February 2011 by Brett Gourdie

JANUARY 2011 FREE

THE NEW STANDARD OF HEALTH ARE WE UP TO IT? FEB 2011 Free

NEED a laugh? TC Comedy Fest Sneak Peek OUT with the blah: Mid-Winter Fashion The Mystery Behind Absinthe

Open a 'QR Scanner' application on your Smartphone. Point your phone's camera at the code & scan to go to our Facebook page to get details on upcoming events.

Saturday, February 5th, 11 AM -5 PM

Winter Golf Day with Boyne Country Sports at Bowers Harbor Vineyards Tasting Room No Charge! Demo golf clubs, great deals on food, hard cider and wine by the glass.

Questions: 231-223-7615 Saturday, February 12th, 3 PM - 9PM

TC Winter Micro Brew, Wine & Music Festival Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula Table, sample BHV Wine.

For tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com Friday, February 18th, 6 PM

Six-Course Stella Dinner paired with Old Mission Peninsula Wines $80 per person, includes tax and tip

For Reservations: 231.929.8989 Saturday, February, 19th, 1 PM - 2:30 PM

Wine Seminar and Tasting: State of the Riesling at The Inn at Chateau Grand Traverse $25 per person. Sean O'Keefe, Specialty Winemaker at Chateau Grand Traverse, will host a tasting seminar focusing on regional dry and off-dry Rieslings from across the United States.

For tickets: 231-223-7355 Saturday, February 19th, 6:30 PM

Boathouse Wine Dinner - 5 courses, 5 wines $55 per person

For reservations: 231-223-4030 Saturday, February 19th, 11 AM - 5 PM & Sunday, February 20th, 12 PM - 5 PM

Romancing the Riesling $15 tickets include a souvenir wine glass, food Samplings and wine pairings at 6 Old Mission Wineries.

Purchase tickets at participating wineries on the day of the event or by calling 231.223.7355

2896 Bowers Harbor Rd. Old Mission Penninsula | 800.616.7615 | www.bowersharbor.com | www.bowersharborradio.com

JANUARY 2011 FREE

TC Comedy Arts Fest: Famous, Funny & Fabulous THE NEW STANDARD OF HEALTH ARE WE UP TO IT? FEB 2011 Free

NEED a laugh? TC Comedy Fest Sneak Peek OUT with the blah: Mid-Winter Fashion The Mystery Behind Absinthe

ENTERTAINMENT

What’s hot in nothern Michigan. PAGE 8

If you’re over 16 (those under will be sheltered from the flames of Bob’s Sagetry), pop out for the evening to experience a true legend of the stage. PAGE 12

OUT With the BLAH

Our guide to mid-winter fashion. PAGE 19

Otsego Club Hosts US National Snowboard Team

PAGE 16

Drag Queens & Dervishes

Whether it’s a great band serving up dance tunes, a ragingly funny standup comic or a jazz session creating a background for engaging conversation, we all like to be entertained. PAGE 26

Old School Cocktails Our guide to Old School Cocktails for winter includes some great drinks you may or may not have heard of. Step out of the box this winter and give them a mix. PAGE 24

For the Perfect Valentine’s Gift, Anniversary or Engagement Ring...

Just See

Dave.

FREE 18” Strand of Freshwater Pearls

Dave Croad Owner

A WORD OR 3 Midwinter typically means the blahs, low energy, or just plain boredom for many of our readers. From what we’re discovering, that’s up to you. If you choose to be bored in February, you will be, but look deeper. Our February issue is all about entertainment, music, nightlife, fashion and fun. If you can’t find something to do in this issue, you need to look again. Whether it’s the Comedy Festival, the Microbrew Festival, the Winter Wow Festival or the VASA (shall we go on?), there’s something for everyone. Gone are the days of nothing happening in Northern Michigan during the midwinter month of February. We have more choices than ever. It’s also a great time to hit up the local restaurants for a great meal paired with some local wines, spirits and craft beers.

If you haven’t noticed by now, we’re trying to get you up and out this month. Get out, attend one of the great events, grab some dinner at one of our world-class eateries, and buy yourself something new to wear. Trust us, it’ll help spruce up your attitude in a hurry.

- a $69.95 Value with purchase of any regularly priced item $150 or more.* * While quantities last. See store for details. Redeemable only at CC Jewelers at the Cherryland Center Mall.

When she pulls the bow,

she’ll know!

February is a great time to buy yourself something new to wear out to all these great events. Our fashion spread has something for everyone highlighting clothing available locally. Buying some new clothes or shoes can and will brighten your day or nightlife during the wait for winter to be over. We’d like to thank Aerie Lounge at the Grand Traverse Resort for letting us invade their space for our photo shoot. If you haven’t noticed by now, we’re trying to get you up and out this month. Get out, attend one of the great events, grab some dinner at one of our world-class eateries, and buy yourself something new to wear. Trust us, it’ll help spruce up your attitude in a hurry. Oh, and spring is just around the corner! - Brett

