June 2019 - Current

JUNE 2019| FREE

MUSIC | ART | CULTURE

OZONE HOUSE CELEBRATES 50 YEARS AND A NEW HOME, P6

OUR READERS HAVE SPOKEN! P8

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contents

Readers’ picks for the best businesses and professionals in the County, P8

Ozone House turns 50 and moves to Ypsi

P6

21 food: El Harissa

by Jeff Glick

26 chef’s corner:

A2 Restuarant Week

by Athena Cocoves

by Sonny Forest

by Jeff Milo

32

34

theater: Head Over Heels at the Ringwald

27 music: Fuzz Fest

by Emily Slomovits

lit: Rosenwaike’s Look How Happy I’m Making You

by Daniel Ackerman

by K.A. Letts

36 film: The Brink; the Steve

Bannon doc

by Jennifer Kellow-Fiorini

42 non-violent communication:

Stop procrastinating 44 current love: Faking It

by Nina Swift

3

biz buzz

5

fyi

5 letters 41

person of interest

42 cannabis 45

free will astrology

46

crossword

47 classifieds

Loomi Cafe, an appetizing and affordable addition to Kerrytown Market & Shops

Next time you’re at the Kerrytown Market and Shops, sample the latest lunch counter style restaurant, Loomi Cafe, serving “New American Ethnic Cuisine”.

Since opening in late April, rave reviews have included “flavorful”, “fresh” and “must try” on social media. @loomi_cafe serves local Roos Roast coffee.

Open Mon-Thurs 11am-7pm, Fri-Sun 11am- 7pm 734-929-2945 facebook.com/loomi.a2/ 407 N. 5th

35 art: Takeshi Takahara’s solo

show at WSG Gallery

biz buzz

June 2019 vol. 29 | no. 06

MOST READ ONLINE Ypsilanti Living 2019 Patio Guide Citizens Sue the City of Ann Arbor

Outdoor Hotspots: 5

Naked Burrito Serves Sustainable Fast Healthy Food At 2871 Carpenter Road (not far from Packard) in east Ann Arbor, Naked Burrito serves lunch and dinner. The owners serve mexican fusion food that is “unique, healthy and quality food super fast while also keeping sustainable practices”. In line with that ethos the restaurant is run on an “Eat Zero Waste” model, using compostable serving devices, plus reducing garbage in any possible way. The restaurant offers catering, delivery, take out and is great for kids.

Naked-burrito.com, 2871 Carpenter Road

Infinity Salon & Gents Parlour Spruces Up Saline this Spring

After a soft opening in March, Infinity Salon & Gents Parlour celebrated their grand opening on May 7th, celebrating with the community. The full service salon operators have over 20 plus years of experience specializing in everything hair (cuts, styles, colors, extensions, and more). Plus the salon offers waxing, lash extensions and facials.

Open Wed and Thurs, 9am-7pm, Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-4pm. 813 W. Michigan Ave, Saline. (309) 350-6155, infinitysalonsaline.com

Places to Kayak

CONT’D ON P4

ecurrent.com / june 2019 3

biz buzz

CONT’D FROM P3

Delicious DJ’s Bakery on Packard opens in Ann Arbor

Advertising their opening only to the local neighborhood on the Nextdoor app, DJ’s Bakery opened in late April. This well stocked neighborhood bakery offers muffins, scones, cinnamon rolls, pretzel rolls, donuts, apple fritters and more amid plenty of casual dining space, with both table and window counter seats. Eschewing any social media or web presence, this bakery brings back community word of mouth.

5am-7pm, Monday-Saturday. 7am- 2pm, Sunday.

3031 Packard St. 734-369-2068.

CoreLife Eatery, the latest addition to Maple Village Shopping Center

Opened in mid-May on Ann Arbor’s west side, CoreLife Eatery offers another fast, casual and healthy restaurant choice for Washtenaw County. Diners are welcome to eat in and take advantage of the free in-store wi-fi, or order to go. CoreLife makes “everything from scratch with real, whole foods, and ingredients that are free from GMOs, trans fats, artificial colors, sweeteners, and other additives”. Their menu is kidfriendly and also great for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, Keto, Paleo, or Whole30 diets.

11am-9pm, daily. 205 N. Maple Rd., 734-412-4101, corelifeeatery.com

Vosenna, a conscious beauty store in Ann Arbor closes

Vosenna’s owner is regretfully shuttering the store in June and will be moving out of state due to personal reasons, new competition, and other opportunities. The store featured indie cosmetics, skin care, hair and body care products.

10am-7pm, Monday-Saturday. 10am6pm, Sunday. 2386 E. Stadium Blvd., 734-929-4356. vosenna.com

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Nick’s Big Cheese Grill opens at Paint Creek Crossing in Ypsilanti Calling all cheese lovers!

The cheese centric menu (full menu on Facebook) delights in a myriad of ways, from classic grilled cheese, potato wedges, soups, salads and Guernsey ice cream. Everything is available to go or there’s casual seating providing an inviting place to savor your selections. Located at the south end of Paint Creek Crossing shopping mall, @NBCGrill opened on April 30th and serves cheese fanciers daily.

11:30am-7:30pm, daily. 2072 Whittaker Rd., 734-961-8238, facebook.com/NBCGrill

Ed’s Bread retired after 31 years

The local family run and focused business, Ed’s Bread, serving up healthy and hearty baked goods, closed up shop on April 30th for the last time. Their absence will be noticed at local Farmers Markets and grocery stores, as well as their downtown Saline store (201 W. Michigan Ave). The three decade plus contribution to the community with gratitude, appreciation and delectables leads to a retirement to celebrate and savor. facebook.com/edsbreadsaline

Silver Crane Tae Kwon Do Opened in Chelsea

Located in the Washington Street Education Center, Silver Crane offers classes in the traditional art of Tae Kwon Do to all ages. Owner and instructor, Camille Bauer, with 15 years of teaching experience, is a certified 4th degree black belt.

The studio also offers Chris Fit, grappling/ self defense specific classes and after school programs to build community and safety. Silver Crane’s “mission is to create confidence in students, both adults and children.”

500 Washington St. Room 401. 517-499-8987, silvercranetkd.com

CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice offers authentic Bubble Tea and more At the end of April, CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice had their soft opening with an overwhelming (causing long waits) and excited community response, with a grand opening on May 1st.

CoCo Fresh Tea & Juice is a global bubble tea brand from Taiwan with thousands of stores worldwide offering a variety of bubble teas, fresh fruit teas, milk as well as chocolate teas.

11am-9pm, daily. 1731 Plymouth Rd., facebook.com/CoCoTeaAnnArbor, en.coco-tea.com

What’s the best summer job you ever had?

fyi

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@adamsstreetpublishing.com) WAITRESS AT THE SCHWARTZ IN ELKHART WIS.

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@adamsstreetpublishing.com) WORKING IN THE FREEZER OF AN ICE CREAM NOVELTY FACTORY.

Editorial

Assignment Editor: Trilby Becker

(annarboreditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com)

OFFICE MANAGER FOR A CITY COUNCIL CAMPAIGN IN BROOKLY, NY. Calendar Editor: Heather Mooney

(calendar@current.com)

USPS MAIL CARRIER FOR 48104.

Look out, Ann Arbor!

Spin Scooters arriving on a sidewalk near you Ford announced it will be rolling out 200 Spin Scooters in Ann Arbor this summer, claiming that the city is a good market because of the designated bicycle lanes.

Those lanes have been slow to materialize and are widely disrespected by motorists, often to the peril of cyclists. Scooters are not new to Ann Arbor: dozens of Bird Scooters were confiscated in September, 2018 because of parking violations. Now, pedestrians must brace themselves for a new flock of electric scooters. Although it is illegal to ride either scooters or bicycles on sidewalks in Ann Arbor, the law is not enforced and pedestrians regularly have to contend with both, particularly near campus. A college student navigating traffic on foot with a coffee in one hand and a smartphone in the other can be amusing. On wheels, less so. Drivers and pedestrians beware. - TB

Staff Writers: Erin Holden and Athena Cocoves.

Contributing Writers: Mary Gallagher, Lisa Gottlieb, K.A. Letts, Emily Slomovitz, Jennifer Kellow-Fiorini, Dan Ackerman, Michelle Deatrick, Nina Swift, and Jeff Glick.

Advertising

Sales: Trilby Becker (tbecker@adamsstreetpublishing.com) OFFICE MANAGER FOR A CITY COUNCIL CAMPAIGN IN BROOKLY, NY. Ron Katz (rkatz@adamsstreetpublishing.com) PAPER BOY. Sales Coordinator Jen Leach (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com PUPPY SITTER.

Digital Media

Courtney Probert (digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com) DOG SITTER.

Art/Production

Production Manager: Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) COUNSELOR AT YMCA DAYCARE. Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) STRIPPER... FOR PRINTING. Designers: Kelli Miller (kmiller@adamsstreetpublishing.com) CEDAR POINT. Anita Tipton (atipton@adamsstreetpublishing.com) TAKING CARE OF MY AUNTS’ POOL. Norwin Lopez (nlopez@adamsstreetpublishing.com) BEACH LIFE GUARD.

Administration

Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@adamsstreetpublishing.com) WORKING AT THE INGHAM COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS.

© 2019 by Adams Street Publishing Co., All rights reserved. 3003 Washtenaw Ave., Suite 3, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, Phone (734) 668-4044, Fax (734) 668-0555. First class subscriptions $30 a year.

Distributed throughout Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and neighboring communities.

Also publishers of: Mature

letters & feedback The March issue of Current included a theater review (The Wolves) by Emily Slomovits. I did not

see the show, but it does seem to convey a much needed message about the need for teen girls to be taken more seriously. They are in a world of real life “wolves”. Teen girls and women of any age often have to contend with the likes of Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby. It is men such as these that helped to spawn the “Me Too” movement. I think the scurrilous actions by a few “ogres” such as these has cast a bad light on most other men as well. There are those of us who would never take advantage of, or say anything untoward to, women. But teen girls and women of all ages need to be diligent, wary of real wolves (they are out there). They also need to give credit to the men who were brought up in households where good manners and decorum were taught early on. Where compliments come from the heart with NO ulterior motives. Because in many of us men chivalry is NOT dead. We are proud to be part of the “Not Me” movement.

Most sincerely,

Member

Audited by

Ronald Pagereski Belleville

Online Comments Community High School Spotlighted in New Documentary at Michigan Theater

Encouragement to try something new is something we could all use at one time or another! Kudos to Harrison and the students at Community HS for reminding us of this.

-Caoilfhinn McCormack

What We’re Celebrating On International Women’s Day

Wow, I had no idea that it was this recently that women could not even hold a credit card in their own name or had to prove infidelity to have a divorce granted; I would have guessed those things happened MUCH earlier! Good to know and all the more reason to have International Women’s Day to draw attention to these things.

-Jeff Brown

Pokey LaFarge at the Ark

The Ark supports the food hub which processes the offal from the deer cull and makes the homeless people eat it. My Cervidae neighbors don't appreciate this poaching on their families, neither do I. I'm sure the Homeless would puke if they knew they were eating non-FDA approved offal with potential Bovine Tuberculosis or Chronic Wasting disease-tainted meat. Sorry Pokey, You chose the wrong Venue.

-Rassalas

Current Love Toys: You’re never too old to play Hey Nina, I thought your article was good in the sense that it encourages people to go out and buy toys, to use them with or without partners, and to accept them as a normal part of a healthy sexual life. It’s problematic to go through the wide varieties of vibrators effectively, but I think you did it well.

It’s good for you to write about toys, especially toys for women.

I think lots of people think of vibrators as tools for a single woman, something to be enjoyed in bed alone.

In addition, obviously there’s lots of porn out there featuring vibrators, but I’ve never had a man ask me to get mine out or anything like that. Maybe because they don’t think of vibrators as something I want to share? Or maybe they were always only concerned with their own pleasure? Either way, it hasn’t come up with any man that I’ve ever seen casually. Only with a longer term partner have they made an appearance. So, all in all, I’m glad you’re bringing awareness to the world. They deserve a place in every bedroom!

Love, E

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM

ecurrent.com / june 2019 5

feature

The Ozone House Outreach Team helps young people in crisis with shelter and support services.

Team members (L-R) Najaa, Nate, Keshawn, Will and Caitlyn.

Ozone House Celebrates 50 Year Anniversary with State-of-the-Art Campus Pioneering nonprofit announces capital campaign to complete new headquarters

By Trilby Becker Ozone House had been on the lookout for a site for their new headquarters for over two years. The pioneering nonprofit, which is Washtenaw County’s only shelter for homeless and at-risk youth, had a unique set of criteria: the location had to be in Ypsilanti, preferably near Washtenaw Community College, Eastern Michigan University, and St. Joseph Mercy Hospital; it had to be on a major bus line between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, and it had to be large enough to build additional housing in the future. The sloping and densely wooded 5.5 acre lot overlooking the Huron River in Ypsilanti had been on the market for many years. While the site was apparently unappealing to developers, staff knew that 1600 Huron Drive was home when they first saw the site.

Ozone House has been providing temporary shelter, crisis intervention, and support services to homeless and at-risk youth in Washtenaw County since 1969, occupying numerous houses over that time. Moving their headquarters and shelter from Ann Arbor

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to Ypsilanti is a natural progression. Close to 80% of the youth and families they serve are located in Ypsi. The peaceful landscape by the water is therapeutic and offers the nonprofit plenty of room to grow.

Bursting at the seams

“We needed to find a forever home,” said Allie Schachter, Development Director of Ozone House who has been with the organization since 2010. “There is a lot of love in these walls,” she affirms, gesturing affectionately to the quirky, rambling, former fraternity house at 1705 Washtenaw Ave., “but we are bursting at the seams. We have a waitlist. We need to serve more young people and we need to serve them better.” With the emergency shelter and all of their support services and staff under the same roof, everyone longs for more privacy and separation. Accessibility issues and lack of privacy have also discouraged some potential clients from seeking their services.

“It’s not always about homelessness but about family crisis,” says Krista Girty, Executive Director of Ozone House, about the circumstances that cause young people to seek their services.

“So we offer stabilization and safety in the short term while we work with youth and families to find safe and supportive longterm housing.” Ozone House also has a drop-in center at 102 N. Hamilton St. in Ypsilanti that provides meals, crisis intervention, and skills training. The two Ann Arbor locations will be sold and moved into the new campus headquarters, while the Ypsilanti drop-in center will continue to operate in the same location. The new campus will house up to 32 residents in sixteen bedrooms with space for administration, counseling and skills training onsite. And the site’s zoning allows construction of an apartment building if they want to add more transitional housing in the future.

Ozone House will move to its new headquarters at 1600 Huron River Drive, Ypsilanti in December 2019.

Innovator in homeless youth services

Founded in 1969, Ozone House is the only provider of comprehensive support services for youth in crisis and their families in Washtenaw County. Since the closing of two emergency youth shelters in Southeast Michigan last year, Ozone House is seeing more young people come through their doors from outside the county. They are the second shelter and service provider for homeless youth established in the U.S., and in 1973 staff contributed to the Federal Runaway and Homeless Youth Act. The agency serves as a national model, providing high-quality care to youth who face homelessness, abuse, neglect, poverty, family conflict, human trafficking, and more. Ozone House provides services to approximately 3,000 youth each year.

“Ozone House has helped me in multiple ways,” says D’Jayy, who recently graduated from Ozone House’s transitional housing and moved into his own apartment. “I was kicked out of my house by my family. It was hard to find a stable place to stay. [Ozone House] started me off in transitional housing and helped me get back on my feet. They helped me get jobs. It was very helpful in a time of crisis and I know there are other kids going through that and wouldn’t have that opportunity if Ozone wasn’t around.” Of the organization’s new setting, D’Jayy says, “My mother says the best medicine is nature. It calms your mind and can take away the things you’re thinking about and can free you from impurities. Kids who go through traumatic experiences need that calm. I know it helps me once in a blue moon.”

Unanimously approved

An impressive $4 million of the $5 million needed to build the new headquarters had already been raised from early believers and foundations even before Ozone House announced their capital campaign in April, 2019. The site of the new campus was city-owned and the purchase agreement came with a lot of preconditions as part of their Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning, including requirements for sidewalks, street lights, a crosswalk, as well as a conservation easement along the riverfront. City Council was highly receptive to the proposal, and in the end, voted unanimously in support of the sale. “It was a beautiful thing,” says Schachter.

“Council members and planners asked a lot of questions, and young people showed up in Ozone House t-shirts and said ‘This matters to us!’”

Ypsilanti Mayor Beth Bashert, then a City Council member who approved the sale, explained, “When we were approached by Ozone House to buy that property we were excited,” she says. “We don’t have enough safe activities for our youth.The new location is more accessible and therefore more likely to engage young people.”

Of possible drawbacks, she said “ The only tradeoff for us was that because Ozone House is a nonprofit we are not going to realize tax income from that property, however we did get income from the sale and are benefitting from the services. We were pleased to embrace this well respected organization.”

D’Jayy has graduated from transitional housing at Ozone House and is now living independently.

He volunteers for the organization.

A strong leadership team includes youth

After a lengthy State approval process, the purchase agreement was finalized in May, 2018. Construction is almost 50% complete and on track for a move-in date in December, 2019. There are plans to create trails through the woods and along the river, which may someday include an extension of the Border to Border Trail.

The roof is being outfitted with solar panels that will generate roughly half of the building’s energy needs. Ozone House has strong working relationships with Phoenix Contractors (General Contractor), A3C Collaborative Architecture (Architect), and MAVD (Owner’s Representative). They secured construction financing from the Bank of Ann Arbor.

