a newspaper for the rest of us www.lansingcitypulse.com March 21 - 27, 2018 Shuto Con: Lansing’s anime fans’ ‘second home’

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MACEO PARKER: TO RAY WITH LOVE A SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO RAY CHARLES, THE RAY CHARLES ORCHESTRA & THE RAELETTES

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“American Idiot” is presented through special arrangement Music Theatre International We’re delighted to host a visit from the author of Behold the (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. wwwMTIShows.com Dreamers, this year’s Capital Area Reads book. Her presentation will be followed by a book signing, with copies available for purchase. Registration is required at 517-367-6348 or cadl.org/events. DIVERGENT 2017 VOICES Free parking is available in the Lansing Center lot or parking garage by mentioning the words “Library Author Event.” For more information 2018 on this Speaker, visit prhspeakers.com. City Pulse • March 21, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 3

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EVENT INFORMATION AND MORE music.msu.edu | 517-353-5340 4 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • March 21, 2018

CITY OF LANSING NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VOL. 17

Act-4-2017, Easement for Consumers Energy’s North Lansing Pipeline Project ISSUE 32 The Lansing City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 9, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers, 10th Floor City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, Michigan, to consider (517) 371-5600 • Fax: (517) 999-6061 • 1905 E. Michigan Ave. • Lansing, MI 48912 • www.lansingcitypulse.com the conveyance of a non-exclusive easement on four City of Lansing Board of Water and Light properties for the Consumers Energy project commonly known as North Lansing Pipeline, a gas ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: (517) 999-5061 distribution line extending from North Grand River Ave., then southwest under the Grand River and or email [email protected] across a City of Lansing/LBWL parcel to Melvin Court, then south along the east side of Sunset PAGE CLASSIFIEDS: (517) 999-6704 Ave., then west to run southward, west of and parallel to a Lansing Manufacturers (A.K.A. Jackson and Lansing) Railroad right-of-way to end south of I-496. The easement is specifically described as: 14 EDITOR AND PUBLISHER • Berl Schwartz That part the South Half of Section 5, Town 04 North, Range 02 West, City of Lansing, Ingham [email protected] • (517) 999-5061 County, described as: Commencing at the South 1/4 corner of said Section 5; thence North 00°50'33" Great Lakes Folk Fest on pause for 2018 West 993.38' along the North and South 1/4 Line of said Section 5, to the PLACE OF BEGINNING ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR • Skyler Ashley OF THIS DESCRIPTION: thence South 62°52'26" West, 599.81'; thence South 64°05'16" West, [email protected] • (517) 999-5068 297.03'; thence South 50°43'16" West, 638.61'; thence North 00°18'51" East, 38.93'; thence North EVENTS EDITOR • Ella Kramer 50°43'16" East, 617.32'; thence North 64°05'16" East, 300.23'; thence North 62°52'26" East, [email protected] • (517) 999-6704 614.31'; thence North 62°52'26" East, 406.20' to the approximate centerline of the Grand River; PAGE PRODUCTION MANAGER • Abby Kelly thence South 27°37'00" East, 30.00' along said approximate centerline; thence South 62°52'26" [email protected] West, 421.27' to the Place of Beginning, 15 (517) 999-5066 STAFF WRITERS • Lawrence Cosentino AND That part of Lot 38 of Assessor's Plat No. 11, as recorded in Liber 10 of Plats, Page 14, at the Ingham County Register of Deeds described as: The West 15.00 feet of the following Parcel East Lansing Community Theater tackles “Twelfth Night” [email protected] Description as recorded in Warranty Deed, Liber 524, Page 57, Ingham County Register of Deeds: Todd Heywood Beginning at a point 650 feet South of the Northwest corner of Lot 38 of said Plat; thence East, 120 [email protected] feet, thence South, 50 feet; thence West, 120 feet; thence North, 50 feet to the place of beginning, SALES EXECUTIVE AND That part of Lot 42 of Assessor's Plat No. 11, as recorded in Liber 10 of Plats, Page 14, at PAGE Lee Purdy • [email protected] • (517) 999-5064 the Ingham County Register of Deeds described as: The West 15.00 feet of the following Parcel Contributors: Andy Balaskovitz, Justin Bilicki, Daniel Description as recorded in Warranty Deed, Liber 524, Page 57, Ingham County Register of Deeds: 23 Commencing at a point 15.55 feet South of the Northwest corner of Lot 42 of Assessor's Plat No. 11 E. Bollman, Capital News Service, Bill Castanier, in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 8, Town 04 North, Range 02 West, City of Lansing, Ingham County, Mary C. Cusack, Tom Helma, Gabrielle Lawrence Michigan, and running thence East, 124.5 feet; thence South, 46 feet; thence West, 124.5 feet; New florist aims to bring everyone closer to nature Johnson, Eve Kucharski, Terry Link, Andy McGlashen, thence North, 46 feet to the place of beginning, Kyle Melinn, Mark Nixon, Shawn Parker, Stefanie Pohl, Dennis Preston, Allan I. Ross, Dylan Tarr, Rich Tupica, AND Lot 51, of Bella Vista Homesites Subdivision, as recorded in Liber 7 of Plats, Page 7, at the Ute Von Der Heyden, David Winkelstern, Paul Wozniak Ingham County Register of Deeds, Cover Interns: Kelly Sheridan, Shruti Saripalli, Sherry Min-Wang For more information, please call 517-483-4177. If you are interested in this matter, please attend Art Distribution manager: Paul Shore • (517) 999-5061 the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments will be accepted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., on the day of the Public Hearing at the By Angel ‘n Monster Delivery drivers: Frank Estrada, Dave Fisher, Jack City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email city. Sova, Richard Simpson, Thomas Scott Jr. [email protected].

Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope

CP#18-059

Have something to say Now you have two ways to sound off: 1.) Write a letter to the editor. about a local issue • E-mail: [email protected] • Snail mail: City Pulse, 1905 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912 or an item that appeared • Fax: (517) 371-5800 At lansingcitypulse.com in our pages? 2.) Write a guest column: Contact Berl Schwartz for more information: [email protected] or (517) 999-5061 (Please include your name, address and telephone number so we can reach you. Keep letters to 250 words or fewer. City Pulse reserves the right to edit letters and columns.) City Pulse • March 21, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 5 PULSE NEWS & OPINION said, should be more nuanced than a confrontation over the proposed plant. Tilting for windmills “We will continue to oppose the plant and ask for alternatives, but I think we Opposition growing to BWL’s $500 million gas plant can do that in the context of some larger negotiations that might get the BWL’s OF THE WEEK Opponents of the Lansing Board of work with them,” Fisher said. gears to turn a little bit” on a long-term Water and Light’s plan to build a $500 Fisher said the timing of BWL’s vision, he said. million gas plant have opened up a announcement, in late December, made That vision, in Sarpolis’ view, should pipeline of communication to the BWL it harder for opposition to gain traction be coordinated with Lansing’s resolu- board, with the help of a commissioner at first. tion to develop a climate action plan this representing the city’s First Ward. “It was the peak of the holidays and year. Two City Council members, Kathie “I feel confident it’s the best plan and I people weren’t paying attention,” she Dunbar and Peter Spadafore, are meet- support building it 100 percent, but I’m said. However, since then, a joint meet- ing bimonthly with LEAT members as willing to listen,” Commissioner Dennis ing of the BWL board and the Lansing the plan develops. Louney said. “We’re trying to build a City Council Feb. 15 drew 80 people and “This gas plant is just a piece, fluid model. It’s and it’s not fit- not ‘we build ting together this, this is what with anything,” we’re doing, Sarpolis said. and good luck, Responding to everybody.” a request made 500 N. Butler Blvd. He cautioned by Louney at This 102-year-old, five-apartment that he does the March 5 building looms over the intersection not speak for meeting, LEAT of Butler Boulevard. and Genesee the entire board is drawing up a Street in the Genesee neighbor - and met with list of 10 “asks” hood. Its doors and windows have opponents of it will submit to been boarded up since 2007 when the the plan March the BWL. entire structure was deemed unsafe. The building’s outside shows signs of graf- 5 “out of respect A draft doc- fiti that has been poorly painted over, for them.” ument the and debris is nestled alongside the build- Louney noted group shared with City Pulse ing. According to city property records, that earlier this the building has received five notices month, he also Tuesday calls for the utility for trash. Those notices are sent to the sat down with property owner, Pretty Pink Houses LLC. a homeowner to scale down the proposed Pretty Pink Houses LLC bought the prop- who was upset erty in 2012 for $8,550. The DeWitt limited about squir- 170MW natural gas plant, which liability company tracks to Mary Hausbeck rels displaced on Norris Road in DeWitt. She did not return would include by drastic tree calls seeking comment about this property. trimming. Courtesy Photo self-contained “She’s pas- Members of the Lansing Environmental Action Team rallied at City Hall March 12 in opposition units called sionate about to the Lansing Board of Water & Light’s proposed $500 million gas plant. “peakers,” to TODD HEYWOOD the squirrels,” smaller, modular Louney said. 30 speakers opposing the plant. units that can be The Lansing Environmental Action “It’s invigorating to see such a positive used to back up renewables. LEAT also Team, or LEAT, has bigger squirrels to response from the community,” Fisher wants the BWL to use “all source bid- fry. The group has grown to over 100 said. ding,” including renewables and energy members since the BWL announced its Andrew Sarpolis, organizer of the Sierra efficiency, to meet its future needs. plans to build the plant in December, Club’s Beyond Coal campaign, was at “Other jurisdictions are already cancel- according to LEAT member Anna Fisher. the meeting with Louney March 5, along ing plans for new gas peakers because About 30 members rallied in front of with two members of LEAT. these other options are proving capable City Hall March 12 to oppose the BWL’s Sarpolis’ takeaway was mixed. of beating the peakers in head-to-head plan. The state’s Sierra Club chapter also “I found BWL staff to be open, and competition,” the draft reads. opposes the plant. that’s not the case with every utility,” Louney said the BWL will start to review A growing coalition of environmental- Sarpolis said. “At the same time, they its strategic plan next year, but that’s ists, utility experts and ratepayers are seem pretty committed to building the after the first shovelfuls are expected to trying to dissuade the BWL from com- gas plant.” turn on the new plant. “We recognize it’s a business model mitting to large-scale fossil fuel use for LEAT is fired up to fight the plant, “Eyesore of the Week” is our weekly look at another generation when the cost of with more heat expected at the BWL that’s changing because of renewables some of the seedier properties in Lansing. It rotates renewable energy and storage is plung- Commission meeting Tuesday, but the and battery storage that could change with Eye candy of the Week. If you have a sugges- the game,” Louney said. tion, please e-mail [email protected] or call ing to unprecedented lows. Sierra Club is showing signs of a stra- Berl Schwartz at 999-5061. “We think it’s astonishingly misguid- tegic pivot. With the coal-fired Eckert and Erickson ed, but we’re going to continue to try to A fresh dialogue with BWL, Sarpolis See BWL, Page 6 6 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • March 21, 2018 Regional court & lockup? Schor pause on City Hall sale could pave way

The announcement Tuesday by Mayor center area and at Jolly and Dunckel roads. Andy Schor that he has pushed the pause East Lansing Mayor Mark Meadows button on the sale and redevelopment of said the previous recommendations did Lansing City Hall is rekindling a discus- not find support from the East Lansing sion to create a regional district court and City Council or the Ingham County police lockup facility. Prosecutor’s Office. Talk of combining Ingham County’s “It kind of bit the dust,” Meadows said, three district courts — 54A in Lansing, but he added, “It's still a good plan.” 54B in East Lansing and the 55th for the Local leaders, such as Meadows, said rest of the county — started in 2010 as the they are open to possible partnerships in local leaders looked for cost savings in the creating a combined district court lockup wake of the Great Recession. facility but caution consolidations could Courtesy Photo “It’s time to have that conversation,” take years. City Hall as revisioned by Beitler Real Estate of Chicago as a hotel. The Bernero 55th District Judge Thomas Boyd said “I've talked to Andy about what we administration selected Beitler’s plan, which also called for converting the old Lansing Monday in an interview in his chambers. would hope to achieve out of a consolida- State Journal building into a new City Hall. New Mayor Andy Schor is delaying any such Previous discussions didn’t go very far, tion and we're still taking a look at that,” moves until the city decides where to put the courts and lockup, which are part of the said Boyd. But a review conducted by the said Meadows. “I think he wants to move current City Hall and were left up in the air in the Bernero proposal. chief judges of each court eight years ago on his City Hall decision, but what I've growing financial concerns give consider- don't have the partners to actually accom- showed combining the courts administra- tried to make clear is that it's a complicat- ation of court consolidation more urgency. plish it, then you sort of upset the court tion could save as much as $1.7 million. ed issue. It is not something that happens “East Lansing has suddenly noticed and everybody else with the idea that The savings would come from eliminating overnight.” that the court is draining money from something might happen when it is far duplicated positions such as chief clerk. Ingham County Commissioner Mark them, although with fake accounting they more complicated and difficult than peo- The plan did not consider combining all Grebner concurred with Meadows. can pretend it's not,” he said. “And now ple realize,” Meadows said. the operations into one building. “We're happy to cooperate,” Grebner, they want to save a lot of money because “I have been in many conversations an East Lansing Democrat and long-time they're desperate for cash.” Cart before horse? about locations for Ingham County District commissioner, said. “We've been pitch- Meadows said the city has been quietly Schor’s decision delays a plan worked courts over the past eight to 10 years,” Boyd ing court consolidation over 20 years” to discussing the courts as a cost-saving mea- out in the last months of the Bernero wrote in an email. He said sites that were the county Board of Commissioners. “We sure for “some time” but it’s been in the administration to sell City Hall for rede- brought up included the Frandor shopping could never get their interest.” shadows. Grebner said the city of East Lansing’s “It's something that you look at if you See City Hall, Page 7 BWL from page 5 plants retiring in 2021 and 2025, respec- tively, there’s no getting around building one more large-scaled baseload genera- tor, Louney said. “We’ve got federal capacity requirement we have to meet,” Louney said. “We have to get power if everybody turns on their air conditioner at once.” Louney told the opponents of the plant March 5 that BWL Commissioners if they don’t like the direc- meeting tion the BWL is 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, going, they can March 27, Reo Town Depot conference room lobby for com- missioners who are more sym- pathetic to their not as active and don’t want to be.” Ingham County Board of Commissioners missioner if elected. goals. Louney’s own term at the BWL expired in February to fill the seat left vacant at “Let’s just say I’ll consider the work- Chairman David Price’s and Second in June last year, but commissioners stay the beginning of the year, when Schor load and would re-evaluate it at the end Ward Commissioner Beth Graham’s on the board until their appointments named former Commissioner Brian of this year,” he said. terms expire June 30. are renewed or they are replaced. Mayor McGrain to be the city’s director of eco- “If you’re not getting responses from Andy Schor approved Louney’s re-ap- nomic development and planning. — LAWRENCE COSENTINO people, push to get someone who’s going pointment but the City Council has not Louney is running for a full term as to talk to you,” Louney said. taken it up yet. county commissioner this year. He didn’t “There are some on the board who are Louney was also appointed to the say if he would step down as BWL com- City Pulse • March 21, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 7