Cherryland Center Mall • Next to Younkers, Traverse City

(231) 947-3940

www.CCJewelers.net

Publisher Pithy Media LLC Executive Editor Brett W. Gourdie Art Director Godwin Jabangwe Graphic Design Mr. Perceval Clarence Bigg Assistant Editor Hannah Burdek Photography John L. Russell Contributors to this issue include: Tarah Cole, Emma Kat Richardson Brandon Johnson, Christine Krzyszton Hannah Burdek, Aaron Gooch Cara Nader, Brett Gourdie Cover Model: Lynnae Therese & Royce King Photographer: Laura Alexander Hair: Jodie Miller – Salon Verve Makeup: Kate Garrett Stylist: Jonathan Grant Fashion Editor: Hannah Burdek Advertising Sales Judy Gill 342.3310 Brett Gourdie 313.4424 Subscriptions are available, please send a check for $24 to: NM3 PO Box 109 Traverse City, MI 49685

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Publication Contact Information 231.313.4424 www.nm3live.com brett@nm3live.com Distribution Distributed free thru hand-selected locations in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Antrim & Charlevoix Counties NM3 Magazine is the property of Pithy Media LLC. Copyright 2011 Pithy Media LLC

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By Brandon Johnson

Anybody who’s been unlucky enough to have a conversation with me about live music has probably heard me whining about our lack of a local indie music scene and bemoaning the fact that while I lived in Portland, OR, for three years, I had my pick any given night of a dozen indie bands to see: up-and-coming bands, well-established bands and everything in between. Since moving back to Traverse City, I’ve been discouraged by the apparent lack of an indie music scene. There seems to be plenty of bar bands (who play cover songs or may as well be) and plenty of sensitive singer/songwriters (who play cover songs or may as well be), but there is not much in the way of edgy, innovative music. Really though, I should know better. I should know that every town has an indie scene, no matter how small. So I decided to try and find our local indie scene, starting where any self-respecting music fan would start: the local record store. Sound It Out Records, on Union Street, is the place to go if you’re looking to buy indie music; I figured it would also be the best play to find out where to see indie music. As it turns out, the owners of Sound It Out are pretty discouraged about the local indie music scene as well. There’s no sugar-coating it: the music scene in Traverse City is kind of dismal. Music fans who want to go and see one of the bands sold at Sound It Out Records most often find themselves making road trips to places like Grand Rapids, Lansing, Detroit or, more often than not, Chicago. But however sparse and scattered it is, there is some live indie music to be found in Traverse City. Sound It Out Records itself sometimes hosts in-store performances, and Horizon Books often has acoustic acts playing in its downstairs cafe. On rare occasions, local bars do sometimes book acts of a more indie persuasion, and our source for independent movies, the State Theater, has started booking local acts to play short sets before the Friday Night Flicks. I didn’t catch their name, and they weren’t listed on the schedule, but the band that played before Jaws for Friday late night movie showed promise, I thought. The best hope for indie fans in

Traverse City seems to be the InsideOut Gallery, which regularly books touring musical acts. Check out their website for some great shows coming up in February. All said and done, if we want our scene to get any better, we have to start showing up for it. We need to support local indie bands who, by building up an audience, can help bring in touring acts. An indie band, for lack of a better definition, is made up of artists who create on their own terms, not at the whim of record labels or fans. They won’t change a damn thing for anybody but themselves, regardless of how popular they could be. Sometimes they just make good pop music, and sometimes they’re innovative and challenging. Sometimes they’re raw, and sometimes they’re terrible, but they’re real and they need our help to get better. They might be as big as Radiohead or as small as some guy recording songs on his computer at home. Indie begins in bedrooms, garages and basements, and it bubbles up to the surface of local entertainment. It’s fragile and tentative, and it’s our responsibility to pull it out into the open and build it up and nourish it. It’s our responsibility to make it happen.

The best hope for indie fans in Traverse City seems to be the InsideOut Gallery, which regularly books touring musical acts. Check out their website for some great shows coming up in February.

Restaurant Week

FEED YOUR SOUL.

Feb 27th - March 5th Three course meals for $25 per person Participating Restaurants: Amical • Blue Tractor Cook Shop The Boathouse • Cambria Chez Peres/Patisserie Amie The Cook's House • Hanna Bistro Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant • Lil Bo Pub & Grille Minervas • Mission Table (Friday & Saturday Only) Modes Bum Steer • North Peak Brewing Co. Red Ginger Restaurant • Red Mesa Phil's On Front • Trattoria Stella www.downtowntc.com

ine s i u C n r e h t u o S Eclectic 231-929-7238 408 S. Union Traverse City Mon - Thur 11am - 9pm, Fri - Sat 11am - 10pm

Pure Michigan...

beach stones www.kornergem.com 13031 S. Fisherman's Cove, T.C. Across from Greilickville Marina 231.929.9175

Photo: Chad Anderson

our guide to what’s happening in Northern MI. Some say there’s nothing happening during the winter months of February in Northern Michigan. We say you’re wrong: if you can’t find something to do this February, you’re not looking very hard. We’ve highlighted just a few of the great events coming up over the next few weeks. There’s something for everyone so get out of the house, brush off the cabin fever blues and enjoy.

