seveneightfive magazine | ISSUE #93

#

93

ART, ENTERTAINMENT, LIFESTYLE + LOCAL FLAVOR

#93 • WINTER 2020 • FREE FOR EVERY SHAPE

Love Where You Play The Topeka CounTry Club

TO

.

P E K A C.C EST. 1905

membership - golf - tennis - health & wellness - swim - dining The Topeka CounTry Club www.topekacc.org 2700 SW buchanan, Topeka, kansas 66611 | (785) 354-8561

WINTER 2020 | VOL XV • ISSUE II | ISSUE 93

IN THIS ISSUE COLOPHON

// page 9

|

LETTERS

// page 8

|

PSYCHIC CHICKEN

// page 10

|

TOPEKA BEER

// page 5

ART | ENTERTAINMENT | LIFESTYLE | LOCAL FLAVOR

HOT WAX

by William L. Domme

// page 7

LITERARY Huascar Medina

// 16 - 19

Three must-have records

HANDS UP FOR THE HOMELESS

by Kristen Shook

THE ELECTION THAT WOULDN'T

// page 7

In Unison, Ad Libitum

"African American Poetry: 250 Years of Struggle + Song" by Kevin Young

CHASING DRAGONS // page 38

Legal, skill-based game / gambling machine

BLACK POWER

by Kerrice Mapes + Rebecca Radziejeski

FINDING INSPIRATION // page 20

by Angel Romero

// page 40

Dané Shobe's art and future goals

People of Topeka by artist Becky Drager

ELIZABETH DANIEL DECOR

THE DISTINQUE GENTLEMAN

Juan Felipe Herrera

Newest shopping craze, local and online

Smooth operator in downtown, apparel and accessories for men and women

Truth Telling

PATRICK ROCHA

// page 14

Finally over, now what?

by Kerrice Mapes

by Shawn Pavey

// page 12

Op-ed on Housing First

by Angel Romero

Dick Dale Cures the 'Rona

"Loving to cook was our starting point. Happiness from customer's faces is our motivation...we bring together two cultures in harmony." - Jong's Thai Kitchen

The Border Machine

Simone Savannah

by Ni'Col Revell

// page 24

by Martinez Hillard

// page 7

Ethos and art of Rocha

by Alison Beebe

// page 44

LOCAL FLAVOR

by Alison Beebe

// page various

Mandiles Rojos, Front Door Catering, Norseman Brewery, Jong's Thai Kitchen

WINTER PINTS

B

lack Friday was still as exciting as ever; a day now marked for a decade, with the release of Goose Island Bourbon County Stout. Now at a local liquor store near you (drum roll please) Midnight black in color, the bourbon county stout is aged in a mix of bourbon barrels from a variety of whiskey distilleries. Black malt, caramel, chocolate, Munich 10 and roasted barley malts all help create the rich, unique flavor profile of fudge, vanilla and caramel. Like a good whiskey and your lovely self, the Original Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout by Goose Island gets better and better, year after year. 2020 marks the 10th anniversary of Bourbon County Stout, so also being released on Black Friday was a special variant for this year's celebration, the Anniversary Bourbon County Stout. This stout was aged two years in Weller 12 Year barrels, the original stout is aged in four-to-five year old whiskey barrels from a variety of distillers, for one year. The added age of the Weller barrels, paired with an extra year of the beer in the barrel, adds stronger barrel flavors and notes of dried dark fruit.

Warning: many local liquor stores will enforce a two-max purchase, as it's very sought-after, limited and good. Don't miss out, but don't be stingy. #SharingIsCaring

If Goose Island Bourbon County Stout is the darkest and richest of the winter lagers, then New Belgium Accumulation is their poller opposite. Indeed this White India Pale Ale is a direct revolt against the longstanding tradition of brewing dark beers for the winter. It is also a salute to Colorado's white winters. Side Note: NewBelgium.com has a new feature on their website where you can quickly find liquor stores near you that carry Accumulation (or any of their beers). It's the best "at a liquor store near you" finder I've seen to date. Cheers, New Belgium.

Tallgrass Buffalo Sweat by Wichita Brewing Co The year was 2007, the place Warehouse 414: seveneightfive magazine was celebrating the holiday and the first six months of publishing. The Brew Dude brought a pony keg of some of his homemade beer; we were hooked. Tallgrass Buffalo Sweat is back! Just like riding a bicycle you'll quickly remember the moment you too first feel in love with Buffalo Sweat. Enjoy!

Bell's Brewing Jingle Bell's Holiday Variety 12-Pack With a name like Bell's; When in Rome. This variety 12-pack includes Juicy Gossip, Bell's latest release. The Pale Ale has a light bitterness with tropical hop flavors; it's ideal for someone who wants a tropical hop flavor at a lower ABV. Also included in the holiday pack is Light Hearted, Official and Two Hearted. aseveneightfive

GET TOPEKA BEER EVENTS AND NEWS - FOLLOW @TOPEKABEER ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

WHERE TO GET ADVERTISERS + BUSINESS PARTNERS ARE IN BOLD Stop by a local business and thank them for their support. seveneightfive is FREE because of their financial support.

DOWNTOWN ARTURO'S The Celtic Fox HANOVER PANCAKE HOUSE LUIS’ PLACE Ramada Inn TPAC Topeka Blue Print Jayhawk Theatre Warehouse 414 THE GLOBE MIDWEST BARTER YWCA

HOW TO PLAY

WHERE TO PLAY

Insert cash for credit ($9.99 is 999 points) Capture dragons with Magic Shots from your turret. Points are earned for dragons captured and vary by size, color, magic properties and rarity of dragons. Shot cost equals points in turret. If you do well, you’ll earn lots of points. Lots of points equal lots of cash.

Cash out any time by pressing the TICKET button. Redeem at bar the same day, up to $500 per day.

HAPPY BASSET BARREL HOUSE [46th + S Topeka Blvd.]

La Rocca’s Pizza Southwind Gallery The Lazy Toad Pizagels Yuki Happy Basset HELEN CROW / KIRK + COBB

SOUTH + EAST

YES! Points equal cash.

OSCARS [15th & Lane] THE LANDING [29th & Croco] VIKINGS GRILLE [46th + I-75] THIRSTY PIG [Lyndon]

WEST

MUST BE 21 YEARS TO PLAY | to learn more

or get Dragon’s Ascent in your bar, call 785.221.6634

calendar of events | promote your event

TO DO IN TOPEKA including VIRTUAL events

Let our team help you host your next virtual event.

Email Kerrice@seveneightfive.com for information and proposal.

MILK + HONEY Abigail’s Blind Tiger The Landing Tacos el Mexicana TOPEKA COUNTRY CLUB CROOKED POST WINERY Amigo's Happy Basset Barrel House DOG DAY AFTERNOON STRATHMAN SALES

NORTH / OAKLAND / NOTO Bradley’s Cafe Matryoshka Tattoo Wellers ARTSCONNECT FRONT DOOR CATERING GAYLE'S STUDIO 62 WREN RADIO

COLLEGE HILL / MIDTOWN THE BURGER STAND Oscars Louie's Lounge Mulvane Art Museum The Trap BACKS BY POPULAR DEMAND Top City Music TSCPL (LIBRARY)

WOMEN WHO ROCK art by Martie Risen

NOMINATE A TOPEKA WOMAN WHO ROCKS

seveneightfive.com deadline January 11

DICK DALE CURES THE 'RONA FOR JASON VIVONE

by Shawn Pavey

"Survival Tips for the Pending Apocalypse" [Spartan Press, 2019] "Nobody Steals the Towels From a Motel 6" [Spartan Press, 2015] "Talking to Shadows" [Main Street Rag Press, 2008] Originally published in The Rye Whiskey Review – online poetry 'zine Appeared in the 2020 anthology Thought for Food from South Broadway Press

Let’s just say you had a meltdown in the grocery store because your hands are so dry from washing and sanitizing that you can’t open the plastic produce bags and your glasses are fogging up from your own breath escaping through the top of your quickly fashioned quarantine mask constructed from cut out swaths of an old trade-show t-shirt and elastic hair ties and there’s no toilet paper on the shelves and they’re out of the brand of toothpaste that has kept you cavity-free since college which, now, was more than thirty goddamned years ago. Let’s say you had that meltdown.

Let’s say it’s late afternoon on a Thursday and even though you should be working from home this trip to the grocery store is the closest thing you’ve had to a vacation all fucking year and there’s no real work anyway

PEARL JAM - GIGATON THE ROSELINE - GOOD GRIEF EBONY TUSKS - HEAL _THYSELF

HOT WAX 2020

by William L. Domme

A

fter a year's Gigaton of Good Grief it is important to Heal_Thyself. Seattle, Lawrence, Topeka. Its been a heavy year and no doubt these artists worked on these tunes more than just in 2020 but thankfully these are out and ready to spin.

One thing they all share are smart words delivered with delightful charisma. And a call, subtle or overt, to deal with the present and get through it. aseveneightfive

and after parking the car, sanitizing the groceries, putting the groceries away, and realizing that your very public and, now, embarrassing meltdown is going to eat at you for weeks, for months (let’s be real, years), you turn on the radio and your guitar teacher who is also a part-time DJ on a local listener-supported station starts playing Miserlou and, later, Pipeline by Dick Dale and the magic of Fender spring reverb tanks and single-coil pickups cures the corona virus blues.