The delay our inmates. So to get out of this building would be interested in a location nearer potentially in two or three months into a transitional the border of Lansing and East Lansing. City Hall jeopardizes space not knowing where the courts and Grebner, who chairs the commission- preserving the the lockup are going to be I believe would ers’ finance committee, notes that any deal from page 6 current City be irresponsible on our part.” would ultimately have to be a “good deal” velopment as a hotel by a Chicago firm, Hall, consid- All he would say about the Bernero for the county. That means the agreements Beitler Real Estate. In turn, the city would ered a signifi- administration’s decision to move ahead will have to provide a solid and proven move into the old Lansing State Journal cant example without a plan for the courts and the lock- system to pay for the buildings and oper- building, on Lenawee Street on the south of mid-century up was, ations. side of downtown. architecture in “They moved on their own timeline.” Schor said he is interested in having the The Bernero plan, however, did not mid-Michigan. The only location Schor specifical- Ingham County Sheriff’s Office operate determine what would happen with the Schor said ly mentioned as a location for the courts lockup. “They can take on that liability city’s district court or police operations, his “preference” and lockup was the Veterans Memorial because this is what they do,” said Schor. “I including a short-term lockup facility, remains the Courthouse, on Kalamazoo Street in think in my ideal world the county would which are housed in the City Hall complex Beitler plan, Schor downtown Lansing, but he did not pre- agree to do a lockup for district and circuit at Michigan and Capitol avenues. which of the clude other sites. court.” Four proposals for the sale and rede- four considered He said the courts and lockup are “sep- Sheriff Scott Wrigglesworth has pre- velopment of the complex were consid- by the Bernero administration best pre- arable, but I wouldn’t put them too far viously said he would not be opposed to ered last year. Mayor Virg Bernero select- served City Hall. apart.” that, but it would have to be a cost-neutral ed Beitler to redevelop the mid-century He said Paul Beitler, president of East Lansing’s Meadows has previously option. That means the city would have to building. The developer told the Council Beitler Real Estate, said he “understood” said he had an interest in a shared lockup foot the bill for deputies to staff the facility, that it was prepared to invest $42 million the reason for the delay “and he said he facility but expressed concern about the cover insurance and other associated costs. into developing the hotel. is still interested in moving forward but time it would take an officer off the road Redevelopment of the LSJ building, we can’t lock him into anything until we to transport a prisoner to the location. He — TODD HEYWOOD also by Beitler, could cost as much as $50 have an understanding of the timeline, but opposed setting up a joint facility at the million, Beitler Real Estate and city offi- I still very much like his proposal and we Veterans Memorial building, but he said will see what the future holds.” cials told the City Council in December. CITY OF LANSING City Council President Carol Wood said He cautioned, though, that “you nev- NOTICE OF CONSIDERATION city officials last year said the lockup and er know what’s going to happen with the economy, what’s going to happen with THE CITY COUNCIL, CITY OF LANSING, will consider Michigan Department of Natural Resources courts building could cost an additional Trust Fund Grants at its regular meeting on Monday, March 26, 2018 at 7:00 P.M. in the City Council $40 million, costs and things, so once we know, you’ll Chambers, 10th Floor Lansing City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI know and he’ll know and then he will let But at the breakneck pace set by The City Council will hear public comment and consider adoption of the following three (3) Land Bernero, the city would have found itself us know.” Acquisition Grants, one (1) River Trail Connection Grant and one (1) Walking Path Development moving the courts and lockup at least twice Moreover, Schor said that while his Grant to be located at: preference remains the Beitler plan, “We before they got into a final location. Schor • Acquisition of Willard Avenue Parcel 33-01-01-27-426-001 said that would be hard on the employees had four submissions for this building and • Acquisition of 4000 Hunter’s Ridge Drive Parcel 23-50-40-25-451-022 there could be others.” • Acquisition of Wise Road Parcel 33-01-05-06-202-021 and the operations, as well as on citizens. • Develop the River Trail connection from Cambridge Rd. to Frances Park River Trail A critical City Council hammered “If he were to say at some point ‘I’m out,’ • Develop a One-mile Walking Path within the Rudolph and Dorothy Wilson Park Bernero administration officials about then we would consider other proposals.” Moreover, his preference for the Beitler For more information, please call Lansing City Council at 517-483-4177. If you are interested in this the missing plans for a police and courts matter, please attend the City Council Meeting or send a representative. Written comments will be during a Dec. 11 public hearing on the pro- plan is “not enough to add additional accepted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., on the day posals. Grebner called the Bernero plan costs.” of the Council meeting at the City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email [email protected]. “half a plan.” “The citizens of Lansing have to come first, and they have to have access to Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk courts, we have to have a place to house www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk Whither City Hall preservation www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope CP#18-065 CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF LANSING SYNOPSIS OF PROPOSED MINUTES CITY OF LANSING A REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING LANSING WAS HELD AT THE TOWNSHIP OFFICES LOCATED AT 3209 WEST MICHIGAN AVENUE, LANSING, MICHIGAN ON TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2018, AT 7:00 P.M. Act-5-2017, Easement for Consumers Energy’s North Lansing Pipeline Project.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Supervisor Hayes, Clerk Aten, Treasurer Rodgers The Lansing City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 9, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., in the Trustees: Broughton, Harris, McKenzie, DeLay City Council Chambers, 10th Floor City Hall, 124 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, Michigan, to consider MEMBERS ABSENT: None the conveyance of a non-exclusive easement on one City of Lansing property for the Consumers ALSO PRESENT: Michael Gresens, Attorney Energy project commonly known as North Lansing Pipeline, a gas distribution line extending from North Grand River Ave., then southwest under the Grand River and across a City of Lansing/LBWL ACTION TAKEN BY THE BOARD: parcel to Melvin Court, then south along the east side of Sunset Ave., then west to run southward, Meeting called to order by Supervisor Hayes. west of and parallel to a Lansing Manufacturers (A.K.A. Jackson and Lansing) Railroad right-of-way Minutes of the meeting held on February 20, 2018 approved. to end south of I-496. The easement is on 162 Sunset Ave., and is specifically described as: Agenda approved as amended. Site plan SPR-17-4 approved with conditions. That part of Lot 38 of Assessor's Plat No. 11, as recorded in Liber 10 of Plats, Page 14, at the Ingham Special fund 810 budget amendment approved. County Register of Deeds described as: The West 15.00 feet of the following Parcel Description as Authorized fire chief to order new truck. recorded in Warranty Deed, Liber 599, Page 589, Ingham County Register of Deeds: The South Authorized fire chief to sell old engine #521. 472.65 feet of Lot 38, Assessor's Plat No. 11, except the West 120 feet of the North 50 feet of said Authorized fire chief to hire replacement firefighters. described land. Adopted Resolution 18-4: Re-appointments to Planning Commission. Authorized Clerk to publish annual weed notice. For more information, please call 517-483-4177. If you are interested in this matter, please attend Adopted Resolution 18-6: Re-appointments to Construction Board of Appeals. the public hearing or send a representative. Written comments will be accepted between 8 a.m. General fund budget amendment #3 approved. and 5 p.m. on City business days if received before 5 p.m., on the day of the Public Hearing at the Claims approved. City Clerk’s Office, Ninth Floor, City Hall, 124 West Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 or email city. Meeting adjourned. [email protected].

Diontrae Hayes, Supervisor Chris Swope, Lansing City Clerk, MMC/CMMC Susan L. Aten, Clerk www.lansingmi.gov/Clerk www.facebook.com/LansingClerkSwope

CP#18-060 CP#18-058 8 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • March 21, 2018 Groundbreaking expected in May for Ingham Co.’s new animal shelter

Last August, Ingham County voters tions hanging in the air. approved a property tax increase to fund On top of that, the dogs and cats are so a new animal shelter. This week, officials close together, barking stresses the cats. from Ingham County Animal Control In addition, dogs have to be removed unveiled the designs and location for that from kennels before they can be cleaned. building. That is potentially dangerous since the They also revealed the price tag: $7.1 shelter is required to house aggressive million. That’s $300,000 more than animals under quarantine after attacking the $6.8 million raised by the millage. other animals or people. John Dinon, director of Ingham County Using the new money, Dinon and his Animal Control, said a nonprofit, the team will build a 16,000-square-foot Ingham County Animal Shelter Fund, has facility on county land on the other side of pledged to raise the additional $300,000. the Sheriff’s Office and jail, near the Drain “They’ve already raised $100,000,” said Commissioner’s Dinon of the Ingham Office on Buhl County Animal Street in Mason, Shelter Fund. “That not far from the money will help fin- current shelter. Courtesy Photo ish off the costs and if The plans A rendering of the new Ingham County Animal Shelter, designed by the Lansing office of there is more raised? show a facility Hobbs+Black Architects of Ann Arbor, with construction by Granger Construction. Well we can always designed with find ways to use that.” animal safe- stress. Dinon said he ty and human gery recovery areas and two surgical bays For cats, the space adoption space will expects to break interactions built specifically for surgeries. be on the opposite side of the building ground in May, with in mind. It Dogs will be housed in kennels that with its own air handling system to keep a construction period will have two allow workers to clean them without the temperatures a little bit higher for the between 10 months entrances for the touching the animals. There will be slid- felines. It will also include colony rooms, and a year. public. ing doors between two equal-sized ken- which cats can cohabitate, that attach to The new building is “You want nels in the isolation area so that aggres- an enclosed patio. a replacement for the to make sure sive dogs can be lured into one side while “That way when someone says they county’s 47-year-old that animals the other is cleaned. In the adoption area are looking at an indoor/outdoor cat, we building. It’s unsan- coming in, say for dogs, the same set-up will also exist, can say here is an idea to allow that to itary, cramped and a stray, don’t but the sliding doors will separate the happen but prevent them from harms,” a stressful environ- interact with indoor space from the outdoor space. said Dinon. Those harms include injuries ment for the animals animals already There will also be several play yards for from fighting or being hit by a car as well that are brought in, here,” said Kate volunteers and staff to socialize with the as infections such as feline leukemia and Dinon said. The cur- Turner, the shel- dogs, as well as to introduce a family to Courtesy Photo feline immunodeficiency virus. rent building is 10,500 ter’s outreach man- a dog. John Dinon is executive director square feet and every ager. Smaller dogs will have a separate inch is being used. A of Ingham County Animal Control. “We don’t know housing space as well, reducing their — TODD HEYWOOD former custodial closet what their has been converted into a cat enclosure, health status is, but with this while a garage bay has been made into system they can be walked right a surgical and medical suite. The entire into medical and vaccinated building shares the same air handling immediately.” system, allowing airborne infections to Indeed, the desk designed for spread easily through the animals. That surrendering animals is across single air handling system also leaves the the hall from a medical suite, smell of animal waste and cleaning solu- which includes a prep area, sur-

Courtesy Photo The new shelter will feature kennels similar to those pictured above with glass doors and col- orful panels, as opposed to fence-like enclosures in the current shelter (left). City Pulse • March 21, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 9

uted. “Scoring the applications is a huge proj- What’s in a fee? ect, but there’s also all the review of the applications by various departments of the city,” Swope said. “Are the buildings up to City struggles to fully explain what pot licensing fees pay for code, is their zoning correct — all those departmental checks to make sure that Lansing’s top two elected ipated expenses but on getting of dispensaries. The city ordinance allows they meet the requirements of the city ordi- officials are quick to justify the city the maximum it could 25 dispensaries, but there will be a second nance.” the $5,000 fee the city’s new collect — which under state round starting in November for the other It costs even more to apply for a state ordinance is charging annually law is $5,000. As in, these five. license: $6,000. for medical marijuana facility businesses are rolling in it, so Eighteen applications — all provision- And an applicant could be on the hook licenses. charge them the max. ing centers — have already been denied, for additional state fees if the cost of pro- “The enforcement and police Time will tell if the pot fee according to city records. These appli- cessing the application exceeds the orig- effort are going to cost more passes the smell test. cants may have appeals pending before inal $6,000, said David Harns of the than what we anticipate bring- “The license application pro- the clerk or the city’s Medical Marihuana Department of Licensing and Regulatory ing in with the fees,” Mayor cess is ongoing, so it is difficult Commission, which will hold its next meet- Affairs. Andy Schor said. to say whether the amount of ing on April 20. Harns said if an applicant was a large Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope revenue received will offset Requests for comment from the Lansing company with many individuals to inves- Swope said the city will at best costs to the city,” said Valerie Police Department for the specific costs tigate, or if they had a long legal history break even on regulating the businesses Marchand, communications manager for and added responsibilities of enforcing requiring an in-depth investigation, those paying the fees. the city of Lansing. In other words, she’s the city’s marijuana facility licensing ordi- additional fees might be necessary. But press them on details and they get, not sure the licensing fees will pay the city’s nance were forwarded to Marchand, who On top of $11,000 annually in state well, vague. full expenses. said LPD is working in concert with other and city licensing fees, businesses will be The city has collected $725,000 from If the fees are higher than actual costs, city departments on enforcement measures required to pay a regulatory assessment fee 145 applicants. It stands to keep as much as then they are not really fees. They’re a related to marijuana. to the state. $562,500, and that’s not a one-time poten- tax, and a tax requires public approval in The city has been able to determine The fees for recipients of a Class A grow- tial windfall. Annual renewals are $5,000 Michigan. That’s the result of a Michigan one exact cost. To assist in the application er license — good for up to 500 plants — as well. Supreme Court ruling from 1999 over review process, Swope’s office brought in will be capped at $10,000. For all other The story that expenses will justify the fees Lansing’s rain fee that constrained how ICF Inc., to the tune of up to $80,000. facilities, this could run anywhere from traces back to City Attorney Jim Smiertka, much a municipality can charge for fees ICF is responsible for reviewing appli- $10,000 to as high as $57,000, depending according to City Council President Carol before it becomes a tax, requiring voter cation materials like business plans and on the number of licenses granted. Wood. She said Smiertka had been noting approval. The city attorney who lost that financial statements, as well as providing the likelihood of costs exceeding revenues case? You guessed it: Smiertka. feedback on how licenses should be distrib- — MAXWELL EVANS dating back almost a year. Here’s where the city’s haul is coming Wood said determining the true cost of from: 85 applicants for dispensary licenses; B/18/065 RIVERTRAIL REPAIRS as per the specifications provided by the City of Lansing. The City the additional work would require sanc- 44 from growers; 14 from processors and of Lansing will accept sealed bids at the City of Lansing, Purchasing Office C/O LBWL, 1232 Haco Dr, Lansing, Michigan 48912 until 2:00 PM local time in effect on tioning a time study, which she said she one from a transporter; and one more for APRIL 10, 2018 at which time bids will be publicly opened and read. Complete specifications and assumed would back up Smiertka’s narra- a testing facility. Those are the five types of forms required to submit bids are available by calling Stephanie Robinson at (517) 702-6197, email: [email protected] or go to www.mitn.info. The City of Lansing encourages tive. That time study would need to demon- licenses the new state law allows. bids from all vendors including MBE/WBE vendors and Lansing-based businesses strate how city time will add up to $5,000 Half of the city’s $5,000 fee will be a year per marijuana business, presumably refunded to applicants who are denied CP#18-064 for policing and building inspections. licenses. That will be the case for at least 65 Smiertka did not respond to requests for of the 85 provisioning center applicants in NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS comment. He could not be asked whether, this first round of applications, because of a EAST LANSING PLANNING COMMISSION for example, the fee is based not on antic- ceiling the City Council put on the number Notice is hereby given of the following public hearings to be held by the East Lansing Planning Commission on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at 7:00 p.m., in the 54-B District Court, Courtroom 2, 101 Linden Street, East Lansing: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING EAST LANSING ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS 1. A public hearing will be held to consider a Site Plan application from EL 16, LLC, for the property at 1001 East Grand River Avenue, to construct a 1,858 square foot building addition Notice is hereby given of the following public hearing to be held by the East Lansing Zoning and associated site improvements. The property is located in the B-2, Retail Sales Business Board of Appeals on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, beginning at 7:00 p.m., in the 54 B District Court, zoning district. Courtroom 1, 101 Linden Street, East Lansing: 2. A public hearing will be held to consider a Modified Site Plan and Special Use Permit A public hearing will be held to consider a variance request from Mohamed Shetiah application from Burcham Hills Retirement Center, for the property at 2700 Burcham Drive, for the property located at 947 Trowbridge Road, in the B-2, Retail Sales Business for a four story (49 feet) building addition, including underground parking, to the existing District from the following requirement of Chapter 50 – Zoning Code of the City of continuing care retirement facility. The proposed building addition will include 16 one- East Lansing: bedroom residential units and 60 two-bedroom residential units. The property is located in the RM-8, Planned Unit Development zoning district. Section 50-813(2) – Minimum number of stacking spaces for restaurant uses of 10 per window. The applicant is proposing a Biggby coffee shop with a Call (517) 319-6930, the Department of Planning, Building and Development, East Lansing City drive thru window with six stacking spaces. Hall, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, for additional information. All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard. These matters will be on the agenda for the next Planning Commission Call (517) 319-6930, the Department of Planning, Building and Development, East Lansing City Hall, meeting after the public hearing is held, at which time the Commission may vote on them. The 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, for additional information. All persons interested in these appeals will Planning Commission's recommendations are then placed on the agenda of the next City Council be given an opportunity to be heard. meeting. The City Council will make the final decision on these applications.

The City of East Lansing will provide reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as interpreters The City of East Lansing will provide reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as interpreters for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities upon request received by the City seven (7) calendar days prior to the individuals with disabilities upon request received by the City seven (7) calendar days prior to the meeting. Individuals with disabilities requiring aids or services should write or call the Department of meeting. Individuals with disabilities requiring aids or services should write or call the Planning Planning, Building and Development, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823. Phone: (517) 319- Department, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823. Phone: (517) 319-6930. TDD Number: 6930. TDD Number: 1-800-649-3777. 1-800-649-3777.

