouse.com Kerrytown Concert House is graced with this Brazilian solo piano player.

6 thursdayOliver Dollar9pm. $15-$25. Necto, 516 E. Liberty St. 734-994-5436. necto.comOliver Dollar takes over Necto, joined by opening DJs Chuck Daniels and Adam Westing.

7 fridayKerry Patrick Clark8:30-10:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net Free Kerry Patrick Clark is an Ameri-can singer-songwriter in the folk tradition. A native Ohioan, Clark’s career spans more than three decades. His accolades include chart-topping singles and highly acclaimed albums, as well as prominent placement in film and television scores and a year-long tour with the New Christy Minstrels, celebrating their 25th Anniversary.

First Friday Ypsi Concert7pm. Cafe Ollie, 42 E. Cross St. 734-482-8050. firstfridaysypsi.com FreeYpsi’s favorite progressive-indie band, March of the Ant plays, along with the avant-guarde Soft Milk, Joanna Ransdell, and Vanessa Vasher.

8 saturdayHolstein Highway8:30-10:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Book-store & Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net FreeHolstein Highway is an Ameri-cana/Roots/Acoustic music duo formed by the Delta Twins founders. It sounds sort of like the long-lost cousins of Travel-ing Wilburys meet Jackson Browne.

11 tuesdayTanager and Metempsychosis.9:30pm-Midnight. Crossroads Bar & Grill, 517 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti. fa-cebook.com/pages/the-crossroads-bar-grill FreeLocal music in part of Cross-road’s Local Music Showcase Tuesdays, 21 and up.

13 thursdayBen Jansson Quartet8pm. $5/student, $15/general admission, $20-$30/assigned rows. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. 4th Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytownconcerthouse.comMichigan based jazz saxophon-ist Ben Jansson studied with Detroit’s legendary saxophonist George “sax” Benson in Detroit and with saxophonist Pat Labarbera in Toronto, Canada before going on to complete his Masters in Music at Michigan State University.

14 fridayAnnie & Rod Capps with Jason Dennie8:30-10:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Book-store & Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net FreeOn a musical journey that began in 1982, Annie and Rod Capps have earned sincere praise for their songwriting and musician-ship, with two albums topping the Folk-DJ charts, multiple De-

troit Music Award nominations, and most recently, as a 2-time Kerrville New Folk Finalist (2012 & 2010).

Matt Shevrin7-9:30pm. Silvio’s Organic Pizza, 715 N. University Ave. 734-214-6666. silviosorganicpizza.com FreeMatt Shevrin plays improvisa-tional music for french horn with a small combo.

15 saturdayPittsfield Open Band4-6pm. Pittsfield Grange, 3337 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd. 734-769-1052. pittsfieldgrange.org Free Open jam of contra dance mu-sic. All instruments welcome. Bring the Ruffwater Fakebook, the Portland Collection volumes, & the Waltz Books if you have them.

Pretty Ghouls9:30pm. $7. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. 734-996-8555. blindpigmusic.comOpener Blaire Alise & The Bombshells. Buffalo Coven Party and Pride Boys. Blaire is known for her high-energy, engaging performances with a style described as a combina-tion of 60’s pop and garage rock. Her songs are full of catchy hooks, upbeat lyrics and rich background vocals reminiscent of that timeless girl group sound from the 60s, but with a hearty dose of garage rock that reminds you of her Detroit roots.

Bill Edwards & Friends8:30-10:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Book-store & Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net FreeLocal favorite acoustic singer/songwriter Bill Edwards will be presenting a “songwriters in the round” night of music with two of his equally talented friends, Jennifer Jean Smith and John Holk. Each artist will be performing some of their own songs, as well as collaborating on others. It’s a guaranteed night of outstanding music!

16 sundayCelebration Concert for AADL’s National Award for Subregional Library 2-3pm. Ann Arbor District Library: Downtown Branch, 343 S. 5th Ave.734-327-4555. aadl.org FreeThe Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled (WLBPD@AADL) was honored to receive the prestigious National Award for Subregional Library of the Year. Celebrate this honor locally at a special concert at the Downtown Library with Ann Arbor’s favorite blues & boogie-woogie pianist, Mark Lincoln Braun.

17 mondayPoets & Patriots: A Tuneful History of United States Through The Tale of Francis Scott Key’s Most Famous Song7-8:30pm. AADL: Downtown Branch, 343 S. 5th Ave. 734-327-4555. aadl.org FreeThe story of “The Star-Spangled Banner” is the story of the United States itself. An English immigrant, the melody was famously set to new words by amateur poet and lawyer Fran-cis Scott Key after the Battle of Baltimore in 1814.

18 tuesdayZeal9:30-Midnight.Crossroads Bar & Grill, 517 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti. facebook.com/pages/the-crossroads-bar-grill Free Local music in part of Cross-road’s Local Music Showcase Tuesdays, 21 and up.

20 thursdayAfter Funk9:30pm. $10. Blind Pig, 208 S. First St. 734-996-8555. blindpigmusic.comWith opener Stormy Chromer. After Funk has been causing a ruckus on the Ontario music scene with their unique sound and infectiously fun shows since their inception in March of 2011.

21 fridayTim Prosser and Steve Rich7-9pm. Silvio’s Organic Pizza, 715 N. University Ave. 734-214-6666. silviosorganicpizza.com FreeTim Prosser (the mandolin maniac) and Steve Rich bring listeners a cornucopia of acoustic folk, pop, and originals with voice, guitar, and mandolin. Plus - a surprise special guest every time.

David Nefesh8:30-10:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net FreeAn eight-time nominee of the Detroit Music Awards (and one-time winner!), David’s style is folk-rock at its best: Good-energy contemporary folk blended with pop and rock influ-ences along with a universal message that appeals to anyone interested in love, pain, joy and honest living. His work blends a powerful clear voice, strong me-lodic sensibilities, poetic lyrics, and polished guitar playing.

cont. on pg. 22


22 saturdayDena DeRose8pm. $5/student, $15/general admission, $20-$30/assigned rows. 734-769-2999. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. 4th Ave. kerrytown-concerthouse.comDena DeRose, jazz vocalist and pianist, has recorded 10 CD’s as a leader with her 11th due out May 20, 2014 on HighNote Records “We Won’t Forget You: An Homage to Shirley Horn.”

Katie Pederson8:30-10:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Book-store & Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net FreeKatie Pederson is a very tal-ented up-and-coming singer and songwriter from Ann Arbor, and has developed over 150 songs of popular cover repertoire from the 60s to today, as well as writ-ing her own original pieces.

25 tuesdayFrank Rosaly8pm. $5/student, $15/general admission, $20-$30/assigned rows. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. 4th Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytowncon-certhouse.comFrank Rosaly has been involved in the improvised and experi-mental music community since 2001 where he has become an integral part of Chicago’s musi-cal fabric.

28 fridayVince Kline - The Citrus GiveSilvio’s Organic Pizza, 715 N. University Ave. 7-9pm. 734-214-6666. silviosorganicpizza.com Free Vince is a prolific singer song-writer who is devoted to writing and recording popular rock

music

Outdoor OperaAugust 23 / Nichols ArboretumNichols Arboretum hosts Opera in the Arb, a perfor-mance in which U-M School of Music students sing operatic selections, accompanied by piano. The event takes place at the Arb’s amphitheater, and admission is free. Bring a picnic dinner (no alcohol), blankets, and something to sit on to relax and enjoy the show. 5 to 6:30pm, August 23, Nichols Arbore-tum, 1610 Washington Heights. Rain date: Aug. 30. Free.

songs of his own design. Artisti-cally Kline is a chameleon who’s music truly reflects intelligence, warmth, and emotion.

Dan Hazlett8:30-10:30pm. Crazy Wisdom Book-store & Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net FreeDan Hazlett is an accomplished, polished performer who entertains and uplifts his audi-ences with a smooth, soulful voice, his finely honed acoustic guitar work, and his arsenal of well‐crafted and thoughtfully presented songs.