SHAWN PAVEY is the author of "Talking to Shadows" (Main Street Rag Press, 2008), "Nobody Steals the Towels From a Motel 6 "(Spartan Press, 2015) and "Survival Tips for the Pending Apocalypse" (2019, Spartan Press) which was 1st runner up for the 2020 Thorpe Menn Literary Excellence Award. He cofounded "The Main Street Rag Literary Journal" and served as an associate editor. His infrequently updated blog is at ShawnPavey.com.

TREAT YOUR MAILBOX TO SOME FINE ART Hasn’t your mailbox endured enough abuse, surviving the 2020 political election campaign? Reward the ol’ gal with a subscription to seveneightfive magazine.

GET LOCAL ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT NEWS PLUS LOCAL ART.

Every issue of your seveneightfive subscription comes with a 8x10 giclée fine art print, hand-signed and numbered, featuring a different local artist.

ART + COMMUNITY now that’s worth mailing about GO TO SEVENEIGHTFIVE.COM/subscription/ TO SIGN UP

SEVENEIGHTFIVE.COM

COLOPHON • ISSUE 93 ESTABLISHED JUNE 2006

LOCAL. PERIOD.

Locally owned business are invited to advertise in seveneightfive print, online and KSEF digital radio.

This publication was proudly printed at Mainline Printing in Topeka, Kan.

OUR MISSION

HOW / WHERE TO GET THE MAG

To be the premier lifestyle guide for adults in Topeka, featuring the finest offerings in entertainment establishments, art and nightlife.

seveneightfive is FREE thanks to our advertisers. See their ad, then patronize their business and pick up your next issue. Get a complete distribution list on our website.

We seek to refine area information and offer suggestions to empower Topekans and guests with a variety of choices.

Subscriptions are $50/year Every issue comes with a fineart print, signed and numbered. Collect all four.

OUR VISION

SUBMIT TO SEVENEIGHTFIVE

Create an incomparable publication rich in design and content Positively impact our community Give a voice to local entertainment, businesses and venues

We are always interested in your point of view.

Please send submissions to kerrice@seveneightfive.com

CONTRIBUTORS Alison Beebe

Teresa Hernandez

Rebecca Radziejeski

Elizabeth Bell

Martinez Hillard

Ni'Cole Revell

EJ Drake

Tom Krebs

Angel Romero

William L. Domme

Kerrice Mapes

Israel Sanchez

Amber Farmer

Huascar Medina

Kim Scott

Jennifer Goetz

Karen Morse

Kristen Shook

Marcelino Gonzalez III

Noah Neff

Tyler Strunk

Andrew Gutierrez

D O'Brien

Keith VanSickle

Tobias Harvey

Gary Piland

Ashley B. Wallace

@TopCityFlavorista

CPA, Jackson-Hewitt Tax Service

e.drake photography

atypeofwriter | KSEF Station Manager

Photography

Photography, Creative

Photography, CULT

Writer, Operations

Writer, Photography, CULT

Writer, Translations

Writer, Ebony Tusks

Writer | KSEF - The Wah Shuffle

Owner + Editor

Literary Editor, Poet Laureate of Kansas

Social Media + Distribution

Photography, AD Astra DJ

Copy Editor

Rup, Roaring Rat Films, Umbrella

Editor + Writer

Writer + Event Support

Writer | KSEF - Ballots & Brews

Contributor, Kansas Young

Photography / Writer / Content Creator

Writer, Create/Uplift

Strunk Photography

Keith the Critic | The Aisle Seat | KSEF

Writer, Hot in Topeka

ADVERTISING Kerrice@seveneightfive.com | LIT SUBMISSIONS Lit@seveneightfive..com | KSEF-DB KSEF@785LIVE.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR - Kerrice@seveneightfive.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR DIVERSE COMMUNITY, DIVERSE READERS I recently obtained a copy of the Covid Edition of 785 Magazine and really enjoyed it. I love to attend community events and always keep my eyes peeled for the latest edition of the magazine. This is my main avenue for information on upcoming events, new venues and restaurants to check out in Topeka. We have a lot of great things to see and do in Topeka if we really look!

As a conservative member of our community, I appreciate it when I can read a publication that informs me of the many opportunities we have to enjoy arts, entertainment and learn about our diverse community and wonderful people. We need to hear each other's stories and perspectives. I know I speak for countless others that have become weary of the media, athletes, celebrity's and others who feel the need to constantly bring politics and their personal opinions front and center, rather than just

doing the jobs they were hired to do, including entertaining and informing.

I have read a number of articles in this publication as well that assume that we are all in agreement with the views of the writer regarding politics, and I can assure you that we are not. It is offensive to many, who love our country and respect our elected officials, despite the many issues that we need to work together on to improve, and mistakes that we need to learn from and correct. I continue to overlook this stuff and enjoy the positive articles instead.

I want to complement the writer, Angel Romero on the recent article on the importance of voting. I appreciate the information about seats that are up for election and how important it is to vote and the methods that are available for voting. Thank you for keeping your personal opinions to yourself and just reminding us that we all need to exercise our right to be heard through our votes.

Darla Gifford Tecumseh, Kan

BEST SERVED WITH BEER OR COFFEE, TOPPED WITH KUDOS I can't tell you the last time I had time / took time to read and enjoy an ENTIRE magazine cover to cover! I picked one up yesterday (the last of two copies left on the counter at Happy Basset!) and just had to email you. I LOVE the paper. The mag was fab and dreamy to just hold, flip through and read. More than that, I loved the articles, the content, vibe and feel. So kudos and cheers. Thank you for all you do. Reading it made me smile and made me proud of all the greatness within our community.

Truly a fantastic way to start my day while enjoying my Sunday morning coffee.

Joanne Morrell, MBA Impact! Marketing Group, Inc

Your Local Tax Champion We’re in your neighborhood We take care of you We stand behind our work 610 NW Highway 24 Topeka, KS 66608

785-329-1212

since 2006 | seveneightfive.com

11

People are motivated by five basic categories of needs: physiological, safety, love, esteem and self-actualization.

Of those needs, according to psychology proposed theorist Abraham Maslow, the most basic are physiological needs such as the need for air, food, water and safety.

A HAND UP FOR HOMELESS HOUSING FIRST, A PROMISING SOLUTION

A

op-ed by Kristen Shook

total of 567,715 individuals were counted and classified as homeless in HUD’s 2019 nationwide “one-night count,” showing a 3% rise over the previous year. Of those individuals, 37% or 211,293 were ‘unsheltered’ meaning they sleep outside or uninhabitable places. According to the same report, 2,279 individuals in Kansas were homeless (up 10% from 2018) and according to topeka.org 419 citizens were classified homeless in Topeka.

The homeless are often perceived negatively and socially rejected. With staggering numbers and a likely increase following the world-wide pandemic, it is inhumane to continue to turn a blind eye to these individuals.

Homelessness in Topeka was brought to light last March when residents of Tent City were forced to vacate the property they resided. Tent City refers to one homeless camp located just north of Kansas River near the 300 block of NE Curtis.

The majority of the homeless individuals were occupying BNSF Railway’s property, with some staked on plots owned by City of Topeka, Topeka Rescue Mission and private citizens. Property rights, safety, and liability were all arguments for concern, but the fact remains this exodus created chaos for those already living in unbearable situations.

It was truly heartbreaking to hear the sound of despair in people's voices. I recall one lady I helped during the transition, she was crying and explaining how it felt to be forced to move away from what she considered home. She explained that Tent City is a community; they have built a bond, friendship, and even felt like family to one another.

The incident with Tent City brought forth the obstacles homeless individuals are faced with when trying to better their life. In Topeka, only a handful of programs assist this population: the Homeless Task Force, Topeka Rescue Mission, Valeo (all three organizations helped relocate members of Tent City last March) and Cornerstone of Topeka. Although great resources, none of those organizations appear well-suited for assisting the chronically homeless. Chronically homeless, as defined by HUD, is "a homeless individual or head of household with a disability who lives in a place not meant for human habitation, a safe haven, or in an emergency shelter; and has been for at least 12 months or on four separate occasions over the last three years equally 12 months."

The Homeless Task Force, a conglomerate of local government entities, social service agencies, medical and mental health providers, offers resources to be utilized for developing plans of care for those in need. Topeka Rescue Mission (not city funded) provides meals and temporary housing; it is not a permanent solution.

Valeo provides beneficial mental health and addiction recovery services, and does

provide some housing, however, individuals must be diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness. Cornerstone of Topeka provides accessible and affordable temporary housing for up to six months, however individuals must be referred from a shelter or social service agency Topeka has a variety of resources, none of which are effective, long-term solutions.

Nation wide, there is an abundant amount of shortterm resources. A commonality within the homeless population is having difficulties managing mental health or substance use disorders. The majority of centers and organizations require sobriety and stability before being accepted into a program. With the perspective of a chronically homeless individual, the main priorities are the basic human needs of food, water and shelter. These individuals are living off of survival instincts–to attempt to begin the process of sobriety and stability without professional help is remarkably difficult. With that realization, Doctor Sam Tsembris founded a concept called Housing First.

Understanding the need for shelter is above all else, Tsembris focuses on assisting individuals into a home before they begin the recovery phase. Pathways to Housing First National's mission is to "transform lives by ending homelessness, and doing so by providing immediate access to permanent housing, without preconditions." They aspire to change the practice of mental health and homeless services by providing support and treatment based on choice and services that support recovery, social inclusion and community integration.

