Northern Express - April 28, 2025

letters CONTENTS feature

Millions of Protesters, Good Bets

In response to Stephen Tuttle’s “Big Protests, Bad Bets,” you are absolutely correct when you wrote “the depth of anger, confusion, and concern is significant” regarding the Trump regime’s dismantling of democracy in the U.S. It’s so significant that up to five million people attended the Hands Off! protests on April 5 from around the nation, even in red states, even in very small rural towns.

As we expected, Fox News reported only “tens of thousands,” mainstream news “hundreds of thousands,” but in reality, the only other protest comparable in size for the past century was the 2017 Women’s March at 3.5-5.5 million.

While millions of people may not get the attention of the Trump regime yet, I want to assure the readers of Northern Express that attending a protest accomplishes much more than one might expect. Venting pent-up feelings with lots of company is empowering and reminds us that we are not alone. Instead of being on our phones at home, dumbfounded at more bad news, we are all outside, taking in the spring air, learning who our like-minded neighbors are, building community, making new friends, having fun, laughing, and strengthening our resolve.

The diversity of people there, coming from all walks of life (including some who voted for Trump), reminds us of who makes up real America, not the one Trump is trying to force on us of straight white “Christian” males. So, it’s a very, very good bet, Mr. Tuttle, that the energy of millions of people is already being translated into voter registrations, campaign volunteerism, and contributions.

Have faith. We are just building steam. And all our many issues, which you warn are too fractured, point absolutely to one overarching concern, and it goes lightyears beyond our simple dislike of the president.

Lisa Franseen |

Traverse City

Building “Delightful Surprise By Design”

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El Maguey Mexican Bar & Grill

A Hand Up In Housing...

Cleaning Up Trail By Trail

columns & stuff

Top Ten.....

Spectator/Stephen Tuttle............

Guest Opinion/Mulvahill...................................

Weird

Guest Opinion/Charron....................................

13Questions (sponsored content)....................

Dates..

Film

Nitelife.............................

Crossword

Astro.....

Classifieds

Northern Express Weekly is published by Eyes Only Media, LLC. Publisher: Luke Haase

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Contributors: Joseph Beyer, Ross Boissoneau, Art Bukowski, Geri Dietze, Matt Dursum, Anna Faller, Abby McKiernan, Rachel Pasche, Stephen Tuttle

this week’s

top ten

Origin & Echo

Art can often be a solo endeavor, but Northport Public Schools art teacher Jen Evans and the Northport Arts Association want to bridge that gap. The upcoming Origin & Echo exhibit features original works by K-12 students alongside art inspired by those pieces from adult artists in the community. (For example, a student could paint a field of flowers, and their adult pair could build a 3D copper wire bouquet.) The goal is for each piece to be reimagined and translated into a new form or a new medium, all while keeping the central themes and tones of the children’s artwork. The adults have not met the students, and the students have no idea how their art will be interpreted. The exhibit opens to the public May 1, where students and adults will meet for the first time and see their art side-by-side! Learn more at northportartsassociation.org/events-exhibits. 5

2 tastemaker

Millie & Pepper’s Cuban Crepe

We’re all about lunch we can take on the go, and the cult-favorite Cuban crepe from Millie & Pepper in Traverse City is our new go-to! Inspired by the eponymous sandwich, this street-style crepe stacks house-roasted mojo pork—seasoned with cumin, oregano, lime, and orange juice—with McClure’s spicy pickles, a mild and melty blend of gruyere and Jarlsberg cheeses, prosciutto cotto (a delicate Italian ham), and a special house mustard sauce. Folded into a scratch-made buckwheat crepe and griddled until crispy, this flavorpacked handheld is everything we love about a savory smorgasbord in portable form. If you’ve got a hand to spare, be sure to pair one with a cup of soup or a crisp IPA from the café’s full bar! Get your hands on one ($14.50) at Millie & Pepper (120 S. Union St.) in Traverse City. millieandpepper.com

Love and Murder

Knocking off relatives and romance are on Monty Navarro’s mind when he finds out he’s only eighth in line for an earldom in the prominent D’Ysquith family. See what happens in his darkly comedic journey through Edwardian England in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, the upcoming musical at Old Town Playhouse, TC, April 25 – May 10. Tickets range from $20-$33. For performance times and more info visit oldtownplayhouse.com/tickets.

Hey, Watch It! The Studio 4

Matt Remick (Seth Rogan) is the newly-appointed head of Continental Studios, a major movie studio balancing on the tightrope of art and commercialization in the 21st century. Remick wants to be liked and taken seriously, which manifests in kowtowing to celebrities, disappointing his favorite directors, and generally making everyone nervous (or annoyed) on set… all in a hilarious fashion. The behind-the-scenes look at the movie biz is a key reason to tune in to this dramedy, but if that’s not enough to pique your interest, consider the supporting cast and cameos: Catherine O’Hara, Ike Barinholtz, Katheryn Hahn, Greta Lee, Zac Efron, Steve Buscemi, Olivia Wilde, Bryan Cranston, Anthony Mackie, Martin Scorsese, and Ron Howard. It really is a slice of Hollywood. New episodes of The Studio stream weekly on Apple TV+.

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“A LIFE-CHANGING, SOUL-GATHERING DEBUT”

The National Writers Series is excited to welcome bestselling author ALUA ARTHUR, discussing her transformative memoir, Briefly Perfectly Human As our country’s leading death doula, she’s spreading a powerful message: thinking about your death—whether imminent or not—will breathe wild, new potential into your life. Briefly Perfectly Human is a life-changing, soul-gathering debut, by a writer whose empathy, tenderness, and wisdom shimmers on the page. Guest host is Dana Black, storyteller, podcast host, and executive speaking coach.

Join NWS on Thursday, May 1 at 7:00 p.m., in-person at the City Opera House plus livestreamed, for a conversation with bestselling author Alua Arthur.

For tickets, visit

A 1926 Wurlitzer Band Organ

Family Fun Day at the Music House Museum

If you’ve never driven out to Williamsburg to explore the Music House Museum, now’s the time to go! MHM is hosting a Family Fun Day on Sunday, May 4, from 12-4pm. Visitors will enjoy one-hour tours to explore the museum’s eclectic collection of rare and old instruments, from floor-to-ceiling organs to jukeboxes to a 1925 Weber Duo-Art reproducing piano that plays Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” Each station features historical vignettes from the time period, all the way to the Miniature City, a tiny version of Traverse City created by local artists. At the Family Fun Day event, there will also be a craft table for kids, snacks and punch, and a goody bag for the kiddos packed with music-themed activities. Tickets are $25 per family and can be purchased at the door. Find all the details at musichouse.org/upcoming-events.

ID Right Now

Barring any last-minute directives, Michigan residents will need to present a REAL ID-compliant document to fly within the United States beginning May 7, 2025. Enhanced licenses and IDs are automatically REAL IDcompliant, but if your standard license or ID does not have a circle with a star or a Michigan silhouette with a star in the top right hand corner, you’ll want to schedule a visit to your nearest Secretary of State office. You’ll need to bring your current ID; a valid, unexpired U.S. passport, birth certificate, or qualifying immigration document; a certified legal name-change document, if your name is different from what is on your birth certificate; and two proof of residency documents (utility bills, bank statements, etc.). If you have upcoming travel and can’t get a REAL ID in time, other forms of ID are acceptable, including an enhanced driver’s license, U.S. passport, and passport card. Learn more at michigan.gov/sos/ license-id/real-id.

Stuff We Love: Spotlight on Our Trails

Northern Michigan’s trails are a point of pride for residents. Last week, the state of Michigan recognized what we’ve long known: that these trails are some of the best in the state. The Betsie Valley Trail, a 22-mile pathway extending from Frankfort through Elberta and Beulah to Thompsonville in Benzie County, and Chain of Lakes Water Trail, a 100-plus mile inland water trail made up of 12 lakes and interconnected rivers in northwest Michigan, both received special recognition as the 2025 Pure Michigan Trail winners. The designation is a partnership between the Pure Michigan campaign and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “This year’s Pure Michigan Trails have broad community support,” said DNR State Trails Coordinator Tim Novak. “Their respective organizations understand and support the economic and social impacts of trails and how important they are to improving quality of life for residents and visitors.”

bottoms up Rare Bird’s Mixed Feelings IPA

The trend these days seems to be toward lighter and more sessionable beers—especially in the IPA space, and especially in the spring and summertime. While easy-drinking beers certainly have their place, though, we still love a big, boozy IPA, and Mixed Feelings, a brandnew beer from Rare Bird Brewpub, absolutely fits the bill. Flagged as an “experimental IPA,” Mixed Feelings is an explosion of big flavors, from a heavy dose of hops (the IBU count is 60) to pervasive notes of citrus fruit. We scooped a 32-ounce crowler from the cooler right inside Rare Bird’s front door, and the beer was the perfect complement to Rare Bird’s famous buffalo chicken sandwich. Tread carefully, though: at 8.14 percent alcohol by volume, this beer can sneak up on you fast! Drink up at 229 Lake Ave in Traverse City. rarebirdbrewpub.com

Summer 2025 Craft Shows

By steven Tuttle

There is not a section, paragraph, sentence, or word in the United States Constitution that says the Legislative and Judicial branches of the government are subservient to the Executive branch. Not one. The Founders conceived of three equal branches of government checking and balancing each other.

This would be clear to anyone who has actually read our Constitution or took a high school government or civics class but, alas, many MAGA Republicans clearly neither read the documents nor attended the classes, because they do not understand how the system is supposed to work at all. The result is a cacophony of complaining every time a judge makes a ruling that the MAGA world doesn’t like.

The White House Press Secretary, Vice President J.D. Vance, Speaker Mike Johnson, and President Trump himself have all made the bizarre and bizarrely wrong claim that federal judges have “no right” to undo orders of the Executive Branch. They then attribute these rulings to “activist” judges or “radical activist” judges or their ultimate insult, “rogue radical left-wing judges.”

northern Michigan congressman seems to have disappeared altogether.

When the White House and Congress are controlled by the same party, it is the norm for legislators to champion the presidential policy agenda. Article II, Section 3 of the Constitution says the president shall “recommend” to Congress for their “consideration” measures he “shall judge necessary and expedient...”

You should note, and so should members of Congress, it does not use words like “order” or “obey.” The president makes recommendations, which a fully functional Congress shall then consider. They can create their own legislation without regard to presidential directives, though the president has his own check on Congress, the veto.

In fact, the federal judiciary has every right to determine the constitutionality of presidential executive orders. They are the check that helps create the balance.

All of this comes to mind as the president claims the right to summarily deport some illegal immigrants allegedly involved in other criminal activity to a notorious prison in El Salvador. More than one judge has tried to at least temporarily halt this program, resulting in caterwauling and unbridled whining about judges depriving the president of his presidential powers.

Of course the judges have done no such thing; they’ve merely insisted that the Constitution and statutes be followed and that due process exist, as required, before anyone is deported. You know, follow the damned rules for a change, and then deport to your heart’s content. The president’s response? “We cannot give everyone a trial.” Geeze, read the Fifth Amendment.

What is troubling about all of this isn’t just Trump’s behavior but the complete surrender of Congress to the whims of a mercurial president. They have abdicated their role and responsibility as constitutional equals of the executive—some would say they are first among equals, which is why they are mentioned first in the Constitution.

Congress’ total surrender to a presidential agenda is not how it is supposed to work. Congress has become pathetically weak, with sycophantic ciphers unwilling to do much of anything but quiver in fear whenever the president speaks. Our own

What we have now is a Congressional majority about as far removed from independence as possible. They mostly just legislate in lockstep to whatever the president wants regardless of the efficacy or legality. They are responsible for a budget but appear to be asking the president’s permission to create one. The Democrat minority simply opposes everything proposed, good or bad, by the president or his party, so we have an ineffective Congress being steamrolled by a president with autocratic instincts.

The days of the political parties working together to achieve objectives that help everyone are, at least temporarily, over. We don’t have leaders of either party seemingly capable of working together for the common good. No Tip O’Neill sharing a drink with President Reagan, no Newt Gingrich working together with President Clinton to actually balance the budget, which they did multiple times.

Part of the problem here is a lack of understanding of how our system actually works. Both sides appear to believe it’s all linear—legislation leads to some kind of court action which leads to more court action which leads to a Supreme Court ruling, which is the end.

But our system is not linear, it’s circular. Legislation rejected by the courts can be rewritten to pass constitutional muster. If new legislation isn’t sufficient to satisfy a court ruling, the Constitution can be amended, as has happened 27 times previously.

The complaining about activist judges will likely continue as long as the president is willing to ignore statutes and the Constitution and the judiciary continues to overturn his extralegal decisions. Yes, so many injunctions because of so many unconstitutional orders and decisions.

Follow the rules, obey the law, respect the Constitution, and stop whining.

DIVERSITY MATTERS

guest opinion

by Karen Mulvahill

Variety is the spice of life, right? So, what’s all this fuss about diversity? According to City University New York: “The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect for the full range of human characteristics…”

Could someone please explain to me why that isn’t a value you’d expect of a just society?

In our profit-oriented world, just being good humans is never motive enough. Therefore, much research has gone into placing a financial value on diversity, to prove that efforts and investments to increase diversity will pay off.

Numerous studies have shown that teams comprising a variety of different types of people yield better decision-making and greater innovation than homogeneous teams. Promoting an inclusive environment also fosters a sense of belonging and increased employee satisfaction, which is strongly linked to customer satisfaction.

According to a 2023 report from McKinsey & Company, companies with more than 30 percent women were substantially more likely to outperform those with less. Those with higher ethnic diversity were 27 percent more likely to outperform less-diverse companies (“Diversity Matters,” McKinsey & Company). These and many other studies have convinced corporate CEOs and boards that promoting diversity is a business imperative.

So, why the vicious attacks on diversity programs? Sadly, because some people believe that “diversity” means “reverse discrimination.”

It’s telling that before nearly every mention of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) in the president’s verbiage, the word “illegal” is inserted. What is illegal is using a quota system to favor candidates of a particular race. That essentially became illegal way back in 1978 when Allen Bakke, a white applicant, sued the Medical School of the University of California at Davis, accusing it of racial discrimination. Although Bakke performed better on admittance tests than some of the Black students who were admitted, he was denied entrance to the program. The Supreme Court’s ruling in Bakke’s favor essentially made reverse discrimination illegal.

No individual should be discriminated against. That’s made clear in the Civil Rights Act. And yet, how do you undo centuries of discrimination without some acknowledgement of the systemic racism that causes disadvantage to certain populations and greater privilege to the already privileged?

For those with no direct exposure to a particular ethnic group, reading that group’s history is a good way to learn about and gain empathy for their experiences and struggles. Until recently, most history was

white male history with an occasional word of praise for the sewing skills of Betsy Ross.

The work that has been done in recent decades to uncover and share the history of women and minorities is important in providing a complete picture of American history.

That’s why it’s so alarming that due to a recent Presidential Executive Order, the history and experiences of women and ethnic minorities are being erased from federal websites. Stories of the Holocaust, lynchings, the White power movement. Books about Arab-Americans and ChineseAmericans. Anything about LGBTQ+ people. Feminism? All gone. Stories—only the good ones, of course—about the history and experiences of white men remain.

All these erased stories make up a tiny percentage of the entire body of historical reporting. Are we to be begrudged even that little bit? Those few stories that inspire us, give us role models, make us feel like we belong, teach the dominant group that we deserve respect?

“Most female aviator stories and photographs are disappearing—including from the archive…they’ve erased us,” Cary Lohrenz, one of the Navy’s first female F-14 Tomcat pilots posted to X.

Some removals caused enough public outcry that they were restored, such as stories of the Navajo Code Talkers and Tuskegee Airmen of World War II. “If you erase the memory, we really forget the people,” said Alessio Ponzio, a visiting professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland. “It’s an act of violence that is very subtle but can really destroy the psychology of people. Basically, ‘I’m telling you that I do not recognize you.’”

In my opinion, what most DEI programs actually do is highly valuable. Acknowledging the existence of historical discrimination and striving to be fair to all are minimum starting points. Awareness, training in unconscious biases, tweaks to make an environment more welcoming to an underrepresented group— these are all good efforts toward achieving diversity and the positive outcomes that so much research has demonstrated. Not to mention a just society.