March of the Ant w/ As A Lark7pm. $5/cover. Crossroad’s Bar & Grill, 517 W. Cross St. facebook.com/pages/the-crossroads-bar-grillTwo local Ypsilanti bands take the stage with March of the Ant’s poetic, progressive, indie rock, and As A Lark’s power pop-punk.

29 saturdayCeeCee Collins with Paul Carey Organ Trio9pm. $5. Holiday Inn Ann Arbor, 3600 Plymouth Rd. 734-769-9800. hiannarbor.com Part of the Local Blues, Local Brews line-up.

Indian Tabla Music with John ChurchvilleCrazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 8:30-10:30pm. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net FreeLocal tabla player John Church-ville hosts an evening of Indian classical, light classical, fusion, and folk music in the wonderful Crazy Wisdom Tearoom. Come hear the sounds of a musical tradition that dates back over 2000 years.

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CG

public

amenity

#9

U

THE MUSICALTHE MUSICAL

TICKETS Adults $10, Kids $7 (734) 926-5346www.pennyseats.org

TICKETS Adults $10, Kids $7 (734) 926-5346www.pennyseats.org

URINETOWN!July 30, 31 July 30, 31 August 1, 6-8, 13-15

August 1, 6-8, 13-15West Park, West Park, Ann ArborAnn Arbor7:00pm7:00pm

The Penny Seats Theatre Co.


film

My name’s ForrestThe kind-hearted, optimistic Forrest Gump em-barks on an adventure through a definitive era of American life in the 1960s. Watch as he wades through a world that doesn’t quite understand him, running himself into a variety of situa-tions ranging from dominating the gridiron as a college football star and fighting in Vietnam to captaining a shrimp boat. 1:30pm. The Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty. Sunday, August 30. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org

All Month longorson Wells: Beyond the Canon and into the Archives8:30am-7pm. University Library, 913 S. University Ave. 734-764-9356. lib.umich.edu FreeThis student-researched exhibit - marking the cente-nary of Orson Welles, one of America’s greatest directors of film, theater, radio and television - highlights letters, photographs, scripts, and production materi-als culled from the University of Michigan Library’s extensive Orson Welles archives.

1 saturdayMarriage Italian Style7pm. Paesanos, 3411 Washtenaw Ave. 734-971-0484. paesanosannarbor.com FreeThe tale of a mistress turned true love, Pretty Woman, Italian style.

4 tuesdayDragon Ball Z: Resurrection F7pm. $12. Quality 16, 3686 Jackson Rd. 734-623-7469. fathomevents.comFathom Events presents a screening of Tadayoshi Yama-muro’s 2015 animated martial arts action adventure about extraterrestrial villains who attack Earth.

Fama Fraternitatis: the Rosicrucian Manifesto, 1614-20147-8:30pm. Rudolf Steiner House, 1923 Geddes Ave. 734-276-3381. FreeThis publication of this anony-mous document is sometimes referred to as the Rosicrucian

Manifesto. The film explores the spiritual and philosophical origins of this esoteric Christian movement and its contem-porary relevance. German, subtitles.

9 sundayStar trek: the Motion Picture1:30 pm. $10/general admission, $8 Student/Senior/Veterans, $7.50 Member.The Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org (Robert Wise, 1979) The first in the series of feature movies based on the iconic TV sci-fi show. The second showing on the following Tuesday is at 7pm.

10 mondayMonday Movies: Batter Up!6:30pm. Ypsilanti District Library- Whittaker, 1820 Whittaker Rd. 734-480-3600. ypsilibrary.org FreeEnjoy your favorite baseball movie and free popcorn! Todays movie is Moneyball.

11 tuesdayEnchanted Kingdom in 3D7pm. $12. Quality 16, 3686 Jackson Rd. 734-623-7469. fathomevents.comScreening of Patrick Morris and Neil Nightingale’s 2014 3D documentary exploring the extraordinary aspects of the natural world and its creatures.

15 saturdaytitanicMidnight. $8. State Theater, 233 S. State St. 734-761-8667. michtheater.org Midnight movies at the State present Titanic, the romantic

thriller about fateful maiden voyage of the heralded ocean liner that helped usher in the 20th century. Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio.

21 fridayMuffins-n-Movies2pm. Dexter District Library, 3255 Alpine St. 734-426-4477. dexter.lib.mi.usThe Judge is the movie selec-tion for the night, which stars Robert Downey Jr. as Hank Palmer, a big city lawyer who returns to his childhood home where his estranged father is suspected of murder.

the god Question7pm. Jewel Heart Buddhist Center, 1129 Oak Valley Dr. 734-994-3387. jewelheart.org Free(Douglas Gordon, 2014). Sci-fi drama about a scientist who asks an experimental super-intelligent computer if there is evidence for God and is astonished to get an answer.

22 saturdayBig Deal on Madonna Street7pm. Paesanos, 3411 Washtenaw Ave. 734-971-0484. paesanosannarbor.com FreeThis 1958 film is noted as one of the 50 greatest comedies ever.

23 sundayMary Poppins Sing-Along1:30-7pm. $10 Adult, $8 Student/Se-nior/Veterans, $7.50 Member. The Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. michtheater.org (Robert Stevenson, 1964). Sing-along version of this wonderfully uplifting magical musical about the “practically perfect” nanny who transforms the lives of the Banks children in 1910 London. Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, Ed Wynn. With on-screen lyrics, interactive props, and a costume contest. The second showing is on Tuesday at 7pm.

28 fridayUnbreakable: the Western States 100 Movie Screening6:30pm. Howell Nature Center, 1005 Triangle Lake Rd, Howell. 810-225-9123. runninglabtrailfest.com/Join Running Lab for a special viewing of the trail running documentary, Unbreakable: The Western States 100 at the Howell Nature Center!

29 saturdaythe Salt of life7pm. Paesanos, 3411 Washtenaw Ave. 734-971-0484. paesanosannarbor.com FreeActor/director Gianni di Gregario at his comedic acting and directing best.

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It’s no secret that a lot more people watch movies than see live musical theater. And even within the musical the-ater genre, Stephen Sondheim’s musicals are generally not as widely known as others. That all changed on Christ-mas Day 2014. Disney’s big screen release of Sondheim and James Lapine’s Into the Woods (ITW), featuring one of the most star studded casts in recent memory—Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt and Johnny Depp, just for starters—brought Into the Woods before a larger audience than most musicals ever get. Those who were introduced to Into the Woods via that movie—as well as of course long time Sondheim admirers—will have the opportunity to see the original musical live this month when Dexter’s Encore Musical Theatre Company presents a new production of the show.

The Encore’s production will follow the very success-ful formula they have employed for the seven seasons they’ve been in existence; take a well known musical, (at the very least well known among aficionados of the genre) bring in at least one Equity actor and/or director, often with Broadway experience, add some gifted professional actors and talented amateurs from the local and regional theater community, mix with excellent musical directors and musicians, and creative set and costume designers, and consistently produce high quality, memorable musi-cals. For this Into the Woods, the Encore will bring in Jes-sica Grové to play the Witch (the role Meryl Streep played in the movie). Grové has extensive Great White Way ex-perience including appearances in the last two Sondheim revivals on Broadway, alongside Elaine Stritch and Ber-nadette Peters. The Encore’s co-founder, Dan Cooney, also a veteran Broadway Equity actor, will direct.

Into the Woods is a very clever reworked mashup of four Grimm Brothers’ fairy tales, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Rapunzel and Jack and the Beanstalk. Thalia Schramm, who will play the Baker's Wife, and is also the Encore’s Casting and Program Director says, “What’s great about Into the Woods and how it is written, is that everyone has a different reaction and emotional connec-tion to it. You can identify with the mothers and fathers, or the children growing up, or the romantic relationships, and the wishing for something you don't have. What's re-ally fantastic about this show is that it makes you think about what happens AFTER you get your wish.”

The Encore Theatre, 3126 Broad St # A, Dexter, MI 48130(734) 268-6200, August 6 through August 30.

