January 2020 - Current Magazine

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health & wellness

It’s a new decade, so it’s time for an improved you, P8

Surviving Short-Term Rentals Seeking long-term solutions, P6

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JANURARY 2020 | VOL. 30 NO. 01 Tell us one New Year’s resolution you plan to keep, and one you’ll probably break.

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Editorial

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Parties, Events, & Happenings

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biz buzz YPSILANTI

Home decor shop Tuesday Morning has closed its Ypsilanti location at 3140 Carpenter Rd.

ANN ARBOR

Custom apparel and promotional products company Underground Printing will move its S. University Ave. store to the new Vic Village North building across the street. The business will consolidate its Main Street locations to operate exclusively out of “The Bo Store” at 333 S. Main St. undergroundshirts.com The Ann Arbor District Library’s Traverwood Branch is currently closed for renovations and improvements, which will include a new reservable meeting room. The 10-week closure began on December 19. adl.org LaFawn Pughsley, baker and owner of Ypsilanti-based Plush Party Palace, has opened Plush Cupcake Boutique in the Briarwood Mall near the food court in the center of the mall.

10am-9pm on Mondays and from 11am-6pm on Sundays. 734-219-3054. plushpartypalace.com/ cupcake-boutique.html

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Philadelphia-based Snap Custom Pizza has opened a specialty pizza shop in the former Pieology space at 620 E. Liberty St., promising customers quick in-and-out service. The eatery’s $10-orless menu items include vegan and gluten-free options.

11am-10pm, Monday-Thursday & Sunday. 11am-11pm, FridaySaturday. 734-531-6446.

Snapcustompizza.com Antelope Antiques will close in early February. The Ann Arbor antique shop, owned by Amy Lagler, has served the area since 1996. The liquidation sale continues with 30% off storewide until close. 11am-6pm, Tuesday-Saturday. 255 E. Liberty St. (underneath Afternoon Delight). 734-663-2828. antelopeantiques.com Women’s resale store, Clothes Mentor, has opened in the Maple Village Shopping Center at 339 N. Maple Rd. 10am-8pm, MondayFriday. 10am-9pm, Saturday. 10am-4pm, Sunday. 734-263-2150. clothesmentor.com/ann-arbor-mi Dixboro House, the newest venture from SavCo Hospitality (Sava’s, Aventura, and Wilma’s) will open in Spring 2020. The project, geared as a “community hub and destination restaurant,” will occupy seven creekside acres at 5400 Plymouth Rd., once Lord Fox, and most recently Roger Monks. For more information, visit dixborohouse.com.

green corner

fyi

City Council adopts new affordable housing incentives New incentives, aimed at increasing the amount of affordable housing in the area, have been approved

by Ann Arbor City Council. During a meeting on November 4, the Council voted 11-0 to change zoning premiums, allowing developers incentives based on the number of affordable residential housing units included in developments. The incentives address an Ann Arbor housing crisis, as rents have risen an average of 16% a year, forcing many residents to move from the city. Area activists held a “March for Housing Now” in November, demanding that City Council take more action to address the issue.

Conservation District speaker will have guests buzzing The Washtenaw County Conservation District’s 72nd annual meeting will feature a speech with a little sting as Gabriela Quinlan, a PhD candidate at Michigan State University, discusses Michigan’s Native Bees at a forum to review the Conservation District’s annual report, awards and more. For more info, contact Megan DeLeeuw at 734-761-6721, ext. 5, or email megan.deleeuw@macd.org

Ann Arbor sites approved for development Further addressing the demand for affordable residential housing, the Ann Arbor City Council passed resolutions instructing the Ann Arbor Housing Commission to work on developing affordable housing at nine different city-owned properties. As a result, two specific properties on Catherine St. and N Ashley St. received a green light to immediately begin the development process. The passing of the resolutions was not without debate — an effort by Councilman Jeff Hayner to introduce an amendment requiring the developments to be carbon-neutral was discussed but not adopted. The Ann Arbor City Council declared a climate emergency at its November 4 meeting. —JM

ON THE COVER: Dr. Amanda Himmel O.D., Main Street Optometry

Solar-powered community of tomorrow!

THRIVE Collaborative, a firm focused on sustainable housing, recently submitted plans to the city of Ann Arbor to build a new development on a 14-acre parcel on Platt Road. The plans call for the community to be powered entirely by approximately 150 solar panels. The Veridian at County Farm is designed to house a mix of homes for individuals from different economic levels, including larger townhouses and smaller, affordable housing units and apartments. The estimated construction costs for the project are $10 million. —JM

ecurrent.com / january 2020 5

feature

Surviving Short-term Rentals Seeking long-term solutions

By Jason Buchanan The history of short-term rentals is a long one. Entrepreneuring homeowners in colonial times accommodated weary travelers.

During the Great Depression, the practice became common, and more recently, Airbnb made it possible to rent a room with the click of a mouse.

Should the City take action?

In Ann Arbor, transient football fans and visiting parents of UM students driven the short-term rental market. Whether it be a fully-furnished home, an apartment, or a room, these spaces offer out-of-towners a sense of connection to a community that is lacking at hotel chains on the outskirts of town. But that experience of immersion into the community poses problems such as rowdy guests drawing a noise complaint or claims of the practice’s negative impact on affordable housing supply. These issues lead to the question of what, if any, action should City Council take in regulating short-term rentals?

They could follow the example of Santa Monica, which had previously imposed such strict regulations on popular short-term rental aggregate Airbnb that the company was compelled to strike a deal with the City in December 2019. As a result of that deal, landlords are legally required to register their rental properties with the city, and are prohibited from listing multiple properties.

An additional $2 to each rental fee will go toward funding affordable housing.

The lack of affordable housing in Ann Arbor has been an issue before City Council for some time. A 2015 report by Alexandria, VA based community planners CZB LLC determined to maintain stability in the local housing market, Ann Arbor should add 140 new units a year until 2035. Five-years, and only a few dozen additional units later, that goal seems far away.

Effect on affordable housing

In November 2018, City Council approved a $55 million development that will add 256 condominiums to 1420 S. Maple Rd. In December of 2019, Bloomfield Hills-based VMG Development LLC submitted a proposal for a $100 million housing development that would add 454 apartments. A 19-story high-rise set to break ground in Spring 2020 will bring 466 new beds to the heart of downtown in 2022, with 19 “affordable housing units.”

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It’s also at the heart of a lawsuit filed against the City this past April by a Lower Town collective dubbed “Ann Arbor Neighbors for Responsible Development.” The group alleges that property was improperly rezoned in 2017 when the city voted to take it from PUD (“planned unit development”) status to C1A/R (“campus business residential”) in a late-night 7-4 vote. The suit claims that the improper zoning violated the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, thus circumventing rules intended to ensure the inclusion of affordable housing in the development.

Voicing concerns

Last October, hired by City Council, Ann Arbor-based planning firm Carlisle Wortman facilitated three public meetings to assess public sentiment on short-term rentals and to weigh the prospect of regulation. Tensions ran particularly high at the first two meetings with questions and comments from frustrated neighbors, concerned renters, and landlords wary of being regulated out of business. And the specter of the “outside investor” hung over the conversation.

It may seem unlikely, in the current economy, that remote investors will snatch up valuable properties and exploit singlefamily neighborhoods as a source of “passive income” through short-term rentals. But responsible renter/occupants who engage in short-term rentals of their residences provide a different picture.

More than just a side hustle

Rue, a single mother who relies on the income generated by short-term rentals as a means of settling her student debt while remaining in her family home, is an example.

Jennifer, another local renter, assures that between the vetting, monitoring, prepping, and general caretaking, Airbnb is “hardly a cash cow,” and she is concerned that over-regulation may choke the modest, yet critical, additional income that short term rentals provide.

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Nick, a “larger host” who has welcomed over 1,000 guests, shares those sentiments while remaining skeptical of the elusive “outsider investor” eager to stuff their coffers from afar.

Regulations to be considered early this year

Councilperson Ali Ramlawi, of Ward 5, who backed the hiring of Carlisle-Wortman based on the firm’s hometown connection, sees the meetings as an opportunity to encourage dialogue on a hot button issue. The turnout and engagement at the forums last fall provided the firm with plenty of input to allow them to conclude to present to Council. Ramlawi expects City Council will discuss the findings and consider regulation in early 2020— well before those football fans flood in for another season.

One consideration for City Council concerning any regulation of short-term rentals is the affordable housing dilemma. Despite being a welcome resource for well-intending visitors of all persuasions, each property that exists as a short-term rental represents one less available option for someone who works in the city, but can’t swing the rent.

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health & wellness It’s a new decade, so it’s time for an improved you. Whether you want to eat healthier, develop better habits, get your gut health in check, or try a new style, these local experts advise on their favorite ways to feel healthy.

Elisabeth Warner

Regional Marketing Specialist LUCKY’S MARKET

1919 S. Industrial Hwy., 734-368-9137. Luckysmarket.com 8am-10pm, daily.

Five ingredients to use in 2020? Swiss chard, sunflower

seed butter, roasted cauliflower, jackfruit and almond flour.

What is your favorite easy weeknight dinner? Soup made

over the weekend during batch cooking, with a loaf of Lucky’s artisan bread.

What’s the best thing to eat or drink when I’m stressed?

Adaptogens are great because they can help lower cortisol. Complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, can increase serotonin production and stabilize blood pressure as a way to reduce stress. Herbal teas just feel cozy and calming.

What’s the best thing to eat or drink when I need to sleep? Foods with tryptophan

like almonds, cheese, and, yes, turkey.

What’s the best thing to eat or drink when I want to boost my mood? Adaptogen

teas, foods with high omega 3s like oily fish, foods with lots of vitamin D, like milk and foods high in folate like leafy greens.

What’s the best thing to eat or drink when I’m recovering from the holidays? Just clean

ingredients—simple protein, veggies, and whole grains. And drink lots of water!

Do you believe in cheat days? I dislike thinking of good

food and bad food. Just try to eat foods with pronounceable ingredients, chill out on sugar and processed foods, and be mindful of what you eat. If you want to eat a pint of ice cream while watching Real Housewives, do it, enjoy it, and move on.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS SPECIAL AD SECTION

Bonnie Dockham

What do you offer to someone seeking health and wellness improvement? The

LMSW / Executive Director CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY OF GREATER ANN ARBOR

2010 Hogback Rd., Suite 3.

Ann Arbor, MI. 734-975-2500.

Cancersupportannarbor.org

What are some of your most popular support programs? Our

support groups are definitely one of the most impactful. Led by licensed therapists, our support groups provide a space for people with cancer and their loved ones to find a sense of balance after a cancer diagnosis. It is a place for resources and guidance, as well as validation and normalization.

I cannot fully express their power.

Currently, we have over 30 support groups meeting each month, some weekly and some monthly.

Although our Living with Cancer groups welcome those with any type or stage of cancer, others are more specific, like our friends and family groups, young adult group, LGBTQ+ group, and advanced cancer groups.

Cancer Support Community offers dozens of evidence-based programs for all people impacted by cancer, including caregivers and children as well. Our free programs include nutrition, exercise, meditation and more. Wellness programs for kids teach children how to manage emotions through meditative techniques. Our exercise and stress management for adults are shown to improve quality of life in areas such as reduced fatigue, depression, anxiety and improvement in sleep and pain. Adult wellness classes are available every day of the week, and all of our instructors are trained to make sure the class is safe and comfortable for people dealing with cancerrelated fatigue, pain, and physical changes.

What does feeling “healed” mean to you? I think that healing is a process, not a

single moment in time. When I think of healing, I think of the whole person— body, mind, and spirit. Healing is time-consuming; once a part of us heals, there are often other parts that need work. It is full of effort and, to be most effective, should be intentional.

Tell us about one of the most impactful experiences that you’ve had with a patient. There have been so many

impactful experiences working with people with cancer. Still, one of the most memorable is of a family who participated in our kid’s programs nearly ten years ago. Mom was sick with advanced cancer, and her daughters were 7 and 9. Understandably, she was angry that she was facing the end of her life, and sadness and fear consumed her husband and children. The kids participated in a session where they learned about the importance of communication using a model volcano as an example. The metaphor being that feelings can build up and eventually you can explode. One of the daughters shared this experience with her mother, indicating that she thought mom was like a volcano. Mom had no idea how her anger was impacting her children. She lived for two more years and, although that was not nearly enough time, those years were good years. The family talked about their feelings, and anger dissipated. Her death was difficult, but her husband and children attributed the wonderful years leading up to her death to that moment, standing around the baking soda volcano. Honesty opened them up to face cancer as a family— united.

CONT’D ON P10

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With limited exceptions, physicians are not employees or agents of this hospital. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website. Model representations of real patients are shown. Actual patients cannot be divulged due to HIPAA regualtions. 183074.

ecurrent.com / january 2020 9

HEALTH & WELLNESS SPECIAL AD SECTION

Rachel Kanaan

Co-founder UNITY VIBRATION KOMBUCHA BEER AND TEA

93 Ecorse Rd., Ypsilanti.

734-277-4063.

