Northern Express - August 17, 2026

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+ Plus get recipes, tales from local farms, your newest wine obsession, and more!

SUMMER FLAVORS Celebrity baker Martin Sorge takes us behind the scenes of his new cookbook

NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S WEEKLY • august 17 - august 23, 2026 • Vol. 36 No.33 Cover photo by Kevin Miyazaki

Northern Express Weekly • august 17, 2026 • 1

Nonstop Summer.

MINNEAPOLIS

BOSTON NEW YORK NEWARK PHILADELPHIA

J

CHICAGO

DETROIT

WASHINGTON DC DULLES & REAGAN

DENVER

CHARLOTTE

PHOENIX/MESA

ATLANTA

DALLAS/ FORT WORTH HOUSTON

ORLANDO/ SANFORD

TAMPA/ST. PETE

PUNTA GORDA FORT LAUDERDALE

Book your summer vacation to one of our nonstop cities!

Cherry Capital Airport tvcairport.com

2 • august 17, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

letters CONTENTS The Joy of Music As a second-generation member of Grand Traverse Musicale, I was delighted to see so many GTM scholarship winners featured in your wonderful Aug. 3 issue.

The issue highlighted so well how much joy music brings to our community, from children to senior citizens. Discipline and diligence transfer to success in any endeavor. Studying classical music helps young minds grow strong, whatever they wind up pursuing.

GTM’s purpose is to help more children access individual instrumental and vocal instruction. This year, 32 local middle and high school students (public, private, and homeschooled) in the five-county area received amounts from $5,000 to $400, totaling $29,300! Next year’s applications open Jan. 1. Kids, start practicing.

Grandparents, check this out and let your busy offspring know.

Meredith Parsons McComb | Traverse City

features Inside the Ingredients..........................................9 In the Kitchen with Martin Sorge.......................10 Naturally Sparkling...........................................12 Down To Earth......................................................14 Mastering Mixology.........................................16 An Outdoor Medicine Cabinet.........................18 Five Years For Ketch 22..................................20

columns & stuff Top Ten.........................................................4 Spectator/Stephen Tuttle..................................6 Guest Opinion..................................................7 Weird..............................................................8 Film...............................................................21 Dates..........................................................22 Astrology.......................................................28 Crossword.....................................................28 Nitelife...........................................................29 Classifieds....................................................30

Sidewalk Sales Friday - Sunday September, 4-6 Downtown Alden

Art & Craft Show Northern Express Weekly is published by Eyes Only Media, LLC. Publisher: Luke Haase PO Box 4020 Traverse City, Michigan 49685 Phone: (231) 947-8787 Fax: 947-2425 email: info@northernexpress.com www.northernexpress.com

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Northern Express Weekly • august 17, 2026 • 3

this week’s

top ten

FAMgrove Festival at Interlochen

Photo by Two Twisted Trees Photography; courtesy of Traverse City Food & Wine

Northern Michigan supergroup The Accidentals is headed to Interlochen Center for the Arts on Saturday, Aug. 22, at 6:30pm, for the FAMgrove Festival. The Accidentals bring their unique mix of indie rock, folk, pop and orchestral textures and team up with Emma Zinck, who’s redefining what country music can be; blues-rock guitarist and singer-songwriter Joanne Shaw Taylor; The Burney Sisters, blending indie-folk, Americana, and storytelling; and Interlochen duo A to Z Music, with a sound shaped by folk, indie, and alt influences. Tickets start at $28. interlochen.org/events/accidentals-famgrove-festival-2026-08-22

Hey,watch It! Ride or Die

Traverse City Food & Wine Festival It’s year two for the Traverse City Food & Wine Festival, held Aug. 19-23 at locations throughout northern Michigan. This is a sort of choose-your-own-adventure type of festival, where you can go in on the big events—like the Grand Tasting at TC’s Open Space, where dozens of culinary vendors will be slinging dishes alongside 100+ local craft beverages—or you can take it as an opportunity to visit wineries, restaurants, coffee shops, and more for tastings and workshops. You can even book vineyard tours, sip and sail cruises, and celebrity chef dinners. And read more about one of the visiting cookbook authors (Great American Baking Show winner Martin Sorge) later in this issue, who has not one but two events at the festival. See the full itinerary and get tickets at traversecityfoodandwine.com. P.S. Many events have already sold out, so click over there quickly!

2 tastemaker

Oryana’s Turkey Brats

We’re all about squeezing a proper holiday into Michigan’s fleeting summer season—and this month, Thanksgiving’s coming early in the form of Oryana’s turkey brats. Inspired by America’s favorite bird (and our go-to lunch for the dog days of summer), each link is crafted in-house using a meticulous blend of seasonings and lean protein to create what staff has lovingly dubbed “turkey tube steaks,” because they’re just that good! Cook one up to savory perfection, and pair with a squirt of organic mustard and a side of Great Lakes Potato chips.

Gobble one (or a few, who’s counting?) at Oryana Community Co-op storefronts in Traverse City, and don’t miss the End of Summer Cookout on August 29 at the West location, where special vendors, games, and—you guessed it—brats will be popping up from 10am to 3pm! oryana.coop

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How would you react if you found out your best friend of two decades wasn’t actually an accountant but an…assassin? Such is the fate of Debbie Claybourne (Octavia Spencer) when a gala night out with her prime-minister-bound husband goes from bad to worse. Not only does her husband want a divorce—let’s be real, Debbie is the brains behind the political operation—but her best friend, Judith (Hannah Waddingham), is suddenly fighting off half a dozen armed men, stealing cars, and breaking into graves. Is there anyone left she can trust? The adventures of Debbie and Judith take us around Europe as they try to piece together a series of puzzles about stolen mob money, mysterious threats, clandestine societies covering up big secrets, and bad guys who might not be so bad after all. Tune in for a wild ride on Amazon Prime.

mead • beeR • wine food • family fun live music • disc golf open 7 days a week SCan FOR MUSIC & EvEnTS 841 S PIONEER RD•BEULAH, MI STAMBROSECELLARS.COM•231.383.4262

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Tunnel of Trees Art Trail As summer winds down, the Good Hart Artist Residency pulls out all the stops for their Tunnel of Trees Art Trail, an immersive nature-meets-art experience held along the 20-mile stretch from Harbor Springs to Cross Village. The trail is open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, Aug. 22, and features 33 stops at galleries, studios, nature preserves, and other venues. Along the way, you’ll get to see work from dozens of artists in mediums that range from photography to jewelry to paintings to ceramics. Expect a few demonstrations, workshops (registration required), and even activities for kiddos. There will also be a local art show at the Good Hart Artist Residency (910 N. Lamkin Rd.) during the same hours as above on Saturday and again on Sunday, Aug. 23, from 10am-2pm. For all the details, head to goodhartartistresidency.org/tunnel-of-trees-art-trail.

The Big Tree Hunt Is On Across all of the Mitten State’s 83 counties, nonprofit ReLeaf Michigan is asking residents to go out and search for the biggest trees in their backyard. This statewide contest began in 1993 as a way to document arboreal landmarks and get folks outside to appreciate Michigan’s natural resources. The contest also helps identify Michigan State Champion Trees, some of the oldest, biggest trees of their species. There are multiple categories for entry, from largest tree per county to the largest eastern white pine (our state tree). To enter your behemoth, measure the circumference around the trunk at 4.5 feet above the ground and take clear photos of the tree, including the full tree, trunk, measurement location, and identifying features. The contest is open to participants of all ages. Entries may be submitted online at BigTreeHunt.com.

Stuff We Love: A Symphonic Celebration of Home

Petoskey-based singer-songwriter and composer Tony Manfredonia is putting the Mitten State on the map with a special performance at the City Opera House in Traverse City on Aug. 23. Manfredonia will present more than an hour of original music “inspired by Northern Michigan’s communities, landscapes, and experiences,” per a press release from the composer.

Northern Symphonic Winds and a live string ensemble will bring to life places like Petoskey, Boyne City, and Traverse City in “A Symphonic Celebration of Home.” The show is presented as part of the nationwide America 250 celebration, and the City Opera House describes the music as “the power and grandeur of orchestral music PLUS the modern touch of pop — and some brilliant songwriting.” General admission tickets are $30 or $20 for students 18 and younger, seniors, and military; details at cityoperahouse.org/events/usahome.

Pictured: The 2023-2025 Big Tree Hunt winner for Grand Traverse County, a sugar maple in Traverse City nominated by Douglas Smith.

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organic SOURDOUGH CRACKERS

AVAILABLE AT THE MILL, OUTPOST, & SPECIALTY GROCERY STORES THROUGHOUT THE MIDWEST

bottoms up Heartwood Ciders’ Bramble One of the two new cideries in northern Michigan this year, Heartwood Ciders is nestled near Jacobs Farm and Rove Estate, just a few miles from downtown TC. With 10 ciders to choose from—and two more coming on board in the next few weeks or months for an even dozen—Heartwood gives both sweet and dry drinkers plenty to explore. As good journalists do, we ordered all nine that were on tap (in flight form! to share!), and our top pick was the Bramble (6.2 percent ABV). This has the highest residual sugar of the lot, made with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries in addition to the classic apple. While sweet, it’s not sticky, and gives that perfect mid-summer quench on a hot day. Stop in and find your favorite at 13775 S. Lautner Rd. heartwoodciders.com

Northern Express Weekly • august 17, 2026 • 5

JUST ANOTHER DEFLECTION

spectator By steven Tuttle We have now decided who or what was to blame for the COVID-19 pandemic. No, it wasn’t the wet market in Wuhan, China, where it was transferred from an animal to humans. It wasn’t the Chinese lab in Wuhan that accidentally or intentionally released the virus on an unprepared public.

It wasn’t some weaponized version of the virus the Chinese military concocted. No, it was none of that.

The cause, you might be surprised to learn, was none other than Dr. Anthony Fauci and his gain-of-function research. This is, of course, utter nonsense. Congressional Republicans brought him before a showtrial committee, claiming he previously lied to Congress despite evidence to the contrary. Now they want him prosecuted for obstruction because he exercised his constitutional rights before the committee and wisely remained silent while Rand Paul went searching for wrongdoing that doesn’t exist.

Let’s review.

Fauci was the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases from 2014 to 2022. His work on the HIV/AIDS pandemic was considered groundbreaking and life saving for millions, especially in central Africa.

He was a leader in developing protocols during the COVID pandemic despite significant lack of support from the administration at the time.

COVID was a new variant of the old SARS virus. We initially had nothing to prevent it and nothing to mitigate it once a person was infected. It didn’t help that we had a president who denied there was any kind of problem at all, claiming early on, “We have it under control” and “it’s not a problem.” Well, we did not have it under control, did not know how to control it, and it was a very big problem. We didn’t even know initially how it spread, though it became obvious early this was far worse than traditional influenza.

We now know COVID-19 is mostly spread through close human contact. The virus survives in aerosolized droplets when we breathe, cough, sneeze, yell, or even sing.

We know it hangs around on smooth, hard surface areas like countertops for up to three days and on soft surfaces, like fabrics, for up to 24 hours.

The outbreak was the deadliest disaster of any kind in U.S. history. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 103 million cases have been confirmed (some of us have been infected more than once, so that huge number reflects reported cases, not the number of infected people) and 1.2 million have succumbed to the virus.

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For most of us, the same advice that drew so much resistance is still the same advice now should another outbreak occur—get vaccinated, practice social distancing, wear a mask, and wash our hands often and thoroughly.

Unfortunately, we have more than one vaccine skeptic determining health policy now in our country who tend to ignore the data provided by their own scientists.

According to the CDC, unvaccinated COVID patients were 11 to 20 times more likely to die from the first, so-called Delta outbreak, and five to 14 times more likely to die from the Omicron wave if unvaccinated. (The wide range is due to various demographic categories like preconditions, region, etc.)

For those who don’t trust our CDC’s data, we do have something a bit more substantial from France. The Vaccine Alliance followed 28 million French citizens aged 18-59 over the last four years.

They report that vaccinated adults were 74 percent less likely to die from COVID-19 and, in a very surprising result, the group of vaccinated adults was 25 percent less likely to die from all illnesses compared to those not receiving COVID vaccines, and researchers are not sure why.

For those who believe vaccines are dangerous because they read online that somebody’s uncle’s father-in-law’s first cousin’s baby-sitter’s best friend got a vaccine and died, we have some data for you, too.

The same French study showed no adverse effect from the COVID vaccine other than a relative handful of patients who experienced a temporary allergic reaction.

Nobody died from the vaccine and nobody was made critically or irretrievably ill from the vaccine.

And if you’re one of those people who like the online quacks and influencers telling you to take ivermectin, you should know both the Journal of the American Medical Association and the New England Journal of Medicine have reviewed multiple ivermectin studies and can find no statistical benefit in fighting COVID. To be fair, ivermectin continues to be an effective treatment against parasitic worms that can cause what’s known as river blindness and can be used externally for head lice. But not for COVID. Anthony Fauci’s work over the years has saved millions of lives. His recommendations are still best practices today despite the criticism. Attacking him is just another deflection from a bad war and a bad economy.

ENEMIES WITHIN

GUEST OPINION

by Walt Wood Since our nation’s birth, Americans have cast one another as worthy winners and hapless losers. Embracing these roles leaves millions pursuing an American Dream they will never realize. Countless automatons worship a false prophet who preaches money lust above all. How else can losers become winners in the American econosphere? Attaining financial independence is the ultimate goal, after all—any true American’s highest calling.

It started at our founding with slaves, the original “losers” captured and purchased to service the “winners,” owners of people and plantations. Ever since, we’ve been locked in a tragedy that persists to this day.

Through the Civil War and subsequent horrors, we’ve struggled to form “a more perfect union,” knowing we could only improve, then stumble. The human condition disallows perfection.

Some disagree. “The final perfection… a model of perfection in every sphere of life, will stand like a polar star above mankind” (italics mine). That was the Fuhrer describing his National Socialist State in 1936. The unkillable Nazi worldview of “final perfection” still carries the price tag of absolute loyalty, violent brutality, and the biological “purity” of the white race.

Today, in America, we have resurrected that fascistic nightmare. History repeats itself as complicit taxpayers enable a corrupt government to build internment camps on American soil, while actively killing non-whites around the globe through the destruction of USAID, the decimation of Gazan and Lebanese Arabs, extra-judicial killings of brown people in the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, murders committed

by ICE agents against innocent immigrants and citizens alike, and finally, the illegal war against the brown—and conveniently Muslim—people of Iran. Who’s next?

Panama? Cuba? What in God’s name are we doing?!

It’s up to all of us, of course, to decide whether we want to continue this 250-year experiment in the multi-ethnic, multiracial, multi-cultural pursuit of civilization, or chase instead the barbarous vision of exclusionary, perfectionistic, disinfected dominance over those damned with “inferior blood.”

As a Christian of conscience, I tell myself I am at odds with empowering and enriching those who already have power and riches— the “winners,” while abandoning the downtrodden and disenfranchised “losers.”

There is nothing Christlike in congressional action that dismantles progress made in the humane treatment of fellow human beings while simultaneously siphoning the wealth of taxpayers into the pockets of billionaires.

But hold on a second, Hypocrite. Aren’t you yourself a winner? Your investments

are humming along quite nicely. Judge not, lest ye be judged, Sinner. Alas, I must confess, the autocratic regime is benefiting my investor class. Meanwhile, the great unwashed, currently crushed under the weight of unregulated capitalism, struggle to survive.

Millions lose ground daily while my financial portfolio grows. I’m not struggling.

The nationalist faux-Christian white supremacists now running the country are serving my interests. Their vision leaves the undesirables—“sub-human vermin”—in the dust, and the profits filter down to me.

I should just ignore the spectacle—let it play itself out. I’m safe, here in my 20-acre sanctuary in the woods, out of danger, out of range of drones and missiles. I’ll just lounge around in my comfy cozy house, safe and sound, complacent and complicit—and count my money. But hold on there, Pilgrim. You cannot serve two masters, God and mammon, and call yourself a Christian.

