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FREE SEPTEMBER 20
Will U of M reign over the Big 10 this year? The 2013
Blue Book
al Guide Student Surviv
contents
september 2013 vol. 24 / no.9
12 food: in review
fyi 4
Cover Photo
Red Rock Downtown BBQ by Joe Saul and Lisa Leutheuser
MiTrain connects Ann Arbor and Detroit
green corner 4
provided by Michigan Athletics
21 theater: The Vast Difference
City Council approves downtown bike share
An interview with the Purple Rose Theater’s Guy Sanville by San Slomovits
Rusted Words 6
The literary power of Midwestern Gothic by Jennifer Xu
23 double stuff art feature Artist Thom Bohnert and an UMMA update by Louis Meldman (p.23) and Jan Thomas (p.26)
Poetry & Fiction Winers 6
35 everything else 38 crossword
See who won the big cheese in our contest
PLAY BIG 9
Will U of M reign over the Big 10 this year? by Nick Roumel
music feature 15
Correction
In our August issue, at the end of our Sushi Odyssey, we misnamed Mike Pitsch and Jack Savas in our byline photograph. Pitsch was standing to the left and Savas to the right.
Frontier Ruckus rolls into the Ark by Jeff Milo
online exclusives Exclusive features at www.ecurrent.com
Sushi Odyssey At the end of our sushi odyssey, seekers cried “no more!” If you're looking for a new sushi joint, chances are, we've tried it. Read up before you eat up.
2013 Readers Choice Current readers are opinionated — which is just how we like them. So what local businesses reined supreme? See for yourself online.
And while you’re at it check out these other great odysseys: BBQ, Burger and Vegetarian!
Playing the Troublemaker Professor of Music in Voice at U of M, Stephen West wowed crowds in his role of Javert in Dexter's Encore Theatre's performance of Les Mis. Did you catch the show? Let us know what you thought! Give us your review at ecurrent.com
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Win Renaissance Festival tickets! Ah, 'tis the season for jousting, magic, and turkey legs as big as your face. Keep up with us on Facebook and Twitter for your chance to win tickets to the Michigan Renaissance Festival!
Adams Street Publishing Co.
^ After 60 years in business, A2’s legendary Blimpy Burger closed in mid-August. Located at 551 S. Division St., the restaurant had to close after the University of Michigan purchased the building and surrounding properties to construct a new graduate dormitory. Owner Rich Magner is in the early stages of finding a location for a new restaurant downtown. 734-663-4590. blimpyburger.com
What’s your favorite brew?
Publisher/Editor in Chief
Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) rogue - dead guy ale
Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@toledocitypaper.com) rhinelander export lager
Editorial Arts & Entertainment Coordinator: Joseph Schafer (josephs@adamsstreetpublishing.com) stone brewing - arrogant bastard. obviously. Staff writer: Griffin Messer-Kruse (griffin@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Head hunters ipa - fat head’s brewing Digital Media Specialist: Amanda Goldberg (agoldberg@adamsstreetpublishing.com) leinenkugel’s sunset wheat Contributing Writers: Nick Roumel, Steven J Athanas, Ned Randolph, Louis Meldman,, San Slomovits, Jennifer Xu
^ The Lunch Room, a new vegan restaurant located at 403 N. Fifth Ave. in the Kerrytown Market building, had its grand opening in early August. Owned by Phillis Engelbert and Joel Panozzo, the restaurant features two outdoor dining areas as well as table seating indoors. 734-224-8859. thelunchrooma2.tumblr.com
Art/Production Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) ice cold bud light Graphic Design: Brittney Koehl (adsin@toledocitypaper.com) bell’s two hearted ale Megan Anderson (manderson@toledocitypaper.com) bell’s oberon Jameson Staneluis (jameson@adamsstreetpublishing.com) it’s so obscure you haven’t heard of it
^ The historic building at 326 W. Liberty St., that used to house Moveable Feast restaurant, is undergoing renovations after being purchased by Joe Lambert, owner of tech start-up Sequoia Applied Solutions. Lambert has moved his seven-person company to the building and is currently renovating to create rentable office suites. 734-786-8346. sqasol.com
Advertising Sales Manager: Aubrey Hornsby (ahornsby@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Ice cold yuengling light. obviously.
^ The Pizza Hut at 2407 Washtenaw Ave. in Ypsilanti has closed. The franchise placed a sign on its door directing customers to the location at 3045 Carpenter Road. 734-971-6500.
Sales Coordinator: Emily Gibb (classifieds@toledocitypaper.com) bell’s two hearted ale Classifieds Coordinator: Lydia Schaefer (classifieds@toledocitypaper.com) blue moon Account Executives: Kelly Schwarck (kelly@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Have to support my hometown!! Abita Amber.
^ DJ’s Kitchen and Dining Smokehouse, a new southern-style barbeque restaurant located at 1004 W. Michigan Ave., opened on August 1. Owned by Justin Allen, the restaurant serves only its own sauces, smokes all of its own meats, and makes all of its dishes to order. 734-340-5248.
Administration Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@toledocitypaper.com) stella artois -also the name of my dog! Distribution: Michelle Flanagan (distribution@toledocitypaper.com) corona Office Assistants: Jan Thomas (jthomas@adamsstreetpublishing.com) bell’s two hearted ale or big eddy Marisa Rubin (mrubin@adamsstreetpublishing.com) witches brew - Brewed in my Cauldron
© 2013 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 $28 a year. Distributed throughout Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and neighboring communities. Also publishers of:
Audited by
Member
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: facebook.com/annarborfamily twitter.com/annarborfamily
ecurrent.com / september 2013 3
fyi
green corner Ticket to ride
Here my train a-comin'
In case you didn't know — the MiTrain, a planned regional train that will connect Ann Arbor and Detroit with stops at Ypsilanti, Dearborn and the Detroit Airport, is scheduled to commence with regular commuter service in 2014. The service proposes to run four round-trips during each weekday and three daily round-trips on weekends. A full ride from Ann Arbor to Detroit will take about 50 minutes, making the train a great option for students and workers seeking an easy commute. The train will feature bi-level gallery cars that were refurbished by Great Lakes Central Railroad and will include storage space for passenger's bicycles. For a full video preview of the train, visit youtube.com/watch?v=IFtxB4RigwM.
The Ann Arbor City Council has voted 9-2 to proceed with a community bike sharing program, the first of its kind in Michigan. In partnership with local nonprofit Clean Energy Coalition, the city plans to provide 14 stations with 125 bicycles that will be located in and around the downtown area as well as the University of Michigan campus. Anyone age 18 and up will be able join as either a daily, weekly or annual member with access to rentable bicycles by swiping either their membership card or credit card at the station. Tentative plans show day passes for $5, weekly passes for $20, with annual memberships costing $60. City Council plans to implement the program by next April. Visit cec-mi.org/bikeshare for more information. — GMK
Voyageur *Saison Lager*
6.5% abv / 36 ibu’s by Oliver Roberts, Wolverine State Brewing Co. Head Brewer
Our Voyageur Saison is brewed with all the traditional ingredients including malt grown in the FrancoBelgian region around the borders of France and Belgium. We also used: German Munich malt, Turbinado Sugar or Demerara Sugar, Wheat malt, Vienna malt, and a touch of roasted malt for a bit of orange color. We used Saaz hops from Czechoslovakia and East Kent Golding hops from the UK. Then we spiced the brew in the kettle with Sweet Orange Peel and Grains of Paradise. Our Voyageur is named as such as because we have embarked on another new beer adventure by blending our House Lager yeast with a different yeast, namely a Belgian Saison yeast, at a specific time during fermentation to try and capture both the essence of a Saison and the crisp, clean flavors of a lager. The Voyageur is characterized by a big bubble gum, banana, and ripe apple aroma. A dry and crisp finish helps make this complex “Mixed Culture” (because of the yeast blending) beer very thirst quenching. All in all Belgian inspired beers should be explored and not pigeon-holed into one dimension of experience like how many beers are defined.
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Y
psilanti, Ann Arbor's eastward sister, is fast becoming one of the most hip, artistic, and fun — loving little towns in Michigan. Think of it as the Brooklyn to Tree City's Manhattan.
ecurrent.com / september 2013 5
feature
words
The literary power of Midwestern Gothic by Jennifer Xu
areas of A boy and his father wander the rural gutted the gh throu nging scave Tennessee and Kentucky everyman ing griev A s. house losed forec of tons skele riously out muscles for control of a business slipping preca Florida’s past tball baske a sails Burke Trey . grasp of his of Tim arms ng waiti the into il bloated economic turmo bound in the ully faithf s storie the are These Jr. , away Hard ry journal pages of Midwestern Gothic, a quarterly litera t stories hones the tell to s strive that r Arbo Ann in based ugly. or bad, good, r hethe n—w of the Midwestern regio rvalued “We thought of the Midwest as a very unde ers and not place—people think of us as blue collar work Midwestern nded co-fou who ll, Russe Rob says else,” much wanted to Gothic with fellow writer Jeff Pfaller in 2011. “We tellers here.” story great and s storie great are there that show
Regional push
literary Up until Midwestern Gothic leaped onto the est Midw the nizing recog d towar push no scene, there was few a gh Thou . ration as a region fertile for literary explo Frank Bill, Midwestern writers, such as Jonathan Franzen, selves them for s name and Bonnie Jo Campbell, have made still are ites satell its and belt rust the , stage on the national ry. count the of very much unrecognized in the rest because “People think that we don’t have a lot of value ur,” glamo and glitz have we don’t have the ocean; we don’t we’re ality— ment our that’s think I “And Russell says. like to overlooked types of people. We don’t necessarily lves.” ourse about brag and boast location The co-founders describe the Midwest as a be the not might “We . pride local and unity rooted in comm best the have not might prettiest region in the world. We sting intere most the or e, peopl g ookin best-l jobs, or the Pfaller says. things to do, but you know what? It’s ours,” you in the punch gonna we’re it, like don’t “And if you mouth.”
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working Pfaller and Russell met many years ago while closing was r Pfalle As rant. restau can Mexi a at rs as serve ll Russe d notice he day, the down the restaurant for ed over a bond ly quick two The ook. noteb a in g writin friendship mutual appreciation of literature, and their in college at while er togeth ed room They . there from grew failed projects Michigan State, survived through numerous zine), and maga a book, comic a ns, oratio collab ng (writi led to that buds the e becam these experiences eventually old, the journal years two than more Now ic. Goth estern Midw short stories, has published 10 issues and one full collection of on the way. ction nonfi tive narra of tion collec first its and has
Loving the Middle West
a literary Ann Arbor seems like the perfect place for other What . roots its down lay to est Midw journal about the store Borders city can boast that a mere year after super sprung up to closed down, two independent bookstores ll says. “For Russe ,” take its place? “It’s such a literary town city, the the in tores books of er numb the a city this size, happen that s thing of er number of literary events, the numb held a ic Goth estern Midw h, mont Last is mind-blowing.” an, Rodw John field, reading by contributors Russell Brake ati Liter at ein ter-H Webs elle Mich and , Joe Sacksteder Book town Kerry the at Bookstore and plans to set up a table Festival this September. time Though editing Midwestern Gothic takes as much carry each still ll Russe and r Pfalle on, positi as a full-time ry journals, an additional day job. Unlike many other litera so the rsity, unive a with ted affilia not is c Midwestern Gothi ting attrac at good y rkabl two co-founders have gotten rema to is says, ll Russe goal, Their a. medi l socia interest through n, natio the d aroun areas expand their readership to other and n regio this love they y, simpl Put est. not just the Midw want to share that love with the world. with “There’s something about this place that sticks can’t you and gut, your you,” Russell says. “It just sticks in get rid of it.”
Pfaller
JamesRussell Meet the editors
Jeff Pfaller is a novelist and short story writer. A Midwesterner through and through since the day he was born, Jeff has transplanted his wife, two children, dog, and cat from Michigan to Des Plaines, Illinois. Robert James Russell is a Pushcart Prize nominated author whose work has appeared in Gris-Gris, Joyland, and The Collagist among others. His first novel, Sea of Trees, was published in 2012 by Winter Goose Publishing. Find him online at robertjamesrussell.com. Midwestern Gothic is a quarterly literary journal dedicated to featuring work about or inspired by the Midwest, as written by midwesterners. the journal collects the very best in midwestern fiction writing in a way that has never been done before: cataloging an often-overlooked region of the United States ripe with its own mythologies and tall tales. Midwestern Gothic prints quarterly. Issue 11 hits the streets on October 1, and will be entirely devoted to Creative Nonfiction (their second theme issue). Tree City residents can pick up copies of the journal at Literati Bookstore. MWG will also participate at the Kerrytown Bookfest in early September and the State of the Book festival in late September, where Russell will lead a panel—so folks can pick up copies of the journal there as well, or find it online at midwestgothic.com.
ecurrent.com / septermber 2013 7
POETR R E
Local Laureates and Wordsmiths
Curernt’s annual summer poetry and fiction contest grows each year, and has become one of the events ourstaff is most excited for. Washtenaw County has untapped great writers, eager to be published. Deciding this year’s winners was a challenge. In
140
Y
TWIT T
feature
2013, we updated the contest, asking for [Twitter poems restricted to 140 characters] and [Flash Fiction, which is limited to only three sentences]. Aspiring writers had to be fast and furious with their words. Enjoy.
✻ Winner
Runner-up
Untitledthere is no us
Untitled
I am living. I am dying.
Frisbees glide between fireflies, lighting the yard for summer snapshots.
Lightening bugs lead constellations, spreading immortality across the sky.
Robin Goldberg Runner-up
Let's Do the Time Warp Again Let's do the time warp again! brad and janet knock barack and michelle answer welcome them inside
Jacob Jabkiewicz
One of these statements is false. Seven-word Memoir Found: Notebook, last page torn out. Realism We can’t both be solipsists.
Kaitlin Williams
Fiction
✻ Winner
A Daredevil Realizes Captain Jungling brought his rocket-powered space suit to the edge of the black hole's event horizon. Shifting his mass forward even one micron would send the cosmic daredevil inexorably downward to a singularity of doom. As atom after atom of himself began departing, he thought how supremely unfortunate it was to become aroused during stunts.
Runner-up
untitled
Jake Christensen
It was a beautiful summer sunrise in the mountains. An instructor and student were preparing to paraglide by running off the mountainside into clear blue sky. After they landed, both felt peace as they went on about their days, sharing it with everyone’s eyes they met.
Runner-up
untitled
Heather Mooney
It was hard enough getting by in this world but when that awful neighbor moved in for many years he felt so deeply angry at this constant source of bother and resentment until when his old age came and he wondered at the end, what was the point of all that aversion? In his next life he again met the neighbor but now she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen and he wooed and cajoled her into loving him but soon he found himself totally obsessed with keeping her and he wondered at the end, what was the point of all that attraction? In the next life the same one he had hated who had became an obsession was this time born as his child as he loved unconditionally his anger melted and his obsession subsided until he only wanted this person to be happy and free of suffering and this time when death approached, there was so much less to regret.