Unityvibrationkombucha.com Brewery Business Hours: 9am4pm, Monday-Friday.

Tasting Room Hours: 5-11pm, Friday-Saturday.

What are some health benefits of drinking kombucha? First of all,

drinking kombucha (Unity Vibration’s at least) is an enjoyable experience that stands on its own as a beverage of choice or can act as a healthier replacement for coffee, tea, beer and pop. It also improves gut health, immune system function, detoxifies, improves digestion, and benefits your skin hair and nails.

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What is “gut health” and why should I care? The term gut

bacteria refers strictly to bacteria that colonize the gastrointestinal system but is commonly used to refer to all types of microorganisms present in the gastrointestinal system. Gut flora is a natural presence in the human gastrointestinal system and, for the most part, a keeper of good health with beneficial bacteria increasing your total number of white blood cells. Eighty percent of your immune system is located in your gut. When your stomach and intestinal tract are healthy, your immune system works optimally, and nutrients are absorbed more easily. Studies indicate that individuals with unhealthy gut bacteria end up absorbing hundreds of calories more than people with healthy bacteria, from the same exact meal.

2020 / ecurrent.com

I want to break my soda-drinking habit. What type of kombucha should I swap for my afternoon Diet Coke? We would

How much kombucha can I drink in a day? You can

start slowly if you like— begin with 8oz then see how your body does— but most people feel great even when they begin drinking it in larger quantities.

A few can go through a small detox period. See how your body feels, then you can drink 16oz a day. I drink much more!

recommend Unity Vibration Kold Brewcha! That would be ideal as it gives all the health benefits, awesome flavor and a delicious coffee kick (with Zingerman’s Cold brew coffee added to each bottle for a nice 82 milligrams of caffeine), plus the probiotics, beneficial acids and more. If you don’t like coffee, try our mildflavored Grapefruit Sage or Mint Pear.

What’s the best flavor for a beginner to try?

Bourbon Peach (8% ABV) is our best-seller, and Funky Ginger is

PHOTO CREDIT_ HASSAN HODGES_HH PHOTO GRAPHICS FOR CURRENT MAGAZINE

HEALTH & WELLNESS SPECIAL AD SECTION

Brent Engels Franchise Owner PROFILE BY SANFORD

WELCOME TO ANN ARBOR’S NEWEST PIERCING-ONLY STUDIO

215 N. Maple Rd., Suite A-1.

734-270-4060. profileplan.com/ann-arbor 9am-7pm, Monday-Friday. 9am-3pm, Saturday.

Providing up-to-date techniques and procedures We carry only the best in Implant grade titanium,niobium, & solid 14k & 18k gold.

Why do most weight loss plans fail? Most weight loss

plans fail because either the individual was not ready to make the change, they didn’t have the proper support system, they followed along with a system but didn’t actually make lifestyle changes, or a combination of the three.

What role does habit play in weight loss? Habit plays

a major role. People trying to lose weight typically have bad habits that they need to replace with good habits to maintain their progress. For example, changing fries and chips as sides to vegetables and trading things like soda and energy drinks for water.

Tell us about one of the most impactful experiences that you’ve had with a client. We

just opened in September, so many of our members are just starting on their journey, but we have one member that is already down 35lbs.

He is someone that always enjoyed exercise before joining, but didn’t make smart food choices. Since he has been on the plan, he is finding healthier versions of his favorite foods

and enjoying them just as much. He is also more aware of the portions he should be eating. The weight loss has given him more energy to be active with his children and has helped a lot with his joint pain while running. We love it when he comes in every week to share his progress and talk about his improved overall quality of life!

211 E. Liberty St. | Ann Arbor, MI | (734)-997-0608

What do you offer to someone seeking health and wellness improvement? We offer a

customized meal plan as well as weekly coaching to support and guide our members on their journey. We do provide solutions but prefer when our members come in with specific things they want to learn about or work on. We set weekly SMART goals and focus on an overall lifestyle change to help our members reach each of their health and wellness goals.

Do you use any health, fitness or mindfulness apps? I use Fitbit to track

my calories burned and MyFitnessPal to track my intake calories and macronutrients.

CONT’D ON P12 ecurrent.com / january 2020 11

HEALTH & WELLNESS SPECIAL AD SECTION

Office Manager RELAXSTATION

PHOTO CREDIT_ HASSAN HODGES_HH PHOTO GRAPHICS FOR CURRENT MAGAZINE

300 W. Huron St. & 117 N. First, Suite 30, Ann Arbor.

734-623-1951. relaxstation.com What are some misconceptions about massage?

A big one is that it is a luxury, not a necessity. Many people think massage is just a “feel good” treat when in reality there are multiple health benefits to massage.

It can reduce stress and anxiety, help with digestive disorders, insomnia, headaches, lymphatic and circulatory systems, and overall wellness.

Also, it is beneficial to healing and pain reduction caused by soft tissue strains and injuries.

Dr. Amanda Himmel O.D., MAIN STREET OPTOMETRY

Dexter: 8089 Main St., 734-424-9230.

Pinckney: 907 E. Main St., 734-878-7444. mainstreetoptometry.com Do I need to see an optometrist, even if I have great vision? Most certainly. There are so many ocular disorders that

a patient may not notice symptoms of until it’s too late, such as retinal tears and glaucoma. An eye doctor can detect and provide treatment for these issues early on. Another situation I see quite commonly is patients not bringing their children in for an eye exam until after they’ve failed a school screening. A child who was born with blurry vision may not have a concept that their vision isn’t ‘clear’ or isn’t what other people typically see. Especially in this age of increasing computer use, eye exams are critical for pediatric patients whether they verbalize a complaint or not.

“The longer the massage, the better.” True or false?

It depends on what your goals are in getting the massage.

Relaxation massage tends to be a longer session, whereas therapeutic massage, for a specific area, would be shorter. Age and injury levels are also factors to consider as sometimes laying on the table for an extended time can be troublesome.

What should I tell my masseuse before getting my first massage? Be sure to let your masseuse know if you

have any injuries or have recently had surgery. They also need to be aware of any skin conditions or sensitivity to lotions, oils or scents.

My neck is stiff and my next massage isn’t for a week. What are some self-massage techniques to try at home? Depending on why your neck hurts ice and/or

heat are always good. A topical pain reliever such as Biofreeze can be helpful also. Self-massage products like foam rollers, S hooks, or just a plain old tennis ball, can be used for trigger point areas. Stretching techniques can also alleviate pain for the time being. Ask your massage therapist, chiropractor or physical therapist for stretches specific to your issues.

What should I wear to my first massage? Whatever

is most comfortable for you. If you’re coming in for a private session here at RelaxStation, most people prefer not to wear anything at all during the massage and rely on the therapist for proper draping to make them as comfortable and secure as possible. If you’re coming to RelaxStation for an open atmosphere massage in our chair shop, we provide open back t-shirts, so just wear a comfy pair of yoga pants or shorts.

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Tell us about an impactful experience you’ve had with a patient. When I was in school, I went on a mission trip

to Honduras, where we performed free eye examinations and dispensed over 900 pairs of glasses for patients in the area. I had a five-year-old boy that had never worn glasses before and had a powerful prescription, to the point where we had to specialty make the lenses so that they would fit him without being too heavy. When we gave him his glasses, he stopped squirming and looked right at me, as if he saw for the first time. Experiences like that make me fall in love with my profession over and over again.

At your most cynical, what motivates you? Knowing that my patients depend on me to ensure their eyes are healthy and functioning properly. It’s why I’m always researching new medications and standards of care so that I can deliver the best care and most up-to-date knowledge for my patients.

Do you have a New Years’ resolution? Last year, instead

of setting a resolution that we knew would fall to the wayside, my fiance and I each made a ‘year bucket list’ of things we wanted to do together and accomplish in the upcoming year. We then compared our lists and hung them up on our fridge. We tried to check off as many things as we could as the year went on. It’s fun to stick to a list while also making sure we reach our goals!

PHOTO CREDIT_ HASSAN HODGES_HH PHOTO GRAPHICS FOR CURRENT MAGAZINE

Carrie Young

PHOTO CREDIT_ HASSAN HODGES_HH PHOTO GRAPHICS FOR CURRENT MAGAZINE

HEALTH & WELLNESS SPECIAL AD SECTION

Before I get a piercing, what are a few things that I absolutely need to know? You don’t have to be an expert on

the piercing world to know how to get a safe piercing, but there can be quite a few things to look into when choosing your next piercing. You always want to start by asking if they use implantgrade quality jewelry. A lot of cheaper places use things like surgical steel, sterling silver, and/or plated materials, which aren’t the best options for initial piercings. Implant-grade steel titanium, and/or at least 14 karats or 18 karats nickel-free solid gold.

Another thing to remember is that it never hurts to ask for a tour of the facility, ask how items are processed for your safety and don’t feel pressured to have to get it done right then and there! A piercing takes a while to heal, so your professional should have the same patience in helping you make an educated decision even if that takes a bit of research on the client’s behalf, and a few days to think on it. Whenever you’re ready is when you will have the most success. Remember that it’s your day, we’re here to make sure it is a great one!

What does “anodized” jewelry mean? Anodizing is a

Joshua Campbell Head Piercer and Owner IDEAL BODY PIERCING

211 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor. 734-997-0608. Idealbodypiercing.com Noon-8pm, Wednesday-Sunday.

fun way to customize your jewelry by changing the color of the jewelry through an electrical current that comes into contact with either Titanium and/or niobium. Most color variants are achievable, except for reds and oranges. Still, there are so many ways to include anodized jewelry to accent specific stones, or just to make a simple piece fit your color needs. We also love showing clients how we do it live, in person! It is a quick but awesome thing to see!

What’s the advantage of going to a piercing-only studio? We do one thing correctly, so we don’t do two things

wrong! With a piercing-only environment, we can focus solely on up-to-date procedures, jewelry, and care to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for any shiny adventure! With places that do both tattooing and piercing, the piercing side can quickly be left behind. We see tons of unnecessary and avoidable mistakes.

What are some misconceptions about piercing?

That you can consider a piercing healed when it stops hurting. As a result, we see more issues because the client ends their aftercare regiment too soon, and that can bring up problems that are harder to heal in the long run. New piercings can calm down quite fast, but they take time to heal internally, so you have to be on the ball with taking care of it for longer than you might expect! It is always easy to pop into your professional piercer’s studio and have them take a peek to determine if aftercare is still required. A proper studio will always be happy to help in any way when it comes to getting the best results with your new shiny friend!

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

HAVE A HEALTHY, HAPPY NEW YEAR! 312 North River Street | Ypsilanti | (734) 483-1520 | ypsifoodcoop.org

ecurrent.com / january 2020 13

PHOTO CREDIT: STEPHEN MCCAULEY FOR THE OLD TOWN TAVERN.

food

The Old Town Tavern Simply, solid and everything you need

By Jeff Glick

For almost fifty years, The Old Town Tavern has been the quiet neighbor on West Liberty. Previously adjacent was Mr. Flood’s Party, which occupied the place next door before the West End Grill moved in, almost three decades ago.

Before that, the storefronts on Liberty near Ashley were a series of businesses, dating back over 100 years. Largely unchanged is the space perched on the corner, which has operated as a bar for over a century. The Old Town Tavern simply continued the longstanding tradition of a local watering hole in 1972 when they moved in.

A true “townie bar,” Old Town is populated by families and older folks alike. They have an ample wine and beer list (and are even rumored to be the first Ann Arbor bar to carry Bell’s). Even with ever-changing rotating drafts, the selection isn’t daunting or over-the-top, like the overwhelming brew options offered at many establishments these days. Instead, Old Town’s variety of beverages is just like the rest of its offerings— simple, solid and everything you need.

Time-tested atmosphere

The wood on the tables, benches, chairs, booths and the bar is all the handiwork of former owner Jerry Pawlicki, who purchased the place in 1972.

He transferred the ownership to his two sons, Chris and Steve, in 1998, 100 years after the first saloon, Bismarck, opened in the building.

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Ambient lighting from hanging Tiffany-style lamps and the eclectic music selection (not a canned soundtrack) make the Old Town a place to relax in a time when everything seems to move too fast.

The place comes across as being comfortable in its own skin. It isn’t a “reproduction,” and it doesn’t boast a collection of memorabilia gathered elsewhere. Old Town needn’t try too hard to be authentic because it’s the real thing.

Food and comfort

The menu is filled with staples including burgers, made with fresh ground beef (from Knights Market), along with veggie and vegan varieties. Sandwiches abound with variety, including grilled cheese, chicken, wraps and other samplings.

A portion of the menu is dedicated to southwestern tastes, touting burritos, tacos, quesadillas and nachos. The good and simple fare fits well in the calm and unpretentious surroundings.