Housing First is a proven strategy to diminish the amount of homeless individuals and a model that has been replicated across the world. According to Housing First, PHF “maintains a success rate of 85–90% over a period of five years.” With years of implementation and research, the model is open to utilization for communities in need.

It is no secret that the cost of having a number of community members living in shelters and on the streets is a burden. Having individuals who find themselves in jail, the emergency room, or a psychiatric hospital can accumulate on private and public dollars. The only way to combat this is to provide a solution, and Housing First seems to be promising. Although donations and handouts are welcomed and appreciated, the true need of this population is a hand up. aseveneightfive since 2006 | seveneightfive.com

13

THE ELECTION THAT WOULDN'T END

L

ELECTION NIGHT / DAY / WEEK 2020

by Angel Romero | host of Ballots + Brews on KSEF - DB • 785LIVE • Thursday at 8p and Friday at 8a

et’s be honest- this article almost didn’t happen. I, like millions of others across this country, sat glued to my TV as Jon King on CNN took us through county by ever-loving county for five days as we tried to figure out who was going to win this election.

As in every election, there were still ballots being counted. In many states, mail-in ballots weren’t due until a couple days after the election, provisional ballots (those ballots issued to voters who had some kind of issue arise on Election Day) haven’t been counted in many places, and there were still several states whose vote totals were squarely in the recount territory. Compounded by several pending legal challenges from the Trump campaign.

his status as the next President-Elect of the United States. It also ushered in the historic rise of Kamala Harris, the nation’s first female, first AfricanAmerican, and first South-Asian Vice President. Important local note hereHarris is actually not the first person of color to be elected Vice President.

That distinction belongs to a TopekanCharles Curtis, a member of the Kaw nation. (Side note- check out Mr. Curtis’ statute next time you’re downtown.)

So where do we go from here? First things first, several states will, I’m sure, be taking a close look at their election systems. The fact that many did not allow for mail-ballots to be counted until Election Day significantly slowed the counting process in many states.

system is *drumroll*…Florida. After the 2000 election debacle, the state overhauled its entire election system and has now become a model for the country in many ways.

Outside of the election, the country faces numerous challenges- a pandemic taking more American lives by the day, an economy reeling from the impact of said pandemic, a long overdue reckoning on race and quality, and all of that amidst the backdrop of a country that is more divided than ever. The task ahead of President-Elect Biden and Vice-President Elect Harris is huge. A record number of people showed up to vote in this election- our country would be well served if even a fraction of that historic number actively became

IT'S VERY LIKELY NONE OF US GOT EXACTLY WHAT WE WANTED THIS ELECTION DAY...THE QUESTION WE HAVE TO ASK OURSELVES IS WHAT WILL WE DO BETWEEN NOW AND THE NEXT ELECTION?

All that said, the statisticians and analysts from the major systems that project Presidential elections- the Associated Press, Decision Desk HQ, and the National Election Pool analyzed the race and all agreed that mathematically there is no way that President Trump could amass the votes and still win the Presidency.

Thus, Saturday morning following the 2020 Presidential Election, all major news networks projected the state of Pennsylvania for Joe Biden, cementing

This was further compounded by the fact that so many people voted in this election. In addition, now that people know they can vote in advance, it will be hard to un-ring that bell.

This will be an issue that states will have to deal with. There is hope- ironically one of the states with the best election

civically engaged and involved in their communities in the years to come.

Before I forget- we should talk for a minute about Kansas. As I’m sure your TV reminded you, we had a hotly contested Senate race here between Congressman Roger Marshall and State Senator Barbara Bollier. The

race generated national attention and subsequently gazillions of dollars poured into this state. In the end however, Marshall prevailed by a pretty convincing margin.

Republicans also prevailed in the race for the Second Congressional District seat, which includes #TopCity. The race pitted State Treasurer Jake LaTurner against Topeka's own Mayor Michelle De La Isla. In the end, LaTurner scored a win and ensured the seat would remain in Republican hands. LaTurner, at the age of 32, becomes one of the younger members of the US House of Representatives.

On the local level, a race we probably didn’t talk enough about was the race for District Attorney between incumbent Republican Mike Kagay and Democrat Joshua Luttrell. The race touched on some pretty unique and interesting issues- the use of grand juries for instance to indict individuals, whether or not to do away with the current cash bail system, and other issues related to equality and access to justice. Both candidates had a spirited debate about the issues and in the end Kagay won re-election.

Finally, it’s important to remember the entire state legislature was on the ballot this year- all 125 members of the state house and 40 members of the state senate.

Shawnee County is covered by three State Senate district, all of which are now in the hands of Republicans. Kristen O’Shea was able to beat out local minister Tobias Schlingensiepen to flip the 18th Senate District. O’Shea is the youngest member of the state senate. Probably most surprising of all was Senator Anthony Hensley, in Senate District 19, who lost his bid for re-election to Rick Kloos (owner of God’s Storehouse in Topeka). Hensley is not only the Senate Minority Leader, but also the longest serving member of the Kansas legislature. Kloos’ margin of victory was reported by The Capital-Journal as 749 votes.

It’s very likely none of us got exactly what we wanted this Election Day. “Thems the breaks” when it comes to elections. As we move forward, the question we have to ask ourselves is what will we do between now and the next election?

Throughout the state, Democrats had a tough time gaining hold in a lot of legislative races. However, there were some bright spots for Democrats across the state. Kansas did elect its first Transgender member of the Kansas legislature, Stephanie Byers, and Christina Haswood of Lawrence will become the youngest member of the state legislature and only the third Native American to serve.

Thursday at 8p | Friday at 7a

And by the way, lest we forget, next year is an election year too- a less sexy, but in some ways more consequential election year. Next year we’ll be voting on City Council, in addition to other local races.

What can we do between now and then to get people to turn out for that election in the same way they turned out for this one? The answer is up to you. aseveneightfive

BALLOTS + BREWS

on KSEF-DB • 785LIVE.COM

Think of it like the Daily Show meets CSPAN meets Schoolhouse Rock. Join your seveneightfive political and pint aficionado, Angel Romero every week.

LISTEN AT 785live.com or Live365 app station "KSEF-DB"

LITERARY

“This is the difficult miracle of Black poetry in America: that we persist, published or not, and loved or unloved: we persist.”

- June Jordan

Poetry Kan ���

seveneightfive.com

"African American Poetry: 250 Years of Struggle & Song" is the centerpiece of Lift Every Voice: Why African American Poetry Matters, a year long national celebration and humanities initiative of African American poetry and an exploration of the perspectives it offers on American history and the ongoing struggle for racial justice. This anthology was made possible with support from The National Endowment for the Humanities, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and Emerson Collective.

IN UNISON, AD LIBITUM

AFRICAN AMERICAN POETRY: 250 YEARS OF STRUGGLE + SONG LIT REVIEW: Huascar Medina, literary editor | Poet Laureate of Kansas

K

evin Young, editor of African American Poetry, titled his introduction to this anthology, “The Difficult Miracle.” The title to Young’s introduction is taken from a June Jordan quote: “This is the difficult miracle of Black poetry in America: that we persist, published or not, and loved or unloved: we persist. “ This anthology will inform a new generation of readers and scholars.

The biographical notes, note on the texts and acknowledgment sections are indelible. Young writes, “Black Poetry has always lived beyond books.” To learn that the poem “Bars Fight” was transmitted from generation to generation orally from 1746 when it was first composed by Lucy Terry until it’s publication in 1855–same year as Walt Whitman’s "Leaves of Grass" is a powerful illustration of the permanence of Black poetry. There are 246 Black poets published in this volume, from Phyllis Wheatley to Jericho Brown.

There are poets linked to Kansas in this collection including Langston Hughes, Frank Marshall Davis, Gwendolyn Brooks, Gary Jackson and Kevin Young. Frank Marshall Davis, born in Arkansas City, Kan attended Kansas State University and has three poems anthologized. Langston Hughes and Gwendolyn Brooks each with sixteen poems. Gary Jackson, born in Topeka and a graduate of Washburn University, has a poem entitled Kansas from "Missing You, Metropolis" (2010).

As I continue to explore my own history, I am empowered to see Afro-Carribean poets included in this volume like Julia de Burgos, Pedro Pietri, Nicholás Guillén and Elizabeth Acevedo. This is a conversation Puerto Ricans, Dominicans and Cubans need to have more openly. For those of us whose parents relocated to the ‘mainland,’ that is the United States of

America, we need to ask ourselves, at what point did we begin only identifying as Hispanic or Latino? Why have so many of us not embraced the complexity that is our origin stories? And what effect has that had on America’s own self-identity. I see Young’s inclusion of these poets and the like as an invitation to discuss the diversity and interwovenness of Black and Brown poetry. And though we share common time, Young informs us that for a quarter of millennium, African American poets have been singing American history from an intercultural voice not a monocultural one like the rest us.

I think about the first and last lines of “I, Too” by Langston Hughes: “I, too, sing America” and “I, too, am America.” To know that Hughes’ poem is a direct response to Whitman’s “I Hear America Singing” further informs me of the erasure and exclusion Black voices overcome. Whitman, one of America’s most influential poets, did not include their struggle in one of his most popular songs. While he was receiving fanfare for "Leaves of Grass," Lucy Terry’s song had already been sung for over a century. Her words floating in the air for generations before landing on a page–that is truly miraculous.