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Edward Howlett
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Exciting Big Ten
feature
Football History and Preview by Nick Roumel
2013 will not be your father’s Big Ten. There have been many changes—some bad, some worse. Let’s review them by year. The “Western Conference” began competitive play with Michigan, Illinois, Northwestern, Minnesota, Purdue, Wisconsin and Chicago. There were only 45 states in the Union.
1896 1899
Wisconsin won the inaugural conference season with thrilling victories over Lake Forest, Madison High School—yes, high school—Grinnell, and Beloit; along with wins against Chicago and Minnesota. Their only loss was to the Carlisle Indians, who were real Native Americans. That’s the school Jim Thorpe went to 15 years later.
1924 – Illinois stunned Fielding Yost’s defending national champions of Michigan, keyed by five touchdowns from the Galloping Ghost, Red Grange. Michigan’s defense had only given up 3 touchdowns in their previous two seasons, plus the first two games in 1924, before this game. Grange scored four times in the first quarter alone. 1969 – Michigan’s new coach Bo Schembechler and Ohio State’s coach Woody Hayes commenced their “Ten Year War” with perhaps the greatest win in Michigan history, a stunning 24-12 upset over what many considered to be the greatest college football team of all time. 2011 – Nebraska became the 12th team in the
conference, which obstinately remained the Big Ten. Paradoxically, the Big 12 has only ten teams. Nebraska’s modest academic standing saved Michigan State from being the lowest ranked academic school in the conference.
1912
1924
1940 1950
1969 1990
conference. Chicago won the title, the first of seven for legendary coach Amos Alonzo Stagg.
1912 – Ohio State joined the conference. Women were still not allowed to vote. New Mexico and Arizona become the 47th and 48th states, respectively.
1940 – In his final football game, Tom Harmon led Michigan to a 40-0 victory over Ohio State, scoring three rushing touchdowns, two passing touchdowns, four extra points, intercepting three passes and punting three times for an average of 50 yards. Ohio State fans in Columbus gave Harmon a standing ovation at game’s end. Can you imagine that today? 1950 – Chicago had left the conference four years earlier, to be replaced by the “Michigan State College of Agriculture and Applied Science.” The U.S. was still stuck on 48 states. 1990 – Penn State became the eleventh member of the Big Ten, which stubbornly refused to change its name or number. 2008-2011 – Michigan temporarily ceased its foot-
‘08 -’11 2011
2012
2013 – The unbridled excitement continued,
with Johns Hopkins joining the Big Ten as an affiliate member for men’s lacrosse. Would Madison High School be next?
1899 – Indiana and Iowa joined the
ball program, instead filling its stadium with a circus side show led by Tricky Ricky Rodriguez. Tremendous embarrassment ensued.
2012 – It was also announced that Rutgers and Maryland would join the Big Ten for football commencing with the 2014 season.
2013 ecurrent.com / septermber 2013 9
feature
Photos by University of Michigan Athletics Department
The coming Big Ten football season will feature the last season of two-division play; the “Leaders” and “Legends” will be phased out next year. In the meantime, despite the great strides Michigan has made in recruiting and competitiveness under coach Brady Hoke, Ohio State is favored to win the conference, and perhaps the national championship. Urban Meyer was hired to coach the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2012, surprising everyone who actually believed him in 2010, when he announced his retirement as Florida’s head coach to concentrate on “faith, family and his health.” Hoke and Meyer are in the second year of what could ultimately be a rivalry the likes of Bo and Woody. Meyer edged Hoke last year, 26-21, to cap an undefeated season and deny Michigan a share of their division title. He continues to outpace Hoke in recruiting and rankings, but Michigan is right on his heels.
Making change
While Michigan’s return to football prominence is welcome, other ‘updates’ are more controversial. This year marks a change in student seating at home games, from reserved seats to general admission, angering upperclass students who anticipated having seats near the 40 yard line according to previous practice. Other ticket prices continue to rise, with season ticket fees becoming the norm not only at Michigan but throughout the country. Luxury box seating now dominates the upper tier, which was once reserved for the ring of wine bottles that would be passed to the
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back row as they were emptied during games. Alcohol is now strictly verboten at “The Big House,” as are purses, water bottles, umbrellas and marshmallows.
Rivalry with history
Despite the corporate feel of college football today, it is all expected to disappear on Saturday, September 7, when the Notre Dame Fighting Irish visit Michigan for a night game. Their visit two years ago, for the first-ever night game in Michigan Stadium, was not only a welcome opportunity for an all-day tailgate, but one of the most fun and exciting games in Michigan history, with a 17-point comeback capped by the winning touchdown with 2 seconds remaining. Ironically, the Michigan football team introduced the game to Notre Dame in 1887, stopping by their campus on the way to a contest in Chicago. The teams began their rivalry later that year. Since then, the two teams have been the winningest programs in college football history, with Michigan currently holding the edge. The Big Ten has seen many changes since the teams traveled by train in the late 1800’s, and Michigan was considered the “West.” But one constant has been the game itself. From the moment of the opening kickoff to the final gun, fans’ passion for their team transcends time and history, no matter where they sit, how much they pay, or whether they’re allowed to bring marshmallows. It’s one of the few pursuits in life where tradition actually means something.
ecurrent.com / septermber 2013 11
food food
in review Red Rock Downtown Barbecue
Red Rock Downtown Barbecue 207 W. Michigan Ave. Ypsilanti, MI 48197 (734) 340-2381 redrockypsi.com Mon-Sat 11am-2am Sun Noon-Midnight
A solid contender by Joe Saul and Lisa Leutheuser
Downtown Ypsi has become a dining destination, and Red Rock is one of the reasons why. Its low-key but comfortable interior, sidewalk tables and good barbecue, coupled with an outstanding selection of (mostly) Michigan beer consistently draw crowds. Red Rock's proprietors are working to build business and community with Tuesday trivia nights and craft beer nights on Mondays. And, unlike in downtown Ann Arbor, you can usually find street parking.
Appetizers
Wings: crispy and salty, with a dusting of Red Rock’s spicy seasoning, these were an across-the-board hit. One of our friends comes to Red Rock specifically to get these. Black & Blue Pizza: smoked brisket, blue cheese and greens on a very thin, perfectly-cooked crust with a balsamic dressing. While it departs from the barbecue theme, the flavor combination stands up well. Burnt Ends: traditionally, “burnt ends” are exactly what the name implies: the tastily overdone bits at the end of the brisket or other meat. The obvious problem is that those bits are a very small percentage of the meat, so you’ll run out if they become popular. When Red Rock first opened, it looked like they were deep-frying pieces of brisket to get extra caramelization—now, though, these are chunks off the brisket, likely cooked a bit longer, and tossed in extra dry rub with pickled jalapeños. Unlike Kansas City-style burnt ends, they aren’t served in sauce. Highly recommended. Joe could just order these and a couple corn muffins and call it dinner.
Sandwiches
Rock Burger: a smoked beef burger topped with pulled pork, accented with onions and jalapeños on a pretzel roll. We enjoyed it. Tres Cerdos: the “three pigs” of the name are pulled pork, pork belly and bacon, together served on a brioche roll. It’s excessive on some level, but works well. Black Pepper BLT: a standard-seeming BLT on black pepper bread. What really makes this sandwich is the bacon: perfectly crisp and smoky, it’s outstanding.
Barbecue Meats
We’ve eaten a lot of barbecue in a lot of places. Red Rock doesn’t neatly fit into a specific regional style; like most places in Michigan, they’re kind of doing their own thing. They offer four sauces: Red Rock (sweet tomato-
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based), Hawaiian (Red Rock but with more spice and a bit of citrus), Eastern North Carolina (vinegar and pepperbased but make sure you shake it up thoroughly), and South Carolina (mustard-based). Pulled Pork: shredded (as opposed to chopped like you’d see in North Carolina), nicely smoked, reasonably moist and tossed with a little sauce. We really liked the Eastern North Carolina vinegar sauce with this, but it goes fine with the others too. Beef Brisket: slices of brisket; not as smoky or as moist as the best we’ve had, but still very good. Great with the Red Rock or Hawaiian, and you can also sprinkle rub on it. Smoked Chicken: super flavorful, but on the dry side. Great with the sauces. St. Louis Spare Ribs: St. Louis is one of the few places we haven’t tried BBQ, so we can’t judge authenticity, but the ribs are good: meaty, with a thick crust of rub and a lot of flavor. Their moistness can vary, but we’ve liked them every time, and they don’t even really need sauce.
Sides
No barbecue is complete without sides! Red Rock lets you pick two with entrees, and additional orders are pretty inexpensive. Cowboy Beans: a barbecue staple, these beans are generously adorned with Red Rock sauce and a lot of pulled pork and bacon. Not good for vegetarians, but great with the meat. Collard Greens: also very unsafe for vegetarians, as they’re made in the traditional manner with plenty of pork. But tasty! Corn Bread Muffins: if you crossed cornbread with those corn cakes they used to have at Chi Chi’s, you’d get something like these. They’re sweet and soft and they always taste great, with one caveat: depending on factors we don’t fully understand, they can be gummy. See if you can get them fresh from the oven. Sweet Potato Mash: exactly what it says, these mashed sweet potatoes are like Thanksgiving in a cup. If you like that, you’ll love them. Lisa and Joe have been blogging about food in the Ann Arbor area (and points beyond) since 2004. Check them out at kitchenchick.com.
Homegrowners unite!
food
The 5th Annual HomeGrown Festival returns to the historic Ann Arbor Farmers Market on Saturday, September 7. Featuring the best A2 has to offer in local food, drink, and music, HomeGrown Festival is a familyfriendly showcase of the region's finest grassroots organizations. 13 area chefs will offer sample-sized plates of their tastiest dishes sourced from Michigan farms at affordable prices ($1-$7). For the 21 and up crowd, 9 Michigan beer and wine vendors will bring craft beer, wine, mead, and hard-cider for purchase. Wire in the Wood, Chris Good Music, and Nadir will perform on the main stage until 10pm—dancers welcome. Home brewers are also encouraged to enter in the Homegrown Homebrew Competition—drop off 2 12oz. bottles of your home brew with an entry form (available on the website) at the evening farmers market on September 4. Winners will be announced during the festival! 6pm. Free, donations are welcome. Ann Arbor Farmers Market, 315 Detroit St., Ann Arbor. 734-707-8488. homegrownfestival.org—GMK
ongoing Westland Farmers Market
36601 Ford Rd, Westland. 3-7pm. N/A. 734-786-8401.
Every Thursday this market, run by Growing Hope, features local vendors selling a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables along with homemade prepared foods and crafts - all grown or made in Michigan. Accepting many forms of payment: cash, SNAP/EBT (Bridge Card), WIC Project FRESH, Senior Market FRESH, Double Up Food Bucks, and credit/debit cards. www.growinghope.net
Ann Arbor Farmers Market
Wednesday & Saturday, 7am-3pm; Wednesday Evening Market, 4-8pm. 315 Detroit St.
This unique farmers maket experience offers you the chance to shop, sip, dine, and be merry! There will be live music, food carts, a nonprofit sponsored beer and wine garden, as well as educational food demos throughout the season. Ends Wednesday, September 26.
Chelsea Farmers Market
8am-noon. Downtown Chelsea on Park Street. chelseafarmersmkt.org
Every Saturday, enjoy highquality, locally grown food and hand-crafted artisan products including jewelry, Celtic arts, soaps, and lotions and more.
Saline Farmers Market 8am-noon. S. Ann Arbor St., Downtown.
Every Saturday this summer, enjoy a large selection of produce and specialty items like maple syrup and cheese, as well as unique locally handcrafted goods.
Ypsilanti Depot Town Farmers Market
100 Rice St, Ypsilanti. 9am-1pm. N/A. 734-786-8401.
Every Saturday, one of Ypsilanti’s two farmers markets, run by Growing Hope, featuring 40 vendors selling a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and baked goods, cheese, meats, plants and
seedlings, soaps, laundry detergent, and other homemade crafts and jewelry - all grown or made in Michigan. Accepting many forms of payment: cash, SNAP/EBT (Bridge Card), WIC Project FRESH, Senior Market FRESH, Double Up Food Bucks, and credit/debit cards. growinghope.net
Wednesday Wine Tasting 6-7pm. $25. Paesano’s, 3411 Washtenaw Ave. 734-971-0484. paesanosannarbor.com
A guest wine representative will teach you about various Italian wines. Sample 5 different wines with delicious appetizers.
Weekly Wine Tastings
Morgan & York, 1928 Packard, Ann Arbor. 734-769-9770. morganandyork.com
ganic and locally grown. At the Homegrown Festival, enjoy the large selection of produce.
10 tuesday DIY: Condiments!
6:30-9:30pm. $75/person. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor. 734-645-1030. annarborcooks.com
Learn how to make versions of your favorite condiments! You will also make plenty of goodies to enjoy with your creations.
11 wednesday Taste of Spain
6:30-8:30pm. $40/person. Zingerman’s Events on Fourth, 415 N. Fifth Ave. (in Kerrytown), Ann Arbor. 734-6633354. zingermansdeli.com
Bring Spain to Ann Arbor! Join John & his wife Ana, as they guide you through a tasting of Spanish products.
12 thursday Beer Tasting: Michigan Made
7-9pm. Arbor Brewing Company, 114 E Washington St., Ann Arbor. 734-213-1393. arborbrewing.com
This month join our celebration of Michigan’s beer scene. Tastings are the second Thursday of each month. Each tasting focuses on a style and features two dozen or so of the best examples available in the style of the month. Cont. on p. 14
Unwind with aromatic samplings of wine. Thursdays, 6-8pm & Saturdays, 1-4pm. No charge & no registration required.
Downtown Ypsilanti Farmers Market
Ferris St & Hamilton St in Downtown Ypsilanti. 2-6pm. 734-786-8401. growinghope.net
Every Tuesday, enjoy the wide variety of locally produced fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and baked goods, cheese, meats, plants and seedlings, soaps, laundry detergent, and other homemade crafts and jewelry.
5 thursday Scrumptious Summer Veggies
6:30-8pm. $15. 734-786-8401. The Growing Hope Center, 922 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti.
Take part in a cooking demonstration class with Harvest Kitchen using fresh, seasonal produce. Registration required.
7 saturday
net or call (734) 786-8401.