Caravan of Thieves – InsideOut Gallery Friday Feb 11th – 7pm

Where else but at the newly-renovated InsideOut Gallery would Caravan of Thieves land in Traverse City? Stretching the parameters of acoustic swing, Caravan of Thieves has been garnering praise for their new and unique brand of gypsy music and high intensity shows. The vocal harmonizing, acoustic guitar spanking husband and wife duo of Fuzz and Carrie have extended their musical family to include fiery violinist Ben Dean and double bass madman Brian Anderson to round out their colorful swing infused vision. The quartet produces layers of Beatlesque vocals and driving rhythms with satirical, dramatic songwriting, creating an overall circus of sound. This show, and we do mean “show”, will be just too damn good to miss! 8

NM3 MAGAZINE ■ FEBRUARY 2011

Traverse City Microbrew & Music Festival

- Old Town, Traverse City Friday, Feb. 11 at 5pm and Saturday, Feb. 12 at 3pm

One historic district, a variety of musical talent, satisfying local food, and over 40 Michigan craft beers...

By Tarah Cole One historic district, a variety of musical talent, satisfying local food, and over 40 Michigan craft beers welcome the second annual Traverse City Microbrew & Music Festival. This event—co-hosted by Porterhouse Productions, Blue Tractor, and the Wineries of the Old Mission Peninsula—will bring the heat as toasty tents camouflage the 400 block of South Union Street. Friday, February 11th will kick off the weekend behind the Blue Tractor. Described as “an electronic group that is not afraid to rock out” (Windy City Times), Ann Arbor’s My Dear Disco will bring out your dance from head to sole. With $3 pint specials, craft beer and delicious food from 5-10pm, the party officially starts on Friday. Psych yourself for Saturday with old time country swing and blues, with Steppin In It, Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys, and others appearing from 3-10pm on Saturday, February 12th. The food line-up showcases Old Town flavor with the Blue Tractor, Maxbauer’s, Sole Hole and EMS Catering, among others. Smoked pulled pork sandwiches, unique brats, gourmet mac & cheese, hearty gumbo and lamb gyros are just some of the menu items on tap. Over 40 craft brewed beers will be available according to Porter to provide an assortment of tastes for each individual palate. Not a beer drinker? Enjoy wines from the Old Mission Peninsula, including Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Chateau Grand Traverse, Black Star Farms and others, along with hard ciders and mead.

For more information, see www.porterhouseproductions.com.

Cherry Capitol Winter WOW Festival Friday, Feb. 18 through Monday, Feb. 21

This years Winter WOW Festival will be bigger than ever with events held in Downtown Traverse City, Mt. Holiday Ski Area, and the Grand Traverse Resort. The festival will include the following activities and events: Winter, Wine & Wow: You’ll celebrate winter with Wine and Wow when you attend a novel wine, food, art and entertainment event on Friday evening, 5pm to 10pm under a heated tent at Celebration Central near the farmers market downtown. Enjoy local wines from the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas, spirits from True North Vodka, and craft beers from Shorts and Right Brain. EpicHappens Downtown Throwdown Rail Jam: Don’t miss this inaugural snowboard/ski Rail Jam on Saturday, with special guest appearance by Danny Kass and The Dingo. Danny and The Dingo are not only professional snowboarders with Olympic medals, but they also have built a name as the stars of the "Adventures of Danny and The Dingo" on Fuel TV. Beer/Entertainment Tent: Enjoy a cold beverage in the heated tent while listening to live music or watching the rail jam event from the outdoor beer garden. Music will be ringing all day Saturday, compliments of The Rhythm Kings, The Corvairs, and Brent James & The Contraband. Visit www.winterwowfest.com for a complete line-up of events.

Visit www.winterwowfest.com for a complete line up of events.

NM3 MAGAZINE ■ FEBRUARY 2011

Through the use of amazing special effects, creative mechanisms and acrobatic dance, inanimate objects come to life with energy, emotion and even personality.

The Aluminum Show – City Opera House Thursday, Feb. 24 at 7:30pm

The Aluminum Show is a sensational hit around the world and a totally unique theatrical experience! Through the use of amazing special effects, creative mechanisms and acrobatic dance, inanimate objects come to life with energy, emotion and even personality. The show is known for its stunning visuals, including metallic balloons and confetti, long silver tubes and giant puppets. The cast of the show, six contemporary dancers, use the shiny props on stage to assemble otherworldly creatures. The Aluminum Show offers its viewers much more than onstage spectacles, as audience participation is incorporated throughout the show. "It's a show full of imagination, of funny things, of stunning visuals, [and] great music," said producer David Azulay. "It is everything you can expect from a show, but it is also unexpected." The show’s creator, renowned Israeli dancer Ilan Azriel, has more than a decade of experience with contemporary dance and stage puppetry. The Aluminum Show first premiered at the Israel Festival in 2003. Since then, it has been internationally acclaimed and has toured across Europe and the United States. Tickets are on sale at the City Opera House Ticket Office, online at cityoperahouse.org or by calling 231-941-8082. For more information including video clips of the performance please

visit www.aluminum-show.com

First Annual Restaurant Week Highlights Traverse City Dining February 27 through March 5

