February 2020 - Current Magazine

FEBRUARY 2020 | FREE se

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MUSIC | ART | CULTURE

seeking truth p6

Uncovering history with the Washtenaw County African-American Genealogy Society

Seize the Vine Uncorked advice from local wine pros, p9

High Cuisine

Indulge with a medicated Valentine’s Day dinner, p34

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FEBRUARY 2020 | vol. 30 no. 02 Flowers or chocolates for Valentine’s Day? Publisher/Editor in Chief

Collette Jacobs (cjacobs@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Flowers, preferably tulips.

Co-publisher/Chief Financial Officer Mark I. Jacobs (mjacobs@adamsstreetpublishing.com) flowers for collette.

Editorial

Assignment Editor: Athena Cocoves

Discover All We Have to Offer!

WEDDINGS • FUNCTIONS • SHOWERS • GOLF OUTINGS MEETINGS • SPECIAL OCCASIONS • EVENT PLANNING

(annarboreditor@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Chocolate!

Golf & Social Memberships

Calendar Editor: Chris Box Taylor

18 Hole Championship Course Private Lessons • Monthly Tournaments & Events • Fitness Center • Swimming Pool Dining & Bar • Monthly Social & Dining Events

(music@ecurrent.com)

Flowers.

Emma Baron

(calendar@ecurrent.com)

Flowers.

Staff Writers: Jeff McGinnis.

Weddings

Contributing Writers: Charmie Gholson, K.A. Letts, Jennifer Kellow-Fiorini, Jeff Milo, Kelly Thompson, Jen Soresen and Rob Brezsny.

Advertising

contact: Robert Mauck Director of Food & Beverage | Banquets

rmauck@polofieldsccmi.com 734.998.1555

CALL TODAY • 734.589.0670

Sales Coordinator Jen Leach (sales@adamsstreetpublishing.com Why Chocolate, of course!!

5200 Polo Fields Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 • polofieldsccmi.com

Sales: Micah Cotner (mcotner@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Flowers for my partner, chocolate for my friends.

Devin Stevens (dstevens@adamsstreetpublishing.com) When I find a guy who actually wants to buy me something for Valentine’s Day I won’t be picky.

Digital Media

Courtney Probert (digitalmedia@adamsstreetpublishing.com) I’d have to pick flowers!

Art/Production

Production Manager: Imani Lateef (imani@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Chocolate legs. peace to eric benet.

Senior Designer: Leah Foley (leah@adamsstreetpublishing.com) jewelry.

Designers: Kelli Miller (kmiller@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Chocolate stout.

Anita Tipton (atipton@adamsstreetpublishing.com) both!

Norwin Lopez (nlopez@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Chocolate.

Administration

Accounting: Robin Armstrong (rarmstrong@adamsstreetpublishing.com) Chocolate, please!

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Distributed throughout Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and neighboring communities.

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biz buzz ANN ARBOR

Co-working tech hub Cahoots (206 E. Huron St.) has opened Cahoots Cafe, serving locally-sourced products and RoosRoast coffee. The Cafe, located in the lobby of Cahoots, is open to the public.

8am-1pm, Monday-Friday.

Cahootscafe.com Michigan’s first SoulCycle open at 1107 S. University Ave., Suite D., on January 17. The boutique fitness studio and lifestyle brand has 47 bikes and offers classes, clothing and more. 734-412-7900.

Soul-cycle.com Rose Beauty Boutique is now open, offering eyelash extensions, facials, brows, spray tans, and more. 308 S. State St. #21, 734-224-4226. Rosebeautyaa.com Following a few weeks of remodeling in December, casual chain restaurant bd’s Mongolian Grill reopened with a modernized interior design and a new recipe center to assist guests in creating their own stir-fry. 11am-10pm, Monday-Thursday & Sunday.

11am-11pm, Friday-Saturday. 200 S. Main St., 734-913-0999.

Gomongo.com The Women’s Center of Southeastern Michigan has moved from 510 S. Maple Rd. to a new, larger central Ann Arbor location at 100 Victors Way #10, off of S. State S. womenscentersemi.org

Do you want salon-styled hair, but don’t have the time or need for a cut? Two “dry bar” salons have opened in the Ann Arbor area, offering washes, styles and hair treatments: The family-owned Go Blow opened on December 6 at 335 S. Main St., next to Real Seafood Company. 9am8pm, Monday-Saturday.

10am-4pm, Sunday.

734-263-7610. facebook.com/ letsgoblow California-based Drybar opened on December 31 in the Arbor Hills shopping center at 3010 Washtenaw Ave. 7am-8pm, MondayWednesday. 7am-9pm, Thursday-Friday. 8am-9pm, Saturday. 9am-7pm, Sunday. Thedrybar.com

After 30 years in business, Kerrytown specialty paper and bookbinding shop Hollander’s announced plans to close on June 30.

The owners, Tom and Cindy Hollander, will continue to sell products online. 10am-6pm, Monday-Friday. 9am-6pm, Saturday.

11am-5pm, Sunday. 410 4th Ave., 734-741-7531. Hollanders.com Lucky’s Market, at 1919 S. Industrial Hwy., has closed after the chain announced its move to close the majority of its stores.

The future is unclear for the popular, three-story consignment shop Treasure Mart. While the 60-year-old Kerrytown business, at 529 Detroit St., is still open, the second-generation owners listed the business and property for sale in late January, citing health issues, and hope a new owner will continue the business.

734-662-1363. treasuremart.com

YPSILANTI

The family-owned and operated 24th Cheesecakerie, popular for its Briarwood Mall storefront, will open a second location on February 1 at 14 N. Washington, in the former space of girls spa, Plush Party Palace. facebook.com/24thcheesecakes Casual fusion eatery, Wok Mandu, is now open in the former Sizzles Burgers and Subs space at 10 N. Adams St., serving Tibetian and Taiwanese cuisine. Noon-9pm, daily.

734-961-7393. Wokmandu.com Keystone Bar & Arcade is open in the basement of Bobcat Bonnie’s Ypsilanti, which took over the 200 W. Michigan Ave. Bona Sera space after the eatery’s September closure. The arcade and dive bar offers cheap beers, cheap hot dogs and a variety of arcade games. 5-11pm, Monday-Wednesday & Sunday.

5pm-midnight, Thursday. 5pm-1am, Friday-Saturday.

734-879-0663. facebook.com/keystoneybarandarcade

For more biz buzz visit ecurrent.com

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fyi Tallest building in 50 years approved

by City Council In further action to address the affordable housing shortage, Ann Arbor City Council voted 9-2 in December to approve the development of a new 19-story building at 616 E. Washington St. The building will be the tallest structure approved for construction in the city since the 1960s, a decade when both the 26-story Tower Plaza and the 18-story University Towers were built. City law caps any structure to be built downtown at 180 feet. While this proposed new building would be just over 200 feet, zoning rules allow for additional floors in exchange for the inclusion of more affordable housing units.

Synagogue member files suit against protesters, City A lawsuit filed by a member of Beth Israel Congregation, an Ann Arbor synagogue, claims that anti-Israel protesters have harassed worshippers outside the building for over 16 years, and their harassment could be curtailed without violating free-speech protections.

The suit, filed on behalf of Beth Israel member Marvin Gerber, names as defendants protester Henry Herskovitz and two organizations that he founded, as well as Ann Arbor city leaders, including Mayor Christopher Taylor. The city claims that no action can be taken against the protesters due to the first amendment. At the same time, Gerber’s lawsuit argues that their particularly provocative harassment could warrant restrictions without violating constitutional protections. —JM

green corner WCC named Bee Campus USA The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation recently named Washtenaw Community College (WCC) a “Bee Campus USA,” in recognition of the work it has done improving landscapes for pollinators. The campus utilizes non-toxic fertilizers, has many bee-friendly flowers and even hosts educational events about pollinating. WCC also recently earned a bronze medal in sustainability from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

Getting 2ZERO

A new initiative has been launched in Ann Arbor to support the City Council’s declaration to make the community carbon neutral by 2030. A2ZERO was launched on November 13 by the Office of Sustainability and Innovations to involve members of the community in the design and implementation of a realistic strategy to meet the Council’s goals.

A2ZERO aims to gather ideas and concerns from members of the public as well as a variety of advisory committees, to create a plan to be presented by Earth Day 2020. Those who want to get involved should visit a2zero.org.

Following the lead of Ann Arbor City Council, the Ypsilanti City Council announced a resolution on November 19 that would also have their community work toward fighting climate change to achieve carbon-neutrality by the year 2035. The Ypsilanti Council voted unanimously for the measure, and also pledged to unveil a plan toward achieving the goal by March 31, 2020— shortly before the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. —JM

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ecurrent.com / february 2020 5

Photo Credit: Hassan Hodges, HH Photo Graphics for Current Magazine

feature

(L-R) Omer Jean Winborn and Cheryl Garnett, founders of the Washtenaw County African-American Genealogy Society.

Seeking truth despite a history of tragedy Helping the ancestors of slaves complete their stories

By Jason Buchanan For many in America, the past is an unknown. Unlike descendants of European settlers, whose ancestors have well-documented histories in America, most African-Americans cannot track a similar genealogical trail, instead relying on oral history to preserve the details of their past.

Cheryl Garnett and Omer Jean Winborn, founders of the Washtenaw County African-American Genealogy Society, are uncovering that history. Current spoke with them about their mission to overcome the lack of documentation to trace historical roots.

What roadblocks have you had to overcome to find this story?

Omer Jean: We found out through doing DNA testing and

genealogical research that we (she and Cheryl) are related— we’re cousins. Most African-Americans who went to the northern states came through the Underground Railroad. Many also ended up in Canada, where we found out we were Black Loyalists (a largely unknown faction, Black Loyalists fought on the side of England, while in Canada, to gain land and freedom).

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Cheryl: One of the things that people don’t realize— and that we need to research— is that a good number of African-American families in this area probably have some connection to Black Loyalists.

We’ve just never made the connection. We were talking about the research around African American families here in Ypsilanti, who have a connection to Canada. Some of them [later] came back to the U.S. because of the Civil War. So a lot of people discover that their ancestors were in Canada and then came back to the U.S. and that they have Canadian connections. A lot of them don’t know that we were in Canada because we were Black Loyalists.

If you can’t find your family (a lot of people search the South and come back with nothing), you might want to look in Canada.

Black Loyalists fought in Canada in the 1700s, where our ancestors appeared by name in the census records. Many people looking in the South to trace their genealogy can’t find them. It might be because they were in Canada. Most people don’t think to look at the Canadian census.

Omer Jean: If you got to Detroit, you could easily jump over to Canada. One of Cheryl’s ancestors fought in the Civil War; he was in the Massachusetts 54th regiment, but he’s buried here (in Ypsilanti). (We discovered that when) we went all the way to Washington, D.C. and pulled his papers, and we were in disbelief.

He’s buried just down the street from where I live!

How did he get there? Fredrick Douglas went to Canada, recruited her uncle, and the uncle ended up back in Ypsilanti after the Civil War. What Black folks need to wrap our heads around is this: Our ancestors, when they ran away to the north as slaves, did not run to white people. They ran to Black folks, and it can be shown right here where we’re sitting. They ran to people they knew because there was the Fugitive Slave Act. So we’re all finding our families now. They tell you not to look at your DNA beyond ten centimorgans (a unit measuring genetic linkage). Eleven centimorgans connect Cheryl and me. She was born in Ann Arbor, so I called her. We started talking, and I’ve been going to Canada (to do research) with her for 20 years.

We found out that we’re related. The Richardsons came right back here to Ypsilanti. In the 1920 Michigan Book of Negroes, one of them was listed with 150 acres in Whittaker, MI, of all places.

“Our ancestors, when they ran away to the North as slaves, did not run to white people. They ran to Black folks, and it can be shown right here (in Washtenaw County) where we’re sitting.”

- Omer Jean Winborn

To escape slavery, many African-Americans traveled north through the Underground Railroad into Canada to gain land and freedom. Once there, some fought for England as the largely unknown Black Loyalists faction.

As the perception of the past affects actions in the present, how does that knowledge impact us?

Omer Jean: It changed me a lot. I come from a family of six.

All six of us are college-educated, but I’ve lost three of my siblings.

One day I came home from working on my third degree— I have four— and I sat down on the porch, and my dad wondered out loud, “I wonder if they could teach an old man like me to read.”

This man doesn’t read, so I had to ask myself, “How did I get here?” That’s when I really started to look at my history, and I discovered that his side of the family were Black Loyalists.

What lessons can be taught to young students?

Cheryl: We ought to be raising at least some dissonance that

(the authors of the Constitution) had a conflicted philosophy. The whole notion that all men are endowed with inalienable rights by their creator (seems to be a farce)— there’s this philosophy of people being free, and at the same time, the (authors of the Constitution) are holding men as slaves.

When you’re an African-American with this knowledge, it’s very stressful. My history is never going to be fully known. We can’t change these notions if we don’t challenge it. We’re still often misguided by the notion that the founding fathers had no flaws. In fact, they did.

Omer Jean: The devastation for us is to see it from a different point. The reason it’s not talked about in this country is that the Black Loyalists were viewed as traitors, fighting on behalf of the British, while America is trying to form a separate nation. But the Black Loyalists didn’t look at it like that; instead, they thought ‘we’re trying to be free, and we’re going to fight for our freedom.’

George Washington said, “You are taking this property (the slaves who went to Canada) out of our country, we want to know everyone that you took, their value, who their master was…” that’s all in a book entitled The Book of Negroes.

If you’re African-American, you can go to the book and find your common last name. Four of my names are in there: Dixons, Walkers, Taylors, and Johnsons. You can research the surnames, and then you follow them back.

It’s necessary to incorporate this information into American history.

Cheryl: It’s all one history. It’s up to us as African-Americans

to make it one history. When my kids went to kindergarten— and they’re 50+ years-old now— I joined the parent-teacher organization. Back then, the sixth-grade teachers pointed out that there were no Black people in the textbooks. Now, there were no Black people in them when I was in school either, and I argued about that at the time. But it was different when my kids had been taught like that, too!

Ever since then, it’s been an issue for me. I’ve always loved history. I had a history teacher who I was at odds with over the issue of slavery. No one ever got an “A” in his class, and I was going to be the one who got it. I had passed every test at 100%, and it came down to this last essay question: What were the causes of the Civil War? I put down “slavery” as one of the causes, but that wasn’t the answer that he wanted. I had to go back to the book and point it out because I think he wanted “economics” or something. But it was in there, and he had to give me that point.

There’s so much to discover. Is there a book in there somewhere?

Cheryl: The more I research, the more I learn about my

family. It’s always just been my family, but when I take a step back, my family is fascinating to me. What they’ve done and what they’ve accomplished.

Omer Jean: The first time I traveled with Cheryl to Canada, she said, “Let’s go to my grandmother’s house!” She used to visit her grandma in the summertime. She walks me around the house and tells me that her grandmother used to collect rainwater in this bucket to wash her hair. She showed me where some of the slaves are buried. cont’d on p8

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Then she took me all around town and showed me streets named after her relatives. We’ve been going back each year for 20 years. She has a fascinating story, and I just love listening to her.

Then just to think that we’re related!

Gathering this information allows perceptions to evolve.

Omer Jean: Then I thought about Josiah Henson (the individual who gave rise to the concept of Uncle Tom) who watched slave owners torture his father. He was in a protective mode all of his life— not an Uncle Tom mode— and, because he had a life where he had protection, he was allowed to move his family to a town in Canada.

People don’t know this story. They just think of books describing Harriet Beecher Stowe, and others, but they don’t know the history of Josiah Henson. (He moved to a town in Canada and) educated all those people. Our families were in that settlement where he was. If you go to Canada and see that town and learn its history, your whole perception of who he was will change.

