Northern Express - January 12, 2025

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WINTER ENTERTAINMENT NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S WEEKLY • january 12 - january 18, 2026 • Vol. 36 No.02 Northern Express Weekly • january 12, 2026 • 1

2 • january 12, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

letters CONTENTS Bullying Must Stop As we begin a new year, what concerns me most about our country is not any single politician, policy, or action, but the continued use of bullying to intimidate and humiliate.

Politics and policies can and will change and evolve. Our country has always been able to debate, correct, and pivot when needed. But the normalization of bullying leaves wounds that last far beyond election cycles. It shapes how we speak, how we solve problems, and what our children and grandchildren learn about power and respect.

Bullying is a form of cruelty, a shortcut that replaces intellectual rigor, creativity, empathy, and kindness with fear. Whether one is the bully or the one being bullied, the harm is real. A nation cannot thrive when insults replace ideas and humiliation replaces dialogue. We don’t need to be united in every program or policy we support—that kind of disagreement is healthy. But we do need to be united as parents, grandparents, neighbors, and citizens to reject bullying as a tactic in our government, schools, and workplaces.

Catherine Schmitt | Traverse City

features No Winter Blues Here........................................10

To Comedy, Or Not To Comedy?.......................13 Carving Her Line................................................14 Petoskey Curling Club’s Home Sweet Home.....18

columns & stuff Top Ten............................................................4 Spectator/Stephen Tuttle..................................6 Guest Opinion/Smith........................................7 Weird...........................................................9 Guest Opinion/De Vecchi.................................17 Film...........................................................19 Dates.........................................................20 Crossword..................................................24 Astrology...................................................24 Nitelife.........................................................25 Classifieds...................................................26

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 Editor: Jillian Manning Finance Manager: Libby Shutler Distribution Manager: Roger Racine Sales: Lisa Gillespie, Kim Murray, Kaitlyn Nance, Abby Walton Porter, Michele Young, For ad sales in Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Boyne & Charlevoix, call (231) 838-6948 Creative Director: Kyra Cross Poehlman

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An inspiring night of true stories with Here:Say Storytelling, featuring stunning Great Lakes photos by Beth Price Photography.

Together, let’s celebrate the art, people, and waters that shape us.

Thursday, February 5 @ 7pm at Kirkbride Hall, in GT Commons FlowWaterAdvocates.org/STORY

Northern Express Weekly • january 12, 2026 • 3

this week’s

top ten A Burst of Color in Frankfort

Having a Latte Fun

Art? Coffee? Both! Whether you’re a professional barista or just an at-home coffee lover, try your hand at the Lucha Leche Latte Art Competition! Held at Mundos 305 in downtown TC, Saturday, Jan. 17, from 5-8pm, your $10 entry fee benefits Single MOMM, a nonprofit that addresses and provides help for the core issues of single motherhood. There will be prizes for the top three places, with the grand prize being a Breville Barista Express! mundosroastingco.com/news/lucha-leche-latte-art-competition

4 Hey, watch It! Need a spot of color among all the grays, whites, and browns of winter? Head to Oliver Art Center in Frankfort, where they are starting the year off with their exhibit “SPECTRUM” in the Beck and Borwell Galleries. This series is all about color, and the art center folks explain that “we have asked our participating artists to submit artwork that makes it immediately evident to viewers that color is the major player in the work, regardless of whether that palette is soft and subtle or bold and noisy.

Brochures will be provided for viewers to learn about various color schemes, the role color plays in composition, and how color can affect the interpretation or emotional impact of the work.” The show opened Jan. 9 and runs through Feb. 6. Learn more at oliverartcenterfrankfort.org/gallery-gift-shop/exhibition-calendar.

2 tastemaker

The Dandy’s Quiche Lorraine

A dandy is, by definition, a person of impeccable style, and there’s no shortage of good taste at Traverse City’s newest day-dining hotspot, The Dandy, which is owned by the folks behind Red Spire Brunch House. From looks to flavor, the Quiche Lorraine lives up to the restaurant’s name. Baked atop crisp and buttery shortcrust pastry—which is made from scratch in house, by the way—this elevated AM staple features the decadent combo of caramelized onions, gruyere cheese, and nuggets of salty bacon, all baked into a rich and velvety egg and cream custard. Served alongside citrus vinaigrette-dressed greens, it’s a savory labor of love made more delicious only by the addition of fresh-squeezed orange juice or a handcrafted cocktail. How (dare we say it) dandy! Get there early for a slice at 115 E. Front St. in Traverse City. dandytc.com

4 • january 12, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

Heated Rivalry

Everyone’s been buzzing about the show that “has face-offs that will melt your face off,” as NPR put it. Now that it’s been renewed for a second season and all episodes of season one are available on HBO Max, it’s time to lace up your skates and get out on the ice. Heated Rivalry follows fictional professional hockey players Hudson Williams (captain of the “Montreal Metros”) and Ilya Rozanov (captain of the “Boston Raiders”) as their on-ice rivalry heats up into something more. This, of course, makes their matchups in the league all the more intense and complicates their careers in more ways than one. Based on the bestselling Game Changers series by Rachel Reid, the show originally released on Canada’s Crave and has amassed an NHL-worthy following on both sides of the border.

Stuff We Love: Cozy Up by the Warmth of the Kiln

6 Lessons in (Wine) Chemistry

Challenge yourself to learn something new this winter…bonus points if that new hobby is A) delicious and B) makes leftovers.

Black Star Farms of Suttons Bay is running a Winter School Series, where their culinary team will teach small classes various arts in the kitchen. On Jan. 10, the focus is focaccia and how to get that perfect, “olive-oil-kissed crust.” Jan. 17, join up for a mozzarella and pizza Napoletana cooking class. Finally, on Jan. 24, get the vino flowing with Cooking with Wine 101, which is all about stocks, sauces, and sipping complimentary wine samples. Tickets for all of the above are available through MyNorth Tickets and include the instruction, ingredients, and your finished product to take home…or nosh on while you enjoy a bottle of wine after the class.

(Attendees get 10 percent off wine and merch in the tasting room!)

One of our favorite ways to get out of the house, turn on our creative brains, and brighten up the day is a trip to Handz on Art in downtown TC. A perfect outing for families and adults alike, there’s nothing quite as cozy as sitting inside the pottery-painting studio while the snow swirls outside along the Boardman-Ottaway River. Handz on Art has a huge variety of pottery pieces up for grabs, from practical kitchenware like spoonholders and storage canisters, to always-in-style mugs and bowls, to adorable figurines that kiddos will love. Expect prices in the $15-$60 range for most selections, but they can get up to $150 for the biggest pieces. Once you’ve finished your project, you’ll hand it over to be glazed and fired, which usually takes about one week, before you bring it home. No reservations are needed (though it’s recommended to call ahead with a group of six or more). Learn more at tchandzonart.com.

Village to Village The Village at Grand Traverse Commons and the Village of Elk Rapids are about 20 miles apart. Not a long drive on a summer’s day, but a less-traveled route during the winter.

That’s why Bos Wine and Ethanology Distillation of Elk Rapids teamed up with Left Foot Charley and Trattoria Stella at the Commons. Their “Village to Village” partnership runs Jan. 13 through April 29 with weekly food and beverage features that showcase each other’s wares. Visit LFC on Tuesdays, Stella on Wednesdays, Bos on Saturdays, and Ethanology on Sundays. (*Note: Excluding the final Sunday of each month.) Expect cocktail recipes, tastings, exclusive “library” wines and spirits, and lots of conversations around local food and drink. Each business will share their features on social media, and you can read more about the winter series at stellatc.com/events.

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While we’re past the season for Espresso Bay’s “Son of a Nutcracker” or “Ugly Christmas Sweater” coffee blends, there’s still a little holiday spirit to be found in their Peppermint Mocha.

This warming beverage hits all the right notes—the herby, cool bite of the peppermint, the smooth chocolate, and the caffeine kick of the coffee. You can customize your milk (regular, almond, oat, coconut, soy, breve) and add a few other fun extras if your heart desires. Rumor has it that the brave can even opt for the Bay Chiller version, which comes frozen and piled high with whipped cream and chocolate sauce drizzled on top. The choice is yours, and you can find them both at 202 E. Front St. in downtown Traverse City. Pro tip: Order ahead online at espressobay.com and skip the line!

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Northern Express Weekly • january 12, 2026 • 5

IT WAS YOUR FAVORITE JACKET… IN HIGH SCHOOL.

STOPS AND STARTS

spectator

By Stephen Tuttle

10 OFF %

Maybe 2026 will bring some changes, things we need to stop doing and things we should start doing.

Let’s start with a message for our MAGA friends: Do yourselves a favor and let go of your 2020 delusions. You’ve had five full years to expose the “widespread fraud” you claimed existed, but no such evidence has yet been revealed since there was no such fraud. The 2020 presidential election was the most recounted, reviewed, and audited in our country’s history, and all of it found a literal handful of improperly cast ballots.

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ENJOY GREAT LIVE MUSIC APRÈS-SKI

Nearly all the liars and cheats who tried to change reality, and the thugs who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, have all been pardoned or had their sentences commuted so it’s time to move on. Joe Biden won in 2020; nothing will ever change that.

Meanwhile, it would be nice if Congress would get busy rescuing the Social Security system. We have known for years and years there was an end date for full benefit payments from the Social Security Trust Fund. Without changes, that fund will be sufficiently depleted by 2034 benefits will be reduced by 25 to 30 percent. It’s not as if we haven’t had a chance to fix the problem.

The Social Security system was enacted in 1935. A retirement system that paid full benefits at 65 was a safe enough idea at the time since the average life expectancy for men was 59.9 years and 63.9 years for women. Many people died before they became eligible to collect, and there were many, many more people paying into the system than accessing the benefits. Plus, the population would, in little more than a decade, experience a huge baby boom that generated more and more folks to pay into the system.

Fast-forward to 2026 and we live in a completely different world. Our young society has seriously aged and is living ever longer.

Life expectancy for men in the U.S. is now 75.8 years for men and 81.1 years for women.

Additionally, our birth rates are down, so we have an aging population drawing retirement for longer and longer periods but fewer and fewer babies who will grow up to pay into the Social Security system.

AT VISTA LOUNGE* located in the Crystal Lodge, the music is live and the views are great. More live music at the Slopeside Tent. See the entire schedule of performers at crystalmountain.com/music. *Ages 21+ only.

Our elected class needs to stop their distraction games regarding the economy.

We are told everything is just great as they spew out multiple macro statistics to try to prove their point. Why, the gross domestic product (GDP) is increasing at an impressive 4.6 percent! Those increases in unemployment? It’s because they eliminated all those government jobs. But private sector job growth has been spotty at best according to the ADP Employment

Politicians’ control of the economy is limited, but their lack of honesty about it is not.

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finances of the Social Security system or they should look for work elsewhere.

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Congress has been dawdling on this, but if they think voters are restless now, wait a few years until seniors, the demographic most likely to vote, start seeing substantial reductions in their Social Security checks.

Whether they have the courage to establish a dedicated tax or take money from elsewhere, Congress has to shore up the

Report. The last quarter of 2025 saw actual job losses in the manufacturing, construction, and professional services employment.

The problem here is that bragging about macro economic accomplishments while the public is still suffering at the micro level isn’t going to convince many of us. We know the billionaire class, as always, is doing just fine, but they don’t much worry about prices at their local grocery store where everything feels more expensive. One real example?

According to NewsNation, a pound of ground beef, already 60 percent more expensive than it was just five years ago, is up another 13 percent from 2024.

Politicians’ control of the economy is limited, but their lack of honesty about it is not.

We need to start getting far more serious about the environment and climate change, which is not a hoax. The evidence is all around us all over the globe, and many countries are trying to respond by restricting the pollutants causing the biggest problems. Not us.

For example, water levels in Lake Mead, which produces potable water for about 25 million people according to the Fact Retriever, continue to get lower and lower.

But tides in low lying Florida coastal areas keep getting higher and higher, flooding streets and leaking saltwater into their fresh water aquifers.

We are discouraging renewable energy and going full speed ahead with more fossil fuels. (Don’t be deceived by our attack on Venezuela, which had nothing to do with drugs and everything to do with their oil reserves, the largest in the world.)

We have real issues that need addressing like Social Security or the environment, and a Trump war might be a useful distraction for Congress, but the public is not likely to be fooled much longer.

COUNTRY OF THE YEAR?

GUEST OPINION

By Isiah Smith, Jr. Every Christmas, The Economist names “The Country of the Year.” The magazine’s choices are not based on the happiest country, because if they were, the choice would always be a dull affair, as a Scandinavian country (hello, my beloved Sweden) would always be chosen as the happiest country in the world.

The Economist’s criterion resonates deeply with me. It should resonate with you as well, because understanding what constitutes “the country of the year” can provide the USA with a yardstick for measuring improvement.

