Metro Times 08/20/2025

Feedback NEWS & VIEWS

We got comments in response to Steve Neavling’s cover story feature about the cannabis industry “Dab Day.”

710!!!!!!

—@stayfarawaythx, Instagram

weed crack!

—@american_ruse, Instagram

We will come up with any MF reason to ‘elevate’ ourselves, won’t we? lol �� —@mzdeeof313, Instagram

Our time to shine �� —@oozelife, Instagram

The “crack” variant of cannabis really brings out the dregs of the community.

Like, it takes an otherwise chill and mild euphoriant and turns it into chasing the next full tilt high.

Besides, opposition is always trying to taint the waters by claiming how potent “new” weed is. This helps them.

There is a place for concentrates... but celebrating dabs in particular is kinda gross in the overall scheme of things.

—@detroitgoose.com, Bluesky

Doing a dab on my toilet rn to celly —@detroitbathrooms, Instagram

Sound off: letters@metrotimes.com

NEWS & VIEWS

Opinion

Stop price gouging in grocery stores

Corporate greed drives up costs. Recently, corporations have begun using technology to raise prices in new ways and without your knowledge. Why should big grocery store chains be allowed to use facial recognition technology, digital price tags, and our personal information to price gouge?

Our families are already struggling to cover the costs of groceries. They are paying 28 percent more at the grocery store. According to the latest data, more than 47 million Americans are food-insecure, including more than 7 million children.

We have seen corporations use crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and extreme weather events to raise prices. When families are struggling more due to no fault of their own, they use that desperation to jack up prices.

I still remember the CEO of Pepsi saying that people are already “getting used to new price levels” in response to whether or not price increases during

the pandemic will be adjusted.

When prices go up and supplies are disrupted across the entire economy, big corporations feel comfortable raising prices since they know their competitors are likely doing the same. These companies hope that their price gouging will get lost in the “noise” created by this volatility.

The use of Big Tech makes raising prices even easier. Grocery stores like Kroger are replacing price stickers with electronic labeling, leading to concerns about surge pricing. Electronic shelf labels allow stores to change prices in seconds. “If it’s hot outside, we can raise the price of water and ice cream,” said Phil Lempert, a grocery industry analyst. But it’s not just the next heatwave that should worry you.

We all know that companies already collect and purchase a massive amount of information about us, from our purchase history to online behavior or location. These individualized consumer

profiles, paired with technology like mobile apps, online shopping, electronic shelf labels in grocery stores, and cameras with facial recognition technology, allow companies to charge different people different prices for the same item. This is called surveillance pricing.

Imagine if your grocery store charged you a higher price for an item because it used an algorithm based on your personal data and determined that you were willing to pay more than the next person. It might sound unbelievable, but it’s a serious threat. For instance, Target charged consumers using its app higher prices when they entered the store or even just the parking lot, on the assumption that the consumer was already committed to the purchase and less likely to go elsewhere.

I’m introducing the Stop Price Gouging in Grocery Stores Act to end this madness. My bill directs the Federal

Trade Commission to enforce a ban on price gouging by grocery stores, ensuring that corporate greed is not an obstacle to families accessing the food they need. In addition, it prohibits the “personalized price gouging” by grocery stores enabled by surveillance pricing.

The Stop AI Price Gouging and Wage Fixing Act I am co-leading with U.S. Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) prohibits all companies from using surveillance data to raise prices or lower wages.

Of course, this legislation is only the start. President Donald Trump’s cruel cuts to food assistance need to be reversed immediately, workers should be earning more than starvation wages, and corporations should not have the unfettered power to set prices.

Congress must prioritize the needs of working families over enriching billionaires and fueling corporate greed. We must put people over profits.

—U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has introduced legislation to ban stores from using technology like electronic labeling and facial recognition to set prices.

First concert set for Detroit’s restored historic bandshell

For the first time in nearly two decades, music is returning to Detroit’s former Michigan State Fairgrounds bandshell.

The inaugural concert has been announced for what is now called the Palmer Park bandshell.

First opened in 1938, the historic stage was saved from demolition and relocated across Woodward Avenue thanks to funding by President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act.

It celebrates its grand reopening with a jazz concert starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23. The show is part of saxophonist Marcus Elliot’s “Sounds From The Park,” which features compositions inspired by and performed in Detroit’s parks.

Elliot will be joined by Marion Hayden and Jaribu Shahid on bass, Gayelynn McKinney and Sean Dobbins on drums, and Roger Jones on piano. The theme of the concert is “Legacy & Mentorship.”

“Marcus Elliot’s curated performances honor Detroit’s parks and their stewards by showcasing themes that uniquely reflect each park’s heritage and neighborhood,” the Detroit Parks Coalition wrote in an Instagram post announcing the concert. “Composed specifically for each location, the music celebrates the parks as vital spaces for rest, recreation, and community connection. Through these site-specific works, Elliot highlights the distinct character and spirit of every park

while acknowledging their shared role in Detroit’s cultural landscape.”

The Michigan State Fairgrounds bandshell saw numerous acts grace its stage over the decades, ranging from Benny Goodman to the Stooges to Aretha Franklin. After the Michigan State Fair was held there for the last time in 2009 due to budget cuts, the site sat vacant until retail giant Amazon purchased a portion of it in 2020 to build a $400 million distribution center.

An essay published by Metro Times that year by blogger David Gifford urged Amazon to save the historic bandshell, sparking a show of public support. In his 2021 State of the City address, Mayor Mike Duggan announced the bandshell

would be saved.

“There’s a lot of emotion,” Duggan said. “I saw concerts at this bandshell. A lot of folks remember this, and they said, ‘Can’t we do something about the history of the Fairgrounds?’”

The restoration and relocation of the bandshell was completed this June, incorporating elements of the original structure. The city also installed bathrooms and a parking lot to accommodate guests.

The bandshell is now located in the Northwest section of Palmer Park off of Seven Mile Road. Information on booking at the bandshell is available at tinyurl. com/thebandshell.

—Lee DeVito

Powerful Hathaway family accused of helping Royal Oak relative get a felony charge dropped

A Detroit man says his ex-partner falsely accused him of molesting their daughter and alleges her powerful, politically connected family helped her get a felony charge dismissed for filing a false police report.

The ex-partner, Taylor Clark, is the granddaughter of retired Wayne County Circuit Judge Michael Hathaway, whose cousin Richard Hathaway is the chief assistant at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. Clark lives with Michael Hathaway in a luxury apartment in Royal Oak, according to court records. She has resided with the former judge since she was 15, according to her ex-partner, who asked not to be identified because of the severity of the allegations that Clark leveled against him.

After Metro Times asked about the Hathaways’s connection to the case, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said through a spokesperson that she had been unaware of the allegations and will recuse her office from the case.

Worthy “immediately ordered that the paperwork be filed for WCPO to be conflicted out,” spokeswoman Maria Miller said. “We will not handle the case because it falls within our conflict-of-interest policy and to avoid any appearance of impropriety.”

After a Detroit police investigation into the molestation allegations found evidence that Clark was lying, the prosecutor’s office authorized an arrest warrant and a felony charge against her, according to records. The charge is punishable by up to four years in prison.

But a few days later, Clark sent her former partner a message, which was obtained by Metro Times, that insists the charge is “going nowhere lol.” A day later,

she said in a message to him, “Grandfather asked. He knows the prosecutor.”

Four days later, Assistant Prosecutor Lisa Halushka informed the ex-partner that a group of prosecutors rescinded the charge after determining there wasn’t enough evidence to proceed. The former partner says both Halushka and Detroit police initially told him there was strong evidence to support the charges. After the case was dropped, he says the Detroit detective who investigated the case told him she has “never seen a prosecutor rescind the charges.”

“She saw the warrant request and said it was pretty strong,” he says.

Metro Times couldn’t immediately reach the detective for comment.

The former partner claims the charge was clearly dropped because of political favoritism. The Hathaway family has deep roots in Michigan’s judicial system. At least six current and retired Wayne County Circuit judges share the Hathaway name, including former Michigan Supreme Court Justice Diane Hathaway, who served time in federal prison for bank fraud.”

Richard Hathaway, who previously served as a Wayne County Circuit judge and Wayne County treasurer, is the second-ranking official in the prosecutor’s office and has authority over assistant prosecutors.

Although Clark wrote in a message that her grandfather “knows the prosecutor,” she adamantly denies Michael Hathaway intervened in the case.

“That’s a lie. It’s crazy,” Clark tells Metro Times. “My grandfather can’t get charges dropped against anyone. And he’s not the type of person who would do that.”

Clark insists she only mentioned her

grandfather because she asked him questions about the legal process.

On July 17, Clark’s former partner called on the prosecutor’s office to recuse itself, citing the conflict of interest involving the Hathaways and Clark.

“It is my hope now that you have become aware of these new circumstances that your office will recuse itself from this case and refer this matter to the Michigan State Attorney General Office or another County Prosecutor’s Office so that there is no hint of imparity and that justice may be served,” the ex partner wrote in an email to two prosecutors.

Thirteen minutes later, one of the prosecutors told him that she “will forward your email to our Public Integrity Unit.”

Despite the emails, Miller said Worthy was not aware of the allegations.

“Today is the first time that Prosecutor Worthy was made aware of the connection to our Chief Assistant Richard Hathaway through his relationship to his cousin Judge Michael Hathaway,” Miller said.

But now that Worthy is aware of the potential conflict, Miller said the prosecutor’s office will no longer handle the case.

“We are currently waiting for DPD to resubmit the warrant request,” she said. “When we have that we will proceed with the paperwork for WCPO to be disqualified. The office that is appointed to the case will decide the matter.”

Miller said the case got off to a wrong start, leading to the dismissal of the charge.

“The case came into the General Warrants Unit when it should have gone to the Special Victim’s Unit,” Miller said. “It was issued by a General Warrant Unit assistant prosecutor. Several days after that

happened, it was sent to supervisors who determined it should be in SVU. When the case was reviewed by a supervisor in SVU, it was determined that there was insufficient evidence to sustain the charges, and it was denied and returned to DPD with a request for further investigation.”

Michael Hathaway was accused of intervening in another case involving his granddaughter in September 2020. During a hearing involving parenting issues with Clark’s former partner in Oakland County Circuit Court’s Family Division, Judge Kameshia D. Gant found Clark in contempt and fined her. Michael Hathaway threatened to report Gant to the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission, saying she was too tough on his granddaughter, Gant said during another hearing and in a complaint to the chief judge, according to Clark’s former partner.

Metro Times couldn’t immediately reach Gant for comment.

In a text message from January, Clark said Michael Hathaway was getting involved in a custody dispute with her daughter’s father.

“My grandfather who is a judge is on his ass to get things turned around,” she wrote.

In a statement after her interview with Metro Times, Clark said that her former partner has an ax to grind.

“We are currently involved in a longstanding custody battle, and his recent actions seem driven by resentment, not truth,” Clark said.

She added, “This is not a matter of justice or concern for the truth–it’s about revenge.”

Metro Times was unable to reach Richard and Michael Hathaway.

—Steve Neavling

Sheffield dominates Detroit mayoral primary

Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield and Rev. Solomon Kinloch Jr. will square off in the general election for mayor of Detroit after becoming the top two vote-getters in the Tuesday, Aug. 5 primary.

Sheffield, who has built a progressive record as council president, dominated the nine-candidate field, receiving 50.8% of the votes, while Kinloch garnered 17.4%.

Nonprofit CEO Saunteel Jenkins finished third with 16% of the votes, followed by attorney Todd Perkins at 5.4%, former Detroit Police Chief James Craig at 5.2%, and City Councilman Fred Durhal III at 3.4%.

Activist DaNetta Simpson, former businessman Joe Haashiim, and entrepreneur Danetta Lynese Simpson rounded out the bottom three, each receiving less than 1%.

