seveneightfive summer 2019

TOPEKA'S PREMIER 'ZINE FOR ART, ENTERTAINMENT, LIFESTYLE + LOCAL FLAVOR

FREEey!

FOR ALL

VOL XIII ISSUE III SUMMER 2019

16

noto/north topeka

First Friday

20 13

artwalk map

9

14 17

3 11

GORDON

15 10

1

1

20 17

8 12 2 5 6 7

13 10 20 2

KANSAS

AVE

Norsemen Brewing Company | 830 N Kansas

16

4

5 6 4

7

LANE

8

6

ON HARRIS 5

8 2 6

10

6TH

19 2

3

Josey Baking Co. | 3119 SW Huntoon

3 6

7TH

7

5 4

8TH

QUINCY

3

8

2

1

5

17TH

8

7

Alice C. Sabatini Gallery | 1515 SW 10th Beauchamp’s Gallery | 3113 SW Huntoon Easterseals Capper Foundation | 3500 SW 10th

1

9 22

10

Absolute Design | 629 S Kansas Creations of Hope Gallery | 727 S Kansas

5

First Presbyterian Church | 817 SW Harrison

4

2 22

GAGE BLVD FAIRLAWN

1

21ST 29TH

4 8

6 1 7 3 11 8 9

29TH

3

CALIFORNIA

TOPEKA! 21ST

1

5

6

10

2

1

5

Be part of the change you wish to see. BECOME A CONNECTOR When you make a recurring donation to ARTSConnect, you become a Connector. You connect your funds to the Topeka community and help ensure that the arts always have a seat at the table. You’re paving the way to a bright and vibrant community that is prosperous and healthy.

Connector funds are key to the future because they cover ArtsConnect’s everyday operating expenses.

Exciting or glamorous? Not especially. But once essential expenses are covered, we’re free to dream big dreams for the future – and implement brave, innovative programs that benefit everyone in our community every single day.

Choose to donate $10 or more per month and you’ll receive a free “Topeka Proud” t-shirt. You’ll also enjoy the satisfaction of knowing your generous commitment to the arts is brightening Topeka’s future. complete exhibit information at artsconnecttopeka.org

Hazel Hill | 724 S Kansas Juli's Coffee & Bistro | 110 SE 8th Leaping Llamas Artisan Shop | 725 S Kansas NexLynx | 123 SW 6th Ave Platform 785 | 929 S Kansas Prairie Glass Studio | 110 SE 8th Stephen Smith Gallery | 931 S Kansas Trails Gallery | 100 N Kansas Two Wolves Studio & Artist Den | 114 SW 8th: 2nd Floor Wolfe’s Camera | 635 S Kansas

surrounding 5

7

Mulvane Art Museum | 1700 SW Jewell Porterfield’s | 3101 SW Huntoon PT’s Cafe College Hill | 1635 SW 17th Soho Interiors | 3129 SW Huntoon

downtown topeka

9TH

19

10

NOTO Arts Center | 935 N Kansas NOTO ArtsPlace | 905 N Kansas The Open Window | 927 N Kansas Portico | 900 N Kansas Prairie Fire Winery | 907 N Kansas Rusty Haggles Antiques | 826 N Kansas Patina Paint Parlor | 826 N Kansas Serendipity | 820 N Kansas Studio 831 | 831 N Kansas Stutzman Leather | 840 N Kansas

westboro/midtown

11

4

WASHBURN

OAKLEY

GAGE BLVD

1

KANSAS

10TH

4

12

7 3

& shopping guide

HUNTOON

15

39 West Gallery | 909 N Kansas aMUSEd Gallery | 907 N Kansas Ballet Folklorico | 814 N Kansas Fire Me Up Ceramics | 1000 N Kansas The Firehouse | 2705 NW Topeka Kaw River Rustics | 901 N Kansas Matryoshka Tattoo | 918 N Kansas

9 14

Glaciers Edge Winery | 1636 SE 85th (Wakarusa) Topeka Art Guild | 5331 SW 22nd Prairie Fire Winery | 20250 Hudson Ranch Rd

brookwood 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Dandelions | Brookwood The Linen Tree | Brookwood Southwind Gallery | 3074 SW 29th Tasteful Olive | Brookwood Ethan + Anna Children's Boutique | Brookwood Wild Bird House | Brookwood Cruise Holidays | Brookwood Stitching Traditions | Brookwood

ArtsConnectTopeka

JUN

7

JUL

5

@artsTopeka

AUG

2

SEP

6

SUMMER 2019 | VOL XIII • ISSUE III

INSIDE 785 12 // WALLS BECOME BRIDGES 14 // FEATURED ARTISTS 17 // THE TRUTH IN TRUTH IN COMEDY 20 // CLARITY IN TIMES OF ANXIETY 33 // A DOWNTOWN STATE OF MIND 37 // THE MAKING OF A MAKERSPACE 39 // MOVIE ON THE LAWN HISTORY 41 // IN FULL BLOOM 44 // KANSAS YOUNG [CONTINUES] 46 // A TWENTIETH CENTURY TWEETER Living in Topeka at the turn of the 20th century, Martha kept a diary for nearly 40 years, chronicling everything from the mundane to the meaningful.

Her entries provide a window into the world of a woman who was imperfect, passionate, sassy, and above-all, a woman of her time. Her writings provide a unique insight into life in the capital city at the dawn of the 20th century.

IN EVERY ISSUE 08 // PROGNOSTICATIO w/RUP 20 // LIT EVENTS + REVIEWS 29 // MUSIC CALENDAR 42 // PARTY FOR A CAUSE 50 // MUG SHOT @TOPEKABEER

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10th Annual

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ADMI

Blues Festival Presented by the Topeka Blues Society

July 4th, 2019 • Lake Shawnee • Topeka, KS

Groovement

Walter Trout

Dust Devil Choir

Amanda Fish

For more information visit our site: STARS & STRIPES: • Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation SUNFLOWER: • Al Janosik Insurance Agency RED, WHITE & BLUES: • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas • Capps Bike Shop FIRECRACKER: • Tim & Margaret Carkhuff • Harry & Linda Hauschild

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CONTRIBUTORS COLOPHON Liz Bell CPA / BUSINESS Sunshine Blue Mandy Daniels William Domme EJ Drake Amber Farmer Jennifer Goetz Marcelino Gonzalez III Andrew Gutierrez Tobias Harvey Daryl Hendrix Teresa Hernandez Martinez Hillard Tom Krebs Kerrice Mapes OWNER Huascar Medina LIT EDITOR Karen Morse Noah Neff D O'Brien Gary Piland Rebecca Radziejeski Martie Rison Angel Romero Tyler Strunk Keith VanSickle Ashley B. Wallace

EST. JUNE 2006

COVER #89

WHERE TO GET SEVENEIGHTFIVE

Cover by Marcelino Gonzalez III, Create/Uplift [CULT] photo taken in downtown Topeka

SUBMISSIONS Poetry and Lit Lit@seveneightfive.com Press releases and more Kerrice@seveneightfive.com

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MISSION

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

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

VISION

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

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Business subscriptions to seveneightfive are $40/year for up to 25 copies each issue. Email Kerrice@seveneightfive.com or signup online under distribution.

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@seveneightfive

Prognosticatio with

Ruprecht Roosterdamus The Psychic Chicken

TM

Jun-Aug

2019 RR, Thank you thank you thank you.

I’m a Sagittarius and your (yer!) advice last year about kissing frogs probably saved my life.

You are truly an amazing chickenitarian. - Still Kicking

13

years / 13 facts

1

seveneightfive magazine debuted on June 15, 2006.

Dear SK, I’m glad it worked out - so said frog is now a sad frog? ;-) Better luck with amphibian hunting in the future. - RR

2

Original co-owners Jamie Hornbaker (Kennedy) and Kerrice Mapes met at Washburn University as members of the Mass Media Department's Public Relations Society.

3

Dozens of amazing people helped create and launch the publication and many are still active today. THANK YOU!!!!

______________________________

4

seveneightfive was started with $1,000 cash investment and millions in hard-work, enthusiasm, guts and partnerships.

5

seveneightfive is printed locally. In fact, almost everything we purchase is local, from food we have at meetings to printing. Exceptions are few and due to necessity, like Adobe Creative Suites software and our email service provider.

A R I E S Yer year has been pretty good so far, but don’t let it go to yer head. Trust me, some bumpy roads are in yer future, Bucko.

Get a helmet.

T A U R U S Yeah. It does verily suck to be dumped and alone, but now ya can watch yer favorite unreality shows. Naked.

G E M I N I Ever had one of those weird moments when yer just about to figure out what the hell is going on but yer phone buzzes so ya pick up only it’s a scumbag Russian spammer and after telling him where to insert it ya can’t remember what ya were just about to figure out? Well, that’s what this entire summer is going to be like. Enjoy!

C A N C E R Last issue I had nothin’ for ya but this issue, I did, I really, really did... but then the danged phone buzzed... (see above).

L E O Game of Thrones is over. And nobody has invented dragon fire or gene spliced a dragon together for us. Weak!

V I R G O I‘ll keep this short and sweet.

6

We only allow locally owned businesses to advertise in seveneightfive magazine.

7

You will never see a person or group of people on the cover of seveneightfive magazine. seveneightfive is a publication for all who are interested in local. We don't want people to identify (or not) based on a cover.

8

seveneightfive has never employed a full-time (or part-time) staff person. Every contributor is freelance and contributes because they love our community.

9

seveneightfive magazine has always and will always be FREE.

10

seveneightfive has donated $304,270 to date to help support local non-profits and causes by way of in-kind advertising, matched ad dollars and sponsorships.

11

We take a mathematical look at each issue to ensure the representation of people, places, news and ads. No more than one third of our pages are advertisements, and the rest is filled with a diverse mix of content, people and events.

12

We started two sister publications: "XYZ Magazine," a family magazine which sold in 2013, and "I Do" a wedding and events publication.

13

seveneightfive magazine has been instrumental in creating or fostering several community events including Bar Wars, Movie on the Lawn, First Friday Artwalk, RowHouse Poetry Revue, Singer Songwriter Showcase, Top City Thursdays and more.