Christ spoke of loving our enemies.

Turns out, we are the enemies, refusing to share the bounty and grace of God with the underprivileged. If we’re honest, we really just love ourselves, socked away in our spiritual vacuums. But what are we to do, if we expect to … to what? Avoid hell and get into heaven somehow on the big day? Forgive ourselves for enabling the exploitation, demonization, and elimination of non-whites, immigrants, and the indigent?

I believe true Christians want to care for their neighbors—all of them. An improved American Dream means peace and prosperity for everyone. If we’re serious about righteous living, let’s return to the 1st century Christian communities, wherein the cooperative model of love for one another was practiced on a daily basis.

They shared everything they possessed with everyone, promoting the promise of Christ’s witness for humanity.

Empathy is strength! Generosity is love in action! We need to stop treating each other as competitors in some arbitrary zero-sum money game. Snap out of it! Embrace instead the truth of who we actually are: Children of God. Each one of us is a sacred gift from our maker to this world and to one another.

Our Lord Jesus opposes criminals foisting mayhem upon God’s creation, and calls forth his disciples to affirm his eternal love for all of humanity, exemplified in his life and ultimate sacrifice. How will Christians of conscience answer that call and share that love in this moment?

Walt Wood is a retired mailman, current Lutheran, and essayist focused on political philosophy and the intersection of religion and democracy.

Northern Express Weekly • august 17, 2026 • 7

Gas Leak Hundreds of moviegoers in Colombia fled the theater during a showing of "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," thanks to a noxious smell, The New York Post reported on Aug. 3. Witnesses at the screening in Cartagena said they were overwhelmed by the stench of flatulence, forcing them into the hallways outside the showing.

That's right: Someone's fart was so rotten that they cleared an entire theater full of people. The stinker hasn't 'fessed up -- who can blame them? -- and so strong was the smell that some speculated someone had set off a stink bomb. The anonymous airbefouler let it rip about halfway through the showing, and many moviegoers left without finishing the movie. [NY Post, 8/3/26]

eat that awesomeness

DETROIT STYLE PIZZA SALADS + SANDWICHES WEEKLY SPECIALS DINE IN OR ORDER OUT LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN TC

113 e state street | (231) 252-3497 8 • august 17, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

Skeleton in the ... Deep Freezer An Alaska family cleaning out a deceased loved one's home called authorities when they discovered human remains on the property, Juneau Empire reported on July 30. Juneau police say the body -- a man who would have been in his 70s now -- was found in a deep freezer located in a locked outbuilding, and has been identified as a relative of the home's deceased owner, though no missing person's report was ever filed for him. Police estimate the body had been stashed for years, and are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the man's death. [Juneau Empire, 7/30/26] Get Off My Lawn Kyle James Steffen, 39, of Minnesota, faces charges after placing about 40 three-inch spikes in his lawn to deter neighborhood children from riding their bikes through his front yard on their way to a nearby park. KARE 11 reported on July 31 that a neighbor called police after witnessing Steffen yell at her children, and when police arrived, they discovered Steffen's homemade spike strip. They charged him with a gross misdemeanor count of setting a spring gun/pitfall/ deadfall or snare. Steffen could face up to 180 days in jail or a $1,000 fine. His court date is set for Aug. 25. [KARE 11, 7/31/26] Clothing Optional Customers in Hollywood, Florida, are free to abide by an unusual dress code at the Class Soiree Steakhouse: clothing optional, UPI reported on Aug. 4. On the first Monday of the month, the steakhouse offers a nude dining experience from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. Diners must be over 18 years old to participate, and are expected to follow additional guidelines, such as no touching without consent. Upon arrival, they are given a robe, a towel and a seat cover. Chef and owner Maurad Ali says his staff members -- who remain clothed during the event -- have been well-trained and are respectful of the hungry nudists.

Tickets start at $150 for women, $250 for men and $300 for couples. [UPI, 8/4/26] Death Becomes Him A 26-year-old Welsh man has been arrested for dressing in a black hooded outfit to mimic the appearance of the

Grim Reaper, climbing the roof of a local hospital and staring into hospital rooms, The Independent reported on Aug. 5. Local resident Leon Gillespie has been charged with causing a nuisance or disturbance without reasonable excuse after a June incident at the Ysbyty Glan Clwyd hospital in North Wales. He pleaded guilty and was fined $270 for his stunt. [The Independent, 8/5/2026] Precocious It was all hands on deck when a kitten was discovered stuck behind a Honda owner's front grille in Ames, Iowa. The car's driver was in the drive-thru at a Scooter's Coffee when she heard the kitten crying.

Other drivers quickly gathered around, and the coffee shop manager called Ames Animal Shelter for help. "You could hear the cat crying out," animal services officer Kathy Pike said. "We didn't know how to get it out." She then contacted a towing company for more assistance. Jordan McKnight and Cole Denning from Central Iowa Towing and Recovery came over and had to dismantle the front part of the car enough for Pike to reach through and remove the kitten, who was showing signs of distress on a hot, humid day that felt like 118 degrees. The kitten -- whom Pike named "Fika," a Swedish word for "coffee" -- was put up for adoption, and in an adorable plot twist, McKnight, who helped rescue her, ended up taking her home with him, much to the delight of his wife and daughter. [Washington Post, 8/5/26] Outfoxed After bottles of milk kept disappearing from outside his door, a man in Glasgow, Scotland, set up cameras to catch the culprit. On Aug. 2, Fox News reported that Gordon Campbell, 42, suspected a "vegan militant" was to blame for the stolen milk.

"I didn't really know exactly who would be doing it," Campbell said. "I thought it was a person or an animal." Campbell soon captured images of a fox scampering up the front steps, using its mouth to grab the bottle of milk, knocking it over and carrying it away. "All was forgiven when I saw its big ears and wee face," Campbell said. As to whether he'll be getting milk delivered in the future, Campbell's not certain, but if he does, he says he plans to put a protective box on his front step for safekeeping of the bottles. [Fox News, 8/2/26] There's a Horse in the Helicopter UPI reported on Aug. 3 that a horse and its rider became separated early in the Tevis Cup 100-mile high-altitude endurance race in California. After locating the uninjured rider, search crews spent two hours looking for the horse without any luck. The Butte County Sheriff 's Office Helicopter Unit joined the search and located the equine in the Granite Chief Wilderness, which is nearly 7,200 feet above sea level and difficult to reach. The horse was assessed, sedated and secured in a lift before being extracted. After being airlifted to the French Meadows Reservoir, the horse stood up and walked on its own to a trailer that was waiting to take it home.

[UPI, 08/03/26]

Recipes for Peak Summer Flavors Inside the Ingredients

By Nora Rae Pearl Blink and you’ll miss it; the dog days of summer have finally arrived. Just when you think you are starting to see fall color, fresh corn hits the market and you remember we still have so much of summer left to enjoy.

There’s nothing like a soup and sandwich combo, so we’ve created two recipes highlighting fresh summer flavors. For these recipes, we love Altonen Orchards Farm Market Sweet Corn, Idyll Pastures Goat Cheese, and recommend sourcing your favorite loaf from local bakeries like 9 Bean Rows and Common Good Bakery.

CORN CHOWDER Smooth corn soup with spicy and sweet undertones.

Ingredients • 4 tablespoons olive oil • 1 large sweet onion, chopped into medium pieces • 1 large or 3 small yukon gold potatoes, peeled, chopped into medium pieces • 1 teaspoon minced garlic • Kernels from 6 ears of fresh sweet corn • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt • 3 cups vegetable broth • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar • Scant 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1/2 cup full fat coconut milk • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely diced • 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely minced • Fresh thyme and black pepper for serving To make the soup: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onion, potatoes, garlic, half of the corn, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent, about 8 minutes. Add the broth, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Take off the heat and blend with an immersion blender until very smooth. Add the coconut milk, blend until smooth. Set aside.

Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Once the oil is hot add the red pepper, jalapeño, remaining corn, and a heavy pinch of black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are softened.

Add to the pureed corn, stir until combined. Serve hot, and garnish with fresh corn, fresh thyme, and black pepper.

ROASTED RED PEPPER SANDWICH Crunchy bread with a perfect blend of creamy cheese and refreshing vegetables.

Ingredients for One Sandwich • 2 thick slices from your favorite bread (we recommend ciabatta, cut hamburger style) • Extra virgin olive oil • 1 1/2 oz. goat cheese (plain or garlic/herb) • 1/4 cup roasted red peppers (store-bought or homemade) • Handful of local spring mix lettuce • Champagne or white wine vinegar • 1 oz. pickled red onion (store-bought or homemade) To assemble: Drizzle your bread with some olive oil and place under a broiler until toasted. On the bottom piece of bread, spread the goat cheese. In a single layer, add the roasted red peppers. Top with spring mix, drizzle with a very small amount of vinegar, then add the onions. Add the top piece of bread and enjoy!

Northern Express Weekly • august 17, 2026 • 9

Photos credit: Kevin Miyazaki

In the Kitchen with Martin Sorge Great American Baking Show winner draws inspiration from local flavors

By Ellen Miller Celebrity baker Martin Sorge grew up making Bisquick biscuits with his mom.

This might not seem like the most auspicious beginning (especially when you factor in his first solo baking attempt involved only flour, water, and a 20-minute microwave episode that ended in disaster). In fact, Sorge didn’t seriously pursue baking until he was a bit older.

“I was always someone who loved good food. I always got in the kitchen to help my mom cook, and cooked for friends in college,” he says, quickly adding, “but I wasn’t good at baking because I didn’t like to follow instructions or measure precisely.”

Eventually, Sorge thought to himself, “I bet if I actually measure accurately I can do this. Turns out I could!” he laughs. “Then I really got hooked with the alchemy of stirring things together and putting them in the oven, playing with flavors, and it took off from there.”

By “took off,” Sorge means that he became a bit of a baking master, eventually applying for and competing on The Great American Baking Show, the American version of the hit British television series, which aired in 2023. While the show stays true to its British format, Sorge brought his Midwestern

sensibilities and tastebuds to the tent.

“My parents were foodies in the most unpretentious, Midwestern kind of way,” he reflects. “We went out to eat at local, independent restaurants, and didn’t go to the chain restaurants that were all the rage in the ’90s. We picked up sweet corn when it was perfectly ripe. My mom wouldn’t get it the first couple weeks because it wasn’t good enough.”

When Sorge talks about hyper-local, seasonal ingredients, the passion—and nostalgia—is clear in his voice. It’s those perfectly ripe ingredients that inspire the flavors that weave throughout his recipes.

In the Tent American reality TV tends to be competitive, dramatic, and centered around a monetary prize. The Great American Baking Show, like the British version, rewards the winner with only a cake plate. The result? A wholesome challenge that sees contestants help their fellow bakers when they have questions and cry each week when someone goes home.

“All you win is a cake plate!” Sorge explains. “There’s no cash prize or kitchen renovation, and that changes the vibe of the competition. If you come in second place,

10 • august 17, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

you still won a lot in terms of the experience.”

The show is filmed in the UK with the same production company and judges (Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood) as the British version, and Sorge says what you see is what you get.

“It was exactly like what folks think it’s like,” Sorge shares. “It’s a collaborative and fun vibe with average people that are funloving and positive and maybe a little nerdy, baking in a tent together.”

Sorge, who describes himself as “not a competitive person,” simply thought it would be fun to be around fellow bakers and nerd out together about the challenges. “It was such an amazing cast of fellow bakers, I talk to all of them on a group chat pretty much every day,” he says. Sorge wasn’t the only contestant from the Midwest, and he also wasn’t the only one bringing Midwestern flair to the tent, as sweet corn and cherries popped up multiple times.

“I really put my heart into everything that I baked,” Sorge says. “I made little sour cherry hand pies, and my friend Sarah also made a tart cherry hand pie! We’re both from the Midwest and love Michigan cherries.

There was no question we were both going to use those flavors, although sadly we couldn’t find the perfect Montmorency cherries from

Michigan in the UK.” If you’re familiar with the show, you know each episode includes a signature bake (chosen by the contestant), a technical challenge (chosen by the judges, with intentionally opaque direction to test the bakers’ skills), and a showstopper, the pièce de résistance.

“My final showstopper was a giant croquembouche that was corn flavored and corn themed. It was silly and absurd but I loved making that one!” Sorge tells us. “It was an ode to the idea that ‘Oh, the Midwest is just a bunch of cornfields.’ There’s a few flavor combos that we find super classic, like the flavor of perfect sweet corn, but the sweet corn in the UK isn’t as good as ours,” he says.

That meant that the American bakers had to do a bit of extra convincing when the judges weren’t familiar with or were uncertain about specific American flavors and flavor combinations, like sweet corn, deep dish pizza, and the combination of peanut butter and chocolate.

The judges might have been uncertain, but they ultimately were won over, naming Sorge the top baker of the season and sending him home with the treasured cake plate.

“When I came out on top, it was both a surprise and an acknowledgment that I

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know what I’m doing,” Sorge says. “I was so elated and honored to win out of such a great group of bakers.”

From TV Star to Cookbook Writer When he got home, Sorge felt like “if I’m ever going to do a cookbook, now is the time.”

He had been writing down his recipes and sharing them with friends and family for years, but with the momentum of the show behind him, he wrote a book proposal with a dozen recipes that secured him a literary agent, and she helped him refine his proposal (turns out, you don’t just become a celebrity and have publishing houses chasing you!).

Thanks to his hard work, plus experience building his audience by writing for publications like Food & Wine to get his name out there, he landed a publishing contract.

Great Bakes: Modern Classic Recipes from the Midwest released from Agate Publishing on Aug. 4.

And in good news for locals who have seen The Great American Baking Show or just want to know more about some of Sorge’s favorite recipes—he highlights a breakfast crisp, bagel and lox, Paris-Brest, and a malted chocolate pudding to start—Sorge is bringing his tour to northern Michigan.

Sorge, who is originally from northern Indiana, refers to northern Michigan as his “happy place.” A summer job at Interlochen brought him up north for the first time, and he was hooked on the scenery and on the flavors.

“I actually didn’t like cherry pie until I

spent that summer up there and was like ‘Oh, that’s what it should taste like,’” he says. “The food up here is absolutely wonderful. I would come up for a week or two every summer and eat, go to the lake, and drink wine.”

Northern Michigan inspired recipes pack the cookbook. In addition to a classic cherry pie, one of Sorge’s favorites is a giant cherry pop tart.

“It’s two giant pieces of pie dough filled with cherry filling and glazed with icing made with cherry concentrate, which gives it a striking color but also cherry flavor,” he describes. “I’ve made it for so many parties and gatherings and it disappears. It screams northern Michigan to me.”

Made with fruit from local orchards, the quince paste is one of Sorge’s favorite additions to a charcuterie platter. And he’s a big fan of baking with whole grains, including in his 100 percent whole grain rye bread. “It makes some of the most flavorful, hearty bread you can have,” he says.

Sorge and his husband are now part-time NoMi residents and are always excited to explore more of the region’s food and wine.

“The ingredients up here are not just the cherries, but the apples, the flour from Farm Club near my house, the dairy products—it makes it easy to bake great things,” Sorge says. “The culinary scene, from the farmers who have been here forever to the new folks who are innovating…to me, that makes this region one of the most exciting food places in the country.”