Diverse voices continue to write songs about lived experiences in America, today. Each adding to the song book that is American Poetry. Young has provided a bridge for that to occur harmoniously. I wonder what Hughes would have thought about a poem like, “I, Too, Sing América” by Dominican-American poet, Julia Alvarez. She is not anthologized in "African American Poetry: 250 Years of Struggle & Song," but I know she is part of this choir because every voice is lifted with definitive inclusion by Young, and that, too, is remarkable. aseveneightfive "African American Poetry: 250 Years of Struggle and Song" is a literary landmark, A Library of America Anthology | September 2020 | The Library of America

LITERARY

The walls outlined in Herrera's poems continue to close in on present day America.

Herrera writes to all parts of our humanity in an effort to tear down those barriers.

CONFRONTING THE BORDER MACHINE EVERY DAY WE GET MORE ILLEGAL by Juan Felipe Herrera

by Huascar Medina, literary editor | Poet Laureate of Kansas

O

ne of the most anticipated books of poetry in 2020 was "Every Day We Get More Illegal" by Juan Felipe Herrera.

Juan Felipe Herrera, former United States Poet Laureate (2015-17), is a poet, author and activist of Mexican descent. He is the first and only Latino appointed as the poet laureate of the United States. "Every Day We Get More Illegal" is Herrera’s call to consciousness. In a time of great division, he has chosen to write, “for all the migrants, immigrants and refugees suffering from border installations within the United States, at the border crossing and throughout Latin America.”

In Herrera’s book, walls exist in the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual realms. This is an attempt to break through those walls. Those walls include racism, xenophobia, bigotry, hate, apathy and injustice. The walls outlined in Herrera’s poems continue to close in on present day America.

Herrera writes to all parts of our humanity in an effort to tear down those barriers that don’t allow “for a borderless society and world, made of relentless unity and kindness and giving.”

Parts of "Every Day We Get More Illegal" are written in English and Spanish, an attempt to bridge both worlds through dialogue – create a path to compassion. This collection is a repudiation of the actors who build and defend those walls- the “war operators” and the

”weaponized hormigas.” Herrera speaking about unity, again “… that indescribable thing/ we have been speaking of since ’67 when I first stepped in LA.” I have always sensed a journey of transcendence in the work of Herrera - I still feel it in these poems. These are the words of an elevated artist with the freedom to create as he sees fit. "Every Day We Get More Illegal" encapsulates the responsibility felt by dutybound poets of color who acknowledge the reality that freedom is still not a universal truth and until it is none of us are truly free.

In these poems, Herrera presses the conversation in an effort to break through the barriers placed before all of us. aseveneightfive

BOOK BREAKDOWN Purchase at CityLights.com

Published by City Lights Books in San Francisco © 2020 by Juan Felipe Herrera Cover Art: "Detention X" by Juan Felipe Herrera, 2019 Cover Design by Em Dash 94 total pages | 63 pages of poetry | 27 poem titles

FAVORITE:

POEM: i am not a paid protester TITLE: Interview w/a Border Machine STANZA: Leap/ every human being in the village is an everopening story/ yes you must write about each one– it is the bravest gesture/ you must LINE: above all & in our hands & on our forehead there is light” FIRST LINE: we were visible then invisible we were visible LAST LINE: humanity—most of all PHRASE: Lagoon of shadows WORD: Change-speakers

TRUTH-TELLING

LISTEN

ILLUMINATING COLLECTION

Tune in to KSEF digital radio Topeka on 785live.com every Monday at 7a + 7p for "Kansas is Lit."

by Huascar Medina, literary editor | Poet Laureate of Kansas

I

’ve eagerly awaited "Uses Of My Body" by Simone Savannah since it was announced that she was awarded the 2019 Barrow Street Book Prize by Jericho Brown.

Brown described this illuminating collection as a “unique and necessary debut.” I could not agree more.

Savannah lays bare the constant harassment, sexism and injurious privilege of others she faces. These poems declare, “My body/ is mine.” Savannah is claiming thyself, writing in defense of her autonomy. This is, “her side written” as a Black woman, daughter, sister, student, girlfriend and lover.

Savannah writes: “I read poems to remake the self. I write/ poems to remake the self.” And in doing so, she reveals to us, through self-evaluation, the amount of truth-telling necessary to conjure the magic of self-healing. "Uses Of My Body" takes us on a deeply personal journey. It is a profoundly moving book of poetry. aseveneightfive

READ

GET

MORE

LIT

PoetryKan.com will take you directly to seveneightfive magazine's literary section where you may explore past interviews, lit crits, a published poetry + prose.

SHOP

shop.seveneightfive.com to purchase local author's works.

CONTRIBUTE

Email submissions to lit.seveneightfive.com or find a form online at seveneightfive.com

BOOK BREAKDOWN

Purchase at BarrowStreet.org | SimoneSavannah.com Published by Barrow Street, Inc. ©2020 by Simone Savannah Cover Art: "Summer 1998" by Maylleline Espinose Laura Marciano Designed by Michelle Caraccia 70 total pgs | 54 pgs of poetry | 37 poem titles

FAVORITE:

POEM: Bloom Time TITLE: Personal, or how do I write about this shit in a dissertation STANZA: My white classmates said, “poor black girl” or something similar and my professor said, “yes / race / woman / looked-at-ness” and we began marking moments at which Nola’s body is not on screen or being touched. Nola’s body is everywhere / always being touched.

LINE: beautiful: being black and a woman is difficult” FIRST LINE: Though I am a poet, I am often mistaken for a sprinter.

LAST LINE: how long we’ve been without mothers.

PHRASE: Our wombs are not dangerous/ wounded maybe WORD: looked-at-ness

since 2006 | seveneightfive.com

19

Actor, artist and future magazine publisher

BLACK POWER

THE ART AND FUTURE OF DANÉ SHOBE

F

rom a young age to the present day, Dané Shobe has been captivated by superheroes and comic books.

Shobe - an actor, writer and artist born June 17, 1985 - has most recently created two action packed pieces titled "Black Power." Prints are available for $25 each (I have three). Critics of Shobe’s recent works praise his attention to detail; on screen actors including Nakia Burrise (Yellow Zeo Ranger Tanya) and Karan Ashley (Mighty Morphin Yellow Ranger) have given social media notoriety “thanking” @daneshobeart, bringing his art to a national audience.

Locally, Shobe might be most known for his acting; "Lucky Us" (2018, of which he is co-creator), "Erasure” (2014), and "Hell Town" (2015) are among his onscreen accomplishments, as well as a multitude of live onstage performances spanning dramatic historical roles to improv comedy with Topeka Civic Theatre's Laugh Lines. While acting is his passion and dream, one which he rigorously pursues, an entrepreneurial dream has been brewing for the past decade - and I think the comic world is about to get a new publishing superhero.

“For too long, many black children have been unable to enjoy the fantasies of power because they could not identify with superheros who were white. Until now, only Mr. T -- who is not quite super -- was all that was available,” reported The Washington Post, December 9, 1986 Yla Eason, the creator of Sun-Man, and Shobe's mother Leonese shared a common desire; representation in popular media for kids who looked like theirs. Shobe remembers when his

by Kerrice Mapes + Rebecca Radziejeski

mother proudly came home and gifted him Sun-Man: the first Black superhero action figure. Now her son could identify with the superhero fantasy and build his own superhero-ness, seeing a figurine that looked like him.

While Sun-Man wasn't the first Black superhero (Marvel introduced Black Panther in 1966), it was the first attempt to create an action figure that wasn't "dipped into a paint bucket" but showed afro-features, according to Eason. SunMan, a mother's dream, fought using intellect rather than violence. He used his sword as a mental shield, his superpower being he can harness the sun,

turn evil into illusion, and travel out of his body. Not quite what young Shobe was hoping for.

"I want a way to give black kids new heroes, and feel like they have more options," said Shobe. " I know from personal experience just how important it is for people of color to have heroes that look like them. It’s important to show them that we’re capable of more than being the white hero’s best friend."

Today, Black superheroes are much more prevalent and truly badass, take Storm, Black Lighting or Vixen - but another gap arises: a strong nerd and artist publication for aspiring creatives like

I want a way to give black kids new heroes, and feel like they have more options... It's important to show them that we're capable of more than being the white hero's best friend." - Dané Shobe

collaborator Matt Herms, comic book colorist Matt Herms did the color work on "Black Power." Notable works for Herms include Sonic the Hedgehog, Mega Man, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and more. His clients include Archie Comics, Marvel Comics and Hasbro Toys. [above] by Dané Shobe, color by Matt Herms)

Dané – and that's where Shobe hopes to flex his superpowers and save the day. "Now in particular is a great time, as there so much going on with black creators to be excited about," said Shobe, "and I want to make sure as many people know about it as possible.

In 2008, when Barack Obama was elected President, I felt like I could do and be anything. I want to make something that will make black kids feel like that every month." aseveneightfive

LOCAL FLAVOR

MENU MANIFESTO

THE CONCEPCION BROTHERS ARE THE CONCEPT CREATORS BEHIND SOME OF TOPEKA'S BEST MENUS

by Alison Beebe | photos by Alison Beebe

O

f course it’s about the food, but it’s more than that. It’s always, always about the people. If the focus is only on the food the entire point is missed,” said Pedro Concepcion.