L I B R A Here, at last, are your summer words to live by: 1. The BIGGER the exhaust, the smaller the driver’s sex organ 2. Riding shotgun proves yer faster, not cooler 3. Black holes are real, but we already knew that from the 2016 election.

S C O R P I O Yer the coolest. The sweetest.

The smartest. And the funnest.

Just thought ya should know.

S A G I T T A R I U S I’m sorry to report that yer getting a lot of one-star reviews on OneNightStands.com. I think it’s because yer asking them out again. Just a guess.

C A P R I C O R N What is it about, “Hey, baby girl, what’s yer snapchat?” that isn’t setting off yer creepy-o-meter?

Are the batteries dead?

A Q U A R I U S Last I checked, it was NOT okay to grab someone else’s bottom unless: 1. Yer on the same sports team; 2. Yer the same sex; 3. Yer not holding something pointy or sharp; and, 4. Yer not naked.

Rules is rules, Bucko.

P I S C E S I officially call bullsh*t on the old saying, “Every cloud has a silver lining.” Anybody with me? ___________________________ Question for the Blue Guru?

Something on yer mind? Looking for an answer to a burning (and itching) personal question? Do not hesitate! Fire up yer email...

Ruprecht@PsychicChicken.com ___________________________ Pop Quiz: Since tariffs are really just taxes on the people who buy the stuff, why does Agent Orange (a.k.a. Donald Trump) keep saying the Chinese are paying for them?

A. He’s a moron B. He thinks we are morons C. He’s insane D. He thinks we are insane E. He is an insane moron.

There are no bad answers here, Bucko. Only bad questions. – R.R.

Art Kan

"MURALS ARE BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT - BUT THEY ALSO PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN BUILDING BRIDGES AND FOSTERING IMPORTANT COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS." -Sarah Fizell

���

Brown v Board Mural Project // Mural Tours MAY 2019, presented by ARTSConnect Topeka Artful image by BriJoRae' Pusch-Zuniga // BriJoRae' Productions // BriJoRaeProductions.com

12 // COMMON GROUND

16 // TRUTH IN COMEDY

22 // REVIEW: WYATT TOWNLEY

14 // FEATURED ARTISTS

20 // LIT EVENTS

23 // READ THIS NOW

URBAN ART TRANSCENDS

WALLS BECOME BRIDGES

by Andrew Gutierrez and Kerrice Mapes

P

ublic art is the most democratic of forms, encouraging civic dialogue and helping people have a better, deeper understanding of situations.

Topeka's Urban Art Trail tells our unique history, supporting our identity while enhancing and beautifying the space around us.

Last summer, Americans for the Arts worked in collaboration with the 2018 Public Art Network Advisory Council to launch "Why Public Art Matters" a national tool helping educate community members, decision makers and stakeholders on the values of public art. It provides talking points, reasons, data and examples of how public art positively impacts a community. "Public art matters because our communities gain cultural, social, and economic value through public art."

Luckily, locally, we have ARTSConnect, the only city-wide organization dedicated to ensuring the arts, in all forms, continue to be a critical part of a vibrant Topeka. ARTSConnect is dedicated to expanding the arts and supports AFTA's ideology that public art humanizes the built environment.

They challenge community leaders to stand in support, as well.

AFTA noted in their study that 73 percent of Americans agree that the arts "helps me understand other cultures better."

12

Center for Active Design concludes that public art "provides an intersection between past, present, and future; between disciplines and ideas."

DESIRED OUTCOMES

Locally and nationally, it's hard to see anything but a growing divide between law enforcement and the citizens they police.

M

emories arise to a landmark decision taking place in this city some 65 years ago. Brown v. Board fought for equality in the education system and while not the exact issue at hand, they contain similar overarching commonality: the fight for equality and justice - but more simply, basic humility and empathy.

Take a moment, think about how you react. You are driving to a friend’s house and a police officer turns behind you. Do you continue to drive in the same manner as prior to noticing the officer? Do you become more aware of your compliance with traffic laws? Do you continue conversation with your passengers? Why is it that we may or may not change our behaviors?

Perceptions have been ingrained in our nature to avoid these undesired interactions at all cost. Yet when we need to dial 9-1-1, these are the very persons that typically arrive to help first. These feelings are felt by both honorable, law abiding citizens and those who commit offenses. History has shown that, too often, we are quick to judgment of the accused and law enforcement officer(s). As a population, we have too much at stake—these are our loved ones.

We are all responsible and must have a seat at the table. When we communicate with an honest and open dialogue, it becomes much easier to understand one another, collaboration becomes attainable, and real breakthrough is possible. The desirable outcome of such a process would be a common understanding - a common ground.

COMMON GROUND Mural Project: The Common Ground is a community mural art project led by the Topeka Police Department, ARTSConnect and Storyteller’s Inc., Artist Collective. The mural will span the north wall of the Law Enforcement Center; at the intersection of Third and Kansas Ave.

TPD

“The process of interactive arts education allows us to talk about the responsibility that our officers have to protect and serve our whole community – as well as help our community understand what they can do to support them in that effort. It tells a story about understanding the common ground on which we all stand." -Michael Toombs.

"Common ground is at the heart of this mural," said Chief Bill Cochran, Topeka Police Department. Opinions of what to include or not include on the mural were solicited from local artists, community members and current police officers over a series of meetings early this spring, a process facilitated by Michael Vance Toombs. Michael was artistic director for the Brown v. Board Mural Project, is an accomplished painter, director of Storyteller’s Inc, Artist Collective and currently artistic director for The Common Ground. "Using art as a tool for communication and understanding gives us each a common language to discuss our dreams, concerns, hopes, and worries," said Michael. "It allows us all to move forward together and with a common voice.”

“Murals are beautiful to look at—but they also play an important role in building bridges and fostering important community connections,” said Sarah Fizell, executive director of ARTSConnect. "This mural will help tell a story about the Topeka Police Department, a story not only about the past but also about the future; a story about the duty and honor of service."

The public is invited to participate in creating The Common Ground on June 15 during a public paint day. Find out more by going to ARTSConnectTopeka.org. The artistic team, led by Michael, will help lead the public art sessions. These artists include: C. Dylan Baker, Jordan E. Brooks, Oshara Meesha, Sara Myer, Andrea Nix, Spacin' Jason, Robert Tapley Bustamante, Andy Valdivia, and Woody Woodward. aseveneightfive

JORDAN E. BROOKS

"I used to bring art into my letters... now I bring letters into my art." As a calligrapher with a love of skateboarding, Chad was pumped to go vert in '17 transitioning from pen to paint for the Rip-On Skate Park mural. The paint brush hasn't left his hand since, and calligrapher no longer seems a sufficient descriptor for this versatile lettering artist. Chad's spiritual-philosophical if not childlike approach to art permeates Topeka, from murals to hand-written menus (Juli's) to the Smoke Shop just north of the bridge - you've likely seen his art and may not have even know.

Jordan was the 2015 Aaron Douglas Art Fair featured artist. His work focuses on social awareness and is influenced by everything from comic books to skateboard punk. Jordan's work aims to remind people of their inherent humanity.

"DREAMING IS MY TALENT, ART IS MY PALETTE."

ROBERT TAPLEY BUSTAMANTE "Working in a hyper-flattened illustrative style, I like to create soul stirring emotional landscapes that are best described as 'beautifully disturbing.'"

Robert's emotional energy spews from his brush. He is a nationally recognized, multi-media artist with expresses himself by being a live-painter, graphic designer, web code developer, illustrator, and self-proclaimed "weirdo, and overall creative power monkey."

@cdylanbarker

@jordan_e_brooks

@visualsoulinc

SARA MYER

ANDREA NIX

SPACIN JASON

Sara is a resident designer, technical director and sound engineer at Topeka Civic Theatre. Her ability to storytell through theatrical art design, at a rapid changing pace, deserves an ovation. Last year, she began pointing her talents to the high demand art of tattooing. Her artistic voice has brushed our community through various mural projects including Brown v Board Mural Project, Cirque du Soleil, Copeland Gymnastics and Iron Rail Brewing. She's partnered with The Pennant, Topeka Zoo and Jinxed Productions helping to make artistic projects come to fruition.

For Love of Color! Andrea is a Topeka High graduate and current human resources director at Aparium Hotel Group, which manages the Cyrus Hotel. She specializes in commission work as well as functional installation pieces. Three of Iron Rail Brewing's murals have Andrea's artistic thumb print, including the portrait of Cryus K. Holliday as the "Most Interesting Man." Her art installations are the sprinklings to amazing dwellings: just look at the functional, movable art partition walls in the Cyrus.

Spacin Jason is color blind, a characteristic which seems not to influence his street / pop art none. His works explode with varied color spectrum of self-expression.

Practicing and preaching ReKinection, the active manifestation of one's creative empowered self, his works aim to reestablish individual relationships between our mind, body, spirit and emotions. Recent works include the "Wall of Honor" and recreation of "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima," paying homage to residents and military veterans of Thornton Place.

@saras_artistic_adventures

@forloveofcolor

@spacinjasonartwork

OSHARA MEESHA

ANDY VALDIVIA

WOODY WOODWARD

"I am an Energy Healer and the vehicle I travel in is art and creativity." Oshara starting painting with acrylic pastels 12 years ago, a journey embarked upon after a dream. Art has been a personal source of life healing, coming from depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder related to a childhood trauma, which once defined her. Art has been a tool used to bring healing to Oshara who provides real testament to its healing powers. Oshara's jewelry art extend the reach of many collaborative works including the Brown v Board Mural Project.

Valdivia's name is synonymous with the artistic backdrop of Oakland. Whether it's an art installation on Seward Ave created from a decommissioned hydrant in front of Fire Station #6, the "Our History" mural at the Marlo Cuevas-Balandran Activity Center or his profound work on the 30-foot mural located in the back of Our Lady Guadalupe titled "The Five Apparitions," Mexican-American artist Andy Valdivia's paint brush speaks volumes about our collective history as humans, immigrants and Topekans.

A graduate of Manchester University with a bachelor's of fine arts, Woody is an academian of artists, consistently searching to expand his artistic horizons.

These horizons soared last year as he worked under the direction of Michael Toombs on the Brown v. Board Mural Project. Woody uses digital painting to nurture his passion for fantasy illustration in telling stories through characters in his work. His passion for illustrating and storytelling inspires him to create both personal and client work alike.