TheEncoreTheatre.org

Into the WoodsA musical not to missBy Sandor Slomovits

1 saturdayUrinetown, the Musical!7pm. $10. West Park Band Shell, 215 Chapin St. 734-926-5346. pennyseats.org Tony-winning musical comedy about a city in the midst of a drought so devastating that a malevolent corporation has been able to take control of all the toilet facilities. Romance and chaos intertwine in this sharp satire that takes aim not only at environmental degrada-tion, the sophistries of the legal system, and corporate piracy but at the form of the Broadway musical. Weekends through August 15. Untangled: The True Story of Rapunzel3-7pm. Performance Network Theatre, 120 E. Huron. 734-663-0681. pntheatre.org FreePerformance Network executive director John Manfredi directs kids from the Performance Net-work’s summer theater camp in his, and local actor James Bowen’s, comic adaptation of the classic fairy tale of love and deception. Runs this weekend only. Jihad Jones & the Kalashnikov Babes7:30pm. $10. The Yellow Barn, 416 W. Huron St. 734-635-8450. theatrenova.orgCarla Milarch directs the Michigan premiere of Yussef El Giundi’s satiric comedy about a talented Arab American ac-tor who struggles to balance personal ethics and cultural pride against his professional ambitions when he is offered his first starring role in a Hol-lywood blockbuster as the most stereotypically fanatical Islamic terrorist ever to grace the silver screen. Through August 16.

2 sundayThe UNclub Open Mic9pm. $5. The Yellow Barn, 416 W. Huron St. Suggested Donation. 734-985-0875. emergentarts.comAnn Arbor’s favorite comedy showcase, led by veteran come-dian Chili Challis, has moved locations to The Yellow Barn. Every Sunday night this month, comedians will take a stab at making the crowd laugh.

6 thursdaySchool for Scandal8pm. $15. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N. Fourth Ave. 734-769-2999. btensemble.comJames Ingagiolla directs this local ensemble in Sheridan’s Restoration classic. One of the greatest comedies of the Eng-lish-speaking world, it weaves multiple plot lines around the rivalry of brothers for the same woman to create a withering satire of the sentimentality and

shallowness of the English aris-tocracy. Through August 8.

7 fridayAnn Arbor Comedy Showcase: Kevin McPeek8pm. $13. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 212 S. Fourth Ave. 734-996-9080. aacomedy.comManic, topical and observational humor by this 320-pound New York City-based monologist who likes to spar with his audience and regale it with visions of himself naked. The opener is preceded by 2 opening acts. Alcohol is served.

15 saturdayInternational Stars of Ballet7pm. $35-$70. Michigan Theater, 603 East Liberty St. 248-982-7882. russianclassicalballet.comAn Evening with the Stars, Michigan’s finest ballet perfor-mance of the summer, featuring world famous ballet stars from America, Armenia, Cuba and Russia. The performance features a collection of classical ballet pieces and contemporary dances.

18 tuesdayThe Moth Storyslam: Weddings7:30-9pm. $8. The Circus, 210 S. First St. 734-764-5118. circusbarannabor.comThis monthly open mic storytell-ing competition is sponsored by The Moth, the NYC-based non-profit storytelling organization.

21 fridayAnn Arbor Comedy Showcase: Jackie Flynn8pm. $14. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 212 S. Fourth Ave. 734-996-9080. aacomedy.comAnimated observational comic with a distinctive point of view who mixes celebrity impres-sions and voices into his act. The headliner is preceded by 2 opening acts.

27 thursdayIce Glen8pm. $18/general admission $12/student. Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St. 734-483-7345. ptdproductions.com A story about a poet in need of a place to stay, ends up meeting her destiny at Ice Glen. Through September 5. Sunday Matinees are at 2pm.

29 saturdayClosing Night: 2AZ$12-$42. Purple Rose Theatre, 137 Park St., Chelsea. 734-433-7673. purplerosetheatre.org Guy Sanville directs the world premiere of local playwright Mi-chael Brian Ogden’s thriller set during the course of a long war that leaves people without basic conveniences such as grocery stores and basic comforts such as warm water and toilet paper.

theater


FictionANDPoetry

special edition

2015

• Each writer may submit up to but no more than two unpublished poems and one unpublished story (2,500 words). For short shorts (stories of fewer than 750 words), we accept up to two pieces.• Each entry should be printed in a 12-point font with the title on each page.• Provide your name and contact information.• A $7 entry fee must accompany each story or poem.

• Mail your check and work to:Fiction & Poetry ContestAdams Street Publilshing3003 Washtenaw Ave # 3, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

• Submission deadline: September 15.• Winners of Current’s Fiction and Poetry Contest will be printed in our November issue. Runners up will be displayed on the web at www.ecurrent.com • A panel of local literary experts judge work in each category.• You may also email entries to Brandon Bye at [email protected] or submit entires online at ecurrent.com.

GET PUBLISHED!

Submit entries of Fiction or Poetry and you might see your name in print!

for more info visit ecurrent.com


Do you know the name Julian Schna-bel? No matter. Just make a beeline for the University of Michigan Museum of Art for an exhibition called simply “Julian Schnabel.” It is a survey of the work (mid-70s to the present) of the larger-than-life artist who is loved and hated, revered and violently despised by artists, art deal-ers, art lovers and art critics around the world. This is a big-time show the likes of which are seldom seen outside New York, Paris, London, and the bold-faced foci of the artistic universe. Schnabel was born in Brooklyn (New York, not Michigan) and was obsessed with drawing as a young child. At 15 he moved with his family to Texas, where he smoked pot and ended up with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Houston. In 1975 he and his future wife ran off to New York and the bohemian life of struggling artists. Toward the end of the 70s he hit on his signature “plate-paintings,” broken ceramic dishware glued to gigantic Masonite surfaces and painted over to produce a sort of 3-D pointillism. The effect was electrify-ing, and the mammoth sizes alone were stupendous.

On the rise By 1981 Schnabel was skyrocketing to superstardom.

A few critics found his work brutally thrilling and com-pared it to Jackson Pollock’s. Other critics called his work stylized maximalism, ambitious and impressive but mere-ly fashionable and tasteful, a calculated revolt against the artistic simplicity in vogue at the time. In short: a shtick, a gimmick. His brash ego was a key to self-promotion, but it began to grate. He likened himself to Picasso and Van Gogh. He walked around New York in paint-splattered silk pajamas and his trademark glasses with yellow-tinted lenses. An un-ironic self-approval and utter absence of hu-mility began to be looked upon as comically self-serious. It was said that Schnabel dealt with all the big subjects: Death, God, Art and Julian Schnabel. His erstwhile deal-er, Leo Castelli compared him to King Kong and a bull in a china shop. For a 2008 “60 Minutes” segment called “Renaissance Man,” Morley Shafer interviewed him, but when Shafer quoted the critic Robert Hughes—“Schnabel’s work is to painting what Stallone’s is to acting: a lurching display of oily pectorals”—Schnabel became petulant, gar-rulous even, and he refused to talk about anything but that for the remainder of the interview. Hughes’ criticism was unfair and stupid. Schnabel’s reaction was out of charac-ter. He’s much more entertaining in real life.

Style and formAll the while he continued to paint and search for new

surfaces to paint on: pony skin, tarpaulin, velvet, used Ka-buki theater backgrounds. The sizes remained monumen-tal, but the painting took on a Neo-Abstract Expressionist feel, reminiscent of Basquiat or even Robert Rauschen-berg. He painted with brushes and rollers and mops on wildly extended poles. He would soak a large piece of fabric in paint, run with it toward the canvas, and hurl it with a mighty push, splat! I especially love his “Good-bye, Mike Kelley,” an homage to the late Ann Arbor artist. He didn’t just paint on surfaces, he said, he impregnated them. And to good effect. The money kept coming in, with some of his pieces commanding seven figures. And he branched out. In 1987 he published an autobiography, “CVJ: Nicknames of Maitre D’s & Other Excerpts From Life” (Random House). In 1995 he released an album, “Every Silver Lining Has a Cloud” (Island Records). And he directed films. His 1996 “Basquiat,” was a biopic about the late artist, with Dennis Hopper, David Bowie as Andy Warhol, and Gary Oldman as Schnabel. “Before Night Falls” (2000) had Johnny Depp and starred Javier Bardem in his breakout role. “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly” earned Schnabel best director awards at Cannes and the Golden Globes. “Lou Reed’s Berlin” (2007) was a live con-cert he filmed for his best friend, the immortal Lou Reed. His 2010 “Miral” won critical acclaim. But he considers himself above all a painter, and he continues to paint, as you will see with great delight at the UMMA.