GREAT BAKES COME NORTH This month, meet the author and pick up a copy of Great Bakes at:

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• Aug. 17, 12-2pm: Signing, The Find North, Leland • Aug. 18, 1-3 pm: Meet & Greet, McLean & Eakin, Petoskey • Aug. 20, 10-11:30 am: From Mill to Table: Baking with Whole & Stone-Ground Grains, a demonstration at the Traverse City Food & Wine Festival, Traverse City • Aug. 21, 4 pm, National Writers Series, Traverse City • Aug. 22, 12-4 pm, The Grand Tasting at the Traverse City Food & Wine Festival, Traverse City

Featuring O R YA N A ’s Made In-House Turkey Brats cornhole tournament community connection

And save the date for Oct. 24, at 5pm, when Sorge will return Up North for a conversation and book signing at Bay Books in Suttons Bay. For event specifics & tickets, visit martinbakes.com/events

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1 meal ticket Photo credit: Grant Kessler

Northern Express Weekly • august 17, 2026 • 11

NATURALLY SPARKLING Meet the northern Michigan winemakers embracing pét-nat wines

A Bos Wines tasting and cheese plate.

Photo by Courtney Kent Photography

By Kelsey Sanders Pét-nat wine (short for pétillant-naturel) is not a new invention, despite what its pre-COVID revival would have many think. In fact, this type of wine was accidentally discovered around 1531 by monks in Limoux, France. What makes it different from traditional wine styles are three main components: It only goes through one fermentation process (instead of two); it traps carbon dioxide inside the bottle, creating natural carbonation; and it doesn’t contain added commercial yeast or sugars.

These differences create a wine that can look cloudy or hazy, but with flavors that are typically fruity and aromatic. It also means that pét-nat wines are lower in alcohol, hence why they became famously paired with brunch as a cheaper alternative to traditional champagne.

Three local wineries have added pét-nats to their menu, and one has even won awards for theirs.

Brengman Family Wines

Brengman prides itself on “doing things as carefully in the farming and winemaking process as possible,” says Robert Brengman, one of the winemakers.

“We found the lane for slow wine versus fast wine,” he shares. “Fast wine is the conventional method—the method that allows you to put 100 elements of chemistry into the process. We all started out in that lane, and we struggled with it from the very beginning because we kept thinking, ‘Why aren’t we using the natural yeast that’s coming in from the vineyard around us?’”

Back in 2021, Brengman and his cowinemaker, Ryan Tompke, fermented a small tank of wine without killing the wild yeast. The result: The wild yeast took over and ended up making a fabulous tank of wine.

“Even our red was better than when we used our commercial yeast,” Brengman says.

“In 2023, we started using our natural yeast throughout all our processes. Since then, it’s been 100 percent wild yeast.”

To some, “wild yeast” may sound odd or even unappetizing, but it’s all part of the winemaking process.

“You crush the grapes to create the juice, and the juice is blended with what’s been pressed out. When you press the juice, whatever yeast is around will be in

that batch of liquid,” Brengman explains.

“Conventional winemaking would require you to kill the wild yeast by dumping sulfur into the batch to sterilize the juice. When that mixture settles the juice, then it’s ready to start fermenting, and that’s when the conventional process adds yeast into the juice to ferment everything. Sometimes it works and sometimes you need more commercial yeast. To make a pét-nat wine, you don’t kill the yeast at the beginning and you don’t add sulfur, you just temperaturecontrol it.”

The pros to this type of process are that it’s a more natural type of wine, it requires fewer added ingredients, and it’s easy to do with minimal start-up equipment and ingredients.

The cons, though, are that there’s always risk when letting a wild yeast take control of the wine. Bad bacteria can develop and fight against the good yeast and that can create flaws. Or the mixture can become unstable if the temperature isn’t maintained properly and the bottle can explode when opened.

But Brengman enjoys the challenge of the pét-nat process.

“Why wouldn’t you be on the natural side of winemaking?” he says. “We’re trying to develop a true flavor of here—we plant, we grow, we make everything in Leelanau.

12 • august 17, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

Robert Brengman and Ryan Tompke, the winemaking team at Brengman Family Wines.

When you grow something but then kill the wild yeast and you’re inoculating it with a commercial yeast, it’s from another place— another country. You just altered your place. It’s really not from here now. That’s important to us. We want to create a true taste of Leelanau.”

That mindset has won Brengman Family Wines multiple awards. The prestigious invitation-only American Fine Wine Competition awarded 10 Brengman wines high honors in the 2026 judging, including three double golds, five golds, and two silvers.

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Dave Bos; photo by Courtney Kent Photography

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Winemaker Dave Bos wants his customers to just enjoy wine. “I tell people to stop overthinking it and to be an enjoyer,” he says.

Bos, who calls himself a farmer first and a winemaker second, is all about making wine fun and enjoyable for as many people as possible. He explains the pét-nat process as “the best way to make the wine as natural as possible in a fun way.”

“I’m not trying to manipulate the wine at all. It’s a living product and that’s the beauty of pét-nat—it’s changing and it’s so cool. I like the idea that wine should be living and when it’s not, it’s a product,” says Bos. While he admits that BOS Wine’s pétnat isn’t a true pét-nat, it still is according to the loose rules of how to make it.

“There’s no sulfur in ours—nothing’s added. I rack it off the leaves, meaning that when it’s fermenting, I chill the tank down before it’s done, pull the clean wine off the leaves and off the dead yeast cells,

Methode Agricole, Bos Wines' pét-nat wine.

and by doing that, it allows the wine to finish drying. Then I have the leaves that have sugar and yeast left on them, and I add those leaves back in, so I get a consistent bottling. I want to make sure the wine can pour by the glass and not blow up on you,” Bos explains. “There’s room for error but that’s the fun thing about it.”

Contrary to what some winemakers may think about pét-nats, Bos is all for them.

“A younger generation connected to this wine 5-10 years ago over brunch, and I love the intentionality behind their decisions and choices,” he says. “It’s not meant to age, it’s meant to be a true, enjoyable wine right now, and that’s a really cool thing we can do in Michigan.”

BOS Wines offers one pét-nat wine called Methode Agricole, which has been well-received by customers, and Bos hopes to add another to the menu at some point, when the vineyard speaks to him that way.

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Mawby Sparkling Wines

Mawby is another winery dabbling in pétnats, although most of their wines use the traditional methods for producing sparkling wines, meaning that almost all the bottled products have effervescence from a second fermentation in a closed vessel. After 52 years in business, Mawby has been making wine and caring for the whole environment through sustainable practices to ensure that their vineyards and their surrounding lands are protected to the best of their ability.

Mawby is known for a laid-back tasting room experience and shares a property with Big Little Wines, allowing visitors to enjoy two distinct tasting rooms in one location.

Mawby’s winemaker, Mike Laing, focuses on making wine that is positively received.

They currently make a version of a pét-nat called Eff Nat. “It’s pét-nat in style, but not exactly,” he explains. “It’s effervescent natural that we’ve made for five or six years, and it’s delightful.”

Laing explains that some pét-nats are more “natural” tasting than others, meaning they have a very clean and fruit-forward style.

“Usually there is sediment left in the bottle because the fermentation process happens in the bottle, but we remove it,” he says. “We do that because the solids can gush and you can lose the wine, which can be frustrating. The yeast left in the bottle can muddy the fruit taste, so we clean it up a bit. Typically, pét-nats are more fruitforward because they’re released relatively young and you can capture the fermentation aromas.”

As of now, Laing only plans to keep their one pét-nat on the menu.

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Northern Express Weekly • august 17, 2026 • 13

By Kierstin Gunsberg As with much of life Up North, crop farming comes with an onslaught of weather unknowns. Will it storm today? Will that storm bring torrential rain that uproots the carrots that were just seeded, or is a sneaky early frost around the corner?

Since 2022, Rapid City farmer Ryan Lanham wakes each morning to questions like these. Despite a “nonexistent” work-life balance, sleep deprivation, and the financial uncertainty of farming, he wouldn’t trade it for the glossy ease of a corporate everyday because he’s been there, done that.

“It’s a net positive trade-off in my mind,” says Lanham, a University of Utah marketing graduate who spent his post-college years working for Adidas to brand the company’s snowboarding and skateboarding division.

DOWN TO EARTH How corporate America on the West Coast led one Rapid City farmer to regenerative agriculture

Ryan Lanahm in the greenhouse. Photos by Allie Andriese

14 • august 17, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

Rethinking the Dream To Lanham, the Adidas gig was “a dream job on paper.” For three years between 2016 and 2019, his role at the company’s Portland, Oregon, headquarters was the culmination of a lifelong love of boarding that came with a steady paycheck and the chance to travel.

For all intents and purposes, he’d arrived.

But Lanham calls himself a kinesthetic learner, someone who needs to move and groove, as evidenced by the joy of actively participating in the things he was now only a part of by corporate association.

“It was a rough transition going from doing what you love to talking about what you love to do,” he says. Lanham felt like a “teeny tiny fish” in a large pond. “I had trouble understanding how what I did on the daily made any bit of difference in the grand scheme of things.”

Craving something more down-to-earth, literally, Lanham took a marketing job with a Portland kombucha company, where he was introduced to regenerative agriculture, a way of farming that prioritizes soil health and sustainability. “I was gung-ho on being a part of some sort of climate crisis solution,” he says.

When layoffs at the kombucha company happened in 2019, Lanham saw it as a chance to dive into farming, accepting a full-time apprenticeship at Foodwaves, a nonprofit vegetable and animal husbandry farm outside the city that was set to begin in April 2020. In the meantime, he worked retail at Patagonia, which ended up closing indefinitely when the pandemic hit. “It felt like everything was pushing me toward the farm,” Lanham says.

Since they were providing food to their community, Lanham and his Foodwaves crewmates were considered essential workers, podding up on the 6-acre educational farm, where just a few months later Oregon’s wildfire season edged within a mile and a half of them. For two weeks, Lanham farmed under falling ash, the orange-hued sky filtered by a haze of smoke. “Plants weren’t photosynthesizing, there weren’t any insects…” he recalls.

The whole experience, combined with Oregon’s high land costs, kiboshed any dreams Lanham had of starting his own farm there. Plus, he wanted to be closer to family in Michigan, where he’d grown up downstate in Midland and spent family vacations along Torch Lake. “The apprenticeship made me realize that once you start a farm, it’s hard to leave.”

Not wanting to put down roots too far from home, he headed back to the Mitten State, purchased the land that is now Sweet Frond Farm, and sold his first vegetables at the Sara Hardy Farmers Market in 2023.

The Microfarm Life It’s been four years since Lanham purchased the property, three since he started growing on just two-thirds of an acre, and

Lanham's mom, Becky, is a core part of the farming team.

while Sweet Frond is technically a microfarm selling exclusively at farmer’s markets, he’s used the organizational skills he learned during his corporate years to maximize output, designing 136 compact but efficient beds where he tries to stick close to Mother Nature’s way of growing through no-dig and shallow-cultivation techniques (meaning he disrupts only the first inch of topsoil instead of tilling).

Those beds produce an annual bounty of two to four successions each—a whole rainbow of onions, radishes, herbs, and heirloom varieties like gai lan (Chinese broccoli). But Sweet Frond’s top crop is one northern Michiganders are desperately seeking amid the cyclosporiasis outbreak: homegrown salad greens. A short-season crop that requires constant maintenance and turnover, the leafy greens are continually cared for by Lanham and his small crew,

including his mom, Becky, and pup, Maple, through late September.

Lanham’s entire operation is handharvest only, not a tractor in sight, and this time of year, working the fields from dawn until dark makes for 80- to 90-hour workweeks.

“There’s more to do in a day than time allows,” he says. But when he’s kicked back next to the fire come winter, all of this will be another season well-spent not in front of a computer screen or idling in a meeting.

That’s not to say he’s left his corporate days completely behind—a spreadsheet does wonders to keep the business side of things straight. And even when Lanham’s exhausted from battling cucumber beetles in the blazing sun, this really is the dream job.

“Most of the time I feel so lucky to be able to get to do this,” he says.

Say No to Pesticides Staying true to the regenerative agriculture ethos that hooked him in the first place, “We don’t spray any pesticides whatsoever,” says Lanham.

That means no fungicides, herbicides, or insecticides, even the ones approved by the USDA for organic production. Instead, farmers like Lanham who practice no-spray on their farms focus on creating and maintaining a healthy food web—that is, the network of organisms, big and small, that keep Sweet Frond’s veggies and herbs growing.

This practice goes hand-in-hand with regenerative agriculture. That doesn’t mean every regenerative farm practices no-spray, but it’s one way Lanham keeps pesticides off his while helping the microbes and bugs, like earthworms, that create rich soil, from being killed off.

Speaking of, one of Sweet Frond’s best defenses against bugs is…bugs? Instead of eliminating pests with sprays, Lanham relies on beneficial predators, like ladybugs that feed on aphids, to help keep crop-damaging insects in check.

While he is proud of the farming style he’s chosen, Lanham’s produce is less “marketable” because of it.

“There are definitely trade-offs to not using sprays,” he says, like farm market goers not wanting to buy veggies with holes, dings, or spots, which sprays help prevent.

Still, he says, in the overall scheme of things, keeping pesticides off his yields is better for the community consuming them and for the environment.

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Northern Express Weekly • august 17, 2026 • 15

MASTERING MIXOLOGY Malted Vinyl on the art of the cocktail

By Art Bukowski What makes a good cocktail? What makes a great cocktail?

The team at Malted Vinyl in Petoskey knows a thing or two about the fine art of preparing a killer drink. Since opening its doors in 2023, the business has attracted patrons for not only its hi-fi, Japan-inspired “listening lounge” concept, but also the creative and delicious drinks served for those indulging in its well-rounded collection of records.

It should surprise no one that ingredient selection, balance, and freshness make all the difference in creating a top-notch cocktail. So says co-owner Missy Leverett, who always strives to give people a reason to return.

“A great cocktail makes you want to have another,” she says. “You’re going to remember it; you’re going to say, ‘That was a great drink, I want to go back there.’ The memorability of the experience is the number one difference between good and great.”

Balance and Presentation Cocktails start with a spirit that provides the foundation of the drink, followed by ingredients that exist to support and augment that spirit, Leverett says. Key to the final product is balancing the sweetness, acidity, and bitterness.

“Once you’ve built the foundation with a spirit, the real artistry begins,” Leverett says. “Supporting ingredients don’t just add flavor, they add dimension, texture, and

personality.”

Leverett says sweetness (from syrup, honey, a liqueur, etc.) softens alcohol, rounds rough edges, and gives a cocktail body.

Acidity (citrus, etc.) helps a cocktail “feel alive.” Bitterness (bitters, vermouths, etc.) is often the smallest ingredient by volume but very important for complexity.

Not all cocktails have all components, of course. It just depends on the desired end result.

“A dry martini doesn’t have sweetener in it, and negronis are another one; very light on the sweetener and heavy on the bitters,” she says. “It all depends on the experience you’re trying to give.”

There is plenty of science to crafting a killer drink, but Leverett says good mixologists—especially those with experience—also just learn by trial and error as they mix their own cocktails and try those at other establishments.

Malted Vinyl also prides itself on a variety of non-alcoholic/zero proof cocktails. They’re in demand, Leverett says, and it’s a big mistake to think of them as an afterthought. It’s important to put time, energy, and creativity into them, she says, because they’re “no longer just mocktails.”

“The best zero-proof cocktails aren’t trying to fool you into thinking they contain alcohol. They’re complete, intentional drinks that deliver the same level of balance, complexity, and satisfaction as an outstanding classic cocktail,” she says.

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16 • august 17, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

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components of the drink.

“What does it look like to you? What does it smell like?” Leverett says. “Your first interactions with a great cocktail are going to be with your eyes, then with your nose, then with your mouth and your taste buds. Your total sensorial experience matters.”

Ingredients are Key Malted Vinyl’s cocktail bar is more akin to a chef ’s kitchen than a standard bar. This means hearty ingredients, prep time, and local sourcing (when possible).

“We try to be seasonally based, much

like a kitchen,” Leverett says. “We really have a lot of fun.”

Local cherries (fresh and cocktail) are frequently in play, whole or in house-made concentrates, foams, or syrups. So are vegetables and herbs, cream, eggs, and so much more. Not everything is local, obviously, but everything is selected with intention.