Jennifer Shuster Jennifer Shuster City Clerk City Clerk

CP#18-062 CP#18-061 10 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • March 21, 2018 Proposal seeks to curb laughing gas abuse

By BAILEY LASKE short-lived so many people do a lot of inha- Capital News Service lations in a short time. According to Eden Wells, the chief medi- LANSING — A bill awaiting Senate cal executive at the Department of Health action would make it harder for people and Human Services, there are a myriad of under 18 to misuse potentially dangerous negative effects. nitrous oxide — better known as laughing Upon inhalation, brain cells are dam- gas. aged. When the nitrous oxide is released it Commonly known as “whip-its” — small gets extremely cold and can result in frost- metal containers made to refill canisters in bite, Wells said. restaurants and bakeries — they give peo- The use of whip-its has been linked to ple who inhale the nitrous oxide a short- anemia, convulsions and death, she said. lived euphoric high, said And according to Scott Masi, an outreach Wells, nitrous oxide is and referral specialist addictive and should be at Brighton Center for treated as such. Recovery in Brighton The bill wouldn’t and the founder of the eliminate other ways nonprofit Unite to Face youth get access to Addiction. nitrous oxide. According According to Masi, to Masi, even cans of whip-its can be sold at whipped cream at the liquor stores and gas sta- grocery store contain tions, available to any- nitrous oxide that can body who walks in the be used to get high. door. Sponsors of the Although people of proposal include Reps. all ages can get high with nitrous oxide, it’s Scott Dianda, D-Calumet, and Beth Griffin, popular among youth because they often R-Mattawan. have a hard time getting alcohol and oth- The bill covers only containers that con- er drugs, said Brad Uren, a co-chair of the tain only nitrous oxide. That would leave committee on state legislation and regula- many other ways in which people can get tions at the Michigan State Medical Society high in the same way. in East Lansing. Even so Uren, Masi and Wells all said Masi said that because of its easy acces- the bill would be a step in the right direc- sibility, whip-its are viewed as far less tion. harmful than they actually are. Uren said it’s important that those For example, Masi went through a peri- products are no longer sold in places where od of his life when he struggled with drug they’re obviously not going to used correct- addiction. During that time, he did whip- ly. its, and he said there’s not enough public “When bakery owners need to buy more understanding of their dangers. supplies for their business, they aren’t According to Masi, the high is very going to go to a liquor store,” he said. Uren said education is another big part of reducing the improper use of nitrous oxide. The bill has passed the House and was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

40 Commercial & Residential Fully Insured

Call Joan at: (517) 881-2204 City Pulse • March 21, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 11

school, he said. STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT With the pro- INGHAM COUNTY Some colleges tackle homeless students’ problems gram’s mental CIRCUIT COURT By AGNES BAO tion. ple. health care, 80 NOTICE OF HEARING Capital News Service Wayne State University launched the The MORE Support program partners percent of par- In the matter of Larry Lee Nixon ticipants showed TO ALL INTERESTED HIGH (Helping Individuals Go Higher) with campus “coaches” to provide health PERSONS including: Ray reductions in Nixon & Larry Travino, whose LANSING — Although homeless col- program for homeless students in 2013. care for homeless students. address(es) is/are unknown traumatic stress and whose interest in the matter lege students have access to various types The program aims at helping home- Many problems cause homeless stu- may be barred or affected by the of assistance, many are reluctant to be less, precariously housed and financially dents to suffer trauma, including abuse, and 75 percent following: demonstrated TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will identified as homeless because of stigma, challenged students to earn their degree the disruption of care and changes in be held on 04/12/2018 at 1:30 AM, at 313 W. Kalamazoo experts say. and prevent them from dropping out housing, said Dave Zellmer, the pro- reductions in St., Lansing, MI 48933 before Judge Economy for the following “There is a sense of denial about what because of financial problems. gram’s therapist. symptoms related purpose(s): homelessness actually is,” said Lynn “Sixty-one percent of the applicants Partnering with colleges reduces to depression and Petition for probate and/ or appointment of personal Stufin, a public information officer at are seniors, and so we do what we can to the barrier for students who need care, anxiety, according representative. provide a bridge so that they graduate,” Zellmer said. “The stigma around home- to Ozone House. If you require special the Department of Health and Human accommodations to use the said Pearlanne Pollard, the program’s lessness can make it hard for students to They also had court because of a disability, Services. or if you require a foreign executive assistant. talk about that, and they might not want higher class atten- language interpreter to help “Stable housing is a stressor for many you fully participate in court dance rates and proceedings, please contact individuals,” Stufin said. Being identi- “At the point, we have a 100 percent other people to know.” the court immediately to make fied as homeless may bring “stress they graduation rate of our seniors that come The program isn’t about labeling higher academic arrangements. achievement, the Date: 03/21/2018 are unable or unwilling to handle at that in [to the program],” Pollard said. But homeless people but it’s about providing LoAlice Jackson agency said. 2006 Georgetown Blvd. #2 time.” still, many homeless students haven’t support for students and making sure Lansing, Mi, 48911 Pam Kies-Lowe, the coordinator for been identified yet. they get what they need to succeed in homeless education at the Department As homeless students don’t necessari- of Education, said, “Lots of folks think ly sleep on the street, “we don’t have any about the homeless as bad people in the way of identifying them,” she said. If they park, or they think the homeless are on don’t apply for the program, “then we the corner of an intersection with signs don’t know who they are.” saying ‘homeless and hungry.’” The HIGH program puts in great However, an invisible group of home- efforts on reaching out to potentially less consists of students, Kies-Lowe said. homeless students through social media, They don’t live on the street and some of flyers, deans, advisers, financial aid staff the older ones who are unaccompanied and a welcome center. by parents stay with their friends or rel- Michael Hansen, the president atives. of the Michigan Community College The definition of homeless children Association, said the challenges facing and youth isn’t limited to those sleeping homeless students are a growing concern. on the streets, but also includes lacking “The colleges in the state are not real- a regular nighttime residence, sharing ly set up to deal with homeless students,” housing or sleeping in places that aren’t Hansen said. Connecting them with local supposed to be a regular accommoda- agencies and organizations is better. tions, according to federal law. Colleges are educational institutions More awareness and better identifi- and aren’t experts on homelessness, he cation of homeless students are needed, said. “But we are doing what we can to Kies-Lowe said. connect homeless students to appropri- “The whole experience of being home- ate services and service providers.” less hurts their mental health a lot more Eastern Michigan University and than being identified, because once they Washtenaw Community College collab- are identified we connect them with the orate with the MORE Support program services and support they need to stay provided by Ozone House, which is a and succeed in school,” she said. nonprofit agency based in Ypsilanti with Those services typically include finan- the goal of helping young homeless peo- cial aid, housing, food and transporta-

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING EAST LANSING CITY COUNCIL

Notice is hereby given of the following public hearing to be held by the East Lansing City Council on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers, 101 Linden Street, to consider the following:

Ordinance 1422: An ordinance to Amend Sections 8-181 and 8-182 Of Division 1 – Generally – of Article IV – Restaurants and Take-Out Stores of Chapter 8 – Businesses – of the Code of The City of East Lansing. Ordinance 1422 proposes to repeal the standards set for establishments selling alcoholic beverages related to food to alcohol sales ratios and associated reporting, commonly known as the 50/50 rule.

The City of East Lansing will provide reasonable accommodations, such as interpreters for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at this meeting, upon notice to the City of East Lansing, prior to the meeting. Individuals with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodations or services should write or call the City Manager’s Office, 410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823 (517) 319-6920, TDD 1-800-649-3777.

Jennifer Shuster City Clerk CP#18-063 12 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • March 21, 2018 With spring comes Shuto Con and its devoted fans Why the anime convention is ‘home’ for so many Conventions like Shuto Con are attractive to many because they By SKYLER ASHLEY offer opportunities for fans to For the past seven years, a telltale sign spring has begun meet the talent behind the anime in Lansing is not just the blooming of trees or melting of industry. These casual interactions snow, but the appearance of several thousand anime fans between fans and creators or actors roaming in costumes along the city’s riverfront — to the aren’t as commonplace with other awe, or ire, of bewildered onlookers. media and helps to make anime “We went to the local colleges and said, ‘We’re putting more of a lifestyle than merely a on an anime convention, you guys hobby. Shuto Con should come!’ We expected about 300 Talking with congoers revealed Lansing Center people, and we wound up with 1,300,” that Shuto Con doesn’t just provide 333 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing Shuto Con founder Stefanie Shall said, a space to geek out for a weekend. March 23-25 recalling the convention’s 2011 debut. Depending on the person, Shuto $60 for three day badge, one day badges Lansing’s eighth annual Shuto Con can resonate with their deepest start at $25 Con begins Thursday at the Lansing personal emotions. Many con- www.shutocon.com Center. goers describe their favorite What exactly is an anime conven- anime conventions as a tion? If you’re familiar with any typical gathering of comic second home. book fans, you’re not far off. The primary difference is swap- “It’s a little sen- ping Batman for Pikachu. timental. I call The trappings of Shuto Con include dressing in costume Shuto Con my — in this instance known as cosplay —video game tourna- ‘home con.’ ments, a bustling marketplace of Japanese toys and elec- By way of my tronics, dance parties and a variety of panelists. Essentially, husband, I’ve it’s a three-day sensory overload for Lansing anime fans. introduced “I had always been interested in anime conventions, my brother but I didn’t know there was one so close to where I live,” and his chil- Shuto Con frequenter Kelsea O’Meara, 24, said. “My hus- dren, and now band said, ‘You should go with me!’ We went and I’ve been my mother is hooked ever since.” going for the first time this year,” O’Meara said. Anime conven- tions are described Skyler Ashley/City Pulse by certain congoers (Left) Alex Kearns gets on one knee to pro- as one of few places they pose to his now wife, Brandy Kearns. (Above) feel completely socially She said yes! uninhibited. The masquerade like environment provides a strong Peralez has traveled from South Dakota to attend Shuto social lubricant, allowing wallflowers to finally feel not so Con with his wife Sarah Vaa since 2014, where the two self-conscious. find time to bond over their mutual love for cosplay and “Part of it comes from the fact that we’re not appearing anime. Like the Peralezes, many congoers’ romantic rela- as ourselves. It takes away a certain measure of insecurity, tionships are either formed or developed at anime con- because people aren’t seeing our real selves,” Shuto Con ventions. first-timer Rachel Walkowski, 20, said. “They’re seeing a When the question, “How did you meet your significant character. There’s this particular feeling of contentment other?” gets asked on Shuto Con’s community Facebook and gratification when somebody yells out your charac- page, there is a surprising amount of responses that ter’s name and gets super excited to see you.” answer, well, at Shuto Con. These couples explain how “I can’t just yell out to somebody on the street, ‘Hey girl their chemistry developed with answers often as simple with the green hair, you look so cute!’ Whereas at a con, as just liking the same anime. During the cosplay contest it’s a more open atmosphere,” Walkowski added. at last year’s Shuto Con, congoer Alex Kearns proposed to With a wide-open and free environment for all types of his girlfriend, now Brandy Kaye Kearns, onstage before a social interaction comes a feeling of unity between con- crowd of several hundred. goers. For some congoers, cosplay is the only thing that mat- “There’s always a great sense of community and a will- ters. Many attendees will visit conventions solely to show ingness to be accepted for whoever and whatever you are. off cosplays of their own, or to admire the work of others. I myself became more accepting of people doing all sorts Those possessing exceptional talents with a thread and of fun stuff,” Shuto Con regular Jaime Peralez, 41, said. needle have even made careers out of cosplay, akin to “As long as you’re having fun, why not enjoy yourself? internet celebrities that make a living off social media. Courtesy photo That’s the spirit I feel when I’m over there. There’s a great Shuto Con’s mascot Sumi-jaki. sense of camaraderie.” See Shuto Con, Page 13 City Pulse • March 21, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 13 NOW ON SALE! WHARTONCENTER.COM JULY 11 – 29 1-800-WHARTON Groups (10+): 517- 8 8 4 - 313 0 ©Disney

EAST LANSING/ C M Y K 92158 / POP UP TOP COVER STRIP / LANSINGof the biggest CITY annual PULSE events in Shuto10.25”W XCon 2”H RUN DATE: WEDNESDAY,Lansing. MARCH 21 Shall’s love for anime con- from page 12 ventions was developed during her college days in Jacksonville, They travel from con to con seek- Florida. Upon making her ing the sometimes lucrative top prizes return to mid-Michigan, she from cosplay contests. Or they simply was surprised by the lack of a earn cash through commissions from similar scene up north. anime fans hoping to dress to impress. “There was a convention in “I got into cosplay after making a my area of Florida every sin- Halloween costume with a friend, gle weekend, it was something based on a show we both liked,” avid I grew accustomed to. When I cosplayer Kristie Good, 36, said. “Then moved up to Michigan in 2009, I found out you could go to year-round at the time, there wasn’t a lot conventions where there’s other people here, there was Youmacon in dressed up, and I was like ‘This is the Detroit and JAFAX in Grand best!’” Rapids,” Shall explained. “I Good doesn’t select which costumes wanted something in Lansing, to craft solely by aesthetics, but by how because there wasn’t anything strongly she relates with the character. in the middle ground of the The clothing in that regard becomes a state.” flamboyant expression of personality After conceiving of the initial and identity. idea, Shall consulted Youmacon While outsiders may jeer at poorly and JAFAX’s organizers, receiv- constructed outfits, of which there are ing their blessings, so long as often many, it’s hard to hate a home- her convention wouldn’t create made mecha-suit costume that appears a schedule conflict for potential to have stepped straight off a manga attendees. page. Shall’s experience running “There are some people that say, ‘Oh, the anime club at her school it’s not true cosplay if you didn’t make it in Florida put her in close con- yourself,’ but there’s a much larger part tact with the heads of several of the community that says, ‘Are you in Florida based conventions. She costume, are you having fun? Then, yes, already had a picture in her you’re in cosplay,’” Good said. “To me Courtesy photo head of how she would pull off it’s all about having fun. Cosplay is for Shuto Con cosplayers use EVA foam to craft impressive homemade armor. one of her own. everyone, even if you can’t sew or think “Running the club, I got to you’re not the right body shape, you can be those few that have a disdain for some- tion circuit, like Shawna Bourne of Geeky know a lot of the organizers that still cosplay. Don’t let anything stop you.” one in their cosplay, because they’re not the Endeavors. were putting on the events down there,” Shuto Con has a staunch safe space poli- correct height, weight or skin tone,” Ghist “This life is definitely not for everyone, Shall said. “The leadership I learned from cy, where nobody is allowed to make others said. “When I cosplayed as Mercy from it’s hard. From the long hours of travel to the club helped me out when I was starting feel uncomfortable based on any aspect of Overwatch, I got a lot of positivity, but there not knowing if your show will be successful to put together a small staff to run Shuto their identity, be it race, gender or sexual were people that said, ‘Isn’t she white? Isn’t and if you will have to tighten your belt for Con’s different departments.” orientation. But Raya Ghist, a black cos- she Caucasian? Why are you cosplaying awhile,” Bourne said. “Conventions are very Shall’s team managed to rent out the player, 18, said there could still be improve- her?’” hit and miss, and oversaturation is a real Lansing Center and book a lineup of guests ment within the community. Shuto Con is also notable for its ven- thing. We watch the economy closely.” to provide the day’s entertainment without “Despite how much we’ve grown in dor room, where over 50 merchants from The anime community was at first only much trouble. But they found themselves accepting people of different shapes and around the country trade wares. Some an extension of Shuto Con founder Stefanie caught off-guard and in a frantic environ- skin tones in cosplay, there’s always going to vendors make their living on the conven- Shall’s hobbies, but with the growth of ment when more than double the people Shuto Con, it has effective- they expected turned up. ly taken over her life. But, “We were scrambling like most that have made around the entire time, a career out of a passion, because we had no idea how she’s not complaining. Her to handle everything. But, it devotion is perhaps best was a happy thing to hap- summed up by the tattoo pen to us, and because of directly on her heart of that we were able to contin- the con’s mascot, a cartoon ue on each year,” Shall said. imp named Sumi-jaki. Though Shall is the face Shall and her staff are of Shuto Con, she makes it doing something right, known that the convention as Shuto Con manages is an impossible feat with- to continuously attracts out her employees. thousands. That original “My staff have really number of 1,300 in 2011, Shall stepped up this year by has since climbed to near- helping me handle the ly 6,500 paid attendees many aspects of the con- in 2017. It’s not too unrealistic to expect vention that I normally would have taken that one day, especially as it draws increas- on myself,” Shall said. “I can’t thank them Courtesy photo ing attention nationally, Shuto Con could enough for that. We’re all dedicated to mak- A group of cosplayers dressed as characters from the anime “Love Live!” break 10,000 — sealing its status as one ing this year great.” 14 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • March 21, 2018