In 1983, my Dutch American wife and I entered an essay contest about the Netherlands’ influential role in the world.

We, along with 199 other Americans, won an all-expenses-paid vacation to the Netherlands to meet Queen Beatrice.

The occasion celebrated 200 years of unbroken diplomatic relations between the Netherlands and the U.S. On the way to the Rijksmuseum to meet the queen, our driver had circled the museum three times, and we asked why he wasn’t stopping. He replied, “We shouldn’t arrive

If the USA is to be The Economist’s 2026 “country of the year,” it must change, and those changes must start at the top.

The magazine selects the country that has improved the most over the past year. The improvement could be economic, political, or in any other meaningful way. Any country that strives to put its best face forward and consistently improves to serve all its citizens—not just billionaires—qualifies.

The envelope, please: This year’s country of the year is none other than Syria, an indisputable choice given the country’s turbulent year.

It’s hard to argue against this selection.

Consider these facts: politically, Syria has improved more than any other country, especially given how awful it was just a year ago. The Economist notes that “Little more than a year ago [the country] was ruled

by Bashar al-Assad, a demented dictator backed by Iran and Russia.” It isn’t easy to imagine two more detestable benefactors than these two outlaw countries.

Assad had stuffed his jails with political prisoners, and any dissent was met with torture or death, often both in succession (first he and his men would torture you, then swiftly followed by a violent, ugly, and grisly death).

After a war that had lasted an incredible 13 years, at least a million citizens had perished.

Even more hideously, Assad had directed his armed forces to use chemical weapons on his own people! Six million people fled the country in search of a better, safer life.

Eventually, Assad was forced to flee for his life, and a rebel group seized power in December 2024. The rebel group Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) surprised everyone by granting Syrians greater freedoms.

Women were no longer required to wear restrictive garments or remain at home.

Restrictions on alcohol and entertainment were lifted, and Syria began developing diplomatic relations with Western and Gulf states. Many Syrians returned home.

In 2025, Syrians felt happier because they were freer. The heavy, almost universal veil of fear that once draped Syria has found a new, unlikely home: the United States of America.

too early.” We later learned that a radical group had threatened to bomb the museum.

Cold War tensions and domestic and social anxieties left the Netherlands unsettled in 1983. Our return flight was unsettling, too; a legion of armed men with automatic weapons patrolled Schiphol Airport.

Marlene said, “I’ll be so glad to get back to the States; this would never happen in America.”

But it has. Trump’s first year back in office has created fear and anxiety in the U.S., similar to what has happened in Syria. He deployed armed forces to American cities to crack down on migration at the border; ordered the National Guard into towns to help arrest “illegal aliens”; attacked judges he disagreed with; renamed the Defense Department the Department of War; and used masked ICE agents to arrest and “disappear” even American citizens. And, in a typical strongman move, he slapped his name on anything that didn’t move.

In a little over a year, a nightmarish mood descended on the U.S. Americans are at each other’s throats. Racial discrimination claims not made by white males are scoffed at and dismissed, even though white males hold at least 90 percent of high-level jobs in government and private institutions.

High-level government officials have been summarily fired and replaced with people whose only qualification is fealty to Trump. Incredibly, Trump is now importing white South Africans, the beneficiaries of apartheid, as alleged victims of black racists?

There’s more, but we have limited time and space. We leave you with this admonition: Never in history has one man caused such havoc in one nation in such short order.

If the USA is to be The Economist’s 2026 “country of the year,” it must change, and those changes must start at the top.

Isiah Smith, Jr. is a retired government attorney.

Northern Express Weekly • january 12, 2026 • 7

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Community, Connection & Commitment

10:00–11:00 AM Mindful & Musical w Miriam Pico The Alluvion, 2nd floor Pre-K and young children explore music, rhythm and emotional awareness through the lens of Dr. King's powerful words

11:00 AM–2:00 PM Community Artmaking w Laura Adams The Hive, 2nd floor Hands-on art projects inspired by Dr. King's teachings. All ages and skill levels are welcome.

12:00–2:00 PM FREE COMMUNITY LUNCH Riverside, 1st floor A shared meal to nurture conversation, connection, community and commitment

2:00–4:00 PM Youth Poetry Slam: “Where We Were, The Alluvion Where We Are, Where We’re Going”

Bridges poets-in-residence, Joel Fluent Greene and Peace Bell and their student cohort from Northport Public Middle & High School perform original spoken-word creations.

Roaming musicians: Joe Wilson, Kevin Larose & Jimmy Olson Sponsored by

All activities are FREE, All ages welcome

Commongrounds (414 E. Eighth St.) 8 • january 12, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

When Fancy Goes too Far A 38-year-old man named Sergei who was taking part in a corporate holiday party at the Igra Stolov "Game of Tables" cooking studio in Moscow was rushed to surgery after drinking a cocktail that ruptured his stomach, Metro UK reported on Dec. 25. The liquid nitrogen-infused drink was part of a "cryoshow" being put on by one of the culinary school's chefs. Liquid nitrogen is used by chefs and mixologists to flash-chill drinks and provide dramatic effects, but because the liquid expands rapidly into a gas when exposed to room temperatures, it's critical that the drinks are not consumed before the nitrogen has had a chance to fully evaporate. Witnesses at the Moscow event claimed they were given no warnings by the chef or staff of the danger the cocktail presented. Sergei underwent surgery and remained in serious condition at the time of the report. [Metro UK, 12/25/2025] Lost & Found Residents of Ogmore-by-Sea, Wales, were understandably puzzled when hundreds of small, hobnailed shoes began washing up on the local beach, the BBC reported on Dec. 23.

The mystery only grew deeper when expert analysis revealed that the shoes were from the Victorian era. The working theory is that an Italian cargo ship from that time, known to have sunk just off the coast, has finally decayed enough to release some of its valuables to the ocean currents. The small size of the footwear is likely due to the fact that "people had much smaller feet in those days," said local mudlarker Lara Maiklem. (The hobby of mudlarking involves scouring riverbanks for historical artifacts.) [BBC, 12/23/2025] Mixed Messages After denying requests for a number of vanity license plates on the grounds that the requested tags were obscene or inflammatory, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias created a YouTube video in which he read off some of his favorites, including "IBPOOPN," "SNDNUDZ," "BDASMOM" and "ICUP." WBEZ Chicago reported that while Giannoulias and his staff appreciate the creativity of the state's drivers, he advises them to "keep it clean and avoid ending up on the naughty list." [WBEZ, 12/22/2025] It Takes a Village It's not a baby boom, but it's a start: Lara Bussi Trabucco is the first baby to have been born in the tiny rural Italian town of Pagliara dei Marsi in almost 30 years, The Guardian reported on Dec. 26. Lara's arrival bumped the village's population to roughly 20. "Pagliara dei Marsi has been suffering from drastic depopulation, exacerbated by the loss of many elderly people, without any generational turnover," said Mayor Giuseppina Perozzi. Lara's mother, Cinzia Trabucco, 42, lived in Rome for years before moving to her grandfather's hometown for a quieter lifestyle. Birth rates in Italy have been falling for 16 years, reaching a record low in 2024, per the country's statistics agency. Government incentives and Òbaby bonusesÓ can only do so much, leaving parents and communities struggling as nurseries, schools and even maternity wards close down. In this landscape, little Lara has become a symbol of hope -- and a tourist attraction, says her mom: "People who didn't even know Pagliara dei Marsi existed have come, only because they had heard about Lara. At just 9 months old, she's famous."

[The Guardian, 12/26/2025]

Animal Antics Ken Johnson has been living with a 550-pound black bear under his home in Altadena, California, since November, reported Fox 12 Oregon on Dec. 22. After weeks of attempting to scare the ursine squatter off with loud noises and fake dog barks, Johnson got a little help from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which set up a cage trap near the crawl space and sprayed it with caramel and cherry scents to lure the bear inside. In a classic case of "good news, bad news," the cage was successful, in that it captured a bear, but unsuccessful, in that it was not THE bear, but rather a different bear that had wandered onto Johnson's property. That bear was relocated and released, but Johnson's unwanted guest remains. "I thought this would be over by now," Johnson said. "It's still going on, and there's no sign of him leaving." [KCAL, 12/22/2025] Face the Music At least he left an entertaining note. Buzzy Levine, owner of Lark Street Music in New Jersey, enlisted the help of the public by posting surveillance video of a theft that took place in his store on Dec. 22, but it turns out, he needn't have bothered. WABC-7 NY reported on Dec. 29 that the shoplifter, seen in the video stuffing two mandolins (worth about $4,000 apiece) into his parka and exiting the store, returned the instruments four days later, along with a box of chocolates and a handwritten note that read, "SORRY, I BEEN DRUNK, MERRY CHRISTMAS You are a good man." "I suspect that a friend of his or his mom said, 'Hey,'" Levine said. Police are looking for the suspect and still plan to press charges. [WABC-7, 12/29/2025] Good Intentions Steven Pavlik, 63, of Stuart, Florida, is facing charges of aggravated assault and resisting arrest after his stint as a Salvation Army bell-ringer went very much awry on Dec. 23, WFLA reported. Pavlik was stationed in front of a Publix grocery store on Kanner Highway before "Drunk ringing, belligerent tidings and assault took him from bell duty to booking blotter after a full blown charity tirade," the Martin Country Sheriff 's Office said in a Facebook post recounting the incident. Having become intoxicated during the course of his charitable work, Pavlik began confronting passersby, who informed the Publix store manager; when the manager came outside to discuss the complaints with the inebriated volunteer, Pavlik attempted to impale the manager with the donation kettle tripod, then fled. The manager was uninjured, and Pavlik was arrested at his home. [WFLA, 12/26/2025] Dude, Where's My Seafood?

The FBI is on the case of a $400,000 shipment of lobsters that has gone missing, Boston.com reported on Dec. 30. The truck and its valuable cargo disappeared somewhere between its departure point at a warehouse in Taunton, Massachusetts, and its destinations at Costco stores in Illinois and Minnesota.

"It followed a pattern weÕre seeing more and more," said Dylan Rexing, president and CEO of Rexing Companies, "where criminals impersonate legitimate carriers using spoofed emails and burner phones to hijack high-value freight while itÕs in transit." U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement estimates that the U.S. economy loses $15-35 billion annually to cargo theft, with high-value items like pharmaceuticals, electronics and alcohol among the most frequent targets. [Boston. com, 12/30/2025]

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Northern Express Weekly • january 12, 2026 • 9

Kentucky singer/songwriter Joan Shelley will perform at Milliken Auditorium on Jan. 16.

NO WINTER BLUES HERE 40+ concerts and shows happening in January and February

By Ross Boissoneau Things may slow down in the winter compared with summer’s hectic pace, but there is still plenty to do in northern Michigan…and plenty to hear. Whether your preference is folk or metal, classical or punk, there’s bound to be something on stage this winter to get everyone out of the house and into a concert venue.

Bay Theatre Executive Director Graham Powers says that idea—a little something for everyone—informs the booking approach at the cozy theater in Suttons Bay. Performers there have included students from Interlochen, folk icon May Erlewine, Celtic music ambassadors Kennedy’s Kitchen, Jimmy Buffet tribute band Doc Probes and the Riptides, and more.

The next two shows are emblematic of the desire of Powers and the board that oversees the nonprofit to showcase different styles and performers. Canadian folk troubadour Garnet Rogers performs Jan. 24, while the multi-faceted Paxton Spangler

delivers a N’Awlins-themed show for Mardi Gras, from Dixieland favorites like “Bourbon Street Parade” to rhythm and blues staples like “Goin’ Down to New Orleans” and more.

Powers says the theater’s increasing number of live shows, from the original slate of six to one a month and possibly two per month next year, stems in part from COVID, as the downturn in movie-goers has been balanced by an increasing appetite for live shows. “Post-pandemic, the numbers [for films] have never recovered. I don’t expect they will,” he says.

But the pandemic also led to a resurgence in live performance, where people can share the experience with one another and the performer. “People need community,” Powers says. “Live music is … an opportunity to be around others.”

To the north, Boyne City’s Freshwater Gallery showcases various artworks during the day, from jewelry to steampunk-inspired items to furnishings. But come concert time, that’s all shunted aside as owners Tony Williams and Robin Lee Berry reset the room

10 • january 12, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

and welcome musicians to the diminutive stage in the back corner. “We’ve been booking concerts for 15 years,” says Berry.

While much of the music may lean toward folk and Americana, such as Chris Smither or Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, blues performers like Thornetta Davis and guitarist Larry McCray have taken the stage there as well. “We do shows once a month,” says Berry.

Like the Bay, Freshwater draws many from its hometown area, though both are welcoming to audience members from elsewhere.