“We even make house-made dehydrated pineapple garnishes because they preserve the fruit’s natural sweetness while adding aroma, texture, and a finishing touch that’s as flavorful as it is beautiful,” Leverett says.

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STEAK IT EASY. As with many other things, creativity and experimentation are always leading to new ingredients and new cocktails.

“Alex is very culinary-focused, and he’s always playing with the trends,” Leverett says of one of her bartenders. “This year he started experimenting with rice water, partially because it has a great mouth feel, and it also gives you a great depth. It’s just a way to get that richness and sweet earthiness that you can’t necessarily get elsewhere.”

What the non-alcoholic ingredients are is important, of course, but the condition they’re in is arguably even more critical, Leverett says. Whenever possible, their team seeks out fresh, unprocessed ingredients.

“You’ll hear me talk a lot about freshness…vibrant ingredients make vibrant cocktails, and nothing has a bigger impact than freshness,” she says. “A cocktail made with freshly squeezed lime or lemon simply tastes more alive than one made from bottled juice…you taste it and it almost tastes like you’re biting into the fruit as opposed to being reminiscent of the fruit.”

This is another excuse to lean on the bounty of fresh ingredients whenever possible.

“It all goes back to shopping the farmer’s market, shopping local,” Leverett says “We do a lot with ciders, but last year we pulled cider off our menu early because it was getting very hard to source. You can source the highly pasteurized stuff, but that’s a different experience. That fresh pressed cider that everybody will go to the apple orchard for, that gives you that richness, that freshness.

But the more you process it, the more the flavor changes.”

Malted Vinyl also puts a lot of attention into its library of alcohol, whether it be for the base spirit or complimentary additions.

They love to reach for local booze whenever possible, as the region has more craft distillers, wineries, and breweries than ever before. If it’s local, you can bet it’s been thoughtfully curated.

They have dozens of individual spirits that add depth and personality to their drinks.

“There are hundreds of different types of sweet vermouths, and we play with them in our recipes to really make sure they’re hitting in the way we need them to,” she says. “The same with amaros. We do so many different types of amaros to keep it interesting. Some are earthy, some are bitter, and they all bring something different to the table.”

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Northern Express Weekly • august 17, 2026 • 17

An Outdoor Medicine Cabinet Culinary and medicinal herbs at Heartwood Forest Farm

By Todd VanSickle Heartwood Forest Farm is like an outdoor medicine cabinet—you just need to know where and what to look for.

Fortunately for the customers at Heartwood, owner Patti Travioli enjoys informing visitors about what she grows, what health benefits a plant has, and how it can be used. “I focus primarily on culinary and medicinal herbs,” Travioli says. “I grow all kinds of other stuff, because that’s what I love to do.”

For medicinal plants, she grows several types of holy basil, ashwagandha, and valerian to name a few.

“Of course, lavender—no farm would be complete without lavender,” adds Travioli, who grows several varieties, including white, which is the mint family.

Getting into the Herb Game Travioli started Heartwood Forest Farm 12 years ago after transforming an old, dying Christmas tree field into a lush perennial farm surrounded by hardwoods. The farm includes a greenhouse, several growing plots, and a tiny house with block letters across its gable that read APOTHECARY. Inside the small, Amish-built structure, a copper still sits on top of a wooden cabinet and tinctures, teas, soaps, and other herb-

infused products line the shelves. The building is cooled by an air conditioner powered by solar panels.

Some of Travioli’s traditional culinary herbs include lemon verbena, thyme, winter savory, hyssop, and lovage. She makes teas, herbal extracts, and tinctures from many of her medicinal plants. Travioli has even created a tea—Lilah’s Lullaby—for her granddaughter to help her fall asleep at night. She now offers it for sale at her farm.

However, the Michigan State University graduate says she is a horticulturist, farmer, and herbalist, not a medical provider.

“Somebody asked if what I was doing was legal,” Travioli says. “I am growing these plants that you flavor your meals with.

People are curious and want to learn more.

A popular herb right now in the herbal medicine world is ashwagandha. It belongs to the same family that peppers and eggplants are in. So, I tell everyone, if you can grow peppers or eggplant, you can grow this plant.

But when you’re going to buy it, it’s going to be in a tincture form or a powdered capsule.”

The herbs she grows aren’t hard to find on store shelves—many in the form of supplements—but they are expensive.

“I’ll use echinacea, but it was kind of expensive to buy an extract, and echinacea is a great plant during the cold and flu season,” Travioli says. “So, I just learned how it is made.”

Travioli has been a vendor at the Sara

18 • august 17, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

Hardy Downtown Farmers Market in Traverse City and sold her products at restaurants like the Farm Club. She also sells small batches of various crops wholesale to a few customers.

But many orders come from customers in other states. Travioli says an herbalist in New York recently bought all of her milky oats before they were even done growing.

“The population is so small here that even when I was at the market and catering

towards the tourists, [there] still wasn’t enough people here for my product,” the farmer says. “It’s not like somebody would buy a bag of chamomile and they would be out of it in a week, like food.”

Dialing it In The farm (not visible from the road) and roadside stand are located south of Cedar at the base of Leelanau Peninsula off Kasson Road. A large wooden sign lets passersby

know that the farm is “environmentally verified” by the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program. The farm was previously organically certified, but the fees became too much, according to the farmer.

“At one point I was doing lettuce and tomatoes because they’re cash crops in the vegetable world,” Travioli says. “There’s not a whole lot of money in herbs, it’s kind of a secondary thing for a lot of farmers. I’ve just kind of pulled back at this point in my life, so I’m doing fewer varieties.”

Last winter, one of the farm’s greenhouses collapsed due to heavy snow, but Travioli has no plans to replace it. Instead the space will be used to grow flowers that she hopes to keep the deer from eating.

In the past, Heartwood Forest Farm has offered apprenticeships that allowed people to farm a small plot and receive some mentoring from Travioli, but most people would only stick around for one season.

“They learn that it’s hard work and don’t make as much money as they think,” she says. “Right now, I am kind of focusing on the roadside stand and the events here at my farm. I am trying to be better at that. I have always said I’m not a very good roadside stand manager, because that takes attention every day too.”

Learn for Yourself Travioli opens her farm to the public May through September with monthly classes about various agriculture practices

from growing to harvesting. She has coined these Open Farm Days, and the next one is Sept. 4-5, 10 am-5pm to learn about herbal formations (aka how to make oils, salves and extracts). The classes are free.

“I didn’t open the farm or do anything on the farm until the pandemic,” she says.

“I started creating classes just to provide respite for people to come and connect with plants and nature to do a little activity for a couple hours.”

A July class focused on harvesting and using culinary herbs. As Travioli bundled lavender stems into small bunches, she explained to guests how to make simple syrup with lavender. She then served a drink: simple syrup, sparkling water, and lemon.

“I am a big proponent of self-sufficient

herbalism, and making your own herbal products, so that it’s affordable,” she says. “If people want a salve or extract, like a tincture, they can learn how to make those.”

She has mixed feelings about opening her farm up to the public because she enjoys sharing her knowledge about plants with people, but has had issues with “wanderers” coming onto her property at various times unannounced. Still, the good outweighs the bad.

“I do love having people come out,” Travioli says. “I’ve had several customers come out for classes, and they really want to learn.”

Learn more about the heartwoodforestfarm.com.

farm

at

“Michigan depends on the energy Line 5 delivers and in keeping these waters safe. That's why my work matters.

Protecting these lakes is important to me and I think the Great Lakes Tunnel will do that.”

Erica Michigan resident and Enbridge Operations Manager Visit enbridge.com/Erica to watch her video.

Scan to watch

Northern Express Weekly • august 17, 2026 • 19

FIVE YEARS FOR KETCH 22 The Arcadia food truck keeps growing and putting down deeper roots

By Geri Dietze Among food trucks, Ketch 22 in Arcadia is a departure from the norm.

This 26-foot trailer is mobile, but it doesn’t move (unless it’s into winter storage); it’s an order-through-the-window arrangement, but your friendly, efficient servers deliver to the table; it’s situated on a multi-purpose parking lot-turned-patio with seating for 160 patrons, under the sky, in the shade of mature locust trees, and under a very large enclosed canopy; it has an unusually “robust menu,” (think elevated) for a food truck, according to co-owner Jim Stoops; and it serves no alcohol, but patrons are free to BYOB. (Bars and restaurants in Michigan do not need a specific license for patrons to bring their own alcohol, and Stoops says that it is not unusual for patrons to bring their own coolers, wines, and even candles for heightened ambience.)

Jim and Brandy Stoops—he runs the family marine store; she was a senior waitress at Arcadia Bluffs Golf—were not planning on any of this. But in 2021, in addition to the conservancy boardwalk, hiking and biking trails, the nearby marina, and other attractions, they became aware of a major addition to their section of the scenic M-22 corridor with the opening of Arcadia Marsh Preserve, a rare and protected ecosystem of 470 acres known as the Great Lakes Coastal Marsh, one of only 15 or so remaining

coastal marshes along Lake Michigan’s Lower Peninsula shoreline.

At the time, the village did not have a lot of options for hungry travelers, and visitors to Arcadia Marsh would need a landing spot, the Stoops thought. “We thought two people could handle it,” Jim says, but Ketch 22 currently has nine employees, all kept hopping through the summer months and right through fall. (Outdoor heaters make the place cozy no matter the weather.) Jim estimates that the truck will serve 300-400 patrons on a good day during the season.

In a little gem of a place like Arcadia, with a year-round population in the high hundreds, Ketch 22 requires steady support, not only from loyal four-season residents, but also the seasonal homeowners, the boaters at Veteran’s Memorial Marina on Arcadia Lake, and the daily travelers on M-22. It’s a congenial mix and it doesn’t take long to feel like a local, no matter your origin story. There are enthusiastic groups of patrons, for example, who put Ketch 22 on regular rotation, including the Arcadia Valley Girls and the M-22 Cuisine Crawl.

On the Menu This is the kind of menu one would find in a well-established brick and mortar destination, and it just might raise the bar of what’s considered standard truck fare.

(In addition to the posted menu, look for elevated specials and vegan and vegetarian choices.)

20 • august 17, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

First up are the appetizers, which are fresh and healthy, inventive, and satisfying.

Many are hearty enough on their own to build a meal. Choose from Vegan Potstickers, Wisconsin Cheese Curds, Deep Fried Green Beans, Smoked Salmon Dip, Deep Fried Fresh Cauliflower, and Smoked Gouda Bites.

There are also offerings of fries (regular and sweet potato), hummus and chips, and a featured summer salad.

As far as mains go, the number one choice is The Ketch, pan-seared mahi-mahi with arugula and a housemade remoulade sauce—with 17 ingredients—served on a brioche bun. (Mahi-mahi supplies are tight worldwide, but Jim will continue to responsibly source this favorite item, even though prices have much more than doubled over the years. That’s the real catch-22 for the food truck business model: high-quality food with consistent and accessible pricing.)

Another big seller is the walleye sandwich, wild caught in Canadian waters, coated with a special cornmeal-based dry batter. “We go through cases and cases every week,” Jim adds. Walleye also shows up in the Friday Fish Fry. There are even more hearty sandwiches, wraps, and burgers on the blackboard, like the Unsinkable, a tender ciabatta bun topped with mozzarella, tomato, arugula, pesto, and balsamic glaze. Or perhaps you’d opt for the Bacon in the Sun, featuring smoked bacon with tomato, romaine, and mayo on local sourdough.

There’s a bit of a theme to many of the items like the Riptide (marinated pork and smoked ham with Swiss cheese, pickles, and Cuban mustard), the Shipwreck (panroasted turkey, smoky bacon, tomato and spring greens, Muenster cheese, and ranch), and M.O.B., aka Man Overboard (local beef with Swiss and sauteed mushrooms on a brioche bun).

Veggie eaters will like the Landlubber, complete with hummus, black beans, cucumber, tomato, onion, rainbow carrots, spring greens, and feta, all on flatbread with lemon olive oil. The Dinghy is another good choice, as it’s the truck’s take on a black bean burger. Meanwhile, kiddos will love PB&J, mac and cheese, and chicken strips.

And while the food is the main draw, it’s not the only one: the site is a bit of a Stoops family affair, with their son running Bowen’s Creek, offering “Coffee, Crepes, and Conversation,” and the Arcadia Ice House Ice Cream Shoppe, owned by a sister-in-law, serving up shakes, sorbets, hand dipped ice cream in fresh waffle cones, plus more.

Plus, the Ketch 22 site has weekly music on its own stage, and there are special events on-site, like the Minnehaha Brewhaha music festival, held at the end of August.

Future plans include a resort liquor license, a small batch nanobrewery, and a shipping container prep kitchen for wood fired pizza.

Find Ketch 22 at 17015 Northwood Highway in Arcadia. ketch22mi.com

by Joseph beyer

Cookie Queens

If you have a kitchen, get in here!

Spicing up life since 1984 Hours: 10am - 5pm, 7 days a week 10480 SE Torch Lake Rd • aldenmillhouse.com

As a middle-aged man who has never been a Girl Scout, I was probably not the top target audience for the new documentary Cookie Queens, a sweeping portrait of innocence and capitalism that follows a remarkable set of young girls as they navigate the intensity of one cookieselling season. But there I was, sitting in the theater with tears of sadness and joy rolling down my cheeks, for a story about Thin Mints, Samoas, and Peanut Butter Patties. I adored it.

That’s because writer/director Alysa Nahmias and her creative crew not only managed to capture a narrative of iconic American grit, but more importantly a deep-dive into parental love and selflessness, and an exploration of girlhood itself.

Rather than opening with a stodgy predictable history of Girl Scout Cookies (a fundraising project turned into an almost billion-dollar business for the organization dedicated to “building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place”), this documentary drops you right into the action, presenting five unforgettable girls across the country as they engage in a tradition that began in 1917.

Each family is wholly unique and entirely memorable, even as the basic steps of the cookie ritual remain the same: set a goal, make a plan, and don’t give up.

Ara, Shannon, Elizabeth, Nikki, and Olive are the undeniable diverse heroines of this epic journey, and along the way they will steal your hearts as they use their creative energies, struggle with the realities of achieving their goals, and dream about what it means to grow up. And we’re given a front row seat through unprecedented documentary access and luck.

In the business task at hand, the girls are all fierce and talented. In friendship, they are all thoughtful and trusting. In growing up, they are vulnerable and self-aware. In spirit, they are simply unstoppable.

For Traverse City area news and events, visit TraverseTicker.com

Backing them up are the parents and troop leaders, all equally engaging characters in this film of unexpected twists and turns, ups and downs, and raw emotions.

Hungry audiences may be surprised to know that parents must pay for the sometimes thousands of dollars of cookie inventory, even if it remains unsold. And while the annual charm of seeing smiling scouts with pop-up tables in our parking lots is generally good for business, there comes a saturation point as 11,000+ girls compete to sell over three million boxes of cookies, all at the same time.

Eventually, some question fundamental fairness as they learn their troops only receive $1.10 for each $6.00 box sold, provoking them to realize the imbalance of their work and efforts during the grueling six-week sprint and the toll it’s taking on their families.

There are some heavy hitters behind this gem of an independent film, including producers Geralyn Dreyfous with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, among others.

With a lovely score from composer Amanda Jones and some feminist punk tracks mixed in for fun, there’s also a simple elegance to the visual landscape and cinematography that seamlessly bounces us around the country as we follow the sub-plots.

Far from being a feel-good stunt piece or a rah-rah-rah for the GSUSA, which did not originally participate in the production but was later won over by its honesty, Cookie Queens left me with a buoyant sense of optimism for the future. I hope you seek it out and feel that delicious gladness for yourself.

After premiering at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, artisanal distributor Roadside Attractions has Cookie Queens in limited theatrical release at our local AMC, with VOD expected next month. Rated G and running 91 minutes, the film is not only appropriate for the family to watch together—it should stimulate some true quality time (with or without cookies).