Homegrown Festival 2013 6-10pm. Free admission (donations appreciated). 315 Detroit St., Ann Arbor. 734-794-6255. homegrownfestival.org
There is no better way to look and feel healthy than to eat delicious produce that is or-
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food
Into the arms of Mother Russia
Tree city residents, whether you call her 'motherland' or not, Russia is coming to Michigan for the first ever Annual Ann Arbor Russian Festival. Presented by St Vladimir's Orthodox Church, the celebration will begin with a traditional Russian Bell ringing, and continue for two days of authentic cuisine and crafts. Attendees can spend time in a Tearoom with authentic Russian Sweets, or enjoy live traditional folk music. Those feeling metropolitan can step onto a DJ'd open dance floor, or peruse an art exhibit. The festival will even feature a Vodka Infusion contest, inviting attendees to show off home-flavored Stoli—contestants must register with info@stvladimiraami no later than September 14. Saturday, September 21, 11am-11pm; Sunday, September 11, 1-7pm. Free. St. Vladimir Russian Orthodox Church, 9900 Jackson Rd., Dexter. 734-475-4590. russianfestival.stvladimiraami.org—JS
13 friday
19 thursday
Date Night: Spanish Tapas!
Saltimbocca & Risotto
Have fun in the kitchen cooking up Spanish tapas! Feel free to bring a bottle of wine to enjoy with your meal.
Italian Chef Francesca demonstrates the many techniques that go into fabulous Italian dishes. Samples will also be available.
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20 friday
6:30-9pm. $60/person. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor. 734-645-1030. annarborcooks.com
6:30-10pm. $150/pair. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor. 734-645-1030. annarborcooks.com
Chef’s Table Dinner
28th Annual Paella Party
7-10pm. $65/person. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor. 734-645-1030. annarborcooks.com
11am-2pm. Free Admission. Zingerman’s Deli, 422 Detroit St., Ann Arbor. 734-663-3354. zingermansdeli.com
You get to relax, socialize with fellow foodies, and watch as we prepare and serve your entire meal. Throughout the evening you will be at arms length with the chef and interaction is highly encouraged! You will receive a recipe packet to take home, detailing the evening’s entire menu. You are welcome to bring wine to enjoy with your meal.
Don’t miss the 28th annual September celebration of the fabulous foods of Spain with a two-grill Paella throwdown. There will be a special presentation on Paella at noon where Paella will be sold by the pound.
17 tuesday Distinguishing between Nourishing and Medicinal Herbs 7-8:30pm. Free. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room, 114 S. Main Street, Ann Arbor. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net
Potluck & Sustainability Film Series 6-9:30pm. Free. Ypsilanti District Library, 229 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti. 734-786-8401. growinghope.net
This class is a great introduction to the range of herbal approaches and preparations, and clarifies many of the misunderstandings in comparing herbs and pharmaceuticals.
18 wednesday Noodling about Strudelling
6-9pm. $75. Zingerman’s Bakehouse, 3711 Plaza Dr., Ann Arbor. 734-761-7255. bakewithzing.com
Remember when you were little and the gym teacher pulled out a compact plastic bundle and magically unfurled it into a huge parachute that the whole class could fit under? Well, you’ll have that experience all over again when we take a grapefruit size piece of strudel dough and stretch it out to cover a 24 sq. ft. table. Oh, but before you learn how to pull the dough, you’ll learn how to mix it. Reservation required.
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Join Growing Hope, the Ypsilanti Food Co-op and the Ypsilanti District Library for a community potluck followed by a screening of Designing Healthy Communities. This film takes a look at the effects of the industrial environment on our public health.
21 saturday Big Green Egg Cookout and Mark’s Tailgate Birthday Party
10am-noon. Free admission. Downtown Home & Garden, 210 S. Ashley St., Ann Arbor. 734-662-8122. downtownhomeandgarden.com
Join Chef Matt Banks as he demonstrates how to use the Big Green Egg Grill Smoker while serving up succulent tastes of beef brisket, smoked overnight, right here at the store. Learn how to wow your friends with smoked meats and the best chili recipe, ever!
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22 sunday Chefs in the Garden
5-8pm. $65 (or $500 for a table of 8). Growing Hope Center, 922 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti. 734-786-8401. growinghopen.net
Join talented local chefs from Iridescence as they dish up seasonal fare during this delicious dinner party at the Growing Hope Center’s urban farm in the heart of Ypsilanti. Proceeds benefit Growing Hope’s work to help people improve communities through gardening and healthy food access.
24 tuesday Beer vs. Wine Tasting
7pm. $60/person + tax/grat. Vinology, 110 South Main Street, Ann Arbor. 734-222-9841. vinologya2.com
Which one pairs best with food? Find out during this delicious tasting from Chef Jim Leonardo with his special four-course menu.
25 wednesday Treme: Stories & Recipes from the Heart of New Orleans Dinner & Book Signing with Lolis Eric Elie 7pm. $50/person. Zingerman’s Roadhouse, 2501 Jackson Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-663-3663. zingermansroadhouse.com
Ask the characters of HBO’s Treme what New Orleans cuisine means to them and you will get as many different answers as there are versions of the city’s famous Creole gumbo. With more than 100 heritage and contemporary recipes, Treme is a celebration of the eclectic and inventive culinary spirit of post-Katrina New Orleans.
26 thursday Art & Brew
5:30pm. $50 before Sept. 15, $60 after. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 E. Liberty St. 734-994-8004 annarborartcenter.org
The Art Center, in partnership with six local microbreweries and six area artists, is hosting a unique fundraising event pairing two forms of art; the
Art of Brewing and the Fine Arts. Sample artisan brews and tasty bites while vieiwing works of art.
28 saturday Ann Arbor Beer: Meet the Author 6-8pm. ABC Brew Tap Room, 114 E Washington St., Ann Arbor. 734-213-1393. arborbrewing.com
Visit the Tap Room for a very special evening with David Bardallis, author of Ann Arbor Beer, a hoppy history of beer and brewing in Tree Town, from its 1824 beginning as the village of Annarbour to the present day.
Legally Magic Brownies 8am-noon. $125. Zingerman’s Bakehouse, 3711 Plaza Dr., Ann Arbor. 734-761-7255. bakewithzing.com
Learn how to bake four different varieties including Zingerman’s very own magic brownie (called one of the top 20 recipes of all time by Midwest Living Magazine) and pecan blondie. Reservation required.
30 monday Wine Tasting: The Wines of the Southern Rhone
6:30pm-8:30pm. $45/person. Ann Arbor Cooks, 5060 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor. 734-645-1030. annarborcooks.com
The southern Rhone area of France is most famous for Chateauneuf du Pape wines; but there are many more appellations which merit some profiling. The most predominant grape here is the Grenache, but Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Counoise, and Carignan might also appear in blends. Come taste five of these magnificent reds from the 2009 and 2010 vintages.
More events online at
ecurrent. com
Bring the frontier ruckus: an interview The static-snow of our nostalgic imagination Jeff Milo
With Frontier Ruckus, more is always coming. Singer/ guitarist Matthew Milia is constantly writing lyrics for his next song and they’re usually quite grand. Perpetually defying traditional folk, pop or Western-rock structures, the songs explode into eclectically layered instrumentations and elaborate, lyrical odysseys. Cultivating an escapist’s dream world, his works breathe intoxicating nostalgia. Imagine taking the guitar-based, catchy-pop sound of bands which comprised college-rock radio playlists in the mid-late 90s and charming it with trumpets, melodicas, banjos and warbling saw blades teased with horsehair bows. Milia’s voice is an instrument unto itself, resonating with the beautiful purr of a viola (sung in the reedy Rustbelt-accent typical of southern Michiganders.) Milia, with David Jones, Zachary Nichols and Ryan Etzcorn released their most ambitious album last February; Eternity of Dimming (Quite Scientific / Loose Music). Their third full-length, the double album spans 20 songs in 90 minutes. These expansive ballads mimic epic films, explaining their latest uptick of music videos streaming on the band’s website. Current checked in with them after their latest North American tour. What have you enjoyed most about performing the new stuff? We toured as a stripped-down trio - Davey, Zach and myself. It’s been encouraging seeing stronger crowds out west than we’ve ever had out there before. People seem to be really digging the immediacy with which these songs come across —without drums or bass, it’s less of a rock show and more a group experience. So, talk about pulling off the songs, past and present, as a trio, with some being fairly complex. The more circuitous, esoteric tunes might not hit as well for the casual fans who’d rather hear “Mona and Emmy.” Same with outdoor festivals where you need sets to carry a momentum that isn’t promised with 8-minute songs in meandering time about life among the Amish in
Photo: Andrew Rodgers
music music
Matthew Milia (right) with David Jones, Zachary Nichols and Ryan Etzcorn
upstate New York. As the three-piece we got away with playing more of just what we felt like, making it a much more expressive and spontaneous art form. You debuted the music video for “Black Holes” last summer; it effectively mimics the static of old VHS tapes. Are cideos and short films particularly attractive to you, considering your writing style and approach? Christine Hucal directed that ( the Black Holes video) and deserves most of the credit for mining that metaphorical concept. We’ve grown quite enamored with the static, for at least it is the snow of our nostalgic imagination. So, we sense you could get really into film, maybe as much as you’re already invested in music, with the imagery able to connect ever more viscerally and immediately? I love videos! Doing the "Dealerships" video was the first time that I really took the artistic direction and the whole band got really involved. John Hanson, a fantastic photographer, handled the cinematography (16 mm film and HD video). I basically destroyed my dad's kitchen with silly string, popcorn, People magazines, televisions in the sinks, dirty dishes, blenders full of Cheetos and Mountain Dew, porcelain geese wearing happy birthday party hats… What’s next? What does the future hold? More is always coming. I’m into writing the fifth record now. The deep environmental influence that 90s alternative songs and college-rock tonality had on me growing up is starting to rear its head, more melodic or hooky or immediate…or concise. Frontier Ruckus will play Saturday, September 28. 9pm. $12 advance, $14 door. The Blind Pig, 208 South 1st Street. 734-996-8555. blingpigmusic.com. ecurrent.com / september 2013 15
music
Photo by: Fonald Photography
El Ten Eleven
The Blind Pig / Friday, September 7
Los Angeles based 'power-duo' El Ten Eleven derived their name from an airplane, the Lockheed L-1011 TriStar. And much like an airplane, their music is as atmospheric as it is complex. On Saturday, September 7, they will bring their eccentric post-rock style to the Blind Pig for a wild set with electronic mastermind Eliot Lipp opening the night. El Ten Eleven, comprised of guitar-bass double neck player Kristian Dunn and drummer Tim Fogarty, formed in 2002 and has since toured extensively across the United States, releasing five full-length albums along the way. They create their unique post-rock sound by blending a copious amount of effects and looping pedals during their raucous live performances. It’s a feat that this band can pull off the live electronic manipulation in concert, but they do. 9pm. $12 advance / $14 door. The Blind Pig, 208 S. 1st St. 734-996-8555. blindpigmusic.com—GMK
3 tuesday Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic The Olllam The Ark
Mysterious and masterful as the legendary ollam Irish bards from which they draw their name, John McSherry and Detroit natives Tyler Duncan and Michael Shimmin wanted an ensemble that represented their experience in a multiplicity of styles. 8pm. $15.
Jazz, Blues & R&B
Jonathan Ovalle and Friends - Moore Building, McIntosh Theater Welcome Back Jam! Percussion faculty, Jonathan Ovalle, is joined by some of Detroit’s finest musicians. 8pm. Free.
4 wednesday Rock, Pop & Hip-hop Ghost Dogs The Blind Pig
These local rockers play loud, fast, and angry, with a touch of humor influenced by classic and alternative sounds. No relation to the similarly titledForest Whitaker movie. 8pm. $5.
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Dance, Techno Excision - Necto
Excision’s extreme low-end bass will shake your body to its core—don’t say we didn’t warn you. Hugely popular among dub-step and EDM fans, Excision is one of the genre’s most notable beatmasters. 9pm.
5 thursday Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic
Pearl and the Beard - The Ark Pearl and the Beard is three voices, one cello, one guitar, one glockenspiel, one melodica, several drums, one accordion, ninety-six teeth, and one soul. 8pm. $12.
Classical, spiritual Henrick Karapetyan and Karen Hakobyan - Kerrytown Concert House
A classical evening with Armenian spice. 8pm. $5-$25.
6 friday Jazz, Blues & R&B Jason Moran’s Fats Waller Dance Party - Downtown Home & Garden
UMS celebrates the opening of its 2013-2014 season and legendary jazz pianist, composer, and entertainer Fats Waller with a down-home neighborhood party. 8pm. $35.
Ann Arbor Soul Club - The Blind Pig
This musical collective takes audiences back with their authentic Motown sound, and keep the party fresh with funk undertones. 9:30pm. $5.
7 saturday Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic
An Afternoon with Cairn to Cairn - Downtown Library Multi-Purpose Room
Originally formed in 2007 as a classical flute and guitar duo; acoustic trio Cairn to Cairn expanded their repertoire, exploring traditional folk music and beyond. An amalgamation of three distinct musical personalities, the Ann Arbor-based trio present a delightful afternoon concert. Free. 2pm.
Laith Al-Saadi - Guy Hollerin’s
Soulful acoustic rock and blues covers and originals by this A2 singer-guitarist. 8pm. $5.
8 sunday Rock, Pop & Hip-hop Carbon Leaf - The Ark
The Richmond, Virginia group Carbon Leaf began as an independent band in 1992, then signed on with Vanguard Records for a threealbum stint in 2004. 7:30pm. $25.
9 monday Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic David Berkeley The Ark
David has been compared to both Cat and Sufjian Stevens as well as a host of other songwriters, and Insite Atlanta calls him “one of the undiscovered gems of the modern folk music scene.” 8pm. $15.
Classical, spiritual
An Evening of French Music Kerrytown Concert House Featuring Jacqueline Nutting, Andrea Yun, and David Gilliland. 8pm. $5 - $25.
11 wednesday Rock, Pop & Hip-hop
Vibe Cydi Tribe - The Blind Pig
In the style of Wu-Tang Clan and Jurassic 5, this Ann Arbor hiphop outfit features solid emcees working with and off each other. 9:30pm. $5.
13 friday Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic The RFD Boys The Ark
The RFD Boys have been delighting southeastern Michigan audiences since 1969 with their fabulous musicianship and sly, exquisitely timed between-song humor. 8pm. $11.
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music music
Truman
Woodruff’s / Friday, September 13
Truman started out as a solo project from a guy who played in a perceived folk-rock outfit, with past experiences in a metal band; this was his chance to record some “pretty out-there stuff.” Ypsi-based singer/songwriter J.T. Garfield (also of Little Island Lake) describes Truman’s debut last year as an experiment to musically express his interests in science, spirituality and singularity theory. Garfield has since added adept experimenters to his crew (Zach Harris-guitar, Zach Hurd-drums, Sam Thompson-guitar) for Truman’s genre-defiant exploration of a post-rock planet. Garfield says their upcoming album, Ever Changing has much more texture, dimension, energy and drive, but still includes “flowing, clean sections.” Genre boundaries of “folk, psych-rock, punk” or “metal” all fall away when Truman takes off. Truman will play an album release party for Ever Changing with support from Decade of Flies and Sunjacket. 36 E Cross St., Ypsilanti. woodruffsbar.com—JM
14 saturday Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic
Nora Struthers & The Party Line - Tecumseh Center for the Arts
Nora Struthers & The Party Line are a traveling carnival of original acoustic Americana. The high energy, Nashville-based quintet perform Struther’s original story-songs. 7:30pm.