Let’s not throw out the baby with the bathwater. Reverse discrimination is and has been illegal for a while. Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are not.

Let us celebrate the accomplishments and stories of all Americans.

“We must not only learn to tolerate our differences. We must welcome them as the richness and diversity which can lead to true intelligence.” –Albert Einstein

Karen Mulvahill is a writer living in northern Michigan.

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NEW DATE!

Saturday May 17th, 2025

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Barnes Park, Eastport

ACTIVITIES:

• *NEW* Small Petting Zoo!

• Petoskey Stone Hunt

• Stone Skipping Contest

• Kids Fishing Pond

• Handmade Arts, Crafts, and Rock Vendors

• Delicious Food Vendors

• Balloon Animals and Face Painting

ENTERTAINMENT:

• Tommy Tropic

• Kenny Thompson

Join us for a FREE day of family-friendly fun!

Awesome!

Join Forces With Us to Provide Healthy Food to Kids Who Need It!

Sunday, May 4, 2025 Howe Arena, Traverse City 11am to 2 pm

Live Music & Bowl Making Demonstrations

Silent Auction & Arts/Crafts to Purchase Chef made Soup & Artisan Bread from Area Establishments

Funds generated contribute to the Northwest Food Coalition’s Farm2Neighbor program, providing fresh produce and protein from local farms to over 80 food & baby pantries, and meal sites in our 6 county area. Artisan Bowl to Take Home Fun kid activities!

Learn more & purchase advance tickets at northwestmifoodcoalition.org

a TCAPS Sponsored Event BRING THE KIDS Kids 15 and under are free with a paid adult

Serendipity Books in Chelsea, Michigan, got a hand -- or 600 -- with a big project on April 14, NBC News reported. Owner Michelle Tuplin was wondering how she was going to move more than 9,000 books to the store's new, larger location without closing the business for days. The community came to the rescue, and more than 300 people showed up, forming a human conveyor belt that stretched around the corner and into the new location. "It was just a joyful experience," said volunteer Donna Zak. In less than two hours, the entire inventory had been transferred -- all in alphabetical order. "It was overwhelming," Tuplin said. The new store will open on April 26 to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day.

The Passing Parade

"Star Wars" fans, listen up! If you're free on May 4, you can hop over to The Little Vegas Chapel in Nevada and tie the knot with your knight or princess. United Press International reported that the chapel is offering two special packages for the special date: "Yoda One for Me" and "Love Star." Both feature an officiant dressed as either Princess Leia or Darth Vader, "Star Wars" music, professional photography and video and a special themed wedding certificate. You may want to stop at the blackjack table first, though -- the packages cost $600 and $860. May the Fourth Be With You.

Weird in the Wild

Well, almost wild. At the San Diego Zoo on April 14, the animals reacted to the magnitude 5.2 earthquake, too, United Press International reported. Video from the elephant enclosure showed the pachyderms' behavior even before the shaking started; the adults ran to form a circle, facing out, around the juveniles, Zuli and Mkhaya. "This behavior is known as an 'alert circle' and is intended to protect the young -- and the entire herd -- from threats," said zoo spokesperson Emily Senninger. She said the elephants can feel sound through their feet.

Recent Alarming Headline

On April 13, after a United Airlines flight took off from Denver International Airport, the pilot had to make an emergency landing because of a fire in one of the engines, ABC News reported. After being told the apparent cause, the pilot responded, "Rabbit through the number 2, that'll do it." A bunny -- NOT the Easter bunny -- had been sucked into the engine. Passenger Scott Wolff said he experienced "a loud bang, and a significant vibration in the plane. Every few moments (as the plane was climbing) there was a backfire coming from the engine, a giant fireball behind it." Passengers were loaded onto a different aircraft and proceeded to Edmonton, Alberta. Rabbit strikes are fairly rare, experts say.

Unclear on the Concept

Visitors to Abbey Road in St. John's Wood in England are voicing their disappointment on Tripadvisor, Your Local Guardian reported. The street, made famous by the eponymous Beatles album, is a favorite spot for a photo op, but some tourists were expecting ... more. "Disappointed doesn't cover it ... My disappointment in not finding

street sellers, either side of the road, selling cheap T-shirts and merchandise was a surprise," one commented. Another said, "I am a massive Beatles fan, but there is really nothing to see here. It's just an ordinary zebra crossing." It's no Penny Lane, that's for sure.

Clothing Optional

About 700 women gathered at Glenwood Springs, Colorado's Sunlight Mountain Resort on April 11 for the Boot Tan Fest, a three-day event that includes the "naked lap," The Denver Post reported. The festival started four years ago with just a few friends but has grown to include live music and women-owned brands peddling their wares. Participants ranged in age from Gen Z to retirement and stripped down to celebrate women's bodies. For instance, Lisa Harper of Dillon wrote on her stomach "3 weeks postpartum." "This is what's real, having your baby pooch and still skiing," she said. Another skier gushed, "Here you belong; everyone belongs."

At Disneyland's New Orleans Square on April 12, an unnamed naked Canadian man climbed a building, exposing himself to people below, KABC-TV reported. He was taken into custody for trespassing, public nudity and being under the influence of narcotics.

Animal Antics

The Blavatnik School of Government building at the University of Oxford features a glass roof, the BBC reported. But as of midApril, the building has been closed after a cheeky seagull broke the glass by repeatedly dropping a stone on one of the glass panels. Seagulls are known to drop shellfish on the ground to try to break them open. A spokesperson said they hope the building will be "open as normal again soon." No word on the fate of the seagull.

Ewwwww!

Darren McConachie, 30, of Glasgow, Scotland, assumed he was going deaf or had an ear infection when his hearing became impaired, the Daily Record reported on April 15. But one night he woke up to a surging feeling of pressure in his head and felt something start to move. "I thought my ear had ruptured," he said. "Then I felt something small and hard sort of pop out. I was absolutely terrified." He used his phone light to check out the object, which turned out to be a "tiny piece of pink Lego, covered in wax." McConachie said he hadn't played with Legos since he was a small child. "I don't remember sticking the brick in my ear. I genuinely had no clue it was in my ear all that time."

Sweet Revenge

Joshua Lowe, 19, was sentenced to eight months in prison on April 14 for a stunt he pulled in January 2024, NBC News reported. Lowe, who was living with his girlfriend's family, became angry that they went on a cruise and left him behind to care for the pets. So he sent an email to Carnival Corp. after the cruise had departed, warning of a bomb on board. Prosecutors said the ship's crew had to check more than 1,000 rooms. FBI agents traced the email to Lowe, who apologized to the judge.

SEASONS CHANGE, SO MUST WE

GUEST OPINION

by Shelly Charron

As a region that thrives on seasonal tourism, we are starting to notice a change in the air. There is anticipation building as we prepare for the return of tourists and seasonal residents. However, this shift brings some significant challenges. Our local restaurants, shops, hotels, farms, parks, and construction sites need workers, and those workers need housing.

Without adequate housing options for our workforce, our economy suffers. Restaurants become short-staffed, leading to longer wait times and reduced hours. Retailers have to close up shop earlier, and farmers are stretched thin. Builders are struggling to find skilled labor, which drives up construction costs. Hotels struggle to fill essential roles that keep everything running smoothly.

For those who work in these critical positions, finding a place to live that is stable and within financial reach has become more of a challenge. Housing prices are at an alltime high, and there is more competition for the limited supply of lower-priced homes. The wave of tourists continues to grow, as do those who buy second homes or investment properties.

As seasonal and tourist demand for real estate increases against the backdrop of a limited housing supply, our cities and towns must take action if we wish to support the health and well-being of those working in the community and have a strong economy. Action must be taken to preserve and create housing that is affordable to low and middleincome residents.

Municipalities that see high levels of seasonal tourism must prioritize the development of safe and affordable housing for both yearround residents and temporary workers. We can learn from how other communities tackle these housing challenges. Here’s a look at strategies used by towns across the country with seasonal economies.

In regions with high-cost second-home markets, real estate transfer taxes can be an effective revenue source for municipalities. The funds collected from these taxes can be utilized for various affordable housing efforts. These taxes can be implemented progressively, meaning they only apply to home sales that exceed a certain price threshold.

When these funds are directed toward housing programs, they can help diminish wealth inequalities and promote fairness in housing access. A prime example is Santa Fe, New Mexico, where voters approved a three percent tax on single-family homes sold for more than $1 million. This tax is anticipated to generate approximately $6 million annually, which will contribute to Santa Fe’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, aiding in the development of new homes for low and middle-income families.

In Florida, certain areas are authorized by the state to enact “Tourist Impact Taxes.” as a response to its large tourism industry. Monroe County, home of the Florida Keys,

has been implementing a Tourist Impact Tax since 1986. The tax is charged as one percent of any sales from overnight accommodations of less than six months. Half of the tax funds the Monroe County Land Authority, which is dedicated to acquiring property for conservation use, funding affordable housing projects, and maintaining conservation land stewardship programs in the county.

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority recently launched the EmployerAssisted Housing Fund. The Housing Fund is a bold, state-funded initiative designed to help employers invest in housing solutions for income-eligible households.

The fund offers direct support to employers willing to invest in housing for local workers. Employers that contribute matching funds— whether through cash investments, land donation, a below-market interest loan, or some combination thereof—may qualify for resources through the fund to help develop new housing options.

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is taking a proactive approach to address the need for more employees. They recognize that having the space to house additional employees during peak season is crucial for maintaining service levels and keeping amenities open. Having on-site housing allows the resort to bring in more workers, including those for higher-level roles like supervisors and managers. The resort has a variety of buildings dedicated to employee housing, including apartments, a house, and other dorm-style buildings, providing accommodations for around 100 employees.

Our region is facing unique challenges ensuring housing availability for both full-time residents and seasonal workers. To improve our economy and the quality of life for those employed in the area, we must explore innovative avenues to provide affordable housing. Implementing strategies like real estate transfer taxes, short-term rental fees, and tourist impact taxes can generate essential revenue for affordable housing initiatives.

Moreover, preserving existing affordable housing through measures such as deed restrictions and collaborations with local employers can ensure that the workforce has access to affordable housing. By focusing on the development and preservation of affordable housing, municipalities can alleviate the adverse effects of seasonal tourism and support the long-term health of their communities.

Ultimately, policymakers, municipalities, developers, and employers need to collaborate to develop innovative strategies to create housing and invest in sustainable solutions.

Shelly Charron is the Director of Community Engagement at Housing North, a regional nonprofit in northwest Michigan working to address the barrier to housing through communications, advocacy, and capacity building.

Building “Delightful Surprise By Design”

Boyne’s the spot for design/build team SpotLab

By Ross Boissoneau

How do you design a bathroom and a kitchenette in a 400-square-foot dome, where there are no walls or straight lines? Apparently the same way you refurbish an aging farmhouse, or transform a house in Ann Arbor into a forever home that maintains a colorful, playful feeling: by hiring SpotLab.

The build/design firm is helmed by designer Tessa French and builder Zeb Burge. The couple worked together for a decade on a number of retail and hospitality projects for Equinox Fitness, an NYC luxury fitness company. Burge was the vice president of construction for the company, while French was the director of design. Burge says those roles often cause friction. “Those two worlds collide,” he says. “There’s a lot of head-butting,” but the two found ways to work through those conflicts. “We worked together a lot of years as coworkers and friends,” says Burge, who calls himself “a designer in a contractor’s body,” before their partnership became more than just co-workers.

So when the pandemic struck, the twosome

decided to leave their home in New York City for French’s home state of Michigan. She grew up in Ann Arbor, and they decamped to her family’s getaway in Gaylord, as did a number of other family members.

“We figured we’d just go to Gaylord for a week or two until everything opens back up,” says French. As the weeks grew into months and their jobs were put on pause, they decided to look for a place of their own. “We looked for a fixer-upper and found an A-frame.”

The shutdown meant not only did they have time to do a renovation, they couldn’t hire outside help if they wanted to. “We did all the work ourselves,” says Burge. That’s when something shifted. “We said, ‘Okay, this is what we were doing on a large scale. We can do it for ourselves.’”

The couple thought slowing down from their previous pace could allow them to decompress while finding a new direction. “I was flying 120,000 miles a year. Stepping back from the grind was a change of pace,” says Burge.

Thus Spotlab was born. After a sixmonth renovation on their own place in Boyne Falls, they figured they could do

the same for other clients. “That success working together … we knew it was unique,” French tells us.

From Boyne to Chicago to New York

SpotLab’s sense of whimsy and playfulness is what attracted Lauren Blanford. She and her husband, Jason, own Lost Woods campground—okay, call it a glampground—in Boyne Falls. When they decided to add a geodesic dome to the site, such a specialized structure needed special attention. To provide some highend design that would actually work in the curved and cozy confines of the dome, Blanford hired Burge and French. “We connected with SpotLab on Instagram,” says Blanford, who discovered they were only a couple miles apart.

French and Burge set about creating a separate bathroom and installing a kitchenette into a round space, one without any interior walls. (Or exterior walls, for that matter.) They were able to tack the kitchenette onto the exterior side of one of the walls of the new enclosed bathroom, leaving the rest of the dome’s space open. “We like small spaces,” says French. “We

layer in a much greater amount of detail. That’s one of the reasons we love the dome.”

Another client purchased a small log home kit to put on Six Mile Lake outside East Jordan, part of the Elk River Chain of Lakes Watershed. He enlisted SpotLab to construct and design it. “We’d never done a log cabin before. We put our spin on it,” says Burge.

The SpotLab spin is one they hope will continue to make waves in northern Michigan. They’ve also got clients in Charlevoix, the Boyne area, and their own build-to-sell large A-frame near Nub’s Nob. While they’ve worked on projects far from their adopted home, including Chicago and back in New York, they like working in northern Michigan.

“We prefer to do work locally, special projects for special people,” says Burge. Special meaning those who aren’t afraid of some whimsy or some dramatic elements, including bold color choices, lots of curves, and unexpected materials.

“But a lot of people want something different, outside-the-box stuff,” French explains. “At the end of the day, it’s about creating spaces that are unique, fun, and unexpected.”

A Closer Look at Lost Woods

When readers of Dwell magazine opened the January issue, alongside the typical features on mid-century modern homes and furnishings was a piece on a campground in Boyne Falls: Lost Woods.

Lauren Blanford says the idea for the dome was to offer something unique, something people could rent year-round. “No one had one yet. They are popping up in Australia, in Canada where they have a really high snow load,” she says. “I loved how compared to a tiny home, it has an expansive feeling, yet it’s only 400 square feet.”

Blanford, her husband Jason, and Jason’s father constructed the dome, which was actually easier than getting permission to build it. “It was an uphill battle. Getting zoning approval took a lot of permitting. No one in the area had built one with a bathroom inside,” Blanford says.

Blanford credits her travel background with providing her a unique perspective on purchasing and running a high-end campground. Her experiences ranged from living out of a backpack to staying in 5-star hotels and flying on private jets during her time working as a nanny. She brought all that experience to Boyne Falls when creating Lost Woods Farm + Forest.

The site was originally a dairy farm, and she and her family moved into the century-old farmhouse. The barn became an event center, and they constructed a small A-frame cabin and three bell tents, along with a bath house (none of the camping structures have a bathroom).

As a year-round rental, the dome had to have its own bathroom and some sort of kitchen facility. Drawn by the sense of creativity SpotLab’s previous work demonstrated, she decided they would be the perfect choice to take on the design for the space.

French and Burge were happy to take on the challenge. “It all feels super compact, because it has to,” Burge told Dwell. “With less than four-hundred square feet, you get jammed up quick.”

Despite its diminutive size, the 55-square-foot bathroom is outfitted with all the necessities, and the design reflects both SpotLab’s ethos, and the style, design, and practicality Blanford was looking for. “I’m very happy we did it,” she says.

May 9 & 10 • 7:30 p.m.

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Cherry Capital Airport is once again making news, from new airlines to parking expansions, to a bustling spring break and busy season ahead.

1 > Let’s start with something on a lot of minds. At some point could this federal cost-cutting threaten the airport’s terminal expansion?

The easy answer is ‘always,’ regardless of administration. But the [Federal Aviation Administration] reauthorization bill passed 18 months ago, so funding requirements had been set, so it just comes down to annual appropriations, and the recent bill for aviation is identical to the reauthorization bill. So, the irony is we’ve had one Democrat bill pass and now for the continuing resolution the Republicans passed it.