2 0 2 6

From Rock to Blues, Country to Classical— — Legends Play Here.

The Rock Orchestra

AUG

30

interlochen.org/tickets Northern Express Weekly • august 17, 2026 • 21

aug 15

Center, TC. Join for a conversation with Saturday selected artists from the upcoming “Cherry NORTHWESTERN MICHI-

GAN FAIR: Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds, TC, Aug. 9-15. Today includes the 4-H Awards Program, Celebration of Champions, Senior Recognition, 4-H fun classes, Fair Queen Pageant, Tough Trucks, & much more. northwesternmichiganfair.net/events ---------------------------------36TH ANNUAL FRANKFORT COLLECTOR CAR SHOW: 9am-2:30pm, Mineral Springs Park, Frankfort. frankfort-elberta.com ---------------------------------CHARLEVOIX SUMMER SIDEWALK SALES: 9am-6pm, downtown Charlevoix.

---------------------------------LOGAN’S 5K COLOR RUN: 9am, Cadillac City Park. This run benefits the family of Logan Wangler. Logan is an active 14-year-old who was recently diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare & aggressive cancer. $32; increases after Aug. 13. runsignup.com/Race/ Events/MI/Cadillac/LoganS5KColorRun ---------------------------------2026 HDSA TEAM HOPE WALK: 10am, The Elks Lodge, TC. The Midwest Region of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America will host the 2026 HDSA Traverse City Team Hope Walk. Registration starts at 9am. hdsa.org ---------------------------------39TH ANNUAL RUBBER DUCKY FESTIVAL: Downtown Bellaire, Aug. 14-15. Today includes “Quackapalooza,” teen games & dunk tank, Art & Craft Show, Merchant Sidewalk Sales, Annual Community BBQ, Ice Cream Social & live music, & more. bellairechamber.org/rubber-ducky-festival ---------------------------------FRANKFORT ART FAIR: 10am-4pm, Market Square Park, Frankfort. A juried fine arts show.

---------------------------------GRAND TRAVERSE BAY SUMMER ART & CRAFT SHOW: 10am-5pm, GT County Civic Center lawns, TC. Jewelry, woodwork, pottery & more. Free admission. facebook. com/daniellesblueribboneventsllc ---------------------------------KCHI WIIKWEDONG ANISHINAABEK MAAWNJIDOWIN TRADITIONAL POWWOW: 10am, 2585 Waabno Makwa Rd., Peshawbestown. facebook.com/ events/2211885182950138 ---------------------------------KIERSTEN’S RIDE: 10am-4pm, Chandler Hills Campground, Boyne Falls. Horseback ride/bike/walk/ORV. Bringing help, hope, & healing through suicide prevention programs in northern lower Michigan. Register. $0-$25. eventbrite.com/e/14th-annual-kierstens-ride-fundraiser-registration-19898609 24591?aff=oddtdtcreator ---------------------------------NATURE SKETCHING & JOURNALING: 10am, Glen Lake Community Library, Empire. Join the Sleeping Bear Nature Journaling Group for their monthly gathering, led by artist & environmentalist Penny Krebiehl.

Bring pens/pencils, sketching pads, water, etc. Dress appropriately for the weather with comfortable walking shoes. glenlakelibrary.net ---------------------------------OUTDOOR CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW: 10am, The Village at GT Commons, Front Lawn, TC. Browse 90+ Michigan vendors offering art, jewelry, crafts, food & more. Free. thevillagetc.com/events ---------------------------------ART IN THE BARN: 11am-4pm. Northern Michigan artist Douglas Racich welcomes you to a studio open house in his historic 1870s Leelanau County barn near Omena.

Featuring original egg tempera & watercolor artwork. leelanauprints.com ---------------------------------ARTIST TALK: 11am, Crooked Tree Arts

State of Mind” exhibition. crookedtree.org/ events-and-exhibitionsevents/?page=1&loc ation=traverse-city#class-list ---------------------------------IN-STORE BOOK SIGNING: 1-3pm, Horizon Books, TC. Author John Wemlinger will sign his book “Finding Innocence.” horizonbooks.com/events/calendar ---------------------------------DISNEY’S FINDING NEMO KIDS: 2pm & 5pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. $15. oldtownplayhouse.com ---------------------------------HIGH SUMMER PARTY: 3-6pm, Somebody’s Gallery, Petoskey. Music, snacks, wine, artists to chat with, & many beautiful things to look at! Free. somebodysgallery.com ---------------------------------BOOKS TO THE BIG SCREEN: 4pm, The Garden Theater, Frankfort. A free screening of “Jurassic Park.” Read the book first & join the discussion at the Benzie Shores District Library on Aug. 13 at 4pm, or just go for the popcorn & dinosaurs! gardentheater.org/ comingsoon ---------------------------------THE SERIES AT LAVENDER HILL FARM: WEST TEXAS EXILES: Lavender Hill Farm, Boyne City. Catch this Americanadriven band rooted in the wide-open landscapes of the Lone Star State. The Local Ground show with Denning & Johnson starts at 6pm. The West Texas Exiles perform at 7:30pm. $34.50-$49.50. lavenderhillfarm.com/the-series ---------------------------------FLO RIDA WSG COOPER ALAN: 7-10:30pm, Little River Casino Resort, The Outdoor Venue, Manistee. American rapper & singer Flo Rida is known for global charttopping, feel-good dance-pop & hip-hop anthems like his 2007 breakout hit “Low,” “Right Round” & “My House.” Cooper Alan brings fearless creativity & unfiltered authenticity to country music. The release of his debut full-length album “WinstonSalem” is due Nov. 7. $75. lrcr.com/event/ flo-rida-wsg-cooper-alan ---------------------------------SATURDAYS IN THE PARK: NMC SUMMER JAZZ BAND: 7pm, GT County Civic Center, Amphitheater, TC. TC’s college jazz program featuring local pro musicians. Free; donations welcome. scullytour.com ---------------------------------AKROPOLIS REED QUINTET: “AMERICA250”: 7:30pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. This GRAMMY Award-winning quintet is five reed players & entrepreneurs who are pioneers of a new genre of classical music - the reed quintet. $25-$30. theoperahouse.org ---------------------------------LEGENDS REVISITED PRESENTS THE WORLD’S GREATEST TRIBUTE TO THE TRAVELING WILBURYS: 7:30pm, City Opera House, TC. A tribute to the supergroup of all supergroups; The Traveling Wilburys: George Harrison, Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, Jeff Lynne & Bob Dylan. Enjoy an evening filled with awesome lights, sound, video & audience participation. $44-$64. cityoperahouse.org/events/traveling-wilburys ---------------------------------MUSIC IN MACKINAW: 8pm, Conkling Heritage Park, Mackinaw City. Enjoy traditional, modern country with Rachel Brooke.

---------------------------------STAR PARTY & CANDLELIGHT HIKE: 9pm, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Dune Climb. Join the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society for public stargazing. Free program; park entrance pass required. nps.gov/planyourvisit/eventdetails.htm?id=C06A8880-D510-A661C2FF9BF78DCDEC40

22 • august 17, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

august

15-23 send your dates to: events@traverseticker.com

Hang on to summer’s outdoor music a little longer with Music Under the Pines! Pass the hat for South American jazz with Benjamin Swings at 6pm, followed by roots rockin’ Americana with Bob Streit at 7pm, Thurs., Aug. 20 at Twisted Fish Art Gallery, Elk Rapids. Bring a picnic and a blanket or chairs.

aug 16

Sunday GRAND TRAVERSE BAY

SUMMER ART & CRAFT SHOW: (See Sat., Aug. 15) --------------------KCHI WIIKWEDONG ANISHINAABEK MAAWNJIDOWIN TRADITIONAL POWWOW: (See Sat., Aug. 15) ---------------------------------ART IN THE BARN: (See Sat., Aug. 15) ---------------------------------FERNSTOCK MUSIC FESTIVAL: 1:305:30pm, The GT Circuit, TC. This inaugural event is The Fernwood Neighborhood Festival of Music, Hotdogs & Peace. Includes a classic Fernwood Potluck. Musicians include The Ampersands, i.am.james, & A to Z. Free. fernwoodtc.org/fernstock ---------------------------------CADILLAC FOOTLITERS THEATRE AUDITIONS: 2-5pm, The “Clubhouse,” 3841 Walker Ave., Cadillac. Audition for “Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really.” Featuring a gender-bending, flexible cast of up to ten adults. cadillacfootliters.com ---------------------------------SUNDAY MUSIC IN THE PARK: DOUBLE PLAY: 4-6pm, Marina Park, Harbor Springs.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

---------------------------------PETOSKEY’S BAYSIDE MUSIC SERIES: STORY & JAMES: 5-7pm, Bayfront Park, Petoskey.

---------------------------------FILM SCREENING: THE WRECK OF THE J. HAZARD HARTZELL: 7pm, Elberta Heritage Center. This film re-creates the rescue of the crew from the J. Hazard Hartzell, a rescue that went down in history as one of

the most heroic & challenging of the United States Life Saving Service. Filmmaker Rich Brauer will join to screen the film in the original 16mm version. Free. elbertalaborheritagecenter.org/event/film-screening-the-wreck-and-rescue-of-the-schoonerj-hazard-hartzell

aug 17

monday THINKING CREATIVELY:

aug 18

tuesday WILDFLOWER

3:30pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Staff helps teens & adults make a vintage style floral postcard in a frame. Materials provided. RSVP. Free.

---------------------------------CADILLAC FOOTLITERS THEATRE AUDITIONS: (See Sun., Aug. 16, except tonight’s auditions are from 6-9pm.)

---------------------------------BAY VIEW MONDAY NIGHT MOVIES: 7:30-10pm, Bay View Association, Voorhies Hall, Petoskey. Featuring “The Friend.” Free.

WALK: 10:30am, Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Take a leisurely stroll through the scenic trails of Grass River Natural Area alongside knowledgeable docent Lyn Petty. Discover the variety of wildflowers & learn to identify their unique beauty. Keep an ear out for the melodies of the birds that call Grass River home. Free; donations appreciated. grassriver.org ----------------------------------

MEET & GREET WITH MARTIN SORGE: 1-3pm, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey. Martin celebrates his book, “Great Bakes: Modern Classic Recipes From the Midwest.” Sorge was crowned the winner of the Great American Baking Show in 2023. mcleanandeakin.com/event/2026-08-18/ martin-sorge-great-bakes ---------------------------------GARDEN CLASSIC MOVIES: “TO CATCH A THIEF”: 6pm, The Garden Theater, Frankfort. Free. gardentheater.org/comingsoon ---------------------------------AUDITIONS FOR “THE THANKSGIVING PLAY”: 7pm, The MATCH, Cherryland Center, TC. Actors are paid a stipend per performance. Please see web site to learn more about auditions & to read the play online. solsticetheatre.company ---------------------------------SOUND OF MUSIC: 7pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. A concert featuring Genna & Jesse, an Americana duo known for rich harmonies with blending of soul, jazz, folk & vintage pop. Pack a picnic & chairs or a blanket. Free.

---------------------------------BLUE COUCH JAZZ SERIES: 7:30pm, The Bohemian Social Club, City Opera House, TC. Enjoy The Will Unger Quartet featuring Bill Sears, Jose Valenzuela & Jack Dryden.

Performing, Aug. 4, 11 & 18. Series tickets for $75 or a $30 suggested donation at door each evening, pending availability. cityoperahouse.org/events/blue-couch-jazzseries-%40-the-bohemian-social-club ---------------------------------CHARLEVOIX CITY BAND CONCERT: 8pm, East Park, downtown Charlevoix.

---------------------------------STRAITS AREA CONCERT BAND: 8pm, Conkling Heritage Park, Mackinaw City.

aug 19

wednesday TRAVERSE CITY FOOD &

WINE: Aug. 19-23. Today features the Art of Home Espresso; Weds. at the Open Space Demo Kitchen A Farmers Market Morning; Pintxos & Pours Passport Experience; The Four Seasons: A Traverse Wine Journey; Opening Night Patio Party & much more. Visit web site for tickets & more info. Events are selling out quickly. tickets.traversecityfoodandwine.com/events ---------------------------------MARSH WILDFLOWER HIKE: 10am. Enjoy a walk along the universally accessible boardwalk at the Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve. Volunteer leader Paula Dreeszen will highlight the colorful array of marsh wildflowers during peak blooming & butterfly viewing season. Free. gtrlc.my.salesforce-sites.com/ es/event/home/springwildflower081926 ---------------------------------HOW DO YOU DIG A DINOSAUR? WITH PALEONTOLOGIST ASHLEY HALL: 10:30am, North Park Pavilion, Suttons Bay. Paleontologist & children’s book author Ashley Hall presents an exciting, educational, & engaging presentation for all ages. Free. sbbdl.org ---------------------------------EVENINGS AT THE GAZEBO: DAVID LAWSTON: 6-8pm, Old City Park Gazebo, Boyne City.

---------------------------------LINE DANCING: 6pm, Castle Farms, Charlevoix. Start the evening with line dancing lessons from Tip-Of-The-Mitt Wild Soul, & then stick around for open dancing featuring country favorites & more. $5. castlefarms. com/events/line-dancing ---------------------------------AUDITIONS FOR “THE THANKSGIVING PLAY”: (See Tues., Aug. 18)

MUSIC ON THE MOUNTAIN: JOE TAYLOR: 7-9pm, The Homestead Resort, atop the ski hill, Glen Arbor. Catch this Grammynominated contemporary jazz guitarist.

Tickets range from $0-$22. tickettailor.com/ events/musiconthemountain/2192953 ---------------------------------POLLINATORS OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN: 7pm, Mills Community House, Benzonia. Emily Umbarger, sustainability director & instructor of agricultural sciences at Interlochen Center for the Arts, will discuss the diverse pollinators of northern Michigan & their essential roles in local ecosystems.

Free. PlantItWild.net

aug 20

thursday AIR PRESENTATION - RA-

CHEL MENTZER: 10am, Glen Arbor Arts Center.

Ohio artist Rachel Mentzer finds inspiration in the Leelanau Peninsula. During her Glen Arbor Arts Center artist residency, Mentzer will look to the light, textures, & forms of the Sleeping Bear Dunes to create a series of intaglio collagraph printing plates. She will describe her process today. Free. glenarborart.org ---------------------------------COFFEE @ TEN, PETOSKEY: 10am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Gilbert Gallery, Petoskey. “The Elusive Practice of Framing Motion” with Peter Sparling, Rudolf Arnheim Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of Dance and Arthur F. Thurnau Professor Emeritus of Dance at University of Michigan.

Free. crookedtree.org/events-and-exhibitions/events/?page=1&location=petoskey#c lass-list ---------------------------------TRAVERSE CITY FOOD & WINE: Aug. 1923. Today features From Mill to Table: Baking with Whole & Stone-Ground Grains with Martin Sorge; Brew Better Coffee At Home; Old vs. New Wine Tasting; The Scavenger Hunt at French Valley Vineyard; NWS: A Conversation with Ruth Reichl; Which Wine Are You? & much more. Visit web site for tickets & more info. Events are selling out quickly. tickets.traversecityfoodandwine.com/events ---------------------------------HIGHLANDS & BROADSWORDS: 1-2:30pm, Mills Community House, Benzonia. Presented by the Swordsmanship Museum and Academy. First a presentation by educator & founder, Jerry Berg, on the history of combat in the Scottish Highlands. No RSVP required & all ages welcome. Session 2 will again be led by Jerry Berg & is a handson class with the Scottish Basket Hilt. This session is limited to 20 participants & is for ages 15+. Reserve your spot. Free. eventbrite.com/e/highlands-and-broadswordstickets-1986034095442?aff=oddtdtcreator ---------------------------------MEET & GREET WITH PETER SPARLING: 1-3pm, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey. Peter celebrates his book “Martha Graham Dance Company 100 Years.” mcleanandeakin.com/event/2026-08-20/ peter-sparling-martha-graham-dance-company-100-years ---------------------------------MOVIE MATINEE: “THE GOOD DINOSAUR”: 1pm, Bellaire Public Library.