If you’ve eaten at a local restaurant in the past few years, chances are you’ve eaten from a menu created by brothers Javier and Pedro Concepcion.

Brew Bank's creative boards are just one of their signature cuisine stamps. The brothers embarked on two big projects as of late this year: Ghost Peppers and Norsemen Brewing Co. Ghost Peppers is a delivery only menu featuring Fresh Fajitas Fast. You choose your protein, side, sauce and type of tortilla and their own delivery service will bring it to you, still sizzling. Ghost Peppers also offers several soups including Pork Green Chili and Chicken Tortilla. It's a wonderful concept and fantastic option especially during the pandemic.

Norsemen Brewing Company, 830 N Kansas Ave, always planned to add a kitchen, but took advantage of the time during the shutdown to build a kitchen from the bottom up. Using locallysource micro-greens and fresh healthier optionsenter the handmade beet chips- Pedro and Javier developed offerings akin to a bistro. If the bistro were in Scandinavia. Dessert first- Sliced Goat Cream Cheese Cake with Lingonberry jam- one

of the very best things I’ve eaten. Light, creamy, not too sweet or heavy with just enough tart from the goat cheese and lingonberries. Blackened Sea Salad-Mixed greens, Couscous Quinoa blend with avocado and citrus vinaigrette. Yes, they’re serving a Couscous Quinoa blend in a brewing company and I dig it. Side note, for $5 you can join a yoga class on Saturday mornings. Find amazing ingredients- prosciutto, smoked salmon, honey bourbon cream cheese and more beets.

Please try a ‘Trencher Sandwich’ -think-bread as the plate.

We know they make great craft beer, but have also developed a cocktail menu worthy of multiple visits.

A must try- Skadi’s Frokost- made with coffee, Flor de Cana, Spresso Coffee Liqueur, Meade honey, vanilla, almond milk, half & half and chocolate bitters. Flavorful and fabulous.

Both eateries are open daily so there’s no reason to wonder, “what’s for dinner.” aseveneightfive

[left] Sizzling service, door-side. Ghost Peppers delivers unique flavors to select neighborhoods in Topeka. [middle] Tortilla Chicken soup or Green Chile – additional offerings at Ghose Peppers. [opposite page] Sliced Goat Cream Cheese Cake with Lingonbeery Jam - "one of the very best things I've eaten."

Brothers Pedro and Javier Concepcion, the culinary creatives behind some of Topeka's best menus include Brew Bank.

Norseman Brewing Co. New brewery menu is unlike anything we've seen; plus they've added signature cocktails to offerings.

Stylized staging transformed what could have been a haphazard thrift marketplace to Elizabeth Daniel - Décor, an alarm-setting Friday afternoon shopping experience.

ELIZABETH DANIEL - DÉCOR FRIDAY'S NEW HAPPY HOUR

by Ni'Col Revell | photos provided by Elizabeth Daniel

T

he name is Elizabeth Daniel. The page is Elizabeth Daniel - Décor. The ‘what’ is what comes next

If you've heard of her, then you know; you most likely were hooked by Elizabeth's stylized staging, you love the trill and togetherness of the non-auction / auction event, you have Facebook notifications and three alarms set for 4pm every Friday, and (cross fingers) you are now the proud owner of some amazing original art or vintage wares.

What started as treasure hunts through thrift stores and garage sales for her personal home and passion, has turned into a small business on social media. Elizabeth decided to sell individual items she had procured through her thrift journeys on her personal Facebook page and through Facebook Marketplace, although that really wasn’t ideal for her. The next logical step for her was to start a business page. She posted to her personal account one evening about starting Elizabeth Daniel - Décor, inviting friends and family only, and woke to 120 members. Two years later, over 6,500 people spanning both coasts converge (virtually) at Elizabeth Daniel - Décor, located in Tonganoxie, for the chance to purchase original art, vintage and nostalgic must-have wares, be decoratively inspired and chat amongst other décor loving fans.

Every Friday at 8am a grouped photo of what is available to purchase that day is posted. It’s a stylized staging of an idea she is portraying; Elizabeth hopes to show that just because one particular piece comes from a certain era or style, i.e.: southwestern, '60s vintage, or even the hard shiny brass of the '80s, they can still work together and look amazing. Some call it eclectic, I prefer to say stunning. In Elizabeth's world, there is no right or wrong way to place things that you love.

A flurry of activity erupts once the 8am photo is posted, the comment section comes to life, the nostalgia of her pieces brings people together. Every three minutes starting at 4pm that same Friday an individual item is featured, and the sale is live. It’s like an auction without the bidding. The price is stated on the individual item post and the first-person to write "mine" or "me" wins. If they ultimately pass on the item, it goes to the next person who commented. It's a supportive shopping community, with everyone congratulating the winners; but if you don’t have your notifications turned on or a 4pm alarm set, you might miss the opportunity to own vintage aluminum Christmas trees, handmade Indian tapestries, wicker chairs, screens and shelves, and so much more. The sale ends at 6pm, Elizabeth offers shipping, contact-less pick up, and accepts payments through cash apps such as Venmo and PayPal. While getting to know this self-proclaimed extrovert, I had to ask, who/what is her inspiration? She answered her mom *swoon*, but also Dolly Parton *squeal*. Elizabeth is an artist who cuts her own frames for gallery pieces, a furniture refurbisher who knows just enough to rewire a lamp, and an entrepreneur who understands the importance of community.

Since COVID, Elizabeth has been donating a portion of sales from her original art to galleries of choice. Additionally, if an item of specific origin sells she notes donating proceeds to an organization that benefits who/where it came from.

House hippo, original artwork, Mickey Mouse and Miss Piggy bedsheets, hand-sewn quilts and a handmade rug – all in one Friday. You just never know what you're going to get, but now you know, so check out Elizabeth Daniel – Décor on Facebook and set your alarms. aseveneightfive

LOCAL FLAVOR "The more you do the right thing the better the outcome." -Alfredo Castillo

LOS MANDILES ROJOS

INSPIRED BY LOVE, FLAVOR AND AUTHENTICITY

E

by Alison Beebe | photos by Alison Beebe

verything began in Toluca, Etílica Estado de Mexico when Gregorio and Martha Castillo opened a small six table eatery. The community fell in love with the pozole and tacos al pastor; the restaurant was also known for its traditional homemade dishes and spicy salsas.

Los Mandiles Rojos, The Red Apron, quickly became the Castillo’s family pride and joy. Several years later, Gregorio moved to New York City in search of the American dream. The remainder of the family soon followed, living in Atlanta before settling in Topeka. The family has always been one of authentic Mexican cuisine and passed those recipes and passion through the generations. Gregorio and Martha’s grandson, Carlos Castillo, missed their unique style of traditional Mexican cuisine not found in Topeka. He began to sell machetes and other traditional Mexican meals in his garage along with the help of his parents, Alfredo Castillo and Elvia Aguilar. Their sales outgrew the small kitchen and the grill in their

garage. The idea of opening a brick and mortar restaurant grew out of necessity and great respect for their ancestors.

Los Mandiles Rojos, the Topeka version, was born in the midst of the pandemic inspired by love, flavor and authenticity.

Top sellers include the machete- a huge corn tortilla folded to resemble a machete- filled with your choice of marinated meats, vegetables and cheeses. Red, white and green Pozole.

Pambazo- made with pambazo bread dipped and fried in a guajillo pepper sauce and filled with papas con chorizo, lettuce, onion and fresh cheese. You’ll need extra napkins for this one, but so worth it. Taquitos are served in lieu of chips and salsa and they have a fantastic cocktail menu. I’m partial to the Cantarito – served in beautiful clay cups rimmed with Tajin – tequila, orange juice, lime and a splash of grapefruit soda. This is a true family owned business offering unique Mexican food.

Don’t expect Tex Mex- this is traditional and authentic food from the Central region of Mexico.

LOS MANDILES ROJOS 1003 SE Quincy Traditional cuisine from the central region of Mexico.

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Delivery available.

since 2006 | seveneightfive.com

27

Loving to cook was our starting point. Happiness from customer’s faces and seeing them return is our motivation.

We enjoy studying the culture differences, food culture and adopting Americanized tastes while maintaining authentic Thai style to bring together two cultures in harmony.

THAI HOT, CHA CHA A HOLIDAY OF FLAVOR

by Alison Beebe | TopCity Flavorista

B

anjong Jongthep, Nimnual Ragsdale and Derek Ragsdale are Jong’s Thai Kitchen. That’s it – three lovely people, each with over 10 years of Thai cooking experience and it is divine.

Three of us visited shortly after opening, and shortly into our visit we relocated to a table set for six - that is how generous and in love they are with their customers. “Our passion for cooking drives us to do our best for our customers.”

Thai food has a wide range of flavors – intense, no spice, mild, medium, hot, Thai hot, sweet and sour. Only the brave will order Thai hot for its toe-curling, mouth-onfire deliciousness. Whatever your preference, it will be packed with authentic flavor. All dishes are made fresh from scratch so go ahead and customize- vegetarian, gluten free, etc. Don’t know what to orderjust ask. Go on a little culinary adventure, and please (please, please) order something off menu.

What's on the off menu? Unknown – depends on what ingredients are available – creating a different delight every time.