If elected in November’s general election, Sheffield would become the first woman to serve as mayor since Detroit was incorporated in 1802. At 26, Sheffield was first elected to city council in 2013. She has served as the council’s president since 2022. In her 12 years on the council, Sheffield has become a leading advocate

for affordable housing, tenants rights, neighborhood development, property tax reform, and a clean environment. As council president, she has been a vocal critic of inequitable investment strategies, calling for a shift away from tax incentives for downtown developers and toward policies that directly benefit Detroit’s most vulnerable residents.

Kinloch, senior pastor of Triumph Church and graduate of Detroit’s Northwestern High School, portrays himself as a political outsider committed to addressing the decades-long inequalities in the city’s neighborhoods, arguing that Detroit’s economic comeback has left too many residents behind.

Kinloch’s platform includes building 10,000 affordable housing units, expanding workforce training, reducing poverty, and improving basic city services like trash pickup and emergency response. He has also pledged to bring more grocery stores to underserved areas. Raised in poverty and once a factory worker, Kinloch founded Triumph Church with a few dozen members and built it into one of the largest churches in the state, with campuses

from Detroit to Genesee County.

Kinloch, who moved from the suburbs to Detroit about a year ago, has his work cut out for himself. In late July, Fox 2 Detroit revealed that he was convicted of beating his thenwife in 1993. According to court and police records, he hurled a glass at her, brandished a knife, and struck her in the back of the head with the weapon’s handle. Police found her bleeding from a cut on her hand and unable to walk because of her injuries.

Third-term Mayor Mike Duggan is running for governor as an independent.

Five city council seats were also up for grabs. The races included both atlarge seats, which represent the entire city, District 2 in the northernmost part of the city, District 5 just south of Hamtramck and Highland Park, and District 7 on the city’s west side.

Incumbents Mary Waters and Coleman Young II dominated the field of eight candidates in their bid to retain their at-large seats, each receiving nearly a third of the vote. Former City Councilwoman Janee’ L. Ayers and Detroit Fire Department community relations chief James Harris placed

third and fourth, garnering 13.8% and 7.3% of the votes, respectively, and will advance to the general election.

In the District 2 race, incumbent Angela Whitfield Calloway placed first with 44.6% of the vote, followed by former District 2 Councilman Roy McCalister Jr. with 29.9%. Both candidates will advance to the general election.

For the District 5 seat, which Sheffield held, seven candidates faced off. The top two vote-getters were UAW retiree and founding member of the Detroit Historic Districts Alliance Renata Miller with 23.2% of the vote, and Detroit Police Commissioner Willie Burton with 19.4%. Both candidates move on to the general election.

In the District 7 race, four candidates were vying to replace Durhal, who ran for mayor. Progress Michigan Managing Director Denzel McCampbell narrowly finished first with 34.5% of the vote, followed by state Rep. Karen Whitsett with 33.9% of the vote. McCampbell and Whitsett will face off in the general election.

The 2025 Detroit mayoral election will be held on Nov. 4.

—Steve Neavling

Cutline tk.

PHOTO CREDIT TK

FESTIVAL

FESTIVAL

Mark your calendar with these upcoming events in the Detroit area

By Metro Times staff

There’s something for everyone in the lineup of can’tmiss happenings in and around Detroit. Whether you want to groove to live jazz downtown, take in local street art, or step back in time at the Renaissance Festival, this season is packed with ways to get out and celebrate Michigan’s culture. We’ve rounded up a curated list of festivals across the Detroit area so you can plan your weekends with ease.

Michigan Renaissance Festival

Step into a 16th-century village filled with jousting knights, belly dancers, and turkey legs. The Michigan Renaissance Festival transforms Holly into HollyGrove, a realm of fantasy and fun. Costumes are encouraged, fun is guaranteed.

From 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 28 (plus Monday, Sept. 1 and Friday, Sept. 26); 12600 Dixie Hwy., Holly; michrenfest.com. Tickets are $18.95.

Hazel Park Art Fair

This community-driven event is a grassroots celebration of creativity and connection, featuring local artists, live music, and a laid-back park setting. Come for the art, stay for the good vibes. From 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 23 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 24; Green Acres Park, Hazel Park; hpart. org. No cover.

Michigan State Fair

A modern take on a classic fair that includes livestock and agriculture exhibits, a farmers market, carnival rides and games, a 5k run, a BMX and Motocross stunt show, and racing pigs, among many more family-friendly attractions. Don’t miss the butter cow!

From 11 a.m.-8 p.m. from Thursday, Aug. 28-Friday, Aug. 29, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30-Monday, Sept. 1; Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi; michiganstatefairllc. com. Tickets start at $10.

Arts, Beats & Eats

A longtime downtown Royal Oak happening, this family-friendly fest brings together national music acts, mouthwatering food from local restaurants, and hundreds of artists in a juried art show. Some of the bigger acts booked for this year include Sugar Ray, Hoobastank, Vanilla Ice, and Thornetta Davis, among others.

From 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29-Sunday, Aug. 31 and 11 am-9 pm. Monday, Sept. 1; downtown Royal Oak, Royal Oak; artsbeatseats.com. Tickets start at $7.

Detroit Jazz Festival

The largest free jazz festival in the world, this downtown Detroit event draws global jazz legends and rising stars alike. Spanning multiple stages, it’s a Labor Day weekend tradition for music lovers at an incredible waterfront setting. Highlights on the bill include 2025 Artist-In-Residence Jason Moran and Jeff Mills with special guest jessica Care moore, Chucho Valdés and Paquito D’Rivera Reunion Sextet, Allen Dennard Quartet, Marion Hayden and Legacy with special guest Kamau Kenyatta, among many others.

Starts at 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29, 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31, and noon on Monday, Sept. 1; Hart Plaza, Campus Martius, and other venues, Detroit; detroitjazzfest.org. No cover.

Hamtramck Labor Day Festival

This beloved block party mixes live music, kielbasa, and carnival rides with Hamtramck’s unique multicultural flair. Catch the famous Hamtramck Yacht Race where local businesses race push carts down Joseph Campau Avenue. It’s a quirky, high-energy way to close out summer.

From noon-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30-Monday, Sept. 2; Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck; hamtramckfestival.com. No cover.

BLKOUT Walls Street Art Festival

A celebration of Black street art and culture, BLKOUT Walls turns Detroit’s

North End into an outdoor gallery and block party. Watch live mural painting from artists like Sydney G, James while enjoying music, food, and workshops.

From Thursday, Sept. 4-Sunday, Sept. 14; North End, Detroit; blkoutwalls. com. No cover.

Arts & Apples Festival

This annual fall tradition showcases more than 250 artists in scenic Rochester Municipal Park. Beyond art, enjoy cider, doughnuts, and family activities in a picturesque autumn setting. It’s one of the top fine art fairs in the country.

From 2-7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, 10-7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 7; Rochester Municipal Park, Rochester; pccart.org/festival. No cover.

Brighton Smokin’ RockN-Blues Festival

This two-day festival brings live music and hot barbecue to downtown Brighton. It’s the perfect way to wind down the summer.

From 5-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 and noon-10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6; Main Street, Brighton; brightoncoc.org. No cover.

Dally in the Alley

Detroit’s longest-running independent festival, Dally in the Alley is a funky blend of music, art, food, and peoplewatching. This one-day event channels the spirit of the Cass Corridor like

nowhere else. Expect a lively mix of counterculture and community spirit.

From 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 7; Cass Corridor, Detroit; dallyinthealley. com. No cover.

Birmingham Street Art Fair

This juried art fair features 100 artists from around the country in elegant downtown Birmingham.

From 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 14; downtown Birmingham; theguild.org. No cover.

FrankenFest

A mashup of science fiction, horror, and other oddities, FrankenFest celebrates the weird and wonderful in a festival atmosphere. Highlights include more than 100 art vendors, aerial shows, food trucks, and more.

From 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13; Historic Fort Wayne, 6325 W. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; frankenfest.com. No cover.

Murals in the Market

After spreading to other parts of the city, this world-famous street art festival celebrates its 10th anniversary by returning to its home in Detroit’s Eastern Market. Muralists will breathe new life into the district, and the fest is rounded out with artist talks, exhibitions, and a block party.

Hours TBA, Monday, Sept. 15-Monday,

Sept. 22; Eastern Market, Detroit; muralsinthemarket.com. Admission is free.

DIY Street Fair

Independent makers, musicians, and brewers are the stars of this festival. Expect handcrafted goods, eclectic local bands, and a strong focus on community creativity.

From 6-11 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m.11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21; Nine Mile Road east of Woodward Avenue; ferndalediy. com. No cover.

Funky Ferndale Art Fair

This juried art fair features work from over 140 contemporary artists. It runs alongside the DIY Street Fair, giving Ferndale an extra-artsy weekend.

From 4-7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21; Nine Mile Road west of Woodward Avenue; funkyferndaleartfair.com. No cover.

Victorian Festival

Since 1989, Northville’s historic downtown hosts this charming celebration of local heritage, including a parade, live entertainment, vintage baseball, traditional food, and more.

From 5-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21; downtown Northville, Main St., Northville; northvillevictorianfestival.com. No cover.

Arts, Beats & Eats... and meats.

SHUTTERSTOCK

EMPLOYMENT

Commodity Buyer - Electronics, Brose North America, Auburn Hills, MI. Plan, dvlp, & execute NA procurement & strategic supplier sourcing strategies for mechatronic door syss & drives electronic cmpts, incl. printed circuit board, Electronic Control Units (ECUs) for power liftgate syss, drives, Hands Free Access (HFA) & wiring harnesses; plastic parts incl. housings & connectors; & electronic cmpts incl. capacitors, ECU microcontrollers, resistors, & for global sourcing of OEM global projects incl. U.S./MEX plants. Plan, perform engrg & economic anlyss, dvlp & assure profitable procurement of syss for mechatronic doors syss, HFA, drives, & power liftgates. Benchmark & evaluate supplier plant mfg processes, evaluate supplier Production Part Approval Process (PPAPs) for current & new series prgms, & ensure suppliers & plant production team meet International Automotive Task Force (IATF) 16949, ISO 9001 Standard for Automot Quality Management Systems (QMS) qlty, & ISO 14001 QMS environmental standards, & Dvlpmt, Ramp-up, Start of Production, & Series Production tech & dlvry reqmts. Bachelor, Industrial, Mechatronics, or Electrical Engrg, or related. 24 mos exp as Buyer, Engr, or related, benchmarking & evaluating plant processes, evaluating PPAPs for current prgms, & ensuring plant production team meet IATF 16949 & ISO 9001 Standard for Automot QMS qlty standards, or related. E-mail resume to Jobs@brose.com (Ref#565-201).

Control Design Engineer, Thielenhaus Microfinish Corporation, Novi, MI. Design, size, integrate, release, & continuously improve programable logic controller (PLC)-based control & distribution panels, & pneumatic syss, incl. transformer & wire sizing, relays, fuses, breakers, contactors, disconnect switches, & emergency stop (Estop) & drive circuits, for automated NanoStar, SpheroStar, MicroStar, & CUBE machines, in compliance w/ National Electrical Code, Underwriters Laboratory 508A, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70, & NFPA 79 standards, to microfinish & superfinish automot & medical steel, aluminum, & composite metal parts at OEM vehicle maker & Tier I customer plants. Engr redundant Estop circuit & drive circuits, integrating PLCs & input/ output (I/O) syss to ensure operator safety. Size transformers ranging from 480 volts to 220 volts & 120 volts, & 24 volt power supplies. Perform electrical panel thermal anlys, short circuit current rating calculations, & current load anlys. Bachelor, Electrical or Mechatronics Engrg, or related. 24 mos exp as Design Engr, Engr, Engr Team Ldr, or related, designing, sizing, & releasing PLC-based control panels & distribution panels, incl. transformer & wire sizing, disconnect switches, & Estop circuit, or related. E-mail resume to ctuchan@thielenhaus.us (Ref#43335).