15 sunday Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic
Audra McDonald - Hill Auditorium
Broadway legend Audra McDonald returns to UMS after four seasons on the hit ABC television series Private Practice, and after winning a record-tying fifth Tony Award for her unforgettable performance in Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess. 4pm. $10-$70.
Rock, Pop & Hip-hop Dessa - The Blind Pig
A member of Minneapolis rap group Doomtree, Dessa’s solo work brings something fresh to the indie rap scene. 9pm. $14.
16 monday Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic
The Portland Cello Project - The Ark
Since the group’s inception in late 2007, the Portland Cello Project (or, PCP, as their fans affectionately call them), has wowed audiences all over the country with extravagant performances. 8pm. $15.
18 wednesday Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic
The Battlefield Band - The Ark
A bedrock of talent for over four decades, Battlefield Band continues to lead the way for
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Scotland with their inspired fusion of ancient and modern traditional music and song. Scotland’s great flagship band is in peak form. 8pm. $20.
19 thursday Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic
Shovels & Rope - The Ark
They perform as an energetic two-piece band, stirring up a righteous racket with two old guitars, a handful of harmonicas, the occasional keyboard, and a junkyard drum kit harvested from an actual garbage heap and adorned with tambourines, flowers and kitchen rags. 8pm. $20.
Jazz, Blues & R&B
Jerry Perrine - University Hospital Main Lobby
Jerry Perrine specializes in the classic American piano styles of ragtime, traditional jazz, blues and boogie-woogie. Free. 12:15pm.
20 friday Jazz, Blues & R&B
The Macpodz - The Blind Pig
A New Orleans sensibility and playfulness make this Ann Arbor quintet a must-see performance. These musicians come complete with horns, flutes, feel-good lyrics, and jazz and soul influences.
Dave Sharp and the Secret Seven - Kerrytown Concert House They play infectious and joyous music that does not let up or lose momentum until the final note is played. Improvisational music at its finest. 8pm.
Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic
Dragon Wagon - Tecumseh Center for the Arts
Dragon Wagon is Michigan Roots music at its finest! Each performance is built on originality, fun, and expert musicianship, quickly making
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the band one of Michigan’s premier bluegrass outfits. Dragon Wagon’s honest sound and genuine crowd connection never disappoint, and appeal to all audiences. 7:30pm. $15.
21 saturday Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic
The Band of Heathens - The Ark The Band of Hea-
thens came together in Austin in 2006, in a process as natural and organic as the music they create. Word of their shows grew, and after a newspaper somehow mistakenly dubbed them the Heathens, they had a name for their new band. 8pm. $17.50
Classical, spiritual A2 Symphony Orchestra Michigan Theater Celebrate Opening Night with the centennial of one of the true icons of music, The Rite of Spring, with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. 8pm.
22 sunday Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic
California Guitar Trio The Ark
The California Guitar Trio plays progressive rock, surf music, jazz, blues, country, probably the definitive version of Bohemian Rhapsody, and some traditional North African and Asian sounds for good measure. 7:30pm. $25.
24 tuesday Jazz, Blues & R&B Nessa - Vinology
They pleasantly synthesize mainstream and folk jazz with pop sensibilities and chamber music. No cover, no dancing. 7pm.
25 wednesday Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic Vasen - The Ark
Initially some traditionalists in the Swedish folk music community showed some resistance to Vasen. 8pm. $20.
26 thursday Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic
The Fabulous Heftones Downtown Library MultiPurpose Room
Take a musical journey back to the 1920’s as Lansing’s talented husband/wife duo Lynn Hershberger and Brian Hefferan perform period tunes and ditties with great harmonies and an engaging style. 7pm. Free.
Rock, Pop & Hip-hop
Chevy Woods - The Blind Pig
A rising rap star, Chevy Woods will bring the audience to their feet with his bass-heavy beats and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. A member of the Taylor Gang rap group with Wiz Khalifa, Woods brings his own unique style to his high energy live shows. 9pm. $20.
27 friday Classical, spiritual University Symphony Orchestra - Hill Auditorium
The program begins with Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, and reaches its exciting conclusion with the color and brilliance of the Firebird Suite by Stravinsky. Two winners of the 2013 SMTD Concerto Competition return to the Hill Auditorium stage to perform their winning pieces, this time with the USO. 8pm. Free.
music music
Baths
The Blind Pig / Friday, September 27
August is always the hottest month in Washtenaw County, and therefore one of the most stressful. Consider Baths a choice prescription for effervescent sonic relaxation. The solo electronic project of LA native Will Wiesenfeld, Baths is a collection of delicate, almost dainty vocal lines set to relaxing and percussive beats. Weisenfield's music is the perfect electronic soundtrack for an afternoon under a parasol, lying back with your eyes closed. His first album, Cerulean, made a few best-of lists in 2010, including at Pitchfork.com and The A.V. Club. His 2013 sophomore album, Obsidian, has likewise garnered positive press. Expect choice cuts from both albums to cool the Blind Pig down during the late summer blaze. 9pm. $12 advance / $15 door. The Blind Pig, 208 S. 1st St. 734-996-8555. blindpigmusic.com—JS
28 saturday Acoustic, Folk & Ethnic
Theo Katzman - The Ark Theo Katzman likes to let his music speak for itself. My
name is Theo Katzman,” he writes on his website. I write healing Meta Pop Anthems to soothe your post-Y2K Pop Culture Hangover. I think Billy Joel is a punk-rock artist. Rock and Roll saves lives.” 8pm. $15.
The Once - The Ark
They’re named for a unique
Newfoundland phrase that means “imminently,” and now is indeed the time for The Once! From their beginnings as three actors who also loved to sing together, The Once has embraced a different vision of Newfoundland music. 7:30pm. $20.
More events online at
ecurrent.com
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film 1 sunday Run Lola Run
1:30pm. $10. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8397. www.michtheater.org
Tom Tykwer directed this German thriller in which Manni (Moritz Bleibtreu) handled a smuggling job, delivered the loot, collected the payment, left the bag on the subway, and now has 20 minutes to gather 100,000 deutsche marks or confront the wrath of his boss, local criminal Ronnie (Heino Ferch). Part of the Summer Classic Film Series. Also showing Tuesday, September 3.
2 monday Casablanca
7pm. $10, Free with student ID. Advance tickets at ticketweb.com. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty Street. 734-668-8397. www.michtheater.org
Here’s looking at you, kid. Casablanca is one of the most popular wartime American films—scratch that, one of the most popular films of all time in any genre— capturing romance and adventure. Rick Blaine is a nightclub owner in Casablanca during the beginning of WWII. At his nightclub, refugees purchase illicit letters allowing them to escape to America. While at the club, Rick runs into his long lost love, who is now married to a famous rebel. Part of the Summer Classic Film Series.
5 thursday Racing With The Sun
7-8:30pm. Free. Downtown Library, Multi Purpose Room, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4555. HYPERLINK “http:// www.aadl.org/”www.aadl.org.
The library will host a special screening of Racing with the Sun, the 2012 documentary chronicling the efforts of the University of Michigan Solar Car Team to win the 2011 World Solar Challenge. Following the 30-minute screening, members of the U-M Solar Car team as well as Jay Nelson and Jimmy Rhoades (the documentary’ producers) and Levi Taylor (the composer of the film’s score) will discuss the challenges of racing in the World Solar Challenge and producing this Emmy-winning documentary. They will also answer audience questions. The UM solar car will be on display at the Library before and during the event.
Psycho
10pm. $8, $6.50 for members. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8397. www.michtheater.org
Director Alfred Hitchcock shaped the future of thriller movies with his film Psycho. Every piece of the film, from its Saul Bass title sequence to its
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penetrating (get it?) sound cues to Anthony Perkins’s performance as Norman Bates, still resonate today. Part of the Summer Classics After Dark series.
12 thursday Lusophone Film Festival 7:30pm. Free. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. www.lsa.umich.edu/rll.
The Lusophone Film Festival will showcase the contemporary cinema of the Portuguesespeaking world, and will be the first event of its kind in Ann Arbor and at the University of Michigan. Presented by the UM Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies.
19 thursday The Island President
6-8:30pm. Free. Downtown Library, Multi Purpose Room, 343 S. Fifth Ave. 734-327-4555. www.aadl.org
This exquisitely filmed 2011 documentary, directed by Emmy-Award winner Jon Shenk won the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival. Capturing the beauty of the Maldives, it also chronicles the first year of office of President Nasheed and efforts to combat climate change—which is literally sinking his country. A post-film discussion, led by the University of Michigan Community Scholars Program, will follow the screening.
20 friday Potluck & Sustainability Film Series
6-9:30pm Free. Ypsilanti District Library, 229 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti. 734-786-8401. www.growinghope.net
Join Growing Hope, the Ypsilanti Food Co-op, and the Ypsilanti District Library for a community potluck beginning at 6pm, followed by a screening of Designing Healthy Communities at 7pm. This film takes a look at the effects of the built environment on our public health.
27 friday YPSI 24-Hour Film Shootout
Ypsilanti. 307-321-7690. www.ypsi24hourfilm.com
The YPSI 24-Hour Film Shootout (YPSI 24) is a community event for filmmakers to create a short film and share it at a community screening that brings together filmmakers and film lovers. The 2nd annual Shootout is coming to Ypsilanti from Friday, September 27 through Sunday, September 29, and will give filmmakers a chance to shoot and edit a short movie in just 24 hours. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners.
More events online at
ecurrent.com
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Cage match
Nicolas Cage’s acting skills have long been the subject of debate; some refer to him as the greatest thespian of all time while others point to Con Air and grimace. But on Saturday, September 21, the State Theater will host a 'Cage Match', a battle between two classic Nicolas Cage films where attendees will choose between seeing one movie or the other. The first film is Face/ Off, John Woo’s 1997 action-thriller starring Cage as a criminal genius who swaps appearances with his rival, an FBI agent played by John Travolta. The second is the Coen Brothers’ 1987 comedy Raising Arizona, which stars Cage and Holly Hunter as a bumbling couple who steal a baby after a plague of infertility. Both films start at midnight. Choose wisely. 12am. $7. The State Theater, 233 S State St. 734-7618667. www.michtheater.org/ state—GMK
28 saturday The Three Corpse Circus International Horror Film Festival
3:30 pm. $10 per block, $16 for double showcase, $23 all-day passes. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St. 734-668-8463. www.threecorpsecircus.com.
The Three Corpse Circus International Horror Film Festival will return for its fourth year. The showcase will feature a variety of horror shorts from across Ann Arbor and the globe. It all kicks off with the walk of the dead, led by A2 Zombie Walk and the Southern Michigan Zombie Squad.
theater Guy Sanville during a production meeting for The Vast Difference
Too macho, or not too macho? Interviewing Guy Sanville on The Vast Difference between man and manliness
By Sam Slomovits The Purple Rose Theatre opens it’s 2013 -2014 season with a reprise of Jeff Daniel’s The Vast Difference, a comedy the theatre last presented twenty years ago. The play, veering between high hilarity and sweet poignancy, is about George Noonan, a 30-ish flight attendant and father of five young daughters, whose wife has decided it’s time for him to get a vasectomy. Guy Sanville, the Purple Rose’s Artistic Director recently talked to us about the play. Sanville: I originated the role of Earl (George’s father’s ghost) when we did it twenty years ago. I won’t be playing it this time, I will be directing it. It’s just a beautiful play. It’s got a lot of heart, it’s very funny, it’s got Al Kaline and the Tigers… we’re taking a very nostalgic, epic, timeless approach. Has Jeff Daniels made any changes? No. He’s willing to, and he may update a couple things, but no, it’s as timely as ever. So it’s not going to be Cabrera instead of Kaline. (Laughter) No, oh no. Al Kaline stands for…
A lot more than baseball greatness. Right. We’re also not going to put Chuck Norris in there instead of John Wayne. (Another iconic figure referenced in The Vast Difference.) In the play, Al Kaline represents so many things, the grace, the dignity, the restraint, the style, the passion. When we did it here the first time, Al Kaline actually came to see it with Ernie Harwell and
Jim Price. Al Kaline was the way you’d expect him to be; he was a gentleman, he was very generous. He’s a quiet guy, not one of these bang-your-chest guys. When he said, “All the personal glory doesn’t mean anything if we don’t win the game,” he meant it. This is a guy who tried to give a raise back, because he didn’t feel he deserved it. What the hell is that? (Laughter) Things are different now, that’s for sure. The players union wouldn’t let him do it, and I’m glad about that, but talk about integrity. The play explores society’s expectations of men. We’re taught to choke down emotions and be stoic. John Wayne made a hundred and fifty movies, he never cried in one of them. Clark Gable did once… What does it mean to be a man? I made some notes the other day. (Sanville reads from his notebook.) Nostalgia is a very key word here; in ancient Greek it literally meant a pain from an old wound, a twinge in your heart, far more powerful than memory alone. George is coming to terms with the death of his father, the ghost who keeps showing up. When we did this play twenty years ago, I had so many people come up to me after shows, usually guys, usually somebody who’d lost his father, and say that they were very touched and very moved by it. It’s also going to be extremely funny and silly, as all people can be. The Vast Difference opens Thursday, September 19 at The Purple Rose Theater. 137 Park St., Chelsea. 734-433-7782. purplerosetheatre.org
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theater
A Royal Rebroadcast
National Theater Live is a ground breaking project by the National Theatre out of the U.K. which broadcasts the best British theatre performances straight from the stage to cinema screens around the world. On Sunday, September 8 and Tuesday, September 10, the Michigan Theater in conjunction with National Theater Live will show an encore performance of 'The Audience', a ground breaking new play written by Peter Morgan and starring Academy Award Winner Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II. The play, which is rebroadcast from a performance at London's Gielgud Theatre on June 13, recreates the Queen's secret meetings with her prime ministers over her sixty year tenure at Buckingham Palace. This play breaks the contract of silence and gives an inside look at the inner workings of royal politics. 7pm. Michigan Theater, 603 E Liberty St., Ann Arbor. 734-668-8463. www.michtheater.org -GMK
5 thursday My Name is Asher Lev
7:30pm. $27-$41, preview performances; $22-$32. Performance Network Theatre, 120 E. Huron St. 734-663-0681. performancenetwork.org
Based on Chaim Potok’s 1972 novel, and adapted by Aaron Posner, My Name is Asher Lev tells the story of a talented artist growing up in a sheltered Hasidic community in 1950s Brooklyn. When he produces a controversial piece titled, The Brooklyn Crucifixions, he must decide whether or not to honor his self-expression, which might bring shame to his family, community and faith. My Name Is Asher Lev will run through Sunday, September 8.