ARTS & CULTURE ART BOOKS FILM MUSIC THEATER Enlightening an institution Folk Festival facing retooling for a 2019 return By SKYLER ASHLEY its target audience — one of Auslander’s key points of contention. Too old and too white. MacDowell offered several examples, such Those are major reasons the Great Lakes as sending fliers to black church bulletins, Folk Festival won’t return to East Lansing printing festival literature in several lan- next year. guages and providing festival information to “The main demographic for the festival regional Native American pow-wows. is older, white and middle class,” said Mark MacDowell also cited the help she had pro- Auslander, director of the MSU Museum, moting the festival from WKAR’s Spanish which has coordinated the event since 2002. language radio host, El Chayo Cervantes, in “We can, I think, do better. We have diverse hopes of reaching beyond a white audience. kinds of performance groups, but nowhere But MacDowell wasn’t too quick to jump near the kind of diversity that reflects what onboard with Auslander’s assessment that greater Lansing has.” the festival was suffering from a lack of diver- It’s not out of step for Auslander. When sity. What Auslander hopes for, according to City Pulse profiled the newly arrived mu- MacDowell, might prove more difficult than seum director last year, he said museums he imagines. City Pulse Archives should challenge themselves to “tear down “It’s hard to do. We’ve had studies done MSU Museum Director Mark Auslander wants an “edgier” event for East Lansing. walls” socially. Auslander was tasked in the that gathered information that showed the late ‘90s to broaden the demographic of the demographics of the festival reflected the events, Auslander sees it as the only effective sation, sometimes you have to slow things Smithsonian’s Africa exhibit, which — before population of Lansing,” MacDowell said. option. He believes that only taking a few down to bring everybody together and move his adjustments — was criticized for feeling “Cultural organizations in general can strug- months to reconfigure the festival would re- things forward.” too voyeuristic and attracting few black vis- gle to attract what’s outside of their demo- sult in changes that are simply “tacked on.” But Auslander and the MSU Museum ar- itors. graphic.” “The problem is, when a group of en’t looking toward retooling the festival on “We’re reimaging the planning process so “If you look at past groups that have been well-meaning, privileged white people get their own. Auslander is pushing for stron- that historically excluded voices are central- onstage, they are not all old and they are not together and say, ‘We’re going to add on a lit- ger collaboration between the museum and ly involved in this. It’s going to be fantastic, all white. The question is, ‘How do you draw tle bit of underrepresented folks,’ that is not the city, in an effort to create a “mixed form otherwise, it’s just the same old thing over those communities in?’” said Ten Pound Fid- a serious solution,” Auslander said. “A serious of governance.” Auslander said this entails and over again,” Auslander explained. “I dle booking manager Sally Potter. solution is saying, ‘We’re all going to learn to- discussions between the city, artists and the don’t think any of us want to be reproducing Potter argues that the suddenness of the gether and the white folks involved are going public about what can “push the envelope” the same festival that existed in 2003. Art is announcement and the bad taste left in the to critically examine their own white privi- and what needs to “absolutely stay and be like a shark, if it doesn’t go forward it sinks.” mouths of many, may harm Auslander’s abil- lege and class privilege.’” repeated.” Though a revamped version will appear ity to retain community support through the Auslander detailed the process of his solu- “Everyone is worried that there isn’t going in 2019, the Great Lakes name, according to reconfiguration process. tion as one where the board of organizers to be traditional music. In fact, we expect the co-founder and longtime festival direc- “The irony is you need community mem- closely consults and integrates a group com- there’s going to be a lot of folk and tradition- tor, Marsha MacDowell, is likely to be retired bers to help you. If you’re gonna pull the rug prising diverse ethnic and economic back- al music in the months ahead. Part of the for good. MacDowell said the museum’s new out from under your community, you might grounds. planning process is creating jam sessions vision under Auslander will probably see an not get any help when you need them,” Potter “Sure, the easy thing is to keep doing and juxtapositions of different performing entirely different event rise from her festival’s continued. the same thing with just a little bit of addi- artists,” Auslander said. “So we need music ashes. While MacDowell and the greater Lan- tion,” Auslander said. “But, if we’re serious throughout the whole process. I think people Under her direction, MacDowell said the sing folk music community worry the year- about transformation, if we’re really going will ultimately be pleased and excited with festival had been working hard to diversify long delay will crush public interest in future to change the nature of the cultural conver- the results.”

Fairchild “We are re- town of Hampton, Virginia, while playing in Theatre. discovering a garage band on weekends. He went on the Deep down soul The hall the blues on road, playing R&B and funk. was packed a bunch of In 1987, after signing with Blue Note Re- Steve Wilson digs in for with people, levels,” Wil- cords, Wilson moved to New York, where he weeklong residency at MSU with stand- son said after got a gig with Hampton, a living legend of ees against the gig. the big band era and pioneer of jump blues By LAWRENCE COSENTINO the wall and Wilson and rock and roll. students said he’s “Even with the wonderful academic set- Monday afternoon, Steve Wilson, a com- dancing in worked with ting that has proliferated in the last 40 or 50 pact, laser-focused jazz saxophonist from the wings. several MSU years, it’s still an oral tradition, a folk music,” New York, turned the exotic tent setting of After trading graduates af- Wilson said. “There are things you can only “Caravan” into a benign crime scene. licks with ter they went learn from older peers and mentors.” He started with quick stabs, like a dag- the profes- Lawrence Cosentino/City Pulse on to gradu- Lately, Wilson has been working with one ger poking through a red silk veil. The stabs sors, Wil- MSU jazz professors Rodney Whitaker, Randy Gelispie, ate studies in of the greatest of them all, 80-year-old bass- elongated into son shook Diego Rivera, Michael Dease and Etienne Charles perform New York. ist Ron Carter, a mainstay of Miles Davis’ MSU Jazz Orchestras slashes, running his head in with guest artist-in-residence Steve Wilson (far right) “Every one second great quartet and a scheduled guest Artist-in-Residence up and down amazement. Monday at the MSU Federal Credit Union. of the grads at MSU’s Jazz Spectacular in April. Steve Wilson until streams of “I’ve I’ve worked “These great leaders and legends — they’re Thursday, March 22 sound flew like 7:30 p.m. taught in a lot of great programs, but this one with, they come prepared, rooted in tradition in their 70s and 80s but they’re not coast- MSU Auditorium Fairchild ribbons in the stands out,” he said as he took his sax apart and knowing what the deal is,” he said. ing,” Wilson said. “They want to know what’s Theatre convection cur- $5-15 and put it away. “I’ve never seen anything like Wilson, 57, is not the biggest name in jazz, next. Charlie Parker was trying to find the (517) 353-5340 rents of a red-hot this, including Juilliard, or anywhere else.” but he’s made over 150 recordings and is of- next thing up until the day he died.” music.msu.edu rhythm section. For Charlie Parker’s “Parker’s Mood,” the ten called a “musician’s musician” and a tire- Wilson has played with everyone from Li- On the first rest of the horn players took a walk while less educator. onel Hampton to Joe Henderson and Chick day of a week-long whirlwind of classes, per- Wilson dug into the blues so deeply he might “It’s common to find that students at this Corea, but playing with the MSU professors, formances and trips with MSU students to as well have poured a half-thousand whiskey stage are trying to get the mechanics of your he said, is the “real deal.” Michigan high schools, Wilson joined the sours, lit as many unfiltered cigarettes and instrument, and of the music,” he said. “I was “I’ve taught in a lot of great programs, but Professors of Jazz for a scorching gig at the passed them out to everyone in the place. at that stage myself at one time, but this mu- this one stands out,” Wilson said. “It’s rooted. headquarters of the MSU Federal Credit Freshman saxophone student Sam Corey sic means nothing without a cultural context. They take all of that history with them. Ev- Union, sponsor of four jazz residencies every stood in the wings, slack-jawed. “That was It’s about our humanity.” ery one of those cats on the bandstand takes year. Wilson will team up with the student incredible,” Corey said. “He plays with such In his teen years, Wilson played in sym- you to another level, make you want to reach big bands for a concert Thursday at MSU’s soul, deep down.” phonic band and marching band in his home higher.” City Pulse • March 21, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 15 Cellist from Piano Island Hong Hong takes center stage at Lansing Symphony By LAWRENCE COSENTINO “It’s like a smaller version of Mackinac Is- land,” Hong said. “There are no motor vehi- Hong Hong is one of the most watchable cles and everybody gets around by walking.” musicians in the Lansing Symphony. When Even bicycles aren’t allowed in the island’s he takes a solo, he channels a dark, liquid narrow streets. tone from a trance-like zone only he can Gulangyu also has China’s only piano mu- reach. As section leader, he pulls at the oars seum, and the most pianos per capita of any like Agamemnon when the ship goes into place in China — hence its nickname, “Piano ramming speed. Island.” Several of China’s foremost classical After seven years musicians hail from there. Lansing Symphony with the orchestra, So it’s no surprise that Hong started on Orchestra four of them as prin- piano, but that doesn’t make you stand out Hong Hong, cellist cipal cellist, Hong much on Piano Island. At the relatively late 8 p.m. Saturday, March 24 Wharton Center Cobb will get his first solo age of 13, a teacher suggested he take up the Great Hall spotlight Saturday, cello. playing the first cello “I had no idea about the cello at first,” Hong concerto by Camille Saint-Saens. said. “But I loved it better than the piano.” “I hear so many comments from audience When asked to name a favorite cellist, Courtesy photo members who really enjoy him as a musi- Hong bypasses legends like Pablo Casals, After seven years as an audience favorite, Lansing Symphony principal cellist Hong Hong cian,” LSO maestro Timothy Muffitt said. Mstislav Rostropovich and Yo-Yo Ma and gets his first solo spotlight Saturday. “He’s a very strong musical personality and instantly names his MSU professor, Suren something of an audience favorite.” Bagratuni. Hong has been studying with very happy.” movement is really lovely, but the whole con- Hong seems game for anything. Bagratuni at MSU since 2012, after studying A hypnotic, tender solo in Stravinsky’s certo is really one movement. I can’t wait. I’m He was yanked onto the Scottish high- in Singapore and at the Peabody Institute “Firebird” in 2015 is one of many memorable a little nervous and very excited.” lands for a stomping 2016 LSO encore by near Baltimore. Hong Hong moments over the years. He had Saturday’s closer is the joyful, brisk Sym- guest violinist Rachel Barton Pine and Scot- “I was shy at first and he gave me confi- a ball playing the “William Tell” Overture in phony No. 3 by Finnish master Jean Sibelius, tish fiddler Tim McDonald. While the two dence,” Hong said. “You have to enjoy the his first year. “I got a very big solo, unforget- but the opener will be a bittersweet moment fiddlers jigged and reeled, Hong set them up music, don’t think too much.” table,” he said with a laugh. for Lansing-area music lovers. It’s a rare treat with a resonant drone and earthy harmonies. When Hong’s MSU studies are over, he’ll Besides his piano-playing father, his to hear the lyrical music of James Niblock, “We only had one rehearsal, about 10 or probably gravitate to greener lands, but for mother is a singer and his wife is an organist who was head of MSU’s music department 15 minutes, then we went onstage,” Hong re- now, he’s savoring the best of Lansing, which and pianist. They play together at home and in the 1950s through the ‘70s and concert- called. “It was really cool. It was my first time he called a “second home.” He loves the Old perform onstage together. Hong’s classical master of the LSO for 15 years. Saturday’s doing that kind of music and I hope I get an- Town restaurant Meat and enjoys trips to tastes lean toward meaty stuff like Prokofiev performance of Niblock’s “Three American other chance.” northern Michigan and Chicago whenever and Brahms, but he loves pop and jazz too. Dances” was intended to cap a celebration of Hong hails from the tiny island of Gu- possible. The Saint-Saens concerto means a lot to Niblock’s 100th birthday, which he marked langyu, a dot on the map that’s barely 500 “It’s an excellent orchestra,” Hong said. Hong. It was the first concerto he learned, as last fall, with the composer in attendance. acres in size but is so rich in beautiful archi- “Timothy Muffitt has brought it to a higher a teenager, and his audition piece to get into But Niblock died at his East Lansing home tecture and natural beauty it has been named ground. Everyone prepares before the re- MSU. Jan. 3, so the performance will serve as both a UNESCO World Heritage site. hearsal and that makes it a good atmosphere, “It’s very interesting,” he said. “The second memorial and celebration.

is resplendent with a subtle design, but this is contrasted by the drape-shroud of the dress Neither farce nor melodrama worn by Lily, her daughter (played by Monica igan theater venues. Holland). ‘Lily, The Felon’s Daughter’ Walking into the theater, one observes One is finally brought back to the story by Bob Nees’ intricate set design, a highly con- Tom Klunzinger as “Rob and Steal” (Rob- swings and misses vincing Victorian-era sitting room. Exotic set in Steele), whose characterization of a petty thief comes right out of Oliver Twist. By TOM HELMA dressing by Carol Ferris and unique proper- ties provided by Sharon Straubel and Althea Riverwalk’s program suggests that several Some call the genre farce, others melodra- Phillips, contribute nuance and subtlety. actors are making their debut on the Riv- ma. Riverwalk Theatre’s current production Soon after, Jacqueline Payne enters, cos- erwalk stage. It shows. This production of of “Lily, The Felon’s Daughter,” tumed as Mrs. Bloodgood, a landlord with a “Lily,” is a tedious decaffeinated version of a Review however, lacks the buffoon- broom, to announce cleverly an imperative melodrama. ery and exaggerative bluster to for audience members to silence their cell There are moments that are amusing. qualify for one or the phones. Two actors squint to read the inscription on “Lily, The Felon’s other. As the story begins to unfold, however, the a wedding ring. They keep describing para- Daughter” It’s hard to resur- men’s costuming is distracting. In an era of graph after paragraph of what they suggest is March 15-18 & March written inside the ring. Ha! 22-25 rect a theater chestnut sartorial precision, coat sleeves are too long Courtesy photo 7 p.m. Thursdays, about the gay nine- while pants are both too short and too long. Jim Coyer is Craven Sinclair, the designat- Jim Coyer plays the villian, Craven Sinclair, 8 p.m. Fridays and ed villain. He slinks across the stage effective- Saturdays ties, and why bother. Some suits are wrinkled, sports coats are mis- in “Lily, The Felon’s Daughter.” Location: 228 Museum Especially when it’s matched by color and black shoes, somehow, ly, twirling his moustache in a most dastardly Dr., Lansing been done more than are worn with brown clothes. manner. Newcomer Candace Seymour My- In the final analysis, one questions the need Price: $10 (adults) $8 to dredge back up an outdated form of the- (children) a handful of times over Jan Ross as Betsy Fairweather, comes on- ers, in a bit part as Mrs. Kingsley, steals the www.riverwalktheatre. stage, faring much better. Her magenta gown stage in her two moments of local fame. ater, but if one does? Make it work. com the years in mid-Mich-