Romulus Pumpkin Festival

You can celebrate fall with a smalltown twist at this family-friendly fest. The parade of pumpkins, classic car show, and live music make it a seasonal favorite. Bring the kids for hayrides and games.

Hours TBA Friday, Sept. 19-Sunday, Sept. 21; Romulus Historical Park, 11147 Hunt St., Romulus; romulusgov. com/pumpkinfestival. No cover.

Nostalgia Nationals and Car Show

This retro car fest features vintage drag racing, a classic car show, a swap meet, and more. A must for car enthusiasts.

Saturday, Sept. 20; Milan Dragway, 10860 Plank Rd., Milan; milandragway.com. Tickets are TBA.

Frankenmuth Fire Arts Festival

Celebrate fire-inspired arts like glassblowing, blacksmithing, and ceramics in Michigan’s Little Bavaria. Live demonstrations, artist booths, and hands-on activities highlight fiery creativity. It’s hot stuff for art lovers.

From 2 p.m.-11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26-Saturday, Sept. 27; Heritage Park, 601 Weiss St., Frankenmuth; frankenmuthfire.org. No cover.

Michigan Fall Festival

Celebrate all things autumn with pumpkins, cider, and fall decor in a storybook village setting. Expect family-friendly attractions, themed weekends, and Halloween flair — a great way to soak in seasonal spirit.

From 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 3; Canterbury Village, 2359 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion; michiganfallfestival.com. Advance tickets start at $5 (veterans and active-duty members get in free with military ID, plus children under 5).

Detroit Fall Beer Festival

Celebrate Michigan’s brewing scene with dozens of craft beers from local breweries. Held in Eastern Market, this is a must-attend for beer lovers looking to sample seasonal and rare brews. Food vendors and DJ sets make it a perfect autumn vibe.

From 1-6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25; Eastern Market, Shed 5, Detroit; mibeer.com. Tickets start at $60.

Youmacon

Detroit’s premier anime and gaming convention blends cosplay, culture, and creativity across two downtown venues. With dance parties, panels, and celebrity guests, it’s a four-day immersive experience, whether you’re into J-pop, gaming, or just people-watching.

Hours vary, Thursday, Oct. 30-Sunday, Nov. 2; Huntington Place, 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit; youmacon.com. Tickets start at $69.98.

Motor City Comic Con

Michigan’s biggest comic con brings stars from TV, film, and comics to meet fans for a weekend of cosplay and collectibles. With panels, photo ops, and a massive vendor hall, there’s something for every fandom — the ultimate geek-out.

Hours vary, Friday, Nov. 14-Sunday, Nov. 16; Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi; motorcitycomiccon.com. Tickets start at $30.

EMPLOYMENT

Motor City Comic Con is a must for fans of creative cosplay.

SHUTTERSTOCK

WHAT’S GOING ON

Greensky Bluegrass

Founded in Kalamazoo 25 years ago, Michigan’s homegrown heroes bring their signature blend of bluegrass and rock to Detroit. Known for high-energy sets and improvisational prowess,

Greensky Bluegrass delivers a mustsee live experience for fans of jam bands, string music, and everything in between.

Doors at 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 21; The

Fillmore, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit; ticketmaster.com. Tickets start at $41.25.

Novi Taco Festival

Tacos, live music, wrestling, and more are all part of a family-friendly

festival headed to Novi. According to organizers, the event will include taco trucks, palomas and margaritas, live entertainment across two stages, a hot pepper-eating contest, vendors selling Mexican crafts, and a kid’s zone.

Greensky Bluegrass.

COURTESY PHOTO

Veterans, active duty members with military ID, and children ages 3 and under get in free all weekend.

From 5-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, and noon-7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24; Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk; 44275 W. Twelve Mile Rd., Novi; novitacofest.com. Advance tickets are $7 or three-day passes are available for $21 per person. Cover is $10 at the door.

Pickleball for Good Fundraiser

Play for a cause at this feel-good fundraiser. Whether you’re a seasoned pickleball player or just paddle-curious, this event includes open courts for players of all skill levels; workshops; strolling brunch; a self-service tap wall with 30 beers, wines, and cocktails; and more. Proceeds benefit the Relentless Care Foundation, which works on housing affordability across Michigan.

From 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 23; Wolverine Pickleball; 235 Metty Dr., Ann Arbor; wolverinepickleball.com. Tickets start at $75.

We Came As Romans

These metalcore mainstays return for a heavy hometown throwdown. Detroit’s own We Came As Romans hit the stage with their explosive mix of metal, melody, and high-octane emotion in support of the band’s seventh LP, All Is Beautiful … Because We’re Doomed After the Burial, Currents, and Johnny Booth round out the bill.

Doors at 6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 23; 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit; ticketmaster. com. Tickets start at $37.

Detroit Sandwich Party

A celebration of Detroit’s best sandwiches — all in one place. The

SELECTIONS

Detroit Sandwich Party returns with over a dozen local restaurants and food trucks slinging their best takes on Motor City sandwich classics. From corned beef to fried bologna

and beyond, come hungry. Expect live DJs, cold drinks, games, and a laid-back summer block party vibe.

From 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 31;

Eastern Market Shed 5, 2810 Russell St., Detroit ; easternmarket.org. No cover.

Novi Taco Fest.

WHAT’S GOING ON CONTD

Select events happening in metro Detroit this week. Be sure to check venue websites before all events for the latest information. Add your event to our online calendar: metrotimes.com/ AddEvent.

MUSIC

Wednesday, Aug. 20

Live/Concert

Cubist Agenda 8 pm-midnight; First Place Lounge, 16921 Harper Ave, Detroit; no cover.

Jazzy Night Series 7:30 pm; The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, 2600 E. Atwater St., Detroit; $15-$70.

Lake Orion Live! Concert Series 6:30-8 pm; Children’s Park, 201 S Broadway St, Lake Orion; Free.

Ocean Sleeper, Garzi 6 pm; Sanctuary Detroit, 2932 Caniff St., Hamtramck.

Raheem DeVaughn 7:30 pm; The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, 2600 E. Atwater St., Detroit.

Matt Larusso Trio and guests 8-11 pm; Northern Lights Lounge, 660 W. Baltimore St., Detroit; no cover. DJ/Dance

Planet Funk 7-10 pm; Spkr Box, 200 Grand River, Detroit.

Karaoke/Open Mic

Hump Day Karaoke & Music Trivia 8 pm-1 am; Pronto! Royal Oak, 608 S. Washington, Royal Oak; no cover.

Tour 2025 7 pm; District 142, 142 Maple St., Wyandotte; $20-$50.

Lip Service 5-8 pm; The Village of Rochester Hills, NE corner of Walton and Adams, Rochester Hills; no cover.

Magic Bag Presents: JR JR 7 pm; Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale.

Maxwell 8 pm; The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, 2600 E. Atwater St., Detroit; $59.50-$200.

Music for the Masses: Dark 80’s New Wave Nite 8 pm; The Loving Touch, 22634 Woodward Ave., Ferndale.

New Bark Town / Theatre Girl / Lyloc / Local Man 7 pm; The Loving Touch, 22634 Woodward Ave., Ferndale.

Nine Inch Nails - Peel It Back Tour 2025 7:30 pm; Little Caesars

Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; $49.50-$179.50.

Saddle Up Country Dance Party! 8 pm; Diamondback Music Hall, 49345 S. Interstate 94 Service Dr., Belleville.

Sky Covington’s Satin Doll Revue ft. Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Nina Simone, Etta James and Nancy Wilson 7-10 pm; $40.

The Summer Cycle Deluxe 5 pm-2 am; Johnny Renick, 11317 Harvey Ct, Sterling Heights, MI 48314, Sterling Heights; no cover.

Summer Sounds 5-8 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

A Tribute to Jazz: Ft. Man & Sky Covington Backed by the renowned Pamela Wise Harrison, Alex Brooks, Ibrahim Jones & Dwight Adams 7:30-10 pm; Aretha’s Jazz Cafe, 350 Madison St., Detroit; $35. verygently and Brother Elsey 7 pm; The Shelter, 431 E. Congress St., Detroit.

Maxwell 8 pm; The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, 2600 E. Atwater St., Detroit; $59.50-$200.

Summer Sounds 5-8 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

Sky Covington’s Satin Doll Revue ft. Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Nina Simone, Etta James and Nancy Wilson 7:30-10 pm; $40.

Lip Service 5-8 pm; The Village of Rochester Hills, NE corner of Walton and Adams, Rochester Hills; no cover.

Summer Sounds 5-8 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; Free.

DJ/Dance

Elevated Fridays At Cielo Rooftop Detroit 9 pm-midnight; Cielo Rooftop Bar, 600 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226, Detroit.

Open Air Fridays 4-10 pm; Woodbridge Pub, 5169 Trumbull St., Detroit; no cover.

Tokyo Machine Chompo Tour w/ Skybreak at Detroit Shipping Company 10 pm-2 am; Detroit Shipping Company, 474 Peterboro St., Detroit; $20.

Saturday, Aug. 23

Live/Concert

Maxwell 8 pm; The Aretha Franklin

22 August 20- September 2, 2025 | metrotimes.com

Amphitheatre, 2600 E. Atwater St., Detroit; $59.50-$200.

Summer Sounds 5-8 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

Autopsy, Nunslaughter, Cardiac Arrest, Acid Witch, Sauron 6 pm; Sanctuary Detroit, 2932 Caniff St., Hamtramck.

Autopsy, Nunslaughter, Cardiac Arrest, Acid Witch, Sauron 6 pm-1 am; Sanctuary Detroit, 2932 Caniff St., Hamtramck; $60.

Az Yet R&B Unity Tour 9 pm; Diamondback Music Hall, 49345 S. Interstate 94 Service Dr., Belleville. FireLake and D-Street: A Night of Seger & Springsteen 8 pm; Northville Marquis Theater, 135 E Main St, Northville; $20 Advance/$25 at the Door.

Imagine Dragons to Perform at LIV Golf Indianapolis! 2:30 pm; The Cardinal at Saint John’s, 44045 Five Mile Road, Plymouth; 76.74.

KAYZO Presents: Unleashed XL ‘25 7 & 8 pm; Pike Room, 1 S. Saginaw, Pontiac; $24.50.

Lil Wayne: Tha Carter VI Tour Celebrating 20+ years of Carter Classics 8 pm; Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; Magic Bag Presents: An Evening with the Smithereens wsg vocalist John Cowsill 7 pm; Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; Maxwell 8 pm; The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, 2600 E. Atwater St., Detroit; $59.50-$200.

Mobile Dueling Pianos July 19th & August 23rd 6-8 pm; The Village of Rochester Hills, NE corner of Walton and Adams, Rochester Hills; no cover.

Music & Markets 6-10 pm; Beacon Park, 1901 Grand River Ave, Detroit.

Now Novocula wsg Vazum + tba 7 pm; Small’s, 10339 Conant St., Hamtramck.

Plush 6:30 & 7:30 pm; The Token Lounge, 28949 Joy Rd., Westland. ROOFTOP RHYTHMS at Cielo Rooftop Detroit 8-11 pm; Cielo Rooftop Bar, 600 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226, Detroit; $10.

Simple Plan Party Box Rental 6:30 pm; Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, 14900 Metropolitan Pkwy., Sterling Heights.

Simple Plan: Bigger Than You

Think! Tour 6:30 pm; Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, 14900 Metropolitan Pkwy., Sterling Heights; $30.50-$85.50.

Summer Sounds 5-8 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

The Selena Experience by Tatyana D’voce - Luna Band 8 pm; The Loving Touch, 22634 Woodward Ave., Ferndale;

Viti Ruiz - Playing his hits and a tribute to his late brother Frankie Ruiz 7 am; Candela, 3564 Vernor Hwy., Detroit,; $38.