Cheryl: In Canada, he’s a hero! It’s amazing. When you go to Canada, our history is entirely different. It’s an entirely different perception of who we are.

Join Omer Jean Winborn at the Ann Arbor District Library Pittsfield Branch (2359 Oak Valley Dr.) at 3:15pm on Sunday, February 23 for the presentation “The Underground Railroad in Washtenaw County.” For more information, visit washtenawgenealogy.org.

The Washtenaw County African-American Genealogy Society meets at 10:30am on the third Saturday of each month at the Ypsilanti District Library Main Branch (229 W. Michigan Ave.).

For more information on the events, visit ypsilibrary.org.

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Ypslinati gravestone of Cheryl’s ancestor, who fought for the North in the Civil War.

Seize the vine Uncorked advice from local wine pros

Photo Credit: Hassan Hodges, HH Photo Graphics for Current Magazine

Zingerman’s Roadhouse

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Artist and polymath Leonardo Da Vinci once said, “The discovery of a good wine is increasingly better for mankind than the discovery of a new star.” While we think the Renaissance Man’s words are extreme, we find it hard to argue with one of history’s most prolific and successful inventors about the value of certain discoveries. Want to ponder his genius? Read on to see what you can discover from local wine professionals.

What’s your favorite, and most surprising, food and wine pairing? I once took

Steal: Maison Noir 2017

“Other People’s Pinot” Noir (Willamette Valley, OR). $46.

Deal: Ancient Peaks 2016

Merlot (Paso Robles, CA). $38.

Unreal: Ramey 2015 Syrah (Sonoma, CA). $76.

Specials:

During happy hour we offer $1 off all glass pours, and we always offer half glasses of wine. Tuesdays feature 30% off any bottle of wine! We also offer 30% off togo bottled wine at any time.

Diaz

Felipe

2501 Jackson Ave., 734-663-3663.

Zingermansroadhouse.com 7am-10pm, Monday-Thursday.

7am-11pm, Friday. 9am-11pm, Saturday. 9am-9pm, Sunday.

What is your favorite local or regional winery? I’m

excited to see so many new wineries make their way onto the stage here in Michigan, but Laurentide Winery, from Leelanau, Michigan, has been leading the way with honest, high-value wines.

Lead Server, Staff Wine Education Program Coordinator, and Head Wine Devotee

What’s your take on wine trends? The rise of

more women and people from underrepresented groups in winemaking has been a long time coming. It lets us experience a point of view and a creative approach that has previously been mostly unknown.

We’ve had the opportunity to offer wines from Martha Stoumen, and currently provide wines from Eileen Crane, André Hueston Mack, and Susan Braymer.

I’m also really engaged by winemakers who focus on sustainable and biodynamic practices. These wines give a true sense of place and, at the same time, safeguard the future of the land and its inhabitants.

Canned wine is a trend that I have yet to see done well, although I am sure that there are some great options out there... somewhere...

Tastes change. What was the most recent change for you? I discovered dry

Riesling! For a long while, my experience with Riesling was a lot of sweeter examples, and I have a low sweetness threshold. Dry Riesling often brings a bright and bouncy acidity that makes it a great partner to dishes that might typically call for a Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño.

a wine pairing class, and the instructor had us taste Nebbiolo with a piece of Hook’s seven-year-old cheddar. Mindblowing! The complexity of the cheese subdued the prominent tannins, and the mineral and saline notes of the cheese just came to the forefront, all balanced by the enhanced creaminess. It’s the kind of pairing experience I keep looking to emulate with other wines and other foods.

What’s the best way to pick out a bottle of wine when you know nothing about the selection? Ask!

Picking a wine from a list that you know nothing about is like throwing darts in the dark; sure, you’ll hit something, but probably not what you’re aiming for. If you know what you like or what you’re looking for, let your server know. If the server is unsure, they can get help from the bartender, a manager, wine instructor, or sommelier. At the Roadhouse, for example, you can get a sample of any of our glass offerings before you commit. Most servers and wine professionals are eager to help you find something that you will enjoy and that will enhance your experience.

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What is one bottle of wine perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day? I think that

Burgundy shows wonderfully for this holiday. The elegance of Pinot Noir from Côtes du Nuits is perfect for sharing over candlelight. Have a bottle of Domaine Des Perdix.

Youngs Ian

If you had to pick, would you rather drink only reds or only whites? If I were

to pick, I would choose only white wines. White wine is quite refreshing and has many fascinating styles for your palate to explore!

What are your most and least favorite wine trends?

My favorite trends include sustainability and biodynamics.

My least favorite is going to be dealing with the new tariffs.

What is your favorite local or regional winery? One of

my favorite Michigan Wineries is “Big Little.” From their excellent and diverse selection to their Ann Arbor Roots, Big Little is moving Michigan wines onward and upward!

When did you first realize you wanted a career related to wine? When I was

an undergrad at Michigan and was working at a restaurant in town that pushed me to be more proficient in my work. A short time later, I took my first Sommelier exam and never look back!

Beverage Enthusiast

Specials:

We offer half-off all wines by the glass from 4-6pm, Monday-Friday. All-day on Monday, we offer up to 50% off select wines by the bottle.

What do you love most about wine? Wine shares a

unique history with the history of the world. You can follow the movement of people and the settling of countries all through the study of wine. We all owe the Romans a big one!

Steal: Isaac Fernandez Seleccion ‘Biutiful’ Brut Rosé Cava (Spain). $32.

Deal: Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Brut Champagne (France). $75. This is a

wonderful deal on a bottle that is typically priced $100-$150. We, arguably, have the lowest price in Ann Arbor.

Unreal: Opus One (Napa Valley, CA). $375. This our highest-priced bottle. As for

selecting the best-tasting wine— that’s like picking out your favorite child and guessing which child our guest thinks is our favorite! We pride ourselves in our ability to guide our guests to the wine that will taste best to them!

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Blue LLama Jazz Club

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314 S. Main St., 734-372-3200. Bluellamaclub.com 5-11pm, Wednesday-Thursday. 5pm-1:30am, Friday-Saturday. 11am-3pm, Sunday Brunch.

Aretha

Patrick

What is one bottle of wine perfect for celebrating Valentine’s Day? Cham-

pagne all the way! Guests may try to think of red wine instead, but the party starts when you hear the bottle pop. I love the sound of the mousse filling the glass, there’s nothing else in the world like it (just like your special someone), and it pairs with anything.

What are your favorite, and least favorite, wine trends? I’m probably most

excited to see a younger generation of wine drinkers recognizing the versatility and general-awesomeness of riesling. No, it is not just a sweet wine, it’s super affordable and pairs with so many different foods! In that same vein, I think there’s a negative trend amongst some wine drinkers to scoff at wines that are inexpensive or that don’t score as many points as others. Drink what you want, when you want, with whatever you want.

Steal:

The best low-priced option on our list is definitely by IMO from the Douro in Portugal, and it is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, and Tinta Roriz. This region is still undervalued for its still white and red wines. Most people know Portugal for their famous Port wines. $40/bottle.

Deal:

The best bang for your buck wine on our list must be the Luberri Orlegi Tempranillo Gran Reserva 2012.

This is one of the premier producers of Rioja in Spain, and this is their flagship wine. We serve it by the glass or by the bottle. The wine aficionados out there know this is a great deal— $ 15 by the glass/$58 bottle.

Assistant General Manager, Sommelier What’s your favorite, and most surprising, food and wine pairing? I came across

this pairing when making our New Year’s Eve tasting menu.

It turns out that egg yolk raviolo with brown butter foam and crispy pork belly pairs great with vintage Sercial Madeira.

In this case, I paired the raviolo with a 1969 Sercial Madeira

by D’Oliveiras. It’s surprising because not a lot of people think of drinking Madeira with the main course, but actually, it can be a very versatile wine.

Unreal:

The first wine that comes to mind is our Château Haut Brion Blanc 2015 from Pessac-Léognan in Bordeaux. Situated on the left bank of Bordeaux, Château Haut Brion is one of five’ first growth’ chateau that exist in the region and is the only one that exists in Pessac-Leognan. While they are probably more famous for their red wines, the Blanc (mostly Sauvignon Blanc with Semillon blended in) is a very rare wine to see on a list.

The scarcity of the wines is reason enough to splurge on it. However, what you’ll find in the bottle is pure magic. $1,560/bottle.

february 2 rick roe duo february 15 shahida nurullah & good company february 19 aguanko february 27 great lakes performing artist associates februay 29 gerard gibbs & organized crime

Specials: I am one of five on-staff sommeliers, and Blue LLama is committed

to increasing that number so that every guest can have an amazing time with music, food and wine combined for an unforgettable experience! In addition, our Happy Hour begins this month. Enjoy specials on beer and whisky pairings, select wines and a special HH food menu in the bar and patio areas from 5-6:30pm, Wednesday-Saturday. We’ll spin jazz vinyls during that time, and each day will feature a specific artist.

314 S. Main St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104 734.372.3200 www.bluellamaclub.com Wed/Thur 5-11pm Fri/Sat 5pm-1:30am Sunday Brunch 11-3Pm

ecurrent.com / february 2020 11

food Mac’s Acadian Seafood Shack Fishing for a Saline treasure

By Athena Cocoves

French colonists have a North American history rich in flavor.

While most relate French settlers with Louisiana, where they fished and trapped throughout the bayou, the Acadians were French settlers who went north into Canada in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Like their New Orleans counterparts, who lived off the bounty of the Mississipi Delta, the Acadians claimed their own freshcaught culinary tradition, courtesy of the generous bays and rivers along the Atlantic Coast near Nova Scotia. Exiled from Canada by the British in 1755, more than 500,000 went south, joining their Cajun counterparts in Louisiana. That Cajun-Canadian connection created a unique cuisine marked by southern spice and olde world charm, found locally at Mac’s Acadian Seafood Shack.

A history of its own

That rich culinary heritage inspired owners Wally and Cindy MacNeil to open the downtown Saline seafood eatery in 1996.

The sprawling restaurant, housed in the historic Murphy’s Crossing building, has become a landmark of its own.

Mac’s fare offerings are full of variety. Keep things casual by ordering a fried perch sandwich and a bowl of fresh-made gumbo, or opt for an elegant entree that showcases a variety of fish. The mix of influences that informs the food at Mac’s is intoxicating, and the ingredient options and preparations are actually exciting.

The menu is far from mundane, with NOLA-famous Shrimp Etouffee alongside Maple Glazed Bay of Fundy Salmon. But, what makes Mac’s tick is boundless curiosity, deep love of seafood, and an epicurean sense of humor.

Find your fill… again, and again

We ordered the Lobster Poutine while settling in at our table. The tower of French fries, buttery lobster and cheese curds, covered with gravy, was much more than a way to whet the appetite. Other starters include lump crab cakes, steamed Acadian Gulf of Maine mussels, and even fried alligator.

Selecting a main course may prove more difficult due to the menu’s vast array of options. For those averse to seafood, there are steaks, salads, and hearty burgers. Vegetarians will be pleased with the showstopping Mac’s Truffle Mac & Cheese.

But we didn’t visit a self-proclaimed “seafood shack” to eat the bounty of the land. We came for the seafood, eager to savor it in all of its glory.

If it swims

The Pecan & Cajun Crusted Whitefish, a surprisingly light dish, is full of flavor, served with potato pancakes and sauteed spinach and garlic. Perfectly-cooked plump broiled Maine scallops, accompanied by brown rice and spinach, were sweet and tender. Both dishes were sensible, palatable and well-executed, easily recommended for health-conscious seafood lovers who appreciate fresh and light meals.

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Mac’s also satisfies desires for heartier seafood fare, like the shrimp and parmesan grits or the lobster & shrimp fettuccine.

Or become satiated by a powerhouse— the Fisherman’s Linguini, a sinful mix of sauteed shrimp, calamari and mussels in a white wine tomato sauce. Deceptively simple and surprisingly elegant, we felt positively royal while eating this dish. The majority of the truly massive bowl was packaged to take home for future enjoyment.

Perhaps Mac’s most debaucherous opportunity is its happy hour, offered in the bar every day from 4-6:30pm. Early-evening enjoyment of a cocktail is available with a free order of mussels along with a laundry list of discounts on food and booze, including $1.50 apiece chef’s choice oysters and specialty drinks.

The Acadian hospitality at Mac’s, along with the food, will be to your liking, and you’ll leave with a little lagniappe.

Mac’s Acadian Seafood Shack 104 E. Michigan Ave., Saline. 734-944-6227. macsinsaline.com 11am-9pm, Monday-Thursday. 11am-10pm, Friday & Saturday.

11am-7pm Sunday.

ONGOING

Creamery Production Tour

TUESDAY

Tour behind the scenes at Zingerman’s Creamery and see how artisans make cheese and gelato from scratch.

$2 Tuesdays

8pm. $5. Punchline Comedy Lounge. punchlinecomedylounge.com

Whoever said that a dollar can’t get you much these days clearly hasn’t been to the Punchline’s $2 Tuesdays and open mic night.

Take advantage of their food/drink specials and then work out your material in front of a crowd.

WEDNESDAY

Wine Down Wednesday

5pm. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse.

Cultivateypsi.com Free

It’s Wednesday again! That means half-off all wine bottles!

Stop by and try the newest selection of wines, or just sample a few.

SUNDAY

Sundaylicious

5pm. Motor City Wine. motorcitywine.com

Sundaylicious is your day to kick back and enjoy some food and music featuring a different menu every week by a pop-up chef.

Music provided by the Jazz Vinyl Club.

1 Saturday Gluten-Free Winterfest

10am. $8-$12. Washtenaw County Fairgrounds. gfcelebrations.com

This one-day celebration of gluten-free living combines the food of up to eight incredible food vendors, exhibits from gluten-free food producers, shopping vendors and more.

Michigan Women Authors 2pm. Sweetwaters Plymouth Green.

Sweetwaterscafe.com Free

Join for a Q+A with a group of accomplished local women authors who write about the food and drink industry. A book sale and signing will follow the panel.

Cheese Tasting: Fondue & Raclette

6:30pm. $45. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com

This cozy evening demonstrates how to prepare and serve two kinds of fondue and traditional raclette, followed by a scrumptious tasting.

2 Sunday Comparative Cupping

Noon. $30. Zingerman’s Coffee. events.zingermanscommunity.com

Taste and evaluate coffees from Africa, Central and South Americas, and the Asian Pacifics with the techniques and tools used by professional tasters.

1pm. $10. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com

food

Sunday Brunch with Howie Bell

2pm. $45. Punchline Comedy Lounge. punchlinecomedylounge.com

Come down to Punchline Comedy Lounge for brunch and a laughter-filled show featuring comedian Howie Bell.

Vegan Potluck

5pm. Cultivate Coffee & TapHouse. cultivateypsi.com Free

The rules are fairly simple: Bring one large vegan meal to share for every two heads you bring.

Held in a very well-heated outdoor tent, so be prepared to go in/outside to the café.

4 Tuesday Elia Pellegrini at Paesano Restaurant & Wine Bar

6:30pm. $80. Paesano Restaurant. paesanoannarbor.com

This multi-course dinner will be paired with several Tuscan wines, supplied by Italian Elia Pellegrini, the soccer star turned vintner, during his rare trip to America.

Why ask why?