March 22 - April 22, 2018 Vote for The Record Lounge A National New Play Network Jim and Sharon want to give their daughter a future. World Premiere Lorelai wants more than she sees ahead of her. The city wants their front yard. for Lansing’s best record shop! A heartfelt and funny exploration of family and the American Dream. (Contains Adult Content/Language) Pay-What-You-Can Directed by Preview Thurs., Mar. 22 @ 8PM Tony Caselli $19 Previews Featuring: Mar. 23 @ 8PM Joey Albright, Katelyn Hodge, Brenda Lane, Sean McKeon Mar. 24 @ 8PM and Emily Sutton-Smith Mar. 25 @ 2PM Williamston Theatre Celebrating 10 years of business 122 S Putnam St.,Williamston 1132 S Washington Ave, Lansing, Mi 517-655-7469 BY STEPHEN SPOTSWOOD www.williamstontheatre.org 16 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • March 21, 2018

domino game. Ennis is trying to get his brother to stay and help care for Dad so that he might have a mo- ment to breathe and have a small slice of life for him- Down but not quite broken self. Both brothers convey a strong ‘Broke-ology’ tests the limits of abject poverty sense of authentic- ity as they grapple By TOM HELMA elder, Ennis, is played by Daniel Bonner, his character much like that of his father — a with the universal The title “Broke-ology” is explained up man with two jobs and a pregnant wife dilemma of how to front as the study and science of being broke who quickly becomes a new mother. Sub- find adequate el- and, in this case, black. The play, however, sequently, he readily admits to now being dercare. is also about a whole lot more overwhelmed with responsibility. Meanwhile, Review than that. It’s about family, Ennis is the inventor of the Broke-olo- Dad inadvertently dignity and pride, about the gy concept, much to the amusement of the complicates their delicate relationship between two adult sons younger brother, Malcolm. Unlike Ennis, a challenge by regu- who are trying to carve out a life for them- true-blue working-class guy, Malcolm has larly guilt-sharing selves, while still attending to an increasing- gone off to college, completed a master’s a dream. In the ly debilitated father struggling to stay alive. degree and is now working for the Environ- dream he, his wife Rico Bruce Wade mental Protection Agency doing research on and Malcolm are “Broke-ology” is the father, William climate change. in a boat drown- Courtesy photo March 24, 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. ing, and he has to 25, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. King, once strong He’s come home to help take care of Dad, Rico Bruce Wade and Tyra High in “Broke-ology.” $15 decide who to save, The Robin Theatre, and industrious, but he also yearns to return to Connecticut 1105 South Washington working long hours to pursue an academic career and a love re- his wife or his elder Avenue, Lansing. son. else is there. Tyra, consistent with her sur- www.therobintheatre.com and two jobs to sup- lationship. He feels caught between compet- port a family of four. ing values — love for his father and desire This is the moment where the idea of name, brings a high level of energy and a He tries to protect his two growing teenage for a life of his own, outside of the bubble of “Broke-ology” begins to crystallize, to lyrical singing type of speech to her role as boys while living in a gang-ridden urban his father’s shrinking life. make sense. All three men realize that Mama Sonia. She conveys a strong sense of neighborhood in Kansas City. Malcolm, played by Lekeaton Wilson, none of them have sufficient resources to what her character has contributed to the William has been stricken with muscular is the more measured and analytical of the pay for a reasonable quality of assisted liv- integrity and upbringing of her two sons. dystrophy, is slowly going blind, and, to add brothers. Portrayed with a steady and dry ing care. Together they reflect on family In the end it is William who assists his insult to injury, has experienced the loss of determination, he comes across as quite real. values —on what is really important — no sons with resolving the irresolvable. his loving wife, Sonia. Wade is convincingly The brothers duel back and forth with matter how much or how little a family Broke-ology is a concept most under- vulnerable in this role as William’s disease playful banter, competitive dominoes, ear- has, economically. stood by those who have grown up in ab- progresses, his mind begins to drift, and he nest confrontation and a scene where, while Tyra High is Sonia, and floats in and out ject poverty, with parents who worked very begins to need full time care. tipsy, they together laughingly steal a gnome of the play, mostly as a ghostly hallucina- hard to protect their children from feeling His sons attempt to be up to the task. The —making it a silent fourth partner in the tion in the mind of William, when no one they were lesser beings.

Marie Foley, who barely dis- guises herself as the male, Ce- Confident through the confusion sario, looks nothing like Mark In 2018, a wish to attract crowds to An old Shakespeare standard Polzin’s Sebastian. Kameron Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night,” seems Going’s switches between about as likely as hoping for eager swarms By DAVID WINKELSTERN Malvolio and Antonio are also of swimming cats. Alas, the play written awkward because he dresses around 1600 can be confusing with com- It’s not their fault there were more peo- and looks like both characters. plex verbiage and a complicated plot full of ple onstage than in the audience. “Twelfth It’s notable that Going took mistaken identities. Night” debuted when there on the additional role of Mal- The East Lansing was a glut of play openings. volio on short notice when Review Community Theatre Michigan State University stu- “Twelfth Night” a cast member dropped out. version — true to the dents were on break. Basket- Thursday, March 22, Like the entire cast, he sails 7 p.m. original dialogue — is ball tournaments were on TV. Besides, it Friday, March 23, 7 p.m. through complicated language Courtesy photo even more puzzling was a William Shakespeare play. Saturday, March 24, and Shakespeare’s wordplay The cast of “Twelfth Night.” 7 p.m. with modern outfits, Most of us endured the Bard in middle East Lansing Hannah without any significant stum- furniture, and charac- and high school. I was one of those English Community Center bles. The 13 ELCT thespians 819 Abbot Road, East ters that are supposed teachers who required my students years Lansing directed by Mike Stewart de- voice to each part. Holy Engler is a heady to be look-alikes that ago to dive into centuries-old scripts with https://www.cityofeast- serve kudos for smooth and enthuse-astic Maria and Steve Ledyard is convincing as lansing.com/1819/ show no resemblance. the hopes they would enjoy the plunge. East-Lansing-Communi- deliveries. the drunk, Sir Toby Belch. ty-Theatre Viola, played by Ann Sure, there were some accent deviations, And yes, there is belching, farting, crude curtain issues and first night flaws, but each gags, and sexual innuendos in the over two- actor’s performance shows determination hour play. After all, “Twelfth Night” is one Hot Tub Tribute Sale and competence. Iris Raine Paul stands of Shakespeare’s comedies. Its rudimentary James McFarland, out as a rude Lady Olivia. Tim Lewis as a humor was outrageous in his day. I know Founder & Dad captain, priest and servant, brings a clear that from my English teachers. March 24, 2018

Sale goes from 10-10! Music & Celebration 5 to 9 p.m.

2116 E. Michigan Ave. • Lansing, MI 48912 MIDDLE SCHOOL BAND CAMP: JULY 9-13 517-364-8827 • www.hotwaterworks.com FOR 10-14 YR OLD STUDENTS WITH ONE-YEAR PLAYING EXPERIENCE Mon-Fri 10am - 5:30pm • Sat 10am - 3pm Community Music School Closed Sunday College of Music www.cms.msu.edu • (517) 355-7661 4930 S. Hagadorn Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823 City Pulse • March 21, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 17 Realism creates richness in ‘The Flick’ A play about talking about movies If you have ever worked in a service indus- try job like this, you probably had identical By PAUL WOZNIAK conversations with your co-workers. But these conversations don’t bog the show down, they Annie Baker’s “The Flick” — an LCC Per- are the show itself. Like the intimate chats be- forming Arts production in partnership with tween John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson’s Peppermint Creek Theatre — is characters in “Pulp Fiction” — a film refer- Review essentially a theater production enced heavily in this show — these conversa- where people talk about mov- tions are the point and essence of the show. ies. It’s also a fascinating, methodically paced, Avery is a true film snob. He can connect naturalistic diorama of three people working two actors like Michael J. Fox to Britney in a small-town mov- Spears like dots with his vast knowledge of “The Flick” ie theater. What “The film trivia. He doesn’t believe a great Ameri- Peppermint Creek Flick” lacks in glitzy can movie has been made in the last 20 years. Theatre Co. dance numbers and And unlike his co-workers, he actually loves Courtesy photo 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 23-Saturday, March 24; 2 action scenes, it more movies and is going to college. McCloud is Hannah Feuka and Ndgewa McCloud in “The Flick.” p.m. Sunday, March 25 than makes up for wonderful as the nerdy, hyperarticulate Avery $15/$10 LCC Staff/senior 65+/$5 LCC Students with the heartbreak- who connects better with characters on screen study of service industry employees, “The not take you to a far-away world, but it will Miller Performing Arts ing honesty of realis- than people in real life. If you’re a film nut like Flick” is layered with references to great cine- provide a richer understanding of the world Center 6025 Curry Lane, Lansing tic characters. this critic, you may wish you could debate this ma like “Pulp Fiction” and “The Wild Bunch.” you live in. (517) 927-3016, The audience’s first character in person. But they’re not just lines of dialogue or cues to peppermintcreek.org cue that “The Flick” By contrast, Sam is a 30-something lifer at great movie soundtracks, they’re parallel anal- is different is the po- this theater who doesn’t know how to pursue ogies about characters dealing with existential sition of the stage. Instead of sitting in the his real dreams. He’s kind and knowledge- crisis and changing worlds beyond their con- regular seating of the Miller Performing Arts able with an undercurrent of self-loathing. trol. Center, the audience sits on risers where the Lee doesn’t look as old as his character, but he Set and Light Designer Bob Ferholz pro- stage would normally be and faces the perma- credibly acts like a man who has lived a hard vides just enough ambiance to make the au- nent theater seating. life. Lee is solid throughout, but his best scene dience feel like they are in the screen watching You are inside and essentially behind the comes in the first act when he realizes Rose is people go about their lives. screen of The Flick, a small town theater in not interested in him. As Rose flirts with Av- Costume designer Chelle Peterson made Worcester County, Massachusetts. A man ery, Lee slumps in his seat with a sunken face some great, oversized polo shirts complete (Quinn Kelly) sits in the darkened space eat- and a broken heart. It’s both painful and beau- with the company logo. Further aiding that ing a veggie wrap, his face illuminated by the tiful to watch. sense of naturalism is director John Lepard. As unseen movie screen. After that, theater em- As Rose, Feuka embodies all of the lazy the Executive Director of Williamston Theatre ployees Sam (Steve Lee) and Avery (Ndegwa charm of her slacker, tomboy character. Rose and frequent guest director with MSU and McCloud) come into clean the popcorn and is happy to delegate her responsibilities be- LCC students, Lepard inspires strong, natural assorted litter from each row before exiting. cause she’s often hung-over. But she’s also sex- performances from even novice actors. In this Sam and Avery talk about everything. The ually curious and playful. For Sam, she’s just case, Lepard pushes seasoned students at the first scene is Avery’s first day, the two talk uninterested. Like Sam and Avery, Rose has a end of their program to be completely real. about movies they love and hate, hopes and flexible moral compass that justifies stealing “The Flick” is not short (two hours and dreams, and Sam’s crush on fellow theater or self-preservation as needed. 30 minutes including intermission) but like employee Rose (Hannah Feuka). In addition to being a beautiful character many great movies, it earns its runtime. It may

wild headwear. Both gifted actors have intri- cately assembled, towering hair-dos. A merit Welcome to the fun house badge is deserved for constructing the knotty masterpieces. ‘Dog Act’ creates punk vaudeville play features eerie embellishments, sounds, In oversized mirrored goggles, Kathryn lights and costuming. Stahl, as Jo-Jo the Bald-Faced Liar, often sulks By DAVID WINKELSTERN Hanging moss, odd props like an exit sign but sometimes spurts out machine gun sprays box for a portable fire pit, and earsplitting of speech with an astonishing precision. Greg With over 20 F-words in its opening mo- noises that sound like a rail car being dragged Hunter as the all-too-human Dog — with ments, “Dog Act” got my attention quickly. across an aircraft carrier, are beguiling. Occa- gloves of tools and metal scraps for claws — When the play with colorful sional strobes, black lights, and flashing spots also shifts from brooding to impressive, dra- Review language and characters ended above and below are dazzling additions. matic outbursts. almost two hours later, I was still Despite a minimal black box-type of setting, In the role of Coke, the nimble Curran Ja- wide-eyed and fully attentive. Ray Kelly’s scenic design, Griffin Irish’s sound cobs wears ram horns and an air mask. Matt For “Dog Act,” Michigan State University’s design, and Freddy Pascolini’s lighting adds Greenbaum’s Bud is the scruffiest of the two Arena Theatre is complexity. Eye-popping costume, hair, and scavengers, artfully wandering and climbing “Dog Act” transformed into a makeup design by Jenna Light is the icing, ice around the stage surrounded by audience $15 unique fun house. cream, chocolate syrup and cherry to it all. bleachers. Their where-are-they-now antics 542 Auditorium Road #113, The clever costumes are a blend of Mad Max, East Lansing Like the carnival ver- directed by Christina Traister are gleefully un- March 21 & 22, 2018 at sions, the fun comes Alice Cooper, and uniforms for punk chimney settling. 7:30 p.m. sweeps. Post-apocalypse vaudevillian Rozetta March 22, 2018 at 7:30 from shocks and The entire cast consists of Master of Fine p.m. scares. The MSU Stone — played with fire and athletic finesse by Arts candidates who await final certification. March 23, 2018, at 8 p.m. Karen Vance — wears a bustier and boots. March 24, 2018, at 2 p.m. Department of The- The skills, confidence, and ability to command & 8 p.m. atre production of Kristy Allen as theatrical truth-teller, Vera attention they demonstrate in “Dog Act” are all March 25, 2018, at 2 p.m. Similitude, sports a soiled, belted jacket and www.whartoncenter.com the Liz Duffy Adams masterful. 18 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • March 21, 2018 Take warning: Janesville’s tragic GM plant closure Book unravels the aftermath of GM shutdown in WI write about Detroit, an old geoning number of home- union town.” less teenagers. By BILL CASTANIER give states time to She turned her focus to Goldstein is especially plan reemploy- telling the story of a plant good at telling the dramatic Cities and corporations adore being on ment services. closing through the eyes story of two women, Kerri lists like “Best City to Raise a Family” or Throughout of individual workers and and Barb, who take classes “Best Company to Work For.” But, begin- the ‘90s and ‘00s, their families, while put- at the local technical col- ning in 1988, there was a list that neither an ever-growing ting the closure into the lege to work as jail guards. wanted its name on: the Federal Worker number of com- context of a dramatically They’re decent jobs, but the Adjustment and Retraining Notification, or munities went changing political climate. pay is less than one-half of a WARN, which provides details to communi- on the list as the Goldstein Initially, Goldstein spent GM job. For a time their fu- ties facing impending plant closings. auto industry five months identifying ture looks bright, but soon The WARN law requires businesses plan- struggled with massive restructuring, trim- and talking with people Barb can no longer handle ning a mass lay off or closing to notify the ming its workforce in half. in Janesville who would the job and leaves. Her best state where the layoffs will take place 60 On June 2, 2008, Janesville, Wisconsin, ultimately become the fo- friend Kerri begins an affair days before the action. The idea was sim- found itself on the ignominious list. It began cus of her book. She would with a prisoner and when ple: advance notice would prohibit compa- with a phone call. There was always a phone return numerous times and spend countless she is discovered, commits suicide. nies from padlocking their doors and would call. This time, Rick Wagoner, Chairman and hours on the telephone. But there are slivers of hope. The Whitak- CEO of General Motors at the time, placed a “I thought it was important to not just er’s twin daughters, Alyssa and Kayzia, step call to congressman Paul Ryan, who hailed include workers, but also people coming of up by taking two and three after-school jobs SCHULER BOOKS from Janesville. His news was straightfor- age. There was a lot of teenagers caught up to earn extra money for the family. &MUSIC ward. Wagoner told Ryan that some 2,800 in the closing and families tended to keep this In one emotional scene, the twins take workers were headed to the scrap heap of private,” she said. “I got to know many more their mother shopping using their hard- Detroit Free Press Sports unemployment and the plant would shutter residents who would not fit in the book, but earned money to splurge on things like meat, by 2010. Writer KEITH GAVE presents the characters in the book are representative which had disappeared from the family’s din- Goldstein Washington Post of the community.” ner menu. The Russian Five Appearances reporter and Pulit- Goldstein delves into the post layoff lives Working with a local university to conduct March 26 zer Prize-winning 12:15 p.m. and blues of a union official, housewives, re- a survey of worker attitudes, Goldstein con- Saturday March 24 @ 2pm MSU Museum writer Amy Gold- cent and long- time UAW workers, commu- firms one of her worst suspicions: federal job Auditorium stein tells the saga Meet long-time Detroit Free Press 409 W Circle Dr. nity boosters, local and state politicians, edu- training programs are ineffective. with compassion in sports writer Keith Gave as he presents East Lansing, MI 48824 cators, business leaders and family members. Goldstein writes, “Job retraining, it turned and her award winning his fascinating book The Russian Five: March 26 As the author follows the individuals and out, was not a path to more work or better A Story of Espionage, Defection, Brib- 7 p.m. book, “Janesville: An families, the layoffs ramp up, supplemental pay in an around Janesville.” R.E. Olds American Story.” ery, and Courage, a gripping story fea- Transportation Museum benefits run out and savings are depleted. “I also learned just how personal leaving turing our beloved Detroit Red Wings! 240 Museum Dr. Goldstein, who Workers enter retraining programs with work is. People are losing sleep; there are Lansing, MI 48933 covers social policy Free great hope, but with little chance of an equiv- strains on the family,” she said. “The laid off Talk & Signing with #1 NYT Books will be for sale issues for the Post, alent job. workers take it personally even if it is not Bestselling Young Adult had been covering Some, like Matt Wopat, become GM no- about them.” the effects of the housing crisis and the mid- mads — transferring to another GM plant, Another observation Goldstein makes is, author GAYLE FORMAN dle class recession when she decided to look a four and half-hour drive away, returning “falling out of the middle class is harder than at the impacts of a major plant closing. home to their families on weekends. being poor all along.” Wednesday, March 28 @ 7pm “Most of what had been written was Goldstein also tells how average folks step Eight years after the Janesville closing, the We are so excited to welcome Gayle from a macro level. I wanted to look at it up. Amy Venuti, a high school teacher, helps unemployment rate has dropped to 4 per- Forman, author of the #1 New York differently,” Goldstein said. “I was looking manage a “closet” where teenagers who can’t cent, but the author cautions that does not Times bestseller If I Stay, for an event for a small city that had lost a lot of jobs afford new clothes and toiletries go to when tell the whole story. “Wages haven’t come celebrating the release of the highly and Janesville lingered in my mind. It was in need. Social worker Ann Forbeck helps back,” she said. anticipated I Have Lost My Way! never in the Rust Belt and I didn’t want to starts Project 16:49, a program for the bur- The Goldstein event is the inaugural pro- Tickets available now. Please visit gram in a lecture series exploring historical SchulerBooks.com for details. and contemporary topics relating to the auto #1 NYT Bestselling author industry, according to one of the event’s or- Curious Book Shop ganizers John Beck, an MSU professor and VERONICA ROTH: 307 E. Grand River * E. Lansing chairperson of Lansing’s Motor Cities Na- OWN YOUR FATE Tour 332-0112 * We validate parking! tional Heritage Area. Mon - Sat 10-7, Sun 12-5 The Lecture Series is co-sponsored by the Tuesday, April 10 @ 6pm www.curiousbooks.com Motor Cities and MSU’s Our Daily Work/ Join Veronica Roth -- New York Times 20% off Our Daily Lives. bestselling author of the acclaimed Divergent Trilogy -- in conversation All GARDENING Books The City Pulse Book Club selection for through Tuesday! with Somaiya Daud as they discuss April is “Parting the Waters: America Veronica’s new book The Fates in the King Years 1954-63,” by Taylor Divide! Tickets available now. Visit Archives Book Shop Branch. The book is the first of a three- SchulerBooks.com for details. 519 W. Grand River * E. Lansing part series on the Civil Rights Movement. Upcoming books include “Slouching Located in the Meridian Mall 332-8444 * Free Parking! Towards Bethlehem,” by Joan Didion 1982 W. Grand River Ave., Okemos Mon - Sat 11-6, Sun 12-5 GREAT BOOKS! [email protected] (May) and “Bobby Kennedy,” by Chris www.SchulerBooks.com GREAT PRICES! Matthews (June). City Pulse • March 21, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 19 An attorney general who actually knows the law By STEPHANIE WHITE are clear- Meeting as a commission to fulfill the the chance to either issue sound legal ly false, functions of their appointed position is advice, or at least not actively interfere Gay or straight, right or left, Bernie he either clearly a government function. with their work. Bro or Tea Partier, regardless of your doesn’t You don’t have to be a legal scholar to Michigan deserves better from our politics, I bet you agree with me on one know the understand this, but it’s no wonder that attorney general. We can disagree on the core principal: Whoever serves as the law that dozens of top legal scholars in our state question of gay and transgender rights, attorney general should at least un- guides this sent a letter to the Civil Rights Com- but LGBT Michiganders are part of this derstand the law, as well as be capable decision, or mission last year explaining these basic state. And every Michigander (regard- of following it. That’s just the basics, he simply concepts. They agreed that our attorney less of personal beliefs) deserves to have right? We might disagree on interpreta- chooses to general could use a refresher course on an attorney general who respects the law tion and application of the law and we mislead the Michigan law. And with the recent rul- enough to understand it and represent might disagree about how to prioritize commis- ing by the 6th Circuit Federal Court of it fairly. May we all keep that in mind as the work, but we assume a person who sion in his Appeals that a Michigan funeral home we choose our next attorney general this wants to be the top lawyer in our state at White advice to violated Title VII of the Civil Rights year. least understands what they are dealing them. Re- Act when they fired an employee simply with. gardless of for her transgender status, this issue is (Stephanie White is the executive di- Unfortunately, as we’ve seen in Mich- your personal beliefs, these errors ought not going away. When the commission rector of Equality Michigan. She writes igan, that isn’t always the case. Some- to concern us all. takes up the question again, he’ll have this column monthly.) times we elect an attorney general who It’s a bedrock principal of adminis- is either incapable of understanding trative law generally, and the Michigan and/or following the law, or they just Procedures Act specifically, that the Civil don’t care. They are too focused on their Rights Commission is responsible for own self-promotion and their own polit- implementing our civil rights laws. The ical agenda to worry about facts. Legislature writes and passes laws, but Such is the case with Attorney General since it can’t plan for every contingency Bill Schuette. or spell out every detail of how a law will We all know his personal opposition be put into practice, commissions must to equality — he never misses a chance interpret that law. And, since our state to fight against us. But his manner of law is based on federal civil rights law fighting against the LGBT community that has increasingly been interpreted by in our request for the Michigan Civil the federal courts to include sexual ori- Rights Commission to issue an interpre- entation and gender identity under sex tative statement regarding whether sex discrimination, it raises the question of discrimination includes sexual orienta- how, or if, this impacts the application tion and gender identity calls into ques- of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. tion his basic grasp of the law. Last year The law’s ambiguity, plus the commis- Schuette had his office issue guidance to sion’s duty to interpret ambiguous laws the commission that a) they weren’t al- calls for action. Furthermore, Michigan lowed to take up this issue and b) if they law is clear that commissioners are im- did they could be personally liable for mune from personal liability when they any legal challenges. Since both points are engaged in a government function. 20 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • March 21, 2018