Julian Schnabel at the UMMA, 525 S. State St.

734-764-0395, through September 27.

Art BeatLarger Than Life: Julian Schnabel at the UMMABy Louis Meldman

UNTITLED (GOODBYE MIKE KELLEY) INKJET PRINT, OIL, INK ON POLYESTER, 2012. By Julian Schnabel

DIYpsi Indie Art FairAugust 8, 9 /Arbor Brewing MicrobreweryYpsilanti is a Do-It-Yourself kind of town, and in this yearly art show, you get a taste of its creative inhabitants. Held at the Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery, this handmade art fair features a one-of-a-kind experience with all the best local indie artists and artisans have to offer. Hand-crafted unique gifts and art pieces, along with the brewery’s craft beers (themselves works of art). Noon-Midnight. 720 Norris St., Ypsilanti.734-213-1393. arborbrewing.com Free

art


art

OngOingTuesday - FridayThe Big Picture1pm. DIA, 5200 Woodward Ave. 313-833-7900. dia.orgTake a free guided tour of the DIA’s collection.

Here is to Water, with Love SupremeNoon-10pm. 306 S Main St. 734-761-2287. wsgart.comHere is to water, with Love Supreme is a collection of paintings inspired by Sara Adlerstein’s strong connec-tion both to nature and to her work as an aquatic ecologist. Images were inspired by the beauty of the Great Lakes and of the marine ecosystems that have been the topic of her research. These are visions of worlds that exist in a place in her heart. In Sara’s world, art and science belong together as naturally as air and water. Both inform her work and influence her approach. Through Sep-tember 5.

ViPS for the Paul McPharlin Puppetry Collection9am-4pm. DIA, 5200 Woodward Ave. 313-833-7900. dia.orgThe Paul McPharlin Puppetry Collection will feature a display of VIPs (very important pup-pets) that will include some of the oldest and best known pup-pet personalities. Exhibit runs until September 20.

Ave Maria Fine Art gallery10am-2pm, Monday-Friday. Domino’s Farms Office Park 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Lobby C. 734-930-7514. FreeThe gallery stretches through-out the corridors of the Domi-no’s Farms Business Complex. With nearly two hundred works to view, the artwork is created by modern day artists ranging in focus from landscape to abstract.

and daily life in their long-ago Mexican communities. Learn more and make one of your own design.

8 saturdayDiYpsi Summer Art Fair11am-11pm. $1. Arbor Brewing Company Microbrewery, 720 Norris St. diypsi.comLocal artists and musicians show off their stuff, and you can buy it! Support local artists at this fun-filled fair with food, booze, and activities for 21 and up (unless accompanied by an adult). Runs on the following day as well.

9 sundayClosing Exhibit Sophie Calle: north PoleUMMA, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu FreeFollowing her mother’s death, French conceptual artist Sophie Calle wanted to bury her portrait and jewels on a glacier in the North Pole, a place her mother had always dreamed of seeing. This multifaceted installation, consisting of video, photographs, and a light box, documents moments of Calle’s journey to fulfill her mother’s unrealized dream.

20 thursdayClosing Exhibit: Through the Magnifying glass10am-5pm. University Library, 913 S. University Ave. 734-764-9356. lib.umich.edu This exhibit displays a selection of books from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries that contain extraordinary illustra-tions of animals and plants as they were originally seen through the lenses of early microscopes. Also included are three eighteenth-century micro-scopes and a series of images taken by modern microscopes.

cont. on pg. 30

Paint Dexter Plein Art FestivalAugust 17 - 22 // Downtown DexterArtists of all shades and types gather in this colorful Dexter festival. It begins on Monday the 17th with a presentation on the history of Plein Art at the Dexter Library. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, artists will dip their brushes and paint what they see around town. Friday and Saturday is when the real fun begins, with quick draw competitions (with cash prizes), gallery viewings, silent auctions, and live Jazz by the Dexter Community Orchestra. The award ceremony for all contributing artists takes place on Friday, with a $750 first prize award for professional artists, and $250 for emerging artists. There’s something for children as well: local street artist David Zinn’s chalk art event in Monument Park, 8000-8558 Ann Arbor St, Dexter. 734-426-0887. paintdexter.org Free.

go Figure12pm-6pm, Monday-Friday. Duderstadt Center Gallery, 2281 Bonisteel Blvd. 734-763-3266.Figurative paintings, drawings and sculpture by area sculptors Ted Ramsay and Marcia Polen-berg. Through August 20.

Dinnerware Museum3-8pm, Thursday-Sunday, August 6-August 29. Riverside Art Center, 76 N. Huron St, Ypsilanti. 734-480-2787. riversidearts.orgThe only museum in the world devoted exclusively to din-nerware fills the gallery and whet your appetite. The exhibit celebrates a significant aspect of our daily lives, featuring international dinnerware from ancient to futuristic times.

Try it Once on the Wheel1-2:30pm. $40. Yourist Studio Gallery, 1133 Broadway St. 734-662-4914. youristpottery.comAn opportunity to sit down at the pottery wheel and see how it feels to try throwing a pot. Demonstrations and guidance provided.

The Shape of the Universe9am-5pm. Museum Of Natural History, 1109 Geddes Ave. 734-764-0478. lsa.umich.edu/ummnh FreeThis exhibit traces the history of our evolving understanding of the Universe, from Einstein’s discovery of space-time, through the development of theories explaining the Big Bang and cosmic expansion, up to cutting-edge research on gravity waves being conducted by U-M mathematician Lydia Bieri. This exhibit will include interactives, video, beauti-ful NASA photographs, and artwork by local high school students.

Drawdown Vietnam, April-May 19758:45am-4:45pm. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library, 1000 Beal Ave. 734-205-0555. fordlibrarymuseum.gov FreeAmerica’s long involvement in the war in Vietnam and Indochina drew to a close in April-May 1975. As the city of Saigon fell to the advanc-

ing North Vietnamese Army, the United States military evacuated thousands of South Vietnamese civilians to ships nearby. Two smaller rescues took place in which more than three thousand children and babies were airlifted to safety. This exhibition unfolds these events with artifacts, photographs, documents and personal stories.

Mine More Coal: War Effort and Americanism in WWi PostersUMMA, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu FreeDuring World War I, the American Government used a powerful poster campaign to rally all troops and farmers, housewives and shipbuilders, “old-stock Americans” and immigrants to the cause. Pro-paganda, commodity, and art came together in WWI posters. This exhibition presents rarely displayed WWI posters from UMMA’s collection.

1 saturdayAn Unchartable Truth10am. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W. Liberty St. 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org FreeMiniature shrines with ornate and spiritual themes, done by artist Mike Sirvak. On display until August 4.

4 tuesdayTotems, Trees, and Birds10am-9pm. Ann Arbor District Library: Mallets Creek Branch, 3090 E. Eisenhower Pkwy. 734-327-4555. aadl.org FreePaintings by Betsy Beckerman and Joyce Tinkham feature thirty-five works in a variety of media, including watercolor, acrylic on canvas, mixed media on wood, and collage.

Aztec Codex11am-3pm. DIA, 5200 Woodward Ave. 313-833-7900. dia.org FreeAztec scribes, or writers, used fold-out picture books to record history, calendars, gods,

art


art

Searchable events

updated daily at

ecurrent.com

22 saturdayHazel Park Art Fair10am-7pm. Green Acres Park, 620 W. Woodward Heights, Hazel Park. hazelparkartfair.com FreeHead on over to Green Acres Park the weekend of August 22 & 23 for the 4th annual Hazel Park Art Fair. The fair celebrates the summer with dozens of local artists, music, food and plenty more. The fair runs through the following day.