---------------------------------EKPHRASTIC READING - SUMMER 2026: 5:30-7pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, TC. Join for an evening of creative expression as writers, poets & storytellers share original pieces inspired by the artwork currently on view in the galleries. crookedtree.org/events-and-exhibitions/events/?page=1&location=traversecity#class-list ---------------------------------MORE GIRLS ON BIKES - SMOOTHIE RUN: 6pm, Norte Clubhouse, GT Civic Cen-

A TALK ON CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

PROGRESS IS INEVITABLE: IT BEGINS WITH VISION Saturday, August 22 at 3:00 p.m.

Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey

FO R SC A N E IN FO MOR

Fears and obstacles dissolve in amazing ways as we gain a clearer understanding that life and reality are of God. Public Welcome! www.cspetoskey.org

Northern Express Weekly • august 17, 2026 • 23

ter, TC. This opportunity is designed to empower girls (4th grade & up), young women, & women of all ages. Free. norteyouthcycling.org/calendar ---------------------------------MUSIC UNDER THE PINES OUTDOOR CONCERT: 6pm, Twisted Fish Gallery, Elk Rapids. Featuring the music of Benjamin Furman, international jazz, & Bob Streit, Americana. Bring lawn chairs & picnics.

Free; donation. twistedfishgallery.com/event/ music-under-the-pines-outdoor-concert-featuring-benjamin-furman-bob-streit ---------------------------------HARBOR SPRINGS STREET MUSIQUE: FINALE WITH THE LOCALS: 6:30-8:30pm, downtown Harbor Springs, corner of State & Main streets. Featuring The Marsupials, SAXU4IA, Bill Wilson & Lynne Demoor, Evan Archambo, face painting with Elixir Art Studio, & Magic by Jania.

---------------------------------“YOUNG HEMINGWAY IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN”: 7pm, Little Traverse Historical Museum, Petoskey. The Little Traverse Historical Society announces this evening history program by former Hemingway Society president Mike Federspiel. Free.

---------------------------------CONCERTS ON THE LAWN: K. JONES & THE BENZIE PLAYBOYS: 7pm, GT Pavilions, TC. Free. gtpavilions.org/newsevents/2026-concerts-on-the-lawn ---------------------------------EAGLES WITH DR. CARL PALOZZOLO: 7pm, Glen Lake Community Library, Empire.

Carl has been a wildlife veterinarian for over 48 years, & will discuss his new book “The Comeback of our National Symbol in Michigan.” He’ll share his stunning photographs of bald eagles, & discuss their biology, along with the unique challenges in providing their medical care. Proceeds of book sales will support eagle rehabilitation efforts. Dr. Palazzolo will be joined by Francie Krawcke of Michigan Avian Experience - & a special guest, a rehabilitated eagle! glenlakelibrary.net ---------------------------------LIVE ON THE LAKE CONCERT SERIES: JULIANNE ANKLEY: 7-9pm, East Park, downtown Charlevoix. Free. charlevoixmi. gov/533/Live-on-the-Lake-Concert-Series

aug 21

friday UNP SENIOR COFFEE

MORNING: 8:30am, The Crows Nest Meeting Room, 3rd floor of Commongrounds, TC. Enjoy a cup of Higher Grounds coffee with the monthly LGBTQ+ Seniors Coffee Morning. Free. upnorthpride.com/events ---------------------------------TRAVERSE CITY FOOD & WINE: Aug. 1923. Today features Seed to Cup; Susan’s Picks: Favorite 5; Lakeview Hill Farm’s Field to Table Experience; Fire, Water, Earth & Air: An Elemental Wine & Food Pairing; Beer vs. Wine Showdown; The World at the Table - Aarti Sequeira & Sarah Bobier, & much more. Visit web site for tickets & more info.

Events are selling out quickly. tickets.traversecityfoodandwine.com/events ---------------------------------NATIONAL COHO SALMON FESTIVAL: Homestead Ball Field, Honor, Aug. 21-22.

Today includes a carnival, vendors & farmer’s market, wood carving contest begins, cornhole tournament, live music by The Wax & more. facebook.com/HonorCohoSalmonFestival/posts/-the-countdown-is-on-the2026-national-coho-salmon-festival-is-almost-here-and-w/1031315046197768 ---------------------------------MEET & GREET WITH JILLIAN LAINE: 1-3pm, McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey. Jillian celebrates her first novel

“Henry Tudor Must Die.” England’s most infamous queens set out to reclaim their story & unite in vengeance against Henry VIII. mcleanandeakin.com/event/2026-08-21/ jillian-laine-henry-tudor-must-die ---------------------------------CAMP KENSINGTON - FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT & CAMPOUT: 6pm, Kensington Church, TC. Enjoy dinner together, search for clues during a family scavenger hunt, hear a message from Mark Bjorlo (TC lead pastor), & see a movie under the stars with popcorn & candy. You can stay for the evening or make it a full-on overnight campout adventure with breakfast included. Bring tents, sleeping bags & lawn chairs if you’d like. $10 per family. profile.kensingtonchurch.org/pag e/576?EventOccurrenceId=2850 ---------------------------------RED DRIVE CONCERT SERIES: TED BOUNTY & THE BOUNTY HUNTERS: 6-8pm, The Village at GT Commons, Village Piazza, TC. Featuring Delilah DeWylde.

Free. thevillagetc.com ---------------------------------UNP GAME NIGHT: 6pm, The Commongrounds, TC. Join Up North Pride for a monthly game night. Try out a new game, play a classic favorite, or bring a game of your own! All ages welcome. Free.

---------------------------------DOWNTOWN GAYLORD SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: 7-9pm, Claude Shannon Park, Gaylord. Featuring MotorCity Memories.

---------------------------------NORTHPORT MUSIC IN THE PARK: BROOM CLOSET BOYS: 7-9pm, Kent Holton Pavilion, Marina Park, Northport.

---------------------------------GLADYS KNIGHT: 7:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium.

This seven-time GRAMMY Award winner has enjoyed #1 hits in pop, gospel, R&B, & adult contemporary, & has triumphed in film, television, & live performance. Knight has recorded more than 38 albums, including “Good Woman” & “At Last.” Tickets start at $58. interlochen.org/events/gladysknight-2026-08-21 ---------------------------------MUSIC IN MACKINAW: GREAT LAKES IRISH: 8pm, Conkling Heritage Park, Mackinaw City.

aug 22

saturday BENZIE PETE MOSS IN-

VITE OPEN 5K RACE: 8am, 9300 Homestead Rd., Benzonia. $10. runsignup.com/ Race/Events/MI/Benzonia/ BenziePeteMossInviteOpenRace ---------------------------------MADE IN CHEBOYGAN CRAFT SHOWS: 10am-6pm, Washington Park, downtown Cheboygan. More than 30 crafters & artists will be displaying jewelry, stuffed animals, blankets, home decor, wooden signs, fresh desserts & much more. facebook.com/madeincheboygan ---------------------------------NATIONAL COHO SALMON FESTIVAL: Homestead Ball Field, Honor, Aug. 21-22.

Today includes the Coho Bed Race, bagpipes, Hometown Parade, car show, petting zoo, lumberjack shows, live music by Jelly Roll Blues Band & Split Decision, & much more. facebook.com/HonorCohoSalmonFestival/posts/-the-countdown-is-on-the2026-national-coho-salmon-festival-is-almost-here-and-w/1031315046197768 ---------------------------------TRAVERSE CITY FOOD & WINE: Aug. 19-23. Today features Taste Coffee Like a Pro; Golden Hour Wagon Tour at French Valley Vineyard; The Grand Tasting; Silk Roads Flavor Odyssey with Anna Ansari at Aerie & much more. Visit web site for

24 • august 17, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

tickets & more info. Events are selling out quickly. tickets.traversecityfoodandwine. com/events ---------------------------------TUNNEL OF TREES ART TRAIL: Celebrate local art & artists along & near the Tunnel of Trees from Harbor Springs to Cross Village in a multi-faceted, family-friendly event. Over 70 artists participating. Maps are available at all galleries in Harbor Springs & the Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce.

Free. goodhartartistresidency.org/tunnelof-trees-art-trail ---------------------------------DISNEY’S FINDING NEMO KIDS: 2pm & 5pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. $15. oldtownplayhouse.com ---------------------------------MEET LOCAL AUTHOR GRETCHEN ROSE: 3-5pm, Glen Lake Community Library, Empire. Gretchen has two recently published middle grade adventure books.

The award-winning author will read from her books. Both new titles, “Dune Dragons & the Fairies of the Lake” & “The Jingu Magical Garden” will be available for sale & signing. glenlakelibrary.net ---------------------------------“COLDWATER KITCHEN” - FILM, DINNER & DISCUSSION WITH THE FILMMAKERS: 6pm, City Opera House, TC. Presented by Traverse City Food & Wine. This James Beard Foundation Award-winning documentary shares a story about the power of cooking, connection & comeback. For 30 years, chef Jimmy Lee Hill has run a highly regarded culinary training program out of a prison in Coldwater, MI, offering incarcerated men a renewed sense of purpose through the craft of fine dining. See the documentary & enjoy a conversation with the filmmaker & film stars, along with a dessert prepared by the men whose stories are told in the movie. Tickets start at $11.80. tickets.traversecityfoodandwine. com/events/2026/coldwater-kitchen ---------------------------------THE SERIES AT LAVENDER HILL FARM: DAMN TALL BUILDINGS: Lavender Hill Farm, Boyne City. Enjoy this Brooklynbased, folk-bluegrass trio. Local Ground artist Ricky Hill opens at 6pm & is known for his unique takes on a wide range of genres & artists, from Louis Armstrong to Taylor Swift. Damn Tall Buildings take the stage at 7:30pm. $34.50-$49.50. lavenderhillfarm.com/individual-show-tickets ---------------------------------THE ACCIDENTALS FAMGROVE FESTIVAL: 6:30pm, Interlochen Bowl. Wsg Emma Zinck, Joanne Shaw Taylor, The Burney Sisters, & A to Z Music. The Accidentals’ sound moves between indie rock, folk, pop, & orchestral textures. Tickets start at $28. interlochen.org/events/accidentals-famgrove-festival-2026-08-22 ---------------------------------DANCE LEGENDS: LITTLE TRAVERSE BAY CELEBRATES GRAHAM100: 7pm, Bay View Association, John M. Hall Auditorium, Petoskey. Presented by Crooked Tree Arts Center School of Ballet. Celebrate an artistic legend, a radical activist, & a pioneer of modern dance: Martha Graham. $5-$50. crookedtree.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/ neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Feve nts%2F49800 ---------------------------------SATURDAYS IN THE PARK: METRO SOUL BAND: 7pm, GT County Civic Center, Amphitheater, TC. Authentic Motown, funk, pop, & rock. Free; donations welcome. scullytour.com ---------------------------------MUSIC IN MACKINAW: KELLY MILLER: 8pm, Conkling Heritage Park, Mackinaw City.

Enjoy country & pop music.

aug 23

sunday FORMULA 1 FREE WATCH

PARTIES: NETHERLANDS: 9am, The Bay Community Theatre, Suttons Bay. Experience races on the big screen! Includes Formula 1 games. Doors open an hour before the start of each race. thebaytheatre.org/home-page ---------------------------------TRAVERSE CITY FOOD & WINE: TC. Aug. 19-23. Today features Savor the Season: Brunch Sail with Chateau Chantal; Slow Sunday Lunch feat. Chef Tony Vu’s Viet Cajun Low Country Boil & much more. Visit web site for tickets & more info. Events are selling out quickly. tickets.traversecityfoodandwine. com/events ---------------------------------MADE IN CHEBOYGAN CRAFT SHOWS: (See Sat., Aug. 22, except today’s time is 11am-3pm.)

---------------------------------CASTLE FARMS BAND BATTLE: 1pm, Castle Farms, Charlevoix. Five of northern Michigan’s top bands will compete live for a $500 cash prize & an $800 featured performance in March 2027. $15-$25. castlefarms. com/events/castle-farms-band-battle ---------------------------------A SYMPHONIC CELEBRATION OF HOME: 4pm, City Opera House, TC. Tony Manfredonia joins forces with the Northern Symphonic Winds & a powerhouse string group for an evening of powerful pieces inspired by the natural beauty of our state. $20-$30. cityoperahouse.org/events/usahome ---------------------------------PETOSKEY’S BAYSIDE MUSIC SERIES: MICHELLE CHENARD: 5-7pm, Bayfront Park, Petoskey.

ongoing BOYNE CITY’S STROLL THE STREETS:

Downtown Boyne City. Held Fridays from 6-9pm through Sept. 4. Enjoy live music, children’s activities, & much more.

---------------------------------LELAND COMMUNITY SUNDAY NIGHT SING: Sundays, 7:30pm through Aug. at Leland Country Club. A summer tradition for over 100 years. Join to sing your favorites with scores of your closest friends. “Leelanau, Leelanau, land that I love!” facebook. com/share/g/1BXL9Pu9bo ---------------------------------NORTE: BIKES FOR ALL: Tuesdays, 10:3011:30am through Aug. at Norte Clubhouse, GT Civic Center, TC. Open to anyone, regardless of age or ability. Offering adaptive bikes specially modified to accommodate individuals with special needs, disabilities, or mobility challenges, so that everyone can enjoy the thrill of riding. norteyouthcycling.org ---------------------------------PROTEST ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE AGAINST PALESTINE: Grandview Parkway + Union St., TC. Israel continues committing brutal genocide in Gaza & stealing more Palestinian land in the West Bank. Elected leaders are owned by Israel as the Epstein files show. It’s up to ordinary people to insist on justice. Stand together every Sat. at 11am. mideastjustpeace.net ---------------------------------BALANCE BIKE MEET UPS (ER): Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30am through Aug., Rotary Park, Elk Rapids. Held for first-time riders.

These low-key, drop-in affairs are fun for everyone. No need to bring your bike; Norte has plenty to lend out. For riders ages 2-5. norteyouthcycling.org/calendar/balancebike-meet-ups-traverse-city-7z4k7-ps3n57xkbm-je4by-3g2fj

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BALANCE BIKE MEET UPS (TC): Wednesdays, 10:30am-11:30am through Aug., Norte Clubhouse, GT Civic Center, TC. Held for first-time riders. These low-key, drop-in affairs are fun for everyone. No need to bring your bike; Norte has plenty to lend out. For riders ages 2-5. norteyouthcycling.org/calendar/balance-bike-meet-ups-traverse-city7z4k7-ps3n5-7xkbm-je4by-3g2fj

art THE FLOW OF THE RIVER- KRISTEN

EGAN SOLO EXHIBIT: Runs Aug. 15 - Sept.

1 at Higher Art Gallery, TC. Help welcome back Gourd sculptor, Kristen Egan in her 6th Solo Exhibit here. higherartgallery.com ---------------------------------GREAT NORTHERN ART EXPLOSION: AuSable Artisan Village, Grayling. Featuring incredible artwork from around the world.

Runs Aug. 21 - Sept. 6. An opening reception will be held on Aug. 21 from 6-8pm. A Closing Award Ceremony will be held on Sept. 6 at 2pm. See web site for hours. Free. artisanvillage.org/event/2026-greatnorthernartexplosion ---------------------------------“FOR THE BIRDS” ART EXHIBITION: Leelanau Twp. Library, Northport. Featuring local & international artists whose work explores diversity among birds & their importance to our shared ecosystem. Runs through Sept.