6 friday Ken Evans
8pm & 10:30pm. $10 advance; $12 door. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 314 E. Liberty. 734-996-9080. aacomedy.com
Bringing a boy-next-door persona to the stage, stand-up comic Ken Evans has an observational style of comedy that relates to every audience member. His energy is electric and his act is very visual, bringing his comedy to life with his command of the stage.Ken will also perform Saturday, September 7.
7 saturday Acting Classes For Adults & High School Students 3-5:30pm. $160/semester. 1101 Ravenwood. 734-663-7167. redbudproductions.com
Registration is currently underway for the fifteenth season of Redbud Productions’s Fall Acting Class for Adult & High School Actors, taught by local teacher, director and actress Loretta Grimes. Using the techniques of acclaimed acting teacher Sanford Meisner, sessions will focus on emotional work, improvisation and scene study. Saturdays through November 16.
13 friday Bob Zany
8pm & 10:30pm. $13 advance; $15 door. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 314 E. Liberty. 734-996-9080. aacomedy.com/
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Bob Zany is an American standup comedian. He is known for performing with his trademark cigar on stage. According to an article found on his web page, he stuffs a cigar into a plastic bag with a couple of Bob Zany original postcards and charges five bucks for the package. He calls it the Bob Zany Fun Kit. Ken will also perform Saturday, September 14.
20 friday Dance Concert “We Queer Here, Theoryography 4” 7:30pm. Free. Duderstadt Center Video Studio, 2281 Bonisteel Blvd. 734-763-3266. dc.umich.edu
Join Slippage, an interdisciplinary group, as they partner with students from the U-M Department of Dance to present this post-modern meditation on gender. The performance will also run Saturday, September 21. Post-concert discussion on Friday, September 20 with the artists and dramaturg, Dr. Clare Croft.
Keith Ruff
8pm & 10:30pm. $10 advance; $12 door. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 314 E. Liberty. 734-996-9080. aacomedy.com/
Keith Ruff is one comedian you don’t want to miss. This polished funnyman draws from personal experiences in his act, like dating and growing up in a family of five brothers. One of Detroit’s finest comedians, Keith is always in demand. Keith will also perform on Saturday, September 21.
27 friday Spike Tobin
Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, 314 E. Liberty. 8pm. and 10:30pm.$10 advance, $12 door. 734-996-9080. aacomedy.com
It’s the return visit of this joke slinger from the fertile comedy grounds of Beantown. Spike’s staccato delivery will take you on a rapid fire romp through his life and current events. His tirades touch subjects such as the klan, guns, and religion, but his potent observations are strikingly funny as well as truthfully absurd. Spike will also perform Saturday, September 28.
Back to school the sculptor and the good doctor
art
by Louis Meldman September is the best month in Ann Arbor. The weather is mild. The annual return of the students breathes youth, vigor and optimism into the air. Love suffuses the UM campus. What better setting for the appreciation of beauty? And what better setting within a setting than the University of Michigan Museum of Art? With free admission, it is the perfect high-class cheap date for students and townies alike. As always, there are several remarkable exhibitions for your viewing enjoyment. Showing now through January 5, 2014, is “Adolph Gottlieb: Sculptor.” Gottlieb, born in 1903, was one of the seminal Abstract Expressionist painters who put New York City at the center of the art world in the years following World War II. As a teenager he studied in Europe, and was teaching at Parsons School of Design and at Cooper Union in 1935 to support his art habit when he and nine other painters including Mark Rothko (known then by his maiden name, Marcus Rothkowitz) began exhibiting their work together. They called themselves “The Ten,” and their style, Abstract Expressionism, put an emphasis on spontaneous, “automatic,” subconscious creation. It appealed to the collective unconscious of an audience imbued and immersed in the gospel of Sigmund Freud. Jackson Pollack’s drip-slather-splash paintings are emblematic of this style, but the UMMA has a fine permanent collection of such “modern art” including gigantic wild-and-crazy sculptures by Marc di Suvero outside the entrance to the new wing. A masterful colorist, Gottlieb— with Rothko—developed the abstract “color field” style of painting. He once said, “If I made a wriggly line or a serpentine line it was because I wanted a serpentine line. Afterwards it would suggest a snake but when I made it, it did not suggest anything. It was purely shape.” In other words, it can mean something different to each viewer, or, it can mean nothing at all, simply evoking an emotion or state of mind. If your cheap date asks what it means, display a little museum know-how and demand that he look at the bottom of his shoe and tell you what that means. In 1967, Gottlieb took up sculpture. For the next year-and-a-half he worked in aluminum and bronze and produced works of various sizes, exploring themes of form, color and space as he had in his paintings, but in this case in 3-D. It is this period in Gottlieb’s career that the current UMMA show explores. While you’re there, check out the “Brett Weston Landscapes” exhibition (through December 1). Weston (1911-1993) is one of the iconic nature photographers of the 20th century. From sweeping landscapes to striking close-ups he brings the eye of a painter to the frame of a photographer. If your date asks you what these pictures mean, it’s pretty much over.
Farther Afield
I dare say that most Americans love Dr. Seuss. My granddaughter, Gigi (age 3), is a fanatic, and yours truly delivers spirited oral interpretations of these distinct American classics. It is with curiosity and delight, then, that I look forward to the special exhibition “Hats Off to Dr. Seuss,” opening on Friday, September 20 and running through Sunday, October 6 at the Art Leaders Gallery in West Bloomfield. The show opened to great fanfare at the New York Public Library last February and
Landscape, Germany, by Brett Weston from the new photography gallery at UMMA this is one of 16 stops across the country. The exhibit is in honor of the 75th anniversary of Dr. Seuss’ “The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins,” the second of his 46 books. The good doctor, born Theodor Seuss Geisel in 1904, was something of a hat collector—he had hundreds of them, and this is the first time any have traveled outside his estate since he died in 1991. He adorned his many creations in hats (not just The Cat) and would festoon his dinner party guests in them, making for happenings somewhere between the giddy and the surreal. Geisel is not only the bestselling author of children’s books of all time; he won an Academy Award in 1947 for Best Documentary Feature and another in 1950 for Best Animated Short Film; He was a contributing illustrator for Vanity Fair and Life, and he had a wildly successful career in advertising. Did I mention 11 television specials, four feature films and a Broadway musical? ecurrent.com / september 2013 23
art
Beyond Imagination
The Kerrytown Concert House is at it again—in addition to their impressive music line-up for September, they are also hosting a gallery reception for visual artist Kate Roesch on Thursday, September 5. Roesch, born in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1956, is known for her expressive paintings, drawings, collages and printmaking. She finds inspiration through discerning meaning in both everyday objects as well as those objects that live only in her imagination. Roesch attended art school at the University of Kansas only to change course and start a nursing career. She eventually returned to art, receiving her MFA in painting at Eastern Michigan University in 1999. Exhibits are available for viewing from 9:30am to 5pm as well as during public concerts and by appointment. This exhibit runs through Tuesday, October 1. Free. Kerrytown Concert House, 415 N 4th Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytownconcerthouse.com—GMK
CALL FOR ENTRIES is accepting submissions in any
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New Exhibits
1 sunday
Dreamscapes
My Favorite Cafe, 101 S. Ann Arbor St., Saline. 734-944-4054. twotwelvearts.org
Artist Rob Kinsey’s show brings realistic and surreal imagery into two dimensional mixed media artwork including encaustic, collage and painting. This exhibit runs through Thursday, October 31.
5 thursday Ultmate Texture: Collage by Sunanda Mallick
Free. Ann Arbor Downtown Library, 343 S. Fifth Street. 734-327-4555. aadl.org
This is a fantastic exhibit of textural collaged papers, inks and painted background by Sunanda Mallick, who uses her love of nature, birds and animals as inspiration to create her art.This exhibit runs through Monday, October 14.
September Gallery Exhibit Opening Reception
5-7pm. Kerrytown Concert House , 415 N. Fourth Ave. 734-769-2999. kerrytownconcerthouse.com
Kate Roesch was born in 1956 and spent her childhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She attended art school at the University of Kansas, changed course half way through, and began a career in nursing. She returned to school much later receiving her MFA in painting at Eastern
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Michigan University in 1999. This exhibit runs through Tuesday, October 1.
Benedette’s Quilt Quarry
Free. Ann Arbor Downtown Library, 343 S. Fifth Street. 734-327-4555. aadl.org
This exhibit is a collection of about 20 quilts, including both new and retrospective work by Benedette Palazzola, who was a choreographer for many years, and also occasionally wrote poetry and music. Her goal in making quilt art is to raise to the level of fine art the beautiful and richly varied traditions of American quilting. This exhibit runs through Monday, October 14.
7 saturday Presence of Place
12-4pm. Free. Chelsea River Gallery, 3893 West Liberty, Chelsea. 734-433-0826. chelsearivergallery.com
Don’t miss the opportunity to tour nationally recognized Ann Arbor sculptor, Wendell Heers’, private residential sculpture park open to the public for this special one day event.
12 thursday SightSee: Colin Blakely & Amy Sacksteder
6-8pm. Free. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 Liberty Street. 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org
The artist reception for SightSee, presenting the work of EMU Art Professors Colin
Blakely and Amy Sacksteder. As a photographer, Blakely alters his images in subtle ways that disrupt the common relationships established in depictions of the land: Sacksteder’s paintings and drawings engage the notions of transience and significance incorporating maps, diagrams souvenirs and artifacts.The show runs through Sunday, November 3.
13 friday thom Bohnert: Drawings and sculpture artist reception
5-8pm. Free. Yourist Studio Gallery, 1133 Broadway St. 734-662-4914. youristpottery.com
Artist reception for Thom Bohnert: Dragins and Scuplture. See pg. 25 for more details.
In A Word Artist reception
7-9pm. Free. Two Twelve Arts Center, 216 W. Michigan Ave., Saline. 734-944-2787. twotwelvearts.org
Artist Katherine Downie’s artwork explores the power of words and language in different settings and contexts. Part of the Artist of the Month series. This exhibit runs through Wednesday, October 30.
16 monday Ann Arbor Women Artists Speaker Program: Deborah Campbell
7:30pm. Free. Ann Arbor Women Artists, 4844 Jackson Road, Suite 100. annarborwomenartists.org
Speaker Deborah Campbell will conduct an interactive talk on creative vision, exploring creating a big vision with clarity, focus and strategy. This presentation is designed to begin the process of bringing clarity and focus to ideas—whether large or small.
21 saturday Exhibit: Adolph Gottlieb: Sculptor
11am-5pm. Free. UMMA, 525 S. State St. 734-763-5461. umma.umich. edu
Adolph Gottlieb, one of the founding members of the Abstract Expressionists, was an important presence in the artistic life of New York from the 1930s until his death in 1974. His paintings, consisting of large images that evoke a universal language of symbols, have become icons in America painting. This exhibit runs through Sunday, January 5.
22 sunday Sunday Artisan Market: Wood: As Palette and Proud Possession
11am-4pm. Free. Kerrytown Pavillion, 315 Detroit Street. 734-913-9622. artisanmarket.org
This week, see what a simple tree can become in the hands
of talented woodworkers selling their wares at the weekly Sunday Artisan Market.
26 thursday
Fall Fundraising Pub Crawl
5:30-8pm. $50 through September 15;$60 after. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 Liberty Street. 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org
The Art Center is hosting a fun-filled fundraising event by joining two forms of art; the Art of Brewing and the Fine Arts, to encourage new and continued support for the Art Center’s vision of bringing visual arts to life.
27 friday Lecture by Sanford Hirsch
5:30pm. Free. UMMA, 525 S. State St. 734-763-5461. umma.umich.edu
Sanford Hirsch, curator and Director of the Gottlieb Foundation will give a lecture exploring the contributions of Adolph Gottlieb in shaping twentieth century art. Along with his friends, fellow Abstract Expressionist artists Mark Rothko, Milton Avery, Barnett Newman and David Smith, Gottlieb embodied this art movement’s relentless striving for new forms of expression to which people could respond in a direct, sensory and emotional way.
art
28 saturday
Drawing Fundamentals for Beginners
1-4pm. $28 Members, $35 Non-Members; All materials provided. UMMA, 525 S. State St.. 734-763-5461. umma.umich.edu
This workshop is for beginners or for those who’d like to refresh their drawing skills. Explore different drawing media and the possibilities they offer while learning fundamentals such as shading, perspective, and understanding light and shadow. Register on-line at annarborartcenter.org. Must register at least 3 days in advance.
29 sunday Sunday Artisan Market: Fall Art Show: Children’s and Young Adult Art
11am-4pm. Free. Kerrytown Pavilion, 315 Detroit Street. artisanmarket.org
Come to this second annual event focusing on young artists in the local community. Young people 6-18 years old are invited to bring their work to sell alongside experienced professionals. Street artists, break dancers and buskers will also be in on the fun.
More events online at
ecurrent.com
ecurrent.com / september 2013 25
art
Inside Out: Another Way of Seeing Artist, Thom Bohnert, reconsiders space
by Jan Thomas Consider the vessel. A vessel may be described as a hollow utensil or closed containment of space used as a receptacle. Nationally acclaimed Michigan artist Thom Bohnert dismisses the traditional idea of a vessel by creating aesthetic sculptures of vessels that invite us to explore alternative ways to perceive, interpret and experience the spaces they contain. Abstract expressionist, David Smith once remarked that the only difference between drawing/painting and sculpture was the addition of a third dimension. Bohnert's wire-drawn vessels blur the distinction between sculpture and painting by suggesting the form of a vessel through contrasting positive and negative space while using the color of glazed clay shapes to evoke and express emotion.
Drawn to Art
Fascinated with drawing at an early age, Bohnert was discouraged from pursuing an education in art for practical reasons and entered Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in 1965 to major in mathematics. Within a few years, his interest in exploring the nature of abstraction led to art courses where he found his strength in three-dimensional work and began to focus on sculpture, finding clay and glazes as his best means of expression. In 1961, Bohnert entered the prestigious Cranbrook Academy of Arts where he became interested in challenging traditional ideas of space and acquired his MFA under the instruction of acclaimed ceramicist Richard Devore. "I wanted to get inside the form,” Bohnert says. “Most ceramic vessels are a containment of closure decorated on the outside--the inside is a mystery. I was interested in bringing the inside out." Taking a minimalist and linear approach, Bohnert sculpts threedimensional 'drawings' of vessels in wire, visually implying volume while exposing the inside of the pot, to address the space inside the form. His challenge to the viewer is to consider what is absent. Bohnert embellishes areas of his spatial vessels with abstract shapes of clay and brightly colored glazes, drawing attention to the inside of the structure to
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"have an exchange of personal information with the viewer”. Bohnert labels his work through a system he refers to as the 'trois cirques' or three rings. He explains “each piece has an identity and set of emotions labeled with a triad of thought processes or states of being, representing the spectator, the performer and the void or participant in the space.”