The Downtown Traverse City Association (DTCA) will host the first Traverse City Restaurant Week (TCRW) in response to the many accolades regarding great restaurants and food offerings in the Grand Traverse Region. Fifteen of Traverse City’s most reputable restaurants will offer a choice of special three course dinner menus for $25 per person. “We are excited see Traverse City Restaurant Week grow and become not only a community favorite, but also a tourist attraction in an otherwise slow time of year. This is a great way to go that restaurant that you have been dying to try or go to your favorite,” said Colleen Paveglio, DDA/DTCA marketing director. Participating restaurants include:

Amical The Boathouse Hanna Bistro Lil Bo Pub & Grille Mission Table (Friday & Saturday Only) North Peak Brewing Co. Phil’s on Front Trattoria Stella

Blue Tractor Cook Shop The Cook’s House Jolly Pumpkin Minervas Modes Bum Steer Patisserie Amie/Chez Peres Red Ginger

Visit the www.downtowntc.com website for further information on participating restaurants and menus. 10

NM3 MAGAZINE ■ FEBRUARY 2011

I SPENT EIGHT MONTHS IN A

BARREL FOR YOU. THAT’S TRUE

LOVE.

Chateau Grand Traverse 2009 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay: a dry, crisp white wine... At Chateau Grand Traverse, we’ve been carefully growing and producing Michigan’s finest wines for over 37 years. Located on historic Old Mission Peninsula, we invite you to join us for free wine tasting and tours. Visit us or ask for our wines at your favorite restaurant or retail outlet throughout the state. Cheers.

Famous, Funny & Fabulous By Emma Kat Richardson February. The bleak mid-winter. In Traverse City, Michigan – once the home of an ice sheet so mammoth that its angry ghost refuses to stop rattling the walls of its former residence. Nothing inherently hilarious here, except maybe when the annoying, bratty kid nobody likes gets lobbed with a snowball boasting a granite center; yet Michael Moore’s Traverse City Comedy Arts Festival has, in just the lapse of a single year, proved itself as indomitable a force to be reckoned with as any glacier. After 2010’s experimental first start proved wildly successful, the TCCAF is back February 10–13 for round two, and once again sports a lineup so laden with superstars of the comedy crowd that anyone whose sides aren’t splitting by the weekend’s conclusion is probably wearing a corset. And speaking of that lineup, we here at NM3 are proud to offer a tantalizing little foretaste into what festival goers can expect to reap from this year’s headliners in spades. Take in a performance from any of these fine folks, and chances are you’ll be ending your evening in a fit of tears. (But the good kind of tears, like when Halle Berry wins an Oscar.) For more info on the fest, including pricing, tickets, and scheduling, check out ComedyArtsFest.org. For more info on the hot shot laugh-makers who give the 2011 fest its warm, funny core, look no further than the text below.

Potential quips about the Olsen twins alone are guaranteed to make your snowshoe purchase worth the effort.

Bob Saget

“Sticky sweet” is one of those rare phrases that can be used to pin down the career of Bob Saget in two distinctly unique ways. The first, of course, being applicable to Saget’s defining turn as Danny Tanner on the oh-so-wholesome ‘90s sitcom, Full House; the second definition is, well, if you’ve seen Saget’s raucously raunchy performance in The Aristocrats, you know exactly what we’re talking about. Certainly, it’s fair to say comedy has never produced more of a stand-up Jekyll and Hyde than Saget’s career has proved itself to be. Alternating smoothly between the opposing worlds of family-friendly TV entertainment and rude-crude-dude stand-up comedy, Saget is as redoubtable as they come – an eager and willing representative of each realm, who toes the line between the two but pledges full allegiance to neither. His life behind the microphone has stretched for an impressive three decades now, and even well into middle age, Saget shows no immediate signs of slowing; only of growing. If you’re over 16 (those under will be sheltered from the flames of Bob’s Sagetry) pop out for the evening to experience a true legend of the stage. Potential quips about the Olsen twins alone are guaranteed to make your snowshoe purchase worth the effort.

NM3 MAGAZINE ■ FEBRUARY 2011

Ted Alexandro

If the great Louis CK dubs someone, “Probably my favorite comedian working today," we’re not about to write said comedian off as some kind of pan flash, no matter how much teflon may have been applied. Such is the nature of Ted Alexandro, one of the fastest rising stars in the modern comedy game: a truly hilarious ball-buster whose accolades include performances on David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, Craig Ferguson, and two – count ‘em, two – half-hour Comedy Central specials. Sporting a scruffy visage that lends itself well to his approachable, everyman presence, Alexandro has quickly established himself as something of an observational mastermind; a purveyor of fine comic sensibilities that render him the proverbial title of “one to watch” you always hear bandied about. Splitting the bill with fellow up-and-comer Joe DeRosa, Alexandro’s TCCAF performance is all but certain to have tongues set to wag – only after they’ve been significantly loosened by a power-punch of riotousness, of course.