Youth have been an integral part of the conceptualization of the new headquarters, and feel a sense of ownership over the process, including as members of the Board of Directors who participate in all the organization’s major decisions. “We have been listening to youth talk about what they need to feel safe and secure for fifty years,” says Krista Girty. It’s clear that Ozone House and the community at large hear their voices loud and clear.

For more information or to make a donation, visit ozonehouse.org

ecurrent.com / june 2019 7

H

ere-ye, here-ye, the votes are in and the winners have been chosen! Washtenaw’s vigorous retail and restaurant scene ensured that competition was fierce, with an especially strong showing from Ypsilanti businesses this year. Read on to learn who Current readers have chosen to wear the crowns in dozens of categories. It’s good to be the king!

NEW BUSINESS UNICORN FEED & SUPPLY

Unicornfeedsupply.com RUNNER UP: McPherson Local GREENHOUSE/ GARDEN STORE DOWNTOWN HOME & GARDEN

downtownhomeandgarden. com RUNNER UP: The Produce Station HOME BOUTIQUE THE EYRIE

theeyrie.net

RUNNER UP: FOUND ANTIQUE STORE TREASURE MART

Treasuremart.com RUNNER UP: Salt City Antiques THRIFT STORE ANN ARBOR PTO THRIFT SHOP

a2ptothriftshop.org/ RUNNER UP: Treasure Mart

LOCALLY-OWNED WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE MUSE ATELIER

museatelier.com RUNNER UP: Mix Ypsilanti

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LOCALLY-OWNED MEN’S BOUTIQUE BIVOUAC

bivouacannarbor.com RUNNER UP: Sam’s

Best Downtown Ann Arbor Shop

SHOE STORE MAST SHOES

mastshoes.com RUNNER UP: Running Fit JEWELRY STORE ABRACADABRA JEWELRY/ GEM GALLERY

Abragem.com RUNNER UP: 16 Hands

BEST DOWNTOWN ANN ARBOR SHOP CRAZY WISDOM BOOKSTORE & TEAROOM

crazywisdom.net RUNNER UP: Vault of Midnight NATURAL FOOD STORE YPSILANTI FOOD CO-OP

ypsifoodcoop.org RUNNER UP: Argus Farm Stop FARMER’S MARKET ANN ARBOR FARMERS MARKET

a2gov.org

RUNNER UP: Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace

2019 / ecurrent.com

CRAZY WISDOM BOOKSTORE & TEAROOM

114 S. Main St., 734-665-2757. Crazywisdom.net If you have an out-of-town visitor who wants to get a sense of Ann Arbor’s “vibe” in only a few minutes, take them to Crazy Wisdom. From books to art, music, jewelry, crystals, a cafe, and, of course, tea, the defining qualities of this favored shop mirror Ann Arbor as a community— it’s globally influenced, locally motivated, metaphysically engaged, a little kooky and, somehow, always giving off a faint whiff of patchouli.

CATERER JERUSALEM GARDEN

jerusalemgarden.net RUNNER UP: eat / catering and carry-out PARTY/WINE STORE MORGAN & YORK

morganandyork.com RUNNER UP: Stadium Market HOTEL WEBER’S BOUTIQUE HOTEL

AUTO REPAIR STEVE STEEB SERVICE, INC.

stevesteebservice.com RUNNER UP: My Car Guy Inc. BICYCLE SHOP WHEELS IN MOTION

wheelsinmotion.us RUNNER UP: Sic Transit Cycles USED BOOKS DAWN TREADER BOOK SHOP

webersannarbor.com RUNNER UP: Graduate Ann Arbor

dawntreaderbooks.com RUNNER UP: Friends of the Ann Arbor District Library

FLORIST ENCHANTED FLORIST OF YPSILANT

INDEPENDENT BOOKS LITERATI BOOKSTORE

enchantedfloristinc.com RUNNER UP: Tom Thompson Flowers AUTO DEALER BILL CRISPIN CHEVROLET

billcrispinchevrolet.com RUNNER UP: Varsity Ford

New Business

literatibookstore.com RUNNER UP: Nicola’s Books

UNICORN FEED & SUPPLY

COMIC STORE VAULT OF MIDNIGHT

“What does a unicorn’s diet consist of?” We weren’t sure until this whimsical Ypsi gift shop opened last year and gave us the answer to this burning question— unicorns eat glitter, rainbows, stickers, fairy gardens, and all sorts of sparkly things that make your heart sing. Feed your magical side with cute and unique gifts at this newly-opened all-ages and LGBTQ+ friendly boutique.

vaultofmidnight.com RUNNER UP: The Rocket Gifts, Toys and Candy

114 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti. 734-961-8610.

Unicornfeedsupply.com

Cont’d on p10

Thank You Washtenaw County For Voting Us “Best Seafood Restaurant Runner-Up” 2019

Quite simply, seafood as it should be.

Reservations at (888) 456-3463

RUNNER-UP ecurrent.com / june 2019 9

Cont’d from p9

LOCAL PET STORE WAGS TO WISKERS PET SUPPLIES

wagstowiskers.com RUNNER UP: Pet Emporium RADIO HOST MARTIN BANDYKE

Best Cool Eyewear SEE EYEWEAR

308 S. State St., 734-622-8056. seeeyewear.com If eyes are the window to the soul, you better get a frame that compliments your beauty and personality. For glasses as bold, stylish and cool as you are, shop SEE. Current readers love their selection of frames, professional eye exams and quick and attentive service. While our glasses-wearing readers clearly have less than 20/20 vision, their affection for this Ann Arbor eyewear staple is crystal clear.

TATTOO PARLOR BRITE IDEA TATTOO

briteideatattoo.wordpress. com RUNNER UP: Lucky Monkey Tattoo Parlour

Martinbandyke.com RUNNER UP: Sue Dise

CHINESE EVERGREEN RESTAURANT RUNNER UP: Panda House

RECORD STORE ENCORE RECORDS

JAPANESE YOTSUBA JAPANESE RESTAURANT

encorerecordsa2.com RUNNER UP: Underground Sounds DISPENSARY BLOOM CITY CLUB

bloomcityclub.com RUNNER UP: Depot Town Dispensary WEDDING VENUE ZINGERMAN’S CORNMAN FARMS

zingermanscornmanfarms. com RUNNER UP: Cobblestone Farm

yotsuba-restaurant.com RUNNER UP: Sadako Japanese Restaurant KOREAN BELL’S DINER

doordash.com RUNNER UP: Seoul Garden THAI TUPTIM THAI CUISINE

tuptim.com

RUNNER UP: No Thai!

New Friends & Treasures Found Daily Celebrating 59 years!

WINNER Best Local Nonprofit & Best Veterinarian HSHV 3100 Cherry Hill Rd. • Ann Arbor | 734.662.5585 | hshv.org Tiny Lions 5245 Jackson Rd. • Ann Arbor | 734.661.3530 | tinylions.org

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www.treasuremart.com 529 Detroit Street • Ann Arbor 734-662-1363 • Office 734-662-9887

VIETNAMESE PHO HOUSE

BBQ SMOKEHOUSE 52 BBQ

Independent Books

facebook.com/Pho-House RUNNER UP: Dalat

sh52bbq.com RUNNER UP: Red Brick Kitchen & Bar

ITALIAN PAESANO RESTAURANT WINE BAR

LOCAL GROCERY YPSILANTI FOOD CO-OP

MEXICAN MAIZ MEXICAN CANTINA

ETHNIC GROCERY BOMBAY GROCERS

paesanoannarbor.com RUNNER UP: Mani Osteria

Maizmexican.com RUNNER UP: Chela’s Restaurant and Taqueria VEGETARIAN SEVA

sevarestaurant.com RUNNER UP: The Lunch Room SEAFOOD MONAHAN’S SEAFOOD MARKET INC RUNNER UP: Real Seafood Co

Ypsifoodcoop.org RUNNER UP: Plum Market

bombaygrocersusa.com RUNNER UP: Patel Brothers NATURAL FOOD STORE YPSILANTI FOOD CO-OP

ypsifoodcoop.org RUNNER UP: Argus Farm Stop LOCAL FARM WHITE LOTUS FARMS

whitelotusfarms.com RUNNER UP: Community Farm of Ann Arbor

LITERATI BOOKSTORE

124 E. Washington St., 734-585-5567. Literatibookstore.com Bibliophiles know that variety is the spice of life, and downtown Ann Arbor’s Literati bookstore recently named the 2019 Publishers Weekly Bookstore of the Year, aims to please. Offering diversity in their titles, genres, subject matter and authors, Literati keeps curious minds curious with author readings, book clubs, poetry nights, and a friendly, knowledgeable staff that is happy to help you find the next addition to your bookshelf.

Cont’d on p12

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US THE BEST! WINNER

2075 S. Industrial Hwy. • 734.930.2277 • SteveSteebService.com ecurrent.com / june 2019 11

Cont’d from p11

DINER FLEETWOOD DINER

thefleetwooddiner.com RUNNER UP: Northside Grill FINE DINING KNIGHT’S STEAKHOUSE

knightsrestaurants.com RUNNER UP: Aventura COFFEE HOUSE CULTIVATE COFFEE & TAPHOUSE

cultivateypsi.com RUNNER UP: RoosRoast Coffee PIZZERIA BUDDY’S PIZZA

buddyspizza.com RUNNER UP: Aubree’s Pizzeria and Grill FOOD CART RICEWOOD

ricewoodbbq.com RUNNER UP: A2 Dogs

DESSERT GO! ICE CREAM

goicecreamgo.com RUNNER UP: Kilwin’s BURGER JOINT SIDETRACK BAR & GRILL

sidetrackbarandgrill.com RUNNER UP: Krazy Jim’s Blimpy Burger COCKTAIL BAR THE LAST WORD

thelastwordbar.com RUNNER UP: Ollie Food + Spirits BREWPUB/BREWERY ARBOR BREWING COMPANY - CORNER BREWERY

arborbrewing.com/location/ cornerbrewery RUNNER UP: Wolverine State Brewing Co.

SPORTS BAR FRASER’S PUB

fraserspub.com RUNNER UP: Wolverine State Brewing Co LGBTQ FRIENDLY \AUT\ BAR

autbar.com

RUNNER UP: Bona Sera HAIRCUT A PETER JAMES SALON

apeterjamessalon.com RUNNER UP: Douglas J Aveda Institute MASSAGE THERAPY RELAXSTATION

relaxstation.com RUNNER UP: Massage Mechanics

DAY SPA JESSICA’S APOTHECARY & SPA

jessicasapothecary.com RUNNER UP: Bellanina Day Spa SKINCARE JESSICA’S APOTHECARY & SPA

Now Serving Eggs From CAGE FREE, VEGETARIAN FED HENS, All natural, Gluten FREE Sausage!

No additives, no fillers t i ng se

Ce l e

years

Br

a eak f

Best Hangover Cure

Covered Patio is Open!

7 Days a Week, Rain or Shine

1015 Broadway • 734.995.0965 (at the foot of the Broadway Bridge)

Open 7am-3pm, Seven Days a Week

View the full menu at NorthsideGrill.com june

2019 / ecurrent.com

LATE NIGHT GRUB FLEETWOOD DINER

thefleetwooddiner.com RUNNER UP: NYPD

DELIVERY FOOD INSOMNIA COOKIES

insomniacookies.com RUNNER UP: Pizza House STUDENT HANGOUT CULTIVATE COFFEE & TAPHOUSE

cultivateypsi.com RUNNER UP: Dominick’s

PLACE TO STUDY TINY LIONS LOUNGE AND ADOPTION CENTER

tinylions.org RUNNER UP: Ann Arbor District Libraries 21ST BIRTHDAY SPOT GOOD TIME CHARLEY’S

charleysannarbor.com RUNNER UP: Rick’s American Cafe NEW ARTIST/BAND LIQUID THICKNESS

tinybuddhayoga.com RUNNER UP: aUM Yoga

facebook.com/ LiquidThickness/ RUNNER UP: Girl Fight

FITNESS CENTER ANN ARBOR YMCA

LOCAL ALBUM CITY OF TREES VOL. 2

annarborymca.org RUNNER UP: Washtenaw Community College TRAINER SARAH KREINER RUNNER UP: Daniel Roth

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bebesnails.com RUNNER UP: A2 Nails Spa

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YOGA TINY BUDDHA YOGA

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Jessicasapothecary.com RUNNER UP: Vis-a-Vis

NAIL SALON BEBE’S NAILS AND SPA

COOL EYEWEAR SEE EYEWEAR

seeeyewear.com RUNNER UP: Warby Parker

RUNNER UP: Ellen Rowe’s

Momentum

DJ/ELECTRONICA DJ KNOWLEDGE RUNNER UP: DJ Nitro FOLK/COUNTRY THE RAGBIRDS

theragbirds.com RUNNER UP: May Erlewine HIP-HOP DRE DAV RUNNER UP: DJ Graffiti

JAZZ/BLUES RON BROOKS RUNNER UP: Speak Mahogany ROCK LAITH AL-SAADI

laithalsaadi.com RUNNER UP: Scissor NOW!

LOCAL NONPROFIT HUMANE SOCIETY OF HURON VALLEY RUNNER UP: Ozone House

ziggysypsi.com RUNNER UP: The Ark’s Open Stage LIVE MUSIC VENUE THE ARK

theark.org

RUNNER UP: The Blind Pig KARAOKE CIRC BAR

thecircbar.com RUNNER UP: Blue Karaoke

PUBLIC SERVANT DEBBIE DINGELL

debbiedingell.house.gov RUNNER UP: Jae Gerhart (Washtenaw County Local Foods Coordinator) SUBURBAN DOWNTOWN YPSILANTI RUNNER UP: Chelsea

BLOOM CITY CLUB

ANNUAL EVENT TOP OF THE PARK - ANN ARBOR SUMMER FESTIVAL

BEST ACTIVIST TANYA HILGENDORF

hshv.org

RUNNER UP: Jason Fenzel

Best Dispensary

423 Miller Ave., 734-585-0621. bloomcityclub.com

a2sf.org/category/top-of-thepark

revelandroll.com RUNNER UP: Bel-Mark Lanes RADIO STATION 89.1 WEMU

a2musiccenter.com RUNNER UP: Oz’s Music

hshv.org

OPEN MIC 734 SATURDAY’S AT ZIGGY’S

BOWLING ALLEY REVEL & ROLL

MUSIC LESSONS ANN ARBOR MUSIC CENTER

If you want to feel like a kid in a candy shop, go to a candy shop. If you want to feel like an adult in a professional, knowledgeable and friendly dispensary, go to Bloom City Club.

With a staff that Current readers love— Bloom’s own Ambery Roy and Trisha Stevens took home the “Best Budtender” category— and a drool-worthy menu (that also offers those sought-out candy shop vibes), we aren’t surprised our readers light up for this A2 gem.

Cont’d on p14

https://www.wemu.org/ RUNNER UP: WCBN

Thank You for Voting Us Best Caterer!

Thank You Current Readers for 20 Years of Support! ecurrent.com / june 2019 13

Cont’d from p13

REAL ESTATE AGENT KATHY O’CONNOR

trilliumrealtors.com RUNNER UP: Tyler Weston

BANK/CREDIT UNION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN CREDIT UNION

umcu.org

RUNNER UP: Bank of Ann Arbor PROFESSOR ROSE CORY RUNNER UP: Dr. Steven

Ramold

DENTIST DR. SHANNON NORMANKOTRE

kotreannarbordentist.com RUNNER UP: Dr. Michael Singleton DOCTOR DR. JESSICA HADDAD

ihacares.com/providers/ jessica-haddad-md RUNNER UP: Dr. Pam Shore PLASTIC SURGEON DR. TIFFANY BALLARD, ANN ARBOR PLASTIC SURGERY

RUNNER UP: Paul Simon

annarborplasticsurgery.com/ about/ballard RUNNER UP: Dr. Robert H Burke, Michigan Center for Cosmetic Surgery

OPTOMETRIST DR. RENEE LALIBERTE, MAIN ST. OPTOMETRY, DEXTER

VETERINARIAN HUMANE SOCIETY OF HURON VALLEY

LAWYER ALLISON IRETON

visionsource-dextermi.com RUNNER UP: Dr. Steven Lutz & Assoc.

TRAVEL AGENT AAA TRAVEL

travel.aaa.com RUNNER UP: Conlin Travel ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE ARBOR WELLNESS

arborswellness.com RUNNER UP: Commonsource Acupuncture CHIROPRACTOR GATEWAY CHIROPRACTIC

gatewaychiropracticbgi.com RUNNER UP: Ann Arbor Chiropractic Wellness Center BUDTENDER AMBER ROY, BLOOM CITY CLUB

ART GALLERY UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN MUSEUM OF ART - UMMA

umma.umich.edu RUNNER UP: Ann Arbor Art Center MUSEUM UMMA

Umma.umich.edu RUNNER UP: Ann Arbor Hands on Museum THEATRE TROUPE ANN ARBOR CIVIC THEATRE

a2ct.org

RUNNER UP: Burns Park

Players

bloomcityclub.com RUNNER UP: Trisha Stevens, Bloom City Club

hshv.org

RUNNER UP: Ann Arbor Animal

Hospital

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Locally-owned Women’s Boutique

MUSE ATELIER

336 S. Ashley St., 734-277-7763. Museatelier.com Whether big, small, short, tall, old or young, you’re never too anything to play dress up. Treat yourself to vintage and modern clothing, accessories and antiques that are as beautiful as you at this inclusive and delightful boutique. Not only can you find a range of sizes, price, and styles, Muse also offers an upstairs Airbnb and boudoir photography sessions to capture your unbridled ultra-femme moment of confidence.

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ecurrent.com / june 2019 15

Theatre Troupe ANN ARBOR CIVIC THEATRE 322 W. Ann St., 734-971-2228. A2ct.org

Since 1929, the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre has fulfilled its mission as a community theatre group in every possible way.