Breaking Tradition
When Bohnert first began showing his work some 30-plus years ago it was not readily accepted because most people had a more conservative view of ceramics. He recalls, "I was breaking tradition. In the 70's, when I won Grand Prize in an important show at the Detroit Institute of Art, people were provoked. My work was far outside the box." Ironically, the juror of that show was none other than the late Peter Voulkos, an innovator of the Abstract Expressionist movement in ceramics who, over the years, acquired the largest existing collection of Bohnert's work. Voulkos commented that "[Bohnert's work was]...everything ceramics is not supposed to be but everything ceramics is about." Internationally recognized, Bohnert's career boasts inclusion in numerous museums, personal collections, exhibitions and publications. Presently a Professor of Art at C.S. Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan, Bohnert's exhibit of drawings and sculptures opens at Yourist Studio Gallery on Monday, August 26th and runs through Friday, October 4th with an artist's reception on Friday, September 13th from 5-8pm. Yourist Studio Gallery, 133 Broadway, Ann Arbor 734-662-4914. youristpottery.com
2013 / ecurrent.com
Thom Bohnert, in studio, asembles a sculpture
ecurrent.com / september 2013 27
everything else
of college football, author John Bacon embedded himself in four storied programs, including Michigan, to find out what really needs to be fixed. Books will be available, and there will be a discussion with the author.
7 saturday Composting 101
10am-12:30pm. $10. Growing Hope Center, 922 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti. 734-786-8401. growinghope.net
During this hand-on presentation and demonstration, you will cover the basics about how to build and maintain healthy backyard compost and the science of the micro-organisms behind it. Registration required.
8 sunday We're gonna have a hootenanny Dawn Farm / Sunday, Sept. 8 Yee-haw! The Dawn Farm 40th Anniversary Jamboree will take place on September 8th at Dawn Farm in Ypsilanti. This free family event has activities that are fun for all ages—in addition to live music there will be hayrides and animals to pet for the children as well as tours of the 74 acre farm and live auctions! A special 40th Anniversary ceremony will celebrate Dawn Farm co-founders and their timeless contribution to the Ann Arbor area. The Jamboree welcomes friends old and new as they share in the tremendous success that Dawn Farm has provided to those in the recovery community. Food and beverages will be available. Live music will be provided by Michigan soul band ‘Noteworthy’ (pictured). All proceeds raised will help provide professional care for individuals who need help. 1pm. Free. 6633 Stony Creek Rd., Ypsilanti. 734-485-8725. dawnfarm.org
4 wednesday 2013 Annual Buhr Park Pool Dog Swim
3-8pm. The cost for the first dog is $6 resident/$7.50 non resident and for the second. Buhr Park Pool, 2751 Packard Rd., Ann Arbor. 734-794-6234.
On the last week of the summer swimming season, let your dog have some fun in the water! There will be raffles every half hour, and a complimentary hot dog stand.
Growing Hope Center Tour
5-6pm. Free. Growing Hope Center, 922 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti. 734-7868401. growinghope.net
Enjoy an intimate tour of the Growing Hope Center, including the 1.4 acre urban farm. Walk through the home of the educational site, and hear about the rich history of the property and the surrounding community. Reservation required.
5 thursday Depot Town Cruise Nights 2013
6pm. Free. East Cross St. and N. River St., Ann Arbor. facebook.com/pages/ Depot-TOWN-Cruise-Nights
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Have fun with the whole family while listening to live music from DJ Jonathan Doyle, looking at classic cars and a hula-hoop contest for the kids. Thursday nights through September 12.
6 friday Kerrytown Book Fest Reception and Exhibit Opening
7-8pm. Downtown Library- Multi Purpose Room, 343 S. Fifth Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-327-4555. aadl.org
Come to the pre-BookFest reception for the upcoming 11th annual Kerrytown BookFest! This event includes refreshments and exquisite music by harpist Deborah Gabrion. During this event, you will also enjoy the grand opening of Ann Arbor Bookstores Past and Present & the Kerrytown BookFest Exhibit, which are on display through October 14.
Book Signing: Fourth & Long
6pm. Free. Nicola’s Books, 2513 Jackson Rd., Ann Arbor. 734-662-0600. nicolasbooks.com
Disillusioned by the current greedy and hypocritical state
2013 / ecurrent.com
Dawn Farm 40th Anniversary Jamboree 1-6pm. Free. Dawn Farm, 6633 Stony Creek Road, Ypsilanti. 734-485-8725. dawnfarm.org
The Jamboree will have events all day long including music and tours. See left for details. .
9 monday
Book Signing/Talk: Brett Bevell
7pm. Free. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore & Tea Room, 114 S. Main Street, Ann Arbor. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net
Don’t miss the book signing and talk with Brett Bevell, author of New Reiki Software for Divine Living. Experience a powerful group healing that will empower you to access the newest tool in Reiki called Mikao Usui’s Reiki Crystal of Awakening. All are welcome and no previous Reiki training is necessary.
11 wednesday An Evening of Poetry and Written Word
Free. 7-9pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room, 114 S. Main Street, Ann Arbor. 734-665-2757. crazywisdom.net
During this poetry workshop, writers are welcome to share and discuss their poetry or short fiction. Bring about 6 copies of your work. (The copies will be returned at the end of the workshop).
14 saturday Very Confident Nonsense: Writing Fiction with Toby Barlow
1-3pm. $25/person or $40/two. 826michigan, 115 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor. 734-761-3463. 826michigan.org
This workshop will explore how we make the merely imaginary into the absolutely compelling. These workshops benefit 826michigan’s free creative writing and tutoring programs for students aged 6-18.
3rd Annual North Lake Cemetery Walk
2-4pm. Free. North Lake United Methodist Church, 14111 N. Territorial Rd., Chelsea. 734-475-7569. northlakeumc.org
Tour the North Lake Cemetery, and meet some of the famous “residents” like Phil Brier, William Glenn, Explorer LaSalle, and more. The walk starts at the church, and refreshments will be provided. Call for more information.
20 friday Art in the Garden: Fall Poetry Series
7-9pm. Free. White Lotus Farms, 7217 W. Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor. 734-7071284. whitelotusfarms.com
Emerging poets Malena Morling and Michael McGriff will read works from their respective books, complimented by the relaxing and art-adorned gardens. A book signing and reception will follow the readings.
Cars on the Green
3:30-7:30pm. Free. Dixboro Village Green, 5151 Plymouth Rd., Ann Arbor. dixborofarmersmarket.org/cars-onthe-green
The first annual Cars on the Green car displays new and classic cars together with food and music. There will also be a silent auction and door prizes to support renovations of The Old School House on the Dixboro Village Green.
21 saturday Huron River Paddle Trip
10am. $35/person. University of Michigan Sailing Club, 8010 Strawberry Lake Rd., Dexter. 734-426-4299. hrwc.org
Experience the quiet waters of the Huron River by the expert HRWC staff. The trip will go from Willow Metropark to Oakwoods Metropark, and it will include discussions regarding the river’s ecology, history, and unique features. Shuttle transportation provided, bring own watercraft. Registration required.
26 thursday Booksigning: The Telling Room by Michael Paterniti
6:30-8:30 pm. $30/person. Zingerman’s Events on Fourth , 415 N. Fifth Ave. (in Kerrytown), Ann Arbor. 734-663-3400. zingermansdeli.com
This booksigning takes Michael Paterniti back to the source of his story. Ann Arbor is honored to welcome Mike back to reconnect with the roots of his book and a really great story about a strangely compelling Spanish cheese. Reservation required.
More events online at ecurrent.com
crossword
Geez, Again Across 1. Bird’s jazz style 4. Foreign service officer 10. Scolds, in a way 14. Ensler who wrote ìThe Vagina Monologuesî 15. Electric current unit 16. Girdle bones 17. Slimer filling in for Letterman? 19. 20-Across’s st. 20. “___ lives” (apt anagrammatic phrase) 21. Quarantine 23. Drivers often hit them 24. Veteran forty-niner? 27. Hayek who is Will Smith’s unrequited love in “Wild Wild West” 29. Jim Davis dog 30. Drab arsenal? 33. Adult entertainment award 36. Mate 37. Kind 41. Power or Gator ending 42. Dual-band, as a radio 44. Outstanding infielder? 46. Common supermarket tomato 49. Hebrew month when the universe was created 50. Money for regulating the thyroid and thymus? 53. Old Slavic title 57. Popular Moroccan beverage 58. Medical insurance giant 59. Paul who collaborated with Michael Jackson 60. Nervous first-time husband-to-be? 64. Huge fan of One Direction, e.g. (um, obvs, they r a.ma.zing) 65. Microscopic oxygen user 66. Poem meant to be sung 67. Yemen’s capital 68. Move with swagger 69. Man cave, e.g. Down 1. Bring about, as a baby 2. Developing egg 3. “Pet” annoyance 4. Noted Andrew Lloyd Webber musical 5. Message board “Wow!” 6. “Doogie Howser” star, to fans 7. Term that explains a great deal of the nonsense on the modern Internet 8. Bear, taxonomically 9. “We’re gonna miss the bus!” 10. 1972 law that benefited women’s athletics 11. Worm 12. Kunta ___ (“Roots” hero) 13. More with it 18. Wimp 22. Source with 600,000 words 24. “Why so ___?” 25. Luxury hotel group 26. Baked sheets 28. ___ Khan 30. Mean in high school: Abbr.? 31. Hit head-on 32. Senator formerly on “SNL” 34. Words made more broadly applicable by the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Windsor 35. Letter after Y, in England 38. Russian pancake 39. Shed 40. Longoria who spoke at the 2012 DNC 43. Sitting Bull’s state
45. Pass through 47. 43-Down summer hrs. 48. Years separating a couple, say 50. Exams for Ross School of Business hopefuls 51. Form top, say 52. More bloody 54. Rose 55. Positive battery terminal, sometimes 56. Tomukun Noodle Bar soup
58. “Let Us Now Praise Famous Men” author James 61. Pitching stat way less important than xFIP, to a Sabermetrician 62. Twenty bajillion years 63. “30 Rock” setting (and channel)
for crossword answers, go to ecurrent.com
ecurrent.com / september 2013 29
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style sense Article and Photo by Natasha Barros
Interview with
Summer Cleveland,
Visual Director for Urban Outfitters
How do you describe your personal style?
Modern, eclectic, usually in a pretty neutral palette. I like to have a little irony in my outfitting. I like to combine unexpected pieces. Classic with bohemian, feminine with edgy, designer with thrift finds. I think people should be open to many different styles and the combination of them. I don’t want to have a onenote style. Keep it clean, keep it pretty, mix it up, combine the unexpected and have fun.
How do you put your look together?
I travel a lot for work and often live out of a suitcase two-to-three days a week. That keeps me buying separates that can look good in a lot of different combinations. It’s also easiest to work with greys, blacks, whites, and crème because they can be dressed up or down quickly depending on where you’re going. I wish I could say I dressed for comfort, but most of my jeans and shoes would argue against that.
What influences your style?
I follow a lot of blogs—I have to in my line of work. I also follow fashion Instagrams for daily fixes when I travel and I reference great style from the 70s through old magazines and online.
What places in Ann Arbor do you like to shop, espcially locally-owned places?
I’m really excited about the Anthropologie that’s coming to Ann Arbor. I also love the GetUp Vintage store on State St. and have shopped there for years. American Apparel is great for fashion basics and Footprints is a good staple shoe store in town.
ecurrent.com / september 2013 31
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Study Spots:
Pros, Cons, and Potential Pitfalls By: Matt Pollock
Whether you’re a freshman art student or a fifth-year engineer, one universal truth will pervade your time at Michigan: you’re in for a lot of work. Though a variety of factors will influence your management of that work, the place you pick to study can serve as the saving grace or death-sentence for your productivity. In hopes of helping you find the right venue for your all-night finals benders, we’ve compiled a list of Michigan’s primo study spots—the hushed, the raucous, the 24-hour and everything in between.
The Stacks (Hatcher):
If you’re looking for solitude, the Stacks are your ticket. Located in the bowels of Hatcher Graduate Library, the stacks offer the privacy, silence and aesthetic beauty of a broom closet. More or less, all the Stacks are is a cold, murky and expansive closet for shelving books. You can enter the Stacks from both the North and South sides of Hatcher, but once you’re in, keep track of where you’re going—the space is divided into sublevels, and it’s easy to get lost. We advise leaving a trail of breadcrumbs. Atmosphere: 2 Noise Level: 2 Food & Drink: No. Hours: 8 A.M. – 2 A.M. Mon. – Thurs., 8 A.M. – 7 PM Fri., 10 A.M. – 6 P.M. Sat., 1 PM – 2 A.M. Sun.
The Ref Room (Hatcher):
If the Stacks are Hatcher’s bowels, the Ref Room is its shining, perfect smile. Complete with stained glass windows, leather-bound encyclopedias and a towering, arched ceiling housing two twin murals (Gari Melchers’ “The Arts of Peace” and “The Arts of War”), the reference room is positively beautiful. It’s also one of the quietest study spots on campus—possibly due to the monstrous echo. You’ll catch somebody’s whisper here or there, but for the most part, the Ref Room’s humbling beauty is met with reverent silence from students. Atmosphere: 9 Noise Level: 3 Food & Drink: No. Hours: 8 A.M. – 2 A.M. Mon. – Thurs., 8 A.M. – 7 PM Fri., 10 A.M. – 6 P.M. Sat., 1 PM – 2 A.M. Sun.
Grading Scale
10
Great!
1
Not so great
Espresso Royale: With two on-campus locations and a third just
up on Main Street, Espresso Royale has Michigan’s caffeine market cornered. Whether you’re studying solo or meeting a group, all three stores offer plenty of space to spread out with your books, laptop, and scone of choice. Due to its location at the corner of South U. and East U., Espresso’s Central Campus shop is utterly mobbed with frenzied students during the day. The State Street location (at the northwest corner of the Diag) offers a more diverse range of patrons, from grad students to professors to local poets and writers. With an abundance of sofas and armchairs, Espresso Royale State Street provides excellent but dangerous terrain for dilatory people-watching. If you can keep focused and don’t mind the grinding of espresso machines, Espresso Royale is the place to be. Atmosphere: 9 Noise Level: 8 Food & Drink: Yes. Hours: 6:30 A.M. – Midnight Mon. – Fri., 7:00 A.M. – Midnight Sat. & Sun. Cont. on p. 4 ecurrent.com / september 2013 3
Study Spots Cont. from p. 3
Shapiro Undergraduate Library (The UgLi): Silent studiers beware: the UgLi is where
productivity goes to die. Arguably louder than any campus coffee house (with none of the charm), the UgLi’s first and second floors offer premium real estate for high-volume group meetings and socializing. With 2013’s expansion of Bert’s Café, Shapiro’s veritable coffee/sandwich bar, the only thing separating the first-floor of the UgLi and Good Time Charley’s is a liquor license. The UgLi’s third and fourth floors are considerably quieter but far less spacious. Though you’ll find the occasional unoccupied desk waiting for you in a corner, most space on the third and fourth floors is lined with bookshelves (it is, after all, a library). If you’re practicing for a mock debate or running lines for Acting I, the UgLi is the place to be. Otherwise, steer clear; it’s an all-out party. Atmosphere: 4 Noise Level: Hours: Open 24 Hours.