Freshwater will showcase the bluegrass sounds of Full Cord on Feb. 14. The Grand Haven-based band is popular in the region, as evidenced by its show the night before at Milliken Auditorium at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City. The band’s members boast lengthy careers individually, and came together to win the 2022 Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition in Colorado, and gained further honors when the International Bluegrass Music Association named Full Cord its “Momentum Award Band of the Year.”

Another string band will be playing Traverse City when Invoke visits the City Opera House on Jan. 30. Its members play everything from violin, banjo, violin, and viola to mandolin and cello. Just don’t try to pigeonhole the group’s sound, as it lies somewhere between and beyond classical, folk, bluegrass, and Americana.

Perhaps no venue demonstrates the saying “Variety is the spice of life” quite like the Alluvion. The self-described “Traverse City’s living room” has hosted intimate shows by Organissimo, Bob James and Dave Koz, and the Tip O The Mitt Songwriters collective.

The home of Funky Fun Mondays, with Big Fun alternating with Funky Uncle, the Alluvion also showcases the Interlochen In Town series, a world music series, a jazz series, and numerous other acts. Blue Note President Don Was personally selected the Alluvion to open his tour with the PanDetroit Ensemble. Whether homegrown talent or nationally celebrated performers, the Alluvion has established itself as a destination venue.

So if it’s bluegrass or blues that sets your toes to tapping, country twang or classical overtures that make you smile, guess what? You’re in luck somewhere sometime in the next month—and beyond. Here’s a sampling of January and February shows across the North:

The Alluvion, Traverse City

Jan. 12 • Big Fun Jan. 14 • Expand Storytelling Jan. 15 • Jeff Haas Jazz 4 All Jan. 22 • Jeff Haas Jazz 4 All Jan. 24 • Hamilton De Holanda Trio Jan. 25 • Alluvion Big Band Jan. 26 • Big Fun Jan. 29 • Jeff Haas Jazz 4 All Jan. 31 • Super Nuclear presents Surfadelic w/Ramble Tamble and Magic People Feb. 14 • Bill Sears Quintet

Bay Theatre, Suttons Bay

Jan. 24 • Garnet Rogers Feb. 14 • Paxton Spangler

Cheboygan Opera House, Cheboygan

Jan. 16 • The Steves and Stevies Feat. Dale Rieger and Friends

City Opera House, Traverse City

Jan. 17 • The Friars, a capella subset of the University of Michigan Men's Glee Club Jan. 30 • Invoke

Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey

Jan. 31 • Jeff Haas Quintet Feb. 14 • KalHaven Strings

Freshwater Gallery, Boyne City Feb. 14 • Full Cord

Garden Theater, Frankfort

Feb. 7 • Sisters of Soul featuring Jenni Rae of Barefoot

Gopherwood Concerts, Cadillac

Feb. 7 • Mary Sue Wilkinson & Mark Schrock

Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor Feb. 7 • A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Interlochen Center for the Arts

Jan. 15 • The Fischer Duo, Cello and Piano Jan. 15 • Student Music Recital Jan. 19 • Re-Imagine The Dream Jan. 28 • American Brass Quintet Jan. 29 • Detroit Opera Residency Artist Jan. 31 • Composers Forum Jan. 31 • Winter Wind Symphony Feb. 1 • Faculty Chamber Music Recital Feb. 5 • Student Music Recital Feb. 8 • Faculty Black History Month Concert Feb. 11 • Faculty Recital: Christopher Goodpasture and Kara Huber, piano duo Feb. 13-15 • Romeo and Juliet

Milliken Auditorium, Traverse City

Jan. 16 • Joan Shelley Feb. 13 • Full Cord

Traverse City Philharmonic

Jan. 17 • Backstage Pass Jan. 18 • American Fireworks Feb. 14-15 • Side By Side

The Venue Event Center, Cadillac

Jan. 16 • Grunge Fest Jan. 22 • Blackhawk Jan. 23 • That Arena Rock Show Feb. 12 • Fire From the Gods

Northern Express Weekly • january 12, 2026 • 11

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An aerial view of the Beadle Building.

Keast (photo by Phil Provencio)

TO COMEDY, OR NOT TO COMEDY? Local comedian trying to bring more standup to downtown Traverse City

By Ren Brabenec The lower level of the historic Beadle Building at the corner of Cass and Front Street has sat vacant since Mackinaw Brewing Company closed its doors in December 2022. In 2026, the venue will transform into a 50- to 60-seat comedy club with a full bar and a four-night-per-week comedy lineup.

But that’s only if Devin Keast, a Michiganborn, NYC-trained comic with a love for Traverse City, can partner with an investor who’s willing to help him make it all happen.

Bringing National Comedy Talent to Traverse City For the last decade, Keast has lived and worked in New York City, enmeshed in one of the world’s best locales for standup, improv, ensemble, and sketch comedy.

A self-described “opening act,” Keast has done everything from managing clubs to producing shows to working behind the bar and in the green room, entertaining audiences between sets as a master pianist, and then, naturally, hopping on stage to open for big names like Ian Bagg and Lynne Koplitz.

From the Big Apple back to the Cherry Capital, Keast begins our discussion by telling us how he found the downtown venue.

“The Beadle Building was the second venue my real estate agent showed me, but just two or three steps into the space, I knew it was the one,” Keast says. “Comics from around the country and world want to perform in Traverse City, and the Beadle Building has the potential to be a home base for comedy in northern Michigan.”

It’s in the Beadle’s subterranean environment where Keast hopes to establish the comedy club. He describes its brick walls, seven-foot ceilings, and lack of windows as venue traits right out of the viral TikToks of NYC’s premier comedy clubs.

“Most residents don’t know it yet, but we’re sitting on a gem of comedy potential

right here in Traverse City, from the venue’s location to the local and regional talent and the need for this unique form of entertainment downtown,” Keast says.

Looking for an Investor After waxing poetic about the venue, Keast shifts gears and regales us with a different kind of poetry, the lament of one who is trying to do anything in showbiz without one key factor: funding.

“I feel like it’s July 2024 and I’m Joe Biden and my phone is blowing up with Nancy Pelosi and George Clooney calling me up and telling me to get the heck outta dodge,” Keast jokes. “But I’ve already signed a lease and I’m committed to this project,” he adds, showing us a pitch deck with information about the venue, the “Voyageurs Story,” layouts, blueprints, schedules, and planned offerings.

Keast’s dedication to his mission is fitting, given the name he’s chosen for the club. “Voyageurs” should be pronounced “voy•uh•shurz,” as the French would say it. The name is a callback to the FrenchCanadian voyageurs of the fur trade who, during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, navigated the Great Lakes in search of beaver pelts to sell in booming markets back in Europe.

To Keast, the French-Canadians had much harder jobs than comics do, but there are some similarities between the trades.

“Voyageurs took risks, blazed trails, and brought communities together along the way,” Keast says. “But the voyageurs also knew how to party, and that same spirit of risk-taking, trail-blazing, hard work, and a willingness to have a good time guides comics every day.”

Aiming for April Pending funding, Voyageurs plans to open in early 2026, with Keast saying he aims to be open in time for the Traverse City

Comedy Is “Honest” and “Disarming”

An (unfinished) sneak peek at the Voyageur's sign.

Comedy Festival in April.

Live, standup comedy will be Voyageurs’ main focus, but it’s not the only offering.

Keast plans to use the fully equipped venue and its pro-level sound system and lighting array as a private event space for parties, fundraisers, and corporate gatherings.

He also hopes to pencil in community programming throughout the week, including comedy workshops, storytelling nights, and other creative, performancebased pursuits. And of course, the full bar will serve beer, wine, and snacks every night Voyageurs is open.

A big part of Keast’s mission is to make comedy accessible. He plans to reserve a few free bar seats for comedians to attend shows, as watching other comedians perform is a big part of how up-and-coming comics learn the craft.

Open mic night (Wednesdays) will be a free-ticket event for all in attendance.

Thursdays will feature primarily local talent at a discounted ticket price, and weekends (Fridays and Saturdays) will be full-price events with the stage reserved for nationallyrecognized comedians visiting Traverse City on their comedy tours.

Stay tuned on their voyageurscomedy.com.

progress

Comedy is a unique trait of the human species, as almost all cultures engage in it. Keast says he thinks it’s a universal language of sorts.

To Keast, comedy is also the great equalizer, because anyone can learn how to be a comic, and everyone can enjoy comedy.

“And because comedy is honest, it’s disarming, and it brings community together and reminds us we’re a lot more alike than we’ve been led to believe,” Keast says. “I think comedy is more important to our society now than it ever has been.”

He adds that there’s also something special about live comedy shows, as opposed to recorded performances and the ever-increasing number of Netflix comedy specials.

“Live shows are powerful,” Keast says. “You’re watching a performance that is happening in the moment.

Anything can happen during a live show. You’re participating in art that’s being made right before your eyes, and as it’s happening, the comedy is breaking norms and allowing people to express themselves and be honest, to engage in something that all humans do, to simply laugh and stop being so serious and rigid for a little while.”

at

Northern Express Weekly • january 12, 2026 • 13

CARVING HER LINE Meet the 13-year old star of barrier-crushing snowboard documentary, ‘Counter Methods’ Even at eight years old, Nahli was shredding at Grand Targhee Resort in Idaho.

14 • january 12, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

By Kierstin Gunsberg Much to the chagrin of cooped up Michiganders, the skies have been steadily dumping snow since Thanksgiving week.

But that’s just the way Charlevoix teen Nahli Curtis likes it. For the freeriding snowboarder (meaning she carves out her own runs on ungroomed backcountry, following a ton of safety checks), the more fresh snow, the better the chance of finding the perfect spot to catch some air.

For anyone who’s followed her family’s “RADFAM” YouTube channel, you already know that life on the slopes is part of the Curtis family culture, with Nahli locked into a board since she started walking.

“I don’t remember a time when it wasn’t my thing,” says Nahli, who loves to warm up with Indian or Chinese takeout and pal around with her Newfoundland and Russian Bear pups.

At just 13 years old, she is coming off the world premier of her snowboarding documentary, Counter Methods: Evolution, which debuted at Traverse City’s Opera House on Dec. 13 with an audience of over 200 people.

Filmed by her dad, John, and sponsored by both national gear brands and local names Boyne Country Sports and Nub’s Nob Ski Resort, the doc follows Nahli’s adventures along the U.P.’s Keweenaw Peninsula and the cliffy, technical terrain of Mount Bohemia before heading out West for a crash course in big-mountain snowboarding, all with a crew of coaches and mentors along for the ride.

“My dad’s a filmmaker, so making videos has always been something we do just for fun,” Nahli says. Growing up, watching snowboarding films was also a point of bonding between her and her dad. Something that stuck out to her though, was how nearly all of them featured guys. That sparked an idea between the two: “How cool it would be to make one from my perspective, as a younger girl.”

Representing on the Mountain Though it’s still early to map out just how much snowboarding will define her future— Nahli says she could see herself helping people in the medical field one day, maybe even as a backcountry search and rescuer— the documentary’s coming-of-age snapshot shows how she’s held her own in a historically male-dominated sport, even as most of her on-screen coaches and the people she credits with her success are men.

“I hope that the content I’m putting out shows that young women have a space in this culture,” says Nahli, noting that even with growing support for boarders like her, there still seems to be some lingering gatekeeping from male counterparts, especially the older ones. “On the hill it’s all high fives and heck yeahs,” but when it comes to public support like social media shoutouts for her film, “it’s crickets.”

One thing the industry could do to invite more young women to the proverbial freeriding table—especially those who want to progress beyond casual recreation— would be creating more programs that help get them there, says Nahli.

And though she doesn’t run into many other girls her age on the hill, she’s found a community of them online where they share their own stories of the sport, including disparities between how male and female boarders are acknowledged in competitions, which skew anywhere from 75-85 percent male in participation and where being awarded a gift basket in lieu of the money men receive for the same contest is all too common.

For her part, Nahli’s not actually that interested in competing with anyone except herself. “My focus is riding powder and

Nahli took second place at a Grand Targhee competition.

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This shot was snapped a year ago at Silverton Mountain in Colorado.

steep lines.” Partly because there’s also plenty of barriers to freeriding contests besides gender, she explains, from high entry costs to travel logistics.

Schooled by the Slopes Logistics, like when she can take off for a cross-country adventure, are a little less of an obstacle for Nahli though; she’s been homeschooled most of her life.

“It’s been awesome for snowboarding because I don’t have to plan everything around a school schedule,” she says. “We can just go for it.”

And as most homeschoolers will tell you, life itself becomes an education, and so too has snowboarding for the middle schooler.

“Especially while traveling,” she notes. “It teaches you to just push through and focus on what needs to be done.”

Sometimes that means taking inventory of what’s already been accomplished and knowing when to back down even when you’ve worked so hard to get up a mountain—literally—

something she learned when (major spoiler alert for Counter Methods) about midway through the doc, Nahli and her dad both find themselves short of breath and nauseated out in the winter wilds while riding in Colorado.