Try cheese dry Have you always wanted to enjoy one of Zingerman’s cheese and beverage pairing classes but you don’t drink? Have a Dry Night Out. This monthly event has Zingerman’s renowned cheesemongers present samples of the creamery’s best bites, paired with non-alcoholic beverages. Soda, fruit juice, Kombucha tea and more will be among the drinks accompanying Zingerman’s variety of artisan cheeses. Enjoy a full stomach and a clear head. —JM $45. 6:30-8:30pm. Zingerman’s Creamery, 3723 Plaza Dr., Ste. 2. 734-929-0500. zingermanscreamery.com

Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate with Keegan Rodgers

7-8:30pm. Malletts Creek Branch: Program Room. aadl.org Free

Keegan C. Rodgers, owner of The Lakehouse Bakery in Chelsea, leads this lively talk all about chocolate. Tasting included.

5 Wednesday Desserts by Decade: The Swinging 60’s

7-8:30pm. Pittsfield Branch: Program Room. aadl.org Free

Join certified pastry chef and owner of Lakehouse Bakery Keegan Rodgers and local writer/ historian Patti Smith as they take you through the grooviest decade and the foods the cool kids were hip to!

6 Thursday Meals with Faculty

5:30pm. Pierpont Commons. events.umich.edu Free

The Spectrum Center invites any and all LGBTQ+ graduate students to the new Meals with Faculty series, created to allow the community to connect with LGBTQ+ faculty and researchers.

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7 Friday Cheese & Cider Pairing

6:30pm. $45. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com

Want to wow guests at your next party or get-together? Learn how Zingerman’s pairs cheeses and ciders during this workshop.

Dinner & Dueling Pianos

7:30pm. $8-$13. Karl’s Cabin Restaurant & Bar. karlscabin.com

Enjoy Supper Club-style entertainment with Dinner & Dueling Pianos! Make reservations for dinner and enjoy the comfortdriven menu with the show, starting at 9pm.

Fresh produce weekly?

Sign us up Find great bargains on the freshest produce and meats possible at the Washtenaw County CSA Fair on February 16.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms sell their wares directly to consumers via a weekly allotment that customers pay for at the beginning of the year, giving the farmers some financial security and customers the promise of fresh food, straight from the farm, every week. More than a dozen farms from the Washtenaw area will have tables at the CSA Fair, so come on out and find your source for great eats. —JM Noon-3pm. Sunday, February 16. Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S 5th Ave. 734-327-4200. localdifference.org

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Chelsea businesses will help celebrate by showcasing an assortment of decadent treats.

Milk + Honey Decorating Workshop 1pm. $90. Blom Meadworks. drinkblom.com

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your pal or your significant other with this themed cookie and cupcake decorating workshop!

Milk + Honey will provide full instruction on decorating.

Victorian Valentine Tea

1:30pm. $25, members. $35, non-members. Kempf House Museum. kempfhousemuseum.org

An elegant traditional tea, with sweet and savory offerings.

Period attire is welcome.

Cheese & Charcuterie Tasting

3pm. $45. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com

Explore the traditional methods of curing, cooking and fermenting used to preserve the bounty of meats and dairy. Featuring pate, mousse salami, prosciutto and more.

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Valentine’s Chocolates & Cocktails Tasting 7pm. $45. Zingerman’s Greyline. zingermanscommunity.com

Eric Farrell, owner of The Bar at Braun Court, will share his favorite boozy cocktails as you taste chocolates and confections.

Hosted by the League of Women Voters, the topic this month is Ranked Choice Voting. Grab a beer and then there will be an opportunity to learn about the topic from an expert.

Enjoy tastings from Holiday Market in a festive atmosphere with craft beer and wine sampling and more during this 9th annual benefit.

10am. Chelsea. shopchelseamich.com Free

Marc Ramirez will discuss how he reversed Type 2 diabetes and other illnesses with the power of plants. Enjoy free vegan taste samples and learn about the benefits of a plant-based diet.

7:30pm. Pointless Brewery & Theatre.

Pointlessbrew.com Free

7pm. $75. Mirepoix Cooking School. brownpapertickets.complk

8 Saturday

6:30pm. Trenton Public Library. vegmichigan.org Free

Brews & Views

ROSF Celebrate Royal Oak 2020

12th Annual Chocolate Extravaganza

Free Presentation & Vegan Food Tasting

13 Thursday 9 Sunday Chocolate 101

2pm. $60. The Lakehouse Bakery. thelakehousebakery.com

Discover how to make a rich and creamy chocolate mousse and silky smooth truffles during this lively class dedicated to the “fruit of the gods” that was once used as currency.

Cocktail Class: Love Potion #9

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

The class includes a combination of history, stories, technique, instruction, and hands-on making of cocktails using a variety of ingredients including strawberries, honey, saffron and more.

Cheese Making: Mozzarella & Ricotta

3pm. $75. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com

Come and learn the secret to making terrific fresh mozzarella and ricotta from the experts during this fun-filled class.

10 Monday HumusFalafil Cooking Class: Spinach Cheese Pie 7pm. Argus Farm Stop. argusfarmstop.com Free

This event gives us a private look into how she prepares one of her famous dishes. Join us for a cooking demonstration led by Ferial. She will walk us through the steps of making Spinachcheese Pie.

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Agave: The Spirit of a Nation

7:30pm. $32. The Michigan Theater. michtheater.org

Join for a celebration of film, food, and agave! Each ticket to this screening includes access to a post-film Q&A with special guests, a mezcal tasting and light appetizers from Tios Mexican Cafe.

11 Tuesday Eagle Eye Tasting

5-7pm. Blue Front. bfa2.com Free

Discover wines from Eagle Eye Brands during this free tasting.

12 Wednesay Annual Winter Pruning Workshop 2pm. County Farm Park. washtenaw.org Free

Learn winter pruning techniques for wisteria and woody plants.

Dress for the outdoors and please bring pruners.

7th Annual Short’s Six-Course Beer Dinner

6pm. $65. Karl’s Cabin Restaurant & Bar. karlscabin.com

Treat yourself, your friends, family or your sweetie to a most memorable six-course dinner pairing, featuring the legendary Bellaire Michigan brewery.

Valentine’s Day Cookie Decorating

4pm. $1/cookie. Parks and Recreation Facilities. calendar.a2gov.org

Come to the Ann Arbor Senior Center and create a cookie masterpiece with your grandchildren. Enjoy family time together and a delicious sweet treat while conversing with others.

6 Thursday Fustini’s Cooking Class: VALENTINE CELEBRATION 6pm. $55. Fustini’s. fustinis.com

Enjoy a cooking demonstration with Nikolas Bardt as he makes caesar salad, crab cakes, steak Diane and more! Warm up the romance on a chilly winter night.

15 Saturday Homesteading & Hobby Farming: Plant Propagation 10am. Kensington Metropark.

Metroparks.com Free

Participants will learn how to propagate plants at home, whether from seed for transplanting into gardens, or from cuttings.

Prohibition Weekend: History of Hooch

10am. $5. Lake Erie Metropark. metroparks.com

Enjoy a historic journey of all things beer, including a brief home-brewing show-and-tell.

Whiskey & Wings Bar Crawl

Meet the Cheese: Gouda

Find great wing and whiskey pairings, whiskey and bourbon specials, and much more!

Discuss cheese technology, texture, and flavor, as you taste your way through some classic examples of this popular cheese style.

4pm. $20. Start at Bar Louie. crawlwith.us/annarbor/wings

Date Night: Cheese & Beer Pairing

5pm. $45. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com

Bring your significant other or your bestie for a not-youraverage date night that features beer and cheese pairings in a fun setting.

16 Sunday Community Supported Agriculture Fair

12pm. Downtown Ann Arbor District Library. aadl.org Free

Get to know your new favorite farmer at the Washtenaw County CSA Fair! Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms allow you to support the farm early in the season with the promise of a weekly subscription box.

19 Wedesday 15th Annual African American Foodways Dinner with Nicole Taylor 7pm. $75. Zingerman’s Roadhouse. zingermansroadhouse.com

The Roadhouse is honored to welcome Nicole A.Taylor, a nationally acclaimed cookbook author, food writer, and expert on Southern food! Nicole will be speaking as well as helping cook dishes from her cookbook.

Food & Cocktails Class: Bourbon & BBQ 7pm. $70. Satchel’s BBQ. tammystastings.com

In this hands-on cocktail class, you’ll make and sample four different cocktails while feasting on an assortment of meats and sides from Satchel’s BBQ.

Brew How-To with Literati Coffee

7pm. $25. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com

Learn how to brew the cup of coffee you want to drink at home in a hands-on workshop discussing which variables to focus on to make coffee to your liking.

20 Thursday Hungarian Baking Class

10am. $130. Zingerman’s Bakehouse. bakewithzing.com

Learn to bake pogácsa, a rich and tender dinner roll, and to cook a pot of Paloc Levés, a hearty lamb and vegetable soup, plus dessert!

7pm. $15. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com

21 Friday Taste of Lenawee Food Festival

6:30pm. $55. Adrian Armory Events Center. adrianarmory.com

Sample more than 12 amazing creations prepared by Lenawee County restaurants and caterers all in one location.

22 Saturday Sugar House Whiskey Society: Pappy vs. Weller Noon. $109. The Sugar House. sugarhousedetroit.com

Did you know Pappy Van Winkle and Weller Whiskies all come from the Sazerac owned Buffalo Trace Distillery? Learn facts like this, and more, as you taste four whiskeys in a blind, but controlled, fashion, followed by a spirited discussion.

Winter Beer Festival

Noom. $55. Third Monk Brewing Company. Thirdmonkbrewingco.com

Picky? You’ll find what you like at this fest, which boasts more than 1,100 beers from about 150 Michigan breweries and brewpubs.

Monthly Wine Tasting 6pm. $25. Motor City Wine. motorcitywine.com

Walk around tasting at least 18 wines accompanied by cheeses, charcuterie and antipasti. All wines will also be available for purchase!

23 Sunday Brewing Methods

Noon. $30. Zingerman’s Coffee. events.zingermanscommunity.com

Drink a work of art Mixing cocktails could be called a culinary art form, but in this case it’s literal. The 12th annual Artini fundraiser for the Ann Arbor Art Center will take place on February 21. This annual competition sees downtown bars and restaurants aim to create Ann Arbor’s “Most Artful Martini,” but this year sees a new wrinkle: Each entry will be inspired by a specific piece of art. How will that transfer to the drinks? You’ll just have to come out and see, and put in your vote for the event’s People’s Choice Award winner. —JM $70. 6:30-10pm. Friday, February 21. Ann Arbor Art Center, 117 W Liberty St. 734-994-8004. annarborartcenter.org

26 Wednesday 10am. $130. Zingerman’s Bakehouse. bakewithzing.com

Find out what a rye sour is and the secrets behind Zingerman’s rye bread flavor while enjoying the deli meats and sandwich fixings served to go with your bread.

27 Thursday Arietta Wine Dinner 6:30-9pm. $81.90. Vinology. vinologya2.com

Enjoy five chef-prepared courses paired with up to six wines.

Tiffin Tonight Cooking Class: Chicken Curry & Raita

2pm. $60. The Lakehouse Bakery. thelakehousebakery.com

Noon. $55. Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars. fustinis.com

Learn how to make delicious Cajun flavors from New Orleans with chef Nikolas Bardt includes Crawfish Dip, Creole Crab Cake and more!

Presentation and Plant-Based Food Tasting 6:30pm. $5. Irene’s Myomassology. vegmichigan.org

Join VegMichigan for a presentation and delicious plant-based food tasting. Marc Ramirez, who overcame type 2 diabetes with a plant-based lifestyle, will share his inspirational journey to health.

29 Saturday

7pm. $33. Argus Farm Stop. argusfarmstop.com

Priti Kaur is the chef and owner of Tiffin Tonight. Learn how to prepare two of Priti’s original recipes: chicken curry with garam masala and raita (mint yogurt).

This tasting session will explore a single coffee brewed six to eight different ways, each producing a unique taste.

Simple Artisan Breads

28 Friday French Quarter Cuisine

Zingerman’s Classics Baking Class

Brrs, Beards and Brews: A Lumberjack Festival!

Noon-5pm. $10 suggested donation.

Old Town Lansing. iloveoldtown.org

Brave the mean February streets of Old Town to share with the world Michigan’s Least Professional Beard Competition, the amazing Feats of Strength, bourbon, beer, games and food.

M-TH 11am-10pm • Fri 4 -11pm • Sat/Sun 11am-11pm

Learn about and begin the process of making a sourdough starter during this engaging, hands-on class focused on the basics of baking artisan bread.

Cocktail Class: Sazerac Lab 5pm. $45. The Last Word. tammystastings.com

The class includes a combination of history and stories, technique instruction, and hands-on making of cocktails. Plus sampling, of course!

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chef’s corner A peek into the minds of Ann Arbor’s culinary arbiters and their unique perspective on Washtenaw County’s dining and hospitality culture.

Chef Lindsay-Jean Hard

The hard truth about the flavors you are missing

By Jason Buchanan

As climate change storms to the forefront of critical issues in the early-21st Century, the search for new and innovative methods of waste reduction takes on a new sense of urgency. Finding a place to start can seem like a daunting task until you take into consideration that the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates we waste somewhere between 30-40% of the food supply. With that amount of waste, the kitchen is the perfect place to start, and Lindsay-Jean Hard has a method that will make your mouth water.

The author of Cooking with Scraps, both an IACP Awardnominated cookbook and a column on the popular culinary website Food 52, Hard specializes in making delicious meals from the ingredients many cooks throw in the compost bin. Cultural conditioning— and cookbooks— have taught us that certain parts of fruits and vegetables are unappetizing at best, or inedible at worst. Hard sees her kitchen in a different light— one that may change the way you view your kitchen.

You earned a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from U-M. How did you get to the kitchen? Yeah, it’s been

kind of an interesting career path (laughs). I used that degree for a solid two years here in Ann Arbor— both at the Downtown Development Authority and then I shared time with the planning department at the City— and I loved it, but then my husband’s job took us to Japan for a couple of years. That felt like a natural break for me to do something different. A friend we had gone to college with was back here in Ann Arbor. He was going to start a company called Real Time Farm to help people find food they felt good about eating— whether it was going to a local farmers market, learning about the growing practices of a farmer, or finding a restaurant and seeing where they’re getting their lettuce from.

It was one of those moments, I realized, “I have to be a part of this!” I told him that I wanted to help do this when we got back from Japan, and the timing worked out so that we were returning right when they were starting their website. I helped him and his wife build the site from the ground up, and we had a pretty incredible board of advisors with wonderful people in the food world. Two of those people were Amanda Hesser and Merrill Stubbs of Food52.com. We had a great relationship with them, and they ultimately ended up acquiring us. So two of us went on to work for Food52.

I wore a number of different hats with them: I was a Community Editor, I ran cookbook clubs for them, and I was also a writer and editor. We had an editorial meeting where we were trying to brainstorm new column topics. Gabrielle Hamilton’s cookbook “Prune” had just come out, and she has a chapter in it titled “Garbage.” We felt like we had to do something along those same lines, and it was another one of those moments where I had to fight for it: “I have to have that column! It has to be mine!”

Food52.com is a community-built website where anyone can upload recipes, so I would look for recipes where other people were doing these creative things with so-called “scraps.” I would highlight their recipes and say why they were so smart and so special, and along the way I started to share my own recipes, too

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because I was learning so much from the community. That’s really where the cookbook was born, through my involvement with Food52 and that community.

You’ve spoken previously about your involvement with a CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture, known as “Teikei” in Japan) during your time abroad. Discuss the impact that experience had on your perception of food consumption.

(In Japan) we found this cute little neighborhood grocery store right around the corner from where we were staying, and we had a great relationship with the owner. We’d go in and try and talk with him, and we saw that people were getting CSA boxes. We saw the boxes outside. So we started getting these boxes of fresh vegetables grown from nearby farmers, and it really spurred me on to cook more and be more interested in food. It was a moment of realization for me: Wow, people are working hard, near me, trying to grow these things. I want to honor that food and use as much of it as I can, as best as I can.