8 Food & Drink: Yes.
Elixir Vitae Coffee and Tea (Café Ambrosia): Elixir Vitae (previously Café
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Ambrosia) is arguably Ann Arbor’s hippest study spot. Opened in 2002 and renamed in 2012, Elixir Vitae attracts a largely local crowd, which you might welcome after enough nights in the student-infested UgLi. Nestled beneath the Maynard St. Parking Structure, Elixir Vitae’s ground floor presents your standard small-town coffee shop—funky art, indie jams, and vegan baked goods (try the chocolate chip cookie). Elixir’s expansive basement offers music-free space for silent studying, which you’ll be hard-pressed to find in any other campus coffee shop. The
only downside to Elixir’s basement is its vague aroma of mildew (it is a basement). We recommend a flavored latte to mask the smell. Atmosphere: 7 Noise Level: 5 Food & Drink: Yes. Hours: Vague; call ahead: 734-585-0045
Your bedroom:
Given your degree of self-control, a dorm room, apartment, frat house or hovel can serve as an excellent study spot. It offers privacy, a (sort of) stocked kitchen, and round-the-clock hours of operation without the hassle of lugging your books across campus. Just remember: your bedroom is a mere hop, skip, and jump away from your bed, television, and roommates (who are, in all likelihood, doing something more fun than cramming for their finals). Atmosphere: Homey. Noise Level: Likely high. Food & Drink: Hopefully. Hours: Open 24 Hours.
BARS
Michigan’s (student) Bars: The Good, the Bad, and the Frightening By Matt Pollock
Ann Arbor’s student bar scene is both intricate and elusive. From sports dives to beer gardens, Michigan’s array of campus watering holes offers something for every type of student drinker, fist-pumpers and whiskey snobs alike. Due to such vast deviation, one golden rule should preside over a student’s nighttime quest for alcohol: Know what you’re looking for. If you’re planning a wild night out and end up sipping sangria on the familyfriendly Dominick’s patio, you will be disappointed. Alternatively, heading out for a casual post-study beer only to stumble upon the riot that is Tequila Tuesday at Scorekeepers well, it wouldn’t be pretty. While the only way to truly find your niche Ann Arbor bar is through trial and error, a rundown of Michigan’s student bars could save you some time, money, and a hangover or two. So, Wolverines, without further adieu, we present Current’s Guide to Michigan Bars. 4
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Ashley’s:
When to go: Winter (cozy factor); when your parents visit (price factor). What to order: Anything you’ve never heard of. 338 S State St., ashleys.com
Rick’s: You can probably gauge whether Rick’s is your type of bar based on your peers’ testimonials, hangovers, lapses in memory, etc. Telling a friend you spent the previous night at Rick’s will likely evoke one of three facial expressions, akin to a.) catching a whiff of vomit, b.) witnessing Evel Knievel-esque death-wish bravery, or c.) acknowledgement of an inside joke. Rick’s is, for all intents and purposes, a black hole. Students line up Thursday through Saturday to gain entrance to this basement bar/ club, where hours of gabbing, heavy drinking and dancing atop things that shouldn’t be danced atop will ensue. Though the unpredictability of a night at Rick’s can be enticing, the number of stories that begin with “so, I went to Rick’s” and end with “don’t remember a thing” is frightening. Enter at your own risk; rapid-fire shots lie within. When to go: Thursday night. What to order: Something strong. 611 Church St., ricksamericancafe.com
Scorekeepers (Skeeps): If Rick’s is a black hole, Skeeps is a really, really crowded black hole. Perfect for the discrete campus frotteur, Skeeps is where you go when you want to rub your sweaty drunk body against lots of other sweaty
When to go: Tuesday. What to order: Tequila (served in Dixie cup). 310 Maynard St., facebook.com/scorekeepers.arbor
Good Time Charley’s: Good Time Charley’s is Michigan’s quintessential, middle-of-the-road College Bar. It’s nowhere near as rowdy as Skeeps (the floor is lined with actual tables) but still crusty enough to instill a sense of adventure. Adored by Michigan students of all shapes and sizes, Charley’s is known for three things: trivia night, halfgallon Long Islands (“Fishbowls”), and twenty-first birthdays (order your friend a “Muff Dive”). Because Charley’s doesn’t lean too much toward the Rick’s side or the Ashley’s side, it isn’t most students’ absolute favorite bar; it lacks Ashley’s’ variety, Rick’s dance floor, Skeeps’ depleted oxygen. However, for all those reasons, it’s the campus bar everybody can agree upon for a quasi-relaxing Friday night. When to go: 21st birthdays; Wednesday night trivia (tables fill up by 9:00). What to order: Fishbowl. 1140 S University Ave., good-time-charleys.com/
Dominick’s: Dominick’s is campus area’s premier open-air patio bar. Open seasonally from March to October, Dom’s is perfect for a drink after your finals (spring), before a football game (fall), or on any given afternoon during a lazy summer term. Though Dominick’s is known for their extra-strong sangria and smoothie-like signature daiquiri “Constant Buzz,” they also boast a full menu of Michigan-brewed beers (all served in pint, quart, and half-gallon mason jars). Just be sure you swing by before 10 P.M.—Dominick’s closes at sundown. When to go: Afternoons in April. What to order: Constant Buzz. 812 Monroe St.
Free concert to welcome students
The Ark, one of the most prestigious music venues in Ann Arbor, is once again opening its doors for a free Student Welcome Show. The Ark routinely books some of the finest folk, singer-songwriter and americana acts through Tree City. This year’s event features music by Pearl and the Beard, who have already gained national recognition for their raucous live show. Take this opportunity to enjoy one of the area’s finest musical establishments. Thursday, September 5. $12, free with student ID. The Ark, 316 S Main St. 734-761-1800. www.theark.org ecurrent.com / september 2013 5
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Ashley’s is the type of bar that will bore a sophomore, overwhelm a junior, and enchant a senior. With over 60 beers on tap and more in the bottle, this cozy State Street hovel is hands-down the best beer bar on campus—and possibly in Southeastern Michigan. Ashley’s multipage beer menu serves as a guidebook for their many imports—Belgian wheats, Irish stouts, Scottish ales— with endlessly imaginative sensory descriptions (“flavor abounds from the spice of green peppercorns and tang from blood orange”). It’s a shame most students don’t discover Ashley’s until senior year, with a shortage of calendar days to sample all the bar has to offer. Take heed, freshmen: with so many beers and so little time, you’d best start tackling Ashley’s on your twenty-first birthday.
drunk bodies. Hailed for wild Tuesday nights (Tequila Tuesdays), Skeeps is the reason students stop scheduling Wednesday morning classes after first semester. The crowd is 99% students in Greek life; if you aren’t in a fraternity or sorority, you might feel out of place and receive confused (but friendly!) looks from the fratstars who recognize you from class. Ordering a drink from the bar takes anywhere from ten to twenty minutes depending on how well you know the bartender—which, again, if you aren’t in Greek life, you don’t.
NEIGHBORHOODS A Guide To Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhoods By: Matt Pollock
2013 BLUE BOOK
hough Michigan offers more than adequate housing to students through all four years of school, most freshman find that after one year in the Michigan dorms, they’re ready for some room to breathe. Thus begins the hunt for off-campus housing. Due to a large number of students house-hunting in a relatively small area (anything walkable from campus), Ann Arbor is the ultimate seller’s market. Prepare to pay a lot for little, both in quality and size. While certain areas of campus are nominally cheaper to live in than others, more important is the vivid personality each possesses; move into the wrong one and forever live in wonder. Here we’ll outline the aesthetic ups and downs of life in each campus neighborhood, in hopes of helping you find your home.
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East Campus: Home to nearly all of
Key Streets: Washtenaw, Hill (East of East U.), Elm, Walnut, Linden, Oxford. Best Event: Welcome Week.
Kerrytown: Though Kerrytown is home
to a number of Michigan undergrads (popular with art, music, theatre and RC students) it isn’t exactly a student neighborhood. All shapes and sizes of Ann Arborites flock to Kerrytown, from grad students to locals to professors to retirees. This makes Kerrytown a much quieter neighborhood than the fraternity-run southeast and the football-minded south. Don’t let the silence fool you; there’s plenty to do in Kerrytown. Bordered (vaguely) to the south by Huron Street, the west by First Street, the east by State Street and the north by oblivion (North Campus), Kerrytown dominates Ann Arbor foodand-drink-wise — on any given Saturday, a Kerrytown-dweller might grab some produce from the Farmers Market, window shop on Liberty, have coffee at Sweetwaters, eat dinner at the Jolly Pumpkin, grab a prohibition-era cocktail at Alley Bar, catch the midnight showing of Rocky Horror at the State, and still make it to last call at the Blind Pig or 8 Ball. The upside of living in Kerrytown is that you’ll never be bored (though you might go broke). The downside is that you’ll never ameliorate said boredom in such envelopepushing ways as arranging a putt-putt course through your frat house.
South Campus: If Kerrytown is charm-
ing in the adult sense of the word, South Campus is charming in the novel, Animal House, “college” sense of the word. You can expect to find the following on South Campus: couches on porches, couches on roofs, beer bongs on roofs, couches thrown off roofs, bottle rockets, block parties, pickup sports, bonfires, decrepit homes, and maybe even a toga party. Made up of everything south of Hill Avenue between State and South Forest and reserved for every beer-minded undergrad who didn’t join Greek life, South Campus is a living, breathing college stereotype. Due to its proximity to Michigan Stadium, Football Saturdays are particularly laughable. It should come as no surprise that this is one of campus’ loudest neighborhoods, so if studying at home is a priority, a different neighborhood might be your best bet Key Streets: Church, East U., Greenwood, Vaughn, Oakland, Packard, Tappan Best Event: Greenwood Block Party; home football games.
Central Campus: When we say
“Central Campus,” we really mean on campus. This “neighborhood” constitutes the crop of luxury high-rise apartment complexes that have sprouted up on campus over the past five years—namely Zaragon, Zaragon West, Landmark, and Sterling 411 Lofts. Located around the border of Michigan’s central campus (less than a five minute walk to class) these lofts offer the only truly “nice” living quarters on campus—that is to say, there’s nothing vintage about them. The luxury lofts’ swank and proximity to campus come at a price; while most off-campus housing runs between $500-$700 per bed a month, these luxury flats can set you back anywhere from $1,000-$1,700. Key Streets: See loft addresses. Best Event: Winter, when you can benefit from that 2-minute walk to class.
Key Streets: N. Division, N. 5th, Detroit, E. Ann, Catherine, Lawrence, E. Kingsley. Best Event: Saturday Farmers Market.
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Michigan’s fraternity and sorority houses, East Campus is essentially made up of mansions. Built through the early- to mid-1900s and plucked off the market by Michigan’s Greek life community, these towering fourlevel homes have been modified to accommodate twenty, thirty, and forty-some-odd students. Washtenaw Avenue serves as the main vein of East Campus, feeding dozens of lush side streets (most lawns adorned with a few stray solo cups). The interiors of most East Campus mansions have taken a beating through decades of football tailgates and indoor luaus; in some cases, entire main levels are gutted to accommodate dance floors. If you find yourself frequenting frat parties freshman year, Current recommends finding a house on one of East Campus’s smaller side streets—say, Elm or Walnut. You’ll be close enough to rage on the regular, but have your creature comforts to retreat to at the end of the night.
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BURRITO JOINTS Mmmm Burritos. . Campus Burrito Joints: A Comprehensive Guide By: Matt Pollock
the Mission style burrito is the
If you haven’t learned it yet, you will soon enough: Originated in San Francisco and popularized throughout various hubs of caloric overindulgence, the Mission style burrito is known for its pizza-sized tortilla, doubledigit ingredients, and double utility as a dumbbell. Like all foodstuffs combining meat, cheese, and multiple starches, the Mission style burrito is a mostly senseless purchase for any self-respecting adult. This, of course, makes it perfect for college students. When stalled at the four-year junction of busyness and gastronomic ineptness that is college, these elephantine burritos can be a student’s saving grace. Boasting up to 1,300 calories per handheld dough-fortress, one standard-issue Mission style burrito can fuel the average cramming college student for up to twelve hours. This doesn’t even broach the meal’s versatility. Vegetarian? Meet beans and rice. Celiac? Order it as a bowl. Lactoseintolerant? (Tearfully) hold the cheese.
ultimate college meal.
Clearly noting Michigan students’ jungle-cat-like feeding schedules, Ann Arbor’s culinary capitalists have opened taquerías with a vengeance on campus, each adding their own spin to these elephantine Mexican-inspired roll-ups. In hopes of helping you find the restaurant that best suits your dietary needs (roughly 50% daily per burrito according to FDA recommendations) we’ve comprised a comprehensive guide to Ann Arbor’s burrito joints, complete with tricks, tips, and words to the wise. Note: All caloric values based on one chicken burrito with rice, beans, cheese, and vegetables.
Panchero’s: Panchero’s is the first campus burrito
BTB Burrito:
joint most students stumble into, due to its location on South University (roughly equidistant from the main freshman dorms). Aside from suspiciously rubbery but nevertheless delicious tortillas, Panchero’s is known for their fast-paced assembly line and raucous late-night crowds (South U. is also home to four sports bars). Panchero’s prides themselves on a franchise-wide practice of “bobbing” their burritos, which basically means mixing up the ingredients before wrapping the tortilla. When they ask you if you want your burrito bobbed, don’t bother. It tastes the same and wastes precious burrito-inhaling seconds.
Founded by once-Wolverine Adam Lowenstein and Californian comrade Justin Herrick, BTB is a true burrito jointer’s burrito joint. Holed into a cave-like nook at the corner of State & Packard (excellent for football Saturdays) BTB boasts authentic West Coast taste through Ann Arbor’s merciless Midwestern winters. In proper for-students-by-students form, Herrick and Lowenstein added alcohol to the mix in 2007, when they opened a second, full-bar location on South University (BTB Cantina). After all, if there’s one thing that goes with a brick of animal protein, it’s four shots of tequila.
Flavor: 8 Price: $6.63 Calories: 850 Calories per dollar: 128 1208 S University Ave.
One tip on BTB: Because they don’t offer pick-andchoose, assembly line-style ordering, you have to request vegetables on your burrito. Silence will be treated with the bare essentials: meat, beans, rice, cheese.