Whether you’re a budding playwright who wants to produce a show, an adult looking to overcome stage fright, a child or teen seeking educational, apprenticeship, and performance opportunities, A2CT will welcome you with open arms. From improv nights to classes, workshops, summer camps, and more, A2CT offers plenty of ways to break a leg.

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Affordable Vet Services Full Medical & Wellness Services Teeth Cleaning • Radiology • Surgery Vaccines • Heartworm & Flea Preventative Comprehensive Laboratory Fully Stocked Pharmacy Prescription Diets • Ultrasound

Affordable Vet Services Dr. Maja Fontichiaro • Dr. Tara Hansen Dr. Paul Glineburg • Dr. Courtney Cutright Dr. Maddy Erba

2117 West Stadium St. | Ann Arbor 734.926.0114 | affordablevetservices.com

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LOC LOC ALL ALL Y GR Y O OW WNE N S D, INC E 19 75

WINNER THANK YOU

FOR VOTING US BEST NATURAL FOOD STORE & BEST LOCAL GROCER!

312 North River Street | Ypsilanti | (734) 483-1520 | ypsifoodcoop.org

618 Church St, Ann Arbor Open 7 days a week 10:30am-4:00am

Dine In Kids Eat Free on Tuesdays

(Minimum purchase required) Please present coupon or mention offer to server when ordering • Not valid with any other offer Limit 2 per table • Expires 6/30/2019

Carry Out $3.00 OFF

(Minimum purchase $15.00) Online ordering only Enter coupon code 3OFF15 upon checkout Not valid with any other offer • Expires 6/30/2019

Delivery Large 14” with 2 toppings only $17.50 (Online ordering only) Enter coupon code LARGE2 upon checkout Not valid with any other offer • Expires 6/30/2019

Call (734) 995-5095 or Order Online at pizzahouse.com

ecurrent.com / june 2019 17

THANK YOU

FOR VOTING US BEST MEXICAN 5 YEARS IN A ROW!

734.340.6010 MAIZMEXICAN.COM

follow us @current_mag

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DANCE STUDIO RANDAZZO DANCE STUDIO

randazzodance.com RUNNER UP: Arts in Motion Dance Studio MOVIE THEATER MICHIGAN THEATER RUNNER UP: Emagine

Entertainment

ARTIST DAVID ZINN

zinnart.com

RUNNER UP: Dilly Dalian

POET KEITH TAYLOR

keithtaylorannarbor.com RUNNER UP: Onna Solomon WRITER ANNA PRUSHINSKAYA

annaprushinskaya.com RUNNER UP: Madeline Diehl JOURNALIST RYAN STANTON, ANN ARBOR NEWS RUNNER UP: Meredith

Bruckner, Local 4

Gift Cards Available!

Come play dress up with us!

Muse is a warm, welcoming, and inclusive shop that caters to people of all sizes and styles.

We carry a charming collection of vintage and new clothing and accessories, sizes 0-26+.

Values $10 and up, good for any service!

E-Gift Cards also available on our website.

Open 10a - 8p 7 Days a Week 300 W. Huron, corner N. First

(734) 623-1951 relaxstation.com •Voted Best Massage 2018 •Walk-ins Welcome •Appointments Available FREE PARKING

Full Body Massage in Individual Rooms at our Second Location

THANK YOU!

We are absolutely delighted to have earned your vote for

BEST BOUTIQUE IN WASHTENAW! MUSE ATELIER 336 S. Ashley St. Ann Arbor, MI

734-277-7763 Wed. - Sat. 12-7pm | Sun. 12-5pm Monday & Tuesdays: By appointment!

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food El Harissa A Visit to Tunisia in SE Michigan

by Jeff Glick Tucked into a humble strip center on North Maple Road an understated yet functional interior defines El Harissa.

With varied North African and Mediterranean goods in a commercial market space, including oils and food items from Tunisia, fabrics, pottery and other adornments, the market exudes an eclectic and comfortable feel.

Energetic world music livens the space, paralleling the upbeat counter staff who offered a friendly greeting and enthusiastic explanations of the foods displayed in the glass case. The ordering process relies on posted labels that teach and entice, leading guests through explanations of each item.

From Tunisia, with love

Khaled and Susan Houamed, a husband and wife team, operate the establishment. Khaled hails from Tunisia. He arrived in the United States to obtain a doctorate in medical research, working in the area of diabetes. After stints in Chicago and on the east coast, the pair settled in Ann Arbor to raise their son Yusef and daughter Yasmin.

Inertia performing medical research for many years prompted Khalid to try his hand creating foods from his native Tunisia.

Unique and unheralded in this area of southeastern Michigan, the typically spicy food is mostly subdued for the local clientele and boasts an abundance of vegetables complementing a variety of meats cooked using techniques unusually deployed elsewhere.

For instance, tagine cooking, using a conical cooking crock to recirculate the steam escaping during the cooking process back into the food to enhance tenderness, is used for some of the chicken and beef dishes.

Influences from Greece, Morocco, Lebanon and Italy join

with the family’s Tunisian ancestry to create a deja vu effect, inspiring us to question, despite never previously sampling Tunisian cooking: “Haven’t we enjoyed this food before?”

Comfortable spice levels

Used frequently in Tunisian cooking, harissa is a spicy paste made from roasted peppers. While some of the preparations offered use the harissa, it is toned down, often with the addition of other roasted vegetables in a mindful wink acknowledging the sensibilities of the market’s Southeast Michigan location. Ask for the authentic, original harissa to use as a condiment to lend the dishes an added kick.

With help from staff, the food is plated and weighed by the pound or piece crossing North African fare with a deli format.

This is food characterized by a unique blend of spices and flavors, though not so different that an uninitiated guest might feel intimidated. Instead it feels similar to meeting a stranger that shares a close mutual friend with you; you enjoy a degree of familiarity and shared experiences all through a common bond.

Though certain flavors filter through to present themselves as comparable to Middle Eastern and Ethiopian cuisine, it’s not quite either of those genres. This realization illuminated a novel thrill of trying something new.

The Carthage Salad topped with fresh figs, pomegranate seeds and other prizes crunched with freshness. Dips also assumed a level of notoriety during the meal. For the Moroccan Zaalouk, picture a hearty babaganouj twisted with skordalia, a Greek potato dip with rich berbere spices and garlic. The namesake Harissa dip, made from harissa and sweet bell peppers lifted the Tunisian-style flatbread with a tangy bite.

Vegetable dishes, including Lablabi, a cumin flavored chickpea stew, a Tunisian couscous, Kousha, with slow baked vegetables, Mujadara rice with lentils, spiced roasted cauliflower and roasted mushrooms with cumin and garlic, represent dishes from Tunisia, Ethiopia, Lebanon and other countries ringing the Mediterranean. Sweet desserts include various gelato flavors and a delicately exquisite rosewater baklava, all fresh-made, with 20 different types to choose from.

For a delightful foray into a multifarious market and cafe, El Harissa’s bold flavors make the respite all the more worthwhile.

El Harissa Market Cafe. 1516 N. Maple Rd. Open daily 11am - 8 pm.

734-585-0686. www.elharissa.com

ecurrent.com / june 2019 21

Cocktail Class: Beer Cocktails

2pm. $45. The Last Word. tammystastings.com

Come sample and learn history and stories, technique instruction, and hands-on making of cocktails. Total consumption is equivalent to 1.5-2 cocktails per person over the two hour class.

Donut Dash

10:30am. Ypsilanti Running Company. ypsirunning.com Free

LobsterFest Bust out the bibs and celebrate Father’s Day weekend at Ashley’s 37th Annual LobsterFest! The restaurant will have two tons of fresh, 1 1/8 pound Maine lobsters for single and double dinners, plus an all-you-can eat option. Though market conditions affect the price, the single dinner is $25, the double is $39, and the all-you-can-eat dinner is $71. Begins Thursday, June 13 and ends Saturday at 9pm.

Ashley’s Ann Arbor, 338 S. State St. Reservations required.

734-996-9191 or opentable.com. —EH

1 Saturday 2nd Annual Nucleate Beer Festival 1-6pm. $20-100. Vet’s Park. homesbrewery.com/nucleate

HOMES Brewery has brought together 20 beer samplings to savor while also benefiting Ann Arbor Active Against ALS. Along with sampling enjoy a DJ, yard games, plus food and other nonalcoholic drinks for purchase.

Rose the Day Away

2-6pm. $45 - $75. Morgan & York. morganandyork.com

Benefit the Charles Woodson Clinical Research Fund at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital by sampling a variety of rosé wines & cheeses curated by experts at the newly-renovated Morgan & York in an open house style event with additional features from other local vendors.

Pioneer Culinary Club Pop Up Dinner for Growing Hope 5:30-7pm. $25. Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace. eventbrite.com

Make your reservations now for this one night only pop up restaurant by the Pioneer High School Culinary Club to benefit Growing Hope. All ingredients are sourced locally, when possible.

2 Sunday Taste of Ann Arbor

11am-5pm. $1 - $4. Main Street, Ann Arbor. mainstreetannarbor.org

Take tiny bites out of Ann Arbor at this annual community event in the heart of downtown featuring local restaurants offering tastes (with purchase of food ticket) of what they do best.

First Sundays of the month, come run a 5k with 5 donuts ($6.25 paid for yourself), starting at Ypsilanti Running Co, make your way to Dom Bakeries and back. All ages, all runners at all speeds are welcome to enjoy the dash and donuts.

4 Tuesday FETE D ETE 2019 ANN ARBOR

$89. Five Restaurants by Bicycle, Ann Arbor. anneamie.com

Anne Amie Vineyards in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, provides the guidance of Thomas Houseman, winemaker and avid cyclist, for a series of progressive winemaker dinners on bicycle called Fête d’ Été (summer party).

5 Wednesday Food Truck Rallies

5-8pm. Ann Arbor Farmers Market. calendar.a2gov.org Free

Relish the summer weather by indulging in the trucks, carts and other local vendors available once a month, so bring friends, chairs and enjoy fresh eats and live music.

Spaghetti Dinner

6pm. $7. Zal Gaz Grotto Club. zalgaz.org

All are welcome to this all you can eat spaghetti dinner. The chef prepares two sauces (red meat sauce and usually a vegetarian mushroom/butter sauce) with salad and garlic bread.

6 Thursday 826michigan Presents: 10th Annual Storymakers Dinner 7pm. $125-$250. Greyline.

826michigan.org

All are cordially invited to join 826michigan’s benefit with guest of honor, Cristina Henríquez, for an evening of honoring all kinds of writers, their outstanding stories, fantastic food and people.

Hawaiian Summer Barbecue

6-9pm. $69. Dixboro United Methodist Church. washtenaw.augusoft.net

Learn how to make Spam musubi, a savory hand-held picnic and lunch-box favorite wrapped in rice and seaweed, as well as teriyaki chicken musubi. Everything can be made gluten free.

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7 Friday Speaker Series - Fearless First Food Gardens

7pm. $15. McPherson Local, Saline. mcphersonlocal.com

Join Janice Leach to learn how to cultivate your own organic food garden this summer, plus pie and gardening loot! Janice is a master gardener for more than 35 years, as well as the owner of Why Not Pie, a baking company.

Ya’ssoo Greek Festival of Ann Arbor

11am-Midnight. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. annarborgreekfestival.org Free

Explore a weekend full of cultural events, including Greek food, art, live Greek music and dancing performances. Cash admission is $3, or Free before 4pm on Friday, before 1pm on Saturday 6/8 and all day on Sunday 6/9.

8 Saturday 2019 Eid Bazaar and Carnival

2pm. Muslim Community Association of Ann Arbor. mca-a2.org Free

All are welcome for a day of shopping, entertainment and delicious food to celebrate Eid.

Kombucha Brew 101

5pm. $20. Triple Goddess Tasting Room. unityvibrationkombucha.com

Learn how to brew and the tricks to carbonating and flavoring kombucha. Bring your own jar as $20 gets you brew instructions, industry knowledge and a SCOBY! Pay when you come.

9 Sunday Ann Arbor Airport Pancake Breakfast

8am. $3 - $6. Ann Arbor Airport. eaa333.org

Come early to this ever popular annual event at the airport hangar west of the Control Tower.

Pancakes with sausage, juice and coffee are $6 for adults, $3 for children 3-7, under 3 free!

Ann Arbor Restaurant Week 10am. Downtown Ann Arbor. annarborrestaurantweek.com

Make your plans to try as many participating Ann Arbor restaurants as your schedule allows for $15 for lunch and $28 for dinner, some restaurants offer 2 for 1 pricing. See website for details.

Grillin’ for Food Gatherers 3pm. $85. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds. foodgatherers.org

Food Gathers annual benefit, Grillin’, features live music, a cash bar with Michigan microbrews and wines, kids games, complimentary massages, gourmet food, silent auction items and more!

You got the beet Detroit plant-based pop-up Street Beet is hosting a vegan brunch at The Lunch Room, with gluten free, nut free, and soy free dishes available. Street Beet is known for their vegan barbecue, Kentucky Fake Chicken, and Filet NO Fish, among other cleverly named and savory delights. The brunch menu will be announced closer to the event date. Check their Facebook event page for updates.

10am-2pm. Sunday, June 9. The Lunch Room, 407 N. 5th Ave. 313-312-4669. streetbeetdetroit.com —EH

21 Friday

Pasties & Beer: Witch’s Hat Edition

5-9pm. Witch’s Hat Brewing Company, South Lyon. witchshatbrewing.com Free

Come celebrate summer with a pasty from Motor City Pasty Company along with a pint or two!

16 Sunday Japan Week 2019

11:30am. Downtown Ann Arbor. ii.umich.edu Free

18 Tuesday Slow Food Monthly Slowcial 6-7pm. Bløm Meadworks. slowfoodhuronvalley.com Free

A Taste of Barbecue with Keegan Rodgers 7pm. Malletts Creek Branch. aadl.org Free

Learn the basics of a good BBQ technique for a variety of meats, from smoking and roasting to braising and grilling. Keegan will cover the sauce and many varieties found around the US.

Cocktail Class: Mixing with Ugly Dog

7pm. $45. Ugly Dog Distillery, Chelsea. tammystastings.com

Come sample and learn history and stories, technique instruction, and hands-on making of cocktails. Total consumption is equivalent to 1.5-2 cocktails per person over the two hour class.

11 Tuesday Fresh Pasta at Home 6:30pm. $59. Sur la Table. surlatable.com

Take part in making hand cut pasta with roasted asparagus, truffle oil and parmesan, as well as some more delectables in this hands on cooking class.

12 Wednesday Fustini’s Cooking Class: Summer Picnic Noon. $55. Fustinis. fustinis.com

Watch, learn and taste this easy summer meal at this cooking demonstration of caprese salad, smoked salmon with avocado mousse, pasta salad, grilled chicken and watermelon balsamic ice.

13 Thursday Monthly Vegan Pizza Buffet 6-8pm. $20. Original Cottage Inn. originalcottageinn.com

Don’t miss this all you can eat monthly vegan pizza buffet including salad, pizza, pop/tea, breadsticks, tax and gratuity!

Only $10 for kids.

Italian Cooking from Campania

6-8:30pm. $65. Huron High School. a2schools.org/reced

Francesca teaches this hands on demonstration cooking class, starting with bistecca al limone with homemade semolina pasta covered in sauteed mixed mushrooms, tomatoes and fresh basil.

14 Friday Belleville National Strawberry Festival

Noon-10pm. Downtown Belleville. nationalstrawberryfest.com Free

Explore the Main Street area to enjoy juried crafts, food and commercial vendors, carnival rides and games, a children’s area, and great bargains from the local retailers. Also on 6/15 and 6/16.

15 Saturday Pueblo on the Patio: A New-Mexican Inspired Brunch

7am-Noon. Zingerman’s Deli. zingermansdeli.com Free

Travel to New Mexico by tasting inspired breakfast bowls, a sauce bar and more on the patio.

Please RSVP. Also on 6/16.

Stop by the Slowcial to learn about a food-focused organization and their work and enjoy seasonal food with a few shared dishes that feature that ingredient.

Brew Detroit Beer Dinner

This four part series will explore food justice, examine the injustices of the current industrial food complex, and inspire participants to create food justice where they live and work. We are what we eat.

6:30pm. $39. Wiard’s Orchard & Cider Mill, Ypsilanti. runoberun5k.com

Celebrate finishing a 5K dash/ jog or walk with an on-the-spot Oberon (one included) from Bell’s Brewery! Plus enjoy a bottle opener finisher’s medal, a finisher’s pint glass and a sweet shirt.

Japan Week Event | Sushi Demo & Making Workshop 6pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. aadl.org Free

Kanako Morishita, from the Japan Center for Michigan Universities will briefly present and demonstrate authentic Japanese sushi rolls, and lead attendees in making your own sushi.

Summer Solstice

7-10pm. $31.80 HopCat. hopcat.com/ann-arbor

Treat yourself and special friends to a four course meal paired with five beers using locally sourced ingredients by HopCat’s chef Mark Berry.

19 Wednesday Guest Chef Cooking Demos

11am. Ann Arbor Farmers Market. Free

Ann Arbor chefs perform cooking demos using seasonal ingredients from our vendors. Tastings provided and the opportunity to meet the chefs and learn new recipes using local ingredients.

20 Thursday Manchester 3rd Thursdays 5-9pm. Downtown Manchester. vil-manchester.org Free

Check out this month’s 3rd Thursday featuring an International Food Crawl of local eateries like The Village Tap, Frank’s Place, Two Black Sheep Restaurant, Kellie’s American Grill and Over The Edge Sports Bar & Pizzeria. Plus an artisan/ vendor market, live music from 5-9pm and more.