That’s when I started a blog that was pretty terrible with horrible photos (laughs), as a way to document what I was cooking.

With farmer’s markets and locally-sourced foods gaining in popularity, did you notice any parallels when you moved back to Ann Arbor? Definitely! I think Ann

Arbor is great with this. We are very connected to where our food is coming from, with many farmer’s markets. We also have places like The Argus Farm Stop so that even if you’re not going to the farmer’s market directly, it’s basically like going to the market to support all of your local farmers. Just talking to people here and doing events here, people do seem really receptive to the idea of wanting to honor our produce and not waste it. People are always sharing new ideas on how to use as much as possible.

Your book has been out for a little over a year. How was it received, and how have things changed for you after being published? The reactions have been overwhelm-

ingly positive. When I talk to people who aren’t as familiar with the concept, they’re always surprised about the Banana Peel Cake, and to learn that banana peels are edible.

get whatever catches my eye, but I’m trying to get into the habit of figuring out what I’m going to do with those things. When plans change and you decide you want to go out to dinner one night, finding out how you need to prepare certain ingredients— do I roast it? freeze it for later? will it still hold for dinner later that week?— and then making regular checks of your fridge, your freezer, your pantry to see what you have in there and making sure you’re aware of what’s lingering in the back of the crisper drawers so that you get to it before it goes bad.

Cook With Scraps by joining Lindsay-Jean Hard during four upcoming events at Zingerman’s Bakehouse Scrappy Flavor Infusions

$45. 6:30-8:30pm. Wednesday, February 19.

Did you know that you can transform odd bits into flavorful salad dressings, cocktails and more, using anything from water to vinegar to alcohol? Learn how to make creative blends and infusions— like Lindsay-Jean’s favorite Beet Peel Margarita— in this class.

Scrappy Apps Carrot Top Pesto Tartlets.

It’s also been really gratifying for me that shortly after the book came out, I started working at Zingerman’s Bakehouse, so it’s been amazing to implement change on such a large scale. The vast majority of food waste happens at home with the consumer, so it’s important that we all make a dent in the food waste issue. Since Zingerman’s is no longer peeling bananas for our banana bread (three varieties), that’s thousands of pounds of peels that no longer need to go to the compost. We’re making use of them.

Compost is still great, but the highest and best use is to be eating, not composing.

Our kitchens aren’t exactly designed to encourage food preservation. How can the average home cook organize their kitchen to maximize our usage? So much of it is just

$45. 6:30-8:30pm. Wednesday, March 11.

Do you wish you had more go-to appetizers up your sleeve?

Add a few food scrap-based recipes, like Kale Stem Hummus, Parsley Stem Tabbouleh, and Potato & Chive Aebleskivers, to your arsenal.

Don’t Take Your Top Off

$130. Noon-4pm. Friday, April 24.

Stop throwing away produce peels or the leafy tops of veggies, like beets, carrots and fennel. Discover how versatile these ingredients can be by learning recipes that highlight these underutilized produce parts.

Scrappy Stratas and Frittatas

$130. 6-9pm. Wednesday, May 6.

Whether for brunch or dinner, these easy, impressive meals are ideal for using up stragglers in the fridge.

To register in advance for these classes, visit bakewithzing.com/special-events.

thoughtful planning. I do like to go to the local farmer’s market and

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photo credit: Spencer Penfield

music Brother Elsey Intimate and epic Americana to the Ark Jeff Milo

The three brothers of Brother Elsey are looking forward to the intimacy within The Ark. Brady, Beau, and Jack Stablein have been recording and performing a rousing blend of Americana and neocountry ballads for several years now, layering songs with evocative sheens of reverb, swelling harmonies, and road trip rhythms. They’re eager to distil that emotion down to its core, for their first stop at the Ark.

Feel the songs

“Playing a show at The Ark will be different than what we’ve been doing for the past year,” said singer/guitarist Brady.

“But we’re excited to be able to sit down and play the songs for what they are and not have to worry so much about all the tones or loudness or energy; we want people to get to feel the songs for what they are and to feel the songs for how they were when we first wrote them, how we first conveyed them.”

A song like the title track from their 2018 EP Matador is a minimalist acoustic ballad with thundering background rhythms and a bit of country twang. Breathtaking vocals sing about slowing down. Today, their latest singles demonstrate their range, as tracks like “Last Train” are almost arena-

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rock ready with a lot of fiery crescendos through the soaring choruses. But where does a group like these three brothers “fit,” in terms of genre? Here they are, a group with rock instrumentation, coming to a mecca for acoustic folk music… Maybe Americana?

Staying true

“I think ‘Americana’ is such a fluid genre,” said Brady. “You’ll hear a band like Wilco, but also Mavis Staples, two distinct artists, but still all part of the family of Americana. I think we fit into it because we want to stay true to the stories of each of our songs, and we want to stay true to the connectivity of it, connecting is the only reason I’m writing songs--to share with people.”

Americana also allows them to travel between sonic and stylistic stations along the spectrum, from anthemic pop, to stripped down country-tinged odes.

Brady said that it speaks to the three of them putting all of their personalities into the creative process together: “...because there’s part of us that likes to have a lot of fun, but there’s also the part of us that likes to have the listener feel the emotion in a real deep and heavy way, and I’m glad we can just naturally do that.”

They are a source restoration and encouragement for each other. “(Touring) can be a hard thing to muster the strength for,” said Brady. “But if you’re doing it with your friends, with your brothers, it turns it into a much more enjoyable experience. We’re powering through this together; we’re in it for the long-run. We know that the work is the travel, but the fun part is playing the shows.”

In the living room

Two of the latest singles from the brothers’ Stablein were recorded in living rooms, both in Canada. Both strike the imagery of big skies, wide open roads— just a grandness, really— captured in a domestic setting. Spacious, yet intimate. That might be Brother Elsey’s magic at its purest.

Coming up, while not wanting to share too much, Brady assures that this will be a big year for them, with an EP coming in a few months that is “our most cohesive project, yet, and some incredible songs that we’ve been working on for a long time.” $15. 7pm. Sunday, February 16 The Ark 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 734-761-1818 Theark.org. brotherelsey.com

1 Saturday Jamie Register performs Purple Rain 8pm. $10. 18+. The Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Jamie Register and a group of local all-star musicians will be performing a tribute to Prince.

They’ll be performing his iconic album Purple Rain in its entirety.

Ramona Collins Quartet

7-10pm. No cover, entertainment donation suggested. The Blue LLama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

Toledo-based singer-songwriter, actress, educator, emcee, and WXTS-FM radio personality Ramona Collins performs two sets. She has been a fixture of the midwest jazz and blues scene for decades.

Sparks

8pm. Ziggy’s. ziggysypsi.com. Free

Local fun time cover band Sparks returns to Ziggy’s to play your favorite 80’s and 90’s jams.

The Allman Betts Band

Alvin Youngblood Hart’s bio refers to him as “The cosmic American love child of Howlin’ Wolf and Link Wray,” an accurate description of one of the most celebrated blues musicians performing today. Alvin Youngblood Hart preached the blues from a young age. He first came to prominence in 1996 with the release of his critically acclaimed debut album, Big Mama’s Door. A Grammy Award-winning artist who is most renowned for being one of the world’s foremost practitioners of country blues, Hart also incorporates classic 60’s and 70’s guitar rock into his repertoire as well elements of ska, country swing and delta blues finger-picking style. Don’t miss this modern legend of the blues when he performs at the Ark. —CB

Stormy Chromer wsg: TJ Zindle & The Power Lines

8pm-midnight. $8. The Rumpus Room, Chelsea. therumpusroomchelsea.com

4 Tuesday Illiterate Light

8pm. $12. 18+. The Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Jeff Gorman and Jake Cochran make up the experimental rock duo Illiterate Light. They’re known for their intense live shows and intricate songwriting.

The group Camp Howard opens the show.

MUSIC Matters Presents: Springfest Showdown

7:30pm. $15-$12 The Ark. theark.org

pieces written in or about each of the continents while engaging in discussions about how people from different cultures may use music as a mode of expression.

6 Thursday Iann Dior

7pm. $18 - $22. All Ages. The Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Rapper, singer-songwriter Iann Dior performs an all-ages show at the Blind Pig. He is best known for his songs “Emotions” and “Gone Girl.” Both tracks have received over 60 million plays on Spotify. Landon Cube and Poorstacy open the show.

MUSIC Matters holds a music competition where local artists compete to see who performs at the Springfest annual

Tumbao Bravo and Bride Plus One Film Feature

Distant Stars

The award-winning Latin jazz combo Tumbao Bravo performs the rhythms of Cuba with original jazz harmonic compositions.

There will be a screening of Christina Morales Hemenway’s latest film Bride Plus One after the music performance.

8-11pm. The Rumpus Room, Chelsea. therumpusroomchelsea.com Free

The four-piece experimental rock group incorporates trumpets and trombones to create their unique music that will have you grooving all night long.

5 Wednesday

lifestyle and music festival.

Passports: Piano Music Across the Seven Continents 7pm. Downtown Ann Arbor Library: Multi-Purpose Room. aadl.org. Free

Pianist Alissa Freeman, a doctoral candidate in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at U-M, will present an interactive, visual, and musical guide to piano music from around the globe. This concert will highlight

8pm. $35-$75. The Michigan Theater.

Allmanbettsband.com

$25. 7:30pm. Thursday, February 6 The Ark. 316 S. Main St., 734-761-1818. theark.org

Funkwagon!

The Burlington, Vermont-based band makes a stop in Chelsea to deliver their gospel-infused funk sound to the stage

music

Alvin Youngblood Hart

7pm. No cover, entertainment donation suggested. The Blue LLama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

7 Friday Sean Dobbins and the Modern Jazz Messengers

7pm. No cover, entertainment donation suggested. The Blue LLama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

Ann Arbor’s own Sean Dobbins will be leading his Modern Jazz Messengers through a set of straight-ahead, hard-driving jazz.

The sons of Country Rock royalty Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts, Devon Allman and Duane Betts came together in 2019 to form a new group called The Allman Betts Band. The new group honors their past while stretching out into a unique sound of their own.

8-11pm. $8. The Rumpus Room, Chelsea. therumpusroomchelsea.com

Both bands have been known to put on one heck of a performance, so combined in one night, you’ll have a good time listening to rock and roll with intense, emotional lyrics.

9 Sunday Mickey Avalon and Dirt Nasty

8pm. $20-$25. 18+. The Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Carrie Newcomer

7:30pm. $25. The Ark. theark.org

Carrie Newcomer performs passionate classic folk songs about her life, art and community activism.

Shannon Lee

6:30pm. Triple Goddess Tasting Room. m.me/TripleGoddessTR. Free

Shannon Lee performs acoustic folk music with special guest Melissa Welsh.

8 Saturday Ma Baker

8pm. $10. 18+. The Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Ma Baker plays a mix of improvisational funky jam-fusion rock. They’ll be joined by special guests Scuter and Sleezy Hamilton for their first two-set headlining show at the Blind Pig.

Joan Belgrave

7-9pm. $15 - $35. The Blue LLama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

Hip Hop artists Mickey Avalon and Dirt Nasty rose to prominence in the early 2000’s. Know for his unique rhyming style and hardcore lyrics drawn from his wild early lifestyle. The groups Hatch, and Dooley Ridah will kick off the evening.

Kitty Donohoe

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

Emmy award-winning, Michigan singer-songwriter Kitty Donohoe performs her bluesy, folksy Irish, Americana style folk music.

11 Tuesday The Exile Follies

7:30pm. $25. The Ark. theark.org

The Exile Follies is a group made up of three songwriters; John Doe (X), Kristin Hersh (Throwing Muses), and Grant-Lee Phillips (Grant Lee Buffalo). The audience can expect solo material from each, along with collaboration, stories and playful stage banter in between.

12 Wednesday

Detroit’s most well-renowned jazz singer performs two sets of soulful jazz standards and originals.

Los Gatos

Mustard’s Retreat (David Tamulevich and Libby Glover)

Los Gatos performs Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz.

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

This award-winning folk duo got their start way back in 1974 at an open mic night at the Ark. Since then, they’ve become a local and regional favorite. Minnesota singer-songwriter Glenn Elvig opens the show.

7pm - 10pm. No cover, entertainment donation suggested. The Blue LLama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

The SteelDrivers

7:30pm. $35 - $45. The Ark. theark.org

Bluegrass/newgrass group The StealDrivers bring their new bluegrass country sounds to Michigan along with their new album The Muscle Shoals Recordings.

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music Continued from p.19

13 Thursday Dean Solden and the Jazz Explorers

7-10pm. No cover, entertainment donation suggested. The Blue LLama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

Dean Solden and the Jazz Explorers combine elements of Bebop, Blues, and Modal Jazz Standards.

Brad Phillips & The Roots Music Strings Band.

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

Brad Phillips is a multi-instrumentalist and sought after session musician. He performs with his new group The Roots Music Strings.

14 Friday Zion-I

9pm. $15 Adv - $20 day of. 18+.

The Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Hip-hop artist Zion-I is considered one of the most prolific and conscious raising rap groups of the past two decades. Currently, the group’s only consistent member is MC, producer Zumbi. Expect an evening of politically charged heartfelt Hip Hop.

A Special Valentine’s Day Event Featuring Survival Songs for Wartime Lovers

8-11pm. The Rumpus Room, Chelsea. therumpusroomchelsea.com Free

The soulful, powerful vocals of Jenny Jones, Jessica Delle and Erin Zindle will fill the Rumpus Room.

15 Saturday Shahida Nurullah & Good Company

7-10pm. No cover, entertainment donation suggested. The Blue LLama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

Detroit native Shahida Nurullah performs a varied selection of jazz, blues, samba, bossa nova, and show tunes that allows her to explore her wide vocal range.

She is considered one of the best Detroit vocalists.

Mavis Staples

7:30pm. $35-$150. The Michigan Theater. mavisstaples.com

The legendary soul singer Mavis Staples performs at the Michigan Theater as part of the benefit show for breakfast at St. Andrews church.

Joshua Davis

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

Contemporary singer-songwriter West Michigan native Joshua Davis presents his folksy blues country sound at the Ark.

Nicole New: Special Valentine’s Day Dinner and Show

Safehouse Center Fundraiser

Nicole New is Detroit’s leading female vocalist and band leader.

What better way to enjoy the company of the one you love than by sharing a fun evening out on the town with a dinner and show package?

A musical event to raise funds for Safehouse Center featuring a lineup of Ypsi talent that includes Ceolsige, Amy Grace, Alice Oakes, Shannon Lee, Coty Lynn and Ashlyn Zarate. A portion of the proceeds from drink specials goes towards the Safehouse Center.

6pm. $125-$200. Blue LLama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

My Folky Valentine

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

This is the Ark’s annual celebration of romance. Hosts Annie and Rod Caps present a mix of some of their most talented friends to share the stage for an evening of musical collaborations about love and romance.

7pm. Triple Goddess Tasting Room. m.me/TripleGoddessTR. Free

Lady Sunshine & The X-Band

8pm. $8. Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti Eagle Crest. 734-487-2000

Local lady of the blues Lady Sunshine and her X Band bring their well-crafted blues jams to the Eagle Crest, located at the Ann Arbor Marriott Hotel.

Deadicated

8pm-midnight. $8. The Rumpus Room, Chelsea. therumpusroomchelsea.com

Get your jam on at this psychedelic dance party with pizza, drinks and, of course, the live music of The Grateful Dead tribute band, Deadicated.

16 Sunday Brother Elsey

7pm. $15. The Ark. theark.org

This group of brothers comes from the Detroit area. Their sound is a mix of Americana and southern rock.