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Flavor: 9 Calories: Unavailable. Price: $6.00 810 S State St. • btbburrito.com
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Chipotle:
Chipotle’s location up State Street, away from South U’s bar scene and Packard’s game day hustle, makes it a nice venue for a quiet lunchtime burrito (as opposed to the 3 am binges you only remember after finding the wrapper the next day). Chipotle’s flavor pales a bit in comparison to its Ann Arbor competitors; Panchero’s has them on tortillas, and BTB’s innards are far zestier. However, what Chipotle lacks in flavor, they make up for in size. Packed with more rice, beans, and meat than their competitors’ wraps, Chipotle’s burritos will make you positively uncomfortable. If you opt to eat at Chipotle, block out at least two hours for a nap afterwards—your body will a shutdown to digest everything you’ll have just force-fed it. Flavor: 7 Calories: 900 Price: $6.25 Calories per dollar: 144 235 S State St • chipotle.com
Tios: Tios isn’t so much a burrito joint as a legitimate sit-down Mexican restaurant. With a full menu boasting flashy margaritas and ten types of taco (everything from fish to jerk chicken), Tios is nice spot for a date or, depending on your financial situation, a night out with Mom and Dad. However: Tios’ wet burrito is a marvelous thing, and deserves a spot on any Ann Arbor Tex-Mex guide. Served on an actual plate and smothered in cheese and “red sauce” (their words), Tios’ wet burrito is best tackled with a fork and knife. Then again, who are we to tell you how to best ingest your two-pound dinner? The relationship between burrito and consumer is delicate and mysterious; cultivate it however you so please. Flavor: 8 Calories: Unavailable. Price: $9.49 401 E Liberty St. #2 • tiosmexicancafe.com
Taco Bell: Technically, there is a Taco Bell in the Michi-
gan League, and technically, Taco Bell serves four types of burritos. However, the only reason we’ve included them on this list is to remind you that, with so many superior options in Ann Arbor, you’d better have a good excuse if you opt to eat at Taco Bell. Flavor: 5 Calories: 520 (Beefy 5-Layer Burrito). Price: $1.50 Calories per dollar: 346 2280 W Stadium Blvd. 3860 S State Rd. 911 N University Ave. tacobell.com
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Current readers are opinionated — which is just how we like them. We asked Current readers to vote for their Washtenaw County favorites in our annual Current Reader’s Choice awards. The resulting winners have cause to celebrate — in the eyes of our readers, they are the ultimate champions, whether it be in business, nightlife, or food.
ners list online See complete win m at www.ecurrent.co Produce Market Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market 315 Detroit St. 734-794-6255 www.a2gov.org/market Runner Up: The Produce Station
Shopping Center Kerrytown Market & Shops 407 N 5th Ave. 734-662-5008 www.kerrytown.com Runner Up: Briarwood Mall
Hardware Store Stadium Hardware 2177 W Stadium Blvd. 734-663-8704 ww3.truevalue.com/ stadiumhardware Runner Up: Ace Barnes Hardware
Locally Owned Women’s Boutique Vintage to Vogue 415 N Fifth Ave. 734-665-9110 www.shopv2v.com Runner Up: Orchid Lane
Locally Owned Men’s Boutique Van Boven Shoes
Vintage Store The Getup Vintage 215 S State St. 734-327-4300 Runner Up: Star Vintage
Shoe Store Mast Shoes
2517 Jackson Ave. 734-662-8118 www.mastshoes.com Runner Up: Footprints
Jewelry Store Abracadabra
205 Liberty St., 734-994-4848 www.abragem.com Runner Up: Lewis Jewelers
Natural Food Store Ann Arbor People’s Food Co-Op
216 N 4th Ave. 734-994-9174 www.peoplesfood.coop Runner Up: Arbor Farms Market
17 Nickels Arcade 734-665-7240 www.vanbovenshoes.com Runner Up: Renaissance
Supermarket Whole Foods
3135 Washtenaw Ave. 734-975-4500 Wholefoodsmarket.com Runner Up: Plum Market
Party/Wine Store Morgan and York
1928 Packard St., 734-662-0798. www.morganandyork.com Runner Up: A & L Wine Castle
Place to Throw a Party The Necto
516 E Liberty St. 734-994-5835 www.necto.com Runner Up: Hathaway’s Hideaway
Place For A Massage Relax Station Massage 300 W Huron St. 734-623-1951 www.relaxstationmassage.com Runner Up: Balance Massage Therapy
Apartment Complex Sterling Lofts 411 401 E Washington St. 734-998-4400 www.sterlinghousing.com Runner Up: Manchester Flats
Hotel Weber’s Inn
3050 Jackson Ave. 734-769-2500 www.webersinn.com/hotel Runner Up: Campus Inn
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Most Trustworthy Auto Repair Main Street Motors 906 N Main St. 734-663-5544 www.mainstreetmotors.net Runner Up: Dunning Toyota
Bicycle Shop Wheels in Motion
3400 Washtenaw Ave. 734-971-2121 www.wheelsinmotion.us Runner Up: Great Lakes Cycling & Fitness
Motorcycle Shop Nicholson’s 4405 Jackson Rd. 734-769-9815 www.nicholsonfun.com Runner Up: Café Racer Ypsi
Independent Bookstore Nicola’s Books
2513 Jackson Ave. 734-662-0600 www.nicolasbook.com Runner Up: Crazy Wisdom
Used Bookstore West Side Books
113 W Liberty St. 734-995-1891 www.westsidebookshop.com Runner Up: Aunt Agatha’s
Comic Bookstore Vault of Midnight 219 S. Main St. 734-998-1413 www.vaultofmidnight.com Runner Up: Fun 4 All Comics & Games
970 W Eisenhower Pkwy. 734-827-1938 www.rei.com/stores/ann-arbor.html Runner Up: Bivouac
Non-Chain Music Store Encore Records
417 E Liberty St. 734-662-6776 www.encorerecordsa2.com Runner Up: Wazoo Records
Musical Instrument Store Oz Music
1920 Packard St. 734-662-8283 www.ozmusic.com Runner Up: Shar Music
Most Knowledgeable Music Store Staff Wazoo Records 336 S State St. 734-761-8686 Runner Up: Encore Records
2013 BLUE BOOK
Outdoor Store/Gear REI Store
Computer Service/ Repair Beagle Brain 2 Nickels Arcade 734-623-9000 www.beaglebrain.com Runner Up: Mythologic Corporation
Thrift Store Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop
2280 S Industrial Hwy. 734-996-9155 www.a2ptothriftshop.org Runner Up: The Salvation Army
Most Knowledgeable Staff All Businesses
Zingerman’s Deli
422 Detroit St. 734-663-3354 www.zingermansdeli.com Runner Up: Relax Station Massage
cont. on pg 12
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cont. from pg 12
Doctor Dr. Edward ‘Lev’ Linkner M.D., ABIHM Holistic Runner Up: Dr. Jay Sandweiss D.O. and Radio Host
Bank or Credit Union University of Michigan Credit Union 340 E. Huron Street, Suite 100 Ann Arbor 734-662-8200 www.umcu.org Runner Up: Bank of Ann Arbor
Dentist Dr. Kristin Johnson/ Liberty Dental
Travel Agent Conlin Travel
3270 Washtenaw Ave. 734-677-0900 www.conlintravel.com Runner Up: Liberty Travel
Place For Alt. Health Care White Wolf Healing 32744 Five Mile Rd., Livonia 734-277-7347 www.whitewolfhealing.com Runner up: University of Michigan Briarwood Healing Group
Chiropractor Dr. Tim Spencer
8110 Jackson Rd. 734-426-0902 Runner Up: Synergy Chiropractic/ Dr. Greg Peroff
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334 1/2 S State St. 734-663-0393 www.orbithair.net Runner Up: Douglas J. Aveda School
Massage Therapist Felicia Cammon/ Relax Station Massage
300 W Huron St. 734-623-1951 www.relaxstationmassage.com Runner Up: Grace Adams/Body Conscious Massage Therapy
Day Spa Bellanina Day Spa
201 N 4th Ave. 734-327-1000 www.bellaninadayspa.com Runner Up: Fran Coy
Facial/Skin Care Jessica’s Skin and Body Apothecary 301 N 5th Ave. 734-545-4303 www.jessicasapothecary.com Runner Up: Bellanina Day Spa
2013 BLUE BOOK
3688 W Liberty Rd. 734-665-0481 www.libertydentalplc.com Runner Up:Sayine Anderson/ Enspire Dental
Place To Get A Haircut Orbit Hair Design & Massage
ecurrent.com
2975 W Liberty Rd. 734-665-3738 www.libertyathletic.net Runner Up: Huron Valley Tennis Club
Yoga/Pilates The Yoga Room
765 Archwood Dr. 734-761-8409 www.yogaroomannarbor.com Runner Up: A2 Yoga
Fitness Center/ Athletic Club Ann Arbor YMCA 400 W Washington St., 734-996-9622 www.annarborymca.org Runner Up: Vie: Fitness & Spa
Best Trainer Desmond Johnson/A2 Fitness Pros 250 W Eisenhower Pkwy, Suite 130., Ann Arbor 734-222-5080 www.a2fitnesspro.com Runner Up: Hosea Walker/A2 Fitness Pros
Cool Eyewear SEE Eyewear
308 S State St. 734-622-8056 www.seeeyewear.com Runner Up: Bennett Optometry
2013 BLUE BOOK
Place To Play Tennis Liberty Health and Fitness
Best Piercing Studio Lucky Monkey Tattoo 308 S Ashley St. 734-623-8200 www.luckymonkeytattoo.com Runner Up: Pangea Piercing
Best Tattoo Parlor Lucky Monkey Tattoo
308 S Ashley St. 734-623-8200 www.luckymonkeytattoo.com Runner Up: Depot Town Tattoo
Tanning Salon Tanfastic 3227 Washtenaw Ave. 734-677-2800 www.annarbortans.com Runner Up: Glow Tanning
Drinking New Restaurant Insalita
341 E Liberty St. 734-213-7400 www.insalita.com Runner Up: Juicy Kitchen
Chinese Restaurant Evergreen 2771 Plymouth Rd. 734-769-2899 www.evergreen-restaurant.com Runner Up: Kai Garden
Japanese Restaurant Miki Sushi
106 S 1st St. 734-665-8226 www.sushizenusa.com Runner Up: Yotsubo Restaurant
Korean Restaurant Seoul Garden 3125 Boardwalk Dr. 734-997-2120 Aaseoulgarden.com Runner Up: Bewon Korean Cuisine
Thai Restaurant No Thai 226 N 4th Ave. 734-213-0808 www.nothai.com Runner Up: Tuptim Thai Cuisine
Greek Restaurant Mr. Greek’s Coney Island 215 S State St. 734-662-6336 Runner Up: Ahmos Gyro and Deli
cont. on pg 14
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cont. from pg 13
Italian Restaurant Mani Osteria
341 E Liberty St. 734-769-6700 www.maniosteria.com Runner Up:Palio Restaurant
Middle Eastern Restaurant Jerusalem Garden
307 S 5th Ave. 734-995-5060 www.jerusalemgarden.net Runner Up: Palm Palace
Mexican Restaurant Tio’s
401 E Liberty St. #2. 734-761-6650 www.tiosmexicancafe.com Runner Up: Insalita
Local Farm Tantre’ Farm
2510 Hayes Rd., Chelsea 734-475-4323 www.tantrefarm.com Runner Up: Frog Holler Organic Farm
Deli Zingerman’s Deli
422 Detroit St. 734-663-3354 www.zingermansdeli.com Runner Up: Amer’s Deli
Fine Dining Logan’s Restaurant
115 W Washington St. 734-327-2312 www.logan-restaurant.com Runner Up: The Earle
Coffee House Mighty Good Coffee
217 N Main St. 734-222-4514 www.mightygoodcoffee.com Runner Up: Sweetwater’s Coffee & Tea
Breakfast Place Angelo’s Restaurant 1100 Catherine St. 734-761-8996 www.angelosa2.com Runner Up: Beezy’s
Diner Fleetwood Diner
2013 BLUE BOOK
300 S Ashley St. 734-995-5502 www.thefleetwooddiner.com Runner Up: Northside Grill
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ecurrent.com
311 S Main St., 734-913-2730 www.jollypumpkin.com Runner Up: Arbor Brewing Company
Locally Produced Food Biercamp
1642 S State St. 734-995-2437 www.bier-camp.com Runner Up: The Brinery
Food Cart Mark’s Carts
210 S Ashley St. 734-662-8136 www.markscartsannarbor.com Runner Up: The Lunch Room
Local Food Blog Peggy Lampman
Ann Arbor Art Fair Runner Up: Top of the Park
Indoor Festival Ann Arbor Folk Festival
Gay and Lesbian Venue Aut Bar
Outdoor Festival Top of the Park
315 Braun Ct. 734-994-3677 www.autbar.com Runner Up: The Necto
Runner Up: Ann Arbor Summer Festival
Pre-Game Hangout Fraser’s Pub 2045 Packard St. 734-665-1955 www.fraserspubaa.com Runner Up: University of Michigan Golf Course
203 E Washington St. 734-222-9999 www.thearena-a2.com Runner Up: Fraser’s
Runner Up: Secret Twins
DJ/Electronica Artist Chuck Hampton Runner Up:Charlie Slick
Folk/Country Artist Dragon Wagon
Runner Up: Appleseed Collective
1950 S Industrial Hwy. 734-665-4474 www.coloniallanescubsac.com Runner Up: Bel-mark Lanes
Runner Up: Ann Arbor Film Festival
Sports Bar The Arena Sports Bar and Grill.
New Artist/Band Music Artist Autumn Wetli
Bowling Alley Colonial Lanes
Hip-Hop Artist Cadence
Runner Up: Dabrye
Jazz/Blues Artist Mr. B Runner Up: Dave Sharp
Rock Band Blue Snaggletooth
Place For Your 21st Birthday The Necto 516 E Liberty St. 734-994-5835 www.necto.com Runner Up: Good Time Charley’s
rs nne e wi plet com See nline atnt.com list ow.ecurre ww
www.peggylampman.com Runner Up: The Kitchen Chick
ENTERTAINMENT Annual Event
Club to See Live Music The Blind Pig 208 S 1st St. 734-996-8555 www.blindpigmusic.com Runner Up: The Ark
Dance Club The Necto
Runner Up: Bad Indians
516 E Liberty St. 734-994-5835 www.necto.com Runner Up: Live
Open Mic Venue The Ark
Pick-Up Bar The Necto
316 S Main St. 734-761-1451 www.theark.org Runner Up: Woodruff’s
516 E Liberty St. 734-994-5835 www.necto.com Runner Up: 8ball Saloon
ecurrent.com / september 2013 15
2013 BLUE BOOK
Brewpub or Microbrewery Jolly Pumpkin
2013 BLUE BOOK