Caroline Rhea

Women of a certain age – those ever-so jaded Millennials, yours truly included – grew up, to a considerable extent, with Caroline Rhea at the forefront of their Friday nights. As the matronly Aunt Hilda on Sabrina The Teenage Witch, Rhea can easily be cited as having set an early precedent for how comedic performance would be defined to an entire generation. But it seems unlikely that Rhea would desire the entirety of her life’s work to be viewed through a lens of pubescent teen fandom. Indeed, long before she ever picked up a broomstick on ABC, Rhea was already an accomplished comedian in her own right; a gifted wordsmith and laugh-maker whose career highlights include training at the widely renowned Catch a Rising Star comedy club, as well as multiple appearances on MTV’s Half-Hour Comedy Hour and Comic Strip Live. Perhaps most famously was Rhea’s stint as the host of The Caroline Rhea Show, a syndicated talk show which succeeded Rosie O’Donnell’s daytime powerhouse program. Rhea’s sequel ran for less than a year, but luckily for us, Rhea has continued to run her smart mouth off, and we mean that in the most flattering, literal way possible.

Jeffrey Ross

Jeffrey Ross is frequently referred to as “The Roastmaster” – a title which has nothing to do with his ability to turn a wicked pork chop on the grill. And while we can’t speak for Ross’s cunningness as a chef, we’re more than happily intimate with his wickedly hilarious comic sensibilities and uproarious, roast-ready rude ‘tude. As the nickname suggests, Ross has long been a breathtaking staple of numerous Comedy Central roasts, turning the likes of Pamela Anderson, Donald Trump, and William Shatner into comedy putty with his razor sharp, winking-at-the-camera wit. But more than a mere insult comic, Ross extols a broad and wide-sweeping enough resume, it’s likely even your Palin-fawning great-aunt Gladys has taken in a performance or two from him and emerged not offended, but charmed. For example, Ross competed on the seventh season of Dancing With The Stars, and also starred in Patriot Act: A Jeffrey Ross Home Movie – a much-lauded documentary following his stint in Iraq entertaining the troops. He may be known as the meanest man in comedy, but anyone who’s willing to brave the wrath of Middle Eastern insurgents – not to mention the DWTS judges – can’t possibly be on any side but ours.

NM3 MAGAZINE ■ FEBRUARY 2011

By Aaron Gooch

2011 started with some big releases from some big indie rock bands on not so independent labels with

The Decemberists’ The King is Dead

(Capitol Records) and Iron & Wine’s Kiss Each Other Clean (Warner Brothers) as well as new albums from Cold War Kids, Wire, Gang of Four, Cake, Tapes N Tapes, British Sea Power, Lemuria and more.

Looking into February, rising UK band Esben & the Witch, whom some describe as “nightmare pop,” are releasing their debut album, Violet Cries on Matador Records on the 8th. Indie electronic trio Cut Copy releases Zonoscope on that day and Akron/Family are putting out something weirdly entitled S/T II: The Cosmic Birth and Journey of Shinju TNT. Seriously, the title is the least weird part of the album’s description. February’s most anticipated release is probably the one coming from indie superstar Conor Oberst with his last album under the Bright Eyes moniker on the 15th. The People’s Key (Saddle Creek Records, the label that Oberst co-founded) will be the first new Bright Eyes album since 2007’s Cassadaga and expectations are high.

February’s most anticipated release is probably the one coming from indie superstar Conor Oberst with his last album under the Bright Eyes moniker on the 15th.

I have to admit, I wasn’t very enamored with Oberst’s solo album or the subsequent Mystic Valley Band record. The Monsters of Folk project made me kind of sleepy. Personally I’m hoping for more upbeat, multi-instrumental songs ala 2002’s Lifted album. Other albums being released on February 15th include The Drive-By Truckers’ Go-Go Boots, PJ Harvey’s Let England Shake and Mogwai’s Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will (their first for Sub Pop Records). Sun-and-reverb soaked band Beach Fossils are putting out an EP on February 22 on the Captured Tracks label. Beach Fossils’ self-titled debut album caused some buzz in 2010 as part of the new crop of lo-fi summery bedroom pop indie bands and they are planning to release another full-length in 2011. Along with the 7” they released in January, this EP should be a nice taste of what’s to come later in the year. If you like Surfer Blood or Best Coast, check out Beach Fossils (maybe you are noticing that a lot of these band names tend to have something in common). Additionally on the 22nd: The Cave Singers’ No Witch, Adele’s 21, and Danielson’s The Best of Gloucester County, which isn’t a “best-of” (that would be the last Danielson release), but the first new Danielson album in 5 years. Radiohead have been mentioning their work on a new album and hinting at a release date in the relatively soon. If they handle the release anything like they did for In Rainbows, they may not announce a date until days before it becomes available. It will be interesting to see if they utilize the same “pay what you want” model, bypassing a record label and proving that Radiohead can basically do whatever they want. Here’s hoping for a surprise release in the middle of this dreary winter. Rumors also abound regarding new albums from Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver this year. 2010 was a great year for new music and I think we can expect much the same from 2011. 14

NM3 MAGAZINE ■ FEBRUARY 2011

Radiohead have been mentioning their work on a new album and hinting at a release date in the relatively soon.