26 wednesdayRiver and Dream7:30pm. $5-$15/sliding scale. Island Park, 1450 Island Dr. 734-996-1772. This local troupe presents a program of environmental

dance and poetry, including a chance for the audience to join a water dance. If you want to participate, arrive by 7 p.m. to learn simple structured improvi-sation for the water dance.

29 saturdayClosing Exhibit: Hana Hamplová: Meditations on PaperTuesday through Saturday 11am-5pm; closed Mondays; Sunday 12-5pm.UMMA, 525 S. State St. 734-764-0395. umma.umich.edu FreeCzech photographer Hana Hamplova will display her works at the University of Michigan Museum of Art. Hamplova developed her body of work, which examines how access to the written word affects society and drives at the fragility of written history, during the 1970s.

30 sundayClosing Exhibit: The Pleasure of Portraits: Paintings By Bertie Bonnell9am-5pm. AADL: Downtown Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4555. aadl.org FreeAnn Arbor artist Bertie Bon-nell’s evocative acrylic paint-ings, in colors often glowing, at times brooding, are atmo-spheric interpretations of each person and their surroundings.

Annual Bonsai Show10am-4:30pm. $3. Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. lsa.umich.edu/mbgThe Ann Arbor Bonsai Society shows off their works of art with a display, vendors, and expert advice.

Closing Exhibit: AADL Staff Awesome Lego Exhibit9am-5pm. AADL: Downtown Library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4555. aadl.org FreeEvery year a few children of Library Staff enter the LEGO contest and sadly no matter how awesome their project is they can’t WIN. To rectify this and to show off the awesome creativity and LEGO enthusi-asm of AADL staff, they are filling the Downtown Library display cases with lots of LEGO awesome projects!

cont. from pg. 29


5 WednesdayFiction at Literati: J. Ryan Stradal7pm. Literati Bookstore , 124 E. Washington St. 734-585-5567. literatibookstore.com Free Literati is thrilled to welcome J. Ryan Stradal, reading from his debut Kitchens of the Great Midwest, as part of an ongo-ing Fiction at Literati series. A conversation with Aaron Burch, founder and editor of Hobart: Another Literary Journal and author of the story collection Backswing, will follow the reading.

6 ThursdayThe Art and Science of Being a Writer7-8:45pm. Traverwood Branch Library: Program Room , 3333 Traverwood Dr. 734-327-4555. aadl.org FreeJoin authors Alex Kourvo and Lara Zielin as they take a practical approach to a writer’s everyday difficulties, from figuring out what you’re even writing to overcoming writer’s block to dealing with rejection and more.

7 FridayYiddish LeyenkrayzNoon-1pm. 202 S. Thayer St., Room 2000. lsa.umich.edu FreeThe Yiddish Leyenkrayz is a weekly reading group open to the general Yiddish-reading public, exploring the classics of Yiddish literature, while re-discovring lesser known texts. The group often reads plays, so as to divide the reading according to roles. Copies of the text are made available at each meeting.

8 SaturdayCindy Williams Book Discussion2-3pm. Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room, 343 S. 5th Ave. 734-327-4555. aadl.org FreeCelebrated actress, writer, and producer, Cindy Williams discusses her career and new autobiography: Shirley, I Jest!: A Storied Life.

History Mysteries2-3pm. Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room. 734-327-4555. aadl.org FreeMystery Authors Carrie Bebris, Susanna Calkins, Sam Thomas and Anna Lee Hube discuss their passion for the mystery of history.

12 WednesdayFiction at Literati: Lauren Fox7pm. Literati Bookstore , 124 E. Washington St. 734-585-5567. literatibookstore.com FreeLiterati is pleased to welcome Lauren Fox, who will read from her latest novel, Days of Awe. Crazy Wisdom Poetry Series7-9pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tearoom, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net FreeAll writers welcome to share and discuss their poetry and short fiction. Sign up for new participants begins at 6:45pm.

14 ThursdayFriend of the Library - Used Book Sale9am-3pm. Dexter Library, 3255 Alpine St. 734-426-4477. dexter.lib.mi.us FreeThe Book Sales offer a variety of material including picture books and young readers, mystery, science fiction, hor-ror, romance, general fiction, non-fiction, and much more.

20 ThursdayBeter Off Read Book Club2pm. Dexter Library, 3255 Alpine St. 734-426-4477. dexter.lib.mi.us FreeThis monthly book club for adults meets to discuss its chosen fiction. Registration is required.

3 MondayLand: A Panel Discussion7pm. Literati Bookstore , 124 E. Washington St. 734-585-5567. literatibookstore.com FreeJoin for an evening panel discussion of activists, econo-mists, and authors to talk about how sharing the value of land is a key ingredient to promoting housing afford-ability, ending unemployment, preventing economic reces-sions, and creating a more fair and equitable world for all.

current reads

MondaysMonday Evening Book Group7pm. Ypsilanti District Library- Whittaker: Conference Room 1C , 5577 Whittaker Rd. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org FreeJoining a book group is a great way to meet new people and experience the fun of discussing a book together.

LocaL ReadS

Searchable events

updated daily at

ecurrent.com

Fiction Reading: detroit’s Kelly FordonPrior to writing fiction and poetry, Kelly Fordon worked at the NPR member station in Detroit and for National Geographic magazine. Her fiction, poetry, and book reviews have appeared in The Boston Review, The Florida Review, Flashquake, and The Kenyon Review. She is the author of two poetry chapbooks, On the Street Where We Live, which won the 2011 Standing Rock chapbook contest, and Tell Me When It Starts to Hurt (Kattywompus Press, 2013). She received her MFa in fiction writing from Queens University of charlotte and works for Insideout Literary arts in Detroit as a writer-in-residence. Her latest release, Garden for the Blind (Wayne State University Press, 2015), visits suburban and working-class homes, hidden sanctuaries and dangerous neighborhoods, illustrating the connections between settings and relationships and the strange motivations that keep us moving forward. Literati Bookstore, 7pm, Wednesday, august 26, 124 E. Washington, ann arbor. lieratibookstore.com.

BLUE

BOOKBLUE

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An in-the-know guide for incoming and returning students about all

the best Ann Arbor has to offer, from food to entertainment.Issue DAte: september 1

reserve your spAce by August 15


Trees are an integral and beloved part of Ann Arbor’s identity, from the stand of oaks that inspired the city’s name, to the maples that dot our yards and parks, to the willows edging the Huron River. Some of Tree Town’s smaller, more inspiring trees will be out for our enjoyment at the 43rd Annual Ann Arbor Bonsai Society Show. In order to help you better appreciate all the bonsai on display, here’s some insight into the history, art, and practice of this horticultural tradition.

Bonsai: A Brief HistoryThe cultivation of miniature trees in containers spans

oceans and millennia. The earliest pictorial recording of the practice was inscribed in 706 A.D. on the wall of a tomb belonging to a Chinese prince; the image depicts two servants holding pots of dwarfed fruit trees and rocks. The tradition is believed to have traveled to Japan via embassy personnel of the Japanese Imperial court and Japanese Buddhist students, who carried home the tiny potted landscapes, or penjing, as souvenirs. The Chinese word penjing translates to “container scenery.” And ancient Chinese practitioners of penjing endeavored to create evocative, ideal worlds using many elements, including rocks, water, grass, and figurines of people, animals, and architecture, in addition to trees and soil.

No fad, penjing became an art among medieval Japanese elite, who, over centuries, developed a set of aesthetic principles. The philosophy of Zen Buddhism influenced penjing as figurines disappeared from pots in favor of a simplified landscape. Gradually, the Chinese penjing developed its own Japanese cultural identity as bonsai—from the Japanese words bon, meaning “tree” or “planting,” and sai, meaning “pot” or “tray.” Like penjing in China, bonsai was too compelling an art to be contained within Japan. In the 19th and 20th centuries, bonsai began to spread around the world by means of international exhibitions and fairs, export nurseries, Japanese immigrants, and U.S. military and civilian personnel stationed in Japan following WWII.