@osharameeshaart

@avaldivia1@cox.net

@woody_woodward.art

15

C. DYLAN BARKER

THE TRUTH IN I was having an extremely tough time after the death of my mother, Dorothy Stamps. I began doing a joke discussing things she said to me in her hospital room knowing the end was near. While setting up the premise of the joke, I could feel the seriousness and tension in the room. The punchline of the joke was a huge sweet release after such build-up of tension.

I decided to see if I could replicate that with individuals telling their stories, typically heavy in nature, and have comedians use those stories as inspiration for their comedy. This was the genesis of Truth in Comedy. The visual art portion of the show came about a year later.

- Byron Stamps, creator of Truth In Comedy (TiC)

by Huascar Medina | lit editor and current Poet Laureate of Kansas // photo by Phillip Murphy, logo by Mitchell Dunnam [next page] photo by Leah Stamps

TRUTH IN COMEDY T

ruth in Comedy is a storytelling, stand-up comedy, and art show.

Individuals, a.k.a. storytellers, share deeply personal stories with the audience, which are the catalyst for the stand-up and art portions of the show. After each story, a comedian performs a set inspired by the story. At the end of the show, a visual artist presents a triptych during the show, inspired by the stories.

“I consider it emotional art where humanity is the muse," says Byron Stamps, founder / creator of Truth In Comedy (TiC). "There will be tears, there will be laughs, there will be tears from laughing. It is a very unique experience."

TiC debuted March 2017 in Dallas, Texas. Today, Byron hosts monthly shows in Dallas along with bi-monthly shows in Kansas City and Topeka. "[I’m] Looking forward to seeing the support for Truth in Comedy grow as Topeka does,” says Robin Bonsall, vice president of the Jayhawk Theatre board of directors. She was integral in bringing Truth in Comedy to the Jayhawk Theatre. “This event was a new kind of experience for Topeka.

The concept of real people offering to share and being vulnerable enough to bring their personal tragedy to the surface... pairing each story with a comedian’s flair, then a local artist getting an opportunity to highlight the hidden beauty of these tragedies… It’s not easy for all people to embrace emotionally.“

18

Amy Eff participated in the inaugural TiC Topeka show last February and explains why she did: “I participated in TiC because, as a writer, I don’t often get to interact with the consumers of my work. A significant portion of my essays revolve around my experiences with infertility—it’s still a pretty taboo topic, even in this day and age. I knew that if I was

strong enough to write about it, that I was strong enough to talk about it.”

Amy, like myself, is a TiC alum. We both agreed to participate in the first show in Topeka at The Break Room located downtown. She shares her invitation to the TiC family, “I was participating in an artist development program that had just started the week before Byron contacted me. The first night of the program, the facilitators asked us what our biggest fears were. I said, ‘Not finding an outlet for my story.’ Nine days later, I got a message from Byron. I looked up at the sky and laughed. Then I Googled him, cuz that’s what it’s like. He seemed legit, so I just went from there. I had a great experience! Byron was extremely supportive, offering feedback and insight. He is definitely dedicated to TiC, and it shows.”

“If you get a chance to participate in TiC, DO IT!! It’s such a beautiful and amazing experience, definitely one that’s freeing and worth taking," says Jayme Perez-Flint. I asked her what she may have taken away from her Truth in Comedy experience: “What did I take away? I think it was more a re-enforcement to me, really… We’re all connected in some way.

One of those ways is many hide their pain and always persevere through that pain. They usually have the biggest smiles and are always trying to keep moving to keep the hell they’re going through at bay. In the end, we never really know what’s going on behind someone’s smile.” Jayme Perez-Flint is an actress from the area and participated in the second TiC show in Topeka at the Jayhawk Gallery Theatre as a storyteller, “Truth is a funny thing… You can deny it all you want, but, in the end, it has a way of coming to the surface. Facing the truth is uncomfortable, but it’s freeing.

You don’t have to hide when you’re just up front and facing it.”

Staci Dawn Ogle was the artist selected to visually portray the stories shared on stage at the Jayhawk Gallery Theatre on May 9. She discussed

"I CONSIDER IT EMOTIONAL ART WHERE HUMANITY IS THE MUSE." -Byron

"I WAS AFRAID THAT IF

WE LAUGHED AT THE PAIN

INHERENT IN OUR HUMAN CONDITION, THAT

WE MIGHT LOSE A BIT OF HUMANITY. I COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE WRONG." Byron Stamps, Truth In Comedy founder, performs in Dallas. TiC hosts bi-monthly shows in Dallas and have expanded into the Kansas City and Topeka market.

what she felt during the creative process, “There were a lot of moments where I felt a connection with each individual storyteller. There was a lot of pain, emotionally and physically, and that kind of hardship can take a tremendous toll on someone, I know this from experience. I also know the triumphs that happen after freeing yourself of the stigma that’s attached with the struggle, and learning to find happiness with your truth. I definitely wanted to tap into that because this was their night, to let go, to grow, and to shine.”

Staci gifted the storytellers the artwork she created at no cost.

“I know it was surprising- not every artist will willingly give their art away, nor should they be expected to. However, this was their story," explained Staci. "To me, being an artist is so much more than selling my artwork -it’s my philanthropy.

If there’s a moment that I can tap into that and it is going to

THE HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS HAS ROOM TEMPERATURE CONTROL.

impact lives, there’s no price tag I can attach to that kind of value.”

I can attest to the value of Truth in Comedy. I shared a deeply traumatic story that I have only been able to share with a handful of people in my life. A story I had kept buried inside me for over a decade. When I walked off that TiC stage, I was free from that story. It no longer had a hold on me. I was able to remove, as I described in my story, the “halo of lead”. At first, I had my concerns with sharing my story and having a comedian I never met make jokes about it. I remember confiding in my close friend Rebeccca Radziejeski that I was afraid that if we laughed at the pain inherent in our human condition, that we might lose a bit of humanity. I could not have been more wrong. Humor really is a shield, weapon and psychological salve in the face of suffering. aseveneightfive

-Huascar

TIC SHOWS JULY 11 @ Uncle Bo's SEPT 12 + NOV 7 @ Jayhawk Theatre truthincomedy.com unclebostopeka.com jayhawktheatre.com

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William Stafford:

NOTO ARTS DIST. KANSAS CITY PT'S

06 5-7p

15 7-9p

BOOK LAUNCH: Two Ponders Art meets poetry in Two Ponders: A collaboration between poet Dennis Etzel Jr and painter Barbara Waterman-Peters.

NÜ PROFIT$ OF P/O/E/T/I/C DISCHORD, Live at Our Daily Nada!

A performance from a poetry troupe consisting of Jeanette “Sparkle Princess” Powers, Damian “DJ 2Snax” Rucci, Jason “Bloody Baron” Von Ryborg, John “Chicken and Biscuits” Dorsey, Shawn “Red Eye” Pavey, and “Ramblin” Brandon Whitehead.

20 6:308:30p

OPEN EXPRESSIONS OPEN MIC NIGHT, PT's College Hill Sunflower Sutras host open mic poetry night and poetry reading. THi

NOTO ARTS PLACE

AUG

02

KNUCKLEHEADS KC

literary events

SUMMER SAMPLING

JUNE

STORY SLAM

7-9p

Join the audience to listen or compete as a storyteller. Sign up begins at 6:30p. Ten competitors will be chosen, the audience chooses the victor. Cash prize awarded.

29

AMERICAN POETRY SHOWCASE IN THE GOSPEL LOUNGE

7-10p

Hosted by K.W. Perry of Shine Runner Press, this event will feature American Poets + Storytellers.

CLARITY IN TIMES OF ANXIETY

F

or Kansas’s most beloved poet, William Stafford (19141993), poetry and activism went hand in hand. After all, Stafford lived through most of the twentieth century and witnessed the great tribulations of the age: from the Great Depression to WWII, from the threat of nuclear war to the divisiveness of Vietnam and the long hardfought victory of the Civil Rights movement.

The more I study Stafford’s poetry, the more I feel as if he presented us with a model for how to interact with the world and its problems. On the one hand, Stafford’s poetry contains vivid outrage: consider the bombs and smoke of his poem “These Mornings” where “what is left, for us, between the sky and the earth / is a scar.” Or his poem “Objector,” where we join Stafford in line at the mess hall of his conscientious objector camp during the Second World War and share with him a kind of charged but tempered resistance.

What strikes me most about Stafford, however, is his use of the quiet but powerful ending. His closing lines rivet the reader to the page. The lines know no political party or make no proselytizing claim. Instead, they open just as the Kansas skies and the land that gently rises and falls. These lines linger in our minds and whisper to us as we go about our days. And these lines expose Stafford at his best: urging us to pause and think, to speculate as much as to wonder.

Perhaps the poem most relevant to the tumultuous, post-9/11 world we live in is “For My Young Friends Who Are Afraid.” In this poem, Stafford describes a “country to cross” that exists in the in-between spaces of things, both a journey we must make and a destination we must reach. And if we are not careful, we may miss the reason for why we are here at all. It is a county “carried as it is crossed” where “fear will not go away.” Rather, it is the fear and anxiety itself that will “take you into / yourself and bless you and keep you.” The poet takes struggles and turns them into transformative, character-building opportunities. This sharpness of mind and generous spirit of humility serve as a reminder: to lovingly choose not battles but conversations, and not to miss the larger glory of the world we find ourselves in.

This is what I carry away with me after I set Stafford’s poems aside. After all, “[t]hat’s the world,” observes Stafford at the end of the poem, both with his frank, wry humor but also with a wise stoicism: “we all live there.”

by Aaron Brown | republished with permission by Humanities Kansas "William Stafford: Poetry, Politics, and Place" a presentation and conversation by Aaron Brown is one of many celebrated Humanities Kansas Speakers Bureau offerings. Humanities Kansas Speakers Bureau presentations and discussions are free to nonprofits, as funding allows.

HumanitiesKansas.org

“The Worst Kept Secret in Town.”

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

LIT REVIEW

P

oet Laureate of Kansas Emerita, Wyatt Townley, delves into the human form in her fourth collection of poetry, “Rewriting the Body” from Stephen F. Austin University Press. Her first book in seven years, “Rewriting the Body” explores how the spirit is captured and what shapes its form.