The food is on point, with some new takes on old favorites— the grilled cheese

sandwich is served with portobello mushrooms and fresh tomatoes, and the BLT has added an A for avocado— which brings a twist to classic fare. The waitstaff is friendly, attentive and authentic. No corporate trainer has replaced the servers’ personalities with scripted salutations and recommendations. This is the type of hometown place that has kept townies happy for many decades.

Now, with all the changes abounding on Main Street and the surrounding downtown corridors, the Old Town Tavern is even more of a welcome “old friend.” Stop in, grab a seat, and see for yourself.

122 W. Liberty St., Ann Abor.

734-662-9291. Oldtownaa.com Hours: 4pm-midnight, Sunday. 11:30ammidnight, Monday. 11:30am-2am, TuesdayFriday. 11:30am-midnight, Saturday.

1 Wednesday Wine Down Wednesday

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

Let the stress of the week melt away with a little bit of wine, as Cultivate offers half-off bottles all day every Wednesday, as well as $3 off a glass.

3 Friday Dueling Pianos

7:30pm. No cover in bar, $8 cover charge in the dining room, $13 without a meal. Karl’s Cabin Restaurant & Bar. karlscabin.com

Dinner and a one-of-a-kindshow! Come on out for one of their trademark events with a pair of entertainers pounding away on the ivories!

Northwest Table

6-8pm. $55. Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars. fustinis.com

Learn how to make some delectable comfort foods from the Northwest coast, including baked clams, pan-seared halibut and poached pears.

5 Sunday English Afternoon Tea

1pm. $50. Zingerman’s Greyline. events.zingermanscommunity.com

This special event is all about the history and tradition of English Afternoon Tea, with a discussion led by in-house tea expert Charles Russman.

Get Your Can In Here!

Noon-7pm. Tap Room. taproomypsi.com Free

You heard them! Get into the Tap Room for a $3 24oz can of Bud, Bud Light, Miller Lite, MGD or Labatt.

Sunday Jazz Brunch

10am-3pm. Detroit Street Filling Station. detroitstreetfillingstation.com Free

Enjoy the beautiful jazz of Djangophonique at this weekly Sunday Brunch.

6 Monday Get Healthy in 2020 With a Plant-Based Diet 7pm. Caroline Kennedy Library. vegmichigan.org Free

This event features a presentation by Dr. Joel Kahn on the positive effects of a plant-based diet at all stages of life, as well as a special vegan food tasting.

7 Tuesday BREW & VIEW

8pm. Jet’s Pizza. tockify.com Free

Enjoy a pair of movies in the dining room along with a winning selection of $3 draft specials at this event held weekly!

8 Wednesday 9th Annual Bell’s Hopslam Release

5pm. $5 VIP cover in the dining room, free for banquet room and bar.

Karl’s Cabin Restaurant & Bar.

The country stylings of The Flutter and Wow will perform as Karl’s celebrates the release of one of the best Double IPAs— Bell’s Hopslam.

The Art of Bread Making 7-8:30pm. Pittsfield Branch Library.

Aadl.org Free

Taste and learn the basics for baking a variety of breads during this workshop led by Keegan C. Rodgers, owner of The Lakehouse Bakery in Chelsea.

9 Thursday Cheese, Wine & Chocolate Tasting

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

We could say anything here, and you’d still want to attend this event. It’s Zingerman’s most popular tasting, and it’s not hard to see why.

10 Friday BD’s Mongolian Grill Grand Reopening

Great food, low prices, Restaurant Week!

Sample the remarkable variety of great food without busting your wallet during Ann Arbor’s Restaurant Week! This biannual event spotlights the best area cuisine with participating restaurants offering trademark dishes for one low fixed price— $15 for lunch, $28 for a full, three-course dinner. Some locations even offer special 2-for-1 pricing. Over 50 Ann Arbor restaurants participate in the January event, including heavy hitters like Aventura, Zingerman’s Roadhouse, Mani Osteria and more. Get out there and taste Ann Arbor! —JM Sunday, January 12 through Friday, January 17. 734-668-7112, ext. 26. Annarborrestaurantweek.com

FIND LATE NIGHT EATS @ ECURRENT.COM

11am. business.a2ychamber.org Free

After extensive remodeling, bd’s Mongolian Grill at Main and Washington in downtown Ann Arbor will soon reopen! Be there for the ribbon-cutting ceremony!

Cheese Tasting: Fondue & Raclette

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

Two popular varieties of melted cheese are at the center of this special event, featuring a demonstration of how to prepare them, a tasting and recipes to take home.

Cookbook: Pete Evans

6-8pm. $70. Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars. fustinis.com

Famous Australian chef Pete Evans’ cookbook inspires this healthy eating course, featuring recipes for Kale Hummus, Grilled Wild Salmon, Strawberry Bliss Balls and more!

11 Saturday 2020 Indoor Winter Food Truck Rally

Noon-6pm. Price TBD. Washtenaw Farm Council. facebook.com/Ms.Ks.Kitchen

Whatever you’re looking for, a sandwich, desserts, lobster or vegan options, you’ll find something to your taste. Music and door prizes, too!

Continued on p.16

ecurrent.com / january 2020 15

Sew the seed of sharing!

It’s never too early to start planning for your summer garden and it’s never too late to celebrate the spirit of giving. Both concepts will be the focus of the Ypsi Farmers Market’s latest “swap” event— Seed Swap! — on January 28. The event is free to attend, so bring your green thumb and seeds to swap. —JM 3-7pm. Tuesday, January 28. Ypsilanti Farmers Market, 16 S Washington St. 734-707-1795. growinghope.net

SHAKE UP YOUR WAKE-UP WITH KOLD BREWCHA COLD BREW COFFEE MEETS KOMBUCHA TEA! 82 MG CAFFEINE PER 16 OZ TO GENTLY REV YOU UP & ALSO HELP YOUR GUT! NUTTY, CHOCOLATY, COFFEE, SOUR, SWEET, INVIGORATING! UNITYVIBRATIONKOMBUCHA.COM Unity Vibration Kombucha partners with Zingerman’s Coffee to concoct a unique, delicious, & healthy morning beverage.

Continued from p.15

Perfect Breakfast Pastries

Master distiller Ari Sussman of Three Chord Bourbon hosts this tasting, complemented by a featured chef’s menu.

Learn how to make a variety of impressive breakfast pastries during this workshop led by Keegan C. Rodgers, owner of The Lakehouse Bakery in Chelsea.

6pm. $30-$35. McShane’s Pub Ypsilanti. mcshanespub.com

Date Night: Cheese & Beer Pairing

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

This date night at Zingerman’s featuring the ideal pairings of cheese bites and beer samples. br

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Cheese Making: Mozzarella & Ricotta

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

Learn how to make ricotta and mozzarella cheeses at home with this hands-on class.

Cocktail Class: Winter Warmers

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

Stay toasty inside during the cold winter months and learn how to make some classic January cocktails. Samples and light snacks included!

Open 7am-3pm, 7 Days a Week

Pie!

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

You Are What You Eat

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

PRESERVATIVE & NITRATE FREE BACON

1015 BROADWAY • 734.995.0965 View the full menu at NorthsideGrill.com

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14 Tuesday

Three Chord Bourbon Tasting

Learn how to make pie dough from scratch— it’s easier than it looks, promise!— as well as how to make a simple and delicious pie filling!

Yerba Mate Tea & Talk

12pm. $30. Zingerman’s Coffee. events.zingermanscommunity.com

Zingerman’s tea expert Charles Russman leads this class on brewing this South American tea full of nutrients and caffeine.

7-8:30pm. Malletts Creek Branch Library. Aadl.org Free

15 Wednesday Wine Tasting with Marshall 6pm. $25, free to Wine Club members.

Wines On Main.

This monthly event guiding attendees through the world of wines is presided over by Marshall Weir as Sommelier.

17 Friday Cheese & Cider Pairing

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

Try a selection of Michigan-made ciders paired with some of Zingerman’s selection of cheeses and learn how the experts decide which flavors go best together!

18 Sunday Dry Night Out: Cheese & Beverage Pairings 5pm. $45. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com

Want to enjoy a delicious cheese tasting but don’t drink? This event offers a wide selection of artisan cheeses paired with nonalcoholic beverages.

19 Sunday Brewing Methods

12pm. $30. Zingerman’s Coffee. events.zingermanscommunity.com

Coffee. We all need it to get going, but few of us take full advantage of the many ways to make it. This class will teach how different brewing methods can produce strikingly different tastes.

Continued on p.18

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.

Fustini’s Chef Bardt

By Charmie Gholson

A trip to Fustini’s is more than a shopping experience. The European-style specialty store, tasting room, and culinary school offers gourmet foods like pasta, tapenades, and honey, but their main focus is to elevate your culinary experience with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Their website boasts nearly 700 oil and vinegar recipes, while the cooking school offers everything from the basics to the most advanced skills.

Chef Nikolas Bardt, who leads Fustini’s Ann Arbor classes, talked with us about his expertise, cooking with oils and vinegar, and how you can improve your cooking skills.

What inspired you to join this industry? I grew up in a very

food-oriented family. Weekends were spent mushroom hunting or going to the local farmers’ markets to find interesting things to cook for dinner! Very early on, I understood that food could bring people together. So naturally, I chose a career where I could make those connections and make people happy. When I was growing up, my Dad was always experimenting with new recipes, making pasta, sausages and bread from scratch. One of my favorite memories as a kid was watching the pita bread rise in the oven.

What is the best part about teaching others how to cook? I love sharing the knowledge that I’ve accumulated over

my career. By showing the science behind specific combinations of ingredients, I can help someone understand food as opposed to just blindly following the recipe. With this knowledge, our freshly empowered guests can start to stray into the creative. That’s when the good times start to roll!

What makes olive oils and balsamic vinegars so versatile and important? Salt, sugar, and fat. That’s a very

simplified version of what we taste for in food. By using olive oil and vinegar in specific combinations, we can achieve all three of those with just two ingredients. Certain single varietal olive oils taste very different from each other. Spicy or peppery notes, to bright, “green” and fresh tasting. When cooking with, or tasting, our balsamic vinegar varieties, take the word “vinegar” out of your mind. I like using the balsamic as accents, or sometimes even as “salt” or sugar! Vinegar is a seasoning, who knew!

Why do you think surprises people most about learning to cook with oils and vinegar? Without giving away any of

my secrets, people are most surprised by the sheer variance of flavor combinations that we can achieve. Using balsamic vinegars and single varietal olive oils in everything from appetizers to desserts, and even cocktails, our guests are always on the edge of their seats!

Which recipes are student favorites? We have all kinds of

participants, but I can say with some certainty that the simple recipes are favorites. Think comfort foods... or grandma’s cooking!

New twists on old ideas are always popular.

Which kinds of recipes are your favorite to teach, and why? I love to cook, and I love to tell stories. So, recipes that

I’ve picked up, or new foods I discovered on a trip or vacation are always fun to teach. Complex or simple recipes, it’s all about the ingredients and using those ingredients to make connections.

What bit of advice would you give to someone who can’t cook to save their life? (Asking for a friend.) Tell

your “friend” to come and see me! In all seriousness, on the journey to becoming a better cook, liking to eat is more than half the battle. Being mindful of what you’re eating, and not always prioritizing convenience, sets you up for seeking out better foods.

Start cooking simple dishes with fresh ingredients. It might be more work, but the inherent rewards are always worth it. The natural progression of that mindset is to begin to experiment with ingredients at home!

Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars has four Michigan locations, in Ann Arbor, Holland, Petoskey and Traverse City.

The Ann Arbor shop is located in the Kerrytown Market & Shops at 407 N. 5th Ave. on the 2nd floor. 734-213-1110. fustinis.com

ecurrent.com / january 2020 17

Joy to the World!

Supper with the Spirits with Psychic Medium Kristy Robinett

Wine, Women & Song XVIII: A Funny Thing Happened On the Way

When Mama Mia talks about spirits, they’re usually referring to the kind you drink. But once a month, Psychic Medium Kristy Robinett joins the restaurant to speak to the other variety of spirits!

For eighteen years, the women of the Kerrytown Concert House have been slaying audiences with their blend of music and hilarity.

6pm. $65. Mama Mia. mamamialivonia.com

One of the most recognizable cookbooks, The Joy of Cooking, has been in print for over 85 years, originally written by homemaker Irma S. Rombauer, and continuously revised and updated over the years. Celebrate the 2019 edition as two of the authors— Rombauer’s greatgrandson John Becker and his wife Megan Scott — discuss the latest version. Enjoy a meal of dishes featured in the book!

Vino Value

6pm. $35 + tax & gratuity. Vinology. vinologya2.com

Enjoy samples of up to 25 wines and light hors d’oeuvres.

Reservations are required, space is limited. Call 734-222-9841 to reserve your spot.

$45. 6-8pm. Tuesday, January 28. ZingTrain, 3728 Plaza Dr., Ann Arbor. 734-930-1919. bakewithzing.com

24 Friday

8pm. $15 - $75. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

26 Sunday Cocktail Class: All About Bitters

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

Bitters are named fairly straightforwardly— they are indeed bitter, somewhat sour, maybe bittersweet. But they can be used in some amazingly complex tasting cocktails, as the experts at The Last Word will teach you!