Bonsai AestheticsBonsai can range from a single tree to many, and

individual trees can be further sub-categorized according to the posture of the trunk. The formal upright style is characterized by a straight, tapered trunk, while an informal upright bonsai has a somewhat curved trunk that still places the tree’s apex directly above the trunk base. In the slant style, the trunk—you guessed it—slants, emerging from the soil at an angle, with the apex located to the right or left of the trunk base. And then there are those bonsai that seem to pour out of their containers, whose sinuous trunks exemplify the cascade or semi-cascade style.

point of viewThe Annual Ann Arbor

Bonsai Society Show

Tree Town’s Miniature ResidentsBy Stephanie Carpenter

Bonsai styles are intended to reflect and illuminate relationships between powerful, and, at times, opposing forces: trees, wind, sunlight, soil, seasons, and people. The formal upright style represents a strong tree whose growth is unimpeded. In the other styles, a bent or meandering trunk represents adversity or displacement, suggesting a tree beset by wind or shadowed by another object. “Bonsai should be seen as a representation of a tree, a tree we remember from our childhood or a tree seen on the shore at the Bruce Peninsula last summer, and not a perfectly formed miniature tree,” says Ann Arbor Bonsai Society vice president Paul Kulesa.

According to Kulesa, bonsai growers attempt to emulate a tree’s growth in nature, but on a much simpler scale. Whereas a pine tree in the Arboretum might have hundreds of branches, a pine trained as a bonsai might possess only a dozen or so branches. In order to maintain a bonsai’s shape and size, growers use a variety of techniques, including pruning of limbs, trunk, and roots, trimming of leaves and needles, wiring of branches, and grafting. “It has taken me nearly twenty years to understand that straight bonsai trunks are often boring,” says Kulesa, who is currently tending more than 100 bonsai. “In an urban environment what else do you see? Trees found in our parks and on the berm are nursery-developed to stand tall and straight. Movement of the trunk, even the slightest change of direction, is easy to see and creates interest in that bonsai.”

HorticultureA beautiful bonsai takes years to grow and requires a

deep understanding of horticulture. And a good grower knows when not to work on a tree. Techniques like wiring the trunk or cutting branches take a big toll, says Carmen Leskoviansky, a Bonsai Society member and Collections and Natural Areas Specialist for Matthaei. “If heavy work is needed on a tree, it’s best to let it sit for a year and build up energy reserves,” says Carmen. “It’s all about the balance of keeping a happy, healthy tree.”

Whether you have an interest in bonsai or simply love trees, there will be plenty of these miniature specimens to contemplate and enjoy.

Ann Arbor Bonsai Society Show, 10am–4:30pm,August 29 & 30, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N.

Dixboro. Tickets $3/adults, children free.

Designed by Alfonso Tercero, this bonsai forest of American Larch trees won the People’s Choice Award at the Ann Arbor Bonsai Society’s 2014 Annual Bonsai Show.


“Once I decide what I want to do, I basically sit down and make a cupcake blueprint. I will draw the cupcake, what I want it to look like, and figure out how to make it work.” For example, “John Quincy Adams didn’t like to eat meat, so his is all about fruit flavors.” His father, second President John Adams, hailed from Boston, so “I wanted to take the flavors that one would use in making Boston Baked Beans (such as molasses and spices) and make a cupcake out of that.”

Creative decisionsWhile her interpretation is whimsical, her product is

dignified. Let’s face it, some of these japes would write themselves in more cynical hands. “I didn’t want my kid going to school, talking about this project, someone clicking on it and finding something that would be embarrassing to him. So, a lot of obvious jokes were out. Like people would ask, ‘Oh, what’s Bill Clinton’s cupcake going to be?’ Whatever you’re thinking, that’s exactly what it’s not going to be. ‘So, is there going to be some chocolate in that Thomas Jefferson cupcake?’ No, I’m not going to do that,” Turner explains. “I love the Presidents now. I feel connected to this body of people; I wanted to do something to respect them as well.”

As her cupcake project neared completion around President’s Day, Turner feared she would be bereft if she didn’t have another iron in the fire. “I knew at a certain point I was going to do something for the First Ladies.” The Presidential wives are being rendered into donuts. Also in the oven are Candidate Cookies. “It’s like a clown car, there’s so many of them! I want to take this moment right now, because this won’t happen for another four years.”

What about her Presidential aspirations? “In my heart, I want it to be a cookbook one day. How awesome would that be?” she laughs. “The way to get people to talk about history is through their stomachs.”

Do you know someone doing something creative, offbeat, weird, or delightful?

Email Sue Dise at: [email protected]

Like so many remarkable things in life, it started with a dream. During the 2000 Presidential campaign, Ypsilanti’s Sherlonya Turner had a recurring vision. “(George) Bush would be standing in my childhood bed wearing dress shoes, socks, boxer shorts, a shirt and a necktie...twirling a lasso. I had this dream night after night after night after night. It was exhausting.”

For most of us, this would be a cue to seek serious therapy, or at least swear off Jagerbombs for life. But this U-M history grad took it as a cue to study the lives of our Chief Executives. “I decided to read a biography about each US President...and I got to the end of that about two years ago, and I was just so sad. What am I going to do now? I have this president-shaped hole in my heart.”

In her grief, she turned to food. “I had been joking with people, if I ever had a restaurant it would be called Head of State, and it would have rotating themed menus based on the Presidents. And then I thought, I could bake cupcakes for each President, because I like to bake and I like projects. I can mix up my love for the kitchen and my love for the Presidents, and their love-children will be these cupcakes and it’s going to be great!”

InaugurationSo began “Head of State Cakes,” an exercise in

American history, with icing. There have been many biographies of our presidents, but none so tasty. Turner has taken her fascination with history and obsession with our Commanders in Chief to a delightfully weird level by interpreting each President as a toothsome dessert. Her blog headofstatecakes.com lists a cupcake for every sitting President (with two for Grover Cleveland), and the ingredients that make each one unique. Turner describes her modus operandi. “I just take some element from his life and times. Some of them are easier than other ones. Sometimes it’s about what they may have liked. Sometimes it’s about where they’re from. Sometimes it’s about wanting to pull out a fact about somebody that’s not an obvious one. These are non-partisan things; I’m not pushing an agenda with these things.”

Hail to the Chef! Equal parts politics and cupcakesBy Sue Dise

local color

Cupcake chef Sherlonya Turner


5 wednesdayNetworkingout6pm. Gallup Park, 3000 Fuller Rd., Ypsilanti. networkingout.org FreeDevelop your personal and professional goals while working towards your peak physical fitness. Open to all aspiring professionals in the area.

7 fridayAngell Hall Observatory Open House10pm-midnight. Angell Hall, 505 S. State St. 734-764-3440. FreeAll are invited to peer through the telescopes in the observa-tory on the roof.

8 saturdayRaptor Feeding3-4pm. Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.orgLSNC volunteers feed and answer questions about the center’s red-tailed hawk, peregrine falcon, and other resident raptors, who may come out of their enclosures to eat.

9 sundaySaline Antiques & Vintage Market 9am-4pm. $6. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor Saline Rod. 937-875-0808. This show and sale of antiques and vintage items includes Americana and art deco as well as mid-century, modern, industrial, shabby chic, continental and more.

13 thursdayClosing: Summer Music Series7-9pm. Downtown Saline, 101 S. Ann Arbor St. 734-717-7406. salinemainstreet.org FreeA summertime favorite, Sa-line’s Summer Music Series is a family-fun street party with live music under the stars. There are activities for the kids presented by Two Twelve Arts Center and several local restaurants will have tables outside, so you can listen and dine at the same time.

14 friday42nd Annual Dexter Daze9am-11pm. Downtown Dexter. 734-426-0887. FreeThe first day’s highlight is an old fashioned baseball game at the Dexter Union, and the second day (Saturday): a parade from Wylie School down Main Street ending at a chicken barbecue at St. James Church. Clowns, animals and more fun will also be included.