An epigraph from Walt Whitman’s 1855 preface to” Leave of Grass” greets us; “…and your very flesh shall be a great poem and have the richest fluency not only in its word but in the silent lines of its lips and face and between the lashes of your eyes and in every motion and joint of your body…”

Instantly, I am made aware that through words, the body is to be separated, dissected and inspected; piecemealed for consumption. “Rewriting the Body” is divided into four sections: I) Open House, II) Meanwhile You, III) When the Diving Board Ends, and IV) Rewriting the Body. The final section of the book is one long titular poem.

The first poem of the book, “It’s Easy,” invites the reader in, “to enter the room/ of this poem. Less/ so to say. But do/ until this line/ ends and begins/ again, dropping to the next stanza. / If you’re still here,/ have a drink, have/ the run of the place,…” The beginning of this poem is hospitality. I sensed the front door opening beside the porchlight. The porchlight, a symbol of consciousness, always on. The rewriting of the body begins. “…Inside this book/ are other rooms, / a whole house curled/ inside a tree….” This body has rooms. These rooms are poems. This book is a house and bound pages have become a tree in a yard of before.

Throughout the book, you will find concrete poems. These poems are rooms within a body, a meditation on form and content. My favorite concrete poem is titled “One Way.” The poem is short but powerful, “Descend: The poem is both/ basement and/ torna-/do.” The poem can be indicative of destruction or salvation. This fact is understood by any poet looking deep within; into the basement of our houses. In the second section of poems, the basement is once again revisited, “and isn’t this the project of a lifetime/ to live in one house/ bounding up from the basement/." Throughout the entire text, I felt a winding upward; growth spiraling towards higher ground, the spine of the body and book as one.

FOUR CHAMBERS OF THE HOUSE A review of "Rewriting the Body" by Wyatt Townley Huascar Medina, literary editor and Poet Laureate of Kansas

The second section of poems titled, “Meanwhile You,” carried deep emotional weight for me, that seemed hard to pass as quickly as the page could be turned. The poem, “Meanwhile You While He” was my favorite succession of numbered poetry in a book to date. Alternate subtitles in this section are: “1/the architect,” “2/the musician,” “3/the actor,” “4/the stockbroker,” “5/the accountant,” and “6/the writer.” These poems felt like people who have come and gone. They were not capitalized. They were followed by the poem, “Rejection Slip.”

“Eclipse” was written for William Mervin and it reminded me of his poem “Good Night.” It felt like goodbye. He passed away this year on March 15.

There is also a poem in the third section for Mary Oliver, who also passed this year, titled “In Extremis.” This poem was harder to turn. The first line of Townley’s poem for Oliver is the same as the first line of “Wild Geese”

by Mary Oliver, “You do not have to be good.”

In the final section of the book, the titular poem states “…it’s so easy to lose/ your place in the open-/ ended story of your life/ that is poetry…."

Townley rearranges these places for the reader. This book is full of poetry as rooms we are invited into. This book is vulnerability in print. Intimate moments that were piecemealed to be consumed. And as I read, the piecemealed became peacemaking and I realized this is about making peace at home, in a house, which is our body. And all of a sudden, I was “in the mind of another/ raising an eyebrow/ across the room.” I was brought back to the beginning, “Clink!” and my “House lights up.” aseveneightfive

TO BRING PEOPLE HOME TO POETRY

AND POETRY HOME TO PEOPLE.

MAKE THE TIME

-WYATT TOWNLEY

READ. IMMEDIATELY. ENJOY.

WRITING GROUPS / BOOK CLUBS

AN INTIMATE, RAW EXPERIENCE TOPEKA TEEN WRITERS GROUP // TSCPL Teens meet to write, workshop and discuss poetry and prose. Library Room 206, 7-8p.

1 THR ST

2 /4 MON ND

ND

Poems by Macey Webb // Stubborn Mule Press

C

WHAT DOES THE FOX READ? // CELTIC FOX Adults enjoying good company, food and bookthemed drink specials. For information and to join the group, email foxread@tscpl.org

BOOK BITES // PIZAGEL'S PIZZA + BAKERY Book group for readers in their 20s and 30s.

Discussion: "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah (June). For more information, contact bookbites@tscpl.org

23 JUNE

TH

LGBTQ ANTHOLOGY WRITING WORKSHOP //

READING - JUNE 2 | 7-8p The Speakeasy presents James Benger and Macey Webb, Poetry Book Reading.

The Speakeasy - Poetry and Spoken Word Review - Kansas City

LATINO WRITERS COLLECTIVE - KANSAS CITY The Latino Foundation for the Arts hosts a writing workshop Sunday from 11a - 1p

SO MANY BOOKS // TSCPL Sunday afternoon (3 - 4:30p) Discussion: "The Marian" by Andy Weir.

08 JULY

4 TUE

07 JULY

CLASSICS MADE MODERN // TSCPL Discuss "Red" by Liesl Shurtliff.

Email for info: classicsmodern@tscpl.org

2BOOK TOPEKA BOOK CLUB

// TSCPL

Discuss "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy"

by Douglas Adams. 11a - 12:30p

GET JUNE 6:30-8:30p PUBLISHED 18

20 JULY

Adult workshop at Topeka + Shawnee County Public Library.

MUST READ

rying at Walls (Stubborn Mule Press 2019) was recently nominated for the 2020 Stonewall Barbara Gittings Literature Award. Macey Webb's poetic memoir chronicles the passing of a life and a life changed by that passing. Grief is encapsulated in moments not by time, although, "chronoclock time isn’t a good measure of life" and the grand spirit of Jessica Elise could never be fully expressed in a single day of elegy. The monodies written

by Macey Webb "cobble together a whole religion/ called i love you & you are sacred" and after reading these poems I, too, am left a believer. aseveneightfive

Purchase and read "Crying at Walls" StubbornMulePress.bigcartel.com/product/crying-at-walls

SURVIVAL TIPS FOR THE PENDING APOCALYPSE Shawn Pavey // Spartan Press, 2019

S

hawn Pavey digs deeper than almost any poet I have ever met. His newest book, "Survival Tips For The Pending Apocalypse" (Spartan Press, 2019) is proof. In his latest collection of poetry, Pavey plants a seed "while grasping at the impossibility of moments just passed." He has written beyond the now. This is his "buckeye.” Hold it in your hand. It is, "that fruit of immense/ wooden possibilities." I know, one day, years from now, another poet will "be shaded by its branches and breathe oxygen from its leaves" the way I have. It brings me peace to know that feeling of salvation will continue to be spread. Pavey’s book is full of intercessions between the reader and existence. aseveneightfive

SHAWN PAVEY purchase "Survival Tips For the Pending Apocalypse" at squareup.com/store/ shawn-pavey-poet/

THEATRE

21 30

IT'S MURDER IN THE WINGS

27 30

BULL IN A CHINA SHOP

05 10

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN

19 20

The angst of a blind date. When Aaron is set up with Casey, a serial-dater, a casual drink turns into a hilarious, high-stakes dinner. Unpredictable, delightful and unexpected - the inner critics of each dater comes out to show their "support."

Ever try to throw a party an hour after the host has been murdered? It's not as easy as it sounds. Support Topeka's Bath House Players, a teen volunteer acting troupe, as they perform this hilarious play in Gage Park.

A modern and relevant story set in the 1890s at an all female college. The cast features five fierce ladies who are dealing with the new revolution of gender equality, sexual identity and politics. Written in a modern voice while exploring issues that still face us today, this new comedy by Bryna Turner will have you thinking and laughing out loud.

The toe tapping, splashy adaptation of the celebrated and beloved film makes its' TCT debut.

24 HOUR PLAY FESTIVAL Actors, directors and playwrights are wanted to take part in this amazing 24 Hours of Theatre. Creatives who fall outside the multiple choice list above are wanted to attend the showcase on July 20 and help pick the "winning" 10-minute play. Learn more @ adastratheatre.com.

The Ad Astra Theatre Ensemble believes in the transformative power of theatre, what it can do for community, and ultimately the human spirit. They've been enlightening and entertaining audiences with thought-provoking plays and musicals that ask questions and beg reflection, since 2010.

Their 10th Anniversary Season stays true to their mission with works exploring gender equality and sexual identity ("Bull In A China Shop"), the "Green Bean Casserole" written by Topeka native Cassidy Tilden and the latest creation, Star Power Staged Reading Series, which takes some of your favorite, classic films and turns them into lightly staged productions. The series kicked-off with a reading of "Home Alone" and continues with an all-American experience at The Jayhawk Theatre; the staging of "A League Of Their Own" on June 13. Tickets and more at adastra.com. aseveneightfive

+performing arts

FIRST DATE

AD ASTRA THEATRE | 720 SW Jackson | GA / snack + bar service

14 30

"…two parts Blackadder, one part Monty Python, a dash of Shaw, shake wildly and garnish with fresh feminist ire.” – Time Out NY

HELEN HOCKER THEATER | Gage Park | GA Seating / no food

THE EXPLORERS CLUB

JUNE MAY

31 15

JUNE JUNE JUNE AUG JULY JULY

@ seveneightfive.com

AD ASTRA THEATRE

TOPEKA CIVIC THEATRE | 3008 SW 8th Ave | Dinner Theatre

M O R E

10 YEARS OF HOMEGROWN THEATRE

A New BEGINNING FOR THE TOPEKA COUNTRY CLUB

TO

.

P E K A C.C EST. 1905

Come & Experience

OUR $7.5 MILLION TRANSFORMATION

membership - golf - tennis - health & wellness - swim - dining www.topekacc.org

CONTACT GINA PATTERSON FOR A PRIVATE TOUR (785) 354-8561.