(TOPS) TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY . At 6 p.m. First meeting FREE.. Haslett Middle School, 1535 Franklin ‘Street Scene’ by Kurt Weill St. Haslett. BACH FLOWER ESSENCE & STRESS RELIEF. From 6 to 7:30 p.m. Donation / Free. Willow Stick Ceremonies & Healing Arts, 335 Seymour Ave, Suite D Lansing. 517-402-6727. LITERATURE-AND-POETRY IPAD STORYTIME. From 10:30 to 11 a.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East Lansing. ON THE (517) 351-2420. MUSIC FRANCES LUKE ACCORD @ THE ROBIN THEATRE WSG; Michael Beauchamp. From 7 to 10 p.m. $15 General Admission. The Robin Theatre, 1105 S. Washington Lansing. Events Global Digital Humanities Symposium. From 1 to 6 p.m. free. MSU Library, 366 TOWN W. Circle Drive East Lansing. (517) 353-8700. Events must be entered through the calendar COMIC CREATIONS (AGES 7-18). From 4 to 5 p.m. FREE. Capital Area District Libraries Holt-Delhi at lansingcitypulse.com. Deadline is 5 p.m. Branch, 2078 Aurelius Road Holt. 517.694.9351. Wednesdays for the following week’s issue. LUNCH AT THE SENIOR CENTER. From 12 to 1 p.m. Charges may apply for paid events to appear suggested donations of $3.00. If you are age 59 in print. If you need assistance, please call and under, there is a charge of $5.75 (this is not a suggested donation). Meridian Senior Center, 4406 Ella at (517) 999-6704. Okemos Road Okemos. MEET STORYBOOK CHARACTER PETE THE CAT (AGES Starts March 21 3-6). From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. FREE. Capital Area District Libraries South Lansing Branch, 3500 S. Wednesday, March 21 Cedar St. Lansing. 517-272-9840. By LAWRENCE COSENTINO with a six-step stoop and working windows. CLASSES-AND-SEMINARS PRESCHOOL STORYTIME IN WACOUSTA. From 11 a.m. Last week, the cast spent hours working to noon Grand Ledge Area District Library , 131 E. MINDFULNESS MEDITATION. From 7 to 9 p.m. Jefferson St Grand Ledge. 517.627.7014. Pinned to an anvil of August heat, a out hundreds of entrances, exits, window Chua Van Hanh Temple, 3015 S. Washington openings and closings — including one Lansing. Open SPANISH CONVERSATION GROUP. From 7 to 8 p.m. Brooklyn tenement in 1947 seethes with FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road frustration, anger, jealousy and murder, visit, with a stretcher, by an ambulance STUDIO LIFE DRAWING. From 7 to 9:30 p.m. East Lansing. (517) 351-2420. — until the moves are second nature and Model fee: $2 students (LCC, MSU, High with a songful break for ice cream. School), $5 all others.. Kresge Art Center, ARTS Kurt Weill’s “Street Scene” is a big inspiration can take over. 600 Auditorium East Lansing. BALLROOM LESSONS (CHA-CHA/MERENGUE). From American mess, a massive piece of theater Weill’s music, played by the MSU TURN YOUR HOBBY INTO A BUSINESS. From 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. $41 per couple with 90 roles that mixes Broadway-type Symphony Orchestra, flows freely under the 9 to 10:30 a.m. Free - to register call (517) $21 individual. Jackson School of the Arts, 634 N. whole panorama, including long stretches of 483-1921. Small Business Development Mechanic St. Jackson. (517) 784-2389. tunes with operatic singing and reams of Center, LCC, 309 N. Washington Sq. Suite 110 dialogue by the great poet and novelist spoken dialogue. The score earned Weill the Lansing. Friday, March 23 Langston Hughes, all set to a wall-to-wall first Tony Award for best original score. LITERATURE-AND-POETRY LITERATURE-AND-POETRY score by Weill at his most expressive. “He set out to create something that was truly American in the sense of both being MSU CREATIVE WRITING CENTER GROUP. DINOSAUR STORYTIME. From 10:30 to 11 a.m. FREE. The opera is beyond the means of most From 7 to 8 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East professional opera houses, but MSU’s operatic and coming out of the Broadway Library, 950 Abbot Road East Lansing. (517) Lansing. (517) 351-2420. tradition,” Helton said. “’Marble in a Star’ 351-2420. College of Music has put all hands on deck, RELEASE PARTY FOR RANDY D PEARSON'S LATEST with 50-odd students doubling roles and is an easy sort of jazz ballad. ‘Wrapped in THE POETRY ROOM PRESENTS: Workshop NOVEL - TRAC BROTHERS. From 5 to 7:30 p.m. free a Ribbon’ is a great big Broadway number. Series Round 2. From 7 to 9 p.m. Strange . Everybody Reads Books and Stuff, 2019 E. Michigan learning multiple skills. Matter Coffee, 337 S Washington Square, Ave. Lansing. (517) 346-9900. “I’m about five boys short of what I could And there are duets and arias that require Lansing, MI 48933 Lansing. STORYTIME. From 10:30 to 11 a.m. FREE. East really use,” director Melanie Helton said. operatic singing.” EVENTS Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East Lansing. Today’s voice students need to be ready (517) 351-2420. Helton has worked with many great FAMILY STORYTIME (AGES UP TO 6). From American composers, including Leonard to turn from opera to show tunes to jazz 10:30 to 11 a.m. FREE. Capital Area District THEATER Bernstein, but she has never performed in and pop on a dime, so Weill’s polystylistic Libraries Williamston Branch, 201 School Street Williamston. 517.655.1191. THE FLICK. From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. $5 students, $10 “Street Scene,” let alone directed it. When approach in “Street Scene” make it an ideal faculty/staff/seniors (65+), $15 general admission. she dusted it off for a closer look, she was university production. GAMES AT THE MERIDIAN SENIOR CENTER Tickets can be purchased on the Peppermint Creek (See Descriptions for Dates and Times). website peppermintcreek.org or at the door 30 shocked at how topical It’s not a feel-good show, but people minutes before curtain. From 12:30 to 4 p.m. Bingo and Bridge- $1 MSU Opera it is in 2018. expecting an earful of the acidic, decadent - $2 per person to play. Meridian Senior . Miller Performing Arts Center, 6025 Curry Lane Weill of his 1920s Berlin period are Center, 4406 Okemos Road Okemos. Lansing. Theatre Sexual harassment and assault are often surprised by the composer’s deft PRACTICE YOUR ENGLISH. From 7 to 8 p.m. EVENTS With the MSU FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot routine. Immigrants adaptation to American culture — including Road East Lansing. (517) 351-2420. GLOBAL DIGITAL HUMANITIES SYMPOSIUM. From 9 commercial pressures. a.m. to 6 p.m. free. MSU Library, 366 W. Circle Drive Symphony and immigrant haters TEEN AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM. From 2:30 East Lansing. (517) 353-8700. Orchestra are packed together “He was very practical, wanted to make to 6 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, “Street Scene” by Kurt a living, and he knew there was no way to ARTS like turkeys in a pen 950 Abbot Road East Lansing. (517) 351-2420. Weill make a living as a classical composer in Fairchild Theatre, before Thanksgiving. VOLUNTEER EXPO. From 1 to 4 p.m. Free. MARCH 2018 ARTIST IN RESIDENCE: SHANI PETERS. America,” Helton said. “He wrote a number From 3 to 5 p.m. Events are held throughout the MSU Auditorium The angry socialist Meridian Senior Center, 4406 Okemos Road 7:30 p.m. March 21 Okemos. entirety of the month of March. All events are free downstairs rails against of very successful Broadway shows, like and accessible to the public. . MSU Union, MSU 8 p.m. March 23-24 ‘Knickerbocker Holiday’ and ‘One Touch of Thursday, March 22 Campus East Lansing. 3 p.m. March 25 the “the capitalist $5-20 press,” while the angry Venus.’” CLASSES-AND-SEMINARS Saturday, March 24 (517) 353-5340 music.msu.edu/opera conservative upstairs But “Street Scene” works in a few knife FRIENDS IN TIMES OF PEACE AND WAR: The CLASSES-AND-SEMINARS sings an aria wishing twists of Berlin-period Weill. Lessor-Known Relationship between Russia “The neighbors are very gossipy and not and America. From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This 3D PRINTING WORKSHOP. From 4 to 5 p.m. FREE. things could be “like they always was.” course costs $119.00 East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East “The melting pot aspect of the play spoke very kind,” Helton said. To register for "Friends in Times of Peace Lansing. (517) 351-2420. To take it all in, audiences will have to buy and War" visit www.lcc.edu/KeepLearning. to Kurt Weill as an immigrant,” Helton said. Or call 517-483-9853.. LCC East Campus-- FLOWER ESSENCES & EMOTIONAL BALANCE. From Weill fled Nazi Germany in 1933. “The second tickets. Setting up the usual MSU Opera Room 113, 2827 Eyde Parkway East Lansing. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $150. Willow Stick Ceremonies & livestream would have meant paying four- 517-483-1415. Healing Arts, 335 Seymour Ave, Suite D Lansing. act gets very dark and intense but there is 517-402-6727. hope.” figure royalties to the heavyweight estates of The action will play out on a spectacular Weill, Hughes and Pulitzer-winning playwright See Out on the Town Page 23 two-story street set, a full-sized brownstone Elmer Rice, who wrote the original play. City Pulse • March 21, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 21

Jonesin' Crossword By Matt Jones Free Will Astrology By Rob Brezsny March 21 - 27, 2018