The World of Rose Wines 6pm. $59. Washtenaw Community College. washtenaw.augusoft.net

7pm. Canterbury House. peoplesfood.coop Free

Oberun 5k 2019

Partake in Japanense cuisine with restaurant specials through June 22nd with 10% off food and 50% off house sake at Nagomi Sushi and Izakaya, and 10% off at Slurping Turtle--just mention Ann Arbor Japan Week!

10 Monday

Food Justice: Food & Intersectionality

Expand your wine selections by making dry and off-dry rosé wines, the wines of choice for the warmer months. In this class, explore the great variety of rosés from around the world.

6pm. Michigan Friends Center, Chelsea. mfcenter.org Free

Drop in anytime at this multigenerational celebration of the light with a potluck 6-7 pm and bonfire 7-9pm at the Friends Lake beach. Bring food to share and your own place settings.

Donations appreciated. Please register in advance.

22 Saturday TAPPED IN THE ‘VILLE

2-6pm. $25 - $30. Millennium Park, Northville. northville.org/tapped-in-the-ville

Check out the 20+ breweries and over 60 different varieties of craft beers offered at this one day event. Food trucks on site for sampling, yard games and entertainment.

23 Sunday Cocktail Class: Farm-to-Glass Cocktails 2pm. $45. The Last Word. tammystastings.com

Come sample and learn history and stories, technique instruction and hands-on making of cocktails. Total consumption is equivalent to 1.5-2 cocktails per person over the two hour class.

Cont’d on p24

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Cont’d from p23 The Magic of Structured Water for Health, Healing and Transformation

2pm. $40. Triple Goddess Tasting Room, Ypsilanti. Eventsi.us

Check out this multipart workshop from Hado Instructor and Water Alchemist, Denise Barrett.

First part features a lecture, second part is one-on-one healing sessions. Also on 6/24.

24 Monday A Perfect Picnic Lunch with Keegan Rodgers

7pm. Ann Arbor Pittsfield Branch Library. aadl.org Free

Learn tips and tricks on how to pick the perfect foods, recipes, and pairings for a lovely outdoor picnic for a family, a small group of friends or a romantic meal for two.

25 Tuesday Raw Foods: Restore Your Natural Raw Vibrance 7pm. People’s Food Co-op Cafe. peoplesfood.coop Free

Discover how your human body is designed to live and eat and what amazing life long benefits you can enjoy by learning how to live in accordance with these natural laws.

Plant-Based Nutrition Meetup

7pm. Ward Church, Northville. meetup.com

Come to discuss what a whole food plant based diet is, the benefits of it, and support, encouragement, recipes and resources.

Group is for all levels of learning.

Meets in Room 107.

26 Wednesday Understanding Nutrition and Community Health A Journey from Service to Research to Advocacy

1-2:30pm. Center for the Education of Women. events.umich.edu Free Dr. Cindy Leung, a U of M professor, will share her work in local food banks with food-insecure populations and discuss her research to better understand their lived experiences. Includes a hands-on wellness activity and networking after her talk.

27 Thursday Patriotic Celebration and Pie Social 7:30pm. Washtenaw Community College. wccband.org

Join Washtenaw Community Concert Band’s annual pie social with all your favorite patriotic music to put you in the mood for the upcoming 4th of July holiday.

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Taste & Tell | Explorations in Whiskey 7pm. Mash Bar. aadl.org Free

Join flavor expert Michelle Krell Kydd as she takes you on a speakeasy style tasting flight of three whiskeys at Mash Bar. To follow along and taste for yourself, purchase a flight of three whiskeys.

28 Friday Succulents and Sangria!

6pm. $25. Unicorn Feed & Supply, Ypsilanti. unicornfeedsupply.com

Enjoy an adult beverage and appetizer as you learn about succulents and cactus plants.

Then use your new expertise to assemble adorable planters filled with succulents! 21+ only.

29 Saturday German Park Biergarten

4-11pm. $5. German Park Recreation Club. germanpark.org

Get out and revel in the first of three summer picnics full of live music, authentic German food and beer as well as live German dance performances.

30 Sunday SE Michigan Wine Tour

by Trolly

Noon. $74. Tecumseh Trolly and Limousine, Dundee. eventbrite.com

Delight in an afternoon of wine tastings by trolly, visiting roughly half a dozen local wineries throughout the Irish Hills area between Dundee and Tecumseh.

Ticket includes tastings at each winery with a boxed lunch at one of them. Also on 6/2 and 6/16.

ONGOING Weekday Happy Hour 3-6pm. Mon-Friday. Aventura. aventuraannarbor.com

Wines by the glass $3 off, 50% off draft beer and select $5 cocktails. If you purchase a happy hour beverage you get 25% off tapas.

Happy Hour Specials

2-5pm. Mon-Friday. Whitmore Lake Tavern. whitmorelaketavern.com

All draft pints and well mixed drinks are only $3, with house wines, well martinis and Manhattans at $4. Additionally eight appetizers are half off, such as fried pickles and cheddar bacon skins.

Six Days of Happy Hour

3-6pm. Mon-Saturday. Red Brick Kitchen, Dexter. redbrickkitchen.com

Enjoy savory happy hour food specials, washed down with $2 off well mixed drinks, select bottles or draft beers.

Tuesdays Coffee, Conversation and Connection 8am. Grand Traverse Pie Company, Zeeb Rd. gtpie.com Free

The mission of the Connectors Club is to help you reach your goals by introducing you to the people and resources that will help get you there. All are welcome to make networking magic!

Tequila Tuesdays

5-10pm. Dolores, Ypsilanti. @dolores.ypsi

Enjoy up to $8 off on all agave spirits from open to close on Tuesdays!

Wednesdays Wing Wednesday

3-9pm. $5. Ypsi Alehouse. ypsialehouse.com

Half pound of house smoked flash fried wings with options of tang BBQ sauce, buffalo carmel sauce, or lemon pepper dry rub (blue cheese or ranch upon request).

Wine Night Wednesdays

4-10pm. Evans Street Station, Tecumseh. evansstreetstation.com

Take a country drive to Tecumseh, enjoy ½ off bottles of wine while there (or to go), if you stay late enough partake in the late night happy hour after 8pm featuring $1.50 oysters.

Thursdays Ann Arbor N Main Bike Night

6pm. Siris Restaurant and Cigar Bar. sirisannarbor.com Free

Delight in bike night every Thursday night along the North Main corridor. Three awesome bars with everything from BBQ to German food. And the best beer to compliment.

Wings & Beer

5pm-midnight. Blue Leprechaun. theblueleprechuan.com

Every Thursdays get lucky with 1lb of wings and a pitcher of Miller for only $10.

Light Night Happy Hour 4pm. Old German. oldgerman.net

Taste of Spring

Service Industry Night

The Taste of Spring Collaborative Dinner brings a multi-course meal from several different local vendors who will be present to discuss their contributions. Four of the courses will have local, foraged, fresh ingredients from Fresh Forage, and each meal will be paired with a cider or mead by Bløm Meadworks. Other vendors include Mindo Chocolate Makers, Milan Coffee Works, and Bhakti Flowers.

Enjoy half off all food, drink deals like $5 off pitchers, $2 off liters and ½ liters of beer as well as $1 off well drinks and house wine.

Enjoy karaoke every Thursday as well to round out the fun.

7pm. The Original Cottage Inn. originalcottageinn.com

Come get 30% off food and drinks in the bar only all night long, only those who work in restaurants or bars are welcome.

Must bring work ID or pay stub to verify employment.

$80. 7:30-9pm. Saturday, June 15. Bløm Meadworks, 100 S. Fourth Ave., Ste. 110. 734-548-9729. drinkblom.com —EH

Vegan Wednesdays

5pm. Salt Springs Brewery, Saline. saltspringsbrewery.com

Each week on Wednesday Salt’s features will be veggie/vegan friendly (check online menu).

Meat eaters rest assured Salt’s regular menu is always available as well.

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eat a2 GRATZI

326 S. Main St., 888-456-3463. Gratzirestaurant.com Deals: three-course lunch for $18 on Friday only, and three-course dinner for $28 on Sunday only.

Ann Arbor Restaurant Week features more than 50 restaurants For foodies, Ann Arbor is paradise. And with such a varied spread of options— from Korean fare to New American plates, vegan treats, Cuban cuisine, and more— many of us find ourselves with a laundry list of restaurants that we’re going to try “like, really soon.” Ready to cross a few places off of your A2 restaurant bucket list? Ann Arbor Restaurant Week, a semiannual event starting Sunday, June 9, is the perfect time to try something new (or settle into your stand-by favorites with deep discounts).

Running June 9 through 14, Ann Arbor Restaurant Week features 54 restaurants all offering meals at affordable fixed prices (one to three-course lunches for $18 and three-course dinners for $28), with some restaurants offering two-for-one pricing, as well as a few featuring splurge-worthy Chef’s Choice menus ($38).

FULL LIST OF RESTAURANTS: Afternoon Delight Agave Tequila Arbor Brewing Company Avalon Cafe and Kitchen Aventura bd’s Mongolian Grill Bigalora Blue Nile Blue Tractor Café Zola Carson’s American Bistro Conor O’Neill’s Traditional Irish Pub dessous Gandy Dancer Godaiko Grange Kitchen & Bar Gratzi Grizzly Peak Heidelberg HopCat Isalita Jim Brady’s Jolly Pumpkin Cafe and Brewery Logan Mani Osteria Mikette Bistro and Bar

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Miki Japanese Restaurant Miss Kim Nagomi Downtown Original Cottage Inn Pacific Rim Palio Pizza House Polo Fields Golf and Country Club Pretzel Bell Prickly Pear Quarter Bistro & Tavern Real Seafood Company rel-ish Ruth’s Chris Steak House Sava’s Restaurant Seva Shalimar Silvio’s Organic Pizza Siris Restaurant and Cigar Bar Slurping Turtle The Chop House The Earle The Ravens Club Totoro Vinology Weber’s Restaurant Zingerman’s Roadhouse Zola Bistro

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Pollo Milanese, pan-fried parmesan breaded chicken, arugula, heirloom cherry tomato, and garlic mashed potatoes.

An Italian favorite, Gratzi, is serving up two days of deals on their sumptuous menu filled with hearty and inspired classics. Firstcourse options include calamari with saffron aioli. Second-course delights include salmon with local potato gnocchi, Pollo Milanese and braised short ribs. Oh yeah, the meal is topped off with your choice of tiramisu or zuppe inglaise.

AVENTURA

216 E. Washington St., 734-369-3153. Aventuraannarbor.com Deals: three-course dinner for $28.

Watermelon, octopus, zucchini, hazelnuts, and saffron are all brightly featured on this modern Spanish bistro’s inspired menu.

From salmon appetizers to passion fruit and meringue tarts, we’re eager to experience these new dishes during Aventura’s Restaurant Week adventure.

MANI OSTERIA

341 E. Liberty St., 734--769-6700.

Deals: three-course lunch for $18, three-course dinner and dessert for $28, and a two-course brunch(!!!) for $18.

Another Italian favorite, Mani Osteria’s offers a wide range of Restaurant Week selections, including a Sunday brunch from 11am2pm. Appetizers include chorizo dates, baked goat cheese, and deviled eggs, with the second-course options including biscuits and gravy, avocado and prosciutto toast, and Margherita pizza.

MISS KIM

415 N. Fifth Ave., 734-275-0099. misskimannarbor.com Deals: Lunch for $18 (with a deluxe option for $20), and dinner for $28 (with a deluxe option for $42).

When it comes to fried chicken, this locally-sourced Korean hotspot does not mess around. During Restaurant Week, get the Miss Kim experience by enjoying their crispy, spicy and flavorful Koreanstyle fried chicken rice bowls (or, if you’re vegan, a gochujang tofu bowl), with smashed potatoes or avocado and edamame dip, and cardamom bread pudding. For extras, including pork buns, soup, and more, see the deluxe menu options online.

Visit annarborrestaurantweek.com to find the full list of restaurants and deals, but here are four we are really excited about.

music Child Bite and more at Fuzz Fest 6 With an interview by Child Bite

By Jeff Milo

Let’s not worry about what genres fit or which scenes apply with an event like Fuzz Fest, and particularly with a band like Child Bite. The Detroit-based mutanicmetal quartet is headlining day one of this 6th annual live music event at the Blind Pig (starting June 20), along with The Amino Acids, SNAFU, and more than two dozen local bands that, more than anything else, bring a bit of loudness and edge to the stage.

Founded and curated by local musician Chris Taylor, the inspiration for Fuzz Fest continues to celebrate Michigan musicians who launch from the deck of guitar-centric “rock ‘n’ roll” into new, creative, eccentric, refreshing and strange directions.

A bit on Child Bite

“You’re going to have upwards of 30 bands, and none of them are inside the same genre,” said Child Bite’s lead singer Shawn Knight. “People may try to pigeonhole (bands) or boil it all down to one (genre) but it’s just not the case. But it’s so they can maybe simplify it so they can categorize it in their brain, I get it; I probably do it too.

But (Child Bite) is always a square peg, wherever we try to fit; it’s pretty much the nature of what we’re doing. There’s just a lot of proportions and different influences amongst myself and (bassist Sean) Clancy,

PHOTO BY CHUCK MARSHALL

and (guitarist) Jeremy (Waun), but it winds up working out because we get to play with a bunch of unique bands, anything from noise-rock to post-punk, or indierock, or whatever you call it.”

“It’s always more interesting,” Knight continued, “to go to something like Fuzz Fest, where all the bands have their own personality, as opposed to other fests where they literally homogenize the lineup, with the same genre, and you can get burned out with that.” If you’ve never heard Child Bite, suffice it to say, they often get lassoed into a esotericallydefined subgenre like “thrash-metal.” But the group, formed in 2005, has genuinely evolved, every four years or so, from DEVO-esque art-punk, to an anthemic hardcore-inflected post-rock, to something that’s altogether adventurous and gnarly, and maybe a bit demonic-sounding.

“Yeah, I used to have a youthful yelp, but it’s become a chiseled sort of demon moan,” said Knight, looking back on a progression through four albums, several EPs and singles. Throughout Child Bite’s arc, Knight has provided a consistently vibrant and macabre visual aesthetic for the band’s album art, flyers and paraphernalia (having graduated back in 2000 with graphic design bonafides from the College of Creative Studies in Detroit).

In the studio

Child Bite is now in the studio with legendary producer Steve Albini, to knock out their forthcoming fifth album, and Knight is excited to bring newest member Waun (on guitar) into the creative process. “Because he’s a shredder, but very versatile; he’s somebody who brings an eclectic range of influences, just like (Clancy and I have), he’s a swiss-army knife--that’s what makes sense for the band!” Clancy, meanwhile, has been in the band for 12 years and Knight said he’s crucial for minutely weaving in the subtlest of rhythmic details into tempos that are already blisteringly-paced.

And just like their energized arrangements, the band just keeps rolling on. See the bands at this year’s Fuzz Fest, like the spaced-out surf rock vets of Amino Acids, or the country-inclined twangers of Loose Koozies, or the expansively droney, psychedelic surf-rock of those neon-hued aliens in Krillin. Expand your musical consciousness three nights in a row, at the Blind Pig, starting June 20.

Fuzz Fest 6 Thursday June 20, Friday June 21, Saturday June 22 facebook.com/fuzzfestmichigan/ childbite.com

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music Ongoing Mondays Paul Keller Orchestra

7-10pm. $10. Zal Gaz Grotto Club. zalgaz.org

The Paul Keller Orchestra performs GREAT big band jazz every-Monday night big band action. Great food and drinks. Open to the public!

Open Mic Monday with Bobby McManus 8pm. McShane’s Pub, Ypsilanti. mcshanespub.com Free

How far is heaven

Texican rock/blues trio Los Lonely Boys, perhaps best known for their breakout hit “Heaven,” which earned them a Grammy in 2005 for Best Pop Vocal Duo/Group, will bring their upbeat harmonies to The Ark. Since 1997, the San Angelo, Texas-based Garza brothers— Henry, Jojo, and Ringo— have seen continual success with hits like “Sacred” and “Forgiven,” and they’ve collaborated with the likes of Carlos Santana and Willie Nelson. $35-$42. 8-10:30pm. Saturday, June 29. The Ark, 316 S. Main St. 734-761-1800. tickets.vendini.com —EH

JUNE 29

TH

• JULY 27

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• AUG 31

ST

$5 ADMISSION (12 & UNDER FREE)

Anyone is welcome to step up to the stage, so bring your instrument or just enjoy the show!

Wednesdays Wednesday Jams

7-10pm. The Village Tap, Manchester. facebook.com/The-Village-Tap Free

5549 PONTIAC TRAIL – 7 Miles North of Ann Arbor WWW.GERMANPARK.ORG

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2 Thursday Debashish Bhattacharya

9:30pm. $30 - $40. Blue Llama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

Debashish Bhattacharya’s music, technique and instruments are sine qua non, fusing classic Hindustani ragas with Hawaiian lap steel slide guitar. Need we say more, come see for yourself.

Parsonsfield

7:30pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org

Every Wednesday enjoy performances from a roster of top local jazz/blues/swing artists.

Joey Blanco

8-10pm. Zou Zous Cafe, Chelsea. zouzouscafe.com Free

Thursdays Bluegrass & Beer Thursdays 6pm. Detroit Street Filling Station. thelunchrooma2.com Free

7-8pm. 88.3 FM. wcbn.org Free

21 and under must be accompanied by parent.

Photo ID required. No pets, picnic baskets, coolers, food or beverages may be brought into the park. No admittance after 9 pm.