ENTERTAINMENT + LIFESTYLE

curated

Slightly opinionated

JUNETEENTH The reading of General Order #3 in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 signifies for many the official end to slavery. It marks the end of the Civil War and celebrates the freedom and equality earned by the Union, which included more than 200,000 black troops. Topeka's Juneteenth celebration takes place on June 15 at Hillcrest Community Center, located at 21 and California. Various activities for all ages will take place between noon and 8p including performances by gospel artist Boy Big and singer Deneysha Richard.

the great thing about music....

must see

JUNE 8

JUNE 25

JULY 20

80s Night with DJ Hitman // KnJ's Home Brew // Compass Point Solohogs // The Landing Gorilla Zoe // Lessman Farm + Truckhenge That Damn Sasquatch + Top City Ramblers // Celtic Fox Unfit Wives // Blue Moose Top City Karaoke Competition // The Burger Stand

Solo Jazz // Jayhawk Theatre

Ghost Mountain Revival // Uncle Bo's 8 Track Mind // Classic Bean

Ponderworthy // Crooked Post Winery

JUNE 13 Gretchen Wilson // Prairie Band Casino + Resort Mark + The Sharks // Kickstart Saloon

JUNE 14 YELLA BEEZY + T-Rell // Jayhawk Theatre Kris Schultz + Andrew Savage // The Wheel Barrel 4Closure Dance Party // The Vinewood The Pickers // The Classic Bean [Fairlawn] Studebaker John + The Hawks // Uncle Bo's Velvet Blues Review // Gayle's Shawn Ward w/Straight Shot // Kickstart Saloon

JUNE 15 Restless Native // Happy Basset Vandelyn Kross // Victoria's Ben Bedford w/Kirk Drager opening // Jayhawk Theatre Artus (patio party) // Brass Rail Tavern Val Ventro Band // Uncle Bo's Strong Like Bull and Easy Pieces // Kickstart Saloon

JUNE 19

(third Wednesday of the month: July - Sept.]

Dust Devil Choir / Summertime Blues in Gage Park - TBS

JUNE 21 Delta Haze // Compass Point Accoustro, and This Empty Chair // Brass Rail Tavern Blacktop Thunder // Gayle's

JUNE 22 Hot in Topeka Burlesque // Jayhawk Theatre Frisk Band // The Lazy Toad Grassfed // Uncle Bo's

TJ Shevlin // Brass Rail Tavern Creedence Clearwater Revisited // Prairie Band Casino

JUNE 28

JULY 26 Dirty Red // Uncle Bo's Lazy Wayne Band // Victoria's

Jayme Green (on the patio) // Barrister's Brewing Inc. The Kyle Sexton Band // Victoria's Bar

JULY 27

JUNE 29

JULY 28

Tony Alvarez // Blue Moose Patio Jazz Cigarettes // Crooked Post Winery Blazing Mojo + The Serrano Peppers // The Lazy Toad Sunshine Reggae Roots Festival // Celtic Fox Six Mile Creek // Happy Basset Swift Kick // Gayle's Villains Dance // Skinny's Viva La Top City - The Gemini Party // Jayhawk Theatre

EZ Pieces // Crooked Post Winery The Magic Mike Experience // Topeka Sports Cabaret

JULY 5 John Clifton Blues Band // Specks Tavern Top City's Leading Ladies First Friday Cabaret // Jayhawk

JULY 6 Route 358 // Happy Basset

JULY 12 Kurt Calhoun // Deuce Alley Productions // J+J Gallery Bar Duo Du Jour Band // Topeka Country Club Villains Dance // Victoria's Straight Shot with Shawn Ward // Gayle's Slow Ya Roll + Soul Rebel and the Beast // The Landing Clay Hughes // Happy Basset

JULY 13 Da'Coots // Uncle Bo's Delta Haze // Gayle's The Dullards // Crooked Post Winery

JULY 18

Paradize Band // Gayle's

JULY 30 Egemen Sanli // Grace Cathedral

AUGUST 3 Duo Du Jour // The Classic Bean Folk in the Flow //The Wheel Barrel Time Express // Gayle's

AUGUST 9 The Gary McKnight Trio // Crooked Post Winery Craigzlist Killerz / Misfitz of 80s Metal Alive // KnJ's Blazing Mojo // Gayle's Tony Holiday // Uncle Bo's

AUGUST 10 Nate in the Evening // Happy Basset Soul Kitchen // Uncle Bo's

AUGUST 16 Swift Kick // Gayle's

AUGUST 17 Big Rick Soul Band // Gayle's Chance Encounter // Victoria's Karma Presents D-Ioc The Gill God // The Trap

AUGUST 23

LOCASH // Prairie Band Casino + Resort

Mad Machelle // Victoria's Bar Craig List Killers // Gayle's

JULY 19

AUGUST 30

On A Rampage Tour with many artists // The Trap Chance Encounter // Skinny's

Kris Lager // Uncle Bo's Velvet Blues Review // Gayle's 29

JUNE 9

JUNE 27

BOLD = 785 ADVERTISER / RECOMMENDED

KARAOKE + JAM NIGHTS monday

GAYLE'S Flamingo Bar

TUESDAY

The Lazy Toad Singer Songwriter Acoustic Open Mic - The Lazy Toad

WEDNESDAY The Trap Flamingo Bar

THURSDAY

BRASS RAIL TAVERN Skinny's OPEN JAM: LAZY TOAD

FRIDAY

Skinny's The Dugout Victoria's

SATURDAY

The Dugout THE BURGER STAND Abigail's Skinny's Victoria's

SUNDAY

Wild Horse Saloon GAYLE'S OPEN JAM: Speck's

JULY 16 - 20 It was the best week of the year. It was the hottest week of the year. Must mean FIESTA TIME! The Fiesta Mexicana began in 1933 and is Our Lady of Guadalupe Church’s annual fundraiser for Holy Family School, a Roman Catholic elementary school that is jointly administered and supported by Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish and Sacred Heart-St. Joseph Parish.

FIESTA MEXICANA ART SHOW

WHERE: Marlo Cuevas-Balandran Activity Center WHAT: Art exhibit of color, form, and expression by some

uniquely talented families in our barrio community.

WHEN: Daily at 4:30p COORDINATOR: Joe Rocha

CARNIVAL

WHEN: 6-11p // FRI + SAT 6p - midnight COST: $1 per ride // $25 unlimited day pass

ENTRETENIMIENTO GRATIS FIESTA

WHAT: Music and dance have always been an integral part of the Fiesta Mexican. The Latino Culture and Fiesta Mexicana shares with the community the sights and sounds of banda, norteno, salsa and English mainstream acts, while still staying true to the roots of Fiestas long past with mariachi and Tejano groups that are an ever-present and enduring part of our programs as well.

SCHEDULED: FOR ALL THE DETAILS, GO TO

OLGFIESTAMEXICANA.ORG TUES: Cumbre Norteña WED: Estilo Chihuahua THU: La Tropa Vallenata FRI: Los Tercos, SAT: Los Tiranos Del Norte Two stages of entertainment each night, from 4 - 11p and 'til midnight Friday and Saturday.

Entertainment subject to change.

FOOD

Food sales begin at 4p daily and conclude around 10:30p (or when the food runs out - which happens!).

SPECIALS: Taco Tuesday: 3 for $5 // Wednesday: $2 burritos

Thursday: $2 tostados The fiesta is held on the grounds of and neighborhood around Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, 201 N.E. Chandler, with Atchison, Chandler, Greeley, Lake and several alleys blocked to traffic during the event. Parking is free, if you can find it. Some enterprising residents with large yards will let you park for a fee, typically around $5. For $1 you can catch a shuttle from 8th + Madison to the Fiesta [drop off and pick up is located at the Marlo Cuevas Balandran Activity Center, 216 N.E. Chandler] The shuttle runs every 10 to 15 minutes between the hours of 5:30 and 10:30p.

13- JULY PARADE DOWNTOWN 10:30A 19- JULY GOLF TOURNAMENT WESTERN HILLS

MUSIC, CULTURE, DANCE, FOOD

20- JULY DISC GOLF TOURNAMENT LAKE SHAWNEE

WE BUILT THIS CITY...

BLUES FOUNDATION

S

by Kerrice Mapes

tarship was wrong; We Built This City On blues. At least that's the vibe after talking Blues with Suki Willison-Blakely, president and founder of Topeka Blues Society. "My love for blues...goes back to my teens, but I was never really sure what it was. I just knew wherever the blues was playing, I was drawn," said Suki. "Now, after many years and listening to all kinds of music, the basis to most music comes from blues. It's our American roots. The music we were built on."

The Topeka Blues Society was established as a 501(c)3 in 2008.

Their mission is to promote music rooted in the blues, through performances, education, community involvement and outreach and artist support throughout Northeast Kansas. Adept readers of seveneightfive know this, but what you may not know is 2019 marks anniversary years for two of their flagship events. The July 4th Spirit of Kansas Festival will rock Shawnee Lake for the tenth year in a row this summer, and Summertime Blues in Gage Park has begun their fifth year of blues amplification. Both events are free, open to the public of all ages, family friendly (dog friendly) and exemplify how great partnerships between volunteer organizations and our county and city work. Best of all, TBS brings some of our nation's best to our backyard. Our beautiful backyard, if I may, as both events take pride in highlighting and thanking their hosts: Gage Park Amphitheater and Lake Shawnee by Tinman's Circle.

"To be able to bring Blues to Topeka has been a journey for me," said Suki. "To put together a society that can go on forever and support the music and people that love it, is a blessing."

This summer you have the opportunity of seeing some of the greats, including Blues guitar legend Walter Trout, who was a member of historic group Canned Heat in the early '80s. Trout shared the stage with fellow guitarist Coco Montoya during his five-year tenure with British blues giant Mayall. This solidified his Bluesbreakers' lineage of great guitarists along with Eric Clapton, Peter Green and Mick Taylor.