“I honestly thought I was dying,” says Nahli, explaining that with Colorado’s elevation being so much higher than what she’s used to here in northern Michigan, it’s already hard to breathe there on a good day.

And on that day, as it turns out, she and John were both down bad with pneumonia, something they found out after abandoning their original riding plans to head back down the mountain for medical care.

That kind of lesson in trusting intuition along every step of a goal is one of many Nahli says she’s found in snowboarding. “It’s really taught me how to prioritize and listen to myself, both on and off the mountain.”

Learn more about Nahli’s journey and where you can catch the next screening of the documentary at countermethods.com.

Freeride snowboarding isn’t your average day on the hill. Instead of hitting the same groomed runs as everyone else, Nahli’s going off-piste to forge her own, something that comes with its own set of rules and hazards. Here are five things she says every newbie freerider needs to know before heading out: 1. Avoid hitting trees at all costs. As Nahli puts it, “they don’t move when you hit them.”

2. Since freeriding happens off the beaten path and sometimes far away from ski patrol, “stick with a group” when learning to ride.

3. Take an intro to avalanche safety class “at minimum,” especially if you’re headed out West. Last season, data collected from national avalanche watch groups reported 23 avalanche deaths, with the majority of them attributed to winter sports. Backcountry recreation, like freeriding, comes with an increased risk of encountering an avalanche or even starting one, since boarding on unstable snowpack can trigger one.

4. School yourself on snow science and the 5 Red Flags of snow safety—recent avalanches, new snow, wind, collapsing or cracking snow pack, and rapid temp changes—says Nahli.

5. Finally, find a safety-conscious, trustworthy mentor and “use every session as a learning experience.”

Après Ski Saturdays at Mt. Holiday

Lightning Round Q&A with Nahli

Before jumping back out on her board, Nahli shared her rapid-fire responses to our not-so-pressing questions: What are your top must-haves to throw in your board bag before heading out to find fresh powder? “Snacks, water and proper layers.”

And the song that leads your boarding playlist? “‘Crushing’ by Sombr.”

Enjoy music Saturdays 2–5onPM, plus a It’s been alive long day of runs and now it’s time tofrom refuel. What’s the menu?

“Curly fries and a chicken salad sandwich.

Nub’s Nob has the best food of any cozy lodge, T-Bar specials, and mountain vibes. resort.”

Which is better: bluebird day or steady lake effect flurries? “Lake effect is always the answer.”

Coolest, scariest, or most surprising trick you’ve landed? “Not running into trees in the woods!”

Something you’re still working on? “Rails.”

If you could do231-938-2500 a freeride session anywhere in the world tomorrow, where are you flying? “Japan! It’s one of the snowiest places on the planet. Within the snowboard culture,3100 we callHoliday it ‘Japow.’” Rd. Traverse City, MI

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Northern Express Weekly • january 12, 2026 • 15

Nahli took second place at a Grand Targhee competition.

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When not traveling, Nahli practices on rails in her backyard.

Know Before You Go

This shot was snapped a year ago at Silverton Mountain in Colorado.

steep lines.” Partly because there’s also plenty of barriers to freeriding contests besides gender, she explains, from high entry costs to travel logistics.

something she learned when (major spoiler alert for Counter Methods) about midway through the doc, Nahli and her dad both find themselves short of breath and nauseated out in the winter wilds while riding in Colorado.

Schooled by the Slopes “I honestly thought I was dying,” says Logistics, like when she can take off for Nahli, explaining that with Colorado’s a cross-country adventure, are a little less elevation being so much higher than what of an obstacle for Nahli though; she’s been she’s used to here in northern Michigan, it’s winter a there dayon a good day. homeschooled Celebrate most of her life. all thingsalready hard with to breathe “It’s been awesome for snowboarding And on that day, as it turns out, she and of free, family-friendly activities! because I don’t have to plan everything John were both down bad with pneumonia, 11 a.m.

- 1:30they p.m. around a school schedule,” Activities she says. “We can something found out after abandoning just go for it.” their original riding plans to head back down Kid-friendly performance And as most homeschoolers will tell you, the mountain2forp.m. medical care. life itself becomes an education, and so too That kind of lesson in trusting intuition has snowboarding for the middle schooler. along every step of a goal is one of many “Especially while traveling,” she notes. “It Nahli says she’s found in snowboarding. “It’s teaches you to just push through and focus really taught me how to prioritize and listen A R T S A Cto AD E M Y both on and off the mountain.” on what needs to be done.” myself, Sometimes that means taking inventory of what’s already been accomplished and knowing Learn more about Nahli’s journey and where when to back downinterlochen.org/winterlochen even when you’ve worked you can catch the next screening of the so hard to get up a mountain—literally— documentary at countermethods.com.

Saturday • Feb. 21

16 • january 12, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

Freeride snowboarding isn’t your average day on the hill. Instead of hitting the same groomed runs as everyone else, Nahli’s going off-piste to forge her own, something that comes with its own set of rules and hazards. Here are five things she says every newbie freerider needs to know before heading out: 1. Avoid hitting trees at all costs. As Nahli puts it, “they don’t move when you hit them.”

2. Since freeriding happens off the beaten path and sometimes far away from ski patrol, “stick with a group” when learning to ride.

3. Take an intro to avalanche safety class “at minimum,” especially if you’re headed out West. Last season, data collected from national avalanche watch groups reported 23 avalanche deaths, with the majority of them attributed to winter sports. Backcountry recreation, like freeriding, comes with an increased risk of encountering an avalanche or even starting one, since boarding on unstable snowpack can trigger one.

4. School yourself on snow science and the 5 Red Flags of snow safety—recent avalanches, new snow, wind, collapsing or cracking snow pack, and rapid temp changes—says Nahli.

5. Finally, find a safety-conscious, trustworthy mentor and “use every session as a learning experience.”

Lightning Round Q&A with Nahli

Before jumping back out on her board, Nahli shared her rapid-fire responses to our not-so-pressing questions: What are your top must-haves to throw in your board bag before heading out to find fresh powder? “Snacks, water and proper layers.”

And the song that leads your boarding playlist? “‘Crushing’ by Sombr.”

It’s been a long day of runs and now it’s time to refuel. What’s on the menu?

“Curly fries and a chicken salad sandwich. Nub’s Nob has the best food of any resort.”

Which is better: bluebird day or steady lake effect flurries? “Lake effect is always the answer.”

Coolest, scariest, or most surprising trick you’ve landed? “Not running into trees in the woods!”

Something you’re still working on? “Rails.”

If you could do a freeride session anywhere in the world tomorrow, where are you flying? “Japan! It’s one of the snowiest places on the planet. Within the snowboard culture, we call it ‘Japow.’”

IS THE SAT A SCAM?

Student Guest Opinion

by Quinn De Vecchi Over 100 years ago, in the early 1920s, the military began using the Army Alpha Test: an intelligence evaluation for new recruits to create more competent taskforces that would cost less. In 1923, Carl Brigham, a prominent psychologist and eugenicist from Princeton University, revised the test for it to be used in college admissions. That new exam, called the Scholastic Aptitude Test, became the SAT. Back then, Brigham had created the SAT to continue his previous analysis of how white, native-born Americans were more intelligent than immigrants or people of color. This

the National School Lunch Act benchmark), those waivers only last for two tests.

Even crazier, the College Board requires students to pay $15 per school when sending official test scores. It goes up to $31 if a student wants their scores to be expedited, though the scores are electronic and aren’t even mailed.

This means that a student would be paying more than $100 (not even considering them retaking the SAT, or if they had an AP exam) just to do something that many colleges have made optional. And the cost goes up with application fees; a student is paying well over hundreds of dollars just to apply to colleges.

From starting as an IQ test to becoming a monopoly scheme, the test is a financial burden on students and sets them up to have their personal information looted. followed the same idea as the many other IQ tests at the time—eugenicists used the higher scores from white, native-born Americans to prove that they were superior.

The reason white people were receiving higher scores? Because they actually had the ability to go to private schools and have tutors, and many of them were in highincome households. Today, white people are second to Asians in terms of highest SAT scores.

Even with its racist upbringing, the SAT was first used to choose low-income seniors for Harvard scholarships in the 1930s. During this time, much of the Ivy Leagues’ students came from elite boarding and day schools from the northeast. The SAT was used to give chances to the poorer few who were deemed “smart enough” to go to Harvard.

Although its initial practical use was to ease the class divide a bit, now the SAT is run by the College Board, which charges obscene amounts of money for a required part of the admissions process.

College Board is an American not-for-profit organization that was founded in 1899 to be a bridge between colleges and students. It utilized Brigham’s version of the IQ test to create a more succinct admissions process, especially for the Ivy League and Seven Sisters colleges.

The College Board owns AP, the SAT, and the CSS financial aid profile (the SAT and CSS are usually required by a majority of schools, especially Ivy Leagues).

Students must pay $68 to sign up for the SAT, and it comes with a $34 fee for late registration. (There is also a large fee for those taking the SAT outside of the U.S.) For AP tests, a student must pay $99 per exam, with an additional $40 late fee. While the College Board does offer fee waivers (usually for low-income students that meet

Some people—and many colleges—are starting to think that the SAT shouldn’t be part of the general admissions process.

“Making the SAT required for so many schools when it isn’t really a good indicator of intelligence isn’t fair,” commented my friend and classmate who recently took the SAT and has chosen to stay anonymous.

Skip the mortgage, keep the freedom!

“The SAT is a measure of test-taking and how you can retain information in the shortterm prior to a big test. GPA—stretched over a longer time—is a lot more useful [for the admissions process].”

In addition to the financial SAT woes, since the fall of 2021, the College Board has been able to sell students’ data for 50 cents a pop.

Usually, only colleges buy this information (score, ethnicity, school, etc.) so they know who to send millions of useless brochures to.

Students are urged to press “yes!” to giving their data out not just for college views, but also for potential scholarships.

But what many students don’t know is that some of their information doesn’t just go to schools. It also goes to military recruitment programs, public and private companies, and any other place that is willing to pay for kids’ data.

So, is the SAT really still worth it—or has it ever really been worth it at all? From starting as an IQ test to becoming a monopoly scheme, the test is a financial burden on students and sets them up to have their personal information looted.

Personally, I’m beginning to believe that we should leave the SAT in the past and modernize the admissions process. We students have been forced to take a two-hour long test just so our GPA can be sidelined for some one-day, one-time numbers. I think it’s about time we change that.

Quinn De Vecchi is a creative writing senior at Interlochen Arts Academy.

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Northern Express Weekly • january 12, 2026 • 17

Petoskey Curling Club’s Home Sweet Home From an icy parking lot to the Emmet County Fairgrounds

By Eric Cox When Olympic curling was televised over a decade ago, some Petoskey residents were quite intrigued. Seeing an opportunity to squeeze yet another winter activity into NoMi’s already toe-numbing roster, they scrounged around and found a way to get a taste of this old Scottish pastime.

Ben Walker was one of them, and he isn’t ashamed to say that the earliest iteration of Petoskey curling involved water-filled frozen milk jugs and an icy parking lot.

In the absence of real curling gear, these determined winter warriors devised their own crude replicas using frozen plastic containers. Their playing surface, or “sheet,” was an iced-over section of flat pavement.

That was in 2014. Now, nearly 12 years later, what could’ve easily been a passing fancy has blossomed into an official club with 30 members and a new, semipermanent home.

From Milk Jugs to Concrete Salad Bowls Walker is a founder, former board president, and current active member who’s witnessed the Petoskey Curling Club’s evolution, from lactose lobbing beginners, to full-on, experienced curlers with all the proper equipment.

Silly though it might’ve seemed, the milk jug event had nevertheless served its purpose, planting a kernel of interest. “My friends said, ‘Let’s do more,’ So we started pricing actual curling stones,” Walker explains.

That’s when reality set in: even used sets of 16 granite curling stones range anywhere from $3,000-$7,000, with new sets costing as much as $13,000.

The club wasn’t even established yet and the price tag was already prohibitive. So, just like their initial foray into the sport itself, Walker and his friends improvised in order to keep the project moving forward.

Using salad bowls as forms, they fabricated their own versions of curling stones with concrete and re-bar. Their new design was much more refined than the milk jugs, and they traded in their frozen parking lot for rented time at a local ice arena. Walker says at first, club events were relegated to the worst time slots on the arena schedule.

“Hockey dominates everything up here,” Walker says. “So they always get first choice on the schedule. But we got better times as we went along.”

These experiential upgrades added authenticity to their outings and served, ultimately, to help bridge the gap between a group of mere curling enthusiasts and the official club they’ve created, one that is now officially sanctioned by the sport’s domestic governing body, USA Curling.