2 > What’s the logic behind airports appealing to both parties?

It’s an industry that’s needed. Airports are a major part of the nation’s [gross domestic product]. So, the overall funding from all the traditional programs like airport improvements are all there, and now the normal discretionary money is there. So now we’re just competing for that discretionary money, and we haven’t seen that kind of funding since 2006, so we will compete very well. The one thing we’d really like to see from FAA and [Department of Transportation] is faster decisions on projects.

3 > We’ve talked about those 110 airports that cannot stay afloat without government money for years. Any hope for those Essential Air Service airports finally going away?

Right now I don’t see any change. The amount that’s funding them keeps coming. That’s $400 million in funding that was supposed to sunset a long time ago. And just in Rep. [Jack] Bergman’s district, you have Escanaba, Ironwood, Iron Mountain, Houghton and Sault Ste. Marie.

4 > And what about the tariffs? I keep hearing air travel has already suffered.

Our first quarter was outstanding. The seats in our market are the highest it’s ever been in our history. What we’re seeing is a strong, healthy leisure market. So, when you see airlines cutting, they’re cutting in business markets or lower-end leisure markets. Areas higher in leisure markets like northern Michigan, Colorado, the East Coast ... we’re not seeing many cuts and, in fact, real increases in seats for this summer.

LOOKING UP

Kevin Klein weighs in on summer season, expansion, parking, and more.

5

> Remind folks why that’s so critical.

It’s simple economics. When we get more seats and supply, we already have the demand, so that lowers overall airfares, and the more we use it, the more opportunities we get for additional air service.

6

> And you have some recent news on a new airline?

Yes! Jet Blue is joining us, serving the Boston market starting June 5. What’s interesting about that is we now have three carriers serving Boston. There are only 23 airports having that kind of competition for Boston, so we’re competing very well in that market. That makes seven airlines here at TVC, with 20 nonstop routes. When you look at last July to January and again January to July, we were number one and I believe we will again be number one in the country in increased percentage of seats in a market. We are really doing well nationwide.

7 > What’s the news from the other carriers?

Every one of our markets is seeing some type of increase, whether it’s a larger aircraft or a seat increase. Even our New Haven route was a Saturday only and they’ve added a Wednesday route. We’ve seen better connections for Sun Country connecting us more to the West Coast. We met with Delta and had a big discussion, and they’ve added bigger airplanes to Minneapolis, LaGuardia and Atlanta. With American we’re seeing mainline aircraft, and not just regional aircraft for Charlotte, Philadelphia, Dallas and Washington, D.C. And United is now using mainline aircraft for Denver routes.

8 > You’re always confident about the future. I wonder if you’re surprised by the outcomes of a month or a quarter?

Per the numbers we’re seeing and the advance reports we get, I think we have a pretty good pulse on what’s coming. I could be surprised for sure, but I don’t think this is the year. There’s some hesitation in the market, but people are still going on vacation. Some are making decisions more last-minute, but they will come.

9 > How did spring break turn out, particularly with the parking challenges?

Allegiant had a lot of extra seats that season to Arizona and Florida, and then we got the extra snow. It started our last week of February, which is typically the slowest

week of the year, but this year was very busy. Locals are realizing they can fly out of Traverse City, and with the amount of snow here, people really wanted to get out of town. We filled up our parking lot of 1,400 places and then filled over 80 spots in our fire lot and then 50 spillover into the rental car lot. We even had a plan prepared for securing some parking from Costco, but it turned out we didn’t need that. And that prompted us to think about what is the number of parking spaces we will need going forward? We’re looking at adding 500 spaces, which would go north of Costco as an economy lot and use a shuttle from there, hopefully this fall. Assuming we get approval from buildings and grounds, we’ll go through the bid process, get bids late summer, and start construction this fall.

10 > What else is new at the airport?

Our cell phone lot is being paved with 35 spots so people don’t park at the airport’s curb front. We have three lanes, one for loading and unloading and two for passing through. We ask that people use the cell phone lot and wait to get called by their travelers and then go pick them up. Hopefully that will be completed by Memorial Day. And then our car rental ‘ready’ lot had 214 spaces and we’re going to almost double the capacity of that. They needed additional capacity and that will also be done by Memorial Day. We have a terminal roof project underway, as we’re replacing the membrane roof on all the flat roof areas. We’re also redoing all terminal lights to LED and later this year updating all HVAC systems in the current terminal.

11 > And what about your expansion?

We’re almost to 50% designed, and we’ve hired The Christman Company as our construction manager at-risk. Once we pass 50% design, we’ll break things down into packages for bid, with bid numbers in likely September and then start wrapping up finance packages and looking to the bond market in November time frame.

12 > At what point will we be able to really see what the new terminal is likely to look like inside and out?

You can get a good sense on our website, but after 50% you can really start to see the future, and that will be in the next 60 days.

13 > And you won something?

Yes! We’re proud that we’ve won the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Airport of the Year Award for 2025. Exciting for the team here!

What Does $500,000 Get You in Northern Michigan Real Estate?

From petite condos to sprawling acreage, it’s all about location, location, location

By Abby McKiernan

In the world of real estate, $500,000 used to buy you a mansion. Today, that big chunk of change can mean very different things depending on where you’re looking—especially in northern Michigan. In some areas, that price might get you a newer home with acreage, maybe even water access. In others, it might mean an older, modest house in a prime location.

To get a sense of what half a million dollars buys right now, we browsed listings across several counties in the region. We focused on homes priced around $500,000, giving a snapshot of what’s available at that price point—from the woods of Otsego County to the heart of downtown Traverse City.

Traverse City (Grand Traverse County): Small, but Stylish

Listed at $479,900, this 2-bed, 2-bath condo in downtown Traverse City offers modern living in one of northern Michigan’s most walkable towns. Built in 2010 and clocking in at just over 1,000 square feet, the unit features hardwood floors, a garage (a rare commodity in this area), a spacious balcony, and a location that puts you steps away from restaurants, the Boardman River, and public parks.

https://www.realtor.com/ realestateandhomes-detail/307-E-EighthSt_Traverse-City_MI_49684_M4026533464?from=srp-list-card

Boyne City (Charlevoix County): A Wooded ’90s Beauty

This 3-bed, 2.5-bath home on Leisure Lane comes in well under budget at $425,000, leaving room for updates and customization. Built in 1995 and spanning over 3,200 square feet, the house sits on a wooded lot with ample outdoor space, shared waterfront access, and even a dedicated room for a private sauna. https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/3065-Leisure-Ln_Boyne-City_ MI_49712_M39445-01006?from=srp-list-card

Suttons Bay (Leelanau County): Old Bones, Contemporary Look Built in 1910, this 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers a blend of vintage charm and downtown convenience for $485,000. With major renovations from windows to a new furnace, this turnkey home offers 1,100 square feet of living space, a three-season pavilion room, and is located directly on the TART trail with views of Suttons Bay beach. https://www.realtor.com/ realestateandhomes-detail/224-N-SaintMarys-St_Suttons-Bay_MI_49682_M4725132745?from=srp-list-card

Indian River (Cheboygan County): Farmhouse Retreat

On the market for $439,000, this 3-bed, 2-bath home sits on 1.5 acres, including 415 feet of riverfront property on the Blue Ribbon Sturgeon River. Built in 1996, the house includes 1,500 square feet and comes with a new roof and an artesian well. Who doesn’t want kayaking, canoeing, rafting, tubing, and world-class fishing outside your front door?

https://www.realtor.com/ realestateandhomes-detail/5477Schultz-Rd_Indian-River_MI_49749_ M31072-35703?from=srp-list-card

Gaylord (Otsego County): New Digs on 10 Acres Looking for space to spread out? This 4-bedroom, 3-bath home sits on ten acres of land and is listed at $445,000. Built in 2019 with just under 3,000 square feet, the home features a finished walkout basement, large back deck, and the peace and quiet of rural living just outside of Gaylord.

https://www.realtor. com/realestateandhomesdetail/5135-Old-Alba-Rd_ Gaylord_MI_49735_M4257122185?from=srp-list-card

Harbor Springs (Emmet County): The Refreshed Alpine Life

Remodeled from top to bottom, this chalet-style condo near ski country is listed at $449,900. It offers 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and 1,200 square feet of sleek interior space. Originally built in 1981, the home is minutes from ski slopes, golf courses, and the charming downtown of Harbor Springs.

https://www.realtor.com/ realestateandhomes-detail/3955-SPleasantview-Rd_Harbor-Springs_ MI_49740_M98547-57667?from=srplist-card

Frankfort (Benzie County): Triple the Opportunity?

At $439,000, this triplex in Frankfort offers both living space and income potential. The property includes three separate units across 2,000 square feet, all within walking distance of Lake Michigan, downtown shops, and restaurants. Built in 1960, it’s a unique opportunity in a popular beach town.

https://www.realtor.com/ realestateandhomes-detail/812Forest-Ave_Frankfort_MI_49635_ M32168-90479?from=srp-list-card

Petoskey (Emmet County): Neat and New

This 2-bed, 2.5-bath home is only five years old and blends suburban quiet with proximity to downtown Petoskey. Listed at $475,000, it features modern finishes, just over 1,800 square feet, and a location in a quiet residential neighborhood close to parks and shopping.

https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/705-Maple-Creek-Blvd_ Petoskey_MI_49770_M38428-40554?from=srp-list-card

SHOPPING

SMART IN A SHIFTING

MARKET

Of course, listings only tell part of the story. To get a better understanding of how buyers can make the most of their money in today’s market, we talked with local realtor Mike Annelin, who works throughout the region.

Annelin says that while the buying market has cooled somewhat from its pandemic-era peak, activity remains steady.

“There’s a good balance right now,” he notes. “It’s not the frenzy we saw a couple of years ago, but good homes are still moving.”

One way to get more for your money? Be flexible. Annelin says that buyers who are able to move quickly and present a clean offer—with fewer contingencies and reasonable terms—often have a better shot at landing the home they want. But even if a house looks great on paper, Annelin stresses the importance of a home inspection.

“There are a lot of hidden issues that can turn into major expenses—especially now when it can take months to get on a contractor’s schedule,” he explains. “A $50,000 project isn’t just about cost—it could mean a year-long wait.”

He also warns buyers not to get too caught up in cosmetic issues. “It’s easy to get distracted by surface-level things like paint or outdated fixtures,” he says. “But those are the easiest things to fix.”

Annelin advises buyers to think not just about the house, but how the location fits their lifestyle. Commute times, township taxes, and access to community amenities can all significantly impact your experience—and your budget.

“People don’t always realize how much taxes can vary,” he notes. “When you buy, the taxable value becomes uncapped, and your property tax can jump quite a bit— especially if the previous owner had it for a long time.”

As for up-and-coming areas, Annelin points to small towns like Frankfort, Kingsley, Cedar, and Fife Lake.

“They’ve got charm and potential, and they’re not far from larger hubs like Traverse City,” he says. “But keep in mind the market in smaller towns can be more volatile—great if you plan to stay, but maybe riskier for a flip.”

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FEELS LIKE HOME, LOOKS LIKE YOU

House on Horizon combines English antiquing and interior design

By Rachel Pasche

The feel of the English countryside—think Narnia-worthy wardrobes, sleigh beds, and farmhouse tables—is closer than you might think. Elk Rapids’ House on Horizon specializes in designing and furnishing spaces meant to evoke feelings of old-world England and a slower pace of life.

Owners Sam and Liv Barnsley didn’t meet in England, or even in Michigan—instead, they met in college in southern Mississippi, where Sam had come from England on a soccer scholarship. After school, they married and moved back to northern Michigan, where Liv had grown up.

“Our journey really started when we bought our first house,” Liv says. “We couldn’t afford much, so we gutted and renovated the entire thing ourselves with help from my parents. That process taught us a lot about design and renovation and what sort of things we look for and like in a space.”

A Family Business Around the World

After selling that house during the COVID pandemic, the couple went to England to stay with Sam’s family for a few months. During that visit, they fell in love with antiquing and finding vintage English furniture at antique fairs and estate sales.

Liv, a thrifter and designer, says she feels completely lit up while antiquing, a passion her husband shares.

“At the time, we were doing some interior design work. Our style is heavily influenced by English decor, but it’s impossible to find authentic English furniture in the U.S., so we decided to buy a bunch of it during that trip and ship it all back

to the U.S. to restore and sell, plus we keep a lot for ourselves. Now, it’s progressed into multiple shipping containers of furniture each year and a huge warehouse where we restore and keep everything,” Liv tells us.

Their interior design business expanded through word of mouth, growing into something big enough that both Liv and Sam could quit their other jobs to focus on their clients and growing their furniture stock. Now, they spend several months of each year in England, scouting antiques and visiting with Sam’s parents.

The couple now has three boys; the older two love to help out in the warehouse, Liv says, and they’re developing a passion for travel.

“It’s really important to Sam and me that they get to see the world and spend so much time with their grandparents in England. And I love that we’re growing a family business. The boys love to be in the warehouse helping us out, and they love the days spent hunting for treasure at an antique fair.”

Buy (and Design) What You Love

Liv’s favorite project she’s ever done is the living room in her current home. “The process of gutting and renovating our current home led to our social media accounts blowing up. We got a lot of visibility and business from the videos we posted. We designed this house to mirror a traditional English house, filling it with old oil paintings and antique English furniture. It feels like I’m in an English pub, and I love it so much.”

Liv says she is particularly drawn to French oil paintings with moody, earthy colors. She prefers them unframed because she thinks the simple, unfussy designs feel more approachable. “I want

to be able to sit on the couch with a cup of coffee and not worry about spilling it.”

She also loves English pine furniture, particularly statement pieces like a large table or cabinet. Cute dressers are something she seeks out often, saying wooden English dressers can look good in almost any room. French ceramics and earthenware have also been featured in their stock a lot. Small accent pieces, like stools, ladders, and brassware, are popular items Liv keeps in stock because she finds the small details make a huge difference.

“The stools, especially, have been selling super well,” she says. “I can’t buy enough of them during our buying trips.”

Speaking of buying trips, this year the Barnsleys are inviting others along for several week-long trips to the English countryside where they’ll take guests to antique fairs, small towns, and cozy pubs along the way. There are buying trips scheduled for June 3-9 and August 5-11, 2025, with a full itinerary that crisscrosses the country.

While the couple does most of their shopping in England, Liv does occasionally check out the thrift scene in the area. She recommends Antiquities in Traverse City because they source many items from Europe and Broconte in Elk Rapids for their unique finds and stylish inventory.

Liv’s advice for anyone seeking help with thrifting, interior design, or both?

“Buy what you love. Be patient. People want their house to feel done, and it probably won’t ever be finished. Your house should be evolving— you should be collecting constantly. Things that you love, things that make you happy, things that represent you. Over time, as you start to put these

things together, they’ll look good. Soon, your house will be a reflection of your personality and your life. It will feel like home and like you.”

You can check out House on Horizon’s stock of antique English furniture, reach out for design advice, or sign up for one of their upcoming trips on their website, houseonhorizon.com.

Cinco de Mayo at El Maguey

Mexican Bar & Grill

Authentic Mexican cuisine, direct from Michoacán

By Geri Dietze

Cadillac already has a wealth of Mexican restaurants, so how does one succeed in what appears to be a saturated market? It’s all about authenticity and family heritage, according to Dusty Rodriguez, manager of Cadillac’s El Maguey and member of the family who owns the eatery.

“The food sets us apart,” she says. (Rodriguez also manages the popular Casa Nueva in Mancelona, owned by a “different side of the family.”)

The family hails from Michoacán, a state in the central west of Mexico on the Pacific coast. Two generations keep the restaurants humming, and though they’ve been stateside for 35 years, they continue to go “back and forth” and still maintain a home there.

These strong ties and cultural duality are well represented in the El Maguey menu, offering an elevated experience for diners. And while El Maguey’s chef cannot claim blood ties to the family, he trained in Mexico, and his comprehensive background in Latin American cuisine gives him “a taste for the ingredients [and ability to] differentiate from the rest,” Rodriguez explains.

A Fresh New Look

El Maguey opened its doors in November 2024, after several months of interior and exterior changes. It was “quite a long [process],” Rodriguez explains, but it was “mostly cosmetic.”