"Surround Sound"--one Aries (March 21-April 19) The "School of Hard Knocks" into more disciplined and dynamic unions with worthy way to take it all in. is an old-fashioned idiom referring to the unofficial partners. Do you trust your own perceptions and Across and accidental course of study available via life's insights to guide you toward ever-healthier alliances? 1 Fly fast tough experiences. The wisdom one gains through Do what you must to muster that trust. 4 Amy of 2016's "Arrival" this alternate approach to education may be equal Libra (September 23-October 22) If you want people or even superior to the knowledge that comes from 9 Retool to know who you really are and savor you for your a formal university or training program. I mention unique beauty, you must be honest with those people. 14 Fire truck accessory this, Aries, because in accordance with astrological You must also develop enough skill to express your 15 Addition to a bill or omens, I want to confer upon you a diploma for contract core truths with accuracy. There's a similar principle your new advanced degree from the School of Hard at work if you want to know who you really are and 16 Boisterous Knocks. (P.S.: When PhD students get their degrees savor yourself for your unique beauty: You must be 17 Flock formation from Finland's University of Helsinki, they are given honest with yourself. You must also develop enough 18 Venus, when visible top hats and swords as well as diplomas. I suggest skill to express your core truths with accuracy. The after sunset you reward yourself with exotic props, too.) coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to 20 "Back in Black" Taurus (April 20-May 20) Europeans used to think that practice these high arts. rockers all swans were white. It was a reasonable certainty Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Your journey in 22 Some board given the fact that all swans in Europe were that color. the coming weeks may be as weird as an R-rated members But in 1697, Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh and his telenovela, but with more class. Outlandish, 23 Light nap sailors made a pioneering foray to the southwestern unpredictable, and even surreal events could occur, coast of the land we now call Australia. As they 24 "In memoriam" but in such a way as to uplift and educate your soul. write-up sailed up a river the indigenous tribe called Derbarl Labyrinthine plot twists will be medicinal as well 26 Corrosive cleaning Yerrigan, they spied black swans. They were shocked. as entertaining. As the drama gets curiouser and stuff The anomalous creatures invalidated an assumption curiouser, my dear Scorpio, I expect you will learn 27 Know with certainty based on centuries of observations. Today, a "black how to capitalize on the odd opportunities it brings. In 30 Bass or buff ending swan" is a metaphor referring to an unexpected event the end, you will be grateful for this ennobling respite 31 Bother, to the Bard that contravenes prevailing theories about the way the world works. I suspect you'll soon experience from mundane reality! 34 Smoking-based such an incongruity yourself. It might be a good thing! Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) "Love is the practical joke that's only sane and satisfactory answer to the problem of hardly seen anymore Especially if you welcome it instead of resisting it. human existence," wrote philosopher Erich Fromm. I 37 Have an ___ the hole 64 "Chandelier" singer 19 Justin Timberlake's 48 Implied but not Gemini (May 21-June 20) Crayola is one of the world's former group stated foremost crayon manufacturers. The geniuses in would add a corollary for your rigorous use during 38 Opus ___ ("The Da 65 Strap for a dog walk charge of naming its crayon colors are playful and the last nine months of 2018: "Love is the only effective Vinci Code" sect) 66 With 67-Across, 21 Dave of "Fuller House" 49 "Life In ___" (Matt Groening comic strip) and practical way to graduate from your ragged, long- 39 Drew, the detective what each of the long 25 Rodeo horse, briefly imaginative. Among the company's standard offerings, answers displays 50 "That's ___!" ("Not for example, are Pink Sherbet, Carnation Pink, Tickle running dilemmas and start gathering a new crop of 41 It's tough to hear 26 Sudoku solving skill so!") Me Pink, Piggy Pink, Pink Flamingo, and Shocking Pink. fresh, rousing challenges." By the way, Fromm said without an amp 67 See 66-Across 27 Costar of Rue, Betty, 51 Alpha successor Oddly, however, there is no color that's simply called love is more than a warm and fuzzy feeling in our 44 8 1/2" x 11" size, Down and Estelle "Pink." I find that a bit disturbing. As much as I love hearts. It's a creative force that fuels our willpower briefly 1 Coffee nickname 28 Do really well 52 Currier's lithography partner extravagant creativity and poetic whimsy, I think it's and unlocks hidden resources. 45 Geek blogger 2 CFO or COO, e.g. 29 Hardy wheat in also important to cherish and nurture the basics. Capricorn (December 22-January 19) My goal here is Wheaton health-food products 53 Herr's wife 3 Irked, with "off" In accordance with the astrological omens, that's to convince you to embark on an orgy of self-care -- 46 James of "Gunsmoke" 55 Otherwise 4 "What ___ the odds?" 30 April ___ ("Teenage my advice for you in the coming weeks. Experiment to be as sweet and tender and nurturing to yourself Mutant Ninja Turtles" 56 Princess from 47 Family member, with fanciful fun, but not at the expense of the as you dare to be. If that influences you to go too far informally 5 Split (up) reporter) Alderaan fundamentals. in providing yourself with luxurious necessities, I'm 6 Skillful 31 Contrary to 57 Goneril's father 48 "___ bien!" Cancer (June 21-July 22) According to Vice magazine, 7 Department store OK with it. And if your solicitous efforts to focus on 49 They may be tough 32 "Inferno" poet 59 Prefix with Russian scientist Anatoli Brouchkov is pleased with section laryngology your own health and well-being make you appear a bit to break 33 Black-and-white the experiment he tried. He injected himself with 8 ___ Lanka self-indulgent or narcissistic, I think it's an acceptable 53 Like the Beatles ocean predators 60 Palindromic, growly- 3.5-million-year-old bacteria that his colleagues had sounding compressed price to pay. Here are more key themes for you in 54 "As far as I can ___ 9 Harmon of "Rizzoli & 35 Actor Elba Isles" file format dug out of the permafrost in Siberia. The infusion of the coming weeks: basking in the glow of self-love; ..." 36 Become used (to) this ancient life form, he says, enhanced his energy 10 Spoonful, maybe exulting in the perks of your sanctuary; honoring the 58 Way up (and down) 40 Calendar spans, for and strengthened his immune system. I can't vouch vulnerabilities that make you interesting. 11 British isles 61 Director Ang short for the veracity of his claim, but I do know this: It's Aquarius (January 20- February 18) One day, Beatles' 12 Exam for H.S. juniors 62 The Chi-___ ("Have 42 Unexpected plot turn an apt metaphor for possibilities you could take guitarist George Harrison decided to compose his You Seen Her" group) 13 Banks who hosts 43 Bin contents, until advantage of in the near future: drawing on an old next song's lyrics "based on the first thing I saw upon "America's Next Top 63 Siberian forest emptied resource to boost your power, for example, or calling opening any book." He viewed this as a divinatory region Model" 47 Private reserve on a well-preserved part of the past to supercharge experiment, as a quest to incorporate the flow of the present. coincidence into his creative process. The words ©2017 Jonesin’ Crosswords • For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+. Or to bill to Leo (July 23-August 22) Booze has played a crucial role he found in the first book were "gently weeps." They your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Answers Page 24 in the development of civilization, says biomolecular became the seed for his tune "While My Guitar Gently archaeologist Patrick McGovern. The process of Weeps." Rolling Stone magazine ultimately named it creating this mind-altering staple was independently one of "The Greatest Songs of All Time" and the tenth discovered by many different cultures, usually before best Beatle song. In accordance with the astrological SUDOKU INTERMEDIATE they invented writing. The buzz it provides has "fired our creativity and fostered the development of omens, I recommend you try some divinatory TO PLAY language, the arts, and religion." On the downside, experiments of your own in the coming weeks. Use excessive consumption of alcohol has led to millions life's fun little synchronicities to generate playful clues of bad decisions and has wrecked countless lives. and unexpected guidance. Fill in the grid so that every Everything I just said is a preface to my main message, Pisces (February 19-March 20) Millions of you Leo: The coming weeks will be a favorable time to Pisceans live in a fairy tale world. But I suspect that row, column, and outlined transform your habitual perspective, but only if you very few of you will be able to read this horoscope and 3-by-3 box contains the do so safely and constructively. Whether you choose remain completely ensconced in your fairy tale world. to try intoxicants, wild adventures, exhilarating travel, That's because I have embedded subliminal codes in numbers 1 through 9 exactly or edgy experiments, know your limits. these words that will at least temporarily transform Virgo (August 23-September 22) The astrological even the dreamiest among you into passionate once. No guessing is required. omens suggest that the coming weeks will be favorable pragmatists in service to your feistiest ideals. If The solution is unique. for making agreements, pondering mergers, and you've read this far, you are already feeling more strengthening bonds. You'll be wise to deepen at least disciplined and organized. Soon you'll be coming up one of your commitments. You'll stir up interesting with new schemes about how to actually materialize a Answers on page 24 challenges if you consider the possibility of entering favorite fairy tale in the form of real-life experiences.

Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s EXPANDED WEEKLY AUDIO HOROSCOPES and DAILY TEXT MESSAGE HOROSCOPES. The audio horoscopes are also available by phone at 1-877-873-4888 or 1-900-950-7700. 22 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • March 21, 2018

A survey of Lansing’s Musical LAndscape TURN IT D WNBy RICH TUPICA

Collectable Fri. March 23 Tim eriksen Sun. March 25 show Sat. March 24 Weedeater

The Lansing Collectable Toy, Comic and Record Show Weedeater at Mac’s Bar Tim Eriksen at the Ten Pound Fiddle

Sunday, March 25, @ Royal Scot Golf & Bowl, Saturday, March 24, @ Mac’s Bar, 2027 E. Friday, March 23, MSU Community Music School, 4722 W. Grand River Ave., Lansing. All ages, FREE, Michigan Ave., Lansing. All ages $22, $20, 4930 S. Hagadorn, East Lansing. All ages, $18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 7:30 p.m. $15 members, $5 students, 7:30 p.m The first-ever Lansing Collectable Toy, Comic and Record Stoner-metal band Weedeater headlines an all-ages Multi instrumentalist Tim Eriksen, an Amherst, Show happens Sunday at Royal Scot Golf & Bowl. The free show Saturday at Mac’s Bar. Openers are Hyborian and Massachusetts, native, headlines Friday at the Ten Pound event features 40 tables of rarities from approximately Bask. Weedeater, which formed in North Carolina in Fiddle. Eriksen’s brand of folk combines powerful vocals 30 different vendors. The show, which runs from 9 a.m. 1998, is on tour performing its third sludgy album, 2007’s with imaginative accompaniment on banjo, fiddle, guitar to 4 p.m. Sunday, is stocked with vintage toys, comics, “God Luck and Good Speed,” in its entirety. The LP, and bajo sexton — a 12-string Mexican acoustic bass. vinyl records, posters and other pop culture gems — recorded by Nirvana producer Steve Albini, was praised That distinct sound has earned him praise from the likes including plenty of ‘80s and Star Wars memorabilia. by AllMusic, which called the long-player “coarse, crusty, of BBC Radio, who said Eriksen is “widely regarded as Vendor and organizer Tesco Vee — the frontman of the stoner sludgecore of the highest-market value.” The trio, the best ballad singer of his generation.” His repertoire, Meatmen — will be on hand selling collectables and also which debuted in 2001 with “... And Justice for Y’all,” which spans many sub-genres of Americana from New spinning choice records. “I’ve always longed for a proper comprises Dave “Dixie” Collins (vocals/bassist), Dave England and Southern Appalachia, includes poignant toy show in Lansing,” Vee said. “I finally pulled the trigger “Shep” Shepherd (guitar) and drummer Travis Owen. interpretations of old ballads, love songs, gospel and and am making this a biannual event. I’ve been collecting Over the years, the band has toured, playing many dates dance tunes. His latest LP, 2012’s “Josh Billings Voyage stuff since my teens—starting with records. I started with the likes of C.O.C. and Alabama Thunderpussy. or, Cosmopolite on the Cotton Road” offers up 13 moody collecting toys in 1988. Not sure where I got the collecting Collins—who’s also performed with Bongzilla—formed tracks about imaginary town. An interesting side note: bug, but it bit me bad.” Weedeater after the disbandment of his previous sludge Eriksen’s former grunge-rock band, Cordelia’s Dad, band, Buzzov*en. Weedeater’s latest effort, “Goliathan,” opened for Nirvana during the ’80s — making him the was released in May 2015 via Season of Mist Records. only performer to share a stage with both Doc Watson and Kurt Cobain.

DESTINATION WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY The Avenue Café, 2021 E. Michigan Ave. Service Industry Night Millenium Karaoke CCFF Brew and View Starving Arts Crunchy's, 254 W. Grand River Ave. Russ Holcomb Karaoke, 9 p.m. Karaoke, 9 p.m. Karaoke, 9 p.m. LIVE Coach's, 6201 Bishop Road DJ Muzik, 8 p.m. Esquire, 1250 Turner St. Karaoke, 9 p.m. The Exchange, 314 E. Michigan Ave. The Good Cookies, 8 p.m. Mike Skory & Friends Open Mic, 8:30 p.m. The New Rule The New Rule AND Green Door, 2005 E. Michigan Ave. Johnny D Blues Night Karaoke Star Farm Star Farm Lansing Brewing Co., 518 E Shiawassee St.

The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave. The Dead Flames, 7pm Tetranauts, 9pm Fool House 90's Dance Party, 9pm DJ vs the Drummer, 10p Tequila Cowboy, 5660 W. Saginaw Hwy. Scott Dubose, 8pm Scott Dubose, 8pm LOCAL The Unicorn, 327 Cesar E Chavez Ave. UPCOMING SHOW? CONTACT UrbanBeat, 1213 Turner St. Absolute Music Series, 7 p.m. SoulPlay, 8pm Mighty Uke Day, 7pm [email protected] Watershed Tavern and Grill, 5965 Marsh Rd. Capital City DJ's Capital City DJ's City Pulse • March 21, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 23

Lansing. (517) 351-2420. Out on the town PROJECT FEEDERWATCH. From 1 to 3 p.m. FREE. Suggested Donation: $3/person. Fenner Nature Where the wild things bloom Center, 2020 E. Mount Hope Ave. Lansing. (517) 483- from page 20 4224.

ARTS LEAN IN LANSING. From 9 to 11 a.m. FREE. Grand Traverse Pie, 1403 E. Grand River Ave. East Lansing. RED BARN POTTERY OPEN HOUSE. From 12 to 4 p.m. (517) 203-3304. Free. Williamston Aerie, 835 High Street Williamston. TINKRLAB: BUILD AN INVENTION WITH LITTLEBITS. From 5 to 6 p.m. Members: $10/Non-Members: Sunday, March 25 $20. tinkrLAB, Meridian Mall, 1982 W Grand River CLASSES-AND-SEMINARS Okemos. 517-233-1524. JUGGLING. From 2 to 4 p.m. FREE. Orchard Street MUSIC Pumphouse, 368 Orchard St. East Lansing. MIGHTY UKE DAY FUNDRAISER. From 7 to 10 p.m. TINKRLAB: SPHERO OLYMPICS. From 1 to 2 p.m. $10+ donation at the door.. Urban Beat Events Member: $10/Non-Members: $20. tinkrLAB, Center, 1213 Turner Street Lansing. Meridian Mall, 1982 W Grand River Okemos. 517-233- 1524. EVENTS* EVENTSFAMILY ACTIVITY DAY. From 2 to 4 p.m. FREE. EASTER PARTY (ALL AGES). From 2 to 3 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East Capital Area District Libraries Mason Branch, 145 W. Lansing. (517) 351-2420. Ash St. Mason. 517-676-9088. BLAZE PIZZA FUNDRAISER - DELTA LAMBDA PHI. Monday, March 26 From 6 to 10 p.m. Blaze Pizza - East Lansing, 437 E. CLASSES-AND-SEMINARS Grand River Ave. East Lansing. FRENCH CLUB. From 7 to 8 p.m. FREE. East Lansing ELEPHANT & PIGGIE PARTY (AGE 3 & UP). From 2 to Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East Lansing. (517) 3 p.m. FREE. Capital Area District Libraries Haslett 351-2420. Branch, 1590 Franklin St. Haslett. 517-339-2324. LITERATURE-AND-POETRY Allan I. Ross/City Pulse HELPING WOMEN PERIOD 4TH ANNUAL FUNDRAISING Brittany Simmons is the owner/proprietor of Where the Wild Things Bloom, a flower BREAKFAST. From 9:30 a.m. to noon Tickets are BABYTIME. From 10:30 to 11 a.m. FREE. East Lansing $35.00 ($20.00 for students) Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East Lansing. (517) shop and specialty boutique in Lansing’s Old Town neighborhood. . University Club MSU, 3435 Forest Road 351-2420. Lansing. Moving Forward: MSU/EL Community Simmons and her husband have a small Healing Conversation. From 4 to 5:30 p.m. FREE. By ALLAN I. ROSS East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East farm in Bancroft where they maintain The vernal equinox marked the vegetable gardens and the greenhouse beginning of spring Tuesday, but things where she grows some of her plants. TUESDAY, MARCH 27 >> READINGS FROM “SWEAT” have been blossoming in Old Town They also raise free-range chickens and already for the last 10 weeks. In January, honeybees; later this year, Simmons said Brittany Simmons and her mother, Lisa she plans to add honey and beeswax to Demankowski, opened Where the Wild the store’s selection. “Sweat” is written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage. It tells the story of a group of blue Things Bloom, a full-service specialty Where the Wild Things Bloom also collar factory workers based in Pennsylvania. They were forced to make a choice, whether to take the flower shop/artisan goods store that offers adult workshops every Friday from big salary cuts or lose their jobs. “Sweat” has been praised as increasingly politically relevant for its carries locally grown plants, flowers and 6-8 pm., with costs varying between $30- portrayal of labor and race tensions. Some critics have argued that it “explains” the election of Donald home décor items. $40 per person based on the project. Trump. Professional actors will read selected scenes from the play, followed by panel discussion about “We’ve really been looking forward to “These are wine- and beer-friendly its deeper political implications. the arrival of spring and the potential it gatherings and everyone takes their 7 p.m., Free entry, UAW Hall Local 652, 426 Clare St., Lansing, www.hrlr.msu.edu brings,” Simmons said. “As of right now completed project home when they’re we’re just enjoying our days and feeling finished,” Simmons said. “Current thankful for the wonderful community projects are floral designs, hanging wall we’re a part of.” planters and terrarium building, but The 700-square-foot space is teeming we’ll be adding more as time goes on.” with exotic flowers and succulents, but Free or low-cost children's gatherings with gardening season almost here, are also held every Saturday from 2-3 p.m. the store’s inventory of heirloom seeds, These events are designed to encourage soil mixes, gardening tools and pots mindfulness and familiarity with plants has started to expand. There’s also a and flowers. The store specializes in selection of handmade items fashioned wedding and special event designs, from natural materials, including wool but can accommodate a wide range of mittens, porcupine quill jewelry and arrangements pulling from Simmons’ beeswax candles. base stock of orchids, bromeliads and “Everything we carry in the store is succulents. Demankowski, an architect made by me, my husband, my mother and “creative soul,” helps her daughter or local creators,” Simmons said. “We’re by curating projects and developing lucky to have so many talented friends and inventory. gifted artistic people in the community.” “My relationship with my mother is Courtesy Photo Simmons was introduced to floral amazing,” Simmons said. “I'm a lucky gal Lynn Nottage herself will appear at the Wharton Center April 2, to deliver a lecture. Nottage design 13 years ago when she was in to have been raised by her. We’ve always is the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama twice. college. She’d been focusing on art and enjoyed creating together. She’s the one trying to find the medium that was the who pushed me to take the risk and open best fit for her when she discovered the the flower shop, which has allowed us to SUNDAY, MARCH 25 >> INGHAM FESTIVAL CHORAL PRESENTS: ‘GLORIA’ BY ANTONIO VIVALDI field. spend more time together and given us “Floral design proved to be a really creative freedom with our workdays.” enjoyable job and I quickly fell into it Ingham Festival Chorale is a seasonal chorale based on European choirs who practiced after the full time,” she said. “I've learned so much over the years working with other people. Where the Wild Things Bloom holidays, and performed before the planting time. 35 members will share four parts: soprano, alto, 523 E. Grand River Ave. (Cesar E. Chavez tenor and bass. “Gloria” is an ancient hymn, but this performance will be of the 18th century composer And then being exposed to a variety of good floral design mechanics and Ave.), Lansing Antonio Vivaldi’s interpretation. different elements over the years helped 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; Sunday 4:00 p.m., Free with donation, St. James Catholic Church, 1010 S. Lansing St, Mason, https://www. me develop a passion for contemporary by appointment only facebook.com/inghamfestivalchoralemi/ styles.” (517) 253-8519, wildthingsbloom.com 24 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • March 21, 2018