Finding a Home Just like the rest of the world, the club took a long break during the COVID pandemic.

With social distancing in place and restrictions on group gatherings, Petoskey curlers laid low, waiting for the storm to pass.

When they emerged, Walker says the club began focusing on a central goal: finding a bit of dedicated local ice they wouldn’t have to share.

“We kept curling outdoors and in rented spaces for a long time,” Walker explains.

“But our winters have been too sporadic and unpredictable to make a real schedule, and we have always wanted our own space.”

He and other board members began researching ways to make that happen.

They envisioned a facility with two sheets of ice, along with lockers and restrooms. But this was an expensive plan, and although the club is populated with enthusiastic members, funding seemed scarce. So the club investigated other options.

They hit upon an idea that saw the club partnering with Emmet County and a handful of local businesses to establish

18 • january 12, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

a semi-permanent home at the Emmet County Fairgrounds. That concept includes a long hoop house with an ice floor that would serve as the club’s home sheet.

Through a series of local agreements and sponsorship deals, the club last year enjoyed its first season on its own ice. Though the hoop house and sheet are dismantled at season’s end, it’s all reinstalled in midDecember, in time for the long winter freeze and the start of curling season.

The Curling Community What makes this sport, popularized in early 18th century Scotland, so attractive to people?

Walker says it’s a combination of accessibility and fun. “It’s a unique Olympic sport that is approachable,” he says. “Of course, they make it look super easy on TV. But once you get the basics down, most anyone can play. There are aids for people with less balance and mobility, and the social aspect is also a huge draw for most people.”

According to Walker, the Petoskey Curling Club’s culture centers on goodnatured rivalries, camaraderie, and sportsmanship. “We all celebrate a great shot, no matter what team made it!”

And they’ve had good luck attracting interest. Though numbers have fallen since the first year, when about 250 people tried curling, the club maintains a core of solid supporters.

“We started outside in the wind and cold with homemade stones and have grown to having our own ice in a hoop house with real curling stones and equipment,” Walker says.

“We have several members that have been with us for over a decade, and each year we get new people passionate about growing the sport and having a great time on the ice.”

Inter-club play and weekly club meetings at a local brewery help club members stay connected and assist the organization in plotting a positive course. Walker says other events, like curling viewing parties, are

coming soon, but no dates have been set.

The Petoskey club occasionally competes in invitationals with neighboring clubs, and they’ve been invited to play with groups from Lewiston, Alpena, Maple City, and Traverse City. Though there is very little league play at the moment, last year’s contests took place on Mondays and Wednesdays. And anyone can learn curling at one of the club’s Learn to Curl events.

To learn more about the club and find out about upcoming events, visit petoskeycurling.com. The club is currently raising money to offset hoop house construction costs. A GoFundMe portal can be found on the club’s Facebook page.

CURLING BASICS

According to USACurling.com, curling is a winter sport played on a “sheet” of ice between two teams of four players each. “A game consists of a series of rounds called ends, and in each end, teams take turns throwing stones until each team has thrown eight stones. After all stones are delivered, the team with the stone closest to the center of the house, the target at the far end of the sheet, scores points. Another end is played by throwing the stones back to the starting side of the sheet.”

Players who “brush” the ice ahead of the stone reduce friction and help the stone slide further and straighter, and their efforts are guided by the “skip,” who releases the stone.

The game gets its name from the lateral movement of the stones as they travel down the sheet, according to USAcurling.com. “Stones will ‘curl’ to the right or left of the release point as they glide down the ice.”

by Joseph beyer

Marty Supreme

CAFE - open daily / 8am - 3pm SUPPER - open daily / 4:30pm - 8:30pm www.themillglenarbor.com 5440 W Harbor Hwy, Glen Arbor

Try as I might not to absorb too much about a film before seeing it, outside the usual trailers and teasers, I couldn’t help but notice how many people online seemed genuinely worked up about the new Timothée Chalamet thriller (?)

Marty Supreme. The film is making a splash, and seems to be crescendoing at the perfect trophy-season moment.

Chalamet is the undeniable lead of the film, along with one of its producers, and recently won Best Actor honors at the Critics’ Choice Awards.

So I was prepared for anything when I finally sat down at the AMC to see what this period drama set in the 1950s of New York was all about. With no spoilers I’m here to warn you … that I unapologetically loved it.

That’s because it’s a genuinely classic sports movie about the true origins of table tennis and reminded me at times (believe it or not) of Raging Bull. And because it’s a genuinely classic hustler film in the playful vein of The Sting. And a riveting allegorical morality tale about a secondgeneration American immigrant fighting to survive. And because it has the beating heart of a twisted love story like Badlands.

But probably more than anything else, it’s because the film is all spun together by an electrified actor whose talents onscreen are undeniable.

Chalamet brings the manic character of Marty Mauser, a scheming but brilliant competitor on a quest to prove himself to the world, to vivid and memorable life using a multi-leveled acting language he’s created just for this world. Call it Tragic Realism.

Among just a few of the cast backing him up are the superlovely-to-see-her-actingagain Gwyneth Paltrow as a fading starlet and secret lover; hot off HBO’s I Love L.A. series Odessa A'zion as the gentle Bonnie to Chalamet’s Clyde; an unrecognizable Fran Drescher; legend Abel Ferrara as a mafioso dog lover; and Penn Jillette as a terror straight out of Deliverance.

Perhaps most surprising is Shark Tank’s “Mr. Wonderful” Kevin O’Leary as an

ink-and-pen baron who becomes Marty’s benefactor, of sorts. Far from a stunty cameo, O’Leary delivers a truly talented and thorough performance that displays unknown skills and adds chops to an already phenomenally good ensemble, with kudos to casting director Jennifer Venditti.

There’s little surprise that in the hands of indie-centric director and co-writer Josh Safdie (recently and amicably split from his longtime creative partner and sibling Benny; together the duo was behind such hyper-kinetic movies as Good Time and Uncut Gems), this film’s pace is as relentless as a runaway subway car.

But this Safdie knows when to squeeze the brakes and takes moments to let you catch your breath—then go even deeper with his fascinatingly flawed characters.

Just book a ticket and clear a little headspace for the 2 hour and 29 minute journey that may not always seem like it will finally come together. For me it did, and I think it’s one the most unique endings since The Sopranos.

With such a spirited year of big-screen dramas already, Marty Supreme should absolutely be sitting at the Oscars table. It has all the makings of that unique movie that offers an almost retro-cinematic experience: brilliant and absurd comedy, true drama, riveting action, heartbreaking love, crimes, punishment, sex, the mob, revenge, and finally, possible redemption.

In Marty Supreme, you’ll find a story that twists and bends conventions (the score alone is a beguiling puzzle), and maybe it won’t fit into any one label. What else would you expect from producers and distributors A24, who have made these inspiring mashups a genre of their own?

Now playing exclusively in theaters, Marty Supreme is rated R for adult language, sexual content, violence against men and dogs, and a true glimpse of Timothee Chalamet’s ass being slapped with a tabletennis paddle. (Sorry, one spoiler. Happy New Year!)

Book a Table!

Seasonal fare overlooking the Leland River Thursday to Sunday 4:30pm - 8pm www.theriversideinn.com 302 River St, Leland

8am - 7pm seven days / week coffee, fresh baked goods, breakfast, lunch, beer & wine www.outposttc.com 108 E Front St, Traverse City Northern Express Weekly • january 12, 2026 • 19

jan 10

TC. The daggers are made of plastic & have Saturday a safety tip. benziepride.org WINTER THEME STORY ---------------------------------

TIME: 10am, Alden District Library. Miss Bri will read stories with a winter theme & offer simple activities for kids. 231-331-4318.

--------------------------------LITTLE WAVES YOUNG CHILDREN’S LIBRARY MUSIC PROGRAM: A fun instrument exploration series hosted by the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra. Enjoy a multimedia musical storybook time & a chance to see one or more of the instruments of the orchestra up close. For ages 4-10. Free. Held at Petoskey District Library at 10:30am & at Charlevoix Public Library at 1pm. glcorchestra.org --------------------------------MUSICAL STORYTIME WITH THE TC PHIL - FEATURING PERCUSSION!: 11am, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Join members of the TC Philharmonic for 45 minutes of music & movement. Explore rhythm & instruments of the orchestra with hands-on musical fun.

Instrument petting zoo, story reading, movement, & crafts. Recommended ages: 7 & under. Free. tcphil.org/events/musical-storytime-with-the-tc-phil-jan-10-2026 --------------------------------WINTER TRAILS DAY: 1-3pm, Crystal Mountain, Cross-Country Center, Thompsonville.

Free cross-country skiing for both children & adults new to snow sports. This free clinic includes a lesson, day pass & rental equipment. Demonstrations will be held at the top of each hour & will be about 15 minutes long.

Offered at 1pm, 2pm & 3pm. crystalmountain. com/events-activities/events/event-calendar/ winter-trails-day --------------------------------SAM SHOVEL - PRIVATE EYE: 2pm & 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. It’s a hot & sultry day in the gritty city, & Sam Shovel has a dead man sprawled in her office, stabbed in the back with a yardstick. This 1940s detective noir parody Staged Reading will be reminiscent of an old-time radio show. $10. oldtownplayhouse.com/performances/ staged-readings/sam-shovel-private-eye.html --------------------------------SINGING WORKSHOP WITH ANNIE BACON: 2-3:30pm, Upper Carnegie Building, Petoskey. January artist-in-residence at Good Hart Artist Residency, Annie Bacon will focus on building the breath-foundation for singing, & will include elements of learning, listening, & singing. Limited seats available. Registration required. petoskey.librarycalendar.com/event/ singing-workshop-annie-bacon-7555 --------------------------------BENZIE PRIDE EVENT: 3pm, Five Shores Brewing, Beulah. Join Benzie Pride for an historical dagger fight demonstration & short lesson with the Historical Weapons Guild of

COOKBOOK DINNER SERIES PRESENTS “KIIN” BY NUIT REGULAR: amical, TC, Jan. 5-11. Nuit learned to cook in her mother’s kitchen, using ingredients from the market or the family garden, & developed a passion for sharing Thai cuisine with others. Kiin, meaning “eat” in Thai, explores the vibrant ingredients, markets, & culture of northern Thailand that inspires its recipes. amical.com/kiin --------------------------------THE ALLUVION JAZZ SERIES PRESENTS: MICHAEL DEASE CITY LIFE QUINTET FEAT. GEOFFREY KEEZER & BILLY KILSON: 7-9:30pm, The Alluvion, TC. Trombonist Michael Dease has lent his versatile sound & signature improvisations to over 200 recordings & groups as diverse as Grammywinning artists David Sanborn, Christian McBride, Kanye West, Michel Camilo, & Alicia Keys. Geoffrey Keezer is a GRAMMY-winning pianist, composer, arranger & producer based in New York City. Drummer Billy Kilson is known for his revelational improvisation & timing, & an undeniable stage presence reminiscent of the great jazz drummers before him. $30-$35. thealluvion.org/tickets/the-alluvionjazz-series-presents-michael-dease-city-lifequintet-featuring-geoffrey-keezer-billy-kilson --------------------------------THE LITTLE PRINCE AND THE MAN FROM MARS: 7:30pm, The MATCH, 1728 S. Garfield Ave. at the Cherryland Center, TC. The newest remix from Mashup follows a group of Castaways who are riding out the end of the world in an abandoned strip mall. To pass the time they tell stories about the Little Prince and the Man From Mars, two spectacular alien beings who crashed to Earth & experienced the best & worst of humanity. $28 GA, $38 VIP, $22 students & seniors. mashuprockandrollmusical. com/upcoming-shows-tickets --------------------------------THE MAGIC OF MOTOWN: 7:30pm, City Opera House, TC. A Journey Through Motown’s Best Including: The Temptations, The Jackson Five, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Four Tops, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson & more. $39-$69. cityoperahouse.org

jan 11

Sunday CADILLAC FOOTLITERS

THEATRE AUDITIONS: 3-5pm, Cadillac Footliters’ “Clubhouse,” 3841 Walker Ave., Cadillac. These auditions are for “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” For ages 18+. cadillacfootliters.com --------------------------------THE LITTLE PRINCE AND THE MAN FROM MARS: PAY WHAT YOU CAN: 3pm, The

january

10-18

send your dates to: events@traverseticker.com

Slow your roll to a creative crawl during Community Canvas, Sat., Jan. 17 in downtown TC. This self-guided, all-day event will unveil the Downtown Community Mural located at the Front St. entrance to the Larry Hardy Parking Structure. The mural is a culmination of more than 400 art contributions created by community members, which sparked at September’s Downtown Art Fair and continued through pop-up art activations produced by Look Wonder Discover, in collaboration with Crooked Tree Arts Center. You can follow a curated map (in progress!) of public art and activations, discover downtown spaces through a creative lens, and engage with participating downtown businesses. downtowntc. com/community-canvas/

MATCH, 1728 S. Garfield Ave. at the Cherryland Center, TC. A group of Castaways ride out the end of the world telling stories about two spectacular alien beings who crashed to Earth & experienced the best & worst of humanity. This performance will feature full ASL interpreting as well as a Deaf performer within the show. Pay a minimum of $5. mashuprockandrollmusical.com/upcoming-shows-tickets --------------------------------COOKBOOK DINNER SERIES PRESENTS “KIIN” BY NUIT REGULAR: (See Sat., Jan. 10)

jan 12

growth corridor strategy project. eleoonline. net/Pages/WebForms/Mobile/ShowFormMobile.aspx?id=d6fd090f-db74-4776-b08f7c08f99fbfa3&linkto=1294 --------------------------------CADILLAC FOOTLITERS THEATRE AUDITIONS: (See Sun., Jan. 11, except tonight’s time is 6-8pm.)