(On) Menu specials include: Ross’ Curry made with Thai red curry paste, bamboo shoots, coconut milk, bell pepper, Thai eggplant, krachai and sriracha; Melissa’s

Chicken, named after a favorite customer, is stir fried chicken breast marinated in house seasoning with a splash of white rum, mushrooms, onions and basil in a brown sauce; Linda’s Sweet Chili Noodle, named after Derek’s mother, is panfried noodles with mushrooms, egg, onions and bell pepper topped with Thai sweet chili sauce. My personal favorite – Tom Kha [Thai coconut soup] not to be confused with Tom Yum [hot and sour soup] – simultaneously light, creamy and filling. Tom Kha speaks to me on a whole different level. The coconut milk balances beautifully with classic Thai flavors of ginger, lemongrass, lime and fish sauce. Ahhh, the fish sauce!

Have I told you about their homemade peanut sauce? Try it!

Honestly, just pick up the menu, close your eyes and point.

Jong’s Thai Kitchen is nestled on the corner of SW Taylor and 12th in a cozy but light-filled Holiday Park family eatery. This needs to be on your “must try” list.

“Loving to cook was our starting point. Happiness from customer’s faces and seeing them return is our motivation. We enjoy studying the culture differences, food culture and adopting Americanized tastes while maintaining authentic Thai style to bring together two cultures in harmony." aseveneightfive

since 2006 | seveneightfive.com

29

“The Worst Kept Secret in Town.”

A TOPEKA HOLIDAY TRADITION SINCE 1977

Nutcracker THE 2020

BALLET

Private Dinners and Catered Events Friday Dinner Reservations Required Open for Lunch Friday 11am - 1:30pm

Wine Tasting & Tapas First Wednesday 5pm

LUIS’ PLACE

5TH & KANSAS | 350.2028

DECEMBER 11, 12 &13 7:30 pm shows Friday & Saturday 1:30 pm shows Saturday & Sunday TOPEKA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

BALLETMIDWEST.NET

ART KAN

PATRICK ROCHA ART, ETHOS AND PRAXIS

by Marty Hillard

I

t’s just all off the top of the dome, man. I don’t think about anything I do at all. I don’t think about shit. I just do it.” Patrick Rocha, says this in reply to his portraiture, pieces that are a remarkable and often surreal reflection of their subjects. His work is an apt parallel to the last 20 years of his artistic life - a compilation of refractions fed through a lens of personal history, curiosity and subversion.

academia. My brother and I went and wrote (graffiti) in tunnels. I eventually graduated to painting trains,” he says. It resulted in his work being published in numerous graffiti magazines by the time he turned 16. However, he quickly grew disenchanted with graffiti culture and its territorial nature.

He was exposed to visual art at an early age. His father, Patrick Rocha, Sr., was a courtroom artist and painter.

He was also a freelance illustrator, taking odd jobs as a means to provide for Patrick and his two siblings.

He received a scholarship and was accepted into Pratt Institute, a private university in Brooklyn, NY. when he was a junior in high school. He went there for three years. “I had amazing professors.

People knock college but I actually learned a lot,” Patrick recalls. Rocha’s environment agreed with him, a curation of art-school misfits that suddenly and serendipitously had a place to belong. “It’s kind of impossible (for it) not to,” he states. “The most important part of my life is when I turned 17 and my parents let me move to Brooklyn.

Everyone was a graffiti writer. I wasn’t alone anymore.”

Rocha began his own journey in visual art with graffiti when he was 13. He and his brother Luke Rocha, also a noted visual artist, had an itch for running against the current, designing their own clothes and embracing punk as ethos and praxis. “I didn’t give a shit about

He also recognizes the unique and contentious position that he was in as an expat on the East Coast.

“I began working for J. Walter Thompson on Madison Avenue,” he remembers. “I worked there for a year before I almost wanted to throw up every day. I was making a lot of money at 28 years old but it’s like selling your soul to the devil.”

FREEDOM

∫ prevous

QUARTET

∫above

DIZ + BIRD

∫ PATRICK ROCHA + PAT ROCHA SR.

He drew from his counterculture experiences to help keep him engaged in his advertising work. “The wild stuff I did with my friends influenced the corporate work I did. When you graduate from art school, you don’t wanna be an ad guy. You wanna be in galleries. You don’t wanna be writing copy for an airline company. I can’t knock advertising but (I wanted to focus) on my art.”

Patrick left New York and after he spent a few years in Los Angeles decided that he would come back home to Topeka in 2017. “Members of my family needed me,” he shares simply. “I was supposed to be here for three months and it turned into three years. I’ve made so many friends in the time I’ve been here. I love it here.”

“I have my studio and my cat. I’m making books and doing paintings. I’m still freelancing. I’m just doing what I do.”

TRUST MASK

∫ PORTRAIT SERIES

In 2018 Rocha, his brother Luke and Rocha Sr. had their first collaborative gallery show at The Jayhawk Gallery titled "Dateliners."

Patrick's reacclimatization to the Midwest was encouraged

by ArtsConnect, among others, whom he gives gratitude for their support and opportunities. View more Patrick Rocha art, purchase or inquire about commission pieces or just drop a line to say hi, all at PatrickRocha.com aseveneightfive

SOBOL

∫ UNTITLED

LOCAL RADIO IS DIGITAL + PLAYING RIGHT NOW

R

ecord Store Day is an annual event inaugurated in 2008 held one Saturday every April to "celebrate the culture of the independently owned record store." I absolutely love this idea and concept; I, nor seveneightfive magazine ever having participated in the national celebration up until 2020. The fact that we couldn't frequent our local record stores, Top City Music and TimeExpress, had us twisted. Channeling our inner punk rock, we launched a digital radio station on April 18, 2020 for one day only. We did zero promotions and created one Facebook post which read, "Fuck It. we created a digital radio station. Listen here." Almost 300 people tuned in that day as we stumbled trying to interview music curators, highlight local DJs and play music roulette on digital air. By all professional means, it was a semi-catastrophic fail to the likes of college radio with a bad hangover. It was wildly fulfilling creatively, and it was the opening of Pandora's box.

KSEF-DB (official call letters) digital radio, Topeka can be heard on 785LIVE.com, amongst other third-party apps. The communityvolunteer station plays an eclectic mix of genres, spinning both independent artists, an extreme emphasis on local musicians and artists touring the area, and artists from major record labels. Genres range from Americana to blues, jazz, rock, punk, reggae, et al. Local music is intertwined with bigger names and a dedicated local music hour runs four times a day (on the 3 and 6 o'clock hours). Hand-picked or seveneightfive created podcasts round out the station which is on air 24/7.

“If you don’t like something that you’re hearing," said Tom Krebs, host of "The Wah Shuffle" and seveneightfive contributor at large, "just wait three and half minutes for something new."

TUNE IN

ways to listen

785LIVE.COM APPS LIVE365 search for KSEF - 785 RADIO GARDEN KSEF-DB RADIO.NET KSEFDB MY TUNER-RADIO KSEF-DB

MY TUNER-RADIO KSEF-DB Add new channel and add myTuner Radio // navigate to your new channel and search "KSEF-DB" // be sure to hit the heart button so it's on your favorite and easy to turn on anytime

SPEAKERS

Apple, Fire, Android and Sonus

SONUS

RADIO.NET KSEFDB

myTuner Radio or Radio.net apps both work on Sonus

CAR Android Auto, Apple CarPlay

SMART TV

myTUNER RADIO KSEF-DB

Samsung, LG, Android, Apple, Fire, ROKU

RADIO.NET KSEFDB

MAG + RADIO = LOCAL VOICES

exposes and explores different music and voices of Topeka

KSEF digital radio Topeka is a volunteer, community internet radio station that provides locally produced programming that is reflective of the diverse voices, talents and interests of our broadcasters and listeners.

As an extension of seveneightfive magazine, emphasis in programming includes arts, entertainment, lifestyle and local flavor.

•

Proud to support local talent, by airing unrepresented music and encourage growth for local artists.

•

Programming is non-partisan.

•

Our business is not your religion.

•

Our platform explores varied beliefs, points of views and aesthetics.

•

As a subsidiary to seveneightfive magazine, programming tends to be hyper-local, avidly pro-feminist, staunchly anti-racist and flamboyantly anti-homophobic.

•

KSEF - call letters (K = we are west of the Mississippi and SEF = seveneightfive) - DB (Digital Broadcast)

•

Licensed Player: http://player.live365.com/a30607

•

Most shows air twice a day, on the same clock hand. (7a + 7p) , on the same day. Once in the AM and once in the PM. Example:

•

Music licenses from BMI, ASCAP and SESAC (as well as their Canadian counterparts, SOCAN and Re:Sound, and PPL and PRS for music in the U.K.) covering both composers and performers

•

Music is purchased directly from all independent artists prior to airing. Artists may host their digital downloads with direct links from app to shop.seveneightfive.com

BOSE - SOUNDTOUCH APP / SPEAKERS Open SoundTouch App for your speakers and click on the menu (upper left) and click Settings // go to Stream Custom Radio URL

ALEXA Get the myTuner Radio and Podcast app // search KSEF-DB // be sure to add it to your favorites

LOCAL SHOWS + SCHEDULE LOCAL MUSIC HOUR

DAILY at 6a + 6p

+ 3a + 3p 60min Rotation of local music from Topeka artists current and past, plus regional favorites you've heard right here in the Capital City. Local artists, submit your music at 785live.com.