We Came As Romans - Bad Luck Tour 6 pm; The Fillmore, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit.

Summer Sounds 3-6 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

ROOFTOP RHYTHMS at Cielo Rooftop Detroit 8-11 pm; Cielo Rooftop Bar, 600 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226, Detroit; $10.

Summer Sounds 5-8 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

DJ/Dance

Got Your Back 9 pm-3 am; Marble Bar, 1501 Holden St., Detroit; $20. Saturday Grind 11 am-3 pm; Spkr Box, 200 Grand River, Detroit.

Simon Doty with Sherif + Ro Low 9 pm; Garden Bowl, 4120 Woodward, Detroit.

Sunday, Aug. 24

Live/Concert

Summer Sounds 5-8 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

Alastair Greene 7:30 pm; The Token Lounge, 28949 Joy Rd., Westland.

Crowbar, Eyehategod 2:30, 7 & 8 pm; Sanctuary Detroit, 2932 Caniff St., Hamtramck.

Gracie’s Corner Live: Gracie’s Global Adventure 10 am & 2 pm; The Fillmore, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit.

Phil Ogilvie’s Rhythm Kings 5-8 pm; Zal Gaz Grotto Club, 2070 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor; No Cover (tip jar for the band).

Rob Thomas - The All Night Days Tour 7:30 pm; Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, 14900 Metropolitan Pkwy., Sterling Heights. Summer Sounds 3-6 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

Swedish House Mafia to Perform

at LIV Golf Michigan! noon; The Cardinal at Saint John’s, 44045 Five Mile Road, Plymouth.

Thousand Below- Buried In Jade Tour 6 pm; The Shelter, 431 E. Congress St., Detroit.

Summer Sounds 5-8 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

Phil Ogilvie’s Rhythm Kings 5-8 pm; Zal Gaz Grotto Club, 2070 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor; No Cover (tip jar for the band).

Summer Sounds 3-6 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

DJ/Dance

SPKR BRNCH 11 am-3 pm; Spkr Box, 200 Grand River, Detroit.

Karaoke/Open Mic

Sunday Karaoke in the Lounge 5-9 pm; Bowlero Lanes & Lounge, 4209 Coolidge Hwy., Royal Oak; no cover.

Sunday Service Karaoke Hosted by Sister DJ Larry 8 pm-1 am; Pronto! Royal Oak, 608 S. Washington, Royal Oak; no cover.

Monday, Aug. 25

Live/Concert

Sky Covington’s Satin Doll Revue ft. Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Nina Simone, Etta James and Nancy Wilson 7-10 pm; $40.

Conan, Mares of Thrace 7 pm; Sanctuary Detroit, 2932 Caniff St., Hamtramck.

Magic Bag Presents: Truckfighters 7 pm; Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale.

Out of the Mouth of a Woman: A Tribute to Detroit Queens of Jazz ft. Kymberli Wright, Juanita Black, Lady Vonne & Sky Covington 7:30 am-10 pm; Aretha’s Jazz Cafe, 350 Madison St., Detroit; $35. Sky Covington’s Satin Doll Revue ft. Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington, Nina Simone, Etta James and Nancy Wilson 7:30-10 pm; $40.

DJ/Dance

Adult Skate Night 8:30-11 pm; Lexus Velodrome, 601 Mack Ave., Detroit; $5.

Tuesday, Aug. 26

Live/Concert

Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge: Yes We Are Tour 7:30 pm; Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, 14900 Metropolitan Pkwy., Sterling Heights; $35-$175.

Sean Blackman’s In Transit 7-10

pm; Northern Lights Lounge, 660 W. Baltimore St., Detroit; no cover.

Sean Blackman’s In Transit 7-10 pm; Northern Lights Lounge, 660 W. Baltimore St., Detroit; no cover. Karaoke/Open Mic

Open Mic : Art in a Fly Space 7-10 pm; Detroit Shipping Company, 474 Peterboro St., Detroit; no cover.

Tuesday Karaoke in the Lounge 8 pm-midnight; Bowlero Lanes & Lounge, 4209 Coolidge Hwy., Royal Oak; no cover.

VIP Tuesday Night Karaoke 9 pm-1 am; Pronto! Royal Oak, 608 S. Washington, Royal Oak; no cover.

Wednesday, Aug. 27

Live/Concert

Cubist Agenda 8 pm-midnight; First Place Lounge, 16921 Harper Ave, Detroit; no cover.

Lake Orion Live! Concert Series 6:30-8 pm; Children’s Park, 201 S Broadway St, Lake Orion; no cover.

Matt Larusso Trio and guests 8-11 pm; Northern Lights Lounge, 660 W. Baltimore St., Detroit; no cover.

Benson Boone: American Heart World Tour 8 pm; Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit.

CLASSIC LOUNGE SOUNDS w/ KESHTKAR & CO. fourth Wednesday of every month, 8-11 pm; Bowlero Lanes & Lounge, 4209 Coolidge Hwy., Royal Oak; no cover.

Cubist Agenda 8 pm-midnight; First Place Lounge, 16921 Harper Ave, Detroit; no cover.

Friends and Lovers Concert featuring Robert IMtume Owens ; Aretha’s Jazz Cafe, 350 Madison St., Detroit; $30.

Lake Orion Live! Concert Series 6:30-8 pm; Children’s Park, 201 S Broadway St, Lake Orion; no cover.

Resent, Stairway To The Sun, Confined, At Water, Barefaced, Punch Out 6 pm; Sanctuary Detroit, 2932 Caniff St., Hamtramck.

Starkill 7:30 pm; The Token Lounge, 28949 Joy Rd., Westland.

SummerFest Concert: Motown Museum presents Drey Skonie & the Klouds 6:30-9 pm; The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms; $0-$50.

The Crooner & The Cowboy: Leon Bridges with Charley Crockett 7 pm; Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, 14900 Metropolitan Pkwy., Sterling Heights; The Starting Line 6:30 pm; Saint

Andrew’s Hall, 431 E. Congress St., Detroit.

Matt Larusso Trio and guests 8-11 pm; Northern Lights Lounge, 660 W. Baltimore St., Detroit; no cover.

DJ/Dance

Planet Funk 7-10 pm; Spkr Box, 200 Grand River, Detroit. Karaoke/Open Mic

Hump Day Karaoke & Music Trivia 8 pm-1 am; Pronto! Royal Oak, 608 S. Washington, Royal Oak; no cover..

Thursday, Aug. 28

Live/Concert

Dueling Pianos: An Interactive Entertainment Experience 8 pmmidnight; AXIS Lounge, 1777 3rd St., Detroit.

Caskey: Black Sheep 5 Tour , 7 pm; The Shelter, 431 E. Congress St., Detroit.

Dayglo Abortions, The Brothels, Death In Custody , 7 pm; Sanctuary Detroit, 2932 Caniff St., Hamtramck.

Dueling Pianos: An Interactive Entertainment Experience 8 pmmidnight; AXIS Lounge, 1777 3rd St., Detroit.

Girl Ultra - Blushing Tour , 7 pm; The Loving Touch, 22634 Woodward Ave., Ferndale.

JONAS BROTHERS - JONAS20: LIVING THE DREAM TOUR , 7:30 pm; Comerica Park, 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit.

Jonas Brothers: JONAS20 Greetings From Your Hometown , 7:30 pm; Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit.

DJ/Dance

Curated Cool 7-10 pm; Spkr Box, 200 Grand River, Detroit.

Karaoke/Open Mic

Open Mic Night , 6-10 pm; The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms; $5.

Drag Queen Karaoke 8 pm-2 am; Woodward Avenue Brewers, 22646 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; no cover.

Elixer: DJs John Ryan and GEO 8 pm-midnight; Northern Lights Lounge, 660 W. Baltimore St., Detroit; no cover.

Friday, Aug. 29

Live/Concert

Lip Service 5-8 pm; The Village of Rochester Hills, NE corner of Walton and Adams, Rochester Hills; no cover. Summer Sounds 5-8 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; Free.

DEMUN JONES 7 pm; District 142, 142 Maple St., Wyandotte.

DJ GALLIXC Presents: LIMEWIRED a 2000’s Dance party (21+) 9 pm; Saint Andrew’s Hall, 431 E. Congress St., Detroit.

Ice Nine Kills: Dayseeker, Kim Dracula & More, Hell of a Summer Tour 6:30 pm; Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, 14900 Metropolitan Pkwy., Sterling Heights.

Lady Gaga Mayhem Rave Hosted by DJ Djinjo 8 pm; The Loving Touch, 22634 Woodward Ave., Ferndale.

Lip Service 5-8 pm; The Village of Rochester Hills, NE corner of Walton and Adams, Rochester Hills; no cover.

Magic Bag Presents: LITFRANK wsg DDK, Ernie Wayne, & more 7 pm; Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; no cover.

Old Dominion with special guest Redferrin 8 pm; Caesars Palace Windsor - Augustus Ballroom, 377 E. Riverside Dr., Windsor; $58-$153.

Summer Country Hoedown 8 pm; Diamondback Music Hall, 49345 S. Interstate 94 Service Dr., Belleville. Summer Sounds 5-8 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

The Return Of The Legends 8 pm; The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, 2600 E. Atwater St., Detroit.

ThunderBeard: A Tribute to ZZ

Top at the Lexington Village Theatre, Lexington, Michigan 8-9:30 pm; Lexington Village Theatre, 7318 Huron Avenue, Lexington; $37.95 - $49.95.

Summer Country Hoedown 8 pm; Diamondback Music Hall, 49345 S. Interstate 94 Service Dr., Belleville. Summer Sounds 5-8 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

DJ/Dance

Elevated Fridays At Cielo Rooftop Detroit 9 pm-midnight; Cielo Rooftop Bar, 600 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226, Detroit.

Open Air Fridays 4-10 pm; Woodbridge Pub, 5169 Trumbull St., Detroit; no cover.

Saturday, Aug. 30

Live/Concert

Summer Sounds 5-8 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

ROOFTOP RHYTHMS at Cielo Rooftop Detroit 8-11 pm; Cielo Rooftop Bar, 600 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit,

MI 48226, Detroit; $10.

Summer Sounds 5-8 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

Summer Sounds 3-6 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

Summer Country Hoedown 8 pm; Diamondback Music Hall, 49345 S. Interstate 94 Service Dr., Belleville.

Summer Sounds 5-8 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

Lyte’s Out 7 5 pm; Pike Room, 1 S. Saginaw, Pontiac.

ROOFTOP RHYTHMS at Cielo Rooftop Detroit 8-11 pm; Cielo Rooftop Bar, 600 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226, Detroit; $10.

Slipknot Tribute - Tattered & Torn, Black Sabbath Tribute -Nativity in Black , Heavy Inc 8:30 pm; The Token Lounge, 28949 Joy Rd., Westland.

Streetlight Manifesto 7 pm; The Fillmore, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit.

Summer Country Hoedown 8 pm; Diamondback Music Hall, 49345 S. Interstate 94 Service Dr., Belleville.

Summer Sounds 5-8 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

The O’Jays 8 pm; The Music Hall, 350 Madison Ave., Detroit.

The Return of The Legends: Block Party Edition 8 pm; The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, 2600 E. Atwater St., Detroit.

Untitled Sessions: Jazz Fest Afterparty & Jam Session w/ No Boundaries Quartet & Ian Fink Trio 10 pm-2 am; Moondog Cafe, 8045 Linwood St #2, Detroit; $20.

Vicious Rumors, Labyrinth, Wanted, Cyadine 7 pm; Sanctuary Detroit, 2932 Caniff St., Hamtramck.

The Welcome to the Thunder Dome Festival 7 pm-midnight; The Thunder Dome, 266 Lake Nepessing Rd, Lapeer; no cover.

White Concert: A Tribute to Frankie Beverly 7 pm; Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, 14900 Metropolitan Pkwy., Sterling Heights.