--------------------------------WINTER WARMUP: 6:30pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Join for a small cup of chili & music with Johnny Keys, aka John Nedlo. Free. peninsulacommunitylibrary.org

monday jan GRAND TRAVERSE

COUNTY HOUSING GROWTH CORRIDOR STRATEGY MEETING: 3pm, TC Curling Club. Join Housing North for this meeting featuring Ryan Kilpatrick from Flywheel Companies, who will present the initial results of the

13

tuesday QUILTS FOR KIDS: 10am-

noon, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Join Kellie Chase to transform fabrics into patchwork quilts for kids facing serious trauma. Quilts for Kids is a non-profit organization. Materials provided.

RSVP! peninsulacommunitylibrary.org

CASTLE+ FARMS C HA RLE VOIX , MIC HICA N

Jan 16: Single's Night at the Castle Pub Jan 16: Single's Night at the Castle Pub Feb 7: Speed Dating Feb 7: Speed Dating Feb Feb14: 14: Valentine's Valentine'sDay DayDate DateNight NightDance Dance Feb 20: Paint & Sip in the Castle Pub Feb 20: Paint & Sip in the Castle Pub March Community Sale Sale March 77: : Community March 113: 3: Strings March StringsAttached AttachedCONCERT CONCERT March 330: 0: Antique Party March AntiqueRoadshow Roadshow Viewing Viewing Party A p r i l 2 0 2 2 : Queen's Quilting Retreat April 20-22: Queen's Quilting Retreat April 25: Chris Calleja & The Hazel James Band April 25: Chris Calleja & The Hazel James Band

CONCERT

20 • january 12, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

May 22: Nostalgia Night - Volume 2 Featuring May 22: Nostalgia Night - Volume 2 Featuring Derailed Derailed May 27: Eerie Excursion: A Haunted Tour held May 27: Eerie Excursion - A Haunted Tour monthly from May-October May 31: Boozy Book Fair - Chapter 3 May 31: Boozy Book Fair - Chapter 3 June 19: Northern Michigan Country Rock June 19: Northern Michigan Country Rock Festival CONCERT Festival CONCERT July 20-23: Enchanted Art Market July Enchanted Art Market Oct20-23: 25: Boozy Book Fair Oct Book Fair Oct25: 30: Boozy Paranormal Conference No30: v8: Grand Wedding Expo Oct Paranormal Conference

Nov 8: Grand Wedding Expo Nov16-19: Stitchin' Season: The Deer Nov 16-19: Stitchin' Season: The Deer Widow's Widow's Quilting Retreat Quilting Retreat Nov 21: Switchback: A Celtic Holiday Nov 21: Switchback: A Celtic Holiday CONCERT CONCERT Dec 5 & 6: Holiday Market & Santa's Dec 5 &Workshop 6: Holiday Market & Santa's Workshop

Eerie Excursion: A Haunted Tour held monthly from May-October Visit castlefarms.com for more detail

visit castlefarms.com

WINTER PEEPERS: “TRICKY TRACKS”: 10am, Boardman River Nature Center, TC. This is an adult-accompanied program for early learners ages 3-5. Featuring stories, crafts, music, & discovery activities. Held outdoors. Register. $5/child. natureiscalling. org/preschool-peepers-program --------------------------------HOW MICHIGAN BECAME MICHIGAN: HOW A 1775 MAP GAVE MICHIGAN ISLE ROYALE & STARTED THE TOLEDO WAR: 6pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Learn how Michigan ended up with the UP & its interesting shape.

There was also a (mostly) bloodless Toledo War in our state’s history. tadl.org/ToledoWar

jan 14

wednesday STOP THE BLEED: 3-5pm,

Peninsula Community Library, TC. Peninsula Fire Department will conduct free training on how to respond effectively to bleeding emergencies. Email ctaylor@peninsulafire.org to register. Free.

--------------------------------GAYLORD BUSINESS AFTER HOURS: 5-7pm, Treetops Resort, Convention Center, Gaylord. $5 members; $10 not-yet members. gaylordchamber.com/events/details/businessafter-hours-2026-treetops-resort-13268 --------------------------------“ALL TOO CLEAR: BENEATH THE SURFACE OF THE GREAT LAKES”: 6pm, Elk Rapids Cinema. Green Elk Rapids presents this award-winning documentary which uses cutting edge technology to explore how the invasive quagga mussels are changing the Great Lakes eco-system at a scale not seen since the glaciers. Doors open at 5pm. Suggested $5 donation. greenelkrapids.org --------------------------------“THE NATURE OF PLACE”: AN EVENING WITH STEPHANIE MILLS & SETH BERNARD: 6pm, The GT Circuit, TC. Author & bioregionalist Stephanie Mills will present her 2025 Freshwater Summit keynote speech, “Starting from and Staying with the Nature of Place.” Sponsored by Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation, the fundraiser benefits Title Track founded by activist & musician Seth Bernard. Free. facebook.com/ share/1Ai6SVCAVN --------------------------------ART NIGHT & JAM SESSION: 6pm, Up North Pride Community Center, TC. Bring your own art project, or an instrument, & enjoy an artful evening with friends. And if you don’t have an art project, just bring yourself & a smile! Free. upnorthpride.com/events --------------------------------EXPAND STORYTELLING #10: 6:30pm, The Alluvion, TC. Storytellers include Ella Skrocki, Sleeping Bear Surf; Dana Falconberry, artist, musician & chef; Ryan Hannon, Central United Methodist. They will share their life stories around how they find fulfillment from the inside out wherever they are. $15 on Eventbrite or $18 at door. expandstorytelling.com/events/expand-10

jan 15

thursday FRIENDS OF THE AL-

DEN DISTRICT LIBRARY MONTHLY MEETING: Helena Twp. Community Center, Alden. 9:30am social time; 10am meeting. Topics of discussion will be plans for upcoming programs, book sales & activities. 231-331-4318.

--------------------------------WINTER 2026 VERNISSAGE & SWIRL: 5:30-7pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center,

Petoskey. Featuring wines from Great Lakes Wine and Spirit, appetizers from Chef Sarah McDonnell of Little Bay Gourmet, & live music from Dane Tollas. Along with the On Ice & At Home exhibitions in the galleries, CTAC, Petoskey will also be unveiling this year’s Dart for Art featured painting, “Where the River Sings,” by Kurt Anderson. $25-$30. crookedtree.org/events-and-exhibitions/eve nts/?page=1&location=petoskey#class-list --------------------------------DARK & STORMCLOUDY FILM SERIES: 7pm, The Garden Theater, Frankfort. This series pairs award-winning films with small batch dark beers, handcrafted specifically by Stormcloud Brewing, for each movie selection. Featuring “My Old Ass” & M.O.A. Bierre De Garde. Tickets are $10; includes a $5 coupon for Stormcloud Brewing. gardentheater.org/comingsoon

jan 16

friday SIPS & SOUPS!: Leelanau

jan 17

saturday COMMUNITY CANVAS:

Peninsula Wine Trail. Held noon-5pm, Jan. 16-18. For $40, attendees will receive a 2 oz. pour of selected wine paired with 3 oz. of soup from each of the participating wineries. Also, each ticket comes with $10 in “Cork Cash,” redeemable at participating wineries. Reservations are highly recommended. Purchase your ticket based upon your Starting Location. If you are local, you can purchase a SUNDAY ONLY ticket for $30, which includes $5 cork cash. eventbrite.com/e/sips-soups-tickets1684303871219?aff=oddtdtcreator --------------------------------WINTER ECOLOGY WALK: 1pm, Harbor Springs. Join LTC Ecology Technician Brad Von Blon at the Sally and Art Hailand, Jr. / Helstrom Family Nature Preserves for a walk where you’ll learn all about what happens to life on these lands in these cold winter months. landtrust.org/ events-template/winter-ecology-brad --------------------------------“THE HOBBIT”: 7pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. A shy hobbit, Bilbo Baggins is unexpectedly thrust into an epic adventure with a group of dwarves. See what happens to them in their quest to reclaim a stolen treasure from the fearsome dragon Smaug. $15$22. oldtownplayhouse.com/youth-learning/ performances/the-hobbit.html --------------------------------DMC CONCERT: JOAN SHELLEY: 7pm, Dennos Museum Center, Milliken Auditorium, NMC, TC. Kentucky singer/songwriter Joan Shelley brings her songs that evoke both American & British folk traditions. Pitchfork says her new album ‘Real Warmth’ makes it easy to believe that music can be that lifeline out of the darkness, or at least a roadmap to home. i.am.james will open the show. $15$20. dennosmuseum.org/events/milliken --------------------------------THE STEVES AND STEVIES FEAT. DALE RIEGER AND FRIENDS: 7pm, The Cheboygan Opera House. For the fifth year in a row, Dale Rieger gathers local talent to put on a show to chase away the winter blues & benefit the Opera House. Enjoy hits from various musicians named Steve or Stevie! $10-$40. theoperahouse.org --------------------------------THE LITTLE PRINCE AND THE MAN FROM MARS: (See Sat., Jan. 10)

Featuring The Downtown TC Community Mural Reveal. Explore downtown TC

Northern Express Weekly • january 12, 2026 • 21

IMAGINE THE

POSSIBILITIES

FRAMING DISPLAYS COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL Todd McMillen

Northern Michigan’s Premier Picture Framing and Display Specialist

Certified Picture Framer

mcmillensframing.com • Downtown Traverse City

NE

22 • january 12, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

through art & culture during this free, selfguided creative crawl happening all day.

Follow a map of public art & merchant activations at your own pace, & enjoy CTAC’s Winter Exhibits Opening Reception (3-5pm). downtowntc.com/community-canvas --------------------------------FROZEN FOOT RACE: Eastern Elementary School, TC. Includes a 5 Mile Frozen Foot Race (9:30am) & 1 Mile Fun Run (9am). $5-$30. TC Track Club members run for free. runsignup.com/Race/ Register/?raceId=13155 --------------------------------BOOK HANDOUT & BATTLE OF THE BOOKS KICKOFF: 10am-4pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Assigned times.

The Battle of the Books Tournament will be held April 11 at TC West Senior High. battleofthebooksgt.org/important-dates --------------------------------FAT & FLURRIOUS 2026: 10am, Avalanche Mountain Preserve, Boyne City. 10th Annual Fat Bike Race. You will race from downtown Boyne City up to Avalanche bike trails. You’ll do 1-3 laps before crossing the finish line & returning to town for the afterparty at Stigg’s Brewery.

Each lap is around 7 miles, & the course consists of single track mixed with two track. $70. runsignup.com/race/mi/boynecity/fatflurrious --------------------------------16TH ANNUAL WINTER TRAILS DAY: 10:30am, Timber Ridge Resort, TC. Join for a fun, family-friendly day of winter trail activities. TART Trails is teaming up with the Record Eagle, Vasa Ski Club, Brick Wheels, NMMBA, Suttons Bay Bikes and Timber Ridge Resort to offer free trail access & free fat tire bike, cross country ski & snowshoe demos. traversetrails.org/event/wintertrailsday --------------------------------SIPS & SOUPS!: (See Fri., Jan. 16) --------------------------------“THE HOBBIT”: (See Fri., Jan. 16, except today’s times are 2pm & 7pm.)

--------------------------------DARK & STORMCLOUDY FILM SERIES: (See Thurs., Jan. 15, except today’s time is 4pm.)