Shannon Shakespeare Shunday SUNDAY at 8a + 8p

|

30min

Playwright Shannon J. Reilly isn't a Shakespearian scholar, he is a Shakespeare fanatic. In fact, when his wife has troubles falling asleep at night, she'll roll over and say, "Honey, could you talk Shakespeare to me?" As a dutiful husband, Shannon quickly obliges and lucky for her, she's out like a light. While learning about the greatest playwright of all time may sound like a snooze, we promise it's anything but. Join Shannon every Shunday as he talks a little bit about The Bard.

Kansas is Lit

MONDAY at 7a + 7p

|

30min

REPRISE SATURDAY at 7a + 7p Huascar Medina, seveneightfive literary editor and Poet Laureate of Kansas interviews some of Kansas' most literary, who discuss and read from their latest works. Listen to past interviews on 785live.com and "Stay Lit, Kansas."

Blues with The Colonel SUNDAY at 9a + 9p

|

120min

COMING 2021 Mississippi to Helena, host Colonial Eddie Shirron takes you on a musical exploration of the Blues, covering sounds from his hometown Helena, Ark. to some of today's biggest names.

Cleveland Blue • Ebony Tusks Fox And Wills (Greg Fox + Ryan Wills) Ryan Verthein (Ryan Vee) • Damarias Big Daddy Loud • J. Fowler Nate in the Evening (Nate Dingman) Soul Rebel and The Beast • Def-I Maria The Mexican • Rick Burner Von Kopfman, Terry McCart, Garrett McCart + Jim Barness • Sage Cornelius Josh Vowell + The Rumble • Brail Watson Patty King + The Backseat Boys Oceanside Hotels • Matt Spezia Two Different (JQ Guest) • Smith + Liston Orphans of Smooth Jazz • Slow Ya Roll Kangaroo Ali • 8 Degrees • Bridges Another Roadside Attraction • noTVmotel Monk's Wine • Blackout Gorgeous Wrong Kata Trio • En Power and Light Mahan the Band • Hector Anchondo Band Aaron Kamm and The One Drops Buddha Gonzales + The Headless Chiwawas Jason Ricci • Kris Lager • Mike Zito The Get Up Kids • Split Lip Rayfield

atypeofwriter

DAILY at 10a + 19p

|

60min

Musical selections from atypeofwriter. Submit your requests, the more obscure the better, on Twitter @atypeofwriter or KSEF@785Live.com

The Stoic, The Poet + The Fool TUESDAY at 7a + 7p

|

45min

A look at life from the stoic, poet and fool's point of view. Every week they pick a new, or seven, questions from a sealed envelope, ranging from "What's your proudest moment" to "You have to remake 'Sharknado' without using Sharks.

Discuss." If you have a topic idea, send it to StoicPoetFool@785live.com

DJ S Ranx - Reggae Revolution TUESDAY at 5a + 5p

| 120min REPRISE SATURDAY at 5a + 5p

Life-long guardian of Jamaican music, Sean Spinelli a.k.a. DJ S Ranx pulls inspiration from his vinyl 45rpm/12'' featuring rare gems to the heaviest riddims, splashing in classic and modern hits and local / regional reggae rocks. Second hour of set dedicated to local and regional roots, reggae artists.

The Wah Shuffle

WEDNESDAY at 7a + 7p

| 30min 10,000 songs. 40 years of music. Eclectic Taste. The Shuffle is the Muscle.

Tom takes you through a musical journey covering Adele to ZZ Top, from All Blues to All Along the Watchtower, down to Jimi and back to Janis... it’s whatever the shuffle calls for and we love a musical mash up.

Raza Talk - Bilingual Podcast THURSDAY at 7a + 7p |

Keith the Critic presents The Aisle Seat THURSDAY at 5a + 5p

|

60min

Keith the Critic is joined by Derek Nell and Kim Schultz and talk all things movies (well, it starts out that way).

Joining them include special interviews with film directors, screen actors and more. Originator of Slash + Bash Film Festival, you'll know what the theme of this show will be come Summer 2021.

60min

Raza Talk es un podcast comunitario bilingüe que celebra y promueve Topekans mientras se discuten problemas locales que afectan a la comunidad Latina.

Los anfitriones Luis Estrada, Alejandro Mateo y Ruben Soriano cofundadores Topeka Lation Professionals. Al igual que la organización, el podcast Raza Talk ofrece oportunidades para establecer contactos, recursos y promueve historias de éxito de profesionales jóvenes y experimentados en el área al tiempo que ofrece perspectivas sobre el desarrollo profesional para una audiencia diversa, incluidas las pequeñas empresas y empresarios latinos.

Ballots + Brews with your political and pint aficionado, Angel Romero THURSDAY at 8p

FRIDAY at 8a | REPRISE SATURDAY at 8a + 8p

60min

If we’re gonna talk politics, we might as well have a pint or two. Ballots + Brews features local brewers followed by discussion on all things government and politics at all levels. Interviews with elected officials, we help break down all those political things you’ve always wondered about and we will try and have fun along the way. Think of it like the “Daily Show” meets CSPAN meets “Schoolhouse Rock?”

"Dragon's Ascent is a true game of skill. No random number generators, no compensating algorithms." -Jay Shadwick

CHASING THE DRAGON SKILL-BASED GAME THAT PAYS CASH

by Kerrice Mapes | photo by Kerrice Mapes

P

re-C there were many things I thought I’d never see in Kansas, among them: cocktails to go, SuperChief hosting a silver screen experience and being able to end a night out at the bar with more money in my pocket than when I arrived. Viewing Topeka nightlife with a glass half full, some exceptional opportunities have been afforded us Kansans since March 2020.

One such development is the arrival of Pace-O-Matic’s Dragon's Ascent, a strategy game that pays you to win.

Dragon’s Ascent is considered to be just this side of skill over chance which allows them to operate within Kansas’ gambling laws.

THE LAW OF DRAGON LAND Dragon’s Ascent is manufactured by Georgia-based Pace-O-Matic with Kansas distribution from 34th Street Games out of Kansas City. Capital City Games + Music LLC have brought the gaming opportunity to Topeka local bar owners in addition to other coin-op operators and business owners. You can play Dragon’s Ascent in Topeka, Lyndon, Olathe, Kansas City proper, Wichita, Hays; with more locations ascending weekly.

Still contested in many states throughout the country, skill based games with cash payouts are riding the line between vintage arcade mastery, where players could get their initials on the leader board with enough hours of concentration, and good ol’ slot machines, where the house always wins. Citizens age 21 or older have the opportunity to play Dagon's Ascent, but

only in Kansas and the Commonwealth (as of this printing). Dragon’s Ascent is a game focused on skill rather than chance, according to the ruling in D.C. which determined how the game fit into their standing gambling laws.

What separates skill-based games from traditional gambling is the mental progression players must follow before payout. “If you have the patience and the skill, you can win on our machines many times,” said Rick Goodling, compliance supervisor for Pace-OMatic. “On the illegal games, the game already dictates whether you’re going to win or lose before you even press that button.”

The dragon's ascended onto Kansas spring 2020 with just over a handful available for play in the Capital City.

JUST BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE A...

“If it looks like a slot machine, plays like one, it is one,” Fred Waller, enforcement agent for KRGC, FOX4 (November 21, 2019 - Illegal machines were sized from four metro businesses in Leavenworth). “And the only place in Kansas those are legal are the state owned casinos or tribal casinos.”

Quarter Pushers and Cherry Master slot machines have attempted to skirt the law to no avail, with decade-old headlines announcing KRGC agents in Topeka destroying dozens of illegal gambling devices. Possession and

operation of these devices is illegal under Kansas' long-standing criminal stautes, because all of the machines involve the necessary elements of illegal gambling under Kansas law, including “prize, chance and consideration." The limited exceptions to illegal gambling include licensed bingo games, regulated tribal gaming, licensed parimutuel racing and wagering, and the state lottery (including casino gambling).

A WINNING FORMULA Gambling’s winning formula is the presence of three things: chance, consideration and reward. In order for something to be considered gambling, it must have all three elements. Chance means the ability to win is random or luck. Consideration is what you pay to play (this can be in the form of money, tickets in a raffle or purchasing a chair at a

poker tournament) and Reward, the prize you get if you win.

Removing the Chance from the equation, Dragon’s Ascent, a skill-based game, has less than three elements thus not fulfilling the requirements to be labeled gambling.

Jay Shadwick, Kansas attorney (Duggan Shadwick Doerr & Kurlbaum LLC) and former chair of the KRGC (Kansas Racing Gaming Commission; a position appointed by the governor) is quoted on Dragon’s Ascent marking materials as saying “Dragon’s Ascent is a true game of skill. No random number generators, no compensating algorithms.”

For local bars the winning formula is Dragon's Ascent, as it has continued to support small businesses during the COVID pandemic, becoming a location top earner.

PLAY IT WHILE YOU CAN; HERE'S HOW AND WHERE In Topeka, two-person cabinets or DualPlay can be found at Oscars, The Dugout, Skinny’s, Barrel House and the eightplayer (featured in photo) called an OctoPaly can be found at The Landing and Viking’s Grill.