Summer Sounds 3-6 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

Untitled Sessions: Jazz Fest Afterparty & Jam Session w/ No

Boundaries Quartet & Ian Fink Trio 10 pm-2 am; Moondog Cafe, 8045 Linwood St #2, Detroit; $20.

Summer Sounds 3-6 pm; The Mall

at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

DJ/Dance

Saturday Grind 11 am-3 pm; Spkr Box, 200 Grand River, Detroit. Karaoke/Open Mic

Continuing This Week Karaoke/ Open Mic

Live On Lahser: Open Mic by The Vision Detroit Last Saturday of every month, 8-11 pm; Artist Village Detroit, 17336 Lahser Rd., Detroit; $10.

Sunday, Aug. 31

Live/Concert

Summer Sounds 5-8 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

Summer Sounds 5-8 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

Phil Ogilvie’s Rhythm Kings

5-8 pm; Zal Gaz Grotto Club, 2070 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor; No Cover (tipjar for the band).

Summer Sounds 3-6 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

Summer Sounds 5-8 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

Summer Sounds 5-8 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

Untitled Sessions: Jazz Fest

Afterparty & Jam Session w/ No

Boundaries Quartet & Ian Fink

Trio 10 pm-2 am; Moondog Cafe, 8045

Linwood St #2, Detroit; $20.

Glass Spells 7 pm; Small’s, 10339 Conant St., Hamtramck.

Phantogram - Running Through Colors Tour 7 pm; The Fillmore, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit; $41-$61.

Phil Ogilvie’s Rhythm Kings

5-8 pm; Zal Gaz Grotto Club, 2070 W. Stadium Blvd., Ann Arbor; No Cover (tipjar for the band).

SATAN, Mercifix 7 pm; Sanctuary Detroit, 2932 Caniff St., Hamtramck.

Summer Sounds 3-6 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

Ted Nugent - Stranglehold 50th Anniversary Tour 7:30 pm; Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, 14900 Metropolitan Pkwy., Sterling Heights; $29.50-$125.

Untitled Sessions: Jazz Fest

Afterparty & Jam Session w/ No Boundaries Quartet & Ian Fink

Trio 10 pm-2 am; Moondog Cafe, 8045 Linwood St #2, Detroit; $20.

Summer Sounds 3-6 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

SPKR BRNCH 11 am-3 pm; Spkr Box, 200 Grand River, Detroit. Karaoke/Open Mic

Continuing This Week Karaoke/ Open Mic

Sunday Karaoke in the Lounge 5-9 pm; Bowlero Lanes & Lounge, 4209 Coolidge Hwy., Royal Oak; no cover.

Sunday Service Karaoke Hosted by Sister DJ Larry 8 pm-1 am; Pronto! Royal Oak, 608 S. Washington, Royal Oak; no cover.

Monday, Sept. 1

Live/Concert

Summer Sounds 5-8 pm; The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Rd., Clinton Township; no cover.

DJ/Dance

Adult Skate Night 8:30-11 pm; Lexus Velodrome, 601 Mack Ave., Detroit; $5.

Tuesday, Sept. 2

Live/Concert

Sean Blackman’s In Transit 7-10 pm; Northern Lights Lounge, 660 W. Baltimore St., Detroit; no cover. d4vd 7 pm; Cathedral Theatre at the Masonic Temple, 500 Temple St., Detroit.

Kickstand Productions Presents: TWRP - The Longest Weekend 2025 Tour w/ Los Angeles Power Disco 7 pm; Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale.

Sean Blackman’s In Transit 7-10 pm; Northern Lights Lounge, 660 W. Baltimore St., Detroit; no cover.

Watermedown, New Bark Town!, Lester, Dad Caps 6 pm; Sanctuary Detroit, 2932 Caniff St., Hamtramck. Karaoke/Open Mic

Open Mic : Art in a Fly Space 7-10 pm; Detroit Shipping Company, 474 Peterboro St., Detroit; no cover.

Tuesday Karaoke in the Lounge 8 pm-midnight; Bowlero Lanes & Lounge, 4209 Coolidge Hwy., Royal Oak; no cover..

VIP Tuesday Night Karaoke 9 pm-1 am; Pronto! Royal Oak, 608 S. Washington, Royal Oak; no cover.

THEATER

Performance

Caesars Palace Windsor - Augustus Ballroom RuPaul’s Drag RaceWerq The World 2025 Friday 8 pm.

Saint Andrew’s Hall Boulet Broth-

ers’ Dragula: Season 666 Tour You’ve watched these monsters battle all season long, now come see them LIVE! The Official Boulet Brothers’ Dragula Season 666 Tour is hitting the road and bringing screams, nightmares, and dreams to a city near you. Starring horror icons, The Boulet Brothers (The Queens of Darkness), and featuring Asia Consent (the world’s reigning Drag Supermonster), Grey Matter, and Auntie Heroine with special guests Pi, Jaharia, and Majesty (on select dates). This horror spectacular is sure to haunt and terrify. 57.50 Tuesday.; Tuesday 7 pm.

Theatre NOVA Radical Empathy by David Wells Theatre NOVA presents: Radical Empathy by David Wells WORLD PREMIERE August 1 - 24, 2025 Radical Empathy is not about you. When an American college professor’s TED Talk on empathy goes viral, he meets an Iraqi man who becomes a fixture in his virtual classroom. But when the brutality of the U.S.-led invasion hits the Iraqi man directly, the professor is forced to explore “the kindred connection from a place of deep knowing that opens your spirit to the pain of another as they perceive it.” (Isabel Wilkerson) A true story. General admission: $30, 65 and over: $25, Students $15 Fridays, Saturdays, 8 pm, Saturdays, noon and Sundays, noon.

COMEDY

Improv

Go Comedy! Improv Theater Pandemonia The Allstar Showdown is a highly interactive improvised game show. With suggestions from the audience, our two teams will battle for your laughs. The Showdown is like “Whose Line is it Anyway,” featuring a series of short improv games, challenges and more. Fridays and Saturdays 7:30pm & 9:30pm 25.00 Fridays, Saturdays.; $20 Every other Friday, 8 & 10 pm. Stand-up

The Fillmore An Evening With Phil Rosenthal Of “Somebody Feed Phil” Friday 7 pm.

Northville Marquis Theater Night of Comedy Featuring Andy Beningo The Marquis Theater is excited for its first Night of Comedy featuring Andy Beningo! With over 3,500 career performances, Andy Beningo has established himself as one of the most in demand comedians working today. Hailed for his clean and “every man” style, Andy has been named one of the 40 Best Up and Coming Comedians in the country. The nights Host is Sara Young and gets started with Mark Bonto. Doors Open at 7pm Show Starts at 8pm $20 Advance/$25 at the door Friday 8 pm.

Sound Board Theater Coco and Friends Comedy Night in Amnesia Thursday , 8 pm.; Thursday , 8 pm.

Ypsi Alehouse Alaina Bamfield Live AF! The Theater Shop and UnClub Comedy Present Alaina Bamfield Live AF! with Nicole Melnyk, Houmbo, Jeffrey Scott, Yogi and MC Lisa Green. Get tickets now for SIX of the hottest comedy warriors all on the same stage! Spotlighting the hilarious Alaina Bamfield, Live AF! takes over the Ypsi Alehouse in Ypsilanti, Michigan for this unique one night only event. Alaina is quickly rising as a big voice in the New York comedy scene with her fierce and unafraid brand of humor. $12 Monday 7:30-9:30 pm.

Blind Pig Blind Pig Comedy FREE Mondays, 8 pm.

The Independent Comedy Club at Planet Ant The Sh*t Show Open Mic: Every Friday & Saturday at The Independent A weekly open mic featuring both local amateurs and touring professionals. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the show begins at 9 pm.. The evening always ends with karaoke in the attached Ghost Light Bar! Doors and Sign up 8:30 p.m. Show at 9 p.m. $5 suggested donation. Attached bar Ghost Light opens at 7 p.m. $5 Suggested Donation Thursdays, 9-10:30 pm.; A late night, heckle encouraged, show up, go up stand-up open mic featuring both local amateurs and touring professionals. Sign up starts at 10:30 and the show begins at 11p. Doors and Sign Up 10:30p | Show at 11p | $5 Suggested Donation* Attached bar Ghost Light opens at 7p The independent Comedy Club is a comedy club run by comics for comics inside Planet Ant Theatre. The club runs Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, offering independently produced comedy shows from 8p12a. Presented by Planet Ant *Planet Ant Theatre, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization; no ticket or reservation is required $5 Suggested Donation Fridays, Saturdays, 11 pm-1:30 am.

FILM

Screening

Milford Independent Cinema Summer Family Film Series The Milford Independent Cinema is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved Summer Series, presented in partnership with Music Time of Milford. This annual tradition is the perfect way for families to beat the heat and make lasting memories with some of the most beloved animated classics of all time. This summer’s lineup includes Disney favorites Tangled, Frozen, A Bug’s Life, and Finding Nemo—timeless stories filled with music, laughter, and heart that will delight audiences of all ages.

Join us this summer and rediscover the joy of the movies at Milford Cinema— where community and cinema come together. $6 Friday 11 am-1 pm and Saturday 11 am-1 pm.

The War Memorial SummerFest Movie: Wicked Sing-a-Long Get ready to Defy Gravity at our free outdoor sing-a-long screening of the beloved musical Wicked, part of the SummerFest series! Grab your friends, family, and your best singing voices for a magical evening under the stars as we relive the iconic story of Elphaba and Glinda. From the thrilling “Defying Gravity” to the heartfelt “For Good,” this is your chance to belt out the unforgettable songs of Wicked along with the audience! Whether you know every word or just love the music, this interactive screening promises an unforgettable experience for musical theater fans of all ages. Register at warmemorial.org/ eventcalendar11/summerfest-wicked Free Wednesday 6-9 pm.

Performance art

The Madison Cocktails & Costumes: A 1980s Murder Mystery Rooftop Experience in Detroit What’s Included: Immersive Murder Mystery Show: You’re part of the story! Everyone is either a detective... or a suspect in the crime! Costume Contest: Bring your A-game—Best Dressed Award up for grabs Self-Serve Dessert Station (No dinner served) Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan dessert options available Cash Bar (Debit & Credit only) – Drinks not included with ticket Plenty of time to mingle, enjoy cocktails, and soak in the rooftop atmosphere 49 Saturday 6-9 pm.

Art Exhibition

Green Acres Park Hazel Park Art Fair The Hazel Park Art Fair returns Aug. 23-24 for another year of family fun and creativity. Located at Green Acres Park, this free event gives artists of all skill levels a chance to share their masterpieces with the Hazel Park community. No cover Saturday 11 am-7 pm and Sunday 11 am-5 pm.; With over 90 artists participating across diverse disciplines, ranging from sculpture, painting and illustration to jewelry, textiles and more, there is truly something for everyone. The Hazel Park Arts Council takes pride in keeping fees low to support emerging and established artists, while fostering an inclusive, creative space that encourages a vibrant mix of styles and mediums. The fair will also include the Clawson Clay Guild’s “Clazel Park Pottery Showdown,” where guests can participate in blindfolded wheel throwing and other hands-on clay competitions.

LET’S GO TIGERS! JOIN US BEFORE & AFTER THE GAME ONE MILE FROM STADIUMS / MINUTES FROM QLINE / FREE STREET PARKING ON SUNDAYS

Thurs 8/07

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRANDI MALONE!

Fri 8/08

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Sat 8/09

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Sun 8/10

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Mon 8/11

FREE POOL ALL DAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANGEL GOMEZ & ROB LIBBEY!

Tues 8/12

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRENDA FAGE!

Wed 8/13

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRYAN HERRIN!