HOMEWORK HELP. From 5 to 7 p.m. FREE. East Out on the town Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East Lansing. SATURDAY, MARCH 24 >> THE STARVING ARTS “HEROES VS. VILLAINS” (517) 351-2420. from page 23 LITERATURE-AND-POETRY THE POETRY ROOM OPEN MIC: #MYINSPIRATION. The Starving Arts team decided to switch it up this year and give back to the local art community. From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. free. The Robin Theatre, 1105 Musicians Kevin Amon and Andy Fox teamed up to present this year’s theme, “Heroes vs. Villains.” Heroic OUT OF THIS WORLD BOOK CLUB. At 7 p.m. FREE. East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East S. Washington Lansing. or villainous figures can include anybody, fictional or not, from any time period. Contestants will get a Lansing. (517) 351-2420. chance to compete in a live body painting competition, for a grand prize of $300. Half of all proceeds TODDLERTIME. From 10:30 to 11 a.m. FREE. East THEATER Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East Lansing. and donations will go toward REACH Studios, a community art center for children. The Starving Arts is (517) 351-2420. a small art and music festival setting with live music, performance art, live painting, vendors/crafters, MONDAY MOVIE MATINEE. At 1 p.m. FREE. East tons of “tripped out” lighting effects and massive stage and venue art installments Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbot Road East Lansing. MUSIC (517) 351-2420. 8 p.m. — 2 a.m., Tickets start at $12, The Avenue Café, 2021 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing JAZZ TUESDAYS AT MORIARTY'S. From 7 to 10 p.m. www.avenuecafelansing.com EVENTS FREE. Moriarty's Pub, 802 E. Michigan Ave. Lansing. SANDS OF SILENCE: Waves of Courage. From 7 to (517) 485-5287. 9 p.m. free. MSU Library, 366 W. Circle Drive East Lansing. (517) 353-8700. EVENTS Tuesday, March 27 TUESDAY GAMES. From 1 to 4 p.m. Euchre, Free Bridge, $1 - $2 per person. Meridian Senior Center, CLASSES-AND-SEMINARS 4406 Okemos Road Okemos. GARDENING WITH NATIVE PLANTS. From 7 to 9 p.m. $15/person. Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Wednesday, March 28 Road Meridian Township. (517) 349-3866. CLASSES-AND-SEMINARS OPEN STUDIO LIFE DRAWING. From 7 to 9:30 p.m. Model fee: $2 students (LCC, MSU, High School), $5 all others.. Kresge Art Center, 600 Auditorium East Lansing.

LITERATURE-AND-POETRY THE POETRY ROOM PRESENTS: WORKSHOP SERIES ROUND 2. From 7 to 9 p.m. Strange Matter Coffee, 337 S Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48933 Photo by Kendall D. Latrigue Lansing. Starving Arts 2017. Geoph Espen painted by Ella Kramer.

Featured on: TUESDAY, MARCH 27 >> BIOLOGY ON TAP The Loft will host its monthly Biology on Tap event, where scientists deliver lectures while the audience enjoys brews. Dr. Kathleen Quigley will talk about how stressful conditions can trigger a process that CROSSWORD SOLUTION turns plants into glass. After that, Dr. Emily Puckett will discuss how brown rats managed to migrate From Pg. 21 Try our across the entire world. Fish, Burgers & Steak 7:30 p.m., Free entry, The Loft, 414 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, www.theloftlansing.com Fresh off the Grill! MONDAY, MARCH 26 >> OBERAMA AT THE RIV Kalamazoo’s Bell’s Brewery’s nationally renowned beer, Oberon, returns for the season. The Riv will be Vote for us again in celebrating the popular beer’s arrival with an all day event. Oberon pitchers will be available for only $7. the upcoming Representatives from Bell’s Brewery will also be at the Riv giving out free Oberon merchandise. Top of the Town 11 a.m. — 8 p.m., Free entry, The Riv, 231 MAC Ave., East Lansing, www.therivel.com Awards and make us the SATURDAY, MARCH 24>> FATE OF THE EARTH SYMPOSIUM Best MSU’s Environmental Science and Policy Program has launched a symposium series to discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with protecting the environment. This symposium brings Fish Fry distinguished thinkers from around the globe to explore what is known, what needs to be known and what must be done in a time of unprecedented environmental change, technological advancement and SUDOKU SOLUTION 3 Years in a population growth. From Pg. 21 Row! 8 a.m. — 6 p.m., Free, Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center, 219 S. Harrison Road, East Lansing, www.espp. msu.edu/events/fateoftheearth/2018 Voting starts March 28!

2018 MONDAY MARCH 26 >> AMY GOLDSTEIN AT R.E. OLDS TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM

CONTEST Amy Goldstein, Pulitzer Prize-winning Washington Post staff writer, will speak about her new book 2417 E. Kalamazoo “Janesville: An American Story.” The book tells the story of what happened to Janesville, Wisconsin’s autoworkers upon the closure of the nation’s oldest operating General Motors assembly plant. “Janesville” Lansing, MI 48912 answers many tough economic questions and proves the hardship faced by many in the face of a shifting manufacturing market. It was picked by Barack Obama as one of his top 10 books of 2017. Copies of the (517) 993-5988 book will be available for purchase and Goldstein will be accessible for her signature to grace the cover. www.eastsidefishfry.com 7 p.m., Free entry, R.E.Olds Transportation Museum, 240 Museum Drive, Lansing., www. reoldsmuseum.org The only American owned & operated fish fry in Lansing City Pulse • March 21, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 25

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Edibles, Daily Text Blasts! Vapes, (GRANDDEALS) Pipes, Physical medical Papers, 229 W. Grand River (in Old Town) marijuana card Lansing, MI 48906 all your needs! & ID is required 517-253-0302 10AM-10PM Monday-Saturday Noon-8 Sunday Join us for our 3rd Annual Back door Boogie! April 20th, 2018 Begins at 11 - ends Whenever! (Come enjoy on us) • The Original Medicated Chicken Wings! • GRANDDEALS • Vendors • Music and Lots FUN! • Give Aways, and Prizes Check us out in Weedmaps & Leafly 26 www.lansingcitypulse.com City Pulse • March 21, 2018 HE ATE SHE ATE DeLuca’s Feeling at home with comforting Italian food By MARK NIXON tomato sauce and the redolent bite of By GABRIELLE LAWRENCE aged parmesan. They strolled in singly, in pairs, bunch- • The meatball soup ($2.90 for a cup) Quick, name an independent, local- DeLuca’s Restaurant es. Hugs all-around. When they assem- had the same meatballs as my spaghetti- ly-owned restaurant where you can walk-in 2006 W Willow St, Lansing, MI 48917 bled there were 20 or more seated, ni dish, burbling about in rich broth. The on any given evening and find the place ab- (517) 487-6087 waiting for the person of honor. It was a chunks of zucchini were useless in this solutely heaving with people who are waiting 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. birthday. It was family. soup, but I consider zucchini to be one of to be seated. Golden Harvest doesn’t count — Monday - Thursday I have witnessed such scenes count- nature’s mistakes, so there you go. they aren’t open for dinner. 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. less times at DeLuca’s, and participated • The house salad, which comes with DeLuca’s pizza is the stuff of legend in Lan- Friday & Saturday in similar family gatherings here for at entrees, is somewhat commonplace save sing, and from what I saw that reputation Closed Sunday least a decade. DeLuca’s is a family place for one thing — an excellent housemade isn’t in danger of dying out anytime soon. www.delucaspizza.com in the best possible sense of the word. Italian dressing. It has the right balance On our first visit, we met a group of friends If there is a restaurant in town that I of tang, salt and oil. for dinner. We started with an assortment can call a second home, DeLuca’s is the DeLuca’s of appetiz- saucer filled with those same elements, but place. It’s been in the same location on is known for ers: meatballs without a composition to them. The copious Willow Street since 1960, when it was its pizzas. I and cheese, amount of cheese and sauce turns the dish known as the Willow Bar. I’ve been counted 34 bruschetta into, essentially, a lasagna soup. a semi-regular since the 1980s. I’ve pizza top- and mozza- Mr. She Ate had a nine-inch meat special watched anniversaries celebrated, birth- ping options rella sticks. pizza. I won’t spend precious column inches days and, sadly, one death. on the menu. Although it’s debating the merits of DeLuca’s pizza, be- By now, I’m sure you are stuffed with The pizzas been a good 15 cause you either like it or you don’t. For me, my heaping bowl of nostalgia and want are thick, years since I’ve it isn’t pizza, it’s casserole. I find the toppings to know about the food. Here we go. This laden with had a mozza- to be overwhelming and the pie to be too is not the best Italian restaurant I’ve vis- cheese and rella stick, I thick. On the other hand, Mr. She Ate lusts ited. There are better ones in Boston or, toppings, remembered after it, talks about it like he’s talking about closer to home, Windsor. There’s a pretty and an eco- what to ex- a unicorn, and couldn’t have been happier to decent one in Detroit’s Eastern Market. nomical way pect, and was do battle with a pizza that included pepper- But I lean on Anthony Bourdain’s keen to feed a anticipat- oni, ham, sausage, ground beef and entire observation that the best cuisine is borne hungry fam- ing a bland slices of bacon. of poverty, necessity. DeLuca’s crafts ily. Personal- cheese prod- On a return visit, I ordered the Fettuc- what I call peasant food into filling, peo- ly, my pizza uct encased in cine DeLuca. I added chicken to the dish, ple-pleasing works of art. tastes have breading. which was loaded with mushrooms, moz- My go-to dish is a half-order of spa- changed. I Along with zarella, and a liberal dose of melted butter. ghettini with tomato-meat sauce ($9.25). prefer the two big ol’ It was unique and an interesting juxtaposi- I always order this with meatballs, sau- thin-crust mozzarella tion from all the tomato-based dishes, but it sage and mushrooms. The six bucks ex- gourmet piz- sticks, I ate would have been better with one less minute tra is well worth it. zas, such as my words. under the broiler and fresh mushrooms. First off, you have to remember that those served at the Cosmos. These things were so much better than they Mr. She Ate had a meatball sub, which DeLuca’s portions are huge. I always Nonetheless, I felt obliged to try a had any right being. The cheese tasted like is one of his perpetual favorite dishes and take half of my half-order home. The DeLuca’s pizza — its culinary calling fresh mozzarella, and the breading wasn’t one he doesn’t frequently eat, since the rec- pasta is cooked to perfection, tender but card. Normally, I would opt for the meat overwhelming. ipe that I use for them is an all-day affair. not mushy. The meatballs are expertly lover’s pizza, which I’ve tried and liked. I If those were good, the meatballs were di- He liked that the sub bun was substantial blended with spices and bread crumbs. went for something different. The deep- vine. They were enormous, with only three to enough to avoid melting under the pressure The sausage has that glorious fennel aro- dish potato pizza. This $13.60 item is a an order, and that appetizer could have easi- of the filling. The meatballs were just as de- ma and taste. I would change nothing disaster in a pan. In theory, it had olive ly served as my meal. They were tender and licious in the sandwich as they were on their about this dish. oil, bacon, potatoes, broccoli, chicken moist and swam in a pool of melted cheese own. During several visits we ordered or and onions embedded in thick dough and and tomato sauce, which I considered fun- To be honest, when I have my way I don’t tasted a half-dozen entrees, the house swaddled in mozzarella cheese. I tasted neling into my baby’s bottle so he can devel- prefer to order Italian food at a restaurant. salad and a homemade soup. Here’s a a bit of bacon and a lot of broccoli. This op an early appreciation of a properly-salted From my perspective, I can boil water, so I partial rundown: pizza needs to be rethought or shown the sauce. I didn’t because he’s only three months can make pasta at home. Mr. She Ate has • The combination plate ($14) of man- door. To be fair, my wife thought it was old, and I didn’t want anyone reporting me. perfected the art of chicken Alfredo, and I’d icotti, cannelloni and meat ravioli creat- good. I had lasagna for my entrée, and what I’m rather choose something that I can’t or won’t ed a hearty trio of tastes. The cannelloni There is nothing particularly dazzling about to say might be controversial. This make at home when I go to a restaurant. I was like a crepe bursting with parmesan. about DeLuca’s low-slung exterior, oth- lasagna had too much cheese. I didn’t grow wouldn’t drive across town for the fettuccini This combo dish is ready-made for pas- er than its name written in gold script. up in a house where we ate lasagna, and my at DeLuca’s, but the meatballs and mozzarel- tavores (is that a word?). What dazzles me is what goes on inside. experience with the dish has all come during la sticks are a different story. Judging by the • The eggplant parmesan ($12.50) DeLuca’s is the most democratic of plac- the last handful of years. What I’ve learned is vast quantity of pizza boxes that were being exceeded my expectations. Other than es, where young and old, rich and not-so- that I like a composed dish. I like my layers of cradled by people picking up their orders, in certain Greek dishes, I find eggplant rich, mingle in a crowded bar then pro- meat, noodle, cheese, and sauce to be distinct the lure of the House Special pizza is enough ranges from dull to awful. DeLuca’s take ceed to tables and booths for food, wine pieces of the same whole. to keep the tables at DeLuca’s overflowing on eggplant excels, no doubt due to zesty and family. A bit like home. The lasagna at DeLuca’s is a molten hot for years to come. City Pulse • March 21, 2018 www.lansingcitypulse.com 27 MEDICAL MARIJUANA CERTIFICATION

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