28 Tuesday

South for the Winter

6-8pm. $70. Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars. fustinis.com

Continued from p.16

22 Wednesday Cookbook: Anthony Bourdain

6-8pm. $55. Fustini’s Oils and Vinegars. fustinis.com

The work of the celebrated celebrity chef will serve as the focus of this course, with attendees learning how to make appetizers inspired by his work.

23 Thursday Cheese & Wine Pairing

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

Join the experts at Zingerman’s as they instruct you on pairing wines and cheeses with a variety of both available for sampling!

Okay, we’re officially over winter.

Fortunately, Fustini’s is offering this special course to teach attendees how to make some delicious recipes from some of the warmer states, like Avocado Salsa and Coconut Glazed Pork Ribs!

Seed Swap

3pm. Ypsilanti Farmers MarketPlace.

Growinghope.net Free

Get ready for the gardening season with this special event! Bring any extra seeds you don’t need, take some you do! Interested in volunteering? Email market@ growinghope.net

29 Wednesday

New Holland Tap-Takeover 5-11:30pm. No cover charge.

The Grotto. thegrottobar.com

The delicious creations of New Holland Brewing Company will invade The Grotto, giving attendees the chance to sample creations like Triple Mash, Blue Sunday and Oatmeal Cookie Dragon’s Milk!

Cheese 101 Tasting

6:30pm. $40. Zingerman’s Creamery. events.zingermanscommunity.com

Feel lost when trying to navigate the cheesy seas? Sign up for this class where Zingerman’s expert cheesemongers will teach you all about different kinds of cheese, how they’re made and what each can bring to your palate!

Free Presentation & Vegan Food Tasting

7pm. Northville District Library. vegmichigan.org Free

The Environment and Our Diet: Making the Connections will present by Kim Korona, Humane Educator, and Marc Ramirez, former University of Michigan football player. RSVP required!

31 Friday A Dinner to Celebrate The Joy of Cooking 6pm. $80. Zingerman’s Deli. zingermansdeli.com

The 12th edition of the iconic cookbook will be celebrated at this special dinner with authors John Becker and Megan Scott, with a special five-course meal of recipes from the text!

NIA SPONGBERG

LIFE COACH

Let’s blaze your new trail together.

(734) 531-9024 • NIASPONGBERG.COM

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Judy Banker’s Buffalo Motel New album captures

PHOTO CREDIT: ROBIN SCULLY

music

the permanence of memories

By Jeff Milo

When I talk to Judy Banker about her new album, Buffalo Motel, I can’t avoid my first question being about one particular song, “Haggerty.” I can’t wait for you to hear it in a live setting at The Ark on January 9. Even with headphones, a potent poignancy is evident from the twang of guitars that spread out like a horizon, the pedal steel purring melodically to paint the landscapes, and Banker’s voice, soaring like breathtaking cascades of cirrus clouds accenting a sunset.

“That is the heart of the album,” Banker said, “capturing open spaces, road trips out west, those big sky feelings, reflecting on big passages in life…” It is a big sounding record, but, truly, the entirety of this new album, a hybrid of Americana, folk-rock and tender balladry, feels momentous, and ruminative, and, as Banker suggested, it evokes the journey of a road trip.

Of course, even that song would start out “…quiet,” said Banker.

“The way I wrote it was just me, finger-picking in my living room, like every song I write. But ‘Haggerty’ was a departure for the band, and it took us out of the comfort zone a bit. We definitely wanted to record it live as a full band.” Notably, Banker said that her son, Ben Sayler, who helped develop and produce the new album, gave the band a “pep talk” before recording “Haggerty.”

“Ben had a lot of ideas for the record that I was totally open to.

I trust him. He knows my music. He has listened to me writing songs and warbling in the living room all his life…”

Musical montage

Buffalo Motel is Banker’s third album in five years, though up until 2014, she had been a supporting member of singer/ songwriter Jay Stielstra’s band. But she has a rich and varied musical background, starting down the path with piano lessons as a child, eventually transferring her focus to a vintage Kay acoustic guitar, gifted to her by her father. She paints quite a montage, musically speaking.

“My father had an extensive album collection, and an elaborate HiFi setup in the den, playing everything from Herbie Hancock to Broadway musicals. My older brother led me to the Beach Boys and even introduced me to Leonard Cohen. I listened to a lot of pop music while attending a parochial grade school where we sang Gregorian chants that included close harmonies. My grandparents had a strong German-Bohemian background, and the town where I grew up, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, had a deep Polish culture. Every wedding had a polka band, and on Sunday drives with my grandparents, they’d tune in polka music on the radio…”

Judy Banker (center) and her backing band will debut her new album, ‘Buffalo Motel,’ during an album release party on Thursday, January 9 at The Ark.

“..and it’s just been an interesting circle for me. In the past seven years or so, Ben has taken me to concerts, and it gave me the guts to just go with it, just do it. Sometimes folk music can be devastating and heart wrenching and real, and sometimes it can be pretty. But what I gravitate to most is that feeling… When I’m really seeing (the songwriter), all their heart, and their soul too.”

Backer to backed

Banker admits that she sometimes asks herself: “How did this happen?” As someone who primarily kept her own songs to herself while playing with other musicians, it feels a bit like she’s gone “from one extreme to another.” But she she thrives off of the support, encouragement, and collaboration of her backing band, made up of expert musicians. Each member has an extensive musical résumé: John Sperendi (Flying Latini Brothers), Alan Pagliere (Dixons, Cadillac Cowboys), Tony Pace and Brian Wilson (both of Cold Tone Harvest), as well as Dave Roof, who doubled as an engineer for the record (at his place, Rooftop Recording Studio).

“I know I’ll do more albums after this one, but (Buffalo Motel) really feels like a watershed for me. To be able to write songs that can touch people, there’s always that hesitation of whether anyone is going to relate to (the songs), but they do! I just never anticipated that; it’s so transportive—everyone feeling the same vibe.”

Judy Banker’s Buffalo Motel Release Show with Joanna & the Jaywalkers $20. 7:30pm. Thursday, January 9.

The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. 734-761-1818. theark.org

ecurrent.com / january 2020 19

43rd Annual Ann Arbor Folk Festival Mike Seeger once referred to folk as “all the music that fits between the cracks.”

Well, given the number of remarkably talented artists lined up to play at the 43rd Annual Ann Arbor Folk Festival, those cracks must have a lot of room in them. This annual fundraiser for our area’s musical institution, The Ark, will take place on January 31 and February 1. Over two nights at Hill Auditorium, 14 different acts will take the stage, including folk olk supergroup Calexico and Iron & Wine, Nathaniel Rateliff (playing solo), the witty and engaging songs of Ingrid Michaelson, the gentle and heartwarming folk of Mandolin Orange and many more!

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 at Necto Nightclub

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.

Wednesdays Hot Jazz & Wine Wednesday

6-9pm. Detroit Street Filling Station. facebook.com/ detroitstreetfillingstation Free

Enjoy wine specials as Andrew Brown’s Djangophonique performs Jazz Manouche and Hot Swing inspired by the legendary guitarist Django Reinhardt

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.

Fridays Pride Fridays at Necto Nightclub

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

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

Saturdays Frequency Saturdays at Necto Nightclub 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.

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Sundays Sunday Jazz Brunch

11am-3pm. Detroit Street Filling Station. facebook.com/ detroitstreetfillingstation Free

Join Andrew Brown’s Djangophonique trip for some beautiful jazz every Sunday at the Detroit Street Filling Station from 11am2pm, and while you’re there, you may as well enjoy a vegan lunch served from 10am-3pm.

$45-110. 6:30pm. Friday, January 31 and Saturday, February 1. Hill Auditorium, 825 N University Ave. theark.org

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 January: Alina Morr Trio (Jan. 12), Sean Dobbins Trio (Jan. 19), and Jake Reichbart Trio (Jan. 26).

Brennan Andes & Friends

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

Grab a drink and enjoy the house band every Sunday.

Rob Crozier Trio

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!

2 Thursday Water Fountain Coins 8pm. $10. The Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

A night of indie rock at the Blind Pig with Water Fountain Coins and special guests Social Queues, 3RingsLeft, Boys N’ Ties, and One Small Step

3 Friday The RFD Boys

7:30pm. $11. The Ark. theark.org

Legendary southeastern Michigan bluegrass group The RDF Boys return to the Ark to delight audiences with their fabulous musicianship and in-between song humor.

Equipment

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

Church Street Booking presents a night of emo, pop-punk rock featuring Equipment, Ypsilanti group Tequila Deer, Honey Creek from Milwaukee, and Spacecadet.

2020 / ecurrent.com

The Movement

Alternative Rock, Reggae group The Movement has been on an upward trajectory toward superstardom since forming in 2004 in Columbia SC. They released their first album On Your Feet in March 2004, then went on to a nonstop touring schedule opening for established acts Steel Pulse, Blues Traveler and the Wu-Tang Clan. The group went on to release several more chart-topping albums over the next decade. Their sixth studio album, Ways Of The World, dropped on June 7, 2019, debuting at number one on the Billboard Reggae Chart. The band has come to be known for bending and blending musical styles and putting on fiery live shows. They bring their Ways of the World tour to the Blind Pig for one night only! —CB $15-$18. 8pm. Thursday, January 30. The Blind Pig, 208 S. 1st St., 734-996-8555. blindpigmusic.com

4 Saturday The Yellow Room Gang

Dani Darling

The Yellow Room Gang is a group of eight talented awardwinning Michigan singer-songwriters. Each member shines on their own, but performing altogether, they create something magical. These songwriters have been playing together for 15 years, and the creative sparks are still flying.

Three local rock bands perform at Ziggy’s. Dani Darling headlines with Mercury Salad and Zosette and The Groove.

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

Wakefire

8pm. $15. The Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Detroit Celtic rock band Wakefire performs energetic, danceable Celtic music along with Pictus and Crossbow.

8pm. $5. Ziggy’s. Ziggysypsi.com

5 Sunday The Appleseed Collective 7:30pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org

Ann Arbor’s alt-country outfit The Appleseed Collective has been gaining international attention with their brand of bluegrass, gypsy folk. Catch their theatrical stage show and genre-bending musical blend at this hometown show at the Ark.

Continued on p.22

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music Continued from p.20

6 Monday Albert Lee

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

Legendary British guitarist Albert Lee is known as one of the greatest guitar players in the world, and has played alongside such notable musicians as Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris, and The Crickets.

Arcadia Gray

Seattle Stomp Album Release Show.

Seattle Stomp is the one-man-band brainchild of Alex Molica. You might have seen Alex performing around town behind the drum set as a member of the local rock group Towner. He is also part of the small indie collective record label Crush Grove, which is releasing his debut Seattle Stomp album, Maudlin Madness on Crush Gove. His musical styles range from garage punk, and acoustic rock to country-tinged blues, with lyrical themes churning around topics such as self-doubt, alcoholism and road trips. Fred Thomas’s new musical project, Idle Ray, will also be performing along with artist-songwriter Jim Cherewick and CT James. —CB

7:30pm. $5. Club Above. club-above.com

Outta This World Booking presents four rock groups.

Arcadia Gray, In a Daydream, Parkway & Columbia, and My Girlfriend Beru.

8 Wednesday Nomad: Grant Green Project

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

A night of straight-ahead jazz featuring a sextet of some of the best musicians from Ann Arbor and Detroit’s jazz scene performing the music of Grant Green.

ATMIG

8pm. $5. The Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Detroit indie-rock group plays at the Blind Pig with Witchpucker and Satellite Sweetheart.

9 Thursday Judy Banker: CD Release Celebration.

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

Michigan based singer-songwriter Judy Banker releases her third album, Buffalo Motel. Banker is known for her melodic vocals and soulful songs about heartbreak and redemption.

Of Two Minds

8pm. $8. The Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Columbus, Ohio band, Of Two Minds, plays a form of math rock with intensity and passion.

Joined by special guests Fallow Land, Chinook, and Great Expectations.

10 Friday

7pm. Friday, January 3. St. Lukes Episcopal Church, 120 N Huron St. stlukesypsi.org Free

Ellis Paul

8pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org

Considered by some to be the quintessential New England songwriter, Ellis Paul is an awardwinning artist and performer.

He’ll be debuting songs from his newest album, The Storytellers Suitcase.

What’s in a Song: Hugo Wolf’s Complete Mörike Songs

8pm. $12-40. Mendelssohn Theater. ums.org

Famed composer Hugo Wolf wrote 53 songs inspired by the poetry of German writer Eduard Mörike. Over two performances on January 10 and 12, pianist Martin Katz and four singers will perform all of them!

11 Saturday JIll Jack Annual Birthday Bash

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

It’s become a tradition for the Detroit singer-songwriter to celebrate her birthday by holding this annual concert at the Ark. Party with this unique award-winning artist as she performs songs from her 20+ year career.