Fri 8/15

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VERNON DAVID/AND SET BY DJ SAFFIRE (POP ROCK/FUNK/SOUL/JAZZ)

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Sat 8/16

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Mon 8/18 FREE POOL ALL DAY

Coming Up: 8/22 Hiding Salem/Forge the Sun/Northern Whisky Syndicate

8/23 Ladyship Warship/Brother Wolf/ Absentees

8/28 WDET COMEDY SHOWCASE

8/29 Winds of Neptune/Electric Huldra/ Dunamis

8/30 DJ BET

8/31 HALFWAY TO MARDI GRAS: Great Lakes Brass Band/Jess (Last Grasp Collective)

9/01 LABOR DAY! OPEN NOON-2am

9/01 DOG DAY@OLD MIAMI 3-9pm $5cover (leash required)

9/05 Good Vibes Only Takeover w/ SMOOTH VANDAL/tempo tantrum & more 9/06 DALLY DAY! BOONDOGGLE in the BACKYARD OLD MIAMI T-SHIRTS & HOODIES FOR SALE!

BOOK YOUR PARTIES: theoldmiamibarevents@gmail.com

MUSIC

Synths and spirituality

Gwendolyn Dot is ready to burn it all down — are you?

By Jeff Milo

Gwendolyn Dot has some questions. More than a few, really.

“Having complex emotions tends to drive me to figure it out,” the Detroit performer says. “Making music is one way I’m crystallizing it — so that I can understand more of what’s going on. [Music] always helps me understand more about my own experience and the ideas I might be wrestling with at the time.”

Dot’s music and lyrics become a means to cathartically articulate these questions and ideas, particularly when she invites us to consider, for example, the purposeful destruction of repressive societal structures that not only ingrain and perpetuate but also trap us in toxic cycles.

But that’s also conveyed by Dot through captivating arrangements of head-swimming synths and danceable beats, swooning atmospheric drones, and entrancing lyrics sung in an intentionally ethereal intonation. The invigoration generated by said beats, the provocation of the haunting minor keys, the vaporous vocals like a not-yet-faded dream, each act in symphony to spur you toward an awakening.

Willing to burn

Dot has a lot on her mind, and it’s all coming through on Psyche, her second full-length album, which comes out on Friday, Aug. 21, on Detroit Industrial. The lead single, “Becoming Artificial” and its accompanying music video recently dropped, elegantly spiking with a chorus that declares, melodically, that “if you’re not ready to destroy, you’re stuck on the wheel.”

“It’s the wheel of karma,” Dot says, then adding out of self-awareness, “here’s the Buddhist influence coming in, which has been in my work forever. But ‘Becoming Artificial’ came from an encounter I had with someone that really showed me the tension a person holds when living inside repressive structures. It affected me because I also live in repressive structures, we all do. But that song came through my own frustration and fire — I have a lot of passion for breaking through structures because I care about people a lot and I can feel very hurt when people I love are suffering.”

Dot, who moved to Detroit from Indianapolis in 2018, says she’s always been asking questions, dating back as far as her early teenage days of being raised in the church within both a conservative family and community. She wanted real answers. She wanted truth. She wanted the assurance of, or at least the option for, emotional and spiritual autonomy. That’s just one question, of course, albeit a big one, but on Psyche, Dot’s discovered the answer.

“You have to be willing to burn literally everything down and start anew,” Dot says. “The classic example is the phoenix. If you’re not willing to do that, you will not grow. But the thing is, it’s really hard to burn something down, to let something go. We get so attached to ideas, to people, so we can fight that. We’re fighting against this real spiritual need to burn something down, so we just live in this tense, repressed space. And we can’t be authentic, we can’t be free in that space, so we’re stuck on the wheel of karma.”

Tension inside the beauty

Stuck… break… destroy… uncovering… dreams… waking up… terraform… These are some of the most prominent and powerful recurring lyrical motifs of Psyche. It’s worth emphasizing here that, along with this myriad heavy subject matter, there are also just some straight-up bangers on this album, drawing upon and reimagining electronica and techno through a cyberpunk lens with a uniquely melodic-pop sensibility.

Dot’s lyrics, to put it albeit reductively, are informed by a fascination and reverence of not just Buddhism, but various forms and traditions of mysticism, mixed with a day job as a mental health nurse practitioner and therapist that assuredly immerses her deeply into the human condition and weariness of the mind. This, she can articulate. “But I feel like I have a little less awareness of my own musical tendencies,” she says.

“I played the piano since I was 7, and I’ve been involved in music for so long, that it comes as second nature to me,” Dot says. “I’m extremely interested in melody, but I also love noise and abstraction too, and I tend to flip between both. I’m also

interested in music that is beautiful and confronting in some way, or tense — a tension inside the beauty — I try to embody that. And I write pop-structured music partly because I love melody and I love to sing. I also love this ethereal ghost-like type of thing, because I enjoy this haunted beauty. Even if I’m singing in a major key I want it to be a little bit dissonant.”

Dot says that, to her, this “uncomfortable beauty” is a representation of reality, and reality “is beauty and suffering.”

She adds, “I care to reflect reality as much as I can — what I see reality to be.”

And, yes, there’s also a song that ruminates, lyrically, on both a literal and perhaps symbolic mirror. “There is a symbolic dimension to this world, but when you can open your mind to seeing the symbolic, you get invited into way more information about reality,” she says.

Going back to “Becoming Artificial,” Dot equates being “stuck on the wheel” to being artificial in a way, as she ruminates upon “this postmodern idea that nothing is real anymore — everything is hyper-real, everything’s a copy.” She then considers the tension between synthetic and organic, thriving as a producer and songwriter within an “electronic” genre, “where I’m using technology but also being human. What’s our relationship to technology? Does it make us more artificial or more human? Or maybe neither?”

Questions can beget questions. More questions conjure more songs.

Choosing to be…

Dot released her first EP, Mystic Responsibility, in 2018, when she was still living in Indianapolis. When she moved to the Detroit area, she spent the next five years developing, recording, and performing as a duo known as Torus Eyes, with R. Solomon, which tapped into darkwave and synth-pop. Dot returned to flourishing her solo project in 2023 and spent much of that year, into early 2024, writing most of the songs featured on Psyche.

And though this is a solo project, where Dot’s lyrics suggest the expressions of an “I” or a first-person narrator, that is intended to be an invitation for any listener to hold up that aforementioned mirror. “When I hear the word ‘I’ in music or in poetry, I reflect on myself — that’s a universal ‘I,’” she says. “Sometimes it’s very specific, but I tend to care about being a bit more abstract, even though I’m singing ‘I’m a motherfucking priestess’ on a song like ‘War of Love.’ Yeah, I am, but are you? Think about it — maybe you are, maybe you’re not.”

Dot pauses for a beat before adding, “I can feel so embarrassed in some way, or vulnerable. But I’m choosing to be just fucking real.”

Gwendolyn Dot’s Psyche record release show with Ritual Howls, Pod Blotz, Mission to the Sun, and more starts at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30 at Leland City Club; 400 Bagley St., Detroit. Tickets are $22.85.

Gwendolyn Dot.

JERO LOPERA

FOOD

Bites

Yuengling beer finally arrives in Michigan

Yuengling, America’s oldest brewery and a fixture on tap across the East Coast, is finally launching in Michigan after years of speculation and false starts.

Michiganders can now order Yuengling on draft at bars and restaurants in select areas, including Detroit, Ann Arbor, and East Lansing. Packaged beer is expected to follow in September.

Ypsilanti-based distributor O&W Inc. announced that it will begin rolling out the beer’s lineup, which includes the flagship Yuengling Lager, the Black & Tan blend, and Flight, a light beer.

Founded in 1829 in Pottsville, Penn., Yuengling has remained family-owned for six generations and has built a devoted following.

“We are excited to partner with

J & T’s Kitchen expands with dine-in service

Husband-and-wife duo Juan and Tabitha Ramos are growing their Mexican-fusion restaurant on Detroit’s west side.

After honing their skills cooking for friends and family, the couple launched J & T’s Kitchen as a catering company in 2020, eventually expanding to a dinneronly carryout spot. Now, the restaurant is reopening with a bigger menu and dine-in service with lunch and brunch hours.

“We are super excited to expand our hours and provide dine-in services,” Tabitha Ramos said in a statement. “We look forward to continuing to provide scratch-made food and exceptional customer service.”

The menu features T & J’s signature items like three-meat tacos with steak, shrimp, and chicken; burrito bowls; birria quesadillas; cajun pastas; and more. New additions include chilaquiles, breakfast burritos, omelettes, and other items.

J & T’s Kitchen is located at 8838 Third St. in Detroit’s Piety Hill neighborhood, next-door to the Peaches & Greens produce market.

—Lee DeVito

Grey Ghost spin-off Little Ghost now open

Little Ghost, a fast-casual spin-off of Detroit’s popular Grey Ghost restaurant, has officially opened its doors in Ferndale.

Michelin star-winning restaurateur coming to Grosse Pointe Woods

An acclaimed restaurateur is returning home to open a taco spot in Grosse Pointe Woods.

Branden McRill — whose career started at the Grosse Pointe Hunt Club and went on to include roles at Chicago’s Alinea and his own Rebelle restaurant in New York City, which earned a Michelin star — is working to open Lola’s Taco Bar inside a former Boston Market location on Mack Avenue.

According to a press release, McRill says he looks forward to shifting from high-end to fastcasual.

“We’ve taken fun very seriously,” McRill said in a statement. “The goal is to wow and amaze people by delivering a high-caliber experience as affordably as possible. Lola’s will blend all the lessons we’ve learned from fine dining with the straightforward joy of street tacos.”

Yuengling and bring their authentic American beers to Michigan,” Jamie Wanty-Keeder, vice president of marketing at O&W Inc., said in a statement. “This launch is the most exciting beer launch in Michigan history! What a fantastic opportunity for us to expand our offerings and introduce our customers to a brewery with such a storied history, one that beer lovers have been waiting for.”

A wider state rollout is expected later. While fans won’t yet find Yuengling inside sports stadiums, many bars and retailers near those venues will carry it.

For more information on where Yuengling is available, see the brewer’s “Beer Finder” on yuengling.com/beer-finder.

—Steve Neavling

The carryout only spot opened in a former L.A. Insurance building at 22305 Woodward Ave. It’s the latest project by Four Man Ladder Hospitality, who in addition to Grey Ghost also run Second Best and Basan in Detroit.

“Marking the group’s first step into the fast-casual space, Little Ghost delivers a bold, focused menu built around its cultfavorite burger, chicken sandwich, and signature sides,” Four Man Ladder said in a press release. “Designed for speed and flavor, the nearly 1,000-square-foot spot caters to the grab-and-go crowd with a convenient walk-up window, takeout, and local delivery.”

The menu includes items like a Double Ghost Burger (two quarterpound patties, house-made ghost sauce, iceberg lettuce, and American cheese), a Nashville Chicken Sandwich, an All Beef Hot Dog (whipped cream cheese, pickled jalapeños, pepper jam, and cheddar).

Four Man Ladder says it hopes to open more Little Ghost locations in the future.

—Lee DeVito

McRill is joining forces with Detroit-area chef Brandon Zarb, hospitality veteran Mel Fuechtmann, and Niko Moschouris, who comes from the world of quick service restaurants. Zarb — who worked at Ferndale’s Imperial, in addition to the Detroit Athletic Club and Chicago’s Big Star and Dove’s Luncheonette — will develop the menu, and Fuechtmann will oversee daily operations.

“The street taco is the perfect culinary canvas,” Zarb said. “Our salsas, proteins, and fresh ingredients will redefine expectations of what casual dining can be.”

The menu is set to include streetstyle tacos with vegan and vegetarian options, as well as build-yourown burritos and bowls. Drinks include margaritas, beers, and non-alcoholic options.

According to the press release, Lola’s will donate money raised from a rotating taco menu item to support local schools and charities.

“We’re not just opening a restaurant,” Fuechtmann said. “We want to be deeply ingrained in the local scene, partnering with neighbors and enriching the neighborhood we call home.”