"Support the music America was built on, it's our heritage." -Suki Willison Listen and learn more about Walter Trout and all the Blues artists coming through the area by visiting SukisProductions.com Become a Topeka Blues Society member today. Go to TopekaBluesSociety.org to sign up, donate and volunteer and also learn about their other initiatives. aseveneightfive

LIVE

Shows start at 9pm

at GAYLE’S

JUNE 14 Velvet Blues Review / JUNE 15 Big Rick Soul Band JUNE 21 Blacktop Thunder / JUNE 22 DJ Smurf

JUNE 29 Swift Kick / JULY 12 Straight Shot with Shawn Ward JULY 13 Delta Haze / JULY 27 The Paradize Band AUG 3 Time Express / AUG 9 Blazing Mojo AUG 16 Swift Kick / AUG 17 Big Rick Soul Band AUG 23 Craiglist Killerz / AUG 30 Velvet Blues Review KARAOKE • Sunday & Monday: 7pm MON - FRI: 7am - 2am (serving breakfast) SAT - SUN: 11am - 2am 600 NW Paramore | 785-232-5511

A DOWNTOWN STATE OF MIND photo essay by Marcelino Gonzalez III // CULT [Create/Uplift]

SECOND SATURDAY CONCERT SERIES

Outside The Celtic Fox

JUNE 08

JULY 13

AUGUST 10

TOP CITY RAMBLERS 7 -9p

MARC HOUSER BAND 7 -9p

CHANCE ENCOUNTER 9:30p - midnight

THAT DAMN SASQUATCH 9:30p - midnight

MAHAN 9:30p - midnight

Cruisin' The Capitol Car Show on AUG 10

BROWNBAG CONCERT SERIES

Wednesdays 11a - 1p // Wester Pocket Park

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

05 Accoustro

03 Blake Benton

07 Ellie Smith + J Fowler

12 Matthew Mulnix

10 Charlie Barber

14 Charlie Barber

19 Ellie Smith + J Fowler

17 Josh Hoover

26 Rachel Louise Taylor

24 The Josh Vowell + Whitney Frost Duo

21 Jen + Michael Acoustic Experience

31 Kyler Carpenter

27 Jangalang

MUSIC + FOOD TRUCK FESTIVALS presented by CoreFirst Bank + Trust stage setup at 9th + Kansas

JULY 27 ROCK SWIFT KICK 4:15p WAY TOO FAMOUS 5p MIXTAPES 6:30p HOUSE OF LORDS 8p

SEPTEMBER 21 JAZZ

NOONTIME BROWNBAG CONCERT SERIES // POCKET PARKS

The free, weekly noontime concerts continue in downtown and are so much better thanks to the Pocket Parks which provide ample seating, shade and great acoustics. Performers span a variety of genres, from acoustic Americana to rock. Every Wednesday this summer (now through AUG 27) grab lunch downtown, at Bonnie's Hotdogs (typically set up) or brownbag it and infuse your day with creativity. [Schedule of concerts on previous page.]

BEFORE

01.17

01.18

01.22

02.01

02.14

In the heart of Downtown Topeka, Evergy Plaza will feature a performance stage, fountains, fire pit and a 30-foot digital screen. First phase to Evergy Plaza: demolition.

02.15

35

EVERGY PLAZA

36

THE MAKING OF A MAKERSPACE AN INSIDE LOOK INTO THE CREATION OF ARTS + CRAFTSMAN WORKSHOP

W

When 712 Innovations announced that it was selling the makerspace equipment it was so well known for, Deborah and David Corr and his wife Deborah were quick to make a move on becoming the new owners and subsequently opening a new facility just down the road from it’s former home.

Now just weeks after the grand opening, that day seems so far behind as they’ve cut the ribbon on a new makerspace, Arts + Craftsman Workshop.

Over two years prior to writing this article, I was given a tour of 308 SW Van Buren by my friend BryanFalk of Falk Architects. He was looking at repurposing the former Saint Joseph German Catholic School into a new workspace or potentially utilizing it for apartments. We didn’t think much of it at the time, seeing as we had no money, but I found myself back in the same building again a year or so later with David and Mark Burenheide as we were envisioning something quite similar.

The building looked untouched since it was abandoned decades ago. Old one seat classroom desks were scattered about, with various text books and newspapers written in German laying around them. The portion of the building we were

by Tobias Harvey // CULT [Create/Uplift] touring was over 6,000 square feet, but felt obscured by the complicated labyrinth style layout. While we were still looking at another vacancy just two blocks over, I think David knew that the building he was in would become home to his new makerspace, and a new center for Topeka’s creative community.

Over the next eight months, David, Deb, myself, and Meg Porteous of the Topeka Public Library would work together to construct a vision for Arts & Craftsman Workshop, which we quickly began referring to as just ‘the workshop’. We all met several times at World Cup Espresso to build out a vision statement, logo concepts, programming ideas, and everything else that would bring the workshop to life. As we blurted out random ideas, Meg would put place sticky notes on a large poster, helping us visually see what ACW was going to be. Looking back I feel as though all of us had very different ideas for what we wanted the space to be, which truly embodies what ACW is - a place to bring people and their ideas together for collaboration.

After purchasing the equipment from 712 Innovations and signing an agreement with the new landlord Mark, ACW was underway, which left many current members at 712 somewhat confused. Most of them maintained membership to utilize the same equipment that had just been sold, and many were left wondering what would become of the hardware and their projects they had started there. The confusion would soon turn to optimism, as many realized the makerspace equipment would be put to much better use in a larger

facility like ACW, and more specifically, under the direction of the new workshop operators David and Deb. With the help of some dedicated friends, the equipment was moved part by part in the back of David’s Volkswagen van and driven down to its new home just a half mile away. Walls were cut open to make new doorways and create a more inviting environment. Equipment was tuned up, turned on, and made ready to use.

An overhead door was installed to work on large scale projects like motorcycle repair. The space was large, open, there was always music on - it feels like a place that inspires ideas. This wasn’t a new version of 712 Innovations, it was something new entirely that Topeka hasn’t seen before.

There is so much more to this story than what I can fit into this article. From the time I met David and Deb at 712 Innovations when I occupied a small front room office, to today as I help launch Arts + Craftsman Workshop, the one thing I can say about them is they are passionate about helping the creative community in Topeka. Beyond merely being passionate, both, amongst others, have dedicated a tremendous amount of time and energy to bringing this facility to life and taking the extra time and work to do it right.

I personally could not be more excited to be part of bringing Arts + Craftsman Workshop, and my hope is other people feel that same excitement, and join us along the way. To learn more about Arts + Craftsman Workshop and the equipment available to members, visit artscraftsman.com.. aseveneightfive

STEPHEN SMITH IMAGES

photo by Stephen Smith Images | history recalled by Kerrice Mapes

MOVIE ON THE LAWN

OUTDOOR FILMS “Movie on the Lawn,” an annual, free, outdoor film series located on the lawn of the Statehouse, began in 2010 by partnership of Topeka + Shawnee County Public Library (TSCPL) and seveneightfive magazine. The debut happened that fall; its aim to promote The Big Read, a national literary event which inspires people to pick up a good book, listen to radio programs, watch video profiles, and read brief essays about and celebrating classic authors and works.

TSCPL had the distinct honor of being a selected 2010 Big Read participate.

They decided to take a pointed focus on young professional, reminding us to take time out of our busy lives to engage with literature and celebrate the classics and the connections and inspiration they have on us; hence their partnership with seveneightfive magazine.

“The Maltese Falcon” was the chosen novel for The Big Read that year and on October 2, 2010, 150 people curled up in blankets on the soft grass of the statehouse to enjoy the classic book on the silver screen, in black-and-white.

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors including Greenwave Electric, WIBW 13, NexLynx, ARTSConnect and Downtown Topeka Inc., seveneightfive and TSCPL presented “The Maltese Falcon” on a 21inch blow up screen for free. The movie began after sundown, under an ominous, dark fall sky. The crowd gave a roaring applause during the closing credits, just minutes before the sky lit up and gave its thunderous ovation.

After the event, the community flooded our inboxes with notes of gratitude and expressed desires for a downtown movie series. Movie on the Lawn was born.

The following year, Kansas celebrated her 150 birthday, Movie on the Lawn films supported the celebration by showcasing six films with Kansas connections. Unique challenges and opportunities were presented that year, helping shape the future.

One such challenge was the showing of "The Great Outdoors" on June 16. Kansas weather wasn't fair and due to high winds (the screen cannot take winds over 13mph) and with no rain plan in place, we quickly adjusted and moved locations just hours "The Maltese Falcon" October 12, 2010 prior thanks to help from many friends, including photo by Joe Cheray Gizmo Productions who projected the film onto the wall of Westar’s building. Downtown Topeka Inc (DTI) who closed 8th Ave. off between Kansas and Quincy. And our vendors who moved on the fly. Thanks to them, the movie and laughter reverberated around the street, the “Big Bear Chase Me” scene was as funny that night as it was back in 1988.

2011 was also the only year, to date, that an R rated film was presented. "Kansas City” with its gangster undertones and gin soaked scenes, started later in the evening (9p) and was promoted for audiences ages 17 years and older. Gypsy Jazz Trio was the before movie entertainment, setting the tone for the film.

continued...

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THE SEQUEL

“For me, Movie on the Lawn events stir up memories of the drive-in when I was a young girl. I think that’s why I enjoy coming out to see the films so much.

The Kansas State Capitol grounds make a beautiful backdrop for the event too.”

-Kelli Smith, TSCPL, May 16, 2018

MOVIE ON THE LAWN: Features by year and date 2013:

09.21 "City Slickers"

10.05 "The Goonies"

2014: 08.23

"American Graffiti" (right, shown at 9th + Jackson) 09.13 "Wreck-it Ralph" 09.27 "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" [above, north side of Statehouse]

2015:

09.19

10.03

"The Sandlot" [right, pre-movie activities included American League professional baseball player and author Ken Berry reading to kids, plus Washburn University's baseball team members playing catch with the crowd and sharing baseball tips.

"The Lego Movie"

2016:

09.24 "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" [original] 10.01 "Frankenweenie"

JOIN US FOR THE 2019 MOVIE ON THE LAWN SERIES

2017:

06.02 "Jumanji"

2018: 06.01

"Jaws"

09.21 "The Rescuers" 09.21 "An American Tail"

2019:

06.07 07.14 08.02

"The NeverEnding Story" "Singin' In The Rain": "A Bug's Life"

"THE SERIES PROVIDES A UNIQUE OPTION TO LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT AND A COMMUNITY-CENTRIC WAY TO EXPERIENCE MOVIES BELOVED BY SO MANY" -MATT GASSEN 2012 Movie on the Lawn

“The Wizard of Oz,” was slated to kick off the 2011 season, but alas storm and tornado warnings (we promise you it wasn't some public relations stunt) forced us to move the date to the end of summer. Five hundred people and a few Dorthy's crowded onto the lawn, wrapping up the second, successful Movie on the Lawn series.

“The Statehouse provides a beautiful setting for an outdoor movie, and we hope for a great evening and large turnout," said Nancy Overmyer, events resources manager, Topeka + Shawnee County Public Library, 2011.