Poets, singers, musicians, and comics come show off your skills every Wednesday. Impress your friends, support up and coming performers, or just come to be entertained.

Wednesday Wines, Rhythm & Brews

Fridays The Leisure Experiment

Live Entertainment by German Dancers

9pm. 734 Brewing Company, Ypsilanti.

734brewing.com Free

Parsonsfield is a five-piece alt/ folk band from Massachusetts that infuses a rowdy, rock ‘n’ roll spirit into its bluegrass and folk influences, beyond any preconception of what you think banjos and mandolins should sound like.

Each week features different local musical acts, sometimes followed by open mic nights.

Weather permitting, local bluegrass music will be on the patio.

Food and drink specials!

AUTHENTIC GERMAN DINNERS, TRADITIONAL FARE, & DANCE BAND BEGINNING AT 4 P.M.

Open Mic at 734 Brewing

3 Friday 7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. aadl.org Free

Joey Blanco is a hip hop artist from the Washington D.C. area, who will perform songs from his recently released mixtape, Blanco Perico, plus other work reflecting his musical diversity.

Dani & Garrett

9pm. Bridgewater Bank Tavern, Saline. bridgewaterbanktavern.com Free

Listen to the music of the “Exotica” genre at the end of each work week. This is the music designed for cocktail parties of the 60’s/Future of the Past.

The Bank is excited to share that Dani & Garrett are back on the first Friday of every month.

Come early, have dinner and drinks then enjoy some great music!

Saturdays Live Music @ Silvios

Caleb Curtis, saxophone & Marta Sánchez, piano

Come get dinner, drinks and dessert while listening to live music.

Also on Friday nights as well.

Some May musicians include Agenda 21, Steve Rich, Chuck Swanagon and Mary Ann Kirt.

Caleb Wheeler Curtis and Marta Sanchez will be returning for another spectacular duo performance of original compositions, improvisations and jazz standards showcasing their dynamic and highly developed approaches to saxophone and piano.

7pm. Silvio’s Organic Ristorante e Pizzeria. silviositalianfood.com Free

1 Wednesday Londen Beck LIVE

9pm. $5. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Up-and-coming artist London Beck takes the stage at The Pig! Don’t miss this show-stopping performance, also joined by Karissa Bone and Lily Talmers. 18+

8pm. $10-20. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

4 Saturday Irish Music Jam Session 3pm. Seitz’s Tavern, Chelsea. seitzstavern.weebly.com Free

Come to listen or join in if you play, these are open sessions, held the first and third Saturdays of each month.

Little Traps & Loose Koozies 8pm. Lo-Fi. lofiannarbor.com Free

Come hear local Michigan bands, Little Traps, anxious post-folk and Loose Koozies, slacker country rock, perform live. Sponsored by the AADL’s own Pulp and AAMPS (Ann Arbor Music and Performance Server) projects, capturing local music, past and present.

Wake Up Jamie

7pm. The Owl, Morning ‘til Night, Milan. themorningowl.com Free

Wake Up Jamie takes over The Owl for a show of acoustic music

2nd Annual Cuatro de Mayo Party 7pm. $10. Zal Gaz Grotto. hshv.org

Come dance to a live Latin band (with a dance lesson between sets!), delicious food and drinks, a 50/50 raffle and a Pinata Contest! Proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

5 Sunday Eventjazz Presents: Rob Crozier Trio

6:30pm. Weber’s Inn. event-jazz.com Free

Join every Sunday night at Weber’s for the best in live jazz. Enjoy jazz standards and originals by a rotating cast of local professionals.

Tiny Corner Concerts 5:30pm. Ann Arbor Distilling. annarbordistilling.com Free

This week’s concert features local musician Brennan Andes & Friends.

Check online for each week’s feature act on Sundays. Also on most Fridays and Saturdays from 7-9pm.

7 Tuesday Joe Jackson

7:30pm. $30. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org

Jackson and the band are stopping by while on their world tour, playing shows throughout the US and Europe.

The show covers 40 years worth of material mainly from five select albums released from 1979 to 2019.

8 Wednesday Matt Gabriel

8pm. Mash Bar. mashbar.net Free

Listen to singer/songwriter Matt Gabriel from Grand Rapids, MI play songs off his new album Earth Tones as well as other folk and blues favorites. Also on 5/10 at 6pm.

Wednesday Night Kirtan

6:30pm. Harmony Collection, Ypsilanti. theharmonycollective.org Free

Kirtan is the practice of mantra in a group with the use of music to enhance the meditation. Both rhythm and melody is used to create an inviting sound, so bring your favorite instrument. Come early for a free vegetarian/vegan dinner at 6pm.

9 Thursday Wind and String Ensemble Concert

8pm. Concordia University. cuaa.edu Free

All are welcome to the public performance from the Concordia University instrumental ensembles.

Ypsilanti Community Choir Spring Concert

7:30pm. Washtenaw Community College, Towsley Auditorium. ypsicommchoir.org Free

The Ypsilanti Community Choir is a nonprofit volunteer organization that has been bringing quality music to the area for more than 30 years. Come listen to their spring choral concert.

The Rupple Brothers wsg Zindles 7pm. The Rumpus Room, Chelsea. therumpusroomchelsea.com Free

Come hear this rare synthesis of folk and a bit of psychedelia creating rare musical currents. The Zindles are sibling duo who have been making music together for decades in various forms.

10 Friday Ernie Clark & The Magnificent Bastards, Hellbound Drifters & Black Cat Bone 10pm. $5. Ziggy’s, Ypsilanti. ziggysypsi.com

Ernie Clark & The Magnificent Bastards sounds like country-ish music with broad strokes of punk, blues, gospel and a hint of spaghetti western Tex-Mex. The Hellbound Drifters Roots country inspired psychedelic rock & roll quartet. Black Cat Bone utilizes bottleneck guitar, harmonica, and drums to deliver their nihilistic version of the American music experience.

Mary Gauthier wsg Jaimee Harris

8pm. $20. Green Wood Coffee House. greenwoodcoffeehouse.org

Jaimee Harris is poised to become a fixture in Americana-folk, a slightly edgier Emmylou Harris for the younger generation. Her new album draws comparisons to Patty Griffin, Ryan Adams, and Kathleen Edwards.

Nora Jane Struthers

7:30pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org

A performance by Nora Jane and her band is full to the brim with stellar musicianship, unexpected arrangements that blur the lines between folk, roots, and rock.

11 Saturday The Fab Faux

8pm. $29.50 - $85. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org

Get ready for the Beatles concert that never happened – until now. The Fab Faux will perform The Beatles’ 1968 self titled album, otherwise known as The White Album.

Cont’d on p30

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LeLe XO

8pm. Zou Zous Cafe, Chelsea. zouzouscafe.com Free

LeLe XO, an alternative pop artist out of Sterling Heights, MI, (similar artists would be: Lana Del Rey, Lady Gaga, and Halsey).

LeLe XO recently released her debut mini-album, Aura Season.

Rock the District

5pm. Corner of Maynard & E. William. statestreetdistrict.org Free

Come kick-off the summer with a free outdoor concert. This year’s lineup includes headliner The Motet, with opening acts The Ragbirds & Syd Burnham.

12 Sunday

had the honor of being a featured saxophonist with the late, great Prince and Prince’s New Power Generation.

13 Monday Chamber Concert

1:30pm. $10. Jewish Community Center. a2so.com

Wind, string and brass soloists and ensembles combine programs to include freshly minted pieces along with time-honored classics. This includes dessert refreshments at each table with a coffee and tea area available at 1:00 pm and during the recital.

Vocal Recital (Alfano)

Late Spring Rhapsody Concert

8pm. Concordia University. cuaa.edu Free

This late spring concert features guest, Christopher Harding, Professor & Chair of Piano, at the UM School of Music Theater & Dance who will perform Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”.

Two Troubadours: An Evening Laith Al-Saadi & Jimmy Vivino

2pm. $5 - $10. Michigan Theater. aaband.org

Marcus Anderson former Prince Saxophonist Live

7pm. $40 - $50. Village Theater at Cherry Hill, Canton. jazzmastersentertainmentgroup.com

All are welcome to this performance by individual student vocalists in the Concordia music department.

8pm. $25-32. The Ark. theark.org

Come for this up close and personal experience with two singer/ songwriters and virtuosos guitarists full of American Roots music and classic rock and roll.

Jazzmasters Entertainment presents Marcus Anderson who

Indie rock night The Maidstone Theatre’s indie rock night features local bands Horace the Van Band, Naked Shark, and Nokomis. Horace and the Van Band’s space grunge, garage band sound revs up the energy in any venue, while Naked Shark’s funky blues/rock anthems are sustaining. The night ends with Nokomis, an Ann Arbor trio with a mellow vibe to send you home with chill indie rock feels. $5. 8pm-midnight. Saturday, June 22. Maidstone Theatre, 1425 Ecorse Rd., Ypsilanti. 734-483-6899. facebook.com/ maidstonetheatre —EH

14 Tuesday Katie Pederson Music 7pm. Ypsi Alehouse, Ypsilanti. ypsialehouse.com Free

Katie is a locally grown singer and songwriter from Ann Arbor, MI. She has a few albums out and has been touring across the country with her catchy melodies and pop-piano sound.

Stryper

6pm. $25. The Token Lounge, Westland. thetokenlounge.com

Playing since 1983, this Christian metal band celebrates its long tenure with their History Tour.

The Blue Rays Trio 6:30pm. The Grotto. thegrottobar.com Free

This trio features bassist/vocalist Ralph McKee, guitarist/vocalist Peter Holland, and harmonica player Tim Douthit offer up a blend of traditional and modern blues and funk along with some rock.

Featuring one of Michigan’s largest craft beer selections in the area

Try our new expanded menu featuring Weekends Specials

Seafood Seafood •• Steaks Steaks •• Pasta Pasta Dishes Dishes

We do catering right!

Call us for more info!

103 E. MICHIGAN AVE. SALINE

734.429.3159

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15 Wednesday Chris Canas LIVE

1:15pm. Huron Valley Pace, Ypsilanti.

Free

Chris Canas brings his intimate acoustic show of blues, funk and soul to the fine residents at Huron Valley Pace. Come get some, y’all.

16 Thursday Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers

10pm. Mash Bar. mashbar.net Free

Swing on down for some Appalachian bluegrass.

Luke Winslow-King 8pm. $10-12. The Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Come hear Luke, a New Orleansbased guitarist, singer, composer, producer, and songwriter. Listen to his eclectic mix that combines Mississippi delta blues, folk music, traditional jazz, and roots rock & roll. 18+

17 Friday Midnight Crimson

8pm. Original Gravity Brewing Company, Milan. ogbrewing.com Free

Come kick off the live music on the patio season with tonight’s opening, featuring Midnight Crimson. Happening every Friday through September, check website for each week’s act.

The Tales of Hoffman

7:30ppm. $10-25. Arthur Miller Theater. arboropera.org

Revel in this reimagined production of The Tales of Hoffmann, telling the tale of poet E.T.A. Hoffmann’s unending search for true love, with humor, magic, and Offenbach’s most memorable melodies. Also on 5/18 at 7:30pm and 5/19 at 2:30pm.

18 Saturday Misericord and Dirtgirl

8pm. $5. Lo-Fi Bar. lofiannarbor.com

Live performances featuring your two favorite local bands, showcasing hard rock and blues inspired original music.

Irish Fiddle Legend Kevin Burke

8pm. $18. Stony Lake Brewing, Saline. stonylakebrewing.com

Fiddler Kevin Burke, winner of the National Heritage Fellowship has been at the forefront of Irish traditional music for four decades. Don’t miss this opportunity up close and personal in a pub.

Lucy Kaplansky

7:30pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org

Lucy, a singer/songwriter, puts her own spin on contemporary songwriter folk with warm, powerful vocals and guitar playing that any aficidendio could appreciate.

19 Sunday Sound Healing Concert

7pm. $20. Enlightened Soul Center. enlightenedsoulcenter.com

On the 2nd & 3rd Sunday evenings join John Steinbauer’s program called Energy in Motion.

The program includes music from all over the world and rare, therapeutic crystal singing bowls, complimenting each other.

Hullabaloo @ Huron River Day Festival Noon. Gallup Park. a2gov.org Free

This outdoor concert features this Michigan based music collective blended with ska, reggae, blues, latin and more. Their set is from 12:15 pm until 1:15 pm at this family friendly event.

21 Tuesday Artist Spotlight: Honeysuckle

7:30pm. The Ark. theark.org Free

Honeysuckle is a progressive folk act that blends older influences and traditional instrumentation with modern effects and inspiration. Nonperishables accepted.

FREE WCCB CONCERT: A Celebration of 40 Years!

7:30pm. Towsley Auditorium, Washtenaw Community College.

WCCBand.org Free

The 80-piece Washtenaw Community Concert Band celebrates their 40th season with the premiere of Star-Splitter, a new commissioned work for concert band from the pen of noted composer James Curnow, guest conductor for this special occasion. Refreshments served.

22 Wednesday Curtis Taylor

7pm. Ann Arbor District Library Downtown. aadl.org Free

Enjoy the lyrical and melodic improvisational style of Grammy Award winning trumpeter Curtis Taylor at this special jazz event!

23 Thursday Nomad: The Grant Green Project

7pm. Blue Llama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

This project is a sextet of musicians hailing from Detroit and Ann Arbor who initially came together in October of 2018 to perform Grant Green’s 1965 album Idle Moments.

Live Jazz Night Thursdays 6:30pm. Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, Plymouth Green. sweetwaterscafe.com Free

Grab some coffee and kick back to weekly live jazz every Thursday, featuring U of M Music School Jazz students.

24 Friday Manuel Valera Trio

8pm. $10-30. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Born and raised in Havana, Grammy nominated pianist and composer Manuel Valera has become well known in the modern jazz scene as he is a very talented pianist and composer.

Eric Moore

8pm. Triple Goddess Tasting Room. unityvibratoinkombucha.com Free

Eric is a human jukebox in dive bars and a songsmith on festival stages. He has released two CDs of original material, Picture Frame and Songdog.

Transcending genre Stony Lake Brewing Company welcomes two incredibly well-versed musicians with all kinds of tricks up their sleeves. Blues, American roots, folk, jazz, and world music— Peter Madcat Ruth’s music is steeped in all these genres.

Along with the blues harp, Ruth plays a wide array of instruments ranging from the ukelele to the jaw harp and penny whistle. Joining him is John Churchville, winner of the Detroit Music Award in 2014, who is a percussionist and an Indian table drumming maven. $15, paid at the door. 8-11pm. Saturday, June 22. Stony Lake Brewing Co., 447 E. Michigan Ave., Saline, MI. 734-316-7919. stonylakebrewing.com —EH

25 Saturday Movement Music Festival

2pm-12am. $85-420. Hart Plaza, Detroit. movement.us

Happening all Memorial Day weekend, this three day music festival, needs no introduction.

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Live 8pm. $45 - $150. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org

Mike Harrington Quartet

German Park Night

Welcome local/regional jazz act the Mike Harrington Quartet for a lazy Sunday jazz brunch.

Enjoy authentic Gwrman dancers, a live band, German fare, and more. 21 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

11:30am. Blue Llama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com Free

28 Tuesday

30 Thursday

Ricky Skaggs, 15-time Grammy winner, Grand Ole Opry member and newly-inducted member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, struck his first chords on a mandolin over 50 years ago.

This is a benefit for opening act The Saline Fiddlers, who are celebrating their 25th anniversary of traditional American and Celtic fiddle.

Isosceles

Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra - Season Finale

7:30pm. Haab’s Restaurant, Ypsilanti. haabsrestaurant.com Free

2pm. Riverside Park. ypsilantisymphony.org Free

All are welcome to “Pops in the Park” celebrating 20 years of music making. Raindate is Sunday 5/26. Sponsored by the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission.

26 Sunday Halcyon Sundaze

2pm. Arbor Brewing Company, Ypsilanti. arborbrewing.com Free

Rotating DJs spin lazy summer sounds, deep cuts, and classics, ranging from downtempo beats and breaks to funk, soul and rock & roll, reggae, blues, electronica, you name it, with live art.

5pm. Cobblestone Farm & Museum. cobblestonefarmmarket.org Free

Isosceles is a Southeast Michigan trio featuring quirky originals and covers of pop, folk, rock, and jazz standards. Isosceles performances feature rich vocal harmonies, humor, and unusual tunes for kids of all ages.

Jazz at Haab’s

Come and listen to the Depot Town Big Band play the swingin’ tunes of the ‘30s to today on the 4th Tuesday of each month (minus December). Food always available and family friendly.

29 Wednesday Blue Lep Basement Takeover

10pm. The Blue Leprechaun. theblueleprechaun.com Free

4pm. $5, with 12 and under free.

5549 Pontiac Trail. germanpark.org

Get all the way down, every Wednesday, in the Basement of Blue Lep with Sleezy Hamilton who will be serving up heaters all night long. Food and drink specials too.

Flotsam & Jetsam

7pm. $20. The Token Lounge, Westland. tokenlounge.com

Catch this American thrash metal and progressive band on their “Let the Chaos Begin” Tour.

Jay Electronica

9pm. $28. Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Vox Box and Seven Dirty Four are proud to present Jay Electronica, with special guests Tru Klassick, Seven Chakraz, Approachable Minorities and DJ Chill Will. 18+

31 Friday Dixon’s Violin wsg Dave Menzo

8pm. $12 Maidstone Theatre, Ypsilanti. facebook.com/maidstonetheatre

A former technology leader and symphony violinist, Dixon now improvises on a 5-string electric violin with a looping system he developed to create an all-live one-man symphony, guided by his remarkable personal story of life transformation.

Royal Garden Trio

6pm. Detroit Street Filling Station. thelunchrooma2.com Free

Hot jazz from Ann Arbor’s original and historic group.