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Otsego Club Hosts

The Otsego Club and Resort in Gaylord hosted the United States National Snowboard Team in January. The country's top riders were on-site training and preparing for this season's upcoming national events. NM3 Magazine was there to photograph these world-class athletes. The O-Park, the first class all-terrain park at the Otsego Club, has developed an avid following among elite snowboarders after the club hosted 12 of the top international Olympic teams last year. It continues to attract the top riders in the industry to train at the elite facility. "We are very excited about how the O-Park has become a training ground for not only these world-class athletes, but also elite riders everywhere who want to train in a similar environment that they find out west," said General Manager Kris Klay. "We are looking forward to having the United States National Snowboard Team training here at the O-Park and believe this is just the beginning of a long standing partnership for the United States best riders." Athletes training at the Otsego Club include last year's Olympic snowboarding team members Gretchen Bleiler, Louie Vito and Greg Bretz. Bleiler, one of the most successful women in snowboarding, earned a silver medal in the 2006 Olympics. She also had a banner 2010 season making the Olympic team again, as well as earning a second gold medal in the X-Games. Gretchen was also the first female rider to perfect an inverted backside 540, known as the crippler.

Louie Vito exploded onto the scene at the age of 17 with big super-pipe contest finishes at both the New Zealand (4th) and Australian Opens (1st). He landed his way onto the 2010 Olympic half-pipe team where he finished fifth. Greg Bretz began snowboarding at age five, competing by age 11 and becoming a top rider on the Olympic team at age 19. The 2010 season was a stellar performance year for Bretz who took top five wins on multiple Grand Prix stops, X Games and World Cups. Other top riders joining them include Ellery Hollingsworth, Kelly Marren, Kaitlyn Farrington, JJ Thomas, Zack Black, Matt Ladley, Ben Watts and Steve Fisher. In addition to the top United States' riders coming to the O-Park this season, the international teams from New Zealand and Australia will also be returning to train this winter. James Hamilton, one of the top riders from New Zealand, is excited to return to the O-Park.

"The half-pipe is perfect, and this is why we come back to train. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world-class and as good as any pipe you will find in the world," said Hamilton. "It's great here because we can stay right here at the resort and the chair lift goes right up alongside the half-pipe making training very efficient. I am looking forward to coming back this season and training here for the remainder of the season."

In town condo Living....

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& all are walking or biking distance to Down Town. Barb Cooper 231-218-0303 | Barb@barbcooper.net

Personal â&#x20AC;˘ Business Book Keeping

Bus. 231.946.0003 | Fax 231.946.2406 Chesapeake & Ohio Building 616 E. Eighth Street - Unit 9 Traverse City, MI 49686

ump the winter blahs this February by kicking your style into high gear and showcasing it during a night out on the town. 2011 is the time to embrace sophistication. Classy looks with quirky touches make originals playful and sex appeal turns back to a time when subtlety smoldered. The next few pages are filled with items than can help you achieve the style standard this year and the best part is you can find them all in Downtown Traverse City. Take note, and get noticed.

Take your style to new heights this year with these studded pumps by Sam Edelman. Available at Robert Frost Fine Footwear in downtown TC. Photographer: Laura Alexander Fashion Editor: Hannah Burdek

NM3 MAGAZINE â&#x2013; FEBRUARY 2011

Shirt, tie, and pants available at Options in downtown Traverse City. Photographer: Laura Alexander Hair: Jodie Miller – Salon Verve Makeup: Kate Garrett Stylist: Jonathan Grant Location: Aerie Lounge Grand Traverse Resort Model: Carl Jesi Fashion Editor: Hannah Burdek

NM3 MAGAZINE ■ FEBRUARY 2011

Top, skirt, hat, and gloves available at Ella’s, shoes available at Robert Frost Fine Footwear both in downtown Traverse City. Photographer: Laura Alexander Hair: Jodie Miller – Salon Verve Makeup: Kate Garrett Stylist: Jonathan Grant Location: Aerie Lounge Grand Traverse Resort Model: Divya Dhaliwal Fashion Editor: Hannah Burdek

NM3 MAGAZINE ■ FEBRUARY 2011

Coat with cover ensemble available at Ella’s in downtown Traverse City. Photographer: Laura Alexander Hair: Jodie Miller – Salon Verve Makeup: Kate Garrett Stylist: Jonathan Grant Location: Aerie Lounge Grand Traverse Resort Model: Lynnae Therese Fashion Editor: Hannah Burdek

NM3 MAGAZINE ■ FEBRUARY 2011

OLD SCHOOL Our guide to Old School Cocktails for winter includes some great drinks you may or may not have heard of. Step out of the box this winter and give them a mix.

Harvard

1 1/2 ounces cognac 1 ounce Italian vermouth 2 or 3 dashes Angostura bitters Stir well with cracked ice, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass and top off with an ounce or so of cold club soda or seltzer. The fizz water is an odd addition to something you serve in a martini glass, but that's what the original 1895 recipe calls for, and it works. Brandy and red vermouth together are a rather heavy combination; the bubbles seem to wake them right up. There is a more modern Harvard Cocktail, but this mix is the old school original Harvard.