18. See web site for hours. leelanautownshiplibrary.org/team-1 ---------------------------------ROOTS: Jordan River Arts Council, East Jordan. This exhibition explores history, heritage, & the experiences that define us. The works reflect personal, cultural, family, & environmental connections—examining how traditions, places, & pivotal moments influence identity & creativity. Runs through Aug. 29. jordanriverarts.com ---------------------------------CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETOSKEY: - IN MOTION: MAKING ART DANCE: Held in Gilbert Gallery. A juried exhibition of movement inspired visual art pieces, sharing works that address questions such as, “How do artists today show the energy of moving bodies in paintings, sculptures, or films?” Runs through Sept. 5. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/events-and-exhibitions/exhibits/in-motion.html - CROOKED TREE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY: Held in Atrium Gallery. This summer exhibition features recent work by members of the Crooked Tree Photographic Society.

Featuring intricate details from nature, evocative scenes & moments, & creatively constructed compositions. Runs through Sept.

5. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/ events-and-exhibitions/exhibits/crookedtree-photographic-society.html - “MODERN MOVEMENT: MARTHA GRAHAM & BARBARA MORGAN”: Held in Bonfield Gallery. Featuring original Barbara Morgan photographs of Graham & her company in the 1930s & 40s. Runs through Oct. See web site for hours. crookedtree. org/events-and-exhibitions/exhibits/modern-movement.html ---------------------------------CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, TC: - CHERRY STATE OF MIND: Held in Cornwell Gallery through Aug. 22. This exhibit celebrates the 100th anniversary of the National Cherry Festival & honors the fruit that has helped define northern Michigan’s landscape, economy & identity for generations.

Artist talk on Aug. 15 at 11am & ekphrastic reading on Aug. 20 from 5:30-7pm. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/events-andexhibitions/exhibits/cherry-state-of-mind.html - CONTAINER: Held in Carnegie Galleries.

This exhibit explores the many meanings of

containment through both sculptural & twodimensional works. Runs through Aug. 22.

An Ekphrastic Reading happens on Aug. 20 from 5:30-7pm. Check web site for hours. crookedtree.org/events-and-exhibitions/exhibits/container.html - PAINT GRAND TRAVERSE: EXTENDED EXHIBIT: Held in Cornwell & Carnegie Galleries. Experience the beauty of northern Michigan through the eyes of 31 acclaimed plein air artists from across the country.

This extended exhibit features a selection of available artwork created during Paint Grand Traverse 2026. Runs through Aug. 22. See web site for hours. crookedtree. org/events-and-exhibitions/exhibits/pgtextended-exhibit.html ---------------------------------DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC: - XAVI BOU: “ECHOES OF FLIGHT”: Artist Xavi Bou invites visitors to reconsider how we see the natural world—& how that way of seeing shapes our relationship to it. This exhibition bridges art, science, & environmental awareness through Bou’s innovative use of digital chronophotography. Runs through Sept. 6. See web site for hours. dennosmuseum.org/art/upcoming-exhibitions - CAROLINE MONNET: “THIS OLD HOUSE IS ALL WE HAVE”: Through the interplay of image & object, Monnet foregrounds the deep entanglement of economy, development, & the natural environment. The exhibition serves as a reminder that economic prosperity & urban expansion have historically been built upon the exploitation of land & the Indigenous peoples who have lived in relationship with it for generations. Runs through Sept. 6. See web site for hours. dennosmuseum.org/art/upcoming-exhibitions - “AMERICANS”: This is a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street & the National Museum of the American Indian, which explores how deeply intertwined American Indians are in the culture of the United States. Runs through Sept. 6. See web site for hours. dennosmuseum.org/art/ upcoming-exhibitions ---------------------------------GLEN ARBOR ARTS CENTER: - POETIC VISIONS OF PORT ONEIDA: PAINTING AND POEMS THAT REIMAGINE: Held in the Lobby Gallery. Enjoy this series of oil paintings & corresponding poems created by Grand Traverse County artist Wendy McWhorter. Runs through Aug. 27.

GAAC is open Mon. through Fri., 9am-3pm; & Sat. & Sun., noon-4pm. glenarborart.org/ product/exhibit-poetic-visions-of-port-oneida - “TAKING FLIGHT”: Invitational group exhibition featuring the works of Shanny Brooke (paintings), Cynthia Marks (ceramic vessels) & Michelle Tock York (mixed media sculpture). Runs Aug. 21 - Oct. 29. An opening reception will be held on Aug. 21 from 5-7pm.

See web site for hours. glenarborart.org/ product/exhibit-taking-flight ---------------------------------OLIVER ART CENTER, FRANKFORT: - MY MICHIGAN: Michigan artists Rick Koehler & Stan Myers capture that Up North feeling with contemporary works in oil & watercolor. Viewers will find classic vistas, whimsical local scenes, & a deep appreciation for My Michigan. Runs through Sept. 11.

Hours are Mon-Sat: 10am-4pm; Sun: noon4pm. oliverart.org - NANCY FOSTER RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION: “THREADS OF LIFE”: Nancy’s paintings have been exhibited throughout the western & midwestern United States. Travel across America through Foster’s eyes: taking in humble midwestern landscapes, romantic landscapes of the Great Lakes, the edges & shadows of urban Chicago, & the majesty of nature from Michigan to the west coast. Exhibit runs through Aug. 21. See web site for hours. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org

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lOGY

AUG 17 - AUG 23

BY ROB BREZSNY

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In traditional textile making, the

selvage is the strong edge that holds the fabric together and keeps it from unraveling. It’s braided more tightly than the rest so it can do its guarding work. I think that’s a helpful metaphor for your life in the coming weeks, Leo. Your main weave is pretty gorgeous, but the edges aren't sufficiently taut. What should you do, practically speaking? For starters, create firm boundaries around your work time, your rest, and your availability to others' demands.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): I am nursing a

hopeful dream that you will give yourself a fun surprise or two in the coming days—maybe even more than two. Not necessarily the most expensive delights, but those that would inspire your nervous system to relax and your spirit to celebrate. Possible options: a few hours of free time with no obligations, a hike where you adore and praise the sky, a conversation you’ve been craving, a daring yes, or a long-overdue no. Or how about finally starting a fun project you keep postponing, or setting down a burden you’ve been carrying for too long? You might ask yourself: “If someone who loved me dearly were in charge of my rhythm, what would they arrange for me?”

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The first maps of

Antarctica contained blank spaces labeled simply "unexplored." Cartographers didn't pretend to know what wasn't yet revealed. This was a gift to future trailblazers, who didn't have to overcome the confusion of false certainties. You could benefit from adopting a similar practice. Instead of explaining every mystery with confident opinions, designate a few regions of your inner world as magnificently unexplored. Your willingness to say "I don't know yet" will be a fertile form of wisdom. The unanswered questions will be better allies than premature conclusions.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In architecture,

the keystone is the central, wedge-shaped stone positioned at the top of an arch. It's often the last piece placed, and it's what holds everything together. If it’s removed, the entire structure collapses. But the keystone itself is held in place by the pressure of the other stones. I love the fact that it’s both the most crucial piece and yet totally dependent on everything else. This is an excellent metaphor for you right now. You're like a keystone: holding everything together and also being held by everything. Please accept my personal thanks for accomplishing the amazing feat of being both powerful and vulnerable! The structure needs you, and you need the structure. PS: Don't overestimate your independence or underestimate your importance.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Don’t

reorganize your junk drawers anytime soon, Sagittarius. Please? Refrain from scrubbing the oven, organizing your kitchen cupboards, and untangling old extension cords. I'm begging you to believe me when I urge to allocate your energy toward the most interesting and important matters. The cosmic indicators are unambiguous. You will be happiest and most successful if you: 1. dare to access secret wisdom you've been hiding from yourself; 2. immerse yourself in almost too much beauty and truth; 3. let your imagination run wild as you visualize future scenarios that thrill you even if they're also a bit unnerving.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The

Grand Canyon in Arizona is 277 miles long, as wide as 18 miles, and a mile deep in some places. Through persistent erosion for millions of years, the Colorado River carved it.

This massive creative project happened entirely through subtraction, not addition. I suggest you regard it as one of your role models in the coming months, Capricorn.

Your goal is to wear away resistance and eliminate what’s unnecessary. The magnificence you produce will be very gradual and incremental.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):

In engineering, redundancy refers to the practice of building multiple layers of support into a system so that if one part falters, others keep functioning. Airplanes and spacecraft rely on this principle for safety. I urge you to adopt a

similar strategy in the coming weeks. By creating backup plans or additional reinforcement, you can move forward with more daring and flair, which I highly recommend. Artful preparation will strengthen your ability to experiment and improvise.

PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): The ocean has

different layers. Each has its own temperature, pressure, and ecosystem. Many sea creatures are adapted to one specific stratum and don’t wander far from their chosen realm. But there are transition zones where the layers meet, and they’re often rich in biodiversity. I propose that we use these areas as metaphors for your power spots, Pisces. You tend to thrive in thresholds and boundaries, where edges meet and overlap. That will be especially true in the coming weeks. To court good fortune and sweet delight, you should hang out at the borders where diverse influences mingle.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Consider this

your official alert that you’re close to getting too much of a good thing. To safeguard the lovely momentum you’ve built lately, be vigilant that genuine abundance doesn’t bloat into plain old overload. Say no to becoming indentured to your own brilliant ideas. Don’t let your victories drag you into depletion.

Steer clear of grand gestures of generosity that are driven mostly by the urge to dazzle onlookers. You really can keep every delicious reward you’ve earned, dear Aries, as long as you begin installing some graceful new boundaries right now.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In 1925,

Taurus astronomer Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin (1900–1979) discovered that stars are primarily composed of hydrogen and helium.

Famous astrophysicists of that era rejected her conclusions because she contradicted the prevailing theories. Nevertheless, she persisted in her claims and was eventually proved correct by other experts.

Sound familiar, Taurus? If it doesn’t yet, I expect it will soon.

Naysayers may insist you’re wrong when you know and I know you’re right. My advice: Be faithful to the truths you've directly observed even if they don't match consensus reality.

Your understandings are valid even if they're inconvenient.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You're ready

and able to commune intimately with the hidden source of power that fuels your life. Hallelujah!

But first, acknowledge a humbling truth: You’re not entirely sure what that source is. You've made assumptions, of course. You've told yourself stories about where your vitality comes from: your work, your relationships, your creative projects, your spiritual practices. And while these channels do transmit energy, they're tributaries of the ultimate spring. In the coming weeks, you’ll have exciting opportunities to trace these streams back to their headwaters.

Start this way: Be alert for mini-breakthroughs when you feel unexpectedly energized or mysteriously restored.

CANCER

(June 21-July 22): The GPS system requires Einstein's theory of relativity to work correctly. Satellites in orbit experience time slightly differently than we do on Earth's surface.

Without accounting for that time dilation, your phone would be off by 6.8 miles every day. Moral of the story: The practical requires the theoretical and the mundane needs the cosmic. I bring this to your attention as a useful metaphor, Cancerian. I suspect you've been trying to solve ground-level problems with ground-level thinking. But your current challenges require you to factor in some relativity: to recognize that different parts of your life are operating in different timeframes, under different rules. What works in one context doesn't necessarily work in another. In the coming weeks, refrain from trying to apply universal solutions. Calibrate for context.

28 • august 17, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

“Jonesin” Crosswords "And My Ax!"--swapping one for the other. by Matt Jones

ACROSS 1. Add sound effects to 4. FIFA official 7. Even score 10. Business card abbr.

13. "Caught ya!"

14. Prefix for the birds?

15. Lovelace of early computing 16. ___ ProvenÁale (cooking style) 17. More uneven, like fabric 19. Falls apart 21. Incredulous response when a terrible show is on after a good one?

23. Descriptor for versatile vacuums 24. Eagle's nest 25. Back of a boat 28. Eight, in EspaÒa 30. Prom kids, for short 31. Place to stay where your luggage is stretchy?

37. Bird in some clocks 38. Was crawling (with) 42. Go overboard with your fragrance?

46. 2008 bailout recipient 49. Singing quality 50. Cut the grass 51. Second part in an instruction manual 54. Switzerland's largest city 58. With 63-Across, the last MCU movie ever -- if they chose to focus on just Wolverine and Magneto?

63. See 58-Across 64. Derogatory term for an idealized female character in fan fiction 65. Dark bread 66. ___-weekly (newspaper category) 67. Money made from a bank acct.

68. Pizza option 69. Karl Marx's "___ Kapital" 70. Letters on a Canadian speedometer 71. Like many trans allies 72. Cashew, e.g.

DOWN 1. "That's a no-no!"

2. "That's a no-no!"

3. Tapioca pearls 4. Poker action 5. 1976 Wimbledon champ Chris 6. Dalmatian, traditionally 7. Hunting call 8. "American ___" (TV singing competition) 9. Class that's a breeze 10. They were used in an obstacle course in 2010's "Jackass 3D" 11. Medicinal concoction 12. Drinks that may display foam art 18. "As an aside ..."

20. Opposite direction from WSW 22. Missouri monument 25. One side in the Pro Bowl 26. Strain in the winter 27. Private eye, slangily 29. "Airplane!" automatic pilot 32. Classic Jaguar model driven by Austin Powers 33. Mover's unit 34. August, in Paris 35. "Electric" fish 36. Actor DiCaprio, familiarly 39. ___ Grand Las Vegas 40. Ambient composer Brian 41. Morning drops 43. Twelve-timer's attempt?

44. Adequate, informally 45. Like terra cotta tiles 46. Home to the Norse gods 47. 2017 skating film with Robbie as Harding 48. Crystal-lined rocks 52. Slang for Portland, OR (based on its airport code) 53. U.K. pop trio (Barry, Burns, and McNally) with the 2000 hit song "Back Here" 55. Tabriz resident 56. Breath mints brand 57. Rd. with many lanes 59. App with restaurant reviews 60. "___ Jeopardy!" (sports trivia show that premiered last month) 61. Party on the beach 62. Post-Mardi Gras observance

Leelanau & Benzie 45 NORTH VINEYARD & WINERY, LAKE LEELANAU 8/20 -- Clint Weaner, 4-6 9 BEAN ROWS, SUTTONS BAY 1-3: 8/16 -- A to Z 8/23 -- Laura Thurston BEL LAGO VINEYARD, WINERY & CIDERY, CEDAR 8/15 -- Red, White & Blues w/ Larry Perkins, Jakob Abraham & Jim Hawley, noon-6 8/16 -- Bryan Poirier, 3:30-5:30 8/18 -- Loose Change, 5:30-7:30 8/21 -- Eye in Queue, 5:30-7:30 8/22 -- Andre Villoch, 3:30-5:30 8/23 -- Rhett & John, 3:30-5:30 BOATHOUSE VINEYARDS, LAKE LEELANAU TASTING ROOM: 8/16 -- Jesse Jefferson, 4-6:30 8/19 -- Jim Hawley & His Band, 5:30-8 8/23 -- Bryan Poirier, 4-6:30 CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, THOMPSONVILLE LEVEL4 LOUNGE, 8:30-10:30: 8/15 -- Jason Locke 8/16 -- Dave Barth 8/19 -- Nick Vasquez 8/20 -- Loren Kranz 8/21 -- Fred Drachus 8/22-23 -- Carl Pawluk DUNE BIRD WINERY, NORTHPORT 3-6: 8/16 -- Larry Perkins 8/20 -- The Fridays 8/23 -- Highway North FRENCH VALLEY VINEYARD, CEDAR 4-7: 8/17 -- Frank & Friends 8/20 -- Larry Perkins GILCHRIST FARM WINERY, SUTTONS BAY 8/19 -- Billy & The Kid, 3-6