ONgOiNgSundaysKempf House Museum guided ToursKempf House Museum, 312 S. Division St. 734-994-4898. kempfhousemuseum.orgVisit this 1853 Greek Revival home of German-American musicians Reuben and Pau-line Kempf. See Victorian period furnishings, including an 1877 Steinway piano, the first grand in Ann Arbor.

Open Archery at Ringstar2-4pm. $5. Ringstar Studio, 3907 Varsity Dr. a2ringstar.comCome practice your preci-sion bow shooting at Open Archery. Beginners and experienced archers alike are invited to take advantage of a short indoor range complete with catch nets and foam targets. WednesdaysUnveiled Belly Dance6-8pm. $10/per session. Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St. 734-480-2787. riversidearts.orgAdd to your mystique by learning the seductive art of belly dancing.

ThursdaysDemocratic Party Meeting2-3pm. Ann Arbor Community Center, 625 N. Main St. 734-662-3128. annarbor-communitycenter.orgAnn Arbor Democrats convene to discuss political issues.

SaturdaysChelsea Chess Club3-5pm. Wendy’s, 1640 Commerce Park, Chelsea. 734-475-1583. FreeJoin club members for 5-minute and untimed games. Some chess sets and clocks are available, but it’s best to BYO set.

Saturdays and SundaysMaking a good impression 11am. U-M Exhibit Museum, 1109 Geddes Ave. 734-764-0478. las.umich.edu/ummnh FreeHands-on 20-minute demo exploring how fossils are cre-ated and how museum fossil casts are made.

2 sundaySASHA Farm Humane FairNoon-4pm. $25 adults, $15 children under 10. SASHA Farm Animal Sanctuary, 17901 Mahrle Rd., Manchester. 734-428-9617. sashafarm.orgMeet local animal rescue groups and activists and learn how you can do more to help. Includes guided tours, cowspiracy film screening, animal-friendly lunch and bake sale.

Dexter DazeFriday 8.14 and Saturday, 8.15 / DexterThis year marks this annual community cel-ebration’s 43rd year, and Dexter Daze promises to deliver once again with fun-filled time for youngsters of all ages. Kevin Devine plays his enthusiastic brand of family music in the Friday noon sun, followed by an Acme Party Works with a rock wall, Olympic bounce course, and three shot basketball. The parade will march through town on Saturday, with street artists, musicians and performers making their rounds all day long. The Leslie Science and Nature Center provides critters for furry and feathery enjoyment, and A2 Magic will leave the crowd speechless. The whole festival ends with an explosive finale - fireworks at Mill Creek Park. 10am-8pm, August 14; 10am-10pm, August 15. Downtown Dexter. dexterdaze.org Free.

Chelsea Community FairTuesday, 8.25 - Saturday, 8.29 / ChelseaEnjoy the smashing sounds of colliding cars, sa-vor the sweetness of fried dough and corndogs, breathe in the fresh manure-scented air, take a prickly seat on a stack of hay, and pet a cute little piglet. The Chelsea Community Fair fea-tures a farm-y time with activities like the tractor pull, horse shows as well as animal competitions of all kinds. Swine, rabbits, poultry, and more compete to be the best. Clowns will perform, and youth horse shows entertain crowds with their well-practiced tricks. Through August 29. $7/day pass. chelseafair.org.

Searchable lists updated daily at ecurrent.com

Photo via Facebook

Photo by Sarah Norris

everything else


road trip

G. Love & SpeciaL Sauce and BiG Head Todd & THe MonSTerSG Love & Special Sauce, the summer-vibe, three piece garage blues band from the 90s, hasn’t played a gig in eight long years. But with the release of their new album, Sugar, the band hits the road once again. So crack open a cold beverage and get down with the G Love blend of groove-heavy, Chicago-blues-infused, stripped-down rock and roll. Big Head Todd & The Monsters share the stage at this throwback summer show. 6:30pm, August 19, Royal Oak Music Theater, 318 W 4th St, Royal Oak, MI 48067 (248) 399-2980. $27.50-$47.50.

Up in the sky!Saturday 8.29 and Sunday 8.30 / Willow Run AirportThunder Over Michigan Air Show returns, and you’ll hear it before you see it. This year, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels take the sky with a stunt-filled performance full of tight flying formations, spins, dives, and upside down flying. Michael Goulian, a professional airplane acrobatics specialist known for not just flying in an air show, but “attacking it,” is set to take the sky, too. Ex-military aircraft flying demos include “Fat Albert”—a hulking four turboprop (four propellers)—and an F-16 fighter jet. Pack the cooler, slap on some sunscreen, and marvel at the marriage between man and ma-chine. And pack your earplugs. August 29, 30, Willow Run Airport, 801 Kirk Profit Dr, Ypsilanti, MI. Advance tickets, $30. Day of, $40. Parking, $15-$20.

Thunder Over Michigan Air Show Presented by Wayne County Airport Authority

everything else

Ypsilanti Street Festival6:30-8:30pm. B-24’s Cafe, 217 W. Michigan Ave. 734-547-5143. yankeeairmuseum.org FreeLive music, local food specials, and free vintage car parking, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII.

16 sundaySunday Afternoon Naturalists: Reptiles and Amphibians3:15-4:15pm. $1.Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Rd. 734-997-1553. lesliesnc.org Discover the mysterious lives of the local reptile and amphibian population with experts from the LSNC.

18 tuesdayBasic Biology for Buddhists7-9pm. Zen Buddhist Temple, 1214 Packard St. 734-761-6520. FreeExplore topics such as: the fundamental characteristics of living organisms, the diversity of life, energy and biomolecules, photosynthesis and the microbiome. Each evening will consist of some simple and fun activities (like isolating DNA), and Buddhist readings that reflect the topic.

Smarty Pants Trivia Smackdown8-9:30pm. Chelsea Alehouse, 420 N. Main St. 734-475-8732. chelseaalehouse.com FreeAll invited to round up 6 people to compete in a 5-round trivia contest. Prizes for the top 2 teams.

25 tuesday78th Annual Chelsea Community Fair8am-10pm. $15. Chelsea Fairgrounds, Old US-12 Manchester, Chelsea. 734-475-1270. chelseafair.orgLivestock shows, chainsaw wood-carving demos, truck and tractor pulls — it’s all the things that makes living in the country great in one fair. The fair runs until Saturday 29.

27 thursdayTrail Fest Demo Night6pm. Brighton State Recreation Area, 6360 Chilson Rd., Brighton. 810-225-9123. runninglabtrailfest.com FreeMultiple vendors will be at the trails for you to test out their products and services. This is a great chance to try out shoes, apparel and accesso-ries for free.

29 saturdayRunning Lab Trail Fest 10K8am. $35. Bishop Lake Trail Head/Beach Area, 6360 Chilson Rd., Brighton. 810-225-9123. runninglabtrailfest.comThe course will run from the Bishop Lake beach over to the Bishop Lake blue loop and back. Each participant will receive a custom Trail Fest running beanie. Start and Finish: Bishop Lake Trail Head/Beach Area.


ONGOINGMondays, Wednesdays, and FridaysEnhance Fitness10am. $2/per class. Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St. 734-480-2787. riversidearts.orgYMCA presents a fitness class for the elderly to help with arthritis, and boosts energy levels. Runs every Monday, Wednesday ;and Friday mornings.

TuesdaysCandlelight Yoga7:45-8:45pm. $10. Peachy Fitness, 2385 S. Huron Pkwy. 734-681-0477. peachyfitness.comA luminous Yin Yoga session. Great for relaxation, meditation and getting ready for a deep peaceful sleep.

WednesdaysFamily Matters Group6-7:15pm. Zion Lutheran Church, Creation Station room, 2nd floor, 1501 W. Liberty St. 734-821-0216. dawnfarm.org FreeFamily Matters is a free, six-session education, skill-building and support group for fam-ily members, loved ones and friends of people with alcohol and other drug addiction.

SaturdaysOpen Meditation10:45-11:45am. St. Joesph Mercy, 400 W. Russell St., Saline. 734-276-7707. mindfullnessmeditationmichigan.weebly.com FreePlease join us for this one-hour mindfulness sitting; it’s appropriate for beginners and experienced meditators. There are two 20 minute sits, the first guided and the second silent, with discussion and questions in between.