In 2012 Movie on the Lawn became part of Top City Thursdays, a coordinated effort between TSCPL, DTI, Matthew W. Gassen, seveneightfive magazine and downtown merchants. Many downtown merchants were already keeping later hours on Thursday, so in effort

to bring more (and new) foot traffic downtown and infuse funds into those local businesses, we worked collectively to line the avenue with small acoustic music acts and market unique specials like sangria and tapas on the patio. We organized mini pop-up retail shops on the sidewalks, like Warehouse 414, helping bridge the gap between stores on the blocks. Top City Thursday concerts were held outside The Office / The Celtic Fox and continued to grow over the years. Now you know them as the Second Saturday Concert Series (see page 32 for the 2019 Concert Series lineup). Movies shown that year were in September and included "Ferris Bueller’s Day Off " and "Grease."

And the rest, is as they say "is History." Join us this year for three diverse, family-friendly movies on the lawn. It's free, unique and just fun. aseveneightfive

IN FULL BLOOM BLOOMS ON BOSWELL You don't have to travel far to find great floral arraignments, they are just around the corner. Blooms on Boswell, located at 1300 SW Boswell Ave, is your hyperlocal, neighborhood florist. They create amazing fresh-floral arrangements and provide same-day, in-town delivery service for under $10, as long as you place your order before 2p.

TOP CITY FLOWER TRUCK Meet Fiona (right) a 1964 teal green Ford beaut' and the driving force behind Top City Flower Truck. With her best friend Abby in tow, the budding business is on a mission to bring beauty to the lives of Topekans with flower bouquets. The duo offers fresh cut flowers by the stem featuring locally-grown flowers from friends like Good Ground Gardens.

Celebrate their grand opening at Norsemen Brewing Co.'s back patio, Friday, June 7 at 4p.

LAVENDER FESTIVAL

photo provided by Top City Flower Truck

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The following week, travel to Bennington, KAN for the 12th Annual Lavender Festival, June 15 from 8a - 3p. Activities include farm tours, demonstrations and U-pick lavender plants from Morford Lavender Farm.

#785 LIVE #785LIFESTYLE

PARTY

FOR A CAUSE

WHERE FUN + PHILANTHROPY COLLIDE JUNE 21

ART OF MURDER Art of Murder is an interactive murder mystery written by Shannon Reilly, artistic director for Topeka Civic Theatre, the benefactor. At this Party for a Cause guests begin the evening gathered around the mainstage for the opening scene. The stage is set when someone is murdered and it's your job to watch various scenes throughout the night and figure out who dunnit. This year, our friend Angel Romero is being murdered (jerk offs). Help find the killer as you travel around to various clue stages inside Fairlawn Plaza, all the while enjoying enjoying delicious food and lots of wine and beer (if you choose). Tickets start at $50 but we highly recommend you splurge on this event and go VIP for $85 to enjoy food from Front Door Catering, music and a chance to meet the actors after the event. Get tickets at TopekaCivicTheatre.com

SAY WHAT, SAY WIZ!

JULY 20 + 21

The Dance Version of the acclaimed musical, complete with the "stylized" characters from "The Wiz," it tells the story, through dance, of the goal of four characters to find a brain, find heart, and find courage and find their way "home."

Choreographed by Steven Massey with his special adaptation using original music from the broadway show, the movie and updated music. It features local dance artists.

AUGUST 02

Emerald City (VIP tickets) are $20; Adult are $15; Youth tickets are $10. Go to TPACTix.com for more information.

GRAPE ESCAPE Wine, bourbon and beer combine for an amazing night benefiting Topeka Performing Arts Center. New activities include beer garden, cigar deck and bourbon sampling.

August 2 at TPAC.

WORKS OF HEART

AUGUST 16

Works of Heart is more than Family Service + Guidance Center's signature fundraiser; it’s an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the creativity and talent of the amazing children and teens FSGC serves who live with mental health issues.

Artwork created by 15-20 children served at FSGC is up for bid in an exciting live auction, and the featured artists are the stars of the show. In addition to arriving at the event in a limousine, the artists walk a red carpet and visit with prospective auction bidders. They enjoy a delicious meal with their families as FSGC’s guests. Finally, they get to hold their artwork on stage as it is being auctioned off. The highlight of the evening is watching their faces as the bids for their art go higher and higher, many over $1,000. Get tickets and view artwork at fsgctopeka.com

KANSAS YOUNG

by Israel Sanchez | writer, photographer, blogger, podcaster and storyteller

BRAIL WATSON “The science behind racial studies initially was all geared towards separating and creating a white elite class of human beings. There’s nothing good about it. Ethnicity, culture, nationality, history, all of that’s great, but there’s nothing good about race. So I started thinking, ‘How do I reconcile these things? How does Christ look at these things? How did he address them?’ Seeing how the Israelites were treated in Egypt for a long time and then they started becoming productive and successful, so this new pharaoh comes up and doesn’t remember what the God of the Israelites did and he’s like, ‘Who are all these people? Who is these niggas? Who are these people that seem to be doing well?

They could take us over.’

That fear then takes over and they decided to destroy them and they did almost the exact same thing that we did here in America. This isn’t new. This isn’t a white people problem. This is a sin problem. And so how does Christ address sin? He addresses it pretty sternly, but he addresses it in love. Now I can look at my brother and sister and go, ‘Man, just how I have sin in my heart that I have to fight, you have sin in your heart that you have to fight.’

We’re living in a world of sin and the only way to reach them is with love, not with complacency, not with compromise, but standing on the truth with love and grace.

So going into school out there turned me into a racist, but it’s also where I began to understand what it means to be a Christian. I began to understand what it means to work toward reconciliation and started understanding that reconciliation only happens within the confines of relationship. It doesn’t happen outside of that.

The only way to have racial reconciliation is to have a relationship. My entire approach went from, ‘Man I gotta show white people how much they hurting us!’ to ‘Dude, I need to establish relationships with these people.’ I need to be the one that they come to when they go, ‘Is this racist?’

I can’t fire off on them every time and say ‘You crossed the line,’ because if we don’t have any relationship my words fall on deaf ears. Pain is not finite and neither is empathy. You need to build relationships.” aseveneightfive Read Part 2 at KansasYoung.com | by Israel Sanchez

[THE STORIES CONTINUE BY ISRAEL SANCHEZ]

This is Vidhi Heiland, although she goes by V. She is the owner of Essential Henna By V. This is part two of her story.

VIDHI HEILAND “I’m kind of like the black sheep of the family.

To come to this point I had to make it all about me and how to get better and how to make friends. My parents and my family are still very much Indian, but I have immersed myself into this environment to be more accepted into this culture. I put myself out there and created a new identity different from what my parents would have wanted me to be.

Growing up I always did the opposite of what they wanted me to do. One thing I remember was that prom wasn’t a big deal to them. But to me it was because all of my friends were going.

So, I fought with them to get a nice dress and for me to go. It turns out that for me it was kind of 'meh' in the end, but I did it. They were right

that it wasn’t a big deal, but I’m still glad I did it.

Thinking like that made me who I am today. It has pushed me to try new things. I think even the bad experiences I’ve had turned out okay in the end because it made me who I am now. I’m not Indian, but I’m not American, so I had to find that middle ground on my own.

Marrying outside of my culture definitely made me the black sheep of the family, too. I’m sure they wished I was married to an Indian, but they met my husband, who’s white, and they love him. Once my dad met him and asked him a bunch of questions, he then said, ‘Well, you’re not going to find anyone better than him.’ My mom then said, ‘Well, he eats and likes my food,’ so I knew then that it was all good.” aseveneightfive

Kansas Young is a passion project/community featuring young artists and entrepreneurs living in Kansas. "By telling their stories, not only do I showcase the ever-growing talent pool of creatives in Kansas, but I also hope to bring the community together, one post at a time." Finish these stories and more at KansasYoung.com While you are there, be sure to click on Donate and become a monthly contributor, like seveneightfive.

45

Read Part 1 at KansasYoung.com | by Israel Sanchez

THE BEAUTY IN MARTHA'S TWITTER ACCOUNT COMES IN BOTH ITS SIMPLICITY AND ITS RICHNESS...IN THIS DICHOTOMY LIES WHAT MAKES MARTHA SO RELATABLE.

MARTHA MAKES HISTORY

A TWENTIETH CENTURY TWEETER

F

by Angel Romero | photos provided by Kansas Historical Society

or most, the prospect of having every word of our diary shared with a social media audience would be terrifying.

However, one Topekan is doing just that.

Meet Martha Farnsworth: raiser of chickens, Sunday school teacher, advocate for women's suffrage and all-around bad ass. Martha Farnsworth kept a diary for nearly 40 years, chronicling everything from the mundane to the meaningful. Her entries provide a window into the world of a woman who was imperfect, passionate, at times sassy, and above-all, a woman of her time.

Martha passed away 95 years ago. Her writings provide a unique insight into life in the capital city at the dawn of the 20 century.

Today, Martha’s words are being brought to life via social media, through a unique project coordinated by the Kansas State Historical Society. By following @MFarnsworthKSHS on Twitter, users can read Martha's daily accounts from her 1912 diary "on this day." The project is the brainchild of Megan Rohleder, KSHS Senior Archivist. The idea came to her while she was attending a conference and a group of archivists started discussing the 19th amendment centennial commemorations for 2020. “They were talking about their really fantastic exhibits that sounded so beautiful and all this wonderful programming they were planning. It was

in that moment I knew we had to do something because of Kansas’ role in the fight for the vote.”

At the same time, Rohleder read an article about a project the Massachusetts Historical Society had taken on, which involved tweeting out a line a day from the diaries of John Quincy Adams.

Rohleder thought such a project would be good to take on in Kansas because of KSHS’ extensive diary collection. “At that time I knew we had 40 years’ worth of Martha’s diaries, but I was not aware of just how much involvement in the push for suffrage she had. I brought both ideas up with Matt Veatch, the State Archivist, and he was the one to recommend combining a 19th amendment commemoration as well as the diary Twitter into one project. It just sort of grew from there.”

From her early years, Martha’s life was anything but conventional. Born in Iowa in 1867, Martha’s mother died when she was just three years old.

Martha’s subsequent relationship with her stepmother was never pleasant. By the time she was sixteen, the relationship between Martha and her step-mother reached a breaking point. Martha left her family and eventually made her way to a new home in Topeka.