HOP LOT BREWING, SUTTONS BAY 5-8: 8/15 -- Mike Struwin Band 8/21 -- Delilah DeWylde IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE 8/15 -- Kevin Paul, 5:30-7:30 8/16 -- Nick Veine, 5-7 8/20 -- Charlie Arnett, 5:30-7:30 8/21 -- Chelsea Marsh, 5:30-7:30 8/22 -- Chris Smith, 5:30-7:30 8/23 -- Drew Hale, 5-7 JACOBSON MARINA, FRANKFORT 8/22 -- Jim Hawley, 3-6 LAKE ANN BREWING CO. 8/15 -- Flexible Flyers, 3-6; The Mighty TundraTones aka Jazz North, 7-10 8/18 -- New Third Coast, 6:30-9:30 8/19 -- Chris Smith, 6:30-9:30 8/20 -- Drew Hale, 6:30-9:30 8/21 -- Weston Buchan, 3-6; Andy Perrin & The Show Buds, 7-10 8/22 -- Looking Forward - CSN&Y Tribute, 7-10 LITTLE TRAVERSE INN, MAPLE CITY 8/21 -- Emily Randle, 6-9 BEER GARDEN, 4-7: 8/16 -- Sierra Cassidy 8/23 -- Joe Wilson Trio NORTHERN LATITUDES DISTILLERY, LAKE LEELANAU 8/21 --Jesse Jefferson, 4:45-6:45 RIVER CLUB, GLEN ARBOR 6-9: 8/15 -- Vertical Limit 8/16 -- Jason Locke 8/17 -- Andre Villoch 8/18 -- Jesse Jefferson 8/19 -- Highway North 8/20 -- Jim Hawley 8/21 -- Chris Sterr 8/22 -- Empire Highway 8/23 -- Split Decision SHADY LANE CELLARS, SUTTONS

BAY PATIO: 8/21 -- Friday Night Live: Liz Landry, 4-7 SOUL SQUEEZE CELLARS, LAKE LEELANAU 8/15 -- The Marsupials, 4-7 8/16 -- Broom Closet Boys, 4-7 8/22 -- Luke Woltanski, 4-7 8/23 -- Zinnia Dungjen, 3-6 ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH 8/15 -- Chelsea Marsh, 1-4; Cuberow, 5-8 8/16 -- Aaron Dye, 3-6 8/17 -- Jayden & Anders, 5-8 8/18 -- Jim Anderson, 5-8 8/19 -- Paul Flynn, 5-8 8/20 -- Doc Probes, 5-8 8/21 -- Jabo Bihlman, 5-8 8/22 -- Ted Alan Duo, 1-4; Keith Scott, 5-8 8/23 -- The Feral Cats, 3-6 STORMCLOUD BREWING FRANKFORT PARKVIEW TAPROOM, 6-8: 8/19 -- Cool Beans 8/20 -- Gemini Moon

CO.,

SUTTONS BAY CIDERS 8/16 -- Luke Woltanski, 5:30-8 8/20 -- Thurs. DJ Trivia, 6:30-8 8/23 -- Billy & The Kid, 5:30-7 TANDEM CIDERS, SUTTONS BAY Sun -- The Nightcrawlers, 1-4 THE CABBAGE SHED, ELBERTA 8/15 -- Bill Frary, 5:30-8:30 8/19 -- Vinyl Vednesday w/ DJ T.J., 5-8 8/20 -- Open Mic Night, 6:30-9 8/21 -- Gabrial Lundy, 5:30-8:30 8/22 -- Jake Frysinger, 5-8 THE HOMESTEAD RESORT, GLEN ARBOR WHISKERS, 6-9: 8/15 & 8/22 -- Bryan Poirier 8/20 -- Billy & The Kid 8/21 -- Elisabeth Christe

Emmet & Cheboygan BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS, PETOSKEY 2-6: 8/15 & 8/21 -- Chris Calleja 8/22 -- Two Track Mind BRANDY'S HARBORTOWN, BAY HARBOR 8/15 -- Adam & The Cabana Boys, 12:30 8/16 -- Nelson Olstrom, 12:30 8/17 -- Ricky Hill, 6 8/18 -- Continuous Imposition, 6 8/19 -- Derek Boik, 6 8/20 -- Chris Calleja, 6 8/21 -- Hanna Von B, 12:30 8/22 -- Derek Boik, 12:30 8/23 -- Nick Visconti, 12:30 CITY PARK GRILL, PETOSKEY 8/21 -- Annex Karaoke, 9:30 DOUGLAS LAKE STEAKHOUSE, PELLSTON 6-9: 8/16 -- Jeff Tucker 8/23 -- Nelson Olstrom INN BETWEEN, INDIAN RIVER 8/20 -- Mike Ridley, 4-7 INN AT BAY HARBOR

CABANA BAR, 5-8: 8/16 -- Adam & The Cabana Boys 8/23 -- Ricky Hill MICHAEL'S TAVERN & STEAKHOUSE, INDIAN RIVER 8/19 -- Mike Ridley, 6-9 NOGGIN ROOM PUB, PETOSKEY 7-10: 8/15 -- Holly Keller 8/20 -- Lee Fayssoux 8/21 -- Sean Bielby 8/22 -- Underleaf Duo ODAWA CASINO RESORT, PETOSKEY VICTORIES: 8/15 -- Mega 80's & DJ T-Bone, 9 8/21 -- Battle of the Bands Qualifier, 8 POND HILL FARM, HARBOR SPRINGS 8/15 -- The Little Dippers, 5-8 8/16 -- Michelle Chenard, 3-6 8/19 -- Open Mic Night w/ Kirby, 5-8 8/20 -- John Ellison & The Carpenter Ants, 5-8 8/21 -- The Hi-Views, 5-8 8/22 -- The Galactic Sherpas, 5-8

8/23 -- The Beachbillies, 3-6 SEASONS OF THE NORTH WINERY, INDIAN RIVER 8/20 -- Duffy King, 6-9 THE BEAU, CHEBOYGAN 8/15 -- Beau Summer Music Fest w/ Azic, Hold that Thought, The Fumblers, M to the B, Ed Tatum & more, 4 8/21 -- Musicians Playground, 7 8/22 -- Hold That Thought, 7 THE HIGHLANDS AT HARBOR SPRINGS SLOPESIDE LOUNGE: 8/15 -- Nelson Olstrom, 6 THE QUEENS HEAD, CHEBOYGAN 5:30-7:30: 8/20 -- Sam Schneider 8/21 -- Amanda Jane THE WIGWAM, INDIAN RIVER 8/20 -- Dominic Fortuna, 7:30-9:30 8/21 -- Karaoke, 8-11 WALLOON LAKE WINERY, PETOSKEY 8/20 -- Terry Coveyou, 6-8

Otsego, Crawford & Central ALPINE TAVERN & EATERY, GAYLORD 8/15 -- Zie, 1-4 8/22 -- Nelson Olstrom, 5-8

BIG BUCK BREWERY, GAYLORD 8/22 -- Mike Ridley, 6-9

nitelife

AUG 15- AUG 23 Send Nitelife to: events@traverseticker.com Grand Traverse & Kalkaska ALEXANDRA INN, BLUSH: ROOFTOP TERRACE, TC Mon -- Fridays Music (John & Madeline Piatek), 5-7 APACHE TROUT GRILL, TC 8/16 -- Jim Hawley, 6-9 CHATEAU CHANTAL, TC EAST PATIO: 8/21 -- Friday Night Live w/ Jakob Abraham, 5-8 ENCORE 201, TC 8/14-15 & 8/21-22 -- DJ Ricky T, 9 GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT & SPA, ACME 8/15 -- Craig Jolly, 7-10 JACOB'S FARM, TC 6-9: 8/16 -- The Steely Experience 8/19 -- Porcelain Train 8/20 -- Joe Lopata 8/23 -- Twilight Tunes KILKENNY'S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE, TC Mon. -- DJ Trivia, 7-9 Tues. -- The Will Harris Trio, 8-12 Weds. -- The Pocket Band, 8-12 Thurs. -- DJ Leo, 9:30-1:30 LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC BARREL ROOM: 8/17 -- Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9 PIAZZA, ACROSS FROM TASTING ROOM: 8/21 -- Red Drive Concert Series: Ted Bounty & The Bounty Hunters, 6-8 LIL BO'S, TC THE YARD, 7-10:30: 8/19 -- Dollar Shavey Club 8/20 -- Bob Roberts

8/15 -- Les Dalgliesh 8/21 -- Clint Weaner 8/22 -- Jesse Jefferson

8/15 -- Chirp 8/21 -- Lucas Paul Band 8/22 -- Slow Tako

NOCTURNAL BLOOM BREWING, TC Thu -- Trivia, 6

THE PARLOR, TC 8/15 -- Brady Corcoran, 9-12 8/18 -- Jesse Jefferson, 8-11 8/19 -- Rob Coonrod, 8-11 8/20 -- Jimmy Olson, 8-11 8/21 -- Erik & Mark, 9 8/22 -- Craig & The Jolly Ranchers, 9

NORTH BAR, TC 7-10: 8/15 -- Brian Jackson 8/19 -- Loren Kranz 8/20 -- Beans & Cheese 8/21 -- Brady Corcoran OLD MISSION DISTILLING, TC SEVEN HILLS: 8/15 -- Erik Burke & Daisy May, 6:30-9:30 8/16 -- The Fridays, 7-9 8/19 -- Jimmy Olson, 7-9 8/20 -- Highway North, 7-9 8/21 -- Levi Britton, 6:30-9:30 8/22 -- Jeff Linsell, 6:30-9:30 8/23 -- Chris Smith, 7-9:30 STONE HOUND BREWING CO., WILLIAMSBURG 8/15 -- Mike Moran, 6:30-8:30 TC GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 8/21 -- Jim Hawley, 6-9 TC WHISKEY CO. - THE STILLHOUSE 8-10: 8/15 -- DJ E-Knuf 8/21 -- DJ Ras Marco D 8/22 -- G-Snacks THE ALLUVION, TC 8/15 -- The Harmolodics, 8-10:30 8/17 -- Big Fun & Funky Uncle w/ DJ Ras Marco, 7 8/21 -- Garaj Mahal w/ Norside, 7:30-10 8/22 -- Will Marsh, 7:30-10

MARI VINEYARDS, TC 4-6: 8/18 -- Jerry Byville 8/20 -- Dean Tartaglia

THE HAYLOFT INN, TC 7:30-11: 8/14-15 -- Sandy & The Bandits 8/21-22 -- Off Duty

MIDDLECOAST BREWING CO., TC 6-9:

THE LITTLE FLEET, TC 6-10:

THE PUB, TC 8/15 -- Jimmy Olson, 7-10; DJ Producer AJ, 10 8/16 & 8/23 -- David Márton, 7-10 8/17 -- Karaoke w/ DJ Shawny T, 8-11 8/19 -- Zeke Clemons, 8-11 8/21 -- Beans & Cheese, 7-10; DJ Vai, 10-1 8/22 -- Highway North, 7-10; DJ Producer AJ, 10 THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC 8/15 -- Bauer Jones, 7-9 8/17 -- USS Comedy Open Mic, 8-9:30 8/19 -- Jazz Jam w/ Ron Getz, 6-9 8/20 -- DJ Trivia, 7-9 8/21 -- Fresh Fossils, 7-10 8/22 -- Delilah DeWylde, 8-10 THIRSTY FISH SPORTS GRILLE, TC 8/18 -- Trivia, 7-9; Open Mic Comedy, 8:30-10 8/20 -- TC Knuckleheads, 6:30-9:30 8/21 -- Jet Beasley (Patio), 6:30-9:30; Karaoke (Inside), 7-10 TOWNLINE CIDERWORKS, WILLIAMSBURG 6-8: 8/15 -- Joe Lopata 8/21 -- Rebekah Jon 8/22 -- Tom Morrell TURTLE CREEK CASINO, WILLIAMSBURG 8-12: 8/15 -- One Hot Robot 8/21 -- DJ Mr. Markis 8/22 -- Coral Stone Band

Manistee, Wexford & Missaukee LITTLE RIVER CASINO RESORT, MANISTEE 8/15 – FLO RIDA wsg Cooper Alan, 7-10:30 MANISTEE NATIONAL GOLF & RESORT, THE BACKYARD

8/21 -- The Downtowners, 7 NORTHERN NATURAL CIDER HOUSE & WINERY, KALEVA 8/15 -- Seth Bernard, 7 8/16 -- “Searching for Jane” w/ Jane Amstutz, 3

8/21 -- Chief Jam-Open Mic, 7 8/22 -- Bee and The Brood, 7 THE GREENHOUSE – WILLOW/PRIMOS, CADILLAC 8/19 -- Trivia & Music Bingo, 6-9

Antrim & Charlevoix BLU DOT FARM & VINEYARD, CHARLEVOIX 8/15 -- Jelly Roll Blues Band, 5-8 8/22 -- Hanna Von B, 4-7

8-11: 8/15 -- Genna & Jesse 8/22 -- Myron Elkins & The Dying Breed

BLUE WATER BISTRO, ALDEN 8/17 -- David Lawston, 5:30-8:30

FIRESIDE LOUNGE, BELLAIRE 8/15 -- Nick Vasquez, 6:30-9:30 8/21 -- Eric Jaqua, 7-10 8/22 -- Tai Jaxx Drury, 7-10

BOYNE RIVER INN, BOYNE CITY 8/20 -- Nelson Olstrom, 7 BRIDGE STREET TAPROOM, CHARLEVOIX 8/18 -- Patrick Ryan, 8

LOST CELLARS, CHARLEVOIX 8/16 -- Shannon Christie, 5-8 8/21 -- Leebee Shaner, 5-8 8/23 -- Randy Reszka, 1-4

ETHANOLOGY DISTILLATION, ELK RAPIDS

MUSKRAT DISTILLING, BOYNE CITY 8/19 -- Karaoke Night, 9

8/21 -- SAXU4IA, 6 SHORT'S PUB, BELLAIRE BEER GARDEN: 8/15 -- Atomic Annie, 7-9:30 8/16 & 8/23 -- Trivia, 6-8 8/21 -- Angela Perley, 7-9:30 8/22 -- Electric Flower Company, 7-9:30 SHORT'S PULL BARN, ELK RAPIDS 8/15 -- Serita’s Black Rose, 6-9 WATERFIRE VINEYARDS, KEWADIN 8/15 -- Randy Reszka, 4-7 8/20 -- Ken Shepley, 2-5

Northern Express Weekly • august 17, 2026 • 29

NORTHERN EXPRESS

CLA SSI FIED S NMC CHILDREN'S CHOIR AUDITIONS SINGING is good for the body, mind and soul!

Come and join this award- winning program.

Sign up for a 5 minute audition using the QR code. Auditions August 11, September 10 & 12. http://www.nmcchildrenschoir.com ___________________________________ WANTED: BASIC RENTAL OR FLEX SPACE W/SHOWER: Needs tlc OK. TC Area. Single responsible man, non-smoker, no pets 231-357-0362 ___________________________________ SWEET BOY KITTIES NEED A HOME: 2 young/neutered/kitties (grey/ginger) playful/ friendly/cuddly 231-492-5511 ___________________________________

CARPET INSTALLERS NEEDED: Bodamer Brothers Flooring is looking for 1 full-time carpet installation person or team. Paying $10 yard + extras. Paid once a week. Insured and experienced only. 231-941-8446 Dan ___________________________________ SEWING, ALTERATIONS, MENDING & REPAIRS. Maple City, Maralene Roush 231228-6248 ___________________________________ COMPUTER PROBLEMS? I WILL COME TO YOU:: I will fix your phone, tv, tablet and computer and show you how to use them at your home or office. Call James Downer, Advent Tech. YOUR HIGH TECH HANDYMAN. Call 231-492-2087.

**CARPET** INSTALLATION/RESTRETCH/REPAIR/Sales: 20+Years Experience;Insured. Roll With The Best,Not The Rest. Steve 231-709-3330 ___________________________________ NIGHTLY, WEEKLY, MONTHLY STAYS NEAR TC!: “The Suites” Turnkey Homes & Motel. Travelers/Construction crews 231633-5464

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30 • august 17, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

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32 • august 17, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

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