And while the new venue bears little

resemblance to the previous Old Herraduras, which occupied the site for over two decades, the building itself is in the hacienda style, going back to when it was originally constructed for La Senorita, the Michigan chain of Mexican restaurants still operating in select cities.

El Maguey’s blue exterior references the blue agave plant in the restaurant’s logo. The space not only feels fresh, but also different, with the owners eschewing the usual fiesta colors of Mexico, adopting instead a strong neutral palette with a contemporary air and industrial design elements. Look for exposed brick walls and columns, natural wood panel walls and ceiling, and a doubleheight dining room with a profusion of natural light.

Inside there is room for 450 diners, including a party room with space for 150, and a smaller room accommodating 40. (Perfect for private parties, business functions, reunions, and more.) Diners can choose from tables or comfy high-backed booths.

Rodriguez indicates that they are still in the decorating process, but patrons can look forward to both painted and photographic murals depicting scenes from La Piedad, the Michoacán city of 100,000 and the family’s hometown.

A Michoacán Palette

Michoacán cuisine emphasizes traditional techniques, such as slow cooking, combined with fresh authentic ingredients,

using corn, beans, chiles, tomatoes, tomatillos, and avocados. The 16th century Spanish occupation influenced indigenous foods by introducing garlic and herbs, livestock including beef and pigs, and dairy products, yielding today’s flavor combinations that are both balanced and layered.

So, while this super-sized menu has all of the south-of-the-border favorites, plus plenty for the Americanized palate, start by taking a look at the authentic entrees and sides straight from Michoacán. Try the Carnitas, the Mexican version of pulled pork (and a generational favorite of the Rodriguez family), slow cooked and then gently crisped, served with rice, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, and choice of corn or flour tortillas.

Al Pastor, sweet and spicy rotisseriecooked marinated pork slices, is another Michoacán specialty, and teams up with carnitas and chorizo in El Maguey’s enchiladas, quesadillas, burritos, or tacos. We also recommend the Birria Con Consume, marinated beef, slow-cooked in a peppery broth, served shredded with corn tacos. (Birria is native to Jalisco, a neighboring state of Michoacán.)

The Burrito Michoacán, a big favorite, is a protein blast with steak, chicken, and chorizo, a tomatillo sauce and cheese dip, topped with a skewer of shrimp, and served with rice, lettuce, pico de gallo, and sour cream. For an intense traditional side, try the Chile Toreados, blistered jalapeño or serrano chiles finished with salt and sometimes a squeeze of lemon or lime.

But there’s more, much more: Breaded Wings are a favorite app, as is Papitas La Piedad, waffle fries smothered in cheese dip and topped with a choice of protein. Try the homemade Chicken Soup with rice and pico de gallo, or the rich seafood Caldo del Mar, with squid, krab, shrimp, surimi (whitefish paste), tilapia, broccoli, and cauliflower. Build your own combos—taco, burrito, enchilada, tamale, or tostada—with your protein pick. Or try the cooked-to-perfection 10-oz. ribeye served three ways: Mexicano, with sauteed onions, green peppers, and tomatoes; Maguey, with shrimp, cheese dip, and vegetable medley; or the Tampiqueno, with fries, rice and beans, and an enchilada.

On the seafood side, the Salmon Obrera is topped with shrimp and creamy mushroom sauce; and the Cactel de Cameron is El Maguey’s house-made shrimp cocktail with fresh tomato, onion, avocado, and cilantro. (Served with saltines, allowing the flavors to pop.)

While El Maguey does not focus on wine, it does offer a satisfying collection of beers and spirits. Enjoy Modelo Special and Dos Equis lager on tap, plus 10 varieties of bottled beer including Corona, Sol, and Pacifico. Tequilas, including La Siete Leguas, Komos, Hornitos, Patron, and Jalisco are on offer, plus more. (The margarita is among the most popular cocktails in the U.S., so do indulge with your favorite brand.)

Find El Maguey at 1700 S Mitchell St. in Cadillac. (231) 444-6118

A HAND UP IN HOUSING

Funding, land, and construction costs top of mind for local Habitat for Humanity affiliates

By Art Bukowski

Local Habitat for Humanity offices are in the business of making dreams come true, working one family at a time to battle housing insecurity in our region. While Habitat is perhaps best known for building homes, the organization serves residents in many other ways.

Northern Express connected with local Habitat offices in northwest Michigan to see what’s new and what’s next. (Note: The Otsego-Antrim office was busy assisting with recovery from the March ice storm and was not able to respond by deadline.)

Cadillac Area Habitat for Humanity

Thoughts from Executive Director Amy Gibbs

Express: What are your biggest or most exciting current projects?

AG: Over the past two years, Cadillac Area Habitat for Humanity has dramatically increased its impact across the region—tripling its home builds and launching a Priority Home Repair Program that has already helped more than 20 veteran families remain safely in their homes. The organization has also expanded its service area to include previously underserved Missaukee County and brought on dedicated staff to support the growth of our programs.

One of the most exciting developments is our partnership with the Cadillac Area Leadership Class, a multi-use community engagement space currently under construction. Once completed, it will serve as a vibrant hub for educational classes, community events, and hands-on learning opportunities—empowering more individuals and families than ever before.

Express: What are the most significant challenges you face as an organization?

AG: Cadillac Area Habitat faces its most significant challenge yet: securing adequate funding to meet the increasing needs of the communities it serves. Uncertainty in federal policy decisions has impacted donor giving, and available grants are now more competitive than ever. Each day, the organization receives urgent requests for critical home repairs— ranging from failing water systems and roof replacements to accessibility modifications and aging-in-place solutions. Without sufficient funding, the team is forced to make difficult decisions about whose needs are most urgent. Prioritizing these critical needs—especially when people are facing real hardship—is emotionally challenging. It’s never easy to tell someone we can’t help right away.

Express: What are the next big goals, milestones, or dreams for your organization?

AG: Looking ahead, Cadillac Area Habitat for Humanity remains steadfast in its mission to provide safe, affordable housing across Wexford, Osceola, and Missaukee Counties. Its primary goals include building new homes, completing essential repairs that allow seniors and veteran homeowners to remain safely housed, and growing community support through volunteer engagement and financial contributions.

Cheboygan County Habitat for Humanity Thoughts from Executive Director Mandy Martin

Express: What are your biggest or most exciting current projects?

MM: We recently relocated a home to a vacant lot in the City of Cheboygan. The lot was overgrown with vegetation, but we saw the potential to rehabilitate the existing home and revitalize the lot itself. This location is highly visible within the community, which helps raise awareness about our mission. Furthermore, it will enable us to collaborate with neighboring homeowners who may benefit from our Critical Home Repair Program, allowing us to transform the entire neighborhood. We typically aim to complete 10 repair projects each year, in addition to our Homeownership Program.

Express: What are the most significant challenges you face as an organization?

MM: The biggest challenge we face is the significant increase in the cost of building homes “affordably,” as well as in the appraised value of homes. As a result, the incomes of the families we aim to serve also need to rise. Defining “affordably” can be difficult since everyone has their own interpretation of what it means. This varies because no two households have the same income or debt situation. If building homes affordably were as straightforward as some believe, there would be many more businesses, individuals, and organizations involved in creating affordable housing.

Express: What are the next big goals, milestones, or dreams for your organization?

MM: We have been working to grow our capacity to serve the Cheboygan County community members. Six years ago, we were building or renovating just one home every three years, and we managed only one home repair project each year. Since then, we have significantly increased our capacity through our home repair program, now completing 10 to 12 projects annually.

Additionally, we have launched a Hospice Ramp Program and have managed to complete one or two homes every couple of years through our Homeownership Program. However, we are currently exploring options to develop a smaller-scale multi-house project in the future.

The Meadowlands Development, a Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity project.

Habitat for Humanity Grand Traverse Region

Thoughts from CEO Wendy Irvin

Express: What are your biggest or most exciting projects currently underway?

WI: The New Waves Project (a multihome project in Leelanau County) represents significant innovation for Habitat Grand Traverse Region. Using precast concrete walls, we are building more energy efficient and easier to maintain homes. This approach has allowed us to build multiple homes at once and complete them in less than six months while still containing our costs.

Equally as exciting are the relationships developing in New Waves. Four homes are completed and have been purchased by Habitat homeowners. They are working with seven additional Habitat families to build their New Waves homes. When the project is finished in 2026, there will be 14 homes.

Express: What are the most significant challenges you face as an organization?

WI: As always, our greatest challenge is identifying funding sources. While our affiliate does not receive federal funding, the pause has created more competition in the nonprofit universe.

We have land, plans and community cooperation for all of our projects, including our New Waves Community, Kalkaska village, and the BATA Carriage Commons, but rising construction costs and competition for funding are the greatest obstacles to meeting our goals. We had a strong 2024 in all areas of the affiliate. We are on a tight timeline to complete our New Waves project and start the eight-home Kalkaska development in 2026.

Express: What are the next big goals, milestones or dreams for your organization?

DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER WED. APRIL 30TH | 4:00 PM an Indie Lens Pop-Up Screening

WI: In 2026 Habitat GTR will celebrate 40 years of changing lives through homeownership. We will celebrate that milestone with the community. Beyond the developments in our five-to-seven-year vision, we are drafting plans for a 32-acre property in Grand Traverse County. Although in the preliminary stages, the project could include up to 40 new homes for affordable ownership. We are exploring concepts, funding, and partners.

Habitat GTR has seen that affordable homeownership creates security and stability for families, and for the entire community. We are not just building structures; we are helping families thrive and enjoy brighter futures.

Northwest Michigan Habitat for Humanity (Petoskey)

Thoughts from Executive Director Sarah Ulrich

Express: What are your biggest or most exciting current projects?

SU: In 2022, we purchased a community called Meadowlands that had been started and then abandoned by a developer. Leveraging both state funding and a successful fundraising campaign, we developed a pool of working capital that could be repeatedly invested in building more homes. We successfully implemented a new build process using factory-built modular homes that are assembled and finished on site. That makes us more efficient and lowers our costs. Through this project, we have increased our build capacity by 400 percent per year. Meadowlands is 75 percent complete, and we anticipate building on the remaining home sites this year.

Express: What are the most significant challenges you face as an organization?

SU: We continue to see a significant shortage of affordable housing stock for the communities we serve. Bidding wars—even for homes that are in desperate need of substantial repair—drive prices up beyond what a typical working person or family can afford. We are grateful for the financial support of our many donors, which allows us to build and sell quality homes for less than what it would cost other builders to build them. We are driven to continue increasing capacity to meet the unrelenting need.

Express: What are the next big goals, milestones or dreams for your organization?

SU: Although we can build homes one at a time, we have demonstrated that building communities, rather than single homes, is more efficient and impactful. It also creates a welcoming and supportive neighborhood for first-time homeowners. Our work pours dollars back into the local economy, and impacts economic development by increasing the tax base. We dream of acquiring or being gifted additional tracts of land so that we can replicate the Meadowlands model many times over throughout our service area.

Special programming with the Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association following the film.

FREE | SCAN THE CODE FOR TICKETS

CLEANING UP TRAIL BY TRAIL

Volunteers rally after devastating northern Michigan ice storm

By Matt Dursum

A historic ice storm ravaged the northern Lower Peninsula from March 28 to March 30.

Freezing temperatures, damaging winds, and severe ice accumulation caused widespread damage in several northern Michigan counties. Besides the damaged electrical grid, which left thousands of people without power for over two weeks, the region’s beloved trail systems took the biggest hit.

“The ice storm brought down thousands of acres of trees, from their crowns to uprooting trees from the ground as well,” says Cacia Lesh, Volunteer Coordinator for Little Traverse Conservancy. The conservancy owns and maintains over 110 miles of trails throughout northern Michigan.

“We’re looking at the crowns of lots of hardwoods that have come down, as well as the pine trees, which seem a little weaker when they get loaded with ice because they have needles that hold more ice,” says Lesh.

The heavy ice and strong wind also brought down old-growth hardwood trees throughout the region. All told, nearly three million acres of land were damaged by ice accumulation and high winds.

A Big Lift

After the storm, the conservancy’s team got to work, clearing trails including Boyne City’s Hill Preserve.

“There were sections of the trail that we actually decided to reroute around the trees that had come down; large pine trees, 20 feet high, stacked on top of one another for 100 feet along the trail,” says Lesh. The job took the team of 10 workers and volunteers around 60 hours in one week. “Five hundred feet of a reroute is better than two days of clearing one pile-up.”

Now that the team has cleared most of the large trees on the major trails, much of the remaining work involves moving downed branches and brush blocking the trails. “There will have to be a lot of hand

cleanup by volunteers over the next couple of months as spring warms up into the summer and the trails are more accessible,” says Lesh.

As the weather warms, Lesh says that hikers and community members can carefully assist in clearing the small debris. “We’re going to rely on our volunteers and community members who use the trails to help us out with that and start spreading small piles that they see along the trail as spring warms up,” says Lesh.

Crews are concentrating their efforts in parks throughout the hard-hit areas of Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Emmet counties. The storm hit the trail systems along the Pigeon River, such as the Agnes S. Andreae Nature Preserve and the Boyd B. Banwell Nature Preserve, especially hard. Although much of the trails were covered in large debris, the popular Nature Megaphone in Agnes S. Andreae Nature Preserve was undamaged. “There were trees on it, but we were able to clear those off, so it’s actually accessible,” says Lesh.

Besides its small group of staff, the conservancy relies on community volunteers to maintain the vast network of trails. Since the ice storm, the conservancy has received many calls from people looking to help out.

“We’re hoping that if our staff and a couple key volunteers with chainsaws can get out there and clear the trails during the weekdays, community members can go out with small hand saws or even rakes and loppers and continue to get the smaller stuff that is also very time consuming,” says Lesh.

A Lasting Impact

However, Lesh stressed that people must remain cautious on the trails. High winds can knock down what the crews call “hangers”—snapped branches or tree tops suspended in the canopies.

“When trees break off at the top, sometimes the branches don’t make it to the ground and they get hung up in the upper part of other trees,” says Ron Olson, Chief of the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division.

Because of the risks associated with hangers, hikers and trail workers are advised to stay off the trails during windy days.

May 15 is the opening season for campgrounds in many state and national park sites. Olson points out that some parks may open on time, while others will open as soon as they’re safely cleared. “We certainly want to have everything cleaned up by Memorial weekend.”

“We found that over on the eastern side, over towards Clear Lake State Park, the debris and damage seemed to be worse,” Olson adds. Otsego Lake State Park in Otsego County was also hit hard by the storm. “But then, over at Burt Lake State Park, it wasn’t hit as badly. So, there are spots where things are worse than others.”

Olson says March’s storm was one of the most devastating and costliest storms in recent memory. The last major storm to cause widespread damage in the region was 2022’s EF3 tornado, which killed two people in Gaylord.

“The power outages and the area that was

damaged here was far greater, it seems. But as far as a storm like this, I haven’t heard anybody saying that this reminded them of storms of the past. We’ve had some snowstorms and other stuff back in history, but in more recent times, this and the tornado were the two biggest ones in probably a long, long time,” says Olson.

Vacationers and hikers looking to use the trails this spring and summer can check the DNR website for trail and campground reservation updates. ORV riders can message their local clubs for trail information. Volunteers can contact the Little Traverse Conservancy for updates and information on how to help out.

“Whether it’s on your own schedule, whether it’s with a chainsaw or a rake, it’s all going to be helpful,” says Lesh. As Lesh points out, even the smallest acts can make a world of difference. “There are thousands of people who enjoy these trails. So even your one hour of work with a rake is going to impact hundreds of people at one location.”