Black Jake & The Carnies 8pm. $10. The Rumpus Room. therumpusroomchelsea.net

Popular local band Black Jake & The Carnies perform at The Rumpus Room in Chelsea.

Imagine a rock ‘n’ roll steampunk carnival-like atmosphere with old-timey, catchy fun music.

Alex Harding & Organ Nation

Slum Village

Innovative baritone saxophonist Alex Harding leads the trio Organ Nation through a soundscape of funk, jazz and blues.

Influential Detroit hip hop group Slum Village come out to the Blind Pig to promote their latest mixtape “Dirty Slums.” Special guests include D.Vaughn The Illest, with sounds by DJ Chill Will 734.

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

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Gordon Grdina’s Nomad Trio

8pm. $20. The Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

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Janelle Reichman Quintet

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

Multi-instrumentalist Janelle Reichman has performed with and studied under many jazz greats as she has risen through the ranks to become a wellknown clarinet and saxophone player. She now leads her Quintet.

12 Sunday Ben Lougheed

2pm. $10-$40. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Ann Arbor native classical guitarist Ben Lougheed will return home to perform a concert featuring works from his debut album, Baroque Legacies.

Lougheed will perform pieces by the great baroque composers along with 20th-century works.

Connie Kaldor & Garnet Rogers

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

Two of Canada’s most celebrated folk musicians make a stop off at the Ark. Connie Kaldor, the first songwriter to win the Western Literature award, and Garnet Rogers, who helped to revitalize the Canadian folk scene in the 1970s. Rogers is promoting his new book, Night Drive: Travels with my Brother.

14 Tuesday G. Love and Special Sauce 7:30pm. $40. The Ark. theark.org

The funky, grunge, hip hop, soul sounds of G. Love and Special Sauce have been entertaining audiences since the early 90s. The group shows no signs of letting up with the release of their new album, The Juice Glove. Shamarr Allen opens the show.

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

Vancouver guitarist Gordon Grdina along with New York’s Matt Mitchell on piano and Jim Black on drums, make up Gordon Grdina’s Nomad Trio. They play avant-garde free jazz, rock, and third stream musical compositions.

15 Wednesday Roe Bickley Kramer Trio

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

This exciting jazz trio features Rick Roe (pianist), Rob Bickley (bassist), and Jesse Kramer (drummer). They perform jazz standards, originals and Disney classics.

The Small Glories

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

Canadian group The Small Glories are a roots folk powerhouse duo. They write songs with folk-pop melodies about love, loss and the environment.

16 Thursday Andrew Brown’s Djangophonique

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

Andrew Brown, the guitarist for the Appleseed Collective, performs the music of his favorite guitarist Django Reinhardt.

Expect excellent showmanship and top-notch musical chops.

Aaron Jonah Lewis

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

Aaron Jonah Lewis is an awardwinning member of the Corn Potato String Band. He is an acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, educator and performer. Lewis, based in Detroit, performs oldtimey fiddle music.

17 Friday Keller/Kocher Quintet

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

Paul Keller and Cary Kocher have been musical collaborators since high school. This group formed to share their love of George Shearing’s innovative quintet format.

Tad Weed Jazz Master Series with Sean Dobbins Featuring Vincent Chandler 8pm. $10-$40. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Detroit-native Vincent Chandler is a trombonist, professor of jazz at Wayne State University, and protégé of one of the most influential eras of the Detroit jazz scene.

18 Saturday Ron Brooks Quintet

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

Ron Brooks is a veteran player from the Detroit Jazz scene. He recorded for Blue Note Records in the late 1960s. In 1985, he opened the Bird of Paradise jazz club in Ann Arbor and then went on to form the Southeastern Michigan Jazz Association. He performs with his Quintet at the Blue LLama Jazz club.

Electric Huldra The four band line-up for this night promises to make you want to bang your head while making your ears ring with a sonic attack. Three-piece hard rockers Electric Huldra headline the evening with a full-stack onslaught of monster metal stoner jams guaranteed to make you want to shake your fist in the air. Ypsilanti’s Strange Flavors will bring their twisted psychedelic rock to new levels of musical consciousness and hair raising theatrics. Las Drogas perform swampy rock ‘n’ roll with a danceable punch and swagger. Edison Hollow is a hard-rocking, in your face power trio influenced by classic rock leanings with a modern twist. All in all, a good night for fans of loud Rock ‘N’ Roll! —CB $10-$15. 8pm. Saturday, January 18. The Blind Pig, 208 S. 1st St., 734-996-8555. blindpigmusic.com

Planet D Nonet

8pm. $10 -$40. Kerrytown Concert House. Kerrytownconcerthouse.com

Planet D Nonet is Detroit’s own down and dirty swing band.

They’ll be performing Crescent City Meets Kansas City, featuring music from these two great capitals of swing, New Orleans and Kansas City.

Mozart Birthday Bash

8pm. $20-$75. Michigan Theater. a2so.com

Violinist Itamar Zorman joins the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra for a performance celebrating the 264th birthday of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart!

19 Sunday The Timber of Cedar 7pm. $20. The Ark. theark.org

Detroit indie rockers The Timber of Cedar perform their anthemic high energy songs.

Antighost

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

Detroit high energy emo rock band Antighost performs at the Blind Pig along with Daddy and the Long Legs, Weighted, and Avalanche.

21 Tuesday Masters of Hawaiian Music 7:30. $25. The Ark. theark.org

This event features three legends of Hawaiian slack key guitar; George Kahumoku Jr., Kawika Kahiapo, and Ledward Kaapana.

22 Wednesday Mad Pursuit

7:30pm. $5. The Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Mad Pursuit is a four-piece rock group that performs roots, blues and funk along with a smattering of cover tunes.

Arkansauce

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

Arkansauce is a four-piece group from northern Arkansas. The band plays a mix of Americana, folk, country, blues, funk that features improvisational mandolin and guitar soloing layered into soulful catchy songwriting.

23 Thursday Nessa

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

The group Nessa performs a mix of Celtic, African, Caribbean and Eastern music with classical and jazz influences. The band will be celebrating the release of their new album “Otherworld.”

24 Friday Michael Mails Quartet

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

Detroit based, composer, pianist, and music educator Michael Mails performs at the Blue LLama Jazz Club.

Mipso

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

Recently recognized by Rolling Stone Magazine as a group you need to know about, Chapel Hill’s Mipso is on the rise in the newgrass Americana folk scene.

Special guests include Bridget Kearney and Benjamin Lazar Davis.

Wine, Women & Song XVIII - A Funny Thing Happened On the Way

8pm. $15-75. Kerrytown Concert House. kerrytownconcerthouse.com

For eighteen years, the women of the Kerrytown Concert House have been slaying audiences with their blend of music and hilarity. You don’t want to miss this year’s rendition!

music 30 Thursday Moody Good

9pm. $11.25-$15. The Necto Nightclub.

Necto.com

Moody Good presents The Sunny Side Up Tour with opening sets by Labden, DJ Brexx, VooDoo. Moody Good is the solo project Edwin “Eddie” John Jefferys, an English music producer, artist and sound designer. He is best known for his work as a member of the duo 16bit.

31 Friday Cory Wong

25 Saturday Cheikh Lo

7pm & 9pm. $40-$60. The Blue LLama Jazz Club. bluellama.com

Cheikh N’Digel Lô is a Senegalese musician. He plays spiritual, inspirational music influenced by his culture and faith. He’ll be performing two sets at the Blue LLama Jazz Club.

6pm & 10pm. $22.50-$25. The Blind Pig. blindpigmusic.com

Cory Wong is an inspirational, upbeat, lively entertainer. Known for hyping audiences up through his innovative guitar playing and telling jokes between songs, Wong has been making a name for himself since 2011. He’ll be performing both an early and late set this evening.

Ann Arbor Folk Festival: Night 1

The David Mayfield Parade Show

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

David Mayfield has performed alongside such notable acts as Mumford and Sons and Avett Brother. Now he’s leading his bluegrass ensemble to the delight of audiences across the country.

26 Sunday Kneebody

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

Almost two decades into their existence, Kneebody has created their own unique unclassifiable, modern jazz sound all their own.

27 Monday Them Coulee Boys

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

Americana, Alt-Country group Them Coulee Boys, perform their folk, bluegrass, punk rock ‘n’ roll at the Ark.

6pm. $110 gold, $65 regular, $45 balcony. The Ark. theark.org

The Ann Arbor Folk Festival kicks off it’s opening night with a stellar line up of modern folk artists featuring Calexico and Iron & Wine, Ingrid Michaelson, The Lone Bellow, Cedric Burnside, Rainbow Girls, Elliot Brood, and Willy Porter.

Soul Message Band

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

This jazz trio plays grooves and tunes based around the sound of the Hammond B3 organ.

The group came together through the partnership of Chris Foreman, the Chicago-based Hammond B3 Jazz Organist, and drummer, Greg Rockingham, aka “The Rock.” Greg and Chris have a 25-year history of collaboration.

Chicago veteran guitarist Lee Rothenberg joins them.

29 Wednesday Pete Siers New Orleans Trio

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

Jazz percussionist Pete Siers is known as a master of many different percussion styles. He’s also a percussion teacher and taught for a time at the U of M, Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts, Emory University, and Purdue University. He’ll bring his New Orleans Trio to the Blue LLama Jazz Club.

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PHOTO CREDIT: YPSIWRITES.

PHOTO CREDIT: YPSIWRITES.

(L-R) Jessica (Decky) Alexander, Director of Engage at EMU, and David Boeving, an EMU Writing Instructor.

Brothers and local authors Cleveland Jordan Shields (left) and Carson Jordan Shields (right) proudly display their work with their father, Cornelius Jordan Shields (center).

lit What’s in a word YpsiWrites for all Whether it’s a quick email, a snarky tweet, or that research paper you’re dreading, writing is a part of our everyday lives.

‘We are all writers’ is the message of the YpsiWrites program, which recently began at all Ypsilanti District Library branches.

YpsiWrites theme, “Everyone’s a Writer,” is a motto prompted by co-founders and Eastern Michigan University professors and writing advocates Ann Blakeslee and Cathy Fleischer.

The program welcomes teen and adult writers of all ages to workshop their writing, regardless of topic or genre— everything from personal memoirs to poetry, research papers, or public presentations— with volunteers from the local writing community. YpsiWrites volunteers are a variety of experienced writers, including professors, tutors, and other Eastern Michigan University faculty. Fleischer emphasizes, “[YpsiWrites] is open to all levels of writing, whether it’s someone struggling with a school paper, a beginner, a specific project, or whether you just want some general advice.”

Coming together

Blakeslee explains that YpsiWrites was founded with the local community in mind, “When we started [the program], we began working with librarians to see what some of the patrons needed,” she said. “We asked, ‘What are the kind of things you need help with?’ We are committed to helping the people in our particular community; we want to be flexible and responsive to their interests.”

The project is a culmination of the inclusive idea behind EMU’s Office of Campus and Community Writing, and partnerships with area organizations like 826michigan, a non-profit writing center based in Ann Arbor. While 826michigan helps coordinate writing programs for young children, YpsiWrites is geared toward teens and adults.

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PHOTO CREDIT: YPSIWRITES.

By Kelly Thompson

Kim Beneteau (photographer and community volunteer), Sarah Beneteau (high school student) and Melissa Brooks-Yip (Literacy Coordinator for the Washtenaw Intermediate School District).

Offering drop-in hours and scheduled programming (posted at ypsilibrary.org), upcoming workshops include sessions on poetry, zine-making, and family writing labs. Volunteers receive training, preparing them to help anyone.

Blakeslee says. “This is a supportive space [ . . . . ] we support people writing for a particular purpose. . ., but also writing for themselves.”

YpsiWrites is available at all YDL branches. Interested volunteers visit emich.edu/ccw/ypsi-writes. Drop-in hours: Whittaker Rd. 12-2pm; Superior Township, Tuesdays 11am-1pm; Michigan Ave., Wednesdays, 5-7pm. 734-482-4110, ypsilibrary.org.

PHOTO CREDIT: ANN ARBOR CIVIC THEATRE.

theater

The cast of The Ann Arbor Civic Theatre’s February 2000 revival of ‘The Fantasticks.’

The Fantasticks Ann Arbor Civic Theatre’s musical love letter

By Jason Buchanan

Enchantment accompanies the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre’s production of the world’s longest-running musical to the Arthur Miller Theatre on January 9-12.

Performed in dozens of countries and languages since its Off-Broadway debut in 1960, Tom Jones and Harvey Schmidt’s low-budget, high-concept musical, The Fantasticks, tells the tale of friendly neighboring fathers who pose as adversaries to trick their offspring into falling in love.

2019 marked the 30th year of Director Jimmy Dee Arnold’s work with the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre. He sings the praises of his “dream production team”, three decades in the making, and the actors tasked with bringing the intimate cast of characters (including a dashing bandit named El Gallo who doubles as narrator) to life on stage. Arnold’s production will be The Theatre’s third incarnation of the Off-Broadway hit (it debuted in the 197374 Summer Season, and returned for the 1999-00 Season), infrequent enough to qualify as a generational event.