Lola’s is eyeing to celebrate its grand opening this fall at 20195 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods.

—Lee DeVito

Beer from America’s oldest brewery is now available in Detroit. COURTESY PHOTO

CULTURE

Film

Thankfully, not another origin story

The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Rated: PG-13

Run-time: 114 minutes

Sometimes I think I was born into the wrong time. Don’t get it twisted: being there for the birth of the internet, social media, AI, virtual reality, and all kinds of other tech breakthroughs has been cool. But as a child of the ’80s, I was really hoping to experience robot butlers, friendly alien races, flying cars, anti-aging, instant gourmet meals, and augmented humans. Basically, I was hoping to live through The Jetsonswith a dash of Star Trek

While I think some of those things might start emerging (and are beginning to) in my lifetime, a combination of life-enhancing technology and a utopian society still seems pretty far away. Luckily, we have the bottomless resources of Disney and Marvel to tell stories in worlds that spark our imaginations and give us glimpses into futures not our own. I guess it will have to do for now.

With The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Marvel has not only managed to give us

By Jared Rasic, Last Word Features

a strong new entry in the forever franchise, but also crafted a retro-futuristic sci-fi adventure that not only feels like the Jetsons movie I’ve always wanted, but also sets up the future of the Marvel universe in ways that specifically reaches out to viewers suffering from superhero fatigue.

First published in 1961 and invented by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, The Fantastic Fourhas always been considered Marvel’s first family: scientific genius Reed Richards, his fearless and centered wife Susan Storm, her hot-headed playboy brother Johnny, and Reed’s best friend — the gruff yet lovable test pilot Ben Grimm. When they are bombarded with cosmic rays after a scientific mission to outer space, the four are gifted with superpowers they use to protect the world from threats both galactic and domestic: Reed becomes stretchy, Sue creates force fields and turns invisible, Johnny generates flame, and Ben becomes a massive, superstrong rock monster.

I wasn’t a fan of the Jessica Alba-led Fantastic Four movies from the early ’00s and the less said about Josh Trank’s 2015 disastrous reboot, the better. But I was looking forward to the MCU finally bringing The Fantastic Four into their playground because seeing super

genius Reed Richards squaring off with Doctor Strange or Spider-Man sounds like a blast for my inner 12-year-old. Finally, we have a really fun take on these characters with The Fantastic Four: First Steps from Matt Shakman, the filmmaker who directed the great Disney+ series WandaVision, as well as hugely memorable episodes of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Game of Thrones, and Fargo

The first thing Shakman gets right with First Steps is the casting. Pedro Pascal brings his trademark intelligent charisma to Reed Richards, while Vanessa Kirby carries such a luminous otherworldliness that her Susan Storm immediately feels like THE interpretation of the character. Joseph Quinn channels a young Robert Downey Jr. with his Johnny Storm and Ebon MossBachrach (who has long been stealing scenes as Richie in The Bear) brings a weary humanism to The Thing we haven’t seen before.

The other choice Shakman nails is in not making First Steps another origin story. Just as James Gunn’s Superman proved a few weeks ago, these characters have been around long enough that we can assume audiences have at least a passing familiarity with who they are. The last two Fantastic Four attempts

showed how they got their powers and, along with Peter Parker being bitten by a radioactive spider and Bruce Wayne witnessing the murder of his parents in Crime Alley, we’ve probably seen these origins enough for a lifetime.

Instead, First Steps feels like an episode of a Fantastic Four TV show, where the first family goes on a cosmic mission to save their world (a different one than Earth 616, where all the other MCU films take place) from the planet-eating Galactus and his herald, The Silver Surfer. The plotting of First Steps doesn’t take many big chances, as it mostly feels like the entire film is a setup for the Fantastic Four to eventually hop universes and join forces with the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy, and Deadpool when they clash with Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom in 2026’s Avengers: Doomsday. It’s still a lot of franchise building, but it’s ludicrously entertaining, regardless.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is the 37th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and remarkably, it feels completely different from any that have come before. From the 1960s retro-futuristic aesthetic to the singular production design and a much-needed goofball optimism, the film isn’t just going to age beautifully, but feel like a genuine escape for people exhausted by the real world. It’s not perfect and might not cure audiences’ recent apathy towards Marvel, but it feels like a good step in the right direction.

Grade: B+

The Fantastic Four: First Steps feels like nothing else in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. DISNEY

MUSIC WEED

The Straight Dope Macomb County gets new cannabis dispensary and consumption lounge

A new cannabis dispensary and neighboring consumption lounge have opened in Utica, offering customers a place to buy weed and legally smoke it next door.

Bowdega, a “culturally inspired” dispensary, and Burn1, the adjacent consumption lounge, celebrated with a grand opening earlier this month with food trucks, DJs, exclusive giveaways, and more.

Burn1 is the first consumption lounge in Macomb County.

The idea is to create a full-service cannabis destination that offers a wide range of marijuana products and a licensed, indoor space to enjoy the weed.

The complex is located at 4511 Park Ave.

Kiezi Company founder Marvin Kiezi said the concept is designed to feel welcoming and community-driven.

“Bowdega is more than a dispensary. It’s a reflection of the block,” Kiezi said. “We’ve built a space that feels like your favorite corner store: familiar, fast, flavorful, and community-driven. From the product curation to the vibe, everything is designed to serve the people and support the culture.”

The 5,500-square-foot dispensary offers products from a wide range of brands, including Peninsula Gardens, Local Grove, Fear of Boof, Platinum Vape, Jeeter, Mitten Extracts, Hytek, Hyman, Fresh Canna, Flower Power, and Stiiizy.

“Our goal is to be a trusted retailer with quality products,” Kiezi said.

The 3,000-foot consumption lounge is fully licensed to allow customers to “enjoy what they purchase in a safe, welcoming setting,” according to a news release.

“Every detail, from curated music, cozy seating and an open-air patio to live art and community events, is crafted to bring people together and celebrate Utica’s unique vibe,” the news release states. “At Burn1, it’s not

just about smoking–it’s about creating moments, sharing stories, and feeling right at home.”

Only six consumption lounges have a license to operate in the state. At least two of them have not opened yet. The state’s first consumption lounge, Hot Box Social in Hazel Park, opened in March 2022 but has since closed.

Another consumption lounge, the Joint Cannabis Lounge, is expected to open this year in Mount Clemens.

—Steve Neavling

Regulators approve first cannabis pact with sovereign tribal nation

In a “historic move” for tribal sovereignty and cannabis policy, the Bay Mills Indian Community (BMIC) has become the first tribal nation in Michigan to formally join the state’s adult-use marijuana market under a new pact with the Cannabis Regulatory Agency.

The agreement, signed July 25, allows BMIC to fully integrate its tribally owned dispensary Northern Light Cannabis Company into Michigan’s cannabis system, including access to the state’s Metrc tracking platform and statewide distribution channels. The pact creates a framework for tribal participation in the licensed cannabis industry while maintaining tribal selfgovernance.

“This agreement reflects our shared

commitment to safe, equitable, and well-regulated cannabis commerce,”

Brian Hanna, executive director of the Cannabis Regulatory Agency, said in a statement. “Welcoming BMIC into the regulated framework sets a model for tribal-state cooperation nationwide.”

BMIC President Whitney Gravelle called the agreement a “historic affirmation of tribal sovereignty and our inherent right to govern economic development on our own terms,” adding that it “opens the door for future partnerships grounded in mutual respect.”

BMIC was the first tribal nation in Michigan to legalize recreational cannabis in 2019 and launched Northern Lights in 2021. The vertically integrated operation grows and processes cannabis

on tribal land in Chippewa County but until now was limited to retail sales under tribal law.

Under the new pact, BMIC is authorized to sell cannabis products, including flower, edibles, and concentrates, through licensed dispensaries statewide, participate in the CRA-led testing and compliance protocols, and integrate into the state’s seed-to-sale monitoring system. The agreement also allows the CRA to conduct inspections and audits on tribal lands with BMIC’s cooperation.

The deal creates a new regulatory category for sovereign tribal governments in Michigan and balances tribal jurisdiction with state oversight to ensure product safety, consumer transparency, and regulatory fairness.

Tribal excise tax revenues, along with funds from Michigan’s Marihuana Regulation Fund, are expected to help fund the community’s infrastructure, education, public health, and economic development.

Twelve federally recognized tribes reside within Michigan’s borders, and several have expressed interest in similar agreements, according to the CRA.

“State officials and tribal representatives have both acknowledged that clear, legally binding agreements like this one are necessary to avoid jurisdictional confusion, foster consumer trust, and maintain a level playing field in a highly competitive and heavily scrutinized industry,” the CRA said in a news release.

—Steve Neavling

Burn1 is a new cannabis consumption lounge in Utica. It opens alongside Bowdega, a new dispensary. COURTESY PHOTO

CULTURE Savage Love

Zone Police

By Dan Savage

: Q Can you expand on your “zone of erotic autonomy” concept? It has been a big help to me in my relationship, but I’m wondering where the autonomous zone’s boundaries are. My partner is a major porn and masturbation enthusiast, and over the years, it has caused a lot of friction — the good kind for him, the bad kind for me. We have come close to breaking up over things like:

1. Messaging content creators. He took this way too far, with ongoing one-on-one conversations, video chats, picture exchanges, etc., that were basically an online affair.

2. Jerking off to pictures of people we know, including my close friends.

3. Most recently, exploring AI porn creation — and he’s combined this with the above-mentioned pictures of people we know.

4. Frequency of masturbation interfering with the quantity and quality of our sex life.

On the one hand, I agree with you that he has a right to erotic autonomy. What he does with his body is his business, and people are entitled to have their private, depraved fantasies without being thoughtpoliced and controlled. On the other hand, some of this stuff is gross to the point of being immoral, and it makes me lose respect for him and not trust his judgment. And it spills over into affecting me and our sex life. This is basically the only thing we fight about, and it feels like once we resolve one issue, a new one pops up. So, can you say more about where you think this zone begins and ends? Is thought policing someone’s jerking off ever justified? Is a happy middle ground possible with someone like my partner?

—Reluctant Thought Police Officer

A: Private thoughts, fantasies, and desires fall within the zone of erotic autonomy, RTPO, and we don’t get to police the private thoughts, fantasies, or desires of our partners, or we shouldn’t put up with partners who attempt to police ours. People who’ve made monogamous commitments should honor those commitments, of course, but fantasizing about and/or masturbating about other people falls within the zone of erotic autonomy. Turn-ons are personal and kinks are hardwired; so long as our partners don’t force

us to participate in their kinks — and so long as their kinks don’t disgust our attraction to them — their turn-ons and kinks fall within the zone of erotic autonomy and shouldn’t be policed.

1. Content creators are real people, and erotic interactions with real people — even online — fall (just) outside the zone of erotic autonomy. He’s not indulging a private fantasy; he’s engaging with another living, breathing, charging-by-the-hour human being. If that’s not okay with you for emotional or financial reasons, you have every right to ask him to say something.

2. People have been fantasizing about their partner’s friends, coworkers, and siblings for as long as people have had partners. In olden times, a person would close their eyes and picture the person they wished they were fucking — in addition to or instead — and their partner would never find out. Now, dumb people save pictures of their partner’s friends, coworkers, etc., in files on their desktops or scatter likes all over their sister-in-law’s thirst traps, and their partners find out. If your boyfriend can’t manage to hide this behavior from you, he shouldn’t engage in it.

3. Ugh. Your boyfriend is allowed to fantasize about whoever he wants to fantasize about… but creating AI porn clips and leaving them somewhere his girlfriend can find them (or telling his girlfriend about them) is unforgivably inconsiderate. And if he’s not smart enough to hide these clips from you, he’s not smart enough to make sure they’re on a secure device in an encrypted file. Outside the zone.