--------------------------------LUCHA LECHE LATTE ART COMPETITION: 5-8pm, Mundos 305, downtown TC. Art? Coffee? Both! Whether you’re a professional barista or just an at-home coffee lover… try your hand at the Lucha Leche Latte Art Competition! Your $10 entry fee benefits Single MOMM, a ministry that addresses & provides help for the core issues of single motherhood. There will be prizes for the top 3 places, with the grand prize being a Breville Barista Express! mundosroastingco. com/news/lucha-leche-latte-art-competition --------------------------------CANDLELIGHT: TRIBUTE TO QUEEN AND MORE: BOTH SHOWS SOLD OUT!: 6:30pm & 8:45pm, The Village at GT Commons, Kirkbride Hall, TC. Enjoy a live, multisensory musical experience. Discover the music of Queen and more under the gentle glow of candlelight. Performers include the String Quartet - Listeso. feverup.com --------------------------------BACKSTAGE PASS: 7:30pm, TC Philharmonic Center, TC. An hour of music with the FULL TC Philharmonic orchestra, behindthe-scenes stories, & straight talk from Maestro Kevin Rhodes. $10. tcphil.org/concerts --------------------------------THE LITTLE PRINCE AND THE MAN FROM MARS: (See Sat., Jan. 10) --------------------------------THE FRIARS WINTERPALOOZA: 8pm, City Opera House, TC. Enjoy The Friars, the a capella subset of the University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club. For more than 60 years, The Friars have been entertaining audiences with questionable choreography, bad dad jokes & boy-band hits. $10-$20. cityoperahouse.org/node/533

jan 18

landm Sunday state, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHIfor Jan

GAN!: Noon, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Celebrate Michigan’s 189th birthday. Join for a slice of cake & make a birthday card. TADL will gather all the cards made & send them to Governor Whitmer to show how much love we have here for our beautiful state. Free. tadl.org/HappyBirthdayMI --------------------------------SIPS & SOUPS!: (See Fri., Jan. 16) --------------------------------DWELLING: A CONVERSATION ABOUT LIVING WELL: 1pm, Glen Arbor Arts Center.

How can we live better, & dwell more thoroughly in our homes? Two northern Michigan interior designers explore that question.

This conversation takes place as part of the GAAC’s INteriors exhibition. It is facilitated

by GAAC Gallery Manager Sarah BearupNeal. Free. glenarborart.org --------------------------------“THE HOBBIT”: (See Fri., Jan. 16, except today’s time is 2pm.)

--------------------------------TRAVERSE AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY: 2pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. The goal of the Traverse Area Historical Society is to share local history of TC & the Grand Traverse region. This month is: Postcards - Little Pieces of History, Artistry, and Humanity.

Free. tadl.org/event/traverse-area-historicalsociety-27844 --------------------------------AMERICAN FIREWORKS!: 3-5pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium.

Rhapsody in Blue headlines this celebration of 250 years of independence alongside masterpieces by America’s greatest composers.

Includes Bernstein’s West Side Story Dances, Copland’s Buckaroo Holiday, & the Michigan Premiere of Rhapsody in Red, White, and Blue. $27-$65. tcphil.org/concerts

ongoing NAMI-GT SUPPORT GROUPS – MON.:

Free, peer-led mental health support groups: NAMI Family Support (Mondays at 6pm; online & in-person - see web site for Zoom link), HBA, 3040 Sunset Ln., TC, & NAMI Connection Group (Mondays at 6pm, online - see web site for Zoom link). namigt.org/calendar/ --------------------------------NAMI-GT SUPPORT GROUPS – WEDS. AT NOON: Free, peer-led mental health support groups: NAMI Family Support and NAMI Connection Group. Both held Wednesdays at noon at Christ Church, 430 Fair St., TC. namigt.org/ support-and-education/support-groups/ --------------------------------NAMI-GT SUPPORT GROUPS – WEDS. AT 5PM: Free, peer-led mental health support: NAMI Connection Group. Held Wednesdays, 5pm online (see web site for Zoom Link) & in person at Child & Family Services, 3785 Veterans Dr., TC. namigt.org/calendar/ --------------------------------INDOOR FARMERS MARKET: Saturdays, 10am-2pm, The Village at GT Commons, The Mercato, TC. Browse the Mercato halls every Sat. through April. More than 30 vendors offer a variety of items from farm fresh eggs, meats & cheeses, to fruits, veggies, homemade breads & more. thevillagetc. com/events

art MICHIGAN’S HERITAGE BARNS: Traverse

Area District Library, TC. This exhibit, open for the month of January, features photos of

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----DS. AT pport: dnesZoom vices, endar/ ----rdays, mons, o halls 0 venfresh ggies, agetc.

averse open tos of

landmark Michigan barns from across the state, by artist Mary Keithian. Save the date for Jan. 29, 6pm, when there will be a special showing of the Barn Raisers documentary, surrounded by the exhibit. Check web site for library hours. tadl.org/mibarns --------------------------------CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETOSKEY: - ON ICE: Held in Gilbert Gallery, Jan. 16 - Feb. 28. Includes plein air icescape paintings by Margie Guyot, winter landscape paintings by Kevin Barton, photographs by Susan Tusa, documentary works exploring the communities & culture of ice fishing by Amy Sacka, photographs exploring ice as an aesthetic & environmental subject, drone shots by Ray Gaynor, & much more. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/eventsand-exhibitions/exhibits/on-ice.html - AT HOME: Held in Bonfield Gallery, Jan. 16 - Feb. 28. Featuring quilts by Erick Wolfmeyer, Heidi Parkes, & the Little Traverse Bay Quilters Guild, ceramics by Madeline Kaczmarczyk, pastels by Heidi Marshall, & works by other artists. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/events-and-exhibitions/exhibits/at-home.html - PORTRAITS OF PLACE: Held in Atrium Gallery. Presented by CTAC’s Kitchen Painters, this is a vibrant exhibition celebrating the beauty, spirit, & shared stories of northern Michigan. Runs through Jan. 10. See web site for hours. crookedtree. org/events-and-exhibitions/exhibits/portraits-of-place.html - OPEN STUDIO: Held in the Visual Arts Room, Saturdays, 10am-1pm. Free drop-in art studio for the whole family. New projects are offered weekly. crookedtree.org --------------------------------CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, TC: - 2026 ARTIST GUILD MEMBER SALON SHOW: Held in Carnegie Galleries, Jan. 16 – Feb. 21. This exhibition showcases the work of 118 Guild Members, representing Greater Northern Michigan & beyond.

An opening reception will be held on Jan. 17 from 3-5pm. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/events-and-exhibitions/exhibits/guild-member.html - BETWEEN US - WINTER 2026 EXHIBITION: Held in Cornwell Gallery. This exhibit explores connection, distance, & everything that exists in the in-between. It invites artists to reflect on how we reach for one another & ourselves across emotional, physical, & imagined spaces. Runs Jan. 16 - Feb. 21. Visit website for hours. crookedtree.org/eventsand-exhibitions/exhibits/between-us.html - GUILD POP-UP EXHIBIT: LINDA GARDINER: Held in Libragallery. Runs Jan. 13-31. Linda is drawn to the stories found in fabric—the threads, textures, & marks inspired by nature, layered with paint, stencils, & time. Her work brings these elements together to create pieces that are both expressive & functional, blending beauty with everyday use. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/events-and-exhibitions/exhibits/guild-popup-exhibit-lindagardiner.html --------------------------------DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC: - DOUG CANNELL: “SELECTIONS FROM BACKSTORIES”: An introduction to Doug Cannell’s works that merge sculpture, installation, & storytelling into layered experiences. Cannell creates objects that resist easy definition. Runs through April 3. See web site for hours. dennosmuseum.org - IMPRESSIONS OF AN ERA: PRINTS FROM THE DENISON MUSEUM COLLECTION: This selection of prints, created between 1970 & 1990 by nationally & internationally recognized contemporary artists, reflects two transformative decades in contemporary printmaking. Artists include Dee Shapiro, Barbara Kohl-Spiro, KUDO Mura-

masa & James Rizzi. Runs through May 31.

See web site for hours. dennosmuseum.org --------------------------------GLEN ARBOR ARTS CENTER: - INTERIORS EXHIBITION: An exploration of inner spaces, both real & imagined, spaces of the home & of the mind. Runs through March 12. See web site for hours. glenarborart.org - SMALL ACCOMPLISHMENTS BY HARVEY GORDON: Enjoy this exhibition of acrylic paintings held in the Lobby Gallery through April 23. See web site for hours. glenarborart.org --------------------------------OLIVER ART CENTER, FRANKFORT: - SPECTRUM EXHIBIT: Interactive exhibition showcasing artwork that makes it immediately evident that color is the major characteristic of the piece. Wide variety of work by regional artists. Runs through Feb. 6. See web site for hours. oliverart.org - TACTILITY: Held in Beck & Borwell Galleries. An exhibition highlighting the design principle of texture in art. Featuring 2D & 3D artwork. Touchable “texture stations” will be integrated into the show. Runs Jan. 10 - Feb. 14. Open Tues. through Sat. from 10am-4pm, & Sun., noon-4pm. oliverartcenterfrankfort.org/gallery-gift-shop/ exhibition-calendar

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Northern Express Weekly • january 12, 2026 • 23

lOGY

JAN 12 - JAN 18

BY ROB BREZSNY

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Sandcastles are good

reminders of how temporary everything is. We build them on the damp edge of the shore after the tide recedes, and then they crumble when the sea rolls back a few hours later. Let’s make the sandcastle your power symbol for the months ahead. In doing so, I don't mean to imply that your certainties will be demolished. Rather, it's my way of urging you to enjoy and capitalize on the ever-changing nature of all things. In fact, I believe that knack should be one of your specialties in the coming months. As the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh told us, we should be grateful for impermanence, because it keeps every possibility alive.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Poet Jack Gilbert

wrote, "We must risk delight. We can do without pleasure but not delight." Here’s what I think he meant: Pleasure is easy to access, available in many transactions. But delight requires courage.

We must be undefended enough to be astonished and elated.

Here’s the potential glitch for you Leos: You sometimes feel inclined to perform your joy; you make your happiness into entertainment for others to be inspired by. But true delight is riskier and more real. It comes when you forget to curate yourself because you're too enchanted to remember you're being watched. Your next assignment: Conjure up three moments of private delight that no one but you will see.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Many of you are

renowned for your precision, but that’s just half the story. The more complete truth is that when you are most robust, you’re a connoisseur of refinement. Your careful edits can transmute muddles into medicines. Your subtle fixes may catalyze major corrections. Here’s my bold declaration: You are now at the height of your Virgo powers. I hope you wield them with utter flair and finesse. Make everything you touch better than it was before you touched it.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): ): Some astrologers

work without ever glancing at the night sky.

Their bond with the planets lives mostly through abstract ideas. To balance that approach, Daniel Giamario developed a more hands-on approach to astrology. In his retreats, students trek into wild country, far from city lights, and spend the dark hours watching the dance of the heavenly bodies. He teaches that cosmic energies can be sensed through our beautiful bodies as much as they can be understood by our fine minds. In the weeks ahead, I invite you to infuse all your explorations with that spirit. Learn through direct encounters, not just through concepts and recycled reports.

discovery that holds unforeseen value. You may soon have your own “Silly Putty moment"—an invention, idea, or situation that is technically a detour from your original goal but still delivers a gift. So keep your curiosity loose and your judgment soft. Don’t dismiss the byproducts of your efforts. Some diversions may reveal themselves to be the magic you didn’t realize you needed.

PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): I suggest you

try an "as-if" exercise, Pisces. Here's what I propose: Enjoy a five-day period visualizing what your life would be like if you stopped saving yourself for a mythical future— including both the positive and negative aspects.

Instead, envision yourself spending the coming months doing exactly what you yearn to do most, gleefully and intensely pursuing your sweetest dreams and prime mission. During this sabbatical, you will refrain from invoking excuses about why you can't follow your bliss. You will assume that you are attuned with the heart of creation. You will act as if you are a joy specialist who adores your life.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Japanese Zen master Hakuin (1686–1769) painted with astonishing vigor well into his eighties. When asked his secret, he said he treated each brushstroke as if it were his first. He approached the ink and paper with a beginner's inspired innocence. I propose that you adopt a version of Hakuin's practice. Dive into your familiar routines with virgin eyes. Allow your expertise to be influenced by surprise. As for the mastery you have earned, may I suggest you use it as a launching pad for enthusiastic amateurism? Being skilled is wonderful. Being skilled and willing to experiment like a newcomer? That's the high art of perpetual combustion, an Aries specialty.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In 1971, NASA’s

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): English is my first language. I love how its wild, hybrid, restless qualities enable me to express myself.

I never grow weary of exploring its limits and discovering new ways to use it with flair and care. But I am also very grateful that my horoscopes are translated into Italian, French, Japanese, and Spanish. I am supremely blessed to have editors who turn my idiosyncratic prose into language that non-English speakers can enjoy.

It’s one of the great gifts that life has given me. In the coming months, Scorpio, I will be wishing and expecting a similar bonus for you: help and support in expanding your ability to reach further in your self-expression.