Manhattan

2 ounces rye whisky 1 ounce Italian vermouth 2 dashes Angostura bitters Shake the rye (we like GT Distilleries Ole George Rye Whisky), vermouth, and bitters well with cracked ice. Some insist that a proper Manhattan must be stirred, so as to prevent "clouding" or undue fraternization between the whiskey and the vermouth; we say, let them mingle. Strain into in a chilled glass and garnish with twist or maraschino cherry, which is subject to the same challenge to purists as adding an olive to a martini. Of course, human beings being what they are, and can never leave well enough alone, here, then, are the obligatory variants. First, you can make changes by monkeying around with the bitters: lose the Angostura, pitch in a splash of Amer Picon, and it's a Monahan; add a splash of anisette, and it's a Narragansett; add two dashes of cherry brandy and a dash of absinthe, and you've got a McKinley's Delight. Leave a dash of the Angostura in, add a dash of orange bitters and three dashes of absinthe, and you have a Sherman. Or you can tinker with the vermouth by replacing half the Italian vermouth with French vermouth for a so-called Perfect Manhattan. An equal part of rye, French vermouth and Italian vermouth makes a Jumbo.

Tuxedo

2 ounces London dry gin 1 ounce dry sherry 1 dash orange bitters Shake the gin, sherry and bitters well with cracked ice and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Note: there are other Tuxedo cocktails out there, but this one appears to be the original and is certainly the best. A simple but classic drink. 24

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NORTH STARS

WWW.TC N O R T H S TA R S . C O M

Photography Courtesy of Fabulous Faces.

TRAVERSE CITY

By Christine Krzyszton Whether it’s a great band serving up dance tunes, a ragingly funny standup comic or a jazz session creating a background for engaging conversation, we all like to be entertained. While I don’t necessarily seek out entertainment when I travel, inevitably an invitation to join in is extended to me. Some entertainment decisions turn out to be more memorable than others. It started with SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome). The fear of infection kept people off planes to Asia and the resulting empty planes created a window of cheap ($350-$500) round-trip airfares to places like Hong Kong, mainland China and Singapore. It was on one of these excursions where I discovered Singapore’s true entertainment delight: the trans-gender drag queen cabaret nightclub. While I had attended a similar show in Acapulco, this was nothing like the raucous display in Singapore. A mix of off color jaw dropping comedic talent, frequently changing vibrant costumes and great dance moves, I was thrilled and amazed at Singapore’s Boom Boom Room production. During intermission I even enjoyed dancing to current tunes along with the performers and audience. It was such an unlikely venue for this extravaganza but an experience I found unforgettable in a good way; trust me on this. Then there was the night I ate raisin covered lamb on the floor of a Sultan’s Tent. The belly dancers were mesmerizing, throwing their hips in instinctive directions and keeping in perfect time with the enchanting music. Perhaps it was a concerted

& Dervishes

attempt to charm a snake from the clay pot sitting next to me. The swirling dancers with their jingling brass adornments were just hints that I was not in a familiar country but perhaps some far off desert land with my camel waiting outside the tent. Who would have thought I was in Toronto! The Sultan’s Tent restaurant has been a favorite of mine for many years but is now a bit more modern; no sitting amongst pillows on the floor and eating off brass trays. Its wonderful Moroccan food with a French twist, authentic entertainment that complements the decor, and the flowing fabric and throw pillows to emulate your own private sultans tent makes it a must-visit. www.TheSultansTent.com While I’m willing to pay for good entertainment, nothing beats the discovery of a free performance when you least expect it. It happened in Chang Mai, Thailand, at the night market. A full day of adventure, riding elephants in the jungles of northern Thailand, and I was ready to put my feet up with a tall glass of salted guava juice (a local favorite). The stage lights up, the music begins, and in front of my eyes are some of the most beautiful women I have ever seen. Their costumes are of fine brightly colored silk and they have headdresses of gold and dance moves of precision and beauty. A traditional Thai dance is one lovely feast for the senses. The eerie music of the flutes and other ancient Asian instruments transports you to a special place. And all this happened in the flurry of night market shopping… awesome. A surreal evening surrounded by Whirling Dervishes stays at the top of my most memorable entertainment list. Although not originally intended for entertainment, the meditative dance performed to ancient hypnotic music is now shared with interested tourists. Sitting in a dark train station in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey, we watch the performers in their wide flowing skirts and tall smooth cone-like hats spinning and spinning for what seems like eternity. The striking attire represents the letting go of the ego, a necessary element to entering their trance. This Sufi ritual is performed in an effort to achieve religious ecstasy by the dancing Dervishes but is truly a unique experience for the spectators as well and one not soon forgotten. As I reflect, I realize that many of my favorite entertainment experiences have come about as the result of accepting an invitation, surely a clear message to accept future invitations. After all, it’s certainly an entertaining world out there.

WARM UP IN THE VILLAGE

Shop, dine & share some fun

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is an escape from the ordinary

SHOP

Local wines

Handmade art

Locally- owned stores with handcrafted jewelry, fresh flowers, artful gifts, beauty products, plus designer & specialty apparel.

TASTE

Specialty shops

Some of the best foodie stops in Traverse City: fine dining, artisan food, coffee, sweets & ice cream, & award- winning local wines.

Eau-de-vie

local pure fruit brandy B LACK ST AR

available at all three tasting rooms www.BlackStarFarms.com

Drink exceptional coffee.