Martha’s first marriage to Johnny Shaw marked another tumultuous and important point in her life. Johnny was an alcoholic, an experience that would serve as a catalyst to Martha’s participation in the temperance

46

"IT HAS OPENED MY EYE TO SOME THINGS THAT ARE GLOSSED OVER IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL VERSION OF KANSAS HISTORY. THE FIGHT FOR SUFFRAGE WAS IMPORTANT, BUT WASN'T ALWAYS INCLUSIVE."

movement. In addition to Johnny’s alcoholism, he also suffered from tuberculosis. While Martha harbored contempt for Johnny, she cared for him through both conditions until Johnny’s death, just five years into their marriage. Martha experienced several miscarriages during her marriage to Johnny, before giving birth to a baby girl. Tragically, Martha’s daughter (her only child) passed away just six months after being born.

Martha was later remarried to Fred Farnsworth, a postal employee. By her account, this marriage left her feeling much happier. Martha became an active participant in the civic life of Topeka, working for causes like women's suffrage, and joining no fewer than nine different social clubs. She would go on to become a member of the Good Government Club, an organization that played a pivotal role in fighting for equal suffrage in Kansas in the early 20th century. A regular churchgoer, Martha taught Sunday school for many years, building relationships with her “boys” whom she often referenced fondly in her diary entries.

Rohleder noted that seeing history through the eyes of a regular Kansan taught her a great deal about the nuances of one of Kansas’ biggest reform movements. “It has opened my eyes to some things that are glossed over in the middle school version of Kansas History. The fight for suffrage was important, but wasn’t always inclusive. Women scored a very big win during the 1912 campaign for suffrage, but it came at the cost of black women.

I’ve grown quite a bit as a historian, archivist, and person by diving into that tough subject and facing it head on.”

The beauty in Martha’s Twitter account comes in both its simplicity and its richness. Some days her entries are simple oneliners, commenting on the day’s weather and her general mood.

Other days are filled with her thoughts on the news and politics of the day, and her hopes for the future. In this dichotomy lies what makes Martha so relatable. Despite the important work Martha was doing in the community, she was also a very real person.

She writes vividly about her contempt for her first husband, her wonder about technological advancements (like the telephone), and the joy she got out of visiting her friends.

“I think it’s easy to get lost in the noise of politics today,” said Rohleder. “There’s so much going on from both sides and it’s hard to know what you can do to genuinely make a difference. I hope people look at Martha’s words and her life and realize that they can make a difference.” When thinking about what individuals take away from the Twitter account, Rohleder replied, “It starts local, folks. Get out there! Raise some chickens! But also, march for what you believe! Civic involvement is important and there really are things you can do to make your voice heard.”

47

Martha didn’t know she was making history when she sat down to write her diary. She actually never let anyone else read her diary during her lifetime. Like Martha, we too are living in a time of great social and political change, both in our state and in our country. Many of us have experienced extreme hardship and maybe even heartbreak in our personal lives. We all have relationships and activities that bring us joy and inspire us.

What if we took the time to write about that? We asked Megan for advice for any would be journal-writers: “Just get something down on paper every chance you can,” she said. “It may seem mundane and unimportant, but you never know how important those conversations, buildings, spaces, thoughts, feelings, whatever will be to someone in the future.” Maybe 100 years from now, your words will be the ones offering insight into the people, places, and ideas that made up 21st century Topeka. aseveneightfive

48

LOCAL FLAVOR ���

GARDEN PARTY SERIES AND AMAZING PATIO The Burger Stand College Hill

50 // MUG SHOT @TOPEKABEER

52 // LOCAL FLAVORISTA

51 // FLAVOR EVENTS

54 // MY CUP RUNNETH (MORE #MUGSHOTS)

Follow @TopekaBeer on Facebook + Twitter

MUG SHOT @TopekaBeer

CIGAR CITY BREWING

T

hey had me at cigars; it was that first amazing spring day and @TopekaBeer was hosting a tap takeover at Brass Rail Tavern with Cigar City Brewing out of Tampa, FLA and treats from Churchills Cigars. The brewery, owned by Joey Redner and his father has been brewing beers named in honor of Tampa's cigar-making history for over 12 years. "Hecho A Mano" meaning "Hand Made" is branded on their logo, and must mean good because the brewery has medals from GABF and is ranked within the top five Top Craft Breweries in the country, according to them and a USA Today report.

50

Our patio tasting consisted of Jai Alai, Guayabera and Maduro, all available in Topeka liquor stores.

Based on the write-ups I was confident I'd like Guayabera with its Citra hop varietal and notes of tangerine, lime and berries - this was not the case.

by Kerrice Mapes

According to the brewery, "the exclusive use of Citra hops in this beer creates a flavor that make it unique and recognizable." This was the case.

My partner in crime, who believes in trying any and all IPAs, no matter how obscure, cupped his glass of Jai Alai and conquered. Named after a popular game in Spain, Jai Alai has an intense bouquet of oranges (Clementines, tangerines, etc.) and an assertive bitterness, which was applauded by my IPA partner but accosted my taste buds. Jai Alai is clearly the fan favorite and is already flying off shelves in Topeka liquor stores.

The Maduro, the darkest of the tastings, is an English-style Brown Ale with a silky body and hint of chocolate. It was dark, complex, heavy and delicious. I don't smoke cigars daily, not even monthly, but when I do I want a good, bold, flavorful cigar that'll keep me on a patio for an hour. Maduro is my cigar of beers. aseveneightfive

OPENING JULY 2019 / 822 KS AVE

photo from @ToepkaBeer

PROJECT FORWARD DOWNTOWN FESTIVAL JUNE 08 // Downtown Topeka [previously Capital City Family Food Truck Festival]

FLAVOR EVENTS

The Capital City Family Food Truck Festival has new leadership and a twist. Project Forward, an innovative mentorship recruitment and volunteerism nonprofit (featured in last issue of seveneightfive) is spearheading the event and raising money for the non-profits they collaborate with. TPD officers Lamont Jackson and Michael Pagel will be headlining the concert along with Roger Ortega (NY) and KC Mack will eMcee. DJ TopCity on the 1s and 2s while you enjoy food from dozens of vendors and inflatables and such from Carnival Guy.

KANSAS CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL JUNE 15 // Downtown Topeka Enjoy handcrafted chocolates, shop at over 40 local vendors including downtown merchants, and end the afternoon with live music. Event noon - 4p and produced by Buzz Events, owned by Zach Haney, who took over the reins from Visit Topeka last February.

HOPS + HORSES FOR HEROES JUNE 22 // 510 SW 49th St (their new location) $5 A collaboration between Happy Basset Brewing Co. and Hope and Healing Academy, marking the start of a new equine therapy program for first responders and veterans. Enjoy live music from Amber Waves and Evolution, beers from Happy Basset, of course, food trucks, yard games and more.

PIG N POUR JUNE 29 // Kansas Expocentre

Brand new food and drink festival will be held in Ex Hall at the Kansas Expocentre on Saturday, June 29 from 2-5p. From Bacon, to sausage to pulled pork and more, enjoy all the best, and most creative, samplings from restaurants, catering companies and food trucks. Wash it down with local brews in one of their many beer gardens.

MADISON STREET CAFE RELAUNCH PARTY AUG 10 // Ramada Hotel - Parking Lot Party The Downtown Ramada has been undergoing lots of improvements and to celebrate and showcase the relaunch of the cafe they are having a party complete with live music and BMW of Topeka.

LOCAL FLAVORISTA Eating vicariously through social influencer Alison Beebe.

Go get you some local flavor tonight!

[opposite page] Shrimp 'n' Grits | It's spicy, smoky goodness IRON RAIL BREWING | 705 S Kansas Ave [#foodporn left-to-right] Seafood Crepe | CHEZ YASU | 2701 SW 17th St B Pho "sure!" | FOUR GUY'S BAR + GRILL | 2833 SW 29th St Mushroom, Gouda Tree Hugger | THE WHEEL BARREL | NOTO Fried chicken with Green Chili Gravy | LUIS' PLACE | 435 S Kansas Ave (open Friday lunch + dinner plus first Wednesday for Tapas +wine) Mutter Mushrooms | It's sweet, fresh and divine GLOBE INDIAN CUISINE | 117 SE 10th Ave Collard Greens | NANNY'S SOUL FOOD | 1000 SE 21st St (we suggest you call in advance, they sell out! 233.3322) Salmon Taco | THE WHITE LINEN | 112 SW 6th Ave

#MUGSHOTS

FINAL THOUGHTS

OUR CUP RUNNETH...

F

Home Hair Studio located in Oakland

inal thoughts, whispered in java by Tyler Strunk, seveneightfive contributor, owner of Strunk Photography and Topeka Lawn Care LLC. Flip back to page 26 to see his amazing photo skills and follow him at @strunk_photography for coffee cups and...aseveneightfive

Kimmi’s

A UNIQUE HAIR EXPERIENCE. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. 226-0860

HAIR DESIGNS

E H AV , Y NE .

OUR YLIST J T IS A D S IL F E G O O A

Your Local Tax Champion

BLues in GAGE PARK Third Wednesday

FREE | 7 - 9pm

Gage Park Amphitheater

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

Brass Rail Tavern 1933

PRIDE and

OLDEST BAR IN THE

in oakland

C A P I TA L O F K A N S A S

of oakland

Established December 1933, at the end of prohibition, Brass Rail Tavern is the oldest bar in the capital city of Kansas, located in historic Oakland. We pay homage to our past, proudly displaying over 100 nostalgic items around the tavern. We feature local and Kansas craft favorites, pouring from 18 taps. We heart community by hosting and participating in events, supporting live music and featuring local restaurants. We’ve been a favorite hangout spot for over 80 years. If you don’t know why, then we invite you to come by and Get Railed, to see for yourself. In fact, mention this ad to your bartender and your first drink is half price.

OAKLAND PRIDE. TOPEKA PRIDE. KANSAS PRIDE. 401 NE Emmett St. | 785.232.3332 | Follow and Friend BrassRailTavern on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the World Wide Web

TRIVIA Tuesday @7p | KARAOKE THURSDAY @9P | OPEN AT 6A • M - F | HAPPY HOUR • 1 - 5P