18 Tuesday HighTime

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

HighTime is an accomplished folk trio that combines traditional Irish music with modern folk music and three-part harmonies.

Motown Legends Gospel Choir

7pm. Downtown Ann Arbor Library: 1st Floor Lobby. aadl.org Free

Enjoy this special Black History Month evening concert by The Motown Legends Gospel Choir, one of the most renowned gospel choirs in the Detroit metropolitan area. The choir, which consists of many past and present Motown artists, will also reflect on their favorite Motown memories.

19 Wednesday Aguanko

7-10pm. No cover, entertainment donation suggested. The Blue LLama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

Aguanko is an internationally recognized Latin jazz ensemble based in Michigan. They perform a range of styles from Son-Salsa, Afro-Cuban Jazz and Rumba.

Joe Pug

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

Singer-songwriter Joe Pug unveils his latest batch of new songs at the Ark. Matthew Wright opens the show.

20 Thursday Cheryl Wheeler

7:30pm. $25. The Ark. theark.org

Cheryl Wheeler brings her latest folk music endeavors to Ann Arbor. Known for her poetic lyrics and comical trend defying attitude. Kenny White will be the special guest.

21 Friday Dave McMurray & D3

7-10pm. No cover, entertainment donation suggested. The Blue LLama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

The musical journeyman and Detroit saxophonist celebrates a long and varied career spanning genres from jazz, funk, R&B and rock. Expect a little of all that and more when He and D# perform at the Blue LLama Jazz Club.

Martin Sexton

7:30pm. $35. The Ark. theark.org

Singer-songwriter and guitarist Martin Sexton is a worldrenowned artist whose songs manage to invoke an earlier time and place while maintaining a foothold in the present. His recent Michigan shows have sold out, so don’t wait and get your tickets today.

Open Mic Hosted by Alex & Erin

7-10pm. The Rumpus Room, Chelsea. therumpusroomchelsea.com Free

Show the community what you’ve got! The night is open for everyone to showcase their talent on the stage.

22 Saturday PD9 Sun Ra Band

7-9pm. $10 - $30. The Blue LLama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

This is a heartfelt tribute to Sun Ra performed by the Detroit group The Planet D Nonet.

Sins of Hate

8pm. $10. The Maidstone Theater. m.me/maidstonetheatre

Metal band Sins of Hate perform at the Maidstone Theater.

Shadow People, Augres and Torn Away open the show.

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Mo’Easy

8-11pm. $8. The Rumpus Room, Chelsea. therumpusroomchelsea.com

Inspired by the music of the 40’s through the 60’s from New Orleans, Mo’Easy performs funky, soulful numbers.

23 Sunday MC Lars

7pm. $15 advance. $17 day of. All ages.

The Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Modern rapper MC Lars performs his genre-bending lit-hop music at the Blind Pig. The Doubleclicks, Schaffer The Dark Lord, and Mark Cooper open the show.

24 Monday Lúnasa

7:30pm. $25. The Ark. theark.org

Lúnasa has been performing traditional Celtic and Irish music since 1997. They’ve played at countless numbers of shows and festivals, gaining a strong following with fans of Irish music.

25 Tuesday Jim and Sam

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

The Los Angeles based husband/ wife singer-songwriter-filmmaker duo Jim Hanfit and Samantha Yonack (Jim and Sam) perform their eccentric lush pop-folk songs.

27 Thursday Cam’ron

8pm. $25. 18+. The Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Grammy-nominated, multiplatinum selling rapper Cam’ron brings his unique lyrical style and over the top performance and showmanship to the Blind Pig.

Mike Marshall & Darol Anger

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

Two legendary pioneers of progressive bluegrass, acoustic string music and chamber-folk perform at the Ark.

Great Lakes Performing Artist Associates

5-8pm. $125. The Blue LLama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

This is a special fundraiser with proceeds going to support GLPAA by showcasing groups who specialize in Blues, Boogie Woogie, Jazz, Chambergrass, Avant-Garde, and World Music.

All tickets include a three-course tasting menu with two selections of house beer or wine and live entertainment.

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28 Friday Flor

music

7pm. $15-$20. The Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Synth-pop indie rock band Flor performs at the Blind Pig with special guests Winnetka Bowling League during this all-ages show.

David L. Harris

7-10pm. No cover, entertainment donation suggested. The Blue LLama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

Jazz vocalist, trombonist, bandleader David L. Harris is a rising star from New Orleans. He combines modern jazz sounds with elements of the jazz and blues past.

Raul Midón

7:30pm. $20. The Ark. raulmidon.com

Raul Midón is a singer-songwriter, one-man band. Billboard magazine called him “a virtuoso.”

He plays with a percussive guitar style and sings with a smooth tenor voice. He also incorporates a mouth harp to significant effect emulating the sounds of a bebop trumpet solo. Raul was recently signed to Southeast Michigan’s Mack Avenue Records.

Dave Sharp Worlds Quartet Bassist, composer and bandleader Dave Sharp brings his Worlds Quartet to the Blue LLama Jazz Club. The group will perform an evening of music inspired by melodies and rhythms from Turkey, Egypt, Ukraine, India, Bulgaria and Greece. The instrumentation of the quartet features oud, violin, bass and world percussion. They perform original compositions as well as traditional music from around the world, and also incorporate jazz and improvisation into their set. They know how to create an enlightening mood and take the listener on a musical adventure filled with imaginative, spiritually uplifting musical expressions.

7pm. Wednesday, February 26.

No cover, entertainment donation suggested.

Blue LLama Jazz Club, 314. S. Main St., 734-372-3200. bluellamaclub.com

Blank Slate wsg: Seventh

8-11pm. The Rumpus Room, Chelsea. therumpusroomchelsea.com Free

Classic rock hits from Nirvana, Guns and Roses, Yes, etc. are the premises of Blank Slate’s live performances. While the members range in age from 12-15, their experience from School of Rock is prominent.

29 Saturday Mountain Heart

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

Mountain Heart is a critically acclaimed Americana and bluegrass group that has been reshaping the sounds and perception of bluegrass and acoustic music for a new generation of fans.

Gerard Gibbs & ORGANized Crime.

7-10pm. No cover, entertainment donation suggested. The Blue LLama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

This group made their debut 20 years ago at the Detroit International Jazz Festival, and they have been entertaining audiences ever since. These seasoned players bring their top game to each performance from this organ trio.

Searchable lists updated daily at

ecurrent.com

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music Ongoing Mondays Jazz with Paul Keller/ Cary Kocher Quintet 7-10pm. $10. Zal Gaz Grotto. paulkellerjazz.com

Put your dancing shoes on Monday nights for high-energy swinging jazz numbers by KKQ, a group that always welcomes guest jazz performers between sets. Attendees ages 18 and younger get in free.

Factory Mondays

9pm. $1-$3. Necto Nightclub. necto.com

Rave the night away at Necto’s goth and industrial-styled Factory Mondays. Before 10pm, $1.

After 10pm, $3.

Tuesdays Jazz at The Elks

7pm. $10 Donation. The Elks Lodge. facebook.com/a2elks

Enjoy live jazz in a comfortable, intimate setting on the last Tuesday of the month.

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YBN Cordae

Saturdays Frequency Saturdays

To call YBN Cordae a rising star of hip hop would be an understatement. With over 200 million streams and counting, he has exploded into the forefront of the modern hip hop scene.

Cordae is poised to enter the next level of fame and notoriety with the release of his major label full-length debut The Lost Boy. The Wall Street Journal labeled Cordae “one of music’s most promising rising stars,” and Amazon Music, New York Times, Billboard, and iHeart Radio all put him on their “Artist to Watch” list. Catch YBN Cordae in the intimate setting of the Blind Pig before he gets too big to play that size venue.

24KGoldn will open the show. —CB $20-$25. 7pm. Friday, February 7. All ages.

The Blind Pig, 208 S. First St., 734-996-855. blindpigmusic.com

9pm. $5-$10. Necto Nightclub. necto.com

Dance to Top 40, dance and house, spun by DJ Hardy and hosted by MC Yoda. Ladies free until 11pm.

Sundays Jazz Brunches at Blue LLama

11:30am-2:30pm. No cover, entertainment donation suggested. Blue LLama Jazz Club. bluellamaclub.com

Enjoy a fantastic jazz performance and brunch at Blue LLama on Sundays in February: Rick Roe Duo (Feb. 2), Matthew Dobbins (Feb. 9), Rob Crozier Duo (Feb. 16), The Jazz Bums (Feb. 23).

Brennan Andes & Friends Wednesdays Bluegrass Wednesday with Thunderwude

7-9pm. Chelsea Alehouse Brewery.

Chelseaalehouse.com Free

Join for bluegrass with Thunderwude every Wednesday— an Alehouse tradition for more than five years running.

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Fridays Pride Fridays

5:30-7:30pm. Ann Arbor Distilling Company. Annarbordistilling.com Free

Enjoy Michigan’s premier LGBT club night, including a slew of special events and guests. Free before 11pm for guests with college IDs.

Rob Crozier Trio

9pm. $5-$10. Necto Nightclub. necto.com

Grab a drink and enjoy the house band every Sunday.

6:30pm. Weber’s Ann Arbor.

Event-jazz.com Free

Looking for live jazz music in Ann Arbor on a Sunday night? Check out smooth vocal standards and some contemporary swing by Rob Crozier Trio!

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Photo credit: Kim Hardy.

theater

Claire Joliffe, a charismatic rising actor and comedian, is one part of the two-character cast in the love story “Lungs.”

Kickshaw Theatre presents Duncan Macmillan’s Lungs Propelling their new season into uncharted waters

By Jason Buchanan

For many couples, the mere prospect of parenthood is daunting enough without the weight of the world bearing down on our backs. Yet as we take our first tentative steps into 2020, Australia is in flames, the U.K. is split down the middle by Brexit, and the sound of war drums beating in Iran seems to shake the very earth we stand on. Who, then, in their right mind could possibly possess the hubris to thrust new life onto this whirling ball of confusion?

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This is the central question at the heart of playwright Duncan Macmillan’s Lungs, a tale of a young couple who may share the love needed to nurture new life, but aren’t yet convinced that conception— no matter how well-intended— is the key to solving all of our problems.

The play, a funny, sexy, and cerebral meditation on the current state of humanity, comes to trustArt Studios, courtesy of the Kickshaw Theatre. It’s urgency and originality earned Lungs the Best New Play trophy at the 2013 OffWest End Awards. Kickshaw Theatre Artistic Director Lynn Lamers couldn’t be more excited about the talent involved in bringing it to a town whose population and diversity give those themes resonance.

A new thing

Lamers’ decision to select Lungs was a simple one: “It’s a love story. A romantic love story and we (Kickshaw) haven’t done that before.” Perhaps a touch too quaint for the nomadic troupe known for bucking tradition.

“The characters are kind-of streaming through time and place,” Lamers cites in discussing the production’s minimalist set design and the unique structuring that convinced her it was a perfect fit for Kickshaw.

A cast of two

A cast and production team have been assembled, and with rehearsals set to commence in early February, Lamers is certain she has gathered the talent to do Macmillan’s words justice.

Considering the deeply intimate nature of Lungs, as well as the play’s small cast (two characters) and set style (there is none), the responsibility falls on the two actors who lead this emotional journey.

Claire Joliffe and Nick Yocum star as W and M, respectively.

Their tender hearts pounding with passion as the terror-fueled nightmare of the 21st Century grinds at their youthful optimism, W and M leave no philosophical stone unturned. For the audience to follow the flawed, yet lovable, couple on that trek, the chemistry between the two leads must be palpable.

With Joliffe and Yocum, Lamers knows that it is.

The buzz around Joliffe’s reputation as a charismatic rising actor and comedian preceded her. A Detroit native and graduate of the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, Joliffe is comfortable performing drama on stage or stand-up comedy.

Lamers hadn’t seen Joliffe in action, but that first look was all it took: “She took my breath away! She’s truly an exceptional actor,” exclaims Lamers.

Add Nick Yocum as “M”— the second half of the cast— and the stage disappears. Each member of the audience becomes a witness to an invisible struggle where life is at stake. Yocum is a familiar face to theatre fans thanks to his work with Tipping Point Theatre, Theatre Nova, and Performance Network. His distinct brand of humor melds with Joliffe’s in a way that makes the viewer feel as though these characters could be someone they know.

One of three full productions comprising the professional pop-up theatre’s 2019-2020 season, “Lungs,” directed by Paige Conway, begins it’s 12-show run at trustArt Studios on Thursday, February 27th. For times and tickets visit a2tix.com.

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art How Do We Arrive at Justice?

Courtroom installation explores

what is fair and equitable in the legal system

By KA Letts We human beings are a storytelling species. Our social institutions— religious, legal and cultural— are based on narratives that may be fanciful or fact-based or influenced by precedent. But they are also ever-evolving. Throughout the winter and spring of 2020, Courtney McClellan, this year’s Roman J. Witt Artist in Residence at the University of Michigan Museum of Art, invites us to join her and a diverse array of legal thinkers and visual artists in examining the stories that shape the narrative of justice, past, present and future.

The site of this extended investigation into the dramatic underpinnings of the legal system, will be held from February 15 to May 17, in the Irving Stenn, Jr. Family Gallery of the University of Michigan Museum of Art. A full-size replica of a courtroom installed in the gallery will serve as the setting for a wide array of activities, seminars and presentations.

McClellan has enlisted help from the University of Michigan’s legal and arts community to tell a multifaceted and complex story. The Trial Advocacy Society and the University of Michigan Law School’s Oral Argument Competition as well as undergraduates from the Collegiate Mock Trial Association, and others, will participate by performing mock trials, excerpts from plays and readings from court transcripts among other activities.

Legal scholars, judges and working members of the justice system will hold trial advocacy workshops and students from the U-M Stamps School of Art and Design will contribute visual observations in the form of documentation of the courtroom proceedings through drawing, text, photography and video.

Witness Lab kicked off on January 30, before the installation opened, with a three-person presentation from the Penny

Stamps Distinguished series entitled Theater of Justice. Actor John Delancie, well known for his performance as “Q” on Star Trek: The Next Generation, was one of three presenters in this multidisciplinary discussion of drama in the courtroom.

Throughout February, March and April, local and regional professors, historians, members of the legal community and artists will use the created courtroom for presentations and discussions concerning the state of our legal system today.

A slightly different take on narrative within the criminal justice system will be presented late in the series with the film El Panoptico Ciego (The Blind Panopticon) on Friday, April 10. The 53-minute documentary describes a recently discovered trove of official records from the main men’s prison in Quito, Ecuador. The 139-year-long record of life in prison, beginning in 1869, tells its own story through artifacts and documents.

Throughout the series, Artist-inResidence McClellan asks visitors to actively witness and reflect upon their shared experience: “Witnessing requires a presence but also a retelling. Storytelling allows one to share experiences. I hope for visitors to not only hone their skill of bearing witness, but I also hope they are reminded that to witness requires not only telling, but also listening.”

Events Schedule February 17 - Penny Stamps

Speakers and UMMA, Artist Talk with Courtney McClellan: Observer Vs. Witness, 5:30-7pm, Helmut Stern Auditorium.

March 11, 18 - Witness Lab: Salem

Witch Trials with Professor Leonard Niehoff’s U-M Law Seminar. Public invited, seating is limited. 5-7pm, UMMA Stenn Gallery.

March 13 - Romeo vs The City of Verona, Greenhills Middle School interaction. Was Romeo guilty of Tybalt’s death? Public invited, seating is limited.

1:30-3pm, UMMA Stenn Gallery.

March 22 - Artist Reflections with Courtney McClellan: Artist as Researcher.