EXPLORE

Sweet treats

Diverse parks

Available “TAX-FREE” Condos! Call Listing agent Marsha Minervini: 231-883-4500

FAR MS

Beautiful parks and snow shoe trails, quiet streams, historic buildings, with stunning “TAX FREE” condos & available office suites!

Village Indoor Winter Farmers Market: Saturdays 10a-2p

Medical Campus Dr

Just over one mile from Downtown: West Eleventh St. at Cottageview Dr. Two blocks West of Division/US31, Traverse City

For more information visit www.thevillagetc.com or call The Minervini Group: 231-941-1900

The Village @ Grand Traverse Commons BLDG. 50, 1200 W. 11TH St. 231.947.7730 EAST DRIVE-THRU: CORNER GARFIELD & FRRONT ST. 231.947.4590 COFFEE BAR: HORIZON BOOKSTORE, DOWNTOWN TC. 231.947.7705

By Cara Nader Absinthe: a mysterious spirit which most have heard of, but few have tasted and many know little about. It is possibly a bit romantic and even a tad bit dangerous, which might increase its romantic nature. Few alcoholic drinks have such an interesting history. Absinthe was once the drink of the 19th and early 20th century French Bohemian crowd of elite writers and artists such as Van Gogh, Jules Verne, Hemmingway, Picasso, Oscar Wilde and Edgar Allen Poe, just to name a few. It was banned in the U.S. in 1912 as part of the US Department of Agriculture in Food Inspection Decision 147, well before the Prohibition Act, due to the presence of thujone. The chemical is found naturally in many plants, including wormwood, but it was believed to cause the supposed psychoactive affects reported with Absinthe. which is a key ingredient in traditional Absinthe. According to the FDA, there can be no more than 10ppm thujone present in alcoholic beverages. However, recent chemical analysis of old Absinthe bottles has proven most Absinthe has always contained only small amounts of thujone. Interestingly, tarragon, sage and sage oil can contain significantly more thujone than Artemisia Absinthium (Grande Wormwood). So, while the law has technically not changed, Absinthe had not been sold in the United States since 1912, until Lucid, which was approved by the FDA in early 2007. The first domestically-produced Absinthe wasn’t approved for sale until late 2007 and is produced by St. George Spirits in Alameda, California. Still, there are many imitations and expensive neon-colored spirits masquerading as Absinthe on the shelves in the United States, so here is some information that will assist you on your quest for delicious traditional Absinthe. An important thing to know before you start on this journey: while absinthe does not have psychoactive properties, it is an extremely alcoholic spirit. You’ve been warned… Absinthe is traditionally flavored using green anise, sweet fennel and the herb Artemisia Absinthium (Grande 28

NM3 MAGAZINE ■ FEBRUARY 2011

Wormwood). There are four types of Absinthe: Verte (herbs added after distillation), Blanche (no herbs or colorants added), Absenta (distilled from a different variety of anise) and Faux (uses non-traditional mixtures of herbs). Contrary to popular belief, to prepare Absinthe you do not need to light anything on fire. In fact, I recommend staying away from flames entirely when first trying Absinthe, just to be on the safe side. The traditional way to prepare Absinthe, like many other classic cocktails is quite involved but worth the effort. Start with a shot of Absinthe in a glass—preferably a Perigord wine glass, but any wine glass will also do in a pinch. Place a sugar cube on a slotted spoon over the glass and slowly drip ice-cold water on the sugar cube, taking care to evenly distribute throughout the glass. The process allows a sort of flavor “bloom” which brings out many of the hidden flavors, which are generally over-powered by the anise. If using a quality Absinthe the drink will begin to take on a cloudy opalescence, which is referred to as the louche. The amount of water varies depending on the spirit, but it is a key ingredient. If you are looking for something that will class up your liquor shelf and also impress your friends, I recommend ordering Absinthe online. www.DrinkupNY.com and www.AbsintheOnline.com are great resources. For more information on Absinthe and in-depth reviews check out www.WormwoodSociety.org

...before you start on this journey: while absinthe does not have psychoactive properties, it is an extremely alcoholic spirit. You’ve been warned…

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1964 Volkswagen Bug Owned by: Garret Leiva, Traverse City By Brett Gourdie

Germany’s car for the people was just that, a basic, low cost, low maintenance vehicle for everyone. With over 21 million Bugs built over its lifetime from 1938 to 2003, this little VW is an important part of the automobile history.

Germany’s car for the people was just that, a basic, low cost, low maintenance vehicle for everyone. 30

NM3 MAGAZINE ■ FEBRUARY 2011

This great ’64 Bug has been modified in all the right places. As the fourth owner, Leiva proudly drives her around Northern Michigan. The paint is a custom creation using a Cadillac cream and Honda gold two-tone creation. But the real work was centered around the mechanicals. The 1835cc engine sports a performance cam, counterweighted and balanced crankshaft, modified heads, dual Weber carbs, and performance exhaust. The handling was not left out with a 4-inch lowing kit and enhanced brakes to match the mechanical improvements. These modifications were not exactly what the German designers envisioned when they conceived the people’s car, but they really wake the Bug up into something pretty exciting to drive, and to look at as well.