Apollo 15 mission delivered a new asset to the moon: the Lunar Roving Vehicle. This batterypowered “moon buggy” enabled astronauts to explore farther from their landing site than ever before. They gathered a record haul of rock and soil samples and a deeper understanding of the lunar surface. I think you Bulls would be wise to get your own equivalent of that moon buggy. The apt metaphor here is enhancing your ability to extend your reach and explore beyond the familiar. In the coming weeks, I hope you will seek access to tools, allies, and freedoms that expand your range. Use them to push into new territory and scout around for intriguing valuables.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Are you ready to

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Your

intrepid spirit is most likely to find exciting adventures if it’s exquisitely prepared. While I love your daring spontaneity and experimental expansiveness, I hope that in the coming weeks, you will work hard to support them with good planning and rigorous foresight. Be imaginative and disciplined, wild and calculating, irrepressible and solidly responsible. If you heed my advice, you could break your previous records for making marvelous discoveries in the frontiers. PS: Treat wonder like a muscle. Flex it daily—with gratitude.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): During World

War II, the United States faced a natural rubber shortage and funded research into synthetic substitutes. The effort was partly successful, but there were also failed experiments.

Among these was a substance that later became a popular toy named Silly Putty. It sold millions of units and made its marketer wealthy. I suspect a metaphorically similar breakthrough is looming for you, Aquarius: an unplanned

unveil the half-hidden, half-beautiful truths you have been keeping tucked away? I think you are. You might shake, sweat, and second-guess yourself right up until the moment the pivotal moment arrives. But then, I predict, you will zone in on how best to carry out your sublime assignment. The perilous blessings or radiant burdens you’ve been hoarding like secret treasures will finally spill out of you in just the right ways.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): A hermit crab finds a new shell not because the old one was bad, but because the creature grew. A similar urge stirs in you now: an instinct to relocate your sensitivity and tenderness into roomier housing. You don’t have to abandon your favorite people or situations. Just ripen and update your containers so your emotional intelligence can flourish even more. Maybe revise your work rhythms. Dream up new bedtime stories. Be braver in declaring your needs. Your ongoing transformations could be a bit bumpy, but mostly healing and cherished. Give them the spaciousness they require.

24 • january 12, 2026 • Northern Express Weekly

“Jonesin” Crosswords "Welcome to '26"-with a tribute to my favorite 26! by Matt Jones

ACROSS 1. Aardvark's diet 5. Absorb with a piece of bread 10. Acne spot 13. BÈchamel base, in a French restaurant 14. Compensate (for) 15. Cost increase 16. DEA agent's find 17. Desmond of "Sunset Boulevard" 18. Emotionally honest 19. First part of a phrase describing a special feature of this puzzle ...

22. Fried rice veggie 23. Furry barker 24. Galaxy hops may go into making one 27. Giant's N.L. West rival, for short 30. "Hope & Faith" actress (and talk show host) Kelly 33. ... in which I (this is part 2, by the way) ...

35. Japanese temple 37. Kitchenware inventor Tupper 38. Laid-back Brazilian samba offshoot ___ nova 40. Moistureless 41. Nearly used up, like a short pencil 43. ... normally don't do this, but here you get to see each one of the (part 3) ...

45. "Omnia vincit ___" 46. Popular sans-serif Windows font 47. Questionable, in "Among Us" 48. Robert of HBO's "Arli$$" 50. Short winter month?

52. ... twenty-six represented! (4th and final part) 59. Utterance from the awestruck 60. Van Pelt sibling in "Peanuts" 61. Wanton sort 62. Xylophone material 63. Yannick Noah's 2025 Laver Cup opposing captain ___ Agassi 64. Yellow vehicle driver on "The Simpsons" 65. "You can't judge a book by ___ cover" 66. Zoo animals 67. Zymurgy-related verb

DOWN 1. ___-Seltzer 2. Hammering target 3. Part of a cash register 4. Bend down 5. Holiday song made famous by Eartha Kitt 6. "Alternatively," in a text 7. Skin opening 8. Reveal one's identity 9. Quiet's companion 10. Rushes along 11. Mike and ___ (candies) 12. X, in Roman numerals 15. Rowdy soccer fan 20. Government agents 21. ___ avis (uncommon thing) 24. Some frozen treats 25. Silver, as in Montana's motto 26. Gold, in Latin 28. Not prone to infatuation, colloquially 29. Labor organizer Chavez 31. Fluffy birdlike creatures in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" 32. "Au revoir" relative 34. Skater's protection 35. Utopias 36. Does simple math 39. Start of some Indian place names 42. Tyler Perry BET+ series centered around a group of male friends 44. "30 Rock" star Baldwin 46. Late audio engineer Steve 49. Jewish : kosher :: Islamic : ___ 51. Chocolate substitute that doesn't taste like it 52. "Cat on ___ Tin Roof" 53. "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" novelist Anita 54. Medical prefix with scope 55. Time to roll or draw, maybe 56. Peter Jackson film franchise, initially 57. Ren fair instrument 58. "Ouch, that's hot!"

59. "All Quiet on the Western Front" conflict

nitelife Grand Traverse & Kalkaska

ENCORE 201, TC 1/9-10 & 1/16-17 -- DJ Ricky T, 9 IDENTITY BREWING CO., TC 1/12 -- Vinyl Night w/ DJ E-Knuf, 5-8 1/13 -- TC Celtic, 6-8 1/15 -- Beyond Trivia!, 7-8:30 KILKENNY'S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE, TC 9:30: 1/9-10 -- Risque 1/16 -- Scarkazm 1/17 -- Protea KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING 1/13 – Open Mic Night Hosted by Kevin & Sierra LaRose, 6-9 1/15 – Trivia Night w/ Marcus Anderson, 6:30-8:30 1/17 – 90s Night – Music & Trivia w/ Andy McQuillen, 6-8 LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC BARREL ROOM: 1/12 -- Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod, 6-9 1/17 -- Jeff McNiven & KayLee Byrtus - Live Album Recording with KayLee, 5-8 TASTING ROOM: 1/16 -- OK Serafina (Rachael), 5-7 MARI VINEYARDS, TC 4-6: 1/10 -- Christina Teresa 1/16 -- Kevin Paul

1/17 -- John Piatek

1/16-17 -- Vertigo, 7:30-11

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THE LITTLE FLEET, TC 7-10: 1/10 -- Sosohifi wsg Nathan Salsburg 1/17 -- Sosohifi wsg Andrew Dost

NORTH BAR, TC 1/10 -- Mal & Mike, 7-10 1/15 -- Drew Hale, 7-9 1/16 -- Henry Herig, 7-10 OLD MISSION DISTILLING, TC SEVEN HILLS: 1/10 -- Erik Burke & Mark Daisy, 6:30 1/16 -- Jeff Socia, 7 1/17 -- Mitchell McKolay, 6

THE PARLOR, TC 1/10 -- Dollar Shavey Club, 9 1/11 & 1/18 -- Music Bingo w/ Samantha Dallas & Trevor VanAssche, 7-9 1/13 -- Jesse Jefferson, 8-11 1/14 -- Rob Coonrod, 8-11 1/15 -- Mallory Ramage, 8-11 1/17 -- Loren Kranz, 9

TC WHISKEY CO. 6: 1/10 -- Highway North 1/16 -- Blair Miller 1/17 -- Joe Terzano

THE PUB, TC 1/10 -- Reese Keelor, 8-11 1/12 -- Karaoke Mondays w/ DJ Shawny T, 8 1/15 -- Music Bingo, 7:30-10:30

THE ALLUVION, TC 1/10 -- Michael Dease City Life Quintet feat. Geoffrey Keezer & Billy Kilson, 7-9:30 1/12 -- Big Fun - Funky Fun Mondays, 6-8:30 1/14 -- EXPAND Storytelling #10, 6:30-8:30 1/15 -- The Jeff Haas Trio feat. Laurie Sears + Lisa Flahive, 6-8:30

THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC 1/13 -- Open Mic w/ Zak Bunce, 7-10 1/17 -- Hot Flat Pop, 7-10 1/18 -- Victory Lap - Full Tilt Comedy Show, 6

THE HAYLOFT INN, TC 1/10 -- The Rectifiers, 7:30-10:30

UNION STREET STATION, TC 1/10 -- Skin Kwon Doe Presents: Detroit MOTHUGS, 10 1/15 -- DJ DomiNate, 9 1/16-17 -- DJ Prim, 10

Antrim & Charlevoix BOYNE RIVER INN, BOYNE CITY 1/15 -- Nelson Olstrom, 7 CAFE SANTÉ, BOYNE CITY 1/10 – John Monkman, 7-10 1/12 – The Shifties, 6-9 1/16 – Chris Calleja, 7-10 1/17 – Lavender Lions Duo, 7-10

ETHANOLOGY DISTILLATION, ELK RAPIDS 1/16 -- Stand Up Comedy w/ Mike Cronin & Jeff Allen, 7-9 MUSKRAT DISTILLING, BOYNE CITY 8-11: 1/14 -- Karaoke Night, 1/16 -- The Shifties

SHORT'S PUB, BELLAIRE 1/15 -- Trivia Hosted by DJ Trivia, 6-8 SHORT'S PULL BARN, ELK RAPIDS 1/13 -- Trivia with Quizding, 6-8 TOONIE'S, BELLAIRE 1/10 & 1/17 -- DJ/Karaoke, 8

BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS, PETOSKEY 2-6: 1/10 -- Two Track Mind 1/17 -- Chris Calleja BRANDY'S HARBORTOWN, BAY HARBOR 1/10 -- Nick Visconti, 5-8 1/15 – Marvel Trivia Night, 6-9 1/16 – Derek Boik, 5-8 1/17 – Sean Bielby, 5-8 CITY PARK GRILL, PETOSKEY 1/13 -- Trivia Night, 7-9 1/16 -- Annex Karaoke, 9:30 NOGGIN ROOM PUB, PETOSKEY 1/10 -- Lara Fullford, 7-10

1/12 -- Quiz Runners Trivia, 6-8 1/14 -- Singo Bingo: I Love the 80's, 6:30 1/16 -- Kyle Brown, 7-10 1/17 -- Mike Ridley, 7-10 NORTHERN LIGHTS RECREATION, HARBOR SPRINGS 1/15 -- Trivia Night, 6-8 1/16 – Sean Bielby, 6-9 ODAWA CASINO RESORT, PETOSKEY VICTORIES, 9: 1/9-10 & 1/17 -- DJ Hotkeys 1/16 -- DJ Big Ton POND HILL FARM, HARBOR SPRINGS 1/10 -- Chris & Jeff Duo, 5-8 1/16 -- Trivia Night Throughout the

edited by jamie kauffold

Send Nitelife to: events@traverseticker.com

Decades, 6-8 1/17 -- RPM Band, 5-8 THE BEAU, CHEBOYGAN 1/10 -- Live Music, 4 1/16 -- Musician's Playground, 7-10 1/17 -- Mark Bowen, 8 THE HIGHLANDS AT HARBOR SPRINGS SLOPESIDE LOUNGE, 6-9: 1/10 -- Brian Thomas 1/17 -- Chris Koury 1/18 -- Michelle Chenard ZOO BAR: 1/10 -- Galactic Sherpas, 4-8 1/16 -- Dig A Pony, 6-9 1/17 -- Yankee Station, 4-8

Every Child Deserves a Safe Place to Belong

Leelanau & Benzie

CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, THOMPSONVILLE SLOPESIDE TENT, NEAR CRYSTAL CLIPPER CHAIRLIFT, 3-5: 1/10 -- Sydni K 1/17 -- Johnny P 1/18 -- Carl Pawluk VISTA LOUNGE: 1/10 -- Cole Caspers, 2-5; Scarkazm, 8-11 1/11 -- Two Feet, 2-5 1/16 -- Johnny P, 2-5; Johnny P Band, 8-11 1/17 -- Carl Pawluk, 2-5; Johnny P Band, 8-11 1/18 -- Mike Struwin, 2-5 FIVE SHORES BREWING, BEULAH 6-8: 1/12 -- Mon. Music Trivia 1/14 -- Open Mic w/ Nathon Lane 1/15 -- Trivia Thursdays IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE 5:30-7:30: 1/10 -- Kevin Paul 1/16 -- Cat Lebo 1/17 -- Angela Caro & John Pomeroy LAKE ANN BREWING CO. 1/10 -- Patrick Niemisto & Chris Skellenger, 6:30-9:30 1/14 -- Open Mic Night Hosted by Johnathon North, 6:309:30 1/15 -- Trivia Night Hosted by Tom Kaspar, 7-9 1/16 -- Stonefolk, 6:30-9:30 1/17 -- Mike Moran, 6:30-9:30 ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH 1/10 -- Kyle Brown, 5-8 1/15 -- Open Mic Night, 6-9 1/16 -- John Piatek, 5-8 1/17 -- Bill Frary, 5-8

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Northern Express Weekly • january 12, 2026 • 25

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