Free and open to public, registration is required. 3-4:30pm, UMMA Stenn Gallery March 24, April 7 - Supreme Court

101. Chief Justice Bridget McCormack uses famous Michigan cases to illuminate important judicial decisions. Free and open to the public, registration is required. Attend one or both but must be registered separately. 5-6pm, Stenn Gallery.

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Photo Credit: Courtney McClellan

The goal of Witness Lab is to present audiences with a nuanced and elusive truth: that the courtroom is a place where the goal of performance and legal storytelling is to arrive at justice.

Witness Lab is presented in partnership with the Roman J. Witt Artist in Residence Program of the Stamps School of Art & Design, with lead support provided by the University of Michigan Law School and Office of the Provost. For more information about Witness Lab, visit umma.umich.edu/exhibitions/2020/witness-lab.

STEP 1.

Nominations.

From FEBRUARY 1 to MARCH 15, nominate selections for each ballot category. Who deserves to be considered for each category? Nominate the deserving online at ecurrent. com. Up to six nominees per category will be included on the ballot.

NOMINATE YOUR FAVS AT ecurrent.com

STEP 2.

FINAL VOTING.

From MARCH 15 to APRIL 19, votes for favorite nominees in each category will determine the Best of Washtenaw. We’ll tally our readers’ votes, then announce the winners in our BEST OF WASHTENAW issue.

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film Thirty Years and Counting Impulse Ann Arbor explores Michigan’s thriving techno scene

By Jennifer Kellow-Fiorini

Jordan Stanton’s Impulse Ann Arbor documentary chronicles the techno music scene via MEMCO (Michigan Electronic Music Collective)— a university-affiliated group of student DJs, promoters, fans, and dancers. This DIY collective has roots that can be traced to 1980s Detroit.

It’s a wonder to see how this music has evolved and thrived in the Michigan area for over thirty years, just under the popular culture radar.

This collective provides a platform for electronic music on campus and teaches students the “art” of being a DJ using club standard equipment, host events, and the opportunity to collaborate with local musicians. MEMCO hosts Impulse, a monthly event at a local venue, which provides the name for the documentary.

Stanton talked with Current about the documentary and what makes this music scene so unique.

Kayla “Khlonez” Hensley, WCBN DJ How did you get interested in techno and MEMCO?

I am originally from New York and was exposed to techno there in clubs in Brooklyn. I was probably the youngest person (at those clubs) by at least a decade. When I was a freshman (at UM), my friend brought me to a MEMCO party. It was the first time I ever encountered a techno event, and it was 30 or 40 kids in a basement dancing like no one was watching. That was the first time I saw kids my age getting down to it. Not only that, but they were responsible for the production of the entire event. There were the people who were DJing, setting up the speakers, and creating the event.

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2020 / ecurrent.com

Jordan Stanton’s Impulse Ann Arbor documentary chronicles the techno music scene via MEMCO (Michigan Electronic Music Collective).

Zach Saginaw, who records as Shigeto, of Ghostly.

Victoria Johnson aka V, DJ and MEMCO member.

Around the same time, I started doing freeform DJing at WCBN, our campus radio station. My show was called Night Kitchen. It was purely freeform. I just played music I didn’t know, to learn and to expose myself to as much new music as I could. The local electronic vinyl stored in the studio was from some of the most influential electronic music artists from the Detroit area. When I was in a pinch and didn’t have a track to play, I would grab something from the local electronic music section to play. I didn’t understand the techno music as a cultural phenomenon until I started working at WCBN. That was the spark that got me interested in the music and its connection to the area.

some more interviews to shed some light on artists I feel like I missed, but I don’t think that will take the form of a documentary. It will probably be spotlight videos. Hopefully, this Impulse Ann Arbor piece could be the first domino in a wave of curiosity surrounding the electronic music scene here.

The documentary is also from my perspective as an outsider who came here as an out-of-state student privileged enough to go to the University of Michigan. I am not an Ann Arborite, or one of the “OG’s” who were here before there were student high-rise buildings.

MEMCO’s target audience is definitely U-M students, but the original scene was locals, Now both of those scenes cross over and inspire each other.

Do you plan to make a longer feature documentary?

With four months left in the area, I don’t know if it’s realistic anymore.

Although I wound up with a lot of footage of artists who were essential to the roots of this movement, I had to leave out a lot of Ann Arbor and Detroit’s history in terms of techno as a musical phenomenon. I am still hoping to do

What events are coming up?

Impluse Ann Arbor can be seen at the A2 Tech Film Showcase and on YouTube (youtube.com/watch?v=SU80GOTCxLU).

We have workshops and speaker events coming up, including events for Black History Month.

For a list of events visit Facebook at facebook.com/memcollective.

arts & culture

LET US TURN YOU INTO A PIN UP GIRL!

Entropy comes to TEDxUofM TED conference lectures have inspired and educated millions of viewers all over the world. TEDxUofM has worked to bring speakers to area audiences, capturing the feeling of those famous talks since 2014. This year’s event, Entropy, features speakers including Jason Mars, co-founder of AI company Clinc; Devin Lytle, producer for website BuzzFeed; Sean Ahlquist, UM Professor of Architecture; and David Zinn, Ann Arbor street artist. $25, $15 for students. 5:15-10pm. Friday, February 14. Power Center for the Performing Arts, 121 Fletcher St. 734-647-3327. tedxuofm.com

Break out the birds and booze Ahh, whiskey and wings. Two great things that go great together. Join Crawl with Us for a one-of-a-kind evening as part of the 2020 Whiskey and Wings Bar Crawl. Meet up at Bar Louie and spend the next six hours heading to six different bars offering food and drink specials. Wrap up the evening at LIVE Ann Arbor for a big after party until midnight. Come in costume for a chance to win $500 in a nationwide contest.

Vintage & Antique Treasures Boudoir & Pin Up Photography Parties, Events, & Happenings

COME PLAY DRESS UP WITH US! 336 S. Ashley St. Ann Arbor, MI Wed:-Sat: 12-7pm | Sun: 12-5pm

4pm. Saturday, February 15. Crawl begins at Bar Louie, 401 E Liberty St., Ste 400. 734-822-9900. crawlwith.us

Dive into Great Lakes History The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum estimates that roughly 6,000 ships have been lost among the five Great Lakes, costing 30,000 people their lives. If you’re interested in learning more about the history and human stories behind those numbers, consider attending the Great Lakes Shipwreck Festival. Featuring presentations from a variety of speakers on a number of topics, the 2020 event will provide a fascinating porthole into the legacy of the Lakes. $25. 8:30am-4pm. Saturday, February 29. Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E Huron Dr. greatlakesshipwreckfestival.org

Preparing for launch As a computer scientist working for NASA who directed the team that created the navigation software for the Apollo program, Margaret Hamilton was one of the key figures to enable mankind to set foot on the moon. A new original play, Coding to the Moon: Margaret Hamilton and the Apollo Missions, will bring Hamilton’s story to life for a new generation of students. Presented

by Wild Swan Theater, celebrate before the March premiere with a pre-launch party, featuring selected scenes from the show performed by the cast. $20. 5:30-7:30pm. Wednesday, February 5. Circ Bar, 210 S 1st St. 734-995-0530. wildswantheater.org

ecurrent.com / february 2020 29

arts & culture ONGOING [theater]

Roadsigns $14-$28. Purple Rose Theatre. purplerosetheatre.org

The play follows Lanny, a young poet, as he embarks on a journey to find the way to himself. This nostalgic tale is filled with rich characters who dwell on the outskirts of life. See it through March 14.

DAILY

[art]

Uncommon Plants from Our Unique Places Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

Events.umich.edu Free

This exhibition offers a rare glimpse of the diverse plant life and ecosystems of the Great Lakes through the lens of photographer Laura Mueller. On view daily through March 1.

Healing Power of Nature: Mixed Media University Hospital Main Lobby, Floor 1. Events.umich.edu Free

Allison Svoboda is recognized for her ethereal paintings and sculptural installations. On view through March 6.

Cages, Nests & Butterflies University Hospital Main Corridor, Floor 2. Events.umich.edu Free

Anne Bae is a multidisciplinary artist based out of New York. Her sculptural works are infused with symbolism and metaphors in the forms of cages, nests and butterflies. Open daily, from 8am-8pm, through March 6.

Dear Stranger: Diaries for the Private and Public Self Hatcher Graduate Library.

Events.umich.edu Free

Explore more than two centuries of diaries and diary-like documents from across the holdings of the Special Collections Research Center during this exhibit.

On view daily through the first week of April.

MONDAY-FRIDAY

[art]

The Indexical Print, curated

by Andrew Thompson RC Art Gallery East Quadrangle. lsa.umich.edu/rc Free

A multimedia exhibition of contemporary art with a focus on printmaking and other methods of image replication and reproduction. On view from 10am5pm, Monday-Friday, through February 14.

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TUESDAY-SUNDAY

[art]

Cullen Washington, Jr.: The Public Square University of Michigan Museum of Art. events.umich.edu Free This expansive look at the work and concerns of emerging contemporary artist Cullen Washington, Jr. pivots around the artist’s most recent series, Agoras. On view 11am-5pm, TuesdaySaturday, and from noon-5pm on Sundays, through May 17.

Pan-African Pulp: A Commission by Meleko Mokgosi University of Michigan Museum of Art. events.umich.edu Free

Artist Meleko Mokgosi’s Vertical Gallery installation features largescale panels inspired by African photo novels of the 1960s and ’70s, a mural examining the complexity of blackness. On view 11am-5pm, Tuesday-Saturday and from noon-5pm on Sunday, through September 2021.

WEDNESDAY

[misc]

Pub Theology 7:30pm. $5. Third Monk Brewing Company. thirdmonkbrewingco.com

Join host Kenny Walkup for a weekly discussion of current events. Pub Theology is a National Program and this is one of only two local hosted events.

SATURDAY

[misc]

Ann Arbor Scavenger Hunt: Ann Arbor Adventure 8:30am. $11. 313 E Huron S. letsroam.com Explore Michigan’s most charming city and learn a thing or two at the state university on this loop around Ann Arbor!

SUNDAY

[health]

Yoga (With Cats) 8:30-9:30am. $10. Tiny Lions. tinylions.org/yoga

Can you bend better than a cat?

Probably not. So, practice yoga with furry feline yoga masters on Sunday mornings from 8:309:30m or on Thursday nights from 7:30-8:30pm. $10 per person, but your 10th class is free. Pre-registration & advance payment required.

[misc]

Weekly Game Night: D&D and Board Games 5:30pm. Sweetwaters Plymouth Green. Sweetwaterscafe.com Free

Join for weekly Game Night, alternating weeks of Dungeons & Dragons, and assorted board/ card games.

2020 / ecurrent.com

1 Saturday

[dance]

AACTMAD First Saturday Contra Dance 7:30pm. Pay what you can. Pittsfield Grange. aactmad.org

Instructor calls music by Debbie Jackson and friends. Beginners welcome; all dances taught.

[misc]

43rd Annual Pancake Walk 9:30am. $3, children 2-11. $6, ages 12 and up. Stony Creek Metropark. metroparks.com Join for a brisk guided walk through the beautiful winter woods, then warm up with a hearty pancake breakfast! Fun for all ages.

3 Monday

[education]

The Living Oral History Project 1-3pm. Ann Arbor Downtown Library: Lobby. aadl.org Free

Drop-in to watch video segments from AADL’s Living Oral History Project and discover more about local African American history.

[film]

Kim-Gun 1pm. Michigan Theater.

Michtheater.org Free

Part of the KOREAN CINEMA NOW Film Series presented by the Nam Center for Korean Studies, this documentary focuses on the identity of the young man who has become a source of controversy.

[misc]

2020 BIG Camel Race Rock ‘n Roll Never Forgets Theme!

6pm. $50-$150. Crystal Gardens Banquet Center. cgliv.com

Dinner, house wine/draft beer included in admission. Come out and wager on the camels!

[theater]

Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess 12:55pm. $24, nonmember. $22, students, seniors and military.

Michigan Theater. Michtheater.org

The Metropolitan Opera will live broadcast this modern American masterpiece that transports audiences to Catfish Row, a setting vibrant with the music, dancing, emotion, and heartbreak of its inhabitants. Starring bassbaritone Eric Owens and soprano Angel Blue.

[lit]

2 Sunday

Old School Love with Rev Run 7:30pm. $32, includes one book.

Michigan Theater. Michtheater.org

Michigan Theater and Nicola’s Books host a conversation with Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons, of RUN DMC, and Justine, his wife of more than 25 years, in anticipation of their book Old School Love.

[dance]

GROOVE DANCEfloor™ 6pm. $12, nonmembers. $10, members. Parks and Recreation Facilities. Calendar.a2gov.org

All fitness levels and abilities of those 15 years and older, are welcome to unite, dance, and be yourself during this fun group dance experience!

[film]

Pretty Strong 7:30pm. $12, adult. $10, students, seniors and military. Michigan Theater.

Michtheater.org This documentary follows 10 of the world’s strongest female climbers who push the boundaries of the sport and themselves.

[lit]

4 Tuesday

Jim Ottaviani: Astronauts: Women on the Final Frontier 7-8:30pm. Downtown Library: Secret Lab. aadl.org Free

In this graphic novel, author Ottaviani and illustrator Maris Wicks capture the great humor and incredible drive of Mary Cleave, Valentina Tereshkova, and the first women in space.

William D. Lopez: Separated: Family and Community in the Aftermath of an Immigration 7-8:30pm. Downtown Library: MultiPurpose Room. aadl.org Free In his new book, local author Lopez examines the lasting damage done by this daylong act of collaborative immigration enforcement in Washtenaw County, Michigan.

5 Wednesday

[film]

SQÜRL: Jim Jarmusch and Carter Logan 7pm. Michigan Theater.

Michtheater.org Free

Jarmusch, an acclaimed filmmaker, and multi-instrumentalist Carter Logan will perform a live score to silent films by Dadaist and Surrealist artist Man Ray in addition to new sonic projects.

[misc]

road trip

Lantern-lit Ski and Snowshoe Hike 7pm. Waterloo Recreation Area. michigan.org Free

Ben Folds and more than five

One of the most influential alternative rock figures of his generation, Ben Folds’ music crosses genres to create a sound all his own. On February 22, Folds will appear at the Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle for a performance featuring some of his biggest hit songs, all accompanied by conductor Steven Reineke and the Toledo Symphony Orchestra. VIP packages are available which offer attendees a chance to attend a meet and greet or to take part in a Master Class led by Folds himself. —JM $29-319. 8pm. Saturday, February 22. Toledo Museum of Art Peristyle, 2445 Monroe St. 419-246-8000. toledosymphony.com

Martin Bandyke’s Moving Pictures: A Preview of the 92nd Academy Awards 7-8pm. State Theater. aadl.org Free

Martin Bandyke, movie fanatic and morning drive host on Ann Arbor’s 107one (WQKL-FM), will discuss the films that will win and should win Oscars at the 92nd Academy Awards, the spectacular ceremony honoring the best movies of 2019.

[theater]

Countdown to Coding to the Moon Pre-Launch Party 5:30pm. $20. The Circ Bar. thecircbar.com Get a sneak preview of Wild Swan Theater’s upcoming production about Margaret Hamilton’s software coding that got humans on the moon during the Apollo Missions. The play will run from March 4-17.

6 Thursday

[art]

Art Reception - Marty Walker: A Second Look 5pm. Kerrytown Concert House.

Kerrytownconcerthouse.com Free

Marty Walker is an award-winning painter, quilter and graphic artist. Her current work focuses on atmospheric cityscapes. On view through March 2.

[film]

Harakiri 7:30pm. $10.50, adult. $8.50, students, seniors, children and military.