Saturday

2025 WOOD MEMORIAL TROUT RUN: 5K, 10K, 1 MILE FAMILY FUN RUN/ WALK: 8:30am, 109 N. Birch St., Kalkaska. $0$30. runsignup.com/Race/ Events/MI/Kalkaska/WoodMemorialTroutRun

MAKERFEST 2025: 10am-2pm, GT County Civic Center, Howe Arena, TC. Enjoy this annual celebration of Making & all things STEAM, plus lots of additional activities & info related to Earth Day. Also includes friends from Recycle Smart. Free. tadl.org/ makerfest2025

NCTA HIKE 100 CHALLENGE: HARVEY

Medical Office Building For Sale! - 11,486 Sq/Ft. Main Level is 6,187 Sq/Ft. Walkout Lower Level is 5,299 Sq/Ft and Features a Large Open Area w/Picture Windows providing lots of natural light. Excellent for Physical Therapy, Patient Assessments, Gym Related Activities! Current tenant (month to month) is utilizing the lower level (some lab space), and approx. 2/3's of the main floor. The owner is

Medical Office Building For Sale! - 11,486

Sq/Ft. Main Level is 6,187 Sq/Ft. Walkout Lower Level is 5,299 Sq/Ft and Features a Large Open Area w/Picture Windows providing lots of natural light. Excellent for Physical Therapy, Patient Assessments, Gym Related Activities! Current tenant (month to month) is utilizing the lower level (some lab space), and approx. 2/3's of the main floor. The owner is using approx. 1/3 of the main floor & shared common areas. Owner leaseback is negotiable or buyer could use the entire building if needed. Many individual offices of various sizes. Close to Munson Hospital surrounded by a variety of Medical Practices. Virtual tour Online –MLS# 1919691 - $1,499,000.

- $1,499,000.

for Large StorageSecond Building has a Reception - Office - Restroom Area and a Unique Building Attached with 11 ft Sidewalls - Epoxy Floors - Steel Ceilings - 3 Sink Stainless - Double Doors for Deliveries in Main Workspace w/4 Individual Work Rooms. Could be Opened up for One Large Space. Light Manufacturing could be a great Contractor or Woodworking Workshop! Rental or Cleaning Business, etc. etc. US-31 Highway Frontage & Exposure for Signage on Building. Improvements include 3 phase electric in both buildings - Paved & Plumbed w/ New Drainfield, & Security System. MLS# 1922900 $459,900.

MIXED USE COMMERCIAL - Great Opportunity - One Building a Large (40x44) Insulated Warehouse -15 ft Sidewalls -14x20 Sliding Doors for Large StorageSecond Building has a Reception - Office - Restroom Area and a Unique Building Attached with 11 ft Sidewalls - Epoxy Floors - Steel Ceilings - 3 Sink Stainless - Double Doors for Deliveries in Main Workspace w/4 Individual Work Rooms. Could be Opened up for One Large Space. Light Manufacturing could be a great Contractor or Woodworking Workshop! Rental or Cleaning Business, etc. etc. US-31 Highway Frontage & Exposure for Signage on Building. Improvements include 3 phase electric in both buildings - Paved & Plumbed w/ New Drainfield, & Security System. MLS# 1922900 $459,900.

BRIDGE TO M-115: 10am, M-115 parking west of Manistee River, Mesick. Join the NCTA Grand Traverse Chapter on a 9.1 mile adventure hike that follows high bluffs above the Manistee River, skirts around the town of Mesick, & settles down along the Manistee River again. RSVP required. Free. meetup. com/grand-traverse-chapter-north-countrytrail-association/events/305506135

WATER PROTECTORS TRAINING CAMP: 10am-1pm, Old Art Building, Leland. This is a new program from Title Track that provides an opportunity for young people (ages 10-17) to connect with professional artists & activists to create music, creative writing, art, & video while exploring their commitment to being a Water Protector. This workshop will present a historical perspective through an Indigenous lens, educating campers about the challenges we face today, & offering tools for civic engagement, creative empowerment & community organizing. Free. oldartbuilding. com/events/water-protectors-training-camp-2

11TH ANNUAL GLEN LAKE RESTAURANT WEEK: Glen Lake & surrounding area, April 25 - May 3. From casual bites to gourmet dining, participating businesses will feature specials or a prix-fixe menu that highlights the best of the local culinary scene. Visit web site for more info. visitglenarbor.com/event/ glen-lake-restaurant-week-2025

2ND ANNUAL CHILI COOK OFF: Noon2pm, Leland United Community Methodist Church. Hosted by the Michigan Parkinson Foundation. Entry fee for tasting is $15/person or $25/couple. Check, exact dollars or Venmo will be accepted.

NATIVE AMERICAN POW WOW: 1-4pm, NMC, TC. Featuring an afternoon of rich traditions, storytelling, dance, music, & community celebration. Experience Native American dancers, drummers, & vendors that highlight the customs & heritage of indigenous communities. There will also be local Native American artisans & food vendors. For more info, email: nbootz@nmc.edu. Free.

RANK MI VOTE TOWN HALL: 2pm, Mills Community House, lower level meeting room, Benzonia. Join your fellow citizens at this Town Hall presentation on the problems with our current voting systems, & learn about an action plan for the solution: Ranked Choice Voting. Free. rankmivote.org/events

WALKING THE SAWPATH: A GUIDED TOUR OF DAVID BARR’S SCULPTURES: 2pm, Michigan Legacy Art Park, Thompsonville. Join staff for a tour of the Art Park focused on the work of the park’s founder, David Barr. This hike celebrates both International Sculpture Day & the 30th Anniversary of Michigan Legacy Art Park. Meet at the Art Park entrance. Free. crystalmountain.com/event/david-barr

E3 BETTER TOGETHER SERIES: 3-6pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. Northern Michigan E3 hosts a screening of “Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism.” After the film will be a lively panel discussion with local BIPOC community members, plus some engaging table talks. Free. northernmichigane3.com/events

SEED SOWING: 4pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Reuse plastic juice or soda containers into a small garden box. Either bring your own container or use one the library staff provides. All ages welcome. Free. tadl.org/event/ seed-sowing-21370

WALLOON LAKE VILLAGE RESTAURANT WEEK AT THE WALLOON WATERSHED: Walloon Watershed, Walloon Lake Village. The new chef has curated a collection of fresh seasonal sharable plates that will be the exclusive menu for this week. No reservations. Runs through April 26. walloonwatershed.com

CTAC SCHOOL OF BALLET SCREENDANCE FESTIVAL 2025: 5pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Gilbert Gallery, Petoskey. Featuring screendances inspired by the movement & flow of natural waters. Free. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey-ctacschool-ballet/ctac-school-ballet-screendance-festival-2025

MANITOU TRUCKIN’ CO.: 7pm, The Garden Theater, Frankfort. Enjoy this Grateful Dead Tribute band. $10. gardentheater.org/ live-at-the-garden

THE CLAUDETTES: 7-9pm, AuSable Artisan Village Performing Arts Center, Grayling. Enjoy this Chicago group’s “garage cabaret” sound. They blend blues, R&B, punk, & filmnoir influences. $35. artisanvillage.org/event

A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER: 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. When Monty Navarro discovers that he’s eighth in line for the lofty D’Ysquith family’s earldom, he figures outliving his predecessors is unlikely & sets off down a more

ghoulish path. Adults: $33; youth under 18: $20. oldtownplayhouse.com/performances/ mainstage/a-gentlemans-guide-to-love-andmurder.html

RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN REVUE: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. A multidisciplinary revue performed by Interlochen Arts Academy students. The program will feature solo performances; ensembles, dance, jazz, orchestra, & more. Also enjoy an exclusive sneak peek of the upcoming musical theatre production, “Carousel.” Featuring guest artist Santino Fontana, who won the 2019 Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Awards for his acclaimed performance in Tootsie. Adult, $31; child-college, $19. interlochen.org/ events/rodgers-and-hammerstein-revuefeaturing-santino-fontana-2025-04-26

SIMPLY STREISAND... A TRIBUTE TO BARBRA STREISAND: 7:30pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. Carla DelVillaggio is a multiple award-winning tribute artist who has the look & sound of Barbra Streisand. From the hair down to the trademark nails, she is Simply Streisand in every way. With her 3-piece band backing her up, this artist recreates the excitement & high energy vocals of Streisand’s most powerful numbers. $10-$40. theoperahouse.org

KAMIKAZE COMEDY: 8pm, Delamar, Traverse City, Ballroom. Featuring Kamikaze Comedy’s own Scott Witkop & Grand Rapids’ Christa Wright. Hosting for the evening is TC’s Joe Curtis. Also joining the fun is Scotty Bruce. $20 online or $25 at door. checkout.square.site/merchant/ML7EQ7FEVXY9T/checkout/WCJZR5KIHIZ6KWVFKMC3QPHS

QUEER ADULT PROM: 8pm, Hotel Indigo Ball Room, TC. This fundraiser is presented by Up North Pride. Tickets include one drink token, appetizers & late night pizza, photo booth & dance party led by 2BaysDJ. For ages 21+. $50. upnorthpride.com/ ticketedevents/p/dance-party

The Ultimate Beach Party comes to life at The Cheboygan Opera House with The Beach Party Boys, Fri., May 2 at 7:30pm!

Bringing the authentic look, musical instrumentation and detailed harmony of The Beach Boys, sing along with favorites like “Barbara Ann,” “Help Me Rhonda,” “Surfin’ USA,” and “Good Vibrations.” $10-$40. theoperahouse.org

Sunday

11TH ANNUAL GLEN

LAKE RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., April 26)

CADILLAC EARTH DAY CELEBRATION: 1-3pm, S. Lake St., in front of Rotary Performing Arts Pavilion, Cadillac. Free trees will be given to the first 200 kids who attend. There will also be free reusable tote bags while supplies last. cadillacearthday.org

EARTH DAY BEACH CLEAN UP: 1pm, TC Volleyball Beach. This event is part of the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup aimed at taking action to clean up the waterways of the Great Lakes region. All equipment including buckets, grabbers, hand sanitizer & gloves will be available. Register in advance. forms.office.com/Pages/ ResponsePage.aspx?id=Qk6HErFvHUSrxOF1pvHITNK9KGSd1fdEtDN_95AHem5UMFN OQldBMzlGTVNKVks3TzdCQVFCSlRQUS4u

“UNDERNEATH THE LINTEL”: 2pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. An award winning 2 act play by Glen Berger, starring Karl Heidemann. An eccentric librarian unravels a mystery of the 113 year-overdue book! A magical quest that takes him around the world & raises many questions. $15. theoperahouse.org

A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER: (See Sat., April 26, except today’s time is 2pm.)

TRAVERSE AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY:

2pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Grace Yakuber will present on the History of the Traverse City Airport: Sharing Stories of the Local Aviators & the Airport that Made Them. Free. tadl.org/ event/traverse-area-historical-society-12104

FERNWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD SPRING

KICK-OFF: 4:30-6:30pm, Right Brain Brewery, TC. For Fernwood neighborhood residents to kick-off the 2025 season! Free. fernwoodtc.org/events

monday

11TH ANNUAL GLEN LAKE RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., April 26)

PRIORITY LANDSCAPES LEARNING SERIES: 5pm, The McMullen Family Conservation Center, TC. Discover why native plants are essential to the health of our natural ecosystems & how they’re helping restore critical, protected lands across northern Michigan. Registration is required. Free. gtrlc.my.salesforce-sites.com/es/event/ home/plls_nativeplants042825

PAPERCRAFTING JUNK JOURNALS: 6pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Use materials that would otherwise go in the recycling bin to make junk journals. Basic materials provided. Space is limited so registration is requested. Free. tadl.org

POEMS AND PRAYERS: 6pm, Second Hand Social Club, Front Row Centre Building, downtown TC. An Evening of Readings with Jacqueline Suskin & Cody Cook-Parrott. Free. secondhandsocialclub.com

tuesday

SPRING PEEPERS: SEEDS AND ME: 10am, Boardman River Nature Center, TC. Learn about seeds needs & how they travel. For ages 3-5. Held outdoors. $5/child. natureiscalling.org/preschool-peepers-program

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30am, Suttons Bay Bingham District Library. Preschool children of all ages & their caregivers are invited to join each Tues. morning for stories, songs & more. Free. sbbdl.org

11TH ANNUAL GLEN LAKE RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., April 26)

GARDEN CLASSIC MOVIES: 6pm, The Garden Theater, Frankfort. Featuring “National Velvet.” Free. gardentheater.org/upcoming-events

A GIFT OF SONG: 7pm, The HEARTH, downtown Elk Rapids. Enjoy an evening of harmony with the Grand Traverse Show Chorus. See what fun singing is all about. Sign up to audition for the Fantastic Chorus on May 17. Free. grandtraverseshowchorus. org/dbpage.php?pg=view&dbase=events& id=275864

GREAT LAKES CINEMA SERIES: 7pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Featuring “Arsenic & Old Lace.” Cary Grant stars as the one sane member of a charmingly lunatic family in director Frank Capra’s classic comedy. $5. greatlakescfa.org/ events/detail/arsenic-old-lace

wednesday

BIRDING HIKE WITH BRIAN ALLEN: 9am, Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve. Join the Manistee Audubon chapter for a walk along the universally accessible boardwalk at the Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve. Volunteer leader Brian Allen will highlight the many bird species that can be viewed from the boardwalk at this time of the year. Meet at the M22 parking lot. Registration required. Info: 929-7911 or info@gtrlc.org. Free. gtrlc.my.salesforcesites.com/es/event/home/birdinghike043025

SPRING EARLY CHILDHOOD EVENTS: 10am, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, GT Mall, TC. Families with children ages 0-5 are invited to this free musical event with singer/ songwriter Miriam Pico. Hosted by the Great Start Collaborative and Family Coalition in partnership with Northwest Education Services. Families can connect, meet new friends, & enjoy uplifting music. For questions, email: ldake@NorthwestEd.org.

11TH ANNUAL GLEN LAKE RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., April 26)

MATTER OF MIND: MY ALZHEIMER’S: 4pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. An intimate portrayal of three families confronting the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s & how this progressive neurodegenerative disease transforms roles & relationships. Following the film will be a short awareness program & Q&A with the Michigan chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Please register in advance. Free. simpletix.com/e/matter-of-mindmy-alzheimer-s-an-indie-len-tickets-197351

SPRING GARDENING 101: 6pm, Friendship Community Center, Suttons Bay. Enjoy this talk with Executive Director of the Botanic Gardens at Historic Barns Park Matthew Ross. Learn the basics, & get all your preparation questions answered. Free; donations welcome. friendshipcommunitycenter.org

LETTERS HOME: STORIES OF PEACE CORPS SERVICE: 7pm, The Alluvion, TC. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Northern Michigan will be telling stories from their Peace Corps service. This event is produced in collaboration with Here:Say Storytelling.

The eight storytellers are all residents of the Grand Traverse area: Jeff Dahlberg, Don Hinman, Marilyn Jaquish, Karin Killian, Ann McPhail, Kathi Mulder, Marshall Protetch, & Kama Ross. $10 suggested donation at door. heresaystorytelling.com

thursday

KID’S CRAFT LAB: MAKE A LEI: 10am-noon, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, GT Mall, TC. The first of May is Lei Day in Hawaii. Have fun stringing paper flowers together to create a lei. Free with price of admission. greatlakeskids.org

11TH ANNUAL GLEN LAKE RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., April 26)

INTRODUCTION TO MINDFULNESS: Noon, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. This workshop with Personal Transformation Coach Samantha Gutowski will teach you about the benefits of mindfulness. Learn about meditation, breathwork, journaling, somatics, & many more techniques for developing a mindfulness practice. Free. tadl.org/intromindfulness

BILL MORRIS BOOK SIGNING: 5-7pm, Horizon Books, TC. Morris,the author of “The Lions Finally Roar: The Ford Family, the Detroit Lions, and the Road to Redemption in the NFL.” horizonbooks.com/event/bill-morris-book-signing

19TH AIR SERVICE TASK FORCE AIRPORT AFTER HOURS: 5:30-7:30pm, Pellston Regional Airport, Hoppies Landing. This is a multi-chamber regional networking event promoted by chambers of commerce & visitor bureaus from St. Ignace, Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City, Cheboygan, Indian River, Petoskey, & Harbor Springs. The event helps to raise funds for the work of the Air Service Task Force. $10 members; $15 not-yet members. petoskeychamber.com/events/details/airportafter-hours-pellston-airport-2025-37149

CELEBRATE...RUN FOR THE ROSES DERBY PARTY: 5:30pm, Homestead Resort, Mountain Flower Lodge, Glen Arbor. Put on your best Derby attire for this event presented by Leelanau Christian Neighbors, which supports their mission to provide food, financial aid, & resources to those in need in the community. $75. leelanauchristianneighbors. org/celebrate-run-for-the-roses-a-derby-party

A POUR FOR THE PLOVERS: 6-8pm, Dune Bird Winery, Northport. To kick off Michigan Wine Month: Dune Bird Winery is launching a limited-edition rosé, Pink Plover, & a nonalcoholic Plover Punch, in collaboration with Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes - to save the endangered Piping Plover & for other resource protection efforts along Lake Michigan’s shorelines. There will also be tastings of the new wine, live music by Luke Woltanski & John Piatek, opportunities to learn about the Great Lakes Piping Plover population along the national lakeshore & in Northport, & many other activities. RSVP. dunebirdwinery.com/ product/pink-plover-release-party

About the End,” reframes how we think about death & how it can help us lead better, more fulfilling, & authentic lives. She is the country’s leading “death doula” & a friend at the end of the world. Includes a Q&A & author signing. Doors open at 6pm with a cash bar & live music. $10-$42.50. cityoperahouse.org/node/641

WELCOME TULIP SEASON: 7pm, Glen Lake Community Library, Empire. Linda Young will present a talk on the history of Tulipia, cultivated & treasured for its longnecked beauty & jewel-like colors. Free. glenlakelibrary.net/events

A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER: (See Sat., April 26)

may 02

friday

11TH ANNUAL GLEN LAKE RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., April 26)

PETOSKEY SPRING RESTAURANT WEEK: Petoskey area, May 2-11. Enjoy special pricing & specials from area restaurants, with some establishments offering two-for-one pricing. petoskeyarea.com/events/ petoskey-restaurant-week-spring-2025

“GLORIA” CHOIR PERFORMANCE: 7pm, St. Francis Church, TC. The West Senior High School & St. Francis High School Choirs present a choral performance featuring Michael John Trotta’s modern masterpiece, “Gloria.” In addition, each choir will showcase selections from their individual repertoires. Free.