Players pay for a reservoir of shots to capture dragons, then win money depending on how effectively they shoot the dragons among fourteen variables, such as color, shot power, and multipliers. The game consists of seven fixed scenarios, which repeat and can be learned by an attentive player. A player can win back more money than he or she puts in, without random number generators or algorithms to alter the odds. The sequences and rewards are fixed, and there is no element of chance in determining the player's reward per shot.

Players may cash out at any time and receive the cash value of their credits from the establishment operator, but must do so the same day.

Check it out, if you’ve got money to play with. Whether it winds up being money lost or gained, it’s definitely entertainment. Oh, and sanitize the controls when you’re done. aseveneightfive

since 2006 | seveneightfive.com

39

ARTIST HIGHLIGHT Artist Becky Drager brought 20 inspirational Topeka people together, in the middle of a pandemic united in passion and brought together on canvas.

FINDING INSPIRATION

L

IN TIMES OF DARKNESS

ike the rest of us, COVID-19 handed artist Becky Drager A lot of lemons.

Galleries closed, her art shows canceled and in the midst of quarantine Drager wondered what she would do to keep occupied in a positive way. She decided that she had “the gift of time,” and she started painting.

“I was isolated from my friends and family.

by Angel Romero | featured artist Becky Drager

Drager’s portraits span the breadth and width of Topeka. She chose Tina Williams, from Washburn University’s Office of International Programs, because, “she was given an opportunity to find a new journey with joy.”

She decided on a portrait of fellow artist Barbara Waterman-Peters because, “she has been such an inspiration to me throughout my career, but also she played a major role in the development of NOTO.”

"...we get to choose how we deal with that hard, so choose wisely." - Becky Drager So how could I be with them? That is when I came up with the idea to paint portraits of people,” Drager noted. In a time of such negativity Drager decided to think of local Topeka people that inspired her. On April 1, 2020, she began her first painting- a portrait of Carrie Riordan, entitled "Woman of the World."

Drager became invested in the project: “I painted on bigger canvases than I usually do. I wasn't doing this project for resale necessarily, so I felt safe in painting really big. These people deserved the recognition that a big painting demands.”

Despite her passion for the project, Drager kept it a secret. “I wanted to see where it went.

I didn't want any expectations. I was doing it totally for myself…” In deciding who to paint, Drager made a list that she admits was “pretty long.” She then began looking through photos of those people that inspired her. She focused on a diverse group of individuals- different genders, ages, race, etc. She gave herself a deadline and got to work.

Her final painting, a portrait of Washburn University President Dr. Jerry Farley, was completed on September 27.

In all, Drager completed 20 portraits, and unveiled them during the 10th anniversary celebrations of NOTO Arts District. For Drager, the choice of the NOTO celebration made sense both from a safety perspective (being able to be outdoors), but also as a way of celebrating NOTO’s impact on her life.

Drager has been involved with NOTO since its inception. Her career as a professional artist began synonymously with the beginning of NOTO. "It has been a beautiful thing to watch the Topeka arts community grow and thrive and NOTO has been a huge force in that growth.”

The COVID pandemic wasn’t the first time that Drager had faced adversity in her career. “I think it is important to look for opportunity in things that we may perceive to be a negative in our lives. A lot of the time, it just means that it is time to move on to another phase of our lives.” After being laid-off from a good job in 2017, Drager

did just that. She returned to Topeka and decided to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time artist. “There are always going to be things that are hard in our lives,” she notes,“…but we get to choose how we deal with that hard, so choose wisely.”

It bears mentioning that yours truly was fortunate enough to also be one of the individuals chosen to be featured in this exhibit. And Drager is right- she absolutely kept it a secret. It was a total shock, and very humbling, to receive the message from her that I was to be included in her show. Too often, we don’t stop and think about how our actions, big or small, can have an impact on others. I never knew or thought that my goofy thumbs up and cheesy smile would catch anyone’s notice, let alone a talented artist. But if there is anything good to come out of COVID, maybe it’s the time to reflect on the impact we have on others.

So where do you find your inspiration?

And how do you share it with others?

Drager offered some advice in that area: “I think the first thing to do is look at ourselves and ask are we doing what we can to uplift our own lives, but then more importantly, ask how can I uplift those around me - our families, our neighbors, our communities. Take action. Go out into the world and find a group, a cause that you believe in and begin to help using your special talents. Once you do that you will find inspiration and inspirational people everywhere.” We couldn’t have said it any better ourselves. aseveneightfive

Jacob Buchanan, LIGHT CATCHER, Inspires me to c apture lig ht and life in a ne w mo der n way.

C ar r ie R iord an, WOMAN OF THE WORLD, Inspires me to explore and exp er ience a l l t he b e aut if u l pl aces and c u ltures in t he world.

L ies elotte (L otte) B arger, MOTHER ROYALE, Inspires me to age g racef u l ly.

BECKY DRAGER View the series at DragerStudios.com 41

LOCAL FLAVOR

Transportable plexiglas serving walls, curb-side holiday ham and $10 lunch boxes zoom

FRESH FOOD, FRESH HUMOR HOW ONE CATERING COMPANY KEEPS IT HOT

F

by Kim Scott | photos by Alison Beebe + Kim Scott

ront Door Catering owners Nicole DeGennaro and Mike Weibel started their business in 2012 after being in the BBQ contest circuit for many years. It was finally just time to open their own place and share their cooking skills with the rest of us. Their tag line “Great food made from love, seasoned with humor,” says it all.

These two actually enjoy what they do, and they do it well. Recent pandemic issues aside, the two continue to make your catering experience a good one. Mike says, “we can feed 2-2000.” With group size restrictions and social distancing guidelines in mind they have demonstrated their ability to be flexible and accommodating. Mike built some transportable plexiglas serving walls, so while maintaining glove and mask apparel, they continue to serve up those homemade, homestyle comfort foods we all love. Another option they have (think Zoom meeting luncheons) are their $10 boxed lunch specials. These come with choice of hot or cold sandwich, side and one of Nicole's homemade brownies. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options are available. Special for this holiday season is a Christmas dinner for four prepared for curb-

side pickup and ready for your oven. The meal, just $60, includes four pounds of smoked ham, au gratin potatoes, green beans with bacon, fresh cranberries and rolls. Two layer fruit pies are available for an additional cost. New Year's Eve dinner for two ($45) prime rib with auj jus, homemade horseradish Catalina vegetables, rice pilaf and house salad (pictured on left which includes dried cranberries and feta cheese). Last, but not least, they have created a fantastic smoked cheese and Oakland Gold honey (honey they produce locally in Oakland) and beef jerky made from sirloin and smoked for hours. Paired with some chocolate bombs, and you are ready for family game night (again).

Front Door Catering is located in NOTO Arts District. View their menu and order online of by phone. Note: if it's not on their menu, doesn't mean they don't make it, so just ask. aseveneightfive

FRONT DOOR CATERING 114 NW Laurent | NOTO Arts District FrontDoorCatering.com | 785.220.1209

since 2006 | seveneightfive.com

43

the

Distinque' Gentleman P

by Alison Beebe | @TopCityFlavorista

er usual, I was running late, however a stunning site stopped me in my tracks. With shoes shined, Fedoras, perfectly tailored suits, gorgeous silk ties and pocket squares- a group of seven or eight gentlemen came gliding up the sidewalk.

"Superfly," "Smooth Operator" and the theme music from 007 movies simultaneously rushed into my head. Every girl (or boy) IS crazy ‘bout a sharped dressed man. They obliged when I requested a photo- VOGUE- and we all moved on.

Fast forward about two years…

In my defense, I was only leaving the house for a donut or three from Paradise Donuts (1620 SW 6th) but decided to drive 6th Street towards downtown. I had long wondered about ‘The Distinque’ Gentleman’ and their ‘yes, we are open’ sign was displayed. The beautifully detailed SUV out front should have been a hint. Theodis Williams, owner and elegance personified, was inside this jewel box of a shop. I was painfully under-dressed in full

&

ragamuffin mode. Thankfully, he recalled that day on the sidewalk when a stranger asked for his photo-cue full circle moment.

The shop is 100 percent dignified, refined and has been in business for twenty years. How did I not know they also sold women’s clothing, bags and sweet little suits for children? Tucked inside is ‘Heavenly Creations’ salon and boutique owned by the gorgeous Lenora Williams, whom I have not had the pleasure of meeting. I purchased a heavenly holiday dress for a non-existent Christmas party (thanks a lot pandemic) and a lovely green alligator bag. This shop must be on year round and holiday shopping list. Just the accessories are worth a visit.

The Distinque’ Gentleman and Heavenly Creations apparel and accessories for the esteemed dignified and prominent- located at 117 SW 6th Street.

Just like the Grinch’s heart, your cool factor will grow three sizes just by strolling in. aseveneightfive

Heavenly Creations

AD ASTRA

ARCADE AUCTION

JAN 16 Topeka, KS

ONLINE + LIVE

GO TO: AdAstraAuctions.com

CALLING ALL AREA ARTISTS!

Are you ready to take the next step toward making your art practice work for you?

Artist INC Topeka is a professional development opportunity for artists working in all creative disciplines. The program provides cutting-edge training seminars that address the specific daily business needs and challenges artists of all disciplines face.

APPLY TODAY FOR ARTIST INC TOPEKA APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY JAN 15 Want to know more about the program? Attend virtual "What Works" workshops, which will be held via Zoom on December 13 at 10a and January 4th at 2p.