Michigan Theater. Michtheater.org This 1962 Japanese period drama follows an unemployed samurai in the 17th century. Directed by Masaki Kobayashi.

[lit]

Zell Visiting Writers Series: Ilya Kaminsky 5:30pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art. umma.umich.edu Free Ilya Kaminsky’s widely acclaimed parable in poems, “Deaf Republic” reads like a two-act political drama in which lyric poems trace the experiences of citizens living under martial law.

7 Friday

[dance]

Latin Xpressions 8pm. $12-$30. The Power Center for the Performing Arts. events.umich.edu The U-M Department of Dance’s annual concert explores the diversity of the Latin experience through new choreography.

[film]

Your Name 9:30pm. $10.50, adult. $8.50, students, seniors, children and military.

Michigan Theater. Michtheater.org From Director Makoto Shinkai, a teenage boy and girl embark on a quest to meet each other for the first time after they magically swap bodies.

[lit]

Mark Webster Reading Series 7pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art. umma.umich.edu Free

One MFA student of fiction and one of poetry, each introduced by a peer, will read their work. The Mark Webster Reading Series presents emerging writers in a warm and relaxed setting.

Embrace a pure Michigan winter with a free healthy, lantern-lit trail adventure.

[art]

8 Saturday

ArtCrush 6:30pm. $85. Northville Hills Golf Club. northvillearthouse.org

ArtCrush promises to be an exciting evening featuring a sit-down dinner with “A Taste of Italy” flare, open bar, artist workshop, live painting, silent auction and entertainment. Held to benefit the Northville Art House.

Agave: The Spirit of a Nation 7:30pm. 21+ only. $32. Michigan Theater. Michtheater.org

This expressive documentary details Mexico as home to the highest biodiversity of agave varieties and showcases how one plant can carry the weight of a culture and the people trying to protect it.

11 Tuesday

[art]

Coloring for Adults 2pm. Saline District Library.

Salinechamber.org Free

Coloring isn’t just for kids! Relax and enjoy coloring designs while listening to music. All supplies provided.

[film]

[film]

A fierce psychological confrontation erupts between a detective and a killer who confessed to multiple murders in this 2018 drama. Part of the KOREAN CINEMA NOW Film Series presented by the Nam Center for Korean Studies.

This 2010 documentary, from award-winning filmmaker Stanley Nelson, is based on Raymond Arsenault’s book Freedom Riders: 1961 and the Struggle for Racial Justice.

Dark Figure of Crime 1pm. Michigan Theater.

Michtheater.org Free

[misc]

Birds and Bagels for Beginners 11am. $5. Stony Creek Metropark. metroparks.com

Have you ever wanted to identify the birds at your backyard feeder?

Learn the basics of bird identification and a few calls of the park’s backyard birds.

9 Sunday

[misc]

Creatures of the Night 2pm. $2/person or $5/family. Eddy Discovery Center. michigan.gov/dnr

Ever wonder what goes bump in the night in Michigan backyards?

The Howell Nature Center will bring several live animals to show the behaviors of our nocturnal neighbors.

10 Monday

[film]

The 57th Ann Arbor Film Festival Touring Program 6:30-8:30pm. Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room. aadl.org Free

Films include: Bird Milk by Christopher Strickler, Traces with Elikem by Ariana Gerstein, TÅKE by Inger Lise Hansen, 32 Rbit by Victor Orozco Ramirez, Wolves From Above by Demelza Kooij, 60 Elephants. Episodes of a Theory by Sasha Pirker and Michael Klein, TROPICS by Mathilde Lavenne, and Gloria’s Call by Cheri Gaulke.

Freedom Riders 6:30-8:30pm. Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room. aadl.org Free

[misc]

Queearoke: Ypsi Pride Fundraiser at Ziggy’s 8pm. Donations to benefit. Ziggy’s. ziggysypsi.com

Bring out your inner star and come play dress up while singing a tune with some of Ypsi’s favorite queers and allies!

12 Wednesday

[film]

Bias 6:30pm. $10.50, adult. $8.50, students, seniors, and military. Free for children under 18. Michigan Theater.

Michtheater.org

This 2018 documentary challenges us to confront our hidden biases and understand what we risk when we follow our gut. Followed by a post-film discussion led by special guest Nadine Hall, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Greenhills School.

[lit]

An Evening of Poetry and the Written Word 7pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room. crazywisdom.net Free

All writers are welcome to share and discuss their poetry or short fiction during this poetry workshop.

[theater]

Ypsi Improv Games 7pm. $5. Riverside Arts Center. riversidearts.org

Meet and play improv games in a fun, relaxed, and judgment-free setting. All experience levels are welcome.

ecurrent.com / february 2020 31

arts & culture 13 Thursday

[education]

Sustainable Ann Arbor Forum on Carbon Neutrality in the Mobility Sector 7-8:30pm. Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room. aadl.org Free Discuss how we can achieve carbon neutrality within the mobility sector. Hear about emerging ideas, share your ideas, and learn how you can help the City achieve its goals.

[film]

14 Friday

Princess Mononoke 9:30pm. $10.50, adult. $8.50, students, seniors, children and military.

Michigan Theater. Michtheater.org

Hayao Miyazaki’s anime classic has broken a number of box office records in its native Japan.

See what the hype is about.

[misc]

Douglass Day Celebration 1pm. Hatcher Graduate Library Gallery. events.umich.edu Free

Celebrate Douglass Day 2020 with a viewing of Frederick Douglass works from Special Collections, a panel discussion with three experts of Black women’s activism and more!

Meeting: Islamophobia Working Group Meeting 4pm. Weiser Hall. umich.edu Free

The Islamophobia Working Group (IWG) was assembled in January 2016 to address the national crisis of Islamophobia and its impact on our campus community.

Harriet 3pm. $10.50, adult. $8.50, students, seniors, children and military.

Michigan Theater. Michtheater.org

Owl Do I Love Thee 7pm. $25, members. $30, nonmembers. Leslie Science and Nature Center. lesliesnc.org

Treat your special someone to an evening of romance and fun with the Center’s resident owls.

Learn about their mating habits and rituals of these magnificent night hunters.

15 Saturday

[misc]

50th Annual Train Show and Sale 10am. $6. Saline Middle School. a2trainshow.com

There will be 400+ tables, operating layouts, clinics by AAMRC members, free raffle, a kids zone and food! Dealers from around the country will be in attendance.

Cosmic Colors 10:30am. $8. University of Michigan Museum of Natural History. events.umich.edu

The museum is offering a colorful look at the spectrum of energy that we call light, and how we use it to learn about our world through a presentation that is visual and fun.

16 Sunday

[film]

I Am Not Your Negro 2pm. Ypsilanti District Library. ypsilibrary.org Free

The Safely Talk About Race & Racism continuing screens this film based on James Baldwin’s unfinished book, Remember This House, connecting the past of the Civil Rights movement to the present of #BlackLivesMatter.

Nominated for two Golden Globes, this film follows Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Tubman, with Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn, and Janelle Monáe in supporting roles.

[theater]

The Arcade - Improv Jam 7:30pm. Pay what you can. Pointless Brewery & Theatre. pointlessbrew.com Come watch or play short-form improv games! All experience levels are welcome.

[music]

21 & Counting 3:30pm. $12, adults. $6, Seniors.

Towsley Auditorium at Washtenaw Community College.

Ypsilantisymphony.org

Join the Ypsilanti Symphony Orchestra for an afternoon with Opera on Tap, performing selections from Bizet, Wagner, Rossini and more!

[lit]

17 Monday

Jewel Heart Readers 7pm. Jewel Heart Tibetan Buddhist Center. jewelheart.org Free

Enjoy lively discussion of dharma-related book selections monthly. Open to all.

[misc]

Happiness Hop February 2pm. EMU Student Center. emich.edu/studentcenter Free

EMU’s fluffy and furry rabbit friends, Flurry and Urszula, will relieve your stress and improve your mood. Hop over and meet some great new friends.

[theater]

Broadway Our Way 2pm. Walgreen Drama Center.

Smtd.umich.edu Free

An evening of musical theatre songs reimagined and arranged

by Michael McElroy, a Tony-nominated artist, through AfricanAmerican musical idioms.

18 Tuesday

[education]

Two Small Pieces of Glass 3:30pm. $8. University of Michigan Museum of Natural History. events. umich.edu

A look at telescopes, big and little, simple and complex. Learn about how telescopes use light, and gain an understanding of how they work through this educational presentation.

The Polar Vortex, Climate Change and Weird Weather 7:30pm. Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

Mbgna.umich.edu Free A presentation by U-M emeritus professor Dr. Henry Pollack on what the polar vortex is, how it affects us in the Midwest, and how climate change plays into it.

[lit]

Adam Falkner 7pm. Literati Bookstore.

Literatibookstore.com Free

The Willies, poet and scholar Adam Falkner’s first full-length collection, offers a sharp and vulnerable new portrait of the journey into queerhood in America.

20 Thursday

[film]

Tokyo Drifter 7:30pm. $10.50, adult. $8.50, student.

Michigan Theater. events.umich.edu In this jazzy gangster film, reformed killer Tetsu’s attempt to go straight is thwarted when his former cohorts call him back to Tokyo to help battle a rival gang.

Valentine’s Day Gift Cards Available!

Values $10 and up, good for any service!

E-Gift Cards also available on our website.

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(734) 623-1951 relaxstation.com •Voted Best Massage 2019 •Walk-ins Welcome •Appointments Available FREE PARKING

32

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Full Body Massage in Individual Rooms at our Second Location

2020 / ecurrent.com

NIA SPONGBERG

LIFE COACH

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(734) 531-9024 • NIASPONGBERG.COM

[misc]

DisabiliTea 6pm. Riverside Arts Center.

Riversidearts.org Free

A place for disabled people to come together to share their thoughts, stories, and experiences in a casual setting.

[film]

21 Friday

Varda by Agnès Time and price TBD. Michigan Theater.

Michtheater.org An unpredictable documentary from a fascinating storyteller, Agnès Varda’s new feature sheds light on her experience as a director, bringing a personal insight into what she calls “cinewriting.” Also on Sunday, February 23.

[theater]

The Exonerated 7:30pm. $20. $12, students. Walgreen Drama Center. tickets.smtd.umich.edu

By Jessica Blank & Erik Jensen of the U-M Department of Musical Theatre, this drama follows the true stories of six wrongly convicted inmates and their paths from death row to freedom.

Love and Information 7:30pm. $30 & $24, reserved seating. $12, student. Mendelssohn Theater. tickets.smtd.umich.edu This dramatic comedy features over 100 unnamed characters trying to communicate with each other in today’s world of shortened attention spans and vast societal sharing.

22 Saturday

[film]

The Battle of Jangsari 1pm. Michigan Theater.

Michtheater.org Free

This 2019 war/action film follows the 700+ student soldiers who were deployed in 1950 with only two weeks of boot camp training. Part of the KOREAN CINEMA NOW Film Series presented by the Nam Center for Korean Studies.

[lit]

33rd Annual Storytelling Festival 7:30pm. $25. The Ark. the ark.org

Join for adult spoken word performances by seasoned storytellers Antonio Rocha, Anne Rutherford & Norm Brecke, and Barbara Schutzgruber.

[misc]

Bones & Skulls I.D. Workshop 10am. $3, child. $5, adult. Oakwoods Metropark. metroparks.com Join us and learn about bones that make up the animals of Oakwoods Metropark. Learn to identify different animals and species.

arts & culture

Hayride/Sleigh Rides Noon. $3, children 3-12 and seniors. $5, adult. Kensington Metropark. metroparks.com

Enjoy a horse-drawn hayride or sleigh ride (weather permitting) through the wooded trails around the Farm Center.

Casino Royale Fundraiser for Saline Fiddlers 7pm. $25, advance. $30, at door.

Tri-County Sportsmen’s League. salinefiddlers.com

Live music, casino style games and an exciting silent auction at “Casino Royale” a Bond themed fundraiser for the Fiddlers.

23 Sunday

[education]

The African American Cultural & Historical Museum of Washtenaw County 2-3:30pm. Westgate Branch: West Side Room. aadl.org Free

Joyce M. Hunter, the Museum’s President/CEO, discusses the new Museum and exciting plans for its future.

Build Your Own Telescope 2pm. $2, person. $5, family + $8/ telescope. Eddy Discovery Center. michigan.gov/dnr

Be a modern-day Galileo as you make your own working telescope with astronomy buff Meg Gower.

[health]

Sensory Yoga at Bløm 7pm. $30. Blom Meadworks. drinkblom.com

This sensory yoga experience will begin with a discussion about using all of your senses throughout your day. Then, sample a switchel, house-made with local honey, vinegar and fruit, and talk about the smell, taste, and feel.

[misc]

Maple’s Sweet Story 11am. $3, child. $5, adult. Kensington Metropark. metroparks.com

Take a guided walk through the farm’s Sugar Bush. Learn how to pick the right tree, then watch how maple trees are tapped and sap is collected.

[theater]

HD Broadcast: Bolshoi Ballet Giselle 7pm. $22. Michigan Theater. ums.org

In this brand new production by the Bolshoi Ballet, renowned choreographer Alexei Ratmansky brings a fresh perspective to one of the oldest and most iconic ballets.

[lit]

24 Monday

Author Mark Greaney presents One Minute Out 7pm. Nicola’s Books.

Nicolasbooks.com Free

Join us for an evening with Mark Greaney as he shares another high-stakes thriller featuring the world’s most dangerous assassin: the Gray Man.

[misc]

Showcase: Improv 2 7pm. $5. Pointless Brewery & Theatre. brownpapertickets.com Come out and support the students as they demonstrate their improv skills, then stick around to see the improv teachers perform a set!

25 Tuesday

[misc]

GWD Trivia at Mash 8pm. Mash Bar. mashbar.net

Join for drinks and GWD trivia!

[theater]

White Feminist 7:30pm. $25, general admission. $12$20, students. Video Studio. ums.org As the host of a morning talk show, “Becky’s Time,” Lee Minora skewers and dissects the failings of non-intersectional feminism and the dangers of white women’s tears.

26 Wednesday

27 Thursday

[lit]

Rochelle Riley: The Burden: African Americans and the Enduring Impact of Slavery 7-8:30pm. Downtown Library: Multi-Purpose Room. aadl.org Free

In a presentation entitled “Slavery didn’t end: Facing the truth in the age of MAGA,” Rochelle Riley, author and former award winning columnist at the Detroit Free Press will discuss her book The Burden: African Americans and the Enduring Impact of Slavery and how slavery “just changed addresses, moving from plantations into boardrooms, courtrooms, classrooms, newsrooms, hospitals, neighborhoods and cultural institutions.”

[misc]

Edward Jones Coffee Club 1pm. Parks and Recreation Facilities.

Calendar.a2gov.org Free Discuss current events, the economy and investing in a relaxed, informal setting.

[film]

28 Friday

Free Film and Discussion 7pm. Jewel Heart Tibetan Buddhist Learning Center. jewelheart.org Free Bring your friends and enjoy a free film and group discussion.

Concessions available.

29 Saturday

[art]

[dance]

The event is open to all types of visual artists and crafters.

A mixture of contra, English country, and a little Scottish, for dancers who have basic familiarity with one of the styles.

Artist Club: Open Studio 3pm. $0-$5. Plymouth Arts & Recreation Complex. plymouthparc.com

[misc]

Ruth’s Birthday Dance 7:30pm. Pittsfield Grange. pittsfieldgrange.org Free

Color Away 7pm. Sweetwaters Plymouth Green.

Sweetwaterscafe.com Free

[misc]

[lit]

Discover a world where prehistoric whales had four limbs and walked on land! Learn about how whales and dolphins made the transition from land back into the water.