NWS PRESENTS NY TIMES BESTSELLER ALUA ARTHUR: 7pm, City Opera House, TC. Alua’s memoir, “Briefly Perfectly Human: Making an Authentic Life by Getting Real

LUNCHEON LECTURE: “IMAGES OF VIETNAM THEN & NOW”: FULL; JOIN WAITLIST: 11:30am, NCMC, Library Conference Center, Petoskey. Charlie MacInnis, who spent 14 months with the U.S. Army’s 25th Division in Cu Chi, South Vietnam, in 1969 & 1970 will compare images he collected then with his new images & impressions from a dramatically changed country today. Veterans who served in Vietnam during the war can call Cathy Degnan for free registration, if there are open spots: 231-439-6378. $15. ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5947304

FROGS AND TOADS, WHY ARE THEY CALLING?: 5pm, Mitchell Creek Meadows: The Don and Jerry Oleson Nature Preserve, TC. Join the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy for an exploration of sound. As you explore the preserve’s wetlands, learn about the different calls of local toad & frog species, discovering how these vocalizations are used to communicate with potential mates & rivals in their attempts to mate. Please park at the McMullen Family Conservation Center & meet at main entrance. Registration required. 929-7911. Free. gtrlc.my.salesforce-sites.com/ es/event/home/frogsandtoads050225

DIANE PENNING & HENRY KOPERSKI: 7pm, Mills Community House, Benzonia. This mother & son duo will perform a concert with a few Broadway hits & some of Koperski’s original music. They are both classically trained artists who enjoy sharing their love & excitement for the lyrics & melodies of the Great American Songbook. Free. millscommhouse.org A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER: (See Sat., April 26)

THE BEACH PARTY BOYS: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEACH BOYS: 7:30pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. The Beach Party Boys bring the authentic look, musical instrumentation, & detailed harmony of the Beach Boys. Sing along to their favorite songs like “Barbara Ann,” “Help Me Rhonda,” “Surfin’ USA,” & “Good Vibrations.” $10-$40. theoperahouse.org saturday

DERBY DAY AT GRANDPA SHORTER’S GIFTS: 9am, Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts, apr 30

WEEK: (See Sat., April 26)

CADILLAC EARTH DAY CELEBRATION: 1-3pm, S. Lake St., in front of Rotary Performing Arts Pavilion, Cadillac. Free trees will be given to the first 200 kids who attend. There will also be free reusable tote bags while supplies last. cadillacearthday.org

EARTH DAY BEACH CLEAN UP: 1pm, TC Volleyball Beach. This event is part of the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup aimed at taking action to clean up the waterways of the Great Lakes region. All equipment including buckets, grabbers, hand sanitizer & gloves will be available. Register in advance. forms.office.com/Pages/ ResponsePage.aspx?id=Qk6HErFvHUSrxOF1pvHITNK9KGSd1fdEtDN_95AHem5UMFN OQldBMzlGTVNKVks3TzdCQVFCSlRQUS4u

“UNDERNEATH THE LINTEL”: 2pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. An award winning 2 act play by Glen Berger, starring Karl Heidemann. An eccentric librarian unravels a mystery of the 113 year-overdue book! A magical quest that takes him around the world & raises many questions. $15. theoperahouse.org

A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER: (See Sat., April 26, except today’s time is 2pm.)

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30am, Suttons Bay Bingham District Library. Preschool children of all ages & their caregivers are invited to join each Tues. morning for stories, songs & more. Free. sbbdl.org

11TH ANNUAL GLEN LAKE RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., April 26)

GARDEN CLASSIC MOVIES: 6pm, The Garden Theater, Frankfort. Featuring “National Velvet.” Free. gardentheater.org/upcoming-events

A GIFT OF SONG: 7pm, The HEARTH, downtown Elk Rapids. Enjoy an evening of harmony with the Grand Traverse Show Chorus. See what fun singing is all about. Sign up to audition for the Fantastic Chorus on May 17. Free. grandtraverseshowchorus. org/dbpage.php?pg=view&dbase=events& id=275864

GREAT LAKES CINEMA SERIES: 7pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Featuring “Arsenic & Old Lace.” Cary Grant stars as the one sane member of a charmingly lunatic family in director Frank Capra’s classic comedy. $5. greatlakescfa.org/ events/detail/arsenic-old-lace

wednesday

The eight storytellers are all residents of the Grand Traverse area: Jeff Dahlberg, Don Hinman, Marilyn Jaquish, Karin Killian, Ann McPhail, Kathi Mulder, Marshall Protetch, & Kama Ross. $10 suggested donation at door. heresaystorytelling.com

thursday

KID’S CRAFT LAB: MAKE A LEI: 10am-noon, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, GT Mall, TC. The first of May is Lei Day in Hawaii. Have fun stringing paper flowers together to create a lei. Free with price of admission. greatlakeskids.org

11TH ANNUAL GLEN LAKE RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., April 26)

INTRODUCTION TO MINDFULNESS: Noon, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. This workshop with Personal Transformation Coach Samantha Gutowski will teach you about the benefits of mindfulness. Learn about meditation, breathwork, journaling, somatics, & many more techniques for developing a mindfulness practice. Free. tadl.org/intromindfulness

About the End,” reframes how we think about death & how it can help us lead better, more fulfilling, & authentic lives. She is the country’s leading “death doula” & a friend at the end of the world. Includes a Q&A & author signing. Doors open at 6pm with a cash bar & live music. $10-$42.50. cityoperahouse.org/node/641

WELCOME TULIP SEASON: 7pm, Glen Lake Community Library, Empire. Linda Young will present a talk on the history of Tulipia, cultivated & treasured for its longnecked beauty & jewel-like colors. Free. glenlakelibrary.net/events

A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER: (See Sat., April 26)

friday

11TH ANNUAL GLEN LAKE RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., April 26)

PETOSKEY SPRING RESTAURANT WEEK: Petoskey area, May 2-11. Enjoy special pricing & specials from area restaurants, with some establishments offering two-for-one pricing. petoskeyarea.com/events/ petoskey-restaurant-week-spring-2025

Derby Day Party

Saturday, May 3 | 5pm - 7:30pm

TRAVERSE AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY:

2pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Grace Yakuber will present on the History of the Traverse City Airport: Sharing Stories of the Local Aviators & the Airport that Made Them. Free. tadl.org/ event/traverse-area-historical-society-12104

Style, spirits, Southern fare, contests & more—secure your tickets today!

artisantc.com/happenings

FERNWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD SPRING KICK-OFF: 4:30-6:30pm, Right Brain Brewery, TC. For Fernwood neighborhood residents to kick-off the 2025 season! Free. fernwoodtc.org/events

monday

11TH ANNUAL GLEN LAKE RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., April 26)

PRIORITY LANDSCAPES LEARNING SERIES: 5pm, The McMullen Family Conservation Center, TC. Discover why native plants are essential to the health of our natural ecosystems & how they’re helping restore critical, protected lands across northern Michigan. Registration is required. Free. gtrlc.my.salesforce-sites.com/es/event/ home/plls_nativeplants042825

PAPERCRAFTING JUNK JOURNALS: 6pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Use materials that would otherwise go in the recycling bin to make junk journals. Basic materials provided. Space is limited so registration is requested. Free. tadl.org

POEMS AND PRAYERS: 6pm, Second Hand Social Club, Front Row Centre Building, downtown TC. An Evening of Readings with Jacqueline Suskin & Cody Cook-Parrott. Free. secondhandsocialclub.com

tuesday

SPRING PEEPERS: SEEDS AND ME: 10am, Boardman River Nature Center, TC. Learn about seeds needs & how they travel. For ages 3-5. Held outdoors. $5/child. natureiscalling.org/preschool-peepers-program

BIRDING HIKE WITH BRIAN ALLEN: 9am, Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve. Join the Manistee Audubon chapter for a walk along the universally accessible boardwalk at the Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve. Volunteer leader Brian Allen will highlight the many bird species that can be viewed from the boardwalk at this time of the year. Meet at the M22 parking lot. Registration required. Info: 929-7911 or info@gtrlc.org. Free. gtrlc.my.salesforcesites.com/es/event/home/birdinghike043025

SCAN FOR YOUR FREE HOME VALUATION

SPRING EARLY CHILDHOOD EVENTS: 10am, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, GT Mall, TC. Families with children ages 0-5 are invited to this free musical event with singer/ songwriter Miriam Pico. Hosted by the Great Start Collaborative and Family Coalition in partnership with Northwest Education Services. Families can connect, meet new friends, & enjoy uplifting music. For questions, email: ldake@NorthwestEd.org.

11TH ANNUAL GLEN LAKE RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., April 26)

MATTER OF MIND: MY ALZHEIMER’S: 4pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. An intimate portrayal of three families confronting the unique challenges of Alzheimer’s & how this progressive neurodegenerative disease transforms roles & relationships. Following the film will be a short awareness program & Q&A with the Michigan chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Please register in advance. Free. simpletix.com/e/matter-of-mindmy-alzheimer-s-an-indie-len-tickets-197351

BILL MORRIS BOOK SIGNING: 5-7pm, Horizon Books, TC. Morris,the author of “The Lions Finally Roar: The Ford Family, the Detroit Lions, and the Road to Redemption in the NFL.” horizonbooks.com/event/bill-morris-book-signing

19TH AIR SERVICE TASK FORCE AIRPORT AFTER HOURS: 5:30-7:30pm, Pellston Regional Airport, Hoppies Landing. This is a multi-chamber regional networking event promoted by chambers of commerce & visitor bureaus from St. Ignace, Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City, Cheboygan, Indian River, Petoskey, & Harbor Springs. The event helps to raise funds for the work of the Air Service Task Force. $10 members; $15 not-yet members. petoskeychamber.com/events/details/airportafter-hours-pellston-airport-2025-37149

CELEBRATE...RUN FOR THE ROSES DERBY PARTY: 5:30pm, Homestead Resort, Mountain Flower Lodge, Glen Arbor. Put on your best Derby attire for this event presented by Leelanau Christian Neighbors, which supports their mission to provide food, financial aid, & resources to those in need in the community. $75. leelanauchristianneighbors. org/celebrate-run-for-the-roses-a-derby-party

SPRING GARDENING 101: 6pm, Friendship Community Center, Suttons Bay. Enjoy this talk with Executive Director of the Botanic Gardens at Historic Barns Park Matthew Ross. Learn the basics, & get all your preparation questions answered. Free; donations welcome. friendshipcommunitycenter.org

A POUR FOR THE PLOVERS: 6-8pm, Dune Bird Winery, Northport. To kick off Michigan Wine Month: Dune Bird Winery is launching a limited-edition rosé, Pink Plover, & a nonalcoholic Plover Punch, in collaboration with Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes - to save the endangered Piping Plover & for other resource protection efforts along Lake Michigan’s shorelines. There will also be tastings of the new wine, live music by Luke Woltanski & John Piatek, opportunities to learn about the Great Lakes Piping Plover population along the national lakeshore & in Northport, & many other activities. RSVP. dunebirdwinery.com/ product/pink-plover-release-party

LUNCHEON LECTURE: “IMAGES OF VIETNAM THEN & NOW”: FULL; JOIN WAITLIST: 11:30am, NCMC, Library Conference Center, Petoskey. Charlie MacInnis, who spent 14 months with the U.S. Army’s 25th Division in Cu Chi, South Vietnam, in 1969 & 1970 will compare images he collected then with his new images & impressions from a dramatically changed country today. Veterans who served in Vietnam during the war can call Cathy Degnan for free registration, if there are open spots: 231-439-6378. $15. ncmclifelonglearning.com/event-5947304

FROGS AND TOADS, WHY ARE THEY CALLING?: 5pm, Mitchell Creek Meadows: The Don and Jerry Oleson Nature Preserve, TC. Join the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy for an exploration of sound. As you explore the preserve’s wetlands, learn about the different calls of local toad & frog species, discovering how these vocalizations are used to communicate with potential mates & rivals in their attempts to mate. Please park at the McMullen Family Conservation Center & meet at main entrance. Registration required. 929-7911. Free. gtrlc.my.salesforce-sites.com/ es/event/home/frogsandtoads050225

LETTERS HOME: STORIES OF PEACE CORPS SERVICE: 7pm, The Alluvion, TC. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Northern Michigan will be telling stories from their Peace Corps service. This event is produced in collaboration with Here:Say Storytelling.

“GLORIA” CHOIR PERFORMANCE: 7pm, St. Francis Church, TC. The West Senior High School & St. Francis High School Choirs present a choral performance featuring Michael John Trotta’s modern masterpiece, “Gloria.” In addition, each choir will showcase selections from their individual repertoires. Free.