A musical love letter to the theatre

Jones and Schmidt looked to French playwright Edmond Rostand for inspiration. They folded elements from Rostand’s 1894 Les Romanesques (The Romancers) into the two-act structure of Italian Composer Gaetano Donizetti’s 1832 comic opera L’elisir of Love (The Elixer of Love) and bonded together with some classic Shakespearean romance (A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet, specifically) to craft a striking, original work.

As narrated by mischievous rogue El Gallo (Brodie Brockie), The Fantasticks assures us that, while the road to Hell may be paved with good intentions, the suffering we endure on our journey only deepens our capacity for love. Mr. Hucklebee (Rob Roy) and Mr. Bellomy (Doug Burgoyne) are two small-town American fathers whose tight-knit families are separated only by a thin wall. Amanda Notrika (in a non-speaking role billed as “The Mute”) attempts to trick Mr. Hucklebee’s son Matt (Peter Dannug) and Mr. Bellomy’s daughter Luisa (Alexis Pratt) into falling in love. The fathers pretend to feud, going as far as hiring El Gallo to perform a staged kidnapping of Luisa, knowing that Matt will race to her rescue.

New tradition

Arnold’s production flips tradition in the depiction of Luisa’s abduction. While Jones’ original lyrics dub the act “rape” (the melody in which Matt faces his love’s kidnappers titled “Rape Ballet”), the word penned by Jones, intended to be interpreted in the literary sense, fell out of fashion linguistically in the early-21st Century.

Schmidt and Jones recognized this, and in 1990 the duo authored the alternative “Abduction Ballet’ for theatre troupes wary of the weight carried by the word. Arnold voices concern that the term would be a distraction. It’s a minor change, but one that gives the work a strong second wind.

Saying his goodbyes, Arnold stealthily drops a bombshell as he ducks into the read-through: “Our version,” he promises, “does have one small twist, and it’s very Ann Arbor.” Find out what Arnold has in store as another generation of theater lovers discover why what sparkles in the moonlight, often loses its luster in the cold light of day.

January 9-12. 7:30pm, Thursday. 8pm, Friday-Saturday. 2pm, Sunday. $28, adult. $25, senior. $15, students.

University of Michigan Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin Ave., Ann Arbor.

734-971-A2CT. a2ct.org

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art

When Art is An Open Book

Purgatory Press by Dikko Faust, Esther K. Smith and Susan Happersett, ed. 150, undated This square black portfolio, Purgatory Press, is one of several works in the collection created by groups of artists working collaboratively and includes thematically unrelated works from various sources. The most formally ambitious in this grouping is a tri-fold brochure, entitled Miss Manageability, which references beauty salon coupon books, where several of the “coupons” include quotes from icons of femininity like Dolly Parton and Jane Fonda.

A contemporary artists’ book collection

By K.A. Letts Who doesn’t love a good book? We enjoy these compact and reasonably priced objects as a matter of course. Even with the convenience of the internet and e-books, books are an adaptable form of communication. The feel, the heft, the sheer physical presence of a book is irresistible to booklovers, and there are quite a few booklovers in Ann Arbor.

That appreciation can be enhanced by reviewing hundreds of hand-made books by contemporary artists that rest in Duderstadt Center on the University of Michigan’s North Campus. Accomplished Ann Arbor book artist Barbara Brown was my guide on a recent tour of this subterranean storage area, which she narrated with her encyclopedic knowledge of the medium.

20 Slices by Ben Denzer, ed. 10

Collecting artist-made books

University of Michigan librarian Annette Haines began collecting artistmade books in the early 2000s and, though she has since moved to California to pursue a career in fine art, the collection has continued to grow through the efforts of curator and librarian Jamie Vander Broek. Rebecca Price works with Vander Broek to conserve, catalog and curate several unusual collections that represent various areas of contemporary visual culture. She seeks and acquires rare and unique printed treasures for the collection at book fairs and through the Art Libraries Society of North America (ARLIS).

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A brief overview and a few highlights

Because artist-made books are relatively fragile, they are not as readily available as most other books. Would-be collectors will find handmade books by contemporary artists offered for sale in many art galleries. WSG Gallery, on Main Street in Ann Arbor, hosts a biennial exhibit of book art, curated by Barbara Brown, and

On a humorous note, Price finished her show-and-tell with a small, bright yellow book, 20 Slices, with “pages” of 20 individually wrapped slices of American cheese. Rumors about the long shelf life of processed food notwithstanding, 20 Slices presented some unique challenges to book conservation. The tome resides in a box with some silica desiccant after the curators had experimented briefly and unsuccessfully with a small refrigeration unit.

books of this type are also available at frequent regional book fairs such as the Ann Arbor Public Library’s recent, Wayzgoose and Printing Festival. Viscerally tactile, conceptually complex and relatively lowpriced, artist-made books are a natural fit for Ann Arbor’s book-loving public.

Dress Code Strictly Enforced

by Women’s Studio Workshop, ed. 75, 2018

Another collaborative effort, on a far more serious theme, is presented in Dress Code Strictly Enforced.

The book operates on the principle of the surrealist game Exquisite Corpse, where sections of a figure— the head, torso, and legs/ feet— are separated so that each part can be re-combined with those of other figures.

With each change, the accompanying text adjusts to reflect different and often unfair requirements and outcomes, elegantly illustrating how the physical form of an artistmade book can reinforce the content.

Domestic Notes

by Eileen White, ed. 5, 2017 British artist Eileen White’s concertina folio (a book form that folds out, fan-like, into three-dimensional space) contains a variety of found papers from English charity shop sales in the 1940s. The contrast between the concertina book’s “feminine” interior and “masculine” exterior surface explores the complex interplay between domestic and public life.

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film Films on the A & B Sides A double shot of cult cinema for movie fans

By Jennifer Kellow-Fiorini

‘Petey Wheatstraw’ and ‘Blacula’ are the Burnout picks for Tuesday, February 11.

For the past year and a half, members of the Burnout Society Film Club have been getting together at the Blind Pig/8 Ball Saloon to indulge in double feature cult cinema nights.

Since devising a makeshift screen out of a sheet while using a primitive light source to project a John Waters film, humans have gathered together at the temple of schlock to view outrageous movies. In furtherance of that practice, for the past year and a half, the Burnout Society Film Club has indulged in double feature cult cinema nights at the Blind Pig/8 Ball Saloon.

Coordinator Colum Slevin, who started 8 Ball Movie night, explains: “I happened to be working for the Blind Pig/8 Ball Saloon at the time, so I was able to get permission to use the back hall of the 8 Ball Saloon to set up a low-key movie night when there wasn’t a show going on upstairs. We put up a curtain, some benches, and it just evolved from there.”

Simple as A/B

The double features are usually tied together by a theme, with an “A” side and a “B” side. The “A” movie is a cult film that viewers are likely familiar with (Dario Argento’s Suspiria), and the “B” side is a lesser-known movie that Colum wants to share with the group (Deep Red).

Intermission Trivia, between the two movies, provides a chance to stretch the legs and win prizes through three rounds of trivia questions.

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Joim the Society for ‘Street Trash’ and ‘The Toxic Avenger’ on Tuesday, January 14.

“We don’t stick to any particular genre for what we show,” states Colum, “but they would all definitely fall into the cult film description. Italian genre films do have a particular place in my heart though.

We’ve watched Fulci’s Conquest and Enzo Castellari’s The New Barbarians/Warriors of the Wasteland.”

Events hosted by the Burnout Society Film Group are free of charge and the group is open to new members.

Upcoming events include Street Trash, a 1987 horror-comedy about a liquor store owner who sells cans of “Viper” to hobos for a dollar a bottle, only to find out its a toxic substance, not booze. Troma classic The Toxic Avenger is the B-side of this

80’s pairing for the January 14 meet up.

Blacula, the classic Blaxploitation take on Dracula will pair with Rudy Ray Moore’s Blaxploitation-meets-The-Exorcist film, Petey Wheatstraw, on February 11. All four of those cult classics are so much better when viewed with like-minded devotees.

As the popularity of the events grows, they are proof that even in the age of cord cutters, we haven’t lost the magic of viewing films together as a group.

The Burnout Society Film Group meets one Tuesday a month.

For more information on joining the Burnout Society Film Club, visit facebook.com/8ballmovienight.

arts & culture Stunning show looks at digital Believers What turns young men, viewing pages on the internet, into radical soldiers ready to terrorize people they’ve never met? That question is at the heart of the fascinating docuplay The Believers Are But Brothers, which begins a four-day run at the Arthur Miller Theater on January 22. A multimedia tour-de-force, down to messages sent to audience members via What’s App, the show looks at three different men as their resentment of the world transforms them into soldiers committing digital hate crimes. Written and performed by Javaad Alipoor, the show is a chilling and unforgettable theatrical experience. $35 general admission. 7:30pm, Wednesday, January 22 and Thursday, January 23. 8pm, Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 24. Arthur Miller Theater, 1226 Murfin Ave., Ann Arbor. 734-763-3333. ums.org.

“The most famous illegal immigrant” to speak PulitzerPrize-winning journalist, author and “the most famous illegal immigrant in America,” Jose Antonio Vargas will come to Ann Arbor as part of the Washtenaw Reads program to discuss his new book, Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen. The memoir about his life and career focuses on how he came to live in and think of America as home before he ever learned he was in the country illegally.

7-8:30pm. Thursday, January 30. Washtenaw Community College, 4800 E Huron River Dr., Ann Arbor. 734-327-4200. aadl.org Free

See the crowning of Miss Necto 2020!

The lights will shine brightly at Necto on January 26 during the fifth annual Miss Necto pageant. Hosted by Chanel Hunter and Maxi Chanel, this year’s event has the theme “Neon Lights.” Winning drag queens will be selected, one professional and one amateur, to receive a cash prize, a crown and a booking to perform at Necto in 2020.

Bring out your onesies!

Spend an evening wearing an adorable unicorn, bear, monster or any other big, comfy onesie at area bars. The Onesie Bar Crawl comes to Ann Arbor on January 18 when attendees visit five different bars— no cover charge for ticket-buyers— sample a slew of great drink specials, and finish at a night-capping after-party at LIVE Ann Arbor! —JM $20 advance tickets, $25 week of, $30 day of. 4pm-midnight. Saturday, January 18.

Crawl begins at Bar Louie, 401 E Liberty St., Ste. 200, Ann Arbor. crawlwith.us

$10 presale, $15 at the door. 4pm-midnight.

Sunday, January 26. Necto Nightclub, 516 E Liberty St. 734-994-5436. necto.com

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arts & culture ROAD TRIP THEY CALL ME ALEXANDER HAMILTON

Best known for her Tony Award-winning role as Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton, Renée Elise Goldsberry has also performed in films and on television, including her role as Henrietta Lacks in the recent HBO biopic. Following stage appearances in Rent, The Color Purple and The Lion King, Goldsberry brings her live show to Toledo to sing songs from her most iconic roles along with pop, jazz and rock numbers, joined by her own band and the Toledo Symphony Orchestra. $28-$70. 8pm. Saturday, January 25. Stranahan Theater, 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, OH. 419-246-8000. toledosymphony.com —EH

1 Wednesday

[misc.]

Puzzling Adventures Ann Arbor $49.99. 319 S. 5th St., Ann Arbor. puzzlingadventures.com

Learn all about Ann Arbor’s history and landmarks with this unique adventure! Start at any time of day you want, bring your friends and spend a few hours with this exciting and fun tour!

Available any day, reserve at Puzzling Adventures website.

2 Thursday

[comedy] 50 First Jokes

8pm. $10. The Ark. red.vendini.com

Fifty veteran and up-and-coming Michigan comics will tell the first jokes they’ve written in 2020!

4 Saturday

[art] Gerome Kamrowski Art Show & Sale

9am. The Michigan Art Gallery at Schmidt’s Antiques Inc. michiganartgallery.com Free

View the work of Michigan’s surrealist pioneer, Gerome Kamrowski.

[misc.]

Public Workshop: DIY Lip Balm

1pm. Price: TBD. Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. aahom.org Protect your lips from cold weather with this 45-minute workshop where participants create custom lip balm from natural ingredients, right down to the flavor and packaging!

[theater] Beauty & the Beast

[misc.]

Sporcle Live Trivia

7pm. Lucky’s Market.

Luckysmarket.com Free

2:30pm. $10. Marquis Theatre. northvillemarquistheatre.com

Still haven’t scratched your trivia itch? Swing by Lucky’s Market for more Sporcle trivia fun! The top two teams of each round win prizes!

The Marquis’ original take on the classic story takes to the stage for its final performances of this season, running Saturdays and Sundays through the end of the month.

3 Friday

5 Sunday

[comedy] Comedy Night with Chris Young & Khurum Sheikh 8pm. $10 cover charge.

The Rumpus Room. tockify.com

This hilarious evening features the down-to-earth comedy of Chris Young and the topical humor of former Ann Arbor police officer Khurum Sheikh.