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theater

The Go-Go’s are refreshed and re-envisioned for the stage

Set in Elizabethan times, Head Over Heels gives audiences “A vision of Now”

By Emily Slomovitz “A vision of Now” is part of a line from the Go-Go’s song “Vision of Nowness”, featured in their new jukebox musical, Head Over Heels. But it’s also a perfect descriptor for the show itself, playing through June 10th at The Ringwald Theatre in Ferndale. While the show is set during the Elizabethan period, and the dialogue is positively Shakespearean, its themes of gender identity, sexuality and feminism are decidedly modern. Aided by the deliciously catchy 80’s music, Head Over Heels breaks down the barriers between the past and present with hilarious pizazz.

The story requires a great deal of disbelief suspension, but while in some ways it’s completely absurd, it also has depth and timely things to say. Faced with the potential loss of the “beat” that holds their fictional country of Arcadia together, King Basilius, Queen Gynecia, and their two daughters, Pamela and Philoclea, set out on a quest to save the Kingdom. Add in non-binary oracle Pythio’s foreboding warnings and the King’s loyal steward Dametas struggling to heed them, lovesick shepherd Musidorus pining after Philoclea, and Pamela’s cheeky handmaiden, Mopsa – who might become more than just a handmaiden to her as the show goes on - and you’ve got a jaunty tale of mistaken identity, prophesy, true love, and some surprisingly forward-thinking characters for the 1500’s.

Unlikely mashup of contemporary LGBTQ+ issues set to 80’s music in Elizabethan times

As exciting as these characters are, Head Over Heels seems a little unfocused, due in large part to an attempt to force certain Go-Go’s songs into less than fitting places in the show. “We Got The Beat” is less exciting a start to the show than it should be, and seems arbitrarily stuck at the top solely to illustrate that

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Arcadia “has the beat”. But other songs work remarkably well, especially “Automatic Rainy Day”, Pamela and Mopsa’s fiery tension-filled duet sung with incredible control and passion by Ashlee Spry and Jordan Gagnon, “Heaven is a Place on Earth, tenderly rendered by Kaela Green’s Pythio, and more. Vocally, Spry and Gagnon are the two power-houses of the cast, and are both wonderful actresses as well. John DeMerrell and Suzan M. Jacokes, delightfully over the top as Basilius and Gynecia, walk the tightrope between silly and romantic perfectly in “This Old Feeling” as the King and Queen rekindle their love.

The other love-struck pair, Philoclea and Musidorus, are played with equal parts charm and humor by Katy MacCutcheon and Matt Wallace. In some ways, Philoclea is the “straight woman” of the play, mostly tasked with reacting to everyone else’s antics.

But MacCutcheon makes the most out of the role, playing up the fact that she’s smaller than most of her cast-mates to great effect (a hilarious gag early on has MacCutcheon and Christopher RossDybash, understated and sympathetically funny as Dametas, jumping repeatedly to see over other actors’ shoulders), and providing the warmest voice of the group. Wallace is especially good when Musidorus must explore his feminine side, but his portrayal is struck all the way through with a sincerity that makes the campier parts work even better.

The silly characters can be wonderfully genuine

With so much fast-paced, outrageous action on the stage, the simple set by Dan Koch, props by Katy Schoetzow, lighting by Brandy Joe Plambeck and costumes by Cal Schwartz, provide just enough ‘pop’, and Molly Zaleski’s energetic, high-speed choreography fits in with the raucous nature of the show perfectly.

Head Over Heels isn’t a subtle show in any way, but it doesn’t hit us over the head with the way it takes gender and sexuality norms and turns them upside down. It simply presents relationships and people as fact, whether anyone wants to believe they exist or not. And that is one of the things that makes the show such fun to watch; we’re seeing Elizabethan lesbians, non-binary people, cross-dressers, and they’re able to be authentic while also being larger than life. So, you don’t need to come to the Ringwald ready for a piece of political theatre, but while you’re bouncing to the beat, Head Over Heels will gently remind you to love the ‘vision of Now’.

“Head Over Heels” runs May 10th-June 10th at the Ringwald Theatre, 22742 Woodward Ave, Ferndale MI. For tickets and more information, please visit theringwald.com.

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lit

Look How Happy I’m Making You Polly Rosenwaike’s short stories on the power of compassion in the face of uncertainty

By Daniel Ackerman

Welcome to Paradise, set in the Caribbean, centers around two people, who, despite their age difference, find love and acceptance in each other. With a generation gap (or more) between them, they discover they have more in common with each other than they thought.

At what age can one find one’s soulmate? Are there boundaries to true friendship and affection?

734.433.7673 or PurpleRoseTheatre.org

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Look How Happy I’m Making You is a collection of short stories by Ann Arbor writer Polly Rosenwaike, the fiction editor at Michigan Quarterly Review. Pregnancy is the guiding motif for these stories which proves to be a dynamic narrative element.

Like a baby’s foot on the walls of a womb, we feel conception pressuring and reforming the protagonists’ relationships with themselves and the world around them. With an agile style, Rosenwaike maneuvers us through stories that teach us the power of compassion in the face of uncertainty.

The Same Story is Always Different

Each short story in Look How Happy I’m Making You depicts, one way or another, motherhood, yet each remains wholly distinct. Rosenwaike stitches a new world in each chapter. Sometimes a birth is imminent, sometimes an imminent birth ends suddenly, sometimes a desired conception never comes. Sometimes a baby long born bears witness to unresolved doubts in a growing family.

Look How Happy I’m Making You leans in close, and like Greg, a love interest in the second story, “makes excellent eye contact,” as the characters reconcile with their desires and expectations about the nature of family.

The True Size of Small Things

While engaging the complexities of pregnancy--a topic that literally bears the weight of human history--Rosenwaike revels in the magnitude of small moments.

A character makes a one word confession while watching late night TV that ends a relationship and sends her future into uncertainty. Another finds a years awaited triumph after waking up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. Yet another finds a complicated commiseration in a kid whose cat ran away. By showing us people in the practice of living, in the routines of grief or bliss, Rosenwaike clearly evokes the human spirit.

Rosenwaike’s attention to the small things extends to her use of language. Her narration is utilitarian and lucid, and when she hops into the minds of her characters, it’s visceral and vivid. Often omniscient, she darts between explication of scene and expression of emotion, and the contrasted styles mimic a lived experience.

Scenes draped in panic and worry end abruptly as characters stop to check their email. In “White Carnations,” scenes of friends getting drinks and dinner bob on the surface of an intimate telling of an accidental pregnancy. It’s as if a separate inner life threatens to capsize a life that struggles to float on uninterrupted, mirroring the experience of the reluctant mother in the story.

Radical Compassion

As flawed as the characters are in Look How Happy I’m Making You, they’re never, as so often mothers are, derided for their mistakes. That’s not to say that Rosenwaike treats her characters with kid gloves. In fact, so complicated are the characters’ relationships with the world around them that there is hardly ever a correct path for them to take.

Second guessing previously unquestioned convictions, friends and families have contradictory thoughts of their own. All the while, the burden of motherhood and all of its expectations makes each decision feel urgent and potentially life changing. The reader, too, is disarmed by these pressures, unable to sort out for themselves the right way forward.

Eventually, in every story, whether a character is forced to reckon with a choice or simply press on, the protagonist reaches a transcendent moment of compassion.

In these moments, the character, severed from the tradition of motherhood by their circumstance, finds a means to fulfill that tradition through compassion. Self compassion allows the character to make a tentative peace with problems that are never truly solved, and compassion for others allows the characters to undergo a process of forgiveness of each other.

Dylan Thomas wrote that “dark is a way and light is a place,” but Polly Rosenwaike shows us the opposite. The light of compassion guides us through periods of darkness, and offers hope, even as most problems go unresolved.

art Experimental Artist Learned the Rules, then Broke Them

Takahara’s restless spirit creates portraits of the unseeable at WSG Gallery

By K.A. Letts Master printmaker and experimental artist Takeshi Takahara is a restless spirit. Rather than working comfortably within established print traditions, he prefers to skate near the edge of the unknown, constantly adapting and improvising new ways of making marks and creating images in his work. A visit to his studio, just outside of Ann Arbor, revealed his plans for his June WSG Gallery solo show.

The studio, a huge former square dance hall that serves as workplace, storage and display space for the artist, is dominated by a large printing press. The walls are festooned with proofs of imagesin-progress and multiple plates in various stages of completion. In the corner of the studio is a table where Takahara mixes carefully formulated printing inks, using pigments and watercolors from Japan.

Prints, framed and ready to install, rest along the walls of the studio, representing both a continuation and an expansion of themes and methods featured in his 2017 WSG Gallery solo show, Imperfection.

An experimental phase

Takahara, after his long career as a professor in the printmaking department of the UM Penny Stamp School of Art and Design, has entered a more experimental phase in his own work. The prints he will show in Poems to the Winds, his second solo exhibition at WSG Gallery, are evidence of his lifelong fascination with the natural world in dialog with the formal demands of his evolving art.

Takahara continues to develop his unique, eco-friendly adaptation of intaglio printing, which involves replacing the metal plate and acid of the traditional intaglio process with a less toxic combination of materials. He applies spackle to a plywood substrate, then carves into it, resulting in a plate that produces a sharp, cut line similar to intaglio printing. Although it yields fewer impressions than a typical metal plate, the artist is content with the limitation, as he seldom prints more than 10 impressions of any given image, making small changes and adjustments of color and composition with each pass through the press.

Over time, the newly discovered materials and methods have suggested to him a more intuitive, less controlled style. In particular, he has been experimenting with working on the spackled plate while it is still wet, which allows him to use a broader array of carving tools, allowing the creation of a more complex range of effects, similar to aquatint and soft ground etching. The artist compares the process of preparing the plate to fresco painting; he applies the plaster in sections, carving into the wet plaster, then moving on to an adjacent area to continue the image. This improvisatory way of working adds an element of chance that Takahara finds appealing. Sometimes the slightly uncontrolled process produces what he calls “collateral marks”, fugitive and accidental visual incidents that add liveliness and charm to the composition. “I make a grid and then work section to section…then I divide and apply the spackle--it’s wet work,” he explains. “With this [technique] you can’t have exact imagery because it’s more atmospheric. [It] introduces an element of chaos, but then you have to put it in an organized form.”

A portrait of the unseeable

Atmosphere is precisely what Takahara is pursuing in Poems to the Wind.

The artist, who obviously enjoys a challenge, has set out on a task which, at first, appears to be an impossible: to create a portrait of something unseeable. Though most of the prints bear a superficial resemblance to conventional landscapes, his aim is far more ambitious. He means to create an impression that suggests the flow of air over a vista, as if the wind were writing calligraphy. The hazy, fluttering images create the sensation of a fugitive breeze flowing over skin or ruffling one’s hair, the exquisitely nuanced colors and sharp, tiny lines on the silky gampi paper suggesting ghostly apparitions.

At first, it seems ironic that the ethereal premise of Takahara’s quixotic project requires such heavy-duty machinery and many hours of painstaking labor. But the large press, improvised tools and handmade pigments, all orchestrated by the artist, are, in a way, an apt metaphor for the creative quest: to transform mundane materials and methods into a reflection of something infinite.

Poems to the Winds will be on view from June 11 - July 20 at WSG Gallery, 306 S. Main, Ann Arbor.

For more information, go to wsg-art.com/gallery/

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film Trembling on The Brink

Steve Bannon is the self-appointed leader of a global fascist/populist movement

By Jennifer Kellow-Fiorini

The Brink follows former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon’s mission to unify extreme nationalists across the globe after his exit from the Trump administration. This fly-on-the-wall documentary takes place in quasi-real time, from 2017 through the 2018 mid-term elections.

The film opens with Bannon freely discussing his admiration for the design of Nazi death camps. More specifically, he admires the business aspect of the death camps and human ability to compartmentalize “business” over lives. Unlike Trump, Bannon nearly always comes off as calm, self-deprecating, charming, and downright affable. So much so that while discussing something as horrific as death camps, it takes a moment to fully realize what he’s actually saying. This is Bannon’s super power, and he knows it.

European funding

The majority of the documentary takes place in Europe as Bannon meets with populist movement leaders from Belgium, France, Italy, Hungry, Germany, the Czech Republic, and the UK. Director Alison Klayman’s cameras are allowed access to

multiple meetings, even those with leaders of extreme groups.

When a journalist from The Guardian brings this to the attention of Bannon and the cameras, Bannon shrugs off the importance by insisting that they are just “informal dinners.” When the same journalist asserts that some of his language is anti-Semitic or at least an appeal to anti-Semites or racists, Bannon not only calmly deflects and denies, he tries to gaslight the reporter into thinking that his suggestions are irrational. Klayman never tells the viewer what to think. She lets Bannon do the talking, allowing the audience to come to their own conclusions.

Bannon has been reaching out to extreme right-wing groups in Europe because he can finance campaigns without revealing the identities of donors, made possible by the US Supreme Court’s Citizen’s United decision. Even though Bannon’s candidates lost elections in 2018, there is plenty of funding for Bannon and others to redirect enormous resources to keep their agenda alive.

And in the US

Back in the US, we see Bannon and his party, whom he refers to as “The Movement,” fly in expensive jets and stay in four-star hotels while meeting with donors that include a former president of Goldman Sachs and seeking support from economically disenfranchised voters. He screens a self-produced film called Trump@War, a film he referred to openly as propaganda earlier in the documentary, but is later referred to as “NOT propaganda” by a Bannon supporter.

The film ends with Bannon returning to Europe, presumably for more meetings with populist parties. The title of the film, The Brink, refers to a speech by Abraham Lincoln, which Bannon quotes at one point, but it could also refer to the economic brink that the world has been pushed to, by coincidence or design, creating easier reception for the racist and xenophobic messages of populist movements, which Bannon freely admits. He states, “People care about a handful of the messages, they don’t care about anything else. If they know you are fighting for their country and making the country great again, they don’t care about anything else.” The financial success of Banon and his backers, relying on the reluctance of would-be populists to read the fine print, is proven near the end of the film when far right groups assert that they will join together across the EU to win future elections by focusing on anti-immigration policies, and praying on fears that immigrants endanger their countries.

Bannon’s goal may have been defeated in the 2018 midterm elections, but this film is important because this kind of rhetoric isn’t going to go away, making disenfranchised people vulnerable to groups like “The Movement.”

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arts & culture

1 Saturday

[health] Free T’ai Chi Intro

[art] A2 Potters Guild - Spring Sale

6pm. Ypsilanti Community Center.

SpiralChiCenter.com Free

10am. Ann Arbor Potters Guild. pottersguild.net Free

Browse through displays of decorative, functional, and wearable works by Ann Arbor’s top ceramic artists. Great for gifts, practical items to use at home, and works of art for you to display.

[misc.] [health] Bridging 23 Unity Walk 2019

8am. Ypsilanti District Library to Ann Arbor African American Festival. eventbrite.com Free

Tiny Lions trivia Cozy up to kitties from the Humane Society of Huron Valley, all of which are available for adoption! Even if you aren’t looking to adopt a pet, you can enjoy their company as you play a game of trivia with fellow feline fanatics. The cost of admission includes two adult beverages and popcorn, and you are also welcome to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. $15. 7:30-9:30pm. Saturday, June 15. Tiny Lions Lounge and Adoption Center, 5245 Jackson Rd., Ste. A1. 734-661-3530. Purchase tickets at tinylions.org.

Would you be mine?

The Ann Arbor Summer Festival is presenting Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, a documentary that celebrates the life of minister, puppeteer, and education advocate Fred Rogers. Highlighting his career from the very beginnings of Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood to his tireless campaign to provide free educational programming with psychological and emotional support for children, Won’t You Be My Neighbor? will pull at your heartstrings, especially if you were one of many whose lives he touched during childhood and beyond.

This walk is designed to build unity between the East and the West side of Washtenaw County, showing that as a county, we live, work and play together for the benefit of all residents regardless of race or economics.

9am. Downtown Ann Arbor. a2festival.org Free

All ages are certain to enjoy live band performances full of jazz, pop and dance music. Vendors sell lemonade, BBQ, jewelry, handmade arts, clothing, books and various beauty products.

[comedy] Bill Bushart

Get in touch with your inner vixen at an exotic dance class for all levels of experience. Founder of Vixen Fitness, Danielle, will teach you dances involving standing, wall and floorwork, making for a full-body workout session. Make sure to bring stretchy, form-fitting pants, a tank top, and exotic heels for these last two sessions for the limited time class.

Bill Bushart is one of the top acts in the Detroit area and has won awards validating his prowess.

2 Sunday

[misc.]

Mystery Bingo at the Brewpub 6pm. Arbor Brewing Brewpub. arborbrewing.com Free

Have fun with your friends playing Mystery Bingo for mystery prizes that could be anything.

3 Monday

$27 per class. 8:30-9:30pm. Tuesdays. June 4 and 11. Vixen Fitness, 738 Airport Blvd. 734-369-3138. vixenfitness.com —EH

Artists and crafters of all abilities bring projects (and supplies) they can work on to complete some of those UFO projects (unfinished object). Any portable 2D media is welcome.

[lit] Emerging Writer’s Workshop: So You Want to Write a Nonfiction Book 7pm. Westgate Branch Library. aadl.org Free

6:30pm. $15. Greyline. themoth.org

Short stories about Chemistry, the power of combinations, reactions, sparks, explosions are the topic of this evening’s StorySLAM. Also on 6/18 with a theme of Danger.

[dance] Adult Dance Accelerate Dance Arts

All levels are welcome to this class that is a fast paced introduction to dance course for adults. The class will consist of a warm up, center barre, across the floor technique and combo.