NWS PRESENTS NY TIMES BESTSELLER

ALUA ARTHUR: 7pm, City Opera House, TC. Alua’s memoir, “Briefly Perfectly Human: Making an Authentic Life by Getting Real

DIANE PENNING & HENRY KOPERSKI: 7pm, Mills Community House, Benzonia. This mother & son duo will perform a concert with a few Broadway hits & some of Koperski’s original music. They are both classically trained artists who enjoy sharing their love & excitement for the lyrics & melodies of the Great American Songbook. Free. millscommhouse.org

A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER: (See Sat., April 26)

THE BEACH PARTY BOYS: A TRIBUTE TO THE BEACH BOYS: 7:30pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. The Beach Party Boys bring the authentic look, musical instrumentation, & detailed harmony of the Beach Boys. Sing along to their favorite songs like “Barbara Ann,” “Help Me Rhonda,” “Surfin’ USA,” & “Good Vibrations.” $10-$40. theoperahouse.org

saturday

DERBY DAY AT GRANDPA SHORTER’S GIFTS: 9am, Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts, apr 30 apr 29 apr 27 apr 28 may 01 may 02 may 03

301 & 311 E. Lake St., Petoskey. Celebrate in true Kentucky Derby style - with games, photo ops, & dressing in your best derby get-up. facebook.com/events/1898802060526554

INTERLOCHEN RUN FOR THE ARTS 5K: 9am, Interlochen Center for the Arts. Experience live music & art as you run (or walk) a course through the grounds of Interlochen Center for the Arts. Registration proceeds support student scholarships. The course includes paved & unpaved trails along the shores of Green Lake & Duck Lake. $35 prerace; $40 race day. interlochen.org/events/ interlochen-run-for-arts-5k-2025-05-03

MUD, SWEAT & BEERS MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE: 9am, Mt. Holiday Ski & Recreational Area, TC. All races are SOLD OUT except for the Ginger Ale - 2 miles & Root Beer1/4 mile. $10-$15. runsignup.com/Race/MI/ TraverseCity/MudSweatBeersMI

INDOOR SIDEWALK SALES: 10am-6pm, The Village at GT Commons, TC. Snag some local deals! There will also be $5 Tunnel Walks (ages 12+) from 2-5pm on Sat. & 11am2pm on Sun.; scan the posted QR codes along the Mercato for giveaways; a used book sale hosted by AAUW, & more. thevillagetc.com/ events/indoor-sidewalk-sales-2025

MADE IN CHEBOYGAN SUMMER CRAFT SHOW SERIES: 10am, Washington Park, downtown Cheboygan. More than 30 crafters & artists will display jewelry, home decor, artwork & much more. Free. facebook.com/ madeincheboygan

WANDER WALLOON: WILDFLOWER HIKE: 10am, Fields Preserve, Petoskey. Guided by CAKE CISMA Coordinator Katie Gray, you’ll unravel the life cycle of ephemeral spring wildflowers, from their brief but spectacular bloom to their crucial role as early-season pollinators for native insects. Free. cakecisma.org/event-details/walloonwildflower-walk-2

NEEDLE FELTING WORKSHOP: 10:30am, Suttons Bay Bingham District Library. Learn the basics of needle felting & explore creating shapes & designs with provided materials. All skill levels are welcome & no knowledge is required. This program is geared towards adults & adult/child duos. Space is limited & registration is required. Please email information@sbbdl.org to reserve your spot. Free. sbbdl.org

11TH ANNUAL GLEN LAKE RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Sat., April 26)

PETOSKEY SPRING RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Fri., May 2)

TERESA SCOLLON - BOOK LAUNCH & SIGNING: 1-3pm, Horizon Books, TC. Scollon is the author of “No Trouble Staying Awake.” horizonbooks.com/event/teresa-scollon-booklaunch-and-signing-no-trouble-staying-awake

NORTHERN MICHIGAN CHORALE PRESENTS “MUSICAL MOSAIC”: 7pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. This spring concert features a unique collection of popular songs that may not traditionally go together but perfectly align through their theme, sound, & production. The performance is led by director Hannah Hoffman & accompanied by Cynda Coleman. Tickets are $15 for the general public, $12 for students & seniors, & free for children 10 & under. They can be purchased from chorale members, at the NMC welcome table in the lobby before the show, or online at greatlakescfa.org. nmchorale.org

A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER: (See Sat., April 26)

BLISSFEST TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY

DANCE: 7:30pm, Littlefield/Alanson Community Building, Alanson. Music provided by The Hybrids, with Larry Dyer calling. All dances taught. No need to bring a partner. Potluck at 6:30pm. Bring table service & dish to pass. $10; $5 students; free for 12 & under. blissfest.org

sunday

INDOOR SIDEWALK

SALES: (See Sat., May 4, except today’s time is 10am4pm.)

MADE IN CHEBOYGAN SUMMER CRAFT SHOW SERIES: (See Sat., May 3)

PETOSKEY SPRING RESTAURANT WEEK: (See Fri., May 2)

BOOKS TO MOVIES: 1pm, Traverse Area District Library, Thirlby Room, TC. Watch a movie based on a book or real life. Free. tadl. org/event/books-movies-17877

MAY THE 4TH BE WITH BREW: 1pm, K&A Hop Dogs, TC. Join for an epic Star Wars celebration. Star Wars-themed drinks, Galactic Costume Contest, Wookiee-approved Dog Costume Parade, prizes for the best costumes, best trivia answers, & more. Free. kahopdogs.com/events

A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER: (See Sun., April 27)

NORTHERN MICHIGAN CHORALE PRESENTS “MUSICAL MOSAIC”: (See Sat., May 3, except today’s time is 3pm.)

BENZONIA AREA COMMUNITY EMERGENCY FUND CONCERT: ROBIN LEE BERRY: 4-6pm, Mills Community House, Benzonia. Robin sings folk music with hints of jazz, rock, & some blues. Performing since the late ‘70s, she has released several CDs & collaborates with other area musicians as well. Free; donations support the emergency fund. millscommhouse.org

DVOŘÁK, SCHUBERT AND MORE!: 4pm, The Bay Theatre, Suttons Bay. Experience the power & intimacy of chamber music as brass, string, & woodwind ensembles from Interlochen Arts Academy present a program bridging centuries of musical expression. $15. interlochen.org/events/dvorakschubert-and-more-2025-05-04

MODERN WARRIOR LIVE: 5pm, City Opera House, TC. A music & narrative event that tells the story of US Army veteran Jaymes Poling, his journey through three deployments in Afghanistan & his transition back home. Also featuring internationally acclaimed trumpeter & MWL creator Dominick Farinacci & others. Free tickets for Veterans & up to three guests available at GT County Veterans Affairs, 2650 Lafranier Rd., TC. cityoperahouse.org/node/654

VIOLINIST TINA QU & PIANIST CHRISTOPHER GOODPASTURE: “AN EVENING WITH THE GREAT MASTERPIECES”: 7pm, The Music House, Williamsburg. Enjoy a recital of music by Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Saint-Sans & more. $25 online; $30 door. mynorthtickets.com/events/themusic-house-is-proud-to-present-violinist-tina-qu-and-pianist-christopher-goodpasturefor-an-evening-with-the-great-masterpiecessunday-may-4th-at-700pm-5-4-2025

CHAMBERFEST CHEBOYGAN SERIES: WINDSYNC: 7:30pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. Enjoy this dynamic wind quintet known for its vibrant performances that em-

AT FOOD RESCUE

a program of Goodwill Northern Michigan (2889 Aero-Park Dr, Traverse City)

WEDNESDAY

MAY 7 • 5-7PM

Silent auction, tasty Hors d’oeuvres, local spirits and fun, with over $1,000 in prizes all supporting a great cause.

PRIZES INCLUDE

-$500 Gift Card to the Boathouse Restaurant -Floating Water Mat from Action Water Sports ($550 value) -$100 Goodwill Northern Michigan Thrifting Spree!

Recess is brought to you by $10 entry

brace classical works & contemporary compositions. Their appearances at renowned venues include the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, the Library of Congress, & the Ravinia Festival. $0-$30. theoperahouse.org

ongoing

FAMILY & FRIENDS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP: Wednesdays, noon-1pm, Christ Church, 430 Fair St., TC. namigt.org

FAMILY MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP: Mondays, 6-7:30pm, Builders Assoc. Bldg., 3040 Sunset Lane, TC. namigt.org

FREE COMMUNITY YOGA CLASS: Wednesdays, 7:30pm, Original Hot Yoga Traverse City. originalhotyogatc.com

FRANKFORT FARMERS MARKET: Saturdays, 9am-1pm beginning May 3 at Open Space Park, Main St., Frankfort.

art

“UNFOLDING NATURE”: Higher Art Gallery, TC. Featuring the metal work of Vinnie Sutherland & the ink/watercolor art of Bo Inthivong. The show runs through May 10. higherartgallery.com

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETOSKEY:

- OPEN STUDIO, PETOSKEY: Saturdays, 10am-1pm in Visual Arts Room. Free drop-in art studio for the whole family. New projects are offered weekly. crookedtree.org - YOUTH ART SHOW 2025 - PETOSKEY: The Gilbert & Bonfield Galleries will be covered floor to ceiling with thousands of unique works of art created by area student artists. Runs through April 26. Gallery hours are Tues. through Sat., 10am-5pm. crookedtree.

org/event/ctac-petoskey/youth-art-show2025-petoskey

CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, TC: - ART OFF THE EASEL: WORKS BY THE CTAC HIGH SCHOOL PORTFOLIO PROGRAM - TC: Held in Carnegie Rotunda. See the creativity & artistic talent of emerging young artists enrolled in the High School Portfolio Program led by Royce Deans. Over the last 12 weeks the students in this program have had the opportunity to develop their skills & build a comprehensive portfolio. Runs through May 23. Check web site for hours. crookedtree. org/event/ctac-traverse-city/art-easel-worksctac-high-school-portfolio-program-tc

- 10 FOLD: CELEBRATING 10 YEARS - TC: Held in Cornwell Gallery through May 23. In celebration of ten years of creativity, community, & connection, juried artists from diverse disciplines explore the theme of TEN—not just as a number, but as a symbol, a concept, & a source of inspiration. Artists were invited to push boundaries, experiment boldly, & interpret “ten” in fresh, unexpected ways. Check web site for hours. crookedtree.org/event/ctactraverse-city/10-fold-celebrating-ten-years-tc

- EVERYTHING SOMETIMES: WORKS BY MARK MEHAFFEY - TC: Held in Carnegie Galleries, this exhibit is a reflection of ideas in motion. Mark Mehaffey’s paintings are driven by concepts, each leading him down a unique creative path. Runs through May 31. Mark’s Artist Talk will be held on Sat., April 26 from 11am-noon. Check web site for hours. crookedtree.org/event/ctac-traverse-city/everything-sometimes-works-mark-mehaffey-tc

DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC:

- NMC STUDENT ART EXHIBITION: Featuring work by NMC Fine Art & Visual Communication students in a variety of media & styles including painting, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, ceramics & graphic design.

Runs through May 4. dennosmuseum.org/ art/upcoming-exhibitions/ - “SMALL EXPRESSIONS”: The Handweavers Guild of America, Inc.’s “Small Expressions” exhibit is an annual juried exhibition showcasing contemporary small-scale works using fiber techniques in any media. Works do not exceed 15 inches in any direction, were completed within the last two years, & were not previously published. Runs through May 25. Hours are Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/upcoming-exhibitions/ small-expressions.html

- “NORTHWEST MICHIGAN REGIONAL JURIED EXHIBITION”: Held regularly at the Museum for over 30 years, the exhibition features artwork made by regional artists over the last year & juried by an arts professional outside of the region. This year’s juror is Teresa Dunn. It runs through May 25. Hours are Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/upcoming-exhibitions/northwest-michigan-juried-show-and-call.html

- A STYLE ALL OUR OWN: CANADIAN WOODLAND ARTISTS: Runs through May 25. In the early 1960s, young Indigenous artists from the Great Lakes region created a unique style of painting known as the Woodland School of Art. Early members of this prolific art community included Norval Morrisseau, Carl Ray, Roy Thomas, Sam Ash, Jackson Beardy, & Daphne Odjig. Perhaps the best-known of the group is Norval Morrisseau, who is often referred to as the Father of the Woodland School. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/ now-on-view/canadian-woodland-artists.html

- CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE CERAMICS FROM THE HORVITZ COLLECTION: Runs through Sept. 28, 2025. An array of works by contemporary Japanese ceramic artists, this is a sampler of the great diversity of styles, forms, glazes, & ages. These artworks are drawn from the curated collec-

tion of Carol & Jeffrey Horvitz, some of the leading collectors of Japanese contemporary outside of Japan. Open Tues. through Sun., 11am-4pm. dennosmuseum.org/art/upcoming-exhibitions/index.html

GLEN ARBOR ARTS CENTER: - RANDOM EXHIBITION: Runs May 1 - Aug. 28 in the Lobby Gallery. “Random: Collages From The Scrap Pile,” an exhibition of spontaneous compositions by Leelanau County artist Mark Mehaffey. Random is also a tutorial about remaining alert to creative possibilities. glenarborart.org/exhibits

- WALKING: An exhibit about ambling, rambling, wending one’s way. Paint, clay, woven & quilted fibers, mixed media, metal, etching, photography, & found object sculpture. Runs through May 29. glenarborart.org/product/ exhibit-walking

OLIVER ART CENTER, FRANKFORT:

- MAD HATTER’S GARDEN PARTY: Explore the upside-down with a whimsical take on a Mad Hatter’s garden party. Participating artists include Katie Ward, Marti LiddleLameti, Laurie Eisenhardt, Stephanie Gregg, Shannon Johnson & more. Runs May 3-31. Check web site for hours. oliverart.org

- ANNUAL REGIONAL STUDENT ART EXHIBITION: Runs through April 30. Hundreds of artworks in a wide variety of media from area elementary, middle, & high schools will be on display. oliverart.org

- POETS’ HOUSES: Held in Fisher Room Gallery. This exhibit is a collaboration between ceramic artist Karen Antrim & pastelist Frank Galante. Featuring works that explore 2D & 3D compositional strategies, constructing a visual expression of the world that inspired some of the English language’s most treasured poetry. Runs through April 26. Check web site for hours. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org

YOUR LOCAL LAKE REAL ESTATE EXPERT

Two cabins on 76' of Crooked Lake. One cabin has 3 bed, 1 full and 2 half baths; and the other has 2 bed, 1 full bath and a sleeping loft. Both have kitchens, combined living/dining area, decks facing the water. Centrally located between Petoskey and Alanson, easy travel to Indian River and Mackinaw City. Close to bike path, snowmobile trails, skiing and wineries. Three car pole barn recently added.

Sinners

Writer and director Ryan Coogler is one of the more unlikely success stories there has ever been in film. And with his latest genuinely epic opus Sinners, he has, at age 38, already conquered the box office while staying wonderfully true to his unique style and voice.

This career started with his heartbreaking drama Fruitvale Station in 2013, an independent drama that retold the murder of Oscar Grant by the transit authority police. The film starred Michael B. Jordan in one of his first big roles, and the two have been tight collaborators ever since.

Then came Creed, a story that reinvented the Rocky franchise by introducing its first African American perspective. For only his third film, Coogler was given the reins of Black Panther for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and then followed it up with Wakanda Forever. To say Coogler’s films have been kicking ass is an understatement.

So in 2024, he pitched all the Hollywood studios at once to let him have complete creative control of Sinners, his first original project at a cost of $150 million, with a copyright that reverts back to him. Warner Bros. said yes and has now been rewarded with the makings of a mega critical hit.

Set in the Mississippi of the 1930s, Sinners is a great migration story that extends beyond the boundaries of the Deep South. It’s also a story of the essence of Blues, or even music itself. And finally, it’s an almost classic vampire film that creates a perfect showdown for good vs. evil.

If you love smart, edgy psychological horror films, you will love Sinners. If you love smart, edgy adult films with substance, you will love Sinners. If you want to be transported into a visual world you’ve never seen before on screen, you will love Sinners. And yes, if you love gazing at the undeniable beauty of

Michael B. Jordan, in Sinners (and thanks to movie magic), there are even two of him.

Using a storytelling style that is part psychedelic and always spiritually deep, Coogler and his impressive cast of performances (including Blues legend Buddy Guy) will take you on an expansive journey over 2 hours and 17 minutes, and I don’t think it’s one you will forget.

Jordan plays both sides of a set of twin brothers who come back to set up a juke joint and make their fortune by any means necessary. It’s a purely magical combination that seems effortless. In one performance, he is “Smoke” and in the other he’s “Stack” and I won’t spoil any more of the fun.

Veteran actor Delroy Lindo and newcomer Miles Canton are standouts also on opposite sides of the spectrum: Lindo as Delta Slim, the aging Bluesman who’s seen it all, and Canton as Sammie, the young preacher’s kid who aches to play his music. They are both riveting.

So too is the cinematography from Autumn Durald Arkapaw, who collaborated with Coogler on Wakanda Forever before going even bigger here: shooting 65mm simultaneously in both digital IMAX and celluloid Ultra Panavision 70 formats and then blending them together. Her moody visual intuition and keen eye for details will grab you from the opening sequence.

Music is so entirely interwoven to Sinners that it could almost be another character. And if you stay all the way through the very last frame of the credits, you will be rewarded with the best post-film stingers I’ve ever experienced.

Rated R for strong violence, sexual content, and adult language. Sinners is currently playing in theatres and expected to be available on-demand starting in May.