Grab a soothing tea and join us for meditative adult coloring books. Color the stress away and escape for two hours. Coloring supplies provided, just show up!

An Evening of Poetry and the Written Word 7pm. Crazy Wisdom Bookstore and Tea Room. crazywisdom.net Free

Featured Readers: Paul Bernstein and Bradley K. Meyer. Bernstein is a self-taught poet who publishes regularly in journals and anthologies. Meyer is a poet and photographer working from Dayton, OH.

Wonderful World of Whales Tour 2pm. University of Michigan Museum of Natural History.

Events.umich.edu Free

[theater]

Mary Poppins 2pm. $30, general admission. $15, early bird. The Power Center for the Performing Arts. events.umich.edu

Fly away with the Burns Park Players this winter, as they stage their biggest production yet: Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins at the Power Center!

ecurrent.com / february 2020 33

cannabis High Cuisine

Indulge with a medicated Valentine’s Day dinner

By Charmie Gholson

Cooking with and eating cannabis as a delivery method creates a different effect than smoking. I like to eat my medicine— it delivers better pain relief and seems to be more effective in curbing back PTSD— but finding recipes outside of sugary treats can be challenging.

So, instead of brownies and cookies, here are recipes for a Medicated Valentine’s Day Dinner, which is a perfect way to show your love during a very relaxed evening at home. Don’t drive— just sit back and enjoy.

If you’d like to share your cannabis-infused recipes, please email them to okisay@yahoo.com.

Don’t forget: Be patient. You should feel the full effect

after one-two hours, and it will last much longer than smoking, up to 24 hours.

Be smart. Remember to label your medicine edibles

clearly, and keep them away from children, pets, or unsuspecting houseguests.

Australian Free Range Lamb Chops Serves two Range-fed Australian Lamb Chops are the highest quality, flavorful, lean, and succulent with the least obtrusive flavor. You can also use New Zealand Free Range Lamb.

1. Mix six tablespoons organic low-sodium soy sauce, 14 milliliters of Green Dragon, and eight range-fed Australian lamb chops in a one-pound bag. The Green Dragon will not affect the taste at all— you won’t even know it’s there when mixed with the soy sauce.

2. Lay the meat inside the bag flat on a shelf in your refrigerator. Let it marinate overnight. In the morning, flip the bag and let it marinate for another 12-24 hours.

3. Nest a small colander in a mixing bowl. Mince one sweet red onion and place in the colander to collect the juice.

4. Mix a ½ cup brown sugar, six tablespoons white vinegar, ¼ cup molasses, ¼ teaspoon Cayenne pepper, and ¼ tablespoon of the onion juice to form a very thick brown barbeque sauce with a sweet tang, a slight bite and a lovely aroma.

5. Mix one bottle of pure maple extract (found at your favorite organic foods store) and ½ cup of Karo syrup. Fold into the barbeque sauce.

6. Heat one tablespoon of oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat.

Medicated Valentine’s Day Dinner

7. Add the basted lamb chops and the minced red onion to the skillet. Sear the lamb chops for about 30 seconds on each side.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

9. Generously cover the lamb chops with barbeque sauce and continue to cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning frequently.

Australian Free Range Lamb Chops Steamed Asparagus Medicated Chocolate Truffles

start here

9. Remove the lamb chops from the pan and allow them to rest. The end product will be a beautifully glazed Australian lamb chop with a flavor to die for.

NOTE: After removing the lamb chops, add 1-2 cups of pearled onions to the pan and mix with the remaining sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they have a nice caramel texture.

Green Dragon (cannabis tincture) Cannabutter might be popular, but we think this alcohol-based cannabis tincture is more practical and versatile. Drop it into your coffee and tea, use it when preparing special foods (like in the recipes below), or experiment to discover your method. No white lab coats required.

Warning: Do not make this while medicated.

Alcohol vapors can explode; be sure to work in a very well ventilated kitchen and wear safety goggles.

1. Finely grind about five grams of high-grade medical marijuana.

Grinding increases the surface area available for THC to come into contact with the solvent, allowing the THC to dissolve much faster. The finer the grind, the stronger your Green Dragon will be.

2. Pour about 60ml of Everclear or another alcohol that is at least 75 percent ABV, into a saucepan. Bring the pan to precisely 75 degrees Celsius (167 Fahrenheit), which is just below the boiling point for ethanol.

3. Stir in the ground marijuana and mix thoroughly. Continue stirring at this temperature for at least 30 minutes. If you notice that the mixture is evaporating, add a little more alcohol.

4. After 30 minutes, turn up the temperature slowly and boil down to the desired amount. The mixture will become more concentrated as you boil it down.

34

february

2020 / ecurrent.com

5. Cool the mixture and transfer it into a tincture bottle with a dropper that measures in milliliters for storage.

6. Sort out which dosage works best for you by starting with smaller amounts, such as 1-2 milliliters.

Cont’d on p36

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ecurrent.com / february 2020 35

Cont’d from p34

Garlic Mashed Potatoes 1. Peel and dice about two pounds of potatoes. Add them to a heavybottomed pot with enough water to keep them submerged.

2. Cover the pot and bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are fork-tender.

3. Drain the potatoes and set aside.

4. Return the empty pan to heat and melt six tablespoons of cannabutter (or regular butter).

Remove from heat.

5. In a separate pot, bring ½ to ¾ cup of heavy cream, half and half, or milk to a boil and then immediately remove from heat.

6. Mash the potatoes and beat in the butter, warm cream, and 5-6 peeled and smashed garlic cloves until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

NOTE: For a milder garlic flavor, parboil the garlic along with your potatoes and then mash into the potatoes.

Steamed Asparagus

1. Place ¾ pounds of fresh asparagus in a steamer basket set over boiling water. Cover and steam for until easily pierced with a sharp knife, 2 to 6 minutes.

2. Toss with one tablespoon of cannabutter and the zest from one lemon. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Medicated Chocolate Truffles 1. Melt 12 ounces of semisweet chocolate chips in a double-boiler over medium heat.

2. Gradually add in four tablespoons of cannabutter.

3. Add ¼ cup superfine white granulated sugar and continuously stir until dissolved.

4. Remove from heat and cool as much as possible, without letting the chocolate harden.

5. Take 1-2 tablespoons of the melted chocolate mixture and stir it into two beaten egg yolks to temper the eggs. Stir into the rest of the melted chocolate.

6. Add 1 cup of finely chopped blanched almonds and mix well.

7. Stir in 1/3 cup of flavored liqueur, such as Kahlua or Grand Marnier.

8. Allow the chocolate mixture to cool and then refrigerate until hardened.

9. Once firm, use a spoon or melon baller to scoop up 2-3 tablespoons of the chocolate mixture.

10. Use your palms to form a ball that is 1.5 inches in diameter.

11. Roll the ball into chocolate shavings, almonds, crushed pistachios, coconut, or another treat you might prefer.

12. Place in little paper cups for presentation.

13. The truffles freeze well for storage.

TIP: To make the superfine granulated sugar (instead of buying it), place regular granulated white sugar in a blender or food processor.

Pulse to blend briefly. Stop before it becomes powdered sugar.

36

february

2020 / ecurrent.com

free will astrology © Copyright 2020 Rob Brezsny

FEBRUARY ARIES (March 21-April 19): My favorite ancient Greek philosopher was the rascal Diogenes. As a joke, he carried around a lantern during the daytime, proclaiming, “I am just looking for an honest man.” When Alexander the Great, the most powerful man in the world, came to meet Diogenes while he was relaxing outside and asked him if he needed any favors done, he replied, “Yeah, stop blocking my sunlight.” As for Plato, Diogenes complained that the famous philosopher talked too damn much and misinterpreted the teachings of Socrates. I encourage you to borrow some of Diogenes’ attitude in the coming weeks. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, it’ll be healing for you to experiment with being brassy, saucy, and sassy. Emphasize what makes you most unique, independent, and self-expressive.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Taurus author Anthony Trollope (1815–1882) published his first novel at age 30. During the next 37 years, he completed 48 additional novels and 18 works of nonfiction. Critics liked his work well enough, but were suspicious of his prodigious productivity. When they discovered that one of Trollope’s motivations for writing was to make money, they disapproved. Then they found out that Trollope kept a watch nearby as he worked, determined to generate 250 words every 15 minutes. The critics hated that even worse. Creative artists are supposed to court inspiration, not adhere to a schedule—at least according to the critics. But I approve of and recommend Trollope-like behavior for you in the coming weeks, Taurus. Cosmic forces will be on your side if you do.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In accordance with the astrological indicators, I invite you to rise and soar and glide during the coming weeks. I encourage you to expand and enlarge and amplify. Don’t wait around hoping to be asked to explore and experiment and improvise—just do those things. It’s high time for you to enjoy stirring quests and research projects and missions dedicated to discovery. Be a fun-loving pioneer. Sample the joys of being a maverick and outlier.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): I love living in the material world.

Its crazy-making demands and exhilarating rewards are endlessly entertaining. Despite having been born as a fantasy-prone, overly sensitive Cancerian, I’ve become fairly earthy and well-grounded.

I have a good job, a nice house, a smart wife, and an interesting daughter. On the other hand, I also love living in the soul’s realm.

I have remembered and recorded an average of three dreams per night for many years. Although I don’t take drugs, I cultivate alternate states of consciousness through meditation, prayer, and ritual. I’ve long been a student of depth psychology, which has trained me to be as focused on my soul as my ego. In accordance with current astrological omens, my fellow Cancerian, I urge you to hang out more than usual in the soul’s realm during the coming weeks.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Can I talk you into being more tender and open-hearted toward the people who care for you? I don’t mean to imply that you are currently too hard and closed. But all of us can benefit from enhancing our receptivity, and the coming weeks will be prime time for you Leos to do just that. I think you’ll find it easier than usual to deepen your listening skills and intensify your sensitivity. You’ll have an acute intuitive grasp of the fact that you can earn yourself huge blessings by expressing love and compassion in very practical ways.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): All of us are in service to someone or something—to certain people or ideas or situations. We provide them with help or energy or mirroring or love. We are dutiful in attending to their needs and wants. For some of us, our service feels like a burden. It’s grating or humbling or inconvenient, or all of the above. For others of us, being of service is fulfilling, even joyful. We find a rich sense of purpose in our devotion to a higher cause or deeper calling beyond our selfish concerns. Among the 12 signs of the zodiac, you Virgos are more likely than most to carry out the latter kind of service. I bring these thoughts to your attention because the coming weeks will be an excellent time to re-evaluate, reconfigure, and reinvigorate your own service.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Poet Robert Bly believes that each of us has a special genius, and the key to understanding and fully activating that genius is in our core wound. In other words, the part of us that got hurt the worst is potentially the generative source of the best gifts we have to give. Do you know where that is in yourself: the wound that could be the source of your blessing? Now is a great time to investigate this tantalizing mystery.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Author David Markson imagined what it would be like to write a novel that lacked conflicts or confrontations—in other words, a novel unlike any ever created.

Libran author Ursula Le Guin also fantasized about stories with plots that weren’t driven by strife and struggle. Since many of us are addicted to entertainment that depends on discord to be interesting, we might find it hard to believe Markson’s and Le Guin’s dream would ever happen. But I’m pleased to inform you, Libra, that your life in the coming weeks may be exactly like that: a fascinating adventure with few hassles and wrangles.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): According to Scorpio painter Georgia O’Keeffe, success is irrelevant. The most crucial life-long effort that anyone can be devoted to is “making your unknown known.” Did she mean making your unknown known to yourself?

Or making your unknown known to other people? Or both?

According to my analysis of the astrological omens, the coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to do both. So I hope you will tease out your best and biggest mysteries from their hiding places. Give them expression.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You Sagittarians have a talent for burning bridges that really do need to be burned. Your intuition often guides you to assess when the time is ripe to withdraw from connections that no longer benefit you. On the other hand, you sometimes burn bridges prematurely. You decide that they are in such disrepair that they’re of no use to you, even though it might serve your ultimate interests to fix them. I offer these thoughts as a preface for my advice: 1. Refurbish rather than burn a certain bridge you’re a bit disenchanted with.

2. Build at least one new bridge that will be valuable in the future.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The shape of the planets’ orbits around the sun is elliptical, not circular. Capricorn astronomer Johannes Kepler (1571–1630) was the first person to figure this out. He didn’t like it. He really wanted the orbits to be circular. That would have been more satisfying to his aesthetic and spiritual sensibilities. Explaining the arduous labor he did to arrive at his conclusion, he wrote, “Take pity on me, for I have repeated these calculations seventy times.” In the big picture of our understanding of the universe, of course, his discovery was felicitous. It’s not a problem that the orbits are elliptical, merely the truth. In the coming weeks, Capricorn, I foresee you engaging in a process that’s metaphorically comparable to Kepler’s. Hard work will yield useful, if unexpected results.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Please don’t imitate or repeat yourself in the coming weeks. Refrain from relying on formulas that have worked for you before. Resolve to either ignore or rebel against your past as you dream up fresh gambits and adventures. Treat your whole life like an improvisatory game that has just one purpose: to attract and stir up useful novelty. If you do these things, Aquarius, I can practically guarantee that you will win the game.

ecurrent.com / february 2020 37

crossword

TOSSING BACK A FEW BEERS Across 1. Cabrera of CNN 4. Crabs (and the like) nobody eats?

8. Exactly 14. My pronoun, for Merkel 15. Literary orphan sent to the Lowood Institution 16. How some grounders are fielded 17. Music genre that evokes an earlier time 19. Like sub-zero temperatures 20. “Actually, that’s bullshit�

21. Fashion designer Saab 23. Pipe down?

24. “Golic and Wingo� chanel 25. Deadly African snake 27. He’s a pig 29. Spanish province or its capital 30. Acting all emo 32. “Live at the Barbeque� rapper 33. Actor Felton of the Harry Potter movies 36. Where things stand today 40. Theses defenders: Abbr.

41. Thunder, on scoreboards 42. The tops 43. Strip off the Mediterranean 45. Al’s is 13: Abbr.

46. Test cases?

52. Perfect 54. Fighting 55. “That’s a good ___!�

56. More than you can count 57. Tanker’s route 59. Entertaining lavishly 61. Highly decorated 62. Woman’s name that means “pure�

63. Woody picture 64. Trash 65. Cummerbund, e.g.

66. Albuquerque-toLubbock dir.

38 

  february

Down 1. Eagle’s landing pad 2. Atomic structure physicist 3. Felix V and Alexander V, e.g.

4. Site admin’s concern, briefly 5. With a less neurotic personality 6. Amusingly odd 7. Old snap tone 8. ___ A. Bank 9. Paris-based arts org.

10. Get for a song 11. Original “Buffy� network 12. More in need of an ice pack 13. Met tragedy, say 18. Fix up a loose board 22. Certain style 26. “Tik Tok� singer 28. Strand with code 30. Hadley and Bradley on the Moon: Abbr.

31. Japanese dumplings 32. Like payments made with your cellphone, briefly 33. Bills from the government, e.g.

34. Private discussions 35. Operation specialists, briefly 37. Rain forest resident that resembles a zebra 38. National Radon Action Mo. sponsor 39. Very deadly 43. Really bother 44. Spritz things up?

46. Marc of the Toronto Raptors 47. Fetal positions 48. “Gimme�

49. Elba of “Cats�

50. Actress Davis 51. Wise guys 53. Author Madeline L’___ 58. “Shut Up ‘n Play ___ Guitar� (Frank Zappa album) 60. Brick oven residue

2020 / ecurrent.com

for crossword answers, go to ecurrent.com

Š2020 By Brendan Emmett Quigley (www.brendanemmettquigley.com)

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