4. If your partner is spending all his time and all his erotic energy — masturbating to AI-generated porn clips featuring your friends and coworkers, his fantasies and porn creation/consumption habits are negatively impacting your shared sex life and your relationship, neither of which falls within his zone of erotic autonomy.

Policing the thoughts, fantasies, and desires of other people is not okay — it’s also not possible — but your partner’s private thoughts and fantasies aren’t private if you’re constantly confronted with evidence of them. I don’t know whether your boyfriend is leaving evidence where you can’t avoid finding it or if you’re actively searching for it, RTPO, but you aren’t going to be able to make this work if he can’t be discreet and/or you can’t resist the urge to search his laptop and his phone.

P.S. If he’s doing that thing some awful men do… if he’s going out of his way to rub your nose in the porn he’s watching (and creating!) to make you feel bad about yourself… he’s not just an inconsiderate clod with no self-control that you have po-

lice, he’s cruel piece of shit that you need to cut out of your life.

: Q A friend just got engaged. Her boyfriend told her that he wanted to have a threesome at some point in his life and wouldn’t marry her if she didn’t want to have one with him someday. He didn’t insist on having one right away. It doesn’t even have to happen before the wedding. He just wants to have one at some point in his life. It’s his ultimate fantasy. My friend told him she would “absolutely” have a threesome with him (she used the word “absolutely”) but only after they were married. But she told me she never intends to have a threesome with him. She said she plans on dragging things out after the wedding until he gives up and stops asking. It’s weird that he made agreeing to a threesome a condition to propose (which seems coercive), but it’s equally weird that she would pretend to agree to his terms (which seems deceptive). While I don’t think he should be making demands like this, I also don’t think she should be marrying him under false pretenses. This seems like a recipe for disaster. I’m not sure what, if anything, I am supposed to do about this.

—My Friend’s Marriage

A:I’ve gotten letters from people (mostly men) over the years whose spouses (mostly women) agreed to have a certain sexual adventure — or agreed to maintain a general level of sexual adventurousness—before the wedding, only to back out after. While some Backer Outers were sincere when they promised to have that one threesome or keep attending all of those sex parties, some Backer Outers told their partners what their partners wanted to hear (“I’m down for a threesome sometime!”) to get their partners to tell them what they wanted to hear (“Will you marry me?”). Someone who lies about their willingness to have a threesome is not only betting their spouse will give up and stop asking someday, MFM, they’re also betting their spouse won’t be pissed because it’s “just sex” and marriage and family are more important and blah blah blah.

It’s a bad bet.

If someone asks for a threesome before they’ll agree to marry you, they obviously don’t think a threesome is trivial. So, while your friend’s husband may not leave her once he realizes she lied because divorce is a huge pain in the ass and there might be kids in the picture, then, he’s definitely gonna be bitter about it. Even if they wind up staying together, your friend is upping the odds that her marriage will be an unhappy one.

P.S. Some Backer Outers were sincere when they agreed to that threesome or keep attending those sex parties. The arrival of kids, for instance, has a way of making even the most adventurous people — sexually and otherwise—more risk-

averse; a sexual adventure that sounded hot, fun, and reasonable before becoming a parent may not seem reasonable after. Which is why I always recommend that couples have their first threesome before the wedding.

: Q I’m a middle-aged poly woman, and until recently, I was dating a poly guy. Lots of people think poly people can’t cheat buuuuut, early on, this guy disclosed to me that he told his wife he would always use condoms with other people. I now know that he doesn’t always do that. I mean we had been using condoms, and then after a night where he pressured me repeatedly to go raw with him, he made this confession. Esther Perel says that if you cheat, you should stop, and it’s not necessary to tell your partner — indeed, it can be a bit of an act of love not to tell your partner. But this feels different, as it represents more than ten years of lying to his wife about his sexual health and the risk he’s exposing her to. I kind of want to tell his wife and others in the ENM community where we live. That said, I don’t want to destroy his family, his kids, and his life. I still have some level of compassion for all involved. What’s the ethical thing to do here? What would you do?

—Seriously Torn Inside

A: You could say something, STI, or you could let chlamydia do the talking.

Zooming out for a second: If the man you’ve been seeing is the kind of “poly” guy who lies to his wife about using condoms with other partners… and he’s been lying to her about this stuff for a decade… odds are good he’s already given his wife a sexually transmitted infection at some point. Which means their marriage has already survived the bomb you’re thinking about dropping. So, whether his wife finds out from you (“there’s something you need to know”) or she finds out from her doctor (“you tested positive for chlamydia again”), their marriage will most likely survive. This argues for telling if you feel like you should — and I would run and tell if I were in your shoes — but it also argues against feeling awful if you can’t bring yourself to make that call. Because sooner or later, STI, he’ll tell on himself.

P.S. One of the reasons people create “communities” around ENM or kink is to establish community norms around safety, honesty, and accountability. If friends in your ENM community aren’t safe with this man, you should let them know. If it gets back to his wife, so be it.

Got problems? Yes, you do! Email your question for the column to mailbox@savage.love! Or record your question for the Savage Lovecast at savage.love/askdan! Podcasts, columns, and more at Savage.Love.

CULTURE Free Will Astrology

By Rob Brezsny

ARIES: March 21 – April 19

When glassmakers want to cool a newly blown piece, they don’t simply leave it out to harden. That would cause it to shatter from the inside. Instead, they place it in an annealing oven, where the temperature drops in measured increments over many hours. This careful cooling aligns the internal structure and strengthens the whole. Let’s invoke this as a useful metaphor, Aries. I absolutely love the heat and radiance you’ve expressed recently. But now it’s wise for you to gradually cool down: to allow your fervor to coalesce into an enduring new reservoir of power and vitality. Transform sheer intensity into vibrant clarity and cohesion.

TAURUS: April 20 – May 20

To paraphrase Sufi mystic poet Rumi: “Don’t get lost in your pain. Know that one day your pain will become your cure.” In my astrological opinion, Taurus, you have arrived at this pivotal moment. A wound you’ve had to bear for a long spell is on the verge of maturing into a gift, even a blessing. A burdensome ache is ready to reveal its teachings. You may have assumed you would be forever cursed by this hurt, but that’s not true! Now it’s your sacred duty to shed that assumption and open your heart so you can harvest the healing.

GEMINI: May 21 – June 20

As you enter a Tibetan Buddhist temple, you may encounter statues and paintings of fierce spirits. They are guardian figures who serve as protectors, scaring away negative and destructive forces so they can’t enter the holy precincts. In accordance with astrological omens, Gemini, I invite you to be your own threshold guardian. Authorize a wise and strict part of you to defend and safeguard what truly matters. This staunch action doesn’t have to be aggressive, but it should be informed with fierce clarity. You can’t afford to let the blithe aspect of your personality compromise your overall interests by being too accommodating. Assign your protective self to stand at your gate and say: “I protect this. I cherish this. I won’t dilute this.”

CANCER: June 21 – July 22

“Dear Dr. Feelgood: Lately, you seem to be extra nice to us hypersensitive Crabs. Almost too kind. Why? Are you in love with a Cancerian woman,

and you’re trying to woo her? Did you hurt a Cancerian friend’s feelings, and now you’re atoning? Please tell me you’re not just coddling us. —Permanently Drunk on a Million Feelings.”

Dear Drunk: You use your imagination to generate visions of things that don’t exist yet. It’s your main resource for creating your future. This is especially crucial right now. The coming months will be a fertile time for shaping the life you want to live for the next 10 years. If I can help you keep your imagination filled with positive expectations, you are more likely to devise marvelous self-fulfilling prophecies.

LEO: July 23 – August 22

In traditional Chinese medicine, the heart is the seat of joy. It’s also the sovereign that listens to the wisdom of the other organs before acting. Dear Leo, as you cross the threshold from attracting novelty to building stability, I encourage you to cultivate extra heart-centered leadership, both for yourself and for those who look to you for inspiration. What does that mean? Make decisions based on love and compassion more than on rational analysis. Be in service to wholeness rather than to whatever might bring temporary advantage.

VIRGO: August 23 – Sept. 22

In Mesoamerican myth, the god Quetzalcoatl journeys to the underworld not to escape death, but to recover old bones needed to create new life. I propose you draw inspiration from this story, Virgo. In recent weeks, you have been gathering pieces of the past, not out of a sense of burdensome obligation, but as a source of raw material. Now comes the time for reassembly. You won’t rebuild the same old thing. You will sculpt visionary gifts for yourself from what was lost. You will use your history to design your future. Be alert for the revelations that the bones sing.

LIBRA: Sept. 23 – Oct. 22

In the Hebrew language, the word for “face” is plural. There is no singular form for panim. I love that fact! For me, it implies that each of us has a variety of faces. Our identity is multifaceted. I think you should make a special point of celebrating this truth in the coming weeks, Libra. Now is an excellent time to explore and honor all of your many selves. Take full advantage of your inner diversity,

and enjoy yourself to the max as you express and reveal the full array of truths you contain.

SCORPIO: Oct. 23 – Nov. 21:

In the ancient Hindu holy text known as the Upanishads, ananda means bliss, though not so much in the sense of physical or psychological pleasure as of deep, ecstatic knowing. I believe you are close to attracting this glorious experience into your soul, Scorpio—not just fleetingly, but for a while. I predict you will glide into alignments that feel like coming home to your eternal and perfect self. Treasure these moments as divine gifts. Immerse yourself with total welcome and gratitude. Let ananda inform your next steps.

SAGITTARIUS: Nov. 22 – Dec. 21

In Daoist cosmology, the nature of life is characterized by cyclical, flowing patterns rather than linear, static motions. In my study of its gorgeous teachings, I exult in how it inspires me to honor both contraction and expansion, the power of circling inward and reaching outward. With this in mind, Sagittarius, I invite you to make the spiral your symbol of power. Yes, it may sometimes feel like you’re revisiting old ground. Perhaps an ex will resurface, or an old goal will seek your attention. But I guarantee it’s not mere repetition. An interesting form of evolution is underway. You’re returning to longstanding challenges armed with fresh wisdom. Ask yourself: What do I know now that I didn’t before? How can I meet these interesting questions from a higher point of the spiral?

CAPRICORN: Dec. 22 – Jan. 19

Inuit artworks are often made from materials available in their environment, like driftwood, stones, walrus ivory, whale bones, and caribou bones and antlers. Even their tools are crafted from that stuff. In part, this is evidence of their resourcefulness,

JAMES NOELLERT

and in part, a reflection of how lovingly they engage with their environment. I recommend you borrow their approach, Capricorn. Create your practical magic by relying on what’s already available. Be enterprising as you generate usefulness and fun out of scraps and leftovers. Your raw material is probably better if it’s not perfect.

AQUARIUS: Jan. 20 – Feb. 18

The medieval alchemists had a central principle, rendered in Latin as follows: Visita interiora terrae, rectificando invenies occultum lapidem Translated, it means, “Seek out the lower reaches of the earth, perfect them, and you will find the hidden stone.” I invite you to go on a similar underground quest, Aquarius. The purpose is not to wallow in worry or sadness, but rather to retrieve a treasure. Some magnificence beneath your surface life is buried—an emotional truth, a creative impulse, a spiritual inheritance. And it’s time you went and got it. Think of it as a quest and a pilgrimage. The “hidden stone,” an emblem of spiritual riches, wants you to find it.

PISCES: Feb.19 – March 20

In ancient Greece, the god Janus presided over doorways. He had two faces, one looking outward and forward, one gazing inward and backward. I believe this is your Janus phase, Pisces. Before you launch into your next fluidic quest, pause and take inventory. Peer behind you, not with regret but with curiosity and compassion. What cycle has fully ended? What wisdom has settled into your bones? Then face the future, not with shyness or foreboding, but with eager intention and confidence. What goals, rooted in who you are becoming, can inspire an exciting new plot thread?

Homework: What spoiled part of your life could you rehabilitate? Newsletter. FreeWillAstrology.com

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