Hillary Voight & Nicole White listed and closed a RECORD BREAKING SALE on North Lake Leelanau

DELAMAR, TC

BALLROOM:

4/26 -- Kamikaze Comedy w/ Scott Witkop & Christa Wright, 8

ENCORE 201, TC

4/26 -- DJ Ricky T, 9

5/2 -- Somebody's Sister & The Good Fellas, 8-10:30; DJ Ricky T, 10:30-2

5/3 – Latin Night w/ DJ Ricky T, 9

IDENTITY BREWING CO., TC

4/28 -- Vinyl Night w/ DJ E-Knuf, 5-8

4/29 -- TC Celtic, 6-8

5/1 -- Beyond Trivia, 7-9

KILKENNY'S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE, TC 9:30:

4/25-26 -- Risque

5/2-3 -- Lucas Paul

KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING

4/29 – Open Mic Night, 6-8

5/1 – Trivia Night w/ Marcus Anderson, 6:30-8:30

LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC

BARREL ROOM:

4/28 -- Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9

TASTING ROOM:

5/2 -- John Richard Paul, 5-7

LIL BO, TC Tues. – Trivia, 8-10 Sun. – Karaoke, 8

MIDDLECOAST BREWING CO., TC

4/30 -- Trivia Night, 7-9

NORTH BAR, TC

4/26 – Think Pink Party w/DJ Prim, 8

4/30 – Jesse Jefferson, 7-10

5/1 – Drew Hale, 7-10

5/2 – Blake Elliott, 7-10

5/3 – Clint Weaner, 7-10

OLD MISSION DISTILLING, TC SEVEN HILLS, 7:

4/26 – Sweater Party

4/29 – Vinyl Night

5/2 – Levi Britton

5/3 – Mitchell McKolay

THE ALLUVION, TC

4/26 -- The Kombos Collective feat. Michael Malis, Constantine Novotny, & Ellie Falaris Ganelin, 7:30-9:30

4/27 -- The Alluvion Big Band, 3-5

4/28 -- Funky Uncle - Funky Fun Mondays, 6-8:30

4/30 -- Letters Home: A Here: Say Storytelling Event w/ Northern MI Peace Corps Volunteers, 7-9:30

5/1 -- The Jeff Haas Trio feat. Laurie Sears + Lisa Flahive, 6-8:30

5/2 -- The Go Rounds, 7:30-11

5/3 -- Robin Connell & Paul Brewer Septet, 7:30-9:30

THE HAYLOFT INN, TC

7:30-11:

4/25-26 -- Off Duty

5/2-3 -- Grand Crew

THE LITTLE FLEET, TC

5/3 -- Cinco De Mayo Celebration w/ Botala, 4

THE PARLOR, TC

4/26 – Clint Weaner, 9-12

4/29 – Jesse Jefferson, 8-11

4/30 – Rob Coonrod, 8-11

THE PUB, TC

4/26 – Drew Hale, 9-12

4/28 – Karaoke, 8-11

4/29 – Open Mic Night, 8-11

4/30 – Zeke Clemons, 8-11

5/1 – Music Bingo: Bar Jukebox Favorites, 7:30-10:30

THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC 7:

4/26 -- Jazz North

4/27 -- Full Tilt Comedy Presents: Comedy Mixtape #23

4/29 -- Open Mic w/ Zak Bunce

5/1 -- DJ Trivia

UNION STREET STATION, TC

4/26 -- The Chris Michels Band, 10

5/1 -- DJ1 Wave, 9

5/2 -- The Boardman River Band, 10

5/3 -- Comedy Show w/ Randy's Cheeseburger Picnic Tour, 7; The Boardman River Band, 10

Otsego, Crawford & Central

OTSEGO, CRAWFORD & CENTRAL

RAY'S BBQ, BREWS & BLUES, GRAYLING

4/27 -- Peter Jensen, 6

5/4 – Brian Curran, 4-7

Antrim & Charlevoix

BOYNE CITY TAP ROOM

5/1 -- Adam & The Cabana Boys, 7

ETHANOLOGY, ELK RAPIDS

7-10:

4/26 -- Jerome Forde

5/3 -- Trent Breit & the Tradesmen

FIRESIDE LOUNGE, BELLAIRE

4/26 -- Matt Mansfield, 6-9

5/2 -- Swingbone North Jazz Band, 6-10

JAX NORTHSIDE, CHARLEVOIX

Wed -- Trivia Night w/ Michael Swartz of My Clueis Trivia, 7-9

LOST CELLARS WINERY, CHARLEVOIX

5/2 -- Sam Schneider, 5-8

MUSKRAT DISTILLING, BOYNE CITY

5/2 -- David Lawston, 8-11

SHORT'S PUB, BELLAIRE

4/26 -- 21st Anni Party w/ The Real Ingredients, Delilah DeWylde, Brett

Mitchell & The Misfits, Shortstop, Eric Jaqua & many more, 11-11

5/1 -- Trivia, 6:30

SHORT'S PULL BARN, ELK RAPIDS

5/4 -- Cinco De Mayo Fiesta w/ Botala & DJ Clark, 3-6

WALLOON WATERSHED, WALLOON VILLAGE Thu -- Laura Crowe, 6-9

Manistee, Wexford & Missaukee

LITTLE RIVER CASINO RESORT, MANISTEE

5/3 – La Prueba, 8

NORTHERN NATURAL CIDER HOUSE & WINERY, KALEVA

6:

4/26 -- Alex Teller

5/1 -- Chief Jam - Open Mic w/ Andy McQuillen

5/2 -- Aaron Dye

Send Nitelife to:

BLACK STAR FARMS, SUTTONS BAY

BISTRO POLARIS, 6-8: 4/26 -- Highway North 5/3 -- Nick Veine

FIVE SHORES BREWING, BEULAH 6-9:

5/1 -- Trivia Night w/ Mark 5/2 -- Open Mic w/ Andy Littlefield

FRENCH VALLEY VINEYARD, CEDAR

5/1 -- Billy & The Kid, 4

IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE

5:30-7:30:

4/26 – The Fridays LAKE ANN BREWING CO.

4/26 -- The Dune Brothers, 6:309:30

5/1 -- Trivia Night, 7-9

5/2 -- 1000 Watt Prophets, 7-10

5/3 -- Daydrinker's Series w/ Jim Crockett Band, 3-6; Stonefolk, 7-10

ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH 4/26 -- Jesse Jefferson, 5-8

5/1 -- Open Mic Night, 6-9

5/2 – WSKF, 5-8

5/3 – Mary Sue Wilkinson & Chris

Emmet & Cheboygan

Skellenger, 5-8

SHADY LANE CELLARS, SUTTONS BAY

5/1 -- Trivia Night, 5-7

5/2 -- Friday Night Live w/ Kevin Paul, 4-7

STORMCLOUD BREWING CO., FRANKFORT

4/26 -- DJ Jeshua Hyde, 1-5

SWEET’S BAR & GRILL, HONOR Mon. – Music Bingo, 7 Fri. – Music Bingo, 8; Karaoke, 10 Sat. – Karaoke, 8

THE GREENHOUSE - WILLOW/ PRIMOS, CADILLAC

4/26 – April Dance Party Fundraiser for “Footprints in Time” w/ 3 DJs from HotTraxxSilent Disco.com, 8

BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS, PETOSKEY

4/26 -- Chris Calleja, 2-6

5/3 -- Nelson Olstrom, 6

CITY PARK GRILL, PETOSKEY

4/29 -- Trivia Night, 7-9

5/2 -- Annex Karaoke, 9:30

GYPSY DISTILLERY, PETOSKEY 4/26 -- Elisabeth Christe, 2-4

HIGH FIVE SPIRITS, PETOSKEY 4/26 -- DJ Parker Marshall, 9

NOGGIN ROOM PUB, PETOSKEY

4/26 – Lara Fullford, 7-10

4/30 – Singo Bingo, 6:30

5/2 – Brian McCosky, 7-10

5/3 – Eric Jaqua, 7-10

ODAWA CASINO RESORT, PETOSKEY

VICTORIES: 4/25-26 -- DJ, 9

POND HILL FARM, HARBOR SPRINGS

5-8: 4/26 -- Serita's Black Rose

5/3 -- M-119 Band

THE BEAU, CHEBOYGAN 4/26 -- Ahab & The Smelt Dippers, 8

5/1 -- Musician's Playground, 7 5/2 -- Chris Neuman, 8-11 5/3 -- Emily Kenyon, 8

THE WIGWAM, INDIAN RIVER

5/1 -- Dominic Fortuna, 7:30-9:30

Leelanau & Benzie

Jam with M-119 Band who brings nothing but good vibes to Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs, Sat., May 3 from 5-8pm. All of their members live on or near the historic national scenic byway, M-119, also known as “The Tunnel of Trees.”

lOGY

APR 28 - MAY 04

BY ROB BREZSNY

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Taurus author Nellie Bly (1864–1922) was a daring trailblazer. It was almost impossible for a woman to be a journalist in the 19th century, but she did it anyway. One of her sensational groundbreaking stories came when she did an undercover assignment in New York’s Women’s Lunatic Asylum. Her reporting on the neglect and brutality there prompted major reforms. I nominate Bly as your role model for the foreseeable future. You are, I believe, poised for epic, even heroic adventures, in service to a greater good. (PS: Bly also made a solo trip around the world and wrote 15 books.)

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo poet and visual artist Dorothea Tanning (1910–2012) had a few mottoes that endlessly nurtured her abundant creative output. Here's one: "Keep your eye on your inner world and keep away from ads, idiots, and movie stars." As excellent as that advice is, it's a challenge to follow it all the time. If we want to function effectively, we can't always be focused on our inner worlds. However, I do believe you are now in a phase when you’re wise to heed her counsel more than usual. Your soul's depths have a lot to teach you. Your deep intuition is full of useful revelations. Don’t get distracted from them by listening too much to ads, idiots, and celebrities.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is essential for the functioning of your body and every other animal’s. It carries instructions about how to build proteins, and your cells are full of it. We humans can’t edit this magic substance, but octopuses can. They do it on the fly, enabling them to adapt quickly to changing environmental conditions. Even though you Libras can’t match their amazing power with RNA, you do have a substantial capacity to rewrite your plans and adjust your mindset. And this talent of yours will be especially available to you in the coming weeks. Your flexibility and adaptability will not only help you navigate surprises but may also open up exciting new opportunities.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) :Is there a sanctuary you can retreat to? A relaxing oasis where you can slip away from the world’s colorful madness? I would love for you to be bold enough to seek the precise healing you need. You have every right to escape the rotting status quo and give yourself full permission to hide from pressure, demands, and expectations. Is there music that brings you deep consolation? Are there books and teachers that activate your profound soul wisdom? Keep that good stuff nearby. It's time for focused relief and regeneration.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The chemical element known as arsenic is notoriously toxic for humans, but has long been useful in small amounts. Ancient Chinese metallurgists discovered that blending it with copper and tin made the finest, strongest bronze. In modern times, arsenic fortifies the lead in car batteries. People in the 19th century sometimes ingested tiny doses as a stimulant. In this spirit, Sagittarius, I invite you to transform potentially challenging elements in your life into sources of strength. Can you find ways to incorporate iffy factors instead of eliminating them? I assure you that you have the power to recognize value in things others may neglect or reject.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Renowned Capricorn author Henry Miller (1891–1980) had to wait far too long before getting readers in his home country, the United States. American censors regarded his explosive texts as too racy and sexy. They forbade the publication of his books until he was 69 years old! His spirit was forever resolute and uncrushable, though. In accordance with astrological omens, Capricorn, I recommend you adopt his counsel on the subject of wonders and marvels. Miller wrote, "The miracle is that the honey is always there, right under your nose, only you were too busy searching elsewhere to realize it." Here's another gem from Miller: He advised us “to make the miracle more and more miraculous, to swear allegiance to nothing, but live only miraculously, think only miraculously, die miraculously."

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): For now, everything depends on your foundation, your roots, and your support system. If I were you, I would devote myself to nurturing them. Please note that you’re not in any jeopardy.

I don’t foresee strains or tremors. But your graduation to your next set of interesting challenges will require you to be snugly stable, secure, and steady. This is one time when being thoroughly ensconced in your comfort zone is a beautiful asset, not a detriment to be transcended.

PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): The coming weeks are a favorable time for you to build symbolic bridges. hope you will link resources that aren’t yet linked. I hope you will work to connect people whose merger would help you, and I hope you will begin planning to move from where you are now to the next chapter of your life. I advise you to not model your metaphorical bridges after modern steel suspension bridges, though. Instead, be inspired by the flexible, natural, and intimate bridges made by the ancient Incas. Woven from ichu grass via community efforts, they were strong enough to span rivers and canyons in the Andes mountains.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): To create microgardens, you plant vegetables and herbs in small containers placed on your porch, balcony, window sills, and kitchen counter. Lettuce, peas, spinach, and basil might be among your small bounties. I encourage you to use this practice as a main metaphor in the coming weeks. In other words, gravitate away from huge, expansive visions, and instead work creatively within existing constraints. For now, at least, "less is more" should be your operative motto. Meditate on how apparent limitations might lead to inviting innovations. Seek out abundance in unlikely places.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini painter Henri Rousseau (1844–1910) never saw a jungle in person. In fact, he never left his native country of France. But he painted some of modern art's most vivid jungle scenes. How did that happen? Well, he visited zoos and botanical gardens, perused images of tropical forests in books, and heard stories from soldiers who had visited jungles abroad. But mostly, he had a flourishing imagination that he treated with reverent respect. I urge you to follow his lead, Gemini. Through the joyful, extravagant power of your imagination, get the inspiration and education you need. The next three weeks will be prime time to do so.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): No, rubythroated hummingbirds don't hitch rides on airplanes or the backs of geese. They make their epic migrations completely under their own power. To get to their wintering grounds, many fly alone from the southern United States to the Yucatan Peninsula, crossing the 500-mile expanse of the Gulf of Mexico in 20 hours. I don’t recommend you attempt heroic feats like theirs in the coming weeks, Cancerian. More than usual, you need and deserve to call on support and help. Don’t be shy about getting the exact boosts you require. It’s time to harvest the favors you are owed and to be specific in articulating your wishes.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The golden pheasant is dazzling. Among the bright colors that appear in its plumage are gold, red, orange, yellow, blue, black, green, cinnamon, and chestnut. In accordance with astrological omens, I name this charismatic bird to be your spirit creature for the coming weeks. Feel free to embrace your inner golden pheasant and express it vividly wherever you go. This is a perfect time to boldly showcase your beauty and magnificence, even as you fully display your talents and assets. I brazenly predict that your enthusiastic expression of self-love will be a good influence on almost everyone you encounter.

“Jonesin”

Crosswords

"A Sporting Chance" Olympic sports, one letter off. by Matt Jones

ACROSS

1. Prepare potatoes

5. Con game

9. Brainy org.

14. Say it again

15. Ballet bend

16. Movie excerpts

17. Not-quite-Olympic sport that takes forever to go downhill?

19. Bean eaten as "nibs"

20. Former "Bake-Off" cohost Perkins who's somehow presenting "Chess Masters: The Endgame"

21. Hosp. workers

22. Absorbed the entirety of

24. Not-quite-Olympic sport to get telephone poles and trees airborne?

27. Visit

29. Jon of "Napoleon Dynamite"

30. What it could be

31. Mani-___ (salon offering)

32. Car rental name

36. Wilson of Heart

37. Not-quite-Olympic sport that still involves beams?

40. Campers

41. #1

43. Spirited energy

44. Vital part?

46. Portrayals

48. Knights' suits

49. Not-quite-Olympic sport with lines like "That's an oval" and "It's a hexagon"?

53. Secret group in "The Da Vinci Code"

54. "Packed house" initials

55. Wildebeest

58. Social division

59. Not-quite-Olympic sport where you can sample a bunch of events?

62. Uber alternative?

63. Oil bloc acronym

64. Root vegetable

65. Manuscript enclosures, for short

66. Evening, in ads

67. Scandinavian capital

DOWN

1. Disaster

2. "Know your rights" org.

3. Crams (in)

4. "In what way?"

5. Like some cakes

6. Don't go together

7. Tank contents

8. Got involved with, without being asked

9. Source for a fast pick-me-up

10. Hyundai model since the '90s

11. "Anaconda" performer Minaj

12. Where tapas originate

13. "___ of Ice and Fire"

18. Unethical payments

23. 2006 Chamillionaire hit

25. Pre-album releases, sometimes

26. Item 100 of 100, e.g.

27. Cotton-tipped cleaner

28. Synthesizer output

31. Overdoes the workload

33. Gaming headset

34. Lord ___ Mountbatten (openly gay British

royal on season 3 of "The Traitors")

35. Tax day IDs

38. Skirmish

39. Balzac's "Le Pere ___"

42. Board member, perhaps

45. '70s pres. monogram

47. Restaurant requests

48. Vanish without ___

49. Concentrate

50. Old toothpaste brand featured in "Grease"

51. Blasts of wind

52. At this point

56. Oasis lead guitarist Gallagher

57. "Do ___ others ..."

60. Tech sch. in Troy, NY

61. "The White Lotus" airer

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