5 Wednesday

[comedy] Full Metal Events

7:45pm. $8-10. Pointless Brewery & Theatre. pointlessbrew.com

7:30pm. $12. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. aacomedy.com

10pm-midnight. Tuesday, June 18. Ann Arbor Summer Festival: Top of the Park, 915 E. Washington St. 734[art] Art Club at Salt Valley Arts 994-5999. a2sf.org Free 6:30pm. Salt Valley Arts, Saline. saltvalleyarts.org Free

Exotic fitness

4 Tuesday

[lit] Moth StorySLAM: Chemistry

7:15pm. $20. Riverside Arts Center, Ypsianti. acceleratedancearts.com

[misc.]

Ann Arbor African American Downtown Festival

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Learn about the amazing healing and martial potential of t’ai chi.

All ages and levels are welcome to some movement and learn how it works.

Learn different kinds of nonfiction, approaching publishers, and how literary techniques can make your work stand out. These monthly Emerging Writers Workshops support local authors and provide further services/assistance.

An eclectic mix of stand-up comedians and musicians from all over the country will be there to entertain you. With comedy, music, and beer that’s brewed on site, there’s something for everyone.

[lit] Author Talk: Ted Baxter Relentless 7pm. Nicolas Books.

Nicolasbooks.com Free

Listen to Ted’s talk on his personal experience in his book about being a businessman on top of the world, then losing it all to massive ischemic stroke and the unbelievable journey to recovery. Signing to follow.

6 Thursday

[theatre] CURTAINS - Opening Night

7:30pm. $10 - $28.

Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre. a2ct.org

It’s 1959 in Boston, opening night of Robbin’ Hood, a western musical starring film star Jessica Cranshaw. The faded actress collapses and dies after curtain call, calling detective Lieutenant Frank Cioffi to the scene. Will he solve the case? Come see to find out! Also on 6/7 at 8pm.

Cont’d on p38

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arts & culture ROAD TRIP DIVINE PINE GATHERING COMBINES BACK-TONATURE WITH HEALINGTHROUGH-ART The Divine Pine Gathering is a natureretreat festival focused on yoga, rewilding and foraging, music, healing, ancestral knowledge, art and movement. The site is on 42 acres in the Irish Hills surrounded by 300 acres of state land and lakes. The intention behind the festival is for participants to dive into their intuitive, true selves, reconnect with nature and tap into knowledge about authentic, sustainable lifeways that will bring them into closer touch with nature and a likeminded community. -TB Tickets: full weekend $120. Teenager full weekend $50, single day $45. 13485 US Highway 12, Brooklyn, MI. Divinepinegathering.com

Sip it.

Or rip it.

We’re not your mom.

Speaking of her, giver her TROPICAL. our best.

JUICY. HOPS.

[misc.]

Home Maintenance Workshops 6pm. Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley. h4h.org Free

Learn how to repair drywall, fix a screen, how to caulk and choose the right kind, when you should call a professional and more.

[art] In the Garden: Pottery Inspired by Nature

10am. Yourist Studio Gallery. youristpottery.com Free

See what pottery delights were created for In the Garden show and sale running through 6/30.

7 Friday

[art] [theatre] Boylesque Drag Show 5th Annual Pride Party!

10:30pm. Tap Room, Ypsilanti. taproomypsi.com Free

Boylesque Drag cast will be putting on a production number for Pride Month to raise money for the local fight for TBLGQ+ rights! Hosted by Jadein Black and featuring special guests.

[lit] Breathe Reads Bookclub

7pm. Breathe Yoga, Chelsea. breatheyogachelsea.com Free

Join the yoga community’s book club gathering including tea and a brief meditation. Current book selection is The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben.

Meets every other month.

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The 11th Annual “Jackson Road Cruise” on the “Old US 12” alongside all the auto dealers features more than 800 exotic, antique, classic, and unique cars along 5 miles of the road.

[art] LIVE ON WASHINGTON 3pm. Neutral Zone. neutral-zone.org Free

Live on Washington (LOW) is an annual youth curated outdoor all arts festival. Come see what the LOW teen curators, arts performers, advocates, and administrators of the future have to share.

9 Sunday

[lit] Author Event: Radiant Night with Patrick Lohier 4pm. Bookbound. bookboundbookstore.com Free

Patrick Lohier, reads from his debut novel, Radiant Night, blending history, mystery and adrenaline to produce a wildly entertaining and fast-paced literary thriller. Signing to follow.

[art] In Conversation with Jason DeMarte: Photography in the Garden of Artificial Delights

3pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art. umma.umich.edu Free

7:30pm. Blom Meadworks.

Drinkblom.com Free

[art] Pivots and Pitfalls Opening Reception

[misc] Trivia Live @ Powell’s

Everyone should stop by to laugh with this mixed show featuring a little stand up from Andrew Yang and crew, plus improv from the Why Nauts.

6-10pm. Riverside Arts Center, Ypsilanti. Riversidearts.org Free

Pivots and Pitfalls explore the twists, turns, challenges, limits and changing conditions within/ around us. This exhibit runs through the end of the month on Thursdays 3-8pm, Fridays 3-8pm and Saturdays from 12-5pm.

8 Saturday

[art] Chelsea Painters 46th Annual Art Fair

Come rain or shine to see 20-30 accomplished artists exhibit fine artwork in a variety of mediums like watercolor, acrylic, oil, pastel, colored pencil, mixed media and more. Also on 6/9.

june

9am. Jackson Road in Scio Twp. jrcruise.org Free

Michigan-based photographer Jason DeMarte assembles hyperreal images of local wildlife and plantlife deluged by sugary foodstuffs. Join the artist and UMMA Assistant Curator of Photography Jennifer Friess for a conversation about meaning in these artworks.

[comedy] Comedy Night at Bløm

10am-5pm. Chelsea Fairgrounds. chelseapainters.com Free

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[misc.]

Jackson Road Car Cruise

10 Monday

8pm. Powell’s Pub, Ypsilanti. facebook.com/powerllstavern Free

Swing into this sports pub, with a large outdoor patio for trivia and drinks specials on Mondays.

11 Tuesday

[lit] Sarah Dessen The Rest of the Story

7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com Free

Novelist Sarah Dessen comes to share her latest book The Rest of the Story. A book signing will follow an author talk and Q&A.

[talks/lectures] The Constitution at the Border: When Immigration Policy and Constitutional Norms Clash

10am. $10 - $25. Washtenaw Community College. events.umich.edu Margo Schlanger is a Professor of Law at the University of Michigan, will examine some current controversies relating to immigration, border enforcement, and the Constitution.

12 Wednesday

[lit] [theatre] Writing Club: The Brass Tacks Ensemble

6:30pm. Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea Kerrytown. kerrytown.com/sweetwaters Free

Club focus is “Clarity, Universality, Entertainment, and the Essential Elements of the Theater”. Engage in reading/commenting on short pieces, writing exercises, small workshops with “homework” to spur more writing, and much more. Hosted every other week, also on 6/26.

1

13 Thursday

[theatre] Fortinbras

8pm. $15. West Park. pennyseats.org

Come see this comedy of Fortinbras, the lucky Dane who enters during Hamlet’s final scene and orders the bodies of the royal family removed, while he devises a media blitz to legitimize his ascension to the throne. Also on 6/14, 6/15, 6/20, 6/21, 6/22, 6/27, 6/28 and 6/29.

[art] Gallery Reception - David Hile Drawings: Nature, Emotion, Symbol

5-7pm. Kerrytown Concert House.

Kerrytownconcerthouse.com Free

Graphite, pastel and charcoal artist, David Hile uses simple yet fully realized works that engage your senses and speak to the unity of all living things on earth. Available for viewing Monday – Friday, 10 am to 5 pm; during public concerts, and by appointment.

[lit] So the Story Goes: An Evening of Storytelling

arts & culture

6pm. The Owl, Morning ‘til Night, Milan. themorningowl.com Free

Come for a great evening of storytelling on the theme of Cosmic Coincidences and if you choose, tell your own. Sponsored by the Milan Public Library and cohosted by The Owl.

14 Friday

[art] Design Studio | Open To Public

10am. Whitetail Farm Design Studio, Dexter. Whitetail-farm.com Free

All summer long, check out this new design studio space (on 3rd weekend of each month), full of ideas, shopping and/or consult with ⁣owner/lead designer, Mary should any questions arise.

[misc] [health] Mayor’s Green Fair

6-9pm. Main Street (between Huron and William). a2gov.org Free

All ages are welcome to browse displays of environmental information, “green” products, live music, hands-on activities and general enjoyment of the urban outdoor environment.

[comedy] John Heffron *Special Engagement

7:30pm. $25. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase. aacomedy.com

You’re sure to get your laughs in with winner of NBC’s hit reality series “Last Comic Standing,” comedian John Heffron, when he comes to town this weekend (also at 10pm and on 6/15).

[art] Pearl Street Studios Pop In 6-10pm. Pearl Street Studios, Ypsilanti. facebook.com/ fullcircleresale.ypsi Free

Enjoy a night of “sip and shopping” with Full Circle Resale boutique, a makeup session with Heidi, henna by Kelly Caroline and photography by Caroline McCarthy in her studio. Also 6/15 from 11am-4pm.

15 Saturday

[dance] Fusion Cafe

9:30pm-12:30am. $5. Hoover Street Studio. Facebook.com

Get down for a night of fusion and blues dancing in Ann Arbor!

Join this open dance party at Michigan’s second monthly fusion community dance. Snacks/ refreshments welcome BYO.

[misc] Juneteenth Celebration 12pm. Wheeler Park. a2naacp.org Free

Celebrate Freedom Day, the American holiday that acknowledges the June 19, 1865 statement abolishing slavery in the Texas and southwest. Join the community at the festival celebrating!

[misc] Junk in the Trunk in Hell, MI 9am. Go to Hell Gift Shop lot. gotohellmi.com Free

Load up your hearse, car, truck or van and haul that garage-sale type junk down to Hell, or load up your friends and family and come to buy some junk and spend a fun day in Hell.

8pm. $10 - $22. Theatre NOVA. theatrenova.org

Kill Move Paradise tells the story of four black men stuck in a cosmic waiting room in the afterlife trying to find the logic in the senselessness. Often hilarious and original, these young men are symbols of hope illuminating the possibilities of collective transformation and radical acts of joy. Also on 6/1, 6/2, 6/6-6/9, 6/13-6/15

18 Tuesday

[misc.]

Free Clothes Swap

6pm. Corner Brewery, Ypsilanti. arborbrewing.com Free

Clean out your closets and/or clean up with some free duds.

Mostly women’s clothing, shoes and accessories, with some men/kids as well. Bring and/or take as much or little as you like.

Leftovers are donated to Ypsilanti Thrift Shop.

19 Wednesday

[misc.]

Ann Arbor Jaycees Carnival

4pm. $20 - $27. Pioneer High School. a2jaycees.org

16 Sunday

[art] [film] [misc] Japan Week 2019

Noon. Downtown Ann Arbor.

Ii.umich.edu Free

[theatre] Kill Move Paradise

All week (through 6/22) enjoy Japan-related programming designed for families and youth.

Ann Arbor Japan Week will kick off with a free, family-friendly anime screening of Ponyo on Sunday, June 16th at 3pm at the Michigan Theater. Check schedule online.

Everyone loves a carnival! Visit the Pioneer High School parking lot for rides, games, food and fun! Wristbands cheaper in advance or at the event on 6/20, 6/21, 6/22 and 6/23.

[lit] Literati Bookstore Presents Jennifer Weiner

7pm. $30. Jewish Community Center.

Eventbrite.com Jennifer Weiner speaks in support of her latest novel, Mrs. Everything with book signing and a conversation with Cynthia Canty, host of Stateside on Michigan Radio.

Cont’d on p40

ecurrent.com / june 2019 39

arts & culture [misc.] [theatre] Mystic Nights at the Grotto

8pm. $10 - $50. Zal Gaz Grotto. mishatuesday.wellattended.com

Join your host, Misha Tuesday, for an immersive exploration beyond reality... into the hidden mysteries that surround us.

2

20 Thursday

[art] [lit] [misc.]

Arts & Acts Festival

3pm. Downtown Northville. northvillearthouse.org Free

Peruse one of the largest summer juried art festivals in SE Michigan. Wander into neighborhood stores in between viewing arts, crafts, theatre performances, literature contests, musical acts, food vendors and more!

[art] [theatre] BARBU Electro Trad Cabaret

8pm. $30 - $45. The Power Center for the Performing Arts. a2sf.org This Cirque Alfonse clan from Quebec will have you on edge in this exuberant circus rave full of wild electro-trad band music, old traditions with contemporary spin on a night out at the circus.

[film] Cinetopia Film Festival Selection

10pm. Rackham Stage. a2sf.org Free

Bring your chair or blanket to join others for this outdoor re-screening of an audience favorite from the 2019 Cinetopia Film Festival.

21 Friday

[theatre] Crazy for You

7:30pm. $32-36. Encore Theatre, Dexter. theencoretheatre.org

Enjoy this musical about a rich New York banker, sent to foreclose on a theatre that falls for the theatre owner’s daughter Polly and all the theatrics involved to try to win her heart as well as save the theatre. See website for further showtimes and dates, runs through 8/11.

22 Saturday

[misc.]

4th Annual Michigan Pez Convention

10am-2pm. Wyndham Garden Ann Arbor. mipezcon.com Free

Learn all about the amazing & crazy world of Pez collecting.

Over 20 Pez Vendors will have thousands and thousands of Pez for sale, from the 1950s to today, it’s a Pez-a-palooza!

[misc.]

Ann Arbor Roller Derby Home Game #2: Bruisers and Vigilantes 5:30pm. $10-15. Buhr Park. a2derbydimes.org

Get rowdy watching two fulllength games of flat-track roller derby, complete with concessions, merch, booze vendors, summer fun and an after party.

Kids under 12 get in free with adult purchase.

23 Sunday

[health] FREE Yoga Class

5-6pm. Om of Medicine. omofmedicine.org Free

Led by Abby Dawson for all levels of experience inside the Om Member Lounge. All members are welcome to bring a guest with them (MMMP card not needed to attend). Please B.Y.O.M. (bring your own mat) however a few are available on site.

[misc.]

Wings & Wheels

10am-4pm. $20-25. Yankee Air Museum, Belleville. yankeeairmuseum.org

Come down to explore two acres of airport ramp a Willow Run that will provide an up-close and personal experience with classic cars as well as historic airplanes.

Kids under 15 are FREE!

24 Monday

[lit] Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses

6:30pm. Dexter District Library. Dexter. lib.mi.us Free Michigan has the most lighthouses in the U.S. with more than 120 dotting its Great Lakes shoreline, many of them claiming haunting happenings. Dianna Stampfler will read from her book on this with a signing to follow.

25 Tuesday

[film] 8 Ball Movie Night: MegaForce and Team America: World Police 7pm. 8 Ball Saloon. blindpigmusic.com/8-ball Free

Get a double feature of World Defenders movie night in the back hall of the 8 Ball Saloon: MegaForce (1982) at 7:30pm and Team America: World Police (2004) at 10pm.

26 Wednesday

[misc.]

Wednesday Trivia

8pm. Haymaker Public House.

Haymakerpublichouse.com Free

Join every week for Sporcle Live Trivia with prizes like $100 in gift cards and up to 40% off drinks.

[film] Arrival

10pm. Rackham Stage. a2sf.org Free Linguistics professor Louise Banks (Amy Adams) leads an elite team of investigators when gigantic spaceships touch down in 12 locations around the world.

(PG-13, 118 min, 2016)

27 Thursday

[film] Black Panther

10pm. Rackham Stage. a2sf.org Free When his father dies T’Challa returns to Wakanda to take his place as king, however adverse forces appear, drawing the Black Panther into a conflict that puts the entire world at risk. (PG-13, 135 min, 2018)

[theatre] Theater for a Cause to benefit RAAH 8pm. $35. Purple Rose Theatre, Chelsea. purplerosetheatre.org

Watch Welcome to Paradise about a couple in the Caribbean at the Purple Rose Theatre and support RAAH - Religious Action for Affordable Housing to support local residents with housing.

28 Friday

[comedy] Pointless Improv with This is a Quiz!

7:30pm. $15. Pointless Brewery & Theatre. pointlessbrew.com

Find some fun and laughter with a guest improv group’s performance, followed by This is a Quiz and ends with the League of Pointless Improviers doing long-form improv developed in-house.

29 Saturday

[misc.]

Open House at Peach Mountain Observatory 8pm. Peach Mountain Observatory. umich.edu Free

Starting at sunset view the stars, planets, and other celestial wonders through the club’s 24” and club members’ telescopes. Call (734) 975-3248 after 4 PM the day of to determine the status.

30 Sunday

[film] Field of Dreams

10pm. Rackham Stage. a2sf.org Free When Iowa farmer Ray (Kevin Costner) hears a mysterious voice in his cornfield saying “If you build it, he will come,” he feels the need create a baseball field (PG,107 min, 1989).

40

june

2019 / ecurrent.com

person of interest Sreyashi Dey: A powerful woman of the arts

By Mary Gallagher Sreyashi Dey is President and Artistic Director of Akshara, an Ann Arbor-based multi-cultural, multi-arts organization founded

by Dey and Dr. Paroma Chatterjee that presents arts inspired by India. Dey is also a classical Odissi dancer, and holds an MS in Economics and an MBA from Santa Clara University.

How do you see the arts fitting into daily life?

I have never had a life without dance. My formal training started when I was seven years old, but even before that, I would just put on music and dance. Through school, college, grad school, through everything, dance has always been a part of me. No matter what I’ve done, it’s been a parallel career, and not just a little hobby on the side, but a very serious activity. In 2000, I formed my first arts organization to formalize all the dance work that I was doing, creating performing seasons and touring seasons and putting on presentations.