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[film] Doctor Who w/Live Q&A

2pm. $10-$12. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org

Kick-off the new season of Doctor Who, followed by live Q&A on screen.

2020 / ecurrent.com

[misc.]

Empty Chair Night

7pm. $9 - $12. Trinity House Theatre. brownpapertickets.com Hear from featured guest artist Lauren Crane at this month’s Empty Chair Night, where audience members volunteer to go on stage and share a song.

6 Monday

[film] Bohemian Rhapsody, The Sing-Along

7:30pm. $8.50-$10.50. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org

Sing-along with onscreen lyrics to last year’s Best Picture nominee.

7 Tuesday

[theater] NT Live: Fleabag

7pm. $8.50-$10.50. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org See the hilarious and awardwinning original one-woman play that inspired the BBC’s hit TV series, written and performed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

8 Wednesday

[film] Murder on the Orient Express 7:30pm. $8.50-$10.50. Michigan Theater. Michtheater.org

The 1974 classic, adapted from Agatha Christie’s classic novel, kicks-off the Michigan Theater’s “Whodunnit?” film series.

[misc.]

Sporcle Live Trivia

7pm. The Rumpus Room. tockify.com Free

Show your knowledge and win prizes during free trivia at the Rumpus Room, held every Wednesday at 7 and 8pm

Open Stage

8pm. $2-$3. The Ark. theark.org

The Ark’s unique take on an open mic night sees 15 randomlydrawn volunteers who are given eight minutes to do their thing in front of the audience!

9 Thursday

[lit] Fiction at Literati: A.R. Moxon 7:30pm. Literati Bookstore.

Literatibookstore.com Free

The Ann Arbor author promotes the release of his debut novel The Revisionaries.

[lit] Zell Visiting Writers Series: Shane McCrae

5:30pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art. umma.umich.edu Free Hear from the acclaimed and topical author of The Gilded Auction Block, who is an National Endowment for the Arts fellowship recipient.

10 Friday

[film] The Princess Bride

9:30pm. $8.50-$10.50. Michigan Theater. Michtheater.org

Audiences are encouraged to interact with the film during this screening of the 1987 cultfavorite. Inconceivable!

[lit] Fiction at Literati: Chris McCormick

7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com Free

UM alum and author of the short story collection Desert Boys will discuss his new novel The Gimmicks.

Mark Webster Reading Series

7pm. University of Michigan Museum of Art. umma.umich.edu Free

Hear from New Jersey writer Asher Dark and San Diego poet Kassy Lee.

11 Saturday

[health] Rock Your World Psychic & Holistic Fair

11am. $5. Dearborn Heights Moose Lodge. Eventbrite.com

Psychics, mediums and holistic healers converge as attendees shop for healing crystals, get their palm read, and more.

12 Sunday

[film] Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

1:30pm. $8.50-$10.50. Michigan Theater. Michtheater.org

The 1971 musical fantasy returns to the big screen. Can you resist the temptation?

13 Monday

[film] German Film Series: Transit 7pm. University of Michigan. events.umich.edu Free

A concentration camp survivor tries to make it to North America— through Nazi-occupied Marseille— in this modern film adaptation of the Anna Segher novel.

The Greatest Showman, The Sing-Along

7:30pm. $8.50-$10.50. Michigan Theater. Michtheater.org

Sing-along with onscreen lyrics to the 2019 Grammy-winning soundtrack, featuring music composed by UM alumni Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, who are Oscar, Grammy, Tony, and Golden Globe Award-winning songwriters.

[lit] Fiction at Literati: Kiley Reid 7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com Free

Author Kiley Reid, an alumnus of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop and recipient of the Truman Capote Fellowship, promotes her debut novel Such a Fun Age.

14 Tuesday

[film] Bhutan: The Cloud Kingdom

7:30pm. $7. Tecumseh Center for the Arts. thetca.org

This documentary observes how modern life begins to transform the small and isolated Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan— sometimes called the Last Shangri-La. Presented by the Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh.

[lit] Poetry Book Club

7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com Free

Meet once a month to read and discuss a new book of poetry.

15 Wednesday

[film] Clue

7:30pm. $8.50-$10.50. Michigan Theater. Michtheater.org

Solve your mid-week boredom with a screening of the 1985 dinner party murder mystery, as part of the Michigan Theater’s “Whodunnit?” film series.

[lit] Charles R. Eisendrath: Downstream from Here 7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com Free

The former Time magazine writer and UM alum will sign and discuss his new book Downstream from Here.

arts & culture

16 Thursday

[art] Exhibit Opening & Reception: New York City’s Vanished Cafeterias

4pm. Lane Hall. events.umich.edu Free

Marcia Bricker Halperin’s photographs tracking the final days of some of New York City’s now-closed cafeterias take center stage at this exhibition.

17 Friday

[lit] Fiction at Literati: Kate Wisel 7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com Free

Hear from the author of Driving in Cars with Homeless Men, a collection of stories set in Boston linked by women working to move past violence in their lives.

18 Saturday

[misc] Dexter Ice Fest

11am. Price TBD. Monument Park. dexterchamber.org

Do you want to build a snowman? Head on out to the Dexter Ice Fest for their snowman building contest, live ice carving demos and special craft projects for children. Visit cocoa and s’mores stations to warm up!

[dance] 9th Annual Fusion Bellydance Showcase

8pm. $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

Mendelssohn Theater. karmabellydance.com

Bellydancing troupes and soloists from across Michigan converge for this special event, featuring a stellar grand finale taught to performers at workshops held earlier that same day!

19 Sunday

21 Tuesday

[lit] UMMA Book Club: Stories from the North

[lit] Fiction at Literati: Alexander Weinstein

Sheila Watt-Cloutier’s book The Right to Be Cold is the focus of this event, part of a monthly series designed to offer attendees an in-road to learn about Indigenous authors.

The Children of the New World author discusses his new book Universal Love, a collection of short stories set in the near future.

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

[theater] NT Live: All My Sons

7pm. $22, $12-20 students. Michigan Theater. michtheater.org

See Arthur Miller’s classic and haunting drama about a family in 1947 America, performed by Sally Field and Bill Pullman at the Old Vic in London.

20 Monday

[art] Stitches & Knots: Drop-In Knitting and Crochet 6:30pm. Saline District Library. salinechamber.org Free

Whether you have a ton of experience or want to learn, all are welcome at this event held on the third Monday of every month!

7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com Free

22 Wednesday

[film] An American In Paris

7pm. $8.50-$10.50.

Michigan Theater. Michtheater.org Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron are quite the duo in this 1951 musical comedy set in post-war Paris.

[theater] The Magic Mike Experience

8pm. $21.95-$39.95.

The Token Lounge. tokenlounge.com

You’ve seen the movie, now get the full experience! The hottest male revue show in the world offers on-stage seats that put patrons right in the center of the action!

23 Thursday

[misc] Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

[art] Artist Talk with Cullen Washington, Jr.

Volunteers will help host an ice skating event, leading activities both on and off the ice. So if you don’t know how to skate, you can still participate! Contact jchase@a2gov.org for more information.

Cullen Washington Jr.’s fascinating mixed-media works will be showcased at The Public Square, a new exhibition beginning on January 25 at UMMA. Before it opens, hear Washington Jr. discuss his work and its reflections on humanity.

10:45am. Parks and Recreation Facilities. calendar.a2gov.org Free

5:10pm. Michigan Theater. events.umich.edu Free

Continued on p.32

Style MEN’S

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FEB 2020

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ecurrent.com / january 2020 31

Continued from p.31

[lit] Zell Visiting Writers: Rion Amilcar Scott

5:30pm. Helmut Stern Auditorium. events.umich.edu Free

The author of short story collections Insurrections and The World Doesn’t Require You reads from and discusses his work.

Fiction at Literati: Luke Geddes 7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com Free

The author discusses his debut novel, Heart of Junk, the comedic story of a group of merchants at an antique mall who get accused of kidnapping a beauty contestant.

24 Friday

[film] Purple Rain

9:30pm. $8.50-$10.50. Michigan Theater. Michtheater.org

See Prince’s 1984 smash hit, which was one of 25 films to be added to the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry in 2019.

[theater] Sylvia, by A. R. Gurney

8pm. $15. James R. Hartman Theatre at Schoolcraft College. brownpapertickets.com

This lively comedy about a family in New York adjusting to the arrival of a new dog opens for a two-weekend run.

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25 Saturday

[art] Exhibition: Cullen Washington, Jr.: The Public Square

11am. University of Michigan Museum of Art. events.umich.edu Free

The mixed-media artist’s new series Agoras focuses on the idea of a gathering place as a reflection of a city and the people living in it. His solo exhibit, The Public Sqaure, is on view through May 17.

[comedy] Legends of Michigan Comedy National Touring Show

7:30pm. $25-$30. Tecumseh Center for the Arts. thetca.org

Dave Landau of Last Comic Standing, Bryan McCree of MADtv, Bill Bushart, winner of Detroit Comedian of the Year and Norm Stulz, seen on Comedy Central, bring the funny.

[misc] LIFT OFF: Rebirth

6:30pm. $10. The Ann Arbor Aviary.

Brownpapertickets.com

The Ann Arbor Aviary considers January its “birthday month,” and they’re celebrating with this big blowout shindig featuring amazing aerial and acrobatic performances from their students

2020 / ecurrent.com

[misc] The Real Drag Queens of Bingo 8pm. $20, $15 in advance.

The 5th of Novi. the5thnovi.com

Enjoy a fantastic drag performance coupled with the excitement of Bingo! VIP reservations have already sold out, so grab your tickets now!

26 Sunday

[art] Last Day: Mari Katayama

Noon. University of Michigan Museum of Art. events.umich.edu Free It’s your last chance to see the remarkable hybrid works of Japanese artist Mari Katayama, who combines photography, sculpture and fabric with images of her own body.

27 Monday

[lit] Eco Book Club

7pm. Literati Bookstore. literatibookstore.com Free

This semi-regular gathering to discuss books on sustainability and the environment will focus on Why Birds Sing by David Rothenberg.

29 Wednesday

[theater] Is This A Room: Reality Winner Verbatim Transcription 7:30pm. $35, $12-20 student.

Walgreen Drama Center. events.umich.edu

The staged performance of the real-life interrogation of 25-yearold former Air Force linguist proves to be a remarkably tense evening of theater.

31 Friday

[fim] Samadhi

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

A two-part documentary about meditation and ‘Samadhi,’ the ancient Sanskrit word that means a mystical or transcendent union, is shown as part of Jewel Heart’s monthly free film screening and discussion.

[theater] Apple Season by E. M. Lewis

8pm. $22. Theatre NOVA. artful.ly

This gripping drama tells the story of a woman who returns to her family orchard after her father dies, and must confront memories of the past she thought she’d abandoned among the apples.

Entrepreneurs and spouses Nicha Sangiampornpanit and John Ames, Jr.’s eco-friendly clothing line was inspired by a shared passion for sustainability and staying active.

Sustainable and Stylish JOOB Activewear makes ecofriendly clothing

By Jeff McGinnis

On July 15, Ann Arbor entrepreneurs and spouses John Ames, Jr. and Nicha Sangiampornpanit officially launched their online store at joobwear.com for JOOB Activewear, a line of clothing aimed at being as carbon-neutral as possible. For the couple, the launch was a way to bring many of their passions together— an active lifestyle coupled with a desire to leave a better planet for future generations.

How would you describe JOOB Activewear?

John Ames, Jr.: It’s sustainable activewear that can be used pretty

much anything, and anywhere. When we talk about ‘sustainable,’ we really talk about it in terms of a few different elements— one is the element of us giving back. So three percent of our revenue goes to environmental and carbon-reducing projects. So we have a partner called 1% for the Planet that gets a portion of our revenue, and a local partner in Michigan is the Huron Watershed Council.

They’re doing some really amazing things, like testing for PFAs and microplastics and keeping our watersheds healthy for future generations. And Nicha and I, this summer, were both volunteers, and tested for flow and chemicals in the Huron River and other connecting streams.

Before we even launched the company, we wanted to be climate neutral. Part of both of our backgrounds is in supply chains.

LlamaSoft, the software company that I worked for and where Nicha works now, did a lot with carbon footprint analysis. One of their early investors was using their simulation software to model carbon footprint and the impact of CO2 emissions on the supply chain. So sustainability is really kind of part of this.

person of interest

What can you tell us about the products you offer?

John: We’re trying not to be too technical, but technical enough

that you can use the products to pretty much do anything. But we’re not going to be your expedition, going to Everest type of clothes, the really hardcore folks. So we have things like tees, and daypacks, and beanies and overcoats that have an element of style.

Nicha Sangiampornpanit: We want to work with suppliers who choose to treat their employees well, which is an element of sustainability that we’ve discussed. This commitment affects who we choose to partner with, in terms of the materials we use for our products.

Are you and Nicha active individuals, to be inspired to create a product line such as this?