15 SaturdayOur Inner Garden9am. $30. Michigan Friends Center, 1000 Long Lake Rd., Chelsea. 734-477-5848. deepspring.orgPractice awareness of the power of inner light through meditation, movement, art and play. Today’s focus is sound and movement.

16 SundayAnxiety and Depression Yoga6pm. $18/drop in. Sun Moon Yoga, 404 W. Huron. 734-369-2054. sun-moon-yoga.comJoin this class to lower your cortisol levels with breath-ing and stretching, led by the knowledgeable teachers of Sun Moon Yoga.

18 TuesdayHerbal Wisdom Series with Linda Diane Feldt7pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore, 114 S. Main St. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net FreeLearn about herbs and their amazing health benefits, as well as how you can integrate them into your daily life.

19 WednesdayFriends and Family Support Group: National Alliance on Mental Illness7-8:30pm. St. Claire’s Episcopal Church, 2309 Packard. 734-994-6611. Namiwc.org FreeThis group supports adults who live with or care for someone living with a mental illness. Get help with crisis intervention, navigating local mental health resources, communication, retaining hope, and advocat-ing for your loved one with a mental illness.

22 SaturdayHuman Awareness Mini Workshop: Creating Love and Connection6-8pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore, 114 S. Main St. 248-388-5411. hai.org FreeIn a safe, supportive, and re-laxed environment, discover the ingredients for a happy, healthy, loving, and intimate relation-ship. All workshops begin with a gathering 30 minutes before the start time.

29 SaturdayShow Me Nutrition1-2pm. Ypsilanti District Library, 5577 Whitaker Rd. 734-482-4110. ypsilibrary.org FreeExplore the many ways you can eat nutritious food, and why it is so important.

Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Michigan ConferenceOdd allergies affect people all over the world. Did you know that in Israel, a sesame allergy is one of the most common? This conference aims to educate community leaders, professionals, and individuals about food allergies, through reviewing the fundamentals and discussing common conditions. Registration is required. Saturday, 29. 8am-1:15pm. Kensington Court Ann Arbor Hotel, 610 Hilton Blvd. foodallergymiassociation.com/conference Free

health events

health


Thank youTo everyone who made it to our Best of Washtenaw

County Awards Ceremony: Congratulations again! Keep up the great work and good luck next year! Thank you, Wolverine State Brewing Co. for hosting the party.

The one and only Violin

MonsTer

The CurrenT Crew

BesT roCk Band: Chris Taylor of Blue snaggleTooTh, wiTh

his son asheTon.

BesT Brewery: wolVerine sTaTe

Brewing

BesT yoga sTudio: dina sheldon,

a2 yoga

BesT Massage Therapy:

relax sTaTion


crossword

58. Georgetown players59. Southern cornbread62. Milk purchase63. Pisa prime64. Work unit in physics65. Use Manic Panic, e.g.

TED TOOAcross1. Slate employees: Abbr.4. Restaurant bigwigs9. Punk’s facial expression, often14. Pro-concealed carry org.15. Scale notes17. Sets right, as a bike wheel18. Number due east on some clocks19. Cited a Facebook post?21. “It was ___ blur”23. Emphatic ending for “yes” or “no”24. Tie the knot25. Buddy who everybody knows is gay but himself?29. Singer Lopez30. Believer’s suffix31. Led on a Biblical sufferer?36. “I can help you”40. Step below the majors41. Stunk big-time43. Brazilian carnival spot44. Some hotels47. Caught actor Nathan in the act?50. Forever 21 rival52. Sarge’s boss53. Allocated enough money for a very small tattoo, say?59. Veggie that’s “split” in soups60. Auto route from Me. to Fla.61. Houston player, briefly62. Marijuana used as the subject of a mural?66. Detective Velcoro of “True Detective”67. See 9-Down68. Clay-and-water mixture69. “___ frog had wings”70. V flyers71. Prolonged attack72. First stat in a triple double, often: Abbr.

Down1. Early digital computer2. Marching orders followers3. Popeye, famously4. Antiquated recording formats that hipsters will embrace, I’m guessing, around 20275. En fuego6. Clear, as a thumb drive7. Bad smelling8. Happy or Brainy, e.g.9. With 67-Across, World Series of Poker legend nicknamed “The Kid”

10. Checkers command11. Exposed publicly12. Unwanted growth13. It makes psych records sound better16. Czech river20. Prince George’s nana, for short22. Take ___ (drink slowly)26. Tree creature of “LOTR”27. Tournament level28. Class that advertises with foreign words: Abbr.31. Lao-Tze’s “Way”32. Party girl33. ___ de mots (pun)34. Approves35. Money at stake37. Track event?38. Game played with blocks39. Nondiscrimination hiring letters42. ___ Soul45. Chameleon cousins46. :(48. Eagles guitarist Felder

for crossword answers, go to ecurrent.com

©2015 By Brendan Em

mett Q

uigley (www.brendanemmettquigley.com

)

49. “Number the Stars” author Lowry51. PC key used in navigation53. Off-white54. Those in Madrid55. Works and works and works56. Bored-with-life feeling57. Raison ___

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14 15 16 17

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hELP wANTED-------------------------------------wE’RE LOOkINg FOR A FREELANCE wRITER AND A FREELANCE PhOTOgRAPhER. Paid gigs for Current & Ann Arbor Family magazines. E-mail us at [email protected] ------------------------------------- MASSAgE ThERAPIST: Currently hiring therapists to work at RelaxStation in downtown Ann Arbor to accommodate our already established clientele. Free parking, flexible hours, great team! 734-623-1951 -------------------------------------gIvE hOPE. BECOME A FOSTER PARENT. Attend a free training today to learn more! For more information: www.judsoncenter.org or 313-255-8272. ------------------------------------

AUTOS wANTED ------------------------------------CASh FOR CARS: Cars/Trucks Wanted! Running or Not! We Come To You! Any Make/Model. Instant Offer - Call: 1-800-569-0003 ------------------------------------

FOR SALE------------------------------------SAFE STEP wALk-IN TUB ALERT FOR SENIORS. Bathroom falls can be fatal. Approved by Arthritis Foundation. Therapeutic Jets. Less Than 4 Inch Step-In. Wide Door. Anti-Slip Floors. American Made. Installation Included. Call 1-800-906-3115 for $750 Off------------------------------------ANNOUNCEMENTS ------------------------------------SELL YOUR STRUCTURED SETTLEMENT or annuity payments for CASH NOW. You don’t have to wait for your future payments any longer! Call 1-800-391-0460-------------------------------------SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. Unable to work? Denied benefits? We Can Help! WIN or Pay Nothing! Contact Bill Gordon & Associates at 1-800-208-6915 to start your application today!-------------------------------------

wANTED TO BUY------------------------------------- CASh FOR SEALED, unexpired DIABETIC TEST STRIPS/STOP SMOKING PRODUCTS! Free Shipping, 24hr Payments! Call 1-877-588-8500, Español AvailableTestStripSearch.com.------------------------------------

call Catherine at 419.244.9859

to sell your stuff!

PURCHASE: Mon-Fri 9am-7pm | Sat 9am-6pm | Sunday 11am-5pmDONATE: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm | Sat 10am-5pm | Sunday 12pm-4pmFIND US: 2280 S. Industrial Hwy | 734.996.9155 | a2ptothriftshop.org

www.a2ptothriftshop.org

WE’VE DISTRIBUTED OVER

$1.58 MILto AAPS & its PTOs since July 2008

WE’VE DISTRIBUTED OVER

$271,000to AAPS & its PTOs in 2014-2015

Lots of summer and fall

inventoryDonate to us and support Ann Arbor Public Schools.

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Thrift Store!

25% off Student DiscountEVERY SATURDAYON EVERYTHING!

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INVENTORY IS HIGH SO WATCH FOR WEEKLY SUMMER SALES!

SUPPORT AAPS and its students! Participate in a GREEN community effort to fund student enrichment at Ann Arbor Public Schools since 1993.

current august 2015

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