What made you decide to turn your personal artistic practice into an organization? Especially with Indian

performing arts, there’s a very long period of learning and education. It’s a very complex art form, and a lot of it is transmitted through personal interactions. Also, it’s centuries old, so there is a lot of accumulated knowledge and experience. You can’t learn for a year or two and be an expert. There’s a kind of humility about it: I’m not so great that I can do my own thing, I’m still learning. But everybody has to find their own point where they feel comfortable enough to start doing their own thing. So that’s when I thought it’d be good to start my own organization, and to start doing things, little by little, in my own way.

What inspired you and Dr. Chatterjee to begin Akshara and the Rasa Festival? The Southeast Michigan area has a

large Indian community that has a lot of performing arts and other events, but we noticed that those are in many cases restricted to the immigrant community. On the other hand, there was a lot of interest in the Indian arts in the Ann Arbor/ Ypsilanti areas, but nobody was making the effort to reach out to the larger community. So, we have partnered with a lot of local organizations for our festival. We have presented events at the Kerrytown Concert House, at Riverside Arts Center in Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Community College, Literati Bookstore, White Lotus Farms, the Ann Arbor Art Center. It was important for us tonot just present Indian artists, but also to reach across cultures and across racial lines and be a platform for anyone who’s interested in Indian arts, irrespective of their country of origin.

What do you see on the horizon for Akshara? How would you like to see it expand? We started reasonably big, with

close to twenty events over 4-6 weeks. So we’re not necessarily trying to get even bigger, but what we would like to do is continue to produce thoughtful programs and reach out so that even more people who have not been exposed to these arts can attend, ask questions, and find something that sparks some kind of curiosity or dialogue. That’s more the objective.

What is your message for the community? When people

haven’t seen Indian dance before, they’re often really kind of blown away by how beautiful and graceful, how deep and meaningful, it all is. My message would be: come check us out.

The Rasa Festival is Saturday, June 15 from 3:00pm-5:30pm at the Riverside Arts Center, 76 N. Huron St., Ypsilanti. Tickets are $25 for the general public, and $15 for students and seniors. Tickets available at https://a2tix.com/events/rasa-dance-and-theater-festival.

The Rasa Festival continues on Saturday, September 21, at Towsley Auditorium at Washtenaw Community College. Check rasafestival.org for more details.

ecurrent.com / june 2019 41

nvc

cannabis Brisbo named Executive Director of Marijuana Regulatory Agency Brisbo brings a strong background in regulation to the role

By Trilby Becker

Getting over Procrastination with Self-Compassion

By Lisa Gottlieb

How many times have you put off a task, or avoided a deadline, even though you knew it would only make things worse by waiting? Increased stress, worry and self recrimination are not necessarily enough to actually change our behavior, even when there are direct, punitive consequences.

This is the cruel reality of procrastination, and unfortunately, it’s something most of us are familiar with at one time or another. Recent research may surprise you. It isn’t a moral failing, a lack of willpower, poor time management, or just plain laziness that keeps us in procrastination mode. It’s actually an issue of how we manage our mood when there is something we just don’t want to do; in other words, how do we regulate our grouchy or worried mood about doing something unpleasant, or something that we lack confidence in completing successfully. From washing a sink full of dirty pots and pans (unpleasant), or folding five loads of laundry (tedious), to doing things that leave us emotionally uncomfortable or insecure (difficult conversations, balancing our checkbooks or writing a report for work), there are many opportunities where our mood is impacted by tasks hanging over us.

Typically, when we are procrastinating, the tendency is to self blame and believe there is something wrong with us, which contributes to our stress and unease, adding even more avoidance and mood disregulation. Instead, try the Nonviolent Communication approach of self- empathy and compassion.

First, simply name the feeling you are having, which could include boredom, fatigue, worry, insecurity, resentment or overwhelm, and then offer yourself an expression of understanding that normalizes your feelings. It could sound like this: “Of course I’m tired and bored. This is the fifth basket of laundry I’ve folded this week!” or, “Of course I’m dreading writing this report, it’s tedious and I’m not sure I have all the information I need.”

Often, when we can identify what is getting in our way, we can offer ourselves some understanding and compassion, which frees us up to find new and creative strategies to move forward with completing those difficult things we don’t want to do.

42

june

2019 / ecurrent.com

The State Senate named Andrew Brisbo the Executive Director of the Marijuana Regulatory Agency, formerly the Bureau of Marijuana Regulation, after a Senate confirmation hearing on May 2nd. Brisbo is not new to marijuana regulation: he led the State’s efforts to develop rules to enforce the 2016 law legalizing medical marijuana. Brisbo and his staff of 102 have now been charged with the difficult task of regulating recreational marijuana. Among the many challenges he will face is how the medical marijuana program will work together with the recreational program, and how to create an effective and streamlined process for business licensing.

Regulation and legal uncertainties

Cannabis dispensaries have struggled to accompany the regulations and standards imposed by legalization. Many businesses that do not have the capital to pay for licensing and upgrade their product to meet the new standards have been forced to close their doors, leading their patrons to travel to one of the fewer dispensaries that are still operational or to buy marijuana on the black market. Cannabis industry leaders have brought cases before the courts challenging those regulations, claiming the compliance deadlines were unrealistic. Some dispensaries continue to operate without licenses as these cases work their way through the courts. House Bill 4440 is now before the Senate and would amend the Medical Marijuana Facilities Licensing Act (MMFLA) to add operating a marijuana facility without a license to the list of circumstances that make an applicant ineligible for a license.

Powerful influence over shape of new market

Brisbo will have a lot of discretion over the shaping of the cannabis market and how the law is enforced, as state lawmakers must have a two thirds majority to make any changes to the law. He has been scrupulous in his unwillingness to discuss his personal views on legalization, but he has the confidence of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who seems much more eager than her predecessor to move forward with the process of legalization. While his personal views may not be known, his belief in strong guidance from the State is evident in his recent decision to no longer allow caregivers to provide medical marijuana directly to dispensaries, instead allowing only licensed growers to supply products which are extensively tested before sale. Growers have not yet had the time to respond to the new regulations, and there is currently a shortage of state-approved marijuana on the market. Until they can catch up, caregivers are still permitted to sell marijuana to licensed growers, provided it meets the same purity standards.

ecurrent.com / june 2019 43

current love Faking It

Do lesbians have better sex?

By Nina Swift There is a famous scene in “When Harry Met Sally” when Sally, played to perfection by the ever adorable Meg Ryan, fakes an orgasm in a restaurant to prove to Harry that he cannot tell the difference between her lusty performance and the real thing.

I read a statistic recently that seemed to indicate that at this very moment all over the world there are hundreds of thousands of women putting on a similar show. I quickly discovered that there have been dozens of studies done on this topic, and while the statistics vary, the overarching conclusion is that the vast majority of heterosexual women have faked an orgasm, and a smaller majority of heterosexual women do so regularly. The same was not found to be true, however, of lesbian women. So why do so many heterosexual women fake their orgasms?

As I stated in my April article “Toys,” it’s mostly about the clitoris. Not that men don’t engage in foreplay, but for most of them it’s only a precursor to the Main Event, whereas lesbians typically take their time. And time is a big factor. The Institute for Personal Growth’s female sexuality survey found that while women in same-sex relationships reported fewer sexual encounters overall compared with heterosexual couples, each encounter lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, whereas women in heterosexual relationships typically engaged in sexual activity for between 10 and 30 minutes.

What’s the rush, fellas?

Another issue that heterosexual women frequently bump into is one of physiology— few can achieve orgasm through penetration.

In her book “The Case of the Female Orgasm” (Harvard University Press) Elisabeth Lloyd conducted a detailed analysis of 33 studies over the past 80 years and found that only 25% of women can achieve orgasm through penetration alone. There have been further studies indicating that of those 25%, many are orgasming as a result of indirect clitoral stimulation. It may be that those lucky ladies who are cumming during sex are simply built differently. Kim Wallen, professor of psychology and behavioral neuroendocrinology at Emory University, has been running the numbers to find out. He has determined a “rule of thumb” that is behind this remarkable ability. Women whose clitorises are less than 2.5 cm away from their vaginas- the average length between the tip of the thumb and the first knuckle- are usually able to orgasm during sex. For women whose “C” to “V” distance is greater than 2.5 cm, orgasm during penile penetration is unlikely.

But human beings are complicated creatures, and though the clitorous is crucial there is more than physiology and a wellrehearsed playbook that goes into a woman’s orgasm. It also has everything to do with how she feels about her partner, the quality of their communication, flirtation and the lead-up to their sexual

encounter, and her willingness to tell her partner what she wants. For some women, there can be a host of other reasons including health issues, side effects of medication, anxiety, and lack of experience. I have faked orgasms for a variety of reasons.

Sometimes, I’m just tired. Hell, even my boyfriend cops to faking a few orgasms out of sheer exhaustion. Other times, I have felt guilty for taking a long time and somehow felt I owed it to my partner, who is making an effort, to reward him with my orgasm.

And this is where it gets tricky. There are power dynamics at play between people everywhere, and the bedroom is no exception.

Why a woman might feel like she has to flatter her partner by being dishonest about her own experience goes deep into her psychology and problems in the culture more broadly. My advice? The more raw and real we are with our partners, the more likely we are to be gratified. In the bedroom, and everywhere else.

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june

2019 / ecurrent.com

free will astrology © Copyright 2019 Rob Brezsny

JUNE ARIES (March 21-April 19): In the coming weeks it will make good sense for you to travel down winding paths replete with interesting twists and provocative turns. The zigzags you’ll be inspired to pursue won’t be inconvenient or inefficient, but rather will be instrumental in obtaining the healing you need. To honor and celebrate this oddly lucky phase, I’ll quote parts of “Flying Crooked,” a poem by Robert Graves. “The butterfly will never master the art of flying straight, yet has a just sense of how not to fly: He lurches here and here by guess and God and hope and hopelessness. Even the acrobatic swift has not his flying-crooked gift.”

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Has a part of you become too timid, docile, or prosaic? Is there an aspect of your beautiful soul that is partially muzzled, submissive, or housebroken? If so, now is a favorable time to seek an antidote. But listen closely: the cure isn’t to become chaotic, turbulent, and out of control. It would be counterproductive to resort to berserk mayhem. Here’s a better way: be primal, lush, and exciting. Be wildly playful and unpredictably humorous and alluringly intriguing. Try experiments that rouse your rowdy sweetness, your unkempt elegance, your brazen joy, and your sensual intelligence.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): I’ve got a message for you from Cancerian poet Tyler Knott Gregson. Please read it every day for the next 15 days, including when you first wake up and right before sleep. Here it is: “Promise me you will not spend so much time treading water and trying to keep your head above the waves that you forget, truly forget, how much you have always loved to swim.”

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In 2003, a group of thieves in Antwerp, Belgium pulled off the biggest jewelry heist in history. To steal the diamonds, gold, and other gems, together worth more than $100 million, they had to outsmart security guards, a seismic sensor, a protective magnetic field, Doppler radar, infrared detectors, and a lock. I mention this, Leo, because I suspect that in the coming weeks you will have a comparable ability to insinuate yourself into the presence of previously inaccessible treasures and secrets and codes. You’ll be able to penetrate barriers that have kept you shut off from valuable things. (P.S. But I hope that unlike the Antwerp thieves, you’ll use your superpowers in an ethical manner.)

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In the northeast corner of Spain, bordering France, is an area known as Catalonia. With its own culture and language, it has a long history of seeking complete autonomy. On four occasions it has declared itself to be independent from Spain. The most recent time was in 2017, when 92 percent of the Catalans who voted expressed the desire to be free of Spain’s rule. Alas, none of the rebellions have succeeded. In the latest instance, no other nation on Earth recognized Catalonia’s claim to be an independent republic. In contrast to its frustrated attempts, your own personal quest to seek greater independence could make real progress in the coming months. For best results, formulate a clear intention and define the precise nature of the sovereignty you seek.

Write it down!

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): A Libran blogger named OceanAlgorithms wrote, “I’m simultaneously wishing I were a naturalist whose specialty is finding undiscovered species in wellexplored places; and a skateboarding mathematician meditating on an almost-impossible-to-solve equation as I practice my skateboard tricks; and a fierce forest witch who casts spells on nature-despoilers; and a gothic heroine with twelve suitors; and the sexiest cat that ever lived.” I love how freewheeling and wide-ranging OceanAlgorithms is with her imaginative fantasies. In light of current astrological omens, I encourage you to do the same. Give yourself permission to dream and scheme extravagantly.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I prefer live theater over movies. The glossy flawlessness of films, accomplished by machines that assemble and polish, is less emotionally rich than the direct impact of live performers’ unmediated voices and bodies and emotions. Their evocative imperfections move me in ways that glossy flawlessness can’t.

Even if you’re not like me, Gemini, I invite you to experiment with my approach for a while—not just in the entertainment you choose, but in all areas of your life. As much as possible, get your experience raw and unfiltered.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Geologists aren’t exactly sure why, but almost six million years ago, the Strait of Gibraltar closed up.

As a result, the Mediterranean Sea was cut off from the Atlantic Ocean, and within a thousand years, it had mostly disappeared.

Fast forward 600,000 years. Again, geologists don’t understand how it happened, but a flood broke through the barrier, allowing the ocean to flow back into the Mediterranean basin and restore it to its previous status as a sea. I propose that we invoke that replenishment as a holy symbol for the process you’re engaged in: a replenishment of your dried-out waters.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I invite you to meditate on this proposal from freelance writer Radha Marcum: “The spiritual definition of love is that when you look at the person you love, it makes you love yourself more.” I hope there’s a lot of that kind of action going on for you in the next four weeks. According to my assessment of life’s secret currents, all of creation will be conspiring to intensify and deepen your love for yourself by intensifying and deepening your love for other people. Cooperate with that conspiracy, please!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Is there a creature on earth that’s more annoying than the mosquito? I’ve never heard anyone gaze upon one of the pesky monsters sucking blood out of her arm and say, “Aw, what a cute little bug.” And yet every year there is a town in Russia that holds a jokey three-day celebration in honor of the mosquito. The people who live in Berezniki even stage a “most delicious” competition, in which people allow themselves to be pricked by mosquitoes for twenty minutes, with an award going to whomever accumulates the most bites.

I highly approve of the spirit of this approach for your own use in the coming weeks, Capricorn. If you have fun with the things that bother you, I bet they won’t bother you as much.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): It’s the Forever Season, Aquarius.

You have a poetic license to act as if your body will live for a hundred years and your soul will live for all eternity. You are authorized to believe that in the coming decades you will grow steadily wiser, kinder, happier, and wilder. During the Forever Season, you may have dreams like flying over a waterfall at sunset, or finding the lost magic you were promised before you were born, or discovering the key to a healing you feared would always elude you. As you careen through this unpredictable grace period, your understanding of reality may expand dramatically. I bet you’ll get practical epiphanies about how to express yourself with greater effectiveness.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): A musical historian from Cambridge University decided it would be amusing to perform forgotten songs that were written in the Rhineland a thousand years ago. His research wasn’t easy, because musical notation was different back then. But he ultimately reconstructed the tunes in ways that he felt were 80 percent faithful to the originals.

He and other musicians subsequently performed and recorded them. I propose a somewhat comparable assignment for you in the coming weeks, Pisces. You will benefit, I believe, from trying to recover the truth about events that occurred a long time ago and/or by trying to revivify old beauty that has new relevance.

ecurrent.com / june 2019 45

crossword

IT’S A LOT Across 1. Battle between filling stations 7. Cuckoo bananas 13. Bind legally 14. Chrome, e.g.

15. Cuckoo bananas 16. Leaves in a cafetière 17. Lawns where animated characters hang out?

19. Common female Russian name 22. The Swamp machinery: Abbr.

23. Lie 24. Read Across America org.

25. Coral ___ 27. Acted as tour guide 28. NBA star Anthony’s a coward?

34. Laundromat array 35. Word said when the lights come on 38. Stuff El Chapo doesn’t want public?

42. Soothing sound 44. Mlle.: French :: ___ : Spanish 45. Wrestler Shamrock 46. First Nation people 48. Weapon in a silo 50. Capital with suburbs Bygdøy and GrĂźnerløkka 51. “I Like Itâ€? rapper who also makes barrels?

55. Psychological paradigm of perfection 56. Demands, as respect or payment 60. Shakespearean verses 61. ‘80s throwback jeans 62. Likely guests at golfer Sam’s wedding 63. Heart inserts

7. Decreasing instrument?

8. Getting into others’ business 9. Symbol of hard work 10. Van Morrison album regularly included in alltime best lists 11. Bother 12. Took out of context?

14. Baby’s sock 16. Sweetums 18. Riding mower brand 19. Like music you might rip 20. Jet name 21. Van Halen singer after Sammy Hagar 26. Leave quickly 29. “___ culpa�

30. Fuck up 31. WWII crafts 32. LA Kings president Robitaille 33. “Catch-22� character that practices crashes 36. Old tape comp company 37. “It should come ___ surprise�

39. Shrubs that share their name with women 40. Rank above maj.

41. One-named conservative street artist 42. What a skeleton key provides 43. Whence Henry VIII’s first wife Catherine 47. Patsy’s “Ab Fab� pal 49. Some video files 50. Speak on the dais 52. Tagged 53. Vegas actions 54. Way out?

57. Recycling bin item 58. Rock blaster, for short 59. “We’re in trouble, here,� briefly

Down 1. Grp. making the right choices?

2. Crunch target 3. Crafty 4. Samhain religion 5. Turkish officer 6. Co. makeover

46 

  june

2019 / ecurrent.com

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