John: I’d say we’re probably super-active. I’m a fly fishing person,

and I’ve been fly fishing for years now. Nicha and I both ski; we do yoga; we hiked the Everest base camp trail; when we lived in Japan we hiked Mount Fuji. We bike and hike, so yeah, we’re out there a lot.

In what ways are your products truly sustainable?

John: Not all of our products have sustainable materials, but a lot

of them, and our goal is to have as much sustainable material [as possible]. One of our shirts is made from sustainable beech trees and silk, which means it’s completely biodegradable. We use super-fine merino from Australia for our beanies. One of our tees is made from 100% recycled post-consumer plastic bottles. Our overcoat is made from recycled plastic bottles as well, and a spandex blend.

We’re trying to go as much as we can on the sustainable fabric side of things, and longer-term, our goal is to have zero waste. We’re figuring out how to get, when people are tired of their products, instead of throwing it away or giving it to Goodwill, or some other means of not using it, they can give it back to us. And we can either have it get refurbished or have our textile mill do something with it.

ecurrent.com / january 2020 33

cannabis

That’s How We Roll Joint Rolling 101

By Charmie Gholson

T

here are two kinds of marijuana smokers: those who can roll joints, and those who can’t. The cannabis community doesn’t care about political or racial differences— we know those from all walks of life smoke weed, and these differences matter not— but if you can’t roll a joint? Now that’s a problem.

We hope this simple tutorial helps to elevate your status in the community, or at least your selfsufficiency so you can stop asking your friends to roll you a joint.

Materials you will need for one joint: One-half gram of your favorite strain of cannabis flower. You can roll bigger joints with more cannabis as your skills increase.

Rolling papers.

A two-piece cannabis grinder, scissors, cheese grater or your fingers.

A filter (think a strip of cardboard or business card stock).

A lighter.

34

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2020 / ecurrent.com

STEP 1: Break up the cannabis flower If the bud is dry, it will break up quickly, but wet or sticky flowers take more work.

Grinders are the most efficient,

tidiest and fastest way to break up your flower. If you don’t have a grinder, or the cannabis is too deliciously sticky to grind, you can use your fingers to break it up. Gently roll and pinch the bud between your fingers until it breaks down. This gives you a chance to inspect the cannabis more closely and covers your hands with a lovely aroma.

If you don’t have a grinder, or prefer to avoid getting fingers that are stinky and sticky, you can break it up between two sheets of wax paper.

Scissors, car keys, a knife and cutting board, and the smallest size grating option on your cheese grater can all work in place of a grinder.

Remember to remove the stems, so they don’t poke holes in your joint.

STEP 2 (optional): Make a filter out of thin cardboard or thick paper.

Many people prefer to smoke their joint with a filter, which keeps weed out of your mouth and lets you smoke all the cannabis instead of managing roaches.

Make the filter by folding, accordion-style, the first few millimeters of the heavy paper, and then rolling it into a tube.

STEP 4: Roll it up!

This is the step that ensures a tight joint that smokes evenly: tuck the bottom side of the paper, without the sticky edge, around the cannabis and down into the joint.

STEP 3: Fill the paper and pack the cannabis Hold the folded paper with the gummed side at the top facing you. Make a crease if your papers don’t have one.

Put the rolled-up filter on one side of the paper.

Hold the paper in the center and disperse the ground-up material evenly along the crease.

Keep your fingers on the back of the paper and your thumbs in front and roll the paper back-and-forth with your thumbs and first fingers, packing the material down and shaping the joint as you go.

Pressing on the paper, roll it down with your thumbs until you have made a tight tube.

When it’s in good joint shape, lick the sticky part and seal it. You will have one open end and one end using the joint filter.

STEP 5: Pack the joint and smoke it Using the end of a pen, pack down the cannabis at the open end.

Then tap the filter against a hard surface a few times to better pack your joint.

Now you’re ready to light it and enjoy your hand-rolled joint.

Congratulations!

ecurrent.com / january 2020 35

STEP 1.

NOMINATIONS.

From FEBRUARY 1 to MARCH 1, 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 1 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.

SIGN UP! TO RECEIVE OUR WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER TO ENTER CONTESTS AND GET THE “SCOOP” ON WHAT’S HAPPEINING AROUND WASHTENAW COUNTY.

@ ecurrent.com 36

january

2020 / ecurrent.com

free will astrology © Copyright 2020 Rob Brezsny

JANUARY ARIES (March 21-April 19): Nazi Germany invaded and occupied Denmark during World War II. In 1943, Hitler ordered all Danish Jews to be arrested—a first step in his plan to send them to concentration camps. But the Danish resistance movement leapt into action and smuggled virtually all of them to safety via fishing boats bound for Sweden. As a result, 8,000+ Danish Jews survived the Holocaust. You may not have the opportunity to do anything quite as heroic in 2020, Aries. But I expect you will have chances to express a high order of practical idealism that could be among your noblest and most valiant efforts ever. Draw inspiration from the Danish resistance.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): When she was 31, Taurus writer Charlotte Brontë finished writing her novel *Jane Eyre*. She guessed it would have a better chance of getting published if its author was thought to be a man. So she adopted the masculine pen name of Currer Bell and sent the manuscript unsolicited to a London publisher. Less than eight weeks later, her new book was in print. It quickly became a commercial success. I propose that we make Brontë one of your role models for 2020, Taurus. May she inspire you to be audacious in expressing yourself and confident in seeking the help you need to reach your goals. May she embolden you, too, to use ingenious stratagems to support your righteous cause.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Fifteenth-century Italian metalworker Lorenzo Ghiberti worked for 28 years to turn the Doors of the Florence Baptistry into a massive work of art. He used bronze to create numerous scenes from the Bible.

His fellow artist Michelangelo was so impressed that he said Ghiberti’s doors could have served as “The Gates of Paradise.” I offer Ghiberti as inspiration for your life in 2020, Capricorn. I think you’ll be capable of beginning a masterwork that could take quite some time to complete and serve as your very own “gate to paradise”: in other words, an engaging project and delightful accomplishment that will make you feel your life is eminently meaningful and worthwhile.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Libra-born mystic poet Rumi (1207– 1273) wrote that he searched for holy sustenance and divine inspiration in temples, churches, and mosques—but couldn’t find them there. The good news? Because of his disappointment, he was motivated to go on an inner quest—and ultimately found holy sustenance and divine inspiration in his own heart. I’ve got a strong feeling that you’ll have similar experiences in 2020, Libra. Not on every occasion, but much of the time, you will discover the treasure you need and long for not in the outside world but rather in your own depths.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): 2020 can and should be a lyrically healing year for you. Here’s what I mean: Beauty and grace will be curative. The “medicine” you need will come to you via poetic and mellifluous experiences. With this in mind, I encourage you to seek out encounters with the following remedies. 1. Truth Whimsies 2.

Curiosity Breakthroughs 3. Delight Gambles 4. Sacred Amusements 4. Redemptive Synchronicities 5. Surprise Ripenings 6. Gleeful Discoveries 7.

Epiphany Adventures 8. Enchantment Games 9. Elegance Eruptions 10. Intimacy Angels 11. Playful Salvation 12. Luminosity Spells

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Among his many accomplishments, Scorpio rapper Drake is an inventive rhymer. In his song “Diplomatic Immunity,” he rhymes “sacred temple” with “stencil.”

Brilliant! Other rhymes: “statistics” with “ballistics”; “Treaty of Versailles” with “no cease and desist in I”; and—my favorite—”Al Jazeera” (the Qatar-based news source) with “Shakira” (the Colombian singer).

According to my analysis of the astrological omens in 2020, many of you Scorpios will have Drake-style skill at mixing and blending seemingly disparate elements. I bet you’ll also be good at connecting influences that belong together but have never been able to combine before.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “There are years that ask questions and years that answer,” wrote author Zora Neale Hurston. According to my astrological analysis, Cancerian, 2020 is likely to be one of those years that asks questions, while 2021 will be a time when you’ll get rich and meaningful answers to the queries you’ll pose in 2020. To ensure that this plan works out for your maximum benefit, it’s essential that you formulate provocative questions in the coming months. At first, it’s fine if you generate too many. As the year progresses, you can whittle them down to the most ultimate and important questions. Get started!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian poet Rainer Maria Rilke (1875–1926) embodied a trait that many astrology textbooks suggest is common to the Sagittarian tribe: wanderlust. He was born in Prague but traveled widely throughout Europe and Russia.

If there were a Guinness World Records’ category for “Time Spent as a Houseguest,” Rilke might hold it. There was a four-year period when he lived at fifty different addresses. I’m going to be bold here and hypothesize that 2020 will NOT be one of those years when you would benefit from being like Rilke.

In fact, I hope you’ll seek out more stability and security than usual.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The Roman Emperor Vespasian (9–79 AD) supervised the restoration of the Temple of Peace, the Temple of Claudius, and the Theater of Marcellus. He also built a huge statue of Apollo and the amphitheater now known as the Colosseum, whose magnificent ruins are still a major tourist attraction. Vespasian also created a less majestic but quite practical wonder: Rome’s first public urinals. In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you Leos to be stimulated by his example in 2020. Be your usual magnificent self as you generate both inspiring beauty and earthy, pragmatic improvements.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You’re wise to cultivate a degree of skepticism and even contrariness. Like all of us, your abilities to say NO to detrimental influences and to criticize bad things are key to your mental health. On the other hand, it’s a smart idea to keep checking yourself for irrelevant, gratuitous skepticism and contrariness. You have a sacred duty to maintain just the amount you need, but no more—even as you foster a vigorous reservoir of receptivity, optimism, and generosity. And guess what? 2020 will be an excellent time to make this one of your cornerstone habits.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): When Virgo author Mary Shelley was 18 years old, she had a disconcerting dream-like vision about a mad chemist who created a weird human-like creature out of nonliving matter. She set about to write a book based on her mirage. At age 20, she published *Frankenstein*, a novel that would ultimately wield a huge cultural influence and become a seminal work in the “science fiction” genre. I propose we make Shelley one of your role models for 2020. Why? Because I suspect that you, too, will have the power to transform a challenging event or influence into an important asset. You’ll be able to generate or attract a new source of energy by responding creatively to experiences that initially provoke anxiety.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Dante Alighieri (1265–1321) finished writing *The Divine Comedy* in 1320. Today it’s considered one of the supreme literary accomplishments in the Italian language and a classic of world literature. But no one ever read the entire work in the English language until 1802, when it was translated for the first time. Let’s invoke this as a metaphor for your life in the coming months, Pisces. According to my visions, a resource or influence that has previously been inaccessible to you will finally arrive in a form you can understand and use. Some wisdom that has been untranslatable or unreadable will at last be available.

ecurrent.com / january 2020 37

crossword Across 1. NFL, e.g.

5. Uptick 9. Changed colors 13. Common mixer 14. Pistons legend Thomas 16. Game principle 17. It might make some things hard to swallow 18. Must 19. Otherwise 20. Brings someone up to date 22. Spot for an about to be fired head coach 24. Altiplano plateau range 26. “You bet,� poetically 27. Like an easy puzzle 30. Hedge fund manager 34. Garfield’s foil 35. “BoJack Horseman� voice actor 37. Chop 39. With 42-Across, beginning skier’s spot, and a hint to this puzzle’s theme 41. “You’re kidding me!�

42. See 39-Across 44. Part of a nor’easter forecast 45. Many residents of Baku 48. Condo listing data 49. Georgia’s capital 51. Lemon-peeling tool 53. Blues on some scoreboards 54. Until now 56. Beer with a red triangle logo 60. Third-party money accounts 64. Beach party, say 65. “Weapons of Math Destruction� author Cathy 67. In a wild and crazy way 68. Microsoft browser 69. Candy maker in the book “Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator�

70. Hockey maneuver 71. ___ track (insult song) 72. “I have to tell you something�

73. From the top

38 

  january

Down 1. “Back In Black� rockers 2. Prepare water for pasta 3. ___ cheese 4. Come across as perfect 5. Think tank proposal 6. Maine-to-Florida rte.

7. Sch. that is 364.4 smoots from Boston 8. Maze answer 9. Stylish, as suits 10. December holiday 11. Princess who sings “Into The Unknown�

12. Bug repellent 15. Mock, in a way 21. Colin Jost’s show, for short 23. Errs at the pinball hall 25. Tapas bar alcoholic order 27. Mongol’s desert 28. Extracted chemical (or what Sherlock Holmes might do, without the first letter) 29. Narrow shoe size 31. Fruit-flavored drink 32. In need of a few bucks 33. Reservation home 36. Has second feelings about 38. Sign of use 40. Resort on the Black Sea 43. 1954 Federico Fellini film 46. Real estate database site 47. Springfield bartender Moe 50. Problems 52. EU predecessor 55. Tissot rival 56. Ran, as mascara 57. Maker of the Q3, Q5, Q7, and Q8 models 58. Droops 59. Organic compound 61. Warning of a sort 62. Socially aware 63. Alter 66. Brian in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

2020 / ecurrent.com

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